1080
: a poisonous preparation of sodium fluoroacetate used as a rodenticide and pesticide

12-step
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or being a program that is designed especially to help an individual overcome an addiction, compulsion, serious shortcoming, or traumatic experience by adherence to 12 tenets emphasizing personal growth and dependence on a higher spiritual being

18-wheeler
: a trucking rig consisting of a tractor and a trailer and typically having eighteen wheels

2,4,5-T
: an irritant crystalline compound C_8H_5Cl_3O_3 used especially formerly chiefly as an herbicide and defoliant

2,4-D
: a white crystalline irritant compound C_8H_6Cl_2O_3 used especially as a weed killer

2-D
: a two-dimensional form <displayed in 2-D>
–2-D adjective

24-7
: for twenty-four hours seven days a week <can now shop 24-7>

2WD
two-wheel drive

3-D
: a three-dimensional form also : an image or a picture produced in it
–3-D adjective

4-F
: classification as unfit for military service also : a person having this classification

4-H
: of or relating to a program set up by the U.S. Department of Agriculture orig. in rural areas to help young people become productive citizens by instructing them in useful skills (as in agriculture, animal husbandry, and carpentry), community service, and personal development
–4-H'·er also 4-H·er \-'ā-chər\ noun

401(k)
: a retirement account to which employee and employer contribute, on which taxes are deferred until withdrawal, and for which the employee usually selects the types of investments

411
n. slang : relevant information : SKINNY <fiber-optic 411 fed 24/7 in satellite real time ― Jeff MacGregor>

4WD
four-wheel drive

4x4
: a four-wheel automotive vehicle (as a pickup) equipped with four-wheel drive

5-HT
: SEROTONIN

800 number
: a toll-free telephone number for long-distance calls (as to a business) that is prefixed by the number 800

800-pound gorilla
: one that is dominating or uncontrollable because of great size or power <like it or not, the 800-pound gorilla usually sets the standard ― Daya Nadamuni>

A
art. 1 ace
2 adenine
3 ampere

A
art. argon

A
art. angstrom unit

a
art. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 1st letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic a
2 : the sixth tone of a C-major scale
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter a
4 : one designated a especially as the first in order or class
5 a : a grade rating a student's work as superior in quality b : one graded or rated with an A
6 : something shaped like the letter A
7 capitalized : the one of the four ABO blood groups characterized by the presence of antigens designated by the letter A and by the presence of antibodies against the antigens present in the B blood group

a
art. : OXIDE <silica>

a
art. 1 ― used as a function word before singular nouns when the referent is unspecified <a man overboard> and before number collectives and some numbers <a dozen>
2 : the same <birds of a feather> <swords all of a length>
3 a ― used as a function word before a singular noun followed by a restrictive modifier <a man who was here yesterday> b : ANY <a man who is sick can't work> c ― used as a function word before a mass noun to denote a particular type or instance <a bronze made in ancient times> d ― used as a function word before a proper noun representing an example or type <the attractions of a Boston or a Cleveland> e ― used as a function word before a proper noun to indicate limited knowledge about the referent <a Mr. Smith called to inquire about the job> f ― used as a function word before a proper noun to distinguish the condition of the referent from a usual, former, or hypothetical condition <a triumphant Ms. Jones greeted her supporters>
4 ― used as a function word with nouns to form adverbial phrases of quantity, amount, or degree <felt a bit tired>
usage In speech and writing a is used before a consonant sound <a door> <a human>. Before a vowel sound an is usual <an icicle> <an honor> but especially in speech a is used occasionally, more often in some dialects than in others <a apple> <a hour> <a obligation>. Before a consonant sound represented by a vowel letter a is usual <a one> <a union> but an also occurs though less frequently now than formerly <an unique> <such an one>. Before unstressed or weakly stressed syllables with initial h both a and an are used in writing <a historic> <an historic>. In the King James Version of the Old Testament and occasionally in writing and speech an is used before h in a stressed syllable <an huntress> <an hundred> <children are an heritage of the Lord ― Ps 127:3(AV)>.

a
art. 1 chiefly dialect : ON, IN, AT
2 : in, to, or for each <twice a week> <five dollars a dozen>
usage see 2A

a
art. archaic : HAVE <I might a had husbands afore now ― John Bunyan>

a
art. : OF ― often attached to the preceding word <kinda> <lotta>

a
art. 1 absent
2 acceleration
3 acre
4 adult
5 alto
6 anode
7 answer
8 ante
9 anterior
10 are
11 area
12 atto-
13 author

a
art. 1 : on : in : at <abed>
2 : in (such) a state or condition <afire>
3 : in (such) a manner <aloud>
4 : in the act or process of <gone a-hunting> <atingle>

a
art. : not : without <asexual> ― a- before consonants other than h and sometimes even before h, an- before vowels and usually before h <achromatic> <ahistorical> <anastigmatic> <anhydrous>

a
art. : replacing carbon especially in a ring <aza->

A and M
1 agricultural and mechanical
2 ancient and modern

A and R
artists and repertory; artists and repertoire

a bas
: down with <à bas the profiteers>

a bientot
: so long

a bit
SOMEWHAT, RATHER <the play was a bit dull>

a bit much
a little more than one wants to endure <finds his constant joking a bit much>

a bon chat, bon rat
: to a good cat, a good rat : retaliation in kind

a bouche ouverte
: with open mouth : eagerly : uncritically

a bras ouverts
: with open arms : cordially

a cappella
: without instrumental accompaniment

a cheval
1 : with a leg on each side : ASTRIDE
2 : in such a way as to be played or chanced simultaneously on two numbers or events (as in roulette)

a compte
: on account

a coup sur
: with sure stroke : surely

a deux
: privately or intimately with only two present <dined à deux>

a deux
: involving two people especially in private <a cozy evening à deux>

a dime a dozen
so plentiful or commonplace as to be of little esteem or slight value

a droite
: to or on the right hand

a feather in one's cap
a mark of distinction : HONOR

a fortiori
: with greater reason or more convincing force ― used in drawing a conclusion that is inferred to be even more certain than another <the man of prejudice is, a fortiori, a man of limited mental vision>

a gauche
: to or on the left hand

a grands frais
: at great expense

A horizon
: the uppermost dark-colored layer of a soil consisting largely of partly disintegrated organic debris

a huis clos
: with closed doors : behind closed doors

a Kempis
― see THOMAS À KEMPIS

a l'abandon
: carelessly : in disorder

a l'americaine
: in the American manner : of the American kind

a l'anglaise
: in the English manner

a l'improviste
: unexpectedly

a la
: in the manner of

a la belle etoile
: under the beautiful star : in the open air at night

a la bonne heure
: at a good time : well and good : all right

a la carte
: according to a menu or list that prices each item separately

a la francaise
: in the French manner

a la grecque
: served in a sauce made of olive oil, lemon juice, and several seasonings (as fennel, coriander, sage, and thyme)

a la king
: served in a cream sauce with mushrooms and pimiento or green peppers <chicken à la king>

a la mode
1 : FASHIONABLE, STYLISH
2 : topped with ice cream

a la page
: at the page : up-to-the-minute

a la russe
: in the Russian manner

a leg to stand on
SUPPORT especially : a basis for one's position in a controversy

A level
1 : the second of three standardized British examinations in a secondary school subject used as a qualification for university entrance also : successful completion of an A-level examination in a particular subject ― called also Advanced level ― compare O LEVEL, S LEVEL
2 a : the level of education required to pass an A-level examination b : a course leading to an A-level examination

a little
SOMEWHAT, RATHER <found the play a little dull>

a lot

1 : to a considerable degree or extent <this is a lot nicer>
2 : OFTEN, FREQUENTLY <runs a lot every day>
3 : LOTS

a maximis ad minima
: from the greatest to the least

a merveille
: marvelously

a mile a minute
with great speed <talking a mile a minute>

a mite
SOMEWHAT, RATHER <could be that I am a mite prejudiced ― John Fischer>

a outrance
: to the limit : UNSPARINGLY

a peu pres
: nearly : approximately

a pied
: on foot

a point
: at the right time : at the peak of ripeness or perfect degree of doneness

a pop

1 : for each one : APIECE <tickets at $10 a pop>
2 : for each attempt <rushed for an average of five yards a pop>

a posteriori
1 : INDUCTIVE
2 : relating to or derived by reasoning from observed facts ― compare A PRIORI
–a posteriori adverb

a priori
1 a : DEDUCTIVE b : relating to or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions ― compare A POSTERIORI c : presupposed by experience
2 a : being without examination or analysis : PRESUMPTIVE b : formed or conceived beforehand
–a priori adverb
–apri·or·i·ty \-'ȯr-ə-tē\ noun

a propos de bottes
: apropos of boots ― used to change the subject

a propos de rien
: apropos of nothing

a shot
for each one : APIECE

a tad
SOMEWHAT, RATHER <looked a tad bigger than me ― Larry Hodgson>

a tempo
: in time ― used as a direction in music to return to the original tempo

a tergo
: from behind

a thought
a little : SOMEWHAT <a thought too much vinegar in the dressing>

a throw
for each one : APIECE <copies are to be sold at $5 a throw ― Harvey Breit>

a tort et a travers
: wrong and crosswise : at random : without rhyme or reason

a touch
SOMEWHAT, RATHER <aimed a touch too low and missed>

a trifle
to some small degree : SLIGHTLY <a trifle annoyed>

a votre sante
: to your health ― used as a toast

A'nyemaqen
range of Kunlun Mountains W China in E cen Qinghai; highest peak 20,610 ft (6282 m)

A-bomb
: ATOMIC BOMB 1

A-frame
1 : a support structure shaped like the letter A
2 : a building typically having triangular front and rear walls and a roof reaching to or nearly to the ground

a-go-go
: a nightclub for dancing to popular music : DISCO

a-go-go
1 : GO-GO 1
2 : being in a whirl of motion
3 : being up-to-date ― often used postpositively

A-line
: having a flared bottom and a close-fitting top ― used of a garment <an A-line skirt>

A-list
: a list or group of individuals of the highest level of society, excellence, or eminence

A-ni-ma-ch'ing
― see A'NYÊMAQÊN

A-OK
: very definitely OK

A-V node
: ATRIOVENTRICULAR NODE

A/1C
airman first class

A/D
analog/digital

A/V
audio/video

A1
1 : having the highest possible classification ― used of a ship
2 : of the finest quality : FIRST-RATE

AA
1 administrative assistant
2 Alcoholics Anonymous
3 antiaircraft
4 associate in arts
5 author's alterations

aa
ana

AAA
1 Agricultural Adjustment Administration
2 American Automobile Association

AAAL
American Academy of Arts and Letters

AAAS
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Aachen
n. city W Germany near Belgian & Dutch borders pop 241,861

AAFP
American Academy of Family Physicians

aah
interj. : to exclaim in amazement, joy, or surprise <oohing and aahing at the fireworks>
–aah also ah noun

Aaiun, El
town NW Africa capital of Western Sahara pop 179,000

Aalborg
― see ÅLBORG

Aalst
commune cen Belgium WNW of Brussels pop 76,382

AAMC
American Association of Medical Colleges

AAR
against all risks

Aarau
commune N Switzerland capital of Aargau canton pop 15,300

aardvark
n. : a large burrowing nocturnal mammal (Orycteropus afer) of sub-Saharan Africa that has a long snout, extensible tongue, powerful claws, large ears, and heavy tail and feeds especially on termites and ants

aardwolf
n. : a maned striped nocturnal mammal (Proteles cristatus) of southern and eastern Africa that resembles the related hyenas and feeds chiefly on insects and especially termites

Aare
river 183 mi (294 km) cen & N Switzerland flowing E & NE into the Rhine

Aargau
n. canton N Switzerland capital Aarau area 542 sq mi (1409 sq km), pop 550,900

Aarhus
― see ÅRHUS

Aaron
n. : a brother of Moses and high priest of the Hebrews

Aaron
n. Hank 1934-     Henry Louis Aaron American baseball player

Aaronic
adj. 1 : of or stemming from Aaron
2 : of or relating to the lower order of the Mormon priesthood

AARP
American Association of Retired Persons

AAS
associate in applied science

AASCU
American Association of State Colleges and Universities

AAU
Amateur Athletic Union

AAUP
American Association of University Professors

AAUW
American Association of University Women

AB
n. : the one of the four ABO blood groups characterized by the presence of antigens designated by the letters A and B and by the absence of antibodies against these antigens

AB
n. 1 able-bodied seaman
2 airborne
3 airman basic
4 Alberta
5 [New Latin artium baccalaureus] bachelor of arts

Ab
n. : the 11th month of the civil year or the 5th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

ab
n. : an abdominal muscle ― usually used in plural

ab
n. about

ab
n. : from : away : off <abaxial>

ab incunabulis
: from the cradle : from infancy

ab initio
: from the beginning

ab ovo
: from the beginning

ab ovo usque ad mala
: from egg to apples : from soup to nuts : from beginning to end

ab uno disce omnes
: from one learn to know all

ab urbe condita
: from the founding of the city (Rome, founded 753 B.C.) ― used by the Romans in reckoning dates

ABA
n. 1 Amateur Boxing Association
2 American Bankers Association
3 American Bar Association
4 American Booksellers Association

aba
n. 1 : a loose sleeveless outer garment worn as traditional dress by men in the Middle East
2 : a fabric woven from the hair of camels or goats

abaca
n. 1 : a strong fiber obtained from the leafstalk of a banana (Musa textilis) native to the Philippines ― called also Manila hemp
2 : the plant that yields abaca

aback
adv. 1 archaic : BACKWARD, BACK
2 : in a position to catch the wind upon the forward surface (as of a sail)
3 : by surprise : UNAWARES <was taken aback by her sharp retort>

Abaco
two islands of Bahamas (Great Abaco & Little Abaco) N of New Providence Is. area 776 sq mi (2018 sq km), pop 13,170

abacterial
adj. : not caused by or characterized by the presence of bacteria <abacterial prostatitis>

abacus
n. 1 : an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or in grooves
2 : a slab that forms the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column

Abadan
1 island W Iran in delta of Shatt al Arab
2 town & port on Abadan Is.

abaft
adv. : toward or at the stern : AFT

abaft
adv. : to the rear of specifically : toward the stern from

Abakan
town S Russia in Asia capital of Khakassia pop 158,000

abalone
n. : any of a genus (Haliotis) of edible rock-clinging gastropod mollusks that have a flattened shell slightly spiral in form, lined with mother-of-pearl, and with a row of apertures along its outer edge

abandon
n. 1 a : to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent b : to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in <abandon property>
2 : to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment <abandon ship>
3 : to withdraw protection, support, or help from <he abandoned his family>
4 : to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly
5 a : to cease from maintaining, practicing, or using <abandoned their native language> b : to cease intending or attempting to perform <abandoned the escape>
–aban·don·er noun
–aban·don·ment \-dən-mənt\ noun
synonyms ABANDON, DESERT, FORSAKE mean to leave without intending to return. ABANDON suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection <abandoned children>. DESERT implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence <a deserted town>. FORSAKE suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers <a forsaken lover>. synonym see in addition RELINQUISH

abandon
n. : a thorough yielding to natural impulses especially : ENTHUSIASM, EXUBERANCE <with reckless abandon>

abandoned
adj. 1 : wholly free from restraint
2 : given up : FORSAKEN

abase
v. 1 archaic : to lower physically
2 : to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem
–abase·ment \-'bās-mənt\ noun

abash
v. : to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of : DISCONCERT
synonyms see EMBARRASS
–abash·ment \-mənt\ noun

abate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put an end to <abate a nuisance> b : NULLIFY 1 <abate a writ>
2 a : to reduce in degree or intensity : MODERATE <may abate their rancor to win peace> b : to reduce in value or amount : make less especially by way of relief <abate a tax>
3 : DEDUCT, OMIT <abate part of the price>
4 a : to beat down or cut away so as to leave a figure in relief b obsolete : BLUNT
5 : DEPRIVE 2
intransitive verb
1 : to decrease in force or intensity
2 a : to become defeated or become null or void b : to decrease in amount or value
–abat·er noun
synonyms ABATE, SUBSIDE, WANE, EBB mean to die down in force or intensity. ABATE stresses the idea of progressive diminishing <the storm abated>. SUBSIDE implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation <the protests subsided after a few days>. WANE suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive <waning enthusiasm>. EBB suggests the receding of something (as the tide) that commonly comes and goes <the ebbing of daylight>. synonym see in addition DECREASE

abatement
n. 1 : the act or process of abating : the state of being abated
2 : an amount abated especially : a deduction from the full amount of a tax

abatis
n. : a defensive obstacle formed by felled trees with sharpened branches facing the enemy

abattoir
n. : SLAUGHTERHOUSE

abaxial
adj. : situated out of or directed away from the axis <the abaxial or lower surface of a leaf>

Abay
the upper course of the Blue Nile

abbacy
n. : the office, dignity, jurisdiction, or tenure of an abbot

Abbas
n. Bandar Abbas
Bandar e Abbas
Bandar 'Abbas

Abbasid
n. : a member of a dynasty of caliphs (750-1258) ruling the Islamic empire especially from their capital Baghdad and claiming descent from Abbas the uncle of Muhammad

abbatial
adj. : of or relating to an abbot, abbess, or abbey

abbe
n. : a member of the French secular clergy in major or minor orders ― used as a title

abbess
n. : a woman who is the superior of a convent of nuns

Abbeville
commune N France on the Somme NW of Amiens pop 24,568

Abbevillian
: of or relating to an early Lower Paleolithic culture of Europe characterized by bifacial stone hand axes

Abbey
n. Edwin Austin 1852-1911 American painter & illustrator

abbey
n. 1 a : a monastery ruled by an abbot b : a convent ruled by an abbess
2 : an abbey church

abbot
n. : the superior of a monastery for men

Abbotsford
city Canada in SW B.C. SE of Vancouver pop 115,463

Abbott
n. Berenice 1898-1991 American photographer

Abbott
n. Sir John Joseph Caldwell 1821-1893 Canad. polit.; prime min. (1891-92)

Abbott
n. Lyman 1835-1922 American clergyman & author

abbr
n. abbreviation

abbreviate
v. : to make briefer especially : to reduce to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole
synonyms see SHORTEN
–ab·bre·vi·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

abbreviation
n. 1 : the act or result of abbreviating : ABRIDGMENT
2 : a shortened form of a written word or phrase used in place of the whole <amt is an abbreviation for amount>

ABC
n. 1 : ALPHABET ― usually used in plural
2 a : the rudiments of reading, writing, and spelling ― usually used in plural b : the rudiments of a subject ― usually used in plural

ABC
n. 1 American Bowling Congress
2 American Broadcasting Companies
3 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

ABCD
accelerated business collection and delivery

ABD
n. : a doctoral candidate who has completed required courses and examinations but not a dissertation

abd
n. abdomen; abdominal

Abdelkader
1808-1883 Arab leader in Algeria

Abdias
: OBADIAH

abdicate
v. transitive verb
1 : to cast off : DISCARD
2 : to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally
intransitive verb : to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function
–ab·di·ca·ble \-kə-bəl\ adjective
–ab·di·ca·tion \ˌab-di-'kā-shən\ noun
–ab·di·ca·tor \'ab-di-ˌkā-tər\ noun
synonyms ABDICATE, RENOUNCE, RESIGN mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. ABDICATE implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent <abdicated the throne>. RENOUNCE may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end <renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner>. RESIGN applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust <resigned from the board>.

abdomen
n. 1 : the part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis also : the cavity of this part of the trunk containing the chief viscera
2 : the posterior section of the body behind the thorax in an arthropod ― see INSECT illustration
–ab·dom·i·nal \ab-'dä-mə-nəl, əb-, -'däm-nəl\ adjective
–ab·dom·i·nal·ly \-ē\ adverb

Abdorrahman Khan
ca 1844-1901 emir of Afghanistan (1880-1901)

abducens nerve
: either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves that are motor nerves supplying the rectus on the outer and lateral side of each eye ― called also abducens

abducent nerve
: ABDUCENS NERVE

abduct
v. 1 : to seize and take away (as a person) by force
2 : to draw or spread away (as a limb or the fingers) from a position near or parallel to the median axis of the body or from the axis of a limb
–ab·duc·tor \-'dək-tər\ noun

abductee
n. : a person who has been abducted

abduction
n. 1 : the action of abducting : the condition of being abducted
2 : the unlawful carrying away of a woman for marriage or intercourse

Abdulaziz
1830-1876 Ottoman sultan (1861-76)

Abdulhamid
1842-1918 Ottoman sultan (1876-1909)

Abdullah
n. 1882-1951 'Abd Allāh ibn al-Husayn emir of Transjordan (1921-46); king of Jordan (1946-51)

Abdullah
n. 1962-     great-grandson of prec. king of Jordan (1999-    )

Abdulmecid
1823-1861 Ottoman sultan (1839-61)

abeam
adv. : off to the side of a ship or plane especially at a right angle to the middle of the ship or plane's length

abecedarian
n. : one learning the rudiments of something (as the alphabet)

abecedarian
n. 1 a : of or relating to the alphabet b : alphabetically arranged
2 : RUDIMENTARY

abed
n. : in bed

Abel
n. : a son of Adam and Eve killed by his brother Cain

Abel
n. Sir Frederick Augustus 1827-1902 Eng. chem.

Abelard
Peter F Pierre Alé·lard or Abai·lard \ˌa-bā-'lär\ 1079-?1144 husband of Héloïse Fr. philos. & theol.

abelia
n. : any of a genus (Abelia) of Asian or Mexican shrubs of the honeysuckle family having opposite leaves and white, red, or pink flowers

abelian
adj. : COMMUTATIVE 2 <abelian group> <abelian ring>

Abenaki
n. 1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of northern New England and adjoining parts of Quebec
2 : either of the two Algonquian languages spoken by the Abenaki peoples

Abercrombie
James 1706-1781 Brit. gen. in America

Aberdare
town S Wales NNW of Cardiff pop 36,621

Aberdeen
n. 1 \'a-bər-ˌdēn\ city NE S.Dak. pop 24,658
2 \ˌa-bər-'dēn\ or Ab·er·deen·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ administrative area NE Scotland area 2439 sq mi (6318 sq km)
3 city & port NE Scotland constituting an administrative area area 72 sq mi (186 sq km), pop 211,080
–Ab·er·do·ni·an \ˌa-bər-'dō-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Aberdeen Angus
: ANGUS

Abernathy
n. Ralph David 1926-1990 American clergyman & civil rights leader

aberrant
adj. 1 : straying from the right or normal way
2 : deviating from the usual or natural type : ATYPICAL
–ab·er·rance \-ən(t)s\ noun
–ab·er·ran·cy \-ən(t)-sē\ noun
–ab·er·rant·ly adverb

aberrant
adj. 1 : an aberrant group, individual, or structure
2 : a person whose behavior departs substantially from the standard

aberrated
adj. : ABERRANT

aberration
n. 1 : the fact or an instance of being aberrant especially from a moral standard or normal state
2 : failure of a mirror, refracting surface, or lens to produce exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image
3 : unsoundness or disorder of the mind
4 : a small periodic change of apparent position in celestial bodies due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer
5 : an aberrant individual
–ab·er·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Aberystwyth
borough W Wales on Cardigan Bay pop 8666

abet
v. 1 : to actively second and encourage (as an activity or plan) : FORWARD
2 : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose <abetted the thief in his getaway>
synonyms see INCITE
–abet·ment \-mənt\ noun
–abet·tor also abet·ter \ə-'be-tər\ noun

abeunt studia in mores
: practices zealously pursued pass into habits

abeyance
n. 1 : a lapse in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested
2 : temporary inactivity : SUSPENSION
–abey·ant \-ənt\ adjective

abhor
v. : to regard with extreme repugnance : LOATHE
synonyms see HATE
–ab·hor·rer \-'hȯr-ər\ noun

abhorrence
n. 1 a : the act or state of abhorring b : the feeling of one who abhors
2 : one that is abhorred

abhorrent
adj. 1 a archaic : strongly opposed b : feeling or showing abhorrence
2 : not agreeable : CONTRARY <a notion abhorrent to their philosophy>
3 : being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonism <acts abhorrent to every right-minded person>
–ab·hor·rent·ly adverb

Abib
: the first month of the ancient Hebrew calendar corresponding to Nisan ― see MONTH table

abidance
n. 1 : an act or state of abiding : CONTINUANCE
2 : COMPLIANCE <abidance by the rules>

abide
v. transitive verb
1 : to wait for : AWAIT
2 a : to endure without yielding : WITHSTAND b : to bear patiently : TOLERATE <cannot abide such bigots>
3 : to accept without objection <will abide your decision>
intransitive verb
1 : to remain stable or fixed in a state
2 : to continue in a place : SOJOURN
synonyms see BEAR, CONTINUE
–abid·er noun
–abide by
1 : to conform to <abide by the rules>
2 : to acquiesce in <will abide by your decision>

abide by

1 : to conform to <abide by the rules>
2 : to acquiesce in <will abide by your decision>

abiding
n. : ENDURING, CONTINUING <an abiding interest in nature>
–abid·ing·ly adverb

Abidjan
n. city & port, seat of government of Ivory Coast pop 1,934,342

abigail
n. : a lady's personal maid

Abila
― see MUSA (Jebel)

Abilene
n. city NW cen Tex. pop 115,930

ability
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being able <ability of the soil to hold water> especially : physical, mental, or legal power to perform b : competence in doing : SKILL
2 : natural aptitude or acquired proficiency <children whose abilities warrant higher education>

ability
n. : capacity, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a (specified) way <agglutinability>

Abington
Fanny 1737-1815 née Frances Barton Eng. actress

abiogenesis
n. : the supposed spontaneous origination of living organisms directly from lifeless matter
–abi·og·e·nist \ˌā-(ˌ)bī-'ä-jə-nist\ noun

abiogenic
adj. : not produced by the action of living organisms
–abio·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

abiological
: not biological especially : not involving or produced by organisms <abiological synthesis of amino acids>

abiotic
adj. : not biotic : ABIOLOGICAL <the abiotic environment>
–abi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Abitibi
1 lake Canada on Ont.-Que. border area 356 sq mi (926 sq km)
2 river 230 mi (368 km) Canada in E Ont. flowing N into Moose River

abject
adj. 1 : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition <to lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fallen ― John Milton>
2 a : cast down in spirit : SERVILE, SPIRITLESS <a man made abject by suffering> b : showing hopelessness or resignation <abject surrender>
3 : expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit <abject flattery> <an abject apology>
synonyms see MEAN
–ab·ject·ly \'ab-ˌjek(t)-lē, ab-'\ adverb
–ab·ject·ness \-ˌjek(t)-nəs, -'jek(t)-\ noun

abjection
n. 1 : a low or downcast state : DEGRADATION
2 : the act of making abject : HUMBLING, REJECTION <I protest⋯this vile abjection of youth to age ― G. B. Shaw>

abjuration
n. 1 : the act or process of abjuring
2 : an oath of abjuring

abjure
v. 1 a : to renounce upon oath b : to reject solemnly
2 : to abstain from : AVOID <abjure extravagance>
–ab·jur·er noun
synonyms ABJURE, RENOUNCE, FORSWEAR, RECANT, RETRACT mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief. ABJURE implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath <abjured the errors of his former faith>. RENOUNCE often equals ABJURE but may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown <renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting>. FORSWEAR may add to ABJURE an implication of perjury or betrayal <I cannot forswear my principles>. RECANT stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught <if they recant they will be spared>. RETRACT applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation <the newspaper had to retract its allegations against the mayor>.

Abkhazia
n. autonomous republic NW Republic of Georgia on Black Sea capital Sukhumi area 3320 sq mi (8599 sq km), pop 533,800
–Ab·khas \-'käs\ noun
–Ab·kha·zian or Ab·kha·sian \-'kā-zh(ē-)ən, -'kä-zē-ən\ adjective or noun

abl
ablative

ablate
v. transitive verb : to remove or destroy especially by cutting, abrading, or evaporating
intransitive verb : to become ablated especially : VAPORIZE 1

ablation
n. : the process of ablating: as a : surgical removal b : loss of a part (as ice from a glacier or the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

ablative
n. : of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case expressing typically the relations of separation and source and also frequently such relations as cause or instrument
–ablative noun

ablative
n. 1 : of or relating to ablation
2 : tending to ablate <ablative material on a nose cone>
–ab·la·tive·ly adverb

ablative absolute
: a construction in Latin in which a noun or pronoun and its adjunct both in the ablative case form together an adverbial phrase expressing generally the time, cause, or an attendant circumstance of an action

ablaut
n. : a systematic variation of vowels in the same root or affix or in related roots or affixes especially in the Indo-European languages that is usually paralleled by differences in use or meaning (as in sing, sang, sung, song)

ablaze
adj. 1 : being on fire
2 : radiant with light or emotion <his face all ablaze with excitement ― Bram Stoker>

able
adj. 1 a : having sufficient power, skill, or resources to accomplish an object b : susceptible to action or treatment
2 : marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence
–ably \'ā-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

able
adj. 1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of (being so acted upon or toward) ― chiefly in adjectives derived from verbs <breakable> <collectible>
2 : tending, given, or liable to <agreeable> <perishable>
–-ably also -ibly adverb suffix

able
adj. able bodied
able bodied seaman
able seaman

able seaman
: an experienced deck-department seaman qualified to perform routine duties at sea

able-bodied
: having a sound strong body

able-bodied seaman
: ABLE SEAMAN

abled
adj. : capable of unimpaired function <the design is physically helpful for the less abled ― Royal Ford> ― compare DIFFERENTLY ABLED

ableism
n. : discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities
–able·ist \-ˌlist\ adjective

abloom
adj. : abounding with blooms : BLOOMING <parks abloom with roses>

abluted
: washed clean

ablution
n. 1 a : the washing of one's body or part of it (as in a religious rite) b plural : the act or action of bathing
2 plural British : a building housing bathing and toilet facilities on a military base
–ab·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ˌne-rē\ adjective

ABM
: ANTIBALLISTIC MISSILE

abn
adj. airborne

Abnaki
n. variant of abenaki

abnegate
v. 1 : DENY, RENOUNCE <abnegated their God>
2 : SURRENDER, RELINQUISH <abnegated her powers>
–ab·ne·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun

abnegation
n. : DENIAL especially : SELF-DENIAL

abnormal
adj. : deviating from the normal or average : UNUSUAL, EXCEPTIONAL <abnormal behavior>
–ab·nor·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

abnormal
adj. : an abnormal person

abnormal psychology
: a branch of psychology concerned with mental and emotional disorders (as neuroses, psychoses, and mental retardation) and with certain incompletely understood normal phenomena (as dreams and hypnosis)

abnormality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being abnormal
2 : something abnormal

abo
n. Australian often disparaging : ABORIGINE

ABO blood group
: any of the four blood groups A, B, AB, and O comprising the ABO system

ABO system
: the basic system of antigens of human blood behaving in heredity as an allelic unit to produce any of the ABO blood groups

aboard
adv. 1 : ALONGSIDE
2 a : on, onto, or within a vehicle (as a car or ship) b : in or into a group, association, or organization <her second promotion since coming aboard>
3 baseball : on base

aboard
adv. : ON, ONTO, WITHIN <go aboard ship> <aboard a plane>

abode
n. 1 obsolete : WAIT, DELAY
2 : a temporary stay : SOJOURN
3 : the place where one abides : HOME

aboil
1 : being at the boiling point : BOILING
2 : intensely excited or stirred up <the meeting was aboil with controversy>

abolish
v. 1 : to end the observance or effect of : ANNUL <abolish a law> <abolish slavery>
2 : DESTROY
–abol·ish·able \-li-shə-bəl\ adjective
–abol·ish·er noun
–abol·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

abolition
n. 1 : the act of abolishing : the state of being abolished
2 : the abolishing of slavery
–ab·o·li·tion·ary \-'li-shən-ˌer-ē, -ˌe-rē\ adjective

abolitionism
n. : principles or measures fostering abolition especially of slavery
–ab·o·li·tion·ist \-ist\ noun or adjective

abomasum
n. : the fourth compartment of the ruminant stomach that follows the omasum and has a true digestive function ― compare RUMEN, RETICULUM
–ab·oma·sal \-səl\ adjective

Abomey
city S Benin pop 54,418

abominable
adj. 1 : worthy of or causing disgust or hatred : DETESTABLE <the abominable treatment of the poor>
2 : quite disagreeable or unpleasant <abominable weather>
–abom·i·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

abominable snowman
: a mysterious creature with human or apelike characteristics reported to exist in the high Himalayas ― called also yeti

abominate
v. : to hate or loathe intensely : ABHOR
synonyms see HATE
–abom·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

abomination
n. 1 : something abominable
2 : extreme disgust and hatred : LOATHING

aboral
adv. : situated opposite to or away from the mouth <a sea urchin's aboral surface>
–ab·oral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

aboriginal
n. 1 : being the first or earliest known of its kind present in a region <aboriginal forests> <aboriginal rocks>
2 a : of or relating to aborigines b often capitalized : of or relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia
synonyms see NATIVE
–ab·orig·i·nal·ly adverb

aboriginal
n. 1 : ABORIGINE 1
2 often capitalized : ABORIGINE 2

aborigine
n. 1 : an aboriginal inhabitant especially as contrasted with an invading or colonizing people
2 often capitalized : a member of any of the indigenous peoples of Australia

aborning
adv. : while being born or produced <a resolution that died aborning>

aborning
adv. : being born or produced <the aborning fiasco>

abort
v. intransitive verb
1 : to bring forth stillborn, nonviable, or premature offspring
2 : to become checked in development so as to degenerate or remain rudimentary
3 : to terminate a procedure prematurely <the pilot decided to abort due to mechanical difficulties>
transitive verb
1 a : to induce the abortion of or give birth to prematurely b : to terminate the pregnancy of before term
2 a : to terminate prematurely : CANCEL <abort a project> <abort a spaceflight> b : to stop in the early stages <abort a disease>
–abort·er noun

abort
v. : the premature termination of a flight (as of an aircraft or spacecraft), a mission, or an action or procedure relating to a flight <a launch abort>

abortifacient
n. : an agent (as a drug) that induces abortion
–abortifacient adjective

abortion
n. 1 : the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: as a : spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation ― compare MISCARRIAGE b : induced expulsion of a human fetus c : expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy ― compare CONTAGIOUS ABORTION
2 : MONSTROSITY
3 : arrest of development (as of a part or process) resulting in imperfection also : a result of such arrest

abortion pill
: a drug taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy especially : RU-486

abortionist
n. : one who induces abortions

abortive
adj. 1 obsolete : prematurely born
2 : FRUITLESS, UNSUCCESSFUL
3 : imperfectly formed or developed
4 : tending to cut short
–abor·tive·ly adverb
–abor·tive·ness noun

abound
v. 1 : to be present in large numbers or in great quantity : be prevalent
2 : to be copiously supplied ― used with in or with <life abounded in mysteries ― Norman Mailer> <institutions abound with evidence of his success ― Johns Hopkins Mag.>

about
adv. 1 a : reasonably close to <about a year ago> b : ALMOST <about starved> c : on the verge of ― usually used with be and a following infinitive <is about to join the army> ― used with a negative to express intention or determination <not about to quit>
2 : on all sides : AROUND
3 a : in rotation b : around the outside
4 : HERE AND THERE
5 : in the vicinity : NEAR
6 : in the opposite direction <face about> <the other way about>

about
adv. 1 : in a circle around : on every side of : AROUND
2 a : in the immediate neighborhood of : NEAR b : on or near the person of c : in the makeup of <a mature wisdom about him> d : at the command of <has his wits about him>
3 : engaged in <act as if they know what they're about ― T. S. Matthews>
4 a : with regard to : CONCERNING <spoke about his past> b : concerned with c : fundamentally concerned with or directed toward <poker is about money ― David Mamet>
5 : over or in different parts of

about
adv. 1 : moving from place to place specifically : being out of bed
2 : AROUND 2

about
adv. throw one's weight about
about face
about turn
beat about the bush
bring about
cast about
come about
get about
go about
hang about
how about
just about
man about town
men about town
put about
set about

about-face
1 : a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention
2 : a reversal of direction
3 : a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view
–about-face intransitive verb

about-turn
British : ABOUT-FACE

above
n. 1 a : in the sky : OVERHEAD <the clouds above> b : in or to heaven
2 a : in or to a higher place b : higher on the same page or on a preceding page c : UPSTAIRS d : above zero <10 degrees above>
3 : in or to a higher rank or number <30 and above>
4 archaic : in addition : BESIDES
5 : UPSTAGE

above
n. 1 a : in or to a higher place than : OVER b : upriver of
2 a : superior to (as in rank, quality, or degree) b : out of reach of <above suspicion> c : in preference to d : too proud or honorable to stoop to <not above taking undue credit>
3 : exceeding in number, quantity, or size : more than <men above 50 years old>
4 : as distinct from and in addition to <heard the whistle above the roar of the crowd>

above
n. 1 a : something that is above b : a person whose name is written above
2 a : a higher authority b : HEAVEN
usage Although still objected to by some, the use of above as a noun in sense 1a <none of the above> <the above is Theseus's opinion ― William Blake> and as an adjective <without the above reserve ― O. W. Holmes †1935> <I was brought up on the above words ― Viscount Montgomery> has been long established as standard.

above
n. : written or discussed higher on the same page or on a preceding page
usage see 3ABOVE

above
n. above all
over and above
above water

above all
: before every other consideration : ESPECIALLY

above water
out of difficulty

aboveboard
adj. : in a straightforward manner : OPENLY

aboveboard
adj. : free from all traces of deceit or duplicity

aboveground
adj. 1 : located or occurring on or above the surface of the ground
2 : existing, produced, or published by or within the establishment <aboveground movies>
–aboveground adverb

abp
archbishop

abr
abridged; abridgment

abracadabra
n. 1 : a magical charm or incantation
2 : unintelligible language

abrade
v. transitive verb
1 a : to rub or wear away especially by friction : ERODE b : to irritate or roughen by rubbing
2 : to wear down in spirit : IRRITATE, WEARY
intransitive verb : to undergo abrasion
–abrad·able \-'brā-də-bəl\ adjective
–abrad·er noun

Abraham
n. : an Old Testament patriarch regarded by Jews as the founder of the Hebrew people through his son Isaac and by Muslims as the founder of the Arab peoples through his son Ishmael

Abraham
n. (Edmond) Spencer 1952-     U.S. secy. of energy (2001-  )

abrasion
n. 1 a : a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction b : IRRITATION
2 : an abraded area of the skin or mucous membrane

abrasive
n. : a substance (as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

abrasive
n. 1 : tending to abrade
2 : causing irritation <abrasive manners>
–abra·sive·ly adverb
–abra·sive·ness noun

abreaction
n. : the expression and emotional discharge of unconscious material (as a repressed idea or emotion) by verbalization especially in the presence of a therapist
–ab·re·act \-'akt\ verb

abreast
adv. 1 : beside one another with bodies in line <columns of men five abreast>
2 : up to a particular standard or level especially of knowledge of recent developments <keeps abreast of the news>

abridge
v. 1 a archaic : DEPRIVE b : to reduce in scope : DIMINISH <attempts to abridge the right of free speech>
2 : to shorten in duration or extent <modern transportation that abridges distance>
3 : to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense : CONDENSE
synonyms see SHORTEN
–abridg·er noun

abridgment
n. 1 : the action of abridging : the state of being abridged
2 : a shortened form of a work retaining the general sense and unity of the original

abroach
adj. 1 archaic : in a condition for letting out a liquid (as wine)
2 archaic : in action or agitation : ASTIR <mischiefs that I set abroach ― Shakespeare>

abroad
adv. 1 : over a wide area : WIDELY
2 : away from one's home
3 : beyond the boundaries of one's country
4 : in wide circulation : ABOUT
5 : wide of the mark : ASTRAY

abrogate
v. 1 : to abolish by authoritative action : ANNUL
2 : to treat as nonexistent <abrogating their responsibilities>
synonyms see NULLIFY
–ab·ro·ga·tion \ˌa-brə-'gā-shən\ noun

abrupt
adj. 1 a : characterized by or involving action or change without preparation or warning : UNEXPECTED <came to an abrupt stop> <an abrupt turn> <an abrupt decision to retire> b : unceremoniously curt <an abrupt manner> c : lacking smoothness or continuity <an abrupt transition>
2 : giving the impression of being cut or broken off especially : involving a sudden steep rise or drop <abrupt hills> <a high abrupt bank bounded the stream>
synonyms see PRECIPITATE, STEEP
–abrupt·ly \ə-'brəp(t)-lē\ adverb
–abrupt·ness \ə-'brəp(t)-nəs\ noun

abruption
n. : a sudden breaking off or away

Abruzzi
Duke of the ― see LUIGI AMEDEO

Abruzzi
region cen Italy on the Adriatic including highest of the Apennines capital L'Aquila pop 1,281,283; with Molise (to S), formerly comprised Abruzzi e Mo·li·se \ˌā-'mȯ-li-ˌzā\ region

ABS
: a tough rigid plastic used especially for automobile parts and building materials

ABS
1 American Bible Society
2 antilock braking system

abs
1 absolute
2 abstract

Absaroka Range
mountain range S Mont. & NW Wyo. E of Yellowstone National Park ― see FRANKS PEAK

abscess
n. : a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
–ab·scessed \-ˌsest\ adjective

abscise
v. transitive verb : to separate (as a flower from a stem) by abscission
intransitive verb : to separate by abscission

abscisic acid
: a plant hormone C_15H_20O_4 that is a sesquiterpene widespread in nature and that typically promotes leaf abscission and dormancy and has an inhibitory effect on cell elongation

abscisin
: ABSCISIC ACID

abscissa
n. : the horizontal coordinate of a point in a plane Cartesian coordinate system obtained by measuring parallel to the x-axis ― compare ORDINATE

abscission
n. 1 : the act or process of cutting off : REMOVAL
2 : the natural separation of flowers, fruit, or leaves from plants at a special separation layer

abscond
v. : to depart secretly and hide oneself
–ab·scond·er noun

Absecon Inlet
inlet SE N.J. bet. barrier islands N of Atlantic City

abseil
n. chiefly British : RAPPEL
–abseil noun

absence
n. 1 : the state of being absent
2 : the period of time that one is absent
3 : WANT, LACK <an absence of detail>
4 : inattention to present surroundings or occurrences <absence of mind>

absent
adj. 1 : not present or attending : MISSING
2 : not existing : LACKING <danger in a situation where power is absent ― M. H. Trytten>
3 : lost in thought : not attentive
synonyms see ABSTRACTED
–ab·sent·ly adverb

absent
adj. : to keep (oneself) away

absent
adj. : in the absence of : WITHOUT

absent without leave
: absent without authority from one's place of duty in the armed forces

absentee
n. : one that is absent: as a : a proprietor that lives away from his or her estate or business b : one missing from work or school
–absentee adjective

absentee ballot
: a ballot submitted (as by mail) in advance of an election by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls

absenteeism
n. 1 : prolonged absence of an owner from his or her property
2 : chronic absence (as from work or school) also : the rate of such absence

absentminded
adj. 1 : lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions : PREOCCUPIED also : given to absence of mind
2 : indicative of or resulting from preoccupation or absence of mind
synonyms see ABSTRACTED
–ab·sent·mind·ed·ly adverb
–ab·sent·mind·ed·ness noun

absinthe
n. 1 : WORMWOOD 1
2 : a green liqueur which is flavored with wormwood, anise, and other aromatic herbs and commercial production of which is banned in many countries for health concerns

absit invidia
: let there be no envy or ill will

absolute
n. 1 a : free from imperfection : PERFECT <it is a most absolute and excellent horse ― Shakespeare> b : free or relatively free from mixture : PURE <absolute alcohol> c : OUTRIGHT, UNMITIGATED <an absolute lie>
2 : being, governed by, or characteristic of a ruler or authority completely free from constitutional or other restraint <absolute power>
3 a : standing apart from a normal or usual syntactical relation with other words or sentence elements <the absolute construction this being the case in the sentence “this being the case, let us go”> b of an adjective or possessive pronoun : standing alone without a modified substantive <blind in “help the blind” and ours in “your work and ours” are absolute> c of a verb : having no object in the particular construction under consideration though normally transitive <kill in “if looks could kill” is an absolute verb>
4 : having no restriction, exception, or qualification <an absolute requirement> <absolute freedom>
5 : POSITIVE, UNQUESTIONABLE <absolute proof>
6 a : independent of arbitrary standards of measurement b : relating to or derived in the simplest manner from the fundamental units of length, mass, and time <absolute electric units> c : relating to, measured on, or being a temperature scale based on absolute zero <absolute temperature> specifically : KELVIN <10° absolute>
7 : FUNDAMENTAL, ULTIMATE <absolute knowledge>
8 : perfectly embodying the nature of a thing <absolute justice>
9 : being self-sufficient and free of external references or relationships <an absolute term in logic> <absolute music>
10 : being the true distance from an aircraft to the earth's surface <absolute altitude>
–absolute noun
–ab·so·lute·ness noun

absolute
n. absolute space
ablative absolute
absolute ceiling
absolute convergence
absolute humidity
absolute magnitude
absolute pitch
absolute value
absolute zero

absolute ceiling
: the maximum height above sea level at which a particular airplane can maintain horizontal flight under standard air conditions ― called also ceiling

absolute convergence
: convergence of a mathematical series when the absolute values of the terms are taken

absolute humidity
: the amount of water vapor present in a unit volume of air ― compare RELATIVE HUMIDITY

absolute magnitude
: a measure of the intrinsic luminosity of a celestial body (as a star) expressed as the apparent magnitude the body would have if viewed from a distance of 10 parsecs

absolute pitch
1 : the position of a tone in a standard scale independently determined by its rate of vibration
2 : the ability to recognize or sing a given isolated note ― called also perfect pitch

absolute space
: SPACE 4B

absolute value
1 : a nonnegative number equal in numerical value to a given real number
2 : the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a complex number

absolute zero
: a theoretical temperature characterized by complete absence of heat and motion and equivalent to exactly -273.15°C or -459.67°F

absolutely
adv. 1 : in an absolute manner or condition ― often used as an intensive <absolutely brilliant>
2 : with respect to absolute values <an absolutely convergent series>

absolution
n. : the act of absolving specifically : a remission of sins pronounced by a priest (as in the sacrament of reconciliation)

absolutism
n. 1 a : a political theory that absolute power should be vested in one or more rulers b : government by an absolute ruler or authority : DESPOTISM
2 : advocacy of a rule by absolute standards or principles
3 : an absolute standard or principle
–ab·so·lut·ist \-ˌlü-tist\ noun or adjective
–ab·so·lu·tis·tic \ˌab-sə-(ˌ)lü-'tis-tik\ adjective

absolutive
: of, relating to, or being an inflectional morpheme that typically marks the subject of an intransitive verb or the direct object of a transitive verb in an ergative language

absolutize
v. : to make absolute : convert into an absolute

absolve
v. 1 : to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt
2 : to remit (a sin) by absolution
synonyms see EXCULPATE
–ab·solv·er noun

absorb
v. 1 : to take in and make part of an existent whole <the capacity of China to absorb invaders>
2 a : to suck up or take up <a sponge absorbs water> <charcoal absorbs gas> <plant roots absorb water> b : to take in : ACQUIRE, LEARN <convictions absorbed in youth ― M. R. Cohen> c : USE UP, CONSUME <the fever absorbed her strength>
3 : to engage or engross wholly <absorbed in thought>
4 a (1) : to receive without recoil or echo <provided with a sound-absorbing surface> (2) : ENDURE, SUSTAIN <absorbing hardships> (3) : ASSUME, BEAR <the expenses were absorbed by the company> b : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature <the earth absorbs the sun's rays>
–ab·sorb·abil·i·ty \əb-ˌsȯr-bə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌzȯr-\ noun
–ab·sorb·able \əb-'sȯr-bə-bəl, -'zȯr-\ adjective
–ab·sorb·er noun

absorbance
n. : the ability of a layer of a substance to absorb radiation expressed mathematically as the negative common logarithm of transmittance

absorbency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being absorbent
2 or ab·sor·ban·cy : ABSORBANCE

absorbent
adj. : able to absorb <as absorbent as a sponge>
–absorbent also absorbant noun

absorbing
adj. : fully taking one's attention : ENGROSSING <an absorbing novel>
–ab·sorb·ing·ly \-biŋ-lē\ adverb

absorptance
n. : the ratio of the radiant energy absorbed by a body to that incident upon it

absorptiometry
: measurement of the amount of radiation absorbed (as by living tissue) especially to determine density ― compare DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY

absorption
n. 1 a : the process of absorbing or of being absorbed ― compare ADSORPTION b : interception of radiant energy or sound waves
2 : entire occupation of the mind <absorption in his work>
–ab·sorp·tive \-tiv\ adjective

absorption
n. absorption band
absorption line
absorption spectrum
self absorption

absorption band
: a dark band in an absorption spectrum also : ABSORPTION LINE

absorption line
: a dark line in an absorption spectrum

absorption spectrum
: an electromagnetic spectrum in which a decrease in intensity of radiation at specific wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths characteristic of an absorbing substance is manifested especially as a pattern of dark lines or bands

absorptivity
n. : the property of a body that determines the fraction of incident radiation absorbed by the body

abstain
v. : to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice <abstain from drinking>
–ab·stain·er noun

abstemious
adj. : marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol also : reflecting such restraint <an abstemious diet>
–ab·ste·mi·ous·ly adverb
–ab·ste·mious·ness noun

abstention
n. : the act or practice of abstaining
–ab·sten·tious \-shəs\ adjective

abstinence
n. 1 : voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods
2 a : habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages b : abstention from sexual intercourse
–ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ adjective
–ab·sti·nent·ly adverb

abstr
abstract

abstract
n. 1 a : disassociated from any specific instance <an abstract entity> b : difficult to understand : ABSTRUSE <abstract problems> c : insufficiently factual : FORMAL <possessed only an abstract right>
2 : expressing a quality apart from an object <the word poem is concrete, poetry is abstract>
3 a : dealing with a subject in its abstract aspects : THEORETICAL <abstract science> b : IMPERSONAL, DETACHED <the abstract compassion of a surgeon ― Time>
4 : having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial representation or narrative content <abstract painting>
–ab·stract·ly \ab-'strak(t)-lē, 'ab-ˌ\ adverb
–ab·stract·ness \ab-'strak(t)-nəs, 'ab-ˌ\ noun

abstract
n. 1 : a summary of points (as of a writing) usually presented in skeletal form also : something that summarizes or concentrates the essentials of a larger thing or several things
2 : an abstract thing or state
3 : ABSTRACTION 4A

abstract
n. 1 : REMOVE, SEPARATE
2 : to consider apart from application to or association with a particular instance
3 : to make an abstract of : SUMMARIZE
4 : to draw away the attention of
5 : STEAL, PURLOIN
intransitive verb : to make an abstraction
–ab·stract·able \-'strak-tə-bəl, -ˌstrak-\ adjective
–ab·strac·tor or ab·stract·er \-tər\ noun

abstract
n. abstract expressionism
abstract expressionist
abstract of title

abstract expressionism
: an artistic movement of the mid-20th century comprising diverse styles and techniques and emphasizing especially an artist's liberty to convey attitudes and emotions through nontraditional and usually nonrepresentational means
–abstract expressionist noun or adjective often cap A&E

abstract of title

1858
: a summary statement of the successive conveyances and other facts on which a title to a piece of land rests

abstracted
adj. 1 : withdrawn in mind : inattentive to one's surroundings <said hello but seemed abstracted>
2 : ABSTRACT 4 <abstracted geometric shapes>
–ab·stract·ed·ly adverb
–ab·stract·ed·ness noun
synonyms ABSTRACTED, PREOCCUPIED, ABSENT, ABSENTMINDED, DISTRACTED mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. ABSTRACTED implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters <walking about with an abstracted air>. PREOCCUPIED often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others <too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal>. ABSENT stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters <an absent stare>. ABSENTMINDED implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness <so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes>. DISTRACTED may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety <was too distracted by grief to continue working>.

abstraction
n. 1 a : the act or process of abstracting : the state of being abstracted b : an abstract idea or term
2 : absence of mind or preoccupation
3 : abstract quality or character
4 a : an abstract composition or creation in art b : ABSTRACTIONISM
–ab·strac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ab·strac·tive \ab-'strak-tiv, 'ab-ˌ\ adjective

abstractionism
n. : the principles or practice of creating abstract art
–ab·strac·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun

abstruse
adj. : difficult to comprehend : RECONDITE <the abstruse calculations of mathematicians>
–ab·struse·ly adverb
–ab·struse·ness noun

abstrusity
1 : the quality or state of being abstruse : ABSTRUSENESS
2 : something that is abstruse

absurd
adj. 1 : ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous <an absurd argument>
2 : having no rational or orderly relationship to human life : MEANINGLESS <an absurd universe> also : lacking order or value <an absurd existence>
3 : dealing with the absurd or with absurdism <absurd theater>
–ab·surd·ly adverb
–ab·surd·ness noun

absurd
adj. : the state or condition in which human beings exist in an irrational and meaningless universe and in which human life has no ultimate meaning ― usually used with the

absurdism
n. : a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe ― compare EXISTENTIALISM

absurdist
n. : of, relating to, or characterized by the absurd or by absurdism : ABSURD <absurdist literature> <an absurdist sense of humor>
–absurdist noun

absurdity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being absurd : ABSURDNESS
2 : something that is absurd

Abu
n. Abu al Qasim
Abu Bakr
Abu Dhabi
Abu Qir
Abu Simbel

Abu al-Qasim
ca 936-ca 1013 Span. Arab physician & medical writer

Abu Bakr
ca 573-634 1st caliph of Mecca

Abu Dhabi
1 sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates
2 town, its capital & capital of United Arab Emirates pop 347,000

Abu Qir
1 bay N Egypt bet. Alexandria & Rosetta mouth of the Nile
2 village on this bay

Abu Simbel
locality S Egypt on left bank of the Nile SW of Aswân; site of two rock temples which were moved 1964-66 to higher ground when area was flooded after completion of Aswân High Dam

abubble
1 : being in the process of bubbling
2 : being in a state of agitated activity or motion : ASTIR

abuilding
: being in the process of building or of being built

Abuja
n. city cen Nigeria, its capital since 1991

abulia
n. : abnormal lack of ability to act or to make decisions
–abu·lic \-lik\ adjective

abundance
n. 1 : an ample quantity : PROFUSION
2 : AFFLUENCE, WEALTH
3 : relative degree of plentifulness <low abundances of uranium and thorium ― H. C. Urey>

abundant
adj. 1 a : marked by great plenty (as of resources) <a fair and abundant land> b : amply supplied : ABOUNDING <an area abundant with bird life>
2 : occurring in abundance : AMPLE <abundant rainfall>
synonyms see PLENTIFUL
–abun·dant·ly adverb

abuse
n. 1 : a corrupt practice or custom
2 : improper or excessive use or treatment : MISUSE <drug abuse> <abuse of tranquilizers>
3 obsolete : a deceitful act : DECEPTION
4 : language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily
5 : physical maltreatment
synonyms ABUSE, VITUPERATION, INVECTIVE, OBLOQUY, BILLINGSGATE mean vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval. ABUSE the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language <scathing verbal abuse>. VITUPERATION implies fluent and sustained abuse <a torrent of vituperation>. INVECTIVE implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation <blistering political invective>. OBLOQUY suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace <subjected to obloquy and derision>. BILLINGSGATE implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse <directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver>.

abuse
n. 1 a : to put to a wrong or improper use <abuse a privilege> b : to use excessively <abuse alcohol> also : to use without medical justification <abuseing painkillers>
2 obsolete : DECEIVE
3 : to use so as to injure or damage : MALTREAT
4 : to attack in words : REVILE
–abus·able \-'byü-zə-bəl\ adjective
–abus·er noun

abusive
adj. 1 : characterized by wrong or improper use or action especially : CORRUPT <abusive financial practices>
2 a : using harsh insulting language <an angry and abusive crowd> b : characterized by or serving for abuse <abusive language> c : physically injurious <abusive behavior>
–abu·sive·ly adverb
–abu·sive·ness noun

abusus non tollit usum
: abuse does not take away use, i.e., is not an argument against proper use

abut
v. intransitive verb
1 : to touch along a border or with a projecting part <land abuts on the road>
2 a : to terminate at a point of contact b : to lean for support
transitive verb
1 : to border on <their property abuts our land>
2 : to cause to abut

abutilon
n. : any of a genus (Abutilon) of plants of the mallow family often having lobed leaves and solitary bell-shaped flowers

abutment
n. 1 : the place at which abutting occurs
2 : the part of a structure (as an arch or a bridge) that directly receives thrust or pressure

abuttals
n. : the boundaries of lands with respect to adjacent lands

abutter
n. : one that abuts specifically : the owner of a contiguous property

abutting
adj. : that abuts or serves as an abutment : ADJOINING, BORDERING

abuzz
adj. : filled or resounding with or as if with a buzzing sound <a lake abuzz with outboards> especially : filled with talk or excitement <an office abuzz with rumors> <a town abuzz with anticipation of the big game>

aby
archaic : to suffer a penalty for

Abydos
1 ancient town Asia Minor on the Hellespont
2 ancient town S Egypt on left bank of the Nile S of Thebes

Abyla
― see MUSA (Jebel)

abysm
n. : ABYSS <the dark backward and abysm of time ― Shakespeare>

abysmal
adj. 1 a : having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward <an abysmal cliff> b : immeasurably great : PROFOUND <abysmal ignorance> c : immeasurably low or wretched <abysmal living conditions of the poor>
2 : ABYSSAL 2
–abys·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

abyss
n. 1 : the bottomless gulf, pit, or chaos of the old cosmogonies
2 a : an immeasurably deep gulf or great space b : intellectual or moral depths

abyssal
adj. 1 : UNFATHOMABLE B
2 : of or relating to the bottom waters of the ocean depths

abyssal plain
: any of the great flat sediment-covered areas of ocean floor ― see CONTINENTAL SHELF illustration

Abyssinia
n. ― see ETHIOPIA 2
–Ab·ys·sin·ian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Abyssinian
n. : any of a breed of medium-sized slender domestic cats of African origin with short usually brownish hair ticked with bands of darker color

AC
n. 1 air-conditioning
2 alternating current
3 [Medieval Latin ante Christum] before Christ
4 area code
5 athletic club

Ac
n. altocumulus

Ac
n. actinium

ac
n. 1 account
2 acre
3 [Latin ante cibum] before meals

ac
n. ― see AD-

ac
n. : one affected with <hemophiliac>

AC/DC
n. : BISEXUAL 1B

acacia
n. 1 : GUM ARABIC
2 : any of a large genus (Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters

acad
academic; academy

academe
n. 1 a : a place of instruction : SCHOOL b : the academic life, community, or world <in the halls of academe>
2 : ACADEMIC especially : PEDANT

academia
n. : ACADEME 1B

academic
n. 1 : a member of an institution of learning
2 : a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods
3 plural : academic subjects <has no interest in academics>

academic
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning b : of or relating to performance in academic courses <academic excellence> c : very learned but inexperienced in practical matters <academic thinkers> d : based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning
2 : of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies
3 a : THEORETICAL, SPECULATIVE <an academic question> b : having no practical or useful significance
4 : conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy : CONVENTIONAL <academic painting>
–ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

academic freedom
: freedom to teach or to learn without interference (as by government officials)

academic year
: the annual period of sessions of an educational institution usually beginning in September and ending in June

academician
n. 1 a : a member of an academy for promoting science, art, or literature b : a follower of an artistic or philosophical tradition or a promoter of its ideas
2 : ACADEMIC

academicism
n. 1 : the doctrines of Plato's Academy specifically : the skeptical doctrines of the later Academy holding that nothing can be known ― compare PYRRHONISM
2 : a formal academic quality (as in art or music)
3 : purely speculative thoughts and attitudes

academy
n. 1 a : a school usually above the elementary level especially : a private high school b : a high school or college in which special subjects or skills are taught c : higher education ― used with the <the functions of the academy in modern society>
2 capitalized a : the school for advanced education founded by Plato b : the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy
3 : a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature
4 : a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field

Acadia
n. NOVA SCOTIA ― an early name

Acadia National Park
n. section of coast of Maine including chiefly mountainous areas on Mount Desert Is. & Isle au Haut

Acadian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Acadia
2 : a descendant of the French-speaking inhabitants of Acadia expelled after the French loss of the colony in 1755 especially : CAJUN
–Acadian adjective

acanthocephalan
n. : SPINY-HEADED WORM
–acanthocephalan adjective

acanthus
n. 1 : any of a genus (Acanthus of the family Acanthaceae, the acanthus family) of prickly perennial herbs chiefly of the Mediterranean region
2 : an ornamentation (as in a Corinthian capital) representing or suggesting the leaves of the acanthus

Acapulco
n. city & port S Mexico in Guerrero on the Pacific pop 687,292

acariasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by mites

acaricide
n. : a pesticide that kills mites and ticks
–acar·i·cid·al \ə-ˌker-ə-'sī-dəl, -ˌka-rə-\ adjective

acarid
n. : any of an order (Acari syn. Acarina) of arachnids including the mites and ticks
–acarid adjective

Acarnania
region W Greece on Ionian Sea
–Ac·ar·na·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

acarus
n. : MITE especially : one of a formerly extensive genus (Acarus)

acatalectic
: not catalectic <acatalectic verse>
–acatalectic noun

acaulescent
adj. : having no stem or appearing to have none

acc
accusative

Accad
n. ― see AKKAD
–Ac·ca·di·an \ə-'kā-dē-ən, -'kä-\ adjective or noun

accede
v. 1 a : to become a party (as to an agreement) b : to express approval or give consent : give in to a request or demand
2 archaic : APPROACH
3 : to enter upon an office or position
synonyms see ASSENT

accel
accelerando

accelerando
adj. : gradually faster ― used as a direction in music

accelerando
adj. : a gradual increase in tempo

accelerant
n. : a substance used to accelerate a process (as the spreading of a fire)

accelerate
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring about at an earlier time <accelerate their departure>
2 : to cause to move faster <accelerated his steps> also : to cause to undergo acceleration
3 a : to hasten the progress or development of <accelerate our efforts> b : INCREASE <accelerate food production>
4 a : to enable (a student) to complete a course in less than usual time b : to speed up (as a course of study)
intransitive verb
1 a : to move faster : gain speed <the car slowly accelerated> b : GROW, INCREASE <inflation was accelerating>
2 : to follow an accelerated educational program
–ac·cel·er·at·ing·ly \-ˌrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

acceleration
n. 1 : the act or process of accelerating : the state of being accelerated
2 : the rate of change of velocity with respect to time broadly : change of velocity

acceleration
n. acceleration of gravity
acceleration principle
angular acceleration

acceleration of gravity

circa 1889
: the acceleration of a body in free fall under the influence of earth's gravity expressed as the rate of increase of velocity per unit of time and assigned the standard value of 980.665 centimeters per second per second ― called also g

acceleration principle
: a theory in economics: an increase or decrease in income induces a corresponding but magnified change in investment

accelerative
adj. : of, relating to, or tending to cause acceleration : ACCELERATING

accelerator
n. : one that accelerates: as a : a muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action b : a device (as a pedal) for controlling the speed of a motor vehicle engine c : a substance that speeds a chemical reaction d : an apparatus for imparting high velocities to charged particles (as electrons) e : an item of computer hardware that increases the speed at which a program or function operates <a graphics accelerator>

accelerometer
n. : an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

accent
n. 1 a : to pronounce with accent : STRESS b : to mark with a written or printed accent
2 : to give prominence to : make more prominent

accent
n. 1 : an articulative effort giving prominence to one syllable over adjacent syllables also : the prominence thus given a syllable
2 : a distinctive manner of expression: as a : an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words ― usually used in plural b : a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region
3 : rhythmically significant stress on the syllables of a verse usually at regular intervals
4 archaic : UTTERANCE
5 a : a mark (as ´, `, 88) used in writing or printing to indicate a specific sound value, stress, or pitch, to distinguish words otherwise identically spelled, or to indicate that an ordinarily mute vowel should be pronounced b : an accented letter
6 a : greater stress given to one musical tone than to its neighbors b : ACCENT MARK 2
7 a : emphasis laid on a part of an artistic design or composition b : an emphasized detail or area especially : a small detail in sharp contrast with its surroundings c : a substance or object used for emphasis
8 : a mark placed to the right of a letter or number and usually slightly above it: as a : a double prime b : PRIME
9 : special concern or attention : EMPHASIS <an accent on youth>
–ac·cent·less \-ləs\ adjective

accent
n. accent mark
sentence accent
tonic accent
word accent

accent mark
1 a : ACCENT 5A b : ACCENT 8
2 a : a symbol used to indicate musical stress b : a mark placed after a letter designating a note of music to indicate in which octave the note occurs

accentual
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by accent specifically : based on accent rather than on quantity or syllabic recurrence <accentual poetry>
–ac·cen·tu·al·ly adverb

accentuate
v. : ACCENT, EMPHASIZE also : INTENSIFY <accentuates the feeling of despair>
–ac·cen·tu·a·tion \ik-ˌsen(t)-shə-'wā-shən, (ˌ)ak-\ noun

accept
v. transitive verb
1 a : to receive willingly <accept a gift> b : to be able or designed to take or hold (something applied or added) <a surface that will not accept ink>
2 : to give admittance or approval to <accept her as one of the group>
3 a : to endure without protest or reaction <accept poor living conditions> b : to regard as proper, normal, or inevitable <the idea is widely accepted> c : to recognize as true : BELIEVE <refused to accept the explanation>
4 a : to make a favorable response to <accept an offer> b : to agree to undertake (a responsibility) <accept a job>
5 : to assume an obligation to pay also : to take in payment <we don't accept personal checks>
6 : to receive (a legislative report) officially
intransitive verb : to receive favorably something offered ― usually used with of <a heart more disposed to accept of his ― Jane Austen>
–ac·cept·ing·ly \-'sep-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–ac·cept·ing·ness \-tiŋ-nəs\ noun

acceptable
adj. 1 : capable or worthy of being accepted <no compromise would be acceptable>
2 a : WELCOME, PLEASING <compliments are always acceptable> b : barely satisfactory or adequate <performances varied from excellent to acceptable>
–ac·cept·abil·i·ty \ik-ˌsep-tə-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)ak-, ek-\ noun
–ac·cept·able·ness \ik-'sep-tə-bəl-nəs, ak-\ noun
–ac·cept·ably \-blē\ adverb

acceptance
n. 1 : an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound
2 : the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable
3 : the act of accepting : the fact of being accepted : APPROVAL
4 a : the act of accepting a time draft or bill of exchange for payment when due according to the specified terms b : an accepted draft or bill of exchange
5 : ACCEPTATION 2

acceptance
n. banker's acceptance
trade acceptance
self acceptance

acceptant
adj. : willing to accept : RECEPTIVE

acceptation
n. 1 : ACCEPTANCE especially : favorable reception or approval
2 : a generally accepted meaning of a word or understanding of a concept

accepted
adj. : generally approved or used <an accepted convention>
–ac·cept·ed·ly adverb

accepter
n. 1 : one that accepts
2 : ACCEPTOR 2

acceptive
adj. 1 : ACCEPTABLE
2 : RECEPTIVE

acceptor
n. 1 : ACCEPTER 1
2 : one that accepts an order or a bill of exchange
3 : an atom, molecule, or subatomic particle capable of receiving another entity (as an electron) especially to form a compound ― compare DONOR 3a

access
n. 1 a : ONSET 2 b : a fit of intense feeling : OUTBURST
2 a : permission, liberty, or ability to enter, approach, or pass to and from a place or to approach or communicate with a person or thing b : freedom or ability to obtain or make use of something c : a way or means of access d : the act or an instance of accessing
3 : an increase by addition <a sudden access of wealth>

access
n. : to get at : gain access to <accessed the computer by phone>

access
n. random access memory
access time
limited access
random access

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

accessible
adj. 1 : providing access
2 a : capable of being reached <accessible by rail> also : being within reach <fashions at accessible prices> b : easy to communicate or deal with <accessible people>
3 : capable of being influenced : OPEN <accessible to new ideas>
4 : capable of being used or seen : AVAILABLE <the collection is not currently accessible>
5 : capable of being understood or appreciated <the author's most accessible stories> <an accessible film>
–ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌse-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ac·ces·si·ble·ness \-'se-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ac·ces·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

accession
n. 1 a : increase by something added b : acquisition of additional property (as by growth or increase of existing property)
2 : something added : ACQUISITION
3 : the act of assenting or agreeing
4 a : the act of becoming joined : ADHERENCE b : the act by which one nation becomes party to an agreement already in force between other powers
5 a : an act of coming near or to : APPROACH, ADMITTANCE b : the act of coming to high office or a position of honor or power <her accession to power>
6 : a sudden fit or outburst : ACCESS
–ac·ces·sion·al \-'sesh-nəl, -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective

accession
n. : to record in order of acquisition

accessorial
adj. 1 : of or relating to an accessory <accessorial liability>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting an accession : SUPPLEMENTARY <accessorial services>

accessorise
v. British variant of accessorize

accessorize
v. transitive verb : to furnish with accessories
intransitive verb : to wear clothing accessories

accessory
1 a : a person not actually or constructively present but contributing as an assistant or instigator to the commission of an offense ― called also accessory before the fact b : a person who knowing that a crime has been committed aids or shelters the offender with intent to defeat justice ― called also accessory after the fact
2 a : a thing of secondary or subordinate importance : ADJUNCT b : an object or device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else <auto accessories> <clothing accessories>

accessory
n. 1 : assisting as a subordinate especially : contributing to a crime but not as the chief agent
2 : aiding or contributing in a secondary way : SUPPLEMENTARY
3 : present in a minor amount and not essential as a constituent <an accessory mineral in a rock>

accessory
n. accessory fruit
accessory nerve
accessory after the fact
accessory before the fact

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

accessory nerve
: either of a pair of motor nerves that are the 11th cranial nerves of higher vertebrates, arise from the medulla and the upper part of the spinal cord, and supply chiefly the pharynx and muscles of the upper chest, back, and shoulders

acciaccatura
n. : a discordant note sounded with a principal note or chord and immediately released

accidence
n. : a part of grammar that deals with inflections

accident
n. 1 a : an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance b : lack of intention or necessity : CHANCE <met by accident rather than by design>
2 a : an unfortunate event resulting especially from carelessness or ignorance b : an unexpected and medically important bodily event especially when injurious <a cerebrovascular accident> c : an unexpected happening causing loss or injury which is not due to any fault or misconduct on the part of the person injured but for which legal relief may be sought d ― used euphemistically to refer to an involuntary act or instance of urination or defecation
3 : a nonessential property or quality of an entity or circumstance <the accident of nationality>

accident
n. cerebrovascular accident
accident insurance
accident prone

accident insurance
: insurance against loss through accidental bodily injury to the insured

accident-prone
1 : having a greater than average number of accidents
2 : having personality traits that predispose to accidents

accidental
1 : arising from extrinsic causes : INCIDENTAL, NONESSENTIAL
2 a : occurring unexpectedly or by chance b : happening without intent or through carelessness and often with unfortunate results
–ac·ci·den·tal·ly \-'dent-lē, -'den-təl-ē\ also ac·ci·dent·ly \-'dent-lē\ adverb
–ac·ci·den·tal·ness \-'den-təl-nəs\ noun
synonyms ACCIDENTAL, FORTUITOUS, CASUAL, CONTINGENT mean not amenable to planning or prediction. ACCIDENTAL stresses chance <any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental>. FORTUITOUS so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause <a series of fortuitous events>. CASUAL stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent <a casual encounter with a stranger>. CONTINGENT suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence <the contingent effects of the proposed law>.

accidental
adj. 1 : a nonessential property
2 a : a note foreign to a key indicated by a signature b : a prefixed sign indicating an accidental

accidie
n. : ACEDIA

accipiter
n. : any of a genus (Accipiter) of medium-sized forest-inhabiting hawks that have short broad wings and a long tail and a characteristic flight pattern of several quick flaps and a glide
–ac·cip·i·trine \-'si-pə-ˌtrīn\ adjective or noun

acclaim
n. transitive verb
1 : APPLAUD, PRAISE
2 : to declare by acclamation
intransitive verb : to shout praise or applause
–ac·claim·er noun

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

acclamation
n. 1 : a loud eager expression of approval, praise, or assent
2 : an overwhelming affirmative vote by cheers, shouts, or applause rather than by ballot

acclimate
v. transitive verb : to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation
intransitive verb : to become acclimated

acclimation
n. : the process or result of acclimating especially : physiological adjustment by an organism to environmental change

acclimatise
v. British variant of acclimatize

acclimatize
v. : ACCLIMATE
–ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion \ə-ˌklī-mə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ac·cli·ma·tiz·er noun

acclivity
n. : an ascending slope (as of a hill)

accolade
n. 1 a : a ceremonial embrace b : a ceremony or salute conferring knighthood
2 a : a mark of acknowledgment : AWARD b : an expression of praise
3 : a brace or a line used in music to join two or more staffs carrying simultaneous parts

accommodate
transitive verb
1 : to make fit, suitable, or congruous
2 : to bring into agreement or concord : RECONCILE
3 : to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service, a loan, or lodgings)
4 a : to make room for b : to hold without crowding or inconvenience
5 : to give consideration to : allow for <accommodate the special interests of various groups>
intransitive verb : to adapt oneself also : to undergo visual accommodation
synonyms see ADAPT, CONTAIN
–ac·com·mo·da·tive \-ˌdā-tiv\ adjective
–ac·com·mo·da·tive·ness noun
–ac·com·mo·da·tor \-ˌdā-tər\ noun

accommodating
adj. : willing to please : HELPFUL, OBLIGING
–ac·com·mo·dat·ing·ly \-ˌdā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

accommodation
n. 1 : something supplied for convenience or to satisfy a need: as a : lodging, food, and services or traveling space and related services ― usually used in plural <tourist accommodations on the boat> <overnight accommodations> b : a public conveyance (as a train) that stops at all or nearly all points c : LOAN
2 : the act of accommodating : the state of being accommodated: as a : the providing of what is needed or desired for convenience b : ADAPTATION, ADJUSTMENT c : a reconciliation of differences : SETTLEMENT d : the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances effected chiefly by changes in the convexity of the crystalline lens also : the range over which such adjustment is possible
–ac·com·mo·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

accommodation ladder
: a light ladder or stairway hung over the side of a ship for ascending from or descending to small boats

accommodationist
: one who adapts to or compromises with an opposing view especially : a black who adapts to the ideals or attitudes of whites
–ac·com·mo·da·tion·ism \-ni-zəm\ noun

accommodationist
n. : favoring or practicing accommodation or compromise

accompaniment
n. 1 : an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody
2 a : an addition (as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry : COMPLEMENT b : an accompanying situation or occurrence : CONCOMITANT
–ac·com·pa·ni·ment·al \-ˌkəm-pə-nē-'men-təl, -ˌkəmp-nē-\ adjective

accompanist
n. : one (as a pianist) who plays an accompaniment

accompany
v. transitive verb
1 : to go with as an associate or companion
2 : to perform an accompaniment to or for
3 a : to cause to be in association <accompanied their advice with a warning> b : to be in association with <the pictures that accompany the text>
intransitive verb : to perform an accompaniment

accomplice
n. : one associated with another especially in wrongdoing

accomplish
v. 1 : to bring about (a result) by effort <have much to accomplish today>
2 : to bring to completion : FULFILL <we can accomplish the job in an hour>
3 : to succeed in reaching (a stage in a progression) <would starve before accomplishing half the distance ― W. H. Hudson †1922>
4 archaic a : to equip thoroughly b : PERFECT
synonyms see PERFORM
–ac·com·plish·able \-pli-shə-bəl\ adjective
–ac·com·plish·er noun

accomplished
adj. 1 a : proficient as the result of practice or training <an accomplished dancer> also : skillfully done or produced <an accomplished film> b : having many social accomplishments
2 : established beyond doubt or dispute <an accomplished fact>

accomplishment
n. 1 : the act of accomplishing : COMPLETION
2 : something that has been accomplished : ACHIEVEMENT
3 a : a quality or ability equipping one for society b : a special skill or ability acquired by training or practice

accord
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring into agreement : RECONCILE
2 : to grant or give especially as appropriate, due, or earned
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to arrive at an agreement
2 obsolete : to give consent
3 : to be consistent or in harmony : AGREE ― usually used with with <a theory that accords with the known facts>
synonyms see GRANT

accord
n. 1 a : AGREEMENT, CONFORMITY <acted in accord with the company's policy> b : a formal reaching of agreement : COMPACT, TREATY
2 : balanced interrelationship : HARMONY
3 obsolete : ASSENT
4 : voluntary or spontaneous impulse to act <gave generously of their own accord>

accordance
n. 1 : AGREEMENT, CONFORMITY <in accordance with a rule>
2 : the act of granting

accordant
adj. 1 : CONSONANT, AGREEING
2 : HARMONIOUS, CORRESPONDENT
–ac·cor·dant·ly adverb

according as
1 : in accord with the way in which
2 a : depending on how b : depending on whether : IF

according to
1 : in conformity with
2 : as stated or attested by
3 : depending on

accordingly
adv. 1 : in accordance : CORRESPONDINGLY
2 : CONSEQUENTLY, SO

accordion
n. : a portable keyboard wind instrument in which the wind is forced past free reeds by means of a hand-operated bellows
–ac·cor·di·on·ist \-dē-ə-nist\ noun

accordion
n. : folding or creased or hinged to fold like an accordion <an accordion pleat> <an accordion door>

accost
v. : to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way

accouchement
n. : the time or act of giving birth

accoucheur
n. : one that assists at a birth especially : OBSTETRICIAN

account
n. 1 archaic : RECKONING, COMPUTATION
2 a : a record of debit and credit entries to cover transactions involving a particular item or a particular person or concern b : a statement of transactions during a fiscal period and the resulting balance
3 a : a statement explaining one's conduct b : a statement or exposition of reasons, causes, or motives <no satisfactory account of these phenomena> c : a reason for an action : BASIS <on that account I must refuse>
4 a : a formal business arrangement providing for regular dealings or services (as banking, advertising, or store credit) and involving the establishment and maintenance of an account also : CLIENT, CUSTOMER b : money deposited in a bank account and subject to withdrawal by the depositor
5 a : VALUE, IMPORTANCE <it's of no account to me> b : ESTEEM <stood high in their account>
6 : ADVANTAGE <turned her wit to good account>
7 a : careful thought : CONSIDERATION <have to take many things into account> b : a usually mental record : TRACK <keep account of all you do>
8 : a description of facts, conditions, or events : REPORT, NARRATIVE <the newspaper account of the fire> <by all accounts they're well-off> also : PERFORMANCE <a straightforward account of the sonata>
–on account : with the price charged to one's account
–on account of : for the sake of : by reason of
–on no account : under no circumstances
–on one's own account
1 : on one's own behalf
2 : at one's own risk
3 : by oneself : on one's own

account
n. transitive verb
1 : to think of as : CONSIDER <accounts himself lucky>
2 : to probe into : ANALYZE
intransitive verb
1 : to furnish a justifying analysis or explanation ― used with for <couldn't account for the loss>
2 a : to be the sole or primary factor ― used with for <the pitcher accounted for all three putouts> b : to bring about the capture, death, or destruction of something ― used with for <accounted for two rabbits>

account
n. on one's own account
on no account
on account of
on account
account executive
account payable
account receivable
bring to account
call to account
charge account
checking account
discretionary account
drawing account
expense account
give a good account of
hold to account
income account
individual retirement account
money of account
no account
savings account
suspense account
take into account
take account of
accounts payable
accounts receivable
cost accounting

account executive
: a business executive (as in an advertising agency) responsible for dealing with a client's account

account payable
: the balance due to a creditor on a current account

account receivable
: a balance due from a debtor on a current account

accountability
n. : the quality or state of being accountable especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions <public officials lacking accountability>

accountable
adj. 1 : subject to giving an account : ANSWERABLE <held her accountable for the damage>
2 : capable of being accounted for : EXPLAINABLE
synonyms see RESPONSIBLE
–ac·count·able·ness \-'kau̇n-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ac·count·ably \-blē\ adverb

accountancy
n. : the profession or practice of accounting

accountant
n. 1 : one that gives an account or is accountable
2 : one who is skilled in the practice of accounting or who is in charge of public or private accounts
–ac·coun·tant·ship \-tən(t)-ˌship\ noun

accountant
n. obsolete : ACCOUNTABLE, ANSWERABLE <I stand accountant for as great a sin ― Shakespeare>

accountant
n. certified public accountant
chartered accountant
cost accountant
turf accountant

accounting
n. 1 : the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions and analyzing, verifying, and reporting the results also : the principles and procedures of accounting
2 a : work done in accounting or by accountants b : an instance of applied accounting or of the settling or presenting of accounts
3 : ACCOUNT 3

accoutre
: to provide with equipment or furnishings : OUTFIT
synonyms see FURNISH

accoutrement
n. 1 a : EQUIPMENT, TRAPPINGS specifically : a soldier's outfit usually not including clothes and weapons ― usually used in plural b : an accessory item of clothing or equipment ― usually used in plural
2 archaic : the act of accoutring
3 : an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device ― usually used in plural <accoutrements of power that define our diplomacy ― Elizabeth Drew>

Accra
n. city & port capital of Ghana on Gulf of Guinea pop 867,459

accredit
v. 1 : to give official authorization to or approval of: a : to provide with credentials especially : to send (an envoy) with letters of authorization b : to recognize or vouch for as conforming with a standard c : to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice
2 : to consider or recognize as outstanding
3 : ATTRIBUTE, CREDIT
synonyms see APPROVE
–ac·cred·i·table \-də-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ac·cred·i·ta·tion \ə-ˌkre-də-'tā-shən, -'dā-\ noun

accrete
v. intransitive verb : to grow or become attached by accretion
transitive verb : to cause to adhere or become attached also : ACCUMULATE

accretion
n. 1 : the process of growth or enlargement by a gradual buildup: as a : increase by external addition or accumulation (as by adhesion of external parts or particles) b : the increase of land by the action of natural forces
2 : a product of accretion especially : an extraneous addition <accretions of grime>
–ac·cre·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ˌne-rē\ adjective
–ac·cre·tive \ə-'krē-tiv\ adjective

accretion disk
: a disk of usually gaseous matter surrounding a massive celestial object (as a black hole) in which the matter gradually spirals in toward and accretes onto the object as a result of gravitational attraction

Accrington
town NW England in SE Lancashire N of Manchester

accrual
n. 1 : the action or process of accruing
2 : something that accrues or has accrued

accrual
n. : relating to or being a method of accounting that recognizes income when earned and expenses when incurred regardless of when cash is received or disbursed ― compare CASH

accrue
v. intransitive verb
1 : to come into existence as a legally enforceable claim
2 a : to come about as a natural growth, increase, or advantage <the wisdom that accrues with age> b : to come as a direct result of some state or action <rewards due to the feminine will accrue to me ― Germaine Greer>
3 : to accumulate or be added periodically <interest accrues on a daily basis>
transitive verb : to accumulate or have due after a period of time <accrue vacation time>
–ac·cru·able \-'krü-ə-bəl\ adjective
–ac·crue·ment \-'krü-mənt\ noun

acct
n. account; accountant

acculturate
v. : to change through acculturation

acculturation
n. 1 : cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture also : a merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact
2 : the process by which a human being acquires the culture of a particular society from infancy
–ac·cul·tur·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ac·cul·tur·a·tive \ə-'kəl-chə-ˌrā-tiv, a-\ adjective

accumulate
v. transitive verb : to gather or pile up especially little by little : AMASS <accumulate a fortune>
intransitive verb : to increase gradually in quantity or number

accumulation
n. 1 : something that has accumulated or has been accumulated
2 : the action or process of accumulating : the state of being or having accumulated
3 : increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated <accumulation of interest>

accumulative
adj. 1 : CUMULATIVE <an age of rapid and accumulative change>
2 : tending or given to accumulation
–ac·cu·mu·la·tive·ly adverb
–ac·cu·mu·la·tive·ness noun

accumulator
n. : one that accumulates: as a : a device (as in a hydraulic system) in which a fluid is collected and especially in which it is kept under pressure as a means of storing energy b British : STORAGE BATTERY c : a part (as in a computer) where numbers are totaled or stored

accuracy
n. 1 : freedom from mistake or error : CORRECTNESS
2 a : conformity to truth or to a standard or model : EXACTNESS b : degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or a true value ― compare PRECISION 2a

accurate
adj. 1 : free from error especially as the result of care <an accurate diagnosis>
2 : conforming exactly to truth or to a standard : EXACT <providing accurate color>
3 : able to give an accurate result <an accurate gauge>
synonyms see CORRECT
–ac·cu·rate·ly \'a-kyə-rət-lē, 'a-k(ə-)rət-, 'a-k(y)ərt-\ adverb
–ac·cu·rate·ness \-kyə-rət-nəs, -k(ə-)rət-nəs\ noun

accursed
adj. 1 : being under or as if under a curse <an accursed people>
2 : DAMNABLE
–ac·curs·ed·ly \-'kər-səd-lē\ adverb
–ac·curs·ed·ness \-'kər-səd-nəs\ noun

accus
accusative

accusal
n. : ACCUSATION

accusation
n. 1 : the act of accusing : the state or fact of being accused
2 : a charge of wrongdoing

accusative
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being the grammatical case that marks the direct object of a verb or the object of any of several prepositions
2 : ACCUSATORY <an accusative tone>

accusative
n. : the accusative case of a language : a form in the accusative case

accusatory
adj. : containing or expressing accusation : ACCUSING <an accusatory look>

accuse
v. transitive verb
1 : to charge with a fault or offense : BLAME
2 : to charge with an offense judicially or by a public process
intransitive verb : to bring an accusation
–ac·cus·er \ə-'kyü-zər\ noun
–ac·cus·ing·ly \-'kyü-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

accused
n. : one charged with an offense especially : the defendant in a criminal case

accustom
v. : to make familiar with something through use or experience
–ac·cus·tom·ation \-ˌkəs-tə-'mā-shən\ noun

accustomed
adj. 1 : often used or practiced : CUSTOMARY <her accustomed cheerfulness>
2 : adapted to existing conditions <eyes accustomed to the dark>
3 : being in the habit or custom <accustomed to winning>
synonyms see USUAL
–ac·cus·tomed·ness \-təm(d)-nəs\ noun

ACE
n. American Council on Education

ace
n. 1 a : a die face marked with one spot b : a playing card marked in its center with one pip c : a domino end marked with one spot
2 : a very small amount or degree : PARTICLE
3 : a point scored especially on a service (as in tennis or handball) that an opponent fails to touch
4 : a golf score of one stroke on a hole also : a hole made in one stroke
5 : a combat pilot who has brought down at least five enemy airplanes
6 a : a person who excels at something <a computer ace> b : the best pitcher on a baseball team <the ace of the staff>
–ace in the hole
1 : an ace dealt face down to a player (as in stud poker) and not exposed until the showdown
2 : an effective and decisive argument or resource held in reserve
–within an ace of : on the point of : very near to <came within an ace of winning>

ace
n. 1 : to score an ace against (an opponent)
2 : to make (a hole in golf) in one stroke
3 : to gain a decisive advantage over : DEFEAT ― usually used with out
4 a : to earn a high grade on (as an examination) especially : to get an A on b : to perform extremely well in <he aced every subject>

ace
n. : of first or high rank or quality <an ace mechanic>

ace
n. within an ace of
ace in the hole
ACE inhibitor

ace in the hole

1 : an ace dealt face down to a player (as in stud poker) and not exposed until the showdown
2 : an effective and decisive argument or resource held in reserve

ACE inhibitor
: any of a group of antihypertensive drugs (as captopril) that relax arteries and promote renal excretion of salt and water by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme

aceae
: plants of the nature of <Rosaceae> ― in names of families of plants

acedia
n. : APATHY, BOREDOM

Aceldama
n. : the potter's field bought with the money Judas had been paid for betraying Christ

acellular
adj. 1 : containing no cells <acellular vaccines>
2 : not divided into cells : consisting of a single complex cell ― used especially of protozoa and ciliates

acentric
adj. : lacking a centromere <acentric chromosomes>

aceous
1 a : characterized by : full of <setaceous> b : consisting of <diatomaceous> : having the nature or form of <tuffaceous>
2 a : of or relating to a group of animals typified by (such) a form <cetaceous> or characterized by (such) a feature <crustaceous> b : of or relating to a plant family <solanaceous>

acephalous
adj. 1 : lacking a head or having the head reduced
2 : lacking a governing head or chief

acequia
Southwest : an irrigation ditch or canal

acerb
adj. : ACERBIC <acerb humor>

acerbate
v. : IRRITATE, EXASPERATE

acerbic
adj. : acid in temper, mood, or tone <acerbic commentary> <an acerbic reviewer>
–acer·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

acerbity
n. : the quality of being acerbic

acerola
n. : any of various West Indian shrubs (genus Malpighia of the family Malpighiaceae) with mildly acid cherrylike fruits very rich in vitamin C

acesulfame-K
: a white crystalline powder C_4H_4KNO_4S that is a cyclic organic potassium salt, has a sweetness much more intense than sucrose, and is used as a noncaloric sweetener in foods and beverages ― called also acesulfame potassium

acet
: acetic acid : acetic <acetyl>

acetabulum
n. 1 : a ventral sucker of a trematode
2 : the cup-shaped socket in the hipbone
–ac·e·tab·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

acetal
n. : any of various compounds characterized by the grouping C(OR)2 and obtained especially by heating aldehydes or ketones with alcohols

acetaldehyde
n. : a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde C_2H_4O used chiefly in organic synthesis

acetamide
n. : a white crystalline amide C_2H_5NO of acetic acid used especially as a solvent and in organic synthesis

acetaminophen
n. : a crystalline compound C_8H_9NO_2 that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine to relieve pain and fever

acetanilide
n. : a white crystalline compound C_8H_9NO that is derived from aniline and acetic acid and is used especially to relieve pain or fever

acetate
n. 1 : a salt or ester of acetic acid
2 : CELLULOSE ACETATE also : something (as a textile fiber) made from cellulose acetate
3 : a phonograph recording disk made of an acetate or coated with cellulose acetate

acetate
n. amyl acetate
cellulose acetate
ethyl acetate
lead acetate
methyl acetate

acetazolamide
n. : a diuretic drug C_4H_6N_4O_3S_2 used especially in the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure and of glaucoma and in the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness

acetic acid
: a colorless pungent liquid acid C_2H_4O_2 that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used especially in synthesis (as of plastics)

acetic anhydride
: a colorless liquid C_4H_6O_3 with a pungent odor used in organic synthesis (as of cellulose acetate and aspirin)

acetify
v. : to turn into acetic acid or vinegar
–ace·ti·fi·ca·tion \-ˌsē-tə-fə-'kā-shən, -ˌse-\ noun

acetoacetic acid
: an unstable acid C_4H_6O_3 that is a ketone body found in abnormal quantities in the blood and urine in some conditions (as diabetes)

acetone
n. : a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone C_3H_6O used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found in abnormal quantities in diabetic urine
–ac·e·ton·ic \ˌa-sə-'tä-nik\ adjective

acetonitrile
n. : the colorless liquid nitrile CH_3CN of acetic acid used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a solvent

acetophenetidin
n. : PHENACETIN

acetous
adj. : relating to or producing vinegar <acetous fermentation> also : SOUR, VINEGARY

acetyl
n. : the radical CH_3CO– of acetic acid ― often used in combination

acetyl CoA
: ACETYL COENZYME A

acetyl coenzyme A
: a compound C_25H_38N_7O_17P_3S formed as an intermediate in metabolism and active as a coenzyme in biological acetylations

acetylate
v. : to introduce the acetyl radical into (a compound)
–acet·y·la·tion \-ˌse-təl-'ā-shən\ noun
–acet·y·la·tive \-'set-əl-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

acetylcholine
n. : a neurotransmitter C_7H_17NO_3 released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline

acetylcholinesterase
n. : an enzyme that occurs especially in some nerve endings and in the blood and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine

acetylene
n. : a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)
–acet·y·le·nic \ə-ˌse-təl-'ē-nik, -'e-nik\ adjective

acetylsalicylate
n. : a salt or ester of acetylsalicylic acid

acetylsalicylic acid
: ASPIRIN 1

acey-deucey
: a variation of backgammon in which a throw of a 1-2 wins extra turns

Achaea
region S Greece in N Peloponnese bordering on Gulfs of Corinth & Patras
–Achae·an \ə-'kē-ən\ or Acha·ian \ə-'kī-ən, -'kā-\ adjective or noun

Achaean
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Achaea broadly : of or relating to Greece

Achaean
n. : a native or inhabitant of Achaea broadly : GREEK

Achaemenian
adj. : of or relating to the Achaemenids

Achaemenid
n. : a member of the ruling house of ancient Persia generally considered historically important from the assumption of power by Cyrus the Great (559 B.C.) to the overthrow of Darius III (330 B.C.)

achalasia
n. : failure of a ring of muscle (as the anal sphincter or one of the esophagus) to relax

Achates
: a faithful companion of Aeneas in Virgil's Aeneid

ache
n. 1 a : to suffer a usually dull persistent pain <an aching back> b : to become distressed or disturbed (as with anxiety or regret) <aching with sadness> c : to feel compassion <my heart aches for those poor people>
2 : to experience a painful eagerness or yearning <he is aching to go>

ache
n. 1 : a usually dull persistent pain
2 : a condition marked by aching

Achelous
river 137 mi (220 km) W Greece flowing S to Ionian Sea

achene
n. : a small dry indehiscent one-seeded fruit (as of a sunflower) developing from a simple ovary and usually having a thin pericarp attached to the seed at only one point

Acheron
n. : a river in Hades

Acheson
Dean Gooderham 1893-1971 American statesman

Acheulean
n. : of or relating to a Lower Paleolithic culture originating in Africa and typified by bifacial tools with round cutting edges

achieve
v. transitive verb
1 : to carry out successfully : ACCOMPLISH <achieve a gradual increase in production>
2 : to get or attain as the result of exertion : REACH <achieved a high degree of skill> <achieved greatness>
intransitive verb : to attain a desired end or aim : become successful
synonyms see PERFORM
–achiev·able \-'chē-və-bəl\ adjective
–achiev·er noun

achieved
v. : brought to or marked by a high degree of development or refinement : FINISHED <fully achieved poems>

achievement
n. 1 : the act of achieving : ACCOMPLISHMENT
2 a : a result gained by effort b : a great or heroic deed
3 : the quality and quantity of a student's work
synonyms see FEAT

Achill
island 15 mi (24 km) long NW Ireland in County Mayo

Achilles
n. : the greatest warrior among the Greeks at Troy and slayer of Hector

Achilles
n. Achilles' heel
Achilles tendon
tendon of Achilles

Achilles tendon
: the strong tendon joining the muscles in the calf of the leg to the bone of the heel ― called also Achilles

Achilles' heel
: a vulnerable point

aching
adj. 1 : that aches <an aching back>
2 : causing or reflecting distress, deep emotion, or longing <aching country ballads>

achingly
adv. 1 : in an aching manner <achingly sad songs>
2 : EXTREMELY, EXCEEDINGLY <achingly complicated>

achiote
n. : a spice made from the red seed of the annatto tree also : the seed from which the spice is made

achiral
adj. : of, relating to, or being a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image : not chiral

achlorhydria
n. : absence of hydrochloric acid from the gastric juice
–achlor·hy·dric \-'hi-drik, -'hī-\ adjective

achondrite
n. : a stony meteorite without rounded grains
–achon·drit·ic \ˌā-ˌkän-'dri-tik\ adjective

achondroplasia
n. : a genetic disorder disturbing normal growth of cartilage, resulting in a form of dwarfism characterized by a usually normal torso and shortened limbs, and usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait
–achon·dro·plas·tic \-'plas-tik\ adjective

achoo
interj. ― used to represent the sound of a sneeze

Achray, Loch
lake cen Scotland SE of Loch Katrine

achromat
n. : ACHROMATIC LENS

achromatic
adj. 1 : refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors <an achromatic telescope>
2 : not readily colored by the usual staining agents
3 : possessing no hue : being or involving black, gray, or white : NEUTRAL <achromatic visual sensations>
4 : being without accidentals or modulation : DIATONIC
–ach·ro·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–achro·ma·tism \(ˌ)ā-'krō-mə-ˌti-zəm, a-\ noun
–achro·ma·tize \(ˌ)ā-'krō-mə-ˌtīz, a-\ transitive verb

achromatic lens
: a lens made by combining lenses of different glasses having different focal powers so that the light emerging from the lens forms an image practically free of chromatic aberration

achy
adj. : afflicted with aches <feeling tired and achy>
–ach·i·ness noun

acicular
adj. : shaped like a needle <acicular leaves> <acicular crystals>

acid
n. 1 a : sour, sharp, or biting to the taste <an acid flavor> b : sharp, biting, or sour in manner, disposition, or nature <an acid individual> <an acid personality> c : sharply clear, discerning, or pointed <an acid wit> <acid criticism> d : piercingly intense and often jarring <acid yellow>
2 a : of, relating to, or being an acid also : having the reactions or characteristics of an acid <acid soil> <an acid solution> b of salts and esters : derived by partial exchange of replaceable hydrogen <acid sodium carbonate NaHCO_3> c : containing or involving the use of an acid (as in manufacture) <an acid bath> d : marked by or resulting from an abnormally high concentration of acid <acid indigestion>
3 : relating to or made by a process (as in making steel) in which the furnace is lined with acidic material and an acidic slag is used
4 : rich in silica <acid rocks>
–ac·id·ly adverb
–ac·id·ness noun

acid
n. 1 : a sour substance specifically : any of various typically water-soluble and sour compounds that in solution are capable of reacting with a base to form a salt, redden litmus, and have a pH less than 7, that are hydrogen-containing molecules or ions able to give up a proton to a base, or that are substances able to accept an unshared pair of electrons from a base
2 : something incisive, biting, or sarcastic <a social satire dripping with acid>
3 : LSD
–ac·idy \'a-sə-dē\ adjective

acid
n. adenylic acid
lysergic acid diethylamide
nicotinic acid
abscisic acid
acetic acid
acetoacetic acid
acetylsalicylic acid
acid fast
acid phosphatase
acid precipitation
acid rain
acid rock
acid snow
acid test
acid washed
acid wash
acrylic acid
adipic acid
alginic acid
alpha hydroxy acid
amino acid
aminobenzoic acid
aminosalicylic acid
anthranilic acid
arachidonic acid
ascorbic acid
aspartic acid
barbituric acid
benzoic acid
bile acid
boracic acid
boric acid
bromic acid
butyric acid
cacodylic acid
capric acid
caproic acid
caprylic acid
carbamic acid
carbolic acid
carbonic acid
carbonic acid gas
carboxylic acid
chlorogenic acid
cholic acid
chromic acid
cinnamic acid
citric acid
citric acid cycle
cyanic acid
cyanuric acid
deoxyribonucleic acid
desoxyribonucleic acid
diphosphoglyceric acid
docosahexaenoic acid
domoic acid
ellagic acid
erucic acid
erythorbic acid
ethacrynic acid
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
fatty acid
ferulic acid
folic acid
pteroylglutamic acid
formic acid
fumaric acid
galacturonic acid
gallic acid
gamma aminobutyric acid
gibberellic acid
gluconic acid
glucuronic acid
glutamic acid
glutaric acid
glyceric acid
glycolic acid
glycollic acid
hexanoic acid
humic acid
hyaluronic acid
hydrazoic acid
hydriodic acid
hydrobromic acid
hydrochloric acid
hydrocyanic acid
hydrofluoric acid
hydroxybutyric acid
hypochlorous acid
indoleacetic acid
indolebutyric acid
isocitric acid
itaconic acid
ketoglutaric acid
tricarboxylic acid cycle
lactic acid
lauric acid
Lewis acid
linoleic acid
linolenic acid
lipoic acid
lysergic acid
maleic acid
malic acid
mefenamic acid
metaphosphoric acid
methacrylic acid
muramic acid
muriatic acid
myristic acid
nalidixic acid
nitric acid
nitrous acid
nucleic acid
oleic acid
orthophosphoric acid
osmic acid
oxalic acid
oxaloacetic acid
oxalacetic acid
oxalosuccinic acid
palmitic acid
pantothenic acid
para aminobenzoic acid
para aminosalicylic acid
pectic acid
perchloric acid
periodic acid
phosphoenolpyruvic acid
phosphoglyceric acid
phosphoric acid
phosphorous acid
phthalic acid
picric acid
polyadenylic acid
propionic acid
prussic acid
pyroligneous acid
pyrophosphoric acid
pyruvic acid
retinoic acid
ribonucleic acid
ricinoleic acid
salicylic acid
sebacic acid
sialic acid
silicic acid
sorbic acid
stearic acid
succinic acid
sulfonic acid
sulfuric acid
sulphuric acid
sulfurous acid
tannic acid
tartaric acid
taurocholic acid
terephthalic acid
thio acid
trans fatty acid
trichloroacetic acid
trichloracetic acid
tungstic acid
undecylenic acid
uric acid
urocanic acid
uronic acid
valeric acid

acid phosphatase
: a phosphatase (as the phosphomonoesterase from the prostate gland) optimally active in acid medium

acid precipitation
: precipitation (as rain or snow) having increased acidity caused by environmental factors (as atmospheric pollutants)

acid rain
: acid precipitation in the form of rain

acid rock
: rock music with lyrics and sound relating to or suggestive of drug-induced experiences

acid snow
: acid precipitation in the form of snow

acid test
: a severe or crucial test

acid-fast
: not easily decolorized by acids

acid-washed
: of, relating to, or being a fabric or a garment that has been treated with a bleach solution to produce a streaked or discolored appearance

acidhead
n. : an individual who uses LSD

acidic
adj. 1 : acid-forming
2 : ACID

acidifier
n. : one that acidifies especially : a substance used to increase soil acidity

acidify
v. 1 : to make acid
2 : to convert into an acid
–acid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌsi-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

acidimeter
n. : PH METER

acidity
n. 1 : the quality, state, or degree of being acid
2 : the state of being excessively acid

acidophil
n. : a substance, tissue, or organism that stains readily with acid stains
–acidophil also acidophile adjective

acidophilic
adj. 1 : staining readily with acid stains : ACIDOPHIL
2 : preferring or thriving in a relatively acid environment

acidophilus
n. : a lactobacillus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) that is added especially to dairy products (as yogurt and milk) or prepared as a dietary supplement, is part of the normal intestinal and vaginal flora, and is used therapeutically especially to promote intestinal health also : a preparation containing such bacteria

acidosis
n. : an abnormal condition characterized by reduced alkalinity of the blood and of the body tissues
–ac·i·dot·ic \-'dä-tik\ adjective

acidulate
v. : to make acid or slightly acid
–acid·u·la·tion \-ˌsi-jə-'lā-shən\ noun

acidulent
: ACIDULOUS

acidulous
adj. : somewhat acid or harsh in taste or manner

acinar
adj. : of, relating to, or comprising an acinus <pancreatic acinar cells>

acinus
n. : any of the small sacs terminating the ducts of some exocrine glands and lined with secretory cells
–ac·i·nous \-nəs\ adjective

ack
acknowledge; acknowledgment

ack-ack
: an antiaircraft gun also : antiaircraft fire

ackee
n. : the fruit of an African tree (Blighia sapida) of the soapberry family grown in the Caribbean area, Florida, and Hawaii for its white or yellowish fleshy aril that is edible when ripe but is poisonous when immature or overripe and that has a toxic pink raphe attaching the aril to the seed also : the tree

acknowledge
v. 1 : to recognize the rights, authority, or status of
2 : to disclose knowledge of or agreement with
3 a : to express gratitude or obligation for <acknowledge a gift> b : to take notice of <failed to acknowledge my greeting> c : to make known the receipt of <acknowledge a letter>
4 : to recognize as genuine or valid <acknowledge a debt>
synonyms ACKNOWLEDGE, ADMIT, OWN, AVOW, CONFESS mean to disclose against one's will or inclination. ACKNOWLEDGE implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed <acknowledged an earlier peccadillo>. ADMIT implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications <admitted the project was over budget>. OWN implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself <must own I know little about computers>. AVOW implies boldly declaring, often in the face of hostility, what one might be expected to be silent about <avowed that he was a revolutionary>. CONFESS may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt <confessed a weakness for sweets>.

acknowledged
adj. : generally recognized, accepted, or admitted <an acknowledged expert>
–ac·knowl·edged·ly \-lijd-lē, -li-jəd-\ adverb

acknowledgment
n. 1 a : the act of acknowledging b : recognition or favorable notice of an act or achievement
2 : a thing done or given in recognition of something received
3 : a declaration or avowal of one's act or of a fact to give it legal validity

ACL
: ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT

ACLS
advanced cardiac life support

ACLU
American Civil Liberties Union

acme
n. : the highest point or stage also : one that represents perfection of the thing expressed
synonyms see SUMMIT

acne
n. : a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles specifically : a form found chiefly in adolescents and marked by pimples especially on the face
–ac·ned \-nēd\ adjective

acne rosacea
: ROSACEA

acock
adv. : being in a cocked position

acoelomate
: an invertebrate lacking a coelom especially : one belonging to the group comprising the flatworms and nemerteans and characterized by bilateral symmetry and a digestive cavity that is the only internal cavity
–acoelomate adjective

acold
archaic : COLD, CHILLED <the owl, for all his feathers, was acold ― John Keats>

acolyte
n. 1 : one who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties
2 : one who attends or assists : FOLLOWER

Aconcagua
n. mountain 22,834 ft (6960 m) W Argentina WNW of Mendoza near Chilean border; highest in Andes & western hemisphere

aconite
n. 1 : MONKSHOOD
2 : the dried poisonous tuberous root of a common monkshood (Aconitum napellus) used especially formerly for its medicinal properties (as in relieving pain)

Acores
― see AZORES

acorn
n. : the nut of the oak usually seated in or surrounded by a hard woody cupule of indurated bracts

acorn
n. acorn squash
acorn woodpecker
acorn worm

acorn squash
: an acorn-shaped dark green winter squash (Cucurbita pepo) with a ridged surface and mildly sweet yellow to orange flesh

acorn woodpecker
: a woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) found from the U.S. Pacific coast south to Colombia that stores acorns in small holes which it digs especially in the bark of trees

acorn worm
: any of a class (Enteropneusta) of burrowing wormlike marine animals having an acorn-shaped proboscis and classified with the hemichordates

acoustic
n. 1 : of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds <acoustic apparatus of the ear> <acoustic energy>: as a : deadening or absorbing sound <acoustic tile> b : operated by or utilizing sound waves
2 : of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electronically modified
–acous·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

acoustician
n. : a specialist in acoustics

acoustics
n. 1 singular in construction : a science that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound
2 also acoustic : the qualities that determine the ability of an enclosure (as an auditorium) to reflect sound waves in such a way as to produce distinct hearing

ACP
1 African, Caribbean and Pacific (states)
2 American College of Physicians

acpt
acceptance

acquaint
v. 1 : to cause to know personally <was acquainted with the mayor>
2 : to make familiar : cause to know firsthand
synonyms see INFORM

acquaintance
n. 1 a : the state of being acquainted b : personal knowledge : FAMILIARITY
2 a : the persons with whom one is acquainted <should auld acquaintance be forgot ― Robert Burns> b : a person whom one knows but who is not a particularly close friend <a casual acquaintance>
–ac·quain·tance·ship \-ˌship\ noun

acquaintance rape
: rape committed by someone known to the victim

acquiesce
v. : to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively ― often used with in and sometimes with to
synonyms see ASSENT

acquiescence
n. 1 : the act of acquiescing : the state of being acquiescent
2 : an instance of acquiescing

acquiescent
adj. : inclined to acquiesce
–ac·qui·es·cent·ly adverb

acquirable
adj. : capable of being acquired

acquire
v. 1 : to get as one's own: a : to come into possession or control of often by unspecified means b : to come to have as a new or added characteristic, trait, or ability (as by sustained effort or natural selection) <acquire fluency in French> <bacteria that acquire tolerance to antibiotics>
2 : to locate and hold (a desired object) in a detector <acquire a target by radar>

acquire
v. acquired immune deficiency syndrome
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
acquired taste

acquired immune deficiency syndrome
: AIDS

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
: AIDS

acquired taste
: something or someone that is not easily or immediately liked or appreciated

acquiree
n. : one (as a company) that is acquired : ACQUISITION

acquirement
n. 1 : a skill of mind or body usually resulting from continued endeavor
2 : the act of acquiring

acquirer
n. : one that acquires especially : a company that acquires another company

acquisition
n. 1 : the act of acquiring
2 : something or someone acquired or gained <the team announced two new acquisitions>
–ac·qui·si·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ac·quis·i·tor \ə-'kwi-zə-tər\ noun

acquisitive
adj. : strongly desirous of acquiring and possessing
synonyms see COVETOUS
–ac·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
–ac·quis·i·tive·ness noun

acquit
v. 1 a archaic : to pay off (as a claim or debt) b obsolete : REPAY, REQUITE
2 : to discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation) <the court acquitted the prisoner>
3 : to conduct (oneself) usually satisfactorily especially under stress <the recruits acquitted themselves like veterans>
synonyms see BEHAVE, EXCULPATE
–ac·quit·ter noun

acquittal
n. : a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

acquittance
n. : a document evidencing a discharge from an obligation especially : a receipt in full

acr
1 : beginning : end : tip <acronym>
2 a : top : peak : summit <acropetal> b : height <acrophobia>

Acragas
― see AGRIGENTO

Acre
n. state W Brazil bordering on Peru & Bolivia capital Rio Branco area 59,343 sq mi (153,698 sq km), pop 557,526

Acre
n. city & port NW Israel N of Mt. Carmel pop 37,400

acre
n. 1 a archaic : a field especially of arable land or pastureland b plural : LANDS, ESTATE
2 : any of various units of area specifically : a unit in the U.S. and England equal to 43,560 square feet (4047 square meters) ― see WEIGHT table
3 : a broad expanse or great quantity <acres of free publicity>

acre
n. acre foot
acre inch
God's acre

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

acre-inch
: one twelfth of an acre-foot

acreage
n. : area in acres : ACRES

acrid
adj. 1 : sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor : IRRITATING
2 : deeply or violently bitter : ACRIMONIOUS <an acrid denunciation>
synonyms see CAUSTIC
–acrid·i·ty \a-'kri-də-tē, ə-\ noun
–ac·rid·ly \'a-krəd-lē\ adverb
–ac·rid·ness noun

acridine
n. : a colorless crystalline compound C_13H_9N occurring in coal tar and important as the parent compound of dyes and pharmaceuticals

acridine orange
: a basic orange dye structurally related to acridine and used especially to stain nucleic acids

acriflavine
n. : a yellow dye C_14H_14N_3Cl used as an antiseptic especially for wounds

acrimonious
adj. : caustic, biting, or rancorous especially in feeling, language, or manner <an acrimonious dispute>
–ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb
–ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

acrimony
n. : harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or disposition

acritarch
: any of a group of fossil one-celled marine planktonic organisms of uncertain and possibly various taxonomic affinities held to represent the earliest known eukaryotes

acrobat
n. 1 : one that performs gymnastic feats requiring skillful control of the body
2 a : one skillful at exercises of intellectual or artistic dexterity b : one adept at swiftly changing or adapting a position or viewpoint <a political acrobat>
–ac·ro·bat·ic \ˌa-krə-'ba-tik\ adjective
–ac·ro·bat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

acrobatics
n. 1 : the art, performance, or activity of an acrobat
2 : a spectacular, showy, or startling performance or demonstration involving great agility or complexity

acrocentric
adj. : having the centromere situated so that one chromosomal arm is much shorter than the other
–acrocentric noun

acrolect
n. : the language variety of a speech community closest to the standard or prestige form of a language

acrolein
n. : a colorless irritant pungent liquid aldehyde C_3H_4O used chiefly in organic synthesis

acromegaly
n. : a disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland and marked especially by progressive enlargement of hands, feet, and face
–ac·ro·me·gal·ic \-mə-'ga-lik\ adjective or noun

acronym
n. : a word (as NATO, radar, or snafu) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term also : an abbreviation (as FBI) formed from initial letters : INITIALISM
–ac·ro·nym·ic \ˌa-krə-'ni-mik\ adjective
–ac·ro·nym·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

acropetal
adj. : proceeding from the base toward the apex or from below upward <acropetal development of floral buds>
–acrop·e·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

acrophobia
n. : abnormal dread of being in a high place : fear of heights
–ac·ro·phobe \'a-krə-ˌfōb\ noun
–ac·ro·pho·bic \-bik\ adjective

acropolis
n. : the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city (as Athens) also : a usually fortified height of a city or district elsewhere (as in Central America)

acrosome
n. : an anterior prolongation of a spermatozoon that releases egg-penetrating enzymes
–ac·ro·so·mal \ˌa-krə-'sō-məl\ adjective

across
adv. 1 : in a position reaching from one side to the other : CROSSWISE
2 : to or on the opposite side
3 : so as to be understandable, acceptable, or successful <get an argument across>

across
adv. 1 a : from one side to the opposite side of : OVER, THROUGH <swam across the river> b : on the opposite side of <lives across the street from us>
2 : so as to intersect or pass through at an angle <sawed across the grain of the wood>
3 : so as to find or meet <came across your football in the hall closet>
4 a : THROUGHOUT <obvious interest across the nation ― Robert Goralski> b : so as to include or take into consideration all classes or categories <across differences, they insist, there can be no rational dialogue ― Huston Smith>

across
adv. : being in a crossed position

across
adv. across the board
come across
get across
put across
run across

across the board
so as to include or affect all classes or categories <cut spending across the board> also : in all areas or respects <considered an average player across the board>

across-the-board
1 : placed to win if a competitor wins, places, or shows <an across-the-board racing bet>
2 : embracing or affecting all classes or categories : BLANKET <an across-the-board price increase>

acrostic
n. 1 : a composition usually in verse in which sets of letters (as the initial or final letters of the lines) taken in order form a word or phrase or a regular sequence of letters of the alphabet
2 : ACRONYM
–acrostic also acros·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–acros·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

acrylamide
n. : an amide C_3H_5NO that is derived from acrylic acid, that polymerizes readily, and that is used in the manufacture of synthetic textile fibers

acrylate
adj. 1 : a salt or ester of acrylic acid
2 : ACRYLIC RESIN

acrylic
n. 1 : of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives <acrylic polymers>
2 : made or consisting of an acrylic <an acrylic window>

acrylic
n. 1 a : ACRYLIC RESIN b : a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin c : a painting done in an acrylic resin
2 : ACRYLIC FIBER

acrylic
n. acrylic acid
acrylic fiber
acrylic resin

acrylic acid
: an unsaturated liquid acid C_3H_4O_2 that polymerizes readily to form useful products (as constituents for varnishes and lacquers)

acrylic fiber
: a quick-drying synthetic textile fiber made by polymerization of acrylonitrile usually with other monomers

acrylic resin
: a glassy thermoplastic made by polymerizing acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or a derivative of either and used for cast and molded parts or as coatings and adhesives

acrylonitrile
n. : a colorless volatile flammable liquid nitrile C_3H_3N used chiefly in organic synthesis and for polymerization

ACS
1 American Chemical Society
2 American College of Surgeons

ACT
n. 1 Action for Children's Television
2 American College Test
3 Association of Classroom Teachers
4 Australian Capital Territory

act
n. 1 a : the doing of a thing : DEED b : something done voluntarily
2 : a state of real existence rather than possibility
3 : the formal product of a legislative body : STATUTE also : a decision or determination of a sovereign, a legislative council, or a court of justice
4 : the process of doing : ACTION <caught in the act>
5 often capitalized : a formal record of something done or transacted
6 : one of the principal divisions of a theatrical work (as a play or opera)
7 a : one of successive parts or performances (as in a variety show or circus) b : the performer or performers in such an act c : a performance or presentation identified with a particular individual or group d : the sum of a person's actions or effects that serve to create an impression or set an example <a hard act to follow>
8 : a display of affected behavior : PRETENSE
–into the act or in on the act : into an undertaking or situation as an active participant

act
n. 1 obsolete : ACTUATE, ANIMATE
2 a : to represent or perform by action especially on the stage b : FEIGN, SIMULATE c : IMPERSONATE
3 : to play the part of as if in a play <act the man of the world>
4 : to behave in a manner suitable to <act your age>
intransitive verb
1 a : to perform on the stage b : to behave as if performing on the stage : PRETEND
2 : to take action : MOVE <think before acting> <acted favorably on the recommendation>
3 : to conduct oneself : BEHAVE <act like a fool>
4 : to perform a specified function : SERVE <trees acting as a windbreak>
5 : to produce an effect : WORK <wait for a medicine to act>
6 of a play : to be capable of being performed <the play acts well>
7 : to give a decision or award <adjourned without acting on the bill>
–act·abil·i·ty \ˌak-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–act·able \'ak-tə-bəl\ adjective

act
n. 1 active
2 actor
3 actual

act
n. in on the act
into the act
act of God
act out
act up
balancing act
class act
clean up one's act
get one's act together
read the riot act
riot act
sex act
Acts of the Apostles
self acting

act of God

1783
: an extraordinary interruption by a natural cause (as a flood or earthquake) of the usual course of events that experience, prescience, or care cannot reasonably foresee or prevent

act out
1 a : to represent in action <children act out what they read> b : to translate into action <unwilling to act out their beliefs>
2 : to express (as an impulse or a fantasy) directly in overt behavior without modification to comply with social norms
intransitive verb : to behave badly or in a socially unacceptable often self-defeating manner especially as a means of venting painful emotions (as fear or frustration)

ACT UP
AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power

act up
1 : to act in a way different from that which is normal or expected: as a : to behave in an unruly, recalcitrant, or capricious manner <the children were acting up> b : SHOW OFF c : to function improperly <this typewriter is acting up again>
2 : to become active or acute after being quiescent <her rheumatism started to act up>

Actaeon
: a hunter turned into a stag and killed by his own hounds for having seen Artemis bathing

Acte
peninsula NE Greece, the most easterly of the three peninsulas of Chalcidice ― see ATHOS (Mount)

acte gratuit
: gratuitous impulsive act

actg
acting

ACTH
: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex ― called also adrenocorticotropic hormone

actin
n. : a cellular protein found especially in microfilaments (as those comprising myofibrils) and active in muscular contraction, cellular movement, and maintenance of cell shape

actin
n. 1 : having a radiate form <actinolite>
2 : actinic radiation (as X rays) <actinometer>

acting
n. : the art or practice of representing a character on a stage or before cameras

acting
n. 1 : holding a temporary rank or position : performing services temporarily <acting president>
2 a : suitable for stage performance <an acting play> b : prepared with directions for actors <an acting text of a play>

actinian
n. : SEA ANEMONE

actinic
adj. : of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical charges produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum <actinic light> <actinic keratosis>
–ac·tin·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

actinide
n. : any of the series of elements with increasing atomic numbers that begins with actinium or thorium and ends with lawrencium ― see PERIODIC TABLE table

actinium
n. : a radioactive trivalent metallic element that resembles lanthanum in chemical properties and that is found especially in pitchblende ― see ELEMENT table

actinolite
n. : a bright green or grayish-green mineral of the amphibole group that is a silicate of calcium, magnesium, and iron occurring in fibrous, radiate, or columnar forms

actinometer
n. : any of various instruments for measuring the intensity of incident radiation especially : one in which the intensity of radiation is measured by the speed of a photochemical reaction
–ac·ti·no·me·tric \-nō-'me-trik\ adjective
–ac·ti·nom·e·try \-'nä-mə-trē\ noun

actinomorphic
adj. : being radially symmetrical and capable of division by any longitudinal plane into essentially symmetrical halves <an actinomorphic tulip flower>
–ac·ti·no·mor·phy \'ak-tə-nō-ˌmȯr-fē, ak-'ti-nō-\ noun

actinomyces
n. : any of a genus (Actinomyces) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria that includes usually commensal and sometimes pathogenic forms inhabiting mucosal surfaces especially of the oral cavity of warm-blooded vertebrates

actinomycete
n. : any of an order (Actinomycetales) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria (as the actinomyces and streptomyces)

actinomycin
n. : any of various red or yellow-red mostly toxic polypeptide antibiotics isolated from soil bacteria (esp. Streptomyces antibioticus) specifically : one used to inhibit DNA or RNA synthesis

actinomycosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by actinomyces especially : a chronic disease of cattle, swine, and humans characterized by hard granulomatous masses usually in the mouth and jaw
–ac·ti·no·my·cot·ic \-'kä-tik\ adjective

action
n. 1 : the initiating of a proceeding in a court of justice by which one demands or enforces one's right also : the proceeding itself
2 : the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency
3 : the manner or method of performing: a : an actor's or speaker's deportment or expression by means of attitude, voice, and gesture b : the style of movement of the feet and legs (as of a horse) c : a function of the body or one of its parts
4 : an act of will
5 a : a thing done : DEED b : the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition c plural : BEHAVIOR, CONDUCT <unscrupulous actions> d : INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE <a man of action>
6 a (1) : an engagement between troops or ships (2) : combat in war <gallantry in action> b (1) : an event or series of events forming a literary composition (2) : the unfolding of the events of a drama or work of fiction : PLOT (3) : the movement of incidents in a plot c : the combination of circumstances that constitute the subject matter of a painting or sculpture
7 a : an operating mechanism b : the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates
8 a : the price movement and trading volume of a commodity, security, or market b : the process of betting including the offering and acceptance of a bet and determination of a winner c : financial gain or an opportunity for financial gain <a piece of the action>
9 : sexual activity
10 : the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group <they itch to go where the action is ― D. J. Henahan>

action
n. reflex action
action figure
action painting
action painter
action potential
affirmative action
bolt action
cause of action
class action
cross action
direct action
industrial action
job action
live action
piece of the action
play action pass
play action
police action
political action committee
single action
stop action

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

action painting
: abstract expressionism marked especially by the use of spontaneous techniques (as dribbling, splattering, or smearing)
–action painter noun

action potential
: a momentary reversal in electrical potential across a plasma membrane (as of a nerve cell or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus

actionable
adj. 1 : subject to or affording ground for an action or suit at law
2 : capable of being acted on <actionable information>
–ac·tion·ably \-blē\ adverb

actioner
n. : a film dominated by a high degree of exciting action

actionless
: marked by inaction : IMMOBILE

Actium
promontory & ancient town W Greece in NW Acarnania

activate
v. transitive verb : to make active or more active: as a (1) : to make (as molecules) reactive or more reactive (2) : to convert (as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative b : to make (a substance) radioactive c : to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties d (1) : to set up or formally institute (as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment (2) : to put (an individual or unit) on active duty
intransitive verb : to become active
–ac·ti·va·tion \ˌak-tə-'vā-shən\ noun
–ac·ti·va·tor \'ak-tə-ˌvā-tər\ noun

activate
v. activated carbon
activated charcoal
tissue plasminogen activator
activation analysis
activation energy
neutron activation analysis
neutron activation

activated carbon
: a highly adsorbent powdered or granular carbon made usually by carbonization and chemical activation and used chiefly for purifying by adsorption ― called also activated charcoal

activation analysis
: NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

activation energy
: the minimum amount of energy required to convert a normal stable molecule into a reactive molecule

active
n. 1 : characterized by action rather than by contemplation or speculation <an active life>
2 : producing or involving action or movement
3 a of a verb form or voice : asserting that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb <hits in “he hits the ball” is active> b : expressing action as distinct from mere existence or state
4 : quick in physical movement : LIVELY
5 : marked by vigorous activity : BUSY <the stock market was active>
6 : requiring vigorous action or exertion <active sports>
7 : having practical operation or results : EFFECTIVE <an active law>
8 a : disposed to action : ENERGETIC <took an active interest> b : engaged in an action or activity <an active club member> c of a volcano : currently erupting or likely to erupt ― compare DORMANT 2a EXTINCT 1b d : characterized by emission of large amounts of electromagnetic energy <an active galactic nucleus>
9 : engaged in full-time service especially in the armed forces <active duty>
10 : marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use <an active account>
11 a : capable of acting or reacting : reacting readily <active nitrogen> <active ingredients> b : tending to progress or to cause degeneration <active tuberculosis> c of an electronic circuit element : capable of controlling voltages or currents d (1) : requiring the expenditure of energy <active calcium ion uptake> (2) : functioning by the emission of radiant energy or sound <radar is an active sensor>
12 : still eligible to win the pot in poker
13 : moving down the line : visiting in the set ― used of couples in contredanses or square dances
–active noun
–ac·tive·ly adverb
–ac·tive·ness noun

active
n. active immunity
active matrix
active site
active transport
optically active
surface active

active immunity
: usu. long-lasting immunity that is acquired through production of antibodies within the organism in response to the presence of antigens ― compare PASSIVE IMMUNITY

active site
: a region on the surface of an enzyme whose shape permits binding only of a specific molecular substrate that then undergoes catalysis

active transport
: the movement of a chemical substance by the expenditure of energy against a gradient in concentration or in electrical potential across a plasma membrane

active-matrix
: of, relating to, or being an LCD in which each pixel is individually controlled

activewear
: SPORTSWEAR

activism
n. : a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue
–ac·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective
–ac·tiv·is·tic \ˌak-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective

activity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being active
2 : vigorous or energetic action : LIVELINESS
3 : natural or normal function: as a : a process (as digestion) that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being alive b : a similar process actually or potentially involving mental function specifically : an educational procedure designed to stimulate learning by firsthand experience
4 : an active force
5 a : a pursuit in which a person is active b : a form of organized, supervised, often extracurricular recreation
6 : an organizational unit for performing a specific function also : its function or duties

activity
n. displacement activity
optical activity
self activity

actomyosin
n. : a contractile complex of actin and myosin that together with ATP is active during muscular contraction

Acton
1st Baron 1834-1902 John Emerich Edward Dal·berg-Acton \ˌdal-ˌbərg-\ Eng. hist.

actor
n. 1 : one that acts : DOER
2 a : one who represents a character in a dramatic production b : a theatrical performer c : one who behaves as if acting a part
3 : one that takes part in any affair
–ac·tor·ish \-tə-rish\ adjective
–ac·tor·ly \-tər-lē\ adjective

actress
n. : a woman who is an actor
–ac·tressy \-trə-sē\ adjective

Acts
n. : a book in the New Testament narrating the beginnings of the Christian church ― called also Acts of the Apostles ― see BIBLE table

actual
adj. 1 obsolete : ACTIVE
2 a : existing in act and not merely potentially b : existing in fact or reality <actual and imagined conditions> c : not false or apparent <actual costs>
3 : existing or occurring at the time : CURRENT <caught in the actual commission of a crime>

actual cash value
: money equal to the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged property after depreciation

actuality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being actual
2 : something that is actual : FACT, REALITY <possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities ― T. S. Eliot>
–in actuality : in actual fact

actualize
v. transitive verb : to make actual : REALIZE
intransitive verb : to become actual
–ac·tu·al·i·za·tion \ˌak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-'zā-shən, -sh(ə-w)ə-lə-\ noun

actually
adv. 1 : in act or in fact : REALLY <nominally but not actually independent ― Karl Loewenstein> <won't actually arrive for an hour>
2 : in point of fact ― used to suggest something unexpected <he could actually read the Greek>

actuarial
adj. 1 : of or relating to actuaries
2 : relating to statistical calculation especially of life expectancy
–ac·tu·ar·i·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

actuary
n. 1 obsolete : CLERK, REGISTRAR
2 : a person who calculates insurance and annuity premiums, reserves, and dividends

actuate
v. 1 : to put into mechanical action or motion
2 : to move to action
synonyms see MOVE
–ac·tu·a·tion \ˌak-chə-'wā-shən, -shə-\ noun

actuator
n. : one that actuates specifically : a mechanical device for moving or controlling something

acuity
n. : keenness of perception : SHARPNESS

aculeate
adj. : relating to or being hymenopterans (as bees, ants, and many wasps) of a division (Aculeata) typically having the ovipositor modified into a stinger

acumen
n. : keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters
synonyms see DISCERNMENT

acuminate
adj. : tapering to a slender point

acupressure
n. : the application of pressure (as with the thumbs or fingertips) to the same discrete points on the body stimulated in acupuncture that is used for its therapeutic effects (as the relief of tension or pain) ― compare SHIATSU

acupuncture
n. : an orig. Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)
–acupuncture transitive verb
–acu·punc·tur·ist \-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist\ noun

acute
adj. 1 a (1) : characterized by sharpness or severity <acute pain> (2) : having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course <acute disease> (3) : being, providing, or requiring short-term medical care (as for serious illness or traumatic injury) <acute hospitals> <an acute patient> b : lasting a short time <acute experiments>
2 : ending in a sharp point: as a : being or forming an angle measuring less than 90 degrees <an acute angle> b : composed of acute angles <an acute triangle>
3 a of an accent mark : having the form ´ b : marked with an acute accent c : of the variety indicated by an acute accent
4 a : marked by keen discernment or intellectual perception especially of subtle distinctions : PENETRATING <an acute thinker> b : responsive to slight impressions or stimuli <acute hearing>
5 : felt, perceived, or experienced intensely <acute distress>
6 : seriously demanding urgent attention <an acute emergency>
–acute·ly adverb
–acute·ness noun
synonyms ACUTE, CRITICAL, CRUCIAL mean of uncertain outcome. ACUTE stresses intensification of conditions leading to a culmination or breaking point <an acute housing shortage>. CRITICAL adds to ACUTE implications of imminent change, of attendant suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome <the war has entered a critical phase>. CRUCIAL suggests a dividing of the ways and often a test or trial involving the determination of a future course or direction <a crucial vote>. synonym see in addition SHARP

ACV
1 actual cash value
2 air-cushion vehicle

acyclic
adj. : not cyclic: as a : not disposed in whorls or cycles b : having an open-chain structure : ALIPHATIC <an acyclic compound>

acyclovir
n. : a cyclic synthetic nucleoside C_8H_11N_5O_3 used especially to treat the symptoms of chicken pox, shingles, and the genital form of herpes simplex

acyl
adj. : a radical RCO– derived usually from an organic acid by removal of the hydroxyl from all acid groups ― often used in combination

acylate
v. : to introduce an acyl radical into
–ac·yl·a·tion \ˌa-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

AD
n. 1 active duty
2 after date
3 Alzheimer's disease
4 anno Domini ― often printed in small capitals and often punctuated
5 assembly district
6 assistant director
7 athletic director

ad
n. 1 : ADVERTISEMENT 2
2 : ADVERTISING

ad
n. : ADVANTAGE 4

ad
n. 1 : to : toward ― usually ac- before c, k, or q <acculturation> and af- before f <affluent> and ag- before g <aggradation> and al- before l <alliteration> and ap- before p <apportion> and as- before s <assuasive> and at- before t <attune> and ad- before other sounds but sometimes ad- even before one of the listed consonants <adsorb>
2 : near : adjacent to ― in this sense always in the form ad- <adrenal>

ad
n. : in the direction of : toward <cephalad>

ad
n. : member of a botanical group <bromeliad>

ad arbitrium
: at will : arbitrarily

ad astra per aspera
: to the stars by hard ways ― motto of Kansas

Ad Dammam
town & port Saudi Arabia on Persian Gulf

ad eundem
: to, in, or of the same rank ― used especially of the honorary granting of academic standing or a degree by a university to one whose actual work was done elsewhere

ad extremum
: to the extreme : at last

ad feminam
: marked by or being an attack on a woman's character rather than an answer to the contentions made ― compare AD HOMINEM

ad hoc
: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application

ad hoc
1 a : concerned with a particular end or purpose <an ad hoc investigating committee> b : formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs <ad hoc solutions>
2 : fashioned from whatever is immediately available : IMPROVISED <large ad hoc parades and demonstrations ― Nat Hentoff>

ad hominem
1 : appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect
2 : marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made

ad hominem
: in an ad hominem manner <was arguing ad hominem>

ad infinitum
: without end or limit

ad int
ad interim

ad interim
: for the intervening time : TEMPORARILY

ad interim
: made or serving ad interim

ad kalendas Graecas
: at the Greek calends : never (since the Greeks had no calends)

ad lib
1 : in accordance with one's wishes
2 : without restraint or limit

ad libitum
: AD LIB <rats fed ad libitum>

ad libitum
: omissible according to a performer's wishes ― used as a direction in music ― compare OBBLIGATO

ad loc
to or at the place

ad majorem Dei gloriam
: to the greater glory of God ― motto of the Society of Jesus

ad nauseam
: to a sickening or excessive degree

ad patres
: (gathered) to his fathers : deceased

ad referendum
: for reference : for further consideration by one having the authority to make a final decision

ad rem
: to the point or purpose : RELEVANTLY

ad unguem
: to the fingernail : to a nicety : exactly (from the use of the fingernail to test the smoothness of marble)

ad utrumque paratus
: prepared for either (event)

ad val
ad valorem

ad valorem
: imposed at a rate percent of value <ad valorem tax on goods> ― compare SPECIFIC 5b

ad verbum
: to a word : VERBATIM

ad vivum
: to the life

ad-lib
transitive verb : to deliver spontaneously
intransitive verb : to improvise especially lines or a speech
–ad-lib noun

ad-lib
: spoken, composed, or performed without preparation

ADA
n. 1 American Dental Association
2 Americans for Democratic Action
3 average daily attendance

Ada
n. : a structured computer programming language

adage
n. : a saying often in metaphorical form that embodies a common observation

adagio
n. : at a slow tempo ― used chiefly as a direction in music

adagio
n. 1 : a musical composition or movement in adagio tempo
2 : a ballet duet by a man and woman or a mixed trio displaying difficult feats of balance, lifting, or spinning

Adak
island SW Alaska in Andreanof group

Adalia
― see ANTALYA

Adam
n. 1 : the first man and father by Eve of Cain and Abel
2 : the unregenerate nature of man ― used especially in the phrase the old Adam
–Adam·ic \ə-'da-mik\ or Adam·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective

Adam
n. : of, relating to, or being an 18th century decorative style (as of furniture) characterized by straight lines, surface decoration, and conventional designs (as festooned garlands and medallions)

Adam
n. Robert 1728-1792 & his bro. James 1730-1794 Scot. architects & furniture designers

Adam
n. adam and eve
Adam's apple
Adam's needle
Adam's Bridge
Adam's Peak

Adam's apple
: the projection in the front of the neck formed by the largest cartilage of the larynx

Adam's Bridge
chain of shoals 30 mi (48 km) long bet. Sri Lanka & SE India

Adam's needle
: an often cultivated yucca (Yucca filamentosa) of coastal pine barrens of the eastern U.S. with a basal rosette of sharp-tipped leaves having loose threads along the margins

Adam's Peak
mountain 7360 ft (2243 m) S cen Sri Lanka

adam-and-eve
: PUTTYROOT

adamance
n. : ADAMANCY

adamancy
n. : the quality or state of being adamant : OBSTINACY

adamant
n. 1 : a stone (as a diamond) formerly believed to be of impenetrable hardness
2 : an unbreakable or extremely hard substance

adamant
n. : unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion : UNYIELDING
synonyms see INFLEXIBLE
–ad·a·mant·ly adverb

adamantine
adj. 1 : made of or having the quality of adamant
2 : rigidly firm : UNYIELDING <adamantine discipline>
3 : resembling the diamond in hardness or luster

Adams
n. Ansel Easton 1902-1984 American photographer

Adams
n. Charles Francis 1807-1886 son of J.Q. American author & diplomat

Adams
n. Franklin Pierce 1881-1960 known as F.P.A. American journalist

Adams
n. Henry Brooks 1838-1918 son of C.F. American hist.

Adams
n. John 1735-1826 American diplomat; 2d pres. of the U.S. (1797-1801)

Adams
n. John Quin·cy \'kwin-zē, 'kwin(t)-sē\ 1767-1848 son of John 6th pres. of the U.S. (1825-29)

Adams
n. Maude 1872-1953 orig. Maude Kiskadden American actress

Adams
n. Samuel 1722-1803 American Revolutionary patriot

Adams
n. Samuel Hopkins 1871-1958 American author

Adams, Mount
1 mountain 5798 ft (1767 m) N N.H. in White Mountains N of Mt. Washington
2 mountain 12,307 ft (3751 m) SW Wash. in Cascade Range SSE of Mt. Rainier

Adana
city S Turkey on Seyhan River pop 916,150

Adapazari
city NW Turkey E of Istanbul pop 171,225

adapt
v. transitive verb : to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification
intransitive verb : to become adapted
–adapt·ed·ness noun
synonyms ADAPT, ADJUST, ACCOMMODATE, CONFORM, RECONCILE mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another. ADAPT implies a modification according to changing circumstances <adapted themselves to the warmer climate>. ADJUST suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism <adjusted the budget to allow for inflation>. ACCOMMODATE may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence <accommodated his political beliefs in order to win>. CONFORM applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle <refused to conform to society's values>. RECONCILE implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible <tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew>.

adaptable
adj. : capable of being or becoming adapted
synonyms see PLASTIC
–adapt·abil·i·ty \-ˌdap-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

adaptation
n. 1 : the act or process of adapting : the state of being adapted
2 : adjustment to environmental conditions: as a : adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation b : modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment
3 : something that is adapted specifically : a composition rewritten into a new form
–ad·ap·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ad·ap·ta·tion·al·ly adverb

adaptationist
n. : explaining or seeking to explain the evolution of traits in terms of their adaptive function or survival value
–adaptationist noun

adapter
n. 1 : one that adapts
2 a : a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus b : an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not orig. intended

adaption
n. : ADAPTATION

adaptive
adj. : showing or having a capacity for or tendency toward adaptation
–adap·tive·ly adverb
–adap·tive·ness noun
–ad·ap·tiv·i·ty \ˌa-ˌdap-'ti-və-tē\ noun

adaptive optics
: a telescopic system that improves image resolution by compensating for distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence

adaptive radiation
: evolutionary diversification of a generalized ancestral form with production of a number of adaptively specialized forms

Adar
n. : the 6th month of the civil year or the 12th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Adar Rishon
: the intercalary month of the Jewish calendar that precedes Adar Sheni in leap years ― see MONTH table

Adar Sheni
: the month of the Jewish calendar that takes the place of Adar in leap years ― see MONTH table

adaxial
adj. : situated on the same side as or facing the axis (as of an organ) <the adaxial or upper surface of a leaf>

ADC
1 aide-de-camp
2 Aid to Dependent Children
3 Air Defense Command
4 assistant division commander

ADD
v. 1 American Dialect Dictionary
2 attention deficit disorder

add
v. transitive verb
1 : to join or unite so as to bring about an increase or improvement <adds 60 acres to his land> <wine adds a creative touch to cooking>
2 : to say further : APPEND
3 : to combine (numbers) into an equivalent simple quantity or number
4 : to include as a member of a group <don't forget to add me in>
intransitive verb
1 a : to perform addition b : to come together or unite by addition
2 a : to serve as an addition <the movie will add to his fame> b : to make an addition <added to her savings>
–add·able or add·ible \'a-də-bəl\ adjective

add
v. add in
add on
add up
value added
value added tax

add up
1 a : to come to the expected total <the bill doesn't add up> b : to form an intelligible pattern : make sense <her story just doesn't add up>
2 a : AMOUNT 1B ― used with to <the play adds up to a lot of laughs> b : to amount to a lot <just a little each time, but it all adds up>
transitive verb : to form an opinion of <added him up at a glance>

add-in
: being or able to be added to and enclosed within an existing system (as a computer) <an add-in graphics board>
–add-in noun

add-on
: something added on: as a : a sum or amount added on b : something (as an accessory or added feature) that enhances the thing it is added to <computer hardware add-ons>

add-on
1 : being or able to be added on <an add-on device>
2 : able to be added to <add-on certificates of deposit>

Addams
Jane 1860-1935 American social worker

addax
n. : a large light-colored Saharan antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) that has long spiralling horns

addend
n. : a number to be added to another

addendum
n. 1 : a thing added : ADDITION
2 : a supplement to a book ― often used in plural but singular in construction

adder
n. 1 : the common venomous viper (Vipera berus) of Europe broadly : any of various snakes of the viper family ― compare PUFF ADDER
2 : any of several No. American snakes (as the hognose snakes) that are harmless but are popularly believed to be venomous

adder

adder
n. : one that adds especially : a device (as in a computer) that performs addition

adder's-tongue
1 : any of a genus (Ophioglossum, family Ophioglossaceae) of small ferns having a spore-bearing stalk resembling a serpent's tongue
2 : DOGTOOTH VIOLET

addict
n. 1 : to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively <addicted to gambling>
2 : to cause addiction to a substance in (a person or animal)

addict
n. 1 : one who is addicted especially to a substance
2 : DEVOTEE <a detective novel addict>

addiction
n. 1 : the quality or state of being addicted <addiction to reading>
2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

addictive
adj. : causing or characterized by addiction <an addictive drug> <an addictive personality>

Addis Ababa
city cen Ethiopia, its capital pop 2,646,000

Addison
n. Joseph 1672-1719 Eng. essayist & poet
–Ad·di·so·nian \ˌa-də-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Addison
n. village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 35,914

Addison's disease
: a destructive disease marked by deficient adrenocortical secretion and characterized by extreme weakness, loss of weight, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal disturbances, and brownish pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes

addition
n. 1 : a part added (as to a building or residential section)
2 : the result of adding : INCREASE
3 : the act or process of adding especially : the operation of combining numbers so as to obtain an equivalent simple quantity
4 : direct chemical combination of substances into a single product
–in addition : 2BESIDES, ALSO
–in addition to : combined or associated with : 1BESIDES 2

additional
adj. : existing by way of addition : ADDED <additional information>

additionally
adv. : in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

additive
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by addition <an additive process>
2 : produced by addition
3 : characterized by, being, or producing effects (as drug responses or gene products) that when the causative factors act together are the sum of their individual effects
–ad·di·tive·ly adverb
–ad·di·tiv·i·ty \ˌa-də-'ti-və-tē\ noun

additive
n. : a substance added to another in relatively small amounts to effect a desired change in properties <food additives>

additive identity
: an identity element (as 0 in the group of whole numbers under the operation of addition) that in a given mathematical system leaves unchanged any element to which it is added

additive inverse
: a number that when added to a given number gives zero <the additive inverse of 4 is -4> ― compare OPPOSITE 3

addle
v. 1 of an egg : ROTTEN
2 : CONFUSED

addle
v. transitive verb : to throw into confusion : CONFOUND
intransitive verb
1 : to become rotten : SPOIL
2 : to become confused

addlepated
adj. 1 : being mixed up : CONFUSED
2 : ECCENTRIC

addn
addition

addnl
additional

address
n. transitive verb
1 archaic a : DIRECT, AIM b : to direct to go : SEND
2 a : to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself) <will address himself to the problem> b : to deal with : TREAT <intrigued by the chance to address important issues ― I. L. Horowitz>
3 archaic : to make ready especially : DRESS
4 a : to communicate directly <addresses his thanks to his host> b : to speak or write directly to especially : to deliver a formal speech to
5 a : to mark directions for delivery on <address a letter> b : to consign to the care of another (as an agent or factor)
6 : to greet by a prescribed form
7 : to adjust the club preparatory to hitting (a golf ball)
8 : to identify (as a computer peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transfer
intransitive verb obsolete : to direct one's speech or attentions
–ad·dress·er noun

address
n. 1 : dutiful and courteous attention especially in courtship ― usually used in plural
2 a : readiness and capability for dealing (as with a person or problem) skillfully and smoothly : ADROITNESS b obsolete : a making ready also : a state of preparedness
3 a : manner of bearing oneself <a man of rude address> b : manner of speaking or singing : DELIVERY
4 : a formal communication especially : a prepared speech delivered to a special audience or on a special occasion
5 a : a place where a person or organization may be communicated with b : directions for delivery on the outside of an object (as a letter or package) c : the designation of place of delivery placed between the heading and salutation on a business letter d : the designation of a computer account from which one can send or receive e-mail
6 : a preparatory position of the player and club in golf
7 a : a location (as in the memory of a computer) where particular information is stored b : a series of usually alphanumeric characters that specifies the storage location (as on a network or in a computer's memory) of particular information <an Internet address>
synonyms see TACT

address
n. inside address
IP address
keynote address
public address system
self addressed

addressable
adj. 1 : able to be addressed : directly accessible <addressable registers in a computer>
2 : of or relating to a subscription television system that uses decoders addressable by the system operator
–ad·dress·abil·i·ty \ə-ˌdre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

addressee
n. : one to whom something is addressed

adduce
v. : to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysis
–ad·duc·er noun

adduct
v. : to draw (as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body also : to bring together (similar parts) <adduct the fingers>

adduct
v. : a chemical addition product <adducts form as carcinogenic metabolites bind to DNA>

adduction
n. 1 : the action of adducting : the state of being adducted
2 : the act or action of adducing

adductor
n. 1 : a muscle that draws a part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity
2 : a muscle that closes the valves of a bivalve mollusk

Ade
n. George 1866-1944 American humorist & playwright

ade
n. 1 : act : action <blockade>
2 : product especially : sweet drink <limeade>

Adelaide
n. city Australia capital of S. Australia metropolitan area pop 917,000

Adelie penguin
: a small antarctic penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) ― called also Adélie

adelphous
: having (such or so many) stamen fascicles <monadelphous>

Aden
n. 1 former Brit. protectorate S Arabia comprising the entire S coast of what is now Yemen; became part of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen 1967 area 112,000 sq mi (291,200 sq km)
2 former Brit. colony SW Arabia comprising Perim Is., the city of Aden, & the surrounding area; became part of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen 1967 area 75 sq mi (195 sq km)
3 city & port S Yemen; formerly capital of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen & before that capital of Aden colony & protectorate pop 240,370

aden
n. : gland <adenine> : adenoid <adenovirus>

Aden, Gulf of
arm of Indian Ocean bet. Aden & Somalia

Adenauer
Konrad 1876-1967 chancellor of West Germany (1949-63)

adenine
n. : a purine base C_5H_5N_5 that codes hereditary information in the genetic code in DNA and RNA ― compare CYTOSINE, GUANINE, THYMINE, URACIL

adenine
n. nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
flavin adenine dinucleotide
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

adenitis
n. : inflammation of a gland especially : LYMPHADENITIS

adenocarcinoma
n. : a malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium
–ad·e·no·car·ci·no·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

adenohypophysis
: the anterior glandular lobe of the pituitary gland
–ad·e·no·hy·poph·y·se·al \-(ˌ)hī-ˌpä-fə-'sē-əl\ or ad·e·no·hy·po·phys·i·al \-ˌhī-pə-'fi-zē-əl\ adjective

adenoid
n. : either of two abnormally enlarged masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx that usually obstruct the nasal and ear passages also : such a mass when not abnormally enlarged ― usually used in plural

adenoid
n. 1 : of or relating to the adenoids
2 : relating to, affected with, or associated with abnormally enlarged adenoids <a severe adenoid condition> <adenoid facies>

adenoidal
adj. : exhibiting the characteristics (as snoring, mouth breathing, and voice nasality) of one affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids : ADENOID <an adenoidal tenor> ― not usually used technically

adenoma
n. : a benign tumor of a glandular structure or of glandular origin
–ad·e·no·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

adenosine
n. : a nucleoside C_10H_13N_5O_4 that is a constituent of RNA and yields adenine and ribose on hydrolysis

adenosine
n. adenosine diphosphate
adenosine monophosphate
adenosine triphosphate
adenosine 3p5p monophosphate
adenosine 3'5' monophosphate
adenosine triphosphatase

adenosine 3p,5p-monophosphate
: CYCLIC AMP

adenosine diphosphate
: ADP

adenosine monophosphate
: AMP

adenosine triphosphatase
: ATPASE

adenosine triphosphate
: ATP

adenovirus
n. : any of a family (Adenoviridae) of DNA viruses orig. identified in human adenoid tissue, causing infections of the respiratory system, conjunctiva, and gastrointestinal tract, and including some capable of inducing malignant tumors in experimental animals
–ad·e·no·vi·ral \-rəl\ adjective

adenyl cyclase
: ADENYLATE CYCLASE

adenylate cyclase
: an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cyclic AMP from ATP

adenylic acid
: AMP

adept
n. : a highly skilled or well-trained individual : EXPERT <an adept at chess>

adept
n. : thoroughly proficient : EXPERT <adept at fixing cars>
synonyms see PROFICIENT
–adept·ly \ə-'dep-(t)lē, a-\ adverb
–adept·ness \-'dep(t)-nəs\ noun

adequacy
n. : the quality or state of being adequate

adequate
adj. 1 : sufficient for a specific requirement <adequate taxation of goods> also : barely sufficient or satisfactory <her first performance was merely adequate>
2 : lawfully and reasonably sufficient <adequate grounds for a lawsuit>
synonyms see SUFFICIENT
–ad·e·quate·ly adverb
–ad·e·quate·ness noun

ADF
automatic direction finder

ADH
antidiuretic hormone

ADHD
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

adhere
v. intransitive verb
1 : to give support or maintain loyalty
2 obsolete : ACCORD 3
3 : to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing
4 : to bind oneself to observance <adhere to the rules>
transitive verb : to cause to stick fast
synonyms see STICK

adherence
n. 1 : the act, action, or quality of adhering
2 : steady or faithful attachment : FIDELITY

adherent
n. 1 : able or tending to adhere
2 : connected or associated with especially by contract
3 : ADNATE
–ad·her·ent·ly adverb

adherent
n. : one that adheres: as a : a follower of a leader, party, or profession b : a believer in or advocate especially of a particular idea or church
synonyms see FOLLOWER

adhesion
n. 1 : steady or firm attachment : ADHERENCE
2 : the action or state of adhering
3 : the abnormal union of separate tissue surfaces by new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process also : the newly formed uniting tissue
4 : agreement to join <adhesion of all nations to a copyright convention>
5 : the molecular attraction exerted between the surfaces of bodies in contact
–ad·he·sion·al \-'hēzh-nəl, -'hē-zhə-nəl\ adjective

adhesive
n. 1 : tending to remain in association or memory
2 : tending to adhere or cause adherence
3 : prepared for adhering
–ad·he·sive·ly adverb
–ad·he·sive·ness noun

adhesive
n. 1 : an adhesive substance (as glue or cement)
2 : a postage stamp with a gummed back

adhesive
n. adhesive binding
adhesive bound
adhesive tape
self adhesive

adhesive binding
: PERFECT BINDING
–ad·he·sive-bound \-ˌbau̇nd\ adjective

adhesive tape
: tape coated on one side with an adhesive mixture especially : one used for covering wounds

adiabatic
adj. : occurring without loss or gain of heat <adiabatic expansion of a gas>
–adi·a·bat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

adieu
n. : FAREWELL ― often used interjectionally

Adige
river 255 mi (410 km) N Italy flowing SE into the Adriatic

Adige
Alto Adige
Upper Adige
Trentino Alto Adige

adios
interj. ― used to express farewell

adip
: fat <adipocyte>

adipic acid
: a white crystalline dicarboxylic acid C_6H_10O_4 formed by oxidation of various fats and also made synthetically for use especially in the manufacture of nylon

adipocere
n. : a waxy substance consisting chiefly of fatty acids and calcium soaps that is formed during decomposition of dead body fat in moist or wet anaerobic conditions

adipocyte
n. : FAT CELL

adipose
adj. : of or relating to animal fat broadly : FAT
–ad·i·pos·i·ty \ˌa-də-'pä-sə-tē\ noun

adipose tissue
: connective tissue in which fat is stored and which has the cells distended by droplets of fat

Adirondack chair
: a wooden lawn chair with a high slatted back, broad arms, and a seat that is lower in the back than the front

Adirondack Mountains
mountains NE N.Y.

adit
n. : a nearly horizontal passage from the surface in a mine

ADIZ
air defense identification zone

adj
1 adjective
2 adjunct
3 adjustment
4 adjutant

adjacency
n. 1 : something that is adjacent
2 : the quality or state of being adjacent : CONTIGUITY

adjacent
n. 1 a : not distant : NEARBY <the city and adjacent suburbs> b : having a common endpoint or border <adjacent lots> <adjacent sides of a triangle> c : immediately preceding or following
2 of two angles : having the vertex and one side in common
–ad·ja·cent·ly adverb
synonyms ADJACENT, ADJOINING, CONTIGUOUS, JUXTAPOSED mean being in close proximity. ADJACENT may or may not imply contact but always implies absence of anything of the same kind in between <a house with an adjacent garage>. ADJOINING definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line <had adjoining rooms at the hotel>. CONTIGUOUS implies having contact on all or most of one side <offices in all 48 contiguous states>. JUXTAPOSED means placed side by side especially so as to permit comparison and contrast <a skyscraper juxtaposed to a church>.

adjectival
adj. 1 : ADJECTIVE
2 : characterized by the use of adjectives
–ad·jec·ti·val·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

adjective
n. 1 : of, relating to, or functioning as an adjective <an adjective clause>
2 : not standing by itself : DEPENDENT
3 : requiring or employing a mordant <adjective dyes>
4 : PROCEDURAL <adjective law>
–ad·jec·tive·ly adverb

adjective
n. : a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages and typically serving as a modifier of a noun to denote a quality of the thing named, to indicate its quantity or extent, or to specify a thing as distinct from something else

adjoin
v. transitive verb
1 : to add or attach by joining
2 : to lie next to or in contact with
intransitive verb : to be close to or in contact with one another

adjoining
adj. : touching or bounding at a point or line
synonyms see ADJACENT

adjoint
n. : the transpose of a matrix in which each element is replaced by its cofactor

adjourn
v. transitive verb : to suspend indefinitely or until a later stated time
intransitive verb
1 : to suspend a session indefinitely or to another time or place
2 : to move to another place

adjournment
n. 1 : the act of adjourning
2 : the state or interval of being adjourned

adjudge
v. 1 a : to decide or rule upon as a judge : ADJUDICATE b : to pronounce judicially : RULE
2 archaic : SENTENCE, CONDEMN
3 : to hold or pronounce to be : DEEM <adjudge the book a success>
4 : to award or grant judicially in a case of controversy

adjudicate
transitive verb : to settle judicially
intransitive verb : to act as judge
–ad·ju·di·ca·tive \-ˌkā-tiv, -kə-\ adjective
–ad·ju·di·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun
–ad·ju·di·ca·to·ry \-'jü-di-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

adjudication
n. 1 : the act or process of adjudicating
2 a : a judicial decision or sentence b : a decree in bankruptcy

adjunct
n. 1 : something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it
2 a : a word or word group that qualifies or completes the meaning of another word or other words and is not itself a main structural element in its sentence b : an adverb or adverbial (as heartily in “They ate heartily” or at noon in “We left at noon”) attached to the verb of a clause especially to express a relation of time, place, frequency, degree, or manner ― compare DISJUNCT 2
3 a : an associate or assistant of another b : an adjunct faculty member at a college or university
4 : ADJUVANT B
–ad·junc·tive \a-'jəŋ(k)-tiv, ə-\ adjective

adjunct
n. 1 : added or joined as an accompanying object or circumstance
2 : attached in a subordinate or temporary capacity to a staff <an adjunct professor>
–ad·junct·ly \'a-ˌjəŋ(k)-tlē, -ˌjəŋk-lē\ adverb

adjunction
n. : the act or process of adjoining

adjuration
n. 1 : a solemn oath
2 : an earnest urging or advising
–ad·jur·a·to·ry \ə-'ju̇r-ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

adjure
v. 1 : to command solemnly under or as if under oath or penalty of a curse
2 : to urge or advise earnestly
synonyms see BEG

adjust
v. transitive verb
1 a : to bring to a more satisfactory state: (1) : SETTLE, RESOLVE (2) : RECTIFY b : to make correspondent or conformable : ADAPT c : to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position <adjust a carburetor>
2 : to reduce to a system : REGULATE
3 : to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)
intransitive verb
1 : to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)
2 : to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others
synonyms see ADAPT
–ad·just·abil·i·ty \-ˌjəs-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ad·just·able \-'jəs-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ad·jus·tive \-'jəs-tiv\ adjective

adjust
v. well adjusted
self adjusting
adjustable rate mortgage

adjustable rate mortgage
: a mortgage having an interest rate which is usually initially lower than that of a mortgage with a fixed rate but is adjusted periodically according to the cost of funds to the lender

adjusted
adj. 1 : accommodated to suit a particular set of circumstances or requirements
2 : having achieved an often specified and usually harmonious relationship with the environment or with other individuals <a well-adjusted schoolchild>

adjuster
n. : one that adjusts especially : an insurance agent who investigates personal or property damage and makes estimates for effecting settlements

adjustment
n. 1 : the act or process of adjusting
2 : a settlement of a claim or debt in a case in which the amount involved is uncertain or full payment is not made
3 : the state of being adjusted
4 : a means (as a mechanism) by which things are adjusted one to another
5 : a correction or modification to reflect actual conditions
–ad·just·men·tal \ə-ˌjəs(t)-'men-təl, ˌa-ˌjəs(t)-\ adjective

adjutancy
n. : the office or rank of an adjutant

adjutant
n. 1 : a staff officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who assists the commanding officer and is responsible especially for correspondence
2 : one who helps : ASSISTANT

adjutant general
1 : the chief administrative officer of an army who is responsible especially for the administration and preservation of personnel records
2 : the chief administrative officer of a major military unit (as a division or corps)

adjuvant
n. 1 : serving to aid or contribute : AUXILIARY
2 : assisting in the prevention, amelioration, or cure of disease <adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery>

adjuvant
n. : one that helps or facilitates: as a : an ingredient (as in a prescription or a solution) that modifies the action of the principal ingredient b : something (as a drug or method) that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment <used chemotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery> c : a substance (as one added to a vaccine) enhancing the immune response to an antigen

ADL
1 activities of daily living
2 Anti-Defamation League

Adler
n. Alfred 1870-1937 Austrian psychiatrist

Adler
n. Cyrus 1863-1940 American educ. & scholar

Adler
n. Felix 1851-1933 American educ. & reformer

Adler
n. Mortimer Jerome 1902-2001 American philos.

Adlerian
adj. : of, relating to, or being a theory and technique of psychotherapy emphasizing the importance of feelings of inferiority, a will to power, and overcompensation in neurotic processes

ADM
admiral

adm
administration; administrative

adman
n. : a person who writes, solicits, or places advertisements

admass
n. chiefly British : mass-media advertising also : the society influenced by it

admeasure
v. : to determine the proper share of : APPORTION

admeasurement
n. 1 : determination and apportionment of shares
2 : determination or comparison of dimensions
3 : DIMENSIONS, SIZE

Admetus
: a king of Pherae who is saved by Apollo from his fated death when his wife Alcestis offers to die in his place

admin
n. administration; administrative

administer
transitive verb
1 : to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of <administer a trust fund>
2 a : to mete out : DISPENSE <administer punishment> b : to give ritually <administer the last rites> c : to give remedially <administer a dose of medicine>
intransitive verb
1 : to perform the office of administrator
2 : to furnish a benefit : MINISTER <administer to an ailing friend>
3 : to manage affairs
–ad·min·is·tra·ble \-strə-bəl\ adjective
–ad·min·is·trant \-strənt\ noun

administrate
v. : ADMINISTER

administration
n. 1 : performance of executive duties : MANAGEMENT
2 : the act or process of administering
3 : the execution of public affairs as distinguished from policy-making
4 a : a body of persons who administer b often capitalized : a group constituting the political executive in a presidential government c : a governmental agency or board
5 : the term of office of an administrative officer or body

administration
n. business administration
letters of administration
self administration

administrative
adj. : of or relating to administration or an administration : EXECUTIVE
–ad·min·is·tra·tive·ly adverb

administrative county
: a British local administrative unit often not coincident with an older county

administrative law
: law dealing with the establishment, duties, and powers of and available remedies against authorized agencies in the executive branch of the government

administrator
n. 1 : a person legally vested with the right of administration of an estate
2 a : one who administers especially business, school, or governmental affairs b : a priest appointed to administer a diocese or parish temporarily

administratrix
n. : a woman who is an administrator especially of an estate

admirable
adj. 1 : deserving the highest esteem : EXCELLENT
2 obsolete : exciting wonder : SURPRISING
–ad·mi·ra·bil·i·ty \ˌad-m(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ad·mi·ra·ble·ness \'ad-m(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ad·mi·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

admiral
n. 1 archaic : the commander in chief of a navy
2 a : FLAG OFFICER b : a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard who ranks above a vice admiral and whose insignia is four stars ― compare GENERAL
3 archaic : FLAGSHIP
4 : any of several brightly colored nymphalid butterflies ― compare RED ADMIRAL

admiral
n. admiral of the fleet
fleet admiral
rear admiral
rear admiral upper half
rear admiral lower half
red admiral
vice admiral

admiral of the fleet

1660
: the highest-ranking officer of the British navy

admiralty
n. 1 capitalized : the executive department or officers formerly having general authority over British naval affairs
2 : the court having jurisdiction over questions of maritime law also : the system of law administered by admiralty courts

admiralty
n. Admiralty Inlet
Admiralty Island
Admiralty Islands

Admiralty Inlet
branch of Puget Sound NW Washington

Admiralty Island
island 90 mi (145 km) long SE Alaska in N Alexander Archipelago

Admiralty Islands
islands W Pacific N of New Guinea in Bismarck Archipelago area 800 sq mi (2080 sq km), pop 30,160

admiration
n. 1 archaic : WONDER
2 : an object of esteem
3 : delighted or astonished approbation

admire
v. transitive verb
1 : to regard with admiration
2 archaic : to marvel at
intransitive verb dialect : to like very much <I would admire to know why not ― A. H. Lewis>
synonyms see REGARD
–ad·mir·er noun
–ad·mir·ing·ly \-'mī-riŋ-lē\ adverb

admissible
adj. 1 : capable of being allowed or conceded : PERMISSIBLE <evidence legally admissible in court>
2 : capable or worthy of being admitted <admissible to the university>
–ad·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

admission
n. 1 a : the act or process of admitting b : the state or privilege of being admitted c : a fee paid at or for admission
2 a : the granting of an argument or position not fully proved b : acknowledgment that a fact or statement is true
–ad·mis·sive \-'mi-siv\ adjective

admit
v. transitive verb
1 a : to allow scope for : PERMIT <admits no possibility of misunderstanding> b : to concede as true or valid <admitted making a mistake>
2 a : to allow entry (as to a place, fellowship, or privilege) <an open window had admitted rain> <admitted to the club> b : to accept into a hospital as an inpatient <he was admitted last night for chest pains>
intransitive verb
1 : to give entrance or access
2 a : ALLOW, PERMIT <admits of two interpretations> b : to make acknowledgment ― used with to
synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE

admittance
n. 1 a : the act or process of admitting b : permission to enter
2 : the reciprocal of the impedance of a circuit

admittedly
adv. 1 : as has been or must be admitted <an admittedly inadequate treatment>
2 : it must be admitted <admittedly, we took a chance>

admix
v. : to mix in

admixture
n. 1 a : the action of mixing b : the fact of being mixed
2 a : something added by mixing b : a product of mixing : MIXTURE

admonish
v. 1 a : to indicate duties or obligations to b : to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner
2 : to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to
synonyms see REPROVE
–ad·mon·ish·er noun
–ad·mon·ish·ing·ly \-ni-shiŋ-lē\ adverb
–ad·mon·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

admonition
n. 1 : gentle or friendly reproof
2 : counsel or warning against fault or oversight

admonitory
adj. : expressing admonition : WARNING
–ad·mon·i·to·ri·ly \-ˌmä-nə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

adnate
: grown to a usually unlike part especially along a margin <a calyx adnate to the ovary>
–ad·na·tion \ad-'nā-shən\ noun

adnexa
n. : conjoined, subordinate, or associated anatomical parts
–ad·nex·al \-səl\ adjective

ado
1 : heightened fuss or concern : TO-DO
2 : time-wasting bother over trivial details <wrote the paper without further ado>
3 : TROUBLE, DIFFICULTY

adobe
n. 1 : a brick or building material of sun-dried earth and straw
2 : a structure made of adobe bricks
3 : a heavy clay used in making adobe bricks broadly : alluvial or playa clay in desert or arid regions
–ado·be·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

adobo
: a Philippine dish of fish or meat usually marinated in a sauce containing vinegar and garlic, browned in fat, and simmered in the marinade

adolescence
n. 1 : the state or process of growing up
2 : the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority
3 : a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity

adolescent
n. : one that is in the state of adolescence

adolescent
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being in adolescence
2 : emotionally or intellectually immature
–ad·o·les·cent·ly adverb

Adonai
― used in place of YHWH as a name of the God of the Hebrews during prayer recitation

Adonis
n. 1 : a youth loved by Aphrodite who is killed at hunting by a wild boar and restored to Aphrodite from Hades for a part of each year
2 : a very handsome young man

adopt
v. transitive verb
1 : to take by choice into a relationship especially : to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) as one's own child
2 : to take up and practice or use <adopted a moderate tone>
3 : to accept formally and put into effect <adopt a constitutional amendment>
4 : to choose (a textbook) for required study in a course
intransitive verb
1 : to adopt a child <couples choosing to adopt>
2 : to sponsor the care and maintenance of <adopt a highway>
–adopt·abil·i·ty \-ˌdäp-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–adopt·able \-'däp-tə-bəl\ adjective
–adopt·er noun
synonyms ADOPT, EMBRACE, ESPOUSE mean to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own. ADOPT implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature <forced to adopt new policies>. EMBRACE implies a ready or happy acceptance <embraced the customs of their new homeland>. ESPOUSE adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes <espoused the cause of women's rights>.

adoptee
n. : one who is adopted

adoption
n. : the act of adopting : the state of being adopted

adoptionism
: the doctrine that Jesus of Nazareth became the Son of God by adoption
–adop·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun often cap

adoptive
adj. 1 : made or acquired by adoption <the adoptive father>
2 : of or relating to adoption
–adop·tive·ly adverb

adorable
adj. 1 : worthy of being adored
2 : extremely charming <an adorable child>
–ador·abil·i·ty \-ˌdȯr-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ador·able·ness \-'dȯr-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ador·ably \-blē\ adverb

adoration
n. : the act of adoring : the state of being adored

adore
v. 1 : to worship or honor as a deity or as divine
2 : to regard with loving admiration and devotion <adored his wife>
3 : to be very fond of <adores pecan pie>
synonyms see REVERE
–ador·er noun
–ador·ing·ly adverb

adorn
v. 1 : to enhance the appearance of especially with beautiful objects
2 : to enliven or decorate as if with ornaments <people of fashion who adorned the Court>
synonyms ADORN, DECORATE, ORNAMENT, EMBELLISH, BEAUTIFY, DECK, GARNISH mean to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential. ADORN implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself <a diamond necklace adorned her neck>. DECORATE suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design <decorate a birthday cake>. ORNAMENT and EMBELLISH imply the adding of something extraneous, ORNAMENT stressing the heightening or setting off of the original <a white house ornamented with green shutters>, EMBELLISH often stressing the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament <embellish a page with floral borders>. BEAUTIFY adds to EMBELLISH a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness <will beautify the grounds with flower beds>. DECK implies the addition of something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness <a house all decked out for Christmas>. GARNISH suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food <an entrée garnished with parsley>.

adornment
n. 1 : the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2 : something that adorns

Adour
river 208 mi (335 km) SW France flowing from the Pyrenees NW & W into Bay of Biscay

ADP
: a nucleotide C_10H_15N_5O_10P_2 composed of adenosine and two phosphate groups that is formed in living cells as an intermediate between ATP and AMP and that is reversibly converted to ATP for the storing of energy by the addition of a high-energy phosphate group ― called also adenosine diphosphate

adren
1 : adrenal glands <adrenocortical>
2 : adrenaline <adrenergic>

adrenal
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from the adrenal glands or their secretions <adrenal steroids>

adrenal
adj. : ADRENAL GLAND

adrenal gland
: either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine ― called also adrenal suprarenal gland

adrenalectomy
n. : surgical removal of an adrenal gland
–ad·re·nal·ec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

Adrenalin
n. ― used for a preparation of levorotatory epinephrine

adrenaline
n. : EPINEPHRINE ― often used in nontechnical contexts <the fans were jubilant, raucous, their adrenaline running high ― W. P. Kinsella>

adrenalized
adj. : filled with a sudden rush of energy : EXCITED

adrenergic
adj. 1 : liberating, activated by, or involving adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline <an adrenergic nerve>
2 : resembling adrenaline especially in physiological action <adrenergic drugs>
–ad·ren·er·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

adrenochrome
n. : a red-colored mixture of quinones derived from epinephrine by oxidation

adrenocortical
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from the cortex of the adrenal glands

adrenocorticosteroid
n. : a steroid obtained from, resembling, or having physiological effects like those of the adrenal cortex

adrenocorticotropic
adj. : acting on or stimulating the adrenal cortex <adrenocorticotropic activity>

adrenocorticotropic hormone
: ACTH

adrenocorticotropin
n. : ACTH

adrenoleukodystrophy
: a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is inherited as a sex-linked recessive trait chiefly affecting males in childhood and that is characterized by progressive blindness, deafness, tonic spasms, and mental deterioration ― abbreviation ALD

Adrian
adj. name of 6 popes: especially IV (Nicholas Break·spear \'brāk-ˌspir\) 1100?-1159 the only Eng. pope (1154-59)

Adrian
adj. Rom. emp. ― see HADRIAN

Adrian
adj. Edgar Douglas 1889-1977 1st Baron of Cambridge Eng. physiol.

Adrianople
― see EDIRNE

Adriatic Sea
arm of the Mediterranean bet. Italy & Balkan Peninsula

adrift
adj. 1 : without motive power and without anchor or mooring <a boat adrift on the sea>
2 : without ties, guidance, or security <people morally adrift>
3 : free from restraint or support

adroit
adj. : having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations <an adroit leader> <adroit maneuvers>
synonyms see CLEVER, DEXTEROUS
–adroit·ly adverb
–adroit·ness noun

adscititious
adj. : derived or acquired from something extrinsic

adsorb
v. transitive verb : to take up and hold by adsorption
intransitive verb : to become adsorbed
–ad·sorb·able \-'sȯr-bə-bəl, -'zȯr-\ adjective
–ad·sorb·er \-'sȯr-bər, -'zȯr-\ noun

adsorbate
n. : an adsorbed substance

adsorbent
n. : a usually solid substance that adsorbs another substance
–adsorbent adjective

adsorption
n. : the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact ― compare ABSORPTION
–ad·sorp·tive \-'sȯrp-tiv, -'zȯrp-\ adjective

adularia
: a transparent or translucent orthoclase

adulation
n. : excessive or slavish admiration or flattery
–ad·u·late \'a-jə-ˌlāt, -dyə-, -də-\ transitive verb
–ad·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–ad·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

adult
n. 1 : fully developed and mature : GROWN-UP
2 : of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults <an adult approach to a problem>
3 : dealing in or with explicitly sexual material <adult bookstores> <adult movies>
–adult·hood \ə-'dəlt-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–adult·ly \ə-'dəlt-lē, 'a-ˌdəlt-\ adverb
–adult·ness \ə-'dəlt-nəs, 'a-ˌdəlt-\ noun

adult
n. : one that is adult especially : a human being after an age (as 21) specified by law
–adult·like \ə-'dəlt-ˌlīk\ adjective

adult education
: CONTINUING EDUCATION

adult-onset diabetes
: TYPE 2 DIABETES

adulterant
n. : an adulterating substance or agent
–adulterant adjective

adulterate
: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element especially : to prepare for sale by replacing more valuable with less valuable or inert ingredients
–adul·ter·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

adulterate
v. 1 : being adulterated : SPURIOUS
2 : tainted with adultery : ADULTEROUS

adulteration
n. 1 : the process of adulterating : the condition of being adulterated
2 : an adulterated product

adulterer
n. : a person who commits adultery especially : a man who commits adultery

adulteress
n. : a woman who commits adultery

adulterine
adj. 1 a : marked by adulteration : SPURIOUS b : ILLEGAL
2 : born of adultery

adulterous
adj. : relating to, characterized by, or given to adultery <an adulterous affair> <an adulterous wife>
–adul·ter·ous·ly adverb

adultery
n. : voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband also : an act of adultery

adumbrate
1 : to foreshadow vaguely : INTIMATE
2 : to suggest, disclose, or outline partially <adumbrate a plan>
3 : OVERSHADOW, OBSCURE
–ad·um·bra·tion \ˌa-(ˌ)dəm-'brā-shən\ noun
–ad·um·bra·tive \a-'dəm-brə-tiv\ adjective
–ad·um·bra·tive·ly adverb

adust
adj. 1 : SCORCHED, BURNED
2 archaic : of a sunburned appearance
3 archaic : of a gloomy appearance or disposition

adv
1 adverb
2 [Latin adversus] against
3 advertisement; advertising
4 advisory

advance
n. transitive verb
1 : to accelerate the growth or progress of <advance a cause>
2 : to bring or move forward <advance a pawn>
3 : to raise to a higher rank
4 archaic : to lift up : RAISE
5 : to bring forward in time especially : to make earlier <advance the date of the meeting>
6 : to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : PROPOSE <advance an idea>
7 : to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment <advance a loan>
8 : to raise in rate : INCREASE <advance the rent>
intransitive verb
1 : to move forward : PROCEED <an advancing army>
2 : to make progress : INCREASE <advance in age>
3 : to rise in rank, position, or importance <advance through the ranks>
4 : to rise in rate or price <advancing wages>
–ad·vanc·er noun
synonyms ADVANCE, PROMOTE, FORWARD, FURTHER mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead. ADVANCE stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end <advance the cause of peace>. PROMOTE suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank <a campaign to promote better health>. FORWARD implies an impetus forcing something ahead <a wage increase would forward productivity>. FURTHER suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance <used the marriage to further his career>.

advance
n. 1 : a moving forward
2 a : progress in development <mistaking material advance for spiritual enrichment ― H. J. Laski> b : a progressive step : IMPROVEMENT <an advance in medical technique>
3 : a rise in price, value, or amount
4 : a first step or approach made <her attitude discouraged all advances>
5 : a provision of something (as money or goods) before a return is received also : the money or goods supplied
–in advance
1 : to, toward, or in a place or position ahead <sent scouts out in advance>
2 : before a deadline or an anticipated event <made reservations in advance>
–in advance of : AHEAD OF

advance
n. 1 : made, sent, or furnished ahead of time <advance sales>
2 : going or situated before <an advance party of soldiers>

advance
n. in advance of
in advance
advance directive
advance man
advanced degree
Advanced level

advance directive
: a legal document (as a living will) signed by a competent person to provide guidance for medical and health-care decisions (as the termination of life support or organ donation) in the event the person becomes incompetent to make such decisions

advance man
: an employee who makes arrangements and handles publicity in advance of an appearance or engagement by the employer (as a political candidate or a circus)

advanced
adj. 1 : far on in time or course <a man advanced in years>
2 a : being beyond others in progress or ideas <tastes a bit too advanced for the times> b : being beyond the elementary or introductory <advanced chemistry> c : greatly developed beyond an initial stage <the most advanced scientific methods> <advanced weapons systems> d : much evolved from an early ancestral type <bees and other advanced insects> <advanced traits>

advanced degree
: a university degree (as a master's or doctor's degree) higher than a bachelor's

Advanced level
: A LEVEL

advancement
n. 1 : the action of advancing : the state of being advanced: a : promotion or elevation to a higher rank or position b : progression to a higher stage of development
2 : an improved feature : IMPROVEMENT

advantage
n. 1 : superiority of position or condition <higher ground gave the enemy the advantage>
2 : a factor or circumstance of benefit to its possessor <lacked the advantages of an education>
3 a : BENEFIT, GAIN especially : benefit resulting from some course of action <a mistake which turned out to our advantage> b obsolete : INTEREST 2A
4 : the first point won in tennis after deuce
–to advantage : so as to produce a favorable impression or effect <wishing to be seen to advantage>

advantage
n. : to give an advantage to : BENEFIT

advantage
n. to advantage
mechanical advantage
take advantage of

advantaged
adj. : having or providing an advantage and especially a social or financial advantage over others <an advantaged position> <advantaged children>

advantageous
adj. : giving an advantage : FAVORABLE <an advantageous opportunity>
–ad·van·ta·geous·ly adverb
–ad·van·ta·geous·ness noun

advection
n. : the usually horizontal movement of a mass of fluid (as air or an ocean current) also : transport (as of pollutants or plankton) by such movement
–ad·vect \-'vekt\ transitive verb
–ad·vec·tive \-'vek-tiv\ adjective

Advent
n. 1 : the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting
2 a : the coming of Christ at the Incarnation b : SECOND COMING
3 not capitalized : a coming into being or use <the Advent of spring> <the Advent of pasteurization> <the Advent of personal computers>

Advent Bay
inlet of Arctic Ocean Spitsbergen on W coast

Advent Sunday
: the first Sunday in Advent

Adventism
n. 1 : the doctrine that the second coming of Christ and the end of the world are near at hand
2 : the principles and practices of Seventh-Day Adventists
–Ad·vent·ist \əd-'ven-tist, ad-', 'ad-ˌ\ adjective or noun

adventitia
n. : an external chiefly connective tissue covering of an organ especially : the external coat of a blood vessel
–ad·ven·ti·tial \-shəl\ adjective

adventitious
adj. 1 : coming from another source and not inherent or innate <a Federal house without adventitious later additions>
2 : arising or occurring sporadically or in other than the usual location <adventitious roots>
–ad·ven·ti·tious·ly adverb

adventive
1 : introduced but not fully naturalized <an adventive weed>
2 : ADVENTITIOUS 2
–adventive noun

adventure
n. 1 a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks b : the encountering of risks <the spirit of adventure>
2 : an exciting or remarkable experience <an adventure in exotic dining>
3 : an enterprise involving financial risk

adventure
n. transitive verb
1 : to expose to danger or loss : VENTURE
2 : to venture upon : TRY
intransitive verb
1 : to proceed despite risk
2 : to take the risk

adventurer
n. 1 : one that adventures: as a : SOLDIER OF FORTUNE b : one that engages in risky commercial enterprises for profit
2 : one who seeks unmerited wealth or position especially by playing on the credulity or prejudice of others

adventuresome
adj. : inclined to take risks : VENTURESOME
–ad·ven·ture·some·ness noun

adventuress
n. : a female adventurer especially : one who seeks position or livelihood by questionable means

adventurism
n. : improvisation or experimentation (as in politics or military or foreign affairs) in the absence or in defiance of accepted plans or principles
–ad·ven·tur·ist \-'ven-ch(ə-)rist\ noun
–ad·ven·tur·is·tic \-ˌven-chə-'ris-tik\ adjective

adventurous
adj. 1 a : disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown <an adventurous explorer> b : INNOVATIVE <an adventurous artistic style>
2 : characterized by unknown dangers and risks <an adventurous journey>
–ad·ven·tur·ous·ly adverb
–ad·ven·tur·ous·ness noun
synonyms ADVENTUROUS, VENTURESOME, DARING, DAREDEVIL, RASH, RECKLESS, FOOLHARDY mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense. ADVENTUROUS implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence <adventurous pioneers>. VENTURESOME implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings <venturesome stunt pilots>. DARING heightens the implication of fearlessness in courting danger <daring mountain climbers>. DAREDEVIL stresses ostentation in daring <daredevil motorcyclists>. RASH suggests imprudence and lack of forethought <a rash decision>. RECKLESS implies heedlessness of probable consequences <a reckless driver>. FOOLHARDY suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense <only a foolhardy sailor would venture into this storm>.

adverb
n. : a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages, typically serving as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a preposition, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence, expressing some relation of manner or quality, place, time, degree, number, cause, opposition, affirmation, or denial, and in English also serving to connect and to express comment on clause content ― compare ADJUNCT, CONJUNCT, DISJUNCT

adverb
n. : ADVERBIAL

adverbial
adj. : of, relating to, or having the function of an adverb
–adverbial noun
–ad·ver·bi·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

adversarial
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures : ADVERSARY

adversary
n. : one that contends with, opposes, or resists : ENEMY
–ad·ver·sari·ness noun

adversary
n. 1 : of, relating to, or involving an adversary
2 : having or involving antagonistic parties or opposing interests <divorce can be an adversary proceeding>

adversative
n. : expressing antithesis, opposition, or adverse circumstance <the adversative conjunction but>
–adversative noun
–ad·ver·sa·tive·ly adverb

adverse
adj. 1 : acting against or in a contrary direction : HOSTILE <hindered by adverse winds>
2 a : opposed to one's interests <an adverse verdict> <heard testimony adverse to their position> especially : UNFAVORABLE <adverse criticism> b : causing harm : HARMFUL <adverse drug effects>
3 archaic : opposite in position
–ad·verse·ly adverb
–ad·verse·ness noun

adversity
n. : a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty or adverse fortune
synonyms see MISFORTUNE

advert
n. 1 : to turn the mind or attention ― used with to <adverted to the speaker>
2 : to call attention in the course of speaking or writing : make reference ― used with to <adverted to foreign-language sources>

advert
n. chiefly British : ADVERTISEMENT

advertence
n. 1 : the action or process of adverting : ATTENTION
2 : ADVERTENCY 1

advertency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being advertent : HEEDFULNESS
2 : ADVERTENCE 1

advertent
adj. : giving attention : HEEDFUL
–ad·ver·tent·ly adverb

advertise
v. transitive verb
1 : to make something known to : NOTIFY
2 a : to make publicly and generally known <advertising their readiness to make concessions> b : to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast c : to call public attention to especially by emphasizing desirable qualities so as to arouse a desire to buy or patronize : PROMOTE
intransitive verb : to issue or sponsor advertising <advertise for a secretary>
–ad·ver·tis·er noun

advertisement
n. 1 : the act or process of advertising
2 : a public notice especially : one published in the press or broadcast over the air

advertising
n. 1 : the action of calling something to the attention of the public especially by paid announcements
2 : ADVERTISEMENTS <the magazine contains much advertising>
3 : the business of preparing advertisements for publication or broadcast

advertorial
n. : an advertisement that imitates editorial format

advice
n. 1 : recommendation regarding a decision or course of conduct : COUNSEL <he shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties ― U.S. Constitution>
2 : information or notice given ― usually used in plural
3 : an official notice concerning a business transaction

advisable
adj. : fit to be advised or done : PRUDENT
synonyms see EXPEDIENT
–ad·vis·abil·i·ty \-ˌvī-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ad·vis·able·ness \-'vī-zə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ad·vis·ably \-blē\ adverb

advise
v. transitive verb
1 a : to give advice to : COUNSEL <advise her to try a drier climate> b : CAUTION, WARN <advise them of the consequences> c : RECOMMEND <advise prudence>
2 : to give information or notice to : INFORM <advise them of their rights>
intransitive verb
1 : to give advice <advise on legal matters>
2 : to take counsel : CONSULT <advise with friends>
–ad·vis·er also ad·vi·sor \-'vī-zər\ noun

advised
adj. : thought out : CONSIDERED ― often used in combination <ill-advised plans>
–ad·vis·ed·ly \-'vī-zəd-lē\ adverb

advised
adj. ill advised
well advised
ill advisedly

advisee
: one who is advised

advisement
n. 1 : careful consideration : DELIBERATION <take a matter under advisement>
2 : the act or process of advising (as a college student)

advisory
adj. 1 : having or exercising power to advise <an advisory council>
2 : containing or giving advice

advisory
adj. : a report giving information (as on the weather) and often recommending action to be taken

advocacy
n. : the act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal

advocacy journalism
: journalism that advocates a cause or expresses a viewpoint
–advocacy journalist noun

advocate
n. 1 : one that pleads the cause of another specifically : one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court
2 : one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
3 : one that supports or promotes the interests of another

advocate
: to plead in favor of
synonyms see SUPPORT
–ad·vo·ca·tion \ˌad-və-'kā-shən\ noun
–ad·vo·ca·tive \'ad-və-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective
–ad·vo·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

advocate
n. devil's advocate
judge advocate
judge advocate general

advowson
n. : the right in English law of presenting a nominee to a benefice

advt
n. advertisement

Adwa
town N Ethiopia S of Asmara pop 17,476

Adygeya
republic S Russia in Europe capital Maykop area 2934 sq mi (7599 sq km), pop 437,400

adynamic
adj. : characterized by or causing a loss of strength or function <adynamic ileus>

adytum
n. : the innermost sanctuary in an ancient temple open only to priests : SANCTUM

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

Adzharia
― see AJARIA
–Adzhar \'ä-ˌjär, ə-'jär\ noun
–Adzhar·i·an \ə-'jär-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

adzuki
n. : ADZUKI BEAN

adzuki bean
: an annual bushy leguminous plant (Vigna angularis syn. Phaseolus angularis) widely grown in Japan and China for its seeds which are used as food and to produce a flour also : its seed

AE
― see George William RUSSELL

ae
chiefly Scottish : ONE

Aeacus
: a son of Zeus who is given the Myrmidons as followers and becomes on his death a judge of the underworld

AEC
Atomic Energy Commission

aeciospore
: one of the spores arranged within an aecium in a series like a chain

aecium
: the fruiting body of a rust fungus in which the first binucleate spores are usually produced
–ae·cial \-sh(ē-)əl\ adjective

aedes
: any of a genus (Aedes) of mosquitoes including the vector of yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases
–ae·dine \-'ē-ˌdīn\ adjective

aedile
n. : an official in ancient Rome in charge of public works and games, police, and the grain supply

AEF
American Expeditionary Force

Aegates Islands
― see EGADI ISLANDS

Aegean
adj. 1 : of or relating to the arm of the Mediterranean Sea east of Greece
2 : of or relating to the chiefly Bronze Age civilization of the islands of the Aegean Sea and the countries adjacent to it

Aegean Islands
islands Aegean Sea including the Cyclades & the Northern & Southern Sporades

Aegean Sea
arm of the Mediterranean bet. Asia Minor & Greece

Aegina
n. island & ancient state SE Greece in Saronic Gulf
–Ae·gi·ne·tan \ˌē-jə-'nē-tən\ adjective or noun

aegis
n. 1 : a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena
2 a : PROTECTION <under the aegis of the Constitution> b : controlling or conditioning influence <many American mothers, under the aegis of benevolent permissiveness⋯actually neglect their children ― Time>
3 a : AUSPICES, SPONSORSHIP <under the aegis of the museum> b : control or guidance especially by an individual, group, or system

Aegisthus
: a lover of Clytemnestra slain with her by her son Orestes

Aegospotami
river & town of ancient Thrace in the Chersonese

aegri somnia
: a sick man's dreams

AElfric
ca 955-ca 1010 Eng. abbot & writer

aemia
chiefly British variant of -emia

Aemilia
― see EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Aeneas
n. : a son of Anchises and Aphrodite, defender of Troy, and hero of Virgil's Aeneid

Aeneas Silvius
― see PIUS II

Aeneolithic
: of or relating to a transitional period between the Neolithic and Bronze ages in which some copper was used

Aeolian
n. : of or relating to Aeolis or its inhabitants

Aeolian
n. 1 : a member of a group of Greek peoples of Thessaly and Boeotia that colonized Lesbos and the adjacent coast of Asia Minor
2 : AEOLIC

aeolian
n. 1 often capitalized : of or relating to Aeolus
2 : giving forth or marked by a moaning or sighing sound or musical tone produced by or as if by the wind

aeolian
n. variant of eolian

aeolian harp
: a box-shaped musical instrument having stretched strings usually tuned in unison on which the wind produces varying harmonics over the same fundamental tone

Aeolic
n. : AEOLIAN

Aeolic
n. : a group of ancient Greek dialects used by the Aeolians

Aeolis
n. ancient country of NW Asia Minor

Aeolus
n. : the Greek god of the winds

aeon
n. 1 : an immeasurably or indefinitely long period of time : AGE
2 a usually eon : a very large division of geologic time usually longer than an era b : a unit of geologic time equal to one billion years

aeonian
adj. : lasting for an immeasurably or indefinitely long period of time

aepyornis
n. : ELEPHANT BIRD

aeq
equal

aequam servare mentem
: to preserve a calm mind

aequo animo
: with even mind : calmly

aer
1 a : air : atmosphere <aerate> <aerobiology> b : air and <aerospace>
2 : gas <aerosol>
3 : aviation <aerodrome>

aerate
v. 1 : to supply or impregnate (as the soil or a liquid) with air
2 : to supply (the blood) with oxygen by respiration
3 a British : CARBONATE 2 b : to make light or sparkling
–aer·a·tion \ˌa(-ə)r-'ā-shən, ˌe(-ə)r-\ noun

aerator
n. : one that aerates especially : an apparatus for aerating something (as sewage)

aere perennius
: more lasting than bronze

aerenchyma
n. : modified parenchymatous tissue having large intracellular air spaces that is found especially in aquatic plants where it facilitates gaseous exchange and maintains buoyancy

aerial
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or occurring in the air or atmosphere b : existing or growing in the air rather than in the ground or in water c : high in the air <aerial spires> d : operating or operated overhead on elevated cables or rails <an aerial tram>
2 : suggestive of air: as a : lacking substance b : FANCIFUL, ETHEREAL <visions of aerial joy ― P. B. Shelley>
3 a : of or relating to aircraft <aerial navigation> b : designed for use in, taken from, or operating from or against aircraft c : effected by means of aircraft <aerial transportation>
4 : of, relating to, or gained by the forward pass in football
–ae·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

aerial
n. 1 : ANTENNA 2
2 : FORWARD PASS
3 : an acrobatic maneuver performed (as by skiers and gymnasts) in the air also plural : a ski event featuring aerials

aerial ladder
: a mechanically operated extensible ladder usually mounted on a fire truck

aerial perspective
: the expression of space in painting by gradation of color and distinctness

aerialist
n. : one who performs feats in the air or above the ground especially on the trapeze

aerie
n. 1 : the nest of a bird on a cliff or a mountaintop
2 obsolete : a brood of birds of prey
3 : an elevated often secluded dwelling, structure, or position

aero
pref. : of or relating to aircraft or aeronautics <an aero engine>

aero
pref. aerodynamic

aerobatics
n. : spectacular flying feats and maneuvers (as rolls and dives)
–aer·o·bat \'er-ə-ˌbat\ noun
–aer·o·bat·ic \ˌer-ə-'ba-tik\ adjective

aerobe
n. : an organism (as a bacterium) that lives only in the presence of oxygen

aerobic
adj. 1 : living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen <aerobic respiration>
2 : of, relating to, or induced by aerobes
3 a : involving, utilizing, or increasing oxygen consumption for metabolic processes in the body <stationary bicycles used for aerobic conditioning> b : relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics
–aer·o·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aerobicize
transitive verb : to bring to good physical condition through aerobics
intransitive verb : to engage in aerobics

aerobics
n. 1 singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
2 : aerobic exercises

aerobiology
n. : the science dealing with the occurrence, transportation, and effects of airborne materials (as viruses, pollen, or pollutants)
–aero·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

aerobiosis
n. : life in the presence of air or oxygen

aerobrake
: to decelerate (as a spacecraft) by passage through a planetary atmosphere

aerodrome
n. chiefly British : AIRFIELD

aerodynamicist
n. : one who specializes in aerodynamics

aerodynamics
n. : a branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and other gaseous fluids and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to such fluids
–aero·dy·nam·ic \-mik\ also aero·dy·nam·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective
–aero·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aerodyne
n. : a heavier-than-air aircraft (as an airplane, helicopter, or glider) ― compare AEROSTAT

aeroelasticity
n. : distortion (as from bending) in a structure (as an airplane wing or a building) caused by aerodynamic forces
–aero·elas·tic \-'las-tik\ adjective

aeroembolism
n. : decompression sickness caused by rapid ascent to high altitudes and resulting exposure to rapidly lowered air pressure

aerofoil
n. chiefly British : AIRFOIL

aerogram
n. : AIR LETTER 2

aerographer's mate
: a navy petty officer specializing in meteorology

aerolite
n. : a stony meteorite

aeromagnetic
: of, relating to, or derived from a study of the earth's magnetic field especially from the air <an aeromagnetic survey>

aeromechanics
n. : mechanics that deals with the equilibrium and motion of gases and of solid bodies immersed in them

aeromedical
adj. 1 : of or relating to aeromedicine
2 : relating to or involving air transportation to a hospital

aeromedicine
n. : a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and disturbances arising from flying and the associated physiological and psychological problems

aerometer
n. : an instrument for ascertaining the weight or density of air or other gases

aeronaut
n. : one who operates or travels in an airship or balloon

aeronautics
n. 1 : a science dealing with the operation of aircraft
2 : the art or science of flight
–aero·nau·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ also aero·nau·tic \-tik\ adjective
–aero·nau·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aeronomy
n. : a science that deals with the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere of planets
–aer·on·o·mer \-mər\ noun
–aer·o·nom·ic \ˌer-ə-'nä-mik\ adjective
–aer·on·o·mist \ˌer-'ä-nə-mist\ noun

aerophobia
n. : fear or strong dislike of flying
–aero·phobe \'er-ō-ˌfōb\ noun
–aero·pho·bic \ˌer-ō-'fō-bik\ adjective or noun

aeroplane
n. chiefly British : AIRPLANE

aerosol
n. 1 : a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas <smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols> also plural : the fine particles of an aerosol <stratospheric aerosols>
2 : a substance (as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol also : the container for this

aerosolize
v. : to disperse as an aerosol
–aero·sol·i·za·tion \ˌar-ə-ˌsä-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌsȯ-, -sə-\ noun

aerospace
n. 1 : space comprising the earth's atmosphere and the space beyond
2 : a physical science that deals with aerospace
3 : the aerospace industry

aerospace
n. : of or relating to aerospace, to vehicles used in aerospace or the manufacture of such vehicles, or to travel in aerospace <aerospace research> <aerospace profits> <aerospace medicine>

aerospace plane
: an airplane designed to be able to reach low earth orbit

aerostat
n. : a lighter-than-air aircraft (as a balloon or blimp) ― compare AERODYNE

aerostatics
n. : a branch of statics that deals with the equilibrium of gaseous fluids and of solid bodies immersed in them

aerothermodynamics
: the thermodynamics of gases and especially of air
–aero·ther·mo·dy·nam·ic \-mik\ adjective

aery
n. : having an aerial quality : ETHEREAL <aery visions>
–aer·i·ly \'er-ə-lē\ adverb

aery
n. variant of aerie

Aeschines
389-314 B.C. Athenian orator

Aeschylus
n. 525-456 B.C. Greek dram.
–Aes·chy·le·an \ˌes-kə-'lē-ən, ˌēs-\ adjective

Aesculapian
adj. : of or relating to Aesculapius or the healing art

Aesir
: the principal race of Norse gods

Aesop
n. Greek fabulist; prob. legendary

Aesopian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Aesop or his fables
2 : conveying an innocent meaning to an outsider but a hidden meaning to a member of a conspiracy or underground movement <Aesopian language>

aesthete
n. : one having or affecting sensitivity to the beautiful especially in art

aesthetic
1 a : of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful <aesthetic theories> b : ARTISTIC <a work of aesthetic value> c : pleasing in appearance : ATTRACTIVE <easy-to-use keyboards, clear graphics, and other ergonomic and aesthetic features ― Mark Mehler>
2 : appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful also : responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses
–aes·thet·i·cal·ly also es·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aesthetic
adj. 1 plural but singular or plural in construction : a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty
2 : a particular theory or conception of beauty or art : a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight <modernist aesthetics> <staging new ballets which reflected the aesthetic of the new nation ― Mary Clarke & Clement Crisp>
3 plural : a pleasing appearance or effect : BEAUTY <appreciated the aesthetics of the gemstones>

aesthetic distance
: the frame of reference that an artist creates by the use of technical devices in and around the work of art to differentiate it psychologically from reality

aesthetician
n. 1 : a specialist in aesthetics
2 : COSMETOLOGIST

aestheticism
n. 1 : a doctrine that the principles of beauty are basic to other and especially moral principles
2 : devotion to or emphasis on beauty or the cultivation of the arts

aestheticize
v. : to make aesthetic

aestival
adj. variant of estival

aestivate
v. variant of estivate, estivation

aet
of age; aged

Aethelberht
d 616 king of Kent (560-616)

Aethelred
968?-1016 the Unready king of England (978-1016)

aether
n. variant of ether2a

aetiology
n. chiefly British variant of etiology

Aetolia
region W cen Greece N of Gulf of Patras & E of Acarnania
–Ae·to·lian \-lē-ən, -yən\ adjective or noun

AF
1 air force
2 audio frequency

af
affix

af
― see AD-

afar
adv. : from, to, or at a great distance <roamed afar>

afar
adv. : a great distance <saw him from afar>

Afars and the Issas, French Territory of the
― see DJIBOUTI 1

AFB
air force base

AFC
1 American Football Conference
2 automatic frequency control

AFDC
Aid to Families with Dependent Children

afeard
chiefly dialect : AFRAID

afebrile
adj. : not marked by or having a fever

aff
affirmative

affable
adj. 1 : being pleasant and at ease in talking to others <an affable host>
2 : characterized by ease and friendliness <an affable manner>
synonyms see GRACIOUS
–af·fa·bil·i·ty \ˌa-fə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–af·fa·bly \-blē\ adverb

affair
n. 1 a plural : commercial, professional, public, or personal business b : MATTER, CONCERN
2 : a procedure, action, or occasion only vaguely specified also : an object or collection of objects only vaguely specified <their house was a 2-story affair>
3 also af·faire a : a romantic or passionate attachment typically of limited duration : LIAISON 2B b : a matter occasioning public anxiety, controversy, or scandal : CASE

affect
v. 1 obsolete : FEELING, AFFECTION
2 : the conscious subjective aspect of an emotion considered apart from bodily changes also : a set of observable manifestations of a subjectively experienced emotion <patients⋯showed perfectly normal reactions and affects ― Oliver Sacks>
usage see EFFECT

affect
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to aim at
2 a archaic : to have affection for b : to be given to : FANCY <affect flashy clothes>
3 : to make a display of liking or using : CULTIVATE <affect a worldly manner>
4 : to put on a pretense of : FEIGN <affect indifference, though deeply hurt>
5 : to tend toward <drops of water affect roundness>
6 : FREQUENT
intransitive verb obsolete : INCLINE 2
synonyms see ASSUME
usage see EFFECT

affect
v. : to produce an effect upon: as a : to produce a material influence upon or alteration in <paralysis affected his limbs> b : to act upon (as a person or a person's mind or feelings) so as to effect a response : INFLUENCE
usage see EFFECT
–af·fect·abil·i·ty \-ˌfek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–af·fect·able \-'fek-tə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms AFFECT, INFLUENCE, TOUCH, IMPRESS, STRIKE, SWAY mean to produce or have an effect upon. AFFECT implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction <the sight affected her to tears>. INFLUENCE implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior) <our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing>. TOUCH may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming <plants touched by frost> <his emotions were touched by her distress>. IMPRESS stresses the depth and persistence of the effect <only one of the plans impressed him>. STRIKE similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation <struck by the solemnity of the occasion>. SWAY implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action <politicians who are swayed by popular opinion>.

affectation
n. 1 a : the act of taking on or displaying an attitude or mode of behavior not natural to oneself or not genuinely felt b : speech or conduct not natural to oneself : ARTIFICIALITY
2 obsolete : a striving after
synonyms see POSE

affected
adj. 1 : INCLINED, DISPOSED <was well affected toward her>
2 a : given to or marked by affectation <spoke in an affected manner> b : assumed artificially or falsely : PRETENDED <an affected interest in art>
–af·fect·ed·ly adverb
–af·fect·ed·ness noun

affecting
adj. : evoking a strong emotional response
synonyms see MOVING
–af·fect·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

affection
n. 1 : a moderate feeling or emotion
2 : tender attachment : FONDNESS <she had a deep affection for her parents>
3 a (1) : a bodily condition (2) : DISEASE, MALADY b : ATTRIBUTE <shape and weight are affections of bodies>
4 obsolete : PARTIALITY, PREJUDICE
5 : the feeling aspect (as in pleasure) of consciousness
6 a : PROPENSITY, DISPOSITION b archaic : AFFECTATION 1
7 : the action of affecting : the state of being affected
synonyms see FEELING
–af·fec·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective

affectional
adj. : of or relating to the affections
–af·fec·tion·al·ly adverb

affectionate
adj. 1 obsolete : INCLINED, DISPOSED
2 : having affection or warm regard : LOVING <affectionate friends>
3 : motivated by affection : TENDER <affectionate care>
–af·fec·tion·ate·ly adverb

affectioned
archaic : having a tendency, disposition, or inclination : DISPOSED

affective
adj. 1 : relating to, arising from, or influencing feelings or emotions : EMOTIONAL <cognitive and affective symptoms>
2 : expressing emotion <affective language>
–af·fec·tive·ly adverb
–af·fec·tiv·i·ty \ˌa-ˌfek-'ti-və-tē\ noun

affective disorder
: MOOD DISORDER

affectless
adj. : showing or expressing no emotion also : UNFEELING <a ruthless affectless society>
–af·fect·less·ness noun

affenpinscher
n. : any of a breed of toy dogs with a wiry black, red, tan, or gray coat, erect ears, large round eyes, and bushy eyebrows, chin tuft, and mustache

afferent
adj. : bearing or conducting inward specifically : conveying impulses toward the central nervous system ― compare EFFERENT
–af·fer·ent·ly adverb

afferent
adj. : an afferent anatomical part (as a nerve)

affiance
v. archaic : TRUST, CONFIDENCE

affiance
v. : to solemnly promise (oneself or another) in marriage : BETROTH

affiant
n. : one who swears to an affidavit broadly : DEPONENT

afficionado
n. variant of aficionado

affidavit
n. : a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation before an authorized magistrate or officer

affiliate
transitive verb
1 a : to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch b : to associate as a member <affiliates herself with the local club>
2 : to trace the origin of
intransitive verb : to connect or associate oneself : COMBINE
–af·fil·i·a·tion \-ˌfī-lē-'ā-shən\ noun

affiliate
v. : an affiliated person or organization

affiliated
adj. : closely associated with another typically in a dependent or subordinate position <the university and its affiliated medical school>

affine
adj. : a relative by marriage : IN-LAW

affine
adj. : of, relating to, or being a transformation (as a translation, a rotation, or a uniform stretching) that carries straight lines into straight lines and parallel lines into parallel lines but may alter distance between points and angles between lines <affine geometry>
–af·fine·ly adverb

affined
adj. 1 : joined in a close relationship : CONNECTED
2 : bound by obligation

affinity
n. 1 : relationship by marriage
2 a : sympathy marked by community of interest : KINSHIP b (1) : an attraction to or liking for something <people with an affinity to darkness ― Mark Twain> <pork and fennel have a natural affinity for each other ― Abby Mandel> (2) : an attractive force between substances or particles that causes them to enter into and remain in chemical combination c : a person especially of the opposite sex having a particular attraction for one
3 a : likeness based on relationship or causal connection <found an affinity between the teller of a tale and the craftsman ― Mary McCarthy> <this investigation, with affinities to a case history, a psychoanalysis, a detective story ― Oliver Sacks> b : a relation between biological groups involving resemblance in structural plan and indicating a common origin
synonyms see ATTRACTION

affinity
n. affinity card
affinity chromatography
affinity group

affinity card
: a credit card which is issued in affiliation with a participating organization (as a charity or an airline) and the use of which earns a benefit for the organization or the cardholder

affinity chromatography
: chromatography in which a macromolecule (as a protein) is isolated and purified by passing it in solution through a column treated with a substance having a ligand for which the macromolecule has an affinity that causes it to be retained on the column

affinity group
: a group of people having a common interest or goal or acting together for a specific purpose (as for a chartered tour)

affirm
v. transitive verb
1 a : VALIDATE, CONFIRM b : to state positively <he affirmed his innocence>
2 : to assert (as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed
3 : to express dedication to <affirm life>
intransitive verb
1 : to testify or declare by affirmation as distinguished from swearing an oath
2 : to uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court
synonyms see ASSERT
–af·firm·able \ə-'fər-mə-bəl\ adjective
–af·fir·mance \ə-'fər-mən(t)s\ noun

affirmation
n. 1 a : the act of affirming b : something affirmed : a positive assertion
2 : a solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury by a person who conscientiously declines taking an oath

affirmative
n. 1 : asserting a predicate of a subject
2 : asserting that the fact is so
3 : POSITIVE <affirmative approach>
4 : favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
–af·fir·ma·tive·ly adverb

affirmative
n. 1 : an expression (as the word yes) of affirmation or assent
2 : an affirmative proposition
3 : the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate

affirmative action
: an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women also : a similar effort to promote the rights or progress of other disadvantaged persons

affix
n. 1 : to attach physically <affix a stamp to a letter>
2 : to attach in any way : ADD, APPEND <affix a signature to a document>
3 : IMPRESS <affixed my seal>
synonyms see FASTEN
–af·fix·able \-'fik-sə-bəl\ adjective
–af·fix·a·tion \ˌa-ˌfik-'sā-shən\ noun
–af·fix·ment \ə-'fik-smənt, a-\ noun

affix
n. 1 : one or more sounds or letters occurring as a bound form attached to the beginning or end of a word, base, or phrase or inserted within a word or base and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form
2 : APPENDAGE
–af·fix·al \-ˌfik-səl\ or af·fix·i·al \a-'fik-sē-əl\ adjective

afflatus
n. : a divine imparting of knowledge or power : INSPIRATION

afflict
v. 1 obsolete a : HUMBLE b : OVERTHROW
2 a : to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish <afflicted with arthritis> b : TROUBLE, INJURE
synonyms AFFLICT, TRY, TORMENT, TORTURE, RACK mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. AFFLICT is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress <ills that afflict the elderly>. TRY suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control <children often try their parents' patience>. TORMENT suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance <a horse tormented by flies>. TORTURE adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering <tortured by a sense of guilt>. RACK stresses straining or wrenching <a body racked by pain>.

affliction
n. 1 : the state of being afflicted
2 : the cause of persistent pain or distress
3 : great suffering

afflictive
adj. : causing affliction : DISTRESSING, TROUBLESOME <afflictive emotions>
–af·flic·tive·ly adverb

affluence
n. 1 a : an abundant flow or supply : PROFUSION b : abundance of property : WEALTH
2 : a flowing to or toward a point : INFLUX

affluency
: AFFLUENCE

affluent
adj. 1 : flowing in abundance <affluent streams> <affluent creativity>
2 : having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material possessions <our affluent society>
synonyms see RICH
–af·flu·ent·ly adverb

affluent
adj. 1 : a tributary stream
2 : an affluent person

afford
v. 1 a : to manage to bear without serious detriment <you can't afford to neglect your health> b : to be able to bear the cost of <can't afford to be out of work long> <able to afford a new car>
2 : to make available, give forth, or provide naturally or inevitably <the sun affords warmth to the earth> <the roof afforded a fine view>
synonyms see GIVE
–af·ford·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–af·ford·able \-'fȯr-də-bəl\ adjective
–af·ford·ably \ə-'fȯr-də-blē\ adverb

afforestation
n. : the act or process of establishing a forest especially on land not previously forested
–af·for·est \a-'fȯr-əst, -'fär-\ transitive verb

affray
n. 1 archaic : FRAY, BRAWL
2 chiefly British : a fight between two or more people in a public place that disturbs the peace

affray
n. archaic : STARTLE, FRIGHTEN

affricate
n. : a stop and its immediately following release into a fricative that are considered to constitute a single phoneme (as the \t\ and \sh\ of \ch\ in choose)
–af·fric·a·tive \a-'fri-kə-tiv, ə-\ noun or adjective

affright
v. archaic : FRIGHTEN, ALARM

affright
v. archaic : sudden and great fear : TERROR

affront
n. 1 a : to insult especially to the face by behavior or language b : to cause offense to <a system of law about both family and marriage that affronted lay society ― J. H. Mundy>
2 a : to face in defiance : CONFRONT <affront death> b obsolete : to encounter face-to-face
3 : to appear directly before
synonyms see OFFEND

affront
n. 1 obsolete : a hostile encounter
2 : a deliberate offense : INSULT <an affront to his dignity>

afft
affidavit

affusion
n. : an act of pouring a liquid on (as in baptism)

Afghan
n. 1 a (1) : PASHTUN (2) : PASHTO b : a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan
2 not capitalized : a blanket or shawl of colored wool knitted or crocheted in strips or squares
3 not capitalized : a Turkoman carpet of large size and long pile woven in geometric designs
4 : AFGHAN HOUND
–Afghan or Af·ghani \af-'ga-nē, -'gä-\ adjective

Afghan hound
: any of a breed of tall slim swift hunting dogs originating in Afghanistan with a coat of silky thick hair and a long silky topknot

afghani
n. ― see MONEY table

Afghanistan
n. country W Asia E of Iran capital Kabul area 250,775 sq mi (649,507 sq km), pop 18,052,000

aficionada
n. : a woman who is an aficionado

aficionado
n. : a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity : DEVOTEE <aficionados of the bullfight> <movie aficionados>

afield
adv. 1 : to, in, or on the field <was weak at bat but strong afield>
2 : away from home : ABROAD
3 : out of the way : ASTRAY <irrelevant remarks that carried us far afield>

afire
adj. 1 : being on fire : BLAZING
2 : being in a state of great excitement or energy <her music set the audience afire>

AFL
American Football League

AFL-CIO
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

aflame
adj. : AFIRE

aflatoxin
n. : any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (as peanuts) by molds (as Aspergillus flavus)

afloat
adj. 1 a : borne on or as if on the water b : being at sea
2 : free of difficulties : SELF-SUFFICIENT <the inheritance kept them afloat for years>
3 a : circulating about <nasty stories were afloat> b : ADRIFT

aflutter
adj. 1 : being in a flutter : FLUTTERING
2 : nervously excited <all aflutter at the news>
3 : filled with or marked by the presence of fluttering things <roofs aflutter with flags>

Afognak
island S Alaska N of Kodiak Is.

Afonso
name of 6 kings of Portugal: especially I Hen·ri·ques \ān-'rē-kish\ 1109?-1185 (1st king of Portugal; reigned 1139-85); V 1432-1481 (reigned 1438-81)

afoot
adj. 1 : on foot
2 : in the process of development : UNDER WAY <something out of the ordinary was afoot ― Hamilton Basso>

afore
adv. chiefly dialect : BEFORE

aforementioned
adj. : mentioned previously

aforesaid
adj. : said or named before or above

aforethought
adj. : previously in mind : PREMEDITATED, DELIBERATE <with malice aforethought>

afoul of
1 : in or into conflict with <ran afoul of the law>
2 : in or into collision or entanglement with

AFP
alpha-fetoprotein

Afr
Africa; African

Afr
: African <Afro-American> : African and <Afro-Asiatic>

afraid
adj. 1 : filled with fear or apprehension <afraid of machines> <afraid for his job>
2 : filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation <I'm afraid I won't be able to go>
3 : having a dislike for something <afraid of hard work>
synonyms see FEARFUL

afreet
n. : a powerful evil jinni, demon, or monstrous giant in Arabic mythology

afresh
adv. : from a fresh beginning : ANEW, AGAIN

Africa
n. continent of the eastern hemisphere S of the Mediterranean & adjoining Asia on NE area 11,677,239 sq mi (30,244,049 sq km)

Africa
n. Portuguese West Africa
British East Africa
Portuguese East Africa
German Southwest Africa
South West Africa
Belgian East Africa
East Africa
French Equatorial Africa
French West Africa
German East Africa
Horn of Africa
Italian East Africa
South Africa Republic of
Union of South Africa

African
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Africa
2 : a person and especially a black person of African ancestry

African
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Africa or its people
–Af·ri·can·ness \-kə(n)-nəs\ noun

African
n. African American
African buffalo
African daisy
African elephant
African gray
African mahogany
African violet
African wild dog
African hunting dog
Pan African
South African
South African Republic
inter African
non African
Central African Republic
Central African Empire

African buffalo
: CAPE BUFFALO

African daisy
: any of a genus (Arctotis) of widely cultivated composite herbs native to southern Africa

African elephant
: ELEPHANT 1A

African gray
: a parrot (Psittacus erithacus) native to equatorial Africa that has gray plumage, a red tail, and a whitish face and is commonly domesticated especially for its ability in learning to talk

African mahogany
: MAHOGANY 1B

African violet
: any of several tropical African gesneriads (esp. Saintpaulia ionantha) widely grown as houseplants for their velvety fleshy leaves and showy purple, pink, or white flowers

African wild dog
: a powerful canid (Lycaon pictus) having a mottled coat of black, white, and reddish yellow that was formerly common in sub-Saharan Africa where it hunted in large packs but is now restricted to small populations in southern and eastern Africa ― called also African hunting dog

African-American
: AFRO-AMERICAN
–African-American adjective

Africana
n. : materials (as books, documents, or artifacts) relating to African history and culture

Africander
n. : any of a breed of tall red large-horned humped southern African cattle used chiefly for meat or draft

Africanise
v. British variant of africanize

Africanism
n. 1 : a characteristic feature (as a custom or belief) of African culture
2 : a characteristic feature of an African language occurring in a non-African language
3 : allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of Africa
–Af·ri·can·ist \-nist\ adjective

Africanist
: a specialist in African languages or cultures

Africanize
v. 1 : to cause to acquire a distinctively African trait
2 : to bring under the influence, control, or cultural or civil supremacy of Africans and especially black Africans
–Af·ri·can·i·za·tion \ˌa-fri-kə-nə-'zā-shən also ˌä-\ noun

Africanized bee
: a honeybee that originated in Brazil as an accidental hybrid between an aggressive African subspecies (Apis mellifera scutellata) and previously established European honeybees and has spread to Mexico and the southernmost U.S. by breeding with local bees producing populations retaining most of the African bee's traits ― called also Africanized honeybee killer bee

Afrikaans
n. : a language developed from 17th century Dutch that is one of the official languages of the Republic of So. Africa

Afrikaans
n. : of or relating to Afrikaners or Afrikaans

Afrikaner
n. : a South African of European descent whose native language is Afrikaans
–Af·ri·ka·ner·dom \-dəm\ noun

Afro
n. : a hairstyle of tight curls in a full evenly rounded shape
–Af·roed \-(ˌ)frōd\ adjective

Afro-American
: an American of African and especially of black African descent
–Afro-American adjective

Afro-Asiatic
: of, relating to, or being a family of languages widely distributed over southwestern Asia and Africa including the Semitic, Egyptian, Berber, Cushitic, and Chadic subfamilies

Afrocentric
adj. 1 : centered on or derived from Africa or the Africans
2 : emphasizing or promoting emphasis on African culture and the contributions of Africans to the development of Western civilization <an Afrocentric curriculum>
–Af·ro·cen·tric·i·ty \-ˌsen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun
–Af·ro·cen·trism \-'sen-ˌtri-zəm\ noun
–Af·ro·cen·trist \-'sen-trist\ noun or adjective

AFT
adv. 1 American Federation of Teachers
2 automatic fine-tuning

aft
adv. : near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft <called all hands aft>

aft
adv. : REARWARD, AFTER 2 <the aft decks>

aft
adv. Scottish variant of oft

aft
adv. afternoon

after
adj. : following in time or place : AFTERWARD, BEHIND, LATER <we arrived shortly after> <returned 20 years after>

after
adj. 1 a : behind in place <people lined up one after another> b (1) : subsequent to in time or order <20 minutes after 6> (2) : subsequent to and in view of <after all our advice>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate the object of a stated or implied action <go after gold> <was asking after you>
3 : so as to resemble: as a : in accordance with b : with the name of or a name derived from that of <named after his father> c : in the characteristic manner of : in imitation of <writing after the manner of Hemingway>

after
adj. : subsequently to the time when <we will come after we make plans>

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

after
adj. chiefly Irish ― used with a present participle to indicate action completed and especially just completed <the poor old man is after dying on me ― J. M. Synge>

after
adj. : AFTERNOON

after
adj. after all
after hours
after tax
day after day
after a fashion
fore and after
get after
go after
inquire after
look after
morning after pill
run after
see after
after a sort
take after
accessory after the fact

after a fashion
in an approximate or rough way <became an artist after a fashion>

after a sort
in a rough or haphazard way <plays the piano, after a sort>

after all
1 : in spite of considerations or expectations to the contrary : NEVERTHELESS <decided to take the train after all> <didn't rain after all>
2 : in view of all circumstances <literature which is after all only a special department of reading ― W. W. Watt>

after hours
after the regular quitting or closing time

after-hours
: engaged in or operating after a legal or conventional closing time <after-hours drinking> <an after-hours club>

after-tax
: remaining after payment of taxes and especially of income tax <an after-tax profit>

afterbirth
n. : the placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled after delivery

afterburner
n. 1 : a device incorporated into the tailpipe of a turbojet engine for injecting fuel into the hot exhaust gases and burning it to provide extra thrust
2 : a device for burning or catalytically destroying unburned or partially burned carbon compounds in exhaust (as from an automobile)

aftercare
n. : the care, treatment, help, or supervision given to persons discharged from an institution (as a hospital)

afterclap
: an unexpected damaging or unsettling event following a supposedly closed affair

afterdeck
n. : the part of a deck abaft amidships

aftereffect
n. : an effect that follows its cause after an interval

afterglow
n. 1 : a glow remaining where a light has disappeared
2 : a pleasant effect or feeling that lingers after something is done, experienced, or achieved <basking in the afterglow of success>

afterguard
1 : the sailors stationed on the poop or after part of a ship
2 : the decision-making members of a sailboat racing team usually including a helmsman, tactician, and navigator

afterimage
n. : a usually visual sensation occurring after stimulation by its external cause has ceased

afterlife
n. 1 : an existence after death
2 : a later period in one's life
3 : a period of continued or renewed use, existence, or popularity beyond what is normal, primary, or expected <a TV show with a long afterlife in syndication>

aftermarket
n. 1 : the market for parts and accessories used in the repair or enhancement of a product (as an automobile)
2 : a secondary market available after sales in the original market are finished <a movie in the videocassette aftermarket>

aftermath
n. 1 : a second-growth crop ― called also rowen
2 : CONSEQUENCE, RESULT <stricken with guilt as an aftermath of the accident>
3 : the period immediately following a usually ruinous event <in the aftermath of the war>

aftermost
adj. : farthest aft

afternoon
n. 1 : the part of day between noon and sunset
2 : a relatively late period (as of time or life) <in the afternoon of the 19th century>
–afternoon adjective

afternoons
n. : in the afternoon repeatedly : on any afternoon

afterpiece
n. : a short usually comic entertainment performed after a play

afters
n. British : DESSERT

aftershave
n. : a usually scented lotion for use on the face after shaving

aftershock
n. 1 : a minor shock following the main shock of an earthquake
2 : an aftereffect of a distressing or traumatic event

aftertaste
n. : persistence of a sensation (as of flavor or an emotion) after the stimulating agent or experience has gone

afterthought
n. 1 : an idea occurring later
2 : something (as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary

aftertime
: FUTURE

afterward
adv. : at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

afterword
n. : EPILOGUE 1

afterworld
n. : a future world : a world after death

AFTRA
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

Afyon
city W cen Turkey pop 98,618

AG
n. 1 adjutant general
2 [German Aktiengesellschaft] joint stock company
3 attorney general

Ag
n. silver

ag
n. : of or relating to agriculture <ag schools>

ag
n. ― see AD-

Aga
n. Aga Khan
Aga Khan III
Aga Khan IV

Aga Khan
1877-1957 Aga Sultan Sir Mohammed Shah imam of a branch of Shiism (1885-1957)

Aga Khan
1936-     grandson of prec., Shah Karim imam of a branch of Shiism (1957-    )

Agadir
city & port SW Morocco area pop 478,000

again
adv. 1 : in return : BACK <swore he would pay him again when he was able ― Shakespeare>
2 : another time : once more : ANEW <I shall not look upon his like again ― Shakespeare>
3 : on the other hand <he might go, and again he might not>
4 : in addition : BESIDES <again, there is another matter to consider>

again
adv. every now and again
again and again
born again
come again
half again as
on again off again
time and again
yet again

again and again
: at frequent intervals : OFTEN, REPEATEDLY

against
adv. 1 a : in opposition or hostility to <spoke against his enemies> b : contrary to <against the law> c : in competition with <racing against each other> d : as a basis for disapproval of <had nothing against him>
2 a : directly opposite : FACING <she sat down just over against me ― Daniel Defoe> b obsolete : exposed to
3 : compared or contrasted with <profits are up against last year>
4 a : in preparation or provision for <saving against an uncertain future> b : as a defense or protection from <a shelter against the cold>
5 a : in the direction of and into contact with <knocked against the ropes> b : in contact with <leaning against the wall>
6 : in a direction opposite to the motion or course of : counter to <sail against the wind>
7 a : as a counterbalance to <weighing risk against profit> b : in exchange for <a lower rate against the dollar> c : as a charge on <charged against her account>
8 : before the background of <viewed against the sky>

against
adv. archaic : in preparation for the time when <throw on another log of wood against father comes home ― Charles Dickens>

against
adv. against the clock
crime against humanity
crime against nature
hope against hope
over against
play both ends against the middle
run against
up against

against the clock

1 : with or within a time constraint <working against the clock>
2 : with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement <trial races against the clock>

Agamemnon
n. : a king of Mycenae and leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War

agamic
adj. : ASEXUAL, PARTHENOGENETIC

agammaglobulinemia
n. : a condition in which the body forms few or no gamma globulins or antibodies
–agam·ma·glob·u·lin·emic \-'nē-mik\ adjective

agamospermy
n. : APOGAMY specifically : apogamy in which sexual union is not completed and the embryo is produced from the innermost layer of the integument of the female gametophyte

Agana
town capital of Guam on W coast pop 1139

agapanthus
n. : any of several African plants (genus Agapanthus) of the lily family cultivated for their umbels of showy blue, purple, or white flowers

agape
n. 1 : LOVE FEAST
2 : LOVE 4A

agape
n. 1 : wide open : GAPING <with mouth agape>
2 : being in a state of wonder <tourists agape at the scenery>

agar
n. 1 : a gelatinous colloidal extractive of a red alga (as of the genera Gelidium, Gracilaria, and Eucheuma) used especially in culture media or as a gelling and stabilizing agent in foods
2 : a culture medium containing agar

agar-agar
: AGAR

agaric
n. 1 : the dried fruiting body of a fungus (Fomes officinalis syn. Polyporus officinalis) formerly used in medicine
2 : any of a family (Agaricaceae) of fungi with the sporophore usually resembling an umbrella and with numerous gills on the underside of the cap

agarose
adj. : a polysaccharide obtained from agar and used especially as a supporting medium in gel electrophoresis

Agartala
city E India capital of Tripura pop 189,327

Agassiz
Alexander 1835-1910 son of J.L.R. American zool.

Agassiz
(Jean) Louis (Rodolphe) 1807-1873 American (Swiss-born) naturalist

agate
n. 1 : a fine-grained variegated chalcedony having its colors arranged in stripes, blended in clouds, or showing mosslike forms
2 : something made of or fitted with agate: as a : a drawplate used by gold-wire drawers b : a playing marble of agate
3 a : a size of type approximately 51/2 point b : condensed information (as advertisements or box scores) set especially in agate type

agate
n. agate line
agate ware
moss agate
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
n. reservation W Nebr.

agate line
: a space one column wide and 1/14 inch deep used as a unit of measurement in classified advertising

agate ware
1 : pottery veined and mottled to resemble agate
2 : an enameled iron or steel ware for household utensils

Agathocles
361-289 B.C. tyrant of Syracuse

agave
n. : any of a genus (Agave of the family Agavaceae, the agave family) of plants having spiny-margined leaves and flowers in tall spreading panicles and including some cultivated for their fiber or sap or for ornament

Agawam
town SW Mass. pop 28,144

agaze
adv. : engaged in the act of gazing

AGC
advanced graduate certificate

agcy
agency

age
n. 1 a : the time of life at which some particular qualification, power, or capacity arises or rests <the voting age is 18> specifically : MAJORITY b : one of the stages of life c : the length of an existence extending from the beginning to any given time <a boy 10 years of age> d : LIFETIME e : an advanced stage of life
2 : a period of time dominated by a central figure or prominent feature <the age of Pericles>: as a : a period in history or human progress <the age of reptiles> <the age of exploration> b : a cultural period marked by the prominence of a particular item <entering the atomic age> c : a division of geologic time that is usually shorter than an epoch
3 a : the period contemporary with a person's lifetime or with his or her active life b : a long time ― usually used in plural <haven't seen him in ages> c : GENERATION
4 : an individual's development measured in terms of the years requisite for like development of an average individual
synonyms see PERIOD

age
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become old : show the effects or the characteristics of increasing age
2 : to acquire a desirable quality (as mellowness or ripeness) by standing undisturbed for some time <letting cheese age>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to become old
2 : to bring to a state fit for use or to maturity
–ag·er \'ā-jər\ noun

age
n. 1 : aggregate : collection <trackage>
2 a : action : process <haulage> b : cumulative result of <breakage> c : rate of <dosage>
3 : house or place of <orphanage>
4 : state : rank <peonage>
5 : charge <postage>

age
n. age group
age mate
age of consent
age of reason
age old
age spots
Bronze Age
of a certain age
come of age
coming of age
coon's age
dark age
golden age
ice age
Iron Age
legal age
Little Ice Age
mental age
middle age
moyen age
new age
school age
silver age
space age
Stone Age
age quod agis
d'un certain age
hoc age
Middle Ages
middle aged
golden ager
middle ager
New Ager
preteen ager

age of consent

1504
: the age at which one is legally competent to give consent especially to marriage or to sexual intercourse

age of reason

1650
1 : the time of life when one begins to be able to distinguish right from wrong
2 : a period characterized by a prevailing belief in the use of reason especially : the 18th century in England and France

age quod agis
: do what you are doing : to the business at hand

age spots
: benign flat spots of dark pigmentation on the skin (as from exposure to the sun) occurring especially among older people ― called also liver spots

age-group
: a segment of a population that is of approximately the same age or is within a specified range of ages

age-mate
: one who is of about the same age as another

age-old
: having existed for ages : ANCIENT

aged
n. 1 : grown old: as a : of an advanced age <an aged man> b : having attained a specified age <a man aged 40 years>
2 : typical of old age
–ag·ed·ness \'ā-jəd-nəs\ noun

Agee
adj. James 1909-1955 American author

ageism
n. : prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly
–age·ist also ag·ist \-jist\ adjective

ageless
adj. 1 : not growing old or showing the effects of age
2 : TIMELESS, ETERNAL <ageless truths>
–age·less·ly adverb
–age·less·ness noun

agelong
adj. : lasting for an age : EVERLASTING

Agenais
ancient region SW France S of Périgord capital Agen

agency
n. 1 a : the office or function of an agent b : the relationship between a principal and that person's agent
2 : the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : OPERATION
3 : a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved : INSTRUMENTALITY <communicated through the agency of the ambassador>
4 : an establishment engaged in doing business for another <an advertising agency>
5 : an administrative division (as of a government) <the agency for consumer protection>

agency
n. agency shop
employment agency
free agency
news agency
ticket agency
travel agency
North East Frontier Agency

agency shop
: an establishment in which the union serves as the agent for and receives dues and assessments from all employees in the bargaining unit regardless of union membership

agenda
n. 1 : a list or outline of things to be considered or done <agendas of faculty meetings>
2 : an underlying often ideological plan or program <a political agenda>
–agen·da·less \-də-ləs\ adjective

agendum
n. 1 : AGENDA
2 : an item on an agenda

agenesis
n. : lack or failure of development (as of a body part)

agent
n. 1 : one that acts or exerts power
2 a : something that produces or is capable of producing an effect : an active or efficient cause b : a chemically, physically, or biologically active principle
3 : a means or instrument by which a guiding intelligence achieves a result
4 : one who is authorized to act for or in the place of another: as a : a representative, emissary, or official of a government <crown agent> <federal agent> b : one engaged in undercover activities (as espionage) : SPY <secret agent> c : a business representative (as of an athlete or entertainer) <a theatrical agent>
5 : a computer application designed to automate certain tasks (as gathering information online)

agent
n. agent general
Agent Orange
agent provocateur
alkylating agent
county agent
double agent
estate agent
extension agent
free agent
general agent
Indian agent
oxidizing agent
press agent
reducing agent
road agent
ticket agent
travel agent
wetting agent
agents general
agents provocateurs

Agent Orange
: an herbicide widely used as a defoliant in the Vietnam War that is composed of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and contains dioxin as a contaminant

agent provocateur
: one employed to associate with suspected persons and by pretending sympathy with their aims to incite them to some incriminating action

agent-general
: a chief agent specifically : the representative in England of a British dominion

agenting
: the business or activities of an agent

agentry
n. : the office, duties, or activities of an agent

ageratum
n. : any of a genus (Ageratum) of annual tropical American composite herbs often cultivated for their small showy heads of usually blue or white flowers also : a related blue-flowered perennial (Eupatorium coelestinum)

Agesilaus
ca 444-360 B.C. king of Sparta (399-360)

Aggadah
: ancient Jewish lore forming especially the nonlegal part of the Talmud

Aggeus
: HAGGAI

aggie
n. : an agricultural school or college also : a student at such an institution

aggie
n. : a playing marble specifically : AGATE 2B

aggiornamento
: a bringing up to date : MODERNIZATION <dedicated to the aggiornamento of the church>

agglomerate
: to gather into a ball, mass, or cluster

agglomerate
adj. : gathered into a ball, mass, or cluster specifically : clustered or growing together but not coherent <an agglomerate flower head>

agglomerate
adj. 1 : a rock composed of volcanic fragments of various sizes and degrees of angularity
2 : a jumbled mass or collection : AGGLOMERATION

agglomeration
n. 1 : the action or process of collecting in a mass
2 : a heap or cluster of usually disparate elements <urban agglomerations knit together by the new railways ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–ag·glom·er·a·tive \-'glä-mə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

agglutinability
n. : capacity (as of red blood cells) to be agglutinated
–ag·glu·ti·na·ble \ə-'glü-tən-ə-bəl\ adjective

agglutinate
transitive verb
1 : to cause to adhere : FASTEN
2 : to combine into a compound : attach to a base as an affix
3 : to cause to undergo agglutination
intransitive verb
1 : to unite or combine into a group or mass
2 : to form words by agglutination

agglutinate
adj. : a clump of agglutinated material (as blood cells or mineral particles in soil)

agglutination
n. 1 : the action or process of agglutinating
2 : a mass or group formed by the union of separate elements
3 : the formation of derivational or inflectional words by putting together constituents of which each expresses a single definite meaning
4 : a reaction in which particles (as red blood cells or bacteria) suspended in a liquid collect into clumps and which occurs especially as a serologic response to a specific antibody

agglutinative
adj. 1 : ADHESIVE
2 : characterized by linguistic agglutination

agglutinin
n. : a substance (as an antibody) producing agglutination

agglutinogen
n. : an antigen whose presence results in the formation of an agglutinin
–ag·glu·ti·no·gen·ic \-ˌglü-tən-ə-'je-nik\ adjective

aggradation
: a modification of the earth's surface in the direction of uniformity of grade by deposition
–ag·gra·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

aggrandise
v. British variant of aggrandize

aggrandize
v. 1 : to make great or greater : INCREASE, ENLARGE <aggrandize an estate>
2 : to make appear great or greater : praise highly
3 : to enhance the power, wealth, position, or reputation of <exploited the situation to aggrandize himself>
–ag·gran·dize·ment \ə-'gran-dəz-mənt, -ˌdīz- also ˌa-grən-'dīz-\ noun
–ag·gran·diz·er \ə-'gran-ˌdī-zər also 'a-grən-\ noun

aggravate
v. 1 obsolete a : to make heavy : BURDEN b : INCREASE
2 : to make worse, more serious, or more severe : intensify unpleasantly <problems have been aggravated by neglect>
3 a : to rouse to displeasure or anger by usually persistent and often petty goading b : to produce inflammation in
usage Although aggravate has been used in sense 3a since the 17th century, it has been the object of disapproval only since about 1870. It is used in expository prose <when his silly conceit⋯about his not-very-good early work has begun to aggravate us ― William Styron> but seems to be more common in speech and casual writing <a good profession for him, because bus drivers get aggravated ― Jackie Gleason (interview, 1986)> <& now this letter comes to aggravate me a thousand times worse ― Mark Twain (letter, 1864)>. Sense 2 is far more common than sense 3a in published prose. Such is not the case, however, with aggravation and aggravating. Aggravation is used in sense 3 somewhat more than in its earlier senses; aggravating has practically no use other than to express annoyance.

aggravated assault
: an assault that is more serious than a common assault: as a : an assault combined with an intent to commit a crime b : any of various assaults so defined by statute

aggravating
adj. : arousing displeasure, impatience, or anger <an aggravating habit>
usage see AGGRAVATE

aggravation
n. 1 : an act or circumstance that intensifies or makes worse
2 : the act, action, or result of aggravating especially : an increasing in seriousness or severity <aggravation of an injury>
3 : IRRITATION, PROVOCATION
usage see AGGRAVATE

aggregate
n. : formed by the collection of units or particles into a body, mass, or amount : COLLECTIVE: as a (1) : clustered in a dense mass or head <an aggregate flower> (2) : formed from several separate ovaries of a single flower <aggregate fruit> b : composed of mineral crystals of one or more kinds or of mineral rock fragments c : taking all units as a whole <aggregate sales>
–ag·gre·gate·ly adverb
–ag·gre·gate·ness noun

aggregate
n. 1 : to collect or gather into a mass or whole
2 : to amount in the aggregate to : TOTAL

aggregate
n. 1 : a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated with one another
2 : the whole sum or amount : SUM TOTAL
3 a : an aggregate rock b : any of several hard inert materials (as sand, gravel, or slag) used for mixing with a cementing material to form concrete, mortar, or plaster c : a clustered mass of individual soil particles varied in shape, ranging in size from a microscopic granule to a small crumb, and considered the basic structural unit of soil
4 : SET 21
5 : MONETARY AGGREGATE
–in the aggregate : considered as a whole : COLLECTIVELY <dividends for the year amounted in the aggregate to 25 million dollars>

aggregation
n. 1 : a group, body, or mass composed of many distinct parts or individuals
2 a : the collecting of units or parts into a mass or whole b : the condition of being so collected
–ag·gre·ga·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

aggregative
adj. 1 : of or relating to an aggregate
2 : tending to aggregate
–ag·gre·ga·tive·ly adverb

aggress
v. : to commit aggression : act aggressively

aggression
n. 1 : a forceful action or procedure (as an unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master
2 : the practice of making attacks or encroachments especially : unprovoked violation by one country of the territorial integrity of another
3 : hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook especially when caused by frustration

aggressive
adj. 1 a : tending toward or exhibiting aggression <aggressive behavior> b : marked by combative readiness <an aggressive fighter>
2 a : marked by obtrusive energy b : marked by driving forceful energy or initiative : ENTERPRISING <an aggressive salesman>
3 : strong or emphatic in effect or intent <aggressive colors> <aggressive flavors>
4 : growing, developing, or spreading rapidly <aggressive bone tumors>
5 : more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent <aggressive chemotherapy>
–ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
–ag·gres·sive·ness noun
–ag·gres·siv·i·ty \ˌa-ˌgre-'si-və-tē\ noun
synonyms AGGRESSIVE, MILITANT, ASSERTIVE, SELF-ASSERTIVE mean obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals. AGGRESSIVE implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends <was taught to be aggressive in his business dealings>. MILITANT also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle <militant protesters held a rally against racism>. ASSERTIVE suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion <the more assertive speakers dominated the forum>. SELF-ASSERTIVE connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence <a self-assertive young executive climbing the corporate ladder>.

aggressor
n. : one that commits or practices aggression

aggrieve
v. 1 : to give pain or trouble to : DISTRESS
2 : to inflict injury on
synonyms see WRONG

aggrieved
n. 1 : troubled or distressed in spirit
2 a : suffering from an infringement or denial of legal rights <aggrieved minority groups> b : showing or expressing grief, injury, or offense <an aggrieved plea>
–ag·griev·ed·ly \-'grē-vəd-lē\ adverb

aggrievement
: the quality or state of being aggrieved

aggro
n. 1 British : deliberately aggressive, provoking, or violent behavior
2 British : EXASPERATION, IRRITATION

aggro
n. : aggressive or aggressively daring in style or manner <aggro music> <aggro surfing>

aghast
adj. : struck with terror, amazement, or horror : SHOCKED

Aghrim
― see AUGHRIM

agile
adj. 1 : marked by ready ability to move with quick easy grace <an agile dancer>
2 : having a quick resourceful and adaptable character <an agile mind>
–ag·ile·ly \-jə(l)-lē, -ˌjī(l)-lē\ adverb

agility
n. : the quality or state of being agile : NIMBLENESS, DEXTERITY <played with increasing agility>

agin
adv. dialect variant of against

Agincourt
village N France WNW of Arras pop 276

aging
n. present part of age

agism
n. variant of ageism

agita
n. : a feeling of agitation or anxiety

agitate
v. transitive verb
1 a obsolete : to give motion to b : to move with an irregular, rapid, or violent action <the storm agitated the sea>
2 : to excite and often trouble the mind or feelings of : DISTURB
3 a : to discuss excitedly and earnestly b : to stir up public discussion of
intransitive verb : to attempt to arouse public feeling <agitated for better schools>
synonyms see SHAKE, DISCOMPOSE
–ag·i·tat·ed·ly adverb
–ag·i·ta·tion \ˌa-jə-'tā-shən\ noun
–ag·i·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

agitative
adj. : causing agitation

agitato
adv. : in a restless and agitated manner ― used as a direction in music

agitator
n. : one that agitates: as a : one who stirs up public feeling on controversial issues <political agitators> b : a device or an apparatus for stirring or shaking

agitprop
n. : PROPAGANDA especially : political propaganda promulgated chiefly in literature, drama, music, or art
–agitprop adjective

AGL
above ground level

Aglaia
n. : one of the three Graces

aglare
: GLARING <his eyes aglare with fury>

agleam
adj. : gleaming especially with reflected light

aglet
n. 1 : the plain or ornamental tag covering the ends of a lace or point
2 : any of various ornamental studs, cords, or pins worn on clothing

agley
adv. chiefly Scottish : AWRY, WRONG <the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley ― Robert Burns>

aglitter
adj. : glittering especially with reflected light

aglow
adj. : glowing especially with warmth or excitement

aglycone
n. : an organic compound (as a phenol or alcohol) combined with the sugar portion of a glycoside

AGN
active galactic nucleus; active galactic nuclei

agnate
n. 1 : a relative whose kinship is traceable exclusively through males
2 : a paternal kinsman

agnate
n. 1 : ALLIED, AKIN
2 : related through male descent or on the father's side
–ag·nat·ic \ag-'na-tik\ adjective

Agnean
: TOCHARIAN A

Agnes
n. Saint d A.D. 304 virgin martyr

Agnew
Spi·ro \'spir-(ˌ)ō\ Theodore 1918-1996 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1969-73)

agnize
archaic : RECOGNIZE, ACKNOWLEDGE

Agno
river 128 mi (206 km) Philippines in NW Luzon

agnomen
: an additional cognomen given to a person by the ancient Romans (as in honor of some achievement)

Agnon
n. S(hmuel) Y(osef) 1888-1970 Israeli (Austrian-born) author

agnosia
n. : loss or diminution of the ability to recognize familiar objects or stimuli usually as a result of brain damage

agnostic
n. 1 : a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and prob. unknowable broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god
2 : a person unwilling to commit to an opinion about something <political agnostics>
–ag·nos·ti·cism \-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

agnostic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being an agnostic or the beliefs of agnostics
2 : NONCOMMITTAL, UNDOGMATIC

Agnus Dei
1 : a liturgical prayer addressed to Christ as Savior
2 : an image of a lamb often with a halo and a banner and cross used as a symbol of Christ

ago
adv. : earlier than the present time <10 years ago>

agog
adj. : full of intense interest or excitement : EAGER <kids all agog over new toys>

agogue
: substance that promotes the secretion or expulsion of <emmenagogue>

agon
: CONFLICT especially : the dramatic conflict between the chief characters in a literary work

agonal
adj. : of, relating to, or associated with agony and especially the death agony

agone
archaic : AGO

agonise
v. British variant of agonize, agonized, agonizing

agonist
n. 1 : one that is engaged in a struggle
2 [from antagonist] a : a muscle that is controlled by the action of an antagonist with which it is paired b : a chemical substance capable of combining with a specific receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding endogenous substance <dopaminergic agonists> ― compare ANTAGONIST 2b

agonistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the athletic contests of ancient Greece
2 : ARGUMENTATIVE
3 : striving for effect : STRAINED
4 : of, relating to, or being aggressive or defensive social interaction (as fighting, fleeing, or submitting) between individuals usually of the same species
–ag·o·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

agonize
v. transitive verb : to cause to suffer agony : TORTURE
intransitive verb
1 : to suffer agony, torture, or anguish <agonizes over every decision>
2 : STRUGGLE

agonized
adj. : characterized by, suffering, or expressing agony

agonizing
adj. : causing agony : PAINFUL <an agonizing experience>
–ag·o·niz·ing·ly adverb

agony
n. 1 a : intense pain of mind or body : ANGUISH, TORTURE b : the struggle that precedes death
2 : a violent struggle or contest
3 : a strong sudden display (as of joy or delight) : OUTBURST
synonyms see DISTRESS

agony aunt
chiefly British : a columnist who writes an agony column

agony column
1 chiefly British : a newspaper column of personal advertisements relating especially to missing relatives or friends
2 chiefly British : a newspaper column that includes letters from readers seeking personal advice and the columnist's replies

agora
n. : a gathering place especially : the marketplace in ancient Greece

agora
n. ― see shekel at MONEY table

agoraphobia
n. : abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or unescapable situation that is characterized especially by the avoidance of open or public places
–ag·o·ra·phobe \'a-g(ə-)rə-ˌfōb\ noun
–ag·o·ra·pho·bic \-'fō-bik\ adjective or noun

agouti
n. 1 : any of a genus (Dasyprocta) of tropical American rodents about the size of a rabbit
2 : a grizzled color of fur resulting from the barring of each hair in several alternate dark and light bands

agr
agricultural; agriculture

Agra
1 region N India roughly equivalent to present Uttar Pradesh excluding Oudh region
2 city N India in W Uttar Pradesh SSE of Delhi pop 1,259,979

agrafe
n. : a hook-and-loop fastening especially : an ornamental clasp used on armor or costumes

agranulocyte
n. : a white blood cell without cytoplasmic granules

agranulocytosis
n. : an acute febrile condition marked by severe decrease in blood granulocytes and often associated with the use of certain drugs

agrapha
: sayings of Jesus not in the canonical gospels but found in other New Testament or early Christian writings

agraphia
n. : the pathologic loss of the ability to write

agrarian
n. 1 : of or relating to fields or lands or their tenure
2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of farmers or their way of life <agrarian values> b : organized or designed to promote agricultural interests <an agrarian political party> <agrarian reforms>

agrarian
n. : a member of an agrarian party or movement

agrarianism
n. : a social or political movement designed to bring about land reforms or to improve the economic status of the farmer

agree
v. transitive verb
1 a : to concur in (as an opinion) : ADMIT, CONCEDE <agrees that he is right> b : to consent to as a course of action <agreed to sell him the house>
2 chiefly British : to settle on by common consent : ARRANGE <I agreed rental terms with him ― Eric Bennett>
intransitive verb
1 : to accept or concede something (as the views or wishes of another) <agree to a plan>
2 a : to achieve or be in harmony (as of opinion, feeling, or purpose) <we agree in our taste in music> b : to get along together c : to come to terms <agree on a fair division of profits>
3 a : to be similar : CORRESPOND <both copies agree> b : to be consistent <the story agrees with the facts>
4 : to be fitting, pleasing, or healthful : SUIT <this climate agrees with him>
5 : to have an inflectional form denoting identity or other regular correspondence in a grammatical category (as gender, number, case, or person)
synonyms AGREE, CONCUR, COINCIDE mean to come into or be in harmony regarding a matter of opinion. AGREE implies complete accord usually attained by discussion and adjustment of differences <on some points we all can agree>. CONCUR tends to suggest cooperative thinking or acting toward an end but sometimes implies no more than approval (as of a decision reached by others) <if my wife concurs, it's a deal>. COINCIDE used more often of opinions, judgments, wishes, or interests than of people, implies an agreement amounting to identity <their wishes coincide exactly with my desire>. synonym see in addition ASSENT

agreeable
adj. 1 : pleasing to the mind or senses especially as according well with one's tastes or needs <an agreeable companion> <an agreeable change>
2 : ready or willing to agree or consent
3 : being in harmony : CONSONANT
–agree·abil·i·ty \-ˌgrē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–agree·able·ness \-'grē-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–agree·ably \-blē\ adverb

agreement
n. 1 a : the act or fact of agreeing b : harmony of opinion, action, or character : CONCORD
2 a : an arrangement as to a course of action b : COMPACT, TREATY
3 a : a contract duly executed and legally binding b : the language or instrument embodying such a contract

agreement
n. executive agreement
fair trade agreement
gentleman's agreement
gentlemen's agreement
prenuptial agreement
repurchase agreement
trade agreement

Agri Dagi
― see ARARAT

agribusiness
n. : an industry engaged in the producing operations of a farm, the manufacture and distribution of farm equipment and supplies, and the processing, storage, and distribution of farm commodities

agribusinessman
: a person who works in or manages an agribusiness

Agricola
Gnaeus Julius A.D. 40-93 Rom. gen.

agricultural
adj. : of, relating to, used in, or concerned with agriculture
–ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ly adverb

agriculture
n. : the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products : FARMING
–ag·ri·cul·tur·ist \ˌa-gri-'kəl-ch(ə-)rist\ or ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ist \-ch(ə-)rə-list\ noun

Agrigento
commune Italy in SW Sicily near coast pop 55,446

agrimony
n. : any of a genus (Agrimonia and especially A. eupatoria) of herbs of the rose family having compound leaves, slender spikes of small yellow flowers, and fruits like burs

Agrippa
n. Marcus Vipsanius 63?-12 B.C. Rom. statesman

Agrippina
the elder ca 14 B.C.-A.D. 33 dau. of Agrippa, wife of Germanicus Caesar, mother of Caligula

Agrippina
the younger A.D. 15?-59 dau. of prec. & mother of Emp. Nero

agro
1 : of or belonging to fields or soil : agricultural <agrochemical>
2 : agricultural and <agroindustrial>

agro-industrial
: of or relating to production (as of power for industry and water for irrigation) for both industrial and agricultural purposes

agrochemical
n. : an agricultural chemical (as an herbicide or an insecticide)

agroecology
: an ecological approach to agriculture that views agricultural areas as ecosystems and is concerned with the ecological impact of agricultural practices
–ag·ro·eco·log·i·cal \-ˌē-kə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌe-kə-\ adjective

agroforestry
n. : land management involving the growing of trees in association with food crops or pastures
–ag·ro·for·est·er \-stər\ noun

agronomy
n. : a branch of agriculture dealing with field-crop production and soil management
–ag·ro·nom·ic \ˌa-grə-'nä-mik\ adjective
–ag·ro·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–agron·o·mist \ə-'grä-nə-mist\ noun

aground
adv. 1 : on the ground <planes aloft and aground>
2 : on or onto the shore or the bottom of a body of water <a ship run aground>

agt
agent

Aguada
city NW Puerto Rico pop 42,042

Aguadilla
city NW Puerto Rico pop 64,685

Aguas Buenas
city E cen Puerto Rico pop 29,032

Aguascalientes
1 state cen Mexico area 2158 sq mi (5589 sq km), pop 719,659
2 city, its capital pop 506,384

ague
n. 1 : a fever (as malaria) marked by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals
2 : a fit of shivering
–agu·ish \'ā-ˌgyü-ish\ adjective

Aguinaldo
n. Emilio 1869-1964 Filipino leader

Agulhas, Cape
headland Republic of S. Africa in S Western Cape province; southernmost point of Africa, at 34°50′S, 20°E

AH
interj. 1 ampere-hour
2 anno hegirae
3 arts and humanities

ah
interj. ― used to express delight, relief, regret, or contempt

ah
interj. variant of aah

AHA
interj. : ALPHA HYDROXY ACID

aha
interj. ― used to express surprise, triumph, or derision

Ahab
n. : a king of Israel in the ninth century B.C. and husband of Jezebel

Ahaggar Mountains
mountains S Algeria in W cen Sahara; highest peak Tahat 9842 ft (3000 m)

ahchoo
interj. variant of achoo

ahead
adv. 1 a : in a forward direction or position : FORWARD b : in front
2 : in, into, or for the future <plan ahead>
3 : in or toward a more advantageous position <helped others to get ahead>
4 : at or to an earlier time : in advance <make payments ahead>

ahead
adv. ahead of
get ahead
go ahead
straight ahead

ahead of
1 : in front or advance of
2 : in excess of

ahem
n. ― used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment

Ahern
Bertie 1951-     orig. Bartholemew Ahern prime min. of Ireland (1997-    )

ahi
n. 1 : YELLOWFIN TUNA
2 : BIGEYE TUNA

ahimsa
n. : the Hindu and Buddhist doctrine of refraining from harming any living being

ahistorical
adj. : not concerned with or related to history, historical development, or tradition <an ahistorical attitude> also : historically inaccurate or ignorant <an ahistorical version of events>
–ahis·tor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ahis·tor·i·cism \-ə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun
–ahis·to·ric·i·ty \-ˌhis-tə-'ri-sə-tē\ noun

Ahmadabad
city W India N of Bombay in Gujarat pop 3,515,361

Ahmed
n. 1673-1736 Ottoman sultan (1703-30)

ahold
: HOLD <if you could get ahold of a representative ― Norman Mailer>

aholic
1 : one who feels compulsively the need to (do something) <workaholic>
2 : one who likes (something) to excess <chocoholic>

ahoy
interj. ― used in hailing <ship ahoy>

Ahriman
: Ahura Mazda's antagonist who is a spirit of darkness and evil in Zoroastrianism

Ahura Mazda
: the Supreme Being represented as a deity of goodness and light in Zoroastrianism

Ahvaz
city SW Iran on the Karun pop 579,826

AI
n. 1 ad interim
2 airborne intercept
3 air interception
4 artificial insemination
5 artificial intelligence

AIA
American Institute of Architects

Aias
: AJAX

aiblins
chiefly Scottish : PERHAPS

Aibonito
city cen Puerto Rico pop 26,493

AID
n. 1 Agency for International Development
2 artificial insemination by donor

aid
n. transitive verb : to provide with what is useful or necessary in achieving an end
intransitive verb : to give assistance
–aid·er noun

aid
n. 1 : a subsidy granted to the king by the English parliament until the 18th century for an extraordinary purpose
2 a : the act of helping b : help given : ASSISTANCE <providing aid and comfort> specifically : tangible means of assistance (as money or supplies)
3 a : an assisting person or group ― compare AIDE b : something by which assistance is given : an assisting device <an aid to understanding> <a visual aid> especially : HEARING AID
4 : a tribute paid by a vassal to his lord

aid
n. Band Aid
deaf aid
first aid
foreign aid
grant in aid
grants in aid
hearing aid
legal aid
state aid
visual aid
AIDS virus
AIDS related complex
anti AIDS

aide
n. : a person who acts as an assistant specifically : a military officer who acts as an assistant to a superior officer

aide
n. aide de camp
aide memoire
aide mémoire
nurse's aide
aide toi le ciel t'aidera
aides de camp

aide-de-camp
: a military aide also : a civilian aide usually to an executive

aide-memoire
1 : an aid to the memory especially : a mnemonic device
2 : a written summary or outline of important items of a proposed agreement or diplomatic communication

aide-toi, le ciel t'aidera
: help yourself (and) heaven will help you

aidman
n. : an army medical corpsman attached to a field unit

AIDS
n. : a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some (as Kaposi's sarcoma) that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (as semen) during sexual intercourse

AIDS
n. AIDS virus
AIDS related complex
anti AIDS

AIDS virus
: HIV

AIDS-related complex
: a group of symptoms (as fever, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy) that is associated with the presence of antibodies to HIV and is followed by the development of AIDS in a certain proportion of cases

aigrette
n. 1 : a spray of feathers (as of the egret) for the head
2 : a spray of gems worn on a hat or in the hair

aiguille
n. : a sharp-pointed pinnacle of rock

aiguillette
n. : AGLET specifically : a shoulder cord worn by designated military aides ― compare FOURRAGÈRE

Aiken
Conrad Potter 1889-1973 American writer

Aiken
city W S.C. SW of Columbia pop 25,337

aikido
n. : a Japanese art of self-defense employing locks and holds and utilizing the principle of nonresistance to cause an opponent's own momentum to work against him

ail
v. transitive verb : to give physical or emotional pain, discomfort, or trouble to
intransitive verb : to have something the matter especially : to suffer ill health

ail
v. : AILMENT

ailanthus
n. : any of a small Asian genus (Ailanthus of the family Simaroubaceae, the ailanthus family) of chiefly tropical trees and shrubs with bitter bark, pinnate leaves, and terminal panicles of ill-scented greenish flowers especially : TREE OF HEAVEN

aileron
n. : a movable airfoil at the trailing edge of an airplane wing that is used for imparting a rolling motion especially in banking for turns ― see AIRPLANE illustration

Ailey
n. Alvin 1931-1989 American dancer & choreographer

ailment
n. 1 : a bodily disorder or chronic disease
2 : UNREST, UNEASINESS

Ailsa Craig
small rocky island Scotland S of Arran at mouth of Firth of Clyde

ailurophile
n. : a cat fancier : a lover of cats

ailurophobe
n. : a person who hates or fears cats

AIM
n. American Indian Movement

aim
n. intransitive verb
1 : to direct a course specifically : to point a weapon at an object
2 : ASPIRE, INTEND <aims to reform the government>
transitive verb
1 obsolete : GUESS, CONJECTURE
2 a : POINT <aim a gun> b : to direct to or toward a specified object or goal <a program aimed at reducing pollution>

aim
n. 1 obsolete : MARK, TARGET
2 a : the pointing of a weapon at a mark <take careful aim> b : the ability to hit a target <a shooter with good aim> c : a weapon's accuracy or effectiveness <the gun's aim is off>
3 obsolete a : CONJECTURE, GUESS b : the directing of effort toward a goal
4 : a clearly directed intent or purpose <our aim is to win>
synonyms see INTENTION
–aim·less \-ləs\ adjective
–aim·less·ly adverb
–aim·less·ness noun

Ain
river 120 mi (195 km) E France rising in Jura Mountains & flowing SSW into the Rhône

ain
Scottish : OWN

ain't
1 : am not : are not : is not
2 : have not : has not
3 : do not : does not : did not ― used in some varieties of Black English
usage Although widely disapproved as nonstandard and more common in the habitual speech of the less educated, ain't in senses 1 and 2 is flourishing in American English. It is used in both speech and writing to catch attention and to gain emphasis <the wackiness of movies, once so deliciously amusing, ain't funny anymore ― Richard Schickel> <I am telling you97there ain't going to be any blackmail ― R. M. Nixon>. It is used especially in journalistic prose as part of a consistently informal style <the creative process ain't easy ― Mike Royko>. This informal ain't is commonly distinguished from habitual ain't by its frequent occurrence in fixed constructions and phrases <well97class it ain't ― Cleveland Amory> <for money? say it ain't so, Jimmy! ― Andy Rooney> <you ain't seen nothing yet> <that ain't hay> <two out of three ain't bad> <if it ain't broke, don't fix it>. In fiction ain't is used for purposes of characterization; in familiar correspondence it tends to be the mark of a warm personal friendship. It is also used for metrical reasons in popular songs <Ain't She Sweet> <It Ain't Necessarily So>. Our evidence shows British use to be much the same as American.

aine
: elder : senior (masc.)

ainee
: elder : senior (fem.)

Ainsworth
(William) Harrison 1805-1882 Eng. nov.

Aintab
― see GAZIANTEP

Ainu
n. 1 : a member of an indigenous people of the Japanese archipelago, the Kuril Islands, and part of Sakhalin Island
2 : the language of the Ainu people

aioli
n. : a mayonnaise flavored with garlic and sometimes other ingredients (as red pepper)

air
n. 1 a archaic : BREATH b : the mixture of invisible odorless tasteless gases (as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the earth c : a light breeze
2 a : empty space b : NOTHINGNESS <vanished into thin air> c : a sudden severance of relations <she gave me the air>
3 [probably translation of Italian aria] a : TUNE, MELODY b Elizabethan & Jacobean music : an accompanied song or melody in usually strophic form c : the chief voice part or melody in choral music
4 a : outward appearance of a thing <an air of luxury> b : a surrounding or pervading influence : ATMOSPHERE <an air of mystery> c : the look, appearance, or bearing of a person especially as expressive of some personal quality or emotion : DEMEANOR <an air of dignity> d : an artificial or affected manner <put on airs>
5 : public utterance <he gave air to his opinion>
6 : COMPRESSED AIR
7 a (1) : AIRCRAFT <go by air> (2) : AVIATION <air safety> <air rights> (3) : AIR FORCE <air headquarters> b (1) : the medium of transmission of radio waves also : RADIO, TELEVISION <went on the air> (2) : AIRTIME
8 : a football offense utilizing primarily the forward pass <trailing by 20 points, the team took to the air>
9 : an air-conditioning system
10 : the height achieved in performing an aerial maneuver <a snowboarder catching big air> also : the maneuver itself
synonyms see POSE
–air·less \-ləs\ adjective
–air·less·ness noun
–in the air : in wide circulation : ABOUT
–up in the air : not yet settled

air
n. 1 : to expose to the air for drying, purifying, or refreshing : VENTILATE ― often used with out
2 : to expose to public view or bring to public notice
3 : to transmit by radio or television <air a program>
intransitive verb
1 : to become exposed to the open air
2 : to become broadcast <the program airs daily>
synonyms see EXPRESS

air
n. air droppable
air drop
up in the air
in the air
air bag
air ball
air base
air bladder
air brake
air breathing
air chief marshal
air commodore
air condition
air conditioning
air conditioner
air cushion vehicle
air dam
air dry
air force
air guitar
air gun
air lane
air letter
air line
air lock
air marshal
air mass
air mattress
Air Medal
air mile
air minded
air mindedness
air piracy
air plant
air pocket
air police
air pump
air rage
air raid
air rifle
air right
air sac
air show
air taxi
air to air
air vice marshal
breath of fresh air
castle in the air
chief master sergeant of the air force
clear the air
clear air turbulence
compressed air
dead air
dead air space
forward air controller
general of the air force
heavier than air
hot air
light air
lighter than air
marshal of the Royal Air Force
open air
plein air
surface to air
en plein air

air bag
: an automobile safety device consisting of a bag designed to inflate automatically especially in front of an occupant in case of collision

air ball
: a missed shot in basketball that fails to touch the rim and backboard

air base
: a military base intended chiefly for the operation of aircraft

air bladder
: a sac containing gas and especially air especially : a hydrostatic organ present in most fishes that serves as an accessory respiratory organ

air brake
1 : a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air
2 : a surface that may be projected into the airstream for increasing drag and lowering the speed of an airplane

air chief marshal
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a general in the army

air commodore
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a brigadier in the army

air dam
: a device attached to the underside of the front of an automobile to improve stability, aerodynamic performance, and engine cooling by redirecting the flow of air

air force
1 : the military organization of a nation for air warfare
2 : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a division and lower than a command

air guitar
: an imaginary guitar that one pretends to play also : the action of playing air guitar

air gun
1 : a gun from which a projectile is propelled by compressed air
2 : any of various hand tools that work by compressed air especially : AIRBRUSH

air lane
: a path customarily followed by airplanes

air letter
1 : an airmail letter
2 : a sheet of airmail stationery that can be folded and sealed with the message inside and the address outside

air line
: a straight line through the air between two points

air lock
1 : an intermediate chamber with two airtight doors or openings to permit passage between two dissimilar spaces (as two places of unequal atmospheric pressure)
2 : a stoppage of flow caused by air being in a part where liquid ought to circulate

air marshal
1 : a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a lieutenant general in the army
2 : SKY MARSHAL

air mass
: a body of air extending hundreds or thousands of miles horizontally and sometimes as high as the stratosphere and maintaining as it travels nearly uniform conditions of temperature and humidity at any given level

air mattress
: MATTRESS 1B

Air Medal
: a U.S. military decoration awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight

air mile
: a mile in air travel

air piracy
: the hijacking of a flying airplane : SKYJACKING

air plant
1 : EPIPHYTE
2 : any of several kalanchoes (esp. Kalanchoe pinnata)

air pocket
: a condition of the atmosphere (as a local downdraft) that causes an airplane to drop suddenly

air police
: the military police of an air force

air pump
: a pump for exhausting air from a closed space or for compressing air or forcing it through other apparatus

air rage
: an airline passenger's uncontrolled anger that is usually expressed in aggressive or violent behavior

air raid
: an attack by armed airplanes on a surface target ― usually hyphenated when used attributively <air-raid shelter>

air rifle
: a rifle whose projectile (as a BB or pellet) is propelled by compressed air or carbon dioxide

air right
: a property right to the space above a surface area or object

air sac
1 : one of the air-filled spaces in the body of a bird connected with the air passages of the lungs
2 : ALVEOLUS 1B
3 : a thin-walled dilation of a trachea occurring in many insects

air show
: an exhibition of aircraft and aviation skills

air taxi
: a small commercial airplane used for short flights between localities not served by scheduled airlines

air vice-marshal
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a major general in the army

air-breathing
: of, employing, or being an engine that requires air for combustion

air-condition
: to equip (as a building) with an apparatus for washing air and controlling its humidity and temperature also : to subject (air) to these processes
–air conditioner noun
–air-con·di·tion·ing \-'di-sh(ə-)niŋ\ noun

air-cushion vehicle
: HOVERCRAFT

air-dry
: dry to such a degree that no further moisture is given up on exposure to air

air-dry
: to dry by exposure to air
intransitive verb : to become dry by exposure to air

air-minded
: interested in aviation or in air travel
–air-mind·ed·ness noun

air-to-air
: launched from one airplane in flight at another <air-to-air missiles> also : involving aircraft in flight <air-to-air combat>

airboat
n. : a shallow-draft boat driven by an airplane propeller and steered by an airplane rudder

airborne
adj. 1 : done or being in the air : being off the ground: as a : carried through the air (as by an aircraft) b : supported especially by aerodynamic forces or propelled through the air by force c : transported or carried by the air <airborne allergens>
2 : trained for deployment by air and especially by parachute <airborne troops>

airbrush
n. : an atomizer for applying by compressed air a fine spray (as of paint or liquid color)

airbrush
n. : to paint, treat, or alter (as to conceal imperfections) with or as if with an airbrush <airbrush a photograph> <airbrush a politician's image>

airburst
n. : the burst of a shell or bomb in the air

airbus
n. : a short-range or medium-range subsonic jet passenger airplane

aircraft
n. : a vehicle (as an airplane or balloon) for traveling through the air

aircraft carrier
: a warship with a flight deck on which aircraft can be launched and landed

aircrew
n. : the crew manning an airplane

airdate
: the scheduled date of a broadcast

Airdrie
burgh S cen Scotland E of Glasgow pop 45,643

airdrome
n. : AIRPORT

airdrop
n. : delivery of cargo, emergency supplies, or personnel by parachute from an airplane in flight
–air-drop transitive verb
–air-drop·pa·ble \-ˌdrä-pə-bəl\ adjective

Aire
river 70 mi (113 km) N England in W Yorkshire flowing to the Ouse; its valley is Aire·dale \-ˌdāl\

Airedale terrier
: any of a breed of large terriers with a hard, wiry, black-and-tan coat ― called also Airedale

airer
n. British : a frame on which clothes are aired or dried

airfare
n. : fare for travel by airplane

airfield
n. : an area of land from which aircraft operate: as a : AIRPORT b : AIR BASE

airflow
n. : a flow of air especially : the motion of air (as around parts of an airplane in flight) relative to the surface of a body immersed in it

airfoil
n. : a body (as an airplane wing or propeller blade) designed to provide a desired reaction force when in motion relative to the surrounding air

airframe
n. : the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the power plant also : AIRCRAFT

airfreight
n. : freight transport by air in volume also : the charge for this service
–airfreight transitive verb

airglow
n. : light that is observed especially during the night, that originates in the high atmosphere of a planet (as the earth), and that is associated with photochemical reactions of gases caused by solar radiation

airhead
n. : an area in hostile territory secured usually by airborne troops for further use in bringing in troops and matériel by air

airhead
n. : a mindless or stupid person
–air·head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

airhole
n. : a hole to admit or discharge air

airing
n. 1 : exposure to air or heat for drying or freshening <give the room an airing>
2 : exposure to or exercise in the open air especially to promote health or fitness
3 : exposure to public view or notice
4 : a radio or television broadcast

airlift
n. : a system of transporting cargo or passengers by aircraft often to or from an otherwise inaccessible area
–airlift transitive verb

airline
n. : an air transportation system including its equipment, routes, operating personnel, and management

airliner
n. : an airplane operated by an airline

airmail
n. : the system of transporting mail by aircraft also : the mail thus transported
–airmail transitive verb

airman
n. 1 : a civilian or military pilot, aviator, or aviation technician
2 : an enlisted man in the air force: as a : an enlisted man of one of the three ranks below sergeant b : an enlisted man ranking above an airman basic and below an airman first class

airman
n. airman basic
airman first class
senior airman

airman basic
: an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the air force

airman first class
: an enlisted man in the air force ranking above an airman and below a sergeant

airmanship
n. 1 : skill in piloting or navigating aircraft

airmobile
adj. : of, relating to, or being a military unit whose members are transported to combat areas usually by helicopter

airpark
n. : a small airport usually located near an industrial area

airplane
n. : a powered heavier-than-air aircraft that has fixed wings from which it derives most of its lift

airplay
n. : the playing of a musical recording on the air by a radio station <a song getting a lot of airplay>

airport
n. : a place from which aircraft operate that usually has paved runways and maintenance facilities and often serves as a terminal

airpost
n. : AIRMAIL

airpower
n. : the military strength of a nation's air force

airscrew
n. chiefly British : an airplane propeller

airship
n. : a lighter-than-air aircraft having propulsion and steering systems

airsick
adj. : affected with motion sickness associated with flying
–air·sick·ness noun

airspace
n. : the space lying above the earth or above a certain area of land or water especially : the space lying above a nation and coming under its jurisdiction

airspeed
n. : the speed (as of an airplane) with relation to the air ― compare GROUND SPEED

airstream
n. : a current of air specifically : AIRFLOW

airstrip
n. : a runway without normal air base or airport facilities

airt
chiefly Scottish : compass point : DIRECTION

airt
chiefly Scottish : DIRECT, GUIDE

airtight
adj. 1 : impermeable to air or nearly so <an airtight seal>
2 a : having no noticeable weakness, flaw, or loophole <an airtight argument> b : permitting no opportunity for an opponent to score <an airtight defense>
–air·tight·ness noun

airtime
n. 1 : the time at which a radio or television broadcast is scheduled to begin
2 : the time or any part thereof that a radio or television station is on the air

airwave
n. : of, created for, or heard on the airwaves

airwaves
n. : the medium of radio and television transmission ― not used technically

airway
n. 1 : a passage for a current of air (as in a mine or to the lungs)
2 : a designated route along which airplanes fly from airport to airport especially : such a route equipped with navigational aids
3 : AIRLINE
4 : a channel of a designated radio frequency for broadcasting or other radio communication

airworthy
adj. : fit for operation in the air <an airworthy airplane>
–air·wor·thi·ness noun

airy
adj. 1 a : of or relating to air : ATMOSPHERIC b : high in the air : LOFTY <airy perches> c : performed in air : AERIAL <airy leaps>
2 : UNREAL, ILLUSORY <airy romances>
3 a : being light and graceful in movement or manner : SPRIGHTLY, VIVACIOUS <an airy dance> b : exceptionally light, delicate, or refined <an airy fragrance>
4 a : open to the free circulation of air <an airy room> b : having openings or spaces <airy lacework>
5 : AFFECTED, PROUD <airy condescension>
–air·i·ly \'er-ə-lē\ adverb
–air·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ noun

airy-fairy
1 chiefly British : DELICATE, FAIRYLIKE
2 chiefly British : lacking substance or purpose <in⋯an airy-fairy, unserious, insufficiently careful fashion ― Times Lit. Supp.>

Aishah
611-678 favorite wife of Muhammad

aisle
n. 1 : the side of a church nave separated by piers from the nave proper
2 a (1) : a passage (as in a theater or railroad passenger car) separating sections of seats (2) : such a passage regarded as separating opposing parties in a legislature <supported by members on both sides of the aisle> b : a passage (as in a store or warehouse) for inside traffic

aisleway
: AISLE 2B

Aisne
river ab 165 mi (265 km) N France flowing NW & W from Argonne Forest into the Oise near Compiègne

ait
n. British : a little island

aitch
n. : the letter h

aitchbone
n. 1 : the hipbone especially of cattle
2 : the cut of beef containing the aitchbone

Aix
Aix la Chapelle
Aix en Provence
Aix les Bains

Aix-en-Provence
city SE France N of Marseille pop 134,324

Aix-la-Chapelle
― see AACHEN

Aix-les-Bains
commune E France N of Chambéry pop 25,721

Aizawl
town E India capital of Mizoram pop 229,714

Ajaccio
n. city & port France in Corsica pop 52,851

Ajanta
village W cen India in N cen Maharashtra in Ajanta Range (hills) NNE of Aurangabad; site of Ajanta Caves (temples excavated out of rock cliffs)

ajar
adj. : slightly open <left the door ajar>

Ajaria
autonomous republic SW Republic of Georgia on Black Sea capital Batumi area 1158 sq mi (2999 sq km), pop 381,500

Ajax
n. 1 : a Greek hero in the Trojan War who kills himself because the armor of Achilles is awarded to Odysseus
2 : a fleet-footed Greek hero in the Trojan War

Ajax
n. town Canada in SE Ont. pop 73,753

Ajman
sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates

Ajmer
city NW India in Rajasthan SW of Delhi pop 485,197

ajuga
n. : 1BUGLE

AK
Alaska

AK-47
: a Soviet-designed 7.62 mm (.30 cal.) gas-operated magazine-fed rifle for automatic or semiautomatic fire

aka
also known as

Akan
n. 1 : a member of any of the Akan-speaking peoples (as the Ashanti)
2 : a Kwa language of southern Ghana and the southeast Ivory Coast

Akbar
1542-1605 Mogul emp. of India (1556-1605)

AKC
American Kennel Club

akee
n. variant of ackee

Akenside
Mark 1721-1770 Eng. poet & physician

Akerlof
George Arthur 1940-     American econ.

Akheloos
― see ACHELOUS

Akhenaton
Amenhotep IV king of Egypt (1379-1362 B.C.)

Akhisar
city W Turkey in Asia NE of Izmir pop 151,957

Akiba ben Joseph
A.D. 40-135 Jewish sage & martyr in Palestine

Akihito
1933-     emp. of Japan (1989-    )

akimbo
adv. 1 : having the hand on the hip and the elbow turned outward
2 : set in a bent position <a tailor sitting with legs akimbo>

akin
adj. 1 : related by blood : descended from a common ancestor or prototype
2 : essentially similar, related, or compatible <his interests are akin to mine>

Akita
n. : any of a breed of large muscular dogs of Japanese origin

Akita
n. city & port Japan in N Honshu on Sea of Japan pop 317,625

Akkad
n. 1 the N division of ancient Babylonia
2 or Aga·de \ə-'gä-də\ ancient city, its capital

Akkadian
n. 1 : an extinct Semitic language of ancient Mesopotamia
2 : a Semitic inhabitant of central Mesopotamia before 2000 B.C.
–Akkadian adjective

Akkerman
― see BELGOROD-DNESTROVSKI

Akko
n. ― see ACRE

Akmola
― see ASTANA

Akron
n. city NE Ohio SE of Cleveland pop 217,074

Aksum
town N Ethiopia capital of an ancient kingdom (the Axumite Empire)

Akti
― see ACTE

akvavit
n. variant of aquavit

Akyab
― see SITTWE

AL
n. 1 Alabama
2 American League
3 American Legion

Al
n. aluminum

Al
n. Abd al Qadir
Al 'Aqabah
Al Basrah
Al Biqa'
Faruq al Awwal
Fujayrah Al
Al Jazirah
Al Jizah
Hasa Al
Al Hijaz
Al Mukha
al dente
et al
Jumada al Awwal
Jumada al Thani
Rabi al Awwal
Rabi al Thani
al ki
Abu al Qasim
Assad al
Battani al
Ghazali al
Hariri al
Khwarizmi al
Kindi al
Mansur al
Al 'Amarah
Al Aqabah
Al Ayzariyah
Al 'Ayzariyah
Al Biqa
Al Fayyum
Al Fujayrah
Al Hamad
Al Hasa
Al Hudaydah
Al Hufuf
Al Ittihad
Al Khums
Al Kufrah
Al Kut
Al Mansurah
Al Minya
Al Mukalla
Wadi al 'Arabah
Bahr al Ghazal
El Maghreb al Aqsa
Halq al Wadi
Hamad Al
Hijaz Al
Hudaydah Al
Hufuf Al
Jazirah Al
Jizah Al
Khums Al
Kut Al
Mansurah Al
Minya Al
Mukha Al
Ra's al Khaymah
Ras al Khaimah
Rub al Khali
Rub' al Khali
Shatt al Arab
Shibin al Kawm
Umm al Qaywayn
Umm al Qaiwain
Wadi al 'Arabah Wadi 'Arabah Wadi el 'Arabah

al
n. ― see AD-

al
n. : of, relating to, or characterized by <directional> <fictional>

al
n. : action : process <rehearsal>

al
n. : aldehyde <furfural>

Al Amarah
city SE Iraq on the Tigris

Al Biqa
― see BEKAA

al dente
: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture <al dente pasta>
–al dente adverb

Al Fayyum
― see EL FAIYÛM

Al Fujayrah
sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates area 450 sq mi (1166 sq km)

Al Hamad
― see HAMAD (Al)

Al Hijaz
― see HEJAZ

Al Hudaydah
city & port W Yemen pop 155,110

Al Hufuf
city NE Saudi Arabia in E Nejd

Al Ittihad
― see MADINAT ASH SHA'B

Al Jazirah
― see GEZIRA

Al Jizah
― see GIZA

Al Khums
town & port Libya ESE of Tripoli; nearby are ruins of ancient Leptis Magna

Al Kufrah
group of five oases SE Libya

Al Kut
city SE cen Iraq on the Tigris SE of Baghdad

Al Mansurah
― see EL MANSÛRA

Al Minya
― see EL MINYA

Al Mukalla
town & port Yemen on Gulf of Aden; chief town of the Hadramawt

Al Mukha
― see MOCHA

Al-Aqabah
― see AQABA

Al-Ayzariyah
― see BETHANY

Al-Basrah
― see BASRA

Al-Hasa
region NE Saudi Arabia in E Nejd bordering on Persian Gulf

al-ki
: by and by ― motto of Washington

ALA
n. American Library Association

Ala
n. Alabama

ala
n. : a wing or a winglike anatomic process or part
–alar \'ā-lər\ adjective
–ala·ry \-lə-rē\ adjective

Ala Tau
several mountain ranges of the Tian Shan E Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan around & NE of Issyk Kul

Alabama
n. 1 river 315 mi (507 km) S Ala. flowing SW into Tensaw & Mobile rivers ― see TALLAPOOSA
2 state SE U.S. capital Montgomery area 51,705 sq mi (133,916 sq km), pop 4,447,100
–Al·a·bam·i·an \-'ba-mē-ən\ or Al·a·bam·an \-'ba-mən\ adjective or noun

Alabaster
n. city cen Ala. S of Birmingham pop 22,619

alabaster
n. 1 : a compact fine-textured usually white and translucent gypsum often carved into vases and ornaments
2 : a hard compact calcite or aragonite that is translucent and sometimes banded
–alabaster or al·a·bas·trine \ˌa-lə-'bas-trən\ adjective

alachlor
: an herbicide C_14H_20ClNO_2 that is an acetanilide derivative used to control grasses and broadleaved weeds among crop plants

alack
interj. ― used to express sorrow or regret

alacrity
n. : promptness in response : cheerful readiness <accepted the invitation with alacrity>
–alac·ri·tous \-krə-təs\ adjective

Aladdin
n. : a youth in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments who comes into possession of a magic lamp

Alagoas
state NE Brazil capital Maceió area 11,238 sq mi (29,184 sq km), pop 2,822,621

Alai
mountain range SW Kyrgyzstan; highest peak 19,554 ft (5960 m)

Alameda
n. city & port W Calif. on island in San Francisco Bay near Oakland pop 72,259

alameda
n. : a public promenade bordered with trees

Alamein, El
― see EL ALAMEIN

Alamgir
Muhī-ud-Dīn Muhammad 1618-1707 Au·rang·zeb \ˌau̇-rəŋ-'zeb, ȯ-, -'zēb\ Mogul emp. of India (1658-1707)

Alamogordo
city S N.Mex. pop 35,582

Alanbrooke
Viscount ― see Sir Alan Francis BROOKE

Aland
1 archipelago SW Finland in Baltic Sea capital Mariehamn
2 island, chief of this group

Alania
autonomous republic SE Russia in Europe on the N slopes of Caucasus Mountains capital Vladikavkaz area 3089 sq mi (8001 sq km), pop 695,000

alanine
n. : a simple nonessential crystalline amino acid C_3H_7NO_2

alanyl
n. : the amino acid radical or residue of alanine

Alarcon, de
Pedro Antonio 1833-1891 Span. writer & statesman

Alaric
ca 370-410 Visigoth king; conqueror of Rome

Alaric
d 507 Visigoth king; issued legal code

alarm
n. 1 usually alarum archaic : a call to arms <the angry trumpet sounds alarum ― Shakespeare>
2 : a signal (as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts also : a device that signals <set the alarm to wake me at seven>
3 : sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger
4 : a warning notice
synonyms see FEAR

alarm
n. 1 : DISTURB, EXCITE
2 : to give warning to
3 : to strike with fear
4 : to equip with an alarm
–alarm·ing·ly \-'lär-miŋ-lē\ adverb

alarm
n. alarm clock
alarm reaction
false alarm
smoke alarm
still alarm

alarm clock
: a clock that can be set to sound an alarm at a desired time

alarm reaction
: the initial reaction of an organism (as increased hormonal activity) to stress

alarmism
n. : the often unwarranted exciting of fears or warning of danger
–alarm·ist \-mist\ noun or adjective

alarums and excursions
1 : martial sounds and the movement of soldiers across the stage ― used as a stage direction in Elizabethan drama
2 : clamor, excitement, and feverish or disordered activity

Alas
interj. Alaska

alas
interj. ― used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

Alasehir
city W Turkey 75 mi (121 km) E of Izmir pop 36,535

Alaska
n. state (territory 1912-59) of the U.S. NW N. America capital Juneau area 591,004 sq mi (1,530,700 sq km), pop 626,932
–Alas·kan \-kən\ adjective or noun

Alaska
n. Alaska time
Alaska Gulf of
Alaska Peninsula
Alaska Range
Alaskan malamute

Alaska Peninsula
peninsula SW Alaska SW of Cook Inlet

Alaska Range
mountain range S Alaska extending from Alaska Peninsula to Yukon boundary ― see MCKINLEY (Mount)

Alaska time
: the time of the ninth time zone west of Greenwich that includes most of Alaska

Alaska, Gulf of
inlet of the Pacific off S Alaska bet. Alaska Peninsula on W & Alexander Archipelago on E

Alaskan malamute
: any of a breed of powerful heavy-coated deep-chested dogs of Alaskan origin that have erect ears, heavily cushioned feet, and a bushy tail

alate
adj. : having wings or a winglike part

alate
adj. : a winged insect (as an ant or termite) of a kind having winged and wingless forms

Alava
province N Spain S of Vizcaya; in Basque Country capital Vitoria area 1176 sq mi (3046 sq km), pop 286,387

Alava, Cape
cape NW Wash. S of Cape Flattery; westernmost point of conterminous U.S., at 124°44′W

Alawi
: a member of a religious sect living mainly in Syria that originated in Shiite Islam but separated from other Shiite Islam groups in the ninth and tenth centuries

Alb
n. Albania; Albanian

alb
n. : a full-length white linen ecclesiastical vestment with long sleeves that is gathered at the waist with a cincture

Alba Longa
ancient city cen Italy SE of Rome

Albacete
1 province SE Spain N of Murcia province area 5737 sq mi (14,859 sq km), pop 364,835
2 commune, its capital pop 148,934

albacore
n. : a large pelagic tuna (Thunnus alalunga) with long pectoral fins that is a source of canned tuna broadly : any of various tunas (as a bonito)

Alban Hills
mountain group Italy SE of Rome

Albania
n. 1 ancient country Europe in E Caucasus region on W side of Caspian Sea
2 country S Europe in Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic; a republic capital Tiranë area 11,100 sq mi (28,749 sq km), pop 3,069,275

Albanian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Albania
2 : the Indo-European language of the Albanian people ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Albanian adjective

Albano, Lake
lake Italy SE of Rome

Albany
n. 1 city SW Ga. pop 76,939
2 city capital of N.Y. on Hudson River pop 95,658
3 city NW Oreg. S of Salem pop 40,852
4 \'al-\ river 610 mi (982 km) Canada in N Ont. flowing E into James Bay
–Al·ba·ni·an \ȯl-'bā-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

albatross
n. 1 : any of a family (Diomedeidae) of large web-footed seabirds that have long slender wings, are excellent gliders, and include the largest seabirds
2 a : something that causes persistent deep concern or anxiety b : something that greatly hinders accomplishment : ENCUMBRANCE

albedo
n. : reflective power specifically : the fraction of incident radiation (as light) that is reflected by a surface or body (as the moon or a cloud)

Albee
Edward Franklin 1928-     American dram.

albeit
conj. : conceding the fact that : even though : ALTHOUGH

Albemarle
Duke of ― see George MONCK

Albemarle Sound
inlet of the Atlantic NE N.C.

Albeniz
Isaac 1860-1909 Span. pianist & composer

Albers
Josef 1888-1976 American (Ger.-born) painter

Albert
n. 1875-1934 king of Belgium (1909-34)

Albert
n. Carl Bert 1908-2000 American polit.

Albert
n. Albert I
Prince Albert
Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha
D' Albert
Albert Lake
Albert Nile
Prince Albert National Park
Saint Albert

Albert Nile
n. ― see NILE

Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
1819-1861 prince consort of Queen Victoria of Great Britain (1840-61)

Albert, Lake
lake 100 mi (161 km) long E Africa bet. Uganda & Democratic Republic of the Congo in course of the Victoria Nile

Alberta
n. province W Canada capital Edmonton area 246,422 sq mi (638,232 sq km), pop 2,974,807
–Al·ber·tan \-'bər-tən\ adjective or noun

Albertus Magnus
Saint ca 1200-1280 Albert Count von Boll·städt \'bȯl-ˌshtet\ Ger. philos. & theol.

Albertville
― see KALEMIE

Albi
commune S France NE of Toulouse pop 46,299

Albigenses
n. : members of a Catharistic sect of southern France flourishing primarily in the 12th and 13th centuries
–Al·bi·gen·sian \-'jen(t)-shən, -'jen(t)-sē-ən\ adjective or noun
–Al·bi·gen·sian·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm, -sē-ə-ˌ\ noun

albinism
n. : the condition of an albino
–al·bi·nis·tic \ˌal-bə-'nis-tik\ adjective

albino
n. : an organism exhibiting deficient pigmentation especially : a human being that is congenitally deficient in pigment and usually has a milky or translucent skin, white or colorless hair, and eyes with pink or blue iris and deep-red pupil
–albino adjective

Albinoni
Tomaso Giovanni 1671-1751 Ital. composer

albinotic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affected with albinism
2 : tending toward albinism

Albion
n. 1 : Great Britain
2 : England

albite
n. : a triclinic usually white mineral of the feldspar group consisting of a sodium aluminum silicate
–al·bit·ic \al-'bit-ik\ adjective

Alboin
d 572 Lombard king (ca 565-572)

Alborg
city & port Denmark in NE Jutland pop 162,521

Albright
n. Madeleine 1937-     née Korbel U.S. secy. of state (1997-2001)

Albucasis
― see ABū AL-QāSIM

album
n. 1 a : a book with blank pages used for making a collection (as of autographs, stamps, or photographs) b : a cardboard container for a phonograph record : JACKET c : one or more recordings (as on tape or disc) produced as a single unit <a 2-CD album>
2 : a collection usually in book form of literary selections, musical compositions, or pictures : ANTHOLOGY

albumen
n. 1 : the white of an egg ― see EGG illustration
2 : ALBUMIN

albumin
n. : any of numerous simple heat-coagulable water-soluble proteins that occur in blood plasma or serum, muscle, the whites of eggs, milk, and other animal substances and in many plant tissues and fluids

albuminous
adj. : relating to, containing, or having the properties of albumen or albumin

albuminuria
n. : the presence of albumin in the urine often symptomatic of kidney disease
–al·bu·min·uric \-'nu̇r-ik, -'nyu̇r-\ adjective

Albuquerque
n. city cen N.Mex. pop 448,607
–Al·bu·quer·que·an \-kē-ən\ noun

Albuquerque, de
Afonso 1453-1515 Port. viceroy & conqueror in India

albuterol
: a drug C_13H_21NO_3 used to treat asthma as an aerosol or as the sulfate in tablet form

alc
alcohol

Alcaeus
ca 620-ca 580 B.C. Greek poet

alcaic
adj. : relating to or written in a verse or strophe marked by complicated variation of a dominant iambic pattern
–alcaic noun often cap

alcaide
: a commander of a castle or fortress (as among Spaniards, Portuguese, or Moors)

Alcala de Henrares
commune cen Spain, ENE of Madrid pop 176,434

alcalde
n. : the chief administrative and judicial officer or the mayor of a town in a Spanish-speaking country or region

Alcamo
commune Italy in NW Sicily pop 43,578

Alcatraz
n. island Calif. in San Francisco Bay

alcazar
n. : a Spanish fortress or palace

Alcestis
: the wife of Admetus who dies for her husband and is restored to him by Hercules

alchemist
n. : a person who studies or practices alchemy
–al·che·mis·tic \ˌal-kə-'mis-tik\ also al·che·mis·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

alchemize
v. : to change by alchemy : TRANSMUTE

alchemy
n. 1 : a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life
2 : a power or process of transforming something common into something special
3 : an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting
–al·chem·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ also al·chem·ic \al-'ke-mik\ adjective
–al·chem·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Alcibiades
ca 450-404 B.C. Athenian gen. & polit.

alcid
n. : any of a family (Alcidae, the alcid family) of web-footed diving birds with short legs and wings that includes the auks, murres, and puffins

Alcmene
: the mother of Hercules by Zeus in the form of her husband Amphitryon

alcohol
n. 1 a : ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors b : drink (as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol c : a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol
2 : any of a class of organic compounds that are analogous to ethanol and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons

alcohol
n. grain alcohol
ethyl alcohol
amyl alcohol
butyl alcohol
cetyl alcohol
fetal alcohol syndrome
isopropyl alcohol
lauryl alcohol
methyl alcohol
rubbing alcohol
vinyl alcohol
wood alcohol

alcoholic
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or caused by alcohol b : containing alcohol
2 : affected with alcoholism
–al·co·hol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

alcoholic
n. : a person affected with alcoholism

alcoholism
n. 1 : continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
2 a : poisoning by alcohol b : a chronic disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Alcoran
n. archaic : KORAN

Alcorcon
commune cen Spain, SW of Madrid pop 153,100

Alcott
n. Amos Bronson 1799-1888 American teacher & philos.

Alcott
n. Louisa May 1832-1888 dau. of A.B. American author

alcove
n. 1 a : a small recessed section of a room : NOOK b : an arched opening (as in a wall) : NICHE
2 : SUMMERHOUSE 2
–al·coved \-ˌkōvd\ adjective

ALCS
American League Championship Series

Alcuin
ca 732-804 Anglo-Saxon theol. & scholar

alcyonarian
: any of a subclass (Alcyonaria) of colonial anthozoans (as the sea pens) having polyps with eight branched tentacles and eight septa

Alcyone
n. : the brightest star in the Pleiades

ALD
adrenoleukodystrophy

ald
alderman

Alda
Frances 1883-1952 orig. Frances Davies N.Z.-born soprano

Aldabra
island (atoll) NW Indian Ocean N of Madagascar; chief of Aldabra group belonging to Seychelles

Aldan
river 1393 mi (2241 km) E Russia in Asia in Sakha Republic flowing into the Lena

Aldebaran
: a red star of the first magnitude that is seen in the eye of Taurus and is the brightest star in the Hyades

aldehyde
n. : ACETALDEHYDE broadly : any of a class of highly reactive organic compounds that are analogous to acetaldehyde and characterized by a carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom
–al·de·hy·dic \ˌal-də-'hī-dik\ adjective

Alden
n. John 1599?-1687 Mayflower Pilgrim

Alder
n. Kurt 1902-1958 Ger. chem.

alder
n. : any of a genus (Alnus) of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs of the birch family that have catkins which become woody, that typically grow in cool moist ground, and that have wood used especially in turnery also : its wood

alderman
n. 1 : a person governing a kingdom, district, or shire as viceroy for an Anglo-Saxon king
2 a : a magistrate formerly ranking next below the mayor in an English or Irish city or borough b : a high-ranking member of a borough or county council in Ireland or formerly in England chosen by elected members
3 : a member of a city legislative body
–al·der·man·ic \ˌȯl-dər-'ma-nik\ adjective

Alderney
n. island in English Channel; northernmost of the Channel Islands capital St. Anne area 3 sq mi (7.8 sq km), pop 2086

Aldershot
town S England in NE Hampshire pop 32,654

alderwoman
n. : a female member of a city legislative body

aldicarb
: a persistent highly toxic agricultural carbamate pesticide C_7H_14N_2O_2S used against insects, mites, and nematodes

aldol
n. : a colorless beta-hydroxy aldehyde C_4H_8O_2 used especially in organic synthesis broadly : any of various similar aldehydes
–al·dol·i·za·tion \ˌal-ˌdȯ-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌdō-\ noun

aldolase
n. : a crystalline enzyme that occurs widely in living systems and catalyzes reversibly the cleavage of a phosphorylated fructose into triose sugars

aldose
n. : a sugar containing in its acyclic form one aldehyde group per molecule

aldosterone
n. : a steroid hormone C_21H_28O_5 of the adrenal cortex that functions in the regulation of the salt and water balance of the body

aldosteronism
n. : a condition that is characterized by excessive secretion of aldosterone and typically by loss of body potassium, muscular weakness, and elevated blood pressure

Aldrich
Thomas Bailey 1836-1907 American author

Aldrin
n. Edwin Eugene, Jr. 1930-     American astronaut

aldrin
n. : a very poisonous formerly used cyclodiene insecticide C_12H_8Cl_6

ale
n. 1 : an alcoholic beverage brewed especially by rapid fermentation from an infusion of malt with the addition of hops
2 : an English country festival at which ale is the principal beverage

ale
n. ginger ale
pale ale
pot ale

alea jacta est
: the die is cast

aleatoric
adj. : characterized by chance or indeterminate elements <aleatoric music>

aleatory
adj. 1 : depending on an uncertain event or contingency as to both profit and loss <an aleatory contract>
2 : relating to luck and especially to bad luck
3 : ALEATORIC

alee
adv. : on or toward the lee ― compare AWEATHER

alehouse
n. : a place where ale is sold to be drunk on the premises

Aleichem
Sho·lem \ˌshȯ-ləm-ə-'lā-kəm, ˌshō-\ 1859-1916 pseud. of Sholem Ra·bin·o·witz \rə-'bi-nə-ˌwits\ American (Russ.-born) writer

Aleixandre
Vicente 1898-1984 Span. poet

Aleksandrovsk
― see ZAPORIZHZHYA

Aleksandrovsk-Grushevski
― see SHAKHTY

Aleman
Mateo 1547-ca 1614 Span. nov.

Aleman Valdes
v. Miguel 1902-1983 Mex. lawyer; pres. of Mexico (1946-52)

Alemannic
: the group of dialects of German spoken in Alsace, Switzerland, and southwestern Germany

Alembert, d'
Jean Le Rond 1717-1783 Fr. math. & philos.

alembic
n. 1 : an apparatus used in distillation
2 : something that refines or transmutes as if by distillation <philosophy⋯filtered through the alembic of Plato's mind ― B. T. Shropshire>

Alencon
city NW France N of Le Mans pop 28,917

alencon
: a delicate needlepoint lace

aleph
n. : the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

aleph-null
: the number of elements in the set of all integers which is the smallest transfinite cardinal number

Aleppo
n. city N Syria pop 1,445,000
–Alep·pine \ə-'le-pən, -ˌpīn, -ˌpēn\ adjective or noun

alert
n. 1 a : watchful and prompt to meet danger or emergency b : quick to perceive and act
2 : ACTIVE, BRISK
synonyms see WATCHFUL, INTELLIGENT
–alert·ly adverb
–alert·ness noun

alert
n. 1 : a state of careful watching and readiness especially for danger or opportunity <on 24-hour alert>
2 a : an alarm or other signal of danger b : an urgent notice <an alert to parents⋯about new immunization requirements ― Ann Schrader>
3 : the period during which an alert is in effect

alert
n. 1 : to call to a state of readiness : WARN
2 : to make aware of <alerted the public to the dangers of pesticides>

ales
n. : plants consisting of or related to ― in the names of orders of plants <Coniferales>

Alessandria
commune NW Italy pop 90,025

aleurone
n. : protein matter in the form of minute granules or grains occurring in seeds in endosperm or in a special peripheral layer

Aleut
n. 1 : a member of a people of the Aleutian and Shumagin islands and the western part of Alaska Peninsula
2 : the language of the Aleuts

Aleutian
n. Hawaii Aleutian time
Aleutian Islands
Aleutian Range

Aleutian Islands
islands SW Alaska extending in an arc 1700 mi (2735 km) SW & W from Alaska Peninsula ― see ANDREANOF ISLANDS, FOX ISLANDS, NEAR ISLANDS, RAT ISLANDS

Aleutian Range
mountain range SW Alaska, the SW extension of Alaska Range running along NW shore of Cook Inlet to SW tip of Alaska Peninsula with mountains of the Aleutian Islands forming its SW extension ― see SHISHALDIN

alevin
n. : a young fish especially : a newly hatched salmon when still attached to the yolk sac

alewife
n. : a woman who keeps an alehouse

alewife
n. : a food fish (Alosa pseudoharengus) of the herring family that is very abundant along the Atlantic coast also : any of several related fishes (as the menhaden)

Alexander
n. name of 8 popes: especially VI (Rodrigo Borgia) 1431-1503 (pope 1492-1503)

Alexander
n. name of 3 emps. of Russia: I 1777-1825 (reigned 1801-25); II 1818-1881 (reigned 1855-81); III 1845-1894 (reigned 1881-94)

Alexander
n. 1876-1903 king of Serbia (1889-1903)

Alexander
n. Harold Rupert Leofric George 1891-1969 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis Brit. field marshal; gov.-gen. of Canada (1946-52)

Alexander
n. 1888-1934 king of Yugoslavia (1929-34)

alexander
n. : an iced cocktail made from crème de cacao, sweet cream, and gin or brandy

alexander
n. Alexander I
Alexander III of Macedon
Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Severus
Alexander Archipelago
Alexander I Island

Alexander Archipelago
archipelago of ab 1100 islands SE Alaska ― see ADMIRALTY ISLAND, BARANOF, CHICHAGOF, KUPREANOF, PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND 1 REVILLAGIGEDO ISLAND

Alexander I Island
island Antarctica W of base of Antarctic Peninsula

Alexander III of Macedon
356-323 B.C. the Great king (336-323)

Alexander Nevsky
n. ca 1220-1263 Russ. saint & mil. hero

Alexander Severus
A.D. 208-235 Rom. emp. (222-235)

Alexandretta
― see ISKENDERUN

Alexandria
n. 1 city cen La. pop 46,342
2 city N Va. on the Potomac S of Washington, D.C. pop 128,283
3 city & port N Egypt bet. Lake Mareotis & the Mediterranean pop 3,170,000
–Al·ex·an·dri·an \-drē-ən\ adjective or noun

Alexandrian
n. 1 : HELLENISTIC
2 : of or relating to Alexander the Great

alexandrine
n. : a line of verse of 12 syllables consisting regularly of 6 iambs with a caesura after the third iamb
–alexandrine adjective

alexandrite
n. : a grass-green chrysoberyl that shows a red color by transmitted or artificial light

alexia
n. : aphasia marked by loss of ability to read

Alexis I Mikhaylovich
1629-1676 father of Peter the Great czar of Russia (1645-76)

Alexis Petrovich
1690-1718 son of Peter the Great czarevitch of Russia

Alexius I Comnenus
1048-1118 Byzantine emp. (1081-1118)

Alfa
n. ― a communications code word for the letter a

alfalfa
n. : a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant (Medicago sativa) of southwestern Asia that is widely grown for hay and forage

alfalfa
n. alfalfa weevil
Egyptian alfalfa weevil
spotted alfalfa aphid

alfalfa weevil
: a small dark brown European weevil (Hypera postica) that is now a widespread pest of alfalfa in No. America

Alferov
Zhores Ivanovich 1930-     Russ. (Belarusian-born) physicist

Alfieri
Conte Vittorio 1749-1803 Ital. tragic poet

Alfold
the central plain of Hungary

Alfonso
n. 1886-1941 king of Spain (1886-1931)

alforja
West : SADDLEBAG

Alfred
n. 849-899 the Great king of Wessex (871-899)

alfresco
adj. : taking place or located in the open air : OUTDOOR, OUTDOORS <an alfresco lunch> <an alfresco café> <dining alfresco>

alg
algebra

alga
n. : a plant or plantlike organism of any of several phyla, divisions, or classes of chiefly aquatic usually chlorophyll-containing nonvascular organisms of polyphyletic origin that usually include the green, yellow-green, brown, and red algae in the eukaryotes and especially formerly the cyanobacteria in the prokaryotes
–al·gal \-gəl\ adjective

alga
n. blue green alga
brown alga
golden brown alga
golden alga
green alga
red alga
yellow green alga

algaroba
1 : CAROB 1
2 [Mexican Spanish, from Spanish] : MESQUITE also : its pods

Algarve
n. medieval Moorish kingdom now a province of Portugal on S coast

algebra
n. 1 : a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic
2 : any of various systems or branches of mathematics or logic concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities (as complex numbers, matrices, sets, vectors, groups, rings, or fields) manipulated in symbolic form under operations often analogous to those of arithmetic ― compare BOOLEAN ALGEBRA
–al·ge·bra·ist \-ˌbrā-ist\ noun

algebraic
adj. 1 : relating to, involving, or according to the laws of algebra
2 : involving only a finite number of repetitions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, extraction of roots, and raising to powers <algebraic equation> ― compare TRANSCENDENTAL
–al·ge·bra·i·cal·ly \-'brā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

algebraic number
: a root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients

Algeciras
city & port SW Spain W of Gibraltar on Bay of Algeciras pop 101,468

Alger
Horatio 1832-1899 American author

Algeria
n. country NW Africa bordering on the Mediterranean capital Algiers area 918,497 sq mi (2,390,315 sq km), pop 22,971,000
–Al·ge·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

algia
: pain <neuralgia>

algicide
n. : an agent used to kill algae
–al·gi·cid·al \ˌal-jə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

algid
adj. : COLD

Algiers
n. 1 former Barbary State N Africa now Algeria
2 city & port capital of Algeria on Bay of Algiers (inlet of Mediterranean) pop 1,365,400
–Al·ge·rine \ˌal-jə-'rēn\ adjective or noun

algin
n. : any of various colloidal substances (as an alginate or alginic acid) derived from marine brown algae and used especially as emulsifiers or thickeners

alginate
n. : a salt or ester of alginic acid

alginic acid
: an insoluble colloidal acid (C_6H_8O_6)n that in the form of its salts is a constituent of the cell walls of brown algae

Algoa Bay
inlet of Indian Ocean S Republic of S. Africa on SE coast of Eastern Cape province

ALGOL
: an algebraic computer programming language used especially in mathematical and scientific applications

Algol
: a binary star in the constellation Perseus whose larger member orbits and eclipses the smaller brighter star causing periodic variation in brightness

algolagnia
n. : a perversion (as sadism or masochism) characterized by pleasure and especially sexual gratification in inflicting or suffering pain
–al·go·lag·ni·ac \-'lag-nē-ˌak\ noun

algology
n. : PHYCOLOGY
–al·go·log·i·cal \ˌal-gə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–al·gol·o·gist \al-'gä-lə-jist\ noun

Algonquian
n. 1 usually Algonquin a : an American Indian people of the Ottawa River valley b : the dialect of Ojibwa spoken by these people
2 usually Algonquian a : a family of American Indian languages spoken by peoples from Labrador to Carolina and westward into the Great Plains b : a member of the peoples speaking Algonquian languages

Algonquin
n. village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 23,276

algorithm
n. : a procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation broadly : a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer
–al·go·rith·mic \ˌal-gə-'rith-mik\ adjective
–al·go·rith·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Algren
Nelson 1909-1981 American author

Alhambra
n. : the palace of the Moorish kings at Granada, Spain

Alhambra
n. 1 city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 85,804
2 hill in Granada, Spain; site of remains of the palace of the Moorish kings

Ali
n. ca 600-661 cousin & son-in-law of Muhammad 4th orthodox caliph (656-661)

Ali
n. Muhammad 1942-     orig. Cassius Marcellus Clay American boxer

Ali
n. 'Ali ibn Abi Talib
Ali Baba
Ali Pasa
Haider Ali
Husayn ibn 'Ali
Hyder Ali
Haidar Ali

Ali Baba
: a woodcutter in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments who enters the cave of the Forty Thieves by using the password Sesame

Ali Pasa
1741-1822 the Lion of Janina Turk. pasha

alias
n. : otherwise called : otherwise known as

alias
n. : an assumed or additional name

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
archaeological site N Tex. NE of Amarillo

alibi
n. 1 : the plea of having been at the time of the commission of an act elsewhere than at the place of commission also : the fact or state of having been elsewhere at the time
2 : an excuse usually intended to avert blame or punishment (as for failure or negligence)
synonyms see APOLOGY

alibi
n. transitive verb : to exonerate by an alibi : furnish an excuse for
intransitive verb : to offer an excuse

Alicante
n. 1 province E Spain on the Mediterranean S of Valencia province area 2264 sq mi (5864 sq km), pop 1,461,925
2 city & port, its capital pop 284,580

Alice-in-Wonderland
: suitable to a world of fantasy or illusion : UNREAL

alicyclic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an organic compound that contains a ring but is not aromatic ― compare ALIPHATIC

alidade
n. : a rule equipped with simple or telescopic sights and used for determination of direction: as a : a part of an astrolabe b : a part of a surveying instrument consisting of the telescope and its attachments

alien
n. 1 a : belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing : STRANGE b : relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government : FOREIGN c : EXOTIC 1
2 : differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility
synonyms see EXTRINSIC
–alien·ly adverb
–alien·ness \-lē-ən-nəs, -yən-nəs\ noun

alien
n. 1 : a person of another family, race, or nation
2 : a foreign-born resident who has not been naturalized and is still a subject or citizen of a foreign country broadly : a foreign-born citizen
3 : EXTRATERRESTRIAL
4 : EXOTIC 1

alien
n. 1 : ALIENATE, ESTRANGE
2 : to make over (as property)

alienable
adj. : transferable to another's ownership
–alien·abil·i·ty \'āl-yə-nə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌā-lē-ə-nə-\ noun

alienage
n. : the status of an alien

alienate
v. 1 : to make unfriendly, hostile, or indifferent especially where attachment formerly existed
2 : to convey or transfer (as property or a right) usually by a specific act rather than the due course of law
3 : to cause to be withdrawn or diverted
synonyms see ESTRANGE
–alien·ator \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

alienation
n. 1 : a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment : ESTRANGEMENT <alienation⋯from the values of one's society and family ― S. L. Halleck>
2 : a conveyance of property to another

alienee
n. : one to whom property is transferred

alienism
n. : ALIENAGE

alienist
n. : PSYCHIATRIST

alienor
n. : one who transfers property to another

Aligarh
city N India in NW Uttar Pradesh N of Agra pop (including old town of Ko·il \'kō-əl\) 667,732

alight
adj. 1 : to come down from something (as a vehicle): as a : DISMOUNT b : DEPLANE
2 : to descend from or as if from the air and come to rest : LAND, SETTLE
3 archaic : to come by chance
–alight·ment noun

alight
adj. 1 chiefly British : being on fire
2 : lighted up

align
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring into line or alignment
2 : to array on the side of or against a party or cause <he aligned himself with the protesters>
intransitive verb
1 : to get or fall into line
2 : to be in or come into precise adjustment or correct relative position
–align·er noun

alignment
n. 1 : the act of aligning or state of being aligned especially : the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other
2 a : a forming in line b : the line thus formed
3 : the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile
4 : an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another <new alignments within the political party>

alike
adj. : in the same manner, form, or degree : EQUALLY <was denounced by teachers and students alike>

alike
adj. : exhibiting close resemblance without being identical <alike in their beliefs>
–alike·ness noun

aliment
n. : FOOD, NUTRIMENT also : SUSTENANCE <there was nothing there of conversational aliment ― Kingsley Amis>

aliment
n. : to give aliment to : NOURISH, SUSTAIN

alimentary
adj. 1 : of or relating to nourishment or nutrition
2 : furnishing sustenance or maintenance

alimentary canal
: the tubular passage that extends from mouth to anus and functions in digestion and absorption of food and elimination of residual waste

alimentation
n. : the act or process of affording nutriment or nourishment <intravenous alimentation>

alimony
n. 1 : an allowance made to one spouse by the other for support pending or after legal separation or divorce
2 : the means of living : MAINTENANCE

aliphatic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an organic compound (as an alkane) having an open-chain structure ― compare ALICYCLIC, AROMATIC 2

aliquando bonus dormitat Homerus
: sometimes (even) good Homer nods

aliquot
n. 1 : contained an exact number of times in something else ― used of a divisor or part <5 is an aliquot part of 15> <an aliquot portion of a solution>
2 : FRACTIONAL <an aliquot part of invested capital>
–aliquot noun

alis volat propriis
: she flies with her own wings ― motto of Oregon

aliteracy
n. : the quality or state of being able to read but uninterested in doing so
–alit·er·ate \-'li-tər-ət\ adjective or noun

alive
adj. 1 : having life : not dead or inanimate
2 a : still in existence, force, or operation : ACTIVE <kept hope alive> b : still active in competition with a chance of victory <must win to stay alive in the playoffs>
3 : knowing or realizing the existence of : SENSITIVE <alive to the danger>
4 : marked by alertness, energy, or briskness <his face came alive at the mention of food>
5 : marked by much life, animation, or activity : SWARMING <streets alive with traffic>
6 ― used as an intensive following the noun <the proudest boy alive>
synonyms see AWARE
–alive·ness noun

aliyah
n. : the immigration of Jews to Israel

alizarin
n. 1 : an orange or red crystalline compound C_14H_8O_4 formerly prepared from madder and now made synthetically and used especially to dye Turkey reds and in making red pigments
2 : any of various acid, mordant, and solvent dyes derived like alizarin proper from anthraquinone

alk
alkaline

alkahest
: the universal solvent believed by alchemists to exist
–al·ka·hes·tic \ˌal-kə-'hes-tik\ adjective

alkali
n. 1 : a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate broadly : a substance (as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties ― compare BASE 7a
2 : ALKALI METAL
3 : a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture

alkali metal
: any of the monovalent mostly basic metals of group I of the periodic table comprising lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium ― see PERIODIC TABLE table

alkaline
adj. : of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : BASIC especially of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
–al·ka·lin·i·ty \ˌal-kə-'li-nə-tē\ noun

alkaline
adj. alkaline battery
alkaline cell
alkaline earth metal
alkaline earth
alkaline phosphatase

alkaline battery
: a long-lived dry cell with an alkaline electrolyte that decreases corrosion of the cell ― called also alkaline cell

alkaline earth metal
: any of the divalent strongly basic metals of group II of the periodic table comprising beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium ― called also alkaline earth ― see PERIODIC TABLE table

alkaline phosphatase
: any of the phosphatases that are optimally active in alkaline medium and occur in especially high concentrations in bone, the liver, the kidneys, and the placenta

alkalinize
v. : to make alkaline
–al·ka·lin·i·za·tion \ˌal-kə-ˌli-nə-'zā-shən, -lə-nə-\ noun

alkaloid
n. : any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
–al·ka·loi·dal \ˌal-kə-'lȯi-dəl\ adjective

alkalosis
n. : an abnormal condition of increased alkalinity of the blood and tissues
–al·ka·lot·ic \-'lä-tik\ adjective

alkane
n. : any of numerous saturated hydrocarbons specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n+2 (as methane and butane) ― called also paraffin

alkanet
n. 1 a : a European plant (Alkanna tinctoria) of the borage family also : its root b : a red dyestuff prepared from the root
2 : a Eurasian plant (Anchusa officinalis) of the borage family with delicate usually blue flowers

alkene
n. : any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n (as ethylene)

alkie
n. slang : ALCOHOLIC

Alkmaar
commune NW Netherlands pop 92,992

alkoxide
n. : a basic salt derived from an alcohol by the replacement of the hydroxyl hydrogen with a metal

alkoxy
: of, relating to, or containing a monovalent radical RO– composed of an alkyl group united with oxygen ― often used in combination

alky
n. alkalinity

alkyd
n. 1 : any of numerous synthetic resins that are used especially for protective coatings and in paint
2 : a paint in which the vehicle is an alkyd resin

alkyl
adj. : having a monovalent organic group and especially one CnH2n+1 (as methyl) derived from an alkane (as methane)

alkyl
adj. : a compound of one or more alkyl groups with a metal <mercury alkyls>

alkylating agent
: a substance that causes replacement of hydrogen by an alkyl group especially in a biologically important molecule specifically : one with mutagenic activity that inhibits cell division and growth and is used to treat some cancers

alkylation
n. : the act or process of introducing one or more alkyl groups into a compound (as to increase octane number in a motor fuel)
–al·kyl·ate \'al-kə-ˌlāt\ transitive verb

alkyne
n. : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n-2 (as acetylene) having one triple bond

all
n. 1 a : the whole amount, quantity, or extent of <needed all the courage they had> <sat up all night> b : as much as possible <spoke in all seriousness>
2 : every member or individual component of <all men will go> <all five children were present>
3 : the whole number or sum of <all the angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles>
4 : EVERY <all manner of hardship>
5 : any whatever <beyond all doubt>
6 : nothing but : ONLY: a : completely taken up with, given to, or absorbed by <became all attention> b : having or seeming to have (some physical feature) in conspicuous excess or prominence <all legs> c : paying full attention with <all ears>
7 dialect : used up : entirely consumed ― used especially of food and drink
8 : being more than one person or thing <who all is coming>
synonyms see WHOLE
–all the : as much of⋯as : as much of a⋯as <all the home I ever had>

all
n. 1 a : WHOLLY, QUITE <sat all alone> ― often used as an intensive <all out of proportion> <all over the yard> <it wasn't all that funny> b : selected as the best (as at a sport) within an area or organization ― used in combination <all-league halfback>
2 obsolete : ONLY, EXCLUSIVELY
3 archaic : JUST
4 : so much <all the better for it>
5 : for each side : APIECE <the score is two all>

all
n. 1 a : the whole number, quantity, or amount : TOTALITY <all that I have> <all of us> <all of the books> b ― used in such phrases as for all I know, for all I care, and for all the good it does to indicate a lack of knowledge, interest, or effectiveness
2 : EVERYBODY, EVERYTHING <gave equal attention to all> <that is all>
–all in all : on the whole : GENERALLY <all in all, things might have been worse>
–and all : and everything else especially of a kind suggested by a previous context <cards to fill out with⋯numbers and all ― Sally Quinn>

all
n. : the whole of one's possessions, resources, or energy <gave his all for the cause>

all
n. 1 : other : different : atypical <allogamous> <allotropy>
2 allo- : isomeric form or variety of (a specified chemical compound) <allopurinol>
3 allo- : being one of a group whose members together constitute a structural unit especially of a language <allophone>

all along
: all the time <knew the truth all along>

all but
: very nearly : ALMOST <would be all but impossible>

all clear
: a signal that a danger has passed

all ears
eagerly listening <if anybody spoke of that grisly matter, I was all ears⋯and alert to hear what might be said ― Mark Twain>

All Fools' Day
: APRIL FOOLS' DAY

all fours
1 a : all four legs of a quadruped b : the two legs and two arms of a person when used to support the body <down on all fours>
2 singular in construction : any of various card games in which points are scored for the high trump, low trump, jack of trumps, and game

all get-out
: the utmost conceivable degree ― used in comparisons to suggest something superlative <is busy as all get-out>

all hail
― used to express greeting, welcome, or acclamation

all hours
: a very late time <stayed up until all hours>

all in
: TIRED, EXHAUSTED <after a day of wood-splitting he was all in>

all in all
on the whole : GENERALLY <all in all, things might have been worse>

all kinds of

1 : MANY <likes all kinds of sports>
2 : plenty of <has all kinds of time>

all of
: FULLY <she's all of 20 years old>

all of a sudden
also on a sudden : sooner than was expected : at once

all out
: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort ― used chiefly in the phrase go all out

all over
1 : over the whole extent <decorated all over with a flower pattern>
2 : EVERYWHERE <looked all over for the book>
3 : in every respect : THOROUGHLY <she is her mother all over>

all over
1 : in eagerly affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of <the band's fans were all over them>
2 : in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of <the press was all over the coach after the loss>

all over the lot
covering a wide or varied range <received bids all over the lot>

all over the map
marked by a high degree of variation

all right
1 : SATISFACTORY, AGREEABLE <whatever you decide is all right with me>
2 : SAFE, WELL <he was ill but he's all right now>
3 : GOOD, PLEASING ― often used as a generalized term of approval <an all right guy>
usage see ALRIGHT

all right
1 ― used interjectionally especially to express agreement or resignation or to indicate the resumption of a discussion <all right, we can do that if you want> <all right, let's go>
2 : beyond doubt : CERTAINLY <she has pneumonia all right>
3 : well enough : SATISFACTORILY <does all right in school>
usage see ALRIGHT

All Saints' Day
: November 1 observed in Western liturgical churches as a Christian feast in honor of all the saints

all sorts of
many different : all kinds of <knows all sorts of people>

All Souls' Day
: November 2 observed in some Christian churches as a day of prayer for the souls of the faithful departed

all that
: to an indicated or suggested extent or degree : SO <didn't take his threats all that seriously>

all that
everything of the kind indicated <tact, discretion, and all that>

all the
as much of⋯as : as much of a⋯as <all the home I ever had>

all the same
or just the same : despite everything : NEVERTHELESS

all the way
to the full or entire extent : as far as possible <ran all the way home> <seated all the way in the back>

all thumbs
extremely awkward or clumsy

all told
: with everything or everyone taken into account : in all <expecting eight guests all told>

all wet
completely wrong : in error

all' ottava
: OTTAVA

all-American
1 a also all-Amer·i·ca \-ə-kə\ : selected (as by a poll of journalists) as one of the best in the U.S. in a particular category at a particular time <an all-American quarterback> b : having only all-American participants <an all-American basketball team>
2 : composed wholly of American elements
3 : representative or typical of the U.S. or its ideals <an all-American boy> <her all-American optimism>
4 : of or relating to the American nations as a group

all-American
1 also all-Amer·i·ca : one (as an athlete) that is voted all-American
2 : one that has all-American qualities or characteristics <a clean-cut all-American>

all-around
1 : considered in or encompassing all aspects : COMPREHENSIVE <the best all-around performance so far>
2 : competent in many fields <an all-around performer>
3 : having general utility or merit <an all-around tool>
–all around adverb

all-day
: lasting for, occupying, or appearing throughout an entire day <an all-day trip>

all-embracing
: COMPLETE, SWEEPING <an all-embracing theory>

all-fired
: EXTREMELY, EXCESSIVELY <all-fired stubborn>

all-important
: of very great or greatest importance <an all-important question>

all-in
1 chiefly British : ALL-INCLUSIVE
2 chiefly British : being almost without restrictions <all-in wrestling>

all-inclusive
: including everything <a broader and more nearly all-inclusive view>
–all-in·clu·sive·ness noun

all-night
1 : lasting throughout the night <an all-night poker game>
2 : open throughout the night <an all-night diner>

all-nighter
: something that lasts all night specifically : an all-night study session

all-or-none
: marked either by entire or complete operation or effect or by none at all <all-or-none response of a nerve cell>

all-or-nothing
1 : ALL-OR-NONE
2 a : accepting no less than everything <he's an all-or-nothing perfectionist> b : risking everything <an all-or-nothing combat strategy>

all-out
1 : made with maximum effort : THOROUGHGOING <an all-out effort to win the contest>
2 : FULL-BLOWN 2

all-powerful
: having complete or sole power <an all-powerful leader>

all-purpose
: suited for many purposes or uses

all-round
variant of all-around

all-rounder
British : one having many skills or uses

all-star
: composed wholly or chiefly of stars or of outstanding performers or participants <an all-star cast>

all-star
: a member of an all-star team

all-terrain vehicle
: a small motor vehicle with three or four wheels that is designed for use on various types of terrain ― called also ATV

all-time
1 : FULL-TIME 1
2 : being for or of all time up to and including the present especially : exceeding all others of all time <an all-time best seller>

all-wheel
: acting especially independently on or by means of all four wheels of an automotive vehicle <all-wheel drive>

alla breve
: the sign marking a piece or passage to be played alla breve also : a passage so marked

alla breve
: in duple or quadruple time with the beat represented by the half note

Allah
n. : GOD 1A ― used in Islam

Allahabad
city N India in S Uttar Pradesh on the Ganges W of Varanasi pop 990,298

Allais
Maurice 1911-     Fr. econ.

allantoin
: a crystalline oxidation product C_4H_6N_4O_3 of uric acid used to promote healing of local wounds and infections

allantois
n. : a vascular fetal membrane of reptiles, birds, and mammals that is formed as a pouch from the hindgut and that in placental mammals is intimately associated with the chorion in formation of the placenta
–al·lan·to·ic \ˌa-lən-'tō-ik, ˌa-ˌlan-\ adjective

allargando
adv. : becoming gradually slower and more stately ― used as a direction in music

allay
v. transitive verb
1 : to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : ALLEVIATE <expect a breeze to allay the heat>
2 : to make quiet : CALM <trying to allay their fears>
intransitive verb obsolete : to diminish in strength : SUBSIDE
synonyms see RELIEVE

allee
n. : a walkway lined with trees or tall shrubs

allegation
n. 1 : the act of alleging
2 : a positive assertion specifically : a statement by a party to a legal action of what the party undertakes to prove
3 : an assertion unsupported and by implication regarded as unsupportable <vague allegations of misconduct>

allege
v. 1 archaic : to adduce or bring forward as a source or authority
2 : to assert without proof or before proving <the newspaper alleges the mayor's guilt>
3 : to bring forward as a reason or excuse

alleged
adj. 1 : asserted to be true or to exist <an alleged miracle>
2 : questionably true or of a specified kind : SUPPOSED, SO-CALLED <bought an alleged antique vase>
3 : accused but not proven or convicted <an alleged burglar>
–al·leg·ed·ly \-'le-jəd-lē\ adverb

Allegheny
n. river 325 mi (523 km) W Pa. & SW N.Y. uniting with the Monongahela at Pittsburgh to form the Ohio
–Al·le·ghe·ni·an \-'gā-nē-ən, -'ge-\ adjective

Allegheny Mountains
mountains of Appalachian system E U.S. in Pa., Md., Va., & W.Va.

Allegheny spurge
: a low herb or subshrub (Pachysandra procumbens) of the box family widely grown as a ground cover

allegiance
n. 1 a : the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord b (1) : the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government (2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides
2 : devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause
synonyms see FIDELITY
–al·le·giant \-jənt\ adjective

allegorical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of allegory
2 : having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text
–al·le·gor·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–al·le·gor·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

allegorise
v. British variant of allegorize

allegorist
n. : a creator of allegory

allegorize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to give allegorical explanations
2 : to compose or use allegory
transitive verb
1 : to treat or explain as an allegory
2 : to make into allegory
–al·le·go·ri·za·tion \ˌa-lə-ˌgȯr-ə-'zā-shən, -gər-\ noun
–al·le·go·riz·er noun

allegory
n. 1 : the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence also : an instance (as in a story or painting) of such expression
2 : a symbolic representation : EMBLEM 2

allegretto
n. : faster than andante but not so fast as allegro ― used as a direction in music

allegretto
n. : a musical composition or movement in allegretto tempo

allegro
n. : a musical composition or movement in allegro tempo

allegro
n. : at a brisk lively tempo ― used as a direction in music

allele
n. 1 : any of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at a given locus
2 : either of a pair of alternative Mendelian characters (as smooth and wrinkled seed in the pea)
–al·le·lic \-'lē-lik, -'le-\ adjective
–al·lel·ism \-'lē-ˌli-zəm, -'le-\ noun

allelo
1 : alternative <allelomorph>
2 : reciprocal <allelopathy>

allelomorph
n. : ALLELE
–al·le·lo·mor·phic \ə-ˌlē-lə-'mȯr-fik, -ˌle-lə-\ adjective
–al·le·lo·mor·phism \ə-'lē-lə-ˌmȯr-ˌfi-zəm, -'le-lə-\ noun

allelopathy
n. : the suppression of growth of one plant species by another due to the release of toxic substances
–al·le·lo·path·ic \ə-ˌlē-lə-'pa-thik, -ˌle-lə-\ adjective

alleluia
n. : HALLELUJAH

allemande
n. 1 : a musical composition or movement (as in a baroque suite) in moderate tempo and duple or quadruple time
2 a : a 17th and 18th century court dance developed in France from a German folk dance b : a dance step with arms interlaced

Allen
n. Ethan 1738-1789 American Revolutionary soldier

Allen
n. William 1532-1594 Eng. cardinal

Allen
n. Woody 1935-     orig. Allen Stewart Konigsberg American writer, actor, director

Allen
n. city N Tex. N of Dallas pop 43,554

Allen
n. Allen wrench
Van Allen belt
Van Allen
Allen Park

Allen Park
city SE Mich. WSW of Detroit pop 29,376

Allen wrench
: an L-shaped hexagonal metal bar either end of which fits the socket of a screw or bolt

Allenby
n. Edmund Henry Hynman 1861-1936 1st Viscount Allenby of Megiddo and Felixstowe Brit. field marshal

Allende Gossens
Salvador 1908-1973 Chilean Marxist; pres. of Chile (1970-73)

Allenstein
― see OLSZTYN

Allentown
n. city E Pa. on the Lehigh pop 106,632

aller
pis aller
laissez aller
laisser aller

allergen
n. : a substance (as pollen) that induces allergy
–al·ler·gen·ic \ˌa-lər-'je-nik\ adjective
–al·ler·ge·nic·i·ty \ˌa-lər-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

allergic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy
2 : having an aversion <allergic to work>

allergic rhinitis
: rhinitis caused by exposure to an allergen especially : HAY FEVER

allergist
n. : a specialist in allergy

allergy
n. 1 : altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure <a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal>
2 : exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3 : medical practice concerned with allergies
4 : a feeling of antipathy or aversion

allethrin
n. : a light yellow viscous oily synthetic pyrethroid insecticide C_19H_26O_3 used especially in household aerosols

alleviate
v. : RELIEVE, LESSEN: as a : to make (as suffering) more bearable <her sympathy alleviated his distress> b : to partially remove or correct <measures taken to alleviate a labor shortage>
synonyms see RELIEVE
–al·le·vi·a·tion \-ˌlē-vē-'ā-shən\ noun
–al·le·vi·a·tor \-'lē-vē-ˌā-tər\ noun

alley
n. 1 : a garden or park walk bordered by trees or bushes
2 a (1) : a grassed enclosure for bowling or skittles (2) : a hardwood lane for bowling also : a room or building housing a group of such lanes b : the space on each side of a tennis doubles court between the sideline and the service sideline c : an area in a baseball outfield between two outfielders when they are in normal positions
3 : a narrow street especially : a thoroughfare through the middle of a block giving access to the rear of lots or buildings
–up one's alley also down one's alley : suited to one's own tastes or abilities

alley
n. : a playing marble especially : one of superior quality

alley
n. down one's alley
up one's alley
alley cat
alley oop
blind alley
Tin Pan Alley

alley cat
: a stray cat

alley-oop
: a basketball play in which a leaping player catches a pass above the basket and immediately dunks the ball also : the usually looping pass thrown on such a play

Alleyne
Edward 1566-1626 Eng. actor

alleyway
n. 1 : a narrow passageway
2 : ALLEY 3

Allhallows
n. : ALL SAINTS' DAY

alliaceous
adj. : resembling garlic or onion especially in smell or taste

Alliance
n. city NE Ohio NE of Canton pop 23,253

alliance
n. 1 a : the state of being allied : the action of allying b : a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals <a closer alliance between government and industry>
2 : an association to further the common interests of the members specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty
3 : union by relationship in qualities : AFFINITY
4 : a treaty of alliance

allicin
n. : a pungent compound C_6H_10OS_2 formed enzymatically in crushed garlic cloves that imparts the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties

allied
adj. 1 : having or being in close association : CONNECTED <two families allied by marriage>
2 : joined in alliance by compact or treaty specifically capitalized : of or relating to the nations united against Germany and its allies in World War I or those united against the Axis powers in World War II
3 a : related especially by common properties or qualities <heraldry and allied subjects> b : related genetically

Allier
river ab 250 mi (402 km) S cen France flowing to the Loire

allies
n. plural of ally

alligator
n. 1 a : either of two crocodilians (Alligator mississippiensis of the southeastern U.S. and A. sinensis of China) having broad heads not tapering to the snout and a special pocket in the upper jaw for reception of the enlarged lower fourth tooth b : CROCODILIAN
2 : leather made from alligator hide

alligator
n. alligator clip
alligator pear
alligator snapping turtle

alligator clip
: a spring-loaded clip that has jaws resembling an alligator's and is used for making temporary electrical connections

alligator pear
: AVOCADO

alligator snapping turtle
: a turtle (Macroclemys temminckii) of southeastern U.S. rivers that may reach nearly 150 pounds (68 kilograms) in weight and 31 inches (79 centimeters) in length ― called also alligator snapper

alliterate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to form an alliteration
2 : to write or speak alliteratively
transitive verb : to arrange or place so as to make alliteration <alliterate syllables in a sentence>

alliteration
n. : the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables (as wild and woolly, threatening throngs) ― called also head rhyme initial rhyme

alliterative
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by alliteration
–al·lit·er·a·tive·ly adverb

allium
n. : any of a large genus (Allium) of bulbous herbs of the lily family including the onion, garlic, chive, leek, and shallot

allo
― see ALL-

alloantibody
: an antibody produced following introduction of an alloantigen into the system of an individual of a species lacking that particular antigen

alloantigen
: an antigen present only in some individuals (as of a particular blood group) of a species and capable of inducing the production of an alloantibody by individuals which lack it

allocable
adj. : capable of being allocated

allocate
v. 1 : to apportion for a specific purpose or to particular persons or things : DISTRIBUTE <allocate tasks among human and automated components>
2 : to set apart or earmark : DESIGNATE <allocate a section of the building for special research purposes>
–al·lo·cat·able \-ˌkā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–al·lo·ca·tion \ˌa-lə-'kā-shən\ noun
–al·lo·ca·tor \'a-lə-ˌkā-tər\ noun

allocution
n. : a formal speech especially : an authoritative or hortatory address

allogamous
adj. : reproducing by cross-fertilization
–al·log·a·my \-mē\ noun

allogeneic
adj. : involving, derived from, or being individuals of the same species that are sufficiently unlike genetically to interact antigenically <allogeneic skin grafts> ― compare SYNGENEIC

allograft
n. : a homograft between allogeneic individuals
–allograft transitive verb

allograph
n. 1 : a letter of an alphabet in a particular shape (as A or a)
2 : a letter or combination of letters that is one of several ways of representing one phoneme (as pp in hopping representing the phoneme \p\)
–al·lo·graph·ic \ˌa-lə-'gra-fik\ adjective

allometry
n. : relative growth of a part in relation to an entire organism or to a standard also : the measure and study of such growth
–al·lo·me·tric \ˌa-lə-'me-trik\ adjective

allomorph
n. : one of a set of forms that a morpheme may take in different contexts <the -s of cats, the -en of oxen, and the zero suffix of sheep are allomorphs of the English plural morpheme>
–al·lo·mor·phic \ˌa-lə-'mȯr-fik\ adjective
–al·lo·mor·phism \'a-lə-ˌmȯr-ˌfi-zəm\ noun

allonge
n. : RIDER 2A

allopathic
adj. : relating to or being a system of medicine that aims to combat disease by using remedies (as drugs or surgery) which produce effects that are different from or incompatible with those of the disease being treated

allopatric
adj. : occurring in different geographic areas or in isolation <allopatric speciation> ― compare SYMPATRIC
–al·lo·pat·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–al·lop·a·try \ə-'lä-pə-trē\ noun

allophane
: an amorphous translucent mineral of various colors often occurring in incrustations or stalactite forms and consisting of a hydrous aluminum silicate

allophone
n. : one of two or more variants of the same phoneme <the aspirated \p\ of pin and the unaspirated \p\ of spin are allophones of the phoneme \p\>
–al·lo·phon·ic \ˌa-lə-'fä-nik\ adjective

allopolyploid
: a polyploid individual or strain having a chromosome set composed of two or more chromosome sets derived more or less complete from different species
–allopolyploid adjective
–al·lo·poly·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

allopurinol
n. : a drug C_5H_4N_4O used to promote excretion of uric acid

allosaur
: any of a family (Allosauridae) of large theropod dinosaurs usually having three clawed digits on each arm and leg and living from the late Jurassic to the early Cretaceous period especially : ALLOSAURUS

allosaurus
n. : any of a genus (Allosaurus) of very large carnivorous No. American theropod dinosaurs of the late Jurassic period

allosteric
adj. : of, relating to, undergoing, or being a change in the shape and activity of a protein (as an enzyme) that results from combination with another substance at a point other than the chemically active site
–al·lo·ste·ri·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–al·lo·ste·ry \'a-lō-ˌster-ē, -ˌstir-\ noun

allot
v. 1 : to assign as a share or portion <allot 10 minutes for the speech>
2 : to distribute by or as if by lot <allot seats to the press>
–al·lot·ter noun

allotetraploid
n. : AMPHIDIPLOID
–al·lo·te·tra·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

allotment
n. 1 : the act of allotting : APPORTIONMENT
2 : something that is allotted especially chiefly British : a plot of land let to an individual for cultivation

allotrope
n. : a form showing allotropy

allotropy
n. : the existence of a substance and especially an element in two or more different forms (as of crystals) usually in the same phase
–al·lo·trop·ic \ˌa-lə-'trä-pik\ adjective

allottee
n. : one to whom an allotment is made

allotype
n. : an alloantigen that is part of a plasma protein (as an antibody)
–al·lo·typ·ic \ˌa-lə-'ti-pik\ adjective
–al·lo·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–al·lo·typy \'a-lə-ˌtī-pē\ noun

allover
adj. : covering the whole extent or surface <a sweater with an allover pattern>

allover
adj. 1 : an embroidered, printed, or lace fabric with a design covering most of the surface
2 : a pattern or design in which a single unit is repeated so as to cover an entire surface

allow
v. transitive verb
1 a : to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money) <allow an hour for lunch> b : to reckon as a deduction or an addition <allow a gallon for leakage>
2 a chiefly Southern & Midland : to be of the opinion : THINK b dialect : SAY, STATE c : to express an opinion ― usually used with as how or that
3 chiefly Southern & Midland : INTEND, PLAN
4 : ADMIT, CONCEDE <must allow that money causes problems in marriage>
5 a : PERMIT <doesn't allow people to smoke in his home> b : to forbear or neglect to restrain or prevent <allow the dog to roam>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a possibility : ADMIT ― used with of <evidence that allows of only one conclusion>
2 : to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies ― used with for <allow for expansion>

allowable
adj. : PERMISSIBLE <allowable income tax deductions>
–al·low·ably \-blē\ adverb

allowance
n. 1 a : a share or portion allotted or granted b : a sum granted as a reimbursement or bounty or for expenses <salary includes cost-of-living allowance> especially : a sum regularly provided for personal or household expenses <each child has an allowance> c : a fixed or available amount <provide an allowance of time for recreation> d : a reduction from a list price or stated price <a trade-in allowance>
2 : an imposed handicap (as in a horse race)
3 : an allowed dimensional difference between mating parts of a machine
4 : the act of allowing : PERMISSION
5 : a taking into account of mitigating circumstances or contingencies <the plan makes no allowance for bad weather>

allowance
n. 1 archaic : to put on a fixed allowance (as of food and drink)
2 archaic : to supply in a fixed or regular quantity

allowedly
adv. : by allowance : ADMITTEDLY

alloxan
n. : a crystalline compound C_4H_2N_2O_4 causing diabetes mellitus when injected into experimental animals

alloy
n. 1 : the degree of mixture with base metals : FINENESS
2 : a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten also : the state of union of the components
3 a : an admixture that lessens value b : an impairing alien element
4 : a compound, mixture, or union of different things <an ethnic alloy of many peoples>
5 archaic : a metal mixed with a more valuable metal to give durability or some other desired quality

alloy
n. 1 a : TEMPER, MODERATE b : to impair or debase by admixture
2 : to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
3 : to mix so as to form an alloy
intransitive verb : to lend itself to being alloyed <iron alloys well>

allspice
n. 1 : the berry of a West Indian tree (Pimenta dioica) of the myrtle family also : the allspice tree
2 : a mildly pungent and aromatic spice prepared from dried allspice berries

Allston
Washington 1779-1843 American painter

allude
v. : to make indirect reference <comments alluding to an earlier discussion> broadly : REFER

allure
n. : to entice by charm or attraction
synonyms see ATTRACT
–al·lure·ment \-'lu̇r-mənt\ noun
–al·lur·ing·ly adverb

allure
n. : power of attraction or fascination : CHARM

allusion
n. 1 : an implied or indirect reference especially in literature also : the use of such references
2 : the act of alluding to or hinting at something
–al·lu·sive \-'lü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–al·lu·sive·ly adverb
–al·lu·sive·ness noun

alluvial
adj. : relating to, composed of, or found in alluvium <alluvial soil> <alluvial diamonds>

alluvial
adj. : an alluvial deposit

alluvial fan
: the alluvial deposit of a stream where it issues from a gorge upon a plain or of a tributary stream at its junction with the main stream

alluvion
n. 1 : the wash or flow of water against a shore
2 : FLOOD, INUNDATION
3 : ALLUVIUM
4 : an accession to land by the gradual addition of matter (as by deposit of alluvium) that then belongs to the owner of the land to which it is added also : the land so added

alluvium
n. : clay, silt, sand, gravel, or similar detrital material deposited by running water

ally
n. transitive verb : to unite or form a connection or relation between : ASSOCIATE <allied himself with a wealthy family by marriage>
intransitive verb : to form or enter into an alliance <two factions allying with each other>

ally
n. 1 : a sovereign or state associated with another by treaty or league
2 : a plant or animal linked to another by genetic or taxonomic proximity
3 : one that is associated with another as a helper : AUXILIARY

ally
n. : 2-LY <terrifically> ― in adverbs formed from adjectives in -ic with no alternative form in -ical

allyl
adj. : being or containing the unsaturated monovalent radical CH_2CHCH_2–

allylic
: involving or characteristic of an allyl radical

Alma
n. 1 river 50 mi (80 km) in SW Crimea, Ukraine
2 city Canada in E Que. on the Saguenay pop 25,918

Alma
n. Alma Ata
alma mater
Alma Tadema

alma mater
1 : a school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated
2 : the song or hymn of a school, college, or university

Alma-Tadema
Sir Lawrence 1836-1912 Eng. (Du.-born) painter

Almaden
town S cen Spain in Sierra Morena pop 6830

almagest
n. : any of several early medieval treatises on a branch of knowledge

almanac
n. 1 : a publication containing astronomical and meteorological data for a given year and often including a miscellany of other information
2 : a usually annual publication containing statistical, tabular, and general information

almandine
n. : ALMANDITE

almandite
n. : a deep red garnet consisting of an iron aluminum silicate

Almaty
n. city SE Kazakhstan; formerly its capital pop 1,156,200

Almelo
commune E Netherlands pop 71,026

Almere
commune cen Netherlands pop 158,902

Almeria
1 province S Spain SE of Granada province area 3388 sq mi (8775 sq km), pop 536,731
2 city & port, its capital pop 166,328

Almighty
adj. : GOD 1 ― used with the

almighty
adj. 1 often capitalized : having absolute power over all <Almighty God>
2 a : relatively unlimited in power <an almighty board of directors> b : having or regarded as having great power or importance <the almighty dollar>
3 : MIGHTY ― used as an intensive <an almighty shock>
–al·mighti·ness noun

almighty
adj. : to a great degree : EXTREMELY <although he did not precisely starve, he was almighty hungry ― W. A. Swanberg>

almond
n. 1 a : the drupaceous fruit of a small tree (Prunus dulcis syn. P. amygdalus) of the rose family with flowers and young fruit resembling those of the peach especially : its ellipsoidal edible kernel used as a nut b : any of several similar fruits
2 : a tree that produces almonds

almond
n. almond eyed
bitter almond
Jordan almond

almond-eyed
: having narrow slant almond-shaped eyes

almoner
n. 1 : one who distributes alms
2 British : a social-service worker in a hospital

almost
adv. : very nearly but not exactly or entirely <we're almost there>

almost
adv. : very near but not quite <an almost failure>

alms
n. 1 archaic : CHARITY
2 : something (as money or food) given freely to relieve the poor
–alms·giv·er \-ˌgi-vər\ noun
–alms·giv·ing \-ˌgi-viŋ\ noun

almshouse
n. 1 British : a privately financed home for the poor
2 : POORHOUSE

almsman
n. : a recipient of alms

alnico
: a powerful permanent-magnet alloy containing iron, nickel, aluminum, and one or more of the elements cobalt, copper, and titanium

aloe
n. 1 plural : the fragrant wood of an East Indian tree (Aquilaria agallocha) of the mezereon family
2 a : any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers b : the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative ― usually used in plural but singular in construction c : ALOE VERA

aloe vera
: an aloe (Aloe barbadensis syn. A. vera) whose leaves furnish a gelatinous emollient extract used especially in cosmetics and skin creams also : such an extract or a preparation composed primarily of such an extract

aloft
adv. 1 : at or to a great height <measuring the winds aloft>
2 : in the air especially : in flight (as in an airplane) <meals served aloft>
3 : at, on, or to the masthead or the higher rigging

aloft
adv. : on top of : ABOVE <bright signs aloft hotels>

alogical
adj. : being outside the bounds of that to which logic can apply
–alog·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aloha
n. ― used as a greeting or farewell

aloha oe
: love to you : greetings : farewell

aloha shirt
: HAWAIIAN SHIRT

alone
adj. 1 : separated from others : ISOLATED
2 : exclusive of anyone or anything else : ONLY <she alone knows why>
3 a : considered without reference to any other <the children alone would eat that much> b : INCOMPARABLE, UNIQUE <alone among their contemporaries in this respect>
–alone·ness \-'lōn-nəs\ noun
synonyms ALONE, SOLITARY, LONELY, LONESOME, LONE, FORLORN, DESOLATE mean isolated from others. ALONE stresses the objective fact of being by oneself with slighter notion of emotional involvement than most of the remaining terms <everyone needs to be alone sometimes>. SOLITARY may indicate isolation as a chosen course <glorying in the calm of her solitary life> but more often it suggests sadness and a sense of loss <left solitary by the death of his wife>. LONELY adds to SOLITARY a suggestion of longing for companionship <felt lonely and forsaken>. LONESOME heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy <an only child often leads a lonesome life>. LONE may replace LONELY or LONESOME but typically is as objective as ALONE <a lone robin pecking at the lawn>. FORLORN stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear <a forlorn lost child>. DESOLATE implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement <desolate after her brother's death>.

alone
adj. 1 : SOLELY, EXCLUSIVELY <the blame is his alone>
2 : without aid or support <said he could do it alone>

alone
adj. leave alone
let alone
stand alone

along
adv. 1 : in a line matching the length or direction of <walking along the road> also : at a point or points on <a house along the river>
2 : in the course of <made stops along the way>
3 : in accordance with : IN <a new agreement along the lines of the first>

along
adv. 1 : FORWARD, ON <move along>
2 : from one to another <word was passed along>
3 a : in company : as a companion <brought his wife along> ― often used with with <walked to school along with her friends> b : in association ― used with with <work along with colleagues>
4 a : sometime within a specified or implied extent of time ― usually used with about <along about July 17> b : at or to an advanced point <plans are far along>
5 : in addition : ALSO ― usually used with with <a bill came along with the package>
6 : at hand : as a necessary or useful item <brought an extra one along> <had his gun along>
7 : on hand : THERE <tell him I'll be along to see him>

along
adv. all along
along of
come along
get along
go along
run along
sing along
string along
tag along

along of
dialect : BECAUSE OF

alongshore
adv. : along the shore or coast <walked alongshore> <alongshore currents>

alongside
adv. 1 : along the side : in parallel position
2 : at the side : close by <a guard with a prisoner alongside>

alongside
adv. 1 a : along the side of <the boat docked alongside the pier> b : BESIDE 1 <standing alongside me>
2 a : in company with <men she has been working alongside ― Richard Halloran> b : in addition to <a special category alongside the awards it annually presents ― Horizon>

alongside of
: ALONGSIDE

aloof
adj. : at a distance

aloof
adj. : removed or distant either physically or emotionally <he stood aloof from worldly success ― John Buchan>
synonyms see INDIFFERENT
–aloof·ly adverb
–aloof·ness noun

alopecia
n. : loss of hair, wool, or feathers : BALDNESS
–al·o·pe·cic \-'pē-sik\ adjective

Alor
island Indonesia in Lesser Sunda Is. N of Timor; with Pan·tar \'pan-ˌtär\ forms Alor Islands group

Alor Setar
city Malaysia in NW Peninsular Malaysia capital of Kedah pop 66,179

Alost
― see AALST

aloud
adv. 1 archaic : in a loud manner : LOUDLY
2 : with the speaking voice <read aloud>

alow
adv. : BELOW <alow in the ship's hold>

alp
n. 1 : a high rugged mountain
2 : something suggesting an alp in height, size, or ruggedness

alp
n. Australian Alps
Bernese Alps
Carnic Alps
Cottian Alps
Dinaric Alps
Graian Alps
Julian Alps
Lepontine Alps
Maritime Alps
Pennine Alps
Rhaetian Alps
Savoy Alps
Southern Alps
Transylvanian Alps

alpaca
n. 1 : a domesticated mammal (Lama pacos) especially of Peru that is prob. descended from the guanaco
2 a : wool of the alpaca b (1) : a thin cloth made of or containing this wool (2) : a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth

alpenglow
n. : a reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains

alpenhorn
n. : a straight wooden horn 5 to 14 feet (about 1.5 to 4.3 meters) in length used chiefly by Swiss herdsmen

alpenstock
n. : a long iron-pointed staff used in mountain climbing

alpha
n. 1 : the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : something that is first : BEGINNING
3 : ALPHA WAVE
4 : ALPHA PARTICLE

alpha
n. 1 : closest in the structure of an organic molecule to a particular group or atom ― symbol α <α-substitution>
2 : socially dominant especially in a group of animals <an alpha male>
3 : ALPHABETIC

alpha
n. alpha adrenergic
alpha and omega
alpha fetoprotein
alpha globulin
alpha helix
alpha helical
alpha hydroxy acid
alpha interferon
alpha iron
alpha particle
alpha ray
alpha privative
alpha receptor
alpha tocopherol
alpha wave
alpha rhythm
interferon alpha

alpha and omega
1 : the beginning and ending
2 : the principal element

alpha globulin
: any of several globulins of plasma or serum that have at alkaline pH the greatest electrophoretic mobility next to albumin ― compare BETA GLOBULIN, GAMMA GLOBULIN

alpha hydroxy acid
: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the alpha position specifically : one (as malic acid or lactic acid) that occurs in natural products (as fruits, sugar cane, or yogurt) and is used in cosmetics for its exfoliating effect on the surface layer of skin ― called also AHA

alpha interferon
: an interferon produced by white blood cells that inhibits viral replication, suppresses cell proliferation, and regulates immune response and that is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA to treat various diseases ― compare BETA INTERFERON, GAMMA INTERFERON

alpha iron
: the form of iron stable below 910°C (1670°F)

alpha particle
: a positively charged nuclear particle identical with the nucleus of a helium atom that consists of two protons and two neutrons and is ejected at high speed in certain radioactive transformations ― called also alpha alpha ray

alpha privative
: the prefix a- or an- expressing negation in Greek and in English

alpha wave
: an electrical rhythm of the brain with a frequency of approximately 8 to 13 cycles per second that is often associated with a state of wakeful relaxation ― called also alpha alpha rhythm

alpha-adrenergic
: of, relating to, or being an alpha-receptor <alpha-adrenergic blocking action>

alpha-fetoprotein
: a fetal blood protein present abnormally in adults with some cancers (as of the liver) and normally in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women with high or low levels tending to be associated with certain birth defects (as spina bifida or Down syndrome)

alpha-helix
: the coiled structural arrangement of many proteins consisting of a single chain of amino acids stabilized by hydrogen bonds
–al·pha-he·li·cal \-'he-li-kəl, -'hē-li-\ adjective

alpha-receptor
: any of a group of receptors that are present on cell surfaces of some effector organs and tissues innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and that mediate certain physiological responses (as vasoconstriction, relaxation of intestinal muscle, and contraction of most smooth muscle) when bound by specific adrenergic agents ― compare BETA-RECEPTOR

alpha-tocopherol
: a tocopherol C_29H_50O_2 with high vitamin E potency : VITAMIN E

alphabet
n. 1 a : a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order b : a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters
2 : RUDIMENTS, ELEMENTS

see table...

alphabet
n. alphabet table
alphabet soup
Arabic alphabet
Aramaic alphabet
International Phonetic Alphabet
Latin alphabet
manual alphabet
mixed alphabet
phonetic alphabet

alphabet soup
: a hodgepodge especially of initials (as of the names of organizations)

alphabet-table

alphabetic
adj. 1 usually alphabetical : arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet
2 : of, relating to, or employing an alphabet
–al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

alphabetization
n. 1 : the act or process of alphabetizing
2 : an alphabetically arranged series, list, or file

alphabetize
v. 1 : to arrange alphabetically
2 : to furnish with an alphabet
–al·pha·bet·iz·er noun

alphameric
adj. : ALPHANUMERIC

alphanumeric
adj. 1 : consisting of both letters and numbers and often other symbols (as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols) <an alphanumeric code> also : being a character in an alphanumeric system
2 : capable of using or displaying alphanumeric characters
–al·pha·nu·mer·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–al·pha·nu·mer·ics \-iks\ noun plural

Alpharetta
city N Ga. NNE of Atlanta pop 34,854

Alpheus
: a Greek river-god who pursues the nymph Arethusa and is finally united with her

Alpheus
river ab 75 mi (121 km) S Greece in W Peloponnese flowing NW into Ionian Sea

Alpine
n. 1 often not capitalized : of, relating to, or resembling the Alps or any mountains
2 often not capitalized : of, relating to, or growing in the biogeographic zone including the elevated slopes above timberline
3 : of or relating to a physical type characterized by a broad head, stockiness, medium height, and brown hair or eyes often regarded as constituting a branch of the Caucasian race
4 : of or relating to competitive ski events consisting of slalom and downhill racing ― compare NORDIC

alpine
n. 1 : a plant native to alpine or boreal regions that is often grown for ornament
2 capitalized : a person possessing Alpine physical characteristics

alpinism
n. : mountain climbing in the Alps or other high mountains
–al·pin·ist \-nist\ noun

alprazolam
n. : a benzodiazepine tranquilizer C_17H_13ClN_4 used especially to treat mild to moderate anxiety

alprostadil
: a prostaglandin C_20H_34O_5 that promotes vasodilation and is used especially to treat erectile dysfunction

Alps
n. mountain system S cen Europe extending from Mediterranean coast at border bet. France & Italy to the W Balkan Peninsula ― see MONT BLANC

Alps
n. Australian Alps
Bernese Alps
Carnic Alps
Cottian Alps
Dinaric Alps
Graian Alps
Julian Alps
Lepontine Alps
Maritime Alps
Pennine Alps
Rhaetian Alps
Savoy Alps
Southern Alps
Transylvanian Alps

already
adv. 1 : prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : PREVIOUSLY <he had already left when I called>
2 ― used as an intensive <all right already> <enough already>

alright
adj. : ALL RIGHT
usage The one-word spelling alright appeared some 75 years after all right itself had reappeared from a 400-year-long absence. Since the early 20th century some critics have insisted alright is wrong, but it has its defenders and its users. It is less frequent than all right but remains in common use especially in journalistic and business publications. It is quite common in fictional dialogue, and is used occas. in other writing <the first two years of medical school were alright ― Gertrude Stein>.

ALS
1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
2 autographed letter signed

Alsace
n. region & former province NE France bet. Rhine River & Vosges Mountains
–Al·sa·tian \al-'sā-shən\ adjective or noun

Alsace-Lorraine
region NE France including Alsace & part of Lorraine

Alsatian
n. : GERMAN SHEPHERD

Alsek
river 260 mi (418 km) NW Canada & SE Alaska flowing S into the Pacific

alsike clover
: a European perennial clover (Trifolium hybridum) much used as a forage plant

also
adv. 1 : LIKEWISE 1
2 : in addition : BESIDES, TOO

also-ran
1 : a horse or dog that finishes out of the money in a race
2 : a contestant that does not win
3 : one that is of little importance especially competitively <was just an also-ran in the scramble for⋯privileges ― C. A. Buss>

alstroemeria
n. : any of a genus (Alstroemeria) of tropical South American herbs of the lily family that are often cultivated for their clusters of showy variegated flowers

alt
n. 1 alternate
2 altitude
3 alto

alt-rock
: alternative rock music
–alt-rock·er \-ˌrä-kər\ noun

Alta
n. Alberta

Alta
n. Alta California
Toa Alta
Vega Alta

Alta California
former Spanish & Mexican province (1772-1848) comprising the present state of Calif. ― chiefly used to differentiate it from Baja California

Altai
n. 1 mountain system cen Asia bet. Mongolia & China & bet. Kazakhstan & Russia
2 ― see GORNO-ALTAY
3 territory SW Russia in Asia capital Barnaul area 101,042 sq mi (261,699 sq km), pop 2,666,000

Altaic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Altai Mountains
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the Turkic, Tungusic, and Mongolian language families collectively

Altair
n. : the brightest star in the constellation Aquila

Altamaha
river 137 mi (220 km) SE Ga. formed by junction of the Ocmulgee & the Oconee & flowing SE into Altamaha Sound (estuary)

Altamira
caverns N Spain WSW of Santander

Altamonte Springs
city cen Fla. pop 41,200

altar
n. 1 : a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship ― often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else <sacrificed his family life on the altar of career advancement>
2 : a table on which the eucharistic elements are consecrated or which serves as a center of worship or ritual

altar
n. altar boy
altar call
altar of repose
altar rail
altar server
altar stone
high altar

altar boy
: a boy who assists the celebrant in a liturgical service

altar call
: an appeal by an evangelist to worshipers to come forward to signify their decision to commit their lives to Christ

altar of repose

Usage:

often cap A&R

Date:

circa 1872

: REPOSITORY 2

altar rail
: a railing in front of an altar separating the chancel from the body of the church

altar server
: a boy or girl who assists the celebrant in a liturgical service

altar stone
: a stone slab with a compartment containing the relics of martyrs that forms an essential part of a Roman Catholic altar

altarpiece
n. : a work of art that decorates the space above and behind an altar

altazimuth
n. : a telescope mounted so that it can swing horizontally and vertically also : any of several other similarly mounted instruments

Altdorf
town cen Switzerland capital of Uri canton pop 8571

Altenburg
city E cen Germany E of Weimar pop 48,926

alter
v. transitive verb
1 : to make different without changing into something else
2 : CASTRATE, SPAY
intransitive verb : to become different
synonyms see CHANGE
–al·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌȯl-t(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–al·ter·able \'ȯl-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–al·ter·ably \-blē\ adverb
–al·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

alter
v. alter ego
alter Christus
alter idem
mind altering

alter Christus
: another Christ

alter ego
: a second self: as a : a trusted friend b : the opposite side of a personality c : COUNTERPART 3

alter idem
: second self

alteration
n. 1 : the act or process of altering : the state of being altered
2 : the result of altering : MODIFICATION

altercate
v. : to dispute angrily or noisily : WRANGLE

altercation
n. : a noisy heated angry dispute also : noisy controversy
synonyms see QUARREL

alterity
n. : OTHERNESS specifically : the quality or state of being radically alien to the conscious self or a particular cultural orientation

alternate
adj. 1 : occurring or succeeding by turns <a day of alternate sunshine and rain>
2 a : arranged first on one side and then on the other at different levels or points along an axial line <alternate leaves> ― compare OPPOSITE b : arranged one above or alongside the other
3 : every other : every second <he works on alternate days>
4 : constituting an alternative <took the alternate route home>
5 : ALTERNATIVE 3
–al·ter·nate·ly adverb

alternate
adj. transitive verb
1 : to perform by turns or in succession
2 : to cause to alternate
intransitive verb : to change from one to another repeatedly <rain alternated with sun>

alternate
adj. 1 : ALTERNATIVE
2 : one that substitutes for or alternates with another

alternate
adj. alternate angle
alternate exterior angle
alternate interior angle
alternating current
alternating group
alternating series

alternate angle
: one of a pair of angles with different vertices and on opposite sides of a transversal at its intersection with two other lines: a : one of a pair of angles inside the two intersected lines ― called also alternate interior angle b : one of a pair of angles outside the two intersected lines ― called also alternate exterior angle

alternating current
: an electric current that reverses its direction at regularly recurring intervals ― abbreviation AC

alternating group
: a permutation group whose elements comprise those permutations of n objects which can be formed from the original order by making an even number of interchanges of pairs of objects

alternating series
: a mathematical series in which consecutive terms are alternatively positive and negative

alternation
n. 1 a : the act or process of alternating or causing to alternate b : alternating occurrence : SUCCESSION
2 : INCLUSIVE DISJUNCTION
3 : the occurrence of different allomorphs or allophones

alternation of generations

1858
: the occurrence of two or more forms differently produced in the life cycle of a plant or animal usually involving the regular alternation of a sexual with an asexual generation

alternative
1 : ALTERNATE 1
2 : offering or expressing a choice <several alternative plans>
3 : different from the usual or conventional: as a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system <an alternative newspaper> <alternative lifestyles> b : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music c : of or relating to alternative medicine <alternative therapies>
–al·ter·na·tive·ly adverb
–al·ter·na·tive·ness noun

alternative
n. 1 a : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen b : an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions
2 a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen b : something which can be chosen instead <the only alternative to intervention>
3 : alternative rock music
synonyms see CHOICE

alternative medicine
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) not included in the traditional medical curricula taught in the U.S. and Britain

alternative school
: an elementary or secondary school with a nontraditional curriculum

alternator
n. : an electric generator for producing alternating current

althorn
n. : an alto saxhorn

although
conj. : in spite of the fact that : even though

altimeter
n. : an instrument for measuring altitude especially : an aneroid barometer designed to register changes in atmospheric pressure accompanying changes in altitude
–al·tim·e·try \al-'ti-mə-trē\ noun

altiplano
n. : a high plateau or plain : TABLELAND

altitude
n. 1 a : the angular elevation of a celestial object above the horizon b : the vertical elevation of an object above a surface (as sea level or land) of a planet or natural satellite c (1) : a perpendicular line segment from a vertex of a geometric figure (as a triangle or a pyramid) to the opposite side or the opposite side extended or from a side or face to a parallel side or face or the side or face extended (2) : the length of an altitude
2 : a high level (as of quality or feeling) <the altitudes of his anger>
3 a : vertical distance or extent b : position at a height c : an elevated region : EMINENCE ― usually used in plural
synonyms see HEIGHT
–al·ti·tu·di·nal \ˌal-tə-'tü-dən-əl, -'tyü-\ adjective
–al·ti·tu·di·nous \-dən-əs\ adjective

altitude sickness
: the effects (as nosebleed or nausea) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure

Altman
n. Sidney 1939-     American (Canad.-born) biophysicist

alto
n. 1 a : COUNTERTENOR b : CONTRALTO
2 : the second highest voice part in a 4-part chorus
3 : a member of a family of instruments having a range lower than that of the treble or soprano especially : an alto saxophone

alto
n. : relating to or having the range or part of an alto

alto
n. Alto Paraná
alto relievo
alto rilievo
alto rilievi
alto relievos
male alto
Alto Adige
Alto Parana
East Palo Alto
Palo Alto
Puente Alto
Trentino Alto Adige
Trujillo Alto
Los Altos

Alto Adige
district N Italy in S Tirol in N Trentino-Alto Adige region

Alto Parana
― see PARANÁ

alto-relievo
1 : HIGH RELIEF
2 : a sculpture in high relief

altocumulus
n. : a fleecy mid-altitude cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular masses with shaded portions ― see CLOUD illustration

altogether
adv. 1 : WHOLLY, COMPLETELY <an altogether different problem> <stopped raining altogether>
2 : in all : ALL TOLD <spent a hundred dollars altogether>
3 : on the whole <altogether their efforts were successful>

altogether
adv. : NUDE ― used with the <posed in the altogether>

Alton
city SW Ill. on the Mississippi pop 30,496

Altoona
city S cen Pa. pop 49,523

altostratus
n. : a fairly uniform mid-altitude layer of gray cloud darker than cirrostratus ― see CLOUD illustration

altricial
adj. : being hatched or born or having young that are hatched or born in a very immature and helpless condition so as to require care for some time <altricial birds> ― compare PRECOCIAL

Altrincham
town NW England in Greater Manchester SSW of Manchester pop 39,641

altruism
n. 1 : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
2 : behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species
–al·tru·ist \-trü-ist\ noun
–al·tru·is·tic \ˌal-trü-'is-tik\ adjective
–al·tru·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Altun
mountain range W China in S Xinjiang Uygur; highest peak ab 25,000 ft (7620 m)

alula
n. : the process of a bird's wing corresponding to the thumb and bearing a few short quills ― called also bastard wing

alum
n. 1 : a potassium aluminum sulfate KAl(SO_4)2·12H_2O or an ammonium aluminum sulfate NH_4Al(SO_4)2·12H_2O used especially as an emetic and as an astringent and styptic
2 : any of various double salts isomorphous with potassium aluminum sulfate
3 : ALUMINUM SULFATE

alum
n. : ALUMNUS, ALUMNA

alum
n. aluminum

alumina
n. : the oxide of aluminum Al_2O_3 occurring native as corundum and in hydrated forms (as in bauxite)

aluminate
: a compound of alumina with a metallic oxide

aluminium
n. chiefly British : ALUMINUM

aluminize
v. : to treat or coat with aluminum

aluminosilicate
n. : a combined silicate and aluminate

aluminous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing alum or aluminum

aluminum
n. : a bluish silver-white malleable ductile light trivalent metallic element that has good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to oxidation and is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust where it always occurs in combination ― see ELEMENT table

aluminum oxide
: ALUMINA

aluminum sulfate
: a white salt Al_2(SO_4)3 usually made by treating bauxite with sulfuric acid and used in making paper, in water purification, and in tanning

alumna
n. 1 : a girl or woman who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university
2 : a girl or woman who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

alumnus
n. 1 : a person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university
2 : a person who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

alumroot
: any of a genus (Heuchera) of No. American herbs of the saxifrage family having basal rounded or lobed toothed leaves especially : one (H. americana) of eastern No. America

alunite
: a mineral that consists of a hydrous potassium aluminum sulfate and occurs in massive form or in rhombohedral crystals

Alva
n. Duke of ― see ÁLVAREZ DE TOLEDO

Alvarado, de
Pedro ca 1485-1541 Span. conquistador

Alvarez
Luis Walter 1911-1988 American physicist

Alvarez
Alvarez de Toledo
Alvarez Quintero
Echeverria Alvarez

Alvarez de Toledo
Fernando 1507-1582 3d Duke of Al·ba \'al-bə\ or Al·va \'al-və\ Span. gen.

Alvarez Quintero
Serafín 1871-1938 & his bro. Joaquín 1873-1944 Span. dram.

alveolar
n. 1 : of, relating to, resembling, or having alveoli especially : of, relating to, or constituting the part of the jaws where the teeth arise, the air-containing compartments of the lungs, or glands with secretory cells about a central space
2 : articulated with the tip of the tongue touching or near the teethridge
–al·ve·o·lar·ly adverb

alveolate
adj. : pitted like a honeycomb <alveolate pollen>

alveolus
n. 1 : a small cavity or pit: as a : a socket in the jaw for a tooth b : a small air-containing compartment of the lungs in which the bronchioles terminate and from which respiratory gases are exchanged with the pulmonary capillaries c : an acinus of a compound gland d : a cell of a honeycomb
2 : TEETHRIDGE

alway
adv. archaic : ALWAYS

always
adv. 1 : at all times : INVARIABLY
2 : FOREVER, PERPETUALLY
3 : at any rate : in any event <as a last resort one can always work>

Alyce clover
: a low spreading legume (Alysicarpus vaginalis) native to tropical Asia that is planted in the southern U.S. as a cover crop and for hay and forage

alyssum
n. 1 : any of a genus (Alyssum) of Eurasian herbs of the mustard family with small usually yellow racemose flowers ― called also madwort
2 : SWEET ALYSSUM

Alzheimer's disease
: a degenerative brain disease of unknown cause that is the most common form of dementia, that usually starts in late middle age or in old age, that results in progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in personality and mood, and that is marked histologically by the degeneration of brain neurons especially in the cerebral cortex and by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques containing beta-amyloid ― called also Alzheimer's

AM
n. : a broadcasting system using amplitude modulation also : a radio receiver of such a system

AM
n. 1 airmail
2 Air Medal
3 [Latin anno mundi] in the year of the world ― often printed in small capitals
4 ante meridiem ― often not capitalized and often punctuated
5 [New Latin artium magister] master of arts

Am
n. America; American

Am
n. americium

am
n. present 1st singular of be

AMA
American Medical Association

ama
: a Japanese diver especially for pearls or food

Amadora
city W Portugal pop 175,872

Amagasaki
city Japan in W cen Honshu on Osaka Bay pop 466,187

amah
n. : a female servant in eastern Asia especially : a Chinese nurse

amain
adv. 1 : with all one's might <the soul strives amain to live and work ― R. W. Emerson>
2 archaic a : at full speed b : in great haste
3 archaic : to a high degree : EXCEEDINGLY <they whom I favour thrive in wealth amain ― John Milton>

Amalekite
n. : a member of an ancient nomadic people living south of Canaan

Amalfi
commune & port S Italy in Campania on Gulf of Salerno pop 5527
–Amal·fi·an \-fē-ən\ adjective or noun

amalgam
n. 1 : an alloy of mercury with another metal that is solid or liquid at room temperature according to the proportion of mercury present and is used especially in making tooth cements
2 : a mixture of different elements

amalgamate
v. : to unite in or as if in an amalgam especially : to merge into a single body
synonyms see MIX
–amal·gam·ator \-ˌmā-tər\ noun

amalgamation
n. 1 a : the action or process of amalgamating : UNITING b : the state of being amalgamated
2 : the result of amalgamating : AMALGAM
3 : MERGER <amalgamation of two corporations>

Amami
island group W Pacific in cen Ryukyus area 498 sq mi (1295 sq km)

amandine
adj. : prepared or served with almonds <filet of sole amandine>

amanita
n. : any of a genus (Amanita) of white-spored basidiomycetous fungi that typically have a volva and an annulus about the stipe and include some deadly poisonous forms

amanitin
: a highly toxic peptide that is produced by the death cap and that selectively inhibits mammalian RNA polymerase

amantadine
n. : a drug used especially as the hydrochloride C_10H_17N·HCl to prevent infection (as by an influenza virus) by interfering with virus penetration into host cells

amanuensis
n. : one employed to write from dictation or to copy manuscript

Amapa
state N Brazil NW of Amazon Delta capital Macapá area 54,965 sq mi (142,359 sq km), pop 477,032

amaranth
n. 1 : any of a large genus (Amaranthus of the family Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family) of coarse annual herbs including forms cultivated as food crops and various pigweeds
2 : a flower that never fades
3 : a red azo dye

amaranthine
adj. 1 a : of or relating to an amaranth b : UNDYING
2 : of the color amaranth

amaretto
n. 1 am·a·ret·ti \-(ˌ)tē\ plural : macaroons made with bitter almonds
2 often capitalized : an almond-flavored liqueur

Amarillo
n. city NW Tex. pop 173,627
–Am·a·ril·lo·an \-'ri-lō-ən\ noun

amarone
: a robust dry red Italian wine with a high alcohol content

amaryllis
n. : an autumn-flowering So. African bulbous herb (Amaryllis belladonna of the family Amaryllidaceae, the amaryllis family) widely grown for its large deep red to whitish umbellate flowers also : a plant of any of several related genera (as Hippeastrum or Sprekelia)

amass
v. transitive verb
1 : to collect for oneself : ACCUMULATE <amass a great fortune>
2 : to collect into a mass : GATHER <must select rather than simply amass details>
intransitive verb : to come together : ASSEMBLE
–amass·er noun
–amass·ment \-mənt\ noun

amateur
n. 1 : DEVOTEE, ADMIRER
2 : one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession
3 : one lacking in experience and competence in an art or science
–amateur adjective
–am·a·teur·ish \ˌa-mə-'tər-ish, -'t(y)u̇r-, -'chu̇r-, -'chər-\ adjective
–am·a·teur·ish·ly adverb
–am·a·teur·ish·ness noun
–am·a·teur·ism \'a-mə-ˌtər-ˌi-zəm, -ˌt(y)u̇r-, -ˌchu̇r-, -ˌchər-; -ˌtə-ˌri-, -ˌchə-ˌri-\ noun
synonyms AMATEUR, DILETTANTE, DABBLER, TYRO mean a person who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status. AMATEUR often applies to one practicing an art without mastery of its essentials <a painting obviously done by an amateur>; in sports it may also suggest not so much lack of skill but avoidance of direct remuneration <remained an amateur despite lucrative offers>. DILETTANTE may apply to the lover of an art rather than its skilled practitioner but usually implies elegant trifling in the arts and an absence of serious commitment <had no patience for dilettantes>. DABBLER suggests desultory habits of work and lack of persistence <a dabbler who started novels but never finished them>. TYRO implies inexperience often combined with audacity with resulting crudeness or blundering <shows talent but is still a mere tyro>.

Amati
n. : a violin made by a member of the Amati family of Cremona

Amati
n. family of Ital. violin makers of Cremona: especially Nicolò 1596-1684

amative
adj. 1 : AMOROUS 1
2 : AMOROUS 3
–am·a·tive·ly adverb
–am·a·tive·ness noun

amatory
adj. : of, relating to, or expressing sexual love <amatory adventures>

amaurosis
n. : partial or complete loss of sight occurring especially without an externally perceptible change in the eye
–am·au·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective

amaurotic idiocy
: any of several recessive genetic conditions characterized by the accumulation of lipid-containing cells in the viscera and nervous system, mental retardation, and impaired vision or blindness especially : TAY-SACHS DISEASE

amaze
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : BEWILDER, PERPLEX
2 : to fill with wonder : ASTOUND
intransitive verb : to show or cause astonishment
synonyms see SURPRISE
–amaz·ed·ly \-'mā-zəd-lē\ adverb

amaze
v. : AMAZEMENT

amazement
n. 1 obsolete : CONSTERNATION, BEWILDERMENT
2 : the quality or state of being amazed
3 : something that amazes

amazing
adj. : causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise <an amazing coincidence>

amazingly
adv. 1 : to an amazing degree <amazingly low prices>
2 : as is amazing <amazingly, the runnerup was only two seconds behind ― Jim Doherty>

Amazon
n. river ab 3900 mi (6276 km) N S. America flowing from Peruvian Andes into the Atlantic in N Brazil ― see UCAYALI, SOLIMÕES

amazon
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a race of female warriors of Greek mythology
2 often capitalized : a tall strong often masculine woman
3 often capitalized : any of a genus (Amazona) of tropical American parrots typically having green plumage marked with other bright colors

Amazonas
n. state NW Brazil capital Manaus area 604,032 sq mi (1,564,443 sq km), pop 2,812,557

Amazonia
region N S. America; the basin of the Amazon

Amazonian
adj. 1 : relating to, resembling, or befitting an Amazon or an amazon
2 : of or relating to the Amazon River or its valley

amazonite
: an apple-green or bluish-green variety of microcline

amazonstone
: AMAZONITE

amb
ambassador

ambage
1 archaic : AMBIGUITY, CIRCUMLOCUTION ― usually used in plural
2 plural archaic : indirect ways or proceedings

ambassador
n. 1 : an official envoy especially : a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment
2 a : an authorized representative or messenger b : an unofficial representative <traveling abroad as ambassadors of goodwill>
–am·bas·sa·do·ri·al \-ˌba-sə-'dȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–am·bas·sa·dor·ship \-'ba-sə-dər-ˌship\ noun

ambassador-at-large
: a minister of the highest rank not accredited to a particular foreign government or sovereign

ambassadress
n. 1 : a woman who is an ambassador
2 : the wife of an ambassador

Ambato
city cen Ecuador S of Quito pop 124,166

ambeer
chiefly Southern & southern Midland : TOBACCO JUICE

amber
n. 1 : a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (as beads)
2 : a variable color averaging a dark orange yellow

amber
n. 1 : consisting of amber
2 : resembling amber especially : having the color amber

ambergris
n. : a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative

amberina
: a late 19th century American clear glassware of a graduated color that shades from ruby to amber

amberjack
n. : any of several carangid fishes (genus Seriola) especially : a large vigorous sport fish (S. dumerili) of the western Atlantic

ambi
: both <ambivalence>

ambidexterity
n. : the quality or state of being ambidextrous

ambidextrous
adj. 1 : using both hands with equal ease
2 : unusually skillful : VERSATILE
3 : characterized by duplicity : DOUBLE-DEALING
–am·bi·dex·trous·ly adverb

ambience
n. : a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person, or thing : ATMOSPHERE

ambient
adj. : existing or present on all sides : ENCOMPASSING

ambient
adj. 1 : an encompassing atmosphere : ENVIRONMENT
2 : music intended to serve as an unobtrusive accompaniment to other activities (as in a public place) and characterized especially by quiet and repetitive instrumental melodies

ambiguity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being ambiguous especially in meaning b : an ambiguous word or expression
2 : UNCERTAINTY

ambiguous
adj. 1 a : doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness <eyes of an ambiguous color> b : INEXPLICABLE
2 : capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways <an ambiguous smile> <an ambiguous term> <a deliberately ambiguous reply>
synonyms see OBSCURE
–am·big·u·ous·ly adverb
–am·big·u·ous·ness noun

ambisexual
adj. : BISEXUAL
–ambisexual noun
–am·bi·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē, -shü-'a-\ noun

ambit
n. 1 : CIRCUIT, COMPASS
2 : the bounds or limits of a place or district
3 : a sphere of action, expression, or influence : SCOPE

ambition
n. 1 a : an ardent desire for rank, fame, or power b : desire to achieve a particular end
2 : the object of ambition <her ambition is to start her own business>
3 : a desire for activity or exertion <felt sick and had no ambition>
–am·bi·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms AMBITION, ASPIRATION, PRETENSION mean strong desire for advancement. AMBITION applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire <driven by ambition>. ASPIRATION implies a striving after something higher than oneself and usually implies that the striver is thereby ennobled <an aspiration to become president someday>. PRETENSION suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption <has literary pretensions>.

ambition
n. : to have as one's ambition : DESIRE

ambitious
adj. 1 a : having or controlled by ambition <an ambitious young executive> b : having a desire to achieve a particular goal : ASPIRING <ambitious for power>
2 : resulting from, characterized by, or showing ambition <an ambitious film>
–am·bi·tious·ly adverb
–am·bi·tious·ness noun

ambivalence
n. 1 : simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
2 a : continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite) b : uncertainty as to which approach to follow
–am·biv·a·lent \-lənt\ adjective
–am·biv·a·lent·ly adverb

ambiversion
n. : the personality configuration of an ambivert

ambivert
n. : a person having characteristics of both extrovert and introvert

amble
v. : to go at or as if at an amble : SAUNTER
–am·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

amble
v. 1 a : an easy gait of a horse in which the legs on the same side of the body move together b : 7RACK B
2 : an easy gait
3 : a leisurely walk

amblyopia
n. : dimness of sight especially in one eye without apparent change in the eye structures ― called also lazy eye
–am·bly·opic \-'ō-pik, -'ä-pik\ adjective

Ambon
n. 1 island E Indonesia in the Moluccas S of Ceram area 314 sq mi (816 sq km)
2 city & port on Ambon Is. pop 276,955
–Am·bo·nese \ˌam-bə-'nēz, -'nēs\ also Am·boi·nese \ˌam-ˌboi-'nēz, -'nēs, am-'bȯi-ˌ\ adjective or noun

amboyna
n. : a mottled curly-grained wood of a southeast Asian tree (Pterocarpus indicus) of the legume family

Ambracian Gulf
inlet of Ionian Sea 25 mi (40 km) long W Greece in S Epirus

Ambrose
n. Saint 339-397 bishop of Milan
–Am·bro·sian \am-'brō-zhən, -zē-ən\ adjective

Ambrose
n. dredged channel SE N.Y. at entrance to N.Y. harbor N of Sandy Hook 40 ft (12 m) deep, 2000 ft (606 m) at widest point

ambrosia
n. 1 a : the food of the Greek and Roman gods b : the ointment or perfume of the gods
2 : something extremely pleasing to taste or smell
3 : a dessert made of oranges and shredded coconut
–am·bro·sial \-zh(ē-)əl\ adjective
–am·bro·sial·ly \-zh(ē-)ə-lē\ adverb

ambrosia beetle
: any of various small wood-boring beetles (family Scolytidae) that cultivate a fungus on which they feed and raise their larvae

ambrotype
n. : a positive picture made of a photographic negative on glass backed by a dark surface

ambry
n. 1 dialect chiefly British : PANTRY
2 : a recess in a church wall (as for holding sacramental vessels)

ambsace
archaic : the lowest throw at dice also : something worthless or unlucky

ambulacral
: of, relating to, or being any of the radial areas of echinoderms along which run the principal nerves, blood vessels, and elements of the water-vascular system <ambulacral grooves>

ambulacrum
n. : an ambulacral area or part

ambulance
n. : a vehicle equipped for transporting the injured or sick

ambulance chaser
: a lawyer or lawyer's agent who incites accident victims to sue for damages
–ambulance chasing noun

ambulant
adj. : moving about : AMBULATORY

ambulate
v. : to move from place to place : WALK
–am·bu·la·tion \ˌam-byə-'lā-shən\ noun

ambulatory
n. 1 : of, relating to, or adapted to walking also : occurring during a walk
2 : moving from place to place : ITINERANT
3 : capable of being altered <a will is ambulatory until the testator's death>
4 a : able to walk about and not bedridden <ambulatory patients> b : performed on or involving an ambulatory patient or an outpatient <ambulatory medical care> <an ambulatory electrocardiogram>
–am·bu·la·to·ri·ly \ˌam-byə-lə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

ambulatory
n. : a sheltered place (as in a cloister or church) for walking

ambuscade
n. : AMBUSH
–ambuscade verb
–am·bus·cad·er noun

ambush
n. transitive verb
1 : to station in ambush
2 : to attack from an ambush : WAYLAY
intransitive verb : to lie in wait : LURK
–am·bush·er noun
–am·bush·ment \-mənt\ noun

ambush
n. 1 : a trap in which concealed persons lie in wait to attack by surprise
2 : the persons stationed in ambush also : their concealed position
3 : an attack especially from an ambush

Amchitka
island SW Alaska in the Aleutians at E end of Rat Islands

amdt
amendment

AmE
American English

ameba
n. variant of amoeba, amoeboid

amebiasis
n. : infection with or disease caused by amoebas (esp. Entamoeba histolytica)

amebic dysentery
: acute human intestinal amebiasis caused by an amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) and marked by dysentery, abdominal pain, and erosion of the intestinal wall

amebocyte
n. variant of amoebocyte

ameer
n. variant of emir

ameliorate
transitive verb : to make better or more tolerable
intransitive verb : to grow better
synonyms see IMPROVE
–ame·lio·ra·tion \-ˌmēl-yə-'rā-shən, -ˌmē-lē-ə-\ noun
–ame·lio·ra·tive \-'mēl-yə-ˌrā-tiv, -'mē-lē-ə-\ adjective
–ame·lio·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun
–ame·lio·ra·to·ry \-rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

ameloblast
n. : one of a group of columnar epithelial cells that produce and deposit enamel on the surface of a developing vertebrate tooth

amen
n. ― used to express solemn ratification (as of an expression of faith) or hearty approval (as of an assertion)

amen corner
: a conspicuous corner in a church occupied by fervent worshipers

amenable
adj. 1 : liable to be brought to account : ANSWERABLE <citizens amenable to the law>
2 a : capable of submission (as to judgment or test) : SUITED <the data is amenable to analysis> b : readily brought to yield, submit, or cooperate <a government not amenable to change> c : WILLING 1 <was amenable to spending more time at home>
synonyms see RESPONSIBLE, OBEDIENT
–ame·na·bil·i·ty \-ˌmē-nə-'bil-ət-ē, -ˌme-\ noun
–ame·na·bly \-'mē-nə-blē, -'me-\ adverb

amend
v. transitive verb
1 : to put right especially : to make emendations in (as a text)
2 a : to change or modify for the better : IMPROVE <amend the situation> b : to alter especially in phraseology especially : to alter formally by modification, deletion, or addition <amend a constitution>
intransitive verb : to reform oneself
synonyms see CORRECT
–amend·able \-'men-də-bəl\ adjective
–amend·er noun

amendatory
adj. : CORRECTIVE

amendment
n. 1 : the act of amending : CORRECTION
2 : a material (as compost or sand) that aids plant growth indirectly by improving the condition of the soil
3 a : the process of amending by parliamentary or constitutional procedure b : an alteration proposed or effected by this process <a constitutional amendment>

amends
n. : compensation for a loss or injury : RECOMPENSE <make amends>

Amenhotep
name of 4 kings of Egypt: especially III (1417-1379 B.C.); IV ― see AKHENATON

amenity
n. 1 a : the quality of being pleasant or agreeable b (1) : the attractiveness and value of real estate or of a residential structure (2) : a feature conducive to such attractiveness and value
2 usually plural : something (as a conventional social gesture) that conduces to smoothness or pleasantness of social relationships <maintaining social amenities>
3 : something that conduces to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment <hotels with modern amenities>

amenorrhea
n. : abnormal absence or suppression of menses
–amen·or·rhe·ic \-'rē-ik\ adjective

ament
n. : CATKIN
–amen·tif·er·ous \-mən-'ti-f(ə-)rəs\ adjective

amentia
n. : MENTAL RETARDATION specifically : a condition of lack of development of intellectual capacity

Amer
America; American

Amerasian
adj. : a person of mixed American and Asian descent especially : one fathered by an American and especially an American serviceman in Asia

amerce
v. : to punish by a fine whose amount is fixed by the court broadly : PUNISH
–amerce·ment \-'mər-smənt\ noun
–amer·cia·ble \-'mər-sē-ə-bəl, -'mər-shə-bəl\ adjective

America
n. 1 either continent (N. America or S. America) of the western hemisphere
2 or the Amer·i·cas \-kəz\ the lands of the western hemisphere including N., Central, & S. America & the W. Indies
3 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

America
n. all America
Middle America
British America
British North America
Central America
Latin America
North America
South America
Spanish America
United States of America
the Americas

American
n. 1 : an American Indian of No. America or So. America
2 : a native or inhabitant of No. America or So. America
3 : a citizen of the U.S.
4 : AMERICAN ENGLISH

American
n. 1 : of or relating to America
2 : of or relating to the U.S. or its possessions or original territory
–Amer·i·can·ness \-kə(n)-nəs\ noun

American
n. African American
Afro American
all American
American chameleon
American cheese
American dog tick
American dream
American eel
American elm
American English
American foxhound
American Indian
American pit bull terrier
American plan
American saddlebred
American saddle horse
American shad
American shorthair
American Sign Language
American Staffordshire terrier
American Standard Version
American Revised Version
American trotter
American water spaniel
American wigeon
Anglo American
anti American
Asian American
Early American
Euro American
European American
Franco American
Jewish American Princess
Middle American
middle American
Native American
Pan American
Spanish American
Ugly American
un American
American Samoa
American Samoa National Park
Latin American
North American
South American
inter American
non American

American chameleon
: an anole (Anolis carolinensis) of the southeastern U.S. that can vary its skin color from green to brown and is often kept as a pet

American cheese
: a process cheese made from American cheddar

American dog tick
: a common No. American ixodid tick (Dermacentor variabilis) especially of dogs and humans that is an important vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia ― called also dog tick

American dream
: an American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity also : the prosperity or life that is the realization of this ideal

American eel
: a yellow to greenish-brown catadromous eel (Anguilla rostrata) that is lighter below, has 103 to 111 vertebrae, is found in fresh and coastal waters along the Atlantic coasts of No. America, and is held to spawn in or near the Sargasso Sea

American elm
: a large elm (Ulmus americana) with gradually spreading branches and pendulous branchlets that is common in eastern No. America

American English
: the English language as spoken in the U.S. ― used especially with the implication that it is clearly distinguishable from British English yet not so divergent as to be a separate language

American foxhound
: any of a breed of foxhounds developed in the U.S. that are smaller than the English foxhound but with longer ears and a short glossy coat usually of black, tan, and white

American Indian
: a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the western hemisphere except often the Eskimos especially : an American Indian of No. America and especially the U.S. ― compare NATIVE AMERICAN
–American Indian adjective

American pit bull terrier
: any of a breed of dogs developed to combine the traits of terriers and bulldogs that have extremely powerful jaws and great strength and tenacity and that were orig. bred for dog fighting ― called also pit bull terrier

American plan
: a hotel plan whereby the daily rates cover the costs of the room and three meals ― compare EUROPEAN PLAN

American saddlebred
: any of a breed of 3-gaited or 5-gaited saddle horses developed chiefly in Kentucky from Thoroughbreds and smooth-gaited stock ― called also American saddle horse

American Samoa
island group of E Samoa SW cen Pacific capital Pago Pago (on Tutuila Is.) area 76 sq mi (198 sq km), pop 57,291

American Samoa National Park
n. reservation American Samoa in three separate locations

American shad
: a shad (Alosa sapidissima) of the Atlantic coast of No. America that has a greenish back and silvery sides

American shorthair
: any of a breed of cats with a short thick coat of variable color and pattern that are descended from cats brought to America by European settlers

American Sign Language
: a sign language for the deaf in which meaning is conveyed by a system of articulated hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body

American Staffordshire terrier
: any of a breed of strong stocky dogs that are of similar ancestry to but are larger and heavier than the related American pit bull terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier

American Standard Version
v. : an American version of the Bible based on the Revised Version and published in 1901 ― called also American Revised Version

American trotter
: STANDARDBRED

American water spaniel
: any of a breed of medium-sized spaniels of U.S. origin that have a thick curly chocolate or liver-colored coat

American wigeon
: a No. American wigeon (Anas americana) with a large white patch on each wing and in the male a white crown ― called also baldpate

Americana
n. 1 : materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture broadly : things typical of America
2 : American culture

Americanese
: AMERICAN ENGLISH

Americanisation
n. British variant of americanization, americanize

Americanism
n. 1 : a characteristic feature of American English especially as contrasted with British English
2 : attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the U.S.
3 a : a custom or trait peculiar to America b : the political principles and practices essential to American culture

Americanist
n. 1 : a specialist in American culture or history
2 : a specialist in the languages or cultures of the aboriginal inhabitants of America

Americanization
n. 1 : the act or process of Americanizing
2 : instruction of foreigners (as immigrants) in English and in U.S. history, government, and culture

Americanize
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to acquire or conform to American characteristics
2 : to bring (as an area) under the political, cultural, or commercial influence of the U.S.
intransitive verb : to acquire or conform to American traits

americium
n. : a radioactive metallic element produced artificially by bombarding plutonium with high-energy neutrons ― see ELEMENT table

Amerigo Vespucci
v. ― see VESPUCCI

AmerInd
n. American Indian

Amerindian
n. : AMERICAN INDIAN
–Am·er·ind \'a-mə-ˌrind\ noun or adjective
–Amerindian adjective

Amersfoort
commune cen Netherlands NE of Utrecht pop 129,720

Ames
n. city cen Iowa N of Des Moines pop 50,731

Ames test
: a test for identifying potential carcinogens by studying their mutagenic effect on bacteria

Ameslan
n. : AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

amethyst
n. 1 a : a clear purple or bluish-violet variety of crystallized quartz that is often used as a jeweler's stone b : a deep purple variety of corundum
2 : a moderate purple
–am·e·thys·tine \ˌa-mə-'this-tən\ adjective

ametropia
n. : an abnormal refractive condition (as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) of the eye in which images fail to focus upon the retina
–am·e·tro·pic \-'trō-pik, -'trä-\ adjective

AMG
allied military government

Amga
river 800 mi (1280 km) E cen Russia in Asia flowing NE to the Aldan

Amhara
n. former kingdom (now a province) NW Ethiopia capital Gondar

Amharic
adj. : a Semitic language that is an official language of Ethiopia
–Amharic adjective

Amherst
n. Jeffery 1717-1797 Baron Amherst Brit. gen.; gov.-gen. of Brit. No. America (1760-63)

Amherst
n. town W cen Mass. N of Springfield pop 34,874

ami de cour
: court friend : insincere friend

amiable
adj. 1 archaic : PLEASING, ADMIRABLE
2 a : generally agreeable <an amiable comedy> b : being friendly, sociable, and congenial
–ami·a·bil·i·ty \ˌā-mē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ami·a·ble·ness \'ā-mē-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ami·a·bly \-blē\ adverb
synonyms AMIABLE, GOOD-NATURED, OBLIGING, COMPLAISANT mean having the desire or disposition to please. AMIABLE implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with <an amiable teacher not easily annoyed>. GOOD-NATURED implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon <a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in>. OBLIGING stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful <our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room>. COMPLAISANT often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness <was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair>.

amicable
adj. : characterized by friendly goodwill : PEACEABLE
–am·i·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌa-mi-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–am·i·ca·ble·ness \'a-mi-kə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–am·i·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb
synonyms AMICABLE, NEIGHBORLY, FRIENDLY mean exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism. AMICABLE implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel <maintained amicable relations>. NEIGHBORLY implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle <neighborly concern>. FRIENDLY stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations <sought friendly advice>.

amice
n. : a liturgical vestment made of an oblong piece of cloth usually of white linen and worn about the neck and shoulders and partly under the alb

amicus
adj. : AMICUS CURIAE

amicus
adj. amicus curiae
amicus humani generis
amicus usque ad aras
amici curiae

amicus curiae
: one (as a professional person or organization) that is not a party to a particular litigation but that is permitted by the court to advise it in respect to some matter of law that directly affects the case in question

amicus humani generis
: friend of the human race

amicus usque ad aras
: a friend as far as to the altars, i.e., except in what is contrary to one's religion also : a friend to the last extremity

amid
prep. 1 : in or into the middle of : surrounded by : AMONG <amid the crowd>
2 a : DURING <amid the fighting> b : with the accompaniment of <resigned amid rumors of misconduct>

amidase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes acid amides usually with the liberation of ammonia

amide
n. 1 : an inorganic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of an atom of hydrogen with another element (as a metal)
2 : any of a class of organic compounds derived from ammonia or an amine by replacement of hydrogen with an acyl group ― compare AMINE, IMIDE

amido
: relating to or containing an organic amide group ― often used in combination

amidships
adv. 1 : in or toward the part of a ship midway between bow and stern
2 : in or toward the middle

Amiens
city N France on the Somme pop 135,449

amigo
n. : FRIEND

Amindivi Islands
island group India in the N Laccadives

amine
n. : any of a class of basic organic compounds derived from ammonia by replacement of hydrogen with one or more monovalent hydrocarbon radicals ― compare AMIDE 2

amino
adj. : relating to, being, or containing an amine group ― often used in combination

amino acid
: an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH_2 especially : any of the various amino acids having the amino group in the alpha position that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet

aminoaciduria
n. : a condition in which one or more amino acids are excreted in excessive amounts

aminobenzoic acid
: any of three crystalline derivatives C_7H_7NO_2 of benzoic acid especially : PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID

aminopeptidase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes peptides by acting on the peptide bond next to a terminal amino acid containing a free amino group

aminophylline
n. : a theophylline derivative C_16H_24N_10O_4 used especially to stimulate the heart in congestive heart failure and to dilate the air passages in respiratory disorders (as asthma)

aminopterin
n. : a derivative C_19H_20N_8O_5 of glutamic acid that is a folic acid antagonist and has been used as a rodenticide and antileukemic agent

aminopyrine
n. : a crystalline compound C_13H_17N_3O formerly used to relieve pain and fever but now largely abandoned for this purpose because of the occurrence of fatal agranulocytosis as a side effect in some users

aminosalicylic acid
: any of four isomeric derivatives C_7H_7NO_3 of salicylic acid that have a single amino group especially : PARA-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID

aminotransferase
n. : TRANSAMINASE

amir
n. variant of emir

Amirante Islands
islands W Indian Ocean SW of Seychelles; a dependency of Seychelles

Amis
n. Sir Kingsley 1922-1995 Eng. author

Amish
n. : of or relating to a strict sect of Mennonites who were followers of Amman and settled in America chiefly in the 18th century
–Amish noun

amiss
adj. 1 a : in a mistaken way : WRONGLY <if you think he is guilty, you judge amiss> b : ASTRAY <something had gone amiss>
2 : in a faulty way : IMPERFECTLY

amiss
adj. 1 : not being in accordance with right order
2 : FAULTY, IMPERFECT
3 : out of place in given circumstances ― usually used with a negative <a few remarks may not be amiss here>

amitosis
n. : cell division by simple cleavage of the nucleus and division of the cytoplasm without spindle formation or appearance of chromosomes
–ami·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective
–ami·tot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

amitriptyline
n. : a tricyclic aromatic antidepressant drug C_20H_23N used in the form of its hydrochloride salt

amitrole
: a systemic herbicide C_2H_4N_4 used in areas other than food croplands

amity
n. : FRIENDSHIP especially : friendly relations between nations

Amman
n. city capital of Jordan NE of Dead Sea pop 627,505

ammeter
n. : an instrument for measuring electric current especially in amperes

ammine
1 : a molecule of ammonia as it exists in a coordination complex <hex-ammine-cobalt chloride Co(NH_3)6Cl_3>
2 : a compound that contains an ammine

ammo
n. : AMMUNITION

Ammon
n. ancient country NW Arabia E of Gilead capital Rabbah

Ammon
n. Rabbath Ammon
Rabbah Ammon

ammonia
n. 1 : a pungent colorless gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH_3 that is very soluble in water and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure
2 : AMMONIA WATER

ammonia water
: a water solution of ammonia

ammoniac
n. : the aromatic gum resin of a southwest Asian herb (Dorema ammoniacum) of the carrot family used as an expectorant and stimulant and in plasters

ammoniacal
adj. : of, relating to, containing, or resembling ammonia

ammoniate
n. 1 : to combine or impregnate with ammonia or an ammonium compound
2 : to subject to ammonification
–am·mo·ni·a·tion \-ˌmō-nē-'ā-shən\ noun

ammonification
n. 1 : the act or process of ammoniating
2 : decomposition with production of ammonia or ammonium compounds especially by the action of bacteria on nitrogenous organic matter
–am·mo·ni·fy \-ˌfī\ verb

Ammonite
n. : a member of a Semitic people who in Old Testament times lived east of the Jordan between the Jabbok and the Arnon
–Ammonite adjective

ammonite
n. : any of a subclass (Ammonoidea) of extinct cephalopods especially abundant in the Mesozoic age that had flat spiral shells with the interior divided by septa into chambers
–am·mo·nit·ic \ˌa-mə-'ni-tik\ adjective

Ammonium
n. ― see SIWA

ammonium
n. : an ion NH_4+ derived from ammonia by combination with a hydrogen ion and known in compounds (as salts) that resemble in properties the compounds of the alkali metals

ammonium
n. ammonium carbonate
ammonium chloride
ammonium cyanate
ammonium hydroxide
ammonium nitrate
ammonium phosphate
ammonium sulfate
ferric ammonium citrate
quaternary ammonium compound

ammonium carbonate
: a carbonate of ammonium specifically : the commercial mixture of the bicarbonate and carbamate used especially in smelling salts

ammonium chloride
: a white crystalline volatile salt NH_4Cl that is used in dry cells and as an expectorant ― called also sal ammoniac

ammonium cyanate
: an inorganic white crystalline salt NH_4CNO that can be converted into organic urea

ammonium hydroxide
: a weakly basic compound NH_4OH that is formed when ammonia dissolves in water and that exists only in solution

ammonium nitrate
: a colorless crystalline salt NH_4NO_3 used in explosives and fertilizers and in veterinary medicine

ammonium phosphate
: a phosphate of ammonium especially : DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE

ammonium sulfate
: a colorless crystalline salt (NH_4)2SO_4 used chiefly as a fertilizer

ammonoid
n. : AMMONITE <Mesozoic ammonoids>

ammunition
n. 1 a : the projectiles with their fuses, propelling charges, or primers fired from guns b : CARTRIDGES c : explosive military items (as grenades or bombs)
2 : material for use in attacking or defending a position <ammunition for the defense lawyers>

Amn
airman

amn't
chiefly Scottish & Irish : am not

Amne Machin
― see A'NYÊMAQÊN

amnesia
n. 1 : loss of memory due usually to brain injury, shock, fatigue, repression, or illness
2 : a gap in one's memory
3 : the selective overlooking or ignoring of events or acts that are not favorable or useful to one's purpose or position
–am·ne·si·ac \-zhē-ˌak, -zē-\ or am·ne·sic \-zik, -sik\ adjective or noun

amnesty
n. : the act of an authority (as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals
–amnesty transitive verb

amnio
: AMNIOCENTESIS

amniocentesis
n. : the surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus to obtain amniotic fluid especially for the determination of fetal sex or chromosomal abnormality

amnion
n. 1 : a thin membrane forming a closed sac about the embryos or fetuses of reptiles, birds, and mammals and containing the amniotic fluid
2 : a membrane analogous to the amnion and occurring in various invertebrates
–am·ni·ot·ic \ˌam-nē-'ä-tik\ adjective

amniote
n. : any of a group (Amniota) of vertebrates that undergo embryonic or fetal development within an amnion and include the birds, reptiles, and mammals
–amniote adjective

amniotic fluid
: the serous fluid in which the embryo or fetus is suspended within the amnion

amniotic sac
: AMNION

Amo
― see BLACK

amobarbital
n. : a barbiturate C_11H_18N_2O_3 used as a hypnotic and sedative also : its sodium salt

amoeba
n. : any of a large genus (Amoeba) of naked rhizopod protozoans with lobed and never anastomosing pseudopodia, without permanent organelles or supporting structures, and of wide distribution in fresh and salt water and moist terrestrial environments broadly : a naked rhizopod or other amoeboid protozoan
–amoe·bic \-bik\ adjective

amoebiasis
n. variant of amebiasis

amoebocyte
n. : a cell (as a phagocyte) having amoeboid form or movements

amoeboid
adj. : resembling an amoeba specif. in moving or changing in shape by means of protoplasmic flow

amok
n. : a murderous frenzy that has traditionally been regarded as occurring especially in Malaysian culture

amok
n. 1 : in a murderously frenzied state
2 a : in a violently raging manner <a virus that had run amok> b : in an undisciplined, uncontrolled, or faulty manner <films⋯about computers run amok ― People>

amok
n. : possessed with or motivated by a murderous or violently uncontrollable frenzy

amole
: a plant part (as a root) possessing detergent properties and serving as a substitute for soap also : a plant (as a yucca or agave) so used

among
prep. 1 : in or through the midst of : surrounded by <hidden among the trees>
2 : in company or association with <living among artists>
3 : by or through the aggregate of <discontent among the poor>
4 : in the number or class of <wittiest among poets> <among other things she was president of her college class>
5 : in shares to each of <divided among the heirs>
6 a : through the reciprocal acts of <quarrel among themselves> b : through the joint action of <made a fortune among themselves>
usage see BETWEEN

amontillado
n. : a medium dry sherry

amor
n. amor patriae
amor vincit omnia
omnia vincit amor

amor patriae
: love of one's country

amor vincit omnia
: love conquers all things

amoral
adj. 1 a : being neither moral nor immoral specifically : lying outside the sphere to which moral judgments apply <science as such is completely amoral ― W. S. Thompson> b : lacking moral sensibility <infants are amoral>
2 : being outside or beyond the moral order or a particular code of morals <amoral customs>
–amor·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–amo·ral·i·ty \ˌā-mə-'ra-lə-tē, ˌa-, -(ˌ)mȯ-\ noun
–amor·al·ly \ˌā-'mȯr-ə-lē, (ˌ)a-, -'mär-\ adverb

amoretto
n. : CUPID, CHERUB 2

Amorgos
island Greece in the Aegean in SE Cyclades SE of Naxos area 47 sq mi (122 sq km)

amorist
n. 1 : a devotee of love and especially sexual love : GALLANT
2 : one who writes about romantic love
–am·or·is·tic \ˌa-mə-'ris-tik\ adjective

Amorite
: a member of one of various Semitic peoples living in Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine during the third and second millennia B.C.
–Amorite adjective

amorous
adj. 1 : strongly moved by love and especially sexual love <amorous couples>
2 : being in love : ENAMORED ― usually used with of <amorous of the girl>
3 a : indicative of love <received amorous glances from her partner> b : of or relating to love <an amorous novel>
–am·o·rous·ly adverb
–am·o·rous·ness noun

amorphous
adj. 1 a : having no definite form : SHAPELESS <an amorphous cloud mass> b : being without definite character or nature : UNCLASSIFIABLE <an amorphous segment of society> c : lacking organization or unity <an amorphous style of writing>
2 : having no real or apparent crystalline form <an amorphous mineral>
–amor·phous·ly adverb
–amor·phous·ness noun

amort
archaic : being at the point of death

amortization
n. 1 : the act or process of amortizing
2 : the result of amortizing

amortize
v. 1 : to pay off (as a mortgage) gradually usually by periodic payments of principal and interest or by payments to a sinking fund
2 : to gradually reduce or write off the cost or value of (as an asset) <amortize goodwill> <amortize machinery>
–am·or·tiz·able \-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adjective

Amos
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet of the eighth century B.C.
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

amosite
n. : an iron-rich amphibole that is a variety of asbestos

amount
n. 1 a : to be equivalent <acts that amount to treason> b : to reach in kind or quality <wants her son to amount to something> <doesn't amount to much>
2 : to reach a total : add up <the bill amounts to $10>

amount
n. 1 a : the total number or quantity : AGGREGATE b : the quantity at hand or under consideration <has an enormous amount of energy>
2 : the whole effect, significance, or import
3 : a principal sum and the interest on it
usage Number is regularly used with count nouns <a large number of mistakes> <any number of times> while amount is mainly used with mass nouns <annual amount of rainfall> <a substantial amount of money>. The use of amount with count nouns has been frequently criticized; it usually occurs when the number of things is thought of as a mass or collection <glad to furnish any amount of black pebbles ― New Yorker> <a substantial amount of film offers ― Lily Tomlin> or when money is involved <a substantial amount of loans ― E. R. Black>.

amour
n. : a usually illicit love affair also : LOVER

amour propre
: SELF-ESTEEM

amoxicillin
n. : a semisynthetic penicillin C_16H_19N_3O_5S derived from ampicillin

amoxycillin
n. British variant of amoxicillin

Amoy
n. : the dialect of Chinese spoken in and near Xiamen (Amoy) in southeastern China

Amoy
n. ― see XIAMEN

AMP
n. : a nucleotide C_10H_12N_5O_3H_2PO_4 composed of adenosine and one phosphate group that is reversibly convertible to ADP and ATP in metabolic reactions ― called also adenosine monophosphate adenylic acid ― compare CYCLIC AMP

amp
n. 1 : AMPERE
2 : AMPLIFIER also : a unit consisting of an electronic amplifier and a loudspeaker

amp
n. : EXCITE, ENERGIZE ― often used with up <trying to amp up the crowd> also : HEIGHTEN, INTENSIFY ― often used with up <amp up the drama>

amp hr
ampere-hour

amperage
n. : the strength of a current of electricity expressed in amperes

Ampere
n. André-Marie 1775-1836 Fr. physicist

ampere
n. 1 : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electric current that is equivalent to a flow of one coulomb per second or to the steady current produced by one volt applied across a resistance of one ohm
2 : the base unit of electric current in the International System of Units that is equal to a constant current which when maintained in two straight parallel conductors of infinite length and negligible circular sections one meter apart in a vacuum produces between the conductors a force equal to 2 × 10-7 newton per meter of length

ampere
n. ampere hour
ampere turn
volt ampere

ampere-hour
: a unit quantity of electricity equal to the quantity carried past any point of a circuit in one hour by a steady current of one ampere

ampere-turn
: the meter-kilogram-second unit of magnetomotive force equal to the magnetomotive force around a path that links with one turn of wire carrying an electric current of one ampere

amperometric
: relating to or being a chemical titration in which the measurement of the electric current flowing under an applied potential difference between two electrodes in a solution is used for detecting the end point

ampersand
n. : a character typically & standing for the word and

amphetamine
n. : a racemic compound C_9H_13N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) frequently abused as a stimulant of the central nervous system but used clinically especially as the sulfate or hydrochloride salt to treat hyperactive children and the symptoms of narcolepsy and as a short-term appetite suppressant in dieting

amphi
: on both sides : of both kinds : both <amphibrach> <amphidiploid>

amphibia
n. : AMPHIBIANS

amphibian
n. 1 : an amphibious organism especially : any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (as frogs, toads, or salamanders) intermediate in many characters between fishes and reptiles and having gilled aquatic larvae and air-breathing adults
2 : an amphibious vehicle especially : an airplane designed to take off from and land on either land or water
–amphibian adjective

amphibious
adj. 1 : combining two characteristics
2 a : relating to or adapted for both land and water <amphibious vehicles> b : executed by coordinated action of land, sea, and air forces organized for invasion <an amphibious landing> also : trained or organized for such action <amphibious forces>
3 : able to live both on land and in water <amphibious plants>
–am·phib·i·ous·ly adverb
–am·phib·i·ous·ness noun

amphibole
n. 1 : HORNBLENDE
2 : any of a group of complex silicate minerals with like crystal structures that contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron ions or a combination of them

amphibolite
n. : a usually metamorphic rock consisting essentially of amphibole

amphibology
n. : a sentence or phrase (as “nothing is good enough for you”) that can be interpreted in more than one way

amphiboly
: AMPHIBOLOGY

amphibrach
: a metrical foot consisting of a long syllable between two short syllables in quantitative verse or of a stressed syllable between two unstressed syllables in accentual verse <romantic is an accentual amphibrach>
–am·phi·brach·ic \ˌam(p)-fə-'bra-kik\ adjective

amphictyony
: an association of neighboring states in ancient Greece to defend a common religious center broadly : an association of neighboring states for their common interest
–am·phic·ty·on·ic \(ˌ)am-ˌfik-tē-'ä-nik\ adjective

amphidiploid
n. : an interspecific hybrid having a complete diploid chromosome set from each parent form ― called also allotetraploid
–amphidiploid adjective
–am·phi·dip·loi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

amphimixis
n. : the union of gametes in sexual reproduction

Amphion
: a musician of Greek mythology who builds the walls of Thebes by charming the stones into place with his lyre

amphioxus
n. : any of a genus (Branchiostoma) of lancelets broadly : LANCELET

amphipathic
adj. : AMPHIPHILIC

amphiphilic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a compound (as a surfactant) consisting of molecules having a polar water-soluble group attached to a water-insoluble hydrocarbon chain also : being a molecule of such a compound
–am·phi·phile \'am(p)-fə-ˌfīl\ noun

amphiploid
n. of an interspecific hybrid : having at least one complete diploid set of chromosomes derived from each parent species
–amphiploid noun
–am·phi·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

amphipod
n. : any of a large order (Amphipoda) of small crustaceans (as the sand flea) with a laterally compressed body
–amphipod adjective

amphiprostyle
n. : having columns at each end only <an amphiprostyle building>
–amphiprostyle noun

amphisbaena
n. : a serpent in classical mythology having a head at each end and capable of moving in either direction
–am·phis·bae·nic \-nik\ adjective

amphitheater
n. 1 : an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome especially for contests and spectacles
2 a : a very large auditorium b : a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operations c : a rising gallery in a modern theater d : a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes
3 : a place of public entertainment (as for games or concerts)
–am·phi·the·at·ric \ˌam(p)-fə-thē-'a-trik also ˌam-pə-thē-\ or am·phi·the·at·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adjective
–am·phi·the·at·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Amphitryon
: the husband of Alcmene

amphora
n. 1 : an ancient Greek jar or vase with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck, and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth broadly : such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world
2 : a 2-handled vessel shaped like an amphora

amphoteric
adj. : partly one and partly the other specifically : capable of reacting chemically either as an acid or as a base

amphotericin B
: an antifungal antibiotic obtained from a soil streptomycete (Streptomyces nodosus) and used especially to treat systemic fungal infections

ampicillin
n. : a penicillin C_16H_19N_3O_4S that is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and is used to treat various infections of the urinary, respiratory, and intestinal tracts

ample
adj. 1 : generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity <there was room for an ample garden>
2 : generously sufficient to satisfy a requirement or need <they had ample money for the trip>
3 : BUXOM, PORTLY <an ample figure>
synonyms see SPACIOUS, PLENTIFUL
–am·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun
–am·ply \-plē\ adverb

amplexus
n. : the mating embrace of a frog or toad during which eggs are shed into the water and there fertilized

amplification
n. 1 a : an act, example, or product of amplifying b : a usually massive replication of genetic material and especially of a gene or DNA sequence (as in a polymerase chain reaction)
2 a : the particulars by which a statement is expanded b : an expanded statement

amplifier
n. : one that amplifies specifically : an electronic device (as in a stereo system) for amplifying voltage, current, or power

amplify
v. transitive verb
1 : to expand (as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis
2 a : to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : INCREASE b : to increase the strength or amount of especially : to make louder c : to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification
intransitive verb : to expand one's remarks or ideas
synonyms see EXPAND

amplitude
n. 1 : extent of dignity, excellence, or splendor
2 : the quality or state of being ample : FULLNESS, ABUNDANCE
3 : the extent or range of a quality, property, process, or phenomenon: as a : the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the mean position to an extreme b : the maximum departure of the value of an alternating current or wave from the average value
4 : the angle assigned to a complex number when it is plotted in a complex plane using polar coordinates ― called also argument ― compare ABSOLUTE VALUE 2

amplitude modulation
: modulation of the amplitude of a radio carrier wave in accordance with the strength of the audio or other signal also : a broadcasting system using such modulation ― compare FREQUENCY MODULATION

ampoule
n. 1 : a hermetically sealed small bulbous glass vessel that is used to hold a solution for hypodermic injection
2 : a vial resembling an ampoule

ampulla
n. 1 : a glass or earthenware flask with a globular body and two handles used especially by the ancient Romans to hold ointment, perfume, or wine
2 : a saccular anatomical swelling or pouch
–am·pul·la·ry \am-'pu̇-lər-ē, 'am-pyə-ˌler-ē\ adjective

ampulla of Lorenzini
: any of the pores on the snouts of marine sharks and rays that contain receptors highly sensitive to weak electric fields

amputate
v. : to remove by or as if by cutting especially : to cut (as a limb) from the body
–am·pu·ta·tion \ˌam-pyə-'tā-shən\ noun

amputee
n. : one that has had a limb amputated

Amravati
city cen India in NE Maharashtra; chief city of Berar region pop 549,370

Amritsar
city N India in NW Punjab pop 975,695

Amsterdam
n. city & port, official capital of the Netherlands pop 735,526
–Am·ster·dam·mer \-ˌda-mər, -ˌdä-\ noun

amt
n. amount

amtrac
n. : a flat-bottomed military vehicle that moves on tracks on land or water

amu
atomic mass unit

Amu Dar'ya
river over 1500 mi (2400 km), cen & W Asia flowing from Pamir plateau into Aral Sea

amuck
n. variant of amok

amulet
n. : a charm (as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to aid the wearer or protect against evil (as disease or witchcraft)

Amundsen
n. Roald 1872-1928 Norw. polar explorer

Amundsen Gulf
arm of Beaufort Sea N Canada

Amundsen Sea
arm of the S. Pacific W Antarctica off Marie Byrd Land

Amur
n. river ab 1780 mi (2865 km) E Asia formed by junction of the Shilka & the Argun, flowing into the Pacific at N end of Tatar Strait, & forming part of boundary bet. China & Russia

amuse
v. transitive verb
1 a archaic : to divert the attention of so as to deceive b obsolete : to occupy the attention of : ABSORB c obsolete : DISTRACT, BEWILDER
2 a : to entertain or occupy in a light, playful, or pleasant manner <amuse the child with a story> b : to appeal to the sense of humor of <the joke doesn't amuse me>
intransitive verb obsolete : MUSE
–amus·ed·ly \-'myü-zəd-lē\ adverb
–amus·er noun
synonyms AMUSE, DIVERT, ENTERTAIN mean to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly. AMUSE suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly or frivolously <amuse yourselves while I prepare dinner>. DIVERT implies the distracting of the attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny <a light comedy to divert the tired businessman>. ENTERTAIN suggests supplying amusement or diversion by specially prepared or contrived methods <a magician entertaining children at a party>.

amuse-bouche
: a small complimentary appetizer offered at some restaurants

amusement
n. 1 : a means of amusing or entertaining <what are her favorite amusements>
2 : the condition of being amused <could not hide his amusement>
3 : pleasurable diversion : ENTERTAINMENT <plays the piano for amusement>

amusement park
: a commercially operated park having various devices for entertainment (as a merry-go-round and roller coaster) and usually booths for the sale of food and drink

amusing
n. : giving amusement : DIVERTING
–amus·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb
–amus·ing·ness noun

AMVETS
American Veterans (of World War II)

amygdala
n. : the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the anterior extremity of the temporal lobe ― called also amygdaloid nucleus

amygdalin
n. : a white crystalline cyanogenetic glucoside C_20H_27NO_11 found especially in the seeds of the apricot, peach, and bitter almond ― compare LAETRILE

amygdaloid
n. 1 : almond-shaped
2 : of, relating to, or affecting an amygdala

amygdaloidal
adj. : of, being, or containing small cavities in igneous rock that are filled with deposits of different minerals (as chalcedony)
–amyg·da·loid \ə-'mig-də-ˌlȯid\ noun

amyl
n. : any of various isomeric alkyl radicals C_5H_11– derived from pentane

amyl
n. : starch <amyloplast>

amyl
n. amyl acetate
amyl alcohol
amyl nitrate
amyl nitrite

amyl acetate
: a colorless liquid acetate C_7H_14O_2 of amyl alcohol that has a pleasant fruity odor and is used especially as a solvent and in the manufacture of artificial fruit essences ― called also banana oil

amyl alcohol
: any of eight isomeric alcohols C_5H_12O used especially as solvents and in making esters also : a commercially produced mixture of amyl alcohols used especially as a solvent

amyl nitrate
1 : a colorless liquid ester C_5H_11NO_3 of amyl alcohol and nitric acid
2 : AMYL NITRITE ― not used technically

amyl nitrite
: a pale yellow pungent flammable liquid ester C_5H_11NO_2 of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used in medicine as a vasodilator and inhaled illicitly especially as an aphrodisiac ― compare POPPER 2

amylase
n. : any of a group of enzymes (as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

amyloid
n. : a waxy translucent substance consisting primarily of protein that is deposited in some animal organs and tissues under abnormal conditions (as Alzheimer's disease) ― compare BETA-AMYLOID
–amyloid adjective

amyloidosis
n. : a disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloid in bodily organs and tissues

amylolytic
: characterized by or capable of the enzymatic splitting of starch into soluble products <amylolytic enzymes> <amylolytic activity>

amylopectin
n. : a component of starch that has a high molecular weight and branched structure and does not tend to gel in aqueous solutions

amyloplast
n. : a colorless plastid that forms and stores starch

amylopsin
n. : the amylase of the pancreatic juice

amylose
n. : a component of starch characterized by its straight chains of glucose units

amyotonia
n. : deficiency of muscle tone

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
: a rare progressive degenerative fatal disease affecting the motor neurons, usually beginning in middle age, and characterized especially by increasing and spreading muscular weakness and atrophy ― abbreviation ALS ― called also Lou Gehrig's disease

Amytal
n. ― used for amobarbital

AN
airman (Navy)

an
: 2A
usage see 2A

an
: 3A 2
usage see 2A

an
1 \see AND\ : AND
2 \'an\ archaic : IF

an
year

an
― see 2A-

an
1 : one that is of or relating to <American>
2 : one skilled in or specializing in <phonetician>

an
1 : of or belonging to <American> <Floridian>
2 : characteristic of : resembling <Mozartean>

an
1 : unsaturated organic compound <furan>
2 : anhydride of a carbohydrate <dextran>

an eye for an eye
retribution in kind

An Nafud
n. desert N Saudi Arabia in N Nejd

An Najaf
n. city S cen Iraq W of the Euphrates pop 242,603

An Nhon
n. city cen Vietnam in S Annam

An-ch'ing
― see ANQING

ANA
n. American Nurses Association

ana
n. : of each an equal quantity

ana
n. 1 : a collection of the memorable sayings of a person
2 : a collection of anecdotes or interesting information about a person or a place

ana
n. 1 : up : upward <anabolism>
2 : back : backward <anatropous>

ana
n. : collected items of information especially anecdotal or bibliographical concerning <Americana>

anabaptism
n. 1 capitalized a : the doctrine or practices of the Anabaptists b : the Anabaptist movement
2 : the baptism of one previously baptized

Anabaptist
n. : a Protestant sectarian of a radical movement arising in the 16th century and advocating the baptism and church membership of adult believers only, nonresistance, and the separation of church and state
–Anabaptist adjective

anabasis
n. 1 : a going or marching up : ADVANCE especially : a military advance
2 [from the retreat of Greek mercenaries in Asia Minor described in the Anabasis of Xenophon] : a difficult and dangerous military retreat

anabatic
adj. : moving upward : RISING <an anabatic wind>

anabolic steroid
: any of a group of usually synthetic hormones that are derivatives of testosterone, are used medically especially to promote tissue growth, and are sometimes abused by athletes to increase the size and strength of their muscles and improve endurance

anabolism
n. : the constructive part of metabolism concerned especially with macromolecular synthesis ― compare CATABOLISM
–an·a·bol·ic \ˌa-nə-'bä-lik\ adjective

anachronism
1 : an error in chronology especially : a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other
2 : a person or a thing that is chronologically out of place especially : one from a former age that is incongruous in the present
3 : the state or condition of being chronologically out of place
–anach·ro·nis·tic \ə-ˌna-krə-'nis-tik\ also ana·chron·ic \ˌa-nə-'krä-nik\ adjective
–anach·ro·nis·ti·cal·ly \ə-ˌna-krə-'nis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–anach·ro·nous \ə-'na-krə-nəs\ adjective
–anach·ro·nous·ly adverb

anaclitic
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by the direction of love toward an object (as the mother) that satisfies nonsexual needs (as hunger)

anacoluthon
n. : syntactical inconsistency or incoherence within a sentence especially : a shift in an unfinished sentence from one syntactic construction to another (as in “you really ought97well, do it your own way”)
–an·a·co·lu·thic \-thik\ adjective
–an·a·co·lu·thi·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anaconda
n. : a large semiaquatic constricting snake (Eunectes murinus) of the boa family of tropical So. America that may reach a length of 30 feet (9.1 meters) broadly : any of the large constricting snakes

Anacreon
n. ca 582-ca 485 B.C. Greek poet

Anacreontic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the poetry of Anacreon
2 : convivial or amatory in tone or theme

anacreontic
adj. : a poem in the manner of Anacreon especially : a drinking song or light lyric

anacrusis
n. 1 : one or more syllables at the beginning of a line of poetry that are regarded as preliminary to and not a part of the metrical pattern
2 : UPBEAT specifically : one or more notes or tones preceding the first downbeat of a musical phrase

anadama bread
: a leavened bread made with flour, cornmeal, and molasses

anadem
n. archaic : a wreath for the head : GARLAND

anadiplosis
n. : repetition of a prominent and usually the last word in one phrase or clause at the beginning of the next (as in “rely on his honor97honor such as his?”)

anadromous
adj. : ascending rivers from the sea for breeding <shad are anadromous> ― compare CATADROMOUS

Anadyr
river 694 mi (1117 km) E Russia in Asia flowing S & E to Gulf of Anadyr

Anadyr, Gulf of
inlet of N Bering Sea E Russia in Asia S of Chukchi Peninsula

anaemia
n. chiefly British variant of anemia, anemic

anaerobe
n. : an anaerobic organism

anaerobic
adj. 1 a : living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen <anaerobic respiration> <anaerobic bacteria> b : of, relating to, or being activity in which the body incurs an oxygen debt <anaerobic exercise>
2 : relating to or induced by anaerobes
–an·aer·o·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anaerobiosis
n. : life in the absence of air or free oxygen

anaesthesia
chiefly British variant of anesthesia, anesthesiologist, anesthesiology, anesthetic, anesthetize, anesthetist(Àan00B7;aes00B7;the00B7;sia, an00B7;aes00B7;the00B7;si00B7;ol00B7;o00B7;gist, an00B7;aes00B7;the00B7;si00B7;ol00B7;o00B7;gy, an00B7;aes00B7;thet00B7;ic, anaes00B7;the00B7;tise, anaes00B7;the00B7;tist

anagenesis
n. : evolutionary change producing a single lineage in which one taxon replaces another without branching ― compare CLADOGENESIS

anaglyph
n. 1 : a sculptured, chased, or embossed ornament worked in low relief
2 : a stereoscopic motion or still picture in which the right component of a composite image usually red in color is superposed on the left component in a contrasting color to produce a three-dimensional effect when viewed through correspondingly colored filters in the form of spectacles
–ana·glyph·ic \ˌa-nə-'gli-fik\ adjective

anagnorisis
: the point in the plot especially of a tragedy at which the protagonist recognizes his or her or some other character's true identity or discovers the true nature of his or her own situation

anagoge
: interpretation of a word, passage, or text (as of Scripture or poetry) that finds beyond the literal, allegorical, and moral senses a fourth and ultimate spiritual or mystical sense
–an·a·gog·ic \ˌa-nə-'gä-jik\ or an·a·gog·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–an·a·gog·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anagram
1 : a word or phrase made by transposing the letters of another word or phrase
2 plural but singular in construction : a game in which words are formed by rearranging the letters of other words or by arranging letters taken (as from a stock of cards or blocks) at random
–an·a·gram·mat·ic \ˌa-nə-grə-'ma-tik\ also an·a·gram·mat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–an·a·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anagram
n. 1 : ANAGRAMMATIZE
2 : to rearrange (the letters of a text) in order to discover a hidden message

anagrammatize
v. : to transpose (as letters in a word) so as to form an anagram
–an·a·gram·ma·ti·za·tion \-ˌgra-mə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

Anaheim
n. : a long tapered green usually mild chili pepper

Anaheim
n. city SW Calif. E of Long Beach pop 328,014

Anahuac
the central plateau of Mexico

anal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, situated near, or involving the anus <an anal fin>
2 a : of, relating to, characterized by, or being the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory which follows the oral stage and during which the child is concerned especially with its feces b : of, relating to, characterized by, or being personality traits (as parsimony, meticulousness, and ill humor) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development <an anal disposition> <anal neatness>
–anal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

anal
adj. 1 analogy
2 analysis; analytic

anal-retentive
: exhibiting or typifying personality traits (as frugality and obstinacy) held to be psychological consequences of toilet training
–anal-retentive noun
–anal-re·ten·tive·ness noun

analcime
: a white or slightly colored mineral that consists of hydrated silicate of sodium and aluminum and occurs in various igneous rocks in massive form or in crystals

analects
n. : selected miscellaneous written passages

analemma
n. : a plot or graph of the position of the sun in the sky at a certain time of day (as noon) at one locale measured throughout the year that has the shape of a figure 8 also : a scale (as on a globe or sundial) based on such a plot that shows the sun's position for each day of the year or that allows local mean time to be determined
–an·a·lem·mat·ic \ˌa-nə-le-'ma-tik, -lə-\ adjective

analeptic
adj. : a drug that stimulates the central nervous system
–analeptic adjective

analgesia
n. : insensibility to pain without loss of consciousness

analgesic
n. : an agent for producing analgesia
–analgesic adjective

anality
n. : the psychological state or quality of being anal

analog
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being an analogue
2 a : of, relating to, or being a mechanism in which data is represented by continuously variable physical quantities b : of or relating to an analog computer c : being a timepiece having hour and minute hands

analog computer
: a computer that operates with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities (as voltages or rotations) ― compare DIGITAL COMPUTER, HYBRID COMPUTER

analogical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or based on analogy
2 : expressing or implying analogy
–an·a·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

analogist
: one who searches for or reasons from analogies

analogize
v. intransitive verb : to use or exhibit analogy
transitive verb : to compare by analogy

analogous
adj. 1 : showing an analogy or a likeness that permits one to draw an analogy
2 : being or related to as an analogue
synonyms see SIMILAR
–anal·o·gous·ly adverb
–anal·o·gous·ness noun

analogue
n. 1 : something that is analogous or similar to something else
2 : an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin
3 usually analog : a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular functional group)
4 : a food product made by combining a less expensive food (as soybeans or whitefish) with additives to give the appearance and taste of a more expensive food (as beef or crab)

analogue
n. chiefly British variant of analog

analogy
n. 1 : inference that if two or more things agree with one another in some respects they will prob. agree in others
2 a : resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike : SIMILARITY b : comparison based on such resemblance
3 : correspondence between the members of pairs or sets of linguistic forms that serves as a basis for the creation of another form
4 : correspondence in function between anatomical parts of different structure and origin ― compare HOMOLOGY
synonyms see LIKENESS

analphabet
: a person who cannot read : ILLITERATE
–an·al·pha·bet·ic \ˌan-ˌal-fə-'be-tik\ adjective or noun
–an·al·pha·bet·ism \(ˌ)an-'al-fə-bə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

analysand
n. : a person who is undergoing psychoanalysis

analyse
v. chiefly British variant of analyze

analysis
n. 1 : separation of a whole into its component parts
2 a : the identification or separation of ingredients of a substance b : a statement of the constituents of a mixture
3 a : proof of a mathematical proposition by assuming the result and deducing a valid statement by a series of reversible steps b (1) : a branch of mathematics concerned mainly with limits, continuity, and infinite series (2) : CALCULUS 1B
4 a : an examination of a complex, its elements, and their relations b : a statement of such an analysis
5 a : a method in philosophy of resolving complex expressions into simpler or more basic ones b : clarification of an expression by an elucidation of its use in discourse
6 : the use of function words instead of inflectional forms as a characteristic device of a language
7 : PSYCHOANALYSIS

analysis
n. activation analysis
analysis of variance
analysis situs
philosophical analysis
cluster analysis
content analysis
discourse analysis
factor analysis
Fourier analysis
harmonic analysis
high analysis
meta analysis
neutron activation analysis
numerical analysis
qualitative analysis
quantitative analysis
self analysis
systems analysis
transactional analysis

analysis of variance

1918
: analysis of variation in an experimental outcome and especially of a statistical variance in order to determine the contributions of given factors or variables to the variance

analysis situs
: TOPOLOGY 2A(1)

analyst
n. 1 : a person who analyzes or who is skilled in analysis
2 : PSYCHOANALYST

analyte
: a chemical substance that is the subject of chemical analysis

analytic
adj. 1 : of or relating to analysis or analytics especially : separating something into component parts or constituent elements
2 : being a proposition (as “no bachelor is married”) whose truth is evident from the meaning of the words it contains ― compare SYNTHETIC
3 : skilled in or using analysis especially in thinking or reasoning <a keenly analytic person>
4 : characterized by analysis rather than inflection <analytic languages>
5 : PSYCHOANALYTIC
6 : treated or treatable by or using the methods of algebra and calculus
7 a of a function of a real variable : capable of being expanded in a Taylor's series in powers of x - h in some neighborhood of the point h b of a function of a complex variable : differentiable at every point in some neighborhood of a given point
–an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–an·a·ly·tic·i·ty \ˌa-nə-lə-'ti-sə-tē\ noun

analytic
adj. analytic geometry
analytic philosophy
factor analytic
self analytic
self analytical

analytic geometry
: the study of geometric properties by means of algebraic operations upon symbols defined in terms of a coordinate system ― called also coordinate geometry

analytic philosophy
: a philosophical movement that seeks the solution of philosophical problems in the analysis of propositions or sentences ― called also philosophical analysis ― compare ORDINARY-LANGUAGE PHILOSOPHY

analytics
n. : the method of logical analysis

analyzation
: ANALYSIS

analyze
v. 1 : to study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis
2 : to subject to scientific or grammatical analysis
3 : PSYCHOANALYZE
–an·a·lyz·abil·i·ty \ˌa-nə-ˌlī-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–an·a·lyz·able \'a-nə-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–an·a·lyz·er \-ˌlī-zər\ noun
synonyms ANALYZE, DISSECT, BREAK DOWN mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements. ANALYZE suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships <analyzed the collected data>. DISSECT suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny <commentators dissected every word of the speech>. BREAK DOWN implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions <break down the budget>.

anamnesis
n. 1 : a recalling to mind : REMINISCENCE
2 : a preliminary case history of a medical or psychiatric patient

anamnestic
adj. 1 : of or relating to an anamnesis
2 : of or relating to a secondary response to an immunogenic substance after serum antibodies can no longer be detected in the blood

anamorphic
: producing, relating to, or marked by intentional distortion (as by unequal magnification along perpendicular axes) of an image <an anamorphic lens>

anandamide
: a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in some foods (as chocolate) and that binds to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (as THC)

Ananias
1 : an early Christian struck dead for lying
2 : LIAR

anapest
n. : a metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable or of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (as unaware)
–an·a·pes·tic \ˌa-nə-'pes-tik\ adjective or noun

anaphase
n. : the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes move toward the poles of the spindle
–ana·pha·sic \ˌa-nə-'fā-zik\ adjective

anaphor
n. : a word or phrase with an anaphoric function

anaphora
n. 1 : repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect <Lincoln's “we cannot dedicate97we cannot consecrate97we cannot hallow97this ground” is an example of anaphora> ― compare EPISTROPHE
2 : use of a grammatical substitute (as a pronoun or a pro-verb) to refer to the denotation of a preceding word or group of words also : the relation between a grammatical substitute and its antecedent

anaphoric
adj. : of or relating to anaphora <an anaphoric usage> especially : being a word or phrase that takes its reference from another word or phrase and especially from a preceding word or phrase ― compare CATAPHORIC
–ana·phor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anaphrodisiac
n. : inhibiting or discouraging sexual desire
–anaphrodisiac noun

anaphylactic
adj. : of, relating to, affected by, or causing anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock
–ana·phy·lac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ana·phy·lac·toid \-'lak-ˌtȯid\ adjective

anaphylactic shock
: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon exposure to a specific antigen (as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

anaphylaxis
n. 1 : hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs) resulting from sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent
2 : ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

anaplasia
n. : reversion of cells to a more primitive or undifferentiated form
–an·a·plas·tic \-'plas-tik\ adjective

anaplasmosis
n. : a tick-borne disease of cattle and sheep caused by a bacterium (Anaplasma marginale) and characterized especially by anemia and by jaundice

anarch
n. : a leader or advocate of revolt or anarchy

anarchic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or advocating anarchy b : likely to bring about anarchy <anarchic violence>
2 : lacking order, regularity, or definiteness <anarchic art forms>
–an·ar·chi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anarchism
n. 1 : a political theory holding all forms of governmental authority to be unnecessary and undesirable and advocating a society based on voluntary cooperation and free association of individuals and groups
2 : the advocacy or practice of anarchistic principles

anarchist
n. 1 : a person who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power
2 : a person who believes in, advocates, or promotes anarchism or anarchy especially : one who uses violent means to overthrow the established order
–anarchist or an·ar·chis·tic \ˌa-nər-'kis-tik, -(ˌ)när-\ adjective

anarcho-syndicalism
: SYNDICALISM
–an·ar·cho-syn·di·cal·ist \-kə-list\ noun or adjective

anarchy
n. 1 a : absence of government b : a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority c : a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government
2 a : absence or denial of any authority or established order b : absence of order : DISORDER <not manicured plots but a wild anarchy of nature ― Israel Shenker>
3 : ANARCHISM

anasarca
n. : generalized edema with accumulation of serum in the connective tissue
–ana·sar·cous \-kəs\ adjective

Anasazi
n. : a prehistoric American Indian inhabitant of the canyons of northern Arizona and New Mexico and southwestern Colorado

Anasco
municipality W Puerto Rico N of Mayaguez pop 28,348

anastigmat
n. : an anastigmatic lens

anastigmatic
adj. : not astigmatic ― used especially of lenses that are able to form approximately point images of object points

anastomose
v. transitive verb : to connect or join by anastomosis
intransitive verb : to communicate or be joined by anastomosis

anastomosis
n. 1 : the union of parts or branches (as of streams, blood vessels, or leaf veins) so as to intercommunicate or interconnect
2 : a product of anastomosis : NETWORK
–anas·to·mot·ic \-'mä-tik\ adjective

anastrophe
n. : inversion of the usual syntactical order of words for rhetorical effect ― compare HYSTERON PROTERON

anat
n. anatomical; anatomy

anatase
: a tetragonal mineral consisting of titanium dioxide and used especially as a white pigment

anathema
n. 1 a : one that is cursed by ecclesiastical authority b : someone or something intensely disliked or loathed ― usually used as a predicate nominative <this notion was anathema to most of his countrymen ― S. J. Gould>
2 a : a ban or curse solemnly pronounced by ecclesiastical authority and accompanied by excommunication b : the denunciation of something as accursed c : a vigorous denunciation : CURSE

anathematize
v. : to pronounce an anathema upon

Anatolia
n. the part of Turkey comprising the peninsula of Asia Minor

Anatolian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Anatolia and specif. of the western plateau lands of Turkey in Asia
2 : a branch of the Indo-European language family that includes a group of extinct languages of ancient Anatolia ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Anatolian adjective

Anatolian shepherd
: any of a breed of large rugged working dogs of Turkish origin

anatomise
v. British variant of anatomize

anatomist
n. 1 : a specialist in anatomy
2 : one who analyzes minutely and critically <an anatomist of urban society>

anatomize
v. 1 : to cut in pieces in order to display or examine the structure and use of the parts : DISSECT
2 : ANALYZE

anatomy
n. 1 : a branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms
2 : a treatise on anatomical science or art
3 : the art of separating the parts of an organism in order to ascertain their position, relations, structure, and function : DISSECTION
4 obsolete : a body dissected or to be dissected
5 : structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts
6 : a separating or dividing into parts for detailed examination : ANALYSIS
7 a (1) : SKELETON (2) : MUMMY b : the human body
–an·a·tom·i·cal \ˌa-nə-'tä-mi-kəl\ or an·a·tom·ic \-'tä-mik\ adjective
–an·a·tom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anatropous
: having or being a plant ovule inverted so that the micropyle is bent down to the funiculus to which the body of the ovule is united

Anaxagoras
ca 500-ca 428 B.C. Greek philos.
–An·ax·ag·o·re·an \-ˌsa-gə-'rē-ən\ adjective

Anaximander
610-ca 547 B.C. Greek philos. & astron.
–Anax·i·man·dri·an \ə-ˌnak-sə-'man-drē-ən\ adjective

ANC
African National Congress

anc
ancient

ance
1 : action or process <furtherance> : instance of an action or process <performance>
2 : quality or state : instance of a quality or state <protuberance>
3 : amount or degree <conductance>

ancestor
n. 1 a : one from whom a person is descended and who is usually more remote in the line of descent than a grandparent b : FOREFATHER 2
2 : FORERUNNER, PROTOTYPE
3 : a progenitor of a more recent or existing species or group

ancestor worship
: the custom of venerating deceased ancestors who are considered still a part of the family and whose spirits are believed to have the power to intervene in the affairs of the living

ancestral
adj. : of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor <ancestral estates>
–an·ces·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

ancestress
n. : a female ancestor

ancestry
n. 1 : line of descent : LINEAGE especially : honorable, noble, or aristocratic descent
2 : persons initiating or comprising a line of descent : ANCESTORS

Anchises
n. : the father of Aeneas rescued by his son from the burning city of Troy

ancho
n. : a poblano chili pepper especially when mature and dried to a reddish black ― compare POBLANO

anchor
n. 1 : a device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place by means of a fluke that digs into the bottom
2 : a reliable or principal support : MAINSTAY
3 : something that serves to hold an object firmly
4 : an object shaped like a ship's anchor
5 : an anchorman or anchorwoman
6 : the member of a team (as a relay team) that competes last
7 : a large business (as a department store) that attracts customers and other businesses to a shopping center or mall
8 : a fixed object (as a tree or a piton) to which a climber's rope is secured
–an·chor·less \-ləs\ adjective
–at anchor : being anchored

anchor
n. transitive verb
1 : to hold in place in the water by an anchor <anchor a ship>
2 : to secure firmly : FIX <anchor a post in concrete>
3 : to act or serve as an anchor for <it is she who is anchoring the rebuilding campaign ― G. D. Boone> <anchoring the evening news>
intransitive verb
1 : to cast anchor
2 : to become fixed

anchor
n. at anchor
sea anchor
sheet anchor

Anchorage
n. city S cen Alaska at head of Cook Inlet pop 260,283

anchorage
n. 1 a : a place where vessels anchor : a place suitable for anchoring b : the act of anchoring : the condition of being anchored
2 : a means of securing : a source of reassurance <this anchorage of Christian hope ― T. O. Wedel>
3 : something that provides a secure hold

anchoress
n. : a woman who is an anchorite

anchorite
n. : a person who lives in seclusion usually for religious reasons
–an·cho·rit·ic \ˌaŋ-kə-'ri-tik\ adjective
–an·cho·rit·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anchorman
n. 1 : a person who is last: as a : the member of a team who competes last <the anchorman on a relay team> b : the student who has the lowest scholastic standing in a graduating class
2 : a broadcaster (as on a news program) who introduces reports by other broadcasters and usually reads the news
3 : MODERATOR 2C

anchorpeople
: ANCHORPERSONS

anchorperson
: an anchorman or anchorwoman

anchorwoman
n. : a woman who anchors a broadcast

anchoveta
n. : a small anchovy (Cetengraulis mysticetus) of the Pacific coast of America from southern California to Peru

anchovy
n. : any of a family (Engraulidae) of small fishes resembling herrings that includes several (as Engraulis encrasicholus) that are important food fishes used especially in appetizers, as a garnish, and for making sauces and relishes

ancien regime
1 : the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789
2 : a system or mode no longer prevailing

ancienne noblesse
: old-time nobility : the French nobility before the Revolution of 1789

ancient
n. 1 : having had an existence of many years
2 : of or relating to a remote period, to a time early in history, or to those living in such a period or time especially : of or relating to the historical period beginning with the earliest known civilizations and extending to the fall of the western Roman Empire in A.D. 476
3 : having the qualities of age or long existence: as a : VENERABLE b : OLD-FASHIONED, ANTIQUE
synonyms see OLD
–an·cient·ness noun

ancient
n. 1 : an aged living being <a penniless ancient>
2 : a person who lived in ancient times: a plural : the civilized people of antiquity especially : those of the classical nations b : one of the classical authors <Plutarch and other ancients>
3 : an ancient coin

ancient
n. 1 archaic : ENSIGN, STANDARD, FLAG
2 obsolete : the bearer of an ensign

ancient history
1 : the history of ancient times
2 : knowledge or information that is widespread and has lost its initial freshness or importance : common knowledge

anciently
adv. : in ancient times : long ago

ancientry
: ANTIQUITY, ANCIENTNESS

ancilla
n. : an aid to achieving or mastering something difficult

ancillary
n. 1 : SUBORDINATE, SUBSIDIARY <the main factory and its ancillary plants>
2 : AUXILIARY, SUPPLEMENTARY <the need for ancillary evidence>
–ancillary noun

Ancohuma
mountain peak 20,958 ft (6388 m) W Bolivia; highest in the Illampu Massif

Ancona
city & port cen Italy capital of Marche on the Adriatic pop 98,404

ancy
: quality or state <piquancy>

ancylostomiasis
n. : HOOKWORM 2

AND
conj. : a logical operator that requires both of two inputs to be present or two conditions to be met for an output to be made or a statement to be executed

and
conj. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate connection or addition especially of items within the same class or type ― used to join sentence elements of the same grammatical rank or function
2 a ― used as a function word to express logical modification, consequence, antithesis, or supplementary explanation b ― used as a function word to join one finite verb (as go, come, try) to another so that together they are logically equivalent to an infinitive of purpose <come and see me>
3 obsolete : IF
4 ― used in logic to form a conjunction
–and so forth \ən-'sō-ˌfȯrth\
1 : and others or more of the same or similar kind
2 : further in the same or similar manner
3 : and the rest
4 : and other things
–and so on \ən-'sō-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ : and so forth

and all
and everything else especially of a kind suggested by a previous context <cards to fill out with⋯numbers and all ― Sally Quinn>

and counting
with more to come <in business for 50 years and counting>

and how
― used to emphasize the preceding idea <having a great time97and how!>

and so forth
\ən-'sō-ˌfȯrth\
1 : and others or more of the same or similar kind
2 : further in the same or similar manner
3 : and the rest
4 : and other things

and so on
\ən-'sō-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ : and so forth

and the like
ET CETERA

and then some
with much more in addition <would require all his strength and then some>

and/or
― used as a function word to indicate that two words or expressions are to be taken together or individually <language comprehension and/or production ― David Crystal>

Andalusia
n. region S Spain including Sierra Nevada & valley of the Guadalquivir
–An·da·lu·sian \ˌan-də-'lü-zhən\ adjective or noun

Andalusian
adj. : any of a breed of horses of Spanish origin that have a high-stepping gait

andalusite
n. : a mineral consisting of a silicate of aluminum usually in thick orthorhombic prisms of various colors

Andaman
adj. Andaman and Nicobar
Andaman Islands
Andaman Sea

Andaman and Nicobar
n. union territory India comprising Andaman & Nicobar groups capital Port Blair area 3202 sq mi (8293 sq km), pop 356,265

Andaman Islands
islands India in Bay of Bengal S of Myanmar & N of Nicobar Islands area 2461 sq mi (6374 sq km)
–An·da·man·ese \ˌan-də-mə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Andaman Sea
sea SE Asia, the E section of Bay of Bengal

andante
n. : moderately slow ― usually used as a direction in music

andante
n. : a musical composition or movement in andante tempo

andantino
n. : slightly faster than andante ― used as a direction in music

andantino
n. : a musical composition or movement in andantino tempo

Andean condor
: CONDOR 1A

Anderlecht
commune cen Belgium pop 90,134

Andermatt
commune cen Switzerland S of Altdorf

Anders
n. Władysław 1892-1970 Pol. gen.

Andersen
n. Hans Christian 1805-1875 Dan. writer

Anderson
n. Carl David 1905-1991 American physicist

Anderson
n. John 1882-1958 1st Viscount Wa·ver·ley \'wā-vər-lē\ Brit. polit.

Anderson
n. Dame Judith 1898-1992 orig. Frances Margaret Anderson Austral. actress

Anderson
n. Marian 1897-1993 American contralto

Anderson
n. Maxwell 1888-1959 American dram.

Anderson
n. Philip Warren 1923-     American physicist

Anderson
n. Sherwood 1876-1941 American writer

Anderson
n. 1 city cen Ind. pop 59,734
2 city NW S.C. pop 25,514
3 river 430 mi (692 km) NW Canada flowing W & N into Beaufort Sea

Andes
n. mountain system of S. America extending along W coast from Panama to Tierra del Fuego ― see ACONCAGUA
–An·de·an \'an-(ˌ)dē-ən, an-'\ adjective
–An·dine \'an-ˌdēn, -ˌdīn\ adjective

andesite
n. : an extrusive usually dark grayish rock consisting essentially of oligoclase or feldspar
–an·des·it·ic \ˌan-di-'zi-tik\ adjective

Andhra Pradesh
state SE India N of Tamil Nadu state bordering on Bay of Bengal capital Hyderabad area 106,272 sq mi (275,244 sq km), pop 75,727,541

Andijon
city Uzbekistan ESE of Tashkent pop 298,300

andiron
n. : either of a pair of metal supports for firewood used on a hearth and made of a horizontal bar mounted on short legs with usually a vertical shaft surmounting the front end

Andorra
n. country SW Europe in E Pyrenees bet. France & Spain; a republic capital Andorra la Vel·la \-lä-'vel-yä\ area 180 sq mi (482 sq km), pop 57,100
–An·dor·ran \-ən\ adjective or noun

andouille
n. : a highly spiced smoked pork sausage

andouillette
: a fresh pork sausage made with tripe or chitterlings

Andover
1 town NE Mass. pop 31,247
2 city E Minn. N of Minneapolis pop 26,588

andr
1 : male human being <androcentric>
2 : male <androecium>

andradite
: a calcium-iron garnet occurring in various colors ranging from yellow and green to brown and black

Andrassy
Gyula, count; father 1823-1890 & son 1860-1929 Hung. statesmen

Andre
n. John 1750-1780 Brit. spy

Andrea del Sarto
1486-1530 Andrea d'Agnolo Florentine painter

Andreanof Islands
islands SW Alaska in cen Aleutian chain ― see ADAK, ATKA

Andreotti
Giulio 1919-     prime min. of Italy (1972-73; 1976-79; 1989-92)

Andrews
n. Roy Chapman 1884-1960 American naturalist

Andreyev
Leonid Nikolayevich 1871-1919 Russ. author

Andria
commune SE Italy in Puglia pop 95,073

Andric
Ivo 1892-1975 Serbo-Croatian author

andro
: ANDROSTENEDIONE

androcentric
adj. : dominated by or emphasizing masculine interests or a masculine point of view
–an·dro·cen·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

Androcles
n. : a fabled Roman slave spared in the arena by a lion from whose foot he had years before extracted a thorn

androecium
n. : the aggregate of stamens in the flower of a seed plant

androgen
n. : a male sex hormone (as testosterone)
–an·dro·gen·ic \ˌan-drə-'je-nik\ adjective

androgenesis
n. : development of an embryo containing only paternal chromosomes due to failure of the egg to participate in fertilization
–an·dro·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

androgyne
n. : one that is androgynous

androgynous
adj. 1 : having the characteristics or nature of both male and female
2 a : neither specifically feminine nor masculine <the androgynous pronoun them> b : suitable to or for either sex <androgynous clothing>
3 : having traditional male and female roles obscured or reversed <an androgynous marriage>
–an·drog·y·nous·ly adverb
–an·drog·y·ny \-nē\ noun

android
n. : a mobile robot usually with a human form

andrology
: a branch of medicine concerned with male diseases and especially with those affecting the male reproductive system

Andromache
n. : the wife of Hector

Andromeda
n. 1 : an Ethiopian princess of Greek mythology rescued from a monster by her future husband Perseus
2 [Latin (gen. Andromedae)] : a northern constellation directly south of Cassiopeia between Pegasus and Perseus

andromeda
n. : any of several evergreen shrubs (genera Pieris and Andromeda) of the heath family especially : JAPANESE ANDROMEDA

Andropov
Yuri Vladimirovich 1914-1984 Russ. polit.; pres. U.S.S.R. (1982-84); 1st secy. of Communist party (1982-84)

Andropov
― see RYBINSK

Andros
Sir Edmund 1637-1714 Brit. colonial gov. in America

Andros
1 \'an-drəs\ island, largest of Bahamas area 1600 sq mi (4160 sq km), pop 7686
2 \'an-drəs, -ˌdräs; 'än-thrȯs\ island 25 mi (40 km) long Greece in N Cyclades

Androscoggin
river 157 mi (253 km) NE N.H. & SW Maine flowing into the Kennebec

androstenedione
n. : a steroid sex hormone C_19H_26O_2 that is secreted by the testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex and is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosterone and estrogen

androsterone
n. : an androgenic hormone that is a hydroxy ketone C_19H_30O_2 found especially in male urine

ane
chiefly Scottish : ONE

ane
1 : 3-AN 1 <furane>
2 : saturated hydrocarbon <alkane> <methane>

anecdotage
n. 1 : the telling of anecdotes also : ANECDOTES
2 : garrulous old age

anecdotal
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of anecdotes <an anecdotal biography> b : ANECDOTIC 2 <my anecdotal uncle>
2 : based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers <anecdotal evidence>
3 : of, relating to, or being the depiction of a scene suggesting a story <an anecdotal painting> <anecdotal details>
–an·ec·dot·al·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

anecdotalist
n. : a person who is given to or is skilled in telling anecdotes
–an·ec·dot·al·ism \-təl-ˌi-zəm\ noun

anecdote
n. : a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident

anecdotic
adj. 1 : ANECDOTAL 1A
2 : given to or skilled in telling anecdotes
–an·ec·dot·i·cal·ly \-'dä-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anechoic
adj. : free from echoes and reverberations <an anechoic chamber>

anelastic
: relating to the property of a substance in which there is no definite relation between stress and strain
–an·elas·tic·i·ty \-nə-ˌlas-'ti-sə-tē, -'tis-tē\ noun

anem
: wind <anemometer>

anemia
n. 1 a : a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume b : ISCHEMIA
2 : lack of vitality

anemia
n. aplastic anemia
Cooley's anemia
hemolytic anemia
pernicious anemia
sickle cell anemia

anemic
adj. 1 : relating to or affected with anemia
2 a : lacking force, vitality, or spirit <an anemic rendition of the song> <anemic efforts at enforcement> b : lacking interest or savor : INSIPID <anemic wines> c : lacking in substance or quantity <anemic returns on an investment> <anemic attendance>
–ane·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anemograph
n. : a recording anemometer

anemometer
n. : an instrument for measuring and indicating the force or speed of the wind

anemometry
: the process of ascertaining the force, speed, and direction of wind or an airflow

anemone
n. 1 : any of a large genus (Anemone) of perennial herbs of the buttercup family having lobed or divided leaves and showy flowers without petals but with conspicuous often colored sepals ― called also windflower
2 : SEA ANEMONE

anemone
n. rue anemone
sea anemone
wood anemone

anemophilous
adj. : pollinated by wind

anencephaly
n. : congenital absence of all or a major part of the brain
–an·en·ce·phal·ic \-ˌen(t)-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

anent
prep. : ABOUT, CONCERNING

anergy
n. : a condition in which the body fails to react to an antigen

aneroid
adj. : using no liquid specifically : operating by the effect of outside air pressure on a diaphragm forming one wall of an evacuated container <aneroid barometer>

anesthesia
n. : loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness

anesthesiologist
n. : ANESTHETIST specifically : a physician specializing in anesthesiology

anesthesiology
n. : a branch of medical science dealing with anesthesia and anesthetics

anesthetic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia
2 : lacking awareness or sensitivity <unmoved and quite anesthetic to his presence ― S. J. Perelman>
–an·es·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anesthetic
n. 1 : a substance that produces anesthesia
2 : something that brings relief : PALLIATIVE

anesthetist
n. : one who administers anesthetics

anesthetize
v. : to subject to anesthesia

anestrous
adj. 1 : not exhibiting estrus
2 : of or relating to anestrus

anestrus
n. : the period of sexual quiescence between two periods of sexual activity in cyclically breeding mammals

Aneto, Pico de
mountain 11,168 ft (3404 m) NE Spain; highest in the Pyrenees

aneuploid
n. : having or being a chromosome number that is not an exact multiple of the usually haploid number ― compare EUPLOID
–aneuploid noun
–an·eu·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

aneurysm
n. : an abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from weakening (as from disease) of the vessel wall
–an·eu·rys·mal \ˌan-yə-'riz-məl\ adjective

anew
adv. 1 : for an additional time : AGAIN <begin anew>
2 : in a new or different form <a story told anew on film>

anfractuosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being anfractuous
2 : a winding channel or course especially : an intricate path or process (as of the mind)

anfractuous
adj. : full of windings and intricate turnings : TORTUOUS

Angara
river 1100 mi (1770 km) Russia flowing from Lake Baikal into the Yenisey ― see TUNGUSKA

Angarsk
city S Russia in Asia on the Angara NW of Irkutsk pop 269,000

angel
n. 1 a : a spiritual being superior to humans in power and intelligence especially : one in the lowest rank in the celestial hierarchy b plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
2 : an attendant spirit or guardian
3 : a usually white-robed winged figure of human form in fine art
4 : MESSENGER, HARBINGER <angel of death>
5 : a person like an angel (as in looks or behavior)
6 Christian Science : inspiration from God
7 : one (as a backer of a theatrical venture) who aids or supports with money or influence
8 : ANGELFISH
–an·gel·ic \an-'je-lik\ or an·gel·i·cal \-li-kəl\ adjective
–an·gel·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

angel
n. angel dust
angel food cake
angel hair pasta
destroying angel
guardian angel
Angel Falls

angel dust
: PHENCYCLIDINE

Angel Falls
waterfall 3212 ft (979 m) SE Venezuela on Auyán-tepuí Mountain in a headstream of the Caroní

angel food cake
: a usually white sponge cake made of flour, sugar, and whites of eggs

angel-hair pasta
: pasta made in long thin strings smaller in diameter than vermicelli

Angela Merici
Saint 1474?-1540 Ital. religious & founder of Ursuline order

Angeleno
n. : a native or resident of Los Angeles, Calif.

angelfish
n. 1 : any of several laterally compressed brightly colored bony fishes (family Pomacanthidae) of warm seas
2 : a black and silver laterally compressed So. American cichlid fish (Pterophyllum scalare) popular in aquariums ― called also scalare

angelica
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Angelica) of herbs of the carrot family especially : a Eurasian biennial or perennial (A. archangelica) whose roots and seeds yield a flavoring oil and whose young stems are often candied b : a confection prepared from angelica
2 capitalized : a sweet fortified wine produced in California

angelica tree
: HERCULES'-CLUB 1

Angelico
Fra ca 1400-1455 orig. Guido di Pietro Florentine painter

Angell
Sir Norman 1872-1967 orig. Ralph Norman Angell Lane Eng. author & lecturer

angelology
n. : the theological doctrine of angels or its study
–an·gel·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Angelou
n. Maya 1928-     orig. Marguerite Annie Johnson American writer

Angelus
n. 1 : a devotion of the Western church that commemorates the Incarnation and is said in the morning, at noon, and in the evening
2 : a bell announcing the time for the Angelus

anger
n. transitive verb : to make angry <he was angered by the decision>
intransitive verb : to become angry

anger
n. 1 : a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism
2 : RAGE 2
–an·ger·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms ANGER, IRE, RAGE, FURY, INDIGNATION, WRATH mean an intense emotional state induced by displeasure. ANGER the most general term, names the reaction but in itself conveys nothing about intensity or justification or manifestation of the emotional state <tried to hide his anger>. IRE more frequent in literary contexts, may suggest greater intensity than anger, often with an evident display of feeling <cheeks flushed dark with ire>. RAGE suggests loss of self-control from violence of emotion <screaming with rage>. FURY is overmastering destructive rage that can verge on madness <in her fury she accused everyone around her of betrayal>. INDIGNATION stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful <a refusal to listen that caused general indignation>. WRATH is likely to suggest a desire or intent to revenge or punish <rose in his wrath and struck his tormentor to the floor>.

Angers
n. city W France ENE of Nantes pop 151,322

Angevin
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Anjou or the Plantagenets
–Angevin noun

angi
1 : blood or lymph vessel : blood vessels and <angioma> <angiocardiography>
2 : pericarp <angiosperm>

angina
n. : a disease marked by spasmodic attacks of intense suffocative pain: as a : a severe inflammatory or ulcerated condition of the mouth or throat b : ANGINA PECTORIS
–an·gi·nal \an-'jī-nəl, 'an-jə-\ adjective

angina
n. angina pectoris
unstable angina
Vincent's angina

angina pectoris
: a disease marked by brief paroxysmal attacks of chest pain precipitated by deficient oxygenation of the heart muscles

angiocardiography
n. : the radiographic visualization of the heart and its blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque substance
–an·gio·car·dio·graph·ic \-dē-ə-'graf-ik\ adjective

angiogenesis
n. : the formation and differentiation of blood vessels
–an·gio·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective

angiogram
n. 1 : a radiograph made by angiography
2 : ANGIOGRAPHY

angiography
n. : the radiographic visualization of the blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque substance
–an·gio·graph·ic \ˌan-jē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–an·gio·graph·ic·al·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

angioma
n. : a tumor composed chiefly of blood vessels or lymph vessels
–an·gi·o·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

angioplasty
n. : surgical repair or recanalization of a blood vessel especially : BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY

angiosperm
n. : any of a class (Angiospermae) or division (Magnoliophyta) of vascular plants (as magnolias, grasses, oaks, roses, and daisies) that have the ovules and seeds enclosed in an ovary, form the embryo and endosperm by double fertilization, and typically have each flower surrounded by a perianth composed of two sets of floral envelopes comprising the calyx and corolla ― called also flowering plant
–an·gio·sper·mous \ˌan-jē-ə-'spər-məs\ adjective

angiotensin
n. : either of two forms of a kinin of which one has marked vasoconstrictive action also : a synthetic amide derivative of the physiologically active form used to treat some forms of hypotension

angiotensin converting enzyme
: a proteolytic enzyme that converts the physiologically inactive form of angiotensin to the active vasoconstrictive form

Angkor
ruins of ancient city NW Cambodia N of Tonle Sap; capital of the Khmers

Angl
Anglican

Angle
n. : a member of a Germanic people that invaded England along with the Saxons and Jutes in the fifth century A.D. and merged with them to form the Anglo-Saxon peoples

angle
n. 1 : a corner whether constituting a projecting part or a partially enclosed space <they sheltered in an angle of the building>
2 a : the figure formed by two lines extending from the same point also : DIHEDRAL ANGLE b : a measure of an angle or of the amount of turning necessary to bring one line or plane into coincidence with or parallel to another
3 a : the precise viewpoint from which something is observed or considered <a camera angle> <consider the question from all angles> also : the aspect seen from such an angle <discuss all angles of the question> b (1) : a special approach, point of attack, or technique for accomplishing an objective <try a new angle> (2) : an often improper or illicit method of obtaining advantage <a salesman always looking for an angle>
4 : a sharply divergent course <the road went off at an angle>
5 : a position to the side of an opponent in football from which a player may block his opponent more effectively or without penalty ― usually used in the phrases get an angle or have an angle
–an·gled \-gəld\ adjective

angle
n. intransitive verb : to turn or proceed at an angle
transitive verb
1 : to turn, move, or direct at an angle
2 : to present (as a news story) from a particular or prejudiced point of view : SLANT

angle
n. 1 : to fish with a hook
2 : to use artful means to attain an objective <angled for an invitation>

angle
n. angle bracket
angle iron
angle of attack
angle of depression
angle of elevation
angle of incidence
angle of reflection
angle of refraction
angle shot
base angle
central angle
critical angle
dihedral angle
direction angle
exterior angle
face angle
hour angle
interior angle
oblique angle
plane angle
polyhedral angle
right angle
round angle
solid angle
spherical angle
straight angle
supplementary angle
vertical angle
wide angle
alternate angle
alternate exterior angle
alternate interior angle
corresponding angles
right angled

angle bracket
: BRACKET 3B

angle iron
1 : an iron cleat for joining parts of a structure at an angle
2 : a piece of structural steel rolled with an L-shaped section

angle of attack

1908
: the acute angle between the direction of the relative wind and the chord of an airfoil

angle of depression

1773
: the angle formed by the line of sight and the horizontal plane for an object below the horizontal

angle of elevation

circa 1737
: the angle formed by the line of sight and the horizontal plane for an object above the horizontal

angle of incidence

1626
: the angle that a line (as a ray of light) falling on a surface or interface makes with the normal drawn at the point of incidence

angle of reflection

1638
: the angle between a reflected ray and the normal drawn at the point of incidence to a reflecting surface

angle of refraction

circa 1727
: the angle between a refracted ray and the normal drawn at the point of incidence to the interface at which refraction occurs

angle shot
: a picture taken with the camera pointed at an angle from the horizontal

angler
n. 1 : one that angles
2 : ANGLERFISH

anglerfish
n. : any of several pediculate fishes (as the goosefishes) especially : MONKFISH

Anglesey
1 or ancient Mo·na \'mō-nə\ island NW Wales
2 administrative area comprising Anglesey Is. & Holy Is. capital Llangefni area 276 sq mi (715 sq km)

anglesite
: a mineral consisting of lead sulfate formed by the oxidation of galena

angleworm
n. : EARTHWORM

Anglia
n. 1 ― see ENGLAND
2 ― see EAST ANGLIA
–An·gli·an \'aŋ-glē-ən\ adjective or noun

Anglian
n. 1 : a member of the Angles
2 : the Old English dialects of Mercia and Northumbria
–Anglian adjective

Anglican
n. 1 : of or relating to the established episcopal Church of England and churches of similar faith and order in communion with it
2 : of or relating to England or the English nation
–Anglican noun
–An·gli·can·ism \-kə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

anglice
adv. : in English especially : in readily understood English <the city of Napoli, anglice Naples>

anglicise
v.

Usage:

often cap

chiefly British variant of anglicize

anglicism
n. 1 : a characteristic feature of English occurring in another language
2 : adherence or attachment to English customs or ideas

Anglicist
n. : a specialist in English linguistics

anglicize
v. 1 : to make English in quality or characteristics
2 : to adapt (a foreign word, name, or phrase) to English usage: as a : to alter to a characteristic English form, sound, or spelling b : to convert (a name) to its English equivalent <anglicize Juan as John>
–an·gli·ci·za·tion \ˌaŋ-glə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

angling
n. : the action of one who angles especially : the action or sport of fishing with hook and line

Anglist
: ANGLICIST

Anglo
n. 1 : ANGLO-AMERICAN
2 : a white inhabitant of the U.S. of non-Hispanic descent
–Anglo adjective

Anglo
n. 1 \'aŋ-(ˌ)glō, -glə\ : English <Anglo-Norman>
2 \-(ˌ)glō\ : English and <Anglo-Japanese>

Anglo
n. Anglo American
Anglo Catholic
Anglo Catholicism
Anglo French
Anglo Norman
Anglo Saxon
Anglo Egyptian Sudan

Anglo-American
1 : an inhabitant of the U.S. of English origin or descent
2 : a North American whose native language is English and especially whose culture or ethnic background is of European origin
–Anglo-American adjective

Anglo-Catholic
: of or relating to a High Church movement in Anglicanism emphasizing its continuity with historic Catholicism and fostering Catholic dogmatic and liturgical traditions
–Anglo-Catholic noun
–An·glo-Ca·thol·i·cism \-kə-'thä-lə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan
― see SUDAN 2

Anglo-French
: the French language used in medieval England

Anglo-Norman
1 : any of the Normans living in England after the Norman conquest of 1066
2 : the form of Anglo-French used by Anglo-Normans
–Anglo-Norman adjective

Anglo-Saxon
1 : a member of the Germanic peoples conquering England in the fifth century A.D. and forming the ruling class until the Norman conquest ― compare ANGLE, JUTE, SAXON
2 a : ENGLISHMAN specifically : a person descended from the Anglo-Saxons b : a white gentile of an English-speaking nation
3 : OLD ENGLISH 1
4 : direct plain English especially : English using words considered crude or vulgar
–Anglo-Saxon adjective

Anglocentric
adj. : centered on or giving priority to England or things English <an Anglocentric view of history>

Anglomania
n. : an absorbing or pervasive interest in England or things English

Anglophile
n. : a person who greatly admires or favors England and things English
–Anglophile or An·glo·phil·ic \ˌaŋ-glə-'fi-lik\ adjective

Anglophilia
n. : unusual admiration or partiality for England, English ways, or things English
–An·glo·phil·i·ac \-lē-ˌak\ adjective

Anglophobe
n. : a person who is averse to or dislikes England and things English
–An·glo·pho·bia \ˌaŋ-glə-'fō-bē-ə\ noun
–An·glo·pho·bic \-bik\ adjective

anglophone
n. : consisting of or belonging to an English-speaking population especially in a country where two or more languages are spoken
–Anglophone noun

Angola
n. country SW Africa S of mouth of the Congo; until 1975 a dependency of Portugal capital Luanda area 481,351 sq mi (1,251,513 sq km), pop 10,609,000
–An·go·lan \-lən\ adjective or noun

angora
n. 1 : the hair of the Angora rabbit or Angora goat ― called also angora wool
2 : a yarn of Angora rabbit hair used especially for knitting
3 capitalized a : ANGORA CAT b : ANGORA GOAT c : ANGORA RABBIT

angora
n. angora wool
Angora cat
Angora goat
Angora rabbit

Angora cat
: any of a breed of cats having a long graceful body and silky medium-length hair with no undercoat broadly : a long-haired domestic cat

Angora goat
: any of a breed of domestic goats raised for their long silky hair which is the true mohair

Angora rabbit
: any of several breeds of long-haired rabbits raised for their abundant fine wool especially : any of a breed having usually white wool and red eyes

Angouleme
city W France pop 43,137

Angoumois
region & former duchy & province W France S of Poitou capital Angoulême

angry
adj. 1 : feeling or showing anger : WRATHFUL
2 a : indicative of or proceeding from anger <angry words> b : seeming to show anger or to threaten in an angry manner <an angry sky>
3 : painfully inflamed <an angry rash>
–an·gri·ly \-grə-lē\ adverb
–an·gri·ness \-grē-nəs\ noun

angry young man
1 : an outspoken critic of or protester against an economic condition or social injustice
2 : one of a group of mid-20th century British authors whose works express the bitterness of the lower classes toward the established sociopolitical system and toward the mediocrity and hypocrisy of the middle and upper classes

angst
n. : a feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity <teenage angst>

Angstrom
n. Anders Jonas 1814-1874 Swed. physicist

angstrom
n. : a unit of length equal to one ten-billionth of a meter

Anguilla
n. island Brit. West Indies NW of St. Kitts area 35 sq mi (91 sq km)
–An·guil·lan \-'gwi-lən\ adjective or noun

anguis in herba
: snake in the grass

anguish
n. : extreme pain, distress, or anxiety
synonyms see SORROW

anguish
n. : to suffer anguish
transitive verb : to cause to suffer anguish

anguished
adj. 1 : suffering anguish : TORMENTED <the anguished martyrs>
2 : expressing anguish : AGONIZED <anguished cries>

angular
adj. 1 a : forming an angle : sharp-cornered b : having one or more angles
2 : measured by an angle <angular distance>
3 a : stiff in character or manner : lacking smoothness or grace b : lean and having prominent bone structure
–an·gu·lar·ly adverb

angular
adj. angular acceleration
angular momentum
angular velocity

angular acceleration
: the rate of change per unit time of angular velocity

angular momentum
: a vector quantity that is a measure of the rotational momentum of a rotating body or system, that is equal in classical physics to the product of the angular velocity of the body or system and its moment of inertia with respect to the rotation axis, and that is directed along the rotation axis

angular velocity
: the rate of rotation around an axis usually expressed in radians or revolutions per second or per minute

angularity
n. 1 : the quality of being angular
2 plural : angular outlines or characteristics

angulation
n. 1 : the action of making angular
2 : an angular position, formation, or shape

Angus
n. : any of a breed of usually black hornless beef cattle originating in Scotland

Angus
n. administrative area E Scotland area 842 sq mi (2181 sq km)

Anhalt
former state cen Germany capital Dessau

anhedonia
n. : a psychological condition characterized by inability to experience pleasure in normally pleasurable acts
–an·he·don·ic \-'dä-nik\ adjective

anhinga
n. : any of a genus (Anhinga) of fish-eating birds related to the cormorants but distinguished by a longer neck and sharply pointed rather than hooked bill especially : one (A. anhinga) occurring from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Anhui
province E China W of Jiangsu capital Hefei area 54,015 sq mi (140,439 sq km), pop 56,180,813

anhyd
anhydrous

anhydride
n. : a compound derived from another (as an acid) by removal of the elements of water

anhydride
n. acetic anhydride
maleic anhydride
phthalic anhydride

anhydrite
n. : a mineral consisting of an anhydrous calcium sulfate that is usually massive and white or slightly colored

anhydrous
adj. : free from water and especially water of crystallization

ani
n. : any of a genus (Crotophaga) of black cuckoos of the warmer parts of America

Aniakchak Crater
active volcano SW Alaska on Alaska Peninsula in Aniakchak National Monument; crater 6 mi (10 km) in diameter

anile
adj. : of or resembling a doddering old woman especially : SENILE
–anil·i·ty \a-'ni-lə-tē, ā-, ə-\ noun

aniline
n. : an oily liquid poisonous amine C_6H_5NH_2 obtained especially by the reduction of nitrobenzene and used chiefly in organic synthesis (as of dyes)

aniline dye
: a dye made by the use of aniline or one chemically related to such a dye broadly : a synthetic organic dye

anilingus
n. : erotic stimulation achieved by contact between mouth and anus

anima
n. : an individual's true inner self that in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung reflects archetypal ideals of conduct also : an inner feminine part of the male personality ― compare ANIMUS, PERSONA

animadversion
n. 1 : a critical and usually censorious remark ― often used with on
2 : adverse criticism

animadvert
v. transitive verb archaic : NOTICE, OBSERVE
intransitive verb : to make an animadversion

animal
n. 1 : any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things including many-celled organisms and often many of the single-celled ones (as protozoans) that typically differ from plants in having cells without cellulose walls, in lacking chlorophyll and the capacity for photosynthesis, in requiring more complex food materials (as proteins), in being organized to a greater degree of complexity, and in having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation
2 a : one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings b : MAMMAL broadly : VERTEBRATE
3 : a human being considered chiefly as physical or nonrational also : this nature
4 : a person with a particular interest or aptitude <a political animal>
5 : MATTER, THING <the theater⋯is an entirely different animal ― Arthur Miller> also : CREATURE 1C
–an·i·mal·like \-mə(l)-ˌlīk\ adjective

animal
n. 1 : of, relating to, resembling, or derived from animals
2 a : of or relating to the physical or sentient as contrasted with the intellectual or rational b : SENSUAL, FLESHLY
3 : of or relating to the animal pole of an egg or to the part from which ectoderm normally develops
synonyms see CARNAL
–an·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

animal
n. animal control
animal cracker
animal heat
animal husbandry
animal kingdom
animal magnetism
animal model
animal pole
animal rights
animal rightist
animal spirits
animal spirit
animal starch
domestic animal
moss animal
pack animal
party animal
wheel animal
animal bipes implume

animal bipes implume
: two-legged animal without feathers (i.e., the human race)

animal control
: an office or department responsible for enforcing ordinances relating to the control, impoundment, and disposition of animals

animal cracker
: a small cookie in the shape of an animal

animal heat
: heat produced in the body of a living animal by functional chemical and physical activities

animal husbandry
: a branch of agriculture concerned with the production and care of domestic animals

animal kingdom
: a basic group of natural objects that includes all living and extinct animals ― compare MINERAL KINGDOM, PLANT KINGDOM

animal magnetism
1 : a mysterious force claimed by Mesmer to enable him to hypnotize patients
2 : a magnetic charm or appeal especially : SEX APPEAL

animal model
: an animal sufficiently like humans in its anatomy, physiology, or response to a pathogen to be used in medical research in order to obtain results that can be extrapolated to human medicine also : a pathological or physiological condition that occurs in such an animal and is similar to one occurring in humans

animal pole
: the point on the surface of an egg that is diametrically opposite to the vegetal pole and usually marks the most active part of the protoplasm or the part containing least yolk

animal rights
: rights (as to fair and humane treatment) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all animals
–animal right·ist \-'rī-tist\ noun

animal spirits
1 sometimes animal spirit obsolete : the nervous energy that is the source of physical sensation and movement
2 : vivacity arising from physical health and energy
3 : a willingness to take especially economic risks

animal starch
: GLYCOGEN

animalcule
n. : a minute usually microscopic organism

animalier
: a sculptor or painter of animal subjects

animalism
n. : ANIMALITY
–an·i·mal·is·tic \ˌa-nə-mə-'lis-tik\ adjective

animality
n. 1 : a quality or nature associated with animals: a : VITALITY b : a natural unrestrained unreasoned response to physical drives or stimuli
2 : the animal nature of human beings

animalize
v. 1 : to represent in animal form
2 : to cause to be or act like an animal
–an·i·mal·iza·tion \ˌa-nə-mə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

animate
adj. 1 : possessing or characterized by life : ALIVE
2 : full of life : ANIMATED
3 : of or relating to animal life as opposed to plant life
4 : referring to a living thing <an animate noun>
–an·i·mate·ly adverb
–an·i·mate·ness noun

animate
adj. 1 : to give spirit and support to : ENCOURAGE
2 a : to give life to b : to give vigor and zest to
3 : to move to action <a criminal animated by greed>
4 a : to make or design in such a way as to create apparently spontaneous lifelike movement <animate a cartoon> b : to produce in the form of an animated cartoon <animate a story>
synonyms see QUICKEN

animated
adj. 1 a : endowed with life or the qualities of life : ALIVE b : full of movement and activity <an animated crowd> c : full of vigor and spirit : LIVELY <an animated discussion>
2 : having the appearance of something alive <an unusually animated piece of sculpture>
3 : made in the form of an animated cartoon <an animated film>
synonyms see LIVELY
–an·i·mat·ed·ly adverb

animated cartoon
: a motion picture that is made from a series of drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of inanimate objects (as puppets) and that simulates movement by slight progressive changes in each frame

animation
n. 1 : the act of animating : the state of being animate or animated
2 : ANIMATED CARTOON
3 : the preparation of animated cartoons

animato
adv. : with animation ― used as a direction in music

animator
n. 1 : one that animates <prime animator of the movement>
2 : an artist who creates drawings for an animated cartoon

animatronic
: of, relating to, or being a puppet or similar figure that is animated by means of electromechanical devices
–an·i·ma·tron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

animatronics
n. : technology dealing with animatronic animation

anime
n. : a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes

animis opibusque parati
: prepared in mind and resources ― one of the mottoes of South Carolina

animism
n. 1 : a doctrine that the vital principle of organic development is immaterial spirit
2 : attribution of conscious life to objects in and phenomena of nature or to inanimate objects
3 : belief in the existence of spirits separable from bodies
–an·i·mist \-mist\ noun
–an·i·mis·tic \ˌa-nə-'mis-tik\ adjective

animo
pref. aequo animo
ex animo
uno animo

animosity
n. : ill will or resentment tending toward active hostility : an antagonistic attitude
synonyms see ENMITY

animus
n. 1 : basic attitude or governing spirit : DISPOSITION, INTENTION
2 : a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
3 : an inner masculine part of the female personality in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung ― compare ANIMA
synonyms see ENMITY

anion
n. : the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the anode broadly : a negatively charged ion

anionic
adj. 1 : of or relating to anions
2 : characterized by an active and especially surface-active anion

anis
n. : unequal <anisotropic>

anise
n. : a Eurasian annual herb (Pimpinella anisum) of the carrot family having carminative and aromatic seeds also : ANISEED

aniseed
n. : the seed of anise often used as a flavoring in liqueurs and in cooking

aniseikonia
n. : a defect of binocular vision in which the two retinal images of an object differ in size
–an·is·ei·kon·ic \-'kä-nik\ adjective

anisette
n. : a usually colorless sweet liqueur flavored with aniseed

Anishinabe
: OJIBWA 1

anisogamous
adj. : characterized by fusion of heterogamous gametes or of individuals that usually differ chiefly in size <anisogamous reproduction>
–an·isog·a·my \-(ˌ)nī-'sä-gə-mē\ noun

anisometropia
n. : unequal refractive power in the two eyes
–an·iso·me·tro·pic \-'trä-pik, -'trō-\ adjective

anisotropic
adj. : exhibiting properties with different values when measured in different directions <an anisotropic crystal>
–an·iso·trop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–an·isot·ro·py \-(ˌ)nī-'sä-trə-pē\ also an·isot·ro·pism \-ˌpi-zəm\ noun

Anjou
n. : a large sweet ovoid pear having a usually yellowish-green skin

Anjou
n. 1 region & former province NW France in Loire valley capital Angers
2 town Canada in S Que. pop 38,015

Ankara
n. city capital of Turkey in N cen Anatolia pop 2,559,471

Ankara
n. angora wool
Angora cat
Angora goat
Angora rabbit

Ankeny
city S cen Iowa N of Des Moines pop 27,117

ankerite
: a yellowish to brown mineral consisting of a carbonate of calcium and iron

ankh
n. : a cross having a loop for its upper vertical arm and serving especially in ancient Egypt as an emblem of life

ankle
n. 1 : the joint between the foot and the leg also : the region of this joint
2 : the joint between the cannon bone and pastern (as in the horse)

anklebone
n. : 2TALUS 1

anklet
n. 1 : something (as an ornament) worn around the ankle
2 : a short sock reaching slightly above the ankle

ankylosaur
n. : any of a suborder (Ankylosauria) of herbivorous Cretaceous ornithiscian dinosaurs having a long low-lying thickset body covered dorsally with bony plates

ankylosaurus
: any of a No. American genus (Ankylosaurus) of large ankylosaurs having a bony club at the end of the tail

ankylose
v. transitive verb : to unite or stiffen by ankylosis
intransitive verb : to undergo ankylosis

ankylosis
n. 1 : stiffness or fixation of a joint by disease or surgery
2 : union of separate bones or hard parts to form a single bone or part
–an·ky·lot·ic \-'lä-tik\ adjective

ankylostomiasis
n. variant of ancylostomiasis

anlage
n. : the foundation of a subsequent development especially : PRIMORDIUM

ann
n. 1 annals
2 annual

Ann Arbor
city SE Mich. W of Detroit pop 114,024

Ann, Cape
peninsula NE Mass.

anna
n. 1 : a former monetary unit of Burma, India, and Pakistan equal to 1/16 rupee
2 : a coin representing one anna

Anna Ivanovna
1693-1740 empress of Russia (1730-40)

Annaba
commune & port NE Algeria NE of Constantine pop 305,526

annalist
n. : a writer of annals : CHRONICLER
–an·nal·is·tic \ˌa-nəl-'is-tik\ adjective

annals
n. 1 : a record of events arranged in yearly sequence
2 : historical records : CHRONICLES
3 : records of the activities of an organization

Annam
n. region & former kingdom E Indochina in cen Vietnam capital Hue area ab 57,000 sq mi (148,200 sq km)

Annamese
n. 1 or An·nam·ite \'a-nə-ˌmīt\ : a native or inhabitant of Annam
2 : VIETNAMESE 2
–Annamese adjective
–Annamite adjective

Annan
n. Kofi 1938-     Ghanaian U.N. official; secy.-gen. (1997-    )

Annapolis
n. city & port capital of Md. on Severn River pop 35,838

Annapolis Basin
inlet of Bay of Fundy, Canada in W N.S.

Annapurna
n. massif N Nepal in the Himalayas; highest peak 26,504 ft (8078 m)

annatto
n. 1 : a yellowish-red dyestuff made from the pulp around the seeds of a tropical American tree (Bixa orellana)
2 : the tree from which annatto is derived also : its dried seed used to color and flavor food

Anne
n. 1665-1714 dau. of James II queen of Great Britain (1702-14)

Anne
n. Queen Anne
Queen Anne's lace
Anne of Austria
Anne of Cleves

Anne of Austria
1601-1666 consort of Louis XIII of France regent (1643-51) for her son Louis XIV

Anne of Cleves
1515-1557 4th wife of Henry VIII of England

anneal
v. transitive verb
1 a : to heat and then cool (as steel or glass) usually for softening and making less brittle also : to cool slowly usually in a furnace b : to heat and then cool (double-stranded nucleic acid) in order to separate strands and induce combination at lower temperature with complementary strands
2 : STRENGTHEN, TOUGHEN
intransitive verb : to be capable of combining with complementary nucleic acid by a process of heating and cooling

Annecy
city E France ENE of Lyon pop 50,324

annelid
n. : any of a phylum (Annelida) of usually elongated segmented coelomate invertebrates (as earthworms and leeches)
–annelid adjective
–an·nel·i·dan \ə-'ne-lə-dən, a-\ adjective or noun

annex
n. 1 : to attach as a quality, consequence, or condition
2 archaic : to join together materially : UNITE
3 : to add to something earlier, larger, or more important
4 : to incorporate (a country or other territory) within the domain of a state
5 : to obtain or take for oneself
–an·nex·a·tion \ˌa-ˌnek-'sā-shən\ noun
–an·nex·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–an·nex·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

annex
n. : something annexed as an expansion or supplement: as a : an added stipulation or statement : APPENDIX b : a subsidiary or supplementary building or structure : WING

annexe
chiefly British variant of 2annex

Annie Oakley
: a free ticket

annihilate
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to be of no effect : NULLIFY b : to destroy the substance or force of
2 : to regard as of no consequence
3 : to cause to cease to exist especially : KILL
4 a : to destroy a considerable part of <bombs annihilated the city> : to vanquish completely : ROUT <annihilated the visitors 56-0>
5 : to cause (a particle and its antiparticle) to vanish by annihilating
intransitive verb of a particle and its antiparticle : to vanish or cease to exist by coming together and changing into other forms of energy (as photons)
–an·ni·hi·la·tion \-ˌnī-ə-'lā-shən\ noun
–an·ni·hi·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–an·ni·hi·la·to·ry \-'nī-ə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Anniston
city NE Ala. pop 24,276

anniversary
n. 1 : the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years <the 6-month anniversary of the accident>
2 : the celebration of an anniversary

anno
n. anno Domini
anno hegirae
anno aetatis suae
anno mundi
anno urbis conditae

anno aetatis suae
: in the (specified) year of his (or her) age

anno Domini
― used to indicate that a time division falls within the Christian era

anno hegirae
― used to indicate that a time division falls within the Islamic era

anno mundi
: in the year of the world ― used in reckoning dates from the supposed period of the creation of the world, especially as fixed by James Ussher at 4004 B.C. or by the Jews at 3761 B.C.

anno urbis conditae
: in the year of the founded city : in the year that the city was founded (Rome, founded 753 B.C.)

annotate
v. intransitive verb : to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment
transitive verb : to make or furnish annotations for (as a literary work or subject)
–an·no·ta·tive \-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective
–an·no·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

annotation
n. 1 : a note added by way of comment or explanation
2 : the act of annotating

announce
v. transitive verb
1 : to make known publicly : PROCLAIM <announced the appointment>
2 a : to give notice of the arrival, presence, or readiness of <announce dinner> b : to indicate beforehand : FORETELL
3 : to serve as an announcer of <announce a football game>
intransitive verb
1 : to serve as an announcer
2 a : to declare one's candidacy <announce for president> b : to declare oneself politically <announce against a nominee>
synonyms see DECLARE

announcement
n. 1 : the act of announcing or of being announced
2 : a public notification or declaration
3 : a piece of formal stationery designed for a social or business announcement

announcer
n. : one who announces: as a : a person who introduces television or radio programs, makes commercial announcements, or gives station identification b : a person who describes and comments on the action in a broadcast sports event

annoy
v. transitive verb
1 : to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts
2 : to harass especially by quick brief attacks
intransitive verb : to cause annoyance
–an·noy·er noun
synonyms ANNOY, VEX, IRK, BOTHER mean to upset a person's composure. ANNOY implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness <their constant complaining annoys us>. VEX implies greater provocation and stronger disturbance and usually connotes anger but sometimes perplexity or anxiety <vexed by her son's failure to clean his room>. IRK stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit <careless waste irks the boss>. BOTHER suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind <don't bother me while I'm reading>. synonym see in addition WORRY

annoyance
n. 1 : the act of annoying or of being annoyed
2 : the state or feeling of being annoyed : VEXATION
3 : a source of vexation or irritation : NUISANCE <the delay was a minor annoyance>

annoying
adj. : causing vexation : IRRITATING <an annoying habit> <annoying questions>
–an·noy·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

annual
n. 1 : covering the period of a year <annual rainfall>
2 : occurring or happening every year or once a year : YEARLY <an annual reunion>
3 : completing the life cycle in one growing season or single year <annual plants>
–an·nu·al·ly adverb

annual
n. 1 : an event that occurs yearly
2 : a publication appearing yearly
3 : something that lasts one year or season specifically : a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season

annual report
: a usually lengthy report issued yearly by an organization giving an account of its internal workings and especially its finances

annual ring
: the layer of wood produced by a single year's growth of a woody plant

annualize
v. : to calculate or adjust to reflect a rate based on a full year <quarterly returns yielding at an annualized rate of seven percent>

annuit coeptis
: He (God) has approved our beginnings ― motto on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States

annuitant
n. : a beneficiary of an annuity

annuity
n. 1 : a sum of money payable yearly or at other regular intervals
2 : the right to receive an annuity
3 : a contract or agreement providing for the payment of an annuity

annul
v. 1 : to reduce to nothing : OBLITERATE
2 : to make ineffective or inoperative : NEUTRALIZE <annul the drug's effect>
3 : to declare or make legally invalid or void <wants the marriage annulled>
synonyms see NULLIFY

annular
adj. : of, relating to, or forming a ring <an annular skin lesion>

annular eclipse
: an eclipse in which a thin outer ring of the sun's disk is not covered by the smaller dark disk of the moon

annulate
adj. : furnished with or composed of rings : RINGED

annulation
n. : a ringlike anatomical structure

annulet
n. 1 : a little ring
2 : a small architectural molding or ridge forming a ring

annulment
n. 1 : the act of annulling : the state of being annulled
2 : a judicial or ecclesiastical pronouncement declaring a marriage invalid

annulus
n. 1 : RING
2 : a part, structure, or marking resembling a ring: as a : a line of cells around a fern sporangium that ruptures the sporangium by contracting b : a growth ring (as on the scale of a fish) that is used in estimating age

annunciate
v. : ANNOUNCE

annunciation
n. 1 capitalized : March 25 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the announcement of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary
2 : the act of announcing or of being announced : ANNOUNCEMENT

annunciator
n. : one that annunciates specifically : a usually electrically controlled signal board or indicator
–an·nun·ci·a·to·ry \-sē-ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Annunzio, D'
Gabriele ― see D'ANNUNZIO

annus horribilis
: a disastrous or unfortunate year

annus mirabilis
: a remarkable or notable year

anode
n. 1 : the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs: as a : the positive terminal of an electrolytic cell b : the negative terminal of a galvanic cell
2 : the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube broadly : the positive electrode of a diode ― compare CATHODE
–an·od·ic \a-'nä-dik\ also an·od·al \-'nō-dəl\ adjective
–an·od·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ also an·od·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

anodize
v. : to subject (a metal) to electrolytic action as the anode of a cell in order to coat with a protective or decorative film
–an·od·i·za·tion \ˌa-ˌnō-də-'zā-shən, ˌa-nə-\ noun

anodyne
n. 1 : serving to alleviate pain
2 : not likely to offend or arouse tensions : INNOCUOUS

anodyne
n. 1 : something that soothes, calms, or comforts <the anodyne of bridge, a comfortable book, or sport ― Harrison Smith>
2 : a drug that allays pain

anoint
v. 1 : to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2 a : to apply oil to as a sacred rite especially for consecration b : to choose by or as if by divine election also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment <critics anointed the author as the bright new talent>
–anoint·er noun
–anoint·ment \-mənt\ noun

anointing of the sick

circa 1884
: EXTREME UNCTION

anole
n. : any of a genus (Anolis) of arboreal American lizards (as the American chameleon) of the iguana family that have a brightly colored dewlap and the ability to change color

anomalous
adj. 1 : inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL
2 a : of uncertain nature or classification b : marked by incongruity or contradiction : PARADOXICAL
synonyms see IRREGULAR
–anom·a·lous·ly adverb
–anom·a·lous·ness noun

anomaly
n. 1 : the angular distance of a planet from its perihelion as seen from the sun
2 : deviation from the common rule : IRREGULARITY
3 : something anomalous : something different, abnormal, peculiar, or not easily classified

anomie
n. : social instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values also : personal unrest, alienation, and uncertainty that comes from a lack of purpose or ideals
–ano·mic \ə-'nä-mik, -'nō-\ adjective

anon
adj. 1 archaic : at once : IMMEDIATELY
2 : SOON, PRESENTLY <tomorrow will be here anon ― Nathaniel Hawthorne>
3 : after a while : LATER <more of that anon>

anon
adj. anonymous; anonymously

anonym
n. 1 : an anonymous person
2 : PSEUDONYM

anonymity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being anonymous
2 : one that is anonymous

anonymous
adj. 1 : not named or identified <an anonymous author> <they wish to remain anonymous>
2 : of unknown authorship or origin <an anonymous tip>
3 : lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability <the anonymous faces in the crowd> <the gray anonymous streets ― William Styron>
–anon·y·mous·ly adverb
–anon·y·mous·ness noun

anopheles
n. : any of a genus (Anopheles) of mosquitoes that includes all mosquitoes which transmit malaria to humans
–anoph·e·line \-ˌlīn\ adjective or noun

anorak
n. : a usually pullover hooded jacket long enough to cover the hips

anorectic
adj. 1 a : lacking appetite b : ANOREXIC 2
2 : causing loss of appetite

anorectic
adj. 1 : an anorectic agent
2 : ANOREXIC

anorexia
n. 1 : loss of appetite especially when prolonged
2 : ANOREXIA NERVOSA

anorexia nervosa
: a serious disorder in eating behavior primarily of young women in their teens and early twenties that is characterized especially by a pathological fear of weight gain leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition, and usually excessive weight loss

anorexic
n. 1 : ANORECTIC
2 : relating to, characteristic of, or affected with anorexia nervosa also : seemingly affected with anorexia nervosa as by being excessively skinny

anorexic
n. : a person affected with or as if with anorexia nervosa

anorexigenic
adj. : ANORECTIC 2

anorthite
n. : a white, grayish, or reddish feldspar occurring in many igneous rocks
–an·or·thit·ic \ˌa-nȯr-'thi-tik\ adjective

anorthosite
n. : a granular plutonic igneous rock composed almost exclusively of a soda-lime feldspar (as labradorite)
–an·or·tho·si·tic \ə-ˌnȯr-thə-'si-tik\ adjective

anosmia
n. : loss or impairment of the sense of smell
–an·os·mic \-mik\ adjective

another
adj. 1 : different or distinct from the one first considered <the same scene viewed from another angle>
2 : some other <do it another time>
3 : being one more in addition to one or more of the same kind <have another piece of pie>

another
adj. 1 : an additional one of the same kind : one more
2 : one that is different from the first or present one
3 : one of a group of unspecified or indefinite things <in one way or another>

another-guess
archaic : of another sort

Anouilh
Jean 1910-1987 Fr. dram.

ANOVA
analysis of variance

anovulatory
adj. 1 : not involving or accompanied by ovulation <anovulatory bleeding>
2 : suppressing ovulation

anoxemia
n. : a condition of subnormal oxygenation of the arterial blood
–an·ox·emic \-mik\ adjective

anoxia
n. : hypoxia especially of such severity as to result in permanent damage

anoxic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affected with anoxia
2 : greatly deficient in oxygen : OXYGENLESS <anoxic water>

Anqing
city E China in Anhui on the Chang pop 250,718

ans
answer

Anselm
Saint 1033/34-1109 archbishop of Canterbury (1093-1109)

Anshan
city NE China in E cen Liaoning SSW of Shenyang pop 1,203,986

ANSI
American National Standards Institute

answer
n. 1 a : something spoken or written in reply to a question b : a correct response <knows the answer>
2 : a reply to a legal charge or suit : PLEA also : DEFENSE
3 : something done in response or reaction <his only answer was to walk out>
4 : a solution of a problem <more money is not the answer>
5 : one that imitates, matches, or corresponds to another <television's answer to the news magazines>
synonyms ANSWER, RESPONSE, REPLY, REJOINDER, RETORT mean something spoken, written, or done in return. ANSWER implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need <had answers to all their questions>. RESPONSE may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus <a response to the call for recruits>. REPLY often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised <a point-by-point reply to the accusation>. REJOINDER can be a response to a reply or to an objection <a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument>. RETORT implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack <she made a cutting retort to her critics>.

answer
n. intransitive verb
1 : to speak or write in reply
2 a : to be or make oneself responsible or accountable <answer for a debt> b : to make amends : ATONE <must answer for his crimes>
3 : to be in conformity or correspondence <answered to the description>
4 : to act in response to an action performed elsewhere or by another <the home team scored first but the visitors answered quickly>
5 : to be adequate : SERVE <an old bucket answered for a sink>
transitive verb
1 a : to speak or write in reply to <answer a question> <answer me> b : to say or write by way of reply <answer yes or no>
2 : to reply to in rebuttal, justification, or explanation <answer an accusation>
3 a : to correspond to <answers the description> b : to be adequate or usable for : FULFILL <answer a need>
4 obsolete : to atone for
5 : to act in response to <answered the call to arms>
6 : to offer a solution for especially : SOLVE <answer a riddle>
–an·swer·er \'an(t)-sər-ər\ noun

answerable
adj. 1 archaic : SUITABLE, ADEQUATE
2 : liable to be called to account : RESPONSIBLE
3 archaic : CORRESPONDING, SIMILAR
4 : capable of being refuted
synonyms see RESPONSIBLE
–an·swer·abil·i·ty \ˌan(t)-s(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

answering machine
: a machine that receives telephone calls by playing a recorded message and usually by recording messages from callers

answering service
: a commercial service that answers telephone calls for its clients

Ant
n. Antarctica

ant
n. : any of a family (Formicidae) of colonial hymenopterous insects with a complex social organization and various castes performing special duties
–ants in one's pants : impatience for action or activity : RESTLESSNESS

ant
n. 1 antenna
2 antonym

ant
n. ― see ANTI-

ant
n. 1 a : one that performs (a specified action) : personal or impersonal agent <claimant> <coolant> b : thing that promotes (a specified action or process) <expectorant>
2 : one connected with <annuitant>
3 : thing acted upon (in a specified manner) <inhalant>

ant
n. 1 : performing (a specified action) or being (in a specified condition) <somnambulant>
2 : promoting (a specified action or process) <expectorant>

ant
n. white ant
ant cow
ant lion
army ant
carpenter ant
driver ant
fire ant
imported fire ant
leaf cutting ant
pharaoh ant
red ant
slave making ant
velvet ant
weaver ant
ants in one's pants

ant cow
: an aphid from which ants obtain honeydew

ant lion
: any of various neuropterous insects (as of the genus Myrmeleon) having a long-jawed larva that digs a conical pit in which it lies in wait to catch insects (as ants) on which it feeds

anta
: a pier produced by thickening a wall at its termination

antacid
n. : an agent that counteracts or neutralizes acidity
–antacid adjective

Antaean
adj. 1 : MAMMOTH
2 : having superhuman strength

antagonism
n. 1 a : opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle <the antagonism of democracy to dictatorship> b : actively expressed opposition or hostility <antagonism between factions>
2 : opposition in physiological action especially : interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened
synonyms see ENMITY

antagonist
n. 1 : one that contends with or opposes another : ADVERSARY, OPPONENT
2 : an agent of physiological antagonism: as a : a muscle that contracts with and limits the action of an agonist with which it is paired ― called also antagonistic muscle b : a chemical that acts within the body to reduce the physiological activity of another chemical substance (as an opiate) especially : one that opposes the action on the nervous system of a drug or a substance occurring naturally in the body by combining with and blocking its nervous receptor ― compare AGONIST 2b

antagonistic
adj. : marked by or resulting from antagonism
–an·tag·o·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antagonize
v. 1 : to act in opposition to : COUNTERACT
2 : to incur or provoke the hostility of <his criticism antagonized his friends>

Antakya
city S Turkey on the Orontes pop 123,871

Antall
József 1932-1993 prime min. of Hungary (1990-93)

Antalya
city & port SW Turkey on Gulf of Antalya pop 378,208

Antananarivo
n. city capital of Madagascar urban area pop 958,929

Antarctic
adj. region including Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula, and the surrounding ocean

antarctic
adj. : of or relating to the south pole or to the region near it

antarctic
adj. antarctic circle
Antarctic Archipelago
Antarctic Ocean
Antarctic Peninsula
British Antarctic Territory

Antarctic Archipelago
― see PALMER ARCHIPELAGO

antarctic circle
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 661/2 degrees south of the equator and that circumscribes the southern frigid zone

Antarctic Ocean
― see SOUTHERN OCEAN

Antarctic Peninsula
peninsula ab 700 mi (1126 km) long W Antarctica S of S end of S. America

Antarctica
n. body of land around the S. Pole; a plateau covered by a great ice cap & mountain peaks area ab 5,500,000 sq mi (14,300,000 sq km), divided into West Antarctica (including Antarctic Peninsula) & East Antarctica by Transantarctic Mountains

Antares
: a giant red star of very low density that is the brightest star in Scorpio

antbear
n. : AARDVARK

ante
n. 1 : a poker stake usually put up before the deal to build the pot <the dealer called for a dollar ante>
2 a : COST, PRICE <these improvements would raise the ante> b : RISK, STAKES <the new law ups the ante on tax cheats> c : a level (as of achievement or intensity) regarded especially as a goal or standard <the film ups the ante on special effects>

ante
n. transitive verb : to put up (an ante) also : PAY, PRODUCE ― often used with up
intransitive verb : PAY UP ― often used with up

ante
n. 1 a : prior : earlier <antedate> b : anterior : forward <anteroom>
2 : prior to : earlier than <antediluvian>

ante
n. ante meridiem
ante post
penny ante
status quo ante
in statu quo ante bellum
pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
status quo ante bellum
vixere fortes ante Agamemnona

ante meridiem
: being before noon ― abbreviation a.m.

ante-post
British : relating to or being wagers on a horse race made especially before the day of the race

anteater
n. : any of several mammals that feed largely or entirely on ants or termites: as a : any of a family (Myrmecophagidae) of New World edentates with a long narrow snout, a long tongue, and large salivary glands that includes the giant anteater and tamandua b : PANGOLIN c : ECHIDNA d : AARDVARK

anteater
n. scaly anteater
giant anteater
spiny anteater

antebellum
adj. : existing before a war especially : existing before the American Civil War

antecede
v. : PRECEDE

antecedence
n. : PRIORITY, PRECEDENCE

antecedent
n. 1 : a substantive word, phrase, or clause whose denotation is referred to by a pronoun (as John in “Mary saw John and called to him”) broadly : a word or phrase replaced by a substitute
2 : the conditional element in a proposition (as if A in “if A, then B”)
3 : the first term of a mathematical ratio
4 a : a preceding event, condition, or cause b plural : the significant events, conditions, and traits of one's earlier life
5 a : PREDECESSOR especially : a model or stimulus for later developments b plural : ANCESTORS, PARENTS

antecedent
n. : PRIOR
synonyms see PRECEDING
–an·te·ced·ent·ly adverb

antecessor
n. : one that goes before : PREDECESSOR

antechamber
n. : ANTEROOM

antechapel
n. : a vestibule or anteroom to a chapel or church

antedate
v. : a date assigned to an event or document earlier than the actual date of the event or document

antedate
v. 1 a : to date as of a time prior to that of execution b : to assign to a date prior to that of actual occurrence
2 archaic : ANTICIPATE
3 : to precede in time

antediluvian
adj. 1 : of or relating to the period before the flood described in the Bible
2 a : made, evolved, or developed a long time ago <an antediluvian automobile> b : extremely primitive or outmoded <an antediluvian prejudice>
–antediluvian noun

antefix
n. : an ornament at the eaves of a classical building concealing the ends of the joint tiles of the roof

antelope
n. 1 a : any of various ruminant deerlike mammals (family Bovidae) chiefly of Africa and southwest Asia that have a slender lean build and usually horns directed upward and backward b : PRONGHORN
2 : leather from antelope hide

antemortem
adj. : preceding death

antenatal
adj. : PRENATAL <antenatal diagnosis of birth defects>
–an·te·na·tal·ly \-ē\ adverb

antenna
n. 1 plural -nae : one of a pair of slender movable segmented sensory organs on the head of insects, myriapods, and crustaceans ― see INSECT illustration
2 : a usually metallic device (as a rod or wire) for radiating or receiving radio waves
3 antennae plural : a special sensitivity or receptiveness <his political antennae proved to be shrewder than ever ― Erich Segal>
–an·ten·nal \-'te-nəl\ adjective

antennule
n. : a small antenna or similar appendage
–an·ten·nu·lar \-'ten-yə-lər\ adjective

antenuptial
adj. : PRENUPTIAL

antependium
: a hanging for the front of an altar, pulpit, or lectern

antepenult
n. : the third syllable of a word counting from the end (as cu in accumulate)
–an·te·pen·ul·ti·mate \-pi-'nəl-tə-mət\ adjective or noun

anterior
adj. 1 a : situated before or toward the front b : situated near or toward the head or part most nearly corresponding to a head
2 : coming before in time or development
synonyms see PRECEDING
–an·te·ri·or·ly adverb

anterior cruciate ligament
: a cruciate ligament of each knee that attaches the front of the tibia with the back of the femur and functions especially to prevent hyperextension of the knee and is subject to injury especially by tearing ― called also ACL

anterograde
adj. 1 : occurring or performed in the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow <anterograde axonal transport>
2 : affecting memories of a period immediately following a shock or seizure <anterograde amnesia>

anteroom
n. : an outer room that leads to another room and that is often used as a waiting room

anth
― see ANTI-

anthelmintic
n. : expelling or destroying parasitic worms especially of the intestine
–anthelmintic noun

anthem
n. 1 a : a psalm or hymn sung antiphonally or responsively b : a sacred vocal composition with words usually from the Scriptures
2 : a song or hymn of praise or gladness
3 : a usually rousing popular song that typifies or is identified with a particular subculture, movement, or point of view <anthems of teenage angst>
–an·the·mic \ˌan(t)-'thē-mik, -'the-\ adjective

anthemion
n. : a flat ornament of floral form (as in relief sculpture or in painting)

anther
n. : the part of a stamen that produces and contains pollen and is usually borne on a stalk ― see FLOWER illustration
–an·ther·al \-thə-rəl\ adjective

antheridium
n. : the male reproductive organ of some cryptogamous plants
–an·ther·id·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

anthesis
n. : the action or period of opening of a flower

anthill
n. : a mound of debris thrown up by ants or termites in digging their nest

anthocyanin
n. : any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

anthologist
n. : a compiler of an anthology

anthologize
v. : to compile, publish, or include in an anthology
–an·thol·o·giz·er \-ˌjī-zər\ noun

anthology
n. 1 : a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music
2 : ASSORTMENT <an anthology of threadbare clichés of⋯bistro cuisine ― Jay Jacobs>
–an·tho·log·i·cal \ˌan(t)-thə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

Anthony
n. Saint ca 250-355 Egypt. monk

Anthony
n. Mark ― see Marcus ANTONIUS

Anthony
n. Susan Brownell 1820-1906 American suffragist

Anthony
n. of Padua Saint 1195-1231 Franciscan friar

Anthony
n. Saint Anthony's cross
Saint Anthony's fire
Susan B. Anthony Day
Mark Antony

anthophilous
: feeding upon or living among flowers <anthophilous insects>

anthophyllite
: an orthorhombic mineral of the amphibole group that is essentially a silicate of magnesium and iron and is usually lamellar or fibrous and when fibrous is one of the less common forms of asbestos

anthozoan
n. : any of a class (Anthozoa) of marine coelenterates (as the corals and sea anemones) having polyps with radial partitions
–anthozoan adjective

anthracene
n. : a crystalline tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon C_14H_10 obtained from coal-tar distillation

anthracite
n. : a hard natural coal of high luster differing from bituminous coal in containing little volatile matter and in burning very cleanly ― called also hard coal
–an·thra·cit·ic \ˌan(t)-thrə-'si-tik\ adjective

anthracnose
adj. : any of numerous destructive plant diseases caused by imperfect fungi and characterized especially by necrotic lesions

anthranilate
adj. : a salt or ester of anthranilic acid

anthranilic acid
: a crystalline acid NH_2C_6H_4COOH used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes (as indigo), pharmaceuticals, and perfumes

anthraquinone
n. : a yellow crystalline ketone C_14H_8O_2 often derived from anthracene and used especially in the manufacture of dyes

anthrax
n. : an infectious disease of warm-blooded animals (as cattle and sheep) caused by a spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus anthracis), transmissible to humans especially by the handling of infected products (as wool), and characterized by cutaneous ulcerating nodules or by often fatal lesions in the lungs also : the bacterium causing anthrax

anthrop
n. anthropological; anthropology

anthrop
n. : human being <anthropogenic>

anthropic
: of or relating to human beings or the period of their existence on earth

anthropic
strong anthropic principle
weak anthropic principle
anthropic principle

anthropic principle
: either of two principles in cosmology: a : conditions that are observed in the universe must allow the observer to exist ― called also weak anthropic principle b : the universe must have properties that make inevitable the existence of intelligent life ― called also strong anthropic principle

anthropocentric
1 : considering human beings as the most significant entity of the universe
2 : interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences
–an·thro·po·cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–an·thro·po·cen·tric·i·ty \-pō-(ˌ)sen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun
–an·thro·po·cen·trism \-'sen-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

anthropogenic
adj. : of, relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature <anthropogenic pollutants>
–an·thro·po·gen·ic·al·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anthropoid
n. 1 : any of a suborder (Anthropoidea) of higher primates (as macaques and marmosets) especially : APE 1B
2 : a person resembling an ape <the howling anthropoids of the Hookworm Belt ― H. L. Mencken>
–anthropoid adjective

anthropoid ape
: APE 1B

anthropology
n. 1 : the science of human beings especially : the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture
2 : theology dealing with the origin, nature, and destiny of human beings
–an·thro·po·log·i·cal \-pə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–an·thro·pol·o·gist \ˌan(t)-thrə-'pä-lə-jist\ noun

anthropology
n. cultural anthropology
physical anthropology
cultural anthropologist
physical anthropologist

anthropometry
n. : the study of human body measurements especially on a comparative basis
–an·thro·po·met·ric \-pə-'me-trik\ adjective

anthropomorph
: a stylized human figure (as in prehistoric art)

anthropomorphic
adj. 1 : described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes <anthropomorphic deities>
2 : ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things <anthropomorphic supernaturalism>
–an·thro·po·mor·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anthropomorphism
n. : an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : HUMANIZATION
–an·thro·po·mor·phist \-fist\ noun

anthropomorphize
transitive verb : to attribute human form or personality to
intransitive verb : to attribute human form or personality to things not human
–an·thro·po·mor·phi·za·tion \-ˌmȯr-fə-'zā-shən\ noun

anthropopathism
: the ascription of human feelings to something not human

anthropophagous
adj. : feeding on human flesh
–an·thro·poph·a·gy \-fə-jē\ noun

anthropophagus
n. : MAN-EATER, CANNIBAL

anthroposophy
n. : a 20th century religious system growing out of theosophy and centering on human development
–an·thro·pos·o·phist \-sə-fist\ noun

anthurium
n. : any of a genus (Anthurium) of tropical American plants of the arum family with large often brightly colored leaves, a cylindrical spadix, and a colored spathe

anti
n. : one that is opposed

anti
n. : OPPOSED

anti
n. : opposed to : AGAINST

anti
1 a : of the same kind but situated opposite, exerting energy in the opposite direction, or pursuing an opposite policy <anticlinal> b : one that is opposite in kind to <anticlimax>
2 a : opposing or hostile to in opinion, sympathy, or practice <anti-Semite> b : opposing in effect or activity <antacid>
3 : serving to prevent, cure, or alleviate <antianxiety>
4 : combating or defending against <antiaircraft> <antimissile>
an·ti·ac·a·dem·ic
an·ti·ac·ne
an·ti·ad·min·is·tra·tion
an·ti·ag·gres·sion
an·ti·ag·ing
an·ti-AIDS
an·ti·al·co·hol
an·ti·al·co·hol·ism
an·ti·alien
an·ti·al·ler·gen·ic
an·ti·al·ler·gy
an·ti·ane·mia
an·ti·apart·heid
an·ti·aph·ro·di·si·ac
an·ti-Ar·ab
an·ti·aris·to·crat·ic
an·ti·ar·mor
an·ti·ar·thrit·ic
an·ti·ar·thri·tis
an·ti-Asian
an·ti·as·sim·i·la·tion
an·ti·asth·ma
an·ti·au·thor·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·au·thor·i·tar·i·an·ism
an·ti·au·thor·i·ty
an·ti·aux·in
an·ti·back·lash
an·ti·bac·te·ri·al
an·ti·bi·as
an·ti·bill·board
an·ti-Bol·she·vik
an·ti·boss
an·ti·bour·geois
an·ti·boy·cott
an·ti-Brit·ish
an·ti·bug
an·ti·bu·reau·crat·ic
an·ti·bur·glar
an·ti·bur·glary
an·ti·cak·ing
an·ti·cap·i·tal·ism
an·ti·cap·i·tal·ist
an·ti·car·cin·o·gen
an·ti·car·ci·no·gen·ic
an·ti·car·ies
an·ti-Cath·o·lic
an·ti-Ca·thol·i·cism
an·ti·cel·lu·lite
an·ti·cen·sor·ship
an·ti·cho·les·ter·ol
an·ti-Chris·tian
an·ti-Chris·tian·i·ty
an·ti·church
an·ti·cig·a·rette
an·ti·city
an·ti·clas·si·cal
an·ti·cling
an·ti·clot·ting
an·ti·cold
an·ti·col·li·sion
an·ti·co·lo·nial
an·ti·co·lo·nial·ism
an·ti·co·lo·nial·ist
an·ti·com·mer·cial
an·ti·com·mer·cial·ism
an·ti·com·mu·nism
an·ti·com·mu·nist
an·ti·con·glom·er·ate
an·ti·con·ser·va·tion
an·ti·con·ser·va·tion·ist
an·ti·con·sum·er
an·ti·con·ven·tion·al
an·ti·cor·po·rate
an·ti·cor·ro·sion
an·ti·cor·ro·sive
an·ti·cor·rup·tion
an·ti·coun·ter·feit·ing
an·ti·crack
an·ti·cre·ative
an·ti·crime
an·ti·cru·el·ty
an·ti·cult
an·ti·cul·tur·al
an·ti·dan·druff
an·ti-Dar·win·i·an
an·ti-Dar·win·ism
an·ti·def·a·ma·tion
an·ti·de·pres·sion
an·ti·de·seg·re·ga·tion
an·ti·de·sert·i·fi·ca·tion
an·ti·des·ic·cant
an·ti·de·vel·op·ment
an·ti·di·a·bet·ic
an·ti·di·ar·rhe·al
an·ti·di·lu·tion
an·ti·dis·crim·i·na·tion
an·ti·dog·mat·ic
an·ti·draft
an·ti·eco·nom·ic
an·ti·ed·u·ca·tion·al
an·ti·egal·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·elite
an·ti·elit·ism
an·ti·elit·ist
an·ti·emet·ic
an·ti-En·glish
an·ti·en·tro·pic
an·ti·en·vi·ron·men·tal
an·ti·ep·i·lep·sy
an·ti·ep·i·lep·tic
an·ti·erot·ic
an·ti·es·sen·tial·ist
an·ti·es·tab·lish·ment
an·ti·es·tro·gen
an·ti·evo·lu·tion
an·ti·evo·lu·tion·ary
an·ti·evo·lu·tion·ism
an·ti·evo·lu·tion·ist
an·ti·fam·i·ly
an·ti·fas·cism
an·ti·fas·cist
an·ti·fash·ion
an·ti·fash·ion·able
an·ti·fa·tigue
an·ti·fe·male
an·ti·fem·i·nine
an·ti·fem·i·nism
an·ti·fem·i·nist
an·ti·fil·i·bus·ter
an·ti·flu
an·ti·foam
an·ti·foam·ing
an·ti·fog·ging
an·ti·for·eign
an·ti·for·eign·er
an·ti·for·mal·ist
an·ti·fraud
an·ti-French
an·ti·fric·tion
an·ti·fur
an·ti·gam·bling
an·ti·gang
an·ti·gay
an·ti-Ger·man
an·ti·glare
an·ti·glob·al·iza·tion
an·ti·gov·ern·ment
an·ti·growth
an·ti·guer·ril·la
an·ti·gun
an·ti·ha·rass·ment
an·ti·her·pes
an·ti·hi·er·ar·chi·cal
an·ti·hi·jack·ing
an·ti·his·tor·i·cal
an·ti-HIV
an·ti·ho·mo·sex·u·al
an·ti·hu·man·ism
an·ti·hu·man·ist
an·ti·hu·man·is·tic
an·ti·hu·man·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·hun·ger
an·ti·hunt·er
an·ti·hunt·ing
an·ti·hys·ter·ic
an·ti-ic·ing
an·ti-ideo·log·i·cal
an·ti-im·mi·grant
an·ti-im·mi·gra·tion
an·ti-im·pe·ri·al·ism
an·ti-im·pe·ri·al·ist
an·ti-in·cum·bent
an·ti-in·fec·tive
an·ti-in·flam·ma·tion
an·ti-in·fla·tion
an·ti-in·fla·tion·ary
an·ti-in·sti·tu·tion·al
an·ti-in·te·gra·tion
an·ti-in·tru·sion
an·ti-Irish
an·ti-Ital·ian
an·ti·jam
an·ti·jam·ming
an·ti-Jap·a·nese
an·ti-Jew·ish
an·ti-Ju·da·ism
an·ti·kick·back
an·ti·knock
an·ti·la·bor
an·ti·leak
an·ti·lep·ro·sy
an·ti·lib·er·al
an·ti·lib·er·al·ism
an·ti·lib·er·tar·i·an
an·ti·lit·er·ary
an·ti·lit·er·ate
an·ti·lit·ter
an·ti·lit·ter·ing
an·ti·log·i·cal
an·ti·lynch·ing
an·ti·ma·cho
an·ti·ma·lar·ia
an·ti·male
an·ti·man
an·ti·man·age·ment
an·ti·mar·i·jua·na
an·ti·mar·ket
an·ti·ma·te·ri·al·ism
an·ti·ma·te·ri·al·ist
an·ti·mech·a·nist
an·ti·merg·er
an·ti·met·a·bol·ic
an·ti·meta·phys·i·cal
an·ti·mil·i·ta·rism
an·ti·mil·i·ta·rist
an·ti·mil·i·ta·ris·tic
an·ti·mil·i·tary
an·ti·mine
an·ti·mis·ce·ge·na·tion
an·ti·mis·sile
an·ti·mod·ern
an·ti·mod·ern·ism
an·ti·mod·ern·ist
an·ti·mo·nar·chi·cal
an·ti·mon·ar·chist
an·ti·mo·nop·o·list
an·ti·mo·nop·o·ly
an·ti·mos·qui·to
an·ti·mu·si·cal
an·ti·nar·cot·ics
an·ti·nar·ra·tive
an·ti·na·tion·al
an·ti·na·tion·al·ist
an·ti·nat·u·ral
an·ti·na·ture
an·ti·nau·sea
an·ti-Na·zi
an·ti-Ne·gro
an·ti·nep·o·tism
an·ti·noise
an·ti·obe·si·ty
an·ti·ob·scen·i·ty
an·ti·or·ga·ni·za·tion
an·ti·pa·pal
an·ti·par·a·sit·ic
an·ti·par·ty
an·ti·pes·ti·cide
an·ti·pi·ra·cy
an·ti·plague
an·ti·plaque
an·ti·plate·let
an·ti·plea·sure
an·ti·poach·ing
an·ti·po·lice
an·ti·po·lit·i·cal
an·ti·pol·i·tics
an·ti·pop·u·lar
an·ti·porn
an·ti·por·no·graph·ic

anti- (see more...)

anti
n. anti Asian
anti Arab
anti AIDS
anti American
anti Americanism
anti art
anti British
anti Bolshevik
anti Christianity
anti Christian
anti Catholicism
anti Catholic
anti Darwinism
anti Darwinian
anti English
anti French
anti federalist
anti German
anti HIV
anti Italian
anti Irish
anti intrusion
anti integration
anti institutional
anti inflationary
anti inflation
anti inflammation
anti infective
anti incumbent
anti imperialist
anti imperialism
anti immigration
anti immigrant
anti ideological
anti icing
anti idiotype
anti idiotypic
anti inflammatory
anti intellectual
anti intellectualism
anti Judaism
anti Jewish
anti Japanese
Anti Lebanon
anti Negro
anti Nazi
anti Russian
anti roll bar
anti Semitism
anti Semite
anti Semitic
anti Stalinist
anti Sovietism
anti Soviet
anti utopia
anti utopian
anti Western
anti West
anti Zionist
anti Zionism

anti- (continued)

an·ti·por·nog·ra·phy
an·ti·pot
an·ti·pov·er·ty
an·ti·pred·a·tor
an·ti·press
an·ti·prof·i·teer·ing
an·ti·pro·gres·sive
an·ti·pros·ti·tu·tion
an·ti·pru·rit·ic
an·ti·ra·bies
an·ti·ra·chit·ic
an·ti·rac·ism
an·ti·rac·ist
an·ti·rack·e·teer·ing
an·ti·ra·dar
an·ti·rad·i·cal
an·ti·rad·i·cal·ism
an·ti·rape
an·ti·ra·tio·nal
an·ti·ra·tio·nal·ism
an·ti·ra·tio·nal·ist
an·ti·ra·tio·nal·i·ty
an·ti·re·al·ism
an·ti·re·al·ist
an·ti·re·ces·sion
an·ti·re·ces·sion·ary
an·ti·red
an·ti·re·duc·tion·ism
an·ti·re·duc·tion·ist
an·ti·re·flec·tion
an·ti·re·flec·tive
an·ti·re·form
an·ti·reg·u·la·to·ry
an·ti·re·li·gion
an·ti·re·li·gious
an·ti·re·pub·li·can
an·ti·rev·o·lu·tion·ary
an·ti·ri·ot
an·ti·rit·u·al·ism
an·ti·rock
an·ti·roll
an·ti·ro·man·tic
an·ti·ro·man·ti·cism
an·ti·roy·al·ist
an·ti-Rus·sian
an·ti·rust
an·ti·sat·el·lite
an·ti·schizo·phre·nia
an·ti·schiz·o·phren·ic
an·ti·sci·ence
an·ti·sci·en·tif·ic
an·ti·se·cre·cy
an·ti·seg·re·ga·tion
an·ti·sei·zure
an·ti·sen·ti·men·tal
an·ti·sep·a·rat·ist
an·ti·sex
an·ti·sex·ist
an·ti·sex·u·al
an·ti·sex·u·al·i·ty
an·ti·shark
an·ti·ship
an·ti·shock
an·ti·shop·lift·ing
an·ti·skid
an·ti·slav·ery
an·ti·sleep
an·ti·slip
an·ti·smog
an·ti·smoke
an·ti·smok·er
an·ti·smok·ing
an·ti·smug·gling
an·ti·smut
an·ti·snob
an·ti·so·cial·ist
an·ti·sod·omy
an·ti-So·vi·et
an·ti-So·vi·et·ism
an·ti·spam
an·ti·spec·u·la·tion
an·ti·spec·u·la·tive
an·ti·spend·ing
an·ti-Sta·lin·ist
an·ti·state
an·ti·stat·ist
an·ti·stick
an·ti·stress
an·ti·strike
an·ti·stu·dent
an·ti·sub·ma·rine
an·ti·sub·si·dy
an·ti·sub·ver·sion
an·ti·sub·ver·sive
an·ti·sui·cide
an·ti·syph·i·lit·ic
an·ti·take·over
an·ti·tank
an·ti·tar·nish
an·ti·tax
an·ti·tech·no·log·i·cal
an·ti·tech·nol·o·gy
an·ti·ter·ror·ism
an·ti·ter·ror·ist
an·ti·theft
an·ti·the·o·ret·i·cal
an·ti·to·bac·co
an·ti·to·tal·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·tra·di·tion·al
an·ti·tu·ber·cu·lar
an·ti·tu·ber·cu·lo·sis
an·ti·tu·ber·cu·lous
an·ti·tu·mor
an·ti·tu·mor·al
an·ti·ty·phoid
an·ti·ul·cer
an·ti·un·em·ploy·ment
an·ti·union
an·ti·uni·ver·si·ty
an·ti·ur·ban
an·ti·vi·o·lence
an·ti·vi·ral
an·ti·vi·rus
an·ti·vivi·sec·tion
an·ti·vivi·sec·tion·ist
an·ti·war
an·ti·wear
an·ti·wel·fare
an·ti-West
an·ti-West·ern
an·ti·whal·ing
an·ti·wom·an
an·ti·wrin·kle
an·ti-Zi·on·ism
an·ti-Zi·on·ist

anti-American
: opposed or hostile to the people or the government policies of the U.S.
–an·ti-Amer·i·can·ism \-kə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

anti-art
: art based on premises antithetical to traditional or popular art forms specifically : DADA

anti-federalist
: a member of the group that opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

anti-idiotype
: an antibody that binds to the antigen-combining site of another antibody either suppressing or enhancing the immune response
–an·ti-id·io·typ·ic \-ˌi-dē-ə-'ti-pik\ adjective

anti-inflammatory
: counteracting inflammation
–anti-inflammatory noun

anti-intellectual
: opposing or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach
–anti-intellectual noun
–an·ti-in·tel·lec·tu·al·ism \-'lek-chə(-wə)-ˌli-zəm, -'lek-shwə-\ noun

Anti-Lebanon
mountain range SW Asia E of Bekaa Valley on Syria-Lebanon border ― see HERMON (Mount)

anti-roll bar
: SWAY BAR

anti-Semitism
: hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group
–an·ti-Se·mit·ic \-sə-'mi-tik\ adjective
–an·ti-Sem·ite \-'se-ˌmīt\ noun

anti-utopia
1 : DYSTOPIA 1
2 : a work describing an anti-utopia
–an·ti-uto·pi·an \-pē-ən\ adjective or noun

antiabortion
adj. : opposed to abortion and especially to the legalization of abortion <antiabortion lobbyists>
–an·ti·abor·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

antiair
: ANTIAIRCRAFT

antiaircraft
adj. : designed for or concerned with defense against air attack

antiaircraft
adj. : antiaircraft guns or their fire

antianxiety
adj. : tending to prevent or relieve anxiety <antianxiety drugs>

antiarrhythmic
adj. : tending to prevent or relieve cardiac arrhythmia <an antiarrhythmic agent>

antiballistic missile
: a missile for intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles

Antibes
city & port SE France SW of Nice pop 72,454

Antibes, Cap d'
― see CAP D'ANTIBES

antibiosis
n. : antagonistic association between organisms to the detriment of one of them or between one organism and a metabolic product of another

antibiotic
n. 1 : tending to prevent, inhibit, or destroy life
2 : of or relating to antibiotics or to antibiosis
–an·ti·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antibiotic
n. : a substance produced by or a semisynthetic substance derived from a microorganism and able in dilute solution to inhibit or kill another microorganism

antiblack
: opposed or hostile to black people

antibody
n. : any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains ― called also immunoglobulin

antibonding
: tending to inhibit bonding between atoms <antibonding orbitals> <an antibonding electron>

antibusiness
: antagonistic toward business and especially big business

antibusing
: opposed to the busing of schoolchildren <antibusing parents> <antibusing campaign>

antic
n. 1 : an attention-drawing often wildly playful or funny act or action : CAPER <childish antics>
2 archaic : a performer of a grotesque or ludicrous part : BUFFOON

antic
n. 1 archaic : GROTESQUE, BIZARRE
2 a : characterized by clownish extravagance or absurdity b : whimsically gay : FROLICSOME
–an·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anticancer
adj. : used against or tending to arrest or prevent cancer <anticancer drugs> <anticancer activity> <anticancer effects>

antichoice
: ANTIABORTION
–an·ti·choic·er \-'chȯi-sər\ noun

anticholinergic
n. : opposing or blocking the physiologic action of acetylcholine
–anticholinergic noun

anticholinesterase
n. : a substance (as neostigmine) that inhibits a cholinesterase by combination with it

Antichrist
n. 1 : one who denies or opposes Christ specifically : a great antagonist expected to fill the world with wickedness but to be conquered forever by Christ at his second coming
2 : a false Christ

anticipant
n. : EXPECTANT, ANTICIPATING ― usually used with of
–anticipant noun

anticipate
v. transitive verb
1 : to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
2 : to meet (an obligation) before a due date
3 : to foresee and deal with in advance : FORESTALL
4 : to use or expend in advance of actual possession
5 : to act before (another) often so as to check or counter
6 : to look forward to as certain : EXPECT
intransitive verb : to speak or write in knowledge or expectation of later matter
synonyms see FORESEE, PREVENT
–an·tic·i·pat·able \-ˌpā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–an·tic·i·pa·tor \-ˌpā-tər\ noun

anticipation
n. 1 a : a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action b : the act of looking forward especially : pleasurable expectation
2 : the use of money before it is available
3 a : visualization of a future event or state b : an object or form that anticipates a later type
4 : the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance ― compare SUSPENSION
synonyms see PROSPECT

anticipatory
adj. : characterized by anticipation : ANTICIPATING <took anticipatory measures to prevent floods>

anticlerical
adj. : opposed to clericalism or to the interference or influence of the clergy in secular affairs
–anticlerical noun
–an·ti·cler·i·cal·ism \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

anticlimactic
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by anticlimax
–an·ti·cli·mac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

anticlimax
n. 1 : the usually sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial or ludicrous idea also : an instance of this transition
2 : an event, period, or outcome that is strikingly less important or dramatic than expected

anticlinal
adj. : occurring at right angles to the surface or circumference of a plant organ <an anticlinal pattern of cell walls>

anticline
n. : an arch of stratified rock in which the layers bend downward in opposite directions from the crest ― compare SYNCLINE

anticlockwise
adj. chiefly British : COUNTERCLOCKWISE

anticoagulant
n. : a substance that hinders the clotting of blood : BLOOD THINNER
–anticoagulant adjective

anticodon
n. : a triplet of nucleotide bases in transfer RNA that identifies the amino acid carried and binds to a complementary codon in messenger RNA during protein synthesis at a ribosome

anticompetitive
adj. : tending to reduce or discourage competition

anticonvulsant
n. : used or tending to control or to prevent convulsions (as in epilepsy)
–anticonvulsant also anticonvulsive noun

Anticosti Island
island E Canada in E Que. at mouth of the St. Lawrence area 3043 sq mi (7912 sq km)

anticyclone
n. 1 : a system of winds that rotates about a center of high atmospheric pressure clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern, that usually advances at 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) per hour, and that usually has a diameter of 1500 to 2500 miles (2400 to 4000 kilometers)
2 : HIGH 2
–an·ti·cy·clon·ic \-sī-'klä-nik\ adjective

antidemocratic
adj. : opposed or hostile to the theories or policies of democracy

antidepressant
n. : used or tending to relieve or prevent psychic depression

antidepressant
n. : an antidepressant drug ― compare TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANT

antiderivative
: INDEFINITE INTEGRAL

antidiuretic hormone
: VASOPRESSIN

antidotal
adj. : of, relating to, or acting as an antidote
–an·ti·dot·al·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

antidote
n. 1 : a remedy to counteract the effects of poison
2 : something that relieves, prevents, or counteracts <an antidote to the mechanization of our society>
–antidote transitive verb

antidromic
adj. : proceeding or conducting in a direction opposite to the usual one ― used especially of a nerve impulse or fiber
–an·ti·drom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antidrug
adj. : acting against or opposing illicit drugs or their use <antidrug activists> <an antidrug program>

antidumping
n. : designed to discourage the importation and sale of foreign goods at prices well below domestic prices <antidumping tariffs>

antielectron
n. : POSITRON

Antietam Creek
creek S Pa. & N Md. flowing S into the Potomac N of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

antiferromagnetic
: FERRIMAGNETIC
–an·ti·fer·ro·mag·net \-'mag-nət\ noun
–an·ti·fer·ro·mag·net·i·cal·ly \-mag-'ne-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–an·ti·fer·ro·mag·net·ism \-'mag-nə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

antifertility
n. : capable of or tending to reduce or destroy fertility : CONTRACEPTIVE <antifertility agents>

antifluoridationist
n. : a person opposed to the fluoridation of public water supplies

antifouling
n. : intended to prevent fouling of underwater structures (as the bottoms of ships) <antifouling paint>

antifreeze
n. 1 : a substance added to a liquid (as the water in an automobile engine) to lower its freezing point
2 : any of various substances (as proteins or alcohols) that are found in some living organisms (as certain fish and insects) and serve to lower the freezing point of body fluids especially by limiting ice crystal growth

antifungal
adj. : destroying fungi or inhibiting their growth : FUNGICIDAL, FUNGISTATIC
–antifungal noun

antigen
n. : any substance (as an immunogen or a hapten) foreign to the body that evokes an immune response either alone or after forming a complex with a larger molecule (as a protein) and that is capable of binding with a product (as an antibody or T cell) of the immune response specifically : IMMUNOGEN
–an·ti·gen·ic \ˌan-ti-'je-nik\ adjective
–an·ti·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–an·ti·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

antigen
n. antigen presenting cell
carcinoembryonic antigen
human leukocyte antigen
prostate specific antigen
antigenic determinant

antigen-presenting cell
: any of various cells (as a macrophage or a B cell) that take up an antigen and process it into a form recognized by and serving to activate a specific helper T cell

antigenic determinant
: EPITOPE

antiglobulin
n. : an antibody that combines with and precipitates globulin

Antigone
n. : a daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta who buries her brother Polynices' body against the order of her uncle Creon

Antigonus
382-301 B.C. Antigonus Cyclops gen. of Alexander the Great & king of Macedonia (306-301)

antigravity
n. : reducing, canceling, or protecting against the effect of gravity

antigravity
n. : a hypothetical effect resulting from cancellation or reduction of a gravitational field

Antigua
n. 1 island Brit. West Indies in the Leewards area 108 sq mi (281 sq km); with Barbuda an independent nation (Antigua and Barbuda) since 1981 (pop 83,000) ― see WEST INDIES ASSOCIATED STATES
2 or Antigua Guatemala city S cen Guatemala; former capital of Guatemala pop 20,715
–An·ti·guan \-gən, -gwən\ adjective or noun

antihemophilic factor
: FACTOR VIII

antihero
n. : a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities
–an·ti·he·ro·ic \ˌan-tē-hi-'rō-ik, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adjective

antiheroine
: a female antihero

antihistamine
n. : any of various compounds that counteract histamine in the body and that are used for treating allergic reactions (as hay fever) and cold symptoms
–antihistamine adjective
–an·ti·his·ta·min·ic \-ˌhis-tə-'mi-nik\ adjective or noun

antihormone
n. : a substance (as tamoxifen) that blocks the action or inhibits the production of a hormone

antihuman
adj. 1 : acting or being against humanity
2 : reacting strongly with human antigens <antihuman antibodies>

antihypertensive
n. : a substance that is effective against high blood pressure
–antihypertensive adjective

antileukemic
adj. : counteracting the effects of leukemia

antilife
: antagonistic or antithetical to life or to normal human values

Antilles
n. the W. Indies excluding the Bahamas ― see GREATER ANTILLES, LESSER ANTILLES
–An·til·le·an \-lē-ən\ adjective

Antilles
n. Greater Antilles
Lesser Antilles
Netherlands Antilles

antilock
: being a braking system for a motor vehicle designed to keep the wheels from locking by electronically controlled pulsed application of the brake for each wheel

antilog
n. : ANTILOGARITHM

antilogarithm
n. : the number corresponding to a given logarithm

antimacassar
n. : a cover to protect the back or arms of furniture

antimagnetic
adj. of a watch : having a balance unit composed of alloys that will not remain magnetized

antimalarial
adj. : serving to prevent, control, or cure malaria
–antimalarial noun

antimatter
n. : matter composed of antiparticles

antimetabolite
n. : a substance that replaces or inhibits an organism's utilization of a metabolite

antimicrobial
adj. : destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
–antimicrobial noun

antimitotic
adj. : inhibiting or disrupting mitosis <antimitotic agents> <antimitotic activity>
–antimitotic noun

antimonial
n. : of, relating to, or containing antimony
–antimonial noun

antimonide
n. : a binary compound of antimony with a more electropositive element

antimony
n. 1 : STIBNITE
2 : a trivalent and pentavalent metalloid element that is commonly metallic silvery white, crystalline, and brittle and that is used especially in alloys, semiconductors, and flame-retardant substances ― see ELEMENT table

antimycin A
: a crystalline antibiotic C_28H_40N_2O_9 used especially as a fungicide, insecticide, and miticide ― called also antimycin

antineoplastic
adj. : inhibiting or preventing the growth and spread of neoplasms or malignant cells

antineutrino
n. : the antiparticle of the neutrino

antineutron
n. : the antiparticle of the neutron

anting
v. : bird behavior in which ants are rubbed on the feathers to obtain chemicals (as formic acid) from the ants

antinode
n. : a region of maximum amplitude situated between adjacent nodes in a vibrating body
–an·ti·nod·al \ˌan-tē-'nō-dəl, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adjective

antinomian
n. 1 : one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation
2 : one who rejects a socially established morality
–antinomian adjective
–an·ti·no·mi·an·ism \-mē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

antinomy
n. 1 : a contradiction between two apparently equally valid principles or between inferences correctly drawn from such principles
2 : a fundamental and apparently unresolvable conflict or contradiction <antinomies of beauty and evil, freedom and slavery ― Stephen Holden>
–an·ti·nom·ic \ˌan-ti-'nä-mik\ adjective

antinovel
n. : a work of fiction that lacks most or all of the traditional features of the novel
–an·ti·nov·el·ist \-ˌnäv-list, -ˌnä-və-\ noun

antinuclear
adj. 1 : tending to react with cell nuclei or their components (as DNA) <antinuclear antibodies>
2 : opposing the use or production of nuclear power

antinucleon
n. : the antiparticle of a nucleon

antinuke
: ANTINUCLEAR 2

Antioch
1 city W Calif. NE of Oakland pop 90,532
2 ― see ANTAKYA
3 ancient city Asia Minor in Pisidia, at certain periods within boundaries of Phrygia; ruins in W cen Turkey
–An·ti·o·chene \an-'tī-ə-ˌkēn, ˌan-tē-(ˌ)ä-'kēn\ adjective or noun
–An·ti·och·i·an \ˌan-tē-'ō-kē-ən, -'ä-\ adjective or noun

Antiochus
n. name of 13 Seleucid kings of Syria: especially III the Great 242-187 B.C. (reigned 223-187), IV Epiph·a·nes \i-'pi-fə-ˌnēz\ ca 215-164 B.C. (reigned 175-164)

antioxidant
n. : a substance (as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals
–antioxidant adjective

antiozonant
: a substance that opposes ozonization or protects against it

antiparallel
: parallel but oppositely directed or oriented <antiparallel electron spins> <two antiparallel chains of nucleotides comprise DNA>

antiparticle
n. : a subatomic particle identical to another subatomic particle in mass but opposite to it in electric and magnetic properties (as sign of charge) that when brought together with its counterpart produces mutual annihilation especially : a subatomic particle not found in ordinary matter

antipasto
n. : any of various typically Italian hors d'oeuvres also : a plate of these served especially as the first course of a meal

Antipater
ca 397-ca 319 B.C. Macedonian gen.

antipathetic
adj. 1 : having a natural aversion also : not sympathetic : HOSTILE <a government antipathetic to democracy>
2 : arousing antipathy <an antipathetic experience with an insurance company ― G. F. McCann>
–an·ti·pa·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antipathy
n. 1 obsolete : opposition in feeling
2 : settled aversion or dislike : DISTASTE <his well-known antipathy to taxes>
3 : an object of aversion
synonyms see ENMITY

antipersonnel
adj. : designed for use against military personnel <an antipersonnel mine>

antiperspirant
n. : a preparation used to reduce perspiration

antiphlogistic
adj. : ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

antiphon
n. 1 : a psalm, anthem, or verse sung responsively
2 : a verse usually from Scripture said or sung before and after a canticle, psalm, or psalm verse as part of the liturgy

antiphonal
adj. : ANTIPHONARY

antiphonal
adj. : of, relating to, or suggesting an antiphon or antiphony
–an·tiph·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

antiphonary
n. 1 : a book containing a collection of antiphons
2 : a book containing the choral parts of the Divine Office

antiphony
n. : responsive alternation between two groups especially of singers

antiphrasis
n. : the usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings (as in “this giant of 3 feet 4 inches”)

antipodal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the antipodes specifically : situated at the opposite side of the earth or moon <an antipodal meridian> <an antipodal continent>
2 : diametrically opposite <an antipodal point on a sphere>
3 : entirely opposed <a system antipodal to democracy>

antipodal
adj. : any of three haploid cells in most angiosperms that are grouped at the end of the embryo sac farthest from the micropyle ― called also antipodal cell

antipode
n. 1 : the parts of the earth diametrically opposite ― usually used in plural ― often used of Australia and New Zealand as contrasted to the western hemisphere
2 : the exact opposite or contrary
–an·tip·o·de·an \(ˌ)an-ˌti-pə-'dē-ən\ adjective or noun

antipoetic
: of, relating to, or characterized by opposition to traditional poetic technique or style

antipolice
1 a : of the same kind but situated opposite, exerting energy in the opposite direction, or pursuing an opposite policy <anticlinal> b : one that is opposite in kind to <anticlimax>
2 a : opposing or hostile to in opinion, sympathy, or practice <anti-Semite> b : opposing in effect or activity <antacid>
3 : serving to prevent, cure, or alleviate <antianxiety>
4 : combating or defending against <antiaircraft> <antimissile>
an·ti·ac·a·dem·ic
an·ti·ac·ne
an·ti·ad·min·is·tra·tion
an·ti·ag·gres·sion
an·ti·ag·ing
an·ti-AIDS
an·ti·al·co·hol
an·ti·al·co·hol·ism
an·ti·alien
an·ti·al·ler·gen·ic
an·ti·al·ler·gy
an·ti·ane·mia
an·ti·apart·heid
an·ti·aph·ro·di·si·ac
an·ti-Ar·ab
an·ti·aris·to·crat·ic
an·ti·ar·mor
an·ti·ar·thrit·ic
an·ti·ar·thri·tis
an·ti-Asian
an·ti·as·sim·i·la·tion
an·ti·asth·ma
an·ti·au·thor·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·au·thor·i·tar·i·an·ism
an·ti·au·thor·i·ty
an·ti·aux·in
an·ti·back·lash
an·ti·bac·te·ri·al
an·ti·bi·as
an·ti·bill·board
an·ti-Bol·she·vik
an·ti·boss
an·ti·bour·geois
an·ti·boy·cott
an·ti-Brit·ish
an·ti·bug
an·ti·bu·reau·crat·ic
an·ti·bur·glar
an·ti·bur·glary
an·ti·cak·ing
an·ti·cap·i·tal·ism
an·ti·cap·i·tal·ist
an·ti·car·cin·o·gen
an·ti·car·ci·no·gen·ic
an·ti·car·ies
an·ti-Cath·o·lic
an·ti-Ca·thol·i·cism
an·ti·cel·lu·lite
an·ti·cen·sor·ship
an·ti·cho·les·ter·ol
an·ti-Chris·tian
an·ti-Chris·tian·i·ty
an·ti·church
an·ti·cig·a·rette
an·ti·city
an·ti·clas·si·cal
an·ti·cling
an·ti·clot·ting
an·ti·cold
an·ti·col·li·sion
an·ti·co·lo·nial
an·ti·co·lo·nial·ism
an·ti·co·lo·nial·ist
an·ti·com·mer·cial
an·ti·com·mer·cial·ism
an·ti·com·mu·nism
an·ti·com·mu·nist
an·ti·con·glom·er·ate
an·ti·con·ser·va·tion
an·ti·con·ser·va·tion·ist
an·ti·con·sum·er
an·ti·con·ven·tion·al
an·ti·cor·po·rate
an·ti·cor·ro·sion
an·ti·cor·ro·sive
an·ti·cor·rup·tion
an·ti·coun·ter·feit·ing
an·ti·crack
an·ti·cre·ative
an·ti·crime
an·ti·cru·el·ty
an·ti·cult
an·ti·cul·tur·al
an·ti·dan·druff
an·ti-Dar·win·i·an
an·ti-Dar·win·ism
an·ti·def·a·ma·tion
an·ti·de·pres·sion
an·ti·de·seg·re·ga·tion
an·ti·de·sert·i·fi·ca·tion
an·ti·des·ic·cant
an·ti·de·vel·op·ment
an·ti·di·a·bet·ic
an·ti·di·ar·rhe·al
an·ti·di·lu·tion
an·ti·dis·crim·i·na·tion
an·ti·dog·mat·ic
an·ti·draft
an·ti·eco·nom·ic
an·ti·ed·u·ca·tion·al
an·ti·egal·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·elite
an·ti·elit·ism
an·ti·elit·ist
an·ti·emet·ic
an·ti-En·glish
an·ti·en·tro·pic
an·ti·en·vi·ron·men·tal
an·ti·ep·i·lep·sy
an·ti·ep·i·lep·tic
an·ti·erot·ic
an·ti·es·sen·tial·ist
an·ti·es·tab·lish·ment
an·ti·es·tro·gen
an·ti·evo·lu·tion
an·ti·evo·lu·tion·ary
an·ti·evo·lu·tion·ism
an·ti·evo·lu·tion·ist
an·ti·fam·i·ly
an·ti·fas·cism
an·ti·fas·cist
an·ti·fash·ion
an·ti·fash·ion·able
an·ti·fa·tigue
an·ti·fe·male
an·ti·fem·i·nine
an·ti·fem·i·nism
an·ti·fem·i·nist
an·ti·fil·i·bus·ter
an·ti·flu
an·ti·foam
an·ti·foam·ing
an·ti·fog·ging
an·ti·for·eign
an·ti·for·eign·er
an·ti·for·mal·ist
an·ti·fraud
an·ti-French
an·ti·fric·tion
an·ti·fur
an·ti·gam·bling
an·ti·gang
an·ti·gay
an·ti-Ger·man
an·ti·glare
an·ti·glob·al·iza·tion
an·ti·gov·ern·ment
an·ti·growth
an·ti·guer·ril·la
an·ti·gun
an·ti·ha·rass·ment
an·ti·her·pes
an·ti·hi·er·ar·chi·cal
an·ti·hi·jack·ing
an·ti·his·tor·i·cal
an·ti-HIV
an·ti·ho·mo·sex·u·al
an·ti·hu·man·ism
an·ti·hu·man·ist
an·ti·hu·man·is·tic
an·ti·hu·man·i·tar·i·an
an·ti·hun·ger
an·ti·hunt·er
an·ti·hunt·ing
an·ti·hys·ter·ic
an·ti-ic·ing
an·ti-ideo·log·i·cal
an·ti-im·mi·grant
an·ti-im·mi·gra·tion
an·ti-im·pe·ri·al·ism
an·ti-im·pe·ri·al·ist
an·ti-in·cum·bent
an·ti-in·fec·tive
an·ti-in·flam·ma·tion
an·ti-in·fla·tion
an·ti-in·fla·tion·ary
an·ti-in·sti·tu·tion·al
an·ti-in·te·gra·tion
an·ti-in·tru·sion
an·ti-Irish
an·ti-Ital·ian
an·ti·jam
an·ti·jam·ming
an·ti-Jap·a·nese
an·ti-Jew·ish
an·ti-Ju·da·ism
an·ti·kick·back
an·ti·knock
an·ti·la·bor
an·ti·leak
an·ti·lep·ro·sy
an·ti·lib·er·al
an·ti·lib·er·al·ism
an·ti·lib·er·tar·i·an
an·ti·lit·er·ary
an·ti·lit·er·ate
an·ti·lit·ter
an·ti·lit·ter·ing
an·ti·log·i·cal
an·ti·lynch·ing
an·ti·ma·cho
an·ti·ma·lar·ia
an·ti·male
an·ti·man
an·ti·man·age·ment
an·ti·mar·i·jua·na
an·ti·mar·ket
an·ti·ma·te·ri·al·ism
an·ti·ma·te·ri·al·ist
an·ti·mech·a·nist
an·ti·merg·er
an·ti·met·a·bol·ic
an·ti·meta·phys·i·cal
an·ti·mil·i·ta·rism
an·ti·mil·i·ta·rist
an·ti·mil·i·ta·ris·tic
an·ti·mil·i·tary
an·ti·mine
an·ti·mis·ce·ge·na·tion
an·ti·mis·sile
an·ti·mod·ern
an·ti·mod·ern·ism
an·ti·mod·ern·ist
an·ti·mo·nar·chi·cal
an·ti·mon·ar·chist
an·ti·mo·nop·o·list
an·ti·mo·nop·o·ly
an·ti·mos·qui·to
an·ti·mu·si·cal
an·ti·nar·cot·ics
an·ti·nar·ra·tive
an·ti·na·tion·al
an·ti·na·tion·al·ist
an·ti·nat·u·ral
an·ti·na·ture
an·ti·nau·sea
an·ti-Na·zi
an·ti-Ne·gro
an·ti·nep·o·tism
an·ti·noise
an·ti·obe·si·ty
an·ti·ob·scen·i·ty
an·ti·or·ga·ni·za·tion
an·ti·pa·pal
an·ti·par·a·sit·ic
an·ti·par·ty
an·ti·pes·ti·cide
an·ti·pi·ra·cy
an·ti·plague
an·ti·plaque
an·ti·plate·let
an·ti·plea·sure
an·ti·poach·ing
an·ti·po·lice
an·ti·po·lit·i·cal
an·ti·pol·i·tics
an·ti·pop·u·lar
an·ti·porn
an·ti·por·no·graph·ic

anti- (see more...)

antipollution
adj. : designed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate pollution <antipollution laws>
–antipollution noun

antipope
n. : one elected or claiming to be pope in opposition to the pope canonically chosen

antiproton
n. : the antiparticle of the proton

antipsychotic
adj. : any of the powerful tranquilizers (as the phenothiazines and butyrophenones) used especially to treat psychosis and believed to act by blocking dopamine nervous receptors ― called also neuroleptic
–antipsychotic adjective

antipyretic
n. : an agent that reduces fever
–antipyretic adjective

antipyrine
n. : an analgesic and antipyretic C_11H_12N_2O formerly widely used but now largely replaced in oral use by less toxic substances (as aspirin)

antiq
antiquarian; antiquary

antiquarian
n. : one who collects or studies antiquities

antiquarian
n. 1 : of or relating to antiquarians or antiquities
2 : dealing in old or rare books
–an·ti·quar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

antiquark
n. : the antiparticle of the quark

antiquary
n. : ANTIQUARIAN

antiquate
v. : to make old or obsolete
–an·ti·qua·tion \ˌan-tə-'kwā-shən\ noun

antiquated
adj. 1 : OBSOLETE <an antiquated calendar>
2 : outmoded or discredited by reason of age : being out of style or fashion <antiquated methods of farming>
3 : advanced in age
synonyms see OLD

antique
n. 1 : a relic or object of ancient times
2 a : a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago b : a manufactured product (as an automobile) from an earlier period

antique
n. 1 : existing since or belonging to earlier times : ANCIENT <antique trade routes to the Orient>
2 a : being in the style or fashion of former times <antique manners and graces> b : made in or representative of the work of an earlier period <antique mirrors> also : being an antique
3 : selling or exhibiting antiques <an antique show>
synonyms see OLD

antique
n. transitive verb : to finish or refinish in antique style : give an appearance of age to <antique a table>
intransitive verb : to shop around for antiques
–an·tiqu·er \an-'tē-kər\ noun

antique
n. semi antique
verd antique
verde antique

antiquity
n. 1 : ancient times especially : those before the Middle Ages
2 : the quality of being ancient
3 plural a : relics or monuments (as coins, statues, or buildings) of ancient times b : matters relating to the life or culture of ancient times
4 : the people of ancient times

antirejection
: used or tending to prevent organ or tissue transplant rejection <antirejection drugs> <antirejection treatment>

antiretroviral
n. : acting, used, or effective against retroviruses <antiretroviral drugs> <antiretroviral therapy>
–antiretroviral noun

antirheumatic
adj. : alleviating or preventing rheumatism <antirheumatic therapy> <antirheumatic drugs>
–antirheumatic noun

antirrhinum
n. : SNAPDRAGON

antis
n. plural of anti

Antisana
volcano 18,714 ft (5704 m) N cen Ecuador

antiscorbutic
adj. : counteracting scurvy <the antiscorbutic vitamin is vitamin C>
–antiscorbutic noun

antisense
n. : having a sequence complementary to a segment of genetic material specifically : of, being, relating to, or possessing a sequence of DNA or RNA that is complementary to and pairs with a specific messenger RNA blocking it from being translated into protein and serving to inhibit gene function <antisense drug therapy> <antisense RNA> ― compare MISSENSE, NONSENSE

antisepsis
n. : the inhibiting of the growth and multiplication of microorganisms by antiseptic means

antiseptic
n. 1 a : opposing sepsis, putrefaction, or decay especially : preventing or arresting the growth of microorganisms (as on living tissue) b : acting or protecting like an antiseptic
2 : relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptics
3 a : scrupulously clean : ASEPTIC b : extremely neat or orderly especially : neat to the point of being bare or uninteresting c : free from what is held to be contaminating
4 a : coldly impersonal <an antiseptic greeting> b : of, relating to, or being warfare conducted with cold precision from a safe distance with few or no casualties on one's side <antiseptic bombings>
–an·ti·sep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antiseptic
n. : a substance that inhibits the growth or action of microorganisms especially in or on living tissue also : GERMICIDE

antiserum
n. : a serum containing antibodies

antisocial
adj. 1 : averse to the society of others : UNSOCIABLE
2 : hostile or harmful to organized society especially : being or marked by behavior deviating sharply from the social norm
–an·ti·so·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

antisocial personality disorder
: a personality disorder that is characterized by antisocial behavior exhibiting pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights, feelings, and safety of others starting in childhood or the early teenage years and continuing into adulthood ― called also psychopathic personality disorder

antisolar
: being or having a direction away from the sun <the antisolar point>

antispasmodic
n. : capable of preventing or relieving spasms or convulsions
–antispasmodic noun

antistatic
adj. : reducing, removing, or preventing the buildup of static electricity

Antisthenes
ca 445-ca 365 B.C. Athenian philos.

antistrophe
n. 1 a : the repetition of words in reversed order b : the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses
2 a : a returning movement in Greek choral dance exactly answering to a previous strophe b : the part of a choral song delivered during the antistrophe
–an·ti·stroph·ic \ˌan-tə-'strä-fik\ adjective
–an·ti·stroph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antistyle
: a style (as of dress) based on the rejection of current or established styles

antisymmetric
adj. : relating to or being a relation (as “is a subset of”) that implies equality of any two quantities for which it holds in both directions <the relation R is antisymmetric if aRb and bRa implies a = b>

antithesis
n. 1 a (1) : the rhetorical contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangements of words, clauses, or sentences (as in “action, not words” or “they promised freedom and provided slavery”) (2) : OPPOSITION, CONTRAST <the antithesis of prose and verse> b (1) : the second of two opposing constituents of an antithesis (2) : the direct opposite <her temperament is the very antithesis of mine>
2 : the second stage of a dialectic process

antithetical
adj. 1 : constituting or marked by antithesis
2 : being in direct and unequivocal opposition
synonyms see OPPOSITE
–an·ti·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

antithrombin
adj. : any of a group of substances that inhibit blood clotting by inactivating thrombin

antithyroid
: able to counteract excessive thyroid activity <antithyroid drugs>

antitoxic
adj. 1 : counteracting toxins
2 : being or containing antitoxins <antitoxic serum>

antitoxin
n. : an antibody that is capable of neutralizing the specific toxin (as a specific causative agent of disease) that stimulated its production in the body and is produced in animals for medical purposes by injection of a toxin or toxoid with the resulting serum being used to counteract the toxin in other individuals also : an antiserum containing antitoxins

antitrust
adj. : of, relating to, or being legislation against or opposition to trusts or combinations specifically : consisting of laws to protect trade and commerce from unlawful restraints and monopolies or unfair business practices

antitruster
: one who advocates or enforces antitrust provisions of the law

antitussive
adj. : a cough suppressant
–antitussive adjective

antivenin
n. : an antitoxin to a venom also : an antiserum containing such antitoxin

antivenom
n. : ANTIVENIN

antivitamin
n. : a substance that makes a vitamin metabolically ineffective

antiwhite
: opposed or hostile to white people

antler
n. : one of the paired deciduous solid bony processes that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family also : a branch of an antler
–ant·lered \-lərd\ adjective
–ant·ler·less \-ləs\ adjective

Antofagasta
city & port N Chile pop 296,905

Antonescu
Ion \'yȯn\ 1882-1946 Romanian gen.; dictator (1940-44)

Antonian
: a member of one of several monastic communities (as the Armenian Antonians) that follow a rule devised by St. Anthony

Antoninus
Marcus Au·re·lius \ȯ-'rēl-yəs, -'rē-lē-əs\ A.D. 121-180 nephew, son-in-law, and adopted son of Antoninus Pius Rom. emp. (161-180) & Stoic philos.

Antoninus Pius
A.D. 86-161 Rom. emp. (138-161)

Antonius
n. Marcus E Mark or Marc An·to·ny \'an-tə-nē\ or An·tho·ny \'an(t)-thə-nē, chiefly Brit 'an-tə-\ ca 82-30 B.C. Rom. orator, triumvir, & gen.

antonomasia
n. : the use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (as a Solomon for a wise ruler) also : the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (as the Bard for Shakespeare)

antonym
n. : a word of opposite meaning <the usual antonym of good is bad>
–an·to·nym·ic \ˌan-tə-'ni-mik\ adjective
–an·ton·y·mous \an-'tä-nə-məs\ adjective
–an·ton·y·my \-mē\ noun

antre
: CAVE 1

Antrim
1 traditional county NE Northern Ireland
2 district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 217 sq mi (564 sq km), pop 44,322

antrum
n. : an anatomical cavity within a bone (as the maxilla) or hollow organ (as the stomach)
–an·tral \-trəl\ adjective

ants in one's pants
impatience for action or activity : RESTLESSNESS

Antsiranana
city & port Madagascar near N tip of island pop 77,688

antsy
adj. 1 : RESTLESS, FIDGETY <antsy children> also : IMPATIENT, EAGER <antsy for a new challenge>
2 : NERVOUS, APPREHENSIVE <antsy investors>

Antung
― see DANDONG

Antwerp
n. 1 province N Belgium area 1104 sq mi (2870 sq km), pop 1,652,450
2 city & port, its capital, on the Schelde pop 448,709

Anubis
: a jackal-headed god in Egyptian mythology who leads the dead to judgment

Anuradhapura
town N cen Sri Lanka; an ancient capital of Ceylon pop 37,000

anuran
n. : any of an order (Anura) of amphibians comprising the frogs, toads, and tree frogs all of which lack a tail in the adult stage and have long hind limbs often suited to leaping and swimming
–anuran adjective

anuria
n. : absence or defective excretion of urine
–an·uric \-'nyu̇r-ik, -'nu̇r-\ adjective

anus
n. : the posterior opening of the alimentary canal

anvil
n. 1 : a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped (as by hand hammering)
2 : INCUS
3 : the anvil-shaped top of a cumulonimbus

anxiety
n. 1 a : painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill b : fearful concern or interest c : a cause of anxiety
2 : an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it
synonyms see CARE

anxiolytic
adj. : a drug that relieves anxiety
–anxiolytic adjective

anxious
adj. 1 : characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency : WORRIED <anxious parents>
2 : characterized by, resulting from, or causing anxiety : WORRYING <an anxious night>
3 : ardently or earnestly wishing <anxious to learn more>
synonyms see EAGER
–anx·ious·ly adverb
–anx·ious·ness noun

any
adj. 1 : one or some indiscriminately of whatever kind: a : one or another taken at random <ask any man you meet> b : EVERY ― used to indicate one selected without restriction <any child would know that>
2 : one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity: a : one or more ― used to indicate an undetermined number or amount <have you any money> b : ALL ― used to indicate a maximum or whole <needs any help he can get> c : a or some without reference to quantity or extent <grateful for any favor at all>
3 a : unmeasured or unlimited in amount, number, or extent <any quantity you desire> b : appreciably large or extended <could not endure it any length of time>

any
adj. 1 : any person or persons : ANYONE
2 a : any thing or things b : any part, quantity, or number

any
adj. : to any extent or degree : AT ALL <was never any good> <no, it doesn't help me any>

any
adj. in any case
in any event
at any rate

Anyang
1 city E China in N Henan pop 480,668
2 city NW S. Korea pop 361,577

anybody
n. : any person : ANYONE

anyhow
adv. 1 a : in any manner whatever b : in a haphazard manner
2 a : at any rate b : in any event

anymore
adv. 1 : any longer <I was not moving anymore with my feet ― Anaïs Nin>
2 : at the present time : NOW <hardly a day passes without rain anymore>
usage Although both anymore and any more are found in written use, in the 20th century anymore is the more common styling. Anymore is regularly used in negative <no one can be natural anymore ― May Sarton>, interrogative <do you read much anymore?>, and conditional <if you do that anymore, I'll leave> contexts and in certain positive constructions <the Washingtonian is too sophisticated to believe anymore in solutions ― Russell Baker>. In many regions of the U.S. the use of anymore in sense 2 is quite common in positive constructions, especially in speech <everybody's cool anymore ― Bill White> <every time we leave the house anymore, I play a game called “Stump the Housebreaker” ― Erma Bombeck>. The positive use appears to have been of Midland origin, but it is now reported to be widespread in all speech areas of the U.S. except New England.

anyone
pron. : any person at all

anyplace
adv. : in any place : ANYWHERE

anything
n. : any thing whatever : any such thing

anything
n. : AT ALL
–anything like : in any way : AT ALL <it's not anything like as good as it used to be>

anything
n. start anything
anything like
if anything

anything like
in any way : AT ALL <it's not anything like as good as it used to be>

anytime
adv. : at any time whatever

anyway
adv. 1 : ANYWISE
2 : in any case : ANYHOW

anyways
adv. 1 a archaic : ANYWISE b dialect : to any degree at all
2 chiefly dialect : ANYHOW, ANYWAY

anywhere
adv. 1 : at, in, or to any place or point
2 : to any extent : AT ALL <we're not anywhere near to being finished>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate limits of variation <anywhere from 40 to 60 students>

anywhere
adv. : any place

anywheres
adv. chiefly dialect : ANYWHERE

anywise
adv. : in any way whatever : AT ALL

Anzac
: a soldier from Australia or New Zealand

Anzio
city & port Italy SSE of Rome pop 33,523

AO
1 account of
2 and others

Aomen
― see MACAO

Aomori
n. city & port N Japan in NE Honshu on Mutsu Bay pop 297,859

aor
aorist

Aorangi
― see COOK (Mount)

aorist
n. : an inflectional form of a verb typically denoting simple occurrence of an action without reference to its completeness, duration, or repetition
–aorist or ao·ris·tic \ˌā-ə-'ris-tik\ adjective
–ao·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aorta
n. : the great arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body ― see HEART illustration
–aor·tic \-'ȯr-tik\ adjective

aortic arch
: one of the arterial branches in vertebrate embryos that exist in a series of pairs with one on each side of the embryo, connect the ventral arterial system lying anterior to the heart to the dorsal arterial system above the alimentary tract, and persist in adult fishes but are reduced or much modified in the adult of higher forms

aortography
n. : arteriography of the aorta
–aor·to·graph·ic \(ˌ)ā-ˌȯr-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

Aosta
n. 1 commune NW Italy in Piedmont at junction of Great & Little Saint Bernard passes capital of Valle d'Aosta pop 34,644
2 ― see VALLE D'AOSTA

aoudad
: a wild bovine (Ammotragus lervia) of No. Africa that is closely related to goats and sheep and has been introduced into the southwestern U.S. ― called also aoudad sheep, Barbary sheep

AP
pref. 1 additional premium
2 adjective phrase
3 airplane
4 American plan
5 antipersonnel
6 arithmetic progression
7 armor-piercing
8 Associated Press
9 author's proof

ap
pref. 1 apostle
2 apothecaries'

ap
pref. ― see AD-

ap
pref. ― see APO-

apace
adv. 1 : at a quick pace : SWIFTLY <growing apace>
2 : ABREAST ― used with of or with <trying to keep apace with changes in technology>

Apache
n. 1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of the southwestern U.S.
2 : any of the Athabascan languages of the Apache people
3 not capitalized [French, from Apache Apache Indian] a : a member of a gang of criminals especially in Paris b : RUFFIAN
–Apach·e·an \ə-'pa-chē-ən\ adjective or noun

Apache Junction
city S cen Ariz. SE of Phoenix pop 31,814

Apalachicola
n. river 90 mi (145 km) NW Fla. flowing from Lake Seminole S into Apalachicola Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico)

apanage
n. variant of appanage

Apaporis
river ab 550 mi (885 km) S Colombia flowing SE into the Japurá on Colombia-Brazil boundary

aparejo
: a packsaddle of stuffed leather or canvas

apart
adv. 1 a : at a little distance <tried to keep apart from the family squabbles> b : away from one another in space or time <towns 20 miles apart>
2 a : as a separate unit : INDEPENDENTLY <viewed apart, his arguments were unsound> b : so as to separate one from another <found it hard to tell the twins apart>
3 : excluded from consideration : ASIDE <a few blemishes apart, the novel is excellent>
4 : in or into two or more parts : to pieces <coming apart at the seams>

apart
adv. 1 : SEPARATE, ISOLATED <those athletes are a breed apart>
2 : holding different opinions : DIVIDED
–apart·ness noun

apart
adv. apart from
fall apart
poles apart
set apart
take apart

apart from
: other than : BESIDES, EXCEPT FOR

apartheid
n. 1 : racial segregation specifically : a former policy of segregation and political and economic discrimination against non-European groups in the Republic of So. Africa
2 : SEPARATION, SEGREGATION <cultural apartheid> <gender apartheid>

apartment
n. 1 : a room or set of rooms fitted especially with housekeeping facilities and usually leased as a dwelling
2 : a building containing several individual apartments
–apart·men·tal \ə-ˌpärt-'men-təl\ adjective

apartment
n. apartment building
apartment house
apartment hotel
duplex apartment
efficiency apartment
garden apartment
studio apartment

apartment building
: a building containing separate residential apartments ― called also apartment house

apartment hotel
: a hotel containing apartments as well as accommodations for transients

apathetic
adj. 1 : having or showing little or no feeling or emotion : SPIRITLESS
2 : having little or no interest or concern : INDIFFERENT
synonyms see IMPASSIVE
–ap·a·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apathy
n. 1 : lack of feeling or emotion : IMPASSIVENESS
2 : lack of interest or concern : INDIFFERENCE

apatite
n. : any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring in various colors as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of phosphate rock and of bones and teeth especially : calcium phosphate fluoride

apatosaurus
n. : BRONTOSAURUS

APB
all points bulletin

APC
: an armored vehicle used to transport military personnel

ape
n. 1 a : MONKEY especially : one of the larger tailless or short-tailed Old World forms b : any of two families (Pongidae and Hylobatidae) of large tailless semierect primates (as the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon) ― called also anthropoid anthropoid ape
2 a : MIMIC b : a large uncouth person
–ape·like \'āp-ˌlīk\ adjective

ape
n. : to copy closely but often clumsily and ineptly
synonyms see COPY
–ap·er noun

ape
n. : CRAZY, WILD ― usually used in the phrase go ape

ape
n. anthropoid ape
ape man
Barbary ape
great ape
man ape

ape-man
: a primate (as an australopithecine) intermediate in character between Homo sapiens and the higher apes

apeak
adj. : being in a vertical position <with oars apeak>

Apeldoorn
commune E cen Netherlands N of Arnhem pop 154,859

Apelles
4th cent. B.C. Greek painter

Apennines
n. mountain chain Italy extending the length of the peninsula ― see CORNO (Monte)
–Ap·en·nine \-ˌnīn\ adjective

apercu
n. 1 : a brief survey or sketch : OUTLINE
2 : an immediate impression especially : INSIGHT 2

aperient
adj. : gently moving the bowels : LAXATIVE
–aperient noun

aperiodic
adj. 1 : of irregular occurrence : not periodic <aperiodic floods>
2 : not having periodic vibrations : not oscillatory
–ape·ri·od·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ape·ri·o·dic·i·ty \-ē-ə-'di-sə-tē\ noun

aperitif
n. : an alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer

aperture
n. 1 : an opening or open space : HOLE
2 a : the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light b : the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument c : the diameter of the objective lens or mirror of a telescope

apetalous
adj. : having no petals

apex
n. 1 a : the uppermost point : VERTEX <the apex of a mountain> b : the narrowed or pointed end : TIP <the apex of the tongue>
2 : the highest or culminating point <the apex of his career>
synonyms see SUMMIT

Apgar score
: an index used to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of 0, 1, or 2 for each of the five characteristics of color, heart rate, response to stimulation of the sole of the foot, muscle tone, and respiration with 10 being a perfect score

aphaeresis
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters at the beginning of a word (as in round for around and coon for raccoon)
–aph·ae·ret·ic \ˌa-fə-'re-tik\ adjective

aphasia
n. : loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage
–apha·sic \-zik\ noun or adjective

aphelion
n. : the point in the path of a celestial body (as a planet) that is farthest from the sun ― compare PERIHELION

apheresis
n. : withdrawal of blood from a donor's body, removal of one or more blood components (as plasma, platelets, or white blood cells), and transfusion of the remaining blood back into the donor ― called also pheresis

aphesis
n. : aphaeresis consisting of the loss of a short unaccented vowel (as in lone for alone)
–aphet·ic \ə-'fe-tik\ adjective
–aphet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aphid
n. : any of numerous very small soft-bodied homopterous insects (superfamily Aphidoidea) that suck the juices of plants

aphid
n. aphid lion
corn leaf aphid
green peach aphid
pea aphid
spotted alfalfa aphid
woolly aphid

aphid lion
: any of several insect larvae (as a lacewing or ladybug larva) that feed on aphids ― called also aphis lion

aphis
n. : any of a genus (Aphis) of aphids broadly : APHID

aphonia
n. : loss of voice and of all but whispered speech
–apho·nic \-'fä-nik, -'fō-\ adjective

aphorism
n. 1 : a concise statement of a principle
2 : a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment : ADAGE
–aph·o·rist \-rist\ noun
–aph·o·ris·tic \ˌa-fə-'ris-tik\ adjective
–aph·o·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aphorize
v. : to write or speak in or as if in aphorisms

aphotic
adj. : being the deep zone of an ocean or lake receiving too little light to permit photosynthesis

aphrodisiac
n. 1 : an agent (as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire
2 : something that excites
–aphrodisiac also aph·ro·di·si·a·cal \ˌa-frə-di-'sī-ə-kəl, -'zī-\ adjective

Aphrodite
n. : the Greek goddess of love and beauty ― compare VENUS

Apia
n. town & port capital of independent Samoa on Upolu Is. pop 38,836

apiarian
n. : of or relating to beekeeping or bees

apiarist
n. : BEEKEEPER

apiary
n. : a place where bees are kept especially : a collection of hives or colonies of bees kept for their honey

apical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or situated at an apex
2 : of, relating to, or formed with the tip of the tongue <n, l, and r are apical consonants>
–api·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apical dominance
: inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by the terminal bud of a shoot

apical meristem
: a meristem at the apex of a root or shoot that is responsible for increase in length

apiculate
: ending abruptly in a small distinct point <an apiculate leaf>

apiculture
n. : the keeping of bees especially on a large scale
–api·cul·tur·al \ˌā-pə-'kəl-ch(ə-)rəl\ adjective
–api·cul·tur·ist \-ch(ə-)rist\ noun

apiece
adv. : for each one : INDIVIDUALLY

Apis
n. : a sacred bull worshipped by the ancient Egyptians

apish
adj. : resembling an ape: as a : extremely silly or affected <apish antics> b : given to slavish imitation
–ap·ish·ly adverb
–ap·ish·ness noun

APL
: a computer programming language designed especially for the concise representation of algorithms

aplanatic
: free from or corrected for spherical aberration <an aplanatic lens>

aplastic anemia
: anemia that is characterized by defective function of the blood-forming organs (as the bone marrow) and is caused by toxic agents (as chemicals or X-rays) or is idiopathic in origin

aplenty
adj. : being in plenty or abundance ― used postpositively <money aplenty for all their needs>

aplenty
adj. 1 : in abundance : PLENTIFULLY
2 : very much : EXTREMELY <scared aplenty>

aplite
: a fine-grained light-colored granite consisting almost entirely of quartz and feldspar
–ap·lit·ic \a-'pli-tik\ adjective

aplomb
n. : complete and confident composure or self-assurance : POISE
synonyms see CONFIDENCE

apnea
n. 1 : transient cessation of respiration especially : SLEEP APNEA
2 : ASPHYXIA
–ap·ne·ic \-nē-ik\ adjective

apnoea
n. chiefly British variant of apnea

APO
pref. army post office

apo
pref. : APOLIPOPROTEIN ― usually used with a letter or letter and number

apo
pref. 1 : away from : off <aphelion>
2 : detached : separate <apogamy>
3 : formed from : related to <apomorphine>

Apo, Mount
volcano 9692 ft (2954 m) S Philippines in SE Mindanao; highest peak in the Philippines

Apoc
1 Apocalypse
2 Apocrypha
3 apocryphal

apocalypse
n. 1 a : one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 B.C. to A.D. 150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom b capitalized : REVELATION 3
2 a : something viewed as a prophetic revelation b : ARMAGEDDON
3 : a great disaster <an environmental apocalypse>

apocalyptic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling an apocalypse
2 : forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world : PROPHETIC
3 : foreboding imminent disaster or final doom : TERRIBLE
4 : wildly unrestrained : GRANDIOSE
5 : ultimately decisive : CLIMACTIC <an apocalyptic battle>
–apoc·a·lyp·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apocalypticism
: apocalyptic expectation especially : a doctrine concerning an imminent end of the world and an ensuing general resurrection and final judgment

apocalyptist
: the writer of an apocalypse

apochromatic
adj. : free from chromatic and spherical aberration <an apochromatic lens>

apocope
n. : the loss of one or more sounds or letters at the end of a word (as in sing from Old English singan)

apocrine
n. : producing a fluid secretion by pinching off one end of the secretory cell while leaving the rest intact <an apocrine gland> also : produced by an apocrine gland

apocrypha
n. 1 : writings or statements of dubious authenticity
2 capitalized a : books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate but excluded from the Jewish and Protestant canons of the Old Testament ― see BIBLE table b : early Christian writings not included in the New Testament

apocryphal
adj. 1 : of doubtful authenticity : SPURIOUS
2 often capitalized : of or resembling the Apocrypha
synonyms see FICTITIOUS
–apoc·ry·phal·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–apoc·ry·phal·ness noun

apodictic
adj. : expressing or of the nature of necessary truth or absolute certainty
–apo·dic·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apodosis
n. : the main clause of a conditional sentence ― compare PROTASIS

apoenzyme
n. : a protein that forms an active enzyme system by combination with a coenzyme and determines the specificity of this system for a substrate

apogamy
: development of a sporophyte from a gametophyte without fertilization

apogee
n. 1 : the point in the orbit of an object (as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is at the greatest distance from the center of the earth also : the point farthest from a planet or a satellite (as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it ― compare PERIGEE
2 : the farthest or highest point : CULMINATION <Aegean civilization reached its apogee in Crete>
–apo·ge·an \ˌa-pə-'jē-ən\ adjective

apolipoprotein
: a protein that combines with a lipid to form a lipoprotein ― often used with a letter or letter and number

apolitical
adj. 1 : having no interest or involvement in political affairs also : having an aversion to politics or political affairs
2 : having no political significance
–apo·lit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–apo·lit·i·cism \-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Apollinaire
Guillaume 1880-1918 orig. Wilhelm Apollinaris de Kos·tro·wit·zki \ˌkȯs-trə-'vēt-skē\ Fr. poet

Apollinian
: APOLLONIAN

Apollo
n. 1 : the Greek and Roman god of sunlight, prophecy, music, and poetry
2 [Apollo, an asteroid of this class] : any of a class of asteroids having an orbit that extends from inside to beyond the earth's orbit

Apollonian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the god Apollo
2 : harmonious, measured, ordered, or balanced in character ― compare DIONYSIAN

Apollonius
of Rhodes 3d cent. B.C. Greek poet
–Ap·ol·lo·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Apollyon
n. : the angel of the bottomless pit in the Book of Revelation

apologetic
adj. : APOLOGETICS 1

apologetic
adj. 1 a : offered in defense or vindication <the apologetic writings of the early Christians> b : offered by way of excuse or apology <an apologetic smile>
2 : regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : CONTRITE <replied in an apologetic tone>
–apol·o·get·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apologetics
n. 1 : systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)
2 : a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity

apologia
n. : a defense especially of one's opinions, position, or actions <the finest apologia or explanation of what drives a man to devote his life to pure mathematics ― British Book News>
synonyms see APOLOGY

apologia pro vita sua
: defense of one's life : a written justification for one's beliefs or course of conduct

apologise
v. British variant of apologize

apologist
n. : one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something

apologize
v. : to make an apology
–apol·o·giz·er noun

apologue
n. : an allegorical narrative usually intended to convey a moral

apology
n. 1 a : a formal justification : DEFENSE b : EXCUSE 2A
2 : an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret <a public apology>
3 : a poor substitute : MAKESHIFT
synonyms APOLOGY, APOLOGIA, EXCUSE, PLEA, PRETEXT, ALIBI mean matter offered in explanation or defense. APOLOGY usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances <said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could>. APOLOGIA implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position <his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy>. EXCUSE implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure <used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting>. PLEA stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy <her usual plea that she was nearsighted>. PRETEXT suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation <used any pretext to get out of work>. ALIBI implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation <his alibi failed to stand scrutiny>.

apolune
n. : the point in the path of a body orbiting the moon that is farthest from the center of the moon ― compare PERILUNE

apomict
n. : one produced or reproducing by apomixis
–apo·mic·tic \ˌa-pə-'mik-tik\ adjective
–apo·mic·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apomixis
n. : reproduction (as apogamy or parthenogenesis) involving specialized generative tissues but not dependent on fertilization

apomorphine
n. : a crystalline morphine derivative C_17H_17NO_2 that is a dopamine agonist and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride for its powerful emetic action

aponeurosis
n. : a broad flat sheet of dense fibrous collagenous connective tissue that covers, invests, and forms the terminations and attachments of various muscles
–apo·neu·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective

apophasis
: the raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it (as in “we won't discuss his past crimes”)

apophthegm
n. chiefly British variant of apothegm

apophyllite
: a mineral composed of a hydrous silicate of potassium, calcium, and fluorine that is related to the zeolites and is usually found in transparent square prisms or white or grayish masses

apophysis
n. : an expanded or projecting part especially of an organism
–apoph·y·se·al \-ˌpä-fə-'sē-əl\ adjective

Apopka
city cen Fla. NW of Orlando pop 26,642

apoplectic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or causing stroke
2 : affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of stroke
3 : of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke <an apoplectic rage> also : greatly excited or angered <was apoplectic over the news>
–ap·o·plec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

apoplexy
n. : STROKE 5

apoptosis
n. : a genetically directed process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or removal of a suppressing agent or stimulus, and is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells ― called also programmed cell death
–ap·o·pto·tic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

aporia
n. 1 : an expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect
2 : a logical impasse or contradiction especially : a radical contradiction in the import of a text or theory that is seen in deconstruction as inevitable

aport
adv. : on or toward the left side of a ship <put the helm hard aport>

apos
plural of apo

aposematic
adj. : being conspicuous and serving to warn <aposematic coloration in butterflies>
–apo·se·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aposiopesis
n. : the leaving of a thought incomplete usually by a sudden breaking off (as in “his behavior was97but I blush to mention that”)
–ap·o·si·o·pet·ic \-'pe-tik\ adjective

apospory
: production of gametophytes directly from diploid cells of the sporophytes without spore formation (as in certain ferns and mosses)

apostasy
n. 1 : renunciation of a religious faith
2 : abandonment of a previous loyalty : DEFECTION

apostate
n. : one who commits apostasy
–apostate adjective

apostatise
v. British variant of apostatize

apostatize
v. : to commit apostasy

apostle
n. 1 : one sent on a mission: as a : one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul b : the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group
2 a : a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system b : an ardent supporter : ADHERENT
3 : the highest ecclesiastical official in some church organizations
4 : one of a Mormon administrative council of 12 men
–apos·tle·ship \-ˌship\ noun

Apostles' Creed
: a Christian statement of belief ascribed to the Twelve Apostles and used especially in public worship

apostolate
n. 1 : the office or mission of an apostle
2 : an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religion or a doctrine

apostolic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to an apostle b : of, relating to, or conforming to the teachings of the New Testament apostles
2 a : of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles held (as by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox) to be perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be necessary for valid sacraments and orders b : PAPAL
–apos·to·lic·i·ty \ə-ˌpäs-tə-'li-sə-tē\ noun

apostolic
adj. apostolic delegate
Apostolic Father
Catholic Apostolic
prefect apostolic
prefecture apostolic
vicar apostolic
vicars apostolic
protonotary apostolic
prothonotary apostolic
prothonotaries apostolic
protonotaries apostolic

apostolic delegate
: an ecclesiastical representative of the Holy See to the Catholic hierarchy of another country

Apostolic Father
: a church father of the first or second century A.D.

apostrophe
n. : the addressing of a usually absent person or a usually personified thing rhetorically <Carlyle's “O Liberty, what things are done in thy name!” is an example of apostrophe>
–ap·os·troph·ic \ˌa-pə-'strä-fik\ adjective

apostrophe
n. : a mark ' used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive case, or the plural of letters or figures
–apostrophic adjective

apostrophise
v. British variant of apostrophize

apostrophize
v. transitive verb : to address by or in apostrophe
intransitive verb : to make use of apostrophe

apothecaries' measure
: a system of liquid units of measure used chiefly by pharmacists ― called also apothecary measure

apothecaries' weight
: a system of weights used chiefly by pharmacists ― called also apothecary weight ― see WEIGHT table

apothecary
n. 1 : one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes
2 : PHARMACY

apothecary
n. apothecary measure
apothecary weight
apothecaries' measure
apothecaries' weight

apothecium
: a spore-bearing structure in many lichens and fungi consisting of a discoid or cupped body bearing asci on the exposed flat or concave surface
–apo·the·cial \-sh(ē-)əl, -sē-əl\ adjective

apothegm
n. : a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : APHORISM
–ap·o·theg·mat·ic \ˌa-pə-theg-'ma-tik\ adjective

apothem
n. : the perpendicular from the center of a regular polygon to one of the sides

apotheosis
n. 1 : elevation to divine status : DEIFICATION
2 : the perfect example : QUINTESSENCE <this is the literary apotheosis of the shaggy dog story ― Thomas Sutcliffe>
–apo·the·o·size \ˌa-pə-'thē-ə-ˌsīz, ə-'pä-thē-ə-\ transitive verb

apotropaic
adj. : designed to avert evil <an apotropaic ritual>
–apo·tro·pa·i·cal·ly \-'pā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

app
: APPLICATION 1A(3)

app
1 apparatus
2 appendix
3 appliance

Appalachia
n. region E U.S. comprising Appalachian Mountains from S cen N.Y. to cen Ala.

Appalachian
adj. : a white native or resident of the Appalachian mountain area

Appalachian dulcimer
: DULCIMER 2

Appalachian Mountains
mountain system E N. America extending from Labrador & N.B. SW to N Ala.; highest peak Mt. Mitchell 6684 ft (2037 m)

appall
v. intransitive verb obsolete : WEAKEN, FAIL
transitive verb : to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay <we were appalled by his behavior>
synonyms see DISMAY

appalling
adj. : inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust <living under appalling conditions>
–ap·pall·ing·ly adverb

Appaloosa
n. : any of a breed of rugged saddle horses developed in western No. America and usually having a white or solid-colored coat with small spots

appanage
n. 1 a : a grant (as of land or revenue) made by a sovereign or a legislative body to a dependent member of the royal family or a principal vassal b : a property or privilege appropriated to or by a person as something due
2 : a rightful endowment or adjunct

apparat
n. : APPARATUS 2

apparatchik
n. 1 : a member of a Communist apparat
2 : a blindly devoted official, follower, or member of an organization (as a corporation or political party) <a movie studio apparatchik>

apparatus
n. 1 a : a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use b : a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together <mitotic apparatus> c : an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
2 : the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out <the apparatus of society>: as a : the machinery of government b : the organization of a political party or an underground movement

apparel
1 : to put clothes on : DRESS
2 : ADORN, EMBELLISH <accused of appareling the truth>

apparel
n. 1 : the equipment (as sails and rigging) of a ship
2 : personal attire : CLOTHING
3 : something that clothes or adorns <the bright apparel of spring>

apparent
adj. 1 : open to view : VISIBLE
2 : clear or manifest to the understanding <reasons that are readily apparent>
3 : appearing as actual to the eye or mind
4 : having an indefeasible right to succeed to a title or estate
5 : manifest to the senses or mind as real or true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be factually valid <the air of spontaneity is perhaps more apparent than real ― J. R. Sutherland>
–ap·par·ent·ness \-nəs\ noun
synonyms APPARENT, ILLUSORY, SEEMING, OSTENSIBLE mean not actually being what appearance indicates. APPARENT suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge <the apparent cause of the accident>. ILLUSORY implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view <an illusory sense of security>. SEEMING implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else <the seeming simplicity of the story>. OSTENSIBLE suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one <the ostensible reason for their visit>. synonym see in addition EVIDENT

apparent
adj. apparent magnitude
apparent time
heir apparent
heirs apparent

apparent magnitude
: the luminosity of a celestial body (as a star) as observed from the earth ― compare ABSOLUTE MAGNITUDE

apparent time
: the time of day indicated by the hour angle of the sun or by a sundial

apparently
adv. : it seems apparent <the window had apparently been forced open> <apparently, we're supposed to wait here>

apparition
n. 1 a : an unusual or unexpected sight : PHENOMENON b : a ghostly figure
2 : the act of becoming visible : APPEARANCE
–ap·pa·ri·tion·al \-'rish-nəl, -'ri-shə-nəl\ adjective

apparitor
n. : an official formerly sent to carry out the orders of a magistrate, judge, or court

appeal
n. 1 : a legal proceeding by which a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court
2 : a criminal accusation
3 a : an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication, or decision b : an earnest plea : ENTREATY <an appeal for help> c : an organized request for donations <the annual appeal>
4 : the power of arousing a sympathetic response : ATTRACTION <movies had a great appeal for him>

appeal
n. transitive verb
1 : to charge with a crime : ACCUSE
2 : to take proceedings to have (a lower court's decision) reviewed in a higher court
intransitive verb
1 : to take a lower court's decision to a higher court for review
2 : to call upon another for corroboration, vindication, or decision
3 : to make an earnest request <appealed to them for help>
4 : to arouse a sympathetic response <that idea appeals to him>
–ap·peal·abil·i·ty \-ˌpē-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ap·peal·able \-'pē-lə-bəl\ adjective
–ap·peal·er noun

appeal
n. court of appeal
curb appeal
sex appeal
snob appeal
court of appeals

appealing
adj. 1 : marked by earnest entreaty : IMPLORING
2 : having appeal : PLEASING <an appealing design>
–ap·peal·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

appear
v. 1 a : to be or come in sight <the sun appears on the horizon> b : to show up <appears promptly at eight each day>
2 : to come formally before an authoritative body <must appear in court today>
3 : to have an outward aspect : SEEM <appears happy enough>
4 : to become evident or manifest <there appears to be evidence to the contrary>
5 : to come into public view <first appeared on a television variety show> <the book appeared in print a few years ago>
6 : to come into existence <hominids appeared late in the evolutionary chain>

appearance
n. 1 a : external show : SEMBLANCE <although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality> b : outward aspect : LOOK <had a fierce appearance> c plural : outward indication <trying to keep up appearances>
2 a : a sense impression or aspect of a thing <the blue of distant hills is only an appearance> b : the world of sensible phenomena
3 a : the act, action, or process of appearing b : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
4 a : something that appears : PHENOMENON b : an instance of appearing : OCCURRENCE

appease
v. 1 : to bring to a state of peace or quiet : CALM
2 : to cause to subside : ALLAY <appeased my hunger>
3 : PACIFY, CONCILIATE especially : to buy off (an aggressor) by concessions usually at the sacrifice of principles
synonyms see PACIFY
–ap·peas·able \-'pē-zə-bəl\ adjective
–ap·pease·ment \-'pēz-mənt\ noun
–ap·peas·er noun

appellant
n. : of or relating to an appeal : APPELLATE <an appellant court>

appellant
n. : one that appeals specifically : one that appeals from a judicial decision or decree

appellate
adj. : of, relating to, or recognizing appeals specifically : having the power to review the judgment of another tribunal <an appellate court>

appellation
n. 1 : an identifying name or title : DESIGNATION
2 archaic : the act of calling by a name
3 : a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine also : the area designated by such a name

appellative
n. 1 : of or relating to a common noun
2 : of, relating to, or inclined to the giving of names
–ap·pel·la·tive noun
–ap·pel·la·tive·ly adverb

appellee
n. : one against whom an appeal is taken

append
v. 1 : ATTACH, AFFIX
2 : to add as a supplement or appendix (as in a book)

appendage
n. 1 : an adjunct to something larger or more important : APPURTENANCE
2 : a usually projecting part of an animal or plant body that is typically smaller and of less functional importance than the main part to which it is attached especially : a limb or analogous part (as a seta)
3 [appendant] : a dependent or subordinate person

appendant
adj. 1 : belonging as a right by prescription ― used of annexed land in English law
2 : associated as an attendant circumstance
3 [append] : attached as an appendage <a seal appendant to a document>
–appendant noun

appendectomy
n. : surgical removal of the vermiform appendix

appendicectomy
n. British : APPENDECTOMY

appendicitis
n. : inflammation of the vermiform appendix

appendicular
adj. : of or relating to an appendage and especially a limb <the appendicular skeleton>

appendix
n. 1 a : APPENDAGE b : supplementary material usually attached at the end of a piece of writing
2 : a bodily outgrowth or process specifically : VERMIFORM APPENDIX

Appenzell
former canton NE Switzerland, now divided into Appenzell Inner Rhodes \'rōdz\ or G Appenzell Inner Rho·den \'i-nə(r)-'rō-dən\ (capital Appenzell area 67 sq mi or 174 sq km, pop 15,000) & Appenzell Outer Rhodes or G Appenzell Aus·ser Rhoden \'au̇-sə(r)\ (capital Herisau area 94 sq mi or 243 sq km, pop 53,200), which function as cantons

apperceive
v. : to have apperception of

apperception
n. 1 : introspective self-consciousness
2 : mental perception especially : the process of understanding something perceived in terms of previous experience
–ap·per·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective

appertain
v. : to belong or be connected as a rightful part or attribute : PERTAIN

appetence
n. : APPETENCY

appetency
n. : a fixed and strong desire : APPETITE
–ap·pe·tent \-tənt\ adjective

appetiser
n. British variant of appetizer, appetizing

appetite
n. 1 : any of the instinctive desires necessary to keep up organic life especially : the desire to eat
2 a : an inherent craving <an insatiable appetite for work> b : TASTE, PREFERENCE <the cultural appetites of the time ― J. D. Hart>
–ap·pe·ti·tive \-ˌtī-tiv\ adjective

appetizer
n. 1 : a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usually served before a meal
2 : something that stimulates a desire for more <a literary appetizer>

appetizing
adj. : appealing to the appetite especially in appearance or aroma also : appealing to one's taste <an appetizing display of merchandise>
synonyms see PALATABLE
–ap·pe·tiz·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

Appian Way
ancient paved highway extending from Rome to the Adriatic

Appius Claudius
― see CLAUDIUS

appl
applied

applaud
v. intransitive verb : to express approval especially by clapping the hands
transitive verb
1 : to express approval of : PRAISE <applaud her efforts to lose weight>
2 : to show approval of especially by clapping the hands
–ap·plaud·able \-'plȯ-də-bəl\ adjective
–ap·plaud·ably \-blē\ adverb
–ap·plaud·er noun

applause
n. 1 : marked commendation : ACCLAIM <the kind of applause every really creative writer wants ― Robert Tallant>
2 : approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)

apple
n. 1 : the fleshy usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usually cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family also : an apple tree ― compare CRAB APPLE
2 : a fruit (as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple
–apple of one's eye : one that is highly cherished <his daughter is the apple of his eye>

apple
n. thorn apple
Adam's apple
apple of one's eye
apple butter
apple cheeked
apple knocker
apple maggot
apple pie
apple polish
apple polisher
apple scab
cedar apple rust
crab apple
custard apple
lady apple
love apple
oak apple
star apple
sugar apple
upset the apple cart
Apple Valley

apple butter
: a thick brown spread made by cooking apples with sugar and spices usually in cider

apple maggot
: a dipteran fly (Rhagoletis pomonella) whose larva burrows in and feeds especially on apples

apple of one's eye
one that is highly cherished <his daughter is the apple of his eye>

apple scab
: a disease of apple trees caused by a fungus (Venturia inaequalis) producing dark blotches or lesions on the leaves, fruit, and sometimes the young twigs

Apple Valley
v. 1 town SE Calif. N of San Bernardino pop 54,239
2 city SE Minn. pop 45,527

apple-cheeked
: having cheeks the color of red apples <apple-cheeked youngsters>

apple-knocker
: RUSTIC

apple-pie
1 : EXCELLENT, PERFECT <apple-pie order>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by traditionally American values (as honesty or simplicity) <is the epitome of apple-pie wholesomeness>

apple-polish
intransitive verb : to attempt to ingratiate oneself : TOADY
transitive verb : to curry favor with (as by flattery)
–ap·ple-pol·ish·er noun

applecart
n. : a plan, system, situation, or undertaking that may be disrupted or terminated <upset the applecart>

applejack
n. : brandy distilled from hard cider also : an alcoholic beverage traditionally made by freezing hard cider and siphoning off the concentrated liquor

applesauce
n. 1 : a relish or dessert made of apples stewed to a pulp and sweetened
2 slang : BUNKUM, NONSENSE

Appleseed
n. Johnny ― see John CHAPMAN

applet
n. : a short computer application especially for performing a simple specific task

Appleton
Sir Edward 1892-1965 Eng. physicist

Appleton
city E Wis. pop 70,087

appliance
n. 1 : an act of applying
2 a : a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose : ATTACHMENT b : an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function <an orthodontic appliance> specifically : a household or office device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current c British : FIRE ENGINE
3 obsolete : COMPLIANCE
synonyms see IMPLEMENT

applicable
adj. : capable of or suitable for being applied : APPROPRIATE <statutes applicable to the case>
synonyms see RELEVANT
–ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌa-pli-kə-'bi-lə-tē also ə-ˌpli-kə-\ noun

applicant
n. : one who applies <a job applicant>

application
n. 1 : an act of applying: a (1) : an act of putting to use <application of new techniques> (2) : a use to which something is put <new applications for old remedies> (3) : a program (as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used b : an act of administering or superposing <application of paint to a house> c : assiduous attention <succeeds by application to her studies>
2 a : REQUEST, PETITION <an application for financial aid> b : a form used in making a request
3 : the practical inference to be derived from a discourse (as a moral tale)
4 : a medicated or protective layer or material <an oily application for dry skin>
5 : capacity for practical use <words of varied application>

applicative
adj. 1 : APPLICABLE, PRACTICAL
2 : put to use : APPLIED
–ap·pli·ca·tive·ly adverb

applicator
n. : one that applies specifically : a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)

applicatory
adj. : capable of being applied

applied
adj. 1 : put to practical use <applied art> especially : applying general principles to solve definite problems <applied sciences>
2 : working in an applied science <an applied physicist>

applique
n. : a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material

applique
n. : to apply (as a decoration or ornament) to a larger surface : OVERLAY

apply
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put to use especially for some practical purpose <applies pressure to get what he wants> b : to bring into action <apply the brakes> c : to lay or spread on <apply varnish> d : to put into operation or effect <apply a law>
2 : to employ diligently or with close attention <should apply yourself to your work>
intransitive verb
1 : to have relevance or a valid connection <this rule applies to freshmen only>
2 : to make an appeal or request especially in the form of a written application <apply for a job>
–ap·pli·er \-'plī(-ə)r\ noun

appoggiatura
n. : an embellishing note or tone preceding an essential melodic note or tone and usually written as a note of smaller size

appoint
v. transitive verb
1 a : to fix or set officially <appoint a trial date> b : to name officially <will appoint her director of the program> c archaic : ARRANGE d : to determine the disposition of (an estate) to someone by virtue of a power of appointment
2 : to provide with complete and usually appropriate or elegant furnishings or equipment <a beautifully appointed room>
intransitive verb : to exercise a power of appointment
synonyms see FURNISH

appointee
n. 1 : one who is appointed
2 : one to whom an estate is appointed

appointive
adj. : of, relating to, or filled by appointment <an appointive office>

appointment
n. 1 a : an act of appointing : DESIGNATION b : the designation by virtue of a vested power of a person to enjoy an estate
2 : an arrangement for a meeting : ENGAGEMENT <an appointment for an interview>
3 : EQUIPMENT, FURNISHINGS ― usually used in plural <expensive homes with luxurious appointments>
4 : a nonelective office or position <holds an academic appointment>

apportion
v. : to divide and share out according to a plan especially : to make a proportionate division or distribution of
–ap·por·tion·able \-shə-nə-bəl\ adjective

apportionment
n. : an act or result of apportioning especially : the apportioning of representatives or taxes among the states according to U.S. law

appose
v. 1 archaic : to put before : apply (one thing) to another
2 : to place in juxtaposition or proximity

apposite
adj. : highly pertinent or appropriate : APT <apposite remarks>
synonyms see RELEVANT
–ap·po·site·ly adverb
–ap·po·site·ness noun

apposition
n. 1 a : a grammatical construction in which two usually adjacent nouns having the same referent stand in the same syntactical relation to the rest of a sentence (as the poet and Burns in “a biography of the poet Burns”) b : the relation of one of such a pair of nouns or noun equivalents to the other
2 a : an act or instance of apposing specifically : the deposition of successive layers upon those already present (as in cell walls) b : the state of being apposed
–ap·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

appositive
n. : of, relating to, or standing in grammatical apposition
–appositive noun
–ap·pos·i·tive·ly adverb

appraisal
n. : an act or instance of appraising especially : a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person

appraise
1 : to set a value on : estimate the amount of <appraise the damage>
2 : to evaluate the worth, significance, or status of especially : to give an expert judgment of the value or merit of <appraise an actor's career>
synonyms see ESTIMATE
–ap·prais·ee \ə-ˌprā-'zē\ noun
–ap·praise·ment \-'prāz-mənt\ noun
–ap·prais·er noun
–ap·prais·ing·ly \-'prā-ziŋ-lē\ adverb
–ap·prais·ive \-'prā-ziv\ adjective

appreciable
adj. : capable of being perceived or measured <no appreciable difference>
synonyms see PERCEPTIBLE
–ap·pre·cia·bly \-blē\ adverb

appreciate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of <appreciate the difference between right and wrong> b : to value or admire highly <appreciates our work> c : to judge with heightened perception or understanding : be fully aware of <must see it to appreciate it> d : to recognize with gratitude <certainly appreciates your kindness>
2 : to increase the value of
intransitive verb : to increase in number or value
–ap·pre·ci·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun
–ap·pre·cia·to·ry \-'prē-shə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'pri-shə-\ adjective
synonyms APPRECIATE, VALUE, PRIZE, TREASURE, CHERISH mean to hold in high estimation. APPRECIATE often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence <appreciates fine wine>. VALUE implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth <values our friendship>. PRIZE implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses <Americans prize their freedom>. TREASURE emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious <a treasured memento>. CHERISH implies a special love and care for something <cherishes her children above all>. synonym see in addition UNDERSTAND

appreciation
n. 1 a : JUDGMENT, EVALUATION especially : a favorable critical estimate b : sensitive awareness especially : recognition of aesthetic values c : an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude
2 : increase in value

appreciative
adj. : having or showing appreciation <an appreciative audience> <was appreciative of his good luck>
–ap·pre·cia·tive·ly adverb
–ap·pre·cia·tive·ness noun

apprehend
v. transitive verb
1 : ARREST, SEIZE <apprehend a thief>
2 a : to become aware of : PERCEIVE b : to anticipate especially with anxiety, dread, or fear
3 : to grasp with the understanding : recognize the meaning of
intransitive verb : UNDERSTAND, GRASP

apprehensible
adj. : capable of being apprehended <an easily apprehensible truth>
–ap·pre·hen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

apprehension
n. 1 a : the act or power of perceiving or comprehending <a person of dull apprehension> b : the result of apprehending mentally : CONCEPTION <according to popular apprehension>
2 : seizure by legal process : ARREST <apprehension of a criminal>
3 : suspicion or fear especially of future evil : FOREBODING <an atmosphere of nervous apprehension>

apprehensive
adj. 1 : capable of apprehending or quick to do so : DISCERNING
2 : having apprehension : COGNIZANT
3 : viewing the future with anxiety or alarm
synonyms see FEARFUL
–ap·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb
–ap·pre·hen·sive·ness noun

apprentice
n. 1 a : one bound by indenture to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade b : one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling
2 : an inexperienced person : NOVICE <an apprentice in cooking>
–ap·pren·tice·ship \-tə(sh)-ˌship, -təs-ˌship\ noun

apprentice
n. transitive verb : to set at work as an apprentice especially : to bind to an apprenticeship by contract or indenture
intransitive verb : to serve as an apprentice

appressed
v. : pressed close to or lying flat against something <leaves appressed against the stem>

appressorium
: the flattened thickened tip of a hyphal branch by which some parasitic fungi attach to and penetrate their host

apprise
v. : to give notice to : TELL <they apprised him of his rights>
synonyms see INFORM

apprize
v. : VALUE, APPRECIATE

appro
approval

approach
n. transitive verb
1 a : to draw closer to : NEAR <approach a destination> b : to come very near to : be almost the same as <its mathematics approaches mysticism ― Theodore Sturgeon> <as the quantity x approaches zero>
2 a : to make advances to especially in order to create a desired result <was approached by several Broadway producers> b : to take preliminary steps toward accomplishment or full knowledge or experience of <approach the subject with an open mind>
intransitive verb
1 : to draw nearer <the time is fast approaching>
2 : to make an approach in golf

approach
n. 1 a : an act or instance of approaching <the approach of summer> b : APPROXIMATION <in this book he makes his closest approach to greatness>
2 a : the taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purpose <experimenting with new lines of approach> b : a particular manner of taking such steps <a highly individual approach to language>
3 : a means of access : AVENUE
4 a : a golf shot from the fairway toward the green b : the steps taken by a bowler before delivering the ball also : the part of the alley behind the foul line from which the bowler delivers the ball
5 : the descent of an aircraft toward a landing place

approachable
adj. : capable of being approached : ACCESSIBLE specifically : easy to meet or deal with <friendly and approachable people>
–ap·proach·abil·i·ty \-ˌprō-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

approbate
v. : APPROVE, SANCTION

approbation
n. 1 obsolete : PROOF
2 a : an act of approving formally or officially b : COMMENDATION, PRAISE
–ap·pro·ba·to·ry \'a-prə-bə-ˌtȯr-ē, ə-'prō-bə-\ adjective

appropriate
1 : to take exclusive possession of : ANNEX <no one should appropriate a common benefit>
2 : to set apart for or assign to a particular purpose or use <appropriate money for the research program>
3 : to take or make use of without authority or right
–ap·pro·pri·a·ble \-prē-ə-bəl\ adjective
–ap·pro·pri·a·tor \-prē-ˌā-tər\ noun

appropriate
: especially suitable or compatible : FITTING <an appropriate response> <remarks appropriate to the occasion>
synonyms see FIT
–ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adverb
–ap·pro·pri·ate·ness noun

appropriation
n. 1 : an act or instance of appropriating
2 : something that has been appropriated specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use
–ap·pro·pri·a·tive \-'prō-prē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

approvable
adj. : capable or worthy of being approved <an approvable plan>
–ap·prov·ably \-blē\ adverb

approval
n. : an act or instance of approving : APPROBATION
–on approval : subject to a prospective buyer's acceptance or refusal <stamps sent to collectors on approval>

approve
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : PROVE, ATTEST
2 : to have or express a favorable opinion of <couldn't approve such conduct>
3 a : to accept as satisfactory <hopes she will approve the date of the meeting> b : to give formal or official sanction to : RATIFY <Congress approved the proposed budget>
intransitive verb : to take a favorable view <doesn't approve of fighting>
–ap·prov·ing·ly \-'prü-viŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms APPROVE, ENDORSE, SANCTION, ACCREDIT, CERTIFY mean to have or express a favorable opinion of. APPROVE often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration <the parents approve of the marriage>. ENDORSE suggests an explicit statement of support <publicly endorsed her for Senator>. SANCTION implies both approval and authorization <the President sanctioned covert operations>. ACCREDIT and CERTIFY usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards <the board voted to accredit the college> <must be certified to teach>.

approved school
British : a school for juvenile delinquents

approx
n. approximate; approximately

approximate
adj. 1 : located close together <approximate leaves>
2 : nearly correct or exact <an approximate solution>
–ap·prox·i·mate·ly adverb

approximate
transitive verb
1 a : to bring near or close b : to bring (cut edges of tissue) together
2 : to come near to or be close to in position, value, or characteristics <a child tries to approximate his parents' speech>
intransitive verb : to come close ― usually used with to

approximation
n. 1 : the act or process of drawing together
2 : the quality or state of being close or near <an approximation to the truth> <an approximation of justice>
3 : something that is approximate especially : a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity
–ap·prox·i·ma·tive \-'präk-sə-ˌmā-tiv\ adjective

appt
appoint; appointed; appointment

apptd
appointed

appurtenance
n. 1 : an incidental right (as a right-of-way) attached to a principal property right and passing in possession with it
2 : a subordinate part or adjunct <the appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony ― Shakespeare>
3 plural : accessory objects : APPARATUS <the appurtenances of wealth>

appurtenant
adj. 1 : constituting a legal accompaniment
2 : AUXILIARY, ACCESSORY <appurtenant equipment>
–appurtenant noun

APR
annual percentage rate

Apr
April

Apra Harbor
seaport Guam on W coast

apraxia
n. : loss or impairment of the ability to execute complex coordinated movements without muscular or sensory impairment
–aprac·tic \-'prak-tik\ or aprax·ic \-'prak-sik\ adjective

apres
: AFTER <apres tennis> ― usually used in combination <après-theater party>

apres
apres ski
apres moi le deluge
après ski
après nous le déluge
après moi le déluge

apres moi le deluge
: after me the deluge ― attributed to Louis XV

apres-ski
: social activity (as at a ski lodge) after a day's skiing

apricot
n. 1 a : the oval orange-colored fruit of a temperate-zone tree (Prunus armeniaca) resembling the related peach and plum in flavor b : a tree that bears apricots
2 : a variable color averaging a moderate orange

April
n. : the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar

April
n. April fool
April Fools' Day
April Fool's Day

April fool
: the butt of a joke or trick played on April Fools' Day also : such a joke or trick

April Fools' Day
: April 1 characteristically marked by the playing of practical jokes

apron
n. 1 : a garment usually of cloth, plastic, or leather usually tied around the waist and used to protect clothing or adorn a costume
2 : something that suggests or resembles an apron in shape, position, or use: as a : the lower member under the sill of the interior casing of a window b : an upward or downward vertical extension of a bathroom fixture (as a sink or tub) c : an endless belt for carrying material d : an extensive fan-shaped deposit of detritus e : the part of the stage in front of the proscenium arch f : the area along the waterfront edge of a pier or wharf g : a shield (as of concrete or gravel) to protect against erosion (as of a waterway) by water h : the extensive paved part of an airport immediately adjacent to the terminal area or hangars
–aproned \-prənd, -pərnd\ adjective

apron string
: the string of an apron ― usually used in plural as a symbol of dominance or complete control <though 40 years old he was still tied to his mother's apron strings>

apropos
adv. 1 : at an opportune time : SEASONABLY
2 : by way of interjection or further comment : with regard to the present topic

apropos
adv. : being both relevant and opportune <apropos comments>
synonyms see RELEVANT

apropos
adv. : APROPOS OF

apropos of
: with regard to : CONCERNING

aprotic
of a solvent : incapable of acting as a proton donor

apse
n. 1 : APSIS 1
2 : a projecting part of a building (as a church) that is usually semicircular in plan and vaulted

Apsheron
peninsula E Azerbaijan projecting into the Caspian Sea

apsidal
: of or relating to an apse or apsis

apsis
n. 1 : the point in an astronomical orbit at which the distance of the body from the center of attraction is either greatest or least
2 : APSE 2

apt
adj. 1 : unusually fitted or qualified : READY <proved an apt tool in the hands of the conspirators>
2 a : having a tendency : LIKELY <plants apt to suffer from drought> b : ordinarily disposed : INCLINED <apt to accept what is plausible as true>
3 : suited to a purpose especially : being to the point <an apt quotation>
4 : keenly intelligent and responsive <an apt pupil>
synonyms see FIT, QUICK
usage see LIABLE
–apt·ly \'ap(t)-lē\ adverb
–apt·ness \'ap(t)-nəs\ noun

apt
adj. 1 apartment
2 aptitude

apterous
adj. : lacking wings <apterous insects>

apteryx
n. : KIWI 1

aptitude
n. 1 a : INCLINATION, TENDENCY <an aptitude for hard work> b : a natural ability : TALENT
2 : capacity for learning <an aptitude for languages>
3 : general suitability : APTNESS
synonyms see GIFT
–ap·ti·tu·di·nal \ˌap-tə-'tü-dən-əl, -'tyü-\ adjective
–ap·ti·tu·di·nal·ly adverb

aptitude test
: a standardized test designed to predict an individual's ability to learn certain skills

APU
auxiliary power unit

Apuleius
Lucius ca A.D. 124-after 170? Rom. philos. & rhetorician

Apulia
n. ― see PUGLIA
–Apu·lian \ə-'pyül-yən, -'pyü-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

Apure
river 509 mi (819 km) W Venezuela flowing E into the Orinoco

Apurimac
river 428 mi (689 km) S & cen Peru flowing N to unite with the Urubamba forming the Ucayali

apyrase
n. : any of several enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP to AMP with the liberation of phosphate and energy

aq
1 aqua
2 aqueous

Aqaba
n. town & port SW Jordan on border of Israel at head of NE arm (Gulf of Aqaba) of Red Sea pop 104,000

Aqmola
― see ASTANA

aqua
n. 1 plural aquae \'ä-ˌkwī also 'a-(ˌ)kwē\ : WATER especially : WATER 5A(2)
2 plural aquas : a light greenish-blue color

aqua
n. aqua fortis
Aqua Lung
aqua regia
aqua vitae
aqua et igni interdictus

aqua et igni interdictus
: forbidden to be furnished with water and fire : outlawed

aqua fortis
: NITRIC ACID

aqua regia
: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

aqua vitae
: a strong alcoholic liquor (as brandy)

Aqua-Lung
― used for an underwater breathing apparatus

aquacade
n. : a water spectacle that consists usually of exhibitions of swimming and diving with musical accompaniment

aquaculture
n. : the cultivation of aquatic organisms (as fish or shellfish) especially for food
–aqua·cul·tur·al \ˌä-kwə-'kəl-ch(ə-)rəl, ˌa-\ adjective
–aquaculture transitive verb
–aqua·cul·tur·ist \-ch(ə-)rist\ noun

aquamarine
n. 1 : a transparent blue, blue-green, or green variety of beryl used as a gem
2 : a pale blue to light greenish blue

aquanaut
n. : a scuba diver who lives and operates both inside and outside an underwater shelter for an extended period

aquaplane
n. : a board towed behind a speeding motorboat and ridden by a person standing on it
–aqua·plan·er noun

aquaplane
n. 1 : to ride on an aquaplane
2 British : HYDROPLANE

aquarelle
n. : a drawing usually in transparent watercolor
–aqua·rell·ist \-'re-list\ noun

Aquarian
n. : AQUARIUS 2B
–Aquarian adjective

aquarist
n. : a person who keeps or maintains an aquarium

aquarium
n. 1 : a container (as a glass tank) or an artificial pond in which living aquatic animals or plants are kept
2 : an establishment where aquatic collections of living organisms are kept and exhibited

Aquarius
n. 1 a : the 11th sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under the sign of Aquarius
2 : a constellation south of Pegasus pictured as a man pouring water

aquatic
adj. 1 : growing or living in or frequenting water <aquatic mosquito larvae>
2 : taking place in or on water <aquatic sports>
–aquat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

aquatic
adj. 1 : an aquatic animal or plant
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : water sports

aquatint
n. : a method of etching a printing plate so that tones similar to watercolor washes can be reproduced also : a print made from a plate so etched
–aquatint transitive verb
–aqua·tint·er noun
–aqua·tint·ist \-ˌtin-tist\ noun

aquavit
n. : a clear Scandinavian liquor flavored with caraway seeds

aqueduct
n. 1 a : a conduit for water especially : one for carrying a large quantity of flowing water b : a structure for conveying a canal over a river or hollow
2 : a canal or passage in a part or organ

aqueous
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling water b : made from, with, or by water <an aqueous solution>
2 : of or relating to the aqueous humor

aqueous humor
: a transparent fluid occupying the space between the crystalline lens and the cornea of the eye

Aquidneck Island
island SE R.I. in Narragansett Bay; site of city of Newport

aquifer
n. : a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel
–aquif·er·ous \a-'kwi-fə-rəs, ä-\ adjective

Aquila
n. : a constellation in the northern hemisphere represented by the figure of an eagle

aquilegia
n. : COLUMBINE

aquiline
adj. 1 : curving like an eagle's beak <an aquiline nose>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling an eagle
–aq·ui·lin·i·ty \ˌa-kwə-'li-nə-tē\ noun

Aquinas
n. Saint Thomas ― see THOMAS AQUINAS

Aquino
(Maria) Corazon 1933-     née Co·juang·co \kō-'hwäŋ-kō\ pres. of Philippines (1986-92)

Aquitaine
old region of SW France comprising area later known as Guienne capital Toulouse

Aquitania
a Roman division of SW Gaul under Caesar consisting of country bet. Pyrenees & Garonne River & under Augustus expanded to Loire & Allier rivers
–Aq·ui·ta·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

aquiver
adj. : marked by trembling or quivering <all aquiver with excitement>

AR
n. 1 accounts receivable
2 acknowledgment of receipt
3 all rail
4 all risks
5 annual return
6 Arkansas
7 army regulation
8 autonomous republic

Ar
n. Arabic

Ar
n. argon

ar
n. : the letter r

ar
n. arrival; arrive

ar
n. : of or relating to <molecular> : being <spectacular> : resembling <oracular>

Arab
n. 1 a : a member of the Semitic people of the Arabian Peninsula b : a member of an Arabic-speaking people
2 : ARABIAN HORSE
–Arab adjective

Arab
n. Arabian; Arabic

Arab
n. pan Arab
Shatt al Arab
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Republic
anti Arab

Arabah
Arabah Wadi
Wadi el 'Arabah
Wadi al 'Arabah
'Arabah Wadi
Wadi al Arabah Wadi Arabah Wadi el Arabah
Wadi al 'Arabah Wadi 'Arabah Wadi el 'Arabah

Arabah, Wadi
valley extending S from Dead Sea to Gulf of Aqaba

arabesque
n. : of, relating to, or being in the style of arabesque or an arabesque

arabesque
n. 1 : an ornament or style that employs flower, foliage, or fruit and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines
2 : a posture (as in ballet) in which the body is bent forward from the hip on one leg with one arm extended forward and the other arm and leg backward
3 : an elaborate or intricate pattern <richly pierced by an arabesque of wormholes ― John Chase>

Arabia
n. peninsula SW Asia ab 1200 mi (1930 km) long & 1300 mi (2090 km) wide including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, & Persian Gulf States; in early times divided into Arabia Pe·traea \pə-'trē-ə\ “Rocky Arabia” (the NW part), Arabia De·ser·ta \di-'zər-tə\ “Desert Arabia” (the N part), & Arabia Fe·lix \'fē-liks\ “Fertile Arabia” (the main part)

Arabian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Arabia
2 : ARABIAN HORSE

Arabian
n. : ARABIC 1

Arabian
n. Arabian Peninsula
Arabian horse
Arabian Desert
Arabian Sea
Saudi Arabian

Arabian Desert
desert E Egypt bet. the Nile & the Red Sea

Arabian horse
: any of an ancient breed of swift compact horses developed in Arabia and usually having gray or chestnut silky hair

Arabian Sea
sea, NW section of the Indian Ocean bet. India & Arabia

Arabic
adj. : a Semitic language orig. of the Arabs of the Hejaz and Nejd that is now the prevailing speech of a wide region of southwestern Asia and northern Africa

Arabic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Arabia or the Arabs
2 : of, relating to, or constituting Arabic
3 : expressed in or utilizing Arabic numerals

Arabic
adj. Arabic alphabet
Arabic numeral
gum arabic
Hindu Arabic

Arabic alphabet
: an alphabet of 28 letters derived from the Aramaic alphabet which is used for writing Arabic and also with adaptations for other languages of the Islamic world

Arabic numeral
: any of the number symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ― see NUMBER table

arabica
n. 1 : an evergreen shrub or tree (Coffea arabica) yielding seeds that produce a high-quality coffee and form a large portion of the coffee of commerce
2 : the seeds of arabica especially roasted and often ground

arabicize
v. 1 : to adapt (a language or elements of a language) to the phonetic or structural pattern of Arabic
2 : ARABIZE 1
–arab·i·ci·za·tion \ə-ˌra-bə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

arabinose
n. : a white crystalline aldose sugar C_5H_10O_5 occurring especially in vegetable gums

arabinoside
n. : a glycoside that yields arabinose on hydrolysis

Arabise
v. British variant of arabize

Arabism
n. 1 : a characteristic feature of Arabic occurring in another language
2 : devotion to Arab interests, culture, aspirations, or ideals

Arabist
n. 1 : a specialist in the Arabic language or in Arabic culture
2 : a person who favors Arab interests and positions in international affairs

Arabize
v. 1 a : to cause to acquire Arabic customs, manners, speech, or outlook b : to modify (a population) by intermarriage with Arabs
2 : ARABICIZE 1
–Ar·ab·i·za·tion \ˌar-ə-bə-'zā-shən\ noun

arable
adj. 1 : fit for or used for the growing of crops
2 British : engaged in, produced by, or being the cultivation of arable land
–ar·a·bil·i·ty \ˌa-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌer-ə-\ noun

arable
adj. chiefly British : land fit or used for the growing of crops also : a plot of such land <the village arable of Anglo-Saxon times>

Araby
n. ARABIA

Aracaju
city & port NE Brazil capital of Sergipe pop 461,534

arachidonic acid
: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C_20H_32O_2 that occurs in most animal fats, is a precursor of prostaglandins, and is considered essential in animal nutrition

arachis oil
: PEANUT OIL

arachn
: spider : arachnid <arachnology>

arachnid
n. : any of a class (Arachnida) of arthropods comprising chiefly terrestrial invertebrates, including the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, and having a segmented body divided into two regions of which the anterior bears four pairs of legs but no antennae
–arachnid adjective

arachnoid
n. 1 : of or relating to a thin membrane of the brain and spinal cord that lies between the dura mater and the pia mater
2 : covered with or composed of soft loose hairs or fibers

arachnoid
n. : an arachnoid membrane

arachnoid
n. : resembling or related to the arachnids

arachnologist
: a person who specializes in the study of spiders and other arachnids
–arach·no·log·i·cal \-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–arach·nol·ogy \-'nä-lə-jē\ noun

arachnophobia
n. : pathological fear or loathing of spiders
–arach·no·phobe \-'rak-nə-ˌfōb\ noun
–arach·no·pho·bic \-ˌrak-nə-'fō-bik\ adjective or noun

Arad
n. city W Romania on the Mures pop 172,824

Arafat
n. Yāsir 1929-     Raḥmān 'Abd Arra'ūf Al-Qudwah Palestinian polit. leader

Arafura Sea
sea bet. N Australia & W New Guinea

Aragon
n. region NE Spain bordering on France; once an independent kingdom capital Saragossa
–Ar·a·go·nese \ˌa-rə-gə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

aragonite
n. : a mineral similar to calcite in consisting of calcium carbonate but differing from calcite in its orthorhombic crystallization, greater density, and less distinct cleavage
–ara·go·nit·ic \ə-ˌra-gə-'ni-tik, ˌer-ə-gə-, ˌa-rə-\ adjective

Araguaia
river ab 1365 mi (2195 km), cen Brazil flowing N into the Tocantins

Arak
n. city W Iran SW of Tehran pop 265,349

arak
n. variant of arrack

Arakan
coast region SW Myanmar on Bay of Bengal; chief town Sittwe

Araks
river 635 mi (1022 km) W Asia rising in mountains of Turkish Armenia & flowing E to join the Kura in E Azerbaijan

Aral Sea
brackish lake bet. Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan present area roughly half its pre-1960 peak of 25,500 sq mi (66,000 sq km)

Aram
n. Eugene 1704-1759 Eng. philologist & murderer

Aram
n. ancient Syria ― its Hebrew name

Aramaean
n. 1 : ARAMAIC
2 : a member of a Semitic people of the second millennium B.C. in Syria and Upper Mesopotamia
–Aramaean adjective

Aramaic
n. : a Semitic language known since the ninth century B.C. as the speech of the Aramaeans and later used extensively in southwest Asia as a commercial and governmental language and adopted as their customary speech by various non-Aramaean peoples including the Jews after the Babylonian exile

Aramaic alphabet
1 : an extinct North Semitic alphabet dating from the ninth century B.C. which was for several centuries the commercial alphabet of southwest Asia and the parent of other alphabets (as Syriac and Arabic)
2 : the square Hebrew alphabet as distinguished from the early Hebrew alphabet

aramid
n. : any of a group of lightweight but very strong heat-resistant synthetic aromatic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics

Aran Islands
islands W Ireland off coast of Galway; largest island Inishmore

Aransas Bay
inlet of Gulf of Mexico S Tex. NE of Corpus Christi Bay bet. mainland & San Jose Is.

Aransas Pass
channel S Tex. bet. Mustang & San Jose islands leading to Corpus Christi & Aransas bays

Arapaho
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the plains region ranging from Saskatchewan and Manitoba to New Mexico and Texas
2 : the Algonquian language of the Arapaho people

Ararat
n. mountain 16,946 ft (5165 m) E Turkey near border of Iran

Araucanian
n. 1 : a member of a group of Indian peoples of south central Chile and adjacent regions of Argentina
2 : the language of the Araucanian people that constitutes an independent language family
–Araucanian adjective

araucaria
n. : any of a genus (Araucaria of the family Araucariaceae, the araucaria family) of So. American or Australian coniferous trees that resemble pines and are often grown as ornamentals especially : MONKEY PUZZLE
–ar·au·car·i·an \-ē-ən\ adjective

Aravalli Range
mountain range NW India E of Thar Desert; highest peak Mt. Abu 5650 ft (1722 m)

Arawak
n. 1 : a member of an Indian people of the Arawakan group now living chiefly along the coast of Guyana
2 : the language of the Arawak people

Arawakan
n. 1 : a member of a group of Indian peoples of So. America and the West Indies
2 : the language family of the Arawakan peoples

arb
n. : ARBITRAGEUR

arbalest
n. : a crossbow especially of medieval times

Arber
Werner 1929-     Swiss microbiologist

Arbil
city N Iraq E of Mosul pop 460,758

arbiter
n. 1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : JUDGE
2 : a person or agency whose judgment or opinion is considered authoritative <arbiters of taste>

arbiter elegantiarum
: a person who prescribes, rules on, or is a recognized authority on matters of social behavior and taste

arbitrable
adj. : subject to decision by arbitration

arbitrage
n. 1 : the nearly simultaneous purchase and sale of securities or foreign exchange in different markets in order to profit from price discrepancies
2 : the purchase of the stock of a takeover target especially with a view to selling it profitably to the raider

arbitrage
n. : to engage in arbitrage

arbitrageur
n. : one that practices arbitrage

arbitral
adj. : of or relating to arbiters or arbitration

arbitrament
n. 1 archaic : the right or power of deciding
2 : the settling of a dispute by an arbiter
3 : the judgment given by an arbitrator

arbitrary
adj. 1 : depending on individual discretion (as of a judge) and not fixed by law <the manner of punishment is arbitrary>
2 a : not restrained or limited in the exercise of power : ruling by absolute authority <an arbitrary government> b : marked by or resulting from the unrestrained and often tyrannical exercise of power <protection from arbitrary arrest and detention>
3 a : based on or determined by individual preference or convenience rather than by necessity or the intrinsic nature of something <an arbitrary standard> <take any arbitrary positive number> <arbitrary division of historical studies into watertight compartments ― A. J. Toynbee> b : existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious and unreasonable act of will <when a task is not seen in a meaningful context it is experienced as being arbitrary ― Nehemiah Jordan>
–ar·bi·trari·ly \ˌär-bə-'trer-ə-lē, -'tre-rə-\ adverb
–ar·bi·trar·i·ness \'är-bə-ˌtrer-ē-nəs, -ˌtre-rē-\ noun

arbitrate
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : DECIDE, DETERMINE
2 : to act as arbiter upon
3 : to submit or refer for decision to an arbiter <agreed to arbitrate their differences>
intransitive verb : to act as arbiter
–ar·bi·tra·tive \-ˌtrā-tiv\ adjective

arbitration
n. : the action of arbitrating especially : the hearing and determination of a case in controversy by an arbiter
–ar·bi·tra·tion·al \-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

arbitrator
n. : one that arbitrates : ARBITER

Arblay, d'
Madame ― see Fanny BURNEY

Arbon
commune NE Switzerland pop 11,333

arbor
n. : a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines

arbor
n. 1 : a spindle or axle of a wheel
2 : a main shaft or beam
3 : a shaft on which a revolving cutting tool is mounted
4 : a spindle on a cutting machine that holds the work to be cut

arbor
n. : tree <arboriculture>

Arbor Day
: a day designated for planting trees

arboreal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a tree
2 : inhabiting or frequenting trees <arboreal monkeys>
–ar·bo·re·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

arboreous
adj. : ARBOREAL <an arboreous palm>

arborescent
adj. : resembling a tree in properties, growth, structure, or appearance
–ar·bo·res·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun

arboretum
n. : a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes

arboriculture
n. : the cultivation of trees and shrubs especially for ornamental purposes
–ar·bor·i·cul·tur·al \ˌär-bər-ə-'kəl-chər-əl, är-ˌbȯr-ə-\ adjective

arborio rice
: a short-grain rice that has a creamy texture when cooked and is typically used in risotto

arborist
n. : a specialist in the care and maintenance of trees

arborization
n. : formation of or into an arborescent figure arrangement also : such a figure or arrangement (as a dendritic process of a nerve cell)

arborize
v. : to branch freely and repeatedly

arborvitae
n. : any of various evergreen trees and shrubs (esp. genus Thuja) of the cypress family that usually have closely overlapping or compressed scale leaves and are often grown for ornament and in hedges

arbour
n. chiefly British variant of arbor

arbovirus
n. : any of various RNA viruses (as the causative agents of encephalitis, yellow fever, and dengue) transmitted chiefly by arthropods

Arbuckle Mountains
hilly region S cen Okla.

Arbus
Diane 1923-     née Nemerov American photographer

Arbuthnot
John 1667-1735 Scot. physician & author

arbutus
n. 1 : any of a genus (Arbutus) of shrubs and trees of the heath family with white or pink flowers and red or orange berries
2 : a creeping plant (Epigaea repens) of the heath family that occurs in eastern No. America and bears fragrant pink or white flowers in early spring

ARC
n. 1 AIDS-related complex
2 American Red Cross

arc
n. 1 : the apparent path described above and below the horizon by a celestial body (as the sun)
2 a : something arched or curved b : a curved path <the arc of a fly ball>
3 : a sustained luminous discharge of electricity across a gap in a circuit or between electrodes also : ARC LAMP
4 : a continuous portion (as of a circle or ellipse) of a curved line
5 : degree measurement on the circumference of a circle ― used especially in the phrase of arc <11 minutes 3 seconds of arc>
6 : a continuous progression or line of development <a story's dramatic arc>

arc
n. 1 : to form an electric arc
2 : to follow an arc-shaped course

arc
n. : INVERSE 2 ― used with the trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions

arc
n. arc lamp
arc light
arc minute
arc second
reflex arc
Joan of Arc

arc lamp
: an electric lamp that produces light by an arc made when a current passes between two incandescent electrodes surrounded by gas ― called also arc light

arc minute
: MINUTE 1B

arc second
: 3SECOND 1A

arcade
n. 1 : a long arched building or gallery
2 : an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops)
3 : a series of arches with their columns or piers
4 : an amusement center having coin-operated games

arcade
n. arcade game
penny arcade
Arcades ambo

arcade game
: VIDEO GAME

arcaded
: having, formed in, or decorated with arches or arcades <arcaded streets> <an arcaded bowl>

Arcades ambo
: both Arcadians : two persons of like occupations or tastes also : two rascals

Arcadia
n. 1 city SW Calif. ENE of Los Angeles pop 53,054
2 mountainous region S Greece in cen Peloponnese

arcadia
n. : a region or scene of simple pleasure and quiet

Arcadian
n. 1 often not capitalized : a person who lives a simple quiet life
2 : a native or inhabitant of Arcadia
3 : the dialect of ancient Greek used in Arcadia

arcadian
n. 1 a : of or relating to Arcadia or the Arcadians b : of or relating to Arcadian
2 : idyllically pastoral especially : idyllically innocent, simple, or untroubled

arcading
: a series of arches or arcades used in the construction or decoration especially of a building

Arcady
n. : ARCADIA

arcane
adj. : known or knowable only to the initiate : SECRET <arcane rites> broadly : MYSTERIOUS, OBSCURE <arcane explanations>

arcanum
n. 1 : mysterious or specialized knowledge, language, or information accessible or possessed only by the initiate ― usually used in plural
2 : ELIXIR 1

arccosine
: the inverse function of the cosine <if y is the cosine of θ, then θ is the arccosine of y>

Arch
n. Archbishop

arch
n. 1 : a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)
2 a : something resembling an arch in form or function especially : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it b : a curvature having the form of an arch
3 : ARCHWAY

arch
n. aortic arch
gill arch
Gothic arch
horseshoe arch
lancet arch
neural arch
Tudor arch
zygomatic arch
Arches National Park

arch
n. 1 : to cover or provide with an arch
2 : to form into an arch
intransitive verb
1 : to form an arch
2 : to take an arch-shaped course

arch
n. 1 : PRINCIPAL, CHIEF <your arch opponent>
2 a : MISCHIEVOUS, SAUCY b : marked by a deliberate and often forced playfulness, irony, or impudence <known for her arch comments> <decided to answer them by being teacherly in a sort of arch, Olympian way ― Gerald Early>
–arch·ness noun

arch
n. 1 archaic
2 archery
3 architect; architectural; architecture

arch
n. 1 : chief : principal <archfiend>
2 : extreme : most fully embodying the qualities of the kind <archconservative>

arch
n. ― see ARCHI-

arch
n. : ruler : leader <matriarch>

arch
n. : having (such) a point or (so many) points of origin <endarch>

archae
: ancient : primitive <archaeopteryx>

archaea
n. : microorganisms of a domain (Archaea) including especially methane-producing forms, some red halophilic forms, and others of harsh hot acidic environments (as a hot spring) ― compare BACTERIUM, EUKARYOTE
–ar·chae·al \-əl\ adjective
–ar·chae·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

archaebacterium
n. : any of the microorganisms comprising the archaea

archaeoastronomy
: the study of the astronomy of ancient cultures

archaeology
1 : the scientific study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities
2 : remains of the culture of a people : ANTIQUITIES
–ar·chae·o·log·i·cal \ˌär-kē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ar·chae·o·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ar·chae·ol·o·gist \ˌär-kē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

archaeopteryx
n. : a primitive crow-sized bird (genus Archaeopteryx) of the Upper Jurassic period of Europe having reptilian characteristics (as teeth and a long bony tail)

archaic
adj. 1 : having the characteristics of the language of the past and surviving chiefly in specialized uses <an archaic word>
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time : ANTIQUATED <archaic legal traditions>
3 capitalized : of or belonging to the early or formative phases of a culture or a period of artistic development especially : of or belonging to the period leading up to the classical period of Greek culture
4 : surviving from an earlier period specifically : typical of a previously dominant evolutionary stage
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period from about 8000 B.C. to 1000 B.C. and the North American cultures of that time
synonyms see OLD
–ar·cha·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

archaic smile
: an expression that resembles a smile and is characteristic of early Greek sculpture

archaism
n. 1 : the use of archaic diction or style
2 : an instance of archaic usage
3 : something archaic especially : something (as a practice or custom) that is outmoded or old-fashioned
–ar·cha·ist \-ist\ noun
–ar·cha·is·tic \ˌär-kē-'is-tik, -(ˌ)kā-\ adjective
–ar·cha·ize \'är-kē-ˌīz, -(ˌ)kā-\ verb

archangel
n. 1 : a chief angel
2 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
–arch·an·gel·ic \ˌärk-(ˌ)an-'je-lik\ adjective

Archangel, Gulf of
― see DVINA GULF

archbishop
n. : a bishop at the head of an ecclesiastical province or one of equivalent honorary rank

archbishopric
n. 1 : the see or province over which an archbishop exercises authority
2 : the jurisdiction or office of an archbishop

archconservative
: an extreme conservative
–archconservative adjective

archdeacon
n. : a clergyman having the duty of assisting a diocesan bishop in ceremonial functions or administrative work

archdeaconry
n. : the district or residence of an archdeacon

archdiocese
n. : the diocese of an archbishop
–arch·di·oc·e·san \ˌärch-dī-'ä-sə-sən also -'dī-ə-ˌsē-sən\ adjective

archducal
adj. : of or relating to an archduke or archduchy

archduchess
n. 1 : the wife or widow of an archduke
2 : a woman having in her own right a rank equal to that of an archduke

archduchy
n. : the territory of an archduke or archduchess

archduke
n. 1 : a sovereign prince
2 : a prince of the imperial family of Austria
–arch·duke·dom \-dəm\ noun

Archean
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being the earliest eon of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
2 : PRECAMBRIAN
–Archean noun

archegonium
n. : the flask-shaped female sex organ of bryophytes, lower vascular plants (as ferns), and some gymnosperms
–ar·che·go·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

archenemy
n. : a principal enemy

archenteron
n. : the cavity of a gastrula forming a primitive gut

archeol
archeology

Archeozoic
adj. : ARCHEAN 1
–Archeozoic noun

Archer
n. William 1856-1924 Scot. critic & dram.

archer
n. 1 : a person who uses a bow and arrow
2 capitalized : SAGITTARIUS

archerfish
n. : any of several small East Indian bony fishes (genus Toxotes and especially T. ejaculator of the family Toxotidae) that catch insects by stunning them with water ejected from their mouths

archery
n. 1 : the art, practice, or skill of shooting with bow and arrow
2 : an archer's weapons
3 : a body of archers

Arches National Park
n. reservation E Utah including wind-eroded natural arch formations

archetype
n. 1 : the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : PROTOTYPE also : a perfect example
2 : IDEA 1A
3 : an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual
–ar·che·typ·al \ˌär-ki-'tī-pəl\ also ar·che·typ·i·cal \-'ti-pi-kəl\ adjective
–ar·che·typ·al·ly \-pə-lē\ also ar·che·typ·i·cal·ly \-'ti-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

archfiend
n. : a chief fiend especially : SATAN

archfoe
n. : a principal foe : ARCHENEMY

archi
: primitive : original : primary <archenteron>

archidiaconal
adj. : of or relating to an archdeacon

archiepiscopal
adj. : of or relating to an archbishop
–ar·chi·epis·co·pal·ly \-p(ə-)lē\ adverb

archiepiscopate
n. : ARCHBISHOPRIC

archil
n. 1 : a violet dye obtained from lichens (genera Roccella and Lecanora)
2 : a lichen that yields archil

archimandrite
n. : a dignitary in an Eastern church ranking below a bishop specifically : the superior of a large monastery or group of monasteries

Archimedes
n. ca 287-212 B.C. Greek math. & inventor
–Ar·chi·me·de·an \-'mē-dē-ən, -mi-'dē-\ adjective

Archimedes' screw
: a device made of a tube bent spirally around an axis or of a broad-threaded screw encased by a cylinder and used to raise water

archipelagic
: of, relating to, or located in an archipelago

archipelago
n. 1 : an expanse of water with many scattered islands
2 : a group of islands
3 : something resembling an archipelago especially : a group or scattering of similar things <an archipelago of small parks within the city>

archipelago
n. Alexander Archipelago
Antarctic Archipelago
Arctic Archipelago
Bismarck Archipelago
Chagos Archipelago
Louisiade Archipelago
Malay Archipelago
Mingan Archipelago National Park
Oki Archipelago
Palmer Archipelago
Sulu Archipelago
Tuamotu Archipelago

Archipenko
Aleksandr Porfiryevich 1887-1964 American (Ukrainian-born) sculptor

architect
n. 1 : a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction
2 : a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking <the architect of American foreign policy>

architect
n. landscape architect
marine architect
naval architect

architectonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or according with the principles of architecture : ARCHITECTURAL
2 : having an organized and unified structure that suggests an architectural design
–ar·chi·tec·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

architectonics
n. 1 also architectonic : the science of architecture
2 a also architectonic : the unifying structural design of something b also architectonic : the system of structure

architectural
adj. 1 : of or relating to architecture : conforming to the rules of architecture
2 : having or conceived of as having a single unified overall design, form, or structure
–ar·chi·tec·tur·al·ly adverb

architecture
n. 1 : the art or science of building specifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones
2 a : formation or construction resulting from or as if from a conscious act <the architecture of the garden> b : a unifying or coherent form or structure <the novel lacks architecture>
3 : architectural product or work
4 : a method or style of building
5 : the manner in which the components of a computer or computer system are organized and integrated

architecture
n. landscape architecture
marine architecture
Norman architecture

architrave
n. 1 : the lowest division of an entablature resting in classical architecture immediately on the capital of the column ― see COLUMN illustration
2 : the molding around a rectangular opening (as a door)

archival
adj. : of, relating to, contained in, suitable for, or constituting archives
–ar·chi·val·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

archive
n. 1 : a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved also : the material preserved ― often used in plural
2 : a repository or collection especially of information

archive
n. : to file or collect in or as if in an archive <archive documents> <archived tissue samples>

archivist
n. : a person in charge of archives

archivolt
n. : an ornamental molding around an arch corresponding to an architrave

archly
adv. 1 : in an arch manner
2 : EXTREMELY <archly conservative>

archon
n. 1 : a chief magistrate in ancient Athens
2 : a presiding officer

archosaur
n. : any of a subclass (Archosauria) of reptiles comprising the dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and crocodilians
–ar·cho·sau·ri·an \ˌär-kə-'sȯr-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

archpriest
n. : a priest of preeminent rank

archrival
n. : a principal rival

archway
n. : a way or passage under an arch also : an arch over a passage

archy
: rule : government <squirearchy>

arcmin
arc minute

arco
: with the bow ― usually used as a direction in music for players of stringed instruments ― compare PIZZICATO

Arcos de la Frontera
commune SW Spain NE of Cádiz pop 27,849

Arcot
city SE India in N Tamil Nadu WSW of Madras; once capital of the nabobs of Carnatic pop 50,267

arcsec
arc second

arcsine
: the inverse function of the sine <if y is the sine of θ, then θ is the arcsine of y>

arctangent
: the inverse function of the tangent <if y is the tangent of θ, then θ is the arctangent of y>

Arctic
adj. the Arctic Ocean and lands in it and adjacent to it

arctic
adj. 1 often capitalized : of, or relating to, or suitable for use at the north pole or the region near it <arctic waters> <arctic animals> <arctic clothing>
2 a : bitter cold : FRIGID <arctic air> b : cold in temper or mood <an arctic smile>
–arc·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

arctic
adj. : a rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above

arctic
adj. arctic char
arctic circle
arctic fox
arctic hare
arctic tern
Arctic Archipelago
Arctic Ocean
Arctic Red
Gates of the Arctic National Park

Arctic Archipelago
archipelago Canada in Nunavut & Northwest Territories in Arctic Ocean

arctic char
: a Holarctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) of arctic waters occurring in freshwater or anadromous populations

arctic circle
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 661/2 degrees north of the equator and that circumscribes the northern frigid zone

arctic fox
: a small migratory Holarctic fox (Alopex lagopus) especially of coastal arctic and alpine tundra

arctic hare
: a gregarious hare (Lepus arcticus) of the tundra of Greenland and northern Canada that turns white in winter and is a major food source for arctic predators (as wolves and snowy owls)

Arctic Ocean
ocean N of the Arctic Circle

Arctic Red
river 310 mi (499 km) Canada in W Northwest Territories flowing N into the Mackenzie

arctic tern
: a Holarctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) that breeds in arctic regions and migrates to southern Africa and So. America

Arcturus
: a giant fixed star of the first magnitude in Boötes

arcuate
adj. : curved like a bow <an arcuate cloud>
–ar·cu·ate·ly adverb

Arcueil
commune N France S of Paris pop 18,064

ard
: one that is characterized by performing some action, possessing some quality, or being associated with some thing especially conspicuously or excessively <braggart> <dullard> <pollard>

Ardabil
city NW Iran in E Azerbaijan region pop 281,973

Arden
n. district cen England in SW Warwickshire W of Stratford-upon-Avon; site of former Forest of Arden

ardency
n. : the quality or state of being ardent

Ardennes
wooded plateau region in NE France, W Luxembourg, & SE Belgium E of the Meuse

ardent
adj. 1 : characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in eager zealous support or activity <ardent proponents of the bill>
2 : FIERY, HOT <an ardent sun>
3 : SHINING, GLOWING <ardent eyes>
synonyms see IMPASSIONED
–ar·dent·ly adverb

ardent spirits
: strong distilled liquors

Ardmore
city S Okla. pop 23,711

ardor
n. 1 a : an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling <the sudden ardors of youth> b : extreme vigor or energy : INTENSITY c : ZEAL d : LOYALTY
2 : sexual excitement
synonyms see PASSION

ardour
n. chiefly British variant of ardor

Ards
district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 143 sq mi (372 sq km), pop 64,026

arduous
adj. 1 a : hard to accomplish or achieve : DIFFICULT <years of arduous training> b : marked by great labor or effort : STRENUOUS <a life of arduous toil ― A. C. Cole>
2 : hard to climb : STEEP <an arduous path>
synonyms see HARD
–ar·du·ous·ly adverb
–ar·du·ous·ness noun

are
present 2d singular or present plural of be

are
― see METRIC SYSTEM table

area
n. 1 : a level piece of ground
2 : the surface included within a set of lines specifically : the number of unit squares equal in measure to the surface ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table
3 : the scope of a concept, operation, or activity : FIELD <the whole area of foreign policy>
4 : AREAWAY
5 : a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a special function: as a : a part of the surface of the body b : a geographic region
6 : a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function
–ar·e·al \-ē-əl\ adjective
–ar·e·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

area
n. area code
association area
Broca's area
catchment area
disaster area
equal area
fringe area
local area network
rest area
sensory area
staging area
sterling area
support area
visual area
Wernicke's area
wide area network
wilderness area

area code
: a usually 3-digit number that identifies each telephone service area in a country (as the U.S. or Canada)

areaway
n. : a sunken space affording access, air, and light to a basement

areca
n. : any of several tropical Asian palms (Areca or related genera) especially : BETEL PALM

Arecibo
city & port N Puerto Rico pop 100,131

arecoline
: a toxic parasympathomimetic alkaloid C_8H_13NO_2 that is used as a veterinary anthelmintic and occurs naturally in betel nuts

aren't
1 : are not <they aren't here yet>
2 : am not ― used in questions <I'm right, aren't I?>

arena
n. 1 : an area in a Roman amphitheater for gladiatorial combats
2 a : an enclosed area used for public entertainment b : a building containing an arena
3 a : a sphere of interest, activity, or competition <the political arena> b : a place or situation for controversy <in the public arena>

arena
n. arena football
arena theater
Arena Point
Punta Arenas

arena football
: a game resembling American football that is played on a shorter indoor field between two teams of eight players each

arena theater
: THEATER-IN-THE-ROUND

Arena, Point
promontory N Calif. on the Pacific ab midway bet. Cape Mendocino & San Francisco Bay

arenaceous
adj. 1 : resembling, made of, or containing sand or sandy particles
2 : growing in sandy places

arenavirus
n. : any of a family (Arenaviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses having a grainy appearance and including the causative agents of lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Lassa fever

arene
: an aromatic hydrocarbon (as benzene or naphthalene)

arenicolous
: living, burrowing, or growing in sand

areola
n. : a small area between things or about something especially : a colored ring (as about the nipple, a vesicle, or a pustule)
–are·o·lar \-lər\ adjective
–are·o·late \-lət\ adjective

areole
n. : a round or elongated often raised or depressed area on a cactus which is equivalent to a bud and from which spines, flowers, stems, or roots grow

Areopagite
: a member of the Areopagus
–Ar·e·op·a·git·ic \-ˌä-pə-'ji-tik\ adjective

Areopagus
n. : the supreme tribunal of Athens

arepa
: a usually grilled cornmeal cake served in Latin-American cuisine

Arequipa
city S Peru at foot of El Misti pop 621,700

Ares
n. : the Greek god of war ― compare MARS

arete
n. : a sharp-crested ridge in rugged mountains

Arethusa
: a wood nymph who is changed into a spring while fleeing the advances of the river-god Alpheus

Aretino
Pietro 1492-1556 Ital. satirist

Arezzo
commune cen Italy in Tuscany pop 92,297

Arg
Argentina

arg
1 argent
2 argument

argali
n. : a large wild sheep (Ovis ammon) of central Asia with the ram having massive horns

Argall
Sir Samuel ca 1572-ca 1626 Eng. mariner

Argand diagram
: a system of rectangular coordinates in which the complex number x + iy is represented by the point whose coordinates are x and y

argent
n. 1 archaic : the metal silver also : WHITENESS
2 : the heraldic color silver or white
–argent adjective

Argentan
commune NW France in Normandy NNW of Alençon pop 16,596

Argenteuil
commune N France on the Seine NNW of Paris pop 93,932

argentiferous
adj. : containing silver

Argentina
n. country S S. America bet. the Andes & the Atlantic S of the Pilcomayo; a federal republic capital Buenos Aires area 1,072,156 sq mi (2,776,884 sq km), pop 33,070,000
–Ar·gen·tine \'är-jən-ˌtīn, -ˌtēn\ adjective or noun
–Ar·gen·tin·ean or Ar·gen·tin·i·an \ˌär-jən-'ti-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

argentine
adj. : SILVER, SILVERY

argentine
adj. : SILVER also : any of various similar materials

argentite
n. : a dark gray or black mineral of metallic luster that consists of native sulfide of silver and is a valuable silver ore

argil
n. : CLAY especially : POTTER'S CLAY

argillaceous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing clay or clay minerals : CLAYEY

argillite
n. : a compact argillaceous rock cemented by silica and having no slaty cleavage

arginase
n. : a crystalline enzyme that converts naturally occurring arginine into ornithine and urea

arginine
n. : a crystalline basic amino acid C_6H_14N_4O_2 derived from guanidine

Arginusae
group of small islands in the Aegean SE of Lesbos

Argive
adj. : of or relating to the Greeks or Greece and especially the Achaean city of Argos or the surrounding territory of Argolis
–Argive noun

argle-bargle
chiefly British : ARGY-BARGY

Argo
n. : a large constellation in the southern hemisphere lying principally between Canis Major and the Southern Cross

argol
n. : crude tartar deposited in wine casks during aging

Argolis
district & ancient country S Greece in E Peloponnese comprising a plain around Argos & area bet. Gulf of Argolis & Saronic Gulf
–Ar·gol·ic \är-'gä-lik\ adjective

Argolis, Gulf of
inlet of the Aegean S Greece on E coast of Peloponnese

argon
n. : a colorless odorless inert gaseous element found in the air and in volcanic gases and used especially in welding, lasers, and electric bulbs ― see ELEMENT table

argonaut
n. 1 a capitalized : any of a band of heroes sailing with Jason in quest of the Golden Fleece b : an adventurer engaged in a quest
2 : PAPER NAUTILUS

Argonne
wooded plateau NE France S of the Ardennes near Belgian border bet. the Meuse & the Aisne

Argos
n. town Greece in E Peloponnese on plain at head of Gulf of Argolis; once a Greek city-state

argosy
n. 1 : a large ship especially : a large merchant ship <three of your argosies are⋯come to harbor ― Shakespeare>
2 : a fleet of ships
3 : a rich supply <an argosy of railway folklore ― F. P. Donovan>

argot
n. : an often more or less secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular group <shoved into a taxi by a porter whose argot I couldn't understand ― Allen Tate>

Argovie
― see AARGAU

arguable
adj. 1 : open to argument, dispute, or question
2 : that can be plausibly or convincingly argued

arguably
adv. : as may be argued or shown by argument <an arguably effective strategy> <arguably the greatest writer of his era>

argue
v. intransitive verb
1 : to give reasons for or against something : REASON <argue for a new policy>
2 : to contend or disagree in words : DISPUTE <argue about money>
transitive verb
1 : to give evidence of : INDICATE <the facts argue his innocence>
2 : to consider the pros and cons of : DISCUSS <argue an issue>
3 : to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : MAINTAIN <asking for a chance to argue his case>
4 : to persuade by giving reasons : INDUCE <couldn't argue her out of going>
synonyms see DISCUSS
–ar·gu·er \-gyə-wər, -gyü-ər\ noun

Arguello, Point
cape SW Calif. WNW of Santa Barbara

argufy
v. transitive verb : DISPUTE, DEBATE
intransitive verb : WRANGLE
–ar·gu·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

argument
n. 1 obsolete : an outward sign : INDICATION
2 a : a reason given in proof or rebuttal b : discourse intended to persuade
3 a : the act or process of arguing : ARGUMENTATION b : a coherent series of statements leading from a premise to a conclusion c : QUARREL, DISAGREEMENT
4 : an abstract or summary especially of a literary work <an argument preceded the poem>
5 : the subject matter especially of a literary work
6 a : one of the independent variables upon whose value that of a function depends b : a substantive (as the direct object of a transitive verb) that is required by a predicate in grammar c : AMPLITUDE 4

argumentation
n. 1 : the act or process of forming reasons and of drawing conclusions and applying them to a case in discussion
2 : DEBATE, DISCUSSION

argumentative
adj. 1 : characterized by argument : CONTROVERSIAL
2 : given to argument : DISPUTATIOUS
–ar·gu·men·ta·tive·ly adverb

argumentum
: ARGUMENT 3B

argumentum ad baculum
: argument of the staff : appeal to force

Argun
river 450 mi (724 km) NE Asia forming boundary bet. Inner Mongolia (China) & Russia & uniting with the Shilka to form the Amur

Argus
n. 1 : a hundred-eyed monster of Greek mythology
2 : a watchful guardian

Argus-eyed
: vigilantly observant

argy-bargy
chiefly British : a lively discussion : ARGUMENT, DISPUTE

argyle
n. : a geometric knitting pattern of varicolored diamonds in solid and outline shapes on a single background color also : a sock knit in this pattern

Argyll
n. 9th Duke of ― see John D. S. CAMPBELL

Argyll
n. former county W Scotland capital Lochgilphead

Argyll and Bute
administrative area W Scotland area 2676 sq mi (6930 sq km)

arhat
n. : a Buddhist who has reached the stage of enlightenment
–ar·hat·ship \-ˌship\ noun

Arhus
city & port Denmark in E Jutland on the Kattegat pop 259,493

Aria
n. 1 an E province of ancient Persian Empire; district now in NW Afghanistan & E Iran
2 ― see HERAT

aria
n. 1 : AIR, MELODY, TUNE specifically : an accompanied elaborate melody sung (as in an opera) by a single voice
2 : a striking solo performance (as in a movie)

Ariadne
n. : a daughter of Minos who helps Theseus escape from the labyrinth

Arian
n. : of or relating to Arius or his doctrines especially that the Son is not of the same substance as the Father but was created as an agent for creating the world
–Ar·i·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Arian
n. : a supporter of Arian doctrines

Arian
n. : ARIES 1B

arian
n. 1 : believer <necessitarian> : advocate <latitudinarian>
2 : producer <disciplinarian>

ariary
― see MONEY table

Arias Sanchez
Oscar 1941-     pres. of Costa Rica (1986-90)

ariboflavinosis
n. : a deficiency disease due to inadequate intake of riboflavin and characterized by sores on the mouth

Arica
city & port N Chile pop 185,268 ― see TACNA

arid
adj. 1 : excessively dry specifically : having insufficient rainfall to support agriculture
2 : lacking in interest and life : JEJUNE
–arid·i·ty \ə-'ri-də-tē, a-\ noun
–ar·id·ness \'a-rəd-nəs, 'er-əd-\ noun

Ariel
n. : a prankish spirit in Shakespeare's The Tempest

Aries
n. 1 a : the first sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under the sign of Aries
2 : a constellation between Pisces and Taurus pictured as a ram

arietta
n. : a short aria

aright
adv. : RIGHT, CORRECTLY <if I remember aright>

Ariha
― see JERICHO 1

Arikara
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Missouri River valley in No. Dakota
2 : the language of the Arikara

aril
n. : an exterior covering or appendage of some seeds (as of the yew) that develops after fertilization as an outgrowth from the ovule stalk
–ar·il·late \'a-rə-ˌlāt, 'er-ə-\ adjective

Arimathea
town in ancient Palestine; location not certainly identified

Ariminum
― see RIMINI

arioso
n. : a musical passage or composition having a mixture of free recitative and metrical song

Ariosto
Ludovico 1474-1533 Ital. poet

Aripuana
river 400 mi (644 km) W cen Brazil rising in Mato Grosso state & flowing N into the Madeira

arise
v. 1 : to get up : RISE
2 a : to originate from a source b : to come into being or to attention
3 : ASCEND
synonyms see SPRING

arista
n. : a bristlelike structure or appendage
–aris·tate \-ˌtāt\ adjective

Aristarchus
ca 217-145 B.C. Greek grammarian

Aristarchus of Samos
ca 310-230 B.C. Greek astron.

Aristide
Jean-Bertrand 1953-     pres. of Haiti (1991; 1994-96; 2001-  )

Aristides
ca 530-ca 468 B.C. the Just Athenian statesman

Aristippus
ca 435-366 B.C. Greek philos.

aristo
: ARISTOCRAT

aristocracy
n. 1 : government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class
2 a : a government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified b : a state with such a government
3 : a governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility
4 : the aggregate of those believed to be superior

aristocrat
n. 1 : a member of an aristocracy especially : NOBLE
2 a : one who has the bearing and viewpoint typical of the aristocracy b : one who favors aristocracy
3 : one believed to be superior of its kind <the aristocrat of Southern resorts ― Southern Living>

aristocratic
adj. 1 : belonging to, having the qualities of, or favoring aristocracy
2 a : socially exclusive <an aristocratic neighborhood> b : SNOBBISH
–aris·to·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Aristophanes
n. ca 450-ca 388 B.C. Athenian dram.
–Ar·is·to·phan·ic \ˌa-rə-stə-'fa-nik\ adjective

Aristophanes of Byzantium
ca 257-180 B.C. Greek scholar

Aristotelian
n. : of or relating to the Greek philosopher Aristotle or his philosophy
–Aristotelian noun
–Ar·is·to·te·lian·ism \-yə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Aristotle
n. 384-322 B.C. Greek philos.

arith
arithmetic; arithmetical

arithmetic
n. 1 a : a branch of mathematics that deals usually with the nonnegative real numbers including sometimes the transfinite cardinals and with the application of the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to them b : a treatise on arithmetic
2 : COMPUTATION, CALCULATION
–ar·ith·met·ic \ˌer-ith-'me-tik, ˌa-rith\ or ar·ith·met·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–ar·ith·met·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–arith·me·ti·cian \ə-ˌrith-mə-'ti-shən\ noun

arithmetic
n. arithmetic mean
arithmetic progression
modular arithmetic

arithmetic mean
: a value that is computed by dividing the sum of a set of terms by the number of terms

arithmetic progression
: a progression (as 3, 5, 7, 9) in which the difference between any term and its predecessor is constant

arium
: thing or place relating to or connected with <planetarium>

Arius
n. ca A.D. 250-336 Greek theol.

Arius
n. ― see HARīRūD

Ariz
n. Arizona

Arizona
n. state SW U.S. capital Phoenix area 113,909 sq mi (296,163 sq km), pop 5,130,632
–Ar·i·zo·nan \-nən\ or Ar·i·zo·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Ark
n. Arkansas

ark
n. 1 a : a boat or ship held to resemble that in which Noah and his family were preserved from the Flood b : something that affords protection and safety
2 a : the sacred chest representing to the Hebrews the presence of God among them b : a repository traditionally in or against the wall of a synagogue for the scrolls of the Torah

Arkansas
n. 1 river 1450 mi (2334 km) SW cen U.S. rising in cen Colo. & flowing E & SE through S Kans., NE Okla., & Ark. into the Mississippi
2 state S cen U.S. capital Little Rock area 53,187 sq mi (137,754 sq km), pop 2,673,400
–Ar·kan·san \är-'kan-zən\ adjective or noun

Arkhangel'sk
city & port Russia in Europe on the Northern Dvina pop 414,000

arkose
n. : a sandstone characterized by feldspar fragments that is derived from granite or gneiss which has disintegrated rapidly
–ar·ko·sic \(ˌ)är-'kō-sik, -zik\ adjective

Arkwright
Sir Richard 1732-1792 Eng. inventor

Arlberg
Alpine valley, pass, & tunnel W Austria in the Tirol

Arlen
Harold 1905-1986 American composer

Arlen
Michael 1895-1956 orig. Dik·ran \'di-krän\ Kou·youm·djian \kü-'yüm-jē-ən\ Brit. (Bulg.-born) nov.

Arles
1 medieval kingdom E & SE France; also called Kingdom of Burgundy
2 or ancient Ar·e·las \'a-rə-ˌlas\ or Ar·e·la·te \ˌa-rə-'lā-tē\ city SE France on the Rhône pop 50,467
–Ar·le·sian \är-'lē-zhən\ noun

Arlington
n. 1 town E Mass. NW of Boston pop 42,389
2 city N Tex. E of Fort Worth pop 332,969
3 unincorporated population center N Va. pop 189,453

Arlington Heights
village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 76,031

Arlon
commune SE Belgium capital of Luxembourg province pop 25,261

ARM
n. adjustable rate mortgage

Arm
n. Armenian

arm
n. 1 : a human upper limb especially : the part between the shoulder and the wrist
2 : something like or corresponding to an arm: as a : the forelimb of a vertebrate b : a limb of an invertebrate animal c : a branch or lateral shoot of a plant d : a slender part of a structure, machine, or an instrument projecting from a main part, axis, or fulcrum e : the end of a ship's yard also : the part of an anchor from the crown to the fluke ― see ANCHOR illustration f : any of the usually two parts of a chromosome lateral to the centromere
3 : an inlet of water (as from the sea)
4 : a narrow extension of a larger area, mass, or group
5 : POWER, MIGHT <the long arm of the law>
6 : a support (as on a chair) for the elbow and forearm
7 : SLEEVE
8 : the ability to throw or pitch a ball well also : a player having such ability
9 : a functional division of a group, organization, institution, or activity <the logistical arm of the air force>
–arm·less \'ärm-ləs\ adjective
–arm·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–arm in arm : with arms linked together <walked down the street arm in arm>

arm
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish or equip with weapons
2 : to furnish with something that strengthens or protects <arming citizens with the right to vote>
3 : to equip or ready for action or operation <arm a bomb>
intransitive verb : to prepare oneself for struggle or resistance <arm for combat>

arm
n. 1 a : a means (as a weapon) of offense or defense especially : FIREARM b : a combat branch (as of an army) c : an organized branch of national defense (as the navy)
2 plural a : the hereditary heraldic devices of a family b : heraldic devices adopted by a government
3 plural a : active hostilities : WARFARE <a call to arms> b : military service
–up in arms : aroused and ready to undertake a fight or conflict <voters up in arms over the proposed law>

arm
n. arm in arm
arm and a leg
arm's length
arm twisting
arm twist
arm wrestling
chance one's arm
one arm bandit
put the arm on
rocker arm
roll over arm
shot in the arm
small arm
stiff arm
straight arm
strong arm
twist one's arm
up in arms
arms race
bear arms
call to arms
coat of arms
gentleman at arms
gentlemen at arms
inspection arms
king of arms
left shoulder arms
man at arms
men at arms
master at arms
masters at arms
officer of arms
open arms
order arms
port arms
present arms
right shoulder arms
sergeant at arms
armed forces
armed services
one armed bandit

arm and a leg
: an exorbitant price

arm in arm
with arms linked together <walked down the street arm in arm>

arm wrestling
: a form of wrestling in which two opponents sit face to face gripping usually their right hands, set corresponding elbows firmly on a surface (as a tabletop), and attempt to force each other's arm down ― called also Indian wrestling

arm's length
1 : a distance discouraging personal contact or familiarity <kept former friends at arm's length now>
2 : the condition or fact that the parties to a transaction are independent and on an equal footing
–arm's-length adjective

arm-twisting
: the use of direct personal pressure in order to achieve a desired end <for all the arm-twisting, the⋯vote on the measure was unexpectedly tight ― Newsweek>
–arm-twist \-ˌtwist\ verb

arma
cedant arma togae
inter arma silent leges
silent leges inter arma

armada
n. 1 : a fleet of warships
2 : a large force or group usually of moving things <an armada of fishing boats>

armadillo
n. : any of a family (Dasypodidae) of burrowing edentate mammals found from the southern U.S. to Argentina and having the body and head encased in an armor of small bony plates

Armageddon
n. 1 a : the site or time of a final and conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil b : the battle taking place at Armageddon
2 : a usually vast decisive conflict or confrontation

Armagh
1 traditional county SE Northern Ireland
2 district S Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 260 sq mi (676 sq km), pop 51,331
3 town cen Armagh district, Northern Ireland pop 14,265

Armagnac
n. : a brandy produced in the Gers department of France

Armagnac
n. district SW France in old province of Gascony; chief town Auch

armament
n. 1 : a military or naval force
2 a : the aggregate of a nation's military strength b : WEAPONS, ARMS
3 : the process of preparing for war

armamentarium
n. : a collection of resources available or utilized for an undertaking or field of activity especially : the equipment, methods, and pharmaceuticals used in medicine

armature
n. 1 : an organ or structure (as teeth or thorns) for offense or defense
2 a : a piece of soft iron or steel that connects the poles of a magnet or of adjacent magnets b : a usually rotating part of an electric machine (as a generator or motor) which consists essentially of coils of wire around a metal core and in which electric current is induced or in which the input current interacts with a magnetic field to produce torque c : the movable part of an electromagnetic device (as a loudspeaker) d : a framework used by a sculptor to support a figure being modeled in a plastic material e : FRAMEWORK 1A <the armature of the book derives from fourteenth century England ― Stanley Kauffmann>

armband
n. : a band worn around the arm especially : a band worn around the upper part of a sleeve for identification or in mourning

armchair
n. : a chair with armrests

armchair
n. 1 : remote from direct dealing with problems : theoretical rather than practical <armchair strategists>
2 : sharing vicariously in another's experiences <an armchair traveler>

armed
adj. 1 a : furnished with weapons <an armed guard> b : furnished with something that provides security, strength, or efficacy <armed with knowledge>
2 : marked by the maintenance of armed forces in readiness <an armed truce>

armed
adj. : having an arm or arms especially of a specified kind or number ― usually used in combination <long-armed> <two-armed>

armed
adj. armed forces
armed services
one armed bandit

armed forces
: the combined military, naval, and air forces of a nation ― called also armed services

Armenia
n. 1 or biblical Min·ni \'mi-ˌnī\ former kingdom W Asia in mountainous region SE of Black Sea & SW of Caspian Sea; area now divided bet. Armenia, Turkey, & Iran
2 independent country SE Europe; a constituent republic (Armenian Republic) of the U.S.S.R. 1936-91 capital Yerevan area 11,506 sq mi (29,800 sq km), pop 3,426,000 ― see LESSER ARMENIA

Armenian
n. 1 : a member of a people dwelling chiefly in Armenia and neighboring areas (as Turkey or Azerbaijan)
2 : the Indo-European language of the Armenians ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
3 : a member of the Armenian church established by St. Gregory the Illuminator that adheres to the decisions of the first three ecumenical councils
–Armenian adjective

Armentieres
commune N France W of Lille pop 25,249

armful
n. : as much as the arm or arms can hold

armhole
n. : an opening for the arm in a garment

armiger
n. 1 : SQUIRE
2 : one entitled to bear heraldic arms
–ar·mig·er·al \är-'mi-jə-rəl\ adjective

armigerous
: bearing heraldic arms

armillary sphere
: an old astronomical instrument composed of rings showing the positions of important circles of the celestial sphere

Arminian
n. : of or relating to Arminius or his doctrines opposing the absolute predestination of strict Calvinism and maintaining the possibility of salvation for all
–Arminian noun
–Ar·min·i·an·ism \-nē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Arminius
18 B.C.?-A.D. 19 sometimes Her·mann \'her-ˌmän\ Ger. hero

Arminius
Jacobus 1560-1609 Jacob Har·men·sen \'här-mən-sən\ or Her·mansz \'her-ˌmän(t)s\ Du. theol.

armistice
n. : temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement between the opponents : TRUCE

Armistice Day
: VETERANS DAY ― used before the official adoption of Veterans Day in 1954

armlet
n. 1 : a band (as of cloth or metal) worn around the upper arm
2 : a small arm (as of the sea)

armload
n. : ARMFUL

armlock
n. : HAMMERLOCK

armoire
n. : a usually tall cupboard or wardrobe

armor
n. 1 : defensive covering for the body especially : covering (as of metal) used in combat
2 : a quality or circumstance that affords protection <the armor of prosperity>
3 : a protective outer layer (as of a ship, a plant or animal, or a cable)
4 : armored forces and vehicles (as tanks)
–armor transitive verb
–ar·mor·less \-mər-ləs\ adjective

armored
adj. 1 a : equipped or protected with armor b : equipped with armored fighting vehicles <an armored division>
2 : marked by the use of armor <armored combat>

armored scale
: any of a family (Diaspididae) of scale insects having a firm covering of wax best developed in the female

armorer
n. 1 : one that makes armor or arms
2 : one that repairs, assembles, and tests firearms

armorial
adj. : of, relating to, or bearing heraldic arms
–ar·mo·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

Armorica
n. 1 or Ar·e·mor·i·ca \ˌa-rə-\ ancient region NW France bet. the Seine & the Loire
2 BRITTANY

Armorican
n. : a native or inhabitant of Armorica especially : BRETON
–Armorican or Armoric adjective

armory
n. 1 a : a supply of arms for defense or attack b : a collection of available resources
2 : a place where arms and military equipment are stored especially : one used for training reserve military personnel
3 : a place where arms are manufactured

Armour
n. Philip Danforth 1832-1901 American industrialist

armour
n. chiefly British variant of armor, armory

armpit
n. 1 : the hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder
2 : the least desirable place : PIT <77th Street Station⋯was the armpit of detective duty ― Joseph Wambaugh>

armrest
n. : a support for the arm

arms race
: a race between hostile nations to accumulate or develop weapons broadly : an ever escalating race or competition

Armstrong
n. Louis 1901-1971 Satch·mo \'sach-ˌmō\ American jazz musician

Armstrong
n. Neil Alden 1930-     American astronaut

Armstrong
n. William George 1810-1900 Baron Armstrong of Cragside Eng. inventor & industrialist

army
n. 1 a : a large organized body of armed personnel trained for war especially on land b : a unit capable of independent action and consisting usually of a headquarters, two or more corps, and auxiliary troops c often capitalized : the complete military organization of a nation for land warfare
2 : a great multitude <an army of birds>
3 : a body of persons organized to advance a cause

army
n. army ant
general of the army
Salvation Army
sergeant major of the army
standing army

army ant
: any of a subfamily (Dorylinae) of aggressive nomadic tropical ants that prey on insects and spiders

armyworm
n. : any of numerous moths whose larvae travel in multitudes from field to field destroying grass, grain, and other crops especially : the common armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta) of the eastern and central U.S. and Canada

Arne
Thomas Augustine 1710-1778 Eng. composer

Arnhem
commune E Netherlands capital of Gelderland pop 140,736

Arnhem Land
region N Australia on N coast of Northern Territory

arnica
n. : any of a genus (Arnica) of composite herbs including some with bright yellow ray flowers

Arno
n. river 150 mi (241 km) cen Italy flowing W from the Apennines through Florence into Ligurian Sea

Arnold
n. Benedict 1741-1801 American Revolutionary gen. & traitor

Arnold
n. Henry Harley 1886-1950 Hap Arnold American gen.

Arnold
n. Matthew 1822-1888 son of Thomas Eng. poet & critic
–Ar·nold·ian \är-'nōl-dē-ən\ adjective

Arnold
n. Thomas 1795-1842 Eng. educ.

aroid
n. : of or relating to the arum family
–aroid noun

aroint
archaic : BEGONE <aroint thee, witch ― Shakespeare>

aroma
n. 1 a : a distinctive pervasive and usually pleasant or savory smell broadly : ODOR b : the odor of a wine imparted by the grapes from which it is made
2 : a distinctive quality or atmosphere : FLAVOR <the aroma of enjoyment ― Stella D. Gibbons>
synonyms see SMELL

aromatase
: an enzyme or complex of enzymes that promotes the conversion of an androgen into estrogen

aromatherapy
n. : massage of the body and especially of the face with a preparation of fragrant essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being
–aro·ma·ther·a·peu·tic \-ˌther-ə-'pyü-tik\ adjective
–aro·ma·ther·a·pist \-'ther-ə-pist\ noun

aromatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having aroma: a : FRAGRANT b : having a strong smell c : having a distinctive quality
2 of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds ― compare ALICYCLIC, ALIPHATIC
synonyms see ODOROUS
–ar·o·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–aro·ma·tic·i·ty \ˌa-rə-mə-'ti-sə-tē, ˌer-ə-, ə-ˌrō-mə-\ noun

aromatic
adj. 1 : an aromatic plant or plant part especially : an aromatic herb or spice
2 : an aromatic organic compound

aromatize
v. 1 : to make aromatic : FLAVOR
2 : to convert into one or more aromatic compounds
–aro·ma·ti·za·tion \-ˌrō-mə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

Aroostook
river 140 mi (225 km) N Maine flowing NE across N.B. border & into St. John River

arose
past of arise

Arouet
n. François-Marie ― see VOLTAIRE

around
adv. 1 a : in a circle or in circumference <the wheel goes around> <a tree five feet around> b : in, along, or through a circuit <the road goes around by the lake>
2 a : on all or various sides : in every or any direction <papers lying around> <nothing for miles around> b : in close from all sides so as to surround <people crowded around> c : in or near one's present place or situation <wait around awhile>
3 a : here and there : from one place to another <travels around on business> b : to a particular place <come around for dinner> c ― used with some verbs to indicate repeated or continued action <always joking around when he should be serious> <don't play around with your food>
4 a : in rotation or succession <another winter comes around> b : from beginning to end : THROUGH <mild the year around> c : in order <the other way around>
5 : in or to an opposite direction or position <turn around>
6 : with some approach to exactness : APPROXIMATELY <cost around $5>

around
adv. 1 a : on all sides of b : so as to encircle or enclose <seated around the table> c : so as to avoid or get past : on or to another side of <find a way around their objections> <went around the lake> <around the corner> d : NEAR <lives around Chicago> <around the turn of the century>
2 : in all directions outward from <look around you>
3 : here and there in or throughout <barnstorming around the country>
4 : so as to have a center or basis in <a society organized around kinship ties>

around
adv. 1 : ABOUT 1 <has been up and around for two days>
2 : being in existence, evidence, or circulation <the most intelligent of the artists around today ― R. M. Coates>
–been around : gone through many varied experiences : become worldly-wise

around
adv. beat around the bush
all around
been around
around the clock
around the bend
bring around
cast around
come around
around the corner
end around
fool around
get around
go around
green around the gills
hang around
horse around
jerk around
kick around
mess around
push around
ring around the rosy
ring around a rosy
run circles around
run rings around
screw around
sleep around
stick around
throw one's weight around
turn around
work around

around the bend
MAD, CRAZY

around the clock
also round the clock
1 : continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation
2 : without relaxation and heedless of time

around the corner
at hand : IMMINENT <good times are just around the corner>

around-the-clock
: being in effect, continuing, or lasting 24 hours a day : CONSTANT <around-the-clock surveillance>

arouse
v. transitive verb
1 : to awaken from sleep
2 : to rouse or stimulate to action or to physiological readiness for activity : EXCITE <the book aroused debate>
intransitive verb : to awake from sleep : STIR
–arous·al \ə-'rau̇-zəl\ noun

Arp
Jean (or Hans) 1887-1966 Fr. artist & poet

Arpad
d 907 Hung. national hero

arpeggiate
v. : to play (as a chord or passage) in arpeggio

arpeggio
n. 1 : production of the tones of a chord in succession and not simultaneously
2 : a chord played in arpeggio

arpent
1 : any of various old French units of land area especially : one used in French sections of Canada and the U.S. equal to about 0.85 acre (0.34 hectare)
2 : a unit of length equal to one side of a square arpent

arquebus
n. variant of harquebus

arr
1 arranged
2 arrival; arrive

arrack
n. : an Asian alcoholic beverage like rum that is distilled from a fermented mash of malted rice with toddy or molasses

arraign
v. 1 : to call (a defendant) before a court to answer to an indictment : CHARGE
2 : to accuse of wrong, inadequacy, or imperfection
–ar·raign·ment \-mənt\ noun

Arran
island SW Scotland in Firth of Clyde area 165 sq mi (429 sq km)

arrange
v. transitive verb
1 : to put into a proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment <arrange flowers in a vase> <arrange cards alphabetically>
2 : to make preparations for : PLAN <arranged a reception for the visitor>
3 a : to adapt (a musical composition) by scoring for voices or instruments other than those for which orig. written b : ORCHESTRATE
4 : to bring about an agreement or understanding concerning : SETTLE <arrange an exchange of war prisoners>
intransitive verb
1 : to bring about an agreement or understanding <arranged to have a table at the restaurant>
2 : to make preparations : PLAN <arranged for a vacation with his family>
synonyms see ORDER
–ar·rang·er \ə-'rān-jər\ noun

arrangement
n. 1 a : the state of being arranged : ORDER <everything in neat arrangement> b : the act of arranging <the arrangement of the details was quickly accomplished>
2 : something arranged: as a : a preliminary measure : PREPARATION <travel arrangements> b : an adaptation of a musical composition by rescoring c : an informal agreement or settlement especially on personal, social, or political matters <arrangements under the new regime>
3 : something made by arranging parts or things together <a floral arrangement>

arrant
adj. : being notoriously without moderation : EXTREME <we are arrant knaves, all; believe none of us ― Shakespeare>
–ar·rant·ly adverb

Arras
n. city N France SSW of Lille pop 40,535

arras
n. 1 : a tapestry of Flemish origin used especially for wall hangings and curtains
2 : a wall hanging or screen of tapestry

Arrau
Claudio 1903-1991 American (Chilean-born) pianist

array
n. 1 : to dress or decorate especially in splendid or impressive attire : ADORN <he had already arrayed himself in his best clothes ― Thomas Hardy>
2 a : to set or place in order : DRAW UP, MARSHAL <the forces arrayed against us> b : to set or set forth in order (as a jury) for the trial of a cause
3 : to arrange or display in or as if in an array <the⋯data are arrayed in descending order ― Ed Burnett>
–ar·ray·er noun

array
n. 1 a : a regular and imposing grouping or arrangement : ORDER <lined up⋯in soldierly array ― Donald Barthelme> b : an orderly listing of jurors impaneled
2 a : CLOTHING, ATTIRE b : rich or beautiful apparel : FINERY
3 : a body of soldiers : MILITIA <the baron and his feudal array>
4 : an imposing group : large number <faced a whole array of problems> also : VARIETY, ASSORTMENT <a broad array of styles>
5 a (1) : a number of mathematical elements arranged in rows and columns (2) : a data structure in which similar elements of data are arranged in a table b : a series of statistical data arranged in classes in order of magnitude
6 : a group of elements forming a complete unit <an antenna array>

arrear
n. 1 : the state of being behind in the discharge of obligations ― usually used in plural <in arrears with the rent>
2 a : an unfinished duty ― usually used in plural <arrears of work that have piled up> b : an unpaid and overdue debt ― usually used in plural <paying off the arrears of the past several months>

arrearage
n. 1 : the condition of being in arrears
2 : something that is in arrears especially : something unpaid and overdue

arrectis auribus
: with ears pricked up : attentively

arrest
n. 1 a : to bring to a stop <sickness arrested his activities> b : CHECK, SLOW c : to make inactive <an arrested tumor>
2 : SEIZE, CAPTURE specifically : to take or keep in custody by authority of law
3 : to catch suddenly and engagingly <arrest attention>
–ar·rest·er also ar·res·tor \-'res-tər\ noun
–ar·rest·ment \-'res(t)-mənt\ noun

arrest
n. 1 a : the act of stopping b : the condition of being stopped or inactive ― compare CARDIAC ARREST
2 : the taking or detaining in custody by authority of law
–under arrest : in legal custody

arrest
n. under arrest
cardiac arrest
citizen's arrest
false arrest
house arrest
lightning arrester

arrestant
: a substance that stimulates an insect to stop locomotion

arrestee
n. : a person who is under arrest

arresting
n. : catching the attention : STRIKING, IMPRESSIVE <an arresting image>
–ar·rest·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

Arrhenius
Svante August 1859-1927 Swed. physicist & chem.

arrhythmia
n. : an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

arrhythmic
adj. : lacking rhythm or regularity <arrhythmic locomotor activity>

arriere-ban
: a proclamation of a king (as of France) calling his vassals to arms also : the body of vassals summoned

arriere-pensee
: mental reservation

arris
n. : the sharp edge or salient angle formed by the meeting of two surfaces especially in moldings

arrival
n. 1 : the act of arriving
2 : the attainment of an end or state
3 : one that has recently arrived <new arrivals>

arrive
v. 1 a : to reach a destination b : to make an appearance <the guests have arrived>
2 a archaic : HAPPEN b : to be near in time : COME <the moment has arrived>
3 : to achieve success
–ar·riv·er noun
–arrive at : to reach by effort or thought <arrived at a decision>

arrive
v. : one who has risen rapidly to success, power, or fame

arrive at
to reach by effort or thought <arrived at a decision>

arrivederci
interj. : till we meet again : farewell

arriviste
n. : one that is a new and uncertain arrival (as in social position or artistic endeavor)

arroba
1 : an old Spanish unit of weight equal to about 25 pounds
2 : an old Portuguese unit of weight equal to about 32 pounds

arrogance
n. : an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

arrogant
adj. 1 : exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner <an arrogant official>
2 : proceeding from or characterized by arrogance <an arrogant reply>
synonyms see PROUD
–ar·ro·gant·ly adverb

arrogate
v. 1 a : to claim or seize without justification b : to make undue claims to having : ASSUME
2 : to claim on behalf of another : ASCRIBE
–ar·ro·ga·tion \ˌer-ə-'gā-shən, ˌa-rə-\ noun

arrondissement
n. 1 : an administrative district of some large French cities
2 : the largest division of a French department

arrow
n. 1 : a missile shot from a bow and usually having a slender shaft, a pointed head, and feathers at the butt
2 : something shaped like an arrow especially : a mark (as on a map or signboard) to indicate direction

arrow
n. : to move fast and straight like an arrow in flight : DART

arrow
n. broad arrow
poison arrow frog
straight arrow
Broken Arrow
slings and arrows

arrowhead
n. 1 : a wedge-shaped piercing tip usually fixed to an arrow
2 : something resembling an arrowhead
3 : any of a genus (Sagittaria) of marsh or aquatic plants of the water-plantain family with leaves shaped like arrowheads

arrowroot
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Maranta of the family Marantaceae, the arrowroot family) of tropical American plants with tuberous roots especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch b : any of several plants (as coontie) that yield starch
2 : starch yielded by an arrowroot

arrowwood
: any of several common viburnums (esp. Viburnum dentatum) of eastern No. America

arrowworm
: any of a phylum (Chaetognatha) of small planktonic wormlike marine organisms having curved bristles on either side of the head for seizing prey

arrowy
adj. 1 : resembling or suggesting an arrow <arrowy pines> especially : swiftly moving <the sky was radiant with arrowy bolts ― Mark Twain>
2 : consisting of arrows <arrowy showers>

arroyo
n. 1 : a watercourse (as a creek) in an arid region
2 : a water-carved gully or channel

arroz con pollo
: a dish of chicken cooked with rice and usually flavored with saffron

ARRT
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

ars est celare artem
: it is (true) art to conceal art

ars longa, vita brevis
: art is long, life is short : human life span limits all that might be accomplished

Arsanias
― see MURAT

arse
n. variant of ass

arsenal
n. 1 a : an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipment b : a collection of weapons
2 : STORE, REPERTOIRE <the team's arsenal of veteran players>

arsenate
n. : a salt or ester of an arsenic acid

arsenic
n. 1 : a trivalent and pentavalent metalloid poisonous element that is commonly metallic steel gray, crystalline, and brittle and is used especially in wood preservatives, alloys, and semiconductors ― see ELEMENT table
2 : a poisonous trioxide As_2O_3 or As_4O_6 of arsenic used especially as an insecticide or weed killer ― called also arsenic trioxide

arsenic
n. : of, relating to, or containing arsenic especially with a valence of five

arsenical
adj. : of, relating to, containing, or caused by arsenic <arsenical poisoning>
–arsenical noun

arsenide
n. : a binary compound of arsenic with a more electropositive element

arsenious
adj. : of, relating to, or containing arsenic especially when trivalent

arsenite
n. : a salt or ester of an arsenious acid

arsenopyrite
n. : a silver-white mineral consisting of a combined sulfide and arsenide of iron that occurs in prismatic orthorhombic crystals or in masses or grains and that is the principal source of arsenic

arsine
n. : a colorless flammable extremely poisonous gas AsH_3 with an odor like garlic also : a derivative of arsine

arsis
n. 1 a : the lighter or shorter part of a poetic foot especially in quantitative verse b : the accented or longer part of a poetic foot especially in accentual verse
2 : the unaccented part of a musical measure ― compare THESIS

arson
n. : the willful or malicious burning of property (as a building) especially with criminal or fraudulent intent
–ar·son·ist \-ist\ noun
–ar·son·ous \-əs\ adjective

Arsonval, d'
(Jacques) Arsène 1851-1940 Fr. biophysicist

arsphenamine
n. : a light-yellow toxic hygroscopic powder C_12Cl_2H_14As_2N_2O_2·2H_2O formerly used in the treatment especially of syphilis and yaws

art
n. archaic present 2d singular of be

art
n. 1 : skill acquired by experience, study, or observation <the art of making friends>
2 a : a branch of learning: (1) : one of the humanities (2) plural : LIBERAL ARTS b archaic : LEARNING, SCHOLARSHIP
3 : an occupation requiring knowledge or skill <the art of organ building>
4 a : the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects also : works so produced b (1) : FINE ARTS (2) : one of the fine arts (3) : a graphic art
5 a archaic : a skillful plan b : the quality or state of being artful
6 : decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter
synonyms ART, SKILL, CUNNING, ARTIFICE, CRAFT mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. ART implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power <the art of choosing the right word>. SKILL stresses technical knowledge and proficiency <the skill of a glassblower>. CUNNING suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing <a mystery plotted with great cunning>. ARTIFICE suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature <believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice>. CRAFT may imply expertness in workmanship <the craft of a master goldsmith>.

art
n. : produced as an artistic effort or for decorative purposes <an art film> <art dolls> <art music>

art
n. 1 article
2 artificial
3 artillery

art
n. ― see -ARD

art
n. anti art
art deco
art form
art glass
art historical
art historically
art house
art moderne
art nouveau
art rock
art rocker
art song
art theater
clip art
conceptual art
decorative art
fine art
folk art
junk art
kinetic art
martial art
minimal art
op art
optical art
performance art
plastic art
pop art
practical art
state of the art
term of art
tramp art
work of art
Arts and Crafts
arts and crafts
beaux arts
graphic arts
industrial arts
language arts
liberal arts
master of arts

art deco
: a popular design style of the 1920s and 1930s characterized especially by bold outlines, geometric and zigzag forms, and the use of new materials (as plastic)

art form
1 : a form or medium of expression recognized as fine art <sees dance as both an art form and an entertainment>
2 a : an unconventional form or medium in which impulses regarded as artistic may be expressed <describe pinball as a great American art form ― Tom Buckley> b : an undertaking or activity enhanced by a high level of skill or refinement <easy conversation97an art form in peril of being lost to contemporary schedules ― Joanna Pruess>

art glass
: articles of glass designed primarily for decorative purposes especially : novelty glassware

art historical
: of or relating to the history of art
–art historically adverb

art house
: ART THEATER

art moderne
: ART DECO

art nouveau
: a design style of late 19th century origin characterized especially by sinuous lines and foliate forms

art song
: a usually through-composed song for solo voice and accompaniment ― compare FOLK SONG

art theater
: a theater that specializes in the presentation of art films

art-rock
: rock music that incorporates elements of traditional or classical music
–art-rock·er \'ärt-ˌrä-kər\ noun

Arta, Gulf of
― see AMBRACIAN GULF

Artaxerxes
name of 3 Pers. kings: I d 425 B.C. (reigned 465-25); II d 359/58 B.C. (reigned 404-359/58); III d 338 B.C. (reigned 359/58-338)

artefact
n. chiefly British variant of artifact

Artemis
n. : a Greek moon goddess often portrayed as a virgin huntress ― compare DIANA

artemisia
n. : any of a genus (Artemisia) of aromatic composite herbs and shrubs (as sagebrush) ― compare WORMWOOD 1

arteri
1 : artery <arteriogram>
2 : arterial and <arteriovenous>

arterial
adj. 1 a : of or relating to an artery b : relating to or being the bright red blood present in most arteries that has been oxygenated in lungs or gills
2 : of, relating to, or constituting through traffic
–ar·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

arterial
adj. : a through street or highway

arteriogram
n. : a radiograph of an artery made by arteriography

arteriography
n. : the radiographic visualization of an artery after injection of a radiopaque substance
–ar·te·rio·graph·ic \-ē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective

arteriole
n. : any of the small terminal twigs of an artery that ends in capillaries
–ar·te·ri·o·lar \-ˌtir-ē-'ō-ˌlär, -lər\ adjective

arteriosclerosis
n. : a chronic disease characterized by abnormal thickening and hardening of the arterial walls with resulting loss of elasticity ― compare ATHEROSCLEROSIS
–ar·te·rio·scle·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective or noun

arteriovenous
adj. : of, relating to, or connecting the arteries and veins <an arteriovenous fistula>

arteritis
n. : arterial inflammation

artery
n. 1 : any of the tubular branching muscular- and elastic-walled vessels that carry blood from the heart through the body
2 : a channel (as a river or highway) of transportation or communication especially : the main channel in a branching system

artery
n. brachiocephalic artery
innominate artery
coronary artery
coronary artery disease
femoral artery
pulmonary artery
subclavian artery

artesian well
1 : a well in which water is under pressure especially : one in which the water flows to the surface naturally
2 : a deep well

Artevelde, van
Jacob ca 1295-1345 & his son Philip 1340-1382 Flem. leaders

artful
adj. 1 : performed with or showing art or skill <an artful performance on the violin>
2 a : using or characterized by art and skill : DEXTEROUS <an artful prose stylist> b : adroit in attaining an end usually by insinuating or indirect means : WILY <an artful cross-examiner>
3 : ARTIFICIAL <trim walks and artful bowers ― William Wordsworth>
synonyms see SLY
–art·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–art·ful·ness noun

arthr
: joint <arthropathy>

arthralgia
n. : pain in one or more joints
–ar·thral·gic \-jik\ adjective

arthritic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or affected with arthritis <arthritic hands>
2 : seemingly affected with or caused by arthritis <an arthritic legal system> <a story moving with arthritic slowness>
–arthritic noun
–ar·thrit·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

arthritis
n. : inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes also : a specific arthritic condition

arthrodesis
n. : the surgical immobilization of a joint so that the bones grow solidly together

arthropathy
n. : a disease of a joint

arthropod
n. : any of a phylum (Arthropoda) of invertebrate animals (as insects, arachnids, and crustaceans) that have a segmented body and jointed appendages, a usually chitinous exoskeleton molted at intervals, and a dorsal anterior brain connected to a ventral chain of ganglia
–arthropod adjective
–ar·throp·o·dan \är-'thrä-pə-dən\ adjective

arthroscope
n. : a fiber-optic instrument surgically inserted through an incision near a joint (as the knee) and used to visually examine the joint interior
–ar·thro·scop·ic \ˌär-thrə-'skä-pik\ adjective

arthroscopy
: examination of a joint with an arthroscope also : surgery on a joint using an arthroscope

arthrosis
n. 1 : an articulation between bones
2 : a degenerative disease of a joint

arthrospore
n. : OIDIUM 1B

Arthur
n. : a legendary king of the Britons whose story is based on traditions of a sixth century military leader

Arthur
n. Chester Alan 1829-1886 21st pres. of the U.S. (1881-85)

Arthurian
adj. : of or relating to King Arthur and his court

artichoke
n. 1 : a tall Mediterranean composite herb (Cynara scolymus) resembling a thistle with coarse pinnately incised leaves also : its edible immature flower head which is cooked as a vegetable
2 : JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

article
n. 1 a : a distinct often numbered section of a writing b : a separate clause c : a stipulation in a document (as a contract or a creed) <articles of indenture> d : a nonfictional prose composition usually forming an independent part of a publication (as a magazine)
2 : an item of business : MATTER
3 : any of a small set of words or affixes (as a, an, and the) used with nouns to limit or give definiteness to the application
4 : a member of a class of things especially : an item of goods <articles of value>
5 : a thing or person of a particular and distinctive kind or class <the genuine article>

article
n. : to bind by articles (as of apprenticeship)

article of faith

15th century
: a basic belief

articulable
: capable of being articulated

articulacy
n. chiefly British : the quality or state of being articulate

articular
adj. : of or relating to a joint <articular cartilage>

articulate
n. 1 a : divided into syllables or words meaningfully arranged : INTELLIGIBLE b : able to speak c : expressing oneself readily, clearly, or effectively <an articulate teacher> also : expressed in this manner <an articulate argument>
2 a : consisting of segments united by joints : JOINTED <articulate animals> b : distinctly marked off
–ar·tic·u·late·ly adverb
–ar·tic·u·late·ness noun

articulate
transitive verb
1 a : to give clear and effective utterance to : put into words <articulate one's grievances> b : to utter distinctly <articulating each note in the musical phrase> c : to give definition to (as a shape or object) <shades of gray were chosen to articulate different spaces ― Carol Vogel> d : to give shape or expression to (as a theme or concept) <a drama that uses eerie props to articulate a sense of foreboding>
2 a : to unite by or as if by means of a joint : JOINT b : to form or fit into a systematic whole <articulating a program for all school grades>
intransitive verb
1 : to utter articulate sounds
2 : to become united or connected by or as if by a joint
–ar·tic·u·la·tive \-lə-tiv, -ˌlā-\ adjective
–ar·tic·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

articulated
adj. of a vehicle : having a hinge or pivot connection especially to allow negotiation of sharp turns <articulated lorry> <articulated bus>

articulation
n. 1 a : a joint or juncture between bones or cartilages in the skeleton of a vertebrate b : a movable joint between rigid parts of an animal
2 a : the action or manner of jointing or interrelating b : the state of being jointed or interrelated
3 a : the act of giving utterance or expression b : the act or manner of articulating sounds c : an articulated utterance or sound specifically : CONSONANT
4 : OCCLUSION 1B

articulatory
adj. : of or relating to articulation

artifact
n. 1 a : something created by humans usually for a practical purpose especially : an object remaining from a particular period <caves containing prehistoric artifacts> b : something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend, or individual <self-consciousness⋯turns out to be an artifact of our education system ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : a product of artificial character (as in a scientific test) due usually to extraneous (as human) agency
–ar·ti·fac·tu·al \ˌär-ti-'fak-chə(-wə)l, -'fak-shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective

artifice
n. 1 a : clever or artful skill : INGENUITY <believing that characters had to be created from within rather than with artifice ― Garson Kanin> b : an ingenious device or expedient
2 a : an artful stratagem : TRICK b : false or insincere behavior <social artifice>
synonyms see TRICK, ART

artificer
n. 1 : a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman
2 : one that makes or contrives : DEVISER <had been the artificer of his own fortunes ― Times Lit. Supp.>

artificial
adj. 1 : humanly contrived often on a natural model : MAN-MADE <an artificial limb> <artificial diamonds>
2 a : having existence in legal, economic, or political theory b : caused or produced by a human and especially social or political agency <an artificial price advantage> <artificial barriers of discrimination ― R. C. Weaver>
3 obsolete : ARTFUL, CUNNING
4 a : lacking in natural or spontaneous quality <an artificial smile> <an artificial excitement> b : IMITATION, SHAM <artificial flavor>
5 : based on differential morphological characters not necessarily indicative of natural relationships <an artificial key for plant identification>
–ar·ti·fi·ci·al·i·ty \ˌär-tə-ˌfi-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–ar·ti·fi·cial·ly \-'fi-shəl-ē\ adverb
–ar·ti·fi·cial·ness \-'fi-shəl-nəs\ noun

artificial
adj. artificial horizon
artificial insemination
artificial intelligence
artificial respiration

artificial horizon
: a gyroscopic flight instrument designed to indicate aircraft attitude with respect to the true horizon

artificial insemination
: introduction of semen into the uterus or oviduct by other than natural means

artificial intelligence
1 : a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computers
2 : the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior

artificial respiration
: the rhythmic forcing of air into and out of the lungs of a person whose breathing has stopped

artillerist
n. : GUNNER, ARTILLERYMAN

artillery
n. 1 : weapons (as bows, slings, and catapults) for discharging missiles
2 a : large bore crew-served mounted firearms (as guns, howitzers, and rockets) : ORDNANCE b : a branch of an army armed with artillery
3 : means of impressing, arguing, or persuading

artilleryman
n. : a soldier in the artillery

artiodactyl
n. : any of an order (Artiodactyla) of ungulates (as the camel or pig) with an even number of functional toes on each foot
–artiodactyl adjective

artisan
n. 1 : a worker who practices a trade or handicraft : CRAFTSPERSON
2 : one that produces something (as cheese or wine) in limited quantities often using traditional methods
–ar·ti·san·al \-zə-nəl, -sə-, -'za-\ adjective
–ar·ti·san·ship \-ˌship\ noun

artist
n. 1 a obsolete : one skilled or versed in learned arts b archaic : PHYSICIAN c archaic : ARTISAN 1
2 a : one who professes and practices an imaginative art b : a person skilled in one of the fine arts
3 : a skilled performer especially : ARTISTE
4 : one who is adept at something <con artist> <strikeout artist>

artist
n. trapeze artist
conceptual artist
escape artist
junk artist
kinetic artist
martial artist
op artist
performance artist
pop artist

artiste
n. 1 : a skilled adept public performer specifically : a musical or theatrical entertainer
2 : an artistic or creative person

artistic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of art or artists <artistic subjects> <an artistic success>
2 : showing imaginative skill in arrangement or execution <artistic photography>
–ar·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

artistry
n. 1 : artistic quality of effect or workmanship <the artistry of his novel>
2 : artistic ability <the artistry of the violinist> <a lawyer's artistry in persuading juries>

artless
adj. 1 : lacking art, knowledge, or skill : UNCULTURED <an artless brute>
2 a : made without skill : CRUDE <an artless attempt to win votes> b : free from artificiality : NATURAL <artless grace>
3 : free from guile or craft : sincerely simple <an artless young woman>
synonyms see NATURAL
–art·less·ly adverb
–art·less·ness noun

Artois
former province N France bet. Flanders & Picardy capital Arras

Arts and Crafts
: a movement in European and American design during the late 19th and early 20th centuries promoting handcraftsmanship over industrial mass production

artsy
adj. : ARTY

artsy-craftsy
: ARTY

artwork
n. 1 a : an artistic production <an 8-foot metal artwork> b : artistic work <artwork being sold on the sidewalk>
2 a : ART 6 b : material (as a drawing or photograph) prepared for reproduction in printed matter

arty
adj. : showily or pretentiously artistic <arty lighting and photography>
–art·i·ly \'är-təl-ē\ adverb
–art·i·ness \'är-tē-nəs\ noun

arty
adj. artillery

Aru Islands
islands E Indonesia S of W New Guinea area 3305 sq mi (8593 sq km), pop 29,604

Aruba
n. internally self-governing Dutch island off NW Venezuela; chief town Oranjestad area 69 sq mi (179 sq km), pop 69,000
–Aru·ban \-bən\ adjective or noun

arugula
n. : a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruca vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family cultivated for its foliage which is used especially in salads ― called also garden rocket rocket roquette rugola

arugula
n. garden rocket
dame's rocket
retro rocket
rocket plane
rocket ship
rocket sled
sounding rocket
wall rocket

arum
n. : any of a genus (Arum of the family Araceae, the arum family) of Eurasian plants having usually arrow-shaped leaves and a showy spathe partially enclosing a spadix broadly : a plant of the arum family

Arunachal Pradesh
state NE India N of Assam capital Itanagar area 32,269 sq mi (83,577 sq km), pop 1,091,117

Aruwimi
river 620 mi (998 km) N Democratic Republic of the Congo flowing SW & W into Congo River

ARV
American Revised Version

Arvada
city N cen Colo. NW of Denver pop 102,153

ARVN
Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)

Arwad
island Syria off coast of S Latakia

ary
1 : thing belonging to or connected with especially : place of <ovary>
2 : person belonging to, connected with, or engaged in <functionary>

ary
: of, relating to, or connected with <budgetary>

Aryan
n. 1 : INDO-EUROPEAN
2 a : of or relating to a hypothetical ethnic type illustrated by or descended from early speakers of Indo-European languages b : NORDIC c ― used in Nazism to designate a supposed master race of non-Jewish Caucasians usually having Nordic features
3 : of or relating to Indo-Iranian or its speakers

Aryan
n. 1 : INDO-EUROPEAN
2 a : NORDIC b : GENTILE

aryl
adj. : having or being a monovalent organic radical (as phenyl) derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by the removal of one hydrogen atom ― often used in combination

arytenoid
n. 1 : relating to or being either of two small laryngeal cartilages to which the vocal cords are attached
2 : relating to or being either of a pair of small muscles or an unpaired muscle of the larynx
–arytenoid noun

AS
n. 1 after sight
2 airspeed
3 American Samoa
4 Anglo-Saxon
5 antisubmarine
6 associate in science

As
n. altostratus

As
n. arsenic

as
n. 1 : to the same degree or amount <as soft as silk> <twice as long>
2 : for instance <various trees, as oak or pine>
3 : when considered in a specified form or relation ― usually used before a preposition or a participle <my opinion as distinguished from his>

as
n. 1 : AS IF <looks as he had seen a ghost ― S. T. Coleridge>
2 : in or to the same degree in which <soft as silk> ― usually used as a correlative after an adjective or adverb modified by adverbial as or so <as cool as a cucumber>
3 : in the way or manner that <do as I do>
4 : in accordance with what or the way in which <quite good as boys go>
5 : WHILE, WHEN <spilled the milk as she got up>
6 : regardless of the degree to which : THOUGH <improbable as it seems, it's true>
7 : for the reason that : BECAUSE, SINCE <stayed home as she had no car>
8 : that the result is <so clearly guilty as to leave no doubt>
usage see LIKE
–as is : in the presently existing condition without modification <bought the clock at an auction as is>
–as it were : as if it were so : in a manner of speaking

as
n. 1 : THAT, WHO, WHICH ― used after same or such <in the same building as my brother> <tears such as angels weep ― John Milton> and chiefly dialect after a substantive not modified by same or such <that kind of fruit as maids call medlars ― Shakespeare>
2 : a fact that <is a foreigner, as is evident from his accent>

as
n. 1 a : LIKE 2 <all rose as one man> b : LIKE 1A <his face was as a mask ― Max Beerbohm>
2 : in the capacity, character, condition, or role of <works as an editor>

as
n. 1 a : a bronze coin of the ancient Roman republic b : a unit of value equivalent to an as coin
2 : LIBRA 2A

as
n. ― see AD-

as a matter of fact
in fact : ACTUALLY

as a rule
for the most part : GENERALLY

as best
as well, skillfully, or accurately as <try to do it as best you can>

as far as
: to the extent or degree that <is safe, as far as we know> ― often used in expressions like “as far as (something) goes” and “as far as (something) is concerned” to mean “with regard to (something)” <we felt pretty safe as far as the fire was concerned ― Mark Twain> or in expressions like “as far as (someone) is concerned” to mean “in (someone's) opinion” <as far as I'm concerned, it's a mistake>

as far as
: with regard to : CONCERNING <neatly groomed and, as far as clothes, casual looking ― N.Y. Times> <as far as being mentioned in the Ten Commandments, I think it is ― Billy Graham> ― chiefly in oral use

as follows
as comes next ― used impersonally

as for
: with regard to : CONCERNING <as for the others, they'll arrive later>

as good as
in effect : VIRTUALLY <as good as dead>

as good as gold

1 : of the highest worth or reliability <his promise is as good as gold>
2 : well-behaved <the child was as good as gold>

as how
: THAT <allowed as how she was glad to be here>

as if
1 : as it would be if <it was as if he had lost his last friend>
2 : as one would do if <he ran as if ghosts were chasing him>
3 : THAT <it seemed as if the day would never end>

as is
in the presently existing condition without modification <bought the clock at an auction as is>

as it were
as if it were so : in a manner of speaking

as like as not
or like as not : PROBABLY

as long as
1 : provided that <can do as they like as long as they have a B average>
2 : INASMUCH AS, SINCE <as long as you're going, I'll go too>

as many
the same in number <saw three plays in as many days>

as much

1 : the same in quantity <not quite as much money>
2 : to the same degree <likes baseball almost as much as he likes golf>

as of
: ON, AT, FROM ― used to indicate a time or date at which something begins or ends <takes effect as of July 1>

as one man
with the agreement and consent of all : UNANIMOUSLY

as per
: in accordance with : ACCORDING TO <as per your instructions>
–as per usual : as usual

as per usual
as usual

as regards
: in regard to : with respect to <as regards our previous discussion>

as soon as
: immediately at or shortly after the time that <call as soon as you get there>

as such
intrinsically considered : in itself <as such the gift was worth little>

as the crow flies
in a straight line

as though
: AS IF

as to
1 : AS FOR, ABOUT <at a loss as to how to explain the error>
2 : ACCORDING TO, BY <graded as to size and color>

as usual
in the accustomed or habitual way <as usual they were late>

as well

1 : in addition : ALSO <there were other features as well>
2 : to the same extent or degree : as much <open as well to the poor as to the rich>
3 : with equivalent, comparable, or more favorable effect <might just as well have stayed home>

as well as
: and in addition : AND <brave as well as loyal>

as well as
: in addition to : BESIDES <the coach, as well as the team, is ready>

as who
archaic : as one that : as if someone

as who should say
archaic : so to speak

as yet
up to the present or a specified time <there are as yet few clues ― Sharon Kingman>

as-salaam alaikum
: peace to you ― used as a traditional greeting among Muslims

asafetida
n. : the dried fetid gum resin of the root of several west Asian plants (genus Ferula) of the carrot family used as a flavoring especially in Indian cooking and formerly used in medicine especially as an antispasmodic and in folk medicine as a general prophylactic against disease

Asahikawa
city Japan in cen Hokkaido pop 359,536

Asama
volcano 8300 ft (2530 m) Japan in cen Honshu

asana
n. : any of various yogic postures

Asansol
city NE India in W. Bengal pop 486,304

Asante
n. : ASHANTI

ASAP
as soon as possible

asb
asbestos

asbestos
n. : any of several minerals (as chrysotile) that readily separate into long flexible fibers, that cause asbestosis and have been implicated as causes of certain cancers, and that have been used especially formerly as fireproof insulating materials

asbestosis
n. : a pneumoconiosis due to asbestos particles that is marked by thickening and scarring of lung tissue

Asbury
Francis 1745-1816 American (Eng.-born) Methodist bishop

asc
: ascus <ascocarp>

ASCAP
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

ascariasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by ascarids

ascarid
n. : any of a family (Ascaridae) of nematode worms that includes the common roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) parasitic in the human intestine

ascaris
n. : ASCARID

ascend
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to move upward <the balloon ascended> b : to slope upward
2 a : to rise from a lower level or degree <ascend to power> b : to go back in time or in order of genealogical succession
transitive verb
1 : to go or move up <ascend a staircase>
2 : to succeed to : OCCUPY <ascend the throne>
–as·cend·able or as·cend·ible \-'sen-də-bəl\ adjective

ascendance
n. : ASCENDANCY

ascendancy
n. : governing or controlling influence : DOMINATION

ascendant
n. 1 : the point of the ecliptic or degree of the zodiac that rises above the eastern horizon at any moment
2 : a state or position of dominant power or importance
3 : a lineal or collateral relative in the ascending line

ascendant
n. 1 a : moving upward : RISING b : directed upward <an ascendant stem>
2 a : SUPERIOR b : DOMINANT 1A
–as·cen·dant·ly adverb

ascender
n. 1 : the part of a lowercase letter (as b) that rises above the main body of the letter also : a letter that has such a part
2 : a device used for climbing rope that slides freely in one direction and grips the rope when pulled in the opposite direction

ascending
adj. 1 a : rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees <ascending powers of x> b : mounting or sloping upward
2 : rising upward usually from a more or less prostrate base or point of attachment

Ascension
n. island in S. Atlantic belonging to Brit. colony of St. Helena area 34 sq mi (88 sq km), pop 1400

ascension
n. : the act or process of ascending

Ascension Day
: the Thursday 40 days after Easter observed in commemoration of Christ's ascension into Heaven

ascensional
adj. : of or relating to ascension or ascent

ascensive
: rising or tending to rise

ascent
n. 1 a : the act of rising or mounting upward : CLIMB b : an upward slope or rising grade : ACCLIVITY c : the degree of elevation : INCLINATION, GRADIENT
2 : an advance in social status or reputation : PROGRESS
3 : a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

ascertain
v. 1 archaic : to make certain, exact, or precise
2 : to find out or learn with certainty
synonyms see DISCOVER
–as·cer·tain·able \-'tā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–as·cer·tain·ment \-'tān-mənt\ noun

ascesis
n. : SELF-DISCIPLINE, ASCETICISM

ascetic
n. 1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline
2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude
synonyms see SEVERE
–ascetic noun
–as·cet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–as·cet·i·cism \-'se-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Asch
Sho·lem \'shȯ-ləm, 'shō-\ or Sha·lom \shə-'lōm\ or Sho·lom \'shȯ-ləm, 'shō-\ 1880-1957 American (Pol.-born) Yiddish writer

Ascham
Roger 1515-1568 Eng. scholar & author

ascidian
n. : any of a class (Ascidiacea) of solitary or colonial sessile tunicates having an incurrent and excurrent siphon ― called also sea squirt

ASCII
n. : a code for representing alphanumeric information

ascites
n. : abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the spaces between tissues and organs in the cavity of the abdomen
–as·cit·ic \-'si-tik\ adjective

asclepiad
n. : MILKWEED

ascocarp
n. : the mature fruiting body of an ascomycetous fungus broadly : such a body with its enclosed asci, spores, and paraphyses
–as·co·car·pic \ˌas-kə-'kär-pik\ adjective

ascogonium
n. : the female sex organ in ascomycetous fungi

Ascoli Piceno
commune cen Italy in Marche NE of Rome pop 51,814

Ascoli Satriano
commune SE Italy in Puglia S of Foggia pop 6528

ascomycete
n. : any of a group (as class Ascomycetes or subdivision Ascomycotina) of higher fungi (as yeasts or molds) with septate hyphae and spores formed in asci
–as·co·my·ce·tous \-ˌmī-'sē-təs\ adjective

ascorbate
: a salt of ascorbic acid

ascorbic acid
: VITAMIN C

ascospore
n. : any of the spores contained in an ascus
–as·co·spor·ic \ˌas-kə-'spȯr-ik\ adjective

Ascot
n. village S England in Berkshire SW of London

ascot
n. : a broad neck scarf that is looped under the chin

ascribe
v. : to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author
–as·crib·able \-'skrī-bə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms ASCRIBE, ATTRIBUTE, ASSIGN, IMPUTE, CREDIT mean to lay something to the account of a person or thing. ASCRIBE suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship <forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters>. ATTRIBUTE suggests less tentativeness than ASCRIBE, less definiteness than ASSIGN <attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate>. ASSIGN implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation <assigned the bones to the Cretaceous period>. IMPUTE suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame <tried to impute sinister motives to my actions>. CREDIT implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation <credited his teammates for his success>.

ascribed
v. : acquired or assigned arbitrarily (as at birth) <ascribed social status>

ascription
n. 1 : the act of ascribing : ATTRIBUTION
2 : arbitrary placement (as at birth) in a particular social status

ascriptive
adj. : relating to, marked by, or involving ascription

ascus
n. : the membranous oval or tubular spore case of an ascomycete

Ascutney, Mount
mountain 3320 ft (1012 m) SE Vt.

asdic
n. chiefly British : SONAR

ASE
American Stock Exchange

ase
: enzyme <protease>

ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations

asepsis
n. 1 : the condition of being aseptic
2 : the methods of making or keeping aseptic

aseptic
adj. 1 a : preventing infection <aseptic techniques> b : free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms <an aseptic operating room>
2 : lacking vitality, emotion, or warmth <aseptic essays>
–asep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

asexual
n. 1 : lacking sex or functional sex organs <asexual plants>
2 a : involving or reproducing by reproductive processes (as cell division, spore formation, fission, or budding) that do not involve the union of individuals or gametes <asexual reproduction> <an asexual generation> b : produced by asexual reproduction <asexual spores>
3 : devoid of sexuality <an asexual relationship>
–asex·u·al·i·ty \ˌā-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē, -shü-'a-\ noun
–asex·u·al·ly \(ˌ)ā-'sek-sh(ə-)wə-lē, -shü-ə-, -ˌsek-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

Asgard
: the home of the Norse gods

asgd
assigned

asgmt
assignment

ash
n. 1 : any of a genus (Fraxinus) of trees of the olive family with pinnate leaves, thin furrowed bark, and gray branchlets
2 : the tough elastic wood of an ash
3 [Old English æsc, name of the corresponding runic letter] : the ligature æ used in Old English and some phonetic alphabets to represent a low front vowel \a\

ash
n. 1 : something that symbolizes grief, repentance, or humiliation
2 a : the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means b : fine particles of mineral matter from a volcanic vent
3 plural : the remains of the dead human body after cremation or disintegration
4 plural : deathly pallor <the lip of ashes and the cheek of flame ― Lord Byron>
5 plural : RUINS
–ash·less \-ləs\ adjective

ash
n. : to convert into ash

ash
n. ash blond
ash blonde
ash can
Ash Wednesday
bone ash
fly ash
mountain ash
prickly ash
soda ash
white ash
Ash Shariqah
Madinat ash Sha'b

ash can
1 : a metal receptacle for refuse
2 slang : DEPTH CHARGE

Ash Shariqah
sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates

Ash Wednesday
: the first day of Lent ― see EASTER table

ash-blond
: pale or grayish blond <ash-blond hair>

ashamed
adj. 1 a : feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace b : feeling inferior or unworthy
2 : restrained by anticipation of shame <was ashamed to beg>
–asham·ed·ly \-'shā-məd-lē\ adverb

Ashanti
n. 1 : a member of a people of southern Ghana
2 : the dialect of Akan spoken by the Ashanti people

Ashanti
n. former Brit. protectorate W Africa; now part of Ghana

Ashburton
Baron ― see Alexander BARING

Ashburton
river ab 400 mi (644 km) Australia in NW Western Australia flowing NW into Indian Ocean

Ashcan
n. : of or relating to a group of 20th century American painters who depicted city life realistically <Ashcan school>

Ashcroft
n. John David 1942-     U.S. atty. gen. (2001-  )

Ashcroft
n. Dame Peggy 1907-1991 Brit. actress

Ashdod
n. city & port Israel W of Jerusalem pop 76,600

Ashe
Arthur Robert 1943-1993 American tennis player

ashen
adj. : of, relating to, or made from ash wood

ashen
adj. : resembling ashes (as in color) especially : deadly pale <a face ashen and haggard>

Asher
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Asheville
city W N.C. pop 68,889

ashfall
: a deposit of volcanic ash

Ashgabat
n. city capital of Turkmenistan pop 412,200

Ashkenazi
n. : a member of one of the two great divisions of Jews comprising the eastern European Yiddish-speaking Jews ― compare SEPHARDI
–Ash·ke·naz·ic \-'nä-zik, -'na-\ adjective

ashlar
n. 1 : hewn or squared stone also : masonry of such stone
2 : a thin squared and dressed stone for facing a wall of rubble or brick

Ashley
river 40 mi (64 km) S S.C. flowing SE into Charleston harbor

ashore
adv. : on or to the shore

Ashqelon
n. city & port of ancient Palestine; site in Israel WSW of Jerusalem

ashram
n. 1 : a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage also : the group of disciples instructed there
2 : a religious retreat

Ashton
n. Winifred ― see Clemence DANE

Ashtoreth
n. : ASTARTE

ashtray
n. : a receptacle for tobacco ashes and for cigar and cigarette butts

Ashur
: the chief deity of the Assyrians

Ashurbanipal
king of Assyria (668-627 B.C.)

ashy
adj. 1 : of or relating to ashes
2 : ASHEN

ASI
airspeed indicator

Asia
n. continent of the eastern hemisphere N of equator forming a single landmass with Europe (the conventional dividing line bet. Asia & Europe being the Ural Mountains & main range of the Caucasus Mountains); has numerous large offshore islands including Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Malay Archipelago, Taiwan, the Japanese chain, & Sakhalin area 17,139,445 sq mi (44,391,162 sq km)

Asia Minor
peninsula forming W extremity of Asia bet. Black Sea on N, Mediterranean Sea on S, & Aegean Sea on W ― see ANATOLIA

Asiago
n. : a pungent hard yellow cheese of Italian origin suitable for grating

Asian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Asia or its people

Asian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Asia
2 : a person of Asian descent

Asian
n. Asian American
Asian elephant
Asian influenza
Asian flu
Asian pear
Asian tiger mosquito
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
anti Asian

Asian elephant
: ELEPHANT 1B

Asian influenza
: influenza caused by a mutant strain of the influenza virus isolated during the 1957 epidemic in Asia ― called also Asian flu

Asian pear
: any of various pears chiefly of Japanese and Chinese origin that have crisp juicy flesh, usually resemble an apple in shape, and typically have yellow, brown, or green skin

Asian tiger mosquito
: a black-and-white striped Asian mosquito (Aedes albopictus) that is a vector of several diseases (as dengue) and has been introduced into the U.S.

Asian-American
: an American of Asian descent
–Asian-American adjective

Asiatic
adj. sometimes offensive : ASIAN
–Asiatic noun sometimes offensive

Asiatic
adj. Afro Asiatic
Asiatic cholera
Asiatic elephant

Asiatic cholera
: cholera of Asian origin that is caused by virulent strains of the cholera vibrio (Vibrio cholerae)

Asiatic elephant
: ELEPHANT 1B

aside
n. 1 : to or toward the side <stepped aside>
2 : away from others or into privacy <pulled him aside>
3 : out of the way especially for future use : AWAY <putting aside savings>
4 : away from one's thought or consideration <jesting aside>

aside
n. obsolete : BEYOND, PAST

aside
n. 1 : an utterance meant to be inaudible to someone especially : an actor's speech heard by the audience but supposedly not by other characters
2 : a straying from the theme : DIGRESSION

aside
n. aside from
set aside
step aside

aside from
1 : in addition to : BESIDES
2 : EXCEPT FOR

Asimov
n. Issac 1920-1992 American (Russ.-born) writer

asinine
adj. 1 : extremely or utterly foolish <an asinine excuse>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling an ass
synonyms see SIMPLE
–as·i·nine·ly adverb
–as·i·nin·i·ty \ˌa-sə-'ni-nə-tē\ noun

Asir
province S Saudi Arabia on Red Sea SE of Hejaz capital As Sabya area 40,130 sq mi (103,937 sq km)

ask
v. transitive verb
1 a : to call on for an answer <she asked him about his trip> b : to put a question about <asking her whereabouts> c : SPEAK, UTTER <ask a question>
2 a : to make a request of <she asked her teacher for help> b : to make a request for <she asked help from her teacher>
3 : to call for : REQUIRE <a challenge that will ask much of us>
4 : to set as a price <asked $3000 for the car>
5 : INVITE
intransitive verb
1 : to seek information
2 : to make a request <asked for food>
3 : LOOK ― often used in the phrase ask for trouble
–ask·er noun
synonyms ASK, QUESTION, INTERROGATE, QUERY, INQUIRE mean to address a person in order to gain information. ASK implies no more than the putting of a question <ask for directions>. QUESTION usually suggests the asking of series of questions <questioned them about every detail of the trip>. INTERROGATE suggests formal or official systematic questioning <the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day>. QUERY implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation <queried a librarian about the book>. INQUIRE implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions <began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue>.
synonyms ASK, REQUEST, SOLICIT mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ASK implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. REQUEST implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. SOLICIT suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.

askance
adv. 1 : with a side-glance : OBLIQUELY
2 : with disapproval or distrust : SCORNFULLY <they eyed the stranger askance>

askesis
variant of ascesis

askew
adj. : out of line : AWRY <the picture hung askew>
–askew·ness noun

asking price
: the price at which something is offered for sale

ASL
American Sign Language

aslant
adv. : in a slanting direction : OBLIQUELY

aslant
adv. : over or across in a slanting direction

asleep
adj. 1 : being in a state of sleep
2 : DEAD
3 : lacking sensation : NUMB
4 a : INACTIVE, DORMANT b : not alert : INDIFFERENT

asleep
adj. 1 : into a state of sleep
2 : into the sleep of death
3 : into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference

aslope
adv. : being in a sloping or slanting position or direction

Asmara
n. city capital of Eritrea pop 342,706

Asnieres
commune N France NW of Paris

Aso, Mount
volcanic mountain Japan in cen Kyushu; has five volcanic cones grouped around crater 15 mi (24 km) long with walls 2000 ft (610 m) high

asocial
adj. : not social: as a : rejecting or lacking the capacity for social interaction b : ANTISOCIAL

Asoka
d 238 or 232 B.C. king of India (ca 265-238 or ca 273-232 B.C.)

Asolo
commune NE Italy NW of Treviso pop 7636

asp
n. : ASPEN

asp
n. : a small venomous snake of Egypt usually held to be a cobra (Naja haje)

asparagine
n. : a nonessential amino acid C_4H_8N_2O_3 that is an amide of aspartic acid

asparagus
n. : any of a genus (Asparagus) of Old World perennial plants of the lily family having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves especially : one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots

aspartame
n. : a crystalline compound C_14H_18N_2O_5 that is a diamide synthesized from phenylalanine and aspartic acid and that is used as a low-calorie sweetener

aspartate
: a salt or ester of aspartic acid

aspartic acid
: a crystalline amino acid C_4H_7NO_4 found especially in plants

Aspasia
470?-410 B.C. consort of Pericles

ASPCA
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

aspect
n. 1 a : the position of planets or stars with respect to one another held by astrologers to influence human affairs also : the apparent position (as conjunction) of a body in the solar system with respect to the sun b : a position facing a particular direction : EXPOSURE <the house has a southern aspect> c : the manner of presentation of a plane to a fluid through which it is moving or to a current
2 a (1) : appearance to the eye or mind (2) : a particular appearance of countenance : MIEN b : a particular status or phase in which something appears or may be regarded <studied every aspect of the question>
3 archaic : an act of looking : GAZE
4 a : the nature of the action of a verb as to its beginning, duration, completion, or repetition and without reference to its position in time b : a set of inflected verb forms that indicate aspect
–as·pec·tu·al \a-'spek-chə(-wə)l, -chü(-ə)l\ adjective

aspect ratio
: a ratio of one dimension to another: as a : the ratio of span to mean chord of an airfoil b : the ratio of the width of a television or motion-picture image to its height

aspen
n. : any of several poplars (esp. Populus tremula of Europe and P. tremuloides and P. grandidentata of No. America) with leaves that flutter in the lightest wind because of their flattened petioles

Asperger's syndrome
: a developmental disorder resembling autism that is characterized by impaired social interaction, by restricted and repetitive behaviors and activities, and by normal language and cognitive development ― called also Asperger's disorder

asperges
n. : a ceremony of sprinkling altar and people with holy water

aspergillosis
n. : infection with or disease caused (as in poultry) by aspergillus molds

aspergillum
n. : a brush or small perforated container with a handle that is used for sprinkling holy water in a liturgical service

aspergillus
n. : any of a genus (Aspergillus) of ascomycetous fungi with branched radiate sporophores including many common molds

asperity
n. 1 : RIGOR, SEVERITY
2 a : roughness of surface : UNEVENNESS also : a tiny projection from a surface b : roughness of sound
3 : roughness of manner or of temper : HARSHNESS <asked with some asperity just what they were implying>

asperse
v. 1 : SPRINKLE especially : to sprinkle with holy water
2 : to attack with evil reports or false or injurious charges
synonyms see MALIGN

aspersion
n. 1 : a sprinkling with water especially in religious ceremonies
2 a : a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation <cast aspersions on her integrity> b : the act of making such a charge : DEFAMATION

asphalt
n. 1 : a dark bituminous substance that is found in natural beds and is also obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and that consists chiefly of hydrocarbons
2 : an asphaltic composition used for pavements and as a waterproof cement
–as·phal·tic \as-'fȯl-tik, esp Brit -'fal-\ adjective

asphalt
n. : to cover with asphalt : PAVE 1

asphalt jungle
: a big city or a specified part of a big city

Asphaltites, Lacus
― see DEAD SEA

aspheric
adj. : departing slightly from the spherical form especially in order to correct for spherical aberration <an aspheric lens>

asphodel
n. : any of various Old World herbs (esp. genera Asphodelus and Asphodeline) of the lily family with flowers in usually long erect racemes

asphyxia
n. : a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply

asphyxiate
v. transitive verb : to cause asphyxia in
intransitive verb : to become asphyxiated
–as·phyx·i·a·tion \-ˌfik-sē-'ā-shən\ noun

aspic
n. obsolete : 2ASP

aspic
n. : a clear savory jelly (as of fish or meat stock) used as a garnish or to make a meat, fish, or vegetable mold

aspidistra
n. : an Asian plant (Aspidistra elatior) of the lily family that has large pointed basal leaves and is often grown as a foliage plant

aspirant
n. : one who aspires <presidential aspirants>

aspirant
n. : seeking to attain a desired position or status <the pilot was an aspirant astronaut>

aspirate
n. 1 : an independent sound \h\ or a character (as the letter h) representing it
2 : a consonant having aspiration as its final component <in English the \p\ of pit is an aspirate>
3 : material removed by aspiration

aspirate
n. 1 : to pronounce (a vowel or a consonant) with aspiration (sense 1a)
2 a : to draw by suction b : to remove (as blood) by aspiration c : to take into the lungs by aspiration

aspiration
n. 1 a : audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound b : the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration also : the symbol of an aspiration
2 : a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as a : the act of breathing and especially of breathing in b : the withdrawal of fluid or tissue from the body c : the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
3 a : a strong desire to achieve something high or great b : an object of such desire
synonyms see AMBITION
–as·pi·ra·tion·al \-'rā-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

aspirator
n. : an apparatus for producing suction or moving or collecting materials by suction especially : a hollow tubular instrument connected with a partial vacuum and used to remove fluid or tissue or foreign bodies from the body

aspire
v. 1 : to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal <aspired to a career in medicine>
2 : ASCEND, SOAR
–as·pir·er noun

aspirin
n. 1 : a white crystalline derivative C_9H_8O_4 of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever
2 : a tablet of aspirin

Asquith
Herbert Henry 1852-1928 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith Brit. statesman

ASR
1 airport surveillance radar
2 air-sea rescue

ass
n. 1 : any of several hardy gregarious African or Asian perissodactyl mammals (genus Equus) smaller than the horse and having long ears especially : an African mammal (E. asinus) that is the ancestor of the donkey
2 sometimes vulgar : a stupid, obstinate, or perverse person <made an ass of himself> ― often compounded with a preceding adjective <don't be a smart-ass>

ass
n. 1 a often vulgar : BUTTOCKS ― often used in emphatic reference to a specific person <get your ass over here> <saved my ass> b often vulgar : ANUS
2 usually vulgar : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

ass
n. often vulgar ― used as a postpositive intensive especially with words of derogatory implication <fancy-ass>

ass
n. hard ass
haul ass
horse's ass
kick ass
kiss one's ass
kiss ass
smart ass

Assad, al
Bashar 1965-     pres. of Syria (2000-  )

Assad, al
Hafiz 1930-2000 father of prec. pres. of Syria (1971-2000)

assai
adv. : VERY ― used with tempo direction in music <allegro assai>

assail
v. : to attack violently with blows or words
synonyms see ATTACK
–as·sail·able \-'sā-lə-bəl\ adjective
–as·sail·ant \-'sā-lənt\ noun

Assam
n. : a black tea grown in northeastern India

Assam
n. state NE India on edge of Himalayas capital Dispur area 30,318 sq mi (78,827 sq km), pop 26,638,407

Assamese
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Assam, India
2 : the Indo-Aryan language of Assam
–Assamese adjective

assassin
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a Shia Muslim sect who at the time of the Crusades was sent out on a suicidal mission to murder prominent enemies
2 : a person who commits murder especially : one who murders a politically important person either for hire or from fanatical motives

assassin bug
: any of a family (Reduviidae) of bugs that are usually predatory on insects though some (as a kissing bug) suck the blood of mammals ― called also reduviid

assassinate
1 : to injure or destroy unexpectedly and treacherously
2 : to murder (a usually prominent person) by sudden or secret attack often for political reasons
synonyms see KILL
–as·sas·si·na·tion \-ˌsa-sə-'nā-shən\ noun
–as·sas·si·na·tor \-'sa-sə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

assault
n. 1 a : a violent physical or verbal attack b : a military attack usually involving direct combat with enemy forces c : a concerted effort (as to reach a goal or defeat an adversary)
2 a : a threat or attempt to inflict offensive physical contact or bodily harm on a person (as by lifting a fist in a threatening manner) that puts the person in immediate danger of or in apprehension of such harm or contact ― compare BATTERY 1b b : RAPE 2

assault
n. 1 : to make an assault on
2 : RAPE 2
intransitive verb : to make an assault
synonyms see ATTACK
–as·sault·er noun

assault
n. aggravated assault
assault boat
assault rifle
assault weapon
indecent assault
sexual assault

assault boat
: a small portable boat used in an amphibious military attack or in land warfare for crossing rivers or lakes

assault rifle
: any of various automatic or semiautomatic rifles with large capacity magazines designed for military use

assault weapon
: any of various automatic or semiautomatic firearms especially : ASSAULT RIFLE

assaultive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or tending toward assault <assaultive behavior>
2 : having an intense or abrasive effect on the senses or emotions <loud and assaultive music>
–as·sault·ive·ly adverb
–as·sault·ive·ness noun

assay
n. 1 archaic : TRIAL, ATTEMPT
2 : examination and determination as to characteristics (as weight, measure, or quality)
3 : analysis (as of an ore or drug) to determine the presence, absence, or quantity of one or more components also : a test used in this analysis
4 : a substance to be assayed also : the tabulated result of assaying

assay
n. 1 : TRY, ATTEMPT
2 a : to analyze (as an ore) for one or more specific components b : to judge the worth of : ESTIMATE
intransitive verb : to prove up in an assay
–as·say·er noun

assed
adj. often vulgar : 3ASS ― used in combination <sorry-assed state of affairs>

assed
adj. half assed
hard assed
smart assed

assegai
n. : a slender hardwood spear or light javelin usually tipped with iron and used in southern Africa

assemblage
n. 1 : a collection of persons or things : GATHERING
2 : the act of assembling : the state of being assembled
3 a : an artistic composition made from scraps, junk, and odds and ends (as of paper, cloth, wood, stone, or metal) b : the art of making assemblages

assemblagist
: an artist who specializes in assemblages

assemble
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring together (as in a particular place or for a particular purpose)
2 : to fit together the parts of
intransitive verb : to meet together : CONVENE
synonyms see GATHER

assembler
n. 1 : one that assembles
2 a : a computer program that automatically converts instructions written in assembly language into machine language b : ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE

assembly
n. 1 : a company of persons gathered for deliberation and legislation, worship, or entertainment
2 capitalized : a legislative body specifically : the lower house of a legislature
3 : a meeting of a student body and usually faculty for administrative, educational, or recreational purposes
4 a : ASSEMBLAGE 1 b : ASSEMBLAGE 2
5 : a signal for troops to assemble or fall in
6 a : the fitting together of manufactured parts into a complete machine, structure, or unit of a machine b : a collection of parts so assembled
7 : the translation of assembly language to machine language by an assembler

assembly
n. assembly language
assembly line
Assembly of God
general assembly
house of assembly
legislative assembly
self assembly

assembly language
: a programming language that consists of instructions that are mnemonic codes for corresponding machine language instructions

assembly line
1 : an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled
2 : a process for turning out a finished product in a mechanically efficient manner <academic assembly lines>

Assembly of God

1952
: a congregation belonging to a Pentecostal body founded in the U.S. in 1914

assembly-line
: made by or as if by an assembly line especially : lacking originality or creativity <bored by the novel's assembly-line plot>

assemblyman
n. : a member of an assembly

assemblywoman
n. : a woman who is a member of an assembly

Assen
commune NE Netherlands capital of Drenthe pop 60,230

assent
n. : to agree to something especially after thoughtful consideration : CONCUR
–as·sen·tor or as·sent·er \-'sen-tər\ noun
synonyms ASSENT, CONSENT, ACCEDE, ACQUIESCE, AGREE, SUBSCRIBE mean to concur with what has been proposed. ASSENT implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions <voters assented to the proposal>. CONSENT involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired <consented to their daughter's going>. ACCEDE implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent <officials acceded to the prisoners' demands>. ACQUIESCE implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition <acquiesced to his boss's wishes>. AGREE sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion <finally agreed to come along>. SUBSCRIBE implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support <subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea>.

assent
n. : an act of assenting : ACQUIESCENCE, AGREEMENT

assentation
n. : ready assent especially when insincere or obsequious

assert
v. 1 : to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively
2 a : to demonstrate the existence of <assert his manhood ― James Joyce> b : POSIT, POSTULATE
–assert oneself : to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights
synonyms ASSERT, DECLARE, AFFIRM, PROTEST, AVOW mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. ASSERT implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence <asserted that modern music is just noise>. DECLARE stresses open or public statement <declared her support for the candidate>. AFFIRM implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith <affirmed the existence of an afterlife>. PROTEST emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt <protested that he really had been misquoted>. AVOW stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared <avowed that all investors would be repaid in full>. synonym see in addition MAINTAIN

assert oneself
to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights

assertedly
: by positive and usually unsubstantiated assertion : ALLEGEDLY

assertion
n. : the act of asserting also : DECLARATION, AFFIRMATION

assertive
adj. 1 : disposed to or characterized by bold or confident assertion <an assertive leader>
2 : having a strong or distinctive flavor or aroma <assertive wines>
synonyms see AGGRESSIVE
–as·ser·tive·ly adverb
–as·ser·tive·ness noun

assertive
adj. self assertive
assertiveness training
self assertiveness
self assertively

assertiveness training
: a method of training individuals to act in a bold self-confident manner

asses
n. plural of as or of ass

assess
v. 1 : to determine the rate or amount of (as a tax)
2 a : to impose (as a tax) according to an established rate b : to subject to a tax, charge, or levy
3 : to make an official valuation of (property) for the purposes of taxation
4 : to determine the importance, size, or value of <assess a problem>
5 : to charge (a player or team) with a foul or penalty
synonyms see ESTIMATE
–as·sess·able \-'se-sə-bəl\ adjective

assessment
n. 1 : the action or an instance of assessing : APPRAISAL
2 : the amount assessed

assessor
n. 1 : an official who assists a judge or magistrate
2 : one that assesses especially : an official who assesses property for taxation

asset
n. 1 plural a : the property of a deceased person subject by law to the payment of his or her debts and legacies b : the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate applicable or subject to the payment of debts
2 : ADVANTAGE, RESOURCE <his wit is his chief asset>
3 a : an item of value owned b plural : the items on a balance sheet showing the book value of property owned
4 : something useful in an effort to foil or defeat an enemy: as a : a piece of military equipment b : SPY

asset
n. working asset
current assets
quick assets

asseverate
v. : to affirm or declare positively or earnestly <he always asseverated that he did not know ― G. K. Chesterton>
–as·sev·er·a·tion \-ˌse-və-'rā-shən\ noun
–as·sev·er·a·tive \-'se-və-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

asshole
n. 1 usually vulgar : ANUS
2 a usually vulgar : a stupid, incompetent, or detestable person b usually vulgar : the worst place ― used in phrases like asshole of the world

assiduity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being assiduous : DILIGENCE
2 : persistent personal attention ― usually used in plural

assiduous
adj. : marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application <an assiduous book collector> <tended her garden with assiduous attention>
synonyms see BUSY
–as·sid·u·ous·ly adverb
–as·sid·u·ous·ness noun

assign
v. 1 : to transfer (property) to another especially in trust or for the benefit of creditors
2 a : to appoint to a post or duty <assigned them to light duty> <assigned me two clerks> b : to appoint as a duty or task <assigns 20 pages for homework>
3 : to fix or specify in correspondence or relationship <assign counsel to the defendant> <assign a value to the variable>
4 a : to ascribe as a motive, reason, or cause especially after deliberation b : to consider to belong to (a specified period of time)
synonyms see ASCRIBE
–as·sign·abil·i·ty \-ˌsī-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–as·sign·able \-'sī-nə-bəl\ adjective
–as·sign·er \ə-'sī-nər\ or as·sign·or \ˌa-sə-'nȯr, ˌa-ˌsī-, ə-ˌsī-\ noun

assign
v. : ASSIGNEE 3 <heirs and assigns>

assignat
: a bill issued as currency by the French Revolutionary government (1789-96) on the security of expropriated lands

assignation
n. 1 : the act of assigning or the assignment made
2 : an appointment of time and place for a meeting especially : TRYST <returned from an assignation with his mistress ― W. B. Yeats>

assigned risk
: a poor risk (as an accident-prone motorist) that insurance companies would normally reject but are forced to insure by state law

assignee
n. 1 : a person to whom an assignment is made
2 : a person appointed to act for another
3 : a person to whom a right or property is legally transferred

assignment
n. 1 : the act of assigning
2 a : a position, post, or office to which one is assigned b : a specified task or amount of work assigned or undertaken as if assigned by authority
3 : the transfer of property especially : the transfer of property to be held in trust or to be used for the benefit of creditors
synonyms see TASK

assimilable
adj. : capable of being assimilated <provides⋯information in a clear, assimilable fashion ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–as·sim·i·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌsi-mə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

assimilate
transitive verb
1 a : to take in and utilize as nourishment : absorb into the system b : to take into the mind and thoroughly comprehend
2 a : to make similar b : to alter by assimilation c : to absorb into the culture or mores of a population or group
3 : COMPARE, LIKEN
intransitive verb : to become assimilated
–as·sim·i·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
usage When assimilate is followed by a preposition, transitive senses 2a and 2c commonly take to and into and less frequently with; 2b regularly takes to; sense 3 most often takes to and sometimes with. The most frequent prepositions used with the intransitive sense are to and into.

assimilate
v. : something that is assimilated

assimilation
n. 1 a : an act, process, or instance of assimilating b : the state of being assimilated
2 : the incorporation or conversion of nutrients into protoplasm that in animals follows digestion and absorption and in higher plants involves both photosynthesis and root absorption
3 : change of a sound in speech so that it becomes identical with or similar to a neighboring sound <the usual assimilation of \z\ to \sh\ in the phrase his shoe>
4 : the process of receiving new facts or of responding to new situations in conformity with what is already available to consciousness

assimilationist
n. : a person who advocates a policy of assimilating differing racial or cultural groups
–as·sim·i·la·tion·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–as·sim·i·la·tion·ist adjective

assimilative
adj. : of, relating to, or causing assimilation

assimilatory
: ASSIMILATIVE

Assiniboin
: a member of an American Indian people orig. of the area between the upper Missouri and middle Saskatchewan rivers

Assiniboine
n. river 665 mi (1070 km) Canada rising in SE Sask. & flowing S & E across S Man. into Red River

Assiniboine, Mount
mountain 11,870 ft (3618 m) Canada in SW Alta. on B.C. border

Assisi
n. commune cen Italy ESE of Perugia pop 25,637

assist
v. transitive verb : to give usually supplementary support or aid to <assisted the boy with his lessons>
intransitive verb
1 : to give support or aid <assisted at the stove> <another surgeon assisted on the operation>
2 : to be present as a spectator <the ideal figures assisting at Italian holy scenes ― Mary McCarthy>

assist
v. 1 : an act of assistance : AID
2 : the action (as a throw or pass) of a player who enables a teammate to make a putout or score a goal also : official credit given for such an action
3 : a mechanical or electromechanical device that provides assistance

assist
v. ventricular assist device
assisted living
assisted suicide
physician assisted suicide

assistance
n. : the act of assisting or the help supplied : AID <financial and technical assistance>

assistant
n. : a person who assists : HELPER also : a person holding an assistantship
–assistant adjective

assistant
n. assistant professor
assistant professorship
personal digital assistant
physician's assistant
physician assistant

assistant professor
: a member of a college or university faculty who ranks above an instructor and below an associate professor
–assistant professorship noun

assistantship
: a paid appointment awarded annually to a qualified graduate student that requires part-time teaching, research, or residence hall duties

assisted living
: a system of housing and limited care that is designed for senior citizens who need some assistance with daily activities but do not require care in a nursing home ― usually hyphenated when used attributively <an assisted-living facility>

assisted suicide
: suicide committed by someone with assistance from another person especially : PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE

assistive
adj. : providing aid or assistance specifically : designed or intended to assist disabled persons <assistive technology>

assize
n. 1 a : a judicial inquest b : an action to be decided by such an inquest, the writ for instituting it, or the verdict or finding rendered by the jury
2 a : the former periodical sessions of the superior courts in English counties for trial of civil and criminal cases ― usually used in plural b : the time or place of holding such a court, the court itself, or a session of it ― usually used in plural

assn
n. association

assoc
n. associate; associated; association

associate
n. transitive verb
1 : to join as a partner, friend, or companion
2 obsolete : to keep company with : ATTEND
3 : to join or connect together : COMBINE
4 : to bring together or into relationship in any of various intangible ways (as in memory or imagination)
intransitive verb
1 : to come or be together as partners, friends, or companions
2 : to combine or join with other parts : UNITE
synonyms see JOIN

associate
n. 1 : closely connected (as in function or office) with another
2 : closely related especially in the mind
3 : having secondary or subordinate status <associate membership in a society>

associate
n. 1 : one associated with another: as a : PARTNER, COLLEAGUE b : COMPANION, COMRADE
2 a : an entry-level member (as of a learned society, professional organization, or profession) b : EMPLOYEE, WORKER
3 often capitalized : a degree conferred especially by a junior college <associate in arts>
–as·so·ciate·ship \-ˌship\ noun

associate
n. associate professor
associate professorship
free associate
paired associate learning

associate professor
: a member of a college or university faculty who ranks above an assistant professor and below a professor
–associate professorship noun

association
n. 1 a : the act of associating b : the state of being associated : COMBINATION, RELATIONSHIP
2 : an organization of persons having a common interest : SOCIETY
3 : something linked in memory or imagination with a thing or person
4 : the process of forming mental connections or bonds between sensations, ideas, or memories
5 : the aggregation of chemical species to form (as with hydrogen bonds) loosely bound complexes
6 : a major unit in ecological community organization characterized by essential uniformity and usually by two or more dominant species
–as·so·ci·a·tion·al \-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

association
n. association football
association area
free association
parent teacher association
savings and loan association
word association test
Association of Southeast Asian Nations

association area
: an area of the cerebral cortex that functions in linking and coordinating the sensory and motor areas

association football
: SOCCER

Association of Southeast Asian Nations
n. political organization consisting of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, & Vietnam; formed 1967

associationism
n. : a reductionist school of psychology that holds that the content of consciousness can be explained by the association and reassociation of irreducible sensory and perceptual elements
–as·so·ci·a·tion·ist \-'ā-sh(ə-)nist\ noun
–as·so·ci·a·tion·is·tic \-ˌā-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

associative
adj. 1 : of or relating to association especially of ideas or images
2 : dependent on or acquired by association or learning
3 : of, having, or being the property of combining to the same mathematical result regardless of the grouping of an expression's elements given that the order of those elements is preserved <addition is associative since (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)>
–as·so·cia·tive·ly adverb
–as·so·cia·tiv·i·ty \-ˌsō-shē-ə-'ti-və-tē, -sē-, -shə-'ti-\ noun

associative
adj. associative learning
associative neuron
free associative

associative learning
: a learning process in which discrete ideas and percepts become linked to one another

associative neuron
: INTERNEURON

assoil
1 archaic : ABSOLVE, PARDON
2 archaic : ACQUIT, CLEAR
3 archaic : EXPIATE
–as·soil·ment \-mənt\ noun archaic

assonance
n. 1 : resemblance of sound in words or syllables
2 a : relatively close juxtaposition of similar sounds especially of vowels b : repetition of vowels without repetition of consonants (as in stony and holy) used as an alternative to rhyme in verse
–as·so·nant \-nənt\ adjective or noun
–as·so·nant·al \ˌa-sə-'nan-təl\ adjective

assort
v. transitive verb
1 : to distribute into groups of a like kind : CLASSIFY
2 : to supply with an assortment (as of goods)
intransitive verb
1 : to agree in kind : HARMONIZE
2 : to keep company : ASSOCIATE
–as·sort·er noun

assortative
: being nonrandom mating based on like or unlike characteristics
–as·sor·ta·tive·ly \-lē\ adverb

assorted
adj. 1 : suited especially by nature or character <an ill-assorted pair>
2 : consisting of various kinds <assorted chocolates>

assortment
n. 1 a : the act of assorting b : the state of being assorted
2 : a collection of assorted things or persons

ASSR
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic

asst
n. 1 assistant
2 assorted

asstd
adj. 1 assented
2 assorted

assuage
v. 1 : to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : EASE <unable to assuage their grief>
2 : PACIFY, QUIET <vainly strove⋯to assuage an implacable foe ― Edward Gibbon>
3 : to put an end to by satisfying : APPEASE, QUENCH <assuaging his thirst>
synonyms see RELIEVE
–as·suage·ment \-mənt\ noun

assuasive
adj. : SOOTHING, CALMING

assume
v. 1 a : to take up or in : RECEIVE b : to take into partnership, employment, or use
2 a : to take to or upon oneself : UNDERTAKE <assume responsibility> b : PUT ON, DON c : to place oneself in <assume a position>
3 : SEIZE, USURP <assume control>
4 : to pretend to have or be : FEIGN <assumed an air of confidence in spite of her dismay>
5 : to take as granted or true : SUPPOSE <I assume he'll be there>
6 : to take over (the debts of another) as one's own
–as·sum·abil·i·ty \-ˌsü-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–as·sum·able \-'sü-mə-bəl\ adjective
–as·sum·ably \-blē\ adverb
synonyms ASSUME, AFFECT, PRETEND, SIMULATE, FEIGN, COUNTERFEIT, SHAM mean to put on a false or deceptive appearance. ASSUME often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive <assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients>. AFFECT implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling <affected an interest in art>. PRETEND implies an overt and sustained false appearance <pretended that nothing had happened>. SIMULATE suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something <cosmetics that simulate a suntan>. FEIGN implies more artful invention than PRETEND less specific mimicry than SIMULATE <feigned sickness>. COUNTERFEIT implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words <an actor counterfeiting drunkenness>. SHAM implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible <shammed a most unconvincing limp>.

assuming
n. : PRETENTIOUS, PRESUMPTUOUS

assumpsit
n. 1 : an express or implied promise or contract not under seal on which an action may be brought
2 a : a former common-law action brought to recover damages alleged from the breach of an assumpsit b : an action to recover damages for breach of a contract

assumption
n. 1 a : the taking up of a person into heaven b capitalized : August 15 observed in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
2 : a taking to or upon oneself <the assumption of a new position>
3 : the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something <the assumption of power>
4 : ARROGANCE, PRETENSION
5 a : an assuming that something is true b : a fact or statement (as a proposition, axiom, postulate, or notion) taken for granted
6 : the taking over of another's debts

assumptive
adj. : of, relating to, or based on assumption

assurance
n. 1 : the act or action of assuring: as a : PLEDGE, GUARANTEE b : the act of conveying real property also : the instrument by which it is conveyed c chiefly British : INSURANCE
2 : the state of being assured: as a : SECURITY b : a being certain in the mind <the puritan's assurance of salvation> c : confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty also : excessive self-confidence : BRASHNESS, PRESUMPTION
3 : something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence <gave repeated assurances of goodwill>
synonyms see CONFIDENCE

assure
v. 1 : to make safe (as from risks or against overthrow) : INSURE
2 : to give confidence to <and hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts ― 1 Jn 3:19(AV)>
3 : to make sure or certain : CONVINCE <glancing back to assure himself no one was following>
4 : to inform positively <I assure you that we can do it>
5 : to make certain the coming or attainment of : GUARANTEE <worked hard to assure accuracy>
synonyms see ENSURE

assured
n. 1 : characterized by certainty or security : GUARANTEED <an assured market>
2 a : SELF-ASSURED b : SELF-SATISFIED
3 : satisfied as to the certainty or truth of a matter <rest assured we won't be late>
–as·sured·ness \-'shu̇r-əd-nəs, -'shu̇rd-\ noun

assured
n. : INSURED

assuredly
adv. 1 : without a doubt : CERTAINLY
2 : in an assured manner : CONFIDENTLY

assurer
n. : one that assures : INSURER

assurgent
: moving upward : RISING especially : ASCENDANT 1B

assy
assembly

Assyr
Assyrian

Assyria
n. ancient empire W Asia extending along middle Tigris & over foothills to the E; early capital Calah, later capital Nineveh

Assyrian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Assyria
2 : the dialect of Akkadian spoken by the Assyrians
–Assyrian adjective

Assyriology
n. : the science or study of the history, language, and antiquities of ancient Assyria and Babylonia
–As·syr·i·o·log·i·cal \-ˌsir-ē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–As·syr·i·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

AST
Alaska standard time

ast
: one connected with <ecdysiast>

Astacus
― see IZMIT

Astaire
n. Fred 1899-1987 American dancer & actor

Astana
n. town N cen Kazakhstan, its capital since 1997

astarboard
: toward or on the starboard side of a ship <put the helm hard astarboard>

Astarte
n. : the Phoenician goddess of fertility and of sexual love

astatine
n. : a radioactive halogen element discovered by bombarding bismuth with alpha particles and also formed by radioactive decay ― see ELEMENT table

aster
n. 1 [New Latin, from Latin, aster, from Greek aster-, astēr star, aster ― more at STAR] a : any of various chiefly fall-blooming leafy-stemmed composite herbs (Aster and closely related genera) with often showy heads containing disk flowers or both disk and ray flowers b : CHINA ASTER
2 [New Latin, from Greek aster-, astēr] : a system of microtubules arranged radially about a centriole at either end of the mitotic or meiotic spindle

aster
n. : one that is inferior or not genuine <criticaster>

aster
n. aster yellows
China aster
Stokes' aster

aster yellows
: a widespread disease affecting more than 40 families of plants, characterized especially by yellowing and stunting, and caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by leafhoppers

asteria
n. : a gemstone cut to show asterism

asteriated
: exhibiting asterism <asteriated sapphire>

asterisk
n. : the character * used in printing or writing as a reference mark, as an indication of the omission of letters or words, to denote a hypothetical or unattested linguistic form, or for various arbitrary meanings
–as·ter·isk·less \-ləs\ adjective

asterisk
n. : to mark with an asterisk : STAR

asterism
n. 1 a : CONSTELLATION b : a small group of stars
2 : a star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica)

astern
adv. 1 : behind a ship
2 : at or toward the stern of a ship
3 : STERNFOREMOST, BACKWARD

asteroid
n. 1 : any of the small rocky celestial bodies found especially between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter
2 : STARFISH
–as·ter·oi·dal \ˌas-tə-'rȯi-dəl\ adjective

asteroid
n. 1 : resembling a star <asteroid bodies in sporotrichosis>
2 : of or resembling a starfish

asteroid belt
: the region of interplanetary space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter in which most asteroids are found

asthenia
n. : lack or loss of strength : DEBILITY

asthenic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or exhibiting asthenia : WEAK
2 : ECTOMORPHIC 2

asthenosphere
n. : a zone of a celestial body (as the earth) which lies beneath the lithosphere and within which the material is believed to yield readily to persistent stresses
–as·theno·spher·ic \-ˌthe-nə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

asthma
n. : a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)
–asth·mat·ic \az-'ma-tik, Brit as-\ adjective or noun
–asth·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Asti
commune NW Italy W of Alessandria pop 73,176

Asti Spumante
: a sweet sparkling white wine made in and around the village of Asti in Piedmont

astigmatic
adj. 1 : affected with, relating to, or correcting astigmatism
2 : showing incapacity for observation or discrimination <an astigmatic fanaticism, a disregard for the facts ― N.Y. Herald Tribune>
–astigmatic noun

astigmatism
n. 1 : a defect of an optical system (as a lens) causing rays from a point to fail to meet in a focal point resulting in a blurred and imperfect image
2 : a defect of vision due to astigmatism of the refractive system of the eye and especially to corneal irregularity
3 : distorted understanding suggestive of the blurred vision of an astigmatic person

astilbe
n. : any of a genus (Astilbe) of chiefly Asian perennials of the saxifrage family that have simple or usually compound leaves and are widely cultivated for their panicles of usually white or reddish flowers

astir
adj. 1 : exhibiting activity
2 : being out of bed : UP

ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials

Aston
n. Francis William 1877-1945 Eng. physicist

astonied
1 archaic : deprived briefly of the power to act : DAZED
2 archaic : filled with consternation or dismay

astonish
v. 1 obsolete : to strike with sudden fear
2 : to strike with sudden and usually great wonder or surprise <was too astonished to speak>
synonyms see SURPRISE

astonishing
adj. : causing astonishment : SURPRISING <an astonishing discovery>
–as·ton·ish·ing·ly \-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

astonishment
n. 1 a : the state of being astonished b : CONSTERNATION c : AMAZEMENT
2 : something that astonishes : a cause of amazement or wonder

Astor
n. John Jacob 1763-1848 American (Ger.-born) fur trader & capitalist

Astor
n. Nancy Witcher 1879-1964 Viscountess Astor 1st woman member of Brit. Parliament (1919-45)

astound
v. archaic : overwhelmed with astonishment or amazement : ASTOUNDED

astound
v. : to fill with bewilderment or wonder
synonyms see SURPRISE

astounding
adj. : causing astonishment or amazement <an astounding revelation>
–as·tound·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

astr
: star : heavens : outer space : astronomical <astrophysics>

astraddle
adj. : on or above and extending onto both sides : ASTRIDE

astraddle
adj. : with one leg on each side of : ASTRIDE

astragal
n. 1 : a narrow half-round molding
2 : a projecting strip on the edge of a folding door

astragalus
n. 1 plural as·trag·a·li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ : 2TALUS 1
2 : the dried root of an Asian milk vetch (Astragalus membranaceus) used especially as a remedy in Chinese herbal medicine also : a preparation or extract of this root

Astrakhan
n. city Russia in Europe on the Volga at head of its delta pop 512,000

astrakhan
n. 1 : karakul of Russian origin
2 : a cloth with a usually wool, curled, and looped pile resembling karakul

astral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or coming from the stars <astral influences> <unusual astral occurrences>
2 : of or relating to a mitotic or meiotic aster
3 : of or consisting of a supersensible substance held in theosophy to be next above the tangible world in refinement
4 a : VISIONARY b : elevated in station or position : EXALTED
–as·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

astray
adv. 1 : off the right path or route : STRAYING
2 : in error : away from what is proper or desirable

astride
adv. 1 : with one leg on each side : astride a horse <she rode astride, not sidesaddle>
2 : with the legs stretched wide apart <standing astride>

astride
adv. 1 : on or above and with one leg on each side of <astride a horse>
2 : placed or lying on both sides of <towns lying astride a river>
3 : extending over or across : SPANNING, BRIDGING

astringency
n. : the quality or state of being astringent

astringent
n. 1 : causing contraction of soft organic tissues : STYPTIC, PUCKERY <astringent lotions> <an astringent fruit>
2 : suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : AUSTERE <dry astringent comments> also : PUNGENT, CAUSTIC
–as·trin·gent·ly adverb

astringent
n. : an astringent agent or substance

astrobiology
n. : EXOBIOLOGY
–as·tro·bi·ol·o·gist \-(ˌ)bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

astrocyte
n. : a large star-shaped cell of the glia
–as·tro·cyt·ic \ˌas-trə-'si-tik\ adjective

astrocytoma
n. : a nerve-tissue tumor composed of astrocytes

astrodome
n. : a transparent dome in the upper surface of an airplane from within which the navigator makes celestial observations

astrol
astrologer; astrology

astrolabe
n. : a compact instrument used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant

astrologer
n. : a person who practices astrology

astrology
n. 1 archaic : ASTRONOMY
2 : the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects
–as·tro·log·i·cal \ˌas-trə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–as·tro·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

astrometry
n. : a branch of astronomy that deals with measurements (as of positions and movements) of celestial bodies
–as·tro·me·tric \ˌas-trə-'me-trik\ adjective

astron
astronomer; astronomy

astronaut
n. : a person who travels beyond the earth's atmosphere also : a trainee for spaceflight

astronautics
n. : the science of the construction and operation of vehicles for travel in space beyond the earth's atmosphere
–as·tro·nau·tic \-tik\ or as·tro·nau·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–as·tro·nau·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

astronomer
n. : a person who is skilled in astronomy or who makes observations of celestial phenomena

astronomical
adj. 1 : of or relating to astronomy <astronomical observations>
2 : enormously or inconceivably large or great <astronomical numbers>
–as·tro·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

astronomical unit
: a unit of length used in astronomy equal to the mean distance of the earth from the sun or about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers)

astronomy
n. : the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere and of their physical and chemical properties

astronomy
n. radar astronomy
radio astronomy
X ray astronomy

astrophotography
n. : photography involving astronomical objects and events
–as·tro·pho·to·graph \-'fō-tə-ˌgraf\ noun
–as·tro·pho·tog·ra·pher \-fə-'tä-grə-fər\ noun

astrophysics
n. : a branch of astronomy dealing especially with the behavior, physical properties, and dynamic processes of celestial objects and phenomena
–as·tro·phys·i·cal \-zi-kəl\ adjective
–as·tro·phys·i·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–as·tro·phys·i·cist \-'fi-zə-sist, -'fiz-sist\ noun

Astroturf
n. ― used for artificial turf

Asturias
n. Miguel Ángel 1899-1974 Guatemalan author

Asturias
n. 1 region & old kingdom NW Spain on Bay of Biscay
2 province NW Spain area 4079 sq mi (10,565 sq km), pop 1,062,998
–As·tu·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

astute
adj. : having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity <an astute observer> <astute remarks> also : CRAFTY, WILY
synonyms see SHREWD
–as·tute·ly adverb
–as·tute·ness noun

Astyanax
: a son of Hector and Andromache hurled by the Greeks from the walls of Troy

Asuncion
n. city capital of Paraguay on Paraguay River at confluence with the Pilcomayo pop 502,426

asunder
adv. 1 : into parts <torn asunder>
2 : apart from each other in position <wide asunder>

ASV
American Standard Version

ASW
antisubmarine warfare

Aswan
n. city S Egypt on right bank of the Nile near site of dam built 1898-1902 & of Aswân High Dam (completed 1970 to form Lake Nas·ser \'nä-sər, 'na-\) pop 191,461

aswarm
: filled to overflowing : SWARMING <streets aswarm with people>

aswirl
adj. : being in a swirl : SWIRLING

aswoon
: being in a swoon : DAZED

asylum
n. 1 : an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : SANCTUARY
2 : a place of retreat and security : SHELTER
3 a : the protection or inviolability afforded by an asylum : REFUGE b : protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency enjoying diplomatic immunity
4 : an institution for the care of the destitute or sick and especially the insane

asymmetrical
adj. 1 : not symmetrical
2 usually asymmetric of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups
–asym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–asym·me·try \(ˌ)ā-'si-mə-trē\ noun

asymptomatic
adj. : presenting no symptoms of disease
–asymp·tom·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

asymptote
n. : a straight line associated with a curve such that as a point moves along an infinite branch of the curve the distance from the point to the line approaches zero and the slope of the curve at the point approaches the slope of the line
–as·ymp·tot·ic \ˌa-səm(p)-'tä-tik\ adjective
–as·ymp·tot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

asynapsis
n. : failure of pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis

asynchronous
adj. 1 : not synchronous
2 : of, used in, or being digital communication (as between computers) in which there is no timing requirement for transmission and in which the start of each character is individually signaled by the transmitting device
–asyn·chro·nous·ly adverb

asynchrony
n. : the quality or state of being asynchronous : absence or lack of concurrence in time

asyndetic
adj. : marked by asyndeton
–as·yn·det·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

asyndeton
n. : omission of the conjunctions that ordinarily join coordinate words or clauses (as in “I came, I saw, I conquered”)

Asyut
city cen Egypt on left bank of the Nile pop 273,191

AT
prep. 1 air temperature
2 ampere-turn
3 automatic transmission

At
prep. astatine

at
prep. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate presence or occurrence in, on, or near <staying at a hotel> <at a party> <sick at heart>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate the goal of an indicated or implied action or motion <aim at the target> <creditors are at him again>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate that with which one is occupied or employed <at work> <at the controls> <good at chess>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate situation in an active or passive state or condition <at liberty> <at rest>
5 ― used as a function word to indicate the means, cause, or manner <sold at auction> <laughed at my joke> <act at your own discretion>
6 a ― used as a function word to indicate the rate, degree, or position in a scale or series <the temperature at 90> <at first> b ― used as a function word to indicate age or position in time <will retire at 65>

at
prep. ― see kip at MONEY table

at
prep. 1 airtight
2 atmosphere
3 atomic

at
prep. ― see AD-

at a loss

1 : uncertain as to how to proceed <was at a loss to explain the discrepancy>
2 : unable to produce what is needed <at a loss for words>

at a stroke
all at once <spent her savings at a stroke>

at a venture
at random <a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king ― 1 Kings 22:34 (AV)>

at all
: in any way or respect : to the least extent or degree : under any circumstances <doesn't smoke at all>

at all costs
regardless of the cost or consequences <was determined to win at all costs>

at all events
in any case

at anchor
being anchored

at any rate
in any case : ANYWAY

at bat
: an official turn at batting charged to a baseball player except when the player walks, sacrifices, is hit by a pitched ball, or is interfered with by the catcher <three hits in five at bats>

at best
under the most favorable circumstances

at bottom
REALLY, BASICALLY

at call
or on call
1 a : available for use : at the service of <thousands of men at his call> b : ready to respond to a summons or command <a doctor on call>
2 : subject to demand for payment or return without previous notice <money lent at call>

at cost
for the price of production <buys clothes at cost directly from the manufacturer>

at daggers drawn
in a state of open hostility or conflict

at death's door
close to death : critically ill

at each other's throats
in open and aggressive conflict

at ease

1 : free from pain or discomfort
2 a : free from restraint or formality <feels most at ease with old friends> b : standing silently (as in a military formation) with the feet apart, the right foot in place, and one or both hands behind the body ― often used as a command

at every turn
on every occasion : CONTINUALLY <they opposed her at every turn>

at fault

1 : unable to find the scent and continue chase
2 : open to blame : RESPONSIBLE <couldn't determine who was really at fault>

at first
at the beginning : INITIALLY

at first glance
on first consideration <at first glance the subject seems harmless enough>

at full throttle
at full speed <the project is proceeding at full throttle>

at gunpoint
under a threat of death by being shot

at hand

1 : near in time or place : within reach <use whatever ingredients are at hand>
2 : currently receiving or deserving attention <the business at hand>

at hazard
at stake

at heart
in essence : BASICALLY, ESSENTIALLY

at home
: a reception given at one's home

at home

1 : relaxed and comfortable : at ease <felt completely at home on the stage>
2 : in harmony with the surroundings
3 : on familiar ground : KNOWLEDGEABLE <teachers at home in their subject fields>

at Hooft
Gerardus 1946-     Du. physicist

at issue

1 : in a state of controversy : in disagreement
2 also in issue : under discussion or in dispute

at knifepoint
under a threat of being knifed

at large

1 a : free of restraint or confinement <the escaped prisoner is still at large> b : without a specific subject or assignment <critic at large>
2 : at length
3 : in a general way
4 : as a whole <society at large>
5 : as the political representative of or to a whole area rather than of one of its subdivisions ― used in combination with a preceding noun <a congressman-at-large>

at last
or at long last : at the end of a period of time : FINALLY <at last you've come home>

at law
under or within the provisions of the law <enforceable at law>

at least

1 : at the minimum <at least once a week>
2 : in any case <at least you have a choice>

at leisure
or at one's leisure : in one's leisure time : at one's convenience <read the book at her leisure>

at length

1 : FULLY, COMPREHENSIVELY
2 : at last : FINALLY

at liberty

1 : FREE
2 : at leisure : UNOCCUPIED

at loggerheads
in or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement

at love
holding one's opponent scoreless in tennis

at most
or at the most : as an extreme limit <took him an hour at most>

at no
atomic number

at once

1 : at the same time : SIMULTANEOUSLY
2 : IMMEDIATELY
3 : 2BOTH <at once funny and sad>

at one
at harmony : in a state of agreement

at one's beck and call
ready to obey one's command immediately

at one's door
as a charge against one as being responsible <laid the blame at our door>

at one's elbow
at one's side

at one's feet
under one's spell or influence

at one's fingertips
instantly or readily available

at one's wit's end
or at one's wits' end : at a loss for a means of solving a problem

at peace
in a state of concord or tranquillity

at present
at or during this time : NOW

at random
without definite aim, direction, rule, or method <subjects chosen at random>

at rest

1 : resting or reposing especially in sleep or death
2 : QUIESCENT, MOTIONLESS
3 : free of anxieties

at retail

1 : at a retailer's price
2 : 4RETAIL

at risk
in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility <patients at risk of infection>

at sea

1 : on the sea specifically : on a sea voyage
2 : LOST, BEWILDERED

at sign
: the symbol @ especially when used as part of an Internet user's e-mail address

at sixes and sevens
in a state of disorder

at speed
chiefly British : FAST, RAPIDLY

at stake
at issue : in jeopardy

at stud
for breeding as a stud <retired racehorses at stud>

at swords' points
mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

at that

1 : in spite of what has been said or implied
2 : in addition : 2BESIDES

at the drop of a hat
as soon as the slightest provocation is given : IMMEDIATELY

at the hands of
also at the hand of : by or through the action of

at the mercy of
wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against

at the ready
ready for immediate use <kept guns at the ready>

at the same time
NEVERTHELESS, YET <slick and at the same time strangely unprofessional ― Gerald Weaks>

at the seams
ENTIRELY, COMPLETELY <falling apart at the seams>

at times
at intervals : OCCASIONALLY

at variance
not in harmony or agreement

at will
as one wishes : as or when it pleases or suits oneself

at work

1 : engaged in working : BUSY especially : engaged in one's regular occupation
2 : having effect : OPERATING, FUNCTIONING

at worst
under the worst circumstances

at wt
atomic weight

at-home
1 : intended or suitable for one's home <an at-home dress>
2 : being or occurring at one's home <at-home entertainment>

at-large
: relating to or being a political representative who is elected to serve an entire area rather than one of its subdivisions <an at-large city councilor> <an at-large election>

atabrine
: QUINACRINE

Atacama
― see PUNA DE ATACAMA

Atacama Desert
desert N Chile bet. Copiapó & Peru border

atactic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a polymer exhibiting no stereochemical regularity of structure <atactic polypropylene> ― compare ISOTACTIC

Atahuallpa
ca 1502-1533 last Incan king of Peru

Atalanta
n. : a fleet-footed huntress in Greek mythology who challenges her suitors to a race and is defeated by Hippomenes when she stops to pick up three golden apples he has dropped

ataman
: HETMAN

atamasco lily
: any of a genus (Zephyranthes) of American bulbous herbs of the amaryllis family with pink, white, or yellowish flowers especially : one (Z. atamasco) of the southeastern U.S. with white flowers usually tinged with purple

Atascadero
city W Calif. pop 26,411

Ataturk
n. Kemal 1881-1938 orig. Mustafa; later surnamed Kemal Turk. gen. & statesman; pres. of Turkey (1923-38)

atavism
n. 1 a : recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination b : recurrence of or reversion to a past style, manner, outlook, approach, or activity <architectural atavism>
2 : one that manifests atavism : THROWBACK
–at·a·vis·tic \ˌa-tə-'vis-tik\ adjective
–at·a·vis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ataxia
n. : an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some central nervous system disorders and injuries and not due to muscle weakness ― called also incoordination
–atax·ic \-sik\ adjective

ataxia-telangiectasia
: an inherited systemic disorder marked especially by progressive pathological changes in the nervous system resulting in loss of motor coordination and by increased susceptibility to cancer especially of lymphoid tissue

Atbara
river ab 500 mi (805 km) NE Africa rising in N Ethiopia & flowing through E Sudan into the Nile

ATC
air traffic control

Atchafalaya
river 225 mi (362 km) S La. flowing S into Atchafalaya Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico)

Ate
: a Greek goddess personifying foolhardy and ruinous impulse

ate
past of eat

ate
1 : one acted upon (in a specified way) <distillate>
2 [New Latin -atum, from L] : chemical compound or complex anion derived from a (specified) compound or element <phenolate> especially : salt or ester of an acid with a name ending in -ic and not beginning with hydro- <borate>

ate
1 : office : function : rank : group of persons holding a (specified) office or rank or having a (specified) function <vicarate>
2 : state : dominion : jurisdiction <emirate> <khanate>

ate
: marked by having <craniate>

ate
: act on (in a specified way) <insulate> : cause to be modified or affected by <camphorate> : cause to become <activate> : furnish with <capacitate>

ated
: 3-ATE <pileated>

atelectasis
n. : collapse of the expanded lung also : defective expansion of the pulmonary alveoli at birth

atelier
n. 1 : an artist's or designer's studio or workroom
2 : WORKSHOP

atemoya
: a white-pulped tropical fruit of a tree that is a hybrid of the sweetsop and the cherimoya

atemporal
: independent of or unaffected by time : TIMELESS

atenolol
n. : a beta blocker C_14H_22N_2O_3 used in the treatment of hypertension

ATF
[Bureau of] Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

Athabasca
river 765 mi (1231 km) Canada in Alta. flowing NE & N into Lake Athabasca

Athabasca, Lake
lake Canada on Alta.-Sask. boundary area 3058 sq mi (7951 sq km)

Athabascan
1 : a family of American Indian languages spoken primarily in western Canada, Alaska, and the U.S. Southwest
2 : a member of a people speaking an Athabascan language

Athanasian
n. : of or relating to Athanasius or his advocacy of the homoousian doctrine against Arianism

Athanasian Creed
: a Christian creed originating in Europe about A.D. 400 and relating especially to the Trinity and Incarnation

Athanasius
n. Saint ca 293-373 Greek (Egyptian-born) church father

atheism
n. 1 archaic : UNGODLINESS, WICKEDNESS
2 a : a disbelief in the existence of deity b : the doctrine that there is no deity

atheist
n. : one who believes that there is no deity
–athe·is·tic \ˌā-thē-'is-tik\ or athe·is·ti·cal \ˌā-thē-'is-ti-kəl\ adjective
–athe·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

atheling
n. : an Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman especially : the heir apparent or a prince of the royal family

Athelstan
d 939 Anglo-Saxon ruler

Athena
n. : the Greek goddess of wisdom ― compare MINERVA

athenaeum
n. 1 : a building or room in which books, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use
2 : a literary or scientific association

Athens
n. 1 city NE Ga. coextensive with Clarke county pop 101,489
2 or Greek Athí·nai \ä-'thē-(ˌ)ne\ or ancient Athe·nae \ə-'thē-(ˌ)nē\ city capital of Greece near Saronic Gulf pop 748,110
–Athe·nian \ə-'thē-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

atheoretical
: not based on or concerned with theory

athero
: atheroma <atherogenic>

atherogenesis
n. : the formation of atheroma

atherogenic
adj. : relating to or causing atherogenesis <an atherogenic diet>

atheroma
n. 1 : fatty degeneration of the inner coat of the arteries
2 : an abnormal fatty deposit in an artery
–ath·er·o·ma·tous \-'rō-mə-təs\ adjective

atherosclerosis
n. : an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
–ath·ero·scle·rot·ic \-sklə-'rä-tik\ adjective

Atherton
Gertrude Franklin 1857-1948 American nov.

athirst
adj. 1 archaic : THIRSTY
2 : having a strong eager desire <I that for ever feel athirst for glory ― John Keats>
synonyms see EAGER

athlete
n. : a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

athlete's foot
: ringworm of the feet

athletic
adj. 1 : of or relating to athletes or athletics
2 : characteristic of an athlete especially : VIGOROUS, ACTIVE
3 : MESOMORPHIC
4 : used by athletes
–ath·let·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ath·let·i·cism \-'le-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

athletic supporter
: a supporter for the genitals worn by men participating in sports or strenuous activities

athletics
n. 1 : exercises, sports, or games engaged in by athletes
2 : the practice or principles of athletic activities

athon
: event or activity lasting a long time or involving a great deal of something <talkathon>

Athos, Mount
mountain NE Greece at E end of Acte Peninsula; site of a number of monasteries

athwart
adv. 1 : ACROSS
2 : in opposition to <a procedure directly athwart the New England prejudices ― R. G. Cole>

athwart
adv. 1 : across especially in an oblique direction
2 : in opposition to the right or expected course <and quite athwart goes all decorum ― Shakespeare>

athwartship
: being across the ship from side to side <athwartship and longitudinal framing>

athwartships
adv. : across the ship from side to side

atilt
adj. 1 : in a tilted position
2 : with lance in hand <run atilt at death ― Shakespeare>

atingle
: tingling especially with excitement

ation
: action or process <flirtation> : something connected with an action or process <discoloration>

Atitlan
lake 12 mi (19 km) long SW Guatemala at 4700 ft (1432 m) altitude occupying a crater 1000 ft (305 m) deep N of Atitlán Volcano

ative
: of, relating to, or connected with <authoritative> : tending to <talkative>

Atka
island SW Alaska in Andreanof group

Atka mackerel
: a greenling (Pleurogrammus monopterygius) that is a food fish found in Alaska and adjacent regions

Atl
Atlantic

Atlanta
n. city NW cen Ga., its capital pop 416,474
–At·lan·tan \-'lan-tən\ adjective or noun

Atlantean
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling Atlas : STRONG

Atlantean
adj. : of or relating to Atlantis

Atlantic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or found in, on, or near the Atlantic Ocean b : of, relating to, or found on or near the east coast of the U.S.
2 : of or relating to the nations that border the Atlantic Ocean <the Atlantic community>

Atlantic
adj. Atlantic salmon
Atlantic croaker
Atlantic puffin
Atlantic time
Atlantic white cedar
Atlantic City
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Provinces
North Atlantic
South Atlantic

Atlantic City
city SE N.J. on Atlantic coast pop 40,517

Atlantic croaker
: a small croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) of the Gulf coast and the Atlantic coast

Atlantic Ocean
ocean separating N. & S. America from Europe & Africa area 31,814,640 sq mi (82,399,918 sq km), often divided into North Atlantic Ocean & South Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Provinces
the four Canadian provinces of Nfld.&Lab., N.B., N.S., & P.E.I. ― see MARITIME PROVINCES

Atlantic puffin
: a small black-and-white puffin (Fratercula arctica) of the northern coastal parts of the No. Atlantic Ocean that has a triangular bill with a broad red or yellow tip

Atlantic salmon
: SALMON 1A

Atlantic time
: the time of the fourth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Canadian Maritime Provinces, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands

Atlantic white cedar
: WHITE CEDAR 1

Atlanticism
n. : a policy of military cooperation between European powers and the U.S.
–At·lan·ti·cist \-sist\ noun

Atlantis
n. : a fabled island in the Atlantic that according to legend sank beneath the sea

atlas
n. 1 capitalized : a Titan who for his part in the Titans' revolt against the gods is forced by Zeus to support the heavens on his shoulders
2 capitalized : one who bears a heavy burden
3 a : a bound collection of maps often including illustrations, informative tables, or textual matter b : a bound collection of tables, charts, or plates
4 : the first vertebra of the neck
5 plural usually at·lan·tes \ət-'lan-(ˌ)tēz, at-\ : a male figure used like a caryatid as a supporting column or pilaster ― called also telamon

atlas
n. dialect atlas
linguistic atlas
Atlas Mountains
Grand Atlas
High Atlas

Atlas Mountains
mountains NW Africa extending from SW Morocco to NE Tunisia; its highest peaks are in the Grand, or High, Atlas in SW cen Morocco ― see TOUBKAL (Jebel)

atlatl
: a device for throwing a spear or dart that consists of a rod or board with a projection (as a hook) at the rear end to hold the weapon in place until released

Atli
: a king of the Huns figuring in Germanic legend and corresponding to the historical Attila

ATM
: a computerized electronic machine that performs basic banking functions (as handling check deposits or issuing cash withdrawals) ― called also automated teller machine automatic teller automatic teller machine

ATM
asynchronous transfer mode

atm
atmosphere; atmospheric

atman
n. 1 Hinduism : the innermost essence of each individual
2 Hinduism : the supreme universal self : BRAHMA 2

atmosphere
n. 1 a : the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (as a planet) b : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth
2 : the air of a locality
3 : a surrounding influence or environment <an atmosphere of hostility>
4 : a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (101,325 pascals)
5 a : the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art b : an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal <an inn with atmosphere>
–at·mo·sphered \-ˌsfird\ adjective

atmospheric
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or occurring in the atmosphere <atmospheric dust> b : resembling the atmosphere : AIRY
2 : having, marked by, or contributing aesthetic or emotional atmosphere <an atmospheric inn> also : marked by an emphasis on impression or tone
–at·mo·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

atmospherics
n. 1 : audible disturbances produced in radio receiving apparatus by atmospheric electrical phenomena (as lightning) also : the electrical phenomena causing these disturbances
2 : actions (as official statements) intended to create or suggest a particular atmosphere or mood in politics and especially international relations also : the mood so created or suggested
3 : realistic detail added (as to a literary work) to create a mood

atoll
n. : a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon

atom
n. 1 : one of the minute indivisible particles of which according to ancient materialism the universe is composed
2 : a tiny particle : BIT
3 : the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination
4 : the atom considered as a source of vast potential energy

atom
n. atom bomb
atom smasher
gram atom

atom smasher
: ACCELERATOR D

atomic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or concerned with atoms <atomic physics> b : NUCLEAR 2 <atomic energy>
2 a : marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism b : ATOMISTIC 2
3 : MINUTE
4 of a chemical element : existing in the state of separate atoms
–atom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

atomic
adj. atomic bomb
atomic clock
atomic mass
atomic mass unit
atomic number
atomic reactor
atomic pile
atomic theory
atomic weight
gram atomic weight

atomic bomb
1 : a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons in a very rapid chain reaction ― called also atom bomb
2 : a nuclear weapon (as a hydrogen bomb)

atomic clock
: a precision clock that depends for its operation on an electrical oscillator regulated by the natural vibration frequencies of an atomic system (as a beam of cesium atoms)

atomic mass
: the mass of an atom usually expressed in atomic mass units also : ATOMIC WEIGHT

atomic mass unit
: a unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms, molecules, or nuclear particles equal to 1/12 the mass of a single atom of the most abundant carbon isotope 12C ― called also dalton

atomic number
: an experimentally determined number characteristic of a chemical element that represents the number of protons in the nucleus which in a neutral atom equals the number of electrons outside the nucleus and that determines the place of the element in the periodic table ― see ELEMENT table

atomic reactor
: REACTOR 3B

atomic theory
1 : a theory of the nature of matter: all material substances are composed of minute particles or atoms of a comparatively small number of kinds and all the atoms of the same kind are uniform in size, weight, and other properties
2 : any of several theories of the structure of the atom especially : one based on experimentation and theoretical considerations holding that the atom is composed essentially of a small positively charged comparatively heavy nucleus surrounded by a comparatively large arrangement of electrons

atomic weight
: the mass of one atom of an element specifically : the average mass of an atom of an element as it occurs in nature that is expressed in atomic mass units ― see ELEMENT table

atomise
v. British variant of atomize, atomizer

atomism
n. 1 : a doctrine that the physical or physical and mental universe is composed of simple indivisible minute particles
2 : INDIVIDUALISM 1
–at·om·ist \-mist\ noun

atomistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to atoms or atomism
2 : composed of many simple elements also : characterized by or resulting from division into unconnected or antagonistic fragments <an atomistic society>
–at·om·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

atomize
v. 1 : to treat as made up of many discrete units
2 : to reduce to minute particles or to a fine spray
3 : DIVIDE, FRAGMENT <an atomized society> also : to deprive of meaningful ties to others <atomized individuals>
4 : to subject to attack by nuclear weapons
–at·om·i·za·tion \ˌa-tə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun

atomizer
n. : an instrument for atomizing usually a perfume, disinfectant, or medicament

atomy
n. : a tiny particle : ATOM, MITE

atonal
adj. : marked by avoidance of traditional musical tonality especially : organized without reference to key or tonal center and using the tones of the chromatic scale impartially
–aton·al·ism \-nə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–aton·al·ist \-list\ noun
–ato·nal·i·ty \ˌā-tō-'na-lə-tē, ˌa-\ noun
–aton·al·ly \(ˌ)ā-'tō-nə-lē, (ˌ)a-\ adverb

atone
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : RECONCILE
2 : to supply satisfaction for : EXPIATE
intransitive verb : to make amends <atone for sins>

atonement
n. 1 obsolete : RECONCILIATION
2 : the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ
3 : reparation for an offense or injury : SATISFACTION
4 Christian Science : the exemplifying of human oneness with God

atonic
adj. 1 : characterized by atony
2 : uttered without accent or stress

atony
n. : lack of physiological tone especially of a contractile organ

atop
prep. : on, to, or at the top

atop
prep. : on top of

atopy
n. : a prob. hereditary allergy characterized by symptoms (as asthma, hay fever, or hives) produced upon exposure especially by inhalation to the exciting environmental antigen
–atop·ic \(ˌ)ā-'tä-pik, -'tō-\ adjective

ator
: one that does <totalizator>

atorvastin
: a statin administered orally in the form of its hydrated calcium salt (C_33H_34FN_2O_5)2·Ca_3H_2O to lower lipid levels in the blood

ATP
: a phosphorylated nucleotide C_10H_16N_5O_13P_3 composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups that supplies energy for many biochemical cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis especially to ADP ― called also adenosine triphosphate

ATPase
: an enzyme that hydrolyzes ATP especially : one that hydrolyzes ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate

atrabilious
adj. 1 : given to or marked by melancholy : GLOOMY
2 : ILL-NATURED, PEEVISH
–at·ra·bil·ious·ness noun

atrazine
n. : a photosynthesis-inhibiting persistent herbicide C_8H_14ClN_5 used especially to kill annual weeds and quack grass

Atrek
river 300 mi (483 km) NE Iran flowing into the Caspian Sea on Turkmenistan border

atremble
adj. : shaking involuntarily : TREMBLING <he was white as death and all atremble ― Robert Coover>

atresia
n. 1 : absence or closure of a natural passage of the body
2 : absence or disappearance of an anatomical part (as an ovarian follicle) by degeneration

Atreus
: a king of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon and Menelaus

atrial natriuretic peptide
: a peptide hormone secreted by the cardiac atria that in pharmacological doses promotes salt and water excretion and lowers blood pressure ― called also atrial natriuretic factor

atrioventricular
adj. : of, relating to, or located between an atrium and ventricle of the heart

atrioventricular node
: a small mass of tissue in the right atrioventricular region of higher vertebrates through which impulses from the sinoatrial node are passed to the ventricles

atrip
adj. of an anchor : AWEIGH

atrium
n. 1 : the central room of a Roman house
2 plural usually atriums a : a rectangular open patio around which a house is built b : a many-storied court in a building (as a hotel) usually with a skylight
3 [New Latin, from L] : an anatomical cavity or passage especially : the chamber or either of the chambers of the heart that receives blood from the veins and forces it into the ventricle or ventricles ― see HEART illustration
–atri·al \-trē-əl\ adjective

atrocious
adj. 1 : extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel : BARBARIC
2 : APPALLING, HORRIFYING <the atrocious weapons of modern war>
3 a : utterly revolting : ABOMINABLE <atrocious working conditions> b : of very poor quality <atrocious handwriting>
–atro·cious·ly adverb
–atro·cious·ness noun

atrocity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being atrocious
2 : an atrocious act, object, or situation <the⋯sufferings and atrocities of trench warfare ― Aldous Huxley>

Atropatene
― see AZERBAIJAN 1

atrophy
n. 1 : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant
2 : a wasting away or progressive decline : DEGENERATION <the atrophy of freedom> <was not a solitude of atrophy, of negation, but of perpetual flowering ― Willa Cather>
–atro·phic \(ˌ)ā-'trō-fik\ adjective
–atrophy \'a-trə-fē, -ˌfī\ verb

atropine
n. : a racemic mixture of hyoscyamine obtained from any of various solanaceous plants (as belladonna) and used especially in the form of its sulfate for its anticholinergic effects (as pupil dilation or inhibition of smooth muscle spasms)

att
variant of at

att
1 attached
2 attention
3 attorney

attaboy
interj. ― used to express encouragement, approval, or admiration

attach
v. transitive verb
1 : to take by legal authority especially under a writ <attached the property>
2 a : to bring (oneself) into an association <attached herself to their cause> b : to assign (an individual or unit in the military) temporarily
3 : to bind by personal ties (as of affection or sympathy) <was strongly attached to his family>
4 : to make fast (as by tying or gluing) <attach a label to a package>
5 : to associate especially as a property or an attribute : ASCRIBE <attached great importance to public opinion polls>
intransitive verb : to become attached : ADHERE
synonyms see FASTEN
–at·tach·able \-'ta-chə-bəl\ adjective

attache
n. 1 : a technical expert on a country's diplomatic staff at a foreign capital <a military attache>
2 : ATTACHÉ CASE

attache case
1 : a small thin suitcase used especially for carrying business papers
2 : BRIEFCASE

attached
adj. : permanently fixed when adult <attached barnacles>

attachment
n. 1 : a seizure by legal process also : the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2 a : the state of being personally attached : FIDELITY <attachment to a cause> b : affectionate regard <a deep attachment to nature>
3 : a device attached to a machine or implement
4 : the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5 : the process of physically attaching

attack
n. transitive verb
1 : to set upon or work against forcefully
2 : to assail with unfriendly or bitter words <a speech attacking her political enemies>
3 : to begin to affect or to act on injuriously <plants attacked by aphids>
4 : to set to work on <attack a problem>
5 : to threaten (a piece in chess) with immediate capture
intransitive verb : to make an attack
–at·tack·er noun
synonyms ATTACK, ASSAIL, ASSAULT, BOMBARD, STORM mean to make an onslaught upon. ATTACK implies taking the initiative in a struggle <plan to attack the town at dawn>. ASSAIL implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots <assailed the enemy with artillery fire>. ASSAULT suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught <commandos assaulted the building from all sides>. BOMBARD applies to attacking with bombs or shells <bombarded the city nightly>. STORM implies attempting to break into a defended position <preparing to storm the fortress>.

attack
n. 1 : the act of attacking with physical force or unfriendly words : ASSAULT
2 : a belligerent or antagonistic action
3 a : a fit of sickness especially : an active episode of a chronic or recurrent disease b : a period of being strongly affected by something (as a desire or mood)
4 a : an offensive or scoring action <won the game with an 8-hit attack> b : offensive players or the positions taken up by them
5 : the setting to work on some undertaking <made a new attack on the problem>
6 : the beginning of destructive action (as by a chemical agent)
7 : the act or manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase

attack
n. : designed, planned, or used for carrying out a military attack <an attack helicopter>

attack
n. angle of attack
attack dog
banzai attack
heart attack
transient ischemic attack

attack dog
1 : a dog trained to attack on command or on sight
2 : a person noted for harsh, personal, and usually public verbal attacks against others <a political attack dog>

attackman
: a player (as in lacrosse) assigned to an offensive zone or position

attain
v. transitive verb
1 : to reach as an end : GAIN, ACHIEVE <attain a goal>
2 : to come into possession of : OBTAIN <he attained preferment over his fellows>
3 : to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement <they attained the top of the hill> <attain a ripe old age>
intransitive verb : to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort ― usually used with to
–at·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–at·tain·able \-'tā-nə-bəl\ adjective

attainder
n. 1 : extinction of the civil rights and capacities of a person upon sentence of death or outlawry usually after a conviction of treason
2 obsolete : DISHONOR

attainment
n. 1 : the act of attaining : the condition of being attained
2 : something attained : ACCOMPLISHMENT <scientific attainments>

attaint
n. 1 : to affect by attainder
2 a : INFECT, CORRUPT b archaic : TAINT, SULLY
3 archaic : ACCUSE

attaint
n. obsolete : a stain upon honor or purity : DISGRACE

Attar
n. Farīd od-Dīn Mohammad ebn Ebrāhīm ca 1142-ca 1220 Pers. mystical poet

attar
n. : a fragrant essential oil (as from rose petals) also : FRAGRANCE

Attawapiskat
river 465 mi (748 km) Canada in N Ont. flowing E into James Bay

attempt
n. 1 : to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect <attempted to swim the swollen river>
2 archaic : TEMPT
3 archaic : to try to subdue or take by force : ATTACK
–at·tempt·able \-'tem(p)-tə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms ATTEMPT, TRY, ENDEAVOR, ESSAY, STRIVE mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. ATTEMPT stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. TRY is often close to ATTEMPT but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. ENDEAVOR heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. ESSAY implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. STRIVE implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.

attempt
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of attempting especially : an unsuccessful effort b : something resulting from or representing an attempt <surrounded by⋯a few attempts at rose bushes ― Marian Engel>
2 : ATTACK, ASSAULT <an attempt on the life of the president>

attend
v. transitive verb
1 : to pay attention to
2 : to look after : take charge of <campsites⋯attended by park rangers ― Jackson Rivers>
3 a : to go or stay with as a companion, nurse, or servant b : to visit professionally especially as a physician
4 archaic a : to wait for b : to be in store for
5 : to be present with : ACCOMPANY
6 : to be present at : go to <attend law school>
intransitive verb
1 : to apply oneself <attend to your work>
2 : to apply the mind or pay attention : HEED
3 a : to be ready for service <ministers who attend upon the king> b : to be present
4 obsolete : WAIT, STAY
5 : to direct one's attention : SEE <I'll attend to that>
–at·tend·er noun

attendance
n. 1 : the act or fact of attending <a physician in attendance>
2 a : the persons or number of persons attending also : an account of persons attending <the teacher took attendance before starting class> b : the number of times a person attends

attendance officer
: TRUANT OFFICER

attendant
n. 1 : one who attends another to perform a service especially : an employee who waits on customers
2 : something that accompanies : CONCOMITANT
3 : ATTENDEE

attendant
n. 1 : accompanying, waiting upon, or following in order to perform service <Cherub and Seraph⋯attendant on their Lord ― John Milton>
2 : accompanying or following as a consequence or result <problems attendant on pollution> <civilization and its attendant morality ― Robert Stone>

attendee
n. : a person who is present on a given occasion or at a given place <attendees at a convention>

attending
adj. : serving as a physician on the staff of a teaching hospital <an attending surgeon>

attending
adj. : an attending physician or surgeon

attention
n. 1 a : the act or state of attending especially through applying the mind to an object of sense or thought b : a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity
2 : OBSERVATION, NOTICE especially : consideration with a view to action <a problem requiring prompt attention>
3 a : an act of civility or courtesy especially in courtship <she welcomed his attentions> b : sympathetic consideration of the needs and wants of others : ATTENTIVENESS
4 : a position assumed by a soldier with heels together, body erect, arms at the sides, and eyes to the front ― often used as a command
–at·ten·tion·al \-'ten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

attention
n. attention deficit disorder
attention line
attention span
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

attention deficit disorder
: a syndrome of disordered learning and disruptive behavior that is not caused by any serious underlying physical or mental disorder and that has several subtypes characterized primarily by symptoms of inattentiveness or primarily by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsive behavior (as speaking out of turn) or by the significant expression of all three ― abbreviation ADD

attention line
: a line usually placed above the salutation in a business letter directing the letter to one specified

attention span
: the length of time during which one (as an individual or a group) is able to concentrate or remain interested

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
: ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER ― abbreviation ADHD

attentive
adj. 1 : MINDFUL, OBSERVANT <attentive to what he is doing>
2 : heedful of the comfort of others : SOLICITOUS <an attentive waitress>
3 : offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor
–at·ten·tive·ly adverb
–at·ten·tive·ness noun

attenuate
v. 1 : reduced especially in thickness, density, or force
2 : tapering gradually usually to a long slender point <attenuate leaves>

attenuate
transitive verb
1 : to make thin or slender
2 : to make thin in consistency : RAREFY
3 : to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of : WEAKEN
4 : to reduce the severity, virulence, or vitality of <an attenuated virus>
intransitive verb : to become thin, fine, or less
–at·ten·u·a·tion \-ˌten-yə-'wā-shən, -yü-'ā-\ noun

attenuator
n. : a device for attenuating especially : one for reducing the amplitude of an electrical signal without appreciable distortion

attest
v. transitive verb
1 a : to affirm to be true or genuine specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witness b : to authenticate officially
2 : to establish or verify the usage of
3 : to be proof of : MANIFEST <her record attests her integrity>
4 : to put on oath
intransitive verb : to bear witness : TESTIFY <attest to a belief>
synonyms see CERTIFY
–at·tes·ta·tion \ˌa-ˌtes-'tā-shən, ˌa-tə-'stā-\ noun
–at·test·er \ə-'tes-tər\ noun

Attic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Athens or its ancient civilization
2 : marked by simplicity, purity, and refinement <an Attic prose style>

Attic
n. : a dialect of ancient Greek orig. used in Attica and later the literary language of the Greek-speaking world

attic
n. 1 : a low story or wall above the main order of a facade in the classical styles
2 : a room behind an attic
3 : a room or a space immediately below the roof of a building : GARRET
4 : something resembling an attic (as in being used for storage)

Attica
n. region E Greece; chief city Athens; a state of ancient Greece

atticism
n. 1 : a witty or well-turned phrase
2 : a characteristic feature of Attic Greek occurring in another language or dialect

Attila
n. 406?-453 the Scourge of God king of the Huns

attire
v. : to put garments on : DRESS, ARRAY especially : to clothe in fancy or rich garments

attire
v. 1 : DRESS, CLOTHES especially : splendid or decorative clothing
2 : the antlers or antlers and scalp of a stag or buck

attitude
n. 1 : the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : POSTURE
2 : a position assumed for a specific purpose <a threatening attitude>
3 : a ballet position similar to the arabesque in which the raised leg is bent at the knee
4 a : a mental position with regard to a fact or state <a helpful attitude> b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state
5 : the position of an aircraft or spacecraft determined by the relationship between its axes and a reference datum (as the horizon or a particular star)
6 : an organismic state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation)
7 a : a negative or hostile state of mind b : a cool, cocky, defiant, or arrogant manner

attitudinal
adj. : relating to, based on, or expressive of personal attitudes or feelings <attitudinal judgment>
–at·ti·tu·di·nal·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

attitudinise
v. British variant of attitudinize

attitudinize
v. : to assume an affected mental attitude : POSE

Attleboro
city SE Mass. pop 42,068

Attlee
Clement Richard 1883-1967 1st Earl Attlee Eng. polit.

attn
n. attention

atto
: one quintillionth (10-18) part of <attogram>

attorn
v. : to agree to be tenant to a new owner or landlord of the same property
–at·torn·ment \-mənt\ noun

attorney
n. : one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf especially : LAWYER
–at·tor·ney·ship \-ˌship\ noun

attorney
n. attorney at law
attorney general
attorney generals
district attorney
power of attorney
prosecuting attorney
state's attorney
state attorney
attorneys at law
attorneys general

attorney general
: the chief law officer of a nation or state who represents the government in litigation and serves as its principal legal adviser

attorney-at-law
: a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court on the retainer of clients

attract
v. transitive verb : to cause to approach or adhere: as a : to pull to or draw toward oneself or itself <a magnet attracts iron> b : to draw by appeal to natural or excited interest, emotion, or aesthetic sense : ENTICE <attract attention>
intransitive verb : to exercise attraction
–at·trac·tor \-'trak-tər\ noun
synonyms ATTRACT, ALLURE, CHARM, CAPTIVATE, FASCINATE, ENCHANT mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence. ATTRACT applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another <students attracted by the school's locale>. ALLURE implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive <an alluring smile>. CHARM implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response <charmed by their hospitality>, but it may, like CAPTIVATE suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration <her performances captivated audiences>. FASCINATE suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist <a story that continues to fascinate children>. ENCHANT is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject <hopelessly enchanted by her beauty>.

attractant
n. : a substance (as a pheromone) that attracts specific animals (as insects or individuals of the opposite sex)

attraction
n. 1 a : the act, process, or power of attracting b : personal charm
2 : the action or power of drawing forth a response : an attractive quality
3 : a force acting mutually between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation
4 : something that attracts or is intended to attract people by appealing to their desires and tastes <coming attractions>
synonyms ATTRACTION, AFFINITY, SYMPATHY mean the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together. ATTRACTION implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it <felt an attraction to danger>. AFFINITY implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn <an affinity for mathematics>. SYMPATHY implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence <two minds in sympathy>.

attractive
adj. 1 : having or relating to the power to attract <attractive forces between molecules>
2 a : arousing interest or pleasure : CHARMING <an attractive smile> b : APPEALING <an attractive offer>
–at·trac·tive·ly adverb
–at·trac·tive·ness noun

attrib
n. attributive; attributively

attribute
n. 1 : an inherent characteristic also : an accidental quality
2 : an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power> especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture
3 : a word ascribing a quality especially : ADJECTIVE
synonyms see QUALITY

attribute
1 : to explain by indicating a cause <attributed his success to his coach>
2 a : to regard as a characteristic of a person or thing b : to reckon as made or originated in an indicated fashion <attributed the invention to a Russian> c : CLASSIFY, DESIGNATE
synonyms see ASCRIBE
–at·trib·ut·able \-byü-tə-bəl, -byə-\ adjective

attribution
n. 1 : the act of attributing especially : the ascribing of a work (as of literature or art) to a particular author or artist
2 : an ascribed quality, character, or right
–at·tri·bu·tion·al \-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

attributive
n. 1 : relating to or of the nature of an attribute : ATTRIBUTING
2 : joined directly to a modified noun without a linking verb (as city in city streets)
–attributive noun
–at·trib·u·tive·ly adverb

attrited
v. : worn by attrition

attrition
n. 1 [Middle English attricioun, from Medieval Latin attrition-, attritio, from L] : sorrow for one's sins that arises from a motive other than that of the love of God
2 : the act of rubbing together : FRICTION also : the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
3 : the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack <a war of attrition>
4 : a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death <a company with a high rate of attrition>
–at·tri·tion·al \-'tri-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

Attu
island SW Alaska in Near Islands; most westerly of the Aleutians ― see WRANGELL (Cape)

Attucks
n. Crispus 1723?-1770 American patriot

attune
v. 1 : to bring into harmony : TUNE
2 : to make aware or responsive <attune businesses to changing trends>
–at·tune·ment \-mənt\ noun

atty
n. attorney

atty gen
attorney general

ATV
: ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE

Atwater
city cen Calif. pop 23,113

atwitter
adj. : nervously concerned : EXCITED <gossips atwitter with speculation ― Time>

Atwood
Margaret Eleanor 1939-     Canad. author

atypical
adj. : not typical : IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL <an atypical form of a disease>
–atyp·i·cal·i·ty \ˌā-ˌti-pə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–atyp·i·cal·ly \(ˌ)ā-'ti-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

AU
n. 1 angstrom unit
2 astronomical unit

Au
n. author

Au
n. gold

Au
n. baba au rhum
au courant
au gratin
au jus
au naturel
au pair
au pairs
au poivre
au revoir
cafe au lait
café au lait
coq au vin
pot au feu
vol au vent
au bout de son latin
au contraire
au fait
au fond
au grand serieux
au grand sérieux
au mieux
au reste
au serieux
au sérieux
tout au contraire
Isle au Haut
Port au Prince
au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois

au bout de son latin
: at the end of one's Latin : at the end of one's mental resources

au contraire
: on the contrary

au courant
1 a : fully informed : UP-TO-DATE <trying to stay au courant> b : FASHIONABLE, STYLISH <au courant outfits>
2 : fully familiar : CONVERSANT

au fait
: to the point : fully competent : fully informed : socially correct

au fond
: at bottom : fundamentally

au grand serieux
: in all seriousness

au gratin
: covered with bread crumbs or grated cheese and browned (as under a broiler)
–au gratin adverb

au jus
of meat : served in the juice obtained from roasting

au mieux
: on the best terms : on intimate terms

au naturel
1 : cooked or served plainly
2 a : being in natural style or condition b : NUDE

au pair
: a usually young foreign person who cares for children and does domestic work for a family in return for room and board and the opportunity to learn the family's language

au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois
: in the country of the blind the one-eyed men are kings

au poivre
: prepared or served with a generous amount of usually coarsely ground black pepper <steak au poivre>

au reste
: for the rest : besides

au revoir
: GOOD-BYE ― often used interjectionally

au serieux
: seriously

aubade
n. 1 : a song or poem greeting the dawn
2 a : a morning love song b : a song or poem of lovers parting at dawn
3 : morning music ― compare NOCTURNE

Aube
river 154 mi (248 km) N cen France flowing into the Seine

Auber
Daniel-François-Esprit 1782-1871 Fr. composer

auberge
n. : INN 1A

aubergine
n. 1 chiefly British : EGGPLANT 1
2 : EGGPLANT 2

Aubervilliers
commune N France pop 63,130

Aubrey
n. John 1626-1697 Eng. antiquarian

Auburn
adj. 1 city E Ala. pop 42,987
2 city SW Maine pop 23,203
3 city cen N.Y. pop 28,574
4 city W Wash. pop 40,314

auburn
adj. 1 : of the color auburn
2 : of a reddish-brown color

auburn
adj. : a moderate brown

Aubusson
: a figured scenic tapestry used for wall hangings and upholstery also : a rug woven to resemble Aubusson tapestry

AUC
from the year of the founding of the city (of Rome)

Auckland
city & port N New Zealand on North Is. urban area pop 1,074,510
–Auck·land·er \-klən-dər\ noun

auction
n. 1 : a sale of property to the highest bidder
2 : the act or process of bidding in some card games

auction
n. : to sell at auction <auctioned off his library>

auction bridge
: a bridge game differing from contract bridge in that tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game

auctioneer
n. : an agent who sells goods at auction

auctorial
adj. : of or relating to an author

aud
audit; auditor

audacious
adj. 1 a : intrepidly daring : ADVENTUROUS <an audacious mountain climber> b : recklessly bold : RASH <an audacious maneuver>
2 : contemptuous of law, religion, or decorum : INSOLENT
3 : marked by originality and verve <audacious experiments>
–au·da·cious·ly adverb
–au·da·cious·ness noun

audacity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being audacious: as a : intrepid boldness b : bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints <had the audacity to defy his boss>
2 : an audacious act ― usually used in plural <her worst audacities did not seem to surprise him ― Edith Wharton>
synonyms see TEMERITY

audemus jura nostra defendere
: we dare defend our rights ― motto of Alabama

Auden
W(ystan) H(ugh) 1907-1973 American (Eng.-born) poet
–Au·den·esque \ˌȯ-də-'nesk\ adjective

Audenarde
― see OUDENAARDE

audentes fortuna juvat
: fortune favors the bold

audi alteram partem
: hear the other side

audial
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the sense of hearing : AURAL

audibilize
: AUDIBLE

audible
adj. : heard or capable of being heard
–au·di·bil·i·ty \ˌȯ-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–au·di·bly \'ȯ-də-blē\ adverb

audible
adj. : a substitute offensive or defensive play called at the line of scrimmage in football

audible
adj. : to call an audible <audibled to a pass play ― Peter King>

audience
n. 1 : the act or state of hearing
2 a : a formal hearing or interview <an audience with the pope> b : an opportunity of being heard <I would succeed if I were once given audience>
3 a : a group of listeners or spectators b : a reading, viewing, or listening public
4 : a group of ardent admirers or devotees : FOLLOWING

audile
n. : AUDITORY

auding
: the process of hearing, recognizing, and interpreting spoken language

audio
adj. 1 : of or relating to acoustic, mechanical, or electrical frequencies corresponding to normally audible sound waves which are of frequencies approximately from 15 to 20,000 hertz
2 a : of or relating to sound or its reproduction and especially high-fidelity reproduction b : relating to or used in the transmission or reception of sound ― compare VIDEO c : of, relating to, or utilizing recorded sound

audio
adj. 1 : an audio signal broadly : SOUND
2 : the section of television or motion-picture equipment that deals with sound
3 : the transmission, reception, or reproduction of sound

audio
adj. 1 : hearing <audiometer>
2 : sound <audiophile>
3 : auditory and <audiovisual>

audio-animatronic
: being or consisting of a lifelike electromechanical figure of a person or animal that has synchronized movement and sound

audio-lingual
: involving a drill routine of listening and speaking in language learning

audiobook
n. : a recording of a book or magazine being read

audiocassette
n. : an audiotape recording mounted in a cassette

audiogenic
adj. : produced by frequencies corresponding to sound waves ― used especially of epileptoid responses

audiogram
n. : a graphic representation of the relation of vibration frequency and the minimum sound intensity for hearing

audiology
n. : a branch of science dealing with hearing specifically : therapy of individuals having impaired hearing
–au·di·o·log·i·cal \-ē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also au·di·o·log·ic \-ē-ə-'lä-jik\ adjective
–au·di·ol·o·gist \-ē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

audiometer
n. : an instrument used in measuring the acuity of hearing
–au·dio·met·ric \-dē-ō-'me-trik\ adjective
–au·di·om·e·try \-dē-'ä-mə-trē\ noun

audiophile
n. : a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction

audiotape
n. : a tape recording of sound

audiovisual
adj. 1 : designed to aid in learning or teaching by making use of both hearing and sight
2 : of or relating to both hearing and sight

audiovisuals
n. : audiovisual teaching materials (as filmstrips accompanied by recordings)

audit
n. 1 a : a formal examination of an organization's or individual's accounts or financial situation b : the final report of an audit
2 : a methodical examination and review

audit
n. 1 : to perform an audit of or for <audit the books> <audit the company>
2 : to attend (a course) without working for or expecting to receive formal credit
–au·dit·abil·i·ty \ˌȯ-də-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–au·dit·able \-ˌȯ-di-tə-bəl\ adjective
–au·dit·ee \ˌȯ-də-'tē\ noun

audit trail
: a record of a sequence of events (as actions performed by a computer) from which a history may be reconstructed

audition
n. 1 : the power or sense of hearing
2 : the act of hearing especially : a critical hearing <an audition of new recordings>
3 : a trial performance to appraise an entertainer's merits

audition
n. transitive verb : to test or try out especially in an audition <audition a trumpeter> <auditioning stereo equipment>
intransitive verb : to give a trial performance <audition for a film role>

auditor
n. 1 : a person authorized to examine and verify accounts
2 : one who hears or listens especially : one who is a member of an audience
3 : a person who audits a course of study
4 : a person who hears (as a court case) in the capacity of judge

auditorium
n. 1 : a room, hall, or building used for public gatherings
2 : the part of a public building where an audience sits

auditory
adj. 1 archaic : AUDIENCE
2 archaic : AUDITORIUM

auditory
adj. : of, relating to, or experienced through hearing <auditory stimuli>
–au·di·to·ri·ly adverb

auditory nerve
: either of the eighth pair of cranial nerves connecting the inner ear with the brain and transmitting impulses concerned with hearing and balance ― see EAR illustration

auditory tube
: EUSTACHIAN TUBE

Audubon
n. John James 1785-1851 American (Haitian-born) artist & ornithologist

Auerbach
n. Berthold 1812-1882 Ger. nov.

auf Wiedersehen
― used to express farewell

Aufklarung
: ENLIGHTENMENT 2

Aug
n. August

aug
n. augmentative

Augean
adj. : extremely formidable or difficult and occas. distasteful <an Augean task>

Augean stable
: a condition or place marked by great accumulation of filth or corruption

auger
n. : any of various tools or devices having a helical shaft or member that are used for boring holes (as in wood, soil, or ice) or moving loose material (as snow)

auger
n. Auger effect
Auger process
Auger electron
Auger electron spectroscopy
Auger spectroscopy

Auger effect
: a process in which an atom that has been ionized through the emission of an electron with energy in the X-ray range undergoes a transition in which a second electron is emitted rather than an X-ray photon ― called also Auger process

Auger electron
: an electron emitted from an atom in the Auger effect

Auger electron spectroscopy
: an instrumental method for determining the chemical composition of a material's surface by means of analysis of the energies of Auger electrons emitted from the surface ― called also Auger spectroscopy

Aughrim
town W Ireland in E Galway

aught
pron. 1 : ANYTHING
2 : ALL, EVERYTHING <for aught I care> <for aught we know>

aught
pron. archaic : AT ALL

aught
pron. 1 : ZERO, CIPHER
2 archaic : NONENTITY, NOTHING

Augier
Émile 1820-1889 Fr. poet & dram.

augite
n. 1 : a usually black or dark green mineral that consists of aluminous pyroxene and is found especially in igneous rocks
2 : PYROXENE
–au·git·ic \ȯ-'ji-tik\ adjective

augment
v. transitive verb
1 : to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense <the impact of the report was augmented by its timing>
2 : to add an augment to
3 : SUPPLEMENT <augmented her scholarship by working nights>
intransitive verb : to become augmented
synonyms see INCREASE
–aug·ment·er or aug·men·tor \-'men-tər\ noun

augment
v. : a vowel prefixed or a lengthening of the initial vowel to mark past time especially in Greek and Sanskrit verbs

augmentation
n. 1 a : the act or process of augmenting b : the state of being augmented
2 : something that augments : ADDITION

augmentative
adj. 1 : able to augment
2 : indicating large size and sometimes awkwardness or unattractiveness ― used of words and affixes ― compare DIMINUTIVE

augmentative
adj. : an augmentative word or affix

augmented
adj. of a musical interval : made one half step greater than major or perfect <an augmented fifth>

augmented matrix
: a matrix whose elements are the coefficients of a set of simultaneous linear equations with the constant terms of the equations entered in an added column

Augrabies Falls
waterfall 480 ft (146 m) Republic of S. Africa in Orange River in Northern Cape province

Augsburg
n. city S Germany in Bavaria on the Lech pop 256,877

augur
n. 1 : an official diviner of ancient Rome
2 : one held to foretell events by omens

augur
n. 1 : to foretell especially from omens
2 : to give promise of : PRESAGE <higher pay augurs a better future>
intransitive verb : to predict the future especially from omens

augury
n. 1 : divination from auspices or omens also : an instance of this
2 : OMEN, PORTENT

August
adj. : the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar

august
adj. : marked by majestic dignity or grandeur <her august lineage>
–au·gust·ly adverb
–au·gust·ness \ȯ-'gəs(t)-nəs, 'ȯ-(ˌ)gəs(t)-\ noun

Augusta
n. 1 city E Ga. on Savannah River coextensive with Richmond county pop 199,775
2 city capital of Maine on the Kennebec pop 18,560

Augustan
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Augustus Caesar or his age
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the neoclassical period in England
–Augustan noun

Augustine
n. Saint 354-430 church father; bishop of Hippo (396-430)

Augustine
n. Saint d 604 Apostle of the English 1st archbishop of Canterbury (601-04)

Augustinian
adj. 1 : a member of an Augustinian order specifically : a friar of the Hermits of St. Augustine founded in 1256 and devoted to educational, missionary, and parish work
2 : a follower of St. Augustine

Augustinian
adj. 1 : of or relating to St. Augustine or his doctrines
2 : of or relating to any of several orders under a rule ascribed to St. Augustine
–Au·gus·tin·i·an·ism \-nē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Augustus
n. 63 B.C.-A.D. 14 orig. Gaius Oc·ta·vi·us \äk-'tā-vē-əs\ then Gaius Julius Caesar 1st Rom. emp. (27 B.C.-A.D. 14)

auk
n. : any of several black-and-white short-necked diving seabirds of the alcid family that breed in colder parts of the northern hemisphere ― compare GREAT AUK

auklet
: any of several small seabirds (esp. genera Aethia and Ptychorhamphus) of the alcid family that occur along No. Pacific coasts

Aulavik National Park
n. reservation NW Canada on N Banks Is.

auld
adj. chiefly Scottish : OLD

auld lang syne
: the good old times

Aulis
harbor E Greece in Boeotia on Evripos Strait

Aung San Suu Kyi
1945-     Burmese human rights activist

Aunis
former province W France on Gironde Estuary & Bay of Biscay capital La Rochelle

aunt
n. 1 : the sister of one's father or mother
2 : the wife of one's uncle
–aunt·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–aunt·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–aunt·ly adjective

aunt
n. great aunt
agony aunt
Aunt Sally
Aunt Sallies

Aunt Sally
British : an object of criticism or contention especially : one that is set up to invite criticism or be easily refuted

auntie
n. : AUNT

aura
n. 1 a : a subtle sensory stimulus (as an aroma) b : a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source <the place had an aura of mystery>
2 : a luminous radiation : NIMBUS
3 : a subjective sensation (as of lights) experienced before an attack of some disorders (as epilepsy or a migraine)
4 : an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being

aural
adj. : of or relating to the ear or to the sense of hearing
–au·ral·i·ty \ȯ-'ra-lə-tē\ noun
–au·ral·ly \'ȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

Aurangabad
city W India in cen Maharashtra ENE of Bombay pop 872,667

Aurangzeb
― see 'āLAMGīR

aurar
n. plural of eyrir

aurea mediocritas
: the golden mean

aureate
adj. 1 : of a golden color or brilliance <aureate light>
2 : marked by grandiloquent and rhetorical style <aureate diction>

Aurelian
ca A.D. 215-275 Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Rom. emp. (270-275)

aureole
n. 1 a : a radiant light around the head or body of a representation of a sacred personage b : something resembling an aureole <an aureole of hair>
2 : RADIANCE, AURA <an aureole of youth and health>
3 : the luminous area surrounding the sun or other bright light when seen through thin cloud or mist : CORONA
4 : a ring-shaped zone around an igneous intrusion
–aureole transitive verb

Aures
n. massif ab 7600 ft (2316 m) NE Algeria in Saharan Atlas

aureus
n. : a gold coin of ancient Rome varying in weight from 1/30 to 1/70 libra

auric
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from gold

auricle
n. 1 a : an atrium of a heart b : PINNA 1 c : an anterior ear-shaped pouch in each atrium of the human heart
2 : an angular or ear-shaped lobe, process, or appendage

auricula
n. : a yellow-flowered Alpine primrose (Primula auricula)

auricular
n. 1 : told privately <an auricular confession>
2 : understood or recognized by the sense of hearing
3 : of, relating to, or using the ear or the sense of hearing <auricular therapy>
4 : of or relating to an auricle <auricular tachycardia>

auriculate
adj. : having auricles <an auriculate leaf>

auriferous
adj. : containing gold

Auriga
n. : a constellation between Perseus and Gemini

Aurignac
n. village SW France SW of Toulouse pop 980

Aurignacian
adj. : of or relating to an Upper Paleolithic culture marked by finely made artifacts of stone and bone, paintings, and engravings

Aurillac
city S cen France pop 30,554

Auriol
Vincent 1884-1966 Fr. polit.; 1st pres. of 4th Republic (1947-54)

Aurobindo
Sri 1872-1950 orig. Sri Aurobindo Ghose \'gōs\ Indian seer, poet, & nationalist

aurochs
n. : an extinct large long-horned wild ox (Bos primigenius) of Europe that is the ancestor of domestic cattle

Aurora
n. 1 city N cen Colo. E of Denver pop 276,393
2 city NE Ill. pop 142,990
3 town Canada in SE Ont. pop 40,167

aurora
n. 1 : DAWN
2 capitalized : the Roman goddess of dawn ― compare EOS
3 : a luminous phenomenon that consists of streamers or arches of light appearing in the upper atmosphere of a planet's magnetic polar regions and is caused by the emission of light from atoms excited by electrons accelerated along the planet's magnetic field lines
–au·ro·ral \-əl\ adjective
–au·ro·re·an \-ē-ən\ adjective

aurora australis
: an aurora that occurs in earth's southern hemisphere ― called also southern lights

aurora borealis
: an aurora that occurs in earth's northern hemisphere ― called also northern lights

AUS
Army of the United States

Aus
Austria; Austrian

Ausable
river 20 mi (32 km) NE N.Y. flowing E into Lake Champlain through Ausable Chasm gorge

Auschwitz
n. ― see OśWIęCIM

auscultate
v. : to examine by auscultation <auscultate the patient's heart for a murmur>
–aus·cul·ta·to·ry \ȯ-'skəl-tə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

auscultation
n. : the act of listening to sounds arising within organs (as the lungs) as an aid to diagnosis and treatment

auslander
n. : OUTSIDER, FOREIGNER

auspice
n. 1 : observation by an augur especially of the flight and feeding of birds to discover omens
2 plural : kindly patronage and guidance <doing research under the auspices of the local historical society>
3 : a prophetic sign especially : a favorable sign

auspicious
adj. 1 : affording a favorable auspice : PROPITIOUS <made an auspicious beginning>
2 : attended by good auspices : PROSPEROUS <an auspicious year>
synonyms see FAVORABLE
–aus·pi·cious·ly adverb
–aus·pi·cious·ness noun

auspicium melioris aevi
: an omen of a better age ― motto of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George

Aussie
n. : a native or inhabitant of Australia

aussitot dit, aussitot fait
: no sooner said than done

Austen
n. Jane 1775-1817 Eng. nov.

austenite
n. : a solid solution in iron of carbon and sometimes other solutes that occurs as a constituent of steel under certain conditions
–aus·ten·it·ic \ˌȯs-tə-'ni-tik, ˌäs-\ adjective

austere
adj. 1 a : stern and cold in appearance or manner b : SOMBER, GRAVE <an austere critic>
2 : morally strict : ASCETIC
3 : markedly simple or unadorned <an austere office> <an austere style of writing>
4 : giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets>
5 of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging
synonyms see SEVERE
–aus·tere·ly adverb
–aus·tere·ness noun

austerity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being austere
2 a : an austere act, manner, or attitude b : an ascetic practice
3 : enforced or extreme economy

Austerlitz
― see SLAVKOV

Austin
n. Alfred 1835-1913 Eng. poet; laureate (1896-1913)

Austin
n. John 1790-1859 Eng. jurist

Austin
n. John Langshaw 1911-1960 Eng. philos.

Austin
n. Mary 1868-1934 née Hunter American nov.

Austin
n. Stephen Fuller 1793-1836 American colonizer in Texas

Austin
n. 1 city S Minn. pop 23,314
2 city capital of Tex. on the Colorado pop 656,562
–Aus·tin·ite \-tə-ˌnīt\ noun

Austr
: south : southern <Austroasiatic>

Austr
: Austrian and <Austro-Hungarian>

Austral
n. Australia

austral
n. 1 : of or relating to the Southern hemisphere
2 capitalized : AUSTRALIAN

austral
n. : the basic monetary unit of Argentina from 1985 to 1991

Austral Islands
islands S. Pacific S of Tahiti belonging to France pop 6509

Australasia
n. Australia, New Zealand, & Melanesia
–Aus·tral·asian \-zhən, -shən\ adjective or noun

Australia
n. 1 continent of the eastern hemisphere SE of Asia & S of the equator area 2,948,366 sq mi (7,665,751 sq km)
2 or Commonwealth of Australia dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations including the continent of Australia & island of Tasmania capital Canberra area 2,967,909 sq mi (7,716,563 sq km), pop 17,562,000

Australia
n. Commonwealth of Australia
Australia Day
South Australia
Western Australia

Australia Day
: a national holiday in Australia commemorating the landing of the British at Sydney Cove in 1788 and observed on the Monday of or next following Jan. 26

Australian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent or commonwealth of Australia, its inhabitants, or the languages spoken there
2 : of, relating to, or being a biogeographic region that comprises Australia, the islands north of it from Celebes eastward, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Polynesia

Australian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of the Australian commonwealth
2 : a group of about 200 languages spoken by the aboriginal inhabitants of Australia

Australian
n. Australian ballot
Australian cattle dog
Australian pine
Australian Rules football
Australian shepherd
Australian terrier
Australian Alps
Great Australian Bight
Australian Capital Territory

Australian Alps
mountain range SE Australia in E Victoria & SE New South Wales forming S end of Great Dividing Range

Australian ballot
: an official ballot printed at public expense on which the names of all the candidates and proposals appear and which is distributed only at the polling place and marked in secret

Australian Capital Territory
district SE Australia including two areas, one around Canberra & the other on Jervis Bay, surrounded by New South Wales area 939 sq mi (2441 sq km), pop 229,000

Australian cattle dog
: any of a breed of medium-sized dogs that were developed in Australia to herd cattle and that have upright ears and a red or blue mottled coat

Australian pine
: any of several casuarinas (esp. Casuarina equisetifolia) now widely grown as ornamentals in warm regions

Australian Rules football
: a game resembling rugby that is played between two teams of 18 players on a field 180-190 yards long that has four goalposts at each end

Australian shepherd
: any of a breed of agile intelligent short-tailed working dogs developed in the U.S. for herding livestock

Australian terrier
: any of a breed of small rather short-legged wirehaired terriers of Australian origin usually having a tan and blue or sandy coat

Australianism
n. : a characteristic feature of Australian English

Australoid
n. in some classifications : of or relating to a racial group including the Australian aborigines and other peoples of southern Asia and Pacific islands
–Australoid noun

australopithecine
: any of a genus (Australopithecus) of extinct southern and eastern African hominids that include gracile and robust forms with near-human dentition and a relatively small brain
–australopithecine adjective

Austrasia
the E dominions of the Merovingian Franks extending from the Meuse to the Bohemian Forest
–Aus·tra·sian \-zhən, -shən\ adjective or noun

Austria
n. country cen Europe in & N of E Alps with the Danube crossing it in N; a republic capital Vienna area 32,375 sq mi (84,175 sq km), pop 7,812,100
–Aus·tri·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Austria
n. Anne of Austria
Carlos de Austria
John of Austria
Austria Hungary
Austrian pine

Austria-Hungary
dual monarchy 1867-1918 cen Europe including Bohemia, Moravia, Bukovina, Transylvania, Galicia, and what is now Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, & NE Italy
–Aus·tro-Hun·gar·i·an \'ȯs-(ˌ)trō-ˌhəŋ-'ger-ē-ən, 'äs-\ adjective or noun

Austrian pine
: a tall European pine (Pinus nigra) widely cultivated for ornament and having needles in clusters of two

Austroasiatic
: of, relating to, or constituting a family of languages of south and southeast Asia that includes Mon-Khmer and Munda as subfamilies

Austronesia
n. 1 the islands of the S. Pacific
2 area extending from Madagascar through the Malay Peninsula & Archipelago to Hawaii & Easter Is.

Austronesian
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a family of languages spoken in the area extending from Madagascar eastward through the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago to Hawaii and Easter Island and including practically all the native languages of the Pacific islands with the exception of the Australian and Papuan languages

aut
pref. 1 : self : same one <autism> <autobiography>
2 : automatic : self-acting <autopilot>

aut
pref. aut Caesar aut nihil
aut Caesar aut nullus
aut vincere aut mori

aut Caesar aut nihil
: either a Caesar or nothing

aut Caesar aut nullus
: either a Caesar or a nobody

aut vincere aut mori
: either to conquer or to die

autacoid
n. : a physiologically active substance (as serotonin, bradykinin, or angiotensin) produced by and acting within the body

autarchic
adj. : AUTARKIC
–au·tar·chi·cal \-ki-kəl\ adjective

autarchy
n. : AUTARKY

autarchy
n. : absolute sovereignty : AUTOCRACY
–au·tarch \'ȯ-ˌtärk\ noun

autarkic
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by autarky
–au·tar·ki·cal \-ki-kəl\ adjective

autarky
n. 1 : SELF-SUFFICIENCY, INDEPENDENCE specifically : national economic self-sufficiency and independence
2 : a policy of establishing a self-sufficient and independent national economy

autecology
n. : ecology dealing with individual organisms or individual species of organisms
–aut·eco·log·i·cal \ˌȯt-ˌē-kə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌe-kə-\ adjective

Auteuil
district in W Paris, France

auteur
n. 1 : a film director whose practice accords with the auteur theory broadly : DIRECTOR C
2 : an artist (as a musician or writer) whose style and practice are distinctive
–au·teur·ist \-ist\ adjective or noun

auteur theory
: a view of filmmaking in which the director is considered the primary creative force in a motion picture

auth
1 authentic
2 author
3 authorized

authentic
adj. 1 obsolete : AUTHORITATIVE
2 a : worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact <paints an authentic picture of our society> b : conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features <an authentic reproduction of a colonial farmhouse> c : made or done the same way as an original <authentic Mexican fare>
3 : not false or imitation : REAL, ACTUAL <based on authentic documents> <an authentic cockney accent>
4 a of a church mode : ranging upward from the keynote ― compare PLAGAL 1 b of a cadence : progressing from the dominant chord to the tonic ― compare PLAGAL 2
5 : true to one's own personality, spirit, or character
–au·then·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–au·then·tic·i·ty \ˌȯ-ˌthen-'ti-sə-tē, -thən-\ noun
synonyms AUTHENTIC, GENUINE, BONA FIDE mean being actually and exactly what is claimed. AUTHENTIC implies being fully trustworthy as according with fact <an authentic account of the perilous journey>; it can also stress painstaking or faithful imitation of an original <an authentic reproduction> <authentic Vietnamese cuisine>. GENUINE implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated <genuine piety> <genuine maple syrup>; it also connotes definite origin from a source <a genuine Mark Twain autograph>. BONA FIDE implies good faith and sincerity of intention <a bona fide offer for the stock>.

authenticate
: to prove or serve to prove the authenticity of <authenticate a document>
synonyms see CONFIRM
–au·then·ti·ca·tion \-ˌthen-ti-'kā-shən\ noun
–au·then·ti·ca·tor \-'then-ti-ˌkā-tər\ noun

author
n. 1 a : one that originates or creates : SOURCE <software authors> <film authors> <the author of this crime> b capitalized : GOD 1
2 : the writer of a literary work (as a book)
–au·tho·ri·al \ȯ-'thȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

author
n. : to be the author of : WRITE <has authored several books>

authoress
n. : a woman or girl who is an author

authorisation
n. British variant of authorization, authorize

authoritarian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority <had authoritarian parents>
2 : of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people <an authoritarian regime>
–authoritarian noun
–au·thor·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

authoritative
adj. 1 a : having or proceeding from authority : OFFICIAL <authoritative church doctrines> b : showing evident authority : DEFINITIVE <a most authoritative literary critique>
2 : DICTATORIAL 2
–au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adverb
–au·thor·i·ta·tive·ness noun

authority
n. 1 a (1) : a citation (as from a book or file) used in defense or support (2) : the source from which the citation is drawn b (1) : a conclusive statement or set of statements (as an official decision of a court) (2) : a decision taken as a precedent (3) : TESTIMONY c : an individual cited or appealed to as an expert
2 a : power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior b : freedom granted by one in authority : RIGHT
3 a : persons in command specifically : GOVERNMENT b : a governmental agency or corporation to administer a revenue-producing public enterprise <the transit authority>
4 a : GROUNDS, WARRANT <had excellent authority for believing the claim> b : convincing force <lent authority to the performance>
synonyms see INFLUENCE, POWER

authorization
n. 1 : the act of authorizing
2 : an instrument that authorizes : SANCTION

authorize
v. 1 : to establish by or as if by authority : SANCTION <a custom authorized by time>
2 : to invest especially with legal authority : EMPOWER <authorized to act for her husband>
3 archaic : JUSTIFY 1A
–au·tho·riz·er noun

Authorized Version
v. : a revision of the English Bishops' Bible carried out under James I, published in 1611, and widely used by Protestants ― called also King James Version

authorship
n. 1 : the profession of writing
2 : the source (as the author) of a piece of writing, music, or art
3 : the state or act of writing, creating, or causing

autism
n. : a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns
–au·tis·tic \ȯ-'tis-tik\ adjective or noun
–au·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

auto
n. : AUTOMOBILE

auto
n. : AUTOMATIC

auto
n. ― see AUT-

auto
n. auto da fe
auto da fé
autos da fé
autos da fe

auto-da-fe
: the ceremony accompanying the pronouncement of judgment by the Inquisition and followed by the execution of sentence by the secular authorities broadly : the burning of a heretic

autoantibody
n. : an antibody active against a tissue constituent of the individual producing it

autobahn
n. : a German, Swiss, or Austrian expressway

autobiography
: the biography of a person narrated by himself or herself
–au·to·bi·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–au·to·bio·graph·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'gra-fi-kəl\ also au·to·bio·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–au·to·bio·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

autobus
n. : OMNIBUS 1

autocatalysis
n. : catalysis of a reaction by one of its products
–au·to·cat·a·lyt·ic \-ˌka-tə-'li-tik\ adjective
–au·to·cat·a·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

autocephalous
adj. : being independent of external and especially patriarchal authority ― used especially of Eastern national churches
–au·to·ceph·a·ly \-fə-lē\ noun

autochthon
n. : one (as a person, plant, or animal) that is autochthonous

autochthonous
adj. 1 : INDIGENOUS, NATIVE <an autochthonous people>
2 : formed or originating in the place where found <autochthonous rock> <an autochthonous infection>
–au·toch·tho·nous·ly adverb

autoclave
n. : an apparatus in which special conditions (as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications especially : an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated steam under high pressure

autoclave
n. : to treat in an autoclave

autocorrelation
n. : the correlation between paired values of a function of a mathematical or statistical variable taken at usually constant intervals that indicates the degree of periodicity of the function

autocracy
n. 1 : the authority or rule of an autocrat
2 : government in which one person possesses unlimited power
3 : a community or state governed by autocracy

autocrat
n. 1 : a person (as a monarch) ruling with unlimited authority
2 : one who has undisputed influence or power

autocratic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being an autocracy : ABSOLUTE <an autocratic government>
2 : characteristic of or resembling an autocrat : DESPOTIC <an autocratic ruler>
–au·to·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

autocrine
: of, relating to, promoted by, or being a substance secreted by a cell and acting on surface receptors of the same cell <autocrine growth factors> <autocrine growth of a cancer> ― compare PARACRINE

autocross
n. : an automobile gymkhana

autodidact
n. : a self-taught person
–au·to·di·dac·tic \-dī-'dak-tik, -də-\ adjective

autoecious
adj. : passing through all life stages on the same host <autoecious rusts>
–au·toe·cious·ly adverb
–au·toe·cism \-'tē-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

autoeroticism
n. 1 : sexual feeling arising without known external stimulation
2 : sexual gratification obtained solely through stimulation by oneself of one's own body
–au·to·erot·ic \-i-'rä-tik\ adjective

autoexposure
: a camera system that automatically adjusts the exposure according to ambient lighting

autogamy
n. : SELF-FERTILIZATION: as a : pollination of a flower by its own pollen b : conjugation of two sister cells or sister nuclei of protozoans or fungi
–au·tog·a·mous \-məs\ adjective

autogenous
adj. 1 : produced independently of external influence or aid : ENDOGENOUS
2 : originating or derived from sources within the same individual <an autogenous graft> <an autogenous vaccine>
3 : not requiring a meal of blood to produce eggs <autogenous mosquitoes>
–au·tog·e·nous·ly adverb
–au·tog·e·ny \ȯ-'tä-jə-nē\ noun

autogiro
n. : a rotary-wing aircraft that employs a propeller for forward motion and a freely rotating rotor for lift

autograft
n. : a tissue or organ that is transplanted from one part to another of the same body
–autograft transitive verb

autograph
n. : something written or made with one's own hand: a : an original manuscript or work of art b : a person's handwritten signature
–au·tog·ra·phy \ȯ-'tä-grə-fē\ noun

autograph
n. 1 : to write with one's own hand
2 : to write one's signature in or on <autograph a book>

autograph
n. : being in the writer's own handwriting : not copied or duplicated <an autograph letter>

autographic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting an autograph
–au·to·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Autoharp
n. ― used for a zither with button-controlled dampers for selected strings

autohypnosis
n. : self-induced and usually automatic hypnosis
–au·to·hyp·not·ic \-'nä-tik\ adjective

autoimmune
adj. : of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them <autoimmune diseases>
–au·to·im·mu·ni·ty \-'yü-nə-tē\ noun
–au·to·im·mu·ni·za·tion \-ˌim-yə-nə-'zā-shən also -im-ˌyü-\ noun

autoinfection
n. : reinfection with larvae produced by parasitic worms already in the body

autointoxication
n. : a state of being poisoned by toxic substances produced within the body

autoloader
: a semiautomatic firearm

autoloading
n. : SEMIAUTOMATIC B

autologous
adj. 1 : derived from the same individual <incubated lymphoid cells with autologous tumor cells>
2 : involving one individual as both donor and recipient <an autologous blood transfusion> <an autologous bone marrow transplant>

autolysate
n. : a product of autolysis

autolyse
British variant of autolyze

autolysis
n. : breakdown of all or part of a cell or tissue by self-produced enzymes
–au·to·lyt·ic \ˌȯ-tə-'li-tik\ adjective

autolyze
v. intransitive verb : to undergo autolysis
transitive verb : to subject to autolysis

automaker
n. : a manufacturer of automobiles

Automat
n. ― used for a cafeteria in which food is obtained especially from vending machines

automate
v. transitive verb
1 : to operate by automation
2 : to convert to largely automatic operation <automate a process>
intransitive verb : to undergo automation
–au·to·mat·able \-ˌmā-tə-bəl\ adjective

automated teller
: ATM

automated teller machine
: ATM

automatic
n. 1 a : largely or wholly involuntary especially : REFLEX 5 <automatic blinking of the eyelids> b : acting or done spontaneously or unconsciously c : done or produced as if by machine : MECHANICAL <the answers were automatic>
2 : having a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism <an automatic transmission>
3 of a firearm : firing repeatedly until the trigger is released
synonyms see SPONTANEOUS
–au·to·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–au·to·ma·tic·i·ty \-mə-'ti-sə-tē, -ma-\ noun

automatic
n. 1 : a machine or apparatus that operates automatically: as a : an automatic firearm b : an automatic transmission
2 : a semiautomatic firearm
3 : AUDIBLE

automatic
n. automatic pilot
automatic teller
automatic teller machine
automatic writing
Browning automatic rifle

automatic pilot
1 : AUTOPILOT 1
2 : a state or condition in which activity or behavior is regulated automatically in a predetermined or instinctive manner <would go on automatic pilot and repeat all his standard denunciations ― G. J. Church>

automatic teller
: ATM

automatic teller machine
: ATM

automatic writing
: writing produced without conscious intention as if of telepathic or spiritualistic origin

automation
n. 1 : the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically
2 : the state of being operated automatically
3 : automatically controlled operation of an apparatus, process, or system by mechanical or electronic devices that take the place of human labor

automatism
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being automatic b : an automatic action
2 : the moving or functioning (as of an organ, tissue, or a body part) without conscious control that occurs either independently of external stimuli (as in the beating of the heart) or under the influence of external stimuli (as in pupil dilation)
3 : a theory that views the body as a machine and consciousness as a noncontrolling adjunct of the body
4 : suspension of the conscious mind to release subconscious images <automatism 97the surrealist trend toward spontaneity and intuition ― Elle>
–au·tom·a·tist \-'tä-mə-tist\ noun or adjective

automatize
v. : to make (an action) reflexive
–au·tom·a·ti·za·tion \ȯ-ˌtä-mə-tə-'zā-shən, -ˌtī-'zā-\ noun

automaton
n. 1 : a mechanism that is relatively self-operating especially : ROBOT
2 : a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions
3 : an individual who acts in a mechanical fashion

automobile
n. : AUTOMOTIVE

automobile
n. : a usually four-wheeled automotive vehicle designed for passenger transportation
–automobile intransitive verb
–au·to·mo·bil·ist \-'bē-list, -ˌbē-\ noun

automobility
: the use of automobiles as the major means of transportation

automorphism
: an isomorphism of a set (as a group) with itself

automotive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or concerned with self-propelled vehicles or machines
2 : SELF-PROPELLED

autonomic
adj. 1 : acting or occurring involuntarily <autonomic reflexes>
2 : relating to, affecting, or controlled by the autonomic nervous system or its effects or activity <autonomic drugs>
–au·to·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

autonomic nervous system
: a part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions (as secretion and peristalsis) and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

autonomist
n. : one who advocates autonomy

autonomous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by autonomy
2 a : having the right or power of self-government b : undertaken or carried on without outside control : SELF-CONTAINED <an autonomous school system>
3 a : existing or capable of existing independently <an autonomous zooid> b : responding, reacting, or developing independently of the whole <an autonomous growth>
4 : controlled by the autonomic nervous system
synonyms see FREE
–au·ton·o·mous·ly adverb

autonomy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being self-governing especially : the right of self-government
2 : self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
3 : a self-governing state

autopilot
n. 1 : a device for automatically steering ships, aircraft, and spacecraft
2 : AUTOMATIC PILOT 2

autopolyploid
n. : an individual or strain whose chromosome complement consists of more than two complete copies of the genome of a single ancestral species
–autopolyploid adjective
–au·to·poly·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

autopsy
n. 1 : an examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death or the character and extent of changes produced by disease ― called also necropsy
2 : a critical examination, evaluation, or assessment of someone or something past
–autopsy transitive verb

autoradiogram
n. : AUTORADIOGRAPH

autoradiograph
n. : an image produced on a photographic film or plate by the radiations from a radioactive substance in an object which is in close contact with the emulsion
–au·to·ra·dio·graph·ic \-ˌrā-dē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–au·to·ra·di·og·ra·phy \-ˌrā-dē-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

autorotation
n. : the turning of the rotor of an autogiro or a helicopter with the resulting lift caused solely by the aerodynamic forces induced by motion of the rotor along its flight path
–au·to·ro·tate \-'rō-ˌtāt\ intransitive verb

autoroute
n. : an expressway especially in France

autos-da-fe
plural of auto-da-fé

autosexing
n. : exhibiting different characters in the two sexes at birth or hatching <autosexing chickens>

autosome
n. : a chromosome other than a sex chromosome
–au·to·so·mal \ˌȯ-tə-'sō-məl\ adjective
–au·to·so·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

autostrada
n. : an expressway especially in Italy

autosuggestion
n. : an influencing of one's own attitudes, behavior, or physical condition by mental processes other than conscious thought : SELF-HYPNOSIS
–au·to·sug·gest \-sə(g)-'jest\ transitive verb

autotelic
adj. : having a purpose in and not apart from itself

autotetraploid
: an individual or strain whose chromosome complement consists of four copies of a single genome due to doubling of an ancestral chromosome complement
–autotetraploid adjective
–au·to·tet·ra·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

autotomy
n. : reflex separation of a part (as an appendage) from the body : division of the body into two or more pieces
–au·tot·o·mous \-məs\ adjective
–au·tot·o·mize \-ˌmīz\ verb

autotransformer
n. : a transformer in which the primary and secondary coils have part or all of their turns in common

autotransfusion
: return of autologous blood to the patient's own circulatory system

autotroph
n. : an autotrophic organism

autotrophic
adj. 1 : requiring only carbon dioxide or carbonates as a source of carbon and a simple inorganic nitrogen compound for metabolic synthesis of organic molecules (as glucose) <autotrophic plants> ― compare HETEROTROPHIC
2 : not requiring a specified exogenous factor for normal metabolism
–au·to·tro·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–au·tot·ro·phy \ȯ-'tä-trə-fē\ noun

autoworker
: a person employed in the automobile manufacturing industry

autoxidation
n. : oxidation by direct combination with oxygen (as in air) at ordinary temperatures

autres
n. autres temps autres mligurs
autres temps autres mours
pour encourager les autres

autres temps, autres mligurs
: other times, other customs

autumn
n. 1 : the season between summer and winter comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of September, October, and November or as reckoned astronomically extending from the September equinox to the December solstice ― called also fall
2 : a period of maturity or incipient decline <in the autumn of life>
–au·tum·nal \ȯ-'təm-nəl\ adjective
–au·tum·nal·ly \-nə-lē\ adverb

autumn
n. autumn crocus
fall short
fall on one's sword
fall on one's face
fall on
fall upon
fall into line
fall home
fall from grace
fall for
fall flat
fall between two stools
fall behind
fall apart
fall all over oneself
fall over backward
fall over oneself
fall armyworm
fall away
fall back
fall back upon
fall back on
fall down
fall guy
fall in
fall in with
fall line
fall off
fall out
fall to
free fall
ride for a fall
Fall River
Angel Falls
Augrabies Falls
Boyoma Falls
Stanley Falls
Cauvery Falls
Kaveri Falls
Cedar Falls
Churchill Falls
Grand Falls
Cumberland Falls
Cuyahoga Falls
Great Falls
Idaho Falls
Kabalega Falls
Murchison Falls
Kabarega Falls
Kaieteur Falls
Livingstone Falls
Menomonee Falls
Montmorency Falls
Multnomah Falls
Niagara Falls
Owen Falls
Ripon Falls
Shoshone Falls
Sioux Falls
Snoqualmie Falls
Sutherland Falls
Taughannock Falls
Tequendama Falls
Twin Falls
Victoria Falls
Wichita Falls
Yellowstone Falls
Yosemite Falls
clear fell
Sca Fell
falling diphthong
falling out
falling outs
falling rhythm
falling star

autumn crocus
: an autumn-blooming colchicum (Colchicum autumnale)

autunite
n. : a radioactive usually lemon-yellow calcium phosphate mineral that occurs in tabular crystals and in scales and that is an ore of uranium

Auvergne
region & former province S cen France capital Clermont (now Clermont-Ferrand)

Auvergne Mountains
mountains S cen France; highest in the Massif Central ― see SANCY (Puy de)

aux
n. auxiliary verb

aux
n. Aux Cayes
aux armes
place aux dames
Aux Sources Mont

aux armes
: to arms

Aux Cayes
― see CAYES

Aux Sources, Mont
mountain 10,822 ft (3298 m) N Lesotho in Drakensberg Mountains on South Africa border

auxiliary
n. 1 a : offering or providing help b : functioning in a subsidiary capacity <an auxiliary branch of the state university>
2 of a verb : accompanying another verb and typically expressing person, number, mood, or tense
3 a : SUPPLEMENTARY b : constituting a reserve <an auxiliary power plant>
4 : equipped with sails and a supplementary inboard engine <an auxiliary sloop>

auxiliary
n. 1 a : an auxiliary person, group, or device specifically : a member of a foreign force serving a nation at war b : a Roman Catholic titular bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and not having the right of succession ― called also auxiliary bishop
2 : an auxiliary boat or ship
3 : an auxiliary verb

auxiliary
n. auxiliary bishop
modal auxiliary
verbal auxiliary

auxin
n. 1 : any of various usually acidic organic substances that promote cell elongation in plant shoots and usually regulate other growth processes (as root initiation): as a : INDOLEACETIC ACID b : any of various synthetic substances (as 2,4-D) resembling indoleacetic acid in activity and used especially in research and agriculture
2 : PLANT HORMONE
–aux·in·ic \ȯk-'si-nik\ adjective

auxotroph
n. : an auxotrophic strain or individual

auxotrophic
adj. : requiring a specific growth substance beyond the minimum required for normal metabolism and reproduction by the parental or wild-type strain <auxotrophic mutants of bacteria>
–aux·ot·ro·phy \ȯk-'sä-trə-fē\ noun

Auyan-tepui
plateau ab 20 mi (32 km) long SE Venezuela E of the Caroní ― see ANGEL FALLS

Auyuittuq National Park
n. reservation NE Canada in E Baffin Is.

AV
1 ad valorem
2 audiovisual
3 Authorized Version

av
1 avenue
2 average
3 avoirdupois

avail
n. intransitive verb : to be of use or advantage : SERVE <our best efforts did not avail>
transitive verb : to produce or result in as a benefit or advantage : GAIN <his efforts availed him nothing>
–avail oneself of also avail of : to make use of : take advantage of <they availed themselves of his services>

avail
n. : advantage toward attainment of a goal or purpose : USE <effort was of little avail>

avail oneself of
also avail of : to make use of : take advantage of <they availed themselves of his services>

availability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being available
2 : an available person or thing

available
adj. 1 archaic : having a beneficial effect
2 : VALID ― used of a legal plea or charge
3 : present or ready for immediate use <available resources>
4 : ACCESSIBLE, OBTAINABLE <articles available in any drugstore>
5 : qualified or willing to do something or to assume a responsibility <available candidates>
6 : present in such chemical or physical form as to be usable (as by a plant) <available nitrogen> <available water>
–avail·able·ness noun
–avail·ably \-blē\ adverb

avalanche
n. 1 : a large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift motion down a mountainside or over a precipice
2 : a sudden great or overwhelming rush or accumulation of something <office workers tied down with an avalanche of paperwork>
3 : a cumulative process in which photons or accelerated charge carriers produce additional photons or charge carriers through collisions (as with gas molecules)

avalanche
n. intransitive verb : to descend in an avalanche
transitive verb : OVERWHELM, FLOOD

Avalon
n. : a paradise to which Arthur is carried after his death

Avalon
n. peninsula Canada in SE Newfoundland

Avalon, Isle of
― see ISLE OF AVALON

avant
pref. : culturally or stylistically advanced : AVANT-GARDE <avant jazz>

avant
pref. avant garde
avant gardist
avant gardism
avant la lettre
avant propos

avant la lettre
: before the letter : before a (specified) name or entity existed

avant-garde
: an intelligentsia that develops new or experimental concepts especially in the arts
–avant-gard·ism \-'gär-ˌdi-zəm\ noun
–avant-gard·ist \-'gär-dist\ noun

avant-garde
: of or relating to an avant-garde <avant-garde writers>

avant-propos
: preface

avarice
n. : excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain : GREEDINESS, CUPIDITY

avaricious
adj. : greedy of gain : excessively acquisitive especially in seeking to hoard riches
synonyms see COVETOUS
–av·a·ri·cious·ly adverb
–av·a·ri·cious·ness noun

Avarua
village capital of the Cook Islands on Rarotonga

avascular
adj. : having few or no blood vessels <avascular tissue>
–avas·cu·lar·i·ty \ˌā-ˌvas-kyə-'lar-ə-tē\ noun

avascular necrosis
: necrosis of bone tissue due to impaired or disrupted blood supply (as that caused by traumatic injury or disease)

avast
interj. ― a nautical command to stop or cease

avatar
n. 1 : the incarnation of a Hindu deity (as Vishnu)
2 a : an incarnation in human form b : an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person
3 : a variant phase or version of a continuing basic entity
4 : an electronic image that represents and is manipulated by a computer user (as in a computer game or an online shopping site)

avaunt
interj. : AWAY, HENCE

AVC
automatic volume control

avdp
avoirdupois

ave
n. 1 : an expression of greeting or of leave-taking : HAIL, FAREWELL
2 often capitalized : AVE MARIA

ave
n. avenue

ave atque vale
: hail and farewell

Ave Maria
: HAIL MARY 1

Avebury
1st Baron ― see LUBBOCK

Avebury
village S England in Wiltshire E of Bristol; has megalithic remains

avellan
of a heraldic cross : having the four arms shaped like conventionalized filberts ― see CROSS illustration

Avellaneda
city E Argentina, E suburb of Buenos Aires, on Río de la Plata pop 346,620

Avenches
town W Switzerland in Vaud canton capital of ancient Helvetia

avenge
v. 1 : to take vengeance for or on behalf of <swore to avenge his father>
2 : to exact satisfaction for (a wrong) by punishing the wrongdoer <avenged their leader's death>
–aveng·er noun

avens
n. : any of a genus (Geum) of perennial herbs of the rose family with white, purple, red, or yellow flowers

aventail
: VENTAIL

Aventine
hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven (including also the Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, & Viminal) on which the ancient city was built

Aventura
city SE Fla. NNE of Miami pop 25,267

aventurine
n. 1 : glass containing opaque sparkling particles of foreign material (as copper or chromic oxide)
2 : a translucent quartz spangled throughout with scales of mica or other mineral

avenue
n. 1 : a way of access : ROUTE
2 : a channel for pursuing a desired object <avenues of communication>
3 a chiefly British : the principal walk or driveway to a house situated off a main road b : a broad passageway bordered by trees
4 : an often broad street or road

Avenzoar
― see IBN ZUHR

aver
v. 1 a : to verify or prove to be true in pleading a cause b : to allege or assert in pleading
2 : to declare positively

average
n. 1 a : a single value (as a mean, mode, or median) that summarizes or represents the general significance of a set of unequal values b : MEAN 1B
2 a : an estimation of or approximation to an arithmetic mean b : a level (as of intelligence) typical of a group, class, or series <above the average>
3 : a ratio expressing the average performance especially of an athletic team or an athlete computed according to the number of opportunities for successful performance
–on average or on the average : taking the typical example of the group under consideration <prices have increased on average by five percent>
synonyms AVERAGE, MEAN, MEDIAN, NORM mean something that represents a middle point. AVERAGE is exactly or approximately the quotient obtained by dividing the sum total of a set of figures by the number of figures <scored an average of 85 on tests>. MEAN may be the simple average or it may represent value midway between two extremes <a high of 70° and a low of 50° give a mean of 60°>. MEDIAN applies to the value that represents the point at which there are as many instances above as there are below <average of a group of persons earning 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 dollars an hour is 6 dollars, whereas the median is 5 dollars>. NORM means the computed or estimated average of performance of a significantly large group, class, or grade <scores about the norm for fifth grade arithmetic>.

average
n. 1 : equaling an arithmetic mean
2 a : being about midway between extremes <a man of average height> b : not out of the ordinary : COMMON <the average person>
–av·er·age·ly adverb
–av·er·age·ness noun

average
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to be or come to an average <the gain averaged out to 20 percent> b : to have a medial value of <a color averaging a pale purple>
2 : to buy on a falling market or sell on a rising market additional shares or commodities so as to obtain a more favorable average price ― usually used with down or up
transitive verb
1 : to do, get, or have on the average or as an average sum or quantity <averages 12 hours of work a day>
2 : to find the arithmetic mean of (a series of unequal quantities)
3 a : to bring toward the average b : to divide among a number proportionately

average
n. on the average
on average
batting average
Dow Jones average
earned run average
fielding average
grade point average
quality point average
slugging average
law of averages
dollar cost averaging
dollar averaging

averment
n. 1 : the act of averring
2 : something that is averred : AFFIRMATION

Avernus, Lake
lake S Italy in crater of extinct volcano W of Naples

Averroes
1126-1198 also Ibn-Rushd Span.-Arab philos. & physician

averse
adj. : having an active feeling of repugnance or distaste ― usually used with to <averse to strenuous exercise>
synonyms see DISINCLINED
–averse·ly adverb
–averse·ness noun

aversion
n. 1 obsolete : the act of turning away
2 a : a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from it <regards drunkenness with aversion> b : a settled dislike : ANTIPATHY <expressed an aversion to parties> c : a tendency to extinguish a behavior or to avoid a thing or situation and especially a usually pleasurable one because it is or has been associated with a noxious stimulus
3 : an object of aversion <inconstancy is my aversion ― Jane Austen>

aversion therapy
: therapy intended to suppress an undesirable habit or behavior (as smoking) by associating the habit or behavior with a noxious or punishing stimulus (as electric shock)

aversive
adj. : tending to avoid or causing avoidance of a noxious or punishing stimulus <behavior modification by aversive stimulation>
–aver·sive·ly adverb
–aver·sive·ness noun

avert
v. 1 : to turn away or aside (as the eyes) in avoidance
2 : to see coming and ward off : AVOID <avert disaster>

Avery
n. Milton Clark 1885-1965 American artist

Avesta
n. : the book of the sacred writings of Zoroastrianism

Avestan
n. : an ancient Iranian language in which the sacred books of Zoroastrianism were written ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Avestan adjective

avg
n. average

avgas
n. : gasoline for airplanes

avgolemono
: a soup or sauce made with chicken stock, egg yolks, and lemon juice

avian
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from birds <avian behavior> <avian species>

aviary
n. : a place for keeping birds confined

aviate
v. : to navigate the air (as in an airplane)

aviation
n. 1 : the operation of heavier-than-air aircraft
2 : military airplanes
3 : airplane manufacture, development, and design

aviator
n. : the operator or pilot of an aircraft and especially an airplane

aviator glasses
: eyeglasses having a lightweight metal frame and relatively large usually tinted lenses

aviatrix
n. : a woman who is an aviator

Avicenna
980-1037 also Ibn Sīnā Islamic (Pers.-born) philos. & scientist

aviculture
n. : the raising and care of birds and especially of wild birds in captivity
–avi·cul·tur·ist \ˌā-və-'kəl-ch(ə-)rist, ˌa-\ noun

avid
adj. 1 : desirous to the point of greed : urgently eager : GREEDY <avid for publicity>
2 : characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit <avid readers>
synonyms see EAGER
–av·id·ly adverb
–av·id·ness noun

avidin
n. : a protein found in egg white that inactivates biotin by combining with it

avidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being avid: a : keen eagerness b : consuming greed
2 : AFFINITY 2B(2)

avifauna
n. : the birds or the kinds of birds of a region, period, or environment
–avi·fau·nal \-'fȯ-nəl, -'fä-\ adjective

Avignon
city SE France pop 85,937

Avila
1 province cen Spain area 3107 sq mi (8047 sq km), pop 163,442
2 city, its capital, WNW of Madrid pop 49,712

Avila
Avila Camacho
Teresa of Avila
Ávila Camacho

Avila Camacho
Manuel 1897-1955 Mex. soldier & polit.; pres. of Mexico (1940-46)

avionics
n. : electronics designed for use in aerospace vehicles
–avi·on·ic \-nik\ adjective

avirulent
adj. : not virulent ― compare NONPATHOGENIC

avitaminosis
n. : disease (as pellagra) resulting from a deficiency of one or more vitamins
–avi·ta·min·ot·ic \-mə-'nä-tik\ adjective

Avlona
― see VLORË

avo
n. ― see pataca at MONEY table

avocado
n. 1 : a pulpy green- to purple-skinned nutty-flavored fruit of any of various tropical American trees (genus Persea especially P. americana) of the laurel family also : a tree bearing avocados
2 : a light yellowish green

avocado pear
chiefly British : AVOCADO 1

avocation
n. 1 archaic : DIVERSION, DISTRACTION
2 : customary employment : VOCATION
3 : a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one's vocation especially for enjoyment : HOBBY

avocational
adj. 1 : of or relating to an avocation <an avocational interest in sports>
2 : being such by avocation <an avocational musician>
–av·o·ca·tion·al·ly \-sh(ə-)nə-lē\ adverb

avocet
n. : any of a genus (Recurvirostra) of rather large long-legged shorebirds with webbed feet and slender upward-curving bill

Avogadro
n. Amedeo 1776-1856 Conte di Quaregna e Ceretto Ital. chem. & physicist

Avogadro's number
: the number 6.022 × 10^23 indicating the number of atoms or molecules in a mole of any substance ― called also Avogadro number

avoid
v. 1 : to make legally void : ANNUL <avoid a plea>
2 obsolete : VOID, EXPEL
3 a : to keep away from : SHUN <have been avoiding me> b : to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of <avoid further delays> c : to refrain from <avoid overeating>
4 archaic : to depart or withdraw from : LEAVE
synonyms see ESCAPE
–avoid·able \-'vȯi-də-bəl\ adjective
–avoid·ably \-blē\ adverb
–avoid·er noun

avoidance
n. 1 obsolete a : an action of emptying, vacating, or clearing away b : OUTLET
2 : ANNULMENT 1
3 : an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something

avoirdupois
n. 1 : AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT
2 : WEIGHT, HEAVINESS especially : personal weight

avoirdupois
n. : expressed in avoirdupois weight <one ounce avoirdupois>

avoirdupois weight
: the series of units of weight based on the pound of 16 ounces and the ounce of 16 drams ― see WEIGHT table

Avon
n. Earl of ― see Anthony EDEN

Avon
n. 1 river 96 mi (154 km) cen England rising in Northamptonshire & flowing WSW past Stratford-upon-Avon into Severn River at Tewkesbury
2 river 65 mi (105 km) S England rising near Devizes in Wiltshire & flowing S into English Channel
3 river 75 mi (121 km) SW England rising in Gloucestershire & flowing S & W through city of Bristol into Bristol Channel at Avonmouth
4 \'a-vən\ ― see SWAN

Avondale
city S cen Ariz. W of Tempe pop 35,883

avouch
v. 1 : to declare as a matter of fact or as a thing that can be proved : AFFIRM
2 : to vouch for : CORROBORATE
3 a : to acknowledge (as an act) as one's own b : CONFESS, AVOW

avouchment
n. : an act of avouching : AVOWAL

avow
v. 1 : to declare assuredly <she avowed her innocence>
2 : to declare openly, bluntly, and without shame <ever ready to avow his reactionary outlook>
synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE, ASSERT
–avow·er \-'vau̇(-ə)r\ noun

avowal
n. : an open declaration or acknowledgment

avowedly
adv. 1 : with open acknowledgment : FRANKLY <an avowedly hostile review>
2 : by unsupported assertion or profession alone : ALLEGEDLY <politicians remain skeptical of⋯avowedly democratic intentions ― Jerry Kirshenbaum>

Avranches
town NW France in SW Normandy pop 8509

avulse
v. : to separate by avulsion

avulsion
n. : a forcible separation or detachment: as a : a tearing away of a body part accidentally or surgically b : a sudden cutting off of land by flood, currents, or change in course of a body of water especially : one separating land from one person's property and joining it to another's

avuncular
adj. 1 : of or relating to an uncle
2 : suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality <avuncular indulgence>
–avun·cu·lar·i·ty \ə-ˌvəŋ-kyə-'la-rə-tē, -'ler-ə-\ noun
–avun·cu·lar·ly \ə-'vəŋ-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

AW
1 actual weight
2 aircraft warning
3 articles of war
4 automatic weapon

aw
― used to express mild disappointment, gentle entreaty, or real or mock sympathy or sentiment

aw-shucks
: being or marked by an unsophisticated, self-conscious, or self-effacing manner <an aw-shucks grin>

AWACS
airborne warning and control system

await
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to lie in wait for
2 a : to wait for <awaiting his arrival> b : to remain in abeyance until <a treaty awaiting ratification>
3 : to be in store for <wonders what awaits him next>
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : ATTEND
2 : to stay or be in waiting : WAIT
3 : to be in store

Awaji
island Japan S of Honshu & NE of Shikoku

awake
adj. intransitive verb
1 : to cease sleeping
2 : to become aroused or active again
3 : to become conscious or aware of something <awoke to the possibilities>
transitive verb
1 : to arouse from sleep or a sleeplike state <awoken by the storm>
2 : to make active : stir up <awoke old memories>

awake
adj. : fully conscious, alert, and aware : not asleep
synonyms see AWARE

awaken
v. : AWAKE
–awak·en·er \-'wāk-nər, -'wā-kə-\ noun

award
n. 1 : to give by judicial decree or after careful consideration
2 : to confer or bestow as being deserved or merited or needed <award scholarships to disadvantaged students>
synonyms see GRANT
–award·able \-'wȯr-də-bəl\ adjective
–award·ee \-ˌwȯr-'dē\ noun
–award·er \-'wȯr-dər\ noun

award
n. 1 a : a judgment or final decision especially : the decision of arbitrators in a case submitted to them b : the document containing the decision of arbitrators
2 : something that is conferred or bestowed especially on the basis of merit or need

aware
adj. 1 archaic : WATCHFUL, WARY
2 : having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge
–aware·ness noun
synonyms AWARE, COGNIZANT, CONSCIOUS, SENSIBLE, ALIVE, AWAKE mean having knowledge of something. AWARE implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences <aware of changes in climate>. COGNIZANT implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources <not fully cognizant of the facts>. CONSCIOUS implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it <conscious that my heart was pounding>. SENSIBLE implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities <sensible of a teacher's influence>. ALIVE adds to SENSIBLE the implication of acute sensitivity to something <alive to the thrill of danger>. AWAKE implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert <a country always awake to the threat of invasion>.

Awash
adj. river 500 mi (805 km) E Ethiopia flowing NE

awash
adj. 1 a : alternately covered and exposed by waves or tide b : washing about : AFLOAT c : covered with water : FLOODED
2 : filled, covered, or completely overrun as if by a flood <a movie awash in sentimentality>

away
adj. 1 : on the way : ALONG <get away early>
2 : from this or that place <go away>
3 a : in a secure place or manner <locked away> b : in another direction <look away>
4 : out of existence : to an end <echoes dying away>
5 : from one's possession <gave away a fortune>
6 : steadily onward : UNINTERRUPTEDLY <clocks ticking away>
7 : by a long distance or interval : FAR <away back in 1910>

away
adj. 1 : absent from a place : GONE <away for the weekend>
2 : distant in space or time <a lake 10 miles away> <the season is two months away>
3 : played on an opponent's grounds <home and away games>
4 baseball : OUT <two away in the ninth>
–away·ness noun

away
adj. back away
bang away
blow away
break away
carry away
do away with
draw away
explain away
fall away
far and away
fiddle away
fill away
fire away
get away with
give away
keep away
lay away
make away with
pass away
piss away
pull away
put away
right away
run away
run away with
salt away
sock away
square away
stow away
tear away
throw away
turn away
walk away from

awd
all-wheel drive

awe
n. 1 : an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime <stood in awe of the king> <regard nature's wonders with awe>
2 archaic a : DREAD, TERROR b : the power to inspire dread

awe
n. : to inspire with awe <we were awed by the beauty of the mountains>

aweary
adj. archaic : being weary

aweather
adv. : on or toward the weather or windward side ― compare ALEE

awed
adj. : showing awe <awed respect>

aweigh
adv. : raised just clear of the bottom ― used of an anchor

aweless
1 : feeling no awe
2 obsolete : inspiring no awe

awesome
adj. 1 : expressive of awe <awesome tribute>
2 a : inspiring awe <an awesome task> b : TERRIFIC, EXTRAORDINARY <had an awesome time>
–awe·some·ly adverb
–awe·some·ness noun

awestruck
adj. : filled with awe

awful
adj. 1 : inspiring awe
2 : filled with awe: as a obsolete : AFRAID, TERRIFIED b : deeply respectful or reverential
3 : extremely disagreeable or objectionable <awful food>
4 : exceedingly great ― used as an intensive <an awful lot of money>
–aw·ful·ly \'ȯ-fə-lē, esp as adv of adj senses 3 & 4 -flē\ adverb
–aw·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
usage Many grammarians take issue with the senses of awful and awfully that do not convey the etymological connection with awe. However, senses 3 and 4 of the adjective were used in speech and casual writing by the late 18th century <it is an awful while since you have heard from me ― John Keats (letter)> <there was an awful crowd ― Sir Walter Scott (letter)> <this is an awful thing to say to oil painters ― William Blake>. Adverbial use of awful as an intensifier began to appear in print in the early 19th century, as did the senses of awfully corresponding to senses 3 and 4 of the adjective. Both adverbs remain in widespread use <a sad state of affairs and awful tough on art ― H. L. Mencken> <the awfully rich young American ― Henry James> <decided to play it so awfully safe ― A. M. Schlesinger b1917>.

awful
adj. : VERY, EXTREMELY <awful tired>

awhile
adv. : for a while
usage Although considered a solecism by many commentators, awhile, like several other adverbs of time and place, is often used as the object of a preposition <for awhile there is a silence ― Lord Dunsany>.

awhirl
adj. : being in a whirl

awkward
adj. 1 obsolete : PERVERSE
2 archaic : UNFAVORABLE, ADVERSE
3 a : lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands) <awkward with a needle and thread> b : showing the result of a lack of expertness <awkward pictures>
4 a : lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression) <awkward writing> b : lacking the right proportions, size, or harmony of parts : UNGAINLY <an awkward design>
5 a : lacking social grace and assurance <an awkward newcomer> b : causing embarrassment <an awkward moment>
6 : not easy to handle or deal with : requiring great skill, ingenuity, or care <an awkward load> <an awkward diplomatic situation>
–awk·ward·ly adverb
–awk·ward·ness noun
synonyms AWKWARD, CLUMSY, MALADROIT, INEPT, GAUCHE mean not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct). AWKWARD is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact <periods of awkward silence>. CLUMSY implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill <a clumsy mechanic>. MALADROIT suggests a tendency to create awkward situations <a maladroit politician>. INEPT often implies complete failure or inadequacy <a hopelessly inept defense attorney>. GAUCHE implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding <felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties>.

awl
n. : a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood)

awn
n. : one of the slender bristles that terminate the glumes of the spikelet in some cereal and other grasses
–awned \'ȯnd\ adjective
–awn·less \'ȯn-ləs\ adjective

awning
n. : a rooflike cover extending over or in front of a place (as over the deck or in front of a door or window) as a shelter
–aw·ninged \-niŋd\ adjective

awoke
past and past part of awake

awoken
v. past part of awake

AWOL
: ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE broadly : absent often without notice or permission <the place looked as if its caretaker had been AWOL for some time ― Daniel Ford>

AWOL
: a person who is AWOL

awry
adj. 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction : ASKEW
2 : off the correct or expected course : AMISS

Awwal
Faruq al Awwal
Jumada al Awwal
Rabi al Awwal

Ax
n. Emanuel 1949-     American (Ukrainian-born of Polish parents) pianist

ax
n. 1 : a cutting tool that consists of a heavy edged head fixed to a handle with the edge parallel to the handle and that is used especially for felling trees and chopping and splitting wood
2 : a hammer with a sharp edge for dressing or spalling stone
3 : abrupt removal (as from employment or from a budget) ― sometimes used in the phrase get the ax
4 : a musical instrument (as a guitar or a saxophone)
–ax to grind : an ulterior often selfish underlying purpose <claims that he has no ax to grind in criticizing the proposed law>

ax
n. 1 a : to shape, dress, or trim with an ax b : to chop, split, or sever with an ax
2 : to remove abruptly (as from employment or from a budget)

ax
n. 1 axiom
2 axis

ax
n. ax to grind
battle ax
curtal ax
curtle ax
hand ax
ice ax
meat ax
battle axe

ax to grind
an ulterior often selfish underlying purpose <claims that he has no ax to grind in criticizing the proposed law>

axel
n. : a jump in figure skating from the outer forward edge of one skate with 11/2 turns taken in the air and a return to the outer backward edge of the other skate

Axel Heiberg
island N Canada in the Sverdrup Islands W of Ellesmere Is. area 15,779 sq mi (41,025 sq km)

axenic
adj. : free from other living organisms
–axe·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

axial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2 a : situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis b : extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane) <axial hydrogens> ― compare EQUATORIAL
–ax·i·al·i·ty \ˌak-sē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–ax·i·al·ly \'ak-sē-ə-lē\ adverb

axial
adj. axial skeleton
computerized axial tomography
computed axial tomography

axial skeleton
: the skeleton of the trunk and head

axil
n. : the angle between a branch or leaf and the axis from which it arises

axilla
n. : the cavity beneath the junction of a forelimb and the body especially : ARMPIT

axillar
n. : an axillary part (as a feather)

axillary
n. 1 : of, relating to, or located near the axilla
2 : situated in or growing from an axil <axillary buds>

axillary
n. : one of the feathers arising from the axilla and closing the space between the flight feathers and body of a flying bird

axiology
n. : the study of the nature, types, and criteria of values and of value judgments especially in ethics
–ax·i·o·log·i·cal \ˌak-sē-ə-ˌlä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ax·i·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

axiom
n. 1 : a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit
2 : a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference : POSTULATE 1
3 : an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth

axiom of choice

1942
: an axiom in set theory that is equivalent to Zorn's lemma: for every collection of nonempty sets there is a function which chooses an element from each set

axiomatic
adj. 1 : taken for granted : SELF-EVIDENT <an axiomatic truth>
2 : based on or involving an axiom or system of axioms <axiomatic set theory>
–ax·i·om·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

axiomatisation
chiefly British variant of axiomatization

axiomatization
: the act or process of reducing to a system of axioms
–ax·i·om·a·tize \-sē-'ä-mə-ˌtīz\ transitive verb

axion
n. : a hypothetical subatomic particle of low mass and energy that is postulated to exist because of certain properties of the strong force

Axis
n. : of or relating to the three powers Germany, Italy, and Japan engaged against the Allied nations in World War II

axis
n. 1 a : a straight line about which a body or a geometric figure rotates or may be supposed to rotate b : a straight line with respect to which a body or figure is symmetrical ― called also axis of symmetry c : a straight line that bisects at right angles a system of parallel chords of a curve and divides the curve into two symmetrical parts d : one of the reference lines of a coordinate system
2 a : the second vertebra of the neck on which the head and first vertebra turn as on a pivot b : any of various central, fundamental, or axial parts
3 : a plant stem
4 : one of several imaginary lines assumed in describing the positions of the planes by which a crystal is bounded and the positions of atoms in the structure of the crystal
5 : a main line of direction, motion, growth, or extension
6 a : an implied line in painting or sculpture through a composition to which elements in the composition are referred b : a line actually drawn and used as the basis of measurements in an architectural or other working drawing
7 : any of three fixed lines of reference in an aircraft that run in the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions, are mutually perpendicular, and usually pass through the aircraft's center of gravity
8 : PARTNERSHIP, ALLIANCE
9 : a point or continuum on which something centers <an axis of social power>

axis
n. axis of symmetry
axis deer
major axis
minor axis
optic axis
semimajor axis
semiminor axis
x axis
y axis
z axis
axis mundi

axis deer
: a deer (Axis axis) of India and surrounding areas having brownish hair with white spots

axis mundi
: turning point of the world : line through the earth's center around which the universe revolves

axisymmetric
adj. : symmetric in respect to an axis
–axi·sym·me·try \-'si-mə-trē\ noun

axle
n. 1 a : a pin or shaft on or with which a wheel or pair of wheels revolves b (1) : a fixed bar or beam with bearings at its ends on which wheels (as of a cart) revolve (2) : the spindle of such a beam
2 archaic : AXIS

axletree
n. : AXLE 1B(1)

axman
n. : one who wields an ax

Axminster
n. : a machine-woven carpet with pile tufts inserted mechanically in a variety of textures and patterns

axolotl
n. : any of several salamanders (genus Ambystoma especially A. mexicanum and A. tigrinum) of mountain lakes of Mexico and the western U.S. that ordinarily live and breed in the larval form without metamorphosing

axon
n. : a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body ― see NEURON illustration
–ax·o·nal \'ak-sə-nəl; ak-'sä-, -'sō-\ adjective

axoneme
n. : the fibrillar bundle of a flagellum or cilium that usually consists of nine pairs of microtubules arranged in a ring around a single central pair
–ax·o·ne·mal \ˌak-sə-'nē-məl\ adjective

axonometric
adj. : being or prepared by the projection of objects on the drawing surface so that they appear inclined with three sides showing and with horizontal and vertical distances drawn to scale but diagonal and curved lines distorted <an axonometric drawing>

axoplasm
n. : the protoplasm of an axon
–axo·plas·mic \ˌak-sə-'plaz-mik\ adjective

Axum
― see AKSUM
–Ax·um·ite \'ak-sə-ˌmīt\ adjective or noun

ay
n. ― usually used with following me to express sorrow or regret

Ayacucho
town S Peru SE of Lima pop 101,600

ayah
n. : a nurse or maid native to India

ayahuasca
n. : a hallucinogenic beverage prepared from the bark of a So. American woody vine (Banisteriopsis caapi of the family Malpighiaceae)

ayatollah
n. : a religious leader among Shiite Muslims ― used as a title of respect especially for one who is not an imam

Aydin
city SW Turkey SE of Izmir pop 107,011

aye
n. : ALWAYS, CONTINUALLY, EVER <love that will aye endure ― W. S. Gilbert>

aye
n. : YES <aye, aye, sir>

aye
n. : an affirmative vote or voter <the ayes have it>

aye-aye
: a small primitive nocturnal forest-dwelling primate (Daubentonia madagascariensis) of northern Madagascar that has a round head, large eyes and ears, and long thin fingers

Ayer
Sir Alfred Jules 1910-1989 Eng. philos.

Ayers Rock
outcrop cen Australia in SW Northern Territory; 1143 ft (348 m) high

AYH
American Youth Hostels

ayin
: the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

Aylesbury
n. town SE cen England capital of Buckinghamshire pop 41,288

Aylmer
town Canada in SW Que. pop 36,085

Aylwin Azocar
Patricio 1918-     pres. of Chile (1990-94)

Aymara
n. 1 : a member of an Indian people of Bolivia, Peru, and northern Chile
2 : the language of the Aymara people

Ayr
1 or Ayr·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county SW Scotland
2 burgh & port SW Scotland pop 49,481

Ayr
East Ayrshire
North Ayrshire
South Ayrshire

Ayrshire
n. : any of a breed of hardy dairy cattle developed in Ayr and usually marked with blotches of red or brown with white

Ayrshire
n. East Ayrshire
North Ayrshire
South Ayrshire

ayurveda
n. : a form of holistic alternative medicine that is the traditional system of medicine of India
–ay·ur·ve·dic \-dik\ adjective often cap

Ayutthaya
n. city S Thailand N of Bangkok pop 60,561

AZ
pref. Arizona

az
pref. 1 azimuth
2 azure

az
pref. : containing nitrogen especially as the divalent group N=N <azine>

Az-Zaqaziq
― see ZAGAZIG

aza
: containing nitrogen in place of carbon and usually the divalent group NH for the group CH_2 or a single trivalent nitrogen atom for the group CH <azathioprine>

azalea
n. : any of a subgenus (Azalea) of rhododendrons with funnel-shaped corollas and usually deciduous leaves including many species and hybrid forms cultivated as ornamentals

Azana y Diaz
Manuel 1880-1940 Span. polit.; pres. of Spain (1936-39)

azathioprine
n. : a purine antimetabolite C_9H_7N_7O_2S used especially as an immunosuppressant

Azazel
n. : an evil spirit of the wilderness to which a scapegoat was sent by the ancient Hebrews in a ritual of atonement

azeotrope
n. : a liquid mixture that is characterized by a constant minimum or maximum boiling point which is lower or higher than that of any of the components

Azerbaijan
n. 1 or ancient At·ro·pa·te·ne \ˌa-trō-pə-'tē-nē\ or Me·dia Atropatene \'mē-dē-ə\ region NW Iran; chief city Tabriz
2 independent country SE Europe bordering on Caspian Sea; a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. 1936-91 capital Baku area 33,200 sq mi (86,320 sq km), pop 7,029,000

Azerbaijani
n. 1 : a member of a Turkic-speaking people of Azerbaijan and northwest Iran
2 : the Turkic language of the Azerbaijanis
–Azerbaijani adjective

Azeri
n. : AZERBAIJANI

azide
n. : a compound containing the group N_3 combined with an element or radical

azido
adj. : relating to or containing the monovalent group N_3 ― often used in combination

azidothymidine
n. : AZT

azimuth
n. 1 : an arc of the horizon measured between a fixed point (as true north) and the vertical circle passing through the center of an object usually in astronomy and navigation clockwise from the north point through 360 degrees
2 : horizontal direction expressed as the angular distance between the direction of a fixed point (as the observer's heading) and the direction of the object
–az·i·muth·al \ˌa-zə-'mə-thəl\ adjective
–az·i·muth·al·ly \-'mə-thə-lē\ adverb

azimuthal equidistant projection
: a map projection of the surface of the earth so centered at any given point that a straight line radiating from the center to any other point represents the shortest distance and can be measured to scale

Azincourt
― see AGINCOURT

azine
n. : a compound of the general formula RCH=NN=CHR or R_2C=NN=CR_2 formed by the action of hydrazine on aldehydes or ketones

azo
pref. : relating to or containing the divalent group N=N united at both ends to carbon

azo dye
: any of numerous dyes containing azo groups

azoic
adj. : having no living beings especially : of or relating to the part of geologic time that antedates life ― compare ARCHEAN 1

azole
: any of numerous compounds characterized by a 5-membered ring containing at least one nitrogen atom

azonal
: of, relating to, or being a soil or a major group of soils lacking well-developed horizons often because of immaturity ― compare INTRAZONAL, ZONAL

azoospermia
n. : absence of spermatozoa from the seminal fluid

Azores
n. islands N. Atlantic belonging to Portugal & lying ab 800 mi (1287 km) off coast of Portugal; chief town Ponta Delgada area 905 sq mi (2344 sq km), pop 241,763
–Azor·e·an or Azor·i·an \ā-'zȯr-ē-ən, ə-\ adjective or noun

azotemia
n. : an excess of urea or other nitrogenous wastes in the blood as a result of kidney insufficiency ― compare UREMIA
–azo·te·mic \-mik\ adjective

azoth
n. 1 : mercury regarded by alchemists as the first principle of metals
2 : the universal remedy of Paracelsus

azotobacter
n. : any of a genus (Azotobacter) of large rod-shaped or spherical bacteria occurring in soil and sewage and fixing atmospheric nitrogen

azoturia
n. : an abnormal condition of horses characterized by muscle damage especially to the hindquarters and dark-colored urine containing nitrogenous substances from muscle tissue breakdown

Azov, Sea of
gulf of the Black Sea E of Crimea connected with the Black Sea by the Kerch Strait area 14,517 sq mi (37,599 sq km)

AZT
: an antiviral drug C_10H_13N_5O_4 that inhibits replication of some retroviruses (as HIV) and is used to treat AIDS ― called also azidothymidine, zidovudine

Aztec
n. 1 a : a member of a Nahuatl-speaking people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519 b : a member of any people under Aztec influence
2 : NAHUATL
–Az·tec·an \'az-ˌte-kən, ˌaz-'te-\ adjective

Aztec Ruins National Monument
n. reservation NW N.Mex. NE of Farmington; site of a prehistoric pueblo

azuki
n. variant of adzuki, adzuki bean

azulejo
n. : a glazed usually blue ceramic tile orig. of Portugal and Spain

azure
n. 1 archaic : LAPIS LAZULI
2 a : the blue color of the clear sky b : the heraldic color blue
3 : the unclouded sky
–azure adjective

azurite
n. 1 : a mineral that consists of blue basic carbonate of copper and is a minor copper ore
2 : a semiprecious stone derived from azurite

Azusa
city SW Calif. ENE of Los Angeles pop 44,712

azygos
adj. : an azygos anatomical part

azygos
adj. : not being one of a pair : SINGLE <an azygos vein>

B
n. boron

b
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the second letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic b
2 : the seventh tone of a C-major scale
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter b
4 : one designated b especially as the second in order or class
5 a : a grade rating a student's work as good but short of excellent b : one graded or rated with a B
6 : something shaped like the letter B
7 capitalized : the one of the four ABO blood groups characterized by the presence of antigens designated by the letter B and by the presence of antibodies against the antigens present in the A blood group

b
n. 1 bachelor
2 bacillus
3 back
4 bag
5 bale
6 bass
7 basso
8 bat
9 Baumé
10 before
11 Bible
12 billion
13 bishop
14 black
15 blue
16 bolivar
17 book
18 born
19 bottom
20 brick
21 brightness
22 British
23 bulb
24 butut

B and B
: BED-AND-BREAKFAST

B and E
breaking and entering

b and w
black and white

B cell
: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow ― called also B lymphocyte ― compare T CELL

B complex
: VITAMIN B COMPLEX

B horizon
: a subsurface soil layer that is immediately beneath the A horizon from which it obtains organic matter chiefly by illuviation and is usually distinguished by less weathering

B lymphocyte
: B CELL

B movie
: a cheaply produced motion picture

B picture
: B MOVIE

B vitamin
: any vitamin of the vitamin B complex

b-ball
: BASKETBALL
–b-ball·er \-ˌbȯ-lər\ noun often cap first B

B-boy
: a male who engages in the pursuit of hip-hop culture or adopts its styles

B-girl
: a woman who entertains bar patrons and encourages them to spend freely

B-list
: a list or group of individuals who are prominent but not important or popular enough to be on the A-list

B-school
: a school of business within a university

BA
n. 1 bachelor of arts
2 batting average
3 Buenos Aires

Ba
n. barium

Ba'al Shem Tov
― see ISRAEL BEN ELIEZER

BAA
n. bachelor of applied arts

baa
n. : to make the bleat of a sheep
–baa noun

BAAE
bachelor of aeronautical and astronautical engineering

baal
n. : any of numerous Canaanite and Phoenician local deities
–baal·ism \'bā-(ə-)ˌli-zəm\ noun often cap

Baalbek
town E Lebanon N of Damascus on site of ancient city of He·li·op·o·lis \ˌhē-lē-'ä-pə-lis\

baas
n. South African : BOSS, MASTER ― used especially by nonwhites when speaking to or about Europeans in positions of authority

Baathism
: the principles and policies of the Baath political party of Iraq and Syria characterized especially by promotion of pan-Arab socialism
–Baath·ist or Ba'ath·ist \-thist\ noun or adjective

Bab el Mandeb
strait bet. SW Arabia & Africa connecting Red Sea & Gulf of Aden

baba
n. : a rich cake soaked in a rum and sugar syrup ― called also baba au rhum \-ō-'rəm\

baba
n. baba au rhum
Ali Baba
baba ghanoush
baba ghanouj

baba ghanoush
: an appetizer or spread made chiefly of eggplant, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon

Babar Islands
islands Indonesia ENE of Timor

babassu
: a tall pinnate-leaved palm (Orbignya phalerata syn. O. barbosiana) of Brazil with hard-shelled nuts yielding a valuable oil

Babbage
n. Charles 1791-1871 Eng. math. & inventor

Babbitt
n. : a person and especially a business or professional man who conforms unthinkingly to prevailing middle-class standards
–Bab·bitt·ry \-bə-trē\ noun
–Bab·itty \-tē\ adjective

Babbitt
n. Irving 1865-1933 American scholar

babble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to talk enthusiastically or excessively b : to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds
2 : to make sounds as though babbling
transitive verb
1 : to utter in an incoherently or meaninglessly repetitious manner
2 : to reveal by talk that is too free
–babble noun
–bab·ble·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun
–bab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

babe
n. 1 a : INFANT, BABY b slang : GIRL, WOMAN c slang : a person and especially a young woman who is sexually attractive
2 : a naive inexperienced person ― used especially in the phrase babe in the woods

Babel
n. 1 : a city in Shinar where the building of a tower is held in Genesis to have been halted by the confusion of tongues
2 often not capitalized a : a confusion of sounds or voices b : a scene of noise or confusion

Babelthuap
island W Pacific, chief island in Palau area 143 sq mi (372 sq km)

babesia
n. : any of a genus (Babesia) of sporozoans parasitic in mammalian red blood cells (as in Texas fever) and transmitted by the bite of a tick ― called also piroplasm

babesiosis
n. : an infection with or disease caused by babesias

Babeuf
François-Noël 1760-1797 Fr. agitator

Babington
Anthony 1561-1586 Eng. conspirator against Queen Elizabeth I

Babinski
n. Babinski reflex
Babinski's reflex
Babinski sign

Babinski reflex
: a reflex movement in which when the sole is tickled the big toe turns upward instead of downward and which is normal in infancy but indicates damage to the central nervous system (as in the pyramidal tracts) later in life ― called also Babinski sign Ba·bin·ski's reflex \-skēz-\

babirusa
n. : a large wild swine (Babyrousa babyrussa) of Indonesia

baboon
n. : any of a genus (Papio) of large gregarious primates of Africa and southwestern Asia having a long square naked muzzle also : any of several closely related primates

baboon
n. chacma baboon
gelada baboon
hamadryas baboon
sacred baboon

Babruysk
― see BOBRUYSK

babu
n. 1 : a Hindu gentleman ― a form of address corresponding to Mr.
2 a : an Indian clerk who writes English b often disparaging : an Indian having some education in English

babul
: an acacia tree (Acacia nilotica syn. A. arabica) widespread in India and northern Africa that yields gum arabic and tannins as well as fodder and timber

Babur
1483-1530 Zahīr-ud-Dīn Muhammad founder of Mogul dynasty of India; emp. (1526-30)

Baburen
Dirck van ca 1590-1624 Du. painter

babushka
n. 1 a : a usually triangularly folded kerchief for the head b : a head covering (as a scarf) resembling a babushka
2 : an elderly Russian woman

Babuyan
chief island of the Babuyan group

Babuyan Islands
islands of N Philippines N of Luzon area 225 sq mi (585 sq km)

baby
n. 1 a (1) : an extremely young child especially : INFANT (2) : an extremely young animal b : the youngest of a group
2 a : one that is like a baby (as in behavior) b : something that is one's special responsibility, achievement, or interest
3 slang a : GIRL, WOMAN ― often used in address b : BOY, MAN ― often used in address
4 : PERSON, THING <is one tough baby>
–ba·by·hood \-bē-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–ba·by·ish \-ish\ adjective

baby
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a baby
2 : much smaller than the usual <baby carrots> <a baby flattop> <take two baby steps>

baby
n. 1 : to tend to indulge with often excessive or inappropriate care and solicitude <babying their only child>
2 : to use or treat with care <babying a sore knee>
synonyms see INDULGE

baby
n. baby back ribs
baby blue
baby blue eyes
baby boom
baby boomer
baby boomlet
baby bust
baby buster
baby carriage
baby buggy
baby grand
baby oil
baby's breath
baby talk
baby tooth
blue baby
bush baby
crack baby
tar baby
throw out the baby with the bathwater
war baby

baby back ribs
: meaty pork ribs cut from the lower back rib section

baby blue
1 : a pale blue
2 plural : blue eyes

baby blue eyes
: a delicate blue-flowered California herb (Nemophila menziesii) of the waterleaf family

baby boom
: a marked rise in birthrate (as in the U.S. immediately following the end of World War II)
–baby boomer noun

baby boomlet
: a small or secondary baby boom (as in the U.S. in the 1980's and 90's)

baby bust
: a marked decline in birthrate
–baby buster noun

baby carriage
: a small four-wheeled carriage often with a folding top for pushing a baby around in ― called also baby buggy

baby grand
: a small grand piano

baby oil
: a usually fragrant mineral oil that is used especially to moisturize and cleanse the skin also : any of various oils used similarly

baby talk
1 a : the consciously imperfect or altered speech used by adults in speaking to small children b : the syntactically imperfect speech or phonetically modified forms used by small children learning to talk
2 : oversimplified speech or writing

baby tooth
: MILK TOOTH

baby's breath
: GYPSOPHILA especially : a perennial herb (Gypsophila paniculata) or an annual herb (G. elegans) commonly used in floral arrangements

Babylon
n. : a city devoted to materialism and sensual pleasure

Babylon
n. ancient city capital of Babylonia; its site ab 55 mi (89 km) S of Baghdad near the Euphrates

Babylonia
n. ancient country in valley of the lower Euphrates & the Tigris capital Babylon

Babylonian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Babylonia or Babylon
2 : the form of the Akkadian language used in ancient Babylonia

Babylonian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Babylonia or Babylon, the Babylonians, or Babylonian
2 : marked by luxury, extravagance, or the pursuit of sensual pleasure <the Babylonian halls of the big hotel ― G. K. Chesterton> <the Babylonian delights of the city>

babysit
v. intransitive verb : to care for children usually during a short absence of the parents broadly : to give care <babysit for a neighbor's pets>
transitive verb : to babysit for broadly : MIND, TEND <babysit house plants> <police babysitting a witness>
–ba·by·sit·ter noun

BAC
blood alcohol concentration

Bacau
city E cen Romania pop 175,921

baccalaureate
n. 1 : the degree of bachelor conferred by universities and colleges
2 a : a sermon to a graduating class b : the service at which this sermon is delivered

baccarat
n. : a card game resembling chemin de fer in which three hands are dealt and players may bet either or both hands against the dealer's also : a two-handed version in which players may bet on or against either hand

Bacchae
n. 1 : the female attendants or priestesses of Bacchus
2 : the women participating in the Bacchanalia

bacchanal
n. 1 a : ORGY 2 b : ORGY 3
2 a : a devotee of Bacchus especially : one who celebrates the Bacchanalia b : REVELER

bacchanal
n. : of, relating to, or suggestive of the Bacchanalia : BACCHANALIAN

bacchanalia
n. 1 plural capitalized : a Roman festival of Bacchus celebrated with dancing, song, and revelry
2 a : ORGY 2 b : ORGY 3
–bac·cha·na·lian \-'nāl-yən\ adjective or noun

bacchant
n. : BACCHANAL
–bacchant adjective

bacchante
n. : a priestess or female follower of Bacchus

bacchic
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of Bacchus or the Bacchanalia : BACCHANALIAN

Bacchus
n. : the Greek god of wine ― called also Dionysus

Bach
n. Carl Philipp Emanuel 1714-1788 son of J.S. Ger. composer

Bach
n. Johann Christian 1735-1782 son of J.S. Ger. organist & composer

Bach
n. Johann Sebastian 1685-1750 Ger. organist & composer

Bach
n. Wilhelm Friedemann 1710-1784 son of J.S. Ger. organist & composer

bach
n. : BACHELOR 3A

bach
n. : to live as a bachelor ― often used with it

bach
n. New Zealand : a small house or weekend cottage

bachelor
n. 1 : a young knight who follows the banner of another
2 : a person who has received what is usually the lowest degree conferred by a 4-year college, university, or professional school <bachelor of arts> also : the degree itself <received a bachelor of laws>
3 a : an unmarried man b : a male animal (as a fur seal) without a mate during breeding time
–bach·e·lor·dom \-dəm\ noun
–bach·e·lor·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

bachelor
n. 1 : suitable for or occupied by a single person <a bachelor apartment>
2 : UNMARRIED <bachelor women> <bachelor parents>

bachelor's button
: a European composite (Centaurea cyanus) having flower heads with usually blue, pink, or white rays that is often cultivated in No. America ― called also cornflower

bachelorette
n. : an unmarried woman

bacillary
adj. 1 : shaped like a rod also : consisting of small rods
2 : of, relating to, or caused by bacilli

bacillus
n. 1 : any of a genus (Bacillus) of rod-shaped gram-positive usually aerobic bacteria producing endospores and including many saprophytes and some parasites (as B. anthracis of anthrax) broadly : a straight rod-shaped bacterium
2 : BACTERIUM especially : a disease-producing bacterium

bacitracin
n. : a polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or B. licheniformis) and usually used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria

Back
n. river 605 mi (974 km) Canada in Nunavut rising along border with Northwest Territories & flowing ENE into Arctic Ocean

back
n. 1 a (1) : the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine (2) : the body considered as the wearer of clothes (3) : capacity for labor, effort, or endurance (4) : the back considered as the seat of one's awareness of duty or failings <get off my back> (5) : the back considered as an area of vulnerability <the police officer's partner always watches his back> b : the part of a lower animal (as a quadruped) corresponding to the human back c : SPINAL COLUMN d : SPINE 1C
2 a : the side or surface opposite the front or face : the rear part also : the farther or reverse side b : something at or on the back for support <back of a chair> c : a place away from the front <sat in back>
3 : a position in some games (as football or soccer) behind the front line of players also : a player in this position
–backed \'bakt\ adjective
–back·less \'bak-ləs\ adjective
–back of one's hand or back of the hand : a show of contempt
–back of one's mind : the remote part of one's mind where thoughts and memories are stored to be drawn on
–behind one's back : without one's knowledge : in secret
–in back of : BEHIND

back
n. 1 a : to, toward, or at the rear b : in or into the past : backward in time also : AGO c : to or at an angle off the vertical d (1) : under restraint (2) : in a delayed or retarded condition
2 a : to, toward, or in a place from which a person or thing came b : to or toward a former state c : in return or reply

back
n. 1 a : being at or in the back <back door> b : distant from a central or main area <back roads> c : articulated at or toward the back of the oral passage <back vowels>
2 : having returned or been returned
3 : being in arrears : OVERDUE
4 : moving or operating backward : REVERSE
5 : not current <back issues of a magazine>
6 : constituting the final 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course

back
n. 1 a : to support by material or moral assistance ― often used with up b : SUBSTANTIATE c : to assume financial responsibility for d : to provide musical accompaniment for ― often used with up
2 a : to cause to go back or in reverse b : to articulate (a sound) with the tongue farther back
3 a : to furnish with a back b : to be at the back of
intransitive verb
1 : to move backward ― often used with up
2 of the wind : to shift counterclockwise ― compare VEER
3 : to have the back in the direction of something
synonyms see SUPPORT, RECEDE
–back·er \'ba-kər\ noun
–back and fill
1 : to manage the sails of a ship so as to keep it clear of obstructions as it floats down with the current of a river or channel
2 : to take opposite positions alternately : SHILLY-SHALLY
–back into : to get into inadvertently <backed into the antiques business>

back
n. back of the hand
brush back
flanker back
baby back ribs
in back of
behind one's back
back of one's mind
back of one's hand
back into
back and fill
back and forth
back away
back bacon
back burner
back channel
back check
back checker
back dive
back down
back formation
back judge
back matter
back mutation
back of
back of beyond
back off
back office
back order
back out
back room
back scratching
back talk
back to back
back up
break the back of
claw back
come back
cut back
draw back
drop back
fall back
fall back upon
fall back on
flash back
get back
give back
go back on
hang back
hark back
hearken back
hold back
kick back
knock back
ladder back
laid back
money back
pat on the back
play back
plow back
roach back
roll back
running back
scratch one's back
set back
snap back
snapper back
stab in the back
swept back
take a back seat
take back
talk back
throw back
turn one's back on
turn back
turn back the clock
from way back
turtle backed
green backed heron
razor backed

back and fill

1 : to manage the sails of a ship so as to keep it clear of obstructions as it floats down with the current of a river or channel
2 : to take opposite positions alternately : SHILLY-SHALLY

back and forth
: backward and forward also : between two places or persons

back away
: to move away (as from a stand on an issue or from a commitment)

back bacon
chiefly British : CANADIAN BACON

back burner
: the condition of being out of active consideration or development ― usually used in the phrase on the back burner
–back-burner transitive verb

back channel
: a secret, unofficial, or irregular means of communication
–back-channel adjective

back dive
: a dive from a position facing the diving board

back down
: to withdraw from a commitment or position

back into
to get into inadvertently <backed into the antiques business>

back judge
: a football official whose duties include keeping the game's official time and identifying eligible pass receivers

back matter
: matter following the main text of a book

back mutation
: mutation of a previously mutated gene to its former condition

back of
: BEHIND <out back of the barn>

back of beyond

1816
: a remote place

back of one's hand
or back of the hand : a show of contempt

back of one's mind
the remote part of one's mind where thoughts and memories are stored to be drawn on

back off
: BACK DOWN

back order
: a business order yet to be fulfilled because stock is unavailable

back out
: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

back room
1 : a room situated in the rear
2 : the meeting place of a directing group that exercises its authority in an inconspicuous and indirect way

back talk
: impudent, insolent, or argumentative replies

back up
: to accumulate in a congested state <traffic backed up for miles>
transitive verb
1 : to move into a position behind (a teammate) in order to assist on a play
2 : HOLD BACK 1
3 : to make a copy of (a computer file or data) to protect against accidental loss also : to make copies of all the files on (a hard drive)

back-and-forth
: DISCUSSION 1, GIVE-AND-TAKE also : EXCHANGE 1

back-check
: to skate back toward one's own goal while closely defending against the offensive rushes of an opposing player in ice hockey
–back-check·er \-ˌche-kər\ noun

back-formation
1 : a word formed by subtraction of a real or supposed affix from an already existing longer word (as burgle from burglar)
2 : the formation of back-formations

back-office
: of or relating to the inner workings of a business or institution : INTERNAL <back-office operations>

back-order
: to assign to the status of back order

back-scratching
: the reciprocal exchange of favors, services, assistance, or praise

back-to-back
1 : facing in opposite directions and often touching
2 : coming one after the other : CONSECUTIVE

backache
n. : a pain in the lower back

backbeat
n. : a steady pronounced rhythm stressing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure

backbench
n. : a bench in a British legislature (as the House of Commons) occupied by rank-and-file members ― compare FRONT BENCH
–back·bench·er \-'ben-chər\ noun

backbite
v. transitive verb : to say mean or spiteful things about (as one not present)
intransitive verb : to backbite a person
–back·bit·er noun

backblock
Australian & New Zealand : BOONDOCKS 2 ― usually used in plural

backboard
n. 1 : a board placed at or serving as the back of something especially : a rounded or rectangular board behind the basket on a basketball court which serves to keep missed shots from going out-of-bounds and from which the ball can be made to rebound into the basket
2 : a stiff board on which an injured person and especially one with neck or spinal injuries is placed and immobilized in order to prevent further injury during transport

backbone
n. 1 : SPINAL COLUMN, SPINE
2 : something that resembles a backbone: as a : a chief mountain ridge, range, or system b : the foundation or most substantial or sturdiest part of something c : the longest chain of atoms or groups of atoms in a usually long molecule (as a polymer or protein) d : the primary high-speed hardware and transmission lines of a telecommunications network (as the Internet)
3 : firm and resolute character
4 : SPINE 1C
–back·boned \-ˌbōnd\ adjective

backbreaking
adj. : extremely arduous, exhausting, or demoralizing : OPPRESSIVE <backbreaking labor> <backbreaking rents>
–back·break·er \-kər\ noun

backchat
n. 1 : BACK TALK
2 : gossipy or bantering conversation

backcloth
n. chiefly British : BACKDROP

backcountry
n. : a remote undeveloped rural area

backcourt
n. 1 : the area near or nearest the back boundary lines or back wall of the playing area in a net or court game
2 a : a basketball team's defensive half of the court b : the positions of the guards on a basketball team also : the guards themselves <a team with a strong backcourt>

backcourtman
: a guard on a basketball team

backcross
n. : to cross (a first-generation hybrid) with one of the parental types

backcross
n. : a mating that involves backcrossing also : an individual produced by backcrossing

backdate
v. : to put a date earlier than the actual one on <backdate a memo> also : to make retroactive <backdate pension rights>

backdoor
n. 1 : INDIRECT, DEVIOUS
2 : involving or being a play in basketball in which a player moves behind the defense and toward the basket to receive a quick pass <a backdoor layup>

backdrop
n. 1 : a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
2 : BACKGROUND
–backdrop transitive verb

backfield
n. : the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage also : the positions themselves

backfill
v. : to refill (as an excavation) usually with excavated material
intransitive verb : to backfill an excavation
–backfill noun

backfire
n. 1 : a fire started to check an advancing fire by clearing an area
2 : a loud noise caused by the improperly timed explosion of fuel mixture in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine

backfire
n. 1 : to make or undergo a backfire
2 : to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect <their plans backfired>

backfit
v. : RETROFIT
–backfit noun

backflip
n. : a backward somersault especially in the air

backflow
n. : a flowing back or returning especially toward a source

backgammon
n. : a board game played with dice and counters in which players try to be the first to gather their pieces into one corner and then systematically remove them from the board

background
n. 1 a : the scenery or ground behind something b : the part of a painting representing what lies behind objects in the foreground
2 : an inconspicuous position
3 a : the conditions that form the setting within which something is experienced b (1) : the circumstances or events antecedent to a phenomenon or development (2) : information essential to understanding of a problem or situation c : the total of a person's experience, knowledge, and education
4 a : intrusive sound or radiation that interferes with received or recorded electronic signals b : a more or less steady level of noise above which the effect (as radioactivity) being measured by an apparatus (as a Geiger counter) is detected especially : a somewhat steady level of radiation in the natural environment (as from cosmic rays)
5 : a level of computer processing at which the processor uses time not required for a primary task to work on an additional task ― compare FOREGROUND
–on background : with the understanding that information offered for publication will not be attributed to a specific source <an official speaking on background>
synonyms BACKGROUND, SETTING, ENVIRONMENT, MILIEU, MISE-EN-SCÈNE mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs. BACKGROUND often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development <the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots>. SETTING suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms <a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting>. ENVIRONMENT applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development <the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents>. MILIEU applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons <an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation>. MISE-EN-SCÈNE strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect <a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène>.

background
n. : to provide with background

background
n. on background
background music
background radiation
cosmic background radiation
cosmic microwave background

background music
: music to accompany the dialogue or action of a motion picture or radio or television drama

background radiation
: the microwave radiation pervading the universe that exhibits a corresponding blackbody temperature of 2.7 K and that is the principal evidence supporting the big bang theory ― called also cosmic background radiation

backgrounder
n. : an off-the-record briefing for reporters

backhand
n. 1 a : a stroke (as in tennis) made with the back of the hand turned in the direction of movement also : the side on which such strokes are made b : a catch (as in baseball) made to the side of the body opposite the hand being used
2 : handwriting whose strokes slant downward from left to right

backhand
n. : made with a backhand <a backhand tennis stroke>

backhand
n. : with a backhand

backhand
n. : to do, hit, or catch backhand

backhanded
adj. 1 : INDIRECT, DEVIOUS especially : SARCASTIC <a backhanded compliment>
2 : using or made with a backhand
–back·hand·ed·ly adverb

backhander
n. 1 British : BRIBE
2 : a backhand shot

backhoe
n. : an excavating machine having a bucket that is attached to a rigid bar hinged to a boom and that is drawn toward the machine in operation

backhouse
n. : PRIVY 1A

backing
n. 1 : something forming a back
2 a : SUPPORT, AID b : endorsement especially of a warrant by a magistrate

backland
n. : BACKCOUNTRY, HINTERLAND ― usually used in plural

backlash
n. 1 a : a sudden violent backward movement or reaction b : the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears) also : the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action
2 : a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel
3 : a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)
–back·lash·er noun

backlight
n. : illumination from behind also : the source of such illumination
–backlight transitive verb

backlist
n. : a list of books kept in print as distinguished from books newly published

backlog
n. 1 : a large log at the back of a hearth fire
2 : an accumulation of tasks unperformed or materials not processed <a backlog of court cases>

backlog
n. : ACCUMULATE

backpack
n. 1 a : a load carried on the back b : a camping pack (as of canvas or nylon) supported by a usually aluminum frame and carried on the back c : KNAPSACK
2 : a piece of equipment designed for use while being carried on the back

backpack
n. : to carry (food or equipment) on the back especially in hiking
intransitive verb : to hike with a backpack
–back·pack·er noun

backpedal
v. : to retreat or move backward

backrest
n. : a rest for the back

backroom
n. : made or operating in an inconspicuous way : BEHIND-THE-SCENES <backroom deals> <a backroom politician>

backsaw
: a saw with a metal rib along its back

backscatter
n. : the scattering of radiation or particles in a direction opposite to that of the incident radiation due to reflection from particles of the medium traversed also : the radiation or particles so reversed in direction
–backscatter verb

backseat
n. 1 : a seat in the back (as of an automobile)
2 : an inferior position <won't take a backseat to anyone>

backset
n. : SETBACK

backside
n. : BUTTOCKS ― often used in plural

backslap
n. : to display excessive or effusive goodwill for
intransitive verb : to display excessive cordiality or goodwill
–backslap noun
–back·slap·per noun

backslash
n. : a mark \ used especially in computer programming

backslide
1 : to lapse morally or in the practice of religion
2 : to revert to a worse condition : RETROGRESS
–backslide noun
–back·slid·er \-ˌslī-dər\ noun

backspace
n. : to move back a space in a text with the press of a key

backspace
n. : an instance of backspacing also : the key pressed in backspacing

backspin
n. : a backward rotary motion of a ball

backsplash
n. : a vertical surface (as of tiles) designed to protect the wall behind a stove or countertop

backstabbing
n. : betrayal (as by a verbal attack against one not present) especially by a false friend
–back·stab \-ˌstab\ verb
–back·stab·ber \-ˌsta-bər\ noun

backstage
n. 1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the area behind the stage and especially in the dressing rooms
2 : of or relating to the private lives of theater people
3 : of or relating to the inner working or operation (as of an organization)

backstage
n. 1 : in or to a backstage area
2 : in private : SECRETLY

backstairs
adj. 1 : SECRET, FURTIVE <backstairs political deals>
2 : SORDID, SCANDALOUS <backstairs gossip>

backstay
n. 1 : a stay extending aft from a masthead
2 : a strengthening or supporting device at the back (as of a carriage or a shoe)

backstitch
n. : a stitch sewn one stitch length backward on the front side and two stitch lengths forward on the reverse side to form a solid line of stitching on both sides
–backstitch verb

backstop
n. 1 : something at the back serving as a stop: as a : a screen or fence for keeping a ball from leaving the field of play b : a stop (as a pawl) that prevents a backward movement (as of a wheel)
2 : a player (as the catcher) positioned behind the batter

backstop
n. 1 : SUPPORT, BOLSTER
2 : to serve as a backstop to
3 : to play the position of goalkeeper for <backstop a hockey team>

backstory
n. : a story that tells what led up to the main story or plot (as of a film)

backstreet
n. : a street away from the main thoroughfares

backstretch
n. : the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse

backstroke
n. : a swimming stroke executed on the back and usually consisting of alternating circular arm pulls and a flutter kick
–back·strok·er \-ˌstrō-kər\ noun

backswept
adj. : swept or slanting backward

backswimmer
: an aquatic bug (family Notonectidae) that swims on its back

backswing
n. : the movement of a club, racket, bat, or arm backward to a position from which the forward or downward swing is made

backsword
n. : a single-edged sword

backtrack
v. 1 a : to retrace one's course b : to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2 : to reverse a position

backup
n. 1 a : one that serves as a substitute or support <a backup plan> b : musical accompaniment c : additional personnel who provide assistance
2 : an accumulation caused by a stoppage in the flow <traffic backup>
3 : a copy of computer data (as a file or the contents of a hard drive) also : the act or an instance of making a backup

backward
adj. 1 a : toward the back b : with the back foremost
2 a : in a reverse or contrary direction or way b : toward the past c : toward a worse state
–bend over backward or lean over backward : to make extreme efforts (as at concession)

backward
adj. 1 a : directed or turned backward b : done or executed backward
2 : DIFFIDENT, SHY
3 : retarded in development
–back·ward·ly adverb
–back·ward·ness noun

backward
adj. : the part behind or past

backward
adj. lean over backward
bend over backward
fall over backward
bend over backwards

backwash
n. 1 : a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced especially by a propelling force also : the fluid that is moving backward
2 : CONSEQUENCE, AFTERMATH

backwater
n. 1 a : water backed up in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current, or the tide b : a body of water (as an inlet or tributary) that is out of the main current of a larger body
2 a : an isolated or backward place or condition b : an unpopular or unimportant field (as of study or business)

backwoods
n. 1 : wooded or partly cleared areas far from cities
2 : a remote or culturally backward area
–back·woodsy \-'wu̇d-zē\ adjective

backwoods
n. : of, relating to, or suggesting backwoods especially : culturally backward or unsophisticated <a backwoods sentimentality>

backwoodsman
n. : a person who lives in or is a native of the backwoods

backwrap
: a wraparound garment (as a skirt) that fastens in the back

backyard
n. 1 : an area at the rear of a house
2 : a nearby area : NEIGHBORHOOD <crimes committed right in our own backyard>

backyard
n. : located or occurring in a backyard <a backyard barbecue> also : lacking professional training : AMATEUR <a backyard breeder>

baclofen
: a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog C_10H_12ClNO_2 used as a relaxant of skeletal muscle especially in treating spasticity (as in multiple sclerosis)

Bacolod
city Philippines on Negros Is. pop 364,000

Bacon
n. Francis 1561-1626 1st Baron Ver·u·lam \'ver-(y)ə-ləm\ Viscount St. Al·bans \sānt-'ȯl-bənz, sənt-\ Eng. philos.

Bacon
n. Francis 1909-1992 Brit. (Irish-born) painter

Bacon
n. Nathaniel 1647-1676 American colonial leader

Bacon
n. Roger ca 1220-1292 Eng. philos. & scientist

bacon
n. 1 : a side of a pig cured and smoked
2 : MONEY specifically : money gained through employment or legislation ― usually used in the phrase bring home the bacon

Baconian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Francis Bacon or his doctrines
2 : of or relating to those who believe that Francis Bacon wrote the works usually attributed to Shakespeare
–Baconian noun

bact
1 bacterial
2 bacteriology
3 bacterium

bacteremia
n. : the usually transient presence of bacteria in the blood
–bac·ter·emic \-mik\ adjective

bacteri
: bacteria <bacteriolysis>

bacteria
n. : BACTERIUM ― not usually used technically
usage Bacteria is regularly a plural in scientific and pedagogical use; in speech and in journalism it is also used as a singular, and it is sometimes pluralized as bacterias <caused by a bacteria borne by certain tiny ticks ― Wall Street Jour.> <more resistant to chlorine and elevated water temperatures than other bacterias ― Allan Bruckheim, M.D., Chicago Tribune>. These journalistic uses are found in British as well as American sources.

bacterial
adj. : of, relating to, or caused by bacteria <bacterial infection>
–bac·te·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

bacterial vaginosis
: vaginitis that is marked by a grayish vaginal discharge usually of foul odor and that is associated with the presence of excessive amounts of some bacteria (esp. Gardnerella vaginalis) ― called also nonspecific vaginitis

bactericidal
adj. : destroying bacteria
–bac·te·ri·cide \-'tir-ə-ˌsīd\ also bac·te·ri·o·cide \-'tir-ē-ə-ˌsīd\ noun

bacterin
n. : a suspension of killed or attenuated bacteria for use as a vaccine

bacteriochlorophyll
n. : a pyrrole derivative in photosynthetic bacteria related to the chlorophyll of higher plants

bacteriocin
n. : an antibiotic (as colicin) produced by bacteria

bacteriology
1 : a science that deals with bacteria and their relations to medicine, industry, and agriculture
2 : bacterial life and phenomena
–bac·te·ri·o·log·ic \bak-ˌtir-ē-ə-'lä-jik\ or bac·te·ri·o·log·i·cal \-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–bac·te·ri·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–bac·te·ri·ol·o·gist \(ˌ)bak-ˌtir-ē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

bacteriolysis
n. : destruction or dissolution of bacterial cells
–bac·te·ri·o·lyt·ic \bak-ˌtir-ē-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

bacteriophage
n. : a virus that infects bacteria
–bac·te·ri·oph·a·gy \(ˌ)bak-ˌtir-ē-'ä-fə-jē\ noun

bacteriorhodopsin
: a purple-pigmented protein that is found in the outer membrane of a bacterium (Halobacterium salinarium syn. H. halobium) and that converts light energy into chemical energy in the synthesis of ATP

bacteriostasis
n. : inhibition of the growth of bacteria without destruction

bacteriostat
n. : an agent that causes bacteriostasis
–bac·te·ri·o·stat·ic \-ˌtir-ē-ō-'sta-tik\ adjective

bacterium
n. : any of a domain (Bacteria) of prokaryotic round, spiral, or rod-shaped single-celled microorganisms that may lack cell walls or are gram-positive or gram-negative if they have cell walls, that are often aggregated into colonies or motile by means of flagella, that typically live in soil, water, organic matter, or the bodies of plants and animals, that are usually autotrophic, saprophytic, or parasitic in nutrition, and that are noted for their biochemical effects and pathogenicity broadly : PROKARYOTE ― compare ARCHAEA, EUKARYOTE

bacteriuria
n. : the presence of bacteria in the urine

bacterize
v. : to subject to bacterial action
–bac·te·ri·za·tion \ˌbak-tə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

bacteroid
adj. : an irregularly shaped form of a nitrogen-fixing bacterium (as a rhizobium) found especially in root nodules of legumes

Bactra
― see BALKH 2

Bactria
ancient country SW Asia bet. Hindu Kush & Oxus River capital Bactra ― see BALKH
–Bac·tri·an \'bak-trē-ən\ adjective or noun

Bactrian camel
: CAMEL 1B

bad
n. 1 a : failing to reach an acceptable standard : POOR <a bad repair job> b : UNFAVORABLE <make a bad impression> c : not fresh : SPOILED <bad fish> d : not sound : DILAPIDATED <the house was in bad condition>
2 a : morally objectionable : EVIL <bad men> b : MISCHIEVOUS, DISOBEDIENT <a bad dog>
3 : inadequate or unsuited to a purpose <a bad plan> <bad lighting>
4 : DISAGREEABLE, UNPLEASANT <bad news>
5 a : INJURIOUS, HARMFUL <a bad influence> b : SERIOUS, SEVERE <in bad trouble> <a bad cough>
6 : INCORRECT, FAULTY <bad grammar>
7 a : suffering pain or distress <felt generally bad> b : UNHEALTHY, DISEASED <bad teeth>
8 : SORROWFUL, SORRY <feels bad about forgetting to call>
9 a : INVALID, VOID <a bad check> b : not able to be collected <a bad debt>
10 bad·der bad·dest slang a : GOOD, GREAT b : TOUGH, MEAN
–bad·ness noun

bad
n. 1 : something that is bad
2 : an evil or unhappy state

bad
n. : BADLY <not doing so bad> <doesn't want it bad enough>

bad
n. Bad Ems
Bad Godesberg
bad cholesterol
Bad Mergentheim
bad blood
bad boy
bad mouth
bad news
Bad Homburg
the worst way
at worst
worst case

bad blood
: ill feeling : BITTERNESS

bad boy
: a person who flouts convention <a literary bad boy>

bad cholesterol
: LDL

Bad Ems
― see EMS

Bad Godesberg
― see GODESBERG

Bad Homburg
city SW cen Germany N of Frankfurt am Main pop 51,663

Bad Mergentheim
― see MERGENTHEIM

bad news
: one that is troublesome, unwelcome, or dangerous <stay away from him, he's bad news>

bad-mouth
: to criticize severely

Badajoz
1 province SW Spain in valley of the Guadiana area 8362 sq mi (21,658 sq km), pop 654,882
2 city, its capital pop 133,519

Badalona
city & port NE Spain on the Mediterranean NE of Barcelona pop 205,836

badass
n. 1 often vulgar : ready to cause or get into trouble : MEAN <pretending to be a badass gunslinger ― L. L. King>
2 often vulgar : of formidable strength or skill <such a badass guitar player ― N'Gai Croal>

badass
n. often vulgar : a person who is badass

baddie
n. : one that is bad especially : an opponent of the hero (as in fiction or motion pictures)

bade
past and past part of bid

Baden
n. 1 region SW Germany bordering on Switzerland & France; formerly a grand duchy (1805-1918), a state of the Weimar Republic (1918-33), an administrative division of the Third Reich (1933-49), & a state of the Bonn Republic (1949-51) capital Karlsruhe ― see BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG
2 BADEN-BADEN

Baden
n. Baden Powell
Baden Baden
Baden Wurttemberg
Baden Württemberg

Baden-Baden
city & spa SW Germany in Baden-Württemberg SSW of Karlsruhe pop 52,524

Baden-Powell
Robert Stephenson Smyth 1857-1941 1st Baron of Gilwell Brit. founder of Boy Scout movement

Baden-Wurttemberg
state SW Germany W of Bavaria; formed 1951 from former Baden, Württemberg-Baden, & Württemberg-Hohenzollern states capital Stuttgart area 13,803 sq mi (35,750 sq km), pop 9,822,000

badge
n. 1 : a device or token especially of membership in a society or group
2 : a characteristic mark
3 : an emblem awarded for a particular accomplishment
–badge transitive verb

badger
n. 1 a : any of various burrowing mammals (esp. Taxidea taxus and Meles meles) of the weasel family that are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere b : the pelt or fur of a badger
2 capitalized : a native or resident of Wisconsin ― used as a nickname

badger
n. : to harass or annoy persistently
synonyms see BAIT

badinage
n. : playful repartee : BANTER

badland
: a region marked by intricate erosional sculpturing, scanty vegetation, and fantastically formed hills ― usually used in plural

Badlands National Park
n. reservation SW S.Dak. E of Black Hills comprising an area of badlands topography

badly
adj. 1 : in a bad manner <played badly>
2 : to a great or intense degree <want something badly>

badminton
n. : a court game played with light long-handled rackets and a shuttlecock volleyed over a net

Badoglio
Pietro 1871-1956 Ital. gen.; prime min. (1943-44)

BAE
1 bachelor of aeronautical engineering
2 bachelor of agricultural engineering
3 bachelor of architectural engineering
4 bachelor of art education
5 bachelor of arts in education

BAEd
bachelor of arts in education

Baedeker
n. : GUIDEBOOK

BAEE
bachelor of arts in elementary education

BAeE
bachelor of aeronautical engineering

Baerum
city SE Norway, a suburb of Oslo pop 100,013

Baeyer, von
Adolf 1835-1917 Ger. chem.

Baffin
n. William ca 1584-1622 Eng. navigator

Baffin Bay
inlet of the Atlantic bet. W Greenland & E Baffin Is.

Baffin Island
island NE Canada N of Hudson Strait; largest in Arctic Archipelago area 183,810 sq mi (477,906 sq km)

baffle
1 : to defeat or check (as a person) by confusing or puzzling : DISCONCERT
2 : to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
synonyms see FRUSTRATE
–baf·fle·ment \-fəl-mənt\ noun
–baf·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun
–baf·fling·ly \'ba-fliŋ-lē\ adverb

baffle
n. : a device (as a plate, wall, or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow or passage (as of a fluid, light, or sound)
–baf·fled \'ba-fəld\ adjective

bafflegab
n. : GOBBLEDYGOOK

Bafing
river 350 mi (560 km) W Africa in W Mali & Guinea; the upper course of the Senegal

BAg
n. bachelor of agriculture

bag
n. 1 : a usually flexible container that may be closed for holding, storing, or carrying something: as a : PURSE especially : HANDBAG b : a bag for game c : SUITCASE
2 : something resembling a bag: as a (1) : a pouched or pendulous bodily part or organ especially : UDDER (2) : a puffy or sagging protuberance of flabby skin <bags under the eyes> b : a puffed-out sag or bulge in cloth c : a square white stuffed canvas bag used to mark a base in baseball
3 : the amount contained in a bag
4 a : a quantity of game taken also : the maximum legal quantity of game b : an assortment or collection especially of nonmaterial things <a bag of tricks>
5 : an unattractive woman
6 : something one likes or does regularly or well also : one's characteristic way of doing things
–in the bag
1 : SURE, CERTAIN <her nomination was in the bag> also : assured of a successful conclusion : sewn up <have the game in the bag>
2 slang : DRUNK 1A

bag
n. intransitive verb
1 : to swell out : BULGE
2 : to hang loosely
transitive verb
1 : to cause to swell
2 : to put into a bag
3 a : to take (animals) as game b : to get possession of especially by strategy or stealth c : CAPTURE, SEIZE d : to shoot down : DESTROY
4 : to achieve in or as if in competition : WIN <bag a play-off berth>
5 : to give up, forgo, or abandon especially for something more desirable or attainable <decided to bag her job and move to the country> ― often used with it
synonyms see CATCH
–bag·ger noun

bag
n. dime bag
gladstone bag
musette bag
nickel bag
air bag
in the bag
bag lady
bag of waters
barracks bag
Bermuda bag
body bag
brown bag
clutch bag
dilly bag
ditty bag
doggie bag
doggy bag
douche bag
duffel bag
flight bag
garment bag
grab bag
heavy bag
hold the bag
ice bag
kit bag
let the cat out of the bag
mixed bag
overnight bag
punching bag
shopping bag
shoulder bag
sleeping bag
tea bag
tote bag
traveling bag
tucker bag
water bag
weekend bag
brown bagging
brown bagger
four bagger
one bagger
three bagger
two bagger

bag lady
: a homeless woman who roams the streets of a city carrying her possessions in shopping bags

bag of waters

circa 1881
: the double-walled fluid-filled sac that encloses and protects the fetus in the womb and that breaks releasing its fluid during the birth process

bagasse
n. : plant residue (as of sugarcane or grapes) left after a product (as juice) has been extracted

bagatelle
n. 1 : TRIFLE 1
2 : any of various games involving the rolling of balls into scoring areas
3 : a short literary or musical piece in light style

Bagehot
Walter 1826-1877 Eng. econ. & journalist

bagel
n. : a firm doughnut-shaped roll traditionally made by boiling and then baking

bagful
n. 1 : as much or as many as a bag will hold
2 : a large number or amount <had a bagful of tricks>

baggage
n. 1 : suitcases, trunks, and personal belongings of travelers : LUGGAGE
2 : transportable equipment especially of a military force
3 : intangible things (as feelings, circumstances, or beliefs) that get in the way <emotional baggage>

baggage
n. 1 : a contemptible woman especially : PROSTITUTE
2 : a young woman

Baggies
n. ― used for transparent plastic bags

baggies
n. : baggy pants or shorts

bagging
n. : material (as cloth) for bags

baggy
adj. 1 : loose, puffed out, or hanging like a bag <baggy trousers>
2 : loosely constructed and inflated with inessential elements <a baggy novel>
–bag·gi·ly \'ba-gə-lē\ adverb
–bag·gi·ness \'ba-gē-nəs\ noun

Baghdad
n. city capital of Iraq on the middle Tigris pop 3,841,268
–Bagh·dadi \bag-'da-dē\ noun

baghouse
n. : a device or facility in which particulates are removed from a stream of exhaust gases (as from a blast furnace) as the stream passes through a large cloth bag also : the bag used to filter the gas stream

bagman
n. 1 chiefly British : TRAVELING SALESMAN
2 : a person who on behalf of another collects or distributes illicitly gained money broadly : an intermediary in an illicit or unethical transaction

bagnio
n. 1 obsolete : PRISON
2 : BORDELLO

bagpipe
n. : a wind instrument consisting of a reed melody pipe and from one to five drones with air supplied continuously either by a bag with valve-stopped mouth tube or by bellows ― often used in plural
–bag·pip·er \-ˌpī-pər\ noun

Bagration
Prince Pyotr Ivanovich 1765-1812 Russ. gen.

baguette
n. 1 : a gem having the shape of a narrow rectangle also : the shape itself
2 : a long thin loaf of French bread

Baguio
city Philippines in NW cen Luzon; formerly the nation's summer capital pop 183,000

bagwig
: an 18th century wig with the back hair enclosed in a small silk bag

bagworm
n. : any of a family (Psychidae) of moths with wingless females and plant-feeding larvae that live in a silk case covered with plant debris especially : one (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) often destructive to deciduous and evergreen trees of the eastern U.S.

bah
interj. ― used to express disdain or contempt

Baha' Allah
Mīrzā Ḥoseyn Alī Nūrī 1817-1892 Pers. founder of the Bahā'ī faith

Baha'i
n. : an adherent of a religious movement originating in Iran in the 19th century and emphasizing the spiritual unity of humankind
–Baha'i adjective
–Ba·ha·ism \-'hä-ˌi-zəm, -'hī-ˌi-\ noun
–Ba·ha·ist \-'hä-(ˌ)ist\ noun or adjective

Bahamas
n. islands in the Atlantic SE of Fla.; an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1973 capital Nassau area 4404 sq mi (11,450 sq km), pop 303,611 ― see TURKS AND CAICOS
–Ba·ha·mi·an \bə-'hā-mē-ən, -'hä-\ adjective or noun

Bahasa Indonesia
: INDONESIAN 2B

Bahawalpur
region Pakistan in SW Punjab; until 1947 a princely state of India

Bahia
n. 1 or formerly Ba·ía \bä-'ē-ə\ state E Brazil capital Salvador area 216,612 sq mi (561,025 sq km), pop 13,070,250
2 ― see SALVADOR
–Ba·hi·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Bahia
n. Bahia grass
Bahia Blanca
Cochinos Bahia de

Bahia Blanca
city & port E Argentina SW of Buenos Aires pop 271,467

Bahia grass
: a perennial tropical American grass (Paspalum notatum) used in the southern U.S. as a lawn grass

Bahnasa, El
― see OXYRHYNCHUS

Bahr al-Ghazal
river 445 mi (716 km) SW Sudan flowing E to unite with the Bahr el Jebel forming the White Nile

Bahrain
n. 1 islands in Persian Gulf off coast of Arabia
2 an independent kingdom capital Manama (on Bahrain Is.) area 255 sq mi (661 sq km), pop 485,600
3 island, largest of the group, 27 mi (43 km) long
–Bah·raini also Bah·reini \-'rā-nē\ adjective or noun

baht
n. ― see MONEY table

Bahía
Bahía Blanca
Cochinos Bahía de
Bahía de Cochinos

Baia-Mare
city NW Romania pop 137,976

Baie-Comeau
town Canada in SE Que. pop 23,079

Baikal, Lake
lake Russia in Asia; 5715 ft (1742 m) deep, ab 395 mi (636 km) long

bail
n. : a container used to remove water from a boat

bail
n. 1 : to clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side ― usually used with out
2 : to clear water from by dipping and throwing ― usually used with out
intransitive verb : BAIL OUT 2 <bailed when things got hard>
–bail·er noun

bail
n. 1 : the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the due appearance of the prisoner
2 : security given for the release of a prisoner on bail
3 : one who provides bail

bail
n. 1 : to release under bail
2 : to procure the release of by giving bail ― often used with out
3 : to help from a predicament ― used with out <bailing out impoverished countries>
–bail·able adjective

bail
n. 1 a : a supporting half hoop b : a hinged bar for holding paper against the platen of a typewriter
2 : a usually arched handle (as of a kettle or pail)

bail
n. : to deliver (personal property) in trust to another for a special purpose and for a limited period

bail
n. chiefly British : a device for confining or separating animals

bail
n. surrender by bail
bail out
jump bail
skip bail

bail out
1 : to parachute from an aircraft
2 : to abandon a harmful or difficult situation also : LEAVE, DEPART

Baile Atha Cliath
1 ― see DUBLIN 3
2 ― see DUBLIN 4

bailee
n. : the person to whom personal property is bailed

Bailey
n. Liberty Hyde 1858-1954 American botanist

Bailey
n. Nathan or Nathaniel d 1742 Eng. lexicographer

Bailey
n. Pearl Mae 1918-1990 American singer

bailey
n. 1 : the outer wall of a castle or any of several walls surrounding the keep
2 : a courtyard within the external wall or between two outer walls of a castle

bailie
n. 1 chiefly dialect : BAILIFF
2 : a Scottish municipal magistrate corresponding to an English alderman

bailiff
n. 1 a : an official employed by a British sheriff to serve writs and make arrests and executions b : a minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or usher
2 chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm
–bai·liff·ship \-ˌship\ noun

bailiwick
n. 1 : the office or jurisdiction of a bailiff
2 : a special domain

Baillie
Joanna 1762-1851 Scot. dram. & poet

bailment
n. : the act of bailing a person or personal property

bailor
n. : a person who delivers personal property to another in trust

bailout
n. : a rescue from financial distress

bailsman
n. : one who gives bail for another

Bain
Alexander 1818-1903 Scot. psychol.

bain-marie
: a cooking utensil containing heated water in which food in smaller pots is cooked ― compare DOUBLE BOILER

Bains
Évian les Bains
bains marie
Aix les Bains

Baird
John Logie 1888-1946 Scot. inventor

bairn
n. chiefly Scottish : CHILD

Bairnsfather
Bruce 1888-1959 Eng. cartoonist

bait
n. transitive verb
1 a : to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks b : TEASE
2 a : to harass (as a chained animal) with dogs usually for sport b : to attack by biting and tearing
3 a : to furnish with bait b : ENTICE, LURE
4 : to give food and drink to (an animal) especially on the road
intransitive verb archaic : to stop for food and rest when traveling
–bait·er noun
synonyms BAIT, BADGER, HECKLE, HECTOR, CHIVY, HOUND mean to harass by efforts to break down. BAIT implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim <baited the chained dog>. BADGER implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy <badgered her father for a car>. HECKLE implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker <drunks heckled the stand-up comic>. HECTOR carries an implication of bullying and domineering <football players hectored by their coach>. CHIVY suggests persecution by teasing or nagging <chivied the new student mercilessly>. HOUND implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing <hounded by creditors>.

bait
n. 1 a : something (as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap b : a poisonous material placed where it will be eaten by harmful or objectionable animals
2 : LURE, TEMPTATION

bait
n. bait and switch
fish or cut bait
red bait
race baiting
red baiting
red baiter

bait and switch
1 : a sales tactic in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced item but is then encouraged to buy a higher-priced one
2 : the ploy of offering a person something desirable to gain favor (as political support) then thwarting expectations with something less desirable

baitfish
: a small fish (as a golden shiner or menhaden) that attracts and is a food source for a larger game fish also : a fish used for bait

baiza
n. ― see rial at MONEY table

baize
n. : a coarse woolen or cotton fabric napped to imitate felt

Baja
Baja California
Toa Baja
Vega Baja

Baja California
peninsula 760 mi (1216 km) long NW Mexico bet. the Pacific & Gulf of California; divided into the states of Baja California (to the N capital Mexicali area 27,071 sq mi or 70,114 sq km, pop 1,660,855) & Baja California Sur \-'su̇r\ (to the S capital La Paz area 28,447 sq mi or 73,678 sq km, pop 317,764)

Bakan
― see SHIMONOSEKI

bake
v. transitive verb
1 : to cook (as food) by dry heat especially in an oven
2 : to dry or harden by subjecting to heat
intransitive verb
1 : to prepare food by baking it
2 : to become baked
3 : to be or become extremely hot <sidewalks baking in the sun>
–bak·er noun

bake
v. 1 : the act or process of baking
2 : a social gathering at which a baked food is served

bake
v. bake sale
half baked
baking powder
baking soda
baker's dozen
baker's yeast
Noel Baker
Baker Island
Baker Mount
Baker Lake

bake sale
: a fund-raising event at which usually homemade foods (as cakes and cookies) are sold

Bakelite
n. ― used for any of various synthetic resins and plastics

Baker
n. James Addison 1930-     U.S. secy. of treasury (1985-88); secy. of state (1989-92)

Baker
n. Newton Diehl 1871-1937 American statesman

Baker
n. Ray Stannard 1870-1946 pseud. David Gray·son \'grās-ən\ American author

Baker
n. Sir Samuel White 1821-1893 Eng. explorer in Africa

Baker
n. baker's dozen
baker's yeast
Noel Baker
Baker Island
Baker Mount
Baker Lake

Baker Island
atoll cen Pacific near the equator at 176°31′W; belongs to U.S.

Baker Lake
― see DUBAWNT

baker's dozen
: THIRTEEN

baker's yeast
: a yeast (as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) used or suitable for use as a leavening agent

Baker, Mount
mountain 10,778 ft (3266 m) NW Wash. in Cascade Range

Bakersfield
n. city S cen Calif. on the Kern pop 247,057

bakery
n. : a place for baking or selling baked goods

bakeshop
n. : BAKERY

bakeware
n. : dishes used for baking and serving food

Bakhtaran
city W Iran pop 560,514

baking powder
: a powder used as a leavening agent in making baked goods (as quick breads) that typically consists of sodium bicarbonate, an acidic substance (as cream of tartar), and starch or flour

baking soda
: SODIUM BICARBONATE

baklava
n. : a dessert made of thin pastry, nuts, and honey

baksheesh
n. : payment (as a tip or bribe) to expedite service

Bakst
Léon 1866-1924 orig. Lev Samoylovich Rosenberg Russ. painter

Baku
n. city capital of Azerbaijan pop 1,150,000

Bakunin
Mikhail Aleksandrovich 1814-1876 Russ. anarchist

Bakwanga
― see MBUJI-MAYI

BAL
: DIMERCAPROL

bal
balance

Balaam
n. : an Old Testament prophet who is reproached by the ass he is riding and rebuked by God's angel while on the way to meet with an enemy of Israel

balaclava
n. : a knit cap for the head and neck ― called also balaclava helmet

Balaklava
village Ukraine in Crimea SE of Sevastopol

balalaika
n. : a usually 3-stringed instrument of Russian origin with a triangular body played by plucking or strumming

balance
n. 1 : an instrument for weighing: as a : a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b : a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force
2 : a means of judging or deciding
3 : a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence
4 : an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece
5 a : stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis b : equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements c : equality between the totals of the two sides of an account
6 a : an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b : the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas
7 a : physical equilibrium b : the ability to retain one's balance
8 a : weight or force of one side in excess of another b : something left over : REMAINDER c : an amount in excess especially on the credit side of an account
9 : mental and emotional steadiness
–bal·anced \-lən(t)st\ adjective
–in the balance or in balance : with the fate or outcome about to be determined <our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision>
–on balance : with all things considered <the meeting went well on balance>

balance
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account) (2) : to pay the amount due on : SETTLE b (1) : to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equals another <balance a mathematical equation> (2) : to complete (a chemical equation) so that the same number of atoms and electric charges of each kind appears on each side
2 a : COUNTERBALANCE, OFFSET b : to equal or equalize in weight, number, or proportion
3 : to weigh in or as if in a balance
4 a : to bring to a state or position of equipoise b : to poise in or as if in balance c : to bring into harmony or proportion
intransitive verb
1 : to become balanced or established in balance
2 : to be an equal counterpoise
3 : WAVER 1 <balances and temporizes on matters that demand action>

balance
n. in balance
on balance
in the balance
balance beam
balance of payments
balance of power
balance of trade
balance sheet
balance wheel
nitrogen balance
platform balance
trial balance
water balance
checks and balances
well balanced
balancing act

balance beam
1 : a narrow wooden beam supported in a horizontal position approximately four feet above the floor and used for balancing feats in gymnastics
2 : an event in gymnastics competition in which the balance beam is used

balance of payments

1844
: a summary of the international transactions of a country or region over a period of time including commodity and service transactions, capital transactions, and gold movements

balance of power

1701
: an equilibrium of power sufficient to discourage or prevent one nation or party from imposing its will on or interfering with the interests of another

balance of trade

1668
: the difference in value over a period of time between a country's imports and exports

balance sheet
: a statement of financial condition at a given date

balance wheel
1 : a wheel that regulates or stabilizes the motion of a mechanism
2 : a balancing or stabilizing force

balancer
n. : one that balances specifically : HALTERE

Balanchine
George 1904-1983 Georgy Melitonovich Balanchivadze American (Russ.-born) choreographer

balancing act
: an attempt to cope with several often conflicting factors or situations at the same time

balas
: a ruby spinel of a pale rose-red or orange

balata
n. : the dried latex of a tropical American tree (genus Manilkara and especially M. bidentata) of the sapodilla family that is similar to gutta-percha and is used especially in belting and golf balls also : a tree yielding it

Balaton, Lake
lake W Hungary; largest in cen Europe area 232 sq mi (601 sq km)

Balbo
Italo 1896-1940 Ital. aviator & polit.

Balboa
n. Vasco Núñez de 1475-1519 Span. explorer & conquistador

balboa
n. ― see MONEY table

Balboa Heights
town Panama at Pacific entrance to Panama Canal adjacent to Panama (city); former administrative center of Canal Zone

balbriggan
n. : a knitted cotton fabric used especially for underwear or hosiery

Balch
Emily Greene 1867-1961 American econ. & sociol.

balcony
n. 1 : a platform that projects from the wall of a building and is enclosed by a parapet or railing
2 : an interior projecting gallery in a public building (as a theater)
–bal·co·nied \-nēd\ adjective

bald
adj. 1 a : lacking a natural or usual covering (as of hair, vegetation, or nap) b : having little or no tread <bald tires>
2 : marked with white
3 : lacking adornment or amplification <a bald assertion>
4 : UNDISGUISED, PALPABLE <bald arrogance>
synonyms see BARE
–bald·ish \'bȯl-dish\ adjective
–bald·ly \'bȯl(d)-lē\ adverb
–bald·ness \'bȯl(d)-nəs\ noun

bald
adj. : to make bald
intransitive verb : to become bald

bald
adj. bald cypress
bald eagle
bald faced
male pattern baldness

bald cypress
1 : a large deciduous conifer (Taxodium distichum of the family Taxodiaceae, the bald cypress family) of southern U.S. swamps that has flexible flat needles and is related to the sequoias also : a related tree (T. mucronatum) of Mexico and southern Texas ― see CONE illustration
2 : the hard red wood of bald cypress that is much used for shingles

bald eagle
: an eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) of No. America that is brown when young with white only on the undersides of the wings but in full adult plumage has white head and neck feathers and a white tail

bald-faced
: BAREFACED <a bald-faced lie>

baldachin
n. 1 : a cloth canopy fixed or carried over an important person or a sacred object
2 : a rich embroidered fabric of silk and gold
3 : an ornamental structure resembling a canopy used especially over an altar

Balder
adj. : the son of Odin and Frigga and Norse god of light and peace slain through the trickery of Loki by a mistletoe sprig

balderdash
n. : NONSENSE

baldhead
n. : a bald-headed person

balding
n. : becoming bald <bespectacled and balding>

baldpate
n. 1 : BALDHEAD
2 : AMERICAN WIGEON

baldric
n. : an often ornamented belt worn over one shoulder to support a sword or bugle

Baldwin
n. 1058?-1118 bro. of Godfrey of Bouillon king of Jerusalem (1100-18)

Baldwin
n. James 1924-1987 American writer

Baldwin
n. James Mark 1861-1934 American psychol.

Baldwin
n. Stanley 1867-1947 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewd·ley \'byüd-lē\ Eng. statesman; prime min. (1923-24; 1924-29; 1935-37)

Baldwin Park
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 75,837

Bale
n. ― see BASEL

bale
n. 1 : great evil
2 : WOE, SORROW

bale
n. : a large bundle of goods specifically : a large closely pressed package of merchandise bound and usually wrapped <a bale of paper> <a bale of hay>

bale
n. : to make up into a bale
–bal·er noun

Baleares
1 BALEARIC ISLANDS
2 province E Spain comprising the Balearic Islands capital Palma area 1936 sq mi (5034 sq km), pop 841,669

Balearic Islands
islands E Spain in the W Mediterranean ― see BALEARES, IBIZA, MAJORCA, MINORCA

baleen
n. : a horny keratinous substance found in two rows of transverse plates which hang down from the upper jaws of baleen whales

baleen whale
: any of a suborder (Mysticeti) of usually large whales lacking teeth but having baleen which is used to filter chiefly small crustaceans (as krill) out of large quantities of seawater

balefire
n. : an outdoor fire often used as a signal fire

baleful
adj. 1 : deadly or pernicious in influence <baleful effects>
2 : foreboding or threatening evil <a baleful look>
synonyms see SINISTER
–bale·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–bale·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Balfour
n. Arthur James 1848-1930 1st Earl of Balfour; Brit. philos. & statesman; prime min. (1902-05)

Bali
n. island Indonesia off E Java area 2147 sq mi (5582 sq km), pop 2,777,811

Balikesir
city NW Turkey in Asia pop 170,589

Balikpapan
city & port Indonesia on SE Borneo on inlet of Makassar Strait pop 309,492

Balinese
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Bali
2 : any of a breed of slender longhaired cats that originated as a spontaneous mutation of the Siamese
–Balinese adjective

Baliol
John de 1249-1315 king of Scotland (1292-96)

balk
n. 1 : a ridge of land left unplowed as a dividing line or through carelessness
2 : BEAM, RAFTER
3 : HINDRANCE, CHECK
4 a : the space behind the balkline on a billiard table b : any of the outside divisions made by the balklines
5 : failure of a player to complete a motion especially : an illegal motion of the pitcher in baseball while in position

balk
n. 1 archaic : to pass over or by
2 : to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle : BLOCK
intransitive verb
1 : to stop short and refuse to proceed
2 : to refuse abruptly ― used with at <Congress balked at putting up the money ― Thomas Fleming>
3 : to commit a balk in sports
synonyms see FRUSTRATE
–balk·er noun

Balkan
adj. Balkan States
Balkan Mountains
Balkan Peninsula

Balkan Mountains
mountain range cen Bulgaria extending from border with Serbia to Black Sea; highest point Botev Peak 7793 ft (2375 m)

Balkan Peninsula
peninsula SE Europe bet. Adriatic & Ionian seas on W & Aegean & Black seas on E
–Balkan adjective
–Bal·kan·ic \bȯl-'ka-nik\ adjective

balkanize
v. 1 : to break up (as a region or group) into smaller and often hostile units
2 : DIVIDE, COMPARTMENTALIZE <now pop culture has been balkanized; it is full of niches, with different groups watching and playing their own things ― Richard Corliss>
–bal·kan·i·za·tion \ˌbȯl-kə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

Balkans
n. the countries occupying the Balkan Peninsula; Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, & Turkey in Europe

Balkaria
mountain region S Russia in Europe, in S Kabardino-Balkaria Republic

Balkh
1 district N Afghanistan corresponding closely to ancient Bactria
2 or ancient Bac·tra \'bak-trə\ town N Afghanistan capital of ancient Bactria

Balkhash, Lake
lake 376 mi (605 km) long SE Kazakhstan area ab 7100 sq mi (18,390 sq km)

balkline
1 : a line across a billiard table near one end behind which the cue balls are placed in making opening shots
2 a : one of four lines parallel to the cushions of a billiard table dividing it into nine compartments b : a billiards game that sets restrictions in scoring caroms according to these lines

balky
adj. : refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected <a balky mule> <a balky engine>
synonyms see CONTRARY
–balk·i·ness noun

Ball
n. John d 1381 Eng. priest & social agitator

ball
n. 1 : a round or roundish body or mass: as a : a spherical or ovoid body used in a game or sport <a tennis ball> ― used figuratively in phrases like the ball is in your court to indicate who has the responsibility or opportunity for further action b : EARTH, GLOBE c : a spherical or conical projectile also : projectiles used in firearms d : a roundish protuberant anatomical structure (as near the tip of a human finger or toe or at the base of a thumb) especially : the part of the sole of the human foot between the toes and arch on which the main weight of the body rests in normal walking
2 a often vulgar : TESTIS b plural (1) often vulgar : NONSENSE ― often used interjectionally (2) often vulgar : NERVE 3
3 : a game in which a ball is thrown, kicked, or struck also : quality of play in such a game
4 a : a pitch not swung at by the batter that fails to pass through the strike zone b : a hit or thrown ball in various games <foul ball>
–on the ball
1 : COMPETENT, KNOWLEDGEABLE, ALERT <the other introductory essay⋯is much more on the ball ― Times Lit. Supp.> <keep on the ball>
2 : of ability or competence <if the teacher has something on the ball, the pupils won't squirm much ― New Yorker>

ball
n. 1 : to form or gather into a ball <balled the paper into a wad>
2 usually vulgar : to have sexual intercourse with
intransitive verb
1 : to form or gather into a ball
2 usually vulgar : to engage in sexual intercourse

ball
n. 1 : a large formal gathering for social dancing
2 : a very pleasant experience : a good time <everyone had a ball at the wedding>

ball
n. sinker ball
air ball
on the ball
ball and socket joint
ball bearing
ball boy
ball cock
ball control
ball flower
ball game
ball girl
ball handler
ball joint
ball lightning
ball mill
ball of fire
ball of wax
ball peen hammer
ball up
ball valve
b ball
beach ball
best ball
carry the ball
crystal ball
cue ball
drop the ball
eight ball
behind the eight ball
fair ball
fly ball
foul ball
four ball
game ball
golf ball
gopher ball
ground ball
hair ball
jump ball
long ball
matzo ball
medicine ball
minie ball
minié ball
object ball
passed ball
play ball
root ball
sour ball
Super Ball
T ball
tea ball
three ball
wrecking ball
wrecker's ball
balls up
base on balls

ball bearing
: a bearing in which the journal turns upon loose hardened steel balls that roll easily in a race also : one of the balls in such a bearing

ball boy
: a male attendant who retrieves balls for players or officials (as in a tennis match or a baseball or basketball game)

ball cock
: an automatic valve whose opening and closing are controlled by a hollow float at the end of a lever

ball control
: an offensive strategy (as in football) in which a team tries to keep possession of the ball for extended periods of time

ball game
1 : a game played with a ball
2 a : a set of circumstances : SITUATION <a whole new ball game> b : CONTEST 1

ball girl
: a female attendant who retrieves balls for players or officials (as in a tennis match or a baseball or basketball game)

ball handler
: a player who controls the ball in any of various games especially : a player who is skilled at handling the ball (as in basketball)
–ball·han·dling noun

ball joint
: BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT 1

ball lightning
: a rare form of lightning consisting of luminous balls that may move along solid objects or float in the air

ball mill
: a pulverizing machine consisting of a rotating drum which contains pebbles or metal balls as the grinding implements

ball of fire

circa 1900
: a person of unusual energy, vitality, or drive

ball of wax

circa 1953
: AFFAIR, CONCERN <the whole ball of wax>

ball up
: to make a mess of : CONFUSE, MUDDLE
intransitive verb : to become badly muddled or confused

ball valve
: a valve in which a ball regulates the aperture especially by its rise and fall due to fluid pressure, a spring, or its own weight

ball-and-socket joint
1 : a joint in which a ball moves within a socket so as to allow rotary motion in every direction within certain limits
2 : an articulation (as the hip joint) in which the rounded head of one bone fits into a cuplike cavity of the other and admits movement in any direction

ball-flower
: an architectural ornament consisting of a ball in the flower-shaped hollow of a circular mold

ball-peen hammer
: a hammer having a hemispherical peen at one end of its head

ballad
n. 1 a : a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing b : an art song accompanying a traditional ballad
2 : a simple song : AIR
3 : a popular song especially : a slow romantic or sentimental song
–bal·lad·ic \bə-'la-dik, ba-\ adjective

ballad stanza
: a stanza consisting of four lines with the first and third lines unrhymed iambic tetrameters and the second and fourth lines rhymed iambic trimeters

ballade
n. 1 : a fixed verse form consisting usually of three stanzas with recurrent rhymes, an envoi, and an identical refrain for each part
2 : a musical composition usually for piano suggesting the epic ballad

balladeer
n. : a singer of ballads

balladist
: a person who writes or sings ballads

balladry
n. 1 : the composing or performing of ballads
2 : BALLADS

Ballantyne
James 1772-1833 Scot. printer

Ballarat
city SE Australia in cen Victoria pop 34,501

Ballard
Robert Duane 1942-     American oceanographer

ballast
n. 1 : a heavy substance placed in such a way as to improve stability and control (as of the draft of a ship or the buoyancy of a balloon or submarine)
2 : something that gives stability (as in character or conduct)
3 : gravel or broken stone laid in a railroad bed or used in making concrete
4 : a device used to provide the starting voltage or to stabilize the current in a circuit (as of a fluorescent lamp)
–in ballast
of a ship : having only ballast for a load

ballast
n. 1 : to steady or equip with or as if with ballast
2 : to fill in (as a railroad bed) with ballast

ballbuster
sometimes vulgar : a person who is relentlessly aggressive, intimidating, or domineering

ballcarrier
: a football player who carries the ball on offense

baller
: an implement for shaping food into a ball or removing a core <a melon baller>

ballerina
n. : a woman who is a ballet dancer : DANSEUSE

ballet
n. 1 a : a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere b : dancing in which conventional poses and steps are combined with light flowing figures (as leaps and turns)
2 : music for a ballet
3 : a group that performs ballets
–bal·let·ic \ba-'le-tik\ adjective

balletomane
n. : a devotee of ballet
–bal·let·o·ma·nia \-ˌle-tə-'mā-nē-ə, -nyə\ noun

ballista
n. : an ancient military engine often in the form of a crossbow for hurling large missiles

ballistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to ballistics or to a body in motion according to the laws of ballistics
2 : being or characterized by repeated bouncing <ballistic stretching>
3 : extremely and usually suddenly excited, upset, or angry : WILD <went ballistic>
–bal·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ballistic missile
: a missile guided in the ascent of a high-arch trajectory and freely falling in the descent

ballistics
n. 1 a : the science of the motion of projectiles in flight b : the flight characteristics of a projectile
2 a : the study of the processes within a firearm as it is fired b : the firing characteristics of a firearm or cartridge

ballon
n. : lightness of movement that exaggerates the duration of a ballet dancer's jump

ballonet
: a compartment of variable volume within the interior of a balloon or airship used to control ascent and descent

balloon
n. 1 : a nonporous bag of light material that can be inflated especially with air or gas: as a : a bag that is filled with heated air or a gas lighter than air so as to rise and float in the atmosphere and that usually carries a suspended load (as a gondola with passengers) b : an inflatable bag (as of rubber or plastic) usually used as a toy or for decoration
2 : the outline enclosing words spoken or thought by a figure especially in a cartoon

balloon
n. 1 : relating to, resembling, or suggesting a balloon <a balloon sleeve>
2 : being or having a final installment that is much larger than preceding ones in a term or installment note

balloon
n. 1 : to swell or puff out : EXPAND <ballooned to 200 pounds>
2 : to ascend or travel in or as if in a balloon
3 : to increase rapidly <ballooning prices>
transitive verb : INFLATE, INCREASE

balloon
n. balloon angioplasty
balloon catheter
balloon tipped catheter
balloon flower
balloon tire
balloon vine
barrage balloon
trial balloon

balloon angioplasty
: dilation of an obstructed atherosclerotic artery by the passage of a balloon catheter through the vessel to the area of disease where inflation of the catheter's tip compresses the plaque against the vessel wall

balloon catheter
: a catheter with an inflatable tip that serves especially to hold the catheter in place or to expand a partly closed or obstructed bodily passage or tube (as a coronary artery) ― called also balloon-tipped catheter

balloon flower
: a perennial Asian herb (Platycodon grandiflorus) cultivated for its star-shaped flowers which open from buds resembling balloons

balloon tire
: a flexible low-pressure pneumatic tire with a large cross section designed to provide cushioning

balloon vine
: a tropical American vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) of the soapberry family bearing large ornamental pods

ballooning
n. : the act or sport of riding in a balloon

balloonist
n. : a person who operates or rides in a balloon

ballot
n. 1 a : a small ball used in secret voting b : a sheet of paper used to cast a secret vote
2 a : the action or system of secret voting b : the right to vote c : VOTE 1A
3 : the number of votes cast
4 : the drawing of lots

ballot
n. : to vote or decide by ballot
–bal·lot·er noun

ballot
n. absentee ballot
Australian ballot
ballot box
secret ballot
short ballot

ballot box
1 : a box for receiving ballots
2 : BALLOT 2A

ballpark
n. 1 : a park in which ball games (as baseball) are played
2 : a range (as of prices or views) within which comparison or compromise is possible
–in the ballpark : approximately correct <my first guess wasn't even in the ballpark>

ballpark
n. : approximately correct : roughly estimated <a ballpark price> <a ballpark figure>

ballplayer
n. : a person who plays ball especially : a baseball player

ballpoint
n. : a pen having as the writing point a small rotating metal ball that inks itself by contact with an inner magazine

ballroom
n. : a large room used for dances

ballroom
n. ballroom dance
ballroom dancing
ballroom dancer

ballroom dance
: any of various usually social dances (as the tango, two-step, and waltz) in which couples perform set moves
–ballroom dancer noun
–ballroom dancing noun

balls-up
British sometimes vulgar : FOUL-UP

ballsy
adj. sometimes vulgar : aggressively bold : GUTSY, NERVY
–ball·si·ness noun

Ballwin
city E Mo. W of St. Louis pop 31,283

bally
adv. British ― used as an intensive

ballyard
: BALLPARK 1

ballyhoo
n. 1 : a noisy attention-getting demonstration or talk
2 : flamboyant, exaggerated, or sensational promotion or publicity
3 : excited commotion
–ballyhoo transitive verb

Ballymena
district NE Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 246 sq mi (640 sq km), pop 56,032

Ballymoney
district N Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 162 sq mi (421 sq km), pop 23,984

ballyrag
v. variant of bullyrag

balm
n. 1 : a balsamic resin especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)
2 : an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)
3 : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family especially : LEMON BALM
4 : a spicy aromatic odor
5 : a soothing restorative agency

balm
n. balm of Gilead
bee balm
lemon balm

balm of Gilead
1 : an agency that soothes, relieves, or heals
2 : a small evergreen African and Asian tree (Commiphora opobalsamum syn. C. meccanensis of the family Burseraceae) with aromatic leaves also : a fragrant oleoresin from this tree
3 : any of several poplars having resinous buds: as a : a hybrid No. American tree (Populus gileadensis) with broadly cordate leaves that are pubescent especially on the underside b : BALSAM POPLAR

balmacaan
: a loose single-breasted overcoat usually having raglan sleeves and a short turnover collar

balmoral
n. 1 : a laced boot or shoe
2 often capitalized : a round flat cap with a top projecting all around

balmy
adj. 1 a : having the qualities of balm : SOOTHING b : MILD 3 <balmy weather>
2 : CRAZY, FOOLISH
–balm·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–balm·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

balneology
n. : the science of the therapeutic use of baths

Balochi
variant of baluchi

baloney
n. variant of bologna

baloney
n. : pretentious nonsense : BUNKUM ― often used as a generalized expression of disagreement

balsa
n. 1 : a small raft or boat specifically : one made of tightly bundled reeds and used on Lake Titicaca
2 : a tropical American tree (Ochroma pyramidale syn. O. lagopus) of the silk-cotton family with extremely light strong wood used especially for floats also : its wood

balsam
n. 1 a : an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine b : a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2 a : a balsam-yielding tree especially : BALSAM FIR b : IMPATIENS especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)
3 : BALM 5

balsam
n. balsam fir
balsam poplar
Canada balsam

balsam fir
: a resinous No. American fir (Abies balsamea) that is widely used for pulpwood and as a Christmas tree and is the source of Canada balsam

balsam poplar
: a No. American poplar (Populus balsamifera) that is often cultivated as a shade tree and has buds thickly coated with an aromatic resin ― called also balm of Gilead tacamahac

balsamic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, yielding, or containing balsam
2 : made with balsamic vinegar <a balsamic vinaigrette>

balsamic vinegar
: an aged Italian vinegar made from the must of white grapes

Balsas
n. river 426 mi (682 km) cen Mexico flowing from Tlaxcala to the Pacific on border bet. Michoacán & Guerrero

Balt
n. : a native or inhabitant of Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia

Balti
n. : a Tibeto-Burman language of northern Kashmir

Baltic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Baltic Sea or to the states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
2 : of or relating to a branch of the Indo-European language family containing Latvian, Lithuanian, and Old Prussian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Baltic Sea
arm of the Atlantic N Europe enclosed by Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, & Germany area ab 160,000 sq mi (256,000 sq km)

Baltimore
n. David 1938-     American microbiologist

Baltimore
n. Baron ― see George CALVERT

Baltimore
n. city & port N cen Md. on the Patapsco estuary near Chesapeake Bay pop 651,154
–Bal·ti·mor·e·an \ˌbȯl-tə-'mōr-ē-ən\ noun

Baltimore oriole
: an oriole (Icterus galbula) of the eastern and central U.S. and southern Canada in which the male has a solid black head and the female usually has an olive-brown back and orange-yellow underside and that was formerly considered to be a subspecies of northern oriole

Baltistan
region Ladakh district N Kashmir; under Pakistani control

Balto-Slavic
: a subgroup of Indo-European languages consisting of the Baltic and the Slavic branches ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Baluchi
n. 1 : a member of an Indo-Iranian people of Baluchistan
2 : the Iranian language of the Baluchis

Baluchistan
1 arid region S Asia bordering on Arabian Sea in SW Pakistan & SE Iran S & SW of Afghanistan
2 or Ba·lo·chi·stan \bə-ˌlȯ-chə-', bə-'lȯ-chə-ˌ\ province SW Pakistan capital Quetta pop 4,305,000

baluster
n. 1 : an object or vertical member (as the leg of a table, a round in a chair back, or the stem of a glass) having a vaselike or turned outline
2 : an upright often vase-shaped support for a rail

balustrade
n. 1 : a row of balusters topped by a rail
2 : a low parapet or barrier
–bal·us·trad·ed \-ˌstrā-dəd\ adjective

Balzac
n. Honoré de 1799-1850 Fr. nov.
–Bal·za·cian \bȯl-'zā-shən, bal-, -'za-kē-ən\ adjective

BAM
interj. 1 bachelor of applied mathematics
2 bachelor of arts in music

bam
interj. : a sudden loud noise ― often used interjectionally to indicate a sudden impact or occurrence <was fine, then bam, he lost his job>

Bamako
n. city capital of Mali on Niger River pop 745,787

Bambara
n. 1 : a member of an African people of the upper Niger
2 : a Mande language of the Bambara people

Bambari
town S cen Central African Republic pop 52,100

Bamberg
city S cen Germany in N Bavaria NNW of Nuremberg pop 70,689

bambino
n. 1 plural usually bambini : a representation of the infant Christ
2 : CHILD, BABY

bamboo
n. : any of various woody or arborescent grasses (as of the genera Bambusa, Arundinaria, and Dendrocalamus of the subfamily Bambusoideae) of tropical and temperate regions having hollow stems, thick rhizomes, and shoots that are used for food also : the jointed stem of bamboo used especially for building, furniture, and utensils

bamboo curtain
: a political, military, and ideological barrier isolating an area of eastern Asia

bamboozle
v. 1 : to deceive by underhanded methods : DUPE, HOODWINK
2 : to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely <a quarterback bamboozled by an unexpected defense>
–bam·boo·zle·ment \-'bü-zəl-mənt\ noun

ban
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : CURSE
2 : to prohibit especially by legal means <ban discrimination> also : to prohibit the use, performance, or distribution of <ban a book> <ban a pesticide>
3 : BAR 3C <banned from the U.N.>
intransitive verb archaic : to utter curses or maledictions

ban
n. 1 : the summoning in feudal times of the king's vassals for military service
2 : ANATHEMA, EXCOMMUNICATION
3 : MALEDICTION, CURSE
4 : legal or formal prohibition <a ban on beef exports>
5 : censure or condemnation especially through social pressure

ban
n. ― see leu at MONEY table

ban
n. arriere ban
arrière ban
test ban

Banaba
island W Pacific ESE of Nauru; belongs to Kiribati area over 2 sq mi (5 sq km), pop 284

Banach space
: a complete normed vector space

Banahao, Mount
extinct volcano 7141 ft (2142 m) Philippines on S Luzon SE of Manila

banal
adj. : lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : TRITE
synonyms see INSIPID
–ba·nal·ize \bə-'na-ˌlīz, ba-, -'nä-; bā-'na-; 'bā-nəl-ˌīz\ transitive verb
–ba·nal·ly \bə-'nal-lē, ba-, -'näl-; bā-'nal-; 'bā-nəl-(l)ē\ adverb

banality
n. 1 : something banal : COMMONPLACE
2 : the quality or state of being banal

banana
n. 1 : an elongated usually tapering tropical fruit with soft pulpy flesh enclosed in a soft usually yellow rind
2 : any of several widely cultivated perennial herbs (genus Musa of the family Musaceae, the banana family) bearing bananas in compact pendent bunches

banana
n. banana oil
banana pepper
banana republic
banana seat
banana split
second banana
top banana
Banana River
bananas Foster

banana oil
: AMYL ACETATE

banana pepper
: a long tapered yellow pepper occurring in several varieties from mild and sweet tasting to hot and pungent

banana republic
: a small dependent country usually of the tropics especially : one run despotically

Banana River
lagoon E Fla. bet. Canaveral Peninsula & Merritt Is.

banana seat
: an elongated bicycle saddle

banana split
: ice cream served on a banana sliced in half lengthwise and usually garnished with flavored syrups, fruits, nuts, and whipped cream

bananas
n. : CRAZY <drives me bananas> <the crowd went bananas>

bananas Foster
: a dessert of bananas flamed (as with rum) and served with ice cream

Banaras
― see VARANASI

Banat
region SE cen Europe in Danube basin bet. the Tisza & the Mures & the Transylvanian Alps; once entirely in Hungary, divided 1919 bet. Serbia & Romania

banausic
adj. : relating to or concerned with earning a living ― used pejoratively <contempt for the banausic occupations ― T. S. Eliot> also : UTILITARIAN, PRACTICAL <such mundane and banausic considerations as comfort and durability ― G. B. Boyer>

Banbridge
district SE Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 171 sq mi (445 sq km), pop 33,102

Bancroft
n. George 1800-1891 American hist.

Bancroft
n. Richard 1544-1610 Eng. prelate; archbishop of Canterbury (1604-10)

band
n. 1 : something that confines or constricts while allowing a degree of movement
2 : something that binds or restrains legally, morally, or spiritually
3 : a strip serving to join or hold things together: as a : BELT 2 b : a cord or strip across the back of a book to which the sections are sewn
4 : a thin flat encircling strip: as a : a close-fitting strip that confines material at the waist, neck, or cuff of clothing b : a strip of cloth used to protect a newborn baby's navel ― called also bellyband c : a ring of elastic
5 a : a strip (as of living tissue or rock) or a stripe (as on an animal) differentiable (as by color, texture, or structure) from the adjacent material or area b : a more or less well-defined range of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies c : RANGE 7A
6 : a narrow strip serving chiefly as decoration: as a : a narrow strip of material applied as trimming to an article of dress b plural : a pair of strips hanging at the front of the neck as part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress c : a ring without raised portions
7 : TRACK 1E(2)

band
n. 1 : to affix a band to or tie up with a band
2 : to finish or decorate with a band
3 : to gather together : UNITE <banded themselves together for protection>
intransitive verb : to unite for a common purpose ― often used with together <have banded together in hopes of attacking the blight that is common to them all ― J. B. Conant>
–band·er noun

band
n. : a group of persons, animals, or things especially : a group of musicians organized for ensemble playing

band
n. absorption band
Band Aid
band pass filter
band saw
band shell
to beat the band
big band
brass band
citizens band
conduction band
garage band
jug band
K band
one man band
rhythm band
rubber band
steel band
valence band
wave band
X band
Geneva bands

band saw
: a saw in the form of an endless steel belt running over pulleys also : a power saw using this device usually with the blade in a vertical position

band shell
: a bandstand having at the rear a sounding board shaped like a huge concave seashell

Band-Aid
: offering, making use of, or serving as a temporary or expedient remedy or solution

Band-Aid
― used for a small adhesive strip with a gauze pad for covering minor wounds

band-pass filter
: a filter that transmits only frequencies within a selected band

Banda
Banda Oriental
Banda Islands
Banda Sea

Banda Islands
islands Indonesia in Moluccas S of Ceram area 16 sq mi (42 sq km)

Banda Oriental
― see URUGUAY 2

Banda Sea
sea E Malay Archipelago SE of Sulawesi, S of the Moluccas, W of Aru Islands, & NE of Timor

bandage
n. 1 : a strip of fabric used especially to cover, dress, and bind up wounds
2 : a flexible strip or band used to cover, strengthen, or compress something

bandage
n. : to bind, dress, or cover with a bandage <bandage a wound> <a bandaged ankle>

bandanna
n. : a large often colorfully patterned handkerchief

Bandar
n. ― see MACHILIPATNAM

Bandar
n. Bandar Lampung
Bandar Abbas
Bandar e Abbas
Bandar 'Abbas
Bandar e Khomeyni
Bandar Khomeyni
Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Abbas
city S Iran on Strait of Hormuz pop 201,642

Bandar Lampung
― see TANJUNGKARANG

Bandar Seri Begawan
town capital of Brunei pop 27,285

Bandar-e Khomeyni
town & port SW Iran at head of Persian Gulf ENE of Abadan pop 49,355

Bandaranaike
Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias 1916-2000 prime min. of Sri Lanka (1960-65; 1970-77)

bandbox
n. 1 : a usually cylindrical box of cardboard or thin wood for holding light articles of attire
2 : a structure (as a baseball park) having relatively small interior dimensions

bandbox
n. : exquisitely neat, clean, or ordered as if just taken from a bandbox <a bandbox perfection of appearance>
–bandbox adverb

bandeau
n. 1 : a fillet or band especially for the hair
2 : BRASSIERE also : a band-shaped covering for the breasts

banded
adj. : having or marked with bands

Bandelier National Monument
n. reservation N cen N.Mex. W of Santa Fe containing cliff-dweller ruins

Bandello
Matteo 1485-1561 Ital. writer

banderilla
n. : a decorated barbed dart that the banderillero thrusts into the neck or shoulders of the bull in a bullfight

banderillero
n. : a person who thrusts in the banderillas in a bullfight

banderole
n. 1 : a long narrow forked flag or streamer
2 : a long scroll bearing an inscription or a device

bandicoot
n. 1 : any of several very large rats (genera Bandicota and Nesokia) of southern Asia destructive to crops
2 : any of various small chiefly insectivorous and herbivorous marsupial mammals (family Peramelidae or family Peroryctidae) of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea

bandit
n. 1 plural also ban·dit·ti \ban-'di-tē\ : an outlaw who lives by plunder especially : a member of a band of marauders
2 : ROBBER
3 : an enemy plane
–ban·dit·ry \'ban-də-trē\ noun

bandito
: an outlaw especially of Mexican extraction or origin

bandleader
n. : the conductor of a band (as a dance band)

bandmaster
n. : BANDLEADER especially : a conductor of a military or concert band

bandmate
: a fellow member of a band

bandog
n. : a dog kept tied to serve as a watchdog or because of its ferocity

bandolier
n. : a belt worn over the shoulder and across the breast often for the suspending or supporting of some article (as cartridges) or as a part of an official or ceremonial dress

bandore
n. : a bass stringed instrument resembling a guitar

bandsman
n. : a member of a musical band

bandstand
n. 1 : a usually roofed platform on which a band or orchestra performs outdoors
2 : a platform in a ballroom or nightclub on which musicians perform

Bandung
city Indonesia in W Java SE of Jakarta pop 2,057,442

bandwagon
n. 1 : a usually ornate and high wagon for a band of musicians especially in a circus parade
2 : a popular party, faction, or cause that attracts growing support ― often used in such phrases as jump on the bandwagon
3 : a current or fashionable trend

bandwidth
n. 1 : a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate
2 : the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system <graphics consume more bandwidth than text does> especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system <a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second>

bandy
adj. transitive verb
1 : to bat (as a tennis ball) to and fro
2 a : to toss from side to side or pass about from one to another often in a careless or inappropriate manner b : EXCHANGE especially : to exchange (words) argumentatively c : to discuss lightly or banteringly d : to use in a glib or offhand manner ― often used with about <bandy these statistics about with considerable bravado ― Richard Pollak>
3 archaic : to band together
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : CONTEND
2 archaic : UNITE

bandy
adj. : a game similar to hockey and believed to be its prototype

bandy
adj. 1 of legs : BOWED
2 : BOWLEGGED
–ban·dy-legged \'ban-dē-ˌlegd; ˌban-dē-'le-gəd, -'lā-\ adjective

bane
n. 1 a obsolete : KILLER, SLAYER b : POISON c : DEATH, DESTRUCTION <stop the way of those that seek my bane ― Philip Sidney> d : WOE
2 : a source of harm or ruin : CURSE <national frontiers have been more of a bane than a boon for mankind ― D. C. Thomson>

bane
n. obsolete : to kill especially with poison

bane
n. chiefly Scottish : BONE

baneberry
n. : any of several perennial herbs (genus Actaea) of the buttercup family having acrid poisonous berries also : one of the berries

baneful
adj. 1 : productive of destruction or woe : seriously harmful <a baneful influence>
2 archaic : POISONOUS
synonyms see PERNICIOUS
–bane·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

Banff
former county NE Scotland capital Banff

Banff National Park
n. reservation W Canada in SW Alta. on E slope of Rocky Mountains

bang
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike sharply : BUMP <banged his knee>
2 : to knock, hit, or thrust vigorously often with a sharp noise <banged the door shut>
3 often vulgar : to have sexual intercourse with
intransitive verb
1 : to strike with a sharp noise or thump
2 : to produce a sharp often metallic explosive or percussive noise or series of such noises
3 : to play a sport (as basketball) in a very aggressive and forceful manner <bang for rebounds>

bang
n. 1 : a resounding blow
2 : a sudden loud noise ― often used interjectionally
3 a : a sudden striking effect b : a quick burst of energy <start off with a bang> c : THRILL <I get a bang out of all this ― W. H. Whyte>
–bang for the buck also bang for one's buck : value received from outlay or effort <investment is yielding less bang for the buck ― Fortune>

bang
n. : RIGHT, DIRECTLY <ran bang up against more trouble>

bang
n. : a fringe of banged hair ― usually used in plural

bang
n. : to cut (as front hair) short and squarely across

bang
n. bang for one's buck
whiz bang
bang for the buck
bang away
bang bang
bang on
Bang's disease
bang up
big bang
big bang theory
gang bang
slam bang
sonic bang

bang away
1 : to work with determined effort <students banging away at their homework>
2 : to attack persistently <police are going to keep banging away at you ― Erle Stanley Gardner>

bang for the buck
also bang for one's buck : value received from outlay or effort <investment is yielding less bang for the buck ― Fortune>

bang on
chiefly British : exactly correct or appropriate

bang up
: to cause extensive damage to

Bang's disease
: BRUCELLOSIS specifically : contagious abortion of cattle caused by a brucella (Brucella abortus)

bang-bang
1 a : having a sudden, forceful, or attention-grabbing effect : PUNCHY <bang-bang headlines> b : executed or happening so quickly as to make judgment (as by an umpire or referee) difficult <a bang-bang play at first base>
2 : characterized by violent or fast-paced action <a bang-bang movie>

bang-up
: FIRST-RATE <a bang-up job>

Bangalore
n. city S India W of Madras capital of Karnataka pop 4,292,223

bangalore torpedo
: a metal tube that contains explosives and a firing mechanism and is used to cut barbed wire and detonate buried mines

banger
n. 1 British : SAUSAGE
2 British : FIRECRACKER
3 British : JALOPY
4 : a forceful and aggressive athlete

Bangka
island Indonesia off SE Sumatra; chief town Pangkalpinang area 4609 sq mi (11,983 sq km), pop 251,639

Bangkok
n. city & port capital of Thailand on the Chao Phraya ab 25 mi (40 km) above its mouth pop 6,320,200

bangkok
n. : a hat woven of fine palm fiber in the Philippines

Bangladesh
n. country S Asia E of India on Bay of Bengal; a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations since 1971 capital Dhaka area 55,126 sq mi (143,328 sq km), pop 115,075,000 ― see EAST PAKISTAN
–Ban·gla·deshi \-'de-shē, -'dā-\ adjective or noun

bangle
n. 1 : a stiff usually ornamental bracelet or anklet slipped or clasped on
2 : an ornamental disk that hangs loosely (as on a bracelet)

Bangor
1 city E cen Maine on the Penobscot pop 31,473
2 town SE Northern Ireland in North Down district pop 46,585
3 city NW Wales in Gwynedd pop 12,174

Bangs
n. John Kendrick 1862-1922 American humorist

bangtail
n. : RACEHORSE

Bangui
n. city capital of Central African Republic on the Ubangi pop 300,723

Bangweulu, Lake
lake ab 50 mi (80 km) long N Zambia in swamp region; its area fluctuates seasonally; drains into the Luapula, a headstream of Congo River

bani
n. plural of 3ban

banish
v. 1 : to require by authority to leave a country
2 : to drive out or remove from a home or place of usual resort or continuance
3 : to clear away : DISPEL <his discovery banishes anxiety ― Stringfellow Barr>
–ban·ish·er noun
–ban·ish·ment \-nish-mənt\ noun
synonyms BANISH, EXILE, DEPORT, TRANSPORT mean to remove by authority from a state or country. BANISH implies compulsory removal from a country not necessarily one's own <banished for seditious activities>. EXILE may imply compulsory removal or an enforced or voluntary absence from one's own country <a writer who exiled himself for political reasons>. DEPORT implies sending out of the country an alien who has illegally entered or whose presence is judged inimical to the public welfare <illegal aliens will be deported>. TRANSPORT implies sending a convicted criminal to an overseas penal colony <a convict who was transported to Australia>.

banister
n. 1 a : a handrail with its supporting posts b : HANDRAIL
2 : BALUSTER 2
–ban·is·tered \-tərd\ adjective

Banjarmasin
city Indonesia in S Borneo pop 481,371

banjax
v. chiefly Irish : DAMAGE, RUIN also : SMASH

banjo
n. : a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed
–ban·jo·ist \-ˌjō-ist\ noun

banjo clock
: a pendulum clock whose shape suggests a banjo

Banjul
n. city & port capital of Gambia on island of St. Mary in Gambia River pop 44,188

bank
n. 1 : a mound, pile, or ridge raised above the surrounding level: as a : a piled-up mass of cloud or fog b : an undersea elevation rising especially from the continental shelf
2 : the rising ground bordering a lake, river, or sea or forming the edge of a cut or hollow
3 a : a steep slope (as of a hill) b : the lateral inward tilt of a surface along a curve or of a vehicle (as an airplane) when turning
4 : a protective or cushioning rim or piece

bank
n. 1 a : to raise a bank about b : to cover (as a fire) with fresh fuel and adjust the draft of air so as to keep in an inactive state c : to build (a curve) with the roadbed or track inclined laterally upward from the inside edge
2 : to heap or pile in a bank
3 a : to drive (a ball in billiards) into a cushion b : to bounce (a ball or shot) off a surface (as a backboard) into or toward a goal <bank in a rebound>
4 : to form or group in a tier
intransitive verb
1 : to rise in or form a bank ― often used with up <clouds would bank up about midday, and showers fall ― William Beebe>
2 a : to incline an airplane laterally b (1) : to incline laterally (2) : to follow a curve or incline <skiers banking around the turn>

bank
n. 1 a : an establishment for the custody, loan, exchange, or issue of money, for the extension of credit, and for facilitating the transmission of funds b obsolete : the table, counter, or place of business of a money changer
2 : a person conducting a gambling house or game specifically : DEALER
3 : a supply of something held in reserve: as a : the fund of supplies (as money, chips, or pieces) held by the banker or dealer for use in a game b : a fund of pieces belonging to a game (as dominoes) from which the players draw
4 : a place where something is held available <memory banks> especially : a depot for the collection and storage of a biological product <a blood bank>

bank
n. 1 : to manage a bank
2 : to deposit money or have an account in a bank
transitive verb : to deposit or store in a bank
–bank on : to depend or rely on <can always bank on her friendship>

bank
n. 1 : a group or series of objects arranged together in a row or a tier: as a : a set of elevators b : a row or tier of telephones
2 : one of the horizontal and usually secondary or lower divisions of a headline

bank
n. monte bank
bank on
bank card
bank discount
bank holiday
bank money
bank shot
central bank
commercial bank
data bank
eye bank
Federal Reserve bank
land bank
left bank
merchant bank
national bank
piggy bank
reserve bank
savings bank
state bank
Dogger Bank
Georges Bank
Jodrell Bank
West Bank
Banks Island
Banks Islands
Grand Banks
Outer Banks
merchant banking

bank card
: a card (as a credit card or an ATM card) issued by a bank

bank discount
: the interest discounted in advance on a note and computed on the face value of the note

bank holiday
1 British : LEGAL HOLIDAY
2 : a period when banks in general are closed often by government fiat

bank money
: a medium of exchange consisting chiefly of checks and drafts

bank on
to depend or rely on <can always bank on her friendship>

bank shot
1 : a shot in billiards and pool in which a player banks the cue ball or the object ball
2 : a shot in basketball played to rebound from the backboard into the basket

bankable
adj. 1 : acceptable to or at a bank <bankable currency>
2 : sure to bring in a profit <Hollywood's most bankable star ― Sidney Sheldon>
–bank·abil·i·ty \ˌbaŋ-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

bankbook
n. : the depositor's book in which a bank records deposits and withdrawals ― called also passbook

banker
n. 1 : one that engages in the business of banking
2 : the player who keeps the bank in various games
–bank·er·ly \-lē\ adjective

banker
n. : a person or boat employed in the cod fishery on the Newfoundland banks

banker
n. banker's acceptance
central banker
merchant banker
West Banker

banker's acceptance
: a short-term credit instrument issued by an importer's bank that guarantees payment of an exporter's invoice

banking
n. : the business of a bank or a banker

banknote
n. : a promissory note issued by a bank payable to bearer on demand without interest and acceptable as money

bankroll
n. : supply of money : FUNDS

bankroll
n. : to supply money for (a business, project, or person)
–bank·roll·er noun

bankrupt
n. 1 a : a person who has done any of the acts that by law entitle creditors to have his or her estate administered for their benefit b : a person judicially declared subject to having his or her estate administered under the bankrupt laws for the benefit of creditors c : a person who becomes insolvent
2 : a person who is completely lacking in a particular desirable quality or attribute <a moral bankrupt>

bankrupt
n. 1 a : reduced to a state of financial ruin : IMPOVERISHED specifically : legally declared a bankrupt <the company went bankrupt> b : of or relating to bankrupts or bankruptcy <bankrupt laws>
2 a : BROKEN, RUINED <a bankrupt professional career> b : exhausted of valuable qualities : STERILE <a bankrupt old culture> c : DESTITUTE ― used with of or in <bankrupt of all merciful feelings>

bankrupt
n. 1 : to reduce to bankruptcy
2 : IMPOVERISH <defections had bankrupted the party of its brainpower>
synonyms see DEPLETE

bankruptcy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being bankrupt
2 : utter failure or impoverishment

Banks
n. Sir Joseph 1743-1820 Eng. naturalist

Banks
n. Banks Island
Banks Islands
Grand Banks
Outer Banks

Banks Island
island N Canada at W end of Arctic Archipelago area ab 27,000 sq mi (69,900 sq km)

Banks Islands
islands SW Pacific N of Vanuatu pop 5521

banksia
n. : any of a genus (Banksia) of Australian evergreen trees or shrubs of the protea family with alternate leathery leaves and flowers in dense cylindrical heads

bankside
n. : the slope of a bank especially of a stream

banner
n. 1 a : a piece of cloth attached by one edge to a staff and used by a leader (as a monarch or feudal lord) as his standard b : 2FLAG 1 c : an ensign displaying a distinctive or symbolic device or legend especially : one presented as an award of honor or distinction
2 : a headline in large type running across a newspaper page
3 : a strip of cloth on which a sign is painted <welcome banners stretched across the street>
4 : a name, slogan, or goal associated with a particular group or ideology <the new banner is “community control” ― F. M. Hechinger> ― often used with under <every new administration arrives⋯under the banner of change ― John Cogley>
5 : an advertisement graphic that runs usually across the top of a World Wide Web page

banner
n. 1 : prominent in support of a political party <a banner Democratic county>
2 : distinguished from all others especially in excellence <a banner year for business>

banner
n. 1 : to furnish with a banner
2 : to print (as a news story) under a banner usually on the front page

banneret
n. : a knight leading his vassals into the field under his own banner

banneret
n. : a small banner

bannerol
: BANDEROLE

Banning
n. city S Calif. ESE of Riverside pop 23,562

bannister
n. variant of banister

bannock
n. 1 : a usually unleavened flat bread or biscuit made with oatmeal or barley meal
2 chiefly New England : CORN BREAD especially : a thin cake baked on a griddle

Bannockburn
town cen Scotland SSE of Stirling

banns
n. : public announcement especially in church of a proposed marriage

banquet
n. 1 : a sumptuous feast especially : an elaborate and often ceremonious meal for numerous people often in honor of a person <a state banquet>
2 : a meal held in recognition of some occasion or achievement <an awards banquet>

banquet
n. : to partake of a banquet
transitive verb : to treat with a banquet : FEAST
–ban·quet·er noun

banquet room
: a large room (as in a restaurant or hotel) suitable for banquets

banquette
n. 1 a : a raised way along the inside of a parapet or trench for gunners or guns b Southern : SIDEWALK
2 a : a long upholstered bench b : a sofa having one roll-over arm c : a built-in usually upholstered bench along a wall

Banquo
n. : a murdered Scottish thane in Shakespeare's Macbeth whose ghost appears to Macbeth

banshee
n. : a female spirit in Gaelic folklore whose appearance or wailing warns a family that one of them will soon die

Bantam
n. village Indonesia in NW corner of Java; once capital of Sultanate of Bantam

bantam
n. 1 : any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds
2 : a person of diminutive stature and often combative disposition

bantam
n. 1 : SMALL, DIMINUTIVE
2 : pertly combative

bantamweight
n. : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 118 pounds for professionals and 119 pounds for amateurs ― compare FEATHERWEIGHT, FLYWEIGHT

banteng
n. : a wild ox (Bos javanicus syn. B. banteng) of southeastern Asia sometimes domesticated for use as a draft animal or for its meat

banter
n. transitive verb
1 : to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner
2 archaic : DELUDE
3 chiefly Southern & Midland : CHALLENGE
intransitive verb : to speak or act playfully or wittily
–ban·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
–ban·ter·ing·ly \'ban-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb

banter
n. : good-natured and usually witty and animated joking

Banting
n. Sir Frederick Grant 1891-1941 Canad. physician

bantling
n. : a very young child

Bantry Bay
bay SW Ireland in SW County Cork

Bantu
n. 1 : a family of Niger-Congo languages spoken in central and southern Africa
2 : a member of any of a group of African peoples who speak Bantu languages

Bantustan
n. : any of several all-black enclaves formerly in the Republic of So. Africa that had a limited degree of self-government

banyan
n. : an East Indian fig tree (Ficus benghalensis) of the mulberry family with branches that send out roots which grow down to the soil and form secondary trunks

banzai
interj. : a Japanese cheer or war cry

banzai attack
: a mass attack by Japanese soldiers in World War II also : an all-out usually desperate attack

banzai charge
1 : BANZAI ATTACK
2 : a determined often reckless act

baobab
n. : a broad-trunked tropical tree (Adansonia digitata) of the silk-cotton family that is native to Africa and has an edible acidic fruit resembling a gourd and bark used in making paper, cloth, and rope also : any of several related trees chiefly of Madagascar and Australia

Baoding
city NE China SW of Beijing pop 483,155

Baoji
city N cen China in SW Shaanxi on the Wei W of Xi'an pop 337,765

Baotou
city N China in SW Inner Mongolia on the Huang pop 983,508

Bap
n. Baptist

bap
n. British : a small bun or roll

Bapaume
town N France S of Arras pop 4329

baptisia
: any of a genus (Baptisia) of No. American plants of the legume family having showy papilionaceous flowers similar in form to those of the pea plant

baptism
n. 1 a : a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community b : a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification c Christian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit
2 : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named
–bap·tis·mal \bap-'tiz-məl, esp Southern bab-\ adjective
–bap·tis·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

baptism of fire

1633
1 : an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal especially : a soldier's first exposure to enemy fire
2 : a spiritual baptism by a gift of the Holy Spirit ― often used in allusion to Acts 2:3-4; Mount 3:11(RSV)

baptismal name
: a name given at christening or confirmation

baptist
n. 1 : one that baptizes
2 capitalized : a member or adherent of an evangelical Protestant denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers only
–Baptist adjective

baptistery
n. : a part of a church or formerly a separate building used for baptism

baptize
v. transitive verb
1 : to administer baptism to
2 a : to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal b : INITIATE
3 : to give a name to (as at baptism) : CHRISTEN
intransitive verb : to administer baptism
–bap·tiz·er noun

BAR
n. Browning automatic rifle

BAr
n. bachelor of architecture

Bar
n. Baruch

bar
n. 1 a : a straight piece (as of wood or metal) that is longer than it is wide and has any of various uses (as for a lever, support, barrier, or fastening) b : a solid piece or block of material that is longer than it is wide <a bar of gold> <a candy bar> c : a usually rigid piece (as of wood or metal) longer than it is wide that is used as a handle or support especially : a handrail used by ballet dancers to maintain balance while exercising
2 : something that obstructs or prevents passage, progress, or action: as a : the destruction of an action or claim in law also : a plea or objection that effects such destruction b : an intangible or nonphysical impediment c : a submerged or partly submerged bank (as of sand) along a shore or in a river often obstructing navigation
3 a (1) : the railing in a courtroom that encloses the place about the judge where prisoners are stationed or where the business of the court is transacted in civil cases (2) : COURT, TRIBUNAL (3) : a particular system of courts (4) : an authority or tribunal that hands down judgment b (1) : the barrier in the English Inns of Court that formerly separated the seats of the benchers or readers from the body of the hall occupied by the students (2) : the whole body of barristers or lawyers qualified to practice in the courts of any jurisdiction (3) : the profession of barrister or lawyer
4 : a straight stripe, band, or line much longer than it is wide: as a : one of two or more horizontal stripes on a heraldic shield b : a metal or embroidered strip worn on a usually military uniform especially to indicate rank (as of a company officer) or service
5 a : a counter at which food or especially alcoholic beverages are served b : BARROOM c : SHOP 2B
6 a : a vertical line across the musical staff before the initial measure accent b : MEASURE
7 : a lace and embroidery joining covered with buttonhole stitch for connecting various parts of the pattern in needlepoint lace and cutwork
8 : STANDARD <wants to raise the bar for approving new drugs>
–behind bars : in jail

bar
n. anti roll bar
bar car
bar chart
bar code
bar coding
bar coded
bar graph
bar mitzvah
bar mitzvahing
bar mitzvahed
bar sinister
bus bar
cash bar
coffee bar
color bar
double bar
error bar
fern bar
horizontal bar
J bar lift
open bar
pinch bar
raise the bar
raw bar
roll bar
salad bar
snack bar
sports bar
sway bar
T bar
T bar lift
tiki bar
torsion bar
wet bar
wing bar
wrecking bar
Diamond Bar
behind bars
monkey bars
parallel bars
Stars and Bars
barred owl
no holds barred

bar
n. 1 a : to fasten with a bar b : to place bars across to prevent ingress or egress <bar the door>
2 : to mark with bars : STRIPE
3 a : to confine or shut in by or as if by bars b : to set aside : RULE OUT <did not bar the possibility of further measures> c : to keep out : EXCLUDE <barring him from the club>
4 a : to interpose legal objection to or to the claim of b : PREVENT, FORBID <a decision barring his participation>

bar
n. : EXCEPT <the country's most popular actor, bar none>

bar
n. : a unit of pressure equal to 100,000 pascals

bar
n. 1 barometer; barometric
2 barrel

bar
n. : weight : pressure <barometer>

bar car
: CLUB CAR

bar chart
: BAR GRAPH

bar code
: a code consisting of a group of printed and variously patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (as identification) about the object it labels
–bar-cod·ed \'bär-ˌkō-dəd\ adjective
–bar coding noun

bar graph
: a graphic means of quantitative comparison by rectangles with lengths proportional to the measure of the data or things being compared ― called also bar chart

bar mitzvah
1 : a Jewish boy who reaches his 13th birthday and attains the age of religious duty and responsibility
2 : the initiatory ceremony recognizing a boy as a bar mitzvah

bar mitzvah
: to administer the ceremony of bar mitzvah to

bar sinister
1 : a heraldic charge held to be a mark of bastardy
2 : the fact or condition of being of illegitimate birth

Barabbas
n. : a prisoner according to Matthew, Mark, and John released in preference to Christ at the demand of the multitude

Baracoa
city & port E Cuba on N coast near E tip of island pop 76,873

Barak
n. Ehud 1942-     Israeli soldier & polit.; prime min. of Israel (1999-2000)

Baranof
island SE Alaska in Alexander Archipelago S of Chichagof Is. area ab 1600 sq mi (4160 sq km)

Baranov
Aleksandr Andreyevich 1747-1819 Russ. fur trader; 1st gov. of Russ. America

Barany
Robert 1876-1936 Austrian physician

Barataria Bay
lagoon SE La. on coast NW of delta of Mississippi River

barathea
n. : a fabric that has a broken rib weave and a pebbly texture and that is made of silk, worsted, or synthetic fiber or a combination of these

barb
n. 1 : a medieval cloth headdress passing over or under the chin and covering the neck
2 a : a sharp projection extending backward (as from the point of an arrow or fishhook) and preventing easy extraction also : a sharp projection with its point similarly oblique to something else b : a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment
3 : 2BARBEL
4 : any of the side branches of the shaft of a feather ― see FEATHER illustration
5 : a plant hair or bristle ending in a hook
–barb·less \-ləs\ adjective

barb
n. : to furnish with a barb

barb
n. : any of a northern African breed of horses that are noted for speed and endurance

barb
n. slang : BARBITURATE

Barbados
n. island Brit. West Indies in Lesser Antilles E of the Windward group; a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1966 capital Bridgetown area 166 sq mi (432 sq km), pop 250,010
–Bar·ba·di·an \-'bā-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

Barbara
n. Santa Barbara Islands
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Channel

barbarian
n. 1 : of or relating to a land, culture, or people alien and usually believed to be inferior to another land, culture, or people
2 : lacking refinement, learning, or artistic or literary culture
–barbarian noun
–bar·bar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

barbaric
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of barbarians b : possessing or characteristic of a cultural level more complex than primitive savagery but less sophisticated than advanced civilization
2 a : marked by a lack of restraint : WILD b : having a bizarre, primitive, or unsophisticated quality
3 : BARBAROUS 3
–bar·bar·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

barbarism
n. 1 a : a barbarian or barbarous social or intellectual condition : BACKWARDNESS b : the practice or display of barbarian acts, attitudes, or ideas
2 : an idea, act, or expression that in form or use offends against contemporary standards of good taste or acceptability

barbarity
n. 1 : BARBARISM
2 a : barbarous cruelty : INHUMANITY b : an act or instance of such cruelty

barbarize
v. transitive verb : to make barbarian or barbarous
intransitive verb : to become barbarous
–bar·ba·ri·za·tion \ˌbär-bə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

Barbarossa
n. ― see FREDERICK I

Barbarossa
n. d 1546 Khayr ad-Dīn Barbary pirate

barbarous
adj. 1 a : UNCIVILIZED b : lacking culture or refinement : PHILISTINE
2 : characterized by the occurrence of barbarisms <barbarous language>
3 : mercilessly harsh or cruel <barbarous crimes>
synonyms see FIERCE
–bar·ba·rous·ly adverb
–bar·ba·rous·ness noun

Barbary
n. aoudad sheep Barbary sheep
Barbary ape
Barbary macaque
Barbary sheep
Barbary Coast

Barbary ape
: a tailless monkey (Macaca sylvanus) of northern Africa and Gibraltar ― called also Barbary macaque

Barbary Coast
1 region N Africa extending from Egypt to the Atlantic & including the former Barbary States (Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, & Tripoli) ― a chiefly former name
2 section of San Francisco formerly noted as a center of gambling, prostitution, and riotous nightlife ― an informal name

Barbary sheep
: AOUDAD

barbecue
n. 1 : to roast or broil on a rack or revolving spit over or before a source of heat (as hot coals)
2 : to cook in a highly seasoned vinegar sauce
–bar·be·cu·er noun

barbecue
n. 1 a : a large animal (as a steer) roasted whole or split over an open fire or a fire in a pit b : barbecued food <eat barbecue>
2 : a social gathering especially in the open air at which barbecued food is eaten
3 : an often portable fireplace over which meat and fish are roasted

barbed
adj. 1 : having barbs
2 : characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm <barbed witticisms>

barbed wire
: twisted wires armed with barbs or sharp points ― called also barbwire

barbel
n. : a European freshwater cyprinid fish (Barbus barbus) with four barbels on its upper jaw also : any of various closely related fishes

barbel
n. : a slender tactile process on the lips of certain fishes (as catfishes)

barbell
n. : a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting

Barber
n. Samuel 1910-1981 American composer

barber
n. : one whose business is cutting and dressing hair, shaving and trimming beards, and performing related services

barber
n. transitive verb : to perform the services of a barber for : trim or groom the hair or beard of
intransitive verb : to perform the services of a barber

barberry
n. : any of a genus (Berberis of the family Berberidaceae, the barberry family) of shrubs usually having spines, usually yellow flowers, and oblong red or blackish berries

Barbers Point
cape Hawaii at SW corner of Oahu W of Pearl Harbor

barbershop
n. : a barber's place of business

barbershop
n. : of a style of unaccompanied group singing of popular songs usually marked by highly conventionalized close harmony

Barberton
city NE Ohio SW of Akron pop 27,899

barbet
n. : any of various often brightly colored nonpasserine tropical birds (families Capitonidae, Lybiidae, and Megalaimidae) having a stout bill bearing bristles at the base

barbette
n. 1 : a mound of earth or a protected platform from which guns fire over a parapet
2 : an armored structure protecting a gun turret on a warship

barbican
n. : an outer defensive work especially : a tower at a gate or bridge

barbicel
: any of the small hook-bearing processes on a barbule of a feather ― see FEATHER illustration

Barbie
n. Klaus 1913-1991 Ger. Nazi leader

barbie
n. chiefly Australian
1 : BARBECUE 2
2 : BARBECUE 3

barbital
n. : a crystalline barbiturate C_8H_12N_2O_3 used as a sedative and hypnotic often in the form of its soluble sodium salt

barbitone
n. British : BARBITAL

barbiturate
n. 1 : a salt or ester of barbituric acid
2 : any of various derivatives of barbituric acid (as phenobarbital) that are used especially as sedatives, hypnotics, and antispasmodics and are often addictive

barbituric acid
: a synthetic crystalline acid C_4H_4N_2O_3 derived from pyrimidine

Barbizon
n. : of, relating to, or being a school of mid-19th century French landscape painters whose naturalistic canvases were based on direct observation of nature

Barbizon
n. village N France SSE of Paris pop 1493

Barbour
n. Ian 1923-     American (Chinese-born of Am.-Scot. parents) theol. & physicist

Barbuda
n. island Brit. West Indies in the Leewards area 62 sq mi (161 sq km) ― see ANTIGUA 1

barbule
n. : a minute barb especially : one of the processes that fringe the barbs of a feather ― see FEATHER illustration

Barbusse
Henri 1873-1935 Fr. author

barbwire
n. : BARBED WIRE

Barca
Calderon de la Barca
Calderón de la Barca
Hamilcar Barca

barcarole
n. 1 : a Venetian boat song usually in 6/8 or 12/8 time characterized by the alternation of a strong and weak beat that suggests a rowing rhythm
2 : music imitating a barcarole

Barcelona
n. 1 province NE Spain in Catalonia on the Mediterranean area 2986 sq mi (7734 sq km), pop 4,805,927
2 city & port, its capital pop 1,503,884
3 city NE Venezuela near coast pop 109,061
–Bar·ce·lo·nan \-'lō-nən\ noun
–Bar·ce·lo·nese \-lō-'nēz, -'nēs, -'lō-ˌ\ adjective or noun

Barcelona chair
: an armless chair with leather-covered cushions on a stainless steel frame

barchan
n. : a moving crescent-shaped sand dune

Barclay
Robert 1648-1690 Scot. Quaker author

Barclay de Tolly
Prince Mikhail Bogdanovich 1761-1818 Russ. field marshal

bard
n. 1 a : a tribal poet-singer skilled in composing and reciting verses on heroes and their deeds b : a composer, singer, or declaimer of epic or heroic verse
2 : POET
–bard·ic \'bär-dik\ adjective

bard
n. : a piece of armor or ornament for a horse's neck, breast, or flank

bard
n. 1 : to furnish with bards
2 : to dress meat for cooking by covering with strips of fat

Bardeen
John 1908-1991 American physicist

Bardiyah
town & port Libya in NE Cyrenaica

bardolater
n. : a person who idolizes Shakespeare
–bard·ol·a·try \-lə-trē\ noun

Bardolino
n. : a light red Italian wine

bare
adj. 1 a : lacking a natural, usual, or appropriate covering b (1) : lacking clothing <bare feet> (2) obsolete : BAREHEADED c : lacking any tool or weapon <opened the box with his bare hands>
2 : open to view : EXPOSED <laying bare their secrets>
3 a : unfurnished or scantily supplied <a bare room> b : DESTITUTE <bare of all safeguards>
4 a : having nothing left over or added <the bare necessities of life> b : MERE <a bare two hours away> c : devoid of amplification or adornment <the bare facts>
5 obsolete : WORTHLESS
–bare·ness noun
synonyms BARE, NAKED, NUDE, BALD, BARREN mean deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering. BARE implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable <an apartment with bare walls>. NAKED suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness <poor half-naked children>. NUDE applies especially to the unclothed human figure <a nude model posing for art students>. BALD implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness <a bald mountain peak>. BARREN often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility <barren plains>.

bare
adj. : to make or lay bare : UNCOVER

bare
adj. archaic past of bear

bare
adj. bare bones
bare handed
bare knuckle
bare knuckled

bare bones
: the barest essentials, facts, or elements <the bare bones of her life>
–bare-bones adjective

bare-handed
1 : without gloves
2 : without tools or weapons <fight an animal bare-handed>

bare-knuckle
1 : not using boxing gloves <champion bare-knuckle prizefighter of England ― Dennis Craig> <when men fought bare-knuckle>
2 : having a fierce unrelenting character <bare-knuckle politics>

bareback
adv. : on the bare back of a horse : without a saddle <likes riding bareback> <bareback riding>

bareboat
adj. : a boat chartered without its crew

barefaced
adj. 1 : having the face uncovered: a : having no whiskers : BEARDLESS b : wearing no mask
2 a : OPEN, UNCONCEALED <barefaced impudence> b : having or showing a lack of scruples <a barefaced lie>
–bare·faced·ly \-'fā-səd-lē, -'fāst-lē\ adverb
–bare·faced·ness \-'fā-səd-nəs, -'fās(t)-nəs\ noun

barefoot
adj. : with the feet bare <walked barefoot> <barefoot boy, with cheek of tan ― J. G. Whittier>

barehand
: to catch or retrieve (a baseball) with a bare hand

bareheaded
adj. : without a covering for the head <went bareheaded in the hot sun> <a bareheaded boy who had lost his cap>

Bareilly
1 city N India in NW cen Uttar Pradesh ESE of Delhi pop 699,839
2 ― see ROHILKHAND

barely
adv. 1 : in a meager manner : PLAINLY <a barely furnished room>
2 : SCARCELY, HARDLY <barely enough money for lunch>

Barents
Willem ca 1550-1597 Du. navigator

Barents Sea
sea comprising the part of the Arctic Ocean bet. Spitsbergen & Novaya Zemlya

barf
n. : VOMIT

barfly
n. : a person who spends much time in bars

bargain
n. 1 : an agreement between parties settling what each gives or receives in a transaction between them or what course of action or policy each pursues in respect to the other
2 : something acquired by or as if by bargaining especially : an advantageous purchase <at that price the car is a bargain>
3 : a transaction, situation, or event regarded in the light of its results <a bad bargain>
–into the bargain also in the bargain : BESIDES <tastes good and is good for you, into the bargain>

bargain
n. intransitive verb
1 : to negotiate over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract : HAGGLE
2 : to come to terms : AGREE
transitive verb
1 : to bring to a desired level by bargaining <bargain a price down>
2 : to sell or dispose of by bargaining
–bar·gain·er noun
–bargain for : EXPECT <more work than I bargained for>

bargain
n. in the bargain
into the bargain
bargain for
bargain basement
plea bargain
collective bargaining
plea bargaining

bargain basement
: a section of a store (as the basement) where merchandise is sold at reduced prices

bargain for
EXPECT <more work than I bargained for>

bargain-basement
1 : of inferior quality or worth
2 : markedly inexpensive <bargain-basement rates>

barge
n. : any of various boats: as a : a roomy usually flat-bottomed boat used chiefly for the transport of goods on inland waterways and usually propelled by towing b : a large motorboat supplied to the flag officer of a flagship c : a roomy pleasure boat especially : a boat of state elegantly furnished and decorated

barge
n. transitive verb : to carry by barge
intransitive verb
1 : to move ponderously or clumsily
2 : to thrust oneself heedlessly or unceremoniously <barged into the meeting>

bargeboard
n. : an often ornamented board that conceals roof timbers projecting over gables

bargee
n. British : BARGEMAN

bargello
: a needlework stitch that produces a zigzag pattern

bargeman
n. : the master or a deckhand of a barge

barhop
v. : to visit and drink at a series of bars in the course of an evening

Bari
commune & port SE Italy capital of Puglia on the Adriatic pop 332,143

bariatric
: relating to or specializing in the treatment of obesity

Bariloche
town SW Argentina on Lake Nahuel Huapí pop 15,995

Barinas
town W cen Venezuela pop 152,853

Baring
n. Alexander 1774-1848 1st Baron Ash·bur·ton \'ash-ˌbər-tən\ Brit. financier & diplomat

Baring
n. Evelyn 1841-1917 1st Earl of Cro·mer \'krō-mər\ Brit. diplomat

Barisal
city S Bangladesh in Ganges Delta pop 180,014

barista
n. : a person who makes and serves coffee (as espresso) to the public

barite
n. : barium sulfate occurring as a mineral

baritone
n. 1 : a male singing voice of medium compass between bass and tenor also : a person having this voice
2 : a member of a family of instruments having a range between tenor and bass especially : the baritone saxhorn or baritone saxophone
–bari·ton·al \ˌbar-ə-'tō-nəl\ adjective

baritone
n. : relating to or having the range or part of a baritone

barium
n. 1 : a silver-white malleable toxic divalent metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs only in combination ― see ELEMENT table
2 : BARIUM SULFATE

barium sulfate
: a crystalline insoluble compound BaSO_4 that is used especially as a pigment and extender, as a filler (as in fluids used in gas and oil drilling), and as a substance opaque to X rays in medical photography of the alimentary canal

bark
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make the characteristic short loud cry of a dog b : to make a noise resembling a bark
2 : to speak in a curt loud and usually angry tone : SNAP
transitive verb
1 : to utter in a curt loud usually angry tone <an officer barking orders>
2 : to advertise by persistent outcry <barking their wares>
–bark up the wrong tree : to promote or follow a mistaken course (as in doing research)

bark
n. 1 a : the sound made by a barking dog b : a similar sound
2 : a short sharp peremptory tone of speech or utterance
–bark·less \'bärk-ləs\ adjective

bark
n. 1 : the tough exterior covering of a woody root or stem specifically : the tissues outside the cambium that include an inner layer especially of secondary phloem and an outer layer of periderm
2 : CINCHONA 2
3 : a candy containing chocolate and nuts that is made in a sheet and broken into pieces
–bark·less \'bärk-ləs\ adjective

bark
n. 1 : to treat with an infusion of tanbark
2 a : to strip the bark from b : to rub off or abrade the skin of <barked a shin on the desk>

bark
n. 1 a : a small sailing ship b : a sailing ship of three or more masts with the aftmost mast fore-and-aft rigged and the others square-rigged
2 : a craft propelled by sails or oars

bark
n. bark up the wrong tree
bark beetle
elm bark beetle
smaller European elm bark beetle
barking deer
Barking and Dagenham

bark beetle
: any of numerous beetles (family Scolytidae) that bore under the bark of trees both as a larva and as an adult

bark up the wrong tree
to promote or follow a mistaken course (as in doing research)

Barka
town Libya in NW Cyrenaica

barkeep
n. : BARTENDER

barkentine
n. : a sailing ship of three or more masts with the foremast square-rigged and the others fore-and-aft rigged

barker
n. : one that barks especially : a person who advertises by hawking at an entrance to a show

barker
n. : one that removes or prepares bark

Barking and Dagenham
borough of E Greater London, England pop 139,900

barking deer
: MUNTJAC

Barkla
Charles Glover 1877-1944 Eng. physicist

Barkley
Al·ben \'al-bən\ William 1877-1956 American lawyer & polit.; vice pres. of U.S. (1949-53)

barky
: covered with or resembling bark

Barletta
commune & port SE Italy in Puglia on the Adriatic pop 92,305

barley
n. : a cereal grass (genus Hordeum and especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns and three spikelets at each joint of the rachis also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, breakfast foods, and stock feeds

barley-bree
chiefly Scottish : WHISKY also : MALT LIQUOR

barleycorn
n. 1 : a grain of barley
2 : an old unit of length equal to a third of an inch

Barlow
n. Joel 1754-1812 American poet & diplomat

barlow
n. : a sturdy inexpensive jackknife

barm
n. : yeast formed on fermenting malt liquors

barmaid
n. : a woman who serves liquor at a bar

barman
n. chiefly British : BARTENDER

Barmecidal
: providing only the illusion of abundance <a Barmecidal feast>

barmy
adj. : full of froth or ferment

barmy
adj. chiefly British : BALMY 2

barn
n. 1 a : a usually large building for the storage of farm products or feed and usually for the housing of farm animals or farm equipment b : an unusually large and usually bare building <a great barn of a hotel ― W. A. White>
2 : a large building for the housing of a fleet of vehicles (as trolley cars or trucks)
–barn·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–barny \'bär-nē\ adjective

barn
n. barn burner
barn dance
barn lot
barn owl
barn raising
barn swallow
livery barn

barn burner
: one that arouses much interest or excitement <the game should be a real barn burner>

barn dance
: an American social dance orig. held in a barn and featuring several dance forms (as square dancing)

barn lot
chiefly Southern & Midland : BARNYARD

barn owl
: a widely distributed owl (Tyto alba) that has plumage mottled buff brown and gray above and chiefly white below, frequents barns and other buildings, and preys especially on rodents

barn raising
: a gathering for the purpose of erecting a barn ― compare 3BEE

barn swallow
: a swallow (Hirundo rustica of the family Hirundinidae) that is widespread in the northern hemisphere, has a deeply forked tail, and often nests in or near buildings

Barnabas
n. : a companion of the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey

barnacle
n. 1 : BARNACLE GOOSE
2 [from a popular belief that the goose grew from the crustacean] : any of numerous marine crustaceans (subclass Cirripedia) with feathery appendages for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but permanently fixed (as to rocks, boat hulls, or whales) as adults
–bar·na·cled \-kəld\ adjective

barnacle goose
: a European goose (Branta leucopsis) that has a whitish face and black breast and breeds in the arctic

Barnard
Christiaan Neethling 1922-2001 So. African surgeon

Barnard
George Grey 1863-1938 American sculptor

Barnaul
city Russia in Asia on the Ob' capital of Altai territory pop 606,000

Barnegat Bay
inlet of the Atlantic E N.J.

Barnes
n. former municipal borough SE England, now part of Richmond

Barnet
n. borough of N Greater London, England pop 283,000

Barnevelt
Jan van Olden ― see OLDENBARNEVELT

Barnsley
town N England in S. Yorkshire pop 217,300

Barnstable
city SE Mass. on Cape Cod pop 47,821

barnstorm
v. 1 : to tour through rural districts staging usually theatrical performances
2 : to travel from place to place making brief stops (as in a political campaign or a promotional tour)
3 : to pilot one's airplane in sight-seeing flights with passengers or in exhibition stunts in an unscheduled course especially in rural districts
transitive verb : to travel across while barnstorming
–barn·storm·er noun

Barnum
n. Phineas Taylor 1810-1891 American showman
–Bar·num·esque \ˌbär-nə-'mesk\ adjective

barnyard
n. : a usually fenced area adjoining a barn

barnyard
n. : SMUTTY, EARTHY, SCATOLOGICAL <barnyard humor>

barnyard grass
: a coarse annual panicled grass (Echinochloa crusgalli) that has flowers borne on only one side of the raceme and is nearly cosmopolitan as a weed in cultivated ground

baro
― see BAR-

Baroda
1 former state W India near head of Gulf of Khambhat capital Baroda area 8176 sq mi (21,258 sq km)
2 ― see VADODARA

barogram
n. : a barographic tracing

barograph
n. : a recording barometer
–baro·graph·ic \ˌber-ə-'gra-fik, ˌba-rə-\ adjective

Baroja
Pío 1872-1956 Span. writer

Barolo
n. : a dry red Italian wine

barometer
n. 1 : an instrument for determining the pressure of the atmosphere and hence for assisting in forecasting weather and for determining altitude
2 : something that indicates fluctuations (as in public opinion) <housing sales and other economic barometers>
3 : STANDARD, TEST <a barometer to measure high school talent ― Jeff Fellenzer>
–baro·met·ric \ˌber-ə-'me-trik, ˌba-rə-\ adjective
–baro·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ba·rom·e·try \bə-'rä-mə-trē\ noun

barometric pressure
: the pressure of the atmosphere usually expressed in terms of the height of a column of mercury

baron
n. 1 a : one of a class of tenants holding his rights and title by military or other honorable service directly from a feudal superior (as a king) b : a lord of the realm : NOBLE, PEER
2 a : a member of the lowest grade of the peerage in Great Britain b : a nobleman on the continent of Europe of varying rank c : a member of the lowest order of nobility in Japan
3 : a joint of meat consisting of two sirloins or loins and legs not cut apart at the backbone <a baron of beef>
4 : a man who possesses great power or influence in some field of activity <a cattle baron>

baronage
n. : the whole body of barons or peers : NOBILITY 2

baroness
n. 1 : the wife or widow of a baron
2 : a woman who holds a baronial title in her own right

baronet
n. : the holder of a rank of honor below a baron and above a knight

baronetage
n. 1 : BARONETCY
2 : the whole body of baronets

baronetcy
n. : the rank of a baronet

barong
: a thick-backed thin-edged knife or sword used by the Moros

baronial
adj. 1 : of or relating to a baron or the baronage
2 : STATELY, AMPLE <a baronial room>

barony
n. 1 : the domain, rank, or dignity of a baron
2 : a vast private landholding
3 : a field of activity under the sway of an individual or a special group

baroque
n. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension
2 : characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance
3 : irregularly shaped ― used of gems <a baroque pearl>
–ba·roque·ly adverb

baroque
n. : the baroque style or the period in which it flourished

baroreceptor
n. : a sensory nerve ending especially in the walls of large arteries (as the carotid sinus) that is sensitive to changes in blood pressure

barotrauma
n. : injury of a body part or organ as a result of changes in barometric pressure

Barotseland
region W Zambia; formerly a protectorate

barouche
n. : a four-wheeled carriage with a driver's seat high in front, two double seats inside facing each other, and a folding top over the back seat

Barozzi
Giacomo ― see VIGNOLA

barque
n. variant of bark, barkentine

barquette
: a small boat-shaped pastry shell

Barquisimeto
city NW Venezuela pop 602,622

Barr body
: a densely staining inactivated condensed X chromosome that is present in each somatic cell of most female mammals and is used as a test of genetic femaleness (as in a fetus) ― called also sex chromatin

barrack
v. 1 : a building or set of buildings used especially for lodging soldiers in garrison
2 a : a structure resembling a shed or barn that provides temporary housing b : housing characterized by extreme plainness or dreary uniformity ― usually used in plural in all senses

barrack
v. : to lodge in barracks

barrack
v. transitive verb chiefly British : to shout at derisively or sarcastically
intransitive verb
1 chiefly Australian : ROOT, CHEER ― usually used with for
2 chiefly British : JEER, SCOFF
–bar·rack·er noun

barracks bag
: a fabric bag for carrying personal equipment especially : DUFFEL BAG

barracoon
n. : an enclosure or barracks formerly used for temporary confinement of slaves or convicts ― often used in plural

barracouta
n. : a large elongate marine bony fish (Thyrsites atun of the family Gempylidae) used for food and caught commercially in the waters off New Zealand and southern Australia

barracuda
n. 1 : any of a genus (Sphyraena of the family Sphyraenidae) of elongate predaceous often large bony fishes of warm seas that includes food and sport fishes as well as some forms frequently causing ciguatera poisoning
2 : one that uses aggressive, selfish, and sometimes unethical methods to obtain a goal especially in business

barrage
n. : a dam placed in a watercourse to increase the depth of water or to divert it into a channel for navigation or irrigation

barrage
n. 1 : artillery fire laid on a line close to friendly troops to screen and protect them
2 : a vigorous or rapid outpouring or projection of many things at once <a barrage of protests>

barrage
n. : to deliver a barrage against

barrage balloon
: a small captive balloon used to support wires or nets as protection against air attacks

barramundi
n. : a catadromous bony fish (Lates calcarifer of the family Centropomidae) with a greenish-bronze back and silvery sides that is found from the Persian Gulf to southern China and Australia and is valued as a sport and food fish

barranca
n. 1 : a deep gully or arroyo with steep sides
2 : a steep bank or bluff

Barranquilla
city & port N Colombia on the Magdalena pop 1,018,800

Barranquitas
city cen Puerto Rico pop 28,909

barrator
n. : one who engages in barratry

barratry
n. 1 : the purchase or sale of office or preferment in church or state
2 : an unlawful act or fraudulent breach of duty by a master of a ship or by the mariners to the injury of the owner of the ship or cargo
3 : the persistent incitement of litigation

barre
n. : BAR 1C

barred
adj. : marked by or divided off by bars especially : having alternate bands of different color <a barred feather>

barred owl
: a large No. American owl (Strix varia) with brown eyes and bars of dark brown on the breast

barrel
n. 1 : a round bulging vessel of greater length than breadth that is usually made of staves bound with hoops and has flat ends of equal diameter
2 a : the amount contained in a barrel especially : the amount (as 31 gallons of fermented beverage or 42 gallons of petroleum) fixed for a certain commodity used as a unit of measure b : a great quantity
3 : a drum or cylindrical part: as a : the discharging tube of a gun b : the part of a fountain pen or of a pencil containing the ink or lead c : a cylindrical or tapering housing containing the optical components of a photographic-lens system and the iris diaphragm d : the fuel outlet from the carburetor on a gasoline engine
4 : the trunk of a quadruped
–bar·reled \-əld\ adjective
–on the barrel : asking for or granting no credit
–over a barrel : at a disadvantage : in an awkward position

barrel
n. transitive verb : to put or pack in a barrel
intransitive verb : to move at a high speed or without hesitation

barrel
n. over a barrel
on the barrel
barrel cactus
barrel chested
barrel cuff
barrel organ
barrel racing
barrel racer
barrel race
barrel roll
barrel vault
barrel vaulted
cracker barrel
double barrel
lock stock and barrel
pork barrel
tumbling barrel
double barreled

barrel cactus
: any of a genus (Ferocactus) of nearly globular deeply ribbed spiny cacti of Mexico and the adjacent U.S. also : any of several similar cacti (genus Echinocactus)

barrel cuff
: an unfolded cuff (as on a shirt) usually fastened by a button

barrel organ
: an instrument for producing music by the action of a revolving cylinder studded with pegs on a series of valves that admit air from a bellows to a set of pipes

barrel racing
: a rodeo event for women in which a mounted rider makes a series of sharp turns around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern
–barrel race noun
–barrel racer noun

barrel roll
: an airplane maneuver in which a complete revolution about the longitudinal axis is made

barrel vault
: a semicylindrical vault
–bar·rel-vault·ed \-ˌvȯl-təd\ adjective

barrel-chested
: having a large rounded chest <a barrel-chested athlete>

barrelage
: amount (as of beer) in barrels

barrelful
n. 1 : as much or as many as a barrel will hold
2 : a large number or amount <a barrelful of laughs>

barrelhead
n. : the flat end of a barrel
–on the barrelhead : asking for or granting no credit <paid cash on the barrelhead>

barrelhouse
n. 1 : a cheap drinking and usually dancing establishment
2 : a strident, uninhibited, and forcefully rhythmic style of jazz or blues

barren
adj. 1 : not reproducing: as a : incapable of producing offspring ― used especially of females or matings b : not yet or not recently pregnant c : habitually failing to fruit
2 : not productive: as a : producing little or no vegetation : DESOLATE <barren deserts> b : producing inferior crops <barren soil> c : unproductive of results or gain : FRUITLESS <a barren scheme>
3 : DEVOID, LACKING ― used with of <barren of excitement>
4 : lacking interest or charm <a barren routine>
5 : lacking inspiration or ideas <a barren mind>
synonyms see BARE
–bar·ren·ly adverb
–bar·ren·ness \-ə(n)-nəs\ noun

barren
adj. 1 plural : an extent of usually level land having an inferior growth of trees or little vegetation
2 : a tract of barren land

Barren Grounds
treeless plains N Canada W of Hudson Bay

Barres
n. Auguste-Maurice 1862-1923 Fr. nov. & polit.

barrette
n. : a clip or bar for holding hair in place

barricade
n. 1 : to block off or stop up with a barricade <barricade a street>
2 : to prevent access to by means of a barricade

barricade
n. 1 : an obstruction or rampart thrown up across a way or passage to check the advance of the enemy
2 : BARRIER 3, OBSTACLE
3 plural : a field of combat or dispute

barricado
archaic : BARRICADE
–barricado transitive verb archaic

Barrie
n. Sir James Matthew 1860-1937 Scot. nov. & dram.

Barrie
n. city Canada in SE Ont. pop 103,710

barrier
n. 1 a : something material that blocks or is intended to block passage <highway barriers> <a barrier contraceptive> b : a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action <geographic barriers to species dissemination> <barrier beaches> <drugs that cross the placental barrier>
2 plural often capitalized : a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them
3 : something immaterial that impedes or separates : OBSTACLE <behavioral barriers> <trade barriers>

barrier
n. barrier island
barrier reef
blood brain barrier
Jersey barrier
sonic barrier
sound barrier
vapor barrier
Great Barrier Reef

barrier island
: a long broad sandy island lying parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds and that protects the shore from the effects of the ocean

barrier reef
: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it usually by a lagoon

barring
prep. : excluding by exception : EXCEPTING

barrio
n. 1 : a ward, quarter, or district of a city or town in a Spanish-speaking country
2 : a Spanish-speaking quarter or neighborhood in a city or town in the U.S. especially in the Southwest

barrister
n. : a counsel admitted to plead at the bar and undertake the public trial of causes in an English superior court ― compare SOLICITOR

barroom
n. : a room or establishment whose main feature is a bar for the sale of liquor

Barros
João de ca 1496-1570 Port. hist.

Barrow
n. Isaac 1630-1677 Eng. math. & theol.

barrow
n. 1 : MOUNTAIN, MOUND ― used only in the names of hills in England
2 : a large mound of earth or stones over the remains of the dead : TUMULUS

barrow
n. : a male hog castrated before sexual maturity

barrow
n. 1 a : HANDBARROW b : WHEELBARROW
2 : a cart with a shallow box body, two wheels, and shafts for pushing it

barrow
n. barrow boy
Barrow Point
Barrow in Furness

barrow boy
British : COSTERMONGER

Barrow, Point
most northerly point of Alaska & of the U.S., at ab 71°23′30˝N, 156°28′30˝W

Barrow-in-Furness
port NW England in S Cumbria pop 71,900

Barry
n. Jeanne Bécu 1743-1793 Comtesse du Barry mistress of Louis XV of France

Barry
n. Philip 1896-1949 American dram.

Barrymore
family of American actors: Maurice 1847-1905 orig. Herbert Blythe; his wife Georgiana Emma 1854-1893 dau. of John Drew; their children Lionel 1878-1954, Ethel 1879-1959, & John Blythe 1882-1942

Bart
n. baronet

Bart
n. Jean 1650-1702 Fr. naval hero

bartender
n. : a person who serves drinks at a bar
–bar·tend \'bär-ˌtend\ intransitive verb

barter
n. intransitive verb : to trade by exchanging one commodity for another
transitive verb : to trade or exchange by or as if by bartering
–bar·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

barter
n. 1 : the act or practice of carrying on trade by bartering
2 : the thing given in exchange in bartering

Barth
John Simmons 1930-     American author

Barth
Karl 1886-1968 Swiss theol.
–Barth·ian \'bär-tē-ən, -thē-\ adjective

Bartholdi
Frédéric-Auguste 1834-1904 Fr. sculptor

Bartholin's gland
: either of two oval racemose glands lying one to each side of the lower part of the vagina and secreting a lubricating mucus ― compare COWPER'S GLAND

Bartholomew
n. 1940-     Dimitrios Archontonis archbishop of Constantinople and ecumenical patriarch (1991-    )

bartizan
n. : a small structure (as a turret) projecting from a building and serving especially for lookout or defense

Bartlesville
city NE Okla. pop 34,748

Bartlett
n. : a pear that has yellowish-green or sometimes red skin and whitish flesh and is the principal commercially produced pear in the U.S.

Bartlett
n. John 1820-1905 American publisher & editor

Bartlett
n. 1 village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 36,706
2 city SW Tenn. pop 40,543

Bartok
n. Bé·la \'bā-lə\ 1881-1945 Hung. composer

Bartolommeo
n. Fra 1472-1517 Baccio della Porta Florentine painter

Barton
n. Clara 1821-1912 in full Clarissa Harlowe Barton founder of American Red Cross Society

Bartram
John 1699-1777 American botanist

Bartram
William 1739-1823 son of John American naturalist

Baru
volcano 11,400 ft (3475 m) Panama near Costa Rican border

Baruch
n. : a homiletic book included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table

Baruch
n. Bernard Man·nes \'ma-nəs\ 1870-1965 American businessman & statesman

barware
: glassware or utensils used in preparing and serving alcoholic beverages

baryon
n. : any of a group of subatomic particles (as nucleons) that are subject to the strong force and are composed of three quarks
–bary·on·ic \ˌber-ē-'ä-nik, ˌba-rē-\ adjective

Baryshnikov
Mikhail 1948-     American (Latvian-born) ballet dancer

barytes
n. chiefly British variant of barite

barytone
n. variant of baritone

BAS
1 bachelor of applied science
2 bachelor of arts and sciences

BAS
a bas
à bas
bas mitzvah
bas relief
de haut en bas
bas mitzvahing
bas mitzvahed

bas mitzvah

Usage:

often cap B&M

variant of bat mitzvah

bas-relief
: sculptural relief in which the projection from the surrounding surface is slight and no part of the modeled form is undercut also : sculpture executed in bas-relief

basal
adj. 1 a : relating to, situated at, or forming the base b : arising from the base of a stem <basal leaves>
2 a : of or relating to the foundation, base, or essence : FUNDAMENTAL b : of, relating to, or being essential for maintaining the fundamental vital activities of an organism : MINIMAL <a basal diet> c : used for teaching beginners <basal readers>
–ba·sal·ly adverb

basal
adj. basal body
basal granule
basal cell
basal ganglion
basal nucleus
basal metabolic rate
basal metabolism

basal body
: a minute distinctively staining cell organelle found at the base of a flagellum or cilium and identical to a centriole in structure ― called also basal granule kinetosome

basal cell
: one of the innermost cells of the deeper epidermis of the skin

basal ganglion
: any of four deeply placed masses of gray matter (as the amygdala) in each cerebral hemisphere ― called also basal nucleus

basal metabolic rate
: the rate at which heat is given off by an organism at complete rest

basal metabolism
: the turnover of energy in a fasting and resting organism using energy solely to maintain vital cellular activity, respiration, and circulation as measured by the basal metabolic rate

basalt
n. : a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite
–ba·sal·tic \bə-'sȯl-tik\ adjective

bascule
n. : an apparatus or structure (as a drawbridge) in which one end is counterbalanced by the other on the principle of the seesaw or by weights

base
n. 1 a (1) : the lower part of a wall, pier, or column considered as a separate architectural feature (2) : the lower part of a complete architectural design b : the bottom of something considered as its support : FOUNDATION c (1) : a side or face of a geometrical figure from which an altitude can be constructed especially : one on which the figure stands (2) : the length of a base d : that part of a bodily organ by which it is attached to another more central structure of the organism
2 a : a main ingredient <paint having a latex base> b : a supporting or carrying ingredient (as of a medicine)
3 a : the fundamental part of something : GROUNDWORK, BASIS b : the economic factors on which in Marxist theory all legal, social, and political relations are formed
4 : the lower part of a heraldic field
5 a : the starting point or line for an action or undertaking b : a baseline in surveying c : a center or area of operations: as (1) : the place from which a military force draws supplies (2) : a place where military operations begin (3) : a permanent military installation d (1) : a number (as 5 in 56.44 or 5^7) that is raised to a power especially : the number that when raised to a power equal to the logarithm of a number yields the number itself <the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2 since 10^2 = 100> (2) : a number equal to the number of units in a given digit's place that for a given system of writing numbers is required to give the numeral 1 in the next higher place <the decimal system uses a base of 10> also : such a system of writing numbers using an indicated base <convert from base 10 to base 2> (3) : a number that is multiplied by a rate or of which a percentage or fraction is calculated <to find the interest on $90 at 10 percent multiply the base 90 by .10> e : ROOT 6
6 a : the starting place or goal in various games b : any one of the four stations at the corners of a baseball infield c : a point to be considered <his opening remarks touched every base>
7 a : any of various typically water-soluble and bitter tasting compounds that in solution have a pH greater than 7, are capable of reacting with an acid to form a salt, and are molecules or ions able to take up a proton from an acid or able to give up an unshared pair of electrons to an acid b : any of the five purine or pyrimidine bases of DNA and RNA that include cytosine, guanine, adenine, thymine, and uracil
8 : a price level at which a security previously declining in price resists further decline
9 : the part of a transformational grammar that consists of rules and a lexicon and generates the deep structures of a language
–based \'bāst\ adjective
–base·less \'bā-sləs\ adjective
–off base
1 : WRONG, MISTAKEN <estimates were way off base>
2 : UNAWARES <caught off base by the charges>

base
n. 1 : to make, form, or serve as a base for
2 : to find a base or basis for ― usually used with on or upon

base
n. 1 archaic : of little height
2 obsolete : low in place or position
3 obsolete : BASS
4 archaic : BASEBORN
5 a : resembling a villein : SERVILE <a base tenant> b : held by villenage <base tenure>
6 a : being of comparatively low value and having relatively inferior properties (as lack of resistance to corrosion) <a base metal such as iron> ― compare NOBLE b : containing a larger than usual proportion of base metals <base silver denarii>
7 a : lacking or indicating the lack of higher qualities of mind or spirit : IGNOBLE b : lacking higher values : DEGRADING <a drab base way of life>
–base·ly adverb
–base·ness noun
synonyms BASE, LOW, VILE mean deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values. BASE stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness <base motives>. LOW may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety <refused to listen to such low talk>. VILE the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth <a vile remark>.

base
n. air base
off base
base angle
base exchange
base hit
BASE jumping
BASE jumper
base on balls
base pair
base path
base pay
base runner
extra base hit
first base
power base
prisoner's base
second base
tax base
third base
touch base
zero base
zero based

base angle
: either of the angles of a triangle that have one side in common with the base

base exchange
: a post exchange at a naval or air force base

base hit
: a hit in baseball that enables the batter to reach base safely without benefit of an error or fielder's choice

BASE jumping
: the activity or sport of parachuting from a high structure (as a building, tower, or bridge) or cliff
–BASE jumper noun

base on balls

1884
: an advance to first base awarded a baseball player who during a turn at bat takes four pitches that are balls

base pair
: one of the pairs of nucleotide bases on complementary strands of nucleic acid that consist of a purine on one strand joined to a pyrimidine on the other strand by hydrogen bonds holding together the two strands much like the rungs of a ladder and that include adenine linked to thymine in DNA or to uracil in RNA and guanine linked to cytosine in both DNA and RNA

base path
: the area between the bases of a baseball field used by a base runner

base pay
: a rate or amount of pay for a standard work period, job, or position exclusive of additional payments or allowances

base runner
: a baseball player of the team at bat who is on base or is attempting to reach a base
–base·run·ning noun

base-pair
: to participate in formation of a base pair <adenine base-pairs with thymine>

baseball
n. : a game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players each on a large field having four bases that mark the course a runner must take to score also : the ball used in this game

baseball cap
: a cap of the kind worn by baseball players that has a rounded crown and a long visor

baseboard
n. : a board situated at or forming the base of something specifically : a molding covering the joint of a wall and the adjoining floor

baseborn
adj. 1 : MEAN, IGNOBLE
2 a : of humble birth b : of illegitimate birth

Basel
n. 1 former canton NW Switzerland, now divided into two half cantons: Ba·sel-Land \'bä-zəl-ˌlänt\ (capital Liestal area 165 sq mi or 429 sq km, pop 261,400) & Ba·sel-Stadt \-ˌshtät\ (capital Basel area 14 sq mi or 36 sq km, pop 186,700)
2 city NW Switzerland capital of Basel-Stadt pop 164,850

baseline
n. 1 : a line serving as a basis especially : one of known measure or position used (as in surveying or navigation) to calculate or locate something
2 a : either of the lines on a baseball field that lead from home plate to first base and third base and are extended into the outfield as foul lines b : BASE PATH
3 : a boundary line at either end of a court (as in tennis or basketball)
4 : a usually initial set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control
5 : a starting point <the baseline of this discussion>

baseliner
n. : a tennis player who stays on or near the baseline and seldom moves to the net

baseman
n. first baseman
second baseman
third baseman

basement
n. 1 : the part of a building that is wholly or partly below ground level
2 : the ground floor facade or interior in Renaissance architecture
3 : the lowest or fundamental part of something specifically : the rocks underlying stratified rocks
4 chiefly New England : a toilet or washroom especially in a school
–base·ment·less \-ləs\ adjective

basement membrane
: a thin membranous layer of connective tissue that separates a layer of epithelial cells from the underlying lamina propia

basenji
n. : any of a breed of small curly-tailed dogs of African origin that do not bark

baseplate
n. : a plate that serves as a base or support

bases
n. plural of base or of basis

bash
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike violently : HIT also : to injure or damage by striking : SMASH ― often used with in
2 : to attack physically or verbally <media bashing> <celebrity bashing>
intransitive verb : CRASH
–bash·er noun

bash
n. 1 : a forceful blow
2 : a festive social gathering : PARTY
3 chiefly British : TRY, ATTEMPT <have a bash at it>

Bashan
region in ancient Palestine E & NE of Sea of Galilee

bashaw
n. variant of pasha

bashful
adj. 1 : socially shy or timid : DIFFIDENT, SELF-CONSCIOUS
2 : resulting from or typical of a bashful nature <a bashful smile>
synonyms see SHY
–bash·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–bash·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Bashi Channel
strait bet. Philippines & Taiwan

Bashkortostan
autonomous republic E Russia in Europe in S Ural Mountains capital Ufa area 55,443 sq mi (143,597 sq km), pop 4,008,000

Basho
n. ― see MATSUO

BASIC
adj. : a simplified high-level language for programming a computer

basic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or forming the base or essence : FUNDAMENTAL <basic truths> b : concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied <basic research>
2 : constituting or serving as the basis or starting point <a basic set of tools>
3 a : of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base b : having an alkaline reaction
4 : containing relatively little silica <basic rocks>
5 : relating to, made by, used in, or being a process of making steel done in a furnace lined with basic material and under basic slag
–ba·sic·i·ty \bā-'si-sə-tē\ noun

basic
adj. 1 : something that is basic : FUNDAMENTAL <get back to basics>
2 : BASIC TRAINING

basic
adj. airman basic
basic slag
basic training

basic slag
: a slag low in silica and high in base-forming oxides that is used in the basic process of steelmaking and that is subsequently useful as a fertilizer

basic training
: the initial period of training of a military recruit

basically
adv. 1 a : at a basic level : in fundamental disposition or nature <basically correct> <basically, they are simple people> b : for the most part <they basically play zone defense>
2 : in a basic manner : SIMPLY <live basically>

basidiomycete
n. : any of a group of higher fungi that have septate hyphae and spores borne on a basidium, that include rusts, smuts, mushrooms, and puffballs, and that are variously considered to comprise a class (Basidiomycetes), a subdivision (Basidiomycotina), or a division (Basidiomycota)
–ba·sid·io·my·ce·tous \-dē-ō-ˌmī-'sē-təs\ adjective

basidiospore
n. : a spore produced by a basidium

basidium
n. : a structure on a basidiomycete in which karyogamy occurs followed by meiosis to form usually four basidiospores

Basie
William 1904-1984 Count Basie American bandleader & pianist

basify
: to convert into a base or make alkaline
–ba·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌbā-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

Basil
n. Saint ca 329-379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea

basil
n. 1 : any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family especially : SWEET BASIL
2 : the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning

Basilan
1 island Philippines SW of Mindanao area 495 sq mi (1287 sq km)
2 city comprising Basilan Is. and several small nearby islands

basilar
adj. : of, relating to, or situated at the base

basilar membrane
: a membrane extending from the bony shelf of the cochlea to the outer wall and supporting the organ of Corti

Basildon
n. town SE England in Essex pop 157,500

Basilian
adj. : a member of the monastic order founded by St. Basil in the fourth century in Cappadocia
–Basilian adjective

basilica
n. 1 : an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly
2 : an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and a large high transept from which an apse projects
3 : a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges
–ba·sil·i·can \-kən\ adjective

Basilicata
region S Italy on Gulf of Taranto capital Potenza pop 604,807

basilisk
n. 1 : a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance
2 : any of several crested tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus of the family Iguanidae) related to the iguanas and noted for their ability to run on their hind legs

basilisk
n. : suggesting a basilisk : BALEFUL, SPELLBINDING <the eyes⋯with all their blaze of basilisk horror ― Bram Stoker>

basin
n. 1 a : an open usually circular vessel with sloping or curving sides used typically for holding water for washing b chiefly British : a bowl used especially in cooking c : the quantity contained in a basin
2 a : a dock built in a tidal river or harbor b : an enclosed or partly enclosed water area
3 a : a large or small depression in the surface of the land or in the ocean floor b : the entire tract of country drained by a river and its tributaries c : a great depression in the surface of the lithosphere occupied by an ocean
4 : a broad area of the earth beneath which the strata dip usually from the sides toward the center
–ba·sin·al \-sən-əl\ adjective
–ba·sined \-sənd\ adjective
–ba·sin·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

basin
n. Dzungarian Basin
slop basin
Annapolis Basin
Basin Ranges
Donets Basin
Foxe Basin
Great Basin
Great Basin National Park
Kane Basin
Kuznetsk Basin
Minas Basin

Basin Ranges
― see GREAT BASIN

basinet
n. : a light typically pointed steel helmet often having a visor

basipetal
adj. : proceeding from the apex toward the base or from above downward <basipetal maturation of an inflorescence>
–ba·sip·e·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

basis
n. 1 : the bottom of something considered as its foundation
2 : the principal component of something
3 a : something on which something else is established or based b : an underlying condition or state of affairs <hired on a trial basis> <on a first-name basis>
4 : the basic principle
5 : a set of linearly independent vectors in a vector space such that any vector in the vector space can be expressed as a linear combination of them with appropriately chosen coefficients

basis point
: one hundredth of one percent (as in the yield of an investment)

bask
v. intransitive verb
1 : to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere
2 : to take pleasure or derive enjoyment <basked in the spotlight>
transitive verb obsolete : to warm by continued exposure to heat

Baskerville
John 1706-1775 Eng. typographer

basket
n. 1 a : a receptacle made of interwoven material (as osiers) b : any of various lightweight usually wood containers c : the quantity contained in a basket
2 : something that resembles a basket especially in shape or use
3 a : a net open at the bottom and suspended from a metal ring that constitutes the goal in basketball b : a field goal in basketball
4 a : an aggregate of values (as of selected currencies) the average of which serves as a monetary standard b : a selection of financial instruments (as equities, futures, or options) the values of which reflect market fluctuations
5 : a ring around the lower end of a ski pole that keeps the pole from sinking too deep in snow
–bas·ket·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

basket
n. wastepaper basket
basket case
basket catch
basket hilt
basket hilted
Basket Maker
basket of gold
basket star
basket weave
market basket
pollen basket
Venus's flower basket
Venus flower basket

basket case
1 : a person who has all four limbs amputated
2 : a person who is mentally incapacitated or worn out (as from nervous tension) also : one that is not functioning well or is in a run-down condition <an economic basket case>

basket catch
: a catch of a fly ball made with the glove held palm up at waist level

basket hilt
: a hilt with a basket-shaped guard to protect the hand
–bas·ket-hilt·ed \ˌbas-kit-'hil-təd\ adjective

Basket Maker
: any of three stages of an ancient culture of the plateau area of southwestern U.S. also : a member of the people who produced the Basket Maker culture

basket star
: any of various brittle stars with slender complexly branched interlacing arms

basket weave
: a textile weave resembling the checkered pattern of a plaited basket also : something resembling this weave

basket-of-gold
: a European perennial herb (Aurinia saxatilis syn. Alyssum saxatile) of the mustard family widely cultivated for its grayish foliage and yellow flowers

basketball
n. : a usually indoor court game between two teams of usually five players each who score by tossing an inflated ball through a raised goal also : the ball used in this game

basketballer
: a basketball player

basketful
n. : as much or as many as a basket will hold also : a considerable quantity

basketry
n. 1 : BASKETWORK
2 : the art or craft of making baskets or objects woven like baskets

basketwork
n. : objects produced by basketry

Baskin
Leonard 1922-2000 American sculptor & graphic artist

basking shark
: a large plankton-feeding shark (Cetorhinus maximus) that has an oil-rich liver and may attain a length of up to 45 feet (13.7 meters)

basmati rice
: a cultivated aromatic long-grain rice originating in southern Asia ― called also basmati

basophil
n. : a basophilic substance or structure especially : a white blood cell containing basophilic granules that is similar in function to a mast cell

basophilia
n. 1 : tendency to stain with basic dyes
2 : an abnormal condition in which some tissue element has increased basophilia

basophilic
adj. : staining readily with basic stains

Basotho
n. : a Bantu-speaking people of Lesotho also : a member of this people

Basque
n. 1 : a member of a people inhabiting the western Pyrenees on the Bay of Biscay
2 : the language of the Basques of unknown relationship
3 not capitalized : a tight-fitting bodice for women
–Basque adjective

Basque Country
autonomous region N Spain on Bay of Biscay consisting of provinces of Álava, Guipúzcoa, & Vizcaya

Basra
city & port S Iraq on Shatt al Arab pop 310,950

bass
n. : any of numerous edible marine or freshwater bony fishes (esp. families Centrarchidae, Serranidae, and Percichthyidae of the order Perciformes)

bass
n. 1 : deep or grave in tone
2 a : of low pitch b : relating to or having the range or part of a bass

bass
n. 1 a : the lowest voice part in a 4-part chorus b : the lower half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range ― compare TREBLE c : the lowest adult male singing voice also : a person having this voice d : a member of a family of instruments having the lowest range especially : DOUBLE BASS
2 : a deep or grave tone : a low-pitched sound

bass
n. 1 : BASSWOOD 1
2 : a coarse tough fiber from palms

bass
n. figured bass
warmouth bass
bass clef
bass drum
bass fiddle
bass horn
bass viol
black bass
calico bass
channel bass
double bass
ground bass
kelp bass
largemouth bass
largemouth black bass
rock bass
sea bass
smallmouth bass
smallmouth black bass
string bass
striped bass
white bass
white sea bass
Bass Strait

bass clef
1 : a clef placing the F below middle C on the fourth line of the staff
2 : the bass staff

bass drum
: a large drum having two heads and giving a booming sound of low indefinite pitch ― see DRUM illustration

bass fiddle
: DOUBLE BASS

bass horn
: an obsolete wind instrument shaped like a bassoon but with a cup-shaped mouthpiece

Bass Strait
strait separating Tasmania & continent of Australia

bass viol
1 : VIOLA DA GAMBA
2 : DOUBLE BASS

Basse-Terre
1 island French West Indies constituting the W part of Guadeloupe area 364 sq mi (946 sq km)
2 town & port capital of Guadeloupe pop 14,107

Bassein
city S Myanmar W of Yangon pop 126,045

basset hound
: any of an old breed of short-legged hunting dogs of French origin having very long ears and a short smooth coat ― called also basset

Basseterre
n. town & port Brit. West Indies capital of St. Kitts Is. & of St. Kitts-Nevis state pop 14,725

bassinet
n. : a baby's basketlike bed (as of wickerwork or plastic) often with a hood over one end

bassist
n. : a person who plays an acoustic or electric bass

basso
n. 1 : a bass singer especially : an operatic bass
2 : a low deep voice

basso
n. basso profundo
basso profundos
basso relievo
basso rilievo

basso profundo
: a deep heavy bass voice with an exceptionally low range also : a person having this voice

basso-relievo
: BAS-RELIEF

bassoon
n. : a double-reed woodwind instrument having a long U-shaped conical tube connected to the mouthpiece by a thin metal tube and a usual range two octaves lower than that of the oboe
–bas·soon·ist \-'sü-nist\ noun

basswood
n. 1 : any of several New World lindens especially : LINDEN 1B
2 : the straight-grained soft white wood of a basswood

bast
n. 1 : PHLOEM
2 : BAST FIBER

bast fiber
: a strong woody fiber obtained chiefly from the phloem of plants and used especially in cordage, matting, and fabrics

bastard
n. 1 : an illegitimate child
2 : something that is spurious, irregular, inferior, or of questionable origin
3 a : an offensive or disagreeable person ― used as a generalized term of abuse b : MAN, FELLOW
–bas·tard·ly adjective

bastard
n. 1 : ILLEGITIMATE
2 : of mixed or ill-conceived origin <known for coining bastard words>
3 : of abnormal shape or irregular size
4 : of a kind similar to but inferior to or less typical than some standard
5 : lacking genuineness or authority : FALSE

bastard wing
: ALULA

bastardise
v. British variant of bastardize

bastardize
v. 1 : to reduce from a higher to a lower state or condition : DEBASE
2 : to declare or prove to be a bastard
3 : to modify especially by introducing discordant or disparate elements
–bas·tard·i·za·tion \ˌbas-tər-də-'zā-shən\ noun

bastardy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being a bastard : ILLEGITIMACY
2 : the begetting of an illegitimate child

baste
v. : to sew with long loose stitches in order to hold something in place temporarily
–bas·ter noun

baste
v. : to moisten (as meat) at intervals with a liquid (as melted butter, fat, or pan drippings) especially during cooking
–bast·er noun

baste
v. 1 : to beat severely or soundly : THRASH
2 : to scold vigorously : BERATE

Bastia
city & port France on NE coast of Corsica pop 37,880

bastille
n. : PRISON, JAIL

Bastille Day
: July 14 observed in France as a national holiday in commemoration of the fall of the Bastille in 1789

bastinado
1 : a blow with a stick or cudgel
2 a : a beating especially with a stick b : a punishment consisting of beating the soles of the feet with a stick
3 : STICK, CUDGEL

bastinado
n. : to subject to repeated blows

basting
adj. 1 : the action of a sewer who bastes
2 a : the thread used in basting b : the stitching made by basting

basting
adj. 1 : the action of one that bastes food
2 : the liquid used in basting

basting
adj. : a severe beating

bastion
n. 1 : a projecting part of a fortification
2 : a fortified area or position
3 : STRONGHOLD 2 <the last bastion of academic standards ― American Scientist>
–bas·tioned \-chənd\ adjective

Bastogne
town SE Belgium in the Ardennes pop 13,739

Basuto
: BASOTHO

Basutoland
― see LESOTHO

BAT
n. bachelor of arts in teaching

bat
n. 1 : a stout solid stick : CLUB
2 : a sharp blow : STROKE
3 a : a usually wooden implement used for hitting the ball in various games b : a paddle used in various games (as table tennis) c : the short whip used by a jockey
4 a : BATSMAN, BATTER <a right-handed bat> b : a turn at batting ― usually used in the phrase at bat c : hitting ability <we need his bat in the lineup>
5 : BATT
6 British : rate of speed : GAIT
7 : BINGE
–off one's own bat
chiefly British : through one's own efforts
–off the bat : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <recognized him right off the bat>

bat
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike or hit with or as if with a bat
2 a : to advance (a base runner) by batting b : to have a batting average of
3 : to discuss at length : consider in detail
intransitive verb
1 a : to strike or hit a ball with a bat b : to take one's turn at bat
2 : to wander aimlessly

bat
n. : any of a widely distributed order (Chiroptera) of nocturnal usually frugivorous or insectivorous flying mammals that have wings formed from four elongated digits of the forelimb covered by a cutaneous membrane and that have adequate visual capabilities but often rely on echolocation

bat
n. : to wink especially in surprise or emotion <never batted an eye> also : FLUTTER <batted his eyelashes>

bat
n. at bat
off the bat
off one's own bat
bat eared fox
bat girl
bat mitzvah
bat out
bat ray
big brown bat
free tailed bat
fruit bat
fungo bat
go to bat for
little brown bat
vampire bat
bat mitzvahing
bat mitzvahed
batting average
batting cage

bat girl
: a girl or woman employed to look after the equipment (as bats) of a baseball team

bat mitzvah
1 : a Jewish girl who at 12 or more years of age assumes religious responsibilities
2 : the initiatory ceremony recognizing a girl as a bat mitzvah

bat mitzvah
: to administer the ceremony of bat mitzvah to

bat out
: to compose especially in a casual, careless, or hurried manner <batted out a first draft of the memo>

bat ray
: a stingray (Myliobatis californica) of coastal waters from Oregon to the Gulf of California having two long pectoral fins and a large protruding head

bat-eared fox
: a large-eared yellowish-gray fox (Otocyon megalotis) that inhabits arid unforested areas of eastern and southern Africa

Bata
city capital of Mbini, Equatorial Guinea pop 30,474

Bataan
peninsula Philippines in W Luzon on W side of Manila Bay

Batavia
n. 1 city NE Ill. N of Aurora pop 23,866
2 ― see JAKARTA
–Ba·ta·vi·an \-vē-ən\ adjective or noun

Batavian Republic
the Netherlands under the French (1795-1806)

batboy
: a boy employed to look after the equipment (as bats) of a baseball team

batch
n. 1 : the quantity baked at one time : BAKING
2 a : the quantity of material prepared or required for one operation specifically : a mixture of raw materials ready for fusion into glass b : the quantity produced at one operation c : a group of jobs (as programs) that are submitted for processing on a computer and whose results are obtained at a later time <batch processing> ― compare TIME-SHARING
3 : a quantity (as of persons or things) considered as a group

batch
n. : to bring together or process as a batch
–batch·er noun

batch
n. variant of bach

bate
v. transitive verb
1 : to reduce the force or intensity of : RESTRAIN <with bated breath>
2 : to take away : DEDUCT
3 archaic : to lower especially in amount or estimation
4 archaic : BLUNT
intransitive verb obsolete : DIMINISH, DECREASE

bate
v. of a falcon or hawk : to attempt to fly off something (as a gauntlet) in fear

bateau
n. : any of various small craft especially : a flat-bottomed boat with raked bow and stern and flaring sides

Bates
v. Katharine Lee 1859-1929 American poet & educ.

Batesian
: characterized by or being mimicry involving resemblance of an innocuous species to another that is protected from predators by repellent qualities (as unpalatability) <a Batesian mimic>

batfish
n. : any of several fishes with winglike processes especially : any of a family (Ogcocephalidae of the order Lophiiformes) of flattened pediculate bony fishes

batfowl
v. : to catch birds at night by blinding them with a light and knocking them down with a stick or netting them

Bath
n. city SW England in Somerset pop 79,900

bath
n. 1 : a washing or soaking (as in water or steam) of all or part of the body
2 a : water used for bathing b (1) : a contained liquid for a special purpose (2) : a receptacle holding the liquid c (1) : a medium for regulating the temperature of something placed in or on it (2) : a vessel containing this medium
3 a : BATHROOM b : a building containing an apartment or a series of rooms designed for bathing c : SPA 1 ― usually used in plural d British : SWIMMING POOL ― often used in plural
4 a : the quality or state of being covered with a liquid b : FLOOD 3
5 : BATHTUB
6 : a financial setback : LOSS <took a bath in the market>

bath
n. British : to give a bath to
intransitive verb British : to take a bath

bath
n. : an ancient Hebrew liquid measure corresponding to the ephah of dry measure

bath
n. bath chair
bath mat
bath salts
half bath
shower bath
sitz bath
stop bath
take a bath
Turkish bath
whirlpool bath
bathing beauty
bathing suit

bath chair
: a hooded and sometimes glassed wheeled chair used especially by invalids broadly : WHEELCHAIR

bath mat
: a usually washable mat used in a bathroom

bath salts
: a usually colored crystalline compound for perfuming and softening bathwater

bathe
n. transitive verb
1 : MOISTEN, WET
2 : to wash in a liquid (as water)
3 : to apply water or a liquid medicament to
4 : to flow along the edge of : LAVE
5 : to suffuse with or as if with light
intransitive verb
1 : to take a bath
2 : to go swimming
3 : to become immersed or absorbed
–bath·er \'bā-thər\ noun

bathe
n. 1 British : 1BATH 1
2 British : SWIM, DIP

bathetic
adj. : characterized by bathos
–ba·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

bathhouse
n. 1 : a building equipped for bathing
2 : a building containing dressing rooms for bathers

bathing beauty
: a woman in a bathing suit who is a contestant in a beauty contest

bathing suit
: SWIMSUIT

batholith
n. : a great mass of intruded igneous rock that for the most part stopped in its rise a considerable distance below the surface
–bath·o·lith·ic \ˌba-thə-'li-thik\ adjective

bathos
n. 1 a : the sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style b : ANTICLIMAX
2 : exceptional commonplaceness : TRITENESS
3 : insincere or overdone pathos : SENTIMENTALISM

bathrobe
n. : a loose often absorbent robe worn before and after bathing or as a dressing gown

bathroom
n. 1 : a room containing a bathtub or shower and usually a sink and toilet
2 : LAVATORY 2

bathtub
n. : a usually fixed tub for bathing

bathtub gin
: a homemade spirit concocted from raw alcohol, water, essences, and essential oils

Bathurst
― see BANJUL

Bathurst Island
island N Canada in Parry group

bathwater
n. : water for a bath

bathy
1 : deep : depth <bathyal>
2 : deep-sea <bathysphere>

bathyal
: of or relating to the ocean depths or floor usually from 600 to 6000 feet (180 to 1800 meters)

bathymetry
n. : the measurement of water depth at various places in a body of water also : the information derived from such measurements
–bathy·met·ric \ˌba-thi-'me-trik\ also bathy·met·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adjective
–bathy·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

bathypelagic
adj. : of, relating to, or living in the ocean depths especially between approximately 2000 and 12,000 feet (600 and 3600 meters)

bathyscaphe
n. : a navigable submersible for deep-sea exploration having a spherical watertight cabin attached to its underside

bathysphere
n. : a strongly built steel diving sphere for deep-sea observation

bathythermograph
: an instrument designed to record water temperature as a function of depth

batik
n. 1 : a fabric printed by an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed also : the method itself
2 : a design executed in batik

bating
v. archaic : with the exception of : EXCEPTING

Batista y Zaldivar
Fulgencio 1901-1973 Cuban soldier; pres. of Cuba (1940-44; 1952-59)

batiste
n. : a fine soft sheer fabric of plain weave made of various fibers

batman
n. : an orderly of a British military officer

baton
n. 1 : CUDGEL, TRUNCHEON specifically : BILLY CLUB
2 : a staff borne as a symbol of office
3 : a narrow heraldic bend
4 : a slender rod with which a leader directs a band or orchestra
5 : a hollow cylinder carried by each member of a relay team and passed to the succeeding runner
6 : a hollow metal rod with a weighted bulb at one or both ends that is flourished or twirled by a drum major or drum majorette

Baton Rouge
city capital of La. on Mississippi River pop 227,818

batrachian
n. : AMPHIBIAN 1 especially : FROG, TOAD
–batrachian adjective

bats
n. : BATTY 2

batsman
n. : a batter especially in cricket

batt
n. : BATTING 2 also : an often square piece of batting

battailous
archaic : ready for battle : WARLIKE

battalia
1 archaic : order of battle
2 obsolete : a large body of men in battle array

battalion
n. 1 : a considerable body of troops organized to act together : ARMY
2 : a military unit composed of a headquarters and two or more companies, batteries, or similar units
3 : a large group

Battani, al
ca 858-929 Al·ba·te·gni \ˌal-bə-'tān-yē\ or Al·ba·te·ni·us \-'tē-nē-əs\ Arab astron.

batteau
variant of bateau

battement
n. : a ballet movement in which the foot is extended in any direction usually followed by a beat against the supporting foot

batten
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to grow fat b : to feed gluttonously
2 : to grow prosperous especially at the expense of another ― usually used with on
transitive verb : FATTEN

batten
n. 1 a British : a piece of lumber used especially for flooring b : a thin narrow strip of lumber used especially to seal or reinforce a joint
2 : a strip, bar, or support resembling or used similarly to a batten (as in a sail)

batten
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish with battens
2 : to fasten with or as if with battens ― often used with down
intransitive verb : to make one secure by or as if by battens <battening down for the hurricane>
–batten down the hatches : to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation

batten down the hatches
to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation

batter
n. transitive verb
1 a : to beat with successive blows so as to bruise, shatter, or demolish b : BOMBARD
2 : to subject to strong, overwhelming, or repeated attack <battered by forces of change>
3 : to wear or damage by hard usage or blows <a battered old hat>
intransitive verb : to strike heavily and repeatedly : BEAT
synonyms see MAIM
–bat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

batter
n. 1 a : a mixture consisting chiefly of flour, egg, and milk or water and being thin enough to pour or drop from a spoon b : a mixture (as of flour and egg) used as a coating for food that is to be fried
2 : an instance of battering

batter
n. : to coat (food) with batter for frying

batter
n. : a receding upward slope of the outer face of a structure

batter
n. : to give a receding upward slope to (as a wall)

batter
n. : one that bats especially : the player whose turn it is to bat

batter
n. battered child syndrome
battered woman syndrome
battered women's syndrome
battered wife syndrome
battered woman's syndrome
battering ram

battered child syndrome
: the complex of physical injuries sustained by a grossly abused child

battered woman syndrome
: the highly variable symptom complex of physical and psychological injuries exhibited by a woman repeatedly abused especially physically by her mate ― called also battered woman's syndrome battered wife syndrome battered women's syndrome

batterie
n. : a ballet movement consisting of beating together the feet or calves of the legs during a leap

battering ram
1 : a military siege engine consisting of a large wooden beam with a head of iron used in ancient times to beat down the walls of a besieged place
2 : a heavy metal bar with handles used (as by firefighters) to batter down doors and walls

Battersea
former metropolitan borough SW London, England, on S bank of the Thames, now part of Wandsworth

battery
n. 1 a : the act of battering or beating b : an offensive touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent ― compare ASSAULT 2a
2 [Middle French batterie, from battre to beat] a : a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes b : the guns of a warship
3 : an artillery unit in the army equivalent to a company
4 a : a combination of apparatus for producing a single electrical effect b : a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current also : a single cell that furnishes electric current <a flashlight battery> c plural : level of energy or enthusiasm <needs a vacation to recharge her batteries>
5 a : a number of similar articles, items, or devices arranged, connected, or used together : SET, SERIES <a battery of tests> b : a usually impressive or imposing group : ARRAY
6 : the position of readiness of a gun for firing
7 : the pitcher and catcher of a baseball team

battery
n. alkaline battery
dry battery
solar battery
storage battery

batting
n. 1 a : the action of one who bats b : the use of or ability with a bat
2 : layers or sheets of raw cotton or wool or of synthetic fibrous material used for lining quilts or for stuffing or packaging also : a blanket of thermal insulation (as fiberglass)

batting average
1 : a ratio (as a rate per thousand) of base hits to official times at bat for a baseball player
2 : a record of achievement or accomplishment

batting cage
: a screen placed around the back and sides of the home plate area to stop baseballs during batting practice

battle
n. 1 archaic : BATTALION
2 : a combat between two persons
3 : a general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft
4 : an extended contest, struggle, or controversy <a battle of wits>

battle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to engage in battle : FIGHT
2 : to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources : STRUGGLE
transitive verb
1 : to fight or struggle against
2 : to force (as one's way) by battling
–bat·tler \-lər, 'ba-təl-ər\ noun

battle
n. archaic : to fortify with battlements

battle
n. battle ax
battle axe
battle cruiser
battle cry
battle dress uniform
battle fatigue
battle fatigued
battle line
battle royal
battle royals
order of battle
pitched battle
Battle Creek
battles royal

Battle Creek
city S Mich. pop 53,364

battle cruiser
: a large heavily armed warship that is lighter, faster, and more maneuverable than a battleship

battle cry
: WAR CRY

battle dress uniform
: a military uniform for field service

battle fatigue
: COMBAT FATIGUE
–bat·tle-fa·tigued adjective

battle line
1 : a line along which a battle is fought
2 : a line defining the positions of opposing groups in a conflict or controversy ― usually used in plural <battle lines were drawn over economic policies>

battle royal
1 a : a fight participated in by more than two combatants especially : one in which the last man in the ring or on his feet is declared the winner b : a violent struggle
2 : a heated dispute

battle-ax
1 : a broadax formerly used as a weapon of war
2 : a usually older woman who is sharp-tongued, domineering, or combative

battlefield
n. 1 : a place where a battle is fought
2 : an area of conflict

battlefront
n. : the military sector in which actual combat takes place

battleground
n. : BATTLEFIELD

battlement
n. : a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration
–bat·tle·ment·ed \-ˌmen-təd\ adjective

battleship
n. : a warship of the largest and most heavily armed and armored class

battlewagon
n. : BATTLESHIP

battu
of a ballet movement : performed with a striking together of the legs

battue
n. : the beating of woods and bushes to flush game also : a hunt in which this procedure is used

batty
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a bat
2 : mentally unstable : CRAZY
–bat·ti·ness noun

Batumi
city & port SW Republic of Georgia on Black Sea capital of Ajaria pop 137,500

bauble
n. 1 : TRINKET 1
2 : a fool's scepter
3 : something of trifling appeal

Baucis
: the wife of Philemon

baud
n. : a variable unit of data transmission speed (as one bit per second)

Baudelaire
n. Charles-Pierre 1821-1867 Fr. poet
–Bau·de·lair·ean also Bau·de·lair·ian \-ē-ən\ adjective

Baudouin
1930-1993 king of Belgium (1951-93)

Bauhaus
n. : of, relating to, or influenced by a school of design noted especially for a program that synthesized technology, craftsmanship, and design aesthetics

bauhinia
: any of a genus (Bauhinia) of leguminous vines, shrubs, and trees of the legume family that grow in tropical and subtropical regions and include some that are grown especially for their fragrant orchid-like flowers

baulk
n. chiefly British variant of balk

Baum
n. L(yman) Frank 1856-1919 American journalist & writer

Baum
n. Vicki 1888-1960 orig. Hedwig Baum American (Austrian-born) nov.

baum marten
: the pelt or fur of the European marten (Martes martes)

Baume
n. : being, calibrated in accordance with, or according to either of two arbitrary hydrometer scales for liquids lighter than water or for liquids heavier than water that indicate specific gravity in degrees

Baume
n. Antoine 1728-1804 Fr. chem.

Bautzen
city E Germany on the Spree ENE of Dresden pop 47,131

bauxite
n. : an impure mixture of earthy hydrous aluminum oxides and hydroxides that is the principal source of aluminum
–baux·it·ic \bȯk-'si-tik, bäk-\ adjective

Bav
Bavaria; Bavarian

Bavaria
n. state SE Germany bordering on Austria & the Czech Republic capital Munich area 27,239 sq mi (70,549 sq km), pop 11,448,800

Bavarian
adj. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Bavaria
2 : the High German dialect of southern Bavaria and Austria
–Bavarian adjective

Bavarian cream
: flavored custard or pureed fruit combined with gelatin and whipped cream

bawbee
n. 1 : any of various Scottish coins of small value
2 : an English halfpenny

bawcock
archaic : a fine fellow

bawd
n. 1 obsolete : PANDER
2 a : one who keeps a house of prostitution : MADAM b : PROSTITUTE

bawdry
n. 1 obsolete : UNCHASTITY
2 : suggestive, coarse, or obscene language

bawdy
adj. 1 : OBSCENE, LEWD
2 : boisterously or humorously indecent
–bawd·i·ly \'bȯ-də-lē\ adverb
–bawd·i·ness \'bȯ-dē-nəs\ noun

bawdy
adj. : BAWDRY 2

bawdy house
: BORDELLO

bawl
v. intransitive verb
1 : to cry out loudly and unrestrainedly
2 : to cry loudly : WAIL
transitive verb : to cry out at the top of one's voice
–bawl·er noun

bawl
v. : a loud prolonged cry : OUTCRY

bawl out
: to reprimand loudly or severely

Baxter
Richard 1615-1691 Eng. Puritan scholar & writer

bay
n. : reddish brown <a bay mare>

bay
n. 1 : a bay-colored animal specifically : a horse with a bay-colored body and black mane, tail, and points ― compare CHESTNUT 4 1SORREL 1
2 : a reddish brown

bay
n. 1 : a principal compartment of the walls, roof, or other part of a building or of the whole building
2 : a main division of a structure
3 : any of various compartments or sections used for a special purpose (as in an airplane, spacecraft, or service station) <a bomb bay> <a cargo bay>
4 : BAY WINDOW 1
5 : a support or housing for electronic equipment

bay
n. intransitive verb
1 : to bark with prolonged tones <dogs baying at the moon>
2 : to cry out : SHOUT
transitive verb
1 : to bark at
2 : to bring to bay
3 : to pursue with barking
4 : to utter in deep prolonged tones

bay
n. 1 : a baying of dogs
2 : the position of one unable to retreat and forced to face danger <brought his quarry to bay>
3 : the position of one checked <police kept the rioters at bay>

bay
n. 1 : an inlet of the sea or other body of water usually smaller than a gulf
2 : a small body of water set off from the main body
3 : any of various terrestrial formations resembling a bay of the sea

bay
n. 1 a : LAUREL 1 b : any of several shrubs or trees (as the red bay or sweet bay) resembling the laurel ― compare BAY RUM
2 a : a garland or crown especially of laurel given as a prize for victory or excellence b : HONOR, FAME ― usually used in plural

bay
n. Dublin Bay prawn
sweet bay
bay leaf
bay rum
bay scallop
Bay Stater
bay window
Chesapeake Bay retriever
Cleveland bay
red bay
sick bay
Advent Bay
Algoa Bay
Aransas Bay
Baffin Bay
Bantry Bay
Barataria Bay
Barnegat Bay
Bay City
Bengal Bay of
Biscay Bay of
Biscayne Bay
Botafogo Bay
Botany Bay
Bristol Bay
Buzzards Bay
Campeche Bay of
Cam Ranh Bay
Cape Cod Bay
Cardigan Bay
Casco Bay
Chaleur Bay
Chesapeake Bay
Chincoteague Bay
Colwyn Bay
Coos Bay
Delagoa Bay
Delaware Bay
Dingle Bay
Donegal Bay
Dvina Bay
False Bay
Fonseca Bay
Frobisher Bay
Fundy Bay of
Geelvink Bay
Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Glacier Bay
Grand Traverse Bay
Green Bay
Guanabara Bay
Hawke Bay
Hudson Bay
Humboldt Bay
Ise Bay
Jamaica Bay
James Bay
Jervis Bay
Kaneohe Bay
Kealakekua Bay
Korea Bay
Mahone Bay
Massachusetts Bay
Matagorda Bay
Montego Bay
Moreton Bay
Mossel Bay
Mutsu Bay
Narragansett Bay
New York Bay
North Bay
Ormoc Bay
Palm Bay
Passamaquoddy Bay
Pigs Bay of
Placentia Bay
Plenty Bay of
Port Phillip Bay
Prudhoe Bay
Put in Bay
Quinte Bay of
Saginaw Bay
Saldanha Bay
Sarera Bay
Shark Bay
Suisun Bay
Suruga Bay
Table Bay
Thunder Bay
Tillamook Bay
Turtle Bay
Unalaska Bay
Ungava Bay
Walvis Bay
Whales Bay of
Willapa Bay
Winyah Bay
Yakutat Bay

Bay City
city E Mich. near head of Saginaw Bay pop 36,817

bay leaf
: the dried leaf of the European laurel (Laurus nobilis) used in cooking

bay rum
: a fragrant cosmetic and medicinal liquid distilled from the leaves of a West Indian bay tree (Pimenta racemosa) of the myrtle family or usually prepared from essential oils, alcohol, and water

bay scallop
: a scallop (Argopecten irradians) of U.S. coastal and estuarine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico that is harvested commercially for food

Bay Stater
: a native or resident of Massachusetts ― used as a nickname

bay window
1 : a window or series of windows forming a bay in a room and projecting outward from the wall
2 : POTBELLY 1

bayadere
n. : a fabric with horizontal stripes in strongly contrasted colors

Bayamon
city NE cen Puerto Rico pop 224,004

Bayard
n. Pierre Terrail ca 1473-1524 Seigneur de Bayard Fr. mil. hero

bayberry
n. 1 : any of several wax myrtles especially : a hardy shrub (Myrica pensylvanica) of coastal eastern No. America bearing dense clusters of small berries covered with grayish-white wax
2 : the fruit of a bayberry

Bayes' theorem
: a theorem about conditional probabilities: the probability that an event A occurs given that another event B has already occurred is equal to the probability that the event B occurs given that A has already occurred multiplied by the probability of occurrence of event A and divided by the probability of occurrence of event B

Bayesian
adj. : being, relating to, or involving statistical methods that assign probabilities or distributions to events (as rain tomorrow) or parameters (as a population mean) based on experience or best guesses before experimentation and data collection and that apply Bayes' theorem to revise the probabilities and distributions after obtaining experimental data

Bayeux
town NW France WNW of Caen pop 14,961

Baykal, Lake
― see BAIKAL (Lake)

Bayle
Pierre 1647-1706 Fr. philos. & critic

bayman
: a person and especially a fisherman who lives or works on or about a bay

bayonet
n. : a steel blade attached at the muzzle end of a shoulder arm (as a rifle) and used in hand-to-hand combat

bayonet
n. transitive verb
1 : to stab with a bayonet
2 : to compel or drive by or as if by the bayonet
intransitive verb : to use a bayonet

Bayonne
city & port NE N.J. pop 61,842

Bayonne
city SW France on the Adour near Bay of Biscay pop 40,113

bayou
n. 1 : a creek, secondary watercourse, or minor river that is tributary to another body of water
2 : any of various usually marshy or sluggish bodies of water

Bayreuth
n. city Germany in Bavaria NE of Nuremberg pop 72,777

Bayt Lahm
― see BETHLEHEM 2

Baytin
― see BETHEL

Baytown
city SE Tex. on Galveston Bay pop 66,430

bazaar
n. 1 : a market (as in the Middle East) consisting of rows of shops or stalls selling miscellaneous goods
2 a : a place for the sale of goods b : DEPARTMENT STORE
3 : a fair for the sale of articles especially for charitable purposes

bazooka
n. : a light portable antitank weapon consisting of an open-breech smoothbore firing tube that launches an armor-piercing rocket and is fired from the shoulder

BB
n. 1 : a shot pellet 0.18 inch in diameter for use in a shotgun cartridge
2 : a shot pellet 0.175 inch in diameter for use in an air gun

BB
n. 1 bachelor of business
2 ball bearing
3 base on balls
4 blue book
5 B'nai B'rith

BBA
bachelor of business administration

BBB
Better Business Bureau

BBC
British Broadcasting Corporation

BBE
bachelor of business education

bbl
barrel; barrels

BBQ
n. barbecue

BBS
n. bulletin board system

BC
n. 1 before Christ ― often printed in small capitals and often punctuated
2 British Columbia

BCD
: a system of writing numbers in which each decimal digit is represented by its 4-digit binary equivalent <51 in BCD is 0101 0001>

BCD
bad conduct discharge

BCE
1 bachelor of chemical engineering
2 bachelor of civil engineering
3 before the Christian Era ― often punctuated; before the Common Era ― often punctuated

bcf
billion cubic feet

BCG vaccine
: a vaccine prepared from a living attenuated strain of tubercle bacilli and used to vaccinate human beings against tuberculosis ― called also BCG

BCh
bachelor of chemistry

BChE
bachelor of chemical engineering

BCL
1 bachelor of canon law
2 bachelor of civil law

BCN
beacon

BCS
1 bachelor of chemical science
2 bachelor of commercial science

BD
1 bachelor of divinity
2 bank draft
3 bills discounted
4 bomb disposal
5 brought down

bd
1 barrels per day
2 board
3 bound
4 boundary
5 bundle

bd ft
board foot

bdellium
n. : a gum resin similar to myrrh obtained from various trees (genus Commiphora) of the East Indies and Africa

bdl
bundle

bdrm
bedroom

BDU
battle dress uniform

BE
n. 1 bachelor of education
2 bachelor of engineering
3 bill of exchange
4 Black English

Be
n. beryllium

be
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : SYMBOLIZE <God is love> <January is the first month> <let x be 10> b : to have identity with <the first person I met was my brother> c : to constitute the same class as d : to have a specified qualification or characterization <the leaves are green> e : to belong to the class of <the fish is a trout> ― used regularly in senses 1a through 1e as the copula of simple predication
2 a : to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : LIVE <I think, therefore I am> b : to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position <the book is on the table> c : to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted ― used only in infinitive form <let him be> d : to take place : OCCUR <the concert was last night> e : to come or go <has already been and gone> <has never been to the circus> f archaic : BELONG, BEFALL
verbal auxiliary
1 ― used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive-voice auxiliary <the money was found> <the house is being built>
2 ― used as the auxiliary of the present participle in progressive tenses expressing continuous action <he is reading> <I have been sleeping>
3 ― used with the past participle of some intransitive verbs as an auxiliary forming archaic perfect tenses <Christ is risen from the dead ― 1 Cor 15:20(DV)>
4 ― used with the infinitive with to to express futurity, arrangement in advance, or obligation <I am to interview him today> <she was to become famous>

be
n. 1 : on : around : over <bedaub> <besmear>
2 : to a great or greater degree : thoroughly <befuddle> <berate>
3 : excessively : ostentatiously ― in intensive verbs formed from simple verbs <bedeck> and in adjectives based on adjectives ending in -ed <beribboned>
4 : about : to : at : upon : against : across <bestride> <bespeak>
5 : make : cause to be : treat as <belittle> <befool> <befriend>
6 : call or dub especially excessively <bedoctor>
7 : affect, afflict, treat, provide, or cover with especially excessively <bedevil> <befog>

be
n. glory be
be all and end all
far be it from
fit to be tied
be friends with
be oneself
to be sure
to be
would be
what is it
as is
that is to say
where one is at
who is who
for all one is worth
who was who
as it were
human being
ill being
Supreme Being
for the time being
well being
been around
has been

be friends with
to have a friendship or friendly relationship with

be oneself
to conduct oneself in a usual or fitting manner

be-all and end-all
1 : prime cause : essential element
2 : TOTALITY 1

beach
n. 1 : shore pebbles : SHINGLE
2 a : a shore of a body of water covered by sand, gravel, or larger rock fragments b : a seashore area

beach
n. 1 : to run or drive ashore
2 : to strand on or as if on a beach

beach
n. beach ball
beach buggy
beach flea
beach grass
beach pea
beach plum
beach towel
free beach
Boynton Beach
Daytona Beach
Deerfield Beach
Delray Beach
Huntington Beach
Imperial Beach
Laguna Beach
Long Beach
Manhattan Beach
Miami Beach
Myrtle Beach
Newport Beach
North Miami Beach
Omaha Beach
Ormond Beach
Palm Beach Gardens
Pompano Beach
Redondo Beach
Riviera Beach
Round Lake Beach
Seal Beach
Virginia Beach
West Palm Beach

beach ball
: a large inflated ball for use at the beach

beach buggy
: DUNE BUGGY

beach flea
: SAND FLEA 2

beach grass
: any of several tough strongly rooted grasses that grow on exposed sandy shores especially : any of a genus (Ammophila) of rhizomatous perennials widely planted to bind sandy slopes

beach pea
: a wild pea (Lathyrus japonicus syn. L. maritimus) having tough roots and purple flowers that is found along sandy shores

beach plum
: a shrubby plum (Prunus maritima) having white flowers and growing chiefly along the northeastern coast of No. America also : its edible usually dark purple fruit that is used especially in preserves

beach towel
: a very large usually brightly colored towel designed for use at the beach

beachboy
: a male beach attendant (as at a club or hotel)

beachcomber
n. 1 : a white man living as a drifter or loafer especially on the islands of the So. Pacific
2 : a person who searches along a shore (as for salable refuse or for seashells)
–beach·comb \-ˌkōm\ verb

beachfront
adj. : a strip of land that fronts a beach

beachgoer
: a person who frequently goes to the beach

beachhead
n. 1 : an area on a hostile shore occupied to secure further landing of troops and supplies
2 : FOOTHOLD

beachside
adj. : located at a beach <beachside property>

beachwear
n. : clothing for wear at a beach

beachy
1 : covered with pebbles or shingle
2 : characterized by beaches <a beachy island>

Beachy Head
headland SE England on coast of E. Sussex

beacon
n. 1 : a signal fire commonly on a hill, tower, or pole
2 a : a lighthouse or other signal for guidance b : a radio transmitter emitting signals for guidance of aircraft
3 : a source of light or inspiration

beacon
n. : to shine as a beacon
transitive verb : to furnish with a beacon

beacon
n. radar beacon
radio beacon
Brecon Beacons

Beaconsfield
Earl of ― see Benjamin DISRAELI

bead
n. 1 a obsolete : PRAYER ― usually used in plural b plural : a series of prayers and meditations made with a rosary
2 : a small piece of material pierced for threading on a string or wire (as in a rosary)
3 plural a : ROSARY b : a necklace of beads or pearls
4 : a small ball-shaped body: as a : a drop of sweat or blood b : a bubble formed in or on a beverage c : a small metal knob on a firearm used as a front sight d : a blob or a line of weld metal
5 : a projecting rim, band, or molding
6 : a precise knowledge or understanding ― used in such phrases as get a bead on

bead
n. 1 : to furnish, adorn, or cover with beads or beading
2 : to string together like beads
intransitive verb : to form into a bead
–bead·er noun

bead
n. draw a bead on
love beads
prayer beads
worry beads

beading
n. 1 : a beaded molding
2 : material or a part or a piece consisting of a bead
3 : an openwork trimming
4 : BEADWORK

beadle
n. : a minor parish official whose duties include ushering and preserving order at services and sometimes civil functions

beadroll
n. 1 : a list of names : CATALOG
2 : ROSARY

beadsman
n. archaic : one who prays for another

beadwork
n. 1 : ornamental work in beads
2 : joinery beading

beady
adj. 1 a : resembling beads b : small, round, and shiny with interest or greed <beady eyes>
2 : marked by bubbles or beads <a beady liquor>
–bead·i·ly \'bē-də-lē\ adverb

beagle
n. : any of a breed of small short-legged smooth-coated often black, white, and tan hounds

beak
n. 1 a : the bill of a bird especially : a strong short broad bill b (1) : the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (as the true bugs) (2) : any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle) c : the human nose
2 : a pointed structure or formation: a : a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship b : the spout of a vessel c : a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris ― see MOLDING illustration d : a process suggesting the beak of a bird
3 chiefly British a : MAGISTRATE b : HEADMASTER
–beaked \'bēkt\ adjective
–beaky \'bē-kē\ adjective

beaked whale
: any of a widely distributed family (Ziphiidae) of medium-sized toothed whales that have an elongated snout and a small dorsal fin

beaker
n. 1 : a large drinking cup that has a wide mouth and is sometimes supported on a standard
2 : a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories

beam
n. 1 a : a long piece of heavy often squared timber suitable for use in construction b : a wood or metal cylinder in a loom on which the warp is wound c : the part of a plow to which handles, standard, and coulter are attached d : the bar of a balance from which scales hang e : one of the principal horizontal supporting members (as of a building or ship) <a steel beam supporting a floor> also : BOOM, SPAR <the beam of a crane> f : the extreme width of a ship at the widest part g : an oscillating lever on a central axis receiving motion at one end from an engine connecting rod and transmitting it at the other
2 a : a ray or shaft of light b : a collection of nearly parallel rays (as X rays) or a stream of particles (as electrons) c : a constant directional radio signal transmitted for the guidance of pilots also : the course indicated by a radio beam
3 : the main stem of a deer's antler
4 : the width of the buttocks
–on the beam
1 : following a guiding beam
2 : proceeding or operating correctly

beam
n. 1 : to emit in beams or as a beam
2 : to support with beams
3 a : to transmit especially by satellite : BROADCAST b : to transmit (data) electronically c : to direct to a particular audience
intransitive verb
1 : to send out beams of light
2 : to smile with joy

beam
n. balance beam
on the beam
beam ends
on her beam ends
beam sea
beam splitter
high beam
I beam
low beam
sealed beam
warp beam

beam sea
: a sea whose surface motion is approximately at a right angle to the course of a vessel

beam splitter
: a mirror or prism or a combination of the two that is used to divide a beam of radiation into two or more parts

beam-ends
: the ends of a ship's beams
–on her beam-ends : inclined so much on one side that the beams approach a vertical position

beamish
: beaming and bright with optimism, promise, or achievement <a beamish boy>
–beam·ish·ly adverb

beamy
adj. 1 : emitting beams of light : RADIANT
2 : broad in the beam <a beamy cargo ship>

bean
n. 1 a : BROAD BEAN b : the seed of any of various erect or climbing plants (as of the genera Phaseolus and Vigna) of the legume family other than the broad bean c : a plant bearing beans d : an immature bean pod used as a vegetable
2 a : a valueless item b plural : the least amount <didn't know beans about it>
3 : any of various seeds or fruits that resemble beans or bean pods <coffee beans> also : a plant producing these
4 a plural : EXUBERANCE ― used in the phrase full of beans b plural : NONSENSE, BUNKUM ― used in the phrase full of beans
5 : HEAD, BRAIN
6 : a protuberance on the upper mandible of waterfowl ― see DUCK illustration

bean
n. : to strike (a person) on the head with an object

bean
n. azuki bean
cocoa bean
cacao bean
soya bean
bean curd
adzuki bean
bean counter
bean sprouts
bean thread
black bean
broad bean
fava bean
butter bean
Calabar bean
cannellini bean
castor bean
French bean
garbanzo bean
great northern bean
green bean
jack bean
jelly bean
jequirity bean
jumping bean
kidney bean
lima bean
locust bean
Mexican bean beetle
Mexican jumping bean
moth bean
mung bean
navy bean
pea bean
pinto bean
pole bean
red bean
runner bean
scarlet runner bean
shell bean
sieva bean
snap bean
string bean
tepary bean
tonka bean
turtle bean
vanilla bean
velvet bean
wax bean
white bean
winged bean
yard long bean
refried beans
spill the beans

bean counter
: a person involved in corporate or government financial decisions and especially one reluctant to spend money

bean curd
: TOFU

bean sprouts
: the sprouts of bean seeds especially of the mung bean used as a vegetable

bean thread
: CELLOPHANE NOODLE

beanbag
n. 1 : a cloth bag partially filled typically with dried beans and used as a toy
2 : any of various pellet-filled bags used as furniture (as a chair) or household articles (as an ashtray base)

beanball
n. : a pitch thrown at a batter's head

beanery
n. : RESTAURANT

beanie
n. : a small round tight-fitting skullcap

beano
n. British : a noisy festive celebration

beano
n. : BINGO

beanpole
n. 1 : a pole up which bean vines may climb
2 : a tall thin person

Bear
n. river 350 mi (563 km) N Utah, SW Wyo., & SE Idaho flowing to Great Salt Lake

bear
n. 1 or plural bear : any of a family (Ursidae of the order Carnivora) of large heavy mammals of America and Eurasia that have long shaggy hair, rudimentary tails, and plantigrade feet and feed largely on fruit, plant matter, and insects as well as on flesh
2 : a surly, uncouth, burly, or shambling person <a tall, friendly bear of a man>
3 [probably from the proverb about selling the bearskin before catching the bear] : one that sells securities or commodities in expectation of a price decline ― compare BULL
4 : something difficult to do or deal with <the oven is a bear to clean>
–bear·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

bear
n. transitive verb
1 a : to move while holding up and supporting b : to be equipped or furnished with c : BEHAVE, CONDUCT <bearing himself well> d : to have as a feature or characteristic <bears a likeness to her grandmother> e : to give as testimony <bear false witness> f : to have as an identification <bore the name of John> g : to hold in the mind or emotions <bear malice> h : DISSEMINATE i : LEAD, ESCORT j : RENDER, GIVE
2 a : to give birth to b : to produce as yield c (1) : to permit growth of (2) : CONTAIN <oil-bearing shale>
3 a : to support the weight of : SUSTAIN b : to accept or allow oneself to be subjected to especially without giving way <couldn't bear the pain> <I can't bear seeing you cry> c : to call for as suitable or essential <it bears watching> d : to hold above, on top, or aloft e : to admit of : ALLOW f : ASSUME, ACCEPT
4 : THRUST, PRESS
intransitive verb
1 : to produce fruit : YIELD
2 a : to force one's way b : to extend in a direction indicated or implied c : to be situated : LIE d : to become directed e : to go or incline in an indicated direction
3 : to support a weight or strain ― often used with up
4 a : to exert influence or force b : APPLY, PERTAIN ― often used with on or upon <facts bearing on the question>
–bear a hand : to join in and help out
–bear arms
1 : to carry or possess arms
2 : to serve as a soldier
–bear fruit : to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development
–bear in mind : to think of especially as a warning : REMEMBER
–bear with : to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with
synonyms BEAR, SUFFER, ENDURE, ABIDE, TOLERATE, STAND mean to put up with something trying or painful. BEAR usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking <forced to bear a tragic loss>. SUFFER often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing <suffering many insults>. ENDURE implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties <endured years of rejection>. ABIDE suggests acceptance without resistance or protest <cannot abide their rudeness>. TOLERATE suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful <refused to tolerate such treatment>. STAND emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching <unable to stand teasing>.

bear
n. koala bear
water bear
bear with
bear in mind
bear fruit
bear arms
bear a hand
bear claw
bear down
bear down on
bear grass
bear hug
bear market
bear out
bear up
black bear
bring to bear
brown bear
cave bear
Great Bear
grizzly bear
Kodiak bear
Little Bear
polar bear
sloth bear
spectacled bear
sun bear
teddy bear
the traffic will bear
woolly bear
Bear Mountain
Great Bear Lake
White Bear Lake
full bore
ball bearing
bearing rein
roller bearing
side bearing
born again
foreign born
to the manner born
to the manor born
self born
twice born
tick borne
wind borne
wood boring

bear a hand
to join in and help out

bear arms

1 : to carry or possess arms
2 : to serve as a soldier

bear claw
: a filled pastry that is cut and fanned to resemble a bear's foot

bear down
: OVERCOME, OVERWHELM
intransitive verb : to exert full strength and concentrated attention
–bear down on
1 : EMPHASIZE
2 : to weigh heavily on : BURDEN

bear down on

1 : EMPHASIZE
2 : to weigh heavily on : BURDEN

bear fruit
to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development

bear grass
: any of several plants (genera Yucca, Nolina, or Xerophyllum) of the lily or agave families chiefly of the southern and western U.S. with foliage resembling coarse blades of grass

bear hug
: a rough tight embrace

bear in mind
to think of especially as a warning : REMEMBER

bear market
: a market in which securities or commodities are persistently declining in value ― compare BULL MARKET

Bear Mountain
mountain 1305 ft (398 m) SE N.Y. on the Hudson

bear out
: CONFIRM, SUBSTANTIATE <a theory borne out by data>

bear up
: SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE
intransitive verb : to summon up courage, resolution, or strength <bearing up under the strain>

bear with
to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with

bear-hug
: to embrace in a bear hug

bearable
adj. : capable of being borne
–bear·abil·i·ty \ˌber-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–bear·ably \-blē\ adverb

bearbaiting
n. : the practice of setting dogs on a chained bear

bearberry
n. : a trailing evergreen plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) of the heath family with astringent foliage and red berries

Beard
n. Charles Austin 1874-1948 & his wife Mary 1876-1958 née Ritter American historians

Beard
n. Daniel Carter 1850-1941 American painter, illustrator, & organizer of Boy Scouts in U.S.

beard
n. 1 : the hair that grows on a man's face often excluding the mustache
2 : a hairy or bristly appendage or tuft
3 : FRONT 7A
–beard·ed \'bir-dəd\ adjective
–beard·ed·ness noun
–beard·less \'bird-ləs\ adjective

beard
n. 1 : to confront and oppose with boldness, resolution, and often effrontery : DEFY
2 : to furnish with a beard

beard
n. old man's beard
spade beard
bearded collie
bearded iris
bearded seal
spade bearded

bearded collie
: any of a breed of large herding dogs of Scottish origin that have a long rough coat and drooping ears

bearded iris
: any of numerous wild or cultivated irises with a growth of short hairs on each fall

bearded seal
: a large arctic hair seal (Erignathus barbatus) with a tuft of long whiskers on each side of the muzzle

Beardmore
glacier Antarctica descending to Ross Ice Shelf at ab 170°E

Beardsley
n. Aubrey Vincent 1872-1898 Eng. illustrator
–Beards·ley·esque \ˌbirdz-lē-'yesk\ adjective

beardtongue
: PENSTEMON

bearer
n. : one that bears: as a : PORTER 1 b : a plant yielding fruit c : PALLBEARER d : one holding a check, draft, bond, or other order for payment especially if marked payable to bearer ― often used attributively <bearer bonds>

bearer
n. color bearer
live bearer
standard bearer
Water Bearer

bearing
n. 1 : the manner in which one bears or comports oneself
2 a : the act, power, or time of bringing forth offspring or fruit b : a product of bearing : CROP
3 a : an object, surface, or point that supports b : a machine part in which another part (as a journal or pin) turns or slides
4 : a figure borne on a heraldic field
5 : PRESSURE, THRUST
6 a : the situation or horizontal direction of one point with respect to another or to the compass b : a determination of position c plural : comprehension of one's position, environment, or situation d : RELATION, CONNECTION also : PURPORT
7 : the part of a structural member that rests on its supports
synonyms BEARING, DEPORTMENT, DEMEANOR, MIEN, MANNER, CARRIAGE mean the outward manifestation of personality or attitude. BEARING is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture <a woman of regal bearing>. DEPORTMENT suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training <your deportment was atrocious>. DEMEANOR suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior <the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter>. MIEN is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor <a mien of supreme self-satisfaction>. MANNER implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others <the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders>. CARRIAGE applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking <the kind of carriage learned at boarding school>.

bearing
n. ball bearing
bearing rein
roller bearing
side bearing

bearing rein
: CHECKREIN 1

bearish
adj. 1 : resembling a bear in build or in roughness, gruffness, or surliness <a bearish man>
2 a : marked by, tending to cause, or fearful of falling prices (as in a stock market) <bearish investors> b : PESSIMISTIC
–bear·ish·ly adverb
–bear·ish·ness noun

Bearn
region & former province SW France in Pyrenees SW of Gascony capital Pau

bearnaise sauce
: a sauce of egg yolks and butter flavored with shallots, wine, vinegar, and seasonings

bearskin
n. : an article made of the skin of a bear especially : a military hat made of the skin of a bear

Beas
river ab 300 mi (483 km) N India in the Punjab

Beas
on the bias
bias belted tire
bias crime
bias ply tire
bias tape

beast
n. 1 a : a four-footed mammal as distinguished from a human being, a lower vertebrate, and an invertebrate b : a lower animal as distinguished from a human being c : an animal as distinguished from a plant d : an animal under human control
2 : a contemptible person
3 : something formidably difficult to control or deal with

beast
n. beast epic
beast fable
beast of burden
black beast

beast epic
: a poem with epic conventions in which animals speak and act like human beings

beast fable
: a usually didactic prose or verse fable in which animals speak and act like human beings

beast of burden

1740
: an animal employed to carry heavy loads or to perform other heavy work (as pulling a plow)

beastie
n. : BEAST, ANIMAL, CRITTER

beastings
variant of beestings

beastly
adj. 1 : BESTIAL 1
2 : ABOMINABLE, DISAGREEABLE <beastly weather>
–beast·li·ness noun

beastly
adj. : VERY <a beastly cold day>

beat
transitive verb
1 : to strike repeatedly: a : to hit repeatedly so as to inflict pain ― often used with up b : to walk on : TREAD <beat the pavement looking for work> c : to strike directly against forcefully and repeatedly : dash against d : to flap or thrash at vigorously e : to strike at in order to rouse game also : to range over in or as if in quest of game f : to mix by stirring : WHIP ― often used with up g : to strike repeatedly in order to produce music or a signal <beat a drum>
2 a : to drive or force by blows <beat back his attackers> b : to pound into a powder, paste, or pulp c : to make by repeated treading or driving over <beat a path> d (1) : to dislodge by repeated hitting <beat dust from the carpet> (2) : to lodge securely by repeated striking <beat a stake into the ground> e : to shape by beating <beat swords into plowshares> especially : to flatten thin by blows f : to sound or express especially by drumbeat
3 : to cause to strike or flap repeatedly <a bird beating its wings>
4 a : OVERCOME, DEFEAT also : SURPASS ― often used with out b : to prevail despite <beat the odds> c : BEWILDER, BAFFLE <it beats me how she does it> d (1) : FATIGUE, EXHAUST (2) : to leave dispirited, irresolute, or hopeless e : CHEAT, SWINDLE
5 a (1) : to act ahead of usually so as to forestall (2) : to report a news item in advance of b : to come or arrive before c : CIRCUMVENT <beat the system> d : to outmaneuver (a defender) and get free e : to score against (a goalkeeper)
6 : to indicate by beating <beat the tempo>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become forcefully impelled : DASH b : to glare or strike with oppressive intensity c : to sustain distracting activity d : to beat a drum
2 a (1) : PULSATE, THROB (2) : TICK b : to sound upon being struck
3 a : to strike repeated blows <beating on the door> b : to strike the air : FLAP c : to strike cover in order to rouse game also : to range or scour for or as if for game
4 : to progress with much difficulty
5 : to sail to windward by a series of tacks
–beat·able \'bē-tə-bəl\ adjective
–beat about the bush or beat around the bush : to fail or refuse to come to the point in discourse
–beat a retreat : to leave in haste
–beat it
1 : to hurry away : SCRAM
2 : HURRY, RUSH
–beat one's brains out : to try intently to resolve something difficult by thinking
–beat the bushes : to search thoroughly through all possible areas
–beat the drum : to proclaim as meritorious or significant : publicize vigorously
–beat the pants off : to defeat or surpass overwhelmingly
–beat the rap : to escape or evade the penalties connected with an accusation or charge
–beat up on : to attack physically or verbally
–to beat the band : in a very energetic or forceful manner <talking away to beat the band>

beat
n. 1 a : a single stroke or blow especially in a series also : PULSATION, TICK b : a sound produced by or as if by beating c : a driving impact or force
2 : one swing of the pendulum or balance of a timepiece
3 a : a regularly traversed round <the cop on the beat> b : a group of news sources that a reporter covers regularly
4 a : a metrical or rhythmic stress in poetry or music or the rhythmic effect of these stresses b : the tempo indicated (as by a conductor) to a musical performer c : the pronounced rhythm that is the characteristic driving force in some types of music (as jazz or rock) also : 2ROCK 2
5 a : one that excels <I've never seen the beat of it> b : the reporting of a news story ahead of competitors
6 : DEADBEAT
7 a : an act of beating to windward b : one of the reaches so traversed : TACK
8 : each of the pulsations of amplitude produced by the union of sound or radio waves or electric currents having different frequencies
9 : an accented stroke (as of one leg or foot against the other) in dancing
10 : MOMENT <waited a beat before responding>
–beat·less \-ləs\ adjective

beat
n. 1 a : being in a state of exhaustion : EXHAUSTED b : sapped of resolution or morale
2 often capitalized : of, relating to, or being beatniks <beat poets>

beat
n. : BEATNIK

beat
n. beat around the bush
to beat the band
beat up on
beat the rap
beat the pants off
beat the drum
beat the bushes
beat one's brains out
beat it
beat a retreat
beat about the bush
beat off
beat out
beat up
big beat
break beat
miss a beat
world beat
beating reed
breast beating
beaten biscuit
weather beaten

beat a retreat
to leave in haste

beat about the bush
or beat around the bush : to fail or refuse to come to the point in discourse

beat it

1 : to hurry away : SCRAM
2 : HURRY, RUSH

beat off
: REPEL
intransitive verb usually vulgar : MASTURBATE ― used of a male

beat one's brains out
to try intently to resolve something difficult by thinking

beat out
1 : to make or perform by or as if by beating
2 : to mark or accompany by beating
3 : to turn (a routine ground ball or a bunt) into a hit in baseball by fast running to first base

beat the bushes
to search thoroughly through all possible areas

beat the drum
to proclaim as meritorious or significant : publicize vigorously

beat the pants off
to defeat or surpass overwhelmingly

beat the rap
to escape or evade the penalties connected with an accusation or charge

beat up on
to attack physically or verbally

beat-up
: DILAPIDATED, SHABBY

beaten
adj. 1 : hammered into a desired shape <beaten gold>
2 : much trodden and worn smooth also : FAMILIAR <a beaten path>
3 : being in a state of exhaustion : EXHAUSTED

beaten biscuit
: a biscuit whose dough is lightened by beating and folding

beater
n. 1 : one that beats: as a : EGGBEATER b : a rotary blade attached to an electric mixer c : DRUMSTICK 1
2 : one who strikes bushes or other cover to rouse game
3 : a dilapidated old automobile : CLUNKER

beatific
adj. 1 : of, possessing, or imparting beatitude
2 : having a blissful appearance <a beatific smile>
–be·atif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

beatific vision
: the direct knowledge of God enjoyed by the blessed in heaven

beatify
v. 1 : to make supremely happy
2 : to declare to have attained the blessedness of heaven and authorize the title “Blessed” and limited public religious honor
–be·at·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌa-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

beating
n. 1 : an act of striking with repeated blows so as to injure or damage also : the injury or damage thus inflicted
2 : PULSATION
3 : DEFEAT, SETBACK

beating reed
: a reed in a musical instrument that vibrates against the edges of an air opening (as in a clarinet or organ pipe) to which it is attached ― compare FREE REED

beatitude
n. 1 a : a state of utmost bliss b ― used as a title for a primate especially of an Eastern church
2 : any of the declarations made in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3-11) beginning in the AV “Blessed are”

beatnik
n. : a person who participated in a social movement of the 1950s and early 1960s which stressed artistic self-expression and the rejection of the mores of conventional society broadly : a usually young and artistic person who rejects the mores of conventional society

Beatrice
n. : a Florentine woman idealized in Dante's Vita Nuova and Divina Commedia

Beatrix
n. 1938-     queen of the Netherlands (1980-    )

Beattie
James 1735-1803 Scot. poet

beau
n. 1 : DANDY 1
2 : BOYFRIEND 2

beau
n. Beau Brummell
beau geste
beau gestes
beau ideal
beau ideals
beau monde
beau mondes
beaux gestes
beaux mondes
beaux arts
beaux yeux

Beau Brummell
: DANDY 1

beau geste
1 : a graceful or magnanimous gesture
2 : an ingratiating conciliatory gesture

beau ideal
: the perfect type or model

beau monde
: the world of high society and fashion

beaucoup
adj. slang : great in quantity or amount : MANY, MUCH <spent beaucoup dollars>

Beaufort
n. Sir Francis 1774-1857 Brit. admiral

Beaufort
n. Henry ca 1374-1447 Eng. cardinal & statesman

Beaufort
n. Beaufort scale
beaufort table
Beaufort Sea

Beaufort scale
: a scale in which the force of the wind is indicated by numbers from 0 to 12

see table...

Beaufort Sea
sea comprising the part of the Arctic Ocean NE of Alaska & NW of Canada

beaufort-table

Beauharnais, de
Fr. family including: Vicomte Alexandre 1760-1794 gen.; his wife Joséphine 1763-1814 later the 1st wife of Napoleon I; their son Eugène 1781-1824 prince of Eich·stätt \'īḵ-ˌshtet\; their daughter Hor·tense \ȯr-'täns\ 1783-1837 wife of Louis Bonaparte & mother of Napoleon III

Beaujolais
n. : a light fruity red burgundy wine made from the Gamay grape

Beaujolais nouveau
: a Beaujolais wine that is released shortly after a grape harvest and is sold for immediate consumption

Beaumarchais
Pierre-Augustin Caron de 1732-1799 Fr. dram. & businessman

Beaumaris
town NW Wales in Gwynedd on E Anglesey Is. on Beaumaris Bay pop 2088

Beaumont
n. Francis 1584-1616 Eng. dram.

Beaumont
n. William 1785-1853 American surgeon

Beaumont
n. city & port SE Tex. on the Neches pop 113,866

Beaune
n. commune E France SSW of Dijon pop 21,917

Beauport
city Canada in S Que. pop 72,813

Beauregard
Pierre Gustave Toutant 1818-1893 American Confed. gen.

Beausoleil
commune SE France N of Monaco pop 12,774

beaut
n. : BEAUTY 4

beaut
n. Australian & New Zealand : EXCELLENT 2

beauteous
adj. : BEAUTIFUL
–beau·te·ous·ly adverb
–beau·te·ous·ness noun

beautician
n. : COSMETOLOGIST

beautiful
adj. 1 : having qualities of beauty : exciting aesthetic pleasure
2 : generally pleasing : EXCELLENT
–beau·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–beau·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms BEAUTIFUL, LOVELY, HANDSOME, PRETTY, COMELY, FAIR mean exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure. BEAUTIFUL applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses <beautiful mountain scenery>. LOVELY is close to BEAUTIFUL but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite <a lovely melody>. HANDSOME suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance <a handsome Georgian mansion>. PRETTY often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness <a painter of conventionally pretty scenes>. COMELY is like HANDSOME in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to <the comely grace of a dancer>. FAIR suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness <fair of face>.

beautiful people
: wealthy or famous people whose lifestyle is usually expensive and well-publicized

beautify
v. transitive verb : to make beautiful or add beauty to : EMBELLISH
intransitive verb : to grow beautiful
synonyms see ADORN
–beau·ti·fi·ca·tion \byü-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–beau·ti·fi·er \'byü-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

beauty
n. 1 : the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit : LOVELINESS
2 : a beautiful person or thing especially : a beautiful woman
3 : a particularly graceful, ornamental, or excellent quality
4 : a brilliant, extreme, or egregious example or instance <that mistake was a beauty>
5 : BOTTOM 9

beauty
n. bathing beauty
beauty bush
beauty contest
beauty pageant
beauty part
beauty queen
beauty shop
beauty salon
beauty parlor
beauty spot
meadow beauty
Rome Beauty
Sleeping Beauty
spring beauty

beauty bush
: a Chinese shrub (Kolkwitzia amabilis) of the honeysuckle family with pinkish flowers and bristly fruit

beauty contest
1 : an assemblage of girls or women at which judges select the most beautiful ― called also beauty pageant
2 : a presidential primary election in which the popular vote does not determine the number of convention delegates a candidate receives

beauty part
: the most desirable or beneficial aspect of something

beauty queen
: a beautiful and glamorous woman or girl specifically : a winner of a beauty contest

beauty shop
: an establishment or department where hairdressing, facials, and manicures are done ― called also beauty parlor beauty salon

beauty spot
1 : 1PATCH 2
2 : NEVUS

beautyberry
: any of a genus (Callicarpa) of deciduous shrubs and trees of the vervain family that bear dense clusters of small usually purple berries and are often cultivated as ornamentals

Beauvais
commune N France NNW of Paris pop 55,371

Beauvoir, de
Simone 1908-1986 Fr. author

beaux arts
: FINE ARTS

beaux arts
: characterized by the use of historic forms, rich decorative detail, and a tendency toward monumental conception in architecture

beaux yeux
: beautiful eyes : beauty of face

Beaver
n. 1 river 280 mi (451 km) NW Okla. forming upper course of the N. Canadian
2 river 305 mi (491 km) Canada in Alta. & Sask. flowing E into the Churchill

beaver
n. 1 or plural beaver a : either of two large semiaquatic herbivorous rodents comprising a family (Castoridae including Castor canadensis of No. America and C. fiber of Eurasia), having webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail, and constructing dams and partially submerged lodges b : the fur or pelt of the beaver
2 a : a hat made of beaver fur or a fabric imitation b : SILK HAT
3 : a heavy fabric of felted wool or of cotton napped on both sides
4 usually vulgar : the pudenda of a woman

beaver
n. 1 : a piece of armor protecting the lower part of the face
2 : a helmet visor

beaver
n. : to work energetically <beavering away at the problem>

beaverboard
n. : a fiberboard used for partitions and ceilings

Beaverbrook
1st Baron 1879-1964 William Maxwell Aitken Brit. (Canad.-born) newspaper publisher

Beavercreek
city SW Ohio E of Dayton pop 37,984

Beaverhead Mountains
mountains on Idaho-Mont. boundary; SE part of Bitterroot Range of the Rockies ― see GARFIELD MOUNTAIN

beavertail
n. : a low-growing prickly pear cactus (Opuntia basilaris) of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico having large usually pink or red flowers

Beaverton
city NW Oreg. W of Portland pop 76,129

Bebel
August 1840-1913 Ger. Social Democrat leader & writer

bebop
n. : 3BOP 1
–be·bop·per noun

BEC
Bureau of Employees' Compensation

becalm
v. 1 a : to keep motionless by lack of wind b : to stop the progress of
2 : to make calm : SOOTHE

because
conj. 1 : for the reason that : SINCE <rested because he was tired>
2 : the fact that : THAT <the reason I haven't been fired is because my boss hasn't got round to it yet ― E. B. White>

because of
: by reason of : on account of

bechamel
n. : a rich white sauce

bechance
v. archaic : BEFALL

Bechar
commune NW Algeria SSE of Oran pop 107,311

beche-de-mer
1 plural bêche-de-mer or bêches-de-mer \ˌbesh-də-, ˌbe-shəz-, ˌbāsh-\ : TREPANG
2 capitalized B&M : any of several English-based pidgins spoken on islands of the western Pacific

Bechuanaland
1 region S Africa N of Orange River & including Kalahari Desert & Okavango Swamps
2 ― see BOTSWANA
3 or British Bechuanaland former Brit. colony in the region S of the Molopo; became part of Union of South Africa 1895
–Bech·u·a·na \ˌbech-'wä-nə, ˌbe-chə-\ adjective or noun

beck
n. British : CREEK 2

beck
n. archaic : BECKON

beck
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : BOW, CURTSY
2 a : a beckoning gesture b : SUMMONS, BIDDING
–at one's beck and call : ready to obey one's command immediately

Beckenham
former urban district SE England in Kent, now part of Bromley

Becker
Gary Stanley 1930-     American econ.

Becker muscular dystrophy
: a less severe form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy marked by later onset and slower progression of the disease ― called also Beck·er's muscular dystrophy \-kərz-\

Becket
n. Saint Thomas ca 1118-1170 Thomas à Becket archbishop of Canterbury (1162-70)

becket
n. : a device for holding something in place: as a : a grommet or a loop of rope with a knot at one end to catch in an eye at the other b : a ring of rope or metal c : a loop of rope (as for a handle)

Beckett
n. Samuel 1906-1989 Irish author in France
–Beck·ett·ian \be-'ke-tē-ən\ adjective

Beckford
William 1760-1844 Eng. author

beckon
v. intransitive verb
1 : to summon or signal typically with a wave or nod
2 : to appear inviting : ATTRACT <the frontier beckons>
transitive verb : to beckon to
–beckon noun

becloud
v. 1 : to obscure with or as if with a cloud
2 : to prevent clear perception or realization of : MUDDLE <prejudices that becloud his judgment>

become
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to come into existence b : to come to be <become sick>
2 : to undergo change or development
transitive verb : to be suitable to <seriousness becoming the occasion> especially : to be becoming to <her clothes become her>
–become of : to happen to <wondering whatever became of old friends>

become of
to happen to <wondering whatever became of old friends>

becoming
n. : SUITABLE, FITTING especially : attractively suitable <becoming modesty>
–be·com·ing·ly \-miŋ-lē\ adverb

Becquerel
n. family of Fr. physicists including: Antoine-César 1788-1878; his son Alexandre-Edmond 1820-1891; the latter's son Antoine-Henri 1852-1908

BEd
n. bachelor of education

bed
n. 1 a : a piece of furniture on or in which to lie and sleep b (1) : a place of sex relations (2) : marital relationship (3) : close association : CAHOOTS <a legislator in bed with lobbyists> c : a place for sleeping d : SLEEP also : a time for sleeping <took a walk before bed> e (1) : a mattress filled with soft material (2) : BEDSTEAD f : the equipment and services needed to care for one hospitalized patient or hotel guest
2 : a flat or level surface: as a : a plot of ground prepared for plants also : the plants grown in such a plot b : the bottom of a body of water especially : an area of sea bottom supporting a heavy growth of a particular organism <an oyster bed>
3 : a supporting surface or structure : FOUNDATION
4 : LAYER, STRATUM
5 a : the place or material in which a block or brick is laid b : the lower surface of a brick, slate, or tile
6 : a mass or heap resembling a bed <a bed of ashes> <served on a bed of lettuce>
–in bed : in the act of sexual intercourse

bed
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to find or make sleeping accommodations ― usually used with down <a place to bed down> b : to go to bed ― usually used with down <bed down at midnight>
2 : to form a layer
3 : to lie flat or flush
transitive verb
1 a : to furnish with a bed or bedding : settle in sleeping quarters ― often used with down b : to put, take, or send to bed
2 a : EMBED b : to plant or arrange in beds c : BASE, ESTABLISH
3 a : to lay flat or in a layer b : to make a bed in or of
4 : to have sexual intercourse with

bed
n. in bed
bed and breakfast
bed check
bed hop
bed molding
bed of roses
bed rest
bed sitter
bed sitting room
bed table
bed warmer
bed wetting
bed wetter
bunk bed
feather bed
field bed
filter bed
fluidized bed
fluid bed
go to bed with
Hollywood bed
Murphy bed
nail bed
oyster bed
procrustean bed
put to bed
sleigh bed
sofa bed
stake bed truck
test bed
truckle bed
trundle bed
twin bed
water bed
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

bed check
: a night inspection to check the presence of persons (as soldiers) required by regulations to be in bed or in quarters

bed molding
: the molding of a cornice below the corona and above the frieze also : a molding below a deep projection

bed of roses

1648
: a place or situation of agreeable ease

bed rest
: confinement of a sick person to bed

bed table
1 : an adjustable table used (as for eating or writing) by a person in bed
2 : a small table beside a bed

bed warmer
: a covered pan containing hot coals used to warm a bed

bed-and-breakfast
: an establishment (as an inn) offering lodging and breakfast

bed-hop
: SLEEP AROUND

bed-sitter
British : a one-room apartment serving as both bedroom and sitting room ― called also bedsit bed-sitting-room

bed-wetting
: enuresis especially when occurring in bed during sleep
–bed wetter noun

bedabble
v. archaic : to wet or soil by dabbling

bedaub
v. 1 : to daub over : BESMEAR
2 : to ornament with vulgar excess

bedazzle
v. 1 : to confuse by a strong light : DAZZLE
2 : to impress forcefully : ENCHANT
–be·daz·zle·ment \-mənt\ noun

bedbug
n. : a wingless bloodsucking hemipterous bug (Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

bedchamber
n. : BEDROOM

bedclothes
n. : the covering (as sheets and blankets) used on a bed

bedcover
n. 1 : BEDSPREAD
2 : BEDCLOTHES ― usually used in plural

bedded
v. : having a bed or beds of a specified kind or number ― used in combination <a twin-bedded room>

bedder
n. 1 : a bedding plant
2 : a person who makes up beds

bedding
n. 1 : BEDCLOTHES
2 : a bottom layer : FOUNDATION
3 : material to provide a bed for livestock
4 : STRATIFICATION

bedding
n. : suitable for planting in large groups in flower beds to produce a mass display <bedding plants>

Beddoes
Thomas Lovell 1803-1849 Eng. writer

Bede
n. Saint ca 672-735 the Venerable Bede Anglo-Saxon scholar, hist., & theol.

bedeck
v. 1 : to clothe with finery : DECK
2 : DECORATE 2

bedevil
v. 1 : to possess with or as if with a devil
2 : to cause distress : TROUBLE
3 : to change for the worse : SPOIL
4 : to confuse utterly : BEWILDER
–be·dev·il·ment \-mənt\ noun

bedew
v. : to wet with or as if with dew

bedfast
adj. : BEDRIDDEN

bedfellow
n. 1 : one who shares a bed with another
2 : ASSOCIATE, ALLY <political bedfellows>

Bedford
n. Duke of ― see JOHN OF LANCASTER

Bedford
n. 1 city N Tex. pop 47,152
2 town SE cen England capital of Bedfordshire pop 74,245

Bedford cord
: a clothing fabric with lengthwise ribs that resembles corduroy also : the weave used in making this fabric

Bedfordshire
n. county SE cen England area 494 sq mi (1279 sq km), pop 514,200

bedight
adj. archaic : EQUIP, ARRAY

bedim
v. 1 : to make less bright
2 : to make indistinct : OBSCURE

Bedivere
: a knight of the Round Table

bedizen
v. : to dress or adorn gaudily
–be·di·zen·ment \-mənt\ noun

bedlam
n. 1 obsolete : MADMAN, LUNATIC
2 often capitalized : a lunatic asylum
3 : a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion
–bedlam adjective

bedlamite
n. : MADMAN, LUNATIC
–bedlamite adjective

Bedlington terrier
: a swift lightly built terrier of English origin with a long narrow head, arched back, and usually curly coat ― called also Bedlington

Bedloe's Island
― see LIBERTY ISLAND

bedmate
n. : one who shares one's bed especially : a sexual partner

Bednorz
Johannes Georg 1950-     Ger. physicist

bedouin
n. : a nomadic Arab of the Arabian, Syrian, or No. African deserts

bedpan
n. : a shallow vessel used by a bedridden person for urination or defecation

bedplate
n. : a plate or framing used as a support

bedpost
n. : the usually turned or carved post of a bed

bedraggle
v. : to wet thoroughly

bedraggled
adj. 1 : left wet and limp by or as if by rain
2 : soiled and stained by or as if by trailing in mud
3 : DILAPIDATED <bedraggled buildings>

bedridden
adj. : confined (as by illness) to bed

bedrock
n. 1 : the solid rock underlying unconsolidated surface materials (as soil)
2 a : lowest point : NADIR b : BASIS

bedrock
n. : solidly fundamental, basic, or reliable <traditional bedrock values> <a bedrock constituency>

bedroll
n. : bedding rolled up for carrying

bedroom
n. : a room furnished with a bed and intended primarily for sleeping
–bed·roomed \-ˌrümd, -ˌru̇md\ adjective

bedroom
n. 1 : dealing with, suggestive of, or inviting sexual relations <a bedroom farce> <bedroom eyes>
2 : inhabited or used by commuters <a bedroom community>

Beds
n. Bedfordshire

Beds
n. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

bedsheet
n. : an oblong piece of usually cotton or linen cloth used as an article of bedding

bedside
n. : the side of a bed : a place beside a bed

bedside
n. 1 : of, relating to, or conducted at the bedside <a bedside diagnosis>
2 : suitable for reading in bed <a bedside book>

bedside manner
: the manner that a physician assumes toward patients

bedsore
n. : an ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure ― called also decubitus ulcer

bedspread
n. : a usually ornamental cloth cover for a bed

bedspring
n. : a spring supporting a mattress

bedstead
n. : the framework of a bed

bedstraw
n. : any of a genus (Galium) of herbs of the madder family having squarish stems, whorled leaves, and small flowers

bedtime
n. : a time for going to bed

bedtime story
: a story read or recounted to someone (as a child) at bedtime

bedu
n. : BEDOUIN

Bedzin
commune S Poland in Silesia pop 75,800

BEE
n. bachelor of electrical engineering

bee
n. 1 : HONEYBEE broadly : any of numerous hymenopterous insects (superfamily Apoidea) that differ from the related wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts, that feed on pollen and nectar, and that store both and often also honey
2 : an eccentric notion : FANCY
–bee·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–bee in one's bonnet : 1BEE 2

bee
n. : the letter b

bee
n. : a gathering of people for a specific purpose <a quilting bee>

bee
n. husking bee
Africanized bee
killer bee
bee in one's bonnet
bee balm
bee eater
bee fly
bee's knees
bee stung
bee tree
carpenter bee
humble bee
spelling bee
sweat bee

bee balm
1 : any of several monardas especially : OSWEGO TEA
2 : LEMON BALM

bee fly
: any of a family (Bombyliidae) of dipteran flies many of which resemble bees

bee in one's bonnet
1BEE 2

bee tree
: a hollow tree in which honeybees nest

bee's knees
: a highly admired person or thing : CAT'S MEOW

bee-eater
: any of a family (Meropidae) of brightly colored slender-billed insectivorous chiefly tropical Old World birds

bee-stung
: having a red puffy appearance as if from being stung by a bee <bee-stung lips>

Beebe
Charles William 1877-1962 American naturalist & explorer

beebread
n. : bitter yellowish-brown pollen stored up in honeycomb cells and used mixed with honey by bees as food

beech
n. : any of a genus (Fagus of the family Fagaceae, the beech family) of hardwood trees with smooth gray bark and small edible nuts also : its wood
–beech·en \'bē-chən\ adjective

Beecham
Sir Thomas 1879-1961 Eng. conductor

beechdrops
: a plant (Epifagus virginiana) of the broomrape family parasitic on the roots of beeches

Beecher
n. Henry Ward 1813-1887 American clergyman

Beecher
n. Lyman 1775-1863 father of H.W. & of Harriet Beecher Stowe American Presbyterian clergyman

beechnut
n. : the nut of the beech

beef
n. 1 : the flesh of an adult domestic bovine (as a steer or cow) used as food
2 a : an ox, cow, or bull in a full-grown or nearly full-grown state especially : a steer or cow fattened for food <quality Texas beeves> <a herd of good beef> b : a dressed carcass of a beef animal
3 : muscular flesh : BRAWN
4 plural beefs : COMPLAINT

beef
n. : to increase or add substance, strength, or power to ― usually used with up <money to beef up its staff of professional economists ― John Fischer>
intransitive verb : COMPLAIN <always beefing about something>

beef
n. beef cattle
beef Stroganoff
beef Wellington
chipped beef

beef cattle
: cattle developed primarily for the efficient production of meat and marked by capacity for rapid growth, heavy well-fleshed body, and stocky build

beef Stroganoff
: beef sliced thin and cooked in a sour-cream sauce

beef Wellington
: a fillet of beef covered with pâté de foie gras and baked in a casing of pastry

beefalo
n. : any of a breed of beef cattle developed in the U.S. that is genetically 3/8 No. American bison and 5/8 domestic bovine

beefcake
n. : a usually photographic display of muscular male physiques also : a man of the type featured in such a display or such men in general ― compare CHEESECAKE

beefeater
n. : YEOMAN OF THE GUARD

beefsteak
n. : a steak of beef usually from the hindquarter

beefsteak tomato
: a very large globe-shaped red tomato with dense flesh

beefwood
n. 1 : the hard heavy reddish wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees (as the Australian pine)
2 : AUSTRALIAN PINE

beefy
adj. 1 a : heavily and powerfully built <a beefy thug> b : SUBSTANTIAL, STURDY <beefy shock absorbers>
2 a : of or suggesting beef <a beefy flavor> b : full of beef <a beefy steak>

beehive
n. 1 : HIVE 1
2 : something resembling a hive for bees: as a : a scene of crowded activity b : a woman's hairdo that is conical in shape
–beehive adjective

beehive oven
: an arched oven used especially for baking food and formerly for coking coal

beekeeper
n. : a person who raises bees
–bee·keep·ing noun

beeline
n. : a straight direct course

beeline
n. : to go quickly in a straight direct course

Beelzebub
n. 1 : DEVIL
2 : a fallen angel in Milton's Paradise Lost ranking next to Satan

been
past part of be

been around
gone through many varied experiences : become worldly-wise

beep
n. : a short usually high-pitched sound (as from a horn or an electronic device) that serves as a signal or warning

beep
n. : to cause (as a horn) to sound
intransitive verb
1 : to sound a horn
2 : to make a beep

beeper
n. : PAGER specifically : one that beeps

beer
n. 1 : an alcoholic beverage usually made from malted cereal grain (as barley), flavored with hops, and brewed by slow fermentation
2 : a carbonated nonalcoholic or a fermented slightly alcoholic beverage with flavoring from roots or other plant parts <birch beer>
3 : fermented mash
4 : a drink of beer

beer
n. beer and skittles
beer belly
beer bellied
ginger beer
near beer
root beer
small beer
spruce beer

beer and skittles
: a situation of agreeable ease <won't be all beer and skittles>

beer belly
: POTBELLY
–beer-bel·lied \'bir-ˌbe-lēd\ adjective

Beerbohm
Sir Max 1872-1956 Eng. critic & caricaturist

Beersheba
n. town S Israel in N Negev; in biblical times marked extreme S limit of Palestine pop 128,400

beery
adj. 1 : smelling or tasting of beer <beery tavern>
2 : affected or caused by beer <beery voices>

beestings
n. : the colostrum especially of a cow

beeswax
n. : WAX 1

beet
n. : a biennial garden plant (Beta vulgaris) of the goosefoot family that includes several cultivars (as Swiss chard and sugar beet) and that has thick edible leaves with long petioles and often swollen purplish-red roots also : its root used especially as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or for forage

beet
n. beet armyworm
beet leafhopper
sugar beet

beet armyworm
: an armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) that typically eats the foliage of beets, alfalfa, and vegetables

beet leafhopper
: a leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus) that transmits curly top virus to sugar beets and other garden plants

Beethoven
n. Ludwig van 1770-1827 Ger. composer
–Bee·tho·ve·nian \ˌbā-ˌtō-'vē-nyən\ adjective

beetle
n. 1 : any of an order (Coleoptera) of insects having four wings of which the outer pair are modified into stiff elytra that protect the inner pair when at rest
2 : any of various insects resembling a beetle

beetle
n. : to scurry like a beetle <editors beetled around the office>

beetle
n. 1 : a heavy wooden hammering or ramming instrument
2 : a wooden pestle or bat for domestic tasks

beetle
n. : being prominent and overhanging <beetle brows>

beetle
n. : PROJECT, JUT <to scale the beetling crags ― R. L. Stevenson>

beetle
n. ladybird beetle
lady beetle
vedalia beetle
ambrosia beetle
bark beetle
blister beetle
burying beetle
carpet beetle
cereal leaf beetle
click beetle
Colorado potato beetle
potato beetle
darkling beetle
deathwatch beetle
diving beetle
dung beetle
elm bark beetle
elm leaf beetle
flea beetle
flour beetle
furniture beetle
ground beetle
Japanese beetle
june beetle
khapra beetle
long horned beetle
longhorn beetle
Mexican bean beetle
oil beetle
rhinoceros beetle
rove beetle
smaller European elm bark beetle
snout beetle
spotted cucumber beetle
stag beetle
tiger beetle
tortoise beetle
water beetle
whirligig beetle

beetroot
n. chiefly British : a beet grown for its edible usually red root also : the root

beeves
n. plural of beef

beeyard
: APIARY

BEF
British Expeditionary Force

bef
before

befall
v. intransitive verb : to happen especially as if by fate
transitive verb : to happen to <the fate that befell them>

befit
v. : to be proper or becoming to <clothing that befits the occasion>

befitting
adj. 1 : SUITABLE, APPROPRIATE
2 : PROPER, DECENT
–be·fit·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

befog
v. 1 : CONFUSE
2 : FOG, OBSCURE

befool
v. 1 : to make a fool of
2 : DELUDE, DECEIVE

before
adv. 1 : in advance : AHEAD <marching on before>
2 : at an earlier time : PREVIOUSLY <the night before> <knew her from before>

before
adv. 1 a (1) : forward of : in front of <stood before the fire> (2) : in the presence of <speaking before the conference> b : under the jurisdiction or consideration of <the case before the court> c (1) : at the disposal of <the great sums placed before him> (2) : in store for <got the whole summer before you>
2 : preceding in time : earlier than <just before noon>
3 : in a higher or more important position than <put quantity before quality>

before
adv. 1 a (1) : earlier than the time that <call me before you go> (2) : sooner or quicker than <I'll be done before you know it> (3) : so that⋯do not <get out of there before you get dirty> b : until the time that <miles to go before I sleep ― Robert Frost> c (1) : or else⋯not <must be convicted before he can be removed from office> (2) : or else <get out of here before I call a cop>
2 : rather or sooner than <would starve before he'd steal>

before
adv. before long
before the mast
before the wind
accessory before the fact

before long
: in the near future : SOON

before the mast

1 : forward of the foremast
2 : as a common sailor

before the wind
in the same direction as the main force of the wind

beforehand
adj. 1 a : in anticipation b : in advance
2 : ahead of time : EARLY

beforetime
adv. archaic : FORMERLY

befoul
v. 1 : to make foul (as with dirt or waste)
2 : SULLY, SOIL, BESMIRCH <scandal befouled his reputation>

befriend
v. : to become or act as a friend to

befuddle
v. 1 : to muddle or stupefy with or as if with drink
2 : CONFUSE, PERPLEX
–be·fud·dle·ment \-mənt\ noun

beg
v. transitive verb
1 : to ask for as a charity
2 a : to ask earnestly for : ENTREAT b : to require as necessary or appropriate
3 : EVADE, SIDESTEP <begged the real problems>
intransitive verb
1 : to ask for alms
2 : to ask earnestly <begged for mercy>
–beg the question
1 : to pass over or ignore a question by assuming it to be established or settled
2 : to elicit a question logically as a reaction or response <the quarterback's injury begs the question of who will start in his place>
synonyms BEG, ENTREAT, BESEECH, IMPLORE, SUPPLICATE, ADJURE, IMPORTUNE mean to ask urgently. BEG suggests earnestness or insistence especially in asking for a favor <children begging to stay up late>. ENTREAT implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance <entreated him to change his mind>. BESEECH implies great eagerness or anxiety <I beseech you to have mercy>. IMPLORE adds to BESEECH a suggestion of greater urgency or anguished appeal <implored her not to leave him>. SUPPLICATE suggests a posture of humility <with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord>. ADJURE implies advising as well as pleading and suggests the invoking of something sacred <in God's name I adjure you to cease>. IMPORTUNE suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request <importuning viewers for contributions>.

beg
v. begin; beginning

beg
v. beg the question
beg off
go begging

beg off
: to ask to be excused from something
transitive verb : to ask or gain permission to be excused from <begged off attending the party>
–beg-off \'beg-ˌȯf\ noun

beg the question

1 : to pass over or ignore a question by assuming it to be established or settled
2 : to elicit a question logically as a reaction or response <the quarterback's injury begs the question of who will start in his place>

beget
v. 1 : to procreate as the father : SIRE
2 : to produce especially as an effect or outgrowth
–be·get·ter noun

beggar
n. 1 : one that begs especially : a person who lives by asking for gifts
2 : PAUPER
3 : FELLOW 4C

beggar
n. 1 : to reduce to beggary
2 : to exceed the resources or abilities of : DEFY <beggars description> <so outrageous as to beggar belief>

beggar
n. beggar my neighbour
beggar's lice
beggar lice
beggar thy neighbor
beggar ticks
beggar's ticks

beggar's-lice
: any of various plants (as of the genera Hackelia and Cynoglossum of the borage family) with prickly or adhesive fruits also : one of these fruits

beggar-my-neighbour
chiefly British : BEGGAR-THY-NEIGHBOR

beggar-thy-neighbor
: relating to or being an action or policy that produces gains for one group at the expense of another <followed beggar-thy-neighbor policies in imposing taxes>

beggar-ticks
1 : BUR MARIGOLD also : its prickly achenes
2 : BEGGAR'S-LICE

beggarly
adj. 1 : contemptibly mean, scant, petty, or paltry
2 : befitting or resembling a beggar especially : marked by extreme poverty
–beg·gar·li·ness noun

beggarweed
1 : any of various plants (as knotgrass or dodder) that grow in waste ground
2 : any of several tick trefoils (genus Desmodium) especially : a West Indian forage plant (D. tortuosum) cultivated in the southern U.S.

beggary
n. 1 : POVERTY, PENURY
2 : the class of beggars
3 : the practice of begging

Begin
n. Me·na·chem \mə-'nä-ḵəm\ 1913-1992 prime min. of Israel (1977-83)

begin
n. intransitive verb
1 : to do the first part of an action : go into the first part of a process : START
2 a : to come into existence : ARISE b : to have a starting point
3 : to do or succeed in the least degree <I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am>
transitive verb
1 : to set about the activity of : START
2 a : to bring into being : FOUND b : ORIGINATE, INVENT
–to begin with : as the first thing to be considered
synonyms BEGIN, COMMENCE, START, INITIATE, INAUGURATE, USHER IN mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation. BEGIN, START, and COMMENCE are often interchangeable. BEGIN opposed to end, is the most general <begin a trip> <began dancing>. START opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages <the work started slowly>. COMMENCE can be more formal or bookish than BEGIN or START <commence firing> <commenced a conversation>. INITIATE implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue <initiated diplomatic contacts>. INAUGURATE suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance <the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine>. USHER IN is somewhat less weighty than INAUGURATE <ushered in a period of economic decline>.

beginner
n. : one that begins something especially : an inexperienced person

beginning
n. 1 : the point at which something begins : START
2 : the first part
3 : ORIGIN, SOURCE
4 : a rudimentary stage or early period ― usually used in plural

beginning
n. 1 : just starting out <a beginning writer>
2 a : being first or the first part <the beginning chapters> b : INTRODUCTORY <beginning chemistry>

beginning rhyme
1 : rhyme at the beginning of successive lines of verse
2 : ALLITERATION

begird
v. 1 : GIRD 1A
2 : SURROUND, ENCOMPASS

beglamour
: to impress or deceive with glamour

begoggled
: wearing goggles <a helmeted begoggled motorcycle rider>

begone
interj. : to go away : DEPART ― used especially in the imperative

begonia
n. : any of a large genus (Begonia of the family Begoniaceae, the begonia family) of tropical or subtropical herbs and shrubs that have asymmetrical leaves and are widely cultivated as ornamentals

begorra
interj. Irish ― used as a mild usually jocular oath

begrime
v. 1 : to make dirty with grime
2 : SULLY, CORRUPT

begrudge
v. 1 : to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure <begrudge money> <begrudged the weeks spent away from home>
2 : to look upon with disapproval <begrudge their rivals' success>
–be·grudg·er \-'grə-jər\ noun
–be·grudg·ing·ly \-'grə-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

beguile
v. transitive verb
1 : to lead by deception
2 : HOODWINK
3 : to while away especially by some agreeable occupation also : DIVERT 2
4 : to engage the interest of by or as if by guile
intransitive verb : to deceive by wiles
synonyms see DECEIVE
–be·guile·ment \-'gī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
–be·guil·er \-'gī-lər\ noun
–be·guil·ing·ly \-'gī-liŋ-lē\ adverb

beguine
n. : a member of one of various ascetic and philanthropic communities of women not under vows founded chiefly in the Netherlands in the 13th century

beguine
n. : a vigorous popular dance of the islands of Saint Lucia and Martinique that somewhat resembles the rumba

begum
n. : a Muslim woman of high rank (as in India or Pakistan)

behalf
n. : INTEREST, BENEFIT also : SUPPORT, DEFENSE <argued in his behalf>
–on behalf of or in behalf of : in the interest of also : as a representative of
usage A body of opinion favors in with the “interest, benefit” sense of behalf and on with the “support, defense” sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

Behan
Brendan Francis 1923-1964 Irish dram.

behave
v. transitive verb
1 : to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
2 : to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner
intransitive verb
1 : to act, function, or react in a particular way
2 : to conduct oneself properly
–be·hav·er noun
synonyms BEHAVE, CONDUCT, DEPORT, COMPORT, ACQUIT mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way. BEHAVE may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous <the children behaved in church>. CONDUCT implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself <conducted herself with unfailing good humor>. DEPORT implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety <the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry>. COMPORT suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position <comported themselves as gentlemen>. ACQUIT applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations <acquitted herself well in her first assignment>.

behavior
n. 1 a : the manner of conducting oneself b : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation c : the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
2 : the way in which someone behaves also : an instance of such behavior
3 : the way in which something functions or operates
–be·hav·ior·al \-vyə-rəl\ adjective
–be·hav·ior·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

behavior
n. displacement behavior
behavior modification
behavior therapy
behavioral science
behavioral scientist
behavioral therapy

behavior modification
: psychotherapy that is concerned with the treatment (as by desensitization or aversion therapy) of observable behaviors rather than underlying psychological processes and that applies principles of learning to substitute desirable responses for undesirable ones (as phobias or obsessions) ― called also behavioral therapy behavior therapy

behavioral science
: a branch of science (as psychology, sociology, or anthropology) that deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior in society
–behavioral scientist noun

behaviorism
n. : a school of psychology that takes the objective evidence of behavior (as measured responses to stimuli) as the only concern of its research and the only basis of its theory without reference to conscious experience ― compare INTROSPECTIONISM
–be·hav·ior·is·tic \-ˌhā-vyə-'ris-tik\ adjective

behaviorist
n. 1 : a person who advocates or practices behaviorism
2 : a person who specializes in the study of behavior <an animal behaviorist>
–behaviorist adjective

behaviour
n. chiefly British variant of behavior, behaviorism, behaviorist

behead
v. : to cut off the head of : DECAPITATE

behemoth
n. 1 often capitalized : a mighty animal described in Job 40:15-24 as an example of the power of God
2 : something of monstrous size, power, or appearance <a behemoth truck>

behest
n. 1 : an authoritative order : COMMAND
2 : an urgent prompting <called at the behest of my friends>

behind
n. 1 a : in the place or situation that is being or has been departed from <stay behind> b : in, to, or toward the back <look behind> <came from behind> c : later in time <can spring be far behind>
2 a : in a secondary or inferior position b : in arrears <behind in the rent> c : SLOW
3 archaic : still to come

behind
n. 1 a : in or to a place or situation in back of or to the rear of <look behind you> <put behind bars> b ― used as a function word to indicate something that screens an observer <the sun went behind a cloud> c : following in order <marched behind the band>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate backwardness, delay, or deficiency <behind the times> <behind schedule> <lagged behind last year's sales>
3 a : in the background of <the conditions behind the strike> b : out of the mind or consideration of <put our troubles behind us> c : beyond in depth or time <the story behind the story> <go back behind St. Augustine>
4 a : in support of : on the side of <solidly behind the candidate> b : with the support of <won 1-0 behind brilliant pitching>

behind
n. : BUTTOCKS ― often used as a euphemism for ass in idiomatic expressions <get your behind over here>

behind
n. behind one's back
behind bars
behind the scenes
drop behind
behind the eight ball
fall behind
wet behind the ears

behind bars
in jail

behind one's back
without one's knowledge : in secret

behind the eight ball
in a highly disadvantageous position

behind the scenes

1 : out of public view also : in secret
2 : in a position to see the hidden workings <taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government⋯has operated ― William Clark>

behind-the-scenes
1 : being or working out of public view or in secret <behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money> <a behind-the-scenes player>
2 : revealing or reporting the hidden workings <a behind-the-scenes account> <a behind-the-scenes glimpse>

behindhand
adj. 1 : being in arrears
2 a : being in an inferior position b : being behind schedule

Behistun
― see BISITUN

behold
v. transitive verb
1 : to perceive through sight or apprehension : SEE
2 : to gaze upon : OBSERVE
intransitive verb ― used in the imperative especially to call attention
–be·hold·er noun

beholden
adj. : being under obligation for a favor or gift : INDEBTED <I'm beholden to you>

behoof
n. : ADVANTAGE, PROFIT <for his own behoof>

behoove
v. transitive verb : to be necessary, proper, or advantageous for <it behooves us to go>
intransitive verb : to be necessary, fit, or proper

behove
v. chiefly British variant of behoove

Behring
Emil von 1854-1917 Ger. bacteriol.

Behrman
Samuel Nathaniel 1893-1973 American dram.

beige
n. 1 : cloth made of natural undyed wool
2 a : a variable color averaging light grayish-yellowish brown b : a pale to grayish yellow
–beigy \'bā-zhē\ adjective

beige
n. 1 : of the color beige
2 : lacking distinction : VANILLA 2

beignet
n. 1 : FRITTER
2 : a light square doughnut usually sprinkled with powdered sugar

Beijing
n. municipality NE China, its capital pop 10,819,407
–Bei·jing·er \-'jiŋ-ər\ noun

being
n. 1 a : the quality or state of having existence b (1) : something conceivable as existing (2) : something that actually exists (3) : the totality of existing things c : conscious existence : LIFE
2 : the qualities that constitute an existent thing : ESSENCE especially : PERSONALITY
3 : a living thing especially : PERSON

being
n. : PRESENT ― used in the phrase for the time being

being
n. chiefly dialect : SINCE, BECAUSE ― usually used with as, as how, or that

being
n. human being
ill being
Supreme Being
for the time being
well being

Beira
n. town & port SE Mozambique; chief port for cen Mozambique & landlocked Zimbabwe & Malawi pop 30,800

Beirut
n. city & port capital of Lebanon
–Bei·ruti \bā-'rü-tē\ noun

Beja
1 : a member of a pastoral people living between the Nile and the Red Sea
2 : the Cushitic language of the Beja people

bejabbers
interj. : BEJESUS

Bejaia
city & port NE Algeria pop 89,500

bejesus
interj. ― used as a mild oath ― used as a noun for emphasis <scares the bejesus out of me>

bejeweled
adj. : ornamented with or as if with jewels

Bekaa
valley Lebanon bet. Lebanon & Anti-Lebanon ranges

bel
: ten decibels

bel
bel canto
Sidi Bel Abbes
Sidi Bel Abbès

bel canto
: operatic singing originating in 17th century and 18th century Italy and stressing ease, purity, and evenness of tone production and an agile and precise vocal technique

belabor
v. 1 a : to attack verbally b : to beat soundly
2 : to explain or insist on excessively <belabor the obvious>

belabour
v. chiefly British variant of belabor

Belarus
n. country N cen Europe; a constituent republic (Belorussia or Byelorussia) of the U.S.S.R. 1919-91 capital Minsk area 80,154 sq mi (207,599 sq km), pop 9,899,000
–Be·la·ru·san \-'rü-sən\ adjective or noun
–Be·la·ru·si·an \-'rü-sē-ən, -'rə-shən\ or Be·la·rus·sian \-'rə-shən\ adjective or noun

Belarusian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Belarus
2 : the Slavic language of the Belarusians
–Belarusian or Belarussian also Belarusan adjective

Belasco
David 1853-1931 American dram. & producer

belated
adj. 1 : delayed beyond the usual time
2 : existing or appearing past the normal or proper time
–be·lat·ed·ly adverb
–be·lat·ed·ness noun

Belau
― see PALAU

belaud
v. : to praise usually to excess

Belawan
town & port Indonesia in NE Sumatra

belay
v. transitive verb
1 a : to secure (as a rope) by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt b : to make fast
2 : STOP
3 a : to secure (a person) at the end of a rope b : to secure (a rope) to a person or object
intransitive verb
1 : to be made fast
2 : STOP, QUIT ― used in the imperative <belay there>
3 : to make a line fast by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt
–be·lay·er \-ər\ noun

belay
v. 1 : the securing of a person or a safety rope to an anchor point (as during mountain climbing) also : a method of so securing a person or rope
2 : something (as a projection of rock) to which a person or rope is anchored

Belaya
river Russia in Europe rising in the S Urals & flowing S, W, & NW to the Kama

belch
n. intransitive verb
1 : to expel gas suddenly from the stomach through the mouth
2 : to erupt, explode, or detonate violently
3 : to issue forth spasmodically : GUSH
transitive verb
1 : to eject or emit violently <angrily belched insults>
2 : to expel (gas) from the stomach suddenly : ERUCT
–belch noun

beldam
n. : an old woman

beleaguer
v. 1 : BESIEGE
2 : TROUBLE, HARASS <beleaguered parents> <an economically beleaguered city>
–be·lea·guer·ment \-mənt\ noun

Belem
city N Brazil capital of Pará state on Pará River pop 1,280,614

belemnite
n. : any of various extinct cephalopods (order Belemnoidea) that had large often bullet-shaped internal shells and were especially abundant in the Mesozoic era

Belfast
n. 1 district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 54 sq mi (140 sq km), pop 283,746
2 city & port capital of Northern Ireland at head of Belfast Lough (inlet) pop 295,100

Belfort
commune E France commanding Belfort Gap (wide pass bet. Vosges & Jura mountains) pop 50,406

belfry
n. 1 : a bell tower especially : one surmounting or attached to another structure
2 : a room or framework for enclosing a bell
3 : HEAD 2A <batty in the belfry>

Belg
Belgian; Belgium

Belgae
n. : a people occupying parts of northern Gaul and Britain in Caesar's time
–Bel·gic \-jik\ adjective

Belgian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Belgium
2 : any of a breed of heavy muscular usually roan or chestnut draft horses developed in Belgium
–Belgian adjective

Belgian
n. Belgian endive
Belgian hare
Belgian Malinois
Belgian sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Belgian waffle
Belgian Congo
Belgian East Africa

Belgian Congo
― see CONGO 2

Belgian East Africa
― see RUANDA-URUNDI

Belgian endive
: the developing crown of chicory when blanched for use as a vegetable or in salads by growing in darkness or semidarkness ― called also endive witloof

Belgian hare
: any of a breed of slender chestnut-colored domestic rabbits

Belgian Malinois
: any of a breed of working dogs closely related to the Belgian sheepdog and having relatively short straight fawn or reddish-brown hair with black tips and a dense undercoat ― called also Malinois

Belgian sheepdog
: any of a breed of hardy dogs developed in Belgium especially for herding sheep and having abundant long straight black hair with a dense undercoat

Belgian Tervuren
: any of a breed of working dogs closely related to the Belgian sheepdog and having abundant long straight fawn or reddish-brown hair with black tips and a dense undercoat

Belgian waffle
: a waffle having large depressions that is usually topped with fruit and whipped cream

Belgium
n. country W Europe bordering on North Sea; a constitutional monarchy capital Brussels area 11,781 sq mi (30,513 sq km), pop 10,309,725

Belgorod-Dnestrovski
city SW Ukraine on the Dniester estuary pop 29,000

Belgrade
n. city capital of Serbia & of Serbia and Montenegro pop 1,553,854

Belgravia
n. district of W cen London, England, in Kensington and Chelsea borough S of Hyde Park

Belial
n. 1 ― a biblical name of the devil or one of the fiends
2 : one of the fallen angels in Milton's Paradise Lost

belie
v. 1 a : to give a false impression of b : to present an appearance not in agreement with
2 a : to show (something) to be false or wrong b : to run counter to : CONTRADICT
3 : DISGUISE 3
–be·li·er \-'lī(-ə)r\ noun

belief
n. 1 : a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
2 : something believed especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group
3 : conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
synonyms BELIEF, FAITH, CREDENCE, CREDIT mean assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance. BELIEF may or may not imply certitude in the believer <my belief that I had caught all the errors>. FAITH almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof <an unshakable faith in God>. CREDENCE suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent <a theory now given credence by scientists>. CREDIT may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof <gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness>. synonym see in addition OPINION

believable
adj. : capable of being believed especially as within the range of known possibility or probability
–be·liev·abil·i·ty \-ˌlē-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–be·liev·ably \-'lē-və-blē\ adverb

believe
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real <ideals we believe in> <believes in ghosts>
2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something <believe in exercise>
3 : to hold an opinion : THINK <I believe so>
transitive verb
1 a : to consider to be true or honest <believe the reports> <you wouldn't believe how long it took> b : to accept the word or evidence of <I believe you> <couldn't believe my ears>
2 : to hold as an opinion : SUPPOSE <I believe it will rain soon>
–be·liev·er noun
–not believe : to be astounded at <I couldn't believe my luck>

believe
v. not believe
make believe
true believer

belike
adv. archaic : most likely : PROBABLY

Belisarius
ca 505-565 Byzantine gen.

belittle
v. 1 : to speak slightingly of : DISPARAGE <belittles her efforts>
2 : to cause (a person or thing) to seem little or less
synonyms see DECRY
–be·lit·tle·ment \-'li-təl-mənt\ noun
–be·lit·tler \-'li-təl-ər, -'lit-lər\ noun

Belitung
island Indonesia bet. Sumatra & Borneo area 1866 sq mi (4852 sq km), pop 102,375

belive
Scottish : in due time : BY AND BY

Belize
n. country Central America bordering on the Caribbean; an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Belmopan area 8867 sq mi (22,966 sq km), pop 184,340
–Be·liz·ean \-'lē-zē-ən\ adjective or noun

Belize City
seaport Belize; formerly capital of British Honduras pop 45,158

Bell
n. Alexander Graham 1847-1922 American (Scot.-born) inventor

Bell
n. city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 36,664

bell
n. 1 a : a hollow metallic device that gives off a reverberating sound when struck b : DOORBELL
2 a : the sounding of a bell as a signal b : a stroke of a bell (as on shipboard) to indicate the time also : the time so indicated c : a half hour period of a watch on shipboard indicated by the strokes of a bell ― see SHIP'S BELLS table below
3 : something having the form of a bell: as a : the corolla of a flower b : a bell-shaped organ or part (as the umbrella of a jellyfish or the dewlap of a moose) c : the part of the capital of a column between the abacus and neck molding d : the flared end of a wind instrument
4 a : a percussion instrument consisting of metal bars or tubes that when struck give out tones resembling bells ― usually used in plural b : GLOCKENSPIEL

see table...

bell
n. 1 : to provide with a bell
2 : to flare the end of (as a tube) into the shape of a bell
intransitive verb : to take the form of a bell : FLARE
–bell the cat : to do a daring or risky deed

bell
n. : to make a resonant bellowing or baying sound <the wild buck bells from ferny brake ― Sir Walter Scott>

bell
n. : BELLOW, ROAR

bell
n. bell captain
bell table
bell the cat
bell bottoms
bell bottom
bell buoy
bell curve
bell jar
bell lyra
bell lyre
bell metal
bell pepper
bell push
bell shaped
Bell's palsy
bell tower
Canterbury bell
diving bell
ring a bell
Sanctus bell
silver bell
sleigh bell
wind bell
Bell Burnell
Bell Gardens
bells and whistles
Bow bells

bell buoy
: a buoy with a bell rung by the action of the waves

Bell Burnell
(Susan) Jocelyn 1943-     née Bell Brit. astron.

bell captain
: CAPTAIN 2C

bell curve
: NORMAL CURVE

Bell Gardens
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 44,054

bell jar
: a bell-shaped usually glass vessel designed to cover objects or to contain gases or a vacuum

bell metal
: bronze that consists usually of three to four parts of copper to one of tin and that is used for making bells

bell pepper
: SWEET PEPPER especially : a large bell-shaped sweet pepper

bell push
: a button that is pushed to ring a bell

bell the cat
to do a daring or risky deed

bell tower
: a tower that supports or shelters a bell

Bell's palsy
: paralysis of the facial nerve producing distortion on one side of the face

bell-bottoms
: pants with wide flaring bottoms
–bell-bottom adjective

bell-lyra
: a glockenspiel mounted in a portable lyre-shaped frame and used especially in marching bands

bell-shaped
1 : shaped like a bell
2 : relating to or being a normal curve or a normal distribution

bell-table

Bella Coola
river ab 60 mi (96 km) Canada in B.C. flowing W to Burke Channel E of Queen Charlotte Sound

bella figura
: fine appearance or impression

belladonna
n. 1 : an Old World poisonous plant (Atropa belladonna) of the nightshade family having purple or green bell-shaped flowers, glossy black berries, and root and leaves that yield atropine ― called also deadly nightshade
2 : a medicinal extract (as atropine) from the belladonna plant

belladonna lily
: AMARYLLIS

Bellamy
Edward 1850-1898 American author

Bellay, du
Joachim ca 1522-1560 Fr. poet

bellbird
n. : any of various birds (as flycatchers of the genus Procnias and the honeyeater of the genus Anthornis) whose notes suggest the sound of a bell

bellboy
n. : BELLHOP

belle
n. : a popular and attractive girl or woman especially : a girl or woman whose charm and beauty make her a favorite <the belle of the ball>

belle
n. belle lettristic
belle lettrist
belle epoque
belle époque
a la belle etoile
à la belle étoile
belle laide
la belle dame sans merci
Belle Fourche
Belle Isle Strait of
belles lettres

belle epoque
: a period of high artistic or cultural development especially : such a period in fin de siècle France

Belle Fourche
river NE Wyo. & W S.Dak. flowing NE & E into Cheyenne River

Belle Isle, Strait of
channel bet. N tip of Newfoundland & SE Labrador

belle laide
: beautiful ugly woman : woman who is attractive though not conventionally beautiful

Belleau
village N France NW of Château-Thierry & N of Belleau Wood (F Bois de Bel·leau \ˌbwä-də-be-'lō\)

Belleek
: a very thin translucent porcelain with a lustrous pearly glaze produced in Ireland ― called also Belleek china Belleek ware

Bellerophon
: a legendary Greek hero noted for killing the Chimera

belles lettres
: literature that is an end in itself and not merely informative specifically : light, entertaining, and often sophisticated literature

belletrist
n. : a writer of belles lettres
–bel·le·tris·tic also belle-let·tris·tic \ˌbe-lə-'tris-tik\ adjective

Belleville
1 city SW Ill. pop 41,410
2 unincorporated population center NE N.J. N of Newark pop 35,928
3 city Canada in SE Ont. pop 45,986

Bellevue
n. 1 city E Nebr. S of Omaha pop 44,382
2 city W Wash. E of Seattle pop 109,569

Bellflower
n. city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 72,878

bellflower
n. : any of a genus (Campanula of the family Campanulaceae, the bellflower family) of widely cultivated herbs having alternate leaves and usually showy bell-shaped flowers

bellhop
n. : a hotel or club employee who escorts guests to rooms, assists them with luggage, and runs errands

bellicose
adj. : favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars
synonyms see BELLIGERENT
–bel·li·cos·i·ty \ˌbe-li-'kä-sə-tē\ noun

bellied
adj. : having a belly of a specified kind ― used in combination <a big-bellied man>

belligerence
n. : an aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or disposition

belligerency
n. 1 : the state of being at war or in conflict specifically : the status of a legally recognized belligerent state or nation
2 : BELLIGERENCE

belligerent
n. 1 : waging war specifically : belonging to or recognized as a state at war and protected by and subject to the laws of war
2 : inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness
–belligerent noun
–bel·lig·er·ent·ly adverb
synonyms BELLIGERENT, BELLICOSE, PUGNACIOUS, QUARRELSOME, CONTENTIOUS mean having an aggressive or fighting attitude. BELLIGERENT often implies being actually at war or engaged in hostilities <belligerent nations>. BELLICOSE suggests a disposition to fight <a drunk in a bellicose mood>. PUGNACIOUS suggests a disposition that takes pleasure in personal combat <a pugnacious gangster>. QUARRELSOME stresses an ill-natured readiness to fight without good cause <the heat made us all quarrelsome>. CONTENTIOUS implies perverse and irritating fondness for arguing and quarreling <wearied by his contentious disposition>.

Bellingham
city & port NW Wash. on Bellingham Bay (inlet at N end of Puget Sound) pop 67,171

Bellingshausen Sea
sea comprising a large bay of the S. Pacific W of base of Antarctic Peninsula

Bellini
n. : a cocktail of champagne and usually peach juice

Bellini
n. family of Venetian painters including: Jacopo ca 1400-ca 1470 and his sons Gentile ca 1429-1507 and Giovanni ca 1430-1516

Bellini
n. Vincenzo 1801-1835 Ital. composer

Bellinzona
commune S Switzerland E of Locarno capital of Ticino pop 17,142

bellman
n. 1 : a man (as a town crier) who rings a bell
2 : BELLHOP

Belloc
(Joseph-Pierre) Hilaire 1870-1953 Eng. author

Bellona
n. : the Roman goddess of war

Bellow
n. Saul 1915-     American (Canad.-born) writer

bellow
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make the loud deep hollow sound characteristic of a bull
2 : to shout in a deep voice
transitive verb : BAWL <bellows the orders>
–bellow noun

Bellows
n. George Wesley 1882-1925 American painter & lithographer

bellows
n. 1 : an instrument or machine that by alternate expansion and contraction draws in air through a valve or orifice and expels it through a tube also : any of various other blowers
2 : LUNGS
3 : the pleated expansible part in a camera also : a metallic or plastic flexible and expansible vessel

bellpull
n. : a handle or knob attached to a cord by which one rings a bell also : the cord itself

bells and whistles
: items or features that are useful or decorative but not essential : FRILLS

bellum
bellum omnium contra omnes
in statu quo ante bellum
si vis pacem para bellum
status quo ante bellum

bellum omnium contra omnes
: war of all against all

bellwether
n. : one that takes the lead or initiative : LEADER also : an indicator of trends

bellwort
: any of a small genus (Uvularia) of herbs of the lily family with yellow bell-shaped flowers

belly
n. 1 a : ABDOMEN 1 also : POTBELLY 1 b : the stomach and its adjuncts c : the undersurface of an animal's body also : hide from this part d : WOMB, UTERUS
2 : an internal cavity : INTERIOR
3 : appetite for food
4 : a surface or object curved or rounded like a human belly
5 a : the enlarged fleshy body of a muscle b : the part of a sail that swells out when filled with wind
6 : GUT 1A(2)

belly
n. transitive verb : to cause to swell or fill out <wind bellying the sails>
intransitive verb
1 : SWELL, FILL
2 a : to slide or crawl on one's belly b : BELLY-LAND

belly
n. beer belly
belly button
belly dance
belly dancer
belly flop
belly flopper
belly land
belly landing
belly laugh
belly up
Delhi belly
pork belly
beer bellied
red bellied dace

belly button
: the human navel

belly dance
: a usually solo dance emphasizing movements of the belly
–belly dance intransitive verb
–belly dancer noun

belly flop
: a dive (as into water or in coasting prone on a sled) in which the front of the body strikes flat against another surface ― called also belly flopper
–belly flop intransitive verb

belly laugh
: a deep hearty laugh

belly up
: to move close or next to <bellied up to the bar>

belly-land
: to land an airplane on its undersurface without use of landing gear
–belly landing noun

belly-up
: hopelessly ruined or defeated especially : BANKRUPT <the business went belly-up>

bellyache
n. : pain in the abdomen and especially in the stomach : STOMACHACHE

bellyache
n. : to complain whiningly or peevishly : find fault
–bel·ly·ach·er noun

bellyband
n. : a band around or across the belly: as a : GIRTH 1 b : BAND 4B

bellyful
n. : an excessive amount <a bellyful of advice>

Belmont
1 city W Calif. SE of San Francisco pop 25,123
2 town E Mass. W of Boston pop 24,194

Belmopan
n. city capital of Belize pop 3687

Belo
Carlos Filipe Xi·men·es \shē-'me-nēsh\ 1948-     East Timorese bishop & peace activist

Belo Horizonte
city E Brazil capital of Minas Gerais pop 2,238,526

Beloit
city S Wis. on Ill. border pop 35,775

belon
: EUROPEAN FLAT specifically : a European flat oyster of coastal waters of northwestern France

belong
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to be suitable, appropriate, or advantageous <a dictionary belongs in every home> b : to be in a proper situation <a man of his ability belongs in teaching>
2 a : to be the property of a person or thing ― used with to <the book belongs to me> b : to be attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency ― usually used with to <they belong to their homeland> c : to be a member of a club, organization, or set ― usually used with to <she belongs to a country club>
3 : to be an attribute, part, adjunct, or function of a person or thing <nuts and bolts belong to a car>
4 : to be properly classified
verbal auxiliary chiefly Southern & southern Midland : OUGHT, MUST

belonging
n. 1 : POSSESSION ― usually used in plural
2 : close or intimate relationship <a sense of belonging>
–be·long·ing·ness noun

Belorussia
n. constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. bordering on Poland, Lithuania, & Latvia; became independent 1991 ― see BELARUS

Belorussian
adj. : BELARUSIAN
–Belorussian adjective

beloved
n. : dearly loved : dear to the heart
–beloved noun

below
adv. 1 : in or to a lower place
2 a : on earth b : in or to Hades or hell
3 : on or to a lower floor or deck
4 a : in, to, at, or by a lower rank or number b : below zero <the temperature was 20 below>
5 : lower on the same page or on a following page
6 : under the surface of the water

below
adv. 1 a : lower in place, rank, or value than : UNDER b : down river from c : south of
2 : inferior to (as in rank)
3 : not suitable to the rank of : BENEATH

below
adv. : something that is below

below
adv. : written or discussed lower on the same page or on a following page

below the belt
UNFAIR, UNFAIRLY

belowdecks
: inside or into the superstructure of a boat : down to a lower deck

belowground
: beneath the surface of the earth

Beloye More
― see WHITE SEA

Belsen
n. locality N Germany on Lüneburg Heath NW of Celle; site of Nazi concentration camp during World War II

Belshazzar
: a son of Nebuchadnezzar and king of Babylon in the book of Daniel

belt
n. 1 a : a strip of flexible material worn especially around the waist as an item of clothing or a means of carrying something (as tools) b : a similar article worn as a corset or for protection or safety or as a symbol of distinction
2 : a continuous band of tough flexible material for transmitting motion and power or conveying materials
3 a : an area characterized by some distinctive feature (as of culture, habitation, geology, or life forms) especially : one suited to a particular crop <the corn belt> b : ASTEROID BELT
4 : BELTWAY 1
–belt·ed \'bel-təd\ adjective
–belt·less \'belt-ləs\ adjective
–below the belt : UNFAIR, UNFAIRLY
–under one's belt : in one's possession : as part of one's experience

belt
n. 1 a : to encircle or fasten with a belt b : to strap on
2 a : to beat with or as if with a belt : THRASH b : STRIKE, HIT
3 : to mark with a band
4 : to sing in a forceful manner or style <belting out popular songs>
5 : to drink quickly <belted down a shot of whisky>
intransitive verb
1 : to move or act in a speedy, vigorous, or violent manner
2 : to sing loudly

belt
n. 1 : a jarring blow : WHACK
2 : DRINK <a belt of gin>

belt
n. asteroid belt
under one's belt
below the belt
belt tightening
belt up
Bible Belt
black belt
borscht belt
borsch belt
cartridge belt
chastity belt
lap belt
life belt
rust belt
safety belt
Sam Browne belt
seat belt
self belt
shoulder belt
tighten one's belt
Van Allen belt
web belt
belted kingfisher
bias belted tire
self belted

belt up
British : SHUT UP

belt-tightening
: a reduction in spending

Beltane
n. : the Celtic May Day festival

belted kingfisher
: a No. American kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon syn. Megaceryle alcyon) that is slate blue above and white below with a slate-blue breast band and an additional chestnut-colored band in the female

belter
n. : a singer with a powerful voice

belting
n. 1 : BELTS
2 : material for belts

beltway
n. 1 : a highway skirting an urban area
2 capitalized : the political and social world of Washington, D.C., viewed especially as insular and exclusive <understanding better than Beltway insiders what really interests voters ― L. I. Barrett>

beluga
n. 1 : a large white sturgeon (Huso huso syn. Acipenser huso) of the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and their tributaries also : caviar processed from beluga roe ― compare OSETRA, SEVRUGA
2 [Russian belukha, from belyĭ] : a toothed whale (Delphinapterus leucas) of arctic and subarctic waters having a fusiform body that is about 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 5.0 meters) long and white when mature ― called also white whale

Belukha
mountain 15,157 ft (4620 m) Russia in Asia; highest in Altai Mountains

belvedere
n. : a structure (as a cupola or a summerhouse) designed to command a view

BEM
1 bachelor of engineering of mines
2 British Empire Medal

bema
n. 1 : the usually raised part of an Eastern church containing the altar
2 : BIMAH

Bemba
n. 1 : a member of a primarily agricultural Bantu-speaking people of northeastern Zambia
2 : a Bantu language of the Bemba people

bemedaled
: wearing or decorated with medals

bemire
v. 1 : to soil with mud or dirt
2 : to drag through or sink in mire

bemoan
v. 1 : to express deep grief or distress over
2 : to regard with displeasure, disapproval, or regret
synonyms see DEPLORE

bemock
v. archaic : MOCK

bemuse
v. 1 : to make confused : PUZZLE, BEWILDER
2 : to occupy the attention of : DISTRACT, ABSORB
3 : to cause to have feelings of wry or tolerant amusement <seems truly bemuseed that people beyond his circle in Seattle would be interested in his ruminations ― Ruth B. Smith>
–be·mus·ed·ly \-'myü-zəd-lē\ adverb
–be·muse·ment \-'myüz-mənt\ noun

ben
n. Scottish : WITHIN

ben
n. Scottish : WITHIN

ben
n. Scottish : the inner room or parlor of a 2-room cottage

ben
n. ben trovato
Big Ben
se non e vero e ben trovato
se non è vero è ben trovato
Akiba ben Joseph
Ben Gurion
Israel ben Eliezer
Ben Lomond
Ben Nevis
Ben Venue
Lomond Ben
Venue Ben

Ben Lomond
― see LOMOND (Ben)

Ben Nevis
n. mountain 4406 ft (1343 m) W Scotland in Grampian Hills; highest in Great Britain

ben trovato
: characteristic or appropriate even if not true <the story is ben trovato>

Ben Venue
v. mountain 2393 ft (729 m) cen Scotland S of Loch Katrine

Ben-Gurion
David 1886-1973 Israeli (Pol.-born) statesman; prime min. of Israel (1949-53; 1955-63)

Benacerraf
Baruj 1920-     American (Venezuelan-born) pathologist

Benares
― see VARANASI

Benavente y Martinez
Jacinto 1866-1954 Span. dram.

Bence-Jones protein
: a polypeptide composed of one or two antibody light chains that is found especially in the urine of persons affected with multiple myeloma

bench
n. 1 a : a long seat for two or more persons b : a thwart in a boat c (1) : a seat on which the members of an athletic team await a turn or opportunity to play (2) : the reserve players on a team broadly : a reserve force
2 a : the seat where a judge sits in court b : the place where justice is administered : COURT c : the office or dignity of a judge <sat on the bench for 20 years> d : the persons who sit as judges
3 a : the office or dignity of an official b : a seat for an official c : the officials occupying a bench
4 a : a long worktable also : LABORATORY <bench chemist> <bench test> b : a table forming part of a machine
5 : TERRACE, SHELF: as a : a former wave-cut shore of a sea or lake or floodplain of a river b : a shelf or ridge formed in working an open excavation on more than one level
6 : a compartmented platform on which dogs or cats are kept at a show when not being judged

bench
n. 1 : to furnish with benches
2 a : to seat on a bench b (1) : to remove from or keep out of a game broadly : to remove from use or from a position (2) : to remove from the starting lineup
3 : to exhibit (dogs or cats) to the public on a bench
4 : to lift (a weight) in a bench press <bench 200 pounds>
intransitive verb : to form a bench by natural processes

bench
n. bench mark
bench jockey
bench press
bench seat
bench warrant
deacon's bench
front bench
King's Bench
optical bench
Queen's Bench

bench jockey
: BENCHWARMER especially : one who rides members of the opposing team from the bench

bench press
: a lift or exercise in which a weight is raised by extending the arms upward while lying on a bench
–bench-press transitive verb

bench seat
: a seat in an automotive vehicle that extends the full width of the passenger section

bench warrant
: a warrant issued by a presiding judge or by a court against a person guilty of contempt or indicted for a crime

bencher
n. : one who sits on or presides at a bench

benchland
: BENCH 5A

Benchley
Robert Charles 1889-1945 American humorist

benchmark
n. 1 usually bench mark : a mark on a permanent object indicating elevation and serving as a reference in topographic surveys and tidal observations
2 a : a point of reference from which measurements may be made b : something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged c : a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)

benchmark
n. : to study (as a competitor's product or business practices) in order to improve the performance of one's own company

benchtop
: suitable (as in size or configuration) for convenient use on a laboratory workbench <a benchtop centrifuge>

benchwarmer
n. : a reserve player on an athletic team

Bend
n. city cen Oreg. on the Deschutes pop 52,029

bend
n. transitive verb
1 : to constrain or strain to tension by curving <bend a bow>
2 a : to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular b : to force from a proper shape c : to force back to an original straight or even condition
3 : FASTEN <bend a sail to its yard>
4 a : to cause to turn from a straight course : DEFLECT b : to guide or turn toward : DIRECT c : INCLINE, DISPOSE d : to adapt to one's purpose : DISTORT <bend the rules>
5 : to direct strenuously or with interest : APPLY <bent himself to the task>
6 : to make submissive : SUBDUE
intransitive verb
1 : to curve out of a straight line or position specifically : to incline the body in token of submission
2 : to apply oneself vigorously <bending to their work>
3 : INCLINE, TEND
4 : COMPROMISE 2
–bend·a·ble \'ben-də-bəl\ adjective
–bend one's ear : to talk to someone at length
–bend over backward or bend over backwards : to make extreme efforts

bend
n. 1 : the act or process of bending : the state of being bent
2 : something that is bent: as a : a curved part of a path (as of a stream or road) b : 1WALE 2 ― usually used in plural
3 plural but singular or plural in construction : the painful manifestations (as joint pain) of decompression sickness also : DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS ― usually used with the
–around the bend : MAD, CRAZY

bend
n. 1 : a diagonal band that runs from the dexter chief to the sinister base on a heraldic shield ― compare BEND SINISTER
2 [Middle English, band, from Old English bend fetter ― more at BAND] : a knot by which one rope is fastened to another or to some object

bend
n. bend over backwards
bend over backward
bend one's ear
around the bend
bend sinister
carrick bend
fisherman's bend
sheet bend
Big Bend
South Bend
West Bend
bends caisson disease
bent out of shape
bent grass
hell bent
gender bending
mind bending

bend one's ear
to talk to someone at length

bend over backward
or lean over backward : to make extreme efforts (as at concession)

bend over backward
or bend over backwards : to make extreme efforts

bend sinister
: a diagonal band that runs from the sinister chief to the dexter base on a heraldic shield

benday
: involving a process for adding shaded or tinted areas made up of dots for reproduction by line engraving
–benday transitive verb

bender
n. 1 : one that bends
2 : SPREE <hungover after a weekend bender>

Bendigo
city SE Australia in cen Victoria NNW of Melbourne pop 30,133

bendy
adj. chiefly British : FLEXIBLE, PLIABLE

beneath
adv. 1 : in or to a lower position : BELOW <the mountains and the towns beneath>
2 : directly under : UNDERNEATH

beneath
adv. 1 a : in or to a lower position than : BELOW <beneath the surface> b : directly under <the ground beneath her feet> c : at the foot of <a camp beneath a hill>
2 : not suitable to the rank of : unworthy of <beneath his dignity>
3 : under the control, pressure, or influence of <the chair sagged beneath his weight>
4 : concealed by : under the guise of <a warm heart beneath a gruff manner>

Benedict
n. name of 15 popes: especially XIV (Prospero Lambertini) 1675-1758 (pope 1740-58); XV (Giacomo della Chiesa) 1854-1922 (pope 1914-22)

Benedict
n. Ruth 1887-1948 née Fulton American anthropol.

benedict
n. : a newly married man who has long been a bachelor

benedict
n. Benedict's solution
eggs Benedict
Benedict of Nursia

Benedict of Nursia
n. Saint ca 480-ca 547 Ital. founder of Benedictine order

Benedict's solution
: a blue solution containing a carbonate, citrate, and sulfate which yields a red, yellow, or orange precipitate upon warming with a sugar (as glucose) that is a reducing agent

Benedictine
n. : a monk or a nun of one of the congregations following the rule of St. Benedict and devoted especially to scholarship and liturgical worship
–Benedictine adjective

benediction
n. 1 : the invocation of a blessing especially : the short blessing with which public worship is concluded
2 : something that promotes goodness or well-being
3 often capitalized : a Roman Catholic or Anglo-Catholic devotion including the exposition of the eucharistic Host in the monstrance and the blessing of the people with it
4 : an expression of good wishes

benedictory
adj. : of or expressing benediction

Benedictus
n. 1 : a canticle from Lk 1:68 beginning “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”
2 : a canticle from Mt 21:9 beginning “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”

benefaction
n. 1 : the act of benefiting
2 : a benefit conferred especially : a charitable donation

benefactor
n. : one that confers a benefit especially : one that makes a gift or bequest

benefactress
n. : a woman who is a benefactor

benefic
adj. : BENEFICENT

benefice
n. 1 : an ecclesiastical office to which the revenue from an endowment is attached
2 : a feudal estate in lands : FIEF
–benefice transitive verb

beneficence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being beneficent
2 : BENEFACTION

beneficent
adj. 1 : doing or producing good especially : performing acts of kindness and charity
2 : BENEFICIAL
–be·nef·i·cent·ly adverb

beneficial
adj. 1 : conferring benefits : conducive to personal or social well-being
2 : receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit <a beneficial legacy>
–ben·e·fi·cial·ly \-'fi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ben·e·fi·cial·ness noun

beneficials
: organisms (as ladybugs, lacewings, and bacteria) that feed on or parasitize pests of crops, gardens, and turf

beneficiary
n. 1 : one that benefits from something
2 a : the person designated to receive the income of a trust estate b : the person named (as in an insurance policy) to receive proceeds or benefits
–beneficiary adjective

beneficiation
: the treatment of raw material (as iron ore) to improve physical or chemical properties especially in preparation for smelting
–ben·e·fi·ci·ate \-'fi-shē-ˌāt\ transitive verb

benefit
n. 1 archaic : an act of kindness : BENEFACTION
2 a : something that promotes well-being : ADVANTAGE b : useful aid : HELP
3 a : financial help in time of sickness, old age, or unemployment b : a payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy c : a service (as health insurance) or right (as to take vacation time) provided by an employer in addition to wages or salary
4 : an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause

benefit
transitive verb : to be useful or profitable to
intransitive verb : to receive benefit <has benefited from his experience>
–ben·e·fit·er \-ˌfi-tər\ noun

benefit
n. benefit of clergy
cost benefit
death benefit
fringe benefit
unemployment benefit

benefit of clergy

15th century
1 : clerical exemption from trial in a civil court
2 : the ministration or sanction of the church

Benelux
n. economic union comprising Belgium, the Netherlands, & Luxembourg; formed 1947

Benes
Edvard 1884-1948 Czech statesman; pres. (1935-38; 1940-48)

Benet
Stephen Vincent 1898-1943 bro. of W.R. American poet

Benet
William Rose 1886-1950 American poet, nov., & editor

Benevento
commune S Italy in Campania NE of Naples pop 63,230

benevolence
n. 1 : disposition to do good
2 a : an act of kindness b : a generous gift
3 : a compulsory levy by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative

benevolent
adj. 1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good <a benevolent donor> b : organized for the purpose of doing good <a benevolent society>
2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill <benevolent smiles>
–be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb
–be·nev·o·lent·ness noun

Bengal
n. region E India (subcontinent) including delta of the Ganges & the Brahmaputra; a province of Brit. India 1937-47; divided 1947 bet. Pakistan & India (republic) ― see EAST BENGAL, EAST PAKISTAN, WEST BENGAL
–Ben·gal·ese \ˌbeŋ-gə-'lēz, ˌben-, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Bengal
n. Bengal light
Bengal tiger
Bengal Bay of
East Bengal
West Bengal

Bengal light
: a usually blue light or flare used formerly especially for signaling and illumination

Bengal tiger
: a tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) occurring especially in India

Bengal, Bay of
arm of the Indian Ocean bet. India & Sri Lanka on the W & Myanmar & Malay Peninsula on the E

Bengali
n. 1 : a native or resident of Bengal
2 : the modern Indo-Aryan language of Bengal
–Bengali adjective

bengaline
: a fabric with a crosswise rib made from textile fibers (as rayon, nylon, cotton, or wool) often in combination

Bengbu
city E China in N Anhui pop 449,245

Benghazi
city & port NE Libya; a former capital of Libya pop 446,250

BEngr
bachelor of engineering

BEngS
bachelor of engineering science

Benguela
city & port W Angola pop 40,996

Beni
n. river ab 1000 mi (1609 km) cen & N Bolivia flowing N to unite with Mamoré River forming Madeira River

Beni Suef
city N cen Egypt on W bank of the Nile pop 174,000

Benicia
city cen Calif. NNE of Oakland pop 26,865

benighted
adj. 1 : overtaken by darkness or night
2 : existing in a state of intellectual, moral, or social darkness : UNENLIGHTENED
–be·night·ed·ly adverb
–be·night·ed·ness noun

benign
adj. 1 : of a gentle disposition : GRACIOUS <a benign teacher>
2 a : showing kindness and gentleness <benign faces> b : FAVORABLE, WHOLESOME <a benign climate>
3 a : of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life especially : not becoming cancerous <a benign lung tumor> b : having no significant effect : HARMLESS <environmentally benign>
–be·nig·ni·ty \-'nig-nə-tē\ noun
–be·nign·ly \-'nīn-lē\ adverb

benign
adj. benign neglect
benign prostatic hyperplasia
benign prostatic hypertrophy

benign neglect
: an attitude or policy of ignoring an often delicate or undesirable situation that one is held to be responsible for dealing with

benign prostatic hyperplasia
: enlargement of the prostate gland caused by a benign overgrowth of chiefly glandular tissue that occurs especially in some men over 50 years old and that tends to obstruct urination by constricting the urethra ― abbreviation BPH ― called also benign prostatic hypertrophy

benignancy
n. : the quality or state of being benignant or benign

benignant
adj. 1 : serenely mild and kindly : BENIGN
2 : FAVORABLE, BENEFICIAL <a benignant power>
–be·nig·nant·ly adverb

Benin
n. 1 river ab 100 mi (161 km) S Nigeria W of the Niger flowing into Bight of Benin
2 former kingdom W Africa on lower Niger River; incorporated in Nigeria after 1897
3 or formerly Da·ho·mey \də-'hō-mē\ country W Africa on Gulf of Guinea; a republic, formerly a territory of French West Africa capital Porto-Novo area 43,483 sq mi (112,621 sq km), pop 5,074,000
4 or Benin City city SW Nigeria in W delta of Niger River pop 202,800
–Be·ni·nese \bə-ˌni-'nēz, -ˌnē-, -'nēs; ˌbe-ni-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Benin, Bight of
the N section of Gulf of Guinea W Africa SW of Nigeria

benison
n. : BLESSING, BENEDICTION

Benjamin
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Benjamin
n. Judah Philip 1811-1884 American Confed. statesman & lawyer

benne
n. : SESAME 1

Bennett
(Enoch) Arnold 1867-1931 Eng. nov.

Bennett
James Gordon 1795-1872 American (Scot.-born) journalist

Bennett
Richard Bedford 1870-1947 Viscount Bennett Canad. prime min. (1930-35)

benny
n. 1 slang : AMPHETAMINE
2 slang : a tablet of amphetamine taken as a stimulant

Benoit de Sainte-Maure
12th cent. Fr. trouvère

benomyl
: a derivative C_14H_18N_4O_3 of carbamate and benzimidazole used especially as a systemic agricultural fungicide

Benoni
city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng on the Witwatersrand E of Johannesburg pop 151,294

Benson
Edward White 1829-1896 Brit. prelate; archbishop of Canterbury (1882-96)

bent
n. 1 : unenclosed grassland
2 a (1) : a reedy grass (2) : a stalk of stiff coarse grass b : BENT GRASS

bent
n. 1 : changed by bending out of an orig. straight or even condition <bent twigs>
2 : strongly inclined : DETERMINED <was bent on going>
3 slang a : different from the normal or usual b chiefly British : DISHONEST, CORRUPT
–bent out of shape : extremely upset or angry

bent
n. 1 a : a strong inclination or interest : BIAS b : a special inclination or capacity : TALENT
2 : capacity of endurance
3 : a transverse framework (as in a bridge) to carry lateral as well as vertical loads
synonyms see GIFT

bent
n. bent out of shape
bent grass
hell bent

bent grass
: any of a genus (Agrostis) of grasses including important chiefly perennial and rhizomatous pasture and lawn grasses with fine velvety or wiry herbage

bent out of shape
extremely upset or angry

Bentham
n. Jeremy 1748-1832 Eng. jurist & philos.

Benthamism
n. : the utilitarian philosophy of Jeremy Bentham and his followers
–Ben·tham·ite \-ˌmīt\ noun or adjective

benthic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or occurring at the bottom of a body of water
2 : of, relating to, or occurring in the depths of the ocean

benthonic
: BENTHIC

benthos
n. : organisms that live on or in the bottom of a body of water

Bentinck
Lord William Cavendish 1774-1839 son of W.H.C. 1st gov.-gen. of India (1833)

Bentinck
William Henry Cavendish 1738-1809 3d Duke of Portland Brit. prime min. (1783; 1807-09)

Bentley
Richard 1662-1742 Eng. clergyman, scholar, & critic

Benton
Thomas Hart 1782-1858 Old Bullion American polit.

Benton
Thomas Hart 1889-1975 grand-nephew of prec. American painter

bentonite
n. : an absorptive and colloidal clay used especially as a sealing agent or suspending agent (as of drugs)
–ben·ton·it·ic \ˌben-tə-'ni-tik\ adjective

bentwood
n. : made of wood that is bent rather than cut into shape <bentwood furniture>
–bentwood noun

Benue
river 870 mi (1400 km) W Africa flowing W into Niger River

benumb
v. 1 : to make inactive : DEADEN
2 : to make numb especially by cold

Benxi
city NE China in E cen Liaoning pop 768,778

benz
n. : related to benzene or benzoic acid <benzophenone> <benzyl>

benzaldehyde
n. : a colorless nontoxic aromatic liquid C_6H_5CHO found in essential oils (as in peach kernels) and used in flavoring and perfumery, in pharmaceuticals, and in synthesis of dyes

benzanthracene
n. : a crystalline carcinogenic cyclic hydrocarbon C_18H_12 that is found in small amounts in coal tar

Benzedrine
n. : a preparation of the sulfate of amphetamine (C_9H_13N)2·H_2SO_4 formerly used in medicine

benzene
n. : a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C_6H_6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
–ben·ze·noid \'ben-zə-ˌnȯid\ adjective or noun

benzene hexachloride
: BHC

benzene ring
: a structural arrangement of atoms in benzene and other aromatic compounds that consists of a planar symmetrical hexagon of six carbon atoms which derives added stability from the delocalization of certain bonding electrons over the entire ring ― compare META- 4a ORTH- 4b PARA- 2b

benzidine
n. : a crystalline diamine base C_12H_12N_2 prepared from nitrobenzene and used especially in making dyes

benzimidazole
n. : a crystalline base C_7H_6N_2 used especially to inhibit the growth of various viruses, parasitic worms, or fungi also : one of its derivatives

benzine
n. : any of various volatile flammable petroleum distillates used especially as solvents or as motor fuels

benzoate
n. : a salt or ester of benzoic acid

benzocaine
n. : a white crystalline ester C_9H_11NO_2 used as a local anesthetic

benzodiazepine
n. : any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers

benzoic acid
: a white crystalline acid C_6H_5COOH found naturally (as in benzoin or in cranberries) or made synthetically and used especially as a preservative of foods, in medicine, and in organic synthesis

benzoin
n. 1 : a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant
2 : a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C_14H_12O_2 made from benzaldehyde

benzophenone
: a colorless crystalline ketone C_13H_10O used especially as a perfume fixative and in sunscreens also : a derivative of benzophenone

benzopyrene
n. : a yellow crystalline carcinogenic hydrocarbon C_20H_12 found in coal tar ― called also benzo[a]pyrene

benzoquinone
n. : QUINONE 1

benzoyl
adj. : the acyl radical of benzoic acid

benzoyl peroxide
: a white crystalline compound C_14H_10O_4 used in bleaching and in medicine especially in the treatment of acne

benzyl
adj. : a monovalent radical C_6H_5CH_2– derived from toluene
–ben·zyl·ic \ben-'zi-lik\ adjective

Beowulf
n. : a legendary Geatish warrior and hero of the Old English poem Beowulf
–Be·o·wulf·ian \ˌbā-ə-'wu̇l-fē-ən\ adjective

bepaint
archaic : TINGE

bequeath
v. 1 : to give or leave by will ― used especially of personal property
2 : to hand down : TRANSMIT
–be·queath·al \-'kwē-thəl, -thəl\ noun

bequest
n. 1 : the act of bequeathing
2 : something bequeathed : LEGACY

Beranger
Pierre-Jean de 1780-1857 Fr. poet

Berar
region W cen India; in Central Provinces & Berar 1903-47, in Madhya Pradesh 1947-56, in Bombay 1956-60, in Maharashtra since 1960; chief city Amravati

berate
v. : to scold or condemn vehemently and at length
synonyms see SCOLD

Berber
n. 1 : a member of any of various peoples living in northern Africa west of Tripoli
2 a : a branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family comprising languages spoken by various peoples of northern Africa and the Sahara (as the Tuaregs and the Kabyles) b : any one of the Berber languages

Berbera
town & port N Somalia pop 12,219

berberine
n. : a bitter crystalline yellow alkaloid C_20H_19NO_5 obtained from the roots of various plants (as barberry) and used in medicine especially for its antimicrobial properties

berberis
n. : BARBERRY

berceuse
n. 1 : a musical composition usually in 6/8 time that resembles a lullaby
2 : LULLABY

berdache
n. sometimes offensive : an American Indian who assumes the dress, social status, and role of the opposite sex

Berdyayev
Nikolay Aleksandrovich 1874-1948 Russ. philos.

Berea
― see VÉROIA

bereave
v. 1 : to deprive of something ― usually used with of <madam, you have bereft me of all words ― Shakespeare>
2 : to take away (a valued or necessary possession) especially by force

bereaved
n. : suffering the death of a loved one

bereaved
n. : one who is bereaved

bereavement
n. : the state or fact of being bereaved especially : the loss of a loved one by death

bereft
adj. 1 a : deprived or robbed of the possession or use of something ― usually used with of <both players are instantly bereft of their poise ― A. E. Wier> b : lacking something needed, wanted, or expected ― used with of <the book is⋯completely bereft of an index ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : BEREAVED <a bereft mother>

Berenson
Bernard 1865-1959 American (Lith.-born) art critic

beret
n. : a visorless usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft full flat top

Berezina
river 365 mi (587 km) Belarus flowing SE into the Dnieper

Berg
n. Alban 1885-1935 Austrian composer

Berg
n. Paul 1926-     Am. chem.

berg
n. : ICEBERG

Bergama
― see PERGAMUM 2

Bergamo
commune N Italy in Lombardy NE of Milan pop 117,415

bergamot
n. 1 : a pear-shaped orange of a Mediterranean tree (Citrus aurantium bergamia) having a rind that yields an essential oil used especially in perfumery also : this oil
2 : any of several mints (genus Monarda) ― compare WILD BERGAMOT

Bergen
n. 1 \'bər-gən, 'ber-\ city & port SW Norway pop 209,375
2 ― see MONS

Bergenfield
borough NE N.J. pop 26,247

Bergerac, de
Cyrano ― see CYRANO DE BERGERAC

bergere
: an upholstered armchair of an 18th century style having an exposed wood frame

Bergius
Friedrich 1884-1949 Ger. chem.

Bergman
n. Ingmar 1918-     Swed. film & theater director

Bergman
n. Ingrid 1915-1982 Swed. actress

Bergson
n. Henri-Louis 1859-1941 Fr. philos.
–Berg·son·ian \berg-'sō-nē-ən, berk-\ adjective

Bergstrom
Sune Karl 1916-     Swed. biochem.

Beria
Lavrenty Pavlovich 1899-1953 Russ. polit.

beribboned
adj. : adorned with ribbons

beriberi
n. : a deficiency disease marked by inflammatory or degenerative changes of the nerves, digestive system, and heart and caused by a lack of or inability to assimilate thiamine

Bering
n. Vitus Jonassen 1681-1741 Dan. navigator

Bering Sea
arm of the N. Pacific bet. Alaska & NE Siberia & bet. the Aleutians & Bering Strait area 885,000 sq mi (2,292,150 sq km)

Bering Strait
strait at narrowest point 53 mi (85 km) wide separating Asia (Russia) from N. America (Alaska)

berk
n. British : FOOL

Berkeleian
: of, relating to, or suggestive of Bishop Berkeley or his system of philosophical idealism
–Berkeleian noun
–Berke·le·ian·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Berkeley
n. George 1685-1753 Irish bishop & philos.

Berkeley
n. Sir William 1606-1677 colonial gov. of Virginia

Berkeley
n. city W Calif. on San Francisco Bay N of Oakland pop 102,743

berkelium
n. : a radioactive metallic element produced artificially (as by bombarding americium 241 with alpha particles) ― see ELEMENT table

Berkshire
n. : any of a breed of medium-sized black swine with white markings

Berkshire
n. former county S England in Thames River basin capital Reading

Berkshire Hills
hills W Mass. W of Connecticut River ― see GREYLOCK (Mount)

Berlichingen
Götz or Gottfried von 1480-1562 Ger. knight

Berlin
n. Irving 1888-1989 American (Russ.-born) composer

Berlin
n. city comprising a state of Germany capital of (reunified) Germany on Spree River; before 1945 capital of Germany & of Prussia; divided under postwar occupation bet. E. & W. Germany, E. Berlin being made capital of E. Germany (1949) & W. Berlin a state (not formally incorporated) of W. Germany
–Ber·lin·er \(ˌ)bər-'li-nər\ noun

Berliner
n. Emile 1851-1929 American (Ger.-born) inventor

Berlioz
n. (Louis) Hector 1803-1869 Fr. composer
–Ber·li·oz·ian \ˌber-lē-'ō-zē-ən\ adjective

Berlusconi
Silvio 1936-     Ital. prime min. (1994; 2001-  )

berm
n. 1 : a narrow shelf, path, or ledge typically at the top or bottom of a slope also : a mound or wall of earth or sand <a landscaped berm>
2 : the shoulder of a road

Bermejo
river 650 mi (1046 km) N Argentina rising on Bolivian frontier & flowing SE into Paraguay River

Bermondsey
former metropolitan borough E cen London, England, now part of Southwark

Bermuda
n. islands W Atlantic ESE of Cape Hatteras; a self-governing Brit. colony capital Hamilton area 20 sq mi (52 sq km), pop 62,059
–Ber·mu·dan \-dən\ or Ber·mu·di·an \-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

Bermuda
n. Bermuda bag
Bermuda grass
Bermuda onion
Bermuda rig
Bermuda shorts
Bermuda Triangle

Bermuda bag
: a round or oval-shaped handbag with a wooden handle and removable cloth covers

Bermuda grass
: a creeping stoloniferous southern European grass (Cynodon dactylon) often used as a lawn and pasture grass

Bermuda onion
: a large flattened onion that has a mild flavor and yellow, white, or red skin

Bermuda rig
: MARCONI RIG

Bermuda shorts
: knee-length walking shorts

Bermuda Triangle
triangular area N. Atlantic bet. Bermuda, Fla., & Puerto Rico; site of numerous reported disappearances of planes & ships

Bermudas
n. : BERMUDA SHORTS

Bern
n. 1 canton NW & W cen Switzerland area 2327 sq mi (6027 sq km), pop 947,100
2 city, its capital & capital of Switzerland on the Aare pop 122,469
–Ber·nese \(ˌ)bər-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Bern
n. New Bern
Bernese mountain dog
Bernese Alps
Bernese Oberland

Bernadette of Lourdes
Saint 1844-1879 Marie-Bernarde Sou·bi·rous \ˌsü-bē-'rü\ Fr. religious

Bernadotte
Jean Baptiste Jules ― see CHARLES XIV JOHN

Bernard
n. Claude 1813-1878 Fr. physiol.

Bernard
n. Saint Bernard
Bernard of Clairvaux
Great Saint Bernard
Little Saint Bernard

Bernard of Clairvaux
Saint 1090-1153 Fr. ecclesiastic
–Ber·nar·dine \'bər-nə(r)-ˌdēn\ adjective

Bernardin de Saint-Pierre
Jacques-Henri 1737-1814 Fr. author

Bernburg
city cen Germany W of Dessau pop 39,006

Berner Alpen
section of the Alps S Switzerland in Bern & Valais cantons bet. Lake of Thun & Brienz on the N & the valley of the upper Rhône on the S ― see FINSTERAARHORN

Berners
Baron ― see TYRWHITT-WILSON

Bernese mountain dog
: any of a breed of large powerful long-coated black dogs of Swiss origin that have tan and white markings and were developed as draft animals

Bernhardt
Sarah 1844-1923 orig. Henriette-Rosine Ber·nard \ber-'när\ Fr. actress

Bernicia
Anglian kingdom of 6th century A.D. located bet. Tyne & Forth rivers capital Bamborough

Bernina
the S extension of Rhaetian Alps on border bet. Italy & Switzerland; highest peak Piz Bernina \ˌpēts-\ (highest in the Rhaetian Alps) 13,200 ft (4023 m)

Bernini
Gian or Giovanni Lorenzo 1598-1680 Ital. sculptor, architect, & painter

Bernoulli trial
: one of the repetitions of a statistical experiment having exactly two mutually exclusive outcomes each with a constant probability of occurrence

Bernoulli's principle
: a principle in hydrodynamics: the pressure in a stream of fluid is reduced as the speed of the flow is increased

Bernstein
n. Leonard 1918-1990 American conductor & composer

Bernstorff
Johann-Heinrich 1862-1939 Graf von Bernstorff Ger. diplomat

Beroea
1 ― see ALEPPO
2 ― see VÉROIA

berried
v. 1 : having or covered with berries <berried shrubs>
2 : bearing eggs <a berried lobster>

Berry
n. former province cen France capital Bourges

berry
n. 1 a : a pulpy and usually edible fruit (as a strawberry, raspberry, or checkerberry) of small size irrespective of its structure b : a simple fruit (as a grape, blueberry, tomato, or cucumber) with a pulpy or fleshy pericarp c : the dry seed of some plants (as wheat)
2 : an egg of a fish or lobster

berry
n. 1 : to bear or produce berries <a berrying shrub>
2 : to gather or seek berries

berry
n. buffalo berry
juniper berry
wheat berry

berrylike
adj. 1 : resembling a berry especially in size or structure
2 : being small and rounded : COCCOID

Berryman
John 1914-1972 American poet

berseem
: a succulent annual clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) cultivated as a forage plant and green-manure crop especially in the alkaline soils of the Nile valley and in the southwestern U.S. ― called also Egyptian clover

berserk
adj. 1 : an ancient Scandinavian warrior frenzied in battle and held to be invulnerable
2 : one whose actions are recklessly defiant

berserk
adj. : FRENZIED, CRAZED ― usually used in the phrase go berserk <sinister ravings of an imagination gone berserk ― John Gruen>
–berserk adverb
–ber·serk·ly adverb

berth
n. 1 a : sufficient distance for maneuvering a ship b : an amount of distance maintained for safety <give the fire a wide berth>
2 a : the place where a ship lies when at anchor or at a wharf b : a space for an automotive vehicle at rest <a truck-loading berth>
3 : a place to sit or sleep especially on a ship or vehicle : ACCOMMODATION
4 a : a billet on a ship b : JOB, POSITION, PLACE <a starting berth on the team>

berth
n. 1 : to bring into a berth
2 : to allot a berth to
intransitive verb : to come into a berth

bertha
n. : a wide round collar covering the shoulders

Berthier
Louis-Alexandre 1753-1815 Prince de Neuchâtel; Prince de Wagram Fr. soldier; marshal of France

Berthoud Pass
mountain pass 11,315 ft (3449 m) N Colo. in Front Range WNW of Denver

Bertillon
n. Alphonse 1853-1914 Fr. criminologist

Bertillon system
: a system for identifying persons based on bodily measurements, photographs, and notation of data (as markings, color, and thumb line impressions)

Berton
Pierre 1920-     Canad. writer

Berwick
former county SE Scotland capital Duns

Berwyn
city NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 54,016

beryl
n. : a mineral consisting of a silicate of beryllium and aluminum of great hardness that occurs in colorless hexagonal prisms when pure and in various colors (as green, blue, yellow, or pink) when not pure, that is valued as a source of gems, and that is the principal source of beryllium

beryllium
n. : a steel-gray light strong brittle toxic divalent metallic element used chiefly as a hardening agent in alloys ― see ELEMENT table

Berytus
― see BEIRUT

Berzelius
Baron Jöns Jakob 1779-1848 Swed. chem.

Besancon
city E France E of Dijon pop 117,691

Besant
Annie 1847-1933 née Wood Eng. theosophist

beseech
v. transitive verb
1 : to beg for urgently or anxiously
2 : to request earnestly : IMPLORE
intransitive verb : to make supplication
synonyms see BEG
–be·seech·ing·ly \-'sē-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

beseem
v. archaic : to be fitting or becoming
transitive verb archaic : to be suitable to : BEFIT

beset
v. 1 : to set or stud with or as if with ornaments
2 : TROUBLE, HARASS <inflation besets the economy>
3 a : to set upon : ASSAIL <the settlers were beset by savages> b : to hem in : SURROUND
–be·set·ment \-mənt\ noun

besetting
adj. : constantly present or attacking : OBSESSIVE

beshrew
archaic : CURSE

beside
prep. 1 a : by the side of <walk beside me> b : in comparison with c : on a par with
2 : BESIDES
3 : not relevant to <beside the point>
–beside oneself : in a state of extreme excitement

beside
prep. 1 archaic : NEARBY
2 archaic : BESIDES

beside oneself
in a state of extreme excitement

beside the point
IRRELEVANT

besides
adv. 1 : OTHER THAN, EXCEPT <no one besides us>
2 : together with <a decision that, besides being practical, is morally right>

besides
adv. 1 : as well : ALSO
2 : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

besides
adv. : ELSE

besiege
v. 1 : to surround with armed forces
2 a : to press with requests : IMPORTUNE b : to cause worry or distress to : BESET <doubts besieged him>
–be·sieg·er noun

Beskids
mountain ranges cen Europe in W Carpathians including West Beskids (in Poland, Slovakia, & the Czech Republic) & East Beskids (in Poland & NE Slovakia)

besmear
v. : SMEAR

besmirch
v. : SULLY, SOIL

besom
n. : BROOM 2 especially : one made of twigs

besom pocket
: a pocket with a welted slit opening

besot
v. 1 : INFATUATE 2
2 : to make dull or stupid especially : to muddle with drunkenness
–be·sot·ted·ly adverb

bespatter
v. : SPATTER

bespeak
v. 1 : to hire, engage, or claim beforehand
2 : to speak to especially with formality : ADDRESS
3 : REQUEST <bespeak a favor>
4 a : INDICATE, SIGNIFY <her performance bespeaks considerable practice> b : to show beforehand : FORETELL

bespectacled
adj. : wearing spectacles

bespoke
adj. 1 a : CUSTOM-MADE <a bespoke suit> b : dealing in or producing custom-made articles
2 dialect : ENGAGED

besprent
adj. archaic : sprinkled over

besprinkle
v. : SPRINKLE

Bessarabia
region SE Europe bet. the Dniester & Prut rivers; now mostly in Moldova
–Bes·sa·ra·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

Bessel function
: one of a class of transcendental functions expressible as infinite series and occurring in the solution of the differential equation x^2 (d^2y/dx^2) + x (dy/dx) = (n^2-x^2) y

Bessemer
n. Sir Henry 1813-1898 Eng. engineer

Bessemer
n. city N cen Ala. pop 29,672

Bessemer process
: a process of making steel from pig iron by burning out carbon and other impurities by means of a blast of air forced through the molten metal

Best
n. Charles Herbert 1899-1978 Canad. (Am.-born) physiol.

best
n. 1 : excelling all others <the best student>
2 : most productive of good : offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction <what is the best thing to do>
3 : MOST, LARGEST <it rained for the best part of their vacation>

best
n. superlative of well

before 12th century
1 : in the best way : to greatest advantage <some things are best left unsaid>
2 : MOST <those best able will provide needed support>
–as best : as well, skillfully, or accurately as <try to do it as best you can>

best
n. 1 : the best state or part
2 : one that is best <the best falls short>
3 : the greatest degree of good or excellence
4 a : one's maximum effort <do your best> b : a best performance or achievement <ran a new personal best>
5 : best clothes <Sunday best>
–at best : under the most favorable circumstances

best
n. : to get the better of : OUTDO

best
n. : had best <you best listen>

best
n. had best
as best
at best
best ball
best boy
best case
best man
best seller
best selling
best sellerdom
level best
second best

best boy
: the chief assistant to the gaffer in motion-picture or television production

best man
: the principal groomsman at a wedding

best seller
: an article (as a book) whose sales are among the highest of its class
–best-sell·er·dom \-dəm\ noun
–best-sell·ing \-'se-liŋ\ adjective

best-ball
1 : relating to or being a golf match in which one player competes against the best individual score of two or more players for each hole
2 : FOUR-BALL

best-case
: being, relating to, or based on a projection of future events that assumes only the best possible circumstances <a best-case scenario>

bestead
adj. archaic : SITUATED

bestead
adj. 1 archaic : HELP
2 archaic : to be useful to : AVAIL

bestial
adj. 1 a : of or relating to beasts b : resembling a beast
2 a : lacking intelligence or reason b : marked by base or inhuman instincts or desires : BRUTAL
synonyms see BRUTAL
–bes·tial·ize \-chə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
–bes·tial·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb

bestiality
n. 1 : the condition or status of a lower animal
2 : display or gratification of bestial traits or impulses
3 : sexual relations between a human being and a lower animal

bestiary
n. 1 : a medieval allegorical or moralizing work on the appearance and habits of real or imaginary animals
2 a : a collection of descriptions or representations of real or imaginary animals b : an array of real humans or literary characters often having symbolic significance
3 : an unusual or whimsical collection <a truly astounding bestiary of airplane designs ― Peter Garrison>

bestir
v. : to rouse to action : get going

bestow
v. 1 : to put to use : APPLY <bestowed his spare time on study>
2 : to put in a particular or appropriate place : STOW
3 : to provide with quarters : PUT UP
4 : to convey as a gift ― usually used with on or upon
synonyms see GIVE
–be·stow·al \-'stō-əl\ noun
–be·stow·er \-'stō(-ə)r\ noun

bestrew
v. 1 : STREW
2 : to lie scattered over

bestride
v. 1 : to ride, sit, or stand astride : STRADDLE
2 : to tower over : DOMINATE <the bloated bureaucracy that bestrides us all ― Edward Ney>
3 archaic : to stride across

bet
n. 1 a : something that is laid, staked, or pledged typically between two parties on the outcome of a contest or a contingent issue : WAGER ― often used figuratively in such phrases as all bets are off to stress the uncertainty of an outcome b : the act of giving such a pledge
2 : something to wager on
3 : a choice made by consideration of probabilities <your best bet is the back road>

bet
n. transitive verb
1 a : to stake on the outcome of an issue or the performance of a contestant b : to be able to be sure that ― usually used in the expression you bet <you bet I'll be there>
2 a : to maintain with or as if with a bet b : to make a bet with c : to make a bet on
intransitive verb : to lay a bet

bet
n. between

beta
n. 1 : the 2d letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : BETA PARTICLE
3 : a measure of the risk potential of a stock or an investment portfolio expressed as a ratio of the stock's or portfolio's volatility to the volatility of the market as a whole
4 : a nearly complete prototype of a product (as software) <released in beta> <the beta version>

beta
n. : second in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom <beta substitution> ― often used in combination ― symbol β

beta
n. beta adrenergic
beta amyloid
beta blocker
beta blocking
beta carotene
beta cell
beta decay
beta endorphin
beta globulin
beta glucan
beta interferon
beta lactamase
beta oxidation
beta particle
beta ray
beta radiation
beta receptor
beta test
beta tester
beta thalassemia
beta wave
beta rhythm
interferon beta
Phi Beta Kappa

beta cell
: any of the insulin-secreting pancreatic cells in the islets of Langerhans

beta decay
: a radioactive nuclear transformation governed by the weak force in which a nucleon (as a neutron) changes into a nucleon (as a proton) of the other type with the emission of either an electron and an antineutrino or a positron and a neutrino

beta globulin
: any of several globulins of plasma or serum that have at alkaline pH electrophoretic mobilities intermediate between those of the alpha globulins and gamma globulins

beta interferon
: an interferon produced especially by fibroblasts that is used in a form obtained from recombinant DNA especially in the treatment of multiple sclerosis marked by recurrent attacks alternating with periods of remission ― compare ALPHA INTERFERON, GAMMA INTERFERON

beta particle
: a high-speed electron specifically : one emitted by a radioactive nucleus in beta decay

beta ray
1 : BETA PARTICLE
2 : a stream of beta particles ― called also beta radiation

beta test
: a field test of the beta version of a product (as software) especially by testers outside the company developing it that is conducted prior to commercial release
–beta test transitive verb
–beta tester noun

beta wave
: an electrical rhythm of the brain with a frequency of 13 to 30 cycles per second that is associated with normal conscious waking experience ― called also beta beta rhythm

beta-adrenergic
: of, relating to, or being a beta-receptor <beta-adrenergic blocking action>

beta-amyloid
: an amyloid that is derived from a larger precursor protein and is the primary component of plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease

beta-blocker
: any of a class of drugs (as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors
–be·ta-block·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective

beta-carotene
: an isomer of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

beta-endorphin
: an endorphin of the pituitary gland having a much greater analgesic potency than morphine

beta-glucan
: any of several polysaccharides consisting of glucose units and including one found in endosperm cell walls of cereal grains (as barley and oats)

beta-lactamase
: an enzyme found especially in staphylococcal bacteria that inactivates the penicillins by hydrolyzing them

beta-oxidation
: stepwise catabolism of fatty acids in which two-carbon fragments are successively removed from the carboxyl end of the chain

beta-receptor
: any of a group of receptors that are present on cell surfaces of some effector organs and tissues innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and that mediate certain physiological responses (as vasodilation, relaxation of bronchial and uterine smooth muscle, and increased heart rate) when bound by specific adrenergic agents ― compare ALPHA-RECEPTOR

beta-thalassemia
: thalassemia in which the longer hemoglobin chain is affected and which comprises Cooley's anemia in the homozygous condition and thalassemia minor in the heterozygous condition

betaine
n. : a sweet crystalline quaternary ammonium salt C_5H_11NO_2 obtained especially from sugar beets also : its hydrate or its hydrochloride

betake
v. 1 archaic : COMMIT
2 : to cause (oneself) to go

Betancourt
Rómulo 1908-1981 Venezuelan pres. (1959-64)

betatron
n. : an accelerator in which electrons are propelled by the inductive action of a rapidly varying magnetic field

bete noire
: a person or thing strongly detested or avoided : BUGBEAR

betel
n. : a climbing pepper (Piper betle) of southeastern Asia whose leaves are chewed together with betel nut and mineral lime as a stimulant masticatory

betel nut
: the astringent seed of the betel palm

betel palm
: an Asian pinnate-leaved palm (Areca catechu) that has an orange-colored drupe with an outer fibrous husk

Betelgeuse
: a variable red supergiant star of the first magnitude near the eastern shoulder of Orion

beth
n. : the 2d letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

Bethany
biblical village of ancient Palestine E of Jerusalem on Mount of Olives; the present-day West Bank town is called Al-'Ay·zar·ī·yah \ˌäl-ˌī-zä-'rē-yə\ pop 3560

Bethe
Hans Albrecht 1906-     American (Ger.-born) physicist

Bethel
n. city of ancient Palestine N of Jerusalem; the present-day West Bank town is called Bay·tīn \ˌbay-'tēn\

bethel
n. 1 : a hallowed spot
2 a : a chapel for Nonconformists b : a place of worship for seamen

Bethel Park
borough SW Pa. pop 33,556

Bethesda
unincorporated population center Md., a N suburb of Washington, D.C. pop 55,277

bethink
v. 1 a : REMEMBER, RECALL b : to cause (oneself) to be reminded
2 : to cause (oneself) to consider

Bethlehem
n. 1 city E Pa. on the Lehigh pop 71,329
2 city of ancient Palestine in Judea SW of Jerusalem; the present-day West Bank town is called Bayt Lahm \'bīt-'läm\ pop 34,180

Bethmann-Hollweg
Theobald Theodor Friedrich Alfred von 1856-1921 Ger. statesman; chancellor (1909-17)

Bethnal Green
former metropolitan borough E London, England, now part of Tower Hamlets

Bethune
n. (Jennie) Louise 1856-1913 née Blanchard American architect

Bethune
n. Mary 1875-1955 née McLeod American educ.

betide
v. : to happen especially as if by fate
transitive verb : to happen to : BEFALL ― used chiefly in the phrase woe betide <woe betide our enemies>

betimes
adv. 1 : in good time : EARLY
2 archaic : in a short time : SPEEDILY
3 : at times : OCCASIONALLY

Betio
islet & village W Pacific in N Kiribati at S end of Tarawa

betise
1 : an act of foolishness or stupidity
2 : lack of good sense : STUPIDITY

Betjeman
Sir John 1906-1984 Brit. author; poet laureate (1972-84)

betoken
v. 1 : to typify beforehand : PRESAGE
2 : to give evidence of : SHOW

betray
v. transitive verb
1 : to lead astray especially : SEDUCE
2 : to deliver to an enemy by treachery
3 : to fail or desert especially in time of need <betrayed his family>
4 a : to reveal unintentionally <betray one's true feelings> b : SHOW, INDICATE c : to disclose in violation of confidence <betray a secret>
intransitive verb : to prove false
synonyms see REVEAL
–be·tray·al \-'trā(-ə)l\ noun
–be·tray·er \-'trā-ər\ noun

betroth
v. 1 : to promise to marry
2 : to give in marriage

betrothal
n. 1 : the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed
2 : a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage

betrothed
adj. : the person to whom one is betrothed

betta
: any of a genus (Betta of the family Anabantidae) of small brilliantly colored long-finned freshwater bony fishes of southeastern Asia especially : SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH

Bettelheim
Bruno 1903-1990 American (Austrian-born) psychol.

Bettendorf
n. city E Iowa E of Davenport pop 31,275

better
n. 1 : greater than half <for the better part of an hour>
2 : improved in health or mental attitude <feeling better>
3 : more attractive, favorable, or commendable <in better circumstances>
4 : more advantageous or effective <a better solution>
5 : improved in accuracy or performance <building a better engine>

better
n. 1 : to make better: as a : to make more tolerable or acceptable <trying to better the lot of slum dwellers> b : to make more complete or perfect <looked forward to bettering her acquaintance with the new neighbors>
2 : to surpass in excellence : EXCEL
intransitive verb : to become better
synonyms see IMPROVE

better
n. comparative of well

12th century
1 a : in a more excellent manner <sings better than I do> b : to greater advantage : PREFERABLY <some things are better left unsaid>
2 a : to a higher or greater degree <he knows the story better than you do> b : MORE <it is better than nine miles to the next town>

better
n. 1 a : something better <I expected better from them> b : a superior especially in merit or rank <was respectful of his betters>
2 : ADVANTAGE, VICTORY <get the better of her>

better
n. : had better <you better hurry>

better
n. better half
better off
go one better
had better
think better of

better half
: SPOUSE

better-off
1 : being in comfortable economic circumstances <the better-off people live in the older section of town>
2 : being in a more advantageous position

betterment
n. 1 : a making or becoming better
2 : an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility

Betterton
Thomas ca 1635-1710 Eng. actor

betting shop
British : a shop where bets are taken

bettor
n. : one that bets

bettor
n. better half
better off
go one better
had better
think better of

between
adv. 1 a : by the common action of : jointly engaging <shared the work between the two of them> <talks between the three ― Time> b : in common to : shared by <divided between his four grandchildren>
2 a : in the time, space, or interval that separates b : in intermediate relation to
3 a : from one to another of <air service between Miami and Chicago> b : serving to connect or unite in a relationship (as difference, likeness, or proportion) <a one-to-one correspondence between sets> c : setting apart <the line between fact and fancy>
4 a : in preference for one or the other of <had no difficulty deciding between the two> b : in point of comparison of <not much to choose between the two coats>
5 : in confidence restricted to <a secret between you and me>
6 : taking together the combined effect of <between work and family life, they have no time for hobbies>
usage There is a persistent but unfounded notion that between can be used only of two items and that among must be used for more than two. Between has been used of more than two since Old English; it is especially appropriate to denote a one-to-one relationship, regardless of the number of items. It can be used when the number is unspecified <economic cooperation between nations>, when more than two are enumerated <between you and me and the lamppost> <partitioned between Austria, Prussia, and Russia ― Nathaniel Benchley>, and even when only one item is mentioned (but repetition is implied) <pausing between every sentence to rap the floor ― George Eliot>. Among is more appropriate where the emphasis is on distribution rather than individual relationships <discontent among the peasants>. When among is automatically chosen for more than two, English idiom may be strained <a worthy book that nevertheless falls among many stools ― John Simon> <the author alternates among mod slang, clichés and quotes from literary giants ― A. H. Johnston>.

between
adv. : in an intermediate space or interval

between
adv. between the rock and the hard place
betwixt and between
between the devil and the deep blue sea
fall between two stools
few and far between
go between
in between
between the lines
read between the lines
between a rock and a hard place
between Scylla and Charybdis

between a rock and a hard place
also between the rock and the hard place : in a difficult or uncomfortable position with no attractive way out

between Scylla and Charybdis
between two equally hazardous alternatives

between the devil and the deep blue sea
faced with two equally objectionable alternatives

between the lines

1 : by implication : in an indirect way
2 : by way of inference

betweenness
: the quality or state of being between two others in an ordered mathematical set

betweentimes
: at or during intervals

betweenwhiles
: BETWEENTIMES

betwixt
adv. : BETWEEN

betwixt and between
: in a midway position : neither one thing nor the other

Beulah
: an idyllic land near the end of life's journey in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

beurre
beurre blanc
beurre manie
beurre manié
beurre noir

beurre blanc
: a seasoned butter sauce (as for fish) flavored with white wine, shallots, and vinegar or lemon juice

beurre manie
: flour and butter kneaded together used as a thickener in sauces

beurre noir
: butter heated until brown or black and often flavored with vinegar or lemon juice

Beuthen
― see BYTOM

BEV
Black English vernacular

BeV
billion electron volts

bevel
n. : OBLIQUE, BEVELED <a bevel edge>

bevel
n. 1 : an instrument consisting of two rules or arms jointed together and opening to any angle for drawing angles or adjusting surfaces to be cut at an angle
2 a : the angle that one surface or line makes with another when they are not at right angles b : the slant of such a surface or line
3 : the part of printing type extending from face to shoulder

bevel
n. transitive verb : to cut or shape to a bevel
intransitive verb : INCLINE, SLANT

bevel gear
: either of a pair of toothed wheels whose working surfaces are inclined to nonparallel axes

beverage
n. : a drinkable liquid

Beveridge
Albert Jeremiah 1862-1927 American polit. & hist.

Beveridge
William Henry 1879-1963 1st Baron Beveridge of Tug·gal \'tə-gəl\ Eng. econ.

Beverley
town N England NNW of Hull pop 109,500

Beverly
n. city NE Mass. pop 39,862

Beverly Hills
city SW Calif. within city of Los Angeles pop 33,784

Bevin
Ernest 1881-1951 Brit. labor leader & polit.

bevy
n. 1 : a large group or collection <a bevy of girls>
2 : a group of animals and especially quail

bewail
v. 1 : to wail over
2 : to express deep sorrow for usually by wailing and lamentation <wringing her hands and bewailing her fate>
synonyms see DEPLORE

beware
v. intransitive verb : to be on one's guard <beware of the dog>
transitive verb
1 : to take care of <beware your wallet>
2 : to be wary of <we must⋯beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization ― Matthew Lipman>

bewhiskered
adj. : having whiskers

bewigged
adj. : wearing a wig

bewilder
1 : to cause to lose one's bearings
2 : to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity, variety, or multitude of objects or considerations
synonyms see PUZZLE
–be·wil·dered·ly adverb
–be·wil·dered·ness noun
–be·wil·der·ing·ly \-d(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

bewilderment
n. 1 : the quality or state of being bewildered
2 : a bewildering tangle or confusion

bewitch
v. 1 a : to influence or affect especially injuriously by witchcraft b : to cast a spell over
2 : to attract as if by the power of witchcraft : ENCHANT, FASCINATE <bewitched by her beauty>
intransitive verb : to bewitch someone or something
–be·witch·ery \-'wi-ch(ə-)rē\ noun
–be·witch·ing·ly \-'wi-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

bewitchment
n. 1 a : the act or power of bewitching b : a spell that bewitches
2 : the state of being bewitched

bewray
v. archaic : DIVULGE, BETRAY

Bexley
borough of E Greater London, England pop 211,200

bey
n. 1 a : a provincial governor in the Ottoman Empire b : the former native ruler of Tunis or Tunisia
2 ― used as a courtesy title in Turkey and Egyptian

Beyle
Marie-Henri ― see STENDHAL

Beyoglu
section of Istanbul, Turkey comprising area N of the Golden Horn

beyond
n. 1 : on or to the farther side : FARTHER
2 : in addition : BESIDES

beyond
n. 1 : on or to the farther side of : at a greater distance than <beyond the horizon>
2 a : out of the reach or sphere of <a task beyond his strength> b : in a degree or amount surpassing <beautiful beyond measure> c : out of the comprehension of <his reasoning is beyond me>
3 : in addition to : BESIDES <doing work beyond his regular duties>

beyond
n. 1 : something that lies beyond
2 : something that lies outside the scope of ordinary experience specifically : HEREAFTER

beyond one's depth
or out of one's depth : beyond the limits of one's capabilities <an actor who is clearly out of his depth in serious drama>

bezant
n. 1 : SOLIDUS 1
2 : a flat disk used in architectural ornament

bezel
n. 1 : a rim that holds a transparent covering (as on a watch, clock, or headlight) or that is rotatable and has special markings (as on a watch)
2 : the oblique side or face of a cut gem specifically : the upper faceted portion of a brilliant projecting from the setting ― see BRILLIANT illustration
3 : a usually metal rim of a piece of jewelry in which an ornament (as a gem) is set

Beziers
n. city S France SW of Montpellier pop 69,359

bezique
n. : a card game similar to pinochle that is played with a pack of 64 cards

bezoar
n. : any of various calculi found chiefly in the gastrointestinal organs and formerly believed to possess magical properties ― called also bezoar stone

Bezwada
― see VIJAYAWADA

BF
1 bachelor of forestry
2 board foot
3 brought forward

bf
boldface

BFA
n. bachelor of fine arts

BG
brigadier general

bg
1 background
2 bag
3 beige
4 being

BGH
bovine growth hormone

BGS
bachelor of general studies

BH
1 bill of health
2 Brinell hardness

Bh
bohrium

BHA
: a phenolic antioxidant C_11H_16O_2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

Bhagalpur
city E India on the Ganges in E Bihar pop 340,349

Bhagavad Gita
: a Hindu devotional work in poetic form

Bhakra Dam
hydroelectric & irrigation dam 740 ft (226 m) N India in Punjab in gorge of the Sutlej

bhakti
n. : devotion to a deity constituting a way to salvation in Hinduism

Bhamo
city N Myanmar on the upper Irrawaddy pop 13,767

bhang
n. : a mildly intoxicating preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of uncultivated hemp also : HEMP 1A C ― compare MARIJUANA, HASHISH

bhangra
n. : popular dance music originating chiefly in England that combines traditional Punjabi music with elements of disco and hip-hop

bharal
n. : any of a genus (Pseudois) of goatlike bovid mammals of the Himalayas and western China having a bluish-gray coat

Bhatpara
city E India in W. Bengal pop 441,956

Bhavnagar
city & port W India in S Gujarat on Gulf of Khambhat pop 510,958

BHC
1 : any of several stereoisomeric chlorine derivatives C_6H_6Cl_6 of cyclohexane in which the chlorine atoms are all attached to different carbon atoms
2 : LINDANE

bhd
bulkhead

BHL
1 bachelor of Hebrew letters
2 bachelor of Hebrew literature

BHN
Brinell hardness number

Bhojpuri
: an Indo-Aryan language spoken in western Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Bhopal
1 former state N cen India in & N of Vindhya Mountains capital Bhopal; now part of Madhya Pradesh
2 city N cen India NW of Nagpur capital of Madhya Pradesh pop 1,433,875

bhp
bishop

BHT
: a phenolic antioxidant C_15H_24O used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

Bhubaneswar
city E India S of Cuttack capital of Orissa pop 647,302

Bhumibol Adulyadej
1927-     king of Thailand (1946-    )

Bhutan
n. country Asia in Himalayas on NE border of India; a monarchy capital Thimphu area 18,000 sq mi (46,800 sq km), pop 1,546,000
–Bhu·ta·nese \ˌbü-tə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Bhutto
Benazir 1953-     prime min. of Pakistan (1988-90; 1993-96)

Bi
pref. bismuth

bi
pref. : BISEXUAL

bi
pref. 1 a : two <bilateral> b : coming or occurring every two <bicentennial> c : into two parts <bisect>
2 a : twice : doubly : on both sides <biconvex> b : coming or occurring two times <biannual> ― compare SEMI-
3 : between, involving, or affecting two (specified) symmetrical parts <bilabial>
4 a : containing one (specified) constituent in double the proportion of the other constituent or in double the ordinary proportion <bicarbonate> b : DI- 2 <biphenyl>
usage Many people are puzzled about bimonthly and biweekly, which are often ambiguous because they are formed from both senses 1b and 2b of bi-. This ambiguity has been in existence for nearly a century and a half and cannot be eliminated by the dictionary. The chief difficulty is that many users of these words assume that others know exactly what they mean, and they do not bother to make their context clear. So if you need bimonthly or biweekly, you should leave some clues in your context to the sense of bi- you mean. And if you need the meaning “twice a,” you can substitute semi- for bi-. Biannual and biennial are usually differentiated.

bi
pref. 1 : life : living organisms or tissue <bioluminescence> <biosphere>
2 : biographical <biopic>

bi
pref. bi level
billi bi
billy bi
bi swing

bi-level
1 : having two levels of freight or passenger space
2 : having two floors with a ground-level entry situated between the floors

bi-level
: a bi-level house

bi-swing
: made with a pleat or gusset at the back of the arms <bi-swing jacket>

BIA
1 bachelor of industrial administration
2 Bureau of Indian Affairs

Biafra
former secessionist state (1967-70) in SE Nigeria
–Bi·a·fran \-frən\ adjective or noun

Biafra, Bight of
the E section of Gulf of Guinea W Africa

Biak
island off W New Guinea; largest of the Schoutens

bialy
n. : a flat breakfast roll that has a depressed center and is usually covered with onion flakes

Bialystok
city NE Poland pop 268,085

biannual
adj. 1 : occurring twice a year
2 : BIENNIAL 1
usage see BI-
–bi·an·nu·al·ly adverb

Biarritz
commune SW France on Bay of Biscay pop 30,046

Bias
n. ― see BEAS

bias
n. 1 : a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric especially : a line at a 45 degree angle to the selvage often utilized in the cutting of garments for smoother fit
2 a : a peculiarity in the shape of a bowl that causes it to swerve when rolled on the green in lawn bowling b : the tendency of a bowl to swerve also : the impulse causing this tendency c : the swerve of the bowl
3 a : BENT, TENDENCY b : an inclination of temperament or outlook especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : PREJUDICE c : an instance of such prejudice d (1) : deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates (2) : systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others
4 a : a voltage applied to a device (as a transistor control electrode) to establish a reference level for operation b : a high-frequency voltage combined with an audio signal to reduce distortion in tape recording
synonyms see PREDILECTION
–on the bias : ASKEW, OBLIQUELY

bias
n. : DIAGONAL, SLANTING ― used chiefly of fabrics and their cut
–bi·as·ness noun

bias
n. 1 : DIAGONALLY <cut cloth bias>
2 obsolete : AWRY

bias
n. 1 : to give a settled and often prejudiced outlook to <his background biases him against foreigners>
2 : to apply a slight negative or positive voltage to (as a transistor)
synonyms see INCLINE

bias
n. on the bias
bias belted tire
bias crime
bias ply tire
bias tape

bias crime
: HATE CRIME

bias tape
: a narrow strip of cloth cut on the bias, folded, and used for finishing or decorating clothing

bias-belted tire
: a pneumatic tire with a belt (as of steel or fiberglass) to help prevent punctures that is under the tread and on top of the plies of cords which form the tire's carcass and which are set diagonally to the center line of the tread

bias-ply tire
: a pneumatic tire having crossed plies of cords set diagonally to the center line of the tread

biased
adj. 1 : exhibiting or characterized by bias especially : PREJUDICED
2 : tending to yield one outcome more frequently than others in a statistical experiment <a biased coin>
3 : having an expected value different from the quantity or parameter estimated <a biased estimate>

biathlete
n. : an athlete who competes in a biathlon

biathlon
n. : a composite athletic contest consisting of cross-country skiing and rifle sharpshooting

biaxial
adj. : having or relating to two axes or optic axes <a biaxial crystal>
–bi·ax·i·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

bib
n. : DRINK

bib
n. 1 : a cloth or plastic shield tied under the chin to protect the clothes
2 : the part of an apron or of overalls extending above the waist
3 : a patch of differently colored feathers or fur immediately below the bill or chin of a bird or mammal
–bibbed \'bibd\ adjective
–bib·less \'bib-ləs\ adjective

bib
n. 1 Bible
2 biblical

bib and tucker
: an outfit of clothing ― usually used in the phrase best biblical and tucker

Bibb lettuce
: a butter lettuce of a variety that has a small head and dark green color ― called also Bibb

bibber
n. : a person who regularly drinks alcoholic beverages
–bib·bery \'bi-bə-rē\ noun

bibelot
n. : a small household ornament or decorative object : TRINKET

bible
n. 1 capitalized a : the sacred scriptures of Christians comprising the Old Testament and the New Testament b : the sacred scriptures of some other religion (as Judaism)
2 obsolete : BOOK
3 capitalized : a copy or an edition of the Bible
4 : a publication that is preeminent especially in authoritativeness or wide readership <the fisherman's bible> <the bible of the entertainment industry>

see table...

bible
n. bible table
Bible Belt
Bible paper
Bible thumper
Bible thumping
Bishops' Bible
family Bible
New English Bible

Bible Belt
: an area chiefly in the southern U.S. whose inhabitants are believed to hold uncritical allegiance to the literal accuracy of the Bible broadly : an area characterized by ardent religious fundamentalism

Bible paper
: INDIA PAPER 2

bible-table

Bible-thumper
: an overzealous advocate of Christian fundamentalism
–Bi·ble-thump·ing \-piŋ\ adjective

bibli
: book <bibliology>

biblical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being in accord with the Bible
2 : suggestive of the Bible or Bible times
–bib·li·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biblicism
: adherence to the letter of the Bible
–bib·li·cist \-lə-sist\ noun often cap

bibliographer
n. 1 : an expert in bibliography
2 : a compiler of bibliographies

bibliography
1 : the history, identification, or description of writings or publications
2 a : a list often with descriptive or critical notes of writings relating to a particular subject, period, or author b : a list of works written by an author or printed by a publishing house
3 : the works or a list of the works referred to in a text or consulted by the author in its production
–bib·lio·graph·ic \ˌbi-blē-ə-'gra-fik\ also bib·lio·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–bib·lio·graph·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

bibliolater
n. 1 : one having excessive reverence for the letter of the Bible
2 : one overly devoted to books
–bib·li·ol·a·trous \-'ä-lə-trəs\ adjective
–bib·li·ol·a·try \-trē\ noun

bibliology
1 : the history and science of books as physical objects : BIBLIOGRAPHY
2 often capitalized : the study of the theological doctrine of the Bible

bibliomania
n. : extreme preoccupation with collecting books
–bib·lio·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun or adjective
–bib·lio·ma·ni·a·cal \-lē-ō-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ adjective

bibliopegy
: the art of binding books
–bib·li·o·pe·gic \ˌbi-blē-ə-'pe-jik, -'pē-\ adjective
–bib·li·op·e·gist \ˌbi-blē-'ä-pə-jist\ noun

bibliophile
n. : a lover of books especially for qualities of format also : a book collector
–bib·lio·phil·ic \ˌbi-blē-ə-'fi-lik\ adjective
–bib·li·oph·i·lism \-'ä-fə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–bib·li·oph·i·ly \-lē\ noun

bibliopole
n. : a dealer especially in rare or curious books

bibliotheca
1 : a collection of books
2 : a list of books
–bib·lio·the·cal \-'thē-kəl\ adjective

bibliotherapy
n. : the use of reading materials for help in solving personal problems or for psychiatric therapy also : the reading materials so used

bibulous
adj. 1 : highly absorbent
2 a : fond of alcoholic beverages b : of, relating to, or marked by the consumption of alcoholic beverages
–bib·u·lous·ly adverb
–bib·u·lous·ness noun

bicameral
adj. : having, consisting of, or based on two legislative chambers <a bicameral legislature>
–bi·cam·er·al·ism \-rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

bicarb
: SODIUM BICARBONATE

bicarbonate
n. : an acid carbonate

bicarbonate of soda

1814
: SODIUM BICARBONATE

bicentenary
n. : BICENTENNIAL
–bicentenary adjective

bicentennial
n. : a 200th anniversary or its celebration
–bicentennial adjective

bicep
: BICEPS A

biceps
n. : a muscle having two heads: as a : the large flexor muscle of the front of the upper arm b : the large flexor muscle of the back of the upper leg

biceps brachii
: BICEPS A

biceps femoris
: BICEPS B

bichloride of mercury
: MERCURIC CHLORIDE

bichon frise
: any of a breed of small sturdy dogs of Mediterranean origin having a thick wavy white coat

bichromate
adj. : a dichromate especially of sodium or potassium
–bi·chro·mat·ed \-ˌmā-təd\ adjective

bichrome
: two-colored

bicipital
adj. : of, relating to, or being a biceps

bicker
v. 1 : petulant quarreling : ALTERCATION
2 : a sound of or as if of bickering

bicker
v. 1 : to engage in a petulant or petty quarrel <bickering over money>
2 a : to move with a rapidly repeated noise <a bickering stream> b : QUIVER, FLICKER
–bick·er·er \-kə-rər\ noun

bicoastal
: of or relating to or living or working on both the east and west coasts of the U.S. <a bicoastal couple>

bicolored
adj. : two-colored
–bicolor noun

bicomponent
: being a fiber made of two polymers having slightly different physical properties so that the fiber has a permanent crimp and fabrics made from it have inherent bulk and stretchability

biconcave
adj. : concave on both sides
–bi·con·cav·i·ty \ˌbī-(ˌ)kän-'ka-və-tē\ noun

biconditional
: a relation between two propositions that is true only when both propositions are simultaneously true or false ― see TRUTH TABLE table

biconvex
adj. : convex on both sides
–bi·con·vex·i·ty \ˌbī-kən-'vek-sə-tē, -(ˌ)kän-\ noun

bicorne
: COCKED HAT 2

bicultural
adj. : of, relating to, or including two distinct cultures <bicultural education>
–bi·cul·tur·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

bicuspid
n. : having or ending in two points <bicuspid teeth>

bicuspid
n. : a human premolar tooth ― see TOOTH illustration

bicuspid valve
: MITRAL VALVE

bicycle
n. : a vehicle with two wheels tandem, handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is propelled also : a stationary exercise machine that resembles such a vehicle

bicycle
n. : to ride a bicycle
–bi·cy·cler \-klər\ noun
–bi·cy·clist \-klist\ noun

bicycle
n. bicycle shorts
exercise bicycle
push bicycle
stationary bicycle
tandem bicycle

bicycle shorts
: tight-fitting shorts made usually of spandex and worn chiefly by bicyclists

bicyclic
adj. 1 : consisting of or arranged in two cycles
2 : containing two usually fused rings in the structure of the molecule

BID
n. bachelor of industrial design

bid
n. transitive verb
1 a obsolete : BESEECH, ENTREAT b : to issue an order to : TELL <did as I was bid> c : to request to come : INVITE
2 : to give expression to <bade a tearful farewell>
3 a : OFFER ― usually used in the phrase to bid defiance b past and past part bid (1) : to offer (a price) whether for payment or acceptance (2) : to make a bid of or in (a suit at cards)
intransitive verb : to make a bid
synonyms see COMMAND
–bid·der noun
–bid fair : to seem likely <a movie that bids fair to become a big hit>

bid
n. 1 a : the act of one who bids b : a statement of what one will give or take for something especially : an offer of a price c : something offered as a bid
2 : an opportunity to bid
3 : INVITATION
4 a : an announcement of what a cardplayer proposes to undertake b : the amount of such a bid c : a biddable bridge hand
5 : an attempt or effort to win, achieve, or attract <a bid for reelection>

bid
n. twice a day

bid fair
to seem likely <a movie that bids fair to become a big hit>

bid up
: to raise the price of (as property at auction) by a succession of offers

Bidault
Georges 1899-1983 Fr. statesman

biddable
adj. 1 : easily led, taught, or controlled : DOCILE
2 : capable of being bid
–bid·da·bil·i·ty \ˌbi-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–bid·da·bly \'bi-də-blē\ adverb

Biddle
John 1615-1662 founder of Eng. Unitarianism

Biddle
Nicholas 1786-1844 American financier

biddy
n. : HEN 1A also : a young chicken

biddy
n. 1 : a hired girl or cleaning woman
2 usually disparaging : WOMAN especially : an elderly woman

bide
v. transitive verb
1 past usually bided : to wait for ― used chiefly in the phrase bide one's time
2 archaic : WITHSTAND <two men⋯might bide the winter storm ― W. C. Bryant>
3 chiefly dialect : to put up with : TOLERATE
intransitive verb
1 : to continue in a state or condition
2 : to wait awhile : TARRY
3 : to continue in a place : SOJOURN
–bid·er noun

bidet
n. : a bathroom fixture used especially for bathing the external genitals and the anal region

bidi
n. : a small hand-rolled often flavored cigarette made chiefly in India

bidialectalism
: facility in using two dialects of the same language also : the teaching of Standard English to pupils who normally use a nonstandard dialect
–bi·di·a·lec·tal adjective

bidirectional
adj. : involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions <bidirectional flow> <bidirectional replication of DNA>
–bi·di·rec·tion·al·ly adverb

bidonville
: a settlement of jerry-built dwellings on the outskirts of a city (as in France or No. Africa)

BIE
bachelor of industrial engineering

Biedermeier
adj. : of a style of unostentatious furniture and interior decoration popular especially with the middle class in early 19th century Germany

Biel
n. commune NW Switzerland in Bern canton pop 49,157

Bielefeld
city W cen Germany E of Münster pop 322,132

Bielsko-Biala
city S Poland pop 179,879

bien
bien entendu
bien pensant
bien vu
tout bien ou rien
Dien Bien Phu

bien entendu
: well understood : of course

bien vu
: well regarded

bien-pensant
: right-minded : one who holds orthodox views

biennial
n. 1 : occurring every two years
2 : continuing or lasting for two years specifically : growing vegetatively during the first year and fruiting and dying during the second
usage see BI-
–biennial noun
–bi·en·ni·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

biennium
n. : a period of two years

bienseance
: propriety

Bienville
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, sieur de 1680-1768 Fr. colonial gov. of Louisiana

bier
n. 1 archaic : a framework for carrying
2 : a stand on which a corpse or coffin is placed also : a coffin together with its stand

Bierce
Ambrose Gwinnett 1842-?1914 American author

Bierstadt
Albert 1830-1902 American (Ger.-born) painter

biface
: a bifacial stone tool

bifacial
adj. : having opposite sides or faces worked on to form an edge for cutting or scraping
–bi·fa·cial·ly adverb

biff
n. : WHACK, BLOW
–biff transitive verb

bifid
adj. : divided into two equal lobes or parts by a median cleft <a bifid leaf>

bifilar
1 : involving two threads or wires <bifilar suspension of a pendulum>
2 : involving a single thread or wire doubled back upon itself <a bifilar resistor>
–bi·fi·lar·ly adverb

biflagellate
adj. : having two flagella <biflagellate gametes>

bifocal
adj. 1 : having two focal lengths
2 : having one part that corrects for near vision and one for distant vision <a bifocal eyeglass lens>

bifocal
adj. 1 plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses
2 : a bifocal glass or lens

bifold
: designed to fold twice <bifold doors> <a bifold wallet>

bifunctional
adj. : having two functions especially : DIFUNCTIONAL

bifurcate
v. transitive verb : to cause to divide into two branches or parts
intransitive verb : to divide into two branches or parts
–bi·fur·cate \(ˌ)bī-'fər-kət, -ˌkāt; 'bī-(ˌ)fər-ˌkāt\ adjective

bifurcation
n. 1 a : the point at which bifurcating occurs b : BRANCH
2 : the act of bifurcating : the state of being bifurcated

big
adj. 1 a obsolete : of great strength b : of great force <a big storm>
2 a : large or great in dimensions, bulk, or extent <a big house> also : large or great in quantity, number, or amount <a big fleet> b : operating on a large scale <big government> c : CAPITAL 1
3 a : PREGNANT especially : nearly ready to give birth b : full to bursting : SWELLING <big with rage> c of the voice : full and resonant
4 a : CHIEF, PREEMINENT <the big issue of the campaign> b : outstandingly worthy or able <a truly big man> c : of great importance or significance <the big moment> d : IMPOSING, PRETENTIOUS also : marked by or given to boasting <big talk> e : MAGNANIMOUS, GENEROUS <was big about it>
5 : POPULAR <soft drinks are very big in Mexico ― Russian Leadabrand>
6 : full-bodied and flavorful ― used of wine
–big·ly adverb
–big·ness noun
–big on : strongly favoring or liking also : noted for <she is big on blushing ― Arnold Hano>

big
adj. 1 : in a loud or declamatory manner also : in a boasting manner <talk big>
2 a : to a large amount or extent <won big> b : on a large scale <think big>
3 : HARD <hits her forehand big>

big
adj. : an individual or organization of outstanding importance or power especially : MAJOR LEAGUE ― usually used in plural <playing in the bigs>

big
adj. big bluestem
big on
big band
big bang
big bang theory
big beat
Big Ben
big boy
big brother
Big Brotherism
big brown bat
big buck
big business
big C
big cheese
big crunch
big daddy
big deal
Big Dipper
big game
big gun
big hair
big house
big league
big leaguer
big lie
big name
big picture
big science
big screen
big shot
big stick
big ticket
big time
big timer
big toe
big top
big tree
big wheel
hit it big
Big Bend
Big Black
Big Diomede
Big Sandy
Big Sioux
Big Spring
Big Stone
Big Sur
Big Thicket

big band
: a band that is larger than a combo and that usually features a mixture of ensemble playing and solo improvisation typical of jazz or swing

big bang
: the cosmic explosion that marked the beginning of the universe according to the big bang theory ― compare BIG CRUNCH

big bang theory
: a theory in astronomy: the universe originated billions of years ago in an explosion from a single point of nearly infinite energy density ― compare STEADY STATE THEORY

big beat
: music (as rock) characterized by a heavy persistent beat

Big Ben
1 : a large bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in London
2 : the tower that houses Big Ben also : the clock in the tower

Big Bend
1 area W Tex. in large bend of the Rio Grande; partly included in Big Bend National Park
2 section of Columbia River E cen Wash.

Big Black
river 330 mi (531 km) W cen Miss. flowing to Mississippi River

big bluestem
: BLUESTEM 1

big boy
: BIG GUN ― usually used in plural

big brother
1 : an older brother
2 : a man who serves as a companion, father figure, and role model for a boy
3 capitalized both Bs [Big Brother, personification of the power of the state in 1984 (1949) by George Orwell] a : the leader of an authoritarian state or movement b : an all-powerful government or organization monitoring and directing people's actions <data banks that tell Big Brother all about us ― Herbert Brucker>

Big Brotherism
: authoritarian attempts at complete control (as of a person or a nation)

big brown bat
: an insectivorous medium-sized bat (Eptesicus fuscus) having brownish fur that is found from southern Canada to northern South America and that often roosts in buildings

big buck
: a large sum of money ― usually used in plural <signed a contract for big bucks>

big business
1 : an economic group consisting of large profit-making corporations especially with regard to their influence on social or political policy
2 : a very profitable enterprise

big C
: CANCER 2

big cheese
: BOSS, BIG GUN

big crunch
: a hypothetical cosmological event in which all matter in the universe collapses to a singularity and which is posited to be a possible fate of the universe if the density of matter in it is sufficiently high ― compare BIG BANG

big daddy
: one preeminent especially by reason of power, size, or seniority : one representing paternalistic authority

big deal
: something of special importance <what's the big deal?> <saw it as no big deal> ― sometimes used ironically as an interjection

Big Diomede
― see DIOMEDE ISLANDS

Big Dipper
: the seven principal stars in the constellation of Ursa Major

big game
1 : relatively large animals sought or taken by hunting or fishing especially for sport
2 : an important objective especially when involving risk

big gun
: one having preeminent status or power in a field

big hair
: hair that is styled and teased to occupy an unusually large amount of space above and around the head

big house
slang : PENITENTIARY

big league
1 : MAJOR LEAGUE
2 : BIG TIME 2 ― often used in plural
–big-league adjective
–big leaguer noun

big lie
: a deliberate gross distortion of the truth used especially as a propaganda tactic

big name
: a performer or personage of top rank in popular recognition <a big name in the business world>
–big-name adjective

big on
strongly favoring or liking also : noted for <she is big on blushing ― Arnold Hano>

big picture
: the entire perspective on a situation or issue ― used with the

Big Sandy
river 22 mi (35 km) bet. W.Va. & Ky. flowing N into Ohio River

big science
: large-scale scientific research consisting of projects funded usually by a national government or group of governments

big screen
: the motion picture medium often as contrasted to television <a story adapted for the big screen>
–big-screen adjective

big shot
: a person of consequence or prominence

Big Sioux
river 420 mi (676 km) S.Dak. & Iowa flowing S to Missouri River & forming Iowa-S.Dak. boundary

Big Spring
city W Tex. NE of Odessa pop 25,233

big stick
: threat especially of military or political intervention

Big Stone
lake ab 30 mi (48 km) long bet. W Minn. & NE S.Dak. ― see MINNESOTA 1

Big Sur
region W Calif. centering on Big Sur River & extending ab 80 mi (129 km) along coast SE of Point Sur

Big Thicket
wilderness area E Tex. NE of Houston area ab 450 sq mi (1170 sq km)

big time
1 : a high-paying vaudeville circuit requiring only two performances a day
2 : the top rank of an activity or enterprise
–big-tim·er \-ˌtī-mər\ noun

big toe
: the innermost and largest toe of the foot

big top
1 : the main tent of a circus
2 : CIRCUS 2A B C

big tree
: GIANT SEQUOIA

big wheel
: BIGWIG, BIG SHOT

big-ticket
: having a high price <the car was a big-ticket item>

big-time
: relating to or involved in the big time <big-time sports> also : MAJOR 4 <big-time operators>

big-time
: in a major or large-scale way <the new show bombed big-time> also : to a great extent or degree <owes me big-time>

bigamous
adj. 1 : guilty of bigamy <a bigamous man>
2 : involving bigamy <a bigamous marriage>
–big·a·mous·ly adverb

bigamy
n. : the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another
–big·a·mist \-mist\ noun

bigarade
1 : SOUR ORANGE
2 : a brown sauce flavored with the juice and grated rind of oranges

bigeminy
n. : the state of having a pulse characterized by two beats close together with a pause following each pair of beats
–bi·gem·i·nal \-mə-nəl\ adjective

bigeneric
: of, relating to, or involving two genera <a bigeneric hybrid>

bigeye
n. : any of several small widely distributed reddish to silvery bony fishes (genus Priacanthus of the family Priacanthidae) of tropical seas

bigeye tuna
: a large-eyed tuna (Thunnus obesus) that has long pectoral fins and often a bluish stripe on the side and is found in warm ocean waters worldwide

bigfoot
n. 1 [from the size of the footprints ascribed to it] : SASQUATCH
2 : BIG SHOT

biggety
adj. 1 Southern & Midland : CONCEITED, VAIN
2 Southern & Midland : rudely self-important : IMPUDENT <never acted biggety in court, but she would bow her head only so low ― Claude Brown>

biggie
n. : one that is big and often important

biggin
n. archaic : BUILDING

biggin
n. archaic : CAP: a : a child's cap b : NIGHTCAP

biggish
adj. : somewhat big

bighead
n. 1 : any of several diseases of animals marked by swelling about the head
2 : an exaggerated opinion of one's importance ― usually used with the
–big·head·ed \-'he-dəd\ adjective

bighearted
adj. : GENEROUS, CHARITABLE
–big·heart·ed·ly adverb
–big·heart·ed·ness noun

Bighorn
n. river 336 mi (541 km) N Wyo. & SE Mont. flowing N into Yellowstone River ― see WIND

Bighorn
n. bighorn sheep
Bighorn Mountains
Little Bighorn
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Bighorn Mountains
mountains N Wyo. extending S from Mont. border E of Bighorn River ― see CLOUD PEAK

bighorn sheep
: a usually grayish-brown wild sheep (Ovis canadensis) of mountainous and desert regions of western No. America ― called also bighorn

bight
n. 1 : a bend in a coast forming an open bay also : a bay formed by such a bend
2 : a slack part or loop in a rope

bight
n. Benin Bight of
Biafra Bight of
Bight of Bonny
Bonny Bight of
Great Australian Bight

bigmouthed
adj. 1 : having a large mouth
2 : LOUDMOUTHED

bignonia
n. : a woody evergreen vine (Bignonia capreolata of the family Bignoniaceae, the bignonia family) of American and Japanese woody vines with compound leaves and tubular flowers

bigot
n. : a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
–big·ot·ed \-gə-təd\ adjective
–big·ot·ed·ly adverb

bigotry
n. 1 : the state of mind of a bigot
2 : acts or beliefs characteristic of a bigot

bigwig
n. : an important person

Bihar
n. 1 state NE India capital Patna area 38,352 sq mi (99,332 sq km), pop 82,878,796
2 city cen Bihar state SE of Patna pop 231,972

Bihari
n. 1 : a group of Indo-Aryan languages (as Bhojpuri) spoken in Bihar, India, and adjacent areas
2 a : a native or inhabitant of Bihar b : a Muslim born in Bihar who emigrated after the partition of India in 1947 also : a descendant of such a person

bijection
n. : a mathematical function that is a one-to-one and onto mapping ― compare INJECTION, SURJECTION
–bi·jec·tive \-'jek-tiv\ adjective

bijou
n. 1 : a small dainty usually ornamental piece of delicate workmanship : JEWEL
2 : something delicate, elegant, or highly prized
–bijou adjective

bijouterie
n. : a collection of trinkets or ornaments : JEWELS also : DECORATION

Bikaner
city NW India in N Rajasthan in Thar Desert pop 529,007

bike
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a nest of wild bees, wasps, or hornets
2 chiefly Scottish : a crowd or swarm of people

bike
n. 1 : BICYCLE
2 : MOTORCYCLE
3 : MOTORBIKE
4 : STATIONARY BICYCLE

bike
n. : to ride a bike

bike
n. dirt bike
exercise bike
mountain bike
push bike
stationary bike
trail bike

biker
n. 1 : BICYCLIST
2 : MOTORCYCLIST especially : one who is a member of an organized club or gang

bikeway
n. : a thoroughfare for bicycles

bikie
: BIKER 2

Bikini
n. island (atoll) W Pacific in Marshall Islands
–Bi·ki·ni·an \-nē-ən\ noun

bikini
n. 1 a : a woman's scanty two-piece bathing suit b : a man's brief swimsuit
2 : a man's or woman's low-cut briefs
–bi·ki·nied also bi·ki·ni'd \-nēd\ adjective

bikini wax
: a procedure for removing pubic hair from the skin near the edge of the bottom half of a bikini by applying hot wax, covering the wax with a cloth to which the wax and hair adhere, and then peeling it off quickly

bil
billion

bilabial
n. of a consonant : produced with both lips

bilabial
n. : a bilabial consonant

bilabiate
adj. : having two lips <a bilabiate corolla>

bilateral
adj. 1 : having two sides
2 : affecting reciprocally two nations or parties <a bilateral treaty> <a bilateral trade agreement>
3 a : of, relating to, or affecting the right and left sides of the body or the right and left members of paired organs <bilateral nephrectomy> b : having bilateral symmetry
–bi·lat·er·al·ism \-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–bi·lat·er·al·ly adverb

bilateral symmetry
: symmetry in which similar anatomical parts are arranged on opposite sides of a median axis so that only one plane can divide the individual into essentially identical halves

bilayer
n. : a film or membrane with two molecular layers <a bilayer of phospholipid molecules>
–bilayer adjective

Bilbao
city N Spain capital of Vizcaya pop 349,972

bilberry
n. 1 : any of several ericaceous shrubs (genus Vaccinium) that resemble blueberries but have flowers which arise solitary or in very small clusters from axillary buds especially : a Eurasian shrub (Vaccinium myrtillus)
2 : the sweet edible fruit of the bilberry also : an extract of this fruit used in medicine

bilbo
n. : a long bar of iron with sliding shackles used to confine the feet of prisoners especially on shipboard

bilbo
n. : SWORD

bilby
n. : either of two burrowing nocturnal bandicoots (Macrotis lagotis and M. leucura) having a long tapered muzzle and large pointed ears ― called also rabbit-eared bandicoot

bildungsroman
n. : a novel about the moral and psychological growth of the main character

bile
n. 1 a : either of two humors associated in old physiology with irascibility and melancholy b : a yellow or greenish viscid alkaline fluid secreted by the liver and passed into the duodenum where it aids especially in the emulsification and absorption of fats
2 a : inclination to anger b : ACRIMONY, VITRIOL

bile
n. bile acid
bile duct
bile salt
black bile
yellow bile

bile acid
: any of several steroid acids (as cholic acid) of or derived from bile

bile duct
: a duct by which bile passes from the liver or gallbladder to the duodenum

bile salt
1 : a salt of bile acid
2 plural : a dry mixture of the principal salts of the gall of the ox used as a liver stimulant and as a laxative

bilge
n. 1 : the bulging part of a cask or barrel
2 a : the part of the underwater body of a ship between the flat of the bottom and the vertical topsides b : the lowest point of a ship's inner hull
3 : stale or worthless remarks or ideas

bilge
n. : to become damaged in the bilge

bilge keel
: a projection like a fin extending from the hull near the turn of the bilge on either side to check rolling

bilgewater
: water that collects in the bilge of a ship

bilharzia
n. 1 : SCHISTOSOMIASIS
2 : SCHISTOSOME
–bil·har·zi·al \-zē-əl; -sē-\ adjective

bilharziasis
n. : SCHISTOSOMIASIS

biliary
adj. : of, relating to, or conveying bile also : affecting the bile-conveying structures

bilinear
adj. : linear with respect to each of two mathematical variables specifically : of or relating to an algebraic form each term of which involves one variable to the first degree from each of two sets of variables

bilingual
adj. 1 : having or expressed in two languages <a bilingual document> <an officially bilingual nation>
2 : using or able to use two languages especially with equal fluency <bilingual in English and Japanese>
3 : of or relating to bilingual education
–bilingual noun
–bi·lin·gual·ly adverb

bilingual education
: education in an English-language school system in which students with little fluency in English are taught in both their native language and English

bilingualism
n. 1 : the ability to speak two languages
2 : the frequent use (as by a community) of two languages
3 : the political or institutional recognition of two languages

bilinguality
: BILINGUALISM

bilious
adj. 1 a : of or relating to bile b : marked by or suffering from liver dysfunction and especially excessive secretion of bile c : appearing as if affected by a bilious disorder
2 : of or indicative of a peevish ill-natured disposition
3 : sickeningly unpleasant <with clapboards painted red and bilious yellow ― Sinclair Lewis>
–bil·ious·ly adverb
–bil·ious·ness noun

bilirubin
n. : a reddish-yellow water insoluble pigment occurring especially in bile and blood and causing jaundice if accumulated in excess

biliverdin
n. : a green pigment that occurs in bile and is an intermediate in the degradation of hemoglobin heme groups to bilirubin

bilk
v. 1 : to block the free development of : FRUSTRATE <fate bilks their hopes>
2 a : to cheat out of something valuable : DEFRAUD b : to evade payment of or to <bilks his creditors>
3 : to slip away from <bilked her pursuers>
–bilk·er noun

bilk
v. : an untrustworthy tricky individual : CHEAT

bill
n. 1 : the jaws of a bird together with their horny covering
2 : a mouthpart (as the beak of a turtle) that resembles a bird's bill
3 : the point of an anchor fluke ― see ANCHOR illustration
4 : the visor of a cap or hood

bill
n. 1 : to touch and rub bill to bill
2 : to caress affectionately <billing and cooing>

bill
n. 1 : a weapon in use up to the 18th century that consists of a long staff ending in a hook-shaped blade
2 : BILLHOOK

bill
n. 1 : an itemized list or a statement of particulars (as a list of materials or of members of a ship's crew)
2 : a written document or note
3 obsolete : a formal petition
4 a : an itemized account of the separate cost of goods sold, services performed, or work done : INVOICE b : an amount expended or owed c : a statement of charges for food or drink : CHECK
5 a : a written or printed advertisement posted or otherwise distributed to announce an event of interest to the public especially : an announcement of a theatrical entertainment b : a programmed presentation (as a motion picture, play, or concert)
6 : a draft of a law presented to a legislature for enactment also : the law itself <the GI bill>
7 : a declaration in writing stating a wrong a complainant has suffered from a defendant or stating a breach of law by some person <a bill of complaint>
8 a : a piece of paper money b : an individual or commercial note <bills receivable> c slang : one hundred dollars
–fill the bill or fit the bill : to be exactly what is needed : be suitable

bill
n. 1 a : to enter in an accounting system : prepare a bill of (charges) b : to submit a bill of charges to c : to enter (as freight) in a waybill d : to issue a bill of lading to or for
2 : to announce (as a performance) especially by posters or placards
3 : ADVERTISE, PROMOTE <the book is billed as a “report” ― P. G. Altbach>
–bill·able adjective

bill
n. fit the bill
fill the bill
bill of attainder
bill of exchange
bill of fare
bill of goods
bill of health
bill of indictment
bill of lading
bill of particulars
bill of rights
bill of sale
double bill
foreign bill
show bill
T bill
true bill
twin bill
Buffalo Bill
duck billed platypus
razor billed auk
duck billed dinosaur
ivory billed woodpecker
ring billed gull
spoon billed
top billing

bill of attainder

1820
: a legislative act that imposes punishment without a trial

bill of exchange

1534
: an unconditional written order from one person to another to pay a specified sum of money to a designated person

bill of fare

1631
1 : MENU
2 : PROGRAM

bill of goods

1842
1 : a consignment of merchandise
2 : something intentionally misrepresented : something passed off in a deception or fraud ― often used in the phrase sell a bill of goods

bill of health

1644
1 : a certificate given to the ship's master at the time of leaving port that indicates the state of health of a ship's company and of a port with regard to infectious diseases
2 : a usually favorable report following an examination or investigation <gave the criticized textbook a clean bill of health>

bill of indictment

circa 1530
: an indictment before it is found or ignored by the grand jury

bill of lading

1532
: a document issued by a carrier that lists goods being shipped and specifies the terms of their transport

bill of particulars

1831
: a detailed listing of charges or claims brought in a legal action or of a defendant's response or counterclaim

bill of rights

Usage:

often cap B&R

Date:

1774

: a document containing a formal statement of rights <a patients' bill of rights> specifically : a summary of fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation by the state ― used especially of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

bill of sale

1550
: a formal instrument for the conveyance or transfer of title to goods and chattels

billabong
n. 1 Australian a : a blind channel leading out from a river b : a usually dry streambed that is filled seasonally
2 Australian : a backwater forming a stagnant pool

billboard
n. : a flat surface (as of a panel, wall, or fence) on which bills are posted specifically : a large panel designed to carry outdoor advertising

billboard
n. : to promote by a conspicuous display on or as if on a billboard

billbug
: any of various weevils (as of the genus Sphenophorus) having larvae that eat the roots of cereal and other grasses

billed
adj. : having a bill especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <spoon-billed>

billed
adj. duck billed platypus
razor billed auk
duck billed dinosaur
ivory billed woodpecker
ring billed gull
spoon billed

biller
n. : one that bills especially : one that makes out bills

Billerica
town NE Mass. pop 38,981

billet
n. 1 archaic : a brief letter : NOTE
2 a : an official order directing that a member of a military force be provided with board and lodging (as in a private home) b : quarters assigned by or as if by a billet
3 : POSITION, JOB <a lucrative billet>

billet
n. 1 : to assign lodging to (as soldiers) by or as if by a billet
2 : to serve with a billet <billet a householder>

billet
n. 1 a : a chunky piece of wood (as for firewood) b obsolete : CUDGEL
2 a : a bar of metal b : a piece of semifinished iron or steel nearly square in section made by rolling an ingot or bloom c : a section of nonferrous metal ingot hot-worked by forging, rolling, or extrusion d : a nonferrous casting suitable for rolling or extrusion

billet-doux
: a love letter

billfish
n. : a fish with long slender jaws especially : any of various bony fishes (families Istiophoridae and Xiphiidae) with an elongated tapering upper jaw including marlins, spearfishes, and sailfishes

billfold
n. : a folding pocketbook for paper money : WALLET

billhook
n. : a cutting or pruning tool with a hooked blade

billi-bi
: a soup of mussel stock, white wine, and cream served hot or cold

billiard
n. ― used as an attributive form of billiards <a billiard ball>

billiards
n. : any of several games played on an oblong table by driving small balls against one another or into pockets with a cue specifically : a game in which one scores by causing a cue ball to hit in succession two object balls ― compare POOL

billing
n. 1 : advertising or public promotion (as of a product or personality) also : relative prominence of a name in such promotion <got top billing>
2 : total amount of business or investments (as of an advertising agency) within a given period

Billings
n. city S cen Mont. pop 89,847

billingsgate
n. : coarsely abusive language
synonyms see ABUSE

billion
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a very large number
–billion adjective
–bil·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adjective or noun

billionaire
n. : one whose wealth is estimated at a billion or more (as of dollars or pounds)

Billiton
― see BELITUNG

billon
n. 1 : gold or silver heavily alloyed with a less valuable metal
2 : an alloy of silver containing more than 50 percent of copper by weight

billow
n. 1 : WAVE especially : a great wave or surge of water
2 : a rolling mass (as of flame or smoke) that resembles a high wave
–bil·lowy \'bi-lə-wē\ adjective

billow
n. 1 : to rise or roll in waves or surges
2 : to bulge or swell out (as through action of the wind)
transitive verb : to cause to billow

billy
n. chiefly Australian & New Zealand : a metal or enamelware pail or pot with a lid and wire bail ― called also billycan

billy
n. 1 : BILLY CLUB
2 : BILLY GOAT

billy
n. billy bi
billy club
billy goat

billy club
: a heavy usually wooden club specifically : a police officer's club

billy goat
: a male goat

billycock
n. British : DERBY 3

bilobed
adj. : divided into two lobes <a bilobed nucleus>

bilocation
n. : the state of being or ability to be in two places at the same time

Biloxi
n. city & port SE Miss. pop 50,644

biltong
n. chiefly South African : jerked meat

bimah
: a raised platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read

bimanual
adj. : done with or requiring the use of both hands
–bi·man·u·al·ly adverb

bimbette
n. slang : an attractive but vacuous woman

bimbo
n. 1 slang : MAN, WOMAN <telling a thickheaded pitcher that the bimbo at the plate hasn't hit a curve in three seasons ― Jay Stuller> ― used as a generalized term of disapproval especially for an attractive but vacuous person <we didn't want a blond bimbo in that role⋯we wanted her to be smart ― Hugh Wilson>
2 slang : TRAMP 1C <evidence of how her hubby's been cheating on her with various bimbos ― Danish Greenburg>

bimetal
adj. : BIMETALLIC
–bimetal noun

bimetallic
adj. 1 : relating to, based on, or using bimetallism
2 : composed of two different metals ― often used of devices having a part in which two metals that expand differently are bonded together
–bimetallic noun

bimetallism
n. : the use of two metals (as gold and silver) jointly as a monetary standard with both constituting legal tender at a predetermined ratio
–bi·met·al·list \-təl-ist\ noun
–bi·met·al·lis·tic \ˌbī-ˌme-təl-'is-tik\ adjective

bimillenary
n. 1 : a period of 2000 years
2 : a 2000th anniversary
–bimillenary adjective

Bimini
two islands of Bahamas NW of Andros pop 1717

bimodal
adj. : having or relating to two modes especially : having or occurring with two statistical modes
–bi·mo·dal·i·ty \ˌbī-mō-'da-lə-tē\ noun

bimolecular
adj. 1 : relating to or formed from two molecules
2 : being two molecules thick <bimolecular lipid layers>
–bi·mo·lec·u·lar·ly adverb

bimonthly
n. 1 : occurring every two months
2 : occurring twice a month : SEMIMONTHLY
usage see BI-

bimonthly
n. 1 : once every two months
2 : twice a month

bimonthly
n. : a bimonthly publication

bimorphemic
: consisting of two morphemes

bin
n. : a box, frame, crib, or enclosed place used for storage

bin
n. : to put into a bin

bin
n. : 1BI- <binaural>

binarism
: a mode of thought predicated on stable oppositions (as good and evil or male and female) that is seen in post-structuralist analysis as an inadequate approach to areas of difference also : a specific dichotomy subscribed to or reinforced in such thought <the binarism of West and East>

binary
n. : something made of or based on two things or parts: as a : BINARY STAR b : a binary number system

binary
n. 1 : compounded or consisting of or marked by two things or parts
2 a : DUPLE ― used of measure or rhythm b : having two musical subjects or two complementary sections
3 a : relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having 2 as its base <the binary digits 0 and 1> b : involving a choice or condition of two alternatives (as on-off or yes-no)
4 a : composed of two chemical elements, an element and a radical that acts as an element, or two such radicals b : utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (as a gas) <binary weapons>
5 : relating two logical or mathematical elements <a binary operation>
6 : of or relating to the use of stable oppositions (as good and evil) to analyze a subject or create a structural model <the binary opposition of male and female ― Joan W. Scott>

binary
n. binary fission
binary star
binary system
contact binary

binary fission
: reproduction of a cell by division into two approximately equal parts <the binary fission of protozoans>

binary star
: a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation

binary system
: BINARY STAR also : a similar system containing bodies (as black holes) other than stars

binational
adj. : of or relating to two nations <a binational board of directors>

binaural
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving two or both ears
2 : STEREOPHONIC
–bin·au·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

bind
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make secure by tying b : to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds c : to put under an obligation <binds himself with an oath> d : to constrain with legal authority
2 a : to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover b : BANDAGE
3 : to fasten round about
4 : to tie together (as stocks of wheat)
5 a : to cause to stick together b : to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
6 : CONSTIPATE
7 : to make a firm commitment for <a handshake binds the deal>
8 : to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding
9 : to apply the parts of the cover to (a book)
10 : to set at work as an apprentice : INDENTURE
11 : to cause to have an emotional attachment
12 : to fasten together <a pin bound the ends of the scarf>
intransitive verb
1 a : to form a cohesive mass b : to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action <antibody binds to a specific antigen>
2 : to hamper free movement or natural action
3 : to become hindered from free operation
4 : to exert a restraining or compelling effect <a promise that binds>

bind
v. 1 a : something that binds b : the act of binding : the state of being bound c : a place where binding occurs
2 : TIE 3
3 : a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action
–in a bind : in trouble

bind
v. in a bind
bind off
bind over
double bind
adhesive bound
bound up
half bound
muscle bound
outward bound
perfect bound
pot bound
quarter bound
root bound
spiral bound
three quarter bound
weather bound
adhesive binding
binding energy
half binding
perfect binding
quarter binding
spiral binding
three quarter binding
by leaps and bounds
out of bounds

bind off
: to cast off in knitting

bind over
: to put under a bond to do something (as appear in court)

binder
n. 1 : a person or machine that binds something (as books)
2 a : something used in binding b : a usually detachable cover (as for holding sheets of paper)
3 : something (as tar or cement) that produces or promotes cohesion in loosely assembled substances
4 : a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the policy is issued
5 : something (as money) given in earnest also : the agreement arrived at
6 : a tobacco leaf wrapped between the filler and wrapper of a cigar

bindery
n. : a place where books are bound

binding
n. 1 : the action of one that binds
2 : a material or device used to bind: as a : the cover and materials that hold a book together b : a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges c : a set of ski fastenings for holding the boot firm on the ski

binding
n. 1 : that binds
2 : imposing an obligation
–bind·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb
–bind·ing·ness noun

binding
n. adhesive binding
binding energy
half binding
perfect binding
quarter binding
spiral binding
three quarter binding

binding energy
: the energy required to break up a molecule, atom, or atomic nucleus completely into its constituent particles

bindle
: a bundle of clothes or bedding

bindle stiff
: HOBO especially : one who carries his clothes or bedding in a bundle

bindweed
n. : any of various twining plants (esp. genus Convolvulus of the morning-glory family) that mat or interlace with plants among which they grow

bine
n. : a twining stem or flexible shoot (as of the hop) also : a plant (as woodbine) whose shoots are bines

biner
: CARABINER

Binet
n. Binet Simon scale
Stanford Binet test
Stanford Binet

Binet-Simon scale
: an intelligence test consisting orig. of tasks graded from the level of the average 3-year-old to that of the average 12-year-old but later extended in range

bing cherry
: a widely cultivated large sweet cherry having glossy dark red skin and firm juicy flesh

binge
n. 1 a : a drunken revel : SPREE b : an unrestrained and often excessive indulgence <a buying binge> c : an act of excessive or compulsive consumption (as of food)
2 : a social gathering : PARTY

binge
n. : to go on a binge
–bing·er \'bin-jər\ noun

Bingen
city W Germany pop 24,272

Bingham
George Caleb 1811-1879 American painter

Binghamton
city S cen N.Y. pop 47,380

bingo
n. 1 ― used to announce an unexpected event or instantaneous result
2 ― used to announce a winning position in bingo
3 ― used to express endorsement of a correct assertion

bingo
n. : a game of chance played with cards having numbered squares corresponding to numbered balls drawn at random and won by covering five such squares in a row also : a social gathering at which bingo is played

Binh Dinh
― see AN NHON

binnacle
n. : a housing for a ship's compass and a lamp

Binnig
Gerd 1947-     Ger. physicist

binocs
: BINOCULARS

binocular
adj. : of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes <binocular vision>
–bin·oc·u·lar·i·ty \(ˌ)bī-ˌnä-kyə-'ler-ə-tē, -'la-rə-, bə-\ noun
–bin·oc·u·lar·ly \bī-'nä-kyə-lər-lē, bə-\ adverb

binocular
adj. 1 : a binocular optical instrument
2 : a handheld optical instrument composed of two telescopes and a focusing device and usually having prisms to increase magnifying ability ― usually used in plural

binomial
n. 1 : a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign
2 : a biological species name consisting of two terms
–binomial adjective
–bi·no·mi·al·ly \-mē-ə-lē\ adverb

binomial
n. binomial coefficient
binomial distribution
binomial nomenclature
binomial theorem

binomial coefficient
: a coefficient of a term in the expansion of the binomial (x + y)n according to the binomial theorem

binomial distribution
: a probability function each of whose values gives the probability that an outcome with constant probability of occurrence in a statistical experiment will occur a given number of times in a succession of repetitions of the experiment

binomial nomenclature
: a system of nomenclature in which each species of animal or plant receives a name of two terms of which the first identifies the genus to which it belongs and the second the species itself

binomial theorem
: a theorem that specifies the expansion of a binomial of the form (x + y)n as the sum of n + 1 terms of which the general term is of the form n!/((n-k)! k!) x(n-k) yk where k takes on values from 0 to n

bint
British : GIRL, WOMAN

binucleate
n. : having two cellular nuclei <binucleate hepatocytes>

bio
pref. : a biography or biographical sketch

bio
pref. ― see BI-

Bio-Bio
river 238 mi (383 km) S cen Chile flowing into the Pacific at Concepción

bioacoustics
n. : a branch of science concerned with the production of sound by and its effects on living organisms
–bio·ac·ous·ti·cian \-ˌa-ˌkü-'sti-shən, -ə-ˌkü-\ noun

bioactive
adj. : having an effect on a living organism <bioactive molecules>
–bio·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

bioassay
n. : determination of the relative strength of a substance (as a drug) by comparing its effect on a test organism with that of a standard preparation
–bio·as·say \-a-'sā, -'a-ˌsā\ transitive verb

bioavailability
n. : the degree and rate at which a substance (as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity
–bio·avail·able \-'vā-lə-bəl\ adjective

biobehavioral
: of, relating to, or involving the interaction of behavior and biological processes <a biobehavioral approach to health>

biocatalyst
n. : a catalyst (as an enzyme) of biological origin
–bio·ca·tal·y·sis \-kə-'ta-lə-sis\ noun
–bio·cat·a·lyt·ic \-ˌka-tə-'li-tik\ adjective

biocenosis
n. : an ecological community especially when forming a self-regulating unit

biocentric
: considering all forms of life as having intrinsic value <a biocentric philosophy>
–bio·cen·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

biochemical
adj. 1 : of or relating to biochemistry
2 : characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms <a biochemical defect in the brain>
–biochemical noun
–bio·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biochemical oxygen demand
: the oxygen used in meeting the metabolic needs of aerobic microorganisms in water rich in organic matter (as water polluted with sewage)

biochemistry
n. 1 : chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in organisms
2 : the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living organism or biological substance (as chlorophyll) <a change in the patient's biochemistry>
–bio·chem·ist \-mist\ noun

biochip
n. : a hypothetical computer logic circuit or storage device in which the physical or chemical properties of large biological molecules (as proteins) are used to process information

biocidal
adj. : destructive to life

biocide
n. : a substance (as DDT) that is destructive to many different organisms

bioclimatic
: of or relating to the relations of climate and living matter <bioclimatic adaptations>

biocompatibility
: compatibility with living tissue or a living system by not being toxic, injurious, or physiologically reactive and not causing immunological rejection
–bio·com·pat·i·ble \-'pa-tə-bəl\ adjective

biocontainment
: the containment of extremely pathogenic organisms (as viruses) usually by isolation in secure facilities to prevent their accidental release especially during scientific research

biocontrol
n. : BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

bioconversion
n. : the conversion of organic materials (as wastes) into an energy source (as methane) by processes (as fermentation) involving living organisms

biodegradable
: capable of being broken down especially into innocuous products by the action of living things (as microorganisms) <biodegradable trash bags>
–bio·de·grad·abil·i·ty \-ˌgrā-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–biodegradable noun
–bio·deg·ra·da·tion \-ˌde-grə-'dā-shən\ noun
–bio·de·grade \-di-'grād\ verb

biodeterioration
: the breakdown of materials by microbial action

biodiversity
n. : biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals
–bio·di·verse \-dī-'vərs, -də-\ adjective

biodynamic
adj. : of or relating to a system of farming that uses only organic materials for fertilizing and soil conditioning
–bio·dy·nam·ics \-miks\ noun plural but singular in construction

bioelectric
adj. : of or relating to electric phenomena in living organisms
–bio·elec·tric·i·ty \-ˌlek-'tri-sə-tē, -'tris-tē\ noun

bioenergetics
n. 1 : the biology of energy transformations and energy exchanges (as in photosynthesis) within and between living things and their environments
2 : a system of physical and psychological therapy that is held to increase well-being by releasing blocked physical and psychic energy
–bio·en·er·get·ic \-'je-tik\ adjective

bioengineer
n. : to modify or produce by bioengineering <bioengineered insulin>
–bioengineer noun

bioengineering
n. 1 : biological or medical application of engineering principles or engineering equipment ― called also biomedical engineering
2 : the application of biological techniques (as genetic recombination) to create modified versions of organisms (as crops) especially : GENETIC ENGINEERING

bioequivalence
: the property wherein two drugs with identical active ingredients or two different dosage forms of the same drug possess similar bioavailability and produce the same effect at the site of physiological activity
–bio·equiv·a·lent \-lənt\ adjective

bioethics
n. : a discipline dealing with the ethical implications of biological research and applications especially in medicine
–bio·eth·i·cal \-'e-thi-kəl\ adjective
–bio·eth·i·cist \-'e-thə-sist\ noun

biofeedback
n. : the technique of making unconscious or involuntary bodily processes (as heartbeats or brain waves) perceptible to the senses (as by the use of an oscilloscope) in order to manipulate them by conscious mental control

biofilm
: a thin usually resistant layer of microorganisms (as bacteria) that form on and coat various surfaces (as of water pipes and catheters)

bioflavonoid
adj. : any of various biologically active flavonoids (as hesperidin and quercetin) derived from plants and found especially in fruits and vegetables (as citrus fruits)

biofouling
: the gradual accumulation of waterborne organisms (as bacteria and protozoa) on the surfaces of engineering structures in water that contributes to corrosion of the structures and to a decrease in the efficiency of moving parts

biofuel
n. : a fuel (as wood or ethanol) composed of or produced from biological raw materials ― compare FOSSIL FUEL

biog
n. biographer; biographical; biography

biogas
n. : a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the bacterial decomposition of organic wastes and used as a fuel

biogenesis
n. 1 : the development of life from preexisting life
2 : the synthesis of chemical compounds or structures in the living organism ― compare BIOSYNTHESIS
–bio·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective
–bio·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biogenetic law
: the theory of ontogenetic recapitulation

biogenic
adj. : produced by living organisms <biogenic methane formation>

biogeochemical
adj. : of or relating to the partitioning and cycling of chemical elements and compounds between the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem
–bio·geo·chem·is·try \-mə-strē\ noun

biogeography
n. : a science that deals with the geographical distribution of animals and plants
–bio·ge·og·ra·pher \-grə-fər\ noun
–bio·geo·graph·ic \-ˌjē-ə-'gra-fik\ or bio·geo·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

biographee
n. : a person about whom a biography is written

biographer
n. : a writer of a biography

biographical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting biography
2 : consisting of biographies <a biographical dictionary>
3 : relating to a list briefly identifying persons <biographical notes>
–bio·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biography
n. 1 : a usually written history of a person's life
2 : biographical writings as a whole
3 : an account of the life of something (as an animal, a coin, or a building)

biohazard
n. : a biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment also : a hazard posed by such an agent or condition
–bio·haz·ard·ous \ˌbī-ō-'ha-zər-dəs\ adjective

bioinformatics
n. : the collection, classification, storage, and analysis of biochemical and biological information using computers especially as applied to molecular genetics and genomics
–bio·in·for·mat·ic \-tik\ adjective

Bioko
n. island Equatorial Guinea in Bight of Biafra area 779 sq mi (2018 sq km)

biol
biologic; biological; biologist; biology

biologic
adj. : a biological product (as a vaccine or blood serum) used in medicine

biologic
adj. biological clock
biological control
biological oxygen demand
biological warfare
biological weapon

biological
adj. 1 : of or relating to biology or to life and living processes
2 : used in or produced by applied biology
3 : connected by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption or marriage <her biological father>
–bi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biological
adj. biological clock
biological control
biological oxygen demand
biological warfare
biological weapon

biological clock
: an inherent timing mechanism in a living system that is inferred to exist in order to explain the timing or periodicity of various behaviors and physiological states and processes (as fertility and aging)

biological control
1 : the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)
2 : an agent used in biological control

biological oxygen demand
: BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND

biological warfare
: warfare involving the use of biological weapons also : warfare involving the use of herbicides

biological weapon
: a harmful biological agent (as a pathogenic microorganism or a neurotoxin) used as a weapon to cause death or disease usually on a large scale

biologism
n. : the use of biological explanations in the analysis of social situations
–bi·ol·o·gis·tic \-ˌä-lə-'jis-tik\ adjective

biology
n. 1 : a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and vital processes
2 a : the plant and animal life of a region or environment b : the life processes especially of an organism or group broadly : ECOLOGY
–bi·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

bioluminescence
n. : the emission of light from living organisms also : the light so produced
–bio·lu·mi·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

biomarker
: a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator (as a metabolite) of a process, event, or condition (as aging, disease, or oil formation)

biomass
n. 1 : the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)
2 : plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

biomaterial
n. : a natural or synthetic material (as a metal or polymer) that is suitable for introduction into living tissue especially as part of a medical device (as an artificial joint)

biomathematics
n. : mathematics of special use in biology and medicine
–bio·math·e·mat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–bio·math·e·ma·ti·cian \-ˌmath-mə-'ti-shən, -ˌma-thə-\ noun

biome
n. : a major ecological community type (as tropical rain forest, grassland, or desert)

biomechanics
n. : the mechanics of biological and especially muscular activity (as in locomotion or exercise) also : the scientific study of this
–bio·me·chan·i·cal \-ni-kəl\ adjective
–bio·me·chan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biomedical
adj. 1 : of or relating to biomedicine
2 : of, relating to, or involving biological, medical, and physical science

biomedical engineering
: BIOENGINEERING 1
–biomedical engineer noun

biomedicine
n. : medicine based on the application of the principles of the natural sciences and especially biology and biochemistry

biometeorology
: a science that deals with the relationship between living things and atmospheric phenomena
–bio·me·te·o·ro·log·i·cal \-rə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–bio·me·te·o·rol·o·gist \-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

biometric
: of, relating to, or utilizing biometrics or biometry

biometrics
n. 1 : BIOMETRY
2 : the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics (as fingerprint or voice patterns) especially as a means of verifying personal identity

biometry
n. : the statistical analysis of biological observations and phenomena
–bio·me·tri·cian \ˌbī-ō-me-'tri-shən\ noun

biomimetics
: the study of the formation, structure, or function of biologically produced substances and materials (as enzymes or silk) and biological mechanisms and processes (as protein synthesis or photosynthesis) especially for the purpose of synthesizing similar products by artificial mechanisms which mimic natural ones
–bio·mi·met·ic \-tik\ adjective

biomineralization
: the formation or accumulation of minerals by organisms especially into biological tissues or structures (as bones, teeth, and shells)
–bio·min·er·al \-'min-rəl, -'mi-nə-\ noun

biomolecule
n. : an organic molecule and especially a macromolecule (as a protein or nucleic acid) in living organisms
–bio·mo·lec·u·lar \-mə-'le-kyə-lər\ adjective

biomorphic
: resembling or suggesting the forms of living organisms <biomorphic sculptures> <biomorphic images>

Bion
fl 100 B.C. Greek bucolic poet

bionic
adj. 1 : of or relating to bionics
2 : having normal biological capability or performance enhanced by or as if by electronic or electromechanical devices

bionics
n. : a science concerned with the application of data about the functioning of biological systems to the solution of engineering problems

bionomics
n. : ECOLOGY
–bi·o·nom·ic \-mik\ adjective

biopesticide
: a pesticide consisting of naturally occurring or genetically engineered microorganisms (as bacteria)

biopharmaceutical
n. : a pharmaceutical derived from biological sources and especially one produced by biotechnology
–biopharmaceutical adjective

biophilia
: a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature

biophysics
n. : a branch of science concerned with the application of physical principles and methods to biological problems
–bio·phys·i·cal \-zi-kəl\ adjective
–bio·phys·i·cist \-'fi-zə-sist, -'fiz-sist\ noun

biopic
n. : a biographical movie

biopolymer
n. : a polymeric substance (as a protein or polysaccharide) formed in a biological system

bioprospect
: to search for substances that are produced by living organisms and may be of medicinal or commercial value
–bio·pros·pec·tor \-ˌspek-tər\ noun

biopsy
n. : the removal and examination of tissue, cells, or fluids from the living body
–biopsy transitive verb

biopsychology
n. : PSYCHOBIOLOGY
–bio·psy·cho·log·i·cal \-ˌsī-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–bio·psy·chol·o·gist \-sī-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

bioreactor
n. : a device or apparatus in which living organisms and especially bacteria synthesize useful substances (as interferon) or break down harmful ones (as in sewage)

bioregion
n. : a region whose limits are naturally defined by topographic and biological features (as mountain ranges and ecosystems)
–bio·re·gion·al \ˌbī-ō-'rēj-nəl, -'rē-jə-nəl\ adjective

bioregionalism
n. : an environmentalist movement to make political boundaries coincide with bioregions
–bio·re·gion·al·ist \-list, -ist\ noun or adjective

bioremediation
n. : the treatment of pollutants or waste (as in an oil spill, contaminated groundwater, or an industrial process) by the use of microorganisms (as bacteria) that break down the undesirable substances

biorhythm
n. : an innately determined rhythmic biological process or function (as sleep behavior) also : the internal mechanism that determines such a process or function
–bio·rhyth·mic \-'rith-mik\ adjective

BIOS
Basic Input/Output System

biosafety
n. : safety with respect to the effects of biological research on humans and the environment

bioscience
n. : BIOLOGY 1 also : LIFE SCIENCE
–bio·sci·en·tif·ic \-ˌsī-ən-'ti-fik\ adjective
–bio·sci·en·tist \-'sī-ən-tist\ noun

biosensor
n. : a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process especially : a device consisting of a biological component (as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and a signal-generating electrochemical component that detects the resulting products or by-products

biosis
n. : mode of life <parabiosis>

biosocial
: of, relating to, or concerned with the interaction of the biological aspects and social relationships of living organisms <biosocial science>
–bio·so·cial·ly \-'sōsh-lē, -'sō-shə-\ adverb

biosolid
: solid organic matter recovered from a sewage treatment process and used especially as fertilizer ― usually used in plural

biosphere
n. 1 : the part of the world in which life can exist
2 : living organisms together with their environment
–bio·spher·ic \ˌbī-ə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-, -'sfe-rik\ adjective

biostatistics
n. : statistics applied to the analysis of biological data
–bio·sta·tis·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–bio·stat·is·ti·cian \-ˌsta-tə-'sti-shən\ noun

biostratigraphy
1 : the identification of fossils found within sedimentary rock strata as a method of determining the relative geologic age of the rock also : the branch of paleontology involving such identification
2 : the arrangement of fossils in rock strata
–bio·strati·graph·ic \-ˌstra-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

biosynthesis
n. : the production of a chemical compound by a living organism
–bio·syn·thet·ic \-sin-'the-tik\ adjective
–bio·syn·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

biosystematics
n. : taxonomy especially as based on cytogenetics and genetics
–bio·sys·te·mat·ic \-tik\ adjective
–bio·sys·tem·atist \-'sis-tə-mə-tist, -sis-'te-mə-\ noun

biota
n. : the flora and fauna of a region

biotech
n. : BIOTECHNOLOGY 1

biotechnical
: of or relating to biotechnology

biotechnology
n. 1 : the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals) also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2 : ERGONOMICS 1
–bio·tech·no·log·i·cal \-ˌtek-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–bio·tech·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–bio·tech·nol·o·gist \-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

biotelemetry
n. : the remote detection and measurement of a human or animal function, activity, or condition (as heart rate or body temperature)
–bio·tel·e·met·ric \-ˌte-lə-'me-trik\ adjective

bioterror
: BIOTERRORISM <a bioterror attack>

bioterrorism
n. : terrorism involving the use of biological weapons
–bio·ter·ror·ist \-ər-ist, -ə-rist\ adjective or noun

biotic
adj. : of, relating to, or caused by living organisms <biotic diversity>

biotic
adj. : having a (specified) mode of life <endobiotic>

biotic potential
: the inherent capacity of an organism or species to reproduce and survive

biotin
n. : a colorless crystalline growth vitamin C_10H_16N_2O_3S of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk

biotite
n. : a generally black or dark green form of mica that is a constituent of crystalline rocks and consists of a silicate of iron, magnesium, potassium, and aluminum
–bi·o·tit·ic \ˌbī-ə-'ti-tik\ adjective

biotope
n. : a region uniform in environmental conditions and in its populations of animals and plants for which it is the habitat

biotoxin
: a toxic substance of biological origin

biotransformation
n. : the transformation of chemical compounds within a living system

bioturbation
n. : the restructuring of sedimentary deposits (as in a lake bottom or seabed) by moving organisms (as worms and burrowing clams)
–bio·tur·bat·ed \-'bā-təd\ adjective

biotype
n. : the organisms sharing a specified genotype also : the genotype shared or its distinguishing peculiarity
–bio·typ·ic \ˌbī-ə-'ti-pik\ adjective

biowarfare
n. : BIOLOGICAL WARFARE

bioweapon
n. : BIOLOGICAL WEAPON

biparental
adj. : of, relating to, involving, or derived from two parents
–bi·pa·ren·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

bipartisan
adj. : of, relating to, or involving members of two parties <a bipartisan commission> specifically : marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties <bipartisan support for the bill>
–bi·par·ti·san·ism \-zə-ˌni-zəm, -sə-\ noun
–bi·par·ti·san·ship \-zən-ˌship, -sən-\ noun

bipartite
adj. 1 a : being in two parts b : having a correspondent part for each of two parties <a bipartite contract> c : shared by two <a bipartite treaty>
2 : divided into two parts almost to the base <a bipartite leaf>
–bi·par·tite·ly adverb
–bi·par·ti·tion \ˌbī-(ˌ)pär-'ti-shən\ noun

biped
n. : a two-footed animal
–bi·ped·al \(ˌ)bī-'pe-dəl\ adjective
–bi·ped·al·ly \-ē\ adverb

bipedalism
: the condition of having two feet or of using only two feet for locomotion

bipedality
: BIPEDALISM

biphasic
adj. : having two phases

biphenyl
n. : a white crystalline hydrocarbon C_6H_5·C_6H_5 used especially as a heat-transfer medium and in organic synthesis also : a derivative of biphenyl

bipinnate
: twice pinnate
–bi·pin·nate·ly adverb

biplane
n. : an aircraft with two main supporting surfaces usually placed one above the other

bipod
n. : a 2-legged support

bipolar
adj. 1 : having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or diametrically opposed natures or views
2 a : having or involving the use of two poles or polarities b : relating to, being, or using a transistor in which both electrons and holes are utilized as charge carriers
3 : relating to, associated with, or occurring in both polar regions <bipolar species of birds>
4 : being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder
–bi·po·lar·i·ty \ˌbī-pō-'ler-ə-tē, -'la-rə-\ noun
–bi·po·lar·i·za·tion \(ˌ)bī-ˌpō-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–bi·po·lar·ize \(ˌ)bī-'pō-lə-ˌrīz\ transitive verb

bipolar disorder
: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized usually by alternating episodes of depression and mania ― called also manic depression manic-depressive illness

bipropellant
: a rocket propellant consisting of separate fuel and oxidizer that come together only in a combustion chamber

bipyramid
: a crystal consisting of two identical pyramids base to base
–bi·py·ra·mi·dal \-pə-'ra-mə-dəl\ adjective

biquadratic
n. : QUARTIC

biracial
adj. : of, relating to, or involving members of two races
–bi·ra·cial·ism \-shə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

biradial
: having both bilateral and radial symmetry

biradical
: a free radical or compound with two unpaired electrons

biramous
adj. : having two branches

birch
n. 1 : any of a genus (Betula of the family Betulaceae, the birch family) of monoecious deciduous usually short-lived trees or shrubs having simple petioled leaves and typically a layered membranous outer bark that peels readily
2 : the hard pale close-grained wood of a birch
3 : a birch rod or bundle of twigs for flogging
–birch or birch·en \'bər-chən\ adjective

birch
n. : to beat with or as if with a birch : WHIP

birch
n. black birch
gray birch
paper birch
sweet birch
white birch
yellow birch

Bircher
n. : a member or adherent of the John Birch Society
–Birch·ism \'bər-ˌchi-zəm\ noun
–Birch·ist \-chist\ or Birch·ite \-ˌchīt\ noun or adjective

bird
n. 1 archaic : the young of a feathered vertebrate
2 : any of a class (Aves) of warm-blooded vertebrates distinguished by having the body more or less completely covered with feathers and the forelimbs modified as wings
3 : a game bird
4 : CLAY PIGEON
5 a : FELLOW b : a peculiar person c chiefly British : GIRL
6 : SHUTTLECOCK
7 chiefly British a : a hissing or jeering sound expressive of disapproval b : dismissal from employment
8 : a thin piece of meat rolled up with stuffing and cooked
9 : a man-made object (as an aircraft, rocket, or satellite) that resembles a bird especially by flying or being aloft
10 : an obscene gesture of contempt made by pointing the middle finger upward while keeping the other fingers down ― usually used with the ― called also finger
11 : BIRDIE 2
–bird·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–for the birds : WORTHLESS, RIDICULOUS

bird
n. : to observe or identify wild birds in their natural environment

bird
n. bird colonel
bird dog
bird dogging
bird louse
bird of paradise
bird of passage
bird of prey
bird pepper
bird's eye
bird's eye maple
bird's eye view
bird's foot trefoil
bird's foot violet
bird's nest fern
bird's nest soup
bird watch
bird watcher
butcher bird
chaparral bird
crocodile bird
dickey bird
dicky bird
dolly bird
early bird
elephant bird
frigate bird
gallows bird
game bird
man o' war bird
rare bird
secretary bird
state bird
tropic bird
wading bird
for the birds

bird colonel
slang : COLONEL 1A

bird dog
1 : a gundog trained to hunt or retrieve birds
2 a : one (as a canvasser or talent scout) who seeks out something for another b : one who steals another's date

bird louse
: BITING LOUSE

bird of paradise

1595
: any of numerous brilliantly colored plumed oscine birds (family Paradisaeidae) chiefly of New Guinea and neighboring islands

bird of passage

1678
1 : a migratory bird
2 : a person who leads a wandering or unsettled life

bird of prey

14th century
: a carnivorous bird (as a hawk, falcon, or vulture) that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion

bird pepper
: CHILTEPIN

bird's nest soup
: a soup made with the nest of a swiftlet (esp. Collocalia fuciphaga) that builds it using a glutinous secretion from its salivary glands

bird's-eye
1 : any of numerous plants with small bright-colored flowers especially : a speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
2 a : an allover pattern for textiles consisting of a small diamond with a center dot b : a fabric woven with this pattern
3 : a small spot in wood surrounded with an ellipse of concentric fibers

bird's-eye
1 : marked with spots resembling birds' eyes
2 : having or involving a bird's-eye view <bird's-eye perspective>

bird's-eye maple
: wood of the sugar maple having a wavy grain that causes markings resembling eyes

bird's-eye view
1 : a view from a high angle as if seen by a bird in flight
2 : an overall or cursory look at something

bird's-foot trefoil
: a yellow-flowered European herb (Lotus corniculatus) of the legume family that has claw-shaped pods and is widely grown especially in the U.S. for forage and for erosion control

bird's-foot violet
: a common violet (Viola pedata) of the eastern U.S. with deeply cleft leaves and pale blue to purple flowers

bird's-nest fern
: a large epiphytic spleenwort (Asplenium nidus) of tropical Asia and Polynesia that has large lance-shaped leaves and is often grown as a houseplant

bird-dog
: to watch closely
transitive verb : to seek out : FOLLOW, DETECT

bird-dogging
1 : the stealing of another's date (as at a party)
2 : the action of one that bird-dogs

bird-of-paradise
: an ornamental plant (Strelitzia reginae of the family Strelitziaceae) native to southern Africa that has scapes terminating in a horizontal bract from which emerges an upright flower having three orange or yellow sepals and three very irregular blue petals

bird-watch
: BIRD

bird-watcher
: BIRDER 2

birdbath
n. : a usually ornamental basin set up for birds to bathe in

birdbrain
n. 1 : a stupid person
2 : SCATTERBRAIN
–bird·brained \-ˌbrānd\ adjective

birdcage
n. : a cage for confining birds

birdcall
n. 1 : a device for imitating the cry of a bird
2 : the note or cry of a bird also : a sound imitative of it

birder
n. 1 : a catcher or hunter of birds especially for market
2 : a person who birds

birdhouse
n. : an artificial nesting site for birds also : AVIARY

birdie
n. 1 : a little bird
2 : a golf score of one stroke less than par on a hole ― compare EAGLE

birdie
n. : to score a birdie on

birdlife
n. : AVIFAUNA

birdlime
n. 1 : a sticky substance usually made from the bark of a holly (Ilex aquifolium) that is smeared on twigs to snare small birds
2 : something that ensnares
–birdlime transitive verb

birdman
n. 1 : a person who deals with birds
2 : a person who flies (as in an aircraft)

birdseed
n. : a mixture of seeds (as of hemp, millet, and sunflowers) used for feeding caged and wild birds

birdsong
n. : the song of one or more birds

birefringence
n. : the refraction of light in an anisotropic material (as calcite) in two slightly different directions to form two rays
–bi·re·frin·gent \-jənt\ adjective

bireme
n. : a galley with two banks of oars used especially by the ancient Greeks and Phoenicians

biretta
n. : a square cap with three ridges on top worn by clergymen especially of the Roman Catholic Church

birk
chiefly Scottish : BIRCH

Birkbeck
George 1776-1841 Eng. physician

Birkenhead
1st Earl of 1872-1930 Frederick Edwin Smith Eng. jurist & statesman

Birkenhead
borough NW England in Merseyside on the Mersey estuary opposite Liverpool pop 123,907

birkie
1 Scottish : a lively smart assertive person
2 Scottish : FELLOW, BOY

birl
n. chiefly Scottish : CAROUSE

birl
n. transitive verb
1 : SPIN
2 : to cause (a floating log) to rotate by treading
intransitive verb : to progress by whirling
–birl·er \'bər-lər, 'bir-\ noun

Birman
n. : a long-haired domestic cat of a breed originating in Burma (Myanmar) and resembling the Siamese in eye color and coat pattern but much stockier in build with paws symmetrically marked with white

Birmingham
n. 1 city N cen Ala. pop 242,820
2 city W cen England capital of West Midlands pop 934,900

Biro
n. ― used for a ballpoint pen

Birobidzhan
city Russia in Asia capital of Jewish Autonomous Oblast pop 86,300

Biron
Ernst Johann 1690-1772 orig. Büh·ren \'b-rən\ Duke of Kurland Ger. polit. in Russia

birr
n. ― see MONEY table

birse
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a bristle or tuft of bristles
2 chiefly Scottish : ANGER

birth
n. 1 a : the emergence of a new individual from the body of its parent b : the act or process of bringing forth young from the womb
2 : a state resulting from being born especially at a particular time or place <a Southerner by birth>
3 a : LINEAGE, EXTRACTION <marriage between equals in birth> b : high or noble birth
4 a archaic : one that is born b : BEGINNING, START <the birth of an idea>

birth
n. 1 chiefly dialect : to bring forth
2 a : to give rise to : ORIGINATE b : to give birth to
intransitive verb : to bring forth or be brought forth as a child or young

birth
n. : BIOLOGICAL 3 <his birth mother>

birth
n. birth canal
birth certificate
birth control
birth control pill
birth defect
birth pang
breech birth
give birth to
give birth
virgin birth
wrongful birth
birthing room

birth canal
: the channel formed by the cervix, vagina, and vulva through which the fetus passes during birth

birth certificate
: a copy of an official record of a person's date and place of birth and parentage

birth control
1 : control of the number of children born especially by preventing or lessening the frequency of conception : CONTRACEPTION
2 : contraceptive devices or preparations

birth control pill
: any of various preparations that usually contain a combination of a progestin (as norethindrone) and an estrogen (as ethinyl estradiol), are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives typically preventing ovulation by suppressing secretion of gonadotropins (as luteinizing hormone) ― called also oral contraceptive

birth defect
: a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced

birth pang
1 : one of the regularly recurrent pains that are characteristic of childbirth ― usually used in plural
2 plural : disorder and distress incident especially to a major social change

birthday
n. 1 a : the day of a person's birth b : a day of origin
2 : an anniversary of a birth <her 21st birthday>

birthday
n. birthday suit
Jefferson Davis's Birthday
Lee's Birthday
Lincoln's Birthday
Washington's Birthday

birthday suit
: unclothed skin : NAKEDNESS

birthing room
: a comfortably furnished hospital room where both labor and delivery take place and in which the baby usually remains during the hospital stay

birthmark
n. : an unusual mark or blemish on the skin at birth : NEVUS

birthplace
n. : place of birth or origin

birthrate
n. : the ratio between births and individuals in a specified population and time

birthright
n. : a right, privilege, or possession to which a person is entitled by birth

birthroot
: any of several trilliums with astringent roots used in folk medicine

birthstone
n. : a gemstone associated symbolically with the month of one's birth

birthwort
n. : any of several herbs or woody vines (genus Aristolochia of the family Aristolochiaceae, the birthwort family) with aromatic roots used in folk medicine to aid childbirth

bis
adv. 1 : AGAIN ― used in music as a direction to repeat
2 : TWICE

bis dat qui cito dat
: he gives twice who gives promptly

Bisayan
variant of Visayan

Biscay
n. ― see VIZCAYA
–Bis·cay·an \bis-'kī-ən, -'kā-\ adjective or noun

Biscay, Bay of
inlet of the Atlantic bet. W coast of France & N coast of Spain

Biscayne Bay
inlet of the Atlantic SE Fla.; S part forms Biscayne National Park

biscotto
n. : a crisp cookie or biscuit of Italian origin that is flavored usually with anise and filberts or almonds ― usually used in plural

biscuit
n. 1 a : any of various hard or crisp dry baked products: as (1) British : CRACKER 4 (2) British : COOKIE b : a small quick bread made from dough that has been rolled out and cut or dropped from a spoon
2 : earthenware or porcelain after the first firing and before glazing
3 a : a light grayish-yellowish brown b : a grayish yellow
–bis·cuity \'bis-kə-tē\ adjective

biscuit
n. beaten biscuit
dog biscuit
pilot biscuit
sea biscuit
ship biscuit
soda biscuit
water biscuit

bisect
v. transitive verb : to divide into two usually equal parts
intransitive verb : CROSS, INTERSECT
–bi·sec·tion \'bī-ˌsek-shən, bī-'\ noun
–bi·sec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–bi·sec·tion·al·ly adverb

bisector
n. : one that bisects especially : a straight line that bisects an angle or a line segment

bisexual
n. 1 a : possessing characters of both sexes : HERMAPHRODITIC b : of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward both sexes
2 : of, relating to, or involving both sexes
–bisexual noun
–bi·sex·u·al·i·ty \ˌbī-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–bi·sex·u·al·ly \(ˌ)bī-'sek-sh(ə-)wə-lē, -sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

Bishkek
n. city on Chu River capital of Kyrgyzstan pop 641,400

Bisho
town S Republic of South Africa; formerly capital of Ciskei

Bishop
n. Elizabeth 1911-1979 American poet

Bishop
n. John Michael 1936-     American microbiologist

bishop
n. 1 : one having spiritual or ecclesiastical supervision: as a : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyman ranking above a priest, having authority to ordain and confirm, and typically governing a diocese b : any of various Protestant clerical officials who superintend other clergy c : a Mormon high priest presiding over a ward or over all other bishops and over the Aaronic priesthood
2 : either of two pieces of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to move diagonally across any number of adjoining unoccupied squares
3 : mulled port wine flavored with roasted oranges and cloves

bishopric
n. 1 : DIOCESE
2 : the office of bishop
3 : the administrative body of a Mormon ward consisting of a bishop and two high priests as counselors

Bishops' Bible
: an officially commissioned English translation of the Bible published in 1568

Bisitun
ruined town W Iran E of Kermanshah

Biskra
city NE Algeria at an oasis on S edge of Atlas Mountains pop 128,747

Bismarck
n. Prince Otto Eduard Leopold von 1815-1898 in full Bismarck-Schön·hau·sen \-shon-'hau̇-zən\ 1st chancellor of Ger. Empire (1871-90)
–Bis·marck·ian \biz-'mär-kē-ən\ adjective

Bismarck
n. city capital of N.Dak. on Missouri River pop 55,532

Bismarck
n. Bismarck Archipelago
Bismarck Range
Bismarck Sea

Bismarck Archipelago
archipelago W Pacific N of E end of New Guinea area 19,173 sq mi (49,658 sq km)

Bismarck Range
mountain range Papua New Guinea NW of Owen Stanley Range; highest peak Mt. Wilhelm

Bismarck Sea
sea comprising the part of the W Pacific enclosed by the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago

bismuth
n. : a heavy brittle grayish-white chiefly trivalent metallic element that is chemically like arsenic and antimony and that is used in alloys and pharmaceuticals ― see ELEMENT table
–bis·mu·thic \biz-'mə-thik, -'myü-\ adjective

bismuth subsalicylate
: a drug C_7H_5BiO_4 taken orally to relieve diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion

bison
n. : any of several large shaggy-maned usually gregarious recent or extinct bovine mammals (genus Bison) having a large head with short horns and heavy forequarters surmounted by a large fleshy hump: as a : WISENT b : BUFFALO 1C(1)
–bi·son·tine \-sən-ˌtīn, -zən-\ adjective

bisque
n. 1 a : a thick cream soup made with shellfish or game b : a cream soup of pureed vegetables
2 : ice cream containing powdered nuts or macaroons

bisque
n. : odds allowed an inferior player: as a : a point taken when desired in a set of tennis b : an extra turn in croquet c : one or more strokes off a golf score

bisque
n. : BISCUIT 2 especially : unglazed china that is not to be glazed but is hard-fired and vitreous

Bissau
n. city & port capital of Guinea-Bissau pop 125,000

bistate
: of or relating to two states

bister
n. 1 : a yellowish-brown to dark brown pigment used in art
2 : a grayish to yellowish brown
–bis·tered \-tərd\ adjective

bistort
n. : any of several polygonums especially : a Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with twisted roots used as astringents

bistro
n. 1 : a small or unpretentious restaurant
2 a : a small bar or tavern b : NIGHTCLUB

bisulfate
n. : an acid sulfate

bisulfide
n. : DISULFIDE

bisulfite
n. : an acid sulfite

bit
n. 1 a (1) : the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool (2) : a replaceable part of a compound tool that actually performs the function (as drilling or boring) for which the whole tool is designed b plural : the jaws of tongs or pincers
2 : something bitten or held with the teeth: a : the usually steel part of a bridle inserted in the mouth of a horse b : the rimmed mouth end on the stem of a pipe or cigar holder
3 : something that curbs or restrains
4 : the part of a key that enters the lock and acts on the bolt and tumblers

bit
n. 1 a : to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse) b : to control as if with a bit
2 : to form a bit on (a key)

bit
n. 1 : a small quantity of food especially : a small delicacy
2 a : a small piece or quantity of some material thing b (1) : a small coin (2) : a unit of value equal to 1/8 of a dollar
3 : something small or unimportant of its kind: as a : a brief period : WHILE <wait a bit longer> b : an indefinite usually small degree, extent, or amount <a bit of a rascal> <every bit as powerful> c (1) : a small part usually with spoken lines in a theatrical performance (2) : a usually short theatrical routine <a corny comedy bit>
4 : the aggregate of items, situations, or activities appropriate to a given style, genre, or role <rejected the whole bit about love-marriage-motherhood ― Vance Packard>
–a bit : SOMEWHAT, RATHER <the play was a bit dull>
–a bit much : a little more than one wants to endure <finds his constant joking a bit much>
–bit by bit : by degrees : LITTLE BY LITTLE <getting better bit by bit>
–to bits : TOTALLY, THOROUGHLY <thrilled to bits>

bit
n. 1 : a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives (as yes or no, on or off)
2 : the physical representation of a bit by an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a hole whose presence or absence indicates data

bit
n. bit by bit
a bit much
a bit
parity bit
quite a bit
sixpenny bit
two bit
to bits
two bits

bit by bit
by degrees : LITTLE BY LITTLE <getting better bit by bit>

bitartrate
n. : an acid tartrate

bitch
n. 1 : the female of the dog or some other carnivorous mammals
2 a : a lewd or immoral woman b : a malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman ― sometimes used as a generalized term of abuse
3 : something that is extremely difficult, objectionable, or unpleasant
4 : COMPLAINT

bitch
n. 1 : SPOIL, BOTCH <bitched up their lives>
2 : CHEAT, DOUBLE-CROSS
3 : to complain of or about
intransitive verb : COMPLAIN

bitch
n. bitch goddess
son of a bitch
sons of bitches

bitch goddess
: SUCCESS especially : material or worldly success

bitchery
n. : malicious, spiteful, or overbearing behavior also : an instance of such behavior

bitchin'
1 slang : remarkably bad : DETESTABLE <of all the bitchin' luck>
2 slang : remarkably good or cool <a bitchin' car>

bitchy
adj. : characterized by malicious, spiteful, or arrogant behavior
–bitch·i·ly \'bi-chə-lē\ adverb
–bitch·i·ness \'bi-chē-nəs\ noun

bite
n. transitive verb
1 a : to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound b : to wound, pierce, or sting especially with a fang or a proboscis
2 : to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged weapon
3 : to cause sharp pain or stinging discomfort to
4 : to take hold of
5 archaic : to take in : CHEAT
intransitive verb
1 : to bite or have the habit of biting something
2 of a weapon or tool : to cut, pierce, or take hold
3 : to cause irritation or smarting
4 : CORRODE
5 a of fish : to take a bait b : to respond so as to be caught (as by a trick) c : to accept a suggestion or an offer <offered them a deal but they wouldn't bite>
6 : to take or maintain a firm hold
7 : to produce a negative effect <the recession began to bite>
8 slang : to be objectionable or extremely bad in quality : STINK, SUCK
–bit·er \'bī-tər\ noun
–bite off more than one can chew : to undertake more than one can handle
–bite one's tongue : to hold back (as from a reluctance to offend) a remark one would like to make
–bite the bullet : to enter with resignation upon a difficult or distressing course of action
–bite the dust
1 : to fall dead especially in battle
2 a : to suffer humiliation or defeat b : to come to an end
–bite the hand that feeds one : to injure a benefactor maliciously

bite
n. 1 a : the act of biting b : the manner of biting especially : OCCLUSION 1B
2 : FOOD: as a : the amount of food taken at a bite : MORSEL b : a small amount of food : SNACK <have a bite to eat>
3 archaic a : CHEAT, TRICK b : SHARPER
4 : a wound made by biting
5 : the hold or grip by which friction is created or purchase is obtained
6 : a surface that creates friction or is brought into contact with another for the purpose of obtaining a hold
7 a : a keen incisive quality b : a sharp penetrating effect
8 : a single exposure of an etcher's plate to the corrosive action of acid
9 : an amount taken usually in one operation for one purpose : SHARE
10 : SOUND BITE

bite
n. put the bite on
bite the hand that feeds one
bite the dust
bite the bullet
bite one's tongue
bite off more than one can chew
bite plate
bite size
bite sized
rat bite fever
sound bite
bit by bit
a bit much
a bit
parity bit
quite a bit
sixpenny bit
two bit
biting louse
biting midge
crib biting
nail biting
flea bitten
hard bitten
nail biter
to bits
two bits

bite off more than one can chew
to undertake more than one can handle

bite one's tongue
to hold back (as from a reluctance to offend) a remark one would like to make

bite plate
: a removable usually plastic dental appliance used in orthodontics and prosthodontics: as a : a device worn in the upper or lower jaw and used especially to reposition the jaw or prevent bruxism b : RETAINER 3B

bite the bullet
to enter with resignation upon a difficult or distressing course of action

bite the dust

1 : to fall dead especially in battle
2 a : to suffer humiliation or defeat b : to come to an end

bite the hand that feeds one
to injure a benefactor maliciously

bite-size
1 : of a size that can be eaten in one bite <bite-size pieces of chicken>
2 : being or made small or brief especially so as to be easily manageable <bite-size tasks> <bite-size essays>

bitewing
n. : a dental X-ray film designed to show the crowns of the upper and lower teeth simultaneously

Bithynia
ancient country NW Asia Minor bordering on the Sea of Marmara & Black Sea
–Bi·thyn·i·an \-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

biting
n. : having the power to bite <a biting wind> especially : able to grip and impress deeply <a biting wit>
–bit·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

biting
n. biting louse
biting midge
crib biting
nail biting

biting louse
: any of numerous wingless insects (order Mallophaga) that are parasitic especially on birds ― called also bird louse

biting midge
: any of a family (Ceratopogonidae) of tiny biting dipteran flies of which some are vectors of filarial worms

bitmap
n. 1 : an array of binary data representing a bitmapped image or display also : a file containing such data
2 : a bitmapped image or display

bitmapped
adj. : of, relating to, or being a digital image or display for which an array of binary data specifies the value of each pixel <bitmapped graphics>

Bitola
city S Macedonia pop 122,173

bitstock
: BRACE 3

bitsy
adj. : TINY

bitt
n. 1 : a post or pair of posts fixed on the deck of a ship for securing lines
2 : BOLLARD 1

bitt
n. : to make (a cable) fast about a bitt

bitter
n. 1 a : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops ― compare SALT, SOUR, SWEET b : distasteful or distressing to the mind : GALLING <a bitter sense of shame>
2 : marked by intensity or severity: a : accompanied by severe pain or suffering <a bitter death> b : being relentlessly determined : VEHEMENT <a bitter partisan> c : exhibiting intense animosity <bitter enemies> d (1) : harshly reproachful <bitter complaints> (2) : marked by cynicism and rancor <bitter contempt> e : intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness <a bitter wind>
3 : expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret <bitter tears>
–bit·ter·ish \'bi-tə-rish\ adjective
–bit·ter·ly adverb
–bit·ter·ness noun

bitter
n. 1 : bitter quality
2 a plural : a usually alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used especially in preparing mixed drinks or as a mild tonic b British : a very dry heavily hopped ale

bitter
n. : to make bitter <bittered ale>

bitter
n. : to a bitter degree <it's bitter cold>

bitter
n. bitter almond
bitter cress
bitter end
bitter ender
Bitter Lakes

bitter almond
: an almond with a bitter taste that contains amygdalin also : a tree (Prunus dulcis amara) producing bitter almonds

bitter cress
: any of a genus (Cardamine) of herbs of the mustard family that produce flat pods and wingless seeds

bitter end
: the last extremity however painful or calamitous
–bit·ter-end·er \ˌbi-tər-'en-dər\ noun

bitter end
: the inboard end of a ship's anchoring cable

Bitter Lakes
two lakes (Great Bitter Lake & Little Bitter Lake) in NE Egypt N of Suez connected & traversed by the Suez Canal

bitterbrush
: a much-branched shrub (Purshia tridentata) of the rose family that grows in arid western No. America, that has 3-lobed leaves and yellow flowers, and is valuable for forage

bittern
n. : any of various small or medium-sized usually secretive herons (esp. genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus)

bittern
n. : the bitter water solution of salts that remains after sodium chloride has crystallized out of a brine

bitterroot
: a succulent herb (Lewisia rediviva) of the purslane family that grows in western No. America and has starchy roots and pink or white flowers

Bitterroot Range
range of the Rocky Mountains on Idaho-Mont. boundary ― see BEAVERHEAD MOUNTAINS, GARFIELD MOUNTAIN

bittersweet
n. 1 : something that is bittersweet especially : pleasure alloyed with pain
2 a : a poisonous Eurasian woody vine (Solanum dulcamara) of the nightshade family that has purple flowers and oval reddish berries and is naturalized in No. America b : a No. American poisonous woody vine (Celastrus scandens) of the staff-tree family having clusters of small greenish flowers succeeded by yellow capsules that open when ripe and disclose the scarlet aril

bittersweet
1 : being at once bitter and sweet especially : pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret <a bittersweet ballad>
2 : of or relating to a prepared chocolate containing little sugar
–bit·ter·sweet·ly adverb
–bit·ter·sweet·ness noun

bitterweed
: any of several American plants containing a bitter substance: as a : either of two ragweeds: (1) : a low-growing common ragweed (Ambrosia artemissiifolia) (2) : HORSEWEED b : an annual yellow-flowered sneezeweed (Helenium amarum syn. H. tenuifolium) c : an erect annual composite herb (Hymenoxys odorata) of the southwestern U.S. that has yellow flowers and is poisonous to livestock

bittock
chiefly Scottish : a little bit

bitty
adj. chiefly British : made up of or containing bits especially : not cohesive or flowing

bitty
adj. : SMALL, TINY <a little bitty room>

bitumen
n. 1 : an asphalt of Asia Minor used in ancient times as a cement and mortar
2 : any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons (as tar) often together with their nonmetallic derivatives that occur naturally or are obtained as residues after heat-refining natural substances (as petroleum) specifically : such a mixture soluble in carbon disulfide
–bi·tu·mi·ni·za·tion \bə-ˌtyü-mə-nə-'zā-shən, bī-, -ˌtü-\ noun
–bi·tu·mi·nize \-'tyü-mə-ˌnīz, -'tü-\ transitive verb

bituminous
adj. 1 : containing or impregnated with bitumen
2 : of or relating to bituminous coal

bituminous coal
: a coal that when heated yields considerable volatile bituminous matter ― called also soft coal

biunique
: being a correspondence between two sets that is one-to-one in both directions
–bi·unique·ness noun

bivalent
adj. 1 : DIVALENT
2 : associated in pairs in synapsis

bivalent
adj. : a pair of synaptic chromosomes

bivalve
n. : being or having a shell composed of two valves

bivalve
n. : any of a class (Bivalvia syn. Pelecypoda) of typically marine mollusks (as clams, oysters, or scallops) that have a 2-valved hinged shell, are usually filter feeders, and lack a distinct head

bivariate
adj. : of, relating to, or involving two variables <a bivariate frequency distribution>

bivouac
n. 1 : a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter
2 a : encampment usually for a night b : a temporary or casual shelter or lodging

bivouac
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a bivouac : CAMP
2 : to take shelter often temporarily
transitive verb : to provide temporary quarters for <they were bivouacked in the gym during the storm>

Biwa
n. lake 40 mi (64 km) long Japan on W cen Honshu

biweekly
n. 1 : occurring twice a week
2 : occurring every two weeks : FORTNIGHTLY
usage see BI-
–biweekly adverb

biweekly
n. 1 : a publication issued every two weeks
2 : SEMIWEEKLY

biyearly
n. 1 : BIANNUAL 1
2 : BIENNIAL 1

Biysk
city Russia in Asia, in E Altai territory pop 235,000

biz
: BUSINESS

bizarre
adj. : strikingly out of the ordinary: as a : odd, extravagant, or eccentric in style or mode b : involving sensational contrasts or incongruities
synonyms see FANTASTIC
–bi·zarre·ly adverb
–bi·zarre·ness noun

bizarre
adj. : a flower with atypical striped marking

bizarrerie
n. 1 : a bizarre quality
2 : something bizarre

bizarro
: characterized by a bizarre, fantastic, or unconventional approach : OUTLANDISH
–bizarro noun

Bizerte
city & port N Tunisia on Lake Bizerte (a deep lagoon) pop 62,856

Bizet
n. Alexandre-César-Léopold 1838-1875 called Georges Fr. composer

bizonal
adj. : of or relating to the affairs of a zone governed or administered by two powers acting together
–bi·zone \'bī-ˌzōn\ noun

BJ
bachelor of journalism

Bjornson
Bjørnstjerne Martinius 1832-1910 Norw. poet, dram., & nov.

Bk
berkelium

bk
1 bank
2 book
3 break
4 brook

bkg
1 banking
2 bookkeeping

bkgd
background

bkt
1 basket
2 bracket

BL
1 bachelor of letters
2 baseline
3 bill of lading
4 breadth-length

bl
1 bale
2 barrel
3 black
4 block
5 blue

blab
v. 1 archaic : one that blabs : TATTLETALE
2 : idle or excessive talk : CHATTER
–blab·by \'bla-bē\ adjective

blab
v. intransitive verb
1 : to talk idly or thoughtlessly
2 : to reveal a secret especially by indiscreet chatter
transitive verb : to reveal especially without reserve or discretion <blabbed the whole affair to the press>

blabber
v. intransitive verb : to talk foolishly or excessively
transitive verb : to say indiscreetly

blabber
v. : idle talk : BABBLE

blabber
v. : a person who blabs

blabbermouth
n. : a person who talks too much especially : TATTLETALE

Black
n. Hugo LaFayette 1886-1971 American jurist & polit.

Black
n. Sir James Whyte 1924-     Brit. pharmacologist

Black
n. 1 river 101 mi (162 km) E cen Louisiana flowing S into Red River
2 or in China Amo \'ä-'mō\ or in Vietnam Da \'dä\ river 500 mi (805 km) SE Asia rising in cen Yunnan, China & flowing SE to Red River in N Vietnam

black
n. 1 a : of the color black b (1) : very dark in color <his face was black with rage> (2) : having a very deep or low register <a bass with a black voice> (3) : HEAVY, SERIOUS <the play was a black intrigue>
2 a : having dark skin, hair, and eyes : SWARTHY <the black Irish> b (1) often capitalized : of or relating to any of various population groups having dark pigmentation of the skin <black Americans> (2) : of or relating to the Afro-American people or their culture <black literature> <a black college> <black pride> <black studies> (3) : typical or representative of the most readily perceived characteristics of black culture <trying to sound black> <tried to play blacker jazz>
3 : dressed in black
4 : DIRTY, SOILED <hands black with grime>
5 a : characterized by the absence of light <a black night> b : reflecting or transmitting little or no light <black water> c : served without milk or cream <black coffee>
6 a : thoroughly sinister or evil : WICKED <a black deed> b : indicative of condemnation or discredit <got a black mark for being late>
7 : connected with or invoking the supernatural and especially the devil <black magic>
8 a : very sad, gloomy, or calamitous <black despair> b : marked by the occurrence of disaster <black Friday>
9 : characterized by hostility or angry discontent : SULLEN <black resentment filled his heart>
10 chiefly British : subject to boycott by trade-union members as employing or favoring nonunion workers or as operating under conditions considered unfair by the trade union
11 a of propaganda : conducted so as to appear to originate within an enemy country and designed to weaken enemy morale b : characterized by or connected with the use of black propaganda <black radio>
12 : characterized by grim, distorted, or grotesque satire <black humor>
13 : of or relating to covert intelligence operations <black government programs>
–black·ish \'bla-kish\ adjective
–black·ly adverb
–black·ness noun

black
n. 1 : a black pigment or dye especially : one consisting largely of carbon
2 : the achromatic color of least lightness characteristically perceived to belong to objects that neither reflect nor transmit light
3 : something that is black: as a : black clothing <looks good in black> b : a black animal (as a horse)
4 a : a person belonging to any of various population groups having dark pigmentation of the skin b : AFRO-AMERICAN
5 : the pieces of a dark color in a board game for two players (as chess)
6 : total or nearly total absence of light <the black of night>
7 : the condition of making a profit ― usually used with the <operating in the black> ― compare RED

black
n. : to become black
transitive verb
1 : to make black
2 chiefly British : to declare (as a business or industry) subject to boycott by trade-union members

black
n. black eyed pea
Black Carib
japan black
black death
black alder
black and blue
black and tan
black and tan coonhound
black and white
Black Angus
black a vised
black bass
black bean
black bear
black beast
black belt
black bile
black birch
black book
black box
black capped
black cherry
black cod
black cohosh
black crappie
black crowned night heron
black currant
black damp
black diamond
black duck
black dwarf
black dwarfs
Black English
Black English vernacular
black eye
black eyed Susan
black flag
black footed albatross
black footed ferret
black gold
black grouse
black gum
black hand
black hole
black ice
black legged tick
black letter
black light
black locust
black lung
Black Maria
black market
black marketeer
black marketeering
black marketer
Black Mass
Black Muslim
black nationalist
black nationalism
black on black
black out
Black Panther
black pepper
black powder
black power
black pudding
black racer
black raspberry
black rhinoceros
black rhino
Black Rod
black rot
black sheep
black smoker
black spot
black spruce
black swallowtail
black tailed deer
black tea
black tie
black walnut
black widow
bone black
carbon black
ivory black
jet black
largemouth black bass
pitch black
slate black
smallmouth black bass
Welsh black
Black Hawk
Big Black
Black Canyon
Black Forest
Black Hills
Black Mountains
Black Sea
Black Volta
Black Warrior
auto da fe
autos da fé
auto da fé
autos da fe
da capo
la di da
la de da
viola da gamba
violist da gamba
viole da gamba
violas da gamba
Francesca da Rimini
Gama da
Gentile da Fabriano
Leonardo da Vinci
Silva da
Vasco da Gama
Vinci da
Da Nang
Da Yunhe
Cabo da Roca
Serra da Estrela
Tristan da Cunha
odi et amo

black alder
: WINTERBERRY 1

black and tan
1 : a black-and-tan animal (as a dog)
2 chiefly British : a drink consisting of a dark beer (as stout or porter) and ale or beer of a paler color
3 capitalized B&T [from the color of his uniform] : a recruit enlisted in England in 1920-21 for service in the Royal Irish Constabulary against the armed movement for Irish independence
4 : a member of a black-and-tan political organization (as in the southern U.S.) ― compare LILY-WHITE

black and white
1 : WRITING, PRINT
2 : a drawing or print done in black and white or in monochrome
3 : monochrome reproduction of visual images (as by photography or television)

Black Angus
: ANGUS

black bass
: any of a genus (Micropterus) of freshwater sunfishes native to eastern and central No. America and including the largemouth bass and smallmouth bass

black bean
1 : a black kidney bean commonly used in Latin American cuisine
2 : a black soybean commonly used usually fermented in East Asian cuisine

black bear
: the common No. American bear (Ursus americanus) ranging in color from brown or typical black to white

black beast
: BÊTE NOIRE

black belt
1 : an area characterized by rich black soil
2 often capitalized both Bs : an area densely populated by blacks

black belt
: one who holds the rating of expert in various arts of self-defense (as judo and karate) also : the rating itself

black bile
: a humor of medieval physiology believed to be secreted by the kidneys or spleen and to cause melancholy

black birch
: SWEET BIRCH

black book
: a book containing a blacklist

black box
1 : a usually complicated electronic device that functions and is packaged as a unit and whose internal mechanism is usually hidden from or mysterious to the user broadly : anything that has mysterious or unknown internal functions or mechanisms
2 : a crashworthy device in aircraft for recording cockpit conversations and flight data

Black Canyon
1 canyon of Colorado River bet. Ariz. & Nev. S of Hoover Dam
2 canyon of the Gunnison SW cen Colo. partly in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Carib
: GARIFUNA

black cherry
1 : a large cherry (Prunus serotina) of eastern and central No. America having drooping clusters of small white flowers and astringent black or dark purple fruits also : the fruit
2 : the strong reddish-brown wood of the black cherry used especially for cabinetwork

black cod
: a large gray to blackish bony fish (Anoplopoma fimbria of the family Anoplomatidae) of the Pacific coast that is an important food fish and has a liver rich in vitamins ― called also sablefish

black cohosh
: a bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa) of the eastern U.S.

black crappie
: a silvery black-mottled sunfish (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) of eastern and central No. America having seven or eight protruding spines on the dorsal fins

black currant
: a European perennial currant (Ribes nigrum) bearing aromatic edible black berries that are used especially in flavoring liqueur (as cassis) also : the fruit

black damp
: a carbon dioxide mixture occurring as a mine gas and incapable of supporting life or flame

black death
1 : PLAGUE 2B
2 : a severe epidemic of plague and especially bubonic plague that occurred in Asia and Europe in the 14th century

black diamond
1 : dense black hematite
2 plural : COAL 3A
3 : 3CARBONADO

black duck
: any of several ducks that are dark in color especially : a common brown duck (Anas rubripes) of eastern No. America

black dwarf
: a very small cooled remnant of white dwarf that emits no detectable light

Black English
: a nonstandard variety of English spoken by some Afro-Americans ― called also Black English vernacular

black eye
1 : a discoloration of the skin around the eye from bruising
2 a : DEFEAT, SETBACK b : a bad reputation

black flag
: a pirate's flag usually bearing a skull and crossbones

Black Forest
forested mountain region SW Germany along the upper Rhine bet. the Neckar River & Swiss border

black gold
: PETROLEUM

black grouse
: a large grouse (Tetrao tetrix syn. Lyrurus tetrix) of western Asia and Europe of which the male is black with white wing patches and the female is barred and mottled

black gum
: a tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) of the eastern U.S. with light and soft but tough wood

black hand
: a lawless secret society engaged in criminal activities (as terrorism or extortion)
–black·hand·er \'blak-ˌhan-dər\ noun

Black Hawk
1767-1838 Ma-ka-ta-i-me-she-kia-kiak Sauk Indian chief

Black Hills
mountains W S.Dak. & NE Wyo. ― see HARNEY PEAK

black hole
1 : a celestial object that has a gravitational field so strong that light cannot escape it and that is believed to be created especially in the collapse of a very massive star
2 : something resembling a black hole: as a : something that consumes a resource continually <a financial black hole> b : an empty space : VOID

black ice
: a nearly transparent film of ice on a dark surface (as a paved road or a body of water) that is difficult to see

black letter
: a heavy angular condensed typeface used especially by the earliest European printers and based on handwriting used chiefly in the 13th to 15th centuries also : this style of handwriting

black light
1 : invisible ultraviolet light
2 : a lamp that radiates black light

black locust
: a tall tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) of eastern No. America with pinnately compound leaves, drooping racemes of fragrant white flowers, and strong stiff wood

black lung
: pneumoconiosis caused by habitual inhalation of coal dust

Black Maria
: PADDY WAGON

black market
: illicit trade in goods or commodities in violation of official regulations also : a place where such trade is carried on

Black Mass
: a travesty of the Christian Mass ascribed to worshipers of Satan

Black Mountains
mountains W N.C., a range of the Blue Ridge Mountains ― see MITCHELL (Mount)

Black Muslim
: a member of a chiefly black group that professes Islamic religious belief

black nationalist
: a member of a group of militant blacks who advocate separatism from the whites and the formation of self-governing black communities
–black nationalism noun often cap B&N

black out
1 a : to suppress by censorship <black out the news> b : BLOT OUT, ERASE <blacked out the event from his mind>
2 : to envelop in darkness <black out the stage>
3 : to make inoperative (as by a power failure)
4 : to impose a blackout on <blacked out the local game>
intransitive verb
1 : to become enveloped in darkness
2 : to undergo a temporary loss of vision, consciousness, or memory

Black Panther
: a member of an organization of militant American blacks

black pepper
: a spice that consists of the dried berry of an Indian vine ground with the black husk still on also : the plant (Piper nigrum) that yields black pepper

black powder
: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used especially in fireworks and as a propellant in antique firearms ― compare GUNPOWDER

black power
: the mobilization of the political and economic power of American blacks especially to compel respect for their rights and improve their condition

black pudding
chiefly British : BLOOD SAUSAGE

black racer
: either of two common black colubrid snakes of the U.S.: a : a snake (Coluber constrictor constrictor) chiefly of the eastern U.S. b : a snake (C. constrictor priapus) of the southeastern U.S.

black raspberry
: a raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) of eastern No. America that has a purplish-black fruit and is the source of several cultivated varieties ― called also blackcap

black rhinoceros
: a rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) of sub-Saharan Africa having a prehensile upper lip that protrudes in the middle ― called also black rhino

Black Rod
: the principal usher of the House of Lords

black rot
: a bacterial or fungal rot of plants marked by dark brown discoloration

Black Sea
sea bet. Europe & Asia connected with Aegean Sea through the Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, & Dardanelles area more than 160,000 sq mi (414,400 sq km)

black sheep
: a disfavored or disreputable member of a group

black smoker
: a vent in a geologically active region of the sea floor from which issues superheated water laden with minerals (as sulfide precipitates) also : a rock chimney covering such a vent

black spot
: any of several bacterial or fungal diseases of plants characterized by black spots or blotches especially on the leaves

black spruce
: a widely distributed spruce (Picea mariana) of northern No. America that grows chiefly in moist soils and bogs

black swallowtail
: a usually dark-colored New World swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) having yellow spots on the wing margins and a black spot centered within a larger orange spot on the hindwing inner edge

black tea
: tea that is dark in color from complete fermentation of the leaf before firing

black tie
: semiformal clothing <gentlemen in black tie for the banquet>

Black Volta
v. ― see VOLTA

black walnut
: a walnut (Juglans nigra) of eastern No. America with hard strong heavy dark brown wood and oily edible nuts also : its wood or nut

Black Warrior
river 178 mi (286 km) cen Ala. flowing into the Tombigbee

black widow
: a venomous New World spider (Latrodectus mactans) the female of which is black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen

black-a-vised
: having a dark complexion

black-and-blue
: darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

black-and-tan
1 : having a predominantly black color pattern with deep red or rusty tan usually on the feet, breeching, and cheek patches, above the eyes, and inside the ears
2 : favoring or practicing proportional representation of whites and blacks in politics
3 : frequented by both blacks and whites <a black-and-tan bar>

black-and-tan coonhound
: any of a breed of strong vigorous coonhounds of U.S. origin with black-and-tan markings

black-and-white
1 : partly black and partly white in color
2 : being in writing or print
3 : executed in dark pigment on a light background or in light pigment on a dark ground <a black-and-white drawing>
4 : MONOCHROME 2 <black-and-white film> <black-and-white television>
5 a : sharply divided into good and evil b : evaluating or viewing things as either all good or all bad <black-and-white morality> c : sharply defined : CLEAR-CUT <the truth is not always black-and-white>

black-and-white
: SQUAD CAR

black-capped
of a bird : having the top of the head black

black-crowned night heron
: a widely distributed night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) having a black crown and back, gray wings, and white underparts

black-eyed pea
: COWPEA

black-eyed Susan
: a No. American coneflower (Rudbeckia hirta syn. R. serotina) having flower heads with deep yellow to orange rays and dark conical disks

black-flag
: to signal (a race-car driver) to go immediately to the pits

black-footed albatross
: an albatross (Diomedea nigripes) of the Pacific that is chiefly blackish with dusky bill and black feet and legs ― called also gooney

black-footed ferret
: a rare weasel (Mustela nigripes) of western No. American prairies having a yellowish coat, dark feet and facial mask, and a dark-tipped tail

black-legged tick
: either of two ixodid ticks: a : DEER TICK b : a tick (Ixodes pacificus) of the western U.S. and British Columbia that is the vector of several diseases (as Lyme disease)

black-market
: to buy or sell goods in the black market
transitive verb : to sell in the black market
–black marketer or black marketeer \-ˌmär-kə-'tir\ noun
–black mar·ke·teer·ing \-'tir-iŋ\ noun

black-on-black
: involving a black person against another black person <black-on-black crime>

black-tailed deer
: MULE DEER especially : one of a subspecies (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) especially of British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington

black-tie
: characterized by or requiring the wearing of semiformal evening clothes consisting of a usually black tie and tuxedo for men and a formal dress for women <a black-tie dinner> ― compare WHITE-TIE

blackamoor
n. : a dark-skinned person especially : BLACK 4A

blackball
v. 1 : to vote against especially : to exclude from membership by casting a negative vote
2 a : to exclude socially : OSTRACIZE b : BOYCOTT

blackball
v. 1 : a small black ball for use as a negative vote in a ballot box
2 : an adverse vote especially against admitting someone to membership in an organization

blackberry
n. 1 : the usually black or dark purple juicy but seedy edible aggregate fruit of various brambles (genus Rubus) of the rose family
2 : a plant that bears blackberries

blackbird
n. 1 : any of various birds of which the males are largely or entirely black: as a : a common thrush (Turdus merula) of Eurasia and northern Africa having an orange bill and eye rim b : any of several American oscine birds (family Icteridae)
2 : a Pacific islander kidnapped for use as a plantation laborer

blackbird
n. : to engage in the slave trade especially in the So. Pacific

blackbirder
1 : a person who blackbirds
2 : a ship used in blackbirding

blackboard
n. : a hard smooth usually dark surface used especially in a classroom for writing or drawing on with chalk

blackbody
: an ideal body or surface that completely absorbs all radiant energy falling upon it with no reflection and that radiates at all frequencies with a spectral energy distribution dependent on its absolute temperature

blackbuck
n. : an antelope (Antilope cervicapra) native to India and adjacent regions in which the male has spirally twisted horns and a chiefly dark brown coat and the female a chiefly yellowish-fawn coat

Blackburn
n. town NW England in Lancashire pop 132,800

Blackburn, Mount
mountain 16,390 ft (4996 m) S Alaska; highest in the Wrangell Mountains

blackcap
n. 1 : any of several birds with black heads or crowns: as a : a small gray European warbler (Sylvia atricapilla) with a black crown b : CHICKADEE
2 : BLACK RASPBERRY

blackcock
n. chiefly British : BLACK GROUSE specifically : the male black grouse

blacken
v. intransitive verb : to become dark or black <the sky blackens>
transitive verb
1 : to make black
2 : DEFAME, SULLY <blackened her reputation>
–black·en·er \'blak-nər, 'bla-kə-\ noun

blackened
adj. : coated with a mixture of spices (as garlic powder and cayenne pepper) and fried over extremely high heat <blackened swordfish>

blackening
n. : BLACKING

Blackett
Patrick Maynard Stuart 1897-1974 Brit. physicist

blackface
n. : makeup applied to a performer playing a black person especially in a minstrel show also : a performer wearing such makeup

blackfish
n. 1 : any of numerous dark-colored fishes: as a : TAUTOG b : a small bony fish (Dallia pectoralis of the family Umbridae) of Alaska and Siberia that is used for food and is noted for its resistance to cold
2 : any of several small toothed whales especially : PILOT WHALE

blackfly
n. : any of various small dark-colored insects especially : any of a family (Simuliidae and especially genus Simulium) of bloodsucking dipteran flies whose larvae usually live in flowing streams

Blackfoot
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan
2 : the Algonquian language of the Blackfeet

blackguard
n. 1 obsolete : the kitchen servants of a household
2 a : a rude or unscrupulous person b : a person who uses foul or abusive language
–black·guard·ism \-gər-ˌdi-zəm, -ˌgär-\ noun
–black·guard·ly \-gərd-lē, -ˌgärd-\ adjective or adverb

blackguard
n. : to talk about or address in abusive terms

blackhead
n. 1 : a small plug of sebum blocking the duct of a sebaceous gland especially on the face
2 : a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan (Histomonas meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver
3 : a larval clam or mussel attached to the skin or gills of a freshwater fish

blackheart
n. : a plant disease in which the central tissues blacken

blacking
n. : a substance (as a paste or polish) that is applied to an object to make it black

blackjack
1 [black + jack (vessel)] : a tankard for beer or ale usually of tar-coated leather
2 : SPHALERITE
3 : a hand weapon typically consisting of a piece of leather-enclosed metal with a strap or springy shaft for a handle
4 : an often scrubby oak (Quercus marilandica) chiefly of the southeastern U.S. ― called also blackjack oak
5 : a card game the object of which is to be dealt cards having a higher count than those of the dealer up to but not exceeding 21 ― called also twenty-one vingt-et-un

blackjack
n. 1 : to strike with a blackjack
2 : to coerce with threats or pressure

blackland
1 : a heavy sticky black soil such as that covering large areas in Texas
2 plural : a region of blackland

blacklead
v. chiefly British : GRAPHITE 1

blackleg
n. 1 : a usually fatal toxemia especially of young cattle caused by a soil bacterium (Clostridium chauvoei)
2 : a cheating gambler : SWINDLER
3 chiefly British : a worker hostile to trade unionism or acting in opposition to union policies : SCAB

blacklight trap
: a trap for insects that uses a form of black light perceptible to particular insects as an attractant

blacklist
n. : a list of persons who are disapproved of or are to be punished or boycotted

blacklist
n. : to put on a blacklist
–black·list·er noun

blackmail
n. 1 : a tribute anciently exacted on the Scottish border by plundering chiefs in exchange for immunity from pillage
2 a : extortion or coercion by threats especially of public exposure or criminal prosecution b : the payment that is extorted
–blackmail transitive verb
–black·mail·er noun

Blackmore
Richard Doddridge 1825-1900 Eng. nov.

Blackmun
Harry Andrew 1908-1999 American jurist

blackout
n. 1 a : a turning off of the stage lighting to separate scenes in a play or end a play or skit also : a skit that ends with a blackout b : a period of darkness enforced as a precaution against air raids c : a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power
2 : a transient dulling or loss of vision, consciousness, or memory <an alcoholic blackout>
3 a : a wiping out : OBLITERATION b : a blotting out by censorship : SUPPRESSION <a news blackout>
4 : a usually temporary loss of a radio signal
5 : the prohibition or restriction of the telecasting of a sports event
6 : a time during which a special commercial offer (as of tickets) is not valid ― usually used attributively <blackout dates>

blackpoll
: a No. American warbler (Dendroica striata) with the male having a black cap when in breeding plumage

Blackpool
n. town NW England in Lancashire on Irish Sea pop 144,500

Blacksburg
city W Va. W of Roanoke pop 39,573

Blackshirt
n. : a member of a fascist organization having a black shirt as a distinctive part of its uniform especially : a member of the Italian Fascist party

blacksmith
n. : a smith who forges iron
–black·smith·ing \-ˌsmi-thiŋ\ noun

blacksnake
n. 1 : any of several snakes that are largely black or very dark in color: as a : a black racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) b : a rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)
2 : a long tapering braided whip of rawhide or leather

Blackstone
Sir William 1723-1780 Eng. jurist

blackstrap molasses
: a thick dark molasses obtained from successive processing of raw sugar

blacktail
: BLACK-TAILED DEER

blackthorn
n. : a European spiny plum (Prunus spinosa) with hard wood and small white flowers

blacktop
n. : a bituminous material used especially for surfacing roads also : a surface paved with blacktop
–blacktop transitive verb

Blackwall hitch
: a hitch knot for securing a rope to a hook ― see KNOT illustration

blackwater
n. : any of several diseases (as blackwater fever) characterized by dark-colored urine

blackwater fever
: a febrile complication of repeated malarial attacks that is characterized especially by extensive kidney damage and urine discolored by heme from blood

Blackwell
Elizabeth 1821-1910 American physician

Blackwood
n. William 1776-1834 Scot. publisher

blackwood
n. : any of several hardwood trees (as Acacia melanoxylon and Dalbergia latifolia of the legume family) or their dark-colored wood

bladder
n. 1 a : a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas especially : URINARY BLADDER b : CYST 2B
2 : something (as the rubber bag inside a football) resembling a bladder
–blad·der·like \-līk\ adjective

bladder
n. air bladder
bladder campion
bladder worm
bladder wrack
swim bladder
urinary bladder

bladder campion
: an Old World campion (Silene vulgaris syn. S. cucubalus) with an inflated calyx introduced into temperate No. America

bladder worm
: a bladderlike larval tapeworm (as a cysticercus)

bladder wrack
: a common rockweed (Fucus vesiculosus) used in preparing kelp and as a manure

bladdernut
: any of a genus (Staphylea of the family Staphyleaceae, the bladdernut family) of ornamental shrubs or small trees with panicles of small white flowers followed by inflated capsules also : one of the capsules

bladderwort
n. : any of a genus (Utricularia of the family Lentibulariaceae, the bladderwort family) of chiefly aquatic plants with leaves usually having insect-trapping bladders

blade
n. 1 a : LEAF 1A(1) especially : the leaf of an herb or a grass b : the flat expanded part of a leaf as distinguished from the petiole
2 : something resembling the blade of a leaf: as a : the broad flattened part of an oar or paddle b : an arm of a screw propeller, electric fan, or steam turbine c : the broad flat or concave part of a machine (as a bulldozer or snowplow) that comes into contact with the material to be moved d : a broad flat body part specifically : SCAPULA ― used chiefly in naming cuts of meat e : the flat portion of the tongue immediately behind the tip also : this portion together with the tip
3 a : the cutting part of an implement b (1) : SWORD (2) : SWORDSMAN (3) : a dashing lively man c : the runner of an ice skate
–blade·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

blade
n. : to skate on in-line skates
–blad·er \'blā-dər\ noun

bladed
adj. : having blades ― often used in combination <5-bladed propeller>

blae
chiefly Scottish : dark blue or bluish gray

blaeberry
n. chiefly Scottish : BILBERRY

Blaenau Gwent
administrative area of SE Wales area 42 sq mi (109 sq km)

Blagoveshchensk
city Russia in Asia on the Amur pop 214,000

blah
n. 1 also blah-blah \-ˌblä\ : silly or pretentious chatter or nonsense
2 plural [perhaps influenced in meaning by blasé] : a feeling of boredom, lethargy, or general dissatisfaction

blah
n. : lacking interest : MEDIOCRE, BORING <a blah winter day>

blain
n. : an inflammatory swelling or sore

Blaine
n. James Gillespie 1830-1893 American statesman

Blaine
n. city E Minn. N of St. Paul pop 44,942

Blainville
town Canada in S Que. pop 36,029

Blair
n. Tony 1953-     Anthony Charles Lynton Blair Brit. prime min. (1997-    )

Blake
n. Eugene Carson 1906-1985 American clergyman

Blake
n. Robert 1599-1657 Eng. admiral

Blake
n. William 1757-1827 Eng. artist, poet, & mystic
–Blak·ean \'blā-kē-ən\ adjective

blamable
adj. : deserving blame : REPREHENSIBLE
synonyms see BLAMEWORTHY
–blam·ably \-blē\ adverb

blame
n. 1 : to find fault with : CENSURE <the right to praise or blame a literary work>
2 a : to hold responsible <they blame me for everything> b : to place responsibility for <blames it on me>
–blam·er noun
–to blame : at fault : RESPONSIBLE <says he's not to blame for the accident>
usage Use of blame in sense 2b with on has occas. been disparaged as wrong. Such disparagement is without basis; blame on occurs as frequently in carefully edited prose as blame for. Both are standard.

blame
n. 1 : an expression of disapproval or reproach : CENSURE
2 a : a state of being blameworthy : CULPABILITY b archaic : FAULT, SIN
3 : responsibility for something believed to deserve censure <they must share the blame>
–blame·less \-ləs\ adjective
–blame·less·ly adverb
–blame·less·ness noun

blameful
adj. : BLAMABLE
–blame·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

blameworthy
adj. : being at fault : deserving blame
–blame·wor·thi·ness noun
synonyms BLAMEWORTHY, BLAMABLE, GUILTY, CULPABLE mean deserving reproach or punishment. BLAMEWORTHY and BLAMABLE apply to any degree of reprehensibility <conduct adjudged blameworthy> <an accident for which no one is blamable>. GUILTY implies responsibility for or consciousness of crime, sin, or, at the least, grave error or misdoing <guilty of a breach of etiquette>. CULPABLE is weaker than guilty and is likely to connote malfeasance or errors of ignorance, omission, or negligence <culpable neglect>.

Blanc
n. Melvin Jerome 1908-1989 Mel American actor

Blanc
n. Chamonix Mont Blanc
beurre blanc
blanc de chine
chenin blanc
pinot blanc
sauvignon blanc
Blanc Cape
Blanc Mont
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc Tunnel

blanc de chine
: white Chinese porcelain usually used for making figurines

Blanc, Cape
1 cape N Tunisia; northernmost point of Africa, at 37°14′N
2 promontory NW Africa on the Atlantic in Mauritania at SW tip of Río de Oro

Blanc, Mont
― see MONT BLANC

Blanca
n. Bahia Blanca
Bahía Blanca
Blanca Peak
Sierra Blanca Peak

Blanca Peak
mountain 14,345 ft (4372 m) S Colo.; highest in Sangre de Cristo Mountains

blanch
v. transitive verb : to take the color out of: as a : to bleach by excluding light b : to scald or parboil in water or steam in order to remove the skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in (as food for freezing) c : to make ashen or pale <fear blanches the cheek>
intransitive verb : to become white or pale
–blanch·er noun

blanche
n. toque blanche
carte blanche
nuit blanche
Dent Blanche

blancmange
n. : a usually sweetened and flavored dessert made from gelatinous or starchy ingredients and milk

Blanco
n. Guzman Blanco
Guzmán Blanco
Blanco Cape

Blanco, Cape
cape SW Oreg.

bland
adj. 1 a : smooth and soothing in manner or quality <a bland smile> b : exhibiting no personal concern or embarrassment : UNPERTURBED <a bland confession of guilt>
2 a : not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating : SOOTHING b : DULL, INSIPID <bland stories with little plot or action>
synonyms see SUAVE
–bland·ly \'blan(d)-lē\ adverb
–bland·ness \'blan(d)-nəs\ noun

blandish
v. transitive verb : to coax with flattery : CAJOLE
intransitive verb : to act or speak in a flattering or coaxing manner
synonyms see CAJOLE
–blan·dish·er noun

blandishment
n. : something that tends to coax or cajole : ALLUREMENT ― often used in plural

blank
n. 1 archaic : COLORLESS
2 a : appearing or causing to appear dazed, confounded, or nonplussed <stared in blank dismay> b : EXPRESSIONLESS <a blank stare>
3 a : devoid of covering or content especially : free from writing or marks <blank paper> b : having spaces to be filled in c : lacking interest, variety, or change <blank hours>
4 : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <a blank refusal>
5 : UNFINISHED especially : having a plain or unbroken surface where an opening is usual <a blank key> <a blank arch>
synonyms see EMPTY
–blank·ly adverb
–blank·ness noun

blank
n. 1 obsolete : the bull's-eye of a target
2 a : an empty space (as on a paper) b : a paper with spaces for the entry of data <an order blank>
3 a : a piece of material prepared to be made into something (as a key) by a further operation b : a cartridge loaded with propellant and a seal but no projectile
4 a : an empty or featureless place or space <my mind was a blank> b : a vacant or uneventful period <a long blank in history>
5 : a dash substituting for an omitted word

blank
n. 1 a : OBSCURE, OBLITERATE <blank out a line> b : to stop access to : SEAL <blank off a tunnel>
2 : to keep (an opponent) from scoring <were blanked for eight innings>
intransitive verb
1 : FADE ― usually used with out <the music blanked out>
2 : to become confused or abstracted ― often used with out <his mind blanked out momentarily>

blank
n. blank check
blank slate
blank verse
draw a blank
point blank

blank check
1 : complete freedom of action or control : CARTE BLANCHE
2 : a signed check with the amount unspecified

blank slate
: TABULA RASA

blank verse
: unrhymed verse specifically : unrhymed iambic pentameter verse

blanket
n. 1 a : a large usually oblong piece of woven fabric used as a bed covering b : a similar piece of fabric used as a body covering (as for an animal) <a horse blanket>
2 : something that resembles a blanket <a blanket of fog> <a blanket of gloom>
3 : a rubber or plastic sheet on the cylinder in an offset press that transfers the image to the surface being printed
–blan·ket·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

blanket
n. 1 : to cover with or as if with a blanket <new grass blankets the slope>
2 a : to cover so as to obscure, interrupt, suppress, or extinguish <blanket a fire with foam> b : to interrupt the smooth flow of wind to (as a downwind ship) c : to apply or cause to apply to uniformly despite wide separation or diversity among the elements included <freight rates that blanket a region> d : to cause to be included <automatically blanketed into the insurance program>

blanket
n. 1 : covering all members of a group or class <a blanket wage increase>
2 : effective or applicable in all instances

blanket
n. blanket chest
blanket stitch
pig in a blanket
pigs in a blanket
receiving blanket
saddle blanket
security blanket
wet blanket
pigs in blankets

blanket chest
: a piece of furniture with a hinged lid, a deep well, and usually one or two drawers underneath

blanket stitch
: a buttonhole stitch with spaces of variable width used on materials too thick to hem
–blanket-stitch transitive verb

blanketflower
: GAILLARDIA

blanquette
n. : a stew of light meat or seafood in a white sauce <blanquette of veal> <blanquette of lobster>

Blantyre
city S Malawi pop 554,578

blare
n. intransitive verb : to sound loud and strident <radios blaring>
transitive verb
1 : to sound or utter raucously <sat blaring the car horn>
2 : to proclaim flamboyantly <headlines blared his defeat>

blare
n. 1 : a loud strident noise
2 : dazzling often garish brilliance
3 : FLAMBOYANCE

Blarney
n. town SW Ireland in cen County Cork pop 1952

blarney
n. 1 : skillful flattery : BLANDISHMENT
2 : NONSENSE, HUMBUG
–blarney verb

Blasco Ibanez
Vicente 1867-1928 Span. nov.

blase
adj. 1 : apathetic to pleasure or excitement as a result of excessive indulgence or enjoyment : WORLD-WEARY
2 : SOPHISTICATED, WORLDLY-WISE
3 : UNCONCERNED
synonyms see SOPHISTICATED

blaspheme
v. transitive verb
1 : to speak of or address with irreverence
2 : REVILE, ABUSE
intransitive verb : to utter blasphemy
–blas·phem·er \-'fē-mər; 'blas-ˌfē-mər, -fə-mər\ noun

blasphemous
adj. : impiously irreverent : PROFANE
–blas·phe·mous·ly adverb
–blas·phe·mous·ness noun

blasphemy
n. 1 a : the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God b : the act of claiming the attributes of deity
2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable

blast
n. 1 a : a violent gust of wind b : the effect or accompaniment (as sleet) of such a gust
2 : the sound produced by an impulsion of air through a wind instrument or whistle
3 : something resembling a gust of wind: as a : a stream of air or gas forced through a hole b : a vehement outburst c : the continuous blowing to which a charge of ore or metal is subjected in a blast furnace
4 a : a sudden pernicious influence or effect <the blast of a huge epidemic> b : a disease of plants marked by the formation of destructive lesions on leaves and inflorescences
5 a : an explosion or violent detonation b : the shock wave of an explosion c : a forceful hit (as in baseball) or shot (as in soccer or golf) especially : HOME RUN
6 : SPEED, CAPACITY, OPERATION <go full blast> <in full blast>
7 : an enjoyably exciting experience, occasion, or event <I had a blast> especially : PARTY
–blast from the past : a striking reminder of an earlier time : something that excites nostalgia

blast
n. 1 : BLARE <music blasting from the radio>
2 : to make a vigorous attack
3 a : to use an explosive b : SHOOT
4 : to hit a golf ball out of a sand trap with explosive force
5 : to proceed rapidly or aggressively <blasting down the ski slope>
transitive verb
1 a : to injure by or as if by the action of wind b : BLIGHT
2 a : to shatter by or as if by an explosive b : to remove, open, or form by or as if by an explosive c : SHOOT
3 : to attack vigorously
4 : to cause to blast off <will blast themselves from the moon's surface>
5 : to hit vigorously and effectively <blasted a home run>
6 : to play loudly <blasting rock music on the stereo>
–blast·er noun

blast
n. : bud : budding : germ <blastodisc> <blastula>

blast
n. : formative unit especially of living matter : germ : cell : cell layer <epiblast>

blast
n. blast from the past
blast furnace
blast off
full blast
blasting cap
ghetto blaster

blast from the past
a striking reminder of an earlier time : something that excites nostalgia

blast furnace
: a furnace in which combustion is forced by a current of air under pressure especially : one for the reduction of iron ore

blast off
: TAKE OFF 2D ― used especially of rocket-propelled missiles and vehicles

blasted
adj. 1 : damaged by or as if by an explosive, lightning, wind, or supernatural force <upon this blasted heath ― Shakespeare> <a blasted apple tree>
2 : DAMNED, DETESTABLE <this blasted weather>
3 slang : intoxicated from drugs or alcohol

blastema
n. : a mass of undifferentiated cells capable of growth and differentiation
–blas·te·mal \-məl\ or blas·te·mat·ic \ˌblas-tə-'ma-tik\ adjective

blastic
adj. : having (such or so many) buds, germs, cells, or cell layers <diploblastic>

blastie
Scottish : an ugly little creature

blasting cap
: a small explosive device that is combined with a fuse to detonate a larger explosive

blastment
archaic : a blighting influence

blastocoel
n. : the fluid-filled cavity of a blastula ― see BLASTULA illustration
–blas·to·coe·lic \ˌblas-tə-'sē-lik\ adjective

blastocyst
n. : the modified blastula of a placental mammal having an outer layer composed of the trophoblast

blastoderm
n. : a blastodisc after completion of cleavage and formation of the blastocoel

blastodermic vesicle
: BLASTOCYST

blastodisc
n. : the embryo-forming portion of an egg with discoidal cleavage usually appearing as a small disc on the upper surface of the yolk mass ― see EGG illustration

blastoff
n. : a blasting off (as of a rocket)

blastomere
n. : one of the cells that are produced during cleavage of a zygote and that form the morula

blastomycosis
n. : any of several fungal infections especially : an infectious disease caused by a yeast fungus (Blastomyces dermititidis) that affects especially the lungs and skin

blastopore
n. : the opening of the archenteron
–blas·to·por·ic \-'pȯr-ik\ adjective

blastospore
n. : a fungal spore produced by budding

blastula
n. : an early metazoan embryo typically having the form of a hollow fluid-filled rounded cavity bounded by a single layer of cells ― compare GASTRULA, MORULA
–blas·tu·la·tion \ˌblas-chə-'lā-shən\ noun

blat
v. intransitive verb
1 : to cry like a calf or sheep : BLEAT
2 a : to make a raucous noise b : BLAB
transitive verb : to utter loudly or foolishly : BLURT
–blat noun

blatancy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being blatant
2 : something that is blatant

blatant
adj. 1 : noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner : CLAMOROUS
2 : completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner : BRAZEN <blatant disregard for the rules>
synonyms see VOCIFEROUS
–bla·tant·ly adverb

blate
chiefly Scottish : TIMID, SHEEPISH

blather
n. : to talk foolishly at length ― often used with on
–blath·er·er \-thər-ər\ noun

blather
n. 1 : voluble nonsensical or inconsequential talk or writing
2 : STIR, COMMOTION

blatherskite
n. 1 : a person who blathers a lot
2 : NONSENSE, BLATHER

blatter
n. dialect : to talk noisily and fast

Blavatsky
Helena Petrovna 1831-1891 née Hahn Russ. traveler & theosophist

blaw
chiefly Scottish : BLOW

blaxploitation
n. : the exploitation of blacks by producers of black-oriented films <blaxploitation movies>

blaze
n. 1 a : an intensely burning fire b : intense direct light often accompanied by heat <the blaze of TV lights> c : an active burning especially : a sudden bursting forth of flame
2 : something that resembles the blaze of a fire: as a : a dazzling display <a blaze of color> b : a sudden outburst <a blaze of fury> <went down in a blaze of glory> c plural : HELL <go to blazes> <as hot as blazes>

blaze
n. 1 a : to burn brightly <the sun blazed overhead> b : to flare up : FLAME <inflation blazed up>
2 : to be conspicuously brilliant or resplendent <fields blazing with flowers>
3 : to shoot rapidly and repeatedly ― usually used with away
4 : to proceed extremely rapidly : BLAST <blazing down the highway>

blaze
n. : to make public or conspicuous

blaze
n. 1 a : a usually white stripe down the center of the face of an animal b : a white or gray streak in the hair of the head
2 : a trail marker especially : a mark made on a tree by chipping off a piece of the bark

blaze
n. 1 : to mark (as a trail) with blazes
2 : to lead in some direction or activity <blaze new trails in education>

blaze orange
: a very bright orange used in clothing especially by hunters for visibility

blazer
n. 1 : one that blazes
2 : a sports jacket often with notched collar and patch pockets
–blaz·ered \-zərd\ adjective

blazing
adj. : of outstanding power, speed, heat, or intensity <blazing eyes> <a blazing fastball> <blazing gunfire>
–blaz·ing·ly adverb

blazing star
1 archaic : COMET
2 : any of various plants having conspicuous flower clusters or star-shaped flowers: as a : any of a genus (Liatris) of No. American composite herbs with spikes of rosy-purple rayless flowers ― called also button snakeroot b : any of several No. American rough-leaved herbs (genus Mentzelia of the family Losaceae)

blazon
n. 1 a : armorial bearings : COAT OF ARMS b : the proper description or representation of heraldic or armorial bearings
2 : ostentatious display

blazon
n. 1 : to publish widely : PROCLAIM
2 a : to describe (heraldic or armorial bearings) in technical terms b : to represent (armorial bearings) in drawing or engraving
3 a : DISPLAY b : DECK, ADORN <the town was blazoned with flags>
–bla·zon·er \-nər; -zən-ər\ noun
–blazoning noun

blazonry
n. 1 a : BLAZON 1B b : BLAZON 1A
2 : a dazzling display

bld
1 blond
2 blood

bldg
building

bldr
builder

bleach
n. transitive verb
1 : to remove color or stains from
2 a : to make whiter or lighter especially by physical or chemical removal of color <bleach clothing> <the sun had bleached her hair> b : to remove, make dull, or sanitize as if by removing color <bleaches colonialism of its genocidal legacy ― H. A. Giroux>
intransitive verb
1 : to grow white or lose color
2 of coral : to expel symbiotic zooxanthellae exposing a white skeleton
–bleach·able \'blē-chə-bəl\ adjective

bleach
n. 1 : the act or process of bleaching
2 : a preparation used in bleaching
3 : the degree of whiteness obtained by bleaching

bleacher
n. 1 : one that bleaches or is used in bleaching
2 : a usually uncovered stand of tiered planks providing seating for spectators ― usually used in plural
–bleach·er·ite \-chə-ˌrīt\ noun

bleaching powder
: a white powder consisting chiefly of calcium hydroxide, calcium chloride, and calcium hypochlorite and used as a bleach, disinfectant, or deodorant

bleak
n. 1 : exposed and barren and often windswept
2 : COLD, RAW <a bleak November evening>
3 a : lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness : GRIM b : not hopeful or encouraging : DEPRESSING <a bleak outlook> c : severely simple or austere
synonyms see DISMAL
–bleak·ly adverb
–bleak·ness noun

blear
v. 1 : to make (the eyes) sore or watery
2 : DIM, BLUR

blear
v. 1 : dim with water or tears
2 : obscure to the view or imagination

blear-eyed
: BLEARY-EYED

bleary
adj. 1 of the eyes or vision : dull or dimmed especially from fatigue or sleep
2 : poorly outlined or defined : DIM <a bleary view>
3 : very tired <bleary travelers>
–blear·i·ly \'blir-ə-lē\ adverb
–blear·i·ness \'blir-ē-nəs\ noun

bleary-eyed
: having the eyes dimmed and watery (as from fatigue, drink, or emotion)

bleat
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make the natural cry of a sheep or goat also : to utter a similar sound b : WHIMPER
2 a : to talk complainingly or with a whine b : BLATHER
transitive verb : to utter in a bleating manner
–bleat·er noun

bleat
n. 1 : the cry of a sheep or goat also : a similar sound <the bleat of a cell phone>
2 : a feeble outcry, protest, or complaint

bleb
n. 1 : a small blister
2 : BUBBLE also : a small particle
3 : something resembling a bleb especially : a vesicular outgrowth of a plasma or nuclear membrane
–bleb·bing \'ble-biŋ\ noun
–bleb·by \'ble-bē\ adjective

bleed
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to emit or lose blood b : to sacrifice one's blood especially in battle
2 : to feel anguish, pain, or sympathy <a heart that bleeds at a friend's misfortune>
3 a : to escape by oozing or flowing (as from a wound) b : to spread into or through something gradually : SEEP <foreign policy bleeds into economic policy ― J. B. Judis>
4 : to give up some constituent (as sap or dye) by exuding or diffusing it
5 a : to pay out or give money b : to have money extorted
6 : to be printed so as to run off one or more edges of the page after trimming
transitive verb
1 : to remove or draw blood from
2 : to get or extort money from especially over a prolonged period
3 : to draw sap from (a tree)
4 a : to extract or let out some or all of a contained substance from <bleed a brake line> b : to extract or cause to escape from a container c : to diminish gradually ― usually used with off <a pilot bleeding off airspeed> d : to lose rapidly and uncontrollably <the company was bleeding money> e : SAP <cost overruns⋯bleed other programs ― Alex Roland>
5 : to cause (as a printed illustration) to bleed
–bleed white : to drain of blood or resources

bleed
v. 1 : printed matter (as an illustration) that bleeds also : the part of a bleed trimmed off
2 : the escape of blood from vessels : HEMORRHAGE

bleed white
to drain of blood or resources

bleeder
n. 1 : one that bleeds especially : HEMOPHILIAC
2 British : ROTTER also : BLOKE

bleeding
n. chiefly British : BLOODY ― used as an intensive

bleeding heart
1 : a garden plant (Dicentra spectabilis) of the fumitory family with racemes of usually deep pink or white drooping heart-shaped flowers broadly : any of several plants (genus Dicentra)
2 : a person who shows extravagant sympathy especially for an object of alleged persecution

bleep
n. 1 : a short high-pitched sound (as from electronic equipment)
2 ― used in place of an obscene or vulgar expletive

bleep
n. : BLIP

bleep
n. ― used in place of an expletive

blemish
n. : to spoil by a flaw

blemish
n. : a noticeable imperfection especially : one that seriously impairs appearance

blench
v. : to draw back or turn aside from lack of courage : FLINCH
synonyms see RECOIL

blench
v. : BLEACH, WHITEN

blend
n. transitive verb
1 : MIX especially : to combine or associate so that the separate constituents or the line of demarcation cannot be distinguished
2 : to prepare by thoroughly intermingling different varieties or grades
intransitive verb
1 a : to mingle intimately or unobtrusively b : to combine into an integrated whole
2 : to produce a harmonious effect
synonyms see MIX

blend
n. 1 : something produced by blending: as a : a product prepared by blending b : a word (as brunch) produced by combining other words or parts of words
2 : a group of two or more consecutive consonants that begin a syllable

blend
n. blending inheritance
blended family
blended whiskey

blende
n. : SPHALERITE

blended family
: a family that includes children of a previous marriage of one spouse or both

blended whiskey
: whiskey blended from two or more straight whiskeys or from whiskey and neutral spirits

blender
n. : one that blends especially : an electric appliance for grinding or mixing <a food blender>

blending inheritance
: the expression in offspring of phenotypic characters (as pink flower color from red and white parents) intermediate between those of the parents also : inheritance in a now discarded theory in which the genetic material of offspring was held to be a uniform blend of that of the parents

Blenheim
n. village S Germany in Bavaria NNW of Augsburg pop 1619

blenny
n. : any of numerous usually small and elongated marine fishes (esp. families Blenniidae and Clinidae) including scaled and scaleless forms

blephar
1 : eyelid <blepharospasm>
2 : cilium : flagellum <blepharoplast>

blepharoplast
n. : a basal body especially of a flagellated cell

blepharoplasty
n. : plastic surgery on the eyelid especially to remove fatty or excess tissue

blepharospasm
n. : spasmodic winking of the eyelids due to contraction of the muscle encircling the orbit

Bleriot
Louis 1872-1936 Fr. engineer & pioneer aviator

blesbok
n. : a So. African antelope (Damaliscus dorcas syn. D. pygargus) having a large white patch down the center of the face

bless
v. 1 : to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word
2 : to hallow with the sign of the cross
3 : to invoke divine care for <bless your heart> ― used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
4 a : PRAISE, GLORIFY <bless his holy name> b : to speak well of : APPROVE
5 : to confer prosperity or happiness upon
6 archaic : PROTECT, PRESERVE
7 : ENDOW, FAVOR <blessed with athletic ability>

blessed
adj. 1 a : held in reverence : VENERATED <the blessed saints> b : honored in worship : HALLOWED <the blessed Trinity> c : BEATIFIC <a blessed visitation>
2 : of or enjoying happiness specifically : enjoying the bliss of heaven ― used as a title for a beatified person
3 : bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune
4 ― used as an intensive <never had one blessed minute of instruction ― Charles Scribner Jr.>
–bless·ed·ly adverb
–bless·ed·ness noun

Blessed Sacrament
: the Communion elements specifically : the consecrated host

blessing
n. 1 a : the act or words of one that blesses b : APPROVAL, ENCOURAGEMENT
2 : a thing conducive to happiness or welfare
3 : grace said at a meal

blether
n. variant of blather

BLEVE
boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion

blew
past of blow

Blida
city N Algeria SW of Algiers pop 170,182

Bligh
William 1754-1817 Eng. naval officer

blight
n. 1 a : a disease or injury of plants marked by the formation of lesions, withering, and death of parts (as leaves and tubers) b : an organism (as an insect or a fungus) that causes blight
2 : something that frustrates plans or hopes
3 : something that impairs or destroys
4 : a deteriorated condition <urban blight>

blight
n. 1 : to affect (as a plant) with blight
2 : to impair the quality or effect of <the condition that has blighted his son's life ― Patricia Guthrie>
intransitive verb : to suffer from or become affected with blight

blight
n. chestnut blight
fire blight
late blight
potato blight

blighter
n. 1 : one that blights
2 chiefly British a : a disliked or contemptible person b : FELLOW, GUY

Blighty
n. chiefly British : one's native land (as England)

blimp
n. 1 : an airship that maintains its form by pressure from contained gas
2 capitalized : COLONEL BLIMP

blimpish
adj. : of, relating to, or suggesting a Colonel Blimp
–blimp·ish·ly adverb
–blimp·ish·ness noun

blin
: a thin often buckwheat pancake usually filled (as with sour cream) and folded

blind
n. 1 a (1) : SIGHTLESS (2) : having less than 1/10 of normal vision in the more efficient eye when refractive defects are fully corrected by lenses b : of or relating to sightless persons
2 a : unable or unwilling to discern or judge <blind to a lover's faults> b : UNQUESTIONING <blind loyalty> <blind faith>
3 a : having no regard to rational discrimination, guidance, or restriction <blind choice> b : lacking a directing or controlling consciousness <blind chance> c : DRUNK 1A
4 a : made or done without sight of certain objects or knowledge of certain facts that could serve for guidance or cause bias <a blind taste test> <a blind clinical trial> ― compare DOUBLE-BLIND, SINGLE-BLIND b : having no knowledge of information that may cause bias during the course of an experiment or test <physicians blind to whether the test drug is administered>
5 : DEFECTIVE: as a : lacking a growing point or producing leaves instead of flowers b : lacking a complete or legible address <blind mail>
6 a : difficult to discern, make out, or discover b : hidden from sight : COVERED <blind seam>
7 : having but one opening or outlet <blind sockets>
8 : having no opening for light or passage : BLANK <blind wall>
–blind·ly \'blīn(d)-lē\ adverb
–blind·ness \'blīn(d)-nəs\ noun

blind
n. 1 a : to make blind b : DAZZLE
2 a : to withhold light from b : HIDE, CONCEAL
–blind·ing·ly \'blīn-diŋ-lē\ adverb

blind
n. 1 : something to hinder sight or keep out light: as a : a window shutter b : a roller window shade c : VENETIAN BLIND d : BLINDER
2 : a place of concealment especially : a concealing enclosure from which one may shoot game or observe wildlife
3 a : something put forward for the purpose of misleading : SUBTERFUGE b : a person who acts as a decoy or distraction

blind
n. 1 : BLINDLY: as a : to the point of insensibility <blind drunk> b : without seeing outside an airplane <fly blind> c : without knowledge of certain facts that could serve for guidance or cause bias <was supposed to taste the wine blind>
2 ― used as an intensive <was robbed blind>

blind
n. blind alley
blind date
blind gut
blind pig
blind side
blind spot
blind tiger
blind trust
color blind
double blind
fly blind
gravel blind
hoodman blind
night blind
sand blind
single blind
snow blind
stone blind
turn a blind eye
venetian blind
snow blinded
river blindness
color blindness
moon blindness
night blindness
red green blindness
red green color blindness
snow blindness

blind alley
: a fruitless or mistaken course or direction

blind date
1 : a date between two persons who have not previously met
2 : either participant in a blind date

blind gut
: a digestive cavity open at only one end especially : the cecum of the large intestine

blind pig
: BLIND TIGER

blind side
1 : the side away from which one is looking
2 : the side on which one that is blind in one eye cannot see

blind spot
1 a : the small circular area at the back of the retina where the optic nerve enters the eyeball and which is devoid of rods and cones and is not sensitive to light ― called also optic disk ― see EYE illustration b : a portion of a field that cannot be seen or inspected with available equipment
2 : an area in which one fails to exercise judgment or discrimination

blind tiger
: a place that sells intoxicants illegally

blind trust
: an arrangement in which the financial holdings of a person in an influential position (as a government official) are placed in the control of a fiduciary in order to avoid a possible conflict of interest

blinder
n. 1 : either of two flaps on a horse's bridle to keep it from seeing objects at its sides
2 plural : a limitation or obstruction to sight or discernment

blindfish
: any of several small fishes with vestigial functionless eyes found usually in the waters of caves

blindfold
n. 1 : to cover the eyes of with or as if with a bandage
2 : to hinder from seeing especially : to keep from comprehension
–blindfold adjective

blindfold
n. 1 : a bandage for covering the eyes
2 : something that obscures mental or physical vision

blindman's buff
: a group game in which a blindfolded player tries to catch and identify another player ― called also blindman's bluff

blindside
v. 1 : to hit unexpectedly from or as if from the blind side <blindside the quarterback>
2 : to surprise unpleasantly

blindworm
n. : SLOWWORM

blink
n. intransitive verb
1 a obsolete : to look glancingly : PEEP b : to look with half-shut eyes c : to close and open the eyes involuntarily
2 : to shine dimly or intermittently
3 a : to look with too little concern b : to look with surprise or dismay
4 : YIELD, GIVE IN <each side waiting for the other to blink>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to blink b : to remove (as tears) from the eye by blinking
2 : to deny recognition to

blink
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : GLIMPSE, GLANCE
2 : GLIMMER, SPARKLE
3 : a usually involuntary shutting and opening of the eye
4 : ICEBLINK
–in the blink of an eye : in an instant
–on the blink : in or into a disabled or useless condition <the TV is on the blink>

blink
n. on the blink
in the blink of an eye
eye blink

blinker
n. 1 : one that blinks especially : a light that flashes off and on (as for the directing of traffic or the coded signaling of messages)
2 a : BLINDER 1 b : a cloth hood with shades projecting at the sides of the eye openings used on skittish racehorses ― usually used in plural
3 plural : BLINDER 2

blinker
n. : to put blinders on

blinkered
adj. 1 : limited in scope or understanding : NARROW-MINDED
2 : fitted with blinders

blintze
n. : a thin usually wheat-flour pancake folded to form a casing (as for cheese or fruit) and then sautéed or baked

blip
n. 1 : a trace on a display screen (as an oscilloscope) especially : a spot on a radar screen
2 : a short crisp sound
3 : an interruption of the sound received in a radio or television program or occurring in a recording as a result of blipping
4 : a transient sharp movement up or down (as of a quantity commonly shown on a graph)
5 : something relatively small or inconsequential within a larger context <made only a blip on the political scene>

blip
n. : to remove (recorded sound) from a recording so that there is an interruption of the sound in the reproduction <a censor blipped the swearwords>

bliss
n. 1 : complete happiness
2 : PARADISE, HEAVEN

blissed-out
: experiencing bliss : ECSTATIC

blissful
adj. 1 : full of, marked by, or causing bliss <a blissful marriage>
2 : happily benighted <blissful ignorance>
–bliss·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–bliss·ful·ness noun

blister
n. 1 : an elevation of the epidermis containing watery liquid
2 : an enclosed raised spot (as in paint) resembling a blister
3 : an agent (as lewisite) that causes blistering
4 : a fungal disease of plants marked by raised patches on the leaves
5 : any of various structures that bulge out (as a gunner's compartment on a bomber)
–blis·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

blister
n. intransitive verb : to become affected with a blister
transitive verb
1 : to raise a blister on
2 : LAMBASTE 2

blister
n. blister beetle
blister pack
blister rust
fever blister
water blister
white pine blister rust

blister beetle
: a beetle (as the Spanish fly) used medicinally dried and powdered to raise blisters on the skin broadly : any of a family (Meloidae) of soft-bodied beetles whose blood contains cantharidin

blister pack
: a package holding and displaying merchandise in a clear plastic case sealed to a sheet of cardboard

blister rust
: any of several diseases of pines that are caused by rust fungi (genus Cronartium) in the aecial stage and that affect the sapwood and inner bark and produce blisters externally

blistering
adj. 1 : extremely intense or severe <blistering heat>
2 : very rapid <a blistering pace>
–blistering adverb
–blis·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

blithe
adj. 1 : of a happy lighthearted character or disposition
2 : lacking due thought or consideration : CASUAL, HEEDLESS <blithe unconcern>
synonyms see MERRY
–blithe·ly adverb

blither
n. : BLATHER
–blither noun
–blith·er·ing·ly \'blith-riŋ-lē, 'bli-thə-\ adverb

blithesome
adj. : GAY, MERRY
–blithe·some·ly adverb

BLitt
bachelor of letters; bachelor of literature

blitz
n. 1 a : BLITZKRIEG 1 b (1) : an intensive aerial military campaign (2) : AIR RAID
2 a : an intensive campaign or attack : a sudden overwhelming bombardment <an advertising blitz> b : a rush of the passer by a defensive linebacker, back, or end in football
–blitz verb

blitzed
v. slang : intoxicated by drugs or alcohol : DRUNK, HIGH

blitzkrieg
n. 1 : war conducted with great speed and force specifically : a violent surprise offensive by massed air forces and mechanized ground forces in close coordination
2 : BLITZ 2A
–blitzkrieg transitive verb

blizzard
n. 1 : a long severe snowstorm
2 : an intensely strong cold wind filled with fine snow
3 : an overwhelming rush or deluge <a blizzard of mail around the holidays>
–bliz·zardy \'bli-zər-dē\ also bliz·zard·ly \-ˌzərd-lē\ adjective

blk
1 black
2 block
3 bulk

BLM
Bureau of Land Management

bloat
v. : BLOATED, PUFFY

bloat
v. 1 a : to make turgid or swollen b : to cause abdominal distension in
2 : to fill to capacity or overflowing
intransitive verb : SWELL

bloat
v. 1 a : one that is bloated b : unwarranted or excessive growth or enlargement <bureaucratic bloat>
2 : digestive disturbance of ruminant animals and especially cattle marked by accumulation of gas in one or more stomach compartments

bloated
adj. 1 a : being much larger than what is warranted <a bloated estimate> b : INFLATED 1 <the novel is bloated with descriptions>
2 : obnoxiously vain <a bloated ego>

bloater
n. : a large fat herring or mackerel lightly salted and briefly smoked

bloater
n. : a small silvery cisco (Coregonus hoyi) of the Great Lakes having oily flesh

blob
n. 1 a : a small drop or lump of something viscid or thick b : a daub or spot of color
2 : something ill-defined or amorphous

blob
n. : to mark with blobs : SPLOTCH

Blobel
Günter 1936-     American (Ger.-born) biol.

bloc
n. 1 a : a temporary combination of parties in a legislative assembly b : a group of legislators who act together for some common purpose irrespective of party lines
2 a : a combination of persons, groups, or nations forming a unit with a common interest or purpose <a bloc of voters> b : a group of nations united by treaty or agreement for mutual support or joint action

Bloch
Ernest 1880-1959 American (Swiss-born) composer

Bloch
Felix 1905-1983 American physicist

Block
n. Herbert Lawrence 1909-2001 Her·block \'hər-ˌbläk\ American editorial cartoonist

block
n. 1 : a compact usually solid piece of substantial material especially when worked or altered to serve a particular purpose: as a : the piece of wood on which the neck of a person condemned to be beheaded is laid for execution b : a mold or form on which articles are shaped or displayed c : a hollow rectangular building unit usually of artificial material d : a lightweight usually cubical and solid wooden or plastic building toy that is usually provided in sets e : the casting that contains the cylinders of an internal combustion engine f : STARTING BLOCK
2 a : OBSTACLE b : an obstruction of an opponent's play in sports especially : a halting or impeding of the progress or movement of an opponent in football by use of the body c (1) : interruption of normal physiological function (as of a tissue or organ) especially : HEART BLOCK (2) : local anesthesia (as by injection) produced by interruption of the flow of impulses along a nerve d : interruption or cessation especially of train of thought by competing thoughts or psychological suppression ― compare WRITER'S BLOCK
3 slang : HEAD 1 <threatened to knock his block off>
4 : a wooden or metal case enclosing one or more pulleys and having a hook, eye, or strap by which it may be attached
5 : a piece of material (as wood or linoleum) having on its surface a hand-cut design from which impressions are to be printed
6 a (1) : a usually rectangular space (as in a city) enclosed by streets and occupied by or intended for buildings (2) : the distance along one of the sides of such a block b (1) : a large building divided into separate functional units (2) : a line of row houses (3) : a distinctive part of a building or integrated group of buildings
7 : a platform from which property is sold at auction
8 a : a quantity, number, or section of things dealt with as a unit b : BLOC 2
–on the block : for sale

block
n. 1 a : to make unsuitable for passage or progress by obstruction b archaic : BLOCKADE c : to hinder the passage, progress, or accomplishment of by or as if by interposing an obstruction d : to shut off from view <forest canopy blocking the sun> e : to interfere usually legitimately with (as an opponent) in various games or sports f : to prevent normal functioning or action of g : to restrict the exchange of (as currency or checks)
2 : to mark or indicate the outline or chief lines of <block out a design> <block in a sketched figure>
3 : to shape on, with, or as if with a block <block a hat>
4 : to secure, support, or provide with a block
5 : to work out or chart the movements of (as stage performers) ― often used with out
6 : to make (two or more lines of writing or type) flush at the left or at both left and right
intransitive verb : to block an opponent in sports
synonyms see HINDER
–block·er noun

block
n. wood block
on the block
block and tackle
block diagram
block grant
block letter
block party
block plane
building block
butcher block
chip off the old block
chopping block
cinder block
heart block
pillow block
randomized block
randomized block design
snatch block
starting block
stumbling block
swage block
tower block
writer's block
Block Island
beta blocking
beta blocker
calcium channel blocker

block and tackle
: pulley blocks with associated rope or cable for hoisting or hauling

block diagram
: a diagram (as of a system, process, or program) in which labeled figures (as rectangles) and interconnecting lines represent the relationship of parts

block grant
: an unrestricted federal grant

Block Island
island R.I. in the Atlantic at E entrance to Long Island Sound

block letter
: an often hand-drawn simple capital letter composed of strokes of uniform thickness

block party
: an outdoor public party put on by the residents of a city block or neighborhood

block plane
: a small plane made with the blade set at a lower pitch than other planes and used chiefly on end grains of wood

blockade
n. 1 : to subject to a blockade
2 : BLOCK, OBSTRUCT
–block·ad·er noun

blockade
n. 1 : the isolation by a warring nation of an enemy area (as a harbor) by troops or warships to prevent passage of persons or supplies broadly : a restrictive measure designed to obstruct the commerce and communications of an unfriendly nation
2 : something that blocks
3 : interruption of normal physiological function (as transmission of nerve impulses) of a cellular receptor, tissue, or organ also : inhibition of a physiologically active substance (as a hormone)

blockade-runner
: a ship or person that runs through a blockade
–block·ade-run·ning \-ˌrə-niŋ\ noun

blockage
n. : an act or instance of obstructing : the state of being blocked <a blockage in a coronary artery>

blockbuster
n. 1 : a very large high-explosive bomb
2 : one that is notably expensive, effective, successful, large, or extravagant <a blockbuster movie>
3 : one who engages in blockbusting

blockbusting
n. : profiteering by inducing property owners to sell hastily and often at a loss by appeals to fears of depressed values because of threatened minority encroachment and then reselling at inflated prices

blocked
adj. : exhibiting or affected by a psychological block <a blocked writer>

blockhead
n. : a stupid person

blockhouse
n. 1 a : a structure of heavy timbers formerly used for military defense with sides loopholed and pierced for gunfire and often with a projecting upper story b : a small easily defended building for protection from enemy fire
2 : a building usually of reinforced concrete serving as an observation point for an operation likely to be accompanied by heat, blast, or radiation hazard

blockish
adj. : resembling a block

blocky
adj. 1 : resembling a block in form : CHUNKY
2 : filled with or made up of blocks or patches

Bloembergen
Nicolaas 1920-     American (Du.-born) physicist

Bloemfontein
city cen Republic of South Africa, judicial capital of the Republic pop 149,836

blog
n. : a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer
–blog·ger noun
–blog·ging noun

Blois
city N cen France SW of Orléans pop 49,062

bloke
n. chiefly British : MAN, FELLOW

blond
n. 1 : of a flaxen, golden, light auburn, or pale yellowish-brown color <blond hair> also : having blond hair <a blond man> ― spelled blond when used of a boy or man and often blonde when used of a girl or woman
2 a : of a light color b : of the color blond c : made light-colored by bleaching <blond wood table>
–blond·ish \'blän-dish\ adjective

blond
n. 1 : a person having blond hair ― spelled blond when used of a boy or man and usually blonde when used of a girl or woman
2 : a light yellowish brown to dark grayish yellow

blond
n. ash blond
bottle blond
strawberry blond
ash blonde
platinum blonde
strawberry blonde

blood
n. 1 a (1) : the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body (2) : a comparable fluid of an invertebrate b : a fluid resembling blood
2 : the shedding of blood also : the taking of life
3 a : LIFEBLOOD broadly : LIFE b : human stock or lineage especially : royal lineage <a prince of the blood> c : relationship by descent from a common ancestor : KINSHIP d : persons related through common descent : KINDRED e (1) : honorable or high birth or descent (2) : descent from parents of recognized breed or pedigree
4 a : blood regarded as the seat of the emotions : TEMPER b obsolete : LUST c : a showy foppish man : RAKE
5 : members of a team, staff, or organization : PERSONNEL <a company in need of new blood>
6 : a black American male ― used especially among blacks
–in one's blood : ingrained in one's nature : occurring as an innate or seemingly hereditary principle, inclination, or talent <with two parents who are painters, art is in her blood>

blood
n. 1 : to stain or wet with blood
2 archaic : BLEED 1
3 : to expose (a hunting dog) to sight, scent, or taste of the blood of its prey
4 : to give experience to <troops blooded in battle>

blood
n. blood platelet thrombocyte
blood poisoning
ABO blood group
bad blood
in one's blood
blood and guts
blood brain barrier
blood brother
blood brotherhood
blood cell
blood count
blood doping
blood packing
blood feud
blood fluke
blood group
blood type
blood money
blood orange
blood plasma
blood platelet
blood pressure
blood sausage
blood pudding
blood serum
blood sport
blood sugar
blood test
blood thinner
blood thinning
blood typing
blood vessel
blue blood
in cold blood
corruption of blood
dragon's blood
flesh and blood
full blood
half blood
high blood pressure
low blood pressure
new blood
pure blood
shed blood
smell blood
sweat blood
white blood cell
white blood corpuscle
red blood cell
red blood corpuscle
blue blooded
cold blooded
full blooded
half blooded
hot blooded
pure blooded
red blooded
warm blooded

blood brother
1 : a brother by birth
2 : one of two men pledged to mutual loyalty by a ceremonial use of each other's blood
–blood brotherhood noun

blood cell
: a cell normally present in blood

blood count
: the determination of the blood cells in a definite volume of blood also : the number of cells so determined

blood doping
: a technique for temporarily improving athletic performance in which oxygen-carrying red blood cells from blood previously withdrawn from an athlete are reinjected just before an event ― called also blood packing

blood feud
: a feud between different clans or families

blood fluke
: SCHISTOSOME

blood group
: one of the classes (as those designated A, B, AB, or O) into which individuals or their blood can be separated on the basis of the presence or absence of specific antigens in the blood ― called also blood type

blood money
1 : money obtained at the cost of another's life
2 : money paid (as by a killer or the killer's clan) to the family of a person who has been killed

blood orange
: a cultivated sweet orange having fruit with usually red pulp also : its fruit

blood plasma
: the pale yellow fluid of whole blood that consists of water and its dissolved constituents including especially proteins (as albumin, fibrinogen, and globulins)

blood platelet
: PLATELET

blood poisoning
: SEPTICEMIA

blood pressure
: pressure that is exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries and that varies with the muscular efficiency of the heart, the blood volume and viscosity, the age and health of the individual, and the state of the vascular wall

blood sausage
: very dark sausage containing a large proportion of blood ― called also blood pudding

blood serum
: the clear yellowish fluid that remains from blood plasma after clotting factors (as fibrinogen and prothrombin) have been removed by clot formation

blood sport
: a sport or contest (as hunting or cockfighting) involving bloodshed

blood sugar
: the glucose in the blood also : its concentration (as in milligrams per 100 milliliters)

blood test
: a test of the blood especially : a serologic test for the presence of substances indicative of disease (as syphilis) or disease-causing agents (as HIV)

blood thinner
: a drug used to prevent the formation of blood clots by hindering coagulation of the blood
–blood-thin·ning adjective

blood vessel
: any of the vessels through which blood circulates in the body

blood-and-guts
: marked by great vigor, violence, or fierceness <blood-and-guts competition>

blood-brain barrier
: a naturally occurring barrier created by the modification of brain capillaries (as by reduction in fenestration and formation of tight cell-to-cell contacts) that prevents many substances from leaving the blood and crossing the capillary walls into the brain tissues

blood-typing
: the action or process of determining an individual's blood group

bloodbath
n. 1 : a great slaughter
2 a : a notably fierce, violent, or destructive contest or struggle <the campaign has become a bloodbath> b : a major economic disaster <a market bloodbath>

bloodcurdling
adj. : arousing fright or horror <bloodcurdling screams>

blooded
adj. 1 : having blood of a specified kind ― used in combination <cold-blooded>
2 : being entirely or largely purebred <a herd of blooded stock>

blooded
adj. blue blooded
cold blooded
full blooded
half blooded
hot blooded
pure blooded
red blooded
warm blooded

bloodedness
n. cold bloodedness
full bloodedness
hot bloodedness
warm bloodedness

bloodguilt
n. : guilt resulting from bloodshed
–blood·guilt·i·ness \-ˌgil-tē-nəs\ noun
–blood·guilty \-tē\ adjective

bloodhound
n. 1 : any of a breed of large powerful hounds of European origin remarkable for acuteness of smell
2 : a person keen in pursuit

bloodless
adj. 1 : deficient in or free from blood
2 : not accompanied by loss or shedding of blood <a bloodless victory>
3 : lacking in spirit or vitality
4 : lacking in human feeling <bloodless statistics>
–blood·less·ly adverb
–blood·less·ness noun

bloodletting
n. 1 : PHLEBOTOMY
2 : BLOODSHED
3 : elimination of personnel or resources

bloodline
n. : a sequence of direct ancestors especially in a pedigree also : FAMILY, STRAIN

bloodlust
n. : desire for bloodshed

bloodmobile
n. : an automotive vehicle staffed and equipped for collecting blood from donors

bloodred
: having the color of blood

bloodroot
n. : a plant (Sanguinaria canadensis) of the poppy family having a red root and sap and bearing a solitary lobed leaf and white flower in early spring ― called also sanguinaria

bloodshed
n. 1 : the shedding of blood
2 : the taking of life : SLAUGHTER

bloodshot
adj. of an eye : inflamed to redness

bloodstain
n. : a discoloration caused by blood

bloodstained
adj. 1 : stained with blood
2 : involved with slaughter <a bloodstained chronicle of war>

bloodstock
n. : horses of Thoroughbred breeding

bloodstone
n. : a green chalcedony sprinkled with red spots resembling blood ― called also heliotrope

bloodstream
n. 1 : the flowing blood in a circulatory system
2 : a mainstream of power or vitality <introduce into the economic bloodstream a large amount of money ― Harper's>

bloodsucker
n. 1 : an animal that sucks blood especially : LEECH
2 : a person who sponges or preys on another
–blood·suck·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective

bloodthirsty
adj. : eager for or marked by the shedding of blood, violence, or killing
–blood·thirst·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adverb
–blood·thirst·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ noun

bloodworm
n. 1 : any of various reddish annelid worms (as of genera Glycera or Tubifex) often used as bait
2 : any of several strongyle worms (genus Strongylus) that are parasitic in the large intestine of horses

bloody
adj. 1 a : containing or made up of blood b : of or contained in the blood
2 : smeared or stained with blood
3 : accompanied by or involving bloodshed especially : marked by great slaughter
4 a : MURDEROUS b : MERCILESS, CRUEL
5 : BLOODRED
6 sometimes vulgar : DAMNED ― often used as an intensive
–blood·i·ly \'blə-dəl-ē\ adverb
–blood·i·ness \'blə-dē-nəs\ noun
synonyms BLOODY, SANGUINARY, GORY mean affected by or involving the shedding of blood. BLOODY is applied especially to things that are actually covered with blood or are made up of blood <bloody hands>. SANGUINARY applies especially to something attended by, or someone inclined to, bloodshed <the Civil War was America's most sanguinary conflict>. GORY suggests a profusion of blood and slaughter <exceptionally gory, even for a horror movie>.

bloody
adj. 1 : to make bloody or bloodred
2 : HARM, DAMAGE <an administration bloodied by scandal>

bloody
adj. sometimes vulgar ― used as an intensive

bloody
adj. Bloody Mary
Bloody Marys
bloody minded
bloody mindedness
bloody murder
bloody shirt

Bloody Mary
: a cocktail consisting essentially of vodka and usually spiced tomato juice

bloody murder
: in a loud and violent manner <ran off, screaming bloody murder> also : in vehement protest <screaming bloody murder over the pay cut>

bloody shirt
: something intended to stir up or revive partisan animosity ― usually used in the phrase wave the bloody shirt

bloody-minded
1 : inclined towards violence or bloodshed
2 chiefly British : stubbornly contrary or obstructive : CANTANKEROUS
–bloody-mind·ed·ness noun

blooey
adj. slang : HAYWIRE, AWRY <the engine went blooey>

bloom
n. 1 : a mass of wrought iron from the forge or puddling furnace
2 : a bar of iron or steel hammered or rolled from an ingot

bloom
n. 1 a : FLOWER b : the flowering state <the roses in bloom> c : a period of flowering <the spring bloom> d : a rapid and excessive growth of a plankton population (as of algae or dinoflagellates) ― compare RED TIDE
2 a : a state or time of beauty, freshness, and vigor b : a state or time of high development or achievement <a career in full bloom>
3 : a surface coating or appearance: as a : a delicate powdery coating on some fruits and leaves b : a rosy appearance of the cheeks broadly : an outward evidence of freshness or healthy vigor c : a cloudiness on a film of varnish or lacquer d : a grayish discoloration on chocolate e : glare caused by an object reflecting too much light into a television camera

bloom
n. 1 a : to produce or yield flowers b : to support abundant plant life <make the desert bloom>
2 a (1) : to mature into achievement of one's potential (2) : to flourish in youthful beauty, freshness, or excellence b : to shine out : GLOW
3 : to appear or occur unexpectedly or in remarkable quantity or degree
4 : to become densely populated with microorganisms and especially plankton ― used of bodies of water
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to cause to bloom
2 : to give bloom to

Bloomer
n. Amelia 1818-1894 née Jenks American reformer

bloomer
n. 1 : a plant that blooms
2 : a person who reaches full competence or maturity <he was a late bloomer as a writer>
3 [blooming] : a stupid blunder

bloomer
n. 1 : a costume for women consisting of a skirt over long loose trousers gathered closely about the ankles
2 plural a : full loose trousers gathered at the knee formerly worn by women for athletics b : underpants of similar design worn chiefly by girls and women

Bloomfield
Leonard 1887-1949 American linguist
–Bloom·field·ian \ˌblüm-'fēl-dē-ən\ adjective

blooming
n. chiefly British ― used as a generalized intensive <blooming fool>

Bloomington
1 city cen Ill. pop 64,808
2 city SW cen Ind. pop 69,291
3 city SE Minn. pop 85,172

Bloomsbury
district of N cen London, England, in borough of Camden

bloomy
adj. 1 : full of bloom
2 : covered with bloom <bloomy plums>
3 : showing freshness or vitality <all the bloomy flush of life is fled ― Oliver Goldsmith>

bloop
v. : BLOOPER 1A
–bloop transitive verb

blooper
n. 1 a : a fly ball hit barely beyond a baseball infield b : a high baseball pitch lobbed to the batter
2 : an embarrassing public blunder

blossom
n. 1 a : the flower of a seed plant also : the mass of such flowers on a single plant b : the state of bearing flowers
2 : a peak period or stage of development
–blos·somy \-sə-mē\ adjective

blossom
n. 1 : BLOOM
2 a : to come into one's own : DEVELOP <a blossoming talent> b : to become evident c : to make an appearance

blot
n. 1 : a soiling or disfiguring mark : SPOT
2 : a mark of reproach : moral flaw
3 : a usually nitrocellulose or nylon sheet that contains spots of immobilized macromolecules (as of DNA, RNA, or protein) or their fragments and is used to identify specific components of the spots by applying a molecular probe (as a complementary nucleic acid or a radio labeled antibody) ― compare SOUTHERN BLOT, WESTERN BLOT

blot
n. transitive verb
1 : to spot, stain, or spatter with a discoloring substance
2 obsolete : MAR especially : to stain with infamy
3 a : to dry (as writing) with an absorbing agent b : to remove with absorbing material <blotting up spilled water>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a blot
2 : to become marked with a blot

blot
n. 1 : a lone backgammon man exposed to capture
2 archaic : a weak or exposed point

blot
n. blot out
Southern blot
Western blot
blotting paper
Southern blotting
Western blotting

blot out
1 : to make obscure, insignificant, or inconsequential
2 : WIPE OUT, DESTROY

blotch
n. : to mark or mar with blotches

blotch
n. 1 : IMPERFECTION, BLEMISH
2 : a spot or mark (as of color or ink) especially when large or irregular
–blotch·i·ly \'blä-chə-lē\ adverb
–blotchy \'blä-chē\ adjective

blotter
n. 1 : a piece of blotting paper
2 : a book in which entries (as of transactions or occurrences) are made temporarily pending their transfer to permanent record books <police blotter>

blotting paper
: a spongy unsized paper for absorbing ink

blotto
adj. slang : DRUNK 1A

blouse
n. 1 a : a long loose overgarment that resembles a shirt or smock and is worn especially by workmen, artists, and peasants b : the jacket of a uniform
2 : a usually loose-fitting garment especially for women that covers the body from the neck to the waist
–blousy \'blau̇-sē, -zē\ adjective

blouse
n. intransitive verb : to fall in a fold <coats that blouse above the hip>
transitive verb : to cause to blouse

blouson
n. : a garment (as a dress) having a close waistband with blousing of material over it

bloviate
v. : to speak or write verbosely and windily
–blo·vi·a·tion \ˌblō-vē-'ā-shən\ noun

blow
n. intransitive verb
1 a of air (1) : to be in motion <a breeze blew gently> (2) : to move with speed or force <the wind was blowing> b : to move or run quickly <the linebacker blew past the tackle>
2 : to send forth a current of air or other gas <don't blow on your soup>
3 a : to make a sound by or as if by blowing b of a wind instrument : SOUND
4 a : BOAST b : to talk windily
5 a : PANT, GASP <the horse blew heavily> b of a cetacean : to eject moisture-laden air from the lungs through the blowhole
6 : to move or be carried by or as if by wind <just blew into town>
7 a : ERUPT, EXPLODE b of an electric fuse : to melt when overloaded ― often used with out c of a tire : to release the contained air through a spontaneous rupture ― usually used with out
transitive verb
1 a : to set (gas or vapor) in motion <the fan blew hot air on us> b : to act on with a current of gas or vapor <the breeze blew my hair dry>
2 a : to play or sound on (a wind instrument) b : to play (as a note) on a wind instrument
3 a : to spread by report b past participle blowed \'blōd\ : DAMN <blow the expense>
4 a : to drive with a current of gas or vapor <the storm blew the boat off course> b : to clear of contents by forcible passage of a current of air <blow your nose> c : to project (a gesture or sound made with the mouth) by blowing <blew him a kiss>
5 a : to distend with or as if with gas b : to produce or shape by the action of blown or injected air <blowing bubbles>
6 of insects : to deposit eggs or larvae on or in
7 : to shatter, burst, or destroy by explosion <blow the safe open>
8 a : to put out of breath with exertion b : to let (as a horse) pause to catch the breath
9 a : to expend (as money) extravagantly b : to treat with unusual expenditure <I'll blow you to a steak>
10 : to cause (a fuse) to blow
11 : to rupture by too much pressure <blow a seal>
12 a : BOTCH 1 <blew her lines> b : to fail to keep or hold <they blew a big lead>
13 : to leave hurriedly <blew town>
14 : to propel with great force or speed <blew a fastball by the batter>
–blow a gasket : to become enraged
–blow hot and cold : to be favorable at one moment and adverse the next
–blow off steam : to release pent-up emotions
–blow one's cool : to lose one's composure
–blow one's cover : to reveal one's real identity
–blow one's mind : to overwhelm one with wonder or bafflement
–blow one's top or blow one's stack
1 : to become violently angry
2 : to go crazy
–blow smoke : to speak idly, misleadingly, or boastfully
–blow the whistle : to call public or official attention to something (as a wrongdoing) kept secret ― usually used with on

blow
n. 1 : a blowing of wind especially when strong or violent
2 : BRAG, BOASTING
3 : an act or instance of blowing
4 a : the time during which air is forced through molten metal to refine it b : the quantity of metal refined during that time
5 slang : COCAINE

blow
n. : FLOWER, BLOOM

blow
n. 1 : BLOSSOMS
2 : 2BLOOM 1B <lilacs in full blow>

blow
n. 1 : a forcible stroke delivered with a part of the body or with an instrument
2 : a hostile act or state : COMBAT <come to blows>
3 : a forcible or sudden act or effort : ASSAULT
4 : an unfortunate or calamitous happening <failure to land the job came as a blow>

blow
n. blow one's stack
blow the whistle
blow smoke
blow one's top
blow one's mind
blow one's cover
blow one's cool
blow off steam
blow hot and cold
blow a gasket
blow away
blow by blow
blow dried
blow dry
blow dryer
blow in
blow job
blow off
blow out
blow over
blow up
body blow
by blow
joe blow
Joe Blow
low blow
mind blowing
whistle blowing
full blown

blow a gasket
to become enraged

blow away
1 : to dissipate or remove as if with a current of air <their doubts were blown away>
2 : to kill by gunfire : shoot dead
3 : to impress very strongly and usually favorably
4 : to defeat soundly <blew their rivals away in the first game>

blow hot and cold
to be favorable at one moment and adverse the next

blow in
: to arrive casually or unexpectedly

blow job
usually vulgar : an act of fellatio

blow off
1 a : to refuse to take notice of, honor, or deal with : IGNORE <decided to blow off two billion viewers ― Harry Homburg> b : to end a relationship with
2 : to outperform in a contest
3 : to fail to attend or show up for <blew off an official dinner>

blow off steam
to release pent-up emotions

blow one's cool
to lose one's composure

blow one's cover
to reveal one's real identity

blow one's mind
to overwhelm one with wonder or bafflement

blow one's top
or blow one's stack
1 : to become violently angry
2 : to go crazy

blow out
1 : to extinguish by a gust
2 : to dissipate (itself) by blowing ― used of storms
3 : to defeat easily
4 : to damage severely <she blew out her right knee in the marathon>
intransitive verb
1 : to become extinguished by a gust
2 : to erupt out of control ― used of an oil or gas well

blow over
: to pass away without effect

blow smoke
to speak idly, misleadingly, or boastfully

blow the whistle
to call public or official attention to something (as a wrongdoing) kept secret ― usually used with on

blow up
1 : to build up or tout to an unreasonable extent <advertisers blowing up their products>
2 : to rend apart, shatter, or destroy by explosion
3 : to fill up with a gas (as air) <blow up a balloon>
4 : to make a photographic enlargement of
5 : to bring into existence by blowing of wind <it may blow up a storm>
intransitive verb
1 a : EXPLODE b : to be disrupted or destroyed (as by explosion) c : to lose self-control especially : to become violently angry
2 : to become or come into being by or as if by blowing of wind
3 a : to become filled with a gas b : to become expanded to unreasonable proportions

blow-by-blow
: minutely detailed <a blow-by-blow account>

blow-dried
: having blow-dried hair also : being or appearing well-groomed but superficial or vacuous

blow-dry
: to dry and usually style (hair) with a blow-dryer
intransitive verb : to dry hair with a blow-dryer
–blow-dry noun

blow-dryer
: a handheld hair dryer

blow-up
: INFLATABLE

blowback
v. : an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions

blowby
: leakage of combustion gases between a piston and the cylinder wall into the crankcase in an automobile

blowdown
n. 1 : an instance of trees being blown down by the wind
2 : a tree blown down also : an area of such trees

blower
n. 1 : one that blows
2 : a device for producing a current of air or gas
3 : BRAGGART
4 chiefly British : TELEPHONE

blowfish
n. : PUFFER FISH 1

blowfly
n. : any of a family (Calliphoridae) of dipteran flies (as the bluebottle or screwworm) that deposit their eggs especially on meat or in wounds

blowgun
n. : a tube through which a projectile (as a dart) may be impelled by the force of the breath

blowhard
n. 1 : BRAGGART
2 : WINDBAG

blowhole
n. 1 : a hole in metal caused by a bubble of gas captured during solidification
2 : a nostril in the top of the head of a cetacean and especially a whale

blown
adj. 1 a : SWOLLEN b : affected with bloat
2 : being out of breath

blowout
n. 1 : a festive social affair
2 : a bursting of a container (as a tire) by pressure of the contents on a weak spot
3 : an uncontrolled eruption of an oil or gas well
4 : an easy or one-sided victory
5 : a valley or depression created by the wind in areas of shifting sand or of light cultivated soil

blowpipe
n. 1 : a small tubular instrument for directing a jet of air or other gas into a flame so as to concentrate and increase the heat
2 : BLOWGUN
3 : a tubular instrument used for revealing or cleaning a bodily cavity by forcing air into it
4 : a long metal tube on the end of which a glassmaker gathers a quantity of molten glass and through which he blows to expand and shape it

blowsy
adj. 1 : having a sloppy or unkempt appearance or aspect : FROWSY
2 : being coarse and ruddy of complexion

blowtorch
n. : a small burner having a device to intensify combustion by means of a blast of air or oxygen, usually including a fuel tank pressurized by a hand pump, and used especially in plumbing

blowup
n. : a blowing up: as a : EXPLOSION b : an outburst of temper c : ENLARGEMENT 2

blowy
adj. 1 : 1WINDY <a blowy March day>
2 : readily blown about <blowy desert sand>

BLS
1 bachelor of liberal studies
2 bachelor of library science
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics

BLT
n. : a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich

blub
v. chiefly British : BLUBBER

blubber
n. intransitive verb : to weep noisily
transitive verb
1 : to swell, distort, or wet with weeping
2 : to utter while weeping

blubber
n. 1 a : the fat of whales and other large marine mammals b : excessive fat on the body
2 : the action of blubbering

blubbery
adj. 1 : having or characterized by blubber
2 : puffed out : THICK

Blucher
n. Gebhard Leberecht von 1742-1819 prince of Wahlstatt Pruss. field marshal

blucher
n. : a shoe having the tongue and vamp cut in one piece and the quarters lapped over the vamp and laced together for closing

bludge
n. intransitive verb
1 chiefly Australian & New Zealand : to avoid work or responsibility
2 chiefly Australian & New Zealand : SPONGE 2
transitive verb chiefly Australian & New Zealand : SPONGE 3
–bludg·er noun chiefly Australian & New Zealand

bludgeon
n. 1 : a short stick that usually has one thick or loaded end and is used as a weapon
2 : something used to attack or bully <the bludgeon of satire>

bludgeon
n. 1 : to hit with heavy impact
2 : to attack or overcome by aggressive argument : BULLY <mental bludgeoning>

blue
n. 1 : of the color blue
2 a : BLUISH <the blue haze of tobacco smoke> b : discolored by or as if by bruising <blue with cold> c : bluish gray <a blue cat>
3 a : low in spirits : MELANCHOLY b : marked by low spirits : DEPRESSING <a blue funk> <things looked blue>
4 : wearing blue
5 of a woman : LEARNED, INTELLECTUAL
6 : PURITANICAL
7 a : PROFANE, INDECENT <blue movie> b : OFF-COLOR, RISQUÉ <blue jokes>
8 : of, relating to, or used in blues <a blue song>
–blue·ly adverb
–blue·ness noun
–blue in the face : extremely exasperated

blue
n. 1 : a color whose hue is that of the clear sky or that of the portion of the color spectrum lying between green and violet
2 a : a pigment or dye that colors blue b : BLUING
3 a : blue clothing or cloth b plural : a blue costume or uniform
4 a : a Union soldier in the American Civil War b often capitalized : the Union army
5 a (1) : SKY (2) : the far distance <disappeared into the blue> b : SEA
6 : a blue object
7 : BLUESTOCKING
8 : any of numerous small chiefly blue butterflies (family Lycaenidae)
9 : BLUEFISH
10 : BLUE CHEESE
–out of the blue : without advance notice : UNEXPECTEDLY <the job offer came out of the blue>

blue
n. transitive verb : to make blue
intransitive verb : to turn blue

blue
n. blue green alga
periwinkle blue
baby blue
baby blue eyes
black and blue
blue in the face
out of the blue
blue baby
blue blood
blue blooded
blue book
blue catfish
blue cheese
blue chip
blue chipper
blue cohosh
blue collar
blue corn
blue crab
blue curls
blue devils
blue eyed
blue eyed grass
blue flag
blue flu
blue grama
blue gum
blue heeler
blue heron
blue jay
blue jeans
blue jeaned
blue law
blue line
blue liner
blue marlin
blue mold
blue moon
blue mussel
blue note
blue pencil
blue penciller
blue peter
blue pike
blue plate
blue point
blue racer
blue ribbon
blue screen
blue shark
blue sheep
blue sky
blue sky law
blue spruce
blue streak
blue tang
blue vitriol
blue water
blue whale
blue winged teal
bolt from the blue
bolt out of the blue
bromthymol blue
bromothymol blue
cobalt blue
Colorado blue spruce
cornflower blue
between the devil and the deep blue sea
great blue heron
Kerry blue terrier
methylene blue
midnight blue
peacock blue
powder blue
Prussian blue
royal blue
Russian blue
sky blue
slate blue
steel blue
teal blue
toluidine blue
true blue
turquoise blue
Blue Grotto
Blue Island
Blue Mountains
Blue Nile
Blue Ridge
Blue Springs
rhythm and blues

blue baby
: an infant with cyanosis usually from a congenital heart defect in which venous and arterial blood are mingled

blue blood
1 \'blü-'bləd\ : membership in a noble or socially prominent family
2 \-ˌbləd\ : a member of a noble or socially prominent family
–blue-blood·ed \-'blə-dəd\ adjective

blue book
1 : a register especially of socially prominent persons
2 : a book of specialized information often published under government auspices
3 : a blue-covered booklet used for writing examinations
4 : a periodically issued price list (as of used cars)

blue catfish
: a large bluish catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) of the Mississippi valley that may weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms)

blue cheese
: cheese having veins of greenish-blue mold

blue chip
1 a : a business or undertaking with an outstanding record or likelihood of profitability b : a stock issue of high investment quality that usually pertains to a substantial well-established company and enjoys public confidence in its worth and stability also : a company that offers such stocks
2 : one that is outstanding: as a : an outstandingly worthwhile or valuable property or asset b : an athlete rated as excellent or as an excellent prospect
–blue-chip adjective

blue cohosh
: a perennial No. American herb (Caulophyllum thalictroides) of the barberry family that has greenish-yellow or purplish flowers and large blue berrylike fruits

blue corn
: Indian corn that has bluish kernels used to make flour and is grown especially in the southwestern U.S.

blue crab
: a large bluish-green edible crab (Callinectes sapidus) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts

blue curls
: any of several mints (genus Trichostema) with irregular blue flowers

blue devils
: low spirits : DESPONDENCY

blue flag
: a blue-flowered iris especially : a common iris (Iris versicolor) chiefly of the eastern U.S. with a root formerly used medicinally

blue flu
: a sick-out staged by police officers

blue grama
: a low-growing perennial grama (Bouteloua gracilis) having slender curly leaves that is an important forage grass especially in the Great Plains

Blue Grotto
sea cave Italy on N shore of Capri

blue gum
: any of several Australian trees (genus Eucalyptus) that yield valuable timber

blue heeler
: AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG

blue heron
: either of two herons with bluish or slaty plumage especially : GREAT BLUE HERON

blue in the face
extremely exasperated

Blue Island
city NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 23,463

blue jay
: a crested bright blue No. American jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

blue jeans
: pants usually made of blue denim
–blue-jeaned \-ˌjēnd\ adjective

blue law
1 : one of numerous extremely rigorous laws designed to regulate morals and conduct in colonial New England
2 : a statute regulating work, commerce, and amusements on Sundays

blue line
: either of two blue lines that divide an ice-hockey rink into three equal zones and that separate the offensive and defensive zones from the center-ice neutral zone

blue liner
: a defenseman in ice hockey

blue marlin
: a large marlin (Makaira nigricans) that is widely distributed in warm seas and is valued as a sport fish

blue mold
: any of various fungi (genera Penicillium and Peronospora) that produce blue or blue-green surface growths

blue moon
1 : a very long period of time ― usually used in the phrase once in a blue moon <such people happen along only once in a blue moon ― Saturday Rev.>
2 : a second full moon in a calendar month

Blue Mountains
1 mountains NE Oreg. & SE Wash.; highest Rock Creek Butte 9105 ft (2775 m)
2 mountains SE Australia in Great Dividing Range in E New South Wales; highest 4460 ft (1359 m)
3 mountains E Jamaica; highest Blue Mountain Peak 7402 ft (2256 m)

blue mussel
: a widely distributed edible mussel (Mytilus edulis) having a usually blue or brownish shell

Blue Nile
n. river 850 mi (1368 km) Ethiopia & Sudan flowing from Lake Tana NNW into the Nile at Khartoum ― see ABAY

blue note
: a variable microtonal lowering of the third, seventh, and occas. fifth degrees of the major scale

blue pencil
: a writing instrument used for editing also : the act or practice of blue-penciling

blue peter
: a blue signal flag with a white square in the center used to indicate that a merchant vessel is ready to sail

blue pike
: a grayish-blue walleye (Stizostedion vitreum glaucum) of the Great Lakes region now considered to be extinct

blue plate
: being a main course usually offered at a special price in a restaurant <a blue plate luncheon>

blue point
of a domestic cat : having a bluish-cream body coat with dark gray points
–blue point noun

blue racer
: a blue or greenish-blue colubrid snake (Coluber constrictor foxii) occurring chiefly from southern Ontario to Missouri

blue ribbon
1 : an honor or award gained for preeminence
2 : a blue ribbon awarded as an honor (as to the first-place winner in a competition)

Blue Ridge
the E range of the Appalachians E U.S. extending from South Mountain, S Pa. into N Ga. ― see MITCHELL (Mount)

blue screen
: a photographic technique in which a subject is filmed in front of a blue background so as to allow matte compositing of the film with other footage also : the blue background

blue shark
: a chiefly pelagic shark (Prionace glauca) found in all tropical and temperate seas that occas. attacks humans

blue sheep
: BHARAL

Blue Springs
city W Mo. SE of Independence pop 48,080

blue spruce
: a spruce (Picea pungens) native to the Rocky Mountains that has sharp usually bluish-gray needles and is often planted as an ornamental

blue streak
1 : something that moves very fast
2 : a constant stream of words <talked a blue streak>

blue tang
: a surgeonfish (Acanthurus coeruleus) that is bright blue with darker longitudinal stripes when mature and occurs chiefly from Bermuda to Brazil

blue vitriol
: a hydrated copper sulfate CuSO_4·5H_2O

blue water
: the open sea
–blue-wa·ter \'blü-ˌwȯ-tər, -ˌwä-\ adjective

blue whale
: a very large baleen whale (Balaenoptera musculus syn. Sibbaldus musculus) that may reach a weight of 150 tons (135 metric tons) and a length of 100 feet (30 meters) and is generally considered the largest living animal

blue-chipper
: BLUE CHIP

blue-collar
1 : of, relating to, or constituting the class of wage earners whose duties call for the wearing of work clothes or protective clothing ― compare WHITE-COLLAR
2 : having characteristics associated with blue-collar workers: as a : having, showing, or appealing to unpretentious or unsophisticated tastes <a new blue-collar serial⋯woven around a minor-league baseball team ― Steven Flax> b : dependable and hard-working rather than showy or spectacular <a blue-collar athlete>

blue-eyed
1 : having blue eyes
2 : performed by whites <blue-eyed soul> also : WHITE <a blue-eyed imitator of R&B stars>

blue-eyed grass
: any of a genus (Sisyrinchium) of New World herbs of the iris family having grasslike foliage and blue, yellow, or white flowers

blue-green alga
: CYANOBACTERIUM

blue-pencil
: to edit especially by shortening or deletion
–blue penciller noun

blue-ribbon
: of outstanding quality especially : consisting of individuals selected for quality, reputation, or authority <a blue-ribbon panel>

blue-sky
1 : having little or no value <blue-sky stock>
2 : not grounded in the realities of the present : VISIONARY <blue-sky thinking>

blue-sky law
: a law providing for the regulation of the sale of securities (as stock)

blue-winged teal
: a No. American dabbling duck (Anas discors) with a blue patch on each wing and in the male a white crescent on each cheek

blueback herring
: an anadromous clupeid fish (Alosa aestivalis) of the Atlantic coast of No. America having a dark blue or bluish-gray back

bluebeard
n. : a man who marries and kills one wife after another

bluebell
n. 1 : any of various bellflowers especially : HAREBELL
2 : any of various plants bearing blue bell-shaped flowers: as a : a European herb (Hyacinthoides nonscripta syn. Scilla nonscripta) of the lily family having scapose racemes of drooping bell-shaped flowers ― called also wild hyacinth b plural : a glabrous erect eastern U.S. herb (Mertensia virginica) of the borage family with entire leaves and showy blue flowers pink in the bud ― called also Virginia bluebells

blueberry
n. : the edible blue or blackish berry of any of several No. American plants (genus Vaccinium) of the heath family also : a low or tall shrub producing these berries

bluebird
n. : any of three small No. American thrushes (Sialia currucoides, S. mexicana, and S. sialis) that are blue above and reddish brown or pale blue below

bluebonnet
n. 1 a : a wide flat round cap of blue wool formerly worn in Scotland b : one that wears such a cap specifically : SCOT
2 : either of two low-growing annual lupines (Lupinus subcarnosus or L. texensis) of Texas with silky foliage and blue flowers

bluebottle
n. 1 : BACHELOR'S BUTTON
2 : any of several blowflies (genus Calliphora) that have the abdomen or the whole body iridescent blue in color and that make a loud buzzing noise in flight

bluecoat
n. : a person who wears a blue coat: as a : a Union soldier during the American Civil War b : POLICE OFFICER

bluefin tuna
: a very large tuna (Thunnus thynnus) that is an important food and game fish ― called also bluefin

bluefish
n. 1 : an active food and game marine fish (Pomatomus saltatrix) that is bluish above with silvery sides
2 : any of various dark or bluish fishes (as the pollack)

bluegill
n. : a common sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) of the eastern and central U.S. sought for food and sport

bluegrass
n. 1 : any of several grasses (genus Poa) of which some have bluish-green culms especially : KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
2 [from the Blue Grass Boys, performing group, from Bluegrass state, nickname of Kentucky] : country music played on unamplified stringed instruments (as banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin) and characterized by free improvisation and close usually high-pitched harmony

bluejacket
n. : an enlisted man in the navy : SAILOR

bluenose
n. : a person who advocates a rigorous moral code
–blue·nosed \-ˌnōzd\ adjective

bluepoint
n. : a small oyster (Crassostrea virginica) typically from the south shore of Long Island

blueprint
n. 1 : a photographic print in white on a bright blue ground or blue on a white ground used especially for copying maps, mechanical drawings, and architects' plans
2 : something resembling a blueprint (as in serving as a model or providing guidance) especially : a detailed plan or program of action <a blueprint for victory>
–blueprint transitive verb

blues
n. 1 : low spirits : MELANCHOLY <suffering a case of the blues>
2 : a song often of lamentation characterized by usually 12-bar phrases, 3-line stanzas in which the words of the second line usually repeat those of the first, and continual occurrence of blue notes in melody and harmony
3 : jazz or popular music using harmonic and phrase structures of blues

blueshift
: the displacement of the spectrum of an approaching celestial body toward shorter wavelengths
–blue·shift·ed adjective

bluesman
n. : a man who plays or sings the blues

bluestem
1 : a tall No. American grass (Andropogon gerardii syn. A. furcatus) that has smooth bluish leaf sheaths and slender spikes borne in pairs or clusters, is a dominant grass of the orig. tallgrass prairies, and is used for hay and forage ― called also big bluestem ― compare SAND BLUESTEM
2 : LITTLE BLUESTEM

bluestem
big bluestem
little bluestem
sand bluestem

bluestocking
n. : a woman having intellectual or literary interests

bluestone
n. : a building stone of bluish-gray color

bluesy
adj. : resembling, characteristic of, or suited to the blues

bluet
n. : any of several perennial No. American herbs (genus Hedyotis syn. Houstonia) of the madder family especially : one (Hedyotis caerulea syn. Houstonia caerulea) having tufted stems and bluish, white, or purplish flowers with yellow centers

bluetick
: any of a breed of tricolor coonhounds of American origin having the white areas of the coat usually heavily ticked with black

bluetongue
n. : a noncontagious virus disease chiefly of sheep that is caused by a reovirus (genus Orbivirus) transmitted by biting midges and is characterized especially by swelling and ulceration of mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue

blueweed
1 : VIPER'S BUGLOSS
2 : a small weedy sunflower (Helianthus ciliaris) of the southwestern U.S. with blue-green or gray-green foliage

bluey
n. : BLUISH

Bluff
n. town S New Zealand; port for Invercargill pop 2720

bluff
n. 1 a : having a broad flattened front b : rising steeply with a broad flat or rounded front
2 : good-naturedly frank and outspoken
–bluff·ly adverb
–bluff·ness noun
synonyms BLUFF, BLUNT, BRUSQUE, CURT, CRUSTY, GRUFF mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. BLUFF connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality <a bluff manner>. BLUNT suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings <a blunt appraisal>. BRUSQUE applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness <a brusque response>. CURT implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness <a curt command>. CRUSTY suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness <a crusty exterior>. GRUFF suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness <puts on a gruff pose>.

bluff
n. : a high steep bank : CLIFF

bluff
n. transitive verb
1 a : to deter or frighten by pretense or a mere show of strength b : DECEIVE c : FEIGN <the catcher bluffed a throw to first>
2 : to deceive (an opponent) in cards by a bold bet on an inferior hand
intransitive verb : to bluff someone : act deceptively
–bluff·er noun

bluff
n. 1 a : an act or instance of bluffing b : the practice of bluffing
2 : one who bluffs

bluff
n. blindman's bluff
call one's bluff
Pine Bluff
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Council Bluffs

bluing
n. : a preparation used in laundering to counteract yellowing of white fabrics

bluish
adj. : somewhat blue : having a tinge of blue
–blu·ish·ness noun

Blum
n. Léon 1872-1950 Fr. polit.; provisional pres. (1946-47)

blunder
intransitive verb
1 : to move unsteadily or confusedly
2 : to make a mistake through stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
transitive verb
1 : to utter stupidly, confusedly, or thoughtlessly
2 : to make a stupid, careless, or thoughtless mistake in
–blun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
–blun·der·ing·ly \-d(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

blunder
n. : a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
synonyms see ERROR

blunderbuss
n. 1 : a muzzle-loading firearm with a short barrel and flaring muzzle to facilitate loading
2 : a blundering person

blunt
n. 1 a : slow or deficient in feeling : INSENSITIVE b : obtuse in understanding or discernment : DULL
2 : having an edge or point that is not sharp <a blunt instrument>
3 a : abrupt in speech or manner b : being straight to the point : DIRECT
synonyms see DULL, BLUFF
–blunt·ly adverb
–blunt·ness noun

blunt
n. : to make less sharp, definite, or forceful
intransitive verb : to become blunt

blunt
n. : a cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with marijuana

blunt trauma
: a usually serious injury caused by a blunt object or surface <died of blunt trauma to the head>

Bluntschli
Johann Kaspar 1808-1881 Swiss legal scholar

blur
n. 1 : a smear or stain that obscures
2 : something vaguely or indistinctly perceived especially : something moving or occurring too quickly to be clearly perceived

blur
n. transitive verb
1 : to obscure or blemish by smearing
2 : SULLY
3 : to make dim, indistinct, or vague in outline or character
4 : to make cloudy or confused
intransitive verb
1 : to make blurs
2 : to become vague or indistinct
–blur·ring·ly \'blər-iŋ-lē\ adverb

blurb
n. : a short publicity notice (as on a book jacket)

blurb
n. : to describe or praise in a blurb

blurry
adj. : lacking definition or focus
–blur·ri·ly \'blər-ə-lē\ adverb
–blur·ri·ness \'blər-ē-nəs\ noun

blurt
v. : to utter abruptly and impulsively ― usually used with out
–blurt·er noun

blush
n. 1 : outward appearance : VIEW <at first blush>
2 : a reddening of the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
3 : a red or rosy tint
4 : a cosmetic applied to the face to give a usually pink color or to accent the cheekbones
–blush·ful \-fəl\ adjective

blush
n. 1 : to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
2 : to feel shame or embarrassment
3 : to have a rosy or fresh color : BLOOM
–blush·ing·ly \'blə-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

blush wine
: any of various pinkish table wines

blusher
n. 1 : one who blushes
2 : BLUSH 4

bluster
intransitive verb
1 : to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats
2 a : to blow in stormy noisy gusts b : to be windy and boisterous
transitive verb
1 : to utter with noisy self-assertiveness
2 : to drive or force by blustering
–blus·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
–blus·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

bluster
n. 1 : a violent boisterous blowing
2 : violent commotion
3 : loudly boastful or threatening speech
–blus·ter·ous \-t(ə-)rəs\ adjective
–blus·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

blvd
n. boulevard

BM
1 bachelor of medicine
2 bachelor of music
3 basal metabolism
4 bill of material
5 board measure
6 bowel movement
7 bronze medal

bm
beam

BME
1 bachelor of mechanical engineering
2 bachelor of mining engineering
3 bachelor of music education

BMI
body mass index

BMOC
big man on campus

BMR
basal metabolic rate

BMS
bachelor of marine science

BMT
bachelor of medical technology

BMX
: bicycle racing that resembles motocross with dirt tracks and jumps and the use of special heavy-duty bicycles

BN
n. 1 bachelor of nursing
2 banknote
3 Bureau of Narcotics

bn
n. 1 baron
2 battalion
3 beacon
4 been

BNDD
Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

BNS
bachelor of naval sciences

BO
n. 1 back order
2 best offer
3 body odor
4 box office
5 branch office
6 buyer's option

Bo Hai
arm of Yellow Sea NE China bounded on NE by Liaodong Peninsula & on SE by Shandong Peninsula

bo tree
: PIPAL

boa
n. 1 : any of a family (Boidae) of large snakes that kill by constriction and that includes the boa constrictor, anaconda, and python
2 : a long fluffy scarf of fur, feathers, or delicate fabric

boa constrictor
: a tropical American boa (Boa constrictor syn. Constrictor constrictor) that is light brown barred or mottled with darker brown and reaches a length of 10 feet (3 meters) or more broadly : BOA 1

Boa Vista
v. city N Brazil capital of Roraima pop 200,568

Boabdil
― see MUHAMMAD XI

Boadicea
― see BOUDICCA

boar
n. 1 a : an uncastrated male swine b : the male of any of several mammals (as a guinea pig or raccoon)
2 : WILD BOAR
–boar·ish \-ish\ adjective

board
n. 1 obsolete : BORDER, EDGE
2 : the side of a ship
3 a : a piece of sawed lumber of little thickness and a length greatly exceeding its width b plural : STAGE 2A(2) c plural : SKIS
4 a archaic : TABLE 3A b : a table spread with a meal c : daily meals especially when furnished for pay d : a table at which a council or magistrates sit e (1) : a group of persons having managerial, supervisory, investigatory, or advisory powers <board of directors> <board of examiners> (2) : an examination given by an examining board ― often used in plural <passive the medical boards> f : LEAGUE, ASSOCIATION g (1) : the exposed hands of all the players in a stud poker game (2) : an exposed dummy hand in bridge
5 a : a flat usually rectangular piece of material (as wood) designed for a special purpose: as (1) : SPRINGBOARD 1 (2) : SURFBOARD b : BACKBOARD 1 also : a rebound in basketball c : a surface, frame, or device for posting notices d : BLACKBOARD e : SWITCHBOARD
6 a : CARDBOARD b : the stiff foundation piece for the side of a book cover
7 : a securities or commodities exchange
8 plural : the low wooden wall enclosing a hockey rink
9 : a sheet of insulating material carrying circuit elements and terminals so that it can be inserted in an electronic apparatus (as a computer)
10 : BULLETIN BOARD 2
–board·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–across the board : so as to include or affect all classes or categories <cut spending across the board> also : in all areas or respects <considered an average player across the board>
–on board
1 : ABOARD
2 : in support of a particular objective <needed to get more senators on board for the bill to pass>

board
n. 1 archaic : to come up against or alongside (a ship) usually to attack
2 : ACCOST, ADDRESS
3 a : to go aboard (as a ship, train, airplane, or bus) b : to put aboard <an airliner boarding passengers>
4 : to cover or seal off with boards <board up a window> <board up a house>
5 : to provide with regular meals and often also lodging usually for compensation
6 : to check (a player) into the boards in hockey
intransitive verb : to receive meals or lodging specifically : to live at a boarding school

board
n. clapper board
fascia board
skirting board
sound board
across the board
on board
board foot
board game
board of trade
bristol board
bulletin board
call board
circuit board
College Board
cutting board
diving board
draft board
drawing board
emery board
Federal Reserve Board
free on board
go by the board
ironing board
message board
notice board
Peg Board
room and board
running board
sandwich board
school board
shoulder board
sounding board
sweep the board
tote board
boarding school

board foot
: a unit of quantity for lumber equal to the volume of a board 12 × 12 × 1 inches ― abbreviation bd feet

board game
: a game of strategy (as checkers, chess, or backgammon) played by moving pieces on a board

board of trade

1780
1 capitalized B&T : a British governmental department concerned with commerce and industry
2 : a commodities exchange

boarder
n. 1 : one that boards especially : one that is provided with regular meals or regular meals and lodging
2 : a person who rides a snowboard : SNOWBOARDER

boarding school
: a school at which meals and lodging are provided

boardinghouse
n. : a lodging house at which meals are provided

boardman
n. 1 : a member of a board
2 : one who works at a board

boardroom
n. : a room that is designated for meetings of a board

boardsailing
n. : WINDSURFING
–board·sail·or \-ˌsā-lər\ noun

boardwalk
n. 1 : a walk constructed of planking
2 : a walk constructed along a beach

boart
n. variant of bort

Boas
n. Franz 1858-1942 American (Ger.-born) anthropol. & ethnol.
–Bo·as·ian \bō-'a-zē-ən, -zh(ē-)ən\ adjective

boast
n. 1 : the act or an instance of boasting : BRAG
2 : a cause for pride
–boast·ful \'bōst-fəl\ adjective
–boast·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–boast·ful·ness noun

boast
n. 1 : to puff oneself up in speech : speak vaingloriously
2 archaic : GLORY, EXULT
transitive verb
1 : to speak of or assert with excessive pride
2 a : to possess and often call attention to (something that is a source of pride) <boasts a new stadium> b : HAVE, CONTAIN <a room boasting no more than a desk and a chair>
–boast·er noun
synonyms BOAST, BRAG, VAUNT, CROW mean to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments. BOAST often suggests ostentation and exaggeration <boasts of every trivial success>, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride <the town boasts one of the best museums in the area>. BRAG suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself <bragging of their exploits>. VAUNT usually connotes more pomp and bombast than BOAST and less crudity or naïveté than BRAG <vaunted his country's military might>. CROW usually implies exultant boasting or bragging <crowed after winning the championship>.

boast
n. : to shape (stone) roughly in sculpture and stonecutting as a preliminary to finer work

boat
n. 1 a : a small vessel for travel on water b : SHIP
2 : a boat-shaped container, utensil, or device <a gravy boat> <a laboratory boat>
–boat·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–boat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–in the same boat : in the same situation or predicament

boat
n. : to place in or bring into a boat
intransitive verb : to go by boat

boat
n. assault boat
in the same boat
boat hook
boat people
boat shoe
boat train
flying boat
jolly boat
miss the boat
motor torpedo boat
narrow boat
PT boat
Q boat
rock the boat
rowing boat
swan boat
torpedo boat
U boat
burn one's boats

boat hook
: a pole-handled hook with a point or knob on the back used especially to pull or push a boat, raft, or log into place

boat people
: refugees fleeing by boat

boat shoe
: a low-cut shoe with a slip-resistant sole

boat train
: an express train for transporting passengers between a port and a city

boatbuilder
n. : one that builds boats
–boat·build·ing \-ˌbil-diŋ\ noun

boater
n. 1 : one who travels in a boat
2 : a stiff hat usually made of braided straw with a brim, hatband, and flat crown

boathouse
n. : a building to house and protect boats

boatload
n. 1 : a load that fills a boat
2 : an indefinitely large number <a boatload of money>

boatman
n. : a man who works on, deals in, or operates boats

boatneck
: a wide neckline that extends toward the tips of the shoulders

boatswain
n. 1 : a petty officer on a merchant ship having charge of hull maintenance and related work
2 : a naval warrant officer in charge of the hull and all related equipment

boatyard
n. : a yard where boats are built, repaired, and stored and often sold or rented

bob
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike with a quick light blow : RAP
2 : to move up and down in a short quick movement <bob the head>
3 : to polish with a bob : BUFF
intransitive verb
1 a : to move up and down briefly or repeatedly <a cork bobbed in the water> b : to emerge, arise, or appear suddenly or unexpectedly <the question bobbed up again>
2 : to nod or curtsy briefly
3 : to try to seize a suspended or floating object with the teeth <bob for apples>

bob
n. 1 a : a short quick down-and-up motion b Scottish : any of several folk dances
2 obsolete : a blow or tap especially with the fist
3 a : a modification of the order in change ringing b : a method of change ringing using a bob
4 : a small polishing wheel of solid felt or leather with rounded edges

bob
n. 1 obsolete : DECEIVE, CHEAT
2 obsolete : to take by fraud : FILCH

bob
n. 1 a (1) : BUNCH, CLUSTER (2) Scottish : NOSEGAY b : a knob, knot, twist, or curl especially of ribbons, yarn, or hair c : a short haircut on a woman or child
2 : FLOAT 2A
3 : a hanging ball or weight (as on a plumb line)
4 : TRIFLE 1 <bits and bobs>

bob
n. 1 : to cut shorter : CROP <bob a horse's tail>
2 : to cut (hair) in the style of a bob

bob
n. slang British : SHILLING

bob
n. : BOBSLED

bob veal
: the veal of a very young or unborn calf

Bobadilla
Francisco de d 1502 Span. viceroy of Indies

bobber
n. : one that bobs

bobber
n. : a person who rides or races on a bobsled

bobbery
n. : HUBBUB

bobbin
n. 1 a : a cylinder or spindle on which yarn or thread is wound (as in a sewing machine) b : any of various small round devices on which threads are wound for working handmade lace c : a coil of insulated wire also : the reel it is wound on
2 : a cotton cord formerly used by dressmakers for piping

bobbinet
n. : a machine-made net of cotton, silk, or nylon usually with hexagonal mesh

bobble
n. 1 : 1BOB
2 : FUMBLE

bobble
n. 1 : a repeated bobbing movement
2 : a small ball of fabric especially : one in a series used on an edging
3 : ERROR, MISTAKE especially : a mishandling of the ball in baseball or football

bobby
n. British : POLICE OFFICER

bobby
n. bobby pin
bobby socks
bobby sox
bobby soxer

bobby pin
: a flat wire hairpin with prongs that press close together

bobby socks
: girls' socks reaching above the ankle

bobby-soxer
: an adolescent girl

bobcat
n. : a common No. American lynx (Lynx rufus) variably reddish in base color with dark markings

bobeche
n. : a usually glass collar on a candle socket to catch drippings or on a candlestick or chandelier to hold suspended glass prisms

Bobo-Dioulasso
town W Burkina Faso pop 300,000

bobolink
n. : an American migratory songbird (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) with the breeding male chiefly black

Bobruysk
city cen Belarus on the Berezina pop 223,000

bobsled
n. 1 : a short sled usually used as one of a pair joined by a coupling
2 : a large usually metal sled used in racing and equipped with two pairs of runners in tandem, a long seat for two or more people, a steering wheel, and a hand brake
–bobsled intransitive verb
–bob·sled·der noun

bobsledding
n. : the act, skill, or sport of riding or racing on a bobsled

bobstay
n. : a stay to hold a ship's bowsprit down

bobtail
n. 1 a : a bobbed tail b : a horse, dog, or cat with a bobbed or very short tail especially : OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
2 : something curtailed
–bobtail or bob·tailed \-ˌtāld\ adjective

bobtail
n. ragtag and bobtail
tag rag and bobtail
tagrag and bobtail

bobwhite
n. : any of a genus (Colinus) of quail especially : a popular game bird (C. virginianus) of eastern and central No. America having mottled chiefly reddish-brown plumage

Boca Raton
city SE Fla. N of Fort Lauderdale pop 74,764

bocaccio
: a large rockfish (Sebastes paucispinis) of the Pacific coast locally important as a market fish

Boccaccio
n. Giovanni 1313-1375 Ital. author

Boccherini
Luigi 1743-1805 Ital. composer

boccie
n. : a game of Italian origin similar to lawn bowling played on a long narrow usually dirt court

Bochum
city W Germany in Ruhr valley pop 398,578

bock
n. : a strong dark rich beer usually sold in the early spring

BOD
n. 1 biochemical oxygen demand
2 biological oxygen demand

bod
n. 1 British : FELLOW, GUY
2 : BODY

bodacious
adj. 1 Southern & Midland : OUTRIGHT, UNMISTAKABLE
2 : REMARKABLE, NOTEWORTHY <a bodacious bargain>
3 : SEXY, VOLUPTUOUS <bodacious babes>
–bo·da·cious·ly adverb

bode
v. 1 archaic : to announce beforehand : FORETELL
2 : to indicate by signs : PRESAGE <this controversy⋯will bode ill for both of us ― A. H. Lowe>

bode
v. past of bide

bodega
n. 1 : a storehouse for maturing wine
2 a : WINESHOP b (1) : 1BAR 5A (2) : BARROOM
3 : a usually small grocery store in an urban area specifically : one specializing in Hispanic groceries

bodement
1 : OMEN, FOREBODING
2 : PREDICTION, PROPHECY

Bodensee
― see CONSTANCE (Lake)

Bodh Gaya
village NE India in cen Bihar pop 30,883

bodhisattva
n. : a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others and is worshipped as a deity in Mahayana Buddhism

bodhran
: a shallow handheld Irish drum

bodice
n. 1 : the upper part of a woman's dress
2 archaic : CORSET, STAYS

bodice ripper
: a historical or Gothic romance typically featuring scenes in which the heroine is subjected to violence

bodied
adj. : having a body of a specified kind ― used in combination <full-bodied> <glass-bodied>

bodied
adj. able bodied
able bodied seaman
full bodied

bodiless
adj. : having no body

bodily
adj. 1 : having a body : PHYSICAL
2 : of or relating to the body <bodily comfort> <bodily organs>

bodily
adj. 1 : in the flesh
2 : as a whole : ALTOGETHER

boding
n. : FOREBODING

bodkin
n. 1 a : DAGGER, STILETTO b : a sharp slender instrument for making holes in cloth c : an ornamental hairpin shaped like a stiletto
2 : a blunt needle with a large eye for drawing tape or ribbon through a loop or hem

Bodley
Sir Thomas 1545-1613 Eng. diplomat & founder of Bodleian Library

Bodmin
town SW England in county of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly pop 12,148

Bodoni
Giambattista 1740-1813 Ital. printer & type designer

body
n. 1 a : the main part of a plant or animal body especially as distinguished from limbs and head : TRUNK b : the main, central, or principal part: as (1) : the nave of a church (2) : the bed or box of a vehicle on or in which the load is placed (3) : the enclosed or partly enclosed part of an automobile
2 a : the organized physical substance of an animal or plant either living or dead: as (1) : the material part or nature of a human being (2) : a dead organism : CORPSE b : a human being : PERSON
3 a : a mass of matter distinct from other masses <a body of water> <a celestial body> b : something that embodies or gives concrete reality to a thing also : a sensible object in physical space c : AGGREGATE, QUANTITY <a body of evidence>
4 a : the part of a garment covering the body or trunk b : the main part of a literary or journalistic work : TEXT 2B c : the sound box or pipe of a musical instrument
5 : a group of persons or things: as a : a fighting unit : FORCE b : a group of individuals organized for some purpose <a legislative body>
6 a : fullness and richness of flavor (as of wine) b : VISCOSITY, CONSISTENCY ― used especially of oils and grease c : denseness, fullness, or firmness of texture <hair that lacks body and shine> d : fullness or resonance of a musical tone

body
n. 1 : to give form or shape to : EMBODY
2 : REPRESENT, SYMBOLIZE ― usually used with forth

body
n. Barr body
basal body
body bag
body blow
body cavity
body centered
body check
body clock
body corporate
body count
body double
body English
body language
body louse
body mass index
body mechanics
body piercing
body politic
body shirt
body shop
body snatcher
body stocking
body wall
body wrap
carotid body
cell body
over one's dead body
fat body
fruiting body
Golgi body
inclusion body
ketone body
Malpighian body
out of body
pineal body
pituitary body
polar body
stake body
student body
wide body
able bodied
able bodied seaman
full bodied

body bag
: a large zippered usually rubber bag in which a human corpse is placed especially for transportation

body blow
1 : a blow to the body
2 : a damaging or deeply felt blow <an economic body blow>

body cavity
: a cavity in an animal body specifically : COELOM

body check
: a blocking of an opposing player with the body (as in ice hockey or lacrosse)
–body·check \'bä-dē-ˌchek\ transitive verb

body clock
: the internal mechanisms that schedule periodic bodily functions and activities ― usually not used technically

body corporate
: CORPORATION

body count
1 : a count of the bodies of killed enemy soldiers
2 : the number of persons involved in a particular activity

body double
: a double who takes the place of an actor especially in scenes calling for nudity

body English
: bodily motions made in a usually unconscious effort to influence the progress of a propelled object (as a ball)

body language
: the gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which a person or animal communicates with others

body louse
: a louse feeding primarily on the body especially : a sucking louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) feeding on the body and living in the clothing of humans ― called also cootie

body mass index
: a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters

body mechanics
: systematic exercises designed especially to develop coordination, endurance, and poise

body piercing
: the practice or an instance of adorning the body with jewelry or ornamentation that penetrates the flesh

body politic
1 : a group of persons politically organized under a single governmental authority
2 archaic : CORPORATION 2
3 : a people considered as a collective unit

body shirt
1 : a close-fitting shirt or blouse
2 : a woman's close-fitting top made with a sewn-in or snapped crotch

body shop
: a shop where automotive bodies are made or repaired

body snatcher
: one who steals corpses from graves

body stocking
: a usually sheer close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso that often has sleeves and legs

body wall
: the external surface of the animal body consisting of ectoderm and mesoderm and enclosing the body cavity

body wrap
: a body treatment involving the application of usually oils or gels followed by a wrapping of the body with a sheet

body-centered
: relating to or being a crystal space lattice in which each cubic unit cell has an atom at its center and at each vertex ― compare FACE-CENTERED

bodybuilding
n. : the developing of the body through exercise and diet specifically : the developing of the physique for competitive exhibition
–body·build·er noun

bodyguard
n. : a usually armed attendant or group of attendants whose duty is to protect a person

bodysuit
n. : a close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso

bodysurf
v. : to ride on a wave without a surfboard by planing on the chest and stomach
–body·surf·er noun

bodywork
n. 1 : a vehicle body
2 : the act or process of making or repairing vehicle bodies
3 : therapeutic touching or manipulation of the body by using specialized techniques
–body·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

boehmite
: a mineral consisting of an orthorhombic form of aluminum oxide and hydroxide AlO(OH) found in bauxite

Boeotia
district E cen Greece NW of Attica
–Boe·o·tian \bē-'ō-shən\ adjective or noun

Boer
n. : a South African of Dutch or Huguenot descent

Boethius
Anicius Manlius Severinus ca 480-524 Rom. philos.

Boetoeng
― see BUTON

boff
n. sometimes vulgar : to have sexual intercourse with

boff
n. 1 : a hearty laugh
2 : a gag or line that produces a hearty laugh
3 : something that is conspicuously successful : HIT

boffin
n. chiefly British : a scientific expert especially : one involved in technological research

boffo
n. : extremely successful : SENSATIONAL

boffola
: BOFF

Bofors gun
: a double-barreled automatic antiaircraft gun

bog
n. : wet spongy ground especially : a poorly drained usually acid area rich in accumulated plant material, frequently surrounding a body of open water, and having a characteristic flora (as of sedges, heaths, and sphagnum)
–bog·gy \'bä-gē, 'bȯ-\ adjective

bog
n. transitive verb : to cause to sink into or as if into a bog : IMPEDE, MIRE ― usually used with down
intransitive verb : to become impeded or stuck ― usually used with down

bog
n. British : LAVATORY 2

bog asphodel
: either of two bog herbs (Narthecium ossifragum of Europe and N. americanum of the U.S.) of the lily family

bogart
n. 1 : BULLY, INTIMIDATE <activists bogarted their way into the⋯offices ― Sarah Ferguson>
2 : to use or consume without sharing <bogart a joint>

bogey
n. 1 \'bu̇-gē, 'bō-, 'bü-\ : SPECTER, PHANTOM
2 \'bō-gē also 'bu̇- or 'bü-\ : a source of fear, perplexity, or harassment
3 \'bō-gē\ a chiefly British : an average golfer's score used as a standard for a particular hole or course b : one stroke over par on a hole in golf
4 \'bō-gē\ : a numerical standard of performance set up as a mark to be aimed at especially in competition
5 \'bō-gē\ : an unidentified aircraft especially : one not positively identified as friendly and so assumed to be hostile

bogey
n. : to shoot (a hole in golf) in one over par

bogeyman
n. 1 : a monstrous imaginary figure used in threatening children
2 : a terrifying or dreaded person or thing : BUGBEAR

boggle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to start with fright or amazement : be overwhelmed <the mind boggles at the research needed>
2 : to hesitate because of doubt, fear, or scruples
transitive verb
1 : MISHANDLE, BUNGLE
2 : to overwhelm with wonder or bewilderment <boggle the mind>
–boggle noun

bogie
n. 1 : a low strongly built cart
2 a chiefly British : a swiveling railway truck b : the driving-wheel assembly consisting of the rear four wheels of a 6-wheel automotive truck
3 : a small supporting or aligning wheel (as on the inside perimeter of a tank tread)

bogle
n. dialect British : GOBLIN, SPECTER also : an object of fear or loathing

Bogomil
n. : a member of a medieval Bulgarian sect holding that God has two sons, the rebellious Satan and the obedient Jesus

Bogota
n. city capital of Colombia on plateau in the Andes pop 4,921,300

bogus
adj. : not genuine : COUNTERFEIT, SHAM
–bo·gus·ly adverb
–bo·gus·ness noun

bohea
n. : a black tea

Bohemia
n. region W Czech Republic; once a kingdom, later a province capital Prague

bohemia
n. : a community of bohemians : the world of bohemians

Bohemian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Bohemia b : the group of Czech dialects used in Bohemia
2 often not capitalized a : VAGABOND, WANDERER especially : GYPSY b : a person (as a writer or an artist) living an unconventional life usually in a colony with others
–bohemian adjective often cap

Bohemian Brethren
: a Christian body originating in Bohemia in 1467 and forming a parent body of the Moravian Church

Bohemian Forest
forested mountain region Czech Republic & Germany along boundary bet. E Bavaria & SW Bohemia

bohemianism
n. : the unconventional way of life of bohemians

Bohme
Ja·kob \'yä-ˌkȯp\ 1575-1624 Ger. mystic

boho
n. : BOHEMIAN 2B
–boho adjective

Bohol
island S cen Philippines, one of the Visayan Islands, N of Mindanao area 1492 sq mi (3879 sq km)

Bohol Sea
sea S Philippines N of Mindanao Island

Bohr
n. Aage Niels 1922-     son of Niels Dan. physicist

Bohr
n. Niels Henrik David 1885-1962 Dan. physicist

Bohr effect
: the decrease in the oxygen affinity of a respiratory pigment (as hemoglobin) in response to decreased blood pH resulting from increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood

Bohr theory
: a theory in early quantum physics: an atom consists of a positively charged nucleus about which revolves one or more electrons of quantized energy

bohrium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

bohunk
n. usually disparaging : a person of central European descent or birth

Boiardo
Matteo Maria 1441?-1494 Ital. poet

boil
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to come to the boiling point b : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated ― used of a liquid c : to cook in boiling water
2 : to become agitated : SEETHE
3 : to be moved, excited, or stirred up <made his blood boil>
4 a : to rush headlong b : to burst forth : ERUPT <water boiling from a spring>
5 : to undergo the action of a boiling liquid
transitive verb
1 : to subject to the action of a boiling liquid
2 : to heat to the boiling point
3 : to form or separate (as sugar or salt) by boiling
–boil·able \'bȯi-lə-bəl\ adjective

boil
n. : a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus

boil
n. 1 : the act or state of boiling
2 : a swirling upheaval (as of water)
3 : a boiled dish of seafood, vegetables, and seasonings <a crab boil> also : a gathering at which this dish is served

boil
n. boil down
boil over
hard boil
hard boiled
soft boiled
boiling point

boil down
1 : to reduce in bulk by boiling
2 : CONDENSE, SUMMARIZE <boil down a report>
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo reduction in bulk by boiling
2 a : to be equivalent in summary : AMOUNT <his speech boiled down to a plea for more money> b : to reduce ultimately <your choices boil down to three>

boil over
1 : to overflow while boiling or during boiling
2 : to become so incensed as to lose one's temper
–boil·over \'bȯi(-ə)l-ˌō-vər\ noun

Boileau-Despreaux
Nicolas 1636-1711 Fr. critic & poet

boiler
n. 1 : one that boils
2 a : a vessel used for boiling b : the part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam and which consists usually of metal shells and tubes c : a tank in which water is heated or hot water is stored

boiler
n. boiler room
double boiler
steam boiler

boiler room
1 : a room in which a boiler is located
2 : a room equipped with telephones used for making high-pressure usually fraudulent sales pitches

boilermaker
n. 1 : a worker who makes, assembles, or repairs boilers
2 : whiskey with a beer chaser

boilerplate
n. 1 : syndicated material supplied especially to weekly newspapers in matrix or plate form
2 a : standardized text b : formulaic or hackneyed language <bureaucratic boilerplate>
3 : tightly packed icy snow

boilersuit
n. : COVERALL

boiling
n. 1 a : heated to the boiling point b : TORRID <a boiling sun>
2 : intensely agitated <a boiling sea> <boiling with anger>

boiling
n. : to an extreme degree : VERY <boiling mad> <boiling hot>

boiling point
1 : the temperature at which a liquid boils
2 a : the point at which a person becomes uncontrollably angry b : the point of crisis : HEAD 17B <matters had reached the boiling point>

boink
v. sometimes vulgar : to copulate with

Bois
Bois de Belleau
Montreuil sous Bois
bois d'arc
bois d'arcs
coureur de bois
coureurs de bois
Bois de Boulogne

bois d'arc
: OSAGE ORANGE also : its wood

Bois de Belleau
― see BELLEAU

Bois de Boulogne
park France W of Paris

Boisbriand
town Canada in S Que. pop 26,729

Boise
n. 1 river 60 mi (96 km) SW cen Idaho flowing W into Snake River
2 city capital of Idaho on Boise River pop 185,787

boiserie
: a panel or paneling of carved wood

boisterous
adj. 1 obsolete a : COARSE b : DURABLE, STRONG c : MASSIVE
2 a : noisily turbulent : ROWDY b : marked by or expressive of exuberance and high spirits
3 : STORMY, TUMULTUOUS
synonyms see VOCIFEROUS
–bois·ter·ous·ly adverb
–bois·ter·ous·ness noun

boite
n. : NIGHTCLUB

Bojador, Cape
headland NW Africa in the Atlantic on W coast of Western Sahara

Bojer
Johan \yō-'hän\ 1872-1959 Norw. writer

Bok
Edward William 1863-1930 American (Du.-born) editor

bok choy
: a Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) forming an open head with long white stalks and green leaves

Bokhara
n. : an Oriental rug characterized by fine knotting and a design of usually three rows of octagonal medallions

Bokhara
n. ― see BUKHARA

Bokmal
: a literary form of Norwegian developed by the gradual reform of written Danish ― compare NYNORSK

Boksburg
city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng E of Johannesburg pop 110,832

bola
n. : a cord with weights attached to the ends for throwing at and entangling an animal

Bolan Pass
mountain pass 5900 ft (1798 m) Pakistan in N Baluchistan

Bolbitine
― see ROSETTA

bold
adj. 1 a : fearless before danger : INTREPID b : showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit <a bold plan>
2 : IMPUDENT, PRESUMPTUOUS
3 obsolete : ASSURED, CONFIDENT
4 : SHEER, STEEP <bold cliffs>
5 : ADVENTUROUS, FREE <a bold thinker>
6 : standing out prominently
7 : being or set in boldface
–bold·ly \'bōl(d)-lē\ adverb
–bold·ness \'bōl(d)-nəs\ noun

bold
adj. : BOLDFACE

bold-faced
1 : bold in manner or conduct : IMPUDENT
2 usually bold·faced : being or set in boldface

boldface
n. : a heavy-faced type also : printing in boldface

bole
n. : TRUNK 1A

bolero
n. 1 : a Spanish dance characterized by sharp turns, stamping of the feet, and sudden pauses in a position with one arm arched over the head also : music in 3/4 time for a bolero
2 : a loose waist-length jacket open at the front

bolete
n. : any of a family (Boletaceae) of fleshy stalked pore fungi that usually grow on the ground in wooded areas especially : BOLETUS

boletus
n. : any of a genus (Boletus) of boletes (as a porcini) some of which are poisonous and others edible

Boleyn
Anne 1507?-1536 2d wife of Henry VIII of England & mother of Queen Elizabeth I

Bolger
James Brendan 1935-     prime min. of New Zealand (1990-97)

bolide
n. : a large meteor : FIREBALL especially : one that explodes

Bolingbroke
1st Viscount 1678-1751 Henry St. John \'sin-jən, US also (ˌ)sānt-'jän, sənt-\ Eng. statesman

Bolingbrook
city NE Ill. SW of Chicago pop 56,321

Bolivar
n. Si·món \sē-ˌmōn-bə-'lē-ˌvär; ˌsī-mən-'bä-lə-ˌvär, -vər\ 1783-1830 So. American liberator

bolivar
n. ― see MONEY table

bolivar
n. Bolivar Cerro
Bolivar Pico
Cerro Bolivar
Ciudad Bolivar
Bolívar Cerro
Bolívar Pico
Cerro Bolívar
Ciudad Bolívar

Bolivar, Cerro
iron mountain 2018 ft (615 m) E Venezuela S of Ciudad Bolívar

Bolivar, Pico
mountain 16,427 ft (5007 m) W Venezuela in Cordillera de Mérida; highest in Venezuela

Bolivia
n. country W cen S. America; a republic; administrative capital La Paz, constitutional capital Sucre area ab 424,200 sq mi (1,102,920 sq km), pop 8,274,325
–Bo·liv·i·an \-vē-ən\ adjective or noun

boliviano
n. ― see MONEY table

Boll
n. Heinrich Theodor 1917-1985 Ger. writer

boll
n. : the pod or capsule of a plant (as cotton)

boll weevil
: a usually grayish or brown weevil (Anthonomus grandis grandis) that feeds on the squares and bolls of the cotton plant

bollard
n. 1 : a post of metal or wood on a wharf around which to fasten mooring lines
2 : BITT 1
3 chiefly British : any of a series of short posts set at intervals to delimit an area (as a traffic island) or to exclude vehicles

bollix
n. : to throw into disorder also : BUNGLE ― usually used with up
–bollix noun

bollworm
n. : CORN EARWORM also : any of several other moths that feed on cotton bolls as larvae

bolo
n. : a long heavy single-edged knife of Philippine origin used to cut vegetation and as a weapon

bolo tie
: a cord fastened around the neck with an ornamental clasp and worn as a necktie ― called also bolo

Bologna
n. commune N Italy capital of Emilia-Romagna at foot of the Apennines pop 379,964
–Bo·lo·gnan \bə-'lō-nyən\ or Bo·lo·gnese \ˌbō-lə-'nēz, -'nēs, -'nyēz, -'nyēs\ adjective or noun

bologna
n. : a large smoked sausage of beef, veal, and pork also : a sausage made (as of turkey) to resemble bologna

Bolognese
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Bologna, Italy
2 : being or prepared with tomato sauce flavored with meat

bolometer
n. : a very sensitive thermometer whose electrical resistance varies with temperature and which is used in the detection and measurement of feeble thermal radiation and is especially adapted to the study of infrared spectra
–bo·lo·met·ric \ˌbō-lə-'me-trik\ adjective
–bo·lo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

boloney
n. variant of 2baloney

Bolsena, Lake
lake cen Italy in NW Lazio

Bolshevik
n. 1 : a member of the extremist wing of the Russian Social Democratic party that seized power in Russia by the Revolution of November 1917
2 : COMMUNIST 3
–Bolshevik adjective

bolshevism
n. 1 : the doctrine or program of the Bolsheviks advocating violent overthrow of capitalism
2 : Russian communism

Bolshevist
n. : BOLSHEVIK

bolshevize
v. : to make Bolshevist
–Bol·she·vi·za·tion \ˌbōl-shə-və-'zā-shən, ˌbȯl-, ˌbäl-\ noun

bolshie
n. : BOLSHEVIK

bolster
n. 1 : a long pillow or cushion
2 : a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing

bolster
n. 1 : to support with or as if with a bolster : REINFORCE
2 : to give a boost to <news that bolstered his spirits>
–bol·ster·er \-stər-ər\ noun

bolt
n. 1 a : a shaft or missile designed to be shot from a crossbow or catapult especially : a short stout usually blunt-headed arrow b : a lightning stroke also : THUNDERBOLT
2 a : a wood or metal bar or rod used to fasten a door b : the part of a lock that is shot or withdrawn by the key
3 : a roll of cloth or wallpaper of specified length
4 : a metal rod or pin for fastening objects together that usually has a head at one end and a screw thread at the other and is secured by a nut
5 a : a block of timber to be sawed or cut b : a short round section of a log
6 : a metal cylinder that drives the cartridge into the chamber of a firearm, locks the breech, and usually contains the firing pin and extractor

bolt
n. 1 : to move suddenly or nervously : START
2 : to move or proceed rapidly : DASH
3 a : to dart off or away : FLEE b : to break away from control or a set course
4 : to break away from or oppose one's previous affiliation (as with a political party or sports team)
5 : to produce seed prematurely
transitive verb
1 a archaic : SHOOT, DISCHARGE b : FLUSH, START <bolt rabbits>
2 : to say impulsively : BLURT
3 : to secure with a bolt <bolt the door>
4 : to attach or fasten with bolts
5 : to eat hastily or without chewing <bolted his breakfast>
6 : to break away from or refuse to support (as a political party)

bolt
n. 1 : in an erect or straight-backed position : RIGIDLY <sat bolt upright>
2 archaic : DIRECTLY, STRAIGHT

bolt
n. : the act or an instance of bolting

bolt
n. 1 : to sift (as flour) usually through fine-meshed cloth
2 archaic : SIFT 2

bolt
n. bolt action
bolt from the blue
bolt out of the blue
bolt hole
dead bolt
shoot one's bolt
spring bolt
toggle bolt
nuts and bolts

bolt from the blue

1907
: a complete surprise : something totally unexpected ― called also bolt out of the blue

bolt-action
of a firearm : loaded by means of a manually operated bolt

bolt-hole
chiefly British : a place of escape or refuge

bolter
n. : one that bolts: as a : a horse given to running away b : a voter who bolts from a political party

Bolton
town NW England in NW Greater Manchester pop 253,300

boltrope
n. : a strong rope stitched to the edges of a sail to strengthen it

bolus
n. 1 : a rounded mass: as a : a large pill b : a soft mass of chewed food
2 : a dose of a substance (as a drug) given intravenously specifically : a large dose given for the purpose of rapidly achieving the needed therapeutic concentration in the bloodstream

Bolzano
1 former province N Italy in S Tirol, now part of Trentino-Alto Adige region
2 commune in Trentino-Alto Adige region pop 97,300

Boma
n. city & port W Republic of the Congo on Congo River pop 246,207

bomb
n. 1 a : an explosive device fused to detonate under specified conditions b : ATOMIC BOMB also : nuclear weapons in general ― usually used with the
2 : a vessel for compressed gases: as a : a pressure vessel for conducting chemical experiments b : a container for an aerosol (as an insecticide) : SPRAY CAN
3 : a rounded mass of lava exploded from a volcano
4 : a lead-lined container for radioactive material
5 : FAILURE, FLOP <the play was a bomb>
6 British : a large sum of money
7 a British : a great success : HIT b slang : one that is striking or extraordinary ― used with the <their new album is the bomb>
8 a : a long pass in football b : a very long shot (as in basketball) <shooting 3-point bombs> also : HOME RUN
9 : something unexpected and unpleasant ― often used with drop <dropped a bomb with her resignation>

bomb
n. 1 : to attack with or as if with bombs : BOMBARD
2 : to defeat decisively
3 : to hit (as a baseball or a golf shot) very hard
intransitive verb
1 : to fall flat : FAIL
2 slang : to move rapidly <bombed down the hill>
–bomb·ing noun

bomb
n. A bomb
atomic bomb
atom bomb
buzz bomb
car bomb
carpet bomb
cherry bomb
cluster bomb
depth bomb
dive bomb
flying bomb
fragmentation bomb
H bomb
hydrogen bomb
letter bomb
logic bomb
neutron bomb
skip bomb
stink bomb
time bomb
bombed out

bombard
n. : a late medieval cannon used to hurl large stones

bombard
n. 1 : to attack especially with artillery or bombers
2 : to assail vigorously or persistently (as with questions)
3 : to subject to the impact of rapidly moving particles (as electrons)
synonyms see ATTACK
–bom·bard·ment \-mənt\ noun

bombardier
n. 1 a archaic : ARTILLERYMAN b : a noncommissioned officer in the British artillery
2 : a bomber-crew member who releases the bombs

bombardon
n. 1 : a bass tuba
2 : the bass member of the shawm family

bombast
n. : pretentious inflated speech or writing

bombastic
adj. : marked by or given to bombast : POMPOUS, OVERBLOWN
–bom·bas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Bombay
n. 1 former state W India capital Bombay; divided 1960 into Gujarat & Maharashtra states; a province of Brit. India 1937-47
2 or Mum·bai \'məm-ˌbī\ city & port W India capital of Maharashtra & of former Bombay state metropolitan area pop 11,914,398

Bombay Island
island W India on which city of Bombay is situated area 24 sq mi (62 sq km)

bombazine
n. 1 : a twilled fabric with silk warp and worsted filling
2 : a silk fabric in twill weave dyed black

bombe
n. : a frozen dessert usually containing ice cream and formed in layers in a mold

bombe
n. : having outward curving lines ― usually used of furniture

bombed
adj. : affected by alcohol or drugs : DRUNK, HIGH

bombed-out
1 : destroyed by bombing <a bombed-out factory>
2 : extremely dilapidated or run-down <a bombed-out inner-city neighborhood>

bomber
n. 1 : one that bombs specifically : an airplane designed for bombing
2 : BOMBER JACKET
3 : a skilled long-distance shooter in basketball

bomber
n. bomber jacket
dive bomber
fighter bomber
torpedo bomber

bomber jacket
: a zippered usually leather jacket with front pockets and knitted cuffs and waistband

bombinate
v. : BUZZ, DRONE
–bom·bi·na·tion \ˌbäm-bə-'nā-shən\ noun

bomblet
n. : a small bomb especially : one of the many small bombs that make up a cluster bomb

bombproof
adj. 1 : safe from the force of bombs
2 : extremely sturdy or durable <a bombproof parka> <a bombproof horse>

bombshell
n. 1 : BOMB 1A
2 : one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating <the book was a political bombshell>

bombsight
n. : a sighting device for aiming bombs

Bomu
river 500 mi (805 km) W cen Africa forming boundary bet. Democratic Republic of the Congo & Central African Republic & uniting with the Uele to form the Ubangi

bon
adj. bon mot
bon mots
bon ton
bon vivant
bon vivants
bon voyage
a bon chat bon rat
à bon chat bon rat
bon appetit
bon appétit
bon gre mal gre
bon gré mal gré
Bon Cape

bon appetit
: good appetite : enjoy your meal

bon gre, mal gre
: whether with good grace or bad : willy-nilly

bon mot
: a clever remark : WITTICISM

bon ton
1 a : fashionable manner or style b : the fashionable or proper thing
2 : high society

bon vivant
: a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink

bon voyage
: FAREWELL ― often used interjectionally

Bon, Cape
headland NE Tunisia on Cape Bon Peninsula

bona
adj. bona fide
bona fides
Bona Mount

bona fide
1 : made in good faith without fraud or deceit <a bona fide offer to buy a farm>
2 : made with earnest intent : SINCERE
3 : neither specious nor counterfeit : GENUINE
synonyms see AUTHENTIC

bona fides
1 : good faith : SINCERITY
2 : the fact of being genuine ― often plural in construction
3 : evidence of one's good faith or genuineness ― often plural in construction
4 : evidence of one's qualifications or achievements ― often plural in construction

Bona, Mount
mountain ab 16,500 ft (5030 m) S Alaska at W end of Wrangell Mountains

Bonaire
island Netherlands Antilles E of Curaçao area 111 sq mi (287 sq km), pop 11,058

bonanza
n. 1 : an exceptionally large and rich mineral deposit (as of an ore, precious metal, or petroleum)
2 a : something that is very valuable, profitable, or rewarding <a box-office bonanza> b : a very large amount <a bonanza of sympathy> c : EXTRAVAGANZA <channels planning all-day viewing bonanzas ― William Borders>

Bonaparte
n. Corsican family including Na·po·léon I \nə-'pōl-yən, -'pō-lē-ən\ (q.v.) & his bros.: Joseph 1768-1844 king of Naples & Spain; Lucien 1775-1840 prince of Ca·ni·no \kə-'nē-(ˌ)nō\; Louis 1778-1846 father of Napoléon III king of Holland; Jérôme 1784-1860 king of Westphalia

Bonapartism
n. 1 : support of the French emperors Napoleon I, Napoleon III, or their dynasty
2 : a political movement associated chiefly with authoritarian rule usually by a military leader ostensibly supported by a popular mandate
–Bo·na·part·ist \-ˌpär-tist\ noun or adjective

Bonar Law
― see LAW

Bonaventura
Saint ca 1217-1274 the Seraphic Doctor Ital. philos.

bonbon
n. 1 : a candy with chocolate or fondant coating and fondant center that sometimes contains fruits and nuts
2 : something that is pleasing in a light or frivolous way <singing pop bonbons>

bond
n. 1 : something that binds or restrains : FETTER
2 : a binding agreement : COVENANT
3 a : a band or cord used to tie something b : a material or device for binding c : an attractive force that holds together the atoms, ions, or groups of atoms in a molecule or crystal d : an adhesive, cementing material, or fusible ingredient that combines, unites, or strengthens
4 : a uniting or binding element or force : TIE <the bonds of friendship>
5 a : an obligation made binding by a money forfeit also : the amount of the money guarantee b : one who acts as bail or surety c : an interest-bearing certificate of public or private indebtedness d : an insurance agreement pledging surety for financial loss caused to another by the act or default of a third person or by some contingency over which the third person may have no control
6 : the systematic lapping of brick in a wall
7 : the state of goods made, stored, or transported under the care of bonded agencies until the duties or taxes on them are paid
8 : a 100-proof straight whiskey aged at least four years under government supervision before being bottled ― called also bonded whiskey
9 : BOND PAPER

bond
n. 1 : to lap (as brick) for solidity of construction
2 a : to secure payment of duties and taxes on (goods) by giving a bond b : to convert into a debt secured by bonds c : to provide a bond for or cause to provide such a bond <bond an employee>
3 a : to cause to adhere firmly b : to embed in a matrix c : to hold together in a molecule or crystal by chemical bonds
intransitive verb
1 : to hold together or solidify by or as if by means of a bond or binder
2 : to form a close relationship especially through frequent association <the new mother bonded with her child>
–bond·able \'bän-də-bəl\ adjective
–bond·er noun

bond
n. archaic : bound in slavery

bond
n. bond paper
bond servant
coordinate bond
covalent bond
dative bond
double bond
hydrogen bond
income bond
ionic bond
junk bond
pair bond
peptide bond
revenue bond
savings bond
single bond
surety bond
triple bond
bonded whiskey
hydrogen bonding
pair bonding

bond paper
: a durable paper orig. used for documents

bond servant
: one bound to service without wages also : SLAVE

bondage
n. 1 : the tenure or service of a villein, serf, or slave
2 : a state of being bound usually by compulsion (as of law or mastery): as a : CAPTIVITY, SERFDOM b : servitude or subjugation to a controlling person or force <young people in bondage to drugs>
3 : sadomasochistic sexual practices involving the physical restraint of one partner

bonded
adj. : composed of two or more layers of the same or different fabrics held together by an adhesive <bonded jersey>

bondholder
n. : one that holds a government or corporation bond

Bondi
town SE Australia S of entrance to Port Jackson on Bondi Beach; SE suburb of Sydney

bonding
n. 1 : the formation of a close relationship (as between a mother and child or between a person and an animal) especially through frequent or constant association
2 : the attaching of a material (as porcelain) to a tooth surface especially for cosmetic purposes

bondmaid
n. archaic : a female bond servant

bondman
n. : SLAVE, SERF

bondsman
n. : one who assumes the responsibility of a bond : SURETY

bondsman
n. variant of bondman

bondstone
n. : a stone long enough to extend through the full thickness of a wall to bind it together

bondwoman
n. : a female slave

Bone
n. Sir Muirhead 1876-1953 Scot. etcher & painter

Bone
n. ― see ANNABA

bone
n. 1 a : one of the hard parts of the skeleton of a vertebrate b : any of various hard animal substances or structures (as baleen or ivory) akin to or resembling bone c : the hard largely calcareous connective tissue of which the adult skeleton of most vertebrates is chiefly composed
2 a : ESSENCE, CORE <cut costs to the bone> <a liberal to the bone> b : the most deeply ingrained part : HEART ― usually used in plural <knew in his bones that it was wrong>
3 plural a (1) : SKELETON (2) : BODY <rested my weary bones> (3) : CORPSE <inter a person's bones> b : the basic design or framework (as of a play or novel)
4 : MATTER, SUBJECT <a bone of contention>
5 a plural : thin bars of bone, ivory, or wood held in pairs between the fingers and used to produce musical rhythms b : a strip of material (as whalebone or steel) used to stiffen a garment (as a corset) c plural : DICE
6 : something that is designed to placate : SOP
7 : a light beige
8 : INCLINATION 1B <hadn't a political bone in his body ― John Hersey>
9 slang : DOLLAR
–boned \'bōnd\ adjective
–bone·less \'bōn-ləs\ adjective
–bone to pick : a matter to argue or complain about

bone
n. transitive verb
1 : to remove the bones from <bone a fish>
2 : to provide (a garment) with stays
3 : to rub (as a boot or baseball bat) with something hard (as a piece of bone) in order to smooth the surface
intransitive verb : to study hard : GRIND <bone through medical school>

bone
n. : EXTREMELY, VERY <bone tired> also : TOTALLY

bone
n. malar bone
pubic bone
bone to pick
bone ash
bone black
bone char
bone chilling
bone china
bone dry
bone marrow
bone up
bred in the bone
cannon bone
close to the bone
coffin bone
pedal bone
crazy bone
frontal bone
funny bone
hip bone
hyoid bone
innominate bone
long bone
occipital bone
parietal bone
splint bone
T bone
temporal bone
zygomatic bone
bare bones
make no bones
Napier's bones
roll the bones

bone ash
: the white porous residue chiefly of tribasic calcium phosphate from bones calcined in air used especially in making pottery and glass and in cleaning jewelry

bone black
: the black residue chiefly of tribasic calcium phosphate and carbon from bones calcined in closed vessels used especially as a pigment or as a decolorizing adsorbent in sugar manufacturing ― called also bone char

bone china
: translucent white china made with bone ash or calcium phosphate and characterized by whiteness

bone marrow
: a soft highly vascular modified connective tissue that occupies the cavities of most bones and occurs in two forms: a : one that is yellowish, consists chiefly of fat cells, and is found especially in the cavities of long bones b : one that is reddish, is the chief site of blood cell formation, and occurs in the normal adult in cancellous tissue especially of certain flat bones ― called also red marrow

bone to pick
a matter to argue or complain about

bone up
1 : to try to master necessary information quickly : CRAM <bone up for the exam>
2 : to renew one's skill or refresh one's memory <boned up on the speech just before giving it>

bone-chilling
: intensely cold <bone-chilling weather> also : penetrating, disturbing, or intense in emotional or physical effect <bone-chilling drama> <a bone-chilling wind>

bone-dry
1 : very dry
2 : DRY 5

bonefish
n. 1 : a slender silvery small-scaled fish (Albula vulpes) that is a notable sport and food fish of warm seas
2 : LADYFISH 2
–bone·fish·ing noun

bonehead
n. : a stupid person : NUMSKULL
–bone·head·ed \-'he-dəd\ adjective
–bone·head·ed·ness noun

bonehead
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a bonehead : performed in a stupid or clumsy manner <the shortstop made a bonehead play>
2 : being a college course for students lacking fundamental skills <teaches bonehead English>

bonemeal
n. : crushed or ground bone used especially as fertilizer or feed

boner
n. 1 : one that bones
2 : a clumsy or stupid mistake also : HOWLER 2
3 usually vulgar : an erect penis

boneset
n. : any of several composite herbs (genus Eupatorium) especially : a perennial (E. perfoliatum) of central and eastern No. America with opposite perfoliate leaves and white-rayed flower heads used in folk medicine

bonesetter
n. : a person who sets broken or dislocated bones usually without being a licensed physician

boneyard
n. 1 : CEMETERY
2 : a place where worn-out or damaged objects (as cars) are collected to await disposal

bonfire
n. : a large fire built in the open air

bong
v. : the deep resonant sound especially of a bell
–bong verb

bong
v. : a simple water pipe consisting of a bottle or vertical tube partially filled with a liquid (as water or liqueur) and a smaller offset tube ending in a bowl

bongo
n. : one of a pair of small connected drums of different sizes and pitches played with the hands
–bon·go·ist \-ˌgō-ist\ noun

bongo
n. : an African antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus syn. Boocerus euryceros) that is chestnut red with narrow white vertical stripes and is found in forests from Sierra Leone to Kenya

Bonheur
Rosa 1822-1899 Marie-Rosalie Fr. painter

bonhomie
n. : good-natured easy friendliness
–bon·ho·mous \'bä-nə-məs\ adjective

boniato
: a sweet potato having white dry flesh with little sweetness that is usually grown in subtropical regions

Boniface
n. Saint ca 675-754 Wynfrid or Wynfrith Eng. missionary in Germany

Boniface
n. name of 9 popes: especially VIII (Benedict Caetani) ca 1235(or 1240)-1303 (pope 1294-1303)

boniface
n. : the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, or restaurant

Bonin Islands
islands W Pacific ab 600 mi (966 km) SSE of Tokyo; belong to Japan; administered by U.S. 1945-68 area 40 sq mi (104 sq km), pop 1507

bonis avibus
: under good auspices

Bonita Springs
city SW Fla. pop 32,797

bonito
n. : any of several scombroid fishes (esp. genera Sarda and Euthynnus) intermediate between the smaller mackerels and the larger tunas

bonjour
interj. : good day : good morning

bonk
v. : HIT <bonked him over the head>

bonkers
adj. : CRAZY, MAD <fans went bonkers when their team won>

Bonn
n. city W Germany on the Rhine SSE of Cologne; capital of Federal Republic of Germany (sometimes called Bonn Republic) before reunification; seat of reunified German parliament 1990-99 pop 296,244

Bonnard
Pierre 1867-1947 Fr. painter

bonne
: a French nursemaid or maidservant

bonne
a la bonne heure
à la bonne heure
bonne foi
de bonne grace
de bonne grâce

bonne foi
: good faith

Bonner
Edmund ca 1500-1569 Eng. prelate

Bonnet
n. Georges-Étienne 1889-1973 Fr. polit. & diplomat

bonnet
n. 1 a (1) chiefly Scottish : a man's or boy's cap (2) : a brimless Scottish cap of seamless woolen fabric ― compare TAM-O'-SHANTER 2 b : a cloth or straw hat tied under the chin and worn by women and children
2 a British : an automobile hood b : a metal covering or cowl (as for a fireplace, valve chamber, or ventilator)

bonnet
n. : to provide with or dress in a bonnet

bonnet
n. glengarry bonnet
bee in one's bonnet
Scotch bonnet

Bonneville Salt Flats
broad level area of Great Salt Lake Desert E of Wendover, Utah

Bonney
William H., Jr. 1859-1881 Billy the Kid orig. Henry McCarty? American outlaw

bonny
adj. chiefly British : ATTRACTIVE, FAIR also : FINE, EXCELLENT
–bon·ni·ly \'bä-nə-lē\ adverb

Bonny, Bight of
― see BIAFRA (Bight of)

bonnyclabber
n. Northern & Midland : CLABBER

bono
n. cui bono
pro bono
pro bono publico

bonobo
n. : a rare anthropoid ape (Pan paniscus) that has a more slender build and longer limbs than the related common chimpanzee (P. troglodytes) and that inhabits a small geographic region in equatorial Africa south of the Congo River ― called also pygmy chimpanzee

bonsai
n. : a potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed (as by pruning) and trained to an artistic shape also : the art of growing such a plant

bonsoir
: good evening

bonspiel
n. : a match or tournament between curling clubs

Bontemps
Arna Wendell 1902-1973 American writer

bonus
n. : something in addition to what is expected or strictly due: as a : money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee's usual compensation b : a premium (as of stock) given by a corporation to a purchaser of its securities, to a promoter, or to an employee c : a government payment to war veterans d : a sum in excess of salary given an athlete for signing with a team

bony
adj. 1 a : consisting of bone b : resembling bone
2 a : full of bones <a bony piece of fish> b : having prominent bones <a rugged bony face>
3 a : SKINNY, SCRAWNY b : BARREN, LEAN

bony fish
: any of a major taxon (class Osteichthyes or superclass Teleostomi) comprising fishes (as sturgeons, eels, mackerels, and sunfish) with a bony rather than a cartilaginous skeleton ― called also teleost ― compare CARTILAGINOUS FISH, JAWLESS FISH

bonze
n. : a Buddhist monk

boo
n. ― used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frighten

boo
n. 1 : a shout of disapproval or contempt
2 : any utterance at all ― usually used in negative constructions <never said boo>

boo
n. : to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo
transitive verb : to express disapproval of by booing <the crowd booed the referee>

boo-boo
1 : a usually trivial injury (as a bruise or scratch) ― used especially by or of a child
2 : MISTAKE, BLUNDER

boob
n. 1 : a stupid awkward person : SIMPLETON
2 : BOOR, PHILISTINE
–boob·ish \'bü-bish\ adjective

boob
n. British : MISTAKE, BLUNDER

boob
n. British : GOOF 2

boob
n. sometimes vulgar : BREAST

boob tube
: TELEVISION

boobird
: a home fan at a sporting event who boos one or more members of the home team

booboisie
: the general public regarded as consisting of boobs

booby
n. 1 : an awkward foolish person : DOPE
2 : any of several tropical seabirds (genus Sula) of the gannet family

booby
n. sometimes vulgar : BREAST

booby
n. booby hatch
booby prize
booby trap

booby hatch
1 : a raised framework with a sliding cover over a small hatch on a ship
2 : a psychiatric hospital

booby prize
1 : an award for the poorest performance in a game or competition
2 : an acknowledgment of notable inferiority

booby trap
1 : a trap for the unwary or unsuspecting : PITFALL
2 : a concealed explosive device contrived to go off when some harmless-looking object is touched
–boo·by-trap transitive verb

boodle
n. 1 : a collection or lot of persons : CABOODLE
2 a : bribe money b : a large amount especially of money

booger
n. 1 : BOGEYMAN
2 : a piece of dried nasal mucus

boogeyman
: BOGEYMAN

boogie
n. 1 : BOOGIE-WOOGIE
2 : earthy and strongly rhythmic rock music conducive to dancing also : a period of or occasion for dancing to this music

boogie
1 : to dance to rock music also : REVEL, PARTY
2 a : to move quickly b : to get going

boogie-woogie
: a percussive style of playing blues on the piano characterized by a steady rhythmic ground bass of eighth notes in quadruple time and a series of improvised melodic variations

boojum
n. : a tall spiny long-lived desert tree (Fouquieria columnaris syn. Idria columnaris) native to northwestern Mexico and related to the ocotillo

book
n. 1 a : a set of written sheets of skin or paper or tablets of wood or ivory b : a set of written, printed, or blank sheets bound together into a volume c : a long written or printed literary composition d : a major division of a treatise or literary work e : a record of a business's financial transactions or financial condition ― often used in plural <the books show a profit> f : MAGAZINE 4A g : E-BOOK
2 capitalized : BIBLE 1
3 : something that yields knowledge or understanding <the great book of nature> <her face was an open book>
4 a (1) : the total available knowledge and experience that can be brought to bear on a task or problem <tried every trick in the book> (2) : inside information or analysis <the book on him is that he can't hit a curveball> b : the standards or authority relevant in a situation <run by the book>
5 a : all the charges that can be made against an accused person <threw the book at him> b : a position from which one must answer for certain acts : ACCOUNT <bring criminals to book>
6 a : LIBRETTO b : the script of a play c : a book of arrangements for a musician or dance orchestra : musical repertory
7 : a packet of items bound together like a book <a book of stamps> <a book of matches>
8 a : BOOKMAKER b : the bets registered by a bookmaker also : the business or activity of giving odds and taking bets
9 : the number of tricks a cardplayer or side must win before any trick can have scoring value
–book·ful \'bu̇k-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–in one's book : in one's own opinion
–in one's good books : in favor with one
–one for the book : an act or occurrence worth noting
–on the books : on the records

book
n. 1 : derived from books and not from practical experience <book learning>
2 : shown by books of account <book assets>

book
n. 1 a : to register (as a name) for some future activity or condition (as to engage transportation or reserve lodgings) <he was booked to sail on Monday> b : to schedule engagements for <book the band for a week> c : to set aside time for d : to reserve in advance <book two seats at the theater> <were all booked up>
2 a : to enter charges against in a police register b of a referee : to note the name or number of (as a soccer player) for a serious infraction of the rules
intransitive verb
1 : to make a reservation <book through your travel agent>
2 chiefly British : to register in a hotel ― usually used with in
3 slang : LEAVE, GO especially : to depart quickly
–book·able \'bu̇-kə-bəl\ adjective chiefly British
–book·er noun

book
n. pocket book
black book
blue book
one for the book
in one's book
book club
book louse
book lung
book match
Book of Common Prayer
book off
book value
bring to book
closed book
coloring book
comic book
commonplace book
cookery book
Domesday Book
e book
funny book
good book
make book
phrase book
picture book
prayer book
service book
statute book
talking book
telephone book
trade book
white book
on the books
in one's good books
hit the books
off the books
booking office
Booker T. Washington National Monument

book club
: an organization that ships selected books to members usually on a regular schedule and often at discount prices

book louse
: any of various tiny usually wingless insects (order Psocoptera and especially genus Liposcelis) that feed on organic matter (as paper) and usually inhabit damp areas

book lung
: a saccular breathing organ in many arachnids containing thin folds of membrane arranged like the leaves of a book

Book of Common Prayer

1549
: the service book of the Anglican Communion

book off
chiefly Canadian : to notify an employer that one is not reporting for work (as because of sickness)

book value
: the value of something as shown on bookkeeping records as distinguished from market value: a : the value of an asset equal to cost minus depreciation b : the value of a corporation's stock equal to its book value minus its liabilities

book-match
: to match the grains of (as two sheets of veneer) so that one sheet seems to be the mirror image of the other

bookbinding
n. 1 : the art or trade of binding books
2 : the binding of a book
–book·bind·er \-ˌbīn-dər\ noun
–book·bind·ery \-d(ə-)rē\ noun

bookcase
n. : a piece of furniture consisting of shelves to hold books

bookend
n. : a support placed at the end of a row of books

Booker T. Washington National Monument
n. historic site W cen Va. SE of Roanoke

bookie
n. : BOOKMAKER 2

booking
n. 1 : the act of one that books
2 : an engagement or scheduled performance
3 : RESERVATION 1C

booking office
chiefly British : a ticket office especially : one in a railroad station

bookish
adj. 1 a : of or relating to books b : fond of books and reading
2 a : inclined to rely on book knowledge b of words : literary and formal as opposed to colloquial and informal c : given to literary or scholarly pursuits also : affectedly learned
–book·ish·ly adverb
–book·ish·ness noun

bookkeeper
n. : a person who records the accounts or transactions of a business
–book·keep·ing \-piŋ\ noun

booklet
n. : a little book especially : PAMPHLET

bookmaker
n. 1 : a printer, binder, or designer of books
2 : a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets
–book·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

bookman
n. 1 : a person who has a love of books and especially of reading
2 : a person who is involved in the writing, publishing, or selling of books

bookmark
n. 1 or book·mark·er \-ˌmär-kər\ : a marker for finding a place in a book
2 : a menu entry or icon on a computer that is usually created by the user and that serves as a shortcut to a previously viewed location (as an Internet site)

bookmark
n. : to create a computer bookmark for <bookmark a Web site>

bookmobile
n. : a truck that serves as a traveling library

bookplate
n. : a book owner's identification label that is usually pasted to the inside front cover of a book

bookseller
n. : one that sells books especially : the proprietor of a bookstore
–book·sell·ing \-ˌse-liŋ\ noun

bookshelf
n. : an open shelf for holding books

bookshop
n. : BOOKSTORE

bookstall
n. 1 : a stall where books are sold
2 chiefly British : NEWSSTAND

bookstore
n. : a place of business where books are the main item offered for sale ― called also bookshop

bookworm
n. : a person unusually devoted to reading and study

Boolean
adj. : of, relating to, or being a logical combinatorial system (as Boolean algebra) that represents symbolically relationships (as those implied by the logical operators AND, OR, and NOT) between entities (as sets, propositions, or on-off computer circuit elements) <Boolean expression> <Boolean search strategy for information retrieval>

Boolean algebra
: an algebraic system that consists of a set closed under two binary operations and that can be described by any of various systems of postulates all of which can be deduced from the postulates that each operation is commutative, that each operation is distributive over the other, that an identity element exists for each operation, and that for every element in the set there exists another element which when combined with the first under either one of the operations yields the identity element of the other operation

boom
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a deep hollow sound
2 a : to increase in importance, popularity, or esteem b : to experience a sudden rapid growth and expansion usually with an increase in prices <business was booming> c : to develop rapidly in population and importance <California boomed when gold was discovered there> d : to increase greatly in size or number <the population boomed>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to resound ― often used with out <his voice booms out the lyrics>
2 : to cause a rapid growth or increase of : BOOST
3 : to hit or kick forcefully <boom a punt>

boom
n. 1 : a booming sound or cry ― often used interjectionally to indicate suddenness <then boom, he was fired>
2 : a rapid expansion or increase: as a : a general movement in support of a candidate for office b : rapid settlement and development of a town or district c : a rapid widespread expansion of economic activity d : an upsurge in activity, interest, or popularity <a folk music boom>

boom
n. 1 : a long spar used to extend the foot of a sail
2 a : a chain or line of connected floating timbers extended across a river, lake, or harbor (as to obstruct passage or catch floating objects) b : a temporary floating barrier used to contain an oil spill
3 a : a long beam projecting from the mast of a derrick to support or guide cargo b : a long more or less horizontal supporting arm or brace (as for holding a microphone or for supporting an antenna)
4 : a spar or outrigger connecting the tail surfaces and the main supporting structure of an aircraft

boom
n. baby boom
boom box
lower the boom
sonic boom

boom box
: a usually large portable stereophonic radio and tape or CD player

boomer
n. 1 : one that booms
2 : one that joins a rush of settlers to a boom area
3 : a transient worker (as a bridge builder)
4 : a person born during a baby boom : BABY BOOMER

boomerang
n. 1 : a bent or angular throwing club typically flat on one side and rounded on the other so that it soars or curves in flight especially : one designed to return near the thrower
2 : an act or utterance that backfires on its originator
–boomerang intransitive verb

booming
adj. 1 : making a loud deep sound <his booming voice>
2 : forcefully or powerfully executed <hit a booming serve>

boomlet
n. : a small boom specifically : a sudden increase in business activity <a stock market boomlet>

boomtown
n. : a town enjoying a business and population boom

boomy
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by an economic boom
2 : having an excessive accentuation on the tones of lower pitch in reproduced sound

boon
n. 1 : BENEFIT, FAVOR especially : one that is given in answer to a request
2 : a timely benefit : BLESSING

boon
n. 1 archaic : FAVORABLE
2 : CONVIVIAL <a boon companion>

boondocks
n. 1 : rough country filled with dense brush
2 : a rural area : STICKS

boondoggle
v. 1 : a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide, hatband, or ornament
2 : a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft
–boondoggle intransitive verb
–boon·dog·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

Boone
n. Daniel 1734-1820 American pioneer

boonies
n. slang : BOONDOCKS 2

boor
n. 1 : PEASANT
2 : a rude or insensitive person

boorish
adj. : resembling or befitting a boor (as in crude insensitivity)
–boor·ish·ly adverb
–boor·ish·ness noun
synonyms BOORISH, CHURLISH, LOUTISH, CLOWNISH mean uncouth in manners or appearance. BOORISH implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable <a drunk's boorish behavior>. CHURLISH suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness <churlish remarks>. LOUTISH implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity <a loutish oaf>. CLOWNISH suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics <an adolescent's clownish conduct>.

boost
n. transitive verb
1 : to push or shove up from below
2 : INCREASE, RAISE <plans to boost production> <an extra holiday to boost morale>
3 : to promote the cause or interests of : PLUG <a campaign to boost the new fashions>
4 : to raise the voltage of or across (an electric circuit)
5 slang : STEAL, SHOPLIFT
intransitive verb slang : SHOPLIFT
synonyms see LIFT

boost
n. 1 : a push upward
2 : an act that brings help or encouragement : ASSIST
3 : an increase in amount

booster
n. : one that boosts: as a : an enthusiastic supporter b : an auxiliary device for increasing force, power, pressure, or effectiveness c slang : SHOPLIFTER d : a radio-frequency amplifier for a radio or television receiving set e : the first stage of a multistage rocket providing thrust for the launching and the initial part of the flight f : a substance that increases the effectiveness of a medicament especially : BOOSTER SHOT

booster
n. booster seat
booster shot
booster dose

booster seat
: a seat used to elevate a sitting child

booster shot
: a supplementary dose of an immunizing agent ― called also booster booster dose

boosterism
n. : the activities and attitudes characteristic of boosters

boot
n. 1 archaic : DELIVERANCE
2 chiefly dialect : something to equalize a trade
3 obsolete : AVAIL
–to boot : BESIDES

boot
n. archaic : AVAIL, PROFIT

boot
n. 1 : a fitted covering (as of leather or rubber) for the foot and usually reaching above the ankle
2 : an instrument of torture used to crush the leg and foot
3 : something that resembles or is likened to a boot especially : an enclosing or protective casing or sheath (as for a rifle or over an electrical or mechanical connection)
4 : a navy or marine corps recruit undergoing basic training
5 British : an automobile trunk
6 a : a kick with the foot b : summary dismissal ― used with the <gave him the boot> c : momentary pleasure or enjoyment : BANG <got a big boot out of the joke>
7 : a sheath enclosing the inflorescence
8 : DENVER BOOT

boot
n. 1 : to put boots on
2 a : KICK b : to eject or discharge summarily ― often used with out <was booted out of office>
3 : to make an error on (a grounder in baseball) broadly : BOTCH
4 : to ride (a horse) in a race <booted home three winners>
5 [2bootstrap] a : to load (a program) into a computer from a disk b : to start or ready for use especially by booting a program <boot a computer> ― often used with up
intransitive verb
1 : to become loaded into a computer's memory from a disk <the program boots automatically>
2 : to become ready for use especially by booting a program <the computer boots quickly> ― often used with up
–boot·able \'bü-tə-bəl\ adjective

boot
n. archaic : BOOTY, PLUNDER

boot
n. jodhpur boot
to boot
boot camp
cowboy boot
Denver boot
gum boot
half boot
Hessian boot
hip boot
jump boot
ski boot
top boot
wipe one's boots on

boot camp
1 : a navy or marine corps camp for basic training
2 : a disciplinary facility or program in which young offenders are forced to participate in a rigidly structured routine

bootblack
n. : one who shines shoes

booted
adj. : wearing boots

bootee
n. : a usually ankle-length boot, slipper, or sock especially : an infant's knitted or crocheted sock

Bootes
n. : a northern constellation containing the bright star Arcturus

Booth
n. family of American actors: Junius Brutus 1796-1852 b in England & his sons Edwin Thomas 1833-1893 & John Wilkes 1838-1865 assassin of Lincoln

Booth
n. William 1829-1912 Eng. founder of Salvation Army father of: William Bramwell 1856-1929 Salvation Army gen.; Ballington 1857-1940 founder of Volunteers of America; Evangeline Cory 1865-1950 Salvation Army gen.

booth
n. 1 : a temporary shelter for livestock or field workers
2 a : a stall or stand (as at a fair) for the sale or exhibition of goods b (1) : a small enclosure affording privacy for one person at a time <a telephone booth> <polling booths> (2) : a small enclosure that isolates its occupant especially from patrons or customers <a ticket booth> (3) : an isolated enclosure used in sound recording or in broadcasting <a radio booth> c : a restaurant seating arrangement consisting of a table between two high-back benches

Boothe
n. Clare ― see Clare Boothe LUCE

Boothia Peninsula
peninsula N Canada W of Baffin Is.; its N tip (at ab 72°N, 94°W) is the northernmost point on N. American mainland

Boothia, Gulf of
gulf N Canada bet. Baffin Is. & Melville Peninsula on E & Boothia Peninsula on W

bootie
n. variant of bootee 2booty

bootjack
n. : a device (as with a V-shaped notch) used for pulling off boots

bootlace
n. British : SHOELACE

Bootle
town NW England in W Merseyside pop 62,463

bootleg
n. 1 : the upper part of a boot
2 : something bootlegged: as a : MOONSHINE b : an unauthorized audio or video recording
3 : a football play in which the quarterback fakes a handoff, hides the ball against his hip, and rolls out ― compare DRAW 8
–bootleg adjective

bootleg
n. 1 a : to carry (alcoholic liquor) on one's person illegally b : to manufacture, sell, or transport for sale (alcoholic liquor) illegally
2 a : to produce, reproduce, or distribute illicitly or without authorization b : SMUGGLE
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in bootlegging
2 : to run a bootleg play in football
–boot·leg·ger noun

bootless
adj. : USELESS, UNPROFITABLE <a bootless attempt>
–boot·less·ly adverb
–boot·less·ness noun

bootlick
v. : to try to gain favor with through a servile or obsequious manner
intransitive verb : to act obsequiously
–boot·lick·er noun

boots
n. British : a servant who shines shoes especially in a hotel

bootstrap
n. 1 : a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on
2 plural : unaided efforts ― often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps

bootstrap
n. 1 : designed to function independently of outside direction : capable of using one internal function or process to control another <a bootstrap operation to load a computer>
2 : carried out with minimum resources or advantages : SELF-RELIANT <bootstrap efforts>

bootstrap
n. : to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance <bootstrapped herself to the top>
–boot·strap·per noun

booty
n. 1 : plunder taken (as in war) especially : plunder taken on land as distinguished from prizes taken at sea
2 : a rich gain or prize
synonyms see SPOIL

booty
n. slang : BUTTOCKS

booze
v. : to drink intoxicating liquor especially to excess ― often used in the phrase booze it up

booze
v. : intoxicating drink especially : hard liquor
–booz·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–boozy \-zē\ adjective

boozehound
n. : BOOZER, DRUNK

boozer
n. 1 : a person who boozes : DRUNK
2 British : a drinking place : PUB

bop
n. : HIT, SOCK

bop
n. : a blow (as with the fist or a club) that strikes a person

bop
n. 1 : jazz characterized by harmonic complexity, convoluted melodic lines, and constant shifting of accent and often played at very rapid tempos
2 : JIVE 2
–bop·per noun

bop
n. 1 : to go quickly or unceremoniously : POP <bop into the corner store> ― often used with off
2 : to dance or shuffle along to or as if to bop music

bopeep
n. : PEEKABOO

Bophuthatswana
former group of noncontiguous black enclaves in the Republic of South Africa capital Mmabatho; granted independence 1977; abolished 1994

BOQ
bachelor officers' quarters

bor
borough

bora
n. : a violent cold northerly wind of the Adriatic

Bora-Bora
island S. Pacific in Leeward group of the Society Islands NW of Tahiti area ab 15 sq mi (38 sq km)

boracic acid
: BORIC ACID

borage
n. : a coarse hairy blue-flowered European herb (Borago officinalis of the family Boraginaceae, the borage family) used medicinally and in salads

Borah
William Edgar 1865-1940 American polit.

Borah Peak
mountain 12,662 ft (3859 m) E cen Idaho in Lost River Range; highest point in state

borane
n. 1 : a compound of boron and hydrogen specifically : a compound BH_3 known only in the form of its derivatives
2 : a derivative of borane

Boras
n. city SW Sweden E of Göteborg pop 98,150

borate
n. : a salt or ester of a boric acid

borated
v. : mixed or impregnated with borax or boric acid

borax
n. : a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na_2B_4O_7·10H_2O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener, as a preservative, and as a fireproofing agent

borax
n. : cheap shoddy merchandise

borborygmus
n. : intestinal rumbling caused by moving gas

Bordeaux
n. 1 : white or red wine of the Bordeaux region of France
2 : CLARET 2

Bordeaux
n. city & port SW France on the Garonne pop 215,374
–Bor·de·lais \ˌbȯr-də-'lā\ noun

bordeaux mixture
: a fungicide made by reaction of copper sulfate, lime, and water

bordelaise sauce
: a sauce consisting of stock thickened with roux and flavored typically with red wine and shallots

bordello
n. : a building in which prostitutes are available

Borden
Sir Robert (Laird) 1854-1937 Canad. lawyer & statesman; prime min. (1911-20)

border
n. 1 : an outer part or edge
2 : an ornamental design at the edge of a fabric or rug
3 : a narrow bed of planted ground along the edge of a garden or walk <a border of tulips>
4 : BOUNDARY <crossed the border into Italy>
5 : a plain or decorative margin around printed matter
–bor·dered \-dərd\ adjective

border
n. transitive verb
1 : to put a border on
2 : to touch at the edge or boundary : BOUND <borders the city on the south>
intransitive verb
1 : to lie on the border <the U.S. borders on Canada>
2 : to approach the nature of a specified thing : VERGE <borders on the ridiculous>
–bor·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

border
n. border collie
border terrier
brush border
Scottish Borders

border collie
: any of a breed of medium-sized sheepdogs of British origin noted for their herding abilities

border terrier
: any of a breed of small terriers of British origin having a harsh dense coat and close undercoat

bordereau
n. : a detailed note or memorandum of account especially : one containing an enumeration of documents

borderland
n. 1 a : territory at or near a border b : FRINGE 3A <lives on the borderland of society>
2 : a vague intermediate state or region <the borderland between fantasy and reality>

borderline
n. 1 a : being in an intermediate position or state : not fully classifiable as one thing or its opposite <a borderline state between waking and sleeping> b : not quite up to, typical of, or as severe as what is usual, standard, or expected <borderline intelligence> <borderline hypertension> c : characterized by psychological instability in several areas (as interpersonal relations, behavior, and identity) but only with brief or no psychotic episodes <a borderline personality disorder>
2 : situated at or near a border <a borderline town>
–borderline noun

borderline
n. : ALMOST, NEARLY <borderline tacky> <borderline suicidal>

Borders
n. ― see SCOTTISH BORDERS

Bordet
n. Jules 1870-1961 Belg. bacteriol.

Bordighera
commune & port NW Italy in Liguria pop 10,735

bordure
n. : a border on a heraldic shield

bore
n. transitive verb
1 : to pierce with a turning or twisting movement of a tool
2 : to make (as a cylindrical hole) by boring or digging away material <bored a tunnel>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a hole by or as if by boring b : to sink a mine shaft or well
2 : to make one's way steadily especially against resistance <we bored through the jostling crowd>

bore
n. 1 a : a usually cylindrical hole made by or as if by boring b chiefly Australian & New Zealand : a borehole drilled especially to make an artesian well
2 a : the long usually cylindrical hollow part of something (as a tube or gun barrel) b : the inner surface of a hollow cylindrical object
3 : the size of a bore: as a : the interior diameter of a gun barrel especially chiefly British : GAUGE 1A(2) b : the diameter of an engine cylinder

bore
n. past of bear

bore
n. : a tidal flood with a high abrupt front

bore
n. : one that causes boredom: as a : a tiresome person b : something that is devoid of interest

bore
n. : to cause to feel boredom

boreal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or located in northern regions <boreal waters>
2 : of, relating to, or comprising the northern biotic area characterized especially by dominance of coniferous forests

Boreas
n. 1 : the Greek god of the north wind
2 : the north wind personified

boredom
n. : the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest

boreen
n. Irish : a narrow country lane

borehole
n. : a hole bored or drilled in the earth: as a : an exploratory well b chiefly British : a small-diameter well drilled especially to obtain water

borer
n. 1 : a tool used for boring
2 a : SHIPWORM b : an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

borer
n. corn borer
European corn borer
lesser cornstalk borer
lesser peach tree borer
peach tree borer
southwestern corn borer

borescope
: an optical device (as a prism or optical fiber) used to inspect an inaccessible space (as an engine cylinder)

Borges
Jorge Luis 1899-1986 Argentine author

Borgholm
seaport SE Sweden on W coast of Öland Island

Borgia
Cesare 1475(or 1476)-1507 son of Rodrigo Ital. cardinal & mil. leader

Borgia
Lucrezia 1480-1519 dau. of Rodrigo duchess of Ferrara

Borgia
Rodrigo ― see Pope ALEXANDER VI

Borglum
(John) Gut·zon \'gət-sən\ (de la Mothe) 1867-1941 American sculptor

Borgne, Lake
inlet of the Mississippi Sound E of New Orleans, La.

boric acid
: a white crystalline acid B(OH)3 obtained from its salts and used especially as a weak antiseptic and fire-retardant

boride
n. : a binary compound of boron with a more electropositive element or radical

boring
adj. : causing boredom : TIRESOME <a boring lecture>
–bor·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
–bor·ing·ness noun

Boris
n. 1894-1943 czar of Bulgaria (1918-43)

Born
adj. Max 1882-1970 Ger. physicist

born
adj. 1 a : brought forth by or as if by birth b : NATIVE ― usually used in combination <American-born> c : deriving or resulting from ― usually used in combination <poverty-born crime>
2 a : having from birth specified qualities <a born leader> b : being in specified circumstances from birth <nobly born> <born to wealth>
3 : destined from or as if from birth <born to succeed>

born
adj. born again
foreign born
to the manner born
to the manor born
self born
twice born

born-again
1 : of, relating to, or being a usually Christian person who has made a renewed or confirmed commitment of faith especially after an intense religious experience
2 : having returned to or newly adopted an activity, a conviction, or a persona especially with a proselytizing zeal <a born-again conservative>

borne
adj. past part of bear

borne
adj. : transported or transmitted by ― used in combination <soilborne> <airborne>

Borneo
n. island Malay Archipelago SW of Philippines area 290,320 sq mi (751,929 sq km) ― see BRUNEI, KALIMANTAN, SABAH, SARAWAK
–Bor·ne·an \-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

borneol
n. : a crystalline cyclic alcohol C_10H_17OH that occurs in two enantiomeric forms, is found in essential oils, and is used especially in perfumery

Bornholm
island Denmark in Baltic Sea capital Rönne area 227 sq mi (588 sq km), pop 43,956

bornite
: a brittle metallic-looking mineral that consists of a sulfide of copper and iron and is a valuable copper ore

boro
: boron <borosilicate>

Borodin
Aleksandr Porfiryevich 1833-1887 Russ. composer & chem.

borohydride
: the anion BH_4- of boron and hydrogen that is used especially as a reducing agent and as a source of hydrogen atoms also : any of various compounds (as of metals) containing the borohydride anion

boron
n. : a trivalent metalloid element found in nature only in combination and used especially in glass and detergents ― see ELEMENT table
–bo·ron·ic \bȯr-'ä-nik\ adjective

boron carbide
: a refractory shiny black crystalline compound B_4C that is one of the hardest known materials and is used especially in abrasives and as a structural reinforcing material

borosilicate
n. 1 : a silicate containing boron in the anion and occurring naturally
2 : BOROSILICATE GLASS

borosilicate glass
: a silicate glass that is composed of at least five percent oxide of boron and is used especially in heat-resistant glassware

borough
n. 1 a : a medieval fortified group of houses forming a town with special duties and privileges b : a town or urban constituency in Great Britain that sends a member to Parliament c : an urban area in Great Britain incorporated for purposes of self-government
2 a : a municipal corporation proper in some states (as New Jersey and Minnesota) corresponding to the incorporated town or village of the other states b : one of the five constituent political divisions of New York City
3 : a civil division of the state of Alaska corresponding to a county in most other states

borough
n. borough English
borough hall
pocket borough
rotten borough

borough English
: a custom formerly existing in parts of England by which the lands of an intestate descended to the youngest son

borough hall
: the chief administrative building of a borough

Borrow
v. George Henry 1803-1881 Eng. author

borrow
v. transitive verb
1 a : to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent <borrow a book> <borrowed a dollar> b : to borrow (money) with the intention of returning the same plus interest
2 a : to appropriate for one's own use <borrow a metaphor> b : DERIVE, ADOPT
3 : to take (one) from a digit of the minuend in arithmetical subtraction in order to add as 10 to the digit holding the next lower place
4 : to adopt into one language from another
5 dialect : LEND
intransitive verb : to borrow something
–bor·row·er \-ə-wər\ noun
–borrow trouble : to do something unnecessarily that may result in adverse reaction or repercussions

borrow
v. borrow trouble
borrow pit
borrowed time

borrow pit
: an excavated area where material has been dug for use as fill at another location

borrow trouble
to do something unnecessarily that may result in adverse reaction or repercussions

borrowed time
: an uncertain and usually uncontrolled postponement of something inevitable ― used with living on

borrowing
n. : something borrowed especially : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another

Bors
: a knight of the Round Table and nephew of Lancelot

borscht
n. : a soup made primarily of beets and served hot or cold often with sour cream

borscht
n. borscht belt
borscht circuit
borsch belt
borsch circuit

borscht belt
: BORSCHT CIRCUIT

borscht circuit
: the theaters and nightclubs associated with the Jewish summer resorts in the Catskills

Borstal
n. British : REFORMATORY

bort
n. : imperfectly crystallized diamond or diamond fragments used as an abrasive

borzoi
n. : any of a breed of large dogs developed in Russia especially for pursuing wolves that have a long silky usually white coat with darker markings ― called also Russian wolfhound

Bosc
: a pear with firm flesh and brown or dark yellow skin

boscage
n. : a growth of trees or shrubs : THICKET

Bosch
n. Carl 1874-1940 Ger. industrial chem.

Bosch
n. Hieronymus ca 1450-ca 1516 Du. painter

Bosco
Saint Giovanni Melchior 1815-1888 Don Bosco Ital. religious & founder of Society of St. Francis de Sales

Bose
Sir Ja·ga·dis \ˌjə-gə-'dēs\ Chan·dra \'chən-drə\ 1858-1937 Indian physicist & plant physiol.

bosh
n. : foolish talk or activity : NONSENSE ― often used interjectionally

bosk
n. : a small wooded area

bosky
adj. 1 : having abundant trees or shrubs
2 : of or relating to a woods

Bosnia
n. region S Europe in the Balkans; with Herzegovina forms independent state of Bosnia and Her·ze·go·vi·na \ˌhert-sə-gō-'vē-nə, ˌhərt-, -'gō-və-nə\; a federated republic of Yugoslavia 1946-92 capital Sarajevo area 19,904 sq mi (51,750 sq km), pop 4,422,000
–Bos·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

bosom
n. 1 a : the human chest and especially the front part of the chest <hugged the child to his bosom> b : a woman's breasts regarded especially as a single feature <a woman with an ample bosom> also : BREAST
2 a : the chest conceived of as the seat of the emotions and intimate feelings <a story you will take to your bosom> b : the security and intimacy of or like that of being hugged to someone's bosom <the bosom of her family>
3 : the part of a garment that covers the chest or the breasts

bosom
n. 1 : EMBRACE
2 : to enclose or carry in the bosom

bosom
n. : CLOSE, INTIMATE <bosom friends>

bosomed
adj. : having a bosom of a specified kind ― used in combination <full-bosomed>

bosomy
adj. 1 : swelling upward or outward <bosomy hills>
2 : having prominent breasts

boson
n. : a particle (as a photon or meson) whose spin is zero or an integral number ― compare FERMION
–bo·son·ic \ˌbō-'sä-nik, -'zä-\ adjective

boson
n. Higgs boson
intermediate vector boson
intermediate boson

Bosporus
n. strait ab 18 mi (29 km) long bet. Turkey in Europe & Turkey in Asia connecting Sea of Marmara & Black Sea
–Bos·po·ran \-pə-rən\ adjective

bosquet
n. : THICKET

boss
n. 1 a : a protuberant part or body <a boss of granite> <a boss on an animal's horn> b : a raised ornamentation : STUD c : an ornamental projecting block used in architecture
2 : a soft pad used in ceramics and glassmaking
3 : the hub of a propeller

boss
n. 1 : to ornament with bosses : EMBOSS
2 : to treat (as the surface of porcelain) with a boss

boss
n. 1 : a person who exercises control or authority specifically : one who directs or supervises workers
2 : a politician who controls votes in a party organization or dictates appointments or legislative measures
–boss·dom \-dəm\ noun
–boss·ism \'bä-ˌsi-zəm, 'bȯ-\ noun

boss
n. slang : EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE

boss
n. 1 : to act as boss of
2 : to give usually arbitrary orders to ― usually used with around

boss
n. : COW, CALF

boss
n. boss man
pit boss
straw boss

boss man
: 3BOSS

bossa nova
1 : popular music of Brazilian origin that is rhythmically related to the samba but with complex harmonies and improvised jazzlike passages
2 : a dance performed to bossa nova music

Bossier City
city NW La. pop 56,461

Bossuet
Jacques-Bénigne 1627-1704 Fr. bishop

bossy
adj. 1 : marked by a swelling or roundness
2 : marked by bosses : STUDDED

bossy
adj. : COW, CALF

bossy
adj. : inclined to domineer : DICTATORIAL
–boss·i·ness noun

Boston
n. 1 : a variation of whist played with two decks of cards
2 [Boston, Mass.] : a dance somewhat like a waltz

Boston
n. 1 city & port capital of Mass. on Massachusetts Bay pop 589,141
2 port E England in SE Lincolnshire in Parts of Holland pop 52,600
–Bos·to·nian \bȯ-'stō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Boston
n. Boston cream pie
Boston fern
Boston ivy
Boston lettuce
Boston marriage
Boston rocker
Boston terrier
Boston bull
Boston Mountains

Boston cream pie
: a round cake that is split and filled with a custard or cream filling and usually frosted with chocolate

Boston fern
: a luxuriant fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis) often with drooping much-divided fronds

Boston ivy
: a woody Asian vine (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) of the grape family typically having 3-lobed leaves

Boston lettuce
: butter lettuce of a variety that is larger than the closely related Bibb lettuce

Boston marriage
: a long-term loving relationship between two women

Boston Mountains
mountains NW Ark. & E Okla. in Ozark Plateau

Boston rocker
: a wooden rocking chair with a high spindle back, a decorative top panel, and a seat and arms that curve down at the front

Boston terrier
: any of a breed of small smooth-coated terriers originating as a cross of the bulldog and bullterrier and being brindled or black with white markings ― called also Boston bull

bosun
n. variant of boatswain

Boswell
n. : a person who records in detail the life of a usually famous contemporary
–Bos·well·ian \bäz-'we-lē-ən\ adjective
–Bos·well·ize \'bäz-wə-ˌlīz, -ˌwe-\ verb

Boswell
n. James 1740-1795 Scot. biographer & diarist

bot
n. : the larva of a botfly especially : one infesting the horse

bot
n. 1 botanical; botanist; botany
2 bottle
3 bottom
4 bought

bota
: a leather bottle (as for wine)

Botafogo Bay
inlet of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

botan
botanical

botanica
: a shop that deals in herbs and charms used especially by adherents of Santeria

botanical
n. 1 : of or relating to plants or botany
2 : derived from plants
3 : SPECIES <botanical tulips>
–bo·tan·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

botanical
n. : a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products also : a medicinal preparation derived from a plant

botanical garden
: a garden often with greenhouses for the culture, study, and exhibition of special plants ― called also bo·tan·ic garden \bə-'ta-nik-\

botanise
v. British variant of botanize

botanize
v. intransitive verb : to collect plants for botanical investigation also : to study plants especially on a field trip
transitive verb : to explore for botanical purposes
–bot·a·niz·er \-ˌnī-zər\ noun

botany
n. 1 : a branch of biology dealing with plant life
2 a : plant life b : the properties and life phenomena exhibited by a plant, plant type, or plant group
3 : a botanical treatise or study especially : a particular system of botany
–bot·a·nist \-nist\ noun

Botany Bay
inlet of the S. Pacific SE Australia in New South Wales on S border of city of Sydney

botch
n. : an inflammatory sore

botch
n. 1 : to foul up hopelessly ― often used with up
2 : to put together in a makeshift way
–botch·er noun

botch
n. 1 : something that is botched : MESS
2 : PATCHWORK, HODGEPODGE
–botchy \'bä-chē\ adjective

botfly
n. : any of various stout dipteran flies (family Oestridae) with larvae parasitic in cavities or tissues of various mammals including humans

both
adj. : the one as well as the other <both of us> <we are both well> <$1000 fine or 30 days in jail, or both>

both
adj. ― used as a function word to indicate and stress the inclusion of each of two or more things specified by coordinated words, phrases, or clauses <prized both for its beauty and for its utility> <he⋯who loveth well both man and bird and beast ― S. T. Coleridge>

both
adj. : being the two : affecting or involving the one and the other <both feet> <both his eyes> <both these armies>

both
adj. burn the candle at both ends
cut both ways
play both ends against the middle

Botha
Louis 1862-1919 Boer gen.; 1st prime min. of Transvaal (1907) & of Union of So. Africa (1910-19)

Botha
Pieter Willem 1916-     prime min. of Republic of So. Africa (1978-89)

Bothe
Walther Wilhelm Georg 1891-1957 Ger. physicist

Bothell
city W Wash. NNE of Seattle pop 30,150

bother
n. transitive verb
1 : to annoy especially by petty provocation : IRK
2 : to intrude upon : PESTER
3 : to cause to be somewhat anxious or concerned <my stomach is bothering me> ― often used interjectionally
intransitive verb
1 : to become concerned <wouldn't bother with details>
2 : to take pains : take the trouble <never bothered to ask>
synonyms see ANNOY

bother
n. 1 a : a state of petty discomfort, annoyance, or worry b : something that causes petty annoyance or worry
2 : FUSS

botheration
n. 1 : the act of bothering : the state of being bothered
2 : something that bothers ― often used interjectionally

bothersome
adj. : causing bother : VEXING

Bothnia, Gulf of
arm of Baltic Sea bet. Sweden & Finland

bothy
n. chiefly Scottish : HUT

botonee
of a heraldic cross : having a cluster of three balls or knobs at the end of each arm ― see CROSS illustration

Botox
n. ― used for a preparation of botulinum toxin

botryoidal
adj. : having the form of a bunch of grapes <botryoidal garnets>

botrytis
n. : any of a genus (Botrytis) of imperfect fungi having botryoidal conidia and including several serious plant pathogens

Botswana
n. country S Africa N of the Molopo; an independent republic since 1966, formerly Brit. protectorate of Bechuanaland capital Gaborone area ab 220,000 sq mi (569,800 sq km), pop 1,611,021

Botticelli
n. Sandro 1445-1510 Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi Ital. painter

bottle
n. 1 a : a rigid or semirigid container typically of glass or plastic having a comparatively narrow neck or mouth and usually no handle b : a usually bottle-shaped container made of skin for storing a liquid
2 : the quantity held by a bottle
3 a : intoxicating drink : the practice of drinking <slipped deeper and deeper into the bottle ― Anne Bernays> b : liquid food (as milk) used in place of mother's milk
4 slang British : METTLE, COURAGE
–bot·tle·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

bottle
n. 1 a : to confine as if in a bottle : RESTRAIN ― usually used with up <bottling up their anger> b : to put or keep in a position or situation that makes free activity, progress, or escape difficult or impossible ― usually used with up <bottle up legislation in committee>
2 : to put into or as if into a bottle <wished she could bottle their energy>
–bot·tler \'bä-təl-ər, 'bät-lər\ noun

bottle
n. pilgrim bottle
bottle blond
bottle club
bottle feed
bottle gourd
bottle green
bottle nosed dolphin
Klein bottle
spin the bottle
squeeze bottle
vacuum bottle
bottled gas
estate bottled

bottle blond
: a person whose hair has been bleached blond

bottle club
: a club serving patrons previously purchased or reserved alcoholic drinks after normal legal closing hours

bottle gourd
: a common cultivated gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) having a variably shaped fruit with a hard shell that is sometimes used as a container

bottle green
: a dark green

bottle-feed
: to feed (as an infant) with a bottle

bottle-nosed dolphin
: BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

bottlebrush
n. : any of a genus (Callistemon) of Australian trees and shrubs of the myrtle family widely cultivated in warm regions especially for their spikes of brightly colored flowers

bottled gas
: gas under pressure in portable cylinders

bottleneck
n. : NARROW <bottleneck harbors>

bottleneck
n. 1 a : a narrow route b : a point of traffic congestion
2 a : someone or something that retards or halts free movement and progress b : IMPASSE c : a dramatic reduction in the size of a population (as of a species) that results in a decrease in genetic variation
3 : a style of guitar playing in which glissando effects are produced by sliding an object (as a knife blade or the neck of a bottle) along the strings ― called also bottleneck guitar

bottleneck
n. : to slow or halt by causing a bottleneck

bottlenose dolphin
: a relatively small stout-bodied chiefly gray toothed whale (Tursiops truncatus) with a prominent beak and falcate dorsal fin

bottling
n. : a beverage and especially a wine that is bottled at a particular time

bottom
n. 1 a : the underside of something b : a surface (as the seat of a chair) designed to support something resting on it ― used figuratively in phrases like the bottom dropped out to describe a sudden collapse or downturn <lost millions when the bottom dropped out of the stock market> c : the posterior end of the trunk : BUTTOCKS, RUMP
2 : the surface on which a body of water lies
3 a : the part of a ship's hull lying below the water b : BOAT, SHIP
4 a : the lowest part or place <the bottom of the page> b : the remotest or inmost point c : the lowest or last place in point of precedence <started work at the bottom> d : the part of a garment worn on the lower part of the body especially : the pants of pajamas ― usually used in plural e : the last half of an inning of baseball f : the bass or baritone instruments of a band
5 : BOTTOMLAND ― usually used in plural
6 : BASIS, SOURCE <trying to get to the bottom of these rumors>
7 : capacity (as of a horse) to endure strain
8 : a foundation color applied to textile fibers before dyeing
9 : a fundamental quark that accounts for the existence and lifetime of upsilon particles and has an electric charge of -1/3 and a measured energy of approximately 5 GeV also : the flavor characterizing this particle
–bot·tomed \-təmd\ adjective
–at bottom : REALLY, BASICALLY

bottom
n. 1 : to furnish with a bottom
2 : to provide a foundation for
3 : to bring to the bottom
4 : to get to the bottom of
intransitive verb
1 : to become based
2 : to reach the bottom
3 : to reach a point where a decline is halted or reversed ― usually used with out <the team bottomed out in last place>
–bot·tom·er noun

bottom
n. 1 : of, relating to, or situated at the bottom <bottom rock>
2 : frequenting the bottom <bottom fish>

bottom
n. bell bottom
at bottom
bottom feeder
bottom feeding
bottom fishing
bottom fisher
bottom line
bottom liner
bottom round
bottom up
Foggy Bottom
rock bottom
bell bottoms

bottom line
1 a : the essential or salient point : CRUX b : the primary or most important consideration
2 a : the line at the bottom of a financial report that shows the net profit or loss b : financial considerations (as cost or profit or loss) c : the final result

bottom round
: meat (as steak) from the outer part of a round of beef

bottom-feeder
1 : a fish that feeds at the bottom
2 : one that is of the lowest status or rank
3 : an opportunist who seeks quick profit usually at the expense of others or from their misfortune
–bot·tom-feed·ing \-diŋ\ adjective

bottom-fishing
: the practice of making purchases (as of stocks) when prices appear to be at their lowest point
–bot·tom-fish·er \-shər\ noun

bottom-line
1 : concerned only with cost or profits
2 : PRAGMATIC, REALISTIC
–bot·tom-lin·er \-ˌlī-nər\ noun

bottom-up
: progressing upward from the lowest levels (as of a stratified organization or system) <bottom-up management>

bottomland
n. : low-lying land along a watercourse ― often used in plural <the fertile bottomlands>

bottomless
adj. 1 : having no bottom <a bottomless chair>
2 a : extremely deep b : impossible to comprehend : UNFATHOMABLE <a bottomless mystery> c : BOUNDLESS, UNLIMITED
3 a [from the absence of lower as well as upper garments] : NUDE <bottomless dancers> b : featuring nude entertainers
–bot·tom·less·ly adverb
–bot·tom·less·ness noun

bottommost
adj. 1 a : situated at the very bottom : LOWEST, DEEPEST b : LAST <the bottommost part of the day ― Alfred Kazin>
2 : most basic <the bottommost problems facing the world>

Bottrop
city W Germany NNW of Essen pop 118,758

botulin
n. : BOTULINUM TOXIN

botulinum
n. : a spore-forming bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that secretes botulinum toxin
–bot·u·li·nal \-'lī-nəl\ adjective

botulinum toxin
: a neurotoxin formed by botulinum that causes botulism and that is injected in a purified form for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes (as to treat blepharospasm and reduce wrinkles)

botulism
n. : an acute paralytic disease caused by botulinum toxin especially in food

boubou
: a long flowing garment worn in parts of Africa

Bouchard
Lucien 1938-     Canad. polit.

bouche
amuse bouche
a bouche ouverte
à bouche ouverte

bouchee
: a small patty shell usually containing a creamed filling

Boucher
n. François 1703-1770 Fr. painter

Boucherville
town Canada in S Que. NE of Montreal pop 36,253

Boucicault
Dion 1820(or 1822)-1890 Dionysius Lardner Boursiquot American (Irish-born) actor & dram.

boucle
n. 1 : an uneven yarn of three plies one of which forms loops at intervals
2 : a fabric of bouclé yarn

Boudicca
d A.D. 60 ancient Brit. queen

boudin
n. 1 : BLOOD SAUSAGE
2 : a spicy Cajun sausage containing rice and meat (as pork) or seafood

boudoir
n. : a woman's dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room

bouffant
adj. : puffed out <bouffant hairdos> <a bouffant veil>

Bougainville
Louis-Antoine de 1729-1811 Fr. navigator

Bougainville
island S. Pacific; largest of the Solomons; chief town Kieta area 3880 sq mi (10,088 sq km)

bougainvillea
n. : any of a genus (Bougainvillaea) of the four-o'clock family of ornamental tropical American woody vines and shrubs with brilliant purple or red floral bracts

bough
n. : a branch of a tree especially : a main branch
–boughed \'bau̇d\ adjective

bought
adj. past and past part of buy

bought
adj. : STORE 2 <bought clothes>

boughten
chiefly dialect : BOUGHT <the only boughten carpet in the region ― H. W. Thompson>

Bougie
n. ― see BEJAÏA

bougie
n. 1 : a wax candle
2 a : a tapering cylindrical instrument for introduction into a tubular passage of the body b : SUPPOSITORY

bouillabaisse
n. 1 : a highly seasoned fish stew made with at least two kinds of fish
2 : POTPOURRI 2

Bouillon
n. town SE Belgium in the Ardennes pop 5393

bouillon
n. : a clear seasoned soup made usually from lean beef broadly : BROTH

bouillon
n. bouillon cube
court bouillon
Godfrey of Bouillon
Godefroy de Bouillon

bouillon cube
: a cube of evaporated meat extract

Boulanger
Georges-Ernest-Jean-Marie 1837-1891 Fr. gen.

Boulanger
Nadia-Juliette 1887-1979 Fr. music teacher & conductor

Boulder
n. city N cen Colo. pop 94,673

boulder
n. : a detached and rounded or much-worn mass of rock
–boul·dered \-dərd\ adjective
–boul·dery \-d(ə-)rē\ adjective

Boulder Dam
― see HOOVER DAM

bouldering
n. : the sport of rock climbing on large boulders or low cliffs
–boulder intransitive verb
–boul·der·er \-d(ə-)rər\ noun

boule
n. : a legislative council of ancient Greece consisting first of an aristocratic advisory body and later of a representative senate

boule
n. : a synthetically formed mass (as of sapphire) with the atomic structure of a single crystal

boulevard
n. : a broad often landscaped thoroughfare

boulevardier
n. : a frequenter of the Parisian boulevards broadly : MAN-ABOUT-TOWN

bouleversement
1 : REVERSAL
2 : a violent disturbance : DISORDER

Boulez
n. Pierre 1925-     Fr. composer & conductor

boulle
n. : inlaid decoration of tortoiseshell, yellow metal, and white metal in cabinetwork

Boulogne
n. city & port N France on English Channel pop 44,865

Boulogne
n. Boulogne sur Mer
Bois de Boulogne
Boulogne Billancourt

Boulogne-Billancourt
commune N France SW of Paris on the Seine pop 106,316

bounce
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : BEAT, BUMP
2 : to cause to rebound or be reflected <bounce a ball> <bounce a light ray off a reflector>
3 a : DISMISS, FIRE b : to expel precipitately from a place c : to eliminate from a competition by defeating <was bounced from the tournament in the first round>
4 : to issue (a check) drawn on an account with insufficient funds
5 : to present (as an idea) to another person to elicit comments or to gain approval ― usually used with off
intransitive verb
1 : to rebound or reflect after striking a surface (as the ground)
2 : to recover from a blow or a defeat quickly ― usually used with back
3 : to be returned by a bank because of insufficient funds in a checking account <his checks bounce>
4 a : to leap suddenly : BOUND b : to walk with springing steps
5 : to hit a baseball so that it hits the ground before it reaches an infielder

bounce
n. 1 a : a sudden leap or bound b : REBOUND
2 : BLUSTER
3 : VERVE, LIVELINESS

bouncer
n. : one that bounces: as a : one employed to restrain or eject disorderly persons b : a bouncing ground ball

bouncing
adj. 1 : LIVELY, ANIMATED
2 : enjoying good health : ROBUST
–bounc·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

bouncing bet
: a European perennial herb (Saponaria officinalis) of the pink family that is widely naturalized in the U.S. and has pink or white flowers and leaves which yield a detergent when bruised ― called also soapwort

bouncy
adj. 1 : BUOYANT, EXUBERANT
2 : RESILIENT
3 : marked by or producing bounces
–bounc·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb

bound
n. 1 archaic : READY
2 : intending to go : GOING <bound for home> <college-bound>

bound
n. 1 a : a limiting line : BOUNDARY ― usually used in plural b : something that limits or restrains <beyond the bounds of decency>
2 usually plural a : BORDERLAND b : the land within certain bounds
3 : a number greater than or equal to every number in a set (as the range of a function) also : a number less than or equal to every number in a set

bound
n. past and past part of bind

bound
n. 1 : to set limits or bounds to : CONFINE
2 : to form the boundary of : ENCLOSE
3 : to name the boundaries of

bound
n. 1 : placed under legal or moral restraint or obligation : OBLIGED <duty-bound>
2 a : fastened by or as if by a band : CONFINED <desk-bound> b : very likely : SURE <bound to rain soon>
3 : made costive : CONSTIPATED
4 of a book : secured to the covers by cords, tapes, or glue
5 : DETERMINED, RESOLVED
6 : held in chemical or physical combination
7 : always occurring in combination with another linguistic form <un- in unknown and -er in speaker are bound forms> ― compare FREE 11d

bound
n. 1 : LEAP, JUMP
2 : the action of rebounding : BOUNCE

bound
n. 1 : to move by leaping
2 : REBOUND, BOUNCE

bound
n. adhesive bound
bound up
half bound
muscle bound
outward bound
perfect bound
pot bound
quarter bound
root bound
spiral bound
three quarter bound
weather bound
by leaps and bounds
out of bounds

bound up
: closely involved or associated ― usually used with with <his life was bound up with the town's history>

boundary
n. : something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent
–bound·ary·less \-ləs\ adjective
–bound·ary·less·ness noun

boundary
n. boundary layer
K T boundary
Boundary Peak

boundary layer
: a region of retarded fluid near the surface of a body which moves through a fluid or past which a fluid moves

Boundary Peak
mountain 13,140 ft (4005 m) SW Nev. in White Mountains; highest in state

bounded
adj. : having a mathematical bound or bounds <a set bounded above by 25 and bounded below by -10>

boundedness
: the quality or state of being bounded

bounden
adj. 1 archaic : being under obligation : BEHOLDEN
2 : made obligatory : BINDING <our bounden duty>

bounder
n. 1 : one that bounds
2 : a man of objectionable social behavior : CAD
–bound·er·ish \-d(ə-)rish\ adjective

boundless
adj. : having no boundaries : VAST <boundless possibilities>
–bound·less·ly adverb
–bound·less·ness noun

bounteous
adj. 1 : giving or disposed to give freely
2 : liberally bestowed
–boun·te·ous·ly adverb
–boun·te·ous·ness noun

bountied
1 : having the benefit of a bounty
2 : rewarded or rewardable by a bounty

Bountiful
adj. city N Utah N of Salt Lake City pop 41,301

bountiful
adj. 1 : liberal in bestowing gifts or favors
2 : given or provided abundantly <a bountiful harvest>
synonyms see LIBERAL
–boun·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–boun·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

bounty
n. 1 : something that is given generously
2 : liberality in giving : GENEROSITY
3 : yield especially of a crop
4 : a reward, premium, or subsidy especially when offered or given by a government: as a : an extra allowance to induce entry into the armed services b : a grant to encourage an industry c : a payment to encourage the destruction of noxious animals d : a payment for the capture of or assistance in the capture of an outlaw

bounty hunter
1 : one who tracks down and captures outlaws for whom a reward is offered
2 : one who hunts predatory animals for the reward offered

bouquet
n. 1 a : flowers picked and fastened together in a bunch : NOSEGAY b : MEDLEY <a bouquet of songs>
2 : COMPLIMENT
3 a : a distinctive and characteristic fragrance (as of wine) b : a subtle aroma or quality (as of an artistic performance)

bouquet
n. bouquet garni
spiritual bouquet
bouquets garnis

bouquet garni
: an herb mixture that is either tied together or enclosed in a porous container and is cooked with a dish but removed before serving

Bourbon
n. Charles de 1490-1527 Duc de Bourbon Fr. gen.; constable of France

bourbon
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a French family founded in 1272 to which belong the rulers of France from 1589 to 1793 and from 1814 to 1830, of Spain from 1700 to 1808, from 1814 to 1868, from 1875 to 1931, and from 1975, of Naples from 1735 to 1805, and of the Two Sicilies from 1815 to 1860
2 [Bourbon (now Réunion), French island in the Indian Ocean] : a rose (Rosa borboniana) of upright growth with shining leaves, prickly branches, and clustered large flowers
3 [Bourbon County, Kentucky] : a whiskey distilled from a mash made up of not less than 51 percent corn plus malt and rye ― compare CORN WHISKEY
4 often capitalized : a person who clings obstinately to old social and political ideas specifically : an extremely conservative member of the U.S. Democratic party usually from the South
–bour·bon·ism \-bə-ˌni-zəm\ noun often cap

Bourbonnais
former province cen France W of Burgundy

bourg
: TOWN, VILLAGE: as a : one neighboring a castle b : a market town

Bourgeois
n. Léon-Victor-Auguste 1851-1925 Fr. statesman

Bourgeois
n. Louise 1911-     American (Fr.-born) sculptor

bourgeois
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the townsman or of the social middle class
2 : marked by a concern for material interests and respectability and a tendency toward mediocrity
3 : dominated by commercial and industrial interests : CAPITALISTIC
–bour·geois·ifi·ca·tion \ˌbu̇(r)zh-ˌwä-zə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–bour·geois·ify \bu̇(r)zh-'wä-zə-ˌfī\ verb

bourgeois
n. 1 a : BURGHER b : a middle-class person
2 : a person with social behavior and political views held to be influenced by private-property interest : CAPITALIST
3 plural : BOURGEOISIE

bourgeois
n. petit bourgeois
epater le bourgeois
épater les bourgeois
épater le bourgeois

bourgeoise
n. : a woman of the middle class

bourgeoisie
n. 1 : MIDDLE CLASS also plural in construction : members of the middle class
2 : a social order dominated by bourgeois

bourgeon
n. variant of burgeon

Bourges
commune cen France SSE of Orléans pop 72,434

Bourget
Paul-Charles-Joseph 1852-1935 Fr. author

Bourgogne
― see BURGUNDY

Bourguiba
Habib ibn Ali 1903-2000 Tunisian pres. (1957-87)

bourguignonne
: prepared or served in the manner of Burgundy (as with a sauce made with red wine) <beef bourguignonne>

Bourke-White
Margaret 1906-1971 née White American photographer

bourn
n. : STREAM, BROOK

bourne
n. 1 : BOUNDARY, LIMIT
2 : GOAL, DESTINATION

Bournemouth
n. town S England in Dorset on English Channel pop 154,400

bourree
1 : a 17th century French dance usually in quick duple time also : a musical composition with the rhythm of this dance
2 : PAS DE BOURRÉE

bourride
: a fish stew similar to bouillabaisse that is usually thickened with egg yolks and strongly flavored with garlic

bourse
n. 1 : EXCHANGE 5A specifically : a European stock exchange
2 : a sale of numismatic or philatelic items on tables (as at a convention)

boustrophedon
n. : the writing of alternate lines in opposite directions (as from left to right and from right to left)
–boustrophedon adjective or adverb
–bou·stro·phe·don·ic \-fē-'dä-nik\ adjective

bout
n. : a spell of activity: as a : an athletic match (as of boxing) b : OUTBREAK, ATTACK <a bout of pneumonia> c : SESSION

boutique
n. 1 a : a small fashionable shop b : a small shop within a large department store
2 : a small company that offers highly specialized services or products <boutique wineries> <an independent investment boutique>
–bou·tiqu·ey \-'tē-kē\ adjective

boutonniere
n. : a flower or bouquet worn in a buttonhole

Boutros-Ghali
Boutros 1922-     Egypt. U.N. official; secy.-gen. (1992-96)

Bouvet
island S. Atlantic SSW of Cape of Good Hope at ab 54°S, 5°E; belongs to Norway

Bouvier des Flandres
: any of a breed of large powerfully built rough-coated dogs of Belgian origin used especially for herding and in guard work ― called also Bouvier

bouzouki
n. : a long-necked stringed instrument of Greek origin that resembles a mandolin

bovid
n. : any of a family (Bovidae) of ruminants that have hollow unbranched permanently attached horns present in usually both sexes and that include antelopes, oxen, sheep, and goats

bovine
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling bovines and especially the ox or cow
2 : having qualities (as placidity or dullness) characteristic of oxen or cows
–bo·vine·ly adverb
–bo·vin·i·ty \bō-'vi-nə-tē\ noun

bovine
n. : any of a subfamily (Bovinae) of bovids including oxen, bison, buffalo, and their close relatives

bovine spongiform encephalopathy
: a fatal spongiform encephalopathy of cattle affecting the nervous system, resembling or identical with scrapie of sheep and goats, and prob. caused by a prion transmitted by infected tissue in food ― abbreviation BSE ― called also mad cow disease

Bow
n. river 315 mi (507 km) Canada in SW Alta. rising in Banff National Park

bow
n. intransitive verb
1 : to cease from competition or resistance : SUBMIT, YIELD <refusing to bow to the inevitable ― John O'Hara> also : to suffer defeat <bowed to the champion>
2 : to bend the head, body, or knee in reverence, submission, or shame
3 : to incline the head or body in salutation or assent or to acknowledge applause
4 : DEBUT <the play will bow next month>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to incline
2 : to incline (as the head) especially in respect or submission
3 : to crush with a heavy burden
4 a : to express by bowing b : to usher in or out with a bow

bow
n. : a bending of the head or body in respect, submission, assent, or salutation also : a show of respect or submission

bow
n. 1 a : something bent into a simple curve b : RAINBOW
2 : a weapon that is made of a strip of flexible material (as wood) with a cord connecting the two ends and holding the strip bent and that is used to propel an arrow
3 : ARCHER
4 a : a metal ring or loop forming a handle (as of a key) b : a knot formed by doubling a ribbon or string into two or more loops c : BOW TIE 1 d : a frame for the lenses of eyeglasses also : the sidepiece of the frame passing over the ear
5 a : a wooden rod with horsehairs stretched from end to end used in playing an instrument of the viol or violin family b : a stroke of such a bow

bow
n. 1 : to bend into a curve
2 : to play a stringed musical instrument with a bow
transitive verb
1 : to cause to bend into a curve
2 : to play (a stringed instrument) with a bow

bow
n. 1 : the forward part of a ship ― often used in plural <crossing the bows>
2 : 2BOWMAN

bow
n. Bow bells
bow out
bow saw
bow shock
bow tie
bow window
Cupid's bow
down bow
sound bow
up bow
Medicine Bow
Medicine Bow Mountains

Bow bells
: the bells of the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow in London

bow out
: RETIRE, WITHDRAW also : LOSE <bowed out in the first round of the tournament>

bow saw
: a saw having a narrow blade held under tension by a light bow-shaped frame

bow shock
: the shock wave formed by the collision of a stellar wind with another medium (as the magnetosphere of a planet)

bow tie
1 : a short necktie tied in a bowknot
2 : something (as pasta) resembling a bow tie in shape

bow window
: a usually curved bay window

Bowditch
Nathaniel 1773-1838 American math. & astron.

bowdlerise
v. British variant of bowdlerize

bowdlerize
v. 1 : to expurgate (as a book) by omitting or modifying parts considered vulgar
2 : to modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content
–bowd·ler·i·za·tion \ˌbōd-lə-rə-'zā-shən, ˌbau̇d-\ noun
–bowd·ler·iz·er noun

bowed
adj. 1 : bent downward and forward <listened with bowed heads>
2 : having the back and head inclined

bowed
adj. : furnished with or shaped like a bow

bowel
n. 1 : INTESTINE, GUT also : one of the divisions of the intestines ― usually used in plural except in medical use <the large bowel> <move your bowels>
2 archaic : the seat of pity, tenderness, or courage ― usually used in plural
3 plural : the interior parts especially : the deep or remote parts <bowels of the earth>
–bow·el·less \'bau̇(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

Bowell
Sir Mackenzie 1823-1917 Canad. polit.; prime min. of Canada (1894-96)

Bowen
n. Elizabeth 1899-1973 Irish author

bower
n. 1 : an attractive dwelling or retreat
2 : a lady's private apartment in a medieval hall or castle
3 : a shelter (as in a garden) made with tree boughs or vines twined together : ARBOR
–bow·ery \-ē\ adjective

bower
n. : EMBOWER, ENCLOSE

bower
n. : an anchor carried at the bow of a ship

bowerbird
n. : any of a family (Ptilonorhynchidae) of passerine birds of Australia and New Guinea in which the male builds a chamber or passage arched over with twigs and grasses, often adorned with bright-colored objects, and used especially to attract the female

bowery
n. 1 : a colonial Dutch plantation or farm
2 [Bowery, street in New York City] : a city district known for cheap bars and derelicts

bowfin
n. : a predaceous dull-green iridescent No. American freshwater fish (Amia calva) that is the only surviving member of an order (Amiiformes) dating back to the Jurassic

bowfront
1 : having an outward curving front <bowfront furniture>
2 : having a bow window in front <bowfront houses>

bowhead whale
: a baleen whale (Balaena mysticetus) of arctic and subarctic seas ― called also bowhead

Bowie
n. James 1796-1836 hero of Texas revolution

Bowie
n. town Md. NE of Washington, D.C. pop 50,269

bowie knife
: a stout single-edged hunting knife with part of the back edge curved concavely to a point and sharpened

bowing
n. : the technique or manner of managing the bow in playing a stringed musical instrument

bowknot
n. : a knot with decorative loops

bowl
n. 1 : a concave usually nearly hemispherical vessel specifically : a drinking vessel (as for wine)
2 : the contents of a bowl
3 : a bowl-shaped or concave part: as a : the hollow of a spoon or tobacco pipe b : the receptacle of a toilet
4 a : a natural formation or geographical region shaped like a bowl b : a bowl-shaped structure especially : an athletic stadium
5 : a postseason football game between specially invited teams
–bowled \'bōld\ adjective
–bowl·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

bowl
n. 1 a : a ball (as of lignum vitae) weighted or shaped to give it a bias when rolled in lawn bowling b plural but singular in construction : LAWN BOWLING
2 : a delivery of the ball in bowling
3 : a cylindrical roller or drum (as for a machine)

bowl
n. 1 a : to participate in a game of bowling b : to roll a ball in bowling
2 : to travel smoothly and rapidly (as in a wheeled vehicle)
transitive verb
1 a : to roll (a ball) in bowling b (1) : to complete by bowling <bowl a string> (2) : to score by bowling <bowls 150>
2 : to strike with a swiftly moving object

bowl
n. bowl over
dust bowl
finger bowl
goldfish bowl
punch bowl
rust bowl
slop bowl
Super Bowl
wassail bowl
lawn bowling
Bowling Green

bowl over
1 : to take unawares
2 : 1IMPRESS 2

bowlder
n. variant of boulder

bowleg
n. : a leg bowed outward at or below the knee
–bow·legged \'bō-ˌle-gəd, -ˌlā-; -ˌlegd, -ˌlāgd\ adjective

bowler
n. : a person who bowls specifically : the player who delivers the ball to the batsman in cricket

bowler
n. : DERBY 3

Bowles
Chester 1901-1986 American econ. & diplomat

bowline
n. 1 : a rope used to keep the weather edge of a square sail taut forward
2 : a knot used to form a loop that neither slips nor jams ― see KNOT illustration

bowling
n. : any of several games in which balls are rolled on a green or down an alley at an object or group of objects

Bowling Green
1 city S Ky. pop 49,296
2 city NW Ohio S of Toledo pop 29,636

bowman
n. : ARCHER 1

bowman
n. : a boatman, oarsman, or paddler stationed in the front of a boat

Bowman's capsule
: a thin membranous double-walled capsule surrounding the glomerulus of a vertebrate nephron

bowse
v. transitive verb : to haul by means of a tackle
intransitive verb : to bowse something

bowsprit
n. : a large spar projecting forward from the stem of a ship

bowstring
n. : a waxed or sized cord joining the ends of a shooting bow

bowstring hemp
: any of various Asian and African sansevierias also : its soft tough leaf fiber used especially in cordage

bowwow
n. 1 : the bark of a dog also : DOG
2 : noisy clamor
3 : arrogant dogmatic manner

bowyer
n. : a maker of shooting bows

box
n. : an evergreen shrub or small tree (genus Buxus of the family Buxaceae, the box family) with opposite entire leaves and capsular fruits especially : a widely cultivated shrub (B. sempervirens) used for hedges, borders, and topiary figures

box
n. 1 : a rigid typically rectangular container with or without a cover <a cigar box>: as a : an open cargo container of a vehicle b : COFFIN
2 : the contents of a box especially as a measure of quantity
3 : a box or boxlike container and its contents: as a British : a gift in a box b : an automobile transmission c : TELEVISION d : a signaling apparatus <alarm box> e : a usually self-contained piece of electronic equipment f : BOOM BOX
4 : an often small space, compartment, or enclosure: as a : an enclosed group of seats for spectators (as in a theater or stadium) b : a driver's seat on a carriage or coach c : a cell for holding mail d British : BOX STALL e : PENALTY BOX
5 : a usually rectangular space that is frequently outlined or demarcated on a surface: as a : any of six spaces on a baseball diamond where the batter, coaches, pitcher, and catcher stand b : a space on a page for printed matter or in which to make a mark
6 : PREDICAMENT, FIX
7 : a cubical building
8 : the limitations of conventionality <trying to think outside the box>
–box·ful \-fu̇l\ noun
–box·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

box
n. 1 : to enclose in or as if in a box
2 : to hem in (as an opponent) ― usually used with in, out, or up <boxed out the tackle>

box
n. : a punch or slap especially on the ear

box
n. 1 : to hit (as the ears) with the hand
2 : to engage in boxing with
intransitive verb : to fight with the fists : engage in boxing

box
n. : to name the 32 points of (the compass) in their order ― used figuratively in the phrase box the compass to describe making a complete reversal

box
n. ballot box
black box
boom box
box camera
box coat
box cutter
box elder
box jellyfish
box kite
box lunch
box office
box pleat
box score
box seat
box social
box spring
box stall
box turtle
box tortoise
call box
chocolate box
dealing box
dialog box
ditty box
dough box
glove box
idiot box
in box
jack in the box
jacks in the box
jewel box
journal box
letter box
live box
loose box
luxury box
miter box
musical box
music box
out box
Pandora's box
penalty box
pillar box
poor box
pouncet box
press box
ready box
safe deposit box
safety deposit box
sentry box
service box
shadow box
Skinner box
sound box
squawk box
stuffing box
swell box
telephone box
voice box
window box
witness box
Chinese boxes
jack in the boxes
Boxing Day
boxing glove

box camera
: a box-shaped camera with a simple lens and rotary shutter

box coat
1 : a heavy overcoat formerly worn for driving
2 : a loose coat usually fitted at the shoulders

box cutter
: a small cutting tool that is designed for opening cardboard boxes and typically consists of a retractable razor blade in a thin metal sheath

box elder
: a rapidly growing No. American maple (Acer negundo) with compound leaves

box jellyfish
: SEA WASP

box kite
: a tailless kite consisting of two or more open-ended connected boxes

box lunch
: a lunch packed in a container (as a box)

box office
1 a : an office (as in a theater) where tickets of admission are sold b : income from ticket sales (as for a film)
2 : the ability (as of a show) to attract ticket buyers also : something that enhances that ability <any publicity is good box office>

box pleat
: a pleat made by forming two folded edges one facing right and the other left

box score
: a printed score of a game (as baseball) giving the names and positions of the players and a record of the play arranged in tabular form broadly : total count : SUMMARY

box seat
1 : 2BOX 4B
2 a : a seat in a box (as in a theater or grandstand) b : a position favorable for viewing something

box social
: a fund-raising affair at which box lunches are auctioned to the highest bidder

box spring
: a bedspring that consists of spiral springs attached to a foundation and enclosed in a cloth-covered frame

box stall
: an individual enclosure within a barn or stable in which an animal may move about freely without a restraining device

box turtle
: any of several No. American land turtles (genus Terrapene) capable of withdrawing into their shell and closing it by hinged joints in the lower half ― called also box tortoise

boxboard
n. : cardboard used for making boxes and cartons

boxcar
n. : a roofed freight car usually with sliding doors in the sides

boxcar
n. : very large <the judge awarded her a boxcar figure>

Boxer
n. : a member of a Chinese secret society that in 1900 attempted by violence to drive foreigners out of China and to force Chinese converts to renounce Christianity

boxer
n. 1 : a person who engages in the sport of boxing
2 plural : BOXER SHORTS

boxer
n. : one that makes boxes or packs things in boxes

boxer
n. : any of a German breed of compact medium-sized dogs with a short usually fawn or brindled coat

boxer shorts
: men's underwear shorts characterized by loose fit

boxing
n. : the art of attack and defense with the fists practiced as a sport

boxing
n. 1 : an act of enclosing in a box
2 : a boxlike enclosure : CASING
3 : material used for boxes and casings

Boxing Day
: the first weekday after Christmas observed as a legal holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and marked by the giving of Christmas boxes to service workers (as postal workers)

boxing glove
: one of a pair of leather mittens heavily padded on the back and worn in boxing

boxthorn
n. : MATRIMONY VINE

boxwood
n. 1 : the close-grained heavy hard tough wood of the box (genus Buxus) also : a wood of similar properties
2 : a tree producing boxwood

boxy
adj. : resembling a box
–box·i·ness noun

boy
n. 1 often offensive : a male servant
2 a : a male child from birth to adulthood b : SON c : an immature male <separate the men from the boys> <boy genius> d : SWEETHEART, BEAU
3 a : one native to a given place <local boy> b : FELLOW, PERSON <the boys at the office> c ― used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling <boy, what a game>
–boy·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–boy·ish \-ish\ adjective
–boy·ish·ly adverb
–boy·ish·ness noun

boy
n. poor boy
altar boy
bad boy
ball boy
barrow boy
B boy
best boy
big boy
Boy Scout
boy toy
boy wonder
cabin boy
chorus boy
delivery boy
good old boy
good ole boy
good ol' boy
mama's boy
office boy
old boy
page boy
poster boy
pretty boy
roaring boy
stock boy
teddy boy
water boy
whipping boy

Boy Scout
1 : a member of any of various national scouting programs (as the Boy Scouts of America) for boys usually 11 to 17 years of age
2 : a person whose values or actions are characteristic of a Boy Scout

boy toy
: a usually young man considered as an object of sexual desire

boy wonder
: a young man of noteworthy achievements

boyar
n. : a member of a Russian aristocratic order next in rank below the ruling princes until its abolition by Peter the Great

boychick
: a young man : BOY

boycott
n. : to engage in a concerted refusal to have dealings with (as a person, store, or organization) usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions
–boycott noun
–boy·cott·er noun

Boyden
Seth 1788-1870 American inventor

Boyer
Paul Delos 1918-     Am. chem.

boyfriend
n. 1 : a male friend
2 : a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship

Boyle
n. Kay 1902-1992 American author

Boyle
n. Robert 1627-1691 Brit. physicist & chem.

Boyle's law
: a statement in physics: the volume of a gas at constant temperature varies inversely with the pressure exerted on it

Boyne
river 70 mi (113 km) E Ireland in Leinster flowing to Irish Sea S of Drogheda

Boynton Beach
city SE Fla. pop 60,389

boyo
n. Irish : BOY, LAD

Boyoma Falls
series of seven cataracts NE Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Lualaba near head of Congo River with total fall of ab 200 ft (61 m) in 60 mi (96 km)

boysenberry
n. : a large reddish black fruit with a raspberry flavor also : the trailing hybrid bramble yielding this fruit and developed by crossing several blackberries and raspberries

Bozcaada
island Turkey in NE Aegean Sea S of the Dardanelles

Bozeman
city SW Mont. pop 27,509

bozo
n. : a foolish or incompetent person

BP
1 batting practice
2 beautiful people
3 before the present
4 bills payable
5 blood pressure
6 blueprint
7 boiling point

bp
1 baptized
2 base pair
3 birthplace
4 bishop

bpd
barrels per day

BPE
bachelor of physical education

BPH
benign prostatic hyperplasia; benign prostatic hypertrophy

BPh
bachelor of philosophy

BPharm
bachelor of pharmacy

bpi
bits per inch; bytes per inch

bpl
birthplace

bpm
beats per minute

BPOE
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

bps
bits per second

BPW
1 Board of Public Works
2 Business and Professional Women's Clubs

BR
1 bedroom
2 bills receivable

Br
Britain; British

Br
bromine

br
1 branch
2 brass
3 brown

bra
n. : BRASSIERE
–bra·less adjective

bra
n. port de bras
a bras ouverts
à bras ouverts
Bras d'Or Lake

Brabant
n. 1 old duchy of W Europe including region now forming N. Brabant province of Netherlands & Brabant & Antwerp provinces of Belgium
2 province cen Belgium capital Brussels pop 1,022,821

brabble
n. : SQUABBLE
–brabble noun

brace
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : to fasten tightly : BIND
2 a : to prepare for use by making taut b : PREPARE, STEEL <brace yourself for the shock> c : INVIGORATE, FRESHEN
3 : to turn (a sail yard) by means of a brace
4 a : to furnish or support with a brace <heavily braced against the wind> b : to make stronger : REINFORCE
5 : to put or plant firmly <braces his foot in the stirrup>
6 : to waylay especially with demands or questions
intransitive verb
1 : to take heart ― used with up
2 : to get ready (as for an attack)

brace
n. 1 : something (as a clasp) that connects or fastens
2 or plural brace : two of a kind : PAIR <several brace of quail>
3 : a crank-shaped instrument for turning a bit
4 : something that transmits, directs, resists, or supports weight or pressure: as a : a diagonal piece of structural material that serves to strengthen something (as a framework) b : a rope rove through a block at the end of a ship's yard to swing it horizontally c plural : SUSPENDERS d : an appliance for supporting a body part e plural : an orthodontic appliance usually of metallic wire that is used especially to exert pressure to straighten misaligned teeth
5 a : one of two marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together b : one of these marks connecting two or more musical staffs carrying parts to be performed simultaneously c : BRACKET 3A
6 : a position of rigid attention
7 : something that arouses energy or strengthens morale

brace root
: PROP ROOT

bracelet
n. 1 : an ornamental band or chain worn around the wrist
2 : something (as handcuffs) resembling a bracelet

bracer
n. : an arm or wrist protector especially for use by an archer

bracer
n. 1 : one that braces, binds, or makes firm
2 : a drink (as of liquor) taken as a stimulant

bracero
n. : a Mexican laborer admitted to the U.S. especially for seasonal contract labor in agriculture

brachi
1 : arm <brachial>
2 : brachial and <brachiocephalic>

brachial
adj. : of, relating to, or situated in the arm or an armlike process <the brachial artery of the upper arm>

brachial plexus
: a network of nerves lying mostly in the armpit and supplying nerves to the chest, shoulder, and arm

brachiate
adj. : to progress by swinging from hold to hold by the arms <a brachiating gibbon>
–bra·chi·a·tion \ˌbrā-kē-'ā-shən\ noun
–bra·chi·a·tor \'brā-kē-ˌā-tər\ noun

brachiocephalic artery
: a short artery that arises from the arch of the aorta and divides into the carotid and subclavian arteries of the right side ― called also innominate artery

brachiocephalic vein
: either of two large veins that occur one on each side of the neck, receive blood from the head and neck, and unite to form the superior vena cava ― called also innominate vein

brachiopod
n. : any of a phylum (Brachiopoda) of marine invertebrates with bivalve shells within which is a pair of arms bearing tentacles by which a current of water is made to bring microscopic food to the mouth ― called also lampshell
–brachiopod adjective

brachiosaur
: any of a genus (Brachiosaurus) of very large sauropod dinosaurs of the late Jurassic period having a massive body, a very long neck, and forelegs longer than hind legs

brachy
: short <brachycephalic>

brachycephalic
adj. : short-headed or broad-headed with a cephalic index of over 80
–brachy·ceph·a·ly \-'se-fə-lē\ noun

brachypterous
: having rudimentary or abnormally small wings <brachypterous insects>

brachytherapy
n. : radiotherapy in which the source of radiation is placed (as by implantation) in or close to the area being treated

bracing
adj. : giving strength, vigor, or freshness <a bracing breeze>
–brac·ing·ly adverb

braciola
: a thin slice of meat wrapped around a seasoned filling and often cooked in wine

bracken
n. 1 : a large coarse fern especially : a nearly cosmopolitan brake (Pteridium aquilinum) found in most tropical and temperate regions
2 : a growth of brakes

bracket
n. 1 : an overhanging member that projects from a structure (as a wall) and is usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle
2 : a fixture (as for holding a lamp) projecting from a wall or column
3 a : one of a pair of marks [ ] used in writing and printing to enclose matter or in mathematics and logic as signs of aggregation ― called also square bracket b : one of the pair of marks [ ] used to enclose matter ― called also angle bracket c : PARENTHESIS 3 d : BRACE 5B
4 : a section of a continuously numbered or graded series (as age ranges or income levels)

bracket
n. 1 a : to place within or as if within brackets <editorial comments are bracketed> <news stories bracketed by commercials> b : to eliminate from consideration <bracket off politics> c : to extend around so as to encompass : INCLUDE <test pressures⋯which bracket virtually the entire range of passenger-car tire pressures ― Consumer Reports>
2 : to furnish or fasten with brackets
3 : to put in the same category or group <bracketed in a tie for third>
4 a : to get the range on (a target) by firing over and short <there were mortar rounds bracketing the area ― Ed Bradley> b : to establish the limits of <bracketed the problem neatly> c : to take photographs of at more than one exposure in order to ensure that the desired exposure is obtained

bracket
n. angle bracket
square bracket
bracket creep
bracket fungus

bracket creep
: movement into a higher tax bracket as a result of income rises intended to offset the effects of inflation

bracket fungus
: a basidiomycete that forms shelflike sporophores

bracketed
v. of a serif : joined to the stroke by a curved line

brackish
adj. 1 : somewhat salty <brackish water>
2 a : not appealing to the taste <brackish tea> b : REPULSIVE
–brack·ish·ness noun

braconid
: any of a large family (Braconidae) of ichneumon wasps
–braconid adjective

bract
n. 1 : a leaf from the axil of which a flower or floral axis arises
2 : a leaf borne on a floral axis especially : one subtending a flower or flower cluster
–brac·te·al \'brak-tē-əl\ adjective
–brac·te·ate \-tē-ət, -ˌāt\ adjective
–bract·ed \-təd\ adjective

bracteole
: a small bract especially on a floral axis

brad
n. 1 : a thin nail of the same thickness throughout but tapering in width and having a slight projection at the top of one side instead of a head
2 : a slender wire nail with a small barrel-shaped head

brad
n. : to fasten with brads

bradawl
n. : an awl with chisel edge used to make holes for brads or screws

Bradbury
Ray Douglas 1920-     American writer

Braddock
Edward 1695-1755 Brit. gen. in America

Bradenton
city & port W Fla. N of Sarasota pop 49,504

Bradford
n. Gamaliel 1863-1932 American biographer

Bradford
n. William 1590-1657 Pilgrim father; 2d gov. of Plymouth colony

Bradford
n. William 1663-1752 American printer

Bradford
n. city N England in W. Yorkshire pop 280,691

Bradley
n. Francis Herbert 1846-1924 Eng. philos.
–Brad·le·ian also Brad·ley·an \'brad-lē-ən, brad-'\ adjective

Bradley
n. Henry 1845-1923 Eng. philologist & lexicographer

Bradley
n. Omar Nelson 1893-1981 American gen.

Bradstreet
Anne ca 1612-1672 née Dudley; wife of Simon American poet

Bradstreet
Simon 1603-1697 colonial gov. of Massachusetts

Brady
n. Mathew B. 1823?-1896 American photographer

brady
n. : slow <bradykinin>

bradycardia
n. : relatively slow heart action ― compare TACHYCARDIA

bradykinin
n. : a kinin that is formed locally in injured tissue, acts in vasodilation of small arterioles, is considered to play a part in inflammatory processes, and is composed of a chain of nine amino acid residues

brae
n. chiefly Scottish : a hillside especially along a river

brag
v. 1 : a pompous or boastful statement
2 : arrogant talk or manner : COCKINESS
3 : BRAGGART

brag
v. intransitive verb : to talk boastfully <always bragging about his success>
transitive verb : to assert boastfully
synonyms see BOAST
–brag·ger \'bra-gər\ noun
–brag·gy \'bra-gē\ adjective

brag
v. : FIRST-RATE

Braga
commune NW Portugal NNE of Porto pop 164,192

Braganca
commune NE Portugal near Spanish border pop 34,750

Bragg
Braxton 1817-1876 American Confed. gen.

Bragg
Sir (William) Lawrence 1890-1971 son of W.H. Eng. physicist

Bragg
Sir William Henry 1862-1942 Eng. physicist

braggadocio
n. 1 : BRAGGART
2 a : empty boasting b : arrogant pretension : COCKINESS

braggart
n. : a loud arrogant boaster
–braggart adjective

bragging rights
: entitlement to boast about something

Brahe
n. Ty·cho \'tē-(ˌ)kō, 'tī-\ 1546-1601 Dan. astron.

Brahma
n. 1 : the creator god of the Hindu sacred triad ― compare SHIVA, VISHNU
2 : the ultimate ground of all being in Hinduism

Brahma
n. : BRAHMAN 2

Brahman
n. 1 a : a Hindu of the highest caste traditionally assigned to the priesthood b : 1BRAHMA 2
2 : any of an Indian breed of humped cattle : ZEBU especially : a large vigorous heat- and tick-resistant usually silvery-gray animal developed in the southern U.S. from the zebu and now used chiefly for crossbreeding
3 usually Brahmin : a person of high social standing and cultivated intellect and taste <Boston Brahmans>
–Brah·man·ic \brä-'ma-nik\ or Brah·man·i·cal \-ni-kəl\ adjective

Brahmanism
n. : orthodox Hinduism adhering to the pantheism of the Vedas and to the ancient sacrifices and family ceremonies

Brahmaputra
n. river ab 1800 mi (2900 km) S Asia flowing from the Himalayas in Tibet to the Ganges Delta in E India (subcontinent) ― see JAMUNA, TSANGPO

Brahms
n. Johannes 1833-1897 Ger. composer & pianist
–Brahms·ian \'bräm-zē-ən\ adjective

braid
n. 1 a : to make from braids <braid a rug> b : to form (three or more strands) into a braid
2 : to do up (the hair) by interweaving three or more strands
3 : MIX, INTERMINGLE <braid fact with fiction>
4 : to ornament especially with ribbon or braid
–braid·er noun

braid
n. 1 a : a length of braided hair b : a cord or ribbon having usually three or more component strands forming a regular diagonal pattern down its length especially : a narrow fabric of intertwined threads used especially for trimming
2 : high-ranking naval officers

braided
adj. 1 a : made by intertwining three or more strands b : ornamented with braid
2 : forming an interlacing network of channels <a braided river>

braiding
n. : something made of braided material

brail
n. 1 : a rope fastened to the leech of a sail and used for hauling the sail up or in
2 : a dip net with which fish are hauled aboard a boat from a purse seine or trap

brail
n. 1 : to take in (a sail) by the brails
2 : to hoist (fish) by means of a brail

Braila
city E Romania on the Danube pop 216,929

Braille
v. Louis 1809-1852 Fr. blind teacher of the blind

braille
v. : a system of writing for the blind that uses characters made up of raised dots
–braille transitive verb
–braill·ist \'brā-list\ noun

braillewriter
n. : a machine for writing braille

brain
n. 1 a : the portion of the vertebrate central nervous system enclosed in the skull and continuous with the spinal cord through the foramen magnum that is composed of neurons and supporting and nutritive structures (as glia) and that integrates sensory information from inside and outside the body in controlling autonomic function (as heartbeat and respiration), in coordinating and directing correlated motor responses, and in the process of learning ― compare FOREBRAIN, HINDBRAIN, MIDBRAIN b : a nervous center in invertebrates comparable in position and function to the vertebrate brain
2 a (1) : INTELLECT, MIND <has a clever brain> (2) : intellectual endowment : INTELLIGENCE ― often used in plural <plenty of brains in that family> b (1) : a very intelligent or intellectual person (2) : the chief planner of an organization or enterprise ― usually used in plural <she's the brains behind their success>
3 : something that performs the functions of a brain especially : an automatic device (as a computer) for control or computation

brain
n. 1 : to kill by smashing the skull
2 : to hit on the head

brain
n. blood brain barrier
brain coral
brain dead
brain death
brain drain
brain freeze
brain hormone
brain picking
brain picker
brain stem
brain trust
brain truster
brain wave
left brain
minimal brain dysfunction
organic brain syndrome
right brain
split brain
beat one's brains out
brains trust
cudgel one's brains
left brained
mad brained
right brained

brain coral
: a massive reef-building coral (as genus Diploria) having the surface covered by ridges and furrows

brain death
: final cessation of activity in the central nervous system especially as indicated by a flat electroencephalogram for a predetermined length of time

brain drain
: the departure of educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for another usually for better pay or living conditions

brain freeze
: a sudden shooting pain in the head caused by ingesting very cold food (as ice cream) or drink

brain hormone
1 : a hormone that is secreted by neurosecretory cells of the insect brain and that stimulates the prothoracic glands to secrete ecdysone
2 : any of various hormones (as serotonin) produced in or acting on the vertebrate brain or central nervous system ― not usually used technically

brain stem
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

brain trust
: a group of official or unofficial advisers concerned especially with planning and strategy
–brain trust·er \-ˌtrəs-tər\ noun

brain wave
1 : BRAINSTORM 2A
2 a : rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current b : a current produced by brain waves

brain-dead
1 : characterized by brain death
2 : lacking intelligence or vitality <brain-dead fools>

brain-picking
: the act of gathering information from another's mind
–brain-pick·er \-kər\ noun

braincase
n. : the cranium enclosing the brain

brainchild
n. : a product of one's creative imagination

brained
v. : having a brain of a specified kind ― used in combination <featherbrained>

brained
v. left brained
mad brained
right brained

brainiac
n. : a very intelligent person

brainish
archaic : IMPETUOUS, HOTHEADED <and in this brainish apprehension kills the unseen good old man ― Shakespeare>

brainless
adj. : devoid of intelligence : STUPID <a brainless decision>
–brain·less·ly adverb
–brain·less·ness noun

brainpan
n. : BRAINCASE

brainpower
n. 1 : intellectual ability
2 : people with developed intellectual ability

brains trust
chiefly British : BRAIN TRUST

brainsick
adj. 1 : mentally disordered
2 : arising from mental disorder <a brainsick frenzy>
–brain·sick·ly adverb

brainstorm
n. 1 : a violent transient fit of insanity
2 a : a sudden bright idea b : a harebrained idea

brainstorming
n. : a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group also : the mulling over of ideas by one or more individuals in an attempt to devise or find a solution to a problem
–brain·storm verb
–brain·storm·er noun

brainteaser
n. : something (as a puzzle) that demands mental effort and acuity for its solution

Braintree
town E Mass. S of Boston pop 33,828

brainwashing
n. 1 : a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas
2 : persuasion by propaganda or salesmanship
–brain·wash transitive verb
–brainwash noun
–brain·wash·er noun

brainy
adj. : having or showing a well-developed intellect : INTELLIGENT
–brain·i·ness noun

braise
v. : to cook slowly in fat and little moisture in a closed pot

braise
v. : an item of braised food

brake
n. archaic past of break

brake
n. : the common bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum)

brake
n. 1 : a toothed instrument or machine for separating out the fiber of flax or hemp by breaking up the woody parts
2 : a machine for bending, flanging, folding, and forming sheet metal

brake
n. : rough or marshy land overgrown usually with one kind of plant
–braky \'brā-kē\ adjective

brake
n. 1 : a device for arresting or preventing the motion of a mechanism usually by means of friction
2 : something used to slow down or stop movement or activity <use interest rates as a brake on spending>
–brake·less \'brā-kləs\ adjective

brake
n. transitive verb : to retard or stop by or as if by a brake
intransitive verb
1 : to operate or manage a brake especially : to apply the brake on a vehicle
2 : to become checked by a brake

brake
n. air brake
coaster brake
disc brake
drum brake
emergency brake
hand brake
parking brake
rock brake

brakeman
n. 1 : a freight or passenger train crew member who inspects the train and assists the conductor
2 : the member of a bobsled team who operates the brake

Brakpan
city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng on the Witwatersrand S of Johannesburg pop 85,044

Bramante
Donato 1444-1514 orig. Donato d'Agnolo or d'Angelo Ital. architect

bramble
n. 1 : any of a genus (Rubus) of usually prickly shrubs of the rose family including the raspberries and blackberries also : the fruit of a bramble
2 : a rough prickly shrub or vine
–bram·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

Brampton
city Canada in SE Ont. W of Toronto pop 325,428

bran
n. : the edible broken seed coats of cereal grain separated from the flour or meal by sifting or bolting

branch
n. 1 : a natural subdivision of a plant stem especially : a secondary shoot or stem (as a bough) arising from a main axis (as of a tree)
2 : something that extends from or enters into a main body or source: as a (1) : a stream that flows into another usually larger stream : TRIBUTARY (2) Southern & Midland : CREEK 2 b : a side road or way c : a slender projection (as the tine of an antler) d : a distinctive part of a mathematical curve e : a part of a computer program executed as a result of a program decision
3 : a part of a complex body: as a : a division of a family descending from a particular ancestor b : an area of knowledge that may be considered apart from related areas <pathology is a branch of medicine> c (1) : a division of an organization (2) : a separate but dependent part of a central organization <the neighborhood branch of the city library> d : a language group less inclusive than a family <the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family>
–branched \'brancht\ adjective
–branch·less \'branch-ləs\ adjective
–branchy \'bran-chē\ adjective

branch
n. 1 : to put forth branches : RAMIFY
2 : to spring out (as from a main stem) : DIVERGE
3 : to be an outgrowth ― used with from <poetry that branched from religious prose>
4 : to extend activities ― usually used with out <the business is branching out>
5 : to follow one of two or more branches (as in a computer program)
transitive verb
1 : to ornament with designs of branches
2 : to divide up : SECTION

branch
n. branch water
olive branch
Farmers Branch
Long Branch

branch water
: plain water <bourbon and branch water>

branchial
adj. : of, relating to, or supplying the gills or associated structures or their embryonic precursors

branchiopod
n. : any of a group (Branchiopoda) of small usually freshwater crustaceans (as fairy shrimp or water fleas) with usually many pairs of setae-bearing appendages
–branchiopod adjective

branchlet
n. : a small usually terminal branch

branchline
: a secondary line usually of a railroad

Branco, Rio
river 350 mi (563 km) N Brazil flowing S into Negro River

Brancusi
Constantin 1876-1957 Fr. (Romanian-born) sculptor

brand
n. 1 a : a charred piece of wood b : FIREBRAND 1 c : something (as lightning) that resembles a firebrand
2 : SWORD
3 a (1) : a mark made by burning with a hot iron to attest manufacture or quality or to designate ownership (2) : a printed mark made for similar purposes : TRADEMARK b (1) : a mark put on criminals with a hot iron (2) : a mark of disgrace : STIGMA <the brand of poverty>
4 a : a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm or manufacturer : MAKE b : a characteristic or distinctive kind <a lively brand of theater> c : BRAND NAME 2
5 : a tool used to produce a brand

brand
n. 1 : to mark with a brand
2 : to mark with disapproval : STIGMATIZE <he was branded a coward>
3 : to impress indelibly <brand the lesson on his mind>
–brand·er noun

brand
n. brand name
brand new
co brand
off brand

brand name
1 : an arbitrarily adopted name that is given by a manufacturer or merchant to an article or service to distinguish it as produced or sold by that manufacturer or merchant and that may be used and protected as a trademark
2 : one having a well-known and usually highly regarded or marketable name

brand-name
1 : of or relating to a brand name <brand-name products>
2 : having a well-known and usually highly regarded or marketable name <brand-name authors> <the⋯party lacks brand-name guests or good food ― Ryan Lizza>

brand-new
: conspicuously new and unused also : recently introduced <a brand-new executive officer>

branded
adj. : having a brand name <branded products>

Brandeis
n. Louis Dembitz 1856-1941 American jurist

Brandenburg
n. 1 region & former province NE cen Germany
2 state of E Germany capital Potsdam area 11,219 sq mi (29,057 sq km), pop 2,578,300
3 city E Germany pop 88,760

Brandes
Georg Morris 1842-1927 Dan. lit. critic

branding
n. : the promoting of a product or service by identifying it with a particular brand

brandish
v. 1 : to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly
2 : to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner
synonyms see SWING

brandish
v. : an act or instance of brandishing

Brandon
city Canada in SW Man. pop 39,716

Brandt
Wil·ly \'vi-lē, 'wi-\ 1913-1992 orig. Herbert Ernst Karl Frahm W. Ger. polit.; chancellor of West Germany (1969-74)

brandy
n. : an alcoholic beverage distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice

brandy
n. : to flavor, blend, or preserve with brandy

Brandywine
creek ab 20 mi (32 km) SE Pa. & N Del. flowing SE to Wilmington, Del.

Branford
n. town S Conn. E of New Haven pop 28,683

brannigan
1 : a drinking spree
2 : SQUABBLE

Brant
n. Joseph 1742-1807 Thayendanegea Mohawk Indian chief

brant
n. : a small goose (Branta bernicla) about the size of a mallard having a black head, neck, and chest

Brantford
city Canada in SE Ont. pop 86,417

Branting
Karl Hjal·mar \'yäl-ˌmär\ 1860-1925 Swed. statesman & socialist leader

Braque
n. Georges 1882-1963 Fr. painter

Bras d'Or Lake
tidal lake ab 50 mi (80 km) long Canada in N.S. on Cape Breton Is.

brash
n. 1 : BRITTLE <brash wood>
2 a : heedless of the consequences : AUDACIOUS <a brash adventurer> b : done in haste without regard for consequences : RASH <brash acts>
3 a : full of fresh raw vitality <a brash frontier town> b : uninhibitedly energetic or demonstrative : BUMPTIOUS <a brash comedian>
4 a : lacking restraint and discernment : TACTLESS <brash remarks> b : aggressively self-assertive : IMPUDENT <brash to the point of arrogance>
5 : piercingly sharp : HARSH <a brash squeal of brakes>
6 : marked by vivid contrast : BOLD <brash colors>
–brash·ly adverb
–brash·ness noun

brash
n. : a mass of fragments (as of ice)

Brasilia
n. city capital of Brazil in Federal District metropolitan area pop 2,051,146

Brasov
city cen Romania in foothills of Transylvanian Alps pop 283,901

brass
n. 1 : an alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions
2 a : the brass instruments of an orchestra or band ― often used in plural b : a usually brass memorial tablet c : bright metal fittings, utensils, or ornaments d : empty cartridge shells
3 : brazen self-assurance : GALL
4 singular or plural in construction a : high-ranking members of the military b : persons in high positions (as in a business or the government)
–brass adjective

brass
n. brass knuckles
brass band
brass collar Democrat
brass hat
brass instrument
brass ring
brass tacks

brass band
: a band consisting chiefly or solely of brass and percussion instruments

brass collar Democrat
: a conservative Democrat especially in the south who votes the straight Democratic ticket

brass hat
: a member of the brass

brass instrument
: any of a group of wind instruments (as a French horn, trombone, trumpet, or tuba) that is usually characterized by a long cylindrical or conical metal tube commonly curved two or more times and ending in a flared bell, that produces tones by the vibrations of the player's lips against a usually cup-shaped mouthpiece, and that usually has valves or a slide by which the player may produce all the tones within the instrument's range

brass knuckles
: KNUCKLE 4

brass ring
: a rich opportunity : PRIZE

brass tacks
: details of immediate practical importance ― usually used in the phrase get down to brass tacks

brassard
n. 1 : armor for protecting the arm ― see ARMOR illustration
2 : a cloth band worn around the upper arm usually bearing an identifying mark

brassbound
1 : having trim made of brass or a metal resembling brass
2 a (1) : tradition-bound and opinionated (2) : making no concessions : INFLEXIBLE b : BRAZEN, PRESUMPTUOUS

brasserie
n. : an informal usually French restaurant serving simple hearty food

brassica
n. : any of a large genus (Brassica) of Old World temperate-zone herbs (as broccoli and cabbage) of the mustard family with cylindrical pods

brassiere
n. : a woman's undergarment to cover and support the breasts

brassy
n. 1 a : shamelessly bold <a brassy reporter> b : OBSTREPEROUS
2 : resembling brass especially in color
3 : resembling the sound of a brass instrument
–brass·i·ly \'bra-sə-lē\ adverb
–brass·i·ness \'bra-sē-nəs\ noun

brat
n. 1 a : CHILD specifically : an ill-mannered annoying child <a spoiled brat> b : an ill-mannered immature person
2 : the child of a career military person <army brats> also : the child of a person whose career is in a specified and typically unusual field <Hollywood brats>
–brat·ti·ness \'bra-tē-nəs\ noun
–brat·tish \'bra-tish\ adjective
–brat·ty \-tē\ adjective

Bratislava
n. city SW Slovakia, its capital, on the Danube pop 428,672

Bratsk
city Russia in Asia, NNE of Irkutsk near site of Bratsk Dam (in the Angara) pop 259,000

Brattain
Walter Houser 1902-1987 American physicist

brattice
n. : an often temporary partition of planks or cloth used especially to control mine ventilation
–brattice transitive verb

brattle
n. chiefly Scottish : CLATTER, SCAMPER

brattle
n. chiefly Scottish : to make a clattering or rattling sound

bratwurst
n. : fresh pork sausage for frying

Brauchitsch
(Heinrich Alfred) Walther von 1881-1948 Ger. gen.

Braun
Karl Ferdinand 1850-1918 Ger. physicist

Braun
Wernher von 1912-1977 American (Ger.-born) engineer

Braunschweig
1 ― see BRUNSWICK 2
2 ― see BRUNSWICK 3

braunschweiger
n. : smoked liverwurst

brava
: BRAVO ― used interjectionally in applauding a woman

bravado
n. 1 a : blustering swaggering conduct b : a pretense of bravery
2 : the quality or state of being foolhardy

brave
n. 1 : having or showing courage <a brave soldier> <a brave smile>
2 : making a fine show : COLORFUL <brave banners flying in the wind>
3 : EXCELLENT, SPLENDID <the brave fire I soon had going ― J. F. Dobie>
–brave·ly adverb

brave
n. transitive verb
1 : to face or endure with courage
2 obsolete : to make showy
intransitive verb archaic : to make a brave show
–brav·er noun

brave
n. 1 archaic : BRAVADO
2 : one who is brave specifically : an American Indian warrior
3 archaic : BULLY, ASSASSIN

brave new world
: a future world, situation, or development also : a recent development or recently changed situation

bravery
n. 1 : the quality or state of being brave : COURAGE
2 a : fine clothes b : showy display

Bravo
n. ― a communications code word for the letter b

bravo
n. : VILLAIN, DESPERADO especially : a hired assassin

bravo
n. : a shout of approval ― often used interjectionally in applauding a performance

bravo
n. : to applaud by shouts of bravo

bravo
n. Bravo Rio
Bravo Río
Río Bravo

Bravo, Rio
― see RIO GRANDE 1

bravura
n. 1 : a musical passage requiring exceptional agility and technical skill in execution
2 : a florid brilliant style
3 : a show of daring or brilliance

bravura
n. 1 : marked by a dazzling display of skill <a bravura performance>
2 : ORNATE, SHOWY

braw
adj. 1 chiefly Scottish : GOOD, FINE
2 chiefly Scottish : well dressed

brawl
n. 1 : to quarrel or fight noisily : WRANGLE
2 : to make a loud confused noise
–brawl·er noun

brawl
n. 1 : a noisy quarrel or fight
2 : a loud tumultuous noise

brawly
adj. 1 : inclined to brawl
2 : characterized by brawls or brawling

brawn
n. 1 a British : the flesh of a boar b : HEADCHEESE
2 a : full strong muscles b : muscular strength

brawny
adj. 1 : MUSCULAR also : STRONG, POWERFUL
2 : being swollen and hard <a brawny infected foot>
–brawn·i·ly \-nə-lē\ adverb
–brawn·i·ness \-nē-nəs\ noun

Bray
n. town & port E Ireland pop 25,101

bray
n. intransitive verb : to utter the characteristic loud harsh cry of a donkey also : to utter a sound like a donkey's
transitive verb : to utter or play loudly or harshly
–bray noun

bray
n. 1 : to crush or grind fine <bray seeds in a mortar>
2 : to spread thin <bray printing ink>

brayer
: a printer's hand inking roller

Braz
Brazil; Brazilian

braze
v. archaic : HARDEN

braze
v. : to solder with a nonferrous alloy having a lower melting point than the metals being joined
–braz·er noun

brazen
adj. 1 : made of brass
2 a : sounding harsh and loud like struck brass b : of the color of polished brass
3 : marked by contemptuous boldness <a brazen disregard for the rules>
–bra·zen·ly adverb
–bra·zen·ness \'brā-zən-(n)əs\ noun

brazen
adj. : to face with defiance or impudence ― usually used in the phrase brazen it out

brazen-faced
: marked by insolence and bold disrespect <brazen-faced assertions>

brazier
n. : one who works in brass

brazier
n. 1 : a pan for holding burning coals
2 : a utensil in which food is exposed to heat through a wire grill

Brazil
n. country E S. America; a federal republic capital Brasília area ab 3,280,000 sq mi (8,495,200 sq km), pop 169,799,170
–Bra·zil·ian \brə-'zil-yən\ adjective or noun

Brazil nut
: a tall So. American tree (Bertholletia excelsa of the family Lecythidaceae) that bears large globular capsules each containing several closely packed roughly triangular oily edible nuts also : its nut

brazilwood
n. : the heavy wood of any of various tropical leguminous trees (esp. genus Caesalpinia) that is used especially as red and purple dyewood and in violin bows, gun stocks, and cabinetwork

Brazos
river ab 840 mi (1350 km) cen Tex. flowing SE into Gulf of Mexico

Brazzaville
n. city & port capital of Republic of the Congo on W bank of Pool Malebo in Congo River pop 937,579

BRE
1 bachelor of religious education
2 business reply envelope

Brea
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 35,410

breach
n. 1 : infraction or violation of a law, obligation, tie, or standard
2 a : a broken, ruptured, or torn condition or area b : a gap (as in a wall) made by battering
3 a : a break in accustomed friendly relations b : a temporary gap in continuity : HIATUS
4 : a leap especially of a whale out of water

breach
n. 1 : to make a breach in <breach a wall>
2 : BREAK, VIOLATE <breach an agreement>
intransitive verb : to leap out of water <a whale breaching>

breach of promise

1590
: violation of a promise especially to marry

bread
n. 1 : a usually baked and leavened food made of a mixture whose basic constituent is flour or meal
2 : FOOD, SUSTENANCE <our daily bread>
3 a : LIVELIHOOD <earns his bread as a laborer> b slang : MONEY
–bready \'bre-dē\ adjective
–bread upon the waters : resources risked or charitable deeds performed without expectation of return

bread
n. : to cover with bread crumbs <a breaded pork chop>

bread
n. pita bread
anadama bread
bread upon the waters
bread and butter
bread and circuses
bread mold
break bread
brown bread
corn bread
French bread
fry bread
light bread
pilot bread
quick bread
rye bread
Saint John's bread
ship bread
soda bread
spoon bread
wheat bread
white bread

bread and butter
: a means of sustenance or livelihood

bread and circuses
: a palliative offered especially to avert potential discontent

bread mold
: any of various molds found especially on bread especially : a rhizopus (Rhizopus nigricans syn. R. stolonifer)

bread upon the waters
resources risked or charitable deeds performed without expectation of return

bread-and-butter
1 a : being as basic as the earning of one's livelihood <bread-and-butter issues> b (1) : RELIABLE <our bread-and-butter repertoire> (2) : dependable as a source of income <a company's bread-and-butter products>
2 : sent or given as thanks for hospitality <a bread-and-butter letter>

breadbasket
n. 1 slang : STOMACH
2 : a major cereal-producing region

breadboard
n. 1 : a board on which dough is kneaded or bread cut
2 : a board on which mounted components are breadboarded

breadboard
n. : to make an experimental arrangement of (as an electronic circuit or a mechanical system) to test feasibility

breadfruit
n. : a round starchy usually seedless fruit that resembles bread in color and texture when baked also : a tall tropical evergreen tree (Artocarpus altilis) of the mulberry family that bears this fruit

breadline
n. : a line of people waiting to receive free food

breadstuff
n. 1 : a cereal product (as grain or flour)
2 : BREAD

breadth
n. 1 : distance from side to side : WIDTH
2 : something of full width
3 a : comprehensive quality : SCOPE <the breadth of his learning> b : liberality of views or taste <breadth of mind>
–breadth·wise \-ˌwīz\ adverb or adjective

breadwinner
n. 1 : a means (as a tool or craft) of livelihood
2 : a member of a family whose wages supply its livelihood
–bread·win·ning \-ˌwi-niŋ\ noun

break
transitive verb
1 a : to separate into parts with suddenness or violence b : FRACTURE <break an arm> c : RUPTURE <break the skin> d : to cut into and turn over the surface of <break the soil> e : to render inoperable <broke his watch>
2 a : VIOLATE, TRANSGRESS <break the law> <break a promise> b : to invalidate (a will) by action at law
3 a archaic : to force entry into b : to burst and force a way through <break the sound barrier> <break a racial barrier> c : to escape by force from <break jail> d : to make or effect by cutting, forcing, or pressing through <break a trail through the woods>
4 : to disrupt the order or compactness of <break formation>
5 : to make ineffective as a binding force <break the spell>
6 a : to defeat utterly and end as an effective force : DESTROY <used starvation to break the enemy> b : to crush the spirit of <brutal methods broke the prisoner> c : to make tractable or submissive: as (1) past part often broke : to train (an animal) to adjust to the service or convenience of humans <a halter-broke horse> (2) : INURE, ACCUSTOM d : to exhaust in health, strength, or capacity <broken by his struggle for power>
7 a : to stop or bring to an end suddenly : HALT <break a deadlock> b : INTERRUPT, SUSPEND <break the silence with a cry> c : to open and bring about suspension of operation <break an electric circuit> d : to destroy unity or completeness of <break a dining room set by buying a chair> e : to change the appearance of uniformity of <a dormer breaks the level roof> f : to split the surface of <fish breaking water> g : to cause to discontinue a habit <tried to break him of smoking>
8 a : to make known : TELL <break the bad news gently> b : to bring to attention or prominence initially <radio stations breaking new musicians> <break a news story>
9 a : to ruin financially <break the bank> b : to reduce in rank <broken from sergeant to private>
10 a : to split into smaller units, parts, or processes : DIVIDE b (1) : to give or get the equivalent of (a bill) in smaller denominations (2) : to use as the denomination in paying a bill <didn't want to break a $20 bill> ― often used with into, up, or down
11 a : to check the speed, force, or intensity of <the bushes will break his fall> <without breaking her stride> b : to cause failure and discontinuance of (a strike) by measures outside bargaining processes
12 : to cause a sudden significant decrease in the price, value, or volume of <news likely to break the market sharply>
13 a : EXCEED, SURPASS <break the record> b : to score less than (a specified total) <a golfer trying to break 90> c : to win against (an opponent's service) in tennis d : to make (a run) in football by getting past defenders <broke a 20-yard run>
14 : to open the action of (a breechloader)
15 a : to find an explanation or solution for : SOLVE <the detective broke the case> b : to discover the essentials of (a code or cipher system)
16 : to demonstrate the falsity of <break an alibi>
17 : to ruin the prospects of <could make or break her career>
18 : to produce visibly <barely breaks a sweat>
intransitive verb
1 a : to escape with sudden forceful effort <the attacker broke from the throng> b : to come into being by or as if by bursting forth <day was breaking> c : to effect a penetration <break through security lines> d : to emerge through the surface of the water e : to start abruptly <when the storm broke> f : to become known or published <when the news broke> g : to make a sudden dash <break for cover> h : to separate after a clinch in boxing i : to achieve initial success in usually a sudden or striking way <her song broke nationally> j : to begin a race <the horse broke poorly>
2 a : to come apart or split into pieces : FRAGMENT, SHATTER <the cup broke when it fell> b : to open spontaneously or by pressure from within <the blister broke> c of a wave : to curl over and fall apart in surf or foam
3 : to interrupt one's activity or occupation for a brief period <break for lunch>
4 : to alter sharply in tone, pitch, or intensity <a voice breaking with emotion>
5 : to become fair : CLEAR <when the weather breaks>
6 : to make the opening shot of a game of pool
7 : to end a relationship, connection, or agreement ― usually used with with or from
8 : to give way in disorderly retreat
9 a : to swerve suddenly b : to curve from a straight path <a pitch that breaks away from the batter> <a putt that breaks left>
10 a : to fail in health, strength, vitality, resolve, or control <may break under questioning> b : to become inoperative because of damage, wear, or strain <the pump broke>
11 : to fail to keep a prescribed gait ― used of a horse
12 : to undergo a sudden significant decrease in price, value, or volume <transportation stocks may break sharply>
13 : HAPPEN, DEVELOP <for the team to succeed, everything has to break right>
14 : to win against an opponent's service in tennis
15 a : to divide into classes, categories, or types ― usually used with into <the rose is broken into several varieties> b : to fold, bend, lift, or come apart at a seam, groove, or joint c of cream : to separate during churning into liquid and fat
–break a leg
― used to wish good luck especially to a performer
–break bread : to dine together
–break camp : to pack up gear and leave a camp or campsite
–break cover also break covert : to start from a covert or lair
–break even : to achieve a balance especially : to operate a business or enterprise without either loss or profit
–break free : to get away by overcoming restraints or constraints
–break ground
1 : to begin construction
2 or break new ground : to make or show discoveries : PIONEER
–break into
1 : to begin with or as if with a sudden throwing off of restraint <broke into tears> <face breaking into a smile> <the horse breaks into a gallop>
2 : to make entry or entrance into <broke into the house> <break into show business>
3 : INTERRUPT <break into a TV program with a news flash>
–break one's heart : to crush emotionally with sorrow
–break one's wrists : to turn the wrists as part of the swing of a club or bat
–break ranks also break rank : to differ in opinion or action from one's peers ― often used with with
–break the back of : to subdue the main force of <break the back of inflation>
–break the ice
1 : to make a beginning
2 : to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion
–break wind : to expel gas from the intestine

break
n. 1 a : an act or action of breaking b : the opening shot in a game of pool or billiards
2 a : a condition produced by or as if by breaking : GAP <a break in the clouds> b : a gap in an otherwise continuous electric circuit
3 : the action or act of breaking in, out, or forth <at break of day> <a jail break>
4 : a place or situation at which a break occurs: as a : the place at which a word is divided especially at the end of a line of print or writing b : the point or location at which waves break for surfing
5 : an interruption in continuity <a break in the weather>: as a : a notable change of subject matter, attitude, or treatment b (1) : an abrupt, significant, or noteworthy change or interruption in a continuous process, trend, or surface (2) : a respite from work, school, or duty <coffee break> <spring break> (3) : relief from annoyance ― often used to express exasperation or irritation in phrases like give me a break (4) : a planned interruption in a radio or television program <a break for the commercial> c : deviation of a pitched baseball from a straight line d mining : FAULT, DISLOCATION e : failure of a horse to maintain the prescribed gait f : an abrupt change in musical or vocal pitch or quality g : the action or an instance of breaking service in tennis h : a usually solo instrumental passage in jazz, folk, or popular music
6 a : DASH, RUSH <a base runner making a break for home> b : FAST BREAK
7 : a sudden and abrupt decline of prices or values
8 a : the start of a race b : the act of separating after a clinch in boxing
9 a : a stroke of luck and especially of good luck <a bad break> <got the breaks> b : a favorable or opportune situation : CHANCE <waiting for a big break in show business> c : favorable consideration or treatment <a tax break> <a break on the price>
10 a : a rupture in previously agreeable relations <a break between the two countries> b : an abrupt split or difference with something previously adhered to or followed <a sharp break with tradition>
11 : BREAKDOWN 1C <suffered a mental break>

break
n. break wind
break the ice
break the back of
break ranks
break rank
break one's wrists
break one's heart
break into
break ground
break new ground
break free
break even
break cover
break covert
break camp
break bread
break a leg
break away
break beat
break dancing
break dancer
break dance
break down
break in
break off
break out
break point
break through
break up
coffee break
fast break
make or break
station break
Cedar Breaks National Monument
go for broke
breaking and entering
breaking point
Broken Hill
broken down
broken field
broken winded
wind broken
Broken Arrow

break a leg
― used to wish good luck especially to a performer

break away
1 : to detach oneself especially from a group : get away
2 : to depart from former or accustomed ways
3 : to pull away with a burst of speed

break beat
: a repetitive drum pattern in hip-hop and dance music also : music based on break beats

break bread
to dine together

break camp
to pack up gear and leave a camp or campsite

break cover
also break covert : to start from a covert or lair

break dancing
: dancing in which solo dancers perform acrobatics that involve touching various parts of the body (as the back or head) to the ground
–break-dance \'brāk-ˌdan(t)s\ verb
–break-danc·er \-ˌdan(t)-sər\ noun

break down
1 a : to cause to fall or collapse by breaking or shattering b : to make ineffective <break down legal barriers>
2 a : to divide into parts or categories b : to separate (as a chemical compound) into simpler substances : DECOMPOSE c : to take apart especially for storage or shipment and for later reassembling
intransitive verb
1 a : to stop functioning because of breakage or wear b : to become inoperative or ineffective : FAIL <negotiations broke down> c : to fail in strength or vitality <her health broke down> d : to succumb to mental or emotional stress <broke down and cried> e : to lose one's resolve : GIVE IN <finally broke down and bought a computer>
2 of horses : to severely injure the supporting ligament or bones of the fetlock joint
3 a : to be susceptible to or undergo analysis or subdivision <the statistics break down like this> b : to undergo decomposition
synonyms see ANALYZE

break even
to achieve a balance especially : to operate a business or enterprise without either loss or profit

break free
to get away by overcoming restraints or constraints

break ground

1 : to begin construction
2 or break new ground : to make or show discoveries : PIONEER

break in
1 : to enter something (as a building or computer system) without consent or by force
2 a : INTRUDE <break in upon his privacy> b : to interrupt a conversation
3 : to start in an activity or enterprise <breaking in as a cub reporter>
transitive verb
1 : to accustom to a certain activity or occurrence <break in the new clerk>
2 : to overcome the stiffness or newness of <break in a pair of shoes>

break into

1 : to begin with or as if with a sudden throwing off of restraint <broke into tears> <face breaking into a smile> <the horse breaks into a gallop>
2 : to make entry or entrance into <broke into the house> <break into show business>
3 : INTERRUPT <break into a TV program with a news flash>

break off
1 : to stop abruptly <break off in the middle of a sentence>
2 : to become detached <branches that broke off in the storm>
3 : to end a relationship <broke off with his business partner>
transitive verb
1 : DISCONTINUE <break off diplomatic relations>
2 : to remove by or as if by breaking <broke off a chunk of bread>

break one's heart
to crush emotionally with sorrow

break one's wrists
to turn the wrists as part of the swing of a club or bat

break out
1 : to develop or emerge with suddenness or force <fire broke out> <a riot broke out>
2 a : to become covered <break out in a sweat> b : to become affected with a skin eruption
3 : to make a break from a restraining condition or situation <broke out of a slump> <broke out of jail>
transitive verb
1 a : to make ready for action or use <break out the tents and make camp> b : to produce for consumption <break out a bottle of champagne>
2 : to display flying and unfurled
3 : to separate from a mass of data <break out newsstand sales>

break point
: a situation in tennis in which the receiving player can win the game by scoring the next point also : the point so scored

break ranks
also break rank : to differ in opinion or action from one's peers ― often used with with

break the back of
to subdue the main force of <break the back of inflation>

break the ice

1 : to make a beginning
2 : to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion

break through
: to make a breakthrough

break up
1 a : to cease to exist as a unified whole : DISPERSE <their partnership broke up> b : to end a romance
2 : to lose morale, composure, or resolution especially : to become abandoned to laughter <breaks up completely, laughing himself into a coughing fit ― Gene Williams>
transitive verb
1 : to break into pieces
2 : to bring to an end <broke up the fight>
3 : to do away with : DESTROY <break up a monopoly>
4 : to disrupt the continuity or flow of <break up a dull routine>
5 : DECOMPOSE <break up a chemical>
6 : to cause to laugh heartily

break wind
to expel gas from the intestine

break-even
: having equal cost and income

break-in
1 : the act or action of breaking in <a rash of break-ins at the new apartment house>
2 : a performance or a series of performances serving as a trial run
3 : an initial period of operation during which working parts begin to function efficiently

breakable
n. : capable of being broken
–breakable noun

breakage
n. 1 : loss due to things broken
2 a : the action or an instance of breaking b : a quantity broken

breakaway
n. 1 a : one that breaks away b : a departure from or rejection of (as a group or tradition)
2 a : a play (as in hockey) in which an offensive player breaks free of the defenders and rushes toward the goal b : a sudden acceleration by one or more bicyclists pulling away from the pack in a race
3 : an object made to shatter or collapse under pressure or impact

breakaway
n. 1 : favoring independence from an affiliation : SECEDING <a breakaway faction formed a new party>
2 : made to break, shatter, or bend easily <breakaway road signs for highway safety>
3 a : of, relating to, or resulting from a breakaway <a breakaway goal> b : allowing or having an ability to execute a breakaway <breakaway speed>

breakbone fever
: DENGUE

breakdown
n. 1 : the action or result of breaking down: as a : a failure to function b : failure to progress or have effect : DISINTEGRATION <a breakdown of negotiations> c : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse d : the process of decomposing e : division into categories : CLASSIFICATION also : an account analyzed into categories
2 : a fast shuffling dance also : music for such a dance

breaker
n. 1 a : one that breaks b : a machine or plant for breaking rocks or coal c chiefly British : one who breaks up ships or cars for salvage d : a device for opening a circuit specifically : CIRCUIT BREAKER
2 : a wave breaking into foam (as against the shore)

breaker
n. : a small water cask

breakeven
n. : the point at which cost and income are equal and there is neither profit nor loss also : a financial result reflecting neither profit nor loss

breakfast
n. 1 : the first meal of the day especially when taken in the morning
2 : the food prepared for a breakfast <eat your breakfast>
–breakfast verb
–break·fast·er noun

breakfast
n. dog's breakfast
bed and breakfast
continental breakfast
English breakfast

breakfront
n. : a large cabinet or bookcase whose center section projects beyond the flanking end sections

breaking and entering
: the act of forcing or otherwise gaining unlawful passage into and entering another's building

breaking point
1 : the point at which a person gives way under stress
2 : the point at which a situation becomes critical
3 : the point at which something loses force or validity <stretch the rules to the breaking point>

breakneck
adj. : very fast or dangerous <breakneck speed>

breakout
n. : a violent or forceful break from a restraining condition or situation especially : a military attack to break from encirclement

breakout
n. : being or relating to a sudden or smashing success especially in comparison to previous efforts <a breakout book>

breakthrough
n. 1 : an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare
2 : an act or instance of breaking through an obstacle <a breakthrough agreement>
3 a : a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique <a medical breakthrough> b : a person's first notable success <a breakthrough novel>

breakup
n. 1 : an act or instance of breaking up
2 : the breaking, melting, and loosening of ice in the spring

breakup value
: the value especially of shares of stock of a corporation liquidating its assets

breakwater
n. : an offshore structure (as a wall) protecting a harbor or beach from the force of waves

bream
n. 1 : a bronze-colored European freshwater cyprinid fish (Abramis brama) broadly : any of various related fishes
2 a : any of various marine fish (family Sparidae) related to the porgy ― called also sea bream b : any of various freshwater sunfishes (Lepomis and related genera) especially : BLUEGILL

bream
n. : to clean (a ship's bottom) by heating and scraping

breast
n. 1 : either of the pair of mammary glands extending from the front of the chest in pubescent and adult human females and some other mammals also : either of the analogous but rudimentary organs of the male chest especially when enlarged
2 a : the fore or ventral part of the body between the neck and the abdomen b : the part of an article of clothing covering the breast
3 : the seat of emotion and thought : BOSOM
4 a : something (as a front, swelling, or curving part) resembling a breast b : FACE 6
–breast·ed \'bres-təd\ adjective

breast
n. 1 : to contend with resolutely : CONFRONT <breasting the waves>
2 chiefly British : CLIMB, ASCEND
3 : to thrust the chest against <the sprinter breasted the tape>

breast
n. breast beating
breast drill
breast feed
pigeon breast
red breasted bream
double breasted
rose breasted grosbeak
single breasted

breast drill
: a portable drill with a plate that is pressed by the breast in forcing the drill against the work

breast-beating
: noisy demonstrative protestation (as of grief, anger, or self-recrimination)

breast-feed
: to feed (a baby) from a mother's breast
intransitive verb : to breast-feed a baby

breastbone
n. : STERNUM

Breasted
James Henry 1865-1935 American orientalist

Breasted
red breasted bream
double breasted
rose breasted grosbeak
single breasted

breastplate
n. 1 : a usually metal plate worn as defensive armor for the breast ― see ARMOR illustration
2 : a vestment worn in ancient times by a Jewish high priest and set with 12 gems bearing the names of the tribes of Israel
3 : a piece against which a worker's breast is pressed in operating a tool (as a breast drill)

breaststroke
n. : a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by coordinating a kick in which the legs are brought forward with the knees together and the feet are turned outward and whipped back with a glide and a backward sweeping movement of the arms
–breast·strok·er \-ˌstrō-kər\ noun

breastwork
n. : a temporary fortification

breath
n. 1 a : air filled with a fragrance or odor b : a slight indication : SUGGESTION <the faintest breath of scandal>
2 a : the faculty of breathing <recovering his breath after the race> b : an act of breathing <fought to the last breath> c : opportunity or time to breathe : RESPITE
3 : a slight breeze
4 a : air inhaled and exhaled in breathing <bad breath> b : something (as moisture on a cold surface) produced by breath or breathing c : INHALATION
5 : a spoken sound : UTTERANCE
6 : SPIRIT, ANIMATION
–breath of fresh air : a welcome or refreshing change
–in one breath or in the same breath : almost simultaneously
–out of breath : breathing very rapidly (as from strenuous exercise)
–under one's breath : so as to be barely audible <mumbled something under his breath>

breath
n. in the same breath
baby's breath
under one's breath
out of breath
in one breath
breath of fresh air
catch one's breath
hold one's breath
morning breath
waste one's breath

breath of fresh air
a welcome or refreshing change

breathable
adj. 1 : suitable for breathing <breathable air>
2 : allowing air to pass through : POROUS <a breathable synthetic fabric>
–breath·abil·i·ty \ˌbrē-thə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

Breathalyzer
― used for a device that is used to determine the alcohol content of a breath sample

breathe
intransitive verb
1 a : to draw air into and expel it from the lungs : RESPIRE broadly : to take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide through natural processes b : to inhale and exhale freely
2 : LIVE
3 a obsolete : to emit a fragrance or aura b : to become perceptible : be expressed <a personality that breathes and that distinguishes his work ― Bennett Schiff>
4 : to pause and rest before continuing
5 : to blow softly
6 : to feel free of restraint <needs room to breathe>
7 of wine : to develop flavor and bouquet by exposure to air
8 a : to permit passage of air or vapor <a fabric that breathes> b of an internal combustion engine : to use air to support combustion
transitive verb
1 a : to send out by exhaling b : to instill by or as if by breathing <breathe new life into the movement>
2 : to give rest from exertion to
3 : to take in in breathing <breathe the scent of pines>
4 : to inhale and exhale <breathe air>
5 a : UTTER, EXPRESS <don't breathe a word of it to anyone> b : to make manifest : EVINCE <the novel breathes despair>
–breathe down one's neck
1 : to threaten especially in attack or pursuit
2 : to keep one under close or constant surveillance <parents always breathing down his neck>
–breathe easy or breathe easier or breathe easily or breathe freely : to enjoy relief (as from pressure or danger)

breathe
v. breathe freely
breathe easily
breathe easier
breathe easy
breathe down one's neck
air breathing
breathing space
breathing spell
breathing room
breathing tube
fire breathing
rough breathing
smooth breathing

breathe down one's neck

1 : to threaten especially in attack or pursuit
2 : to keep one under close or constant surveillance <parents always breathing down his neck>

breathe easy
or breathe easier or breathe easily or breathe freely : to enjoy relief (as from pressure or danger)

breathed
adj. 1 : having breath especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <sweet-breathed>
2 : VOICELESS 2

breather
n. 1 : one that breathes
2 : a break in activity for rest or relief
3 : a small vent in an otherwise airtight enclosure

breathing
n. : either of the marks ' and ' used in writing Greek to indicate aspiration or its absence

breathing
n. air breathing
breathing space
breathing spell
breathing room
breathing tube
fire breathing
rough breathing
smooth breathing

breathing space
: some time in which to recover, get organized, or get going ― called also breathing room breathing spell

breathing tube
: a tube inserted (as through the nose or mouth) into the trachea to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs

breathless
adj. 1 a : not breathing b : DEAD
2 a : panting or gasping for breath b : gripped with emotion <breathless in anticipation> c : INTENSE, GRIPPING <breathless eagerness> <breathless prose> d : very rapid or strenuous <go at a breathless pace> e : marked by intense or unremitting activity <a breathless schedule>
3 : oppressive because of no fresh air or breeze
–breath·less·ly adverb
–breath·less·ness noun

breathtaking
adj. 1 : making one out of breath
2 a : EXCITING, THRILLING <a breathtaking race> b : very great : ASTONISHING <his breathtaking ignorance>
–breath·tak·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

breathy
adj. : characterized or accompanied by or as if by the audible passage of breath
–breath·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–breath·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

breccia
n. : a rock composed of sharp fragments embedded in a fine-grained matrix (as sand or clay)

brecciate
1 : to form (rock) into breccia
2 : to break (rock) into fragments
–brec·ci·a·tion \ˌbre-chē-'ā-shən\ noun

Brecht
n. Bertolt 1898-1956 Ger. dram.
–Brecht·ian \'brek-tē-ən, 'breḵ-\ adjective

Breckinridge
John Cabell 1821-1875 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1857-61)

Brecon
1 or Brec·on·shire or Breck·nock·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county SE Wales capital Brecon
2 town SE Wales in Powys pop 7422

Brecon Beacons
two mountain peaks SE Wales in S Powys

bred-in-the-bone
1 : DEEP-ROOTED <bred-in-the-bone honesty>
2 : INVETERATE <a bred-in-the-bone gambler>

Breda
commune S Netherlands in N. Brabant province pop 163,427

brede
archaic : EMBROIDERY

breech
n. 1 plural \'bri-chəz also 'brē-\ a : short pants covering the hips and thighs and fitting snugly at the lower edges at or just below the knee b : PANTS
2 a : the hind end of the body : BUTTOCKS b : BREECH PRESENTATION also : a fetus that is presented breech first
3 : the part of a firearm at the rear of the barrel

breech
n. breech loading
breech delivery
breech birth
breech presentation
breeches buoy
Dutchman's breeches
knee breeches

breech delivery
: delivery of a fetus by breech presentation ― called also breech birth

breech presentation
: presentation of the fetus in which the breech is the first part to appear at the uterine cervix

breechblock
n. : the block in breech-loading firearms that closes the rear of the barrel against the force of the charge and prevents gases from escaping

breechcloth
n. : LOINCLOTH

breechclout
n. : LOINCLOTH

breeches buoy
: a canvas seat in the form of breeches hung from a life buoy running on a hawser and used to haul persons from one ship to another or from ship to shore especially in rescue operations

breeching
n. 1 : the part of a harness that passes around the rump of a draft animal
2 : the short coarse wool on the rump and hind legs of a sheep or goat also : the hair on the corresponding part of a dog

breechloader
n. : a firearm that loads at the breech
–breech-load·ing \-'lō-diŋ\ adjective

breed
n. transitive verb
1 : to produce (offspring) by hatching or gestation
2 a : BEGET 1 b : PRODUCE, ENGENDER <despair often breeds violence>
3 : to propagate (plants or animals) sexually and usually under controlled conditions <bred several strains of corn together to produce a superior variety>
4 a : BRING UP, NURTURE <born and bred in the country> b : to inculcate by training <breed good manners into one's children>
5 a : 4MATE 3 b : to mate with : INSEMINATE c : IMPREGNATE 2
6 : to produce (a fissionable element) by bombarding a nonfissionable element with neutrons from a radioactive element
intransitive verb
1 a : to produce offspring by sexual union b : COPULATE, MATE
2 : to propagate animals or plants

breed
n. 1 : a group of usually domesticated animals or plants presumably related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characters
2 : a number of persons of the same stock
3 : CLASS, KIND <a new breed of athlete>

breed
n. half breed
bred in the bone
half bred
ill bred
well bred
breeding ground

breeder
n. : one that breeds: as a : an animal or plant kept for propagation b : one engaged in the breeding of a specified organism c : a nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissionable material than it uses as fuel ― called also breeder reactor

breeding
n. 1 : the action or process of bearing or generating
2 : ANCESTRY
3 a archaic : EDUCATION <she had her breeding at my father's charge ― Shakespeare> b : training in or observance of the proprieties
4 : the sexual propagation of plants or animals

breeding ground
1 : the place to which animals go to breed
2 : a place or set of circumstances suitable for or favorable to growth and development <hurricane breeding grounds>

breeks
n. chiefly Scottish : BREECHES

breeze
n. 1 a : a light gentle wind b : a wind of from 4 to 31 miles (6 to 50 kilometers) an hour
2 : something easily done : CINCH
–breeze·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in a breeze : EASILY

breeze
n. 1 : to move swiftly and airily <breezed past the protesters>
2 : to make progress quickly and easily <breezed through the exam> <breezed to victory>

breeze
n. : residue from the making of coke or charcoal

breeze
n. in a breeze
fresh breeze
gentle breeze
light breeze
moderate breeze
sea breeze
shoot the breeze
strong breeze

breezeway
n. : a roofed often open passage connecting two buildings (as a house and garage) or halves of a building

breezy
adj. 1 : swept by breezes <breezy beaches> <a breezy day>
2 a : briskly informal <a breezy essay> b : AIRY, NONCHALANT <breezy indifference>
–breez·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–breez·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

Bregenz
commune W Austria on Lake Constance capital of Vorarlberg pop 27,236

bregma
n. : the point of junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures of the skull

Bremen
n. 1 former duchy N Germany bet. the lower Weser & the lower Elbe
2 state NW Germany area 156 sq mi (404 sq km), pop 681,700
3 city & port, its capital, on the Weser pop 552,746

Bremerhaven
city & port NW Germany in Bremen state at mouth of the Weser; includes former city of Wesermünde pop 130,938

Bremerton
city & port W Wash. on Puget Sound pop 37,259

bremsstrahlung
n. : the electromagnetic radiation produced by the sudden retardation of a charged particle in an intense electric field (as of an atomic nucleus) also : the process that produces such radiation

Brennan
William Joseph, Jr. 1906-1997 American jurist

Brenner
n. Sydney 1927-     Brit. (So. African-born) geneticist

Brenner Pass
mountain pass ab 4495 ft (1370 m) in the Alps bet. Austria & Italy

Brent
n. borough of W Greater London, England pop 226,100

brent goose
chiefly British : BRANT

Brenta
river 100 mi (161 km) N Italy flowing SE into the Adriatic S of Chioggia

Brentwood
1 city W cen Calif. E of Oakland pop 23,302
2 city W cen Tenn. S of Nashville pop 23,445

Brescia
commune N Italy in E Lombardy ENE of Milan pop 194,697

Breslau
― see WROCłAW

Brest
n. 1 or formerly Brest Li·tovsk \li-'tȯfsk\ city SW Belarus on Bug River pop 277,000
2 commune & port NW France in Brittany pop 149,649

Brethren
n. : members of various sects originating chiefly in 18th century German Pietism especially : DUNKERS

brethren
n. plural of brother

before 12th century
― used chiefly in formal or solemn address or in referring to the members of a profession, society, or sect

Breton
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Brittany
2 : the Celtic language of the Breton people
–Breton adjective

Breton
n. André 1896-1966 Fr. surrealist poet

Breton
n. Breton Cape
Cape Breton
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Island

Breton, Cape
headland Canada; easternmost point of Cape Breton Is. & of N.S., at 59°48′W

breve
n. 1 : a note equivalent to two whole notes
2 : a curved mark ˘ used to indicate a short vowel or a short or unstressed syllable

brevet
n. : a commission giving a military officer higher nominal rank than that for which pay is received

brevet
n. : to confer rank upon by brevet

breviary
n. 1 often capitalized a : a book of the prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings for the canonical hours b : DIVINE OFFICE
2 [Latin breviarium] : a brief summary

brevity
n. : shortness of duration especially : shortness or conciseness of expression

brew
n. transitive verb
1 : to prepare (as beer or ale) by steeping, boiling, and fermentation or by infusion and fermentation
2 a : to bring about : FOMENT <brew trouble> b : CONTRIVE
3 : to prepare (as tea) by infusion in hot water
intransitive verb
1 : to brew beer or ale
2 : to be in the process of forming <a storm is brewing>
–brew·er \'brü-ər, 'bru̇(-ə)r\ noun

brew
n. 1 a : a brewed beverage (as beer) b : a serving of a brewed beverage <quaff a few brews> c : something produced by or as if by brewing
2 : the process of brewing

brew
n. home brew
witches' brew
brewer's yeast

brewage
1 : BREW 1A
2 : BREW 2

brewer's yeast
: a yeast used or suitable for use in brewing specifically : the dried pulverized cells of such a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) used especially as a source of B-complex vitamins

brewery
n. : a plant where malt liquors are produced

brewmaster
: a person who supervises the brewing process of malt liquors

brewpub
n. : a restaurant that sells beverages brewed on the premises

brewski
n. slang : BEER 4

Brewster
William 1567-1644 Pilgrim father

Breyer
Stephen Gerald 1938-     American jurist

Brezhnev
n. Leonid Ilyich 1906-1982 Russ. polit.; pres. of U.S.S.R. (1960-64; 1977-82); 1st secy. of Communist party (1964-82)

Brian
n. 941-1014 king of Ireland (1002-14)

Briand
Aristide 1862-1932 Fr. statesman

briar
n. : a plant (as a rose, blackberry, or greenbrier) having a usually woody and thorny or prickly stem also : a mass or twig of these
–bri·ary \'brī(-ə)r-ē\ adjective

briar
n. : a tobacco pipe made from the root or stem of a European heath (Erica arborea)

briard
: any of an old French breed of large long-coated sheepdogs

bribe
n. 1 : money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust
2 : something that serves to induce or influence

bribe
n. transitive verb : to induce or influence by or as if by bribery
intransitive verb : to practice bribery
–brib·able \'brī-bə-bəl\ adjective
–brib·ee \ˌbrī-'bē\ noun
–brib·er noun

bribery
n. : the act or practice of giving or taking a bribe

bric-a-brac
1 : a miscellaneous collection of small articles commonly of ornamental or sentimental value : CURIOS
2 : something suggesting bric-a-brac especially in extraneous decorative quality

brick
n. 1 plural bricks or brick : a handy-sized unit of building or paving material typically being rectangular and about 21/4 × 33/4 × 8 inches (57 × 95 × 203 millimeters) and of moist clay hardened by heat
2 : a good-hearted person
3 : a rectangular compressed mass (as of ice cream)
4 : a semisoft cheese with numerous small holes, smooth texture, and often mild flavor
5 : GAFFE, BLUNDER ― used especially in the phrase drop a brick
6 : a badly missed shot in basketball <he threw up a brick>

brick
n. : to close, face, or pave with bricks ― usually used with up, in, or over

brick
n. brick and mortar
brick red
brick wall
bricks and mortar

brick red
: a moderate reddish brown

brick wall
1 : a wall made of brick
2 : an immovable block or obstruction <the plan ran into a brick wall>

brick-and-mortar
: relating to or being a traditional business serving customers in a building as contrasted to an online business <a brick-and-mortar store>

brickbat
n. 1 : a fragment of a hard material (as a brick) especially : one used as a missile
2 : an uncomplimentary remark

brickfield
n. British : BRICKYARD

bricklayer
n. : a person who lays brick
–brick·lay·ing \-ˌlā-iŋ\ noun

brickle
adj. dialect : BRITTLE

brickwork
n. : work of or with bricks and mortar

brickyard
n. : a place where bricks are made

bricolage
n. : construction (as of a sculpture or a structure of ideas) achieved by using whatever comes to hand also : something constructed in this way

bridal
adj. : a marriage festival or ceremony

bridal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a bride or a wedding : NUPTIAL
2 : intended for a newly married couple <a bridal suite>

bridal wreath
: a spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) widely grown for its umbels of small white flowers borne in spring

bride
n. : a woman just married or about to be married

bride-price
: a payment given by or in behalf of a prospective husband to the bride's family in many cultures

bridegroom
n. : a man just married or about to be married

bridesmaid
n. 1 : a woman who is an attendant of a bride
2 : one that finishes just behind the winner

bridewell
n. : PRISON

bridge
n. 1 a : a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle b : a time, place, or means of connection or transition
2 : something resembling a bridge in form or function: as a : the upper bony part of the nose also : the part of a pair of glasses that rests upon it b : a piece raising the strings of a musical instrument ― see VIOLIN illustration c : the forward part of a ship's superstructure from which the ship is navigated d : GANTRY 2B e : the hand as a rest for a billiards or pool cue also : a device used as a cue rest
3 a : a musical passage linking two sections of a composition b : a partial denture anchored to adjacent teeth c : a connection (as an atom or group of atoms) that joins two different parts of a molecule (as opposite sides of a ring)
4 : an electrical instrument or network for measuring or comparing resistances, inductances, capacitances, or impedances by comparing the ratio of two opposing voltages to a known ratio
–bridge·less \-ləs\ adjective

bridge
n. 1 : to make a bridge over or across <bridge the gap> also : to join by a bridge
2 : to provide with a bridge
–bridge·able \'bri-jə-bəl\ adjective

bridge
n. : any of various card games for usually four players in two partnerships that bid for the right to declare a trump suit, seek to win tricks equal to the final bid, and play with the hand of declarer's partner exposed and played by declarer especially : CONTRACT BRIDGE

bridge
n. auction bridge
bridge loan
contract bridge
covered bridge
duplicate bridge
flying bridge
rubber bridge
suspension bridge
truss bridge
Wheatstone bridge
Adam's Bridge
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
burn one's bridges
Natural Bridges National Monument

bridge loan
: a short-term loan used to finance an enterprise, investment, or government pending the receipt of other funds

bridgehead
n. 1 a : a fortification protecting the end of a bridge nearest an enemy b : an area around the end of a bridge
2 : an advanced position seized in hostile territory

Bridgend
administrative area of S Wales area 95 sq mi (246 sq km)

Bridgeport
n. city SW Conn. on Long Island Sound pop 139,529

Bridger
James 1804-1881 American pioneer & scout

Bridges
n. Robert Seymour 1844-1930 Eng. poet; poet laureate (1913-30)

Bridgeton
city SW N.J. pop 22,771

Bridgetown
n. city & port Brit. West Indies capital of Barbados pop 5996

Bridgewater
city SE Mass. S of Brockton pop 25,185

bridgework
n. : dental bridges

bridle
n. 1 : the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit and reins
2 : a length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull especially : rigging on a kite for attaching line
3 : CURB, RESTRAINT <set a bridle on his power>

bridle
n. transitive verb
1 : to put a bridle on
2 : to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle <bridle your tongue>
intransitive verb : to show hostility or resentment (as to an affront to one's pride or dignity) especially by drawing back the head and chin
synonyms see RESTRAIN

bridle path
: a trail suitable for horseback riding

Brie
n. : a soft surface-ripened cheese with a whitish rind and a pale yellow interior

Brie
n. district & medieval county NE France E of Paris; chief town Meaux

brief
n. 1 : short in duration, extent, or length
2 a : CONCISE b : CURT, ABRUPT
–brief·ness noun

brief
n. 1 a : an official letter or mandate especially : a papal letter less formal than a bull b : a specific instruction or responsibility <his brief was to strengthen the army>
2 a : a concise article b : SYNOPSIS, SUMMARY c : a concise statement of a client's case made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law
3 : an outline of an argument especially : a formal outline especially in law that sets forth the main contentions with supporting statements or evidence
4 plural : short snug pants or underpants
–in brief : in a few words : BRIEFLY

brief
n. 1 : to make an abstract or abridgment of
2 a : to give final precise instructions to b : to coach thoroughly in advance c : to give essential information to
3 : to discuss (as a military operation) in a briefing <briefed the mission>
–brief·er noun

briefcase
n. : a flat flexible case for carrying papers or books

briefing
n. : an act or instance of giving precise instructions or essential information

briefly
adv. 1 a : in a brief way <briefly mentioned> b : in brief <the food, briefly, was awful>
2 : for a short time <briefly married>

Brienne
1 former county NE France in Champagne NNE of Troyes
2 town, its capital pop 3332

Brienz
town Switzerland in SE Bern canton at NE end of Lake of Brienz (9 mi or 14 km long, in course of the Aare)

brier
n. variant of briar

brig
n. : a 2-masted square-rigged ship

brig
n. 1 : a place (as on a ship) for temporary confinement of offenders in the U.S. Navy
2 : GUARDHOUSE, PRISON

brig
n. brigade; brigadier

Brig Gen
brigadier general

brigade
n. 1 a : a large body of troops b : a tactical and administrative unit composed of a headquarters, one or more units of infantry or armor, and supporting units
2 : a group of people organized for special activity

brigade
n. : to form or unite into a brigade

brigadier
n. 1 : an officer in the British army commanding a brigade and ranking immediately below a major general
2 : BRIGADIER GENERAL

brigadier general
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a colonel and whose insignia is one star

Brigadoon
n. : a place that is idyllic, unaffected by time, or remote from reality

brigand
n. : one who lives by plunder usually as a member of a band : BANDIT
–brig·and·age \-gən-dij\ noun

brigandine
: medieval body armor of scales or plates

brigantine
n. : a 2-masted sailing ship that is square-rigged except for a fore-and-aft mainsail

Bright
adj. John 1811-1889 Eng. orator & statesman

bright
adj. 1 a : radiating or reflecting light : SHINING, SPARKLING <bright lights> <bright eyes> b : SUNNY <a bright day> also : radiant with happiness <bright smiling faces> <bright moments>
2 : ILLUSTRIOUS, GLORIOUS <brightest star of the opera>
3 : BEAUTIFUL
4 : of high saturation or lightness <bright colors>
5 a : LIVELY, CHEERFUL <be bright and jovial among your guests ― Shakespeare> b : INTELLIGENT, CLEVER <a bright idea> <bright children>
6 : AUSPICIOUS, PROMISING <bright prospects for the future>
–bright adverb
–bright·ly adverb
synonyms BRIGHT, BRILLIANT, RADIANT, LUMINOUS, LUSTROUS mean shining or glowing with light. BRIGHT implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light. BRILLIANT implies intense often sparkling brightness. RADIANT stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light. LUMINOUS implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness. LUSTROUS stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without sparkling or glittering.

bright
adj. : a bright color ― usually used in plural <rich earth tones and crisp brights ― Patricia Peterson>

Bright's disease
: any of several kidney diseases marked especially by albumin in the urine

bright-line
: providing an unambiguous criterion or guideline especially in law <a bright-line distinction>

brighten
v. intransitive verb : to become bright or brighter <her mood brightened>
transitive verb : to make bright or brighter <the gift brightened my day>
–bright·en·er \'brīt-nər, 'brī-tən-ər\ noun

brightness
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being bright also : an instance of such a quality or state b : LUMINANCE
2 : the attribute of light-source colors by which emitted light is ordered continuously from light to dark in correlation with its intensity ― compare HUE 2c 1LIGHTNESS 2 SATURATION 4

Brighton
n. town S England in E. Sussex on English Channel pop 133,400

brightwork
n. 1 : polished or plated metalwork
2 : varnished woodwork on a boat

Brigit
n. Saint d ca 524-528 Bride of Kildare or Bride of Ireland a patron saint of Ireland

brill
n. : a European flatfish (Scophthalmus rhombus syn. Bothus rhombus of the family Bothidae) broadly : TURBOT

Brillat-Savarin
Anthelme 1755-1826 Fr. gastronome

brilliance
n. : the quality or state of being brilliant

brilliancy
n. 1 : BRILLIANCE
2 : an instance of brilliance

brilliant
adj. 1 : very bright : GLITTERING <a brilliant light>
2 a : STRIKING, DISTINCTIVE <a brilliant example> b : distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness
synonyms see BRIGHT
–bril·liant·ly adverb

brilliant
adj. : a gem (as a diamond) cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to have special brilliance

brilliantine
n. 1 : a light lustrous fabric that is similar to alpaca and is woven usually with a cotton warp and mohair or worsted filling
2 : a preparation for making hair glossy

brim
n. 1 a (1) : an upper or outer margin : VERGE (2) archaic : the upper surface of a body of water b : the edge or rim of a hollow vessel, a natural depression, or a cavity
2 : the projecting rim of a hat
–brim·less \-ləs\ adjective

brim
n. transitive verb : to fill to the brim
intransitive verb
1 : to be or become full often to overflowing <eyes brimming with tears>
2 : to reach or overflow a brim

brimful
adj. : full to the brim : ready to overflow

brimmed
v. : having a brim of a specified nature ― used in combination <a wide-brimmed hat>

brimmer
n. : a brimming cup or glass

brimstone
n. : SULFUR

brinded
archaic : BRINDLED

Brindisi
city & port SE Italy in Puglia pop 93,013

brindle
n. 1 : a brindled color
2 : a brindled animal

brindled
adj. : having obscure dark streaks or flecks on a usually gray or tawny ground <a brindled cow>

brine
n. 1 a : water saturated or strongly impregnated with common salt b : a strong saline solution (as of calcium chloride)
2 : the water of a sea or salt lake

brine
n. : to treat (as by steeping) with brine
–brin·er noun

brine shrimp
: any of a genus (Artemia) of branchiopod crustaceans that can exist in strongly saline environments

Brinell
n. Brinell hardness
Brinell hardness number
Brinell number

Brinell hardness
: the hardness of a metal or alloy measured by hydraulically pressing a hard ball under a standard load into the specimen

Brinell hardness number
: a number expressing Brinell hardness and denoting the load applied in testing in kilograms divided by the spherical area of indentation produced in the specimen in square millimeters ― called also Brinell number

bring
v. transitive verb
1 a : to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded b : to cause to be, act, or move in a special way: as (1) : ATTRACT <her screams brought the neighbors> (2) : PERSUADE, INDUCE (3) : FORCE, COMPEL (4) : to cause to come into a particular state or condition <bring water to a boil> c dialect : ESCORT, ACCOMPANY d : to bear as an attribute or characteristic <brings years of experience to the position>
2 : to cause to exist or occur: as a : to be the occasion of <winter brings snow> b : to result in <the drug brought immediate relief> c : INSTITUTE <bring legal action> d : ADDUCE <bring an argument>
3 : PREFER <bring charges>
4 : to procure in exchange : sell for
intransitive verb chiefly Midland : YIELD, PRODUCE
–bring·er noun
–bring forth
1 : BEAR <brought forth fruit>
2 : to give birth to : PRODUCE
3 : ADDUCE <bring forth persuasive arguments>
–bring forward
1 : to produce to view : INTRODUCE <brought new evidence forward>
2 : to carry (a total) forward
–bring home : to make unmistakably clear
–bring to account
1 : to bring to book
2 : REPRIMAND
–bring to bear : to use with effect <bring pressure to bear>
–bring to book : to compel to give an account
–bring to light : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
–bring to mind : RECALL
–bring to terms : to compel to agree, assent, or submit
–bring up the rear : to come last or behind

bring
v. bring up the rear
bring to terms
bring to mind
bring to light
bring to book
bring to bear
bring to account
bring home
bring forward
bring forth
bring about
bring around
bring down
bring the house down
bring down the house
bring in
bring off
bring on
bring out
bring to
bring up

bring about
: to cause to take place : EFFECT

bring around
1 : to restore to consciousness : REVIVE
2 : PERSUADE

bring down
1 : to cause to fall by or as if by shooting
2 : to carry (a total) forward
–bring down the house or bring the house down : to win the enthusiastic approval of the audience

bring down the house
or bring the house down : to win the enthusiastic approval of the audience

bring forth

1 : BEAR <brought forth fruit>
2 : to give birth to : PRODUCE
3 : ADDUCE <bring forth persuasive arguments>

bring forward

1 : to produce to view : INTRODUCE <brought new evidence forward>
2 : to carry (a total) forward

bring home
to make unmistakably clear

bring in
1 : INCLUDE, INTRODUCE
2 : to produce as profit or return <each sale brought in $5>
3 : to enable (a base runner) to reach home plate by hitting the ball
4 : to report to a court <the jury brought in a verdict>
5 a : to cause (as an oil well) to be productive b : to win tricks with the cards of (a long suit) in bridge
6 : EARN <brings in a good salary>

bring off
1 : to cause to escape : RESCUE
2 : to carry to a successful conclusion : ACHIEVE, ACCOMPLISH

bring on
: to cause to appear or occur

bring out
1 a : to make apparent b : to effectively develop (as a quality)
2 a : to present to the public b : to introduce formally to society
3 : UTTER

bring to
1 : to cause (a boat) to lie to or come to a standstill
2 : to restore to consciousness : REVIVE

bring to account

1 : to bring to book
2 : REPRIMAND

bring to bear
to use with effect <bring pressure to bear>

bring to book
to compel to give an account

bring to light
DISCLOSE, REVEAL

bring to mind
RECALL

bring to terms
to compel to agree, assent, or submit

bring up
1 : to bring (a person) to maturity through nurturing care and education
2 : to cause to stop suddenly
3 : to bring to attention : INTRODUCE
4 : VOMIT
intransitive verb : to stop suddenly

bring up the rear
to come last or behind

bringdown
: COMEDOWN, LETDOWN

brink
n. 1 : EDGE especially : the edge at the top of a steep place
2 : a bank especially of a river
3 : the point of onset : VERGE <on the brink of war>
4 : the threshold of danger

brinkmanship
n. : the art or practice of pushing a dangerous situation or confrontation to the limit of safety especially to force a desired outcome

briny
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling brine or the sea : SALTY
–brin·i·ness noun

brio
n. : enthusiastic vigor : VIVACITY, VERVE

brioche
n. : light slightly sweet bread made with a rich yeast dough

briolette
: an oval or pear-shaped gemstone cut in triangular facets

briquette
n. : a compacted often brick-shaped mass of usually fine material <a charcoal briquette>
–briquette transitive verb

bris
n. : the Jewish rite of circumcision

Brisbane
n. city & port E Australia capital of Queensland on Brisbane River (215 mi or 344 km) near its mouth pop 751,115

brisk
adj. 1 : keenly alert : LIVELY
2 a : pleasingly tangy <brisk tea> b : FRESH, INVIGORATING <brisk weather>
3 : sharp in tone or manner
4 a : ENERGETIC, QUICK <a brisk pace> b : marked by much activity <business was brisk>
–brisk·ly adverb
–brisk·ness noun

brisk
adj. : to make brisk
intransitive verb : to become brisk ― usually used with up <business brisked up>

brisket
n. : the breast or lower chest of a quadruped animal also : a cut of beef from the brisket ― see BEEF illustration

brisling
n. : SPRAT 1A

bristle
n. : a short stiff coarse hair or filament
–bris·tle·like \'bri-sə(l)-ˌlīk\ adjective

bristle
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish with bristles
2 : to make bristly : RUFFLE
intransitive verb
1 a : to rise and stand stiffly erect <quills bristling> b : to raise the bristles (as in anger)
2 : to take on an aggressively defensive attitude (as in response to a slight or criticism) <he bristled at the accusations of corruption>
3 a : to be full of or covered with especially something suggestive of bristles <roofs bristled with chimneys> b : to be full of something specified <book bristles with detail and irony ― W. J. Broad>

bristlecone pine
: either of two pines (Pinus longaeva and P. aristata) of the western U.S. that include the oldest living trees ― called also bristlecone

bristletail
n. : any of various primitive wingless insects (order Thysanura syn. Archaeognatha) with three slender caudal bristles

bristly
adj. 1 a : thickly set with bristles <a bristly shrub> b : consisting of or resembling bristles <a bristly mustache>
2 : inclined to or showing aggressiveness or anger <a bristly temperament>

Bristol
n. 1 city W cen Conn. WSW of Hartford pop 60,062
2 city NE Tenn. pop 24,821
3 city & port SW England on Avon River near Severn estuary pop 370,300
–Bris·to·li·an \bri-'stō-lē-ən, -'stōl-yən\ noun

Bristol
n. bristol board
Bristol fashion
Bristol Bay
Bristol Channel

Bristol Bay
arm of Bering Sea SW Alaska W of Alaska Peninsula

bristol board
: a cardboard with a smooth surface suitable especially for artwork ― called also bristol

Bristol Channel
channel bet. S Wales & SW England

Bristol fashion
: being in good order : SHIPSHAPE

Brit
n. : BRITON 2

Brit
n. Britain; British

brit
n. : minute marine animals (as crustaceans and pteropods) on which right whales feed

Brit Milah
: BRIS

Britain
n. 1 or L Bri·tan·nia \brə-'ta-nyə, -nē-ə\ the island of Great Britain
2 UNITED KINGDOM
3 COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

Britain
n. Great Britain
New Britain
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Britannia metal

Britannia metal
: a silver-white alloy largely of tin, antimony, and copper that is similar to pewter

Britannic
adj. : BRITISH

britches
n. : BREECHES, TROUSERS

Briticism
n. : a characteristic feature of British English

British
adj. 1 a : the Celtic language of the ancient Britons b : BRITISH ENGLISH
2 plural in construction : the people of Great Britain or the Commonwealth of Nations
–British adjective
–Brit·ish·ism \'bri-ti-ˌshi-zəm\ noun
–Brit·ish·ness noun

British
adj. British Bechuanaland
British Honduras
British Guiana
British East Africa
British English
British thermal unit
British America
British North America
British Antarctic Territory
British Columbia
British Columbian
British Commonwealth
British Empire
British India
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Isles
British Malaya
British Solomon Islands
British Somaliland
British Virgin Islands
British West Indies
anti British

British America
n. 1 or British North America CANADA
2 all Brit. possessions in & adjacent to N. & S. America

British Antarctic Territory
islands & territories in the S. Atlantic & in Antarctica administered by the British including S. Orkney & S. Shetland islands, Antarctic Peninsula, & Palmer Archipelago

British Bechuanaland
― see BECHUANALAND 3

British Columbia
province W Canada on Pacific coast capital Victoria area 344,663 sq mi (892,677 sq km), pop 3,907,738
–British Co·lum·bi·an \kə-'ləm-bē-ən\ noun or adjective

British Commonwealth
― see COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

British East Africa
1 ― see KENYA
2 the former Brit. dependencies in E Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, & Tanganyika

British Empire
a former empire consisting of Great Britain & the Brit. dominions & dependencies ― see COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

British English
: the native language of most inhabitants of England especially : English characteristic of England and clearly distinguishable from that used elsewhere (as in the U.S. or Australia)

British Guiana
― see GUYANA

British Honduras
― see BELIZE

British India
the part of India formerly under direct Brit. administration ― see INDIAN STATES

British Indian Ocean Territory
Brit. colony in Indian Ocean comprising Chagos Archipelago & formerly Aldabra, Farquhar, & Desroches islands (returned to Seychelles 1976) area 23 sq mi (60 sq km)

British Isles
island group W Europe comprising Great Britain, Ireland, & adjacent islands

British Malaya
former dependencies of Great Britain on Malay Peninsula & in Malay Archipelago including Malaya (federation), Singapore, N. Borneo, Sarawak, & Brunei

British Solomon Islands
former Brit. protectorate comprising the Solomons (except Bougainville, Buka, & adjacent small islands) & the Santa Cruz Islands capital Honiara (on Guadalcanal)

British Somaliland
former Brit. protectorate E Africa bordering on Gulf of Aden capital Hargeisa; since 1960 part of Somalia

British thermal unit
: the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at a specified temperature (as 39°F)

British Virgin Islands
v. the E islands of the Virgin Islands group; a Brit. possession capital Road Town (on Tortola Is.) area 59 sq mi (153 sq km), pop 14,786

British West Indies
islands of the West Indies including Jamaica, Bahamas, Caymans, Brit. Virgin Islands, Brit. Leeward & Windward islands, Trinidad, & Tobago

Britisher
n. : BRITON 2

Briton
n. 1 : a member of one of the peoples inhabiting Britain prior to the Anglo-Saxon invasions
2 : a native or subject of Great Britain especially : ENGLISHMAN

Brittany
n. : any of a breed of medium-sized pointers of French origin that resemble the spaniels in appearance ― called also Brittany spaniel

Brittany
n. region & former province NW France SW of Normandy

Britten
n. (Edward) Benjamin 1913-1976 Baron Britten of Aldeburgh Eng. composer

brittle
adj. 1 a : easily broken, cracked, or snapped <brittle clay> <brittle glass> b : easily disrupted, overthrown, or damaged : FRAIL <a brittle friendship>
2 a : PERISHABLE, MORTAL b : TRANSITORY, EVANESCENT
3 : easily hurt or offended : SENSITIVE <a brittle personality>
4 : SHARP <the brittle staccato of snare drums>
5 : lacking warmth, depth, or generosity of spirit : COLD <a brittle selfish person>
6 : affected with or being a form of type 1 diabetes characterized by large and unpredictable fluctuations in blood glucose level
synonyms see FRAGILE
–brit·tle·ly \'bri-təl-(l)ē\ adverb
–brit·tle·ness \'bri-təl-nəs\ noun

brittle
adj. : a candy made with caramelized sugar and nuts spread in thin sheets <peanut brittle>

brittle star
: any of a class or subclass (Ophiuroidea) of echinoderms that have slender flexible arms distinct from the central disk

brittlebush
: any of a genus (Encelia) of composite plants having brittle stems especially : a perennial desert shrub (E. farinosa) of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico with yellow flowers blooming above dense usually grayish-green foliage

Brittonic
n. : BRYTHONIC

Brix
: of or relating to a Brix scale

Brix scale
: a hydrometer scale for sugar solutions so graduated that its readings at a specified temperature represent percentages by weight of sugar in the solution ― called also Brix

brl
barrel

Brno
city E Czech Republic, chief city of Moravia pop 370,357

bro
n. 1 : BROTHER 1
2 : SOUL BROTHER ― often used informally as a term of address

broach
v. 1 : BROOCH
2 : any of various pointed or tapered tools, implements, or parts: as a : a spit for roasting meat b : a tool for tapping casks c : a cutting tool for removing material from metal or plastic to shape an outside surface or a hole

broach
v. 1 a : to pierce (as a cask) in order to draw the contents also : to open for the first time b : to open up or break into (as a mine or stores)
2 : to shape or enlarge (a hole) with a broach
3 a : to make known for the first time b : to open up (a subject) for discussion
intransitive verb : to break the surface from below
synonyms see EXPRESS
–broach·er noun

broach
v. : to veer or yaw dangerously so as to lie broadside to the waves ― often used with to

Broad
n. 1 river 220 mi (354 km) N.C. & S.C. ― see SALUDA
2 river 70 mi (113 km) S S.C. flowing into the Atlantic

broad
n. 1 a : having ample extent from side to side or between limits <broad shoulders> b : having a specified extension from side to side <made the path 10 feet broad>
2 : extending far and wide : SPACIOUS <the broad plains>
3 a : OPEN, FULL <broad daylight> b : PLAIN, OBVIOUS <a broad hint>
4 : dialectal especially in pronunciation
5 : marked by lack of restraint, delicacy, or subtlety: a obsolete : OUTSPOKEN b : COARSE, RISQUÉ <broad humor>
6 of a vowel : OPEN ― used specifically of a pronounced as in father
7 a : LIBERAL, TOLERANT <broad views> b : widely applicable or applied : GENERAL <a broad rule>
8 : relating to the main or essential points <broad outlines>
–broad·ly adverb
–broad·ness noun
synonyms BROAD, WIDE, DEEP mean having horizontal extent. BROAD and WIDE apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side <a broad avenue>. WIDE is more common when units of measurement are mentioned <rugs eight feet wide> or applied to unfilled space between limits <a wide doorway>. BROAD is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered <broad shoulders>. DEEP may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point <a deep cupboard> <deep woods>.

broad
n. : in a broad manner : FULLY <broad awake>

broad
n. 1 British : an expansion of a river ― often used in plural
2 often offensive : WOMAN

broad
n. broad arrow
broad bean
broad brush
Broad Church
broad gauge
broad gauged
broad jump
broad jumper
broad leaved
broad leafed
broad minded
broad mindedness
broad mindedly
broad spectrum
French Broad
Norfolk Broads
Suffolk Broads

broad arrow
1 : an arrow with a flat barbed head
2 British : a mark shaped like a broad arrow that identifies government property including clothing formerly worn by convicts

broad bean
: the large flat edible seed of an Old World upright vetch (Vicia faba) also : this plant widely grown for its seeds and as fodder ― called also fava bean ― compare FAVISM

Broad Church
: of or relating to a liberal party in the Anglican communion especially in the later 19th century

broad jump
: LONG JUMP
–broad jumper noun

broad-brush
: GENERAL, NONSPECIFIC

broad-gauge
1 : wide in area or scope <a broad-gauge effort>
2 : comprehensive in outlook, range, or capability <a broad-gauge statesman>

broad-leaved
1 : having broad leaves specifically : having leaves that are not needles
2 : composed of broad-leaved plants <broad-leaved forests>

broad-minded
1 : tolerant of varied views
2 : inclined to condone minor departures from conventional behavior
–broad-mind·ed·ly adverb
–broad-mind·ed·ness noun

broad-spectrum
: effective against a wide range of organisms (as insects or bacteria) <a broad-spectrum antibiotic>

broadax
n. : a large ax with a broad blade

broadband
adj. 1 : operating at, responsive to, or comprising a wide band of frequencies <a broadband radio antenna>
2 : of, relating to, or being a high-speed communications network and especially one in which a frequency range is divided into multiple independent channels for simultaneous transmission of signals (as voice, data, or video)
–broadband noun

broadcast
n. 1 : cast or scattered in all directions
2 : made public by means of radio or television
3 : of or relating to radio or television broadcasting

broadcast
transitive verb
1 : to scatter or sow (as seed) over a broad area
2 : to make widely known
3 : to transmit or make public by means of radio or television
intransitive verb
1 : to transmit a broadcast
2 : to speak or perform on a broadcast program
–broad·cast·er noun

broadcast
n. : to or over a broad area

broadcast
n. 1 : the act of transmitting sound or images by radio or television
2 : a single radio or television program

broadcloth
n. 1 : a twilled napped woolen or worsted fabric with smooth lustrous face and dense texture
2 : a fabric usually of cotton, silk, or rayon made in plain and rib weaves with soft semigloss finish

broaden
v. transitive verb : to make broader
intransitive verb : to become broad

broadloom
n. : woven on a wide loom also : so woven in solid color

broadloom
n. : a broadloom carpet

Broads
n. low-lying district E England in Norfolk (the Norfolk Broads) & Suffolk (the Suffolk Broads)

broadscale
adj. : broad in extent, range, or effect

broadsheet
n. 1 : BROADSIDE 1
2 chiefly British : a newspaper with pages of a size larger than those of a tabloid

broadside
n. 1 a (1) : a sizable sheet of paper printed on one side (2) : a sheet printed on one or both sides and folded b : something (as a ballad) printed on a broadside
2 archaic : the side of a ship above the waterline
3 a : all the guns on one side of a ship also : their simultaneous discharge b : a volley of abuse or denunciation
4 : a broad or unbroken surface

broadside
n. : directed or placed broadside <a broadside attack>

broadside
n. 1 a : with the side forward or toward a given point : SIDEWAYS <turned broadside> b : directly from the side <the car was hit broadside>
2 : in one volley
3 : at random

broadside
n. : to hit broadside <the car was broadsided>

broadsword
n. : a large heavy sword with a broad blade for cutting rather than thrusting

broadtail
n. 1 : KARAKUL 1
2 : the pelt of a premature or newborn Karakul lamb having a flat and wavy appearance resembling moiré silk ― compare KARAKUL 2 PERSIAN LAMB 1

Broadway
n. : the New York commercial theater and amusement world specifically : playhouses located in the area between the Avenue of the Americas and Ninth Avenue and from W. 41st Street to W. 53d Street
–Broadway adjective
–Broad·way·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

Brobdingnagian
n. : marked by tremendous size
–Brobdingnagian noun

Broca's area
: a brain center associated with the motor control of speech and usually located in the left side of the frontal lobe

brocade
n. 1 : a rich silk fabric with raised patterns in gold and silver
2 : a fabric characterized by raised designs
–brocade transitive verb
–bro·cad·ed adjective

brocatelle
: a stiff decorating fabric with patterns in high relief

broccoli
n. 1 chiefly British : a large hardy cauliflower
2 a : either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage: (1) : one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower (2) : one (Brassica oleracea italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head b : the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food

broccoli
n. broccoli rabe
broccoli raab
sprouting broccoli

broccoli rabe
: a garden brassica (Brassica rapa ruvo) that is related to the turnip and produces edible leafy branching stalks and compact clusters of yellow florets ― called also broccoli raab \-ˌräb, -ˌrab\ rapini

brochette
n. : SKEWER also : food broiled on a skewer

brochure
n. : PAMPHLET, BOOKLET especially : one containing descriptive or advertising material

brock
n. British : BADGER

brockage
: an imperfectly minted coin

Brocken
mountain 3747 ft (1142 m) cen Germany near former E. Germany-W. Germany border; highest in Harz Mountains

brocket
n. : any of several small deer (genus Mazama) of Central and So. America with unbranched antlers

Brockhouse
Bertram Neville 1918-     Canad. physicist

Brockton
city SE Mass. pop 94,304

Brodsky
Joseph 1940-1996 orig. Iosip Aleksandrovich Brodsky American (Russ.-born) poet & essayist

Brogan
n. Sir Denis William 1900-1974 Brit. hist.

brogan
n. : a heavy shoe especially : a coarse work shoe reaching to the ankle

Broglie
Louis-Victor-Pierre-Raymond de 1892-1987 Fr. physicist

brogue
n. 1 : a stout coarse shoe worn formerly in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands
2 : a heavy shoe often with a hobnailed sole : BROGAN
3 : a stout oxford shoe with perforations and usually a wing tip

brogue
n. : a dialect or regional pronunciation especially : an Irish accent

broider
v. : EMBROIDER
–broi·dery \'brȯi-d(ə-)rē\ noun

broil
n. transitive verb : to cook by direct exposure to radiant heat : GRILL
intransitive verb : to be subjected to great or oppressive heat <broiling in the sun>

broil
n. : the act or state of broiling

broil
n. intransitive verb : BRAWL
transitive verb : EMBROIL

broil
n. : a noisy disturbance : TUMULT especially : BRAWL <a tavern row⋯widens into a general broil ― J. R. Green>

broiler
n. 1 : one that broils
2 : a bird fit for broiling especially : a chicken that is younger and smaller than a roaster

broiling
adj. : extremely hot <a broiling sun>

broke
adj. past of break

broke
adj. : PENNILESS

broken
adj. 1 : violently separated into parts : SHATTERED
2 : damaged or altered by breaking: as a : having undergone or been subjected to fracture <a broken leg> b of land surfaces : being irregular, interrupted, or full of obstacles c : violated by transgression <a broken promise> d : DISCONTINUOUS, INTERRUPTED e : disrupted by change f of a tulip flower : having an irregular, streaked, or blotched pattern especially from virus infection
3 a : made weak or infirm b : subdued completely : CRUSHED, SORROWFUL <a broken heart> <a broken spirit> c : BANKRUPT d : reduced in rank
4 a : cut off : DISCONNECTED b : imperfectly spoken or written <broken English>
5 : not complete or full <a broken bale of hay>
6 : disunited by divorce, separation, or desertion of one parent <children from broken homes> <a broken family>
–bro·ken·ly adverb
–bro·ken·ness \-kə(n)-nəs\ noun

broken
adj. Broken Hill
broken down
broken field
broken winded
wind broken
Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow
city NE Okla. SE of Tulsa pop 74,859

Broken Hill
1 city SE Australia in W New South Wales pop 23,739
2 ― see KABWE

broken-down
: WORN-OUT, DEBILITATED <a broken-down old car>

broken-field
: characterized by or making quick changes in direction to avoid widely scattered tacklers <a halfback known for broken-field running> <a broken-field runner>

broken-winded
: affected with or as if with heaves <a broken-winded horse>

brokenhearted
adj. : overcome by grief or despair

broker
n. 1 : one who acts as an intermediary: as a : an agent who arranges marriages b : an agent who negotiates contracts of purchase and sale (as of real estate, commodities, or securities)
2 : POWER BROKER
3 : one who sells or distributes something <an information broker>
–broker verb

brokerage
n. 1 : the business or establishment of a broker
2 : a broker's fee or commission

brokered
adj. : arranged or controlled by brokers and especially power brokers <a brokered political convention>

broking
n. chiefly British : the business of a broker : BROKERAGE

brolly
n. chiefly British : UMBRELLA

brom
: bromine <bromide>

bromate
n. : a salt of bromic acid

Bromberg
― see BYDGOSZCZ

bromegrass
: any of a large genus (Bromus) of tall grasses often having drooping spikelets ― called also brome

bromelain
: a protease obtained especially from the pineapple

bromeliad
n. : any of the chiefly tropical American usually epiphytic plants comprising the pineapple family and including Spanish moss and various ornamentals

bromic acid
: an unstable strongly oxidizing acid HBrO_3 known only in solution or in the form of its salts

bromide
n. 1 : a binary compound of bromine with another element or a radical including some (as potassium bromide) used as sedatives
2 a : a commonplace or tiresome person : BORE b : a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion

bromide
n. ethidium bromide
hydrogen bromide
methyl bromide
potassium bromide
pyridostigmine bromide
silver bromide

bromidic
adj. : lacking in originality : TRITE

brominate
v. : to treat or cause to combine with bromine or a compound of bromine
–bro·mi·na·tion \ˌbrō-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

bromine
n. : a nonmetallic halogen element that is isolated as a deep red corrosive toxic volatile liquid of disagreeable odor ― see ELEMENT table

Bromley
borough of SE Greater London, England pop 281,700

bromo
n. : a dose of a proprietary effervescent headache remedy and antacid

bromocriptine
: a polypeptide ergot derivative C_32H_40BrN_5O_5 that mimics the activity of dopamine in inhibiting prolactin secretion

bromouracil
: a mutagenic uracil derivative C_4H_3N_2O_2Br that is an analog of thymine and pairs readily with adenine and sometimes with guanine

bromthymol blue
: a dye derived from thymol that is an acid-base indicator ― called also bro·mo·thy·mol blue \ˌbrō-mō-'thī-ˌmȯl-\

bronc
n. : an unbroken or imperfectly broken range horse of western No. America broadly : MUSTANG

bronch
: bronchial tube : bronchial <bronchitis>

bronchi
n. : bronchial tubes <bronchiectasis>

bronchial
adj. : of or relating to the bronchi or their ramifications in the lungs
–bron·chi·al·ly \-kē-ə-lē\ adverb

bronchial asthma
: asthma resulting from spasmodic contraction of bronchial muscles

bronchial tube
: a primary bronchus or any of its branches

bronchiectasis
n. : a chronic dilatation of bronchi or bronchioles

bronchiole
n. : a minute thin-walled branch of a bronchus
–bron·chi·o·lar \ˌbräŋ-kē-'ō-lər\ adjective

bronchiolitis
n. : inflammation of the bronchioles

bronchitis
n. : acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes also : a disease marked by this
–bron·chit·ic \-'ki-tik\ adjective

bronchodilator
n. : a drug that relaxes bronchial muscle resulting in expansion of the bronchial air passages
–bronchodilator adjective

bronchogenic
adj. : of, relating to, or arising in or by way of the air passages of the lungs <bronchogenic carcinoma>

bronchopneumonia
n. : pneumonia involving many relatively small areas of lung tissue

bronchoscope
n. : a usually flexible endoscope for inspecting or passing instruments into the bronchi (as to obtain tissue for biopsy)
–bron·cho·scop·ic \ˌbräŋ-kə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–bron·chos·co·pist \brän-'käs-kə-pist, bräŋ-\ noun
–bron·chos·co·py \-pē\ noun

bronchospasm
n. : constriction of the air passages of the lung (as in asthma) by spasmodic contraction of the bronchial muscles
–bron·cho·spas·tic \ˌbräŋ-kə-'spas-tik\ adjective

bronchus
n. : either of the two primary divisions of the trachea that lead respectively into the right and the left lung broadly : BRONCHIAL TUBE

bronco
n. : BRONC

broncobuster
n. : one who breaks wild horses to the saddle

Bronte
n. a family of Eng. writers: Charlotte 1816-1855 & her sisters Emily 1818-1848 & Anne 1820-1849

brontosaurus
n. : any of a genus (Apatosaurus syn. Brontosaurus) of large sauropod dinosaurs of the Jurassic ― called also apatosaurus

Bronx
n. borough of New York City on the mainland NE of Manhattan Is. pop 1,332,650

Bronx cheer
: RASPBERRY 2

bronze
n. : to give the appearance of bronze to <a bronzed sculpture> also : TAN 2
–bronz·er noun

bronze
n. 1 a : an alloy of copper and tin and sometimes other elements b : any of various copper-base alloys with little or no tin
2 : a sculpture or artifact of bronze
3 : a moderate yellowish brown
4 : a bronze medal awarded as the third prize in a competition
–bronzy \'brän-zē\ adjective

bronze
n. Bronze Age
Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
phosphor bronze

Bronze Age
: the period of ancient human culture characterized by the use of bronze that began between 4000 and 3000 B.C. and ended with the advent of the Iron Age

Bronze Star
: a U.S. military decoration awarded for valor or for meritorious service not involving aerial flights ― called also Bronze Star Medal

bronzing
v. : a bronze coloring or discoloration (as of leaves)

brooch
n. : an ornament that is held by a pin or clasp and is worn at or near the neck

brood
n. 1 : the young of an animal or a family of young especially : the young (as of a bird or insect) hatched or cared for at one time
2 : a group having a common nature or origin
3 : the children of a family

brood
n. : kept for breeding <a brood flock>

brood
n. 1 a : to sit on or incubate (eggs) b : to produce by or as if by incubation : HATCH
2 of a bird : to cover (young) with the wings
3 : to think anxiously or gloomily about : PONDER
intransitive verb
1 a of a bird : to brood eggs or young b : to sit quietly and thoughtfully : MEDITATE
2 : HOVER, LOOM
3 a : to dwell gloomily on a subject b : to be in a state of depression
–brood·ing·ly \'brü-diŋ-lē\ adverb

brooder
n. 1 : one that broods
2 : a heated structure used for raising young fowl

broodmare
: a mare kept for breeding

broody
adj. 1 : being in a state of readiness to brood eggs that is characterized by cessation of laying and by marked changes in behavior and physiology <a broody hen>
2 : given or conducive to introspection : CONTEMPLATIVE, MOODY
–brood·i·ness noun

brook
n. : CREEK 2

brook
n. : to stand for : TOLERATE <he would brook no interference with his plans>

brook trout
: the common speckled cold-water char (Salvelinus fontinalis) of No. America

Brooke
n. Sir Alan Francis 1883-1963 1st Viscount Al·an·brooke \'a-lən-ˌbru̇k\ Brit. field marshal

Brooke
n. Edward William 1919-     American polit.

Brooke
n. Rupert 1887-1915 Eng. poet

Brookfield
city SE Wis. W of Milwaukee pop 38,649

brookie
: BROOK TROUT

brookite
: titanium dioxide TiO_2 occurring as a mineral in orthorhombic crystals commonly translucent brown or opaque brown to black

brooklet
n. : a small brook

Brookline
town E Mass. W of Boston pop 57,107

Brooklyn
n. borough of New York City at SW end of Long Is. pop 2,465,326
–Brook·lyn·ite \-klə-ˌnīt\ noun

Brooklyn Center
city SE Minn. NW of Minneapolis pop 29,172

Brooklyn Park
city SE Minn. NW of Minneapolis pop 67,388

Brooklynese
: the vernacular speech of greater New York City and environs

Brooks
n. Gwendolyn Elizabeth 1917-2000 American poet

Brooks
n. Phillips 1835-1893 American bishop

Brooks
n. Van Wyck \van-'wīk, vən-\ 1886-1963 American essayist & critic

Brooks Range
mountain range N Alaska extending from Kotzebue Sound to Canadian border; highest peak over 9000 ft (2740 m)

broom
n. 1 : any of various leguminous shrubs (esp. genera Cytisus and Genista) with long slender branches, small leaves, and usually showy yellow flowers especially : SCOTCH BROOM
2 : a bundle of firm stiff twigs or fibers bound together on a long handle especially for sweeping

broom
n. 1 : to sweep with or as if with a broom
2 : to finish (as a concrete surface) by means of a broom

broom
n. push broom
Scotch broom
whisk broom
witches' broom

broomball
n. : a variation of ice hockey played on ice without skates and with brooms and a soccer ball used instead of sticks and a puck
–broom·ball·er \-ˌbȯ-lər\ noun

broomcorn
: any of several tall cultivated sorghums having stiff-branched panicles used in brooms and brushes

Broomfield
city N cen Colo. pop 38,272

broomrape
n. : any of a genus (Orobanche of the family Orobanchaceae, the broomrape family) of herbs that have leaves modified to scales and that grow as parasites on the roots of other plants

broomstick
n. : the long thin handle of a broom

bros
n. plural of bro

brose
n. : a chiefly Scottish dish made with a boiling liquid and meal

Brossard
town Canada in S Que. pop 65,026

broth
n. 1 : liquid in which meat, fish, cereal grains, or vegetables have been cooked : STOCK <chicken broth>
2 : a fluid culture medium

brothel
n. : BORDELLO

brother
n. 1 : a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another
2 : one related to another by common ties or interests
3 : a fellow member ― used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations
4 : one of a type similar to another
5 a : KINSMAN b : one who shares with another a common national or racial origin especially : SOUL BROTHER
6 a capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work b : a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders <a lay brother>

brother
n. big brother
blood brother
brother in law
Christian Brother
half brother
soul brother
Xaverian Brother
brothers in law
Bohemian Brethren

brother-in-law
1 : the brother of one's spouse
2 a : the husband of one's sister b : the husband of one's spouse's sister

brotherhood
n. 1 : the quality or state of being brothers
2 : FELLOWSHIP, ALLIANCE
3 : an association (as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose
4 : the whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession

brotherly
adj. 1 : of or relating to brothers
2 : natural or becoming to brothers : AFFECTIONATE <brotherly love>
–broth·er·li·ness noun
–brotherly adverb

brougham
n. : a light closed horse-drawn carriage with the driver outside in front

brought
past and past part of bring

brouhaha
n. : HUBBUB, UPROAR

brow
n. 1 a : EYEBROW b : FOREHEAD
2 : the projecting upper part or margin of a steep place
3 : EXPRESSION, MIEN

brow
n. : GANGPLANK

browallia
: any of a genus (Browallia) of tropical American herbs of the nightshade family cultivated for their blue, violet, or white flowers

browbeat
v. : to intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech : BULLY
synonyms see INTIMIDATE

Browder
Earl 1891-1973 American Communist polit.

browed
: having brows of a specified nature ― used in combination <smooth-browed>

Brown
n. Charles Brockden 1771-1810 American nov.

Brown
n. Ford Mad·ox \'ma-dəks\ 1821-1893 Eng. painter

Brown
n. George 1818-1880 Canad. (Scot.-born) journalist & polit.

Brown
n. Herbert Charles 1912-     American (Eng.-born) chem.

Brown
n. John 1800-1859 Old Brown of Osa·wat·o·mie \ˌō-sə-'wä-tə-mē\ American abolitionist

Brown
n. Michael Stuart 1941-     American biochemist

brown
n. : of the color brown especially : of dark or tanned complexion

brown
n. brown coal
liver brown
big brown bat
brown alga
brown bagging
brown bagger
brown bag
brown bear
brown Betty
brown bread
brown dwarf
brown earth
brown eyed Susan
brown fat
brown adipose tissue
brown headed cowbird
brown lung
brown pelican
brown rat
brown recluse spider
brown rice
brown rot
brown sauce
brown study
brown sugar
Brown Swiss
brown tail moth
brown tree snake
brown trout
golden brown alga
hashed brown potatoes
hash brown potatoes
little brown bat
nut brown
Vandyke brown
hash browns
hashed browns
Browning automatic rifle
Browning machine gun

brown
n. 1 : any of a group of colors between red and yellow in hue, of medium to low lightness, and of moderate to low saturation
2 : a brown-skinned person
3 : BROWN TROUT
–brown·ish \'brau̇-nish\ adjective
–browny \-nē\ adjective

brown
n. : to become brown
transitive verb : to make brown

brown alga
: any of a division (Phaeophyta) of variable mostly marine algae with chlorophyll masked by brown pigment

brown bagging
1 : the practice of carrying (as to work) one's lunch usually in a brown paper bag
2 : the practice of carrying a bottle of liquor into a restaurant or club where setups are available
–brown-bag \'brau̇n-ˌbag\ verb or adjective
–brown bagger noun

brown bear
: any of several bears predominantly brown in color that are usually considered a single species (Ursus arctos) including the grizzly bear and that formerly inhabited western No. America from the barrens of Alaska to northern Mexico and much of Europe and Asia but are now much restricted in range

brown Betty
: a baked pudding of apples, bread crumbs, and spices

brown bread
1 : bread made of whole wheat flour
2 : a dark brown steamed bread made usually of cornmeal, white or whole wheat flours, molasses, soda, and milk or water

brown coal
: LIGNITE

brown dwarf
: a celestial object that is much smaller than a normal star and has insufficient mass to sustain nuclear fusion but that is hot enough to radiate energy especially at infrared wavelengths

brown earth
: any of a group of intrazonal soils developed in temperate humid regions under deciduous forests and characterized by a dark brown mull horizon that grades through lighter colored soil

brown fat
: a mammalian heat-producing tissue occurring especially in human fetuses and newborn infants and in hibernating animals ― called also brown adipose tissue

brown lung
: BYSSINOSIS

brown pelican
: a pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) of American coasts that has a brownish body and a chiefly white or white with yellow head

brown rat
: a common domestic rat (Rattus norvegicus) that has been introduced worldwide ― called also Norway rat

brown recluse spider
: a venomous spider (Loxosceles reclusa) especially of the southern and central U.S. that has a violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax and produces a dangerous cytotoxin which can cause necrotic lesions

brown rice
: hulled but unpolished rice that retains most of the bran layers, endosperm, and germ

brown rot
: a disease of stone fruits (as peaches) caused by a fungus (genus Monilinia and especially M. fructicola)

brown sauce
: a sauce consisting typically of stock thickened with flour browned in fat

brown study
: a state of serious absorption or abstraction

brown sugar
: soft sugar whose crystals are covered by a film of refined dark syrup

Brown Swiss
: any of a breed of large hardy brown dairy cattle originating in Switzerland

brown tree snake
: a large venomous arboreal colubrid snake (Boiga irregularis) of northern Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands that has been accidentally introduced into other areas (as Guam)

brown trout
: a speckled European trout (Salmo trutta) widely introduced as a game fish

brown-eyed Susan
: a dark-centered coneflower (Rudbeckia triloba) of eastern No. America often having tripartite lower leaves

brown-headed cowbird
: COWBIRD

brown-tail moth
: a European tussock moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) introduced in the U.S. and having larvae which feed on foliage and have hairs irritating to the skin

Browne
Charles Farrar 1834-1867 pseud. Ar·te·mus \'är-tə-məs\ Ward American humorist

Browne
Sir Thomas 1605-1682 Eng. physician & author

brownfield
adj. : a tract of land that has been developed for industrial purposes, polluted, and then abandoned

Brownian motion
: a random movement of microscopic particles suspended in liquids or gases resulting from the impact of molecules of the surrounding medium ― called also Brownian movement

brownie
n. 1 : a legendary good-natured elf that performs helpful services at night
2 capitalized : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the first through third grades in school
3 : a small square or rectangle of rich usually chocolate cake often containing nuts

brownie point
: a credit regarded as earned especially by currying favor (as with a superior)

Browning
Elizabeth Barrett 1806-1861 wife of Robert Eng. poet

Browning
Robert 1812-1889 Eng. poet

Browning automatic rifle
: a .30 caliber gas-operated air-cooled magazine-fed automatic rifle often provided with a rest for the barrel

Browning machine gun
: a .30 or .50 caliber recoil-operated air- or water-cooled machine gun fed by a cartridge belt

brownnose
v. : to ingratiate oneself with : curry favor with
–brownnose noun
–brown·nos·er noun

brownout
n. : a period of reduced voltage of electricity caused especially by high demand and resulting in reduced illumination

brownshirt
n. : NAZI especially : STORM TROOPER

brownstone
n. 1 : a reddish-brown sandstone used for building
2 : a dwelling faced with brownstone

Brownsville
city & port S Tex. pop 139,722

browridge
: a prominence of the frontal bone above the eye caused by the projection of the frontal air sinuses

browse
n. transitive verb
1 a : to consume as browse b : GRAZE
2 : to look over casually : SKIM
3 : to access (a network) by means of a browser
intransitive verb
1 a : to feed on or as if on browse b : GRAZE
2 a : to skim through a book reading passages that catch the eye b : to look over or through an aggregate of things casually especially in search of something of interest
–brows·able \'brau̇-zə-bəl\ adjective

browse
n. 1 : tender shoots, twigs, and leaves of trees and shrubs used by animals for food
2 : an act or instance of browsing

browser
n. 1 : one that browses
2 : a computer program used for accessing sites or information on a network (as the World Wide Web)

Broz
Josip ― see TITO

Bruce
n. Sir David 1855-1931 Brit. physician & bacteriol.

Bruce
n. Robert ― see ROBERT I the Bruce

Bruce
n. Stanley Melbourne 1883-1967 1st Viscount Bruce of Melbourne Austral. statesman; prime min. (1923-29)

Bruce
n. peninsula SE Ont., Canada, projecting bet. Lake Huron & Georgian Bay

Bruce Peninsula National Park
n. reservation SE Canada in SE Ont.

brucella
n. : any of a genus (Brucella) of nonmotile pleomorphic bacteria that cause disease in humans and domestic animals

brucellosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by brucellae

brucine
n. : a poisonous alkaloid C_23H_26N_2O_4 found with strychnine especially in nux vomica

Bruckner
n. Anton 1824-1896 Austrian composer
–Bruck·ner·ian \ˌbru̇k-'ner-ē-ən\ adjective

Brueghel
family of Flem. painters including: Pieter ca 1525-1569 & his sons Pieter 1564-1638 & Jan 1568-1625

Brugge
commune NW Belgium capital of W. Flanders pop 116,836

bruin
n. : BEAR 1

bruise
n. transitive verb
1 a archaic : DISABLE b : BATTER, DENT
2 : to inflict a bruise on : CONTUSE
3 : to break down (as leaves or berries) by pounding : CRUSH
4 : WOUND, INJURE especially : to inflict psychological hurt on <a bruised ego>
intransitive verb
1 : to inflict a bruise
2 : to undergo bruising <her skin bruises easily>

bruise
n. 1 a : an injury involving rupture of small blood vessels and discoloration without a break in the overlying skin : CONTUSION b : a similar injury to plant tissue
2 : ABRASION, SCRATCH
3 : an injury especially to the feelings

bruiser
n. : a big husky man

bruising
adj. : ARDUOUS, TAXING <a long and bruising courtroom battle>

bruit
v. 1 \'brüt\ archaic a : NOISE, DIN b : REPORT, RUMOR
2 \'brü-ē\ [F, literally, noise] : any of several generally abnormal sounds heard on auscultation

bruit
v. : REPORT, RUMOR ― usually used with about <word of his imminent dismissal was bruited about>

brumal
adj. archaic : indicative of or occurring in the winter

brumby
n. Australian : a wild or unbroken horse

brume
n. : MIST, FOG
–bru·mous \'brü-məs\ adjective

brummagem
n. : SPURIOUS also : cheaply showy : TAWDRY
–brummagem noun

Brummell
George Bryan 1778-1840 Beau Brummell Eng. dandy

brunch
n. : a meal usually taken late in the morning that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch

Brunei
n. 1 independent sultanate & former Brit. protectorate NW Borneo capital Bandar Seri Begawan area 2226 sq mi (5788 sq km), pop 332,844
2 ― see BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
–Bru·nei·an \bru̇-'nī-ən\ adjective or noun

Brunelleschi
Filippo 1377-1446 Ital. architect

brunet
n. : a person having brown or black hair and often a relatively dark complexion ― spelled brunet when used of a boy or man and usually brunette when used of a girl or woman

brunet
n. : of a dark brown or black color <brunet hair> also : having brunet hair <a brunet woman> ― spelled brunet when used of a boy or man and usually brunette when used of a girl or woman

Brunetiere
Vincent de Paul-Marie-Ferdinand 1849-1906 Fr. critic

brung
chiefly dialect past and past part of bring

Brunhild
: a queen in Germanic legend won by Siegfried for Gunther

Bruning
Heinrich 1885-1970 chancellor of Germany (1930-32)

Bruno
n. Giordano 1548-1600 Ital. philos.

Brunswick
n. 1 city NE Ohio SSW of Cleveland pop 33,388
2 or G Braun·schweig \'brau̇n-ˌshvīk\ former state cen Germany capital Brunswick
3 or G Braunschweig city N cen Germany W of Berlin pop 259,127

Brunswick stew
: a stew made of vegetables and usually two meats (as chicken and squirrel)

brunt
n. 1 : the principal force, shock, or stress (as of an attack)
2 : the greater part : BURDEN

bruschetta
n. : thick slices of bread grilled, rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, often topped with tomatoes and herbs, and usually served as an appetizer

brush
n. 1 : BRUSHWOOD
2 a : scrub vegetation b : land covered with scrub vegetation

brush
n. 1 : a device composed of bristles typically set into a handle and used especially for sweeping, smoothing, scrubbing, or painting
2 : something resembling a brush: as a : a bushy tail b : a feather tuft worn on a hat
3 : an electrical conductor that makes sliding contact between a stationary and a moving part (as of a generator or a motor)
4 a : an act of brushing b : a quick light touch or momentary contact in passing

brush
n. 1 a : to apply a brush to b : to apply with a brush
2 a : to remove with passing strokes (as of a brush) b : to dispose of in an offhand way : DISMISS <brushed him off>
3 : to pass lightly over or across : touch gently against in passing
–brush·er noun

brush
n. : a brief encounter or skirmish <a brush with disaster> <a brush with the law>

brush
n. : to move lightly or heedlessly <brushed past the well-wishers waiting to greet him>

brush
n. brush back
broad brush
brush border
brush cut
brush discharge
brush fire
brush off
brush up
end brush
scrub brush
scrubbing brush
tar with the same brush

brush border
: a stria of microvilli on the plasma membrane of an epithelial cell (as in a kidney tubule) that is specialized for absorption

brush cut
: CREW CUT

brush discharge
: a faintly luminous relatively slow electrical discharge having no spark

brush fire
1 : a fire involving low-growing plants (as scrub and brush)
2 : a minor conflict or crisis <putting out political brush fires>

brush up
1 : to improve or polish as if by brushing
2 : to renew one's skill in <brush up your Spanish>
intransitive verb : to refresh one's memory : renew one's skill <brush up on math>
–brush·up \'brəsh-ˌəp\ noun

brush-off
: a quietly curt or disdainful dismissal

brushability
: ease of application with a brush <brushability of a paint>

brushback
: a pitch intentionally thrown near the batter's head or body in baseball
–brush back transitive verb

brushed
adj. 1 : finished with a nap <a brushed fabric>
2 : polished but not shiny <brushed aluminum>

brushfire
n. : involving mobilization only on a small and local scale <brushfire border wars>

brushland
: an area covered with brush growth

brushstroke
n. : the configuration given to paint by contact with the bristles of a brush also : the paint left on a surface by a single application of a brush or palette knife ― often used figuratively to describe the quality especially of a narrative or description <a story told in broad brushstrokes>

brushwood
n. 1 : wood of small branches especially when cut or broken
2 : a thicket of shrubs and small trees

brushwork
n. : work done with a brush (as in painting) especially : the characteristic work of an artist using a brush

brushy
adj. : covered with or abounding in brush or brushwood <brushy hills> <a brushy habitat>

brushy
adj. : SHAGGY, ROUGH <a brushy moustache>

brusque
adj. 1 : markedly short and abrupt
2 : blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness
synonyms see BLUFF
–brusque·ly adverb
–brusque·ness noun

brusquerie
n. : abruptness of manner

Brussels
n. city capital of Belgium & of Brabant pop 136,730
–Bru·xel·lois \br-sel-'wä also brk-\ adjective or noun

Brussels
n. Brussels carpet
Brussels griffon
Brussels lace
brussels sprout

Brussels carpet
: a carpet made of colored worsted yarns first fixed in a foundation web of strong linen thread and then drawn up in loops to form the pattern

Brussels griffon
: any of a breed of short-faced compact rough- or smooth-coated toy dogs of Belgian origin ― called also griffon

Brussels lace
1 : any of various fine needlepoint or bobbin laces with floral designs made orig. in or near Brussels
2 : a machine-made net of hexagonal mesh

brussels sprout
1 plural : a plant (Brassica oleracea gemmifera) of the mustard family that bears small edible green heads on its stem
2 : any of the edible green heads borne on brussels sprouts ― usually used in plural

brut
n. of champagne : very dry specifically : being the driest made by the producer
–brut noun

brutal
adj. 1 archaic : typical of beasts : ANIMAL
2 : befitting a brute: as a : grossly ruthless or unfeeling <a brutal slander> b : CRUEL, COLD-BLOODED <a brutal attack> c : HARSH, SEVERE <brutal weather> d : unpleasantly accurate and incisive <the brutal truth> e : very bad or unpleasant <a brutal mistake>
–bru·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
synonyms BRUTAL, BRUTISH, BESTIAL, FERAL mean characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct. BRUTAL applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity <a senseless and brutal war>. BRUTISH stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct <brutish stupidity>. BESTIAL suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts <bestial depravity>. FERAL suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals <the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses>.

brutalise
v. British variant of brutalize

brutality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being brutal
2 : a brutal act or course of action

brutalize
v. 1 : to make brutal, unfeeling, or inhuman <temperaments brutalized by poverty and disease>
2 : to treat brutally <an accord not to brutalize prisoners of war>
–bru·tal·i·za·tion \ˌbrü-təl-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

brute
n. 1 : of or relating to beasts <the ways of the brute world>
2 : INANIMATE 1A
3 : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: as a : CRUEL, SAVAGE <brute violence> b : not working by reason <brute instinct>
4 : purely physical <brute strength> <brute force>
5 : unrelievedly harsh <brute facts> <brute necessity>

brute
n. 1 : BEAST
2 : a brutal person

brutish
adj. 1 : resembling, befitting, or typical of a brute or beast <lived a short and brutish life as a slave>
2 a : strongly and grossly sensual <brutish gluttony> b : showing little intelligence or sensibility <a brutish lack of understanding>
synonyms see BRUTAL
–brut·ish·ly adverb
–brut·ish·ness noun

Bruttium
― see CALABRIA 2

brutum fulmen
: insensible thunderbolt : a futile threat or display of force

Brutus
n. Marcus Junius 85-42 B.C. Rom. polit. & conspirator

bruxism
n. : the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep

Bryan
n. William Jennings 1860-1925 American lawyer & polit.

Bryan
n. city E cen Tex. pop 65,660

Bryansk
city Russia in Europe SW of Moscow pop 461,000

Bryant
n. William Cullen 1794-1878 American poet & editor

Bryce Canyon National Park
n. reservation S Utah NE of Zion National Park

Brynhild
: a Valkyrie who is waked from an enchanted sleep by Sigurd and later has him killed when he forgets her

bryology
n. 1 : moss life or biology
2 : a branch of botany that deals with the bryophytes
–bry·o·log·i·cal \brī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–bry·ol·o·gist \brī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

bryony
n. : any of a genus (Bryonia) of tendril-bearing vines of the gourd family with large leaves and red or black fruit

bryophyllum
: KALANCHOE

bryophyte
n. : any of a division (Bryophyta) of nonflowering plants comprising the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts
–bryo·phyt·ic \ˌbrī-ə-'fi-tik\ adjective

bryozoan
n. : any of a phylum (Bryozoa) of aquatic mostly marine invertebrate animals that reproduce by budding and usually form permanently attached branched or mossy colonies
–bryozoan adjective

Brythonic
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the division of the Celtic languages that includes Welsh, Cornish, and Breton

Brythonic
n. : the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

BS
1 bachelor of science
2 balance sheet
3 bill of sale
4 bishop suffragan
5 British standard
6 often not capitalized sometimes vulgar bullshit

BSA
Boy Scouts of America

BSAE
1 bachelor of science in aeronautical engineering
2 bachelor of science in agricultural engineering
3 bachelor of science in architectural engineering

BSArch
bachelor of science in architecture

BSB
bachelor of science in business

BSc
n. bachelor of science

BSCE
bachelor of science in chemical engineering

BSCh
bachelor of science in chemistry

BSE
bovine spongiform encephalopathy

BSEc
bachelor of science in economics

BSEd
bachelor of science in education

BSEE
1 bachelor of science in electrical engineering
2 bachelor of science in elementary education

BSET
bachelor of science in engineering technology

BSFor
bachelor of science in forestry

BSI
British Standards Institution

bskt
basket

BSL
bachelor of science in linguistics

BSME
bachelor of science in mechanical engineering

bsmt
basement

BSN
bachelor of science in nursing

BSW
bachelor of social work

Bt
: a preparation of a bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) often modified by genetic engineering for use as a biopesticide against insects and especially lepidopteran larvae also : the bacterium itself

Bt
baronet

btry
battery

Btu
: BRITISH THERMAL UNIT

BTW
n. by the way

Bu
butyl

bu
1 bureau
2 bushel

bub
n. : FELLOW, BUDDY ― used in informal address <come on, bub, get moving>

Bubastis
ancient city N Egypt near modern Zagazig

Bubba
n. often disparaging : REDNECK

bubble
n. 1 : a small globule typically hollow and light: as a : a small body of gas within a liquid b : a thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas c : a globule in a transparent solid d : something (as a plastic or inflatable structure) that is hemispherical or semicylindrical
2 a : something that lacks firmness, solidity, or reality b : a delusive scheme
3 : a sound like that of bubbling
4 : MAGNETIC BUBBLE
5 : a state of booming economic activity (as in a stock market) that often ends in a sudden collapse
6 : the condition of being at risk of exclusion or replacement (as from a tournament) ― usually used in the phrase on the bubble <teams still on the bubble for the play-offs>

bubble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to form or produce bubbles b : to rise in or as if in bubbles ― usually used with up
2 : to flow with a gurgling sound <a brook bubbling over rocks>
3 a : to become lively or effervescent <bubbling with good humor> b : to speak in a lively and fluent manner
transitive verb
1 : to utter (as words) effervescently
2 : to cause to bubble

bubble
n. bubble and squeak
bubble chamber
bubble gum
bubble memory
hubble bubble
magnetic bubble
soap bubble

bubble and squeak
: a British dish consisting of usually leftover potatoes, greens (as cabbage), and sometimes meat fried together

bubble chamber
: a chamber of superheated liquid in which the path of an ionizing particle is made visible by a string of vapor bubbles

bubble gum
1 : a chewing gum that can be blown into large bubbles
2 usually bub·ble·gum \'bə-bəl-ˌgəm\ : rock music having simple repetitive phrasings and intended especially for young teenagers

bubble memory
: a computer memory that uses magnetic bubbles to store information

bubblegum
n. : appealing to or characteristic of preteens or adolescents <bubblegum fashions>

bubblehead
n. : a foolish or stupid person
–bub·ble·head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

bubbler
n. 1 : a drinking fountain from which a stream of water bubbles upward
2 : one that bubbles

bubbly
n. 1 : full of bubbles : EFFERVESCENT <a bubbly bottle of pop>
2 : full of or showing good spirits : LIVELY, EFFUSIVE
3 : resembling a bubble <a bubbly dome>

bubbly
n. : CHAMPAGNE 1

bubby
sometimes vulgar : BREAST 1

Buber
n. Martin 1878-1965 Israeli (Austrian-born) philos.

bubkes
: the least amount : BEANS <won't win bubkes this year ― Ivan Maisel> also : NOTHING <received bubkes at nomination time ― Lewis Beale>

bubo
n. : an inflammatory swelling of a lymph gland especially in the groin
–bu·bon·ic \byü-'bä-nik, bü-\ adjective

bubonic plague
: plague caused by a bacterium (Yersinia pestis) and characterized especially by the formation of buboes

Bucaramanga
city N Colombia NNE of Bogotá pop 349,400

buccal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, near, involving, or supplying a cheek <the buccal surface of a tooth> <the buccal branch of the facial nerve>
2 : of, relating to, involving, or lying in the mouth <the buccal cavity>
–buc·cal·ly adverb

buccaneer
n. 1 : any of the freebooters preying on Spanish ships and settlements especially in 17th century West Indies broadly : PIRATE
2 : an unscrupulous adventurer especially in politics or business
–buccaneer intransitive verb
–buc·ca·neer·ish \-ish\ adjective

buccinator
n. : a thin broad muscle forming the wall of the cheek

Buchan
Sir John 1875-1940 1st Baron Tweeds·muir \'twēdz-ˌmyu̇r\ Scot. author; gov.-gen. of Canada (1935-40)

Buchanan
n. James 1791-1868 American polit. & diplomat; 15th pres. of the U.S. (1857-61)

Buchanan
n. James McGill 1919-     American econ.

Bucharest
n. city capital of Romania pop 1,921,751

Buchenwald
village cen Germany NW of Weimar; site of Nazi concentration camp during World War II

Bucheon
― see PUCHON

Buchman
Frank Nathan Daniel 1878-1961 American evangelist

Buchner
Eduard 1860-1917 Ger. chem.

Buck
n. Pearl 1892-1973 née Sy·den·strick·er \'sī-dən-ˌstri-kər\ American nov.

buck
n. 1 or plural buck : a male animal especially : a male deer or antelope
2 a : a male human being : MAN b : a dashing fellow : DANDY
3 or plural buck : ANTELOPE
4 a : BUCKSKIN also : an article (as a shoe) made of buckskin b (1) : DOLLAR 3B (2) : a sum of money especially to be gained <make a quick buck> also : MONEY ― usually used in plural
5 [short for sawbuck sawhorse] a : a supporting rack or frame b : a short thick leather-covered block for gymnastic vaulting

buck
n. 1 a archaic : 1BUTT b : OPPOSE, RESIST <bucking the system>
2 : to throw (as a rider) by bucking
3 : to charge into (as a headwind)
4 a : to pass especially from one person to another b : to move or load (as heavy objects) especially with mechanical equipment
intransitive verb
1 of a horse or mule : to spring into the air with the back arched
2 : to charge against something (as an obstruction)
3 a : to move or react jerkily b : to refuse assent : BALK
4 : to strive for advancement sometimes without regard to ethical behavior <bucking for a promotion>
–buck·er noun

buck
n. : an act or instance of bucking

buck
n. 1 : an object formerly used in poker to mark the next player to deal broadly : a token used as a mark or reminder
2 : RESPONSIBILITY ― used especially in the phrases passive the buck and the buck stops here

buck
n. : of the lowest grade within a military category <a buck private>

buck
n. : STARK, COMPLETELY <buck naked>

buck
n. bang for one's buck
bang for the buck
big buck
buck and wing
buck fever
buck passer
buck passing
Buck Rogers
buck up
pass the buck
Buck Island Reef National Monument

buck fever
: nervous excitement of an inexperienced hunter at the sight of game

Buck Island Reef National Monument
n. reservation St. Croix, Virgin Islands; contains marine gardens

buck passer
: a person who habitually passes the buck
–buck-pass·ing \'bək-ˌpa-siŋ\ noun

Buck Rogers
: marked by futuristic and high-tech qualities : suggestive of science fiction

buck up
intransitive verb : to become encouraged : brace up
transitive verb
1 : IMPROVE, SMARTEN
2 : to raise the morale of

buck-and-wing
: a solo tap dance with sharp foot accents, springs, leg flings, and heel clicks

buckaroo
n. 1 : COWBOY
2 : BRONCOBUSTER

buckbean
n. : a perennial herbaceous plant (Menyanthes trifoliata of the family Menyanthaceae) growing in bogs and having racemes of white or pinkish flowers

buckboard
n. : a four-wheeled vehicle with a floor made of long springy boards

bucket
n. 1 : a typically cylindrical vessel for catching, holding, or carrying liquids or solids
2 : something resembling a bucket: as a : the scoop of an excavating machine b : one of the receptacles on the rim of a waterwheel c : one of the cups of an endless-belt conveyor d : one of the vanes of a turbine rotor
3 : BUCKETFUL
4 : BUCKET SEAT
5 : BASKET 3B

bucket
n. 1 : to draw or lift in buckets
2 British a : to ride (a horse) hard b : to drive hurriedly or roughly
3 : to deal with in a bucket shop
intransitive verb
1 : HUSTLE, HURRY
2 a : to move about haphazardly or irresponsibly b : to move roughly or jerkily

bucket
n. bucket brigade
bucket seat
bucket shop
drop in the bucket
kick the bucket
lunch bucket
rust bucket

bucket brigade
: a chain of persons acting to put out a fire by passing buckets of water from hand to hand

bucket seat
: a low separate seat for one person (as in an automobile or an airplane)

bucket shop
1 : a saloon in which liquor was formerly sold from or dispensed in open containers (as buckets or pitchers)
2 a : a gambling establishment that formerly used market fluctuations (as in securities or commodities) as a basis for gaming b : a dishonest brokerage firm especially : one that formerly failed to execute customers' margin orders in expectation of making a profit from market fluctuations adverse to the customers' interests

bucketful
n. : as much as a bucket will hold broadly : a large quantity

buckeye
n. 1 : any of various shrubs or trees (genus Aesculus) of the horse-chestnut family also : the large nutlike seed of such a shrub or tree
2 capitalized : a native or resident of Ohio ― used as a nickname

Buckingham
n. 1st & 2d Dukes of ― see VILLIERS

Buckinghamshire
n. county SE cen England capital Aylesbury area 753 sq mi (1950 sq km), pop 651,700

buckle
n. 1 : a fastening for two loose ends that is attached to one and holds the other by a catch
2 : an ornamental device that suggests a buckle
3 archaic : a crisp curl

buckle
n. transitive verb
1 : to fasten with a buckle
2 : to prepare with vigor
3 : to cause to bend, give way, or crumple
intransitive verb
1 : to become fastened with a buckle
2 : to apply oneself with vigor ― usually used with down <buckle down to the job>
3 : to bend, heave, warp, or kink usually under the influence of some external agency <wheat buckling in the wind>
4 : COLLAPSE <the props buckled under the strain>
5 : to give way : YIELD <he buckled under pressure>

buckle
n. 1 : a product of buckling : BEND, FOLD
2 : a coffee cake baked with berries and a crumbly topping <blueberry buckle>

buckle up
: to fasten one's seat belt

buckler
n. 1 a : a small round shield held by a handle at arm's length b : a shield worn on the left arm
2 : one that shields and protects

buckler
n. : to shield or defend with a buckler

Buckley
William Frank 1925-     American editor & writer

buckminsterfullerene
n. : a spherical fullerene C_60 that is an extremely stable form of pure carbon, consists of interconnected pentagons and hexagons suggestive of the geometry of a geodesic dome, and is believed to be a major constituent of soot

Buckner
Simon Bolivar 1823-1914 American Confed. gen. & polit.

Buckner
Simon Bolivar 1886-1945 son of prec. American gen.

bucko
n. 1 : a person who is domineering and bullying : SWAGGERER
2 chiefly Irish : young fellow : LAD

buckram
n. 1 : a stiff-finished heavily sized fabric of cotton or linen used for interlinings in garments, for stiffening in millinery, and in bookbinding
2 archaic : STIFFNESS, RIGIDITY

buckram
n. : suggesting buckram especially in stiffness

buckram
n. 1 : to give strength or stiffness to (as with buckram)
2 archaic : to make pretentious

Bucks
n. Buckinghamshire

bucksaw
n. : a saw set in a usually H-shaped frame for sawing wood

buckshee
n. 1 British : something extra obtained free especially : extra rations
2 British : WINDFALL, GRATUITY

buckshot
n. : lead shot that is from .24 to .33 inch (about 6.1 to 8.4 millimeters) in diameter

buckshot
n. : SCATTERSHOT

buckskin
n. 1 a : the skin of a buck b : a soft pliable usually suede-finished leather
2 a plural : buckskin breeches b archaic : a person dressed in buckskin especially : an early American backwoodsman
3 : a horse of a light yellowish-dun color with black mane and tail

buckskinned
: dressed in buckskin

bucktail
: an angler's lure made typically of hairs from the tail of a deer

buckthorn
n. 1 : any of a genus (Rhamnus of the family Rhamnaceae, the buckthorn family) of often thorny trees or shrubs some of which yield purgatives or pigments
2 : a shrub or small tree (Bumelia lycioides) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S.

bucktooth
n. : a large protruding front tooth
–buck·toothed \-ˌtütht\ adjective

buckwheat
n. 1 : any of a genus (Fagopyrum of the family Polygonaceae, the buckwheat family) of Eurasian herbs with alternate leaves, clusters of apetalous pinkish-white flowers, and triangular seeds especially : either of two plants (F. esculentum and F. tartaricum) cultivated for their edible seeds
2 : the seed of a buckwheat used as a cereal grain

buckyball
: a molecule of buckminsterfullerene broadly : FULLERENE

buckytube
: a nanotube composed of pure carbon with a molecular arrangement similar to that of a fullerene

bucolic
n. 1 : of or relating to shepherds or herdsmen : PASTORAL
2 a : relating to or typical of rural life b : IDYLLIC
–bu·col·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

bud
n. 1 : a small lateral or terminal protuberance on the stem of a plant that may develop into a flower, leaf, or shoot
2 : something not yet mature or at full development: as a : an incompletely opened flower b : CHILD, YOUTH c (1) : an outgrowth of an organism that differentiates into a new individual : GEMMA (2) : an outgrowth having the potential to differentiate and grow into a definitive organ or part : PRIMORDIUM <an embryonic limb bud>
3 : BUDDY
–in the bud : in an early stage of development <nipped the rebellion in the bud>

bud
n. intransitive verb
1 of a plant a : to set or put forth buds b : to commence growth from buds
2 : to grow or develop from or as if from a bud
3 : to reproduce asexually especially by the pinching off of a small part of the parent
transitive verb
1 : to produce or develop from buds
2 : to cause (as a plant) to bud
3 : to insert a bud from a plant of one kind into an opening in the bark of (a plant of another kind) usually in order to propagate a desired variety
–bud·der noun

bud
n. in the bud
bud scale
flower bud
lateral bud
leaf bud
mixed bud
taste bud

bud scale
: one of the leaves resembling scales that form the sheath of a plant bud

Budapest
n. city capital of Hungary on the Danube pop 2,008,546

Buddha
n. 1 : a person who has attained Buddhahood
2 : a representation of Gautama Buddha

Buddha
n. ― see SIDDHāRTHA GAUTAMA

Buddha
n. Gautama Buddha
Buddha Gaya
Buddha Gaya Buddh Gaya

Buddha Gaya, Buddh Gaya
― see BODH GAYA

Buddhahood
: a state of perfect enlightenment sought in Buddhism

Buddhism
n. : a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha that suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated from it by mental and moral self-purification
–Bud·dhist \'bü-dist, 'bu̇-\ noun or adjective
–Bud·dhis·tic \bü-'dis-tik, bu̇-\ adjective

budding
n. : being in an early stage of development <budding novelists>

buddleia
n. : any of a genus (Buddleia of the family Loganiaceae) of shrubs or small trees of warm regions with showy terminal clusters of usually purple or white flowers ― called also butterfly bush

buddy
n. 1 a : COMPANION, PARTNER b : FRIEND 1
2 : FELLOW ― used especially in informal address

buddy
n. : to become friendly ― usually used with up or with

buddy
n. : featuring a friendship or partnership between the two main usually male characters <a buddy movie>

buddy system
: an arrangement in which two individuals are paired (as for mutual safety in a hazardous situation)

buddy-buddy
: familiarly friendly

Budenny
Semyon Mikhaylovich 1883-1973 Russ. gen.

budge
v. : a fur formerly prepared from lambskin dressed with the wool outward

budge
v. intransitive verb
1 : MOVE, SHIFT <the mule wouldn't budge>
2 : to give way : YIELD <wouldn't budge on the issue>
transitive verb : to cause to move or change

budge
v. archaic : POMPOUS, SOLEMN

budgerigar
n. : a small Australian parrot (Melopsittacus undulatus) usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred under domestication in many colors

budget
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a usually leather pouch, wallet, or pack also : its contents
2 : STOCK, SUPPLY
3 : a quantity (as of energy or water) involved in, available for, or assignable to a particular situation also : an account of gains and losses of such a quantity <the global carbon budget>
4 a : a statement of the financial position of an administration for a definite period of time based on estimates of expenditures during the period and proposals for financing them b : a plan for the coordination of resources and expenditures c : the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose
–bud·get·ary \'bə-jə-ˌter-ē, -ˌte-rē\ adjective

budget
n. 1 a : to put or allow for in a budget b : to require to adhere to a budget
2 a : to allocate funds for in a budget <budget a new hospital> b : to plan or provide for the use of in detail <budgeting manpower>
intransitive verb : to put oneself on a budget <budgeting for a vacation>

budget
n. : suitable for one on a budget : INEXPENSIVE

budgeteer
n. 1 : one who prepares a budget
2 : one who is restricted to a budget

budgie
n. : BUDGERIGAR

Budweis
― see CESKE BUDEJOVICE

budworm
n. : a moth larva that feeds on the buds of plants ― compare SPRUCE BUDWORM, TOBACCO BUDWORM

Buena Park
city Calif. W of Anaheim pop 78,282

Buenaventura
city & port W Colombia on the Pacific pop 115,770

Buenos Aires
city & port capital of Argentina on Río de la Plata pop 2,960,976

Buenos Aires, Lake
lake 80 mi (129 km) long S Argentina & S Chile

buff
n. 1 : a garment (as a uniform) made of buff leather
2 : the state of being nude <sunbathing in the buff>
3 a : a moderate orange yellow b : a light to moderate yellow
4 : a device having a soft absorbent surface (as of cloth) by which polishing material is applied
5 [earlier buff an enthusiast about going to fires; perhaps from the buff overcoats worn by volunteer firefighters in New York City about 1820] : FAN, ENTHUSIAST

buff
n. 1 : of the color buff
2 or buffed : having a physique enhanced by bodybuilding exercises

buff
n. 1 : POLISH, SHINE <waxed and buffed the floor>
2 : to give a velvety surface to (leather)

buff
n. blindman's buff
buff leather
buffing wheel

buff leather
: a strong supple oil-tanned leather produced chiefly from cattle hides

Buffalo
n. city & port W N.Y. on Lake Erie & Niagara River pop 292,648
–Buf·fa·lo·ni·an \ˌbə-fə-'lō-nē-ən\ noun

buffalo
n. 1 : any of several wild bovids: as a : WATER BUFFALO b : CAPE BUFFALO c (1) : any of a genus (Bison) of bovids especially : a large shaggy-maned No. American bovid (B. bison) that has short horns and heavy forequarters with a large muscular hump and that was formerly abundant on the central and western plains ― compare WISENT (2) : the flesh of the buffalo used as food
2 : any of several suckers (genus Ictiobus) found mostly in the Mississippi valley ― called also buffalo fish

buffalo
n. : BEWILDER, BAFFLE also : BAMBOOZLE

buffalo
n. buffalo fish
buffalo berry
African buffalo
buffalo gourd
buffalo grass
buffalo plaid
buffalo soldier
buffalo wing
Cape buffalo
water buffalo
Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Grove
Wood Buffalo National Park

Buffalo Bill
― see William Frederick CODY

buffalo gourd
: a perennial foul-smelling cucurbit (Cucurbita foetidissima) of arid lands of the central and southwest U.S. and Mexico with a large starchy taproot and seeds rich in oil

buffalo grass
: a low-growing perennial grass (Buchloë dactyloides) native to the Great Plains that has curly grayish-green leaves also : GRAMA

Buffalo Grove
city NE Ill. pop 42,909

buffalo plaid
: a broad checkered plaid pattern usually of two colors

buffalo soldier
: an African-American soldier serving in the western U.S. after the Civil War

buffalo wing
: a deep-fried chicken wing coated with a spicy sauce and usually served with a blue cheese dressing

buffaloberry
: either of two No. American shrubs (Shepherdia argentea and S. canadensis) of the oleaster family with silvery foliage also : their edible scarlet berry

buffer
n. slang British : FELLOW, MAN especially : an old man

buffer
n. 1 : any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact
2 : a means or device used as a cushion against the shock of fluctuations in business or financial activity
3 : something that serves as a protective barrier: as a : BUFFER STATE b : a person who shields another especially from annoying routine matters c : MEDIATOR 1
4 : a substance capable in solution of neutralizing both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original acidity or basicity of the solution also : a solution containing such a substance
5 : a temporary storage unit (as in a computer) especially : one that accepts information at one rate and delivers it at another
–buff·ered \-fərd\ adjective

buffer
n. 1 : to lessen the shock of : CUSHION
2 : to treat (as a solution or its acidity) with a buffer also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid
3 : to collect (as data) in a buffer

buffer
n. : one that buffs

buffer state
: a usually neutral state lying between two larger potentially rival powers

buffer zone
: a neutral area separating conflicting forces broadly : an area designed to separate

buffet
n. 1 : a blow especially with the hand
2 : something that strikes with telling force

buffet
n. 1 : to strike sharply especially with the hand : CUFF
2 : to strike repeatedly : BATTER <the waves buffeted the shore>
3 : to drive, force, move, or attack by or as if by repeated blows
intransitive verb : to make one's way especially under difficult conditions

buffet
n. 1 : SIDEBOARD
2 a : a counter for refreshments b chiefly British : a restaurant operated as a public convenience (as in a railway station) c : a meal set out on a buffet or table for ready access and informal service

buffet
n. : served informally (as from a buffet)

buffing wheel
: a wheel covered with polishing material

bufflehead
n. : a small No. American diving duck (Bucephala albeola)

buffo
n. : CLOWN, BUFFOON specifically : a male singer of comic roles in opera

Buffon
Comte Georges-Louis Leclerc de 1707-1788 Fr. naturalist

buffoon
n. 1 : a ludicrous figure : CLOWN
2 : a gross and usually ill-educated or stupid person
–buf·foon·ish \-'fü-nish\ adjective

buffoonery
n. : foolish or playful behavior or practice

Bug
n. 1 river over 450 mi (720 km) cen Europe rising in W Ukraine, forming part of Ukraine-Poland and Poland-Belarus borders, & flowing into the Vistula in Poland
2 river over 500 mi (805 km) SW Ukraine flowing SE to the Dnieper estuary

bug
n. obsolete : BOGEY, BUGBEAR

bug
n. 1 a : an insect or other creeping or crawling invertebrate (as a spider or centipede) b : any of several insects (as the bedbug or cockroach) commonly considered obnoxious c : any of an order (Hemiptera and especially its suborder Heteroptera) of insects that have sucking mouthparts, forewings thickened at the base, and incomplete metamorphosis and are often economic pests ― called also true bug
2 : an unexpected defect, fault, flaw, or imperfection <the software was full of bugs>
3 a : a germ or microorganism especially when causing disease b : an unspecified or nonspecific sickness usually presumed due to a bug
4 : a sudden enthusiasm
5 : ENTHUSIAST <a camera bug>
6 : a prominent person
7 : a crazy person
8 : a concealed listening device
9 [from its designation by an asterisk on race programs] : a weight allowance given apprentice jockeys

bug
n. transitive verb
1 : to plant a concealed microphone in
2 : BOTHER, ANNOY <don't bug me with petty details>
intransitive verb : to lose one's composure : FREAK ― often used with out

bug
n. intransitive verb of the eyes : PROTRUDE, BULGE ― often used with out
transitive verb : to cause to bug <his eyes were bugged with horror>

bug
n. true bug
assassin bug
bug eyed
bug off
bug out
chinch bug
potato bug
Croton bug
flower bug
giant water bug
june bug
kissing bug
lightning bug
lygus bug
milkweed bug
palmetto bug
pill bug
red bug
rose bug
sow bug
squash bug
tarnished plant bug
water bug
wheel bug

bug off
: LEAVE, DEPART ― usually used as a command

bug out
1 : to retreat during a military action especially : to flee in panic
2 : to depart especially in a hurry
–bug·out \'bəg-ˌau̇t\ noun

bug-eyed
: having the eyes bulging (as with fright)

bugaboo
n. 1 : an imaginary object of fear
2 : BUGBEAR 2 also : something that causes fear or distress out of proportion to its importance

Buganda
region & former kingdom E Africa in SE Uganda capital Kampala

bugbane
n. : any of several perennial herbs (genus Cimicifuga) of the buttercup family especially : BLACK COHOSH

bugbear
n. 1 : an imaginary goblin or specter used to excite fear
2 a : an object or source of dread b : a continuing source of irritation : PROBLEM

bugeye
: a small boat with a flat bottom, a centerboard, and two raked masts

bugger
n. 1 : SODOMITE
2 a : a worthless person : RASCAL b : FELLOW, CHAP
3 : a small or annoying thing <put down my keys and now I can't find the buggers>

bugger
n. 1 usually vulgar : to commit sodomy with
2 : DAMN
3 : to put into disorder : BUNGLE, BOTCH ― often used with up

bugger
n. : a person who plants electronic bugs

bugger all
slang British : NOTHING

bugger off
slang British : LEAVE, DEPART ― often used as a command

buggery
n. : SODOMY

buggy
n. 1 : infested with bugs <a buggy swamp>
2 : characterized by bugs especially : containing many bugs <a buggy software program>

buggy
n. 1 : a light one-horse carriage made with two wheels in England and with four wheels in the U.S.
2 : a small cart or truck for short transportations of heavy materials
3 : BABY CARRIAGE

buggy
n. baby buggy
beach buggy
dune buggy
horse and buggy
swamp buggy

bughouse
n. slang : mentally deranged : CRAZY

bughouse
n. slang : an insane asylum

bugle
n. : any of a genus (Ajuga) of plants of the mint family especially : a European annual (A. reptans) that has spikes of blue flowers and is naturalized in the U.S.

bugle
n. : a valveless brass instrument that resembles a trumpet and is used especially for military calls

bugle
n. 1 : to sound a bugle
2 : to utter the characteristic rutting call of the bull elk

bugle
n. : a small cylindrical bead of glass or plastic used for trimming especially on women's clothing

bugler
n. : a person who sounds a bugle

bugleweed
n. 1 : any of a genus (Lycopus) of mints especially : a No. American perennial (L. virginicus) that is mildly narcotic and astringent
2 : 1BUGLE

bugloss
n. : any of several coarse hairy plants (genera Anchusa, Lycopsis, and Echium) of the borage family ― compare VIPER'S BUGLOSS

buhl
n. variant of boulle

build
n. transitive verb
1 : to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : CONSTRUCT
2 : to cause to be constructed
3 : to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base
4 : INCREASE, ENLARGE
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in building
2 a : to progress toward a peak (as of intensity) <build to a climax> b : to develop in extent <a crowd building>
–build a fire under : to stimulate to vigorous action
–build into : to make an integral part of <build quality into the product>
–build on : to use as a foundation <building on past experience>

build
n. : form or mode of structure : MAKE especially : bodily conformation of a person or animal

build
n. build on
build into
build a fire under
build in
build up
jerry build
built in
built up
carvel built
clinker built
custom built
jerry built
purpose built
apartment building
building block
sick building syndrome

build a fire under
to stimulate to vigorous action

build in
: to make an integral part of something

build into
to make an integral part of <build quality into the product>

build on
to use as a foundation <building on past experience>

build up
1 : to develop gradually by increments <building up endurance> <built up a library>
2 : to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of
intransitive verb : to accumulate or develop appreciably
–build·er-up·per \'bil-dər-'ə-pər\ noun

buildable
adj. : suitable for building <buildable land> especially : capable of being built <plans for a buildable house>

builded
dialect past of build

builder
n. 1 : one that builds especially : one that contracts to build and supervises building operations
2 : a substance added to or used with detergents to increase their cleansing action

builder
n. builder upper
jerry builder
Mound Builder

building
n. 1 : a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)
2 : the art or business of assembling materials into a structure

building
n. apartment building
building block
sick building syndrome

building block
: a unit of construction or composition especially : something essential on which a larger entity is based

buildup
n. 1 : something produced by building up <fluid buildup in the lungs>
2 : the act or process of building up

built
adj. : formed as to physique or bodily contours <slimly built> especially : well or attractively formed

built
adj. built in
built up
carvel built
clinker built
custom built
jerry built
purpose built

built-in
1 a : forming an integral part of a structure or object <a camera with a built-in flash> especially : constructed as or in a recess in a wall <a built-in bookshelf> b : built into the ground <a built-in swimming pool>
2 a : INHERENT <a built-in advantage> b : already established <her best-seller status gave her a built-in audience>

built-in
: a built-in piece of furniture

built-up
1 : made of several sections or layers fastened together
2 : covered with buildings

buirdly
Scottish : STURDY

Bujumbura
n. city capital of Burundi on Lake Tanganyika pop 236,334

Buka
island W Pacific in the Solomons N of Bougainville pop 33,770

Bukavu
city E Democratic Republic of the Congo at S end of Lake Kivu pop 209,566

Bukhara
n. 1 former emirate W Asia around city of Bukhara
2 city W Uzbekistan E of the Amu Dar'ya pop 249,600
–Bu·kha·ran or Bo·kha·ran \-(r)ən\ adjective or noun

Bukharin
Nikolay Ivanovich 1888-1938 Russ. Communist leader & editor

Bukovina
region E cen Europe in foothills of E Carpathians; now in NE Romania & W Ukraine

Bulawayo
city SW Zimbabwe, chief town of Matabeleland pop 495,317

bulb
n. 1 a : a resting stage of a plant (as the lily, onion, hyacinth, or tulip) that is usually formed underground and consists of a short stem base bearing one or more buds enclosed in overlapping membranous or fleshy leaves b : a fleshy structure (as a tuber or corm) resembling a bulb in appearance c : a plant having or developing from a bulb
2 : a bulb-shaped part specifically : a glass envelope enclosing the light source of an electric lamp or such an envelope together with the light source it encloses
3 : a rounded or swollen anatomical structure
4 : a camera setting that indicates that the shutter can be opened by pressing on the release and closed by ending the pressure
–bulbed \'bəlbd\ adjective

bulbar
adj. : of or relating to a bulb specifically : involving the medulla oblongata <bulbar poliomyelitis>

bulbil
n. : BULBLET

bulblet
: a small or secondary bulb especially : an aerial deciduous bud produced in a leaf axil or replacing the flowers and capable when separated of producing a new plant

bulbourethral gland
: COWPER'S GLAND

bulbous
adj. 1 : having a bulb : growing from or bearing bulbs
2 : resembling a bulb especially in roundness <a bulbous nose>
–bul·bous·ly adverb

bulbul
n. 1 : a songbird frequently mentioned in Persian poetry that is prob. a nightingale (Erithacus megarhynchos)
2 : any of a group of gregarious passerine birds (family Pycnonotidae) of Asia and Africa

Bulfinch
n. Charles 1763-1844 American architect

Bulg
n. Bulgaria; Bulgarian

Bulganin
Nikolay Aleksandrovich 1895-1975 Russ. polit. & marshal

Bulgar
n. : BULGARIAN

Bulgaria
n. country SE Europe on Black Sea; a republic capital Sofia area 42,823 sq mi (110,912 sq km), pop 8,466,000

Bulgarian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Bulgaria
2 : the Slavic language of the Bulgarians
–Bulgarian adjective

bulge
n. transitive verb : to cause to bulge
intransitive verb
1 archaic : BILGE
2 a : to jut out : SWELL b : to bend outward c : to become swollen or protuberant <bulging eyes>
3 : to be filled to overflowing <a notebook bulging with ideas>

bulge
n. 1 a : BILGE 1 b : BILGE 2
2 : a protuberant or swollen part or place
3 : ADVANTAGE, UPPER HAND
4 : sudden expansion
synonyms see PROJECTION
–bulgy \'bəl-jē also 'bu̇l-\ adjective

bulgur
n. : parched cracked wheat

bulimia
n. 1 : an abnormal and constant craving for food
2 : a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression ― called also bulimia nervosa
–bu·lim·ic \-'lē-mik, -'li-\ adjective or noun

bulk
n. 1 a : spatial dimension : MAGNITUDE b : material that forms a mass in the intestine especially : FIBER 1D
2 a : BODY especially : a large or corpulent human body b : an organized structure especially when viewed primarily as a mass of material c : a ponderous shapeless mass
3 : the main or greater part
–in bulk
1 : not divided into parts or packaged in separate units
2 : in large quantities
synonyms BULK, MASS, VOLUME mean the aggregate that forms a body or unit. BULK implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous <the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers>. MASS suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind <a mass of boulders>. VOLUME applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating <a tremendous volume of water>.

bulk
n. 1 : to cause to swell or bulge : STUFF
2 : to gather into a mass or aggregate
intransitive verb
1 : SWELL, EXPAND
2 : to appear as a factor : LOOM <a consideration that bulks large in everyone's thinking>

bulk
n. 1 : being in bulk <bulk cement>
2 : of or relating to materials in bulk

bulk up
: to gain weight especially by becoming more muscular
transitive verb : to cause to bulk up

bulkhead
n. 1 : an upright partition separating compartments
2 : a structure or partition to resist pressure or to shut off water, fire, or gas
3 : a retaining wall along a waterfront
4 : a projecting framework with a sloping door giving access to a cellar stairway or a shaft

bulky
adj. 1 a : having bulk b (1) : large of its kind (2) : CORPULENT
2 : having great volume in proportion to weight <a bulky knit sweater>
–bulk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–bulk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

Bull
n. Ole \'ō-lə\ Bornemann 1810-1880 Norw. violinist

bull
n. 1 a : a male bovine especially : an adult uncastrated male domestic bovine b : a usually adult male of various large animals (as elephants, whales, or seals)
2 : one who buys securities or commodities in expectation of a price rise or who acts to effect such a rise ― compare BEAR
3 : one that resembles a bull (as in brawny physique)
4 : BULLDOG
5 slang : POLICE OFFICER, DETECTIVE
6 capitalized : TAURUS

bull
n. 1 a : of or relating to a bull b : MALE <a bull calf> c : suggestive of a bull
2 : large of its kind <a bull lathe>

bull
n. : to advance forcefully
transitive verb
1 : to act on with violence
2 : FORCE <bulled his way through the crowd>

bull
n. 1 : a solemn papal letter sealed with a bulla or with a red-ink imprint of the device on the bulla
2 : EDICT, DECREE

bull
n. slang : to fool especially by fast boastful talk
intransitive verb slang : to engage in idle and boastful talk

bull
n. 1 : a grotesque blunder in language
2 slang : empty boastful talk
3 slang : NONSENSE 2

bull
n. bulletin

bull
n. American pit bull terrier
pit bull terrier
Boston bull
bull dyke
bull fiddle
bull fiddler
bull market
Bull Moose
Bull Mooser
bull neck
bull pen
bull rush
bull session
bull's eye
bull's eyes
bull's eye window
bull snake
bull terrier
bull thistle
bull tongue
cock and bull story
Irish bull
John Bull
pit bull
Staffordshire bull terrier
Sitting Bull
Bull Run

bull dyke
often disparaging : an aggressively masculine lesbian

bull fiddle
: DOUBLE BASS
–bull fiddler noun

bull market
: a market in which securities or commodities are persistently rising in value ― compare BEAR MARKET

Bull Moose
: a follower of Theodore Roosevelt in the U.S. presidential campaign of 1912

Bull Mooser
: BULL MOOSE

bull neck
: a thick short powerful neck
–bull·necked \'bu̇l-'nekt also 'bəl-\ adjective

bull pen
1 : a large cell where prisoners are detained until brought into court
2 a : a place on a baseball field where pitchers warm up before they start pitching b : the relief pitchers of a baseball team
3 : an open work area not divided into offices

Bull Run
stream 20 mi (32 km) N Va. W of Washington, D.C., flowing into Occoquan Creek (small tributary of the Potomac)

bull rush
: a direct forceful rush by a defensive player in football
–bull-rush verb

bull session
: an informal discursive group discussion

bull snake
: any of several large harmless constricting colubrid snakes (genus Pituophis) especially of the central and western U.S. that feed chiefly on rodents and are classified either as subspecies of the pine snake (P. melanoleucus) or as subspecies of their own species (P. catenifer) ― called also gopher snake

bull terrier
: any of a breed of short-haired terriers developed in England by crossing the bulldog with terriers

bull thistle
: a biennial Eurasian thistle (Cirsium vulgare) with purplish flower heads and prickly leaves that is naturalized as a weed in the U.S.

bull tongue
: a wide blade attached to a cultivator or plow to stir the soil, kill weeds, or mark furrows

bull's-eye
1 : a very hard globular candy
2 : a circular piece of glass especially with a lump in the middle
3 a : the center of a target also : something central or crucial b : a shot that hits the bull's-eye broadly : something that precisely attains a desired end
4 : a simple lens of short focal distance also : a lantern with such a lens

bull's-eye window
: a circular window also : a window made up of bull's-eyes

bulla
n. 1 [Medieval Latin] : the round usually lead seal attached to a papal bull
2 [New Latin, from L] : a hollow thin-walled rounded bony prominence
3 : a large vesicle or blister

bullace
n. : a European plum (Prunus domestica insititia) with small ovoid fruit in clusters

bullbaiting
n. : the former practice of baiting bulls with dogs

bullbat
: the common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)

bulldog
n. 1 : any of a breed of compact muscular short-haired dogs having widely separated forelegs and an undershot lower jaw that were developed in England to fight bulls
2 : a handgun with a thick usually short barrel
3 : a proctor's attendant at an English university

bulldog
n. : suggestive of a bulldog <bulldog tenacity>

bulldog
n. : to throw (a steer) by seizing the horns and twisting the neck
–bull·dog·ger noun
–bull·dog·ging noun

bulldoze
v. transitive verb
1 : to coerce or restrain by threats : BULLY
2 : to move, clear, gouge out, or level off by pushing with or as if with a bulldozer
3 : to force insensitively or ruthlessly <bulldozed the program through the legislature>
intransitive verb
1 : to operate a bulldozer
2 : to force one's way like a bulldozer
synonyms see INTIMIDATE

bulldozer
n. 1 : one that bulldozes
2 : a tractor-driven machine usually having a broad blunt horizontal blade for moving earth (as in road building)

bullet
n. 1 : a round or elongated missile (as of lead) to be fired from a firearm broadly : CARTRIDGE 1A
2 a : something resembling a bullet (as in curved form) b : a large dot placed in printed matter to call attention to a particular passage
3 : a very fast and accurately thrown or hit object (as a ball or puck)
–bul·let·ed \-lə-təd\ adjective

bullet
n. dodge the bullet
bite the bullet
bullet train
dodge a bullet
magic bullet
silver bullet

bullet train
: a high-speed passenger train especially of Japan

bulletin
n. 1 : a brief public notice issuing usually from an authoritative source specifically : a brief news item intended for immediate publication or broadcast
2 : PERIODICAL especially : the organ of an institution or association

bulletin
n. : to make public by bulletin

bulletin board
1 : a board for posting notices (as at a school)
2 : a public electronic forum that allows users to post or read messages or to post or download files and that is accessed by computer over a network (as the Internet)

bulletproof
adj. 1 : impenetrable to bullets <bulletproof glass>
2 : not subject to correction, alteration, or modification <a bulletproof argument>
3 : INVINCIBLE

bullfight
n. : a spectacle in which men ceremonially fight with and in Hispanic tradition kill bulls in an arena for public entertainment
–bull·fight·er \-ˌfī-tər\ noun

bullfighting
n. : the action involved in a bullfight

bullfinch
n. : a European finch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula of the family Fringillidae) having in the male rosy-red underparts, blue-gray back, and black cap, chin, tail, and wings also : any of several other finches

bullfrog
n. : a heavy-bodied deep-voiced frog (Rana catesbeiana) of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada that has been introduced elsewhere

bullhead
n. : any of various large-headed fishes (as a sculpin) especially : any of several common freshwater catfishes (genus Ameiurus sometimes included in the genus Ictalurus) of the U.S.

Bullhead City
city W Ariz. across Colorado River from Nev. pop 33,769

bullheaded
adj. : stupidly stubborn : HEADSTRONG
–bull·head·ed·ly adverb
–bull·head·ed·ness noun

bullhorn
n. 1 : a loudspeaker on a naval ship
2 : a handheld combined microphone and loudspeaker

bullion
n. 1 a : gold or silver considered as so much metal specifically : uncoined gold or silver in bars or ingots b : metal in the mass <lead bullion>
2 : lace, braid, or fringe of gold or silver threads

bullish
adj. 1 : suggestive of a bull (as in brawniness)
2 a : marked by, tending to cause, or hopeful of rising prices (as in a stock market) <a bullish market> <bullish policies> <bullish investors> b : optimistic about something's or someone's prospects <bullish on the company's future>
–bull·ish·ly adverb
–bull·ish·ness noun

Bullitt
William Christian 1891-1967 American diplomat

bullmastiff
: any of a breed of large powerful dogs developed in England by crossing bulldogs with mastiffs

bullock
n. 1 : a young bull
2 : a castrated bull : STEER
–bull·ocky \-lə-kē\ adjective

Bullock's oriole
: an oriole (Icterus bullockii) of the western U.S. in which the male has a black crown and black line through the eye and the female has a yellowish head and breast and that was formerly considered to be a subspecies of northern oriole

bullous
adj. : resembling or characterized by bullae : VESICULAR <bullous lesions>

bullring
n. 1 : an arena for bullfights
2 : a short oval track for horse or auto racing

bullshit
n. usually vulgar : NONSENSE especially : foolish insolent talk

bullshit
n. 1 usually vulgar : to talk foolishly, boastfully, or idly
2 usually vulgar : to engage in a discursive discussion
transitive verb usually vulgar : to talk nonsense to especially with the intention of deceiving or misleading

bullshot
: a drink made of vodka and bouillon

bullwhip
n. : a rawhide whip with a very long plaited lash

bully
n. 1 archaic a : SWEETHEART b : a fine chap
2 a : a blustering browbeating person especially : one habitually cruel to others who are weaker b : PIMP
3 : a hired ruffian

bully
n. 1 : EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE ― often used in interjectional expressions <bully for you>
2 : resembling or characteristic of a bully

bully
n. transitive verb
1 : to treat abusively
2 : to affect by means of force or coercion
intransitive verb : to use browbeating language or behavior : BLUSTER
synonyms see INTIMIDATE

bully
n. : pickled or canned usually corned beef

bully pulpit
: a prominent public position (as a political office) that provides an opportunity for expounding one's views also : such an opportunity

bullyboy
n. : a swaggering bully

bullyrag
v. 1 : to intimidate by bullying
2 : to vex by teasing : BADGER

Bulow
Bernhard Heinrich Martin Karl 1849-1929 Prince von Bülow Ger. diplomat & statesman; chancellor of Germany (1900-09)

bulrush
n. : any of several large rushes or sedges growing in wetlands: as a : any of a genus (Scirpus, especially S. lacustris) of annual or perennial sedges that bear solitary or much-clustered spikelets containing perfect flowers with a perianth of six bristles b British : either of two cattails (Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia) c : PAPYRUS

Bultmann
Rudolf Karl 1884-1976 Ger. theol.
–Bult·mann·ian \bu̇lt-'mä-nē-ən\ adjective

bulwark
n. 1 a : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : RAMPART b : BREAKWATER, SEAWALL
2 : a strong support or protection
3 : the side of a ship above the upper deck ― usually used in plural

bulwark
n. : to fortify or safeguard with a bulwark

Bulwer
(William) Henry Lytton (Earle) 1801-1872 Baron Dalling & Bulwer; bro. of 1st Baron Lytton Brit. diplomat

Bulwer-Lytton
― see LYTTON

bum
n. : BUTTOCKS

bum
n. 1 a : of poor quality or nature <bum luck> <bum advice> b : not valid or deserved <a bum check> <a bum rap> c : not pleasant or enjoyable <a bum trip>
2 : affected or disabled by damage or injury <a bum knee>

bum
n. intransitive verb
1 : LOAF
2 : to spend time unemployed and often wandering ― often used with around
transitive verb : to obtain by asking or begging : CADGE <bum a cigarette>

bum
n. 1 a : one who sponges off others and avoids work b : one who performs a function poorly <called the umpire a bum> c : one whose time is devoted to a recreational activity <a beach bum> <ski bums>
2 : VAGRANT, TRAMP
–on the bum : with no settled residence or means of support

bum
n. : a drinking spree : BENDER

bum
n. : DISAPPOINT, DEPRESS ― often used with out <the news really bummed me out>

bum
n. on the bum
bum rush
bum's rush

bum's rush
: forcible eviction or dismissal

bum-rush
: to attack or seize with an overpowering rush <bum-rush the stage>

bumbershoot
n. : UMBRELLA

bumble
v. 1 : BUZZ
2 : DRONE, RUMBLE

bumble
v. intransitive verb
1 : BLUNDER specifically : to speak ineptly in a stuttering and faltering manner
2 : to proceed unsteadily : STUMBLE
transitive verb : BUNGLE
–bum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–bum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

bumblebee
n. : any of numerous large robust hairy social bees (genus Bombus)

bumboat
n. : a boat that brings provisions and commodities for sale to larger ships in port or offshore

bumf
n. chiefly British : PAPERWORK

bummer
n. : one that bums

bummer
n. 1 : an unpleasant experience (as a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug)
2 : FAILURE, FLOP

bump
n. 1 : a relatively abrupt convexity or protuberance on a surface: as a : a swelling of tissue b : a cranial protuberance
2 a : a sudden forceful blow, impact, or jolt b : DEMOTION
3 : an act of thrusting the hips forward in an erotic manner

bump
n. 1 : to strike or knock with force or violence
2 : to collide with
3 a (1) : to dislodge with a jolt (2) : to subject to a scalar change <rates being bumped up> b : to oust usually by virtue of seniority or priority <was bumped from the flight>
intransitive verb
1 : to knock against something with a forceful jolt
2 : to proceed in or as if in a series of bumps
3 : to encounter something that is an obstacle or hindrance <bumped up against a chair>
–bump into : to encounter especially by chance

bump
n. bump into
bump off
speed bump
goose bumps

bump into
to encounter especially by chance

bump off
: to murder casually or cold-bloodedly

bumper
n. 1 : a brimming cup or glass
2 : something unusually large

bumper
n. 1 : unusually large <a bumper crop>
2 : BANNER 2

bumper
n. 1 : a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage (as in collision) specifically : a bar at either end of an automobile
2 : one that bumps
3 : a brief interval on radio or television filled with music, video shots, or voice-overs that marks a break between a program and a commercial

bumper
n. bumper car
bumper sticker
bumper to bumper

bumper car
: a small electric car made to be driven around in an enclosure and to be bumped into others (as at an amusement park)

bumper sticker
: a strip of adhesive paper or plastic bearing a printed message and designed to be stuck on a vehicle's bumper

bumper-to-bumper
: marked by long closed lines of cars

bumpkin
n. : an awkward and unsophisticated rustic
–bump·kin·ish \-kə-nish\ adjective
–bump·kin·ly \-kən-lē\ adjective

bumpkin
n. : a spar projecting from a ship especially at the stern

bumptious
adj. : presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive : OBTRUSIVE
–bump·tious·ly adverb
–bump·tious·ness noun

bumpy
adj. 1 : having or covered with bumps <a bumpy road> <bumpy skin>
2 a : marked by bumps or jolts <a bumpy ride> b : marked by or full of difficulties <a bumpy relationship>
–bump·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–bump·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

bun
n. 1 : a sweet or plain small bread especially : a round roll
2 : a knot of hair shaped like a bun
3 plural : BUTTOCKS

bun
n. : LOAD 4

buna
n. : any of several rubbers made by polymerization or copolymerization of butadiene

bunch
n. 1 : PROTUBERANCE, SWELLING
2 a : a number of things of the same kind <a bunch of grapes> b : GROUP 2A <a bunch of friends> c : a considerable amount : LOT <a bunch of money>
–bunch·i·ly \'bən-chə-lē\ adverb
–bunchy \-chē\ adjective

bunch
n. 1 : SWELL, PROTRUDE
2 : to form a group or cluster ― often used with up
transitive verb : to form into a bunch

bunchberry
: a creeping perennial herb (Cornus canadensis) of the dogwood family that has whorled leaves and white floral bracts and bears clusters of red berries

Bunche
Ralph Johnson 1904-1971 American diplomat

bunchgrass
: any of various grasses (as of the genus Andropogon) especially of the western U.S. that grow in tufts

bunco
v. : a swindling game or scheme
–bunco transitive verb

bund
n. 1 : an embankment used especially in India to control the flow of water
2 : an embanked thoroughfare along a river or the sea especially in the Far East

bund
n. : a political association: as a : a Jewish socialist organization founded in czarist Russia in 1897 b : a pro-Nazi German-American organization of the 1930s
–bund·ist \'bu̇n-dist, 'bən-\ noun often cap

Bundelkhand
region N cen India containing headwaters of the Yamuna; now chiefly in N Madhya Pradesh

Bundesrepublik Deutschland
― see GERMANY

bundle
n. 1 a : a group of things fastened together for convenient handling b : PACKAGE, PARCEL c : a considerable number : LOT d : a sizable sum of money e : a person embodying a specified quality or characteristic <a bundle of energy> f : BUNCH 2
2 a : a small band of mostly parallel fibers (as of nerve or muscle) b : VASCULAR BUNDLE
3 : a package offering related products or services at a single price <software bundles>

bundle
n. transitive verb
1 : to make into a bundle or package : WRAP
2 : to hustle or hurry unceremoniously <bundled the children off to school>
3 : to include (a product or service) with a related product for sale at a single price <software is bundled with computer hardware>
intransitive verb
1 : HURRY, HUSTLE
2 : to practice bundling
–bun·dler \-lər, -dəl-ər\ noun

bundle
n. bundle up
fibrovascular bundle
vascular bundle

bundle up
: to dress (someone) warmly
intransitive verb : to dress warmly

bundling
n. : a former custom of an unmarried couple's occupying the same bed without undressing especially during courtship

Bundt
― used for a cake pan having a tube in the center and scalloped sides

bung
n. 1 : the stopper especially in the bunghole of a cask also : BUNGHOLE
2 : the cecum or anus especially of a slaughtered animal

bung
n. 1 : to plug with or as if with a bung
2 British : THROW, TOSS <bung a spanner into the works ― P. G. Wodehouse>

bung up
: BATTER

bungalow
n. : a one-storied house with a low-pitched roof also : a house having one and a half stories and usually a front porch

bungee
n. bungee cord
bungee jump
bungee jumper

bungee cord
: an elasticized cord used especially as a fastening or shock-absorbing device ― called also bungee

bungee jump
: to jump from a height while attached to an elasticized cord
–bungee jumper noun

bunghole
n. : a hole for emptying or filling a cask

bungle
n. intransitive verb : to act or work clumsily and awkwardly
transitive verb : MISHANDLE, BOTCH <bungle a job>
–bungle noun
–bun·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun
–bun·gling·ly \-g(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

bunglesome
: AWKWARD, CLUMSY

Bunin
Ivan Alekseyevich 1870-1953 Russ. poet & nov.

bunion
n. : an inflamed swelling of the small fluid-filled sac on the first joint of the big toe accompanied by enlargement and protrusion of the joint

bunk
n. 1 a : BUNK BED b : a built-in bed (as on a ship) that is often one of a tier of berths c : a sleeping place
2 : a feeding trough for farm animals and especially cattle

bunk
n. : to occupy a bunk or bed : stay the night <bunked with a friend for the night>
transitive verb : to provide with a bunk or bed

bunk
n. : BUNKUM, NONSENSE

bunk
n. British : a hurried departure or escape ― usually used in the phrase do a bunk

bunk bed
: one of two single beds usually placed one above the other

Bunker
n. Ellsworth 1894-1984 American diplomat

bunker
n. 1 : a bin or compartment for storage especially : one on shipboard for the ship's fuel
2 a : a protective embankment or dugout especially : a fortified chamber mostly below ground often built of reinforced concrete and provided with embrasures b : a sand trap or embankment constituting a hazard on a golf course
–bun·kered \-kərd\ adjective

bunker
n. intransitive verb : to fill a ship's bunker with coal or oil
transitive verb
1 : to place or store in a bunker
2 : to hit (a golf ball or shot) into a bunker

Bunker Hill
height in Charlestown section of Boston, Mass.

bunker mentality
: a state of mind especially among members of a group that is characterized by chauvinistic defensiveness and self-righteous intolerance of criticism

bunkhouse
n. : a rough simple building providing sleeping quarters

bunkum
n. : insincere or foolish talk : NONSENSE

bunny
n. 1 : RABBIT especially : a young rabbit
2 : a desirable young woman

bunny
n. bunny slope
bunny hill
dust bunny

bunny slope
: a gentle incline for skiing used especially by novice skiers ― called also bunny hill

Bunraku
n. : Japanese puppet theater featuring large costumed wooden puppets, puppeteers who are onstage, and a chanter who speaks all the lines

Bunsen
n. Robert Wilhelm 1811-1899 Ger. chem.

Bunsen burner
: a gas burner consisting typically of a straight tube with small holes at the bottom where air enters and mixes with the gas to produce an intensely hot blue flame

bunt
n. 1 a : the middle part of a square sail b : the part of a furled sail gathered up in a bunch at the center of the yard
2 : the bagging part of a fishing net

bunt
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike or push with or as if with the head : BUTT
2 : to push or tap (a baseball) lightly with a bat without swinging
intransitive verb : to bunt a baseball
–bunt·er noun

bunt
n. 1 : an act or instance of bunting
2 : a bunted ball

bunt
n. : a destructive covered smut of wheat caused by a fungus (genus Tilletia)

bunt
n. drag bunt
yellow bunting
indigo bunting
painted bunting
snow bunting

bunting
n. : any of various stout-billed passerine birds (families Cardinalidae and Emberizidae) of which some are grouped with the cardinal and some with the New World sparrows ― compare INDIGO BUNTING, PAINTED BUNTING

bunting
n. 1 : a lightweight loosely woven fabric used chiefly for flags and festive decorations
2 a : FLAGS b : decorations especially in the colors of the national flag

bunting
n. : an infant's hooded outdoor garment made of napped fabric

bunting
n. yellow bunting
indigo bunting
painted bunting
snow bunting

buntline
n. : one of the lines attached to the foot of a square sail to haul the sail up to the yard for furling

Bunyan
n. John 1628-1688 Eng. preacher & author

Bunyanesque
1 [John Bunyan] : of, relating to, or suggestive of the allegorical writings of John Bunyan
2 [Paul Bunyan, legendary giant lumberjack of U.S. & Canada] a : of, relating to, or suggestive of the tales of Paul Bunyan b : of fantastically large size

Buonaparte
Ital. spelling of BONAPARTE

buoy
n. 1 : FLOAT 2 especially : a floating object moored to the bottom to mark a channel or something (as a shoal) lying under the water
2 : LIFE BUOY

buoy
n. 1 : to mark by or as if by a buoy
2 a : to keep afloat b : SUPPORT, UPLIFT <an economy buoyed by the dramatic postwar growth of industry ― Time>
3 : to raise the spirits of ― usually used with up <hope buoys him up>
intransitive verb : FLOAT ― usually used with up

buoy
n. bell buoy
breeches buoy
life buoy

buoyance
: BUOYANCY

buoyancy
n. 1 a : the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid b : the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it also : the upward force exerted
2 : the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement : RESILIENCE
3 : the property of maintaining a satisfactorily high level (as of prices or economic activity)

buoyant
adj. : having buoyancy: as a : capable of floating b : CHEERFUL, GAY c : capable of maintaining a satisfactorily high level <a buoyant economy>
–buoy·ant·ly adverb

bupkes
variant of bubkes

buppie
n. : a college-educated black adult who is employed in a well-paying profession and who lives or works in or near a large city

bur
n. variant of burr

bur
n. bureau

bur
n. bur marigold
bur oak
bur reed

bur marigold
: any of a genus (Bidens) of coarse composite herbs with prickly flattened achenes that adhere to clothing and fur

bur oak
: a usually large oak (Quercus macrocarpa) of eastern No. America having oval acorns enclosed in a fringed cap and tough close-grained wood

bur reed
: any of a genus (Sparganium of the family Sparganiaceae) of herbaceous plants with globose fruits resembling burs

burb
n. : SUBURB ― usually used in plural

Burbage
Richard ca 1567-1619 Eng. actor

Burbank
Luther 1849-1926 American horticulturist

Burbank
1 city SW Calif. pop 100,316
2 city NE Ill. pop 27,902

Burberry
n. ― used for various fabrics used especially for coats for outdoor wear

burble
v. 1 : to make a bubbling sound
2 : BABBLE, PRATTLE
–bur·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

burble
v. 1 : PRATTLE
2 : the breaking up of the smooth flow of air about a body (as an airplane wing)
–bur·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

burbot
n. : a Holarctic freshwater bony fish (Lota lota) of the cod family having barbels on the nose and chin

Burchfield
Charles Ephraim 1893-1967 American painter

burden
n. 1 a : something that is carried : LOAD b : DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY
2 : something oppressive or worrisome
3 a : the bearing of a load ― usually used in the phrase beast of burden b : capacity for carrying cargo <a ship of a hundred tons burden>
4 : LOAD 11 <worm burden> <cancer burden>

burden
n. : LOAD, OPPRESS <I will not burden you with a lengthy account>

burden
n. 1 archaic : a bass or accompanying part
2 a : CHORUS, REFRAIN b : a central topic : THEME

burden
n. beast of burden
burden of proof
white man's burden

burden of proof

1780
: the duty of proving a disputed assertion or charge

burdensome
adj. : imposing or constituting a burden : OPPRESSIVE <burdensome restrictions>
synonyms see ONEROUS

burdock
n. : any of a genus (Arctium) of coarse composite herbs bearing globular flower heads with prickly bracts

bureau
n. 1 a British : WRITING DESK especially : one having drawers and a slant top b : a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom
2 a : a specialized administrative unit especially : a subdivision of an executive department of a government b : a branch of a newspaper, newsmagazine, or wire service in an important news center c : a usually commercial agency that serves as an intermediary especially for exchanging information or coordinating activities <credit bureau>

bureaucracy
n. 1 a : a body of nonelective government officials b : an administrative policy-making group
2 : government characterized by specialization of functions, adherence to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority
3 : a system of administration marked by officialism, red tape, and proliferation

bureaucrat
n. : a member of a bureaucracy

bureaucratese
n. : a style of language held to be characteristic of bureaucrats and marked by abstractions, jargon, euphemisms, and circumlocutions

bureaucratic
adj. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a bureaucracy or a bureaucrat <bureaucratic government>
–bu·reau·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

bureaucratise
v. British variant of bureaucratize

bureaucratism
n. : BUREAUCRACY 3

bureaucratize
v. : to make bureaucratic
–bu·reau·cra·ti·za·tion \-ˌrä-krə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

burette
n. : a graduated glass tube with a small aperture and stopcock for delivering measured quantities of liquid or for measuring the liquid or gas received or discharged

burg
n. 1 : an ancient or medieval fortress or walled town
2 [German Burg] : CITY, TOWN

burgage
n. : a tenure by which real property in England and Scotland was held under the king or a lord for a yearly rent or for watching and warding

Burgas
city & port SE Bulgaria on an inlet of Black Sea pop 204,915

burgee
n. 1 : a swallow-tailed flag used especially by ships for signals or identification
2 : the usually triangular identifying flag of a yacht club

Burgenland
province E Austria SE of Vienna on Hungarian border capital Eisenstadt

burgeon
v. 1 a : to send forth new growth (as buds or branches) : SPROUT b : BLOOM
2 : to grow and expand rapidly : FLOURISH

Burger
n. Warren Earl 1907-1995 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1969-86)

Burger
n. Gottfried August 1747-1794 Ger. poet

burger
n. 1 : HAMBURGER
2 : a sandwich similar to a hamburger <tofu burgers> ― often used in combination

Burgess
n. Anthony 1917-1993 Brit. writer

Burgess
n. (Frank) Gelett 1866-1951 American humorist & illustrator

Burgess
n. Thornton Waldo 1874-1965 American writer

burgess
n. 1 a : a citizen of a British borough b : a representative of a borough, corporate town, or university in the British Parliament
2 : a representative in the popular branch of the legislature of colonial Maryland or Virginia

burgh
n. : BOROUGH specifically : an incorporated town in Scotland having local jurisdiction of certain services
–burgh·al \'bər-gəl\ adjective

burgher
n. 1 : an inhabitant of a borough or a town
2 : a member of the middle class : a prosperous solid citizen

Burghley
1st Baron ― see William CECIL

burglar
n. : one who commits burglary

burglarize
v. transitive verb
1 : to break into and steal from <burglarize a house>
2 : to commit burglary against
intransitive verb : to commit burglary

burglarproof
adj. : protected against or designed to afford protection against burglary

burglary
n. : the act of breaking and entering a dwelling at night to commit a felony (as theft) broadly : the entering of a building with the intent to commit a crime
–bur·glar·i·ous \ˌbər-'gler-ē-əs\ adjective
–bur·glar·i·ous·ly adverb

burgle
v. : BURGLARIZE

burgomaster
n. : the chief magistrate of a town in some European countries : MAYOR

burgonet
: a close-fitting 16th century helmet with cheek guards

burgoo
n. 1 : oatmeal gruel
2 : hardtack and molasses cooked together
3 a : a stew or thick soup of meat and vegetables orig. served at outdoor gatherings b : a picnic at which burgoo is served

Burgos
1 province N Spain area 5509 sq mi (14,268 sq km), pop 348,934
2 city, its capital & once capital of Old Castile pop 166,187

Burgoyne
John 1722-1792 Brit. gen. in America

Burgundy
n. 1 region & with varying limits former kingdom, duchy, & province E France S of Champagne
2 former county France E of Burgundy province; later called Franche-Com·té \ˌfränsh-kōn-'tā\
–Bur·gun·di·an \(ˌ)bər-'gən-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

burgundy
n. 1 often capitalized : a red or white unblended wine from Burgundy also : a blended red wine produced elsewhere
2 : a reddish-purple color

burial
n. 1 : GRAVE, TOMB
2 : the act or process of burying

Burien
city W Wash. S of Seattle pop 31,881

burier
: one that buries

burin
n. 1 : an engraver's steel cutting tool having the blade ground obliquely to a sharp point
2 : a prehistoric flint tool with a beveled point

Burk
n. Martha Jane 1852?-1903 née Can·nary \'ka-nə-rē\ pseud. Calamity Jane American frontier figure

burka
n. : a loose enveloping garment that covers the face and body and is worn in public by certain Muslim women

Burke
v. Edmund 1729-1797 Brit. statesman & orator
–Burk·ean or Burk·ian \'bər-kē-ən\ adjective

burke
v. 1 : to suppress quietly or indirectly <burke an inquiry>
2 : BYPASS, AVOID <burke an issue>

Burkina Faso
v. republic W Africa; until 1958 a French territory capital Ouagadougou area 105,869 sq mi (274,201 sq km), pop 9,780,000

Burkitt's lymphoma
: a malignant lymphoma that occurs especially in children of central Africa and is associated with Epstein-Barr virus

burl
n. 1 : a knot or lump in thread or cloth
2 a : a hard woody often flattened hemispherical outgrowth on a tree b : veneer made from burls

burladero
: a wooden shield near the wall in a bullring for bullfighters to take shelter behind if pursued

burlap
n. 1 : a coarse heavy plain-woven fabric usually of jute or hemp used for bagging and wrapping and in furniture and linoleum manufacture
2 : a lightweight material resembling burlap used in interior decoration or for clothing

burled
v. : having a distorted grain due to burls

burlesque
n. 1 : a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation
2 : mockery usually by caricature
3 : theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns, comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts
synonyms see CARICATURE
–burlesque adjective
–bur·lesque·ly adverb

burlesque
transitive verb : to imitate in a humorous or derisive manner : MOCK
intransitive verb : to employ burlesque
–bur·lesqu·er noun

burley
n. : a thin-bodied air-cured tobacco grown mainly in Kentucky

Burlingame
Anson 1820-1870 American diplomat

Burlingame
city W Calif. pop 28,158

Burlington
n. 1 city SE Iowa pop 26,839
2 town NE Mass. pop 22,876
3 city N cen N.C. pop 44,917
4 city NW Vt. pop 38,889
5 city Canada in SE Ont. N of Hamilton pop 150,836

burly
n. : strongly and heavily built : HUSKY <a burly man>
–bur·li·ly \-lə-lē\ adverb
–bur·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

Burma
n. ― see MYANMAR

Burmese
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Burma (Myanmar)
2 : the Tibeto-Burman language of the Burmese people
3 : any of a U.S.-developed breed of slender short-haired cats having gold eyes and a usually dark brown coat
–Burmese adjective

burn
n. British : CREEK 2

burn
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to consume fuel and give off heat, light, and gases <a small fire burns on the hearth> b : to undergo combustion also : to undergo nuclear fission or nuclear fusion c : to contain a fire <a little stove burning in the corner> d : to give off light : SHINE, GLOW <a light burning in the window>
2 a : to be hot <the burning sand> b : to produce or undergo discomfort or pain <ears burning from the cold> c : to become emotionally excited or agitated: as (1) : to yearn ardently <burning to tell the story> (2) : to be or become very angry or disgusted <the remark made him burn>
3 a : to undergo alteration or destruction by the action of fire or heat <the house burned down> <the potatoes burned to a crisp> b : to die in the electric chair
4 : to force or make a way by or as if by burning <her words burned into his heart>
5 : to suffer sunburn <she burns easily>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to undergo combustion especially : to destroy by fire <burned the trash> b : to use as fuel <this furnace burns gas> c : to use up : CONSUME <burn calories>
2 a : to transform by exposure to heat or fire <burn clay to bricks> b : to produce by burning <burned a hole in his sleeve> c : to record digital data or music on (an optical disk) using a laser <burn a CD> also : to record (data or music) in this way <burn songs onto a disk>
3 a : to injure or damage by or as if by exposure to fire, heat, or radiation : SCORCH <burned his hand> b : to execute by burning <burned heretics at the stake> also : ELECTROCUTE
4 a : IRRITATE, ANNOY ― often used with up <really burns me up> b : to subject to misfortune, mistreatment, or deception ― often used in passive <has been burned in love> c : to beat or score on <burned the defense with a touchdown pass>
–burn·able \'bər-nə-bəl\ adjective
–burn one's bridges also burn one's boats : to cut off all means of retreat
–burn one's ears : to rebuke strongly
–burn the candle at both ends : to use one's resources or energies to excess
–burn the midnight oil : to work or study far into the night

burn
n. 1 : an act, process, instance, or result of burning: as a : injury or damage resulting from exposure to fire, heat, caustics, electricity, or certain radiations b : a burned area <a burn on the tabletop> c : an abrasion (as of the skin) having the appearance of a burn <rope burns> d : a burning sensation <the burn of iodine on a cut>
2 : the firing of a rocket engine in flight
3 : ANGER especially : increasing fury ― used chiefly in the phrase slow burn

burn
n. burn one's boats
burn the midnight oil
burn the candle at both ends
burn one's ears
burn one's bridges
burn in
burn off
burn out
first degree burn
freezer burn
second degree burn
slash and burn
third degree burn
burnt out
burning bush
burning ghat
burned out

burn in
: to increase the density of (portions of a photographic print) during enlarging by giving extra exposure

burn off
: to be dissipated by the sun's warmth <waiting for the fog to burn off>
transitive verb : to cause to burn off

burn one's bridges
also burn one's boats : to cut off all means of retreat

burn one's ears
to rebuke strongly

burn out
1 : to drive out or destroy the property of by fire
2 : to cause to fail, wear out, or become exhausted especially from overwork or overuse
intransitive verb : to suffer burnout

burn the candle at both ends
to use one's resources or energies to excess

burn the midnight oil
to work or study far into the night

burn-in
: the continuous operation of a device (as a computer) as a test for defects or failure prior to putting it to use

Burnaby
city Canada in SW B.C. pop 193,954

Burne-Jones
Sir Edward Co·ley \'kō-lē\ 1833-1898 orig. surname Jones Eng. painter & designer

burned-out
1 : WORN-OUT also : EXHAUSTED
2 : destroyed by fire <a burned-out building>

burner
n. 1 : one that burns especially : the part of a fuel-burning or heat-producing device (as a furnace or stove) where the flame or heat is produced
2 : an athlete who possesses great speed

burner
n. back burner
barn burner
Bunsen burner
front burner

burnet
n. : any of a genus (Sanguisorba) of herbs of the rose family with odd-pinnate stipulate leaves and spikes of apetalous flowers

Burnett
Frances Eliza 1849-1924 née Hodg·son \'häj-sən\ American (Eng.-born) writer

Burney
Fanny 1752-1840 orig. Frances; Madame d'Ar·blay \'där-ˌblā\ Eng. nov. & diarist

burning
n. 1 a : being on fire b : ARDENT, INTENSE <burning enthusiasm>
2 a : affecting with or as if with heat <a burning fever> b : resembling that produced by a burn <a burning sensation on the tongue>
3 : of fundamental importance : URGENT <one of the burning issues of our time>
–burn·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

burning bush
: any of several plants associated with fire (as by redness): as a : 2WAHOO b : SUMMER CYPRESS c : a deciduous Asian shrub (Euonymus alata) of the spindle tree family having stems with corky wings and leaves that turn a brilliant red in autumn

burning ghat
: a level space at the head of a ghat for cremation

burnish
n. 1 a : to make shiny or lustrous especially by rubbing b : POLISH 3
2 : to rub (a material) with a tool for compacting or smoothing or for turning an edge
–bur·nish·er noun
–bur·nish·ing adjective or noun

burnish
n. : LUSTER, GLOSS

Burnley
town NW England in SE Lancashire pop 89,000

burnoose
n. : a one-piece hooded cloak worn by Arabs and Berbers
–bur·noosed \-'nüst\ adjective

burnout
n. 1 : the cessation of operation usually of a jet or rocket engine also : the point at which burnout occurs
2 a : exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration b : a person suffering from burnout
3 : a person showing the effects of drug abuse

Burns
n. Kenneth Lauren 1953-     American filmmaker

Burns
n. Robert 1759-1796 Scot. poet
–Burns·ian \'bərn-zē-ən\ adjective

Burnside
Ambrose Everett 1824-1881 American gen.

burnsides
n. : SIDE-WHISKERS especially : full muttonchop whiskers

Burnsville
village SE Minn. S of Minneapolis pop 60,220

burp
n. : the act or an instance of belching

burp
n. : BELCH
transitive verb
1 : BELCH
2 : to help (a baby) expel gas from the stomach especially by patting or rubbing the baby's back

burp gun
: a small submachine gun

burqa
n. variant of burka

Burr
n. Aaron 1756-1836 3d vice pres. of the U.S. (1801-05)

burr
n. 1 usually bur a : a rough or prickly envelope of a fruit b : a plant that bears burs
2 a : something that sticks or clings <a burr in the throat> b : HANGER-ON
3 : an irregular rounded mass especially : a tree burl
4 : a thin ridge or area of roughness produced in cutting or shaping metal
5 a : a trilled uvular \r\ as used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland b : a tongue-point trill that is the usual Scottish \r\
6 a : a small rotary cutting tool b usually bur : a bit used on a dental drill
7 : a rough humming sound : WHIR
–burred \'bərd\ adjective

burr
n. 1 : to speak with a burr
2 : to make a whirring sound
transitive verb
1 : to pronounce with a burr
2 a : to form into a projecting edge b : to remove burrs from
–burr·er noun

burr
n. bur marigold
bur oak
bur reed

Burrard Inlet
inlet of Strait of Georgia W Canada in B.C. on which city of Vancouver is situated

burrito
n. : a flour tortilla rolled or folded around a filling (as of meat, beans, and cheese)

burro
n. : DONKEY especially : a small one used as a pack animal

Burroughs
n. Edgar Rice 1875-1950 American writer

Burroughs
n. John 1837-1921 American naturalist

Burroughs
n. William Seward 1914-1997 American writer

burrow
n. : a hole or excavation in the ground made by an animal (as a rabbit) for shelter and habitation

burrow
n. 1 archaic : to hide in or as if in a burrow
2 a : to construct by tunneling b : to penetrate by means of a burrow
3 : to make a motion suggestive of burrowing with : NESTLE <burrows her hand into mine>
intransitive verb
1 : to conceal oneself in or as if in a burrow
2 a : to make a burrow b : to progress by or as if by digging
3 : to make a motion suggestive of burrowing : SNUGGLE, NESTLE <burrowed against his back for warmth>
–bur·row·er noun

burrowing owl
: a small diurnal chiefly ground-dwelling American owl (Athene cunicularia) of grassland and desert regions that roosts and nests in burrows

burry
1 : containing burs
2 : PRICKLY
3 of speech : characterized by a burr

Bursa
n. city NW Turkey in Asia near Sea of Marmara pop 834,576

bursa
n. : a bodily pouch or sac: as a : a small serous sac between a tendon and a bone b : BURSA OF FABRICIUS
–bur·sal \-səl\ adjective

bursa of Fabricius
: a lymphoid organ that opens into the cloaca of birds and functions in B cell production

bursar
n. : an officer (as of a monastery or college) in charge of funds : TREASURER

bursary
n. 1 : the treasury of a college or monastery
2 British : a monetary grant to a needy student : SCHOLARSHIP

burse
n. 1 a : PURSE b : a square cloth case used to carry the corporal in a Communion service
2 obsolete : EXCHANGE, BOURSE

bursitis
n. : inflammation of a bursa (as of the shoulder or elbow)

burst
n. intransitive verb
1 : to break open, apart, or into pieces usually from impact or from pressure from within
2 a : to give way from an excess of emotion <my heart will burst> b : to give vent suddenly to a repressed emotion <burst into tears> <burst out laughing>
3 a : to emerge or spring suddenly <burst out of the house> <burst onto the scene> b : LAUNCH, PLUNGE <burst into song>
4 : to be filled to the breaking point <bursting with excitement> <a crate bursting with fruit>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to burst <burst a balloon>
2 a : to force open (as a door or a way) by strong or vigorous action b : to flood over <the river burst its banks>
3 : to produce by or as if by bursting
–burst at the seams : to be larger, fuller, or more crowded than could reasonably have been anticipated

burst
n. 1 a : a sudden outbreak especially : a vehement outburst (as of emotion) b : EXPLOSION, ERUPTION c : a sudden intense effort <a burst of speed> d : the duration of fire in one engagement of the mechanism of an automatic firearm
2 : an act of bursting
3 : a result of bursting especially : a visible puff accompanying the explosion of a shell

burst at the seams
to be larger, fuller, or more crowded than could reasonably have been anticipated

burster
n. 1 : one that bursts
2 : the celestial source of an outburst of radiation (as X rays)

burthen
n. archaic variant of burden

Burton
adj. Harold Hitz 1888-1964 American jurist

Burton
adj. Richard 1925-1984 Brit. actor

Burton
adj. Sir Richard Francis 1821-1890 Brit. explorer & orientalist

Burton
adj. Robert 1577-1640 Eng. clergyman & author

Burton
adj. city SE cen Mich. SE of Flint pop 30,308

Burundi
n. country E cen Africa; a republic capital Bujumbura area ab 10,700 sq mi (27,700 sq km), pop 5,665,000 ― see RUANDA-URUNDI
–Bu·run·di·an \-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

burweed
: any of various plants (as a cocklebur or burdock) having burry fruit

Bury
v. town NW England in Greater Manchester pop 172,200

bury
v. 1 : to dispose of by depositing in or as if in the earth especially : to inter with funeral ceremonies
2 a : to conceal by or as if by covering with earth b : to cover from view <buried her face in her hands>
3 a : to have done with <burying their differences> b : to conceal in obscurity <buried the retraction among the classified ads> c : SUBMERGE, ENGROSS ― usually used with in <buried himself in his books>
4 : to put (a playing card) out of play by placing it in or under the dealer's pack
5 : to succeed emphatically or impressively in making (a shot) <bury a jumper> <bury a putt>
6 : to defeat overwhelmingly
synonyms see HIDE
–bury the hatchet : to settle a disagreement : become reconciled

bury
v. bury the hatchet
Bury Saint Edmunds
burying beetle

Bury Saint Edmunds
town SE England in Suffolk pop 28,914

bury the hatchet
to settle a disagreement : become reconciled

Buryatia
autonomous republic S Russia in Asia adjacent to Mongolia & E of Lake Baikal capital Ulan-Ude area 135,637 sq mi (351,300 sq km), pop 1,059,000
–Buryat noun

burying beetle
: any of various beetles (family Silphidae and especially genus Nicrophorus) that bury and lay eggs on the carcasses of small animals which provide a food source for the developing larvae

bus
n. 1 a : a large motor vehicle designed to carry passengers usually along a fixed route according to a schedule b : AUTOMOBILE
2 : a small hand truck
3 a : BUS BAR b : a set of parallel conductors in a computer system that forms a main transmission path
4 : a spacecraft or missile that carries one or more detachable devices (as warheads)

bus
n. intransitive verb
1 : to travel by bus
2 : to work as a busboy
transitive verb
1 : to transport by bus
2 a : CLEAR 4D <bus dishes> b : to remove dirty dishes from <bus tables>

bus
n. business

bus
n. bus bar
motor bus
school bus
Universal Serial Bus

bus bar
: a conductor or an assembly of conductors for collecting electric currents and distributing them to outgoing feeders

Busan
― see PUSAN

busboy
n. : a waiter's assistant specifically : one who removes dirty dishes and resets tables in a restaurant

busby
n. 1 : a military full-dress fur hat with a pendent bag on one side usually of the color of regimental facings
2 : the bearskin worn by British guardsmen ― not used by the guardsmen themselves

Bush
n. George (Herbert Walker) 1924-     American polit.; 41st pres. of the U.S. (1989-93)

Bush
n. George W(alker) 1946-     son of prec. American polit.; 43d pres. of the U.S. (2001-  )

Bush
n. Van·ne·var \və-'nē-vər\ 1890-1974 American electrical engineer

bush
n. 1 a : SHRUB especially : a low densely branched shrub b : a close thicket of shrubs suggesting a single plant
2 : a large uncleared or sparsely settled area (as in Australia) usually scrub-covered or forested : WILDERNESS ― usually used with the
3 a archaic : a bunch of ivy formerly hung outside a tavern to indicate wine for sale b obsolete : TAVERN c : ADVERTISING <good wine needs no bush ― Shakespeare>
4 : a bushy tuft or mass <a bush of hair> especially : 2BRUSH 2A
5 : MINOR LEAGUE ― usually used in plural <spent ten years in the bushes>

bush
n. : to support, mark, or protect with bushes
intransitive verb : to extend like a bush : resemble a bush

bush
n. 1 : having a low-growing compact bushy habit ― used especially of cultivated beans <bush snap beans>
2 : serving, occurring in, or used in the bush <bush planes>

bush
n. chiefly British : BUSHING

bush
n. : falling below acceptable standards : UNPROFESSIONAL <bush behavior>

bush
n. beat around the bush
butterfly bush
snowball bush
burning bush
beat about the bush
beauty bush
bush baby
bush basil
bush clover
bush jacket
bush league
bush leaguer
bush pilot
bush shirt
calico bush
cranberry bush
creosote bush
strawberry bush
sugar bush
beat the bushes

bush baby
: any of several small nocturnal arboreal African primates (Galago and related genera of the family Lorisidae) with large eyes, long ears, a long tail, and elongated hind limbs that enable them to leap with great agility ― called also galago

bush basil
: a sweet basil of a cultivar with small leaves

bush clover
: any of several usually shrubby lespedezas

bush jacket
: a long cotton jacket resembling a shirt and having four patch pockets and a belt

bush league
: MINOR LEAGUE
–bush leaguer noun

bush pilot
: a pilot who flies a small plane into remote areas

bush shirt
: a usually loose-fitting cotton shirt with patch pockets

bush-league
: being of an inferior class or group of its kind : marked by a lack of sophistication or professionalism

bushbuck
n. : a small African striped antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus) especially of sub-Saharan forests that has spirally twisted horns in the male

bushed
adj. 1 : covered with or as if with a bushy growth
2 chiefly Australian a : lost especially in the bush b : PERPLEXED 1, CONFUSED
3 : TIRED, EXHAUSTED

bushed
adj. : having a bushing

Bushehr
city & port SW Iran pop 120,787

bushel
n. 1 : any of various units of dry capacity ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a container holding a bushel
3 : a large quantity : LOTS <makes bushels of money>

bushel
n. : REPAIR, RENOVATE
–bush·el·er \-sh(ə-)lər\ noun

bushfire
n. Australian : an uncontrolled fire in a bush area

Bushido
n. : a feudal-military Japanese code of behavior valuing honor above life

bushing
n. 1 : a usually removable cylindrical lining for an opening (as of a mechanical part) used to limit the size of the opening, resist abrasion, or serve as a guide
2 : an electrically insulating lining for a hole to protect a through conductor

bushland
: 1BUSH 2

bushman
n. 1 capitalized [modification of obsolete Afrikaans boschjesman, from boschje (dim. of bosch forest) + Afrikaans man] a : a member of a group of short-statured peoples of southern Africa who traditionally live by hunting and foraging b : the Khoisan languages spoken by these people
2 a : WOODSMAN b chiefly Australian : a person who lives in the bush

bushmaster
n. : a pit viper of Central and So. America that is the largest New World venomous snake

bushpig
: a wild usually reddish to black pig (Potamochoerus porcus) of forests and scrubland of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar that has much facial hair, long pointed ears, and a light-colored mane along the top of the neck and back

bushranger
n. 1 Australian : an outlaw living in the bush
2 : FRONTIERSMAN, WOODSMAN
–bush·rang·ing \-jiŋ\ noun

bushtit
: a small gray titmouse (Psaltriparus minimus) of western No. America with light underparts that occurs in several geographic forms

bushveld
n. : veld of southern Africa with abundant shrubby and often thorny vegetation

bushwhack
v. transitive verb : AMBUSH broadly : to attack suddenly : ASSAULT
intransitive verb : to clear a path through thick woods especially by chopping down bushes and low branches
–bush·whack·er noun

bushy
adj. 1 : full of or overgrown with bushes
2 : resembling a bush especially : being thick and spreading
–bush·i·ly \'bu̇-shə-lē\ adverb
–bush·i·ness \'bu̇-shē-nəs\ noun

business
n. 1 archaic : purposeful activity : BUSYNESS
2 a : ROLE, FUNCTION <how the human mind went about its business of learning ― H. A. Overstreet> b : an immediate task or objective : MISSION <what is your business here> c : a particular field of endeavor <the best in the business>
3 a : a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood : TRADE, LINE <in the restaurant business> b : a commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise also : such enterprises <the business district> c : dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature : PATRONAGE <took their business elsewhere>
4 : AFFAIR, MATTER <the whole business got out of hand> <business as usual>
5 : CREATION, CONCOCTION
6 : movement or action (as lighting a cigarette) by an actor intended especially to establish atmosphere, reveal character, or explain a situation ― called also stage business
7 a : personal concern <none of your business> b : RIGHT <you have no business speaking to me that way>
8 a : serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions <got down to business> b : maximum effort
9 a : a damaging assault b : REBUKE, TONGUE-LASHING c : DOUBLE CROSS
10 : a bowel movement ― used especially of pets
synonyms BUSINESS, COMMERCE, TRADE, INDUSTRY, TRAFFIC mean activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities. BUSINESS may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions. COMMERCE and TRADE imply the exchange and transportation of commodities. INDUSTRY applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale. TRAFFIC applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons. synonym see in addition WORK

business
n. stage business
big business
business administration
business card
business cycle
business end
business suit
land office business
mean business
monkey business
order of business
show business

business administration
: a program of studies in a college or university providing general knowledge of business principles and practices

business card
: a small card bearing information (as name and address) about a business or business representative

business cycle
: a cycle of economic activity usually consisting of recession, recovery, growth, and decline

business end
: the end with, from, or through which a thing's function is fulfilled <the business end of a revolver>

business suit
: a man's suit consisting of matching coat and trousers and sometimes a vest

businesslike
adj. 1 : exhibiting qualities believed to be advantageous in business
2 : SERIOUS, PURPOSEFUL

businessman
n. : a man who transacts business especially : a business executive

businesspeople
n. : persons active in business

businessperson
n. : a businessman or businesswoman

businesswoman
n. : a woman who transacts business especially : one who is a business executive

busing
n. : the act of transporting by bus specifically : the transporting of children to a school outside their residential area as a means of achieving racial balance in that school

busker
n. chiefly British : a person who entertains in a public place for donations
–busk \'bəsk\ intransitive verb

buskin
n. 1 : a laced boot reaching halfway or more to the knee
2 a : COTHURNUS 1 b : TRAGEDY especially : tragedy resembling that of ancient Greek drama

busload
n. : a load that fills a bus <busloads of tourists>

busman's holiday
: a holiday spent in following or observing the practice of one's usual occupation

Busoni
Ferruccio Benvenuto 1866-1924 Ital. composer & pianist

buss
n. : KISS
–buss transitive verb

bust
n. 1 : a sculptured representation of the upper part of the human figure including the head and neck and usually part of the shoulders and breast
2 : the upper part of the human torso between neck and waist especially : the breasts of a woman

bust
n. transitive verb
1 a : to break or smash especially with force also : to make inoperative <busted my watch> b : to bring an end to : BREAK UP <helped bust trusts ― Newsweek> ― often used with up <better not try to bust up his happy marriage ― Forbes> c : to ruin financially d : EXHAUST, WEAR OUT ― used in phrases like bust one's butt to describe making a strenuous effort e : to give a hard time to ― often used in phrases like bust one's chops
2 : TAME <bronco busting>
3 : DEMOTE
4 slang a : ARREST <busted for carrying guns ― Saul Gottlieb> b : RAID <busted the apartment>
5 : HIT, SLUG
intransitive verb
1 : to go broke
2 a : BURST <laughing fit to bust> b : BREAK DOWN
3 a : to lose at cards by exceeding a limit (as the count of 21 in blackjack) b : to fail to complete a straight or flush in poker

bust
n. 1 a : SPREE b : a hearty drinking session <a beer bust>
2 a : a complete failure : FLOP b : a business depression
3 : PUNCH, SOCK
4 slang a : a police raid b : ARREST 2

bust
n. : BANKRUPT, BROKE <go bust>

bust
n. baby bust
trust busting
clot busting

Bustamante
Bustamante y Sirven
Bustamante y Sirvén
Sanchez de Bustamante y Sirven
Sánchez de Bustamante y Sirvén

Bustamante y Sirven
Antonio Sán·chez \'sän-(ˌ)chez\ 1865-1951 Cuban jurist

bustard
n. : any of a family (Otididae) of large chiefly terrestrial Old World and Australian game birds

buster
n. 1 a chiefly Midland : someone or something extraordinary <a buster of a breakfast ― Harriet B. Stowe> b : an unusually sturdy child c often capitalized : FELLOW ― usually used as a form of address <hey buster, come here>
2 chiefly Australian : a sudden violent wind often coming from the south
3 : one that breaks, breaks up, or eliminates something <crime busters> : as a : PLOW b [short for broncobuster] : a person who breaks horses
4 : a bad fall

bustier
n. : a tight-fitting often strapless top worn as a brassiere or outer garment

bustle
n. 1 : to move briskly and often ostentatiously
2 : to be busily astir : TEEM
–bustling adjective
–bus·tling·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

bustle
n. : noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity <the hustle and bustle of the big city>

bustle
n. : a pad or framework expanding and supporting the fullness and drapery of the back of a woman's skirt or dress also : the drapery so supported

bustline
n. 1 : an arbitrary line encircling the fullest part of the bust
2 : body circumference at the bust

busty
adj. : having a large bust

busulfan
n. : an antineoplastic agent C_6H_14O_6S_2 used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia

busy
adj. 1 a : engaged in action : OCCUPIED b : being in use <found the telephone busy>
2 : full of activity : BUSTLING <a busy seaport>
3 : foolishly or intrusively active : MEDDLING
4 : full of distracting detail <a busy design>
–busi·ly \'bi-zə-lē\ adverb
–busy·ness \'bi-zē-nəs\ noun
synonyms BUSY, INDUSTRIOUS, DILIGENT, ASSIDUOUS, SEDULOUS mean actively engaged or occupied. BUSY chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure <too busy to spend time with the children>. INDUSTRIOUS implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work <industrious employees>. DILIGENT suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit <very diligent in her pursuit of a degree>. ASSIDUOUS stresses careful and unremitting application <assiduous practice>. SEDULOUS implies painstaking and persevering application <a sedulous investigation of the murder>.

busy
adj. transitive verb : to make busy : OCCUPY
intransitive verb : BUSTLE <small boats busied to and fro ― Quentin Crewe>

busybody
n. : an officious or inquisitive person

busywork
n. : work that usually appears productive or of intrinsic value but actually only keeps one occupied

but
n. 1 a : except for the fact <would have protested but that he was afraid> b : THAT ― used after a negative <there is no doubt but he won> c : without the concomitant that <it never rains but it pours> d : if not : UNLESS e : THAN <no sooner started but it stopped> ― not often in formal use
2 a : on the contrary : on the other hand : NOTWITHSTANDING ― used to connect coordinate elements <he was called but he did not answer> <not peace but a sword> b : YET <poor but proud> c : with the exception of ― used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <none but the brave deserves the fair ― John Dryden>
–but that : THAT ― used after a negative <there is no doubt but that it must be done>
–but what : that⋯not ― used to indicate possibility or uncertainty <I don't know but what I will go>

but
n. 1 a : with the exception of : BARRING <no one there but me> ― compare 1BUT 2c b : other than <this letter is nothing but an insult>
2 Scottish a : WITHOUT, LACKING b : OUTSIDE

but
n. 1 : ONLY, MERELY <he is but a child>
2 Scottish : OUTSIDE
3 : to the contrary <who knows but that she may succeed>
4 ― used as an intensive <get there but fast>

but
n. : that not : who not <nobody but has his fault ― Shakespeare>

but
n. Scottish : the kitchen or living quarters of a 2-room cottage

but
n. cannot help but
all but
but what
but that
but for
cannot but

but for
: EXCEPT FOR

but that
THAT ― used after a negative <there is no doubt but that it must be done>

but what
that⋯not ― used to indicate possibility or uncertainty <I don't know but what I will go>

butadiene
n. : a flammable gaseous open chain hydrocarbon C_4H_6 used in making synthetic rubbers

butane
n. : either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C_4H_10 obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels

butanol
n. : either of two flammable isomeric alcohols C_4H_9OH derived from straight-chain butane

Butaritari
atoll W Pacific at N end of Kiribati area 4 sq mi (10 sq km)

butch
n. 1 : notably or deliberately masculine in appearance or manner
2 : closely cropped <a butch haircut>
–butch noun
–butch·ness noun

butcher
n. 1 a : a person who slaughters animals or dresses their flesh b : a dealer in meat
2 : one that kills ruthlessly or brutally
3 : one that bungles or botches
4 : a vendor especially on trains or in theaters

butcher
n. 1 : to slaughter and dress for market <butcher hogs>
2 : to kill in a barbarous manner
3 : BOTCH <butchered the play>

butcher
n. butcher bird
butcher block
butcher paper

butcher block
: a block made with thick strips of usually laminated hardwood
–butcher-block adjective

butcher paper
: heavy brown or white paper used especially for wrapping meats

butcher-bird
: any of various shrikes

butcherly
adj. : resembling a butcher : SAVAGE

butchery
n. 1 chiefly British : SLAUGHTERHOUSE
2 : the preparation of meat for sale
3 : cruel and ruthless slaughter of human beings
4 : BOTCH

Bute
1 island SW Scotland W of Firth of Clyde
2 or Bute·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county SW Scotland comprising several islands in the Firth of Clyde capital Rothesay (on Bute)

bute
: PHENYLBUTAZONE

Butenandt
Adolph Friedrich Johann 1903-1995 Ger. chem.

butene
n. : a straight-chain butylene

buteo
: any of a genus (Buteo) of hawks with broad rounded wings, relatively short tails, and soaring flight

Butler
n. Benjamin Franklin 1818-1893 American gen. & polit.

Butler
n. Joseph 1692-1752 Eng. theol.

Butler
n. Samuel 1612-1680 Eng. satirical poet

Butler
n. Samuel 1835-1902 Eng. nov. & satirist

butler
n. 1 : a manservant having charge of the wines and liquors
2 : the chief male servant of a household who has charge of other employees, receives guests, directs the serving of meals, and performs various personal services

butler's pantry
: a service room between kitchen and dining room

Buton
island Indonesia off SE Sulawesi area ab 2000 sq mi (5200 sq km), pop 253,262

butt
n. intransitive verb : to thrust or push headfirst : strike with the head or horns
transitive verb : to strike or shove with the head or horns
–butt heads : to come into conflict

butt
n. : a blow or thrust usually with the head or horns

butt
n. 1 : a large cask especially for wine, beer, or water
2 : any of various units of liquid capacity especially : a measure equal to 108 imperial gallons (491 liters)

butt
n. 1 a : a backstop (as a mound or bank) for catching missiles shot at a target b : TARGET c plural : RANGE 5C d : a blind for shooting birds
2 a obsolete : LIMIT, BOUND b archaic : GOAL <here is my journey's end, here is my butt ― Shakespeare>
3 : an object of abuse or ridicule : VICTIM <the butt of all their jokes>

butt
n. 1 : BUTTOCKS ― often used as a euphemism for ass in idiomatic expressions <get your butt over here> <kick butt> <saved our butts>
2 : the large or thicker end part of something: a : a lean upper cut of the pork shoulder b : the base of a plant from which the roots spring c : the thicker or handle end of a tool or weapon
3 a : an unused remainder (as of a cigarette or cigar) b slang : CIGARETTE
4 : the part of a hide or skin corresponding to the animal's back and sides

butt
n. intransitive verb : ABUT ― used with on or against
transitive verb
1 : to place end to end or side to side without overlapping
2 : to trim or square off (as a log) at the end
3 : to reduce (as a cigarette) to a butt by stubbing or stamping

butt
n. butt heads
butt hinge
butt in
butt joint
butt out
butt shaft
butt weld
kick butt

butt heads
to come into conflict

butt hinge
: a hinge usually mortised flush into the edge of a door and its jamb

butt in
: to meddle in the affairs of others : INTERFERE

butt joint
: a joint made by fastening the parts together end-to-end without overlap and often with reinforcement

butt out
: to cease interference or involvement <told him to butt out of my affairs>

butt shaft
: a target arrow without a barb

butt weld
: a butt joint made by welding
–butt-weld transitive verb

Butte
n. city SW Mont. in plateau of Rockies pop 34,606

butte
n. : an isolated hill or mountain with steep or precipitous sides usually having a smaller summit area than a mesa

butter
n. 1 : a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2 : a buttery substance: as a : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures b : a creamy food spread especially : one made of ground roasted nuts <peanut butter>
3 : FLATTERY
–but·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

butter
n. : to spread with or as if with butter

butter
n. apple butter
bread and butter
butter and eggs
butter bean
butter clam
butter lettuce
butter up
cacao butter
cocoa butter
drawn butter
maître d'hôtel butter
shea butter

butter bean
1 : LIMA BEAN: as a chiefly Southern & Midland : a dried lima bean b : SIEVA BEAN
2 : WAX BEAN
3 : a green shell bean especially as opposed to a snap bean

butter clam
: either of two edible clams (Saxidomus nuttallii and S. giganteus) of the Pacific coast of No. America

butter lettuce
: a lettuce (as Bibb or Boston lettuce) with a soft loose head of tender oily mild-flavored leaves

butter up
: to charm or beguile with lavish flattery or praise

butter-and-eggs
: a common Eurasian perennial herb (Linaria vulgaris) of the snapdragon family that has showy yellow and orange flowers and is naturalized in much of No. America ― called also toadflax

butterball
n. 1 : BUFFLEHEAD
2 : a chubby person

buttercream
n. : a sweet butter-based mixture used especially as a filling or frosting

buttercup
n. : any of a genus (Ranunculus of the family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family) of herbs with yellow or white flowers and alternate leaves

butterfat
n. : the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of glycerides (as those derived from butyric, capric, caproic, and caprylic acids)

butterfingered
adj. : apt to let things fall or slip through the fingers : CARELESS
–but·ter·fin·gers \-gərz\ noun plural but singular or plural in construction

butterfish
n. : any of numerous bony fishes (esp. family Stromateidae) with a slippery coating of mucus

butterfly
n. 1 : any of numerous slender-bodied diurnal lepidopteran insects including one superfamily (Papilionoidea) with broad often brightly colored wings and usually another superfamily comprising the skippers
2 : something that resembles or suggests a butterfly especially : a person chiefly occupied with the pursuit of pleasure
3 : a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by moving both arms in a circular motion while kicking both legs up and down
4 plural : a feeling of hollowness or queasiness caused especially by emotional or nervous tension or anxious anticipation
5 : a defensive move by a goalie in ice hockey executed by dropping to the knees while spreading the lower legs outward

butterfly
n. : to split almost entirely and spread apart <a butterflied steak> <butterflied shrimp>

butterfly
n. butterfly bush
butterfly chair
butterfly effect
butterfly fish
butterfly valve
butterfly weed
cabbage butterfly
leaf butterfly
milkweed butterfly
monarch butterfly
sulphur butterfly

butterfly bush
: BUDDLEIA

butterfly chair
: a chair for lounging consisting of a cloth sling supported by a frame of metal tubing or bars

butterfly effect
: a property of chaotic systems (as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system

butterfly fish
1 : any of a family (Chaetodontidae) of small brilliantly colored bony fishes of tropical seas with a narrow deep body and scaled fins
2 : a small brown freshwater bony fish (Pantodon buchholzi of the family Pantodontidae) of western Africa that has elongate winglike pectoral fins

butterfly valve
1 : a valve consisting of two semicircular clappers hinged to a cross rib that permits fluid flow in only one direction
2 : a damper or valve in a pipe consisting of a disk turning on a bisecting axis

butterfly weed
: a No. American milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) with showy orange flowers borne on erect leafy stems

butterflyer
: a swimmer who specializes in the butterfly

butterhead
: BUTTER LETTUCE

buttermilk
n. 1 : the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream
2 : cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk

butternut
n. 1 : an eastern No. American tree (Juglans cinerea) of the walnut family with sweet egg-shaped nuts and light brown wood ― called also white walnut
2 a : a light yellowish brown b plural : homespun overalls dyed brown with a butternut extract c : a soldier or partisan of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

butternut squash
: a smooth somewhat bottle-shaped buff-colored winter squash (Cucurbita moschata) with usually orange flesh

butterscotch
n. 1 : a candy made from brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and water also : the flavor of such candy
2 : a moderate yellowish brown

butterweed
: any of several plants having yellow flowers or smooth soft foliage: as a : HORSEWEED 1 b : any of several No. American senecios (as Senecio glabellus)

butterwort
n. : any of a genus (Pinguicula) of herbs of the bladderwort family with fleshy leaves that produce a viscid secretion serving to capture and digest insects

buttery
n. 1 : a storeroom for liquors
2 a chiefly dialect : PANTRY b : a room (as in an English college) stocking provisions for sale to students

buttery
n. 1 a : having the qualities (as smoothness or richness) of butter <buttery flavors> b : containing or spread with butter <buttery pastry>
2 : marked by flattery <buttery compliments>

buttinsky
: a person given to butting in : a troublesome meddler

buttock
n. 1 : the back of a hip that forms one of the fleshy parts on which a person sits
2 plural a : the seat of the body b : RUMP 1A

button
n. 1 a : a small knob or disk secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop b : a usually circular metal or plastic badge bearing a stamped design or printed slogan <campaign button>
2 : something that resembles a button: as a : any of various parts or growths of a plant or of an animal: as (1) : BUD (2) : an immature whole mushroom especially : BUTTON MUSHROOM (3) : the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle b : a small globule of metal remaining after fusion (as in assaying) c : a guard on the tip of a fencing foil
3 a : PUSH BUTTON b : something (as a push button) that has the real or symbolic capability of initiating a catastrophe (as a nuclear attack) <has his finger on the button> c : a hidden sensitivity that can be manipulated to produce a desired response <knows how to push my buttons> d : a usually box-shaped computer icon that initiates a specific software function
4 : the point of the chin especially as a target for a knockout blow
–but·ton·less \-ləs\ adjective
–on the button : EXACTLY <arrived at noon on the button> also : exactly on target : on the nose <the estimate was right on the button>

button
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish or decorate with buttons
2 a : to pass (a button) through a buttonhole or loop b : to close or fasten with buttons ― often used with up <button up your overcoat>
3 a : to close (the lips) to prevent speech <button your lip> b : to close or seal tightly ― usually used with up <button up the house for winter>
intransitive verb : to have buttons for fastening <this dress buttons at the back>
–but·ton·er \'bət-nər, 'bə-tən-ər\ noun

button
n. bachelor's button
belly button
button snakeroot
on the button
button down
button man
button mushroom
button quail
hot button
mescal button
panic button
peyote button
push button
buttoned down
buttoned up

button man
: a low-ranking member of a criminal underworld organization

button mushroom
: a usually small white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus syn. A. brunnescens) in which the pileus has not yet expanded

button quail
: any of a family (Turnicidae) of small terrestrial Old World birds that resemble quails and have only three toes on a foot with the hind toe being absent

button snakeroot
1 : BLAZING STAR 2A
2 : any of several usually prickly herbs (genus Eryngium) of the carrot family

button-down
1 a of a collar : having the ends fastened to the garment with buttons b of a garment : having a button-down collar
2 or but·toned-down \-tən-ˌdau̇n\ : conservatively traditional or conventional especially : adhering to conventional norms in dress and behavior <button-down businessmen>

button-down
: a shirt with a button-down collar

buttonball
: 2PLANE

buttonbush
: a No. American shrub (Cephalanthus occidentalis) of the madder family with globular flower heads

buttoned-up
: coldly reserved or standoffish <a buttoned-up executive>

buttonhole
n. 1 : a slit or loop through which a button is passed
2 chiefly British : BOUTONNIERE

buttonhole
n. 1 : to furnish with buttonholes
2 : to work with buttonhole stitch
–but·ton·hol·er \-ˌhō-lər\ noun

buttonhole
n. : to detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of

buttonhole stitch
: a closely worked loop stitch used to make a firm edge (as on a buttonhole)

buttonhook
n. 1 : a hook for drawing small buttons through buttonholes
2 : an offensive play in football in which the pass receiver runs straight downfield and then abruptly cuts back toward the line of scrimmage
–buttonhook intransitive verb

buttonwood
n. : 2PLANE

buttress
n. 1 : a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building
2 : something that resembles a buttress: as a : a projecting part of a mountain or hill b : a horny protuberance on a horse's hoof at the heel ― see HOOF illustration c : the broadened base of a tree trunk or a thickened vertical part of it
3 : something that supports or strengthens <a buttress of the cause of peace>
–but·tressed \-trəst\ adjective

buttress
n. : to furnish or shore up with a buttress also : SUPPORT, STRENGTHEN <arguments buttressed by solid facts>

buttstock
: the stock of a firearm in the rear of the breech mechanism

butty
n. British : SANDWICH

butut
n. ― see dalasi at MONEY table

butyl
adj. : any of four isomeric alkyl radicals C_4H_9– derived from butane

butyl
adj. butyl alcohol
butyl nitrite
butyl rubber

butyl alcohol
: any of four flammable alcohols C_4H_9OH (as butanol) used in organic synthesis and as solvents

butyl nitrite
: an oily liquid ester C_4H_9NO_2 of butyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is inhaled illicitly especially as an aphrodisiac ― compare POPPER

butyl rubber
: any of a class of synthetic rubbers that are made by copolymerizing isobutylene with a small amount usually of isoprene at low temperature

butylated
v. : combined with the butyl radical
–bu·tyl·a·tion \ˌbyü-təl-'ā-shən\ noun

butylated hydroxyanisole
: BHA

butylated hydroxytoluene
: BHT

butylene
: any of three isomeric hydrocarbons C_4H_8 of the ethylene series obtained usually by cracking petroleum

butyr
: butyric <butyraldehyde>

butyraldehyde
n. : either of two aldehydes C_4H_8O used especially in making synthetic resins

butyrate
n. : a salt or ester of butyric acid

butyric
adj. : relating to or producing butyric acid <butyric fermentation>

butyric acid
: either of two isomeric fatty acids C_4H_8O_2 especially : the straight-chain acid of unpleasant odor normally found in perspiration and rancid butter

butyrophenone
: any of a class of antipsychotic drugs (as haloperidol) used especially in the treatment of schizophrenia

buxom
adj. 1 obsolete a : OBEDIENT, TRACTABLE b : offering little resistance : FLEXIBLE, PLIANT <wing silently the buxom air ― John Milton>
2 archaic : full of gaiety : BLITHE
3 : vigorously or healthily plump specifically : full-bosomed
–bux·om·ly adverb
–bux·om·ness noun

Buxtehude
Dietrich 1637-1707 Dan. organist & composer

buy
n. transitive verb
1 : to acquire possession, ownership, or rights to the use or services of by payment especially of money : PURCHASE
2 a : to obtain in exchange for something often at a sacrifice <they bought peace with their freedom> b : REDEEM 6
3 : BRIBE, HIRE
4 : to be the purchasing equivalent of <the dollar buys less today than it used to>
5 : ACCEPT, BELIEVE <I don't buy that hooey> ― often used with into
intransitive verb : to make a purchase
–buy·er \'bī(-ə)r\ noun
–buy into : to purchase a portion of or interest in <the TV network bought into its local football team>
–buy it or buy the farm : to get killed : DIE
–buy time : to delay an imminent action or decision : STALL

buy
n. 1 : something of value at a favorable price especially : BARGAIN <it's a real buy at that price>
2 : an act of buying : PURCHASE

buy
n. buy the farm
buy time
buy it
buy into
buy off
buy out
buy up
store bought
buyer's market

buy into
to purchase a portion of or interest in <the TV network bought into its local football team>

buy it
or buy the farm : to get killed : DIE

buy off
1 : to induce to refrain (as from prosecution) by a payment or other consideration
2 : to free (as from military service) by payment

buy out
1 : to purchase the share or interest of
2 : to purchase the entire stock-in-trade and the goodwill of (a business)

buy time
to delay an imminent action or decision : STALL

buy up
1 : to buy freely or extensively
2 : to buy the entire available supply of

buyback
n. : the act or an instance of buying something back especially : the repurchase by a corporation of shares of its own common stock on the open market

buyer's market
: a market in which goods are plentiful, buyers have a wide range of choice, and prices tend to be low ― compare SELLER'S MARKET

buyout
n. 1 : an act or instance of buying out
2 : a financial incentive offered to an employee in exchange for an early retirement or voluntary resignation

Buzau
city E Romania pop 133,116

buzz
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a low continuous humming sound like that of a bee
2 a : MURMUR, WHISPER b : to be filled with a confused murmur <the room buzzed with excitement>
3 : to make a signal with a buzzer
4 : to go quickly : HURRY <buzzed around town in a sports car> also : SCRAM ― usually used with off
5 : to feel high especially from a drug
transitive verb
1 : to utter covertly by or as if by whispering
2 : to cause to buzz
3 : to fly fast and close to <planes buzz the crowd>
4 : to summon or signal with a buzzer also : to let in through an electronically controlled entrance ― used with in or through <buzzed him in>
5 dialect English : to drink to the last drop <get some more port whilst I buzz this bottle ― W. M. Thackeray>

buzz
n. 1 : a persistent vibratory sound
2 a : a confused murmur b : RUMOR, GOSSIP c : a flurry of activity d : FAD, CRAZE e : speculative or excited talk or attention relating especially to a new or forthcoming product or event <one of the few new shows that's getting good buzz ― TV Guide> also : an instance of such talk or attention <their first CD created a huge buzz>
3 : a signal conveyed by buzzer specifically : a telephone call
4 : HIGH 4

buzz
n. buzz phrase
buzz bomb
buzz cut
buzz saw

buzz bomb
: an unguided jet-propelled missile used by the Germans against England in World War II

buzz cut
: CREW CUT
–buzz-cut adjective

buzz saw
: CIRCULAR SAW

buzzard
n. 1 chiefly British : BUTEO
2 : any of various usually large birds of prey (as the turkey vulture)
3 : a contemptible or rapacious person

Buzzards Bay
inlet of the Atlantic SE Mass. W of Cape Cod

buzzer
n. 1 : one that buzzes specifically : an electric signaling device that makes a buzzing sound
2 : the sound of a buzzer

buzzword
n. 1 : an important-sounding usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymen
2 : a voguish word or phrase ― called also buzz phrase

BVD
― used for underwear

BVM
Blessed Virgin Mary

bvt
brevet

BW
1 bacteriological warfare; biological warfare
2 black and white

bwana
n. : MASTER, BOSS

BWI
British West Indies

BX
base exchange

bx
box

by
n. 1 : in proximity to : NEAR <standing by the window>
2 a : through or through the medium of : VIA <enter by the door> b : in the direction of : TOWARD <north by east> c : into the vicinity of and beyond : PAST <went right by him>
3 a : during the course of <studied by night> b : not later than <by 2 p.m.>
4 a : through the agency or instrumentality of <by force> b : born or begot of c : sired or borne by
5 : with the witness or sanction of <swear by all that is holy>
6 a : in conformity with <acted by the rules> b : ACCORDING TO <called her by name>
7 a : on behalf of <did right by his children> b : with respect to <a lawyer by profession>
8 a : in or to the amount or extent of <win by a nose> b chiefly Scottish : in comparison with : BESIDE
9 ― used as a function word to indicate successive units or increments <little by little> <walk two by two>
10 ― used as a function word in multiplication, in division, and in measurements <divide a by b> <multiply 10 by 4> <a room 15 feet by 20 feet>
11 : in the opinion of : from the point of view of <okay by me>
–by the by or by the bye : INCIDENTALLY 2

by
n. 1 a : close at hand : NEAR b : at or to another's home <stop by>
2 : PAST <saw him go by>
3 : ASIDE, AWAY

by
n. 1 : being off the main route : SIDE
2 : INCIDENTAL

by
n. : something of secondary importance : a side issue

by
n. ― used to express farewell ― often used with following now

by
n. by the bye
bye bye
bye election
good bye
kiss good bye

by a long shot
by a great deal

by all means
most assuredly : CERTAINLY

by all odds
in every way : without question <by all odds the best book of the year>

by and by
: BEFORE LONG, SOON

by and large
: on the whole : in general

by chance
in the haphazard course of events <they met by chance>

by contraries
obsolete : in a manner opposite to what is logical or expected

by dint of
by force of : BECAUSE OF <succeeded by dint of hard work>

by ear
without reference to or memorization of written music <plays by ear>

by far
far and away <is by far the best runner>

by fits
or by fits and starts or in fits and starts : in an impulsive and irregular manner <construction proceeded by fits and starts>

by half
by a great deal

by halves
in part : HALFHEARTEDLY

by hand

1 : with the hands or a hand-worked implement (as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine
2 : from one individual directly to another <deliver the document by hand>

by heart
by rote or from memory

by hook or by crook
by any means

by leaps and bounds
with extraordinary rapidity <a town growing by leaps and bounds>

by means of
through the use of

by no means
in no way : not at all

by rights
also by all rights : with reason or justice : PROPERLY

by storm
by or as if by employing a bold swift frontal movement especially with the intent of defeating or winning over quickly <took the literary world by storm>

by the by
or by the bye : INCIDENTALLY 2

by the head
drawing the greater depth of water forward

by the heels
in a tight grip

by the numbers

1 : in unison to a specific count or cadence
2 : in a systematic, routine, or mechanical manner

by the same token
for the same reason

by the seat of one's pants
using experience and intuition rather than mechanical aids or formal theory

by the skin of one's teeth
by a very narrow margin

by the way
by way of interjection or digression : INCIDENTALLY

by the wayside
out of consideration : into a condition of neglect or disuse ― usually used with fall

by turns

1 : one after another in regular succession
2 : VARIOUSLY, ALTERNATELY <a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating>

by virtue of
or in virtue of : through the force of : by authority of

by way of

1 : for the purpose of
2 : by the route through : VIA

by-and-by
: a future time or occasion

by-blow
1 : an indirect blow
2 : an illegitimate child

by-election
: a special election held between regular elections in order to fill a vacancy

by-form
: a parallel and sometimes less important form of a word, stem, or formative element in a given language or dialect

by-product
1 : something produced in a usually industrial or biological process in addition to the principal product
2 : a secondary and sometimes unexpected or unintended result

by-your-leave
: a request for permission <imposed⋯without so much as a by-your-leave ― J. L. Granatstein>

Byatt
Antonia Susan 1936-     née Drabble Brit. writer

bycatch
: the portion of a commercial fishing catch that consists of marine animals caught unintentionally

Bydgoszcz
city NW cen Poland NE of Poznan pop 380,385

bye
n. : the position of a participant in a tournament who advances to the next round without playing

bye
n. by the bye
bye bye
bye election
good bye
kiss good bye

bye-bye
― used to express farewell

bye-bye
: out especially for a walk or ride ― used with the verb go

bye-bye
: BED, SLEEP <lie down⋯and go to bye-bye ― Rudyard Kipling>

bye-bye
: to bed or sleep ― used with the verb go

Byelorussia
n. ― see BELORUSSIA
–Bye·lo·rus·sian \bē-ˌe-lō-'rə-shən, ˌbye-lō-\ adjective or noun

Byelorussian
n. : BELARUSIAN

bygone
n. : gone by : PAST <bygone days> especially : OUTMODED <bygone styles>
–bygone noun

bylaw
n. 1 : a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its affairs
2 : a local ordinance

byline
n. 1 : a secondary line : SIDELINE
2 : a line at the beginning of a news story, magazine article, or book giving the writer's name

byline
n. : to write (an article) under a byline
–by·lin·er \-ˌlī-nər\ noun

byname
n. 1 : a secondary name
2 : NICKNAME

Byng
George 1663-1733 1st Viscount Torrington Brit. admiral

Byng
Julian Hedworth George 1862-1935 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy Brit. gen.; gov.-gen. of Canada (1921-26)

BYO
bring your own

BYOB
bring your own beer; bring your own booze; bring your own bottle

bypass
n. 1 : a passage to one side especially : a deflected route usually around a town
2 a : a channel carrying a fluid around a part and back to the main stream b (1) : SHUNT 1B (2) : SHUNT 1C also : a surgical procedure for the establishment of a shunt <have a coronary bypass>

bypass
n. 1 a : to avoid by means of a bypass <bypass a congested area> b : to cause to follow a bypass
2 a : to neglect or ignore usually intentionally b : CIRCUMVENT <attempting to bypass the law>

bypast
: BYGONE

bypath
n. : BYWAY

byplay
n. : action engaged in on the side while the main action proceeds (as during a dramatic production)

Byrd
n. Richard Evelyn 1888-1957 American admiral & polar explorer

Byrd
n. William 1543-1623 Eng. composer

byre
n. chiefly British : a cow barn

Byrnes
James Francis 1879-1972 American polit. & jurist

byroad
n. : BYWAY

Byron
n. Lord 1788-1824 in full George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron Eng. poet
–By·ron·ic \bī-'rä-nik\ adjective

byssinosis
n. : an occupational respiratory disease associated with inhalation of cotton, flax, or hemp dust and characterized initially by chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough and eventually by irreversible lung disease

byssus
n. 1 : a fine prob. linen cloth of ancient times
2 [New Latin, from L] : a tuft of long tough filaments by which some bivalve mollusks (as mussels) adhere to a surface

bystander
n. : one present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator

bystreet
n. : a street off a main thoroughfare

byte
n. : a unit of computer information or data-storage capacity that consists of a group of eight bits and that is used especially to represent an alphanumeric character ― compare WORD 2c

Bytom
city SW Poland in Silesia pop 229,851

byway
n. 1 : a little traveled side road
2 : a secondary or little known aspect or field <meandering more and more in the fascinating byways of learning ― Times Lit. Supp.>

byword
n. 1 : a proverbial saying : PROVERB
2 a : one that personifies a type b : one that is noteworthy or notorious
3 : EPITHET
4 : a frequently used word or phrase

Byzantine
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient city of Byzantium
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire especially in the fifth and sixth centuries featuring the dome carried on pendentives over a square and incrustation with marble veneering and with colored mosaics on grounds of gold
3 : of or relating to the churches using a traditional Greek rite and subject to Eastern canon law
4 often not capitalized a : of, relating to, or characterized by a devious and usually surreptitious manner of operation <a Byzantine power struggle> b : intricately involved : LABYRINTHINE <rules of Byzantine complexity>

Byzantine
n. : a native or inhabitant of Byzantium

Byzantinist
n. : a student of Byzantine culture

Byzantium
n. ― see ISTANBUL

Bé
Baumé

C
n. 1 capacitance
2 Celsius
3 centigrade
4 Coulomb
5 cytosine

C
n. carbon

c
n. often attrib
1 a : the 3d letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic c
2 a : one hundred ― see NUMBER table b slang : a sum of $100
3 : the keynote of a C-major scale
4 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter c
5 : one designated c especially as the third in order or class
6 a : a grade rating a student's work as fair or mediocre in quality b : one graded or rated with a C
7 : something shaped like the letter C
8 : a structured programming language designed to be compact and efficient

c
n. 1 calm
2 calorie
3 canceled
4 candle
5 carat
6 catcher
7 cent
8 centavo
9 centi-
10 centime
11 centimeter
12 century
13 chapter
14 circa
15 circumference
16 cocaine
17 coefficient
18 college
19 [Latin congius] gallon
20 contralto
21 copyright
22 cubic
23 cup
24 curie

C and F
cost and freight

C and W
country and western

C clef
: a movable clef indicating middle C by its placement on one of the lines of the staff

C horizon
: the soil layer lying beneath the B horizon and consisting essentially of more or less weathered parent rock

C in C
commander in chief

C of C
Chamber of Commerce

C of E
British Church of England

C of S
chief of staff

C ration
: a canned field ration of the U.S. Army

c to c
center to center

c'est
c'est a dire
c'est à dire
c'est autre chose
c'est la guerre
c'est la vie
c'est plus qu'un crime c'est une faute
le style c'est l'homme
l'etat c'est moi
l'état c'est moi
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose
tout comprendre c'est tout pardonner

c'est autre chose
: that's a different thing

c'est la guerre
: that's war : it cannot be helped

c'est la vie
: that's life : that's how things happen

c'est plus qu'un crime, c'est une faute
: it is worse than a crime, it is a blunder

c'est-a-dire
: that is to say : namely

C-clamp
: a C-shaped general-purpose clamp

C-note
: a 100-dollar bill

C-reactive protein
: a protein present in blood serum in various abnormal states (as inflammation or neoplasia)

C-section
: CESAREAN SECTION

C-Span
cable-satellite public affairs network

c/o
care of

CA
n. 1 California
2 Central America
3 certified acupuncturist
4 chartered accountant
5 chief accountant
6 chronological age
7 commercial agent
8 controller of accounts
9 current account

Ca
n. calcium

ca
n. circa

ca
n. ca' canny
ca va sans dire
comme ci comme ca
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose

ca va sans dire
: it goes without saying

ca'
Scottish variant of call

ca' canny
British : SLOWDOWN
–ca' canny intransitive verb British

CAB
n. Civil Aeronautics Board

cab
n. : an ancient Hebrew unit of capacity equal to about two quarts (2.2 liters)

cab
n. 1 a (1) : CABRIOLET (2) : a similar light closed carriage (as a hansom) b : a carriage for hire
2 : TAXICAB
3 [short for cabin] a : the part of a locomotive that houses the engineer and operating controls b : a comparable shelter (as on a truck) housing operating controls

cab
n. : to travel in a cab <cabbed back to the hotel>

cab
n. : CABERNET SAUVIGNON

cabal
n. 1 : the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government) also : a group engaged in such artifices and intrigues
2 : CLUB, GROUP <a cabal of artists>
synonyms see PLOT

cabal
n. : to unite in or form a cabal

cabala
n. variant of kabbalah

cabaletta
n. 1 : an operatic song in simple popular style characterized by a uniform rhythm
2 : the lively bravura concluding section of an extended aria or duet

cabalist
n. 1 often capitalized : a student, interpreter, or devotee of the Jewish cabala
2 : one skilled in esoteric doctrine or mysterious art

cabalist
n. : a member of a cabal

caballero
n. 1 : KNIGHT, CAVALIER
2 chiefly Southwest : HORSEMAN

cabana
n. 1 : a shelter resembling a cabin usually with an open side facing a beach or swimming pool
2 : a lightweight structure with living facilities

Cabanatuan
city Philippines in S cen Luzon pop 173,000

cabaret
n. 1 archaic : a shop selling wines and liquors
2 a : a restaurant serving liquor and providing entertainment (as by singers or dancers) : NIGHTCLUB b : the show provided at a cabaret

cabbage
n. 1 a : any of several brassicas (Brassica oleracea) of European origin especially : a leafy garden plant (Brassica oleracea capitata) with a short stem and a dense globular head of usually green leaves that is used as a vegetable b : any of several plants related to or resembling cabbage
2 slang : MONEY, CASH
–cab·bagey also cab·bagy \-bə-jē\ adjective

cabbage
n. : pieces of cloth left in cutting out garments and traditionally kept by tailors as perquisites

cabbage
n. : STEAL, FILCH

cabbage
n. cabbage worm
cabbage butterfly
cabbage white
cabbage looper
cabbage palm
cabbage palmetto
cabbage rose
celery cabbage
Chinese cabbage
imported cabbage worm
napa cabbage
savoy cabbage
skunk cabbage

cabbage butterfly
: any of several largely white butterflies (family Pieridae) whose green larvae are cabbage worms especially : a small cosmopolitan butterfly (Pieris rapae syn. Artogeia rapae) that is a pest on cabbage ― called also cabbage white

cabbage looper
: a noctuid moth (Trichoplusia ni) having pale green white-striped larvae that feed on cruciferous plants

cabbage palm
: a palm with terminal buds eaten as a vegetable

cabbage palmetto
: a cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) with fan-shaped leaves that is native to coastal southeastern U.S. and the Bahamas

cabbage rose
: a fragrant garden rose (Rosa centifolia) with upright branches and large pink flowers

cabbageworm
: an insect larva (as of a cabbage butterfly) that feeds on cabbages

cabbie
n. : CABDRIVER

cabdriver
n. : a driver of a cab

caber
n. : POLE especially : a young tree trunk used for tossing as a trial of strength in a Scottish sport

cabernet franc
: a dry red wine often used in blends (as with merlot or cabernet sauvignon)

cabernet sauvignon
: a dry red wine made from a single widely cultivated variety of black grape ― called also cabernet

Cabeza de Vaca
v. Álvar Núñez ca 1490-ca 1560 Span. explorer

CABG
coronary-artery bypass graft

Cabimas
city NW Venezuela on NE coast of Lake Maracaibo pop 165,755

cabin
n. 1 a (1) : a private room on a ship or boat (2) : a compartment below deck on a boat used for living accommodations b : the passenger or cargo compartment of a vehicle (as an airplane or automobile) c : the crew compartment of an exploratory vehicle (as a spacecraft)
2 : a small one-story dwelling usually of simple construction
3 chiefly British : CAB 3

cabin
n. : to live in or as if in a cabin
transitive verb : CONFINE, RESTRAIN <significantly cabins the discretion of administrators ― A. M. Dershowitz>

cabin
n. cabin cruiser
cabin boy
cabin car
cabin class
cabin fever
pressure cabin

cabin boy
: a boy working as servant on a ship

cabin car
: CABOOSE

cabin class
: a class of accommodations on a passenger ship superior to tourist class and inferior to first class

cabin cruiser
: CRUISER 1B

cabin fever
: extreme irritability and restlessness from living in isolation or a confined indoor area for a prolonged time

Cabinda
territory W equatorial Africa on the Atlantic bet. Republic of the Congo & Democratic Republic of the Congo; belongs to Angola capital Cabinda area 3000 sq mi (7800 sq km), pop 58,547

cabinet
n. 1 a : a case or cupboard usually having doors and shelves b : a collection of specimens especially of biological or numismatic interest c : CONSOLE 4A d : a chamber having temperature and humidity controls and used especially for incubating biological samples
2 a archaic : a small room providing seclusion b : a small exhibition room in a museum
3 a archaic (1) : the private room serving as council chamber of the chief councillors or ministers of a sovereign (2) : the consultations and actions of these councillors b (1) often capitalized : a body of advisers of a head of state (2) : a similar advisory council of a governor of a state or a mayor c British : a meeting of a cabinet
4 New England : MILK SHAKE

cabinet
n. 1 : of or relating to a governmental cabinet
2 : suitable by reason of size for a small room or by reason of attractiveness or perfection for preservation and display in a cabinet
3 a : used or adapted for cabinetmaking b : done or used by a cabinetmaker

cabinetmaker
n. : a skilled woodworker who makes fine furniture
–cab·i·net·mak·ing \-ˌmā-kiŋ\ noun

cabinetry
: CABINETWORK also : CABINETS <kitchen cabinetry>

cabinetwork
n. : finished woodwork made by a cabinetmaker

cabinmate
: one of two or more persons sharing the same cabin

Cable
n. George Washington 1844-1925 American nov.

cable
n. 1 a : a strong rope especially of 10 inches (25 centimeters) or more in circumference b : a cable-laid rope c : a wire rope or metal chain of great tensile strength d : a wire or wire rope by which force is exerted to control or operate a mechanism
2 : CABLE LENGTH
3 a : an assembly of electrical conductors insulated from each other but laid up together (as by being twisted around a central core) b : CABLEGRAM also : a radio message or telegram
4 : something resembling or fashioned like a cable <a fiber-optic cable>
5 : CABLE TELEVISION <a house with cable>

cable
n. transitive verb
1 : to fasten with or as if with a cable
2 : to provide with a cable or cables
3 : to telegraph by submarine cable
4 : to make into a cable or into a form resembling a cable
intransitive verb : to communicate by a submarine cable
–ca·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

cable
n. cable car
cable knit
cable laid
cable length
cable modem
cable television
cable TV
coaxial cable
coax cable
pay cable
jumper cables

cable car
: a vehicle moved by an endless cable: a : one suspended from an overhead cable b : one that moves along tracks

cable length
: a maritime unit of length variously reckoned as 100 fathoms, 120 fathoms, or 608 feet

cable modem
: a modem for connecting a computer to a network over a cable television line

cable television
: a system of television reception in which signals from distant stations are picked up by a master antenna and sent by cable to the individual receivers of paying subscribers ― called also cable TV

cable-knit
: having or made with a knitting stitch that produces a pattern resembling the twist of a usually two-ply cable <a cable-knit sweater>

cable-laid
: composed of three ropes laid together left-handed with each containing three strands twisted together

cablecast
v. : a cable television transmission
–cablecast verb

cablegram
n. : a message sent by a submarine telegraph cable

cableway
n. : a suspended cable used as a track along which carriers can be pulled

cabman
n. : CABDRIVER

Cabo
Cabo Rojo
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo da Roca
Cabo de São Vicente
Sao Vicente Cabo de
São Vicente Cabo de

Cabo Rojo
city SW Puerto Rico pop 46,911

Cabo San Lucas
resort W Mexico on Cape San Lucas (headland at S extremity of Baja California)

cabochon
n. : a gem or bead cut in convex form and highly polished but not faceted also : this style of cutting
–cabochon adverb

caboodle
n. : COLLECTION, LOT <sell the whole caboodle>

caboose
n. 1 : a ship's galley
2 : a freight-train car attached usually to the rear mainly for the use of the train crew
3 : one that follows or brings up the rear
4 : BUTTOCKS

Cabot
n. John ca 1450-ca 1499 It. Giovanni Ca·bo·to \kä-'bō-(ˌ)tō\ Venetian navigator & explorer for England

Cabot
n. Sebastian 1476?-1557 son of John Eng. navigator & explorer

Cabot Strait
strait ab 70 mi (113 km) wide E Canada bet. SW Newfoundland & Cape Breton Is. connecting Gulf of Saint Lawrence with the Atlantic

cabotage
n. 1 : trade or transport in coastal waters or airspace or between two points within a country
2 : the right to engage in cabotage

Cabral
Pedro Álvares 1467(or 1468)-1520 Port. navigator

cabretta
: a light soft leather from skins of hairy sheep

Cabrilho
João Rodrigues d 1543 Sp. Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo Span. (Port.-born) explorer in Mexico & California

cabrilla
: any of various sea basses (esp. of the genera Epinephelus and Paralabrax) of the Mediterranean, the California coast, and the warmer parts of the western Atlantic

Cabrillo National Monument
n. historic site SW Calif. on San Diego Bay

Cabrini
Saint Frances Xavier 1850-1917 Mother Cabrini 1st American citizen canonized (1946)

cabriole
adj. 1 : a ballet leap in which one leg is extended in midair and the other struck against it
2 : a curved furniture leg ending in an ornamental foot

cabriolet
n. 1 : a light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage with a folding leather hood, a large apron, and upward-curving shafts
2 : a convertible coupe

cabstand
n. : a place where cabs await hire

cac
: bad <cacography>

caca
: EXCREMENT

Cacahuamilpa
caverns S Mexico in Guerrero NNE of Taxco

cacao
n. 1 : the dried partly fermented fatty seeds of a So. American evergreen tree (Theobroma cacao of the family Sterculiaceae) that are used in making cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter ― called also cacao bean cocoa bean
2 : a tree having small yellowish flowers followed by fleshy pods from which cacao is obtained

cacao
n. cacao bean
cacao butter
creme de cacao
crème de cacao

cacao butter
variant of cocoa butter

cacciatore
adj. : cooked with tomatoes and herbs and sometimes wine <chicken cacciatore>

Caceres
1 province W Spain in N Extremadura area 7701 sq mi (19,946 sq km), pop 403,621
2 city, its capital pop 82,716

cachalot
n. : SPERM WHALE

cache
n. 1 a : a hiding place especially for concealing and preserving provisions or implements b : a secure place of storage
2 : something hidden or stored in a cache
3 : a computer memory with very short access time used for storage of frequently or recently used instructions or data ― called also cache memory

cache
n. : to place, hide, or store in a cache

Cache la Poudre
river 125 mi (201 km) N Colo. flowing into the S. Platte

cachectic
adj. : affected by cachexia

cachepot
n. : an ornamental receptacle to hold and usually to conceal a flowerpot

cachet
n. 1 a : a seal used especially as a mark of official approval b : an indication of approval carrying great prestige
2 a : a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige b : PRESTIGE <being rich⋯doesn't have the cachet it used to ― Truman Capote>
3 : a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste enclosing a medicine
4 a : a design or inscription on an envelope to commemorate a postal or philatelic event b : an advertisement forming part of a postage meter impression c : a motto or slogan included in a postal cancellation

cachexia
n. : general physical wasting and malnutrition usually associated with chronic disease

cachinnate
v. : to laugh loudly or immoderately
–cach·in·na·tion \ˌka-kə-'nā-shən\ noun

cachou
n. : a pill or pastille used to sweeten the breath

cacique
n. 1 : a native Indian chief in areas dominated primarily by a Spanish culture
2 : a local political boss in Spain and Latin America
–ca·ciqu·ism \-'sē-ˌki-zəm\ noun

cack-handed
1 British : LEFT-HANDED 1
2 British : CLUMSY, AWKWARD

cackle
n. 1 : to make the sharp broken noise or cry characteristic of a hen especially after laying
2 : to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner
3 : CHATTER
–cackle noun
–cack·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

cacodemon
n. : DEMON
–caco·de·mon·ic \-di-'mä-nik\ adjective

cacodylic acid
: a toxic crystalline compound of arsenic C_2H_7AsO_2 used especially as an herbicide

cacoethes
n. : an insatiable desire : MANIA

cacography
n. 1 : bad spelling ― compare ORTHOGRAPHY
2 : bad handwriting ― compare CALLIGRAPHY
–caco·graph·i·cal \ˌka-kə-'gra-fi-kəl\ adjective

cacomistle
n. : RINGTAIL 2

cacophonous
adj. : marked by cacophony : harsh-sounding
–ca·coph·o·nous·ly adverb

cacophony
n. : harsh or discordant sound : DISSONANCE 2 specifically : harshness in the sound of words or phrases

cactus
n. : any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (as deserts)

cactus
n. cholla cactus
barrel cactus
cactus wren
Christmas cactus
giant cactus
organ pipe cactus
prickly pear cactus
rattail cactus
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

cactus wren
: a large harsh-voiced wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) especially of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico

cacuminal
adj. : RETROFLEX 2

CAD
n. computer-aided design

cad
n. 1 : an omnibus conductor
2 : a man who acts with deliberate disregard for another's feelings or rights

cadastral
adj. 1 : of or relating to a cadastre
2 : showing or recording property boundaries, subdivision lines, buildings, and related details
–ca·das·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

cadastre
n. : an official register of the quantity, value, and ownership of real estate used in apportioning taxes

cadaver
n. : a dead body especially : one intended for dissection
–ca·dav·er·ic \-'dav-rik, -'da-və-\ adjective

cadaverine
n. : a syrupy colorless poisonous ptomaine C_5H_14N_2 formed by decarboxylation of lysine especially in putrefaction of flesh

cadaverous
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a corpse b : suggestive of corpses or tombs
2 a : PALLID, LIVID b : GAUNT, EMACIATED
–ca·dav·er·ous·ly adverb

caddie
n. 1 Scottish : one who waits about for odd jobs
2 a : one who assists a golfer especially by carrying the clubs b : a wheeled device for conveying things not readily carried by hand <a luggage caddie>
–caddie or caddy intransitive verb

caddis
n. : worsted yarn specifically : a worsted ribbon or binding formerly used for garters and girdles

caddis
n. : CADDISWORM also : CADDIS FLY

caddis fly
: any of an order (Trichoptera) of insects with four membranous usually hairy wings, vestigial mouthparts, slender many-jointed antennae, and aquatic larvae ― compare CADDISWORM

caddish
adj. : of, relating to, or being a cad <caddish behavior> <her caddish husband>
–cad·dish·ly adverb
–cad·dish·ness noun

caddisworm
n. : the larva of a caddis fly that lives in and carries around a silken case covered with bits of debris

Caddo
1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of Louisiana, Arkansas, and eastern Texas
2 : the language of the Caddo peoples

Caddo Lake
lake 20 mi (32 km) long NW La. & NE Tex. draining to Red River

caddy
n. 1 : a small box, can, or chest used especially to keep tea in
2 : a container or device for storing or holding objects when they are not in use

Cade
n. John d 1450 Jack Cade Eng. rebel

cade
n. : left by its mother and reared by hand : PET <a cade lamb>

cade
n. : procession <motorcade>

cade oil
: JUNIPER TAR

cadelle
: a small cosmopolitan black beetle (Tenebroides mauritanicus) destructive to stored grain

cadence
n. 1 a : a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language b : the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity
2 a : a falling inflection of the voice b : a concluding and usually falling strain specifically : a musical chord sequence moving to a harmonic close or point of rest and giving the sense of harmonic completion
3 : the modulated and rhythmic recurrence of a sound especially in nature
–ca·denced \-dən(t)st\ adjective
–ca·den·tial \kā-'den(t)-shəl\ adjective

cadency
n. : CADENCE

cadent
1 archaic : being in the process of falling <with cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks ― Shakespeare>
2 : having rhythmic cadence <his cadent voice>

cadenza
n. 1 : a parenthetical flourish in an aria or other solo piece commonly just before a final or other important cadence
2 : a technically brilliant sometimes improvised solo passage toward the close of a concerto
3 : an exceptionally brilliant part of an artistic and especially a literary work

cadet
n. 1 a : a younger brother or son b : youngest son c : a younger branch of a family or a member of it
2 : one in training for a military or naval commission especially : a student in a service academy
3 slang : PIMP
–ca·det·ship \-ˌship\ noun

Cadette
n. : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the sixth through ninth grades in school

cadge
n. : BEG, SPONGE <cadge a free cup of coffee>
–cadg·er noun

Cadillac
n. Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de 1658-1730 Fr. founder of Detroit

cadit quaestio
: the question drops : the argument collapses

Cadiz
n. 1 province SW Spain in Andalusia area 2851 sq mi (7384 sq km), pop 1,116,491
2 or ancient Ga·dir \'gā-dər\ or Ga·des \'gā-(ˌ)dēz\ city & port, its capital, on Bay of Cádiz NW of Gibraltar pop 133,363

Cadiz, Gulf of
arm of the Atlantic SW Spain

cadmium
n. : a bluish-white malleable ductile toxic divalent metallic element used especially in batteries, pigments, and protective platings ― see ELEMENT table

cadmium sulfide
: a yellow-brown poisonous salt CdS used especially in electronic parts, in photoelectric cells, and in medicine

Cadmus
n. : the legendary founder of Thebes

cadre
n. 1 : FRAME, FRAMEWORK
2 : a nucleus or core group especially of trained personnel able to assume control and to train others broadly : a group of people having some unifying relationship <a cadre of lawyers>
3 : a cell of indoctrinated leaders active in promoting the interests of a revolutionary party
4 : a member of a cadre

caduceus
n. 1 : the symbolic staff of a herald specifically : a representation of a staff with two entwined snakes and two wings at the top
2 : an insignia bearing a caduceus and symbolizing a physician

caducity
n. 1 : SENILITY
2 : the quality of being transitory or perishable

caducous
adj. : falling off easily or before the usual time ― used especially of floral organs

caecal
adj. variant of cecal, cecum

caecilian
n. : any of an order (Gymnophiona) of chiefly tropical burrowing limbless amphibians resembling worms
–caecilian adjective

Caedmon
fl 658-680 Anglo-Saxon poet

Caelian
hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven on which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE

Caen
city NW France in Normandy pop 114,007

Caerdydd
― see CARDIFF 2

Caernarvon
1 or Caer·nar·von·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county NW Wales
2 town and seaport NW Wales pop 9506

Caerphilly
n. : a mild white friable cheese of Welsh origin

Caerphilly
n. administrative area SE Wales area 107 sq mi (277 sq km)

Caesar
n. 1 : any of the Roman emperors succeeding Augustus Caesar ― used as a title
2 a often not capitalized : a powerful ruler: (1) : EMPEROR (2) : AUTOCRAT, DICTATOR b [from the reference in Mount 22:21] : the civil power : a temporal ruler
–Cae·sar·e·an or Cae·sar·i·an \si-'zer-ē-ən\ adjective

Caesar
n. (Gaius) Julius 100-44 B.C. Rom. gen., statesman, & writer

Caesar
n. Caesar salad
aut Caesar aut nihil
aut Caesar aut nullus
Germanicus Caesar
caesarean section

Caesar salad
: a tossed salad usually made of romaine, garlic, anchovies, and croutons and dressed with olive oil, coddled egg, lemon juice, and grated cheese

Caesarea
n. 1 seaport of ancient Palestine; site S of modern Haifa, Israel
2 or Caesarea Mazaca ― see KAYSERI

Caesarea
n. Caesarea Mazaca
Eusebius of Caesarea
Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi
city of ancient Palestine SW of Mt. Hermon; site at modern village of Baniyas \ˌba-nē-'yas\ in SW Syria

caesarean
n. variant of cesarean

caesarean section
variant of cesarean section

Caesarism
n. : imperial authority or system : political absolutism : DICTATORSHIP
–Cae·sar·ist \-zə-rist\ noun

Caesena
― see CESENA

caesium
n. chiefly British variant of cesium

caespitose
1 : growing in clusters or tufts
2 : forming a dense turf

caesura
n. 1 in modern prosody : a usually rhetorical break in the flow of sound in the middle of a line of verse
2 Greek & Latin prosody : a break in the flow of sound in a verse caused by the ending of a word within a foot
3 : BREAK, INTERRUPTION
4 : a pause marking a rhythmic point of division in a melody
–cae·su·ral \-'zyu̇r-əl, -'zhu̇r-\ adjective

CAF
cost and freight

CAFE
n. corporate average fuel economy

cafe
n. 1 : a usually small and informal establishment serving various refreshments (as coffee) broadly : RESTAURANT
2 : BARROOM
3 : CABARET, NIGHTCLUB

cafe
n. cafe au lait
cafe noir
cafe society
pousse cafe
transport cafe
café au lait
café noir
café society
pousse café
transport café

cafe au lait
1 : coffee with usually hot milk in about equal parts
2 : the color of coffee with milk

cafe noir
: coffee without milk or cream also : DEMITASSE

cafe society
: society of persons who are regular patrons of fashionable cafés

cafeteria
n. : a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter and take the food to tables to eat

cafeteria
n. : providing a selection from which a choice may be made <cafeteria benefit plan> <a cafeteria curriculum>

cafeteria-style
: CAFETERIA <cafeteria-style benefits>

cafetorium
: a large room (as in a school building) designed for use both as a cafeteria and an auditorium

caff
n. British : CAFÉ 1

caffe latte
: espresso mixed with hot or steamed milk

caffeinated
adj. 1 : stimulated by or as if by caffeine <caffeinated workers> <caffeinated rhythms of electronic music ― Marc Weingarten>
2 : containing caffeine <caffeinated coffee>

caffeine
n. : a bitter alkaloid C_8H_10N_4O_2 found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts and used medicinally as a stimulant and diuretic

caftan
n. : a usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Levant

CAG
carrier air group

Cagayan
river 220 mi (354 km) Philippines in NE Luzon flowing N

Cage
n. John Milton 1912-1992 American composer

cage
n. 1 : a box or enclosure having some openwork for confining or carrying animals (as birds)
2 a : a barred cell for confining prisoners b : a fenced area for prisoners of war
3 : a framework serving as support <the steel cage of a skyscraper>
4 a : an enclosure resembling a cage in form or purpose <a cashier's cage> b : an arrangement of atoms or molecules so bonded as to enclose a space in which another atom or ion (as of a metal) can reside
5 a : BATTING CAGE b : a goal consisting of posts or a frame with a net attached (as in ice hockey)
6 : a large building containing an area for practicing outdoor sports and often adapted for indoor events
–cage·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

cage
n. 1 : to confine or keep in or as if in a cage
2 : to drive (as a puck) into a cage and score a goal

cage
n. batting cage
rib cage
roll cage
squirrel cage

cageling
n. : a caged bird

cagey
adj. 1 : hesitant about committing oneself <officials are cagey about giving out details>
2 a : wary of being trapped or deceived : SHREWD <a cagey consumer> b : marked by cleverness <a cagey reply>
–ca·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adverb
–ca·gi·ness also ca·gey·ness \-jē-nəs\ noun

Cagliari
commune & port Italy capital of Sardinia pop 162,993

Cagliostro
Count Alessandro di 1743-1795 orig. Giuseppe Bal·sa·mo \'bäl-sə-ˌmō\ Ital. adventurer

CAGS
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

Caguas
town E cen Puerto Rico pop 140,502

cahier
: a report or memorial concerning policy especially of a parliamentary body

Cahokia Mounds
group of prehistoric Indian mounds Ill. ENE of E. St. Louis

cahoot
n. : PARTNERSHIP, LEAGUE ― usually used in plural <they're in cahoots>

Cahors
n. city SW France N of Toulouse pop 20,022

cahow
: a dark-colored petrel (Pterodroma cahow) formerly abundant in Bermuda but now nearly extinct

CAI
computer-aided instruction; computer-assisted instruction

Caicos
n. ― see TURKS AND CAICOS

caiman
n. : any of several Central and So. American crocodilians (genera Caiman, Melanosuchus, and Paleosuchus) similar to alligators

Cain
n. : the brother and murderer of Abel

Cain
n. James Mallahan 1892-1977 American nov.

Caine
Sir (Thomas Henry) Hall 1853-1931 Eng. nov.

caine
: synthetic alkaloid anesthetic <procaine>

caipirinha
n. : a cocktail consisting of lime, sugar, and rum

caique
n. 1 : a light skiff used on the Bosporus
2 : a Levantine sailing vessel

caird
Scottish : a traveling tinker also : TRAMP, GYPSY

cairn
n. : a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or as a landmark
–cairned \'kernd\ adjective

cairn terrier
: any of a breed of small compactly built hard-coated terriers of Scottish origin

cairngorm
n. : a yellow or smoky-brown crystalline quartz

Cairngorm Mountains
range of the Grampians NE cen Scotland; highest point Ben Macdhui 4296 ft (1309 m)

Cairns
n. city & port NE Australia in NE Queensland pop 54,862

Cairo
n. city N Egypt, its capital pop 6,663,000
–Cai·rene \kī-'rēn\ adjective or noun

caisson
n. 1 a : a chest to hold ammunition b : a usually 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition attachable to a horse-drawn limber also : a limber with its attached caisson
2 a : a watertight chamber used in construction work under water or as a foundation b : a hollow floating box or a boat used as a floodgate for a dock or basin
3 : COFFER 3

caisson disease
: DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS

Caithness
former county N Scotland capital Wick

caitiff
n. : COWARDLY, DESPICABLE
–caitiff noun

Cajamarca
city NW Peru pop 92,600

cajeput
n. : an Australian and southeast Asian tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia syn. M. leucadendron) of the myrtle family that yields a pungent medicinal oil and has been introduced into Florida

cajole
v. 1 a : to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : COAX <had to cajole them into going> b : to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion <cajoleed money from his parents>
2 : to deceive with soothing words or false promises
–ca·jole·ment \-'jōl-mənt\ noun
–ca·jol·er noun
–ca·jol·ery \-'jō-lə-rē\ noun
synonyms CAJOLE, COAX, SOFT-SOAP, BLANDISH, WHEEDLE mean to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions. CAJOLE suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections <cajoled him into cheating on the final exam>. COAX implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect <coaxed the cat out of the tree>. SOFT-SOAP refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain <politicians soft-soaping eligible voters>. BLANDISH implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions <legislators blandished with promises of support>. WHEEDLE suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading <hucksters wheedling her life's savings out of her>.

Cajon Pass
pass 4301 ft (1303 m) S Calif. NW of San Bernardino bet. San Bernardino Mountains & San Gabriel Mountains

Cajun
n. : a Louisianian descended from French-speaking immigrants from Acadia

Cajun
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cajuns
2 : of, relating to, or prepared in a style of cooking originating among the Cajuns and characterized by the use of hot seasonings (as cayenne pepper)

cake
n. 1 a : a breadlike food made from a dough or batter that is usually fried or baked in small flat shapes and is often unleavened b : a sweet baked food made from a dough or thick batter usually containing flour and sugar and often shortening, eggs, and a raising agent (as baking powder) c : a flattened usually round mass of food that is baked or fried <a fish cake>
2 a : a block of compacted or congealed matter <a cake of ice> b : a hard or brittle layer or deposit
3 : something easily done <after so much studying, the test was cake>
–cak·ey \'kā-kē\ adjective

cake
n. transitive verb
1 : ENCRUST <caked with dust>
2 : to fill (a space) with a packed mass
intransitive verb : to form or harden into a mass

cake
n. angel food cake
coffee cake
devil's food cake
fish cake
griddle cake
marble cake
oil cake
Pan Cake
pat a cake
patty cake
piece of cake
pound cake
sponge cake
take the cake
tea cake
upside down cake
wedding cake
wheat cake

cakewalk
n. 1 : a black American entertainment having a cake as prize for the most accomplished steps and figures in walking
2 : a stage dance developed from walking steps and figures typically involving a high prance with backward tilt
3 a : a one-sided contest b : an easy task
–cakewalk intransitive verb
–cake·walk·er noun

Cal
n. 1 California
2 large calorie

cal
n. small calorie

Calabar
n. city & port SE Nigeria pop 153,900

Calabar bean
: the dark brown highly poisonous leguminous seed of a tropical west African woody vine (Physostigma venenosum) that is used as a source of physostigmine and was used formerly as an ordeal poison in African witchcraft trials

calabash
n. 1 : a tropical American tree (Crescentia cujete) of the bignonia family also : its large hard-shelled globose fruit
2 : GOURD especially : one whose hard shell is used for a utensil
3 : a utensil (as a bottle or dipper) made from the shell of a calabash

calabaza
n. : a large winter squash (Cucurbita moschata) that resembles a pumpkin and is typically grown in the West Indies and tropical America

calaboose
n. : JAIL especially : a local jail

Calabria
n. 1 district of ancient Italy comprising area forming heel of the Italian Peninsula; now the S part of Puglia
2 or Italian Le Ca·la·brie \ˌlā-kä-'lä-brē-ˌā\ or ancient Brut·ti·um \'bru̇-tē-əm, 'brə-\ region S Italy occupying toe of the Italian Peninsula capital Catanzaro area 5822 sq mi (15,079 sq km), pop 2,043,288
–Ca·la·bri·an \kə-'lā-brē-ən, -'lä-\ adjective or noun

caladium
n. : any of a genus (Caladium and especially C. bicolor) of tropical American plants of the arum family widely cultivated for their showy variably colored leaves

Calah
ancient city capital of Assyria on the Tigris 20 mi (32 km) SE of modern Mosul, Iraq; site now called Nim·rud \nim-'rüd\

Calais
n. city & port N France on Strait of Dover pop 77,317

Calais, Pas de
― see DOVER (Strait of)

calamander
n. : the hazel-brown black-striped wood of a southeast Asian tree (genus Diospyros and especially D. quaesita) that is used in furniture manufacturing

calamari
n. : squid used as food

calamary
: SQUID

calamata
variant of kalamata

Calamian
islands W Philippines NE of Palawan Is.

calamine
n. : a mixture of zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric oxide used in lotions, liniments, and ointments

calamint
n. : any of a genus (Calamintha syn. Satureja, especially C. nepeta) of Eurasian perennial mints

calamite
: a Paleozoic fossil plant (esp. genus Calamites) resembling a giant horsetail

calamitous
adj. : being, causing, or accompanied by calamity <calamitous events>
–ca·lam·i·tous·ly adverb

calamity
n. 1 : a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss
2 : a disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering <calamities of nature> <an economic calamity>

Calamity Jane
― see Martha Jane BURK

calamondin
: a small hybrid citrus tree (Citrofortunella mitis syn. Citrus mitis) also : its small tart fruit resembling the mandarin and used especially in marmalades

calamus
n. 1 a : SWEET FLAG b : the aromatic peeled and dried rhizome of the sweet flag that is the source of a carcinogenic essential oil
2 : the hollow basal portion of a feather below the vane : QUILL

calash
n. 1 a : a light small-wheeled 4-passenger carriage with a folding top b : CALÈCHE 1B
2 : a large hood worn by women in the 18th century

calc
n. calculate; calculated

calc
n. : calcium : calcium salt <calcic> <calcify>

calcaneal
adj. : relating to the heel or calcaneus

calcaneum
n. : CALCANEUS

calcaneus
n. : a tarsal bone that in humans is the large bone of the heel

calcareous
adj. 1 a : resembling calcite or calcium carbonate especially in hardness b : consisting of or containing calcium carbonate also : containing calcium
2 : growing on limestone or in soil impregnated with lime
–cal·car·e·ous·ly adverb

Calcasieu
river 200 mi (322 km) SW La. flowing through Calcasieu Lake (ab 15 mi or 24 km long) & Calcasieu Pass (channel 5 mi or 8 km long) into Gulf of Mexico

calcic
adj. : derived from or containing calcium or lime : rich in calcium

calcicole
n. : a plant normally growing on calcareous soils
–cal·cic·o·lous \kal-'si-kə-ləs\ adjective

calciferol
n. : an alcohol C_28H_43OH usually prepared by irradiation of ergosterol and used as a dietary supplement in nutrition and medicinally in the control of rickets and related disorders ― called also vitamin D_2

calciferous
adj. : producing or containing calcium carbonate

calcific
adj. : involving or caused by calcification <calcific lesions>

calcifuge
n. : a plant not normally growing on calcareous soils
–calcifuge also cal·cif·u·gous \kal-'si-fyə-gəs\ adjective

calcify
v. transitive verb
1 : to make calcareous by deposit of calcium salts
2 : to make inflexible or unchangeable
intransitive verb
1 : to become calcareous
2 : to become inflexible and changeless : HARDEN
–cal·ci·fi·ca·tion \ˌkal-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

calcimine
n. : a white or tinted wash of glue, whiting or zinc white, and water that is used especially on plastered surfaces
–calcimine transitive verb

calcination
n. : the act or process of calcining : the state of being calcined

calcine
v. transitive verb : to heat (as inorganic materials) to a high temperature but without fusing in order to drive off volatile matter or to effect changes (as oxidation or pulverization)
intransitive verb : to undergo calcination

calcine
v. : a product (as a metal oxide) of calcination or roasting

calcinosis
n. : the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in a part or tissue of the body

calcite
n. : a mineral CaCO_3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble ― compare ARAGONITE
–cal·cit·ic \kal-'si-tik\ adjective

calcitonin
n. : a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that lowers the level of calcium in the blood plasma ― called also thyrocalcitonin

calcium
n. : a silver-white divalent metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring only in combination ― see ELEMENT table

calcium
n. calcium carbide
calcium carbonate
calcium channel blocker
calcium chloride
calcium cyanamide
calcium gluconate
calcium hydroxide
calcium hypochlorite
calcium oxalate
calcium oxide
calcium phosphate
calcium silicate
calcium sulfate

calcium carbide
: a usually dark gray crystalline compound CaC_2 used especially for the generation of acetylene and for making calcium cyanamide

calcium carbonate
: a compound CaCO_3 found in nature as calcite and aragonite and in plant ashes, bones, and shells and used especially in making lime and portland cement and as a gastric antacid

calcium channel blocker
: any of a class of drugs (as verapamil) that prevent or slow the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells and are used especially to treat some forms of angina pectoris and some cardiac arrhythmias

calcium chloride
: a white deliquescent salt CaCl_2 used in its anhydrous state as a drying and dehumidifying agent and in a hydrated state for controlling dust and ice on roads

calcium cyanamide
: a compound CaCN_2 used as a fertilizer and a weed killer and as a source of other nitrogen compounds

calcium gluconate
: a white powdery salt CaC_12H_22O_14 used especially to supplement bodily calcium stores

calcium hydroxide
: a white crystalline strong alkali Ca(OH)2 that is used especially to make mortar and plaster and to soften water

calcium hypochlorite
: a white powder CaCl_2O_2 used especially as a bleaching agent and disinfectant

calcium oxalate
: a crystalline salt CaC_2O_4 normally deposited in many plant cells and in animals sometimes excreted in urine or retained in the form of urinary calculi

calcium oxide
: a caustic solid CaO that is white when pure and that is the chief constituent of lime

calcium phosphate
: any of various phosphates of calcium: as a : the phosphate CaH_4P_2O_8 used as a fertilizer and in baking powder b : the phosphate CaHPO_4 used in pharmaceutical preparations and animal feeds c : the phosphate Ca_3P_2O_8 used as a fertilizer d : the naturally occurring phosphate Ca_5(F,Cl,OH,1/2CO_3)(PO_4)3 that contains other elements or radicals and is the chief constituent of phosphate rock, bones, and teeth

calcium silicate
: any of several silicates of calcium used especially in construction materials (as portland cement)

calcium sulfate
: a white salt CaSO_4 that occurs especially as anhydrite, gypsum, and plaster of paris and that in hydrated form is used as a building material and in anhydrous form is used as a drying agent

calculable
adj. 1 : subject to or ascertainable by calculation
2 : that may be counted on : DEPENDABLE

calculate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to determine by mathematical processes <calculate the rate of acceleration> b : to reckon by exercise of practical judgment : ESTIMATE <calculate the likelihood of success> c : to solve or probe the meaning of : FIGURE OUT <trying to calculate his expression ― Hugh MacLennan>
2 : to design or adapt for a purpose <he carefully calculated the timing of his arrival for maximum impact>
3 a : to judge to be true or probable b : INTEND <I calculate to do it or perish in the attempt ― Mark Twain>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a calculation b : to forecast consequences
2 : COUNT, RELY

calculated
adj. 1 : APT, LIKELY
2 a : worked out by mathematical calculation b : engaged in, undertaken, or displayed after reckoning or estimating the statistical probability of success or failure <a calculated risk>
3 a : planned or contrived to accomplish a purpose b : DELIBERATE, INTENDED <a calculated attempt to deceive voters>
–cal·cu·lat·ed·ly adverb
–cal·cu·lat·ed·ness noun

calculating
adj. 1 : making calculations <calculating machine>
2 : marked by prudent analysis or by shrewd consideration of self-interest : SCHEMING
–cal·cu·lat·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

calculation
n. 1 a : the process or an act of calculating b : the result of an act of calculating
2 a : studied care in analyzing or planning b : cold heartless planning to promote self-interest
–cal·cu·la·tion·al \-'lāsh-nəl, -'lā-shə-nəl\ adjective

calculator
n. : one that calculates: as a : a usually electronic device for performing mathematical calculations b : a person who operates a calculator

calculous
adj. : caused or characterized by a calculus or calculi

calculus
n. 1 a : a method of computation or calculation in a special notation (as of logic or symbolic logic) b : the mathematical methods comprising differential and integral calculus ― often used with the
2 : CALCULATION
3 a : a concretion usually of mineral salts around organic material found especially in hollow organs or ducts b : 1TARTAR 2
4 : a system or arrangement of intricate or interrelated parts

calculus
n. calculus of variations
differential calculus
felicific calculus
functional calculus
infinitesimal calculus
integral calculus
predicate calculus
propositional calculus
sentential calculus

calculus of variations

1837
: a branch of mathematics concerned with applying the methods of calculus to finding the maxima and minima of a function which depends for its values on another function or a curve

Calcutta
n. city & port E India on the Hugli capital of W. Bengal pop 4,580,544
–Cal·cut·tan \-'kə-tən\ noun

Calder
Alexander 1898-1976 American sculptor

caldera
n. : a volcanic crater that has a diameter many times that of the vent and is formed by collapse of the central part of a volcano or by explosions of extraordinary violence

Caldera Rodriguez
Rafael 1916-     pres. of Venezuela (1969-74; 1994-99)

Calderon de la Barca
Pedro 1600-1681 Span. dram. & poet

caldron
n. variant of cauldron

Caldwell
n. Erskine 1903-1987 American nov.

Caldwell
n. (Janet) Taylor 1900-1985 American (Eng.-born) author

Caldwell
n. city SW Idaho W of Boise pop 25,967

caleche
n. 1 a : CALASH 1A b : a 2-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle with a driver's seat on the splashboard used in Quebec
2 : CALASH 2

Caledon
town Canada in SE Ont. pop 50,595

Caledonia
n. 1 town SE Wisconsin pop 23,614
2 ― see SCOTLAND
–Cal·e·do·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Caledonian Canal
ship canal N Scotland connecting Loch Linnhe & Moray Firth & uniting Lochs Ness, Oich, Lochy, & Eil

calefactory
adj. : a monastery room warmed and used as a sitting room

calendar
n. 1 : a system for fixing the beginning, length, and divisions of the civil year and arranging days and longer divisions of time (as weeks and months) in a definite order ― see MONTH table
2 : a tabular register of days according to a system usually covering one year and referring the days of each month to the days of the week
3 : an orderly list: as a : a list of cases to be tried in court b : a list of bills or other items reported out of committee for consideration by a legislative assembly c : a list or schedule of planned events or activities giving dates and details
4 British : a university catalog

calendar
n. : to enter in a calendar

calendar
n. calendar year
Gregorian calendar
Hindu calendar
Islamic calendar
Jewish calendar
Julian calendar
Muhammadan calendar
perpetual calendar

calendar year
1 : a period of a year beginning and ending with the dates that are conventionally accepted as marking the beginning and end of a numbered year
2 : a period of time equal in length to that of the year in the calendar conventionally in use

calender
n. : to press (as cloth, rubber, or paper) between rollers or plates in order to smooth and glaze or to thin into sheets
–cal·en·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

calender
n. : a machine for calendering something

calender
n. : a member of a Sufic order of wandering mendicant dervishes

calendrical
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or used in a calendar

calends
n. : the first day of the ancient Roman month from which days were counted backward to the ides

calendula
n. : any of a small genus (Calendula) of yellow-rayed composite herbs of temperate regions

calenture
n. : a fever formerly supposed to affect sailors in the tropics

Calexico
city SE Calif. near Mexican border pop 27,109

calf
n. 1 a : the young of the domestic cow also : that of a closely related mammal (as a bison) b : the young of various large animals (as the elephant or whale)
2 plural calfs : the hide of the domestic calf especially : CALFSKIN
3 : an awkward or silly youth
–calf·like \'kaf-ˌlīk, 'käf-, dial also 'kāf-\ adjective
–in calf : PREGNANT ― used of a cow

calf
n. : the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee

calf
n. in calf
calf love
calf's foot jelly
Russia calf

calf's-foot jelly
: jelly made from gelatin obtained by boiling calves' feet

calf-love
: PUPPY LOVE

calfskin
n. : leather made of the skin of a calf

Calgary
n. city Canada in SW Alta. pop 878,866
–Cal·gar·i·an \kal-'ger-ē-ən\ noun

Calhoun
John Caldwell 1782-1850 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1825-32)

Cali
city W Colombia on the Cauca pop 1,624,400

Caliban
n. : a savage and deformed slave in Shakespeare's The Tempest

caliber
n. 1 a : degree of mental capacity or moral quality b : degree of excellence or importance
2 a : the diameter of a bullet or other projectile b : the diameter of a bore of a gun usually expressed in hundredths or thousandths of an inch and typically written as a decimal fraction <.32 caliber>
3 : the diameter of a round or cylindrical body especially : the internal diameter of a hollow cylinder

calibrate
v. 1 : to ascertain the caliber of (as a thermometer tube)
2 : to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (as a thermometer tube)
3 : to standardize (as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors
4 : to adjust precisely for a particular function
5 : to measure precisely especially : to measure against a standard
–cal·i·bra·tor \-ˌbrā-tər\ noun

calibration
n. 1 : the act or process of calibrating : the state of being calibrated
2 : a set of graduations to indicate values or positions ― usually used in plural <calibrations on a gauge>

caliche
n. 1 : the nitrate-bearing gravel or rock of the sodium nitrate deposits of Chile and Peru
2 : a crust of calcium carbonate that forms on the stony soil of arid regions

calico
n. 1 a : cotton cloth imported from India b British : a plain white cotton fabric that is heavier than muslin c : any of various cheap cotton fabrics with figured patterns
2 : a blotched or spotted animal especially : one that is predominantly white with red and black patches
–calico adjective

calico bass
: BLACK CRAPPIE

calico bush
: MOUNTAIN LAUREL

Calicut
city & port SW India on Malabar Coast in Kerala pop 436,527

Calif
n. California

California
n. state SW U.S. capital Sacramento area 158,706 sq mi (411,048 sq km), pop 33,871,648
–Cal·i·for·nian \-nyən\ adjective or noun
–Cal·i·for·nio \-nyō\ noun

California
n. California condor
California laurel
California poppy
California sea lion
Alta California
Baja California
California Gulf of

California condor
: a large nearly extinct vulture (Gymnogyps californianus) found most recently in the mountains of southern California that is related to the condor of So. America

California laurel
: an evergreen Pacific coast tree (Umbellularia californica) of the laurel family with small umbellate flowers

California poppy
: any of a genus (Eschscholzia) of herbs of the poppy family especially : one (E. californica) widely cultivated for its usually yellow or orange flowers

California sea lion
: a small brown sea lion (Zalophus californianus) that occurs especially along the Pacific coast of No. America from Vancouver Island to Baja California and the Gulf of California and in the Galapagos Islands and that is the seal most often trained to perform in circuses

California, Gulf of
arm of the Pacific NW Mexico bet. Baja California & states of Sonora & Sinaloa

Californio
: one of the original Spanish colonists of California or their descendants

californium
n. : a radioactive element discovered by bombarding curium 242 with alpha particles ― see ELEMENT table

caliginous
: MISTY, DARK <a caliginous atmosphere>

Caligula
n. A.D. 12-41 Gaius Caesar Rom. emp. (37-41)

caliper
n. 1 a : any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness ― usually used in plural <a pair of calipers> b : a device for pressing a frictional material (as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc
2 : thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree

caliper
n. : to measure by or as if by calipers

caliph
n. : a successor of Muhammad as temporal and spiritual head of Islam ― used as a title
–ca·liph·al \-lə-fəl\ adjective

caliphate
n. : the office or dominion of a caliph

calisthenic
adj. : of or relating to calisthenics

calisthenics
n. 1 : systematic rhythmic bodily exercises performed usually without apparatus
2 usually singular in construction : the art or practice of calisthenics

calix
n. : CUP

calk
n. variant of caulk

calk
n. : a cleat on the shoe of a horse to prevent slipping also : a similar device worn on the sole of a shoe

calk
n. 1 : to furnish with calks
2 : to wound with a calk

call
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance : SHOUT <call for help> b : to make a request or demand <call for an investigation> c of an animal : to utter a characteristic note or cry d : to get or try to get into communication by telephone <just called to say hello> ― often used with up e : to make a demand in card games (as for a particular card or for a show of hands) f : to give the calls for a square dance
2 : to make a brief visit <called to pay his respects> <called on a friend>
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to utter in a loud distinct voice ― often used with out <call out a number> (2) : to announce or read loudly or authoritatively <call the roll> <call off a row of figures> (3) : to announce the play-by-play of (as a football game) b (1) : to command or request to come or be present <was called to testify> (2) : to cause to come : BRING <calls to mind an old saying> c : to summon to a particular activity, employment, or office <was called to active duty> <was called to the bar of justice> d : to invite or command to meet : CONVOKE <call a meeting> e : to rouse from sleep or summon to get up f (1) : to give the order for : bring into action <call a strike against the company> <call a pitchout> (2) : to manage by giving the signals or orders <that catcher calls a good game> g (1) : to make a demand in bridge for (a card or suit) (2) : to require (a player) to show the hand in poker by making an equal bet (3) : to challenge to make good on a statement (4) : to charge with or censure for an offense <deserves to be called on that> h : to attract (as game) by imitating the characteristic cry i : to halt (as a baseball game) because of unsuitable conditions j : to rule on the status of (as a pitched ball or a player's action) <call balls and strikes> <call a base runner safe> k : to give the calls for (a square dance) ― often used with off l (1) : to demand payment of especially by formal notice <call a loan> (2) : to demand presentation of (as a bond or option) for redemption m (1) : to get or try to get in communication with by telephone <call the doctor to make an appointment> (2) : to generate signals for (a telephone number) in order to reach the party to whom the number is assigned <call 911> (3) : to make a signal to in order to transmit a message <call the flagship>
2 a : to speak of or address by a specified name : give a name to <call her Kitty> b (1) : to regard or characterize as of a certain kind : CONSIDER <can hardly be called generous> (2) : to estimate or consider for purposes of an estimate or for convenience <call it an even dollar> c (1) : to describe correctly in advance of or without knowledge of the event : PREDICT (2) : to name or specify in advance <call the toss of a coin>
3 : to temporarily transfer control of computer processing to (as a subroutine or procedure)
synonyms see SUMMON
–call a spade a spade
1 : to call a thing by its right name however coarse
2 : to speak frankly
–call for
1 : to call (as at one's house) to get <I'll call for you after dinner>
2 : to require as necessary or appropriate <the job calls for typing skills> <the design calls for three windows>
–call forth : ELICIT, EVOKE <these events call forth great emotions>
–call in question or call into question : to cast doubt upon <a report calling into question the drug's effectiveness>
–call it a day : to stop for the remainder of the day or for the present whatever one has been doing
–call it quits : to call it a day : QUIT
–call names : to address or speak of a person or thing contemptuously or offensively
–call on
1 : to call upon
2 : to elicit a response from (as a student) <the teacher called on her first>
–call one's bluff : to challenge in order to expose an empty pretense or threat
–call the shots : to be in charge or control : determine the policy or procedure
–call the tune : to call the shots
–call time : to ask for or grant a time-out
–call to account : to hold responsible : REPRIMAND
–call upon
1 : REQUIRE, OBLIGE <may be called upon to do several jobs>
2 : to make a demand on : depend on <universities are called upon to produce trained professionals>

call
n. 1 a : an act of calling with the voice : SHOUT b : an imitation of the cry of a bird or other animal made to attract it c : an instrument used for calling <a duck call> d : the cry of an animal (as a bird)
2 a : a request or command to come or assemble b : a summons or signal on a drum, bugle, or pipe c : admission to the bar as a barrister d : an invitation to become the minister of a church or to accept a professional appointment e : a divine vocation or strong inner prompting to a particular course of action f : a summoning of actors to rehearsal <the call is for 11 o'clock> g : the attraction or appeal of a particular activity, condition, or place <the call of the wild> h : an order specifying the number of men to be inducted into the armed services during a specified period i : the selection of a play in football
3 a : DEMAND, CLAIM b : NEED, JUSTIFICATION <there's no call for such behavior> c : a demand for payment of money d : an option to buy a specified amount of a security (as stock) or commodity (as wheat) at a fixed price at or within a specified time ― compare PUT 2 e : an instance of asking for something : REQUEST <many calls for Christmas stories>
4 : ROLL CALL
5 : a short usually formal visit
6 : the name or thing called <the call was heads>
7 : the act of calling in a card game
8 : the act of calling on the telephone
9 : a direction or a succession of directions for a square dance rhythmically called to the dancers
10 : a decision or ruling made by an official of a sports contest also : DECISION 1 <a tough call to make>
11 : a temporary transfer of control of computer processing to a particular set of instructions (as a subroutine or procedure)
–at call or on call
1 a : available for use : at the service of <thousands of men at his call> b : ready to respond to a summons or command <a doctor on call>
2 : subject to demand for payment or return without previous notice <money lent at call>
–within call : within hearing or reach of a summons : subject to summons

call
n. call into question
on call
altar call
at one's beck and call
call upon
call to account
call time
call the tune
call the shots
call one's bluff
call on
call names
call it quits
call it a day
call in question
call forth
call for
call a spade a spade
within call
at call
call and response
call board
call box
call down
call forwarding
call girl
call house
call in
call in sick
call letters
call loan
call number
call off
call of nature
call out
call sheet
call sign
call slip
call to arms
call to quarters
call up
call waiting
cattle call
close call
cold call
conference call
curtain call
duck call
house call
judgment call
port of call
roll call
sick call
toll call
wake up call
called strike
so called
calling card
name calling

call a spade a spade

1 : to call a thing by its right name however coarse
2 : to speak frankly

call box
1 British : a public telephone booth
2 : a telephone usually located on the side of a road for reporting emergencies (as fires or automobile breakdowns)

call down
1 : to cause or entreat to descend <call down a blessing>
2 : REPRIMAND <called me down for being late>

call for

1 : to call (as at one's house) to get <I'll call for you after dinner>
2 : to require as necessary or appropriate <the job calls for typing skills> <the design calls for three windows>

call forth
ELICIT, EVOKE <these events call forth great emotions>

call forwarding
: a telephone service that allows a subscriber to have incoming calls forwarded to a different number

call girl
: a prostitute with whom an appointment may be made by telephone

call house
: a house or apartment where call girls may be procured

call in
1 : to order to return or to be returned: as a : to withdraw from an advanced position <call in the outposts> b : to withdraw from circulation <call in bank notes and issue new ones>
2 : to summon to one's aid or for consultation <call in a mediator>
3 : to deliver (a message) by telephone <call in an order for pizza>
intransitive verb : to communicate with a person by telephone
–call in sick : to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

call in question
or call into question : to cast doubt upon <a report calling into question the drug's effectiveness>

call in sick
to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

call it a day
to stop for the remainder of the day or for the present whatever one has been doing

call it quits
to call it a day : QUIT

call letters
: CALL SIGN

call loan
: a loan payable at the discretion of the borrower or on demand of the lender

call names
to address or speak of a person or thing contemptuously or offensively

call number
: a combination of characters assigned to a library book to indicate its place on a shelf

call of nature

1741
: the need to urinate or defecate

call off
1 : to draw away : DIVERT <her attention was called off by a new arrival>
2 : CANCEL <call the trip off>

call on

1 : to call upon
2 : to elicit a response from (as a student) <the teacher called on her first>

call one's bluff
to challenge in order to expose an empty pretense or threat

call out
1 : to summon into action <call out troops>
2 : to challenge to a duel
3 : to order on strike <call out the workers>

call sheet
: a daily schedule of filming for a movie or television show

call sign
: the combination of identifying letters, letters and numbers, or words assigned to an operator, office, activity, vehicle, or station for use in communication (as in the address of a message sent by radio)

call slip
: a form filled out by a library patron for a desired book

call the shots
to be in charge or control : determine the policy or procedure

call the tune
to call the shots

call time
to ask for or grant a time-out

call to account
to hold responsible : REPRIMAND

call to arms

1791
1 : a summons to engage in active hostilities
2 : a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action <a political call to arms>

call to quarters

1887
: a bugle call usually shortly before taps that summons soldiers to their quarters

call up
1 : to summon together (as for a united effort) <call up all his forces for the attack>
2 : to bring to mind : EVOKE
3 : to summon before an authority
4 a : to summon for active military duty b : to bring up from a minor league to a major league baseball team
5 : to bring forward for consideration or action
6 : to retrieve from the memory of a computer especially for display and user interaction

call upon

1 : REQUIRE, OBLIGE <may be called upon to do several jobs>
2 : to make a demand on : depend on <universities are called upon to produce trained professionals>

call-and-response
: a statement quickly followed by an answering statement also : a musical phrase in which the first and often solo part is answered by a second and often ensemble part

call-board
: BULLETIN BOARD 1

call-in
: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations with the host or a guest <a call-in show>

call-up
1 : an order to report for military service
2 : a baseball player brought up to a major league team from the minor leagues

call-waiting
: a telephone service that signals (as by a beep) to the user when an incoming call is received during a call in progress

calla lily
: any of several herbs (genus Zantedeschia) of the arum family especially : a house or greenhouse plant (Z. aethiopica) with a white showy spathe and yellow spadix ― called also calla

callable
adj. : capable of being called specifically : subject to a demand for presentation for payment <callable bond>

Callaghan
(Leonard) James 1912-     Brit. prime min. (1976-79)

Callaghan
Morley Edward 1903-1990 Canad. author

callaloo
n. 1 : the edible young green leaves of a plant (as taro or a member of the genus Xanthosoma) of the arum family used as greens
2 : a soup or stew made with greens, onions, and crabmeat or pork

callant
chiefly Scottish : BOY, LAD

Callao
city & port W Peru on Callao Bay W of Lima pop 588,600

Callas
n. Maria 1923-1977 orig. Maria Anna Sofia Cecilia Kalogeropoulos American soprano

callback
n. 1 : a return call
2 a : RECALL 5 b : a recall of an employee to work after a layoff c : a second or additional audition for a theatrical part

callboy
n. : BELLHOP, PAGE

called strike
: a pitched baseball not struck at by the batter that passes through the strike zone

callee
n. : one who receives a telephone call

caller
n. 1 Scottish : FRESH
2 Scottish : COOL

caller
n. : one that calls

caller ID
: a telephone service that allows a subscriber to identify the telephone number of a caller before answering the call ― called also caller identification

Calles
Plutarco Elías 1877-1945 Mex. gen.; pres. of Mexico (1924-28)

callet
chiefly Scottish : PROSTITUTE

calligraphed
v. : written or printed in calligraphy <a calligraphed certificate>

calligrapher
n. 1 : a professional copyist or engrosser
2 : one who practices the art of calligraphy
3 : PENMAN <a fair calligrapher>

calligraphist
n. : CALLIGRAPHER

calligraphy
n. 1 a : artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering b : the art of producing such writing
2 : PENMANSHIP
3 : an ornamental line in drawing or painting
–cal·li·graph·ic \ˌka-lə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–cal·li·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Callimachus
5th cent. B.C. Greek sculptor

Callimachus
ca 305-ca 240 B.C. Greek scholar & Alexandrian librarian

calling
n. 1 : a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence
2 : the vocation or profession in which one customarily engages
3 : the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat also : the period of heat
synonyms see WORK

calling card
1 : VISITING CARD
2 : a sign or evidence that someone or something is or has been present broadly : an identifying mark
3 : a card displaying a number that can be used to charge telephone calls to a single account regardless of where the calls are placed

calliope
n. 1 capitalized : the Greek Muse of heroic poetry
2 : a keyboard musical instrument resembling an organ and consisting of a series of whistles sounded by steam or compressed air

calliper
n. chiefly British variant of caliper

callipygian
adj. : having shapely buttocks

Callisthenes
ca 360-328 B.C. Greek philos. & hist.

Callisto
n. : a nymph loved by Zeus, changed into a she-bear by Hera, and subsequently changed into the Great Bear constellation

Callistratus
d 355 B.C. Athenian orator & gen.

callithump
n. : a noisy boisterous band or parade
–cal·li·thump·ian \ˌka-lə-'thəm-pē-ən\ adjective

callosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being callous: as a : marked or abnormal hardness and thickness b : lack of feeling or capacity for emotion
2 : CALLUS 1

callous
n. 1 a : being hardened and thickened b : having calluses <callous hands>
2 a : feeling no emotion b : feeling or showing no sympathy for others : HARD-HEARTED <a callous indifference to suffering>
–cal·lous·ly adverb
–cal·lous·ness noun

callous
n. : to make callous <hands calloused by hard manual labor>

callow
adj. : lacking adult sophistication : IMMATURE <callow youth>
–cal·low·ness \'ka-lō-nəs, -lə-nəs\ noun

callus
n. 1 : a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark
2 : a mass of exudate and connective tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is converted into bone in healing
3 : soft tissue that forms over a wounded or cut plant surface

callus
n. : to form callus
transitive verb : to cause callus to form on

calm
n. 1 a : a period or condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or rough activity of water b : complete absence of wind or presence of wind having a speed no greater than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table
2 : a state of tranquillity

calm
n. : to become calm ― usually used with down
transitive verb : to make calm ― often used with down

calm
n. 1 : marked by calm : STILL <a calm sea>
2 : free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance <a calm manner>
–calm·ly adverb
–calm·ness noun
synonyms CALM, TRANQUIL, SERENE, PLACID, PEACEFUL mean quiet and free from disturbance. CALM often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence <the protests ended, and the streets were calm again>. TRANQUIL suggests a very deep quietude or composure <the tranquil beauty of a formal garden>. SERENE stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquillity <watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening>. PLACID suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency <remained placid despite the criticism>. PEACEFUL implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil <grown peaceful in old age>.

calmative
n. : SEDATIVE

calmodulin
: a calcium-binding protein that mediates cellular metabolic processes (as the contraction of muscle fibers) by regulating the activity of calcium-dependent enzymes

calo
: any of several Spanish argots especially : an argot used by Chicano youths in cities of the U.S. Southwest

calomel
n. : a white tasteless compound Hg_2Cl_2 used especially as a component of laboratory electrodes, as a fungicide, and formerly in medicine as a purgative ― called also mercurous chloride

Caloosahatchee
river 75 mi (121 km) S Fla. flowing W into Gulf of Mexico

caloric
adj. 1 : a supposed form of matter formerly held responsible for the phenomena of heat and combustion
2 archaic : HEAT

caloric
adj. 1 : of or relating to heat
2 : of, relating to, or containing calories
–ca·lo·ri·cal·ly \kə-'lȯr-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

calorie
n. 1 a : the amount of heat required at a pressure of one atmosphere to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius that is equal to about 4.19 joules ― abbreviation cal ― called also gram calorie small calorie b : the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius : 1000 gram calories or 3.968 Btu ― abbreviation Cal ― called also large calorie
2 a : a unit equivalent to the large calorie expressing heat-producing or energy-producing value in food when oxidized in the body b : an amount of food having an energy-producing value of one large calorie

calorie
n. large calorie
small calorie
gram calorie
empty calories

calorific
adj. 1 : CALORIC
2 : of or relating to heat production

calorimeter
n. : an apparatus for measuring quantities of absorbed or emitted heat or for determining specific heats
–ca·lo·ri·met·ric \ˌka-lə-rə-'me-trik; kə-ˌlȯr-ə-\ adjective
–ca·lo·ri·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cal·o·rim·e·try \ˌka-lə-'ri-mə-trē\ noun

calotte
n. : SKULLCAP 1 especially : ZUCCHETTO

calotype
n. : a photographic process by which a large number of prints could be produced from a paper negative also : a positive print so made

calpac
: a high-crowned cap worn in Turkey, Iran, and neighboring countries

Calpe
― see GIBRALTAR (Rock of)

calque
n. : LOAN TRANSLATION

Caltanissetta
commune Italy in cen Sicily pop 60,162

caltrop
n. 1 a plural but singular or plural in construction : STAR THISTLE 1 b : PUNCTURE VINE also : any of various related herbs (genera Tribulus and Kallstroemia) of the same family (Zygophyllaceae, the caltrop family)
2 : a device with four metal points so arranged that when any three are on the ground the fourth projects upward as a hazard to the hooves of horses or to pneumatic tires

Calumet
n. industrial region NW Ind. & NE Ill. SE of & adjacent to Chicago including cities of E. Chicago, Gary, & Hammond, Ind., & Calumet City & Lansing, Ill.

calumet
n. : a highly ornamented ceremonial pipe of the American Indians

Calumet City
city NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 39,071

calumniate
v. 1 : to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about
2 : to injure the reputation of by calumny
synonyms see MALIGN
–ca·lum·ni·a·tion \-ˌləm-nē-'ā-shən\ noun
–ca·lum·ni·a·tor \-'ləm-nē-ˌā-tər\ noun

calumny
n. 1 : a misrepresentation intended to harm another's reputation
2 : the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another's reputation
–ca·lum·ni·ous \kə-'ləm-nē-əs\ adjective
–ca·lum·ni·ous·ly adverb

calutron
n. : an electromagnetic apparatus for separating isotopes according to their masses

calvados
n. : an applejack made in Calvados

Calvados Reef
long reef of rocks NW France in English Channel at mouth of the Orne

calvarium
n. : the portion of a skull including the braincase and excluding the lower jaw or lower jaw and facial portion

Calvary
n. place outside ancient Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified

calvary
n. 1 : an open-air representation of the crucifixion of Jesus
2 : an experience of usually intense mental suffering

Calvary cross
: a Latin cross usually mounted on three steps ― see CROSS illustration

calve
v. intransitive verb
1 : to give birth to a calf also : to produce offspring
2 of an ice mass : to separate or break so that a part becomes detached
transitive verb
1 : to produce by birth
2 of an ice mass : to let become detached

Calvert
George 1580?-1632 1st Baron Baltimore Eng. proprietor in America

Calvert
Leonard 1606-1647 son of George gov. of Maryland province (1634-47)

calves
n. plural of calf

Calvin
n. John 1509-1564 orig. Jean Chau·vin \shō-'van\ or Caul·vin \kōl-'van\ Fr. theol. & reformer

Calvin
n. Melvin 1911-1997 Am. chem.

Calvin cycle
: the cycle of enzyme-catalyzed dark reactions of photosynthesis that occurs in the chloroplasts of plants and in many bacteria and that involves the fixation of carbon dioxide and the formation of a 6-carbon sugar

Calvinism
n. : the theological system of Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination
–Cal·vin·ist \-və-nist\ noun or adjective
–Cal·vin·is·tic \ˌkal-və-'nis-tik\ adjective
–Cal·vin·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Calydon
ancient city cen Greece in S Aetolia near Gulf of Patras
–Cal·y·do·nian \ˌka-lə-'dō-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective

calypso
n. 1 capitalized : a sea nymph in Homer's Odyssey who keeps Odysseus seven years on the island of Ogygia
2 plural calypsos [New Latin, genus name, probably from L] : a bulbous bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) of northern regions bearing a single white to purplish flower

calypso
n. : a style of music originating in the West Indies, marked by lively duple meter, and having lyrics that are often improvised and usually satirize local personalities and events also : a song in this style
–ca·lyp·so·ni·an \kə-ˌlip-'sō-nē-ən, ˌka-(ˌ)lip-\ noun or adjective

calyptra
: a hoodlike structure in a plant especially : haploid tissue forming a membranous hood over the capsule in a moss

calyx
n. 1 : the usually green outer whorl of a flower consisting of sepals
2 : a cuplike animal structure (as the body wall of a crinoid or a division of the kidney pelvis)

calzone
n. : a baked or fried turnover of pizza dough stuffed with various fillings usually including cheese

CAM
n. computer-aided manufacturing

Cam
n. river 40 mi (64 km) E cen England in Cambridgeshire flowing into the Ouse

cam
n. : a rotating or sliding piece (as an eccentric wheel or a cylinder with an irregular shape) in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa

cam
n. : CAMERA especially : VIDEO CAMERA

Cam Ranh Bay
inlet of S. China Sea SE Vietnam ab 180 mi (290 km) NE of Ho Chi Minh City

cam wheel
: a wheel set or shaped to act as a cam

Camacho
Manuel Ávila ― see ÁVILA CAMACHO

Camaguey
city E cen Cuba pop 283,008

camaraderie
n. : a spirit of friendly good-fellowship

Camargue
marshy island S France in delta of the Rhône

camarilla
n. : a group of unofficial often secret and scheming advisers also : CABAL

Camarillo
city SW Calif. W of Los Angeles pop 57,077

camas
n. : any of a genus (Camassia and especially C. quamash) of plants of the lily family chiefly of the western U.S. with edible bulbs ― compare DEATH CAMAS

Cambaceres
Jean-Jacques-Régis de 1753-1824 Duc de Parme Fr. jurist; counselor of Napoléon I

Cambay
― see KHAMBHAT

Cambay, Gulf of
― see KHAMBHAT (Gulf of)

camber
n. intransitive verb : to curve upward in the middle
transitive verb
1 : to arch slightly
2 : to impart camber to

camber
n. 1 : a slight convexity, arching, or curvature (as of a beam, deck, or road)
2 : the convexity of the curve of an airfoil from the leading edge to the trailing edge
3 : a setting of the wheels of an automotive vehicle closer together at the bottom than at the top

Camberwell
1 city SE Australia in S Victoria E of Melbourne pop 83,799
2 former metropolitan borough S London, England, now part of Southwark

cambium
n. : a thin formative layer between the xylem and phloem of most vascular plants that gives rise to new cells and is responsible for secondary growth
–cam·bi·al \-bē-əl\ adjective

Cambodia
n. country SE Asia bordering on Gulf of Thailand capital Phnom Penh area 69,898 sq mi (181,036 sq km), pop 11,437,656

Cambodian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Cambodia
2 : KHMER 2
–Cambodian adjective

Cambrai
city N France on the Schelde pop 33,716

Cambria
n. ― see WALES

Cambrian
adj. 1 : WELSH
2 : of, relating to, or being the earliest geologic period of the Paleozoic era or the corresponding system of rocks marked by fossils of every major animal type except the vertebrates ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Cambrian noun

Cambrian Mountains
range cen Wales

cambric
n. 1 : a fine thin white linen fabric
2 : a cotton fabric that resembles cambric

cambric tea
: a hot drink of water, milk, sugar, and often a small amount of tea

Cambridge
n. 1st Baron of ― see Edgar Douglas ADRIAN

Cambridge
n. 1 city E Mass. W of Boston pop 101,355
2 city Canada in SE Ont. pop 110,372; includes former cities of Galt & Preston
3 or Medieval Latin Can·ta·brig·ia \ˌkan-tə-'bri-j(ē-)ə\ city E England capital of Cambridgeshire pop 92,772

Cambridgeshire
n. county E England capital Cambridge area 1364 sq mi (3533 sq km), pop 640,700

Cambyses
d 522 B.C. son of Cyrus II the Great king of Persia (529-22)

camcorder
n. : a small portable combined camera and VCR

Camden
n. William 1551-1623 Eng. antiquarian & hist.

Camden
n. 1 city & port SW N.J. on Delaware River opposite Philadelphia, Pa. pop 79,904
2 borough of N Greater London, England pop 170,500

came
n. past of come

came
n. : a slender grooved lead rod used to hold together panes of glass especially in a stained-glass window

camel
n. 1 : either of two large ruminant mammals (genus Camelus) used as draft and saddle animals in desert regions especially of Africa and Asia: a : the one-humped camel (C. dromedarius) extant only as a domestic or feral animal ― called also dromedary b : the 2-humped camel (C. bactrianus syn. C. ferus) of Chinese Turkestan and Mongolia ― called also Bactrian camel
2 : a watertight structure used especially to lift submerged ships
3 : a light yellowish brown

camel
n. Bactrian camel
camel hair
camel's hair

camel hair
1 : the hair of the camel or a substitute for it (as hair from squirrels' tails)
2 : cloth made of camel hair or a mixture of camel hair and wool usually light tan and of soft silky texture

camelback
adj. : the back of a camel

cameleer
n. : a camel driver

camelid
n. : any of a family (Camelidae) of 2-toed ruminant artiodactyl mammals having a 3-chambered stomach and including the camels, llamas, and vicuña

camellia
n. : any of a genus (Camellia) of shrubs or trees of the tea family especially : an ornamental greenhouse shrub (C. japonica) with glossy leaves and roselike flowers

camelopard
n. 1 archaic : GIRAFFE
2 capitalized : CAMELOPARDALIS

Camelopardalis
: a northern constellation between Cassiopeia and Ursa Major

Camelot
n. 1 : the site of King Arthur's palace and court
2 : a time, place, or atmosphere of idyllic happiness

Camembert
n. : a soft surface-ripened cheese with a thin grayish-white rind and a yellow interior

cameo
n. 1 a : a gem carved in relief especially : a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer with another contrasting layer serving as background b : a small medallion with a profiled head in relief
2 : a carving or sculpture made in the manner of a cameo
3 : a usually brief literary or filmic piece that brings into delicate or sharp relief the character of a person, place, or event
4 : a small theatrical role usually performed by a well-known actor and often limited to a single scene broadly : a brief appearance or role
–cameo adjective
–cameo transitive verb

camera
n. 1 : the treasury department of the papal curia
2 a : CAMERA OBSCURA b : a device that consists of a lightproof chamber with an aperture fitted with a lens and a shutter through which the image of an object is projected onto a surface for recording (as on film) or for translation into electrical impulses (as for television broadcast)
–off camera
1 : while not being filmed by a television or movie camera <he's a different person off camera>
2 : outside the scope of a television or movie camera <sounds of gunfire taking place off camera>
–on camera
1 : before a live television camera <go on camera> also : while being filmed by a television or movie camera <looked relaxed on camera>
2 : within the scope of a television or movie camera <you can hear a dog but he never appears on camera>

camera
n. box camera
on camera
off camera
camera lucida
camera obscura
candid camera
digital camera
gamma camera
in camera
Schmidt camera
streak camera
video camera

camera lucida
: an instrument that by means of a prism or mirrors and often a microscope causes a virtual image of an object to appear as if projected upon a plane surface so that an outline may be traced

camera obscura
: a darkened enclosure having an aperture usually provided with a lens through which light from external objects enters to form an image of the objects on the opposite surface

cameraman
n. : a person who operates a camera (as for motion pictures or television)

cameraperson
: a man or woman who operates a camera

camerawoman
n. : a woman who operates a camera

camerlengo
: a cardinal who heads the Apostolic Camera

Cameron
n. James 1954-     American (Canad.-born) filmmaker

Cameron of Lochiel
1629-1719 Sir Ewen Cameron Scot. chieftain

Cameron of Lochiel
1695?-1748 Donald Cameron; the gentle Lochiel Scot. chieftain

Cameroon
n. 1 massif ab 13,350 ft (4069 m) W Cameroon (republic)
2 or Cam·er·oun \-'rün\ country W equatorial Africa in Cameroons region; a republic, formerly a trust territory under France capital Yaoundé area ab 183,590 sq mi (475,500 sq km), pop 13,103,000

Cameroonian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Cameroon
2 : a native or inhabitant of the Cameroons
–Cameroonian adjective

Cameroons
n. region W Africa bordering on NE Gulf of Guinea formerly comprising Brit. & French Cameroons but now divided bet. Nigeria & Cameroon

Camiguin
1 island N Philippines N of Luzon; site of Camiguin Volcano 2602 ft (793 m)
2 island S Philippines off N coast of Mindanao

camion
n. : MOTORTRUCK also : BUS

camisado
n. archaic : an attack by night

camise
n. : a light loose long-sleeved shirt, gown, or tunic

camisole
n. 1 : a short negligee jacket for women
2 : a short sleeveless garment for women

camlet
n. 1 a : a medieval Asian fabric of camel hair or angora wool b : a European fabric of silk and wool c : a fine lustrous woolen
2 : a garment made of camlet

camo
: CAMOUFLAGE

camo
: a combination of colors and patterns typical of camouflage also : a camouflage garment or outfit

Camoes
Luiz Vaz de 1524(or 1525)-1580 Port. poet

camomile
n. variant of chamomile

camorra
n. : a group of persons united for dishonest or dishonorable ends especially : a secret organization formed about 1820 at Naples, Italy

camorrista
: a member of a camorra

Camotes Sea
sea S cen Philippines W of Leyte

camouflage
n. 1 : the disguising especially of military equipment or installations with paint, nets, or foliage also : the disguise so applied
2 a : concealment by means of disguise b : behavior or artifice designed to deceive or hide
–cam·ou·flag·ic \ˌka-mə-'flä-zhik, -jik\ adjective

camouflage
transitive verb : to conceal or disguise by camouflage
intransitive verb : to practice camouflage
–cam·ou·flage·able \'ka-mə-ˌflä-zhə-bəl, -jə-bəl\ adjective

camouflage
n. : made in colors or patterns typical of camouflage <a camouflage jacket>

Camp
n. Walter Chauncey 1859-1925 American football coach

camp
n. 1 a : a place usually away from urban areas where tents or simple buildings (as cabins) are erected for shelter or for temporary residence (as for laborers, prisoners, or vacationers) <migrant labor camp> b : a group of tents, cabins, or huts <fishing camps along the river> c : a settlement newly sprung up in a lumbering or mining region d : a place usually in the country for recreation or instruction often during the summer <goes to camp every July> also : a program offering access to recreational or educational facilities for a limited period of time <computer camp> <a resort offering boating and hiking camps> e : a preseason training session for athletes <the star pitcher injured in camp this spring>
2 a : a body of persons encamped b (1) : a group of persons especially : a group engaged in promoting or defending a theory, doctrine, position, or person (2) : an ideological position
3 : military service or life

camp
n. 1 : to make camp or occupy a camp
2 : to live temporarily in a camp or outdoors ― often used with out
3 : to take up one's quarters : LODGE
4 : to take up one's position : settle down ― often used with out <camp out in the library for the afternoon>
transitive verb : to put into a camp also : ACCOMMODATE

camp
n. 1 : exaggerated effeminate mannerisms exhibited especially by homosexuals
2 a : something so outrageously artificial, affected, inappropriate, or out-of-date as to be considered amusing b : a style or mode of personal or creative expression that is absurdly exaggerated and often fuses elements of high and popular culture <a movie that celebrates camp>
–camp·i·ly \'kam-pə-lē\ adverb
–camp·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun
–campy \'kam-pē\ adjective

camp
n. : of, relating to, being, or displaying camp <camp send-ups of the songs of the fifties and sixties ― John Elsom>

camp
n. : to engage in camp : exhibit the qualities of camp <he⋯was camping, hands on hips, with a quick eye to notice every man who passed by ― R. M. McAlmon>

camp
n. aide de camp
aides de camp
boot camp
break camp
Camp Fire girl
camp follower
camp meeting
camp shirt
concentration camp
death camp
labor camp
prison camp
trailer camp
work camp

Camp Fire girl
: a girl who is a member of a national organization of young people from ages 5 to 18

camp follower
1 : a civilian (as a prostitute) who follows a military unit to attend or exploit military personnel
2 : a disciple or follower who is not of the main body of members or adherents especially : a politician who joins the party or movement solely for personal gain

camp meeting
: a series of evangelistic meetings usually held outdoors and attended by persons who often camp nearby

camp shirt
: a woman's shirt having a notched collar and often patch pockets

Campagna di Roma
region cen Italy around Rome

campaign
n. 1 : a connected series of military operations forming a distinct phase of a war
2 : a connected series of operations designed to bring about a particular result <election campaign>

campaign
n. : to go on, engage in, or conduct a campaign
transitive verb : to enter (as a horse or boat) in competition
–cam·paign·er noun

Campania
region S Italy bordering on Tyrrhenian Sea capital Naples area 5250 sq mi (13,598 sq km), pop 5,782,244
–Cam·pa·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

campanile
n. : a usually freestanding bell tower

campanologist
n. : one who practices or is skilled in campanology

campanology
n. : the art of bell ringing

campanula
n. : BELLFLOWER

campanulate
adj. : shaped like a bell <campanulate flowers>

Campbell
n. Alexander 1788-1866 American (Irish-born) founder of Disciples of Christ

Campbell
n. Colin 1792-1863 orig. surname Mac·li·ver \mə-'klē-vər\; Baron Clyde Brit. field marshal

Campbell
n. John 1705-1782 4th Earl of Lou·doun \'lau̇-dən\ Brit. gen. in America

Campbell
n. John Douglas Sutherland 1845-1914 9th Duke of Argyll gov.-gen. of Canada (1878-83)

Campbell
n. Joseph 1904-1987 American mythologist & folklorist

Campbell
n. Kim 1947-     orig. Avril Phaedra Campbell prime min. of Canada (1993)

Campbell
n. Thomas 1777-1844 Brit. poet

Campbell
n. city W Calif. SW of San José pop 38,138

Campbell River
municipality Canada in SW B.C. on Vancouver Is. pop 28,456

Campbell-Bannerman
Sir Henry 1836-1908 Brit. statesman; prime min. (1905-08)

Campbellite
sometimes offensive : DISCIPLE 2

campcraft
n. : skill and practice in the activities relating to camping

Campeche
1 state SE Mexico in W Yucatán Peninsula area 21,666 sq mi (56,115 sq km), pop 535,185
2 city & port, its capital, on Bay of Campeche pop 204,533

Campeche, Bay of
the SW section of Gulf of Mexico

camper
n. 1 : one who camps
2 : a portable dwelling (as a specially equipped trailer or automotive vehicle) for use during casual travel and camping

campesino
n. : a native of a Latin-American rural area especially : a Latin-American Indian farmer or farm laborer

campestral
adj. : of or relating to fields or open country : RURAL

campfire
n. : a fire built outdoors (as at a camp or a picnic)

campground
n. : the area or place (as a field or grove) used for a camp, for camping, or for a camp meeting

camphene
n. : any of several terpenes related to camphor especially : a colorless crystalline terpene C_10H_16 used in insecticides

camphor
n. : a tough gummy volatile aromatic crystalline compound C_10H_16O obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and used as a liniment and mild topical analgesic in medicine, as a plasticizer, and as an insect repellent also : any of several similar compounds (as some terpene alcohols and ketones)
–cam·pho·ra·ceous \ˌkam(p)-fə-'rā-shəs\ adjective

camphor tree
: a large Asian evergreen tree (Cinnamomum camphora) of the laurel family grown in warm regions

camphorate
n. : to impregnate or treat with camphor

Campi
n. Ital. family of painters in Cremona including: Galeazzo 1477-1536 & his three sons Giulio 1502-1572, Antonio 1536-ca 1591, & Vincenzo 1536-1591

Campinas
city SE Brazil in E São Paulo state pop 969,396

Campion
n. Thomas 1567-1620 Eng. poet & composer

campion
n. : any of various plants (genera Lychnis and Silene) of the pink family

campo
n. : a grassland plain in So. America with scattered perennial herbs

Campo Grande
city SW Brazil capital of Mato Grosso do Sul pop 663,621

Campobello
island Canada in SW N.B. area 15 sq mi (40 sq km), pop 1195

Campoformido
village NE Italy SW of Udine pop 7213

camporee
n. : a gathering of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts from a given geographic area

Campos
n. city SE Brazil in Rio de Janeiro state on the Paraíba pop 406,989

campout
: an occasion on which a group camps out

campsite
n. : a place suitable for or used as the site of a camp

campus
n. 1 : the grounds and buildings of a university, college, or school
2 : a university, college, or school viewed as an academic, social, or spiritual entity
3 : grounds that resemble a campus <a hospital campus> <a landscaped corporate campus>

campylobacter
n. : any of a genus (Campylobacter) of spirally curved motile gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria of which some are pathogenic in domestic animals and humans

campylotropous
: having the ovule curved

camshaft
n. : a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part

Camus
n. Albert 1913-1960 Fr. nov., essayist, & dram.

Camuy
city NW Puerto Rico pop 35,244

Can
n. Canada; Canadian

can
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : KNOW, UNDERSTAND
2 archaic : to be able to do, make, or accomplish
intransitive verb archaic : to have knowledge or skill
verbal auxiliary
1 a : know how to <she can read> b : be physically or mentally able to <he can lift 200 pounds> c ― used to indicate possibility <do you think he can still be alive> <those things can happen> ― sometimes used interchangeably with may d : be permitted by conscience or feeling to <can hardly blame her> e : be made possible or probable by circumstances to <he can hardly have meant that> f : be inherently able or designed to <everything that money can buy> g : be logically or axiologically able to <2 + 2 can also be written 3 + 1> h : be enabled by law, agreement, or custom to
2 : have permission to ― used interchangeably with may <you can go now if you like>
usage Can and may are most frequently interchangeable in senses denoting possibility; because the possibility of one's doing something may depend on another's acquiescence, they have also become interchangeable in the sense denoting permission. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts.

can
n. 1 : a usually cylindrical receptacle: a : a vessel for holding liquids specifically : a drinking vessel b : a usually metal typically cylindrical receptacle usually with an open top, often with a removable cover, and sometimes with a spout or side handles (as for holding milk or trash) c : a container (as of tinplate) in which products (as perishable foods) are hermetically sealed for preservation until use d : a jar for packing or preserving fruit or vegetables
2 : JAIL
3 a : TOILET b : BATHROOM 1
4 : BUTTOCKS
5 : DESTROYER 2
–can·ful \'kan-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–in the can
of a film or videotape : completed and ready for release

can
n. 1 a : to put in a can : preserve by sealing in airtight cans or jars <can tomatoes> b : to hit (a golf shot) into the cup c : to hit (a shot) in basketball
2 : to discharge from employment
3 slang : to put a stop or end to
–can·ner noun

can
n. 1 canceled; cancellation
2 cannon
3 canto

can
n. jerry can
ash can
bite off more than one can chew
in the can
can do
can do ism
can of worms
catch as catch can
spray can
tin can
watering can

can of worms

1962
: PANDORA'S BOX

can't
v. : can not

can't-miss
: certain to have a favorable result, performance, or reception : SUREFIRE <a can't-miss prospect>

can-do
: characterized by eager willingness to accept and meet challenges <a can-do attitude>
–can-do-ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Cana
n. village in Galilee NE of Nazareth; now in Israel

Canaan
n. part of ancient Palestine bet. Jordan River & the Mediterranean ― sometimes used to refer to all of Palestine

Canaanite
n. : a member of a Semitic people inhabiting ancient Palestine and Phoenicia from about 3000 B.C.
–Canaanite adjective

Canada
n. country N N. America including Newfoundland & Arctic islands N of mainland; an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations capital Ottawa area 3,851,809 sq mi (10,014,703 sq km), pop 27,296,859

Canada
n. Canada balsam
Canada Day
Canada goose
Canada thistle
Canada lynx
Lower Canada
Upper Canada

Canada balsam
: a viscid yellowish to greenish oleoresin exudate of the balsam fir (Abies balsmea) that solidifies to a transparent mass and is used as a transparent cement especially in microscopy

Canada Day
: July 1 observed as a legal holiday in commemoration of the proclamation of dominion status in 1867

Canada goose
: the common wild goose (Branta canadensis) of No. America that is chiefly gray and brownish with black head and neck and a white patch running from the sides of the head under the throat

Canada thistle
: a European thistle (Cirsium arvense) with pinkish-purple or white flowers naturalized as a weed in No. America

Canadian
n. : a native or inhabitant of Canada
–Canadian adjective

Canadian
n. river 906 mi (1458 km) S cen U.S. flowing E from NE N.Mex. to Arkansas River in E Okla.

Canadian
n. South Canadian
Canadian lynx
Canadian bacon
Canadian football
Canadian French
French Canadian
Canadian Shield
North Canadian

Canadian bacon
: bacon cut from the loin that has little fat and is cut into round or oblong slices

Canadian football
: a game resembling American football that is played on a turfed field between two teams of 12 players each

Canadian French
: the language of the French Canadians

Canadian lynx
: LYNX C

Canadian Shield
plateau region E Canada & NE U.S. extending from Mackenzie River basin E to Davis Strait & S to S Que., NE Minn., N Wis., NW Mich., & NE N.Y. including the Adirondacks

canaille
n. 1 : RABBLE, RIFFRAFF
2 : PROLETARIAN

canal
n. 1 : a tubular anatomical passage or channel : DUCT
2 : CHANNEL, WATERCOURSE
3 : an artificial waterway for navigation or for draining or irrigating land
4 : any of various faint narrow lines on the planet Mars seen through telescopes and once thought by some to be canals built by Martians

canal
n. : to construct a canal through or across

canal
n. alimentary canal
birth canal
ear canal
haversian canal
resin canal
root canal
semicircular canal
spinal canal
stone canal
vertebral canal
Caledonian Canal
Canal Zone
Panama Canal Zone
Erie Canal
Grand Canal
Hood Canal
Lynn Canal
New York State Barge Canal
Portland Canal
Rideau Canal
Suez Canal
Trent Canal
Welland Canal
Welland Ship Canal
Sault Sainte Marie Canals
Soo Canals

Canal Zone
strip of territory Panama; ceased to exist as a formal political entity Oct. 1, 1979, but remained under U.S. control through 1999 for administration of the Panama Canal

Canaletto
1697-1768 orig. Giovanni Antonio Canal Ital. painter

canaliculus
n. : a minute canal in a bodily structure
–can·a·lic·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

canalization
n. 1 : an act or instance of canalizing
2 : a system of channels

canalize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to provide with a canal or channel b : to make into or similar to a canal
2 : to provide with an outlet especially : to direct into preferred channels
intransitive verb
1 : to flow in or into a channel
2 : to establish new channels

Canandaigua
lake 15 mi (24 km) long W cen N.Y.; one of the Finger Lakes

canape
n. : an appetizer consisting of a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory spread (as caviar or cheese) ― compare HORS D'OEUVRE

canard
n. 1 a : a false or unfounded report or story especially : a fabricated report b : a groundless rumor or belief
2 : an airplane with horizontal stabilizing and control surfaces in front of supporting surfaces also : a small airfoil in front of the wing of an aircraft that increases the aircraft's stability

canary
n. 1 : a Canary Islands usually sweet wine similar to Madeira
2 : a lively 16th century court dance
3 : a small finch (Serinus canarius syn. S. canaria) of the Canary Islands that is usually greenish to yellow and is kept as a cage bird and singer
4 slang : INFORMER 2

canary
n. canary seed
canary yellow
Canary Islands
Grand Canary

Canary Islands
islands in the Atlantic off NW Africa belonging to Spain area 2796 sq mi (7242 sq km), pop 1,493,784 ― see LAS PALMAS 1 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE
–Ca·nar·i·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

canary seed
: seed of a Canary Islands grass (Phalaris canariensis) used as food for cage birds

canary yellow
: a light to a moderate or vivid yellow

canasta
n. 1 : a form of rummy using two full decks in which players or partnerships try to meld groups of three or more cards of the same rank and score bonuses for 7-card melds
2 : a meld of seven cards of the same rank in canasta

Canaveral Peninsula
peninsula E Fla. enclosing Indian River (lagoon)

Canaveral, Cape
cape on E shore of Canaveral Peninsula; site of Air Force satellite launch station & John F. Kennedy Space Center

Canberra
n. city capital of Australia in Australian Capital Territory SW of Sydney
–Can·ber·ran \-b(ə-)rən, -ˌber-ən\ noun

Canby
Henry Sei·del \'sī-dəl\ 1878-1961 American editor & author

canc
canceled

cancan
n. : a woman's dance of French origin characterized by high kicking usually while holding up the front of a full ruffled skirt

cancel
transitive verb
1 a : to destroy the force, effectiveness, or validity of : ANNUL <cancel a magazine subscription> <a canceled check> b : to bring to nothingness : DESTROY c : to match in force or effect : OFFSET ― often used with out <his irritability canceled out his natural kindness ― Osbert Sitwell> d : to call off usually without expectation of conducting or performing at a later time <cancel a football game>
2 a : to mark or strike out for deletion b : OMIT, DELETE
3 a : to remove (a common divisor) from numerator and denominator b : to remove (equivalents) on opposite sides of an equation or account
4 : to deface (a postage or revenue stamp) especially with a set of ink lines so as to invalidate for reuse
intransitive verb : to neutralize each other's strength or effect : COUNTERBALANCE
–can·cel·able or can·cel·la·ble \-s(ə-)lə-bəl\ adjective
–can·cel·er or can·cel·ler \-s(ə-)lər\ noun

cancel
v. 1 : CANCELLATION
2 a : a deleted part or passage b (1) : a leaf containing matter to be deleted (2) : a new leaf or slip substituted for matter already printed

cancellation
n. 1 : the act or an instance of canceling
2 : something (as a hotel room or a ticket) made available by the canceling of an arrangement
3 : a mark made to cancel something (as a postage stamp)

cancellous
adj. of bone : having a porous structure

cancer
n. 1 capitalized a : a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo b (1) : the fourth sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table (2) : one born under the sign of Cancer
2 [Latin, crab, cancer] a : a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis b : an abnormal bodily state marked by such tumors
3 : something evil or malignant that spreads destructively <the cancer of hidden resentment ― Irish Digest>
4 a : an enlarged tumorlike plant growth (as that of crown gall) b : a plant disease marked by such growths
–can·cer·ous \'kan(t)s-rəs, 'kan(t)-sə-\ adjective
–can·cer·ous·ly adverb

Cancerian
n. : CANCER 1B(2)

Cancun
resort SE Mexico on island off NE coast of Yucatán Peninsula pop 311,696

candela
n. : the base unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units that is equal to the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source which emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 10^12 hertz and has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per unit solid angle ― abbreviation cd ― called also candle

candela
n. burn the candle at both ends
foot candle
hold a candle to
Roman candle
rush candle
standard candle
vigil candle
votive candle

candelabra
n. : a branched candlestick or lamp with several lights

candelabrum
n. : CANDELABRA

candent
adj. : glowing from or as if from great heat

candescence
n. : a candescent state : glowing whiteness

candescent
adj. : glowing or dazzling from or as if from great heat

Candia
n. 1 CRETE
2 ― see IRÁKLION

Candia, Sea of
― see CRETE (Sea of)

candid
adj. 1 : WHITE <candid flames>
2 : free from bias, prejudice, or malice : FAIR <a candid observer>
3 a : marked by honest sincere expression <a candid discussion> b : indicating or suggesting sincere honesty and absence of deception <her candid face> c : disposed to criticize severely : BLUNT <candid critics>
4 : relating to or being photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed
synonyms see FRANK
–can·did·ly adverb
–can·did·ness noun

candid camera
: a camera used to record subjects in a natural, spontaneous, or unposed manner also : something likened to a camera used in such a manner
–candid-camera adjective

candida
n. : any of a genus (Candida) of parasitic fungi that resemble yeasts, occur especially in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract where they are usually benign but can become pathogenic, and have been grouped with the imperfect fungi but are now often placed with the ascomycetes especially : one (C. albicans) causing thrush
–can·di·dal \-də-dəl\ adjective

candidacy
n. : the state of being a candidate <he is expected to announce his candidacy>

candidate
n. 1 a : one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award <a candidate for governor> b : one likely or suited to undergo or be chosen for something specified <a candidate for surgery>
2 : a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree

candidature
n. chiefly British : CANDIDACY

candidiasis
n. : infection with or disease caused by a candida ― called also moniliasis

candied
adj. 1 : encrusted or coated with sugar <candied fruits>
2 : baked with sugar or syrup until translucent <candied yams>

candle
n. 1 : a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned (as to give light, heat, or scent or for celebration or votive purposes)
2 : something resembling a candle in shape or use <a sulfur candle for fumigating>
3 : required effort, expense, or trouble ― usually used in the phrase not worth the candle
4 : CANDELA

candle
n. : to examine by holding between the eye and a light especially : to test (eggs) in this way for staleness, blood clots, fertility, and growth
–can·dler \'kan(d)-lər, 'kan-dəl-ər\ noun

candle
n. burn the candle at both ends
foot candle
hold a candle to
Roman candle
rush candle
standard candle
vigil candle
votive candle

candleberry
n. : a wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) also : a bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)

candlefish
n. : a very oily anadromous marine food fish (Thaleichthys pacificus) of the smelt family that occurs along the No. Pacific coast ― called also eulachon

candleholder
n. : CANDLESTICK

candlelight
n. 1 a : the light of a candle b : a soft artificial light
2 : the time for lighting candles : TWILIGHT

candlelighter
n. 1 : one who lights the candles for a ceremony
2 : a long-handled implement with a taper and a candlesnuffer that is used for the ceremonial lighting and extinguishing of candles

candlelit
adj. : illuminated by candlelight <a candlelit dinner>

Candlemas
n. : February 2 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary

candlenut
n. : the oily seed of a tropical tree (Aleurites moluccana) of the spurge family used locally to make candles and commercially as a source of oil also : this tree

candlepin
n. 1 : a slender bowling pin tapering toward top and bottom
2 plural but singular in construction : a bowling game using candlepins and a smaller ball than that used in tenpins

candlepower
n. : luminous intensity expressed in candelas also : CANDELA

candlesnuffer
n. : an implement for snuffing candles that consists of a small hollow cone attached to a handle

candlestick
n. : a holder with a socket for a candle

candlewick
n. 1 : the wick of a candle
2 : a soft cotton embroidery yarn also : embroidery made with this yarn usually in tufts

candlewood
1 : any of several trees or shrubs (as ocotillo) chiefly of resinous character
2 : slivers of resinous wood burned for light

Candolle
Augustin Pyrame de 1778-1841 Swiss botanist

candor
n. 1 a : WHITENESS, BRILLIANCE b obsolete : unstained purity
2 : freedom from prejudice or malice : FAIRNESS
3 archaic : KINDLINESS
4 : unreserved, honest, or sincere expression : FORTHRIGHTNESS <the candor with which he acknowledged a weakness in his own case ― Aldous Huxley>

candour
n. chiefly British variant of candor

Candra Gupta
Indian ruler of Gupta dynasty (ca 380-ca 415)

Candragupta
d ca 297 B.C. Indian emp. (ca 321-ca 297 B.C.)

candy
n. 1 : crystallized sugar formed by boiling down sugar syrup
2 a : a confection made with sugar and often flavoring and filling b : a piece of such confection
3 : something that is pleasant or appealing in a light or frivolous way <visual candy>
–candy adjective

candy
n. transitive verb
1 : to encrust in or coat with sugar specifically : to cook (as fruit or fruit peel) in a heavy syrup until glazed
2 : to make attractive : SWEETEN
3 : to crystallize into sugar
intransitive verb : to become coated or encrusted with sugar crystals : become crystallized into sugar

candy
n. candy floss
candy striper
cotton candy
ear candy
eye candy
hard candy
penny candy
rock candy

candy floss
1 British : COTTON CANDY
2 usually candyfloss British : something attractive but insubstantial

candy striper
: a teenage volunteer worker at a hospital

candytuft
n. : any of a genus (Iberis) of plants of the mustard family cultivated for their white, pink, or purple flowers

cane
n. 1 a (1) : a hollow or pithy and usually slender and flexible jointed stem (as of a reed) (2) : any of various slender woody stems especially : an elongated flowering or fruiting stem (as of a rose) usually arising directly from the ground b : any of various tall woody grasses or reeds: as (1) : any of a genus (Arundinaria) of coarse grasses (2) : SUGARCANE (3) : SORGHUM
2 : cane dressed for use: as a : a cane walking stick broadly : WALKING STICK b : a cane or rod for flogging c : RATTAN especially : split rattan for wickerwork or basketwork
3 : a tiny glass rod used in decorative glasswork (as in millefiori and paperweights)

cane
n. 1 : to beat with a cane <he sat in a professor's chair and caned sophomores for blowing spitballs ― H. L. Mencken>
2 : to weave or furnish with cane <cane the seat of a chair>

cane
n. cane sugar
dumb cane
sword cane

cane sugar
: sugar from sugarcane

Canea
city & port Greece on N coast of W Crete pop 50,077

canebrake
n. : a thicket of cane

caner
n. : one who canes chairs

canescent
adj. : growing white, whitish, or hoary especially : having a fine grayish-white pubescence <canescent leaves>

Canetti
Elias 1905-1994 Brit. (Bulg.-born) author writing in German

caneware
: a buff or yellowish stoneware

Canfield
Dorothy ― see Dorothy Canfield FISHER

Caniapiskau
river 575 mi (925 km) Canada in N Que. flowing N to unite with the Larch forming the Koksoak

canicular
adj. : of or relating to the dog days

canid
n. : any of a family (Canidae) of carnivorous animals that includes the wolves, jackals, foxes, coyote, and the domestic dog

canine
n. 1 [Middle English, from Latin (dens) caninus canine tooth] : a conical pointed tooth especially : one situated between the lateral incisor and the first premolar ― see TOOTH illustration
2 : DOG 1A broadly : CANID

canine
n. 1 : of or resembling that of a dog <canine loyalty>
2 : of or relating to dogs or to the family (Canidae) including the canids

Canis Major
: a constellation to the southeast of Orion containing Sirius

Canis Minor
: a constellation to the east of Orion containing Procyon

canister
n. 1 : an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance <a film canister>
2 : encased shot for close-range artillery fire
3 : a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants

canker
n. 1 a (1) : an erosive or spreading sore (2) : an area of necrosis in a plant also : a plant disease characterized by cankers b : any of various disorders of animals marked by chronic inflammatory changes
2 archaic : a caterpillar destructive to plants
3 chiefly dialect : RUST 1
4 : a source of corruption or debasement
5 chiefly dialect : DOG ROSE
–can·ker·ous \'kaŋ-k(ə-)rəs\ adjective

canker
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to infect with a spreading sore
2 : to corrupt the spirit of
intransitive verb
1 : to become infested with canker
2 : to become corrupted

canker sore
: a painful shallow ulcer of the mouth that has a grayish-white base surrounded by a reddish inflamed area and is of uncertain cause but is not due to the virus causing herpes simplex ― compare COLD SORE

cankerworm
n. : either of two geometrid moths (Alsophila pometaria and Paleacrita vernata) and especially their larvae which are serious pests of fruit and shade trees

canna
n. : any of a genus (Canna of the family Cannaceae) of tropical herbs with simple stems, large leaves, and a terminal raceme of irregular flowers

cannabinoid
n. : any of various chemical constituents (as THC or cannabinol) of cannabis or marijuana

cannabinol
n. : a physiologically inactive crystalline cannabinoid C_21H_26O_2

cannabis
n. 1 : HEMP 1A
2 : any of the preparations (as marijuana or hashish) or chemicals (as THC) that are derived from the hemp and are psychoactive

Cannae
ancient town SE Italy in Puglia WSW of modern Barletta

Cannanore
1 or Ka·na·nur \ˌkə-nə-'nu̇r\ city SW India in Kerala NNW of Calicut pop 63,795
2 ― see LACCADIVE ISLANDS

canned
adj. 1 a : prepared or recorded in advance especially : prepared in standardized form for nonspecific use or wide distribution <canned laughter> <canned music> b : lacking originality or individuality as if mass-produced <canned sales pitch>
2 slang : DRUNK 1A

cannel coal
: a bituminous coal containing much volatile matter that burns brightly

cannellini bean
: a usually large white kidney bean ― called also cannellini

cannelloni
n. : boiled tube-shaped or rolled pasta filled with a meat, fish, cheese, or vegetable mixture and baked in a sauce

cannery
n. : a factory for the canning of foods

Cannes
n. commune & port SE France SW of Nice pop 67,406

cannibal
n. : one that eats the flesh of its own kind

cannibalise
v. British variant of cannibalize

cannibalism
n. 1 : the usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by a human being
2 : the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of the same kind
3 : an act of cannibalizing something
–can·ni·bal·is·tic \ˌka-nə-bə-'lis-tik\ adjective

cannibalize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to take salvageable parts from (as a disabled machine) for use in building or repairing another machine b : to make use of (a part taken from one thing) in building, repairing, or creating something else
2 : to deprive of an essential part or element in creating or sustaining another facility or enterprise <the energy system has begun cannibalizing the economic system it is supposed to fuel ― Barry Commoner>
3 : to use or draw on material of (as another writer or an earlier work) <a volume⋯that not only cannibalizes previous publications but is intended itself to be cannibalized ― R. M. Adams>
4 : to take (sales) away from an existing product by selling or being sold as a similar but new product usually from the same manufacturer also : to affect (as an existing product) adversely by cannibalizing sales
intransitive verb
1 : to practice cannibalism
2 : to cannibalize one unit for the sake of another of the same kind
–can·ni·bal·i·za·tion \ˌka-nə-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

cannikin
n. : a small can or drinking vessel

Canning
n. Charles John 1812-1862 Earl Canning Brit. gov.-gen. of India (1856-58); 1st viceroy of India (1858-62)

Canning
n. George 1770-1827 father of C.J. Brit. statesman; prime min. (1827)

Canning
n. Stratford 1786-1880 1st Viscount Stratford de Red·cliffe \'red-ˌklif\ Brit. diplomat

cannoli
: a deep-fried tube of pastry filled with sweetened and flavored ricotta cheese

Cannon
n. Joseph Gurney 1836-1926 Uncle Joe American polit.

cannon
n. 1 plural usually cannon a : a large heavy gun usually mounted on a carriage b : a heavy-caliber automatic aircraft gun firing explosive shells
2 or can·on : the projecting part of a bell by which it is hung : EAR
3 : the part of the leg in which the cannon bone is found

cannon
n. : to discharge cannon
transitive verb : CANNONADE

cannon
n. cannon bone
cannon fodder
loose cannon
water cannon
canon law
canon lawyer
canon regular
canons regular

cannon bone
: a bone in hoofed mammals that extends from the knee or hock to the fetlock especially : the enlarged metacarpal or metatarsal of the third digit of a horse

cannon fodder
1 : soldiers regarded or treated as expendable in battle
2 : an expendable or exploitable person, group, or thing <celebrities who have become cannon fodder for the tabloids>

cannonade
n. 1 : a heavy fire of artillery
2 : an attack (as with words) likened to artillery fire : BOMBARDMENT

cannonade
n. transitive verb : to attack with or as if with artillery
intransitive verb : to deliver artillery fire

cannonball
n. 1 : a usually round solid missile made for firing from a cannon
2 : a jump into water made with the arms holding the knees tight against the chest
3 : a hard flat tennis service
4 : an express train

cannonball
n. : to travel with great speed

cannoneer
n. : an artillery gunner

cannonry
n. : a battery of cannons or cannon fire

cannot
v. : can not
–cannot but or cannot help but also cannot help : to be unable to do otherwise than <we cannot but wonder why>

cannot
v. cannot help
cannot help but
cannot but

cannot but
or cannot help but also cannot help : to be unable to do otherwise than <we cannot but wonder why>

cannula
n. : a small tube for insertion into a body cavity or into a duct or vessel

cannular
adj. : TUBULAR

cannulate
adj. : to insert a cannula into <cannulated the femoral artery>
–can·nu·la·tion \ˌkan-yə-'lā-shən\ noun

canny
adj. 1 : CLEVER, SHREWD <a canny lawyer> also : PRUDENT <canny investments>
2 chiefly Scottish a : CAREFUL, STEADY also : RESTRAINED b : QUIET, SNUG <then canny, in some cozy place, they close the day ― Robert Burns>
–can·ni·ly \'ka-nəl-ē\ adverb
–can·ni·ness \'ka-nē-nəs\ noun

canny
adj. Scottish : in a canny manner : CAREFULLY

canoe
n. : a light narrow boat with both ends sharp that is usually propelled by paddling

canoe
n. transitive verb : to transport in a canoe also : to travel by canoe down (a river)
intransitive verb : to go or travel in a canoe
–ca·noe·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–ca·noe·ist \-ist\ noun
–ca·no·er \-ər\ noun

canola
n. 1 : a rape plant of an improved variety having seeds that are low in erucic acid and are the source of canola oil
2 : CANOLA OIL

canola oil
: an edible vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of canola that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids

canon
n. 1 a : a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council b : a provision of canon law
2 [Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin, from Latin, model] : the most solemn and unvarying part of the Mass including the consecration of the bread and wine
3 [Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, standard] a : an authoritative list of books accepted as Holy Scripture b : the authentic works of a writer c : a sanctioned or accepted group or body of related works <the canon of great literature>
4 a : an accepted principle or rule b : a criterion or standard of judgment c : a body of principles, rules, standards, or norms
5 [Late Greek kanōn, from Greek, model] : a contrapuntal musical composition in which each successively entering voice presents the initial theme usually transformed in a strictly consistent way
synonyms see LAW

canon
n. 1 : a clergyman belonging to the chapter or the staff of a cathedral or collegiate church
2 : CANON REGULAR

canon
n. variant of canyon

canon
n. canon law
canon lawyer
canon regular
canons regular

canon law
: the usually codified law governing a church

canon lawyer
: CANONIST

canon regular
: a member of one of several Roman Catholic religious institutes of regular priests living in community under a usually Augustinian rule

canoness
n. 1 : a woman living in community under a religious rule but not under a perpetual vow
2 : a member of a Roman Catholic congregation of women corresponding to canons regular

canonic
adj. 1 : CANONICAL
2 : of or relating to musical canon

canonical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or forming a canon
2 : conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : ORTHODOX
3 : of or relating to a clergyman who is a canon
4 : reduced to the canonical form <a canonical matrix>
–ca·non·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

canonical form
: the simplest form of something specifically : the form of a square matrix that has zero elements everywhere except along the principal diagonal

canonical hour
1 : a time of day canonically appointed for an office of devotion
2 : one of the daily offices of devotion that compose the Divine Office and include matins with lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers, and compline

canonicals
n. : the vestments prescribed by canon for an officiating clergyman

canonicity
n. : the quality or state of being canonical

canonist
n. : a specialist in canon law

canonize
v. 1 : to declare (a deceased person) an officially recognized saint
2 : to make canonical
3 : to sanction by ecclesiastical authority
4 : to attribute authoritative sanction or approval to
5 : to treat as illustrious, preeminent, or sacred
–can·on·i·za·tion \ˌka-nə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

canonry
n. : the office of a canon also : the endowment that financially supports a canon

canoodle
v. : PET, FONDLE <lovers canoodling in the park>

canopic jar
: a jar in which the ancient Egyptians preserved the viscera of a deceased person usually for burial with the mummy

Canopus
n. : a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Carina not visible north of 37° latitude

Canopus
n. ancient city N Egypt E of Alexandria at modern Abu Qir
–Ca·no·pic \kə-'nō-pik, -'nä-\ adjective

canopy
n. 1 a : a cloth covering suspended over a bed b : a cover (as of cloth) fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a sacred object : BALDACHIN c : a protective covering: as (1) : the uppermost spreading branchy layer of a forest (2) : AWNING, MARQUEE
2 : an ornamental rooflike structure
3 a : the transparent enclosure over an airplane cockpit b : the fabric part of a parachute that catches the air

canopy
n. : to cover with or as if with a canopy

canorous
adj. : pleasant sounding : MELODIOUS
–ca·no·rous·ly adverb
–ca·no·rous·ness noun

Canova
Antonio 1757-1822 Ital. sculptor

Canovanas
city Puerto Rico pop 43,335

Canso, Cape
cape Canada on NE N.S. mainland

Canso, Strait of
narrow channel Canada separating Cape Breton Is. from N.S. mainland

canst
v. archaic present 2d singular of can

Cant
n. 1 Canticle of Canticles
2 Cantonese

cant
n. dialect English : LIVELY, LUSTY

cant
n. 1 : to give a cant or oblique edge to : BEVEL
2 : to set at an angle : TILT
3 chiefly British : to throw with a lurch
intransitive verb
1 : to pitch to one side : LEAN
2 : SLOPE

cant
n. 1 obsolete : CORNER, NICHE
2 : an external angle (as of a building)
3 : a log with one or more squared sides
4 a : an oblique or slanting surface b : INCLINATION, SLOPE

cant
n. 1 : having canted corners or sides
2 : INCLINED 2

cant
n. 1 : to talk or beg in a whining or singsong manner
2 : to speak in cant or jargon
3 : to talk hypocritically

cant
n. 1 : affected singsong or whining speech
2 a : the private language of the underworld b obsolete : the phraseology peculiar to a religious class or sect c : JARGON 2
3 : a set or stock phrase
4 : the expression or repetition of conventional or trite opinions or sentiments especially : the insincere use of pious words

cant dog
: PEAVEY

cant hook
: a lumberman's lever that has a pivoting hooked arm and a blunt often toothed metal cap at one end ― compare PEAVEY

Cantab
adj. : CANTABRIGIAN

cantabile
adj. : in a singing manner ― often used as a direction in music

Cantabria
province N Spain in N Old Castile bordering on Bay of Biscay capital Santander area 2042 sq mi (5289 sq km), pop 535,131

Cantabrian Mountains
mountains N & NW Spain running E-W near coast of Bay of Biscay ― see CERREDO

Cantabrigia
― see CAMBRIDGE 3

Cantabrigian
n. 1 : a student or graduate of Cambridge University
2 : a native or resident of Cambridge, Mass.
–Cantabrigian adjective

cantal
n. : a hard cheddar-type cheese made in the south of France

cantala
: a hard fiber produced from the leaves of an agave (Agave cantala)

cantaloupe
n. 1 : a small widely cultivated muskmelon (Cucumis melo reticulatus) with a heavily netted rind and reddish-orange flesh broadly : MUSKMELON A
2 : a muskmelon (Cucumis melo cantalupensis) with a rough hard warty rind that is not usually grown in No. America

cantankerous
adj. : difficult or irritating to deal with <a cantankerous mule>
–can·tan·ker·ous·ly adverb
–can·tan·ker·ous·ness noun

cantata
n. : a composition for one or more voices usually comprising solos, duets, recitatives, and choruses and sung to an instrumental accompaniment

cantatrice
n. : a woman who is a singer especially : an opera singer

canteen
n. 1 a : a portable chest with compartments for carrying bottles or for cooking and eating utensils b : a flask for carrying liquids (as on a hike) c : MESS KIT d British : a chest for storing flatware
2 a : a bar at a military post or camp b : a general store at a military post : EXCHANGE c : an establishment that serves as an informal social club (as for soldiers or a community's teenagers) d : a small cafeteria or snack bar

canter
n. : one who uses cant: as a : BEGGAR, VAGABOND b : a user of professional or religious cant

canter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move at or as if at a canter : LOPE
2 : to ride a horse at a canter
transitive verb : to cause to go at a canter

canter
n. 1 : a 3-beat gait resembling but smoother and slower than the gallop
2 : a ride at a canter

Canterbury
n. 1 city SE Australia in E New South Wales, SW suburb of Sydney pop 129,232
2 city SE England in Kent pop 34,404
–Can·ter·bu·ri·an \ˌkan-tə(r)-'byu̇r-ē-ən\ adjective

Canterbury bell
: any of several bellflowers (as Campanula medium) cultivated for their showy flowers

cantharidin
n. : a bitter crystalline compound C_10H_12O_4 that is the active blister-producing ingredient of cantharides

cantharis
n. 1 : SPANISH FLY 1
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : a preparation of dried beetles (as Spanish flies) used in medicine as a counterirritant and formerly as an aphrodisiac

canthaxanthin
: a naturally occurring carotenoid C_40H_52O_2 used especially as a color additive for food

canthus
n. : either of the angles formed by the meeting of an eye's upper and lower eyelids

canticle
n. : SONG specifically : one of several liturgical songs (as the Magnificat) taken from the Bible

Canticle of Canticles

1609
: SONG OF SOLOMON

Canticles
n. : SONG OF SOLOMON

Cantigny
village N France S of Amiens pop 125

cantilena
n. : a vocal or instrumental passage of sustained lyricism

cantilever
n. : a projecting beam or member supported at only one end: as a : a bracket-shaped member supporting a balcony or a cornice b : either of the two beams or trusses that project from piers toward each other and that when joined directly or by a suspended connecting member form a span of a cantilever bridge

cantilever
n. 1 : to support by a cantilever <a cantilevered shelf>
2 : to build as a cantilever
intransitive verb : to project as a cantilever

cantillate
v. : to recite with musical tones
–can·til·la·tion \ˌkan-tə-'lā-shən\ noun

cantina
n. 1 Southwest : a pouch or bag at the pommel of a saddle
2 Southwest : a small barroom : SALOON

canting
adj. : affectedly pious or righteous <a canting moralist>

cantle
n. 1 : a segment cut off or out of something : PART, PORTION
2 : the upward projecting rear part of a saddle

canto
n. : one of the major divisions of a long poem

Canton
n. 1 city NE Ohio SSE of Akron pop 80,806
2 ― see GUANGZHOU

canton
n. : a small territorial division of a country: as a : one of the states of the Swiss confederation b : a division of a French arrondissement
–can·ton·al \'kan-tə-nəl, kan-'tä-nəl\ adjective

canton
n. 1 obsolete : DIVISION, SECTION
2 : the top inner quarter of a flag
3 : the dexter chief region of a heraldic field

canton
n. canton flannel
Canton ware
Four Forest Cantons

canton flannel
: FLANNEL 1C

Canton ware
: ceramic ware exported from China especially during the 18th and 19th centuries by way of Canton (Guangzhou) and including blue-and-white and enameled porcelain and various ornamented stonewares

Cantonese
adj. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Guangzhou, China
2 : the dialect of Chinese spoken in Guangzhou and Hong Kong
3 : a style of Chinese cooking that emphasizes fresh ingredients, subtle tastes, and relatively mild sauces
–Cantonese adjective

cantonment
n. 1 : usu. temporary quarters for troops
2 : a permanent military station in India

cantor
n. 1 : a choir leader : PRECENTOR
2 : a synagogue official who sings or chants liturgical music and leads the congregation in prayer
–can·to·ri·al \kan-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

cantrip
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a witch's trick : SPELL
2 chiefly British : HOCUS-POCUS 2

cantus
n. 1 : CANTUS FIRMUS
2 : the principal melody or voice

cantus firmus
1 : the plainsong or simple Gregorian melody orig. sung in unison and prescribed as to form and use by ecclesiastical tradition
2 : a melodic theme or subject especially : one for contrapuntal treatment

canty
adj. dialect British : CHEERFUL, SPRIGHTLY

Canuck
n. : a Canadian and especially a French Canadian

Canute
n. d 1035 the Great king of England (1016-35); of Denmark (1018-35); of Norway (1028-35)

canvas
n. 1 : a firm closely woven cloth usually of linen, hemp, or cotton used for clothing and formerly much used for tents and sails
2 : a set of sails : SAIL
3 : a piece of canvas used for a particular purpose
4 : TENT also : a group of tents
5 a : a piece of cloth backed or framed as a surface for a painting also : the painting on such a surface b : the background, setting, or scope of a historical or fictional account or narrative
6 : a coarse cloth so woven as to form regular meshes for working with the needle
7 : the canvas-covered floor of a boxing or wrestling ring
–can·vas·like \-vəs-ˌlīk\ adjective

canvas
n. : to cover, line, or furnish with canvas

canvasback
n. : a No. American wild duck (Aythya valisineria) that has a reddish-brown head, black breast, and whitish body and is characterized especially by the elongate sloping profile of the bill and head

canvass
1 obsolete : to toss in a canvas sheet in sport or punishment
2 a : to examine in detail specifically : to examine (votes) officially for authenticity b : DISCUSS, DEBATE
3 : to go through (a district) or go to (persons) in order to solicit orders or political support or to determine opinions or sentiments <canvass voters>
intransitive verb : to seek orders or votes : SOLICIT
–can·vass·er also can·vas·er noun

canvass
n. : the act or an instance of canvassing especially : a personal solicitation of votes or survey of public opinion

canyon
n. 1 : a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it
2 : something resembling a canyon <the city's concrete canyons>

canyon
n. Black Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Glen Canyon Dam
Grand Canyon
Hells Canyon
Kings Canyon National Park
Marble Canyon
Waimea Canyon
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Wind River Canyon
Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument
n. reservation NE Ariz. containing cliff-dweller ruins

canyoneering
: the sport of exploring canyons (as by climbing, rappelling, swimming, or rafting)
–can·yon·eer \-'nir\ noun

canyoning
n. chiefly British : CANYONEERING

Canyonlands National Park
n. reservation SE Utah surrounding junction of Colorado & Green rivers

canzone
n. 1 : a medieval Italian or Provençal lyric poem
2 : the musical setting of a canzone

canzonet
n. 1 : a light usually strophic song
2 : a part-song resembling but less elaborate than a madrigal

caoutchouc
n. : 1RUBBER 2A

CAP
n. 1 Civil Air Patrol
2 combat air patrol

cap
n. 1 a : a head covering especially with a visor and no brim b : a distinctive head covering emblematic of a position or office: as (1) : a cardinal's biretta (2) : MORTARBOARD
2 : a natural cover or top: as a : an overlying rock layer that is usually hard to penetrate b (1) : PILEUS (2) : CALYPTRA c : the top of a bird's head or a patch of distinctively colored feathers in this area
3 a : something that serves as a cover or protection especially for a tip, knob, or end <a bottle cap> b : a fitting for closing the end of a tube (as a water pipe or electric conduit) c British : CERVICAL CAP d : an artificial crown for a tooth
4 : an overlaying or covering structure
5 : a paper or metal container holding an explosive charge (as for a toy pistol)
6 : an upper limit (as on expenditures) : CEILING
7 : the symbol ⋂ indicating the intersection of two sets ― compare CUP 9
8 : a cluster of molecules or chemical groups bound to one end or a region of a cell, virus, or molecule
–cap in hand : in a respectful, humble, or sometimes fearful manner

cap
n. transitive verb
1 a : to provide or protect with a cap b : to give a cap to as a symbol of honor, rank, or achievement
2 : to form a cap over : CROWN <the mountains were capped with mist ― John Buchan>
3 a : to follow with something more noticeable or more significant : OUTDO b : to bring to a climax or conclusion <cap off the show with a song>
4 : to form a chemical cap on
5 : to prevent from growing or spreading : set an upper limit on <cap oil prices>
6 : to supply (a tooth) with an artificial crown
intransitive verb : to form or produce a chemical cap

cap
n. : a small amount of an illegal or legally regulated drug especially : a small amount of a drug enclosed in a capsule

cap
n. : CAPITALIZATION 1D

cap
n. 1 capacity
2 capital
3 capitalize; capitalized

cap
n. deerstalker cap
doff one's cap to
fool's cap
shaggy cap
baseball cap
blasting cap
cap in hand
cap a pie
cap à pie
cap sleeve
cervical cap
cradle cap
death cap
dunce cap
dunce's cap
a feather in one's cap
garrison cap
gimme cap
ice cap
inky cap
ink cap
liberty cap
overseas cap
percussion cap
root cap
service cap
small cap
stocking cap
thinking cap
toe cap
watch cap
Antibes Cap d'
Cap d'Antibes
Cap de la Hague
Cap de la Madeleine
Cap Haitien
Cap Haïtien
Cap Vert
Hague Cap de la
black capped

Cap d'Antibes
cape SE France SW of Antibes

Cap de la Hague
cape NW France at tip of Cotentin Peninsula

Cap Haitien
city & port N Haiti pop 92,122

cap in hand
in a respectful, humble, or sometimes fearful manner

cap sleeve
: a very short sleeve (as on a dress) that hangs over the edge of the shoulder without extending along the underside of the arm

Cap Vert
v. ― see VERT (Cape)

cap-a-pie
: from head to foot <armed cap-a-pie for battle>

Cap-de-la-Madeleine
city Canada in S Que. on St. Lawrence River ENE of Trois-Rivières pop 32,534

capability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being capable also : ABILITY
2 : a feature or faculty capable of development : POTENTIALITY
3 : the facility or potential for an indicated use or deployment <the capability of a metal to be fused> <nuclear capability>

capable
adj. 1 : SUSCEPTIBLE <a remark capable of being misunderstood>
2 obsolete : COMPREHENSIVE
3 : having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment <is capable of intense concentration>
4 : having traits conducive to or features permitting <this woman is capable of murder by violence ― Robert Graves> <an outer coat of light color capable of reflecting solar heat ― Current Biog.>
5 : having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
6 : having or showing general efficiency and ability <a capable lawyer> <a capable performance>
–ca·pa·ble·ness \'kā-pə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ca·pa·bly \-pə-blē\ adverb

capable de tout
: capable of anything : unpredictable

capacious
adj. : containing or capable of containing a great deal
synonyms see SPACIOUS
–ca·pa·cious·ly adverb
–ca·pa·cious·ness noun

capacitance
n. 1 a : the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy as a result of the separation of charge that occurs when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential b : the measure of this property that is equal to the ratio of the charge on either surface to the potential difference between the surfaces
2 : a part of a circuit or network that possesses capacitance
–ca·pac·i·tive \-'pa-sə-tiv\ adjective
–ca·pac·i·tive·ly adverb

capacitate
v. 1 archaic : to make capable
2 : to cause (sperm) to undergo capacitation

capacitation
n. : the change undergone by sperm in the female reproductive tract that enables them to penetrate and fertilize an egg

capacitor
n. : a device giving capacitance and usually consisting of conducting plates or foils separated by thin layers of dielectric (as air or mica) with the plates on opposite sides of the dielectric layers oppositely charged by a source of voltage and the electrical energy of the charged system stored in the polarized dielectric

capacity
n. 1 : legal competency or fitness <capacity to stand trial>
2 a : the potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodating <a large seating capacity> b : the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated <a jug with a one-gallon capacity> <the auditorium was filled to capacity> ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table
3 a : an individual's mental or physical ability : APTITUDE, SKILL b : the faculty or potential for treating, experiencing, or appreciating <capacity for love>
4 : DUTY, POSITION, ROLE <will be happy to serve in any capacity>
5 : the facility or power to produce, perform, or deploy : CAPABILITY <a plan to double the factory's capacity> also : maximum output <industries running at three-quarter capacity>
6 a : CAPACITANCE b : the quantity of electricity that a battery can deliver under specified conditions

capacity
n. : equaling maximum capacity <a capacity crowd>

caparison
n. 1 a : an ornamental covering for a horse b : decorative trappings and harness
2 : rich clothing : ADORNMENT

caparison
n. : to provide with or as if with a rich ornamental covering : ADORN

cape
n. 1 : a point or extension of land jutting out into water as a peninsula or as a projecting point
2 often capitalized : CAPE COD COTTAGE

cape
n. 1 : a sleeveless outer garment or part of a garment that fits closely at the neck and hangs loosely over the shoulders
2 : the short feathers covering the shoulders of a fowl ― see DUCK illustration

cape
n. North Cape
Cape buffalo
Cape Cod cottage
Cape Cod
Cape gooseberry
Cape Horner
Agulhas Cape
Alava Cape
Ann Cape
Blanc Cape
Blanco Cape
Bojador Cape
Bon Cape
Breton Cape
Canaveral Cape
Cape Kennedy
Canso Cape
Cape Breton
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Island
Cape Cod Bay
Cape Coral
Cape Fear
Cape Girardeau
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Cape of Good Hope
Cape Colony
Cape Province
Cape Sable
Cape Sable Island
Cape Town
Cape Verde
Cape Verdean
Cape Verde Islands
Cape York Peninsula
Charles Cape
Chelyuskin Cape
Cod Cape
Cape Codder
Columbia Cape
Comorin Cape
Delgado Cape
Dezhnev Cape
Eastern Cape
Farewell Cape
Fear Cape
Finisterre Cape
Flattery Cape
Fria Cape
Frio Cape
Froward Cape
Gjuhezes Cape
Cape Glossa
Cape Linguetta
Good Hope Cape of
Gris Nez Cape
Guardafui Cape
Hatteras Cape
Helles Cape
Henlopen Cape
Henry Cape
Horn Cape
Juby Cape
South Cape
Kennedy Cape
Linguetta Cape
Lisburne Cape
Lookout Cape
Malea Cape
May Cape
Mendocino Cape
Morris Jesup Cape
Nome Cape
Northern Cape
Ortegal Cape
Palmas Cape
Passero Cape
Prince of Wales Cape
Race Cape
Roca Cape
Sable Cape
Saint Vincent Cape
San Lucas Cape
Sao Roque Cape
São Roque Cape
Tarifa Cape
Trafalgar Cape
Verde Cape
Western Cape
Wrangell Cape
Wrath Cape
York Cape
Virginia Capes

Cape Breton
1 regional municipality Canada in NE N.S. on Cape Breton Is. pop 105,968
2 ― see BRETON (Cape)

Cape Breton Highlands National Park
n. reservation Canada in NE N.S. near N end of Cape Breton Is.

Cape Breton Island
island Canada in NE N.S. area 3970 sq mi (10,322 sq km)

Cape buffalo
: the large reddish-brown to black wild buffalo (Syncerus caffer) of sub-Saharan Africa ― called also African buffalo

Cape Cod
― see COD (Cape)

Cape Cod Bay
the S end of Massachusetts Bay W of Cape Cod

Cape Cod cottage
: a compact rectangular dwelling of one or one-and-a-half stories usually with a central chimney and steep gable roof ― called also cape Cape Cod

Cape Coral
city SW Fla. pop 102,286

Cape Fear
1 river 202 mi (325 km) cen & SE N.C. flowing SE into the Atlantic
2 ― see FEAR (Cape)

Cape Girardeau
city SE Mo. on Mississippi River pop 35,349

Cape gooseberry
: any of several ground-cherries (esp. Physalis peruviana) bearing edible acid berries also : its berry

Cape Horner
: a ship that voyages around Cape Horn

Cape Krusenstern National Monument
n. reservation NW Alaska on Chukchi Sea

Cape of Good Hope
1 ― see GOOD HOPE (Cape of)
2 or Cape Province or Kaap·land \'käp-ˌlänt\ or earlier Cape Colony former province S Republic of South Africa capital Cape Town area 278,465 sq mi (724,009 sq km)

Cape Sable
― see SABLE (Cape)

Cape Sable Island
island 7 mi (11 km) long Canada off S coast of N.S.

Cape Town
city & port, legislative capital of Republic of South Africa on Table Bay; formerly capital of Cape of Good Hope pop 776,617
–Cape·to·ni·an \kāp-'tō-nē-ən\ noun

Cape Verde
v. ― see VERDE (Cape)

Cape Verde
v. country E Atlantic comprising the Cape Verde Islands; until 1975 belonged to Portugal capital Praia area 1557 sq mi (4048 sq km), pop 350,000
–Cape Verd·ean \'vər-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

Cape Verde Islands
v. islands in the Atlantic off W Africa

Cape York Peninsula
peninsula NE Australia in N Queensland having at its N tip Cape York (on Torres Strait)

Capek
Ka·rel \'kär-əl\ 1890-1938 Czech nov. & dram.

capelet
n. : a small cape usually covering the shoulders

capelin
n. : a small northern sea fish (Mallotus villosus) of the smelt family

Capella
n. : a star of the first magnitude in Auriga

capellini
n. : ANGEL-HAIR PASTA

caper
n. 1 : any of a genus (Capparis of the family Capparidaceae, the caper family) of low prickly shrubs of the Mediterranean region especially : one (C. spinosa) cultivated for its buds
2 : one of the greenish flower buds or young berries of the caper pickled and used as a seasoning or garnish

caper
n. : to leap or prance about in a playful manner

caper
n. 1 : a frolicsome leap
2 : a capricious escapade : PRANK
3 : an illegal or questionable act especially : THEFT

capercaillie
: a very large European grouse (Tetrao urogallus) of hilly coniferous woodlands

Capernaum
n. city of ancient Palestine on NW shore of Sea of Galilee

capeskin
n. : a light flexible leather made from sheepskins with the natural grain retained and used especially for gloves and garments

Capet
Hugh ― see HUGH CAPET

Capetian
n. : of or relating to the French royal house that ruled from 987 to 1328
–Capetian noun

capework
: the art of the bullfighter in working a bull with the cape

capful
n. : as much as a cap will hold <a capful of detergent>

capful of wind

1719
: a sudden light breeze

capias
n. : an arrest warrant

capillarity
n. 1 : the property or state of being capillary
2 : the action by which the surface of a liquid where it is in contact with a solid (as in a capillary tube) is elevated or depressed depending on the relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of the solid

capillary
n. 1 a : resembling a hair especially in slender elongated form <capillary leaves> b : having a very small bore <a capillary tube>
2 : involving, held by, or resulting from surface tension <capillary water in the soil>
3 : of or relating to capillaries or capillarity

capillary
n. : a capillary tube especially : any of the smallest blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules and forming networks throughout the body

capillary attraction
: the force of adhesion between a solid and a liquid in capillarity

Capistrano
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 33,826

capital
n. : the uppermost member of a column or pilaster crowning the shaft and taking the weight of the entablature ― see COLUMN illustration

capital
n. 1 of a letter : of or conforming to the series A, B, C, etc. rather than a, b, c, etc.
2 a : punishable by death <a capital crime> b : involving execution <capital punishment> c : most serious <a capital error>
3 a : chief in importance or influence <capital ships> <the capital importance of criticism in the work of creation itself ― T. S. Eliot> b : being the seat of government
4 : of or relating to capital especially : relating to or being assets that add to the long-term net worth of a corporation <capital improvements>
5 : EXCELLENT <a capital book>
–with a capital
― used with a following capital letter to emphasize or qualify a preceding word <not an accident but murder with a capital M> <desired romance with a capital R>

capital
n. 1 a (1) : a stock of accumulated goods especially at a specified time and in contrast to income received during a specified period also : the value of these accumulated goods (2) : accumulated goods devoted to the production of other goods (3) : accumulated possessions calculated to bring in income b (1) : net worth (2) : STOCK 7C(1) c : persons holding capital d : ADVANTAGE, GAIN <make capital of the situation> e : a store of useful assets or advantages <wasted their political capital on an unpopular cause> <wrote from the capital of his emotionally desolate boyhood ― E. L. Doctorow>
2 [2capital] a : a capital letter especially : an initial capital letter b : a letter belonging to a style of alphabet modeled on the style customarily used in inscriptions
3 [2capital] a : a city serving as a seat of government b : a city preeminent in some special activity <the fashion capital>

capital
n. with a capital
capital gain
capital goods
capital intensive
capital stock
equity capital
risk capital
small capital
working capital
Federal Capital Territory
venture capital
Australian Capital Territory

capital gain
: the increase in value of an asset (as stock or real estate) between the time it is bought and the time it is sold

capital goods
: 3CAPITAL 1A(1) 1A(2)

capital stock
1 : the outstanding shares of a joint-stock company considered as an aggregate
2 : CAPITALIZATION 1D
3 : STOCK 7C(1)

capital-intensive
: having a high capital cost per unit of output especially : requiring greater expenditure in the form of capital than of labor

capitalise
v. British variant of capitalize

capitalism
n. : an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market

capitalist
n. 1 : a person who has capital especially invested in business broadly : a person of wealth : PLUTOCRAT
2 : a person who favors capitalism

capitalist
1 : owning capital <the capitalist class>
2 a : practicing or advocating capitalism <capitalist nations> b : marked by capitalism <capitalist period of history>
–cap·i·tal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

capitalization
n. 1 a : the act or process of capitalizing b : a sum resulting from a process of capitalizing c : the total liabilities of a business including both ownership capital and borrowed capital d : the total par value or the stated value of no-par issues of authorized stock
2 : the use of a capital letter in writing or printing

capitalize
v. transitive verb
1 : to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals
2 a : to convert into capital <capitalize the company's reserve fund> b : to treat as an amortizable investment in long-term capital assets rather than as an ordinary operating expense to be charged against revenue for the period in which it is incurred <capitalize development costs>
3 a : to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time) b : to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum <capitalized annuities>
4 : to supply capital for
intransitive verb : to gain by turning something to advantage : PROFIT <capitalize on an opponent's mistake>

capitally
adv. 1 : in a manner involving capital punishment
2 : in a capital manner : EXCELLENTLY

capitate
adj. 1 : forming a head
2 : abruptly enlarged and globose

capitated
adj. : of, relating to, participating in, or being a health-care system in which a medical provider is given a set fee per patient (as by an HMO) regardless of treatment required

capitation
n. 1 : a direct uniform tax imposed on each head or person : POLL TAX
2 : a uniform per capita payment or fee
3 : a capitated health-care system

capitol
n. 1 a : a building in which a state legislative body meets b : a group of buildings in which the functions of state government are carried out
2 capitalized : the building in which the U.S. Congress meets at Washington

Capitol Hill
: the legislative branch of the U.S. government

Capitol Reef National Park
n. reservation S cen Utah containing archaeological remains, petrified forests, & unusual erosion forms

Capitoline
: of or relating to the smallest of the seven hills of ancient Rome, the temple on it, or the gods worshipped there

Capitoline
hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven on which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE

capitular
adj. : of or relating to an ecclesiastical chapter

capitulary
n. : a civil or ecclesiastical ordinance also : a collection of ordinances

capitulate
v. 1 archaic : PARLEY, NEGOTIATE
2 a : to surrender often after negotiation of terms b : to cease resisting : ACQUIESCE
synonyms see YIELD

capitulation
n. 1 : a set of terms or articles constituting an agreement between governments
2 a : the act of surrendering or yielding b : the terms of surrender

capitulum
n. 1 : a rounded protuberance of an anatomical part (as a bone)
2 : a racemose inflorescence (as of the sunflower) with the axis shortened and dilated to form a rounded or flattened cluster of sessile flowers ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration

Caplets
n. ― used for capsule-shaped medicinal tablets

capo
n. : a movable bar attached to the fingerboard of a fretted instrument to uniformly raise the pitch of all the strings

capo
n. : the head of a branch of a crime syndicate

Capodistria
― see KOPER

capoeira
n. : a Brazilian dance of African origin that incorporates martial arts movements such as kicks and chops

capon
n. : a castrated male chicken

caponata
n. : a relish of chopped eggplant and assorted vegetables

Capone
n. Alphonse 1899-1947 Scarface American gangster

Caporetto
― see KOBARID

Capote
n. Truman 1924-1984 American writer

capote
n. : a usually long and hooded cloak or overcoat

Cappadocia
ancient district E Asia Minor chiefly in valley of the upper Kızıl Irmak in modern Turkey capital Caesarea Mazaca
–Cap·pa·do·cian \-sh(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

cappelletti
n. : pasta in the form of little peaked hats filled with a savory mixture

capper
n. 1 : one that caps: as a : a device that fits caps on bottles b : FINALE, CLIMAX, CLINCHER
2 : a lure or decoy especially in an illicit or questionable activity : SHILL

capping
n. : something that caps

cappuccino
n. : espresso coffee mixed with frothed hot milk or cream and often flavored with cinnamon

Capra
n. Frank 1897-1991 American film director & producer
–Cap·ra·esque \ˌka-prə-'esk\ adjective

Capri
n. island Italy S Bay of Naples area 4 sq mi (10 sq km), pop 7270
–Ca·pri·ote \'ka-prē-ˌōt, 'kä-, -prē-ət\ noun

capri pants
: close-fitting women's pants that end above the ankle ― called also capris

capric acid
: a fatty acid C_10H_20O_2 found in fats and oils and used in flavors and perfumes

capriccio
n. 1 : FANCY, WHIMSY
2 : CAPER, PRANK
3 : an instrumental piece in free form usually lively in tempo and brilliant in style

caprice
n. 1 a : a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action b : a sudden usually unpredictable condition, change, or series of changes <the caprices of the weather>
2 : a disposition to do things impulsively
3 : CAPRICCIO 3
synonyms CAPRICE, WHIM, VAGARY, CROTCHET mean an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire. CAPRICE stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness <by sheer caprice she quit her job>. WHIM implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination <an odd antique that was bought on a whim>. VAGARY stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire <recently he had been prone to strange vagaries>. CROTCHET implies an eccentric opinion or preference <a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets>.

capricious
adj. : governed or characterized by caprice : IMPULSIVE, UNPREDICTABLE
synonyms see INCONSTANT
–ca·pri·cious·ly adverb
–ca·pri·cious·ness noun

Capricorn
n. 1 : a southern zodiacal constellation between Sagittarius and Aquarius
2 a : the 10th sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under the sign of Capricorn

caprification
: artificial pollination of figs that usually bear only pistillate flowers by hanging male flowering branches of the caprifig in the trees to facilitate pollen transfer by a fig wasp

caprifig
: a wild fig (Ficus carica sylvestris) of southern Europe and southwestern Asia used for caprification of the cultivated fig also : its fruit

caprine
adj. : of, relating to, or being a goat <caprine serum> <the caprine family>

capriole
n. 1 : a playful leap : CAPER
2 of a trained horse : a vertical leap with a backward kick of the hind legs at the height of the leap
–capriole intransitive verb

caprock
: CAP 2A

caproic acid
: a liquid fatty acid C_6H_12O_2 that is found as a glycerol ester in fats and oils or made synthetically and used in pharmaceuticals and flavorings

caprolactam
n. : a white crystalline cyclic amide C_6H_11NO used especially in making one type of nylon

caprylic acid
: a fatty acid C_8H_16O_2 of rancid odor occurring in fats and oils and used especially in the synthesis of esters for perfumes

caps
n. 1 capitals
2 capsule

Capsa
― see GAFSA

capsaicin
n. : a colorless irritant phenolic amide C_18H_27NO_3 found in various capsicums that gives hot peppers their hotness and that is used in topical creams for its analgesic properties

Capsian
adj. : of or relating to a Paleolithic culture of northern Africa and southern Europe

capsicum
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Capsicum) of tropical American herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family widely cultivated for their many-seeded usually fleshy-walled berries ― called also pepper b : PEPPER 3B
2 : an oleoresin derived from the fruit of some capsicums that contains capsaicin and related compounds and is used medicinally especially as a topical pain reliever

capsicum
n. jalapeño pepper
banana pepper
bell pepper
bird pepper
black pepper
cayenne pepper
green pepper
guinea pepper
hot pepper
pepper and salt
pepper mill
pepper pot
Philadelphia pepper pot
pepper shaker
pepper spray
red pepper
salt and pepper
sweet pepper
water pepper
white pepper
chili pepper
peppered moth

capsid
n. : the protein shell of a virus particle surrounding its nucleic acid

capsize
v. transitive verb : to cause to overturn <capsize a canoe>
intransitive verb : to become upset or overturned : TURN OVER <the canoe capsized>
–capsize noun

capstan
n. 1 : a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned
2 : a rotating shaft that drives tape at a constant speed in a recorder

capstone
n. 1 : a coping stone : COPING
2 : the high point : crowning achievement <the capstone of her career>

capsular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a capsule
2 : CAPSULATED

capsulated
v. : enclosed in a capsule

capsule
n. 1 a : a membrane or sac enclosing a body part (as a knee joint or kidney) b : either of two layers of white matter in the cerebrum
2 : a closed receptacle containing spores or seeds: as a : a dry dehiscent usually many-seeded fruit composed of two or more carpels b : the spore case of a moss
3 : a shell usually of gelatin for packaging something (as a drug or vitamins) also : a usually medicinal or nutritional preparation for oral use consisting of the shell and its contents
4 : an often polysaccharide envelope surrounding a microorganism
5 : an extremely brief condensation : OUTLINE, SURVEY
6 a : a compact often sealed and detachable container or compartment b : a small pressurized compartment or vehicle (as for space flight or emergency escape)

capsule
n. 1 : to equip with or enclose in a capsule
2 : to condense into or devise in a compact form

capsule
n. 1 : extremely brief
2 : small and very compact

capsule
n. Bowman's capsule
egg capsule
time capsule

capsulize
v. : CAPSULE

Capt
n. captain

captain
n. 1 a (1) : a military leader : the commander of a unit or a body of troops (2) : a subordinate officer commanding under a sovereign or general (3) : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a first lieutenant and below a major b (1) : a naval officer who is master or commander of a ship (2) : a commissioned officer in the navy ranking above a commander and below a commodore and in the coast guard ranking above a commander and below a rear admiral c : a senior pilot who commands the crew of an airplane d : an officer in a police department or fire department in charge of a unit (as a precinct or company) and usually ranking above a lieutenant and below a chief
2 : one who leads or supervises: as a : a leader of a sports team or side b : HEADWAITER c : a person in charge of hotel bellhops ― called also bell captain
3 : a person of importance or influence in a field <captains of industry>
–cap·tain·cy \'kap-tən-sē\ noun
–cap·tain·ship \-ˌship\ noun

captain
n. : to be captain of : LEAD <captained the football team>

captain
n. bell captain
captain's mast
captain's chair
group captain
sea captain

captain's chair
: an armchair with a saddle seat and a low curved back with vertical spindles

captain's mast
: MAST 3

captan
: a fungicide C_9H_8Cl_3NO_2S used on agricultural crops

caption
n. 1 : the part of a legal document that shows where, when, and by what authority it was taken, found, or executed
2 a : the heading especially of an article or document : TITLE b : the explanatory comment or designation accompanying a pictorial illustration c : a motion-picture subtitle
–cap·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective

caption
n. : to furnish with a caption

captious
adj. 1 : marked by an often ill-natured inclination to stress faults and raise objections <captious critics>
2 : calculated to confuse, entrap, or entangle in argument <a captious question>
synonyms see CRITICAL
–cap·tious·ly adverb
–cap·tious·ness noun

captivate
v. 1 archaic : SEIZE, CAPTURE
2 : to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal
synonyms see ATTRACT
–cap·ti·va·tion \ˌkap-tə-'vā-shən\ noun
–cap·ti·va·tor \'kap-tə-ˌvā-tər\ noun

captive
n. 1 a : taken and held as or as if a prisoner of war b (1) : kept within bounds : CONFINED (2) : of or relating to captive animals <captive breeding>
2 : held under control of another but having the appearance of independence especially : owned or controlled by another concern and operated for its needs rather than for an open market <a captive mine>
3 : being such involuntarily because of a situation that makes free choice or departure difficult <the airline passengers were a captive audience>
–captive noun

captivity
n. 1 : the state of being captive <some birds thrive in captivity>
2 obsolete : a group of captives

captopril
n. : an antihypertensive drug C_9H_15NO_3S that is an ACE inhibitor

captor
n. : one that has captured a person or thing

capture
n. 1 : an act or instance of capturing: as a : an act of catching, winning, or gaining control by force, stratagem, or guile b : a move in a board game (as chess or checkers) that gains an opponent's piece c : the absorption by an atom, nucleus, or particle of a subatomic particle that often results in subsequent emission of radiation or in fission d : the act of recording in a permanent file <data capture>
2 : one that has been taken (as a prize ship)

capture
n. 1 a : to take captive also : to gain control of especially by force <capture a city> b : to gain or win especially through effort <captured 60 percent of the vote>
2 a : to emphasize, represent, or preserve (as a scene, mood, or quality) in a more or less permanent form <at any such moment as a photograph might capture ― C. E. Montague> b : to record in a permanent file (as in a computer)
3 : to captivate and hold the interest of
4 : to take according to the rules of a game
5 : to bring about the capture of (a subatomic particle)
synonyms see CATCH

capture the flag
: a game in which players on each of two teams seek to capture the other team's flag and return it to their side without being captured and imprisoned

Capua
commune S Italy on the Volturno N of Naples NW of site of ancient city of Capua pop 19,457

capuche
: HOOD especially : the cowl of a Capuchin friar

capuchin
n. 1 capitalized : a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin forming since 1529 an austere branch of the first order of St. Francis of Assisi engaged in missionary work and preaching
2 : a hooded cloak for women
3 : any of a genus (Cebus) of So. and Central American monkeys especially : one (C. capucinus) with the hair on its crown resembling a monk's cowl

Capulet
: the family of Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Capulin, Mount
cinder cone 8368 ft (2550 m) NE N.Mex.; main feature of Capulin Volcano National Monument

capybara
n. : a tailless semiaquatic So. and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

CAR
n. civil air regulations

car
n. 1 : a vehicle moving on wheels: as a archaic : CARRIAGE, CHARIOT b : a vehicle designed to move on rails (as of a railroad) c : AUTOMOBILE
2 : the passenger compartment of an elevator
3 : the part of an airship or balloon that carries the passengers and cargo

car
n. car sickness
dodgem car
hopper car
motor car
saloon car
trolley car
bar car
bumper car
cabin car
cable car
car bomb
car coat
car park
car pool
car seat
car wash
chair car
club car
lounge car
command car
dining car
estate car
funny car
golf car
grand touring car
Indy car
jaunting car
muscle car
pace car
panda car
parlor car
prowl car
radio car
rent a car
scout car
sleeping car
slot car
sports car
sprint car
squad car
stock car
tank car
touring car
town car

car bomb
: an explosive device concealed in an automobile for use as a weapon of terrorism

car coat
: a three-quarter-length overcoat

car park
chiefly British : a lot or garage for parking

car pool
: an arrangement in which a group of people commute together by car also : the group entering into such an arrangement

car seat
: a portable seat for an infant or a small child that attaches to an automobile seat and holds the child safely

car wash
: an area or structure equipped with facilities for washing automobiles

carabao
n. : WATER BUFFALO

carabid
n. : GROUND BEETLE

carabineer
n. : a cavalry soldier armed with a carbine

carabiner
n. : an oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope

carabinero
1 : a member of a Spanish national police force serving especially as frontier guards
2 : a customs or coast guard officer in the Philippines

carabiniere
n. : a member of the Italian national police force

caracal
n. : a long-legged reddish-brown nocturnal cat (Felis caracal syn. Lynx caracal) of savannas in Africa and parts of Asia that has long pointed ears with a tuft of black hairs at the tip

Caracalla
A.D. 188-217 Marcus Aurelius Antoninus orig. Bas·si·a·nus \ˌba-sē-'ä-nəs\ Rom. emp. (211-217)

caracara
n. : any of various large long-legged hawks found from the southern U.S. to So. America that are classified with the falcons

Caracas
n. city capital of Venezuela near Caribbean coast metropolitan area pop 1,824,892

caracole
n. : a half turn to right or left executed by a mounted horse
–caracole verb

caracul
n. : the pelt of a karakul lamb after the curl begins to loosen

carafe
n. 1 : a bottle with a flaring lip used to hold beverages and especially wine
2 : a usually glass container used to hold and serve coffee

carambola
n. 1 : a 5-angled green to yellow tropical fruit of star-shaped cross section ― called also star fruit
2 : a tropical tree (Averrhoa carambola) of the wood-sorrel family that is native to southeastern Asia and is widely cultivated for carambolas

caramel
n. 1 : an amorphous brittle brown and somewhat bitter substance obtained by heating sugar and used as a coloring and flavoring agent
2 : a firm chewy usually caramel-flavored candy

caramelise
v. British variant of caramelize

caramelize
v. transitive verb : to change (as sugar) into caramel
intransitive verb : to change to caramel

carangid
n. : of or relating to a large family (Carangidae of the order Perciformes) of marine spiny-finned bony fishes including important food fishes
–carangid noun

carapace
n. 1 : a bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back or part of the back of an animal (as a turtle or crab)
2 : a protective, decorative, or disguising shell <the carapace of reserve he built around himself ― M. M. Mintz>

carat
n. variant of karat

carat
n. : a unit of weight for precious stones equal to 200 milligrams

Caratacus
1st cent. A.D. Brit. chieftain

Caravaggio
n. Michelangelo da 1573-1610 Michelangelo Merisi Ital. painter
–Ca·ra·vag·gesque \ˌkär-ə-ˌvä-'jesk\ adjective

caravan
n. 1 a : a company of travelers on a journey through desert or hostile regions also : a train of pack animals b : a group of vehicles traveling together (as in a file)
2 a : a covered wagon or motor vehicle equipped as traveling living quarters b British : TRAILER 3B

caravan
n. : to travel in a caravan

caravanner
n. 1 : one that travels in a caravan
2 British : one who goes camping with a trailer

caravansary
n. 1 : an inn surrounding a court in eastern countries where caravans rest at night
2 : HOTEL, INN

caravel
n. : any of several sailing ships specifically : a small 15th and 16th century ship that has broad bows, high narrow poop, and usually three masts with lateen or both square and lateen sails

caraway
n. 1 : a biennial usually white-flowered aromatic Old World herb (Carum carvi) of the carrot family
2 : the pungent fruit of the caraway used in seasoning and medicine ― called also caraway seed

carb
slang : CARBURETOR

carb
: CARBOHYDRATE also : a high-carbohydrate food ― usually used in plural

carb
: carbon : carbonic : carbonyl : carboxyl <carbide> <carbohydrate>

carbachol
n. : a synthetic parasympathomimetic drug C_6H_15ClN_2O_2 that is used in veterinary medicine and topically in glaucoma

carbamate
n. : a salt or ester of carbamic acid especially : one that is a synthetic organic insecticide

carbamazepine
n. : a tricyclic anticonvulsant and analgesic C_15H_12N_2O used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and epilepsy

carbamic acid
: an acid CH_3NO_2 known in the form of salts and esters that is a half amide of carbonic acid

carbamide
n. : UREA

carbamino
adj. : relating to any of various carbamic acid derivatives formed by reaction of carbon dioxide with an amino acid or a protein (as hemoglobin)

carbanion
n. : an organic ion carrying a negative charge on a carbon atom ― compare CARBONIUM

carbarn
n. : a building that houses the cars of a street railway or the buses of a bus system

carbaryl
n. : a carbamate insecticide C_12H_11NO_2 effective especially against numerous crop, forage, and forest pests

carbazole
n. : a crystalline slightly basic cyclic compound C_12H_9N found in anthracene and used in making dyes

Carberry
John Joseph 1904-1998 American cardinal

carbide
n. 1 : a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element especially : CALCIUM CARBIDE
2 : a very hard material made of carbon and one or more heavy metals

carbide
n. boron carbide
calcium carbide
silicon carbide

carbine
n. 1 : a short-barreled lightweight firearm orig. used by cavalry
2 : a light short-barreled repeating rifle that is used as a supplementary military arm or for hunting in dense brush

carbinol
n. : METHANOL also : an alcohol derived from it

carbo-load
: to consume a large amount of carbohydrates through food intake usually in order to improve performance in an upcoming athletic event (as a marathon)

carbocyclic
adj. : being or having an organic ring composed of carbon atoms

carbohydrase
n. : any of a group of enzymes (as amylase) that promote hydrolysis or synthesis of a carbohydrate (as a disaccharide)

carbohydrate
n. : any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods

carbolic
adj. : PHENOL 1

carbolic acid
: PHENOL 1

carbon
n. 1 : a nonmetallic chiefly tetravalent element found native (as in diamond and graphite) or as a constituent of coal, petroleum, and asphalt, of limestone and other carbonates, and of organic compounds or obtained artificially in varying degrees of purity especially as carbon black, lampblack, activated carbon, charcoal, and coke ― see ELEMENT table
2 : a carbon rod used in an arc lamp
3 a : a sheet of carbon paper b : CARBON COPY

carbon
n. activated carbon
carbon black
carbon copy
carbon cycle
carbon dating
carbon date
carbon dioxide
carbon disulfide
carbon bisulfide
carbon fiber
carbon 14
carbon monoxide
carbon paper
carbon steel
carbon tetrachloride
carbon 13
carbon 12

carbon 12
: an isotope of carbon of mass number 12 that is the most abundant carbon isotope and is used as a standard for measurements of atomic weight

carbon 13
: an isotope of carbon of mass number 13 that constitutes about 1/70 of natural carbon and is used as a tracer especially in spectroscopy utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance

carbon 14
: a heavy radioactive isotope of carbon of mass number 14 used especially in tracer studies and in dating old materials (as archaeological and geological specimens)

carbon black
: any of various colloidal black substances consisting wholly or principally of carbon obtained usually as soot and used especially in tires and as pigments

carbon copy
1 : a copy made by carbon paper
2 : DUPLICATE <is a carbon copy of his father>

carbon cycle
1 : the cycle of carbon in the earth's ecosystems in which carbon dioxide is fixed by photosynthetic organisms to form organic nutrients and is ultimately restored to the inorganic state (as by respiration, protoplasmic decay, or combustion)
2 : a cycle of thermonuclear reactions in which four hydrogen atoms synthesize into a helium atom by the catalytic action of carbon with the release of nuclear energy and which is held to be the source of most of the energy radiated by the sun and stars

carbon dating
: the determination of the age of old material (as an archaeological or paleontological specimen) by means of the content of carbon 14
–carbon-date \'kär-bən-'dāt\ transitive verb

carbon dioxide
: a heavy colorless gas CO_2 that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed especially in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages

carbon disulfide
: a colorless flammable poisonous liquid CS_2 used as a solvent for rubber and as an insect fumigant ― called also carbon bisulfide

carbon fiber
: a very strong lightweight synthetic fiber made especially by carbonizing acrylic fiber at high temperatures

carbon monoxide
: a colorless odorless very toxic gas CO that is formed as a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon or a carbon compound

carbon paper
: a thin paper faced with a waxy pigmented coating so that when placed between two sheets of paper the pressure of writing or typing on the top sheet causes transfer of pigment to the bottom sheet

carbon steel
: a strong hard steel that derives its physical properties from the presence of carbon and is used in hand tools and kitchen utensils

carbon tetrachloride
: a colorless nonflammable toxic liquid CCl_4 that has an odor resembling that of chloroform and is used as a solvent and a refrigerant

carbonaceous
adj. 1 : relating to, containing, or composed of carbon
2 : rich in carbon

carbonado
n. archaic : a piece of meat scored before grilling

carbonado
n. 1 archaic : to make a carbonado of
2 archaic : CUT, SLASH

carbonado
n. : an impure opaque dark-colored fine-grained aggregate of diamond particles valuable for its superior toughness

carbonara
n. : a dish of hot pasta into which other ingredients (as eggs, bacon or ham, and grated cheese) have been mixed ― often used as a postpositive modifier <spaghetti carbonara>

carbonate
n. : a salt or ester of carbonic acid

carbonate
1 : to convert into a carbonate
2 : to combine or infuse with carbon dioxide <carbonated beverages>
–car·bon·ation \ˌkär-bə-'nā-shən\ noun

carbonate
n. ammonium carbonate
calcium carbonate
lead carbonate
lithium carbonate
magnesium carbonate
potassium carbonate
sodium carbonate

carbonic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from carbon, carbonic acid, or carbon dioxide

carbonic
adj. carbonic acid
carbonic acid gas
carbonic anhydrase

carbonic acid
: a weak dibasic acid H_2CO_3 known only in solution that reacts with bases to form carbonates

carbonic acid gas
: CARBON DIOXIDE

carbonic anhydrase
: a zinc-containing enzyme that occurs in living tissues (as red blood cells) and aids carbon-dioxide transport from the tissues and its release from the blood in the lungs by catalyzing the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid

carboniferous
adj. 1 : producing or containing carbon or coal
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or being the period of the Paleozoic era between the Devonian and the Permian or the corresponding system of rocks that includes coal beds ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Carboniferous noun

carbonium
: an organic ion carrying a positive charge on a carbon atom ― compare CARBANION

carbonization
n. : the process of carbonizing especially : DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION

carbonize
v. transitive verb
1 : to convert into carbon or a carbonic residue
2 : CARBURIZE 1
intransitive verb : to become carbonized : CHAR

carbonless
adj. 1 : being without carbon
2 : being or composed of paper that makes multiple copies without intervening layers of carbon paper <carbonless forms>

carbonnade
n. : a beef stew cooked in beer

carbonyl
n. 1 : an organic functional group or radical –CO– occurring in aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, and their derivatives
2 : a coordination complex involving the neutral radical CO <chromium carbonyl>
–car·bon·yl·ic \ˌkär-bə-'ni-lik\ adjective

carbonylation
: the synthesis of a carbonyl compound especially by a reaction involving carbon monoxide

Carborundum
n. ― used for various abrasives

carboxy
: carboxyl <carboxypeptidase>

carboxyl
adj. : a monovalent functional group or radical –COOH typical of organic acids ― called also carboxyl group
–car·box·yl·ic \ˌkär-(ˌ)bäk-'si-lik\ adjective

carboxylase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes decarboxylation or carboxylation

carboxylate
n. : a salt or ester of a carboxylic acid

carboxylate
: to introduce carboxyl or carbon dioxide into (a compound) with formation of a carboxylic acid
–car·box·yl·a·tion \(ˌ)kär-ˌbäk-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

carboxylic acid
: an organic acid (as acetic acid) containing one or more carboxyl groups

carboxymethylcellulose
: an acid ether derivative of cellulose that in the form of its sodium salt is used as a thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing agent and as a bulk laxative in medicine

carboxypeptidase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes peptides and especially polypeptides by splitting off sequentially the amino acids at the end of the peptide chain which contain free carboxyl groups

carboy
n. : a large container for liquids

carbuncle
n. 1 a obsolete : any of several red precious stones b : the garnet cut cabochon
2 : a painful local purulent inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues with multiple openings for the discharge of pus and usually necrosis and sloughing of dead tissue
–car·bun·cled \-kəld\ adjective
–car·bun·cu·lar \kär-'bəŋ-kyə-lər\ adjective

carbureted
v. : equipped with a carburetor <a carbureted engine>

carburetion
: the process of mixing (as in a carburetor) the vapor of a flammable hydrocarbon (as gasoline) with air to form an explosive mixture especially for use in an internal-combustion engine

carburetor
n. : a mechanical apparatus for premixing vaporized fuel and air in proper proportions and supplying the mixture to an internal combustion engine

carburettor
n. chiefly British variant of carburetor

carburise
v. British variant of carburize

carburize
v. : to combine or impregnate (as metal) with carbon
–car·bu·ri·za·tion \ˌkär-bə-rə-'zā-shən, -byə-\ noun

carcanet
archaic : an ornamental necklace, chain, collar, or headband

carcase
n. British variant of carcass

carcass
n. 1 : a dead body : CORPSE especially : the dressed body of a meat animal
2 : the living, material, or physical body <I hauled my carcass out of bed>
3 : the decaying or worthless remains of a structure <the carcass of an abandoned automobile>
4 : the underlying structure or frame of something (as of a piece of furniture)

Carcassonne
city S France pop 43,937

carceral
: of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

Carchemish
ruined city S Turkey on the Euphrates at Syrian border N of modern Jarabulus, Syria

carcin
: tumor : cancer <carcinogenic>

carcinoembryonic antigen
: a glycoprotein present in fetal digestive-tract tissues and in peripheral blood of patients with some forms of cancer

carcinogen
n. : a substance or agent causing cancer
–car·ci·no·gen·ic \ˌkär-sə-nō-'je-nik\ adjective
–car·ci·no·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

carcinogenesis
n. : the production of cancer

carcinoid
adj. : a benign or malignant tumor arising especially from the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract

carcinoma
n. : a malignant tumor of epithelial origin
–car·ci·no·ma·tous \-'nō-mə-təs\ adjective

carcinomatosis
n. : a condition in which multiple carcinomas develop simultaneously usually after dissemination from a primary source

card
n. : to cleanse, disentangle, and collect together (as fibers) by the use of cards preparatory to spinning
–card·er noun

card
n. 1 : an instrument or machine for carding fibers that consists usually of bent wire teeth set closely in rows in a thick piece of leather fastened to a back
2 : an implement for raising a nap on cloth

card
n. 1 : PLAYING CARD
2 plural but singular or plural in construction a : a game played with cards b : card playing
3 a : something (as an advantage) compared to a valuable playing card in one's hand <holding all the cards in negotiations> b : an issue especially with emotional appeal that is brought into play to achieve a desired end (as winning a political campaign) <played the race card>
4 : a usually clownishly amusing person : WAG <he's such a card>
5 : COMPASS CARD
6 a : a flat stiff usually small and rectangular piece of material (as paper, cardboard, or plastic) usually bearing information: as (1) : POSTCARD (2) : VISITING CARD (3) : BUSINESS CARD (4) : CREDIT CARD (5) : one bearing a picture (as of a baseball player) on one side and usually statistical data on the other (6) : one on which computer information is stored (as in the form of punched holes or magnetic encoding) (7) : one bearing electronic circuit components for insertion into a larger electronic device (as a computer) b : PROGRAM especially : a sports program <three fights on the card> c (1) : a wine list (2) : MENU d : GREETING CARD <a birthday card>
–in the cards also on the cards : INEVITABLE <success just wasn't in the cards for her>

card
n. 1 : to place or fasten on or by means of a card
2 : to provide with a card
3 : to list or record on a card
4 : SCORE <a golfer carding a 75>
5 : to ask for identification (as in a bar) <we all got carded>

card
n. cardinal

card
n. trump card
affinity card
bank card
business card
calling card
card carrying
card catalog
card table
charge card
Christmas card
compass card
courtesy card
credit card
dance card
debit card
drawing card
expansion card
face card
flash card
green card
greeting card
hole card
ID card
identity card
identification card
mass card
phone card
playing card
postal card
punch card
punched card
Hollerith card
report card
smart card
sound card
three card monte
time card
tourist card
union card
video card
visiting card
wild card
on the cards
show one's cards
in the cards
house of cards
play one's cards
green carder

card catalog
: a catalog (as of books) in which the entries are arranged systematically on cards

card table
: a table designed for playing cards especially : a square table with folding legs

card-carrying
1 : being a full-fledged member of an organization (as a Communist party)
2 a : strongly identified with a group (as of people with a common interest) <card-carrying members of the ecology movement ― R. J. Neuhaus> b : being such emphatically or unmistakably <a card-carrying hippie>

cardamom
n. : the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice or condiment and in medicine also : this plant

cardboard
n. : a material made from cellulose fiber (as wood pulp) like paper but usually thicker
–card·boardy \-ˌbȯr-dē\ adjective

cardboard
n. 1 : made of or as if of cardboard
2 : UNREAL, STEREOTYPED <a play with cardboard characters>

Cardenas
Lázaro 1895-1970 Mex. gen. & polit.; pres. of Mexico (1934-40)

Cardenas
city & port N Cuba E of Matanzas pop 75,651

cardholder
n. : one who possesses a card and especially a credit card

cardi
: heart : cardiac : cardiac and <cardiogram> <cardiovascular>

cardia
n. : the opening of the esophagus into the stomach also : the part of the stomach adjoining this opening

cardia
n. : heart action or location (of a specified type) <tachycardia>

cardiac
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, situated near, or acting on the heart b : of or relating to the cardia of the stomach
2 : of, relating to, or affected with heart disease <cardiac patients>

cardiac
adj. : a person with heart disease

cardiac arrest
: temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat

cardiac muscle
: the principal involuntary-muscle tissue of the vertebrate heart made up of striated fibers joined at usually branched ends and functioning in synchronized rhythmic contraction

Cardiff
n. 1 administrative area of S Wales area 54 sq mi (140 sq km)
2 city & port capital of Wales pop 272,600

Cardigan
n. former county W Wales capital Aberystwyth

cardigan
n. : a usually collarless sweater or jacket that opens the full length of the center front

Cardigan Bay
inlet of St. George's Channel on W coast of Wales

Cardigan Welsh corgi
: any of a breed of Welsh corgis with rounded ears, slightly bowed forelegs, and a long tail ― called also Cardigan

cardinal
n. 1 : a high ecclesiastical official of the Roman Catholic Church who ranks next below the pope and is appointed by him to assist him as a member of the college of cardinals
2 : CARDINAL NUMBER ― usually used in plural
3 [from its color, resembling that of the cardinal's robes] : a crested finch (Cardinalis cardinalis of the family Cardinalidae) of the eastern U.S. and adjacent Canada, the southwestern U.S., and Mexico to Belize which has a black face and heavy red bill in both sexes and is nearly completely red in the male
–car·di·nal·ship \-ˌship\ noun

cardinal
n. 1 : of basic importance : MAIN, CHIEF, PRIMARY <a cardinal principle>
2 : very serious or grave <a cardinal sin>
synonyms see ESSENTIAL
–car·di·nal·ly adverb

cardinal
n. cardinal flower
cardinal number
cardinal point
cardinal virtue

cardinal flower
: a No. American lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis) that bears a spike of brilliant red flowers

cardinal number
1 : a number (as 1, 5, 15) that is used in simple counting and that indicates how many elements there are in an assemblage ― see NUMBER table
2 : the property that a mathematical set has in common with all sets that can be put in one-to-one correspondence with it

cardinal point
: one of the four principal compass points north, south, east, and west

cardinal virtue
1 : one of the four classically defined natural virtues prudence, justice, temperance, or fortitude
2 : a quality designated as a major virtue

cardinalate
n. : the office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal

cardinality
n. : the number of elements in a given mathematical set

cardio
pref. : CARDIOVASCULAR

cardiogenic
: originating in the heart : caused by a cardiac condition <cardiogenic shock>

cardiogram
n. : the curve or tracing made by a cardiograph

cardiograph
n. : an instrument that graphically registers movements of the heart
–car·dio·graph·ic \ˌkär-dē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–car·di·og·ra·phy \ˌkär-dē-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

cardioid
n. : a heart-shaped curve that is traced by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling completely around an equal fixed circle and has an equation in one of the forms ρ = a(1 ± cos θ) or ρ = a(1 ± sin θ) in polar coordinates

cardiology
n. : the study of the heart and its action and diseases
–car·di·o·log·i·cal \-dē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–car·di·ol·o·gist \-dē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

cardiomyopathy
n. : any of several structural or functional diseases of heart muscle marked especially by hypertrophy and obstructive damage to the heart

cardiopathy
n. : any disease of the heart

cardiopulmonary
adj. : of or relating to the heart and lungs

cardiopulmonary resuscitation
: a procedure designed to restore normal breathing after cardiac arrest that includes the clearance of air passages to the lungs, mouth-to-mouth method of artificial respiration, and heart massage by the exertion of pressure on the chest

cardiorespiratory
adj. : of or relating to the heart and the respiratory system

cardiothoracic
adj. : relating to, involving, or specializing in the heart and chest <cardiothoracic surgery>

cardiotonic
adj. : tending to increase the tonus of heart muscle
–cardiotonic noun

cardiovascular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels
2 : used, designed, or performed to cause a temporary increase in heart rate <a cardiovascular workout>

cardioversion
n. : application of an electric shock in order to restore normal heartbeat

cardium
: heart <epicardium>

cardoon
n. : a large perennial Mediterranean plant (Cynara cardunculus) related to the artichoke and cultivated for its edible root and petioles also : the root and petioles

Cardoso
Fernando Henrique 1931-     pres. of Brazil (1995-2003)

Cardozo
Benjamin Nathan 1870-1938 American jurist

cardplayer
n. : one who plays cards

cardsharp
n. : a person who habitually cheats at cards

Carducci
Giosuè 1835-1907 Ital. poet

care
n. 1 : suffering of mind : GRIEF
2 a : a disquieted state of mixed uncertainty, apprehension, and responsibility b : a cause for such anxiety
3 a : painstaking or watchful attention b : MAINTENANCE <floor-care products>
4 : regard coming from desire or esteem
5 : CHARGE, SUPERVISION <under a doctor's care>
6 : a person or thing that is an object of attention, anxiety, or solicitude
synonyms CARE, CONCERN, SOLICITUDE, ANXIETY, WORRY mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. CARE implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension <a face worn by years of care>. CONCERN implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection <crimes caused concern in the neighborhood>. SOLICITUDE implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another <acted with typical maternal solicitude>. ANXIETY stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure <plagued by anxiety and self-doubt>. WORRY suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety <financial worries>.

care
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to feel trouble or anxiety b : to feel interest or concern <care about freedom>
2 : to give care <care for the sick>
3 a : to have a liking, fondness, or taste <don't care for your attitude> b : to have an inclination <would you care for some pie>
transitive verb
1 : to be concerned about or to the extent of <don't care what they say> <doesn't care a damn>
2 : WISH <if you care to go>
–car·er noun
–care less : not to care ― used positively and negatively with the same meaning <I could care less what happens> <I couldn't care less what happens>

care
n. care a hang
care less
care and feeding
care package
day care
devil may care
health care
intensive care
life care
managed care
primary care
primary health care
secondary care
take care of
take care
tertiary care
self care

care and feeding
: the providing of what is needed for sustenance, well-being, or efficient operation <machines that don't need a lot of care and feeding>

care less
not to care ― used positively and negatively with the same meaning <I could care less what happens> <I couldn't care less what happens>

care package
: a package of useful or pleasurable items that is sent or given as a gift to another (as a college student)

careen
v. transitive verb
1 : to put (a ship or boat) on a beach especially in order to clean, caulk, or repair the hull
2 : to cause to heel over
intransitive verb
1 a : to careen a boat b : to undergo this process
2 : to heel over
3 : to sway from side to side : LURCH <a careening carriage being pulled wildly⋯by a team of runaway horses ― J. P. Getty>
4 : CAREER

careen
v. archaic : the act or process of careening : the state of being careened

career
n. 1 a : speed in a course <ran at full career> b : COURSE, PASSAGE
2 : ENCOUNTER, CHARGE
3 : a field for or pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement especially in public, professional, or business life <Washington's career as a soldier>
4 : a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling <a career in medicine> <a career diplomat>

career
n. : to go at top speed especially in a headlong manner <a car careered off the road>

careerism
n. : the policy or practice of advancing one's career often at the cost of one's integrity
–ca·reer·ist \-ist\ noun or adjective

carefree
adj. : free from care: as a : having no worries or troubles b : IRRESPONSIBLE <is carefree with his money>

careful
adj. 1 archaic a : SOLICITOUS, ANXIOUS b : filling with care or solicitude
2 : exercising or taking care
3 a : marked by attentive concern and solicitude b : marked by wary caution or prudence <be very careful with knives> c : marked by painstaking effort to avoid errors or omissions ― often used with of or an infinitive <careful of money> <careful to adjust the machine>
–care·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–care·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms CAREFUL, METICULOUS, SCRUPULOUS, PUNCTILIOUS mean showing close attention to detail. CAREFUL implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes <a careful worker>. METICULOUS may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points <meticulous scholarship>. SCRUPULOUS applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical <scrupulous honesty>. PUNCTILIOUS implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points <punctilious observance of ritual>.

caregiver
n. : a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)
–care·giv·ing \-ˌgi-viŋ\ noun

careless
adj. 1 a : free from care : UNTROUBLED <careless days> b : INDIFFERENT, UNCONCERNED <careless of the consequences>
2 : not taking care
3 : not showing or receiving care: a : NEGLIGENT, SLOVENLY <careless writing> b : UNSTUDIED, SPONTANEOUS <a careless grace> c obsolete : UNVALUED, DISREGARDED
–care·less·ly adverb
–care·less·ness noun

Carentan
town NW France at base of Cotentin Peninsula pop 6371

caress
n. 1 : to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness : CHERISH
2 a : to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner b : to touch or affect as if with a caress <echoes that caress the ear>
–ca·ress·er noun
–ca·ress·ing·ly \kə-'re-siŋ-lē\ adverb

caress
n. 1 : an act or expression of kindness or affection : ENDEARMENT
2 a : a light stroking, rubbing, or patting b : KISS
–ca·res·sive \-'re-siv\ adjective
–ca·res·sive·ly adverb

caret
n. : a wedge-shaped mark made on written or printed matter to indicate the place where something is to be inserted

caretaker
n. 1 : one that gives physical or emotional care and support <served as caretaker to the younger children>
2 : one that takes care of the house or land of an owner who may be absent
3 : one temporarily fulfilling the function of office <a caretaker government>
–care·take \-ˌtāk\ verb
–care·tak·ing noun

Carew
Thomas 1595?-?1640 Eng. poet

careworn
adj. : showing the effect of grief or anxiety <a careworn face>

Carey
n. George Leonard 1935-     archbishop of Canterbury (1991-2002)

carfare
n. : passenger fare (as on a bus)

carful
n. : as much or as many as a car will hold

cargo
n. : the goods or merchandise conveyed in a ship, airplane, or vehicle : FREIGHT

cargo
n. cargo cult
cargo pants
cargo pocket

cargo cult
: any of various Melanesian religious groups characterized by the belief that material wealth (as money or manufactured goods) can be obtained through ritual worship

cargo pants
: pants with cargo pockets typically on the sides of the legs at thigh level

cargo pocket
: a large pocket usually with a flap and a pleat

carhop
n. : one who serves customers at a drive-in restaurant

Caria
n. ancient region SW Asia Minor bordering on Aegean Sea capital Halicarnassus
–Car·i·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Carib
n. 1 : a member of an Indian people of northern So. America and the Lesser Antilles
2 : the language of the Caribs

Cariban
n. 1 : a member of a group of Indian peoples of So. America and the Lesser Antilles
2 : the language family comprising the languages of the Cariban peoples

Caribbean
n. : of or relating to the Caribs, the eastern and southern West Indies, or the Caribbean Sea

Caribbean Sea
arm of the Atlantic bounded on N & E by West Indies, on S by S. America, & on W by Central America

Caribbees
LESSER ANTILLES

caribe
: PIRANHA

Cariboo Mountains
range W Canada in E cen B.C. W of the Rocky Mountains; highest point ab 11,750 ft (3581 m)

caribou
n. : a large gregarious deer (Rangifer tarandus) of Holarctic taiga and tundra that usually has palmate antlers in both sexes ― used especially for one of the New World ― called also reindeer

caribou
n. reindeer moss
reindeer lichen
Reindeer Lake

caricature
n. 1 : exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics
2 : a representation especially in literature or art that has the qualities of caricature
3 : a distortion so gross as to seem like caricature
–car·i·ca·tur·al \ˌker-i-kə-'chu̇r-əl, -'chər-, -'tyu̇r-, -'tu̇r-, -ˌka-ri-\ adjective
–car·i·ca·tur·ist \'ker-i-kə-ˌchu̇r-ist, -ˌchər-, -ˌtyu̇r-, -ˌtu̇r-, -'ka-ri-\ noun
synonyms CARICATURE, BURLESQUE, PARODY, TRAVESTY mean a comic or grotesque imitation. CARICATURE implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject <caricatures of politicians in cartoons>. BURLESQUE implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment <a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court>. PARODY applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work <a witty parody of a popular novel>. TRAVESTY implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd <this production is a travesty of the opera>.

caricature
n. : to make or draw a caricature of : represent in caricature <the portrait caricatured its subject>

caries
n. : a progressive destruction of bone or tooth especially : tooth decay

carillon
n. 1 a : a set of fixed chromatically tuned bells sounded by hammers controlled from a keyboard b : an electronic instrument imitating a carillon
2 : a composition for the carillon

carillonneur
n. : a carillon player

carina
n. 1 : a keel-shaped anatomical part, ridge, or process
2 capitalized : a constellation in the southern hemisphere lying near the Southern Cross

carinate
adj. : having or shaped like a keel or carina

Carinthia
region cen Europe in E Alps; once a duchy; Austrian crown land 1849-1918; after 1918 most became part of Austria with parts going to Italy & the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes
–Ca·rin·thi·an \-thē-ən\ adjective or noun

carioca
n. 1 capitalized : a native or resident of Rio de Janeiro
2 a : a variation of the samba b : the music for this dance

cariogenic
adj. : producing or promoting the development of tooth decay <cariogenic foods>

carious
adj. : affected with caries

carjacking
n. : the theft of an automobile from its driver by force or intimidation
–car·jack \-ˌjak\ transitive verb
–car·jack·er \-ˌja-kər\ noun

carking
: BURDENSOME, ANNOYING

carl
n. 1 : a man of the common people
2 chiefly dialect : CHURL, BOOR

Carl XVI Gustaf
1946-     king of Sweden (1973-    )

Carleton
Sir Guy 1724-1808 1st Baron Dorchester Brit. gen. & administrator in America

carline
n. chiefly Scottish : WOMAN especially : an old woman

Carlisle
city NW England capital of Cumbria pop 99,800

Carlist
: a supporter of Don Carlos or his successors as having rightful title to the Spanish throne
–Carlist adjective

carload
n. 1 : a load (as of occupants) that fills a car <a carload of tourists>
2 : the minimum number of tons required for shipping at carload rates
3 : a large unspecified quantity <a carload of excuses>

carload rate
: a rate for large shipments lower than that quoted for less-than-carload lots of the same class

Carlos
n. Don 1788-1855 infante & pretender to Span. throne

Carlos
n. San Carlos de Bariloche
Carlos de Austria
Juan Carlos
San Carlos

Carlos de Austria
Don 1545-1568 son of Philip II of Spain prince of Asturias & heir to Span. throne

Carlota
1840-1927 Marie-Charlotte-Amélie-Augustine-Victoire-Clémentine-Léopoldine empress of Mexico (1864-67)

Carlovingian
n. : CAROLINGIAN

Carlow
1 county SE Ireland in Leinster area 346 sq mi (900 sq km), pop 46,014
2 town, its capital pop 11,275

Carlsbad
n. 1 caverns SE N.Mex. in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
2 city SW Calif. NNW of San Diego pop 78,247
3 city SE N.Mex. on the Pecos pop 25,625

Carlsson
Arvid 1923-     Swed. pharmacologist

Carlyle
n. Thomas 1795-1881 Scot. essayist & hist.
–Car·lyl·ean or Car·lyl·ian \kär-'lī-lē-ən\ adjective

carmagnole
n. 1 : a lively song popular at the time of the first French Revolution
2 : a street dance in a meandering course to the tune of the carmagnole

carmaker
n. : an automobile manufacturer

Carmana, Carmania
― see KERMAN

Carmarthen
1 or Car·mar·then·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ administrative area of S Wales area 920 sq mi (2383 sq km)
2 port S Wales NW of Swansea pop 54,800

Carmel
n. 1 \kär-'mel\ or in full Carmel-by-the-Sea city W Calif. S of Monterey Bay pop 4081
2 \'kär-məl\ city cen Ind. N of Indianapolis pop 37,733

Carmel, Mount
mountain ridge NW Israel; highest point 1791 ft (546 m)

Carmelite
n. : a member of the Roman Catholic mendicant Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel founded in the 12th century
–Carmelite adjective

Carmen de Patagones
town Argentina on the Negro River opposite Viedma pop 13,981

carminative
n. : expelling gas from the stomach or intestines so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension
–carminative noun

carmine
n. 1 : a rich crimson or scarlet lake made from cochineal
2 : a vivid red

Carmona
António Óscar de Fragoso 1869-1951 Port. gen.; pres. of Portugal (1928-51)

carnage
n. 1 : the flesh of slain animals or men
2 : great and usually bloody slaughter or injury (as in battle)

carnal
adj. 1 a : relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites b : marked by sexuality <carnal love>
2 : BODILY, CORPOREAL <seen with carnal eyes>
3 a : TEMPORAL <carnal weapons> b : WORLDLY <a carnal mind>
–car·nal·i·ty \kär-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–car·nal·ly \'kär-nə-lē\ adverb
synonyms CARNAL, FLESHLY, SENSUAL, ANIMAL mean having a relation to the body. CARNAL may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature <a slave to carnal desires>. FLESHLY is less derogatory than CARNAL <a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations>. SENSUAL may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual <fleshpots providing sensual delights>. ANIMAL stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person <led a mindless animal existence>.

carnallite
n. : a mineral consisting of hydrous potassium-magnesium chloride that is an important source of potassium

Carnap
Rudolf 1891-1970 American (Ger.-born) philos.

carnassial
adj. : of, relating to, or being a tooth of a carnivore often larger and longer than adjacent teeth and adapted for cutting rather than tearing
–carnassial noun

Carnatic
region SE India bet. Eastern Ghats & Coromandel coast now in Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka

carnation
n. 1 a (1) : the variable color of human flesh (2) : a pale to grayish yellow b : a moderate red
2 : a plant of any of numerous often cultivated and usually double-flowered varieties or subspecies of an Old World pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) orig. flesh-colored but now found in many color variations

carnauba
n. : a fan-leaved palm (Copernicia prunifera syn. C. cerifera) of Brazil that has an edible root and yields a useful leaf fiber and carnauba wax

carnauba wax
: a hard brittle high-melting wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm and used chiefly in polishes

carne asada
: a grilled Mexican dish of spicy marinated steak strips sometimes served in a burrito or taco

Carnegie
n. Andrew 1835-1919 American (Scot.-born) industrialist & philanthropist

carnelian
n. : a hard red chalcedony used in jewelry

Carnic Alps
mountain range E Alps bet. Austria & Italy

Carniola
region S & W Slovenia NE of Istrian Peninsula
–Car·nio·lan \-lən\ adjective

carnitine
: a quaternary ammonium compound C_7H_15NO_3 that is present especially in vertebrate muscle and that in the levorotatory form is involved in the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes

carnival
n. 1 : a season or festival of merrymaking before Lent
2 a : an instance of merrymaking, feasting, or masquerading b : an instance of riotous excess <a carnival of violence>
3 a : a traveling enterprise offering amusements b : an organized program of entertainment or exhibition : FESTIVAL <a winter carnival>

carnival
n. : suggestive of or suited to a carnival <a carnival atmosphere> <carnival colors>

carnivalesque
1 : suggestive of a carnival <a carnivalesque celebration>
2 : marked by an often mocking or satirical challenge to authority and the traditional social hierarchy <a carnivalesque protest>

carnivora
n. : carnivorous mammals

carnivore
n. 1 : any of an order (Carnivora) of typically flesh-eating mammals that includes dogs, foxes, bears, raccoons, and cats broadly : a carnivorous animal
2 : a carnivorous plant

carnivorous
adj. 1 : subsisting or feeding on animal tissues
2 of a plant : subsisting on nutrients obtained from the breakdown of animal protoplasm (as of insects)
3 : of or relating to the carnivores
4 : RAPACIOUS
–car·niv·o·rous·ly adverb
–car·niv·o·rous·ness noun
–car·niv·ory \kär-'ni-və-rē\ noun

carnosaur
n. : any of a group (Carnosauria) of very large theropod dinosaurs (as a tyrannosaur)

Carnot
Lazare (-Nicolas-Marguerite) 1753-1823 Fr. statesman & gen.

Carnot
(Marie-François-) Sadi 1837-1894 pres. of France (1887-94)

carnotite
n. : a yellow to greenish-yellow mineral consisting of a radioactive hydrous vanadate of uranium and potassium that is a source of radium and uranium

carny
n. 1 : CARNIVAL 3A
2 : a person who works with a carnival

carob
n. 1 : a Mediterranean evergreen leguminous tree (Ceratonia siliqua) with racemose red flowers
2 : a pod of the carob tree or its sweet pulp having a flavor similar to that of chocolate

caroche
: a luxurious horse-drawn carriage

Carol
n. 1893-1953 king of Romania (1930-40)

carol
n. 1 : an old round dance with singing
2 : a song of joy or mirth <the carol of a bird ― Lord Byron>
3 : a popular song or ballad of religious joy

carol
n. intransitive verb
1 : to sing especially in a joyful manner
2 : to sing carols specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols
transitive verb
1 : to praise in or as if in song
2 : to sing especially in a cheerful manner : WARBLE
–car·ol·er or car·ol·ler \-ə-lər\ noun

Carol Stream
village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 40,438

Carolina
n. English colony 1663-1729 on E coast of N. America, divided 1729 into N.C. & S.C. (the Car·o·li·nas \-nəz\)
–Car·o·lin·ian \ˌka-rə-'li-nē-ən, -nyən\ noun

Carolina
n. city NE cen Puerto Rico pop 186,076

Carolina
n. Carolina parakeet
Carolina wren
North Carolina
South Carolina
North Carolinian
South Carolinian

Carolina parakeet
: an extinct parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis) of the eastern U.S.

Carolina wren
: a large wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) chiefly of eastern No. America having a loud lively song

Caroline
n. : of or relating to Charles ― used especially with reference to Charles I and Charles II of England

Caroline Islands
islands W Pacific Ocean comprising Palau & the Federated States of Micronesia; formerly part of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Carolingian
adj. : of or relating to a Frankish dynasty dating from about A.D. 613 and including among its members the rulers of France from 751 to 987, of Germany from 752 to 911, and of Italy from 774 to 961
–Carolingian noun

carom
n. 1 a : a shot in billiards in which the cue ball strikes each of two object balls b : a shot in pool in which an object ball strikes another ball before falling into a pocket ― compare COMBINATION SHOT
2 : a rebounding especially at an angle

carom
n. 1 : to strike and rebound : GLANCE <the car caromed off a tree>
2 : to make a carom
3 : to proceed by or as if by caroms <carom from city to city>

Caroni
river E Venezuela flowing N into the Orinoco

carotene
n. : any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (as C_40H_56) that occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible to vitamin A ― compare BETA-CAROTENE

carotenoid
n. : any of various usually yellow to red pigments (as carotenes) found widely in plants and animals and characterized chemically by a long aliphatic polyene chain composed of eight isoprene units
–carotenoid adjective

carotid
n. : of, relating to, or being the chief artery or pair of arteries that pass up the neck and supply the head
–carotid noun

carotid body
: a small body of vascular tissue that adjoins the carotid sinus, functions as a chemoreceptor sensitive to change in the oxygen content of blood, and mediates reflex changes in respiratory activity

carotid sinus
: a small but richly innervated arterial enlargement that is located near the point in the neck where either carotid artery divides to form its main branches and that functions in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure

carousal
n. : CAROUSE 2

carouse
v. 1 archaic : a large draft of liquor : TOAST
2 : a drunken revel

carouse
v. intransitive verb
1 : to drink liquor freely or excessively
2 : to take part in a carouse : engage in dissolute behavior
transitive verb obsolete : to drink up : QUAFF
–ca·rous·er noun

carousel
n. 1 : a tournament or exhibition in which horsemen execute evolutions
2 a : MERRY-GO-ROUND b : a circular conveyor <the luggage carousel at the airport> c : a revolving case or tray used for storage or display

carp
n. : to find fault or complain querulously
–carp·er noun

carp
n. : COMPLAINT

carp
n. 1 : a large variable Asian soft-finned freshwater cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio) of sluggish waters that is often raised for food and has been widely introduced into U.S. waters also : any of various related cyprinid fishes (as the grass carp)
2 : a fish (as the European sea bream) resembling a carp

carp
n. : fruit <carpogonium>

carp
n. : part of a fruit <mesocarp> : fruit <schizocarp>

Carpaccio
n. Vittore ca 1460-1525(or 1526) Ital. painter

carpaccio
n. : thinly sliced raw meat or fish served with a sauce ― often used as a postpositive modifier <beef carpaccio>

carpal
n. : of or relating to the carpus

carpal
n. : a carpal element or bone

carpal tunnel syndrome
: a condition caused by compression of a nerve where it passes through the wrist into the hand and characterized especially by weakness, pain, and disturbances of sensation in the hand and fingers

Carpathian Mountains
mountain system E cen Europe along boundary bet. Slovakia & Poland & extending through Ukraine & E Romania ― see GERLACHOVSKY, TATRY, TRANSYLVANIAN ALPS

Carpathian Ruthenia
― see ZAKARPATS'KA

carpe diem
: the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future

carpel
n. : one of the ovule-bearing structures in an angiosperm that comprises the innermost whorl of a flower ― compare PISTIL
–car·pel·lary \-pə-ˌler-ē\ adjective
–car·pel·late \-ˌlāt, -lət\ adjective

Carpentaria, Gulf of
inlet of Arafura Sea on N coast of Australia

carpenter
n. : a worker who builds or repairs wooden structures or their structural parts

carpenter
n. intransitive verb : to follow the trade of a carpenter <carpentered when he was young>
transitive verb
1 : to make by or as if by carpentry
2 : to put together often in a mechanical manner <carpentered many television scripts>

carpenter ant
: an ant (esp. genus Camponotus) that gnaws galleries especially in dead or decaying wood

carpenter bee
: any of various solitary bees (genera Xylocopa and Ceratina) that nest in wood

Carpentersville
village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 30,586

carpentry
n. 1 : the art or trade of a carpenter specifically : the art of shaping and assembling structural woodwork
2 : timberwork constructed by a carpenter
3 : the form or manner of putting together the parts (as of a literary or musical composition)

carpet
n. 1 : a heavy often tufted fabric used as a floor covering also : a floor covering made of this fabric
2 : a surface or layer resembling or suggesting a carpet
–carpet transitive verb
–on the carpet : before an authority for censure or reproof <got called on the carpet by his boss>

carpet
n. Kidderminster carpet
Brussels carpet
on the carpet
carpet beetle
carpet bomb
Oriental carpet
red carpet
tapestry carpet

carpet beetle
: any of several small dermestid beetles (genera Anthrenus and Attagenus) whose larvae are destructive especially to woolen goods

carpet bomb
1 : to drop large numbers of bombs so as to cause uniform devastation over (a given area)
2 : to bombard repeatedly, widely, or excessively <carpet bomb the country with advertising>

carpetbag
n. : a traveler's bag made of carpet and widely used in the U.S. in the 19th century

carpetbag
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of carpetbaggers <a carpetbag government>

carpetbag steak
: a thick piece of steak in which a pocket is cut and stuffed (as with oysters)

carpetbagger
n. 1 : a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments
2 : OUTSIDER especially : a nonresident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area often by meddling in its business or politics
–car·pet·bag·gery \-ˌba-g(ə-)rē\ noun

carpeting
n. : material for carpets also : CARPETS

carpetweed
: a No. American mat-forming weed (Mollugo verticillata of the family Aizoaceae, the carpetweed family)

carpic
: -CARPOUS <monocarpic>

carping
adj. : marked by or inclined to querulous and often perverse criticism
synonyms see CRITICAL
–carp·ing·ly \-piŋ-lē\ adverb

carpogonium
: the egg-bearing portion of the female reproductive organ in some red algae
–car·po·go·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

carpool
n. : to participate in a car pool
–car·pool·er noun

carport
n. : an open-sided automobile shelter by the side of a building

carpospore
: a diploid spore of a red alga

carpous
: having (such) fruit or (so many) fruits <syncarpous>
–-carpy noun combining form

carpus
n. 1 : WRIST 1
2 : the bones of the wrist

Carquinez Strait
strait 8 mi (13 km) long Calif. joining San Pablo & Suisun bays

carr
n. chiefly British : 1FEN

carrack
n. : a beamy sailing ship especially of the 15th and 16th centuries

carrageen
n. 1 : IRISH MOSS 2
2 : CARRAGEENAN

carrageenan
n. : a colloid extracted from various red algae (as Irish moss) and used especially as a stabilizing or thickening agent

Carrantuohill
mountain 3414 ft (1041 m) SW Ireland in County Kerry; highest in Macgillicuddy's Reeks & in Ireland

Carranza
Venustiano 1859-1920 pres. of Mexico (1915-20)

Carrara
commune N Italy ESE of La Spezia pop 65,302

carrefour
1 : CROSSROADS
2 : SQUARE, PLAZA <the farmers⋯preferred the open carrefour for their transactions ― Thomas Hardy>

Carrel
n. Alexis 1873-1944 Fr. surgeon & biol.

carrel
n. : a table that is often partitioned or enclosed and is used for individual study especially in a library

Carrere
John Merven 1858-1911 American architect

Carrhae
ancient city N Mesopotamia SSE of modern Urfa

carriage
n. 1 : the act of carrying
2 a archaic : DEPORTMENT b : manner of bearing the body : POSTURE
3 archaic : MANAGEMENT
4 chiefly British : the price or expense of carrying
5 obsolete : BURDEN, LOAD
6 a : a wheeled vehicle especially : a horse-drawn vehicle designed for private use and comfort b British : a railway passenger coach
7 : a wheeled support carrying a burden
8 obsolete : IMPORT, SENSE
9 obsolete : a hanger for a sword
10 : a movable part of a machine for supporting some other movable object or part <a typewriter carriage>
synonyms see BEARING

carriage
n. baby carriage
carriage trade
horseless carriage

carriage trade
: trade from well-to-do or upper-class people also : well-to-do people

carriageway
n. British : the part of a road used by vehicular traffic

carrick bend
: a knot used to join the ends of two large ropes ― see KNOT illustration

Carrick on Shannon
town N cen Ireland capital of County Leitrim pop 1621

Carrickfergus
district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 34 sq mi (88 sq km), pop 32,439

carrier
n. 1 : one that carries : BEARER, MESSENGER
2 a : an individual or organization engaged in transporting passengers or goods for hire b : a transportation line carrying mail between post offices c : a postal employee who delivers or collects mail d : one that delivers newspapers e : an entity (as a hole or an electron) capable of carrying an electric charge
3 a : a container for carrying b : a device or machine that carries : CONVEYOR
4 : AIRCRAFT CARRIER
5 a : a bearer and transmitter of a causative agent of an infectious disease especially : one who carries the causative agent of a disease systemically but is asymptomatic or immune to it b : an individual (as one heterozygous for a recessive trait) having a specified gene that is not expressed or only weakly expressed in its phenotype
6 a : a usually inactive accessory substance : VEHICLE <a carrier for a drug or an insecticide> b : a substance (as a catalyst) by whose agency some element or group is transferred from one compound to another
7 a : an electromagnetic wave or alternating current whose modulations are used as communications signals (as in radio, telephonic, or telegraphic transmissions) b : a telecommunication company
8 : an organization acting as an insurer

carrier
n. aircraft carrier
carrier pigeon
common carrier
hod carrier
letter carrier
mail carrier
spear carrier

carrier pigeon
1 : a pigeon used to carry messages especially : HOMING PIGEON
2 : any of a breed of large long-bodied show pigeons

carrion
n. : dead and putrefying flesh also : flesh unfit for food

carrion crow
: a uniformly black crow (Corvus corone corone) occurring in much of western Europe

Carroll
n. Charles 1737-1832 Carroll of Carrollton American patriot

Carroll
n. Lewis ― see Charles Lutwidge DODGSON
–Car·roll·ian \ka-'rō-lē-ən\ adjective

Carrollton
city N Tex. pop 109,576

carronade
n. : a short-barreled gun of the late 18th and 19th centuries that fired large shot at short range and was used especially on warships

carrot
n. 1 : a biennial herb (Daucus carota of the family Umbelliferae, the carrot family) with a usually orange spindle-shaped edible root also : its root
2 : a reward or advantage offered especially as an inducement

carrot-and-stick
: characterized by the use of both reward and punishment to induce cooperation <carrot-and-stick foreign policy>

carrottop
: REDHEAD 1
–car·rot·topped \-ˌtäpt\ adjective

carroty
adj. : resembling carrots in color <carroty hair>

carrousel
n. variant of carousel

carry
n. transitive verb
1 : to move while supporting : TRANSPORT <her legs refused to carry her further ― Ellen Glasgow>
2 : to convey by direct communication <carry tales about a friend>
3 chiefly dialect : CONDUCT, ESCORT
4 : to influence by mental or emotional appeal : SWAY
5 : to get possession or control of : CAPTURE <carried off the prize>
6 : to transfer from one place (as a column) to another <carry a number in adding>
7 : to contain and direct the course of <the drain carries sewage>
8 a : to wear or have on one's person b : to bear upon or within one <is carrying an unborn child>
9 a : to have or bear especially as a mark, attribute, or property <carry a scar> b : IMPLY, INVOLVE <the crime carried a heavy penalty>
10 : to hold or comport (as one's person) in a specified manner
11 : to sustain the weight or burden of <pillars carry an arch> <is carrying a full course load>
12 : to bear as a crop
13 : to sing with reasonable correctness of pitch <carry a tune>
14 a : to keep in stock for sale b : to provide sustenance for <land carrying 10 head of cattle> c : to have or maintain on a list or record <carry a person on a payroll> <carried six guards on the team>
15 : to be chiefly or solely responsible for the success, effectiveness, or continuation of <a player capable of carrying a team> <her performance carried the play>
16 : to prolong or maintain in space, time, or degree <carry a principle too far> <carry the wall above the eaves> <carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning>
17 a : to gain victory for especially : to secure the adoption or passage of b : to win a majority or plurality of votes in (as a legislative body or a state)
18 : to present for public use or consumption <newspapers carry weather reports> <channel nine will carry the game>
19 a : to bear the charges of holding or having (as stocks or merchandise) from one time to another b : to keep on one's books as a debtor <a merchant carries a customer>
20 : to hold to and follow after (as a scent)
21 : to hoist and maintain (a sail) in use
22 : to pass over (as a hazard) at a single stroke in golf <carry a bunker>
23 : to propel and control (a puck or ball) along a playing surface
intransitive verb
1 : to act as a bearer
2 a : to reach or penetrate to a distance <voices carry well> <fly balls don't carry well in cold air> b : to convey itself to a reader or audience
3 : to undergo or admit of carriage in a specified way
4 of a hunting dog : to keep and follow the scent
5 : to win adoption <the motion carried by a vote of 71-25>
–carry a torch or carry the torch
1 : CRUSADE
2 : to be in love especially without reciprocation : cherish a longing or devotion <still carrying a torch for a former lover>
–carry the ball : to perform or assume the chief role : bear the major portion of work or responsibility
–carry the day : WIN, PREVAIL

carry
n. 1 : carrying power especially : the range of a gun or projectile or of a struck or thrown ball
2 a : PORTAGE b : the act or method of carrying <fireman's carry> c : the act of rushing with the ball in football <averaged four yards per carry>
3 : the position assumed by a color-bearer with the flag or guidon held in position for marching
4 : a quantity that is transferred in addition from one number place to the adjacent one of higher place value

carry
n. carry the torch
carry the day
carry the ball
carry a torch
carry away
carry cot
carry off
carry on
carry out
carry over
carry through
cash and carry
card carrying
carrying capacity
carrying charge
carrying on

carry a torch
or carry the torch
1 : CRUSADE
2 : to be in love especially without reciprocation : cherish a longing or devotion <still carrying a torch for a former lover>

carry away
1 : to arouse to a high and often excessive degree of emotion or enthusiasm
2 : CARRY OFF 1

carry off
1 : to cause the death of <the plague carried off thousands>
2 : to perform or manage successfully : BRING OFF <tried to look suave but couldn't carry it off>

carry on
: to continue doing, pursuing, or operating <carry on research> <carried on the business>
intransitive verb
1 : to continue especially in spite of hindrance or discouragement <chose to carry on despite the weather>
2 : to behave or speak in a foolish, excited, or improper manner <shocked at how he carries on>

carry out
1 : to bring to a successful issue : COMPLETE, ACCOMPLISH <carried out the assignment>
2 : to put into execution <carry out a plan>
3 : to continue to an end or stopping point

carry over
1 a : to transfer (an amount) to the next column, page, or book relating to the same account b : to hold over (as goods) for another time or season
2 : to deduct (a loss or an unused credit) from taxable income of a later period
intransitive verb : to persist from one stage or sphere of activity to another

carry the ball
to perform or assume the chief role : bear the major portion of work or responsibility

carry the day
WIN, PREVAIL

carry through
: CARRY OUT
intransitive verb : PERSIST, SURVIVE <feelings that carry through to the present>

carry-cot
British : a portable bed for an infant

carry-on
1 British : CARRYING-ON
2 : a piece of luggage suitable for being carried aboard an airplane by a passenger

carry-on
: carried or suitable for being carried aboard <carry-on baggage>

carryall
n. 1 [by folk etymology from French carriole, from Old Occitan carriola, ultimately from Latin carrus car] a : a light covered carriage for four or more persons b : a passenger automobile used as a small bus
2 [1carry + 3all] : a capacious bag or carrying case

carryback
n. : a loss sustained or a portion of a credit not used in a given period that may be deducted from taxable income of a prior period

carryforward
: CARRYOVER

carrying capacity
: the maximum population (as of deer) that an area will support without undergoing deterioration

carrying charge
1 : expense incident to ownership or use of property
2 : a charge added to the price of merchandise sold on the installment plan

carrying-on
: foolish, excited, or improper behavior also : an instance of such behavior

carryout
adj. : TAKEOUT 3
–carryout adjective

carryover
n. 1 : the act or process of carrying over
2 : something retained or carried over

Carshalton
former urban district S England in Surrey, now part of Sutton

carsick
adj. : affected with motion sickness especially in an automobile
–car sickness noun

Carso
― see KARST

Carson
n. Christopher 1809-1868 Kit \'kit\ Carson American scout

Carson
n. Rachel Louise 1907-1964 American biol. & writer

Carson
n. 1 river W Nev. flowing NE into Carson Lake
2 city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 89,730

Carson City
city capital of Nev. E of Lake Tahoe pop 52,457

Carson Sink
intermittent lake W Nev. S of Humboldt Lake

Carstensz, Mount
― see PUNCAK JAYA

cart
n. 1 : a heavy usually horse-drawn 2-wheeled vehicle used for farming or transporting freight
2 : a lightweight 2-wheeled vehicle drawn by a horse, pony, or dog
3 : a small wheeled vehicle

cart
n. 1 : to carry or convey in or as if in a cart <buses to cart the kids to and from school ― L. S. Gannett>
2 : to take or drag away without ceremony or by force ― usually used with off <they carted him off to jail>
–cart·er noun

cart
n. crash cart
go cart
golf cart
tea cart
upset the apple cart

cartage
n. : the action of or rate charged for carting

Cartagena
1 city & port NW Colombia pop 688,300
2 city & port SE Spain on the Mediterranean pop 184,686

Cartago
city cen Costa Rica pop 21,753

carte
n. a la carte
à la carte
carte blanche
carte du jour
carte d'identite
carte d'identité
Carte D'Oyly
D'Oyly Carte

carte blanche
: full discretionary power <was given carte blanche to furnish the house>

carte d'identite
: identity card

carte du jour
: MENU

Carte, D'Oyly
Richard 1844-1901 Eng. opera impresario

cartel
n. 1 : a written agreement between belligerent nations
2 : a combination of independent commercial or industrial enterprises designed to limit competition or fix prices
3 : a combination of political groups for common action

cartelise
v. British variant of cartelize

cartelize
v. : to bring under the control of a cartel
–car·tel·i·za·tion \ˌkär-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Carter
n. Elliott Cook 1908-     American composer

Carter
n. Howard 1874-1939 Eng. archaeol.

Carter
n. Jimmy 1924-     James Earl Carter, Jr. American polit.; 39th pres. of the U.S. (1977-81)

Carteret
John 1690-1763 Earl Gran·ville \'gran-ˌvil\ Eng. statesman

Cartesian
adj. : of or relating to René Descartes or his philosophy
–Cartesian noun
–Car·te·sian·ism \-zhə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Cartesian
adj. Cartesian coordinate
Cartesian plane
Cartesian product

Cartesian coordinate
1 : either of two coordinates that locate a point on a plane and measure its distance from either of two intersecting straight-line axes along a line parallel to the other axis
2 : any of three coordinates that locate a point in space and measure its distance from any of three intersecting coordinate planes measured parallel to that one of three straight-line axes that is the intersection of the other two planes

Cartesian plane
: a plane whose points are labeled with Cartesian coordinates

Cartesian product
: a set that is constructed from two given sets and comprises all pairs of elements such that the first element of the pair is from the first set and the second is from the second set

Carthage
n. ancient city & state N Africa on coast NE of modern Tunis
–Car·tha·gin·ian \ˌkär-thə-'ji-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Carthusian
adj. : a member of an ascetic contemplative religious order founded by St. Bruno in 1084
–Carthusian adjective

Cartier
George Étienne 1814-1873 Canad. polit.

Cartier
Jacques 1491-1557 Fr. navigator & explorer

cartilage
n. 1 : a usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates
2 : a part or structure composed of cartilage

cartilaginous
adj. : composed of, relating to, or resembling cartilage

cartilaginous fish
: any of a class (Chondrichthyes) of fishes (as a shark, ray, or chimaera) having the skeleton wholly or largely composed of cartilage ― compare BONY FISH, JAWLESS FISH

cartload
n. : as much as a cart will hold

cartographer
n. : one that makes maps

cartography
n. : the science or art of making maps
–car·to·graph·ic \ˌkär-tə-'gra-fik\ also car·to·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–car·to·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

carton
n. : a box or container usually made of cardboard and often of corrugated cardboard

carton
n. : to pack or enclose in a carton
intransitive verb : to shape cartons from cardboard sheets

cartoon
1 : a preparatory design, drawing, or painting (as for a fresco)
2 a : a drawing intended as satire, caricature, or humor <a political cartoon> b : COMIC STRIP
3 : ANIMATED CARTOON
4 : a ludicrously simplistic, unrealistic, or one-dimensional portrayal or version <the film's villain is an entertaining cartoon>
–cartoon verb
–car·toon·ing noun
–car·toon·ish \-'tü-nish\ adjective
–car·toon·ish·ly adverb
–car·toon·ist \-'tü-nist\ noun
–car·toon·like \-'tün-ˌlīk\ adjective
–car·toony \-'tü-nē\ adjective

cartop
n. : suitable in size and weight for carrying on top of an automobile <a cartop fishing boat>
–car·top·per \-ˌtä-pər\ noun

cartouche
n. 1 : a gun cartridge with a paper case
2 : an ornate or ornamental frame
3 : an oval or oblong figure (as on ancient Egyptian monuments) enclosing a sovereign's name

cartridge
n. : a case or container that holds a substance, device, or material which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that usually can be easily changed: as a : a tube (as of metal) containing a complete charge for a firearm and usually an initiating device (as a primer) b : a case containing an explosive charge for blasting c : an often cylindrical container for insertion into a larger mechanism or apparatus d : CASSETTE 2 e : a small case that contains a phonograph needle and transducer and is attached to a tonearm f : a removable case containing a magnetic tape or one or more disks and used as a computer storage medium g : a case for holding printed circuit chips containing a computer program <a video-game cartridge>

cartridge belt
1 : a belt having a series of loops for holding cartridges
2 : a belt worn around the waist and designed for carrying various attachable equipment

cartulary
n. : a collection of charters especially : a book holding copies of the charters and title deeds of an estate

cartwheel
n. 1 : a large coin (as a silver dollar)
2 : a lateral handspring with arms and legs extended

cartwheel
n. : to move like a turning wheel specifically : to perform cartwheels
–cart·wheel·er noun

Cartwright
n. Edmund 1743-1823 Eng. inventor

caruncle
n. 1 : a naked fleshy outgrowth (as a bird's wattle)
2 : an outgrowth on a seed adjacent to the micropyle

Caruso
En·ri·co \en-'rē-(ˌ)kō\ 1873-1921 orig. Errico Ital. tenor

carvacrol
n. : a liquid phenol C_10H_14O found in essential oils of various mints (as thyme) and used especially as a fungicide and disinfectant

carve
v. transitive verb
1 : to cut with care or precision <carved fretwork>
2 : to make or get by or as if by cutting ― often used with out <carve out a career>
3 : to cut into pieces or slices <carved the turkey>
intransitive verb
1 : to cut up and serve meat
2 : to work as a sculptor or engraver
–carv·er noun

carve
v. wood carving
wood carver
George Washington Carver National Monument

carvel-built
: built with the planks meeting flush at the seams <a carvel-built ship>

carven
: wrought or ornamented by carving

Carver
n. George Washington ca 1861-1943 American botanist

Carver
n. John 1576-1621 Eng. Mayflower Pilgrim; 1st gov. of Plymouth colony

carving
n. 1 : the act or art of one who carves
2 : a carved object, design, or figure

Cary
n. (Arthur) Joyce (Lunel) 1888-1957 Brit. nov.

Cary
n. Henry Francis 1772-1844 Eng. clergyman & translator

Cary
n. city E cen N.C. pop 94,536

cary
n. ― see KARY-

caryatid
n. : a draped female figure supporting an entablature

caryopsis
n. : a small one-seeded dry indehiscent fruit (as of Indian corn or wheat) in which the fruit and seed fuse in a single grain

CAS
certificate of advanced study

casa
n. chiefly Southwest : DWELLING

casa
n. Casa Grande
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Las Casas

Casa Grande
city S cen Ariz. pop 25,224

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
n. reservation S Ariz. SE of Phoenix; site of prehistoric ruins

casaba
n. : any of several winter melons with usually yellow rind and sweet white, yellow, or orange flesh

Casablanca
n. city & port W Morocco on the Atlantic pop 3,102,000

Casals
Pablo 1876-1973 Catalan Pau Casals Span.-born cellist, conductor, & composer

Casanova
n. : LOVER especially : a man who is a promiscuous and unscrupulous lover

Casanova
n. Giovanni Giacomo 1725-1798 orig. Giacomo Girolamo Casanova; alias Jean-Jacques, Chevalier de Seingalt Ital. adventurer & memoirist

Casaubon
Isaac 1559-1614 Fr. theol. & scholar

casbah
n. 1 : a No. African castle or fortress
2 : the native section of a No. African city

cascabel
n. 1 : a projection behind the breech of a muzzle-loading cannon
2 : a small hollow perforated spherical bell enclosing a loose pellet

cascade
n. 1 : a steep usually small fall of water especially : one of a series
2 a : something arranged or occurring in a series or in a succession of stages so that each stage derives from or acts upon the product of the preceding <blood clotting involves a biochemical cascade> b : a fall of material (as lace) that hangs in a zigzag line
3 : something falling or rushing forth in quantity <a cascade of sound> <a cascade of events>

cascade
n. intransitive verb : to fall, pour, or rush in or as if in a cascade
transitive verb
1 : to cause to fall like a cascade
2 : to connect in a cascade arrangement

Cascade Range
mountain range W U.S., N continuation of the Sierra Nevada extending N from Lassen Peak across Oreg. & Wash. ― see COAST MOUNTAINS, COAST RANGES, RAINIER (Mount)

cascara
n. 1 : CASCARA BUCKTHORN
2 : CASCARA SAGRADA

cascara buckthorn
: a buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) of the Pacific coast of the U.S. yielding cascara sagrada

cascara sagrada
: the dried bark of cascara buckthorn used as a laxative

cascarilla
n. : the aromatic bark of a West Indian shrub (Croton eluteria) of the spurge family used especially for making incense and as a tonic also : this shrub

Casco Bay
inlet of the Atlantic S Maine

case
n. 1 a : a set of circumstances or conditions <is the statement true in all three cases> b (1) : a situation requiring investigation or action (as by the police) (2) : the object of investigation or consideration
2 : CONDITION specifically : condition of body or mind
3 [Middle English cas, from Anglo-French, from Latin casus, translation of Greek ptōsis, literally, fall] a : an inflectional form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective indicating its grammatical relation to other words b : such a relation whether indicated by inflection or not
4 : what actually exists or happens : FACT <thought he had failed, but that wasn't the case>
5 a : a suit or action in law or equity b (1) : the evidence supporting a conclusion or judgment (2) : ARGUMENT especially : a convincing argument <makes a good case for adopting the proposal>
6 a : an instance of disease or injury <a case of pneumonia> also : PATIENT b : an instance that directs attention to a situation or exhibits it in action : EXAMPLE c : a peculiar person : CHARACTER
7 : oneself considered as an object of harassment or criticism <get off my case>
synonyms see INSTANCE
–in any case : without regard to or in spite of other considerations : whatever else is done or is the case <war is inevitable in any case> <in any case the report will be made public next month>
–in case : as a precaution <took an umbrella, just in case>
–in case of : in the event of <in case of trouble, yell>

case
n. 1 a : a box or receptacle for holding something b : a box together with its contents c : SET specifically : PAIR
2 a : an outer covering or housing <a pastry case> b : a tube into which the components of a round of ammunition are loaded
3 : a divided tray for holding printing type
4 : the frame of a door or window : CASING

case
n. 1 : to enclose in or cover with or as if with a case : ENCASE
2 : to line (as a well) with supporting material (as metal pipe)
3 : to inspect or study especially with intent to rob

case
n. attache case
attaché case
basket case
best case
in case of
in case
in any case
case glass
case goods
case harden
case hardened
case history
case in point
case knife
case law
case study
case system
case method
cosmetic case
dispatch case
egg case
federal case
hard case
head case
jewel case
oblique case
overnight case
spore case
test case
train case
traveling case
upper case
weekend case
wing case
worst case
Francis Case Lake
cased glass

case goods
1 : furniture (as bureaus or bookcases) that provides interior storage space also : dining-room and bedroom furniture sold as sets
2 : products often sold by the case

case history
: a record of history, environment, and relevant details of a case especially for use in analysis or illustration

case in point

1722
: an illustrative, relevant, or pertinent case

case knife
1 : SHEATH KNIFE
2 : a table knife

case law
: law established by judicial decision in cases

case study
1 : an intensive analysis of an individual unit (as a person or community) stressing developmental factors in relation to environment
2 : CASE HISTORY

case system
: a system of teaching law in which instruction is chiefly on the basis of leading or selected cases as primary authorities instead of from textbooks ― called also case method

case-harden
1 : to harden (a ferrous alloy) so that the surface layer is harder than the interior
2 : to make callous or insensible
–case-hard·ened adjective

caseation
n. : necrosis with conversion of damaged tissue into a soft cheesy substance
–ca·se·ate \'kā-sē-ˌāt\ intransitive verb

casebearer
: an insect larva that forms a protective case (as of silk)

casebook
n. 1 : a book containing records of illustrative cases that is used for reference and instruction (as in law or medicine)
2 : a compilation of primary and secondary documents relating to a central topic together with scholarly comment, exercises, and study aids that is designed to serve as a sourcebook for short papers (as in a writing course) or as a point of departure for a research paper

cased glass
: glass consisting of two or more fused layers of different colors often decorated by cutting so that the inner layers show through ― called also case glass

casein
n. : a phosphoprotein of milk: as a : one that is precipitated from milk by heating with an acid or by the action of lactic acid in souring and is used in making paints and adhesives b : one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

caseinate
v. : a compound of casein with a metal (as calcium or sodium)

caseload
n. : the number of cases handled (as by a court or clinic) usually in a particular period

casemate
n. : a fortified position or chamber or an armored enclosure on a warship from which guns are fired through embrasures

Casement
n. Sir Roger David 1864-1916 Irish rebel

casement
n. : a window sash that opens on hinges at the side also : a window with such a sash

caseous
adj. : marked by caseation also : CHEESY 1

casern
n. : a military barracks in a garrison town

Caserta
commune S Italy pop 74,801

casework
n. : social work involving direct consideration of the problems, needs, and adjustments of the individual case (as a person or family)
–case·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

cash
n. 1 : ready money
2 : money or its equivalent (as a check) paid for goods or services at the time of purchase or delivery

cash
n. : being a method of accounting that includes as income only what has been received and as expenses only those paid ― compare ACCRUAL

cash
n. 1 : to pay or obtain cash for <cash a check>
2 : to lead and win a bridge trick with (a card that is the highest remaining card of its suit)
–cash·able \'ka-shə-bəl\ adjective

cash
n. 1 : any of various coins of small value in China and southern India especially : a Chinese coin with a square hole in the center
2 : a unit of value equivalent to one cash

cash
n. actual cash value
cash and carry
cash bar
cash cow
cash crop
cash discount
cash flow
cash in
cash out
cash register
cash strapped
cold cash
petty cash

cash bar
: a bar (as at a reception) at which drinks are sold ― compare OPEN BAR

cash cow
1 : a consistently profitable business, property, or product whose profits are used to finance a company's investments in other areas
2 : one regarded or exploited as a reliable source of money <a singer deemed a cash cow for the record label>

cash crop
: a readily salable crop (as cotton or tobacco) produced or gathered primarily for market

cash discount
: a discount granted in consideration of immediate payment or payment within a prescribed time

cash flow
1 : a measure of an organization's liquidity that usually consists of net income after taxes plus noncash charges against income
2 : a flow of cash especially : one that provides solvency

cash in
: to obtain cash for <cashed in the bonds>
intransitive verb
1 a : to retire from a gambling game b : to settle accounts and withdraw from an involvement (as a business deal)
2 : to obtain advantage or financial profit ― often used with on <cash in on a best seller>

cash out
: to convert (noncash assets) to cash <cash out stocks>
intransitive verb : to convert noncash assets to cash
–cash-out noun

cash register
: a business machine that usually has a money drawer, indicates the amount of each sale, and records the amount of money received

cash-and-carry
: sold or provided for cash and usually without delivery service

cash-and-carry
: the policy of selling on a cash-and-carry basis

cash-strapped
: lacking sufficient money

cashbook
n. : a book in which record is kept of all cash receipts and disbursements

Cashel
town S Ireland in cen Tipperary at base of Rock of Cashel (hill with ruins of cathedral & castle) pop 2473

cashew
n. : a tropical American tree (Anacardium occidentale of the family Anacardiaceae, the cashew family) grown for a phenolic oil and the edible kernel of its nut and for a gum from its stem also : CASHEW NUT

cashew nut
: the kidney-shaped kernel of the fruit of the cashew that is edible when roasted

cashier
n. 1 : to dismiss from service especially : to dismiss dishonorably
2 : REJECT, DISCARD

cashier
n. : one that has charge of money: as a : a high officer in a bank or trust company responsible for moneys received and expended b : one who collects and records payments c : an employee (as in a store) who handles monetary transactions

cashier's check
: a check drawn by a bank on its own funds and signed by the cashier

cashless
adj. : not having or involving cash specifically : relying largely or entirely on monetary transactions that use electronic means rather than cash

Cashmere
n. ― see KASHMIR

cashmere
n. 1 : fine wool from the undercoat of the cashmere goat also : a yarn of this wool
2 : a soft twilled fabric made orig. from cashmere

cashmere goat
: an Indian goat raised especially for its undercoat of fine soft wool that constitutes the cashmere wool of commerce

Casimir-Perier
Jean-Paul-Pierre 1847-1907 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1894-95)

casing
n. 1 : something that encases : material for encasing: as a : an enclosing frame especially around a door or window opening b : a metal pipe used to case a well c : 4TIRE 2 d : a membranous case for processed meat
2 : a space formed between two parallel lines of stitching through at least two layers of cloth into which something (as a rod or string) may be inserted

casino
n. 1 : a building or room used for social amusements specifically : one used for gambling
2 also cas·si·no : a card game in which cards are won by matching or combining cards in a hand with those exposed on the table
3 : SUMMERHOUSE 2

Casiquiare
river S Venezuela connecting the upper course of Negro River with Orinoco River

casita
: a small house

cask
n. 1 : a barrel-shaped vessel of staves, headings, and hoops usually for liquids
2 : a cask and its contents also : the quantity contained in a cask

casket
n. 1 : a small chest or box (as for jewels)
2 : a usually fancy coffin
–casket transitive verb

Caslon
William 1692-1766 Eng. typefounder

Casper
n. city cen Wyo. on N. Platte River pop 49,644

Caspian Gates
pass on W shore of Caspian Sea near Derbent

Caspian Sea
sea (salt lake) bet. Europe & Asia; ab 90 ft (27 m) below sea level area 143,550 sq mi (371,795 sq km)

casque
n. 1 : a piece of armor for the head : HELMET
2 : an anatomical structure (as the horny outgrowth on the head of a cassowary) suggestive of a helmet

Cass
n. Lewis 1782-1866 American statesman

Cassandra
n. 1 : a daughter of Priam endowed with the gift of prophecy but fated never to be believed
2 : one that predicts misfortune or disaster

Cassatt
Mary Stevenson 1845-1926 American painter in France

cassava
n. : any of several American plants (genus Manihot, especially M. esculenta) of the spurge family grown in the tropics for their edible tuberous roots which yield a nutritious starch also : the root ― compare TAPIOCA 1

Casselberry
city cen Fla. N of Orlando pop 22,629

casserole
n. 1 : a dish in which food may be baked and served
2 : food cooked and served in a casserole
3 : a deep round usually porcelain dish with a handle used for heating substances in the laboratory

cassette
n. 1 : CASKET 1
2 : a usually flat case or cartridge that can be easily loaded or unloaded: as a : a lightproof magazine for holding film or plates for use in a camera b : a plastic cartridge containing magnetic tape with the tape passing from one reel to another
3 : a cassette tape player

cassia
n. 1 : a dried coarse cinnamon bark (as from Cinnamomum cassia)
2 : any of a genus (Cassia) of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees of warm regions

cassimere
: a closely woven smooth twilled usually wool fabric (as for suits)

Cassin
n. René-Samuel 1887-1976 Fr. statesman

Cassino
n. commune cen Italy bet. Rome & Naples; site of Monte Cassino monastery pop 35,084

Cassiodorus
Flavius Magnus Aurelius ca 490-ca 585 Rom. statesman & author

Cassiopeia
n. 1 : the wife of King Cepheus who gives birth to Andromeda and is later changed into a constellation
2 [Latin (gen. Cassiopeiae), from Greek Kassiopeia] : a northern constellation between Andromeda and Cepheus

cassis
n. : a syrupy liquor of low alcoholic strength made from black currants and used chiefly as a flavoring and sweetening agent

cassiterite
n. : a brown or black mineral that consists of tin dioxide and is the chief source of metallic tin ― called also tinstone

Cassius Longinus
Gaius d 42 B.C. Rom. gen. & conspirator

cassock
n. : a close-fitting ankle-length garment worn especially in Roman Catholic and Anglican churches by the clergy and by laypersons assisting in services

cassoulet
n. : a casserole of white beans baked with herbs and meat (as pork, lamb, and goose or duck)

cassowary
n. : any of a genus (Casuarius) of large ratite birds chiefly of New Guinea and northern Australia that have a horny casque on the head and are closely related to the emu

cast
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to move or send forth by throwing <cast a fishing lure> <cast dice> b : DIRECT <cast a glance> c (1) : to put forth <the fire casts a warm glow> <cast light on the subject> (2) : to place as if by throwing <cast doubt on their reliability> d : to deposit (a ballot) formally e (1) : to throw off or away <the horse cast a shoe> (2) : to get rid of : DISCARD <cast off all restraint> (3) : SHED, MOLT (4) : to bring forth especially : to give birth to prematurely f : to throw to the ground especially in wrestling g : to build by throwing up earth
2 a (1) : to perform arithmetical operations on : ADD (2) : to calculate by means of astrology b archaic : DECIDE, INTEND
3 a : to dispose or arrange into parts or into a suitable form or order b (1) : to assign the parts of (a dramatic production) to actors <cast a movie> (2) : to assign (as an actor) to a role or part <was cast in the leading role>
4 a : to give a shape to (a substance) by pouring in liquid or plastic form into a mold and letting harden without pressure <cast steel> b : to form by this process
5 : TURN <cast the scale slightly>
6 : to make (a knot or stitch) by looping or catching up
7 : TWIST, WARP <a beam cast by age>
intransitive verb
1 : to throw something specifically : to throw out a lure with a fishing rod
2 dialect British : VOMIT
3 dialect English : to bear fruit : YIELD
4 a : to perform addition b obsolete : ESTIMATE, CONJECTURE
5 : WARP
6 : to range over land in search of a trail ― used of hunting dogs or trackers
7 : VEER
synonyms see DISCARD, THROW
–cast·abil·i·ty \ˌkas-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–cast·able \'kas-tə-bəl\ adjective
–cast lots : to draw lots to determine a matter by chance

cast
n. 1 a : an act of casting b : something that happens as a result of chance c : a throw of dice d : a throw of a line (as a fishing line) or net
2 a : the form in which a thing is constructed b (1) : the set of actors in a dramatic production (2) : a set of characters or persons <in both great houses there is the usual cast of servants ― Elizabeth Bowen> c : the arrangement of draperies in a painting
3 : the distance to which a thing can be thrown specifically : the distance a bow can shoot
4 a : a turning of the eye in a particular direction also : EXPRESSION <this freakish, elfish cast came into the child's eye ― Nathaniel Hawthorne> b : a slight strabismus
5 : something that is thrown or the quantity thrown especially British : the leader of a fishing line
6 a : something that is formed by casting in a mold or form: as (1) : a reproduction (as of a statue) in metal or plaster : CASTING (2) : a fossil reproduction of the details of a natural object by mineral infiltration b : an impression taken from an object with a liquid or plastic substance : MOLD c : a rigid casing (as of fiberglass or of gauze impregnated with plaster of paris) used for immobilizing a usually diseased or broken part
7 : FORECAST, CONJECTURE
8 a : an overspread of a color or modification of the appearance of a substance by a trace of some added hue : SHADE <gray with a greenish cast> b : TINGE, SUGGESTION
9 a : a ride on one's way in a vehicle : LIFT b Scottish : HELP, ASSISTANCE
10 a : SHAPE, APPEARANCE <the delicate cast of her features> b : characteristic quality <his father's conservative cast of mind>
11 : something that is shed, ejected, or thrown out or off: as a : the excrement of an earthworm b : a mass of soft matter formed in cavities of diseased organs and discharged from the body c : the skin of an insect
12 : the ranging in search of a trail by a dog, hunting pack, or tracker

cast
n. cast lots
cast about
cast around
cast down
cast iron
cast off
cast on
cast out
endocranial cast
plaster cast
sand cast
casting couch
casting director
casting vote
central casting
fly casting
sand casting
surf casting

cast about
: to look around : SEEK <cast about for a seat>
transitive verb : to lay plans concerning : CONTRIVE <cast about how he was to go>

cast around
: CAST ABOUT

cast down
: DOWNCAST

cast iron
: a commercial alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon that is cast in a mold and is hard, brittle, nonmalleable, and incapable of being hammer-welded but more easily fusible than steel

cast lots
to draw lots to determine a matter by chance

cast off
1 : LOOSE <cast off a hunting dog>
2 : UNFASTEN <cast off a boat>
3 : to remove (a stitch) from a knitting needle in such a way as to prevent unraveling
intransitive verb
1 : to unfasten or untie a boat or a line
2 : to turn one's partner in a square dance and pass around the outside of the set and back
3 : to finish a knitted fabric by casting off all stitches

cast on
: to place (stitches) on a knitting needle for beginning or enlarging knitted work

cast out
: to drive out : EXPEL

cast-iron
1 : made of cast iron
2 : resembling cast iron: as a : capable of withstanding great strain <a cast-iron stomach> b : not admitting change, adaptation, or exception : RIGID <a cast-iron will>

cast-off
: thrown away or aside
–cast·off noun

castanet
n. : a percussion instrument used especially by dancers that consists of two small shells of hard wood, ivory, or plastic usually fastened to the thumb and clicked together by the other fingers ― usually used in plural

castaway
n. 1 : thrown away : REJECTED
2 a : cast adrift or ashore as a survivor of a shipwreck b : thrown out or left without friends or resources
–castaway noun

caste
n. 1 : one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism that restrict the occupation of their members and their association with the members of other castes
2 a : a division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank or privilege, profession, occupation, or race b : the position conferred by caste standing : PRESTIGE
3 : a system of rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion
4 : a specialized form (as the worker of an ant or bee) of a polymorphic social insect that carries out a particular function in the colony
–caste·ism \'kas-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Castel Gandolfo
commune cen Italy on Lake Albano SE of Rome pop 8436

Castelar y Ripoll
Emilio 1832-1899 Span. statesman & writer

castellan
n. : a governor or warden of a castle or fort

castellated
adj. 1 : having battlements like a castle
2 : having or supporting a castle

Castellon
province E Spain area 2579 sq mi (6680 sq km), pop 484,566

Castellon de la Plana
city & port, capital of Castellón province, Spain, on the Mediterranean NE of Valencia pop 147,667

Castellorizo
― see KASTELLÓRIZON

Castelvetro
Lodovico ca 1505-1571 Ital. critic & philologist

caster
n. 1 : one that casts especially : a machine that casts type
2 or cas·tor \-tər\ a : a usually silver table vessel with a perforated top for sprinkling a seasoning (as sugar or spice) b : a usually revolving metal stand bearing condiment containers (as cruets, mustard pot, and often shakers) for table use : a cruet stand
3 : any of a set of wheels or rotating balls mounted in a swivel frame and used for the support and movement of furniture, trucks, and portable equipment
4 : the slight usually backward tilt from vertical of the axis of the steering mechanism of an automobile for giving directional stability to the front wheels

caster
n. caster sugar
surf caster
castor bean
castor oil
castor oil plant
castor sugar

castigate
v. : to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism
synonyms see PUNISH
–cas·ti·ga·tion \ˌkas-tə-'gā-shən\ noun
–cas·ti·ga·tor \'kas-tə-ˌgā-tər\ noun

Castiglione
Baldassare 1478-1529 Ital. writer

Castile
n. region & ancient kingdom cen & N Spain divided by the Sierra de Guadarrama into regions & old provinces of Old Castile or Spanish Castilla la Vie·ja \lä-'vyā-hä\ (to the N, capital Burgos) & New Castile or Spanish Castilla la Nue·va \lä-'nwā-vä\ (to the S, capital Toledo)

Castile
n. castile soap
Eleanor of Castile
New Castile
Old Castile
Castilla la Nueva
Castilla la Vieja

castile soap
: a fine hard bland soap made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide also : any of various similar soaps

Castilho
Antônio Feliciano de 1800-1875 Port. poet

Castilian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Castile broadly : SPANIARD
2 a : the dialect of Castile b : the official and literary language of Spain based on this dialect
–Castilian adjective

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
historic site NE Fla. containing a Spanish fort

casting
n. 1 : something (as the excrement of an earthworm) that is cast out or off
2 : the act of one that casts: as a : the throwing of a fishing line by means of a rod and reel b : the assignment of parts and duties to actors or performers
3 : something cast in a mold

casting
n. casting couch
casting director
casting vote
central casting
fly casting
sand casting
surf casting

casting couch
: a couch in an entertainment executive's office on which aspiring actresses are reputed to perform sexual acts in exchange for desired roles broadly : the practice of abusing one's power to obtain sexual partners

casting director
: a person who supervises the casting of dramatic productions (as films and plays)

casting vote
: a deciding vote cast by a presiding officer to break a tie

castle
n. 1 a : a large fortified building or set of buildings b : a massive or imposing house
2 : a retreat safe against intrusion or invasion
3 : 3ROOK

castle
n. transitive verb
1 : to establish in a castle
2 : to move (the chess king) in castling
intransitive verb : to move a chess king two squares toward a rook and in the same move the rook to the square next past the king

castle
n. castle in the air
castle in Spain
Castle Clinton National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument
New Castle

Castle Clinton National Monument
n. historic site Manhattan Is., SE N.Y. containing a fort

castle in the air

1566
: an impracticable project : DAYDREAM ― called also castle in Spain

Castlebar
town NW Ireland capital of Mayo pop 6071

castled
adj. : CASTELLATED

Castlereagh
Viscount ― see Robert STEWART

Castlereagh
district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 33 sq mi (85 sq km), pop 60,649

Castor
n. 1 : one of the Dioscuri
2 : the more northern of the two bright stars in Gemini

castor
n. 1 : BEAVER 1A
2 : CASTOREUM
3 : a beaver hat

castor
n. castor bean
castor oil
castor oil plant
castor sugar

castor bean
: the very poisonous seed of the castor-oil plant also : CASTOR-OIL PLANT

castor oil
: a pale viscous fatty oil from castor beans used especially as a cathartic and as a lubricant and plasticizer

castor sugar
chiefly British : finely granulated white sugar

castor-oil plant
: a tropical Old World herb (Ricinus communis) widely grown as an ornamental or for its oil-rich castor beans

castoreum
: a bitter strong-smelling creamy orange-brown substance that consists of the dried perineal glands of the beaver and their secretion and is used especially by perfumers ― called also castor

castoreum
castor bean
castor oil
castor oil plant
castor sugar

castrate
v. 1 : to render impotent or deprive of vitality especially by psychological means
2 a : to deprive of the testes : GELD b : to deprive of the ovaries : SPAY
–castrate noun
–cas·tra·tion \kas-'trā-shən\ noun
–cas·tra·tor \-ˌtrā-tər\ noun
–cas·tra·to·ry \'kas-trə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

castrato
n. : a singer castrated before puberty to preserve the soprano or contralto range of his voice

Castres
city S France E of Toulouse pop 43,451

Castries
n. city & port capital of St. Lucia pop 1814

Castro
n. Cipriano 1858-1924 Venezuelan gen.; pres. of Venezuela (1902-08)

Castro
n. Inés \ē-'nās\ de 1320?-1355 Span. noblewoman

Castro
n. Castro Ruz
Ines de Castro
Inés de Castro

Castro (Ruz)
Fi·del \fē-'del\ 1926-     Cuban leader (1959-    )

Castroism
: the political, economic, and social principles and policies of Fidel Castro
–Cas·tro·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

Castrop-Rauxel
city W Germany SSW of Münster pop 79,065

casual
n. 1 : subject to, resulting from, or occurring by chance <a casual meeting>
2 a : occurring without regularity : OCCASIONAL <casual employment> b : employed for irregular periods <a casual worker> c : met with on occasion and known only superficially <a casual friend>
3 a (1) : feeling or showing little concern : NONCHALANT <a casual approach to cooking> (2) : lacking a high degree of interest or devotion <casual sports fans> <casual readers> (3) : done without serious intent or commitment <casual sex> b (1) : INFORMAL, NATURAL <a casual conversation> (2) : designed for informal use <casual clothing>
synonyms see ACCIDENTAL, RANDOM
–ca·su·al·ly adverb
–ca·su·al·ness noun

casual
n. 1 : a casual or migratory worker
2 : an officer or enlisted person awaiting assignment or transportation to a unit

casual water
: a temporary accumulation of water not forming a regular hazard of a golf course

casualty
n. 1 archaic : CHANCE, FORTUNE <losses that befall them by mere casualty ― Sir Walter Raleigh>
2 : serious or fatal accident : DISASTER
3 a : a military person lost through death, wounds, injury, sickness, internment, or capture or through being missing in action b : a person or thing injured, lost, or destroyed : VICTIM <the ex-senator was a casualty of the last election>

casuarina
n. : any of a genus (Casuarina of the family Casuarinaceae) of dicotyledonous chiefly Australian trees which have whorls of scalelike leaves and jointed stems resembling horsetails and some of which yield a heavy hard wood

casuist
n. : one skilled in or given to casuistry
–ca·su·is·tic \ˌka-zhə-'wis-tik\ or ca·su·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

casuistry
n. 1 : a resolving of specific cases of conscience, duty, or conduct through interpretation of ethical principles or religious doctrine
2 : specious argument : RATIONALIZATION

casus belli
: an event or action that justifies or allegedly justifies a war or conflict

CAT
n. 1 clean-air turbulence
2 computerized axial tomography

Cat
n. ― used for a Caterpillar tractor

cat
n. 1 a : a carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice b : any of a family (Felidae) of carnivorous usually solitary and nocturnal mammals (as the domestic cat, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cougar, wildcat, lynx, and cheetah)
2 : a malicious woman
3 : a strong tackle used to hoist an anchor to the cathead of a ship
4 a : CATBOAT b : CATAMARAN
5 : CAT-O'-NINE-TAILS
6 : CATFISH
7 a : a player or devotee of jazz b : GUY

cat
n. intransitive verb : to search for a sexual mate ― often used with around
transitive verb : to bring (an anchor) up to the cathead

cat
n. 1 catalog
2 catalyst

cat
n. ringtailed cat
ringtail cat
civet cat
alley cat
Angora cat
bell the cat
cat a mountain
cat and mouse
cat burglar
cat distemper
cat o' nine tails
cat rig
cat rigged
CAT scan
CAT scanning
CAT scanner
cat's cradle
cat scratch disease
cat scratch fever
cat's eye
cat's eyes
cat's meow
cat's paw
cat's paws
channel cat
Cheshire cat
coon cat
dead cat bounce
fat cat
house cat
jungle cat
leopard cat
let the cat out of the bag
Maine cat
Manx cat
Persian cat
saber toothed cat
scaredy cat
Siamese cat
spoonbill cat
tiger cat
cats and dogs
rain cats and dogs

cat and mouse
: behavior like that of a cat with a mouse: as a : the act of toying with or tormenting something before destroying it b : a contrived action involving constant pursuit, near captures, and repeated escapes <played a game of cat and mouse with the police> broadly : an evasive action

cat burglar
: a burglar who is adept at entering and leaving the burglarized place without attracting notice

cat distemper
: PANLEUKOPENIA

cat rig
: a rig consisting of a single mast far forward carrying a single large sail extended by a boom
–cat-rigged \'kat-'rigd\ adjective

CAT scan
: an image made by computed tomography
–CAT scanning noun

CAT scanner
: a medical instrument consisting of integrated X-ray and computing equipment and used for computed tomography

cat scratch disease
: an illness that is characterized by swelling of the lymph glands, fever, and chills and is caused by a bacterium (Bartonella henselae syn. Rochalimaea henselae) transmitted especially by a cat scratch ― called also cat scratch fever

cat's cradle
1 : a game in which a string looped in a pattern like a cradle on the fingers of one person's hands is transferred to the hands of another so as to form a different figure
2 : something that is intricate, complicated, or elaborate <a cat's cradle of red tape>

cat's meow
: a highly admired person or thing

cat's-eye
1 : any of various gems (as a chrysoberyl or a chalcedony) exhibiting opalescent reflections from within
2 : a marble with eyelike concentric circles

cat's-paw
1 : a light air that ruffles the surface of the water in irregular patches during a calm
2 [from the fable of the monkey that used a cat's paw to draw chestnuts from the fire] : one used by another as a tool : DUPE <the⋯government became the cat's-paw for foreign powers ― D. J. Boorstin>
3 : a hitch knot formed with two eyes for attaching a line to a hook ― see KNOT illustration

cat-a-mountain
: any of various wild cats

cat-o'-nine-tails
: a whip made of usually nine knotted lines or cords fastened to a handle

cata
: down <cation> <cathode>

catabolism
n. : degradative metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials (as proteins or lipids) within the organism ― compare ANABOLISM
–cat·a·bol·ic \ˌka-tə-'bä-lik\ adjective
–cat·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

catabolite
n. : a product of catabolism

catabolize
v. transitive verb : to subject to catabolism
intransitive verb : to undergo catabolism

catachresis
1 : use of the wrong word for the context
2 : use of a forced and especially paradoxical figure of speech (as blind mouths)
–cat·a·chres·tic \-'kres-tik\ or cat·a·chres·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–cat·a·chres·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cataclysm
n. 1 : FLOOD, DELUGE
2 : CATASTROPHE 3A
3 : a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition broadly : an event that brings great changes
–cat·a·clys·mal \ˌka-tə-'kliz-məl\ or cat·a·clys·mic \-mik\ adjective
–cat·a·clys·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

catacomb
n. 1 : a subterranean cemetery of galleries with recesses for tombs ― usually used in plural
2 : something resembling a catacomb: as a : an underground passageway or group of passageways b : a complex set of interrelated things <the endless catacombs of formal education ― Kingman Brewster †1988>

catadioptric
adj. : belonging to, produced by, or involving both the reflection and the refraction of light

catadromous
adj. : living in freshwater and going to the sea to spawn <catadromous eels> ― compare ANADROMOUS

catafalque
n. 1 : an ornamental structure sometimes used in funerals for the lying in state of the body
2 : a pall-covered coffin-shaped structure used at requiem masses celebrated after burial

Catalan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Catalonia
2 : the Romance language of Catalonia, Valencia, Andorra, and the Balearic islands
–Catalan adjective

catalase
n. : a red crystalline enzyme that consists of a protein complex with hematin groups and catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen
–cat·a·lat·ic \ˌka-tə-'la-tik\ adjective

Catalca
city Turkey in Europe W of Istanbul

catalectic
adj. : lacking a syllable at the end of a line in metrical verse or ending in an incomplete foot
–catalectic noun

catalepsy
n. : a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed
–cat·a·lep·tic \ˌka-tə-'lep-tik\ adjective or noun
–cat·a·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

catalexis
: omission or incompleteness usually in the last foot of a line in metrical verse

Catalina
n. island SW Calif. in Channel Islands area 70 sq mi (182 sq km)

catalog
n. 1 : LIST, REGISTER
2 a : a complete enumeration of items arranged systematically with descriptive details b : a pamphlet or book that contains such a list c : material in such a list

catalog
transitive verb
1 : to make a catalog of
2 a : to enter in a catalog b : to classify (as books or information) descriptively
intransitive verb
1 : to make or work on a catalog
2 : to become listed in a catalog at a specified price <this stamp catalogs at $2>
–cat·a·log·er or cat·a·logu·er noun

catalog
n. card catalog
catalogue raisonne
catalogue raisonné
catalogues raisonnés

catalogue raisonne
: a systematic annotated catalog especially : a critical bibliography

Catalonia
n. autonomous region NE Spain bordering on France & the Mediterranean; chief city Barcelona area 12,328 sq mi (31,930 sq km), pop 6,059,494
–Cat·a·lo·nian \-'lō-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

catalpa
n. : any of a genus (Catalpa) of No. American and Asian trees of the bignonia family with pale showy flowers in terminal clusters

catalysis
n. : a modification and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by material unchanged chemically at the end of the reaction

catalyst
n. 1 : a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
2 : an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

catalytic
adj. : causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
–cat·a·lyt·i·cal·ly \-'li-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

catalytic converter
: an automobile exhaust-system component containing a catalyst that causes conversion of harmful gases (as carbon monoxide and uncombusted hydrocarbons) into mostly harmless products (as water and carbon dioxide)

catalytic cracker
: the unit in a petroleum refinery in which cracking is carried out in the presence of a catalyst

catalyze
v. 1 : to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
2 : BRING ABOUT, INSPIRE
3 : to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis <innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the field ― Newsweek>
–cat·a·lyz·er noun

catamaran
n. : a vessel (as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls

Catamarca
city NW Argentina pop 110,489

catamenia
n. : MENSES
–cat·a·me·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

catamite
n. : a boy kept by a pederast

catamount
n. : any of various wild cats: as a : COUGAR b : LYNX

Catania
commune Italy in E Sicily on E coast on Gulf of Catania pop 336,222

Catano
city NE Puerto Rico S of San Juan pop 30,071

Catanzaro
city S Italy capital of Calabria pop 97,252

cataphora
n. : the use of a grammatical substitute (as a pronoun) that has the same reference as a following word or phrase

cataphoresis
n. : ELECTROPHORESIS
–cat·a·pho·ret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective

cataphoric
adj. : of or relating to cataphora especially : being a word or phrase (as a pronoun) that takes its reference from a following word or phrase (as her in before her Jane saw nothing but desert) ― compare ANAPHORIC

cataplasm
n. : POULTICE

cataplexy
n. : sudden loss of muscle power following a strong emotional stimulus

catapult
n. 1 : an ancient military device for hurling missiles
2 : a device for launching an airplane at flying speed (as from an aircraft carrier)

catapult
n. : to throw or launch by or as if by a catapult
intransitive verb : to become catapulted <he catapulted to fame>

cataract
n. 1 [Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French catharacte, from Medieval Latin cataracta, from Latin, portcullis] : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light
2 a obsolete : WATERSPOUT b : WATERFALL especially : a large one over a precipice c : steep rapids in a river d : DOWNPOUR, FLOOD <cataracts of rain> <cataracts of information>
–cat·a·rac·tous \ˌka-tə-'rak-təs\ adjective

catarrh
n. : inflammation of a mucous membrane especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages
–ca·tarrh·al \-əl\ adjective
–ca·tarrh·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

catarrhine
adj. : of, relating to, or being any of a division (Catarrhina) of primates comprising the Old World monkeys, higher apes, and hominids that have the nostrils close together and directed downward, 32 teeth, and the tail when present never prehensile ― compare PLATYRRHINE
–catarrhine noun

catastrophe
n. 1 : the final event of the dramatic action especially of a tragedy
2 : a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin
3 a : a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth b : a violent usually destructive natural event (as a supernova)
4 : utter failure : FIASCO <the party was a catastrophe>
–cat·a·stroph·ic \ˌka-tə-'strä-fik\ adjective
–cat·a·stroph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

catastrophe theory
: mathematical theory and conjecture that uses topology to explain events (as an earthquake or a stock market crash) characterized by major abrupt changes

catastrophism
n. : a geological doctrine that changes in the earth's crust have in the past been brought about suddenly by physical forces operating in ways that cannot be observed today ― compare UNIFORMITARIANISM
–ca·tas·tro·phist \-fist\ noun

catatonia
n. : catatonic schizophrenia

catatonic
n. 1 : of, relating to, being, resembling, or affected by schizophrenia characterized especially by a marked psychomotor disturbance that may involve stupor or mutism, negativism, rigidity, purposeless excitement, and inappropriate or bizarre posturing
2 : characterized by a marked lack of movement, activity, or expression
–catatonic noun
–cat·a·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Catawba
n. 1 plural Catawba or Catawbas : a member of an American Indian people of No. Carolina and So. Carolina
2 : the language of the Catawba people
3 : any of various wines produced from a pale red native American grape

Catawba
n. river 250 mi (402 km) flowing S from W N.C. into S.C. ― see WATEREE

catbird
n. : an American songbird (Dumetella carolinensis) that is dark gray in color with a black cap and reddish coverts under the tail and is related to the mockingbird

catbird seat
: a position of great prominence or advantage

catboat
n. : a sailboat having a cat rig and usually a centerboard and being of light draft and broad beam

catbrier
: any of a genus (Smilax) of dioecious often prickly climbing plants of the lily family

catcall
n. 1 : a loud or raucous cry made especially to express disapproval (as at a sports event)
2 : a derisive remark : CRITICISM
–catcall verb

catch
n. transitive verb
1 a : to capture or seize especially after pursuit <catch a thief> b : to take or entangle in or as if in a snare <catch fish in a net> c : DECEIVE d : to discover unexpectedly : FIND <caught in the act> e : to check (oneself) suddenly or momentarily f : to become suddenly aware of <caught me looking at him>
2 a : to take hold of : SEIZE b : to affect suddenly c : to grasp and hold on to (something in motion) <catch a fly ball> d : to avail oneself of : TAKE <caught the first opportunity to leave> e : to obtain through effort : GET <catch a ride> f : to overtake unexpectedly ― usually used in the passive <was caught in a storm> g : to get entangled <catch a sleeve on a nail>
3 : to become affected by: as a : CONTRACT <catch a cold> b : to respond sympathetically to the point of being imbued with <catch the spirit of an occasion> c : to be struck by <he caught a bullet in the leg> d : to be subjected to : RECEIVE <catch hell>
4 a : to take in and retain <a barrel to catch rainwater> b : FASTEN
5 : to take or get usually momentarily or quickly <catch a glimpse of a friend> <catch a nap>
6 a : OVERTAKE <catch the leader in a race> b : to get aboard in time <catch the bus>
7 : to attract and hold : ARREST, ENGAGE <caught my attention> <caught her eye>
8 : to make contact with : STRIKE <the pitch caught him in the back>
9 a : to grasp by the senses or the mind <you catch what I mean?> <didn't catch the name> b : to apprehend and fix by artistic means <catch a person's likeness>
10 a : SEE, WATCH <catch a game on TV> b : to listen to
11 : to serve as a catcher for in baseball
12 : to meet with <catch you later>
intransitive verb
1 : to grasp hastily or try to grasp
2 : to become caught
3 : to catch fire
4 : to play the position of catcher on a baseball team
5 : KICK OVER <the engine caught>
–catch·able \'ka-chə-bəl, 'ke-\ adjective
–catch a crab : to fail to raise an oar clear of the water on recovery of a stroke
–catch dead : to find or see at any time ― used in strongly negative constructions <wouldn't be caught dead in that shirt>
–catch fire
1 : to become ignited
2 : to become fired with enthusiasm
3 : to increase greatly in scope, popularity, interest, or effectiveness <this stock has not caught fire97yet ― Forbes>
–catch it : to incur blame, reprimand, or punishment <he'll really catch it from the boss if he's late again>
–catch one's breath : to rest long enough to restore normal breathing broadly : to rest after a period of intense activity
synonyms CATCH, CAPTURE, TRAP, SNARE, ENTRAP, ENSNARE, BAG mean to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing. CATCH implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding <caught the dog as it ran by>. CAPTURE suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty <capture an enemy stronghold>. TRAP, SNARE, ENTRAP, ENSNARE imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. TRAP and SNARE apply more commonly to physical seizing <trap animals> <snared butterflies with a net>. ENTRAP and ENSNARE more often are figurative <entrapped the witness with a trick question> <a sting operation that ensnared burglars>. BAG implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey <bagged a brace of pheasants>.

catch
n. 1 : something caught especially : the total quantity caught at one time <a large catch of fish>
2 a : the act, action, or fact of catching b : a game in which a ball is thrown and caught
3 : something that checks or holds immovable <a safety catch>
4 : one worth catching especially as a spouse
5 : a round for three or more unaccompanied usually male voices often with suggestive or obscene lyrics
6 : FRAGMENT, SNATCH
7 : a concealed difficulty or complication <there must be a catch>
8 : a momentary audible break in the voice or breath

catch
n. basket catch
catch one's breath
catch it
catch fire
catch dead
catch a crab
catch as catch can
catch on
catch out
catch 22
catch 22s
catch 22's
catch up
circus catch
fair catch
shoestring catch
eye catching

catch a crab
to fail to raise an oar clear of the water on recovery of a stroke

catch dead
to find or see at any time ― used in strongly negative constructions <wouldn't be caught dead in that shirt>

catch fire

1 : to become ignited
2 : to become fired with enthusiasm
3 : to increase greatly in scope, popularity, interest, or effectiveness <this stock has not caught fire97yet ― Forbes>

catch it
to incur blame, reprimand, or punishment <he'll really catch it from the boss if he's late again>

catch on
1 : to become aware : LEARN also : UNDERSTAND <didn't catch on to what was going on>
2 : to become popular <this idea has already caught on>

catch one's breath
to rest long enough to restore normal breathing broadly : to rest after a period of intense activity

catch out
1 : to detect in error or wrongdoing <caught him out committing perjury>
2 : to take unawares or by surprise

catch up
1 a : to pick up often abruptly <the thief caught the purse up and ran> b : ENSNARE, ENTANGLE <education has been caught up in a stultifying mythology ― N. M. Pusey> c : ENTHRALL <the⋯public was caught up in the car's magic ― D. A. Jedlicka>
2 : to provide with the latest information <catch me up on the news>
intransitive verb
1 a : to travel fast enough to overtake an advance party b : to reach a state of parity or of being able to cope <students who miss class have difficulty catching up>
2 : to bring about arrest for illicit activities <the police caught up with the thieves>
3 a : to complete or compensate for something belatedly <catch up on lost sleep> b : to acquire belated information <catch up on the news>

catch-22
1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule <the show-business catch-2297no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked ― Mary Murphy> also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
2 a : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation b : a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended c : a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives
3 : a hidden difficulty or means of entrapment : CATCH

catch-as-catch-can
: using any available means or method : HIT-OR-MISS <a catch-as-catch-can system that relies on borrowed judges ― Patricia Nealon>

catch-up
: intended to catch up to a theoretical norm or a competitor's accomplishments

catch-up
: the act or fact of catching up or trying to catch up (as with a norm or competitor) <had to play catch-up> also : an increase intended to achieve catch-up

catchall
n. : something that holds or includes odds and ends or a wide variety of things <a catchall tray> <dyspepsia is a catchall term for stomach discomfort>

catcher
n. : one that catches specifically : a baseball player positioned behind home plate

catchfly
n. : any of various plants (as of the genera Lychnis and Silene) of the pink family often with viscid stems

catching
n. 1 : INFECTIOUS, CONTAGIOUS <the flu is catching> <his spirit is catching>
2 : CATCHY, ALLURING

catchment
n. 1 : something that catches water also : the amount of water caught
2 : the action of catching water

catchment area
1 : an area that serves to catch water
2 : the geographical area served by an institution

catchpenny
adj. : using sensationalism or cheapness for appeal <a catchpenny newspaper>

catchphrase
n. 1 : a word or expression that is used repeatedly and conveniently to represent or characterize a person, group, idea, or point of view
2 : SLOGAN 2

catchpole
n. : a sheriff's deputy especially : one who makes arrests for failure to pay a debt

catchup
n. variant of ketchup

catchword
n. 1 a : a word under the right-hand side of the last line on a book page that repeats the first word on the following page b : GUIDE WORD
2 : CATCHPHRASE 1

catchy
adj. 1 a : tending to catch the interest or attention <a catchy title> b : easily retained in the memory <a catchy melody>
2 : FITFUL, IRREGULAR <catchy breathing>
3 : TRICKY <a catchy question>

catclaw
: a yellow-flowered spiny acacia (Acacia greggi) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico

cate
archaic : a dainty or choice food

catechesis
n. : oral instruction of catechumens
–cat·e·chet·i·cal \-'ke-ti-kəl\ adjective

catechin
n. : a crystalline flavonoid compound C_15H_14O_6 or its derivatives having antioxidant properties and used in dyeing and tanning

catechism
n. 1 : oral instruction
2 : a manual for catechizing specifically : a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers
3 a : a set of formal questions put as a test b : something resembling a catechism especially in being a rote response or formulaic statement
–cat·e·chis·mal \ˌka-tə-'kiz-məl\ adjective
–cat·e·chis·tic \-'kis-tik\ adjective

catechist
n. : one that catechizes: as a : a teacher of catechumens b : a native in a missionary district who does Christian teaching

catechize
v. 1 : to instruct systematically especially by questions, answers, and explanations and corrections specifically : to give religious instruction in such a manner
2 : to question systematically or searchingly
–cat·e·chi·za·tion \ˌka-ti-kə-'zā-shən\ noun
–cat·e·chiz·er \'ka-tə-ˌkī-zər\ noun

catechol
n. 1 : CATECHIN
2 : a crystalline phenol C_6H_6O_2 obtained from various natural sources but usually made synthetically and used especially in organic synthesis

catecholamine
n. : any of various amines (as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones or neurotransmitters or both

catecholaminergic
: involving, liberating, or mediated by catecholamine

catechu
n. : any of several dry, earthy, or resinous astringent substances obtained from tropical plants of Asia: as a : an extract of the heartwood of an East Indian acacia (Acacia catechu) b : GAMBIER

catechumen
n. 1 : a convert to Christianity receiving training in doctrine and discipline before baptism
2 : one receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of Christianity before admission to communicant membership in a church

categorical
adj. 1 : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <a categorical denial>
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting a category b : involving, according with, or considered with respect to specific categories
–cat·e·gor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

categorical imperative
: a moral obligation or command that is unconditionally and universally binding

categorise
v. British variant of categorize

categorize
v. : to put into a category : CLASSIFY
–cat·e·go·ri·za·tion \ˌka-ti-gə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

category
n. 1 : any of several fundamental and distinct classes to which entities or concepts belong
2 : a division within a system of classification

catena
n. : a connected series of related things

catenary
n. 1 : the curve assumed by a cord of uniform density and cross section that is perfectly flexible but not capable of being stretched and that hangs freely from two fixed points
2 : something in the form of a catenary
–catenary adjective

catenate
v. : to connect in a series : LINK
–cat·e·na·tion \ˌka-tə-'nā-shən\ noun

cater
v. intransitive verb
1 : to provide a supply of food
2 : to supply what is required or desired <catering to middle-class tastes>
transitive verb : to provide food and service for <catered the banquet>
–ca·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

cater-cousin
: an intimate friend

cateran
n. : a former military irregular or brigand of the Scottish Highlands

catercorner
adj. variant of kitty-corner

Caterpillar
n. ― used for a tractor made for use on rough or soft ground and moved on two endless metal belts

caterpillar
n. : the elongated wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth also : any of various similar larvae

caterwaul
n. 1 : to make a harsh cry
2 : to protest or complain noisily
–caterwaul noun

Catesby
Mark 1679?-1749 Eng. naturalist

Catesby
Robert 1573-1605 Eng. rebel

catfacing
: a disfigurement or malformation of fruit suggesting a cat's face in appearance

catfight
n. : an intense fight or argument especially between two women

catfish
n. : any of an order (Siluriformes) of chiefly freshwater stout-bodied scaleless bony fishes having long tactile barbels

catfish
n. blue catfish
channel catfish
flathead catfish
walking catfish

catgut
n. : a tough cord made usually from sheep intestines

cath
1 cathedral
2 catheter; catheterization
3 cathode

cath
― see CATA-

Cathar
n. : a member of one of various ascetic and dualistic Christian sects especially of the later Middle Ages teaching that matter is evil and professing faith in an angelic Christ who did not really undergo human birth or death
–Cath·a·rism \'ka-thə-ˌri-zəm\ noun
–Cath·a·rist \-rist\ or Cath·a·ris·tic \ˌka-thə-'ris-tik\ adjective

catharsis
n. 1 : PURGATION
2 a : purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art b : a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension
3 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression

cathartic
n. : of, relating to, or producing catharsis <cathartic drugs> <a cathartic experience>
–ca·thar·tic·al·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cathartic
n. : a cathartic medicine : PURGATIVE

Cathay
n. CHINA ― an old name

cathead
n. : a projecting piece of timber or iron near the bow of a ship to which the anchor is hoisted and secured

cathect
v. : to invest with mental or emotional energy

cathectic
adj. : of, relating to, or invested with mental or emotional energy

cathedra
n. : a bishop's official throne

cathedral
n. 1 : of, relating to, or containing a cathedra
2 : emanating from a chair of authority
3 : suggestive of a cathedral <a cathedral grove of redwoods>

cathedral
n. 1 : a church that is the official seat of a diocesan bishop
2 : something that resembles or suggests a cathedral (as in size or importance) <a cathedral of business> <the sports cathedral>

Cathedral City
city cen S Calif. pop 42,647

cathepsin
n. : any of several intracellular proteases of animal tissue that aid in autolysis

Cather
Willa Sibert 1873-1947 American nov.

Catherine
n. name of 1st, 5th, & 6th wives of Henry VIII of England: Catherine of Aragon 1485-1536; Catherine Howard 1520?-1542; Catherine Parr \'pär\ 1512-1548

Catherine
n. 1684-1727 wife of Peter the Great empress of Russia (1725-27)

Catherine
n. 1729-1796 the Great empress of Russia (1762-96)

Catherine
n. Catherine I
Catherine II
Catherine wheel
Catherine of Braganza
Catherine de Medicis
Catherine de Médicis
Catherine Mount
Mount Catherine

Catherine de Medicis
1519-1589 queen of Henry II of France

Catherine of Braganza
1638-1705 queen of Charles II of England

Catherine wheel
1 : a wheel with spikes projecting from the rim
2 : PINWHEEL 1
3 : CARTWHEEL 2

Catherine, Mount
― see KATHERINA (Gebel)

catheter
n. : a tubular medical device for insertion into canals, vessels, passageways, or body cavities usually to permit injection or withdrawal of fluids or to keep a passage open ― compare BALLOON CATHETER

catheterization
n. : the use of or introduction of a catheter (as in or into the bladder, trachea, or heart)
–cath·e·ter·ize \'ka-thə-tə-ˌrīz, 'kath-tə-\ transitive verb

cathexis
n. : investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea

cathode
n. 1 : the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs: a : the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell b : the positive terminal of a galvanic cell
2 : the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube broadly : the negative electrode of a diode ― compare ANODE
–cath·od·al \'ka-ˌthō-dəl\ adjective
–cath·od·al·ly adverb
–ca·thod·ic \ka-'thä-dik, -'thō-\ adjective
–ca·thod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cathode
n. cathode ray
cathode ray tube
cathodic protection

cathode ray
1 plural : the high-speed electrons emitted in a stream from the heated cathode of a vacuum tube
2 : a stream of electrons emitted from the cathode of a vacuum tube ― usually used in plural

cathode-ray tube
: a vacuum tube in which a beam of electrons is projected on a phosphor-coated screen to produce a luminous spot at a point on the screen determined by the effect on the electron beam of a variable magnetic field within the tube

cathodic protection
: the prevention of electrolytic corrosion of a usually metallic structure (as a pipeline) by causing it to act as the cathode rather than as the anode of an electrochemical cell

Catholic
n. 1 : a person who belongs to the universal Christian church
2 : a member of a Catholic church especially : ROMAN CATHOLIC

catholic
n. 1 a often capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the church universal b often capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the ancient undivided Christian church or a church claiming historical continuity from it c capitalized : ROMAN CATHOLIC
2 : COMPREHENSIVE, UNIVERSAL especially : broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests <a catholic taste in music>
–ca·thol·i·cal·ly \kə-'thä-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ca·thol·i·cize \-'thä-lə-ˌsīz\ verb

catholic
n. Anglo Catholic
Catholic Apostolic
Catholic Epistles
Greek Catholic
Old Catholic
Roman Catholic
anti Catholic
non Catholic

Catholic Apostolic
: of or relating to a Christian sect founded in 19th century England in anticipation of Christ's second coming

Catholic Epistles
: the five New Testament letters including James, I and II Peter, I John, and Jude addressed to the early Christian churches at large

catholicate
: the jurisdiction of a catholicos

Catholicism
n. 1 : ROMAN CATHOLICISM
2 : the faith, practice, or system of Catholic Christianity

Catholicism
n. Anglo Catholicism
Roman Catholicism
anti Catholicism

catholicity
n. 1 capitalized : the character of being in conformity with a Catholic church
2 a : liberality of sentiments or views <catholicity of viewpoint ― W. V. O'Connor> b : UNIVERSALITY c : comprehensive range <catholicity of topics>

catholicon
n. : CURE-ALL, PANACEA

catholicos
n. : a primate of certain Eastern churches and especially of the Armenian or of the Nestorian church

cathouse
n. : BORDELLO

Catiline
ca 108-62 B.C. Lucius Sergius Cat·i·li·na \ˌka-tə-'lī-nə, -'lē-nə\ Rom. polit. & conspirator

cation
n. : the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the cathode broadly : a positively charged ion

cationic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a cation
2 : characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation <a cationic dye>
–cat·ion·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

catkin
n. : a spicate inflorescence (as of the willow, birch, or oak) bearing scaly bracts and unisexual usually apetalous flowers ― called also ament

catlike
adj. : resembling a cat especially : STEALTHY <with catlike tread, upon our prey we steal ― W. S. Gilbert>

Catlin
George 1796-1872 American artist

catmint
n. : any of a genus (Nepeta) of Old World temperate-zone herbs of the mint family especially : CATNIP 1

catnap
n. : a very short light nap
–catnap intransitive verb

catnapper
: one who steals cats usually to sell them for research

catnip
n. 1 : a strong-scented perennial mint (Nepeta cataria) that has whorls of small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats
2 : something very attractive

Cato
n. Marcus Porcius 234-149 B.C. the Elder; the Censor Rom. statesman

Cato
n. Marcus Porcius 95-46 B.C. the Younger; great-grandson of prec. Rom. statesman

Catoctin Mountain
mountain ridge NW Md. & N Va. in Blue Ridge Mountains

catoptric
adj. : being or using a mirror to focus light

cats and dogs
: in great quantities : very hard <it was raining cats and dogs>

Catskill Mountains
mountains SE N.Y. in the Appalachian system W of Hudson River ― see SLIDE MOUNTAIN

catsuit
n. : a close-fitting one-piece garment that covers the torso and the legs and sometimes the arms

catsup
n. variant of ketchup

Catt
Carrie Chapman 1859-1947 née Lane American suffragist

cattail
n. : any of a genus (Typha of the family Typhaceae, the cattail family) of tall reedy marsh plants with brown furry fruiting spikes especially : a plant (Typha latifolia) with long flat leaves used especially for making mats and chair seats

Cattaro
― see KOTOR

Cattell
James McKeen 1860-1944 American psychol. & editor

cattery
n. : an establishment for the breeding and boarding of cats

cattle
n. 1 : domesticated quadrupeds held as property or raised for use specifically : bovine animals on a farm or ranch
2 : human beings especially en masse

cattle
n. Australian cattle dog
beef cattle
cattle call
cattle egret
cattle grub
cattle guard
cattle prod
cattle tick
common cattle grub
dairy cattle
short nosed cattle louse

cattle call
: a mass audition (as of actors)

cattle egret
: a small Old World white egret (Bubulcus ibis) introduced into the New World and having a yellow bill and in the breeding season buff on the crown, breast, and back

cattle grub
: either of two warble flies (genus Hypoderma) especially in the larval stage: a : COMMON CATTLE GRUB b : a related warble fly (H. bovis)

cattle guard
: a shallow ditch with rails or bars laid across that are spread far enough apart to prevent livestock from crossing but not people or vehicles

cattle prod
: a handheld prodding device that delivers an electric shock (as in controlling cattle)

cattle tick
: either of two ixodid ticks (Boophilus annulatus and B. microplus) that infest cattle and transmit the protozoan which causes Texas fever

cattleman
n. : one who tends or raises cattle

cattleya
n. : any of a genus (Cattleya) of tropical American epiphytic orchids with showy hooded flowers

Catton
(Charles) Bruce 1899-1978 American journalist & hist.

catty
adj. : any of various units of weight of China and southeast Asia varying around 11/3 pounds (about 600 grams) also : a standard Chinese unit equal to 1.1023 pounds (500 grams)

catty
adj. 1 : resembling a cat especially : slyly spiteful : MALICIOUS <made several catty comments>
2 : of or relating to a cat
–cat·ti·ly \'ka-tə-lē\ adverb
–cat·ti·ness \'ka-tē-nəs\ noun

catty-corner
variant of kitty-corner

Catullus
Gaius Valerius ca 84-ca 54 B.C. Rom. poet

CATV
1 cable television
2 community antenna television

catwalk
n. : a narrow walkway (as along a bridge)

Cauca
river 838 mi (1348 km) W Colombia flowing N into the Magdalena

Caucasia
n. region SE Europe bet. the Black & Caspian seas, divided by Caucasus Mountains into Cis·cau·ca·sia \ˌsis-\ (to the N) & Trans·cau·ca·sia \ˌtran(t)s-\ (to the S)

Caucasian
n. 1 : of or relating to the Caucasus or its inhabitants
2 : of, constituting, or characteristic of a race of humankind native to Europe, No. Africa, and southwest Asia and classified according to physical features ― used especially in referring to persons of European descent having usually light skin pigmentation
–Caucasian noun
–Cau·ca·soid \'kȯ-kə-ˌsȯid\ adjective or noun

Caucasus Indicus
― see HINDU KUSH

Caucasus Mountains
mountain system SE Europe in Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia ― see EL'BRUS

Cauchy sequence
: a sequence of elements in a metric space such that for any positive number no matter how small there exists a term in the sequence for which the distance between any two terms beyond this term is less than the arbitrarily small number

caucus
n. : a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy also : a group of people united to promote an agreed-upon cause

caucus
n. : to meet in or hold a caucus

caudad
adv. : toward the tail or posterior end

caudal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a tail
2 : directed toward or situated in or near the tail or posterior part of the body
–cau·dal·ly \-də-lē\ adverb

caudate
adj. : having a tail or a taillike appendage

caudate nucleus
: the most medial of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere ― called also caudate

caudex
1 : the stem of a palm or tree fern
2 : the woody base of a perennial plant

caudillismo
: the doctrine or practice of a caudillo

caudillo
n. : a Spanish or Latin-American military dictator

Caudine Forks
two mountain passes S Italy in the Apennines bet. Benevento & Capua

caudle
n. : a drink (as for invalids) usually of warm ale or wine mixed with bread or gruel, eggs, sugar, and spices

caught
past and past part of catch

caught
: PREGNANT ― often used in the phrase get caught

caul
n. 1 : the large fatty omentum covering the intestines (as of a cow, sheep, or pig)
2 : the inner fetal membrane of higher vertebrates especially when covering the head at birth

Caulaincourt
Marquis Armand-Augustin-Louis de 1773-1827 Fr. gen. & diplomat

cauldron
n. 1 : a large kettle or boiler
2 : something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation <a cauldron of intense emotions>

Caulfield
city SE Australia in S Victoria; a SE suburb of Melbourne pop 67,776

cauliflower
n. : a garden plant (Brassica oleracea botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

cauliflower ear
: an ear deformed from injury and excessive growth of reparative tissue

caulifloweret
: a bite-size piece of cauliflower

cauline
: of, relating to, or growing on a stem and especially on the upper part

caulk
v. : to stop up and make tight against leakage (as a boat or its seams, the cracks in a window frame, or the joints of a pipe)
–caulk·er noun

caulk
v. : material used to caulk

caulk
v. variant of 2calk

caus
causative

causa sine qua non
: an indispensable cause or condition

causal
adj. 1 : expressing or indicating cause : CAUSATIVE <a causal clause introduced by since>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a cause <the causal agent of a disease>
3 : involving causation or a cause <the relationship⋯was not one of causal antecedence so much as one of analogous growth ― H. O. Taylor>
4 : arising from a cause <a causal development>
–caus·al·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb

causalgia
n. : a constant usually burning pain resulting from injury to a peripheral nerve
–cau·sal·gic \-jik\ adjective

causality
n. 1 : a causal quality or agency
2 : the relation between a cause and its effect or between regularly correlated events or phenomena

causation
n. 1 a : the act or process of causing b : the act or agency which produces an effect
2 : CAUSALITY

causative
adj. 1 : effective or operating as a cause or agent <causative bacteria of cholera>
2 : expressing causation specifically : being a linguistic form that indicates that the subject causes an act to be performed or a condition to come into being
–causative noun
–caus·a·tive·ly adverb

cause
n. 1 a : a reason for an action or condition : MOTIVE b : something that brings about an effect or a result c : a person or thing that is the occasion of an action or state especially : an agent that brings something about d : sufficient reason <discharged for cause>
2 a : a ground of legal action b : CASE
3 : a matter or question to be decided
4 a : a principle or movement militantly defended or supported b : a charitable undertaking <for a good cause>
–cause·less \-ləs\ adjective

cause
n. 1 : to serve as a cause or occasion of <cause an accident>
2 : to compel by command, authority, or force <caused him to resign>
–caus·er noun

cause
n. : BECAUSE

cause
n. cause celebre
cause célèbre
cause of action
first cause
make common cause
probable cause
causes celebres
causes célèbres

cause celebre
1 : a legal case that excites widespread interest
2 : a notorious person, thing, incident, or episode

cause of action

15th century
: the grounds (as violation of a right) that entitle a plaintiff to bring a suit

causerie
n. 1 : an informal conversation : CHAT
2 : a short informal essay

causeway
n. 1 : a raised way across wet ground or water
2 : HIGHWAY especially : one of ancient Roman construction in Britain
–causeway transitive verb

causey
n. 1 : CAUSEWAY 1
2 obsolete : CAUSEWAY 2

Causses
limestone region S cen France on S border of Massif Central

caustic
adj. 1 : capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action : CORROSIVE
2 : marked by incisive sarcasm
3 : relating to or being the surface or curve of a caustic
–caus·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–caus·tic·i·ty \kȯ-'sti-sə-tē\ noun
synonyms CAUSTIC, MORDANT, ACRID, SCATHING mean stingingly incisive. CAUSTIC suggests a biting wit <caustic comments>. MORDANT suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness <mordant reviews of the play>. ACRID implies bitterness and often malevolence <acrid invective>. SCATHING implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity <a scathing satire>.

caustic
adj. 1 : a caustic agent: as a : a substance that burns or destroys organic tissue by chemical action b : SODIUM HYDROXIDE
2 : the envelope of rays emanating from a point and reflected or refracted by a curved surface

caustic
adj. caustic potash
caustic soda
lunar caustic

caustic potash
: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

caustic soda
: SODIUM HYDROXIDE

cauterize
v. 1 : to sear with a cautery or caustic <cauterize a wound>
2 : to make insensible : DEADEN <must oust the feeling, or cauterize it ― Robert Craft>
–cau·ter·i·za·tion \ˌkȯ-tə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

cautery
n. 1 : the act or effect of cauterizing : CAUTERIZATION
2 : an agent (as a hot iron or caustic) used to burn, sear, or destroy tissue

caution
n. 1 : WARNING, ADMONISHMENT
2 : PRECAUTION
3 : prudent forethought to minimize risk
4 : one that astonishes or commands attention <some shoes you see⋯these days are a caution ― Esquire>
–cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ne-rē\ adjective

caution
n. : to advise caution to : WARN

cautious
adj. : marked by or given to caution <cautious investors> <cautious optimism>
–cau·tious·ly adverb
–cau·tious·ness noun
synonyms CAUTIOUS, CIRCUMSPECT, WARY, CHARY mean prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk. CAUTIOUS implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger <a cautious driver>. CIRCUMSPECT suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding <circumspect in his business dealings>. WARY emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it <keeps a wary eye on the competition>. CHARY implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely <chary of signing papers without having read them first>.

Cauvery
river 475 mi (764 km) S India flowing E & entering Bay of Bengal in a wide delta

Cauvery Falls
waterfall India in the Cauvery on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu boundary

cav
1 cavalry
2 cavity

cavalcade
n. 1 a : a procession of riders or carriages b : a procession of vehicles or ships
2 : a dramatic sequence or procession : SERIES

cavalier
n. 1 : a gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship
2 : a mounted soldier : KNIGHT
3 capitalized : an adherent of Charles I of England
4 : GALLANT

cavalier
n. 1 : DEBONAIR
2 : marked by or given to offhand and often disdainful dismissal of important matters <a cavalier attitude toward money>
3 a capitalized : of or relating to the party of Charles I of England in his struggles with the Puritans and Parliament b : ARISTOCRATIC c capitalized : of or relating to the English Cavalier poets of the mid-17th century
–ca·va·lier·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun
–cav·a·lier·ly adverb

Cavalier King Charles spaniel
: any of a breed of toy spaniels developed in Great Britain from English toy spaniels and having a tapered muzzle and a long silky coat

cavalla
1 also ca·val·ly \-'va-lē\ : any of various carangid fishes
2 : KING MACKEREL

cavalletti
: a series of timber jumps that are adjustable in height for schooling horses

cavalry
n. 1 a : an army component mounted on horseback b : an army component moving in motor vehicles or helicopters and assigned to combat missions that require great mobility
2 : HORSEMEN <a thousand cavalry in flight>

cavalry twill
: TRICOTINE

cavalryman
n. : a cavalry soldier

Cavan
1 county NE Ireland (republic) in Ulster area 730 sq mi (1898 sq km), pop 56,546
2 town, its capital pop 3332

cavatina
n. 1 : an operatic solo simpler and briefer than an aria
2 : a songlike instrumental piece or movement

cave
n. 1 : a natural underground chamber or series of chambers open to the surface
2 : a usually underground chamber for storage <a wine cave> also : the articles stored there

cave
n. transitive verb : to form a cave in or under : HOLLOW, UNDERMINE
intransitive verb : to explore caves especially as a sport or hobby
–cav·er \'kā-vər\ noun

cave
n. intransitive verb
1 : to fall in or down especially from being undermined ― usually used with in
2 : to cease to resist : SUBMIT ― usually used with in
transitive verb : to cause to fall or collapse ― usually used with in

cave
n. cave bear
cave dweller
cave in
cave canem
Fingal's Cave
Jewel Cave National Monument
Morrison Cave
Mammoth Cave
Russell Cave National Monument
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Wind Cave
Lehman Caves
Oregon Caves

cave bear
: a very large extinct bear (Ursus spelaeus) known especially from Pleistocene deposits in European caves

cave canem
: beware the dog

cave dweller
1 : one (as a prehistoric human) that dwells in a cave
2 : one that lives in a city apartment building

cave-in
1 : the action of caving in
2 : a place where earth has caved in

caveat
n. 1 a : a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices b : an explanation to prevent misinterpretation c : a modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or doing something
2 : a legal warning to a judicial officer to suspend a proceeding until the opposition has a hearing

caveat emptor
: a principle in commerce: without a warranty the buyer takes the risk

caveat lector
: let the reader beware

Cavell
Edith Louisa 1865-1915 Eng. nurse

caveman
n. 1 : a cave dweller especially of the Stone Age
2 : a man who acts in a rough or crude manner

Cavendish
n. Henry 1731-1810 Eng. scientist

Cavendish
n. Spencer Compton 1833-1908 8th Duke of Devonshire Eng. statesman

Cavendish
n. Sir William 1505?-1557 Eng. statesman

Cavendish
n. William 1640-1707 1st Duke of Devonshire Eng. statesman

cavern
n. : CAVE especially : one of large or indefinite extent

cavern
n. 1 : to place in or as if in a cavern
2 : to form a cavern of : HOLLOW ― used with out

cavern
n. Cumberland Caverns
Lewis and Clark Caverns
Luray Caverns

cavernicolous
: inhabiting caves

cavernous
adj. 1 a : having caverns or cavities b of animal tissue : composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part
2 : constituting or suggesting a cavern <a cavernous warehouse>
–cav·ern·ous·ly adverb

cavetto
: a concave molding having a curve that approximates a quarter circle ― see MOLDING illustration

caviar
n. 1 : processed salted roe of large fish (as sturgeon)
2 : something considered too delicate or lofty for mass appreciation ― usually used in the phrase caviar to the general
3 : something considered the best of its kind <the caviar of porcelain>

cavil
v. intransitive verb : to raise trivial and frivolous objection
transitive verb : to raise trivial objections to
–cavil noun
–cav·il·er or cav·il·ler \'ka-və-lər, 'kav-lər\ noun

caving
n. : the sport of exploring caves : SPELUNKING

cavitary
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by bodily cavitation <cavitary tuberculosis> <cavitary lesions>

cavitate
v. intransitive verb : to form cavities or bubbles
transitive verb : to cavitate in

cavitation
n. : the process of cavitating: as a : the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (as a propeller) or by high-intensity sound waves also : the pitting and wearing away of solid surfaces (as of metal or concrete) as a result of the collapse of these vacuums in surrounding liquid b : the formation of cavities in an organ or tissue especially in disease

Cavite
city Philippines in Luzon on Cavite Peninsula in Manila Bay SW of Manila pop 92,000

cavity
n. 1 : an unfilled space within a mass especially : a hollowed-out space
2 : an area of decay in a tooth : CARIES

cavort
v. 1 : to leap or dance about in a lively manner
2 : to engage in extravagant behavior

Cavour
Con·te \'kōn-(ˌ)tā\ Camillo Benso di 1810-1861 Ital. statesman

CAVU
ceiling and visibility unlimited

cavy
n. : any of several short-tailed rough-haired So. American rodents (family Caviidae) especially : GUINEA PIG

caw
n. : to utter the harsh raucous natural call of the crow or a similar cry
–caw noun

Caxias
Du·que \'dü-kə\ de 1803-1880 Luiz Alves de Lima e Silva Braz. gen. & statesman

Caxias
― see DUQUE DE CAXIAS

Caxton
n. William ca 1422-1491 1st Eng. printer

cay
n. : a low island or reef of sand or coral

Cayenne
n. city & port capital of French Guiana on island in Cayenne River near the coast pop 37,097

cayenne
n. : CAYENNE PEPPER

cayenne pepper
1 : a pungent condiment consisting of the ground dried fruits or seeds of hot peppers
2 : HOT PEPPER especially : any of several cultivated peppers of a variety (Capsicum annuum longum) with very long twisted pungent red fruits
3 : the fruit of a cayenne pepper

Cayes
city & port SW Haiti pop 105,383

Cayey
city SE cen Puerto Rico pop 47,370

cayman
n. variant of caiman

Cayman Islands
islands W. Indies NW of Jamaica; a Brit. colony capital George Town (on Grand Cayman, chief island) area 100 sq mi (259 sq km), pop 23,881
–Cay·man·i·an \kā-'ma-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Cayuga
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of New York
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Cayuga people

Cayuga
n. lake 40 mi (64 km) long W cen N.Y.; one of the Finger Lakes

Cayuse
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Oregon and Washington
2 plural cayuses not capitalized West : a native range horse

CB
: CITIZENS BAND also : the radio transmitting and receiving set used for citizens-band communications

Cb
cumulonimbus

Cb
columbium

CBC
1 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
2 complete blood count

CBD
1 cash before delivery
2 central business district

CBE
1 commander of the Order of the British Empire
2 companion of the Order of the British Empire

CBer
: one that operates a CB radio

CBI
computer-based instruction

CBO
Congressional Budget Office

CBS
Columbia Broadcasting System

CBW
chemical and biological warfare

CC
1 carbon copy
2 chief clerk
3 closed-captioned
4 common carrier
5 community college
6 country club

Cc
cirrocumulus

cc
cubic centimeter

CCC
Civilian Conservation Corps

CCD
: CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICE

CCD
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine

CCTV
closed-circuit television

CCU
1 cardiac care unit
2 coronary care unit
3 critical care unit

ccw
adv. counterclockwise

CD
n. : CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT

CD
n. : a small optical disk usually containing recorded music or computer data also : the content (as music or a computer program) of a CD released as a unit <promoting her latest CD>

CD
n. 1 carried down
2 civil defense
3 [French corps diplomatique] diplomatic corps

Cd
n. cadmium

cd
n. 1 candela
2 candle
3 cord

CD-ROM
: a CD containing computer data that cannot be altered

CD4
: a large glycoprotein that is found on the surface especially of helper T cells, that is the receptor for HIV, and that usually functions to facilitate recognition of antigens by helper T cells

CDC
Centers for Disease Control; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDD
certificate of disability for discharge

Cdn
Canadian

cDNA
: a DNA that is complementary to a given RNA which serves as a template for synthesis of the DNA in the presence of reverse transcriptase

CDP
certificate in data processing

CDR
commander

CDT
central daylight time

CDW
collision damage waiver

CE
1 chemical engineer
2 civil engineer
3 Christian Era ― often punctuated; Common Era ― often punctuated
4 Corps of Engineers

Ce
cerium

Ce
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte
n'est ce pas
n'est ce pas?
nous verrons ce que nous verrons

ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
: it is only the first step that costs

CEA
1 College English Association
2 Council of Economic Advisors

ceanothus
n. : any of a genus (Ceanothus) of American vines, shrubs, and small trees of the buckthorn family having the calyx disk adherent to the ovary

Ceara
state NE Brazil bordering on the Atlantic capital Fortaleza area 57,147 sq mi (148,011 sq km), pop 7,430,661

cease
n. transitive verb : to cause to come to an end especially gradually : no longer continue <they were forced to cease operations> <cease to exist>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come to an end <the fighting gradually ceased> b : to bring an activity or action to an end : DISCONTINUE <they have been ordered to cease and desist>
2 obsolete : to become extinct : DIE OUT
synonyms see STOP

cease
n. : CESSATION ― usually used with without

cease and desist order
: an order from an administrative agency to refrain from a method of competition or a labor practice found by the agency to be unfair

cease-fire
1 : a military order to cease firing
2 : a suspension of active hostilities

ceaseless
adj. : continuing without cease : CONSTANT <ceaseless efforts>
–cease·less·ly adverb
–cease·less·ness noun

Ceausescu
n. Nicolae 1918-1989 pres. of Romania (1974-1989)

Cebu
1 island E cen Philippines, one of the Visayan Islands area 1707 sq mi (4438 sq km)
2 city on E Cebu Is. pop 610,000

Cech
Thomas Robert 1947-     American biochem.

Cechy
― see BOHEMIA

Cecil
n. (Edgar Algernon) Robert 1864-1958 1st Viscount Cecil of Chel·wood \'chel-ˌwu̇d\ Eng. statesman

Cecil
n. Lord (Edward Christian) David 1902-1986 Eng. biographer

Cecil
n. Robert 1563-1612 1st Earl of Salisbury & 1st Viscount Cran·borne \'kran-ˌbȯrn\ Eng. statesman

Cecil
n. Robert Arthur Talbot Gas·coyne- \'gas-ˌkȯin\ 1830-1903 3d Marquis of Salis·bury \'sȯlz-b(ə-)rē, 'sälz-\ Eng. statesman

Cecil
n. William 1520-1598 1st Baron Burgh·ley or Bur·leigh \'bər-lē\ Eng. statesman

cecropia moth
: a large No. American saturniid moth (Hyalophora cecropia) that is brown with red, white, and black markings

cecum
n. : a cavity open at one end (as the blind end of a duct) especially : the blind pouch at the beginning of the large intestine into which the ileum opens from one side and which is continuous with the colon
–ce·cal also cae·cal \-kəl\ adjective
–ce·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

CED
Committee for Economic Development

cedant arma togae
: let arms yield to the toga : let military power give way to civil power ― motto of Wyoming

Cedar
n. river 329 mi (529 km) SE Minn. & E Iowa flowing SE into the Iowa River

cedar
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Cedrus) of usually tall coniferous trees (as the cedar of Lebanon or the deodar) of the pine family noted for their fragrant durable wood b : any of numerous coniferous trees (as of the genera Juniperus, Chamaecyparis, or Thuja of the cypress family) that resemble the true cedars especially in the fragrance and durability of their wood
2 : the wood of a cedar
–ce·dary \-dər-ē, -də-rē\ adjective

cedar
n. salt cedar
Atlantic white cedar
cedar apple rust
cedar of Lebanon
cedar waxwing
incense cedar
Japanese cedar
northern white cedar
white cedar
red cedar
western red cedar
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Falls
Cedar Hill
Cedar Park
Cedar Rapids

Cedar Breaks National Monument
n. reservation SW Utah NE of Zion National Park containing a vast natural amphitheater

Cedar Falls
city NE Iowa NW of Waterloo pop 36,145

Cedar Hill
town NE Tex. SW of Dallas pop 32,093

cedar of Lebanon
: a long-lived cedar (Cedrus libani) native to Asia Minor with short fascicled leaves and erect cones

Cedar Park
city cen Tex. NW of Austin pop 26,049

Cedar Rapids
city E Iowa on the Cedar River pop 120,758

cedar waxwing
: a brown gregarious American waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) with a yellow band on the tip of the tail and a pale yellow belly

cedar-apple rust
: a gall-producing disease especially of the apple caused by a rust fungus (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) that completes the first part of its life cycle on the common red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and the second on the leaves and fruit of the apple

cedarbird
: CEDAR WAXWING

cedarn
archaic : made or suggestive of cedar

cedarwood
n. : the wood of a cedar that is especially repellent to insects

cede
v. 1 : to yield or grant typically by treaty
2 : ASSIGN, TRANSFER
–ced·er noun

cedi
n. ― see MONEY table

cedilla
n. : the diacritical mark ¸ placed under a letter (as ç in French) to indicate an alteration or modification of its usual phonetic value (as in the French word façade)

cee
: the letter c

ceftriaxone
: a broad-spectrum semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic C_18H_18N_8O_7S_3 administered parenterally in the form of its sodium salt

ceiba
n. 1 : a massive tropical tree (Ceiba pentandra) of the silk-cotton family with large pods filled with seeds invested with a silky floss that yields the fiber kapok
2 : KAPOK

ceil
v. 1 : to furnish (as a wooden ship) with a lining
2 : to furnish with a ceiling

ceil
v. absolute ceiling
glass ceiling
hit the ceiling
service ceiling

ceilidh
n. Scottish & Irish : a party with music, dancing, and often storytelling

ceiling
n. 1 a : the overhead inside lining of a room b : material used to ceil a wall or roof of a room
2 : something thought of as an overhanging shelter or a lofty canopy <a ceiling of stars>
3 a : the height above the ground from which prominent objects on the ground can be seen and identified b : the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds when over half of the sky is obscured
4 a : ABSOLUTE CEILING b : SERVICE CEILING
5 : an upper usually prescribed limit <a ceiling on prices, rents, and wages>
–ceil·inged \-liŋd\ adjective

ceiling
n. absolute ceiling
glass ceiling
hit the ceiling
service ceiling

ceilometer
: a photoelectric instrument for determining by triangulation the height of the cloud ceiling above the earth

ceinture
: a belt or sash for the waist

cel
n. : a transparent sheet of celluloid on which objects are drawn or painted in the making of animated cartoons

cel
n. antipodal cell
programmed cell death
egg cell
alkaline cell
antigen presenting cell
basal cell
B cell
beta cell
blood cell
cell body
cell cycle
cell division
cell line
cell mediated
cell membrane
cell phone
cell plate
cell sap
cell theory
cell wall
closed cell
collar cell
companion cell
cytotoxic T cell
dendritic cell
dry cell
fat cell
flame cell
foam cell
fuel cell
generative cell
germ cell
goblet cell
granulosa cell
guard cell
Hadley cell
hair cell
hairy cell leukemia
hela cell
helper T cell
T helper cell
helper cell
killer cell
killer T cell
Langerhans cell
mast cell
mastoid cell
mother cell
natural killer cell
NK cell
nerve cell
oat cell
palisade cell
parietal cell
photoelectric cell
plasma cell
pollen mother cell
primary cell
Purkinje cell
Schwann cell
secondary cell
selenium cell
Sertoli cell
sex cell
sickle cell
sickle cell anemia
sickle cell disease
sickle cell trait
small cell lung cancer
small cell carcinoma
solar cell
somatic cell
sperm cell
spindle cell
squamous cell
squamous cell carcinoma
stem cell
stone cell
storage cell
suppressor T cell
suppressor cell
sustentacular cell
T cell
T4 cell
unit cell
white blood cell
white cell
red blood cell
red cell

Cela
Camilo José 1916-2002 Span. writer

celadon
n. 1 : a grayish-yellow green
2 : a ceramic glaze originated in China that is greenish in color also : an article with a celadon glaze

celandine
n. 1 : a yellow-flowered Eurasian biennial herb (Chelidonium majus) of the poppy family naturalized in the eastern U.S.
2 : LESSER CELANDINE

cele
: tumor : hernia <varicocele>

celeb
n. : CELEBRITY 2

Celebes
n. ― see SULAWESI

Celebes Sea
arm of W Pacific enclosed on N by Mindanao & the Sulu Archipelago, on S by Sulawesi, & on W by Borneo
–Cel·e·be·sian \ˌse-lə-'bē-zhən\ adjective

celebrant
n. : one who celebrates specifically : the priest officiating at the Eucharist

celebrate
transitive verb
1 : to perform (a sacrament or solemn ceremony) publicly and with appropriate rites <celebrate the mass>
2 a : to honor (as a holiday) especially by solemn ceremonies or by refraining from ordinary business b : to mark (as an anniversary) by festivities or other deviation from routine
3 : to hold up or play up for public notice <her poetry celebrates the glory of nature>
intransitive verb
1 : to observe a holiday, perform a religious ceremony, or take part in a festival
2 : to observe a notable occasion with festivities
synonyms see KEEP
–cel·e·bra·tion \ˌse-lə-'brā-shən\ noun
–cel·e·bra·tive \'se-lə-ˌbrā-tiv\ adjective
–cel·e·bra·tor \-tər\ noun
–cel·e·bra·to·ry \-brə-ˌtȯr-ē, ˌse-lə-'brā-tə-rē\ adjective

celebrated
adj. : widely known and often referred to <a celebrated author>
synonyms see FAMOUS
–cel·e·brat·ed·ness noun

celebrity
n. 1 : the state of being celebrated : FAME
2 : a famous or celebrated person

celeriac
n. : a celery (Apium graveolens rapaceum) grown for its knobby edible root

celerity
n. : rapidity of motion or action

celery
n. : a European herb (Apium graveolens) of the carrot family specifically : one of a cultivated variety (A. graveolens dulce) with leafstalks eaten raw or cooked

celery
n. celery cabbage
celery root
wild celery

celery cabbage
: CHINESE CABBAGE B

celery root
: CELERIAC

celesta
n. : a keyboard instrument with hammers that strike steel plates producing a tone similar to that of a glockenspiel

celestial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suggesting heaven or divinity <celestial beings>
2 : of or relating to the sky or visible heavens <the sun, moon, and stars are celestial bodies>
3 a : ETHEREAL, OTHERWORLDLY <celestial music> b : OLYMPIAN, SUPREME
4 capitalized [Celestial Empire, old name for China] : of or relating to China or the Chinese
–ce·les·tial·ly \-chə-lē, -tē-ə-lē\ adverb

celestial
adj. 1 : a heavenly or mythical being
2 capitalized : CHINESE 1A

celestial
adj. celestial equator
celestial globe
celestial hierarchy
celestial marriage
celestial navigation
celestial pole
celestial sphere
Celestial Empire

Celestial Empire
the former Chinese Empire

celestial equator
: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles

celestial globe
: a globe depicting the celestial bodies

celestial hierarchy
: a traditional hierarchy of angels ranked from lowest to highest into the following nine orders: angels, archangels, principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim, and seraphim

celestial marriage
: a special order of Mormon marriage solemnized in a Mormon temple and held to be binding for a future life as well as the present one

celestial navigation
: navigation by observation of the positions of celestial bodies

celestial pole
: either of the two points on the celestial sphere around which the diurnal rotation of the stars appears to take place

celestial sphere
: an imaginary sphere of infinite radius against which the celestial bodies appear to be projected and of which the apparent dome of the visible sky forms half

celestite
: a usually white mineral consisting of the sulfate of strontium

celiac
adj. : of or relating to the abdominal cavity

celiac disease
: a chronic hereditary intestinal disorder in which an inability to absorb the gliadin portion of gluten results in the gliadin triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal mucosa ― called also celiac sprue

celibacy
n. 1 : the state of not being married
2 a : abstention from sexual intercourse b : abstention by vow from marriage

celibate
n. : a person who lives in celibacy
–celibate adjective

cell
n. 1 : a small religious house dependent on a monastery or convent
2 a : a one-room dwelling occupied by a solitary person (as a hermit) b : a single room (as in a convent or prison) usually for one person
3 : a small compartment, cavity, or bounded space: as a : one of the compartments of a honeycomb b : a membranous area bounded by veins in the wing of an insect
4 : a small usually microscopic mass of protoplasm bounded externally by a semipermeable membrane, usually including one or more nuclei and various other organelles with their products, capable alone or interacting with other cells of performing all the fundamental functions of life, and forming the smallest structural unit of living matter capable of functioning independently
5 a (1) : a receptacle containing electrodes and an electrolyte either for generating electricity by chemical action or for use in electrolysis (2) : FUEL CELL b : a single unit in a device for converting radiant energy into electrical energy or for varying the intensity of an electrical current in accordance with radiation
6 : a unit in a statistical array (as a spreadsheet) formed by the intersection of a column and a row
7 : a basic and usually small unit of an organization or movement <terrorist cells>
8 : a portion of the atmosphere that behaves as a unit <a storm cell>
9 a : any of the small sections of a geographic area of a cellular telephone system b : CELL PHONE

cell
n. antipodal cell
programmed cell death
egg cell
alkaline cell
antigen presenting cell
basal cell
B cell
beta cell
blood cell
cell body
cell cycle
cell division
cell line
cell mediated
cell membrane
cell phone
cell plate
cell sap
cell theory
cell wall
closed cell
collar cell
companion cell
cytotoxic T cell
dendritic cell
dry cell
fat cell
flame cell
foam cell
fuel cell
generative cell
germ cell
goblet cell
granulosa cell
guard cell
Hadley cell
hair cell
hairy cell leukemia
hela cell
helper T cell
T helper cell
helper cell
killer cell
killer T cell
Langerhans cell
mast cell
mastoid cell
mother cell
natural killer cell
NK cell
nerve cell
oat cell
palisade cell
parietal cell
photoelectric cell
plasma cell
pollen mother cell
primary cell
Purkinje cell
Schwann cell
secondary cell
selenium cell
Sertoli cell
sex cell
sickle cell
sickle cell anemia
sickle cell disease
sickle cell trait
small cell lung cancer
small cell carcinoma
solar cell
somatic cell
sperm cell
spindle cell
squamous cell
squamous cell carcinoma
stem cell
stone cell
storage cell
suppressor T cell
suppressor cell
sustentacular cell
T cell
T4 cell
unit cell
white blood cell
white cell
red blood cell
red cell

cell body
: the nucleus-containing central part of a neuron exclusive of its axons and dendrites ― see NEURON illustration

cell cycle
: the complete series of events from one cell division to the next ― compare G_1 PHASE_1, G_2 PHASE_2, M PHASE, S PHASE

cell division
: the process by which cells multiply involving both nuclear and cytoplasmic division ― compare MEIOSIS, MITOSIS

cell line
: a cell culture selected for uniformity from a cell population derived from a usually homogeneous tissue source (as an organ) <a newly established cell line derived from a human endometrial carcinoma ― Biol. Abstracts>

cell membrane
: a membrane of a cell especially : PLASMA MEMBRANE

cell phone
: a portable usually cordless telephone for use in a cellular system

cell plate
: a disk formed in the phragmoplast of a dividing plant cell that eventually forms the middle lamella of the wall between the daughter cells

cell sap
1 : the liquid contents of a plant cell vacuole
2 : CYTOSOL

cell theory
: a theory in biology that includes one or both of the statements that the cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of living matter and that the organism is composed of autonomous cells with its properties being the sum of those of its cells

cell wall
: the usually rigid nonliving permeable wall that surrounds the plasma membrane and encloses and supports the cells of most plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae ― see CELL illustration

cell-mediated
: relating to or being the part of immunity or the immune response that is mediated primarily by T cells

cellar
n. 1 a : basement b : the lowest grade or rank especially : the lowest place in the standings (as of an athletic league) <the team spent most of last year in the cellar>
2 : a stock of wines

cellar
n. : to put into a cellar (as for storage) <cellaring wine>

cellar
n. cellar master
cyclone cellar
root cellar
storm cellar
wine cellar

cellar master
: a person who supervises the making of wine in a winery

cellarage
n. : cellar space especially for storage

cellarer
n. : an official (as in a monastery) in charge of provisions

cellarette
: a case or sideboard for holding bottles of wine or liquor

Celle
city N cen Germany NE of Hannover pop 72,609

celled
adj. : having (such or so many) cells ― used in combination <single-celled organisms>

Cellini
Ben·ve·nu·to \ˌben-və-'nü-(ˌ)tō\ 1500-1571 Ital. goldsmith & sculptor

cello
n. : the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola
–cel·list \'che-list\ noun

cellobiose
n. : a faintly sweet disaccharide C_12H_22O_11 obtained by partial hydrolysis of cellulose

celloidin
n. : a purified pyroxylin used chiefly in microscopy

cellophane
n. : regenerated cellulose in thin transparent sheets used especially for packaging

cellophane noodle
: a translucent noodle made from mung beans

cellular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of cells
2 : containing cavities : having a porous texture <cellular rocks>
3 : of, relating to, or being a radiotelephone system in which a geographical area (as a city) is divided into small sections each served by a transmitter of limited range <cellular phones>
–cel·lu·lar·i·ty \ˌsel-yə-'la-rə-tē, -'ler-ə-\ noun

cellular
adj. : CELL PHONE

cellulase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes cellulose

cellule
n. : a small cell

cellulite
n. : deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks) that give puckering and dimpling appearance to the skin surface

cellulitis
n. : diffuse and especially subcutaneous inflammation of connective tissue

celluloid
n. 1 : a tough flammable thermoplastic composed essentially of cellulose nitrate and camphor
2 : a motion-picture film <a work⋯making its third appearance on celluloid ― John McCarten>
–celluloid adjective

cellulolytic
adj. : hydrolyzing or having the capacity to hydrolyze cellulose

cellulose
n. : a polysaccharide (C_6H_10O_5)x of glucose units that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of plants, occurs naturally in such fibrous products as cotton and kapok, and is the raw material of many manufactured goods (as paper, rayon, and cellophane)

cellulose
n. cellulose acetate
cellulose nitrate
ethyl cellulose
regenerated cellulose

cellulose acetate
: any of several compounds insoluble in water that are formed especially by the action of acetic acid, anhydride of acetic acid, and sulfuric acid on cellulose and are used for making textile fibers, packaging sheets, photographic films, and varnishes

cellulose nitrate
: NITROCELLULOSE

cellulosic
adj. : of, relating to, or made from cellulose
–cellulosic noun

celosia
: any of a genus (Celosia) of tropical annual herbs (as cockscomb) of the amaranth family that have alternate leaves and showy flower spikes often forming feathery clusters in cultivated forms

Celsius
adj. : relating to, conforming to, or having the international thermometric scale on which the interval between the triple point of water and the boiling point of water is divided into 99.99 degrees with 0.01° representing the triple point and 100° the boiling point <10° Celsius> also : CENTIGRADE ― abbreviation C

Celsius
adj. Anders 1701-1744 Swed. astron.

Celt
n. 1 : a member of a division of the early Indo-European peoples distributed from the British Isles and Spain to Asia Minor
2 : a modern Gael, Highland Scot, Irishman, Welshman, Cornishman, or Breton

celt
n. : a prehistoric stone or metal implement shaped like a chisel or ax head

Celtic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or their languages

Celtic
adj. : a group of Indo-European languages usually subdivided into Brythonic and Goidelic and now largely confined to Brittany, Wales, Ireland, and the Scottish Highlands ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Celtic
adj. Celtic cross
Celtic Sea
non Celtic

Celtic cross
: a cross having essentially the form of a Latin cross with a ring about the intersection of the crossbar and upright shaft ― see CROSS illustration

Celtic Sea
inlet of the Atlantic in British Isles SE of Ireland, SW of Wales, & W of England

Celticist
: a specialist in Celtic languages or cultures

cembalo
n. : HARPSICHORD

cement
n. 1 a : CONCRETE b : a powder of alumina, silica, lime, iron oxide, and magnesium oxide burned together in a kiln and finely pulverized and used as an ingredient of mortar and concrete also : any mixture used for a similar purpose
2 : a binding element or agency: as a : a substance to make objects adhere to each other b : something serving to unite firmly <justice is the cement that holds a political community together ― R. M. Hutchins>
3 : CEMENTUM
4 : a plastic composition made especially of zinc or silica for filling dental cavities
5 : the fine-grained groundmass or glass of a porphyry

cement
n. 1 : to unite or make firm by or as if by cement
2 : to overlay with concrete
intransitive verb : to become cemented
–ce·ment·er noun

cement
n. ferro cement
portland cement
rubber cement

cementation
n. 1 : a process of surrounding a solid with a powder and heating the whole so that the solid is changed by chemical combination with the powder
2 : the act or process of cementing : the state of being cemented

cementite
n. : a hard brittle iron carbide Fe_3C that occurs in steel, cast iron, and iron-carbon alloys

cementitious
adj. : having the properties of cement

cementum
n. : a specialized bony layer of connective tissue covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum ― see TOOTH illustration

cemetery
n. : a burial ground

CEMF
counter electromotive force

cenacle
n. : a retreat house especially : one for Roman Catholic women directed by nuns of the Society of Our Lady of the Cenacle

Cenci
Be·a·tri·ce \ˌbā-ä-'trē-(ˌ)chā\ 1577-1599 Ital. woman executed for parricide

cene
: recent ― in names of geologic periods <Eocene>

Cenis, Mont
1 mountain pass 6831 ft (2082 m) bet. France & Italy over Mont Cenis Massif in Graian Alps
2 or Fré·jus \frā-'zhüs, -'zhs\ railroad tunnel 8.5 mi (13.6 km) long piercing the Fréjus Massif SW of Mont Cenis

cenobite
n. : a member of a religious group living together in a monastic community
–cen·o·bit·ic \ˌse-nə-'bi-tik, ˌsē-\ adjective

cenotaph
n. : a tomb or a monument erected in honor of a person or group of persons whose remains are elsewhere

cenote
n. : a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom that is found especially in Yucatán

Cenozoic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an era of geological history that extends from the beginning of the Tertiary period to the present time and is marked by a rapid evolution of mammals and birds and of angiosperms and especially grasses and by little change in the invertebrates also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Cenozoic noun

cense
v. : to perfume especially with a censer

censer
n. : a vessel for burning incense especially : a covered incense burner swung on chains in a religious ritual

censor
n. 1 : a person who supervises conduct and morals: as a : an official who examines materials (as publications or films) for objectionable matter b : an official (as in time of war) who reads communications (as letters) and deletes material considered sensitive or harmful
2 : one of two magistrates of early Rome acting as census takers, assessors, and inspectors of morals and conduct
3 : a hypothetical psychic agency that represses unacceptable notions before they reach consciousness
–cen·so·ri·al \sen-'sȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

censor
n. : to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable <censor the news> also : to suppress or delete as objectionable <censor out indecent passages>

censorious
adj. : marked by or given to censure <censorious comments> <a censorious critic>
synonyms see CRITICAL
–cen·so·ri·ous·ly adverb
–cen·so·ri·ous·ness noun

censorship
n. 1 a : the institution, system, or practice of censoring b : the actions or practices of censors especially : censorial control exercised repressively
2 : the office, power, or term of a Roman censor
3 : exclusion from consciousness by the psychic censor

censurable
adj. : deserving or open to censure <censurable behavior>

censure
n. 1 : a judgment involving condemnation
2 archaic : OPINION, JUDGMENT
3 : the act of blaming or condemning sternly
4 : an official reprimand

censure
n. 1 obsolete : ESTIMATE, JUDGE
2 : to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
synonyms see CRITICIZE
–cen·sur·er \'sen(t)-shər-ər\ noun

census
n. 1 : a count of the population and a property evaluation in early Rome
2 : a usually complete enumeration of a population specifically : a periodic governmental enumeration of population
3 : COUNT, TALLY
–census transitive verb

Cent
n. Central

cent
n. 1 : a monetary unit equal to 1/100 of a basic unit of value ― see birr, dollar, euro, gulden, leone, lilangeni, lira, nakfa, pound, rand, rupee, shilling at MONEY table
2 : a coin, token, or note representing one cent
3 : the fen of the People's Republic of China

cent
n. 1 centigrade
2 central
3 centum
4 century

cent
n. red cent
dollars and cents
two cents
two cents' worth

cental
n. chiefly British : HUNDREDWEIGHT 1

centas
n. ― see litas at MONEY table

centaur
n. : any of a race of creatures fabled to be half human and half horse and to live in the mountains of Thessaly

centaurea
: any of a large genus (Centaurea) of composite herbs (as bachelor's button) including several cultivated for their showy heads of tubular florets

Centaurus
n. : a southern constellation between the Southern Cross and Hydra

centaury
n. : any of a genus (Centaurium) of low herbs of the gentian family especially : an Old World herb (C. crythraea syn. C. umbellatum) that produces pink flowers and is used in herbal medicine

centavo
n. ― see boliviano, colón, córdoba, lempira, peso, quetzal, sucre at MONEY table

centavo
n. ― see escudo, metical at MONEY table

centenarian
n. : one that is 100 years old or older
–centenarian adjective

centenary
n. : CENTENNIAL
–centenary adjective

centennial
n. : a 100th anniversary or its celebration
–centennial adjective
–cen·ten·ni·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

center
n. 1 a : the point around which a circle or sphere is described broadly : a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point ― called also center of symmetry b : the center of the circle inscribed in a regular polygon
2 a : a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition <a railroad center> <the center of the controversy> b : a source from which something originates <a propaganda center> c : a group of nerve cells having a common function <respiratory center> d : a region of concentrated population <an urban center> e : a facility providing a place for a particular activity or service <a day-care center>
3 a : the middle part (as of the forehead or a stage) b often capitalized (1) : a grouping of political figures holding moderate views especially between those of conservatives and liberals (2) : the views of such politicians (3) : the adherents of such views
4 a : a player occupying a middle position on a team: as (1) : the football player in the middle of a line who passes the ball between his legs to a back to start a down (2) : the usually tallest player on a basketball team who usually plays near the basket b : CENTER FIELD
5 a : either of two tapered rods which support work in a lathe or grinding machine and about or with which the work revolves b : a conical recess in the end of work (as a shaft) for receiving such a center
–cen·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

center
n. transitive verb
1 : to place or fix at or around a center or central area or position <center the picture on the wall>
2 : to give a central focus or basis <centers her hopes on her son> <the plot was centered on espionage>
3 : to adjust (as lenses) so that the axes coincide
4 a : to pass (a ball or puck) from either side toward the middle of the playing area b : to hand or pass (a football) backward between one's legs to a back to start a down
5 : to play center on <center a line in hockey>
intransitive verb : to have a specified center : FOCUS
usage The intransitive verb center is most commonly used with the prepositions in, on, at, and around. At appears to be favored in mathematical contexts; the others are found in a broad range of contexts. Center around, a standard idiom, has often been objected to as illogical. The logic on which the objections are based is irrelevant, since center around is an idiom and idioms have their own logic. Center on is currently more common in edited prose, and revolve around and similar verbs are available if you want to avoid center around.

center
n. center of symmetry
center field
center fielder
center of curvature
center of gravity
center of mass
center punch
center stage
chiral center
community center
front and center
nerve center
profit center
shopping center
trauma center
Brooklyn Center
body centered
face centered
self centered

center field
1 : the position of the player for defending center field
2 : the part of the baseball outfield between right and left field
–center fielder noun

center of curvature

1850
: the center of the circle whose center lies on the concave side of a curve on the normal to a given point of the curve and whose radius is equal to the radius of curvature at that point

center of gravity

1648
1 : CENTER OF MASS
2 : the point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position
3 : CENTER 2A

center of mass

1862
: the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass may be considered as concentrated

center punch
: a hand punch consisting of a short steel bar with a hardened conical point at one end used for marking the centers of holes to be drilled

center stage
1 : the central part of a theatrical stage
2 : a central or highly prominent position <an issue that has taken center stage in the campaign>
–center stage adjective or adverb

centerboard
n. : a retractable keel used especially in sailboats

centered
adj. 1 : having a center ― often used in combination <a dark-centered coneflower>
2 : having a center of curvature ― often used in combination <a 3-centered arch>
3 : emotionally stable and secure
–cen·tered·ness \-nəs\ noun

centered
adj. body centered
face centered
self centered
self centeredness

centerfold
n. 1 : a foldout that is the center spread of a magazine
2 : a picture (as of a nude) on a centerfold also : a model featured in such a picture

centerline
n. : a real or imaginary line that is equidistant from the surface or sides of something

centerpiece
n. 1 : an object occupying a central position especially : an adornment in the center of a table
2 : one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole <the centerpiece of a political agenda>

Centerville
city SW Ohio pop 23,024

centesimal
adj. : marked by or relating to division into hundredths

centesimo
n. : a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 Italian lira

centesimo
n. ― see balboa, peso at MONEY table

centi
1 : hundred <centipede>
2 : one hundredth part of <centimeter>

centigrade
adj. : relating to, conforming to, or having a thermometric scale on which the interval between the freezing point of water and the boiling point of water is divided into 100 degrees with 0° representing the freezing point and 100° the boiling point <10° centigrade> ― abbreviation C ― compare CELSIUS

centigram
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

centiliter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

centillion
n. ― see NUMBER table

centime
n. ― see dinar, dirham, franc, gourde at MONEY table

centimeter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

centimeter-gram-second
: of, relating to, or being a system of units based on the centimeter as the unit of length, the gram as the unit of mass, and the second as the unit of time ― abbreviation cgs

centimo
n. 1 : a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 peseta
2 ― see bolivar, colón, dobra, guarani, sol at MONEY table

centimorgan
n. : a genetic unit equivalent to 1/100 of a morgan

centipede
n. : any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs

centner
n. : any of various units of weight used especially in Europe and usually equal to about 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms)

CENTO
n. Central Treaty Organization

cento
n. : a literary work made up of parts from other works

centr
: center <centrifugal> <centroid>

centra
n. plural of centrum

central
n. 1 : containing or constituting a center
2 : of primary importance : ESSENTIAL, PRINCIPAL <the central character of the novel>
3 a : situated at, in, or near the center b : easily accessible from outlying districts <a central location for the new theater>
4 a : centrally placed and superseding separate scattered units <central heating> b : controlling or directing local or branch activities <the central committee>
5 : holding to a middle between extremes : MODERATE
6 : of, relating to, or comprising the brain and spinal cord also : originating within the central nervous system <central deafness>
–cen·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

central
n. 1 : a telephone exchange or operator
2 : a central office or bureau usually controlling others <weather central>
3 : a center or hub for a specified activity or group <her house is party central> <the family room becomes kid central>

central
n. Central Karoo
central angle
central bank
central banker
central casting
central city
central limit theorem
central nervous system
central processing unit
central tendency
central time
Central America
Central Europe
Central India
Central Provinces and Berar
Central Valley
Cordillera Central
Massif Central
Soviet Central Asia
Central African Republic
Central African Empire

Central African Republic
republic N cen Africa capital Bangui area 240,376 sq mi (624,978 sq km), pop 2,998,000

Central America
1 the narrow S portion of N. America connecting with S. America & extending from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to the Isthmus of Panama
2 the republics of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, & Belize

central angle
: an angle formed by two radii of a circle

central bank
: a national bank that operates to establish monetary and fiscal policy and to control the money supply and interest rate
–central banker noun

central casting
: the department of a movie studio responsible for casting actors especially viewed as a source of people who are stereotypical of their role in appearance, behavior, or nature <a politician right out of central casting>

central city
: a city that constitutes the densely populated center of a metropolitan area

Central Europe
the countries of cen Europe ― usually considered to include the countries extending from Baltic Sea on the N to Alps on the S and from Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, & Ukraine on the E to North Sea & France on the W

Central India
former group of 89 Indian states N cen India capital Indore; area now chiefly in W & N Madhya Pradesh

Central Karoo
― see KAROO

central limit theorem
: any of several fundamental theorems of probability and statistics that state the conditions under which the distribution of a sum of independent random variables is approximated by the normal distribution especially : one which is much applied in sampling and which states that the distribution of a mean of a sample from a population with finite variance is approximated by the normal distribution as the number in the sample becomes large

central nervous system
: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system ― compare PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

central processing unit
: CPU

Central Provinces and Berar
former province of India reorganized 1950 & renamed Madhya Pradesh

central tendency
: the degree of clustering of the values of a statistical distribution that is usually measured by the arithmetic mean, mode, or median

central time
: the time of the sixth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the central U.S. ― see TIME ZONE illustration

Central Valley
v. valley cen Calif. comprising the valleys of the Sacramento & San Joaquin rivers

centralise
v. British variant of centralize

centralism
n. : the concentration of power and control in the central authority of an organization (as a political or educational system) ― compare FEDERALISM
–cen·tral·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–cen·tral·is·tic \ˌsen-trə-'lis-tik\ adjective

centrality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being central
2 : central situation
3 : tendency to remain in or at the center

centralize
v. intransitive verb : to form a center : cluster around a center
transitive verb
1 : to bring to a center : CONSOLIDATE <centralize all the data in one file>
2 : to concentrate by placing power and authority in a center or central organization
–cen·tral·i·za·tion \ˌsen-trə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–cen·tral·iz·er \'sen-trə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

centre
n. chiefly British variant of center

centric
adj. 1 : located in or at a center : CENTRAL <a centric point>
2 : concentrated about or directed to a center <a centric activity>
3 : of, relating to, or having a centromere
4 : of, relating to, or resembling an order (Centrales) of radially symmetrical diatoms
–cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cen·tric·i·ty \sen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun

centric
adj. 1 : having (such) a center or (such or so many) centers <polycentric>
2 : having (something specified) as its center <heliocentric>

centrifugal
adj. 1 : proceeding or acting in a direction away from a center or axis
2 : using or acting by centrifugal force <a centrifugal pump>
3 : EFFERENT
4 : tending away from centralization : SEPARATIST <centrifugal tendencies in modern society>
–cen·trif·u·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

centrifugal
adj. : a centrifugal machine or a drum in such a machine

centrifugal force
: the apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the center of rotation ― compare CENTRIPETAL FORCE

centrifugation
n. : the process of centrifuging

centrifuge
n. : a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge
n. : to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge

centriole
n. : one of a pair of cellular organelles that occur especially in animals, are adjacent to the nucleus, function in the formation of the spindle apparatus during cell division, and consist of a cylinder with nine microtubules arranged peripherally in a circle ― see CELL illustration

centripetal
adj. 1 : proceeding or acting in a direction toward a center or axis
2 : AFFERENT
3 : tending toward centralization : UNIFYING
–cen·trip·e·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

centripetal force
: the force that is necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path and that is directed inward toward the center of rotation <a string on the end of which a stone is whirled about exerts centripetal force on the stone> ― compare CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

centrist
n. 1 often capitalized : a member of a center party
2 : a person who holds moderate views
–cen·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun
–centrist adjective

centroid
n. 1 : CENTER OF MASS
2 : a point whose coordinates are the averages of the corresponding coordinates of a given set of points and which for a given plane or three-dimensional figure (as a triangle or sphere) corresponds to the center of mass of a thin plate of uniform thickness and consistency or a body of uniform consistency having the same boundary

centromere
n. : the point or region on a chromosome to which the spindle attaches during mitosis and meiosis
–cen·tro·mer·ic \ˌsen-trə-'mir-ik, -'mer-\ adjective

centrosome
n. 1 : CENTRIOLE
2 : the centriole-containing region of clear cytoplasm adjacent to the cell nucleus

centrosymmetric
: symmetric with respect to a central point <centrosymmetric molecules> <a centrosymmetric curve>

centrum
n. 1 : CENTER
2 : the body of a vertebra ventral to the neural arch

centu
plural of centas

centum
: of, relating to, or constituting an Indo-European language group in which the palatal stops did not in prehistoric times become palatal or alveolar fricatives ― compare SATEM

centurion
n. : an officer commanding a Roman century

century
n. 1 : a subdivision of the Roman legion
2 : a group, sequence, or series of 100 like things
3 : a period of 100 years especially of the Christian era or of the preceding period of human history
4 : a race over a hundred units (as yards or miles)

century plant
: a Mexican agave (Agave americana) that takes many years to mature, flowers only once, and then dies

CEO
: the executive with the chief decision-making authority in an organization or business

ceorl
: a freeman of the lowest rank in Anglo-Saxon England

Ceos
― see KEA

cepe
: PORCINI

cephal
: head <cephalad> <cephalopod>

cephalad
adv. : toward the head or anterior end of the body

cephalexin
: a semisynthetic cephalosporin C_16H_17N_3O_4S with a spectrum of antibiotic activity similar to the penicillins

cephalic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the head
2 : directed toward or situated on or in or near the head
–ce·phal·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cephalic index
: the ratio multiplied by 100 of the maximum breadth from side to side of the head to its maximum length from front to back in living individuals ― compare CRANIAL INDEX

cephalin
n. : PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOLAMINE

cephalization
n. : a tendency in the evolution of organisms to concentrate the sensory and neural organs in an anterior head

cephalometry
n. : the science of measuring the head in living individuals ― compare CRANIOMETRY
–ceph·a·lo·met·ric \-lō-'me-trik\ adjective

Cephalonia
island W Greece in the Ionians area 288 sq mi (746 sq km)

cephalopod
n. : any of a class (Cephalopoda) of marine mollusks including the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses that move by expelling water from a tubular siphon under the head and that have a group of muscular usually sucker-bearing arms around the front of the head, highly developed eyes, and usually a sac containing ink which is ejected for defense or concealment
–cephalopod adjective

cephaloridine
n. : a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic C_19H_17N_3O_4S_2 derived from cephalosporin

cephalosporin
n. : any of several antibiotics produced by an imperfect fungus (genus Acremonium syn. Cephalosporium)

cephalothin
n. : a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from cephalosporin and used in the form of its sodium salt C_16H_15N_2NaO_6S_2

cephalothorax
n. : the united head and thorax of an arachnid or higher crustacean

Cepheid
n. : any of a class of variable stars whose very regular light variations are related directly to their intrinsic luminosities and whose apparent luminosities are used to estimate distances in astronomy

Cepheus
: a constellation between Cygnus and the north pole

Ceram
island E Indonesia in cen Moluccas area 6621 sq mi (17,215 sq km), pop 96,797

ceramic
adj. : of or relating to the manufacture of any product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (as clay) by firing at a high temperature also : of or relating to such a product

ceramic
adj. 1 plural but singular in construction : the art or process of making ceramic articles
2 : a product of ceramic manufacture

ceramide
: any of various lipids formed by linking a fatty acid to sphingosine and found widely but in small amounts in plant and animal tissue

ceramist
n. : one who makes ceramic products or works of art

cerate
n. : an unctuous preparation for external use consisting of wax or resin or spermaceti mixed with oil, lard, and medicinal ingredients

ceratopsian
n. : any of a suborder (Ceratopsia) of ornithischian dinosaurs of the late Cretaceous having horns, a sharp horny beak, and a bony frill projecting backward from the skull
–ceratopsian adjective

Cerberus
n. : a 3-headed dog that in Greek mythology guards the entrance to Hades
–Cer·ber·e·an \ˌsər-bə-'rē-ən\ adjective

cercal
: -tailed <homocercal>

cercaria
n. : a usually tadpole-shaped larval trematode worm that develops in a molluscan host from a redia
–cer·car·i·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

cercus
n. : either of a pair of simple or segmented appendages at the posterior end of various arthropods that usually act as sensory organs

cere
v. : to wrap in or as if in a cerecloth

cere
v. : a usually waxy protuberance or enlarged area at the base of the bill of a bird

cereal
n. : relating to grain or to the plants that produce it also : made of grain

cereal
n. 1 : a plant (as a grass) yielding starchy grain suitable for food also : its grain
2 : a prepared foodstuff of grain (as oatmeal or cornflakes)

cereal leaf beetle
: a small reddish-brown black-headed Old World chrysomelid beetle (Oulema melanopus) that feeds on cereal grasses and is a serious pest of U.S. grain crops

cerebellum
n. : a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum, and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe ― see BRAIN illustration
–cer·e·bel·lar \-'be-lər\ adjective

cerebr
1 : brain : cerebrum <cerebration>
2 : cerebral and <cerebrospinal>

cerebral
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the brain or the intellect b : of, relating to, affecting, or being the cerebrum
2 a : appealing to intellectual appreciation <cerebral drama> b : primarily intellectual in nature <a cerebral society>
–ce·re·bral·ly \-brə-lē\ adverb

cerebral
adj. cerebral cortex
cerebral hemisphere
cerebral palsy
cerebral palsied

cerebral cortex
: the convoluted surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of sensory and motor information ― compare NEOCORTEX

cerebral hemisphere
: either of the two hollow convoluted lateral halves of the cerebrum ― see BRAIN illustration

cerebral palsy
: a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances
–cerebral-palsied adjective

cerebrate
v. : to use the mind : THINK
–cer·e·bra·tion \ˌser-ə-'brā-shən, 'se-rə-\ noun

cerebroside
n. : any of various glycolipids found especially in nerve tissue

cerebrospinal
adj. : of or relating to the brain and spinal cord or to these together with the cranial and spinal nerves that innervate voluntary muscles

cerebrospinal fluid
: a colorless liquid that is comparable to serum, is secreted from the blood into the lateral ventricles of the brain, and serves chiefly to maintain uniform pressure within the brain and spinal cord

cerebrospinal meningitis
: inflammation of the meninges of both brain and spinal cord specifically : an infectious often epidemic and fatal meningitis caused by the meningococcus

cerebrovascular
adj. : of or involving the cerebrum and the blood vessels supplying it

cerebrovascular accident
: STROKE 5

cerebrum
n. 1 : BRAIN 1A
2 : an enlarged anterior or upper part of the brain especially : the expanded anterior portion of the brain that in higher mammals overlies the rest of the brain, consists of cerebral hemispheres and connecting structures, and is considered to be the seat of conscious mental processes : TELENCEPHALON

cerecloth
n. : cloth treated with melted wax or gummy matter and formerly used especially for wrapping a dead body

Ceredigion
administrative area of SW Wales area 693 sq mi (1795 sq km)

cerement
n. : a shroud for the dead especially : CERECLOTH ― usually used in plural

ceremonial
: marked by, involved in, or belonging to ceremony : stressing careful attention to form and detail <ceremonial rites> <a ceremonial occasion>
–cer·e·mo·ni·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–cer·e·mo·ni·al·ist \-ə-list\ noun
–cer·e·mo·ni·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb
synonyms CEREMONIAL, CEREMONIOUS, FORMAL, CONVENTIONAL mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms. CEREMONIAL and CEREMONIOUS both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but CEREMONIAL applies to things that are associated with ceremonies <a ceremonial offering>, CEREMONIOUS to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony <made his ceremonious entrance>. FORMAL applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior <a formal report> <the headmaster's formal manner>. CONVENTIONAL implies accord with general custom and usage <conventional courtesy> and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence <conventional fiction>.

ceremonial
n. : a ceremonial act, action, or system

ceremonious
adj. 1 : devoted to forms and ceremony : PUNCTILIOUS <ceremonious courtiers>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a ceremony <a ceremonious occasion>
3 : according to formal usage or prescribed procedures <the cold and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey ― Jane Austen>
4 : marked by ceremony <a ceremonious procession>
synonyms see CEREMONIAL
–cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb
–cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

ceremony
n. 1 : a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention <the marriage ceremony>
2 a : a conventional act of politeness or etiquette <the ceremony of introduction> b : an action performed only formally with no deep significance c : a routine action performed with elaborate pomp
3 a : prescribed procedures : USAGES <the ceremony attending an inauguration> b : observance of an established code of civility or politeness <opened the door without ceremony and strode in>

Cerenkov radiation
: light produced by charged particles (as electrons) traversing a transparent medium at a speed greater than that of light in the same medium ― called also Cerenkov light

Ceres
n. : the Roman goddess of agriculture ― compare DEMETER

Ceres
n. city cen Calif. SE of Modesto pop 34,609

cereus
n. : any of various cacti (as of the genus Cereus) of the western U.S. and tropical America

ceric
: of, relating to, or containing cerium especially with a valence of four

cerise
n. : a moderate red

cerium
n. : a malleable ductile metallic element that is the most abundant of the rare-earth group ― see ELEMENT table

cermet
n. : a composite structural material of a heat-resistant compound (as titanium carbide) and a metal (as nickel) used especially for turbine blades

CERN
European Organization for Nuclear Research

Cernauti
― see CHERNIVTSI

cero
: a large spotted food and sport fish (Scomberomorus regalis) of the warmer parts of the western Atlantic

cerous
: of, relating to, or containing cerium especially with a valence of three

Cerredo
mountain 8787 ft (2678 m) N Spain SW of Santander; highest in the Cantabrians

Cerritos
city SW Calif. NE of Long Beach pop 51,488

Cerro
n. Bolivar Cerro
Bolívar Cerro
Cerro Bolivar
Cerro Bolívar
Cerro de Pasco
Cerro de Punta
Cerro Gordo
Pasco Cerro de

Cerro Bolivar
― see BOLÍVAR (Cerro)

Cerro de Pasco
1 mountain 15,100 ft (4602 m) cen Peru NE of Lima
2 city near the mountain pop 170,500

Cerro de Punta
mountain ab 4390 ft (1338 m) cen Puerto Rico in Cordillera Central; highest on the island

Cerro Gordo
mountain pass E Mexico bet. Veracruz & Jalapa

cert
certificate; certification; certified; certify

certain
adj. 1 : FIXED, SETTLED <a certain percentage of the profit>
2 : of a specific but unspecified character, quantity, or degree <the house has a certain charm>
3 a : DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE <a certain remedy for the disease> b : known or proved to be true : INDISPUTABLE <it is certain that we exist>
4 a : INEVITABLE <the certain advance of age> b : incapable of failing : DESTINED ― used with a following infinitive <she is certain to do well>
5 : assured in mind or action <I am certain they are right>
synonyms see SURE
–for certain : as a certainty : ASSUREDLY <the cause is not known for certain>
–of a certain age : of a somewhat advanced age : no longer young <remembered by people of a certain age>

certain
adj. : certain ones

certain
adj. of a certain age
for certain
d'un certain age
d'un certain âge

certainly
adv. 1 : in a manner that is certain : with certainty
2 : it is certain that : ASSUREDLY

certainty
n. 1 : something that is certain
2 : the quality or state of being certain especially on the basis of evidence
synonyms CERTAINTY, CERTITUDE, CONVICTION mean a state of being free from doubt. CERTAINTY and CERTITUDE are very close; CERTAINTY may stress the existence of objective proof <claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty>, while CERTITUDE may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof <believes with certitude in an afterlife>. CONVICTION applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual <holds firm convictions on every issue>.

certes
archaic : in truth : CERTAINLY

certifiable
adj. 1 a : capable of being certified <certifiable teachers> b : GENUINE, AUTHENTIC <a certifiable liar> <a certifiable movie star>
2 : fit to be certified as insane : CRAZY <downright certifiable behavior>
–cer·ti·fi·ably \-blē\ adverb

certificate
n. 1 : a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something specifically : a document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a field
2 : something serving the same end as a certificate
3 : a document evidencing ownership or debt <a stock certificate>

certificate
: to testify to or authorize by a certificate especially : CERTIFY 4
–cer·tif·i·ca·to·ry \-'ti-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

certificate
n. birth certificate
certificate of deposit
gift certificate
silver certificate
stock certificate

certificate of deposit

1846
: a money-market bond of a preset face value paying fixed interest and redeemable without penalty only on maturity

certification
n. 1 : the act of certifying : the state of being certified
2 : a certified statement

certification mark
: a mark or device used to identify a product or service that has been certified to conform to a particular set of standards

certified
adj. 1 : having earned certification <a certified gemologist>
2 : GENUINE, AUTHENTIC <a certified big shot> <certified intellectuals>

certified
adj. certified mail
certified milk
certified public accountant

certified mail
: first class mail for which proof of delivery is secured but no indemnity value is claimed

certified milk
: milk produced in dairies that operate under the rules and regulations of an authorized medical milk commission

certified public accountant
: an accountant who has met the requirements of a state law and has been granted a certificate

certify
v. 1 : to attest authoritatively: as a : CONFIRM b : to present in formal communication c : to attest as being true or as represented or as meeting a standard d : to attest officially to the insanity of
2 : to inform with certainty : ASSURE
3 : to guarantee (a personal check) as to signature and amount by so indicating on the face
4 : to recognize as having met special qualifications (as of a governmental agency or professional board) within a field <agencies that certify teachers>
–cer·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun
synonyms CERTIFY, ATTEST, WITNESS, VOUCH mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something. CERTIFY usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal <certified that the candidate had met all requirements>. ATTEST applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses <attested to the authenticity of the document>. WITNESS applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness <witnessed the signing of the will>. VOUCH applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person <willing to vouch for her integrity>. synonym see in addition APPROVE

certify
v. certified mail
certified milk
certified public accountant

certiorari
n. : a writ of superior court to call up the records of an inferior court or a body acting in a quasi-judicial capacity

certitude
n. 1 : the state of being or feeling certain
2 : certainty of act or event
synonyms see CERTAINTY

cerulean
adj. : resembling the blue of the sky

ceruloplasmin
n. : a blue copper-binding serum oxidase that is deficient in Wilson's disease

cerumen
n. : EARWAX
–ce·ru·mi·nous \-mə-nəs\ adjective

ceruse
n. 1 : white lead as a pigment
2 : a cosmetic containing white lead

cerussite
: a colorless or white mineral consisting of a carbonate of lead that occurs in transparent crystals and also in massive form and is a source of white lead

Cervantes
n. Miguel de 1547-1616 full surname Cervantes Saa·ve·dra \ˌsä-(ə-)'vā-drə\ Span. writer

cervelat
n. : smoked sausage made from a combination of pork and beef

cerveza
1 : BEER 1
2 : BEER 4

cervical
adj. : of or relating to a neck or cervix

cervical cap
: a usually rubber or plastic contraceptive device in the form of a thimble-shaped molded cap that fits snugly over the uterine cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus

cervicitis
n. : inflammation of the uterine cervix

Cervin, Mont
― see MATTERHORN

cervine
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling deer

cervix
n. 1 : NECK especially : the back part of the neck
2 : a constricted portion of an organ or part especially : the narrow outer end of the uterus

cesarean
: CESAREAN SECTION
–cesarean or caesarean also cesarian or caesarian adjective often cap

cesarean section
: surgical incision of the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of offspring

Cesena
commune N Italy in Emilia-Romagna SE of Forlì pop 90,321

cesium
n. : a silver-white soft ductile element of the alkali metal group that is the most electropositive element known and that is used especially in photoelectric cells ― see ELEMENT table

cesium 133
: an isotope of cesium used especially in atomic clocks and one of whose atomic transitions is used as a scientific time standard

Ceske Budejovice
city Czech Republic in S Bohemia pop 178,558

cess
n. chiefly Irish : LUCK ― usually used in the phrase bad cess to you

cessation
n. : a temporary or final ceasing (as of action) : STOP

cession
n. : a yielding to another : CONCESSION

cesspit
n. : a pit for the disposal of refuse (as sewage)

cesspool
n. 1 : an underground reservoir for liquid waste (as household sewage)
2 : a filthy, evil, or corrupt place or state <a cesspool of corruption and power>

cesta
n. : a narrow curved wicker basket used to catch and propel the ball in jai alai

cestode
n. : TAPEWORM
–cestode adjective

cestus
: a woman's belt especially : a symbolic one worn by a bride

cestus
: a hand covering of leather bands often loaded with lead or iron and used by boxers in ancient Rome

CETA
Comprehensive Employment and Training Act

cetacean
n. : any of an order (Cetacea) of aquatic mostly marine mammals that includes the whales, dolphins, porpoises, and related forms and that have a torpedo-shaped nearly hairless body, paddle-shaped forelimbs but no hind limbs, one or two nares opening externally at the top of the head, and a horizontally flattened tail used for locomotion
–cetacean adjective
–ce·ta·ceous \-shəs\ adjective

cetane
n. : a colorless oily hydrocarbon C_16H_34 found in petroleum

cetane number
: a measure of the ignition value of a diesel fuel that represents the percentage by volume of cetane in a mixture of liquid methylnaphthalene that gives the same ignition lag as the oil being tested ― called also cetane rating ― compare OCTANE NUMBER

cetera desunt
: the rest is missing

ceteris paribus
: if all other relevant things, factors, or elements remain unaltered

Cetinje
town S Serbia and Montenegro SE of Kotor near coast; formerly capital of Montenegro pop 20,258

cetology
: a branch of zoology concerned with the cetaceans
–ce·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Cette
― see SÈTE

Cetus
: an equatorial constellation south of Pisces and Aries

cetyl alcohol
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C_16H_34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents

CEU
continuing education unit

Ceuta
city & port N Morocco opposite Gibraltar; a Spanish presidio pop 71,505

Cevennes
mountain range S France W of the Rhône at E edge of Massif Central ― see MÉZENC

ceviche
n. variant of seviche

Ceylon
n. 1 or Arabic Ser·en·dib \'ser-ən-ˌdib, -ˌdip\ or Latin & Greek Ta·prob·a·ne \tə-'prä-bə-(ˌ)nē\ island 270 mi (434 km) long & 140 mi (225 km) wide in Indian Ocean off S India
2 ― see SRI LANKA
–Cey·lon·ese \ˌsā-lə-'nēz, ˌsē-, ˌse-, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Cezanne
n. Paul 1839-1906 Fr. painter
–Cé·zann·esque \(ˌ)sā-ˌza-'nesk\ adjective

CF
1 carried forward
2 centrifugal force
3 cost and freight
4 cystic fibrosis

Cf
californium

cf
1 calf
2 [Latin confer, imperative of conferre to compare] compare

CFC
chlorofluorocarbon

CFI
1 certified flight instructor; chief flying instructor
2 cost, freight, and insurance

CFL
Canadian Football League

cfm
cubic feet per minute

CFO
chief financial officer

CFP
certified financial planner

CFS
chronic fatigue syndrome

cfs
cubic feet per second

CG
1 center of gravity
2 coast guard
3 commanding general

cg
centigram

CGI
computer-generated images; computer-generated imagery

cgs
centimeter-gram-second

CGT
General Confederation of Labor

CH
1 clearinghouse
2 courthouse
3 customhouse

ch
1 chain
2 champion
3 chaplain
4 chapter
5 chief
6 child; children
7 church

Ch'ang
Ch'ang te
Ch'ang chou
I ch'ang

Ch'i-ch'i-ha-erh
― see QIQIHAR

Ch'ien-lung
1711-1799 Chin. emp. (1736-96)

Ch'in
n. Ch'in huang tao
Ch'in Shih Huang Ti
Ch'in huang tao Chinwangtao

Ch'in Shih Huang Ti
ca 259-210 B.C. prename Cheng \'jeŋ\ Chin. emp. (221-210 B.C.)

Ch'in-huang-tao, Chinwangtao
― see QINHUANGDAO

Ch'ing-hai
― see QINGHAI 1

Ch'ongju
city W cen S. Korea N of Taejon pop 350,256

Ch'uan-chou, Chuanchow
― see QUANZHOU

Ch'ung-ch'ing, Chungking
― see CHONGQING

cha-cha
: a fast rhythmic ballroom dance of Latin-American origin with a basic pattern of three steps and a shuffle

Chablis
n. 1 : a dry sharp white burgundy wine
2 : a semidry soft white California wine

Chabrier
(Alexis-) Emmanuel 1841-1894 Fr. composer

chacma baboon
: a large dusky baboon (Papio ursinus) of southern African savannas ― called also chacma

Chaco
― see GRAN CHACO

chaconne
n. 1 : an old Spanish dance tune of Latin-American origin
2 : a musical composition in moderate triple time typically consisting of variations on a repeated succession of chords

chacun a son gout
: everyone to his taste

Chad
n. country N cen Africa capital N'Djamena; a republic; until 1959 a territory of French Equatorial Africa area 495,752 sq mi (1,288,955 sq km), pop 5,200,000
–Chad·ian \'cha-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

chad
n. : small pieces of paper or cardboard produced in punching paper tape or data cards also : a piece of chad
–chad·less \-ləs\ adjective

Chad, Lake
shallow lake N cen Africa at junction of boundaries of Chad, Niger, & Nigeria

Chadic
n. : a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic language family comprising numerous languages of northern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, and Chad
–Chadic adjective

chador
n. : a large cloth worn as a combination head covering, veil, and shawl usually by Muslim women especially in Iran

Chadwick
Sir James 1891-1974 Eng. physicist

Chaeronea
ancient city E cen Greece in W Boeotia SE of Mt. Parnassus

chaeta
n. : BRISTLE, SETA
–chae·tal \'kē-təl\ adjective

chaetognath
: ARROWWORM
–chaetognath adjective

chafe
n. transitive verb
1 : IRRITATE, VEX
2 : to warm by rubbing especially with the hands
3 a : to rub so as to wear away : ABRADE <the strap chafed his skin> b : to make sore by or as if by rubbing
intransitive verb
1 : to feel irritation, discontent, or impatience : FRET <chafes at the rules>
2 : to rub and thereby cause wear or irritation

chafe
n. 1 : a state of vexation : RAGE
2 : injury or wear caused by friction also : FRICTION, RUBBING

chafer
n. : any of various scarab beetles (as a cockchafer) that feed on leaves and flowers and whose larvae feed on plant roots

chaff
n. 1 : the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain
2 : something comparatively worthless
3 : the scales borne on the receptacle among the florets in the heads of many composite plants
4 : material (as strips of foil or clusters of fine wires) ejected into the air for reflecting radar waves (as for confusing an enemy's radar detection)
–chaffy \'cha-fē\ adjective

chaff
n. : light jesting talk : BANTER

chaff
n. : to tease good-naturedly
intransitive verb : JEST, BANTER

chaffer
v. archaic : a haggling about price

chaffer
v. intransitive verb
1 : HAGGLE
2 British : to exchange small talk : CHATTER
transitive verb
1 : EXCHANGE, BARTER
2 : to bargain for
–chaf·fer·er \-fər-ər\ noun

chaffinch
n. : a common European finch (Fringilla coelebs of the family Frangillidae) of which the male has a pinkish-brown breast

chafing dish
: a utensil for cooking or keeping food warm especially at the table

Chagall
n. Marc 1887-1985 Russ. painter in France

Chagas' disease
: a tropical American disease that is caused by a trypanosome (Trypanosoma cruzi) and is marked by prolonged high fever, edema, and enlargement of the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes

Chagatai
d 1241 2d son of Genghis Khan Mongol ruler

Chagos Archipelago
archipelago cen Indian Ocean S of Maldives; comprises Brit. Indian Ocean Territory ― see DIEGO GARCIA

Chagres
river Panama flowing through Gatun Lake to the Caribbean

chagrin
n. : disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure

chagrin
n. : to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating <he was chagrined to learn that his help was not needed>

Chaguaramas
district NW Trinidad W of Port of Spain on Chaguaramas Bay (inlet of Gulf of Paria)

Chahar
former province NE China in E Inner Mongolia capital Kalgan (Zhangjiakou)

chai
n. : a beverage that is a blend of black tea, honey, spices, and milk

Chain
n. Ernst Boris 1906-1979 Brit. (Ger.-born) biochem.

chain
n. 1 a : a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement) b : a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insignia c (1) : a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying (2) : a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2 : something that confines, restrains, or secures
3 a : a series of things linked, connected, or associated together <a chain of events> <a mountain chain> b : a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control <fast-food chains> c : a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain

chain
n. 1 : to obstruct or protect by a chain
2 : to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain also : FETTER

chain
n. chain gang
chain letter
chain link fence
chain mail
chain of command
chain pickerel
chain reaction
chain react
chain rule
chain saw
chain smoke
chain smoker
chain stitch
chain store
choke chain
daisy chain
food chain
Gunter's chain
heavy chain
light chain
long chain
Markov chain
Markoff chain
open chain
polymerase chain reaction
side chain
straight chain
Pennine Chain

chain gang
: a gang of people (as convicts) chained together especially as an outside working party

chain letter
: a letter sent to several persons with a request that each send copies of the letter to an equal number of persons

chain mail
: flexible armor of interlinked metal rings

chain of command

1898
: a series of executive positions in order of authority <a military chain of command>

chain pickerel
: a large greenish-black pickerel (Esox niger) with dark markings along the sides that is common in quiet waters of eastern No. America

chain reaction
1 a : a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next b : a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2 : a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
–chain-re·act \'chān-rē-'akt\ intransitive verb

chain rule
: a mathematical rule concerning the differentiation of a function of a function (as f [u(x)]) by which under suitable conditions of continuity and differentiability one function is differentiated with respect to the second function considered as an independent variable and then the second function is differentiated with respect to its independent variable

chain saw
: a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form an endless chain
–chain·saw \'chān-ˌsȯ\ transitive verb

chain stitch
1 : an ornamental stitch like chain links
2 : a machine stitch forming a chain on the underside of the work

chain store
: one of numerous usually retail stores having the same ownership and selling the same lines of goods

chain-link fence
: a fence of heavy steel wire woven to form a diamond-shaped mesh

chain-smoke
: to smoke especially cigarettes continually
transitive verb : to smoke (as cigarettes) almost without interruption
–chain-smok·er \-ˌsmō-kər\ noun

chaine
: a series of short usually fast turns by which a ballet dancer moves across the stage

chainwheel
n. : SPROCKET 1

chair
n. 1 a : a seat typically having four legs and a back for one person b : ELECTRIC CHAIR ― used with the
2 a : an official seat or a seat of authority, state, or dignity b : an office or position of authority or dignity c : PROFESSORSHIP <holds a university chair> d : CHAIRMAN 1
3 : a sedan chair
4 : a position of employment usually of one occupying a chair or desk specifically : the position of a player in an orchestra or band
5 : any of various devices that hold up or support

chair
n. 1 : to install in office
2 chiefly British : to carry on the shoulders in acclaim <we chaired you through the market place ― A. E. Housman>
3 : to preside as chairman of

chair
n. Adirondack chair
Barcelona chair
bath chair
butterfly chair
captain's chair
chair car
club chair
deck chair
director's chair
easy chair
electric chair
fighting chair
high chair
ice cream chair
morris chair
potty chair
rocking chair
side chair
slipper chair
swivel chair
Windsor chair
wing chair
wingback chair
musical chairs

chair car
1 : a railroad car having pairs of chairs with individually adjustable backs on each side of the aisle
2 : PARLOR CAR

chairlift
n. : a motor-driven conveyor consisting of a series of seats suspended from a cable and used for transporting skiers or sightseers up or down a long slope or mountainside

chairman
n. 1 a : the presiding officer of a meeting, organization, committee, or event b : the administrative officer of a department of instruction (as in a college)
2 : a carrier of a sedan chair
–chair·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

chairman
n. : CHAIR 3

chairperson
n. : CHAIRMAN 1

chairwoman
n. : a woman who serves as chairman

chaise
n. 1 : any of various light horse-drawn vehicles: as a : a 2-wheeled carriage for one or two persons with a folding top b : POST CHAISE
2 : CHAISE LONGUE

chaise
n. chaise longue
chaise longues
chaise lounge
post chaise
chaises longues

chaise longue
: a long reclining chair

chaise lounge
: CHAISE LONGUE

chakra
n. : any of several points of physical or spiritual energy in the human body according to yoga philosophy

chalaza
n. 1 : either of two spiral bands in the white of a bird's egg that extend from the yolk and attach to opposite ends of the lining membrane ― see EGG illustration
2 : the basal part of a plant ovule where the nucellus is fused to the surrounding integument and to which the funiculus is usually attached
–cha·la·zal \-'lā-zəl, -'la-\ adjective

Chalcedon
― see KADIKOY

Chalcedonian
adj. : of or relating to Chalcedon or the ecumenical council held there in A.D. 451 declaring Monophysitism heretical
–Chalcedonian noun

chalcedony
n. : a translucent variety of quartz of various colors and waxy luster
–chal·ce·don·ic \ˌkal-sə-'dä-nik\ adjective

chalcid
n. : any of a large superfamily (Chalcidoidea) of mostly minute wasps parasitic in the larval state on the larvae or pupae of other insects
–chalcid adjective

Chalcidice
peninsula NE Greece in E Macedonia projecting SE into N Aegean Sea & terminating in three peninsulas: Kassandra (ancient Pallene), Sithonia, & Acte ― see ACTE

Chalcis
n. ― see KHALKÍS
–Chal·cid·i·an \kal-'si-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

chalcocite
: a black or gray lustrous metallic mineral that consists of a sulfide of copper and is an important copper ore

chalcogen
: any of the elements oxygen, sulfur, selenium, and tellurium

chalcogenide
: a binary compound of a chalcogen with a more electropositive element or radical

chalcopyrite
n. : a yellow mineral that consists of a sulfide of copper and iron and is an important copper ore

Chaldaic
: CHALDEAN

Chaldea
n. ancient region SW Asia on Euphrates River & Persian Gulf

Chaldean
n. 1 a : a member of an ancient Semitic people that became dominant in Babylonia b : the Semitic language of the Chaldeans
2 : a person versed in the occult arts
–Chaldean adjective

Chaldee
n. 1 : CHALDEAN 1A
2 : the Aramaic vernacular that was the original language of some parts of the Bible

chaldron
n. : any of various old units of measure varying from 32 to 72 imperial bushels

chalet
n. 1 : a remote herdsman's hut in the Alps
2 a : a Swiss dwelling with unconcealed structural members and a wide overhang at the front and sides b : a cottage or house in chalet style

Chaleur Bay
inlet of Gulf of St. Lawrence SE Canada bet. N N.B. & Gaspé Peninsula, Que.

Chaliapin
Fyodor Ivanovich 1873-1938 Russ. basso

chalice
n. 1 : a drinking cup : GOBLET especially : the eucharistic cup
2 : the cup-shaped interior of a flower

chalk
n. 1 a : a soft white, gray, or buff limestone composed chiefly of the shells of foraminifers b : a prepared form of chalk or a material resembling chalk especially when used (as for writing on blackboards) as a crayon
2 a : a mark made with chalk b British : a point scored in a game
–chalky \'chȯ-kē\ adjective

chalk
n. 1 : to write or draw with chalk
2 : to rub or mark with chalk <chalk a pool cue>
3 a : to delineate roughly : SKETCH <chalk out a plan of attack> b : to set down or add up with or as if with chalk : RECORD ― usually used with up <chalk up the totals>
intransitive verb : to become chalky <the paint had begun to chalk>

chalk
n. chalk talk
chalk up
French chalk

chalk talk
: a talk or lecture illustrated at a blackboard

chalk up
1 : ASCRIBE, CREDIT <chalked up his failures to inexperience>
2 : ATTAIN, ACHIEVE <chalk up another victory>

chalkboard
n. : BLACKBOARD

challah
n. : egg-rich yeast-leavened bread that is usually braided or twisted before baking and is traditionally eaten by Jews on the Sabbath and holidays

challenge
transitive verb
1 : to demand as due or deserved : REQUIRE <an event that challenges explanation>
2 : to order to halt and prove identity <the sentry challenged the stranger>
3 : to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : IMPUGN <new data that challenges old assumptions>
4 : to question formally the legality or legal qualifications of <challenge a juror>
5 a : to confront or defy boldly : DARE <he challenged his critics to prove his guilt> b : to call out to duel or combat c : to invite into competition <he challenged his brother to a tennis match>
6 : to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties <she wants a job that will challenge her>
7 : to administer a physiological and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)
intransitive verb
1 : to make or present a challenge
2 : to take legal exception
–chal·leng·er noun

challenge
n. 1 a : a summons that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting specifically : a summons to a duel to answer an affront b : an invitation to compete in a sport
2 a : a calling to account or into question : PROTEST b : an exception taken to a juror before the juror is sworn c : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity d : a questioning of the right or validity of a vote or voter
3 : a stimulating task or problem <looking for new challenges>
4 : the act or process of provoking or testing physiological activity by exposure to a specific substance especially : a test of immunity by exposure to an antigen

challenged
adj. : presented with difficulties (as by a disability) <physically challenged>

challenging
adj. 1 : arousing competitive interest, thought, or action <a challenging course of study>
2 : invitingly provocative : FASCINATING <a challenging personality>
–chal·leng·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

challis
n. : a lightweight soft clothing fabric made of cotton, wool, or synthetic yarns

Chalmers
Alexander 1759-1834 Scot. biographer & editor

Chalon
city E cen France N of Mâcon pop 50,110

chalone
n. : a substance (as a glycoprotein) that inhibits mitosis only in the specific tissue that secretes it ― compare HORMONE

Chalons
commune NE France on the Marne pop 47,338

chalupa
: a fried corn tortilla sometimes shaped like a boat and usually filled with a savory mixture (as of meat, vegetables, or cheese)

chalybeate
adj. : impregnated with salts of iron also : having a taste due to iron <chalybeate springs>

chalybeate
adj. : a chalybeate liquid or medicine

chamaephyte
n. : a perennial plant that bears its perennating buds just above the surface of the soil

Chambal
river 650 mi (1046 km) cen India flowing from Vindhya Mountains E into the Yamuna

chamber
n. 1 : ROOM especially : BEDROOM
2 : a natural or artificial enclosed space or cavity
3 a : a hall for the meetings of a deliberative, legislative, or judicial body <the senate chamber> b : a room where a judge transacts business ― usually used in plural c : the reception room of a person of rank or authority
4 a : a legislative or judicial body especially : either of the houses of a bicameral legislature b : a voluntary board or council
5 a : the part of the bore of a gun that holds the charge b : a compartment in the cartridge cylinder of a revolver
–cham·bered \-bərd\ adjective

chamber
n. 1 : to place in or as if in a chamber : HOUSE
2 : to serve as a chamber for especially : to accommodate in the chamber of a firearm

chamber
n. : being, relating to, or performing chamber music

chamber
n. combustion chamber
bubble chamber
chamber music
chamber of commerce
chamber of horrors
chamber orchestra
chamber pot
cloud chamber
echo chamber
gas chamber
ionization chamber
spark chamber
star chamber
chambered nautilus

chamber music
: music and especially instrumental ensemble music intended for performance in a private room or small auditorium and usually having one performer for each part

chamber of commerce

1723
: an association of businesspeople to promote commercial and industrial interests in the community

chamber of horrors

1849
: a place in which macabre or horrible objects are exhibited also : a collection of such exhibits

chamber orchestra
: a small orchestra usually with one player for each part

chamber pot
: a bedroom vessel for urination and defecation

chambered nautilus
: NAUTILUS 1

Chamberlain
n. Joseph 1836-1914 & his sons Sir (Joseph) Austen 1863-1937 & (Arthur) Neville 1869-1940 Brit. statesmen

Chamberlain
n. Wilton Norman 1936-1999 American basketball player

chamberlain
n. 1 : an attendant on a sovereign or lord in his bedchamber
2 a : a chief officer in the household of a king or nobleman b : TREASURER
3 : an often honorary papal attendant specifically : a priest having a rank of honor below domestic prelate

Chamberlin
Thomas Chrow·der \'krau̇-dər\ 1843-1928 American geologist

chambermaid
n. : a maid who makes beds and does general cleaning of bedrooms (as in a hotel)

Chambers
n. Robert 1802-1871 Scot. publisher & editor

Chambery
city E France E of Lyon pop 55,762

Chambord
Comte de 1820-1883 Henri-Charles-Ferdinand-Marie Dieudonné d'Artois Duc de Bordeaux Bourbon claimant to Fr. throne

Chambord
village N cen France NE of Blois pop 185

chambray
n. : a lightweight clothing fabric with colored warp and white filling yarns

chambre
robe de chambre
robes de chambre
valet de chambre
valets de chambre
femme de chambre
fille de chambre

chameleon
n. 1 : any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual ability to change the color of the skin
2 a : a person given to often expedient or facile change in ideas or character b : one that is subject to quick or frequent change especially in appearance
3 : AMERICAN CHAMELEON
–cha·me·le·on·ic \-ˌmē-lē-'ä-nik\ adjective
–cha·me·leon·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

chamfer
n. 1 : to cut a furrow in (as a column) : GROOVE
2 : to make a chamfer on : BEVEL

chamfer
n. : a beveled edge

chamfron
: the headpiece of a horse's bard

chamisa
1 : a saltbush (Atriplex canescens) of the western U.S. and Mexico having winged seeds
2 : a rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) having yellow flowers

chamise
n. : a California shrub (Adenostoma fasciculatum) of the rose family that forms dense stands in chaparral

Chamizal
tract of land 437 acres (177 hectares) on N bank of the Rio Grande formerly in El Paso, Tex.; ceded to Mexico 1963 ― see CORDOVA ISLAND

chamois
n. 1 : a small goatlike bovid (Rupicapra rupicapra) of mountainous regions from southern Europe to the Caucasus
2 also cham·my or sham·my \'sha-mē\ : a soft pliant leather prepared from the skin of the chamois or from sheepskin
3 : a cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather

chamomile
n. 1 : a perennial composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile syn. Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and No. Africa with aromatic foliage and flower heads
2 : any of several composite plants (genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. recutita syn. M. chamomilla) naturalized in No. America
3 : the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

Chamonix
1 valley SE France NW of Mont Blanc
2 or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc \-(ˌ)mōn-'blän\ town SE France in Chamonix valley pop 9829

Chamorro
n. Violeta Barrios de 1929-     pres. of Nicaragua (1990-97)

champ
n. transitive verb
1 : CHOMP
2 : MASH, TRAMPLE
intransitive verb
1 : to make biting or gnashing movements
2 : to show impatience of delay or restraint ― usually used in the phrase champing at the bit <he was champing at the bit to begin>

champ
n. : CHAMPION

champac
n. : an Asian tree (Michelia champaca) of the magnolia family with fragrant usually yellow flowers

Champagne
n. region & former province NE France W of Lorraine & N of Burgundy capital Troyes

champagne
n. 1 : a white sparkling wine made in the old province of Champagne, France also : a similar wine made elsewhere
2 : a pale orange yellow to light grayish-yellowish brown

Champaign
n. city E cen Ill. pop 67,518

champaign
n. 1 : an expanse of level open country : PLAIN
2 archaic : BATTLEFIELD
–champaign adjective

champers
n. British : CHAMPAGNE 1

champerty
n. : a proceeding by which a person not a party in a suit bargains to aid in or carry on its prosecution or defense in consideration of a share of the matter in suit
–cham·per·tous \-pər-təs\ adjective

champignon
n. : an edible fungus especially : BUTTON MUSHROOM

Champigny-sur-Marne
commune N France, SSE suburb of Paris pop 74,232

champion
n. 1 : WARRIOR, FIGHTER
2 : a militant advocate or defender <a champion of civil rights>
3 : one that does battle for another's rights or honor <God will raise me up a champion ― Sir Walter Scott>
4 : a winner of first prize or first place in competition also : one who shows marked superiority <a champion at selling>

champion
n. 1 archaic : CHALLENGE, DEFY
2 : to protect or fight for as a champion
3 : to act as militant supporter of : UPHOLD, ADVOCATE <always champions the cause of the underdog>
synonyms see SUPPORT

championship
n. 1 : designation as champion
2 : the act of championing : DEFENSE <his championship of freedom of speech>
3 : a contest held to determine a champion

Champlain
n. Samuel de ca 1567-1635 Fr. navigator, explorer, & founder of Quebec

Champlain, Lake
lake 125 mi (201 km) long bet. N.Y. & Vt. extending N into Que. area 430 sq mi (1114 sq km)

champleve
: of, relating to, or being a style of enamel decoration in which the enamel is applied and fired in cells depressed (as by incising) into a metal background ― compare CLOISONNÉ
–champlevé noun

Champollion
Jean-François 1790-1832 Fr. Egyptologist

Champollion-Figeac
Jacques-Joseph 1778-1867 bro. of prec. Fr. archaeol.

chan
n. channel

chance
n. 1 a : something that happens unpredictably without discernible human intention or observable cause b : the assumed impersonal purposeless determiner of unaccountable happenings : LUCK <an outcome decided by chance> c : the fortuitous or incalculable element in existence : CONTINGENCY
2 : a situation favoring some purpose : OPPORTUNITY <needed a chance to relax>
3 : a fielding opportunity in baseball
4 a : the possibility of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation also : the degree of likelihood of such an outcome <a small chance of success> b plural : the more likely indications <chances are he's already gone>
5 a : RISK <not taking any chances> b : a raffle ticket
–chance adjective
–by chance : in the haphazard course of events <they met by chance>

chance
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to take place, come about, or turn out by chance : HAPPEN <it chanced to rain that day> b : to have the good or bad luck <we chanced to meet>
2 : to come or light by chance <they chanced upon a remote inn>
transitive verb
1 : to leave the outcome of to chance
2 : to accept the hazard of : RISK <knew the trip was dangerous but decided to chance it>
–chance one's arm
British : to take a risk

chance
n. by chance
chance one's arm
chance medley
dog's chance
fighting chance
game of chance
main chance
stand a chance

chance one's arm
British : to take a risk

chance-medley
1 : accidental homicide not entirely without fault of the killer but without evil intent
2 : haphazard action : CONFUSION

chanceful
adj. 1 archaic : CASUAL
2 : full of chance or uncertainty

chancel
n. : the part of a church containing the altar and seats for the clergy and choir

chancellery
n. 1 a : the position, court, or department of a chancellor b : the building or room where a chancellor's office is located
2 : the office of secretary of the court of a person high in authority
3 : the office or staff of an embassy or consulate

chancellor
n. 1 a : the secretary of a nobleman, prince, or king b : the lord chancellor of Great Britain c British : the chief secretary of an embassy d : a Roman Catholic priest heading the office in which diocesan business is transacted and recorded
2 a : the titular head of a British university b (1) : a university president (2) : the chief executive officer in some state systems of higher education
3 a : a lay legal officer or adviser of an Anglican diocese b : a judge in a court of chancery or equity in various states of the U.S.
4 : the chief minister of state in some European countries
–chan·cel·lor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

chancellor
n. chancellor of the exchequer
lord chancellor
lords chancellor
vice chancellor

chancellor of the exchequer

Usage:

often cap C&E

Date:

1535

: a member of the British cabinet in charge of the public income and expenditure

chancer
n. British : a scheming opportunist

chancery
n. 1 : a record office for public archives or those of ecclesiastical, legal, or diplomatic proceedings
2 a capitalized : a high court of equity in England and Wales with common-law functions and jurisdiction over causes in equity b : a court of equity in the American judicial system c : the principles and practice of judicial equity
3 a : a chancellor's court or office or the building in which it is located b : the office in which the business of a Roman Catholic diocese is transacted and recorded c : the office of an embassy : CHANCELLERY 3
–in chancery
1 : in litigation in a court of chancery also : under the superintendence of the lord chancellor <a ward in chancery>
2 : in a hopeless predicament

chancre
n. : a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia) especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
–chan·crous \-k(ə-)rəs\ adjective

chancroid
n. : a venereal disease caused by a bacterium (Hemophilus ducreyi) and characterized by chancres unlike those of syphilis in lacking firm indurated margins ― called also soft chancre
–chan·croi·dal \shaŋ-'krȯi-dəl\ adjective

chancy
adj. 1 Scottish : bringing good luck : AUSPICIOUS
2 : uncertain in outcome or prospect : RISKY
3 : occurring by chance : HAPHAZARD
–chanc·i·ness noun

chandelier
n. : a branched often ornate lighting fixture suspended from a ceiling
–chan·de·liered \-'lird\ adjective

chandelle
: an abrupt climbing turn of an airplane in which the momentum of the plane is used to attain a higher rate of climb
–chandelle intransitive verb

Chandernagore
city E India in W. Bengal N of Calcutta; before 1950 part of French India pop 162,166

Chandigarh
city N India N of Delhi; a union territory administered by the national government; capital of Punjabi Suba & of Haryana pop 808,796

Chandler
n. Raymond Thornton 1888-1959 American nov. & screenwriter

Chandler
n. city SW cen Ariz. pop 176,581

chandler
n. 1 : a maker or seller of tallow or wax candles and usually soap
2 : a retail dealer in provisions and supplies or equipment of a specified kind <a yacht chandler>

chandlery
n. 1 : a place where candles are kept
2 : the business or shop of a chandler
3 : the commodities sold by a chandler

Chandra Gupta
― see CANDRA GUPTA II

Chandragupta
― see CANDRAGUPTA

Chandrapur
town cen India in E Maharashtra pop 297,612; capital of Gond dynasty 12th-18th cents.

Chandrasekhar
Subrahmanyan 1910-1995 American (Indian-born) physicist

Chanel
Gabrielle 1883-1971 Co·co \'kō-(ˌ)kō\ Chanel Fr. fashion designer & perfumer

Chang
river 3434 mi (5525 km) cen China flowing from Kunlun Mountains in SW Qinghai E into E. China Sea

Chang
Chang chia k'ou
Chang chou
Chang Hsueh liang
Chang Hsüeh liang
Chang Tso lin
Li Hung chang

Chang Hsueh-liang
1898-2001 son of Chang Tso-lin Chin. gen.

Chang Tso-lin
1873-1928 Chin. gen.

Chang-chia-k'ou
― see ZHANGJIAKOU

Chang-chou
― see ZHANGZHOU

Changan
― see XI'AN

Changchun
city NE China capital of Jilin pop 1,679,270

Changde
city SE cen China in N Hunan on the Yuan pop 301,276

change
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make different in some particular : ALTER <never bothered to change the will> b : to make radically different : TRANSFORM <can't change human nature> c : to give a different position, course, or direction to
2 a : to replace with another <let's change the subject> b : to make a shift from one to another : SWITCH <always changes sides in an argument> c : to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency) <change a 20-dollar bill> d : to undergo a modification of <foliage changing color> e : to put fresh clothes or covering on <change a bed>
intransitive verb
1 : to become different <her mood changes every hour>
2 of the moon : to pass from one phase to another
3 : to shift one's means of conveyance : TRANSFER <on the bus trip he had to change twice>
4 of the voice : to shift to lower register : BREAK
5 : to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution <winter changed to spring>
6 : to put on different clothes <need a few minutes to change for dinner>
7 : EXCHANGE, SWITCH <neither liked his seat so they changed with each other>
–chang·er noun
–change hands : to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another <money changes hands many times>
synonyms CHANGE, ALTER, VARY, MODIFY mean to make or become different. CHANGE implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another <changed the shirt for a larger size>. ALTER implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity <slightly altered the original design>. VARY stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition <vary your daily routine>. MODIFY suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose <modified the building for use by the disabled>.

change
n. 1 : the act, process, or result of changing: as a : ALTERATION <a change in the weather> b : TRANSFORMATION <a time of vast social change> <going through changes> c : SUBSTITUTION <a change of scenery> d : the passage of the moon from one monthly revolution to another also : the passage of the moon from one phase to another e : MENOPAUSE
2 : a fresh set of clothes
3 British : EXCHANGE 5A
4 a : money in small denominations received in exchange for an equivalent sum in larger denominations b : money returned when a payment exceeds the amount due c : coins especially of low denominations <a pocketful of change> d : a negligible additional amount <only six minutes and change left in the game> e : MONEY 1 <cost a large chunk of change>
5 : an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing
6 : CHANGEUP

change
n. change hands
change off
change of heart
change of life
change of pace
change ringing
chump change
rate of change
sea change
small change
nous avons change tout cela
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose
ring changes
ring the changes
money changer

change hands
to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another <money changes hands many times>

change of heart

1791
: a reversal in position or attitude

change of life

1834
: 2CLIMACTERIC 2

change of pace

1912
1 : CHANGEUP
2 : an interruption of continuity by a shift to a different activity

change off
1 : to alternate with another at doing an act
2 : to alternate between two different acts or instruments or between an action and a rest period

change ringing
: the art or practice of ringing a set of tuned bells (as in the bell tower of a church) in continually varying order

changeable
adj. : capable of change: as a : able or apt to vary <changeable weather> b : subject to change : ALTERABLE <changeable plans> c : FICKLE <a person changeable in his moods>
–change·abil·i·ty \ˌchān-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–change·able·ness \'chān-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–change·ably \-blē\ adverb

changeful
adj. : notably variable : UNCERTAIN <changeful times>
–change·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–change·ful·ness noun

changeless
adj. : never changing : CONSTANT <changeless truths>
–change·less·ly adverb
–change·less·ness noun

changeling
n. 1 archaic : TURNCOAT
2 : a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy
3 archaic : IMBECILE
–changeling adjective

changeover
n. 1 : CONVERSION, TRANSITION
2 : a pause in a tennis match during which the players change sides of the court

changeup
: a slow pitch in baseball thrown with the same motion as a fastball in order to deceive the batter

Changsha
city SE cen China capital of Hunan on the Xiang pop 1,113,212

Changzhou
city E China in S Jiangsu pop 531,470

channel
n. 1 a : the bed where a natural stream of water runs b : the deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait c : a strait or narrow sea between two close landmasses d : a means of communication or expression: as (1) : a path along which information (as data or music) in the form of an electrical signal passes (2) plural : a fixed or official course of communication <went through established military channels with his grievances> e : a way, course, or direction of thought or action <new channels of exploration> f : a band of frequencies of sufficient width for a single radio or television communication g : CHANNELER
2 a : a usually tubular enclosed passage : CONDUIT b : a passage created in a selectively permeable cell membrane by a conformational change in membrane proteins also : the proteins of such a passage ― compare ION CHANNEL
3 : a long gutter, groove, or furrow
4 : a metal bar of flattened U-shaped section

channel
n. 1 a : to form, cut, or wear a channel in b : to make a groove in <channel a chair leg>
2 : to convey or direct into or through a channel <channel his energy into useful work>
3 : to serve as a channeler or intermediary for

channel
n. : one of the flat ledges of heavy plank or metal bolted edgewise to the outside of a ship to increase the spread of the shrouds

channel
n. back channel
calcium channel blocker
channel bass
channel catfish
channel cat
channel hopping
channel hop
channel surfing
channel surfer
channel surf
ion channel
Bashi Channel
Bristol Channel
Channel Islands
Channel Islands National Park
English Channel
Gastineau Channel
North Channel
Saint George's Channel
San Pedro Channel
Santa Barbara Channel
Yucatan Channel
Yucatán Channel

channel bass
: RED DRUM

channel catfish
: a large black-spotted catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) that is an important freshwater food fish of the U.S. and Canada ― called also channel cat

Channel Islands
1 or Santa Barbara Islands chain of islands Calif. in the Pacific off SW coast ― see CATALINA, SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, SANTA CRUZ 1 SANTA ROSA ISLAND
2 islands in English Channel; a possession of Brit. Crown area 75 sq mi (195 sq km), pop 135,694 ― see ALDERNEY, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SARK

Channel Islands National Park
n. reserve SW Calif. in Channel Islands including areas on Anacapa Islands (E of Santa Cruz Is.) & Santa Barbara Is. (W of Santa Catalina Is.)

channel surfing
: the action or practice of surfing through television programs usually by use of a remote control
–channel surf intransitive verb
–channel surfer noun

channel-hopping
: CHANNEL SURFING
–chan·nel-hop \-ˌhäp\ intransitive verb

channeler
: a person who conveys thoughts or energy from a source believed to be outside the person's body or conscious mind specifically : one who speaks for nonphysical beings or spirits

channelize
v. 1 : CHANNEL 1
2 : CHANNEL 2
3 : to straighten by means of a channel <channelize a stream>
–chan·nel·i·za·tion \ˌcha-nə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Channing
William Ellery 1780-1842 American clergyman

chanson
n. : SONG specifically : a music-hall or cabaret song

chanson de geste
: any of several Old French epic poems of the 11th to the 13th centuries

chansonnier
n. : a writer or singer of chansons especially : a cabaret singer

chant
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make melodic sounds with the voice especially : to sing a chant
2 : to recite something in a monotonous repetitive tone <protesters were chanting outside>
transitive verb
1 : to utter as in chanting
2 : to celebrate or praise in song or chant

chant
n. 1 : SONG 1
2 a : PLAINSONG b : a rhythmic monotonous utterance or song c : a composition for chanting

chanter
n. 1 : one who chants: a : CHORISTER b : CANTOR
2 : the chief singer in a chantry
3 : the reed pipe of a bagpipe with finger holes on which the melody is played

chanterelle
n. : a fragrant edible mushroom (Cantharellus cibarius) usually having a yellow to orange color

chanteuse
n. : SONGSTRESS especially : a woman who is a concert or nightclub singer

chantey
n. : a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work

chanticleer
n. : ROOSTER

Chantilly
n. town N France NNE of Paris pop 10,916

Chantilly lace
: a delicate silk, linen, or synthetic lace having a 6-sided mesh ground and a floral or scrolled design ― called also Chantilly

chantry
n. 1 : an endowment for the chanting of masses commonly for the founder
2 : a chapel endowed by a chantry

Chanukah
n. variant of hanukkah

Chao
Elaine Lan 1953-     U.S. secy. of labor (2001-  )

Chao
Chao K'uang yin
Chao Tzu yang
Chao Phraya

Chao K'uang-yin
927-976 T'ai Tsu \'tīd-'zü\ Chin. emp. (960-976) & founder of Sung dynasty

Chao Phraya
n. river 227 mi (365 km) W cen Thailand formed by confluence of Nan & Ping rivers & flowing S into Gulf of Thailand

Chao'an
city E China in NE Guangdong on Han River pop 101,000

chaos
n. 1 obsolete : CHASM, ABYSS
2 a often capitalized : a state of things in which chance is supreme especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms ― compare COSMOS b : the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)
3 a : a state of utter confusion <the blackout caused chaos throughout the city> b : a confused mass or mixture <a chaos of television antennas>
–cha·ot·ic \kā-'ä-tik\ adjective
–cha·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chaos theory
: a branch of mathematical and physical theory that deals with the nature and consequences of chaos and chaotic systems

chap
n. : a crack in or a sore roughening of the skin caused by exposure to wind or cold

chap
n. intransitive verb : to open in cracks, slits, or chinks also : to become cracked, roughened, or reddened especially by the action of wind or cold <hands often chap in winter>
transitive verb : to cause to chap <wind-chapped lips>

chap
n. 1 : the fleshy covering of a jaw also : JAW ― usually used in plural <a wolf's chaps>
2 : the forepart of the face ― usually used in plural

chap
n. 1 chiefly British : FELLOW 4C
2 Southern & Midland : BABY, CHILD

chap
n. chapter

Chapala, Lake
lake 50 mi (80 km) long W cen Mexico in Jalisco & Michoacán SE of Guadalajara

chaparajos
n. : CHAPS

chaparral
n. 1 : a thicket of dwarf evergreen oaks broadly : a dense impenetrable thicket of shrubs or dwarf trees
2 : an ecological community composed of shrubby plants adapted to dry summers and moist winters that occurs especially in southern California

chaparral cock
: ROADRUNNER ― called also chaparral bird

chapati
n. : a round flat unleavened bread of India that is usually made of whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle

chapbook
n. : a small book containing ballads, poems, tales, or tracts

chape
n. : the metal mounting or trimming of a scabbard or sheath

chapeau
n. : HAT

chapel
n. 1 : a subordinate or private place of worship: as a : a place of worship serving a residence or institution b : a small house of worship usually associated with a main church c : a room or recess in a church for meditation and prayer or small religious services
2 : a place of worship used by a Christian group other than an established church <a nonconformist chapel>
3 : a choir of singers belonging to a chapel
4 : a chapel service or assembly at a school or college
5 : an association of the employees in a printing office
6 a : FUNERAL HOME b : a room for funeral services in a funeral home

chapel
n. chapel of ease
lady chapel
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill
town N N.C. SW of Durham pop 48,715

chapel of ease

1538
: a chapel or dependent church built to accommodate an expanding parish

chaperone
n. 1 : a person (as a matron) who for propriety accompanies one or more young unmarried women in public or in mixed company
2 : an older person who accompanies young people at a social gathering to ensure proper behavior broadly : one delegated to ensure proper behavior
3 : any of a class of proteins that facilitate the proper folding of proteins by binding to and stabilizing unfolded or partially folded proteins ― called also molecular chaperone

chaperone
transitive verb
1 : ESCORT
2 : to act as chaperone to or for <chaperone a dance> <chaperoning teenagers>
intransitive verb : to act as a chaperone
–chap·er·on·age \-ˌrō-nij\ noun

chapfallen
adj. 1 : having the lower jaw hanging loosely
2 : cast down in spirit : DEPRESSED

chapiter
n. : the capital of a column

chaplain
n. 1 : a clergyman in charge of a chapel
2 : a clergyman officially attached to a branch of the military, to an institution, or to a family or court
3 : a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as at a meeting of a club or society)
4 : a clergyman appointed to assist a bishop (as at a liturgical function)
–chap·lain·cy \-sē\ noun

chaplet
n. 1 : a wreath to be worn on the head
2 a : a string of beads b : a part of a rosary comprising five decades
3 : a small molding carved with small decorative forms
–chap·let·ed \-lə-təd\ adjective

Chaplin
n. Sir Charles Spencer 1889-1977 Brit. actor & director
–Chap·lin·esque \ˌcha-plə-'nesk\ adjective

Chapman
n. Frank Mich·ler \'mi-klər\ 1864-1945 American ornithologist

Chapman
n. George 1559?-1634 Eng. dram. & translator

Chapman
n. John 1774-1845 Johnny Ap·ple·seed \'ap-əl-ˌsēd\ American pioneer

chapman
n. 1 archaic : MERCHANT, TRADER
2 British : PEDDLER

chappie
n. British : FELLOW 4C

chaps
n. : leather leggings joined by a belt or lacing, often having flared outer flaps, and worn over the trousers (as by western ranch hands)

chapter
n. 1 a : a main division of a book b : something resembling a chapter in being a significant specified unit <a new chapter in my life>
2 a : a regular meeting of the canons of a cathedral or collegiate church or of the members of a religious house b : the body of canons of a cathedral or collegiate church
3 : a local branch of an organization

Chapter 11
: bankruptcy as provided under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code which governs corporate reorganization <filed for Chapter 11>

chapter and verse
1 : the exact reference or source of information or justification for an assertion <clinched their arguments by citing chapter and verse ― J. M. Burns>
2 : full precise information or detail <can give chapter and verse on the effects of diverting defense spending ― Horace Sutton>
–chapter and verse adverb

char
n. : any of a genus (Salvelinus) of small-scaled trouts with light-colored spots

char
n. transitive verb
1 : to convert to charcoal or carbon usually by heat : BURN
2 : to burn slightly or partly : SCORCH <the fire charred the beams>
intransitive verb : to become charred

char
n. : a charred substance : CHARCOAL specifically : a combustible residue remaining after the destructive distillation of coal

char
n. : to work as a cleaning woman

char
n. British : CHARWOMAN

charabanc
n. British : a sight-seeing motor coach

characin
n. : any of a family (Characidae) of usually small brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes that includes many aquarium fishes
–characin adjective

character
n. 1 a : a conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of ownership, origin, or relationship b : a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph or alphabet letter) used in writing or printing c : a magical or astrological emblem d : ALPHABET e (1) : WRITING, PRINTING (2) : style of writing or printing (3) : CIPHER f : a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information also : a representation of such a character that may be accepted by a computer
2 a : one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual b (1) : a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories also : a group or kind so separated <advertising of a very primitive character> (2) : the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes (3) : the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type <a wine of great character> c : the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation <the character of the American people> d : main or essential nature especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish <excess sewage gradually changed the character of the lake>
3 : POSITION, CAPACITY <his character as a town official>
4 : REFERENCE 4B
5 : REPUTATION <the scandal has damaged his character and image>
6 : moral excellence and firmness <a man of sound character>
7 a : a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits <quite a character> b : one of the persons of a drama or novel c : the personality or part which an actor recreates <an actress who can create a character convincingly> d : characterization especially in drama or fiction e : PERSON, INDIVIDUAL <a suspicious character>
8 : a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type
synonyms see DISPOSITION, QUALITY, TYPE
–char·ac·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in character : in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <behaving in character>
–out of character : not in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <his rudeness was completely out of character>

character
n. 1 archaic : ENGRAVE, INSCRIBE
2 a archaic : REPRESENT, PORTRAY b : CHARACTERIZE

character
n. 1 : capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player <a character actor>
2 : requiring the qualities of a character actor <a character role>

character
n. out of character
in character
character assassination
character witness
unit character

character assassination
: the slandering of a person usually with the intention of destroying public confidence in that person

character witness
: a person who gives evidence in a legal action concerning the reputation, conduct, and moral nature of a party

characterful
adj. 1 : markedly expressive of character <a characterful face>
2 : marked by character <a characterful decision>

characterisation
British variant of characterization, characterize

characteristic
n. 1 : a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
2 : the integral part of a common logarithm
3 : the smallest positive integer n which for an operation in a ring or field yields 0 when any element is used n times with the operation

characteristic
: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character
–char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms CHARACTERISTIC, INDIVIDUAL, PECULIAR, DISTINCTIVE mean indicating a special quality or identity. CHARACTERISTIC applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. INDIVIDUAL stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. PECULIAR applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. DISTINCTIVE indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.

characteristic
n. characteristic vector
characteristic equation
characteristic polynomial
characteristic root
characteristic value
secondary sex characteristic
secondary sexual characteristic

characteristic equation
: an equation in which the characteristic polynomial of a matrix is set equal to 0

characteristic polynomial
: the determinant of a square matrix in which an arbitrary variable (as x) is subtracted from each of the elements along the principal diagonal

characteristic root
: EIGENVALUE

characteristic value
: EIGENVALUE

characteristic vector
: EIGENVECTOR

characterization
n. : the act of characterizing especially : the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives

characterize
v. 1 : to describe the character or quality of <characterizes him as ambitious>
2 : to be a characteristic of : DISTINGUISH <an era characterized by greed>

characterological
adj. : of, relating to, or based on character or the study of character including its development and its differences in different individuals
–char·ac·ter·olog·i·cal·ly \-'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

charactery
n. : a system of written letters or symbols used in the expression of thought

charade
n. 1 : a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action
2 plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
3 : an empty or deceptive act or pretense <his concern was a charade>

charas
n. : HASHISH

charbroil
v. : to broil on a rack over hot charcoal <charbroiled steak>
–char·broil·er \-ˌbrȯi-lər\ noun

charcoal
n. 1 : a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded)
2 a : a piece or pencil of fine charcoal used in drawing b : a charcoal drawing
3 : a dark gray

charcoal
n. : CHARBROIL

Charcot
n. Jean-Mar·tin \'zhän-mär-'tan\ 1825-1893 Fr. neurologist

charcuterie
n. : a delicatessen specializing in dressed meats and meat dishes also : the products sold in such a shop

chard
n. : SWISS CHARD

chard
n. : CHARDONNAY

Chardin
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon 1699-1779 Fr. painter

chardonnay
n. : a dry white table wine typically made from a single white grape variety orig. grown in France also : the grape

chare
n. : CHORE

Charente
river ab 225 mi (362 km) W France flowing W into Bay of Biscay

charge
n. 1 a obsolete : a material load or weight b : a figure borne on a heraldic field
2 a : the quantity that an apparatus is intended to receive and fitted to hold b : the quantity of explosive used in a single discharge c : a store or accumulation of impelling force <the deeply emotional charge of the drama> d : a definite quantity of electricity especially : an excess or deficiency of electrons in a body e : THRILL, KICK <got a charge out of the game>
3 a : OBLIGATION, REQUIREMENT b : MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISION <has charge of the home office> c : the ecclesiastical jurisdiction (as a parish) committed to a clergyman d : a person or thing committed to the care of another
4 a : INSTRUCTION, COMMAND b : instruction in points of law given by a court to a jury
5 a : EXPENSE, COST <gave the banquet at his own charge> b : the price demanded for something <no admission charge> c : a debit to an account <the purchase was a charge> d : the record of a loan (as of a book from a library) e British : an interest in property granted as security for a loan
6 a : a formal assertion of illegality <a charge of murder> b : a statement of complaint or hostile criticism <denied the charges of nepotism that were leveled against him>
7 a (1) : a violent rush forward (as to attack) <the charge of the brigade> (2) : the signal for attack <sound the charge> b : a usually illegal rush into an opponent in various sports (as basketball)
–in charge : having control or custody of something <he is in charge of the training program>

charge
n. transitive verb
1 a archaic : to lay or put a load on or in : LOAD b (1) : to place a charge (as of powder) in (2) : to load or fill to capacity c (1) : to restore the active materials in (a storage battery) by the passage of a direct current through in the opposite direction to that of discharge (2) : to give an electric charge to <charge a capacitor> d (1) : to assume as a heraldic bearing (2) : to place a heraldic bearing on e : to fill or furnish fully <the music is charged with excitement> f : ELECTRIFY 2 <the crowd was charged by her performance>
2 a : to impose a task or responsibility on <charge him with the job of finding a new meeting place> b : to command, instruct, or exhort with authority <I charge you not to go> c of a judge : to give a charge to (a jury)
3 a : to make an assertion against especially by ascribing guilt or blame <charges him with armed robbery> <they were charged as being instigators> b : to place the guilt or blame for <charge her failure to negligence> c : to assert as an accusation <charges that he distorted the data>
4 a : to bring (a weapon) into position for attack : LEVEL <charge a lance> b : to rush against : ATTACK also : to rush into (an opponent) usually illegally in various sports
5 a (1) : to impose a financial burden on <charge his estate with debts incurred> (2) : to impose or record as financial obligation <charge debts to an estate> b (1) : to fix or ask as fee or payment <charges $50 for an office visit> (2) : to ask payment of (a person) <charge a client for expenses> c : to record (an item) as an expense, debt, obligation, or liability <charged a new sofa>
intransitive verb
1 : to rush forward in or as if in assault : ATTACK also : to charge an opponent in sports
2 : to ask or set a price <do you charge for this service?>
3 : to charge an item to an account <charge now, pay later>
synonyms see COMMAND

charge
n. banzai charge
carrying charge
in charge
charge account
charge card
charge coupled device
charge d'affaires
charge off
charge of quarters
conservation of charge
cover charge
depth charge
fixed charge
service charge
shaped charge
space charge
stratified charge engine
take charge
charged coupled device

charge account
: a customer's account with a creditor (as a merchant) to which the purchase of goods is charged

charge card
: CREDIT CARD

charge d'affaires
1 : a subordinate diplomat who substitutes for an absent ambassador or minister
2 : a diplomat inferior in rank to an ambassador or minister who heads a mission when no ambassador or minister is assigned

charge of quarters

circa 1918
: an enlisted man designated to handle administrative matters in a unit especially after duty hours ― abbreviation CQ

charge off
: to treat as a loss or expense
–charge-off \'chärj-ˌȯf\ noun

charge-coupled device
: a semiconductor device that is used especially as an optical sensor and that stores charge and transfers it sequentially to an amplifier and detector ― called also CCD charged coupled device

chargeable
adj. 1 archaic : financially burdensome : EXPENSIVE
2 : liable to be charged: as a : liable to be accused or held responsible b : suitable to be charged to a particular account c : qualified to be made a charge on the county or parish

charged
adj. 1 : possessing or showing strong emotion <attacked the author in a highly charged review>
2 : capable of arousing strong emotion <a politically charged subject> also : EXCITING <a highly charged palette of bold colors>

chargehand
n. British : FOREMAN

charger
n. : a large flat dish or platter

charger
n. 1 : one that charges: as a : an appliance for holding or inserting a charge of powder or shot in a gun b : a cartridge clip c : a device for charging storage batteries
2 : a horse for battle or parade

Chari
river ab 590 mi (949 km) N cen Africa in Chad flowing NW into Lake Chad

chariness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being chary : CAUTION
2 : carefully preserved state : INTEGRITY

chariot
n. 1 : a light four-wheeled pleasure or state carriage
2 : a two-wheeled horse-drawn battle car of ancient times used also in processions and races

chariot
n. : to drive or ride in or as if in a chariot
transitive verb : to carry in or as if in a chariot

charioteer
n. 1 : one who drives a chariot
2 capitalized : AURIGA

charism
: an extraordinary power (as of healing) given a Christian by the Holy Spirit for the good of the church

charisma
n. 1 : a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader)
2 : a special magnetic charm or appeal <the charisma of a popular actor>

charismatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting charisma or charism <charismatic gifts>
2 : having, exhibiting, or based on charisma or charism <charismatic sects> <a charismatic leader>

charismatic
adj. : a member of a religious group or movement that stresses the seeking of direct divine inspiration and charisms (as glossolalia or healing)

charitable
adj. 1 : full of love for and goodwill toward others : BENEVOLENT
2 a : liberal in benefactions to the needy : GENEROUS b : of or relating to charity <charitable institutions>
3 : merciful or kind in judging others : LENIENT
–char·i·ta·ble·ness noun
–char·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

Chariton
river 280 mi (451 km) S Iowa & N Mo. flowing S into the Missouri

charity
n. 1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
2 a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering also : aid given to those in need b : an institution engaged in relief of the poor c : public provision for the relief of the needy
3 a : a gift for public benevolent purposes b : an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4 : lenient judgment of others
synonyms see MERCY

charivari
n. : SHIVAREE

charlatan
n. 1 : QUACK 2
2 : one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability : FRAUD, FAKER
–char·la·tan·ism \-tə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–char·la·tan·ry \-rē\ noun

Charlemagne
n. 742-814 Charles the Great or Charles I Frankish king (768-814) & emp. of the West (800-814)

Charleroi
city SW Belgium in Hainaut pop 200,578

Charles
n. 1600-1649 Charles Stuart king of Great Britain (1625-49)

Charles
n. 1403-1461 king of France (1422-61)

Charles
n. 1550-1574 king of France (1560-74)

Charles
n. 1757-1836 king of France (1824-30)

Charles
n. 1500-1558 Holy Rom. emp. (1519-56); king of Spain as Charles I (1516-56)

Charles
n. 1682-1718 king of Sweden (1697-1718)

Charles
n. Prince 1903-1983 bro. of King Leopold regent of Belgium (1944-50)

Charles
n. river 47 mi (76 km) Mass. flowing into Boston harbor

Charles
n. Charles I
Charles II
Charles IV
Charles V
Charles VI
Charles VII
Charles IX
Charles X
Charles XII
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Charles's Wain
King Charles spaniel
Charles XIV John
Charles Edward
Charles Martel
Charles Cape
Lake Charles
Saint Charles
Abdulhamid II
Abdülhamid II
Abdullah II
Ethelred II
Agesilaus II
Alaric II
Cambyses II
Carol II
Catherine II
Claudius II
Cyrus II
Eadmund II
Faisal II
Ferdinand II
Francis II
Frederick II
Joseph II
Leopold II
Lothair II
Mahmud II
Margrethe II
Mary II
Maximilian II
Menelik II
Montezuma II
Napoleon II
Napoléon II
Nebuchadrezzar II
Oscar II
Peter II
Philip II
photosystem II
Sargon II
William II
type II error
Chandra Gupta II
Candra Gupta II
Louis II de Bourbon
Victor Emmanuel II
Leopold II Lake
Lake Leopold II

Charles
n. 1630-1685 son of Charles I king of Great Britain (1660-85)

Charles
n. 1948-     son of Elizabeth II prince of Wales

Charles
n. 1771-1847 archduke of Austria

Charles
n. 1887-1922 Charles Francis Joseph; nephew of Francis Ferdinand emp. of Austria & (as Charles IV) king of Hungary (1916-18)

Charles
n. 823-877 the Bald king of France as Charles I (840-877); Holy Rom. emp. as Charles II (875-877)

Charles
n. 1294-1328 the Fair king of France (1322-28)

Charles
n. 1337-1380 the Wise king of France (1364-80)

Charles
n. 1368-1422 the Mad or the Beloved king of France (1380-1422)

Charles Edward
1720-1788 the Young Pretender; (Bonnie) Prince Charlie Brit. prince

Charles Martel
ca 688-741 grandfather of Charlemagne Frankish ruler (719-741)

Charles XIV John
1763-1844 orig. Jean-Baptiste-Jules Ber·na·dotte \ber-nȧ-dȯt\ king of Sweden & Norway (1818-44)

Charles's Wain
: BIG DIPPER

Charles, Cape
cape E Va. N of entrance to Chesapeake Bay

Charlesbourg
city Canada in SE Que. NE of Quebec (city) pop 70,310

Charleston
n. : a lively ballroom dance in which the knees are twisted in and out and the heels are swung sharply outward on each step

Charleston
n. 1 city & port SE S.C. pop 96,650
2 city capital of W.Va. on the Kanawha pop 53,421
–Charles·to·nian \chär(-ə)l-'stō-nē-ən, -nyən\ noun

Charleston Peak
mountain 11,919 ft (3633 m) SE Nev. WNW of Las Vegas; highest in Spring Mountains

Charlestown
section of Boston, Mass., on Boston harbor bet. mouths of Charles & Mystic rivers

charley horse
: a muscular pain, cramping, or stiffness especially of the quadriceps that results from a strain or bruise

Charlie
n. ― a communications code word for the letter c

Charlie
n. ― used as a collective name for the Vietcong during the war in Vietnam

charlie
n. British : FOOL

charlock
n. : an Old World mustard (Brassica kaber syn. Sinapis arvensis) that is a common weed in grain fields ― called also wild mustard

Charlotte
n. Empress of Mexico ― see CARLOTA

Charlotte
n. city S N.C. near S.C. border pop 540,828

charlotte
n. : a dessert consisting of a filling (as of fruit, whipped cream, or custard) layered with or placed in a mold lined with strips of bread, ladyfingers, or biscuits

charlotte
n. charlotte russe
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Harbor
Queen Charlotte Islands
Queen Charlotte Sound

Charlotte Amalie
city & port capital of Virgin Islands of the U.S. on St. Thomas Is. pop 12,331

Charlotte Harbor
inlet of Gulf of Mexico SW Fla.

charlotte russe
: a charlotte made with sponge cake or ladyfingers and a whipped-cream or custard-gelatin filling

Charlottesville
n. city cen Va. pop 45,049

Charlottetown
n. city & port Canada capital of P.E.I. on Northumberland Strait pop 32,245

charm
n. 1 a : the chanting or reciting of a magic spell : INCANTATION b : a practice or expression believed to have magic power
2 : something worn about the person to ward off evil or ensure good fortune : AMULET
3 a : a trait that fascinates, allures, or delights b : a physical grace or attraction ― used in plural <her feminine charms> c : compelling attractiveness <the island possessed great charm>
4 : a small ornament worn on a bracelet or chain
5 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of +2/3 and a measured energy of approximately 1.5 GeV also : the flavor characterizing this particle
–charm·less \-ləs\ adjective

charm
n. 1 a : to affect by or as if by magic : COMPEL b : to please, soothe, or delight by compelling attraction <charms customers with his suave manner>
2 : to endow with or as if with supernatural powers by means of charms also : to protect by or as if by spells, charms, or supernatural influences
3 : to control (an animal) typically by charms (as the playing of music) <charm a snake>
intransitive verb
1 : to practice magic and enchantment
2 : to have the effect of a charm : FASCINATE
synonyms see ATTRACT
–charm·er \'chär-mər\ noun

charm
n. charmed circle
Prince Charming
snake charmer

charmed
adj. 1 : extremely lucky or prosperous <living a charmed life>
2 : of, relating to, or being a charm quark

charmed circle
: a group marked by exclusiveness

charmeuse
n. : a fine semilustrous crepe in satin weave

charming
adj. : extremely pleasing or delightful : ENTRANCING <a charming restaurant>
–charm·ing·ly \-miŋ-lē\ adverb

charnel
n. : a building or chamber in which bodies or bones are deposited ― called also charnel house
–charnel adjective

Charolais
n. : any of a breed of large white cattle developed in France and used primarily for beef and crossbreeding

Charon
n. : a son of Erebus who in Greek mythology ferries the souls of the dead over the Styx

Charpak
Georges 1924-     Fr. (Pol.-born) physicist

charpoy
n. : a bed used especially in India consisting of a frame strung with tapes or light rope

charr
n. variant of 1char

chart
n. 1 : MAP: as a : an outline map exhibiting something (as climatic or magnetic variations) in its geographical aspects b : a map for the use of navigators
2 a : a sheet giving information in tabular form b : GRAPH c : DIAGRAM d : a sheet of paper ruled and graduated for use in a recording instrument e : a record of medical information about a patient f : a listing by rank (as of sales) ― usually used in plural <number one on the charts ― Tim Cahill>
3 : a musical arrangement also : a part in such an arrangement

chart
n. 1 : to lay out a plan for <chart a course>
2 : to make a map or chart of <chart the coastline>
3 : CHRONICLE <the book charts the last years of his life>
intransitive verb : to be ranked on a chart <the song charted for three months>

chart
n. bar chart
eye chart
pie chart
strip chart recorder
strip chart recording
time chart

charter
n. 1 : a written instrument or contract (as a deed) executed in due form
2 a : a grant or guarantee of rights, franchises, or privileges from the sovereign power of a state or country b : a written instrument that creates and defines the franchises of a city, educational institution, or corporation c : CONSTITUTION
3 : a written instrument from the authorities of a society creating a lodge or branch
4 : a special privilege, immunity, or exemption
5 : a mercantile lease of a ship or some principal part of it
6 : a charter travel arrangement

charter
n. 1 a : to establish, enable, or convey by charter b British : CERTIFY <a chartered mechanical engineer>
2 : to hire, rent, or lease for usually exclusive and temporary use <chartered a boat for deep-sea fishing>
synonyms see HIRE
–char·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

charter
n. : of, relating to, or being a travel arrangement in which transportation (as a bus or plane) is hired by and for one specific group of people <a charter flight>

charter
n. charter member
charter membership
charter school
chartered accountant

charter member
: an original member of a group (as a society or corporation)
–charter membership noun

charter school
: a tax-supported school established by a charter between a granting body (as a school board) and an outside group (as of teachers and parents) which operates the school without most local and state educational regulations so as to achieve set goals

chartered accountant
British : a member of a chartered institute of accountants

Chartism
n. : the principles and practices of a body of 19th century English political reformers advocating better social and industrial conditions for the working classes
–Char·tist \'chär-tist\ noun or adjective

chartist
n. 1 : an analyst of market action whose predictions of market courses are based on study of graphic presentations of past market performance
2 : CARTOGRAPHER

Chartres
city N cen France SW of Paris pop 40,402

Chartreuse
n. ― used for a usually green or yellow liqueur

chartreuse
n. : a variable color averaging a brilliant yellow green

chartulary
: CARTULARY

charwoman
n. : a cleaning woman especially in a large building

chary
adj. 1 archaic : DEAR, TREASURED
2 : discreetly cautious: as a : hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks b : slow to grant, accept, or expend <a person very chary of compliments>
synonyms see CAUTIOUS
–chari·ly \'cher-ə-lē\ adverb

Charybdis
n. : a whirlpool off the coast of Sicily personified in Greek mythology as a female monster ― compare SCYLLA

Chase
n. Mary Ellen 1887-1973 American educ. & author

Chase
n. Sal·mon \'sa-mən, 'sal-\ Portland 1808-1873 American statesman; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1864-73)

chase
n. 1 a : the hunting of wild animals ― used with the b : the act of chasing : PURSUIT c : an earnest or frenzied seeking after something desired
2 : something pursued : QUARRY
3 : a tract of unenclosed land used as a game preserve
4 : STEEPLECHASE 1
5 : a sequence (as in a movie) in which the characters pursue one another

chase
n. transitive verb
1 a : to follow rapidly : PURSUE b : HUNT c : to follow regularly or persistently with the intention of attracting or alluring
2 obsolete : HARASS
3 : to seek out ― often used with down <detectives chasing down clues>
4 : to cause to depart or flee : DRIVE <chase the dog out of the garden>
5 : to cause the removal of (a baseball pitcher) by a batting rally
6 : to swing at (a baseball pitched out of the strike zone)
intransitive verb
1 : to chase an animal, person, or thing <chase after material possessions>
2 : RUSH, HASTEN <chased all over town looking for a place to stay>
synonyms CHASE, PURSUE, FOLLOW, TRAIL mean to go after or on the track of something or someone. CHASE implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running <a dog chasing a cat>. PURSUE suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain <pursued the criminal through narrow streets>. FOLLOW puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake <friends followed me home in their car>. TRAIL may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object <trail deer> <trailed a suspect across the country>.

chase
n. 1 a : to ornament (metal) by indenting with a hammer and tools without a cutting edge b : to make by such indentation c : to set with gems
2 a : GROOVE, INDENT b : to cut (a thread) with a chaser

chase
n. 1 : GROOVE, FURROW
2 : the bore of a cannon
3 a : TRENCH b : a channel (as in a wall) for something to lie in or pass through

chase
n. : a rectangular steel or iron frame in which letterpress matter is locked (as for printing)

chase
n. cut to the chase
give chase
stern chase
wild goose chase
ambulance chasing

chaser
n. 1 : one that chases
2 : a mild drink (as beer) taken after hard liquor

chaser
n. 1 : a skilled worker who produces ornamental chasing
2 : a tool for cutting screw threads

Chasid
n. variant of hasid

chasm
n. 1 : a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (as the earth) : GORGE
2 : a marked division, separation, or difference

chasse
n. 1 : to make a chassé
2 : SASHAY

chasse
n. : a sliding dance step resembling the galop

chassepot
: a bolt-action rifle firing a paper cartridge

chasseur
n. 1 : HUNTER, HUNTSMAN
2 : one of a body of light cavalry or infantry trained for rapid maneuvering
3 : a liveried attendant : FOOTMAN

chassis
n. : the supporting frame of a structure (as an automobile or television) also : the frame and working parts (as of an automobile or electronic device) exclusive of the body or housing

chaste
adj. 1 : innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse
2 : CELIBATE
3 : pure in thought and act : MODEST
4 a : severely simple in design or execution : AUSTERE <chaste classicism> b : CLEAN, SPOTLESS
–chaste·ly adverb
–chaste·ness \'chās(t)-nəs\ noun
synonyms CHASTE, PURE, MODEST, DECENT mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious. CHASTE primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows <they maintained chaste relations>. PURE differs from CHASTE in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions <the pure of heart>. MODEST and DECENT apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity <preferred more modest swimsuits> <decent people didn't go to such movies>.

chasten
v. 1 : to correct by punishment or suffering : DISCIPLINE also : PURIFY
2 a : to prune (as a work or style of art) of excess, pretense, or falsity : REFINE b : to cause to be more humble or restrained : SUBDUE
synonyms see PUNISH
–chas·ten·er \'chās-nər, 'chā-sən-ər\ noun

chastise
v. 1 : to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)
2 : to censure severely : CASTIGATE
3 archaic : CHASTEN 2
synonyms see PUNISH
–chas·tise·ment \(ˌ)chas-'tīz-mənt also 'chas-təz-\ noun
–chas·tis·er \(ˌ)chas-'tī-zər\ noun

chastity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being chaste: as a : abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse b : abstention from all sexual intercourse c : purity in conduct and intention d : restraint and simplicity in design or expression
2 : personal integrity

chastity belt
: a belt device (as of medieval times) designed to prevent sexual intercourse on the part of the woman wearing it

chasuble
n. : a sleeveless outer vestment worn by the officiating priest at mass

chat
n. intransitive verb
1 : CHATTER, PRATTLE
2 a : to talk in an informal or familiar manner b : to take part in an online discussion in a chat room
transitive verb chiefly British : to talk to especially : to talk lightly, glibly, or flirtatiously with ― often used with up

chat
n. 1 : idle small talk : CHATTER
2 : light informal or familiar talk especially : CONVERSATION
3 [imitative] : any of several songbirds (as of the genera Cercomela, Granatellus, or Icteria)
4 : online discussion in a chat room also : an instance of such discussion <participate in computer chats>

chat
n. chat room
chat show
pas de chat
a bon chat bon rat
à bon chat bon rat

chat room
: a real-time online interactive discussion group

chat show
chiefly British : TALK SHOW

chateau
n. 1 : a feudal castle or fortress in France
2 : a large country house : MANSION
3 : a French vineyard estate

chateau
n. chateau en Espagne
Chateau Thierry
château en Espagne
Château Thierry

chateau en Espagne
: castle in Spain : a visionary project

Chateau-Thierry
town N France on the Marne SW of Reims pop 14,966

Chateaubriand
n. Vi·comte \vē-'kōnt\ François-Auguste-René de 1768-1848 Fr. author

chateaubriand
n. : a large tenderloin steak usually grilled or broiled and served with a sauce (as béarnaise)

Chateauguay
town Canada in S Que. SW of Montreal pop 41,003

Chateauroux
commune cen France S of Orléans pop 34,192

chatelain
: CASTELLAN

chatelaine
n. 1 a : the wife of a castellan : the mistress of a château b : the mistress of a household or of a large establishment
2 : a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or bunch of keys

Chatham
1st Earl of ― see William PITT

Chatham
1 ― see SAN CRISTÓBAL 1
2 town SE England in Kent pop 43,557

Chatham
Chatham Islands
Chatham Kent
Chatham Strait
Chatham Island

Chatham Islands
islands S. Pacific belonging to New Zealand & comprising two islands (Chatham & Pitt) area 372 sq mi (967 sq km)

Chatham Strait
strait SE Alaska bet. Admiralty Is. & Kuiu Is. on E & Baranof Is. & Chichagof Is. on W

Chatham-Kent
city Canada in SE Ont. E of Lake Saint Clair pop 107,341

chatoyance
: CHATOYANCY

chatoyancy
n. : the quality or state of being chatoyant

chatoyant
n. : having a changeable luster or color with an undulating narrow band of white light <a chatoyant gem>

chatoyant
n. : a chatoyant gem

Chatrian
Alexandre ― see ERCKMANN-CHATRIAN

Chattahoochee
river 436 mi (702 km) SE U.S. rising in N Ga. flowing SW & S along Ala.-Ga. boundary into Lake Seminole

Chattanooga
n. city SE Tenn. on Tennessee River pop 155,554

chattel
n. 1 : an item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate and things (as buildings) connected with real property
2 : SLAVE, BONDSMAN

chatter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter rapid short sounds suggestive of language but inarticulate and indistinct <squirrels chattered angrily>
2 : to talk idly, incessantly, or fast
3 a : to click repeatedly or uncontrollably <teeth chattering with cold> b : to vibrate rapidly in cutting <a chattering tool> c : to vibrate especially audibly as a consequence of repeated sticking and slipping <chattering brakes>
transitive verb : to utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly
–chat·ter·er noun
–chat·tery \-tə-rē\ adjective

chatter
n. 1 : the action or sound of chattering
2 : idle talk : PRATTLE
3 : electronic and especially radio communication between individuals engaged in a common or related form of activity also : such chatter regarding future hostile activities

chatter mark
1 : a fine undulation formed on the surface of work by a chattering tool
2 : one of a series of short curved cracks on a glaciated rock surface transverse to the glacial striae

chatterbox
n. : one who engages in much idle talk

Chatterjee
Ban·kim \'bȯŋ-kim\ Chan·dra \'chən-(ˌ)drə\ 1838-1894 Indian nov.

Chatterton
Thomas 1752-1770 Eng. poet

chatty
adj. 1 : fond of chatting : TALKATIVE <a chatty neighbor>
2 : having the style and manner of light familiar conversation <a chatty letter>
–chat·ti·ly \'cha-tə-lē\ adverb
–chat·ti·ness \'cha-tē-nəs\ noun

Chaucer
n. Geoffrey ca 1342-1400 Eng. poet
–Chau·ce·ri·an \chȯ-'sir-ē-ən\ adjective

chauffeur
n. : a person employed to drive a motor vehicle

chauffeur
n. intransitive verb : to do the work of a chauffeur
transitive verb
1 : to transport in the manner of a chauffeur <chauffeurs the children to school>
2 : to operate (as an automobile) as chauffeur

chaulmoogra
n. : any of several East Indian trees (family Flacourtiaceae) that yield an acrid oil used especially formerly in treating leprosy and skin diseases

chaunt
archaic variant of chant, chanter

chaussure
1 : FOOTGEAR
2 plural : SHOES

Chautauqua
n. lake 18 mi (29 km) long SW N.Y.

chautauqua
n. : any of various traveling shows and local assemblies that flourished in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that provided popular education combined with entertainment in the form of lectures, concerts, and plays, and that were modeled after activities at the Chautauqua Institution of western New York

Chautemps
Camille 1885-1963 Fr. lawyer & polit.; premier (1930; 1933-34; 1937-38)

chauvinism
n. 1 : excessive or blind patriotism ― compare JINGOISM
2 : undue partiality or attachment to a group or place to which one belongs or has belonged
3 : an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex also : behavior expressive of such an attitude
–chau·vin·ist \-və-nist\ noun or adjective
–chau·vin·is·tic \ˌshō-və-'nis-tik\ adjective
–chau·vin·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Chavannes, de
― see PUVIS DE CHAVANNES

Chavez
Carlos 1899-1978 Mex. composer

Chavez (Frias)
Hugo Rafael 1954-     pres. of Venezuela (1999-    )

chaw
n. : CHEW 1

chaw
n. : a chew especially of tobacco

chawbacon
n. : BUMPKIN, HICK

chayote
n. : the pear-shaped fruit of a West Indian annual vine (Sechium edule) of the gourd family that is widely cultivated as a vegetable also : the plant ― called also chayote squash christophene mirliton

CHD
coronary heart disease

che sara, sara
: what will be, will be

cheap
adj. obsolete : BARGAIN
–on the cheap : at minimum expense : CHEAPLY <did the job on the cheap>

cheap
adj. 1 a : purchasable below the going price or the real value b : charging or obtainable at a low price <a good cheap hotel> <cheap tickets> c : depreciated in value (as by currency inflation) <cheap dollars>
2 : gained or done with little effort <a cheap victory> <talk is cheap>
3 a : of inferior quality or worth : TAWDRY, SLEAZY <cheap workmanship> b : contemptible because of lack of any fine, lofty, or redeeming qualities <feeling cheap> c : STINGY <my cheap uncle>
4 of money : obtainable at a low rate of interest
–cheap adverb
–cheap·ish \'chē-pish\ adjective
–cheap·ish·ly adverb
–cheap·ly \'chē-plē\ adverb
–cheap·ness noun

cheap
adj. on the cheap
cheap shot
dirt cheap

cheap shot
1 : an act of deliberate roughness against a defenseless opponent especially in a contact sport <taking cheap shots at the quarterback>
2 : a critical statement that takes unfair advantage of a known weakness of the target
–cheap-shot transitive verb

cheapen
v. transitive verb
1 [obsolete English cheap to price, bid for] archaic a : to ask the price of b : to bid or bargain for
2 a : to make cheap in price or value b : to lower in general esteem c : to make tawdry, vulgar, or inferior
intransitive verb : to become cheap

cheapie
: one that is cheap especially : an inexpensively produced motion picture
–cheapie adjective

cheapjack
n. 1 : a haggling huckster
2 : a dealer in cheap merchandise

cheapjack
n. 1 : being inferior, cheap, or worthless <cheapjack movie companies>
2 : unscrupulously opportunistic <cheapjack speculators>

cheapo
adj. : CHEAP

cheapskate
n. : a miserly or stingy person especially : one who tries to avoid paying a fair share of costs or expenses

cheat
n. 1 : to deprive of something valuable by the use of deceit or fraud
2 : to influence or lead by deceit, trick, or artifice
3 : to elude or thwart by or as if by outwitting <cheat death>
intransitive verb
1 a : to practice fraud or trickery b : to violate rules dishonestly <cheat at cards> <cheating on a test>
2 : to be sexually unfaithful ― usually used with on <was cheating on his wife>
3 : to position oneself defensively near a particular area in anticipation of a play in that area <the shortstop was cheating toward second base>
–cheat·er noun
synonyms CHEAT, COZEN, DEFRAUD, SWINDLE mean to get something by dishonesty or deception. CHEAT suggests using trickery that escapes observation <cheated me out of a dollar>. COZEN implies artful persuading or flattering to attain a thing or a purpose <always able to cozen her grandfather out of a few dollars>. DEFRAUD stresses depriving one of his or her rights and usually connotes deliberate perversion of the truth <defrauded of her inheritance by an unscrupulous lawyer>. SWINDLE implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence <swindled of their savings by con artists>.

cheat
n. 1 : the act or an instance of fraudulently deceiving : DECEPTION, FRAUD
2 : one that cheats : PRETENDER, DECEIVER
3 [probably from a deceptive resemblance to grain] a : CHESS 1 b : CHEATGRASS
4 : the obtaining of property from another by an intentional active distortion of the truth

cheat sheet
1 : a sheet containing information (as test answers) used secretly for cheating
2 : a written or graphic aid (as a sheet of notes) that can be referred to for help in understanding or remembering something complex

cheatgrass
: an annual weedy Eurasian bromegrass (Bromus tectorum) naturalized in No. America

Cheboksary
city Russia in Europe capital of Chuvash Republic WNW of Kazan' pop 442,000

Checheno-Ingush Republic
former autonomous republic U.S.S.R. on N slopes of Caucasus Mountains; split into republics of Chechnya and Ingushetia within Russia 1992

Chechnya
n. republic SE Russia in Europe on N slopes of Caucasus Mountains capital Grozny

check
n. 1 : exposure of a chess king to an attack from which he must be protected or moved to safety
2 a : a sudden stoppage of a forward course or progress : ARREST b : a checking of an opposing player (as in ice hockey)
3 : a sudden pause or break in a progression
4 archaic : REPRIMAND, REBUKE
5 : one that arrests, limits, or restrains : RESTRAINT <against all checks, rebukes, and manners, I must advance ― Shakespeare>
6 a : a standard for testing and evaluation : CRITERION b : EXAMINATION <a quick check of the engine> c : INSPECTION, INVESTIGATION <a loyalty check on government employees> d : the act of testing or verifying also : the sample or unit used for testing or verifying
7 : a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed : DRAFT
8 a : a ticket or token showing ownership or identity or indicating payment made <a baggage check> b : a counter in various games c : a slip indicating the amount due : BILL
9 [Middle English chek, short for cheker checker] a : a pattern in squares that resembles a checkerboard b : a fabric woven or printed with such a design
10 : a mark typically placed beside an item to show it has been noted, examined, or verified
11 : CRACK, BREAK
–check·less \'che-kləs\ adjective
–in check : under restraint or control <trying to keep his emotions in check>

check
n. 1 : to put (a chess king) in check
2 chiefly dialect : REBUKE, REPRIMAND
3 a : to slow or bring to a stop : BRAKE <hastily checked the impulse> b : to block the progress of (as a hockey player)
4 a : to restrain or diminish the action or force of : CONTROL b : to slack or ease off and then belay again (as a rope)
5 a : to compare with a source, original, or authority : VERIFY <needs to check her facts> b : to inspect, examine, or look at appraisingly ― usually used with out or over <checking out new cars> c : to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory ― often used with off <checked off each item>
6 a : to consign (as luggage) to a common carrier from which one has purchased a passenger ticket <checked our bags before boarding> b : to ship or accept for shipment under such a consignment
7 : to mark into squares : CHECKER
8 : to leave or accept for safekeeping in a checkroom <check a coat>
9 : to make checks or chinks : cause to crack <the sun checks timber>
intransitive verb
1 a of a dog : to stop in a chase especially when scent is lost b : to halt through caution, uncertainty, or fear : STOP
2 a : to investigate conditions <checked on the passengers' safety> b : to prove to be consistent or truthful <the description checks with the photograph> ― often used with out <the story checked out>
3 : to draw a check on a bank
4 : to waive the right to initiate the betting in a round of poker
5 : CRACK, SPLIT
synonyms see RESTRAIN
–check into
1 : to check in at <check into a hotel>
2 : INVESTIGATE <the police are checking into his alibi>
–check up on : INVESTIGATE <check up on a possible investment>

check
n. ― used to express assent or agreement

check
n. hound's tooth check
houndstooth check
back check
bed check
blank check
body check
cashier's check
in check
check up on
check into
check in
check mark
check off
check out
check valve
counter check
cross check
double check
fact check
glen check
gut check
hook check
perpetual check
rain check
reality check
rubber check
shepherd's check
spell check
spot check
traveler's check
checks and balances
checking account

check in
1 : to register at a hotel
2 : to report one's presence or arrival <check in at a convention>
transitive verb : to satisfy all requirements in returning <check in the equipment after using>

check into

1 : to check in at <check into a hotel>
2 : INVESTIGATE <the police are checking into his alibi>

check mark
: CHECK 10
–check·mark transitive verb

check off
1 : to eliminate from further consideration
2 : to deduct (union dues) from a worker's paycheck
intransitive verb : to change a play at the line of scrimmage in football by calling an audible

check out
1 : to vacate and pay for one's lodging (as at a hotel)
2 : DIE
transitive verb
1 : to satisfy all requirements in taking away <checked out a library book>
2 a : to itemize and total the cost of and receive payment for (outgoing merchandise) especially in a self-service store b : to have the cost totaled and pay for (purchases) at a checkout

check up on
INVESTIGATE <check up on a possible investment>

check valve
: a valve that permits flow in one direction only

check-in
: an act or instance of checking in

checkable
adj. 1 : capable of being checked <a checkable story>
2 : held in or being a bank account on which checks can be drawn <checkable deposits>

checkbook
n. : a book containing blank checks to be drawn on a bank

checkbook journalism
: the practice of paying someone for a news story and especially for granting an interview

checker
n. 1 archaic : CHESSBOARD
2 : a square or spot resembling the markings of a checkerboard
3 [singular of checkers] : a piece in checkers

checker
n. 1 a : to variegate with different colors or shades b : to vary with contrasting elements or situations
2 : to mark into squares

checker
n. 1 : one that checks <a fact checker>
2 : an employee who checks out purchases in a self-service store

checker
n. back checker
fact checker
spell checker
spelling checker
Chinese checkers

checkerberry
n. 1 : the spicy red berrylike fruit of a No. American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
2 : a plant producing checkerberries

checkerboard
n. 1 : a board used in various games (as checkers) with usually 64 squares in 2 alternating colors
2 : something that has a pattern or arrangement like a checkerboard

checkered
adj. : marked by alternation or contrast of fortune <the best album of his checkered career ― Mark Coleman> especially : marked by many problems or failures <trying to prevent discovery of his checkered past>

checkers
n. : a checkerboard game for 2 players each with 12 pieces

checking account
: a bank account against which the depositor can draw checks

checklist
n. : a list of things to be checked or done <a pilot's checklist before takeoff> also : a comprehensive list

checkmate
n. 1 : to arrest, thwart, or counter completely
2 : to check (a chess opponent's king) so that escape is impossible

checkmate
n. 1 a : the act of checkmating b : the situation of a checkmated king
2 : a complete check

checkoff
n. 1 a : the deduction of union dues from a worker's paycheck by the employer b : designation on an income tax return of a small amount of money to be applied to a special fund (as for financing political campaigns)
2 : AUDIBLE

checkout
n. 1 : the action or an instance of checking out
2 : the time at which a lodger must vacate a room (as in a hotel) or be charged for retaining it
3 : a counter or area in a store where goods are checked out
4 a : the action of examining and testing something for performance, suitability, or readiness b : the action of familiarizing oneself with the operation of a mechanical thing (as an airplane)

checkpoint
n. : a point at which a check is performed <vehicles were inspected at various checkpoints>

checkrein
n. 1 : a short rein looped over a hook on the saddle of a harness to prevent a horse from lowering its head
2 : a branch rein connecting the driving rein of one horse of a pair with the bit of the other

checkroom
n. : a room at which baggage, parcels, or clothing can be left for safekeeping

checks and balances
: a system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power

checksum
n. : a sum derived from the bits of a segment of computer data that is calculated before and after transmission or storage to assure that the data is free from errors or tampering

checkup
n. : EXAMINATION especially : a general physical examination

cheddar
n. : a hard white, yellow, or orange smooth-textured cheese with a flavor that ranges from mild to strong as the cheese matures ― called also cheddar cheese

cheder
n. variant of heder

Cheduba
island W Myanmar area 202 sq mi (523 sq km), pop 2635

cheechako
: TENDERFOOT 1 ― used chiefly in Alaska

cheek
n. 1 : the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth broadly : the lateral aspect of the head
2 : something suggestive of the human cheek in position or form especially : one of two laterally paired parts
3 : insolent boldness and self-assurance
4 : BUTTOCK 1
synonyms see TEMERITY
–cheek·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

cheek
n. chiefly British : to speak rudely or impudently to

cheek
n. cheek by jowl
cheek tooth
tongue in cheek
turn the other cheek
apple cheeked

cheek by jowl
: SIDE BY SIDE

cheek tooth
: any of the molar or premolar teeth

cheekbone
n. : the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone also : ZYGOMATIC BONE

cheeked
v. : having cheeks of a specified nature ― used in combination <rosy-cheeked>

cheeky
adj. : insolently bold : IMPUDENT
–cheek·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–cheek·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

cheep
n. 1 : to utter faint shrill sounds : PEEP
2 : to utter a single word or sound
–cheep noun

cheer
n. 1 a obsolete : FACE b archaic : facial expression
2 : state of mind or heart : SPIRIT <be of good cheer ― Mount 9:2(AV)>
3 : lightness of mind and feeling : ANIMATION, GAIETY
4 : hospitable entertainment : WELCOME
5 : food and drink for a feast : FARE
6 : something that gladdens <words of cheer>
7 : a shout of applause or encouragement

cheer
n. 1 a : to instill with hope or courage : COMFORT ― usually used with up b : to make glad or happy ― usually used with up
2 : to urge on or encourage especially by shouts <cheered the team on>
3 : to applaud with shouts
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to be mentally or emotionally disposed
2 : to grow or be cheerful : REJOICE ― usually used with up
3 : to utter a shout of applause or triumph
–cheer·er noun

cheerful
adj. 1 a : full of good spirits : MERRY <a cheerful host> b : UNGRUDGING <cheerful obedience>
2 : conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry <sunny cheerful room>
–cheer·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cheer·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

cheerio
interj. chiefly British ― usually used as a farewell and sometimes as a greeting or toast

cheerleader
n. : one that calls for and directs organized cheering (as at a football game)
–cheer·lead \-ˌlēd\ transitive verb
–cheer·lead·ing \-ˌlē-diŋ\ noun

cheerless
adj. : lacking qualities that cheer : BLEAK, JOYLESS <a cheerless room>
synonyms see DISMAL
–cheer·less·ly adverb
–cheer·less·ness noun

cheerly
: in a cheerful manner <lusty, young, and cheerly drawing breath ― Shakespeare>

cheers
interj. ― used as a toast

cheery
adj. 1 : marked by cheerfulness or good spirits
2 : causing or suggesting cheerfulness <cheery music>
–cheer·i·ly \'chir-ə-lē\ adverb
–cheer·i·ness \'chir-ē-nəs\ noun

cheese
n. 1 a : a food consisting of the coagulated, compressed, and usually ripened curd of milk separated from the whey b : an often cylindrical cake of this food
2 : something resembling cheese in shape or consistency
3 : something cheap or shabby : cheesy material <cinematic cheese>

cheese
n. : to put an end to : STOP
–cheese it
― used in the imperative as a warning of danger <cheese it, the cops>

cheese
n. slang : someone important

cheese
n. cheddar cheese
American cheese
big cheese
blue cheese
cheese it
Cheshire cheese
club cheese
cook cheese
cooked cheese
coon cheese
cottage cheese
pot cheese
Dutch cheese
cream cheese
farmer cheese
goat cheese
hard cheese
jack cheese
pimento cheese
process cheese
processed cheese
rat cheese
rat trap cheese
sage cheese
store cheese
string cheese
Swiss cheese
cheesed off

cheese it
― used in the imperative as a warning of danger <cheese it, the cops>

cheeseburger
n. : a hamburger topped with a slice of cheese

cheesecake
n. 1 : a dessert consisting of a creamy filling usually containing cheese baked in a pastry or pressed-crumb shell
2 : a photographic display of shapely and scantily clothed female figures ― often used attributively ― compare BEEFCAKE

cheesecloth
n. : a very lightweight unsized cotton gauze

cheesed off
chiefly British : ANGRY, IRRITATED

cheeseparing
n. 1 : something worthless or insignificant
2 : miserly economizing
–cheeseparing adjective

cheesesteak
: a sandwich consisting of thinly sliced beef topped with melted cheese and condiments (as fried onions or peppers)

cheesy
adj. 1 a : resembling or suggesting cheese especially in consistency or odor b : containing cheese
2 : SHABBY 3C, CHEAP <a cheesy movie> <cheesy motels>
–chees·i·ness noun

cheetah
n. : a long-legged spotted swift-moving African and formerly Asian cat (Acinonyx jubatus) about the size of a small leopard that has blunt nonretractile claws

Cheever
John 1912-1982 American writer

chef
n. 1 : a skilled cook who manages the kitchen (as of a restaurant)
2 : COOK
–chef intransitive verb
–chef·dom \-dəm\ noun

chef d'oeuvre
: a masterpiece especially in art or literature

Chefoo
― see YANTAI

Cheju
island S. Korea in N E. China Sea area 706 sq mi (1829 sq km)

Chekhov
n. Anton Pavlovich 1860-1904 Russ. dram. & writer
–Che·kho·vi·an \che-'kō-vē-ən\ adjective

Chekiang
― see ZHEJIANG

chela
n. : a pincerlike organ or claw borne by a limb of a crustacean or arachnid

Chelan, Lake
lake ab 55 mi (88 km) long N cen Wash.

chelate
n. 1 : resembling or having chelae
2 [from the pincerlike way in which the metal ion is held] : of, relating to, or being a chelate

chelate
n. transitive verb : to combine with (a metal) so as to form a chelate ring
intransitive verb : to react so as to form a chelate ring
–che·lat·able \-ˌlā-tə-bəl\ adjective

chelate
n. : a compound having a ring structure that usually contains a metal ion held by coordinate bonds

chelation
n. 1 : the process of chelating or the quality or state of being chelated
2 : CHELATION THERAPY

chelation therapy
: the use of a chelator (as EDTA) to bind with a metal (as lead or iron) in the body to form a chelate so that the metal loses its chemical effect (as toxicity or physiological activity)

chelator
n. : one that chelates especially : a binding agent that suppresses chemical activity by forming chelates

chelicera
n. : one of the anterior pair of appendages of an arachnid often specialized as fangs
–che·lic·er·al \-sə-rəl\ adjective

cheliped
n. : one of the pair of legs that bears the large chelae in decapod crustaceans

Chellean
: ABBEVILLIAN

Chelmsford
1 \'chemz-fərd also 'chelmz-\ town NE Mass. pop 33,858
2 \'chelmz-, 'chemz-\ town SE England capital of Essex pop 150,000

chelonian
n. : TURTLE
–chelonian adjective

Chelsea
n. 1 city E Mass. NE of Boston pop 35,080
2 former metropolitan borough SW London, England, on N bank of Thames River, now part of Kensington and Chelsea

Cheltenham
n. borough SW cen England in Gloucestershire pop 85,900

Chelyabinsk
city W Russia in Asia pop 1,143,000

Chelyuskin, Cape
headland Russia in Asia on Taymyr Peninsula; northernmost point of Asian mainland, at 77°35′N, 105°E

chem
adj. chemical; chemist; chemistry

chem
adj. 1 : chemical : chemistry <chemotaxis>
2 : chemically <chemisorb>

chemic
1 archaic : ALCHEMIC
2 : CHEMICAL

chemical
n. 1 : of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry or the phenomena of chemistry <chemical reactions>
2 a : acting or operated or produced by chemicals <a chemical fire extinguisher> b : detectable by chemical means
–chem·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chemical
n. 1 : a substance obtained by a chemical process or producing a chemical effect
2 : DRUG 3

chemical
n. chemical engineering
chemical engineer
chemical peel
chemical warfare
chemical weapon
multiple chemical sensitivity
multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome

chemical engineering
: engineering dealing with the industrial application of chemistry
–chemical engineer noun

chemical peel
: a cosmetic procedure for the removal of facial blemishes and wrinkles involving the application of a caustic chemical and especially an acid (as trichloroacetic acid) to the skin

chemical warfare
: tactical warfare using incendiary mixtures, smokes, or irritant, burning, poisonous, or asphyxiating gases

chemical weapon
: a weapon used in chemical warfare

chemiluminescence
n. : luminescence (as bioluminescence) due to chemical reaction
–chemi·lu·mi·nes·cent \-'ne-sənt\ adjective

chemin de fer
: a card game in which two hands are dealt, any number of players may bet against the dealer, and the winning hand is the one that comes closer to but does not exceed a count of nine on two or three cards

chemiosmotic
: relating to or being a theory that seeks to explain the mechanism of ATP formation in oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria and chloroplasts without recourse to the formation of high-energy intermediates by postulating the formation of an energy gradient of hydrogen ions across the organelle membranes that results in the reversible movement of hydrogen ions to the outside and is generated by electron transport or the activity of electron carriers

chemise
n. 1 : a woman's one-piece undergarment
2 : a loose straight-hanging dress

chemisette
n. : a woman's garment especially : one (as of lace) to fill the open front of a dress

chemisorb
v. : to take up and hold usually irreversibly by chemical forces
–chem·i·sorp·tion \ˌke-mi-'sȯrp-shən, ˌkē-, -'zȯrp-\ noun

chemist
n. 1 a obsolete : ALCHEMIST b : one trained in chemistry
2 British : PHARMACIST

chemistry
n. 1 : a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo
2 a : the composition and chemical properties of a substance <the chemistry of iron> b : chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) <blood chemistry>
3 a : a strong mutual attraction, attachment, or sympathy <they have a special chemistry> b : interaction between people working together specifically : such interaction when harmonious or effective <a team lacking chemistry>

Chemnitz
city E Germany SE of Leipzig pop 287,511

chemo
: CHEMOTHERAPY

chemoautotrophic
adj. : being autotrophic and oxidizing an inorganic compound as a source of energy <chemoautotrophic bacteria>
–che·mo·au·tot·ro·phy \-ȯ-'tä-trə-fē\ noun

chemokine
: any of a group of cytokines produced by various cells (as at sites of inflammation) that stimulate chemotaxis in white blood cells (as neutrophils and T cells)

chemoprevention
n. : the use of chemical agents to prevent or slow the development of cancer
–che·mo·pre·ven·tive \-'ven-tiv\ adjective

chemoprophylaxis
n. : the prevention of infectious disease by the use of chemical agents
–che·mo·pro·phy·lac·tic \-'lak-tik\ adjective

chemoreception
n. : the physiological reception of chemical stimuli
–che·mo·re·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective

chemoreceptor
n. : a sense organ (as a taste bud) responding to chemical stimuli

chemosurgery
n. : chemical removal of diseased or unwanted tissue
–che·mo·sur·gi·cal \-'sər-ji-kəl\ adjective

chemosynthesis
n. : synthesis of organic compounds (as in living cells) by energy derived from inorganic chemical reactions
–che·mo·syn·thet·ic \-sin-'the-tik\ adjective

chemotactic
adj. : involving, inducing, or exhibiting chemotaxis
–che·mo·tac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chemotaxis
n. : orientation or movement of an organism or cell in relation to chemical agents

chemotaxonomy
: the classification of plants and animals based on similarities and differences in biochemical composition
–che·mo·tax·o·nom·ic \-ˌtak-sə-'nä-mik\ adjective
–che·mo·tax·on·o·mist \-(ˌ)tak-'sä-nə-mist\ noun

chemotherapeutic
adj. : of, relating to, or used in chemotherapy
–chemotherapeutic noun
–che·mo·ther·a·peu·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chemotherapy
n. : the use of chemical agents in the treatment or control of disease (as cancer) or mental illness
–che·mo·ther·a·pist \-pist\ noun

chemotropism
n. : orientation of cells or organisms in relation to chemical stimuli

Chemulpo
― see INCHON

Chen-chiang
― see ZHENJIANG

Chenab
river ab 600 mi (965 km) S Asia rising in Himachal Pradesh, India & flowing SW to unite with the Sutlej forming the Panjnad in Pakistan

Cheney
n. Richard Bruce 1941-     American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (2001-  )

Cheng-chou
― see ZHENGZHOU

Chengde
city NE China in NE Hebei NE of Beijing pop 246,799

Chengdu
city SW cen China capital of Sichuan on Min River pop 1,713,255

Chenier
André-Marie de 1762-1794 Fr. poet

chenille
n. 1 : a wool, cotton, silk, or rayon yarn with protruding pile also : a pile-face fabric with a filling of this yarn
2 : an imitation of chenille yarn or fabric

chenin blanc
: any of various white wines ranging from dry to sweet made from a grape orig. grown in the Loire valley

Chennai
n. ― see MADRAS 2

Chennault
Claire Lee 1890-1958 American gen.

chenopod
: any plant of the goosefoot family

Chenstokhov
― see CZESTOCHOWA

Cheongju
― see CH'ONGJU

cheongsam
n. : a dress of Southern Chinese origin with a slit skirt and a mandarin collar

Cheops
― see KHUFU

cheque
n. chiefly British variant of 1check7

chequer
n. chiefly British variant of checker

Cher
n. river 217 mi (349 km) cen France flowing into the Loire

Cherbourg
n. city & port NW France on Cotentin Peninsula on English Channel pop 25,337

cherchez la femme
: look for the woman

Cheremkhovo
city Russia in Asia NW of Irkutsk pop 73,600

Cherenkov
n. Pavel Alekseyevich 1904-1990 Russ. physicist

cherimoya
n. : a round, oblong, or heart-shaped fruit with a pitted pale green rind that is borne by a widely cultivated tropical American tree (Annona cherimola) of the custard-apple family also : this tree

cherish
v. 1 a : to hold dear : feel or show affection for <cherished her friends> b : to keep or cultivate with care and affection : NURTURE <cherishes his marriage>
2 : to entertain or harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely <still cherishes that memory>
synonyms see APPRECIATE
–cher·ish·able \-i-shə-bəl\ adjective
–cher·ish·er \-i-shər\ noun

Cherkessk
city S Russia in Europe in N Caucasus region SE of Stavropol' capital of Karachay-Cherkessia pop 119,000

Chernenko
Konstantin Ustinovich 1911-1985 Soviet polit.; pres. U.S.S.R. & 1st secy. of Communist party (1984-85)

Chernihiv
city N Ukraine pop 306,000

Chernivtsi
city W Ukraine on the Prut near Romania border pop 259,000

Chernobyl
n. site N Ukraine of town abandoned after 1986 nuclear accident

chernozem
n. : any of a group of dark-colored zonal soils with a deep rich humus horizon found in regions (as the grasslands of central No. America) of temperate to cool climate
–cher·no·zem·ic \-'zyȯ-mik, -'ze-\ adjective

Chernyshevsky
Nikolay Gavrilovich 1829-1889 Russ. revolutionary & author

Cherokee
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of Tennessee and No. Carolina
2 : the language of the Cherokee people

Cherokee Outlet
strip of land N Okla. along S border of Kans. E of 100°W; opened to settlement 1893; 50 mi (80 km) wide, ab 220 mi (354 km) long

Cherokee rose
: a Chinese climbing rose (Rosa laevigata) with a fragrant white blossom

cheroot
n. : a cigar cut square at both ends

cherry
n. 1 a : any of numerous trees and shrubs (genus Prunus) of the rose family that bear pale yellow to deep red or blackish smooth-skinned drupes enclosing a smooth seed and that include some cultivated for their fruits or ornamental flowers ― compare SOUR CHERRY, SWEET CHERRY b : the fruit of a cherry c : the reddish-brown wood of a cherry especially : BLACK CHERRY 2
2 : a variable color averaging a moderate red
3 a : HYMEN b : VIRGINITY
–cher·ry·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

cherry
n. morello cherry
bing cherry
black cherry
cherry bomb
cherry pick
cherry picker
cherry tomato
ground cherry
Jerusalem cherry
sour cherry
sweet cherry

cherry bomb
: a powerful globular red firecracker

cherry picker
1 : a traveling crane equipped for holding a passenger at the end of the boom
2 : one who cherry-picks <cherry pickers who gobbled up bargains all over town ― J. S. Coyle>

cherry tomato
: a small globose red or orange tomato borne in long dense clusters also : a tropical American plant (Lycopersicon esculentum cerasiforme) bearing cherry tomatoes

cherry-pick
: to select the best or most desirable
transitive verb : to select as being the best or most desirable also : to select the best or most desirable from <cherry-picked the art collection>

cherrystone
n. : a small quahog

cherrywood
n. : CHERRY 1C

Chersonese
any of several peninsulas: as (1) Jutland (the Cim·bri·an Chersonese \'sim-brē-ən\ or Cim·bric Chersonese \-brik\); (2) the Malay Peninsula (the Golden Chersonese); (3) Crimea (the Tau·ric Chersonese \'tȯr-ik\); (4) Gallipoli (the Thra·cian Chersonese \'thrā-shən\)

Chersonese
Cimbric Chersonese
Cimbrian Chersonese Cimbric Chersonese
Golden Chersonese
Tauric Chersonese
Thracian Chersonese

chert
n. : a rock resembling flint and consisting essentially of a large amount of fibrous chalcedony with smaller amounts of cryptocrystalline quartz and amorphous silica
–cherty \'chər-tē, 'cha-\ adjective

cherub
n. 1 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
2 plural usually cherubs a : a beautiful usually winged child in painting and sculpture b : an innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy person
–che·ru·bic \chə-'rü-bik also 'cher-ə-\ adjective
–che·ru·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cher·ub·like \'cher-əb-ˌlīk\ adjective

Cherubini
(Maria) Lu·i·gi \lü-'ē-(ˌ)jē\ Carlo Zenobio Salvatore 1760-1842 Ital. composer

chervil
n. : an aromatic herb (Anthriscus cerefolium) of the carrot family with divided leaves that are often used in soups and salads also : any of several related plants

Cherwell
river 30 mi (48 km) cen England in Northamptonshire & Oxfordshire flowing S into the Thames at Oxford

Chesapeake
n. city SE Va. S of Norfolk pop 199,184

Chesapeake Bay
inlet of the Atlantic 193 mi (311 km) long in Va. & Md.

Chesapeake Bay retriever
: any of a breed of powerful brown sporting dogs developed in Maryland and having a dense oily water-shedding coat

Cheshire
n. 1 town S Conn. SW of Meriden pop 28,543
2 or Ches·ter \'ches-tər\ county NW England capital Chester area 929 sq mi (2406 sq km), pop 937,300

Cheshire
n. Cheshire cat
Cheshire cheese
Chester White
Port Chester

Cheshire cat
: a broadly grinning cat in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Cheshire cheese
: a cheese similar to cheddar made chiefly in Cheshire, England

chess
n. : a game for 2 players each of whom moves 16 pieces according to fixed rules across a checkerboard and tries to checkmate the opponent's king

chess
n. 1 : a weedy annual European bromegrass (Bromus secalinus) widely naturalized in No. America as a weed especially in grain
2 : any of several weedy bromegrasses related to chess

chess pie
: a pie or tart with a filling made especially of eggs, butter, and sugar

chessboard
n. : a checkerboard used in the game of chess

chessman
n. : any of the pieces used in chess

chest
n. 1 a : a container for storage or shipping especially : a box with a lid used especially for the safekeeping of belongings b : a cupboard used especially for the storing of medicines or first-aid supplies
2 : the place where money of a public institution is kept : TREASURY also : the fund so kept
3 a : THORAX 1 especially : the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs and sternum b : BREAST 2A <a hairy chest>
–chest·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

chest
n. blanket chest
chest of drawers
chest thumping
community chest
hope chest
sea chest
slop chest
steam chest
war chest

chest of drawers

1649
: a piece of furniture designed to contain a set of drawers (as for holding clothing)

chest-thumping
: conduct or expression marked by pompous or arrogant self-assertion <political chest-thumping>

chested
adj. : having a chest of a specified kind ― used in combination <flat-chested>

Chester
1 city SE Pa. pop 36,854
2 city NW England capital of Cheshire on Dee River pop 58,436

Chester White
: any of a breed of large white swine

Chesterfield
n. 4th Earl of 1694-1773 Philip Dormer Stan·hope \'sta-nəp\ Eng. statesman & author

Chesterfield
n. 1 city E Mo. W of St. Louis pop 46,802
2 town N cen England in Derbyshire S of Sheffield pop 99,700

chesterfield
n. 1 : a single-breasted or double-breasted semifitted overcoat with velvet collar
2 : a davenport usually with upright armrests

Chesterfield Inlet
inlet N Canada on NW coast of Hudson Bay pop 202,046

Chesterton
n. Gilbert Keith 1874-1936 Eng. journalist & author
–Ches·ter·to·nian \ˌches-tər-'tō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

chestnut
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Castanea) of trees or shrubs of the beech family especially : an American tree (C. dentata) that was formerly a dominant or codominant member of many deciduous forests of the eastern U.S. but has now been largely eliminated by the chestnut blight and seldom grows beyond the shrub or sapling stage b : the edible nut of a chestnut c : the wood of a chestnut
2 : a grayish to reddish brown
3 : HORSE CHESTNUT
4 : a chestnut-colored animal specifically : a horse having a body color of any shade of pure or reddish brown with mane, tail, and points of the same or a lighter shade ― compare 2BAY 1 1SORREL 1
5 : a callosity on the inner side of the leg of the horse ― see HORSE illustration
6 a : an old joke or story b : something (as a musical piece or a saying) repeated to the point of staleness

chestnut
n. 1 : of the color chestnut
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a chestnut

chestnut
n. chestnut blight
chestnut oak
Chinese chestnut
horse chestnut
Spanish chestnut
water chestnut

chestnut blight
: a destructive disease of the American chestnut marked by cankers of the bark and cambium and caused by an imported fungus (Endothia parasitica syn. Cryphonectria parasitica)

chestnut oak
: any of several oaks having oblong to lanceolate leaves with crenate or serrate edges: as a : CHINQUAPIN OAK b : a medium-sized oak (Quercus prinus) of eastern No. America with large acorns and leaves that are yellow-green above and paler below

chesty
adj. 1 : proudly or arrogantly self-assertive
2 : marked by a large or well-developed chest

Chetnik
n. 1 : an irregular Slav soldier in the Balkans especially : a member of various irregular Serbian military forces that in periods of disorder (as during World War II and following the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991) pursued ultranationalist aims
2 : an ultranationalist Serb

chetrum
n. ― see ngultrum at MONEY table

Chetumal
city SE Mexico capital of Quintana Roo

cheval
n. a cheval
à cheval
cheval de frise
cheval glass
cheval de bataille

cheval de bataille
: warhorse : argument constantly relied on : favorite subject

cheval glass
: a full-length mirror in a frame in which it may be tilted

cheval-de-frise
1 : a defense consisting typically of a timber or an iron barrel covered with projecting spikes and often strung with barbed wire
2 : a protecting line (as of spikes) on top of a wall ― usually used in plural

chevalier
n. 1 a : CAVALIER 2 b : a member of any of various orders of knighthood or of merit (as the Legion of Honor)
2 a : a member of the lowest rank of French nobility b : a cadet of the French nobility
3 : a chivalrous man

chevelure
n. : a head of hair

cheviot
n. 1 : any of a breed of hardy hornless relatively small sheep that are a source of quality mutton and have their origin in the Cheviot hills
2 a : a fabric of cheviot wool b : a heavy rough napped plain or twill fabric of coarse wool or worsted c : a sturdy soft-finished plain or twill cotton shirting

Cheviot Hills
hills extending NE to SW along English-Scottish border; highest peak Cheviot 2676 ft (816 m)

chevre
: GOAT CHEESE

chevron
n. : a figure, pattern, or object having the shape of a V or an inverted V: as a : a heraldic charge consisting of two diagonal stripes meeting at an angle usually with the point up b : a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more chevron-shaped stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service (as in the armed forces)

chew
n. transitive verb
1 : to crush, grind, or gnaw (as food) with or as if with the teeth : MASTICATE
2 : to injure, destroy, or consume as if by chewing ― usually used with up <chewing up profits>
intransitive verb : to chew something specifically : to chew tobacco
–chew·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–chew·er noun
–chewy \'chü-ē\ adjective
–chew on : to think about : PONDER <chewing on the new developments>
–chew the fat also chew the rag : to make friendly familiar conversation : CHAT

chew
n. 1 : the act of chewing
2 : something for chewing

chew
n. chew the rag
bite off more than one can chew
chew the fat
chew on
chew out
chew over
chewing gum

chew on
to think about : PONDER <chewing on the new developments>

chew out
: REPRIMAND, BAWL OUT

chew over
: to meditate on : think about reflectively

chew the fat
also chew the rag : to make friendly familiar conversation : CHAT

chewing gum
: a sweetened and flavored insoluble plastic material (as a preparation of chicle) used for chewing

chewink
: TOWHEE 1

Cheyenne
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the western plains of the U.S.
2 : the Algonquian language of the Cheyenne people

Cheyenne
n. 1 river 527 mi (850 km) S.Dak. flowing NE into Missouri River
2 city SE Wyo., its capital pop 53,011

chez
prep. : at or in the home or business place of

CHF
congestive heart failure

ChFC
chartered financial consultant

chg
1 change
2 charge

Chhattisgarh
state cen India capital Raipur area 56,510 sq mi (146,361 sq km), pop 20,795,956

chi
n. : the 22d letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

chi
n. : vital energy that is held to animate the body internally and is of central importance in some Eastern systems of medical treatment (as acupuncture) and of exercise or self-defense (as tai chi)

chi
n. Pao chi
Chi Rho
Chi Rhos
chi square
chi square distribution
tai chi
t'ai chi
t'ai chi ch'uan
tai chi chuan
Ho Chi Minh
Chi lung
Ho Chi Minh City
Pen ch'i
Ch'i ch'i ha erh
Wu lu mu ch'i
Liu Shao ch'i

Chi-lung
city & port N Taiwan pop 347,828

Chi-Rho
: a Christian monogram and symbol formed from the first two letters X and P of the Greek word for Christ ― called also Christogram

chi-square
: a statistic that is a sum of terms each of which is a quotient obtained by dividing the square of the difference between the observed and theoretical values of a quantity by the theoretical value

chi-square distribution
: a probability density function that gives the distribution of the sum of the squares of a number of independent random variables each with a normal distribution with zero mean and unit variance, that has the property that the sum of two or more random variables with such a distribution also has one, and that is widely used in testing statistical hypotheses especially about the theoretical and observed values of a quantity and about population variances and standard deviations

Chia
Chia mu ssu
Shih chia chuang
Chang chia k'ou
Chia i

Chia-i
city W cen Taiwan pop 258,664

Chia-mu-ssu
― see JIAMUSI

chiang
Mu tan chiang
Nei chiang
Chen chiang
Chiang Kai shek
Chiang Mai

Chiang Kai-shek
1887-1975 pinyin Jiang Jie-shī \jē-'äŋ-jē-'ā-'shē\ Chin. gen. & polit.; pres. of China (1948-49; Taiwan, 1950-75)

Chiang Mai
city NW Thailand on the Ping pop 161,541

Chianina
: any of a breed of tall white cattle of Italian origin noted especially for producing lean meat

Chianti
n. : a dry usually red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy also : a similar wine made elsewhere

Chiapas
state SE Mexico bordering on the Pacific capital Tuxtla Gutiérrez area 28,528 sq mi (73,888 sq km), pop 3,210,496

chiaroscurist
n. : an artist who specializes in chiaroscuro

chiaroscuro
n. 1 : pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color
2 a : the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art b : the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)
3 : a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color also : a print made by this technique
4 : the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface
5 : the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

chiasm
n. : CHIASMA 1

chiasma
n. 1 : an anatomical intersection or decussation ― compare OPTIC CHIASMA
2 : a cross-shaped configuration of paired chromatids visible in the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase and considered the cytological equivalent of genetic crossing-over
–chi·as·mat·ic \ˌkī-əz-'ma-tik, ˌkē-\ adjective

chiasmus
n. : an inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases (as in Goldsmith's to stop too fearful, and too faint to go)

chiaus
: a Turkish messenger or sergeant

Chiba
city E Japan in Honshu on Tokyo Bay E of Tokyo pop 887,164

Chibcha
n. 1 : a member of an Indian people of central Colombia
2 : the extinct language of the Chibcha people

Chibchan
n. : of, relating to, or constituting a language family of Colombia and Central America

chibouk
n. : a long-stemmed Turkish tobacco pipe with a clay bowl

chic
n. 1 : smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner : STYLE <wears her clothes with superb chic>
2 : a distinctive mode of dress or manner associated with a fashionable lifestyle, ideology, or pursuit <wearing the latest in urban chic>
3 : a faddishly popular quality or appeal also : something (as a practice or interest) having such appeal <the transient tides of academic chic ― Irving Kristol>

chic
n. 1 : cleverly stylish : SMART <the woman who is chic adapts fashion to her own personality ― Elizabeth L. Post>
2 : currently fashionable <a chic restaurant>
–chic·ly adverb
–chic·ness noun

Chicago
n. 1 river Chicago, Ill., having a N branch & a S branch & orig. flowing E into Lake Michigan but now flowing S through S branch & Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal into Des Plaines River
2 city & port NE Ill. on Lake Michigan pop 2,896,016
–Chi·ca·go·an \-'kä-gō-ən, -'kȯ-\ noun

Chicago
n. Chicago Heights
East Chicago
North Chicago
West Chicago

Chicago Heights
city NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 32,776

Chicana
n. : an American woman or girl of Mexican descent
–Chicana adjective

chicane
n. intransitive verb : to use chicanery <a wretch he had taught to lie and chicane ― George Meredith>
transitive verb : TRICK, CHEAT

chicane
n. 1 : CHICANERY
2 a : an obstacle on a racecourse b : a series of tight turns in opposite directions in an otherwise straight stretch of a road-racing course
3 : the absence of trumps in a hand of cards

chicanery
n. 1 : deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry : TRICKERY
2 : a piece of sharp practice (as at law) : TRICK

Chicano
n. : an American and especially a man or boy of Mexican descent
–Chicano adjective

Chichagof
island SE Alaska in Alexander Archipelago N of Baranof Is. area 2100 sq mi (5460 sq km)

Chichen Itza
village SE Mexico in Yucatán ESE of Mérida; site of ruins of important Mayan city

Chichester
town S England ENE of Portsmouth capital of W. Sussex pop 24,189

chichi
adj. 1 : frilly or elaborate ornamentation
2 : AFFECTATION, PRECIOSITY
3 : CHIC

chichi
adj. 1 : elaborately ornamented : SHOWY, FRILLY <a chichi dress>
2 : ARTY, PRECIOUS <chichi poetry>
3 : CHIC, FASHIONABLE <a chichi nightclub>

chick
n. 1 a : a domestic chicken especially : one newly hatched b : the young of any bird
2 : CHILD
3 slang : GIRL, WOMAN

chick flick
: a motion picture intended to appeal especially to women

chickadee
n. : any of several small No. American oscine birds (genus Poecile of the family Paridae) that are related to the titmice, usually have the crown of the head distinctly darker than the body, and have sometimes been placed especially formerly in a related genus (Parus)

Chickahominy
river 90 mi (145 km) E Va. flowing SE into James River

chickaree
n. : RED SQUIRREL also : a related squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) of forests from southwestern British Columbia to central California

Chickasaw
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Mississippi and Alabama
2 : the Muskogean language of the Chickasaw

chicken
n. 1 a : the common domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) especially when young also : its flesh used as food ― compare JUNGLE FOWL b : any of various birds or their young
2 : a young woman
3 a : COWARD b : any of various contests in which the participants risk personal safety in order to see which one will give up first
4 [short for chickenshit] slang : petty details
5 slang : a young male homosexual

chicken
n. 1 a : SCARED b : TIMID, COWARDLY
2 slang a : insistent on petty details of duty or discipline b : PETTY, UNIMPORTANT

chicken
n. : to lose one's nerve ― usually used with out <seemed to exhibit courage, manliness, and conviction when others chickened out ― J. R. Seeley>

chicken
n. chicken and egg
chicken colonel
chicken feed
chicken fried steak
chicken hawk
Chicken Little
chicken livered
chicken pox
chicken snake
chicken wire
Mother Carey's chicken
prairie chicken
rubber chicken
spring chicken
hen and chickens

chicken colonel
slang : COLONEL 1A

chicken feed
slang : a paltry sum (as in profits or wages)

chicken hawk
1 : a hawk that preys or is believed to prey on chickens
2 slang : a man who pursues boys or young men for sexual purposes

Chicken Little
: one who warns of or predicts calamity especially without justification

chicken pox
: an acute contagious disease especially of children marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles and caused by a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 3 of the genus Varicellovirus) ― compare SHINGLES

chicken snake
: RAT SNAKE

chicken wire
: a light galvanized wire netting of hexagonal mesh

chicken-and-egg
: of, relating to, or being a cause-and-effect dilemma

chicken-fried steak
: steak coated with batter, fried, and served with gravy

chicken-livered
: FAINTHEARTED, COWARDLY

chickenhearted
: TIMID, COWARDLY <too⋯chickenhearted to accompany me in this perilous undertaking ― Washington Irving>

chickenshit
1 usually vulgar : PETTY, INSIGNIFICANT
2 usually vulgar : lacking courage, manliness, or effectiveness

chickenshit
1 usually vulgar : the petty details of a duty or discipline
2 usually vulgar : COWARD, CHICKEN

chickpea
n. : an Asian herb (Cicer arietinum) of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two seeds also : its seed

chickweed
n. : any of various low-growing small-leaved weedy plants of the pink family (esp. genera Cerastium and Stellaria) especially : a cosmopolitan weed (Stelleria media) naturalized in the U.S. from Eurasia

Chiclayo
city NW Peru near coast pop 419,600

chicle
n. : a gum from the latex of the sapodilla used as the chief ingredient of chewing gum

Chico
n. city W Calif. N of Sacramento pop 59,954

Chicopee
n. city SW Mass. pop 54,653

chicory
n. 1 : a thick-rooted usually blue-flowered European perennial composite herb (Cichorium intybus) widely grown for its roots and as a salad plant ― compare BELGIAN ENDIVE, RADICCHIO
2 : the dried ground roasted root of chicory used to flavor or adulterate coffee

Chicoutimi
1 river 100 mi (161 km) Canada in S Que. flowing N into the Saguenay
2 city Canada in S cen Que. on the Saguenay pop 60,008

chide
v. intransitive verb : to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke
transitive verb : to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : SCOLD
synonyms see REPROVE

chief
n. 1 : accorded highest rank or office <chief librarian>
2 : of greatest importance or influence <the chief reasons>

chief
n. archaic : CHIEFLY

chief
n. 1 : the upper part of a heraldic field
2 : the head of a body of persons or an organization : LEADER <chief of police>
3 : the principal or most valuable part <would never rest till she had read the chief of the letter to him ― Jane Austen>
–chief·dom \-dəm\ noun
–chief·ship \-ˌship\ noun
–in chief : in the chief position or place ― often used in titles <commander in chief>

chief
n. air chief marshal
in chief
chief executive
chief justice
chief master sergeant
chief master sergeant of the air force
chief of naval operations
chief of staff
chief of state
chief petty officer
chief warrant officer
commander in chief
crew chief
editor in chief
fire chief
master chief petty officer
master chief petty officer of the navy
senior chief petty officer
master chief petty officer of the coast guard
Joint Chiefs of Staff

chief executive
: a principal executive: as a : the president of a republic b : the governor of a state c : CEO

chief justice
: the presiding or principal judge of a court of justice

chief master sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer in the air force ranking above a senior master sergeant

chief master sergeant of the air force

circa 1961
: the ranking noncommissioned officer in the air force serving as adviser to the chief of staff

chief of naval operations

1915
: the ranking officer of the navy and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

chief of staff

1862
1 : the ranking officer of a staff in the armed forces serving as principal adviser to a commander
2 : the ranking officer of the army or air force and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

chief of state

1948
: the formal head of a national state as distinguished from the head of the government

chief petty officer
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a petty officer first class and below a senior chief petty officer

chief warrant officer
: a warrant officer of senior rank in the armed forces also : a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking below an ensign

chiefly
adv. 1 : most importantly : PRINCIPALLY, ESPECIALLY
2 : for the most part : MOSTLY, MAINLY

chiefly
adv. : of or relating to a chief <chiefly duties>

chieftain
n. : a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan
–chief·tain·ship \-ˌship\ noun

chieftaincy
n. 1 : the rank, dignity, office, or rule of a chieftain
2 : a region or a people ruled by a chief : CHIEFDOM

chiel
chiefly Scottish : FELLOW, LAD

chiffchaff
n. : a small grayish European warbler (Phylloscopus collybita)

chiffon
n. 1 : an ornamental addition (as a knot of ribbons) to a woman's dress
2 : a sheer fabric especially of silk

chiffon
n. 1 : resembling chiffon in sheerness or softness
2 : having a light delicate texture achieved usually by adding whipped egg whites or whipped gelatin <lemon chiffon pie>

chiffonade
n. : shredded or finely cut vegetables or herbs used especially as a garnish

chiffonier
n. : a high narrow chest of drawers

chifforobe
: a combination of wardrobe and chest of drawers

chigger
n. 1 : CHIGOE 1
2 [alteration of 2jigger] : a 6-legged mite larva (family Trombiculidae) that sucks the blood of vertebrates and causes intense irritation

chignon
n. : a knot of hair that is worn at the back of the head and especially at the nape of the neck

chigoe
n. 1 : a tropical flea (Tunga penetrans) of which the fertile female causes great discomfort by burrowing under the skin
2 : CHIGGER 2

Chihli
― see HEBEI

Chihli, Gulf of
― see BO HAI

Chihuahua
n. : any of a breed of very small roundheaded dogs that occur in short-coated and long-coated varieties

Chihuahua
n. 1 state N Mexico bordering on the U.S. area 95,400 sq mi (247,086 sq km), pop 2,441,873
2 city, its capital metropolitan area pop 530,487

Chikamatsu
Monzaemon 1653-1724 Jp. dram.

chilblain
n. : an inflammatory swelling or sore caused by exposure (as of the feet or hands) to cold

Child
n. Francis James 1825-1896 American ballad editor

child
n. 1 a : an unborn or recently born person b dialect : a female infant
2 a : a young person especially between infancy and youth b : a childlike or childish person c : a person not yet of age
3 usually childe \'chī(-ə)ld\ archaic : a youth of noble birth
4 a : a son or daughter of human parents b : DESCENDANT
5 : one strongly influenced by another or by a place or state of affairs
6 : PRODUCT, RESULT <barbed wire⋯is truly a child of the plains ― W. P. Webb>
–child·less \'chī(-ə)l(d)-ləs\ adjective
–child·less·ness noun
–with child : PREGNANT

child
n. battered child syndrome
with child
child's play
chrisom child
flower child
latchkey child
love child
man child
poster child
men children

child's play
1 : an extremely simple task or act
2 : something that is insignificant <his injury was child's play compared with the damage he inflicted>

childbearing
n. : of or relating to the process of conceiving, being pregnant with, and giving birth to children <women of childbearing age>
–childbearing noun

childbed
n. : the condition of a woman in childbirth

childbed fever
: PUERPERAL FEVER

childbirth
n. : PARTURITION

Childe
n. Vere Gordon 1892-1957 Brit. anthropol. & archaeol.

Childers
Erskine Hamilton 1905-1974 Irish (Eng.-born) polit.; pres. of Ireland (1973-74)

childhood
n. 1 : the state or period of being a child
2 : the early period in the development of something

childish
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or befitting a child or childhood
2 a : marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise <a childish spiteful remark> b : lacking complexity : SIMPLE <it's a childish device, but it works> c : deteriorated with age especially in mind : SENILE
–child·ish·ly adverb
–child·ish·ness noun

childlike
adj. : resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child or childhood especially : marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness <childlike delight>
–child·like·ness noun

childly
adj. : CHILDLIKE

childproof
adj. 1 : designed to prevent tampering or opening by children <childproof pill bottles>
2 : made safe for children (as by safe storage of dangerous materials) <a childproof home>

childproof
adj. : to make childproof <childproof a house>

Chile
n. country S S. America bet. the Andes & the Pacific; a republic capital Santiago area 292,257 sq mi (756,946 sq km), pop 15,116,435
–Chil·ean \'chi-lē-ən, chə-'lā-ən\ adjective or noun

Chile
n. chile relleno
chile rellenos
Chile saltpeter

chile relleno
: a stuffed chili pepper that usually contains cheese or meat and is fried or grilled

Chile saltpeter
: sodium nitrate especially occurring naturally (as in caliche)

chili
1 a : a hot pepper of any of a group of cultivars (Capsicum annuum annuum group longum) noted for their pungency ― called also chili pepper b usually chilli plural chillies also chil·lis chiefly British : a pepper whether hot or sweet
2 a : a thick sauce of meat and chilies b : CHILI CON CARNE

chili
n. chili con carne
chili dog
chili powder
chili sauce
chili pepper
chile relleno
chile rellenos
Chile saltpeter
chiles rellenos

chili con carne
: a spiced stew of ground beef and minced chilies or chili powder usually with beans

chili dog
: a hot dog topped with chili

chili powder
: a condiment made with chilies ground to a powder and often other spices

chili sauce
: a spiced tomato sauce usually made with red and green peppers

chiliad
n. 1 : a group of 1000
2 : MILLENNIUM 2A

chiliasm
: MILLENARIANISM
–chil·i·ast \-lē-ˌast, -lē-əst\ noun
–chil·i·as·tic \ˌki-lē-'as-tik\ adjective

Chilkoot
pass 3502 ft (1067 m) bet. SE Alaska & SW Yukon Territory, Canada, in N Coast Mountains

chill
n. 1 a : a sensation of cold accompanied by shivering b : a disagreeable sensation of coldness
2 : a moderate but disagreeable degree of cold
3 : a check to enthusiasm or warmth of feeling <felt the chill of his opponent's stare>

chill
n. 1 a : moderately cold b : COLD, RAW
2 : affected by cold <chill travelers>
3 : DISTANT, FORMAL <a chill reception>
4 : DEPRESSING, DISPIRITING <chill penury ― Thomas Gray>
–chill·ness noun

chill
n. 1 a : to become cold b : to shiver or quake with or as if with cold
2 : to become taken with a chill
3 a : CHILL OUT b : HANG 12
transitive verb
1 a : to make cold or chilly <spectators chilled by a cold wind> b : to make cool especially without freezing <chill a bottle of wine>
2 : to affect as if with cold : DISPIRIT <were chilled by the drab austerity ― William Attwood>
–chill·ing·ly \'chi-liŋ-lē\ adverb

chill
n. chill factor
chill out
bone chilling
spine chilling

chill factor
: WINDCHILL

chill out
slang : to calm down : go easy : RELAX ― often used in the imperative

chiller
n. 1 : one that chills
2 : an eerie or frightening story of murder, violence, or the supernatural

chilling
n. : gravely disturbing or frightening <a chilling case of abuse>
–chil·ling·ly adverb

Chilliwack
city Canada in S B.C. pop 62,927

chillum
n. 1 : the part of a water pipe that contains the substance (as tobacco or hashish) which is smoked also : a quantity of a substance thus smoked
2 : a funnel-shaped clay pipe for smoking

chilly
adj. 1 : noticeably cold : CHILLING <a chilly day>
2 : unpleasantly affected by cold <chilly spectators>
3 : lacking warmth of feeling : UNFRIENDLY <a chilly reception>
4 : tending to arouse fear or apprehension <chilly suspicions>
–chill·i·ly \'chi-lə-lē\ adverb
–chill·i·ness \'chi-lē-nəs\ noun

Chiloe
island S cen Chile area 4700 sq mi (12,220 sq km), pop 65,161

Chilpancingo
city S Mexico capital of Guerrero pop 170,368

chiltepin
: a small red oblong wild chili pepper of marked pungency that is produced by a capsicum (Capsicum annuum glabriusculum syn. C. annuum aviculare) occurring from northern So. America to northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S. also : this plant

Chiltern Hills
hills S cen England in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, & Bedfordshire

chimaera
n. chiefly British variant of chimera

chimaera
n. : any of a family (Chimaeridae) of marine cartilaginous fishes with a tapering or threadlike tail and usually no anal fin

chimaeric
chiefly British variant of chimeric, chimerism

Chimborazo
mountain 20,561 ft (6267 m) W cen Ecuador

chime
n. : the edge or rim of a cask or drum

chime
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a musical and especially a harmonious sound b : to make the sounds of a chime
2 : to be or act in accord <the music and the mood chimed well together>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sound musically by striking
2 : to produce by chiming
3 : to call or indicate by chiming <the clock chimed midnight>
4 : to utter repetitively : DIN 2
–chim·er noun

chime
n. 1 : an apparatus for chiming a bell or set of bells
2 a : a musically tuned set of bells b : one of a set of objects giving a bell-like sound when struck
3 a : the sound of a set of bells ― usually used in plural b : a musical sound suggesting that of bells
4 : ACCORD, HARMONY <such happy chime of fact and theory ― Henry Maudsley>

chime in
1 : to combine harmoniously <the artist's illustrations chime in perfectly with the text ― Book Production>
2 : to break into a conversation or discussion especially to express an opinion
transitive verb : to remark while chiming in

chimera
n. 1 a capitalized : a fire-breathing she-monster in Greek mythology having a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail b : an imaginary monster compounded of incongruous parts
2 : an illusion or fabrication of the mind especially : an unrealizable dream <a fancy, a chimera in my brain, troubles me in my prayer ― John Donne>
3 : an individual, organ, or part consisting of tissues of diverse genetic constitution

chimere
: a loose sleeveless robe worn by Anglican bishops over the rochet

chimeric
adj. : relating to, derived from, or being a genetic chimera or its genetic material <a chimeric cat> <chimeric genes>

chimerical
adj. 1 : existing only as the product of unchecked imagination : fantastically visionary or improbable
2 : given to fantastic schemes
synonyms see IMAGINARY
–chi·me·ri·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chimerism
n. : the state of being a genetic chimera

chimichanga
n. : a tortilla wrapped around a filling (as of meat) and deep-fried

Chimkent
― see SHYMKENT

chimney
n. 1 dialect : FIREPLACE, HEARTH
2 : a vertical structure incorporated into a building and enclosing a flue or flues that carry off smoke especially : the part of such a structure extending above a roof
3 : SMOKESTACK
4 : a tube usually of glass placed around a flame (as of a lamp)
5 : something resembling a chimney: as a : a narrow cleft or passage in rock b : a tall column of rock on the ocean floor that is formed by the precipitation of minerals from superheated water issuing from a vent in the earth's crust and rising through the column of rock
–chim·ney·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

chimney
n. chimney pot
chimney sweep
chimney sweeper
chimney swift
chimney swallow

chimney pot
: a usually earthenware pipe placed at the top of a chimney

chimney sweep
: a person whose occupation is cleaning soot from chimney flues ― called also chimney sweeper

chimney swift
: a small sooty-gray swift (Chaetura pelagica) with long narrow wings that often builds its nest inside an unused chimney ― called also chimney swallow

chimneypiece
n. : an ornamental construction over and around a fireplace that includes the mantel

chimp
n. : CHIMPANZEE

chimpanzee
n. : an anthropoid ape (Pan troglodytes) of equatorial Africa that is smaller and more arboreal than the gorilla ― compare BONOBO

chin
n. 1 : the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the prominence of the lower jaw
2 : the surface beneath or between the branches of the lower jaw
–chin·less \-ləs\ adjective

chin
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring to or hold with the chin <chin a violin>
2 : to raise (oneself) while hanging by the hands until the chin is level with the support
intransitive verb slang : to talk idly

chin
n. Chin chou
chin music
chin up
chin wag
take it on the chin
Chin chou Chinchow
Chin Hills

Chin Hills
hills W Myanmar; highest 10,016 ft (3053 m)

chin music
1 : idle talk
2 : a usually high inside pitch in baseball intended to intimidate the batter

Chin-chou, Chinchow
― see JINZHOU

chin-up
: the act or an instance of chinning oneself performed especially as a conditioning exercise

chin-wag
slang : CONVERSATION, CHAT

china
n. 1 : PORCELAIN also : vitreous porcelain wares (as dishes, vases, or ornaments) for domestic use
2 : earthenware or porcelain tableware

china
n. Belleek china
Cochin China
Meissen china
Worcester china
bone china
China aster
china clay
china closet
China rose
China Syndrome
China tree
ironstone china
Poland China
stone china
China People's Republic of
China Republic of
China Sea
East China Sea
People's Republic of China
South China Sea

China aster
: a common annual garden aster (Callistephus chinensis) native to northern China that occurs in many showy forms

china clay
: KAOLIN

china closet
: a cabinet or cupboard for the storage or display of household china

China rose
: any of numerous garden roses derived from a shrubby Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis)

China Sea
the E. & S. China seas

China Syndrome
: MELTDOWN 1

China tree
: CHINABERRY

China, People's Republic of
country E Asia; a republic capital Beijing area 3,691,502 sq mi (9,597,905 sq km), pop 1,179,467,000

China, Republic of
― see TAIWAN

chinaberry
n. : a small Asian tree (Melia azedarach) of the mahogany family naturalized in the southern U.S. where it is widely planted for shade or ornament

Chinaman
n. often offensive : a native of China : CHINESE

Chinan
n. ― see JINAN

Chinatown
n. : the Chinese quarter of a city

chinaware
n. : tableware made of china

chinbone
n. : MANDIBLE especially : the median anterior part of the human mandible

chinch
n. : BEDBUG

chinch bug
: a small black-and-white bug (Blissus leucopterus) that is very destructive to cereal grasses

chincherinchee
n. : a southern African perennial bulbous herb (Ornithogalum thyrsoides) of the lily family with spikes of white to golden-yellow blossoms

chinchilla
n. 1 : either of two small So. American rodents (Chinchilla laniger and C. brevicaudata of the family Chinchillidae) of the high Andes that are the size of large squirrels, have very soft pearly-gray fur, and are extensively bred in captivity also : the fur of a chinchilla
2 : a heavy twilled woolen coating

Chincoteague Bay
bay Md. & Va. on Atlantic coast

Chindwin
river NW Myanmar flowing S into the Irrawaddy

chine
n. 1 : BACKBONE, SPINE also : a cut of meat including all or part of the backbone
2 : the intersection of the bottom and the sides of a flat or V-bottomed boat

chine
n. : to cut through the backbone of (as in butchering)

chine
n. blanc de chine
crepe de chine
crêpe de chine

Chinese
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of China b : a person of Chinese descent
2 : a group of related languages used by the people of China that are often mutually unintelligible in their spoken form but share a single system of writing and that constitute a branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family especially : MANDARIN
–Chinese adjective

Chinese
n. Chinese boxes
Chinese cabbage
Chinese checkers
Chinese chestnut
Chinese chive
Chinese copy
Chinese crested
Chinese gooseberry
Chinese lantern
Chinese parsley
Chinese puzzle
Chinese restaurant syndrome
Chinese shar pei
Chinese wall
Chinese white
Indo Chinese
Chinese Turkestan

Chinese boxes
1 : a set of boxes graduated in size so that each fits into the next larger one
2 : something that resembles a set of Chinese boxes especially in complexity

Chinese cabbage
: either of two Asian brassicas now grown in the U.S. and widely used as greens: a : BOK CHOY b : one (Brassica rapa pekinensis) that forms elongate more or less solid cylindrical heads and has pale green or cream-colored leaves

Chinese checkers
: a game in which each player seeks to be the first to transfer a set of marbles from a home point to the opposite point of a pitted 6-pointed star by single moves or jumps

Chinese chestnut
: an Asian chestnut (Castanea mollissima) that is resistant to chestnut blight

Chinese chive
: GARLIC CHIVE ― usually used in plural

Chinese copy
: an exact imitation or duplicate that includes defects as well as desired qualities

Chinese crested
: any of a breed of hairless or coated dogs with a plumed tail and a crest of hair on the head

Chinese gooseberry
: a subtropical vine (Actinidia deliciosa syn. A. chinensis of the family Actinidiaceae) that bears kiwifruit also : KIWIFRUIT

Chinese lantern
: a collapsible translucent covering for a light

Chinese parsley
: CILANTRO

Chinese puzzle
1 : an intricate or ingenious puzzle
2 : something intricate and obscure

Chinese restaurant syndrome
: a group of symptoms (as numbness of the neck, arms, and back with headache, dizziness, and palpitations) that is held to affect susceptible persons eating food and especially Chinese food heavily seasoned with monosodium glutamate

Chinese shar-pei
: SHAR-PEI

Chinese Turkestan
region W China in W & cen Xinjiang Uygur

Chinese wall
: a strong barrier especially : a serious obstacle to understanding

Chinese white
: ZINC WHITE

Ching
n. : a Manchu dynasty in China dated 1644-1912 and the last imperial dynasty

Ching
n. Wang Ching wei
A ni ma ch'ing
An ch'ing
Ch'ung ch'ing
Ch'ing hai
Soong Ch'ing ling
Ch'ung ch'ing Chungking

Chink
n. usually offensive : CHINESE

chink
n. 1 : a small cleft, slit, or fissure <a chink in the fence>
2 : a weak spot that may leave one vulnerable <his lawyers found a chink in the law>
3 : a narrow beam of light shining through a chink

chink
n. : to fill the chinks of (as by caulking) <chink a log cabin>

chink
n. 1 archaic : COIN, MONEY
2 : a short sharp sound

chink
n. : to make a slight sharp metallic sound
transitive verb : to cause to make a chink

Chinnampo
― see NAMPO

Chinnereth, Sea of
― see GALILEE (Sea of)

Chino
n. city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 67,168

chino
n. 1 : a usually khaki cotton or synthetic-fiber twill of the type used for military uniforms
2 plural : an article of clothing made of chino

Chino Hills
city S Calif. S of Pomona pop 66,787

chinoiserie
n. : a style in art (as in decoration) reflecting Chinese qualities or motifs also : an object or decoration in this style

Chinook
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the north shore of the Columbia River at its mouth
2 : a Chinookan language of the Chinook and other nearby peoples
3 often not capitalized a : a warm moist southwest wind of the coast from Oregon northward b : a warm dry wind that descends the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains
4 not capitalized : CHINOOK SALMON

Chinook jargon
: a pidgin language based on Chinook and other Indian languages, French, and English and formerly used as a lingua franca in the northwestern U.S. and on the Pacific coast of Canada and Alaska

chinook salmon
: a large commercially important Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) with red flesh that occurs in the northern Pacific Ocean ― called also king salmon

Chinookan
: an American Indian language family of Washington and Oregon
–Chinookan adjective

chinquapin
n. 1 : the edible nut of a chinquapin
2 : any of several trees (genera Castanea and Castanopsis) especially : a dwarf chestnut (Castanea pumila) of the U.S.

chinquapin oak
: either of two chestnut oaks (Quercus muhlenbergii and Q. prinoides) of the eastern U.S.

chinstrap penguin
: a penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) with a narrow band of black feathers from ear to ear under its chin that breeds on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands ― called also chinstrap

chintz
n. 1 : a printed calico from India
2 : a usually glazed printed cotton fabric

chintzy
adj. 1 : decorated with or as if with chintz
2 a : GAUDY, CHEAP <chintzy toys> b : STINGY
–chintz·i·ness noun

Chioggia
commune & port NE Italy on island in Lagoon of Venice pop 51,898

chionodoxa
n. : GLORY-OF-THE-SNOW

Chios
1 island E Greece in the Aegean off W coast of Turkey area 325 sq mi (842 sq km), pop 52,691
2 city & port Greece on E coast of Chios Is.
–Chi·an \'kī-ən\ adjective or noun

chip
n. 1 a : a small usually thin and flat piece (as of wood or stone) cut, struck, or flaked off b : a small piece of food: as (1) : a small thin slice of food especially : POTATO CHIP (2) : FRENCH FRY (3) : a small cone-shaped bit of food often used for baking <chocolate chips>
2 : something small, worthless, or trivial
3 a : one of the counters used as a token for money in poker and other games b plural : MONEY ― used especially in the phrase in the chips c : something valuable that can be used for advantage in negotiation or trade <a bargaining chip>
4 : a piece of dried dung ― usually used in combination <cow chip>
5 : a flaw left after a chip has been broken off
6 a : INTEGRATED CIRCUIT b : a small wafer of semiconductor material that forms the base for an integrated circuit
7 : CHIP SHOT 1
–chip off the old block : a child that resembles his or her parent
–chip on one's shoulder : a challenging or belligerent attitude

chip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut or hew with an edged tool b (1) : to cut or break (a small piece) from something (2) : to cut or break a fragment from <chip a tooth> (3) : to cut into chips <chip a tree stump>
2 British : CHAFF, BANTER
3 : to hit (a return in tennis) with backspin
intransitive verb
1 : to break off in small pieces
2 : to play a chip shot

chip
n. blue chip
chip on one's shoulder
chip off the old block
chip in
chip shot
corn chip
potato chip
V chip
white chip
fish and chips
chipped beef
chipping sparrow

chip in
1 : CONTRIBUTE <everyone chipped in for the gift>
2 chiefly British : CHIME IN 2
transitive verb : CONTRIBUTE <chip in five dollars>

chip off the old block
a child that resembles his or her parent

chip on one's shoulder
a challenging or belligerent attitude

chip shot
1 : a short usually low approach shot in golf that lofts the ball to the green and allows it to roll
2 : a short and easy field goal in football

chipboard
n. : a cardboard usually made entirely from wastepaper

chipmunk
n. : any of a genus (Tamias) of small striped No. American and Asian rodents of the squirrel family

chipotle
n. : a smoked and usually dried jalapeño pepper

chipped beef
: smoked dried beef sliced thin

Chippendale
n. : of or relating to an 18th century English furniture style characterized by graceful outline and often ornate rococo ornamentation

Chippendale
n. Thomas 1718-1779 Eng. cabinetmaker

chipper
n. : one that chips <a wood chipper>

chipper
n. : SPRIGHTLY 1

Chippewa
n. : OJIBWA

Chippewa
n. river 183 mi (294 km) NW Wis. flowing S into Mississippi River

chippie
n. : TRAMP, PROSTITUTE

chipping sparrow
: a small gray-breasted No. American sparrow (Spizella passerina) with a black line through the eye, a white line above it, and in breeding plumage a reddish patch on the top of the head

chippy
n. : aggressively belligerent <a chippy hockey player> also : marked by much fighting <a chippy game>

chir
: hand <chiropractic>

Chirac
n. Jacques (René) 1932-     prime min. of France (1974-76; 1986-88); pres. (1995-    )

chiral
adj. : of or relating to a molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image
–chi·ral·i·ty \kī-'ra-lə-tē, kə-\ noun

chiral center
: an atom especially in an organic molecule that has four unique atoms or groups attached to it

Chiricahua
n. : a member of an Apache people of Arizona

Chiricahua National Monument
n. reservation SE Ariz. containing curious rock formations

Chirico, de
Gior·gio \'jōr-(ˌ)jō\ 1888-1978 Ital. painter

chirimoya
n. variant of cherimoya

Chiriqui
― see BARÚ

chirk
adj. : CHEER <play with her and chirk her up a little ― Harriet B. Stowe>

chirography
n. 1 : HANDWRITING, PENMANSHIP
2 : CALLIGRAPHY 1
–chi·rog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–chi·ro·graph·ic \ˌkī-rə-'gra-fik\ or chi·ro·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

chiromancy
n. : PALMISTRY
–chi·ro·man·cer \-ˌman(t)-sər\ noun

chironomid
n. : any of a family (Chironomidae) of midges that lack piercing mouthparts
–chironomid adjective

chiropody
n. : PODIATRY
–chi·rop·o·dist \-dist\ noun

chiropractic
n. : a system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body structures (as the spinal column)
–chiropractic adjective
–chi·ro·prac·tor \-tər\ noun

chiropteran
n. : 3BAT

chirp
n. intransitive verb : to make a chirp or a sound resembling a chirp
transitive verb : to utter with a cheerful liveliness <she chirped “good morning”>

chirp
n. : the characteristic short sharp sound especially of a small bird or insect

chirpy
adj. 1 : cheerfully lively <a chirpy manner>
2 a : making chirps b : suggestive of chirping <a chirpy voice>
–chirp·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–chirp·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

chirr
n. : the short vibrant or trilled sound characteristic of an insect (as a grasshopper or cicada)
–chirr intransitive verb

chirrup
n. : CHIRP
–chirrup intransitive verb

chirrupy
adj. : CHIRPY

chiru
n. : an antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni) chiefly of the Tibetan plateau having a pinkish-fawn wooly coat and in the male long nearly straight horns

chirurgeon
archaic : SURGEON

chisel
n. : a metal tool with a sharpened edge at one end used to chip, carve, or cut into a solid material (as wood, stone, or metal)

chisel
transitive verb
1 : to cut or work with or as if with a chisel
2 : to employ shrewd or unfair practices on in order to obtain one's end also : to obtain by such practices <chisel a job>
intransitive verb
1 : to work with or as if with a chisel
2 a : to employ shrewd or unfair practices b : to thrust oneself : INTRUDE <chisel in on a racket>
–chis·el·er or chis·el·ler \'chi-zə-lər, 'chiz-lər\ noun

chiseled
v. : formed or crafted as if with a chisel <chiseled good looks> <a chiseled essay> <a chiseled physique>

Chisholm Trail
pioneer cattle trail bet. San Antonio (Tex.) & Abilene (in E cen Kans.) used especially 1866-85

Chisinau
n. city cen Moldova, its capital pop 665,000

Chislehurst and Sidcup
former urban district SE England in Kent, now partly in Bexley & partly in Bromley

chit
n. 1 archaic : CHILD
2 : a pert young woman

chit
n. 1 : a short letter or note especially : a signed voucher of a small debt (as for food)
2 : a small slip of paper with writing on it

Chita
city Russia in Asia E of Lake Baikal pop 377,000

chitchat
n. : SMALL TALK, GOSSIP
–chitchat intransitive verb

chitin
n. : a horny polysaccharide (C_8H_13NO_5)n that forms part of the hard outer integument especially of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans
–chi·tin·ous \'kī-tən-əs, 'kīt-nəs\ adjective

chiton
n. 1 : any of a class (Polyplacophora) of elongated bilaterally symmetrical marine mollusks with a dorsal shell of calcareous plates
2 [Greek chitōn] : the basic garment of ancient Greece worn usually knee-length by men and full-length by women

Chitral
river 300 mi (483 km) N Pakistan & Afghanistan flowing SW into Kabul River

Chittagong
city & port SE Bangladesh on Bay of Bengal pop 1,566,070

chitter
v. : TWITTER, CHIRP also : CHATTER

chitterlings
n. : the intestines of hogs especially when prepared as food

Chitungwiza
city NE cen Zimbabwe, SSE of Harare pop 274,035

Chiusi
town cen Italy in Tuscany SE of Siena pop 8594

chivalric
adj. : relating to chivalry : CHIVALROUS

chivalrous
adj. 1 : VALIANT
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of chivalry and knight-errantry
3 a : marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy b : marked by gracious courtesy and high-minded consideration especially to women
synonyms see CIVIL
–chiv·al·rous·ly adverb
–chiv·al·rous·ness noun

chivalry
n. 1 : mounted men-at-arms
2 archaic a : martial valor b : knightly skill
3 : gallant or distinguished gentlemen
4 : the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood
5 : the qualities of the ideal knight : chivalrous conduct

chive
n. : a perennial plant (Allium schoenoprasum) related to the onion and having slender leaves used as a seasoning also : its leaves ― usually used in plural ― compare GARLIC CHIVE

chivy
n. 1 : to tease or annoy with persistent petty attacks
2 : to move or obtain by small maneuvers <chivy an olive out of a bottle>
synonyms see BAIT

Chkalov
― see ORENBURG

chlamydia
n. 1 : any of a genus (Chlamydia, family Chlamydiaceae) of spherical gram-negative intracellular bacteria especially : one (C. trachomatis) that causes or is associated with various diseases of the eye and urogenital tract including trachoma, lymphogranuloma venereum, cervicitis, and some forms of urethritis
2 : a disease or infection caused by chlamydiae
–chla·myd·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

chlamydospore
n. : a thick-walled usually resting fungal spore

chlamys
n. : a short oblong mantle worn by young men of ancient Greece

Chloe
n. : a lover of Daphnis in a Greek pastoral romance

chlor
1 : green <chlorine> <chlorosis>
2 : chlorine : containing chlorine <chloroprene>

chloracne
n. : a skin eruption resembling acne and resulting from exposure to chlorine or its compounds

chloral
n. 1 : a pungent colorless oily aldehyde CCl_3CHO used in making DDT and chloral hydrate
2 : CHLORAL HYDRATE

chloral hydrate
: a bitter white crystalline drug C_2H_3Cl_3O_2 used as a hypnotic and sedative or in knockout drops

chloralose
n. : a bitter crystalline compound C_8H_11Cl_3O_6 used especially to anesthetize animals

chloramine
n. : any of various compounds containing nitrogen and chlorine

chloramphenicol
n. : a broad-spectrum antibiotic C_11H_12Cl_2N_2O_5 isolated from cultures of a soil actinomycete (Streptomyces venezuelae) or prepared synthetically

chlorate
n. : a salt containing the anion ClO_3- <chlorate of potassium>

chlordane
n. : a viscous volatile toxic liquid insecticide C_10H_6Cl_8 formerly used in the U.S.

chlordiazepoxide
n. : a benzodiazepine C_16H_14ClN_3O related to diazepam and used in the form of its hydrochloride especially as a tranquilizer and to treat the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism

chlorella
n. : any of a genus (Chlorella) of unicellular green algae

chlorenchyma
: chlorophyll-containing parenchyma of plants

chlorhexidine
n. : an antibacterial compound C_22H_30Cl_2N_10 used as a local antiseptic (as in mouthwash) and disinfectant especially in the form of its hydrochloride or gluconate

chloride
n. 1 : a compound of chlorine with another element or group especially : a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid
2 : a monovalent anion consisting of one atom of chlorine

chloride
n. mercurous chloride
ammonium chloride
calcium chloride
chloride of lime
cobalt chloride
ethyl chloride
ferric chloride
hydrogen chloride
magnesium chloride
mercuric chloride
mercury chloride
methylene chloride
polyvinyl chloride
potassium chloride
silver chloride
sodium chloride
vinyl chloride
zinc chloride

chloride of lime

1826
: BLEACHING POWDER

chlorinate
v. : to treat or combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound
–chlo·ri·na·tion \ˌklȯr-ə-'nā-shən\ noun
–chlo·ri·na·tor \'klȯr-ə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

chlorinated lime
: BLEACHING POWDER

chlorine
n. : a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish-yellow diatomic gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification ― see ELEMENT table

chlorine dioxide
: a heavy reddish-yellow gas ClO_2 used especially as a bleach and disinfectant

chlorine monoxide
: a reactive monovalent radical ClO that plays a major role in stratospheric ozone depletion

chlorinity
: a measure of the concentration of halides in one kilogram of seawater

chlorite
n. : any of a group of usually green silicate minerals associated with and resembling the micas
–chlo·rit·ic \klȯ-'ri-tik\ adjective

chlorite
n. : a salt containing the anion ClO_2- <chlorite of sodium>

chloro
― see CHLOR-

chlorobenzene
: a colorless flammable volatile toxic liquid C_6H_5Cl used in organic synthesis (as of DDT) and as a solvent

chlorofluorocarbon
n. : any of several simple gaseous compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and sometimes hydrogen, that are used as refrigerants, cleaning solvents, and aerosol propellants and in the manufacture of plastic foams, and that are believed to be a major cause of stratospheric ozone depletion ― abbreviation CFC

chlorofluoromethane
: a chlorofluorocarbon derived from methane

chloroform
n. : a colorless volatile heavy toxic liquid CHCl_3 with an ether odor used especially as a solvent

chloroform
n. : to treat with or as if with chloroform especially so as to produce anesthesia, insensibility, or death

chlorogenic acid
: a crystalline acid C_16H_18O_9 occurring in various plant parts (as coffee beans)

chlorohydrin
: any of various organic compounds derived from diols or polyhydroxy alcohols by substitution of chlorine for part of the hydroxyl groups

chlorophyll
n. 1 : the green photosynthetic pigment found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and occurring especially as a blue-black ester C_55H_72MgN_4O_5 or a dark green ester C_55H_70MgN_4O_6 ― called also respectively chlorophyll a chlorophyll b
2 : a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant
–chlo·ro·phyl·lous \ˌklȯr-ə-'fi-ləs\ adjective

chloropicrin
n. : a colorless liquid CCl_3NO_2 that causes tears and vomiting and is used especially as a soil fumigant

chloroplast
n. : a plastid that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis ― see CELL illustration
–chlo·ro·plas·tic \ˌklȯr-ə-'plas-tik\ adjective

chloroprene
: a colorless liquid C_4H_5Cl used especially in making neoprene by polymerization

chloroquine
n. : an antimalarial drug C_18H_26ClN_3 administered in the form of its bitter crystalline diphosphate

chlorosis
n. 1 : an iron-deficiency anemia especially of adolescent girls that may impart a greenish tint to the skin ― called also greensickness
2 : a diseased condition in green plants marked by yellowing or blanching
–chlo·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective

chlorothiazide
: a thiazide diuretic C_7H_6ClN_3O_4S_2 used especially in the treatment of edema and hypertension

chlorpheniramine
: an antihistamine C_16H_19ClN_2 that is usually administered in the form of its maleate

chlorpromazine
n. : a phenothiazine C_17H_19ClN_2S used chiefly as a tranquilizer especially in the form of its hydrochloride to control the symptoms of psychotic disorders (as schizophrenia)

chlorpropamide
n. : a sulfonylurea drug C_10H_13ClN_2O_3S used orally to reduce blood sugar in the treatment of mild diabetes

chlorpyrifos
: a toxic crystalline organophosphate pesticide C_9H_11Cl_3NO_3PS that inhibits acetylcholinesterase and is used to control insect pests and ticks

chlortetracycline
n. : a yellow crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C_22H_23ClN_2O_8 that is produced by a soil actinomycete (Streptomyces aureofaciens) and is sometimes used in animal feeds to stimulate growth

chm
1 chairman
2 checkmate

Chmn
chairman

Cho Oyu
mountain 26,750 ft (8153 m) Nepal & Tibet in the Himalayas; 6th highest in the world

choanocyte
: COLLAR CELL

Choaspes
― see KARKHEH

Choate
Joseph Hodges 1832-1917 American lawyer & diplomat

Choate
Rufus 1799-1859 American jurist

chock
n. 1 : a wedge or block for steadying a body (as a cask) and holding it motionless, for filling in an unwanted space, or for blocking the movement of a wheel
2 : a heavy metal casting (as on the bow or stern of a ship) with two short horn-shaped arms curving inward between which ropes or hawsers may pass for mooring or towing

chock
n. : as close or as completely as possible

chock
n. : to stop or make fast with or as if with chocks

chock-full
: full to the limit <hotels chock-full of tourists>

chockablock
adj. : CHOCK <chockablock full>

chockablock
adj. 1 : brought close together
2 : very full <shelves chockablock with books>

chocoholic
n. : a person who craves or compulsively consumes chocolate

chocolate
n. 1 : a beverage made by mixing chocolate with water or milk
2 : a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans
3 : a small candy with a center (as a fondant) and a chocolate coating
4 : a brownish gray
–chocolate adjective

chocolate
n. chocolate box
milk chocolate
sweet chocolate
white chocolate

chocolate-box
: superficially pretty or sentimental

chocolatier
n. : a maker or seller of chocolate candy

chocolaty
: made of or like chocolate also : having a rich chocolate flavor

Choctaw
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana
2 : the language of the Choctaw people

choice
n. 1 : the act of choosing : SELECTION <finding it hard to make a choice>
2 : power of choosing : OPTION <you have no choice>
3 a : the best part : CREAM b : a person or thing chosen <she was their first choice>
4 : a number and variety to choose among <a plan with a wide choice of options>
5 : care in selecting
6 : a grade of meat between prime and good
–of choice : to be preferred
synonyms CHOICE, OPTION, ALTERNATIVE, PREFERENCE, SELECTION, ELECTION mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. CHOICE suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. OPTION implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. ALTERNATIVE implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. PREFERENCE suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. SELECTION implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. ELECTION implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.

choice
n. 1 : worthy of being chosen
2 : selected with care
3 a : of high quality b : of a grade between prime and good <choice meat>
–choice·ly adverb
–choice·ness noun
synonyms CHOICE, EXQUISITE, ELEGANT, RARE, DELICATE, DAINTY mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. CHOICE stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. EXQUISITE implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. ELEGANT applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. RARE suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. DELICATE implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. DAINTY sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.

choice
n. axiom of choice
of choice
fielder's choice
Hobson's choice
multiple choice
pro choice
sailor's choice
pro choicer

choir
n. 1 : an organized company of singers (as in a church service)
2 : a group of instruments of the same class <a brass choir>
3 : an organized group of persons or things
4 : a division of angels
5 : the part of a church occupied by the singers or by the clergy also : the part of a church where the services are performed
6 : a group organized for ensemble speaking

choir
n. : to sing or sound in chorus or concert

choir loft
: a gallery occupied by a church choir

choirboy
n. : a boy member of a choir

choirmaster
n. : the director of a choir (as in a church)

Choiseul
Étienne-François de 1719-1785 Duc de Choiseul Fr. statesman

Choiseul
island W Pacific in the Solomons SE of Bougainville Is. nearly surrounded by barrier reef

Choisy
commune N France on the Seine SSE of Paris pop 34,324

choke
n. transitive verb
1 : to check or block normal breathing of by compressing or obstructing the trachea or by poisoning or adulterating available air
2 a : to check or hinder the growth, development, or activity of <the flowers were choked by the weeds> b : to obstruct by filling up or clogging <leaves choked the drain> c : to fill completely : JAM <roads choked with traffic>
3 : to enrich the fuel mixture of (a motor) by partially shutting off the air intake of the carburetor
4 : to grip (as a baseball bat) some distance from the end of the handle ― usually used with up
intransitive verb
1 : to become choked in breathing <he choked on a bone>
2 a : to become obstructed or checked b : to become or feel constricted in the throat (as from strong emotion) ― usually used with up <choked up and couldn't finish the speech>
3 : to shorten one's grip especially on the handle of a bat ― usually used with up
4 : to lose one's composure and fail to perform effectively in a critical situation <had a chance to win the game but he choked>

choke
n. 1 [by folk etymology from artichoke] : the filamentous inedible center of an artichoke flower head broadly : an artichoke flower head
2 : something that obstructs passage or flow: as a : a valve for choking a gasoline engine b : a constriction in an outlet (as of an oil well) that restricts flow c : REACTOR 2 d : a constriction (as a narrowing of the barrel or an attachment) at the muzzle of a shotgun that serves to limit the spread of shot
3 : the act of choking

choke
n. choke chain
choke collar
choke coil
choke hold
choke off
choke point

choke chain
: a collar that may be tightened as a noose and that is used especially in training and controlling powerful or stubborn dogs ― called also choke collar

choke coil
: REACTOR 2

choke hold
1 : a hold that involves strong choking pressure applied to the neck of another
2 : absolute dominance or control <had a choke hold on the city's finances>

choke off
: to bring to a stop or to an end as if by choking

choke point
: a strategic narrow route providing passage through or to another region

chokeberry
n. : a small berrylike astringent fruit also : any of a genus (Aronia) of No. American shrubs of the rose family bearing chokeberries

chokecherry
n. : a wild cherry (Prunus virginiana) of the U.S. and Canada having bitter or astringent red to black edible fruit also : this fruit

choker
n. 1 : one that chokes
2 : something (as a collar or necklace) worn closely about the throat or neck

choking
n. 1 : producing the feeling of strangulation <a choking cloud of smog>
2 : indistinct in utterance ― used especially of a person's voice <a low choking laugh>
–chok·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

choky
n. : tending to cause choking or to become choked

chol
: bile : gall <cholate>

cholangiography
n. : radiographic visualization of the bile ducts after injection of a radiopaque substance
–chol·an·gio·graph·ic \-jē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–chol·an·gio·gram \-'lan-jē-ə-ˌgram\ noun

cholate
: a salt or ester of cholic acid

cholecalciferol
n. : a sterol C_27H_43OH that is a natural form of vitamin D found especially in fish, egg yolks, and fish-liver oils and is formed in the skin on exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays ― called also vitamin D_3

cholecystectomy
n. : surgical excision of the gallbladder
–cho·le·cys·tec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

cholecystitis
n. : inflammation of the gallbladder

cholecystokinin
n. : a hormone secreted especially by the duodenal mucosa that regulates the emptying of the gallbladder and secretion of enzymes by the pancreas and that has been found in the brain ― called also cholecystokinin-pancreozymin pancreozymin

cholelithiasis
n. : production of gallstones also : the resulting abnormal condition

choler
n. 1 a archaic : YELLOW BILE b obsolete : BILE 1A
2 obsolete : the quality or state of being bilious
3 : ready disposition to irritation : IRASCIBILITY also : ANGER

cholera
n. : any of several diseases of humans and domestic animals usually marked by severe gastrointestinal symptoms especially : an acute diarrheal disease caused by an enterotoxin produced by a comma-shaped gram-negative bacillus (Vibrio cholerae syn. V. comma) when it is present in large numbers in the proximal part of the human small intestine

cholera
n. Asiatic cholera
cholera morbus
hog cholera

cholera morbus
: gastrointestinal illness characterized by cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting ― not used technically

choleric
adj. 1 : easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger : hot-tempered
2 : ANGRY, IRATE
–cho·ler·i·cal·ly \-ri-k(ə-)lē, -i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cholestasis
: a checking or failure of bile flow
–cho·le·stat·ic \-'sta-tik\ adjective

cholesteric
adj. : of, relating to, or being the phase of a liquid crystal characterized by arrangement of molecules in layers with the long molecular axes parallel to one another in the plane of each layer and incrementally displaced in successive layers to give helical stacking ― compare NEMATIC, SMECTIC

cholesterol
n. : a steroid alcohol C_27H_45OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, and functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways and as a constituent of LDL may cause arteriosclerosis ― compare BAD CHOLESTEROL, GOOD CHOLESTEROL

cholestyramine
: a strongly basic synthetic resin that forms insoluble complexes with bile acids and has been used to lower cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic patients

cholic acid
: a crystalline bile acid C_24H_40O_5

choline
n. : a basic compound C_5H_15NO_2 that is found in various foods (as egg yolks and legumes) or is synthesized in the liver and that is a component of lecithin, is a precursor of acetylcholine, and is essential to liver function

cholinergic
adj. 1 : liberating, activated by, or involving acetylcholine <cholinergic nerve fiber> <cholinergic functions>
2 : resembling acetylcholine especially in physiologic action <a cholinergic drug>
–cho·lin·er·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cholinesterase
n. 1 : ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE
2 : an enzyme that hydrolyzes choline esters and that is found especially in blood plasma ― called also pseudocholinesterase

cholla
n. : any of numerous shrubby opuntias chiefly of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that have needlelike spines partly enclosed in a papery sheath and cylindrical joints ― called also cholla cactus

Cholon
former city S Vietnam, now part of Ho Chi Minh City

Cholula
town SE cen Mexico in Puebla state

Chomo Lhari
mountain 23,997 ft (7314 m) in the Himalayas bet. Tibet & NW Bhutan; sacred to Buddhists

Chomolungma
n. ― see EVEREST (Mount)

chomp
v. intransitive verb
1 : to chew or bite on something
2 : CHAMP 2 ― usually used in the phrase chomping at the bit
transitive verb : to chew or bite on
–chomp noun

Chomsky
n. (Avram) Noam 1928-     American linguist
–Chom·sky·an also Chom·ski·an \-skē-ən\ adjective

chon
― see won at MONEY table

chondriosome
n. : MITOCHONDRION

chondrite
n. : a meteoric stone characterized by the presence of chondrules
–chon·drit·ic \kän-'dri-tik\ adjective

chondrocranium
n. : the cartilaginous parts of an embryonic cranium also : the part of the adult skull derived therefrom

chondrocyte
n. : a cartilage cell

chondroitin
n. : any of several glycosaminoglycans occurring in sulfated form in various animal tissues (as cartilage)

chondrule
n. : a rounded granule of cosmic origin often found embedded in meteoric stones and sometimes free in marine sediments

Chongqing
city SE Sichuan on the Chang; capital of China 1937-43 pop 2,266,772

Chonju
city SW S. Korea SW of Taejon pop 426,473

chook
n. Australian & New Zealand : CHICKEN 1

choose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to select freely and after consideration <choose a career> b : to decide on especially by vote : ELECT <chose her as captain>
2 a : to have a preference for <choose one car over another> b : DECIDE <chose to go by train>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a selection <finding it hard to choose>
2 : to take an alternative ― used after cannot and usually followed by but <when earth is so kind, men cannot choose but be happy ― J. A. Froude>
–choos·er \'chü-zər\ noun

choose
v. choose up
pick and choose
c'est autre chose
peu de chose
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose

choose up
: to form (sides) especially for a game by having opposing captains choose their players
intransitive verb : to form sides for a game <let's choose up and play ball>

choosy
adj. : fastidiously selective : PARTICULAR <choosy shoppers>

chop
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut into or sever usually by repeated blows of a sharp instrument b : to cut into pieces ― often used with up <chop up an onion> c : to weed and thin out (young cotton) d : to cut as if by chopping <chop prices> <a bridge chops the lake in two>
2 : to strike (as a ball) with a short quick downward stroke
3 : to subject to the action of a chopper <chop a beam of light>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a quick stroke or repeated strokes with or as if with a sharp instrument (as an ax)
2 archaic : to move or act suddenly or violently

chop
n. 1 a : a forceful usually slanting blow with or as if with an ax or cleaver b : a sharp downward blow or stroke
2 : a small cut of meat often including part of a rib ― see LAMB illustration
3 : a mark made by or as if by chopping
4 : material that has been chopped up
5 a : a short abrupt motion (as of a wave) b : a stretch of choppy sea
6 : CHOPPER 6
7 chiefly British : AX 3 <it is the very top men who have got the chop ― Daily Mirror>

chop
n. 1 : to change direction
2 : to veer with or as if with wind
–chop logic : to argue with sophistical reasoning and minute distinctions

chop
n. 1 a : a seal or official stamp or its impression b : a license validated by a seal
2 a : a mark on goods or coins to indicate nature or quality b : a kind, brand, or lot of goods bearing the same chop c : QUALITY, GRADE <of the first chop>

chop
n. chop logic
chop chop
chop mark
chop marked
chop shop
chop socky
chop suey
chop sueys
lick one's chops
chopped liver
chopping block

chop logic
to argue with sophistical reasoning and minute distinctions

chop mark
: an indentation made on a coin to attest weight, silver content, or legality
–chop-marked \'chäp-ˌmärkt\ adjective

chop shop
: a place where stolen automobiles are stripped of salable parts

chop suey
: a dish prepared chiefly from bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, onions, mushrooms, and meat or fish and served with rice and soy sauce

chop-chop
: without delay : QUICKLY

chop-socky
: a genre of motion pictures featuring martial arts violence <a chop-socky star>

chopfallen
adj. variant of chapfallen

chophouse
n. : RESTAURANT

Chopin
n. Frédéric François 1810-1849 Pol. pianist & composer

Chopin
n. Kate 1851-1904 orig. Katherine O'Flaherty American writer

chopine
: a woman's shoe of the 16th and 17th centuries with a very high sole designed to increase stature and protect the feet from mud and dirt

choplogic
: involved and often specious argumentation
–choplogic adjective

chopped liver
slang : one that is insignificant or not worth considering

chopper
n. 1 : one that chops
2 plural slang : TEETH
3 : a device that interrupts an electric current or a beam of radiation (as light) at short regular intervals
4 : MACHINE GUN
5 : HELICOPTER
6 : a high-bouncing batted baseball
7 : a customized motorcycle

chopper
n. : HELICOPTER

choppiness
n. : the quality or state of being choppy

chopping block
1 : a wooden block on which material (as meat, wood, or vegetables) is cut, split, or diced
2 : a situation in which someone or something is threatened with elimination <government programs on the chopping block>

choppy
adj. 1 : being roughened : CHAPPED
2 : rough with small waves
3 a : interrupted by ups and downs <choppy terrain> <a choppy career> b : JERKY <short choppy strides> c : DISCONNECTED <choppy writing>
–chop·pi·ly \'chä-pə-lē\ adverb

choppy
adj. : CHANGEABLE, VARIABLE <a choppy wind>

chops
n. 1 : JAW
2 a : MOUTH b : the fleshy covering of the jaws <a dog licking its chops>
3 : EMBOUCHURE broadly : the technical facility of a musical performer
4 : expertise in a particular field or activity <acting chops>

chopstick
n. : one of a pair of slender sticks held between thumb and fingers and used chiefly in Asian countries to lift food to the mouth

choragus
1 : the leader of a chorus or choir broadly : the leader of any group or movement
2 : a leader of a dramatic chorus in ancient Greece
–cho·rag·ic \-'ra-jik\ adjective

choral
n. 1 : of or relating to a chorus or choir <a choral group>
2 : sung or designed for singing by a choir <a choral arrangement>
–cho·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

chorale
n. 1 : a hymn or psalm sung to a traditional or composed melody in church also : a harmonization of a chorale melody <a Bach chorale>
2 : CHORUS, CHOIR

chorale prelude
: a composition usually for organ based on a chorale

Chorasmia
province of ancient Persia on Oxus River extending W to Caspian Sea; equivalent to Khwarazm ― see KHIVA

chord
n. : three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously

chord
n. 1 : ACCORD
2 : to play chords especially on a stringed instrument
transitive verb
1 : to make chords on
2 : HARMONIZE

chord
n. 1 : CORD 3A
2 : a straight line segment joining and included between two points on a circle broadly : a straight line joining two points on a curve
3 : an individual emotion or disposition <struck a responsive chord>
4 : either of the two outside members of a truss connected and braced by the web members
5 : the straight line distance joining the leading and trailing edges of an airfoil

chord
n. power chord
seventh chord
sixth chord

chordal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suggesting a chord
2 : relating to music characterized more by harmony than by counterpoint

chordamesoderm
n. : the portion of the embryonic mesoderm that forms the notochord and related structures and induces the formation of neural structures
–chor·da·meso·der·mal \-ˌme-zə-'dər-məl, -ˌme-sə-\ adjective

chordate
n. : any of a phylum (Chordata) of animals having at least at some stage of development a notochord, dorsally situated central nervous system, and gill clefts and including the vertebrates, lancelets, and tunicates
–chordate adjective

chore
n. 1 plural : the regular or daily light work of a household or farm
2 : a routine task or job
3 : a difficult or disagreeable task <doing taxes can be a real chore>
synonyms see TASK

chorea
n. : any of various nervous disorders (as of humans or dogs) marked by spasmodic movements of limbs and facial muscles and by incoordination ― compare HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
–cho·re·ic \-'rē-ik\ adjective

choreiform
adj. : resembling or characteristic of chorea <choreiform movements>

choreograph
v. 1 : to compose the choreography of <choreograph a ballet>
2 : to arrange or direct the movements, progress, or details of <a carefully choreographed meeting>
intransitive verb : to engage in choreography
–cho·re·og·ra·pher \ˌkȯr-ē-'ä-grə-fər\ noun

choreography
n. 1 : the art of symbolically representing dancing
2 a : the composition and arrangement of dances especially for ballet b : a composition created by this art
3 : something resembling choreography <a snail-paced choreography of delicate high diplomacy ― Wolfgang Saxon>
–cho·reo·graph·ic \ˌkȯr-ē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–cho·reo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

choric
adj. : of, relating to, or being in the style of a chorus and especially a Greek chorus

chorine
n. : CHORUS GIRL

chorioallantois
n. : a vascular fetal membrane composed of the fused chorion and adjacent wall of the allantois that in the hen's egg is used as a living culture medium for viruses and for tissues ― called also chorioallantoic membrane
–cho·rio·al·lan·to·ic \-ˌa-lən-'tō-ik\ adjective

choriocarcinoma
n. : a malignant tumor typically developing in the uterus from the trophoblast

chorion
n. : the highly vascular outer embryonic membrane of reptiles, birds, and mammals that in placental mammals is associated with the allantois in the formation of the placenta

chorionic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being part of the chorion <chorionic villi>
2 : secreted or produced by chorionic or related tissue (as in the placenta or a choriocarcinoma)

chorionic
adj. chorionic villus sampling
chorionic villi sampling
human chorionic gonadotropin

chorionic villus sampling
: biopsy of a villus of the chorion at usually 10 to 12 weeks of gestation to obtain fetal cells for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities ― abbreviation CVS ― called also chorionic villi sampling

chorister
n. 1 : a singer in a choir specifically : CHOIRBOY
2 : the leader of a church choir

chorizo
n. : a pork sausage highly seasoned especially with chili powder and garlic

chorography
n. 1 : the art of describing or mapping a region or district
2 : a description or map of a region also : the physical conformation and features of such a region
–cho·rog·ra·pher \-grə-fər\ noun
–cho·ro·graph·ic \ˌkȯr-ə-'gra-fik, ˌkär-\ adjective

choroid
n. : a vascular membrane containing large branched pigmented cells that lies between the retina and the sclera of the vertebrate eye ― called also choroid coat ― see EYE illustration
–choroid or cho·roi·dal \kə-'rȯi-dəl\ adjective

chorten
n. : a Lamaist shrine or monument

chortle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to sing or chant exultantly <he chortled in his joy ― Lewis Carroll>
2 : to laugh or chuckle especially in satisfaction or exultation
transitive verb : to say or sing with a chortling intonation
–chortle noun
–chor·tler \'chȯrt-lər, 'chȯr-təl-ər\ noun

chorus
n. 1 a : a company of singers and dancers in Athenian drama participating in or commenting on the action also : a similar company in later plays b : a character in Elizabethan drama who speaks the prologue and epilogue and comments on the action c : an organized company of singers who sing in concert : CHOIR especially : a body of singers who sing the choral parts of a work (as in opera) d : a group of dancers and singers supporting the featured players in a musical comedy or revue
2 a : a part of a song or hymn recurring at intervals b : the part of a drama sung or spoken by the chorus c : a composition to be sung by a number of voices in concert d : the main part of a popular song also : a jazz variation on a melodic theme
3 a : something performed, sung, or uttered simultaneously or unanimously by a number of persons or animals <a chorus of boos> <that eternal chorus of: “Are we there yet?” from the back seat ― Sheila More> b : sounds so uttered <visitors are taken to the woods by car to hear the mournful choruses of howling wolves ― Bob Gaines>
–in chorus : in unison <answering in chorus>

chorus
n. : to sing or utter in chorus

chorus
n. in chorus
chorus boy
chorus girl

chorus boy
: a young man who sings or dances in the chorus of a theatrical production (as a musical or revue)

chorus girl
: a young woman who sings or dances in the chorus of a theatrical production (as a musical or revue)

Chorzow
city SW Poland in Silesia pop 132,674

chose
past of choose

chose
: a piece of personal property : THING

chose
c'est autre chose
peu de chose
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose

Chosen
adj. ― see KOREA

chosen
adj. : one who is the object of choice or of divine favor : an elect person

chosen
adj. 1 : ELECT
2 : selected or marked for favor or special privilege <a chosen few>

Chota Nagpur
n. plateau region E India N of Mahanadi basin in N Orissa & S Bihar

Chou
n. : a Chinese dynasty traditionally dated 1122 to about 256 B.C. and marked by the development of the philosophical schools of Confucius, Mencius, Lao-tzu, and Mo Ti

Chou
n. Ch'ang chou
Ch'ao chou
Fu chou
Kuang chou
Chin chou
Lan chou
Lei chou
Ch'üan chou
T'ai chou
Wen chou
Wu chou
Hsü chou
Yang chou
Chang chou
Cheng chou
Chou shan
Chu chou
Chou En lai
Chin chou Chinchow
Ch'uan chou Chuanchow
Ch'üan chou Chuanchow
Chu chou Chuchow
Hsu chou

Chou En-lai
1898-1976 pinyin Zhou Enlai Chin. Communist polit.; premier (1949-76)

Chou-shan
― see ZHOUSHAN

choucroute
n. 1 : SAUERKRAUT
2 : sauerkraut cooked and served with meat ― called also choucroute gar·nie \-gär-'nē\

chough
n. : either of two Old World birds (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and P. graculus) that are related to the crows and have red legs and glossy blue-black plumage

chouse
n. : CHEAT, TRICK

chouse
n. West : to drive or herd roughly

chow
n. : FOOD, VICTUALS

chow
n. : EAT ― often used with down <chowing down on pizza>

chow
n. : CHOW CHOW

chow
n. chow chow
chow line
chow mein

chow chow
: any of a breed of heavy-coated sturdy muscular dogs of Chinese origin having a broad head and muzzle, a distinctive blue-black tongue and black-lined mouth, and either a long dense coat with a full ruff or a short smooth coat ― called also chow

chow line
: a line of people waiting to be served food

chow mein
: a seasoned stew of shredded or diced meat, mushrooms, and vegetables that is usually served with fried noodles

Chowan
river 50 mi (80 km) NE N.C. flowing into Albemarle Sound

chowchow
n. 1 : a Chinese preserve of ginger, fruits, and peels in heavy syrup
2 : a relish of chopped mixed pickles in mustard sauce

chowder
n. : to make chowder of

chowder
n. : a soup or stew of seafood (as clams or fish) usually made with milk or tomatoes, salt pork, onions, and other vegetables (as potatoes) also : a soup resembling chowder <corn chowder>

chowderhead
n. : DOLT, BLOCKHEAD
–chow·der·head·ed \'chau̇-dər-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

chowhound
n. : one fond of eating

chrestomathy
n. 1 : a selection of passages used to help learn a language
2 : a volume of selected passages or stories of an author

Chretien
(Joseph Jacques) Jean 1934-     prime min. of Canada (1993-    )

Chretien de Troyes
fl 1170 Fr. trouvère

chrism
n. : consecrated oil used in Greek and Latin churches especially in baptism, chrismation, confirmation, and ordination

chrismation
n. : a confirmatory sacrament of the Eastern Orthodox Church in which a baptized member is anointed with chrism

chrismon
: CHI-RHO

chrisom
n. : a white cloth or robe put on a person at baptism as a symbol of innocence

chrisom child
: a child that dies in its first month

Christ
n. 1 : MESSIAH
2 : JESUS
3 : an ideal type of humanity
4 Christian Science : the ideal truth that comes as a divine manifestation of God to destroy incarnate error
–Christ·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–Christ·ly \-lē\ adjective

Christ
n. Jesus ― see JESUS

Christ
n. Jesus Christ
Christ Jesus
Christ's thorn
Christ thorn
Vicar of Christ

Christ's-thorn
: any of several prickly or thorny shrubs (as the shrub Paliurus spina-christi or the jujube Ziziphus spina-christi)

Christchurch
city New Zealand on E coast of South Is. urban area pop 334,107 ― see LYTTELTON

christen
v. 1 a : BAPTIZE 1 b : to name at baptism
2 : to name or dedicate (as a ship) by a ceremony suggestive of baptism
3 : NAME 1
4 : to use for the first time

Christendom
n. 1 : CHRISTIANITY 1
2 : the part of the world in which Christianity prevails

christening
n. : the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child

Christian
n. 1 a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1) : DISCIPLE 2 (2) : a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3) : a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961
2 : the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

Christian
n. 1 a : of or relating to Christianity <Christian scriptures> b : based on or conforming with Christianity <Christian ethics>
2 a : of, relating to, or being a Christian <Christian responsibilities> b : professing Christianity <a Christian affirmation> <a Christian country>
3 : commendably decent or generous <has a very Christian concern for others>
–Chris·tian·ly adjective or adverb

Christian
n. 1870-1947 king of Denmark (1912-47)

Christian
n. Christian X
Christian Brother
Christian era
Christian name
Christian Science
Christian Scientist
Judeo Christian
pre Christian
anti Christian
non Christian
post Christian

Christian Brother
: a member of the Roman Catholic institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools founded by St. John Baptist de la Salle in France in 1684 and dedicated to education

Christian era
: the period dating from the birth of Christ

Christian name
: GIVEN NAME

Christian Science
: a religion founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866 that was organized under the official name of the Church of Christ, Scientist, that derives its teachings from the Scriptures as understood by its adherents, and that includes a practice of spiritual healing
–Christian Scientist noun

Christiania
n. ― see OSLO

christiania
n. : CHRISTIE

Christianity
n. 1 : the religion derived from Jesus Christ, based on the Bible as sacred scripture, and professed by Eastern, Roman Catholic, and Protestant bodies
2 : conformity to the Christian religion
3 : the practice of Christianity

Christianize
v. : to make Christian
–Chris·tian·i·za·tion \ˌkris-chə-nə-'zā-shən, ˌkrish-\ noun

Christiansted
town Virgin Islands of the U.S. on N coast of St. Croix Is. pop 2555

Christie
n. Dame Agatha 1890-1976 née Miller Eng. writer

christie
n. : a skiing turn used for altering the direction of hill descent or for stopping and executed usually at high speed by shifting the body weight forward and skidding into a turn with parallel skis

Christina
n. 1626-1689 dau. of Gustav II Adolphus queen of Sweden (1632-54)

Christine de Pisan
1364-ca 1430 Fr. poet

Christmas
n. 1 : a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
2 : CHRISTMASTIDE
–Christ·mas·sy or Christ·masy \-mə-sē\ adjective

Christmas
n. Christmas cactus
Christmas card
Christmas club
Christmas fern
Christmas pudding
Christmas rose
Christmas tree
Father Christmas
Old Christmas
Christmas Island
pre Christmas

Christmas cactus
: a branching Brazilian cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii syn. S. buckleyi) having flat jointed stems with scalloped margins and showy usually red, pink, white, violet, or yellow flowers also : a related cactus (Schlumbergera truncata syn. Zygocactus truncatus) or a hybrid of this and the Christmas cactus

Christmas card
: a greeting card sent at Christmas

Christmas club
: a savings account in which regular deposits are made year-round to provide money for Christmas shopping

Christmas fern
: a No. American evergreen fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Christmas Island
1 island E Indian Ocean 225 mi (360 km) S of W end of Java; administered by Australia area 52 sq mi (135 sq km), pop 1000
2 ― see KIRITIMATI

Christmas pudding
: PLUM PUDDING

Christmas rose
: a European evergreen herb (Helleborus niger) of the buttercup family that has usually white flowers produced in winter

Christmas tree
1 : a usually evergreen tree decorated at Christmas
2 : an oil-well control device consisting of an assembly of fittings placed at the top of the well

Christmastide
n. : the festival season from Christmas Eve till after New Year's Day or especially in England till Epiphany

Christmastime
n. : the Christmas season

Christo
1935-     in full Christo Javacheff American (Bulg.-born) artist

Christocentric
adj. : centering theologically on Christ

Christogram
: a graphic symbol of Christ especially : CHI-RHO

Christology
n. : theological interpretation of the person and work of Christ
–Chris·to·log·i·cal \ˌkris-tə-'lä-ji-kəl, 'krīs-\ adjective

Christophe
Henri 1767-1820 king of Haiti (1811-20)

christophene
: CHAYOTE

Christopher
n. Warren Minor 1925-     U.S. secy. of state (1993-97)

Christy
n. Howard Chandler 1873-1952 American artist

chrom
1 : chromium <chromize>
2 a : color : colored <chromolithograph> b : pigment <chromogen>

chroma
n. 1 : SATURATION 4A
2 : a quality of color combining hue and saturation

chroma-key
: a photographic compositing technique based on the separation of colors in the original images especially : BLUE SCREEN

chromaffin
n. : staining deeply with chromium salts <chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla>

chromat
1 : color <chromatid>
2 : chromatin <chromatolysis>

chromate
n. : a salt of chromic acid

chromatic
adj. : ACCIDENTAL 2

chromatic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to color or color phenomena or sensations b : highly colored
2 : of or relating to chroma
3 a : of, relating to, or giving all the tones of the chromatic scale b : characterized by frequent use of accidentals
–chro·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–chro·mat·i·cism \-'ma-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

chromatic aberration
: aberration caused by the differences in refraction of the colored rays of the spectrum

chromatic scale
: a musical scale consisting entirely of half steps

chromaticity
n. : the quality of color characterized by its dominant or complementary wavelength and purity taken together

chromatics
n. : the branch of colorimetry that deals with hue and saturation

chromatid
n. : one of the usually paired and parallel strands of a duplicated chromosome joined by a single centromere

chromatin
n. : a complex of nucleic acid and basic proteins (as histone) in eukaryotic cells that is usually dispersed in the interphase nucleus and condensed into chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis ― see CELL illustration ― compare EUCHROMATIN, HETEROCHROMATIN
–chro·ma·tin·ic \ˌkrō-mə-'ti-nik\ adjective

chromatogram
n. 1 : the pattern formed on an adsorbent medium by the layers of components separated by chromatography
2 : a time-based graphic record (as of concentration of eluted materials) of a chromatographic separation

chromatograph
v. : an instrument for performing chromatographic separations and producing chromatograms
–chromatograph verb
–chro·ma·tog·ra·pher \ˌkrō-mə-'tä-grə-fər\ noun

chromatography
n. : a process in which a chemical mixture carried by a liquid or gas is separated into components as a result of differential distribution of the solutes as they flow around or over a stationary liquid or solid phase
–chro·mato·graph·ic \krō-ˌma-tə-'gra-fik, krə-\ adjective
–chro·mato·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chromatography
n. affinity chromatography
gas chromatography
gas liquid chromatography
gel permeation chromatography
paper chromatography
thin layer chromatography
gas chromatographic
gas liquid chromatographic

chromatolysis
n. : the dissolution and breaking up of chromophil material (as chromatin) of a cell and especially a nerve cell
–chro·mato·lyt·ic \krō-ˌma-tə-'li-tik, krə-\ adjective

chromatophore
n. 1 : a pigment-bearing cell especially : one of the cells of an animal integument capable of causing integumentary color changes by expanding or contracting
2 : the organelle of photosynthesis in photosynthetic bacteria (as the cyanobacteria) broadly : CHROMOPLAST, CHLOROPLAST

chrome
n. 1 a : CHROMIUM b : a chromium pigment
2 : something plated with an alloy of chromium

chrome
n. 1 : to treat with a compound of chromium (as in dyeing)
2 : CHROMIZE

chrome
n. 1 : colored thing <heliochrome>
2 : coloring matter <urochrome>

chrome green
: any of various brilliant green pigments containing or consisting of chromium compounds

chrome yellow
: a yellow pigment consisting essentially of neutral lead chromate PbCrO_4

chromic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from chromium especially with a valence of three

chromic acid
: an acid H_2CrO_4 analogous to sulfuric acid but known only in solution and especially in the form of its salts

chrominance
n. : the difference between a color and a chosen reference color of the same luminous intensity in color television

chromite
n. 1 : a black mineral that consists of an oxide of iron and chromium and is the only chromium ore
2 : an oxide of divalent chromium

chromium
n. : a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating ― see ELEMENT table

chromium picolinate
: a biologically active chromium salt C_18H_12CrN_3O_6 used as a dietary supplement

chromize
v. : to treat (metal) with chromium in order to form a protective surface alloy

chromo
n. : CHROMOLITHOGRAPH

chromocenter
: a densely staining aggregation of heterochromatic regions in the nucleus of some cells

chromodynamics
n. : QUANTUM CHROMODYNAMICS

chromogen
n. 1 : a precursor of a biochemical pigment
2 : a pigment-producing microorganism

chromogenic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a chromogen
2 : being a process of photographic film development in which silver halides activate precursors of chemical dyes that form the final image while the silver is removed also : being a film developed by this process

chromolithograph
: a picture printed in colors from a series of lithographic stones or plates
–chromolithograph transitive verb
–chro·mo·litho·graph·ic \-ˌli-thə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–chro·mo·li·thog·raph·er \-li-'thä-grə-fər\ noun
–chro·mo·li·thog·ra·phy \-grə-fē\ noun

chromomere
: one of the small bead-shaped and heavily staining masses of coiled chromatin that are linearly arranged along the chromosome
–chro·mo·mer·ic \ˌkrō-mə-'mer-ik, -'mir-\ adjective

chromonema
: the coiled filamentous core of a chromatid
–chro·mo·ne·mat·ic \-ni-'ma-tik\ adjective

chromophil
n. : staining readily with dyes

chromophobe
n. : resisting staining with dyes

chromophore
: a chemical group (as an azo group) that absorbs light at a specific frequency and so imparts color to a molecule also : a colored chemical compound
–chro·mo·phor·ic \ˌkrō-mə-'fȯr-ik, -'fär-\ adjective

chromoplast
: a colored plastid usually containing red or yellow pigment (as carotene)

chromoprotein
n. : any of various proteins (as hemoglobins, carotenoids, or flavoproteins) having a pigment as a prosthetic group

chromosome
n. : any of the rod-shaped or threadlike DNA-containing structures of cellular organisms that are located in the nucleus of eukaryotes, are usually ring-shaped in prokaryotes (as bacteria), and contain all or most of the genes of the organism also : the genetic material of a virus ― compare CHROMATIN
–chro·mo·som·al \ˌkrō-mə-'sō-məl, -'zō-\ adjective
–chro·mo·som·al·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

chromosome
n. chromosome number
lampbrush chromosome
sex chromosome
X chromosome
Y chromosome

chromosome number
: the usually constant number of chromosomes characteristic of a particular kind of animal or plant

chromosphere
n. : the region of the atmosphere of a star (as the sun) between the star's photosphere and its corona
–chro·mo·spher·ic \ˌkrō-mə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

chromous
: of, relating to, or derived from chromium especially with a valence of two

Chron
Chronicles

chron
1 chronicle
2 chronological; chronology

chron
: time <chronogram>

chronaxie
n. : the minimum time required for excitation of a structure (as a nerve cell) by a constant electric current of twice the threshold voltage

chronic
adj. 1 a : marked by long duration or frequent recurrence : not acute <chronic indigestion> <chronic experiments> b : suffering from a chronic disease <the special needs of chronic patients>
2 a : always present or encountered especially : constantly vexing, weakening, or troubling <chronic petty warfare> b : being such habitually <a chronic grumbler>
synonyms see INVETERATE
–chronic noun
–chron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–chro·nic·i·ty \krä-'ni-sə-tē, krō-\ noun

chronic fatigue syndrome
: a disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by persistent profound fatigue usually accompanied by other symptoms (as headache and tender lymph nodes) unrelated to any preexisting medical condition ― abbreviation CFS

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation ― abbreviation COPD

chronicle
n. 1 : an historical account of events arranged in order of time usually without analysis or interpretation <a chronicle of the Civil War>
2 : NARRATIVE 1

chronicle
n. : to present a record of in or as if in a chronicle <chronicle Victorian society> <chronicle the doings of the rich and famous>
–chron·i·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

chronicle play
: a play with a theme from history consisting usually of rather loosely connected episodes chronologically arranged

Chronicles
n. : either of two historical books of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― called also Paralipomenon ― see BIBLE table

chronobiology
n. : the study of biological rhythms
–chro·no·bi·o·log·ic \-bī-ə-'lä-jik\ or chro·no·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–chro·no·bi·o·lo·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

chronogram
: an inscription, sentence, or phrase in which certain letters express a date or epoch

chronograph
n. : an instrument for measuring and recording time intervals: as a : an instrument having a revolving drum on which a stylus makes marks b : STOPWATCH also : a watch incorporating the functions of a stopwatch c : an instrument for measuring the time of flight of projectiles
–chro·no·graph·ic \ˌkrä-nə-'gra-fik, ˌkrō-\ adjective
–chro·nog·ra·phy \krə-'nä-grə-fē\ noun

chronologer
n. : CHRONOLOGIST

chronological
adj. : of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time <chronological tables of American history> also : reckoned in units of time <chronological age>
–chro·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chronologist
n. : an expert in chronology

chronology
n. 1 : the science that deals with measuring time by regular divisions and that assigns to events their proper dates
2 : a chronological table, list, or account
3 : an arrangement (as of events) in order of occurrence <reconstruct the chronology of the trip>

chronometer
n. : TIMEPIECE especially : one designed to keep time with great accuracy

chronometric
: of or relating to a chronometer or chronometry
–chro·no·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

chronometry
n. : the measuring of time

chronotherapy
n. : treatment of a sleep disorder (as insomnia) by changing sleeping and waking times in an attempt to reset the patient's biological clock

chrys
: gold : yellow <chrysarobin>

chrysalid
n. : CHRYSALIS
–chrysalid adjective

chrysalis
n. 1 a : a pupa of a butterfly broadly : an insect pupa b : the enclosing case or covering of a pupa
2 : a protecting covering : a sheltered state or stage of being or growth <a budding writer could not emerge from his chrysalis too soon ― William Dutch Bois>

chrysanthemum
n. 1 : any of various composite plants (genus Chrysanthemum) including weeds, ornamentals grown for their brightly colored often double flower heads, and others important as sources of medicinals and insecticides
2 : a flower head of an ornamental chrysanthemum

chrysarobin
n. : a powder derived from the wood of a tropical tree used to treat skin diseases

Chryseis
: a daughter of a priest of Apollo in the Iliad narrative taken at Troy by Agamemnon but later restored to her father

chrysoberyl
n. 1 obsolete : a yellowish beryl
2 : a hard usually yellow or green mineral consisting of beryllium aluminum oxide and sometimes used as a gem

chrysolite
n. : OLIVINE

chrysomelid
: any of a large family (Chrysomelidae) of small, usually oval and smooth, shining, and brightly colored beetles (as the Colorado potato beetle)
–chrysomelid adjective

chrysophyte
: GOLDEN-BROWN ALGA

chrysoprase
n. : an apple-green chalcedony valued as a gem

Chrysostom
Saint John ca 347-407 church father & patriarch of Constantinople

chrysotile
n. : a mineral consisting of a fibrous silky variety of serpentine and constituting a common form and principal source of asbestos

chthonic
adj. : of or relating to the underworld : INFERNAL <chthonic deities>

Chu
Steven 1948-     American physicist

Chu
1 ― see ZHU
2 river over 1000 mi (1609 km) SE Kazakhstan flowing E into Issyk Kul

Chu
Chu chou
Chu Hsi
Chu Teh
Chu chou Chuchow
Hsin chu

Chu Hsi
1130-1200 Chin. philos.

Chu Teh
1886-1976 Chin. gen.

Chu-chou, Chuchow
― see ZHUZHOU

chub
n. 1 : any of numerous freshwater cyprinid fishes (as of the genera Gila and Nocomis)
2 : any of several marine or freshwater fishes that are not cyprinids

Chubb Crater
― see NEW QUEBEC CRATER

chubbily
: in the manner of one that is chubby

chubby
adj. : PLUMP <a chubby boy>
–chub·bi·ness \'chə-bē-nəs\ noun

Chubut
river 500 mi (805 km) S Argentina flowing E across Patagonia into the Atlantic

chuck
n. : CLUCK

chuck
n. ― used as an endearment

chuck
n. 1 : PAT, TAP
2 a : TOSS, THROW b : DISCARD <chucked his old shirt> <chuck it out with the trash> c : DISMISS, OUST ― used especially with out <was chucked out of office>
3 : GIVE UP <chucked his job>

chuck
n. 1 : a pat or nudge under the chin
2 : an abrupt movement or toss

chuck
n. 1 : a cut of beef that includes most of the neck, the parts about the shoulder blade, and those about the first three ribs ― see BEEF illustration
2 chiefly West : FOOD
3 : an attachment for holding a workpiece or tool in a machine (as a drill or lathe)

chuck wagon
1 : a wagon carrying supplies and provisions for cooking (as on a ranch)
2 usually chuck·wag·on \'chək-ˌwa-gən\ chiefly West : an informal buffet ― often used attributively <a chuck wagon dinner>

chuck-will's-widow
: a nightjar (Caprimulgus carolinensis) of the southeastern U.S.

chuckhole
n. : a hole or rut in a road : POTHOLE

chuckle
n. 1 : to laugh inwardly or quietly
2 : to make a continuous gentle sound resembling suppressed mirth <the clear bright water chuckled over gravel ― B. A. Williams>
–chuckle noun
–chuck·le·some \-səm\ adjective
–chuck·ling·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

chucklehead
n. : BLOCKHEAD
–chuck·le·head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

chuckwalla
: a large herbivorous lizard (Sauromalus obesus) of the iguana family of desert regions of the southwestern U.S.

Chudskoe
― see PEIPUS

chuff
n. : BOOR, CHURL

chuff
n. : to produce noisy exhaust or exhalations : proceed or operate with chuffs <the chuffing and snorting of switch engines ― Paul Gallico>

chuff
n. : the sound of noisy exhaust or exhalations

chuffed
adj. British : quite pleased : DELIGHTED

chug
n. : a dull explosive sound made by or as if by a laboring engine

chug
n. : to move or go with or as if with chugs <a locomotive chugging along> <wearily chug through the routine>
–chug·ger noun

chug
n. : CHUGALUG

Chugach Mountains
mountains S Alaska extending along coast from Cook Inlet to St. Elias Range; highest 13,176 ft (4016 m)

chugalug
transitive verb : to drink a container of (as beer) without pause also : GUZZLE 1
intransitive verb : to drink a container (as of beer) without pause

chukar
n. : a grayish-brown Eurasian partridge (Alectoris chukar) introduced as a game bird into arid mountainous regions of the western U.S. ― called also chukar partridge

Chukchi
n. 1 : a member of a Siberian people inhabiting the Chukchi Peninsula
2 : the language of the Chukchi people

Chukchi Peninsula
peninsula NE Russia in Asia bet. Bering & Chukchi seas

Chukchi Sea
sea of the Arctic Ocean N of Bering Strait

chukka
n. : a usually ankle-high leather boot with two or three pairs of eyelets or a buckle and strap

chukker
n. : a playing period of a polo game

Chula Vista
v. city SW Calif. S of San Diego pop 173,556

Chulym
river Russia in Asia flowing W into the Ob'

chum
n. : a close friend : PAL
–chum·ship \-ˌship\ noun

chum
n. 1 : to room together
2 a : to be a close friend b : to show affable friendliness

chum
n. : animal or vegetable matter (as chopped fish or corn) thrown overboard to attract fish

chum
n. transitive verb : to attract with chum
intransitive verb : to throw chum overboard to attract fish

chum
n. : CHUM SALMON

chum salmon
: a salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) of the northern Pacific ― called also chum

Chumash
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of southwestern California
2 : the family of languages spoken by the Chumash people

chummy
adj. : quite friendly
–chum·mi·ly \'chə-mə-lē\ adverb
–chum·mi·ness \'chə-mē-nəs\ noun

chump
n. : FOOL, DUPE

chump change
: a relatively small or insignificant amount of money

Chun Doo-Hwan
1931-     pres. of So. Korea (1980-88)

chunk
n. 1 : a short thick piece or lump (as of wood or coal)
2 : a large noteworthy quantity or part <bet a sizable chunk of money on the race>
3 : a strong thickset horse usually smaller than a draft horse

chunk
n. intransitive verb : to make a dull plunging or explosive sound <the rhythmic chunking of thrown quoits ― John Updike>
transitive verb : to mishit (a golf ball or shot) by striking the ground behind the ball

chunky
adj. 1 a : heavy, solid, and thick or bulky <a chunky sweater> <chunky bracelets> especially : STOCKY <an athlete with a chunky build> b : PLUMP, CHUBBY
2 : filled with chunks <chunky peanut butter>
–chunk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

chunter
v. British : to talk in a low inarticulate way : MUTTER

chuppah
n. : a canopy under which the bride and groom stand during a Jewish wedding ceremony

Chur
commune E Switzerland capital of Graubünden canton pop 31,078

Church
n. Frederic Edwin 1826-1900 American painter

church
n. 1 : a building for public and especially Christian worship
2 : the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
3 often capitalized : a body or organization of religious believers: as a : the whole body of Christians b : DENOMINATION <the Presbyterian church> c : CONGREGATION
4 : a public divine worship <goes to church every Sunday>
5 : the clerical profession <considered the church as a possible career>

church
n. 1 : of or relating to a church <church government>
2 chiefly British : of or relating to the established church

church
n. : to bring to church to receive one of its rites

church
n. church father
Broad Church
church key
church mode
Church of England
church register
church school
Church Slavonic
Church Slavic
collegiate church
established church
federated church
High Church
Low Church
Old Church Slavic
Old Church Slavonic
state church
storefront church
union church
doctor of the church

church father
: FATHER 4

church key
: an implement with a triangular pointed head at one end for piercing the tops of cans and often with a rounded head at the other end for opening bottles

church mode
: one of eight scales prevalent in medieval music each utilizing a different pattern of intervals and beginning on a different tone

Church of England

1534
: the established episcopal church of England

church register
: a parish register of baptisms, marriages, and deaths

church school
1 : a school providing a general education but supported by a particular church in contrast to a public school or a nondenominational private school
2 : an organization of officers, teachers, and pupils for purposes of moral and religious education under the supervision of a local church

Church Slavonic
: any of several Slavic literary and liturgical languages that continue Old Church Slavonic but vary regionally under influence of vernacular languages ― called also Church Slavic

churched
v. : affiliated with a church

churchgoer
n. : one who habitually attends church
–church·go·ing \-ˌgō-iŋ, -ˌgȯ(-)iŋ\ adjective or noun

churchianity
: a usually excessive or narrowly sectarian attachment to the practices and interests of a particular church

Churchill
n. John 1650-1722 1st Duke of Marl·bor·ough \'märl-ˌbər-ə, 'mȯl-, -ˌbə-rə, -b(ə-)rə\ Eng. gen.

Churchill
n. Randolph Henry Spencer 1849-1895 Lord Randolph Churchill Brit. statesman

Churchill
n. Sir Winston Leonard Spencer 1874-1965 son of Lord Randolph Brit. statesman; prime min. (1940-45; 1951-55)
–Chur·chill·ian \ˌchər-'chi-lē-ən, 'chərch-'hi-\ adjective

Churchill
n. 1 river ab 1000 mi (1609 km) Canada flowing E across N Sask. & N Man. into Hudson Bay
2 or formerly Hamilton river 208 mi (335 km) Canada in Nfld.&Lab. in S cen Labrador flowing E to Lake Melville

Churchill
n. Churchill Falls
Hamilton Mount
Hamilton Inlet

Churchill Falls
waterfall 245 ft (75 m) high Canada in W Labrador in Churchill River

churching
v. : the administration or reception of a rite of the church specifically : a ceremony in some churches by which women after childbirth are received in the church with prayers, blessings, and thanksgiving

churchless
adj. : not affiliated with a church

churchly
adv. 1 : of or relating to a church <churchly authority>
2 : suitable to or suggestive of a church <a churchly setting>
3 : adhering to a church <a churchly community>
4 : CHURCHY 1
–church·li·ness noun

churchman
n. 1 : CLERGYMAN
2 : a member of a church

churchmanship
: the attitude, belief, or practice of a churchman

churchwarden
n. 1 : one of two lay parish officers in Anglican churches with responsibility especially for parish property and alms
2 : a long-stemmed clay pipe

churchwoman
n. : a woman who is a member of a church

churchy
adj. 1 : marked by strict conformity or zealous adherence to the forms or beliefs of a church
2 : of or suggestive of a church or church services

churchyard
n. : a yard that belongs to a church and is often used as a burial ground

churl
n. 1 : CEORL
2 : a medieval peasant
3 : RUSTIC, COUNTRYMAN
4 a : a rude ill-bred person b : a stingy morose person

churlish
adj. 1 : of, resembling, or characteristic of a churl : VULGAR
2 : marked by a lack of civility or graciousness : SURLY
3 : difficult to work with or deal with : INTRACTABLE <churlish soil>
synonyms see BOORISH
–churl·ish·ly adverb
–churl·ish·ness noun

churn
n. : a vessel for making butter in which milk or cream is agitated in order to separate the oily globules from the watery medium

churn
n. 1 : to agitate (milk or cream) in a churn in order to make butter
2 a : to stir or agitate violently <an old stern-wheeler churning the muddy river> b : to make (as foam) by so doing
3 : to make (the account of a client) excessively active by frequent purchases and sales primarily in order to generate commissions
intransitive verb
1 : to work a churn
2 a : to produce, proceed with, or experience violent motion or agitation <her stomach was churning> <churning legs> b : to proceed by or as if by means of rotating members (as wheels or propellers) <boats churning across the harbor>

churn out
: to produce mechanically or copiously : GRIND OUT <the usual pap which has been churned out about this superstar ― W. S. Murphy>

churr
v. : to make a vibrant or whirring noise like that made by some insects (as the cockchafer) or some birds (as the partridge)
–churr noun

churrigueresque
adj. : of or relating to a Spanish baroque architectural style characterized by elaborate surface decoration or its Latin-American adaptation

churro
: a Spanish and Mexican pastry resembling a doughnut or cruller and made from deep-fried unsweetened dough and sprinkled with sugar

chute
n. 1 a : FALL 6B b : a quick descent (as in a river) : RAPID
2 : an inclined plane, sloping channel, or passage down or through which things may pass : SLIDE
3 : PARACHUTE
4 : SPINNAKER

chute
n. transitive verb : to convey by a chute
intransitive verb
1 : to go in or as if in a chute
2 : to utilize a chute (as by passing ore down it)

chutist
n. : PARACHUTIST

chutney
n. : a thick sauce of Indian origin that contains fruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices and is used as a condiment

chutzpah
n. : supreme self-confidence : NERVE, GALL
synonyms see TEMERITY

Chuuk
islands cen Carolines, part of Federated States of Micronesia

Chuvash Republic
autonomous republic E cen Russia in Europe S of the Volga capital Cheboksary area 7066 sq mi (18,301 sq km), pop 1,393,000

Chuzenji
lake Japan in cen Honshu

chyle
n. : lymph that is milky from emulsified fats, characteristically present in the lacteals, and most apparent during intestinal absorption of fats
–chy·lous \'kī-ləs\ adjective

chylomicron
n. : a lipoprotein rich in triglyceride and common in the blood during fat digestion and assimilation

chyme
n. : the semifluid mass of partly digested food expelled by the stomach into the duodenum

chymotrypsin
n. : a protease that hydrolyzes peptide bonds and is formed in the intestine from chymotrypsinogen
–chy·mo·tryp·tic \-tik\ adjective

chymotrypsinogen
n. : a zymogen that is secreted by the pancreas and is converted by trypsin to chymotrypsin

CI
1 cast iron
2 certificate of insurance
3 Channel Islands

Ci
1 cirrus
2 curie

Ci
ci devant
ci git
ci gît
comme ci comme ca
comme ci comme ça

ci-devant
: FORMER

ci-git
: here lies ― used preceding a name on a tombstone

CIA
1 Central Intelligence Agency
2 certified internal auditor

cia
company

CIAA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

Ciano
Galeazzo 1903-1944 Conte di Cortellazzo Ital. statesman

ciao
interj. ― used conventionally as an utterance at meeting or parting

Ciardi
John 1916-1986 American poet

Cibber
Col·ley \'kä-lē\ 1671-1757 Eng. dram. & actor; poet laureate (1730-57)

Cibola
historical region in present N N.Mex. including seven pueblos (the Seven Cities of Cíbola) believed by early Spanish explorers to contain vast treasures

ciborium
n. 1 : a goblet-shaped vessel for holding eucharistic bread
2 : BALDACHIN specifically : a freestanding vaulted canopy supported by four columns over a high altar

CIC
1 combat information center
2 counterintelligence corps

cicada
n. : any of a family (Cicadidae) of homopterous insects which have a stout body, wide blunt head, and large transparent wings and the males of which produce a loud buzzing noise usually by stridulation

cicala
: CICADA

cicatricial
adj. : of or relating to a cicatrix

cicatrix
n. 1 : a scar resulting from formation and contraction of fibrous tissue in a wound
2 : a mark resembling a scar especially when caused by the previous attachment of an organ or part (as a leaf)

cicatrization
n. : scar formation at the site of a healing wound
–cic·a·trize \'si-kə-ˌtrīz\ transitive verb

Cicero
n. Marcus Tullius 106-43 B.C. Rom. statesman, orator, & author
–Cic·ero·nian \ˌsi-sə-'rō-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective

Cicero
n. town NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 85,616

cicerone
n. 1 : a guide who conducts sightseers
2 : MENTOR, TUTOR

cichlid
n. : any of a family (Cichlidae) of mostly tropical spiny-finned usually freshwater fishes including several kept in tropical aquariums
–cichlid adjective

cicisbeo
n. : LOVER, GALLANT
–ci·cis·be·ism \-'bā-ˌi-zəm\ noun

CID
1 civil investigative demand
2 Criminal Investigation Department

cid
cubic inch displacement

Cid, El
ca 1043-1099 Rodrigo Dí·az de Vi·var \'dē-ˌäs-də-vē-'vär, -ˌäz-\ Span. soldier & hero

cidal
: killing : having power to kill <insecticidal>

cide
1 : killer <insecticide>
2 [Middle French, from Latin -cidium, from caedere] : killing <suicide>

cider
n. 1 : fermented apple juice often made sparkling by carbonation or fermentation in a sealed container
2 : the expressed juice of fruit (as apples) used as a beverage or for making other products (as applejack)

cider vinegar
: vinegar made from fermented cider

Cidra
city E cen Puerto Rico pop 42,753

cie
company

Cienfuegos
city & port W cen Cuba on S coast on Cienfuegos Bay pop 123,600

Cieszyn
region cen Europe in Silesia; once an Austrian duchy; divided 1920 bet. Poland & Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic)

CIF
1 central information file
2 cost, insurance, and freight

cig
slang : CIGARETTE

cigar
n. : a small roll of tobacco leaf for smoking

cigarette
n. : a slender roll of cut tobacco enclosed in paper and meant to be smoked also : a similar roll of another substance (as marijuana)

cigarillo
n. 1 : a very small cigar
2 : a cigarette wrapped in tobacco rather than paper

ciguatera
n. : poisoning caused by the ingestion of various normally edible tropical fish in whose flesh a toxic substance (as one produced by some dinoflagellates) has accumulated

Cilacap
city & port Indonesia in S Java ESE of Bandung

cilantro
n. : leaves of coriander used as a flavoring or garnish also : CORIANDER 1

ciliary
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being the annular suspension of the lens of the eye
2 : of or relating to cilia

ciliate
n. : any of a phylum or subphylum (Ciliophora) of ciliated protozoans (as paramecia)

ciliated
adj. : possessing cilia <ciliated epithelial cells>
–cil·i·a·tion \ˌsi-lē-'ā-shən\ noun

Cilicia
ancient country SE Asia Minor extending along Mediterranean coast S of Taurus Mountains ― see LITTLE ARMENIA
–Ci·li·cian \-'li-shən\ adjective or noun

Cilician Gates
mountain pass S Turkey in Taurus Mountains

cilium
n. 1 : a minute short hairlike process often forming part of a fringe especially : one on a cell that is capable of lashing movement and serves especially in free unicellular organisms to produce locomotion or in higher forms a current of fluid
2 : EYELASH

Ciller
Tan·su \tän-'sü\ 1946-     prime min. of Turkey (1993-96)

Cimabue
Giovanni ca 1251-1302 orig. Bencivieni di Pepo Florentine painter

Cimarron
river flowing E from NE N.Mex. through SW Kans. into Arkansas River in NE Okla.

Cimbrian Chersonese, Cimbric Chersonese
― see CHERSONESE

cimetidine
n. : a histamine analog C_10H_16N_6S that inhibits gastric acid secretion and is used especially in the treatment of duodenal ulcers

Cimmerian
adj. : very dark or gloomy <under ebon shades⋯in dark Cimmerian desert ever dwell ― John Milton>

Cimmerian
adj. : any of a mythical people described by Homer as dwelling in a remote realm of mist and gloom

Cimmerian Bosporus
KERCH STRAIT

Cimon
ca 570-ca 451 B.C. Athenian gen. & statesman

cinch
n. 1 : a girth for a pack or saddle
2 : a tight grip
3 a : a thing done with ease b : a certainty to happen <it's a cinch he'll break the record>

cinch
n. 1 a : to put a cinch on b : to fasten (as a belt or strap) tightly
2 : to make certain : ASSURE <the goal that cinched the victory>
intransitive verb : to tighten the cinch ― often used with up

cinchona
n. 1 : any of a genus (Cinchona) of So. American trees and shrubs of the madder family
2 : the dried bark of a cinchona (as C. ledgeriana) containing alkaloids (as quinine) and formerly used as a specific in malaria

cinchonine
n. : a bitter white crystalline alkaloid C_19H_22N_2O found especially in cinchona bark and used like quinine

cinchonism
n. : a disorder due to excessive or prolonged use of cinchona or its alkaloids and marked by temporary deafness, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, and rash

Cincinnati
n. city SW Ohio on Ohio River pop 331,285
–Cin·cin·nat·i·an \-'na-tē-ən\ noun

Cincinnatus
Lucius Quinctius b ca 519 B.C. Rom. gen. & statesman

Cinco de Mayo
: a Mexican and Mexican-American celebration held on May 5 in commemoration of the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862

cincture
n. 1 : the act of encircling
2 a : an encircling area b : GIRDLE, BELT especially : a cord or sash of cloth worn around an ecclesiastical vestment or the habit of a religious

cinder
n. 1 : the slag from a metal furnace : DROSS
2 a plural : ASHES b : a fragment of ash
3 a : a partly burned combustible in which fire is extinct b : a hot coal without flame c : a partly burned coal capable of further burning without flame
4 : a fragment of lava from an erupting volcano
–cin·dery \-d(ə-)rē\ adjective

cinder block
: a hollow rectangular building block made of cement and coal cinders

cinder cone
: a conical hill formed by the accumulation of volcanic debris around a vent

Cinderella
n. : one resembling the fairy-tale Cinderella: as a : one suffering undeserved neglect b : one suddenly lifted from obscurity to honor or significance
–Cinderella adjective

cine
n. : MOTION PICTURE

cineast
: a devotee of motion pictures also : MOVIEMAKER

cinema
n. 1 a : MOTION PICTURE ― usually used attributively b : a motion-picture theater
2 a : MOVIES especially : the film industry b : the art or technique of making motion pictures

cinema verite
: the art or technique of filming a motion picture so as to convey candid realism

cinemagoer
n. : MOVIEGOER

cinematheque
n. : a small movie house specializing in avant-garde films

cinematic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, suggestive of, or suitable for motion pictures or the filming of motion pictures <cinematic principles and techniques>
2 : filmed and presented as a motion picture <cinematic fantasies>
–cin·e·mat·i·cal·ly \-'ma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cinematize
: to make a motion picture of (as a novel) : adapt for motion pictures

cinematograph
n. chiefly British : a motion-picture camera, projector, theater, or show

cinematographer
n. : a specialist in cinematography

cinematography
n. : the art or science of motion-picture photography
–cin·e·mat·o·graph·ic \-ˌma-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–cin·e·mat·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cineole
n. : EUCALYPTOL

cinephile
n. : a devotee of motion pictures

cineplex
n. ― used for a movie theater containing several auditoriums in one building

cineraria
n. : any of several garden or potted plants derived from a perennial senecio (Senecio cruentus) of the Canary Islands and having heart-shaped leaves and clusters of bright flower heads

cinerarium
n. : a place to receive the ashes of the cremated dead
–cin·er·ary \'si-nə-ˌrer-ē\ adjective

cinereous
adj. 1 : gray tinged with black
2 : resembling or consisting of ashes

cingulum
n. : an anatomical band or encircling ridge
–cin·gu·late \-lət\ adjective

cinnabar
n. 1 : artificial red mercuric sulfide used especially as a pigment
2 : a red mineral consisting of native mercuric sulfide HgS that is the only important ore of mercury
3 : a deep vivid red
–cin·na·bar·ine \-bə-ˌrīn, -ˌbär-in\ adjective

cinnabar moth
: a European moth (Tyria jacobaeae) that has been introduced into the western U.S. in attempts to control the tansy ragwort on which its larvae feed ― called also cinnabar

cinnamic acid
: a white crystalline odorless acid C_9H_8O_2 found especially in cinnamon oil and storax

cinnamon
n. 1 a : any of several Asian trees (genus Cinnamomum) of the laurel family b : an aromatic spice prepared from the dried inner bark of a cinnamon (esp. C. zeylanicum) also : the bark
2 : a light yellowish brown
–cin·na·mony \-mə-nē\ adjective

cinnamon fern
: a large fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) with cinnamon-colored spore-bearing fronds shorter than and separate from the green foliage fronds

cinnamon stone
: ESSONITE

cinquain
: a 5-line stanza

Cinque Ports
group of seaport towns SE England on coast of Kent & Sussex, orig. five (Dover, Sandwich, Romney, Hastings, & Hythe) to which were later added Winchelsea, Rye, & other minor places, granted special privileges (abolished in 19th century) in return for services in coast defense

cinquecentist
: an Italian of the cinquecento especially : a poet or artist of this period

cinquecento
adj. : the 16th century especially in Italian art and literature

cinquefoil
n. 1 : any of a genus (Potentilla) of herbs and shrubs of the rose family usually having 5-lobed leaves and 5-petaled flowers ― called also potentilla
2 : a design enclosed by five joined foils

Cintra
― see SINTRA

CIO
chief information officer

cioppino
: a stew of fish and shellfish cooked usually with tomatoes, wine, spices, and herbs

CIP
Cataloging in Publication

cipher
n. 1 a : ZERO 1A b : one that has no weight, worth, or influence : NONENTITY
2 a : a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning ― compare CODE 3b b : a message in code
3 : ARABIC NUMERAL
4 : a combination of symbolic letters especially : the interwoven initials of a name

cipher
n. intransitive verb : to use figures in a mathematical process
transitive verb
1 : ENCIPHER
2 : to compute arithmetically

ciphertext
n. : the enciphered form of a text or of its elements ― compare PLAINTEXT

ciprofloxacin
: a synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic C_17H_18FN_3O_3 that is a fluorinated derivative of quinolone and is often administered in the form of its hydrochloride

cir
1 circle; circular
2 circuit
3 circumference

circ
n. 1 circular
2 circulation

circa
prep. : at, in, or of approximately ― used especially with dates <born circa 1600>

circadian
adj. : being, having, characterized by, or occurring in approximately 24-hour periods or cycles (as of biological activity or function) <circadian rhythms in activity>

Circars
― see NORTHERN CIRCARS

Circassia
n. region S Russia in Europe on Black Sea N of W end of Caucasus Mountains

Circassian
adj. 1 : a member of a group of peoples of the northwestern Caucasus
2 : the language of the Circassian peoples
–Circassian adjective

Circassian walnut
: the light brown irregularly black-veined wood of the English walnut much used for veneer and cabinetwork

Circe
n. : a sorceress who changes Odysseus' men into swine but is forced by Odysseus to change them back

circinate
adj. : ROUNDED, COILED especially : rolled in the form of a flat coil with the apex as a center <circinate fern fronds unfolding>
–cir·ci·nate·ly adverb

circle
n. 1 a : RING, HALO b : a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within the curve c : the plane surface bounded by such a curve
2 archaic : the orbit of a celestial body
3 : something in the form of a circle or section of a circle: as a : DIADEM b : an instrument of astronomical observation the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle c : a balcony or tier of seats in a theater d : a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through it <circle of latitude> e : ROTARY 2
4 : an area of action or influence : REALM
5 a : CYCLE, ROUND <the wheel has come full circle> b : fallacious reasoning in which something to be demonstrated is covertly assumed
6 : a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center <the sewing circle of her church> <family circle> <the gossip of court circles>
7 : a territorial or administrative division or district
8 : a curving side street

circle
n. transitive verb
1 : to enclose in or as if in a circle
2 : to move or revolve around <satellites circling the earth>
intransitive verb
1 a : to move in or as if in a circle b : CIRCULATE
2 : to describe or extend in a circle
–cir·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

circle
n. traffic circle
antarctic circle
arctic circle
charmed circle
circle graph
crop circle
dress circle
full circle
great circle
hour circle
parhelic circle
parquet circle
polar circle
quality circle
setting circle
unit circle
vertical circle
vicious circle
winner's circle
run circles around

circle graph
: PIE CHART

circlet
n. : a little circle especially : a circular ornament

circuit
n. 1 a : a usually circular line encompassing an area b : the space enclosed within such a line
2 a : a course around a periphery b : a circuitous or indirect route
3 a : a regular tour (as by a traveling judge or preacher) around an assigned district or territory b : the route traveled c : a group of church congregations ministered to by one pastor
4 a : the complete path of an electric current including usually the source of electric energy b : an assemblage of electronic elements : HOOKUP c : a two-way communication path between points (as in a computer) d : a neuronal pathway of the brain along which electrical and chemical signals travel
5 a : an association of similar groups : LEAGUE b : a number or series of public outlets (as theaters, radio shows, or arenas) offering the same kind of presentation c : a number of similar social gatherings <the cocktail circuit>
–cir·cuit·al \-kə-təl\ adjective

circuit
n. : to make a circuit about
intransitive verb : to make a circuit

circuit
n. borscht circuit
borsch circuit
circuit board
circuit breaker
circuit court
circuit judge
circuit rider
closed circuit
integrated circuit
printed circuit
ride circuit
short circuit

circuit board
: BOARD 9

circuit breaker
: a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit

circuit court
: a court that sits at two or more places within one judicial district

circuit judge
: a judge who holds a circuit court

circuit rider
: a clergyman assigned to a circuit especially in a rural area

circuitous
adj. 1 : having a circular or winding course <a circuitous route>
2 : not being forthright or direct in language or action <a circuitous explanation>
–cir·cu·i·tous·ly adverb
–cir·cu·i·tous·ness noun

circuitry
n. 1 : the detailed plan or arrangement of an electric circuit
2 : the components of an electric circuit
3 : the network of interconnected neurons in the nervous system and especially the brain also : CIRCUIT 4D

circuity
n. : lack of straightforwardness : INDIRECTION

circular
n. 1 a : having the form of a circle : ROUND <a circular orbit> b : moving in or describing a circle or spiral <a circular staircase>
2 a : of or relating to a circle or its mathematical properties <a circular arc> b : having a circular base or bases <a circular cylinder>
3 : CIRCUITOUS, INDIRECT
4 : marked by or moving in a cycle
5 : being or involving reasoning that uses in the argument or proof a conclusion to be proved or one of its unproved consequences
6 : intended for circulation <a circular letter>
–cir·cu·lar·i·ty \ˌsər-kyə-'ler-ə-tē, -'la-rə-\ noun
–cir·cu·lar·ly \'sər-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb
–cir·cu·lar·ness noun

circular
n. : a paper (as a leaflet) intended for wide distribution

circular
n. right circular cone
circular dichroism
circular file
circular function
circular saw
right circular cylinder

circular dichroism
1 : the property (as of an optically active medium) of unequal absorption of right and left plane-polarized light so that the emergent light is elliptically polarized
2 : a spectroscopic technique that makes use of circular dichroism

circular file
: WASTEBASKET

circular function
: TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION

circular saw
: a power saw with a circular cutting blade also : the blade itself

circularise
v. British variant of circularize

circularize
v. 1 a : to send circulars to b : to poll by questionnaire
2 : PUBLICIZE
3 : to make circular <circularize an orbit>
–cir·cu·lar·i·za·tion \ˌsər-kyə-lər-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

circulate
intransitive verb
1 : to move in a circle, circuit, or orbit especially : to follow a course that returns to the starting point <blood circulates through the body>
2 : to pass from person to person or place to place: as a : to flow without obstruction b : to become well-known or widespread <rumors circulated through the town> c : to go from group to group at a social gathering d : to come into the hands of readers specifically : to become sold or distributed
transitive verb : to cause to circulate
–cir·cu·lat·able \-ˌlā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–cir·cu·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–cir·cu·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

circulating decimal
: REPEATING DECIMAL

circulation
n. 1 : orderly movement through a circuit especially : the movement of blood through the vessels of the body induced by the pumping action of the heart
2 : FLOW
3 a : passage or transmission from person to person or place to place especially : the interchange of currency <coins in circulation> b : the extent of dissemination: as (1) : the average number of copies of a publication sold over a given period (2) : the total number of items borrowed from a library

circulatory
adj. : of or relating to circulation or the circulatory system <circulatory failure>

circulatory system
: the system of blood, blood vessels, lymphatics, and heart concerned with the circulation of the blood and lymph

circum
pref. : around : about <circumpolar>

circumambient
adj. : being on all sides : ENCOMPASSING
–cir·cum·am·bi·ent·ly adverb

circumambulate
v. : to circle on foot especially ritualistically
–cir·cum·am·bu·la·tion \-ˌam-byə-'lā-shən\ noun

circumcenter
n. : the point at which the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle intersect and which is equidistant from the three vertices

circumcircle
n. : a circle which passes through all the vertices of a polygon (as a triangle)

circumcise
v. : to cut off the foreskin of (a male) or the clitoris of (a female)
–cir·cum·cis·er noun

circumcision
n. 1 a : the act of circumcising especially : a Jewish rite performed on male infants as a sign of inclusion in the Jewish religious community b : the condition of being circumcised
2 capitalized : January 1 observed as a festival in some churches in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus

circumference
n. 1 : the perimeter of a circle
2 : the external boundary or surface of a figure or object : PERIPHERY
–cir·cum·fer·en·tial \-ˌkəm(p)-fə-'ren(t)-shəl\ adjective

circumflex
n. 1 : characterized by the pitch, quantity, or quality indicated by a circumflex
2 : marked with a circumflex

circumflex
n. : a mark 88, ⁀, or ~ orig. used in Greek over long vowels to indicate a rising-falling tone and in other languages to mark length, contraction, or a particular vowel quality

circumfluent
adj. : flowing round or surrounding in the manner of a fluid
–cir·cum·flu·ous \(ˌ)sər-'kəm-flü-əs\ adjective

circumfuse
v. : SURROUND, ENVELOP
–cir·cum·fu·sion \-'fyü-zhən\ noun

circumjacent
adj. : lying adjacent on all sides : SURROUNDING

circumlocution
n. 1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
2 : evasion in speech
–cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry \-'lä-kyə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

circumlunar
adj. : revolving about or surrounding the moon <a circumlunar orbit>

circumnavigate
v. : to go completely around (as the earth) especially by water also : to go around instead of through : BYPASS <circumnavigate a congested area>
–cir·cum·nav·i·ga·tion \-ˌna-və-'gā-shən\ noun
–cir·cum·nav·i·ga·tor \-'na-və-ˌgā-tər\ noun

circumpolar
adj. 1 : continually visible above the horizon <a circumpolar star>
2 : surrounding or found in the vicinity of a terrestrial pole <a circumpolar current> <circumpolar species>

circumscissile
: dehiscing by fissure around the capsule of the fruit

circumscribe
v. 1 a : to constrict the range or activity of definitely and clearly <his role was carefully circumscribed> b : to define or mark off carefully <a study of plant species in a circumscribed area>
2 a : to draw a line around b : to surround by or as if by a boundary <fields circumscribed by tall trees>
3 : to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible
synonyms see LIMIT

circumscription
n. 1 : the act of circumscribing : the state of being circumscribed: as a : DEFINITION, DELIMITATION <the circumscription of her duties> b : LIMITATION
2 : something that circumscribes: as a : LIMIT, BOUNDARY b : RESTRICTION <a circumscription of his power to act>
3 : a circumscribed area or district

circumspect
adj. : careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : PRUDENT <diplomacy required a circumspect response>
synonyms see CAUTIOUS
–cir·cum·spec·tion \ˌsər-kəm-'spek-shən\ noun
–cir·cum·spect·ly \'sər-kəm-ˌspek(t)-lē\ adverb

circumstance
n. 1 a : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant <the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration> b : a subordinate or accessory fact or detail <cost is a minor circumstance in this case> c : a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (as a crime) <the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him> <the circumstances suggest murder>
2 a : the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation) <constant and rapid change in economic circumstance ― G. M. Trevelyan> b : state of affairs : EVENTUALITY <open rebellion was a rare circumstance> ― often used in plural <a victim of circumstances> c plural : situation with regard to wealth <he was in easy circumstances> <rose from difficult circumstances>
3 : attendant formalities and ceremonial <pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war ― Shakespeare>
4 : an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events) <considering each circumstance in turn>
synonyms see OCCURRENCE

circumstanced
adj. : placed in particular circumstances especially in regard to property or income

circumstantial
adj. 1 : belonging to, consisting in, or dependent on circumstances <a circumstantial case> <circumstantial factors>
2 : pertinent but not essential : INCIDENTAL
3 : marked by careful attention to detail : abounding in factual details <a circumstantial account of the fight>
4 : CEREMONIAL
–cir·cum·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–cir·cum·stan·tial·ly \-'stan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms CIRCUMSTANTIAL, MINUTE, PARTICULAR, DETAILED mean dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point. CIRCUMSTANTIAL implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space <a circumstantial account of our visit>. MINUTE implies close and searching attention to the smallest details <a minute examination of a fossil>. PARTICULAR implies a precise attention to every detail <a particular description of the scene of the crime>. DETAILED stresses abundance or completeness of detail <a detailed analysis of the event>.

circumstantial evidence
: evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue

circumstantiate
v. : to supply with circumstantial evidence or support

circumstellar
adj. : surrounding or occurring in the vicinity of a star <circumstellar dust>

circumvallate
: to surround by or as if by a rampart
–cir·cum·val·la·tion \-ˌva-'lā-shən\ noun

circumvallate
adj. : being any of approximately 12 large papillae near the back of the tongue each of which is surrounded with a marginal sulcus and supplied with taste buds responsive especially to bitter flavors

circumvent
v. 1 a : to hem in b : to make a circuit around
2 : to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem <the setup circumvented the red tape ― Lynne McTaggart>
–cir·cum·ven·tion \-'ven(t)-shən\ noun

circumvolution
n. : an act or instance of turning around an axis

circus
n. 1 a : a large arena enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used especially for sports or spectacles (as athletic contests, exhibitions of horsemanship, or in ancient times chariot racing) b : a public spectacle
2 a : an arena often covered by a tent and used for variety shows usually including feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns b : a circus performance c : the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus d : something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle) <a media circus>
3 a obsolete : CIRCLE, RING b British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets
–cir·cusy \-kə-sē\ adjective

circus
n. circus catch
three ring circus
bread and circuses

circus catch
: a catch (as in baseball or football) requiring an extraordinary or spectacular effort

cire
1 : a highly glazed finish for fabrics usually achieved by applying wax to the fabric
2 : a fabric or garment with a ciré finish

Cirebon
city Indonesia in W Java on N coast E of Jakarta pop 245,307

Cirenaica
― see CYRENAICA

cirque
n. 1 archaic : CIRCUS
2 : CIRCLE, CIRCLET
3 : a deep steep-walled basin on a mountain usually forming the blunt end of a valley

cirrhosis
n. : widespread disruption of normal liver structure by fibrosis and the formation of regenerative nodules that is caused by any of various chronic progressive conditions affecting the liver (as long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis)
–cir·rhot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective or noun

cirro
: cirrus <cirrostratus>

cirrocumulus
n. : a high-altitude cloud form consisting of small white rounded masses usually in regular groupings ― see CLOUD illustration

cirrostratus
n. : a fairly uniform high thin cloud layer darker than cirrus and often covering the entire sky ― see CLOUD illustration

cirrus
n. 1 : TENDRIL
2 : a slender usually flexible animal appendage or projection: as a : an arm of a barnacle b : a filament of a crinoid c : a fused group of cilia functioning like a limb on some protozoans d : the male copulatory organ of various invertebrate animals
3 : a high wispy white cloud usually of minute ice crystals formed at altitudes between about 20,000 and 40,000 feet (6,000 and 12,000 meters) ― see CLOUD illustration

CIS
n. Commonwealth of Independent States

cis
n. : characterized by having certain atoms or groups of atoms on the same side of the longitudinal axis of a double bond or of the plane of a ring in a molecule

cis
n. 1 : on this side <cislunar> <cisatlantic>
2 usually italic : cis <cis-dichloroethylene> ― compare TRANS- 2b

cis-platinum
: CISPLATIN

cisalpine
adj. : situated on the south side of the Alps <Cisalpine Gaul> ― compare TRANSALPINE

Cisalpine Gaul
the part of Gaul lying S & E of the Alps

cisatlantic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the side of the Atlantic Ocean regarded as the near side

Ciscaucasia
― see CAUCASIA

cisco
n. : any of various whitefishes (genus Coregonus) especially : LAKE HERRING

Ciskei
former black enclave in the Republic of South Africa capital Bisho; granted independence 1981; abolished 1994
–Cis·kei·an \(ˌ)sis-'kī-ən\ adjective or noun

cislunar
adj. : lying between the earth and the moon or the moon's orbit <cislunar space>

Cisneros
Villa Cisneros
Jimenez de Cisneros
Jiménez de Cisneros

cisplatin
n. : a platinum-containing antineoplastic drug Cl_2H_6N_2Pt used especially in the treatment of testicular and ovarian tumors and advanced bladder cancer

cissy
n. British variant of sissy

cist
n. : a neolithic or Bronze Age burial chamber typically lined with stone

Cistercian
n. : a member of a monastic order founded by St. Robert of Molesme in 1098 at Cîteaux, France, under Benedictine rule
–Cistercian adjective

cistern
n. 1 : an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (as rainwater)
2 : a large usually silver vessel formerly used (as in cooling wine) at the dining table
3 : a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism

cisterna
n. : CISTERN 3: as a : one of the large spaces under the arachnoid membrane b : one of the flattened vesicles comprising the Golgi apparatus and the part of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes
–cis·ter·nal \-nəl\ adjective

cistron
n. : a segment of DNA that is equivalent to a gene and that specifies a single functional unit (as a protein or enzyme)
–cis·tron·ic \sis-'trä-nik\ adjective

cit
n. 1 citation; cited
2 citizen

citadel
n. 1 : a fortress that commands a city
2 : STRONGHOLD <the nation's citadel of health research ― Constance Holden> <a citadel of higher education>

citation
n. 1 : an official summons to appear (as before a court)
2 a : an act of quoting especially : the citing of a previously settled case at law b : EXCERPT, QUOTATION
3 : MENTION: as a : a formal statement of the achievements of a person receiving an academic honor b : specific reference in a military dispatch to meritorious performance of duty
synonyms see ENCOMIUM
–ci·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

cite
v. 1 : to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)
2 : to quote by way of example, authority, or proof <cites several noteworthy authors>
3 a : to refer to especially : to mention formally in commendation or praise b : to name in a citation
4 : to bring forward or call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent <cited the weather as a reason for canceling the picnic>
synonyms see SUMMON
–cit·able \'sī-tə-bəl\ adjective

Cithaeron
mountain 4623 ft (1409 m) Greece on NW border of ancient Attica

cithara
variant of kithara

cither
n. : CITTERN

citied
adj. : occupied by cities

citified
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a sophisticated urban style of living <citified tourists> <citified surroundings>

citify
v. : URBANIZE
–cit·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌsi-tə-fi-'kā-shən\ noun

citizen
n. 1 : an inhabitant of a city or town especially : one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman
2 a : a member of a state b : a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it
3 : a civilian as distinguished from a specialized servant of the state
–cit·i·zen·ly \-zən-lē also -sən-\ adjective
synonyms CITIZEN, SUBJECT, NATIONAL mean a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state. CITIZEN is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people <the rights of a free citizen>. SUBJECT implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch <the king's subjects>. NATIONAL designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state <American nationals working in the Middle East>.

citizen
n. citizen's arrest
senior citizen
citizens band

citizen's arrest
: an arrest made not by a law officer but by a citizen who derives authority from the fact of being a citizen

citizeness
n. : a woman who is a citizen

citizenry
n. : a whole body of citizens

citizens band
: a range of radio-wave frequencies that in the U.S. is allocated officially for private radio communications

citizenship
n. 1 : the status of being a citizen
2 a : membership in a community (as a college) b : the quality of an individual's response to membership in a community

Citlaltepetl
inactive volcano 18,700 ft (5700 m) SE Mexico on Puebla-Veracruz boundary; highest mountain in Mexico & 3d highest in N. America

citr
1 : citrus <citriculture>
2 : citric acid <citrate>

citral
n. : an unsaturated liquid isomeric aldehyde C_10H_16O of many essential oils that has a strong lemon odor and is used especially in perfumery and as a flavoring

citrate
n. : a salt or ester of citric acid

citric acid
: a tricarboxylic acid C_6H_8O_7 occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used chiefly as a flavoring

citric acid cycle
: KREBS CYCLE

citriculture
: the cultivation of citrus fruits
–cit·ri·cul·tur·ist \ˌsi-trə-'kəl-ch(ə-)rist\ noun

citrine
n. : resembling a citron or lemon especially in color

citrine
n. : a semiprecious yellow stone resembling topaz and formed by heating a black quartz in order to change its color

citrinin
n. : a toxic antibiotic C_13H_14O_5 that is produced especially by a penicillium (Penicillium citrinum) and an aspergillus (Aspergillus niveus) and is effective against some gram-positive bacteria

citron
n. 1 a : a citrus fruit resembling a lemon but larger with little pulp and a very thick rind b : a small shrubby tree (Citrus medica) that produces citrons and is cultivated in tropical regions c : the preserved rind of the citron used especially in cakes and puddings
2 : a small hard-fleshed watermelon used especially in pickles and preserves

citronella
n. : a lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent also : its oil

citronellal
: a lemon-odored aldehyde C_10H_18O that is derived especially from citronella oil and is used in perfumery and as an insect repellent

citronellol
: an unsaturated liquid alcohol C_10H_20O with a roselike odor that is found in two optically active forms in many essential oils (as rose oil) and is used in perfumery and soaps

citrovorum factor
: a metabolically active form of folic acid that has been used in cancer therapy to protect normal cells against methotrexate

citrulline
n. : a crystalline amino acid C_6H_13N_3O_3 formed especially as an intermediate in the conversion of ornithine to arginine

citrus
n. : any of a group of often thorny trees and shrubs (Citrus and related genera) of the rue family grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (as the orange or lemon) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh also : the fruit
–cit·rusy \'si-trə-sē\ adjective

citrus
n. citrus canker
citrus red mite
Citrus Heights

citrus canker
: a destructive disease of citrus caused by a bacterium (Xanthomonas axonopodis citri syn. X. campestris citri) that produces lesions on the leaves, twigs, and fruits

Citrus Heights
city N cen Calif. NE of Sacramento pop 85,071

citrus red mite
: a relatively large mite (Panonychus citri) that is a destructive pest on the foliage of citrus

Citta del Vaticano
v. ― see VATICAN CITY

cittern
n. : a Renaissance stringed instrument like a guitar with a flat pear-shaped body

city
n. 1 a : an inhabited place of greater size, population, or importance than a town or village b : an incorporated British town usually of major size or importance having the status of an episcopal see c capitalized (1) : the financial district of London (2) : the influential financial interests of the British economy d : a usually large or important municipality in the U.S. governed under a charter granted by the state e : an incorporated municipal unit of the highest class in Canada
2 : CITY-STATE
3 : the people of a city
4 slang : a thing, event, or situation that is strongly characterized by a specified quintessential feature or quality <the movie was shoot-out city>

city
n. Benin City
Greenacres City
Guatemala City
The City
Mexico City
Panama City
City of Westminster
central city
city clerk
city council
city editor
city father
city hall
city manager
city planning
city planner
city room
city slicker
city state
core city
edge city
garden city
holy city
inner city
open city
Atlantic City
Bay City
Belize City
Bossier City
Bullhead City
Calumet City
Carson City
Cathedral City
Cooper City
Culver City
Daly City
Dodge City
Foster City
Garden City
Granite City
Grove City
Haltom City
Ho Chi Minh City
Iowa City
Jefferson City
Jersey City
Johnson City
Kansas City
Lake Havasu City
League City
Long Island City
Mason City
Michigan City
Midwest City
Missouri City
National City
New York City
Oklahoma City
Oregon City
Peachtree City
Pearl City
Phenix City
Plant City
Ponca City
Quezon City
Rapid City
Redwood City
Salt Lake City
Sioux City
Suisun City
Temple City
Texas City
Union City
University City
Vatican City
Welwyn Garden City
West Valley City
Yuba City
Quad Cities
Twin Cities

city clerk
: a public officer charged with recording the official proceedings and vital statistics of a city

city council
: the legislative body of a city

city editor
: a newspaper editor usually in charge of local news and staff assignments

city father
: a member (as an alderman or councilman) of the governing body of a city

city hall
1 : the chief administrative building of a city
2 a : a municipal government b : city officialdom or bureaucracy <you can't fight city hall>

city manager
: an official employed by an elected council to direct the administration of a city government

city planning
: the drawing up of an organized arrangement (as of streets, parks, and business and residential areas) of a city
–city planner noun

city room
: the department where local news is handled in a newspaper editorial office

city slicker
: SLICKER 2B

city-state
: an autonomous state consisting of a city and surrounding territory

cityscape
n. 1 : a city viewed as a scene
2 : an artistic representation of a city
3 : an urban environment <a cityscape cluttered with factories>

citywide
adj. : including or involving all parts of a city <a citywide blackout>

Ciudad
Ciudad Bolivar
Ciudad Bolívar
Ciudad Guayana
Ciudad Juarez
Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Real
Ciudad Trujillo
Ciudad Victoria

Ciudad Bolivar
city & port E cen Venezuela on the Orinoco pop 225,846

Ciudad Guayana
city E Venezuela near junction of the Caroní & the Orinoco pop 536,506

Ciudad Juarez
city Mexico in Chihuahua on Rio Grande opposite El Paso, Tex. pop 789,522

Ciudad Real
1 province S cen Spain area 7625 sq mi (17,749 sq km), pop 478,957
2 commune, its capital, S of Toledo pop 63,251

Ciudad Trujillo
― see SANTO DOMINGO 1

Ciudad Victoria
v. city E cen Mexico capital of Tamaulipas pop 94,304

civ
civil; civilian; civilization

civet
n. 1 : any of various Old World carnivorous viverrid mammals with long bodies, short legs, and a usually long tail
2 : a thick yellowish musky-odored substance found in a sac near the anus of the civet (esp. genera Civettictis, Viverra, and Viverricula) and used in perfume

civet cat
1 : CIVET 1
2 : RINGTAIL 2
3 : any of several small spotted skunks (genus Spilogale) of western No. America

civic
adj. : of or relating to a citizen, a city, citizenship, or community affairs <civic duty> <civic pride>
–civ·i·cal·ly \'si-vi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

civic-minded
: disposed to look after civic needs and interests
–civ·ic-mind·ed·ness noun

civics
n. : a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens

civil
adj. 1 a : of or relating to citizens b : of or relating to the state or its citizenry <civil strife>
2 a : CIVILIZED <civil society> b : adequate in courtesy and politeness : MANNERLY <a civil question>
3 a : of, relating to, or based on civil law b : relating to private rights and to remedies sought by action or suit distinct from criminal proceedings c : established by law
4 : of, relating to, or involving the general public, their activities, needs, or ways, or civic affairs as distinguished from special (as military or religious) affairs
5 of time : based on the mean sun and legally recognized for use in ordinary affairs
synonyms CIVIL, POLITE, COURTEOUS, GALLANT, CHIVALROUS mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. CIVIL often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness <owed the questioner a civil reply>. POLITE commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality <if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite>. COURTEOUS implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness <clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers>. GALLANT and CHIVALROUS imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. GALLANT suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy <a gallant suitor of the old school>. CHIVALROUS suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior <a chivalrous display of duty>.

civil
adj. civil death
civil defense
civil disobedience
civil engineer
civil engineering
civil law
civil liberty
civil libertarian
civil marriage
civil rights
civil servant
civil service
civil union
civil war

civil death
: the status of a living person equivalent in its legal consequences to natural death specifically : deprivation of civil rights

civil defense
: the system of protective measures and emergency relief activities conducted by civilians in case of hostile attack, sabotage, or natural disaster

civil disobedience
: refusal to obey governmental demands or commands especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the government

civil engineer
: an engineer whose training or occupation is in the design and construction especially of public works (as roads or harbors)
–civil engineering noun

civil law
1 : Roman law especially as set forth in the Justinian code
2 : the body of private law developed from Roman law and used in Louisiana and in many countries outside the English-speaking world
3 : the law established by a nation or state for its own jurisdiction
4 : the law of civil or private rights

civil liberty
: freedom from arbitrary governmental interference (as with the right of free speech) specif. by denial of governmental power and in the U.S. especially as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights ― usually used in plural
–civil libertarian noun or adjective

civil marriage
: a marriage performed by a magistrate

civil rights
: the nonpolitical rights of a citizen especially : the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress

civil servant
1 : a member of a civil service
2 : a member of the administrative staff of an international agency

civil service
: the administrative service of a government or international agency exclusive of the armed forces especially : one in which appointments are determined by competitive examination

civil union
: the legal status that ensures to same-sex couples specified rights and responsibilities of married couples

civil war
: a war between opposing groups of citizens of the same country

civilian
n. 1 : a specialist in Roman or modern civil law
2 a : one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b : OUTSIDER 1
–civilian adjective

civilianize
v. : to convert from military to civilian status or control
–ci·vil·ian·i·za·tion \-ˌvil-yə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

civilisation
n. chiefly British variant of civilization, civilize

civility
n. 1 archaic : training in the humanities
2 a : civilized conduct especially : COURTESY, POLITENESS b : a polite act or expression

civilization
n. 1 a : a relatively high level of cultural and technological development specifically : the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained b : the culture characteristic of a particular time or place
2 : the process of becoming civilized
3 a : refinement of thought, manners, or taste b : a situation of urban comfort
–civ·i·li·za·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

civilize
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to develop out of a primitive state especially : to bring to a technically advanced and rationally ordered stage of cultural development
2 a : EDUCATE, REFINE b : SOCIALIZE 1
intransitive verb : to acquire the customs and amenities of a civil community
–civ·i·liz·er noun

civilized
adj. : characteristic of a state of civilization <civilized society> especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint <a civilized way to spend the evening>

civilly
adv. 1 : in terms of civil rights, law, or matters <civilly dead>
2 : in a civil manner : POLITELY

Civitan
: a member of a major national and international service club

Civitavecchia
commune & port cen Italy in Lazio on Tyrrhenian Sea WNW of Rome pop 50,902

civvy
n. 1 plural : civilian clothes as distinguished from a particular uniform (as of the military)
2 : CIVILIAN

civvy street
British : civilian life

CIWS
close-in weapons system

CJ
chief justice

CJD
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

ck
1 cask
2 check

CL
n. 1 carload
2 centerline
3 civil law
4 common law

Cl
n. chlorine

cl
n. 1 centiliter
2 claiming
3 class
4 clause
5 close
6 closet
7 cloth

clabber
v. chiefly dialect : sour milk that has thickened or curdled

clabbered
v. of milk or cream : having thickened or curdled

clachan
Scottish & Irish : HAMLET

clack
n. intransitive verb
1 : CHATTER, PRATTLE
2 : to make an abrupt striking sound or series of sounds
3 of fowl : CACKLE, CLUCK
transitive verb
1 : to cause to make a clatter
2 : to produce with a chattering sound specifically : BLAB
–clack·er noun

clack
n. 1 a : rapid continuous talk : CHATTER b : TONGUE
2 archaic : an object (as a valve) that produces clapping or rattling noises usually in regular rapid sequence
3 : a sound of clacking

Clackmannan
administrative area cen Scotland bordering on the Forth area 61 sq mi (157 sq km)

Clacton
town SE England in Essex on North Sea pop 43,571

Clactonian
: of or relating to a Lower Paleolithic culture usually characterized by stone flakes with a half cone at the point of striking

clad
adj. past and past part of clothe

clad
adj. 1 : being covered or clothed <ivy-clad buildings>
2 of a coin : consisting of outer layers of one metal bonded to a core of a different metal

clad
adj. : SHEATHE, FACE specifically : to cover (a metal) with another metal by bonding

clad
adj. 1 a : a composite material formed by cladding b : a clad coin
2 : CLADDING specifically : the outer layer of a clad coin

clad
adj. : slip : sprout <cladophyll>

cladding
n. : something that covers or overlays specifically : metal coating bonded to a metal core

clade
n. : a group of biological taxa (as species) that includes all descendants of one common ancestor

cladistics
n. : a system of biological taxonomy that defines taxa uniquely by shared characteristics not found in ancestral groups and uses inferred evolutionary relationships to arrange taxa in a branching hierarchy such that all members of a given taxon have the same ancestors
–cla·dist \'kla-dist, 'klā-\ noun
–cla·dis·tic \klə-'dis-tik, kla-\ adjective
–cla·dis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cladoceran
n. : any of an order (Cladocera) of minute chiefly freshwater branchiopod crustaceans that includes the water fleas

cladode
n. : CLADOPHYLL
–cla·do·di·al \kla-'dō-dē-əl\ adjective

cladogenesis
n. : evolutionary change characterized by treelike branching of taxa ― compare ANAGENESIS
–clad·o·ge·net·ic \ˌkla-dō-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective
–clad·o·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cladogram
n. : a branching diagrammatic tree used in cladistic classification to illustrate phylogenetic relationships

cladophyll
: a flattened photosynthetic branch assuming the form of and closely resembling an ordinary foliage leaf

clafouti
: a dessert consisting of a layer of fruit (as cherries) topped with batter and baked

claim
n. 1 a : to ask for especially as a right <claimed the inheritance> b : to call for : REQUIRE <this matter claims our attention> c : TAKE 16B <the accident claimed her life>
2 : to take as the rightful owner
3 a : to assert in the face of possible contradiction : MAINTAIN <claimed that he'd been cheated> b : to claim to have <organization⋯which claims 11,000⋯members ― Rolling Stone> c : to assert to be rightfully one's own <claimed responsibility for the attack>
synonyms see DEMAND
–claim·able \'klā-mə-bəl\ adjective

claim
n. 1 : a demand for something due or believed to be due <an insurance claim>
2 a : a right to something specifically : a title to a debt, privilege, or other thing in the possession of another b : an assertion open to challenge <a claim of authenticity>
3 : something that is claimed especially : a tract of land staked out

claim
n. cross claim
stake a claim
court of claims
small claims court
claiming race

claimant
n. : one that asserts a right or title <a claimant to an estate> also : CLAIMER 1

claimer
n. 1 : one that claims
2 a : CLAIMING RACE b : a horse running in a claiming race

claiming race
: a horse race in which each entry is offered for sale for a specified price that must be deposited before the race

clair
n. en clair
Saint Clair Lake
Saint Clair Shores

clairaudience
n. : the power or faculty of hearing something not present to the ear but regarded as having objective reality
–clair·au·di·ent \-ənt\ adjective
–clair·au·di·ent·ly adverb

clairvoyance
n. 1 : the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses
2 : ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception : PENETRATION

clairvoyant
n. 1 : having clairvoyance : able to see beyond the range of ordinary perception <claims to be clairvoyant>
2 : of or relating to clairvoyance <clairvoyant powers>
–clair·voy·ant·ly adverb

clairvoyant
n. : one having the power of clairvoyance

clam
n. : CLAMP, CLASP

clam
n. 1 a : any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud b : a freshwater mussel
2 : a stolid or closemouthed person
3 : CLAMSHELL
4 : DOLLAR 3

clam
n. : to gather clams especially by digging
–clam·mer \'kla-mər\ noun

clam
n. littleneck clam
butter clam
clam up
clam worm
giant clam
hard clam
hard shell clam
hard shelled clam
Manhattan clam chowder
pismo clam
razor clam
round clam
soft shell clam
soft shelled clam
surf clam
clams casino

clam up
: to become silent <clammed up and refused to talk>

clam worm
: any of several large burrowing polychaete worms (as a nereid) often used as bait

clamant
adj. 1 : CLAMOROUS, BLATANT
2 : demanding attention : URGENT
–cla·mant·ly adverb

clambake
n. 1 a : an outdoor party especially : a seashore outing where food is usually cooked on heated rocks covered by seaweed b : the food served at a clambake
2 : a gathering characterized by noisy sociability especially : a political rally

clamber
n. : to climb awkwardly (as by scrambling) <clambered over the rocks>
–clam·ber·er \-bər-ər, -mər-ər\ noun

clammy
adj. 1 : being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool <a clammy and intensely cold mist ― Charles Dickens>
2 : lacking normal human warmth <the clammy atmosphere of an institution>
–clam·mi·ly \'kla-mə-lē\ adverb
–clam·mi·ness \'kla-mē-nəs\ noun

clamor
n. 1 a : noisy shouting b : a loud continuous noise
2 : insistent public expression (as of support or protest)

clamor
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a din
2 : to become loudly insistent <clamored for his impeachment>
transitive verb
1 : to utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
2 : to influence by means of clamor

clamor
n. obsolete : SILENCE

clamorous
adj. 1 : marked by confused din or outcry : TUMULTUOUS
2 : noisily insistent
synonyms see VOCIFEROUS
–clam·or·ous·ly adverb
–clam·or·ous·ness noun

clamour
n. chiefly British variant of clamor

clamp
n. 1 : a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly
2 : any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

clamp
n. 1 : to fasten with or as if with a clamp <clamp two boards together>
2 a : to place by decree : IMPOSE ― often used with on <clamped on a curfew after the riots> b : to hold tightly

clamp down
: to impose restrictions : CRACK DOWN <the police are clamping down on speeders>

clampdown
n. : the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent <a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influences ― Time>

clams casino
: clams on the half shell usually topped with green pepper and baked or broiled

clamshell
n. 1 : the shell of a clam
2 a : a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws b : an excavating machine having a clamshell c : either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other d : a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam

clan
n. 1 a : a Celtic group especially in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor b : a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : FAMILY
2 : a group united by a common interest or common characteristics

clandestine
adj. : marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : SURREPTITIOUS <a clandestine love affair>
synonyms see SECRET
–clan·des·tine·ly adverb
–clan·des·tine·ness noun
–clan·des·tin·i·ty \ˌklan-də-'sti-nə-tē, -des-'ti-\ noun

clang
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a loud metallic ringing sound <anvils clanged> b : to go with a clang
2 : to utter the characteristic harsh cry of a bird
transitive verb : to cause to clang <clang a bell>

clang
n. 1 : a loud ringing metallic sound <the clang of a fire alarm>
2 : a harsh cry of a bird (as a crane or goose)

clanger
n. British : a conspicuous blunder ― often used in the phrase drop a clanger

clangor
n. : a resounding clang or medley of clangs <the clangor of hammers>
–clan·gor·ous \-(g)ə-rəs\ adjective
–clan·gor·ous·ly adverb

clangor
n. : to make a clangor

clangour
n. chiefly British variant of clangor

clank
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a clank or series of clanks <the radiator hissed and clanked>
2 : to go with or as if with a clank <tanks clanking through the streets>
transitive verb : to cause to clank
–clank·ing·ly \'klaŋ-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

clank
n. : a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

clannish
adj. 1 : of or relating to a clan <clannish traditions>
2 : tending to associate only with a select group of similar background or status <a clannish community>
–clan·nish·ly adverb
–clan·nish·ness noun

clansman
n. : a member of a clan

clap
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2 a : to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause b : APPLAUD
3 : to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way <clapped his friend on the shoulder>
4 : to place, put, or set especially energetically <clap him into jail> <since I first clapped eyes on it>
5 : to improvise or build hastily <a hut clapped together from old plywood>
intransitive verb
1 : to produce a percussive sound especially : SLAM
2 : to go abruptly or briskly
3 : APPLAUD

clap
n. 1 : a device that makes a clapping noise
2 obsolete : a sudden stroke of fortune and especially ill fortune
3 : a loud percussive noise specifically : a sudden crash of thunder
4 a : a sudden blow b : a friendly slap <a clap on the back>
5 : the sound of clapping hands especially : APPLAUSE

clap
n. : GONORRHEA ― often used with the

clapboard
n. 1 archaic : a size of board for making staves and wainscoting
2 : a narrow board usually thicker at one edge than the other used for siding
3 \'klap-ˌbȯrd\ : a pair of hinged boards one of which has a slate with data identifying a piece of film and which are banged together in front of a motion-picture camera at the start of a take to facilitate editing ― called also clapper board
–clapboard transitive verb

clapped-out
chiefly British : WORN-OUT also : TIRED

clapper
n. : one that claps: as a : the tongue of a bell b : a mechanical device that makes noise especially by the banging of one part against another c : a person who applauds

clapper rail
: a grayish-brown long-billed American rail (Rallus longirostris) that inhabits coastal marshes

clapperclaw
v. 1 dialect English : to claw with the nails
2 dialect English : SCOLD, REVILE

claptrap
n. : pretentious nonsense : TRASH

claptrap
n. : characterized by or suggestive of claptrap especially : of a cheap showy nature <claptrap sentiment>

claque
n. 1 : a group hired to applaud at a performance
2 : a group of sycophants

claqueur
n. : a member of a claque

Clare
n. John 1793-1864 Eng. poet

Clare
n. county W Ireland in Munster capital Ennis area 1231 sq mi (3201 sq km), pop 103,277

Clare of Assisi
Saint 1194-1253 Ital. religious

Claremont
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 33,998

Clarendon
n. Earl of ― see Edward HYDE

claret
n. 1 : a red Bordeaux wine also : a similar wine produced elsewhere
2 : a dark purplish red
–claret adjective

clarify
v. transitive verb
1 : to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter
2 : to free of confusion <needs time to clarify his thoughts>
3 : to make understandable <clarify a subject>
intransitive verb : to become clear
–clar·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌkler-ə-fə-'kā-shən, ˌkla-rə-\ noun
–clar·i·fi·er \'kler-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r, 'kla-rə-\ noun

clarinet
n. : a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 31/2 octaves
–clar·i·net·ist or clar·i·net·tist \ˌkler-ə-'ne-tist, ˌkla-rə-\ noun

Clarington
town Canada in SE Ont. ENE of Toronto pop 69,834

clarion
n. 1 : a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones
2 : the sound of or as if of a clarion

clarion
n. : brilliantly clear <her clarion top notes> also : loud and clear <a clarion call to action>

clarity
n. : the quality or state of being clear : LUCIDITY

Clark
n. Champ \'champ\ 1850-1921 James Beau·champ \'bē-chəm\ Clark American polit.

Clark
n. Clark's nutcracker
Clark Fork
Lake Clark National Park
Lewis and Clark Caverns
Lewis and Clark Lake

Clark
n. George Rogers 1752-1818 American soldier & frontiersman

Clark
n. Helen 1950-     prime min. of New Zealand (1999-    )

Clark
n. Joe 1939-     Charles Joseph Clark Canad. polit.; prime min. (1979-80)

Clark
n. Kenneth Bancroft 1914-     American psychol.

Clark
n. Kenneth Mackenzie 1903-1983 Baron Clark of Saltwood Brit. art hist.

Clark
n. Mark Wayne 1896-1984 American gen.

Clark
n. Tom Campbell 1899-1977 American jurist

Clark
n. William 1770-1838 bro. of G.R. American explorer

Clark Fork
river 300 mi (483 km) W Mont. & N Idaho flowing NW into Pend Oreille Lake

Clark's nutcracker
: a grayish-white bird (Nucifraga columbiana) of western No. America with black-and-white wings and tail

Clarke
n. Charles Cow·den \'kau̇-dən\ 1787-1877 & his wife Mary Victoria Cowden-Clarke 1809-1898 Eng. Shakespearean scholars

clarkia
n. : any of a genus (Clarkia) of showy annual herbs of the evening-primrose family that are native to western No. America and southwestern So. America

Clarksville
city N Tenn. NW of Nashville pop 103,455

claro
: a light-colored usually mild cigar

clary sage
: an aromatic mint (Salvia sclarea) of southern Europe that is widely cultivated especially as an ornamental ― called also clary

clash
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a clash <cymbals clashed>
2 : to come into conflict <where ignorant armies clash by night ― Matthew Arnold> also : to be incompatible <the colors clashed>
transitive verb : to cause to clash
–clash·er noun

clash
n. 1 : a noisy usually metallic sound of collision
2 a : a hostile encounter : SKIRMISH b : a sharp conflict <a clash of opinions>

clasp
n. 1 a : a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together b : a device (as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded
2 : a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp
n. 1 : to fasten with or as if with a clasp <a robe clasped with a brooch>
2 : to enclose and hold with the arms specifically : EMBRACE
3 : to seize with or as if with the hand : GRASP

clasp knife
: POCKETKNIFE especially : a large one-bladed folding knife having a catch to hold the blade open

clasper
n. : a male copulatory structure: a : one of a pair of external anal processes of an insect that are used to grasp a female b : one of a pair of organs that are extensions of the pelvic fins of cartilaginous fishes

class
n. 1 a : a body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject b : the period during which such a body meets c : a course of instruction d : a body of students or alumni whose year of graduation is the same
2 a : a group sharing the same economic or social status <the working class> b : social rank especially : high social rank c : high quality : ELEGANCE <a hotel with class>
3 : a group, set, or kind sharing common attributes: as a : a major category in biological taxonomy ranking above the order and below the phylum or division b : a collection of adjacent and discrete or continuous values of a random variable c : SET 21
4 : a division or rating based on grade or quality
5 : the best of its kind <the class of the league>
6 : a data type in object-oriented programming that consists of a group of objects with the same properties and behaviors and that is arranged in a hierarchy with other such data types ― compare OBJECT

class
n. : CLASSIFY

class
n. airman first class
cabin class
class act
class action
class conscious
class consciousness
class interval
equivalence class
first class
form class
high class
lower class
master class
middle class
petty officer first class
petty officer second class
petty officer third class
private first class
residue class
second class
sergeant first class
third class
tourist class
upper class
word class
working class
world class

class act
: an example of outstanding quality or prestige

class action
: a legal action undertaken by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of themselves and all other persons having an identical interest in the alleged wrong

class interval
: CLASS 3B also : its numerical width

class-conscious
1 : actively aware of one's common status with others in a particular economic or social level of society
2 : believing in class struggle
–class consciousness noun

classic
n. 1 a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value <classic literary works> b : TRADITIONAL, ENDURING <classic designs> c : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year <a classic suit>
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : CLASSICAL
3 a : historically memorable <a classic battle> b : noted because of special literary or historical associations <Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates>
4 a : AUTHENTIC, AUTHORITATIVE b : TYPICAL <a classic example of chicanery> <a classic error>
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about A.D. 300-900

classic
n. 1 : a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
2 a : a work of enduring excellence also : its author b : an authoritative source
3 : a typical or perfect example
4 : a traditional event <a football classic>

classical
adj. 1 : STANDARD, CLASSIC
2 a : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals <classical civilization> b : versed in the classics <a classical scholar>
3 a : of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation b : of, relating to, or being music in the educated European tradition that includes such forms as art song, chamber music, opera, and symphony as distinguished from folk or popular music or jazz
4 a : AUTHORITATIVE, TRADITIONAL b (1) : of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times <classical Mendelian genetics> (2) : not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory <classical physics> c : conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech
5 : concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science <a classical curriculum>

classical conditioning
: conditioning in which the conditioned stimulus (as the sound of a bell) is paired with and precedes the unconditioned stimulus (as the sight of food) until the conditioned stimulus alone is sufficient to elicit the response (as salivation in a dog) ― compare OPERANT CONDITIONING

classicality
1 : the quality or state of being classic
2 : classical scholarship

classically
adv. 1 : in a classic or classical manner <classically exact forms of the dance> <classically trained>
2 a : in classic or traditional circumstances : TYPICALLY <classically, the whole fish is stuffed> b : as a classic example <classically bad writing>

classicism
n. 1 a : the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome b : classical scholarship c : a classical idiom or expression
2 : adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid

classicist
n. 1 : an advocate or follower of classicism
2 : a classical scholar
–clas·si·cis·tic \ˌkla-sə-'sis-tik\ adjective

classicize
v. transitive verb : to make classic or classical
intransitive verb : to follow classic style

classico
adj. : produced in a delimited area of Italy known for its standards of quality <Chianti classico>

classification
n. 1 : the act or process of classifying
2 a : systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria specifically : TAXONOMY b : CLASS, CATEGORY
–clas·si·fi·ca·to·ry \'kla-sə-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē, kla-'si-fə-; 'kla-sə-fə-ˌkā-tə-rē\ adjective

classified
adj. 1 : divided into classes or placed in a class <classified ads>
2 : withheld from general circulation for reasons of national security <classified information>

classified
adj. : an advertisement grouped with others according to subject ― usually used in plural

classifier
n. 1 : one that classifies specifically : a machine for sorting out the constituents of a substance (as ore)
2 : a word or morpheme used with numerals or with nouns designating countable or measurable objects

classify
v. 1 : to arrange in classes <classifying books according to subject matter>
2 : to assign (as a document) to a category
–clas·si·fi·able \ˌkla-sə-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective

classis
n. 1 : a governing body in some Reformed churches (as in the former Reformed Church in the U.S.) corresponding to a presbytery
2 : the district governed by a classis

classism
n. : prejudice or discrimination based on class
–class·ist \'kla-sist\ adjective

classless
adj. 1 : belonging to no particular social class
2 : free from distinctions of social class <a classless society>
3 : CRASS, BOORISH <classless behavior>
–class·less·ness noun

classmate
n. : a member of the same class in a school or college

classroom
n. : a place where classes meet

classy
adj. : having or showing class: as a : ELEGANT, STYLISH <a classy clientele> b : having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior <a classy guy> <a classy gesture> c : admirably skillful and graceful <a classy outfielder>
–class·i·ness noun

clast
n. : a fragment of rock

clastic
adj. : made up of fragments of preexisting rocks <a clastic sediment>
–clastic noun

clathrate
adj. : relating to or being a compound formed by the inclusion of molecules of one kind in cavities of the crystal lattice of another
–clathrate noun

clatter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a rattling sound <the dishes clattered on the shelf>
2 : to talk noisily or rapidly
3 : to move or go with a clatter <clattered down the stairs>
transitive verb : to cause to clatter
–clat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
–clat·ter·ing·ly \'kla-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb

clatter
n. 1 : a rattling sound (as of hard bodies striking together) <the clatter of pots and pans>
2 : COMMOTION <the midday clatter of the business district>
3 : noisy chatter
–clat·tery \'kla-tə-rē\ adjective

Claude
n. Albert 1898-1983 Belg. physiol. in U.S.

Claude Lorrain
1600-1682 pseud. of Claude Gel·lée \zhə-'lā\ Fr. painter

claudication
n. : the quality or state of being lame : LIMPING

Claudius
n. Rom. gens including: Ap·pi·us \'a-pē-əs\ Claudius Cras·sus \'kra-səs\ consul (471 & 451 B.C.) & decemvir (451-450 B.C.); Appius Claudius Cae·cus \'sē-kəs\ censor (312-307 B.C.), consul (307 & 296 B.C.), & dictator

Claudius
n. 10 B.C.-A.D. 54 Tiberius Claudius Drusus Ne·ro \'nē-(ˌ)rō, 'nir-(ˌ)ō\ Germanicus Rom. emp. (41-54)

Claudius
n. A.D. 214-270 Marcus Aurelius Claudius Gothicus Rom. emp. (268-270)

Claudius
n. Claudius I
Claudius II
Appius Claudius

clausal
adj. : relating to or of the nature of a clause

clause
n. 1 : a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex or compound sentence
2 : a separate section of a discourse or writing specifically : a distinct article in a formal document

clause
n. grandfather clause
nonrestrictive clause
reserve clause
restrictive clause

Clausewitz
Carl von 1780-1831 Pruss. gen. & military strategist
–Clau·se·witz·ian \ˌklau̇-zə-'vit-sē-ən\ adjective

claustral
: CLOISTRAL

claustrophobia
n. : abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
–claus·tro·phobe \'klȯs-trə-ˌfōb\ noun

claustrophobic
adj. 1 : affected with or inclined to claustrophobia
2 : inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
–claus·tro·pho·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

claustrum
n. : the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that consists of a thin lamina of gray matter separated from the lenticular nucleus by a layer of white matter

clavate
adj. : thickened near the distal end : club-shaped

clave
n. past of cleave

clave
n. : one of a pair of cylindrical hardwood sticks that are used as a percussion instrument

claver
n. chiefly Scottish : PRATE, GOSSIP
–claver noun chiefly Scottish

clavichord
n. : an early keyboard instrument having strings struck by tangents attached directly to the key ends
–clav·i·chord·ist \-ˌkȯr-dist\ noun

clavicle
n. : a bone of the vertebrate pectoral girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum ― called also collarbone
–cla·vic·u·lar \kla-'vi-kyə-lər, klə-\ adjective

clavier
n. 1 : the keyboard of a musical instrument
2 [German Klavier, from French clavier] : an early keyboard instrument
–cla·vier·ist \klə-'vir-ist; 'klā-vē-ə-rist, 'kla-\ noun
–cla·vier·is·tic \klə-ˌvi-'ris-tik; ˌklā-vē-ə-'ris-tik, ˌkla-\ adjective

claw
n. 1 : a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
2 : any of various sharp curved processes especially at the end of a limb (as of an insect) also : a limb ending in such a process
3 : one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)
4 : something that resembles a claw specifically : the forked end of a tool (as a hammer)
–clawed \'klȯd\ adjective
–claw·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

claw
n. : to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws
intransitive verb : to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws

claw
n. bear claw
claw back
claw foot
claw hammer
devil's claw
red in tooth and claw
tack claw

claw back
chiefly British : to get back (as money) by strenuous or forceful means (as taxation)
–claw·back \'klȯ-ˌbak\ noun

claw hammer
1 : a hammer with one end of the head forked for pulling out nails
2 : TAILCOAT

claw-foot
: a foot (as on a bathtub or piece of furniture) in the shape of a claw

clawhammer
: of, relating to, or being a style of banjo playing using the thumb and one or more fingers picking or strumming in a downward direction

Clay
n. Henry 1777-1852 American statesman & orator

Clay
n. Lucius Du Bi·gnon \du̇-'bin-yən\ 1897-1978 American gen.

clay
n. 1 a : an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired, that is composed mainly of fine particles of hydrous aluminum silicates and other minerals, and that is used for brick, tile, and pottery specifically : soil composed chiefly of this material having particles less than a specified size b : EARTH, MUD
2 a : a substance that resembles clay in plasticity and is used for modeling b : the human body as distinguished from the spirit c : fundamental nature or character <the common clay>
3 : CLAY COURT
–clay·ey \'klā-ē\ adjective
–clay·ish \'klā-ish\ adjective
–clay·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

clay
n. china clay
clay court
clay feet
clay loam
clay mineral
clay pigeon
feet of clay
pipe clay
potter's clay

clay court
: a tennis court with a clay surface or a synthetic surface that resembles clay

clay feet
: FEET OF CLAY

clay loam
: a loam containing from 20 to 30 percent clay

clay mineral
: any of a group of hydrous silicates of aluminum and sometimes other metals formed chiefly in weathering processes and occurring especially in clay and shale

clay pigeon
: a saucer-shaped target usually made of baked clay or limestone and pitch and thrown from a trap in skeet and trapshooting

claybank
: a horse of yellowish color

Claymation
― used for animation that features images of clay figures

claymore
n. : a large 2-edged sword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders also : their basket-hilted broadsword

claymore mine
: a usually electrically fired land mine containing steel fragments that are discharged in a predetermined direction

claypan
n. 1 : hardpan consisting mainly of clay
2 Australian : a shallow depression in which water collects after rain

clayware
n. : articles made of fired clay

cld
called; cleared

clean
n. 1 a : free from dirt or pollution <changed to clean clothes> <clean solar energy> b : free from contamination or disease <a clean wound> c : free or relatively free from radioactivity <a clean atomic explosion>
2 a : UNADULTERATED, PURE <the clean thrill of one's first flight> b of a precious stone : having no interior flaws visible c : free from growth that hinders tillage <clean farmland>
3 a : free from moral corruption or sinister connections of any kind <a candidate with a clean record> also : free from violations <a clean driving record> b : free from offensive treatment of sexual subjects and from the use of obscenity <a clean joke> c : observing the rules : FAIR <a clean fight>
4 : ceremonially or spiritually pure <and all who are clean may eat flesh ― Lev 7:19(RSV)>
5 a : THOROUGH, COMPLETE <a clean break with the past> b : deftly executed : SKILLFUL <clean ballet technique> c : hit beyond the reach of an opponent <a clean single to center>
6 a : relatively free from error or blemish : CLEAR specifically : LEGIBLE <clean copy> b : UNENCUMBERED <clean bill of sale>
7 a : characterized by clarity and precision : TRIM <a clean prose style> <architecture with clean almost austere lines> b : EVEN, SMOOTH <a clean edge> <a sharp blow causing a clean break> c : free from impedances to smooth flow (as of water or air) <a clean airplane> <a ship with a clean bottom>
8 a : EMPTY <the ship returned with a clean hold> b : free from drug addiction <has been clean for six months> c slang : having no contraband (as weapons or drugs) in one's possession
9 : habitually neat
–clean·ness \'klēn-nəs\ noun

clean
n. 1 a : so as to clean <a new broom sweeps clean> b : in a clean manner <play the game clean>
2 : all the way : COMPLETELY <the bullet went clean through his arm>

clean
n. 1 a : to make clean: as (1) : to rid of dirt, impurities, or extraneous matter (2) : to rid of corruption <vowing to clean up city hall> b : REMOVE, ERADICATE ― usually used with up or off <clean up that mess>
2 a : STRIP, EMPTY <a tree cleaned of fruit> b : to remove the entrails from <clean fish> c : to deprive of money or possessions ― often used with out <they cleaned him out completely>
intransitive verb : to undergo or perform a process of cleaning <clean up before dinner>
–clean·abil·i·ty \ˌklē-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–clean·able \'klē-nə-bəl\ adjective
–clean house
1 : to clean a house and its furniture
2 : to make sweeping reforms or changes (as of personnel)
–clean one's clock : to beat one badly in a fight or competition
–clean up one's act : to behave in a more acceptable manner

clean
n. : an act of cleaning dirt especially from the surface of something

clean
n. clean up one's act
clean one's clock
clean house
clean and jerk
clean cut
clean limbed
clean room
clean up
come clean
dry clean
keep one's nose clean
squeaky clean
dry cleaning
spring cleaning
self cleaning
dry cleaner
pipe cleaner
vacuum cleaner
dry cleanable

clean and jerk
: a lift in weight lifting in which the weight is raised to shoulder height, held momentarily, and then quickly thrust overhead usually with a lunge or a spring from the legs ― compare PRESS, SNATCH
–clean-and-jerk verb

clean house

1 : to clean a house and its furniture
2 : to make sweeping reforms or changes (as of personnel)

clean one's clock
to beat one badly in a fight or competition

clean room
: a room for the manufacture or assembly of objects (as precision parts) that is maintained at a high level of cleanliness by special means

clean up
: to make a spectacular profit in a business enterprise or a killing in speculation or gambling

clean up one's act
to behave in a more acceptable manner

clean-cut
1 : cut so that the surface or edge is smooth and even
2 : sharply defined
3 : of wholesome appearance

clean-limbed
: well proportioned : TRIM <clean-limbed youths>

cleaner
n. 1 a : one whose work is cleaning b : DRY CLEANER also : a dry-cleaning shop ― usually used in plural
2 : a preparation for cleaning
3 : an implement or machine for cleaning

cleaner
n. dry cleaner
pipe cleaner
vacuum cleaner
take to the cleaners

cleanhanded
adj. : innocent of wrongdoing

cleanly
adj. : in a clean manner

cleanly
adj. 1 : careful to keep clean : FASTIDIOUS
2 : habitually kept clean
–clean·li·ness noun

cleanse
v. : CLEAN especially : to rid of impurities by or as if by washing

cleanser
n. 1 : one that cleanses
2 : a preparation (as a scouring powder or a skin cream) used for cleaning

Cleanthes
ca 331-ca 232 B.C. Greek Stoic philos.

cleanup
n. 1 : an act or instance of cleaning
2 : an exceptionally large profit : KILLING

cleanup
n. : being in the fourth position in the batting order of a baseball team <a cleanup hitter>
–cleanup adverb

clear
n. 1 a : BRIGHT, LUMINOUS b : CLOUDLESS specifically : less than one-tenth covered <a clear sky> c : free from mist, haze, or dust <a clear day> d : UNTROUBLED, SERENE <a clear gaze>
2 : CLEAN, PURE: as a : free from blemishes <clear skin> b : easily seen through : TRANSPARENT <clear glass> c : free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
3 a : easily heard <a loud and clear sound> b : easily visible : PLAIN <a clear signal> c : free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : UNMISTAKABLE <a clear explanation>
4 a : capable of sharp discernment : KEEN <a clear thinker> b : free from doubt : SURE <not clear on how to proceed>
5 : free from guile or guilt : INNOCENT <a clear conscience>
6 : unhampered by restriction or limitation: as a : unencumbered by debts or charges <a clear estate> b : NET <a clear profit> c : UNQUALIFIED, ABSOLUTE <a clear victory> d : free from obstruction <clear passage> e : emptied of contents or cargo f : free from entanglement or contact <staying clear of controversy> <keep clear of the boundary> g : BARE, DENUDED <clear ground>
–clear·ness noun
synonyms CLEAR, TRANSPARENT, TRANSLUCENT, LIMPID mean capable of being seen through. CLEAR implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness <clear water>. TRANSPARENT implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly <a transparent sheet of film>. TRANSLUCENT implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond <translucent frosted glass>. LIMPID suggests the soft clearness of pure water <her eyes were limpid pools of blue>.
synonyms CLEAR, PERSPICUOUS, LUCID mean quickly and easily understood. CLEAR implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity <clear instructions>. PERSPICUOUS applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear <a perspicuous style>. LUCID suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement <a lucid explanation>. synonym see in addition EVIDENT

clear
n. 1 : in a clear manner <to cry loud and clear>
2 : all the way <drove clear across the state>

clear
n. 1 a : to make clear or translucent b : to free from pollution or cloudiness
2 : to free from accusation or blame : EXONERATE, VINDICATE <the opportunity to clear himself>
3 a : to give insight to : ENLIGHTEN b : to make intelligible : EXPLAIN <clear up the mystery>
4 a : to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: as (1) : OPEN 1B <clear a path> (2) : to remove unwanted growth or items from <clear the land of timber> (3) : to rid or make a rasping noise as if ridding (the throat) of phlegm (4) : to erase stored or displayed data from (as a computer or calculator) b : to empty of occupants <clear the room> c : DISENTANGLE <clear a fishing line> d : to remove from an area or place <clear the dishes from the table> e : TRANSMIT, DISPATCH
5 a : to submit for approval <clear it with me first> b : AUTHORIZE, APPROVE <cleared the article for publication>: as (1) : to certify as trustworthy <clear a person for classified information> (2) : to permit (an aircraft) to proceed usually with a specified action <the plane was cleared to land>
6 a : to free from obligation or encumbrance b : SETTLE, DISCHARGE <clear an account> c (1) : to free (a ship or shipment) by payment of duties or harbor fees (2) : to pass through (customs) d : to gain without deduction : NET <clear a profit> e : to put through a clearinghouse
7 a : to go over, under, or by without touching <the ball just cleared the uprights> b : to move through successfully : PASS <the bill cleared the legislature>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become clear <it cleared up quickly after the rain> b : to go away : VANISH <the symptoms cleared gradually> c : SELL
2 a : to obtain permission to discharge cargo b : to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port
3 : to pass through a clearinghouse
4 : to go to an authority (as for approval) before becoming effective
–clear·able \'klir-ə-bəl\ adjective
–clear·er \'klir-ər\ noun
–clear the air also clear the atmosphere : to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty <had a long meeting to clear the air>
–clear the decks : to make sweeping preparations for action

clear
n. 1 : a clear space or part
2 : a high arcing shot over an opponent's head in badminton
–in the clear
1 : in inside measurement
2 : free from guilt or suspicion
3 : in plaintext : not in code or cipher <a message sent in the clear>

clear
n. clear the atmosphere
all clear
clear the decks
clear the air
in the clear
clear air turbulence
clear cut
clear cutting
clear eyed
clear felling
clear fell
clear off
clear out
clear sighted
clear sightedness
clear sightedly
crystal clear
steer clear

clear off
chiefly British : to go away : DEPART

clear out
: DEPART
transitive verb : to drive out or away usually forcibly

clear the air
also clear the atmosphere : to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty <had a long meeting to clear the air>

clear the decks
to make sweeping preparations for action

clear-air turbulence
: sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent jarring or buffeting of aircraft

clear-cut
1 : sharply outlined : DISTINCT
2 : free from ambiguity or uncertainty : UNAMBIGUOUS <a clear-cut decision>

clear-cut
: an area of forest which has been clear-cut also : CLEAR-CUTTING

clear-cutting
: removal of all the trees in a stand of timber
–clear-cut verb

clear-eyed
: CLEAR-SIGHTED <a clear-eyed assessment>

clear-felling
chiefly British : CLEAR-CUTTING
–clear-fell \-ˌfel\ verb

clear-sighted
1 : having clear vision
2 : DISCERNING <a clear-sighted appraisal>
–clear-sight·ed·ly adverb
–clear-sight·ed·ness noun

clearance
n. 1 : an act or process of clearing: as a : the removal of buildings from an area (as a city slum) b : the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse also : the papers showing that a ship has cleared c : the offsetting of checks and other claims among banks through a clearinghouse d : certification as clear of objection : AUTHORIZATION <security clearance> e : a sale to clear out stock f : authorization for an aircraft to proceed especially with a specified action <clearance to land>
2 : the distance by which one object clears another or the clear space between them
3 : the volume of blood or plasma that can be freed of a specified constituent in a specified time by its excretion into the urine through the kidneys <a creatine clearance of 25 milliliters per minute> ― called also renal clearance

Clearchus
5th cent. B.C. Greek soldier; gov. of Byzantium

Clearfield
city N Utah S of Ogden pop 25,974

clearheaded
adj. 1 : having or showing a clear understanding : PERCEPTIVE <clearheaded comments>
2 : able to think clearly <stay calm and clearheaded>
–clear·head·ed·ly adverb
–clear·head·ed·ness noun

clearing
n. 1 : the act or process of making or becoming clear
2 : a tract of land cleared of wood and brush
3 : the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

clearinghouse
n. 1 : an establishment maintained by banks for settling mutual claims and accounts
2 : a central agency for the collection, classification, and distribution especially of information broadly : an informal channel for distributing information or assistance

clearly
adv. 1 : in a clear manner <speaking clearly>
2 : it is clear <clearly, a new approach is needed>
usage see HOPEFULLY

clearstory
n. variant of clerestory

Clearwater
n. city W Fla. NW of St. Petersburg on Gulf of Mexico pop 108,787

Clearwater Mountains
mountains N cen Idaho; highest ab 8000 ft (2438 m)

clearwing
n. : a moth (as of the families Aegeriidae or Sphingidae) having the wings largely transparent and devoid of scales

cleat
n. 1 a : a wedge-shaped piece fastened to or projecting from something and serving as a support or check b : a wooden or metal fitting usually with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast
2 a : a strip fastened across something to give strength or hold in position b (1) : a projecting piece (as on the bottom of a shoe) that furnishes a grip (2) plural : shoes equipped with cleats

cleat
n. 1 : to secure to or by a cleat
2 : to provide with a cleat

cleavable
adj. : capable of being split

cleavage
n. 1 a : the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting along definite planes also : the occurrence of such splitting b : a fragment (as of a diamond) obtained by splitting
2 : the action of cleaving : the state of being cleft
3 : the series of synchronized mitotic cell divisions of a fertilized egg that results in the formation of the blastomeres and changes the single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo also : one of these cell divisions
4 : the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules
5 : the depression between a woman's breasts especially when made visible by a low-cut neckline

cleavage
n. discoidal cleavage
radial cleavage
spiral cleavage

cleave
v. : to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
synonyms see STICK

cleave
transitive verb
1 : to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : SPLIT
2 : to separate into distinct parts and especially into groups having divergent views
3 : to subject to chemical cleavage <a protein cleaved by an enzyme>
intransitive verb
1 : to split especially along the grain
2 : to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting
synonyms see TEAR

cleave
v. clove hitch
clove pink
cloven foot
cloven footed
cloven hoof
cloven hoofed
cleft lip
cleft palate
gill cleft

cleaver
n. 1 : one that cleaves especially : a butcher's implement for cutting animal carcasses into joints or pieces
2 : a prehistoric stone tool having a sharp edge at one end

cleavers
n. : an annual bedstraw (Galium aparine) having many stalked white flowers and stems covered with curved prickles also : any of several related plants

Cleburne
city NE cen Tex. pop 26,005

Clee Hills
hills W England in S Shropshire

cleek
n. chiefly Scottish : a large hook (as for a pot over a fire)

clef
n. : a sign placed at the beginning of a musical staff to determine the pitch of the notes

clef
n. bass clef
C clef
F clef
G clef
roman a clef
romans à clef
roman à clef
treble clef

cleft
n. 1 : a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : FISSURE
2 : a usually V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances <the anal cleft of the human body>

cleft
n. : partially split or divided specifically : divided about halfway to the midrib <a cleft leaf>

cleft
n. cleft lip
cleft palate
gill cleft

cleft lip
: a birth defect characterized by one or more clefts in the upper lip resulting from failure of the embryonic parts of the lip to unite

cleft palate
: congenital fissure of the roof of the mouth

cleidoic
of an egg : enclosed in a relatively impervious shell which reduces free exchange with the environment

Cleisthenes
ca 570-after 508 B.C. Athenian statesman

cleistogamous
: characterized by or being small inconspicuous closed self-pollinating flowers additional to and often more fruitful than showier ones on the same plant <violets are cleistogamous>
–cleis·tog·a·mous·ly \klī-'stä-gə-məs-lē\ adverb
–cleis·tog·a·my \-'stä-gə-mē\ noun

clematis
n. : any of a genus (Clematis) of vines or herbs of the buttercup family often having three leaflets on each leaf and usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

Clemenceau
Georges 1841-1929 Fr. statesman

clemency
n. 1 a : disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due b : an act or instance of leniency
2 : pleasant mildness of weather
synonyms see MERCY

Clemens
n. Samuel Langhorne 1835-1910 pseud. Mark Twain \'twān\ American writer

Clement
adj. name of 14 popes: especially VII (Giulio de'Me·di·ci \'me-də-(ˌ)chē\) 1478-1534 (pope 1523-34)

clement
adj. 1 : inclined to be merciful : LENIENT <a clement judge>
2 : MILD <clement weather for this time of year>
–clem·ent·ly adverb

Clement of Alexandria
Saint ca 150-between 211 and 215 Titus Flavius Cle·mens \'kle-ˌmenz\ Greek Christian theol. & church father

Clementi
Muzio 1752-1832 Ital. pianist & composer in England

clementine
n. : a small nearly seedless citrus fruit that is prob. a hybrid between a tangerine and an orange

clench
v. 1 : CLINCH 2
2 : to hold fast : CLUTCH <clenched the arms of the chair>
3 : to set or close tightly <clench one's teeth> <clench one's fists>
–clench noun

Cleomenes
name of 3 kings of Sparta: especially III (reigned 235-222 B.C.)

Cleopatra
n. 69-30 B.C. queen of Egypt (51-30)

clepe
v. archaic : NAME, CALL

clepsydra
n. : WATER CLOCK

clerestory
n. 1 : an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
2 : GALLERY

clergy
n. 1 : a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church
2 : the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion

clergyman
n. : a member of the clergy

clergyperson
: a member of the clergy

clergywoman
n. : a woman who is a member of the clergy

cleric
n. : a member of the clergy

clerical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
2 : of or relating to a clerk
–cler·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

clerical
adj. 1 : a member of the clergy
2 : CLERICALIST
3 : CLERK
4 plural : clerical garments

clerical collar
: a narrow stiffly upright white collar worn buttoned at the back of the neck by members of the clergy

clericalism
n. : a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy

clericalist
n. : one who favors maintained or increased ecclesiastical power and influence

clerihew
n. : a light verse quatrain rhyming aabb and usually dealing with a person named in the initial rhyme

clerisy
n. : INTELLIGENTSIA

clerk
n. 1 : CLERIC
2 archaic : SCHOLAR
3 a : an official responsible (as to a government agency) for correspondence, records, and accounts and vested with specified powers or authority (as to issue writs as ordered by a court) <city clerk> b : one employed to keep records or accounts or to perform general office work c : one who works at a sales or service counter
–clerk·ship \-ˌship\ noun

clerk
n. : to act or work as a clerk

clerk
n. city clerk
file clerk
shipping clerk
stated clerk
town clerk

clerkly
adv. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a clerk <clerkly duties>
2 archaic : SCHOLARLY
–clerkly adverb

Clermont-Ferrand
city S cen France in Allier valley on edge of Auvergne Mountains pop 137,154

Cleveland
n. (Stephen) Grover 1837-1908 22d & 24th pres. of the U.S. (1885-89; 1893-97)

Cleveland
n. 1 city & port NE Ohio on Lake Erie pop 478,403
2 city SE Tenn. ENE of Chattanooga pop 37,192
–Cleve·land·er \-lən-dər\ noun

Cleveland
n. Cleveland bay
Cleveland Mount
Cleveland Heights
East Cleveland

Cleveland bay
: any of a breed of large strong horses of English origin that are uniformly bay with black legs, mane, and tail

Cleveland Heights
city NE Ohio E of Cleveland pop 49,958

Cleveland, Mount
mountain 10,455 ft (3185 m) N Mont.; highest in Glacier National Park

clever
adj. 1 a : skillful or adroit in using the hands or body : NIMBLE <clever fingers> b : mentally quick and resourceful <a clever young lawyer>
2 : marked by wit or ingenuity <a clever solution> <a clever idea>
3 dialect a : GOOD b : easy to use or handle
–clev·er·ish \-v(ə-)rish\ adjective
–clev·er·ly \-vər-lē\ adverb
–clev·er·ness \-vər-nəs\ noun
synonyms CLEVER, ADROIT, CUNNING, INGENIOUS mean having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving. CLEVER stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude <a person clever with horses>. ADROIT often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties <an adroit negotiator>. CUNNING implies great skill in constructing or creating <a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects>. INGENIOUS suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something <an ingenious software engineer>. synonym see in addition INTELLIGENT

clevis
n. : SHACKLE 3

clew
n. 1 : a ball of thread, yarn, or cord
2 : CLUE 1
3 a : a lower corner or only the after corner of a sail b : a metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail c plural : a combination of lines by which a hammock is suspended

clew
n. 1 : to roll into a ball
2 : CLUE
3 : to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the clews

Cliburn
Van 1934-     Harvey Lavan Cliburn American pianist

cliche
n. 1 : a trite phrase or expression also : the idea expressed by it
2 : a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
3 : something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace
–cliché adjective

cliched
adj. 1 : marked by or abounding in clichés
2 : HACKNEYED <a cliched phrase>

Clichy
commune N France NW of Paris pop 50,237

click
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike, move, or produce with a click <clicked his heels together>
2 : to select especially in a computer interface by pressing a button on a control device (as a mouse)
intransitive verb
1 : to make a click
2 a : to fit or agree exactly b : to fit together : hit it off <they did not click as friends> c : to function smoothly d : SUCCEED <a movie that clicks>
3 : to select something by clicking ― often used with on <click on the icon>
–click·able \'kli-kə-bəl\ adjective

click
n. 1 a : a slight sharp noise b : a speech sound in some languages made by enclosing air between two stop articulations of the tongue, enlarging the enclosure to rarefy the air, and suddenly opening the enclosure
2 : DETENT
3 : an instance of clicking <a mouse click>

click
n. click beetle
click stop
point and click

click beetle
: any of a family (Elateridae) of beetles able to right themselves with a click when inverted by flexing the articulation between the prothorax and mesothorax

click stop
: a turnable control device (as for a camera diaphragm opening) that engages with a definite click at specific settings

clicker
n. : REMOTE CONTROL 2

client
n. 1 : one that is under the protection of another : DEPENDENT
2 a : a person who engages the professional advice or services of another <a lawyer's clients> b : CUSTOMER <hotel clients> c : a person served by or utilizing the services of a social agency <a welfare client> d : a computer in a network that uses the services (as access to files or shared peripherals) provided by a server
3 : CLIENT STATE
–cli·ent·age \-ən-tij\ noun
–cli·en·tal \klī-'en-təl, 'klī-ən-\ adjective
–cli·ent·less \'klī-ənt-ləs\ adjective

client state
: a country that is economically, politically, or militarily dependent on another country

clientele
n. : a body of clients <a shop that caters to an exclusive clientele>

cliff
n. : a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : PRECIPICE
–cliffy \'kli-fē\ adjective

cliff
n. cliff dweller
cliff dwelling
cliff hang
cliff hanger
cliff hanging
cliff swallow
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

cliff dweller
1 often capitalized C&D a : a member of a prehistoric American Indian people of the southwestern U.S. who built their homes on rock ledges or in the natural recesses of canyon walls and cliffs b : a member of any cliff-dwelling people
2 : a resident of a large usually metropolitan apartment building
–cliff dwelling noun

cliff swallow
: a colonial swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) of the New World with a pale buff rump and dark throat patch that builds mud nests resembling jugs especially under eaves and on cliffs

cliff-hang
: to await the outcome of a suspenseful situation

cliff-hanger
1 : an adventure serial or melodrama especially : one presented in installments each ending in suspense
2 : a contest whose outcome is in doubt up to the very end broadly : a suspenseful situation
–cliff-hang·ing \-iŋ\ adjective

Cliffside Park
borough NE N.J. pop 23,007

Clifton
city NE N.J. N of Newark pop 78,672

climacteric
n. 1 : constituting or relating to a climacteric
2 : CRITICAL, CRUCIAL

climacteric
n. 1 : a major turning point or critical stage
2 a : MENOPAUSE b : a period in the life of a male corresponding to female menopause and usually occurring with less well-defined physiological and psychological changes
3 : the marked and sudden rise in the respiratory rate of fruit just prior to full ripening

climactic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a climax <the film's climactic scene>
–cli·mac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

climate
n. 1 : a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions
2 a : the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation b : the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors <a climate-controlled office>
3 : the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period : ATMOSPHERE <a climate of fear>

climatic
adj. 1 : of or relating to climate
2 : resulting from or influenced by the climate rather than the soil ― compare EDAPHIC 2
–cli·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

climatic climax
: the one of the ecological climaxes possible in a particular climatic area whose stability is directly due to the influence of climate ― compare EDAPHIC CLIMAX

climatology
n. : the science that deals with climates and their phenomena
–cli·ma·to·log·i·cal \ˌklī-mə-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–cli·ma·to·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cli·ma·tol·o·gist \-mə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

climax
n. 1 : a figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness
2 a : the highest point : CULMINATION <the climax of a distinguished career> b : the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action (as of a play) c : ORGASM d : MENOPAUSE
3 : a relatively stable ecological stage or community especially of plants that is achieved through successful adaptation to an environment especially : the final stage in ecological succession
synonyms see SUMMIT
–cli·max·less adjective

climax
n. : to bring to a climax <climaxed his boxing career with a knockout>
intransitive verb : to come to a climax <a riot climaxing in the destruction of several houses>

climax
n. climatic climax
edaphic climax
selling climax

climb
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to go upward with gradual or continuous progress : RISE, ASCEND <watching the smoke climb> b : to increase gradually <prices are continuing to climb> c : to slope upward <a climbing path>
2 a : to go upward or raise oneself especially by grasping or clutching with the hands <climbed aboard the train> b of a plant : to ascend in growth (as by twining)
3 : to go about or down usually by grasping or holding with the hands <climb down the ladder>
4 : to get into or out of clothing usually with some haste or effort <the firefighters climbed into their clothes>
transitive verb
1 : to go upward on or along, to the top of, or over <climb a hill>
2 : to draw or pull oneself up, over, or to the top of by using hands and feet <children climbing the tree>
3 : to grow up or over <ivy climbing the wall>
–climb·able \'klī-mə-bəl\ adjective

climb
n. 1 : a place where climbing is necessary to progress
2 : the act or an instance of climbing : RISE, ASCENT

climb
n. climb down
free climb
hill climb
rock climb
climbing iron
climbing wall
rock climbing
social climbing
stair climbing

climb down
: BACK DOWN
–climb·down \'klīm-ˌdau̇n\ noun

climber
n. 1 a : one that climbs or helps in climbing b : a vine or twining plant (as a rose or sweet pea) that readily grows up a support or over other plants
2 : one who attempts to gain a superior social or business position

climber
n. free climber
rock climber
social climber
stair climber

climbing iron
: a steel framework with spikes attached that may be affixed to one's boots for climbing (as a pole or tree)

climbing wall
: a wall specially designed for climbing and often built to simulate a rocky surface

clime
n. : CLIMATE <traveled to warmer climes>

clin
clinical

clinal
: sloping <synclinal>

Clinch
n. river ab 300 mi (480 km) SW Va. & E Tenn. flowing SW into Tennessee River

clinch
n. transitive verb
1 : CLENCH 3
2 a : to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail) also : to treat (as a screw, bolt, or rivet) in a similar way b : to fasten in this way
3 a : to make final or irrefutable : SETTLE <that clinched the argument> b : to assure the winning of <scored a touchdown to clinch the game>
intransitive verb
1 : to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms
2 : to hold fast or firmly
–clinch·ing·ly \'klin-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

clinch
n. 1 : a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt also : the clinched part of a nail, rivet, or bolt
2 archaic : PUN
3 : an act or instance of clinching in boxing
4 : EMBRACE

clincher
n. : one that clinches: as a : a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark <the expense was the clincher that persuaded us to give up the enterprise> b : a tire with flanged beads fitting into the wheel rim

cline
n. : a gradient of morphological or physiological change in a group of related organisms usually along a line of environmental or geographic transition
–clin·al \'klī-nəl\ adjective
–clin·al·ly \-nə-lē\ adverb

cline
n. : slope <monocline>

cling
v. 1 a : to hold together b : to adhere as if glued firmly c : to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
2 a : to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence <he clung to his friends for support> b : to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal <the odor clung to the room for hours>
synonyms see STICK
–cling·er \'kliŋ-ər\ noun
–clingy \'kliŋ-ē\ adjective

cling
v. : an act or instance of clinging : ADHERENCE

Clingmans Dome
mountain 6643 ft (2025 m) on N.C.-Tenn. boundary; highest in Great Smoky Mountains

clingstone
n. : any of various stone fruits (as some peaches or plums) with flesh that adheres strongly to the pit

clinic
n. 1 : a class of medical instruction in which patients are examined and discussed
2 : a group meeting devoted to the analysis and solution of concrete problems or to the acquiring of specific skills or knowledge <writing clinics> <golf clinics>
3 a : a facility (as of a hospital) for diagnosis and treatment of outpatients b : a group practice in which several physicians work cooperatively
4 : a facility that offers professional services or consultation usually at discounted rates <a legal clinic>
5 : an exemplary display or performance <put on a clinic in the tournament>

clinic
n. 1 : inclining : dipping
2 : having (so many) oblique intersections of the axes <triclinic>

clinical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or conducted in or as if in a clinic: as a : involving direct observation of the patient b : based on or characterized by observable and diagnosable symptoms
2 : analytical or coolly dispassionate <a clinical attitude>
–clin·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

clinical thermometer
: a thermometer for measuring body temperature that has a constriction in the tube above the bulb preventing movement of the column of liquid downward once it has reached its maximum temperature so that it continues to indicate the maximum temperature until the liquid is shaken back down into the bulb

clinical trial
: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects

clinician
n. 1 : a person qualified in the clinical practice of medicine, psychiatry, or psychology as distinguished from one specializing in laboratory or research techniques or in theory
2 : a person who conducts a clinic

clinicopathologic
adj. : relating to or concerned both with the signs and symptoms directly observable by the physician and with the results of laboratory examination
–clin·i·co·path·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

clink
n. intransitive verb : to give out a slight sharp short metallic sound
transitive verb : to cause to clink

clink
n. : a clinking sound

clink
n. 1 slang : a prison cell
2 slang : JAIL, PRISON

clinker
n. 1 : a brick that has been burned too much in the kiln
2 : stony matter fused together : SLAG

clinker
n. 1 British : something first-rate
2 a : a wrong note b : a serious mistake or error : BONER c : an utter failure : FLOP d : something of poor quality

clinker-built
: having the external planks or plates overlapping like the clapboards on a house <a clinker-built boat>

clinkety-clank
: a repeated usually rhythmic clanking sound <the clinkety-clank of a loose tire chain>

clinometer
n. : any of various instruments for measuring angles of elevation or inclination

clinous
: having the androecium and gynoecium in a (single or different) flower or (two separate) flowers <diclinous>

clinquant
: glittering with gold or tinsel

clinquant
: TINSEL

Clinton
n. De Witt 1769-1828 American statesman

Clinton
n. George 1739-1812 vice pres. of the U.S. (1805-12)

Clinton
n. Sir Henry 1738-1795 Eng. gen. in America

Clinton
n. William J(efferson) 1946-     American polit.; 42d pres. of the U.S. (1993-2001)

Clinton
n. 1 city E Iowa on Mississippi River pop 27,772
2 town SW cen Miss. pop 23,347

clintonia
: any of a genus (Clintonia) of herbs of the lily family with yellow, white, or purplish flowers

Clio
n. 1 : the Greek Muse of history
2 plural Cli·os : a statuette awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in print and broadcast advertising

cliometrics
n. : the application of methods developed in other fields (as economics, statistics, and data processing) to the study of history
–clio·met·ric \-trik\ adjective
–clio·met·ri·cian \-me-'tri-shən\ noun

clip
n. 1 : ENCOMPASS
2 a : to hold in a tight grip : CLUTCH b : to clasp, fasten, or secure with a clip

clip
n. 1 : any of various devices that grip, clasp, or hook
2 : a device to hold cartridges for charging the magazines of some rifles also : a magazine from which ammunition is fed into the chamber of a firearm
3 : a piece of jewelry held in position by a clip

clip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut or cut off with or as if with shears <clip a dog's hair> <clip an hour off traveling time> b : to cut off the distal or outer part of c (1) : 3EXCISE (2) : to cut items out of (as a newspaper)
2 a : CURTAIL, DIMINISH b : to abbreviate in speech or writing
3 : HIT, PUNCH especially : to strike in passing <the car skidded off the road and clipped a lamppost>
4 : to illegally block (an opposing player) in football
5 : to take money from unfairly or dishonestly especially by overcharging <the nightclub clipped the tourist for $200>
intransitive verb
1 : to clip something
2 : to travel or pass rapidly
3 : to clip an opposing player in football

clip
n. 1 a plural Scottish : SHEARS b : a 2-bladed instrument for cutting especially the nails
2 : something that is clipped: as a : the product of a single shearing (as of sheep) b : a crop of wool of a sheep, a flock, or a region c : a section of filmed, videotaped, or recorded material d : a clipping especially from a newspaper
3 : an act of clipping
4 : a sharp blow
5 : RATE 4A <continues at a brisk clip>
6 : a single instance or occasion : TIME <he charged $10 a clip> ― often used in the phrase at a clip <trained 1000 workers at a clip>

clip
n. alligator clip
clip art
clip clop
clip joint
clip on
ear clip
paper clip
roach clip

clip art
: ready-made usually copyright-free illustrations sold in books or as part of a software package from which they may be cut and pasted or inserted as artwork

clip joint
1 slang : a place of public entertainment (as a nightclub) that makes a practice of defrauding patrons (as by overcharging)
2 slang : a business that makes a practice of overcharging

clip-clop
: the sound made by or as if by a horse walking on a hard surface
–clip-clop intransitive verb

clip-on
: attached with a clip <a clip-on tie> <clip-on earrings>
–clip-on noun

clipboard
n. 1 : a small writing board with a clip at the top for holding papers
2 : a section of computer memory that temporarily stores data (as text or a graphics image) especially to facilitate its movement or duplication

clipper
n. 1 : one that clips something
2 : an implement for clipping especially hair, fingernails, or toenails ― usually used in plural
3 a : one that moves swiftly b : a fast sailing ship especially : one with long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall masts, and a large sail area

clipping
n. : something that is clipped off or out of something else <grass clippings> especially : an item clipped from a publication

clipsheet
n. : a sheet of newspaper material issued by an organization for clipping and reprinting

clique
n. : a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes
–cliqu·ey \'klē-kē, 'kli-\ adjective
–cliqu·ish \'kli-kish\ adjective
–cliqu·ish·ly adverb
–cliqu·ish·ness noun

clitellum
: a thickened glandular section of the body wall of some annelids that secretes a viscid sac in which the eggs are deposited

clitic
adj. : a word that is treated in pronunciation as forming a part of a neighboring word and that is often unaccented or contracted

clitoridectomy
n. : excision of all or part of the clitoris

clitoris
n. : a small erectile organ at the anterior or ventral part of the vulva homologous to the penis
–cli·to·ral \'kli-tə-rəl\ also cli·tor·ic \kli-'tȯr-ik, -'tär-\ adjective

Clive
n. Robert 1725-1774 Baron Clive of Plassey Brit. gen. & founder of the empire of Brit. India

clivia
: any of a genus (Clivia) of perennial evergreen So. African herbs of the amaryllis family with fleshy roots and umbels of large funnel-shaped flowers

clk
clerk

clo
clothing

cloaca
n. 1 : 3SEWER
2 [New Latin, from L] : the common chamber into which the intestinal and urogenital tracts discharge especially in monotreme mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and elasmobranch fishes also : a comparable chamber of an invertebrate
3 : CESSPOOL 2
–clo·a·cal \-'ā-kəl\ adjective

cloak
n. 1 : a loose outer garment
2 : something likened to an outer garment: as a : something that envelops or conceals <a cloak of secrecy> b : a distinctive character or role <hung up his academic cloak⋯to become a stay-at-home father ― Charles Chamberlain>

cloak
n. : to cover or hide with or as if with a cloak
synonyms see DISGUISE

cloak-and-dagger
: dealing in or suggestive of melodramatic intrigue and action usually involving secret agents and espionage <a cloak-and-dagger novel>
–cloak-and-dagger noun

cloakroom
n. 1 a : a room in which outdoor clothing may be placed during one's stay b : CHECKROOM
2 : an anteroom of a legislative chamber where members may relax and confer with colleagues
3 British : LAVATORY 2

clobber
v. slang British : CLOTHES 1

clobber
v. 1 : to pound mercilessly also : to hit with force <clobber a home run>
2 a : to defeat overwhelmingly <got clobbered in the election> b : to have a strongly negative impact on <businesses clobbered by the recession> c : to criticize harshly <a film clobbered by reviewers>

clochard
n. : TRAMP, VAGRANT

cloche
n. 1 : a transparent plant cover used outdoors especially for protection against cold
2 : a woman's close-fitting hat usually with deep rounded crown and narrow brim

clock
n. 1 : a device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time commonly by means of hands moving on a dial broadly : any periodic system by which time is measured
2 : a registering device usually with a dial specifically : ODOMETER
3 : TIME CLOCK
4 : a synchronizing device (as in a computer) that produces pulses at regular intervals
5 : BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
–against the clock
1 : with or within a time constraint <working against the clock>
2 : with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement <trial races against the clock>
–around the clock also round the clock
1 : continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation
2 : without relaxation and heedless of time
–kill the clock or run out the clock : to use up as much as possible of the playing time remaining in a game (as football) while retaining possession of the ball or puck especially to protect a lead

clock
n. 1 a : to time with a stopwatch or by an electric timing device b : to be timed at
2 : to register on a mechanical recording device <wind velocities were clocked at 80 miles per hour>
3 : to hit hard
4 chiefly British : ATTAIN, REALIZE ― usually used with up <just clocked up a million⋯paperback sales ― Punch>
5 a : to travel (a distance) over time <clocks more than 15,000 miles a year on business> b : PUT IN 3 <clocking long hours at the office>
intransitive verb
1 : to have a specified duration or speed ― used with in <the movie clocked in at just under 3 hours> broadly : to have a specified measure or value ― used with in <the meal clocked in at about $15>
2 : to register on a time sheet or time clock : PUNCH ― used with in, out, on, off <he clocked in late>
–clock·er noun

clock
n. : an ornamental figure on the ankle or side of a stocking or sock

clock
n. run out the clock
round the clock
alarm clock
around the clock
atomic clock
banjo clock
biological clock
body clock
clean one's clock
kill the clock
against the clock
clock radio
clock watcher
clock watching
cuckoo clock
grandfather clock
grandfather's clock
longcase clock
shot clock
time clock
turn back the clock
water clock

clock radio
: a combination clock and radio device in which the clock can be set to turn on the radio at a designated time

clock-watcher
: a person (as a worker or student) who keeps close watch on the passage of time
–clock-watch·ing \-chiŋ\ noun

clocklike
: unusually regular, undeviating, and precise <does his job with clocklike efficiency>

clockwise
adj. : in the direction in which the hands of a clock rotate as viewed from in front or as if standing on a clock face
–clockwise adjective

clockwork
n. 1 : the inner workings of something
2 : the machinery (as springs and a train of gears) that run a clock also : a similar mechanism running a mechanical device (as a toy)
3 : the precision, regularity, or absence of variation associated with a clock or clockwork <a clockwork operation> <the planning went like clockwork>

clod
n. 1 a : a lump or mass especially of earth or clay b : SOIL, EARTH
2 : OAF, DOLT
–clod·dish \'klä-dish\ adjective
–clod·dish·ness noun
–clod·dy \'klä-dē\ adjective

clodhopper
n. 1 : a clumsy and uncouth rustic
2 : a large heavy work shoe or boot

clodhopping
n. : BOORISH, RUDE

clodpoll
: BLOCKHEAD

clofibrate
adj. : a compound C_12H_15ClO_3 used especially to lower abnormally high concentrations of fats and cholesterol in the blood

clog
n. 1 a : a weight attached especially to an animal to hinder motion b : something that shackles or impedes : ENCUMBRANCE 1
2 : a shoe, sandal, or overshoe having a thick typically wooden sole

clog
n. transitive verb
1 a : to impede with a clog : HINDER b : to halt or retard the progress, operation, or growth of : ENCUMBER <restraints that have been clogging the market ― T. W. Arnold>
2 a : to fill beyond capacity : OVERLOAD <cars clogged the main street> ― often used with up <petty cases clogging up the courts> b : to cause blockage in ― often used with up <arteries clogged up by cholesterol>
intransitive verb
1 : to become filled with extraneous matter ― often used with up
2 : to unite in a mass : CLOT
3 : to dance a clog dance
synonyms see HAMPER
–clog·ger \'klä-gər, 'klȯ-\ noun

clog
n. clog dance
clog dancing
clog dancer

clog dance
: a dance in which the performer wears clogs and beats out a clattering rhythm on the floor
–clog dancer noun
–clog dancing noun

cloisonne
n. : of, relating to, or being a style of enamel decoration in which the enamel is applied and fired in raised cells (as of soldered wires) on a usually metal background ― compare CHAMPLEVÉ
–cloisonné noun

cloister
n. 1 a : a monastic establishment b : an area within a monastery or convent to which the religious are normally restricted c : monastic life d : a place or state of seclusion
2 : a covered passage on the side of a court usually having one side walled and the other an open arcade or colonnade

cloister
n. 1 : to seclude from the world in or as if in a cloister <a scientist who cloisters herself in a laboratory>
2 : to surround with a cloister <cloistered gardens>

cloistered
adj. 1 : being or living in or as if in a cloister
2 : providing shelter from contact with the outside world <the cloistered atmosphere of a small college>

cloistral
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a cloister

cloistress
n. obsolete : NUN

clomiphene
n. : a synthetic drug C_26H_28ClNO used in the form of its citrate to induce ovulation

clomipramine
: a tricyclic antidepressant C_19H_23ClN_2 used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder

clomp
v. : CLUMP 1

clonazepam
: a benzodiazepine C_15H_10ClN_30_3 used especially as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy

clone
n. 1 a : the aggregate of genetically identical cells or organisms asexually produced by a single progenitor cell or organism b : an individual grown from a single somatic cell or cell nucleus and genetically identical to it c : a group of replicas of all or part of a macromolecule and especially DNA <clones of identical recombinant DNA sequences>
2 : one that appears to be a copy of an original form : DUPLICATE <a clone of a personal computer>
–clon·al \'klō-nəl\ adjective
–clon·al·ly \-nə-lē\ adverb

clone
n. transitive verb
1 : to propagate a clone from
2 : to make a copy of
intransitive verb : to produce a clone
–clon·er \'klō-nər\ noun

clonidine
: an antihypertensive drug C_9H_9Cl_2N_3 used especially to treat essential hypertension, to prevent migraine headache, and to diminish opioid and nicotine withdrawal symptoms

clonk
n. intransitive verb : to make a dull hollow thumping sound
transitive verb : to cause to clonk
–clonk noun

Clonmel
town S Ireland capital of County Tipperary pop 11,759

clonus
n. : a rapid succession of alternating contractions and partial relaxations of a muscle occurring in some nervous diseases
–clon·ic \'klä-nik\ adjective
–clo·nic·i·ty \klō-'ni-sə-tē, klä-\ noun

cloot
1 Scottish : a cloven hoof
2 plural capitalized Scottish : CLOOTIE

Clootie
chiefly Scottish ― used as a name of the devil

Cloots
Baron de 1755-1794 Jean-Baptiste du Val-de-Grâce; known as An·a·char·sis \ˌa-nə-'kär-səs\ Cloots Pruss.-Fr. revolutionary

clop
v. : a sound made by or as if by a hoof or wooden shoe against the pavement
–clop intransitive verb

clop-clop
: a sound of rhythmically repeated clops
–clop-clop intransitive verb

cloque
1 : a fabric with an embossed design
2 : a fabric especially of piqué with small woven figures

Close
n. Chuck 1940-     Charles Thomas Close American painter

close
n. transitive verb
1 a : to move so as to bar passage through something <close the gate> b : to block against entry or passage <close a street> c : to deny access to <the city closed the beach> d : SCREEN, EXCLUDE <close a view> e : to suspend or stop the operations of <close school> ― often used with down
2 archaic : ENCLOSE, CONTAIN
3 a : to bring to an end or period <close an account> b : to conclude discussion or negotiation about <the question is closed> also : to consummate by performing something previously agreed <close a transfer of real estate title> c : to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
4 a : to bring or bind together the parts or edges of <a closed book> b : to fill up (as an opening) c : to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous <close a circuit> d : to reduce to nil <closed the distance to the lead racer>
intransitive verb
1 a : to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening <the door closed quietly> b : to cease operation <the factory closed down> <the stores close at 9 p.m.>
2 a : to draw near <the ship was closing with the island> b : to engage in a struggle at close quarters : GRAPPLE <close with the enemy>
3 a : to come together : MEET b : to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
4 : to enter into or complete an agreement <close on a deal>
5 : to come to an end or period <the services closed with a short prayer>
6 : to reduce a gap <closed to within two points>
–clos·able or close·able \'klō-zə-bəl\ adjective
–close one's doors
1 : to refuse admission <the nation closed its doors to immigrants>
2 : to go out of business
–close one's eyes to : to ignore deliberately
–close ranks : to unite in a concerted stand especially to meet a challenge
–close the door : to be uncompromisingly obstructive <closed the door to further negotiation>
synonyms CLOSE, END, CONCLUDE, FINISH, COMPLETE, TERMINATE mean to bring or come to a stopping point or limit. CLOSE usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished <close a debate>. END conveys a strong sense of finality <ended his life>. CONCLUDE may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting) <the service concluded with a blessing>. FINISH may stress completion of a final step in a process <after it is painted, the house will be finished>. COMPLETE implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken <the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement>. TERMINATE implies the setting of a limit in time or space <your employment terminates after three months>.

close
n. 1 a : a coming or bringing to a conclusion <at the close of the party> b : a conclusion or end in time or existence : CESSATION <the decade drew to a close> c : the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
2 : the conclusion of a musical strain or period : CADENCE
3 archaic : a hostile encounter
4 : the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot

close
n. 1 a : an enclosed area b chiefly British : the precinct of a cathedral
2 chiefly British a : a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements b : a road closed at one end

close
n. 1 : having no openings : CLOSED
2 a : confined or carefully guarded <close arrest> b (1) of a vowel : HIGH 13 (2) : formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
3 : restricted to a privileged class
4 a : SECLUDED, SECRET b : SECRETIVE <she could tell us something if she would⋯but she was as close as wax ― A. Conan Doyle>
5 : STRICT, RIGOROUS <keep close watch>
6 : hot and stuffy <a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere>
7 : not generous in giving or spending : TIGHT
8 : having little space between items or units <a close weave> <a close grain>
9 a : fitting tightly or exactly <a close fit> b : very short or near to the surface <a close haircut>
10 : being near in time, space, effect, or degree <at close range> <close to my birthday> <close to the speed of sound>
11 : INTIMATE, FAMILIAR <close friends>
12 a : very precise and attentive to details <a close reading> <a close study> b : marked by fidelity to an original <a close copy of an old master> c : TERSE, COMPACT
13 : decided or won by a narrow margin <a close baseball game>
14 : difficult to obtain <money is close>
15 of punctuation : characterized by liberal use especially of commas
synonyms see STINGY
–close·ly adverb
–close·ness noun
–close to home : within one's personal interests so that one is strongly affected <the speaker's remarks hit close to home>
–close to the bone : within a sensitive or personal area <the criticism cut close to the bone>
–close to the vest : in a reserved or cautious manner

close
n. : in a close position or manner

close
n. close the door
close ranks
close one's eyes to
close one's doors
close to the vest
close to the bone
close to home
close call
close corporation
close cropped
close grained
close hauled
close in
close knit
close order
close out
close quarters
close shave
close up
complimentary close
letters close
up close
close to the wind
closed book
closed captioned
closed captioning
closed cell
closed circuit
closed corporation
closed couplet
closed door
closed end
closed loop
closed shop
closed stance
simple closed curve
complimentary closing
self closing
closely held

close call
: a narrow escape

close corporation
: a corporation whose stock is not publicly traded but held by a few persons (as those in management)

close in
1 : to encircle closely and isolate
2 : to enshroud to such an extent as to preclude entrance or exit <the airport was closed in by the storm>
intransitive verb
1 : to gather in close all around with an oppressing or isolating effect <despair closed in on her>
2 : to approach to close quarters especially for an attack, raid, or arrest <the police closed in>
3 : to grow dark <the short November day was already closing in ― Ellen Glasgow>

close one's doors

1 : to refuse admission <the nation closed its doors to immigrants>
2 : to go out of business

close one's eyes to
to ignore deliberately

close order
: an arrangement of troops in a typical marching formation

close out
1 a : EXCLUDE b : PRECLUDE <close out his chances>
2 a : to dispose of a whole stock of by sale b : to dispose of (a business) c : SELL <closed out his share of the business> d : to put (an account) in order for disposal or transfer
3 a : to bring to an often rapid or abrupt conclusion <close out a career> b : to discontinue operation of
intransitive verb
1 : to sell out a business
2 : to buy or sell securities or commodities in order to terminate an account

close quarters
: immediate contact or close range <fought at close quarters>

close ranks
to unite in a concerted stand especially to meet a challenge

close shave
: a narrow escape

close the door
to be uncompromisingly obstructive <closed the door to further negotiation>

close to home
within one's personal interests so that one is strongly affected <the speaker's remarks hit close to home>

close to the bone
within a sensitive or personal area <the criticism cut close to the bone>

close to the vest
in a reserved or cautious manner

close to the wind
as nearly as possible against the main force of the wind

close-cropped
1 : clipped short <close-cropped hair>
2 : having the hair clipped short <a close-cropped actor>

close-grained
: having a compacted smooth texture especially : having narrow annual rings or small wood elements

close-hauled
: having the sails set for sailing as nearly against the wind as the vessel will go

close-in
1 : near a center of activity and especially a city <close-in suburbs>
2 : occurring or designed for use within a narrowly limited area <close-in fighting> <close-in weapons>

close-knit
: bound together by intimate social or cultural ties or by close economic or political ties <close-knit families>

close-up
1 : a photograph or movie shot taken at close range
2 : an intimate view or examination of something

close-up
: at close range

closed
adj. 1 a : not open b : ENCLOSED c : composed entirely of closed tubes or vessels <a closed circulatory system>
2 a : forming a self-contained unit allowing no additions <closed association> b (1) : traced by a moving point that returns to an arbitrary starting point <closed curve> also : so formed that every plane section is a closed curve <closed surface> (2) : characterized by mathematical elements that when subjected to an operation produce only elements of the same set <the set of whole numbers is closed under addition and multiplication> (3) : containing all the limit points of every possible subset <a closed interval contains its endpoints> c : characterized by continuous return and reuse of the working substance <a closed cooling system> d of a racecourse : having the same starting and finishing point
3 a : confined to a few <closed membership> b : excluding participation of outsiders or witnesses : conducted in strict secrecy c : rigidly excluding outside influence <a closed mind>
4 : ending in a consonant <closed syllable>

closed
adj. closed book
closed captioned
closed captioning
closed cell
closed circuit
closed corporation
closed couplet
closed door
closed end
closed loop
closed shop
closed stance
simple closed curve

closed book
: something beyond comprehension : ENIGMA

closed corporation
: CLOSE CORPORATION

closed couplet
: a rhymed couplet in which the sense is complete

closed loop
: an automatic control system in which an operation, process, or mechanism is regulated by feedback

closed shop
1 : an establishment in which the employer by agreement hires only union members in good standing
2 : an exclusive group or establishment

closed stance
: a stance (as in golf) in which the forward foot is closer to the line of play than the back foot ― compare OPEN STANCE

closed-captioned
of a television program : broadcast with captions that appear only on the screen of a receiver equipped with a decoder

closed-captioning
: a service that provides closed-captioned programming

closed-cell
: consisting of numerous small sealed cavities usually filled with air <closed-cell foam>

closed-circuit
: used in, shown on, or being a television installation in which the signal is transmitted by wire to a limited number of receivers

closed-door
: barring public and press <a closed-door session of the investigating committee>

closed-end
: having a fixed capitalization of shares that are traded on the market at prices determined by the operation of the law of supply and demand <a closed-end investment company> ― compare OPEN-END

closedown
n. : an instance of suspending or stopping operations

closefisted
adj. : STINGY, TIGHTFISTED

closely held
: having most stock shares and voting rights in the hands of a few <a closely held business>

closemouthed
adj. : cautious in speaking : UNCOMMUNICATIVE also : SECRETIVE

closeout
n. 1 : a clearing out by a sale usually at reduced prices of the whole remaining stock (as of a business)
2 : an article offered or bought at a closeout

closer
adj. : one that closes especially : a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing games

closestool
: a stool holding a chamber pot

closet
n. 1 a : an apartment or small room for privacy b : a monarch's or official's private chamber
2 : a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing
3 : a place of retreat or privacy
4 : WATER CLOSET
5 : a state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity <came out of the closet>
–clos·et·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

closet
n. 1 : to shut up in or as if in a closet
2 : to take into a closet for a secret interview

closet
n. 1 : closely private
2 : working in or suited to the closet as the place of seclusion or study : THEORETICAL
3 : being so in private <a closet racist>

closet
n. china closet
closet drama
closet queen
water closet

closet drama
: drama suited primarily for reading rather than production

closet queen
often disparaging : one who secretly engages in homosexual activities while leading an ostensibly heterosexual life

closeted
v. : CLOSET 3 <a closeted homosexual>

closing
n. 1 : a concluding part (as of a speech)
2 : a closable gap (as in an article of clothing)
3 : a meeting of parties to a real-estate deal for formally transferring title

clostridium
n. : any of a genus (Clostridium) of spore-forming mostly anaerobic soil or intestinal bacteria ― compare BOTULISM, TETANUS
–clos·trid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

closure
n. 1 archaic : means of enclosing : ENCLOSURE
2 : an act of closing : the condition of being closed <closure of the eyelids> <business closures>
3 : something that closes <pocket with zipper closure>
4 [translation of French clôture] : CLOTURE
5 : the property that a number system or a set has when it is mathematically closed under an operation
6 : a set that consists of a given set together with all the limit points of that set
7 : an often comforting or satisfying sense of finality <victims needing closure> also : something (as a satisfying ending) that provides such a sense

clot
n. 1 : a portion of a substance adhering together in a thick nondescript mass (as of clay or gum)
2 a : a roundish viscous lump formed by coagulation of a portion of liquid or by melting b : a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood
3 British : BLOCKHEAD
4 : CLUSTER, GROUP <a clot of spectators>

clot
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become a clot : form clots
2 : to undergo a sequence of complex chemical and physical reactions that results in conversion of fluid blood into a coagulated mass : COAGULATE
transitive verb
1 : to cause to form into or as if into a clot
2 : to fill with clots also : CLOG <clotted streets>

clot
n. clot buster
clot busting
clotted cream
clotting factor

clot-buster
: a drug (as streptokinase) used to dissolve blood clots
–clot-bust·ing \-tiŋ\ adjective

cloth
n. 1 a : a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments b : a similar material (as of glass)
2 : a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose especially : TABLECLOTH
3 a : a distinctive dress of a profession or calling b : the dress of the clergy also : CLERGY

cloth
n. oxford cloth
poodle cloth
terry cloth
cloth yard
drop cloth
grass cloth
ground cloth
hardware cloth
kente cloth
monk's cloth
pina cloth
piña cloth
press cloth
sponge cloth
whole cloth
wire cloth

cloth yard
: a yard especially for measuring cloth specifically : a unit of 37 inches equal to the Scottish ell and used also as a length for arrows

clothbound
adj. of a book : bound in stiff boards covered with cloth

clothe
v. 1 a : to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : DRESS b : to provide with clothes <the cost of feeding and clothing a family>
2 : to express or enhance by suitably significant language : COUCH <treaties clothed in stately phraseology>
3 : to endow especially with power or a quality <the nobility in which religion and history can clothe humanity ― D.R. Wallace>

clothe
v. clothes moth
clothes peg
swaddling clothes
swathing clothes
wolf in sheep's clothing

clothes
n. 1 : CLOTHING
2 : BEDCLOTHES
3 : all the cloth articles of personal and household use that can be washed

clothes
n. clothes moth
clothes peg
swaddling clothes
swathing clothes

clothes moth
: any of several small yellowish or buff-colored moths (esp. Tinea pellionella and Tineola bisselliella of the family Tineidae) whose larvae eat wool, fur, or feathers

clothes-peg
British : CLOTHESPIN

clotheshorse
n. 1 : a frame on which to hang clothes
2 : a conspicuously dressy person

clothesline
n. : a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry

clothesline
n. : to knock down (as a football player) by catching by the neck with an outstretched arm

clothespin
n. : a forked piece of wood or plastic or a small spring clamp used for fastening clothes on a clothesline

clothespress
n. : a receptacle for clothes

clothier
n. : one who makes or sells clothing

clothing
n. : garments in general also : COVERING

clotrimazole
: an antifungal agent C_22H_17ClN_2

clotted cream
: a thick cream made chiefly in England by slowly heating whole milk on which the cream has been allowed to rise and then skimming the cooled cream from the top ― called also Devonshire cream

clotting factor
: any of several plasma components (as fibrinogen, prothrombin, and thromboplastin) that are involved in the clotting of blood ― compare FACTOR VIII

cloture
n. : the closing or limitation of debate in a legislative body especially by calling for a vote
–cloture transitive verb

cloud
n. 1 : a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the earth) or moon
2 : something resembling or suggesting a cloud: as a : a light filmy, puffy, or billowy mass seeming to float in the air <a cloud of blond hair> <a ship under a cloud of sail> b (1) : a usually visible mass of minute particles suspended in the air or a gas (2) : an aggregation of usually obscuring matter especially in interstellar space (3) : an aggregate of charged particles (as electrons) c : a great crowd or multitude : SWARM <clouds of mosquitoes>
3 : something that has a dark, lowering, or threatening aspect <clouds of war> <a cloud of suspicion>
4 : something that obscures or blemishes <a cloud of ambiguity>
5 : a dark or opaque vein or spot (as in marble or a precious stone)

cloud
n. 1 : to grow cloudy ― usually used with over or up <clouded over before the storm>
2 a of facial features : to become troubled, apprehensive, or distressed in appearance <her face clouded with worry> b : to become blurry, dubious, or ominous ― often used with over <the outlook is clouding over>
3 : to billow up in the form of a cloud
transitive verb
1 a : to envelop or hide with or as if with a cloud <smog clouded our view> b : to make opaque especially by condensation of moisture <steam clouded the windows> c : to make murky especially with smoke or mist <smoke clouded the sky>
2 : to make unclear or confused <cloud the issue>
3 : TAINT, SULLY <a clouded reputation>
4 : to cast gloom over <cloud prospects for success>

cloud
n. cloud chamber
cloud cuckoo land
cloud ear
cloud forest
cloud nine
cloud street
electron cloud
funnel cloud
Magellanic Cloud
mushroom cloud
noctilucent cloud
Oort cloud
Red Cloud
Cloud Peak
Saint Cloud
clouded leopard

cloud chamber
: a vessel containing air saturated with water vapor whose sudden expansion reveals the passage of an ionizing particle by a trail of visible droplets

cloud ear
: WOOD EAR

cloud forest
: a wet tropical mountain forest at an altitude usually between 3000 and 8000 feet (1000 and 2500 meters) that is characterized by a profusion of epiphytes and the presence of clouds even in the dry season

cloud nine
: a feeling of well-being or elation ― usually used with on <still on cloud nine weeks after winning the championship>

Cloud Peak
mountain 13,165 ft (4013 m) N Wyo.; highest in Bighorn Mountains

cloud street
: a row of cumulus clouds

cloud-cuckoo-land
: a realm of fantasy or of whimsical or foolish behavior

cloudberry
n. : a creeping herbaceous raspberry (Rubus chamaemorus) of north temperate regions also : its pale amber-colored edible fruit

cloudburst
n. 1 : a sudden copious rainfall
2 : a sudden outpouring : DELUGE <a cloudburst of anger>

clouded leopard
: a medium-sized often arboreal cat (Neofelis nebulosa) that occurs from Nepal to southeast China and Indonesia and is grayish to yellowish with darker irregular rings, ovals, and rosettes

cloudland
n. 1 : the region of the clouds
2 : the realm of visionary speculation or poetic imagination

cloudless
adj. : free from clouds : CLEAR
–cloud·less·ly adverb
–cloud·less·ness noun

cloudlet
n. : a small cloud

cloudscape
n. : a view or pictorial representation of a cloud formation

cloudy
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling cloud <cloudy smoke>
2 : darkened by gloom or anxiety <a cloudy mood>
3 a : overcast with clouds <cloudy weather> b : having a cloudy sky <a cloudy day>
4 : obscure in meaning <cloudy issues> also : uncertain as to fact or outcome <a cloudy future>
5 : dimmed or dulled as if by clouds <a cloudy mirror>
6 : uneven in color or texture
7 : having visible material in suspension : MURKY <a cloudy liquid>
–cloud·i·ly \'klau̇-də-lē\ adverb
–cloud·i·ness \'klau̇-dē-nəs\ noun

Clough
n. Arthur Hugh 1819-1861 Eng. poet

clout
n. 1 dialect chiefly British : a piece of cloth or leather : RAG
2 : a blow especially with the hand also : a hard hit in baseball
3 : a white cloth on a stake or frame used as a target in archery
4 : PULL, INFLUENCE <political clout>

clout
n. 1 : to cover or patch with a clout
2 : to hit forcefully

clove
n. : one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove
n. past of cleave

clove
n. : the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum syn. Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil also : this tree

clove hitch
: a knot securing a rope temporarily to an object (as a post or spar) and consisting of a turn around the object, over the standing part, around the object again, and under the last turn ― see KNOT illustration

clove pink
: CARNATION 2

cloven
adj. past part of cleave

cloven
adj. cloven foot
cloven footed
cloven hoof
cloven hoofed

cloven foot
: CLOVEN HOOF
–clo·ven-foot·ed \'klō-vən-ˌfu̇-təd\ adjective

cloven hoof
1 : a foot (as of a sheep) divided into two parts at its distal extremity
2 [from the traditional representation of Satan as cloven-hoofed] : the sign of devilish character
–clo·ven-hoofed \'klō-vən-ˌhu̇ft, -ˌhüft, -ˌhu̇vd, -ˌhüvd\ adjective

clover
n. 1 : any of a genus (Trifolium) of low leguminous herbs having trifoliolate leaves and flowers in dense heads and including many that are valuable for forage and attractive to bees
2 : any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza, or Medicago) of the legume family
–in clover also in the clover : in prosperity or in pleasant circumstances

clover
n. Egyptian clover
in the clover
alsike clover
Alyce clover
bush clover
in clover
crimson clover
Dutch clover
ladino clover
red clover
sweet clover
white clover
white Dutch clover

cloverleaf
n. : resembling a clover leaf in shape

cloverleaf
n. : an interchange between two major highways that allows traffic to change from one to the other without requiring any left turns or crossings and that from above resembles a 4-leaf clover

Clovis
adj. : of or relating to a widely distributed prehistoric culture of No. America characterized by leaf-shaped flint projectile points having fluted sides

Clovis
adj. ca 466-511 king of the Salian Franks (481-511)

Clovis
adj. 1 city cen Calif. NE of Fresno pop 68,468
2 city E N.Mex. pop 32,667

clown
n. 1 : FARMER, COUNTRYMAN
2 : a rude ill-bred person : BOOR
3 a : a fool, jester, or comedian in an entertainment (as a play) specifically : a grotesquely dressed comedy performer in a circus b : a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoon c : JOKER 1B

clown
n. : to act as or like a clown <always clowning around>

clown fish
: any of various small tropical fishes (genera Amphiprion and Premnas) of the Indian and Pacific oceans that are related to the damselfishes, are bright orange usually with one or more vertical white stripes, and live symbiotically with sea anemones

clownery
n. : clownish behavior or an instance of clownishness : BUFFOONERY

clownish
adj. : resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)
synonyms see BOORISH
–clown·ish·ly adverb
–clown·ish·ness noun

cloxacillin
n. : a semisynthetic oral penicillin C_19H_17ClN_3NaO_5S effective especially against staphylococci which secrete beta-lactamase

cloy
v. transitive verb : to surfeit with an excess usually of something orig. pleasing
intransitive verb : to cause surfeit
synonyms see SATIATE

cloying
n. : disgusting or distasteful by reason of excess <cloying sweetness> also : excessively sweet or sentimental <a cloying romantic comedy>
–cloy·ing·ly adverb

clozapine
n. : an antipsychotic drug C_18H_19ClN_4 used in the treatment of schizophrenia

cloze
n. : of, relating to, or being a test of reading comprehension that involves having the person being tested supply words which have been systematically deleted from a text

clr
clear; clearance

CLU
chartered life underwriter

club
n. 1 a : a heavy usually tapering staff especially of wood wielded as a weapon b : a stick or bat used to hit a ball in any of various games c : something resembling a club
2 a : a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a black clover b plural but singular or plural in construction : the suit comprising cards marked with clubs
3 a : an association of persons for some common object usually jointly supported and meeting periodically also : a group identified by some common characteristic <nations in the nuclear club> b : the meeting place of a club <lunch at the club> c : an association of persons participating in a plan by which they agree to make regular payments or purchases in order to secure some advantage d : NIGHTCLUB e : an athletic association or team
4 : CLUB SANDWICH
–club·bish \'klə-bish\ adjective

club
n. transitive verb
1 a : to beat or strike with or as if with a club b : to gather into a club-shaped mass <clubbed her hair>
2 a : to unite or combine for a common cause b : to contribute to a common fund
intransitive verb
1 : to form a club : COMBINE
2 : to pay a share of a common expense
3 : NIGHTCLUB

club
n. billy club
book club
bottle club
Christmas club
club car
club chair
club cheese
club fungus
club moss
club sandwich
club soda
club steak
country club
devil's club
glee club
golden club
health club
Hercules' club
Indian club
jockey club
key club
service club
supper club
war club
yacht club

club car
: a railroad passenger car with facilities for serving refreshments and drinks ― called also bar car lounge car

club chair
: a deep low thickly upholstered easy chair often with rather low back and heavy sides and arms

club cheese
: a process cheese made by grinding cheddar and other cheeses usually with added condiments and seasoning

club fungus
: any of various basidiomycetes (family Clavariaceae) with a simple or branched often club-shaped sporophore

club moss
: any of an order (Lycopodiales) of primitive vascular plants (as ground pine) often with the sporangia borne in club-shaped strobili

club sandwich
: a sandwich of three slices of bread with two layers of meat (as turkey) and lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise

club soda
: SODA WATER 2A

club steak
: a small steak cut from the end of the short loin ― see BEEF illustration

clubbable
adj. : SOCIABLE
–club·ba·bil·i·ty \ˌklə-bə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

clubbed
v. : shaped like a club <clubbed antennae>

clubber
n. : a member or patron of a club

clubby
adj. : characteristic of a club or club members: as a : displaying friendliness especially to other members of the same social group : SOCIABLE b : open only to qualified or approved persons : SELECT, ELITE
–club·bi·ness noun

clubface
: the forward striking surface of a clubhead

clubfoot
n. : a congenitally misshapen foot twisted out of position also : this deformity
–club·foot·ed \-ˌfu̇-təd\ adjective

clubhead
: the part of a golf club that strikes the ball

clubhouse
n. 1 : a house occupied by a club or used for club activities
2 : locker rooms used by an athletic team
3 : a building at a golf course typically housing a locker room, pro shop, and restaurant

clubman
n. : a usually wealthy man given to club life

clubroot
n. : a disease of cruciferous plants (as cabbage) caused by a slime mold (Plasmodiophora brassicae) producing swellings or distortions of the root

cluck
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a cluck
2 : to make a clicking sound with the tongue
3 : to express interest or concern <critics clucked over the new developments>
transitive verb
1 : to call with a cluck
2 : to express with interest or concern

cluck
n. 1 : the characteristic sound made by a hen especially in calling her chicks
2 : a stupid or naive person <a dumb cluck>

clue
n. 1 : something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties specifically : a piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem
2 : IDEA, NOTION <had no clue what he meant>

clue
n. 1 : to provide with a clue
2 : to give reliable information to <clue me in on how it happened>

clueless
adj. 1 : having or providing no clue <a clueless case for the police to solve>
2 : completely or hopelessly bewildered, unaware, ignorant, or foolish <clueless about what they want>

Cluj-Napoca
city NW cen Romania in Transylvania pop 318,027

clumber spaniel
: any of a breed of large massive heavyset spaniels with a dense silky largely white coat

clump
n. 1 : a group of things clustered together <a clump of bushes>
2 : a compact mass
3 : a heavy tramping sound
–clumpy \'kləm-pē\ adjective

clump
n. 1 : to walk or move clumsily and noisily
2 : to form clumps
transitive verb : to arrange in or cause to form clumps

clumsy
adj. 1 a : lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace <clumsy fingers> b : lacking tact or subtlety <a clumsy joke>
2 : awkward or inefficient in use or construction : UNWIELDY <a clumsy contraption>
synonyms see AWKWARD
–clum·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–clum·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

clung
past and past part of cling

clunk
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a clunk
2 : to hit something with a clunk
transitive verb : to strike or hit with a clunk

clunk
n. 1 : a blow or the sound of a blow : THUMP
2 : a dull or stupid person

clunker
n. 1 : an old or badly working piece of machinery especially : a dilapidated automobile
2 : someone or something notably unsuccessful <told a joke that was a real clunker>

clunky
adj. : clumsy in style, form, or execution <a clunky thriller> <clunky earrings>

Cluny
n. town E cen France NNW of Lyon pop 4371

clupeid
: HERRING 2

Clusium
― see CHIUSI

cluster
n. : a number of similar things that occur together: as a : two or more consecutive consonants or vowels in a segment of speech b : a group of buildings and especially houses built close together on a sizable tract in order to preserve open spaces larger than the individual yard for common recreation c : an aggregation of stars or galaxies that appear close together in the sky and are gravitationally associated d : a larger than expected number of cases of disease (as leukemia) occurring in a particular locality, group of people, or period of time
–clus·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

cluster
n. transitive verb
1 : to collect into a cluster <cluster the tents together>
2 : to furnish with clusters
intransitive verb : to grow, assemble, or occur in a cluster <they clustered around the fire>

cluster
n. cluster analysis
cluster bomb
cluster headache
globular cluster
oak leaf cluster

cluster analysis
: a statistical classification technique for discovering whether the individuals of a population fall into different groups by making quantitative comparisons of multiple characteristics

cluster bomb
: a canister of small individual bombs that is dropped from an aircraft

cluster headache
: a headache that is characterized by severe pain in the eye or temple and tends to recur in a series of attacks

clutch
n. transitive verb
1 : to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usually strongly, tightly, or suddenly
2 obsolete : CLENCH
intransitive verb
1 : to seek to grasp and hold <clutched at her hand>
2 : to operate an automobile clutch
synonyms see TAKE

clutch
n. 1 a : the claws or a hand in the act of grasping or seizing firmly b : an often cruel or unrelenting control, power, or possession <the fell clutch of circumstance ― W. E. Henley> c : the act of grasping, holding, or restraining
2 a : a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a driven part (as an engine and a transmission) of a mechanism b : a lever (as a pedal) operating such a clutch
3 : a tight or critical situation : PINCH <come through in the clutch>
4 : CLUTCH BAG

clutch
n. 1 : made or done in a crucial situation <a clutch hit>
2 : successful in a crucial situation <a clutch pitcher>

clutch
n. 1 : a nest of eggs or a brood of chicks
2 : GROUP, BUNCH

clutch
n. clutch bag
double clutch
friction clutch

clutch bag
: a woman's small usually strapless handbag

Clutha
river 210 mi (338 km) New Zealand in SE South Is. flowing SE into the Pacific

clutter
n. intransitive verb chiefly dialect : to run in disorder
transitive verb : to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impede movement or reduce effectiveness <a room cluttered with toys> ― often used with up

clutter
n. 1 a : a crowded or confused mass or collection b : things that clutter a place
2 : interfering radar echoes caused by reflection from objects (as on the ground) other than the target
3 chiefly dialect : DISTURBANCE, HUBBUB

Clyde
n. : CLYDESDALE

Clyde
n. Baron ― see Colin CAMPBELL

Clyde
n. river 106 mi (171 km) SW Scotland flowing NW into Firth of Clyde (estuary)

Clydebank
burgh W cen Scotland on Clyde River pop 46,920

Clydesdale
n. : any of a breed of heavy draft horses orig. from Clydesdale, Scotland with long silky hair on the legs

Clydesdale
n. valley of the upper Clyde River in Scotland

clypeus
n. : a plate on the anterior median aspect of an insect's head

clyster
n. : ENEMA

Clytemnestra
n. : the wife and murderess of Agamemnon

CM
n. 1 common meter
2 Congregation of the Mission

Cm
n. curium

cm
n. 1 centimeter
2 cumulative

CMA
1 calcium magnesium acetate
2 certified medical assistant

cmd
command

Cmdr
n. commander

CMG
Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

cml
commercial

CMOS
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

CMSgt
chief master sergeant

CMV
cytomegalovirus

CN
credit note

CNA
certified nurse's aid

CNC
computer numerical control

CNG
compressed natural gas

cnidarian
n. : COELENTERATE
–cnidarian adjective

Cnidus
ancient town SW Asia Minor in Caria

CNM
certified nurse-midwife

CNMI
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

CNN
Cable News Network

CNO
chief of naval operations

Cnossus
― see KNOSSOS

CNS
central nervous system

Cnut
n. var of CANUTE

CO
n. 1 cash order
2 Colorado
3 commanding officer
4 conscientious objector
5 corrections officer

Co
n. cobalt

co
n. 1 company
2 county

co
1 : with : together : joint : jointly <coexist> <coheir>
2 : in or to the same degree <coextensive>
3 a : one that is associated in an action with another : fellow : partner <coauthor> <coworker> b : having a usually lesser share in duty or responsibility : alternate : deputy <copilot>
4 : of, relating to, or constituting the complement of an angle <cosine>
co·act
co·ac·tion
co·ac·tive
co·ac·tor
co·ad·min·is·tra·tion
co·an·chor
co·au·thor
co·au·thor·ship
co·cap·tain
co·cat·a·lyst
co·chair
co·chair·man
co·chair·per·son
co·chair·wom·an
co·cham·pi·on
co·com·pos·er
co·con·spir·a·tor
co·coun·sel
co·cre·ate
co·cre·ator
co·cul·ti·vate
co·cul·ti·va·tion
co·cul·ture
co·cu·ra·tor
co·de·fen·dant
co·de·sign
co·de·vel·op
co·de·vel·op·er
co·di·rect
co·di·rec·tion
co·di·rec·tor
co·dis·cov·er
co·dis·cov·er·er
co·drive
co·driv·er
co·ed·it
co·ed·i·tor
co·eter·nal
co·ex·ec·u·tor
co·fa·vor·ite
co·fea·ture
co·fi·nance
co·found
co·found·er
co·head
co·heir
co·heir·ess
co·hold·er
co·host
co·host·ess
co·in·vent
co·in·ven·tor
co·in·ves·ti·ga·tor
co·in·ves·tor
co·join
co·lead
co·lead·er
co·man·age
co·man·age·ment
co·man·ag·er
co·mem·ber
co·nom·i·nee
co-oc·cur
co-oc·cur·rence
co-oc·cur·rent
co-of·fi·cial
co-or·ga·niz·er
co-own
co-own·er
co-own·er·ship
co·part·ner
co·part·ner·ship
co·pre·sent
co·pres·i·dent
co·prince
co·prin·ci·pal
co·pris·on·er
co·pro·cess·ing
co·pro·duce
co·pro·duc·er
co·pro·duc·tion
co·pro·mot·er
co·pro·pri·etor
co·pros·per·i·ty
co·pub·lish
co·pub·lish·er
co·re·cip·i·ent
co·re·search·er
co·res·i·dent
co·res·i·den·tial
co·rul·er
co·sce·nar·ist
co·script
co·spon·sor
co·spon·sor·ship
co·star
co·sur·fac·tant
co·ten·ant
co·trans·duce
co·trans·duc·tion
co·trans·fer
co·trans·port
co·trust·ee
co·win·ner
co·work·er
co·write
co·writ·er

co
n. co brand
co edition
co op
co opt
co optive
co option
co optative
co optation
co pay
co payment
co ownership
co owner
co own
co organizer
co official
co occurrent
co occurrence
co occur
cos lettuce

co-brand
: to market or issue (as a credit card) in conjunction with another company so that the product bears the name of both

co-edition
: an edition of a book published simultaneously by more than one publisher usually in different countries and in different languages

co-op
: COOPERATIVE

co-opt
1 a : to choose or elect as a member b : to appoint as a colleague or assistant
2 a : to take into a group (as a faction, movement, or culture) : ABSORB, ASSIMILATE <the students are co-opted by a system they serve even in their struggle against it ― A. C. Danto> b : TAKE OVER, APPROPRIATE <a style co-opted by advertisers>
–co-op·ta·tion \ˌkō-ˌäp-'tā-shən\ noun
–co-op·ta·tive \kō-'äp-tə-tiv\ adjective
–co-op·tion \-'äp-shən\ noun
–co-op·tive \-'äp-tiv\ adjective

co-pay
: CO-PAYMENT

co-payment
: a fixed fee required by a health insurer (as an HMO) to be paid by the patient at the time of each office visit, outpatient service, or filling of a prescription

coacervate
v. : an aggregate of colloidal droplets held together by electrostatic attractive forces
–co·acer·vate \ˌkō-ə-'sər-vət\ adjective
–co·ac·er·va·tion \(ˌ)kō-ˌa-sər-'vā-shən\ noun

coach
n. 1 a : a large usually closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage having doors in the sides and an elevated seat in front for the driver b : a railroad passenger car intended primarily for day travel c : BUS 1A d : TRAILER 3B e : a 2-door enclosed automobile f : a class of passenger air transportation at a lower fare than first class
2 [from the concept that the tutor conveys the student through examinations] a : a private tutor b : one who instructs or trains <an acting coach> especially : one who instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategy <a football coach>

coach
n. 1 : to go in a coach
2 : to instruct, direct, or prompt as a coach
transitive verb
1 : to train intensively (as by instruction and demonstration) <coach pupils>
2 : to act as coach of <coach tennis> <coach a team>
–coach·able \'kō-chə-bəl\ adjective
–coach·er noun

coach
n. coach dog
hackney coach
motor coach

coach dog
: DALMATIAN

Coachella
city S Calif. pop 22,724

Coachella Valley
v. valley SE Calif. bet. Salton Sea & San Bernardino Mountains

coachman
n. : a man who drives a coach or carriage

coachwork
n. : an automobile body : BODYWORK

coadapted
: mutually adapted especially by natural selection
–co·ad·ap·ta·tion \ˌkō-ˌa-ˌdap-'tā-shən, -dəp-'\ noun

coadjutor
n. 1 : one who works together with another : ASSISTANT
2 : a bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and often having the right of succession
–coadjutor adjective

coadjutrix
: a woman who is a coadjutor

coagulant
n. : something that produces coagulation

coagulase
n. : any of several enzymes that cause coagulation (as of blood)

coagulate
v. archaic : being clotted or congealed

coagulate
transitive verb
1 : to cause to become viscous or thickened into a coherent mass : CURDLE, CLOT
2 : to gather together or form into a mass or group
intransitive verb : to become coagulated
–co·ag·u·la·bil·i·ty \kō-ˌa-gyə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–co·ag·u·la·ble \-'a-gyə-lə-bəl\ adjective
–co·ag·u·la·tion \-'lā-shən\ noun

coagulum
n. : a coagulated mass or substance : CLOT

Coahuila
state N Mexico bordering on the U.S. capital Saltillo area 58,522 sq mi (151,572 sq km), pop 1,972,340

coal
n. 1 : a piece of glowing carbon or charred wood : EMBER
2 : CHARCOAL 1
3 a : a black or brownish-black solid combustible substance formed by the partial decomposition of vegetable matter without free access of air and under the influence of moisture and often increased pressure and temperature that is widely used as a natural fuel b plural British : pieces or a quantity of the fuel broken up for burning

coal
n. 1 : to burn to charcoal : CHAR
2 : to supply with coal
intransitive verb : to take in coal

coal
n. hard coal
brown coal
bituminous coal
soft coal
cannel coal
coal gas
coal measures
coal oil
coal seam
coal tar

coal gas
: gas made from coal: as a : the mixture of gases thrown off by burning coal b : gas made by carbonizing bituminous coal in retorts and used for heating and lighting

coal measures
: beds of coal with the associated rocks

coal oil
1 : petroleum or a refined oil prepared from it
2 : KEROSENE

coal seam
: a bed of coal usually thick enough to be profitably mined

coal tar
: tar obtained by distillation of bituminous coal and used especially as an industrial fuel, in making dyes, and in the topical treatment of skin disorders

coalesce
v. intransitive verb
1 : to grow together
2 a : to unite into a whole : FUSE <separate townships have coalesced into a single, sprawling colony ― Donald Gould> b : to unite for a common end : join forces <people with different points of view coalesce into opposing factions ― I. L. Horowitz>
3 : to arise from the combination of distinct elements <an organized and a popular resistance immediately coalesced ― C. C. Menges>
transitive verb : to cause to unite <sometimes a book coalesces a public into a mass market ― Walter Meade>
synonyms see MIX
–co·a·les·cence \-'le-sən(t)s\ noun
–co·a·les·cent \-sənt\ adjective

coalfield
n. : a region rich in coal deposits

coalfish
n. : any of several blackish or dark-backed fishes (as a pollack, cobia, or sablefish)

coalhole
n. British : a compartment for storing coal

coalification
: a process in which vegetable matter becomes converted into coal of increasingly higher rank with anthracite as the final product
–coal·i·fy \'kō-lə-ˌfī\ transitive verb

coalition
n. 1 a : the act of coalescing : UNION b : a body formed by the coalescing of orig. distinct elements : COMBINATION
2 : a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action
–co·a·li·tion·ist \-'li-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

coaming
n. : a raised frame (as around a hatchway in the deck of a ship) to keep out water

Coamo
city SE cen Puerto Rico pop 37,597

coapt
v. : to fit together and make fast
–co·ap·ta·tion \(ˌ)kō-ˌap-'tā-shən\ noun

coarctation
n. : a stricture or narrowing especially of a canal or vessel (as the aorta)

coarse
adj. 1 : of ordinary or inferior quality or value : COMMON
2 a (1) : composed of relatively large parts or particles <coarse sand> (2) : loose or rough in texture <coarse cloth> b : adjusted or designed for heavy, fast, or less delicate work <a coarse saw with large teeth> c : not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination
3 : crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language
4 : harsh, raucous, or rough in tone
5 chiefly British : of or relating to coarse fish <coarse fishing>
–coarse·ly adverb
–coarse·ness noun
synonyms COARSE, VULGAR, GROSS, OBSCENE, RIBALD mean offensive to good taste or morals. COARSE implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language <found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive>. VULGAR often implies boorishness or ill-breeding <a loud vulgar belch>. GROSS implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness <gross eating habits>. OBSCENE applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters <obscene language not allowed on the air>. RIBALD applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent <entertained the campers with ribald folk songs>.

coarse fish
1 : ROUGH FISH
2 chiefly British : a freshwater fish other than a salmonid

coarse-grained
1 : having a coarse grain <coarse-grained wood>
2 : CRUDE <coarse-grained humor>

coarsen
v. transitive verb : to make coarse
intransitive verb : to become coarse

Coase
Ronald Harry 1910-     American (Brit.-born) econ.

coast
n. 1 : the land near a shore : SEASHORE
2 obsolete : BORDER, FRONTIER
3 a : a hill or slope suited to coasting b : a slide down a slope (as on a sled)
4 often capitalized : the Pacific coast of the U.S.
5 : the immediate area of view ― used in the phrase the coast is clear
–coast·al \'kōs-təl\ adjective
–coast·wise \'kōst-ˌwīz\ adverb or adjective
–from coast to coast : across an entire nation or continent

coast
n. 1 obsolete : to move along or past the side of : SKIRT
2 : to sail along the shore of
intransitive verb
1 a archaic : to travel on land along a coast or along or past the side of something b : to sail along the shore
2 a : to slide, run, or glide downhill by the force of gravity b : to move along without or as if without further application of propulsive power (as by momentum or gravity) c : to proceed easily without special application of effort or concern <coasted through school> ― often used with on <a company coasting on its good reputation>

coast
n. coast redwood
from coast to coast
coast guard
coast to coast
gold coast
Barbary Coast
Coast Mountains
Coast Ranges
Gold Coast
Grain Coast
Ivory Coast
Malabar Coast
Miskito Coast
Mosquito Coast
Palm Coast
Slave Coast
master chief petty officer of the coast guard

coast guard
1 : a military or naval force employed in guarding a coast or responsible for the safety, order, and operation of maritime traffic in neighboring waters
2 usually coast·guard chiefly British : COASTGUARDSMAN

Coast Mountains
mountains Canada in W B.C.; N continuation of Cascade Range

Coast Ranges
mountain ranges W N. America extending along Pacific coast W of Sierra Nevada & Cascade Range & N through Vancouver Is., B.C., to Kenai Peninsula & Kodiak Is., Alaska ― see LOGAN (Mount)

coast redwood
: REDWOOD 3A

coast-to-coast
1 : extending or airing across an entire nation or continent <a coast-to-coast flight> <a coast-to-coast broadcast>
2 : extending from one end of a playing surface (as a basketball court) to the other <a coast-to-coast rush> also : relating to or resulting from a coast-to-coast play <a coast-to-coast layup>
–coast-to-coast adverb

coaster
n. 1 : one that coasts: as a : a person engaged in coastal traffic or commerce b : a ship sailing along a coast or engaged in trade between ports of the same country
2 : a resident of a seacoast
3 a : a tray or decanter stand usually of silver and sometimes on wheels b : a shallow container or a plate or mat to protect a surface
4 a : a small vehicle (as a sled or wagon) used in coasting b : ROLLER COASTER

coaster
n. coaster brake
coaster wagon
roller coaster
Ivory Coaster

coaster brake
: a brake in the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle operated by reverse pressure on the pedals

coaster wagon
: a child's toy wagon often used for coasting

coastguardsman
n. : a member of a coast guard

coastland
n. : land bordering the sea

coastline
n. 1 : a line that forms the boundary between the land and the ocean or a lake
2 : the outline of a coast

coastward
adv. : toward the coast
–coastward adjective

coat
n. 1 a : an outer garment worn on the upper body and varying in length and style according to fashion and use b : something resembling a coat
2 : the external growth on an animal
3 : a layer of one substance covering another <a coat of paint>
–coat·ed \'kō-təd\ adjective
–coat·less adjective

coat
n. 1 : to cover with a coat
2 : to cover or spread with a finishing, protecting, or enclosing layer
–coat·er noun

coat
n. choroid coat
duster coat
prime coat
box coat
car coat
coat hanger
coat of arms
coat of mail
duffle coat
duffel coat
frock coat
lab coat
morning coat
polo coat
sack coat
sclerotic coat
seed coat
trench coat
white coat hypertension
Coats Land
curly coated retriever
flat coated retriever
hard coated
soft coated wheaten terrier

coat hanger
: a device which is shaped like the outline of a person's shoulders and over which garments may be hung

coat of arms
1 : a tabard or surcoat embroidered with armorial bearings
2 a : heraldic bearings (as of a person) usually depicted on an escutcheon often with accompanying adjuncts (as a crest, motto, and supporters) b : a similar symbolic emblem

coat of mail

15th century
: a garment of metal scales or chain mail worn as armor

Coatbridge
burgh S cen Scotland E of Glasgow pop 50,866

coatdress
: a dress styled like a coat usually with a front buttoning from neckline to hemline

Coates
Joseph Gordon 1878-1943 N.Z. statesman

coati
n. : either of two tropical American mammals (Nasua nasua and N. narica) related to the raccoon but with a longer body and tail and a long flexible snout

coatimundi
n. : COATI

coating
n. 1 : cloth for coats
2 : COAT, COVERING

coatrack
n. : a stand or rack fitted with pegs, hooks, or hangers and used for the temporary storage of garments

coatroom
n. : CLOAKROOM, CHECKROOM

Coats Land
section of Antarctica SE of Weddell Sea

coattail
n. 1 : the rear flap of a man's coat
2 plural : the skirts of a dress coat, cutaway, or frock coat
3 plural : the influence or pulling power of a popular movement or person (as a political candidate) <congressmen riding into office on the president's coattails>

coax
v. 1 obsolete : FONDLE, PET
2 : to influence or gently urge by caressing or flattering : WHEEDLE <coaxed him into going>
3 : to draw, gain, or persuade by means of gentle urging or flattery <unable to coax an answer out of him>
4 : to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity <coax a fire to burn>
synonyms see CAJOLE

coax
v. : COAXIAL CABLE

coaxial
adj. 1 : having coincident axes
2 : mounted on concentric shafts
–co·ax·i·al·ly \-sē-ə-lē\ adverb

coaxial cable
: a transmission line that consists of a tube of electrically conducting material surrounding a central conductor held in place by insulators and that is used to transmit telegraph, telephone, and television signals ― called also coax cable

cob
n. 1 [perhaps short for cobswan lead swan] : a male swan
2 a dialect English : a rounded mass, lump, or heap b : a mixture of unburnt clay and straw used especially for constructing walls of small houses in England
3 : a crudely struck old Spanish coin of irregular shape
4 : CORNCOB 1
5 : a stocky short-legged riding horse

cobalamin
n. : VITAMIN B_12

cobalt
n. 1 : a tough lustrous silver-white magnetic metallic element that is related to and occurs with iron and nickel and is used especially in alloys ― see ELEMENT table
2 : COBALT BLUE 2

cobalt
n. cobalt blue
cobalt chloride
cobalt 60

cobalt 60
: a heavy radioactive isotope of cobalt of the mass number 60 produced in nuclear reactors and used as a source of gamma rays (as for radiotherapy)

cobalt blue
1 : a greenish-blue pigment consisting essentially of cobalt oxide and alumina
2 : a strong greenish blue

cobalt chloride
: a chloride of cobalt especially : the dichloride CoCl_2 that is blue when dehydrated, turns red in the presence of moisture, and is used to indicate humidity

cobaltic
: of, relating to, or containing cobalt especially with a valence of three

cobaltite
: a grayish to silver-white mineral consisting of a sulfur arsenide of cobalt also containing iron and sometimes nickel and used in making smalt

cobaltous
: of, relating to, or containing cobalt especially with a valence of two

Cobb
n. Tyrus Raymond 1886-1961 Ty American baseball player

Cobb salad
: a tossed salad made typically with chopped chicken or turkey, tomatoes, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and lettuce and dressed with a vinaigrette

cobber
n. Australian & New Zealand : BUDDY

Cobbett
William 1763-1835 pseud. Peter Porcupine Eng. polit. writer

cobble
n. 1 chiefly British : to mend or patch coarsely
2 : REPAIR, MAKE <cobble shoes>
3 : to make or put together roughly or hastily ― often used with together or up <cobble together an agreement> <cobble up a temporary solution>

cobble
n. 1 : COBBLESTONE
2 plural chiefly British : lump coal about the size of small cobblestones

cobbled
adj. : paved with cobblestones <cobbled streets>

cobbler
n. 1 : a mender or maker of shoes and often of other leather goods
2 archaic : a clumsy workman
3 : a tall iced drink consisting usually of wine, rum, or whiskey and sugar garnished with mint or a slice of lemon or orange
4 : a deep-dish fruit dessert with a thick top crust

cobblestone
n. : a naturally rounded stone larger than a pebble and smaller than a boulder especially : such a stone used in paving a street or in construction
–cob·ble·stoned \-ˌstōnd\ adjective

cobby
adj. : STOCKY <a cobby horse>

Cobden
Richard 1804-1865 Eng. statesman & econ.

cobelligerent
n. : a country fighting with another power against a common enemy
–cobelligerent adjective

Cobh
town & port SW Ireland on island in Cork harbor pop 6369

Cobham
Lord ― see Sir John OLDCASTLE

cobia
n. : a large bony fish (Rachycentron canadum of the family Rachycentridae) of warm seas that is a food and sport fish

coble
n. : a flat-bottomed boat propelled chiefly by oars and used in Scotland and northern England especially for fishing

Coblenz
― see KOBLENZ

cobnut
n. : the fruit of a European hazel (Corylus avellana grandis) also : the plant bearing this fruit

COBOL
: a computer programming language designed for business applications

cobra
n. : any of several venomous Asian and African elapid snakes (genera Naja and Ophiophagus) that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a hood by movement of the anterior ribs also : any of several related African snakes

Coburg
1 \'kō-ˌbərg\ city SE Australia in S Victoria, N suburb of Melbourne pop 50,625
2 \-ˌbərg, -ˌbu̇rk\ city cen Germany in N Bavaria NW of Bayreuth pop 44,693

cobweb
n. 1 a : the network spread by a spider : SPIDERWEB b : tangles of the silken threads of a spiderweb usually covered with accumulated dirt and dust
2 : something that entangles, obscures, or confuses <a cobweb of law and politics>
–cob·webbed \-ˌwebd\ adjective

cobwebby
adj. 1 : filled or covered with cobwebs <a cobwebby barn>
2 : GOSSAMER <cobwebby lace>
3 : MUSTY, WELL-WORN <a cobwebby plot device> <cobwebby quaintness>

coca
n. 1 : any of several So. American shrubs (genus Erythroxylon, family Erythroxylaceae) especially : one (E. coca) that is the primary source of cocaine
2 : dried leaves of a coca (esp. Erythroxylon coca) containing alkaloids including cocaine

cocaine
n. : a bitter crystalline alkaloid C_17H_21NO_4 obtained from coca leaves that is used especially in the form of its hydrochloride medically as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need

cocainize
v. : to treat or anesthetize with cocaine
–co·cain·i·za·tion \-ˌkā-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

cocarboxylase
n. : a coenzyme C_12H_19ClN_4O_7P_2S·H_2O that is a pyrophosphate of thiamine and is important in metabolic reactions (as decarboxylation in the Krebs cycle)

cocarcinogen
: an agent that aggravates the carcinogenic effects of another substance
–co·car·cin·o·gen·ic \ˌkō-ˌkär-sə-nō-'je-nik\ adjective

coccid
n. : SCALE INSECT

coccidioidomycosis
n. : a disease especially of humans and domestic animals caused by a fungus (Coccidioides immitis) and marked especially by fever and pulmonary symptoms

coccidiosis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by coccidia

coccidium
n. : any of an order (Coccidia) of protozoans usually parasitic in the digestive epithelium of vertebrates

coccoid
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a coccus : GLOBULAR 1A(1)
–coccoid noun

coccus
n. : a spherical bacterium
–coc·cal \'kä-kəl\ adjective

coccus
n. : berry-shaped microorganism <micrococcus>

coccygeal
adj. : of or relating to the coccyx

coccyx
n. : a small bone that articulates with the sacrum and that usually consists of four fused vertebrae which form the terminus of the spinal column in humans and tailless apes

Cochabamba
city W cen Bolivia pop 404,102

Cochin
n. : any of an Asian breed of large domestic chickens with thick plumage, small wings and tail, and densely feathered legs and feet ― called also Cochin China

Cochin
n. region SW India in Kerala on Malabar Coast ― see TRAVANCORE

Cochin China
region S Vietnam bordering on S. China Sea & Gulf of Thailand area 29,974 sq mi (77,932 sq km)

cochineal
n. 1 : a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects
2 : COCHINEAL INSECT

cochineal insect
: a small red cactus-feeding scale insect (Dactylopius coccus) the females of which are the source of cochineal

Cochinos
Cochinos Bahia de
Cochinos Bahía de
Bahía de Cochinos

Cochinos, Bahia de
― see PIGS (Bay of)

Cochise
1812?-1874 Chiricahua Apache Indian chief

cochlea
n. : a hollow tube in the inner ear of higher vertebrates that is usually coiled like a snail shell and contains the sensory organ of hearing ― see EAR illustration
–co·chle·ar \'kō-klē-ər, 'kä-\ adjective

cochlear implant
: an electronic prosthetic device that enables individuals with sensorineural hearing loss to recognize some sounds and consists of an external microphone and speech processor and one or more electrodes implanted in the cochlea

cock
n. 1 a : the adult male of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) b : the male of birds other than the domestic chicken c : WOODCOCK d archaic : the crowing of a cock also : COCKCROW e : WEATHERCOCK
2 : a device (as a faucet or valve) for regulating the flow of a liquid
3 a : a chief person : LEADER b : a person of spirit and often of a certain swagger or arrogance
4 a : the hammer in the lock of a firearm b : the cocked position of the hammer
5 usually vulgar : PENIS
–cock of the walk : one that dominates a group or situation especially overbearingly

cock
n. 1 : STRUT, SWAGGER
2 : to turn, tip, or stick up
3 : to position the hammer of a firearm for firing
transitive verb
1 a : to draw the hammer of (a firearm) back and set for firing also : to set (the trigger) for firing b : to draw or bend back in preparation for throwing or hitting <a quarterback cocking his arm> <cock a bat> c : to set a mechanism (as a camera shutter) for tripping
2 a : to set erect <a dog with one ear cocked> b : to turn, tip, or tilt usually to one side <cock one's head>
3 : to turn up (as a hat brim)
–cock a snook also cock snooks : to thumb one's nose <cocking a snook at the establishment>

cock
n. : TILT, SLANT <cock of the head>

cock
n. : a small pile (as of hay)

cock
n. : to put (as hay) into cocks

cock
n. cock snooks
ball cock
chaparral cock
cock of the walk
cock a snook
cock a hoop
cock a leekie
cock and bull story
cock up
half cock
turkey cock
cocked hat
half cocked
self cocking

cock a snook
also cock snooks : to thumb one's nose <cocking a snook at the establishment>

cock of the walk
one that dominates a group or situation especially overbearingly

cock-a-hoop
1 : triumphantly boastful : EXULTING
2 : AWRY

cock-a-leekie
: a soup made of chicken and leeks

cock-and-bull story
: an incredible story told as true

cock-up
British : MESS 3B

cockade
n. : an ornament (as a rosette) usually worn on a hat as a badge
–cock·ad·ed \-'kā-dəd\ adjective

Cockaigne
n. : an imaginary land of great luxury and ease

cockalorum
n. 1 : a boastful and self-important person
2 : LEAPFROG
3 : boastful talk

cockamamy
: RIDICULOUS, INCREDIBLE <of all the cockamamy excuses I ever heard ― Leo Rosten>

cockapoo
: a dog that is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle

cockatiel
n. : a crested small gray Australian parrot (Nymphicus hollandicus of the family Cacatuidae) with a yellow head

cockatoo
n. : any of various large noisy chiefly Australasian crested parrots (family Cacatuidae and especially genus Cacatua)

cockatrice
n. : a legendary serpent that is hatched by a reptile from a cock's egg and that has a deadly glance

cockchafer
n. : a large European beetle (Melolontha melolontha) destructive to vegetation as an adult and to roots as a larva also : any of various related beetles

Cockcroft
Sir John Douglas 1897-1967 Brit. physicist

cockcrow
n. : DAWN

cocked hat
1 : a hat with brim turned up to give a 3-cornered appearance
2 : a hat with brim turned up on two sides and worn either front to back or sideways

cocker
n. : INDULGE, PAMPER

cocker
n. : a keeper or handler of fighting cocks

cocker
n. : COCKER SPANIEL

cocker spaniel
1 : ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
2 : any of a breed of spaniels developed in the U.S. from the English cocker spaniel that are smaller in size and have a shorter muzzle and longer thicker coat

cockerel
n. : a young male of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus)

cockeye
n. : a squinting eye

cockeyed
adj. 1 : having a cockeye
2 a : ASKEW, AWRY b : slightly crazy : TOPSY-TURVY <a cockeyed scheme> c : DRUNK 1A
–cock·eyed·ly \'käk-ˌī(-ə)d-lē\ adverb
–cock·eyed·ness \-ˌīd-nəs\ noun

cockfight
n. : a contest in which gamecocks usually fitted with metal spurs are pitted against each other
–cock·fight·ing \-ˌfī-tiŋ\ adjective or noun

cockhorse
n. : ROCKING HORSE

cockle
n. : any of several weedy plants of the pink family especially : CORN COCKLE

cockle
n. 1 : any of various chiefly marine bivalve mollusks (family Cardiidae) having a shell with convex radially ribbed valves especially : a common edible European bivalve (Cerastoderma edule syn. Cardium edule)
2 : COCKLESHELL

cockle
n. : PUCKER, WRINKLE
–cockle verb

cocklebur
n. : any of a genus (Xanthium) of prickly-fruited composite plants also : one of its stiff-spined fruits

cockles of the heart
: the core of one's being ― usually used in the phrase warm the cockles of the heart

cockleshell
n. 1 a : the shell or one of the shell valves of a cockle b : a shell (as a scallop shell) suggesting a cockleshell
2 : a light flimsy boat

cockloft
n. : a small garret

cockney
n. 1 obsolete a : a spoiled child b : a squeamish woman
2 often capitalized a : a native of London and especially of the East End of London b : the dialect of London or of the East End of London
–cockney adjective
–cock·ney·fy \'käk-ni-ˌfī\ transitive verb
–cock·ney·ish \-nē-ish\ adjective
–cock·ney·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

cockpit
n. 1 a : a pit or enclosure for cockfights b : a place noted for especially bloody, violent, or long-continued conflict
2 obsolete : the pit of a theater
3 : a compartment in a sailing warship used as quarters for junior officers and for treatment of the wounded in an engagement
4 : a space or compartment in a usually small vehicle (as a boat, airplane, or automobile) from which it is steered, piloted, or driven ― see AIRPLANE illustration

cockroach
n. : any of an order or suborder (Blattodea syn. Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests ― compare GERMAN COCKROACH

cockscomb
n. 1 : COXCOMB
2 : a garden plant (Celosia cristata) of the amaranth family grown for its flowers

cocksfoot
n. : ORCHARD GRASS

cockshut
dialect English : evening twilight

cockshy
n. 1 a : a throw at an object set up as a mark b : a mark or target so set up
2 : an object or person taken as a butt (as of criticism)

cocksucker
n. usually obscene : one who performs fellatio ― often used as a generalized term of abuse

cocksure
adj. 1 : feeling perfect assurance sometimes on inadequate grounds
2 : marked by overconfidence or presumptuousness : COCKY
synonyms see SURE
–cock·sure·ly adverb
–cock·sure·ness noun

cocktail
n. 1 a : an iced drink of wine or distilled liquor mixed with flavoring ingredients b : something resembling or suggesting such a drink as being a mixture of often diverse elements or ingredients <a cocktail of remembered incidents and pure imagination ― Charlotte Low> <a cocktail of herbicides> c : a mixture of agents usually in solution that is taken or used together especially for medical treatment or diagnosis
2 : an appetizer served as a first course at a meal

cocktail
n. 1 : of, relating to, or set aside for cocktails <a cocktail hour>
2 : designed for semiformal wear <a cocktail dress>

cocktail
n. : a horse with its tail docked

cocktail
n. cocktail glass
cocktail lounge
cocktail party
cocktail table
Molotov cocktail

cocktail glass
: a bell-shaped drinking glass usually having a foot and stem and holding about three ounces (90 milliliters)

cocktail lounge
: a public room (as in a hotel, club, or restaurant) where cocktails and other drinks are served

cocktail party
: an informal or semiformal party or gathering at which cocktails are served

cocktail table
: COFFEE TABLE

cocky
adj. 1 : boldly or brashly self-confident <a cocky young actor>
2 : JAUNTY
–cock·i·ly \'kä-kə-lē\ adverb
–cock·i·ness \'kä-kē-nəs\ noun

Coco
n. river over 450 mi (724 km) N Nicaragua flowing NE into the Caribbean & forming part of Honduras-Nicaragua boundary

coco
n. : the coconut palm also : its fruit

cocoa
n. 1 a : powdered ground roasted cacao beans from which a portion of the fat has been removed b : a beverage prepared by heating cocoa with water or milk
2 : CACAO 2
3 : a medium brown color

cocoa bean
: CACAO 1

cocoa butter
: a pale vegetable fat with a low melting point obtained from cacao beans

Coconino Plateau
plateau NW Ariz. S of Grand Canyon

coconut
n. 1 : the drupaceous fruit of the coconut palm whose outer fibrous husk yields coir and whose nut contains thick edible meat and coconut milk
2 : the edible meat of the coconut

coconut
n. coconut crab
coconut oil
coconut palm
Coconut Creek

coconut crab
: a large edible coconut-eating burrowing land crab (Birgus latro) widely distributed about islands of the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans

Coconut Creek
city SE Fla. NNW of Fort Lauderdale pop 43,566

coconut oil
: a fatty oil or semisolid fat extracted from fresh coconuts and used especially in making soaps and food products

coconut palm
: a tall pinnate-leaved coconut-bearing palm (Cocos nucifera) that grows along tropical coasts

cocoon
n. 1 a : an envelope often largely of silk which an insect larva forms about itself and in which it passes the pupa stage b : any of various other protective coverings produced by animals
2 a : something suggesting a cocoon especially in providing protection or in producing isolation <wrapped in a cocoon of blankets> <an interest in the world beyond the everyday cocoon most of us construct ― Peter Mayle> b : a protective covering placed or sprayed over military or naval equipment in storage

cocoon
n. : to wrap or envelop in or as if in a cocoon

cocooning
n. : the practice of spending leisure time at home in preference to going out

Cocos Islands
islands E Indian Ocean belonging to Australia area 5.5 sq mi (14 sq km), pop 600

cocotte
n. 1 : PROSTITUTE
2 : a shallow individual baking dish usually with one or two handles

cocoyam
1 : TARO
2 : YAUTIA

Cocteau
Jean 1889-1963 Fr. author & artist

cocurricular
: being outside of but usually complementing the regular curriculum <cocurricular activities>

COD
n. cash on delivery; collect on delivery

cod
n. 1 : any of various bottom-dwelling fishes (family Gadidae, the cod family) that usually occur in cold marine waters and often have barbels and three dorsal fins: as a : one (Gadus morhua) of the No. Atlantic that is an important food fish b : one (Gadus macrocephalus) of the Pacific Ocean
2 : any of various bony fishes resembling the true cods

cod
n. codex

cod
n. black cod
Cape Cod cottage
Cape Cod
cod liver oil
rock cod
Cape Cod Bay
Cod Cape

Cod, Cape
peninsula 65 mi (105 km) long SE Mass.
–Cape Cod·der \'kä-dər\ noun

cod-liver oil
: an oil obtained from the liver of the cod and closely related fishes and used as a source of vitamins A and D

coda
n. 1 a : a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure b : a concluding part of a literary or dramatic work
2 : something that serves to round out, conclude, or summarize and usually has its own interest

coddle
v. 1 : to cook (as eggs) in liquid slowly and gently just below the boiling point
2 : to treat with extreme or excessive care or kindness : PAMPER <accused the court of coddling criminals>
–cod·dler \'käd-lər, 'kä-dəl-ər\ noun

code
n. 1 : a systematic statement of a body of law especially : one given statutory force
2 : a system of principles or rules <moral code>
3 a : a system of signals or symbols for communication b : a system of symbols (as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings
4 : GENETIC CODE
5 : a set of instructions for a computer
–code·less \-ləs\ adjective

code
n. transitive verb : to put in or into the form or symbols of a code
intransitive verb : to specify the genetic code <a gene that codes for a protein>
–cod·able \'kō-də-bəl\ adjective
–cod·er noun

code
n. area code
bar code
code name
code word
dress code
genetic code
machine code
Morse code
object code
penal code
source code
Universal Product Code
zip code
bar coded
bar coding

code name
: a designation having a coded and usually secret meaning
–code-name \'kōd-ˌnām\ transitive verb

code word
1 : CODE NAME
2 : EUPHEMISM

codebook
n. : a book containing an alphabetical list of words or expressions with their code equivalents

codec
compression/decompression

codeine
n. : a morphine derivative C_18H_21NO_3·H_2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive

codependence
: CODEPENDENCY

codependency
n. : a psychological condition or a relationship in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another who is affected with a pathological condition (as an addiction to alcohol or heroin) broadly : dependence on the needs of or control by another

codependent
: participating in or exhibiting codependency
–codependent noun

codetermination
n. : the participation of labor with management in determining business policy

codex
n. : a manuscript book especially of Scripture, classics, or ancient annals

codfish
n. : COD also : its flesh used as food

codger
n. : an often mildly eccentric and usually elderly fellow <old codger>

codicil
n. 1 : a legal instrument made to modify an earlier will
2 : APPENDIX, SUPPLEMENT
–cod·i·cil·la·ry \ˌkä-də-'si-lə-rē\ adjective

codicology
n. : the study of manuscripts as cultural artifacts for historical purposes
–co·di·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

codify
v. 1 : to reduce to a code
2 a : SYSTEMATIZE b : CLASSIFY
–cod·i·fi·abil·i·ty \ˌkä-də-ˌfī-ə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌkō-\ noun
–cod·i·fi·ca·tion \-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

codling
n. 1 : a young cod
2 : any of several hakes (esp. genus Urophycis)

codling
n. : a small immature apple also : any of several elongated greenish English cooking apples

codling moth
: a small tortricid moth (Cydia pomonella) having larvae that live in apples, pears, quinces, and English walnuts

codominant
1 a : forming part of the main canopy of a forest <codominant trees> b : sharing in the controlling influence of a biotic community
2 : being fully expressed in the heterozygous condition <codominant alleles>
–codominant noun

codon
n. : a specific sequence of three consecutive nucleotides that is part of the genetic code and that specifies a particular amino acid in a protein or starts or stops protein synthesis ― called also triplet

codpiece
n. : a flap or bag concealing an opening in the front of men's breeches especially in the 15th and 16th centuries

codswallop
n. British : NONSENSE

Cody
William Frederick 1846-1917 Buffalo Bill American scout & showman

coed
n. : a female student in a coeducational institution

coed
n. 1 : of or relating to a coed
2 : of or relating to coeducation
3 : open to or used by both men and women

coeducation
n. : the education of students of both sexes at the same institution
–co·ed·u·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–co·ed·u·ca·tion·al·ly adverb

coeff
coefficient

coefficient
n. 1 : any of the factors of a product considered in relation to a specific factor especially : a constant factor of a term as distinguished from a variable
2 a : a number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic (as of a substance, device, or process) <coefficient of expansion of a metal> b : MEASURE

coefficient
n. coefficient of viscosity
binomial coefficient
coefficient of correlation
correlation coefficient
drag coefficient
extinction coefficient

coefficient of correlation

1892
: CORRELATION COEFFICIENT

coefficient of viscosity

1866
: VISCOSITY 3

coelacanth
n. : any of an order (Coelacanthiformes) of lobe-finned fishes known chiefly from Paleozoic and Mesozoic fossils

coele
: cavity : chamber : ventricle <blastocoel> <enterocoele>

Coele-Syria
― see BEKAA

coelenterate
n. : any of a phylum (Cnidaria syn. Coelenterata) of radially symmetrical invertebrate animals including the corals, sea anemones, jellyfishes, and hydroids ― called also cnidarian

coelenteron
n. : the internal cavity of a coelenterate

coeliac
adj. variant of celiac

coelom
n. : the usually epithelium-lined space between the body wall and the digestive tract of metazoans above the lower worms
–coe·lo·mate \'sē-lə-ˌmāt\ adjective or noun
–coe·lo·mic \si-'lä-mik, -'lō-\ adjective

Coen
Jan Pieterszoon 1587-1629 Du. colonial gov. & founder of Du. East Indian empire

coen
: common : general <coenocyte>

coenobite
n. variant of cenobite

coenocyte
n. 1 a : a multinucleate mass of protoplasm resulting from repeated nuclear division unaccompanied by cell fission b : an organism consisting of such a structure
2 : SYNCYTIUM 1
–coe·no·cyt·ic \ˌsē-nə-'si-tik\ adjective

coenzyme
n. : a thermostable nonprotein compound that forms the active portion of an enzyme system after combination with an apoenzyme
–co·en·zy·mat·ic \(ˌ)kō-ˌen-zə-'ma-tik, -(ˌ)zī-\ adjective
–co·en·zy·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

coenzyme
n. acetyl coenzyme A
coenzyme A
coenzyme Q

coenzyme A
: a coenzyme C_21H_36N_7O_16P_3S that occurs in all living cells and is essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and some amino acids ― compare ACETYL COENZYME A

coenzyme Q
: UBIQUINONE

coequal
n. : equal with one another <coequal branches of government>
–coequal noun
–co·equal·i·ty \ˌkō-ē-'kwä-lə-tē\ noun
–co·equal·ly \(ˌ)kō-'ē-kwə-lē\ adverb

coerce
v. 1 : to restrain or dominate by force <religion in the past has tried to coerce the irreligious ― W. R. Inge>
2 : to compel to an act or choice <was coerced into agreeing>
3 : to achieve by force or threat <coerce compliance>
synonyms see FORCE
–co·erc·ible \-'ər-sə-bəl\ adjective

coercion
n. : the act, process, or power of coercing

coercive
adj. : serving or intended to coerce <coercive power> <coercive measures>
–co·er·cive·ly adverb
–co·er·cive·ness noun

coercive force
: the opposing magnetic intensity that must be applied to a magnetized material to remove the residual magnetism

coercivity
n. : the property of a material determined by the value of the coercive force when the material has been magnetized to saturation

coetaneous
: COEVAL

coeur
cri de coeur
cris de coeur
Coeur de Lion
Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene Lake

Coeur d'Alene
city N Idaho pop 34,514

Coeur d'Alene Lake
lake ab 37 mi (59 km) long N Idaho E of Spokane, Wash., drained by Spokane River

Coeur de Lion
― see RICHARD I of England

coeval
n. : of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration
synonyms see CONTEMPORARY
–coeval noun
–co·e·val·i·ty \ˌkō-(ˌ)ē-'va-lə-tē\ noun

coevolution
: evolution involving successive changes in two or more ecologically interdependent species (as of a plant and its pollinators) that affect their interactions
–co·evo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
–co·evolve \ˌkō-i-'välv, -'vȯlv\ intransitive verb

coexist
v. 1 : to exist together or at the same time
2 : to live in peace with each other especially as a matter of policy
–co·ex·is·tence \-'zis-tən(t)s\ noun
–co·ex·is·tent \-tənt\ adjective

coextensive
adj. : having the same spatial or temporal scope or boundaries
–co·ex·ten·sive·ly adverb

cofactor
n. 1 : the signed minor of an element of a square matrix or of a determinant with the sign positive if the sum of the column number and row number of the element is even and with the sign negative if it is odd
2 : a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects especially : COENZYME
3 : something (as diet or a virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease

coffee
n. 1 a : a beverage made by percolation, infusion, or decoction from the roasted and ground seeds of a coffee plant b : any of several Old World tropical plants (genus Coffea and especially C. arabica and C. canephora) of the madder family that are widely cultivated in warm regions for their seeds from which coffee is prepared c : coffee seeds especially roasted and often ground ― compare ARABICA, ROBUSTA d : a dehydrated product made from brewed coffee <instant coffee> also : a beverage made from this
2 : a cup of coffee <two coffees>
3 : COFFEE HOUR

coffee
n. coffee bar
coffee break
coffee cake
coffee hour
coffee klatch
coffee klatsch
coffee mill
coffee ring
coffee roll
coffee room
coffee royal
coffee shop
coffee table
coffee tree
Irish coffee
Kentucky coffee tree
Turkish coffee

coffee bar
: an establishment or counter where coffee and usually light refreshments are served

coffee break
: a short period for rest and refreshments

coffee cake
: a sweet rich bread often with added fruit, nuts, and spices that is sometimes glazed after baking

coffee hour
1 : a usually fixed occasion of informal meeting and chatting at which refreshments are served
2 : COFFEE BREAK

coffee klatch
: KAFFEEKLATSCH

coffee mill
: a mill for grinding coffee beans

coffee ring
: coffee cake in the shape of a ring

coffee roll
: a sweet roll

coffee room
: a room where refreshments are served

coffee royal
: a drink of black coffee and a liquor

coffee shop
: a small restaurant

coffee table
: a low table customarily placed in front of a sofa ― called also cocktail table

coffee tree
1 : a tree (as arabica) that produces coffee
2 : KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE

coffee-table
: of, relating to, or being an article (as a book or magazine) intended for display (as on a coffee table)

coffeehouse
n. : an establishment that sells coffee and usually other refreshments and that commonly serves as an informal club for its regular customers

coffeemaker
n. : a utensil or appliance in which coffee is brewed

coffeepot
n. : a pot for brewing and serving coffee

coffer
n. 1 : CHEST especially : STRONGBOX
2 : TREASURY, FUNDS ― usually used in plural
3 : a recessed panel in a vault, ceiling, or soffit

coffer
n. 1 : to store or hoard up in a coffer
2 : to form (as a ceiling) with recessed panels

cofferdam
n. 1 : a watertight enclosure from which water is pumped to expose the bottom of a body of water and permit construction (as of a pier)
2 : a watertight structure for making repairs below the waterline of a ship

coffin
n. : a box or chest for burying a corpse ― compare CASKET

coffin
n. : to enclose in or as if in a coffin

coffin
n. coffin bone
coffin corner
coffin nail

coffin bone
: the principal bone enclosed within the hoof of a horse ― called also pedal bone

coffin corner
: one of the corners formed by a goal line and a sideline on a football field into which a punt is often aimed so that it may go out of bounds close to the defender's goal line

coffin nail
slang : CIGARETTE

coffle
n. : a train of slaves or animals fastened together

cofunction
: a trigonometric function whose value for the complement of an angle is equal to the value of a given trigonometric function of the angle itself <the sine is the cofunction of the cosine>

cog
n. 1 : a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear
2 : a subordinate but integral person or part
–cogged \'kägd\ adjective

cog
n. intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to cheat in throwing dice
2 obsolete : DECEIVE
3 obsolete : to use venal flattery
transitive verb
1 : to direct the fall of (dice) fraudulently
2 obsolete : WHEEDLE

cog
n. : to connect (as timbers or joists) by means of mortises and tenons

cog
n. : a tenon on a beam or timber

cog
n. cognate

cog railway
: a steep mountain railroad that has a rail with cogs engaged by a cogwheel on the locomotive to ensure traction

cogency
n. : the quality or state of being cogent

cogeneration
n. : the production of electricity using waste heat (as in steam) from an industrial process or the use of steam from electric power generation as a source of heat
–co·gen·er·a·tor \-'je-nə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

cogent
adj. 1 : having power to compel or constrain <cogent forces>
2 a : appealing forcibly to the mind or reason : CONVINCING <cogent evidence> b : PERTINENT, RELEVANT <a cogent analysis>
synonyms see VALID
–co·gent·ly adverb

Coggan
Frederick Donald 1909-2000 archbishop of Canterbury (1974-80)

cogitable
adj. : CONCEIVABLE, THINKABLE

cogitate
v. transitive verb : to ponder or meditate on usually intently
intransitive verb : to meditate deeply or intently <cogitating on her career plans>
synonyms see THINK

cogitation
n. 1 a : the act of cogitating : MEDITATION b : the capacity to think or reflect
2 : a single thought

cogitative
adj. 1 : of or relating to cogitation
2 : capable of or given to cogitation

cogito
1 : the philosophic principle that one's existence is demonstrated by the fact that one thinks
2 : the intellectual processes of the self or ego

cogito, ergo sum
: I think, therefore I exist

Coglians, Monte
mountain 9217 ft (2809 m) on Austria-Italy border; highest in the Carnic Alps

cognac
n. : a brandy from the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime distilled from white wine

cognate
n. 1 : of the same or similar nature : generically alike
2 : related by blood also : related on the mother's side
3 a : related by descent from the same ancestral language b of a word or morpheme : related by derivation, borrowing, or descent c of a substantive : related to a verb usually by derivation and serving as its object to reinforce the meaning
–cog·nate·ly adverb

cognate
n. : one that is cognate with another

cognation
n. : cognate relationship

cognition
n. : cognitive mental processes also : a product of these processes
–cog·ni·tion·al \-'nish-nəl, -'ni-shə-nəl\ adjective

cognitive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (as thinking, reasoning, or remembering) <cognitive impairment>
2 : based on or capable of being reduced to empirical factual knowledge
–cog·ni·tive·ly adverb

cognitive
adj. cognitive dissonance
cognitive science
cognitive scientist
cognitive therapy

cognitive dissonance
: psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously

cognitive science
: an interdisciplinary science that draws on many fields (as psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and philosophy) in developing theories about human perception, thinking, and learning
–cognitive scientist noun

cognitive therapy
: psychotherapy especially for depression that emphasizes the substitution of desirable patterns of thinking for maladaptive or faulty ones

cognizable
adj. 1 : capable of being judicially heard and determined <a cognizable claim>
2 : capable of being known <cognizable events>
–cog·ni·za·bly \-blē\ adverb

cognizance
n. 1 : a distinguishing mark or emblem (as a heraldic bearing)
2 a : KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS <had no cognizance of the situation> b : NOTICE, ACKNOWLEDGMENT <take cognizance of their achievement>
3 : JURISDICTION, RESPONSIBILITY

cognizant
adj. : knowledgeable of something especially through personal experience also : MINDFUL
synonyms see AWARE

cognize
v. : KNOW, UNDERSTAND
–cog·niz·er noun

cognomen
n. 1 : SURNAME especially : the third of usually three names borne by a male citizen of ancient Rome ― compare NOMEN, PRAENOMEN
2 : NAME especially : a distinguishing nickname or epithet
–cog·nom·i·nal \käg-'nä-mə-nəl\ adjective

cognoscente
n. : a person who has expert knowledge in a subject : CONNOISSEUR

cognoscible
adj. : COGNIZABLE, KNOWABLE

cogon
: any of several tall grasses (genus Imperata, especially I. cylindrica) of southeastern Asia used especially for thatching, fodder, and erosion control

cogwheel
n. : a wheel with cogs : GEAR 6A(2)

cohabit
v. 1 : to live together as or as if a married couple
2 a : to live together or in company <buffaloes cohabiting with crossbred cows ― Biol. Abstracts> b : to exist together <two strains in his philosophy⋯cohabit in each of his major works ― Justus Buchler>
–co·hab·i·tant \-bə-tənt\ noun
–co·hab·i·ta·tion \(ˌ)kō-ˌha-bə-'tā-shən\ noun

Cohan
George Michael 1878-1942 American actor, dram., & producer

Cohen
n. Stanley 1922-     American biochem.

Cohen
n. William Sebastian 1940-     U.S. secy. of defense (1997-2001)

Cohen-Tannoudji
Claude 1933-     Fr. (Algerian-born) physicist

cohere
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to hold together firmly as parts of the same mass broadly : STICK, ADHERE b : to display cohesion of plant parts
2 : to hold together as a mass of parts that cohere
3 a : to become united in principles, relationships, or interests b : to be logically or aesthetically consistent
transitive verb : to cause (parts or components) to cohere
synonyms see STICK

coherence
n. 1 : the quality or state of cohering: as a : systematic or logical connection or consistency b : integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values
2 : the property of being coherent <a plan that lacks coherence>

coherency
n. : COHERENCE

coherent
adj. 1 a : logically or aesthetically ordered or integrated : CONSISTENT <coherent style> <a coherent argument> b : having clarity or intelligibility : UNDERSTANDABLE <a coherent person> <a coherent passage>
2 : having the quality of cohering especially : COHESIVE, COORDINATED <a coherent plan for action>
3 a : relating to or composed of waves having a constant difference in phase <coherent light> b : producing coherent light <a coherent source>
–co·her·ent·ly adverb

coherer
n. : a radio detector in which an imperfectly conducting contact between pieces of conductive material loosely resting against each other is materially improved in conductance by the passage of high-frequency current

cohesion
n. 1 : the act or state of sticking together tightly especially : UNITY <the lack of cohesion in the Party ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : union between similar plant parts or organs
3 : molecular attraction by which the particles of a body are united throughout the mass
–co·he·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective

cohesive
adj. : exhibiting or producing cohesion or coherence <a cohesive social unit> <cohesive soils>
–co·he·sive·ly adverb
–co·he·sive·ness noun

Cohn
Ferdinand Julius 1828-1898 Ger. botanist

coho
n. : a rather small Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) that has light-colored flesh and is native to both coasts of the No. Pacific and is stocked in the Great Lakes ― called also coho salmon silver salmon

cohomology
: a part of the theory of topology in which groups are used to study the properties of topological spaces and which is related in a complementary way to homology theory ― called also cohomology theory
–co·ho·mo·log·i·cal \-ˌhō-mə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌhä-\ adjective

cohort
n. 1 a : one of 10 divisions of an ancient Roman legion b : a group of warriors or soldiers c : BAND, GROUP d : a group of individuals having a statistical factor (as age or class membership) in common in a demographic study <a cohort of premedical students>
2 : COMPANION, COLLEAGUE <a few of their⋯cohorts decided to form a company ― Burt Hochberg>

cohosh
n. : any of several No. American medicinal or poisonous plants: as a : BLACK COHOSH b : BLUE COHOSH c : BANEBERRY

cohousing
: semi-communal housing consisting of a cluster of private homes and a shared community space (as for cooking or laundry facilities)

coif
n. 1 : a close-fitting cap: as a : a hoodlike cap worn under a veil by nuns b : a protective usually metal skullcap formerly worn under a hood of mail c : a white cap formerly worn by English lawyers and especially by serjeants-at-law also : the order or rank of a serjeant-at-law
2 : COIFFURE

coif
n. 1 : to cover or dress with or as if with a coif
2 : to arrange (hair) by brushing, combing, or curling

coiffeur
n. : a man who is a hairdresser

coiffeuse
n. : a woman who is a hairdresser

coiffure
n. : a style or manner of arranging the hair

coiffured
adj. 1 : being dressed <beautifully coiffured hair>
2 : having the hair brushed, combed, and curled <stylishly coiffured women>

coign of vantage
: an advantageous position

coil
n. 1 : TURMOIL
2 : TROUBLE also : everyday cares and worries <when we have shuffled off this mortal coil ― Shakespeare>

coil
n. transitive verb
1 : to wind into rings or spirals <coil a rope>
2 : to roll or twist into a shape resembling a coil <coiled herself up on the couch>
intransitive verb
1 : to move in a circular or spiral course
2 : to form or lie in a coil
–coil·abil·i·ty \ˌkȯi-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

coil
n. 1 a (1) : a series of loops (2) : SPIRAL b : a single loop of such a coil
2 a : a number of turns of wire wound around a core (as of iron) to create a magnetic field for an electromagnet or an induction coil b : INDUCTION COIL
3 : a series of connected pipes in rows, layers, or windings
4 : a roll of postage stamps also : a stamp from such a roll

coil
n. primary coil
secondary coil
choke coil
induction coil

Coimbatore
city S India in W Tamil Nadu on S slope of Nilgiri Hills pop 923,085

Coimbra
city W cen Portugal pop 148,443

coin
n. 1 archaic a : CORNER, CORNERSTONE, QUOIN b : WEDGE
2 a : a usually flat piece of metal issued by governmental authority as money b : metal money c : something resembling a coin especially in shape
3 : something used as if it were money (as in verbal or intellectual exchange) <perhaps wisecracks⋯are respectable literary coin in the U.S. ― Times Lit. Supp.> <would repay him with the full coin of his mind ― Ian Fleming>
4 : something having two different and usually opposing sides ― usually used in the phrase the other side of the coin
5 : MONEY <I'm in it for the coin ― Sinclair Lewis>

coin
n. 1 a : to make (a coin) especially by stamping : MINT b : to convert (metal) into coins
2 : CREATE, INVENT <coin a phrase>
–coin·er \'kȯi-nər\ noun
–coin money : to get rich quickly

coin
n. 1 : of or relating to coins
2 : operated by coins

coin
n. coin money
coin of the realm
coin op
fleur de coin
sandwich coin

coin money
to get rich quickly

coin of the realm

1816
1 : the legal money of a country
2 : something valued or used as if it were money in a particular sphere <information is the coin of the realm in the capital ― Eloise Salholz et al.>

coin-op
: a self-service laundry where the machines are operated by coins

coinage
n. 1 : the act or process of coining
2 a : COINS b : something (as a word) made up or invented

coincide
v. 1 a : to occupy the same place in space or time b : to occupy exactly corresponding or equivalent positions on a scale or in a series
2 : to correspond in nature, character, or function
3 : to be in accord or agreement : CONCUR
synonyms see AGREE

coincidence
n. 1 : the act or condition of coinciding : CORRESPONDENCE
2 : the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection also : any of these occurrences

coincident
adj. 1 : of similar nature : HARMONIOUS <a theory coincident with the facts>
2 : occupying the same space or time <coincident events>
synonyms see CONTEMPORARY
–co·in·ci·dent·ly \-sə-dənt-lē, -ˌdent-; (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-'dent-lē\ adverb

coincidental
adj. 1 : resulting from a coincidence <a coincidental resemblance>
2 : occurring or existing at the same time <coincidental deaths>

coincidentally
adv. 1 : in a coincidental manner : by coincidence <lonely singles who meet coincidentally and click ― People>
2 : it is or seems coincidental that <coincidentally, the dog died exactly one year after his owner did>

coinfection
: concurrent infection of a cell or organism with two organisms
–co·in·fect \-'fekt\ transitive verb

coinsurance
n. 1 : joint assumption of risk (as by two underwriters) with another
2 : insurance (as fire insurance) in which the insured is obligated to maintain coverage on a risk at a stipulated percentage of its total value or in the event of loss suffer a penalty in proportion to the deficiency

coinsure
v. : to insure jointly
–co·in·sur·er noun

coir
n. : a stiff coarse fiber from the outer husk of a coconut

Coire
― see CHUR

coistrel
archaic : a mean fellow : VARLET

coition
n. : COITUS
–co·i·tion·al \-'ish-nəl, -'i-shə-nəl\ adjective

coitus
n. : physical union of male and female genitalia accompanied by rhythmic movements : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE 1 ― compare ORGASM
–co·i·tal \-təl\ adjective
–co·i·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

coitus interruptus
: coitus in which the penis is withdrawn prior to ejaculation to prevent the deposit of sperm into the vagina

cojones
n. 1 slang : NERVE 3
2 slang : TESTES

Coke
n. ― used for a cola drink

Coke
n. Sir Edward 1552-1634 Lord Coke Eng. jurist

coke
n. : the residue of coal left after destructive distillation and used as fuel also : a similar residue left by other materials (as petroleum) distilled to dryness

coke
n. transitive verb : to change into coke
intransitive verb : to become coke or like coke

coke
n. : COCAINE

cokehead
: a person who uses cocaine compulsively

COL
n. 1 colonel
2 cost of living

Col
n. 1 colonel
2 Colorado
3 Colossians

col
n. : SADDLE 3

col
n. 1 colonial
2 colony
3 color; colored
4 column
5 counsel

col
n. 1 collateral
2 collect; collected; collection
3 college; collegiate

col
n. ― see COM-

col
n. 1 : colon <colitis> <colostomy>
2 [New Latin Escherichia coli, species of colon bacillus] : E. coli <coliform> <coliphage>

COLA
n. 1 cost-of-living adjustment
2 cost-of-living allowance

cola
n. plural of colon

cola
n. : a carbonated soft drink colored usually with caramel and flavored usually with extracts from kola nuts

cola nut
variant of kola nut

cola tree
variant of Kola tree

colander
n. : a perforated utensil for washing or draining food

colatitude
: the complement of the latitude

Colbert
n. Jean-Baptiste 1619-1683 Fr. statesman & financier

Colby
: a moist mild cheese similar to cheddar

colcannon
n. : potatoes and cabbage boiled and mashed together with butter and seasoning

Colchester
town SE England in Essex pop 141,100

colchicine
n. : a poisonous alkaloid C_22H_25NO_6 that inhibits mitosis, is extracted from the corms or seeds of the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), and is used especially in the treatment of gout and to produce polyploidy in plants

colchicum
n. 1 : any of a genus (Colchicum) of Old World corm-producing herbs of the lily family with flowers that resemble crocuses
2 : the dried corm or dried seeds of autumn crocus containing colchicine, possessing emetic, diuretic, and cathartic action, and used to treat gout

Colchis
n. ancient country bordering on Black Sea S of Caucasus Mountains; area now constitutes W part of Republic of Georgia
–Col·chi·an \'käl-kē-ən\ adjective or noun

cold
n. 1 a : having or being a temperature that is uncomfortably low for humans <it is cold outside today> <a cold drafty attic> b : having a relatively low temperature or one lower than normal or expected <the bath water has gotten cold> c : not heated: as (1) of food : served without heating especially after initial cooking or processing <cold cereal> <cold roast beef> (2) : served chilled or with ice <a cold drink> (3) : involving processing without the use of heat <cold working of steel>
2 a : marked by a lack of the warmth of normal human emotion, friendliness, or compassion <a cold stare> <got a cold reception> also : not moved to enthusiasm <the movie leaves me cold> b : not colored or affected by personal feeling or bias : DETACHED, INDIFFERENT <cold chronicles recorded by an outsider ― Andrew Sarris> also : IMPERSONAL, OBJECTIVE <cold facts> <cold reality> c : marked by sure familiarity : PAT <had her lines cold weeks before opening night>
3 : conveying the impression of being cold: as a : DEPRESSING, GLOOMY <cold gray skies> b : COOL 6A
4 a : marked by the loss of normal body heat <cold hands> especially : DEAD b : giving the appearance of being dead : UNCONSCIOUS <passed out cold>
5 a : having lost freshness or vividness : STALE <dogs trying to pick up a cold scent> b : far off the mark : not close to finding or solving ― used especially in children's games c : marked by poor or unlucky performance <the team's shooting turned cold in the second half> d : not prepared or suitably warmed up
–cold·ish \'kōld-ish\ adjective
–cold·ly \'kōl(d)-lē\ adverb
–cold·ness \'kōl(d)-nəs\ noun
–in cold blood : with premeditation : DELIBERATELY <was killed in cold blood>

cold
n. 1 : bodily sensation produced by loss or lack of heat <they died of the cold>
2 : a condition of low temperature <extremes of heat and cold> especially : cold weather
3 : a bodily disorder popularly associated with chilling specifically : COMMON COLD
–out in the cold : deprived of benefits given others <the plan benefits management but leaves labor out in the cold>

cold
n. 1 : with utter finality : ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY <turned down cold> also : ABRUPTLY <stopped them cold>
2 a : without introduction or advance notice <walked in cold to apply for a job> b : without preparation or warm-up <was asked to perform the solo cold>

cold
n. blow hot and cold
in cold blood
out in the cold
cold blooded
cold bloodedness
cold bloodedly
cold call
cold cash
cold chisel
cold comfort
cold cream
cold cuts
cold duck
cold eyed
cold feet
cold fish
cold frame
cold front
cold press
cold shoulder
cold sore
cold storage
cold store
cold sweat
cold turkey
cold type
cold war
cold warrior
cold water
cold wave
common cold
head cold
ice cold
knock cold
rose cold
stone cold
throw cold water on

cold call
: a telephone call soliciting business made directly to a potential customer without prior contact or without a lead
–cold-call verb

cold cash
: money in hand

cold chisel
: a chisel made of tool steel of a strength, shape, and temper suitable for chipping or cutting cold metal

cold comfort
: quite limited sympathy, consolation, or encouragement

cold cream
: a soothing and cleansing cosmetic

cold cuts
: sliced assorted cold cooked meats

cold duck
: a beverage that consists of a blend of sparkling burgundy and champagne

cold feet
: apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action

cold fish
: a cold aloof person

cold frame
: a usually glass- or plastic-covered frame without artificial heat used to protect plants and seedlings outdoors

cold front
: an advancing edge of a cold air mass

cold shoulder
: intentionally cold or unsympathetic treatment <got the cold shoulder from an old friend>
–cold-shoulder transitive verb

cold sore
: a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing about or within the mouth that are caused by a herpes simplex virus and upon rupturing form crusts ― called also fever blister ― compare CANKER SORE

cold storage
1 : storage (as of food) in a cold place for preservation
2 : a condition of being held or continued without being acted on : ABEYANCE

cold store
: a building for cold storage

cold sweat
: concurrent perspiration and chill usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

cold turkey
1 : abrupt complete cessation of the use of an addictive drug also : the symptoms experienced by a person undergoing withdrawal from a drug
2 : unrelieved blunt language or procedure
3 : a cold aloof person
–cold-turkey transitive verb

cold turkey
: all at once : ABRUPTLY: as a : without a period of gradual adjustment, adaptation, or withdrawal <quit smoking cold turkey> b : without preparation <a new player who started the season cold turkey>

cold type
: composition or typesetting (as photocomposition) done without the casting of metal specifically : such composition produced directly on paper by a typewriter mechanism

cold war
1 : a conflict over ideological differences carried on by methods short of sustained overt military action and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations specifically often capitalized C&W : the ideological conflict between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. during the second half of the 20th century ― compare HOT WAR
2 : a condition of rivalry, mistrust, and often open hostility short of violence especially between power groups (as labor and management)

cold warrior
: one that supports or is engaged in a cold war

cold water
: depreciation of something as being ill-advised, unwarranted, or worthless <threw cold water on our hopes>

cold wave
1 : an unusually large and rapid drop in temperature over a short period of time (as 24 hours)
2 : a permanent wave set by a chemical preparation without the use of heat

cold-blooded
1 a : done or acting without consideration, compunction, or clemency <cold-blooded murder> b : MATTER-OF-FACT, EMOTIONLESS <a cold-blooded assessment>
2 : having cold blood specifically : having a body temperature not internally regulated but approximating that of the environment
3 or cold·blood \-'bləd\ : of mixed or inferior breeding
4 : noticeably sensitive to cold
–cold-blood·ed·ly adverb
–cold-blood·ed·ness noun

cold-eyed
: cold in manner or appearance especially : coolly dispassionate <cold-eyed analysis>

cold-press
: to press (as olives) without applying heat from an external source also : to extract (oil) by cold-pressing

cold-water
: having only running water without heat or utility services provided <a cold-water flat>

coldcock
: to knock unconscious

coldhearted
adj. : marked by lack of sympathy, interest, or sensitivity <coldhearted criminals> <a coldhearted refusal>
–cold·heart·ed·ly adverb
–cold·heart·ed·ness noun

Cole
n. Thomas 1801-1848 American (Eng.-born) painter

cole
n. : any of several brassicas especially : any of various crop plants (as broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi) derived from the same wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

colemanite
: a colorless or white mineral consisting of a hydrous calcium borate occurring in monoclinic crystals

coleoptera
n. : insects that are beetles
–co·le·op·ter·ist \-tə-rist\ noun
–co·le·op·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective

coleopteran
n. : 1BEETLE 1
–coleopteran adjective

coleoptile
n. : the first leaf of a monocotyledon forming a protective sheath about the plumule

coleorhiza
: the sheath investing the radicle in some monocotyledonous plants through which the roots emerge

Colepeper
Thomas 1635-1689 2d Baron Colepeper Eng. colonial administrator; gov. of Virginia

Coleraine
district N Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 187 sq mi (484 sq km), pop 51,062

Coleridge
n. Samuel Taylor 1772-1834 Eng. poet
–Cole·ridg·ean also Cole·ridg·ian \ˌkōl-'ri-jē-ən, ˌkō-lə-\ adjective

coleslaw
n. : a salad made of raw sliced or chopped cabbage

Colet
John 1466(or 1467)-1519 Eng. theol. & scholar

Colette
n. Sidonie-Gabrielle 1873-1954 Fr. author

coleus
n. : any of a large genus (Coleus) of Old World herbs of the mint family including ones cultivated for their colorful foliage

colewort
n. : COLE especially : one (as kale) that forms no head

Colfax
Schuy·ler \'skī-lər\ 1823-1885 vice pres. of the U.S. (1869-73)

coli
― see COL-

colic
n. 1 : an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ and often caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting
2 : a condition marked by recurrent episodes of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant that is of unknown cause and usually subsides after three to four months of age

colic
n. : of or relating to colic : COLICKY <colic crying>

colic
n. : of or relating to the colon <colic lymph nodes>

colicin
n. : any of various antibacterial substances produced by strains of intestinal bacteria (as of E. coli)

colicky
adj. 1 : relating to or associated with colic <colicky pain>
2 : suffering from colic <colicky babies>

colicroot
: any of several plants having roots used in folk medicine to treat colic especially : either of two bitter herbs (Aletris farinosa and A. aurea) of the lily family

coliform
adj. : of, relating to, or being gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria (as E. coli) normally present in the intestine <monitored coliform levels in drinking water>
–coliform noun

Coligny
Gaspard II de 1519-1572 Seigneur de Châtillon Fr. admiral & Huguenot leader

Colima
1 volcano SW Mexico in S Jalisco
2 state SW Mexico bordering on the Pacific area 2106 sq mi (5454 sq km), pop 428,510
3 city, its capital, SSW of Guadalajara pop 106,967

colinear
1 : COLLINEAR
2 : having corresponding parts arranged in the same linear order <a gene and the protein it determines are colinear>
–co·lin·ear·i·ty \(ˌ)kō-ˌli-nē-'er-ə-tē, -'a-rə-\ noun

coliphage
n. : any bacteriophage active against E. coli

coliseum
n. 1 capitalized : COLOSSEUM 1
2 : a large sports stadium or building designed like the Colosseum for public entertainments

colistin
n. : a polymyxin produced by a bacterium (Bacillus polymyxa var. colistinus) from Japanese soil

colitis
n. : inflammation of the colon

coll
1 : glue <collenchyma>
2 : colloid <collotype>

collaborate
1 : to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor
2 : to cooperate with or willingly assist an enemy of one's country and especially an occupying force
3 : to cooperate with an agency or instrumentality with which one is not immediately connected
–col·lab·o·ra·tion \-ˌla-bə-'rā-shən\ noun
–col·lab·o·ra·tive \-'la-bə-ˌrā-tiv, -b(ə-)rə-\ adjective or noun
–col·lab·o·ra·tive·ly \-lē\ adverb
–col·lab·o·ra·tor \-'la-bə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

collaborationism
n. : the advocacy or practice of collaboration with an enemy
–col·lab·o·ra·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun

collage
n. 1 a : an artistic composition made of various materials (as paper, cloth, or wood) glued on a surface b : a creative work that resembles such a composition in incorporating various materials or elements <the album is a collage of several musical styles>
2 : the art of making collages
3 : HODGEPODGE <a collage of ideas>
4 : a work (as a film) having disparate scenes in rapid succession without transitions
–collage transitive verb
–col·lag·ist \-'lä-zhist\ noun

collagen
n. : any of a group of fibrous proteins that occur in vertebrates as the chief constituent of connective tissue fibrils and in bones and yield gelatin and glue upon boiling with water
–col·lag·e·nous \kə-'la-jə-nəs\ adjective

collagenase
n. : any of a group of proteolytic enzymes that decompose collagen and gelatin

collapse
intransitive verb
1 : to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely : fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure <a blood vessel that collapsed>
2 : to break down completely : DISINTEGRATE <his case had collapsed in a mass of legal wreckage ― Erle Stanley Gardner>
3 : to cave or fall in or give way <the bridge collapsed>
4 : to suddenly lose force, significance, effectiveness, or worth <fears that the currency may collapse>
5 : to break down in vital energy, stamina, or self-control through exhaustion or disease especially : to fall helpless or unconscious
6 : to fold down into a more compact shape <a chair that collapses>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to collapse <buildings collapsed by an earthquake>
2 : CONDENSE <collapse several stories into one>
–col·laps·ibil·i·ty \-ˌlap-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–col·laps·ible \-'lap-sə-bəl\ adjective

collapse
n. 1 a : a breakdown in vital energy, strength, or stamina b : a state of extreme prostration and physical depression (as from circulatory failure or great loss of body fluids) c : an airless state of all or part of a lung originating spontaneously or induced surgically
2 : the act or action of collapsing <the cutting of many tent ropes, the collapse of the canvas ― Rudyard Kipling>
3 : a sudden failure : BREAKDOWN, RUIN
4 : a sudden loss of force, value, or effect <the collapse of respect for ancient law and custom ― L. S. B. Leakey>

collar
n. 1 : a band, strip, or chain worn around the neck: as a : a band that serves to finish or decorate the neckline of a garment b : a short necklace c : a band placed about the neck of an animal d : a part of the harness of draft animals fitted over the shoulders and taking strain when a load is drawn e : an indication of control : a token of subservience f : a protective or supportive device (as a brace or cast) worn around the neck g : CLERICAL COLLAR
2 : something resembling a collar in shape or use (as a ring or round flange to restrain motion or hold something in place)
3 : any of various animal structures or markings similar to a collar
4 : an act of collaring : ARREST, CAPTURE
–col·lared \-lərd\ adjective
–col·lar·less \-lər-ləs\ adjective

collar
n. 1 a : to seize by the collar or neck b : ARREST, GRAB c : to get control of : PREEMPT <we can collar nearly the whole of this market ― Roald Dahl> d : to stop and detain in unwilling conversation <collar the guest of honor>
2 : to put a collar on <collar a dog>

collar
n. blue collar
brass collar Democrat
choke collar
clerical collar
collar cell
dog collar
Eton collar
flea collar
hot under the collar
mandarin collar
Peter Pan collar
pink collar
radio collar
Roman collar
sailor collar
shawl collar
white collar

collar cell
: a flagellated endodermal cell that lines the cavity of a sponge and has a contractile protoplasmic cup surrounding the flagellum ― called also choanocyte

collarbone
n. : CLAVICLE

collard
n. : a cabbage (Brassica oleracea acephala) related to kale and having a loose head of stalked smooth leaves also : its leaves cooked and eaten as a vegetable ― usually used in plural ― called also collard greens

collat
collateral

collate
v. 1 a : to compare critically b : to collect, compare carefully in order to verify, and often to integrate or arrange in order
2 [Latin collatus, past participle] : to institute (a cleric) to a benefice
3 a : to verify the order of (printed sheets) b : to assemble in proper order especially : to assemble (as printed sheets) in order for binding
synonyms see COMPARE
–col·la·tor \-'lā-tər, -ˌlā-\ noun

collateral
n. 1 a : accompanying as secondary or subordinate : CONCOMITANT <digress into collateral matters> b : INDIRECT c : serving to support or reinforce : ANCILLARY
2 : belonging to the same ancestral stock but not in a direct line of descent ― compare LINEAL 3a
3 : parallel, coordinate, or corresponding in position, order, time, or significance <collateral states like Athens and Sparta>
4 a : of, relating to, or being collateral used as security (as for payment of a debt or performance of a contract) b : secured by collateral
–col·lat·er·al·i·ty \-ˌla-tə-'ra-lə-tē\ noun
–col·lat·er·al·ly \-'la-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

collateral
n. 1 : a collateral relative
2 : property (as securities) pledged by a borrower to protect the interests of the lender
3 : a branch of a bodily part (as a vein)

collateral damage
: injury inflicted on something other than an intended target specifically : civilian casualties of a military operation

collateralize
v. 1 : to make (a loan) secure with collateral
2 : to use (as securities) for collateral

collation
n. 1 [Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin collation-, collatio, from Late Latin, conference, from Latin, bringing together, comparison, from conferre (pp. collatus) to bring together ― more at CONFER, TOLERATE] a : a light meal allowed on fast days in place of lunch or supper b : a light meal
2 [Middle English, from Latin collation-, collatio] : the act, process, or result of collating

colleague
n. : an associate in a profession or in a civil or ecclesiastical office
–col·league·ship \-ˌship\ noun

collect
n. 1 : a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion specifically often capitalized : one preceding the eucharistic Epistle and varying with the day
2 : COLLECTION

collect
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bring together into one body or place b : to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources <collect taxes> c : to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby <collects stamps>
2 : INFER, DEDUCE
3 : to gain or regain control of <collect his thoughts>
4 : to claim as due and receive payment for
5 : to get and bring with one specifically : PICK UP <went to collect her at the train station>
intransitive verb
1 : to come together in a band, group, or mass : GATHER
2 a : to collect objects b : to receive payment <collecting on the insurance>
synonyms see GATHER

collect
n. : to be paid for by the receiver

collectanea
n. : collected writings also : literary items forming a collection

collected
adj. 1 : gathered together <the collected works of Scott>
2 : possessed of calmness and composure often through concentrated effort
3 of a horse's gait : performed slowly and restrainedly with the animal's center of gravity toward the hindquarters ― compare EXTENDED
synonyms see COOL
–col·lect·ed·ly adverb
–col·lect·ed·ness noun

collectible
1 : suitable for being collected
2 : due for present payment : PAYABLE
–col·lect·ibil·i·ty or col·lect·abil·i·ty \kə-ˌlek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

collectible
n. : an object that is collected by fanciers especially : one other than such traditionally collectible items as art, stamps, coins, and antiques

collection
n. 1 : the act or process of collecting
2 a : something collected especially : an accumulation of objects gathered for study, comparison, or exhibition or as a hobby b : GROUP, AGGREGATE c : a set of apparel designed for sale usually in a particular season

collective
n. 1 : denoting a number of persons or things considered as one group or whole <flock is a collective word>
2 a : formed by collecting : AGGREGATED b of a fruit : MULTIPLE
3 a : of, relating to, or being a group of individuals b : involving all members of a group as distinct from its individuals <a collective action>
4 : marked by similarity among or with the members of a group
5 : collectivized or characterized by collectivism
6 : shared or assumed by all members of the group <collective responsibility>
–col·lec·tive·ly adverb

collective
n. 1 : a collective body : GROUP
2 : a cooperative unit or organization specifically : COLLECTIVE FARM
3 : a helicopter control system governing lift

collective
n. collective bargaining
collective farm
collective mark
collective security
collective unconscious

collective bargaining
: negotiation between an employer and a labor union usually on wages, hours, and working conditions

collective farm
: a farm especially in a Communist country formed from many small holdings collected into a single unit for joint operation under governmental supervision

collective mark
: a trademark or a service mark of a group (as a cooperative association)

collective security
: the maintenance by common action of the security of all members of an association of nations

collective unconscious
: the inherited part of the unconscious that especially in the psychoanalytic theory of C. G. Jung occurs in and is shared by all the members of a people or race

collectivise
v. chiefly British variant of collectivize

collectivism
n. 1 : a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution also : a system marked by such control
2 : emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity
–col·lec·tiv·ist \-vist\ adjective or noun
–col·lec·tiv·is·tic \-ˌlek-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective
–col·lec·tiv·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

collectivity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being collective
2 : a collective whole especially : the people as a body

collectivize
v. : to organize by collectivism
–col·lec·tiv·i·za·tion \kə-ˌlek-ti-və-'zā-shən\ noun

collector
n. : one that collects: as a : an official who collects funds or moneys b : a person who makes a collection <stamp collector> c : an object or device that collects <the statuette was a dust collector> d : SOLAR COLLECTOR
–col·lec·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

collector's item
: an item whose rarity or excellence makes it especially worth collecting broadly : COLLECTIBLE

colleen
n. : an Irish girl

college
n. 1 : a body of clergy living together and supported by a foundation
2 : a building used for an educational or religious purpose
3 a : a self-governing constituent body of a university offering living quarters and sometimes instruction but not granting degrees <Balliol and Magdalen Colleges at Oxford> ― called also residential college b : a preparatory or high school c : an independent institution of higher learning offering a course of general studies leading to a bachelor's degree also : a university division offering this d : a part of a university offering a specialized group of courses e : an institution offering instruction usually in a professional, vocational, or technical field <business college>
4 : COMPANY, GROUP specifically : an organized body of persons engaged in a common pursuit or having common interests or duties
5 a : a group of persons considered by law to be a unit b : a body of electors ― compare ELECTORAL COLLEGE
6 : the faculty, students, or administration of a college

college
n. residential college
College Board
college try
community college
cow college
electoral college
junior college
state college
teachers college
training college
College Park
College Station
State College

College Board
― used for administration of tests of aptitude and achievement considered by some colleges in determining admission and placement of students

College Park
city SW Md. NE of Washington, D.C. pop 24,657

College Station
city E cen Tex. SE of Bryan pop 67,890

college try
: a zealous all-out effort

collegial
adj. 1 : COLLEGIATE 2
2 a : marked by power or authority vested equally in each of a number of colleagues b : characterized by equal sharing of authority especially by Roman Catholic bishops
3 : marked by camaraderie among colleagues
–col·le·gial·ly adverb

collegiality
n. : the cooperative relationship of colleagues specifically : the participation of bishops in the government of the Roman Catholic Church in collaboration with the pope

collegian
n. : a student or recent graduate of a college

collegiate
adj. 1 : of or relating to a collegiate church
2 : of, relating to, or comprising a college
3 : COLLEGIAL 2
4 : designed for or characteristic of college students
–col·le·giate·ly adverb

collegiate church
1 : a church other than a cathedral that has a chapter of canons
2 : a church or corporate group of churches under the joint pastorate of two or more ministers

collegium
n. : a group in which each member has approximately equal power and authority

collembolan
: SPRINGTAIL
–collembolan or col·lem·bo·lous \-ləs\ adjective

collenchyma
n. : a plant tissue that consists of living usually elongated cells with unevenly thickened walls and acts as support especially in areas of primary growth
–col·len·chy·ma·tous \ˌkä-lən-'ki-mə-təs, -'kī-\ adjective

collet
n. : a metal band, collar, ferrule, or flange: as a : a casing or socket for holding a tool (as a drill bit) b : a circle or flange in which a gem is set

collide
v. 1 : to come together with solid or direct impact <the car collided with a tree>
2 : CLASH <colliding cultures>

collider
n. : a particle accelerator in which two beams of particles moving in opposite directions are made to collide

collie
n. : any of a breed of large dogs developed in Scotland that occur in rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties and have erect ears and a long muzzle

Collier
n. Jeremy 1650-1726 Eng. clergyman

Collier
n. John Payne 1789-1883 Eng. editor

Collier
n. Peter Fen·e·lon \'fe-nə-lən\ 1849-1909 American publisher

collier
n. 1 : one that produces charcoal
2 : a coal miner
3 : a ship for transporting coal

Collierville
town SW Tenn. E of Memphis pop 31,872

colliery
n. : a coal mine and its connected buildings

collieshangie
Scottish : SQUABBLE, BRAWL

colligate
v. transitive verb
1 : to bind, unite, or group together
2 : to subsume (isolated facts) under a general concept
intransitive verb : to be or become a member of a group or unit
–col·li·ga·tion \ˌkä-lə-'gā-shən\ noun

colligative
adj. : depending on the number of particles (as molecules) and not on the nature of the particles <pressure is a colligative property>

collimate
v. : to make (as light rays) parallel
–col·li·ma·tion \ˌkä-lə-'mā-shən\ noun

collimator
n. 1 : a device for producing a beam of parallel rays (as of light) or for forming an infinitely distant virtual image that can be viewed without parallax
2 : a device for obtaining a beam (as of particles) of limited cross section

collinear
adj. 1 : lying on or passing through the same straight line
2 : having axes lying end to end in a straight line <collinear antenna elements>
–col·lin·ear·i·ty \-ˌli-nē-'er-ə-tē, -'a-rə-\ noun

Collins
n. Francis Sellers 1950-     American geneticist

Collins
n. Michael 1890-1922 Irish revolutionary

Collins
n. Michael 1930-     American astronaut

Collins
n. William 1721-1759 Eng. poet

Collins
n. (William) Wilkie 1824-1889 Eng. nov.

collins
n. : a tall iced drink of soda water, sugar, lemon or lime juice, and liquor (as gin)

Collinsville
city SW Ill. NE of E. St. Louis pop 24,707

collision
n. 1 : an act or instance of colliding : CLASH
2 : an encounter between particles (as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy
synonyms see IMPACT
–col·li·sion·al \-'lizh-nəl, -'li-zhə-nəl\ adjective
–col·li·sion·al·ly adverb

collision course
: a course (as of moving bodies or antithetical philosophies) that will result in collision or conflict if continued unaltered

collo
― see COLL-

collocate
v. transitive verb : to set or arrange in a place or position especially : to set side by side
intransitive verb : to occur in conjunction with something

collocation
n. : the act or result of placing or arranging together specifically : a noticeable arrangement or conjoining of linguistic elements (as words)
–col·lo·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

collodion
n. : a viscous solution of pyroxylin used especially as a coating for wounds or for photographic films

collogue
v. 1 dialect : INTRIGUE, CONSPIRE
2 : to talk privately : CONFER

colloid
n. 1 : a gelatinous or mucinous substance found normally in the thyroid and also in diseased tissue
2 a : a substance that consists of particles dispersed throughout another substance which are too small for resolution with an ordinary light microscope but are incapable of passing through a semipermeable membrane b : a mixture consisting of a colloid together with the medium in which it is dispersed <smoke is a colloid>
–col·loi·dal \kə-'lȯi-dəl, kä-\ adjective
–col·loi·dal·ly adverb

collop
n. 1 : a small piece or slice especially of meat
2 : a fold of fat flesh

colloq
colloquial

colloquial
adj. 1 : of or relating to conversation : CONVERSATIONAL
2 a : used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation also : unacceptably informal b : using conversational style
–colloquial noun
–col·lo·qui·al·i·ty \-ˌlō-kwē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–col·lo·qui·al·ly \-'lō-kwē-ə-lē\ adverb

colloquialism
n. 1 a : a colloquial expression b : a local or regional dialect expression
2 : colloquial style

colloquist
: SPEAKER

colloquium
n. : a usually academic meeting at which specialists deliver addresses on a topic or on related topics and then answer questions relating to them

colloquy
n. 1 : CONVERSATION, DIALOGUE
2 : a high-level serious discussion : CONFERENCE

Collor de Mello
Fernando Affonso 1949-     pres. of Brazil (1990-92)

collotype
n. 1 : a photomechanical process for making prints directly from a hardened film of gelatin or other colloid that has ink-receptive and ink-repellent parts
2 : a print made by collotype

collude
v. : CONSPIRE, PLOT <colluded to keep prices high>

collusion
n. : secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose
–col·lu·sive \-'lü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–col·lu·sive·ly adverb

colluvium
n. : rock detritus and soil accumulated at the foot of a slope
–col·lu·vi·al \-vē-əl\ adjective

colly
n. dialect chiefly British : to blacken with or as if with soot

collyrium
n. : EYEWASH 1

collywobbles
n. : BELLYACHE

Colman
George 1732-1794 Eng. dram.

Colmar
commune NE France at E edge of Vosges Mountains pop 65,118

Colo
n. Colorado

colo
n. ― see COL-

colobus monkey
: any of various long-tailed African monkeys (genus Colobus and related genera) ― called also colobus

colocate
: to locate together especially : to place (two or more units) close together so as to share common facilities

colocynth
n. : a Mediterranean and African herbaceous vine (Citrullus colocynthis) related to the watermelon also : its spongy fruit from which a powerful cathartic is prepared

colog
cologarithm

cologarithm
: the logarithm of the reciprocal of a number

Cologne
n. city W Germany in N. Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine pop 956,690

cologne
n. 1 : a perfumed liquid composed of alcohol and fragrant oils
2 : a cream or paste of cologne sometimes formed into a semisolid stick
–co·logned \-'lōnd\ adjective

Colomb-Bechar
― see BÉCHAR

Colombes
commune N France, NW suburb of Paris pop 76,690

Colombia
n. country NW S. America bordering on Caribbean Sea & Pacific Ocean capital Bogotá area 439,735 sq mi (1,138,914 sq km), pop 26,525,670
–Co·lom·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

Colombo
n. city & port capital of Sri Lanka pop 615,000

Colon
n. city & port N Panama on the Caribbean at entrance to Panama Canal pop 54,469

colon
n. : the part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum

colon
n. 1 plural cola : a rhythmical unit of an utterance specifically in Greek or Latin verse : a system or series of from two to not more than six feet having a principal accent and forming part of a line
2 plural colons a : a punctuation mark : used chiefly to direct attention to matter (as a list, explanation, quotation, or amplification) that follows b : the sign : used between the parts of a numerical expression of time in hours and minutes (as in 1:15) or in hours, minutes, and seconds (as in 8:25:30), in a bibliographical reference (as in Nation 130:20), in a ratio where it is usually read as “to” (as in 4:1 read “four to one”), or in a proportion where it is usually read as “is to” or when doubled as “as” (as in 2:1::8:4 read “two is to one as eight is to four”)

colon
n. : a colonial farmer or plantation owner

colon
n. ― see MONEY table

colon
n. colon bacillus
sigmoid colon
spastic colon
transverse colon
Colon Archipielago de
cola nut
cola tree
Colón Archipiélago de
Archipiélago de Colón

colon bacillus
: E. COLI

Colon, Archipielago de
― see GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

colonel
n. 1 a : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general b : LIEUTENANT COLONEL
2 : a minor titular official of a state especially in southern or midland U.S. ― used as an honorific title
–col·o·nel·cy \-nəl-sē\ noun

colonel
n. bird colonel
chicken colonel
Colonel Blimp
Colonel Blimpism
lieutenant colonel

Colonel Blimp
: a pompous person with out-of-date or ultraconservative views broadly : REACTIONARY
–Colonel Blimp·ism \-'blim-ˌpi-zəm\ noun

colonial
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony
2 often capitalized : of or relating to the original 13 colonies forming the United States: as a : made or prevailing in America during the colonial period <colonial architecture> b : adapted from or reminiscent of an American colonial mode of design <colonial furniture>
3 : forming or existing in a colony <colonial organisms>
4 : possessing or composed of colonies <a colonial empire>
–co·lo·nial·ize \-nē-ə-ˌlīz, -nyə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
–co·lo·nial·ly adverb
–co·lo·nial·ness noun

colonial
n. 1 : a member or inhabitant of a colony
2 a : a product (as a coin or stamp) made for use in a colony b : a product exhibiting colonial style especially often capitalized : a house built in the neoclassical style of the American colonial period

colonialism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being colonial
2 : something characteristic of a colony
3 a : control by one power over a dependent area or people b : a policy advocating or based on such control
–co·lo·nial·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–co·lo·nial·is·tic \-ˌlō-nē-ə-'lis-tik, -nyə-'lis-\ adjective

colonic
adj. : of or relating to the colon of the intestine

colonic
adj. : irrigation of the colon : ENEMA

colonisation
British variant of colonization, colonize

colonist
n. 1 : a member or inhabitant of a colony
2 : one that colonizes or settles in a new country

colonization
n. : an act or instance of colonizing
–col·o·ni·za·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

colonize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to establish a colony in or on or of <colonize an island> b : to establish in a colony <the rights of colonized people>
2 : to send illegal or irregularly qualified voters into <colonizing doubtful districts>
3 : to infiltrate with usually subversive militants for propaganda and strategy reasons <colonize industries>
intransitive verb : to make or establish a colony : SETTLE
–col·o·niz·er noun

colonnade
n. : a series of columns set at regular intervals and usually supporting the base of a roof structure
–col·on·nad·ed \-'nā-dəd\ adjective

colonoscopy
n. : endoscopic examination of the colon
–co·lon·o·scope \kō-'lä-nə-ˌskōp\ noun

colonus
: a free-born serf in the later Roman Empire who could sometimes own property but who was bound to the land and obliged to pay a rent usually in produce

colony
n. 1 a : a body of people living in a new territory but retaining ties with the parent state b : the territory inhabited by such a body
2 : a distinguishable localized population within a species <a colony of termites>
3 a : a circumscribed mass of microorganisms usually growing in or on a solid medium b : the aggregation of zooids of a compound animal
4 a : a group of individuals or things with common characteristics or interests situated in close association <an artist colony> b : the section occupied by such a group
5 : a group of persons institutionalized away from others <a leper colony> <a penal colony> also : the land or buildings occupied by such a group

colony
n. colony stimulating factor
crown colony
Cape Colony
The Colony

colony-stimulating factor
: any of several glycoproteins that promote the differentiation of stem cells especially into blood granulocytes and macrophages and that stimulate their proliferation into colonies in culture

Colophon
n. ancient city W Asia Minor in Lydia

colophon
n. 1 : an inscription placed at the end of a book or manuscript usually with facts relative to its production
2 : an identifying mark, emblem, or device used by a printer or a publisher

colophony
n. : ROSIN

color
n. 1 a : a phenomenon of light (as red, brown, pink, or gray) or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects b (1) : the aspect of the appearance of objects and light sources that may be described in terms of hue, lightness, and saturation for objects and hue, brightness, and saturation for light sources <the changing color of the sky> also : a specific combination of hue, saturation, and lightness or brightness <comes in six colors> (2) : a color other than and as contrasted with black, white, or gray
2 a : an outward often deceptive show : APPEARANCE <his story has the color of truth> b : a legal claim to or appearance of a right, authority, or office c : a pretense offered as justification : PRETEXT <she could have drawn from the Versailles treaty the color of legality for any action she chose ― Yale Rev.> d : an appearance of authenticity : PLAUSIBILITY <lending color to this notion>
3 : complexion tint: a : the tint characteristic of good health b : BLUSH
4 a : vividness or variety of effects of language b : LOCAL COLOR
5 a : an identifying badge, pennant, or flag ― usually used in plural <a ship sailing under Swedish colors> b : colored clothing distinguishing one as a member of a particular group or representative of a particular person or thing ― usually used in plural <a jockey wearing the colors of the stable>
6 a plural : position as to a question or course of action : STAND <the USSR changed neither its colors nor its stripes during all of this ― Norman Mailer> b : CHARACTER, NATURE ― usually used in plural <showed himself in his true colors>
7 a : the use or combination of colors b : two or more hues employed in a medium of presentation <movies in color>
8 plural a : a naval or nautical salute to a flag being hoisted or lowered b : ARMED FORCES
9 : VITALITY, INTEREST <the play had a good deal of color to it>
10 : something used to give color : PIGMENT
11 : the quality of timbre in music <the color and richness of the cello>
12 : skin pigmentation especially other than white characteristic of race <a person of color>
13 : a small particle of gold in a gold miner's pan after washing
14 : analysis of game action or strategy, statistics and background information on participants, and often anecdotes provided by a sportscaster to give variety and interest to the broadcast of a game or contest <a color commentator>
15 : a hypothetical property of quarks that differentiates each type into three forms having a distinct role in binding quarks together

color
n. 1 a : to give color to b : to change the color of (as by dyeing, staining, or painting)
2 : to change as if by dyeing or painting: as a : MISREPRESENT, DISTORT b : GLOSS, EXCUSE <color a lie> c : INFLUENCE <the lives of most of us have been colored by politics ― Christine Weston>
3 : CHARACTERIZE, LABEL <call it progress; color it inevitable with shades of job security ― C. E. Price>
intransitive verb : to take on color specifically : BLUSH
–col·or·er \'kə-lər-ər\ noun

color
n. color filter
color bar
color line
color bearer
color blind
color blindness
color field
color guard
color phase
color temperature
color wheel
earth color
false color
local color
off color
oil color
parti color
poster color
primary color
r color
red green color blindness
secondary color
tertiary color
three color
tone color
turn color
vat color
with flying colors
off colored
parti colored
r colored
rose colored
rose colored glasses
self colored
coloring book

color bar
: a barrier preventing persons of color from participating with whites in various activities ― called also color line

color filter
: FILTER 2B

color guard
: an honor guard for the colors of an organization

color phase
1 : a seasonally variant pelage color
2 a : a genetic variant manifested by the occurrence of a skin or pelage color unlike the wild type of the animal group in which it appears b : an individual marked by such a variant

color temperature
: the temperature at which a blackbody emits radiant energy competent to evoke a color the same as that evoked by radiant energy from a given source (as a lamp)

color wheel
: a circular diagram of the spectrum used to show the relationships between the colors

color-bearer
: one who carries a color or standard especially in a military parade or drill

color-blind
1 : affected with partial or total inability to distinguish one or more chromatic colors
2 : INSENSITIVE, OBLIVIOUS
3 : not influenced by differences of race <tried to get the welfare establishment⋯to abandon its color-blind policy ― D. P. Moynihan> especially : free from racial prejudice <a white man with an invisible black skin in a color-blind community ― James Farmer>
–color blindness noun

color-field
: abstract painting in which color is emphasized and form and surface are correspondingly de-emphasized

colorable
adj. 1 : seemingly valid or genuine <a colorable claim in law>
2 : intended to deceive : COUNTERFEIT <colorable and false pretenses>
–col·or·ably \-blē\ adverb

Colorado
n. 1 river 1450 mi (2334 km) SW U.S. & NW Mexico rising in N Colo. & flowing SW into Gulf of California
2 river 600 mi (950 km) S Tex. flowing SE into Gulf of Mexico
3 state W U.S. capital Denver area 104,247 sq mi (271,042 sq km), pop 4,301,261
4 river 530 mi (853 km) cen Argentina flowing SE to the Atlantic
–Col·o·ra·dan \-'ra-dən, -'rä-\ adjective or noun
–Col·o·ra·do·an \-'ra-dō-ən, -'rä-\ adjective or noun

Colorado
n. Colorado blue spruce
Colorado potato beetle
Colorado Desert
Colorado National Monument
Colorado Plateau
Colorado Springs
Little Colorado

Colorado blue spruce
: BLUE SPRUCE

Colorado Desert
desert SE Calif. W of Colorado River

Colorado National Monument
n. reservation W Colo. W of Grand Junction containing many unusual erosion formations

Colorado Plateau
plateau SW U.S. W of Rocky Mountains in Colorado River basin in N Ariz., S & E Utah, W Colo., & NW N.Mex

Colorado potato beetle
: a black-and-yellow striped beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) that feeds on the leaves of the potato ― called also potato beetle potato bug

Colorado Springs
city cen Colo. E of Pikes Peak pop 360,890

colorant
n. : a substance used for coloring a material : DYE, PIGMENT

coloration
n. 1 a : the state of being colored <the dark coloration of his skin> b : use or choice of colors (as by an artist) c : arrangement of colors <the coloration of a butterfly's wing>
2 a : characteristic quality <the newspapers⋯took on the former coloration of the magazine ― L. B. Seltzer> b : aspect suggesting an attitude : PERSUASION <the chameleon talent for taking on the intellectual coloration of whatever idea he happened to fasten onto ― Budd Schulberg>
3 : subtle variation of intensity or quality of tone <a wide range of coloration from the orchestra>

coloratura
n. 1 : elaborate embellishment in vocal music broadly : music with ornate figuration
2 : a soprano with a light agile voice specializing in coloratura

colorbred
: selectively bred for the development of particular colors <pure colorbred dogs>

colorectal
adj. : relating to or affecting the colon and rectum <colorectal cancer>

colored
n. 1 : having color
2 a : COLORFUL b : marked by exaggeration or bias
3 a sometimes offensive : of a race other than the white especially : BLACK 2B b sometimes offensive : of mixed race
4 sometimes offensive : of or relating to persons of races other than the white or of mixed race

colored
n. often offensive : a person of a race other than the white or of mixed race

colored
n. off colored
parti colored
r colored
rose colored
rose colored glasses
self colored

colorfast
adj. : having color that retains its original hue without fading or running
–col·or·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs\ noun

colorful
adj. 1 : having striking colors <colorful scenery>
2 : full of variety or interest <a colorful description>
–col·or·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–col·or·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

colorific
adj. : capable of communicating color

colorimeter
n. : an instrument or device for determining and specifying colors specifically : one used for chemical analysis by comparison of a liquid's color with standard colors
–col·or·i·met·ric \ˌkə-lə-rə-'me-trik\ adjective
–col·or·i·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–col·or·im·e·try \ˌkə-lə-'ri-mə-trē\ noun

coloring
n. 1 a : the act of applying colors b : something that produces color or color effects c (1) : the effect produced by applying or combining colors (2) : natural color (3) : COMPLEXION, COLORATION d : change of appearance (as by adding color)
2 : INFLUENCE, BIAS
3 : COLOR 4
4 : TIMBRE, QUALITY

coloring book
: a book of line drawings for coloring (as with crayons)

colorist
n. : one that colors or deals with color

coloristic
1 : of or relating to color or coloring
2 : of or relating to timbre in music
–col·or·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

colorize
v. : to add color to (a black-and-white film) by means of a computer
–col·or·i·za·tion \ˌkə-lə-rə-'zā-shən, -lər-ə-\ noun

colorless
adj. : lacking color: as a : PALLID, BLANCHED <a colorless complexion> b : DULL, UNINTERESTING <colorless prose>
–col·or·less·ly adverb
–col·or·less·ness noun

colorpoint shorthair
: any of a breed of domestic cats of Siamese body type and coat pattern but occurring in different colors ― called also colorpoint

colorway
n. : a color or arrangement of colors <fabric sold in a variety of colorways>

Colossae
ancient city SW cen Asia Minor in SW Phrygia
–Co·los·sian \kə-'lä-shən\ adjective or noun

colossal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a colossus
2 : of a bulk, extent, power, or effect approaching or suggesting the stupendous or incredible <colossal rock formations>
3 : of an exceptional or astonishing degree <a colossal failure>
synonyms see ENORMOUS
–co·los·sal·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb

colosseum
n. 1 capitalized : an amphitheater built in Rome in the first century A.D.
2 : COLISEUM 2

Colossians
n. : a letter written by St. Paul to the Christians of Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

colossus
n. 1 : a statue of gigantic size and proportions
2 : a person or thing of immense size or power

colostomy
n. : surgical formation of an artificial anus by connecting the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall

colostrum
n. : milk secreted for a few days after parturition and characterized by high protein and antibody content
–co·los·tral \-trəl\ adjective

colour
n. chiefly British variant of color

colous
: living or growing in or on <arenicolous>

colportage
n. : a colporteur's work

colporteur
n. : a peddler of religious books

colposcope
n. : a magnifying instrument designed to facilitate visual inspection of the vagina and cervix
–col·pos·co·py \käl-'päs-kə-pē\ noun

colt
n. 1 a : FOAL especially : a male foal b : a young male horse that is usually not castrated and has not attained an arbitrarily designated age (as four years)
2 : a young untried person

coltish
adj. 1 a : not subjected to discipline b : FRISKY, PLAYFUL <coltish antics>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a colt <coltish legs>
–colt·ish·ly adverb
–colt·ish·ness noun

Colton
city SW Calif. S of San Bernardino pop 47,662

Coltrane
n. John William 1926-1967 American jazz musician

coltsfoot
n. : any of various plants with large rounded leaves resembling the foot of a colt especially : a perennial composite herb (Tussilago farfara) with yellow flower heads appearing before the leaves

colubrid
n. : any of a large cosmopolitan family (Colubridae) of chiefly nonvenomous snakes
–colubrid adjective

colubrine
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a snake
2 : of or relating to colubrids : COLUBRID

colugo
n. : FLYING LEMUR

Colum
Pad·raic \'pȯth-rig\ 1881-1972 American (Irish-born) writer

Columba
n. Saint ca 521-597 Irish missionary in Scotland

columbarium
n. 1 : a structure of vaults lined with recesses for cinerary urns
2 : a recess in a columbarium

Columbia
n. : the United States

Columbia
n. 1 river 1214 mi (1953 km) SW Canada & NW U.S. rising in SE B.C. & flowing S & W into the Pacific
2 city cen Mo. pop 84,531
3 city W cen S.C., its capital pop 116,278
4 city cen Tenn. pop 33,055
–Co·lum·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

Columbia
n. British Columbia
Columbia Cape
Columbia District of
Columbia Plateau
District of Columbia
pre Columbian
British Columbian

Columbia Plateau
plateau E Wash., E Oreg., & SW Idaho in Columbia River basin

Columbia, Cape
cape N Canada on Ellesmere Is.; northernmost point of Canada, at 83°07′N

Columbia, District of
― see DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Columbian
n. : of or relating to the United States or to Christopher Columbus

Columbine
n. : the saucy sweetheart of Harlequin in comedy and pantomime

columbine
n. : any of a genus (Aquilegia) of plants of the buttercup family with irregular showy spurred flowers: as a : a red-flowered plant (A. canadensis) of eastern No. America b : a blue-flowered plant (A. caerulea) of the Rocky Mountains

columbite
n. : a black mineral consisting mostly of iron and niobium

columbium
n. : NIOBIUM

Columbus
n. Christopher It Christoforo Co·lom·bo \kə-'ləm-(ˌ)bō\ Sp Cristóbal Co·lón \kə-'lōn\ 1451-1506 Genoese navigator & explorer for Spain

Columbus
n. 1 city W Ga. on the Chattahoochee pop 186,291
2 city S cen Ind. pop 31,802
3 city E Miss. pop 25,944
4 city cen Ohio, its capital pop 711,470

Columbus
n. Columbus Day
Knight of Columbus
Knights of Columbus

Columbus Day
1 : October 12 formerly observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in commemoration of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492
2 : the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.

columella
n. 1 : the central column or axis of a spiral univalve shell
2 a : the bony or partly cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with the internal ear in birds and in many reptiles and amphibians b : the bony central axis of the cochlea
–col·u·mel·lar \-'me-lər\ adjective

column
n. 1 a : a vertical arrangement of items printed or written on a page b : one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page separated by a rule or blank space c : an accumulation arranged vertically : STACK d : one in a usually regular series of newspaper or magazine articles <gossip column>
2 : a supporting pillar especially : one consisting of a usually round shaft, a capital, and a base
3 a : something resembling a column in form, position, or function <a column of water> b : a tube or cylinder in which a chromatographic separation takes place
4 : a long row (as of soldiers)
5 : one of the vertical lines of elements of a determinant or matrix
6 : a statistical category or grouping <put another game in the win column>
–col·umned \-ləmd, -yəmd\ adjective

column
n. agony column
fifth column
lally column
spinal column
steering column
vertebral column

columnar
adj. 1 : of, relating to, resembling, or characterized by columns
2 : of, relating to, being, or composed of tall narrow somewhat cylindrical or prismatic epithelial cells

columniation
n. : the employment or the arrangement of columns in a structure

columnist
n. : one who writes a newspaper or magazine column
–col·um·nis·tic \ˌkä-ləm-'nis-tik also ˌkäl-yəm-\ adjective

Colville
river 375 mi (603 km) N Alaska flowing NE into Beaufort Sea

Colwyn Bay
town N Wales on Irish Sea pop 26,278

colza
n. 1 : 1RAPE
2 : RAPESEED

com
1 comedy; comic
2 comma
3 commercial organization

com
: with : together : jointly ― usually com- before b, p, or m <commingle>, col- before l <collinear>, and con- before other sounds <concentrate>

coma
n. 1 : a state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison
2 : a state of mental or physical sluggishness : TORPOR

coma
n. 1 : a tufted bunch (as of branches, bracts, or seed hairs)
2 : the head of a comet consisting of a cloud of gas and dust and usually containing a nucleus
3 : an optical aberration in which the image of a point source is a comet-shaped blur
–co·mat·ic \kō-'ma-tik\ adjective

Coma Berenices
: a constellation north of Virgo and between Boötes and Leo

comaker
n. : one that participates in an agreement specifically : one who stands to meet a financial obligation in the event of the maker's default

Comanche
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people ranging from Wyoming and Nebraska south into New Mexico and northwestern Texas
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Comanche people

comate
: COMPANION

comatose
adj. 1 : of, resembling, or affected with coma
2 : characterized by lethargic inertness : TORPID <a comatose economy>

comb
n. 1 a : a toothed instrument used especially for adjusting, cleaning, or confining hair b : a structure resembling such a comb especially : any of several toothed devices used in handling or ordering textile fibers c : CURRYCOMB
2 a : a fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and other domestic birds b : something (as the ridge of a roof) resembling the comb of a cock
3 : HONEYCOMB
–combed \'kōmd\ adjective
–comb·like \'kōm-ˌlīk\ adjective

comb
n. 1 : to draw a comb through for the purpose of arranging or cleaning
2 : to pass across with a scraping or raking action
3 a : to eliminate (as with a comb) by a thorough going-over b : to search or examine systematically <police are combing the city>
4 : to use in a combing action
intransitive verb
1 of a wave or its crest : to roll over or break into foam
2 : to make a thorough search <comb through the classified ads>

comb
n. 1 combination; combined; combining
2 combustion

comb
n. comb jelly
comb over
fine tooth comb
hot comb
combing wool

comb jelly
: CTENOPHORE

comb-over
: an arrangement of hair on a balding man in which hair from the side of the head is combed over the bald spot

combat
n. 1 : a fight or contest between individuals or groups
2 : CONFLICT, CONTROVERSY
3 : active fighting in a war : ACTION <casualties suffered in combat>

combat
n. intransitive verb : to engage in combat : FIGHT
transitive verb
1 : to fight with : BATTLE
2 : to struggle against especially : to strive to reduce or eliminate <combat pollution>
synonyms see OPPOSE

combat
n. 1 : relating to combat <combat missions>
2 : designed or destined for combat <combat boots> <combat troops>

combat
n. combat fatigue
hors de combat
single combat

combat fatigue
: post-traumatic stress disorder under wartime conditions (as combat) that cause intense stress ― called also battle fatigue shell shock

combatant
n. : one that is engaged in or ready to engage in combat
–combatant adjective

combative
adj. : marked by eagerness to fight or contend
–com·bat·ive·ly adverb
–com·bat·ive·ness noun

combe
n. 1 British : a deep narrow valley
2 British : a valley or basin on the flank of a hill

comber
n. 1 : one that combs
2 : a long curling wave of the sea

combination
n. 1 a : a result or product of combining especially : an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end b : two or more persons working as a team
2 : an ordered sequence: as a : a sequence of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock also : the mechanism operating or moved by the sequence b : a rapid sequence of punches in boxing c : any subset of a set considered without regard to order within the subset
3 : any of various one-piece undergarments for the upper and lower parts of the body ― usually used in plural
4 : an instrument designed to perform two or more tasks
5 a : the act or process of combining especially : that of uniting to form a chemical compound b : the quality or state of being combined
–com·bi·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

combination shot
: a shot in pool in which a ball is pocketed by an object ball

combinative
adj. 1 : tending or able to combine
2 : resulting from combination

combinatorial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving combinations
2 : of or relating to the arrangement of, operation on, and selection of discrete mathematical elements belonging to finite sets or making up geometric configurations
–com·bi·na·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

combinatorics
n. : combinatorial mathematics

combinatory
n. : COMBINATIVE

combine
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characters : MERGE <two companies combining forces> b : to cause to unite into a chemical compound c : to unite into a single number or expression <combine fractions and simplify>
2 : INTERMIX, BLEND <combine the sugar and flour>
3 : to possess in combination <a writer whose works combine imagination and scholarship>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become one b : to unite to form a chemical compound
2 : to act together <many factors combined to cause the recession>
synonyms see JOIN
–com·bin·able \-'bī-nə-bəl\ adjective
–com·bin·er noun

combine
n. 1 : a combination especially of business or political interests
2 : a harvesting machine that heads, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over a field

combine
n. transitive verb : to harvest with a combine
intransitive verb : to combine a crop

combine
n. severe combined immunodeficiency
severe combined immune deficiency
combining form

combined
adj. : a skiing competition combining two separate events (as downhill race and a slalom race)

combing
n. variant of coaming

combing wool
: long-staple strong-fibered wool found suitable for combing and used especially in the manufacture of worsteds

combings
n. : loose hair removed by a comb

combining form
: a linguistic form that occurs only in compounds or derivatives and can be distinguished descriptively from an affix by its ability to occur as one immediate constituent of a form whose only other immediate constituent is an affix (as cephal- in cephalic) or by its being derived from an independent word (as electro- representing electric in electromagnet or para- representing parachute in paratrooper) or can be distinguished historically from an affix by the fact that it is borrowed from another language in which it is descriptively a word or a combining form (as French mal giving English mal- in malodorous)

combo
n. 1 : a usually small jazz or dance band
2 : COMBINATION

combust
adj. : BURN

combustible
n. 1 : capable of combustion
2 : easily excited <a combustible temper>
–com·bus·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌbəs-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–combustible noun
–com·bus·ti·bly \-'bəs-tə-blē\ adverb

combustion
n. 1 : an act or instance of burning
2 : a usually rapid chemical process (as oxidation) that produces heat and usually light also : a slower oxidation (as in the body)
3 : violent agitation : TUMULT
–com·bus·tive \-'bəs-tiv\ adjective

combustion
n. combustion chamber
external combustion engine
internal combustion engine
spontaneous combustion

combustor
n. : a chamber (as in a gas turbine or a jet engine) in which combustion occurs ― called also combustion chamber

comd
command

comdg
commanding

comdr
commander

comdt
commandant

come
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to move toward something : APPROACH <come here> b : to move or journey to a vicinity with a specified purpose <come see us> <come and see what's going on> c (1) : to reach a particular station in a series <now we come to the section on health> (2) : to arrive in due course <the time has come> d (1) : to approach in kind or quality <this comes near perfection> (2) : to reach a condition or conclusion <came to regard him as a friend> <come to think of it, you may be right> e (1) : to advance toward accomplishment : COME ALONG <the job is coming nicely> (2) : to advance in a particular manner <come running when I call> (3) : to advance, rise, or improve in rank or condition <has come a long way> f : EXTEND <her dress came to her ankles>
2 a (1) : to arrive at a particular place, end, result, or conclusion <came to his senses> <come untied> (2) : AMOUNT <the taxes on it come to more than it's worth> b (1) : to appear to the mind <the answer came to them> (2) : to appear on a scene : make an appearance <children come equipped to learn any language> c (1) : HAPPEN, OCCUR <no harm will come to you> (2) : to come to pass : take place ― used in the subjunctive with inverted subject and verb to express the particular time or occasion <come spring the days will be longer> d : ORIGINATE, ARISE <wine comes from grapes> <they come of sturdy stock> e : to enter or assume a condition, position, or relation <artillery came into action> f : to fall within a field of view or a range of application <this comes within the terms of the treaty> g : to issue forth <a sob came from her throat> h : to take form <churn till the butter comes> i : to be available <this model comes in several sizes> <as good as they come> j often vulgar : to experience orgasm
3 : to fall to a person in a division or inheritance of property
4 obsolete : to become moved favorably : RELENT
5 : to turn out to be <good clothes don't come cheap>
6 : BECOME <a dream that came true>
transitive verb
1 : to approach or be near (an age) <a child coming eight years old>
2 : to take on the aspect of <come the stern parent>
–come a cropper : to fail completely <the plan came a cropper>
–come across : to meet, find, or encounter especially by chance <researchers have come across important new evidence>
–come again : REPEAT also : to speak further ― used as an interrogative
–come clean : to tell the whole story : CONFESS <came clean about her crimes>
–come into : to acquire as a possession or achievement <come into a fortune>
–come into one's own : to achieve one's potential also : to gain recognition
–come of age : to reach maturity
–come off it : to cease foolish or pretentious talk or behavior
–come over : to seize suddenly and strangely <what's come over you>
–come to : to be a question of <when it comes to pitching horseshoes, he's the champ>
–come to grief : to encounter misfortune (as calamity, defeat, or ruin) <his campaign came to grief>
–come to grips with : to meet or deal with firmly, frankly, or straightforwardly <come to grips with the unemployment problem>
–come to oneself : to get hold of oneself : regain self-control
–come to pass : HAPPEN
–come to terms
1 : to reach an agreement ― often used with with <the company has come to terms with the union>
2 : to become adjusted especially emotionally or intellectually ― usually used with with <come to terms with modern life>
–come upon : to meet or find by chance : come across <came upon an old friend>
–to come : existing or arriving in the future <in the days to come> <there will be more trouble to come>

come
v. 1 often vulgar : SEMEN
2 often vulgar : ORGASM

come
v. come with the territory
to come
come upon
come to terms
come to pass
come to oneself
come to grips with
come to grief
come to
come over
come off it
come of age
come into one's own
come into
come clean
come again
come across
come a cropper
come about
come along
come around
come back
come by
come down
come hither
come in
come in for
come off
come on
come out
come out with
come outer
come round
come through
come up
come up with
come up empty
how come
Johnny come lately
Johnnies come lately
Johnny come latelies
kingdom come
push comes to shove
coming out
coming of age
have coming
Second Coming
up and coming

come a cropper
to fail completely <the plan came a cropper>

come about
1 : HAPPEN
2 : to change direction <the wind has come about into the north>
3 : to shift to a new tack

come across
to meet, find, or encounter especially by chance <researchers have come across important new evidence>

come across
1 : to give over or furnish something demanded especially : to pay over money
2 : to produce an impression <comes across as a good speaker>
3 : COME THROUGH 2

come again
REPEAT also : to speak further ― used as an interrogative

come along
1 : to accompany someone who leads the way <asked me to come along on the trip>
2 : to make progress <work is coming along well>
3 : to make an appearance <won't just marry the first man that comes along>

come around
1 : COME ROUND
2 : MENSTRUATE

come back
1 : to return to life or vitality
2 : to return to memory <it's all coming back to me now>
3 : REPLY, RETORT <when questioned, he came back with a vehement denial>
4 : to regain a former favorable condition or position

come by
: to get possession of : ACQUIRE <a good job is hard to come by>
intransitive verb : to make a visit <came by after dinner>

come clean
to tell the whole story : CONFESS <came clean about her crimes>

come down
1 : to lose or fall in estate or condition <has come down in the world>
2 a : to pass by tradition <a story that has come down from medieval times> b : to pass from a usually high source <word came down that the strike was over>
3 : to place oneself in opposition <came down hard on gambling>
4 a : to deal with a subject directly <when you come down to it, we all depend on others> b : to reduce itself : AMOUNT <it comes down to this>
5 : to become ill <came down with measles>
6 : COME OUT 2
7 : GO ON, HAPPEN <what's coming down>

come in
1 a : to arrive on a scene <new models coming in> b : to become available <data began coming in>
2 : to place among those finishing <came in last>
3 a : to function in an indicated manner <come in handy> b of a telecommunications signal : to be received <came in loud and clear>
4 : to assume a role or function <that's where you come in>
5 : to attain maturity, fruitfulness, or production
–come in for : to become subject to <coming in for increasing criticism>

come in for
to become subject to <coming in for increasing criticism>

come into
to acquire as a possession or achievement <come into a fortune>

come into one's own
to achieve one's potential also : to gain recognition

come of age
to reach maturity

come off
1 a : to acquit oneself : FARE <came off well in the contest> b : APPEAR, SEEM
2 : SUCCEED <a television series that never came off ― TV Guide>
3 : HAPPEN, OCCUR
transitive verb : to have recently completed or recovered from <coming off a good year>

come off it
to cease foolish or pretentious talk or behavior

come on
1 a : to advance by degrees <darkness came on> b : to begin by degrees <rain came on toward noon>
2 a : PLEASE ― used in cajoling or pleading b ― used interjectionally to express astonishment, incredulity, or recognition of a put-on
3 : to project an indicated personal image <comes on as a conservative>
4 : to show sexual interest in someone also : to make sexual advances ― usually used with to <tried to come on to her>

come out
1 a : to come into public view : make a public appearance <a new magazine has come out> b : to become evident <his pride came out in his refusal to accept help>
2 : to declare oneself especially in public utterance <came out in favor of the proposal>
3 : to turn out in an outcome : end up <everything came out all right>
4 : to make a debut
5 a : to openly declare one's homosexuality b : to openly declare something about oneself previously kept hidden ― often used with as <blew his cover and came out as a CIA agent ― William Prochnau>
–com·ing-out \ˌkə-miŋ-'au̇t\ noun or adjective
–come out with
1 : to give expression to <came out with a new proposal>
2 : PUBLISH

come out with

1 : to give expression to <came out with a new proposal>
2 : PUBLISH

come over
to seize suddenly and strangely <what's come over you>

come over
1 a : to change from one side (as of a controversy) to the other b : to visit casually : DROP IN <come over whenever you like>
2 British : BECOME

come round
1 : to change direction
2 : to return to a former condition especially : COME TO 1
3 : to accede to a particular opinion or course of action <you'll come round to our side eventually>

come through
1 : to do what is needed or expected <came through in the clutch>
2 : to become communicated <the message came through loud and clear>

come to
to be a question of <when it comes to pitching horseshoes, he's the champ>

come to
1 : to recover consciousness
2 a : to bring a ship's head nearer the wind : LUFF b : to come to anchor or to a stop

come to grief
to encounter misfortune (as calamity, defeat, or ruin) <his campaign came to grief>

come to grips with
to meet or deal with firmly, frankly, or straightforwardly <come to grips with the unemployment problem>

come to oneself
to get hold of oneself : regain self-control

come to pass
HAPPEN

come to terms

1 : to reach an agreement ― often used with with <the company has come to terms with the union>
2 : to become adjusted especially emotionally or intellectually ― usually used with with <come to terms with modern life>

come up
1 : RISE 6
2 : to come near : make an approach <came up and introduced himself>
3 : to rise in rank or status <an officer who came up from the ranks>
4 a : to come to attention or consideration <the question never came up> b : to occur in the course of time <any problem that may come up>
5 : to turn out to be <the coin came up tails>
6 chiefly dialect : GROW UP
–come up empty : to fail to achieve a desired result
–come up with : to produce especially in dealing with a problem or challenge <came up with a solution>

come up empty
to fail to achieve a desired result

come up with
to produce especially in dealing with a problem or challenge <came up with a solution>

come upon
to meet or find by chance : come across <came upon an old friend>

come-along
: a small portable winch usually consisting of a cable attached to a hand-operated ratchet

come-hither
: a tempting often sexual invitation <that come-hither look in your eyes>

come-on
1 : something (as an advertising promotion) intended to entice or allure
2 : a usually sexual advance

come-outer
1 : a person who withdraws from something established (as a religious body)
2 : a person who advocates political reform

comeback
n. 1 a : a sharp or witty reply : RETORT b : a cause for complaint
2 : a return to a former position or condition (as of success or prosperity) : RECOVERY, REVIVAL <staging his ultimate comeback from self-imposed exile ― Howard Mandel>

comebacker
: a grounder in baseball hit directly to the pitcher

COMECON
n. Council for Mutual Economic Assistance

comedian
n. 1 archaic a : a writer of comedies b : an actor who plays comic roles
2 : a comical individual specifically : a professional entertainer who uses any of various physical or verbal means to be amusing

comedic
adj. 1 : of or relating to comedy
2 : COMICAL 2
–co·me·dic·al·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

comedie humaine
: human comedy : the whole variety of human life

comedie larmoyante
: tearful comedy : sentimental comedy

comedienne
n. : a woman who is a comedian

comedo
n. : BLACKHEAD 1

comedown
n. : a descent in rank or dignity

comedy
n. 1 a : a medieval narrative that ends happily <Dante's Divine Comedy> b : a literary work written in a comic style or treating a comic theme
2 a : a drama of light and amusing character and typically with a happy ending b : the genre of dramatic literature dealing with the comic or with the serious in a light or satirical manner ― compare TRAGEDY
3 : a ludicrous or farcical event or series of events <a comedy of errors>
4 a : the comic element <the comedy of many life situations> b : humorous entertainment <nightclub comedy>

comedy
n. comedy drama
comedy of manners
high comedy
low comedy
musical comedy
situation comedy

comedy drama
: serious drama that is interspersed with comedy

comedy of manners

1822
: comedy that satirically portrays the manners and fashions of a particular class or set

comely
adj. 1 : pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion
2 : having a pleasing appearance : not homely or plain
synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
–come·li·ness noun

Comenius
n. John Amos Czech Jan Ámos Ko·men·ský \'kȯ-mən-skē\ 1592-1670 Czech theol. & educ.

comer
n. 1 : one that comes or arrives <welcomed all comers>
2 : one making rapid progress or showing promise

comestible
n. : EDIBLE

comestible
n. : FOOD ― usually used in plural

comet
n. : a celestial body that appears as a fuzzy head usually surrounding a bright nucleus, that has a usually highly eccentric orbit, that consists primarily of ice and dust, and that often develops one or more long tails when near the sun
–com·e·tary \-mə-ˌter-ē\ adjective
–co·met·ic \kə-'me-tik, kä-\ adjective

comeuppance
n. : a deserved rebuke or penalty : DESERTS

comfit
n. : a candy consisting of a piece of fruit, a root (as licorice), a nut, or a seed coated and preserved with sugar

comfort
n. 1 : to give strength and hope to : CHEER
2 : to ease the grief or trouble of : CONSOLE
–com·fort·ing·ly \-fər-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

comfort
n. 1 : strengthening aid: a : ASSISTANCE, SUPPORT <accused of giving aid and comfort to the enemy> b : consolation in time of trouble or worry : SOLACE
2 a : a feeling of relief or encouragement b : contented well-being <a life of ease and comfort>
3 : a satisfying or enjoyable experience
4 : one that gives or brings comfort <all the comforts of home>
–com·fort·less \-ləs\ adjective

comfort
n. cold comfort
comfort food
comfort station
comfort zone
creature comfort
Old Point Comfort

comfort food
: food prepared in a traditional style having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal

comfort station
: RESTROOM

comfort zone
1 : the temperature range within which one is comfortable
2 : the level at which one functions with ease and familiarity

comfortable
adj. 1 a : affording or enjoying contentment and security <a comfortable income> b : affording or enjoying physical comfort <a comfortable chair> <was too comfortable to move>
2 a : free from vexation or doubt <comfortable assumptions> b : free from stress or tension <a comfortable routine>
–com·fort·able·ness noun
–com·fort·ably \-blē\ adverb
synonyms COMFORTABLE, COZY, SNUG, EASY, RESTFUL mean enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security. COMFORTABLE applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease <started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings>. COZY suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness <a cozy neighborhood coffee shop>. SNUG suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more <a snug little cottage>. EASY implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint <living in easy circumstances>. RESTFUL applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation <a quiet restful vacation>.

comforter
n. 1 a capitalized : HOLY SPIRIT b : one that gives comfort
2 a : a long narrow usually knitted neck scarf b : a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth containing a filling (as down)

comfrey
n. 1 : any of a genus (Symphytum) of perennial herbs of the borage family with coarse hairy entire leaves and flowers in one-sided racemes
2 : an herbal preparation of the leaves or roots of comfrey that is toxic if taken internally

comfy
adj. : COMFORTABLE <a comfy sofa> <a comfy routine>

comic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by comedy <a comic actor>
2 : causing laughter or amusement : FUNNY <a comic monologue>
3 : of or relating to comic strips <the newspaper's comic section>
synonyms see LAUGHABLE

comic
n. 1 : COMEDIAN <a stand-up comic>
2 : the comic element
3 a : COMIC STRIP b : COMIC BOOK c plural : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips

comic
n. comic book
comic opera
comic relief
comic strip

comic book
: a magazine containing sequences of comic strips ― usually hyphenated in attributive use

comic opera
: opera of a humorous character with a happy ending and usually some spoken dialogue

comic relief
: a relief from the emotional tension especially of a drama that is provided by the interposition of a comic episode or element

comic strip
: a group of cartoons in narrative sequence

comic-opera
: not to be taken seriously <a comic-opera regime>

comical
adj. 1 obsolete : of or relating to comedy
2 : causing laughter especially because of a startlingly or unexpectedly humorous impact <wearing a comical expression>
synonyms see LAUGHABLE
–com·i·cal·i·ty \ˌkä-mi-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–com·i·cal·ly \'kä-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Comilla
city E Bangladesh SE of Dhaka pop 164,509

coming
n. : an act or instance of arriving

coming
n. 1 : immediately due in sequence or development <in the coming year>
2 : gaining importance <the coming trend>

coming
n. coming out
coming of age
have coming
Second Coming
up and coming

coming-of-age
: the attainment of prominence, respectability, recognition, or maturity

comingle
: COMMINGLE

Comintern
n. : the Communist International established in 1919 and dissolved in 1943

comitia
: any of several public assemblies of the people in ancient Rome for legislative, judicial, and electoral purposes
–co·mi·tial \-'mi-shəl\ adjective

comity
n. 1 a : friendly social atmosphere : social harmony <group activities promoting comity> b : a loose widespread community based on common social institutions <the comity of civilization> c : COMITY OF NATIONS d : the informal and voluntary recognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another
2 : avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination

comity of nations

1862
1 : the courtesy and friendship of nations marked especially by mutual recognition of executive, legislative, and judicial acts
2 : the group of nations practicing international comity

comix
n. : comic books or comic strips

coml
commercial

comm
1 command; commandant; commander; commanding
2 commentary
3 commerce; commercial
4 commission; commissioned; commissioner
5 committee
6 common; commoner
7 commonwealth
8 commune
9 communication
10 communist
11 community

comma
n. 1 : a punctuation mark , used especially as a mark of separation within the sentence
2 : PAUSE, INTERVAL
3 : any of several nymphalid butterflies (genus Polygonia) with a silvery comma-shaped mark on the underside of the hind wings

comma
n. comma fault
comma splice
inverted comma

comma fault
: COMMA SPLICE

comma splice
: the unjustified use of a comma between coordinate main clauses not connected by a conjunction (as in “nobody goes there anymore, it's boring”)

Commager
Henry Steele 1902-1998 American hist.

command
n. transitive verb
1 : to direct authoritatively : ORDER
2 : to exercise a dominating influence over : have command of: as a : to have at one's immediate disposal <commands many resources> b : to demand or receive as one's due <commands a high fee> c : to overlook or dominate from or as if from a strategic position <a hill that commands the city> d : to have military command of as senior officer <command a regiment>
3 obsolete : to order or request to be given
intransitive verb
1 : to have or exercise direct authority : GOVERN
2 : to give orders
3 : to be commander
4 : to dominate as if from an elevated place
–com·mand·able \-'man-də-bəl\ adjective
synonyms COMMAND, ORDER, BID, ENJOIN, DIRECT, INSTRUCT, CHARGE mean to issue orders. COMMAND and ORDER imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality. COMMAND stresses official exercise of authority <a general commanding troops>. ORDER may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise <ordered his employees about like slaves>. BID suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants) <she bade him be seated>. ENJOIN implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude <a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet>. DIRECT and INSTRUCT both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, INSTRUCT sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality <directed her assistant to hold all calls> <the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark>. CHARGE adds to ENJOIN an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility <charged by the President with a secret mission>.

command
n. 1 a : an order given b : a signal that actuates a device (as a control mechanism in a spacecraft or one step in a computer) also : the activation of a device by means of such a signal
2 a : the ability to control : MASTERY b : the authority or right to command <the officer in command> c (1) : the power to dominate (2) : scope of vision d : facility in use <a good command of French> e : CONTROL 1D <a pitcher with good command of his curveball>
3 : the act of commanding
4 : the personnel, area, or organization under a commander specifically : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than an air force
5 : a position of highest usually military authority
synonyms see POWER

command
n. : done on command or request <a command performance>

command
n. chain of command
command car
command economy
command module
command post
command sergeant major
high command
self command
commanding officer

command car
: an open armored car designed especially for military reconnaissance and capable of traveling over rough terrain

command economy
: an economic system in which activity is controlled by a central authority and the means of production are publicly owned

command module
: a space vehicle module designed to carry the crew, the chief communication equipment, and the equipment for reentry

command post
: a post at which the commander of a unit in the field receives orders and exercises command

command sergeant major
: a noncommissioned officer in the army ranking above a first sergeant

commandant
n. : COMMANDING OFFICER

commandeer
v. 1 a : to compel to perform military service b : to seize for military purposes
2 : to take arbitrary or forcible possession of

commander
n. 1 : one in an official position of command or control: as a : COMMANDING OFFICER b : the presiding officer of a society or organization
2 : a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant commander and below a captain
–com·mand·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun

commander
n. commander in chief
lieutenant commander
wing commander
Commander Islands

commander in chief

1654
: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

Commander Islands
― see KOMANDORSKI ISLANDS

commandery
1 : a district under the control of a commander of an order of knights
2 : an assembly or lodge in a secret order

commanding
adj. 1 : drawing attention or priority <a commanding presence>
2 : difficult to overcome <a commanding lead>
–com·mand·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

commanding officer
: an officer in command especially : an officer in the armed forces in command of an organization or installation

commandment
n. 1 : the act or power of commanding
2 : something that is commanded especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

commando
n. 1 South African a : a military unit or command of the Boers b : a raiding expedition
2 a : a military unit trained and organized as shock troops especially for hit-and-run raids into enemy territory b : a member of such a unit

comme
adv. comme il faut
comme ci comme ca
comme ci comme ça

comme ci, comme ca
: so-so

comme il faut
: conforming to accepted standards : PROPER

commedia dell'arte
: Italian comedy of the 16th to 18th centuries improvised from standardized situations and stock characters

commemorate
v. 1 : to call to remembrance
2 : to mark by some ceremony or observation : OBSERVE <commemorate an anniversary>
3 : to serve as a memorial of <a plaque that commemorates the battle>
synonyms see KEEP
–com·mem·o·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

commemoration
n. 1 : the act of commemorating
2 : something that commemorates

commemorative
adj. : intended as a commemoration especially : issued in limited quantities for a relatively short period in commemoration of a person, place, or event <a commemorative stamp>
–commemorative noun
–com·mem·o·ra·tive·ly adverb

commence
v. transitive verb : to enter upon : BEGIN <commence proceedings>
intransitive verb
1 : to have or make a beginning : START <the meeting will commence soon>
2 chiefly British : to take a degree at a university
synonyms see BEGIN
–com·menc·er noun

commencement
n. 1 : an act, instance, or time of commencing
2 a : the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas b : the period of activities at this time

commend
v. transitive verb
1 : to entrust for care or preservation
2 : to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice
3 : to mention with approbation : PRAISE
intransitive verb : to commend or serve as a commendation of something
–com·mend·able \-'men-də-bəl\ adjective
–com·mend·ably \-blē\ adverb
–com·mend·er noun

commendation
n. 1 a : an act of commending b : something (as a formal citation) that commends
2 archaic : COMPLIMENT

commendatory
adj. : serving to commend <commendatory remarks>

commensal
n. : of, relating to, or living in a state of commensalism <commensal organisms>
–commensal noun
–com·men·sal·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb

commensalism
: a relation between two kinds of organisms in which one obtains food or other benefits from the other without damaging or benefiting it

commensurable
adj. 1 : having a common measure specifically : divisible without remainder by a common unit
2 : COMMENSURATE 2
–com·men·su·ra·bil·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)s-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌmen(t)sh-; -ˌmen(t)-sə-, -shə-\ noun
–com·men·su·ra·bly \-'men(t)s-rə-blē, -'men(t)sh-; -'men(t)-sə-, -shə-\ adverb

commensurate
adj. 1 : equal in measure or extent : COEXTENSIVE <lived a life commensurate with the early years of the republic>
2 : corresponding in size, extent, amount, or degree : PROPORTIONATE <was given a job commensurate with her abilities>
3 : COMMENSURABLE 1
–com·men·su·rate·ly adverb
–com·men·su·ra·tion \-ˌmen(t)-sə-'rā-shən, -shə-\ noun

comment
n. 1 : COMMENTARY
2 : a note explaining, illustrating, or criticizing the meaning of a writing
3 a : an observation or remark expressing an opinion or attitude <critical comments> b : a judgment expressed indirectly <sees the film as a comment on modern values>

comment
n. : to make a comment on <the discovery⋯is hardly commented by the press ― Nation>
intransitive verb : to explain or interpret something by comment <commenting on recent developments>

commentary
n. 1 a : an explanatory treatise ― usually used in plural b : a record of events usually written by a participant ― usually used in plural
2 a : a systematic series of explanations or interpretations (as of a writing) b : COMMENT 2
3 a : something that serves for illustration or explanation <the dark, airless apartments and sunless factories⋯are a sad commentary upon our civilization ― H. A. Overstreet> b : an expression of opinion

commentate
v. transitive verb : to give a commentary on
intransitive verb : to comment in a usually expository or interpretive manner also : to act as a commentator

commentator
n. : one who gives a commentary especially : one who reports and discusses news on radio or television

commerce
n. 1 : social intercourse : interchange of ideas, opinions, or sentiments
2 : the exchange or buying and selling of commodities on a large scale involving transportation from place to place
3 : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
synonyms see BUSINESS

commerce
n. archaic : COMMUNE

commerce
n. chamber of commerce
e commerce
hors commerce

commercial
n. 1 a (1) : occupied with or engaged in commerce or work intended for commerce <a commercial artist> (2) : of or relating to commerce <commercial regulations> (3) : characteristic of commerce <commercial weights> (4) : suitable, adequate, or prepared for commerce <found oil in commercial quantities> b (1) : being of an average or inferior quality <commercial oxalic acid> <show-quality versus commercial cattle> (2) : producing artistic work of low standards for quick market success
2 a : viewed with regard to profit <a commercial success> b : designed for a large market
3 : emphasizing skills and subjects useful in business <a commercial school>
4 : supported by advertisers <commercial TV>
–com·mer·ci·al·i·ty \kə-ˌmər-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–com·mer·cial·ly \-'mər-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

commercial
n. : an advertisement broadcast on radio or television

commercial
n. commercial bank
commercial paper
commercial traveler

commercial bank
: a bank organized chiefly to handle the everyday financial transactions of businesses (as through demand deposit accounts and short-term commercial loans)

commercial paper
: short-term unsecured discounted paper usually sold by one company to another for immediate cash needs

commercial traveler
: TRAVELING SALESMAN

commercialise
v. British variant of commercialize

commercialism
n. 1 : commercial spirit, institutions, or methods
2 : excessive emphasis on profit
–com·mer·cial·ist \-'mər-sh(ə-)list\ noun
–com·mer·cial·is·tic \-ˌmər-shə-'lis-tik\ adjective

commercialize
v. 1 a : to manage on a business basis for profit b : to develop commerce in
2 : to exploit for profit <commercialize Christmas>
3 : to debase in quality for more profit
–com·mer·cial·i·za·tion \-ˌmər-sh(ə-)lə-'zā-shən\ noun

commie
n. : COMMUNIST

commination
n. : DENUNCIATION
–com·mi·na·to·ry \'kä-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē; kə-'mi-nə-, -'mī-\ adjective

commingle
v. 1 : to blend thoroughly into a harmonious whole
2 : to combine (funds or properties) into a common fund or stock
intransitive verb : to become commingled
synonyms see MIX

comminute
v. : to reduce to minute particles : PULVERIZE
–com·mi·nu·tion \ˌkä-mə-'nü-shən, -'nyü-\ noun

commiserate
intransitive verb : to feel or express sympathy : CONDOLE <commiserates with them on their loss>
transitive verb : to feel or express sorrow or compassion for
–com·mis·er·at·ing·ly adverb
–com·mis·er·a·tion \-ˌmi-zə-'rā-shən\ noun
–com·mis·er·a·tive \-'mi-zə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

commissar
n. 1 a : a Communist party official assigned to a military unit to teach party principles and policies and to ensure party loyalty b : one that attempts to control public opinion or its expression
2 : the head of a government department in the U.S.S.R. until 1946
–com·mis·sar·i·al \ˌkä-mə-'sär-ē-əl, -'ser-\ adjective

commissariat
n. 1 : a system for supplying an army with food
2 : food supplies
3 [Russian komissariat, from German Kommissariat, from New Latin commissariatus] : a government department in the U.S.S.R. until 1946
4 : a board of commissioners

commissary
n. 1 : one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office
2 a : a store for equipment and provisions especially : a supermarket for military personnel b : food supplies c : a lunchroom especially in a motion-picture studio

commission
n. 1 a : a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties b : a certificate conferring military rank and authority also : the rank and authority so conferred
2 : an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts : CHARGE
3 a : authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another b : a task or matter entrusted to one as an agent for another
4 a : a group of persons directed to perform some duty b : a government agency having administrative, legislative, or judicial powers c : a city council having legislative and executive functions
5 : an act of committing something <commission of a crime>
6 : a fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting a piece of business or performing a service especially : a percentage of the money received from a total paid to the agent responsible for the business
7 : an act of entrusting or giving authority
–in commission or into commission
1 : under the authority of commissioners
2 of a ship : ready for active service
3 : in use or in condition for use
–on commission : with commission serving as partial or full pay for work done
–out of commission
1 : out of active service or use
2 : out of working order

commission
n. 1 : to furnish with a commission: as a : to confer a formal commission on <was commissioned lieutenant> b : to appoint or assign to a task or function <was commissioned to do the biography>
2 : to order to be made <commissioned a portrait>
3 : to put (a ship) in commission

commission
n. into commission
out of commission
on commission
in commission
commission merchant
commission plan
commissioned officer

commission merchant
: BROKER 1B

commission plan
: a method of municipal government under which a small elective commission exercises both executive and legislative powers and each commissioner directly administers one or more municipal departments

commissionaire
n. chiefly British : a uniformed attendant

commissioned officer
: an officer of the armed forces holding by a commission a rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above

commissioner
n. : a person with a commission: as a : a member of a commission b : the representative of the governmental authority in a district, province, or other unit often having both judicial and administrative powers c : the officer in charge of a department or bureau of the public service d : the administrative head of a professional sport
–com·mis·sion·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun

commissure
n. 1 : a point or line of union or junction especially between two anatomical parts (as adjacent heart valves)
2 : a connecting band of nerve tissue in the brain or spinal cord
–com·mis·sur·al \ˌkä-mə-'shu̇r-əl\ adjective

commit
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put into charge or trust : ENTRUST b : to place in a prison or mental institution c : to consign or record for preservation <commit it to memory> d : to put into a place for disposal or safekeeping e : to refer (as a legislative bill) to a committee for consideration and report
2 : to carry into action deliberately : PERPETRATE <commit a crime>
3 a : OBLIGATE, BIND <a contract committing the company to complete the project on time> b : to pledge or assign to some particular course or use <commit all troops to the attack> c : to reveal the views of <refused to commit himself on the issue>
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to perpetrate an offense
2 : to obligate or pledge oneself
–com·mit·ta·ble \-'mi-tə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms COMMIT, ENTRUST, CONFIDE, CONSIGN, RELEGATE mean to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose. COMMIT may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody <committed the felon to prison>. ENTRUST implies committing with trust and confidence <the president is entrusted with broad powers>. CONFIDE implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance <confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney>. CONSIGN suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality <consigned the damaging notes to the fire>. RELEGATE implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of <relegated to an obscure position in the company>.

commitment
n. 1 a : an act of committing to a charge or trust: as (1) : a consignment to a penal or mental institution (2) : an act of referring a matter to a legislative committee b : MITTIMUS
2 a : an agreement or pledge to do something in the future especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date b : something pledged c : the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled <a commitment to a cause>

committal
n. : COMMITMENT, CONSIGNMENT

committee
n. 1 archaic : a person to whom a charge or trust is committed
2 a : a body of persons delegated to consider, investigate, take action on, or report on some matter especially : a group of fellow legislators chosen by a legislative body to give consideration to legislative matters b : a self-constituted organization for the promotion of a common object

committee
n. committee of the whole
political action committee
school committee
standing committee
steering committee
vigilance committee

committee of the whole

1775
: the whole membership of a legislative house sitting as a committee and operating under informal rules

committeeman
n. 1 : a member of a committee
2 : a party leader of a ward or precinct

committeewoman
n. 1 : a woman who is a member of a committee
2 : a woman who is a party leader of a ward or precinct

commix
v. transitive verb : MINGLE, BLEND
intransitive verb : to become mingled or blended

commixture
n. 1 : the act or process of mixing : the state of being mixed
2 : COMPOUND, MIXTURE

commo
commodore

commode
n. 1 : a woman's ornate cap popular in the late 17th and early 18th centuries
2 a : a low chest of drawers b : a movable washstand with a cupboard underneath c : a boxlike structure holding a chamber pot under an open seat also : CHAMBER POT d : TOILET 3B

commodify
v. : to turn (as an intrinsic value or a work of art) into a commodity
–com·mod·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌmä-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

commodious
adj. 1 : comfortably or conveniently spacious : ROOMY <a commodious closet>
2 archaic : HANDY, SERVICEABLE
synonyms see SPACIOUS
–com·mo·di·ous·ly adverb
–com·mo·di·ous·ness noun

commoditize
v. 1 : COMMODIFY specifically : to render (a good or service) widely available and interchangeable with one provided by another company
2 : to affect (as a brand or a market) by commoditizing goods or services <fierce competition threatened to commoditize prices>
–com·mod·i·ti·za·tion \kə-ˌmä-də-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

commodity
n. 1 : an economic good: as a : a product of agriculture or mining b : an article of commerce especially when delivered for shipment <commodities futures> c : a mass-produced unspecialized product <commodity chemicals> <commodity memory chips>
2 a : something useful or valued <that valuable commodity patience> also : THING, ENTITY b : CONVENIENCE, ADVANTAGE
3 obsolete : QUANTITY, LOT
4 : a good or service whose wide availability typically leads to smaller profit margins and diminishes the importance of factors (as brand name) other than price
5 : one that is subject to ready exchange or exploitation within a market <stars as individuals and as commodities of the film industry ― Film Quarterly>

commodore
n. 1 a : a captain in the navy in command of a squadron b : a commissioned officer in the navy formerly ranking above captain and below rear admiral and having an insignia of one star
2 : the ranking officer commanding a body of merchant ships
3 : the chief officer of a yacht club or boating association

Commodus
Lucius Aelius Aurelius A.D. 161-192 Rom. emp. (180-192)

common
n. 1 a : of or relating to a community at large : PUBLIC <work for the common good> b : known to the community <common nuisances>
2 a : belonging to or shared by two or more individuals or things or by all members of a group <a common friend> <buried in a common grave> b : belonging equally to two or more mathematical entities <triangles with a common base> c : having two or more branches <common carotid artery>
3 a : occurring or appearing frequently : FAMILIAR <a common sight> b : of the best known or most frequently seen kind ― used especially of plants and animals <the common housefly> c : VERNACULAR 2 <common names>
4 a : WIDESPREAD, GENERAL <common knowledge> b : characterized by a lack of privilege or special status <common people> c : just satisfying accustomed criteria : ELEMENTARY <common decency>
5 a : falling below ordinary standards : SECOND-RATE b : lacking refinement : COARSE
6 : denoting nominal relations by a single linguistic form that in a more highly inflected language might be denoted by two or more different forms <common gender> <common case>
7 : of, relating to, or being common stock
–com·mon·ly adverb
–com·mon·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun
synonyms COMMON, ORDINARY, PLAIN, FAMILIAR, POPULAR, VULGAR mean generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual. COMMON implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence <a common error> <lacked common honesty> and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness <common manners>. ORDINARY stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things <an ordinary pleasant summer day> <a very ordinary sort of man>. PLAIN is likely to suggest homely simplicity <plain hard-working people>. FAMILIAR stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized <a familiar melody>. POPULAR applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups <a writer of popular romances>. VULGAR otherwise similar to POPULAR is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness) <souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste>.

common
n. 1 plural : the common people
2 plural but singular in construction : a dining hall
3 plural but singular or plural in construction often capitalized a : the political group or estate comprising the commoners b : the parliamentary representatives of the commoners c : HOUSE OF COMMONS
4 : the legal right of taking a profit in another's land in common with the owner or others
5 : a piece of land subject to common use: as a : undivided land used especially for pasture b : a public open area in a municipality
6 a : a religious service suitable for any of various festivals b : ORDINARY 2
7 : COMMON STOCK
–in common : shared together <has a lot in common with his neighbors>

common
n. common salt
Book of Common Prayer
in common
common carrier
common cattle grub
common cold
common denominator
common difference
common divisor
common factor
Common Era
common fraction
common ground
common law
common law marriage
common logarithm
common market
common measure
common meter
common multiple
common noun
common or garden
common pleas
common ratio
common room
common school
common situs picketing
common stock
common time
common touch
common year
court of common pleas
greatest common divisor
greatest common factor
least common denominator
least common multiple
lowest common denominator
lowest common multiple
make common cause
Common Market
common sense
House of Commons
gentleman commoner

common carrier
: a business or agency that is available to the public for transportation of persons, goods, or messages

common cattle grub
: a cattle grub (Hypoderma lineatum) which is found throughout the U.S. and whose larva is particularly destructive to cattle

common cold
: an acute disease of the upper respiratory tract that is marked by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, and eustachian tubes and by a watery then purulent discharge and is caused by any of several viruses (as a rhinovirus or an adenovirus)

common denominator
1 : a common multiple of the denominators of a number of fractions
2 : a common trait or theme

common difference
: the difference between two consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression

common divisor
: a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without remainder ― called also common factor

Common Era
: CHRISTIAN ERA

common fraction
: a fraction (as 1/2 or 3/4) in which the numerator and denominator are both integers and are separated by a horizontal or slanted line ― compare DECIMAL FRACTION

common ground
: a basis of mutual interest or agreement

common law
: the body of law developed in England primarily from judicial decisions based on custom and precedent, unwritten in statute or code, and constituting the basis of the English legal system and of the system in all of the U.S. except Louisiana

common logarithm
: a logarithm whose base is 10

Common Market
― see EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

common market
: an economic association (as of nations) formed to remove trade barriers among its members

common measure
: a meter consisting chiefly of iambic lines of 7 accents each arranged in rhymed pairs usually printed in 4-line stanzas ― called also common meter

common multiple
: a multiple of each of two or more numbers or expressions <90 is a common multiple of 6 and 10>

common noun
: a noun that may occur with limiting modifiers (as a or an, some, every, and my) and that designates any one of a class of beings or things

common or garden
chiefly British : ORDINARY

common pleas
1 singular in construction : COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
2 a : actions over which the English crown did not exercise exclusive jurisdiction b : civil actions between English subjects

common ratio
: the ratio of each term of a geometric progression to the term preceding it

common room
1 : a lounge available to all members of a residential community
2 : a room in a college for faculty use

common salt
: SALT 1A

common school
: a free public school

common sense
: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
synonyms see SENSE
–com·mon·sense \'kä-mən-'sen(t)s\ adjective
–com·mon·sen·si·ble \-'sen(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective
–com·mon·sen·si·cal \-'sen(t)-si-kəl\ adjective
–com·mon·sen·si·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

common situs picketing
: the picketing of an entire construction site by a trade union having a grievance with only a single subcontractor working there

common stock
: stock other than preferred stock

common time
: a musical meter marked by four beats per measure with the quarter note receiving a single beat

common touch
: the gift of appealing to or arousing the sympathetic interest of the common people

common year
: a calendar year containing no intercalary period

common-law
1 : of, relating to, or based on the common law
2 : relating to or based on a common-law marriage

common-law marriage
1 : a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions and based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and sometimes also on their cohabitation
2 : the cohabitation of a couple even when it does not constitute a legal marriage

commonage
n. 1 : community land
2 : COMMONALTY 1A(2)

commonality
n. 1 : the common people
2 a : possession of common features or attributes : COMMONNESS b : a common feature or attribute

commonalty
n. 1 a (1) : the common people (2) : the political estate formed by the common people b : a usage or practice common to members of a group
2 : a general group or body

Commoner
n. Barry 1917-     American biol. & educ.

commoner
n. 1 a : one of the common people b : one who is not of noble rank
2 : a student (as at Oxford) who pays for his own board

commonplace
n. 1 archaic : a striking passage entered in a commonplace book
2 a : an obvious or trite comment : TRUISM b : something commonly found

commonplace
n. : commonly found or seen : ORDINARY, UNREMARKABLE <a commonplace occurrence> <the large mergers that had become commonplace>
–com·mon·place·ness noun

commonplace book
: a book of memorabilia

commonweal
n. 1 archaic : COMMONWEALTH
2 : the general welfare

commonwealth
n. 1 archaic : COMMONWEAL 2
2 : a nation, state, or other political unit: as a : one founded on law and united by compact or tacit agreement of the people for the common good b : one in which supreme authority is vested in the people c : REPUBLIC
3 capitalized a : the English state from the death of Charles I in 1649 to the Restoration in 1660 b : PROTECTORATE 1B
4 : a state of the U.S. ― used officially of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
5 capitalized : a federal union of constituent states ― used officially of Australia
6 often capitalized : an association of self-governing autonomous states more or less loosely associated in a common allegiance (as to the British crown)
7 often capitalized : a political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the U.S. ― used officially of Puerto Rico and of the Northern Mariana Islands

commonwealth
n. Commonwealth of Australia
Lord Protector of the Commonwealth
Commonwealth Day
British Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Independent States
Commonwealth of Nations
the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Day
: a holiday observed in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations formerly on May 24 as the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birthday and now on the second Monday in March

Commonwealth of Independent States
association of the former constituent republics of the U.S.S.R. except for Lithuania, Latvia, & Estonia; formed 1991

Commonwealth of Nations
association of sovereign states consisting of the United Kingdom and a number of its former dependencies; formerly constituted, with several other British-controlled territories, the British Empire

commotion
n. 1 : a condition of civil unrest or insurrection
2 : steady or recurrent motion
3 : mental excitement or confusion
4 a : an agitated disturbance : TO-DO b : noisy confusion : AGITATION

commove
1 : to move violently : AGITATE
2 : to rouse intense feeling in : excite to passion

communal
adj. 1 : of or relating to one or more communes
2 : of or relating to a community
3 a : characterized by collective ownership and use of property b : participated in, shared, or used in common by members of a group or community
4 : of, relating to, or based on racial or cultural groups
–com·mu·nal·ize \kə-'myü-nə-ˌlīz, 'käm-yə-\ transitive verb
–com·mu·nal·ly adverb

communalism
n. 1 : social organization on a communal basis
2 : loyalty to a sociopolitical grouping based on religious or ethnic affiliation
–com·mu·nal·ist \-nə-list\ noun or adjective

communality
n. 1 : communal state or character
2 : a feeling of group solidarity

communard
n. 1 capitalized : one who supported or participated in the Commune of Paris in 1871
2 : a person who lives in a commune

commune
n. transitive verb obsolete : TALK OVER, DISCUSS <have more to commune ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb
1 : to receive Communion
2 : to communicate intimately <commune with nature>

commune
n. 1 : the smallest administrative district of many countries especially in Europe
2 : COMMONALTY 1A
3 : COMMUNITY: AS a : a medieval usually municipal corporation b (1) : MIR (2) : an often rural community organized on a communal basis

communicable
adj. 1 : capable of being communicated : TRANSMITTABLE <communicable diseases>
2 : COMMUNICATIVE <prove myself a gentleman, by being⋯virtuous and communicable ― Izaac Walton>
–com·mu·ni·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌmyü-ni-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–com·mu·ni·ca·ble·ness \-'myü-ni-kə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–com·mu·ni·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

communicant
n. 1 : a church member entitled to receive Communion broadly : a member of a fellowship
2 : one that communicates specifically : INFORMANT
–communicant adjective

communicate
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : SHARE
2 a : to convey knowledge of or information about : make known <communicate a story> b : to reveal by clear signs <his fear communicated itself to his friends>
3 : to cause to pass from one to another <some diseases are easily communicated>
intransitive verb
1 : to receive Communion
2 : to transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood <two sides failing to communicate with each other>
3 : to open into each other : CONNECT <the rooms communicate>
–com·mu·ni·ca·tee \-ˌmyü-ni-kə-'tē\ noun
–com·mu·ni·ca·tor \-'myü-nə-ˌkā-tər\ noun

communication
n. 1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 a : information communicated b : a verbal or written message
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the function of pheromones in insect communication> also : exchange of information b : personal rapport <a lack of communication between old and young persons>
4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c : personnel engaged in communicating
5 plural but singular or plural in construction a : a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech) b : the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or telecommunication)
–com·mu·ni·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

communicative
adj. 1 : tending to communicate : TALKATIVE
2 : of or relating to communication
–com·mu·ni·ca·tive·ly adverb
–com·mu·ni·ca·tive·ness noun

communicatory
adj. 1 : designed to communicate information <communicatory letters>
2 : COMMUNICATIVE 2

communion
n. 1 : an act or instance of sharing
2 a capitalized : a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ b : the act of receiving Communion c capitalized : the part of a Communion service in which the sacrament is received
3 : intimate fellowship or rapport : COMMUNICATION
4 : a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline <the Anglican communion>

communion
n. Holy Communion
post communion
self communion

communique
n. : BULLETIN 1

communise
v. British variant of communize

communism
n. 1 a : a theory advocating elimination of private property b : a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2 capitalized a : a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the U.S.S.R. b : a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c : a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d : communist systems collectively

Communism Peak
mountain 24,590 ft (7495 m) NE Tajikistan in Pamirs; highest in Tajikistan & the former U.S.S.R.

communist
n. 1 : an adherent or advocate of communism
2 capitalized : COMMUNARD
3 a capitalized : a member of a Communist party or movement b often capitalized : an adherent or advocate of a Communist government, party, or movement
4 often capitalized : one held to engage in left-wing, subversive, or revolutionary activities
–communist adjective often cap
–com·mu·nis·tic \ˌkäm-yə-'nis-tik, -yü-\ adjective often cap
–com·mu·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

communitarian
n. : of or relating to social organization in small cooperative partially collectivist communities
–communitarian noun
–com·mu·ni·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

community
n. 1 : a unified body of individuals: as a : STATE, COMMONWEALTH b : the people with common interests living in a particular area broadly : the area itself <the problems of a large community> c : an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location d : a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society <a community of retired persons> e : a group linked by a common policy f : a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests <the international community> g : a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society <the academic community>
2 : society at large
3 a : joint ownership or participation <community of goods> b : common character : LIKENESS <community of interests> c : social activity : FELLOWSHIP d : a social state or condition

community
n. community antenna television
community center
community chest
community college
community property
speech community
European Economic Community
European Community
French Community
European Communities

community antenna television
: CABLE TELEVISION

community center
: a building or group of buildings for a community's educational and recreational activities

community chest
: a general fund accumulated from individual subscriptions to defray demands on a community for charity and social welfare

community college
: a 2-year government-supported college that offers an associate degree

community property
: property held jointly by husband and wife

communize
v. 1 a : to make common b : to make into state-owned property
2 : to subject to Communist principles of organization
–com·mu·ni·za·tion \ˌkäm-yə-nə-'zā-shən, -yü-\ noun

commutate
v. : to reverse every other half cycle of (an alternating current) so as to form a unidirectional current

commutation
n. 1 : EXCHANGE, TRADE
2 : REPLACEMENT specifically : a substitution of one form of payment or charge for another
3 : a change of a legal penalty or punishment to a lesser one <commutation of a death sentence>
4 : an act or process of commuting
5 : the action of commutating

commutation ticket
: a transportation ticket sold for a fixed number of trips over the same route during a limited period

commutative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or showing commutation
2 : of, relating to, having, or being the property that a given mathematical operation and set have when the result obtained using any two elements of the set with the operation does not differ with the order in which the elements are used <a commutative group> <addition of the positive integers is commutative>

commutativity
: the property of being commutative <the commutativity of a mathematical operation>

commutator
n. 1 : a series of bars or segments so connected to armature coils of a generator or motor that rotation of the armature will in conjunction with fixed brushes result in unidirectional current output in the case of a generator and in the reversal of the current into the coils in the case of a motor
2 : an element of a mathematical group that when used to multiply the product of two given elements either on the right side or on the left side but not necessarily on both sides yields the product of the two given elements in reverse order

commute
v. transitive verb
1 a : CHANGE, ALTER b : to give in exchange for another : EXCHANGE
2 : to convert (as a payment) into another form
3 : to change (a penalty) to another less severe <commute a death sentence to life in prison>
4 : COMMUTATE
intransitive verb
1 : MAKE UP, COMPENSATE
2 : to pay in gross
3 : to travel back and forth regularly (as between a suburb and a city)
4 : to yield the same mathematical result regardless of order ― used of two elements undergoing an operation or of two operations on elements
–com·mut·able \-'myü-tə-bəl\ adjective

commute
v. 1 : an act or an instance of commuting
2 : the distance covered in commuting <a long commute>

commuter
n. 1 : a person who commutes (as between a suburb and a city)
2 : a small airline that carries passengers relatively short distances on a regular schedule

Commynes
Philippe de ca 1447-1511 Fr. polit. & chronicler

Como
n. commune N Italy in Lombardy at SW end of Lake Como (37 mi or 59 km long) pop 82,893

Comodoro Rivadavia
city & port S Argentina pop 96,865

comonomer
: one of the constituents of a copolymer

comorbid
: existing simultaneously with and usually independently of another medical condition
–co·mor·bid·i·ty \-ˌmȯr-'bi-də-tē\ noun

Comorin, Cape
cape S India in Tamil Nadu; southernmost point of India, at 8°5′N

Comoros
n. group of islands forming a country off SE Africa bet. Mozambique & Madagascar; formerly a French possession; a republic (except for Mayotte Is., which remains French) since 1975 capital Moroni area 719 sq mi (1862 sq km), pop 519,527

comp
n. : a complimentary ticket broadly : something provided free of charge

comp
n. : to provide with something free <a hotel comping celebrities for their rooms> also : to provide free of charge <their meals were comped>

comp
n. : to punctuate and support a jazz solo with irregularly spaced chords

comp
n. 1 comparative; compare
2 compensation; compensatory
3 compiled; compiler
4 composition; compositor
5 compound
6 comprehensive
7 comptroller

compact
n. 1 : predominantly formed or filled : COMPOSED, MADE
2 a : having a dense structure or parts or units closely packed or joined <a compact woolen> <compact bone> b : not diffuse or verbose <a compact statement> c : occupying a small volume by reason of efficient use of space <a compact camera> <a compact formation of troops> d : short-bodied, solid, and without excess flesh
3 : being a topological space and especially a metric space with the property that for any collection of open sets which contains it there is a subset of the collection with a finite number of elements which also contains it
–com·pact·ly \-'pak(t)-lē, -ˌpak(t)-\ adverb
–com·pact·ness \-'pak(t)-nəs, -ˌpak(t)-\ noun

compact
n. 1 : to make up by connecting or combining : COMPOSE
2 a : to knit or draw together : COMBINE b : to press together : COMPRESS
intransitive verb : to become compacted
–com·pact·ible \-'pak-tə-bəl, -ˌpak-\ adjective
–com·pac·tor also com·pact·er \-'pak-tər, -ˌpak-\ noun

compact
n. : something that is compact or compacted: a : a small cosmetic case (as for compressed powder) b : an automobile smaller than an intermediate but larger than a subcompact

compact
n. : an agreement or covenant between two or more parties

compact disc
: CD

compaction
n. : the act or process of compacting : the state of being compacted

compadre
n. : a close friend : BUDDY

compagnon de voyage
: traveling companion

companion
n. 1 : one that accompanies another : COMRADE, ASSOCIATE also : one that keeps company with another
2 obsolete : RASCAL
3 a : one that is closely connected with something similar b : one employed to live with and serve another
4 : a celestial body that appears close to another but that may or may not be associated with it in space

companion
n. : ACCOMPANY
intransitive verb : to keep company

companion
n. 1 : a hood covering at the top of a companionway
2 : COMPANIONWAY

companion cell
: a living nucleated cell that is closely associated in origin, position, and prob. function with a cell making up part of a sieve tube of a vascular plant

companion piece
: a work (as of literature) that is associated with and complements another

companionable
adj. : marked by, conducive to, or suggestive of companionship : SOCIABLE <companionable people> <companionable laughter>
–com·pan·ion·abil·i·ty \-ˌpan-yə-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–com·pan·ion·able·ness noun
–com·pan·ion·ably \-'pan-yə-nə-blē\ adverb

companionate
adj. : relating to or having the manner of companions specifically : harmoniously or suitably accompanying

companionship
n. : the fellowship existing among companions : COMPANY

companionway
n. : a ship's stairway from one deck to another

company
n. 1 a : association with another : FELLOWSHIP <enjoy a person's company> b : COMPANIONS, ASSOCIATES <know a person by the company she keeps> c : VISITORS, GUESTS <having company for dinner>
2 a : a group of persons or things <a company of horsemen> b : a body of soldiers especially : a unit (as of infantry) consisting usually of a headquarters and two or more platoons c : an organization of performing artists d : the officers and crew of a ship e : a firefighting unit
3 a : a chartered commercial organization or medieval trade guild b : an association of persons for carrying on a commercial or industrial enterprise c : those members of a partnership firm whose names do not appear in the firm name <John Doe and Company>

company
n. transitive verb : ACCOMPANY <may⋯fair winds company your safe return ― John Masefield>
intransitive verb : ASSOCIATE

company
n. company man
company officer
company grade officer
company town
company union
finance company
growth company
holding company
investment company
joint stock company
keep company
livery company
part company
stock company
trust company

company man
: a worker who acquiesces in company policy without complaint

company officer
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps of the rank of captain, first lieutenant, or second lieutenant ― called also company grade officer ― compare FIELD OFFICER, GENERAL OFFICER

company town
: a community that is dependent on one firm for all or most of the necessary services or functions of town life (as employment, housing, and stores)

company union
: an unaffiliated labor union of the employees of a single firm especially : one dominated by the employer

comparability
n. : the quality or state of being comparable

comparable
adj. 1 : capable of or suitable for comparison
2 : SIMILAR, LIKE <fabrics of comparable quality>
–com·pa·ra·ble·ness noun
–com·pa·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

comparable worth
: the concept that women and men should receive equal pay for jobs calling for comparable skill and responsibility

comparatist
n. : one that uses a comparative method (as in the study of literature)

comparative
1 : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb
2 : considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : RELATIVE <a comparative stranger>
3 : characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities <comparative anatomy>
–com·par·a·tive·ly adverb
–com·par·a·tive·ness noun

comparative
n. 1 a : one that compares with another especially on equal footing : RIVAL b : one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2 : the comparative degree or form in a language

comparativist
: COMPARATIST

comparator
n. : a device for comparing something with a similar thing or with a standard measure

compare
v. transitive verb
1 : to represent as similar : LIKEN <shall I compare thee to a summer's day? ― Shakespeare>
2 a : to examine the character or qualities of especially in order to discover resemblances or differences <compare your responses with the answers> b : to view in relation to <tall compared to me> <easy compared with the last test>
3 : to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison
intransitive verb
1 : to bear being compared <the two don't even begin to compare>
2 : to make comparisons
3 : to be equal or alike <nothing compares to you>
synonyms COMPARE, CONTRAST, COLLATE mean to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses. COMPARE implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent <compared the convention facilities of the two cities>. CONTRAST implies an emphasis on differences <contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards>. COLLATE implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence <data from districts around the country will be collated>.

compare
v. : the possibility of comparing <beauty beyond compare> also : something with which to be compared <a city without compare>

comparison
n. 1 : the act or process of comparing: as a : the representing of one thing or person as similar to or like another b : an examination of two or more items to establish similarities and dissimilarities <his faults seem minor by comparison>
2 : identity of features : SIMILARITY <several points of comparison between the two>
3 : the modification of an adjective or adverb to denote different levels of quality, quantity, or relation

comparison shop
: to compare prices (as of competing brands) in order to find the best value
–comparison shopper noun

compartment
n. 1 : a separate division or section
2 : one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided
–com·part·men·tal \kəm-ˌpärt-'men-təl, ˌkäm-\ adjective

compartment
n. : COMPARTMENTALIZE

compartmentalise
v. British variant of compartmentalize

compartmentalize
: to separate into isolated compartments or categories
–com·part·men·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌmen-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

compartmentation
: division into separate sections or units

compas
: a popular music of Haiti that combines Cuban and African rhythms

compass
n. 1 : to devise or contrive often with craft or skill : PLOT <persons⋯who have compassed my destruction ― Charles Dickens>
2 : ENCOMPASS
3 a : BRING ABOUT, ACHIEVE b : to get into one's possession or power : OBTAIN
4 : COMPREHEND
–com·pass·able \-pə-sə-bəl\ adjective

compass
n. 1 a : BOUNDARY, CIRCUMFERENCE <within the compass of the city walls> b : a circumscribed space <within the narrow compass of 21 pages ― V. L. Parrington> c : RANGE, SCOPE <the compass of my voice>
2 : a curved or roundabout course <a compass of seven days' journey ― 2 Kings 3:9(AV)>
3 a : a device for determining directions by means of a magnetic needle or group of needles turning freely on a pivot and pointing to the magnetic north b : any of various nonmagnetic devices that indicate direction c : an instrument for describing circles or transferring measurements that consists of two pointed branches joined at the top by a pivot ― usually used in plural ― called also pair of compasses
4 : DIRECTION 6C <his moral compass>
synonyms see RANGE

compass
n. : forming a curve : CURVED <a compass timber>

compass
n. compass card
compass plant
compass rose
mariner's compass
radio compass
pair of compasses

compass card
: the circular card attached to the needles of a mariner's compass on which are marked the 360° of the circle and 32 equidistant points

compass plant
: a yellow-flowered composite plant (Silphium laciniatum) that has large pinnatifid leaves in which the leaf edges typically align in a northerly and southerly direction and that occurs especially in prairies and along roadsides of the central U.S.

compass rose
: a circle graduated to degrees or quarters and printed on a chart to show direction

compassion
n. : sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it
synonyms see PITY
–com·pas·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective

compassionate
1 : having or showing compassion : SYMPATHETIC <a compassionate friend> <a compassionate smile>
2 : granted because of unusual distressing circumstances affecting an individual ― used of some military privileges (as leave)
–com·pas·sion·ate·ly adverb
–com·pas·sion·ate·ness noun

compassionate
: PITY

compatible
n. 1 : capable of existing together in harmony <compatible theories> <compatible people>
2 : capable of cross-fertilizing freely or uniting vegetatively
3 : capable of forming a homogeneous mixture that neither separates nor is altered by chemical interaction
4 : capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without immunological reaction (as agglutination or tissue rejection)
5 : designed to work with another device or system without modification especially : being a computer designed to operate in the same manner and use the same software as another computer
–com·pat·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌpa-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–compatible noun
–com·pat·i·ble·ness \-'pa-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–com·pat·i·bly \-blē\ adverb

compatriot
n. 1 : a person born, residing, or holding citizenship in the same country as another
2 : COMPANION, COLLEAGUE <her compatriots in academia>
–com·pa·tri·ot·ic \kəm-ˌpā-trē-'ä-tik, ˌkäm-, chiefly Brit -ˌpa-\ adjective

compd
compound

compeer
n. : COMPANION

compeer
n. : EQUAL, PEER
–compeer transitive verb obsolete

compel
v. 1 : to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly <hunger compelled him to eat>
2 : to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure <public opinion compelled her to sign the bill>
3 archaic : to drive together
synonyms see FORCE
–com·pel·la·ble \-'pe-lə-bəl\ adjective

compellation
n. 1 : an act or action of addressing someone
2 : APPELLATION 1

compelling
adj. : that compels: as a : FORCEFUL <a compelling personality> b : demanding attention <for compelling reasons> c : CONVINCING <no compelling evidence>
–com·pel·ling·ly adverb

compend
n. : COMPENDIUM

compendious
adj. : marked by brief expression of a comprehensive matter : concise and comprehensive <a compendious summary> also : COMPREHENSIVE <her compendious knowledge of the subject>
synonyms see CONCISE
–com·pen·di·ous·ly adverb
–com·pen·di·ous·ness noun

compendium
n. 1 : a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge : ABSTRACT
2 a : a list of a number of items b : COLLECTION, COMPILATION

compensable
adj. : that is to be or can be compensated <a compensable job-related injury>
–com·pen·sa·bil·i·ty \kəm-ˌpen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌkäm-\ noun

compensate
transitive verb
1 : to be equivalent to : COUNTERBALANCE
2 : to make an appropriate and usually counterbalancing payment to <compensate the victims for their loss>
3 a : to provide with means of counteracting variation b : to neutralize the effect of (variations)
intransitive verb
1 : to supply an equivalent ― used with for
2 : to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect <his enthusiasm compensates for his lack of skill>
3 : to undergo or engage in psychological or physiological compensation
synonyms see PAY
–com·pen·sa·tive \'käm-pən-ˌsā-tiv, -ˌpen-; kəm-'pen(t)-sə-\ adjective
–com·pen·sa·tor \'käm-pən-ˌsā-tər, -ˌpen-\ noun
–com·pen·sa·to·ry \kəm-'pen(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

compensation
n. 1 a : the act of compensating : the state of being compensated b : correction of an organic defect or loss by hypertrophy or by increased functioning of another organ or unimpaired parts of the same organ c : a psychological mechanism by which feelings of inferiority, frustration, or failure in one field are counterbalanced by achievement in another
2 a (1) : something that constitutes an equivalent or recompense <age has its compensations> (2) : payment to unemployed or injured workers or their dependents b : PAYMENT, REMUNERATION <working without compensation>
–com·pen·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

compensation
n. unemployment compensation
workers' compensation
workmen's compensation insurance

compensatory education
: educational programs intended to make up for experiences (as cultural) lacked by disadvantaged children

compere
n. chiefly British : the master of ceremonies of an entertainment (as a television program)

compere
transitive verb chiefly British : to act as compere for
intransitive verb chiefly British : to act as a compere

compete
v. : to strive consciously or unconsciously for an objective (as position, profit, or a prize) : be in a state of rivalry <competing teams> <companies competing for customers>

competence
n. 1 : a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life <provided his family with a comfortable competence ― Rex Ingamells>
2 : the quality or state of being competent: as a : the properties of an embryonic field that enable it to respond in a characteristic manner to an organizer b : readiness of bacteria to undergo genetic transformation
3 : the knowledge that enables a person to speak and understand a language ― compare PERFORMANCE 6

competency
n. : COMPETENCE

competent
adj. 1 : proper or rightly pertinent
2 : having requisite or adequate ability or qualities : FIT <a competent teacher> <a competent piece of work>
3 : legally qualified or adequate <a competent witness>
4 : having the capacity to function or develop in a particular way specifically : having the capacity to respond (as by producing an antibody) to an antigenic determinant <immunologically competent cells>
synonyms see SUFFICIENT
–com·pe·tent·ly adverb

competition
n. 1 : the act or process of competing : RIVALRY: as a : the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms b : active demand by two or more organisms or kinds of organisms for some environmental resource in short supply
2 : a contest between rivals also : one's competitors <faced tough competition>

competitive
adj. 1 : relating to, characterized by, or based on competition <competitive sports>
2 : inclined, desiring, or suited to compete <a competitive personality> <salary benefits must be competitive ― M. S. Eisenhower>
3 : depending for effectiveness on the relative concentration of two or more substances <competitive inhibition of an enzyme>
–com·pet·i·tive·ly adverb
–com·pet·i·tive·ness noun

competitor
n. : one that competes: as a : RIVAL b : one selling or buying goods or services in the same market as another c : an organism that lives in competition with another

Compiegne
town N France on the Oise pop 41,228

compilation
n. 1 : the act or process of compiling
2 : something compiled <a compilation of hit songs>

compile
v. 1 : to compose out of materials from other documents
2 : to collect and edit into a volume
3 : to build up gradually <compiled a record of four wins and two losses>
4 : to run (as a program) through a compiler

compiler
n. 1 : one that compiles
2 : a computer program that translates an entire set of instructions written in a higher-level symbolic language (as C) into machine language before the instructions can be executed

complacence
n. 1 : calm or secure satisfaction with oneself or one's lot : SELF-SATISFACTION
2 obsolete : COMPLAISANCE
3 : UNCONCERN

complacency
n. 1 : self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies
2 : an instance of complacency

complacent
adj. 1 : marked by complacency : SELF-SATISFIED <a complacent smile>
2 : COMPLAISANT 1
3 : UNCONCERNED
–com·pla·cent·ly adverb

complain
v. 1 : to express grief, pain, or discontent <complaining about the weather>
2 : to make a formal accusation or charge
–com·plain·er noun
–com·plain·ing·ly \-'plā-niŋ-lē\ adverb

complainant
n. 1 : the party who makes the complaint in a legal action or proceeding
2 : one who complains

complaint
n. 1 : expression of grief, pain, or dissatisfaction
2 a : something that is the cause or subject of protest or outcry b : a bodily ailment or disease
3 : a formal allegation against a party

complaisance
n. : disposition to please or comply : AFFABILITY

complaisant
adj. 1 : marked by an inclination to please or oblige
2 : tending to consent to others' wishes
synonyms see AMIABLE
–com·plai·sant·ly adverb

compleat
: having all necessary or desired elements or skills : COMPLETE also : CLASSIC, QUINTESSENTIAL

complected
adj. : having a specified facial complexion <a tall, thin man, fairly dark complected ― E. J. Kahn>
usage Not an error, nor a dialectal term, nor nonstandard97all of which it has been labeled97complected still manages to raise hackles. It is an Americanism, apparently nonexistent in British English. Its currency in American English is attested as early as 1806 (by Meriwether Lewis) and it appears in the works of such notable American writers as Mark Twain, O. Henry, James Whitcomb Riley, and William Faulkner. Complexioned, recommended by handbooks, has less use than complected. Literary use, old and new, slightly favors complected.

complement
n. 1 a : something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect b : the quantity, number, or assortment required to make a thing complete <the usual complement of eyes and ears ― Francis Parkman> especially : the whole force or personnel of a ship c : one of two mutually completing parts : COUNTERPART
2 a : the angle or arc that when added to a given angle or arc equals a right angle in measure b : the set of all elements that do not belong to a given set and are contained in a particular mathematical set containing the given set c : a number that when added to another number of the same sign yields zero if the significant digit farthest to the left is discarded ― used especially in assembly language programming
3 : the musical interval required with a given interval to complete the octave
4 : an added word or expression by which a predication is made complete (as president in “they elected him president” and beautiful in “he thought her beautiful”)
5 : the thermolabile group of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that in combination with antibodies causes the destruction especially of particulate antigens (as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles)

complement
n. obsolete : to exchange formal courtesies
transitive verb
1 : to be complementary to <the illustrations complement the text>
2 obsolete : COMPLIMENT

complement
n. complement fixation
objective complement
subjective complement
two's complement

complement fixation
: the process of binding serum complement to the product formed by the union of an antibody and the antigen for which it is specific that occurs when complement is added to a suitable mixture of such an antibody and antigen and that is the basis of some tests to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens

complemental
adj. 1 : relating to or being a complement
2 obsolete : CEREMONIOUS, COMPLIMENTARY

complementarity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being complementary
2 : the complementary relationship of theories explaining the nature of light or other quantized radiation in terms of both electromagnetic waves and particles

complementary
adj. 1 : relating to or constituting one of a pair of contrasting colors that produce a neutral color when combined in suitable proportions
2 : serving to fill out or complete
3 : mutually supplying each other's lack
4 : being complements of each other <complementary acute angles>
5 : characterized by the capacity for precise pairing of purine and pyrimidine bases between strands of DNA and sometimes RNA such that the structure of one strand determines the other
–com·ple·men·ta·ri·ly \-'men-t(ə-)rə-lē, -(ˌ)men-'ter-ə-lē, -'ta-rə-\ adverb
–com·ple·men·ta·ri·ness \-'men-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun
–complementary noun

complementary medicine
: any of the practices (as acupuncture) of alternative medicine accepted and utilized by mainstream medical practitioners also : ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

complementation
n. 1 : the operation of determining the complement of a mathematical set
2 : production of normal phenotype in an individual heterozygous for two closely related mutations with one on each homologous chromosome and at a slightly different position

complementizer
: a function word or morpheme that combines with a clause or verbal phrase to form a subordinate clause

complete
1 a : having all necessary parts, elements, or steps <a complete diet> b : having all four sets of floral organs c of a subject or predicate : including modifiers, complements, or objects
2 : brought to an end : CONCLUDED <a complete period of time>
3 : highly proficient <a complete artist>
4 a : fully carried out : THOROUGH <a complete renovation> b : TOTAL, ABSOLUTE <complete silence> c of a football passive : legally caught
5 of insect metamorphosis : characterized by the occurrence of a pupal stage between the motile immature stages and the adult ― compare INCOMPLETE 1b
6 of a metric space : having the property that every Cauchy sequence of elements converges to a limit in the space
synonyms see FULL
–complete·ly adverb
–com·plete·ness noun
–com·ple·tive \-'plē-tiv\ adjective
–complete with : made complete by the inclusion of <a birthday cake complete with candles>

complete
adj. 1 : to bring to an end and especially into a perfected state <complete a painting>
2 a : to make whole or perfect <its song completes the charm of this bird> b : to mark the end of <a rousing chorus completes the show> c : EXECUTE, FULFILL <complete a contract>
3 : to carry out (a forward pass) successfully
synonyms see CLOSE

complete fertilizer
: a fertilizer that contains the three chief plant nutrients nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash

complete with
made complete by the inclusion of <a birthday cake complete with candles>

completion
n. 1 : the act or process of completing
2 : the quality or state of being complete
3 : a completed forward pass in football

completist
n. : one who wants to make something (as a collection) complete

complex
n. 1 : a whole made up of complicated or interrelated parts <a complex of welfare programs> <the military-industrial complex>
2 a : a group of culture traits relating to a single activity (as hunting), process (as use of flint), or culture unit b (1) : a group of repressed desires and memories that exerts a dominating influence upon the personality (2) : an exaggerated reaction to or preoccupation with a subject or situation c : a group of obviously related units of which the degree and nature of the relationship is imperfectly known d : the sum of factors (as symptoms) characterizing a disease or condition
3 : a chemical association of two or more species (as ions or molecules) joined usually by weak electrostatic bonds rather than covalent bonds
4 : a building or group of buildings housing related units <an apartment complex> <a sports complex>

complex
n. 1 a : composed of two or more parts : COMPOSITE b (1) of a word : having a bound form as one or more of its immediate constituents <unmanly is a complex word> (2) of a sentence : consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses
2 : hard to separate, analyze, or solve
3 : of, concerned with, being, or containing complex numbers <a complex root> <complex analysis>
–com·plex·ly adverb
–com·plex·ness noun
synonyms COMPLEX, COMPLICATED, INTRICATE, INVOLVED, KNOTTY mean having confusingly interrelated parts. COMPLEX suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure <a complex recipe>. COMPLICATED applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining <complicated legal procedures>. INTRICATE suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately <an intricate web of deceit>. INVOLVED implies extreme complication and often disorder <a rambling, involved explanation>. KNOTTY suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable <knotty ethical questions>.

complex
n. 1 : to make complex or into a complex
2 : CHELATE
–com·plex·a·tion \ˌkäm-ˌplek-'sā-shən, kəm-\ noun

complex
n. AIDS related complex
B complex
complex carbohydrate
complex fraction
complex number
complex plane
compound complex
conjugate complex number
coordination complex
Electra complex
Golgi complex
inferiority complex
major histocompatibility complex
military industrial complex
Oedipus complex
superiority complex
synaptonemal complex
synaptinemal complex
vitamin B complex

complex carbohydrate
: a polysaccharide (as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units also : a food (as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides

complex fraction
: a fraction with a fraction or mixed number in the numerator or denominator or both ― compare SIMPLE FRACTION

complex number
: a number of the form a + b where a and b are real numbers

complex plane
: a plane whose points are identified by means of complex numbers especially : ARGAND DIAGRAM

complexify
transitive verb : to make complex
intransitive verb : to become complex

complexion
n. 1 : the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2 a : an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling b : a complex of attitudes and inclinations
3 : the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face <a dark complexion>
4 : overall aspect or character <by changing the complexion of the legislative branch ― Trevor Armbrister>
–com·plex·ion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–com·plex·ioned \-shənd\ adjective

complexity
n. 1 : something complex
2 : the quality or state of being complex

compliance
n. 1 a : the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal, or regimen or to coercion b : conformity in fulfilling official requirements
2 : a disposition to yield to others
3 : the ability of an object to yield elastically when a force is applied : FLEXIBILITY

compliancy
n. : COMPLIANCE

compliant
adj. 1 : ready or disposed to comply : SUBMISSIVE <a corrupt regime aided by a compliant press>
2 : conforming to requirements <compliant software>
–com·pli·ant·ly adverb

complicacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being complicated
2 : something that is complicated

complicate
v. 1 : COMPLEX, INTRICATE
2 : CONDUPLICATE

complicate
v. 1 : to combine especially in an involved or inextricable manner
2 : to make complex or difficult
3 : INVOLVE especially : to cause to be more complex or severe <a virus disease complicated by bacterial infection>

complicated
adj. 1 : consisting of parts intricately combined <a complicated recipe>
2 : difficult to analyze, understand, or explain <a complicated issue>
synonyms see COMPLEX
–com·pli·cat·ed·ly adverb
–com·pli·cat·ed·ness noun

complication
n. 1 a : COMPLEXITY, INTRICACY especially : a situation or a detail of character complicating the main thread of a plot b : a making difficult, involved, or intricate c : a complex or intricate feature or element d : a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes
2 : a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition

complice
n. archaic : ASSOCIATE

complicit
adj. : having complicity

complicitous
: COMPLICIT

complicity
n. 1 : association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act
2 : an instance of complicity

complier
: one that complies

compliment
n. 1 a : an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration especially : an admiring remark b : formal and respectful recognition : HONOR
2 plural : best wishes : REGARDS <accept my compliments> <compliments of the season>

compliment
n. 1 : to pay a compliment to
2 : to present with a token of esteem

complimentary
adj. 1 a : expressing or containing a compliment <a complimentary remark> b : FAVORABLE <the novel received complimentary reviews>
2 : given free as a courtesy or favor <complimentary tickets>
–com·pli·men·ta·ri·ly \-'men-t(ə-)rə-lē, -(ˌ)men-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb

complimentary close
: the words (as sincerely yours) that conventionally come immediately before the signature of a letter and express the sender's regard for the receiver ― called also complimentary closing

compline
n. : the seventh and last of the canonical hours

complot
archaic : PLOT, CONSPIRACY

complot
archaic : PLOT

comply
v. 1 obsolete : to be ceremoniously courteous
2 : to conform, submit, or adapt (as to a regulation or to another's wishes) as required or requested <comply with federal law> <the devices comply with industry standards>

compo
n. : any of various composition materials

component
n. 1 : a constituent part : INGREDIENT <an important component of the program> <stereo components>
2 a : any one of the vector terms added to form a vector sum or resultant b : a coordinate of a vector also : either member of an ordered pair of numbers
synonyms see ELEMENT
–com·po·nen·tial \ˌkäm-pə-'nen(t)-shəl\ adjective

component
n. : serving or helping to constitute : CONSTITUENT <component parts>

comport
v. intransitive verb : to be fitting : ACCORD <actions that comport with policy>
transitive verb : BEHAVE especially : to behave in a manner conformable to what is right, proper, or expected <comported himself well in the crisis>
synonyms see BEHAVE
–com·port·ment \-mənt\ noun

comport
v. : COMPOTE 2

compos mentis
: of sound mind, memory, and understanding

compose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to form by putting together : FASHION <a committee composed of three representatives ― Current Biog.> b : to form the substance of : CONSTITUTE <composed of many ingredients> c : to produce (as columns or pages of type) by composition
2 a : to create by mental or artistic labor : PRODUCE <compose a sonnet> b (1) : to formulate and write (a piece of music) (2) : to compose music for
3 : to deal with or act on so as to reduce to a minimum <compose their differences>
4 : to arrange in proper or orderly form
5 : to free from agitation : CALM, SETTLE <composed himself>
intransitive verb : to practice composition

compose
v. self composed
through composed
composing room
composing stick

composed
adj. : free from agitation : CALM especially : SELF-POSSESSED
synonyms see COOL
–com·pos·ed·ly \-'pō-zəd-lē\ adverb
–com·pos·ed·ness \-'pō-zəd-nəs\ noun

composed
adj. self composed
through composed
self composedness
self composedly

composer
n. : one that composes especially : a person who writes music

composing room
: the department in a printing office where typesetting and related operations are performed

composing stick
: a tray with an adjustable slide that a compositor holds in one hand and sets type into with the other

composite
n. 1 : made up of distinct parts: as a capitalized : relating to or being a modification of the Corinthian order combining angular Ionic volutes with the acanthus-circled bell of the Corinthian b : of or relating to a very large family (Compositae syn. Asteraceae) of dicotyledonous herbs, shrubs, and trees often considered to be the most highly evolved plants and characterized by florets arranged in dense heads that resemble single flowers c : factorable into two or more prime factors other than 1 and itself <8 is a positive composite integer>
2 : combining the typical or essential characteristics of individuals making up a group <the composite man called the Poet ― Richard Poirier>
3 of a statistical hypothesis : specifying a range of values for one or more statistical parameters ― compare SIMPLE 10
–com·pos·ite·ly adverb

composite
n. 1 : something composite : COMPOUND <a composite of two images>
2 : a composite plant
3 : COMPOSITE FUNCTION
4 : a solid material which is composed of two or more substances having different physical characteristics and in which each substance retains its identity while contributing desirable properties to the whole especially : a structural material made of plastic within which a fibrous material (as silicon carbide) is embedded

composite
n. : to make composite or into something composite <composited four soil samples> <composite the images>

composite function
: a function whose values are found from two given functions by applying one function to an independent variable and then applying the second function to the result and whose domain consists of those values of the independent variable for which the result yielded by the first function lies in the domain of the second

composition
n. 1 a : the act or process of composing specifically : arrangement into specific proportion or relation and especially into artistic form b (1) : the arrangement of type for printing <hand composition> (2) : the production of type or typographic characters (as in photocomposition) arranged for printing
2 a : the manner in which something is composed b : general makeup <the changing ethnic composition of the city ― Leonard Buder> c : the qualitative and quantitative makeup of a chemical compound
3 : mutual settlement or agreement
4 : a product of mixing or combining various elements or ingredients
5 : an intellectual creation: as a : a piece of writing especially : a school exercise in the form of a brief essay b : a written piece of music especially of considerable size and complexity
6 : the quality or state of being compound
7 : the operation of forming a composite function also : COMPOSITE FUNCTION
–com·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective
–com·po·si·tion·al·ly adverb

compositionist
: a teacher of writing especially in a college or university

compositor
n. : one who sets type

compost
n. 1 : a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land
2 : MIXTURE, COMPOUND

compost
n. : to convert (as plant debris) to compost
–com·post·able \'käm-ˌpōs-tə-bəl\ adjective
–com·post·er \-tər\ noun

Compostela
― see SANTIAGO 3

composure
n. : a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance : SELF-POSSESSION
synonyms see EQUANIMITY

compote
n. 1 : a dessert of fruit cooked in syrup
2 : a bowl of glass, porcelain, or metal usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served

compound
n. transitive verb
1 : to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : COMBINE <compound ingredients>
2 : to form by combining parts <compound a medicine>
3 a : to settle amicably : adjust by agreement b : to agree for a consideration not to prosecute (an offense) <compound a felony>
4 a : to pay (interest) on both the accrued interest and the principal b : to add to : AUGMENT <we compounded our error in later policy ― Robert Lekachman>
intransitive verb
1 : to become joined in a compound
2 : to come to terms of agreement
–com·pound·able \-'pau̇n-də-bəl, -ˌpau̇n-\ adjective
–com·pound·er noun

compound
n. 1 : composed of or resulting from union of separate elements, ingredients, or parts: as a : composed of united similar elements especially of a kind usually independent <a compound plant ovary> b : having the blade divided to the midrib and forming two or more leaflets on a common axis <a compound leaf>
2 : involving or used in a combination
3 a of a word : constituting a compound b of a sentence : having two or more main clauses

compound
n. 1 a : a word consisting of components that are words (as rowboat, high school, devil-may-care) b : a word (as anthropology, kilocycle, builder) consisting of any of various combinations of words, combining forms, or affixes
2 : something formed by a union of elements or parts especially : a distinct substance formed by chemical union of two or more ingredients in definite proportion by weight

compound
n. : a fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings and especially residences

compound
n. compound complex
compound eye
compound fracture
compound interest
compound microscope
compound number
coordination compound
quaternary ammonium compound

compound eye
: an eye (as of an insect) made up of many separate visual units

compound fracture
: a bone fracture resulting in an open wound through which bone fragments usually protrude

compound interest
: interest computed on the sum of an original principal and accrued interest

compound microscope
: a microscope consisting of an objective and an eyepiece mounted in a drawtube

compound number
: a number (as 2 feet 5 inches) involving different denominations or more than one unit

compound-complex
of a sentence : having two or more main clauses and one or more subordinate clauses

comprador
n. 1 : a Chinese agent engaged by a foreign establishment in China to have charge of its Chinese employees and to act as an intermediary in business affairs
2 : INTERMEDIARY

comprehend
v. 1 : to grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of <unable to comprehend what has happened>
2 : to contain or hold within a total scope, significance, or amount <philosophy's scope comprehends the truth of everything which man may understand ― H. O. Taylor>
3 : to include by construction or implication <does not prudence comprehend all the virtues? ― Thomas B. Silver>
synonyms see UNDERSTAND, INCLUDE
–com·pre·hend·ible \-'hen-də-bəl\ adjective

comprehensible
: capable of being comprehended : INTELLIGIBLE <a comprehensible explanation>
–com·pre·hen·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌhen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–com·pre·hen·si·ble·ness \-'hen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–com·pre·hen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

comprehension
n. 1 a : the act or action of grasping with the intellect : UNDERSTANDING b : knowledge gained by comprehending c : the capacity for understanding fully <mysteries that are beyond our comprehension>
2 a : the act or process of comprising b : the faculty or capability of including : COMPREHENSIVENESS
3 : CONNOTATION 3

comprehensive
adj. 1 : covering completely or broadly : INCLUSIVE <comprehensive examinations> <comprehensive insurance>
2 : having or exhibiting wide mental grasp <comprehensive knowledge>
–com·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb
–com·pre·hen·sive·ness noun

compress
n. transitive verb
1 : to press or squeeze together
2 : to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing <compress a computer file>
intransitive verb : to undergo compression
synonyms see CONTRACT

compress
n. 1 : a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
2 : a machine for compressing

compressed
adj. 1 : pressed together : reduced in size or volume (as by pressure)
2 : flattened as though subjected to compression: a : flattened laterally <petioles compressed> b : narrow from side to side and deep in a dorsoventral direction
–com·pressed·ly \kəm-'prest-lē, -'pre-səd-lē\ adverb

compressed air
: air under pressure greater than that of the atmosphere

compressible
adj. : capable of being compressed
–com·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

compression
n. 1 a : the act, process, or result of compressing b : the state of being compressed
2 : the process of compressing the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)
3 : the compressed remains of a fossil plant
4 : conversion (as of data, a data file, or a communications signal) in order to reduce the space occupied or bandwidth required
–com·pres·sion·al \-'presh-nəl, -'pre-shə-nəl\ adjective

compressional wave
: a longitudinal wave (as a sound wave) propagated by the elastic compression of the medium ― called also compression wave

compressive
adj. 1 : of or relating to compression
2 : tending to compress
–com·pres·sive·ly adverb

compressor
n. : one that compresses: as a : a muscle that compresses a part b : a machine that compresses gases

comprise
v. 1 : to include especially within a particular scope <civilization as Lenin used the term would then certainly have comprised the changes that are now associated in our minds with “developed” rather than “developing” states ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : to be made up of <a vast installation, comprising fifty buildings ― Jane Jacobs>
3 : COMPOSE, CONSTITUTE <a misconception as to what comprises a literary generation ― William Styron> <about 8 percent of our military forces are comprised of women ― Jimmy Carter>
usage Although it has been in use since the late 18th century, sense 3 is still attacked as wrong. Why it has been singled out is not clear, but until comparatively recent times it was found chiefly in scientific or technical writing rather than belles lettres. Our current evidence shows a slight shift in usage: sense 3 is somewhat more frequent in recent literary use than the earlier senses. You should be aware, however, that if you use sense 3 you may be subject to criticism for doing so, and you may want to choose a safer synonym such as compose or make up.

compromise
n. 1 a : settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions b : something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
2 : a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial <a compromise of principles>

compromise
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to bind by mutual agreement
2 : to adjust or settle by mutual concessions
3 a : to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief <his reputation has been compromised> b : to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy <confidential information was compromised> c : to cause the impairment of <a compromised immune system> <a seriously compromised patient>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come to agreement by mutual concession b : to find or follow a way between extremes
2 : to make a shameful or disreputable concession <wouldn't compromise with their principles>
–com·pro·mis·er noun

compt
archaic variant of count

compte
a compte
à compte
compte rendu

compte rendu
: report (as of proceedings in an investigation)

Compton
n. Arthur Holly 1892-1962 American physicist

Compton
n. Karl Taylor 1887-1954 bro. of A.H. American physicist

Compton
n. city SW Calif. SSE of Los Angeles pop 93,493

comptroller
n. 1 : a royal-household official who examines and supervises expenditures
2 : a public official who audits government accounts and sometimes certifies expenditures
3 : CONTROLLER 1C
–comp·trol·ler·ship \-ˌship\ noun

compulsion
n. 1 a : an act of compelling : the state of being compelled b : a force that compels
2 : an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (as excessive hand washing) also : the act itself

compulsive
n. 1 : having power to compel
2 : of, relating to, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession <compulsive actions> <a compulsive gambler>
–com·pul·sive·ly adverb
–com·pul·sive·ness noun
–com·pul·siv·i·ty \kəm-ˌpəl-'si-və-tē, ˌkäm-\ noun

compulsory
adj. 1 : MANDATORY, ENFORCED <compulsory retirement>
2 : COERCIVE, COMPELLING <compulsory measures>
–com·pul·so·ri·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

compunction
n. 1 a : anxiety arising from awareness of guilt <compunctions of conscience> b : distress of mind over an anticipated action or result <showed no compunction in planning devilish engines of⋯destruction ― Havelock Ellis>
2 : a twinge of misgiving : SCRUPLE <cheated without compunction>
synonyms see PENITENCE, QUALM
–com·punc·tious \-shəs\ adjective

compurgation
n. : the clearing of an accused person by oaths of others who swear to the veracity or innocence of the accused

compurgator
n. : one who under oath vouches for the character or conduct of an accused person

computable
adj. : capable of being computed
–com·put·abil·i·ty \-ˌpyü-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

computation
n. 1 a : the act or action of computing : CALCULATION b : the use or operation of a computer
2 : a system of reckoning
3 : an amount computed
–com·pu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–com·pu·ta·tion·al·ly adverb

compute
v. transitive verb : to determine especially by mathematical means <compute your income tax> also : to determine or calculate by means of a computer
intransitive verb
1 : to make calculation : RECKON
2 : to use a computer

computed tomography
: radiography in which a three-dimensional image of a body structure is constructed by computer from a series of plane cross-sectional images made along an axis ― called also computed axial tomography computerized axial tomography computerized tomography

computer
n. : one that computes specifically : a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data
–com·put·er·dom \-dəm\ noun
–com·put·er·less \-ləs\ adjective
–com·put·er·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

computer
n. analog computer
digital computer
home computer
hybrid computer
personal computer

computerese
n. : jargon used by computer technologists

computerise
v. chiefly British variant of computerize

computerist
n. : a person who uses or operates a computer

computerize
1 : to carry out, control, or produce by means of a computer <computerized music>
2 : to equip with computers <computerize public schools>
3 a : to store in a computer <computerize data> b : to put in a form that a computer can use <computerize paperwork>
–com·put·er·iz·able \-ˌpyü-tə-'rī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–com·put·er·i·za·tion \-ˌpyü-tə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

computernik
n. : a computer enthusiast or expert

computerphobe
: a person who experiences anxiety about computers and especially about their use
–com·put·er·pho·bia \-ˌpyü-tər-'fō-bē-ə\ noun
–com·put·er·pho·bic \-'fō-bik\ adjective

comr
commissioner

comrade
n. 1 a : an intimate friend or associate : COMPANION b : a fellow soldier
2 [from its use as a form of address by communists] : COMMUNIST
–com·rade·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–com·rade·ly adjective
–com·rade·ship \-ˌship\ noun

comradery
: CAMARADERIE

Comsat
n. ― used for communications services involving an artificial satellite

Comstock
Anthony 1844-1915 American reformer

Comstock Lode
gold & silver lode at Virginia City, Nev.

Comstockery
1 : strict censorship of materials considered obscene
2 : censorious opposition to alleged immorality (as in literature)

Comstockian
: of or relating to Comstockery

comsymp
usually disparaging : a person sympathetic to Communist causes

Comte
n. Auguste 1798-1857 in full Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Fr. math. & philos.

Comtian
: of or relating to Auguste Comte or his doctrines
–Comt·ism \'käm(p)-ˌti-zəm, 'kōn(n)-\ noun
–Comt·ist \'käm(p)-tist, 'kōn(n)-\ adjective or noun

con
n. 1 : to commit to memory
2 : to study or examine closely

con
n. 1 [Latin conjunx] consort
2 consolidated
3 consul
4 continued

con
n. ― see COM-

con
n. arroz con pollo
chili con carne
con amore
con anima
con brio
con espressione
con moto
con spirito
crim con
mod con
nem con
conning tower

con
n. variant of conn

con
n. : on the negative side : in opposition <so much has been written pro and con>

con
n. 1 : an argument or evidence in opposition
2 : the negative position or one holding it <an appraisal of the pros and cons>

con
n. : CONFIDENCE <a con artist> <a con game>

con
n. 1 : SWINDLE <accused of conning retirees out of their savings>
2 : MANIPULATE 2B
3 : PERSUADE, CAJOLE

con
n. : something (as a ruse) used deceptively to gain another's confidence also : a confidence game : SWINDLE

con
n. : CONVICT

con
n. slang : a destructive disease of the lungs especially : TUBERCULOSIS

con amore
1 : with love, devotion, or zest
2 : in a tender manner ― used as a direction in music

con anima
: in a spirited manner ― used as a direction in music

con brio
: in a vigorous or brisk manner ― often used as a direction in music

con espressione
: with feeling ― used as a direction in music

con moto
: with movement : in a spirited manner ― used as a direction in music

con spirito
: with spirit or animation ― used as a direction in music

Conakry
n. city & port capital of Guinea on the Atlantic pop 581,000

conalbumin
n. : a protein of the white of egg that binds with metal ions (as of iron and copper)

Conan Doyle
― see DOYLE

Conanicut Island
island R.I. in Narragansett Bay W of Aquidneck Is.

Conant
James Bryant 1893-1978 Am. chem. & educ.

conation
n. : an inclination (as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : IMPULSE 3
–co·na·tive \'kō-nə-tiv, 'kä-, 'kō-ˌnā-\ adjective

conc
1 concentrate; concentrated; concentration
2 concrete

concanavalin
n. : a protein that occurs in the jack bean and is a mitogen and hemagglutinin

concatenate
v. : linked together

concatenate
: to link together in a series or chain
–con·cat·e·na·tion \(ˌ)kän-ˌka-tə-'nā-shən, kən-\ noun

concave
adj. 1 : hollowed or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl
2 : arched in : curving in ― used of the side of a curve or surface on which neighboring normals to the curve or surface converge and on which lies the chord joining two neighboring points of the curve or surface

concave
adj. : a concave line or surface

concavity
n. 1 : a concave line, surface, or space : HOLLOW
2 : the quality or state of being concave

concavo-convex
1 : concave on one side and convex on the other
2 : having the concave side curved more than the convex <a concavo-convex lens>

conceal
v. 1 : to prevent disclosure or recognition of <conceal the truth>
2 : to place out of sight <concealed himself behind the door>
synonyms see HIDE
–con·ceal·able \-'sē-lə-bəl\ adjective
–con·ceal·ing·ly \-'sē-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–con·ceal·ment \-'sē(ə)l-mənt\ noun

concealer
n. 1 : one that conceals <a concealer of the truth>
2 : a cosmetic used to conceal blemishes or discoloration especially under the eyes

concede
v. transitive verb
1 : to grant as a right or privilege
2 a : to accept as true, valid, or accurate <the right of the state to tax is generally conceded> b : to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly <conceded that it might be a good idea>
intransitive verb : to make concession : YIELD
synonyms see GRANT
–con·ced·ed·ly \-'sē-dəd-lē\ adverb
–con·ced·er noun

conceit
n. 1 a (1) : a result of mental activity : THOUGHT (2) : individual opinion b : favorable opinion especially : excessive appreciation of one's own worth or virtue
2 : a fancy item or trifle
3 a : a fanciful idea b : an elaborate or strained metaphor c : use or presence of such conceits in poetry d : an organizing theme or concept <found his conceit for the film early ― Peter Wilkinson>

conceit
n. 1 obsolete : CONCEIVE, UNDERSTAND
2 chiefly dialect : IMAGINE
3 dialect British : to take a fancy to

conceited
adj. 1 : ingeniously contrived : FANCIFUL
2 : having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself
–con·ceit·ed·ly adverb
–con·ceit·ed·ness noun

conceivable
adj. : capable of being conceived : IMAGINABLE <every conceivable combination>
–con·ceiv·abil·i·ty \kən-ˌsē-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·ceiv·able·ness \-'sē-və-bəl-nəs\ noun

conceivably
adv. 1 : in a conceivable manner
2 : it may be conceived : POSSIBLY <we could conceivably finish next week>

conceive
v. transitive verb
1 a : to become pregnant with (young) <conceive a child> b : to cause to begin : ORIGINATE <a project conceived by the company's founder>
2 a : to take into one's mind <conceive a prejudice> b : to form a conception of : IMAGINE <a badly conceived design>
3 : to apprehend by reason or imagination : UNDERSTAND <unable to conceive his reasons>
4 : to have as an opinion <I cannot conceive that he acted alone>
intransitive verb
1 : to become pregnant
2 : to have a conception ― usually used with of <conceives of death as emptiness>
synonyms see THINK
–con·ceiv·er noun

concelebrant
n. : one that concelebrates a Eucharist or Mass

concelebrate
v. transitive verb : to participate in (a Eucharist) as a joint celebrant who recites the canon in unison with other celebrants
intransitive verb : to participate as a celebrant in a concelebrated Eucharist
–con·cel·e·bra·tion \(ˌ)kän-ˌse-lə-'brā-shən, kən-\ noun

concent
n. archaic : HARMONY

concenter
v. transitive verb : to draw or direct to a common center : CONCENTRATE
intransitive verb : to come to a common center

concentrate
transitive verb
1 a : to bring or direct toward a common center or objective : FOCUS <concentrate one's efforts> b : to gather into one body, mass, or force <power was concentrated in a few able hands> c : to accumulate (a toxic substance) in bodily tissues <fish concentrate mercury>
2 a : to make less dilute <concentrate syrup> b : to express or exhibit in condensed form
intransitive verb
1 : to draw toward or meet in a common center
2 : GATHER, COLLECT
3 : to focus one's powers, efforts, or attention <concentrate on a problem>
–con·cen·trat·ed·ly \-ˌtrā-təd-lē; ˌkän(t)-sən-'trā-\ adverb
–con·cen·tra·tive \-ˌtrā-tiv\ adjective

concentrate
v. 1 : something concentrated: as a : a mineral-rich product obtained after an initial processing of ore b : a food reduced in bulk by elimination of fluid <orange juice concentrate>
2 : a feedstuff (as grains) relatively rich in digestible nutrients ― compare FIBER

concentration
n. 1 a : the act or process of concentrating : the state of being concentrated especially : direction of attention to a single object b : an academic major or area of focus within a major
2 : a concentrated mass or thing
3 : the amount of a component in a given area or volume

concentration camp
: a camp where persons (as prisoners of war, political prisoners, or refugees) are detained or confined

concentrator
n. : one that concentrates: as a : an industrial plant that produces concentrates from ores b : a mirror or group of mirrors that focus sunlight for use as an energy source c : a device in a computer network that collects data from separate low-volume transmission channels and retransmits it over a single high-volume channel

concentric
adj. 1 : having a common center <concentric circles>
2 : having a common axis : COAXIAL
–con·cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–con·cen·tric·i·ty \ˌkän-ˌsen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun

Concepcion
city S cen Chile pop 216,061

concept
n. 1 : something conceived in the mind : THOUGHT, NOTION
2 : an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances
synonyms see IDEA

concept
n. 1 : organized around a main idea or theme <a concept album>
2 : created to illustrate a concept <a concept car>

conceptacle
: an external cavity containing reproductive cells in algae (as of the genus Fucus)

conception
n. 1 a (1) : the process of becoming pregnant involving fertilization or implantation or both (2) : EMBRYO, FETUS b : BEGINNING <joy had the like conception in our eyes ― Shakespeare>
2 a : the capacity, function, or process of forming or understanding ideas or abstractions or their symbols b : a general idea : CONCEPT c : a complex product of abstract or reflective thinking d : the sum of a person's ideas and beliefs concerning something
3 : the originating of something in the mind
synonyms see IDEA
–con·cep·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective

conceptual
adj. : of, relating to, or consisting of concepts <conceptual thinking>
–con·cep·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌsep-chə-'wa-lə-tē, -shə-; -chü-'a-, -shü-\ noun
–con·cep·tu·al·ly adverb

conceptual art
: an art form in which the artist's intent is to convey a concept rather than to create an art object
–conceptual artist noun often cap C

conceptualise
v. British variant of conceptualize

conceptualism
n. 1 : a theory in philosophy intermediate between realism and nominalism that universals exist in the mind as concepts of discourse or as predicates which may be properly affirmed of reality
2 often capitalized : CONCEPTUAL ART
–con·cep·tu·al·is·tic \-ˌsep-chə-wə-'lis-tik, -chü-ə-, -chə-'lis-, -shwə-'lis-\ adjective
–con·cep·tu·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

conceptualist
n. : an adherent to the tenets of conceptualism or of conceptual art

conceptualize
: to form a concept of especially : to interpret conceptually
–con·cep·tu·al·i·za·tion \-ˌsep-chə-wə-lə-'zā-shən, -chü-ə-, -chə-lə-', -shwə-lə-'\ noun
–con·cep·tu·al·iz·er \-'sep-chə-wə-ˌlī-zər, -chü-ə-, -chə-ˌlī-, -shwə-ˌlī-\ noun

conceptus
n. : a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus

concern
n. transitive verb
1 a : to relate to : be about <the novel concerns three soldiers> b : to bear on
2 : to have an influence on : INVOLVE also : to be the business or affair of <the problem concerns us all>
3 : to be a care, trouble, or distress to <her ill health concerns me>
4 : ENGAGE, OCCUPY <he concerns himself with trivia>
intransitive verb obsolete : to be of importance : MATTER

concern
n. 1 a : marked interest or regard usually arising through a personal tie or relationship b : an uneasy state of blended interest, uncertainty, and apprehension
2 : something that relates or belongs to one : AFFAIR <it's no concern of yours>
3 : matter for consideration
4 : an organization or establishment for business or manufacture <a banking concern>
5 : CONTRIVANCE, GADGET
synonyms see CARE

concerned
adj. 1 a : ANXIOUS, WORRIED <concerned for their safety> b : INTERESTED <concerned to prove the point>
2 a : interestedly engaged <concerned with books and music> b : culpably involved : IMPLICATED <arrested all concerned>

concerning
v. : relating to : REGARDING

concernment
n. 1 : something in which one is concerned
2 : IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE
3 archaic : INVOLVEMENT, PARTICIPATION
4 : SOLICITUDE, ANXIETY

concert
n. 1 : agreement in design or plan : union formed by mutual communication of opinion and views
2 obsolete : musical harmony : CONCORD
3 : a public performance (as of music or dancing)
–concert adjective
–in concert : TOGETHER <acting in concert with others>

concert
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a plan for <concert measures for aiding the poor>
2 : to settle or adjust by conferring and reaching an agreement <concerted their differences>
intransitive verb : to act in harmony or conjunction

concert
n. in concert
concert grand
concert pitch

concert grand
: a grand piano of the largest size adapted in volume, timbre, and brilliance of tone to concert use

concert pitch
1 : INTERNATIONAL PITCH
2 : a high state of fitness, tension, or readiness

concerted
adj. 1 a : mutually contrived or agreed on <a concerted effort> b : performed in unison <concerted artillery fire>
2 : arranged in parts for several voices or instruments
–con·cert·ed·ly adverb
–con·cert·ed·ness noun

concertgoer
n. : one who frequently attends concerts
–con·cert·go·ing \-ˌgō-iŋ, -ˌgȯ(-)iŋ\ noun or adjective

concertina
n. 1 : a musical instrument of the accordion family
2 : CONCERTINA WIRE

concertina wire
: a coiled barbed wire for use as an obstacle

concertino
n. 1 : the solo instruments in a concerto grosso
2 : a short concerto

concertize
v. : to perform professionally in concerts

concertmaster
n. : the leader of the first violins of an orchestra and by custom usually the assistant to the conductor

concerto
n. : a piece for one or more soloists and orchestra with three contrasting movements

concerto grosso
: a baroque orchestral composition featuring a small group of solo instruments contrasting with the full orchestra

concession
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of conceding b : the admitting of a point claimed in argument
2 : something conceded: a : ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ADMISSION b : GRANT c (1) : a grant of land or property especially by a government in return for services or for a particular use (2) : a right to undertake and profit by a specified activity (3) : a lease of a portion of premises for a particular purpose also : the portion leased or the activities carried on
–con·ces·sion·al \-'sesh-nəl, -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·ces·sion·ary \-'se-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

concessionaire
n. : the owner or operator of a concession especially : one that operates a refreshment stand at a recreational center

concessioner
n. : CONCESSIONAIRE

concessive
adj. 1 : denoting concession <a concessive clause>
2 : making for or being a concession
–con·ces·sive·ly adverb

conch
n. 1 : any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus) also : its shell used especially for cameos
2 often capitalized : a native or resident of the Florida Keys
3 : CONCHA 2

concha
n. 1 a : the plain semidome of an apse b : APSE
2 : something shaped like a shell especially : the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear
–con·chal \-kəl\ adjective

concha
n. : an ornamental disk (as on clothing or tack) of American Indian origin featuring a shell or flower design

conchoidal
adj. : having elevations or depressions shaped like the inside surface of a bivalve shell
–con·choi·dal·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

conchology
n. : a branch of zoology that deals with shells
–con·cho·log·i·cal \ˌkäŋ-kə-'lä-jə-kəl\ adjective
–con·chol·o·gist \käŋ-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

Conchos
river 300 mi (483 km) N Mexico flowing NE into Rio Grande

concierge
n. 1 : a resident in an apartment building especially in France who serves as doorkeeper, landlord's representative, and janitor
2 : a usually multilingual hotel staff member who handles luggage and mail, makes reservations, and arranges tours broadly : a person employed (as by a business) to make arrangements or run errands

conciliar
n. : of, relating to, or issued by a council
–con·cil·i·ar·ly adverb

conciliate
transitive verb
1 : to gain (as goodwill) by pleasing acts
2 : to make compatible : RECONCILE
3 : APPEASE
intransitive verb : to become friendly or agreeable
synonyms see PACIFY
–con·cil·i·a·tion \-ˌsi-lē-'ā-shən\ noun
–con·cil·i·a·tive \-'si-lē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–con·cil·i·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun
–con·cil·ia·to·ry \-'sil-yə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'si-lē-ə-\ adjective

concinnity
n. : harmony or elegance of design especially of literary style in adaptation of parts to a whole or to each other

concise
adj. : marked by brevity of expression or statement : free from all elaboration and superfluous detail <a concise summary> <a concise definition>
–con·cise·ly adverb
–con·cise·ness noun
synonyms CONCISE, TERSE, SUCCINCT, LACONIC, SUMMARY, PITHY, COMPENDIOUS mean very brief in statement or expression. CONCISE suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative <a concise description>. TERSE implies pointed conciseness <a terse reply>. SUCCINCT implies the greatest possible compression <a succinct letter of resignation>. LACONIC implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious <an aloof and laconic stranger>. SUMMARY suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation <a summary listing of the year's main events>. PITHY adds to SUCCINCT or TERSE the implication of richness of meaning or substance <a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners>. COMPENDIOUS applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment <a compendious dictionary>.

concision
n. 1 archaic : a cutting up or off
2 : the quality or state of being concise

conclave
n. 1 : a private meeting or secret assembly especially : a meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals secluded continuously while choosing a pope
2 : a gathering of a group or association

conclude
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to shut up : ENCLOSE
2 : to bring to an end especially in a particular way or with a particular action <conclude a meeting with a prayer>
3 a : to reach as a logically necessary end by reasoning : infer on the basis of evidence <concluded that her argument was sound> b : to make a decision about : DECIDE <concluded he would wait a little longer> c : to come to an agreement on : EFFECT <conclude a sale>
4 : to bring about as a result : COMPLETE
intransitive verb
1 : END
2 a : to form a final judgment b : to reach a decision or agreement
synonyms see CLOSE, INFER
–con·clud·er noun

conclusion
n. 1 a : a reasoned judgment : INFERENCE b : the necessary consequence of two or more propositions taken as premises especially : the inferred proposition of a syllogism
2 : the last part of something: as a : RESULT, OUTCOME b plural : trial of strength or skill ― used in the phrase try conclusions c : a final summation d : the final decision in a law case e : the final part of a pleading in law
3 : an act or instance of concluding

conclusionary
: CONCLUSORY

conclusive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a conclusion
2 : putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of irrefutability
–con·clu·sive·ly adverb
–con·clu·sive·ness noun
synonyms CONCLUSIVE, DECISIVE, DETERMINATIVE, DEFINITIVE mean bringing to an end. CONCLUSIVE applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning <conclusive evidence>. DECISIVE may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty <a decisive battle>. DETERMINATIVE adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction <the determinative factor in the court's decision>. DEFINITIVE applies to what is put forth as final and permanent <the definitive biography>.

conclusory
adj. : consisting of or relating to a conclusion or assertion for which no supporting evidence is offered <conclusory allegations>

concn
concentration

concoct
v. 1 : to prepare by combining raw materials <concoct a recipe>
2 : DEVISE, FABRICATE <concoct an explanation>
–con·coct·er noun
–con·coc·tion \-'käk-shən\ noun
–con·coc·tive \-'käk-tiv\ adjective

concomitance
n. : ACCOMPANIMENT especially : a conjunction that is regular and is marked by correlative variation of accompanying elements

concomitant
adj. : accompanying especially in a subordinate or incidental way
–con·com·i·tant·ly adverb

concomitant
adj. : something that accompanies or is collaterally connected with something else : ACCOMPANIMENT

Concord
n. 1 \'kän-ˌkȯrd, 'käŋ-\ city W Calif. NE of Oakland pop 121,780
2 \'käŋ-kərd\ town E Mass. NW of Boston pop 16,993
3 \'käŋ-kərd\ city capital of N.H. on the Merrimack pop 40,687
4 \'kän-ˌkȯrd, 'käŋ-\ city S cen N.C. pop 55,977

concord
n. 1 a : a state of agreement : HARMONY b : a simultaneous occurrence of two or more musical tones that produces an impression of agreeableness or resolution on a listener ― compare DISCORD
2 : agreement by stipulation, compact, or covenant
3 : grammatical agreement

concordance
n. 1 : an alphabetical index of the principal words in a book or the works of an author with their immediate contexts
2 : CONCORD, AGREEMENT

concordant
adj. : CONSONANT, AGREEING
–con·cor·dant·ly adverb

concordat
n. : COMPACT, COVENANT specifically : an agreement between a pope and a sovereign or government for the regulation of ecclesiastical matters

concordia discors
: discordant harmony

concours d'elegance
: a show or contest of vehicles and accessories in which the entries are judged chiefly on excellence of appearance and turnout

concourse
n. 1 : an act or process of coming together and merging
2 : a meeting produced by voluntary or spontaneous coming together
3 a : an open space where roads or paths meet b : an open space or hall (as in a railroad terminal) where crowds gather

concrescence
n. 1 : increase by the addition of particles
2 : a growing together : COALESCENCE
–con·cres·cent \-sənt\ adjective

concrete
n. 1 : naming a real thing or class of things <the word poem is concrete, poetry is abstract>
2 : formed by coalition of particles into one solid mass
3 a : characterized by or belonging to immediate experience of actual things or events b : SPECIFIC, PARTICULAR <a concrete proposal> c : REAL, TANGIBLE <concrete evidence>
4 : relating to or made of concrete <a concrete wall>
–con·crete·ly adverb
–con·crete·ness noun

concrete
n. transitive verb
1 a : to form into a solid mass : SOLIDIFY b : COMBINE, BLEND
2 : to make actual or real : cause to take on the qualities of reality
3 : to cover with, form of, or set in concrete
intransitive verb : to become concreted

concrete
n. 1 : a mass formed by concretion or coalescence of separate particles of matter in one body
2 : a hard strong building material made by mixing a cementing material (as portland cement) and a mineral aggregate (as sand and gravel) with sufficient water to cause the cement to set and bind the entire mass
3 : a waxy essence of flowers prepared by extraction and evaporation and used in perfumery

concrete
n. concrete music
concrete poetry
musique concrete
reinforced concrete

concrete music
: MUSIQUE CONCRÈTE

concrete poetry
: poetry in which the poet's intent is conveyed by the graphic patterns of letters, words, or symbols rather than by the conventional arrangement of words

concretion
n. 1 : something concreted: as a : a hard usually inorganic mass (as a bezoar or tophus) formed in a living body b : a mass of mineral matter found generally in rock of a composition different from its own and produced by deposition from aqueous solution in the rock
2 : the act or process of concreting : the state of being concreted <concretion of ideas in a hypothesis>
–con·cre·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

concretism
: representation of abstract things as concrete especially : the theory or practice of concrete poetry
–con·cret·ist \-'krē-tist, -ˌkrē-\ noun

concretize
v. transitive verb : to make concrete, specific, or definite <tried to concretize his ideas>
intransitive verb : to become concrete
–con·cret·i·za·tion \(ˌ)kän-ˌkrē-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

concubinage
n. 1 : cohabitation of persons not legally married
2 : the state of being a concubine

concubine
n. : a woman with whom a man cohabits without being married: as a : one having a recognized social status in a household below that of a wife b : MISTRESS 4A

concupiscence
n. : strong desire especially : sexual desire
–con·cu·pis·cent \-sənt\ adjective

concupiscible
archaic : LUSTFUL, DESIROUS

concur
v. 1 : to act together to a common end or single effect
2 a : APPROVE <concur in a statement> b : to express agreement <concur with an opinion>
3 obsolete : to come together : MEET
4 : to happen together : COINCIDE
synonyms see AGREE

concurrence
n. 1 a : the simultaneous occurrence of events or circumstances b : the meeting of concurrent lines in a point
2 a : agreement or union in action : COOPERATION b (1) : agreement in opinion or design (2) : CONSENT
3 : a coincidence of equal powers in law

concurrency
n. : CONCURRENCE

concurrent
adj. 1 : operating or occurring at the same time
2 a : running parallel b : CONVERGENT specifically : meeting or intersecting in a point
3 : acting in conjunction
4 : exercised over the same matter or area by two different authorities <concurrent jurisdiction>
–concurrent noun
–con·cur·rent·ly adverb

concurrent resolution
: a resolution passed by both houses of a legislative body that lacks the force of law

concuss
v. : to affect with or as if with concussion

concussion
n. 1 a : a stunning, damaging, or shattering effect from a hard blow especially : a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function b : a hard blow or collision
2 : AGITATION, SHAKING
synonyms see IMPACT
–con·cus·sive \-'kə-siv\ adjective

cond
1 condition
2 conductivity

Conde
Prince de 1621-1686 Louis II de Bour·bon \'bu̇r-bən, bu̇r-'bōn\; Duc d'En·ghien \dän-'gan\ Fr. gen.

condemn
v. 1 : to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation <a policy widely condemned as racist>
2 a : to pronounce guilty : CONVICT b : SENTENCE, DOOM <condemn a prisoner to die>
3 : to adjudge unfit for use or consumption <condemn an old apartment building>
4 : to declare convertible to public use under the right of eminent domain
synonyms see CRITICIZE
–con·dem·nable \-'dem-nə-bəl, -'de-mə-\ adjective
–con·dem·na·to·ry \-'dem-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'de-mə-\ adjective
–con·demn·er \-'de-mər\ or con·dem·nor \kən-'de-mər; kən-ˌdem-'nȯr, ˌkän-\ noun

condemnation
n. 1 : CENSURE, BLAME
2 : the act of judicially condemning
3 : the state of being condemned
4 : a reason for condemning

condensate
n. : a product of condensation especially : a liquid obtained by condensation of a gas or vapor <steam condensate>

condensation
n. 1 : the act or process of condensing: as a : a chemical reaction involving union between molecules often with elimination of a simple molecule (as water) to form a new more complex compound of often greater molecular weight b : the conversion of a substance (as water) from the vapor state to a denser liquid or solid state usually initiated by a reduction in temperature of the vapor c : compression of a written or spoken work into more concise form
2 : the quality or state of being condensed
3 : a product of condensing
–con·den·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

condense
v. transitive verb : to make denser or more compact especially : to subject to condensation
intransitive verb : to undergo condensation
synonyms see CONTRACT
–con·dens·able also con·dens·ible \-'den(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

condensed
adj. : reduced to a more compact or dense form also : having a face narrower than that of a standard typeface

condensed milk
: evaporated milk with sugar added

condenser
n. 1 : one that condenses: as a : a lens or mirror used to concentrate light on an object b : an apparatus in which gas or vapor is condensed
2 : CAPACITOR

condescend
v. 1 a : to descend to a less formal or dignified level : UNBEND b : to waive the privileges of rank
2 : to assume an air of superiority

condescendence
n. : CONDESCENSION

condescending
adj. : showing or characterized by condescension : PATRONIZING
–con·de·scend·ing·ly \-'sen-diŋ-lē\ adverb

condescension
n. 1 : voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior
2 : patronizing attitude or behavior

condign
adj. : DESERVED, APPROPRIATE <condign punishment>
–con·dign·ly adverb

condiment
n. : something used to enhance the flavor of food especially : a pungent seasoning
–con·di·men·tal \ˌkän-də-'men-təl\ adjective

condition
n. 1 a : a premise upon which the fulfillment of an agreement depends : STIPULATION b obsolete : COVENANT c : a provision making the effect of a legal instrument contingent upon an uncertain event also : the event itself
2 : something essential to the appearance or occurrence of something else : PREREQUISITE: as a : an environmental requirement <available oxygen is an essential condition for animal life> b : the subordinate clause of a conditional sentence
3 a : a restricting or modifying factor : QUALIFICATION b : an unsatisfactory academic grade that may be raised by doing additional work
4 a : a state of being <the human condition> b : social status : RANK c : a usually defective state of health <a serious heart condition> d : a state of physical fitness or readiness for use <the car was in good condition> <exercising to get into condition> e plural : attendant circumstances <poor living conditions>
5 a obsolete : temper of mind b obsolete : TRAIT c plural archaic : MANNERS, WAYS

condition
intransitive verb archaic : to make stipulations
transitive verb
1 : to agree by stipulating
2 : to make conditional
3 a : to put into a proper state for work or use b : AIR-CONDITION
4 : to give a grade of condition to
5 a : to adapt, modify, or mold so as to conform to an environing culture <traditional beliefs conditioning a child's attitude> b : to modify so that an act or response previously associated with one stimulus becomes associated with another
–con·di·tion·able \-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective

condition
n. air condition
necessary condition
sufficient condition
well conditioned
unair conditioned
air conditioning
classical conditioning
operant conditioning

conditional
1 : subject to, implying, or dependent upon a condition <a conditional promise>
2 : expressing, containing, or implying a supposition <the conditional clause if he speaks>
3 a : true only for certain values of the variables or symbols involved <conditional equations> b : stating the case when one or more random variables are fixed or one or more events are known <conditional frequency distribution>
4 a : CONDITIONED 2 <conditional reflex> <conditional response> b : established by conditioning as the stimulus eliciting a conditional response
–con·di·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌdi-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–con·di·tion·al·ly \-'dish-nə-lē, -'di-shə-nə-lē\ adverb

conditional
n. 1 : a conditional word, clause, verb form, or morpheme
2 : IMPLICATION 2B

conditional probability
: the probability that a given event will occur if it is certain that another event has taken place or will take place

conditioned
adj. 1 : brought or put into a specified state
2 : determined or established by conditioning

conditioner
n. : something that conditions specifically : a preparation used to improve the condition of hair

conditioning
n. 1 : the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest also : the resulting state of physical fitness
2 : a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response

conditioning
n. air conditioning
classical conditioning
operant conditioning

condo
n. : CONDOMINIUM 3

condole
v. intransitive verb
1 obsolete : GRIEVE
2 : to express sympathetic sorrow
transitive verb archaic : LAMENT, GRIEVE
–con·do·la·to·ry \-'dō-le-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

condolence
n. 1 : sympathy with another in sorrow
2 : an expression of sympathy
synonyms see PITY

condom
n. 1 : a sheath commonly of rubber worn over the penis (as to prevent conception or venereal infection during coitus)
2 : a device that is designed to be inserted into the vagina before coitus and that resembles in form and function the condom used by males

condominium
n. 1 a : joint dominion especially : joint sovereignty by two or more nations b : a government operating under joint rule
2 : a politically dependent territory under condominium
3 a : individual ownership of a unit in a multiunit structure (as an apartment building) or on land owned in common (as a town house complex) also : a unit so owned b : a building containing condominiums

Condon
Edward Uhler 1902-1974 American physicist

condonation
n. : implied pardon of an offense by treating the offender as if it had not been committed

condone
v. : to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless <a government accused of condoning racism> <condone corruption in politics>
synonyms see EXCUSE
–con·don·able \-'dō-nə-bəl\ adjective
–con·don·er noun

condor
n. 1 a : a very large American vulture (Vultur gryphus) of the high Andes having the head and neck bare and the plumage dull black with a downy white neck ruff and white patches on the wings ― called also Andean condor b : CALIFORNIA CONDOR
2 plural condors or con·do·res \kən-'dȯr-ˌās\ : a coin (as the centesimo of Chile) bearing the picture of a condor

Condorcet
Marquis de 1743-1794 Marie-Jean-Antoine-Nicholas de Ca·ri·tat \ˌka-rə-'tä\ Fr. philos. & polit.

condottiere
n. 1 : a leader of a band of mercenaries common in Europe between the 14th and 16th centuries also : a member of such a band
2 : a mercenary soldier

conduce
v. : to lead or tend to a particular and often desirable result : CONTRIBUTE

conducive
adj. : tending to promote or assist <an atmosphere conducive to education>
–con·du·cive·ness noun

conduct
n. 1 obsolete : ESCORT, GUIDE
2 : the act, manner, or process of carrying on : MANAGEMENT <praised for his conduct of the campaign>
3 : a mode or standard of personal behavior especially as based on moral principles <questionable conduct>

conduct
n. 1 : to bring by or as if by leading : GUIDE <conduct tourists through a museum>
2 a : to lead from a position of command <conduct a siege> <conduct a class> b : to direct or take part in the operation or management of <conduct an experiment> <conduct a business> <conduct an investigation> c : to direct the performance of <conduct an orchestra> <conduct an opera>
3 a : to convey in a channel b : to act as a medium for conveying or transmitting
4 : to cause (oneself) to act or behave in a particular and especially in a controlled manner
intransitive verb
1 of a road or passage : to show the way : LEAD
2 a : to act as leader or director b : to have the quality of transmitting light, heat, sound, or electricity
–con·duct·ibil·i·ty \kən-ˌdək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·duct·ible \-'dək-tə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms CONDUCT, MANAGE, CONTROL, DIRECT mean to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate. CONDUCT implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group <conducted negotiations>. MANAGE implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result <manages a meat market>. CONTROL implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course <controlling his appetite>. DIRECT implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation <directs the store's day-to-day business>. synonym see in addition BEHAVE

conduct
n. disorderly conduct
Distinguished Conduct Medal
safe conduct

conductance
n. 1 : conducting power
2 : the readiness with which a conductor transmits an electric current expressed as the reciprocal of electrical resistance

conduction
n. 1 : the act of conducting or conveying
2 a : transmission through or by means of a conductor also : the transfer of heat through matter by communication of kinetic energy from particle to particle with no net displacement of the particles ― compare CONVECTION, RADIATION b : CONDUCTIVITY
3 : the transmission of excitation through living tissue and especially nervous tissue

conduction band
: the range of permissible energy values which an electron in a solid material can have that allows the electron to dissociate from a particular atom and become a free charge carrier in the material ― compare VALENCE BAND

conductive
adj. : having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

conductivity
n. : the quality or power of conducting or transmitting: as a : the reciprocal of electrical resistivity b : the quality of living matter responsible for the transmission of and progressive reaction to stimuli

conductometric
1 : of or relating to the measurement of conductivity
2 : being or relating to titration based on determination of changes in the electrical conductivity of the solution

conductor
n. : one that conducts: as a : GUIDE b : a collector of fares in a public conveyance c : the leader of a musical ensemble d (1) : a material or object that permits an electric current to flow easily ― compare INSULATOR, SEMICONDUCTOR (2) : a material capable of transmitting another form of energy (as heat or sound)
–con·duc·to·ri·al \ˌkän-ˌdək-'tȯr-ē-əl, kən-\ adjective

conductress
n. : a woman who is a conductor

conduit
n. 1 : a natural or artificial channel through which something (as a fluid) is conveyed
2 archaic : FOUNTAIN
3 : a pipe, tube, or tile for protecting electric wires or cables
4 : a means of transmitting or distributing <a conduit for illicit payments> <a conduit of information>

conduplicate
: folded lengthwise <conduplicate petals in the bud>

condylar
adj. : of or relating to a condyle

condyle
n. : an articular prominence of a bone especially : one resembling a pair of knuckles
–con·dy·loid \-də-ˌlȯid\ adjective

condyloma
n. : GENITAL WART
–con·dy·lo·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

cone
n. 1 a : a solid generated by rotating a right triangle about one of its legs ― called also right circular cone b : a solid bounded by a circular or other closed plane base and the surface formed by line segments joining every point of the boundary of the base to a common vertex ― see VOLUME table c : a surface traced by a moving straight line passing through a fixed vertex
2 a : a mass of ovule-bearing or pollen-bearing scales or bracts in most conifers or in cycads that are arranged usually on a somewhat elongated axis b : any of several flower or fruit clusters suggesting a cone
3 : something that resembles a cone in shape: as a : any of the conical photosensitive receptor cells of the vertebrate retina that function in color vision ― compare ROD 3 b : any of a family (Conidae) of tropical marine gastropod mollusks that inject their prey with a potent toxin c : the apex of a volcano d : a crisp usually cone-shaped wafer for holding ice cream

cone
n. 1 : to make cone-shaped
2 : to bevel like the slanting surface of a cone <cone a tire>

cone
n. right circular cone
cinder cone
growth cone
ice cream cone
nose cone
shatter cone
sno cone
snow cone
traffic cone

coneflower
n. : any of several composite plants (as of the genera Echinacea and Ratibida) having cone-shaped flower disks: as a : RUDBECKIA b : PURPLE CONEFLOWER

conenose
: KISSING BUG

Conestoga wagon
: a broad-wheeled covered wagon drawn usually by six horses and used especially for transporting freight across the prairies ― called also Conestoga

coney
n. 1 a : rabbit fur b (1) : RABBIT especially : the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (2) : PIKA c : HYRAX
2 archaic : DUPE
3 : any of several fishes especially : a dusky black-spotted reddish-finned grouper (Epinephelus fulvus syn. Cephalopholis fulva) of the tropical Atlantic

Coney Island
resort section of New York City in S Brooklyn; formerly an island

conf
1 conference
2 confidential

confab
n. 1 : CHAT 1
2 : DISCUSSION, CONFERENCE
–con·fab \kən-'fab, 'kän-ˌ\ intransitive verb

confabulate
1 : to talk informally : CHAT
2 : to hold a discussion : CONFER
3 : to fill in gaps in memory by fabrication
–con·fab·u·la·tion \kən-ˌfa-byə-'lā-shən\ noun
–con·fab·u·la·tor \kən-'fa-byə-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–con·fab·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

confect
v. 1 : to put together from varied material
2 a : PREPARE b : PRESERVE
–con·fect \'kän-ˌ\ noun

confection
n. 1 : the act or process of confecting
2 : something confected: as a : a fancy dish or sweetmeat also : a sweet food b : a medicinal preparation usually made with sugar, syrup, or honey c : a work of fine or elaborate craftsmanship d : a light but entertaining theatrical, cinematic, or literary work

confectionary
n. 1 : SWEETS
2 archaic : CONFECTIONER
3 : CONFECTIONERY 3
–confectionary adjective

confectioner
n. : a manufacturer of or dealer in confections

confectioners' sugar
: a refined finely powdered sugar

confectionery
n. 1 : the confectioner's art or business
2 : sweet foods (as candy or pastry)
3 : a confectioner's shop

Confed
Confederate

confederacy
n. 1 : a league or compact for mutual support or common action : ALLIANCE
2 : a combination of persons for unlawful purposes : CONSPIRACY
3 : the body formed by persons, states, or nations united by a league specifically capitalized : the 11 southern states seceding from the U.S. in 1860 and 1861

confederal
: of or relating to a confederation

confederate
n. 1 : united in a league : ALLIED
2 capitalized : of or relating to the Confederate States of America

confederate
n. 1 : ALLY, ACCOMPLICE
2 capitalized : an adherent of the Confederate States of America or their cause

confederate
transitive verb : to unite in a confederacy
intransitive verb : to band together
–con·fed·er·a·tive \-'fe-d(ə-)rə-tiv, -də-ˌrā-\ adjective

Confederate Memorial Day
: any of several days appointed for the commemoration of servicemen of the Confederacy

confederation
n. 1 : an act of confederating : a state of being confederated : ALLIANCE
2 : LEAGUE

confer
v. intransitive verb : to compare views or take counsel : CONSULT
transitive verb
1 : to bestow from or as if from a position of superiority <conferred an honorary degree on her> <knowing how to read was a gift conferred with manhood ― Murray Kempton>
2 : to give (as a property or characteristic) to someone or something <a reputation for power will confer power ― John Spanier>
synonyms see GIVE
–con·fer·ment \-'fər-mənt\ noun
–con·fer·ra·ble \-'fər-ə-bəl\ adjective
–con·fer·ral \-'fər-əl\ noun
–con·fer·rer \-'fər-ər\ noun

conferee
n. : one taking part in a conference

conference
n. 1 a : a meeting of two or more persons for discussing matters of common concern b : a usually formal interchange of views : CONSULTATION c : a meeting of members of the two branches of a legislature to adjust differences d : CAUCUS
2 also con·fer·rence \kən-'fər-ən(t)s\ : BESTOWAL, CONFERMENT
3 a : a representative assembly or administrative organization of a religious denomination b : a territorial division of a religious denomination
4 : an association of athletic teams
–con·fer·en·tial \ˌkän-fə-'ren(t)-shəl\ adjective

conference
n. conference call
news conference
press conference

conference call
: a telephone call by which a caller can speak with several people at the same time

conferencing
n. : the holding of conferences especially by means of an electronic communications system <computer conferencing>

confess
v. transitive verb
1 : to tell or make known (as something wrong or damaging to oneself) : ADMIT <he confessed his guilt>
2 a : to acknowledge (sin) to God or to a priest b : to receive the confession of (a penitent)
3 : to declare faith in or adherence to : PROFESS
4 : to give evidence of
intransitive verb
1 a : to disclose one's faults specifically : to unburden one's sins or the state of one's conscience to God or to a priest b : to hear a confession
2 : ADMIT, OWN <confess to a crime>
synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE
–con·fess·able \-'fe-sə-bəl\ adjective

confessedly
adv. : by confession

confessio fidei
: confession of faith

confession
n. 1 a : an act of confessing especially : a disclosure of one's sins in the sacrament of reconciliation b : a session for the confessing of sins <go to confession>
2 : a statement of what is confessed: as a : a written or oral acknowledgment of guilt by a party accused of an offense b : a formal statement of religious beliefs : CREED
3 : an organized religious body having a common creed

confessional
n. 1 : a place where a priest hears confessions
2 : the practice of confessing to a priest

confessional
1 : of, relating to, or being a confession especially of faith
2 : of, relating to, or being intimately autobiographical <confessional fiction>
–con·fes·sion·al·ism \-nə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–con·fes·sion·al·ist \-list\ noun
–con·fes·sion·al·ly \-nə-lē, -nəl-ē\ adverb

confessor
n. 1 : one who gives heroic evidence of faith but does not suffer martyrdom
2 : one that confesses
3 a : a priest who hears confessions b : a priest who is one's regular spiritual guide

confetti
n. : small bits or streamers of brightly colored paper made for throwing (as at weddings)

confidant
n. : one to whom secrets are entrusted especially : INTIMATE

confidante
n. : CONFIDANT especially : one who is a woman

confide
v. intransitive verb
1 : to have confidence : TRUST
2 : to show confidence by imparting secrets <confide in a friend>
transitive verb
1 : to tell confidentially
2 : to give to the care or protection of another : ENTRUST
synonyms see COMMIT
–con·fid·er noun

confidence
n. 1 a : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances <had perfect confidence in her ability to succeed> <met the risk with brash confidence> b : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way <have confidence in a leader>
2 : the quality or state of being certain : CERTITUDE <they had every confidence of success>
3 a : a relation of trust or intimacy <took his friend into his confidence> b : reliance on another's discretion <their story was told in strictest confidence> c : support especially in a legislative body <vote of confidence>
4 : a communication made in confidence : SECRET <accused him of betraying a confidence>
synonyms CONFIDENCE, ASSURANCE, SELF-POSSESSION, APLOMB mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment. CONFIDENCE stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance <the confidence that comes from long experience>. ASSURANCE carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers <handled the cross-examination with complete assurance>. SELF-POSSESSION implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers <answered the insolent question with complete self-possession>. APLOMB implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations <handled the reporters with great aplomb>.

confidence
n. : of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises <a confidence game> <a confidence man>

confidence
n. confidence interval
confidence limits
self confidence

confidence interval
: a group of continuous or discrete adjacent values that is used to estimate a statistical parameter (as a mean or variance) and that tends to include the true value of the parameter a predetermined proportion of the time if the process of finding the group of values is repeated a number of times

confidence limits
: the end points of a confidence interval

confident
adj. 1 : full of conviction : CERTAIN <confident of success> <confident that conditions will improve>
2 : having or showing assurance and self-reliance <a confident young businessman> <a confident manner>
3 obsolete : TRUSTFUL, CONFIDING
–con·fi·dent·ly adverb

confidential
adj. 1 : marked by intimacy or willingness to confide <a confidential tone>
2 : PRIVATE, SECRET <confidential information>
3 : entrusted with confidences <a confidential clerk>
4 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could be prejudicial to the national interest ― compare SECRET, TOP SECRET
–con·fi·den·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌden(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–con·fi·den·tial·ly \-'den(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

confiding
adj. : tending to confide : TRUSTFUL
–con·fid·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb
–con·fid·ing·ness noun

configuration
n. 1 a : relative arrangement of parts or elements: as (1) : SHAPE (2) : contour of land <configuration of the mountains> (3) : functional arrangement <a small business computer system in its simplest configuration> b : something (as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components c : the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2 : GESTALT <personality configuration>
–con·fig·u·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·fig·u·ra·tion·al·ly adverb
–con·fig·u·ra·tive \-'fi-gyə-rə-tiv, -'fi-gə-\ adjective

configure
v. : to set up for operation especially in a particular way <a fighter plane configured for the Malaysian air force>

confine
v. 1 plural a : something (as borders or walls) that encloses <outside the confines of the office or hospital ― W. A. Nolen> also : something that restrains <escape from the confines of soot and clutter ― E. S. Muskie> b : SCOPE 3 <work within the confines of a small group ― Frank Newman>
2 a archaic : RESTRICTION b obsolete : PRISON

confine
v. intransitive verb archaic : BORDER
transitive verb
1 a : to hold within a location b : IMPRISON
2 : to keep within limits <will confine my remarks to one subject>
synonyms see LIMIT
–con·fin·er noun

confined
n. : undergoing childbirth

confinement
n. : an act of confining : the state of being confined <solitary confinement> especially : LYING-IN

confirm
v. 1 : to give approval to : RATIFY <confirm a treaty>
2 : to make firm or firmer : STRENGTHEN <confirm one's resolve>
3 : to administer the rite of confirmation to
4 : to give new assurance of the validity of : remove doubt about by authoritative act or indisputable fact <confirm a rumor> <confirm an order>
–con·firm·abil·i·ty \-ˌfər-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·firm·able \-'fər-mə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms CONFIRM, CORROBORATE, SUBSTANTIATE, VERIFY, AUTHENTICATE, VALIDATE mean to attest to the truth or validity of something. CONFIRM implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact <confirmed the reports>. CORROBORATE suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established <witnesses corroborated his story>. SUBSTANTIATE implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention <the claims have yet to be substantiated>. VERIFY implies the establishing of correspondence of actual facts or details with those proposed or guessed at <all statements of fact in the article have been verified>. AUTHENTICATE implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion <handwriting experts authenticated the diaries>. VALIDATE implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof <validated the hypothesis by experiments>.

confirmand
n. : a candidate for religious confirmation

confirmation
n. 1 : an act or process of confirming: as a (1) : a Christian rite conferring the gift of the Holy Spirit and among Protestants full church membership (2) : a ceremony especially of Reform Judaism confirming youths in their faith b : the ratification of an executive act by a legislative body
2 a : confirming proof : CORROBORATION b : the process of supporting a statement by evidence
–con·fir·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

confirmatory
adj. : serving to confirm : CORROBORATIVE <a confirmatory test>

confirmed
adj. 1 a : marked by long continuance and likely to persist <a confirmed habit> b : fixed in habit and unlikely to change <a confirmed do-gooder>
2 : having received the rite of confirmation
synonyms see INVETERATE
–con·firm·ed·ly \-'fər-məd-lē\ adverb
–con·firmed·ness \-'fər-məd-nəs, -'fərm(d)-nəs\ noun

confiscable
adj. : liable to confiscation

confiscatable
: CONFISCABLE

confiscate
v. 1 : appropriated by the government : FORFEITED
2 : deprived of property by confiscation

confiscate
1 : to seize as forfeited to the public treasury
2 : to seize by or as if by authority
–con·fis·ca·tion \ˌkän-fə-'skā-shən\ noun
–con·fis·ca·tor \'kän-fə-ˌskā-tər\ noun
–con·fis·ca·to·ry \kən-'fis-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

confit
n. 1 : meat (as goose, duck, or pork) that has been cooked and preserved in its own fat
2 : a garnish made usually from fruit or vegetables that are cooked until tender in a seasoned liquid

confiteor
: a liturgical form in which sinfulness is acknowledged and intercession for God's mercy requested

confiture
n. : preserved or candied fruit : JAM

conflagrant
: BURNING, BLAZING

conflagration
n. 1 : FIRE especially : a large disastrous fire
2 : CONFLICT, WAR

conflate
adj. 1 a : to bring together : FUSE b : CONFUSE
2 : to combine (as two readings of a text) into a composite whole

conflation
n. : BLEND, FUSION especially : a composite reading or text

conflict
n. 1 : FIGHT, BATTLE, WAR <an armed conflict>
2 a : competitive or opposing action of incompatibles : antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interests, or persons) b : mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands
3 : the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction
synonyms see DISCORD
–con·flict·ful \'kän-ˌflikt-fəl\ adjective
–con·flic·tu·al \kän-'flik-chə-wəl, kən-, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective

conflict
n. 1 archaic : to contend in warfare
2 : to show antagonism or irreconcilability : fail to be in agreement or accord <his statement conflicts with the facts>
–con·flic·tion \kən-'flik-shən, kän-\ noun
–con·flic·tive \kən-'flik-tiv, 'kän-ˌ\ adjective

conflict of interest

1843
: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

conflicted
v. : experiencing or marked by ambivalence or a conflict especially of emotions <this unhappy and conflicted modern woman ― John Updike> <conflicted feelings>

conflicting
adj. : being in conflict, collision, or opposition : INCOMPATIBLE <conflicting theories>
–con·flict·ing·ly \-'flik-tiŋ-lē, -ˌflik-\ adverb

confluence
n. 1 : a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point <a happy confluence of weather and scenery>
2 a : the flowing together of two or more streams b : the place of meeting of two streams c : the combined stream formed by conjunction

confluent
adj. 1 : flowing or coming together also : run together <confluent pustules>
2 : characterized by confluent lesions <confluent smallpox>

confluent
adj. : a confluent stream broadly : TRIBUTARY

conflux
n. : CONFLUENCE

confocal
adj. : having the same foci <confocal ellipses> <confocal lenses>
–con·fo·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

conform
v. transitive verb : to give the same shape, outline, or contour to : bring into harmony or accord <conform furrows to the slope of the land>
intransitive verb
1 : to be similar or identical also : to be in agreement or harmony ― used with to or with <changes that conform with our plans>
2 a : to be obedient or compliant ― usually used with to <conform to another's wishes> b : to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs <the pressure to conform>
synonyms see ADAPT
–con·form·er noun
–con·form·ism \-'fȯr-ˌmi-zəm\ noun
–con·form·ist \-mist\ noun or adjective

conformable
adj. 1 : corresponding or consistent in form or character <conduct conformable to their principles>
2 : SUBMISSIVE, COMPLIANT <be patient and conformable to my directions ― Sir Walter Scott>
3 : following in unbroken sequence ― used of geologic strata formed under uniform conditions
–con·form·ably \-blē\ adverb

conformal
1 : leaving the size of the angle between corresponding curves unchanged <conformal transformation>
2 of a map : representing small areas in their true shape

conformance
n. : CONFORMITY

conformation
n. 1 : the act of conforming or producing conformity : ADAPTATION
2 : formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements : an assembling into a whole <the gradual conformation of the embryo>
3 a : correspondence especially to a model or plan b : STRUCTURE c : the shape or proportionate dimensions especially of an animal d : any of the spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation of the atoms about a single bond
–con·for·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

conformity
n. 1 : correspondence in form, manner, or character : AGREEMENT <behaved in conformity with her beliefs>
2 : an act or instance of conforming
3 : action in accordance with some specified standard or authority <conformity to social custom>

confound
v. 1 a archaic : to bring to ruin : DESTROY b : BAFFLE, FRUSTRATE <conferences⋯are not for accomplishment but to confound knavish tricks ― J. K. Galbraith>
2 obsolete : CONSUME, WASTE
3 a : to put to shame : DISCOMFIT <a performance that confounded the critics> b : REFUTE <sought to confound his arguments>
4 : DAMN
5 : to throw (a person) into confusion or perplexity
6 a : to fail to discern differences between : mix up b : to increase the confusion of
synonyms see PUZZLE
–con·found·er \-'fau̇n-dər\ noun
–con·found·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

confounded
adj. 1 : CONFUSED, PERPLEXED
2 : DAMNED
–con·found·ed·ly adverb

confraternity
n. 1 : a society devoted especially to a religious or charitable cause
2 : fraternal union

confrere
n. : COLLEAGUE, COMRADE

confront
v. 1 : to face especially in challenge : OPPOSE <confront an enemy>
2 a : to cause to meet : bring face-to-face <confront a reader with statistics> b : to meet face-to-face : ENCOUNTER <confronted the possibility of failure>
–con·front·al \-'frən-təl\ noun
–con·front·er noun

confrontation
: the act of confronting : the state of being confronted: as a : a face-to-face meeting b : the clashing of forces or ideas : CONFLICT c : COMPARISON <the flashbacks bring into meaningful confrontation present and past, near and far ― R. J. Clements>
–con·fron·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·fron·ta·tion·al·ist \-sh(ə-)nə-list\ noun
–con·fron·ta·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

Confucian
n. : of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
–Confucian noun
–Con·fu·cian·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–Con·fu·cian·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective

Confucius
n. 551-479 B.C. Chin. philos.

confuse
v. 1 archaic : to bring to ruin
2 a : to make embarrassed : ABASH b : to disturb in mind or purpose : THROW OFF
3 a : to make indistinct : BLUR <stop confusing the issue> b : to mix indiscriminately : JUMBLE c : to fail to differentiate from an often similar or related other <confuse money with comfort>
–con·fus·ing·ly \-'fyü-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

confused
adj. 1 a : being perplexed or disconcerted <the confused students> b : disoriented with regard to one's sense of time, place, or identity <the patient became confused>
2 : INDISTINGUISHABLE <a zigzag, crisscross, confused trail ― Harry Hervey>
3 : being disordered or mixed up <a contradictory and often confused story>
–con·fused·ly \-'fyü-zəd-lē, -'fyüzd-\ adverb
–con·fused·ness \-'fyü-zəd-nəs, -'fyüz(d)-\ noun

confusion
n. 1 : an act or instance of confusing <confusion of the issue>
2 a : the quality or state of being confused <try to relieve their confusion> b : a confused mass or mixture <a confusion of voices>
–con·fu·sion·al \-'fyüzh-nəl, -'fyü-zhə-nəl\ adjective

confutation
n. 1 : the act or process of confuting : REFUTATION
2 : something (as an argument or statement) that confutes
–con·fu·ta·tive \kən-'fyü-tə-tiv\ adjective

confute
v. 1 : to overwhelm in argument : refute conclusively <Elijah⋯confuted the prophets of Baal ― G. B. Shaw>
2 obsolete : CONFOUND
–con·fut·er noun

cong
n. congress; congressional

conga
n. 1 : a Cuban dance of African origin involving three steps followed by a kick and performed by a group usually in single file
2 : a tall barrel-shaped or tapering drum of Afro-Cuban origin that is played with the hands

conga line
: SNAKE DANCE 2

Congaree
river 60 mi (96 km) cen S.C. flowing SE to unite with the Wateree forming the Santee

Congaree Swamp National Monument
n. reservation cen S.C. S of Columbia

conge
n. 1 a : a formal permission to depart b : DISMISSAL
2 : a ceremonious bow
3 : FAREWELL
4 : an architectural molding of concave profile ― see MOLDING illustration

congeal
v. transitive verb
1 : to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold
2 : to make viscid or curdled : COAGULATE
3 : to make rigid, fixed, or immobile
intransitive verb : to become congealed : SOLIDIFY
–con·geal·ment \-mənt\ noun

congee
n. : porridge made from rice

congelation
n. : the process or result of congealing

congener
n. 1 : a member of the same taxonomic genus as another plant or animal
2 : a person, organism, or thing resembling another in nature or action <the New England private schools and their congeners west of the Alleghenies ― Oliver La Farge>
3 : a chemical substance related to another
–con·ge·ner·ic \ˌkän-jə-'ner-ik\ adjective
–con·ge·ner·ous \kən-'jē-nə-rəs, -'je-nə-, (ˌ)kän-\ adjective

congenial
adj. 1 : having the same nature, disposition, or tastes : KINDRED <congenial companions>
2 a : existing or associated together harmoniously b : PLEASANT especially : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook <a congenial atmosphere> c : SOCIABLE, GENIAL <a congenial host>
–con·ge·nial·i·ty \-ˌjē-nē-'a-lə-tē, -ˌjēn-'ya-\ noun
–con·ge·nial·ly \-'jē-nē-ə-lē, -'jēn-yə-\ adverb

congenital
adj. 1 a : existing at or dating from birth <congenital deafness> b : constituting an essential characteristic : INHERENT <congenital fear of snakes> c : acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity <congenital syphilis>
2 : being such by nature <a congenital liar>
synonyms see INNATE
–con·gen·i·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

conger eel
: a large strictly marine scaleless eel (Conger oceanicus) of the Atlantic broadly : any of various related eels (family Congridae)

congeries
n. : AGGREGATION, COLLECTION

congest
v. transitive verb
1 : to concentrate in a small or narrow space
2 : to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or part)
3 : CLOG <traffic congested the highways>
intransitive verb : to become congested
–con·ges·tion \-'jes-chən, -'jesh-\ noun
–con·ges·tive \-'jes-tiv\ adjective

congestive heart failure
: heart failure in which the heart is unable to maintain an adequate circulation of blood in the bodily tissues or to pump out the venous blood returned to it by the veins

conglobate
adj. : to form into a round compact mass
–con·glo·bate \-bət, -ˌbāt\ adjective
–con·glo·ba·tion \ˌkän-(ˌ)glō-'bā-shən\ noun

conglobe
: CONGLOBATE

conglomerate
n. : made up of parts from various sources or of various kinds

conglomerate
intransitive verb : to gather into a mass or coherent whole <numbers of dull people conglomerated round her ― Virginia Woolf>
transitive verb : ACCUMULATE
–con·glom·er·a·tive \-'gläm-rə-tiv, -'glä-mə-; -mə-ˌrā-\ adjective
–con·glom·er·a·tor \-'glä-mə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

conglomerate
n. 1 : a composite mass or mixture especially : rock composed of rounded fragments varying from small pebbles to large boulders in a cement (as of hardened clay)
2 : a widely diversified corporation
–con·glom·er·at·ic \kən-ˌglä-mə-'ra-tik, ˌkän-\ adjective

conglomerateur
: a person who forms or heads a conglomerate : CONGLOMERATOR

conglomeration
n. 1 : the act of conglomerating : the state of being conglomerated
2 : something conglomerated : a mixed mass or collection

conglutinate
adj. transitive verb : to unite by or as if by a glutinous substance
intransitive verb : to become conglutinated <blood platelets conglutinate in blood clotting>
–con·glu·ti·na·tion \kən-ˌglü-tən-'ā-shən, kän-\ noun

Congo
1 or Zaire river more than 2700 mi (4344 km) cen Africa flowing N, W, & SW into the Atlantic ― see LUALABA
2 or Democratic Republic of the Congo or 1971-97 Za·ire \zä-'ir\ or 1908-60 Belgian Congo or 1885-1908 Congo Free State country cen Africa comprising most of Congo River basin E of lower Congo River capital Kinshasa area 905,356 sq mi (2,344,872 sq km), pop 43,775,000
3 or Republic of the Congo or formerly Middle Congo country W cen Africa W of the lower Congo capital Brazzaville area 132,047 sq mi (342,002 sq km), pop 2,775,000 ― see FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA
–Con·go·lese \ˌkäŋ-gə-'lēz, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Congo
n. Congo red
Niger Congo
Belgian Congo
French Congo
Middle Congo
Republic of the Congo
Congo Free State
Democratic Republic of the Congo

Congo red
: an azo dye C_32H_22N_6Na_2O_6S_2 that is red in alkaline and blue in acid solution and that is used especially as an indicator and as a biological stain

congou
: a black tea from China

congratulate
1 archaic : to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)
2 : to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune <graciously congratulated the winner> also : to feel pleased with <congratulating herself for a job well done>
3 obsolete : SALUTE, GREET
–con·grat·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–con·grat·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

congratulation
n. 1 : the act of congratulating
2 : a congratulatory expression ― usually used in plural

congregant
n. : one who congregates specifically : a member of a congregation

congregate
transitive verb : to collect into a group or crowd : ASSEMBLE
intransitive verb : to come together into a group, crowd, or assembly
synonyms see GATHER
–con·gre·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun

congregate
v. : providing or being group services or facilities designed especially for elderly persons requiring supportive services <congregate housing>

congregation
n. 1 a : an assembly of persons : GATHERING especially : an assembly of persons met for worship and religious instruction b : a religious community: as (1) : an organized body of believers in a particular locality (2) : a Roman Catholic religious institute with only simple vows (3) : a group of monasteries forming an independent subdivision of an order
2 : the act or an instance of congregating or bringing together : the state of being congregated
3 : a body of cardinals and officials forming an administrative division of the papal curia

congregational
adj. 1 : of or relating to a congregation
2 capitalized : of or relating to a body of Protestant churches deriving from the English Independents of the 17th century and affirming the essential importance and the autonomy of the local congregation
3 : of or relating to church government placing final authority in the assembly of the local congregation
–con·gre·ga·tion·al·ism \-shnə-ˌli-zəm, -shə-nə-ˌli-\ noun often cap
–con·gre·ga·tion·al·ist \-shnə-list, -shə-nə-list\ noun or adjective often cap

congress
n. 1 a : the act or action of coming together and meeting b : COITUS
2 : a formal meeting of delegates for discussion and usually action on some question
3 : the supreme legislative body of a nation and especially of a republic
4 : an association usually made up of delegates from constituent organizations
5 : a single meeting or session of a group
–con·gres·sio·nal \kən-'gresh-nəl, kän-, -'gre-shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·gres·sio·nal·ly adverb

congressional district
: a territorial division of a state from which a member of the U.S. House of Representatives is elected

Congressional Medal
: MEDAL OF HONOR

congressman
n. : a member of a congress especially : a member of the U.S. House of Representatives

congresspeople
n. : congressmen or congresswomen

congressperson
n. : a congressman or congresswoman

congresswoman
n. : a woman who is a member of a congress especially : a woman who is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives

Congreve
William 1670-1729 Eng. dram.

congruence
n. 1 : the quality or state of agreeing, coinciding, or being congruent
2 : a statement that two numbers or geometric figures are congruent

congruency
n. : CONGRUENCE

congruent
adj. 1 : CONGRUOUS
2 : superposable so as to be coincident throughout
3 : having the difference divisible by a given modulus <12 is congruent to 2 (modulo 5) since 12-2=2·5>
–con·gru·ent·ly adverb

congruity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being congruent or congruous
2 : a point of agreement

congruous
adj. 1 a : being in agreement, harmony, or correspondence b : conforming to the circumstances or requirements of a situation : APPROPRIATE <a congruous room to work in ― G. B. Shaw>
2 : marked or enhanced by harmonious agreement among constituent elements <a congruous theme>
–con·gru·ous·ly adverb
–con·gru·ous·ness noun

conic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a cone
2 : CONICAL
–co·nic·i·ty \kō-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

conic
adj. : CONIC SECTION

conic section
1 : a plane curve, line, pair of intersecting lines, or point that is the intersection of or bounds the intersection of a plane and a cone with two nappes
2 : a curve generated by a point which always moves so that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point to its distance from a fixed line is constant

conical
adj. : resembling a cone especially in shape
–con·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

conidiophore
n. : a specialized hyphal branch of some fungi that produces conidia

conidium
n. : an asexual spore produced on a conidiophore of certain fungi
–co·nid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

conifer
n. : any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves and including forms (as pines) with true cones and others (as yews) with an arillate fruit
–co·nif·er·ous \kō-'ni-f(ə-)rəs, kə-\ adjective

coniine
n. : a poisonous alkaloid C_8H_17N found in poison hemlock

Coningham
Sir Arthur 1895-1948 Brit. air marshal

conj
conjunction; conjunctive

conjectural
adj. 1 : of the nature of or involving or based on conjecture
2 : given to conjectures
–con·jec·tur·al·ly adverb

conjecture
n. 1 obsolete a : interpretation of omens b : SUPPOSITION
2 a : inference from defective or presumptive evidence b : a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork c : a proposition (as in mathematics) before it has been proved or disproved

conjecture
n. transitive verb
1 : to arrive at or deduce by conjecture : GUESS <scientists conjecturing that a disease is caused by a defective gene>
2 : to make conjectures as to <conjecture the meaning of a statement>
intransitive verb : to form conjectures
–con·jec·tur·er \-'jek-chər-ər\ noun

conjoin
v. transitive verb : to join together (as separate entities) for a common purpose
intransitive verb : to join together for a common purpose

conjoined
v. : being, coming, or brought together so as to meet, touch, overlap, or unite <conjoined heads on a coin>

conjoint
adj. 1 : UNITED, CONJOINED
2 : related to, made up of, or carried on by two or more in combination : JOINT
–con·joint·ly adverb

conjugal
adj. : of or relating to the married state or to married persons and their relations : CONNUBIAL <conjugal happiness>
–con·ju·gal·i·ty \ˌkän-ji-'ga-lə-tē, -jü-\ noun
–con·ju·gal·ly \'kän-ji-gə-lē also kən-'jü-\ adverb

conjugal rights
: the sexual rights or privileges implied by and involved in the marriage relationship : the right of sexual intercourse between husband and wife

conjugant
n. : either of a pair of conjugating gametes or organisms

conjugate
adj. 1 a : joined together especially in pairs : COUPLED b : acting or operating as if joined
2 a : having features in common but opposite or inverse in some particular b : relating to or being conjugate complex numbers <complex roots occurring in conjugate pairs>
3 of an acid or base : related by the difference of a proton <the acid NH_4+ and the base NH_3 are conjugate to each other>
4 : having the same derivation and therefore usually some likeness in meaning <conjugate words>
5 of two leaves of a book : forming a single piece
–con·ju·gate·ly adverb
–con·ju·gate·ness noun

conjugate
adj. transitive verb
1 : to give in prescribed order the various inflectional forms of ― used especially of a verb
2 : to join together
intransitive verb
1 : to become joined together
2 a : to pair and fuse in conjugation b : to pair in synapsis

conjugate
adj. 1 : something conjugate : a product of conjugating
2 : CONJUGATE COMPLEX NUMBER
3 : an element of a mathematical group that is equal to a given element of the group multiplied on the right by another element and on the left by the inverse of the latter element

conjugate complex number
: one of two complex numbers differing only in the sign of the imaginary part

conjugated
adj. 1 : formed by the union of two compounds or united with another compound <conjugated bile acids>
2 : relating to, containing, or being a system of two double bonds separated by a single bond <conjugated fatty acids> <conjugated double bonds>

conjugated protein
: a compound of a protein with a nonprotein <hemoglobin is a conjugated protein> ― compare SIMPLE PROTEIN

conjugation
n. 1 a : a schematic arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb b : verb inflection c : a class of verbs having the same type of inflectional forms <the weak conjugation> d : a set of the simple or derivative inflectional forms of a verb especially in Sanskrit or the Semitic languages <the causative conjugation>
2 : the act of conjugating : the state of being conjugated
3 a : fusion of usually similar gametes with ultimate union of their nuclei and sexual reproduction that occurs in most fungi and in some algae (as green algae) b : temporary cytoplasmic union with exchange of nuclear material that is the usual sexual process in ciliated protozoans c : the one-way transfer of DNA between bacteria in cellular contact
–con·ju·ga·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·ju·ga·tion·al·ly adverb

conjunct
adj. 1 : UNITED, JOINED
2 : JOINT
3 : relating to melodic progression by intervals of no more than a major second ― compare DISJUNCT

conjunct
adj. 1 : something joined or associated with another specifically : one of the components of a conjunction
2 : an adverb or adverbial (as so, in addition, however, secondly) that indicates the speaker's or writer's assessment of the connection between linguistic units (as clauses)

conjunction
n. 1 : the act or an instance of conjoining : the state of being conjoined : COMBINATION <working in conjunction with state and local authorities>
2 : occurrence together in time or space : CONCURRENCE
3 a : the apparent meeting or passing of two or more celestial bodies in the same degree of the zodiac b : a configuration in which two celestial bodies have their least apparent separation
4 : an uninflected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words
5 : a complex sentence in logic true if and only if each of its components is true ― see TRUTH TABLE table
–con·junc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·junc·tion·al·ly adverb

conjunction
n. coordinating conjunction
inferior conjunction
superior conjunction

conjunctiva
n. : the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the forepart of the eyeball ― see EYE illustration
–con·junc·ti·val \-vəl\ adjective

conjunctive
n. 1 : CONNECTIVE
2 : CONJUNCT, CONJOINED
3 : being or functioning like a conjunction
4 : COPULATIVE 1A
–conjunctive noun
–con·junc·tive·ly adverb

conjunctivitis
n. : inflammation of the conjunctiva

conjuncture
n. 1 : CONJUNCTION, UNION
2 : a combination of circumstances or events usually producing a crisis : JUNCTURE

conjunto
: a kind of Mexican-American music that has been influenced by the music of German immigrants to Texas and that features the accordion in addition to Mexican elements

conjuration
n. 1 : the act or process of conjuring : INCANTATION
2 : an expression or trick used in conjuring
3 : a solemn appeal : ADJURATION

conjure
v. transitive verb
1 : to charge or entreat earnestly or solemnly
2 a : to summon by or as if by invocation or incantation b (1) : to affect or effect by or as if by magic (2) : IMAGINE, CONTRIVE ― often used with up <we conjure up our own metaphors for our own needs ― R. J. Kaufmann> (3) : to bring to mind <words that conjure pleasant images> ― often used with up <conjure up memories>
intransitive verb
1 a : to summon a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation b : to practice magical arts
2 : to use a conjurer's tricks : JUGGLE
–conjure with
chiefly British : to treat or regard as important <Victor Hugo is a name to conjure with ― Peter France>

conjure with
chiefly British : to treat or regard as important <Victor Hugo is a name to conjure with ― Peter France>

conjurer
n. 1 : one that practices magic arts : WIZARD
2 : one that performs feats of sleight of hand and illusion : MAGICIAN, JUGGLER

conk
n. slang chiefly British : NOSE

conk
n. : to hit especially on the head : KNOCK OUT

conk
n. : the visible fruiting body of a bracket fungus also : decay caused by such a fungus
–conky \'käŋ-kē, 'kȯŋ-\ adjective

conk
n. 1 : BREAK DOWN especially : STALL ― usually used with out <the motor suddenly conked out>
2 a : FAINT b : to go to sleep ― usually used with off or out <conked out for a while after lunch> c : DIE <I caught pneumonia. I almost conked ― Truman Capote>

conk
n. : to straighten out (hair) usually by the use of chemicals

conk
n. : a hairstyle in which the hair is straightened out and flattened down or lightly waved ― called also process

conk
n. Auger process
Bessemer process
due process
substantive due process
procedural due process
Haber process
in process
Markov process
Markoff process
odontoid process
open hearth process
process cheese
pterygoid process
Solvay process
transverse process
word process
xiphoid process
zygomatic process
processed cheese
central processing unit
data processing
word processing

conker
n. 1 : a horse chestnut especially when used in conkers
2 plural : a game in which each player swings a horse chestnut on a string to try to break one held by the opponent

Conn
v. Connecticut

conn
v. : to conduct or direct the steering of (as a ship)

conn
v. : the control exercised by one who conns a ship

conn
v. conning tower
arroz con pollo
chili con carne
con amore
con anima
con brio
con espressione
con moto
con spirito
crim con
mod con
nem con

Connacht
province W Ireland area 6611 sq mi (17,189 sq km), pop 464,296

connate
adj. 1 : AKIN, CONGENIAL
2 : INNATE, INBORN
3 : born or originated together
4 : entrapped in sediments at the time of their deposition <connate water>
–con·nate·ly adverb

connatural
adj. 1 : connected by nature : INBORN
2 : of the same nature
–con·nat·u·ral·i·ty \-ˌna-chə-'ra-lə-tē\ noun
–con·nat·u·ral·ly \-'nach-rə-lē, -'na-chə-\ adverb

connect
v. intransitive verb
1 : to become joined <the two rooms connect by a hallway> <ideas that connect easily to form a theory>
2 a : to meet for the transference of passengers <connecting flights> b : to transfer (as from one airplane to another) as a step in traveling to a final destination <passengers connecting with international flights>
3 : to make a successful hit, shot, or throw <connected for a home run> <connected on 60 percent of his shots ― N.Y. Times>
4 : to have or establish a rapport <tried to connect with the younger generation>
5 : to establish a communications connection <connect to the Internet>
transitive verb
1 : to join or fasten together usually by something intervening
2 : to place or establish in relationship
synonyms see JOIN
–con·nect·able also con·nect·ible \-'nek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–con·nec·tor also con·nect·er \-'nek-tər\ noun
–connect the dots : to link together logically related elements in order to draw a conclusion <trying to connect the dots in the investigation>

connect
v. connect the dots
simply connected
connecting rod

connect the dots
to link together logically related elements in order to draw a conclusion <trying to connect the dots in the investigation>

connect-the-dots
: done or proceeding in a series of simple and usually predictable steps <a movie with a connect-the-dots plot>

connected
adj. 1 : joined or linked together
2 : having the parts or elements logically linked together <presented a thoroughly connected view of the problem>
3 : related by blood or marriage
4 : having social, professional, or commercial relationships <a well-connected lawyer>
5 of a set : having the property that any two of its points can be joined by a line completely contained in the set also : incapable of being separated into two or more closed disjoint subsets
–con·nect·ed·ly adverb
–con·nect·ed·ness noun

Connecticut
n. 1 river 407 mi (655 km) NE U.S. rising in N N.H. & flowing S into Long Island Sound from Connecticut
2 state NE U.S. capital Hartford area 5018 sq mi (12,997 sq km), pop 3,405,565

connecting rod
: a rod that transmits motion between a reciprocating part of a machine (as a piston) and a rotating part (as a crankshaft)

connection
n. 1 : the act of connecting : the state of being connected: as a : causal or logical relation or sequence <the connection between two ideas> b (1) : contextual relation or association <in this connection the word has a different meaning> (2) : relationship in fact <wanted in connection with a robbery> c : a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties) d : COHERENCE, CONTINUITY
2 a : something that connects : LINK <a loose connection in the wiring> b : a means of communication or transport <a telephone connection>
3 : a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest <has powerful connections>
4 : a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship: as a : POSITION, JOB b : an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another <a firm's foreign connections> c : a source of contraband (as illegal drugs)
5 : a set of persons associated together: as a : DENOMINATION b : CLAN
–con·nec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

connectionism
n. : a school of cognitive science that holds that human mental processes (as learning) can be explained by the computational modeling of neural nets which are thought to simulate the actions of interconnected neurons in the brain
–con·nec·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

connective
n. : serving to connect
–con·nec·tive·ly adverb

connective
n. : something that connects: as a : a linguistic form that connects words or word groups b : a logical term (as or, if-then, and, not) or a symbol for it that relates propositions in such a way that the truth or falsity of the resulting statement is determined by the truth or falsity of the components

connective tissue
: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (as cartilage and bone)

connectivity
n. : the quality, state, or capability of being connective or connected <connectivity of a surface> especially : the ability to connect to or communicate with another computer or computer system

Connemara
: any of a breed of hardy rugged ponies developed in Ireland

Connemara
district Ireland in W Galway

connexion
n. chiefly British variant of connection

conning tower
: a raised structure on the deck of a submarine used especially formerly for navigation and attack direction

conniption
n. : a fit of rage, hysteria, or alarm <went into conniptions>

connivance
n. : the act of conniving especially : knowledge of and active or passive consent to wrongdoing

connive
v. 1 : to pretend ignorance of or fail to take action against something one ought to oppose <the government connived in the rebels' military buildup>
2 a : to be indulgent or in secret sympathy : WINK b : to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding
3 : CONSPIRE, INTRIGUE <accused his opponents of conniving to defeat the proposal>
–con·niv·er noun

connoisseur
n. 1 : EXPERT especially : one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge
2 : one who enjoys with discrimination and appreciation of subtleties <a connoisseur of fine wines>
–con·nois·seur·ship \-ˌship\ noun

connotation
n. 1 a : the suggesting of a meaning by a word apart from the thing it explicitly names or describes b : something suggested by a word or thing : IMPLICATION <the connotations of comfort that surrounded that old chair>
2 : the signification of something <that abuse of logic which consists in moving counters about as if they were known entities with a fixed connotation ― W. R. Inge>
3 : an essential property or group of properties of a thing named by a term in logic ― compare DENOTATION
–con·no·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

connotative
adj. 1 : connoting or tending to connote
2 : relating to connotation
–con·no·ta·tive·ly adverb

connote
v. 1 : to be associated with or inseparable from as a consequence or concomitant <the remorse so often connoted by guilt>
2 a : to convey in addition to exact explicit meaning <all the misery that poverty connotes> b : to imply as a logical connotation

connubial
adj. : of or relating to the married state : CONJUGAL <connubial relations>
–con·nu·bi·al·ism \-bē-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–con·nu·bi·al·i·ty \-ˌnü-bē-'a-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-\ noun
–con·nu·bi·al·ly \-'nü-bē-ə-lē, -'nyü-\ adverb

conodont
n. : a Paleozoic toothlike fossil that is prob. the remains of an extinct eellike marine animal that may be an invertebrate or primitive vertebrate also : the animal from which conodonts are derived

conoid
n. : shaped like or nearly like a cone <conoid shells> <conoid pottery>
–conoid noun

conquer
v. transitive verb
1 : to gain or acquire by force of arms : SUBJUGATE <conquer territory>
2 : to overcome by force of arms : VANQUISH <conquered the enemy>
3 : to gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles or opposition <conquered the mountain>
4 : to overcome by mental or moral power : SURMOUNT <conquered her fear>
intransitive verb : to be victorious
–con·quer·or \-kər-ər\ noun
synonyms CONQUER, VANQUISH, DEFEAT, SUBDUE, REDUCE, OVERCOME, OVERTHROW mean to get the better of by force or strategy. CONQUER implies gaining mastery of <Caesar conquered Gaul>. VANQUISH implies a complete overpowering <vanquished the enemy and ended the war>. DEFEAT does not imply the finality or completeness of VANQUISH which it otherwise equals <the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas>. SUBDUE implies a defeating and suppression <subdued the native tribes after years of fighting>. REDUCE implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender <the city was reduced after a month-long siege>. OVERCOME suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle <overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks>. OVERTHROW stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power <violently overthrew the old regime>.

conquest
n. 1 : the act or process of conquering
2 a : something conquered especially : territory appropriated in war b : a person whose favor or hand has been won

conquian
: a card game for two played with 40 cards from which all games of rummy developed

conquistador
n. : one that conquers specifically : a leader in the Spanish conquest of America and especially of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century

Conrad
n. Joseph 1857-1924 orig. Józef Teodor Konrad Kor·ze·niow·ski \ˌkȯ-zhən-'yȯf-skē, -'yȯv-\ Brit. (Ukrainian-born of Pol. parents) nov.
–Con·rad·ian \ˌkän-'ra-dē-ən\ adjective

Conroe
city E Tex. N of Houston pop 36,811

cons
n. 1 consecrated
2 conservative
3 consigned; consignment
4 consolidated
5 consonant
6 constable
7 constitution
8 construction
9 consul
10 consulting

consanguine
adj. : CONSANGUINEOUS

consanguineous
adj. : of the same blood or origin specifically : descended from the same ancestor
–con·san·guin·e·ous·ly adverb

consanguinity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being consanguineous
2 : a close relation or connection

conscience
n. 1 a : the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good b : a faculty, power, or principle enjoining good acts c : the part of the superego in psychoanalysis that transmits commands and admonitions to the ego
2 archaic : CONSCIOUSNESS
3 : conformity to the dictates of conscience : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : sensitive regard for fairness or justice : SCRUPLE
–con·science·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in all conscience or in conscience : in all fairness

conscience
n. in conscience
in all conscience
conscience money
crise de conscience

conscience money
: money paid usually anonymously to relieve the conscience by restoring what has been wrongfully acquired

conscientious
adj. 1 : governed by or conforming to the dictates of conscience : SCRUPULOUS <a conscientious public servant>
2 : METICULOUS, CAREFUL <a conscientious listener>
synonyms see UPRIGHT
–con·sci·en·tious·ly adverb
–con·sci·en·tious·ness noun

conscientious objection
: objection on moral or religious grounds (as to service in the armed forces or to bearing arms)

conscientious objector
: a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces or bear arms on moral or religious grounds

conscionable
adj. : CONSCIENTIOUS

conscious
adj. 1 : perceiving, apprehending, or noticing with a degree of controlled thought or observation <conscious of having succeeded> <was conscious that someone was watching>
2 archaic : sharing another's knowledge or awareness of an inward state or outward fact
3 : personally felt <conscious guilt>
4 : capable of or marked by thought, will, design, or perception
5 : SELF-CONSCIOUS
6 : having mental faculties undulled by sleep, faintness, or stupor : AWAKE <became conscious after the anesthesia wore off>
7 : done or acting with critical awareness <a conscious effort to do better>
8 a : likely to notice, consider, or appraise <a bargain-conscious shopper> b : being concerned or interested <a budget-conscious businessman> c : marked by strong feelings or notions <a race-conscious society>
synonyms see AWARE
–con·scious·ly adverb

conscious
adj. : CONSCIOUSNESS 5

conscious
adj. class conscious
eco conscious
self conscious
unself conscious
self consciously
unself consciously

consciousness
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself b : the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or fact c : AWARENESS especially : concern for some social or political cause
2 : the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought : MIND
3 : the totality of conscious states of an individual
4 : the normal state of conscious life <regained consciousness>
5 : the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes

consciousness
n. class consciousness
consciousness raising
self consciousness
stream of consciousness
unself consciousness

consciousness-raising
: an increasing of concerned awareness especially of some social or political issue

conscribe
v. 1 : LIMIT, CIRCUMSCRIBE <ill-health⋯conscribed the force of his intentions ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : to enlist forcibly : CONSCRIPT

conscript
n. : a conscripted person (as a military recruit)

conscript
n. 1 : enrolled into service by compulsion : DRAFTED
2 : made up of conscripted persons

conscript
n. : to enroll into service by compulsion : DRAFT <was conscripted into the army>

conscription
n. : compulsory enrollment of persons especially for military service : DRAFT

consecrate
v. : dedicated to a sacred purpose

consecrate
1 : to induct (a person) into a permanent office with a religious rite especially : to ordain to the office of bishop
2 a : to make or declare sacred especially : to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony b : to effect the liturgical transubstantiation of (eucharistic bread and wine) c : to devote to a purpose with or as if with deep solemnity or dedication
3 : to make inviolable or venerable <principles consecrated by the weight of history>
synonyms see DEVOTE
–con·se·cra·tive \-ˌkrā-tiv\ adjective
–con·se·cra·tor \-ˌkrā-tər\ noun
–con·se·cra·to·ry \'kän(t)-si-krə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˌkrā-tə-rē\ adjective

consecration
n. 1 : the act or ceremony of consecrating
2 : the state of being consecrated
3 capitalized : the part of a Communion rite in which the bread and wine are consecrated

consecution
n. : SEQUENCE

consecutive
adj. : following one after the other in order : SUCCESSIVE <served four consecutive terms in office>
–con·sec·u·tive·ly adverb
–con·sec·u·tive·ness noun

consensual
adj. 1 : existing or made by mutual consent without an act of writing <a consensual contract>
2 : involving or based on mutual consent <consensual acts>
–con·sen·su·al·ly adverb

consensus
n. 1 a : general agreement : UNANIMITY <the consensus of their opinion, based on reports⋯from the border ― John Hersey> b : the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned <the consensus was to go ahead>
2 : group solidarity in sentiment and belief
usage The phrase consensus of opinion, which is not actually redundant (see sense 1a; the sense that takes the phrase is slightly older), has been so often claimed to be a redundancy that many writers avoid it. You are safe in using consensus alone when it is clear you mean consensus of opinion, and most writers in fact do so.

consent
n. 1 : to give assent or approval : AGREE <consent to being tested>
2 archaic : to be in concord in opinion or sentiment
synonyms see ASSENT
–con·sent·er noun
–con·sent·ing·ly \-'sen-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

consent
n. 1 : compliance in or approval of what is done or proposed by another : ACQUIESCENCE <he shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties ― U.S. Constitution>
2 : agreement as to action or opinion specifically : voluntary agreement by a people to organize a civil society and give authority to the government

consent
n. age of consent
consent decree
informed consent

consent decree
: a judicial decree that sanctions a voluntary agreement between parties in dispute

consentaneous
adj. 1 : expressing agreement : SUITED
2 : done or made by the consent of all
–con·sen·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb

consequence
n. 1 : a conclusion derived through logic : INFERENCE
2 : something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions <the economic consequences of the war>
3 a : importance with respect to power to produce an effect <a mistake of no consequence> b : social importance
4 : the appearance of importance especially : SELF-IMPORTANCE
synonyms see IMPORTANCE
–in consequence : as a result

consequent
adj. 1 a : DEDUCTION 2B b : the conclusion of a conditional sentence
2 : the second term of a ratio

consequent
adj. 1 : following as a result or effect <her new job and consequent relocation>
2 : observing logical sequence : RATIONAL

consequential
adj. 1 : of the nature of a secondary result : INDIRECT
2 : CONSEQUENT
3 : having significant consequences : IMPORTANT <a grave and consequential event>
4 : SELF-IMPORTANT
–con·se·quen·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌkwen(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–con·se·quen·tial·ly \-'kwen(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
–con·se·quen·tial·ness \-'kwen(t)-shəl-nəs\ noun

consequentialism
n. : the theory that the value and especially the moral value of an act should be judged by the value of its consequences
–con·se·quen·tial·ist \-ˌlist\ adjective or noun

consequently
adv. : as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

conservancy
n. 1 British : a board regulating fisheries and navigation in a river or port
2 a : CONSERVATION b : an organization or area designated to conserve and protect natural resources

conservation
n. 1 : a careful preservation and protection of something especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect
2 : the preservation of a physical quantity during transformations or reactions
–con·ser·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

conservation
n. conservation of charge
conservation of energy
conservation of mass
conservation of matter

conservation of charge

1949
: a principle in physics: the total electric charge of an isolated system remains constant irrespective of whatever internal changes may take place

conservation of energy

1853
: a principle in physics: the total energy of an isolated system remains constant irrespective of whatever internal changes may take place with energy disappearing in one form reappearing in another

conservation of mass

1884
: a principle in classical physics: the total mass of any isolated material system is neither increased nor diminished by reactions between the parts ― called also conservation of matter

conservationist
n. : a person who advocates conservation especially of natural resources

conservatism
n. 1 capitalized a : the principles and policies of a Conservative party b : the Conservative party
2 a : disposition in politics to preserve what is established b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change
3 : the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change

conservative
1 : PRESERVATIVE
2 a : of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism b capitalized : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: as (1) : of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions (2) : PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE
3 a : tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL b : marked by moderation or caution <a conservative estimate> c : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners <a conservative suit>
4 : of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism
–con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb
–con·ser·va·tive·ness noun

conservative
n. 1 a : an adherent or advocate of political conservatism b capitalized : a member or supporter of a conservative political party
2 a : one who adheres to traditional methods or views b : a cautious or discreet person

Conservative Judaism
: Judaism as practiced especially among some U.S. Jews with adherence to the Torah and Talmud but with allowance for some departures in keeping with differing times and circumstances ― compare ORTHODOX JUDAISM, REFORM JUDAISM

conservatize
intransitive verb : to grow conservative
transitive verb : to make conservative

conservatoire
n. : CONSERVATORY 2

conservator
n. 1 a : one that preserves from injury or violation : PROTECTOR b : one that is responsible for the care, restoration, and repair of archival or museum articles
2 : a person, official, or institution designated to take over and protect the interests of an incompetent
3 : an official charged with the protection of something affecting public welfare and interests
–con·ser·va·to·ri·al \kən-ˌsər-və-'tȯr-ē-əl, (ˌ)kän-\ adjective
–con·ser·va·tor·ship \kən-'sər-və-tər-ˌship, -və-ˌtȯr-; 'kän(t)-sər-ˌvā-tər-\ noun

conservatory
n. 1 : a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants
2 [Italian conservatorio home for foundlings, music school, from Latin conservare] : a school specializing in one of the fine arts <a music conservatory>

conserve
n. 1 : to keep in a safe or sound state <he conserved his inheritance> especially : to avoid wasteful or destructive use of <conserve natural resources>
2 : to preserve with sugar
3 : to maintain (a quantity) constant during a process of chemical, physical, or evolutionary change <conserved DNA sequences>
–con·serv·er noun

conserve
n. 1 : SWEETMEAT especially : a candied fruit
2 : PRESERVE specifically : one prepared from a mixture of fruits

consider
v. transitive verb
1 : to think about carefully: as a : to think of especially with regard to taking some action <is considering you for the job> <considered moving to the city> b : to take into account <defendant's age must be considered>
2 : to regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way <he considered her every wish>
3 : to gaze on steadily or reflectively
4 : to come to judge or classify <consider thrift essential>
5 : REGARD <his works are well considered abroad>
6 : SUPPOSE
intransitive verb : REFLECT, DELIBERATE <paused a moment to consider>
synonyms CONSIDER, STUDY, CONTEMPLATE, WEIGH mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision. CONSIDER may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision <refused even to consider my proposal>. STUDY implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae <study the plan closely>. CONTEMPLATE stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision <contemplate the consequences of refusing>. WEIGH implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence <weigh the pros and cons of the case>.

considerable
adj. 1 : worth consideration : SIGNIFICANT <a considerable artist>
2 : large in extent or degree <a considerable number>
–con·sid·er·ably \-blē\ adverb

considerable
adj. : a considerable amount, degree, or extent

considerate
adj. 1 : marked by or given to careful consideration : CIRCUMSPECT
2 : thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others
–con·sid·er·ate·ly adverb
–con·sid·er·ate·ness noun

consideration
n. 1 : continuous and careful thought <after long consideration he agreed to their requests>
2 a : a matter weighed or taken into account when formulating an opinion or plan <economic considerations forced her to leave college> b : a taking into account
3 : thoughtful and sympathetic regard
4 : an opinion obtained by reflection
5 : ESTEEM, REGARD <the family built themselves a large, ugly villa⋯and became people of consideration ― V. S. Pritchett>
6 a : RECOMPENSE, PAYMENT <a consideration paid for legal services> b : the inducement to a contract or other legal transaction specifically : an act or forbearance or the promise thereof done or given by one party in return for the act or promise of another
–in consideration of : as payment or recompense for <a small fee in consideration of many kind services>

considered
adj. 1 : matured by extended deliberative thought <a considered opinion>
2 : viewed with respect or esteem

considering
adv. : in view of : taking into account <he did well considering his limitations>

considering
adv. : INASMUCH AS <considering he was new at the job, he did quite well>

consigliere
: COUNSELOR, ADVISER <consigliere of a Mafia family>

consign
v. transitive verb
1 : to give over to another's care
2 : to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another also : to commit especially to a final destination or fate <a writer consigned to oblivion>
3 : to send or address to an agent to be cared for or sold
intransitive verb obsolete : AGREE, SUBMIT
synonyms see COMMIT
–con·sign·able \-'sī-nə-bəl\ adjective
–con·sig·na·tion \ˌkän-ˌsī-'nā-shən, ˌkän(t)-sig-\ noun
–con·sign·or \ˌkän-ˌsī-'nȯr, kən-\ noun

consignee
n. : one to whom something is consigned or shipped

consignment
n. 1 : the act or process of consigning
2 : something consigned especially in a single shipment
–on consignment : shipped to a dealer who pays only for what is sold and who may return what is unsold <goods shipped on consignment>

consignment
n. : of, relating to, or received as goods on consignment <a consignment sale>

consilience
n. : the linking together of principles from different disciplines especially when forming a comprehensive theory

consist
v. 1 : LIE, RESIDE ― usually used with in <liberty consists in the absence of obstructions ― A. E. Housman>
2 archaic a : EXIST, BE b : to be capable of existing
3 : to be composed or made up ― usually used with of <breakfast consisted of cereal, milk, and fruit>
4 : to be consistent <it consists with the facts>

consist
v. : makeup or composition (as of coal sizes or a railroad train) by classes, types, or grades and arrangement

consistence
n. : CONSISTENCY

consistency
n. 1 a archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance b : firmness of constitution or character : PERSISTENCY
2 : degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles <boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup>
3 a : agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : CORRESPONDENCE specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction b : harmony of conduct or practice with profession <followed her own advice with consistency>

consistent
adj. 1 archaic : possessing firmness or coherence
2 a : marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity : free from variation or contradiction <a consistent style in painting> b : marked by agreement : COMPATIBLE ― usually used with with <statements not consistent with the truth> c : showing steady conformity to character, profession, belief, or custom <a consistent patriot>
3 : tending to be arbitrarily close to the true value of the parameter estimated as the sample becomes large <a consistent statistical estimator>
–con·sis·tent·ly \-lē\ adverb

consistory
n. 1 : a solemn assembly : COUNCIL
2 : a church tribunal or governing body: as a : a solemn meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals convoked and presided over by the pope b : a church session in some Reformed churches
3 : the organization that confers the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry usually from the 19th to the 32d inclusive also : a meeting of such an organization
–con·sis·tor·i·al \ˌkän-si-'stōr-ē-əl, -'stȯr-\ adjective

consociate
n. transitive verb : to bring into association
intransitive verb : to associate especially in fellowship or partnership

consociation
n. 1 : association in fellowship or alliance
2 : an association of churches or religious societies
3 : an ecological community with a single dominant species
–con·so·ci·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

consol
consolidated

consolation
n. 1 : the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled : COMFORT
2 : something that consoles specifically : a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament <the losers met in a consolation game>
–con·so·la·to·ry \kən-'sō-lə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'sä-\ adjective

consolation prize
: a prize given to a runner-up or a loser in a contest

console
n. 1 : an architectural member projecting from a wall to form a bracket or from a keystone for ornament
2 : CONSOLE TABLE
3 a : an upright case that houses the keyboards and controlling mechanisms of an organ and from which the organ is played b : a combination of readouts or displays and an input device (as a keyboard or switches) by which an operator can monitor and interact with a system (as a computer or dubber)
4 a : a cabinet (as for a radio or television set) designed to rest directly on the floor b : a small storage cabinet between bucket seats in an automobile

console
n. : to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of : COMFORT <console a widow>
–con·sol·ing·ly \-'sō-liŋ-lē\ adverb

console table
: a table fixed to a wall with its top supported by consoles or front legs broadly : a table designed to fit against a wall

consolidate
v. transitive verb
1 : to join together into one whole : UNITE <consolidate several small school districts>
2 : to make firm or secure : STRENGTHEN <consolidate their hold on first place>
3 : to form into a compact mass
intransitive verb : to become consolidated specifically : MERGE <the two companies consolidated>
–con·sol·i·da·tor \-ˌdā-tər\ noun

consolidated school
: a public school formed by merging other schools

consolidation
n. 1 : the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated
2 : the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation
3 : pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency

consomme
n. : clear soup made from well-seasoned stock

consonance
n. 1 : harmony or agreement among components
2 a : correspondence or recurrence of sounds especially in words specifically : recurrence or repetition of consonants especially at the end of stressed syllables without the similar correspondence of vowels (as in the final sounds of “stroke” and “luck”) b : CONCORD 1B c : SYMPATHETIC VIBRATION, RESONANCE

consonancy
n. : CONSONANCE 1

consonant
n. 1 : being in agreement or harmony : free from elements making for discord
2 : marked by musical consonances
3 : having similar sounds <consonant words>
4 : relating to or exhibiting consonance : RESONANT
–con·so·nant·ly adverb

consonant
n. : one of a class of speech sounds (as \p\, \g\, \n\, \l\, \s\, \r\) characterized by constriction or closure at one or more points in the breath channel also : a letter representing a consonant ― usually used in English of any letter except a, e, i, o, and u

consonant shift
: a set of regular changes in consonant articulation in the history of a language or dialect: a : such a set affecting the Indo-European stops and distinguishing the Germanic languages from the other Indo-European languages ― compare GRIMM'S LAW b : such a set affecting the Germanic stops and distinguishing High German from the other Germanic languages

consonantal
adj. : relating to, being, or marked by a consonant or group of consonants

consort
n. 1 : ASSOCIATE
2 : a ship accompanying another
3 : SPOUSE ― compare PRINCE CONSORT, QUEEN CONSORT

consort
n. 1 : CONJUNCTION, ASSOCIATION <he ruled in consort with his father>
2 : GROUP, ASSEMBLY <a consort of specialists>
3 a : a group of singers or instrumentalists performing together b : a set of musical instruments of the same family

consort
n. 1 : UNITE, ASSOCIATE
2 obsolete : ESCORT
intransitive verb
1 : to keep company <consorting with criminals>
2 obsolete : to make harmony : PLAY
3 : ACCORD, HARMONIZE <the illustrations consort admirably with the text ― Times Lit. Supp.>

consort
n. prince consort
princes consort
queen consort
queens consort

consortium
n. 1 : an agreement, combination, or group (as of companies) formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member
2 : ASSOCIATION, SOCIETY
3 : the legal right of one spouse to the company, affection, and assistance of and to sexual relations with the other

conspecific
adj. : of the same species
–conspecific noun

conspectus
n. 1 : a usually brief survey or summary (as of an extensive subject) often providing an overall view
2 : OUTLINE, SYNOPSIS

conspicuity
: the quality or state of being conspicuous : CONSPICUOUSNESS

conspicuous
adj. 1 : obvious to the eye or mind <conspicuous changes>
2 : attracting attention : STRIKING <a conspicuous success>
3 : marked by a noticeable violation of good taste
synonyms see NOTICEABLE
–con·spic·u·ous·ly adverb
–con·spic·u·ous·ness \-nəs\ noun

conspicuous consumption
: lavish or wasteful spending thought to enhance social prestige

conspiracist
n. : one who believes or promotes a conspiracy theory

conspiracy
n. 1 : the act of conspiring together
2 a : an agreement among conspirators b : a group of conspirators
synonyms see PLOT

conspiracy
n. conspiracy of silence
conspiracy theory
conspiracy theorist

conspiracy of silence

1865
: a secret agreement to keep silent about an occurrence, situation, or subject especially in order to promote or protect selfish interests

conspiracy theory
: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators
–conspiracy theorist noun

conspiration
1 : the act or action of plotting or secretly combining
2 : a joint effort toward a particular end
–con·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

conspirator
n. : one who conspires : PLOTTER

conspiratorial
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a conspiracy
–con·spir·a·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

conspire
v. transitive verb : PLOT, CONTRIVE
intransitive verb
1 a : to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement <accused of conspiring to overthrow the government> b : SCHEME
2 : to act in harmony toward a common end <circumstances conspired to defeat his efforts>

const
1 constant
2 constitution; constitutional
3 construction

Constable
n. John 1776-1837 Eng. painter

constable
n. 1 : a high officer of a royal court or noble household especially in the Middle Ages
2 : the warden or governor of a royal castle or a fortified town
3 a : a public officer usually of a town or township responsible for keeping the peace and for minor judicial duties b chiefly British : POLICE OFFICER especially : one ranking below sergeant

constabulary
n. : of or relating to a constable or constabulary

constabulary
n. 1 : the organized body of constables of a particular district or country
2 : an armed police force organized on military lines but distinct from the regular army

Constance
n. commune S Germany on Lake Constance pop 76,162

Constance, Lake
lake 46 mi (74 km) long W Europe on border bet. Germany, Austria, & Switzerland

constancy
n. 1 a : steadfastness of mind under duress : FORTITUDE b : FIDELITY, LOYALTY
2 : a state of being constant or unchanging

constant
n. 1 : marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness : exhibiting constancy of mind or attachment <a constant friend>
2 : INVARIABLE, UNIFORM <a constant flow>
3 : continually occurring or recurring : REGULAR <a constant annoyance>
synonyms see FAITHFUL, CONTINUAL
–con·stant·ly adverb

constant
n. : something invariable or unchanging: as a : a number that has a fixed value in a given situation or universally or that is characteristic of some substance or instrument b : a number that is assumed not to change value in a given mathematical discussion c : a term in logic with a fixed designation

constant
n. dielectric constant
cosmological constant
equilibrium constant
Michaelis constant
Planck's constant
solar constant
Constant de Rebecque
Saint Constant

Constant de Rebecque
Benjamin 1767-1830 Fr. writer & polit.

Constanta
city & port SE Romania on Black Sea pop 310,526

constantan
n. : an alloy of copper and nickel used especially for electrical resistors and in thermocouples

Constantine
n. name of 2 kings of Greece: I 1868-1923 (reigned 1913-17; 1920-22); II 1940-     (reigned 1964-73; deposed)

Constantine
n. d 337 the Great Rom. emp. (306-337)
–Con·stan·tin·ian \ˌkän(t)s-tən-'ti-nē-ən\ adjective

Constantine
n. city NE Algeria pop 440,842

Constantinople
n. ― see ISTANBUL
–Con·stan·ti·no·pol·i·tan \ˌkän-ˌstan-tə-nō-'pä-lə-tən\ adjective

constative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a verbal form that expresses past completed action
2 : being or relating to an utterance (as an assertion, question, or command) that is capable of being judged true or false
–constative noun

constellate
v. transitive verb
1 : to unite in a cluster
2 : to set or adorn with or as if with constellations
intransitive verb : CLUSTER

constellation
n. 1 : the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2 : any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
3 : an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things <a constellation of⋯relatives, friends, and hangers-on ― Brendan Gill> <a constellation of symptoms>
4 : PATTERN, ARRANGEMENT <taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world ― H. D. Lasswell>
–con·stel·la·to·ry \kən-'ste-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

consternate
v. : to fill with consternation

consternation
n. : amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion <the two⋯stared at each other in consternation, and neither knew what to do ― Pearl Buck>

constipate
v. 1 : to cause constipation in
2 : to make immobile, inactive, or dull : STULTIFY <so much clutter⋯will tend to constipate the novel's working order ― Times Lit. Supp.>

constipated
adj. 1 : affected with constipation
2 : stilted or stodgy in appearance, expression, or action

constipation
n. 1 : abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces
2 : STULTIFICATION

constituency
n. 1 a : a body of citizens entitled to elect a representative (as to a legislative or executive position) b : the residents in an electoral district c : an electoral district
2 a : a group or body that patronizes, supports, or offers representation <creating⋯a grass-roots constituency for continuing the project ― Fred Reed> b : the people involved in or served by an organization (as a business or institution) <regards its corporate customers as its prime constituency ― Andrew Hacker>

constituent
n. 1 : one who authorizes another to act as agent : PRINCIPAL
2 : a member of a constituency
3 : an essential part : COMPONENT, ELEMENT
4 : a structural unit of a definable syntactic, semantic, or phonological category that consists of one or more linguistic elements (as words, morphemes, or features) and that can occur as a component of a larger construction
synonyms see ELEMENT

constituent
n. 1 : serving to form, compose, or make up a unit or whole : COMPONENT <constituent parts>
2 : having the power to create a government or frame or amend a constitution <a constituent assembly>
–con·stit·u·ent·ly adverb

constitute
v. 1 : to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
2 : SET UP, ESTABLISH: as a : ENACT b : FOUND c (1) : to give due or lawful form to (2) : to legally process
3 : MAKE UP, FORM, COMPOSE <12 months constitute a year> <high school dropouts who constitute a major problem in large city slums ― J. B. Conant>

constitution
n. 1 : an established law or custom : ORDINANCE
2 a : the physical makeup of the individual especially with respect to the health, strength, and appearance of the body <a hearty constitution> b : the structure, composition, physical makeup, or nature of something <the constitution of society>
3 : the act of establishing, making, or setting up
4 : the mode in which a state or society is organized especially : the manner in which sovereign power is distributed
5 a : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it b : a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization
–con·sti·tu·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective

constitutional
n. 1 : relating to, inherent in, or affecting the constitution of body or mind
2 : of, relating to, or entering into the fundamental makeup of something : ESSENTIAL
3 : being in accordance with or authorized by the constitution of a state or society <a constitutional government>
4 : regulated by or ruling according to a constitution <a constitutional monarchy>
5 : of or relating to a constitution <a constitutional crisis>
6 : loyal to or supporting an established constitution or form of government

constitutional
n. : a walk taken for one's health

constitutionalism
n. : adherence to or government according to constitutional principles also : a constitutional system of government
–con·sti·tu·tion·al·ist \-list\ noun

constitutionality
n. : the quality or state of being constitutional especially : accordance with the provisions of a constitution <questioned the constitutionality of the law>

constitutionalize
: to provide with a constitution : organize along constitutional principles
–con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtü-shnə-lə-'zā-shən, -shə-nə-lə-\ noun

constitutionally
adv. 1 a : in accordance with one's constitution <constitutionally unable to grasp subtleties> b : in structure, composition, or constitution <despite repeated heatings the material remained constitutionally the same>
2 : in accordance with a political constitution <was not constitutionally eligible to fill the office>

constitutive
adj. 1 : having the power to enact or establish : CONSTRUCTIVE
2 : CONSTITUENT, ESSENTIAL
3 : relating to or dependent on constitution <a constitutive property of all electrolytes>
–con·sti·tu·tive·ly adverb

constrain
v. 1 a : to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation b : to restrict the motion of (a mechanical body) to a particular mode
2 : COMPRESS also : to clasp tightly
3 : to secure by or as if by bonds : CONFINE broadly : LIMIT
4 : to force or produce in an unnatural or strained manner <a constrained smile>
5 : to hold back by or as if by force <constraining my mind not to wander from the task ― Charles Dickens>
synonyms see FORCE
–con·strained·ly \-'strā-nəd-lē, -'strānd-lē\ adverb

constraint
n. 1 a : the act of constraining b : the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action <the constraint and monotony of a monastic life ― Matthew Arnold> c : a constraining condition, agency, or force : CHECK <put legal constraints on the board's activities>
2 a : repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions b : a sense of being constrained : EMBARRASSMENT

constrict
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make narrow or draw together b : COMPRESS, SQUEEZE <constrict a nerve>
2 : to stultify, stop, or cause to falter : INHIBIT
intransitive verb : to become constricted
synonyms see CONTRACT
–con·stric·tive \-'strik-tiv\ adjective

constriction
n. 1 : an act or product of constricting
2 : the quality or state of being constricted
3 : something that constricts

constrictor
n. 1 : a muscle that contracts a cavity or orifice or compresses an organ
2 : a snake (as a boa constrictor) that coils around and compresses prey
3 : one that constricts

constringe
1 : to cause to shrink <cold constringes the pores>
2 : CONSTRICT
–con·strin·gent \-'strin-jənt\ adjective

construal
: INTERPRETATION 1 <political construals of reality ― R. J. Neuhaus>

construct
1 : to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : BUILD also : CONTRIVE, DEVISE
2 : to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under specified conditions
3 : to set in logical order
–con·struct·abil·i·ty also con·struct·ibil·i·ty \-ˌstrək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·struct·able or con·struct·ible \-'strək-tə-bəl\ adjective
–con·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

construct
n. 1 : something constructed by the mind: as a : a theoretical entity <the deductive study of abstract constructs ― D. J. Boorstin> b : a working hypothesis or concept <the unconscious was a construct that came from the daily effort to understand patients>
2 : a product of ideology, history, or social circumstances <privacy is more than a social construct or an idea; it is a condition of the body ― Sallie Tisdale>

construction
n. 1 : the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining
2 a : the process, art, or manner of constructing something also : a thing constructed b : the construction industry <working in construction>
3 : the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence : syntactical arrangement
4 : a sculpture that is put together out of separate pieces of often disparate materials
–con·struc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·struc·tion·al·ly adverb

construction paper
: a thick groundwood paper available in many colors and used especially for school artwork

constructionist
n. : one who construes a legal document (as the U.S. Constitution) in a specific way <a strict constructionist>

constructive
adj. 1 : declared such by judicial construction or interpretation <constructive fraud>
2 : of or relating to construction or creation
3 : promoting improvement or development <constructive criticism>
–con·struc·tive·ly adverb
–con·struc·tive·ness noun

constructivism
n. : a nonobjective art movement originating in Russia and concerned with formal organization of planes and expression of volume in terms of modern industrial materials (as glass and plastic)
–con·struc·tiv·ist \-vist\ adjective or noun often cap

construe
v. transitive verb
1 : to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a sentence or sentence part)
2 : to understand or explain the sense or intention of usually in a particular way or with respect to a given set of circumstances <construed my actions as hostile>
intransitive verb : to construe a sentence or sentence part especially in connection with translating
–con·stru·able \-'strü-ə-bəl\ adjective

construe
v. : an act or the result of construing especially by piecemeal translation

consubstantial
adj. : of the same substance

consubstantiation
n. : the actual substantial presence and combination of the body and blood of Christ with the eucharistic bread and wine according to a teaching associated with Martin Luther ― compare TRANSUBSTANTIATION

consuetude
n. : social usage : CUSTOM
–con·sue·tu·di·nary \ˌkän(t)-swi-'tü-də-ˌner-ē, kən-ˌsü-ə-, -'tyü-\ adjective

consul
n. 1 a : either of two annually elected chief magistrates of the Roman republic b : one of three chief magistrates of the French republic from 1799 to 1804
2 : an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country to represent the commercial interests of citizens of the appointing country
–con·sul·ar \-s(ə-)lər\ adjective
–con·sul·ship \-səl-ˌship\ noun

consul
n. consul general
vice consul
consuls general

consul general
: a consul of the first rank stationed in an important place or having jurisdiction in several places or over several consuls

consulate
n. 1 : a government by consuls
2 : the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of a consul
3 : the residence or official premises of a consul

consulate general
: the residence, office, or jurisdiction of a consul general

consult
v. transitive verb
1 : to have regard to : CONSIDER
2 a : to ask the advice or opinion of <consult a doctor> b : to refer to <consult a dictionary>
intransitive verb
1 : to consult an individual
2 : to deliberate together : CONFER
3 : to serve as a consultant
–con·sult·er noun

consult
v. : CONSULTATION

consultancy
n. 1 : CONSULTATION
2 : an agency that provides consulting services
3 : the position of a consultant

consultant
n. 1 : one who consults another
2 : one who gives professional advice or services : EXPERT
–con·sul·tant·ship \-ˌship\ noun

consultation
n. 1 : COUNCIL, CONFERENCE specifically : a deliberation between physicians on a case or its treatment
2 : the act of consulting or conferring

consultative
adj. : of, relating to, or intended for consultation : ADVISORY <a consultative committee> <a consultative document>

consulting
n. 1 : providing professional or expert advice <a consulting architect>
2 : of or relating to consultation or a consultant <the consulting room of a psychiatrist>

consultive
adj. : CONSULTATIVE

consultor
: one who consults or advises especially : an adviser to a Roman Catholic bishop, provincial, or sacred congregation

consumable
adj. : capable of being consumed <consumable goods>

consumable
adj. : something (as food or fuel) that is consumable ― usually used in plural

consume
v. transitive verb
1 : to do away with completely : DESTROY <fire consumed several buildings>
2 a : to spend wastefully : SQUANDER b : USE UP <writing consumed much of his time>
3 a : to eat or drink especially in great quantity <consumed several bags of pretzels> b : to enjoy avidly : DEVOUR <mysteries, which she consumes for fun ― E. R. Lipson>
4 : to engage fully : ENGROSS <consumed with curiosity>
5 : to utilize as a customer <consume goods and services>
intransitive verb
1 : to waste or burn away : PERISH
2 : to utilize economic goods

consumedly
: as if consumed : EXCESSIVELY <a baby granddaughter⋯in whom to be consumedly interested ― A. N. Wilson>

consumer
n. : one that consumes: as a : one that utilizes economic goods b : an organism requiring complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other organisms or by eating particles of organic matter ― compare PRODUCER 3
–con·sum·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun

consumer
n. consumer credit
consumer goods
consumer price index

consumer credit
: credit granted to an individual especially to finance the purchase of consumer goods or to defray personal expenses

consumer goods
: goods that directly satisfy human wants

consumer price index
: an index measuring the change in the cost of typical wage-earner purchases of goods and services expressed as a percentage of the cost of these same goods and services in some base period ― called also cost-of-living index

consumerism
n. 1 : the promotion of the consumer's interests
2 : the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable also : a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods
–con·sum·er·ist \-rist, -ist\ noun or adjective
–con·sum·er·is·tic \kən-ˌsü-mə-'ris-tik, -mər-'is-\ adjective

consuming
n. : deeply felt : ARDENT <a consuming interest> also : ENGROSSING

consummate
adj. 1 : complete in every detail : PERFECT
2 : extremely skilled and accomplished <a consummate liar> <a consummate professional>
3 : of the highest degree <consummate skill> <consummate cruelty>
–con·sum·mate·ly adverb

consummate
transitive verb
1 a : FINISH, COMPLETE <consummate a business deal> b : to make perfect c : ACHIEVE
2 : to make (marital union) complete by sexual intercourse <consummate a marriage>
intransitive verb : to become perfected
–con·sum·ma·tive \'kän(t)-sə-ˌmā-tiv, kən-'sə-mə-tiv\ adjective
–con·sum·ma·tor \'kän(t)-sə-ˌmāt-ər\ noun

consummation
n. 1 : the act of consummating <the consummation of a contract by mutual signature> specifically : the consummating of a marriage
2 : the ultimate end : FINISH

consummatory
adj. 1 : of or relating to consummation : CONCLUDING
2 : of, relating to, or being a response or act (as eating or copulating) that terminates a period of usually goal-directed behavior

consumption
n. 1 a : a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis b : TUBERCULOSIS
2 a : the act or process of consuming <consumption of food> <consumption of resources> b : use by or exposure to a particular group or audience <the document was not intended for public consumption>
3 : the utilization of economic goods in the satisfaction of wants or in the process of production resulting chiefly in their destruction, deterioration, or transformation

consumptive
adj. 1 : tending to consume
2 : of, relating to, or affected with consumption
–con·sump·tive·ly adverb

consumptive
adj. : a person affected with consumption

cont
n. 1 containing
2 contents
3 continent
4 continental
5 continued
6 control

contact
n. 1 a : union or junction of surfaces b : the apparent touching or mutual tangency of the limbs of two celestial bodies or of the disk of one body with the shadow of another during an eclipse, transit, or occultation c (1) : the junction of two electrical conductors through which a current passes (2) : a special part made for such a junction
2 a : ASSOCIATION, RELATIONSHIP b : CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION c : an establishing of communication with someone or an observing or receiving of a significant signal from a person or object <radar contact with Mars>
3 : a person serving as a go-between, messenger, connection, or source of special information <business contacts>
4 : CONTACT LENS

contact
n. : to make contact
transitive verb
1 : to bring into contact
2 a : to enter or be in contact with : JOIN b : to get in communication with <contact your local dealer>
usage The use of contact as a verb, especially in sense 2b, is accepted as standard by almost all commentators except those who write college handbooks.

contact
n. : maintaining, involving, or activated or caused by contact <contact poisons> <contact sports> <contact dermatitis>

contact
n. contact binary
contact hitter
contact inhibition
contact language
contact lens
contact print
eye contact

contact binary
: a binary star system in which the two stars are close enough together for material to pass between them

contact hitter
: a hitter in baseball who seldom strikes out

contact inhibition
: cessation of cellular movement, growth, and division upon contact with other cells

contact language
: PIDGIN

contact lens
: a thin lens designed to fit over the cornea and usually worn to correct defects in vision

contact print
: a photographic print made with the negative in contact with the sensitized paper, plate, or film

contagion
n. 1 a : a contagious disease b : the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact c : a disease-producing agent (as a virus)
2 a : POISON b : contagious influence, quality, or nature c : corrupting influence or contact
3 a : rapid communication of an influence (as a doctrine or emotional state) b : an influence that spreads rapidly

contagious
adj. 1 : communicable by contact : CATCHING <contagious diseases>
2 : bearing contagion <contagious people>
3 : used for contagious diseases <a contagious ward>
4 : exciting similar emotions or conduct in others <contagious enthusiasm>
–con·ta·gious·ly adverb
–con·ta·gious·ness noun

contagious abortion
: a contagious or infectious disease (as a brucellosis) of domestic animals characterized by abortion

contagium
n. : an agent capable of causing a communicable disease

contain
v. transitive verb
1 : to keep within limits: as a : RESTRAIN, CONTROL <could hardly contain her enthusiasm> b : CHECK, HALT <contain the spread of a deadly disease> c : to follow successfully a policy of containment toward <efforts to contain Communism> d : to prevent (as an enemy or opponent) from advancing or from making a successful attack
2 a : to have within : HOLD b : COMPRISE, INCLUDE <the bill contains several new clauses>
3 a : to be divisible by usually without a remainder b : ENCLOSE, BOUND
intransitive verb : to restrain oneself
–con·tain·able \-'tā-nə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms CONTAIN, HOLD, ACCOMMODATE mean to have or be capable of having within. CONTAIN implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something <the can contains a quart of oil>. HOLD implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping <the bookcase will hold all my textbooks>. ACCOMMODATE stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience <the hall can accommodate 500 people>.

contained
adj. : RESTRAINED also : CALM

container
n. : one that contains: as a : a receptacle (as a box or jar) for holding goods b : a portable compartment in which freight is placed (as on a train or ship) for convenience of movement
–con·tain·er·less \-ləs\ adjective

containerboard
: corrugated or solid cardboard used for making containers

containerisation
British variant of containerization, containerize

containerization
n. : a shipping method in which a large amount of material (as merchandise) is packaged into large standardized containers

containerize
v. 1 : to ship by containerization
2 : to pack in containers

containerport
n. : a shipping port specially equipped to handle containerized cargo

containership
n. : a ship specially designed or equipped for carrying containerized cargo

containment
n. 1 : the act, process, or means of containing
2 : the policy, process, or result of preventing the expansion of a hostile power or ideology

contaminant
n. : something that contaminates

contaminate
v. 1 a : to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association <bacteria contaminated the wound> b : to make inferior or impure by admixture <iron contaminated with phosphorus>
2 : to make unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements
–con·tam·i·na·tive \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–con·tam·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun
synonyms CONTAMINATE, TAINT, POLLUTE, DEFILE mean to make impure or unclean. CONTAMINATE implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source <water contaminated by industrial wastes>. TAINT stresses the loss of purity or cleanliness that follows contamination <tainted meat> <a politician's tainted reputation>. POLLUTE sometimes interchangeable with contaminate, distinctively may imply that the process which begins with contamination is complete and that what was pure or clean has been made foul, poisoned, or filthy <the polluted waters of the river>. DEFILE implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration <defile a hero's memory with slanderous innuendo>.

contamination
n. 1 : a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2 : CONTAMINANT

Contarini
Venetian family including especially Gasparo 1483-1542 cardinal & diplomat

contd
continued

conte
n. : a usually short tale of adventure

contemn
v. : to view or treat with contempt : SCORN
synonyms see DESPISE
–con·tem·ner also con·tem·nor \-'tem-nər, -'te-mər\ noun

contemplate
v. transitive verb
1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on <contemplate the vastness of the universe>
2 : to view as contingent or probable or as an end or intention <contemplate marriage>
intransitive verb : PONDER, MEDITATE
synonyms see CONSIDER
–con·tem·pla·tor \-ˌplā-tər\ noun

contemplation
n. 1 a : concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion b : a state of mystical awareness of God's being
2 : an act of considering with attention : STUDY
3 : the act of regarding steadily
4 : INTENTION, EXPECTATION

contemplative
: marked by or given to contemplation specifically : of or relating to a religious order devoted to prayer and penance
–con·tem·pla·tive·ly adverb
–con·tem·pla·tive·ness noun

contemplative
adj. : a person who practices contemplation

contempo
: CONTEMPORARY, PRESENT-DAY <contempo music>

contemporaneity
n. : the quality or state of being contemporaneous or contemporary

contemporaneous
adj. : existing, occurring, or originating during the same time
synonyms see CONTEMPORARY
–con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adverb
–con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ness noun

contemporary
n. 1 : happening, existing, living, or coming into being during the same period of time
2 a : SIMULTANEOUS b : marked by characteristics of the present period : MODERN, CURRENT
–con·tem·po·rar·i·ly \-ˌtem-pə-'rer-ə-lē\ adverb
synonyms CONTEMPORARY, CONTEMPORANEOUS, COEVAL, SYNCHRONOUS, SIMULTANEOUS, COINCIDENT mean existing or occurring at the same time. CONTEMPORARY is likely to apply to people and what relates to them <Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin>. CONTEMPORANEOUS is more often applied to events than to people <contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping>. COEVAL refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons <two stars thought to be coeval>. SYNCHRONOUS implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals <synchronous timepieces>. SIMULTANEOUS implies correspondence in a moment of time <the two shots were simultaneous>. COINCIDENT is applied to events and may be used in order to avoid implication of causal relationship <the end of World War II was coincident with a great vintage year>.

contemporary
n. 1 : one that is contemporary with another
2 : one of the same or nearly the same age as another

contemporize
v. : to make contemporary <contemporize a magazine with the latest fashions>

contempt
n. 1 a : the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises : DISDAIN b : lack of respect or reverence for something
2 : the state of being despised
3 : willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a court, judge, or legislative body <contempt of court>

contemptible
adj. 1 : worthy of contempt
2 obsolete : SCORNFUL, CONTEMPTUOUS
–con·tempt·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌtem(p)-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·tempt·ible·ness noun
–con·tempt·ibly \-'tem(p)-tə-blē\ adverb
synonyms CONTEMPTIBLE, DESPICABLE, PITIABLE, SORRY, SCURVY mean arousing or deserving scorn. CONTEMPTIBLE may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. DESPICABLE may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. PITIABLE applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. SORRY may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. SCURVY adds to DESPICABLE an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.

contemptuous
adj. : manifesting, feeling, or expressing contempt
–con·temp·tu·ous·ly adverb
–con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun

contemptus mundi
: contempt for the world

contend
v. intransitive verb
1 : to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties : STRUGGLE
2 : to strive in debate : ARGUE
transitive verb
1 : MAINTAIN, ASSERT <contended that he was right>
2 : to struggle for : CONTEST

contender
n. : one that contends especially : a competitor for a championship or high honor <a heavyweight title contender>

content
n. : CONTENTED, SATISFIED <was content with her life as it was>

content
n. 1 : to appease the desires of
2 : to limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or actions

content
n. : CONTENTMENT <ate to his heart's content>

content
n. 1 a : something contained ― usually used in plural <the jar's contents> <the drawer's contents> b : the topics or matter treated in a written work <table of contents> c : the principal substance (as written matter, illustrations, or music) offered by a World Wide Web site <Internet users have evolved an ethos of free content in the Internet ― Ben Gerson>
2 a : SUBSTANCE, GIST b : MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE c : the events, physical detail, and information in a work of art ― compare FORM 10b
3 a : the matter dealt with in a field of study b : a part, element, or complex of parts
4 : the amount of specified material contained : PROPORTION

content
n. content analysis
content word
self content
self contented

content analysis
: analysis of the manifest and latent content of a body of communicated material (as a book or film) through a classification, tabulation, and evaluation of its key symbols and themes in order to ascertain its meaning and probable effect

content word
: a word that primarily expresses lexical meaning ― compare FUNCTION WORD

contented
adj. : feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation <a contented smile>
–con·tent·ed·ly adverb
–con·tent·ed·ness noun

contented
adj. self contented
self contentedness
self contentedly

contention
n. 1 : an act or instance of contending
2 : a point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument
3 : RIVALRY, COMPETITION
synonyms see DISCORD

contentious
adj. 1 : likely to cause contention <a contentious argument>
2 : exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes <a man of a most contentious nature>
synonyms see BELLIGERENT
–con·ten·tious·ly adverb
–con·ten·tious·ness noun

contentment
n. 1 : the quality or state of being contented
2 : something that contents

conterminous
adj. 1 : having a common boundary <conterminous countries>
2 : COTERMINOUS
3 : enclosed within one common boundary <the 48 conterminous states>
–con·ter·mi·nous·ly adverb

contest
n. intransitive verb : STRIVE, VIE
transitive verb : to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation especially : DISPUTE, CHALLENGE
–con·test·able \-'tes-tə-bəl\ adjective
–con·test·er noun

contest
n. 1 : a struggle for superiority or victory : COMPETITION
2 : a competition in which each contestant performs without direct contact with or interference from his competitors

contestant
n. 1 : one that participates in a contest
2 : one that contests an award or decision

contestation
n. : CONTROVERSY, DEBATE

context
n. 1 : the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning
2 : the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs : ENVIRONMENT, SETTING <the historical context of the war>
–con·text·less \-ˌtekst-ləs\ adjective
–con·tex·tu·al \kän-'teks-chə-wəl, kən-, -chəl, -chü-əl\ adjective
–con·tex·tu·al·ly adverb

context-free
: of, relating to, or being a grammar or language based on rules that describe a change in a string without reference to elements outside of the string also : being such a rule

contextualize
v. : to place (as a word or activity) in a context
–con·tex·tu·al·i·za·tion \-ˌteks-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-'zā-shən, -chü-ə-lə-\ noun

contexture
n. 1 : the act, process, or manner of weaving parts into a whole also : a structure so formed <a contexture of lies>
2 : CONTEXT

contg
containing

Conti
n. Niccolò de' ca 1395-1469 Venetian traveler

contiguity
n. : the quality or state of being contiguous : PROXIMITY

contiguous
adj. 1 : being in actual contact : touching along a boundary or at a point
2 of angles : ADJACENT 2
3 : next or near in time or sequence
4 : touching or connected throughout in an unbroken sequence <contiguous row houses>
synonyms see ADJACENT
–con·tig·u·ous·ly adverb
–con·tig·u·ous·ness noun

continence
n. 1 : SELF-RESTRAINT especially : a refraining from sexual intercourse
2 : the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily <fecal continence>

continent
n. 1 : exercising continence
2 obsolete : RESTRICTIVE
–con·ti·nent·ly adverb

continent
n. 1 archaic : CONTAINER, CONFINES
2 archaic : EPITOME
3 : MAINLAND
4 a : one of the six or seven great divisions of land on the globe b capitalized : the continent of Europe ― used with the

continental
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a continent <continental waters> specifically often capitalized : of or relating to the continent of Europe excluding the British Isles b often capitalized : of, relating to, or being a cuisine derived from the classic dishes of Europe and especially France
2 a often capitalized : of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S. <Continental Congress> b : being the part of the U.S. on the No. American continent also : being the part of the U.S. comprising the lower 48 states
–con·ti·nen·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

continental
n. 1 a often capitalized : an American soldier of the Revolution in the Continental army b (1) : a piece of Continental paper currency (2) : the least bit <not worth a continental>
2 : an inhabitant of a continent and especially the continent of Europe

continental
n. continental breakfast
continental drift
continental shelf
continental slope
Continental Divide

continental breakfast
: a light breakfast (as of rolls or toast and coffee)

Continental Divide
the watershed of N. America comprising the line of highest points of land separating the waters flowing W from those flowing N or E, coinciding with various ranges of the Rockies, & extending SSE from NW Canada to NW S. America

continental drift
: a slow movement of the continents on a deep-seated viscous zone within the earth ― compare PLATE TECTONICS

continental shelf
: a shallow submarine plain of varying width forming a border to a continent and typically ending in a comparatively steep slope to the deep ocean floor

continental slope
: the comparatively steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor

contingence
n. 1 : CONTINGENCY
2 : TANGENCY

contingency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being contingent
2 : a contingent event or condition: as a : an event (as an emergency) that may but is not certain to occur <trying to provide for every contingency> b : something liable to happen as an adjunct to or result of something else
synonyms see JUNCTURE

contingency fee
: a fee for services (as of a lawyer) paid upon successful completion of the services and usually calculated as a percentage of the gain realized for the client ― called also contingent fee

contingency table
: a table of data in which the row entries tabulate the data according to one variable and the column entries tabulate it according to another variable and which is used especially in the study of the correlation between variables

contingent
n. 1 : likely but not certain to happen : POSSIBLE
2 : not logically necessary especially : EMPIRICAL
3 a : happening by chance or unforeseen causes b : subject to chance or unseen effects : UNPREDICTABLE c : intended for use in circumstances not completely foreseen
4 : dependent on or conditioned by something else <payment is contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions>
5 : not necessitated : determined by free choice
synonyms see ACCIDENTAL
–con·tin·gent·ly adverb

contingent
n. 1 : something contingent : CONTINGENCY
2 : a representative group : DELEGATION, DETACHMENT <a diplomatic contingent>

continual
adj. 1 : continuing indefinitely in time without interruption <continual fear>
2 : recurring in steady usually rapid succession <a history of continual invasions>
–con·tin·u·al·ly adverb
synonyms CONTINUAL, CONTINUOUS, CONSTANT, INCESSANT, PERPETUAL, PERENNIAL mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. CONTINUAL often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence <continual showers the whole weekend>. CONTINUOUS usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension <football's oldest continuous rivalry>. CONSTANT implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence <lived in constant pain>. INCESSANT implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity <annoyed by the incessant quarreling>. PERPETUAL suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration <a land of perpetual snowfall>. PERENNIAL implies enduring existence often through constant renewal <a perennial source of controversy>.

continuance
n. 1 : CONTINUATION
2 : the extent of continuing : DURATION
3 : the quality of enduring : PERMANENCE
4 : an adjournment of a court case to a future day

continuant
n. 1 : something that continues or serves as a continuation
2 : a speech sound (as a fricative or vowel) that is produced without a complete closure of the breath passage ― compare STOP
–continuant adjective

continuate
obsolete : CONTINUOUS, UNINTERRUPTED

continuation
n. 1 : the act or fact of continuing in or the prolongation of a state or activity
2 : resumption after an interruption
3 : something that continues, increases, or adds

continuative
n. : expressing continuity or continuation (as of an idea or action)

continuator
n. : one that continues

continue
v. intransitive verb
1 : to maintain without interruption a condition, course, or action <the boat continued downstream>
2 : to remain in existence : ENDURE <the tradition continues>
3 : to remain in a place or condition : STAY <cannot continue here much longer>
4 : to resume an activity after interruption <we'll continue after lunch>
transitive verb
1 a : KEEP UP, MAINTAIN <continues walking> b : to keep going or add to : PROLONG <continue the battle> also : to resume after intermission
2 : to cause to continue <chose not to continue her subscription>
3 : to allow to remain in a place or condition : RETAIN <the trustees were continued>
4 : to postpone (a legal proceeding) by a continuance
–con·tinu·er \-yü-ər\ noun
synonyms CONTINUE, LAST, ENDURE, ABIDE, PERSIST mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. CONTINUE applies to a process going on without ending <the search for peace will continue>. LAST especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected <buy shoes that will last>. ENDURE adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies <in spite of everything, her faith endured>. ABIDE implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability <a love that abides through 40 years of marriage>. PERSIST suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness <the sense of guilt persisted>.

continued
adj. 1 : lasting or extending without interruption <continued success>
2 : resumed after interruption <a continued story>

continued fraction
: a fraction whose numerator is an integer and whose denominator is an integer plus a fraction whose numerator is an integer and whose denominator is an integer plus a fraction and so on

continuing
adj. 1 : CONTINUOUS, CONSTANT <continuing poverty>
2 : needing no renewal : ENDURING <continuing fame>
–con·tin·u·ing·ly adverb

continuing education
: formal courses of study for adult part-time students

continuity
n. 1 a : uninterrupted connection, succession, or union b : uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change
2 : something that has, exhibits, or provides continuity: as a : a script or scenario in the performing arts b : transitional spoken or musical matter especially for a radio or television program c : the story and dialogue of a comic strip
3 : the property of being mathematically continuous

continuo
n. : a bass part (as for a keyboard or stringed instrument) used especially in baroque ensemble music and consisting of a succession of bass notes with figures that indicate the required chords ― called also figured bass thoroughbass

continuous
adj. 1 : marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence
2 of a function : having the property that the absolute value of the numerical difference between the value at a given point and the value at any point in a neighborhood of the given point can be made as close to zero as desired by choosing the neighborhood small enough
synonyms see CONTINUAL
–con·tin·u·ous·ly adverb
–con·tin·u·ous·ness noun

continuum
n. 1 : a coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression of values or elements varying by minute degrees <“good” and “bad”⋯stand at opposite ends of a continuum instead of describing the two halves of a line ― Wayne Shumaker>
2 : the set of real numbers including both the rationals and the irrationals broadly : a compact set which cannot be separated into two sets neither of which contains a limit point of the other

contort
v. transitive verb : to twist in a violent manner <features contorted with fury>
intransitive verb : to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression
synonyms see DEFORM
–con·tor·tion \-'tȯr-shən\ noun
–con·tor·tive \-'tȯr-tiv\ adjective

contortionist
n. : one who contorts specifically : an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual postures
–con·tor·tion·is·tic \-ˌtȯr-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

contour
n. 1 : an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure : SHAPE also : the line representing this outline
2 : the general form or structure of something : CHARACTERISTIC ― often used in plural <contours of a melody> <to delineate the tortured psychological contours of the tribal past ― B. J. Phillips>
3 : a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech
synonyms see OUTLINE

contour
n. 1 : following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them <contour flooding> <contour farming>
2 : made to fit the contour of something <a contour couch> <contour sheets>

contour
n. 1 a : to shape the contour of b : to shape so as to fit contours
2 : to construct (as a road) in conformity to a contour

contour
n. contour feather
contour line
contour map

contour feather
: one of the medium-sized feathers that form the general covering of a bird and determine the external contour

contour line
: a line (as on a map) connecting the points on a land surface that have the same elevation

contour map
: a map having contour lines

contr
1 contract; contraction
2 contralto
3 contrary
4 control; controller

contra
prep. 1 : AGAINST ― used chiefly in the phrase pro and contra
2 : in opposition or contrast to

contra
prep. : a member of a guerrilla group opposed to the Sandinista government in Nicaragua in the 1980s

contra
prep. 1 : against : contrary : contrasting <contradistinction>
2 : pitched below normal bass <contrabassoon>

contra
prep. contra dance
per contra
bellum omnium contra omnes

contra dance
1 : a folk dance in which couples face each other in two lines or a square
2 : a piece of music for a contra dance

contraband
n. 1 : illegal or prohibited traffic in goods : SMUGGLING
2 : goods or merchandise whose importation, exportation, or possession is forbidden also : smuggled goods
3 : a slave who during the American Civil War escaped to or was brought within the Union lines
–contraband adjective

contrabandist
n. : SMUGGLER

contrabass
n. : DOUBLE BASS
–con·tra·bass·ist \-ˌbā-sist\ noun

contrabass
n. : pitched lower than a bass instrument of the same type <a contrabass clarinet>

contrabassoon
n. : a double-reed woodwind instrument having a range an octave lower than that of the bassoon ― called also double bassoon

contraception
n. : deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation
–con·tra·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective or noun

contract
n. 1 a : a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties especially : one legally enforceable b : a business arrangement for the supply of goods or services at a fixed price <make parts on contract> c : the act of marriage or an agreement to marry
2 : a document describing the terms of a contract
3 : the final bid to win a specified number of tricks in bridge
4 : an order or arrangement for a hired assassin to kill someone <his enemies put out a contract on him>

contract
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bring on oneself especially inadvertently : INCUR <contracting debts> b : to become affected with <contract pneumonia>
2 a : to establish or undertake by contract <contract a job> b : BETROTH also : to establish (a marriage) formally c (1) : to hire by contract <contract a lawyer> (2) : to purchase (as goods or services) on a contract basis ― often used with out
3 a : LIMIT, RESTRICT <contract the scope of their activities> b : KNIT, WRINKLE <frown contracted his brow> c : to draw together : CONCENTRATE
4 : to reduce to smaller size by or as if by squeezing or forcing together <contract a muscle>
5 : to shorten (as a word) by omitting one or more sounds or letters
intransitive verb
1 : to make a contract
2 : to draw together so as to become diminished in size <metal contracts on cooling> also : to become less in compass, duration, or length <muscle contracts in tetanus>
–con·tract·ibil·i·ty \kən-ˌtrak-tə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌkän-\ noun
–con·tract·ible \kən-'trak-tə-bəl, 'kän-ˌ\ adjective
synonyms CONTRACT, SHRINK, CONDENSE, COMPRESS, CONSTRICT, DEFLATE mean to decrease in bulk or volume. CONTRACT applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length <caused her muscles to contract>. SHRINK implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions <the sweater will shrink when washed>. CONDENSE implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content <condense the essay into a paragraph>. COMPRESS implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance <compressed cotton into bales>. CONSTRICT implies a tightening that reduces diameter <the throat is constricted by a tight collar>. DEFLATE implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas <deflate the balloon>.

contract
n. : hired to execute a contract <a contract worker> <a contract killer>

contract
n. contract bridge
cutthroat contract
social contract
yellow dog contract

contract bridge
: a bridge game distinguished by the fact that overtricks do not count toward game or slam bonuses

contractile
adj. : having or concerned with the power or property of contracting <contractile proteins of muscle fibrils>
–con·trac·til·i·ty \ˌkän-ˌtrak-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

contractile vacuole
: a vacuole in a unicellular organism that contracts regularly to discharge fluid from the body

contraction
n. 1 a : the action or process of contracting : the state of being contracted b : the shortening and thickening of a functioning muscle or muscle fiber c : a reduction in business activity or growth
2 : a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by omission of a sound or letter also : a form produced by such shortening
–con·trac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·trac·tive \kən-'trak-tiv, 'kän-ˌ\ adjective
–con·trac·tion·ary \kən-'trak-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

contractor
n. 1 : one that contracts or is party to a contract: as a : one that contracts to perform work or provide supplies b : one that contracts to erect buildings
2 : something (as a muscle) that contracts or shortens

contractual
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a contract
–con·trac·tu·al·ly adverb

contracture
n. : a permanent shortening (as of muscle, tendon, or scar tissue) producing deformity or distortion

contradict
v. 1 : to assert the contrary of : take issue with <contradict a rumor>
2 : to imply the opposite or a denial of <your actions contradict your words>
synonyms see DENY
–con·tra·dict·able \-'dik-tə-bəl\ adjective
–con·tra·dic·tor \-'dik-tər\ noun

contradiction
n. 1 : act or an instance of contradicting
2 a : a proposition, statement, or phrase that asserts or implies both the truth and falsity of something b : a statement or phrase whose parts contradict each other <a round square is a contradiction in terms>
3 a : logical incongruity b : a situation in which inherent factors, actions, or propositions are inconsistent or contrary to one another

contradictious
adj. 1 : CONTRADICTORY, OPPOSITE
2 : given to or marked by contradiction : CONTRARY

contradictory
adj. : a proposition so related to another that if either of the two is true the other is false and if either is false the other must be true

contradictory
: involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction <contradictory statements>
synonyms see OPPOSITE
–con·tra·dic·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–con·tra·dic·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

contradistinction
n. : distinction by means of contrast <painting in contradistinction to sculpture>
–con·tra·dis·tinc·tive \-'tiŋ(k)-tiv\ adjective
–con·tra·dis·tinc·tive·ly adverb

contradistinguish
v. : to distinguish by contrasting qualities

contrail
n. : streaks of condensed water vapor created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes

contraindicate
v. : to make (a treatment or procedure) inadvisable

contraindication
n. : something (as a symptom or condition) that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable

contralateral
adj. : occurring on or acting in conjunction with a part on the opposite side of the body

contralto
n. 1 a : a singing voice having a range between tenor and mezzo-soprano b : a person having this voice
2 : the part sung by a contralto

contraposition
n. : the relationship between two propositions when the subject and predicate of one are respectively the negation of the predicate and the negation of the subject of the other

contrapositive
n. : a proposition or theorem formed by contradicting both the subject and predicate or both the hypothesis and conclusion of a given proposition or theorem and interchanging them <“if not-B then not-A ” is the contrapositive of “if A then B ”>

contraption
n. : DEVICE, GADGET

contrapuntal
adj. 1 : POLYPHONIC
2 : of, relating to, or marked by counterpoint
–con·tra·pun·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

contrapuntist
n. : one who writes counterpoint

contrarian
n. : a person who takes a contrary position or attitude specifically : an investor who buys shares of stock when most others are selling and sells when others are buying
–contrarian adjective
–con·trar·i·an·ism \-ə-ˌniz-əm\ noun

contrariety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being contrary
2 : something contrary

contrarious
: PERVERSE, ANTAGONISTIC

contrariwise
adv. 1 : on the contrary
2 : VICE VERSA
3 : in a contrary manner

contrary
n. 1 : a fact or condition incompatible with another : OPPOSITE ― usually used with the
2 : one of a pair of opposites
3 a : a proposition so related to another that though both may be false they cannot both be true ― compare SUBCONTRARY b : either of two terms (as good and evil) that cannot both be affirmed of the same subject
–by contraries
obsolete : in a manner opposite to what is logical or expected
–on the contrary : just the opposite
–to the contrary
1 : on the contrary
2 : NOTWITHSTANDING

contrary
n. 1 : being so different as to be at opposite extremes : OPPOSITE <come to the contrary conclusion> <went off in contrary directions> also : being opposite to or in conflict with each other <contrary viewpoints>
2 : being not in conformity with what is usual or expected <actions contrary to company policy> <contrary evidence>
3 : UNFAVORABLE ― used of wind or weather
4 : temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice
–con·trari·ly \-ˌtrer-ə-lē, -'trer-\ adverb
–con·trari·ness \-ˌtrer-ē-nəs, -'trer-\ noun
synonyms CONTRARY, PERVERSE, RESTIVE, BALKY, WAYWARD mean inclined to resist authority or control. CONTRARY implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. PERVERSE may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. RESTIVE suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. BALKY suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. WAYWARD suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>. synonym see in addition OPPOSITE

contrary
n. : CONTRARIWISE, CONTRARILY

contrary
n. to the contrary
on the contrary
contrary to
by contraries

contrary to
: in conflict with : DESPITE <contrary to orders, he set out alone>

contrast
n. transitive verb : to set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences <contrast European and American manners> ― often used with to or with <contrasting her with other women ― Victoria Sackville-West>
intransitive verb : to form a contrast
synonyms see COMPARE
–con·trast·able \-'tras-tə-bəl, -ˌtras-\ adjective
–con·trast·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

contrast
n. 1 a : juxtaposition of dissimilar elements (as color, tone, or emotion) in a work of art b : degree of difference between the lightest and darkest parts of a picture
2 a : the difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable natures <the contrast between the two forms of government> b : comparison of similar objects to set off their dissimilar qualities : the state of being so compared <the enforced simplicity in this diary⋯is in contrast to the intensity of his former life ― Times Lit. Supp.>
3 : a person or thing that exhibits differences when compared with another

contrastive
adj. : forming or consisting of a contrast
–con·tras·tive·ly adverb

contrasty
adj. : having or producing in photography great contrast between highlights and shadows <a contrasty image>

contravene
v. 1 : to go or act contrary to : VIOLATE <contravene a law>
2 : to oppose in argument : CONTRADICT <contravene a proposition>
synonyms see DENY
–con·tra·ven·er noun

contravention
n. : the act of contravening : VIOLATION

contredanse
n. variant of contra dance

contretemps
n. 1 : an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation
2 : DISPUTE, ARGUMENT

contrib
contribution; contributor

contribute
v. transitive verb
1 : to give or supply in common with others <contribute money to a cause>
2 : to supply (as an article) for a publication
intransitive verb
1 a : to give a part to a common fund or store <contribute to a fund-raising campaign> b : to play a significant part in bringing about an end or result <many players have contributed to the team's success>
2 : to submit articles to a publication
–con·trib·u·tor \-byə-tər, -bə-, -ˌbyü-\ noun

contribution
n. 1 : a payment (as a levy or tax) imposed by military, civil, or ecclesiastical authorities usually for a special or extraordinary purpose
2 : the act of contributing also : the thing contributed
–con·trib·u·tive \kən-'tri-byə-tiv\ adjective
–con·trib·u·tive·ly adverb

contributory
n. 1 a : subject to a levy of supplies, money, or men b : contributing to a common fund or enterprise
2 : of, relating to, or forming a contribution

contrite
adj. : feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming <a contrite criminal> <a contrite apology> <contrite sighs>
–con·trite·ly adverb
–con·trite·ness noun

contrition
n. : the state of being contrite : REPENTANCE
synonyms see PENITENCE

contrivance
n. 1 a : a thing contrived especially : a mechanical device b : an artificial arrangement or development
2 : the act or faculty of contriving : the state of being contrived

contrive
v. transitive verb
1 a : DEVISE, PLAN <contrive ways of handling the situation> b : to form or create in an artistic or ingenious manner <contrived household utensils from stone>
2 : to bring about by stratagem or with difficulty : MANAGE <he contrived to win their support>
intransitive verb : to make schemes
–con·triv·er noun

contrived
adj. : ARTIFICIAL, LABORED <a contrived plot>

control
transitive verb
1 a archaic : to check, test, or verify by evidence or experiments b : to incorporate suitable controls in <a controlled experiment>
2 a : to exercise restraining or directing influence over : REGULATE b : to have power over : RULE c : to reduce the incidence or severity of especially to innocuous levels <control an insect population> <control a disease>
intransitive verb : to incorporate controls in an experiment or study ― used with for <control for socioeconomic differences>
synonyms see CONDUCT
–con·trol·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌtrō-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·trol·la·ble \-'trō-lə-bəl\ adjective
–con·trol·ment \-'trōl-mənt\ noun

control
n. 1 a : an act or instance of controlling also : power or authority to guide or manage b : skill in the use of a tool, instrument, technique, or artistic medium c : the regulation of economic activity especially by government directive ― usually used in plural <price controls> d : the ability of a baseball pitcher to control the location of a pitch within the strike zone
2 : RESTRAINT, RESERVE
3 : one that controls: as a (1) : an experiment in which the subjects are treated as in a parallel experiment except for omission of the procedure or agent under test and which is used as a standard of comparison in judging experimental effects ― called also control experiment (2) : one (as an organism, culture, or group) that is part of a control b : a device or mechanism used to regulate or guide the operation of a machine, apparatus, or system c : an organization that directs a spaceflight <mission control> d : a personality or spirit believed to actuate the utterances or performances of a spiritualist medium
synonyms see POWER

control
n. control experiment
animal control
ball control
biological control
birth control
birth control pill
control freak
control surface
cruise control
damage control
fire control
gun control
production control
quality control
remote control
rent control
self control
spin control
rent controlled
self controlled
controlling interest

control freak
: a person whose behavior indicates a powerful need to control people or circumstances in everyday matters

control surface
: a movable airfoil designed to change the attitude of an aircraft

controlled
adj. 1 : RESTRAINED
2 : regulated by law with regard to possession and use <controlled drugs>

controller
n. 1 a : COMPTROLLER 1 b : COMPTROLLER 2 c : the chief accounting officer of a business enterprise or an institution (as a college)
2 a : one that controls or has power or authority to control <air traffic controller> b : CONTROL 3B
–con·trol·ler·ship \-ˌship\ noun

controlling
adj. : inclined to control others' behavior : DOMINEERING

controlling interest
: sufficient stock ownership in a corporation to exert control over policy

controversial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or arousing controversy <a controversial policy> <a controversial film>
2 : given to controversy : DISPUTATIOUS <a controversial temperament>
–con·tro·ver·sial·ism \-shə-ˌli-zəm, -sē-ə-ˌ\ noun
–con·tro·ver·sial·ist \-list\ noun
–con·tro·ver·sial·ly adverb

controversy
n. 1 : a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : DISPUTE
2 : QUARREL, STRIFE

controvert
v. transitive verb : to dispute or oppose by reasoning <controvert a point in a discussion>
intransitive verb : to engage in controversy
–con·tro·vert·er \-ˌvər-tər, -'vər-\ noun
–con·tro·vert·ible \-tə-bəl\ adjective

contumacious
adj. : stubbornly disobedient : REBELLIOUS
–con·tu·ma·cious·ly adverb

contumacy
n. : stubborn resistance to authority specifically : willful contempt of court

contumelious
adj. : insolently abusive and humiliating
–con·tu·me·li·ous·ly adverb

contumely
n. : harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt also : an instance of such language or treatment

contusion
n. : injury to tissue usually without laceration : BRUISE 1A
–con·tuse \-'tüz, -'tyüz\ transitive verb

conundrum
n. 1 : a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun
2 a : a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b : an intricate and difficult problem

conurbation
n. : an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities

conus arteriosus
1 : a conical prolongation of the right ventricle in mammals from which the pulmonary arteries emerge ― called also conus
2 : a prolongation of the ventricle of amphibians and some fishes that has a spiral valve separating venous blood going to the respiratory arteries from blood going to the aorta and systemic arteries

conv
1 convention; conventional
2 convertible
3 convocation

convalesce
v. : to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness
–con·va·les·cence \-'le-sən(t)s\ noun
–con·va·les·cent \-sənt\ adjective or noun

convect
v. intransitive verb : to transfer heat by convection
transitive verb : to circulate (as air) by convection
–con·vec·tive \-'vek-tiv\ adjective

convection
n. 1 : the action or process of conveying
2 a : the circulatory motion that occurs in a fluid at a nonuniform temperature owing to the variation of its density and the action of gravity b : the transfer of heat by convection ― compare CONDUCTION, RADIATION
–con·vec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

convection oven
: an oven having a fan that circulates hot air uniformly and continuously around food

convector
n. : a heating unit in which air heated by contact with a heating device (as a radiator or a tube with fins) in a casing circulates by convection

convene
v. intransitive verb : to come together in a body
transitive verb
1 : to summon before a tribunal
2 : to cause to assemble
synonyms see SUMMON
–con·ven·er or con·ve·nor \-'vē-nər\ noun

convenience
n. 1 : fitness or suitability for performing an action or fulfilling a requirement
2 a : something (as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or ease b chiefly British : TOILET 3
3 : a suitable or convenient time <at your convenience>
4 : freedom from discomfort : EASE

convenience
n. : designed for quick and easy preparation or use <convenience foods>

convenience
n. convenience store
flag of convenience
marriage of convenience

convenience store
: a small often franchised market that is open long hours

conveniency
n. archaic : CONVENIENCE

convenient
adj. 1 obsolete : SUITABLE, PROPER
2 a : suited to personal comfort or to easy performance <meeting at a convenient time> b : suited to a particular situation <a convenient excuse> c : affording accommodation or advantage <found it convenient to deal with both problems at the same time>
3 : being near at hand : CLOSE <a location convenient to the train station>
–con·ve·nient·ly adverb

convent
n. : a local community or house of a religious order or congregation especially : an establishment of nuns

convent
n. obsolete : CONVENE

conventicle
n. 1 : ASSEMBLY, MEETING
2 : an assembly of an irregular or unlawful character
3 : an assembly for religious worship especially : a secret meeting for worship not sanctioned by law
4 : MEETINGHOUSE
–con·ven·ti·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

convention
n. 1 a : AGREEMENT, CONTRACT b : an agreement between states for regulation of matters affecting all of them c : a compact between opposing commanders especially concerning prisoner exchange or armistice d : a general agreement about basic principles or procedures also : a principle or procedure accepted as true or correct by convention
2 a : the summoning or convening of an assembly b : an assembly of persons met for a common purpose especially : a meeting of the delegates of a political party for the purpose of formulating a platform and selecting candidates for office c : the usually state or national organization of a religious denomination
3 a : usage or custom especially in social matters b : a rule of conduct or behavior c : a practice in bidding or playing that conveys information between partners in a card game (as bridge) d : an established technique, practice, or device (as in literature or the theater)

conventional
1 : formed by agreement or compact
2 a : according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention b : lacking originality or individuality : TRITE c (1) : ORDINARY, COMMONPLACE (2) : NONNUCLEAR 1 <conventional warfare>
3 a : according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms b : of traditional design
4 : of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting
synonyms see CEREMONIAL
–con·ven·tion·al·ism \-nə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–con·ven·tion·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–con·ven·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌvench-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌven(t)-shə-nə-\ noun
–con·ven·tion·al·ize \-'vench-nə-ˌlīz, -'ven(t)-shə-nə-\ transitive verb
–con·ven·tion·al·ly adverb

conventional wisdom
: the generally accepted belief, opinion, judgment, or prediction about a particular matter

conventionality
n. 1 : a conventional usage, practice, or thing
2 : the quality or state of being conventional especially : adherence to conventions

conventioneer
n. : a person attending a convention

conventual
adv. 1 : of, relating to, or befitting a convent or monastic life : MONASTIC
2 capitalized : of or relating to the Conventuals
–con·ven·tu·al·ly adverb

conventual
adv. 1 capitalized : a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual forming a branch of the first order of St. Francis of Assisi under a mitigated rule
2 : a member of a conventual community

converge
v. intransitive verb
1 : to tend or move toward one point or one another : come together : MEET <converging paths>
2 : to come together and unite in a common interest or focus
3 : to approach a limit as the number of terms increases without limit <the series converges>
transitive verb : to cause to converge

convergence
n. 1 : the act of converging and especially moving toward union or uniformity especially : coordinated movement of the two eyes so that the image of a single point is formed on corresponding retinal areas
2 : the state or property of being convergent
3 : independent development of similar characters (as of bodily structure of unrelated organisms or cultural traits) often associated with similarity of habits or environment
4 : the merging of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole

convergency
n. : CONVERGENCE

convergent
adj. 1 : tending to move toward one point or to approach each other : CONVERGING <convergent lines>
2 : exhibiting convergence in form, function, or development <convergent evolution>
3 a of an improper integral : having a value that is a real number b : characterized by having the nth term or the sum of the first n terms approach a finite limit <a convergent sequence> <a convergent series>

converging lens
: a lens that causes parallel rays (as of light) to come to a focus

conversable
adj. 1 archaic : relating to or suitable for social interaction
2 : pleasant and easy to converse with

conversance
n. : the quality or state of being conversant

conversancy
n. : CONVERSANCE

conversant
adj. 1 archaic : having frequent or familiar association
2 archaic : CONCERNED, OCCUPIED
3 : having knowledge or experience ― used with with

conversation
n. 1 obsolete : CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR
2 a (1) : oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas (2) : an instance of such exchange : TALK <a quiet conversation> b : an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups c : an exchange similar to conversation
–con·ver·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–con·ver·sa·tion·al·ly adverb

conversation piece
1 : a painting of a group of persons in their customary surroundings
2 : something (as a novel or unusual object) that stimulates conversation

conversationalist
n. : one who converses a great deal or who excels in conversation

conversazione
n. : a meeting for conversation especially about art, literature, or science

converse
n. 1 archaic : social interaction
2 : CONVERSATION

converse
n. 1 archaic a : to have acquaintance or familiarity b : to become occupied or engaged
2 a : to exchange thoughts and opinions in speech : TALK b : to carry on an exchange similar to a conversation (as with a computer)
–con·vers·er \-'vər-sər\ noun

converse
n. : something reversed in order, relation, or action: as a : a theorem formed by interchanging the hypothesis and conclusion of a given theorem b : a proposition obtained by interchange of the subject and predicate of a given proposition <“no P is S ” is the converse of “no S is P ”>

converse
n. 1 : reversed in order, relation, or action
2 : being a logical or mathematical converse <the converse theorem>
–con·verse·ly adverb

conversion
n. 1 : the act of converting : the process of being converted
2 : an experience associated with the definite and decisive adoption of a religion
3 a : the operation of finding a converse in logic or mathematics b : reduction of a mathematical expression by clearing of fractions
4 : a successful attempt for a point or points especially after a touchdown or for a first down <a 2-point conversion> <a third-down conversion>
5 : something converted from one use to another
6 : GENE CONVERSION
–con·ver·sion·al \-'vərzh-nəl; -'vər-zhə-, -'vər-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

conversion
n. conversion disorder
conversion reaction
conversion hysteria
gene conversion

conversion disorder
: a psychoneurosis in which bodily symptoms (as paralysis of the limbs) appear without physical basis ― called also conversion hysteria conversion reaction

converso
n. : a Jew who publicly recanted the Jewish faith and adopted Christianity under the pressure of the Spanish Inquisition

convert
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another b : to bring about a religious conversion in
2 a : to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing b (1) : to change from one form or function to another (2) : to alter for more effective utilization (3) : to appropriate without right c : to exchange for an equivalent <convert foreign currency into dollars> <convert a bond>
3 obsolete : TURN
4 : to subject to logical conversion
5 a : to make a goal after receiving (a pass) from a teammate b : to score on (as a try for point or free throw) c : to make (a spare) in bowling
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo conversion
2 : to succeed in an attempt for a point, field goal, or free throw
synonyms see TRANSFORM

convert
n. : one that is converted

converter
n. : one that converts: as a : the furnace used in the Bessemer process b or con·ver·tor \-'vər-tər\ : a device employing mechanical rotation for changing electrical energy from one form to another (as from direct current to alternating current or vice versa) also : a radio device for converting one frequency to another c : a device for adapting a television or radio receiver to receive channels or frequencies for which it was not orig. designed <a cable converter> <FM converter> d : a device that accepts data in one form and converts it to another <analog-digital converter> e : CATALYTIC CONVERTER

converter
n. catalytic converter
image converter
torque converter

convertible
1 : capable of being converted <a bond convertible to 12 shares of common stock>
2 : having a top that may be lowered or removed <convertible coupe>
–con·vert·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–con·vert·ible·ness \-'vər-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–con·vert·ibly \-blē\ adverb

convertible
n. : something convertible especially : a convertible automobile

convertiplane
: an aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter and is convertible to a fixed-wing configuration for forward flight

convex
adj. 1 a : curved or rounded outward like the exterior of a sphere or circle b : being a continuous function or part of a continuous function with the property that a line joining any two points on its graph lies on or above the graph
2 a of a set of points : containing all points in a line joining any two constituent points b of a geometric figure : comprising a convex set when combined with its interior <a convex polygon>

convexity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being convex
2 : a convex surface or part

convexo-concave
1 : CONCAVO-CONVEX
2 : having the convex side of greater curvature than the concave

convey
v. 1 obsolete : LEAD, CONDUCT
2 a : to bear from one place to another especially : to move in a continuous stream or mass b : to impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or appearance <struggling to convey his feelings> c (1) archaic : STEAL (2) obsolete : to carry away secretly d : to transfer or deliver (as property) to another especially by a sealed writing e : to cause to pass from one place or person to another <convey a message>

conveyance
n. 1 : the action of conveying
2 : a means or way of conveying: as a : an instrument by which title to property is conveyed b : a means of transport : VEHICLE

conveyancer
n. : one whose business is conveyancing

conveyancing
n. : the act or business of drawing deeds, leases, or other writings for transferring the title to property

conveyor
n. : one that conveys: as a : a person who transfers property b usually conveyor : a mechanical apparatus for moving articles or bulk material from place to place (as by an endless moving belt or a chain of receptacles)

conveyorise
British variant of conveyorize

conveyorize
: to equip with a conveyor
–con·vey·or·i·za·tion \-ˌvā-ə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

convict
n. archaic : having been convicted

convict
n. transitive verb
1 : to find or prove to be guilty
2 : to convince of error or sinfulness
intransitive verb : to find a defendant guilty

convict
n. 1 : a person convicted of and under sentence for a crime
2 : a person serving a usually long prison sentence

conviction
n. 1 : the act or process of convicting of a crime especially in a court of law
2 a : the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of a truth b : the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth
3 a : a strong persuasion or belief b : the state of being convinced
synonyms see CERTAINTY, OPINION

convince
v. 1 obsolete a : to overcome by argument b : OVERPOWER, OVERCOME
2 obsolete : DEMONSTRATE, PROVE
3 : to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action : PERSUADE <convinced himself that she was all right ― William Faulkner> <something I could never convince him to read ― John Lahr>
–con·vinc·er noun

convincing
n. 1 : satisfying or assuring by argument or proof <a convincing test of a new product>
2 : having power to convince of the truth, rightness, or reality of something : PLAUSIBLE <told a convincing story>
synonyms see VALID
–con·vinc·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb
–con·vinc·ing·ness noun

convivial
adj. : relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company <a convivial host> <a convivial gathering>
–con·viv·i·al·i·ty \-ˌvi-vē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–con·viv·ial·ly \-'viv-yə-lē, -'vi-vē-ə-lē\ adverb

convocation
n. 1 a : an assembly of persons convoked b (1) : an assembly of bishops and representative clergy of the Church of England (2) : a consultative assembly of clergy and lay delegates from one part of an Episcopal diocese also : a territorial division of an Episcopal diocese c : a ceremonial assembly of members of a college or university
2 : the act or process of convoking
–con·vo·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

convoke
v. : to call together to a meeting
synonyms see SUMMON

convolute
v. : TWIST, COIL

convolute
v. convoluted tubule
distal convoluted tubule
proximal convoluted tubule

convoluted
adj. 1 : having convolutions
2 : INVOLVED, INTRICATE <a convoluted argument>

convoluted
adj. convoluted tubule
distal convoluted tubule
proximal convoluted tubule

convoluted tubule
: all or part of the coiled sections of a nephron: a : PROXIMAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE b : DISTAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE

convolution
n. 1 : a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous windings
2 : one of the irregular ridges on the surface of the brain and especially of the cerebrum of higher mammals
3 : a complication or intricacy of form, design, or structure

convolve
v. transitive verb : to roll together : WRITHE
intransitive verb : to roll together or circulate involvedly

convolvulus
n. : any of a genus (Convolvulus) of erect, trailing, or twining herbs and shrubs of the morning-glory family

convoy
n. : ACCOMPANY especially : to escort for protection

convoy
n. 1 : one that convoys especially : a protective escort (as for ships)
2 : the act of convoying
3 : a group convoyed or organized for convenience or protection in moving

convulsant
adj. : causing convulsions : CONVULSIVE 1A
–convulsant noun

convulse
v. transitive verb : to shake or agitate violently especially : to shake with or as if with irregular spasms <was convulsed with laughter>
intransitive verb : to become affected with convulsions
synonyms see SHAKE

convulsion
n. 1 : an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
2 a : a violent disturbance b : an uncontrolled fit : PAROXYSM
–con·vul·sion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

convulsive
adj. 1 a : constituting or producing a convulsion b : caused by or affected with convulsions
2 : resembling a convulsion in being violent, sudden, frantic, or spasmodic <convulsive laughter>
synonyms see FITFUL
–con·vul·sive·ly adverb
–con·vul·sive·ness noun

Conway
city cen Ark. N of Little Rock pop 43,167

Conwy
administrative area of N Wales area 436 sq mi (1130 sq km)

cony
n. variant of coney

COO
n. chief operating officer

coo
n. 1 : to make the low soft cry of a dove or pigeon or a similar sound
2 : to talk fondly, amorously, or appreciatively <the family cooed over the baby pictures>
–coo noun

Cooch Behar
former state NE India W of Assam; since 1947 attached to West Bengal

Cook
n. James 1728-1779 Eng. navigator & explorer

cook
n. 1 : a person who prepares food for eating
2 : a technical or industrial process comparable to cooking food also : a substance so processed

cook
n. 1 : to prepare food for eating especially by means of heat <French cooking>
2 : to undergo the action of being cooked <the rice is cooking now>
3 : OCCUR, HAPPEN <find out what was cooking in the committee>
4 : to perform, do, or proceed well <the jazz quartet was cooking along> <the party cooked right through the night>
transitive verb
1 : CONCOCT, FABRICATE ― usually used with up <cooked up a scheme>
2 : to prepare for eating by a heating process
3 : FALSIFY, DOCTOR <cooked the books with phony spending cuts and accounting gimmickry ― Colleen O'Connor>
4 : to subject to the action of heat or fire
–cook·able \'ku̇-kə-bəl\ adjective
–cook one's goose : to make one's failure or ruin certain

cook
n. cook one's goose
cook cheese
cook off
Cook's tour
pressure cook
Cook Mount
Cook Inlet
Cook Islands
Cook Strait
Northern Cook Islands
cooked cheese

cook cheese
: an unripened cheese made from curd that has been cooked to a soft consistency ― called also cooked cheese

Cook Inlet
inlet of the Pacific S Alaska W of Kenai Peninsula

Cook Islands
islands S. Pacific SW of Society Islands; self-governing territory of New Zealand capital Avarua (on Rarotonga Is.) area 92 sq mi (238 sq km), pop 17,614

cook off
of a cartridge : to fire as a result of overheating

cook one's goose
to make one's failure or ruin certain

Cook Strait
strait New Zealand bet. North Is. & South Is.

Cook's tour
: a rapid or cursory survey or review

Cook, Mount
mountain 12,316 ft (3754 m) New Zealand in W cen South Is.; highest peak in Southern Alps & New Zealand

cook-off
: a cooking competition

cookbook
n. : a book of cooking directions and recipes broadly : a book of detailed instructions

cookbook
n. : involving or using step-by-step procedures whose rationale is usually not explained <a cookbook approach>

Cooke
(Alfred) Al·is·tair \'a-lə-stər\ 1908-     American (Brit.-born) essayist & journalist

Cooke
Terence James 1921-1983 American cardinal

cooker
n. : one that cooks: as a : a utensil, device, or apparatus for cooking b : a person who tends a cooking process : COOK c British : STOVE

cookery
n. 1 : the art or practice of cooking
2 : an establishment for cooking

cookery book
chiefly British : COOKBOOK

Cookeville
city N cen Tenn. pop 23,923

cookhouse
n. : a building for cooking

cookie
n. 1 : a small flat or slightly raised cake
2 a : an attractive woman <a buxom French cookie who haunts the⋯colony's one night spot ― Newsweek> b : PERSON, GUY <a tough cookie>
3 cookie : a small file or part of a file stored on a World Wide Web user's computer, created and subsequently read by a Web site server, and containing personal information (as a user identification code, customized preferences, or a record of pages visited)

cookie
n. cookie cutter
cookie sheet
fortune cookie

cookie cutter
: a device used to cut rolled cookie dough into shapes before baking

cookie sheet
: a flat rectangle of metal with at least one rolled edge used especially for the baking of cookies or biscuits

cookie-cutter
: marked by lack of originality or distinction <cookie-cutter shopping malls>

cooking
n. : suitable for or used in cooking <cooking apples>

cookout
n. : an outing at which a meal is cooked and served in the open also : the meal cooked

cookshack
: a shack used for cooking

cookshop
n. : a shop providing cooked food

cookstove
n. : a stove for cooking

Cookstown
district cen Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 241 sq mi (627 sq km), pop 30,808

cooktop
n. 1 : the flat top of a range
2 : a built-in cabinet-top cooking apparatus containing usually four heating units

cookware
n. : utensils used in cooking

cool
n. 1 : moderately cold : lacking in warmth
2 a : marked by steady dispassionate calmness and self-control <a cool and calculating administrator ― Current Biog.> b : lacking ardor or friendliness <a cool impersonal manner> c of jazz : marked by restrained emotion and the frequent use of counterpoint d : free from tensions or violence <meeting with minority groups in an attempt to keep the city cool>
3 ― used as an intensive <a cool million dollars>
4 : marked by deliberate effrontery or lack of due respect or discretion <a cool reply>
5 : facilitating or suggesting relief from heat <a cool dress>
6 a of a color : producing an impression of being cool specifically : of a hue in the range violet through blue to green b of a musical tone : relatively lacking in timbre or resonance
7 slang a : very good : EXCELLENT also : ALL RIGHT b : FASHIONABLE, HIP <not happy with the new shoes⋯because they were not cool ― Celestine Sibley>
–cool·ish \'kü-lish\ adjective
–cool·ly also cooly \'kü(l)-lē\ adverb
–cool·ness \'kül-nəs\ noun
synonyms COOL, COMPOSED, COLLECTED, UNRUFFLED, IMPERTURBABLE, NONCHALANT mean free from agitation or excitement. COOL may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness <kept a cool head>. COMPOSED implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition <the composed pianist gave a flawless concert>. COLLECTED implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis <the nurse stayed calm and collected>. UNRUFFLED suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement <harried but unruffled>. IMPERTURBABLE implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation <the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling>. NONCHALANT stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern <a nonchalant driver>.

cool
n. 1 : to become cool : lose heat or warmth <placed the pie in the window to cool> ― sometimes used with off or down
2 : to lose ardor or passion <his anger cooled>
transitive verb
1 : to make cool : impart a feeling of coolness to <cooled the room with a fan> ― often used with off or down <a swim cooled us off a little>
2 a : to moderate the heat, excitement, or force of : CALM <cooled her growing anger> b : to slow or lessen the growth or activity of ― usually used with off or down <wants to cool off the economy without freezing it ― Newsweek>
–cool it : to calm down : go easy <the word went out to the young to cool it ― W. M. Young>
–cool one's heels : to wait or be kept waiting for a long time especially from or as if from disdain or discourtesy

cool
n. 1 : a cool time, place, or situation <the cool of the evening>
2 a : absence of excitement or emotional involvement : DETACHMENT <must surrender his fine cool and enter the closed crazy world of suicide ― Wilfrid Sheed> b : POISE, COMPOSURE <press questions⋯seemed to rattle him and he lost his cool ― New Republic>
3 : HIPNESS

cool
n. : in a casual and nonchalant manner <play it cool>

cool
n. blow one's cool
cool one's heels
cool it
wine cooler
cooling off
cooling tower

cool it
to calm down : go easy <the word went out to the young to cool it ― W. M. Young>

cool one's heels
to wait or be kept waiting for a long time especially from or as if from disdain or discourtesy

coolant
n. : a usually fluid cooling agent

cooldown
: the act or an instance of allowing physiological activity to return to normal gradually after strenuous exercise by engaging in less strenuous exercise

cooler
n. 1 : one that cools: as a : a container for cooling liquids b : REFRIGERATOR
2 : LOCKUP, JAIL especially : a cell for violent or unmanageable prisoners
3 : an iced drink usually with an alcoholic beverage as a base

Cooley's anemia
: a severe thalassemic anemia that is associated with the presence of microcytes, enlargement of the liver and spleen, increase in the erythroid bone marrow, and jaundice and that occurs especially in children of Mediterranean parents

coolheaded
adj. : not easily excited

Coolidge
n. (John) Calvin 1872-1933 30th pres. of the U.S. (1923-29)

coolie
n. : an unskilled laborer or porter usually in or from the Far East hired for low or subsistence wages

coolie hat
: a conical-shaped usually straw hat worn especially to protect the head from the heat of the sun

cooling tower
: a structure over which circulated water is trickled to reduce its temperature by partial evaporation

cooling-off
: designed to allow passions to cool or to permit negotiation between parties <a cooling-off period>

coombe
n. variant of combe

coon
n. 1 : RACCOON
2 usually offensive : BLACK 4

coon
n. coon cat
coon cheese
coon's age
Maine coon
Coon Rapids

coon cat
: MAINE COON

coon cheese
: a sharp cheddar cheese that has been cured at higher than usual temperature and humidity and that is usually coated with black wax

Coon Rapids
city E Minn. N of St. Paul pop 61,607

coon's age
: a long while <best fried chicken I've tasted for a coon's age ― Sinclair Lewis>

cooncan
n. : a game of rummy played with two packs including two jokers

coonhound
n. : a sporting dog trained to hunt raccoons especially : BLACK-AND-TAN COONHOUND

coonskin
n. 1 : the skin or pelt of the raccoon
2 : an article (as a cap or coat) made of coonskin

coontie
: any of several tropical American woody cycads (genus Zamia) whose roots and stems yield a starchy foodstuff ― called also arrowroot

coop
n. 1 : a cage or small enclosure (as for poultry) also : a small building for housing poultry
2 a : a confined area b : JAIL

coop
n. 1 : to confine in a restricted and often crowded area ― usually used with up <children cooped up in the house all day>
2 : to place or keep in a coop : PEN ― often used with up

Cooper
n. Anthony Ashley ― see SHAFTESBURY

Cooper
n. James Fen·i·more \'fen-ə-ˌmȯr\ 1789-1851 American nov.

Cooper
n. Leon N. 1930-     American physicist

Cooper
n. Peter 1791-1883 American manufacturer & philanthropist

cooper
n. : one that makes or repairs wooden casks or tubs

cooper
n. transitive verb : to work as a cooper on
intransitive verb : to work at or do coopering

Cooper City
city SE Fla. WNW of Hollywood pop 27,939

Cooper's hawk
: an American hawk (Accipiter cooperii) that is larger than the similarly colored sharp-shinned hawk and has a more rounded tail

cooperage
n. 1 : a cooper's work or products
2 : a cooper's place of business

cooperate
v. 1 : to act or work with another or others : act together or in compliance <refused to cooperate with the police>
2 : to associate with another or others for mutual benefit <nations cooperating in a trade agreement>
–co·op·er·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

cooperation
n. 1 : the action of cooperating : common effort
2 : association of persons for common benefit
–co·op·er·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

cooperative
1 a : marked by cooperation <cooperative efforts> b : marked by a willingness and ability to work with others <cooperative neighbors>
2 : of, relating to, or organized as a cooperative <a cooperative store>
3 : relating to or comprising a program of combined liberal arts and technical studies at different schools
–co·op·er·a·tive·ly adverb
–co·op·er·a·tive·ness noun

cooperative
n. : an enterprise or organization owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services

coordinate
n. 1 a : equal in rank, quality, or significance b : being of equal rank in a sentence <coordinate clauses>
2 : relating to or marked by coordination
3 a : being a university that awards degrees to men and women taught usually by the same faculty but attending separate classes often on separate campuses b : being one of the colleges and especially the women's branch of a coordinate university
4 : of, relating to, or being a system of indexing by two or more terms so that documents may be retrieved through the intersection of index terms
–co·or·di·nate·ly adverb
–co·or·di·nate·ness noun

coordinate
transitive verb
1 : to put in the same order or rank
2 : to bring into a common action, movement, or condition : HARMONIZE <we need to coordinate our schedules>
3 : to attach so as to form a coordination complex
intransitive verb
1 : to be or become coordinate especially so as to act together in a smooth concerted way
2 : to combine by means of a coordinate bond
–co·or·di·na·tive \kō-'ȯrd-nə-tiv; -'ȯr-də-nə-tiv, -də-ˌnā-\ adjective
–co·or·di·na·tor \-'ȯr-də-ˌnā-tər\ noun

coordinate
n. 1 a : any of a set of numbers used in specifying the location of a point on a line, on a surface, or in space b : any one of a set of variables used in specifying the state of a substance or the motion of a particle or momentum
2 : one who is of equal rank, authority, or importance with another
3 plural : articles (as of clothing) designed to be used together and to attain their effect through pleasing contrast (as of color, material, or texture)

coordinate
n. coordinate geometry
Cartesian coordinate
coordinate bond
cylindrical coordinate
polar coordinate
rectangular coordinate
spherical coordinate
x coordinate
y coordinate
z coordinate
Coordinated Universal Time
coordinating conjunction

coordinate bond
: a covalent bond that consists of a pair of electrons supplied by only one of the two atoms it joins

coordinate geometry
: ANALYTIC GEOMETRY

coordinated
adj. : able to use more than one set of muscle movements to a single end <a well-coordinated athlete>

Coordinated Universal Time
: the international standard of time that is kept by atomic clocks around the world ― abbreviation UTC ― compare GREENWICH MEAN TIME, UNIVERSAL TIME

coordinating conjunction
: a conjunction (as and or or) that joins together words or word groups of equal grammatical rank

coordination
n. 1 : the act or action of coordinating
2 : the harmonious functioning of parts for effective results

coordination
n. coordination complex
coordination compound
coordination number

coordination complex
: a compound or ion with a central usually metallic atom or ion combined by coordinate bonds with a definite number of surrounding ions, groups, or molecules ― called also coordination compound

coordination number
1 : the number of attachments to the central atom in a coordination complex
2 : a number used in specifying the spatial arrangement of the constituent groups of crystals

Coorg
former state S India capital Mercara; merged with Mysore state (now Karnataka) 1956

Coos Bay
inlet of the Pacific SW Oreg.

Coosa
river 286 mi (460 km) NW Ga. & N Ala. flowing SW to join Tallapoosa River forming Alabama River

coot
n. 1 : any of various slaty-black birds (genus Fulica) of the rail family that somewhat resemble ducks and have lobed toes and the upper mandible prolonged on the forehead as a horny frontal shield
2 : any of several No. American scoters
3 : a harmless simple person broadly : FELLOW 4C

cooter
n. chiefly Southern : any of several freshwater turtles (genus Pseudemys syn. Chrysemys, especially P. concinna) especially of the southern and eastern U.S.

cootie
n. : BODY LOUSE

cop
n. 1 dialect chiefly English : TOP, CREST
2 : a cylindrical or conical mass of thread, yarn, or roving wound on a quill or tube also : a quill or tube upon which it is wound

cop
n. transitive verb
1 slang : to get hold of : CATCH, CAPTURE also : PURCHASE
2 slang : STEAL, SWIPE
3 : ADOPT 2 <cop an attitude>
intransitive verb slang : ADMIT 2B ― used with to <these small-timers would⋯cop to the smallest offense their attorney could negotiate ― Tom Clancy>
–cop a plea : to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid standing trial for a more serious one broadly : to admit fault and plead for mercy

cop
n. : POLICE OFFICER

cop
n. 1 copper
2 copulative
3 copy
4 copyright

cop
n. cop a plea
cop out
rent a cop

cop a plea
to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid standing trial for a more serious one broadly : to admit fault and plead for mercy

cop out
1 : to back out (as of an unwanted responsibility) <cop out on jury duty>
2 : to avoid or neglect problems, responsibilities, or commitments <accused the mayor of copping out on the issue of homelessness>

cop-out
1 : the act or an instance of copping out
2 : an excuse or means for copping out : PRETEXT
3 : a person who cops out

copacetic
adj. : very satisfactory

copaiba
n. : a stimulant oleoresin obtained from several pinnate-leaved So. American trees (genus Copaifera) of the legume family also : one of these trees

copal
n. : a recent or fossil resin from various tropical trees

Copan
ruins of Mayan city W Honduras

coparcenary
n. 1 : joint heirship
2 : joint ownership

coparcener
n. : a joint heir

COPD
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

cope
n. 1 : a long enveloping ecclesiastical vestment
2 a : something resembling a cope (as by concealing or covering) <the dark sky's starry cope ― P. B. Shelley> b : COPING

cope
n. : to cover or furnish with a cope

cope
n. intransitive verb
1 obsolete : STRIKE, FIGHT
2 a : to maintain a contest or combat usually on even terms or with success ― used with with b : to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties ― often used with with <learning to cope with the demands of her schedule>
3 archaic : MEET, ENCOUNTER
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to meet in combat
2 obsolete : to come in contact with
3 obsolete : MATCH

cope
n. 1 : to shape (a structural member) to fit a coping or conform to the shape of another member
2 : NOTCH

copeck
n. variant of kopeck

Copenhagen
n. city & port capital of Denmark; located chiefly on E Sjælland Is. pop 501,285
–Co·pen·ha·gen·er \ˌkō-pən-'hā-gə-nər, -'hä-; 'kō-pən-ˌ\ noun

copepod
n. : any of a large subclass (Copepoda) of usually minute freshwater and marine crustaceans
–copepod adjective

coper
n. British : a horse dealer especially : a dishonest one

Copernican
adj. 1 : of or relating to Copernicus or the belief that the earth rotates daily on its axis and the planets revolve in orbits around the sun
2 : of radical or major importance or degree <effected a Copernican revolution in philosophy ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–Copernican noun
–Co·per·ni·can·ism \-kə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Copernicus
n. Nicolaus Pol Mikołaj Ko·per·nik \kȯ-'per-nēk\ or Niklas Kop·per·nigk \'kä-pər-ˌnik\ 1473-1543 Pol. astron.

copestone
n. 1 : a stone forming a coping
2 : a finishing touch : CROWN

Copiapo
city N cen Chile pop 129,091

copier
n. : one that copies specifically : a machine for making copies of graphic matter (as printing, drawings, or pictures)

copilot
n. : a qualified pilot who assists or relieves the pilot but is not in command

coping
n. : the covering course of a wall usually with a sloping top

coping saw
: a handsaw with a very narrow blade held under tension in a U-shaped frame and used especially for cutting curves in wood

copingstone
n. chiefly British : COPESTONE

copious
adj. 1 a : yielding something abundantly <a copious harvest> <copious springs> b : plentiful in number <copious references to other writers>
2 a : full of thought, information, or matter b : profuse or exuberant in words, expression, or style <a copious talker>
3 : present in large quantity : taking place on a large scale <copious weeping> <copious food and drink>
synonyms see PLENTIFUL
–co·pi·ous·ly adverb
–co·pi·ous·ness noun

coplanar
adj. : lying or acting in the same plane
–co·pla·nar·i·ty \ˌkō-plā-'ner-ə-tē, -'na-rə-\ noun

Copland
Aaron 1900-1990 American composer

Copley
John Sin·gle·ton \'siŋ-gəl-tən\ 1738-1815 American portrait painter

copolymer
n. : a product of copolymerization
–co·pol·y·mer·ic \ˌkō-ˌpä-lə-'mer-ik\ adjective

copolymerization
n. : the polymerization of two substances (as different monomers) together
–co·po·ly·mer·ize \ˌkō-pə-'li-mə-ˌrīz, ˌkō-'pä-lə-mə-\ verb

Coppell
city Tex. NW of Dallas pop 35,958

copper
n. 1 : a common reddish metallic element that is ductile and malleable and is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity ― see ELEMENT table
2 : a coin or token made of copper or bronze
3 chiefly British : a large boiler (as for cooking)
4 : any of a subfamily (Lycaeninae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings

copper
n. : to coat or sheathe with or as if with copper

copper
n. : POLICE OFFICER

copper
n. copper beech
copper pyrites
copper sulfate

copper beech
: a beech with shining coppery-red leaves that is a widely planted cultivar of a beech (Fagus sylvatica) native to Europe

copper pyrites
: CHALCOPYRITE

copper sulfate
: a sulfate of copper especially : the normal sulfate that is white in the anhydrous form but blue in the crystalline hydrous form CuSO_4·5H_2O and that is often used as an algicide and fungicide

copperas
n. : FERROUS SULFATE

Copperas Cove
city cen Tex. SW of Waco pop 29,592

copperhead
n. 1 : a common pit viper (Agkistrodon contortrix) of the eastern and central U.S. usually having a copper-colored head and often a reddish-brown hourglass pattern on the body
2 : a person in the northern states who sympathized with the South during the American Civil War

Coppermine
river 525 mi (845 km) N Canada in Nunavut flowing NW into Arctic Ocean

copperplate
n. 1 : an engraved or etched copper printing plate also : a print made from such a plate
2 : a neat script handwriting based on engraved models

coppersmith
n. : a worker in copper

coppery
adj. : resembling or suggesting copper especially : having the reddish to brownish-orange color of copper <coppery leaves>

coppice
n. 1 : a thicket, grove, or growth of small trees
2 : forest originating mainly from shoots or root suckers rather than seed

coppice
n. transitive verb : to cut back so as to regrow in the form of a coppice
intransitive verb : to form a coppice specifically of a tree : to sprout freely from the base

copr
: dung : feces <coprolite>

copra
n. : dried coconut meat yielding coconut oil

coprocessor
n. : an extra processor in a computer that is designed to perform specialized tasks (as mathematical calculations)

coproduct
: BY-PRODUCT 1

coprolalia
n. : obsessive or uncontrollable use of obscene language

coprolite
n. : fossilized excrement
–cop·ro·lit·ic \ˌkä-prə-'li-tik\ adjective

coprophagous
adj. : feeding on dung
–co·proph·a·gy \-fə-jē\ noun

coprophilia
n. : marked interest in excrement especially : the use of feces or filth for sexual excitement
–cop·ro·phil·i·ac \-lē-ˌak\ noun

coprophilous
: growing or living on dung <coprophilous fungi>

copse
n. : COPPICE 1

Copt
n. 1 : a member of the traditional Monophysite Christian church originating and centering in Egypt
2 : a member of a people descended from the ancient Egyptians

copter
n. : HELICOPTER

Coptic
adj. : an Afro-Asiatic language descended from ancient Egyptian and used as the liturgical language of the Coptic church

Coptic
adj. : of or relating to the Copts, their liturgical language, or their church

copula
n. : something that connects: as a : the connecting link between subject and predicate of a proposition b : LINKING VERB

copulate
v. : to engage in sexual intercourse
–cop·u·la·tion \ˌkä-pyə-'lā-shən\ noun
–cop·u·la·to·ry \'kä-pyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

copulative
adj. 1 a : joining together coordinate words or word groups and expressing addition of their meanings <a copulative conjunction> b : functioning as a copula
2 : relating to or serving for copulation

copulative
adj. : a copulative word

copy
n. 1 : an imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress)
2 : one of a series of especially mechanical reproductions of an original impression also : an individual example of such a reproduction
3 archaic : something to be imitated : MODEL
4 a : matter to be set especially for printing b : something considered printable or newsworthy ― used without an article <remarks that make good copy ― Norman Cousins> c : text especially of an advertisement
5 : DUPLICATE 1A <a copy of a computer file> <a copy of a gene>
synonyms see REPRODUCTION

copy
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a copy or duplicate of <copy a document> <copy a computer file>
2 : to model oneself on
intransitive verb
1 : to make a copy
2 : to undergo copying <the document did not copy well>
synonyms COPY, IMITATE, MIMIC, APE, MOCK mean to make something so that it resembles an existing thing. COPY suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible <copied the painting and sold the fake as an original>. IMITATE suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation <imitate a poet's style>. MIMIC implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation <pupils mimicking their teacher>. APE may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original <American fashion designers aped their European colleagues>. MOCK usually implies imitation with derision <mocking a vain man's pompous manner>.

copy
n. carbon copy
Chinese copy
copy editor
fair copy
hard copy

copy editor
1 : an editor who prepares copy for the typesetter
2 : one who edits and headlines newspaper copy
–copy·ed·it \'kä-pē-ˌe-dət\ transitive verb

copybook
n. : a book formerly used in teaching penmanship and containing models for imitation

copyboy
n. : one who carries copy and runs errands (as in a newspaper office)

copycat
n. 1 : one who imitates or adopts the behavior or practices of another
2 : an imitative act or product <copycat board games>

copycat
n. intransitive verb : to act as a copycat
transitive verb : IMITATE

copydesk
: the desk at which newspaper copy is edited

copyhold
n. 1 : a former tenure of land in England and Ireland by right of being recorded in the court of the manor
2 : an estate held by copyhold

copyholder
n. 1 : one who reads copy for a proofreader
2 : a device for holding copy especially for a typesetter

copyist
n. 1 : one who makes copies
2 : IMITATOR

copyreader
n. : COPY EDITOR
–copy·read \-ˌrēd\ transitive verb

copyright
n. : the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something (as a literary, musical, or artistic work)

copyright
n. : to secure a copyright on
–copy·right·able \-ˌrī-tə-bəl\ adjective

copyright
n. : secured by copyright

copywriter
n. : a writer of advertising or publicity copy

coq au vin
: chicken cooked in usually red wine

Coquelin
Benoît-Constant 1841-1909 Fr. actor

coquet
n. 1 \kō-'ket, -'kā\ : a man who indulges in coquetry
2 \-'ket\ : COQUETTE

coquet
n. : characteristic of a coquette : COQUETTISH

coquet
n. 1 : to play the coquette : FLIRT
2 : to deal with something playfully rather than seriously
synonyms see TRIFLE

coquetry
n. : a flirtatious act or attitude

coquette
n. : a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men
–co·quett·ish \-'ke-tish\ adjective
–co·quett·ish·ly adverb
–co·quett·ish·ness noun

Coquilhatville
― see MBANDAKA

coquina
n. 1 : a soft whitish limestone formed of broken shells and corals cemented together and used for building
2 : a small wedge-shaped clam (Donax variabilis) used for broth or chowder and occurring in the intertidal zone of sandy Atlantic beaches from Delaware to the Gulf of Mexico

Cor
n. Corinthians

cor
n. : an ancient Hebrew and Phoenician unit of measure of capacity

cor
n. 1 corner
2 coroner
3 corpus
4 corresponding

cor pulmonale
: disease of the heart characterized by hypertrophy and dilatation of the right ventricle and secondary to disease of the lungs or their blood vessels

coracle
n. : a small boat used in Britain from ancient times and made of a frame (as of wicker) covered usually with hide or tarpaulin

coracoid
n. : of, relating to, or being a process of the scapula in most mammals or a well-developed cartilage bone of many lower vertebrates that extends from the scapula to or toward the sternum
–coracoid noun

coral
n. 1 a : the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps especially : a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium) b : a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton
2 : a piece of coral and especially of red coral
3 a : a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop) b : a deep pink
–coral adjective
–cor·al·loid \-ə-ˌlȯid\ adjective

coral
n. brain coral
coral snake
elkhorn coral
fire coral
red coral
staghorn coral
Cape Coral
Coral Gables
Coral Sea
Coral Springs

Coral Gables
city SE Fla. SW of Miami pop 42,249

Coral Sea
arm of the SW Pacific bounded on W by Queensland, Australia, on N by the Solomons, & on E by Vanuatu & New Caledonia

coral snake
1 : any of several venomous chiefly tropical New World elapid snakes (genus Micrurus) brilliantly banded in red, black, and yellow or white that include two (M. fulvius and M. euryxanthus) ranging northward into the southern U.S.
2 : any of several harmless snakes resembling the coral snakes

Coral Springs
city SE Fla. NW of Fort Lauderdale pop 117,549

coralbells
: a perennial alumroot (Heuchera sanguinea) widely cultivated for its feathery spikes of tiny usually reddish bell-shaped flowers

coralberry
: a No. American dwarf shrub (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) that bears clusters of small flowers succeeded by red or white berries

coralline
n. 1 : a coralline red alga
2 : a bryozoan or hydroid that resembles a coral

coralline
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling coral
2 : of, relating to, or being any of a family (Corallinaceae) of calcareous red algae

coranto
: COURANTE

corban
: a sacrifice or offering to God among the ancient Hebrews

corbeil
: a sculptured basket of flowers or fruit as an architectural decoration

corbel
n. : an architectural member that projects from within a wall and supports a weight especially : one that is stepped upward and outward from a vertical surface

corbel
n. : to furnish with or make into a corbel

corbeling
v. 1 : corbel work
2 : the construction of a corbel

corbicula
n. : POLLEN BASKET

corbie
n. chiefly Scottish : CARRION CROW also : RAVEN

corbina
: a coastal marine croaker (Menticirrhus undulatus) favored by surf casters along the California coast

Corbusier, Le
1887-1965 orig. Charles-Édouard Jean·ne·ret \zhȧn-'re\ Fr. (Swiss-born) architect, painter, & sculptor

Corcovado
mountain 2310 ft (704 m) SE Brazil on S side of city of Rio de Janeiro

cord
n. 1 a : a long slender flexible material usually consisting of several strands (as of thread or yarn) woven or twisted together b : the hangman's rope
2 : a moral, spiritual, or emotional bond
3 a : an anatomical structure (as a nerve or tendon) resembling a cord especially : UMBILICAL CORD 1A b : a small flexible insulated electrical cable having a plug at one or both ends used to connect a lamp or other appliance with a receptacle
4 : a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 x 4 x 8 feet or 128 cubic feet
5 a : a rib like a cord on a textile b (1) : a fabric made with such ribs or a garment made of such a fabric (2) plural : trousers made of such a fabric

cord
n. 1 : to furnish, bind, or connect with a cord
2 : to pile up (wood) in cords
–cord·er noun

cord
n. Bedford cord
bungee cord
extension cord
face cord
nerve cord
patch cord
rip cord
silver cord
spermatic cord
spinal cord
umbilical cord
vocal cords

cordage
n. 1 : ropes or cords especially : the ropes in the rigging of a ship
2 : the number of cords (as of wood) on a given area

cordate
adj. : shaped like a heart <a cordate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration
–cor·date·ly adverb

Corday
Charlotte 1768-1793 Marie-Anne-Charlotte Corday d'Ar·mont \där-'mōn\ Fr. patriot

corded
adj. 1 a : made of or provided with cords or ridges specifically : muscled in ridges b of a muscle : TENSE, TAUT
2 : bound, fastened, or wound about with cords
3 : striped or ribbed with or as if with cord : TWILLED <corded fabric>
4 : equipped with an electrical cord <a corded phone>

cordgrass
n. : any of a genus (Spartina) of chiefly salt-marsh grasses of coastal regions of Europe, northern Africa, and the New World that have stiff culms and panicled spikelets

cordia pulmonalia
plural of cor pulmonale

cordial
n. 1 obsolete : of or relating to the heart : VITAL
2 : tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate <bottles full of excellent cordial waters ― Daniel Defoe>
3 a : sincerely or deeply felt <a cordial dislike for each other> b : warmly and genially affable <cordial relations>
synonyms see GRACIOUS
–cor·dial·ly \'kȯrj-lē, 'kȯr-jə-\ adverb
–cor·dial·ness \'kȯr-jəl-nəs\ noun

cordial
n. 1 : a stimulating medicine or drink
2 : LIQUEUR

cordiality
n. : sincere affection and kindness : cordial regard

cordierite
n. : a blue mineral of vitreous luster and strong dichroism that consists of a silicate of aluminum, iron, and magnesium

cordiform
adj. : shaped like a heart <a cordiform sea-urchin shell>

cordillera
n. : a system of mountain ranges often consisting of a number of more or less parallel chains
–cor·dil·le·ran \-'yer-ən, -'ler-, -'di-lə-rən\ adjective

cordillera
n. Cordillera Central
Cordillera de Merida
Cordillera de Mérida

Cordillera Central
1 range of the Andes in Colombia
2 range of the Andes in Peru E of the Marañón
3 chief range of the Dominican Republic
4 range Philippines in N Luzon ― see PULOG (Mount)
5 range S cen Puerto Rico ― see CERRO DE PUNTA

Cordillera de Merida
n. mountain range W Venezuela ― see BOLÍVAR (Pico)

cordite
n. : a smokeless powder composed of nitroglycerin, guncotton, and a petroleum substance usually gelatinized by addition of acetone and pressed into cords resembling brown twine

cordless
adj. : having no cord especially : powered by a battery <a cordless telephone>
–cordless noun

Cordoba
n. 1 province S Spain area 5297 sq mi (13,179 sq km), pop 761,657
2 or Cor·do·va \'kȯr-də-və, 'kȯr-thō-ˌvä\ city, its capital, on the Guadalquivir pop 308,072
3 city N cen Argentina pop 1,179,067
–Cor·do·ban \-bən\ adjective or noun

cordoba
n. ― see MONEY table

cordoba
n. Fernandez de Cordoba
Gonzalo de Cordoba
Fernández de Córdoba
Gonzalo de Córdoba
Cordova Island

cordon
n. 1 a : an ornamental cord or ribbon b : STRINGCOURSE
2 a : a line of troops or of military posts enclosing an area to prevent passage b : a line of persons or objects around a person or place <a cordon of police>
3 : an espalier especially of a fruit tree trained as a single horizontal shoot or two diverging horizontal shoots in a single line

cordon
n. : to form a protective or restrictive cordon around ― usually used with off <police cordoned off the area around the crime scene>

cordon sanitaire
: a protective barrier (as of buffer states) against a potentially aggressive nation or a dangerous influence (as an ideology)

Cordova Island
tract on the Rio Grande 385 acres (156 hectares) adjoining Chamizal; formerly belonged entirely to Mexico; 193 acres (78 hectares) ceded to U.S. in 1963

cordovan
n. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Córdoba and especially Córdoba, Spain
2 : made of cordovan leather

cordovan
n. 1 : a soft fine-grained colored leather
2 : dense nonporous leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide

corduroy
n. 1 a plural : trousers of corduroy fabric b : a durable usually cotton pile fabric with vertical ribs or wales
2 : logs laid side by side transversely to make a road surface

corduroy
n. : to build (a road) of logs laid side by side transversely also : to build a corduroy road across

cordwain
archaic : cordovan leather

cordwainer
n. 1 archaic : a worker in cordovan leather
2 : SHOEMAKER
–cord·wain·ery \-ˌwā-nə-rē\ noun

cordwood
n. : wood piled or sold in cords

CORE
n. Congress of Racial Equality

core
n. 1 : a central and often foundational part usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature <the core of the city>: as a : the usually inedible central part of some fruits (as a pineapple) especially : the papery or leathery carpels composing the ripened ovary in a pome fruit (as an apple) b : the portion of a foundry mold that shapes the interior of a hollow casting c : a vertical space (as for elevator shafts, stairways, or plumbing apparatus) in a multistory building d (1) : a mass of iron serving to concentrate and intensify the magnetic field resulting from a current in a surrounding coil (2) : a tiny doughnut-shaped piece of magnetic material (as ferrite) used in computer memories (3) : a computer memory consisting of an array of cores strung on fine wires broadly : the internal memory of a computer e : the central part of a celestial body (as the earth or sun) usually having different physical properties from the surrounding parts f : a nodule of stone (as flint or obsidian) from which flakes have been struck for making implements g : the conducting wire with its insulation in an electric cable h : an arrangement of a course of studies that combines under basic topics material from subjects conventionally separated and aims to provide a common background for all students <core curriculum> i : the place in a nuclear reactor where fission occurs
2 a : a basic, essential, or enduring part (as of an individual, a class, or an entity) <the staff had a core of experts> <the core of her beliefs> b : the essential meaning : GIST <the core of the argument> c : the inmost or most intimate part <honest to the core>
3 : a part (as a thin cylinder of material) removed from the interior of a mass especially to determine composition

core
n. : to remove a core from <core an apple>
–cor·er noun

core
n. chiefly Scottish : a group of people

core
n. core city
hard core
soft core

core city
: INNER CITY

cored
adj. : having a core of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <a balsa-cored deck>

coreligionist
n. : a person of the same religion

Corelli
Arcangelo 1653-1713 Ital. violinist & composer

coreopsis
n. : any of a genus (Coreopsis) of widely cultivated composite herbs with showy often yellow flower heads and pinnately lobed or dissected leaves

corepressor
n. : a small molecule that activates a particular genetic repressor by combining with it

corequisite
: a formal course of study required to be taken simultaneously with another

corespondent
n. : a person named as guilty of adultery with the defendant in a divorce suit

Corey
Elias James 1928-     Am. chem.

corf
n. British : a basket, tub, or truck used in a mine

Corfu
n. 1 island NW Greece, one of the Ionian Islands area 229 sq mi (593 sq km), pop 105,043
2 city & port on E Corfu pop 36,875
–Cor·fi·ote \'kȯr-fē-ˌōt, -ət\ noun

corgi
n. : WELSH CORGI

corgi
n. Cardigan Welsh corgi
Pembroke Welsh corgi
Welsh corgi

Cori
Carl Ferdinand 1896-1984 & his wife Ger·ty \'ger-tē\ Theresa 1896-1957 née Rad·nitz \'räd-ˌnits\ American (Czech-born) biochemists

coriaceous
adj. : resembling leather <coriaceous foliage>

coriander
n. 1 : an Old World annual herb (Coriandrum sativum) of the carrot family with aromatic fruits
2 : the ripened dried fruit of coriander used as a flavoring ― called also coriander seed

Corinth
n. region of ancient Greece occupying most of Isthmus of Corinth & part of NE Peloponnese

Corinth, Gulf of
inlet of Ionian Sea cen Greece W of Isthmus of Corinth (neck of land 20 mi or 32 km long connecting Peloponnese with rest of Greece)

Corinthian
n. 1 : a native or resident of Corinth, Greece
2 : a merry profligate man

Corinthian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth or Corinthians
2 : of or relating to the lightest and most ornate of the three ancient Greek architectural orders distinguished especially by its large capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves ― see ORDER illustration

Corinthians
n. : either of two letters written by St. Paul to the Christians of Corinth and included as books in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Coriolis effect
: the apparent deflection of a moving object that is the result of the Coriolis force

Coriolis force
: an apparent force that as a result of the earth's rotation deflects moving objects (as projectiles or air currents) to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere

corium
n. : DERMIS

Cork
n. 1 county SW Ireland in Munster area 2880 sq mi (7459 sq km), pop 447,829
2 city & port, its capital, at head of Cork harbor pop 123,062

cork
n. 1 a : the elastic tough outer tissue of the cork oak that is used especially for stoppers and insulation b : PHELLEM
2 : a usually cork stopper for a bottle or jug
3 : a fishing float

cork
n. 1 : to furnish or fit with cork or a cork
2 : to stop up with a cork <cork a bottle>
3 : to blacken with burnt cork <corked faces>

cork cambium
: PHELLOGEN

cork oak
: an oak (Quercus suber) of southern Europe and northern Africa that is the source of the cork of commerce

corkage
n. : a charge (as by a restaurant) for opening a bottle of wine bought elsewhere

corkboard
n. : a heat-insulating material made of compressed granulated cork also : a bulletin board made with this material

corked
adj. : CORKY 2

corker
n. 1 : one that corks containers (as bottles)
2 : one that is excellent or remarkable

corking
adj. : extremely fine ― often used as an intensive especially before good <had a corking good time>

corkscrew
n. : a device for drawing corks from bottles that has a pointed spiral piece of metal turned by a handle

corkscrew
n. : resembling a corkscrew : SPIRAL

corkscrew
n. 1 : WIND
2 : to draw out with difficulty
3 : to twist into a spiral
intransitive verb : to move in a winding course

corkwood
n. : any of several trees having light or corky wood especially : a small or shrubby tree (Leitneria floridana) of the southeastern U.S. that has extremely light soft wood

corky
adj. 1 : resembling cork
2 : having an unpleasant odor and taste (as from a tainted cork) <corky wine>
–cork·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

corm
n. : a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure ― compare BULB, TUBER

Cormack
Allan MacLeod 1924-1998 American (So. African-born) physicist

cormel
: a small or secondary corm produced by a larger corm

cormorant
n. 1 : any of various dark-colored web-footed water birds (family Phalacrocoracidae, especially genus Phalacrocorax) that have a long neck, hooked bill, and distensible throat pouch
2 : a gluttonous, greedy, or rapacious person

corn
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a small hard particle : GRAIN
2 : a small hard seed
3 a : the seeds of a cereal grass and especially of the important cereal crop of a particular region (as wheat in Britain, oats in Scotland and Ireland, and Indian corn in the New World and Australia) b : the kernels of sweet corn served as a vegetable while still soft and milky
4 : a plant that produces corn especially : INDIAN CORN 1
5 : CORN WHISKEY
6 a : something (as writing, music, or acting) that is corny b : the quality or state of being corny : CORNINESS
7 : CORN SNOW

corn
n. 1 : to form into grains : GRANULATE
2 a : to preserve or season with salt in grains b : to cure or preserve in brine containing preservatives and often seasonings <corned beef>
3 : to feed with corn <corn the horses>

corn
n. : a local hardening and thickening of epidermis (as on a toe)

corn
n. blue corn
corn borer
corn bread
corn chip
corn cockle
corn dodger
corn dog
corn earworm
corn fed
corn flour
Corn Law
corn leaf aphid
corn oil
corn pone
corn poppy
corn rootworm
corn salad
corn silk
corn snow
corn sugar
corn syrup
corn whiskey
dent corn
European corn borer
field corn
flint corn
green corn
hulled corn
Indian corn
northern corn rootworm
pod corn
southern corn rootworm
southwestern corn borer
squirrel corn
sweet corn
Corn Islands

corn borer
: any of several insects that bore in maize: as a : EUROPEAN CORN BORER b : SOUTHWESTERN CORN BORER

corn bread
: bread made with cornmeal

corn chip
: a piece of a dry crisp snack food prepared from a seasoned cornmeal batter

corn cockle
: an annual hairy weed (Agrostemma githago) of the pink family with purplish-red flowers that is found in grain fields

corn dodger
chiefly Southern & Midland : a cake of corn bread that is fried, baked, or boiled as a dumpling

corn dog
: a frankfurter dipped in cornmeal batter, fried, and served on a stick

corn earworm
: a noctuid moth (Helicoverpa zea syn. Heliothis zea) whose large striped yellow-headed larva is especially destructive to Indian corn, tomatoes, tobacco, and cotton bolls

corn flour
British : CORNSTARCH

Corn Islands
two small islands Nicaragua in the Caribbean

Corn Law
: one of a series of laws in force in Great Britain before 1846 prohibiting or discouraging the importation of grain

corn leaf aphid
: a dusky greenish or brownish aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) that feeds on the flowers and foliage of various commercially important grasses (as Indian corn)

corn oil
: a yellow fatty oil obtained from the germ of Indian corn kernels and used chiefly as salad oil, in soft soap, and in margarine

corn pone
Southern & Midland : corn bread often made without milk or eggs and baked or fried

corn poppy
: an annual red-flowered Eurasian poppy (Papaver rhoeas) common in fields and cultivated in several varieties

corn rootworm
: any of several chrysomelid beetles (genus Diabrotica) whose root-eating larvae are pests especially of corn

corn salad
: any of several herbs (genus Valerianella) of the valerian family especially : a low European herb (V. locusta syn. V. olitoria) that is widely cultivated for its leaves used in salads and as a potherb ― called also lamb's lettuce mâche

corn silk
: the silky styles on an ear of Indian corn

corn snow
: granular snow formed by alternate thawing and freezing

corn sugar
: DEXTROSE

corn syrup
: a syrup containing dextrins, maltose, and dextrose that is obtained by partial hydrolysis of cornstarch

corn whiskey
: whiskey distilled from a mash made up of not less than 80 percent corn ― compare BOURBON

corn-fed
1 : fed or fattened on grain (as corn) <corn-fed hogs>
2 : looking well-fed : PLUMP
3 : rustically wholesome or corny <corn-fed humor>

cornball
n. : an unsophisticated person also : something corny

cornball
n. : CORNY <cornball humor>

corncob
n. 1 : the core on which the kernels of Indian corn are arranged
2 : an ear of Indian corn

corncob pipe
: a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of a corncob

corncrake
n. : a Eurasian short-billed rail (Crex crex) that frequents grain fields

corncrib
n. : a crib for storing ears of Indian corn

cornea
n. : the transparent part of the coat of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil and admits light to the interior ― see EYE illustration
–cor·ne·al \-əl\ adjective

Corneille
Pierre 1606-1684 Fr. dram.

cornel
n. : any of various shrubs or trees (genus Cornus) of the dogwood family specifically : DOGWOOD

Cornelia
n. 2d cent. B.C. Mother of the Gracchi Rom. matron

Cornelia
n. d 67? B.C. wife of Julius Caesar

cornelian
n. : CARNELIAN

Cornelius
n. Pe·ter \'pā-tər\ von 1783-1867 Ger. painter

Cornell
n. Eric Allin 1961-     American physicist

Cornell
n. Ezra 1807-1874 American financier & philanthropist

Cornell
n. Katharine 1893-1974 American actress

corneous
adj. : of a horny texture

corner
n. 1 a : the point where converging lines, edges, or sides meet : ANGLE b : the place of intersection of two streets or roads c : a piece designed to form, mark, or protect a corner
2 : the angular part or space between meeting lines, edges, or borders near the vertex of the angle <the southwest corner of the state> <the corners of the tablecloth>: as a : the area of a playing field or court near the intersection of the sideline and the goal line or baseline b (1) : either of the four angles of a boxing ring especially : the area in which a boxer rests or is worked on by his seconds during periods between rounds (2) : a group of supporters, well-wishers, or adherents associated especially with a contestant c : the side of home plate nearest to or farthest from a batter <a fast ball over the outside corner> d : CORNER KICK e (1) : the outside of a football formation (2) : CORNERBACK
3 a : a private, secret, or remote place <a quiet corner of New England> <to every corner of the earth> <dark corners of the mind> b : a difficult or embarrassing situation : a position from which escape or retreat is difficult or impossible <was backed into a corner>
4 : control or ownership of enough of the available supply of a commodity or security especially to permit manipulation of the price
5 : a point at which significant change occurs ― often used in the phrase turn the corner
–cor·nered \-nərd\ adjective
–around the corner : at hand : IMMINENT <good times are just around the corner>

corner
n. 1 : situated at a corner <the corner drugstore>
2 : used or fitted for use in or on a corner <a corner table>

corner
n. 1 a : to drive into a corner <the animal is dangerous when cornered> b : to catch and hold the attention of especially to force an interview
2 : to get a corner on <corner the market>
intransitive verb
1 : to meet or converge at a corner or angle
2 : to turn a corner <the car corners well>

corner
n. amen corner
catty corner
coffin corner
around the corner
corner kick
hole and corner
hot corner
kitty corner
cut corners
catty cornered
kitty cornered

corner kick
: a free kick from a corner of a soccer field awarded to an attacker when a defender plays the ball out-of-bounds over the end line

cornerback
n. : a defensive halfback in football who defends the flank

cornerman
n. 1 : one who plays in or near the corner: as a : CORNERBACK b : a basketball forward
2 : a boxer's second

cornerstone
n. 1 : a stone forming a part of a corner or angle in a wall specifically : such a stone laid at a formal ceremony
2 : a basic element : FOUNDATION <a cornerstone of foreign policy>

cornerways
adv. : DIAGONALLY

cornerwise
adv. : DIAGONALLY

cornet
n. 1 : a valved brass instrument resembling a trumpet in design and range but having a shorter partly conical tube and less brilliant tone
2 : something shaped like a cone: as a : a piece of paper twisted for use as a container b : a cone-shaped pastry shell that is often filled with whipped cream c British : an ice-cream cone
–cor·net·ist or cor·net·tist \kȯr-'ne-tist, 'kȯr-ni-\ noun

cornet
n. 1 : the standard of a cavalry troop
2 a : the onetime fifth grade of commissioned officer in a British cavalry troop who carried the standard b : the onetime lowest commissioned rank in the U.S. cavalry

Corneto
― see TARQUINIA

cornfield
n. : a field in which corn is grown

cornflakes
n. : toasted flakes made from the coarse meal of hulled corn for use as a breakfast cereal

cornflower
n. 1 : CORN COCKLE
2 : BACHELOR'S BUTTON

cornflower blue
: a moderate purplish blue

Cornhusker
: a native or resident of Nebraska ― used as a nickname

cornhusking
n. : a social gathering especially of farm families to husk corn

cornice
n. 1 a : the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition ― see COLUMN illustration b : a top course that crowns a wall
2 : a decorative band of metal or wood used to conceal curtain fixtures
3 : an overhanging mass of windblown snow or ice usually on a ridge

cornice
n. : to furnish or crown with a cornice

corniche
n. : a road built along a coast and especially along the face of a cliff

cornichon
: a sour gherkin usually flavored with tarragon

corniculate cartilage
: a small nodule of yellow elastic cartilage articulating with the apex of the arytenoid

cornification
n. : conversion into horn or a horny or keratinous substance or tissue

Cornish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Cornwall, Cornishmen, or Cornish

Cornish
adj. 1 : the Celtic language of Cornwall
2 : any of an English breed of domestic chickens much used in crossbreeding for meat production ― compare ROCK CORNISH HEN

Cornish
adj. Cornish pasty
Cornish rex
Rock Cornish hen
Rock Cornish game hen
Rock Cornish

Cornish pasty
: a filled pastry containing cooked meat and vegetables

Cornish rex
: any of a breed of cats with a very short soft wavy coat free of guard hairs and a small head with large ears

Cornishman
n. : a native or resident of Cornwall, England

cornmeal
n. : meal ground from corn

Corno, Monte
mountain 9560 ft (2897 m) cen Italy NE of Rome; highest in the Apennines

cornpone
: DOWN-HOME, COUNTRIFIED <cornpone humor>

cornrow
n. 1 : a section of hair which is braided usually flat to the scalp
2 : a hairstyle in which the hair is divided into cornrow sections arranged in rows
–cornrow verb

cornstalk
n. : a stalk of Indian corn

cornstarch
n. : starch made from corn and used in foods as a thickening agent, in making corn syrup and sugars, and in the manufacture of adhesives and sizes for paper and textiles

cornu
n. : a horn-shaped anatomical part (as of the uterus)
–cor·nu·al \-nü-əl, -nyü-\ adjective

cornucopia
n. 1 : a curved goat's horn overflowing with fruit and ears of grain that is used as a decorative motif emblematic of abundance
2 : an inexhaustible store : ABUNDANCE
3 : a receptacle shaped like a horn or cone
–cor·nu·co·pi·an \-pē-ən\ adjective

cornuto
: CUCKOLD

Cornwall
n. 1 city Canada in SE Ont. pop 45,640
2 or since 1974 Cornwall and Isles of Scil·ly \'si-lē\ county SW England capital Truro area 1418 sq mi (3673 sq km), pop 469,300

Cornwallis
n. 1st Marquis 1738-1805 Charles Cornwallis Brit. gen. & statesman

corny
adj. 1 archaic : tasting strongly of malt
2 : of or relating to corn
3 : mawkishly old-fashioned : tiresomely simple and sentimental <told corny jokes>
–corn·i·ly \'kȯr-nə-lē\ adverb
–corn·i·ness \'kȯr-nē-nəs\ noun

corny
adj. : relating to or having corns on the feet

Coro
city NW Venezuela near coast pop 124,616

corody
: an allowance of provisions for maintenance dispensed as a charity

corolla
n. : the part of a flower that consists of the separate or fused petals and constitutes the inner whorl of the perianth
–co·rol·late \kə-'rä-lət; 'kȯr-ə-ˌlāt, 'kär-\ adjective

corollary
n. 1 : a proposition inferred immediately from a proved proposition with little or no additional proof
2 a : something that naturally follows : RESULT b : something that incidentally or naturally accompanies or parallels
–corollary adjective

Coromandel
n. coast region SE India on Bay of Bengal S of mouths of the Krishna

coromandel
n. : CALAMANDER

coromandel screen
: a Chinese lacquered folding screen

Corona
n. city S Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 124,966

corona
n. 1 : the projecting part of a classic cornice
2 a : a usually colored circle often seen around and close to a luminous body (as the sun or moon) caused by diffraction produced by suspended droplets or occas. particles of dust b : the tenuous outermost part of the atmosphere of a star (as the sun) c : a circle of light made by the apparent convergence of the streamers of the aurora borealis d : the upper portion of a bodily part (as a tooth or the skull) e : an appendage or series of united appendages on the inner side of the corolla in some flowers (as the daffodil, jonquil, or milkweed) f : a faint glow adjacent to the surface of an electrical conductor at high voltage
3 [from La Corona, a trademark] : a long cigar having the sides straight to the end to be lit and being roundly blunt at the other end

corona
n. Corona Australis
Corona Borealis
corona radiata
coronae radiatae

Corona Australis
: a southern constellation adjoining Sagittarius on the south

Corona Borealis
: a northern constellation between Hercules and Boötes

corona radiata
: the zone of small follicular cells immediately surrounding the ovum in the graafian follicle and accompanying the ovum on its discharge from the follicle

coronach
n. : a funeral dirge sung or played on the bagpipes in Scotland and Ireland

Coronado
Francisco Vásquez de ca 1510-1554 Span. explorer & conquistador

Coronado
city SW Calif. on San Diego Bay opposite San Diego pop 24,100

coronagraph
n. : a telescope for observation of the sun's corona

coronal
n. : a circlet for the head usually implying rank or dignity

coronal
n. 1 a : lying in the direction of the coronal suture b : of or relating to the frontal plane that passes through the long axis of the body
2 : of or relating to a corona or crown

coronal suture
: a suture extending across the skull between the parietal and frontal bones

coronary
n. 1 : of, relating to, resembling, or being a crown or coronal
2 : of, relating to, or being the coronary arteries or veins of the heart broadly : of or relating to the heart

coronary
n. 1 a : CORONARY ARTERY b : CORONARY VEIN
2 : CORONARY THROMBOSIS broadly : HEART ATTACK

coronary
n. coronary artery
coronary heart disease
coronary artery disease
coronary occlusion
coronary sinus
coronary thrombosis
coronary vein

coronary artery
: either of two arteries that arise one from the left and one from the right side of the aorta immediately above the semilunar valves and supply the tissues of the heart itself

coronary heart disease
: a condition and especially one caused by atherosclerosis that reduces blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart and typically results in chest pain or heart damage ― called also coronary artery disease

coronary occlusion
: the partial or complete blocking (as by a thrombus, by spasm, or by sclerosis) of a coronary artery

coronary sinus
: a venous channel that is derived from the sinus venosus, is continuous with the largest of the cardiac veins, receives most of the blood from the walls of the heart, and empties into the right atrium

coronary thrombosis
: the blocking of a coronary artery of the heart by a thrombus

coronary vein
: any of several veins that drain the tissues of the heart and empty into the coronary sinus

coronate
v. : CROWN 1A

coronation
n. : the act or occasion of crowning also : accession to the highest office

coronavirus
n. : any of a family (Coronaviridae and especially genus Coronavirus) of single-stranded RNA viruses having a lipid envelope studded with club-shaped projections and including pathogens of animals and humans

coroner
n. : a usually elected public officer whose principal duty is to inquire by an inquest into the cause of any death which there is reason to suppose is not due to natural causes ― compare MEDICAL EXAMINER

coronet
n. 1 : a small or lesser crown usually signifying a rank below that of a sovereign
2 : an ornamental wreath or band for the head usually for wear by women on formal occasions
3 : the lower part of a horse's pastern where the horn terminates in skin ― see HORSE illustration

Corot
(Jean-Baptiste-) Camille 1796-1875 Fr. painter

corotate
: to rotate in conjunction with or at the same rate as another rotating body
–co·ro·ta·tion \ˌkō-rō-'tā-shən\ noun

Corozal
city N cen Puerto Rico pop 36,867

corp
n. 1 corporal
2 corporation

corpora
n. plural of corpus

corpora
n. corpora allata
corpora callosa
corpora cardiaca
corpora delicti
corpora lutea
corpora striata

corporal
n. : a linen cloth on which the eucharistic elements are placed

corporal
n. 1 obsolete : CORPOREAL, PHYSICAL
2 : of, relating to, or affecting the body <corporal punishment>
–cor·po·ral·ly \-p(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

corporal
n. : a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army above a private first class and below a sergeant and in the marine corps above a lance corporal and below a sergeant

corporal's guard
1 : the small detachment commanded by a corporal
2 : a small group

corporality
n. : the quality or state of being or having a body or a material or physical existence

corporate
adj. 1 a : formed into an association and endowed by law with the rights and liabilities of an individual : INCORPORATED b : of or relating to a corporation <a plan to reorganize the corporate structure> c : of, relating to, or being the large corporations of a country or region considered as a unit <the latest trend in corporate America> d : having qualities (as commercialism or lack of originality) associated with large corporations or attributed to their influence or control <corporate rock music> <corporate art>
2 : of, relating to, or formed into a unified body of individuals <human law arises by the corporate action of a people ― G. H. Sabine>
3 : CORPORATIVE 2
–cor·po·rate·ly adverb

corporate-wide
: extending throughout or involving an entire corporation

corporation
n. 1 a : a group of merchants or traders united in a trade guild b : the municipal authorities of a town or city
2 : a body formed and authorized by law to act as a single person although constituted by one or more persons and legally endowed with various rights and duties including the capacity of succession
3 : an association of employers and employees in a basic industry or of members of a profession organized as an organ of political representation in a corporative state
4 : POTBELLY 1

corporation
n. close corporation
closed corporation
professional corporation
public service corporation

corporatism
n. : the organization of a society into industrial and professional corporations serving as organs of political representation and exercising control over persons and activities within their jurisdiction
–cor·po·rat·ist \-p(ə-)rə-tist\ adjective

corporative
adj. 1 : of or relating to a corporation
2 : of or relating to corporatism <a corporative state>

corporativism
: CORPORATISM

corporatize
v. : to subject to corporate ownership or control <afraid that medicine was becoming corporatized>
–cor·po·rat·i·za·tion \ˌkȯr-p(ə-)rə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

corporator
n. : a corporation organizer, member, or stockholder

corporeal
adj. 1 : having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body: as a : not spiritual b : not immaterial or intangible : SUBSTANTIAL
2 archaic : CORPORAL
synonyms see MATERIAL
–cor·po·re·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–cor·po·re·al·ness noun

corporeality
n. : corporeal existence

corporeity
n. : the quality or state of having or being a body : MATERIALITY

corposant
n. : SAINT ELMO'S FIRE

corps
n. 1 a : an organized subdivision of the military establishment <Marine Corps> <Signal Corps> b : a tactical unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and auxiliary arms and services
2 : a group of persons associated together or acting under common direction especially : a body of persons having a common activity or occupation <the press corps>
3 : CORPS DE BALLET

corps
n. corps de ballet
corps d'elite
esprit de corps
peace corps
sergeant major of the marine corps
garde du corps

corps d'elite
1 : a body of picked troops
2 : a group of the best people in a category

corps de ballet
: the ensemble of a ballet company

corpse
n. 1 archaic : a human or animal body whether living or dead
2 a : a dead body especially of a human being b : the remains of something discarded or defunct <the corpses of rusting cars>

corpsman
n. 1 : an enlisted man trained to give first aid and minor medical treatment
2 : a member of a government-sponsored service corps

corpulence
n. : the state of being corpulent

corpulency
n. : CORPULENCE

corpulent
adj. : having a large bulky body : OBESE
–cor·pu·lent·ly adverb

corpus
n. 1 : the body of a human or animal especially when dead
2 a : the main part or body of a bodily structure or organ <the corpus of the uterus> b : the main body or corporeal substance of a thing specifically : the principal of a fund or estate as distinct from income or interest
3 a : all the writings or works of a particular kind or on a particular subject especially : the complete works of an author b : a collection or body of knowledge or evidence especially : a collection of recorded utterances used as a basis for the descriptive analysis of a language

corpus
n. corpus allatum
corpus callosum
corpus cardiacum
Corpus Christi
corpus delicti
corpus luteum
corpus striatum
habeas corpus
habeas corpus ad subjiciendum
writ of habeas corpus
corpora allata
corpora callosa
corpora cardiaca
corpora delicti
corpora lutea
corpora striata

corpus allatum
: one of a pair of separate or fused bodies in many insects that are sometimes closely associated with the corpora cardiaca and that secrete hormones (as juvenile hormone)

corpus callosum
: the great band of commissural fibers uniting the cerebral hemispheres of higher mammals including humans ― see BRAIN illustration

corpus cardiacum
: one of a pair of separate or fused bodies of nervous tissue in many insects that lie posterior to the brain and function in the storage and secretion of brain hormone

Corpus Christi
: the Thursday after Trinity observed as a Roman Catholic festival in honor of the Eucharist

Corpus Christi
city & port S Tex. on Corpus Christi Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico) at mouth of the Nueces pop 277,454

corpus delicti
1 : the substantial and fundamental fact necessary to prove the commission of a crime
2 : the material substance (as the body of the victim of a murder) upon which a crime has been committed

corpus luteum
: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary

corpus striatum
: either of a pair of masses of nervous tissue within the brain that contain two large nuclei of gray matter separated by sheets of white matter

corpuscle
n. 1 : a minute particle
2 a : a living cell especially : one (as a red or white blood cell or a cell in cartilage or bone) not aggregated into continuous tissues b : any of various small circumscribed multicellular bodies
–cor·pus·cu·lar \kȯr-'pəs-kyə-lər\ adjective

corpuscle
n. Malpighian corpuscle
Pacinian corpuscle
white blood corpuscle
red corpuscle
red blood corpuscle

corr
1 correct; corrected; correction
2 correspondence; correspondent; corresponding
3 corrupt; corruption

corrade
transitive verb : to wear away by abrasion
intransitive verb : to crumble away through abrasion
–cor·ra·sion \-'rā-zhən\ noun
–cor·ra·sive \-'rā-siv, -ziv\ adjective

corral
n. 1 : a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock
2 : an enclosure made with wagons for defense of an encampment

corral
n. 1 : to enclose in a corral
2 : to arrange (wagons) so as to form a corral
3 : COLLECT, GATHER <corralling votes for the upcoming election>

correct
adj. 1 a : to make or set right : AMEND <correct an error> b : COUNTERACT, NEUTRALIZE <correct a harmful tendency> c : to alter or adjust so as to bring to some standard or required condition <correct a lens for spherical aberration>
2 a : to punish (as a child) with a view to reforming or improving b : to point out usually for amendment the errors or faults of <spent the day correcting tests>
–cor·rect·able \-'rek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–cor·rec·tor \-'rek-tər\ noun
synonyms CORRECT, RECTIFY, EMEND, REMEDY, REDRESS, AMEND, REFORM, REVISE mean to make right what is wrong. CORRECT implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects <correct your spelling>. RECTIFY implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed <rectify a misguided policy>. EMEND specif. implies correction of a text or manuscript <emend a text>. REMEDY implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil <set out to remedy the evils of the world>. REDRESS implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance <redress past social injustices>. AMEND, REFORM, REVISE imply an improving by making corrective changes, AMEND usually suggesting slight changes <amend a law>, REFORM implying drastic change <plans to reform the court system>, and REVISE suggesting a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes <revise the schedule>. synonym see in addition PUNISH

correct
adj. 1 : conforming to an approved or conventional standard <correct behavior>
2 : conforming to or agreeing with fact, logic, or known truth <a correct response>
3 : conforming to a set figure <enclosed the correct return postage>
4 : conforming to the strict requirements of a specific ideology or set of beliefs or values <environmentally correct> <spiritually correct>
–cor·rect·ly \kə-'rek(t)-lē\ adverb
–cor·rect·ness \-'rek(t)-nəs\ noun
synonyms CORRECT, ACCURATE, EXACT, PRECISE, NICE, RIGHT mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth. CORRECT usually implies freedom from fault or error <correct answers> <socially correct dress>. ACCURATE implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care <an accurate description>. EXACT stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth <exact measurements>. PRECISE adds to EXACT an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation <precise calibration>. NICE stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination <makes nice distinctions>. RIGHT is close to CORRECT but has a stronger positive emphasis on conformity to fact or truth rather than mere absence of error or fault <the right thing to do>.

correct
adj. politically correct
corrected time
self correcting
political correctness

corrected time
: a boat's elapsed time less its time allowance in yacht racing

correction
n. 1 : the action or an instance of correcting: as a : AMENDMENT, RECTIFICATION b : REBUKE, PUNISHMENT c : a bringing into conformity with a standard d : NEUTRALIZATION, COUNTERACTION <correction of acidity>
2 : a decline in market price or business activity following and counteracting a rise
3 a : something substituted in place of what is wrong <marking corrections on the students' papers> b : a quantity applied by way of correcting (as for adjustment of an instrument)
4 : the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through a program involving penal custody, parole, and probation also : the administration of such treatment as a matter of public policy ― usually used in plural
–cor·rec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

correction fluid
: a liquid used to paint over typing or writing errors

correctitude
n. : correctness or propriety of conduct

corrective
n. : intended to correct <corrective lenses> <corrective punishment>
–corrective noun
–cor·rec·tive·ly adverb

Correggio
n. 1494-1534 Antonio Allegri da Correggio Ital. painter

Corregidor
island N Philippines at entrance to Manila Bay area ab 2 sq mi (5 sq km)

correlate
v. 1 : either of two things so related that one directly implies or is complementary to the other (as husband and wife)
2 : a phenomenon that accompanies another phenomenon, is usually parallel to it, and is related in some way to it <precise electrical correlates of conscious thinking in the human brain ― Bayard Webster>
–correlate adjective

correlate
intransitive verb : to bear reciprocal or mutual relations : CORRESPOND
transitive verb
1 a : to establish a mutual or reciprocal relation between <correlate activities in the lab and the field> b : to show correlation or a causal relationship between
2 : to present or set forth so as to show relationship <he correlates the findings of the scientists, the psychologists, and the mystics ― Eugene Exman>
–cor·re·lat·able \-ˌlā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–cor·re·lat·or \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

correlation
n. 1 : the state or relation of being correlated specifically : a relation existing between phenomena or things or between mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone <the obviously high positive correlation between scholastic aptitude and college entrance ― J. B. Conant>
2 : the act of correlating
–cor·re·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

correlation
n. coefficient of correlation
correlation coefficient
rank correlation

correlation coefficient
: a number or function that indicates the degree of correlation between two sets of data or between two random variables and that is equal to their covariance divided by the product of their standard deviations

correlative
n. 1 : naturally related : CORRESPONDING
2 : reciprocally related
3 : regularly used together but typically not adjacent <the correlative conjunctions either⋯or>
–correlative noun
–cor·rel·a·tive·ly adverb

correspond
v. 1 a : to be in conformity or agreement <the ideal failed⋯to correspond with the reality ― J. R. Sutherland> b : to compare closely : MATCH ― usually used with to or with c : to be equivalent or parallel
2 : to communicate with a person by exchange of letters

correspondence
n. 1 a : the agreement of things with one another b : a particular similarity c : a relation between sets in which each member of one set is associated with one or more members of the other ― compare FUNCTION 5a
2 a : communication by letters also : the letters exchanged b : the news, information, or opinion contributed by a correspondent to a newspaper or periodical

correspondence course
: a course offered by a correspondence school

correspondence school
: a school that teaches nonresident students by mailing them lessons and exercises which upon completion are returned to the school for grading

correspondency
: CORRESPONDENCE

correspondent
n. 1 : CORRESPONDING
2 : FITTING, CONFORMING ― used with with or to <the outcome was entirely correspondent with my wishes>

correspondent
n. 1 a : one who communicates with another by letter b : one who has regular commercial relations with another c : one who contributes news or commentary to a publication (as a newspaper) or a radio or television network often from a distant place <a war correspondent>
2 : something that corresponds

corresponding
adj. 1 a : having or participating in the same relationship (as kind, degree, position, correspondence, or function) especially with regard to the same or like wholes (as geometric figures or sets) <corresponding parts of similar triangles> b : RELATED, ACCOMPANYING <all rights carry with them corresponding responsibilities ― W. P. Paepcke>
2 a : charged with the duty of writing letters <corresponding secretary> b : participating or serving at a distance and by mail <a corresponding member of the society>
–cor·re·spond·ing·ly \-'spän-diŋ-lē\ adverb

corresponding angles
: any pair of angles each of which is on the same side of one of two lines cut by a transversal and on the same side of the transversal

corresponsive
: mutually responsive

corrida
n. : BULLFIGHT

corridor
n. 1 a : a passageway (as in a hotel or office building) into which compartments or rooms open b : a place or position in which especially political power is wielded through discussion and deal-making <was excluded from the corridors of power after losing the election>
2 : a usually narrow passageway or route: as a : a narrow strip of land through foreign-held territory b : a restricted lane for air traffic c : a land path used by migrating animals
3 a : a densely populated strip of land including two or more major cities <the Northeast corridor stretching from Washington into New England ― S. D. Browne> b : an area or stretch of land identified by a specific common characteristic or purpose <a corridor of liberalism> <the city's industrial corridor>

corrie
n. : CIRQUE 3

Corriedale
: any of a breed of rather large usually hornless sheep developed in New Zealand and raised for mutton and wool

Corrientes
city NE Argentina pop 267,742

corrigendum
n. : an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet

corrigible
adj. : capable of being set right : REPARABLE <a corrigible defect>
–cor·ri·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌkȯr-ə-jə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌkär-\ noun

corrival
: RIVAL, COMPETITOR
–corrival adjective

corroborant
n. archaic : having an invigorating effect ― used of a medicine

corroborate
: to support with evidence or authority : make more certain
synonyms see CONFIRM
–cor·rob·o·ra·tion \-ˌrä-bə-'rā-shən\ noun
–cor·rob·o·ra·tive \-'rä-bə-ˌrā-tiv, -'rä-b(ə-)rə-\ adjective
–cor·rob·o·ra·tor \-'rä-bə-ˌrā-tər\ noun
–cor·rob·o·ra·to·ry \-'rä-b(ə-)rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

corroboree
n. 1 : a nocturnal festivity with songs and symbolic dances by which the Australian aborigines celebrate events of importance
2 Australian a : a noisy festivity b : TUMULT

corrode
v. transitive verb
1 : to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing especially : to wear away gradually usually by chemical action <the metal was corroded beyond repair>
2 : to weaken or destroy gradually : UNDERMINE <manners and miserliness that corrode the human spirit ― Bernard De Voto>
intransitive verb : to undergo corrosion
–cor·rod·ible \-'rō-də-bəl\ adjective

corrody
n. variant of corody

corrosion
n. 1 : the action, process, or effect of corroding
2 : a product of corroding

corrosive
n. 1 : tending or having the power to corrode <corrosive acids> <corrosive action> <the corrosive effects of alcoholism>
2 : bitingly sarcastic <corrosive satire>
–corrosive noun
–cor·ro·sive·ly adverb
–cor·ro·sive·ness noun

corrosive sublimate
: MERCURIC CHLORIDE

corrugate
v. transitive verb : to form or shape into wrinkles or folds or into alternating ridges and grooves : FURROW
intransitive verb : to become corrugated

corrugated
adj. : having corrugations <corrugated paper> also : made of corrugated material (as cardboard) <corrugated boxes>

corrugation
n. 1 : the act of corrugating
2 : a ridge or groove of a surface that has been corrugated

corrupt
transitive verb
1 a : to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions also : BRIBE b : to degrade with unsound principles or moral values
2 : ROT, SPOIL
3 : to subject (a person) to corruption of blood
4 : to alter from the original or correct form or version <the file was corrupted>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become tainted or rotten b : to become morally debased
2 : to cause disintegration or ruin
synonyms see DEBASE
–cor·rupt·er also cor·rup·tor \-'rəp-tər\ noun
–cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty \-ˌrəp-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–cor·rupt·ible \-'rəp-tə-bəl\ adjective
–cor·rupt·ibly \-blē\ adverb

corrupt
adj. 1 a : morally degenerate and perverted : DEPRAVED b : characterized by improper conduct (as bribery or the selling of favors) <corrupt judges>
2 : PUTRID, TAINTED
3 : adulterated or debased by change from an original or correct condition <a corrupt version of the text>
synonyms see VICIOUS
–cor·rupt·ly \-'rəp(t)-lē\ adverb
–cor·rupt·ness \-'rəp(t)-nəs\ noun

corruptio optimi pessima
: the corruption of the best is the worst of all

corruption
n. 1 a : impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle : DEPRAVITY b : DECAY, DECOMPOSITION c : inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means (as bribery) d : a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct
2 archaic : an agency or influence that corrupts
3 chiefly dialect : PUS

corruption of blood

1563
: the effect of an attainder which bars a person from inheriting, retaining, or transmitting any estate, rank, or title

corruptionist
n. : one who practices or defends corruption especially in politics

corruptive
adj. : producing or tending to produce corruption
–cor·rup·tive·ly adverb

corsage
n. 1 : the waist or bodice of a dress
2 : an arrangement of flowers worn as a fashion accessory

corsair
n. : PIRATE especially : a privateer of the Barbary Coast

corse
n. archaic : CORPSE

corselet
n. 1 or cors·let [Middle French, diminutive of cors body, bodice] : a piece of armor covering the trunk
2 or cor·se·lette [from Corselette, a trademark] : an undergarment combining girdle and brassiere

corset
n. 1 : a usually close-fitting and often laced medieval jacket
2 : a woman's close-fitting boned supporting undergarment that is often hooked and laced and that extends from above or beneath the bust or from the waist to below the hips and has garters attached

corset
n. 1 : to dress in or fit with a corset
2 : to restrict closely : control rigidly

corsetiere
n. : one who makes, fits, or sells corsets, girdles, or brassieres

corsetry
n. : underwear (as corsets, girdles, and brassieres) meant to shape a woman's body

Corsica
n. island France in the Mediterranean N of Sardinia area 3360 sq mi (8702 sq km), pop 260,149
–Cor·si·can \'kȯr-si-kən\ adjective or noun

Corsicana
city NE cen Tex. S of Dallas pop 24,485

cortege
n. 1 : a train of attendants : RETINUE
2 : PROCESSION especially : a funeral procession

Cortes
n. Hernán or Hernando 1485-1547 Span. conquistador

cortex
n. 1 a (1) : the outer or superficial part of an organ or bodily structure (as the kidney, adrenal gland, or cerebellum or a bone) especially : CEREBRAL CORTEX (2) : the proteinaceous usually pigmented layer of a hair below the cuticle b : the outer part of some organisms (as paramecia)
2 : a plant bark or rind (as cinchona) used medicinally
3 a : the typically parenchymatous layer of tissue external to the vascular tissue and internal to the corky or epidermal tissues of a green plant broadly : all tissues external to the xylem b : an outer or investing layer of various algae, lichens, or fungi

cortex
n. cerebral cortex
prefrontal cortex
visual cortex

cortical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of cortex
2 : involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex
–cor·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cortico
: cortex <corticotropin>

corticoid
adj. : CORTICOSTEROID
–corticoid adjective

corticosteroid
n. : any of various adrenal-cortex steroids (as corticosterone, cortisone, and aldosterone) used medically especially as anti-inflammatory agents ― compare GLUCOCORTICOID, MINERALOCORTICOID

corticosterone
n. : a colorless crystalline corticosteroid C_21H_30O_4 that is important in protein and carbohydrate metabolism

corticotropin
n. : ACTH also : a preparation of ACTH that is used especially in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever

Cortina
resort village N Italy in the Dolomites pop 6427

cortisol
n. : a glucocorticoid C_21H_30O_5 produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress ― called also hydrocortisone

cortisone
n. : a glucocorticoid C_21H_28O_5 of the adrenal cortex used in synthetic form especially as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis)

Cortland
: a juicy apple having red skin and crisp mildly tart white flesh

Cortona
commune cen Italy NW of Perugia pop 22,491

Coruna, La; Corunna
― see LA CORUñA

corundum
n. : a very hard mineral that consists of aluminum oxide occurring in massive and crystalline forms, that can be synthesized, and that is used for gemstones (as ruby and sapphire) and as an abrasive

coruscant
: SHINING, GLITTERING

coruscate
v. 1 : to give off or reflect light in bright beams or flashes : SPARKLE
2 : to be brilliant or showy in technique or style

coruscation
n. 1 : GLITTER, SPARKLE
2 : a flash of wit

Corvallis
n. city W Oreg. SW of Salem pop 49,322

corvee
n. 1 : unpaid labor (as toward constructing roads) due from a feudal vassal to his lord
2 : labor exacted in lieu of taxes by public authorities especially for highway construction or repair

corves
n. plural of corf

corvette
n. 1 : a warship ranking in the old sailing navies next below a frigate
2 : a highly maneuverable armed escort ship that is smaller than a destroyer

corvid
n. : any of a family (Corvidae) of stout-billed passerine birds including the crows, jays, magpies, and the raven

corvina
n. : any of several marine bony fishes (genus Cynoscion of the family Sciaenidae) of the Pacific coast of No. America

corvine
adj. : of or relating to the crows : resembling a crow

Corvus
: a small constellation adjoining Virgo on the south

Corybant
n. : one of the attendants or priests of Cybele noted for wildly emotional processions and rites

corybantic
adj. : being in the spirit or manner of a Corybant especially : WILD, FRENZIED <corybantic dancing>

corydalis
n. : any of a large genus (Corydalis) of chiefly temperate herbs of the fumitory family with racemose irregular flowers and dissected leaves

corymb
n. : a flat-topped inflorescence specifically : one in which the flower stalks arise at different levels on the main axis and reach about the same height and in which the outer flowers open first ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration
–cor·ym·bose \-əm-ˌbōs\ adjective

corynebacterium
n. : any of a large genus (Corynebacterium) of usually gram-positive nonmotile bacteria that occur as irregular or branching rods and include numerous important animal and plant pathogens
–co·ry·ne·bac·te·ri·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

coryneform
adj. : being or resembling corynebacteria

coryphaeus
n. 1 : the leader of a party or school of thought
2 : the leader of a chorus

coryphee
n. : a ballet dancer who dances in a small group instead of in the corps de ballet or as a soloist

coryza
n. : an acute inflammatory contagious disease involving the upper respiratory tract especially : COMMON COLD
–co·ry·zal \-zəl\ adjective

COS
n. 1 cash on shipment
2 chief of staff

Cos
n. ― see KOS

cos
n. 1 companies
2 consul; consulship
3 cosine
4 counties

cos lettuce
: ROMAINE

cosec
cosecant

cosecant
n. 1 : a trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the hypotenuse of a right triangle of which the angle is considered part and the leg opposite the angle
2 : a trigonometric function csc θ that is the reciprocal of the sine for all real numbers θ for which the sine is not zero and that is exactly equal to the cosecant of an angle of measure θ in radians

Cosenza
commune S Italy in Calabria pop 73,341

coset
n. : a subset of a mathematical group that consists of all the products obtained by multiplying either on the right or the left a fixed element of the group by each of the elements of a given subgroup

Cosgrave
Liam 1920-     prime min. of Ireland (1973-77)

Cosgrave
William Thomas 1880-1965 father of Liam Irish statesman

cosh
n. chiefly British : a weighted weapon similar to a blackjack

cosh
n. chiefly British : to strike or assault with or as if with a cosh

cosignatory
n. : a joint signer

cosigner
n. : COSIGNATORY especially : a joint signer of a promissory note
–cosign \'kō-ˌsīn\ verb

cosine
n. 1 : a trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the leg adjacent to the angle when it is considered part of a right triangle and the hypotenuse
2 : a trigonometric function cos θ that for all real numbers θ is given by the sum of the alternating series cos θ = 1 - (θ^2/2!) + (θ^4/4!) - (θ^6/6!) + ( θ^8/8!) - ⋯ and that is exactly equal to the cosine of an angle of measure θ in radians

cosmeceutical
: a preparation having both cosmetic and pharmaceutical properties

cosmetic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : BEAUTIFYING <cosmetic salves>
2 : done or made for the sake of appearance: as a : correcting defects especially of the face <cosmetic surgery> b : DECORATIVE, ORNAMENTAL c : not substantive : SUPERFICIAL <cosmetic changes>
3 : visually appealing
–cos·met·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cosmetic
n. : something that is cosmetic: as a : a cosmetic preparation for external use b plural : superficial features <a poem without rhetorical cosmetics ― Guy Davenport>

cosmetic case
: a small piece of luggage especially for cosmetics

cosmetician
n. : a person who is professionally trained in the use of cosmetics

cosmeticize
v. : to make (something unpleasant or ugly) superficially attractive

cosmetologist
n. : a person who gives beauty treatments (as to skin and hair) ― called also beautician

cosmetology
n. : the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails

cosmic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the cosmos, the extraterrestrial vastness, or the universe in contrast to the earth alone b : of, relating to, or concerned with abstract spiritual or metaphysical ideas
2 : characterized by greatness especially in extent, intensity, or comprehensiveness <a cosmic thinker> <cosmic boredom>
–cos·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cosmic
adj. cosmic background radiation
cosmic dust
cosmic microwave background
cosmic noise
cosmic ray
cosmic string

cosmic background radiation
: BACKGROUND RADIATION

cosmic dust
: very fine particles of solid matter found in any part of the universe

cosmic microwave background
: BACKGROUND RADIATION

cosmic noise
: unidentified celestial radio-frequency radiation especially : such radiation originating from outside the Milky Way

cosmic ray
: a stream of atomic nuclei of extremely penetrating character that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space at speeds approaching that of light

cosmic string
: any of a class of hypothetical supermassive astronomical objects that are extremely thin but are millions of light years long and that are postulated to have formed very early in the history of the universe

cosmochemistry
n. : a branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical composition of and changes in the universe
–cos·mo·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–cos·mo·chem·ist \-mist\ noun

cosmogenic
: produced by the action of cosmic rays <cosmogenic carbon 14>

cosmogony
n. 1 : a theory of the origin of the universe
2 : the creation or origin of the world or universe
–cos·mo·gon·ic \ˌkäz-mə-'gä-nik\ or cos·mo·gon·i·cal \-ni-kəl\ adjective
–cos·mog·o·nist \käz-'mä-gə-nist\ noun

cosmography
n. 1 : a general description of the world or of the universe
2 : the science that deals with the constitution of the whole order of nature
–cos·mog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–cos·mo·graph·ic \ˌkäz-mə-'gra-fik\ or cos·mo·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

Cosmoline
― used for corrosion-preventing petroleum jelly

cosmological constant
: a constant term used in the relativistic equations for gravity to represent a repulsive force which may account in part for the rate of expansion of the universe

cosmology
n. 1 a : a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe b : a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe
2 : a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe also : a theory dealing with these matters
–cos·mo·log·i·cal \ˌkäz-mə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–cos·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cos·mol·o·gist \käz-'mä-lə-jist\ noun

cosmonaut
n. : an astronaut of the Soviet or Russian space program

cosmopolis
n. : a cosmopolitan city

cosmopolitan
n. : COSMOPOLITE

cosmopolitan
n. 1 : having worldwide rather than limited or provincial scope or bearing
2 : having wide international sophistication : WORLDLY
3 : composed of persons, constituents, or elements from all or many parts of the world
4 : found in most parts of the world and under varied ecological conditions <a cosmopolitan herb>
–cos·mo·pol·i·tan·ism \-tə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

cosmopolite
n. : a cosmopolitan person or organism
–cos·mo·po·li·tism \käz-'mä-pə-ˌlī-ˌti-zəm, -lə-ˌti-; ˌkäz-mə-'pä-lə-ˌti-\ noun

cosmos
n. 1 a : UNIVERSE 1 b (1) : an orderly harmonious systematic universe ― compare CHAOS (2) : ORDER, HARMONY
2 : a complex orderly self-inclusive system
3 plural cosmos \-məs, -məz\ also cos·mos·es \-mə-səz\ [New Latin, genus name, from Greek kosmos] : any of a genus (Cosmos) of tropical American composite herbs especially : a widely cultivated tall annual (C. bipinnatus) with yellow or red disks and showy ray flowers

Cossack
n. 1 : a member of any of a number of autonomous communities drawn from various ethnic and linguistic groups (as Slavs, Tatars, and Circassians) that formed in Ukraine, southern Russia, the Caucasus, and Siberia after about 1400 and that were completely incorporated into czarist Russia during the 18th and 19th centuries
2 : a mounted soldier serving in a unit drafted from Cossack communities

cosset
v. : a pet lamb broadly : PET

cosset
v. : to treat as a pet : PAMPER

cost
n. 1 a : the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something : PRICE b : the outlay or expenditure (as of effort or sacrifice) made to achieve an object
2 : loss or penalty incurred especially in gaining something
3 plural : expenses incurred in litigation especially : those given by the law or the court to the prevailing party against the losing party
–cost·less \-ləs\ adjective
–cost·less·ly adverb
–at all costs : regardless of the cost or consequences <was determined to win at all costs>
–at cost : for the price of production <buys clothes at cost directly from the manufacturer>

cost
n. intransitive verb
1 : to require expenditure or payment <the best goods cost more>
2 : to require effort, suffering, or loss
transitive verb
1 : to have a price of
2 : to cause to pay, suffer, or lose something <frequent absences cost him his job>
3 past cost·ed : to estimate or set the cost of ― often used with out

cost
n. cost of living index
at cost
cost accountant
cost accounting
cost benefit
cost effective
cost effectiveness
cost efficient
cost of living
cost plus
cost push
dollar cost averaging
indirect cost
opportunity cost
prime cost
at all costs

cost accountant
: a specialist in cost accounting

cost accounting
: the systematic recording and analysis of the costs of material, labor, and overhead incident to production

cost of living

1826
: the cost of purchasing those goods and services which are included in an accepted standard level of consumption

cost-benefit
: of, relating to, or being economic analysis that assigns a numerical value to the cost-effectiveness of an operation, procedure, or program

cost-effective
: economical in terms of tangible benefits produced by money spent <cost-effective measures to combat poverty>
–cost-ef·fec·tive·ness noun

cost-efficient
: COST-EFFECTIVE

cost-of-living index
: CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

cost-plus
1 : paid on the basis of a fixed fee or a percentage added to actual cost <a cost-plus contract>
2 : of or relating to a cost-plus contract

cost-push
: an increase or upward trend in production costs (as wages) that tends to result in increased consumer prices irrespective of the level of demand ― compare DEMAND-PULL
–cost-push adjective

costa
n. 1 : 1RIB 1A
2 : a part (as the midrib of a leaf or the anterior vein of an insect wing) that resembles a rib
–cos·tal \-təl\ adjective

costa
n. Costa Cabral
Costa Brava
Costa del Sol
Costa Mesa
Costa Rica
Costa Rican

Costa Brava
coast region NE Spain in Catalonia on the Mediterranean extending NE from Barcelona

Costa Cabral
António Bernardo da 1803-1889 Conde de Thomar Port. statesman

Costa del Sol
coast region S Spain on the Mediterranean extending E from Gibraltar

Costa Mesa
city SW Calif. SE of Long Beach on Pacific coast pop 108,724

Costa Rica
country Central America bet. Nicaragua & Panama; a republic capital San José area 19,652 sq mi (50,899 sq km), pop 4,075,863
–Cos·ta Ri·can \-kən\ adjective or noun

costard
n. 1 : any of several large English cooking apples
2 archaic : NODDLE, PATE

Costello
John Aloysius 1891-1976 prime min. of Ireland (1948-51; 1954-57)

coster
n. British : COSTERMONGER

Costermansville
― see BUKAVU

costermonger
n. British : a hawker of fruit or vegetables

costive
adj. 1 a : affected with constipation b : causing constipation
2 : slow in action or expression
3 : not generous : STINGY
–cos·tive·ly adverb
–cos·tive·ness noun

costly
adj. 1 a : commanding a high price especially because of intrinsic worth <costly gems> b : RICH, SPLENDID
2 : made or done at heavy expense or sacrifice <a costly mistake>
–cost·li·ness noun

costmary
n. : an aromatic composite Eurasian herb (Chrysanthemum balsamita syn. Tanacetum balsamita) having leaves used as a potherb and in flavoring

costrel
: a flat usually earthenware container for liquids with loops through which a belt or cord may be passed for easy carrying ― called also pilgrim bottle

costume
n. 1 : the prevailing fashion in coiffure, jewelry, and apparel of a period, country, or class
2 : an outfit worn to create the appearance characteristic of a particular period, person, place, or thing <Halloween costumes>
3 : a person's ensemble of outer garments especially : a woman's ensemble of dress with coat or jacket
–cos·tum·ey adjective

costume
n. 1 : to provide with a costume
2 : to design costumes for <costume a play>

costume
n. 1 : characterized by the use of costumes <a costume ball> <a costume drama>
2 : suitable for or enhancing the effect of a particular costume <a costume handbag>

costume jewelry
: jewelry designed for wear with current fashions and usually made of inexpensive materials

costumer
n. 1 : one that deals in or makes costumes
2 : an upright stand with hooks or pegs on which to hang clothes

costumery
1 : articles of costume
2 : the art of costuming

costumier
n. chiefly British : COSTUMER 1

cosy
n. variant of cozy

cot
n. 1 : a small house
2 : COVER, SHEATH especially : STALL 4

cot
n. 1 : a small usually collapsible bed often of fabric stretched on a frame
2 British : CRIB 2B

cot
n. cotangent

cotangent
n. 1 : a trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the leg adjacent to the angle when it is considered part of a right triangle and the leg opposite
2 : a trigonometric function cot θ that is equal to the cosine divided by the sine for all real numbers θ for which the sine is not equal to zero and is exactly equal to the cotangent of an angle of measure θ in radians

cote
n. 1 dialect English : 1COT 1
2 : a shed or coop for small domestic animals and especially pigeons

cote
n. obsolete : to pass by

cote
n. Cote d'Azur
Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Or
Cote Saint Luc

Cote d'Azur
coast region SE France on the Mediterranean; part of the Riviera

Cote d'Ivoire
― see IVORY COAST

Cote d'Or
range of hills E France SW of Dijon

Cote-Saint-Luc
city Canada in S Que. W of Montreal pop 30,244

Cotentin Peninsula
peninsula NW France projecting into English Channel W of mouth of the Seine

coterie
n. : an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose

coterminous
adj. 1 : having the same or coincident boundaries <a voting district coterminous with the city>
2 : coextensive in scope or duration <an experience of life coterminous with the years of his father ― Elizabeth Hardwick>
–co·ter·mi·nous·ly adverb

cothurnus
n. 1 : a high thick-soled laced boot worn by actors in Greek and Roman tragic drama ― called also co·thurn \'kō-ˌthərn, kō-'\
2 : the dignified somewhat stilted style of ancient tragedy

cotidal
adj. : indicating equality in the tides or a coincidence in the time of high or low tide

cotillion
n. 1 : a ballroom dance for couples that resembles the quadrille
2 : an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls
3 : a formal ball

cotinine
: an alkaloid C_10H_12N_2O that is the principal metabolite of nicotine

cotoneaster
n. : any of a genus (Cotoneaster) of Old World flowering shrubs of the rose family

Cotonou
city & port S Benin; former capital of Dahomey pop 449,000

Cotopaxi
volcano 19,347 ft (5897 m) N cen Ecuador

cotquean
1 archaic : a coarse masculine woman
2 archaic : a man who busies himself with women's work or affairs

Cotswold
n. : any of an English breed of large long-wooled sheep

Cotswold Hills
range of hills SW cen England in Gloucestershire; highest point Cleeve Cloud 1031 ft (314 m)

cotta
n. : a waist-length surplice

cottage
n. 1 : the dwelling of a farm laborer or small farmer
2 : a usually small frame one-family house
3 : a small detached dwelling unit at an institution
4 : a usually small house for vacation use
–cot·tag·ey \-ti-jē\ adjective

cottage
n. Cape Cod cottage
cottage cheese
cottage curtains
cottage industry
cottage pie
cottage pudding
cottage tulip
shotgun cottage
tied cottage
Cottage Grove

cottage cheese
: a bland soft white cheese made from the curds of skim milk ― called also Dutch cheese pot cheese smearcase

cottage curtains
: a double set of upper and lower straight-hanging window curtains

Cottage Grove
city E Minn. SE of St. Paul pop 30,582

cottage industry
1 : an industry whose labor force consists of family units or individuals working at home with their own equipment
2 : a small and often informally organized industry
3 : a limited but enthusiastically pursued activity or subject <this debate about sex and law became a cottage industry for feminist academics ― Wendy Kaminer>

cottage pie
: a shepherd's pie made especially with beef

cottage pudding
: plain cake covered with a hot sweet sauce

cottage tulip
: any of various tall late-flowering tulips

cottager
n. : a person who lives in a cottage

cottar
n. : a peasant or farm laborer who occupies a cottage and sometimes a small holding of land usually in return for services

Cottbus
city E Germany on Spree River SE of Berlin pop 123,321

cotter
n. 1 : a wedge-shaped or tapered piece used to fasten together parts of a structure
2 : COTTER PIN
–cot·tered \-tərd\ adjective
–cot·ter·less \-tər-ləs\ adjective

cotter pin
: a half-round metal strip bent into a pin whose ends can be flared after insertion through a slot or hole

Cottian Alps
range of W Alps France & Italy ― see VISO

Cotton
n. Charles 1630-1687 Eng. author & translator

Cotton
n. John 1585-1652 American (Eng.-born) Puritan clergyman

cotton
n. 1 a : a soft usually white fibrous substance composed of the hairs surrounding the seeds of various erect freely branching tropical plants (genus Gossypium) of the mallow family b : a plant producing cotton especially : one grown for its cotton c : a crop of cotton
2 a : fabric made of cotton b : yarn spun from cotton
3 : a downy cottony substance produced by various plants (as the cottonwood)

cotton
n. 1 : to take a liking ― used with to <cottons to people easily>
2 : to come to understand ― used with to or on to <cottoned on to the fact that our children work furiously ― H. M. McLuhan>

cotton
n. cotton bollworm
cotton candy
cotton gin
cotton grass
cotton picking
cotton stainer
cotton wool
Egyptian cotton
pima cotton
sea island cotton
silk cotton
silk cotton tree
upland cotton

cotton bollworm
: CORN EARWORM

cotton candy
1 : a candy made of spun sugar
2 : something attractive but insubstantial

cotton gin
: a machine that separates the seeds, hulls, and foreign material from cotton

cotton grass
: any of a genus (Eriophorum) of sedges with tufted spikes

cotton stainer
: any of several bugs (genus Dysdercus) that damage and stain the lint of developing cotton especially : a red and brown bug (D. suturellus) that attacks cotton in the southern U.S.

cotton wool
: raw cotton especially : cotton batting

cotton-picking
1 : DAMNED ― used as a generalized expression of disapproval <a cotton-picking hypocrite>
2 : DAMNED ― used as an intensive <out of his cotton-picking mind ― Irving Kristol>

cottonmouth
n. : WATER MOCCASIN

cottonmouth moccasin
: WATER MOCCASIN

cottonseed
n. : the seed of the cotton plant

cottonseed oil
: a pale yellow semidrying fatty oil that is obtained from the cottonseed and is used chiefly in salad and cooking oils and after hydrogenation in shortenings and margarine

cottontail
n. : any of several rather small No. American rabbits (genus Sylvilagus) sandy to grayish brown in color with a white-tufted underside of the tail

cottonweed
n. : any of various weedy plants (as cudweed) with whitish pubescence or cottony seeds

cottonwood
n. : any of several poplars having seeds with cottony hairs especially : one (Populus deltoides) of the eastern and central U.S. often cultivated for its rapid growth and luxuriant foliage

cottony
adj. : resembling cotton in appearance or character: as a : covered with hairs or pubescence b : SOFT

cottony-cushion scale
: a scale insect (Icerya purchasi) introduced into the U.S. from Australia that infests citrus and other plants

Coty
René (-Jules-Gustave) 1882-1962 Fr. lawyer; 2d pres. of Fourth Republic (1954-59)

cotyl
: cotyledon <hypocotyl>

cotyledon
n. 1 : a lobule of the mammalian placenta
2 : the first leaf or one of the first pair or whorl of leaves developed by the embryo of a seed plant or of some lower plants (as ferns)
–cot·y·le·don·ary \-'lē-də-ˌner-ē\ adjective

cotylosaur
: any of an order (Cotylosauria) of extinct primitive reptiles of the Carboniferous to Triassic with short legs and massive bodies that were prob. the earliest truly terrestrial vertebrate animals

couch
n. transitive verb
1 : to lay (oneself) down for rest or sleep
2 : to embroider (a design) by laying down a thread and fastening it with small stitches at regular intervals
3 : to place or hold level and pointed forward ready for use
4 : to phrase or express in a specified manner <the comments were couched in strong terms>
intransitive verb
1 : to lie down or recline for sleep or rest
2 : to lie in ambush

couch
n. 1 a : an article of furniture for sitting or reclining b : a couch on which a patient reclines when undergoing psychoanalysis
2 : the den of an animal (as an otter)
–on the couch : receiving psychiatric treatment

couch
n. casting couch
on the couch
couch grass
couch potato
studio couch
Quiller Couch

couch grass
1 : QUACK GRASS
2 : any of several grasses that resemble quack grass in spreading by creeping rhizomes

couch potato
: a lazy and inactive person especially : one who spends a great deal of time watching television

couchant
adj. : lying down especially with the head up <a heraldic lion couchant>

coude
: of, relating to, or being a telescope constructed so that the light is reflected along the polar axis to come to a focus at a point where the holder for a photographic plate or a spectrograph may be mounted

cougar
n. : a large powerful tawny-brown cat (Felis concolor) formerly widespread in the Americas but now reduced in number or extinct in many areas ― called also catamount mountain lion panther puma

cough
n. intransitive verb
1 : to expel air from the lungs suddenly with an explosive noise
2 : to make a noise like that of coughing
transitive verb : to expel by coughing ― often used with up <cough up mucus>

cough
n. 1 : a condition marked by repeated or frequent coughing
2 : an act or sound of coughing

cough
n. cough drop
cough syrup
cough up
whooping cough

cough drop
: a lozenge or troche used to relieve coughing

cough syrup
: any of various sweet usually medicated liquids used to relieve coughing

cough up
1 : HAND OVER, DELIVER <cough up the money>
2 : to lose possession of (a ball or puck) during a game <the quarterback coughed up the ball>

could
― used in auxiliary function in the past <we found we could go>, in the past conditional <we said we would go if we could>, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present <if you could come we would be pleased>

couldest
archaic past 2d singular of can

couldn't
v. : could not

couldst
archaic past 2d singular of can

coulee
n. 1 a : a small stream b : a dry streambed c : a usually small or shallow ravine : GULLY
2 : a thick sheet or stream of lava

coulis
n. : a thick sauce made with pureed vegetable or fruit and often used as a garnish

coulisse
n. 1 a : a side scene of a stage also : the space between the side scenes b : a backstage area c : HALLWAY
2 : a piece of timber having a groove in which something glides

couloir
n. : a steep mountainside gorge

Coulomb
n. Charles-Augustin de 1736-1806 Fr. physicist

coulomb
n. : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electric charge equal to the quantity of electricity transferred by a current of one ampere in one second

coulomb
n. : of, relating to, or being the electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion between charged particles

Coulomb's law
: a statement in physics: the force of attraction or repulsion acting along a straight line between two electric charges is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely to the square of the distance between them

coulometer
: an instrument of chemical analysis that determines the amount of a substance released in electrolysis by measurement of the quantity of electricity used
–cou·lo·met·ric \ˌkü-lə-'me-trik\ adjective
–cou·lo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cou·lom·e·try \kü-'lä-mə-trē\ noun

coulter
n. : a cutting tool (as a knife or sharp disc) that is attached to the beam of a plow, makes a vertical cut in the surface, and permits clean separation and effective covering of the soil and materials being turned under

coumarin
n. : a toxic white crystalline lactone C_9H_6O_2 with an odor of new-mown hay found in plants or made synthetically and used especially in perfumery and as a parent compound in anticoagulant agents also : a derivative of this compound

council
n. 1 : an assembly or meeting for consultation, advice, or discussion
2 : a group elected or appointed as an advisory or legislative body
3 a : a usually administrative body b : an executive body whose members are equal in power and authority c : a governing body of delegates from local units of a federation
4 : deliberation in a council
5 a : a federation of or a central body uniting a group of organizations b : a local chapter of an organization c : CLUB, SOCIETY

council
n. 1 : used for councils especially by or with No. American Indians <a council ground>
2 British : built, maintained, or operated by a local governing agency <council housing> <council flats>

council
n. city council
council of ministers
executive council
legislative council
privy council
Security Council
Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs
city SW Iowa on Missouri River pop 58,268

council of ministers

Usage:

often cap C&M

Date:

1848

: CABINET 3B

councillor
n. : a member of a council
–coun·cil·lor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

councilman
n. : a member of a council (as of a town or city)
–coun·cil·man·ic \ˌkau̇n(t)-səl-'ma-nik\ adjective

councilwoman
n. : a woman who is a member of a council

counsel
n. 1 a : advice given especially as a result of consultation b : a policy or plan of action or behavior
2 : DELIBERATION, CONSULTATION
3 a archaic : PURPOSE b : guarded thoughts or intentions
4 a plural counsel (1) : a lawyer engaged in the trial or management of a case in court (2) : a lawyer appointed to advise and represent in legal matters an individual client or a corporate and especially a public body b : CONSULTANT 2

counsel
n. transitive verb : ADVISE <counseled them to avoid rash actions ― George Orwell>
intransitive verb : CONSULT <counseled with her husband>

counsel
n. King's Counsel
Queen's Counsel
genetic counseling

counselee
n. : one who is being counseled

counseling
adj. : professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes

counselor
n. 1 : a person who gives advice or counseling <marriage counselor>
2 : LAWYER specifically : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court
3 : one who has supervisory duties at a summer camp
–coun·sel·or·ship \-ˌship\ noun

counselor-at-law
: COUNSELOR 2

count
n. transitive verb
1 a : to indicate or name by units or groups so as to find the total number of units involved : NUMBER b : to name the numbers in order up to and including <count ten> c : to include in a tallying and reckoning <about 100 present, counting children> d : to call aloud (beats or time units) <count cadence> <count eighth notes>
2 a : CONSIDER, ACCOUNT <count oneself lucky> b : to record as of an opinion or persuasion <count me as uncommitted>
3 : to include or exclude by or as if by counting <count me in>
intransitive verb
1 a : to recite or indicate the numbers in order by units or groups <count by fives> b : to count the units in a group
2 : to rely or depend on someone or something ― used with on <counted on his parents to help with the expenses>
3 : ADD, TOTAL <it counts up to a sizable amount>
4 a : to have value or significance <these are the people who really count> <his opinions don't count for much> b : to deserve to be regarded or considered <a job so easy it hardly counts as work>
–and counting : with more to come <in business for 50 years and counting>
–count heads or count noses : to count the number present
–count on : to look forward to as certain : ANTICIPATE <counted on winning>

count
n. 1 a : the action or process of counting b : a total obtained by counting : TALLY
2 archaic a : RECKONING, ACCOUNT b : CONSIDERATION, ESTIMATION
3 a : ALLEGATION, CHARGE specifically : one separately stating the cause of action or prosecution in a legal declaration or indictment <guilty on all counts> b : a specific point under consideration : ISSUE
4 : the total number of individual things in a given unit or sample obtained by counting all or a subsample of them <bacteria count>
5 a : the calling off of the seconds from one to ten when a boxer has been knocked down b : the number of balls and strikes charged to a baseball batter during one turn <the count stood at 3 and 2> c : SCORE <tied the count with a minute to play>
6 a : a measurement of the thickness or fineness of yarn by determining the number of hanks or yards per pound it produces b : the number of threads per square inch in a cloth

count
n. : a European nobleman whose rank corresponds to that of a British earl

count
n. count noses
count down
blood count
body count
count on
count heads
count noun
count palatine
high count
point count
take the count
and counting
counting number
counting room

count heads
or count noses : to count the number present

count noun
: a noun (as bean or sheet) that forms a plural and is used with a numeral, with words such as many or few, or with the indefinite article a or an ― compare MASS NOUN

count on
to look forward to as certain : ANTICIPATE <counted on winning>

count palatine
1 a : a count of the Holy Roman Empire having imperial powers in his own domain b : a high judicial official in the Holy Roman Empire
2 : the proprietor of a county palatine in England or Ireland

countable
adj. : capable of being counted especially : capable of being put into one-to-one correspondence with the positive integers <a countable set>
–count·abil·i·ty \ˌkau̇n-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–count·ably \'kau̇n-tə-blē\ adverb

countdown
n. : an audible backward counting in fixed units (as seconds) from an arbitrary starting number to mark the time remaining before an event also : preparations carried on during such a count
–count down \-'dau̇n\ intransitive verb

countenance
n. 1 obsolete : BEARING, DEMEANOR
2 a : calm expression b : mental composure c : LOOK, EXPRESSION
3 archaic a : ASPECT, SEMBLANCE b : PRETENSE
4 : FACE, VISAGE especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character
5 : bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction : moral support

countenance
: to extend approval or toleration to : SANCTION <refused to countenance any changes in the policy>
–coun·te·nanc·er noun

counter
n. 1 : a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
2 : something of value in bargaining : ASSET
3 : a level surface (as a table, shelf or display case) over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted <jewelry counter> <a lunch counter>
–over the counter
1 : in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange <stock bought over the counter>
2 : without a prescription <drugs available over the counter>
–under the counter : by surreptitious means : in an illicit and private manner <workers being paid under the counter>

counter
n. : one that counts especially : a device for indicating a number or amount

counter
n. transitive verb
1 a : to act in opposition to : OPPOSE b : OFFSET, NULLIFY <tried to counter the trend toward depersonalization>
2 : to assert in answer <we countered that our warnings had been ignored>
intransitive verb : to meet attacks or arguments with defensive or retaliatory steps

counter
n. 1 : in an opposite or wrong direction
2 : to or toward a different or opposite direction, result, or effect <values that run counter to those of society>

counter
n. 1 : CONTRARY, OPPOSITE
2 : the after portion of a boat from the waterline to the extreme outward swell or stern overhang
3 a : the act of making an attack while parrying one (as in boxing or fencing) also : a blow thus given in boxing b : an agency or force that offsets : CHECK
4 : a stiffener to give permanent form to a boot or shoe upper around the heel
5 : an area within the face of a letter wholly or partly enclosed by strokes
6 : a football play in which the ballcarrier goes in a direction opposite to the movement of the play

counter
n. 1 : marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect
2 : given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy
3 : situated or lying opposite <the counter side>
4 : recalling or ordering back by a superseding contrary order : COUNTERMANDING <counter orders from the colonel>

counter
1 a : contrary : opposite <counterclockwise> <countermarch> b : opposing : retaliatory <counterforce> <counteroffensive>
2 : complementary : corresponding <counterweight> <counterpart>
3 : duplicate : substitute <counterfoil>
coun·ter·ac·cu·sa·tion
coun·ter·ad·ap·ta·tion
coun·ter·ad·ver·tis·ing
coun·ter·agent
coun·ter·ag·gres·sion
coun·ter·ar·gue
coun·ter·ar·gu·ment
coun·ter·as·sault
coun·ter·at·tack
coun·ter·at·tack·er
coun·ter·bid
coun·ter·blast
coun·ter·block·ade
coun·ter·blow
coun·ter·cam·paign
coun·ter·charge
coun·ter·com·mer·cial
coun·ter·com·plaint
coun·ter·con·spir·a·cy
coun·ter·con·ven·tion
coun·ter·coun·ter·mea·sure
coun·ter·coup
coun·ter·crit·i·cism
coun·ter·cry
coun·ter·de·mand
coun·ter·dem·on·strate
coun·ter·dem·on·stra·tion
coun·ter·dem·on·stra·tor
coun·ter·de·ploy·ment
coun·ter·ed·u·ca·tion·al
coun·ter·ef·fort
coun·ter·ev·i·dence
coun·ter·fire
coun·ter·force
coun·ter·gov·ern·ment
coun·ter·hy·poth·e·sis
coun·ter·im·age
coun·ter·in·cen·tive
coun·ter·in·fla·tion
coun·ter·in·fla·tion·ary
coun·ter·in·flu·ence
coun·ter·in·stance
coun·ter·in·sti·tu·tion
coun·ter·in·ter·pre·ta·tion
coun·ter·in·va·sion
coun·ter·memo
coun·ter·mo·bi·li·za·tion
coun·ter·move
coun·ter·move·ment
coun·ter·myth
coun·ter·or·der
coun·ter·pe·ti·tion
coun·ter·pick·et
coun·ter·play
coun·ter·ploy
coun·ter·pow·er
coun·ter·pres·sure
coun·ter·pro·ject
coun·ter·pro·pa·gan·da
coun·ter·pro·test
coun·ter·pro·test·er
coun·ter·ques·tion
coun·ter·raid
coun·ter·ral·ly
coun·ter·re·ac·tion
coun·ter·re·form
coun·ter·re·form·er
coun·ter·re·sponse
coun·ter·re·tal·i·a·tion
coun·ter·shot
coun·ter·snip·er
coun·ter·spell
coun·ter·state
coun·ter·state·ment
coun·ter·step
coun·ter·strat·e·gist
coun·ter·strat·e·gy
coun·ter·stream
coun·ter·strike
coun·ter·stroke
coun·ter·style
coun·ter·sue
coun·ter·sug·ges·tion
coun·ter·suit
coun·ter·sur·veil·lance
coun·ter·tac·tics
coun·ter·ten·den·cy
coun·ter·ter·ror
coun·ter·ter·ror·ism
coun·ter·ter·ror·ist
coun·ter·threat
coun·ter·thrust
coun·ter·tra·di·tion
coun·ter·trend
coun·ter·vi·o·lence
coun·ter·world

counter
n. Counter Reformation
bean counter
under the counter
over the counter
counter check
Geiger counter
Geiger Muller counter
Geiger Müller counter
lunch counter
scintillation counter

counter check
: a check obtainable at a bank usually to be cashed only at the bank by the drawer

counteract
v. : to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence <a drug used to counteract fatigue>
–coun·ter·ac·tion \-'ak-shən\ noun
–coun·ter·ac·tive \-'ak-tiv\ adjective

counterbalance
n. 1 : a weight that balances another
2 : a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force

counterbalance
n. 1 : to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2 : to equip with counterbalances

counterchange
v. 1 : INTERCHANGE, TRANSPOSE
2 : CHECKER 1A

countercheck
n. : a check or restraint often operating against something that is itself a check

countercheck
n. 1 : CHECK, COUNTERACT
2 : to check a second time for verification

counterclaim
n. : an opposing claim especially : a claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action

counterclaim
n. : to enter or plead a counterclaim
transitive verb : to ask in a counterclaim

counterclockwise
adj. : in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate as viewed from in front
–counterclockwise adjective

counterconditioning
n. : conditioning in order to replace an undesirable response (as fear) to a stimulus (as an engagement in public speaking) by a favorable one

counterculture
: a culture with values and mores that run counter to those of established society
–coun·ter·cul·tur·al \ˌkau̇n-tər-'kəlch-rəl, -'kəl-chə-\ adjective
–coun·ter·cul·tur·al·ism \-rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–coun·ter·cul·tur·ist \-rist\ noun

countercurrent
n. : a current flowing in a direction opposite that of another current

countercurrent
1 : flowing in an opposite direction
2 : involving flow of materials in opposite directions <countercurrent dialysis>
–coun·ter·cur·rent·ly adverb

countercyclical
adj. : calculated to check excessive developments in a business cycle : COMPENSATORY <countercyclical budget policies>
–coun·ter·cy·cli·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

counterespionage
n. : the activity concerned with detecting and thwarting enemy espionage

counterexample
n. : an example that refutes or disproves a proposition or theory

counterfactual
n. : contrary to fact <counterfactual assumptions>

counterfeit
n. 1 : made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive : FORGED <counterfeit money>
2 a : INSINCERE, FEIGNED <counterfeit sympathy> b : IMITATION <counterfeit Georgian houses>

counterfeit
n. : to imitate or feign especially with intent to deceive also : to make a fraudulent replica of <counterfeiting $20 bills>
intransitive verb
1 : to try to deceive by pretense or dissembling
2 : to engage in counterfeiting something of value
synonyms see ASSUME
–coun·ter·feit·er noun

counterfeit
n. 1 : something counterfeit : FORGERY
2 : something likely to be mistaken for something of higher value <pity was a counterfeit of love ― Harry Hervey>
synonyms see IMPOSTURE

counterflow
n. : the flow of a fluid in opposite directions (as in an apparatus)

counterfoil
n. : a detachable stub (as on a check or ticket) usually serving as a record or receipt

counterguerrilla
: a guerrilla who is trained to thwart enemy guerrilla operations

counterinsurgency
n. : organized military activity designed to combat insurgency
–coun·ter·in·sur·gent \-jənt\ noun

counterintelligence
n. : organized activity of an intelligence service designed to block an enemy's sources of information, to deceive the enemy, to prevent sabotage, and to gather political and military information

counterintuitive
adj. : contrary to what one would intuitively expect
–coun·ter·in·tu·i·tive·ly \-lē\ adverb

counterion
: an ion having a charge opposite to that of the substance with which it is associated

counterirritant
n. 1 : an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures
2 : an irritation or discomfort that diverts attention from another
–counterirritant adjective

counterman
n. : one who tends a counter

countermand
v. 1 : to revoke (a command) by a contrary order
2 : to recall or order back by a superseding contrary order <countermand reinforcements>

countermand
v. 1 : a contrary order
2 : the revocation of an order or command

countermarch
n. 1 : a marching back specifically : a movement in marching by which a unit of troops reverses direction while marching but keeps the same order
2 : a march (as of political demonstrators) designed to counter the effect of another march
–countermarch intransitive verb

countermeasure
n. : an action or device designed to negate or offset another especially : a military system or device intended to thwart a sensing mechanism (as radar) <electronic countermeasures>

countermelody
: a secondary melody that is sounded simultaneously with the principal one

countermine
n. : a tunnel for intercepting an enemy mine

counteroffensive
n. : a large-scale military offensive undertaken by a force previously on the defensive

counteroffer
n. : a return offer made by one who has rejected an offer

counterpane
n. : BEDSPREAD

counterpart
n. 1 : one of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument : DUPLICATE
2 a : a thing that fits another perfectly b : something that completes : COMPLEMENT
3 a : one remarkably similar to another b : one having the same function or characteristics as another <college presidents and their counterparts in business>

counterparty
n. : a party to a financial transaction

counterplan
n. 1 : a plan designed to counter another plan
2 : an alternate or substitute plan

counterplea
n. : a replication to a legal plea

counterplot
n. : a plot designed to thwart an opponent's plot

counterplot
n. : to intrigue against : foil with a plot

counterpoint
n. 1 a : one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody b : the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character : POLYPHONY
2 a : a complementing or contrasting item : OPPOSITE b : use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama)

counterpoint
n. 1 : to compose or arrange in counterpoint
2 : to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition : set in contrast <counterpoints the public and the private man ― Tom Bishop>

counterpoise
n. : COUNTERBALANCE

counterpoise
n. 1 : COUNTERBALANCE
2 : an equivalent power or force acting in opposition
3 : a state of balance

counterpose
v. : to place in opposition, contrast, or equilibrium <counterpose a positive view to the negative assessment>

counterproductive
adj. : tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal <violence as a means to achieve an end is counterproductive ― W. E. Brock b1930>

counterprogramming
: the scheduling of programs by television networks so as to attract audiences away from simultaneously telecast programs of competitors

counterproposal
n. : a return proposal made by one who has rejected a proposal

counterpunch
n. : a counter in boxing also : a countering blow or attack
–counterpunch intransitive verb
–coun·ter·punch·er \-ˌpən-chər\ noun

counterreformation
n. 1 usually Counter-Reformation : the reform movement in the Roman Catholic Church following the Reformation
2 : a reformation designed to counter the effects of a previous reformation

counterrevolution
n. 1 : a revolution directed toward overthrowing a government or social system established by a previous revolution
2 : a movement to counteract revolutionary trends
–coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective or noun

countershading
n. : cryptic coloration of an animal with parts normally in shadow being light and parts normally illuminated being dark thereby reducing shadows and contours

countersign
v. 1 : a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another
2 : a sign given in reply to another specifically : a military secret signal that must be given by one wishing to pass a guard
–countersign transitive verb
–coun·ter·sig·na·ture \ˌkau̇n-tər-'sig-nə-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\ noun

countersink
1 : to make a countersink on (a hole)
2 : to set the head of (as a screw) at or below the surface

countersink
v. 1 : a bit or drill for making a funnel-shaped enlargement at the outer end of a drilled hole
2 : the enlargement made by a countersink

counterspy
n. : a spy engaged in counterespionage

counterstain
n. : to stain (as a microscopy specimen) so as to color parts (as the cytoplasm of cells) not colored by another stain (as a nuclear stain)
–counterstain noun

countertenor
n. : a tenor with an unusually high range (as an alto range)

countertop
n. : the flat working surface on top of waist-level kitchen cabinets

countertrade
n. : a form of international trade in which purchases made by an importing nation are linked to offsetting purchases made by the exporting nation

countertransference
n. 1 : psychological transference especially by a psychotherapist during the course of treatment especially : the psychotherapist's reactions to the patient's transference
2 : the complex of feelings of a psychotherapist toward the patient

countervail
v. transitive verb
1 : to compensate for
2 archaic : EQUAL, MATCH
3 : to exert force against : COUNTERACT
intransitive verb : to exert force against an opposing and often bad or harmful force or influence

counterview
1 archaic : CONFRONTATION
2 : an opposite point of view

counterweight
n. : an equivalent weight or force : COUNTERBALANCE
–counterweight transitive verb

countess
n. 1 : the wife or widow of an earl or count
2 : a woman who holds in her own right the rank of earl or count

countian
n. : a native or resident of a usually specified county

counting number
: NATURAL NUMBER

counting room
: COUNTINGHOUSE

countinghouse
: a building, room, or office used for keeping books and transacting business

countless
adj. : too numerous to be counted : MYRIAD, MANY
–count·less·ly adverb

countrified
adj. 1 : RURAL, RUSTIC
2 : UNSOPHISTICATED
3 : played or sung in the manner of country music <countrified rock>

country
n. 1 : an indefinite usually extended expanse of land : REGION <miles of open country>
2 a : the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship b : a political state or nation or its territory
3 a : the people of a state or district : POPULACE b : JURY c : ELECTORATE 2
4 : rural as distinguished from urban areas <prefers the country to the city>
5 : COUNTRY MUSIC
–coun·try·ish \-trē-ish\ adjective

country
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
2 a : of or relating to a decorative style associated with life in the country <an English country look> also : possessing a style of rustic simplicity <country furniture> b : prepared or processed with farm supplies and procedures <country ham>
3 : of, relating to, suitable for, or featuring country music <country singers>

country
n. country and western
country club
country dance
country gentleman
country house
country mile
country music
country rock
cross country
low country
mother country
old country
up country
Basque Country
Oregon Country
Low Countries

country and western
: COUNTRY MUSIC ― usually hyphenated in attributive use

country club
: a suburban club for social life and recreation especially : one having a golf course

country gentleman
1 : a well-to-do country resident : an owner of a country estate
2 : one of the English landed gentry

country house
: a house and especially a mansion in the country

country mile
: a long distance

country music
: music derived from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or of the Western cowboy

country rock
: rock music containing elements of country music

country-club
1 : typical, characteristic, or suggestive of a country club <a country-club atmosphere> <a country-club prison>
2 : having qualities (as affluence) associated with the members of a country club <a country-club conservative>

country-dance
: any of various native English dances in which partners face each other especially in rows

countryman
n. 1 : an inhabitant or native of a specified country
2 : COMPATRIOT
3 : one living in the country or marked by country ways : RUSTIC

countryseat
n. : a house or estate in the country

countryside
n. 1 : a rural area
2 : the inhabitants of a countryside

countrywide
adj. : extending throughout a country

countrywoman
n. 1 : a woman who is a compatriot
2 : a woman who is a resident of the country

county
n. 1 : the domain of a count
2 a : one of the territorial divisions of England and Wales and formerly also of Scotland and Northern Ireland constituting the chief units for administrative, judicial, and political purposes b (1) : the people of a county (2) British : the gentry of a county
3 : the largest territorial division for local government within a state of the U.S.
4 : the largest local administrative unit in various countries
–county adjective

county
n. archaic : 3COUNT

county
n. administrative county
county agent
county court
county fair
county palatine
county seat
county town

county agent
: a consultant employed jointly by federal and state governments to provide information about agriculture and home economics

county court
: a court in some states that has a designated jurisdiction usually both civil and criminal within the limits of a county

county fair
: a fair usually held annually at a set location in a county especially to exhibit local agricultural products and livestock

county palatine
: the territory of a count palatine

county seat
: a town that is the seat of county administration

county town
chiefly British : COUNTY SEAT

coup
n. chiefly Scottish : OVERTURN, UPSET

coup
n. 1 : a brilliant, sudden, and usually highly successful stroke or act
2 : COUP D'ÉTAT

coup
n. coup de grace
coup de grâce
coup de main
coup d'etat
coup d'état
coup d'oeil
a coup sur
à coup sûr
coup de maitre
coup de maître
coup d'essai
coup de theatre
coup de théâtre
coups de grace
coups de grâce
coups de main
coups d'etat
coups d'état
coups d'oeil
coups de theatre
coups de théâtre

coup d'essai
: experiment : trial

coup d'etat
: a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics especially : the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group

coup d'oeil
: a brief survey : GLANCE

coup de grace
1 : a deathblow or death shot administered to end the suffering of one mortally wounded
2 : a decisive finishing blow, act, or event

coup de main
: a sudden attack in force

coup de maitre
: masterstroke

coup de theatre
1 : a sudden sensational turn in a play also : a sudden dramatic effect or turn of events
2 : a theatrical success

coupe
n. 1 : a four-wheeled closed horse-drawn carriage for two persons inside with an outside seat for the driver in front
2 usually coupe : a 2-door automobile often seating only two persons also : one with a tight-spaced rear seat ― compare SEDAN

Couperin
François 1668-1733 Fr. composer

Couperus
Louis Marie Anne 1863-1923 Du. nov.

couple
n. 1 a : two persons married, engaged, or otherwise romantically paired b : two persons paired together
2 : PAIR, BRACE
3 : something that joins or links two things together: as a : two equal and opposite forces that act along parallel lines b : a pair of substances that in contact with an electrolyte participate in a transfer of electrons which causes an electric current to flow
4 : an indefinite small number : FEW <a couple of days ago>
–cou·ple·dom \-dəm\ noun

couple
n. transitive verb
1 a : to connect for consideration together b : to join for combined effect
2 a : to fasten together : LINK b : to bring (two electric circuits) into such close proximity as to permit mutual influence
3 : to join in marriage or sexual union
intransitive verb
1 : to unite in sexual union
2 : JOIN
3 : to unite chemically

couple
n. : TWO also : FEW ― used with a <a couple drinks>
usage The adjective use of a couple, without of, has been called nonstandard, but it is not. In both British and American English it is standard before a word (as more or less) indicating degree <a couple more examples of Middle English writing ― Charles Barber>. Its use before an ordinary plural noun is an Americanism, common in speech and in writing that is not meant to be formal or elevated <the first couple chapters are pretty good ― E. B. White (letter)> <still operated a couple wagons for hire ― Garrison Keillor>. It is most frequently used with periods of time <a couple weeks> and numbers <a couple hundred> <a couple dozen>.

couple
n. charge coupled device
charged coupled device
universal coupling

couplement
archaic : the act or result of coupling

coupler
n. 1 : one that couples
2 : a contrivance on a keyboard instrument by which keyboards or keys are connected to play together

couplet
n. 1 : two successive lines of verse forming a unit marked usually by rhythmic correspondence, rhyme, or the inclusion of a self-contained utterance : DISTICH
2 : COUPLE

coupling
n. 1 : the act of bringing or coming together : PAIRING specifically : sexual union
2 : a device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent parts or objects
3 : the joining of or the part of the body that joins the hindquarters to the forequarters of a quadruped
4 : a means of electric connection of two electric circuits by having a part common to both

coupon
n. 1 : a statement of due interest to be cut from a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment also : the interest rate of a coupon
2 : a form surrendered in order to obtain an article, service, or accommodation: as a : one of a series of attached tickets or certificates often to be detached and presented as needed b : a ticket or form authorizing purchases of rationed commodities c : a certificate or similar evidence of a purchase redeemable in premiums d : a part of a printed advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on merchandise or services

couponing
: the distribution or redemption of coupons

courage
n. : mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
synonyms COURAGE, METTLE, SPIRIT, RESOLUTION, TENACITY mean mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship. COURAGE implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty <the courage to support unpopular causes>. METTLE suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience <a challenge that will test your mettle>. SPIRIT also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened <her spirit was unbroken by failure>. RESOLUTION stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends <the resolution of pioneer women>. TENACITY adds to RESOLUTION implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat <held to their beliefs with great tenacity>.

courageous
adj. : having or characterized by courage : BRAVE <a courageous soldier> <a courageous decision>
–cou·ra·geous·ly adverb
–cou·ra·geous·ness noun

courante
n. 1 : a dance of Italian origin marked by quick running steps
2 : music in quick triple time or in a mixture of 3/2 and 6/4 time

Courantyne
river ab 475 mi (764 km) N S. America flowing N into the Atlantic & forming boundary bet. Guyana & Suriname

Courbet
Gustave 1819-1877 Fr. painter

Courbevoie
commune N France on the Seine NW of Paris pop 69,665

coureur de bois
: a French or métis trapper of No. America and especially of Canada

courgette
n. chiefly British : ZUCCHINI

courier
n. 1 : MESSENGER: as a : a member of a diplomatic service entrusted with bearing messages b (1) : an espionage agent transferring secret information (2) : a runner of contraband c : a member of the armed services whose duties include carrying mail, information, or supplies
2 : a traveler's paid attendant especially : a tourists' guide employed by a travel agency

Courland
region W Latvia bordering on the Baltic & Gulf of Riga

Courland Lagoon
inlet of the Baltic on border bet. Lithuania & Russia area 625 sq mi (1625 sq km)

Courmayeur
resort village NW Italy in Valle d'Aosta SE of Mont Blanc

course
n. 1 : the act or action of moving in a path from point to point
2 : the path over which something moves or extends: as a : RACECOURSE b (1) : the direction of travel of a vehicle (as a ship or airplane) usually measured as a clockwise angle from north also : the projected path of travel (2) : a point of the compass c : WATERCOURSE d : GOLF COURSE
3 a : accustomed procedure or normal action <the law taking its course> b : a chosen manner of conducting oneself : way of acting <our wisest course is to retreat> c (1) : progression through a development or period or a series of acts or events (2) : LIFE HISTORY, CAREER
4 : an ordered process or succession: as a : a number of lectures or other matter dealing with a subject also : a series of such courses constituting a curriculum <a premed course> b : a series of doses or medications administered over a designated period
5 a : a part of a meal served at one time <the main course> b : LAYER especially : a continuous level range of brick or masonry throughout a wall c : the lowest sail on a square-rigged mast
–in due course : after a normal passage of time : in the expected or allotted time <his discoveries led in due course to new forms of treatment>
–of course
1 : following the ordinary way or procedure <will be done as a matter of course>
2 : as might be expected <of course we will go>

course
n. transitive verb
1 : to follow close upon : PURSUE
2 a : to hunt or pursue (game) with hounds b : to cause (dogs) to run (as after game)
3 : to run or move swiftly through or over : TRAVERSE <jets coursed the area daily>
intransitive verb : to run or pass rapidly along or as if along an indicated path <blood coursing through the veins>

course
n. collision course
correspondence course
of course
in due course
course of study
crash course
golf course
gut course
holder in due course
matter of course
obstacle course
par for the course
survey course

course of study

1647
1 : CURRICULUM
2 : COURSE 4A

courser
n. : a swift or spirited horse : CHARGER

courser
n. 1 : a dog for coursing
2 : one that courses : HUNTSMAN
3 : any of various Old World birds (subfamily Cursoriinae of the family Glareolidae) noted for their speed in running

courseware
n. : educational software

coursing
n. 1 : the pursuit of running game with dogs that follow by sight instead of by scent
2 : the act of one that courses

court
n. 1 a : the residence or establishment of a sovereign or similar dignitary b : a sovereign's formal assembly of councillors and officers c : the sovereign and officers and advisers who are the governing power d : the family and retinue of a sovereign e : a reception held by a sovereign
2 a (1) : a manor house or large building surrounded by usually enclosed grounds (2) : MOTEL b : an open space enclosed wholly or partly by buildings or circumscribed by a single building c : a quadrangular space walled or marked off for playing one of various games with a ball (as lawn tennis, handball, or basketball) also : a division of such a court d : a wide alley with only one opening onto a street
3 a : an official assembly for the transaction of judicial business b : a session of such a court <court is now adjourned> c : a place (as a chamber) for the administration of justice d : a judge or judges in session also : a faculty or agency of judgment or evaluation <rest our case in the court of world opinion ― L. H. Marks>
4 a : an assembly or board with legislative or administrative powers b : PARLIAMENT, LEGISLATURE
5 : conduct or attention intended to win favor or dispel hostility : HOMAGE <pay court to the king>

court
n. 1 a : to seek to gain or achieve <court power> b (1) : ALLURE, TEMPT (2) : to act so as to invite or provoke <courts disaster>
2 a : to seek the affections of especially : to seek to win a pledge of marriage from b of an animal : to perform actions in order to attract for mating <a male bird courting a female>
3 a : to seek to attract (as by solicitous attention or offers of advantages) <college teams courting high school basketball stars> b : to seek an alliance with
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in social activities leading to engagement and marriage
2 of an animal : to engage in activity leading to mating

court
n. ward of court
circuit court
clay court
county court
court bouillon
court of appeals
court of appeal
court of claims
court of common pleas
court of domestic relations
court of honor
court of inquiry
court of law
court of record
Court of St. James's
Court of St James's
court of sessions
court order
court plaster
court reporter
court tennis
criminal court
crown court
district court
domestic relations court
drumhead court martial
family court
federal court
federal district court
food court
friend of the court
full court press
General Court
grass court
half court
high court
hold court
Inns of Court
juvenile court
kangaroo court
magistrate's court
moot court
motor court
municipal court
night court
orphan's court
police court
probate court
provost court
service court
small claims court
superior court
supreme court
take to court
territorial court
tourist court
traffic court
trailer court
trial court
tout court
court martial

court bouillon
: a liquid made usually with water, white wine, vegetables, and seasonings and used to poach fish

court of appeals

Usage:

often cap C&A

Date:

1768

: a court hearing appeals from the decisions of lower courts ― called also court of appeal

court of claims

1691
: a court that has jurisdiction over claims (as against a government)

court of common pleas

1606
1 : a former English superior court having civil jurisdiction
2 : an intermediate court in some American states that usually has civil and criminal jurisdiction

court of domestic relations

1926
: a court that has jurisdiction and often special advisory powers over family disputes involving the rights and duties of husband, wife, parent, or child especially in matters affecting the support, custody, and welfare of children

court of honor

1593
: a tribunal (as a military court) for investigating questions of personal honor

court of inquiry

1757
: a military court that inquires into and reports on some military matter (as an officer's questionable conduct)

court of law

14th century
: a court that hears cases and decides them on the basis of statutes or the common law

court of record

15th century
: a court whose acts and proceedings are kept on permanent record

court of sessions

1843
: any of various state criminal courts of record

Court of St. James's
: the British royal court

court order
: an order issuing from a competent court that requires a party to do or abstain from doing a specified act

court plaster
: an adhesive plaster especially of silk coated with isinglass and glycerin

court reporter
: a stenographer who records and transcribes a verbatim report of all proceedings in a court of law

court tennis
: a game played with a ball and racket in an enclosed court divided by a net

court-martial
1 : a court consisting of commissioned officers and in some instances enlisted personnel for the trial of members of the armed forces or others within its jurisdiction
2 : a trial by court-martial

court-martial
: to subject to trial by court-martial

courteous
adj. 1 : marked by polished manners, gallantry, or ceremonial usage of a court
2 : marked by respect for and consideration of others
synonyms see CIVIL
–cour·te·ous·ly adverb
–cour·te·ous·ness noun

courtesan
n. : a prostitute with a courtly, wealthy, or upper-class clientele

courtesy
n. 1 a : courteous behavior b : a courteous act or expression
2 a : general allowance despite facts : INDULGENCE <hills called mountains by courtesy only> b : consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing something (as a gift or privilege) also : AGENCY, MEANS ― used chiefly in the phrases through the courtesy of or by courtesy of or sometimes simply courtesy of

courtesy
n. : granted, provided, or performed as a courtesy or by way of courtesy <made a courtesy call on the ambassador>

courtesy
n. courtesy card
courtesy title
senatorial courtesy

courtesy card
: a card entitling its holder to some special privilege

courtesy title
1 : a title (as “Lord” added to the Christian name of a peer's younger son) used in addressing certain lineal relatives of British peers
2 : a title (as “Professor” for any teacher) taken by the user and commonly accepted without consideration of official right

courthouse
n. 1 a : a building in which courts of law are regularly held b : the principal building in which county offices are housed
2 : COUNTY SEAT

courtier
n. 1 : one in attendance at a royal court
2 : one who practices flattery

courtly
adj. 1 a : of a quality befitting the court : ELEGANT b : insincerely flattering
2 : favoring the policy or party of the court
–court·li·ness noun

courtly
adj. : in a courtly manner : POLITELY

courtly love
: a late medieval conventionalized code prescribing conduct and emotions of ladies and their lovers

Courtrai
― see KORTRIJK

courtroom
n. : a room in which a court of law is held

courtship
n. : the act, process, or period of courting

courtside
: the area at the edge of a court (as for tennis or basketball)

courtyard
n. : a court or enclosure adjacent to a building (as a house or palace)

couscous
n. : a No. African dish of steamed semolina usually served with meat or vegetables also : the semolina itself

Cousin
n. Victor 1792-1867 Fr. philos.

cousin
n. 1 a : a child of one's uncle or aunt b : a relative descended from one's grandparent or more remote ancestor by two or more steps and in a different line c : KINSMAN, RELATIVE <a distant cousin>
2 : one associated with or related to another : COUNTERPART
3 ― used as a title by a sovereign in addressing a nobleman
4 : a person of a race or people ethnically or culturally related <our English cousins>
–cous·in·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–cous·in·ly adjective
–cous·in·ship \-ˌship\ noun

cousin
n. cater cousin
cousin german
Cousin Jack
first cousin
kissing cousin
second cousin
cousins german

Cousin Jack
: CORNISHMAN especially : a Cornish miner

cousin-german
: COUSIN 1A

cousinage
n. 1 : relationship of cousins : KINSHIP
2 : a collection of cousins : KINFOLK

Cousins
n. Norman 1912-1990 American editor & essayist

Cousteau
n. Jacques-Yves 1910-1997 Fr. marine explorer

coute que coute
: cost what it may

couth
adj. : SOPHISTICATED, POLISHED

couth
adj. : POLISH, REFINEMENT <I expected kindness and gentility⋯but there is such a thing as too much couth ― S. J. Perelman>

couthie
chiefly Scottish : PLEASANT, KINDLY

couture
n. 1 : the business of designing, making, and selling fashionable custom-made women's clothing
2 : the designers and establishments engaged in couture
3 : the clothes created by couture

couturier
n. : an establishment engaged in couture also : the proprietor of or designer for such an establishment

couturiere
n. : a woman who is a couturier

couvade
n. : a custom in some cultures in which when a child is born the father takes to bed as if bearing the child and submits himself to fasting, purification, or taboos

covalence
n. : valence characterized by the sharing of electrons

covalency
n. : COVALENCE

covalent
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by covalent bonds
–co·va·lent·ly \-lē\ adverb

covalent bond
: a chemical bond formed between atoms by the sharing of electrons

covariance
n. 1 : the expected value of the product of the deviations of two random variables from their respective means
2 : the arithmetic mean of the products of the deviations of corresponding values of two quantitative variables from their respective means

covariant
n. : varying with something else so as to preserve certain mathematical interrelations

covariate
: any of two or more random variables exhibiting correlated variation

covariation
n. : correlated variation of two or more variables

Covarrubias
Miguel 1904-1957 Mex. artist

covary
: to exhibit covariation

cove
n. 1 : a recessed place : CONCAVITY: as a : an architectural member with a concave cross section b : a trough for concealed lighting at the upper part of a wall
2 : a small sheltered inlet or bay
3 a : a deep recess or small valley in the side of a mountain b : a level area sheltered by hills or mountains

cove
n. : to make in a hollow concave form

cove
n. British : MAN, FELLOW

covellite
: a usually blue mineral consisting of a sulfide of copper

coven
n. 1 : a collection of individuals with similar interests or activities <a coven of intellectuals>
2 : an assembly or band of usually 13 witches

covenant
n. 1 : a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : COMPACT
2 a : a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action b : the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract
–cov·e·nan·tal \ˌkə-və-'nan-təl\ adjective

covenant
n. : to promise by a covenant : PLEDGE
intransitive verb : to enter into a covenant : CONTRACT

covenantee
n. : the person to whom a promise in the form of a covenant is made

covenanter
n. 1 capitalized : a signer or adherent of the Scottish National Covenant of 1638
2 : one that makes a covenant

covenantor
n. : a party bound by a covenant

Coventry
n. : a state of ostracism or exclusion <sent to Coventry>

Coventry
n. 1 \'kə-vən-trē\ town W R.I. pop 33,668
2 \'kä-, 'kə-\ city cen England in W. Midlands pop 292,500

cover
n. transitive verb
1 a : to guard from attack b (1) : to have within the range of one's guns : COMMAND (2) : to hold within range of an aimed firearm c (1) : to afford protection or security to : INSURE (2) : to afford protection against or compensation for <a policy covering loss by fire> d (1) : to guard (an opponent) in order to obstruct a play <a linebacker assigned to cover the tight end> (2) : to be in position to receive a throw to (a base in baseball) <the shortstop was covering second> e (1) : to make provision for (a demand or charge) by means of a reserve or deposit <your balance is insufficient to cover the check> (2) : to maintain a check on especially by patrolling (3) : to protect by contrivance or expedient
2 a : to hide from sight or knowledge : CONCEAL <cover up a scandal> b : to lie over : ENVELOP <a blanket covering her legs>
3 : to lay or spread something over : OVERLAY <cover the seed bed with straw>
4 a : to spread over <snow covered the hills> b : to appear here and there on the surface of <a region covered with lakes>
5 : to place or set a cover or covering over <cover the pot>
6 a : to copulate with (a female animal) <a horse covers a mare> b : to sit on and incubate (eggs)
7 : to invest with a large or excessive amount of something <covered herself with glory>
8 : to play a higher-ranking card on (a previously played card)
9 : to have sufficient scope to include or take into account <an examination covering a full year's work>
10 : to deal with : TREAT <material covered in the first chapter>
11 a : to have as one's territory or field of activity <one sales rep covers the whole state> b : to report news about <reporters covering the campaign>
12 : to pass over : TRAVERSE <the hikers covered 12 miles that day>
13 : to defray the cost of <cover expenses>
14 : to place one's stake in equal jeopardy with in a bet
15 : to buy securities or commodities for delivery against (an earlier short sale)
16 : to record or perform a cover of (a song)
intransitive verb
1 : to conceal something illicit, blameworthy, or embarrassing from notice ― usually used with up
2 : to act as a substitute or replacement during an absence
–cov·er·able \'kəv-rə-bəl, 'kə-və-\ adjective
–co·ver·er \'kə-vər-ər\ noun
–cover one's tracks : to conceal traces in order to elude pursuers or escape detection
–cover the ground or cover ground : to deal with a subject or assignment in a particular manner <the new book covers a lot of ground>

cover
n. 1 : something that protects, shelters, or guards: as a : natural shelter for an animal also : the factors that provide such shelter b (1) : a position or situation affording protection from enemy fire (2) : the protection offered by airplanes in tactical support of a military operation c British : COVERAGE 1A B 2A
2 : something that is placed over or about another thing: a : LID, TOP b : a binding or case for a book or the analogous part of a magazine also : the front or back of such a binding c : an overlay or outer layer especially for protection <a mattress cover> d : a tablecloth and the other table accessories e : COVER CHARGE f : ROOF g : a cloth used on a bed for warmth or for decoration ― usually used in plural <lying under the covers> h : something (as vegetation or snow) that covers the ground i : the extent to which clouds obscure the sky
3 a : something that conceals or obscures <under cover of darkness> b : a masking device : PRETEXT <the project was a cover for intelligence operations>
4 : an envelope or wrapper for mail
5 : one who substitutes for another during an absence
6 : a recording or performance of a song previously recorded by another performer
–cov·er·less \'kə-vər-ləs\ adjective
–under cover
1 : in an envelope or wrapper
2 : under concealment : in secret

cover
n. cover ground
blow one's cover
break cover
cover the ground
cover one's tracks
under cover
cover all
cover charge
cover crop
cover girl
cover glass
cover story
cover up
first day cover
gill cover
ground cover
re cover
covered bridge
covered smut
covered wagon

cover charge
: a charge made by a restaurant or nightclub in addition to the charge for food and drink

cover crop
: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

cover girl
: an attractive young woman whose picture appears on a magazine cover

cover glass
: a piece of very thin glass or plastic used to cover material on a microscope slide

cover one's tracks
to conceal traces in order to elude pursuers or escape detection

cover story
: a story accompanying a magazine-cover illustration

cover the ground
or cover ground : to deal with a subject or assignment in a particular manner <the new book covers a lot of ground>

cover-all
: COMPREHENSIVE <cover-all provisions>

cover-up
1 a : a device or stratagem for masking or concealing <his garrulousness is a cover-up for insecurity> b : a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public
2 : a loose outer garment

coverage
n. 1 : something that covers: as a : inclusion within the scope of an insurance policy or protective plan : INSURANCE b : the amount available to meet liabilities c : inclusion within the scope of discussion or reporting <the news coverage of the trial>
2 : the total group covered : SCOPE: as a : all the risks covered by the terms of an insurance contract b : the number or percentage of persons reached by a communications medium
3 : the act or fact of covering

coverall
n. : a one-piece outer garment worn to protect other garments ― usually used in plural
–cov·er·alled \-ˌȯld\ adjective

Coverdale
n. Miles 1488?-1569 Eng. Bible translator

covered bridge
: a bridge that has its roadway protected by a roof and enclosing sides

covered smut
: a smut disease of grains in which the spore masses are held together by the persistent grain membrane and glumes

covered wagon
: a wagon with a canvas top supported by bowed strips of wood or metal

covering
n. : something that covers or conceals

covering
n. : containing explanation of or additional information about an accompanying communication <a covering letter>

coverlet
n. : BEDSPREAD

coverslip
n. : COVER GLASS

covert
n. 1 : not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed : VEILED <a covert alliance>
2 : covered over : SHELTERED
synonyms see SECRET
–co·vert·ly adverb
–co·vert·ness noun

covert
n. 1 a : hiding place : SHELTER b : a thicket affording cover for game c : a masking or concealing device
2 : a feather covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird ― see WING illustration
3 : a firm durable twilled sometimes waterproofed cloth usually of mixed-color yarns

covert
n. break covert
tail covert
wing covert

coverture
n. 1 a : COVERING b : SHELTER
2 : the status a woman acquires upon marriage under common law

covet
v. transitive verb
1 : to wish for earnestly <covet an award>
2 : to desire (what belongs to another) inordinately or culpably
intransitive verb : to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another
synonyms see DESIRE
–cov·et·able \-və-tə-bəl\ adjective
–cov·et·er \-tər\ noun
–cov·et·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

covetous
adj. 1 : marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions
2 : having a craving for possession <covetous of power>
–cov·et·ous·ly adverb
–cov·et·ous·ness noun
synonyms COVETOUS, GREEDY, ACQUISITIVE, GRASPING, AVARICIOUS mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. COVETOUS implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions <covetous of his brother's country estate>. GREEDY stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire <greedy for status symbols>. ACQUISITIVE implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep <an eagerly acquisitive mind>. GRASPING adds to COVETOUS and GREEDY an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means <a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives>. AVARICIOUS implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess <an avaricious miser>.

covey
n. 1 : a mature bird or pair of birds with a brood of young also : a small flock
2 : COMPANY, GROUP <a covey of schoolchildren>

Covina
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 46,837

Covington
city N Ky. pop 43,370

cow
n. 1 a : the mature female of cattle (genus Bos) b : the mature female of various usually large animals (as an elephant, whale, or moose)
2 : a domestic bovine animal regardless of sex or age
–cowy \-ē\ adjective

cow
n. : to destroy the resolve or courage of <the party that Stalin had cowed ― World Press Rev.> also : to bring to a state or an action by intimidation ― used with into <like too many Asian armies, adept at cowing a population into feeding them ― Edward Lansdale>
synonyms see INTIMIDATE
–cowed·ly \'kau̇(-ə)d-lē\ adverb

cow
n. ant cow
cash cow
cow college
cow horse
cow parsnip
cow pie
cow pony
cow town
mad cow disease
sacred cow
sea cow
Steller's sea cow

cow college
1 : a college that specializes in agriculture
2 : a provincial college or university that lacks culture, sophistication, and tradition

cow horse
: COW PONY

cow parsnip
: a tall perennial No. American plant (Heracleum lanatum) of the carrot family with large compound leaves and broad umbels of white or purplish flowers also : a related Eurasian plant (H. sphondylium) naturalized in the U.S.

cow pie
: a dropping of cow dung

cow pony
: a strong and agile saddle horse trained for herding cattle

cow town
1 : a town or city that serves as a market center or shipping point for cattle
2 : a usually small unsophisticated town within a cattle-raising area

Coward
n. Sir Noël Peirce 1899-1973 Eng. actor & dram.

coward
n. : one who shows disgraceful fear or timidity
–coward adjective

cowardice
n. : lack of courage or resolution

cowardly
adj. : in a cowardly manner

cowardly
adj. : being, resembling, or befitting a coward <a cowardly retreat>
–cow·ard·li·ness noun
synonyms COWARDLY, PUSILLANIMOUS, CRAVEN, DASTARDLY mean having or showing a lack of courage. COWARDLY implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage <a cowardly failure to stand up for principle>. PUSILLANIMOUS suggests a contemptible lack of courage <the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility>. CRAVEN suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance <secretly despised her own craven yes-men>. DASTARDLY often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous <a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians>.

cowbane
n. : any of several poisonous plants (as a water hemlock) of the carrot family

cowbell
n. : a bell hung around the neck of a cow to make a sound by which the cow can be located

cowberry
n. : MOUNTAIN CRANBERRY also : its fruit

cowbird
n. : any of a genus (Molothrus of the family Icteridae) of New World blackbirds that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds especially : one (M. ater) widespread in the U.S. and southern Canada in which the male is black with a brown head and the female is gray

cowboy
n. 1 : one who tends cattle or horses especially : a usually mounted cattle-ranch hand
2 : a rodeo performer
3 : one having qualities (as recklessness, aggressiveness, or independence) popularly associated with cowboys: as a : a reckless driver b : a business or businessperson operating in an uncontrolled or unregulated manner

cowboy
n. : to work as a cowboy <cowboyed in Texas and Oklahoma>

cowboy
n. cowboy boot
cowboy hat
drugstore cowboy

cowboy boot
: a boot made with a high arch, a high Cuban heel, and usually fancy stitching

cowboy hat
: a wide-brimmed hat with a large soft crown ― called also ten-gallon hat

cowcatcher
n. : an inclined frame on the front of a railroad locomotive for throwing obstacles off the track

Cowell
Henry Dixon 1887-1965 American composer

cower
v. : to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays
synonyms see FAWN

Cowes
town S England on Isle of Wight pop 19,663

cowfish
n. : any of various small bright-colored bony fishes (family Ostraciidae) with hornlike projections over the eyes

cowgirl
n. 1 : a girl or woman who tends cattle or horses
2 : a girl or woman who is a rodeo performer

cowhage
adj. : a tropical woody vine (Mucuna pruriens) of the legume family with crooked pods covered with barbed hairs that cause severe itching also : these hairs formerly used as a vermifuge

cowhand
n. : COWBOY 1

cowherd
n. : one who tends cows

cowhide
n. 1 : the hide of a cow also : leather made from this hide
2 : a coarse whip of rawhide or braided leather

cowhide
n. : to flog with a cowhide whip

Cowl
n. Jane 1883-1950 orig. Grace Bailey American actress

cowl
n. 1 a : a hood or long hooded cloak especially of a monk b : a draped neckline on a woman's garment
2 a : a chimney covering designed to improve the draft b : the top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board c : COWLING

cowl
n. : to cover with or as if with a cowl

cowl-neck
: a high loose-fitting turnover collar used especially for sweaters
–cowl-necked \-ˌnekt\ adjective

Cowley
Abraham 1618-1667 Eng. poet

Cowley
Malcolm 1898-1989 American lit. critic

cowlick
n. : a lock or tuft of hair growing in a different direction from the rest of the hair

cowling
n. : a removable metal covering that houses the engine and sometimes a part of the fuselage or nacelle of an airplane also : a metal cover for an engine

Cowlitz
river 130 mi (209 km) SW Wash. flowing into Columbia River

cowlstaff
archaic : a staff from which a vessel is suspended and carried between two persons

cowman
n. 1 : COWHERD, COWBOY
2 : a cattle owner or rancher

cowpat
n. chiefly British : COW PIE

cowpea
n. : a sprawling herb (Vigna unguiculata syn. V. sinensis) of the legume family related to the bean and widely cultivated in the southern U.S. especially for forage and green manure also : its edible seed ― called also black-eyed pea field pea

Cowper
n. William 1731-1800 Eng. poet

Cowper's gland
: either of two small glands lying on either side of the male urethra below the prostate gland and discharging a secretion into the semen ― called also bulbourethral gland ― compare BARTHOLIN'S GLAND

cowpoke
n. : COWBOY 1

cowpox
n. : a mild eruptive disease of the cow that is caused by a poxvirus (species Cowpox virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus) and that when communicated to humans protects against smallpox

cowpuncher
n. : COWBOY 1

cowrie
n. : any of various marine gastropods (family Cypraeidae) that are widely distributed in warm seas and have glossy and often brightly colored shells also : the shell of a cowrie

cowshed
n. : a shed for the housing of cows

cowslip
n. 1 : a common European primrose (Primula veris) with fragrant yellow flowers
2 : MARSH MARIGOLD

COX
n. : CYCLOOXYGENASE ― often used with the number 1 or 2 to indicate one of the two variants of the enzyme

cox
n. : COXSWAIN
–coxed \'käkst\ adjective
–cox·less \'käks-ləs\ adjective

cox
n. : COXSWAIN

COX-2 inhibitor
: any of a class of drugs used to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis by selectively blocking the variant of cyclooxygenase causing these symptoms

coxa
n. : the basal segment of a limb of various arthropods (as an insect)
–cox·al \-səl\ adjective

coxcomb
n. 1 a : a jester's cap adorned with a strip of red b archaic : PATE, HEAD
2 a obsolete : FOOL b : a conceited foolish person : FOP
–cox·comb·i·cal \käks-'kō-mi-kəl, -'kä-\ adjective

coxcombry
n. : behavior that is characteristic of a coxcomb : FOPPERY

Coxey
Jacob Sechler 1854-1951 American polit. reformer

Coxsackie virus
: any of numerous enteroviruses associated with human diseases (as meningitis)

coxswain
n. 1 : a sailor who has charge of a ship's boat and its crew and who usually steers
2 : a steersman of a racing shell who usually directs the rowers

coxswain
n. : to direct as coxswain
intransitive verb : to act as coxswain

coy
adj. 1 a : shrinking from contact or familiarity <'tis but a kiss I beg, Why art thou coy? ― Shakespeare> b : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness <using coy tricks to attract attention>
2 : showing reluctance to make a definite commitment <a coy response>
synonyms see SHY
–coy·ly adverb
–coy·ness noun

coy
adj. obsolete : CARESS
intransitive verb archaic : to act coyly

coydog
: a hybrid between a coyote and a feral dog

coyote
n. 1 : a buff-gray to reddish-gray No. American canid (Canis latrans) closely related to but smaller than the wolf
2 : one who smuggles immigrants into the U.S.

coyotillo
: a shrub (Karwinskia humboldtiana) of the buckthorn family of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico having poisonous berries

coypu
n. : NUTRIA

coz
n. : COUSIN

cozen
v. 1 : to deceive, win over, or induce to do something by artful coaxing and wheedling or shrewd trickery
2 : to gain by cozening someone <cozened his supper out of the old couple>
synonyms see CHEAT
–coz·en·er \'kəz-nər, 'kə-zə-\ noun

cozenage
n. 1 : the art or practice of cozening : FRAUD
2 : an act or an instance of cozening

Cozumel
island SE Mexico off Quintana Roo

cozy
n. 1 a : enjoying or affording warmth and ease : SNUG <a cozy lakeside cabin> b : marked by or providing contentment or comfort <won by a cozy margin>
2 a : marked by the intimacy of the family or a close group b : marked by or suggesting close association or connivance <a cozy agreement>
3 : marked by a discreet and cautious attitude or procedure
synonyms see COMFORTABLE
–co·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–co·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

cozy
n. 1 : a padded covering especially for a teapot to keep the contents hot
2 : a light detective story that usually features a well-educated protagonist and little explicit violence

cozy
n. : in a cautious manner <play it cozy and wait for the other team to make a mistake ― Bobby Dodd>

cozy up
: to attain or try to attain familiarity, friendship, or intimacy : ingratiate oneself <cozying up to the boss>

Cozzens
James Gould 1903-1978 American author

CP
1 candlepower
2 center of pressure
3 cerebral palsy
4 charter party
5 chemically pure
6 command post
7 Communist party
8 Congregation of the Passion
9 custom of port

cp
1 compare
2 coupon

CPA
certified public accountant

CPB
Corporation for Public Broadcasting

CPCU
chartered property casualty underwriter

cpd
compound

CPFF
cost plus fixed fee

CPI
consumer price index

cpi
characters per inch

Cpl
corporal

cpl
1 complete
2 compline

CPM
cost per thousand

CPO
chief petty officer

CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPS
1 cards per second
2 certified professional secretary
3 characters per second
4 cycles per second

CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPT
captain

cpu
: the component of a computer system that performs the basic operations (as processing data) of the system, that exchanges data with the system's memory or peripherals, and that manages the system's other components ― called also processor

cpu
data processor
food processor
word processor

CQ
― communications code letters used at the beginning of messages of general information or safety notices or by shortwave amateurs as an invitation to talk to other shortwave amateurs

CQ
1 charge of quarters
2 commercial quality

CR
n. 1 carrier's risk
2 cathode ray
3 conditioned reflex; conditioned response
4 consciousness-raising
5 current rate

Cr
n. chromium

cr
n. 1 center
2 circular
3 commander
4 cream
5 creased
6 credit; creditor
7 creek
8 crescendo

crab
n. 1 plural crabs also crab : any of numerous chiefly marine broadly built decapod crustaceans: a : any of an infraorder (Brachyura) with a short broad usually flattened carapace, a small abdomen that curls forward beneath the body, short antennae, and the anterior pair of limbs modified as grasping pincers b : any of various crustaceans of an infraorder (Anomura) resembling true crabs in the more or less reduced condition of the abdomen
2 capitalized : CANCER 1
3 plural : infestation with crab lice
4 : the angular difference between an aircraft's course and the heading necessary to make that course in the presence of a crosswind

crab
n. intransitive verb
1 : to fish for crabs
2 a (1) : to move sideways indirectly or diagonally (2) : to crab an airplane b : to scuttle or scurry sideways
transitive verb
1 : to cause to move sideways or in an indirect or diagonal manner specifically : to head (an airplane) into a crosswind to counteract drift
2 : to subject to crabbing
–crab·ber noun

crab
n. : CRAB APPLE

crab
n. : an ill-tempered person : GROUCH

crab
n. transitive verb
1 : to make sullen : SOUR <old age has crabbed his nature>
2 : to complain about peevishly
3 : SPOIL, RUIN
intransitive verb : CARP, GROUSE <always crabs about the weather>
–crab·ber noun

crab
n. blue crab
catch a crab
coconut crab
crab apple
crab louse
crab spider
Dungeness crab
fiddler crab
hard shell crab
hard shelled crab
hermit crab
horseshoe crab
king crab
oyster crab
she crab
snow crab
spider crab
stone crab
tanner crab

crab apple
: any of various wild or cultivated trees (genus Malus) that are cultivars or relatives of the cultivated apple and that produce small sour fruit also : the fruit

crab louse
: a sucking louse (Phthirus pubis) infesting the pubic region of the human body

crab spider
: any of a family (Thomisidae) of spiders that resemble crabs in shape and in being able to walk forward, backward, and sideways

Crabbe
George 1754-1832 Eng. poet

crabbed
adj. 1 : marked by a forbidding moroseness <a crabbed view of human nature>
2 : difficult to read or understand <crabbed handwriting>
synonyms see SULLEN
–crab·bed·ness noun

crabby
adj. : CROSS, ILL-NATURED <a crabby recluse>

crabeater seal
: an Antarctic hair seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) that feeds on krill and lives and breeds on pack ice ― called also crabeater

crabgrass
n. : a grass (esp. Digitaria sanguinalis) that has creeping or decumbent stems which root freely at the nodes and that is often a pest in turf or cultivated lands

crabmeat
n. : the edible part of a crab

crabstick
n. 1 : a stick, cane, or cudgel of crab apple tree wood
2 : a crabbed ill-natured person

crabwise
adj. 1 : SIDEWAYS
2 : in a sidling or cautiously indirect manner

crack
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a very sharp explosive sound <the whip cracks through the air>
2 : to break, split, or snap apart
3 : FAIL: as a : to lose control or effectiveness under pressure ― often used with up b : to fail in tone <his voice cracked>
4 : to go or travel at good speed ― usually used with on <the steamboat cracked on>
transitive verb
1 a : to break so that fissures appear on the surface <crack a mirror> b : to break with a sudden sharp sound <crack nuts>
2 : to tell especially suddenly or strikingly <crack a joke>
3 : to strike with a sharp noise : RAP <then cracks him over the head> <cracked a two-run homer in the fifth ― N.Y. Times>
4 a (1) : to open (as a bottle) for drinking (2) : to open (a book) for studying b : to puzzle out and expose, solve, or reveal the mystery of <crack a code> c : to break into <crack a safe> d : to open slightly <crack the throttle> e : to break through (as a barrier) so as to gain acceptance or recognition f : to show or begin showing (a smile) especially reluctantly or uncharacteristically
5 a : to impair seriously or irreparably : WRECK <crack an opponent's courage> b : to destroy the tone of (a voice) c : DISORDER, CRAZE d : to interrupt sharply or abruptly <the criticism cracked our complacency>
6 : to cause to make a sharp noise <cracks his knuckles>
7 a (1) : to subject (hydrocarbons) to cracking (2) : to produce by cracking <cracked gasoline> b : to break up (chemical compounds) into simpler compounds by means of heat
–crack the whip : to adopt or apply an authoritative, tyrannical, or threatening approach or policy (as in demanding harder work from employees)
–crack wise : to make a wisecrack

crack
n. 1 a : a loud roll or peal <a crack of thunder> b : a sudden sharp noise <the crack of rifle fire>
2 : a sharp witty remark : QUIP
3 a : a narrow break : FISSURE <a crack in the ice> b : a narrow opening <leave the door open a crack> <cracks between floorboards> ― used figuratively in phrases like fall through the cracks to describe one that has been improperly or inadvertently ignored or left out <a player who fell through the cracks in the college draft> <children slipping through the cracks of available youth services>
4 a : a weakness or flaw caused by decay, age, or deficiency : UNSOUNDNESS b : a broken tone of the voice c : CRACKPOT
5 : MOMENT, INSTANT <the crack of dawn>
6 : HOUSEBREAKING, BURGLARY
7 : a sharp resounding blow <gave him a crack on the head>
8 : an attempt or opportunity to do something <her first crack at writing a novel> <got first crack at the job opening>
9 : a potent form of cocaine that is obtained by treating the hydrochloride of cocaine with sodium bicarbonate to create small chips used illicitly for smoking ― called also crack cocaine

crack
n. : of superior excellence or ability <a crack marksman>

crack
n. crack cocaine
crack wise
crack the whip
crack baby
crack down
crack house
crack up
sand crack
get cracking

crack baby
: an infant born physiologically addicted to crack as a result of exposure to the drug in the mother's womb

crack down
: to take positive regulatory or disciplinary action

crack house
: a house or apartment where crack is made, sold, or used

crack the whip
to adopt or apply an authoritative, tyrannical, or threatening approach or policy (as in demanding harder work from employees)

crack up
1 : PRAISE, TOUT 4 <wasn't all that it was cracked up to be>
2 : to damage or destroy (a vehicle) by crashing <crack up a car>
3 : to cause to laugh out loud <that joke really cracks him up>
intransitive verb
1 : to damage or destroy a vehicle (as by losing control) <cracked up on a curve>
2 : to laugh out loud

crack wise
to make a wisecrack

crack-up
1 : CRASH, WRECK <an automobile crack-up>
2 a : a mental collapse : NERVOUS BREAKDOWN <his wife's death brought on his crack-up> b : COLLAPSE, BREAKDOWN

crackback
: a blind-side block on a defensive back in football by a pass receiver who starts downfield and then cuts back to the middle of the line

crackbrain
: an erratic person : CRACKPOT
–crack·brained \-'brānd\ adjective

crackdown
n. : an act or instance of cracking down

cracked
adj. 1 a : broken (as by a sharp blow) so that the surface is fissured <cracked china> b : broken into coarse particles <cracked wheat> c : marked by harshness, dissonance, or failure to sustain a tone <a cracked voice>
2 : mentally disturbed : CRAZY

cracker
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a bragging liar : BOASTER
2 : something that makes a cracking or snapping noise: as a : FIRECRACKER b : the snapping end of a whiplash : SNAPPER c : a paper holder for a party favor that pops when the ends are pulled sharply
3 plural : NUTCRACKER
4 : a dry thin crispy baked bread product that may be leavened or unleavened
5 a usually disparaging : a poor usually Southern white b capitalized : a native or resident of Florida or Georgia ― used as a nickname
6 : the equipment in which cracking (as of petroleum) is carried out
7 : HACKER 4

cracker
n. animal cracker
catalytic cracker
cracker barrel
Cracker Jack
graham cracker
oyster cracker
soda cracker

Cracker Jack
― used for a candied popcorn confection

cracker-barrel
: suggestive of the friendly homespun character of a country store <a cracker-barrel philosopher>

crackerjack
n. : a person or thing of marked excellence
–crackerjack adjective

crackers
n. : CRAZY

crackhead
n. : one who smokes crack

cracking
n. : very impressive or effective : GREAT

cracking
n. : VERY, EXTREMELY <a cracking good book>

cracking
n. : a process in which relatively heavy hydrocarbons are broken up by heat into lighter products (as gasoline)

crackle
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to make small sharp sudden repeated noises <the fire crackles on the hearth> b : to show animation : SPARKLE <the essays crackle with wit>
2 : CRAZE 3
transitive verb : to crush or crack with snapping noises
–crack·ling·ly adverb

crackle
v. 1 a : the noise of repeated small cracks or reports b : SPARKLE, EFFERVESCENCE
2 : a network of fine cracks on an otherwise smooth surface

crackleware
n. : ceramic ware with a decorative crazed glaze

crackling
n. 1 \'kra-k(ə-)liŋ\ : a series of small sharp cracks or reports <the crackling of frozen snow as we walk>
2 \'kra-klən, -kliŋ\ : the crisp residue left after the rendering of lard from fat or the frying or roasting of the skin (as of pork) ― usually used in plural

crackly
adj. : inclined to crackle : CRISP

cracknel
n. 1 : a hard brittle biscuit
2 : CRACKLING 2 ― usually used in plural

crackpot
n. : one given to eccentric or lunatic notions
–crackpot adjective

cracksman
n. : BURGLAR also : SAFECRACKER

Cracow
n. ― see KRAKÓW

cracy
1 : form of government also : state having such a form <monocracy>
2 : social or political class (as of powerful persons) <mobocracy>
3 : theory of social organization <technocracy>

cradle
n. 1 a : a bed or cot for a baby usually on rockers or pivots b : a framework or support suggestive of a baby's cradle: as (1) : a framework of bars and rods (2) : the support for a telephone receiver or handset c : an implement with rods like fingers attached to a scythe and used formerly for harvesting grain d : a frame to keep the bedclothes from contact with an injured part of the body
2 a : the earliest period of life : INFANCY <from the cradle to the grave> b : a place of origin <the cradle of civilization>
3 : a rocking device used in panning for gold

cradle
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place or keep in or as if in a cradle b : SHELTER, REAR c : to support protectively or intimately <cradling the injured man's head in her arms>
2 : to cut (grain) with a cradle scythe
3 : to place, raise, support, or transport on a cradle
intransitive verb obsolete : to rest in or as if in a cradle

cradle cap
: a seborrheic condition in infants that usually affects the scalp and is characterized by greasy gray or dark brown adherent scaly crusts

cradlesong
n. : LULLABY

craft
n. 1 : skill in planning, making, or executing : DEXTERITY
2 a : an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill <the carpenter's craft> <the craft of writing plays> <crafts such as pottery, carpentry, and sewing> b plural : articles made by craftspeople <a store selling crafts> <a crafts fair>
3 : skill in deceiving to gain an end <used craft and guile to close the deal>
4 : the members of a trade or trade association
5 plural usually craft a : a boat especially of small size b : AIRCRAFT c : SPACECRAFT
synonyms see ART

craft
n. : to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity <is crafting a new sculpture> <a carefully crafted story>
–craft·er \'kraf-tər\ noun

craft
n. craft union
landing craft
Arts and Crafts
arts and crafts

craft union
: a labor union with membership limited to workers of the same craft ― compare INDUSTRIAL UNION

craftsman
n. 1 : a worker who practices a trade or handicraft
2 : one who creates or performs with skill or dexterity especially in the manual arts <jewelry made by European craftsmen>
–crafts·man·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–crafts·man·ly \-lē\ adjective
–crafts·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

craftspeople
n. : workers who practice a trade or craft

craftsperson
: a craftsman or craftswoman

craftswoman
n. 1 : a woman who is an artisan
2 : a woman who is skilled in a craft

crafty
adj. 1 : SKILLFUL, CLEVER
2 a : adept in the use of subtlety and cunning b : marked by subtlety and guile <a crafty scheme>
synonyms see SLY
–craft·i·ly \'kraf-tə-lē\ adverb
–craft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

crag
n. 1 : a steep rugged rock or cliff
2 archaic : a sharp detached fragment of rock
–crag·ged \'kra-gəd\ adjective

crag
n. chiefly Scottish : NECK, THROAT

craggy
adj. 1 : full of crags <craggy slopes>
2 : ROUGH, RUGGED <a craggy face> <a craggy voice>
–crag·gi·ly \'kra-gə-lē\ adverb
–crag·gi·ness \'kra-gē-nəs\ noun

cragsman
n. : one who is expert in climbing crags or cliffs

Craigavon
1st Viscount 1871-1940 James Craig Brit. statesman; 1st prime min. of Northern Ireland (1921-40)

Craigavon
district cen Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 147 sq mi (381 sq km), pop 74,494

Craigie
Sir William Alexander 1867-1957 Brit. philologist & lexicographer

Craiova
city S Romania pop 302,622

crake
n. 1 : any of various rails especially : a short-billed rail (as the corncrake)
2 : the corncrake's cry

Cram
v. Donald James 1919-2001 Am. chem.

Cram
v. Ralph Adams 1863-1942 American architect & author

cram
v. transitive verb
1 : to pack tight : JAM <cram a suitcase with clothes> <a novel crammed with surprises>
2 a : to fill with food to satiety : STUFF b : to eat voraciously : BOLT <the child crams her food>
3 : to thrust in or as if in a rough or forceful manner <crammed the letters into his pocket>
4 : to prepare hastily for an examination <cram the students for the test>
intransitive verb
1 : to eat greedily or to satiety : STUFF
2 : to study a subject intensively especially for an imminent examination
–cram·mer noun

cram
v. 1 : a compressed multitude or crowd : CRUSH
2 : last-minute study especially for an examination

crambo
n. : a game in which one player gives a word or line of verse to be matched in rhyme by other players

cramp
n. 1 : a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
2 : a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse ― compare WRITER'S CRAMP
3 a : sharp abdominal pain ― usually used in plural b : persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea ― usually used in plural
–crampy \'kram-pē\ adjective

cramp
n. 1 a : a usually iron device bent at the ends and used to hold timbers or blocks of stone together b : CLAMP
2 a : something that confines : SHACKLE b : the state of being confined

cramp
n. 1 : to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps
2 a : CONFINE, RESTRAIN <was cramped in the tiny apartment> b : to restrain from free expression ― used especially in the phrase cramp one's style
3 : to fasten or hold with a cramp
intransitive verb : to be affected with cramps

cramp
n. 1 : hard to understand or figure out <cramp law terms> <cramp handwriting>
2 : being cramped <a cramp corner>

crampon
n. 1 : a hooked clutch or dog for raising heavy objects ― usually used in plural
2 : a climbing iron used especially on ice and snow in mountaineering ― usually used in plural

Cranach
Lucas 1472-1553 Ger. painter & engraver

cranberry
n. 1 : the red acid berry produced by some plants (as Vaccinium oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon) of the heath family also : a plant producing these
2 : any of various plants with a fruit that resembles a cranberry
3 : a dark red

cranberry
n. cranberry bush
highbush cranberry
mountain cranberry

cranberry bush
: HIGHBUSH CRANBERRY

Cranborne
Viscount ― see Robert CECIL

Crane
n. (Harold) Hart 1899-1932 American poet

Crane
n. Stephen 1871-1900 American writer

Crane
n. Walter 1845-1915 Eng. artist

crane
n. 1 : any of a family (Gruidae of the order Gruiformes) of tall wading birds superficially resembling the herons but structurally more nearly related to the rails
2 : any of several herons
3 : an often horizontal projection swinging about a vertical axis: as a : a machine for raising, shifting, and lowering heavy weights by means of a projecting swinging arm or with the hoisting apparatus supported on an overhead track b : an iron arm in a fireplace for supporting kettles c : a boom for holding a motion-picture or television camera

crane
n. transitive verb
1 : to raise or lift by or as if by a crane
2 : to stretch (as the neck) toward an object of attention <craning her neck to get a better view>
intransitive verb
1 : to stretch one's neck toward an object of attention <I craned out of the window of my compartment ― Webb Waldron>
2 : HESITATE

crane
n. crane fly
sandhill crane
whooping crane

crane fly
: any of a family (Tipulidae) of long-legged slender dipteran flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite

cranesbill
n. : GERANIUM 1

crani
: cranium <craniate> : cranial and <craniosacral>

cranial
adj. 1 : of or relating to the skull or cranium
2 : CEPHALIC
–cra·ni·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

cranial
adj. cranial index
cranial nerve
ninth cranial nerve

cranial index
: the ratio multiplied by 100 of the maximum breadth of the bare skull to its maximum length from front to back

cranial nerve
: any of the nerves that arise in pairs from the lower surface of the brain one on each side and pass through openings in the skull to the periphery of the body and that comprise 12 pairs in reptiles, birds, and mammals and usually 10 in fishes and amphibians

craniate
adj. : having a cranium
–craniate noun

craniocerebral
adj. : involving both cranium and brain <craniocerebral injury>

craniofacial
adj. : of, relating to, or involving both the cranium and the face <a craniofacial deformity>

craniology
n. : a science dealing with variations in size, shape, and proportions of skulls among human races

craniometry
n. : a science dealing with cranial measurement ― compare CEPHALOMETRY

craniosacral
adj. : PARASYMPATHETIC

craniosacral therapy
: a system of gentle touch designed to enhance the functioning of the membranes, tissues, fluids, and bones surrounding or associated with the brain and spinal cord

craniosynostosis
n. : premature fusion of the sutures of the skull

craniotomy
n. : surgical opening of the skull

cranium
n. : SKULL specifically : the part that encloses the brain : BRAINCASE

crank
n. 1 : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa
2 a archaic : BEND b : a twist or turn of speech : CONCEIT ― used especially in the phrase quips and cranks c (1) : CAPRICE, CROTCHET (2) : an annoyingly eccentric person also : one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity d : a bad-tempered person : GROUCH
3 : CRYSTAL 7
–crank·ish \'kraŋ-kish\ adjective

crank
n. 1 : to move with a winding course : ZIGZAG
2 a : to turn a crank b : to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank c : to gain speed, momentum, or intensity ― usually used with up <the campaign is cranking up>
transitive verb
1 : to move or operate by or as if by a crank <crank the window down>
2 a : to cause to start (as an automobile) b : to rotate the shaft (as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter <crank over an engine> c : to use in trying to start an engine <crank the starter>
3 a : to start as if by use of a crank ― usually used with up <she cranked up the air conditioner> b : TURN UP 2 ― usually used with up <crank up the volume> <crank up the stereo>

crank
n. : of, relating to, or being a cranky or eccentric person also : made or sent by such a person <crank calls> <a crank letter>

crank
n. 1 chiefly dialect : MERRY, HIGH-SPIRITED
2 chiefly dialect : COCKY, CONFIDENT

crank
n. of a boat : easily tipped : TENDER 7D

crank out
: to produce especially in a mechanical manner <crank out a manuscript>

crankcase
n. : the housing of a crankshaft

crankpin
n. : the cylindrical piece which forms the handle of a crank or to which a connecting rod is attached

crankshaft
n. 1 : a shaft driven by or driving a crank
2 : a shaft consisting of a series of cranks and crankpins to which the connecting rods of an engine are attached

cranky
adj. 1 a : given to fretful fussiness : readily angered when opposed : CROTCHETY <our long wait⋯left us a tad cranky ― Connecticut> b : marked by eccentricity <his bizarre and cranky mix of ideas and beliefs ― R. J. Evans>
2 : full of twists and turns : TORTUOUS <a cranky road>
3 : working erratically : UNPREDICTABLE <a cranky old tractor>
4 dialect : CRAZY, IMBECILE
–crank·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–crank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

cranky
adj. of a boat : 5CRANK

Cranmer
Thomas 1489-1556 Eng. reformer; archbishop of Canterbury (1533-56)

crannog
n. : an artificial fortified island constructed in a lake or marsh orig. in prehistoric Ireland and Scotland

cranny
n. 1 : a small break or slit : CREVICE
2 : an obscure nook or corner
–cran·nied \-nēd\ adjective

cranreuch
Scottish : HOARFROST, RIME

Cranston
city E R.I. S of Providence pop 79,269

crap
n. usually vulgar : DEFECATE

crap
n. 1 a usually vulgar : FECES b usually vulgar : the act of defecating
2 sometimes vulgar : NONSENSE, RUBBISH also : STUFF 4B

crap
n. 1 ― used as an attributive form of craps <crap game> <crap table>
2 : a throw of 2, 3, or 12 in the game of craps losing the shooter his bet unless he has a point ― called also craps ― compare NATURAL

crap
n. 1 : to throw a crap
2 : to throw a seven while trying to make a point ― usually used with out

crape
n. 1 : CREPE
2 : a band of crepe worn on a hat or sleeve as a sign of mourning

crape
n. : to cover or shroud with or as if with crape

crape
n. : to make (the hair) curly

crape myrtle
: an Asian shrub (Lagerstroemia indica) of the loosestrife family widely grown in warm regions for its flowers

crapola
slang : NONSENSE, RUBBISH also : STUFF 4B

crapper
n. usually vulgar : TOILET

crappie
n. 1 : BLACK CRAPPIE
2 : WHITE CRAPPIE

crappy
adj. slang : markedly inferior in quality : LOUSY

craps
n. 1 : a gambling game played with two dice
2 : 3CRAP 2

crapshoot
n. : something (as a business venture) that has an unpredictable outcome

crapshooter
n. : one who plays craps

crapulous
adj. 1 : marked by intemperance especially in eating or drinking
2 : sick from excessive indulgence in liquor

crash
n. transitive verb
1 a : to break violently and noisily : SMASH b : to damage (an airplane) in landing
2 a : to cause to make a loud noise <crash the cymbals together> b : to force (as one's way) through with loud crashing noises
3 : to enter or attend without invitation or without paying <crash the party>
4 : to move toward aggressively (as in fighting for a rebound) <basketball players crashing the boards>
5 : to cause (a computer system, component, or program) to crash
intransitive verb
1 a : to break or go to pieces with or as if with violence and noise b : to fall, land, or hit with destructive force c : to decline suddenly and steeply d of a computer system, component, or program : to suffer a sudden major failure usually with attendant loss of data
2 : to make a smashing noise <thunder crashing overhead>
3 : to move or force one's way with or as if with a crash <crashes into the room>
4 slang : to experience the aftereffects (as lethargy or depression) of a usually prolonged episode of drug use (as of amphetamines)
5 slang : to go to bed or fall asleep also : to reside temporarily : STAY <crashing with friends for a few days>
–crash·er noun

crash
n. 1 : a loud sound (as of things smashing) <a crash of thunder>
2 a : a breaking to pieces by or as if by collision b : an instance of crashing <a plane crash> <a system crash>
3 : a sudden decline (as of a population) or failure (as of a business) <a stock market crash>
4 slang : the process of crashing after drug intoxication

crash
n. : marked by a concerted effort and effected in the shortest possible time especially to meet emergency conditions <a crash renovation program>

crash
n. : a coarse fabric used for draperies, toweling, and clothing and for strengthening joints of cased-in books

crash
n. crash cart
crash course
crash dive
crash helmet
crash land
crash landing
crash pad
gate crash
gate crasher

crash cart
: a cart stocked with emergency medical equipment, supplies, and drugs for use by medical personnel especially during efforts to resuscitate a patient experiencing cardiac arrest

crash course
: a rapid and intense course of study also : an experience that resembles such a course <has been given a crash course in diplomacy in his first weeks in office>

crash dive
: a dive made by a submarine in the least possible time
–crash-dive intransitive verb

crash helmet
: a helmet that is worn (as by motorcyclists) as protection for the head in the event of an accident

crash pad
1 : protective padding (as on the inside of an automobile or a tank)
2 : a place to stay temporarily

crash-land
: to land (an airplane or spacecraft) under emergency conditions usually with damage to the craft
intransitive verb : to crash-land an airplane or spacecraft
–crash landing noun

crashing
n. 1 : UTTER, ABSOLUTE <a crashing bore>
2 : SUPERLATIVE <a crashing effect>
–crash·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

crashworthy
: resistant to the effects of collision <crashworthy cars>
–crash·wor·thi·ness noun

crass
adj. 1 a : GROSS 6A especially : having or indicating such grossness of mind as precludes delicacy and discrimination b : being beneath one's dignity <crass concerns of daily life> c ― used as a pejorative intensifier <crass flattery> <crass propaganda>
2 : guided by or indicative of base or materialistic values <crass commercialism> <crass measures of success>
synonyms see STUPID
–crass·ly adverb
–crass·ness noun

crassitude
n. : the quality or state of being crass : GROSSNESS also : an instance of grossness

Crassus
Marcus Licinius 115?-53 B.C. Di·ves \'dī-(ˌ)vēz\ Rom. polit.

crat
1 : advocate or partisan of a (specified) theory of government <theocrat>
2 : member of a (specified) dominant class <plutocrat>
–-cratic adjective combining form

cratch
n. 1 archaic : MANGER
2 : a crib or rack especially for fodder also : FRAME

crate
n. 1 : an open box of wooden slats or a usually wooden protective case or framework for shipping
2 : JALOPY

crate
n. : to pack in a crate

crater
n. 1 a : the bowl-shaped depression around the orifice of a volcano b : a depression formed by an impact (as of a meteorite) c : a hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or shell
2 : an eroded lesion
3 : a dimple in a painted surface
–cra·ter·like \'krā-tər-ˌlīk\ adjective

crater
n. 1 : to exhibit or form craters
2 : to fail or fall suddenly and dramatically : COLLAPSE, CRASH <the deal cratered> <cratering stock prices>
transitive verb : to form craters in

crater
n. variant of krater

crater
n. Aniakchak Crater
Chubb Crater
Crater Lake
Haleakala Crater
New Quebec Crater
Sunset Crater
Craters of the Moon National Monument

Crater Lake
lake 1932 ft (589 m) deep SW Oreg. in Cascade Range at altitude of 6164 ft (1879 m); main feature of Crater Lake National Park

craterlet
: a small crater

Craters of the Moon National Monument
n. reservation SE cen Idaho including lava flows & other volcanic formations

craton
n. : a stable relatively immobile area of the earth's crust that forms the nuclear mass of a continent or the central basin of an ocean
–cra·ton·ic \krə-'tä-nik, krā-, kra-\ adjective

craunch
: CRUNCH
–craunch noun

cravat
n. 1 : a band or scarf worn around the neck
2 : NECKTIE

crave
v. transitive verb
1 : to ask for earnestly : BEG, DEMAND <crave a pardon for neglect>
2 a : to want greatly : NEED <craves drugs> b : to yearn for <crave a vanished youth>
intransitive verb : to have a strong or inward desire <craves after affection>
synonyms see DESIRE
–crav·er noun

craven
n. 1 archaic : DEFEATED, VANQUISHED
2 : lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly fainthearted
synonyms see COWARDLY
–craven noun
–cra·ven·ly adverb
–cra·ven·ness \-vən-nəs\ noun

craving
n. : an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing

craw
n. 1 : the crop of a bird or insect
2 : the stomach especially of a lower animal

crawdad
n. : CRAYFISH 1 ― used chiefly west of the Appalachians

crawfish
n. 1 : CRAYFISH 1
2 : SPINY LOBSTER

crawfish
n. : to retreat from a position : back out <I crawfished as fast as I could ― Mark Twain>

crawl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move slowly in a prone position without or as if without the use of limbs <the snake crawled into its hole>
2 : to move or progress slowly or laboriously <traffic crawls along at 10 miles an hour>
3 : to advance by guile or servility <crawling into favor by toadying to his boss>
4 : to spread by extending stems or tendrils <a crawling vine>
5 a : to be alive or swarming with or as if with creeping things <a kitchen crawling with ants> b : to have the sensation of insects creeping over one <the story made her flesh crawl>
6 : to fail to stay evenly spread ― used of paint, varnish, or glaze
transitive verb
1 : to move upon in or as if in a creeping manner <all the creatures that crawl the earth>
2 : to reprove harshly <they got no good right to crawl me for what I wrote ― Marjorie K. Rawlings>

crawl
n. 1 a : the act or action of crawling b : slow or laborious progress c chiefly British : a going from one pub to another
2 : a fast swimming stroke executed in a prone position with alternating overarm strokes and a flutter kick
3 : lettering that moves vertically or horizontally across a television or motion-picture screen to give information (as performer credits or news bulletins)

crawl space
: a shallow unfinished space beneath the first floor or under the roof of a building especially for access to plumbing or wiring

crawler
n. 1 : one that crawls
2 : a vehicle (as a crane) that travels on endless chain belts

crawlway
: a low passageway (as in a cave) that can be traversed only by crawling

crawly
adj. 1 : CREEPY 1
2 : marked by crawling or slow motion <crawly creatures>

Cray
Seymour R. 1925-1996 American computer scientist

crayfish
n. 1 : any of numerous freshwater decapod crustaceans (esp. families Astacidea, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae) resembling the lobster but usually much smaller
2 : SPINY LOBSTER

crayon
n. 1 : a stick of white or colored chalk or of colored wax used for writing or drawing
2 : a crayon drawing

crayon
n. : to draw with a crayon
–cray·on·ist \'krā-ə-nist\ noun

craze
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : BREAK, SHATTER
2 : to produce minute cracks on the surface or glaze of <crazed glass>
3 : to make insane or as if insane <crazed by pain and fear>
intransitive verb
1 archaic : SHATTER, BREAK
2 : to become insane
3 : to develop a mesh of fine cracks

craze
n. 1 : an exaggerated and often transient enthusiasm : MANIA <the latest craze in music>
2 : a crack in a surface or coating (as of glaze or enamel)
synonyms see FASHION

crazy
n. 1 a : full of cracks or flaws : UNSOUND <they were very crazy, wretched cabins ― Charles Dickens> b : CROOKED, ASKEW
2 a : MAD, INSANE <yelling like a crazy man> b (1) : IMPRACTICAL <a crazy plan> (2) : ERRATIC <crazy drivers> c : being out of the ordinary : UNUSUAL <a taste for crazy hats>
3 a : distracted with desire or excitement <a thrill-crazy mob> b : absurdly fond : INFATUATED <he's crazy about the girl> c : passionately preoccupied : OBSESSED <crazy about boats>
–cra·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–cra·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun
–like crazy : to an extreme degree <everyone dancing like crazy>

crazy
n. : one who is or acts crazy especially : such a one associated with a radical or extremist political cause

crazy
n. : EXTREMELY, WILDLY <crazy good>

crazy
n. like crazy
crazy bone
crazy quilt
stir crazy
Crazy Horse

crazy bone
: FUNNY BONE

Crazy Horse
1842-1877 Ta-sunko-witko or Tashunca-Uitco Sioux Indian chief

crazy quilt
1 : a patchwork quilt without a design
2 : JUMBLE, HODGEPODGE <a crazy quilt of regulations>

crazy-quilt
: resembling a crazy quilt : HAPHAZARD <a crazy-quilt system>

crazyweed
: LOCOWEED

CRC
Civil Rights Commission

creak
n. : to make a prolonged grating or squeaking sound often as a result of being worn-out also : to proceed slowly with or as if with creaking wheels <the story creaks along to a dull conclusion>

creak
n. : a rasping or grating noise

creaky
adj. 1 : marked by creaking : SQUEAKY <creaky shoes>
2 : showing signs of deterioration or decrepitude <a creaky old house> <a creaky economy>
–creak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–creak·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

cream
n. 1 : the yellowish part of milk containing from 18 to about 40 percent butterfat
2 a : a food prepared with cream b : something having the consistency of cream especially : a usually emulsified medicinal or cosmetic preparation
3 : the choicest part : BEST <the cream of the crop>
4 : CREAMER 1
5 a : a pale yellow b : a cream-colored animal

cream
n. 1 : to form cream or a surface layer like the cream on standing milk
2 : to break into or cause something to break into a creamy froth also : to move like froth
transitive verb
1 a : SKIM 1C b : to remove (something choice) from an aggregate <she has creamed off her favorite stories from her earlier books ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : to furnish, prepare, or treat with cream also : to dress with a cream sauce
3 a : to beat into a creamy froth b : to work or blend to the consistency of cream <cream butter and sugar together> c : to cause to form a surface layer of or like cream
4 a : to defeat decisively <was creamed in the first round> b : WRECK <creamed the car on the turnpike> c : to hit with force : SMASH <the quarterback got creamed by the pass rush>

cream
n. Bavarian cream
Boston cream pie
clotted cream
Devonshire cream
cold cream
cream cheese
cream of tartar
cream puff
cream soda
egg cream
heavy cream
ice cream
ice cream chair
ice cream cone
ice cream headache
Neapolitan ice cream
sour cream
vanishing cream
whipping cream

cream cheese
: a mild soft unripened cheese made from whole sweet milk enriched with cream

cream of tartar

1662
: a white crystalline salt C_4H_5KO_6 used especially in baking powder and in certain treatments of metals

cream puff
1 : a round shell of light pastry filled with whipped cream or a cream filling
2 : an ineffectual person
3 : something trifling, inconsiderable, or easily dealt with
4 : a usually used motor vehicle that is in especially good condition

cream soda
: a carbonated soft drink flavored with vanilla

creamcups
: a California annual (Platystemon californicus) of the poppy family

creamer
n. 1 : a small vessel for serving cream
2 : a nondairy product used as a substitute for cream (as in coffee)

creamery
n. : an establishment where butter and cheese are made or where milk and cream are prepared or sold

creamware
n. : earthenware having a cream-colored glaze

creamy
adj. 1 : containing cream
2 : resembling cream (as in color, texture, or taste) <a creamy consistency> <creamy skin> <a creamy voice>
–cream·i·ly \'krē-mə-lē\ adverb
–cream·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

crease
n. 1 : a line, mark, or ridge made by or as if by folding a pliable substance
2 : a specially marked area in various sports especially : an area surrounding or in front of a goal (as in lacrosse or hockey)
–crease·less \-ləs\ adjective

crease
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a crease in or on : WRINKLE <a smile creased her face>
2 : to wound slightly especially by grazing <creased by a bullet>
intransitive verb : to become creased
–creas·er noun

create
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring into existence <God created the heaven and the earth ― Gen 1:1(AV)>
2 a : to invest with a new form, office, or rank <was created a lieutenant> b : to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior <her arrival created a terrible fuss> <create new jobs>
3 : CAUSE, OCCASION <famine creates high food prices>
4 a : to produce through imaginative skill <create a painting> b : DESIGN <creates dresses>
intransitive verb
1 : to make or bring into existence something new
2 : to set up a scoring opportunity in basketball <create off the dribble>

create
v. archaic : CREATED

creatine
n. : a white crystalline nitrogenous substance C_4H_9N_3O_2 found especially in the muscles of vertebrates either free or as phosphocreatine also : a synthetic usually hydrated form of creatine taken especially as a dietary supplement

creatine kinase
: any of three isoenzymes found especially in vertebrate skeletal and myocardial muscle that catalyze the transfer of a high-energy phosphate group from phosphocreatine to ADP with the formation of ATP and creatine

creatine phosphate
: PHOSPHOCREATINE

creatinine
n. : a white crystalline strongly basic compound C_4H_7N_3O formed from creatine and found especially in muscle, blood, and urine

creation
n. 1 : the act of creating especially : the act of bringing the world into ordered existence
2 : the act of making, inventing, or producing: as a : the act of investing with a new rank or office b : the first representation of a dramatic role
3 : something that is created: as a : WORLD b : creatures singly or in aggregate c : an original work of art d : a new usually striking article of clothing

creation
n. creation science
re creation
self creation

creation science
: CREATIONISM also : scientific evidence or arguments put forth in support of creationism

creationism
n. : a doctrine or theory holding that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by God out of nothing and usually in the way described in Genesis ― compare EVOLUTION 4b
–cre·a·tion·ist \-shə-nist\ noun or adjective

creative
adj. 1 : marked by the ability or power to create : given to creating <the creative impulse>
2 : having the quality of something created rather than imitated : IMAGINATIVE <the creative arts>
3 : managed so as to get around legal or conventional limits <creative financing> also : deceptively arranged so as to conceal or defraud <creative accounting>
–cre·a·tive·ly adverb
–cre·a·tive·ness noun

creative
adj. 1 : one who is creative especially : one involved in the creation of advertisements
2 : creative activity or the material produced by it especially in advertising

creative evolution
: evolution that is a creative product of a vital force rather than a spontaneous process explicable in terms of scientific laws ― compare EMERGENT EVOLUTION

creativity
n. 1 : the quality of being creative
2 : the ability to create

creator
n. : one that creates usually by bringing something new or original into being especially capitalized : GOD 1

creature
n. 1 : something created either animate or inanimate: as a : a lower animal especially : a farm animal b : a human being c : a being of anomalous or uncertain aspect or nature <creatures of fantasy>
2 : one that is the servile dependent or tool of another : INSTRUMENT
–crea·tur·al \'krē-chə-rəl\ adjective
–crea·ture·hood \'krē-chər-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–crea·ture·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–crea·ture·ly \-lē\ adjective

creature comfort
: something (as food, warmth, or special accommodations) that gives bodily comfort

Crebillon
1674-1762 pseud. of Prosper Jolyot Fr. dram.

creche
n. 1 : a representation of the Nativity scene
2 : DAY NURSERY
3 : a foundling hospital
4 : a group of young animals (as penguins or bats) gathered in one place for care and protection usually by one or more adults

Crecy
commune N France NW of Amiens

cred
n. : CREDIBILITY specifically : the ability to gain acceptance as a member of a particular group or class <used⋯his new street cred to develop contacts ― Dale Keiger>

credence
n. 1 a : mental acceptance as true or real <give credence to gossip> b : CREDIBILITY 1 <lends credence to the theory>
2 : CREDENTIALS ― used in the phrase letters of credence
3 [Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate
4 : a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration
synonyms see BELIEF

credent
adj. 1 archaic : giving credence : CONFIDING
2 obsolete : CREDIBLE

credential
n. : warranting credit or confidence ― used chiefly in the phrase credential letters

credential
n. 1 : something that gives a title to credit or confidence also : QUALIFICATION 3A
2 plural : testimonials or certified documents showing that a person is entitled to credit or has a right to exercise official power
3 : CERTIFICATE, DIPLOMA

credential
: to furnish with credentials <to credential adequate academic performance ― K. Patricia Cross>

credentialism
n. : undue emphasis on credentials (as college degrees) as prerequisites to employment

credenza
n. 1 : CREDENCE 3
2 : a sideboard, buffet, or bookcase patterned after a Renaissance credence especially : one without legs

credibility
n. 1 : the quality or power of inspiring belief <an account lacking in credibility>
2 : capacity for belief <strains her reader's credibility ― Times Lit. Supp.>

credibility gap
1 a : lack of trust <a credibility gap between generations> b : lack of believability <a credibility gap created by contradictory official statements ― Samuel Ellenport>
2 : DISCREPANCY <the credibility gap between the professed ideals⋯and their actual practices ― Jeanne L. Noble>

credible
adj. 1 : offering reasonable grounds for being believed <a credible account of an accident> <credible witnesses>
2 : of sufficient capability to be militarily effective <a credible deterrent> <credible forces>
–cred·i·bly \'kre-də-blē\ adverb

credit
n. 1 : reliance on the truth or reality of something <gave credit to everything he said>
2 a : the balance in a person's favor in an account b : an amount or sum placed at a person's disposal by a bank c : the provision of money, goods, or services with the expectation of future payment <long-term credit> also : money, goods, or services so provided <exhausted their credit> d (1) : an entry on the right-hand side of an account constituting an addition to a revenue, net worth, or liability account (2) : a deduction from an expense or asset account e : any one of or the sum of the items entered on the right-hand side of an account f : a deduction from an amount otherwise due
3 a : influence or power derived from enjoying the confidence of another or others b : good name : ESTEEM also : financial or commercial trustworthiness
4 archaic : CREDIBILITY
5 : a source of honor <a credit to the school>
6 a : something that gains or adds to reputation or esteem : HONOR <took no credit for his kindly act> b : RECOGNITION, ACKNOWLEDGMENT <quite willing to accept undeserved credit>
7 : recognition by name of a person contributing to a performance (as a film or telecast) <the opening credits>
8 a : recognition by a school or college that a student has fulfilled a requirement leading to a degree b : CREDIT HOUR
synonyms see BELIEF, INFLUENCE

credit
n. 1 : to trust in the truth of : BELIEVE <find his story hard to credit>
2 : to supply goods on credit to
3 archaic : to bring credit or honor upon
4 a : to enter upon the credit side of an account b : to place an amount to the credit of <credit his account with ten dollars>
5 a : to consider usually favorably as the source, agent, or performer of an action or the possessor of a trait <credits him with an excellent sense of humor> b : to attribute to some person <they credit the invention to him>
synonyms see ASCRIBE

credit
n. consumer credit
credit card
credit hour
credit line
credit union
letter of credit
line of credit

credit card
: a card authorizing purchases on credit

credit hour
: the unit of measuring educational credit usually based on the number of classroom hours per week throughout a term

credit line
1 : LINE OF CREDIT
2 : a line, note, or name that acknowledges the source of an item (as a news dispatch or television program)

credit union
: a cooperative association that makes small loans to its members at low interest rates and offers other banking services (as savings and checking accounts)

creditable
adj. 1 : worthy of belief <a creditable report>
2 : sufficiently good to bring esteem or praise <a creditable performance>
3 : worthy of commercial credit
4 : capable of being assigned
–cred·it·abil·i·ty \ˌkre-di-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–cred·it·able·ness \'kre-di-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–cred·it·ably \-blē\ adverb

creditor
n. : one to whom a debt is owed especially : a person to whom money or goods are due

creditworthy
adj. : financially sound enough to justify the extension of credit
–cred·it·wor·thi·ness noun

credo
n. : CREED

credo quia absurdum est
: I believe it because it is absurd

credo ut intelligam
: I believe so that I may understand

credulity
n. : readiness or willingness to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence

credulous
adj. 1 : ready to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence <accused of swindling credulous investors>
2 : proceeding from credulity <credulous superstitions>
–cred·u·lous·ly adverb
–cred·u·lous·ness noun

Cree
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
2 : the Algonquian language of the Cree people

creed
n. 1 : a brief authoritative formula of religious belief
2 : a set of fundamental beliefs also : a guiding principle
–creed·al or cre·dal \'krē-dəl\ adjective

creed
n. Apostles' Creed
Athanasian Creed
Nicene Creed

Creek
n. 1 : an American Indian confederacy of peoples chiefly of Muskogean stock of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
2 : a member of any of the Creek peoples
3 : the Muskogean language of the Creek Indians

creek
n. 1 chiefly British : a small inlet or bay narrower and extending farther inland than a cove
2 : a natural stream of water normally smaller than and often tributary to a river
3 archaic : a narrow or winding passage
–up the creek : in a difficult or perplexing situation

creek
n. up the creek
Antietam Creek
Battle Creek
Coconut Creek
Goose Creek
Oak Creek
Spuyten Duyvil Creek
Walnut Creek
Warburton Creek
Wissahickon Creek

creel
n. 1 : a wicker basket (as for carrying newly caught fish)
2 : a bar with skewers for holding bobbins in a spinning machine

creel
n. : to put (caught fish) in a creel

creep
n. 1 a : to move along with the body prone and close to the ground b : to move slowly on hands and knees
2 a : to go very slowly <the hours crept by> b : to go timidly or cautiously so as to escape notice <she crept away from the festive scene> c : to enter or advance gradually so as to be almost unnoticed <age creeps up on us> <a note of irritation crept into her voice>
3 : to have the sensation of being covered with creeping things <the thought made his flesh creep>
4 of a plant : to spread or grow over a surface rooting at intervals or clinging with tendrils, stems, or aerial roots
5 a : to slip or gradually shift position b : to change shape permanently from prolonged stress or exposure to high temperatures

creep
n. 1 : a movement of or like creeping <traffic moving at a creep>
2 : a distressing sensation like that caused by the creeping of insects over one's flesh especially : a feeling of apprehension or horror ― usually used in plural with the <that gives me the creeps>
3 : a feed trough accessible only by young animals and used especially to supply special or supplementary feed ― called also creep feeder
4 : the slow change of dimensions of an object from prolonged exposure to high temperature or stress
5 : an unpleasant or obnoxious person
6 : a slow but persistent increase or elevation <this political inertia⋯makes budget creep inevitable ― Wall Street Jour.>

creep
n. creep feeder
bracket creep
creeping eruption

creepage
n. : gradual movement : CREEP

creeper
n. 1 : one that creeps: as a : a creeping plant b : a bird (as of the family Certhiidae) that creeps about on trees or bushes searching for insects c : a creeping insect or reptile
2 : any of various devices used for creeping: as a : a fixture with iron points worn on the shoe to prevent slipping b : a low wheeled platform for supporting the body when working under an automobile
3 : a usually one-piece garment for a child at the crawling age

creeper
n. trumpet creeper
Virginia creeper
jeepers creepers

creeping
n. : developing or advancing by slow imperceptible degrees <a period of creeping inflation>

creeping eruption
: a skin disorder marked by a spreading red line of eruption and caused especially by larvae (as of hookworms not normally parasitic in humans) burrowing beneath the human skin

creepy
adj. 1 : producing a nervous shivery apprehension <a creepy horror story> also : EERIE
2 : of, relating to, or being a creep : annoyingly unpleasant
–creep·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–creep·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

cremains
n. : the ashes of a cremated human body

cremate
v. : to reduce (as a dead body) to ashes by burning
–cre·ma·tion \kri-'mā-shən\ noun

crematorium
n. : CREMATORY

crematory
n. : a furnace for cremating also : an establishment containing such a furnace
–crematory adjective

creme
n. 1 : a sweet liqueur
2 : cream or a preparation made with or resembling cream used in cooking
3 : CREAM 2B

creme
n. creme anglaise
creme brulee
creme caramel
creme de cacao
creme de cassis
creme de la creme
creme de menthe
creme fraiche
crème anglaise
crème brûlée
crème caramel
crème de cacao
crème de cassis
crème de la crème
crème de menthe
crème fraiche
crème fraîche

creme anglaise
: a vanilla-flavored custard sauce usually served with desserts

creme brulee
: a rich custard topped with caramelized sugar

creme caramel
: a custard that has been baked with caramel sauce

creme de cacao
: a sweet brown or colorless liqueur flavored with cacao beans and vanilla

creme de cassis
: a liqueur made from black currants

creme de la creme
: the very best

creme de menthe
: a sweet green or colorless mint-flavored liqueur

creme fraiche
: heavy cream thickened and slightly soured with buttermilk and often served on fruit

cremini
: a meaty cultivated brown or tan mushroom that is of the same variety of button mushroom as the larger and more mature portobello

Cremona
commune N Italy in Lombardy on the Po ESE of Milan pop 71,421
–Crem·o·nese \ˌkre-mə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective

crenate
adj. : having the margin or surface cut into rounded scallops <a crenate leaf>

crenation
n. 1 a : a crenate formation especially : one of the rounded projections on an edge (as of a coin) b : the quality or state of being crenate
2 : shrinkage of red blood cells resulting in crenate margins

crenellated
adj. : having crenellations <a crenellated wall>

crenellation
n. 1 : BATTLEMENT
2 : any of the embrasures alternating with merlons in a battlement ― see BATTLEMENT illustration

crenshaw
n. : a winter melon having smooth green and gold skin and sweet salmon-colored flesh

crenulated
: having an irregularly wavy or serrate outline <a crenulated shoreline>
–cren·u·la·tion \ˌkren-yə-'lā-shən\ noun

Creole
n. 1 : a person of European descent born especially in the West Indies or Spanish America
2 : a white person descended from early French or Spanish settlers of the U.S. Gulf states and preserving their speech and culture
3 : a person of mixed French or Spanish and black descent speaking a dialect of French or Spanish
4 a : a language evolved from pidginized French that is spoken by blacks in southern Louisiana b : HAITIAN c not capitalized : a language that has evolved from a pidgin but serves as the native language of a speech community

creole
n. 1 often capitalized : of or relating to Creoles or their language
2 often capitalized : relating to or being highly seasoned food typically prepared with rice, okra, tomatoes, and peppers <shrimp creole>

creolise
v. British variant of creolize

creolize
v. : to cause (a pidginized language) to become a creole in a speech community
–cre·ol·i·za·tion \ˌkrē-ə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌkrē-(ˌ)ō-\ noun

creosote
n. 1 : a clear or yellowish flammable oily liquid mixture of phenolic compounds obtained by the distillation of tar derived from wood and especially from beech wood
2 : a brownish oily liquid consisting chiefly of aromatic hydrocarbons obtained by distillation of coal tar and used especially as a wood preservative
3 : a dark brown or black flammable tar deposited from especially wood smoke on the walls of a chimney
4 : CREOSOTE BUSH

creosote
n. : to treat with creosote

creosote bush
: a resinous desert shrub (Larrea tridentata) of the caltrop family found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico

crepe
n. 1 : a light crinkled fabric woven of any of various fibers
2 : CRAPE 2
3 : crude rubber in the form of nearly white to brown crinkled sheets used especially for shoe soles <crepe-soled shoes>
4 : a small very thin pancake
–crepe adjective
–crep·ey or crepy \'krā-pē\ adjective

crepe
n. crepe de chine
crepe myrtle
crepe paper
crepe suzette
crêpe de chine
crêpe myrtle
crêpe suzettes
crêpe suzette
crêpes suzette

crepe de chine
: a soft fine or sheer clothing crepe especially of silk

crepe myrtle
: CRAPE MYRTLE

crepe paper
: paper with a crinkled or puckered texture

crepe suzette
: a thin folded or rolled pancake in a hot orange-butter sauce that is sprinkled with a liqueur (as cognac or curaçao) and set ablaze for serving

crepitant
adj. : having or making a crackling sound <crepitant sounds in breathing>

crepitate
v. : to make a crackling sound : CRACKLE
–crep·i·ta·tion \ˌkre-pə-'tā-shən\ noun

crepon
: a heavy crepe fabric with lengthwise crinkles

crept
past and past part of creep

crepuscular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling twilight : DIM <crepuscular light>
2 : occurring or active during twilight <crepuscular insects> <crepuscular activity>

crepuscule
n. : TWILIGHT

cresc
crescendo

crescendo
1 a : a gradual increase specifically : a gradual increase in volume of a musical passage b : the peak of a gradual increase : CLIMAX <complaints about stifling smog conditions reach a crescendo ― Down Beat>
2 : a crescendo musical passage
–crescendo intransitive verb

crescendo
n. : with an increase in volume ― used as a direction in music

Crescent
n. ― used for an adjustable open-end wrench

crescent
n. 1 a : the moon at any stage between new moon and first quarter and between last quarter and the succeeding new moon when less than half of the illuminated hemisphere is visible b : the figure of the moon at such a stage defined by a convex and a concave edge
2 : something shaped like a crescent
–cres·cen·tic \kre-'sen-tik, krə-\ adjective

crescent
n. : marked by an increase : INCREASING <my powers are crescent ― Shakespeare>

crescit eundo
: it grows as it goes ― motto of New Mexico

crescive
: marked by gradual spontaneous development
–cres·cive·ly adverb

cresol
n. : any of three poisonous colorless crystalline or liquid isomeric phenols C_7H_8O

cress
n. : any of various crucifers with moderately pungent leaves used especially in salads: as a : a watercress (Nasturtium officinale) b : GARDEN CRESS

cresset
n. : an iron vessel or basket used for holding an illuminant (as oil) and mounted as a torch or suspended as a lantern

Cressida
n. : a Trojan woman of medieval legend who pledges herself to Troilus but while a captive of the Greeks gives herself to Diomedes

crest
n. 1 a : a showy tuft or process on the head of an animal and especially a bird ― see BIRD illustration b : the plume or identifying emblem worn on a knight's helmet also : the top of a helmet c (1) : a heraldic representation of the crest (2) : a heraldic device depicted above the escutcheon but not upon a helmet (3) : COAT OF ARMS 2A d : a ridge or prominence on a part of an animal body
2 : something suggesting a crest especially in being an upper prominence, edge, or limit: as a : PEAK especially : the top line of a mountain or hill b : the ridge of a roof c : the top of a wave
3 a : a high point of an action or process and especially of one that is rhythmic b : CLIMAX, CULMINATION <at the crest of his fame>
–crest·al \'kres-təl\ adjective
–crest·less \-ləs\ adjective

crest
n. 1 : to furnish with a crest also : CROWN
2 : to reach the crest of <crested the hill and looked around>
intransitive verb : to rise to a crest <waves cresting in the storm>

crest
n. neural crest
Chinese crested
crested wheatgrass
double crested cormorant

crested
adj. : having a crest <a crested bird>

crested
adj. Chinese crested
crested wheatgrass
double crested cormorant

crested wheatgrass
: either of two Eurasian grasses (Agropyron cristatum or A. desertorum syn. A. sibiricum) that are grown in the U.S. for forage and for erosion control

crestfallen
adj. 1 : having a drooping crest or hanging head
2 : feeling shame or humiliation : DEJECTED
–crest·fall·en·ly adverb
–crest·fall·en·ness \-lən-nəs\ noun

cresting
n. : a decorative edging or railing (as on pottery or furniture)

Creston
Paul 1906-1985 orig. Giuseppe Guttoveggio American composer

Cretaceous
adj. : of, relating to, or being the last period of the Mesozoic era characterized by continued dominance of reptiles, emergent dominance of angiosperms, diversification of mammals, and the extinction of many types of organisms at the close of the period also : of, relating to, or being the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Cretaceous noun

Crete
n. island Greece in the E Mediterranean capital Iráklion area 3189 sq mi (8260 sq km), pop 536,980
–Cre·tan \'krē-tən\ adjective or noun

Crete, Sea of
the S section of Aegean Sea bet. Crete & the Cyclades

cretin
n. 1 : one afflicted with cretinism
2 : a stupid, vulgar, or insensitive person : CLOD, LOUT
–cre·tin·ous \-tən-əs\ adjective

cretinism
n. : a usually congenital abnormal condition marked by physical stunting and mental retardation and caused by severe hypothyroidism

cretonne
n. : a strong cotton or linen cloth used especially for curtains and upholstery

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
: a rare progressive fatal encephalopathy caused by a prion and marked by development of porous brain tissue, premature dementia in middle age, and gradual loss of muscular coordination

crevalle
: any of several carangid fishes (genus Caranx) especially : JACK CREVALLE

crevasse
n. 1 : a breach in a levee
2 : a deep crevice or fissure (as in a glacier or the earth)

Crevecoeur
Michel-Guillaume-Jean de 1735-1813 pseud. J. Hector St. John American (Fr.-born) essayist

crevice
n. : a narrow opening resulting from a split or crack (as in a cliff) : FISSURE

crew
n. chiefly British past of crow

crew
n. 1 archaic : a band or force of armed men
2 a : a group of people associated together in a common activity or by common traits or interests b : GANG 1B(2)
3 a : a company of people working on one job or under one foreman or operating a machine b : the whole company belonging to a ship sometimes including the officers and master also : one who assists the skipper of a sailboat c : the persons who have duties on an aircraft in flight d : the rowers and coxswain of a racing shell also : ROWING
–crew·less \-ləs\ adjective

crew
n. : to act as a member of a crew
transitive verb : to serve as a crew member on (as a ship or aircraft)

crew
n. crew chief
crew cut
crew neck
crew sock
ground crew

crew chief
: one who is in charge of a crew of workers especially : a noncommissioned officer (as in the air force) who supervises an airplane's ground crew

crew cut
: a very short haircut usually for men or boys in which the hair resembles the bristle surface of a brush

crew neck
1 : a round collarless neckline
2 usually crew·neck \'krü-ˌnek\ : a sweater with a crew neck

crew sock
: a short bulky usually ribbed sock

Crewe
town NW England in Cheshire pop 47,759

crewel
n. 1 : slackly twisted worsted yarn used for embroidery
2 : CREWELWORK

crewelwork
n. : embroidery work with crewel

crewman
n. : a member of a crew

crewmate
: a fellow crewman

cri de coeur
: a passionate outcry (as of appeal or protest)

crib
n. 1 : a manger for feeding animals
2 : an enclosure especially of framework: as a : a stall for a stabled animal b : a small child's bedstead with high enclosing usually slatted sides c : any of various devices resembling a crate or framework in structure d : a building for storage : BIN
3 a : a small narrow room or dwelling : HUT, SHACK b : a room or shack used for prostitution
4 : the cards discarded in cribbage for the dealer to use in scoring
5 a : a small theft b : PLAGIARISM c : a literal translation especially : PONY 3 d : a summary and key to understanding a literary work e : something used for cheating in an examination
6 : CRÈCHE 1

crib
n. transitive verb
1 : CONFINE, CRAMP
2 : to provide with or put into a crib especially : to line or support with a framework of timber
3 : PILFER, STEAL especially : PLAGIARIZE
intransitive verb
1 a : STEAL, PLAGIARIZE b : to use a crib : CHEAT
2 : to have the vice of cribbing
–crib·ber noun

crib
n. crib biting
crib death
crib sheet

crib biting
: CRIBBING 2

crib death
: SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME

crib sheet
: CHEAT SHEET

cribbage
n. : a card game for two players in which each player tries to form various counting combinations of cards

cribbing
n. 1 : material for use in making a crib
2 : a vice of horses in which they grasp a solid object (as a stall door) with their teeth and gulp air

cribriform
adj. : pierced with small holes

cricetid
n. : any of a family (Cricetidae) of small rodents including the hamsters, voles, lemmings, gerbils, and New World rats and mice that are often grouped with the murids
–cricetid adjective

Crichton
n. James 1560-1582 the Admirable Crichton Scot. man of letters

Crick
n. Francis Harry Compton 1916-     Brit. biophysicist

crick
n. : a painful spasmodic condition of muscles (as of the neck or back)

crick
n. 1 : to cause a crick in (as the neck)
2 : to turn or twist (as the head) especially into a strained position

cricket
n. 1 : any of a family (Gryllidae) of leaping orthopteran insects noted for the chirping notes produced by the male by rubbing together specially modified parts of the forewings
2 : a low wooden footstool
3 : a small metal toy or signaling device that makes a sharp click or snap when pressed

cricket
n. 1 : a game played with a ball and bat by two sides of usually 11 players each on a large field centering upon two wickets each defended by a batsman
2 : fair and honorable behavior <it wasn't cricket for her to break her contract ― Gerry Nadel>

cricket
n. : to play the game of cricket
–crick·et·er noun

cricket
n. house cricket
Jerusalem cricket
mole cricket
Mormon cricket

cricoid
adj. : of, relating to, or being a cartilage of the larynx with which arytenoid cartilages articulate

crier
n. : one that cries: a : an officer who proclaims the orders of a court b : TOWN CRIER

crikey
interj. ― used as a mild oath

Crile
George Washington 1864-1943 American surgeon

crim
n. criminal

crim con
criminal conversation

crime
n. 1 : an act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by that law especially : a gross violation of law
2 : a grave offense especially against morality
3 : criminal activity <efforts to fight crime>
4 : something reprehensible, foolish, or disgraceful <it's a crime to waste good food>
synonyms see OFFENSE
–crime·less \-ləs\ adjective

crime
n. bias crime
crime against humanity
crime against nature
hate crime
war crime
c'est plus qu'un crime c'est une faute

crime against humanity

1945
: atrocity (as extermination or enslavement) that is directed especially against an entire population or part of a population on specious grounds and without regard to individual guilt or responsibility even on such grounds

crime against nature

1828
: SODOMY

Crimea
n. peninsula S Ukraine, extending into Black Sea SW of Sea of Azov
–Cri·me·an \krī-'mē-ən, krə-\ adjective

criminal
n. 1 : relating to, involving, or being a crime <criminal neglect>
2 : relating to crime or to the prosecution of suspects in a crime <criminal statistics> <brought criminal action>
3 : guilty of crime also : of or befitting a criminal <a criminal mind>
4 : DISGRACEFUL
–crim·i·nal·ly adverb

criminal
n. 1 : one who has committed a crime
2 : a person who has been convicted of a crime

criminal
n. criminal conversation
criminal court
criminal law
criminal lawyer
war criminal

criminal conversation
: adultery considered as a tort

criminal court
: a court that has jurisdiction to try and punish offenders against criminal law

criminal law
: the law of crimes and their punishments

criminal lawyer
: a lawyer who specializes in criminal law especially : a lawyer who represents defendants in criminal cases

criminalist
n. : a specialist in criminalistics

criminalistics
n. : application of scientific techniques in collecting and analyzing physical evidence in criminal cases

criminality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being criminal
2 : criminal activity <urban criminality>

criminalize
v. : to make illegal : OUTLAW also : to turn into a criminal or treat as criminal
–crim·i·nal·i·za·tion \ˌkri-mə-nəl-ə-'zā-shən, ˌkrim-nə-lə-'zā-\ noun

criminate
v. : INCRIMINATE
–crim·i·na·tion \ˌkri-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

crimini
variant of cremini

criminology
n. : the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon, of criminals, and of penal treatment
–crim·i·no·log·i·cal \-mə-nəl-'ä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–crim·i·no·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–crim·i·nol·o·gist \ˌkri-mə-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

criminous
: CRIMINAL

criminy
― used as a mild oath or to express surprise

crimp
n. 1 : to cause to become wavy, bent, or pinched: as a : to form (leather) into a desired shape b : to give (synthetic fibers) a curl or wave like that of natural fibers c : to pinch or press together (as the margins of a pie crust) in order to seal
2 : to be an inhibiting or restraining influence on : CRAMP <sales had been crimped by credit controls ― Time>
–crimp·er \'krim-pər\ noun

crimp
n. 1 : something produced by or as if by crimping: as a : a section of hair artificially waved or curled b : a succession of waves (as in wool fiber) c : a bend or crease formed in something
2 : something that cramps or inhibits : RESTRAINT, CURB

crimp
n. : a person who entraps or forces men into shipping as sailors or into enlisting in an army or navy

crimp
n. : to trap into military or sea service : IMPRESS

crimpy
adj. : FRIZZY

crimson
n. : any of several deep purplish reds

crimson
n. : of the color crimson

crimson
n. : to make crimson
intransitive verb : to become crimson especially : BLUSH

crimson clover
: an annual European clover (Trifolium incarnatum) that has cylindrical heads of crimson flowers and is cultivated in the U.S. especially as a cover crop

cringe
v. 1 : to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain)
2 : to shrink in fear or servility
3 : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way
4 : to recoil in distaste <Americans cringed⋯at the use of a term now regarded as a slur ― William Safire>
synonyms see FAWN
–cring·er noun

cringe
v. : a cringing act specifically : a servile bow

cringle
n. : a loop or grommet at the corner of a sail to which a line is attached

crinkle
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to form many short bends or ripples b : WRINKLE
2 : to give forth a thin crackling sound : RUSTLE <crinkling silks>
transitive verb : to cause to crinkle : make crinkles in

crinkle
n. 1 : WRINKLE, CORRUGATION, PUCKER
2 : any of several virus diseases of plants marked by crinkling of leaves
–crin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adjective

crinoid
n. : any of a large class (Crinoidea) of echinoderms usually having a somewhat cup-shaped body with five or more feathery arms ― compare FEATHER STAR, SEA LILY
–crinoid adjective

crinoline
n. 1 : an open-weave fabric of horsehair or cotton that is usually stiffened and used especially for interlinings and millinery
2 : a full stiff skirt or underskirt made of crinoline also : HOOPSKIRT
–crinoline or crin·o·lined \-lənd\ adjective

criollo
n. 1 a : a person of pure Spanish descent born in Spanish America b : a person born and usually raised in a Spanish-American country
2 : a domestic animal of a breed or strain (as of cattle) developed in Latin America especially often capitalized : any of a breed of hardy muscular ponies orig. developed in Argentina
–criollo adjective

cripes
interj. ― used as a mild oath

cripple
n. 1 a sometimes offensive : a lame or partly disabled person or animal b : one that is disabled or deficient in a specified manner <a social cripple>
2 : something flawed or imperfect

cripple
n. : being lame, flawed, or imperfect

cripple
n. 1 : to deprive of the use of a limb and especially a leg <the accident left him crippled>
2 : to deprive of capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness <an economy crippled by inflation>
synonyms see MAIM, WEAKEN
–crip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun
–crip·pling·ly \-p(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

Cripps
Sir (Richard) Stafford 1889-1952 Brit. statesman

crise
crise de conscience
crise de nerfs
crise des nerfs

crise de conscience
: crisis of conscience : agonizing period of moral uncertainty

crise de nerfs
: crisis of nerves : nervous collapse : hysterical fit

crisis
n. 1 a : the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever b : a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function c : an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life <a midlife crisis>
2 : the decisive moment (as in a literary plot)
3 a : an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending especially : one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome <a financial crisis> b : a situation that has reached a critical phase <the environmental crisis>
synonyms see JUNCTURE

crisp
n. 1 : CURLY, WAVY also : having close stiff or wiry curls or waves
2 a : easily crumbled : BRITTLE <a crisp cracker> b : desirably firm and crunchy <crisp lettuce>
3 a : notably sharp, clean-cut, and clear <a crisp illustration> also : concise and to the point <a crisp reply> b : noticeably neat <crisp new clothes> c : BRISK, LIVELY <a crisp tale of intrigue> <crisp musical tempi> d : briskly cold <crisp winter weather> also : FRESH, INVIGORATING <crisp autumn air> <a crisp white wine> e : deftly and powerfully executed <a crisp tennis serve>
synonyms see FRAGILE
–crisp·ly adverb
–crisp·ness noun

crisp
n. 1 : CURL, CRIMP
2 : to cause to ripple : WRINKLE
3 : to make or keep crisp
intransitive verb
1 : CURL
2 : RIPPLE
3 : to become crisp

crisp
n. 1 a : something crisp or brittle <burned to a crisp> <rye crisps> b chiefly British : POTATO CHIP ― usually used in plural
2 : a baked dessert of fruit with crumb topping <apple crisp>

crispbread
n. : a plain dry unsweetened cracker made from crushed grain (as wheat or rye)

crispen
: to make crisp
intransitive verb : to become crisp

crisper
n. : one that crisps specifically : a closed container in a refrigerator intended to prevent loss of moisture from fresh produce

crisphead
: ICEBERG LETTUCE

Crispi
Francesco 1819-1901 Ital. statesman; premier (1887-91; 1893-96)

crispy
adj. 1 : CRISP 1 <crispy hair>
2 : appealingly crunchy : CRISP <crispy fried chicken>
–crisp·i·ness noun

crisscross
n. transitive verb
1 : to mark with intersecting lines
2 : to pass back and forth through or over
intransitive verb
1 : to go or pass back and forth
2 : OVERLAP, INTERSECT

crisscross
n. : marked or characterized by crisscrossing
–crisscross adverb

crisscross
n. 1 : a crisscross pattern : NETWORK
2 : the state of being at cross-purposes also : a confused state

crista
n. : any of the inwardly projecting folds of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion

Cristiani
Alfredo 1947-     pres. of El Salvador (1989-94)

Cristobal
town N Panama adjoining Colón at Caribbean entrance to Panama Canal

crit
critical; criticism; criticized

criterion
n. 1 : a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based
2 : a characterizing mark or trait
synonyms see STANDARD
usage The plural criteria has been used as a singular for over half a century <let me now return to the third criteria ― R. M. Nixon> <that really is the criteria ― Bert Lance>. Many of our examples, like the two foregoing, are taken from speech. But singular criteria is not uncommon in edited prose, and its use both in speech and writing seems to be increasing. Only time will tell whether it will reach the unquestioned acceptability of agenda.

criterium
n. : a bicycle race of a specified number of laps on a closed course over public roads closed to normal traffic

critic
n. 1 a : one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique b : one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances
2 : one given to harsh or captious judgment

critic
n. 1 archaic : CRITICISM
2 archaic : CRITIQUE

critic
n. form critic
higher critic
New Critic
textual critic

critical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially important juncture <a critical phase>: as (1) : relating to or being the stage of a disease at which an abrupt change for better or worse may be expected also : being or relating to an illness or condition involving danger of death <critical care> <a patient listed in critical condition> (2) : relating to or being a state in which or a measurement or point at which some quality, property, or phenomenon suffers a definite change <critical temperature> b : CRUCIAL, DECISIVE <a critical test> c : INDISPENSABLE, VITAL <a critical waterfowl habitat> <a component critical to the operation of a machine> d : being in or approaching a state of crisis <a critical shortage> <a critical situation>
2 a : inclined to criticize severely and unfavorably b : consisting of or involving criticism <critical writings> also : of or relating to the judgment of critics <the play was a critical success> c : exercising or involving careful judgment or judicious evaluation <critical thinking> d : including variant readings and scholarly emendations <a critical edition>
3 a : of sufficient size to sustain a chain reaction ― used of a mass of fissionable material <a critical mass> b : sustaining a nuclear chain reaction <the reactor went critical>
–crit·i·cal·i·ty \ˌkri-tə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–crit·i·cal·ly \'kri-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–crit·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms CRITICAL, HYPERCRITICAL, FAULTFINDING, CAPTIOUS, CARPING, CENSORIOUS mean inclined to look for and point out faults and defects. CRITICAL may also imply an effort to see a thing clearly and truly in order to judge it fairly <a critical essay>. HYPERCRITICAL suggests a tendency to judge by unreasonably strict standards <hypercritical disparagement of other people's work>. FAULTFINDING implies a querulous or exacting temperament <a faultfinding reviewer>. CAPTIOUS suggests a readiness to detect trivial faults or raise objections on trivial grounds <a captious critic>. CARPING implies an ill-natured or perverse picking of flaws <a carping editorial>. CENSORIOUS implies a disposition to be severely critical and condemnatory <the censorious tone of the review>. synonym see in addition ACUTE

critical
adj. critical angle
critical mass
critical point
critical region
critical value
form critical
New Critical
self critical

critical angle
: the least angle of incidence at which total reflection takes place

critical mass
: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result <the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store>

critical point
: a point on the graph of a function where the derivative is zero or infinite

critical region
: the set of outcomes of a statistical test for which the null hypothesis is to be rejected

critical value
: the value of an independent variable corresponding to a critical point of a function

criticaster
n. : an inferior or petty critic

criticise
v. British variant of criticize

criticism
n. 1 a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably <seeking encouragement rather than criticism> b : a critical observation or remark <an unfair criticism> c : CRITIQUE
2 : the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature also : writings expressing such evaluation or analysis <an anthology of literary criticism>
3 : the scientific investigation of literary documents (as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history

criticism
n. form criticism
higher criticism
lower criticism
New Criticism
textual criticism
self criticism

criticize
v. intransitive verb : to act as a critic
transitive verb
1 : to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : EVALUATE
2 : to find fault with : point out the faults of
–crit·i·ciz·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–crit·i·ciz·er noun
synonyms CRITICIZE, REPREHEND, CENSURE, REPROBATE, CONDEMN, DENOUNCE mean to find fault with openly. CRITICIZE implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions <criticized the police for using violence>. REPREHEND implies both criticism and severe rebuking <reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students>. CENSURE carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding <a Senator formally censured by his peers>. REPROBATE implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction <reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle>. CONDEMN usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment <condemned the government's racial policies>. DENOUNCE adds to CONDEMN the implication of a public declaration <a pastoral letter denouncing abortion>.

critique
n. : an act of criticizing especially : a critical estimate or discussion <a critique of the poet's work>

critique
n. : to examine critically : REVIEW <critique the plan>

critter
n. : CREATURE 1

CRNA
certified registered nurse anesthetist

Cro-Magnon
: a hominid of a tall erect race of the Upper Paleolithic known from skeletal remains found chiefly in southern France and classified as the same species (Homo sapiens) as present day humans

croak
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a deep harsh sound b : to speak in a hoarse throaty voice
2 : GRUMBLE 1
3 slang : DIE
transitive verb
1 : to utter in a hoarse raucous voice
2 slang : KILL

croak
n. : a hoarse harsh cry or sound
–croaky \'krō-kē\ adjective

croaker
n. 1 : an animal (as a frog) that croaks
2 : any of various fishes and especially the drums that produce croaking, drumming, or grunting noises
3 slang : DOCTOR

Croat
n. : CROATIAN
–Croat adjective

Croatia
n. independent country SE Europe; a constituent republic of Yugoslavia 1946-91 comprising Croatia, Slavonia, & most of Istria & the Dalmatian coast capital Zagreb area 21,829 sq mi (56,537 sq km), pop 4,437,460

Croatian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Croatia
2 : a south Slavic language spoken by the Croatian people
–Croatian adjective

croc
n. : CROCODILE

Croce
Benedetto 1866-1952 Ital. philos. & statesman

crochet
n. : needlework consisting of the interlocking of looped stitches formed with a single thread and a hooked needle

crochet
n. : to make of crochet <crocheted a doily>
intransitive verb : to work with crochet
–cro·chet·er \-'shā-ər\ noun

crocidolite
n. : a lavender-blue or light green mineral of the amphibole group that occurs in silky fibers and in massive form and is a type of asbestos ― compare TIGEREYE

crock
n. 1 : a thick earthenware pot or jar
2 [from its formation on cooking pots] dialect : SOOT, SMUT
3 : coloring matter that rubs off from cloth or dyed leather
4 : BUNKUM ― usually used with a <the story in the paper is a crock>

crock
n. 1 : to put or preserve in a crock
2 dialect : to soil with crock : SMUDGE
intransitive verb : to transfer color (as when rubbed or washed) <a suede that will not crock>

crock
n. 1 : one that is broken-down, disabled, or impaired <so many old⋯crocks with one foot in the grave ― Angus Wilson>
2 : a complaining medical patient whose illness is largely imaginary or psychosomatic

crock
n. : to cause to become disabled
intransitive verb : BREAK DOWN

Crock-Pot
― used for an electric cooking pot

crocked
adj. : DRUNK 1A

crockery
n. : EARTHENWARE

crocket
n. : an ornament usually in the form of curved and bent foliage used on the edge of a gable or spire
–crock·et·ed \-kə-təd\ adjective

Crockett
n. David 1786-1836 Davy American frontiersman & polit.

Crocodile
n. ― see LIMPOPO

crocodile
n. 1 a : any of several large carnivorous thick-skinned long-bodied aquatic reptiles (family Crocodylidae) of tropical and subtropical waters broadly : CROCODILIAN b : the skin or hide of a crocodile
2 chiefly British : a line of people (as schoolchildren) usually walking in pairs

crocodile bird
: an African bird (Pluvianus aegyptius) that is related to the pratincoles and lights on the crocodile and eats its insect parasites

crocodile tears
: false or affected tears also : hypocritical sorrow

crocodilian
adj. : any of an order (Crocodylia) of reptiles including the crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials, and related extinct forms
–crocodilian adjective

crocus
n. 1 a plural also crocus or cro·ci \-ˌkē, -ˌkī, -ˌsī\ : any of a genus (Crocus) of herbs of the iris family developing from corms and having solitary long-tubed flowers and slender linear leaves b : SAFFRON 1A
2 : a dark red ferric oxide used for polishing metals

Croesus
n. : a very rich man

Croesus
n. d ca 546 B.C. king of Lydia (ca 560-546)

croft
n. 1 chiefly British : a small enclosed field usually adjoining a house
2 chiefly British : a small farm worked by a tenant
–croft·er \'krȯf-tər\ noun chiefly British

Crohn's disease
: a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that typically involves the distal portion of the ileum and is characterized by cramping and diarrhea

croissant
n. : a flaky rich crescent-shaped roll

Croix
Croix de Guerre
Saint Croix
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Croix de Guerre
: a French military decoration awarded for gallant action in war

Croker
John Wilson 1780-1857 Brit. essayist & editor

croker sack
chiefly Southern : a sack of a coarse material (as burlap)

Cromer
1st Earl of ― see Evelyn BARING

cromlech
n. 1 : DOLMEN
2 : a circle of monoliths usually enclosing a dolmen or mound

Crompton
Samuel 1753-1827 Eng. inventor

Cromwell
n. Oliver 1599-1658 Eng. gen. & statesman; lord protector of England (1653-58)
–Crom·well·ian \kräm-'we-lē-ən, ˌkrəm-\ adjective

Cromwell
n. Richard 1626-1712 son of Oliver lord protector (1658-59)

Cromwell
n. Thomas 1485?-1540 Earl of Essex Eng. statesman

crone
n. : a withered old woman

Cronin
Archibald Joseph 1896-1981 Eng. physician & nov.

Cronin
James Watson 1931-     American physicist

Cronje
Piet Arnoldus ca 1835-1911 Boer leader & gen.

Cronus
: a Titan dethroned by his son Zeus

crony
n. : a close friend especially of long standing : PAL

cronyism
n. : partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications

crook
n. : BEND
intransitive verb : CURVE, WIND

crook
n. 1 : an implement having a bent or hooked form: as a : POTHOOK b (1) : a shepherd's staff (2) : CROSIER 1
2 : a part of something that is hook-shaped, curved, or bent <the crook of an umbrella handle>
3 : BEND, CURVE
4 : a person who engages in fraudulent or criminal practices

crook
n. Australian & New Zealand : not right: a : UNSATISFACTORY b : DISHONEST, CROOKED c : IRRITABLE, ANGRY ― used especially in the phrase go crook d : ILL, UNWELL

crookback
n. 1 obsolete : a crooked back
2 obsolete : HUNCHBACK
–crook·backed \-'bakt\ adjective

crooked
adj. 1 : not straight <a crooked road> <your tie is crooked>
2 : DISHONEST <a crooked election> <crooked politicians>
–crook·ed·ly adverb
–crook·ed·ness noun

crookery
n. : crooked dealings or practices

Crookes
Sir William 1832-1919 Eng. physicist & chem.

crookneck
n. : a squash with a long recurved neck

croon
v. intransitive verb
1 chiefly Scottish : BELLOW, BOOM
2 : to sing or speak in a gentle murmuring manner especially : to sing in a soft intimate manner adapted to amplifying systems
transitive verb : to sing (as a popular song or a lullaby) in a crooning manner
–croon noun

crooner
n. : one that croons especially : a singer of popular songs

crop
n. 1 : a pouched enlargement of the gullet of many birds that serves as a receptacle for food and for its preliminary maceration also : an enlargement of the gullet of another animal (as an insect)
2 a (1) : a plant or animal or plant or animal product that can be grown and harvested extensively for profit or subsistence <an apple crop> <a crop of wool> (2) : the total yearly production from a specified area b : the product or yield of something formed together <the ice crop> c : a batch or lot of something produced during a particular cycle <the current crop of films> d : COLLECTION <a crop of lies>
3 : the stock or handle of a whip also : a riding whip with a short straight stock and a loop
4 [2crop] a : the part of the chine of a quadruped (as a domestic cow) lying immediately behind the withers ― usually used in plural ― see COW illustration b : an earmark on an animal especially : one made by a straight cut squarely removing the upper part of the ear c : a close cut of the hair

crop
n. transitive verb
1 a : to remove the upper or outer parts of <crop a hedge> <crop a dog's ears> b : HARVEST <crop trout> c : to cut off short : TRIM <crop a photograph>
2 : to cause (land) to bear a crop <planned to crop another 40 acres> also : to grow as a crop
intransitive verb
1 : to feed by cropping something
2 : to yield or make a crop
3 : to appear unexpectedly or casually <problems crop up daily>

crop
n. cash crop
cover crop
crop circle
crop duster
crop eared
crop rotation
double crop
field crop
root crop
standing crop
strip crop
close cropped
strip cropping

crop circle
: a geometric and especially a circular pattern of flattened stalks in a field of grain now usually attributed to natural phenomena or to the work of hoaxers trying to create the impression of a visit by extraterrestrial beings

crop duster
: a person who sprays crops with fungicidal or insecticidal dusts from an airplane also : the airplane used for such spraying

crop rotation
: the practice of growing different crops in succession on the same land chiefly to preserve the productive capacity of the soil

crop-eared
: having the ears cropped

cropland
n. : land that is suited to or used for crops

cropper
n. 1 : one that crops
2 : one that raises crops specifically : SHARECROPPER

cropper
n. 1 : a severe fall
2 : a sudden or violent failure or collapse

croquet
n. 1 : a game in which players using mallets drive wooden balls through a series of wickets set out on a lawn
2 : the act of driving away an opponent's croquet ball by striking one's own ball placed against it
–croquet transitive verb

croquette
n. : a small often rounded mass consisting usually of minced meat, fish, or vegetable coated with egg and bread crumbs and deep-fried

croquignole
: a method used in waving the hair by winding it on curlers from the ends of the hair toward the scalp

croquis
: a rough draft : SKETCH

crore
n. : a unit of value equal to ten million rupees or 100 lakhs

Crosby
n. Bing 1904-1977 orig. Harry Lillis Crosby American singer & actor

Crosby
n. town NW England in Merseyside on Irish Sea NNW of Liverpool pop 53,660

crosier
n. 1 : a staff resembling a shepherd's crook carried by bishops and abbots as a symbol of office
2 : a plant structure with a coiled end

Cross
n. Wilbur Lucius 1862-1948 American educ. & polit.

Cross
n. river 300 mi (483 km) W Africa in W Cameroon & SE Nigeria flowing W & S into Gulf of Guinea

cross
n. 1 a : a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution b often capitalized : the cross on which Jesus was crucified
2 a : CRUCIFIXION b : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience
3 : a cruciform sign made to invoke the blessing of Christ especially by touching the forehead, breast, and shoulders
4 a : a device composed of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one specifically : one used as a Christian symbol b capitalized : the Christian religion
5 : a structure (as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross
6 : a figure or mark formed by two intersecting lines crossing at their midpoints specifically : such a mark used as a signature
7 : a cruciform badge, emblem, or decoration
8 : the intersection of two ways or lines : CROSSING
9 : ANNOYANCE, THWARTING <a cross in love>
10 a : an act of crossing dissimilar individuals b : a crossbred individual or kind c : one that combines characteristics of two different types or individuals
11 a : a fraudulent or dishonest contest b : dishonest or illegal practices ― used especially in the phrase on the cross
12 : a movement from one part of a theater stage to another
13 a : a punch thrown over the opponent's lead in boxing b : an attacking pass in soccer played across the field from one side to the other or to the middle
14 : a security transaction in which a broker acts for both buyer and seller (as in the placing of a large lot of common stock) ― called also cross-trade

cross
n. 1 a : to lie or be situated across b : INTERSECT
2 : to make the sign of the cross upon or over
3 : to cancel by marking a cross on or drawing a line through : strike out <cross names off a list>
4 : to place or fold crosswise one over the other <cross the arms>
5 a (1) : to run counter to : OPPOSE (2) : to deny the validity of : CONTRADICT b : to confront in a troublesome manner : OBSTRUCT c (1) : to spoil completely : DISRUPT ― used with up <his failure to appear crossed up the whole program> (2) : to turn against : BETRAY <crossed me up on the deal>
6 a : to extend across or over : TRAVERSE <a highway crossing the entire state> b : REACH, ATTAIN <only two crossed the finish line> c : to go from one side of to the other <cross a street> <crosses racial barriers>
7 a : to draw a line across b : to mark or figure with lines : STREAK
8 : to cause (an animal or plant) to interbreed with one of a different kind : HYBRIDIZE
9 : to meet and pass on the way <our letters must have crossed each other>
10 : to occur to <it never crossed my mind>
11 : to carry or take across something <crossed the children at the intersection>
intransitive verb
1 a : to move, pass, or extend across something <crossed through France> <crossed over to the other side of the river> b : to move or pass from one character, condition, or allegiance to another ― used with over <crossing over to vote for another party's candidate> <a musician who has crossed over from country to population>
2 : to lie or be athwart each other
3 : to meet in passing especially from opposite directions
4 : INTERBREED, HYBRIDIZE
–cross·er noun
–cross paths : to meet especially by chance <crossed paths with an old friend on a business trip>
–cross swords : to engage in a dispute

cross
n. 1 a : lying across or athwart b : moving across <cross traffic>
2 a : running counter : OPPOSITE b : mutually opposed <cross purposes>
3 : involving mutual interchange : RECIPROCAL
4 : marked by typically transitory bad temper
5 : extending over or treating several groups, conditions, or classes <a cross sample from 25 colleges>
6 : CROSSBRED, HYBRID
–cross·ly adverb
–cross·ness noun

cross
n. : ACROSS

cross
n. : not parallel : CRISSCROSS, CROSSWISE

cross
n. cross trade
cross hatching
Calvary cross
Celtic cross
cross swords
cross paths
cross action
cross check
cross claim
cross country
cross cultural
cross culturally
cross dressing
cross dresser
cross dress
cross examination
cross examiner
cross examine
cross eye
cross eyed
cross fertile
cross fertilization
cross fertilize
cross file
cross fire
cross grained
cross index
cross legged
cross link
cross linkage
cross multiply
cross multiplication
cross national
cross of Lorraine
cross over
cross ownership
cross pollinate
cross pollination
cross product
cross purpose
cross question
cross reaction
cross reactivity
cross reactive
cross react
cross refer
cross reference
cross resistance
cross section
cross sectional
cross staff
cross stitch
cross talk
cross tolerance
cross vault
cross vaulting
cyclo cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
double cross
Geneva cross
Greek cross
Latin cross
Lorraine cross
Maltese cross
Navy Cross
Northern Cross
papal cross
patriarchal cross
pectoral cross
Red Cross
Saint Andrew's cross
Saint Anthony's cross
sign of the cross
single cross
Southern Cross
stations of the cross
tau cross
Victoria Cross
Way of the Cross
John of the Cross
Holy Cross Mount of the
star crossed
crossing over
grade crossing
level crossing
zebra crossing
double crosser

cross action
: a legal action in which the defendant in an existing action files a suit against the plaintiff on the same subject matter : COUNTERSUIT

cross fire
1 a : firing (as in combat) from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross b : a situation wherein the forces of opposing factions meet, cross, or clash <caught in a political cross fire>
2 : rapid or heated exchange of words

cross multiply
: to clear an equation of fractions when each side consists of a fraction with a single denominator by multiplying the numerator of each side by the denominator of the other side and equating the two products obtained
–cross multiplication noun

cross of Lorraine
: a cross with two crossbars the lower one of which is longer than the upper one and intersects the upright below its center also : PATRIARCHAL CROSS ― see CROSS illustration

cross over
: to reach a broader audience by a change of medium or style <a country singer crossing over to the pop charts>

cross paths
to meet especially by chance <crossed paths with an old friend on a business trip>

cross product
1 : VECTOR PRODUCT
2 : either of the two products obtained by multiplying the two means or the two extremes of a proportion

cross section
1 a : a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis also : a representation of such a cutting b : SECTION 3B
2 : a measure of the probability of an encounter between particles such as will result in a specified effect (as scattering or capture)
3 : a composite representation typifying the constituents of a thing in their relations
–cross-section transitive verb
–cross-sec·tion·al \'krȯs-'sek-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

cross swords
to engage in a dispute

cross talk
1 : unwanted signals in a communication channel (as in a telephone, radio, or computer) caused by transference of energy from another circuit (as by leakage or coupling)
2 a : conversation that does not relate to the main topic being discussed b : conversation or repartee engaged in for an audience

cross vault
: a vault formed by the intersection of two or more simple vaults ― called also cross vaulting

cross-check
1 : to obstruct in ice hockey or lacrosse by thrusting one's stick held in both hands across an opponent's face or body
2 : to check (as data or reports) from various angles or sources to determine validity or accuracy

cross-check
: an act or instance of cross-checking

cross-claim
: a claim against a party on the same side of a legal action

cross-country
1 : extending or moving across a country <a cross-country concert tour>
2 : proceeding over countryside (as across fields and through woods) and not by roads
3 : of or relating to racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run
–cross-country adverb

cross-country
: cross-country racing or skiing

cross-cultural
: dealing with or offering comparison between two or more different cultures or cultural areas
–cross-cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

cross-dressing
: the wearing of clothes designed for the opposite sex
–cross-dress intransitive verb
–cross-dress·er noun

cross-examination
: the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility ― compare DIRECT EXAMINATION
–cross-ex·am·ine \-ig-'za-mən\ transitive verb
–cross-ex·am·in·er \-'zam-nər, -'za-mə-\ noun

cross-eye
1 : strabismus in which the eye turns inward toward the nose
2 plural : eyes affected with cross-eye
–cross-eyed \-ˌīd\ adjective

cross-fertile
: fertile in a cross or capable of cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization
1 a : fertilization in which the gametes are produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds b : CROSS-POLLINATION 1
2 : interchange or interaction (as between different ideas, cultures, or categories) especially of a broadening or productive nature

cross-fertilize
: to accomplish cross-fertilization of
intransitive verb : to undergo cross-fertilization

cross-file
: to register as a candidate in the primary elections of more than one political party
transitive verb : to register (a person) as a candidate for more than one party

cross-grained
1 : difficult to deal with <her husband's self-absorbed and cross-grained nature ― Lance Morrow>
2 : having the grain or fibers running diagonally, transversely, or irregularly

cross-index
1 : to index (an item) under a second or under more than one heading
2 : to supply (as a book) with a cross-referenced index
–cross-index noun

cross-legged
1 : with legs crossed and knees spread wide apart
2 : with one leg placed over and across the other

cross-link
: a crosswise connecting part (as an atom or group) that connects parallel chains in a complex chemical molecule (as a polymer)
–cross-link verb

cross-linkage
: the process of forming cross-links also : CROSS-LINK

cross-national
: of or relating to two or more nations

cross-ownership
: single ownership of two or more related businesses (as a newspaper and a television station) that allows the owner to control competition

cross-pollinate
: to subject to cross-pollination

cross-pollination
1 : the transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another
2 : CROSS-FERTILIZATION 2 <cross-pollination of fantasy and realism>

cross-purpose
: a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else ― usually used in plural <the two were always working at cross-purposes>

cross-question
: a question asked in cross-examination
–cross-question transitive verb

cross-reaction
: reaction of one antigen with antibodies developed against another antigen
–cross-re·act \-rē-'akt\ intransitive verb
–cross-re·ac·tive \-'ak-tiv\ adjective
–cross-re·ac·tiv·i·ty \-(ˌ)rē-ˌak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

cross-refer
: to refer (a reader) by a notation or direction from one place to another (as in a book, list, or catalog)
intransitive verb : to make a cross-reference

cross-reference
: a notation or direction at one place (as in a book or filing system) to pertinent information at another place

cross-reference
1 : to supply with cross-references <cross-reference a book>
2 : to research, verify, or organize by means of cross-references <cross-reference information>

cross-resistance
: tolerance (as of a virus) to a usually toxic substance (as an antibiotic) that is acquired not as a result of direct exposure but by exposure to a related substance

cross-staff
: an instrument formerly used at sea for taking the altitude of a celestial body

cross-stitch
1 : a needlework stitch that forms an X
2 : work having cross-stitch
–cross-stitch verb

cross-tolerance
: tolerance or resistance to a drug that develops through continued use of another drug with similar pharmacological action

cross-trade
: CROSS 14

crossability
n. : the ability of different species or varieties to cross with each other

crossable
adj. : capable of being crossed

crossbanding
: a veneer border (as on furniture) with its grain at right angles to the grain of the adjacent wood
–cross·band·ed \-ˌban-dəd\ adjective

crossbar
n. : a transverse bar or stripe

crossbeam
n. : a transverse beam

crossbearer
: CRUCIFER 1

crossbill
n. : any of a genus (Loxia of the family Fringillidae) of finches with curved mandibles that cross each other

crossbones
n. : two leg or arm bones placed or depicted crosswise ― compare SKULL AND CROSSBONES

crossbow
n. : a weapon for shooting quarrels and stones that consists chiefly of a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a stock

crossbowman
n. : a person (as a soldier or a hunter) whose weapon is a crossbow

crossbred
n. : produced by crossbreeding : HYBRID
–cross·bred \-ˌbred\ noun

crossbreed
n. transitive verb : HYBRIDIZE, CROSS especially : to cross (two varieties or breeds) within the same species
intransitive verb : to engage in or undergo hybridization

crossbreed
n. : HYBRID

crosscourt
: to or toward the opposite side of a court (as in tennis or basketball)

crosscurrent
n. 1 : a current running counter to the general forward direction
2 : a conflicting tendency ― usually used in plural <political crosscurrents>

crosscut
n. 1 : to cut, go, or move across or through
2 : to cut with a crosscut saw
3 : to subject (as movie scenes) to crosscutting

crosscut
n. 1 : made or used for cutting transversely <a saw with crosscut teeth>
2 : cut across or transversely <a crosscut incision>

crosscut
n. 1 : something that cuts across or through specifically : a mine working driven horizontally and at right angles to an adit, drift, or level
2 : CROSS SECTION
3 : CROSSCUT SAW
4 : an instance of crosscutting (as in a movie)

crosscut saw
: a saw designed chiefly to cut across the grain of wood ― compare RIPSAW

crosscutting
n. : a technique especially in filmmaking of interweaving bits of two or more separate scenes

crosse
n. : a stick with a small net at one end that is used in lacrosse

crosshair
: a fine wire or thread in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line in the field or for marking the instrumental axis ― used figuratively to describe someone or something being targeted as if through an aiming device (as on a rifle) having crosshairs <capital punishment⋯is in the crosshairs this political season ― J. H. Alter>

crosshatch
n. : to mark with two series of parallel lines that intersect
–crosshatch noun
–cross-hatch·ing noun

crosshead
n. 1 : a metal block to which one end of a piston rod is secured
2 : a heading centered usually between portions of text

crossing
n. 1 : the act or action of crossing: as a : a traversing or traveling across b : an opposing, blocking, or thwarting especially in an unfair or dishonest manner
2 a : a place or structure (as on a street or over a river) where pedestrians or vehicles cross especially : CROSSWALK b : the place in a cruciform church where the transept crosses the nave c : a place where a railroad track crosses a street

crossing
n. crossing over
grade crossing
level crossing
zebra crossing

crossing-over
: an interchange of genes or segments between homologous chromosomes

crosslet
n. : a small cross usually with crossed arms especially : one used as a heraldic bearing ― see CROSS illustration

crosslinguistic
: of or relating to languages of different families and types especially : relating to the comparison of different languages
–cross·lin·guis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

crossopterygian
: any of a subclass (Crossopterygii) of bony fishes (as a coelacanth) that have paired fins suggesting limbs, that may be ancestral to the terrestrial vertebrates, and that are mostly extinct ― called also lobe-fin
–crossopterygian adjective

crossover
n. 1 : CROSSING 2A
2 : an instance or product of genetic crossing-over
3 : a voter registered as a member of one political party who votes in the primary of the other party
4 : a broadening of the popular appeal of an artist (as a musician) that is often the result of a change of the artist's medium or style also : an artist or artistic work that has achieved a crossover
5 : an instance of breaking into another category <trying to make the crossover to serious acting ― Michael Neill>
6 : a basketball maneuver in which a player dribbles the ball quickly from one hand to the other

crossover
n. 1 : having two pieces that cross especially one over the other <a crossover vest>
2 : CRITICAL 1 <the crossover point>

crosspatch
n. : GROUCH 2

crosspiece
n. : a horizontal member (as of a structure)

crossroad
n. 1 : a road that crosses a main road or runs cross-country between main roads
2 usually plural but singular or plural in construction a : the place of intersection of two or more roads b (1) : a small community located at such a crossroads (2) : a central meeting place c : a crucial point especially where a decision must be made

crossruff
: a series of plays in a card game (as bridge) in which partners alternately trump different suits and lead to each other for that purpose
–crossruff verb

crosstown
adj. 1 : situated at opposite points of a town <crosstown schools>
2 : extending or running across a town <a crosstown street> <a crosstown bus>

crosstrees
n. : two horizontal crosspieces of timber or metal supported by trestletrees at a masthead that spread the upper shrouds in order to support the mast

crosswalk
n. : a specially paved or marked path for pedestrians crossing a street or road

crossway
n. : CROSSROAD ― often used in plural

crossways
n. : CROSSWISE, DIAGONALLY

crosswind
n. : a wind blowing in a direction not parallel to a course (as of an airplane)

crosswise
adv. 1 archaic : in the form of a cross
2 : so as to cross something : ACROSS <carrot sticks cut crosswise>

crosswise
adv. 1 : TRANSVERSE, CROSSING
2 : involved in conflict or disagreement <got crosswise with his teacher>

crossword
n. : a puzzle in which words are filled into a pattern of numbered squares in answer to correspondingly numbered clues and in such a way that the words read across and down

crostini
n. : small slices of usually toasted bread topped with a spread or other food

crotch
n. 1 : a pole with a forked end used especially as a prop
2 : an angle formed by the parting of two legs, branches, or members
–crotched \'krächt\ adjective

crotchet
n. 1 obsolete a : a small hook or hooked instrument b : BROOCH
2 a : a highly individual and usually eccentric opinion or preference b : a peculiar trick or device
3 : QUARTER NOTE
synonyms see CAPRICE

crotchety
adj. 1 : given to crotchets : subject to whims, crankiness, or ill temper <a crotchety old man>
2 : full of or arising from crotchets <a crotchety style>
–crotch·et·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

Croton
n. river 60 mi (95 km) SE N.Y. flowing into the Hudson

croton
n. 1 : any of a genus (Croton) of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the spurge family: as a : one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark b : an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil
2 : any of a genus (Codiaeum) of shrubs and trees related to the crotons

Croton bug
: GERMAN COCKROACH

croton oil
: a viscid acrid fixed oil obtained from seeds of an Asian croton (Croton tiglium) formerly used as a powerful purgative but now used especially in pharmacological experiments as an irritant

Crotone
commune S Italy in Calabria on Gulf of Taranto pop 59,757

crouch
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to lower the body stance especially by bending the legs <a sprinter crouched ready to go> b : to lie close to the ground with the legs bent <a pair of cats, crouching on the brink of a fight ― Aldous Huxley>
2 : to bend or bow servilely : CRINGE
3 : to stand at a low height <cottages crouched along the river>
transitive verb : to bow especially in humility or fear : BEND
–crouch noun

croup
n. : the rump of a quadruped

croup
n. : inflammation, edema, and subsequent obstruction of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi especially of infants and young children that is typically caused by a virus and is marked by episodes of difficult breathing and hoarse metallic cough
–croupy \-pē\ adjective

croupier
n. : an employee of a gambling casino who collects and pays bets and assists at the gaming tables

Crouse
Russel 1893-1966 American journalist & dram.

crouse
chiefly Scottish : BRISK, LIVELY

croustade
n. : a crisp shell (as of toast or puff pastry) in which to serve food

crouton
n. : a small cube of toasted or crisply fried bread

crow
n. 1 : any of various large usually entirely glossy black passerine birds (family Corvidae and especially genus Corvus)
2 capitalized a : a member of an American Indian people of the region between the Platte and Yellowstone rivers b : the language of the Crow people
3 capitalized : CORVUS
4 : HUMBLE PIE <the braggart was forced to eat crow>
–as the crow flies : in a straight line

crow
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make the loud shrill sound characteristic of a cock
2 : to utter a sound expressive of pleasure
3 a : to exult gloatingly especially over the distress of another b : to brag exultantly or blatantly
transitive verb : to say with self-satisfaction
synonyms see BOAST

crow
n. 1 : the cry of the cock
2 : a triumphant cry

crow
n. carrion crow
as the crow flies
crow's foot
crow's feet
crow's nest
jim crow
crew chief
crew cut
crew neck
crew sock
ground crew

crow's nest
: a partly enclosed platform high on a ship's mast for use as a lookout also : a similar lookout (as for traffic control)

crow's-foot
1 : a wrinkle extending from the outer corner of the eye ― usually used in plural
2 : CROWFOOT 1

crowbar
n. : an iron or steel bar that is usually wedge-shaped at the working end for use as a pry or lever
–crowbar transitive verb

crowberry
n. 1 : an evergreen subshrub (Empetrum nigrum of the family Empetraceae) of subtemperate regions with an inedible tasteless black berry
2 : the fruit of a crowberry

crowd
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to press on : HURRY b : to press close <the players crowded around the coach>
2 : to collect in numbers
transitive verb
1 a : to fill by pressing or thronging together <a room crowded with children> b : to press, force, or thrust into a small space
2 : PUSH, FORCE ― often used with off or out <crowd a person off the sidewalk>
3 a : to urge on b : to put on (sail) in excess of the usual for greater speed
4 : to put pressure on <don't crowd me, I'll pay>
5 : THRONG, JOSTLE
6 : to press or stand close to <the batter was crowding the plate>

crowd
n. 1 : a large number of persons especially when collected together : THRONG
2 a : the great body of the people : POPULACE b : most of one's peers <follow the crowd>
3 : a large number of things close together <I saw a crowd⋯of golden daffodils ― William Wordsworth>
4 : a group of people having something (as a habit, interest, or occupation) in common <in with the wrong crowd> <the Hollywood crowd>
synonyms CROWD, THRONG, CRUSH, MOB, HORDE mean an assembled multitude usually of people. CROWD implies a close gathering and pressing together <a small crowd gathered>. THRONG strongly suggests movement and pushing <a throng of reporters>. CRUSH emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort <a crush of fans>. MOB implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence <an angry mob outside the jail>. HORDE suggests a rushing or tumultuous crowd <a horde of shoppers>.

crowd
n. 1 : an ancient Celtic stringed instrument that is plucked or bowed ― called also crwth
2 dialect English : VIOLIN

crowd-pleaser
: one (as a performer or product) that is notably or reliably popular or appealing <a flamboyant crowd-pleaser given to mad feats of daring ― Tony Hendra>
–crowd-pleas·ing \-ziŋ\ adjective

crowdedness
n. : the quality or state of being crowded

crowdie
n. : a Scottish cottage cheese that is partially cooked

crowfoot
n. 1 plural usually crow·foots : any of numerous plants having leaves with cleft lobes especially : BUTTERCUP
2 : CROW'S-FOOT 1 ― usually used in plural

crowkeeper
dialect English : a person employed to scare off crows

crown
n. 1 : a reward of victory or mark of honor especially : the title representing the championship in a sport
2 : a royal or imperial headdress or cap of sovereignty : DIADEM
3 : the highest part: as a : the topmost part of the skull or head b : the summit of a mountain c : the head of foliage of a tree or shrub d : the part of a hat or other headgear covering the crown of the head e : the part of a tooth external to the gum or an artificial substitute for this ― see TOOTH illustration
4 : a wreath, band, or circular ornament for the head
5 a : something resembling a wreath or crown b : the knurled cap on top of a watch stem
6 often capitalized a (1) : imperial or regal power : SOVEREIGNTY (2) : the government under a constitutional monarchy b : MONARCH
7 : something that imparts splendor, honor, or finish : CULMINATION
8 a : any of several old gold coins with a crown as part of the device b : an old usually silver British coin worth five shillings
9 a : KORUNA b : KRONA c : KRONE
10 a : the region of a seed plant at which stem and root merge b : the thick arching end of the shank of an anchor where the arms join it ― see ANCHOR illustration
–crowned \'krau̇nd\ adjective
–crown·less \-ləs\ adjective

crown
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place a crown or wreath on the head of specifically : to invest with regal dignity and power b : to recognize officially as <they crowned her athlete of the year> c : to award a championship to <crown a new champion>
2 : to bestow something on as a mark of honor or recompense : ADORN
3 : SURMOUNT, TOP especially : to top (a checker) with a checker to make a king
4 : to bring to a successful conclusion : CLIMAX <the role that crowned her career>
5 : to provide with something like a crown: as a : to fill so that the surface forms a crown b : to put an artificial crown on (a tooth)
6 : to hit on the head
intransitive verb of a forest fire : to burn rapidly through the tops of trees

crown
n. crown colony
crown court
crown gall
crown glass
crown jewel
crown land
crown molding
crown of thorns
crown of thorns starfish
crown prince
crown princess
crown roast
crown rust
crown vetch
half crown
pivot crown
Triple Crown
black crowned night heron
white crowned sparrow

crown colony
: a British colony over which the Crown retains some control

crown court
: a court in England and Wales that exercises jurisdiction over matters formerly heard by the quarter sessions and criminal matters formerly heard by the courts of assize

crown gall
: a disease that affects many species of plants and is caused by a bacterium (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) which forms tumorous enlargements usually just below the ground on the stem

crown glass
1 : a glass blown and whirled into the form of a disk with a center lump left by the worker's rod
2 : alkali-lime silicate optical glass having relatively low refractive index and low dispersion value

crown jewel
1 plural : the jewels (as crown and scepter) belonging to a sovereign's regalia
2 : the most attractive or valuable one of a collection or group

crown land
1 : land belonging to the crown and yielding revenues that the reigning sovereign is entitled to
2 : public land in some British dominions or colonies

crown molding
: molding that crowns a surface or structure especially : molding that runs between the top of an internal wall and a ceiling

crown of thorns

1964
: a starfish (Acanthaster planci) of the Pacific region that is covered with long spines and feeds on coral polyps sometimes causing destruction of coral reefs ― called also crown-of-thorns starfish

crown prince
1 : a male heir apparent to a crown or throne
2 : one prepared or favored to fill a prospective position

crown princess
1 : the wife of a crown prince
2 : a female heir apparent or heir presumptive to a crown or throne

crown roast
: a fancy roast of lamb, veal, or pork made from the rib portions of two loins skewered together at the ends to form a circle

crown rust
: a leaf rust of oats and other grasses that is caused by a fungus (Puccinia coronata) and is characterized by rounded light-orange uredinia and buried telia

crown vetch
: a Eurasian herb (Coronilla varia) of the legume family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has umbels of pink-and-white flowers and sharp-angled pods

crowner
n. dialect chiefly English : CORONER

crownet
archaic : CORONET

crowstep
: any of a series of steps at the top of a gable wall
–crow·stepped \-ˌstept\ adjective

Croydon
borough of S Greater London, England pop 299,600

Crozet Islands
islands S Indian Ocean WNW of Kerguelen; a French dependency

crozier
n. variant of crosier

CRT
: CATHODE-RAY TUBE also : a display device incorporating a cathode-ray tube

CRT
carrier route

cruces
n. plural of crux

crucial
adj. 1 archaic : CRUCIFORM
2 a : important or essential as resolving a crisis : DECISIVE <a crucial step> b : marked by final determination of a doubtful issue <the crucial game of a series> c : IMPORTANT, SIGNIFICANT <what use we make of them will be the crucial question ― Stanley Kubrick>
synonyms see ACUTE

crucially
adv. 1 : in a crucial manner
2 : very importantly

crucian carp
: a European cyprinid fish (Carassius carassius) ― called also crucian

cruciate
adj. : cross-shaped : CRUCIFORM

cruciate
adj. anterior cruciate ligament
cruciate ligament
posterior cruciate ligament

cruciate ligament
: either of two ligaments in the knee joint which cross each other from femur to tibia especially : ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT

crucible
n. 1 : a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat
2 : a severe test
3 : a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development <conditioned by having grown up within the crucible of Chinatown ― Tom Wolfe>

crucible steel
: hard cast steel made in pots that are lifted from the furnace before the metal is poured into molds

crucifer
n. 1 : one who carries a cross especially at the head of an ecclesiastical procession
2 : any of a family (Cruciferae syn. Brassicaceae) of plants including the cabbage, turnip, and mustard
–cru·cif·er·ous \krü-'si-f(ə-)rəs\ adjective

crucifix
n. : a representation of Christ on the cross

crucifixion
n. 1 a capitalized : the crucifying of Christ b : the act of crucifying
2 : extreme and painful punishment, affliction, or suffering

cruciform
adj. : forming or arranged in a cross
–cruciform noun

crucify
v. 1 : to put to death by nailing or binding the wrists or hands and feet to a cross
2 : to destroy the power of : MORTIFY <crucify the flesh>
3 a : to treat cruelly : TORMENT b : PILLORY 2
–cru·ci·fi·er \-ˌfī-ər\ noun

cruck
n. : one of a pair of curved timbers forming a principal support of a roof in primitive English house construction

crud
n. 1 dialect : CURD
2 a : a deposit or incrustation of filth, grease, or refuse b : something disagreeable or disgusting : RUBBISH c slang : a despicable or contemptible person
3 : a usually ill-defined or imperfectly identified bodily disorder
–crud·dy \'krə-dē\ adjective

crud
n. dialect : 2CURD

crude
adj. 1 : existing in a natural state and unaltered by cooking or processing <crude oil>
2 archaic : UNRIPE, IMMATURE
3 : marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity or vulgarity <a crude stereotype>
4 : rough or inexpert in plan or execution <a crude shelter>
5 : lacking a covering, glossing, or concealing element : OBVIOUS <crude facts>
6 : tabulated without being broken down into classes <the crude death rate>
synonyms see RUDE
–crude·ly adverb
–crude·ness noun

crude
adj. : a substance in its natural unprocessed state especially : unrefined petroleum

Cruden
Alexander 1701-1770 Scot. compiler of a biblical concordance

crudites
n. : pieces of raw vegetables (as celery or carrot sticks) served as an hors d'oeuvre often with a dip

crudity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being crude
2 : something that is crude

cruel
adj. 1 : disposed to inflict pain or suffering : devoid of humane feelings <a cruel tyrant>
2 a : causing or conducive to injury, grief, or pain <a cruel joke> b : unrelieved by leniency <cruel punishment>
synonyms see FIERCE
–cru·el·ly \'krü-(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cru·el·ness noun

cruelty
n. 1 : the quality or state of being cruel
2 a : a cruel action b : inhuman treatment
3 : marital conduct held (as in a divorce action) to endanger life or health or to cause mental suffering or fear

cruelty-free
: developed or produced without inhumane testing on animals <cruelty-free cosmetics>

cruet
n. 1 : a vessel to hold wine or water for the Eucharist
2 : a usually glass bottle used to hold a condiment (as oil or vinegar) for use at the table

Cruikshank
George 1792-1878 Eng. caricaturist & illustrator

cruise
n. intransitive verb
1 : to sail about touching at a series of ports
2 : to move or proceed speedily, smoothly, or effortlessly <I'll cruise over to her house to see if she's home>
3 : to travel without destination or purpose
4 a : to go about the streets at random but on the lookout for possible developments <the cabdriver cruised for an hour before being hailed> b : to search (as in public places) for a sexual partner
5 a of an airplane : to fly at the most efficient operating speed b of an automobile : to travel at a speed suitable for being maintained for a long distance
6 : to explore or search the offerings of especially : SURF <cruise the Internet>
transitive verb
1 : to cruise over or about
2 : to inspect (as land) with reference to possible lumber yield
3 a : to search in (a public place) for a sexual partner b : to approach and suggest sexual relations to

cruise
n. : an act or an instance of cruising especially : a tour by ship

cruise control
1 : an electronic device in a vehicle that controls the throttle so as to maintain a constant speed
2 : a relaxed and seemingly automatic pace that is easily maintained

cruise missile
: a guided missile that has a terrain-following radar system and that flies at moderate speed and low altitude

cruiser
n. 1 : a vehicle that cruises: as a : SQUAD CAR b : a powerboat with facilities (as a cabin and plumbing) necessary for living aboard ― called also cabin cruiser
2 : a large fast moderately armored and gunned warship
3 : a person who cruises

cruiserweight
n. : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 190 pounds

cruller
n. 1 : a small sweet cake in the form of a twisted strip fried in deep fat
2 Northern & Midland : an unraised doughnut

Crumb
n. George Henry 1929-     American composer

crumb
n. 1 a : a small fragment especially of something baked (as bread) b : a porous aggregate of soil particles
2 : BIT <a crumb of good news>
3 : the soft part of bread
4 slang : a worthless person

crumb
n. 1 : to break into crumbs
2 : to cover or thicken with crumbs
3 : to remove crumbs from <crumb a table>

crumb structure
: a soil condition suitable for farming in which the soil particles are aggregated into crumbs

crumble
n. transitive verb : to break into small pieces
intransitive verb
1 : to fall into small pieces : DISINTEGRATE
2 : to break down completely : COLLAPSE <marriages crumble>

crumble
n. 1 : something crumbled : fine debris
2 : CRISP 2

crumblings
n. : crumbled particles : CRUMBS

crumbly
adj. : easily crumbled : FRIABLE <crumbly soil>
–crum·bli·ness noun

crumhorn
n. variant of krummhorn

crummie
chiefly Scottish : COW especially : one with crooked horns

crummy
adj. 1 obsolete : CRUMBLY
2 : very poor or inferior : LOUSY <crummy weather> <has a crummy job>
–crum·mi·ness noun

crump
n. 1 : CRUNCH
2 : to explode heavily

crump
n. 1 : a crunching sound
2 : SHELL, BOMB

crump
n. chiefly Scottish : BRITTLE

crumpet
n. : a small round unsweetened bread cooked on a griddle and usually split and toasted before serving

crumple
v. transitive verb
1 : to press, bend, or crush out of shape : RUMPLE
2 : to cause to collapse
intransitive verb
1 : to become crumpled
2 : COLLAPSE

crumple
v. : a wrinkle or crease made by crumpling
–crum·ply \'krəm-p(ə-)lē\ adjective

crumple zone
: a section of an automobile body designed to absorb the force of an impact in order to protect the passengers

crunch
n. intransitive verb
1 : to chew or press with a crushing noise
2 : to make one's way with a crushing noise
transitive verb
1 : to chew, press, or grind with a crunching sound
2 : PROCESS especially : to perform mathematical computations on <crunch numbers>
–crunch·able \'krən-chə-bəl\ adjective

crunch
n. 1 : an act of crunching
2 : a sound made by crunching
3 : a tight or critical situation: as a : a critical point in the buildup of pressure between opposing elements : SHOWDOWN b : a severe economic squeeze (as on credit) c : SHORTAGE <an energy crunch>
4 : a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising and lowering the upper torso without reaching a sitting position

crunch
n. big crunch
crunch time
number crunching

crunch time
: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed

cruncher
n. 1 : one that crunches
2 : a finishing blow

crunchy
adj. : making a crunching sound when chewed or pressed <crunchy lettuce>
–crunch·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–crunch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

crupper
n. 1 : a leather loop passing under a horse's tail and buckled to the saddle
2 : 1CROUP broadly : BUTTOCKS

crural
adj. : of or relating to the thigh or leg specifically : FEMORAL <crural artery>

crus
n. : any of various anatomical parts that resemble a leg or a pair of legs

crusade
n. 1 capitalized : any of the military expeditions undertaken by Christian powers in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries to win the Holy Land from the Muslims
2 : a remedial enterprise undertaken with zeal and enthusiasm

crusade
n. : to engage in a crusade
–cru·sad·er noun

crusado
: an old gold or silver coin of Portugal having a cross on the reverse

cruse
n. : a small vessel (as a jar or pot) for holding a liquid (as water or oil)

crush
n. transitive verb
1 a : to squeeze or force by pressure so as to alter or destroy structure <crush grapes> b : to squeeze together into a mass
2 : HUG, EMBRACE
3 : to reduce to particles by pounding or grinding <crush rock>
4 a : to suppress or overwhelm as if by pressure or weight b : to oppress or burden grievously <crushed by debt> c : to subdue completely <the rebellion was crushed>
5 : CROWD, PUSH <were crushed into the elevator>
6 archaic : DRINK
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : CRASH
2 : to become crushed
3 : to advance with or as if with crushing
–crush·able \'krə-shə-bəl\ adjective
–crush·er noun
–crush·ing·ly adverb

crush
n. 1 : an act of crushing
2 : the quantity of material crushed
3 a : a crowding together (as of people) b : CROWD, MOB especially : a crowd of people pressing against one another
4 : an intense and usually passing infatuation <have a crush on someone> also : the object of infatuation
synonyms see CROWD
–crush·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

crust
n. 1 a : the hardened exterior or surface part of bread b : a piece of this or of bread grown dry or hard
2 : the pastry cover of a pie
3 : a hard or brittle external coat or covering: as a : a hard surface layer (as of soil or snow) b : the outer part of a planet, moon, or asteroid composed essentially of crystalline rocks c : a deposit built up on the interior surface of a wine bottle during long aging d : an encrusting deposit of dried secretions or exudate especially : SCAB
4 : GALL, NERVE
–crust verb
–crust·al \'krəs-təl\ adjective
–crust·less \'krəs(t)-ləs\ adjective

crustacea
n. : arthropods that are crustaceans

crustacean
n. : any of a large class (Crustacea) of mostly aquatic mandibulate arthropods that have a chitinous or calcareous and chitinous exoskeleton, a pair of often much modified appendages on each segment, and two pairs of antennae and that include the lobsters, shrimps, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles
–crustacean adjective

crustaceous
adj. : of, relating to, having, or forming a crust or shell

crustose
: having a thin thallus adhering closely to a substrate (as of rock, bark, or soil) <crustose lichens> ― compare FOLIOSE, FRUTICOSE

crusty
adj. 1 : having or being a crust <crusty bread>
2 : giving an effect of surly incivility in address or disposition
synonyms see BLUFF
–crust·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–crust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

crutch
n. 1 a : a support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walking b : PROP, STAY
2 : a forked leg rest constituting the pommel of a sidesaddle
3 : the crotch of a human being or an animal
4 : a forked support

crutch
n. : to support on crutches : prop up

Crutzen
Paul 1933-     Du. chem.

crux
n. 1 : a puzzling or difficult problem : an unsolved question
2 : an essential point requiring resolution or resolving an outcome <the crux of the problem>
3 : a main or central feature (as of an argument)

crux criticorum
: crux of critics

Cruz
Juana Inés de la 1651-1695 orig. Juana Inés de Asbaje Mex. religious & poet

Cruz
Puerto La Cruz
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz Islands

cruzado
n. : the basic monetary unit of Brazil from 1986 to 1990

Cruzan
: a native or inhabitant of St. Croix
–Cruzan adjective

cruzeiro
n. : the basic monetary unit of Brazil from 1942 to 1985 and from 1991 to 1993

crwth
: 3CROWD 1

cry
n. transitive verb
1 : to utter loudly : SHOUT
2 archaic : BEG, BESEECH
3 : to proclaim publicly : ADVERTISE <cry their wares>
intransitive verb
1 : to call loudly : SHOUT
2 : to shed tears often noisily : WEEP, SOB
3 : to utter a characteristic sound or call
4 : to require or suggest strongly a remedy or disposition <a hundred things which cry out for planning ― Roger Burlingame>
–cry havoc : to sound an alarm
–cry over spilled milk : to express vain regrets for what cannot be recovered or undone
–cry wolf : to give alarm unnecessarily

cry
n. 1 : an instance of crying: as a : an inarticulate utterance of distress, rage, or pain b obsolete : OUTCRY, CLAMOR
2 a obsolete : PROCLAMATION b plural Scottish : BANNS
3 : ENTREATY, APPEAL <a cry for help>
4 : a loud shout
5 : WATCHWORD, SLOGAN
6 a : common report b : a general opinion
7 : the public voice raised in protest or approval
8 : a fit of weeping
9 : the characteristic sound or call of an animal
10 a : a pack of hounds b (1) : PURSUIT ― used in the phrase in full cry <hounds in full cry> (2) : a peak of activity or excitement ― used in the phrase in full cry <a campaign in full cry>

cry
n. : cold : freezing <cryonics> <cryogen>

cry
n. battle cry
cry wolf
cry over spilled milk
cry havoc
cry down
cry off
cry up
far cry
hue and cry
rallying cry
war cry

cry down
: DISPARAGE, DEPRECIATE

cry havoc
to sound an alarm

cry off
chiefly British : to beg off
transitive verb : to call off (as a bargain)

cry over spilled milk
to express vain regrets for what cannot be recovered or undone

cry up
: to praise publicly in order to enhance in value or repute <cried up his skills as a writer>

cry wolf
to give alarm unnecessarily

crybaby
n. : one who cries or complains easily or often

crying
n. 1 : calling for notice <a crying need>
2 : NOTORIOUS, HEINOUS <a crying shame>

cryobiology
n. : the study of the effects of extremely low temperature on living organisms and cells
–cryo·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–cryo·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

cryogen
n. : a substance for obtaining low temperatures : REFRIGERANT ― called also cryogenic

cryogenic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the production of very low temperatures b : being or relating to very low temperatures
2 a : requiring or involving the use of a cryogenic temperature b : requiring cryogenic storage c : suitable for storage of a cryogenic substance
–cryo·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cryogenics
n. : a branch of physics that deals with the production and effects of very low temperatures

cryolite
n. : a mineral consisting of a fluoride of sodium and aluminum found especially in Greenland usually in white cleavable masses and formerly used as a source of aluminum

cryonics
n. : the practice of freezing a person who has died of a disease in hopes of restoring life at some future time when a cure for the disease has been developed
–cry·on·ic \-nik\ adjective

cryophilic
adj. : thriving at low temperatures

cryopreservation
: preservation (as of cells) by subjection to extremely low temperatures
–cryo·pre·serve \ˌkrī-ō-pri-'zərv, 'krī-ō-pri-ˌ\ transitive verb

cryoprobe
n. : a blunt chilled instrument used to freeze tissues in cryosurgery

cryoprotective
adj. : serving to protect against the deleterious effects of freezing <an intracellular cryoprotective agent>
–cryo·pro·tec·tant \-'tek-tənt\ noun or adjective

cryoscope
n. : an instrument for determining freezing points

cryoscopy
n. : the determination of the lowered freezing points produced in liquid by dissolved substances in order to determine molecular weights of solutes and various properties of solutions
–cryo·scop·ic \ˌkrī-ə-'skä-pik\ adjective

cryostat
n. : an apparatus for maintaining a constant low temperature especially below 0°C
–cryo·stat·ic \ˌkrī-ə-'sta-tik\ adjective

cryosurgery
n. : surgery in which usually diseased or abnormal tissue (as of a tumor or wart) is destroyed or removed by freezing (as by liquid nitrogen)
–cryo·sur·geon \-'sər-jən\ noun
–cryo·sur·gi·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective

cryotherapy
n. : the therapeutic use of cold especially : CRYOSURGERY

crypt
n. 1 a : a chamber (as a vault) wholly or partly underground especially : a vault under the main floor of a church b : a chamber in a mausoleum
2 a : an anatomical pit or depression b : a simple tubular gland

crypt
n. 1 : hidden : covered <cryptogenic>
2 : CRYPTOGRAPHIC <cryptanalysis>

cryptanalysis
n. 1 : the solving of cryptograms or cryptographic systems
2 : the theory of solving cryptograms or cryptographic systems : the art of devising methods for cryptanalysis
–crypt·an·a·lyt·ic \ˌkrip-ˌta-nə-'li-tik\ also crypt·an·a·lyt·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

cryptanalyst
: a specialist in cryptanalysis

cryptarithm
: an arithmetic problem in which letters have been substituted for numbers and which is solved by finding all possible pairings of digits with letters that produce a numerically correct answer

cryptic
adj. 1 : SECRET, OCCULT
2 a : having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning : MYSTERIOUS <cryptic messages> b : marked by an often perplexing brevity <cryptic marginal notes>
3 : serving to conceal <cryptic coloration in animals> also : exhibiting cryptic coloration <cryptic animals>
4 : not recognized <a cryptic infection>
5 : employing cipher or code
synonyms see OBSCURE
–cryp·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

crypto
n. 1 : a person who adheres or belongs secretly to a party, sect, or other group
2 : CRYPTOGRAPHY 2

crypto
n. 1 : not openly avowed or declared ― often used in combination <crypto-fascist>
2 : CRYPTOGRAPHIC

cryptococcosis
n. : an infectious disease that is caused by a fungus (Cryptococcus neoformans) and is characterized by the production of lesions in subcutaneous tissues, joints, and especially the lungs, brain, and meninges and often by pneumonia or meningitis

cryptococcus
n. : any of a genus (Cryptococcus) of budding imperfect fungi that resemble yeasts and include a number of saprophytes and a few serious pathogens
–cryp·to·coc·cal \-'kä-kəl\ adjective

cryptocrystalline
adj. : having a crystalline structure so fine that no distinct particles are recognizable under a microscope <cryptocrystalline quartz>

cryptogam
n. : a plant or plantlike organism (as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed
–cryp·to·gam·ic \ˌkrip-tə-'ga-mik\ also cryp·tog·a·mous \krip-'tä-gə-məs\ adjective

cryptogenic
adj. : of obscure or unknown origin <a cryptogenic disease>

cryptogram
n. 1 : a communication in cipher or code
2 : a figure or representation having a hidden significance

cryptograph
n. : CRYPTOGRAM

cryptographer
n. : a specialist in cryptography: as a : a clerk who enciphers and deciphers messages b : one who devises cryptographic methods or systems c : CRYPTANALYST

cryptographic
adj. : of, relating to, or using cryptography
–cryp·to·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cryptography
n. 1 : secret writing
2 : the enciphering and deciphering of messages in secret code or cipher also : the computerized encoding and decoding of information
3 : CRYPTANALYSIS

cryptology
n. : the scientific study of cryptography and cryptanalysis
–cryp·to·log·i·cal \ˌkrip-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or cryp·to·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–cryp·tol·o·gist \krip-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

cryptomeria
n. : an evergreen tree (Cryptomeria japonica) of the bald cypress family that is a valuable timber tree of Japan ― see CONE illustration

cryptonym
n. : a secret name

cryptorchid
n. : one affected with cryptorchidism
–cryptorchid adjective

cryptorchidism
n. : a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend normally

cryptosporidiosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by cryptosporidia

cryptosporidium
n. : any of a genus (Cryptosporidium of the order Coccidia) of protozoans parasitic in the gut of vertebrates including humans and sometimes causing diarrhea

cryptosystem
: a method for encoding and decoding messages

cryptozoology
n. : the study of and search for animals and especially legendary animals (as Sasquatch) usually in order to evaluate the possibility of their existence
–cryp·to·zoo·log·i·cal \-ˌzō-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–cryp·to·zo·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist, -'wä-\ noun

cryst
crystalline; crystallized

Crystal
n. city SE Minn. N of Minneapolis pop 22,698

crystal
n. 1 : quartz that is transparent or nearly so and that is either colorless or only slightly tinged
2 : something resembling crystal in transparency and colorlessness
3 : a body that is formed by the solidification of a chemical element, a compound, or a mixture and has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces
4 : a clear colorless glass of superior quality also : objects or ware of such glass
5 : the glass or transparent plastic cover over a watch or clock dial
6 : a crystalline material used in electronics as a frequency-determining element or for rectification
7 : ICE 7 broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly

crystal
n. 1 : consisting of or resembling crystal : CLEAR, LUCID
2 : relating to or using a crystal <a crystal radio receiver>

crystal
n. crystal meth
crystal ball
crystal clear
crystal gazing
crystal gazer
crystal pleat
crystal pleated
crystal violet
liquid crystal
liquid crystal display
rock crystal
Crystal Lake

crystal ball
1 : a sphere especially of quartz crystal traditionally used by fortune-tellers
2 : a means or method of predicting future events

crystal clear
: perfectly or transparently clear <crystal clear water> <her directions were crystal clear>

crystal gazing
1 : the art or practice of concentrating on a glass or crystal globe with the aim of inducing a psychic state in which divination can be performed
2 : the attempt to predict future events or make difficult judgments especially without adequate data
–crystal gazer noun

Crystal Lake
city N Ill. pop 38,000

crystal meth
: CRYSTAL 7

crystal pleat
: any of a series of narrow sharply pressed pleats all turned in one direction
–crystal pleated adjective

crystal violet
: a triphenylmethane dye found in gentian violet

crystall
: crystal <crystallography>

crystalline
adj. 1 : resembling crystal: as a : strikingly clear or sparkling <crystalline air> <a crystalline lake> b : CLEAR-CUT
2 : made of crystal : composed of crystals
3 : constituting or relating to a crystal
–crys·tal·lin·i·ty \ˌkris-tə-'li-nə-tē\ noun

crystalline lens
: the lens of the eye in vertebrates

crystallise
v. British variant of crystallize

crystallite
n. 1 a : a minute mineral form (as in glassy volcanic rocks) that marks the beginning of crystallization b : a single grain in a polycrystalline substance
2 : MICELLE

crystallize
transitive verb
1 : to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
2 : to cause to take a definite form <tried to crystallize his thoughts>
3 : to coat with crystals especially of sugar <crystallize grapes>
intransitive verb : to become crystallized
–crys·tal·liz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl, ˌkris-tə-'\ adjective
–crys·tal·li·za·tion \ˌkris-tə-li-'zā-shən\ noun
–crys·tal·liz·er noun

crystallographic
adj. : of or relating to crystals or crystallography
–crys·tal·lo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

crystallography
n. : a science that deals with the forms and structures of crystals
–crys·tal·log·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

crystalloid
n. : a substance that forms a true solution and is capable of being crystallized
–crystalloid or crys·tal·loi·dal \ˌkris-tə-'lȯi-dəl\ adjective

CS
n. : a potent tear gas C_10H_5ClN_2 used especially for riot control

CS
n. 1 capital stock
2 cesarean section
3 chief of staff
4 Christian Science
5 civil service
6 conditioned stimulus
7 county seat

Cs
n. cirrostratus

Cs
n. cesium

cs
n. 1 case; cases
2 census
3 consciousness
4 consul

CSA
Confederate States of America

CSC
Civil Service Commission

csc
cosecant

CSF
cerebrospinal fluid

CSM
command sergeant major

CST
central standard time

CT
1 central time
2 certificated teacher; certified teacher
3 computed tomography; computerized tomography
4 Connecticut

ct
1 carat
2 cent
3 count
4 county
5 court

CT scan
: CAT SCAN
–CT scanner noun

ctenoid
adj. : having the margin toothed <ctenoid scale> also : having or consisting of ctenoid scales <ctenoid fishes>

ctenophore
n. : any of a phylum (Ctenophora) of marine animals superficially resembling jellyfishes but having biradial symmetry and swimming by means of eight bands of transverse ciliated plates ― called also comb jelly
–cte·noph·o·ran \tə-'nä-fə-rən\ noun or adjective

Ctesiphon
ancient city cen Iraq on the Tigris opposite Seleucia capital of Parthia & of later Sassanid empire

ctf
certificate

ctn
1 carton
2 cotangent

ctr
1 center
2 counter

CU
n. close-up

Cu
n. cumulus

Cu
n. copper

cu
n. 1 cubic
2 cumulative

cuadrilla
n. : the team assisting the matador in the bullring

Cuanza
river 600 mi (965 km) SW Africa in cen Angola flowing NW into the Atlantic

cub
n. 1 a : a young carnivorous mammal (as a bear, fox, or lion) b : a young shark
2 : a young person
3 : APPRENTICE especially : an inexperienced newspaper reporter

Cub Scout
: a member of the scouting program of the Boy Scouts for boys in the first through fifth grades in school

Cuba
n. 1 island in the W. Indies N of Caribbean Sea area 41,620 sq mi (107,800 sq km)
2 country largely coextensive with island; a republic capital Havana area 42,804 sq mi (110,862 sq km), pop 10,892,000
–Cu·ban \'kyü-bən\ adjective or noun

Cuba
n. Cuba libre
Santiago de Cuba
Cuban heel
Cuban sandwich

Cuba libre
: a cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and cola

cubage
n. : cubic content, volume, or displacement

Cuban heel
: a broad medium-high heel with a moderately curved back

Cuban sandwich
: a usually grilled and pressed sandwich in Cuban-American cuisine served on a long split roll and typically containing roasted meats, cheese, and pickles broadly : SUBMARINE 2

Cubango
― see OKAVANGO

cubby
n. : CUBBYHOLE

cubbyhole
n. : a small snug place (as for hiding or storage) also : a cramped space

cube
n. 1 a : the regular solid of six equal square sides ― see VOLUME table b : something shaped like a cube <ice cube> c : CUBICLE 2
2 : the product of a number multiplied by itself twice

cube
n. : raised to the third power

cube
n. 1 : to raise to the third power
2 : to form into a cube
3 : to cut partly through (a steak) in a checkered pattern to increase tenderness by breaking the fibers
–cub·er noun

cube
n. : any of several tropical American plants (genus Lonchocarpus) furnishing rotenone

cube
n. bouillon cube
cube root
cube steak

cube root
: a number whose cube is a given number

cube steak
: a thin slice of beef that has been cubed

cubeb
n. : the dried unripe berry of a tropical shrub (Piper cubeba) of the pepper family that is used as a spice

cubic
adj. 1 : having the form of a cube : CUBICAL
2 a : relating to the cube considered as a crystal form b : ISOMETRIC 1
3 a : THREE-DIMENSIONAL b : being the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit <cubic inch>
4 : of third degree, order, or power <a cubic polynomial>

cubic
adj. : a cubic curve, equation, or polynomial

cubic
adj. cubic equation
cubic measure
cubic zirconia
cubic zirconium

cubic equation
: a polynomial equation in which the highest sum of exponents of variables in any term is three

cubic measure
: a unit (as cubic inch or cubic centimeter) for measuring volume ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table

cubic zirconia
: a synthetic gemstone of zirconia resembling a diamond

cubical
adj. 1 : CUBIC especially : shaped like a cube
2 : relating to volume
–cu·bi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cubicle
n. 1 : a sleeping compartment partitioned off from a large room
2 a : a small partitioned space especially : one with a desk used for work in a business office b : CARREL

cubism
n. : a style of art that stresses abstract structure at the expense of other pictorial elements especially by displaying several aspects of the same object simultaneously and by fragmenting the form of depicted objects
–cub·ist \-bist\ noun or adjective often cap
–cu·bis·tic \kyü-'bis-tik\ adjective

cubit
n. : any of various ancient units of length based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger and usually equal to about 18 inches (46 centimeters)

cuboid
n. 1 : approximately cubical in shape
2 : relating to or being the cuboid

cuboid
n. : the outermost bone in the distal row of tarsal bones of many higher vertebrates

cuboidal
adj. 1 : somewhat cubical
2 : composed of nearly cubical elements <cuboidal epithelium>

cucking stool
: a chair formerly used for punishing offenders (as dishonest tradesmen) by public exposure or ducking in water

cuckold
n. : a man whose wife is unfaithful
–cuckold transitive verb

cuckoldry
n. 1 : the practice of making cuckolds
2 : the state of being a cuckold

cuckoo
n. 1 : a largely grayish-brown European bird (Cuculus canorus) that is a parasite given to laying its eggs in the nests of other birds which hatch them and rear the offspring broadly : any of a large family (Cuculidae of the order Cuculiformes) to which this bird belongs
2 : the call of the cuckoo
3 : a silly or slightly crackbrained person

cuckoo
n. : to repeat monotonously as a cuckoo does its call

cuckoo
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the cuckoo
2 : deficient in sense or intelligence : SILLY

cuckoo
n. cloud cuckoo land
cuckoo clock
cuckoo spit

cuckoo clock
: a wall or shelf clock that announces the hours by sounds resembling a cuckoo's call

cuckoo spit
1 : a frothy secretion exuded on plants by the nymphs of spittle insects
2 : SPITTLEBUG

cuckooflower
n. 1 : a bitter cress (Cardamine pratensis) of Eurasia and No. America
2 : RAGGED ROBIN

cuckoopint
n. : a European arum (Arum maculatum) with erect spathe and short purple spadix

cucullate
: having the shape of a hood <a cucullate leaf>

cucumber
n. : the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family cultivated as a garden vegetable also : this vine

cucumber
n. cucumber mosaic
cucumber tree
sea cucumber
spotted cucumber beetle
squirting cucumber

cucumber mosaic
: a plant disease especially of cucumbers that is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (species Cucumber mosaic virus of the genus Cucumovirus, family Bromoviridae) and is transmitted chiefly by an aphid and produces mottled foliage and often pale warty fruits

cucumber tree
: a magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) of the eastern U.S. having fruit resembling a small cucumber

cucurbit
n. 1 : a vessel or flask for distillation used with or forming part of an alembic
2 : a plant of the gourd family

Cucuta
city N Colombia near Venezuela border pop 450,300

cud
n. 1 : food brought up into the mouth by a ruminating animal from its first stomach to be chewed again
2 : 2QUID

Cudahy
city SW Calif. NW of Downey pop 24,208

cudbear
n. : a reddish coloring matter from lichens

cuddle
n. transitive verb : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection
intransitive verb : to lie close or snug : NESTLE, SNUGGLE
–cud·dler \'kəd-lər, 'kə-dəl-ər\ noun

cuddle
n. : a close embrace

cuddlesome
adj. : CUDDLY

cuddly
adj. : fit for or inviting cuddling <a cuddly kitten>

cuddy
n. 1 : a usually small cabin or shelter (as on a sailboat)
2 : a small room or cupboard

cuddy
n. 1 dialect British : DONKEY
2 dialect British : BLOCKHEAD

cudgel
n. : a short heavy club

cudgel
n. : to beat with or as if with a cudgel
–cudgel one's brains : to think hard (as for a solution to a problem)

cudgel one's brains
to think hard (as for a solution to a problem)

cudweed
n. : any of several composite plants (as of the genus Gnaphalium) with silky or woolly foliage

Cudworth
Ralph 1617-1688 Eng. philos.

cue
n. : the letter q

cue
n. 1 a : a signal (as a word, phrase, or bit of stage business) to a performer to begin a specific speech or action b : something serving a comparable purpose : HINT
2 : a feature indicating the nature of something perceived
3 archaic : the part one has to perform in or as if in a play
4 archaic : MOOD, HUMOR

cue
n. 1 : to give a cue to : PROMPT
2 : to insert into a continuous performance <cue in sound effects>

cue
n. 1 a : a leather-tipped tapering rod for striking the cue ball (as in billiards and pool) b : a long-handled instrument with a concave head for shoving disks in shuffleboard
2 : QUEUE 2

cue
n. transitive verb
1 : QUEUE
2 : to strike with a cue
intransitive verb
1 : QUEUE
2 : to use a cue

cue ball
: the ball a player strikes with the cue in billiards and pool

Cuenca
1 city S Ecuador pop 194,981
2 province E cen Spain area 6587 sq mi (17,060 sq km), pop 200,346
3 commune, its capital, ESE of Madrid pop 46,341

Cuernavaca
city S cen Mexico S of Mexico City capital of Morelos pop 281,752

cuesta
n. : a hill or ridge with a steep face on one side and a gentle slope on the other

cuff
n. 1 : something (as a part of a sleeve or glove) encircling the wrist
2 : the turned-back hem of a trouser leg
3 a : HANDCUFF ― usually used in plural b : a usually wide metal band worn as a bracelet
4 : an inflatable band that is wrapped around an extremity to control the flow of blood through the part when recording blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer
–cuff·less \'kəf-ləs\ adjective
–off the cuff : without preparation : AD LIB <speaking off the cuff>
–on the cuff : on credit <transacting business on the cuff>

cuff
n. 1 : to furnish with a cuff
2 : HANDCUFF

cuff
n. transitive verb : to strike especially with or as if with the palm of the hand : BUFFET
intransitive verb : FIGHT, SCUFFLE

cuff
n. : a blow with the hand especially when open : SLAP

cuff
n. barrel cuff
on the cuff
off the cuff
cuff link
French cuff
rotator cuff
shoot one's cuffs

cuff link
: a usually ornamental device consisting of two parts joined by a shank, chain, or bar for passing through buttonholes to fasten shirt cuffs ― usually used in plural

cui bono
1 : a principle that probable responsibility for an act or event lies with one having something to gain
2 : usefulness or utility as a principle in estimating the value of an act or policy

Cuiaba
city SW Brazil capital of Mato Grosso pop 483,346

cuirass
n. 1 : a piece of armor covering the body from neck to waist also : the breastplate of such a piece
2 : something (as bony plates covering an animal) resembling a cuirass
–cui·rassed adjective

cuirassier
n. : a mounted soldier wearing a cuirass

Cuisenaire rod
: any of a set of colored rods usually of 1 centimeter cross section and of 10 lengths from 1 to 10 centimeters that are used for teaching number concepts and the basic operations of arithmetic

cuisine
n. : manner of preparing food : style of cooking also : the food prepared

cuisine
n. fusion cuisine
haute cuisine
nouvelle cuisine

cuisse
n. : a piece of plate armor for the front of the thigh ― see ARMOR illustration

cujus regio, ejus religio
: whose region, his or her religion : subjects are to accept the religion of their ruler

cuke
n. : CUCUMBER

cul-de-sac
1 : a blind diverticulum or pouch
2 : a street or passage closed at one end
3 : BLIND ALLEY

culet
1 : the small flat facet at the bottom of a brilliant parallel to the table ― see BRILLIANT illustration
2 : plate armor covering the buttocks

culex
n. : any of a large cosmopolitan genus (Culex) of mosquitoes that includes the common house mosquito (C. pipiens) of Europe and No. America and vectors of the viruses causing Saint Louis encephalitis and West Nile fever

Culiacan
1 river 175 mi (282 km) NW Mexico flowing SW into the Pacific at mouth of Gulf of California
2 city NW Mexico on the Culiacán capital of Sinaloa pop 696,262

culinarian
: COOK, CHEF

culinary
adj. : of or relating to the kitchen or cookery
–cu·li·nar·i·ly \ˌkə-lə-'ner-ə-lē, ˌkyü-, ˌkü-\ adverb

cull
n. 1 : to select from a group : CHOOSE <culled the best passages from the poet's work>
2 : to reduce or control the size of (as a herd) by removal (as by hunting) of especially weaker animals also : to hunt or kill (animals) as a means of population control
–cull·er noun

cull
n. : something rejected especially as being inferior or worthless <how to separate good-looking pecans from culls ― Washington Post>

cullender
n. archaic variant of colander

cullet
n. : broken or refuse glass usually added to new material to facilitate melting in making glass

cullion
archaic : a mean or base fellow

Culloden Moor
moorland N Scotland in N Highland region E of Inverness

cully
n. : one easily tricked or imposed on : DUPE

cully
n. archaic : CHEAT, DECEIVE

culm
n. : refuse coal screenings : SLACK

culm
n. : a monocotyledonous stem (as of a grass or sedge)

culminant
1 : being at greatest altitude or on the meridian
2 : fully developed

culminate
v. intransitive verb
1 of a celestial body : to reach its highest altitude also : to be directly overhead
2 a : to rise to or form a summit b : to reach the highest or a climactic or decisive point
transitive verb : to bring to a head or to the highest point

culmination
n. 1 : the action of culminating
2 : culminating position : CLIMAX
synonyms see SUMMIT

culotte
n. : a divided skirt also : a garment having a divided skirt ― often used in plural

culpable
adj. 1 archaic : GUILTY, CRIMINAL
2 : meriting condemnation or blame especially as wrong or harmful <culpable negligence>
synonyms see BLAMEWORTHY
–cul·pa·bil·i·ty \ˌkəl-pə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–cul·pa·ble·ness \'kəl-pə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–cul·pa·bly \-blē\ adverb

Culpeper
var of COLEPEPER

culprit
n. 1 : one accused of or charged with a crime
2 : one guilty of a crime or a fault
3 : the source or cause of a problem

cult
n. 1 : formal religious veneration : WORSHIP
2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual also : its body of adherents
3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious also : its body of adherents
4 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book) especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : the object of such devotion c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion
–cul·tic \'kəl-tik\ adjective
–cult·ish \-tish\ adjective
–cult·ish·ly \-lē\ adverb
–cult·ish·ness \-nəs\ noun
–cult·ism \'kəl-ˌti-zəm\ noun
–cult·ist \'kəl-tist\ noun
–cult·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

cultch
n. 1 : material (as oyster shells) laid down on oyster grounds to furnish points of attachment for the spat
2 chiefly New England : CLUTTER, TRASH

cultigen
n. : a cultivated or domestic organism (as the kidney bean Phaseolus vulgaris, the dog Canis familiaris, or corn Zea mays) which has diverged enough while in domestication or cultivation from its ancestors or closest wild relatives to be classified as a species, subspecies, or major variety

cultivable
adj. : capable of being cultivated <cultivable land>
–cul·ti·va·bil·i·ty \ˌkəl-tə-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

cultivar
n. : an organism and especially one of an agricultural or horticultural variety or strain originating and persistent under cultivation

cultivate
v. 1 : to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2 a : to foster the growth of <cultivate vegetables> b : CULTURE 2A c : to improve by labor, care, or study : REFINE <cultivate the mind>
3 : FURTHER, ENCOURAGE <cultivate the arts>
4 : to seek the society of : make friends with
–cul·ti·vat·able \-ˌvā-tə-bəl\ adjective

cultivated
adj. : REFINED, EDUCATED <cultivated speech> <cultivated tastes>

cultivation
n. 1 : CULTURE, REFINEMENT
2 : the act or art of cultivating or tilling

cultivator
n. : one that cultivates especially : an implement for loosening the soil while crops are growing

cultural
adj. 1 : of or relating to culture or culturing
2 : concerned with the fostering of plant or animal growth
–cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

cultural
adj. cross cultural
cultural anthropology
cultural anthropologist
cross culturally

cultural anthropology
: anthropology that deals with human culture especially with respect to social structure, language, law, politics, religion, magic, art, and technology ― compare PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
–cultural anthropologist noun

culturati
n. : people intensely interested in cultural affairs

culture
n. 1 : CULTIVATION, TILLAGE
2 : the act of developing the intellectual and moral faculties especially by education
3 : expert care and training <beauty culture>
4 a : enlightenment and excellence of taste acquired by intellectual and aesthetic training b : acquaintance with and taste in fine arts, humanities, and broad aspects of science as distinguished from vocational and technical skills
5 a : the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations b : the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time <popular culture> <southern culture> c : the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization <a corporate culture focused on the bottom line> d : the set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic <studying the effect of computers on print culture> <changing the culture of materialism will take time ― Peggy O'Mara>
6 : the act or process of cultivating living material (as bacteria or viruses) in prepared nutrient media also : a product of such cultivation

culture
n. 1 : CULTIVATE
2 a : to grow in a prepared medium b : to start a culture from

culture
n. culture shock
tissue culture
self culture

culture shock
: a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation

cultured
adj. 1 : CULTIVATED
2 : produced under artificial conditions <cultured viruses> <cultured pearls>

cultus
n. : CULT

culver
n. : PIGEON

Culver City
city SW Calif. pop 38,816

culverin
n. : an early firearm: a : a rude musket b : a long cannon (as an 18-pounder) of the 16th and 17th centuries

culvert
n. 1 : a transverse drain
2 : a conduit for a culvert
3 : a bridge over a culvert

cum
v. : along with being : AND ― used to form usually hyphenated phrases <a credible mining camp elder-cum-publican ― G. B. Shaw> <Christian and Christian-cum-voodoo churches ― David Binder>

cum
v. cumulative

cum
v. cum laude
magna cum laude
summa cum laude
cum grano salis
otium cum dignitate

cum grano salis
: with a grain of salt

cum laude
: with distinction <graduated cum laude> ― compare MAGNA CUM LAUDE, SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Cumae
ancient town S Italy on Tyrrhenian coast W of modern Naples
–Cu·mae·an \kyü-'mē-ən\ adjective

Cumana
city & port NE Venezuela on the Caribbean NE of Barcelona pop 212,492

Cumb
Cumbria

cumber
v. 1 archaic : TROUBLE, HARASS
2 a : to hinder or encumber by being in the way <cumbered with heavy clothing> b : to clutter up <rocks cumbering the yard>

cumber
v. : something that cumbers especially : HINDRANCE

Cumberland
n. 1 river 687 mi (1106 km) S Ky. & N Tenn. flowing W into Ohio River
2 town NE R.I. pop 31,840
3 former county NW England capital Carlisle ― see CUMBRIA

Cumberland
n. Cumberland Caverns
Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Plateau

Cumberland Caverns
caverns cen Tenn. SE of McMinnville

Cumberland Falls
falls SE Ky. in upper course of Cumberland River

Cumberland Gap
mountain pass 1640 ft (500 m) NE Tenn. through a ridge of the Cumberland Plateau SE of Middlesboro, Ky.

Cumberland Plateau
mountain region E U.S., part of the S Appalachian Mountains W of Tennessee River extending from S W.Va. to NE Ala.

cumbersome
adj. 1 dialect : BURDENSOME, TROUBLESOME
2 : unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk
3 : slow-moving : PONDEROUS
synonyms see HEAVY
–cum·ber·some·ly adverb
–cum·ber·some·ness noun

Cumbre, La
― see USPALLATA PASS

Cumbria
n. county NW England including former counties of Cumberland & Westmorland capital Carlisle area 2724 sq mi (7055 sq km), pop 486,900
–Cum·bri·an \'kəm-brē-ən\ adjective or noun

Cumbrian Mountains
mountains NW England chiefly in Cumbria & Lancashire ― see SCAFELL PIKE

cumbrous
adj. : CUMBERSOME
synonyms see HEAVY
–cum·brous·ly adverb
–cum·brous·ness noun

cumin
n. : a small annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family cultivated for its aromatic fruits also : the seedlike fruit of cumin used as a spice

cummerbund
n. : a broad waistband usually worn in place of a vest with men's dress clothes and adapted in various styles of women's clothes

Cummings
Edward Estlin 1894-1962 known as e. e. cummings American poet

cumshaw
n. : PRESENT, GRATUITY also : BRIBE, PAYOFF

cumul
: cumulus and <cumulonimbus>

cumulate
v. transitive verb
1 : to gather or pile in a heap
2 : to combine into one
3 : to build up by addition of new material
intransitive verb : to become massed
–cu·mu·late \-lət, -ˌlāt\ adjective
–cu·mu·la·tion \ˌkyü-myə-'lā-shən\ noun

cumulative
adj. 1 a : made up of accumulated parts b : increasing by successive additions
2 : tending to prove the same point <cumulative evidence>
3 a : taking effect upon completion of another penal sentence <a cumulative sentence> b : increasing in severity with repetition of the offense <cumulative penalty>
4 : formed by the addition of new material of the same kind <a cumulative book index>
5 : summing or integrating overall data or values of a random variable less than or less than or equal to a specified value <cumulative normal distribution> <cumulative frequency distribution>
–cu·mu·la·tive·ly adverb
–cu·mu·la·tive·ness noun

cumulative distribution function
: a function that gives the probability that a random variable is less than or equal to the independent variable of the function

cumuliform
: of the form of a cumulus <cumuliform clouds>

cumulonimbus
n. : cumulus cloud having a low base and often spread out in the shape of an anvil extending to great heights ― see CLOUD illustration

cumulous
adj. : resembling cumulus

cumulus
n. 1 : HEAP, ACCUMULATION
2 [New Latin, from L] : a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain ― see CLOUD illustration

Cunaxa
town in ancient Babylonia NW of Babylon

cunctation
: DELAY
–cunc·ta·tive \'kəŋ(k)-ˌtā-tiv, -tə-tiv\ adjective

cuneate
adj. : narrowly triangular with the acute angle toward the base ― see LEAF illustration

cuneiform
n. 1 : having the shape of a wedge
2 : composed of or written in wedge-shaped characters <cuneiform syllabary>

cuneiform
n. 1 : a cuneiform part specifically : a cuneiform bone or cartilage
2 : cuneiform writing

Cunene
river 700 mi (1126 km) SW Africa in SW Angola flowing S & W into the Atlantic

Cunha
Tris·tão da \ˌtris-tən-də-'kü-nə, trēsh-ˌtau̇n-də-'kün-yə, trēs-\ 1460-1540 Port. navigator & explorer

cunner
n. : either of two wrasses: a : a European wrasse (Crenilabrus melops) b : a wrasse (Tautogolabrus adspersus) common along the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canadian coast

cunnilingus
n. : oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris

cunning
n. 1 : dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end <a cunning plotter>
2 : displaying keen insight <a cunning observation>
3 : characterized by wiliness and trickery <cunning schemes>
4 : prettily appealing : CUTE <a cunning little kitten>
synonyms see CLEVER, SLY
–cun·ning·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb
–cun·ning·ness noun

cunning
n. 1 obsolete a : KNOWLEDGE, LEARNING b : magic art
2 : dexterous skill and subtlety (as in inventing, devising, or executing) <high-ribbed vault⋯with perfect cunning framed ― William Wordsworth>
3 : CRAFT, SLYNESS
synonyms see ART

Cunningham
n. Allan 1784-1842 Scot. author

Cunningham
n. Merce 1919-     American choreographer

cunt
n. 1 usually obscene : the female genital organs also : sexual intercourse with a woman
2 usually disparaging & obscene : WOMAN 1A

cup
n. 1 : an open usually bowl-shaped drinking vessel
2 a : a drinking vessel and its contents b : the consecrated wine of the Communion
3 : something that falls to one's lot
4 : an ornamental cup offered as a prize (as in a championship)
5 : something resembling a cup: as a : a cup-shaped plant organ b : an athletic supporter reinforced usually with plastic to provide extra protection to the wearer c : either of two parts of a brassiere that are shaped like and fit over the breasts d : the metal case inside a hole in golf also : the hole itself
6 : a usually iced beverage resembling punch but served from a pitcher rather than a bowl
7 : a half pint : eight fluid ounces
8 : a food served in a cup-shaped usually footed vessel <a fruit cup>
9 : the symbol U indicating the union of two sets ― compare CAP 7
–cup·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–in one's cups : DRUNK

cup
n. 1 : to treat by cupping
2 a : to curve into the shape of a cup <cupped his hands around his mouth> b : to place in or as if in a cup

cup
n. cup fungus
cup of tea
death cup
painted cup
loving cup
optic cup
stirrup cup
suction cup
in one's cups

cup fungus
: any of an order (Pezizales) of mostly saprophytic ascomycetous fungi with a fleshy or horny apothecium that is often colored and typically shaped like a cup, saucer, or disk

cup of tea

1932
1 : something one likes or excels in <I see already that storytelling isn't my cup of tea ― John Barth> also : a person suited to one's taste
2 : a thing to be reckoned with : MATTER <poltergeists are a different cup of tea ― D. B. W. Lewis>

Cupar
burgh E Scotland S of Dundee pop 6642

cupbearer
n. : one who has the duty of filling and handing around the cups in which wine is served

cupboard
n. : a closet with shelves where dishes, utensils, or food is kept also : a small closet

cupcake
n. : a small cake baked in a cuplike mold

cupel
n. : a small shallow porous cup especially of bone ash used in assaying to separate precious metals from lead

cupel
n. : to refine by means of a cupel
–cu·pel·ler noun

cupellation
: refinement (as of gold or silver) in a cupel by exposure to high temperature in a blast of air by which the unwanted metals are oxidized

Cupertino
n. city W Calif. W of San José pop 50,546

cupful
n. 1 : as much as a cup will hold
2 : CUP 7

Cupid
n. 1 : the Roman god of erotic love ― compare EROS
2 not capitalized : a figure that represents Cupid as a naked usually winged boy often holding a bow and arrow

Cupid's bow
: a bow that consists of two convex curves usually with recurved ends

cupidity
n. 1 : inordinate desire for wealth : AVARICE, GREED
2 : strong desire : LUST

cupola
n. 1 a : a rounded vault resting on a usually circular base and forming a roof or a ceiling b : a small structure built on top of a roof
2 : a vertical cylindrical furnace for melting iron in the foundry that has tuyeres and tapping spouts near the bottom
3 : a raised observation post in the roof of a railroad caboose
–cu·po·laed \-ləd, ÷-ˌlōd\ adjective

cuppa
n. chiefly British : a cup of tea

cupping
n. : an operation of drawing blood to the surface of the body by use of a glass vessel evacuated by heat

cuppy
1 : resembling a cup
2 : full of small depressions <a cuppy racetrack>

cupr
1 : copper <cupriferous>
2 : copper and <cupronickel>

cupric
adj. : of, relating to, or containing copper with a valence of two

cupriferous
adj. : containing copper

cuprite
n. : a red mineral consisting of copper oxide that is a minor ore of copper

cupronickel
adj. : an alloy of copper and nickel especially : one containing about 70 percent copper and 30 percent nickel

cuprous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing copper with a valence of one

cupulate
: shaped like, having, or bearing a cupule

cupule
n. : a cup-shaped anatomical structure: as a : an involucre characteristic of the oak in which the bracts are indurated and coherent b : an outer integument partially enclosing the seed of some seed ferns

cur
n. 1 : a mongrel or inferior dog
2 : a surly or cowardly fellow

cur
n. 1 currency
2 current

curable
adj. : capable of being cured <a curable illness>
–cur·abil·i·ty \ˌkyu̇r-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–cur·able·ness \'kyu̇r-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–cur·ably \-blē\ adverb

Curacao
n. island Netherlands Antilles in the S Caribbean; chief town Willemstad area 182 sq mi (471 sq km), pop 143,816

curacao
n. : a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the sour orange

curacy
n. : the office or term of office of a curate

curare
n. : a dried aqueous extract especially of a vine (as Strychnos toxifera of the family Loganiaceae or Chondodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae) used by So. American Indians to poison arrow tips and in medicine to produce muscular relaxation

curarize
v. : to treat with curare
–cu·ra·ri·za·tion \-ˌrär-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

curassow
n. : any of several large arboreal gallinaceous game birds (family Cracidae, especially genus Crax) of So. and Central America

curate
n. 1 : a clergyman in charge of a parish
2 : a clergyman serving as assistant (as to a rector) in a parish

curate
n. : to act as curator of <curate a museum> <an exhibit curated by the museum's director>

curate's egg
chiefly British : something with both good and bad parts or qualities

curative
n. : relating to or used in the cure of diseases : tending to cure <curative treatment> <curative powers>
–curative noun
–cu·ra·tive·ly adverb

curator
n. : one who has the care and superintendence of something especially : one in charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit
–cu·ra·to·ri·al \ˌkyu̇r-ə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–cu·ra·tor·ship \'kyu̇r-ˌā-tər-ˌship, kyu̇-'rā-, 'kyu̇r-ə-\ noun

curb
n. 1 : a bit that exerts severe pressure on a horse's jaws also : the chain or strap attached to it ― see BIT illustration
2 : an enclosing frame, border, or edging
3 : CHECK, RESTRAINT <a price curb>
4 : a raised edge or margin to strengthen or confine
5 : an edging (as of concrete) built along a street to form part of a gutter
6 [from the fact that it orig. transacted its business on the street] : a market for trading in securities not listed on a stock exchange

curb
n. 1 : to furnish with a curb
2 : to check or control with or as if with a curb <trying to curb her curiosity>
3 : to lead (a dog) to a suitable place (as a gutter) for defecation
synonyms see RESTRAIN

curb
n. curb appeal
curb service
curb weight

curb appeal
: the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street

curb service
: service extended (as by a restaurant) to persons sitting in parked automobiles

curb weight
: the weight of an automobile with standard equipment and fuel, oil, and coolant

curbing
n. 1 : the material for a curb
2 : CURB

curbside
n. 1 : the side of a pavement bordered by a curb
2 : SIDEWALK

curbstone
n. : a stone or edging of concrete forming a curb

curbstone
n. 1 : operating on the street without maintaining an office <a curbstone broker>
2 : not having the benefit of training or experience <a curbstone critic>

curch
Scottish : KERCHIEF 1

curculio
n. : any of various weevils especially : one that injures fruit

curd
n. 1 : the thick casein-rich part of coagulated milk
2 : something suggesting the curd of milk
–curdy \'kər-dē\ adjective

curd
n. : COAGULATE, CURDLE

curdle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to form curds also : to congeal as if by forming curds <a scream curdled in her throat>
2 : to go bad or wrong : SPOIL
transitive verb
1 : to cause curds to form in <curdled milk>
2 : SPOIL, SOUR

cure
n. 1 a : spiritual charge : CARE b : pastoral charge of a parish
2 a : recovery or relief from a disease b : something (as a drug or treatment) that cures a disease c : a course or period of treatment <take the cure for alcoholism> d : SPA 1
3 : a complete or permanent solution or remedy <seeking a cure for unemployment>
4 : a process or method of curing
–cure·less \-ləs\ adjective

cure
n. transitive verb
1 a : to restore to health, soundness, or normality <cure a patient of his illness> b : to bring about recovery from <cure a disease>
2 a : to deal with in a way that eliminates or rectifies <his small size, which time would cure for him ― William Faulkner> b : to free from something objectionable or harmful <trying to cure him of a bad habit>
3 : to prepare or alter especially by chemical or physical processing for keeping or use <fish cured with salt>
intransitive verb
1 a : to undergo a curing process b : SET 11
2 : to effect a cure
–cur·er noun

cure
n. : a parish priest

cure-all
: a remedy for all ills : PANACEA

curettage
n. : a surgical scraping or cleaning by means of a curette

curette
n. : a surgical instrument that has a scoop, ring, or loop at the tip and is used in performing curettage

curette
n. : to perform curettage on
–cu·rette·ment \kyu̇-'ret-mənt\ noun

curfew
n. 1 : the sounding of a bell at evening <the Curfew tolls the knell of parting day ― Thomas Gray>
2 a : a regulation enjoining the withdrawal of usually specified persons (as juveniles or military personnel) from the streets or the closing of business establishments or places of assembly at a stated hour b : a signal to announce the beginning of a curfew c : the hour at which a curfew becomes effective d : the period during which a curfew is in effect

curia
n. 1 a : a division of the ancient Roman people comprising several gentes of a tribe b : the place of assembly of one of these divisions
2 a : the court of a medieval king b : a court of justice
3 often capitalized : the body of congregations, tribunals, and offices through which the pope governs the Roman Catholic Church
–cu·ri·al \'kyu̇r-ē-əl, 'ku̇r-\ adjective

Curie
n. Eve 1904-     dau. of Marie & Pierre American (Fr.-born) author

Curie
n. Marie 1867-1934 née Maria Skło·dow·ska \sklə-'dȯf-skə, -'dȯv-\ Fr. (Pol.-born) chem.

Curie
n. Pierre 1859-1906 husband of Marie Fr. chem.

curie
n. 1 : a unit quantity of any radioactive nuclide in which 3.7 × 10^10 disintegrations occur per second
2 : a unit of radioactivity equal to 3.7 × 10^10 disintegrations per second

curie
n. Curie point
Curie temperature
Curie Joliot
Joliot Curie

Curie Joliot
― see JOLIOT-CURIE

Curie point
1 : the temperature at which there is a transition between the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases
2 : a temperature at which the anomalies that characterize a ferroelectric substance disappear ― called also Curie temperature

curio
n. : something (as a decorative object) considered novel, rare, or bizarre : CURIOSITY also : an unusual or bizarre person

curiosa
n. : CURIOSITIES, RARITIES especially : unusual or erotic books

curiosity
n. 1 : desire to know: a : inquisitive interest in others' concerns : NOSINESS b : interest leading to inquiry <intellectual curiosity>
2 archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness
3 a : one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics b : an unusual knickknack : CURIO c : a curious trait or aspect

curious
adj. 1 a archaic : made carefully b obsolete : ABSTRUSE c archaic : precisely accurate
2 a : marked by desire to investigate and learn b : marked by inquisitive interest in others' concerns : NOSY
3 : exciting attention as strange, novel, or unexpected : ODD <a curious coincidence>
–cu·ri·ous·ness noun
synonyms CURIOUS, INQUISITIVE, PRYING mean interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern. CURIOUS a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know <children are curious about everything>. INQUISITIVE suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing <dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives>. PRYING implies busy meddling and officiousness <prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business>.

curiously
adv. 1 : in a curious manner <seemed curiously calm>
2 : as is curious <curiously, he continues to win reelection>

Curitiba
city S Brazil capital of Paraná pop 1,587,315

curium
n. : a metallic radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

Curl
n. Robert Floyd 1933-     Am. chem.

curl
n. transitive verb
1 : to form (as the hair) into coils or ringlets
2 : to form into a curved shape : TWIST <curled his lip in a sneer>
3 : to furnish with curls
intransitive verb
1 a : to grow in coils or spirals b : to form ripples or crinkles <bacon curling in a pan>
2 : to move or progress in curves or spirals : WIND <the path curled along the mountainside>
3 : TWIST, CONTORT
4 : to play the game of curling

curl
n. 1 : a lock of hair that coils : RINGLET
2 : something having a spiral or winding form : COIL
3 : the action of curling : the state of being curled
4 : a curved or spiral marking in the grain of wood
5 : a hollow arch of water formed when the crest of a breaking wave spills forward
6 : a usually short pass pattern in football in which a receiver runs downfield and then curves back toward the line of scrimmage
7 : a body-building exercise in which a weight held with the palms facing up is raised and lowered by flexing only the wrists or elbows

curl
n. curl up
leaf curl
peach leaf curl
pin curl
spit curl
blue curls
curling iron
curling stone

curl up
: to arrange oneself in or as if in a ball or curl <curl up by the fire> <curl up with a good book>

curler
n. 1 : a player of curling
2 : one that curls especially : a device on which hair is wound for curling

curlew
n. : any of various largely brownish chiefly migratory birds (esp. genus Numenius) having long legs and a long slender down-curved bill and related to the sandpipers and snipes

Curley
James Michael 1874-1958 American polit.

curlicue
n. : a fancifully curved or spiral figure : FLOURISH

curlicue
n. intransitive verb : to form curlicues
transitive verb : to embellish with curlicues

curling
n. : a game in which two teams of four players each slide curling stones over a stretch of ice toward a target circle

curling iron
: a rod-shaped usually metal instrument which is heated and around which a lock of hair to be curled or waved is wound

curling stone
: an ellipsoid stone or occas. piece of iron with a gooseneck handle used in the game of curling

curlpaper
n. : a strip or piece of paper around which a lock of hair is wound for curling

curly
adj. 1 : tending to curl also : having curls <curly hair>
2 : having the grain composed of fibers that undulate without crossing and that often form alternating light and dark lines <curly maple>
–curl·i·ness noun

curly
adj. curly endive
curly coated retriever
curly top

curly endive
: FRISÉE

curly top
: a destructive plant disease of beets caused by a single-stranded DNA virus (species Beet curly top virus of the genus Curtovirus, family Geminiviridae) that kills young plants and causes curling and puckering of the leaves in older plants

curly-coated retriever
: any of a breed of sporting dogs with a short curly black or liver-colored coat

curmudgeon
n. 1 archaic : MISER
2 : a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man
–cur·mud·geon·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–cur·mud·geon·ly \-lē\ adjective

curr
: to make a murmuring sound (as of doves)

curragh
n. : a usually large coracle used especially on the west coast of Ireland

currant
n. 1 : a small seedless raisin grown chiefly in the Levant
2 : the acid edible fruit of various shrubs (genus Ribes) placed in either the saxifrage or gooseberry family also : a plant bearing currants

currency
n. 1 a : circulation as a medium of exchange b : general use, acceptance, or prevalence <a story gaining currency> c : the quality or state of being current : CURRENTNESS
2 a : something (as coins, treasury notes, and banknotes) that is in circulation as a medium of exchange b : paper money in circulation c : a common article for bartering d : a medium of verbal or intellectual expression

current
n. 1 a archaic : RUNNING, FLOWING b (1) : presently elapsing <the current year> (2) : occurring in or existing at the present time <the current crisis> (3) : most recent <the magazine's current issue>
2 : used as a medium of exchange
3 : generally accepted, used, practiced, or prevalent at the moment <current fashions>
–cur·rent·ly adverb
–cur·rent·ness noun

current
n. 1 a : the part of a fluid body (as air or water) moving continuously in a certain direction b : the swiftest part of a stream c : a tidal or nontidal movement of lake or ocean water d : flow marked by force or strength
2 a : a tendency or course of events that is usually the result of an interplay of forces <currents of public opinion> b : a prevailing mood : STRAIN
3 : a flow of electric charge also : the rate of such flow
synonyms see TENDENCY

current
n. alternating current
current assets
direct current
eddy current
rip current
unidirectional current

current assets
: assets of a short-term nature that are readily convertible to cash

curricle
n. : a 2-wheeled chaise usually drawn by two horses

curricular
adj. : of or relating to a curriculum

curriculum
n. 1 : the courses offered by an educational institution
2 : a set of courses constituting an area of specialization

curriculum vitae
: a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position

Currier
n. Nathaniel 1813-1888 American lithographer

curriery
1 : the trade of a currier of leather
2 : a place where currying is done

currish
adj. 1 : IGNOBLE
2 : resembling a cur : MONGREL
–cur·rish·ly adverb

Curry
n. John Steuart 1897-1946 American painter

curry
n. 1 : to clean the coat of (as a horse) with a currycomb
2 : to treat (tanned leather) especially by incorporating oil or grease
3 : BEAT, THRASH
–cur·ri·er noun
–curry favor Middle English currayen favel to curry a chestnut horse : to seek to gain favor by flattery or attention

curry
n. 1 : a food, dish, or sauce in Indian cuisine seasoned with a mixture of pungent spices also : a food or dish seasoned with curry powder
2 : CURRY POWDER

curry
n. : to flavor or cook with curry powder or a curry sauce

curry favor
Middle English currayen favel to curry a chestnut horse : to seek to gain favor by flattery or attention

curry powder
: a condiment consisting of several pungent ground spices (as cayenne pepper, fenugreek, and turmeric)

currycomb
n. : a comb made of rows of metallic teeth or serrated ridges and used especially to curry horses
–currycomb transitive verb

curse
n. 1 : a prayer or invocation for harm or injury to come upon one : IMPRECATION
2 : something that is cursed or accursed
3 : evil or misfortune that comes as if in response to imprecation or as retribution
4 : a cause of great harm or misfortune : TORMENT
5 : MENSTRUATION ― used with the

curse
n. transitive verb
1 : to use profanely insolent language against : BLASPHEME <curse God and die ― Job 2:9(REB)>
2 a : to call upon divine or supernatural power to send injury upon <was cursed and fears he will die> b : to execrate in fervent and often profane terms <cursed by future generations unless we act now>
3 : to bring great evil upon : AFFLICT <a land cursed with famine>
intransitive verb : to utter imprecations : SWEAR <cursing loudly>

cursed
adj. : being under or deserving a curse
–cursed·ly adverb
–cursed·ness noun

cursive
adj. : RUNNING, COURSING: as a of writing : flowing often with the strokes of successive characters joined and the angles rounded b : having a flowing, easy, impromptu character
–cur·sive·ly adverb
–cur·sive·ness noun

cursive
adj. 1 : a manuscript written in cursive writing also : cursive writing
2 : a style of printed letter resembling handwriting

cursor
n. : a movable item used to mark a position: as a : a transparent slide with a line attached to a slide rule b : a visual cue (as a flashing rectangle) on a video display that indicates position (as for data entry)

cursorial
adj. : adapted to or involving running

cursory
adj. : rapidly and often superficially performed or produced : HASTY <a cursory glance>
synonyms see SUPERFICIAL
–cur·so·ri·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
–cur·so·ri·ness \-rē-nəs\ noun

cursus honorum
: course of honors : succession of offices of increasing importance

curt
adj. 1 a : sparing of words : TERSE <wrote curt precise sentences> b : marked by rude or peremptory shortness : BRUSQUE <a curt refusal>
2 : shortened in linear dimension
synonyms see BLUFF
–curt·ly adverb
–curt·ness noun

curtail
v. : to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part <curtail the power of the executive branch> <curtail inflation>
synonyms see SHORTEN
–cur·tail·er \-'tā-lər\ noun

curtailment
n. : the act of curtailing : the state of being curtailed

curtain
n. 1 : a hanging screen usually capable of being drawn back or up especially : window drapery
2 : a device or agency that conceals or acts as a barrier ― compare IRON CURTAIN
3 a : the part of a bastioned front that connects two neighboring bastions b (1) : a similar stretch of plain wall (2) : a nonbearing exterior wall
4 a : the movable screen separating the stage from the auditorium of a theater b : the ascent or opening (as at the beginning of a play) of a stage curtain also : its descent or closing (as at the end of an act) c : the final situation, line, or scene of an act or play d : the time at which a theatrical performance begins e plural : END especially : DEATH <it will be curtains for us if we're caught>
–cur·tain·less \-ləs\ adjective

curtain
n. 1 : to furnish with or as if with curtains
2 : to veil or shut off with or as if with a curtain

curtain
n. bamboo curtain
curtain call
curtain lecture
curtain raiser
curtain wall
drop curtain
iron curtain
lace curtain
ring up the curtain
ring down the curtain
tableau curtain
cottage curtains

curtain call
: an appearance by a performer (as after the final curtain of a play) in response to the applause of the audience

curtain lecture
: a private lecture by a wife to her husband

curtain wall
: a nonbearing exterior wall between columns or piers

curtain-raiser
1 : a short play usually of one scene that is presented before the main full-length drama
2 : a usually short preliminary to a main event

curtal
1 obsolete : having a docked tail
2 obsolete : BRIEF, CURTAILED
3 archaic : wearing a short frock

curtal ax
archaic : CUTLASS

curtesy
n. : a husband's interest upon the death of his wife in the real property of an estate that she either solely owned or inherited provided they bore a child capable of inheriting the estate ― compare DOWER

curtilage
n. : a piece of ground (as a yard or courtyard) within the fence surrounding a house

Curtin
John 1885-1945 Austral. prime min. (1941-45)

Curtis
n. Charles 1860-1936 vice pres. of the U.S. (1929-33)

Curtis
n. Cyrus (Hermann Kotzschmar) 1850-1933 American publisher

Curtis
n. George Ticknor 1812-1894 American lawyer & writer

Curtis
n. George William 1824-1892 American author & editor

Curtiss
Glenn Hammond 1878-1930 American aviator & inventor

Curtius
Ernst 1814-1896 Ger. hist. & archaeol.

curtsy
n. : an act of civility, respect, or reverence made mainly by women and consisting of a slight lowering of the body with bending of the knees

curtsy
: to make a curtsy

curule
1 : relating to or being a high-ranking dignitary of ancient Rome entitled to occupy a special chair
2 : of, relating to, or being a chair or seat reserved for Romans of high rank that resembles a backless stool with curved legs also : of, relating to, or being a 19th century seat with legs of a similar style

curvaceous
adj. : having or suggesting the curves of a well-proportioned feminine figure <a curvaceous actress> broadly : having a smoothly curving shape <a curvaceous coastline>

curvature
n. 1 : the act of curving : the state of being curved
2 : a measure or amount of curving specifically : the rate of change of the angle through which the tangent to a curve turns in moving along the curve and which for a circle is equal to the reciprocal of the radius
3 a : an abnormal curving (as of the spine) b : a curved surface of an organ

curve
n. archaic : bent or formed into a curve

curve
n. intransitive verb : to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity
transitive verb
1 : to cause to curve
2 : to throw a curveball to (a batter)
3 : to grade (as an examination) on a curve

curve
n. 1 a : a line especially when curved: as (1) : the path of a moving point (2) : a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter b : the graph of a variable
2 : something curved: as a : a curving line of the human body b plural : PARENTHESIS
3 a : CURVEBALL b : TRICK, DECEPTION
4 : a distribution indicating the relative performance of individuals measured against each other that is used especially in assigning good, medium, or poor grades to usually predetermined proportions of students rather than in assigning grades based on predetermined standards of achievement
5 : TREND <a growth curve in advertising revenues> especially : a prevalent trend or rate of progress ― often used in the phrases ahead of the curve and behind the curve <companies that are behind the curve in adopting new technologies>
–curvy \'kər-vē\ adjective

curve
n. bell curve
curve fitting
french curve
Gaussian curve
Jordan curve
Jordan curve theorem
learning curve
light curve
logistic curve
normal curve
simple closed curve
sine curve
skew curve

curve fitting
: the empirical determination of a curve or function that approximates a set of data

curveball
n. : a slow or moderately fast baseball pitch thrown with spin to make it swerve downward and usually to the left when thrown from the right hand or to the right when thrown from the left hand
–curveball verb

curvet
n. : a prancing leap of a horse in which the hind legs are raised just before the forelegs touch the ground

curvet
n. : to make a curvet also : PRANCE, CAPER

curvilinear
adj. 1 : consisting of or bounded by curved lines : represented by a curved line
2 : marked by flowing tracery <curvilinear Gothic>
–cur·vi·lin·ear·i·ty \-ˌli-nē-'er-ə-tē, -'a-rə-\ noun

Curwen
John 1816-1880 Eng. music teacher

Curzon
George Nathaniel 1859-1925 1st Baron & 1st Marquis Curzon of Ked·le·ston \'ke-dəl-stən\ Eng. statesman; viceroy of India (1899-1905)

Cush
ancient country NE Africa in Nile valley S of Egypt
–Cush·ite \'kə-ˌshīt, 'ku̇-\ adjective or noun
–Cush·it·ic \ˌkə-'shi-tik, ku̇-\ adjective

cushat
n. chiefly Scottish : WOOD PIGEON

cushaw
: a squash of any of several cultivars of winter squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma syn. C. mixta and C. moschata)

Cushing
n. Caleb 1800-1879 American lawyer & diplomat

Cushing
n. Harvey 1869-1939 American surgeon

Cushing
n. Richard James 1895-1970 American cardinal

Cushing's disease
: Cushing's syndrome especially when caused by excessive production of ACTH by the pituitary gland

Cushing's syndrome
: an abnormal bodily condition that is caused by excess corticosteroids and especially cortisol usually from adrenal or pituitary hyperfunction and is characterized especially by obesity, hypertension, muscular weakness, and easy bruising

cushion
n. 1 : a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling
2 : a bodily part resembling a pad
3 : something resembling a cushion: as a : PILLOW 2 b : RAT 3 c : a pad of springy rubber along the inside of the rim of a billiard table d : a padded insert in a shoe e : an elastic body for reducing shock f : a mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear
4 a : something (as an economic factor or a medical procedure) serving to mitigate the effects of disturbances or disorders b : a reserve supply (as of money) c : a comfortable lead <a 4-0 cushion in the ninth inning>
–cush·ion·less \-ləs\ adjective
–cush·iony \-shə-nē\ adjective

cushion
n. 1 : to seat or place on a cushion
2 : to suppress by ignoring
3 : to furnish with a cushion <a cushioned seat>
4 a : to mitigate the effects of <trying to cushion the blow> b : to protect against force or shock <cushion the ride>
5 : to check gradually so as to minimize shock of moving parts

cushion
n. air cushion vehicle
cottony cushion scale
whoopee cushion

Cushitic
n. : a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic language family comprising various languages spoken in eastern Africa and especially in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya
–Cushitic adjective

Cushman
Charlotte Saunders 1816-1876 American actress

cushy
adj. : entailing little hardship or difficulty <a cushy job with a high salary>
–cush·i·ly \'ku̇-shə-lē\ adverb

cusk
n. 1 : a large edible No. Atlantic fish (Brosme brosme) of the cod family
2 : BURBOT

cusp
n. : POINT, APEX: as a : a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : TURNING POINT also : EDGE, VERGE <on the cusp of stardom> b : either horn of a crescent moon c : a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion d : an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils e (1) : a point on the grinding surface of a tooth (2) : a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
–cus·pate \'kəs-ˌpāt, -pət\ adjective
–cusped \'kəspt\ adjective

cuspid
n. : CANINE 1

cuspidate
adj. : having a cusp : terminating in a point <a cuspidate leaf> <cuspidate molars>

cuspidation
: decoration with cusps

cuspidor
n. : SPITTOON

cuss
n. 1 a : CURSE 1 b : CURSE 2
2 : FELLOW 4C

cuss
n. : CURSE ― often used with out <got cussed out by his boss>
intransitive verb : CURSE
–cuss·er noun

cussed
adj. 1 : CURSED
2 : OBSTINATE, CANTANKEROUS
–cuss·ed·ly adverb
–cuss·ed·ness \-nəs\ noun

cussword
n. 1 : SWEARWORD
2 : a term of abuse : a derogatory term

custard
n. : a pudding-like usually sweetened mixture made with eggs and milk
–cus·tardy \-tər-dē\ adjective

custard apple
1 a : any of several chiefly tropical American soft-fleshed edible fruits b : any of a genus (Annona of the family Annonaceae, the custard-apple family) of trees or shrubs bearing this fruit especially : a small West Indian tree (A. reticulata)
2 : PAWPAW 2

Custer
n. George Armstrong 1839-1876 American gen.

custodial
adj. 1 a : relating to guardianship b : relating to, providing, or being protective care or services for basic needs <nursing and custodial care>
2 : having sole or primary custody of a child <the custodial parent>

custodian
n. : one that guards and protects or maintains especially : one entrusted with guarding and keeping property or records or with custody or guardianship of prisoners or inmates
–cus·to·di·an·ship \-ˌship\ noun

custody
n. : immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority also : SAFEKEEPING

custom
n. 1 a : a usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class or habitual with an individual b : long-established practice considered as unwritten law c : repeated practice d : the whole body of usages, practices, or conventions that regulate social life
2 plural a : duties, tolls, or imposts imposed by the sovereign law of a country on imports or exports b usually singular in construction : the agency, establishment, or procedure for collecting such customs
3 a : business patronage b : usu. habitual patrons : CUSTOMERS
synonyms see HABIT

custom
n. 1 : made or performed according to personal order
2 : specializing in custom work or operation <a custom tailor>

custom
n. custom built
custom made
custom tailor

custom-built
: built to individual specifications <a custom-built house>

custom-made
: made to individual specifications <custom-made clothing>

custom-tailor
: to alter, plan, or build according to individual specifications or needs

customary
adj. 1 : based on or established by custom
2 : commonly practiced, used, or observed
synonyms see USUAL
–cus·tom·ar·i·ly \ˌkəs-tə-'mer-ə-lē, -'me-rə-\ adverb
–cus·tom·ar·i·ness \'kəs-tə-ˌmer-ē-nəs, -ˌme-rē-\ noun

customer
n. 1 : one that purchases a commodity or service
2 : an individual usually having some specified distinctive trait <a real tough customer>

customhouse
n. : a building where customs and duties are paid or collected and where vessels are entered and cleared

customise
v. British variant of customize

customize
: to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications
–cus·tom·iz·able \ˌkəs-tə-'mī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–cus·tom·i·za·tion \-mə-'zā-shən\ noun
–cus·tom·iz·er noun

custos morum
: guardian of manners or morals : censor

cut
n. transitive verb
1 a : to penetrate with or as if with an edged instrument b : to hurt the feelings of c : to strike sharply with a cutting effect d : to strike (a ball) with a glancing blow that imparts a reverse spin e : to experience the growth of (a tooth) through the gum
2 a : TRIM, PARE <cut one's nails> b : to shorten by omissions <cut the manuscript> c : DILUTE, ADULTERATE <cut the whiskey with water> d : to reduce in amount <cut costs>
3 a : MOW, REAP <cut hay> b (1) : to divide into parts with an edged tool <cut bread> (2) : FELL, HEW c (1) : to separate or discharge from an organization <cut them from the team> (2) : to single out and isolate <cut a calf out from the herd> d : to turn (as a steering wheel) sharply <the driver cut the wheel hard> e : to go or pass around or about : BYPASS <cut the checkout line>
4 a : to divide into segments <cut the cake> b : INTERSECT, CROSS <one line cutting another> c : BREAK, INTERRUPT <cut our supply lines> d (1) : to divide (a deck of cards) into two portions (2) : to draw (a card) from the deck e : to divide into shares : SPLIT f : ANALYZE, BREAK DOWN <any way you cut it, we won>
5 a : to make by or as if by cutting: as (1) : CARVE <cut stone> (2) : to shape by grinding <cut a diamond> (3) : ENGRAVE (4) : to shear or hollow out <cut a groove> b (1) : to sing, play, or act for the recording of <cut an album> <cut a commercial> (2) : to sing or play (as a song or a track) for a studio recording c : to type on a stencil d : EDIT 1B <cut a motion picture>
6 a : STOP, CEASE <cut the nonsense> b : to refuse to recognize (an acquaintance) <they cut her dead at the party> c : to absent oneself from (as a class) d : to stop (a motor) by opening a switch e : to stop the filming of (a motion-picture scene)
7 a : to engage in (a frolicsome or mischievous action) <on summer nights strange capers are cut under the thin guise of a Christian festival ― D. C. Peattie> b : to give the appearance or impression of <cut a fine figure>
8 : to be able to manage or handle ― usually used in negative constructions <can't cut that kind of work anymore>
9 a : to yield or accord to another : GIVE <cut me some slack> b : to fill out and sign (a check)
intransitive verb
1 a : to function as or as if as an edged tool b : to undergo incision or severance <cheese cuts easily> c : to perform the operation of dividing, severing, incising, or intersecting d : to make a stroke with a whip, sword, or other weapon e : to wound feelings or sensibilities f : to cause constriction or chafing g : to be of effect, influence, or significance <an analysis that cuts deep>
2 a (1) : to divide a pack of cards especially in order to decide the deal or settle a bet (2) : to draw a card from the pack b : to divide spoils : SPLIT
3 a : to proceed obliquely from a straight course <cut across the yard> b : to move swiftly <a yacht cutting through the water> c : to describe an oblique or diagonal line d : to change sharply in direction : SWERVE e : to make an abrupt transition from one sound or image to another in motion pictures, radio, or television f : to make a sudden transition or imaginative leap <the story cuts to 1917>
4 : to stop photographing motion pictures
5 : to advance by skipping or bypassing another <cut to the front of the line>
–cut a deal : to negotiate an agreement
–cut both ways : to have both favorable and unfavorable results or implications
–cut corners : to perform some action in the quickest, easiest, or cheapest way
–cut ice : to be of importance ― usually used in negative constructions <his opinion cuts no ice with me>
–cut it : to cut the mustard
–cut loose
1 : to free from control or restraint <cut us loose from the contract>
2 : to act without restraint <enjoyed cutting loose at nightclubs>
–cut one's teeth : to learn, do, or perform as a beginning or at the start of one's career <an actress who cut her teeth on television>
–cut the mustard : to achieve the standard of performance necessary for success
–cut to the chase : to get to the point

cut
n. 1 : a product of cutting: as a (1) : an opening made with an edged instrument (2) : a wound made by something sharp : GASH b : a creek, channel, or inlet made by excavation or worn by natural action c : a surface or outline left by cutting d : a passage cut as a roadway e : a grade or step especially in a social scale <a cut above the ordinary> f : a subset of a set such that when it is subtracted from the set the remainder is not connected g : a pictorial illustration h : TRACK 1E(2)
2 : the act or an instance of cutting: as a : a gesture or expression that hurts the feelings <made an unkind cut> b : a straight passage or course c : a stroke or blow with the edge of a knife or other edged tool d : a lash with or as if with a whip e : the act of reducing or removing a part <a cut in pay> f : an act or turn of cutting cards also : the result of cutting g : the elimination of part of a large field from further participation, consideration, or competition (as in a golf tournament) ― often used with miss or make to denote respectively being or not being among those eliminated <played well and made the cut>
3 : something that is cut or cut off: as a : a length of cloth varying from 40 to 100 yards (36.6 to 91.4 meters) b : the yield of products cut especially during one harvest c : a segment or section of a meat carcass or a part of one d : a group of animals selected from a herd e : SHARE <took his cut of the profits>
4 : a voluntary absence from a class
5 a : a stroke that cuts a ball also : the spin imparted by such a stroke b : a swing by a batter at a pitched baseball c : an exchange of captures in checkers
6 : a result of editing: as a : an abrupt transition from one sound or image to another in motion pictures, radio, or television b : an edited version of a film
7 a : the shape and style in which a thing is cut, formed, or made <clothes of the latest cut> b : PATTERN, TYPE c : HAIRCUT
–cut of one's jib : APPEARANCE, STYLE

cut
n. : marked by a well-developed and highly defined musculature <cut abs>

cut
n. brush cut
buzz cut
clean cut
clear cut
crew cut
cut to the chase
cut the mustard
cut one's teeth
cut loose
cut it
cut ice
cut corners
cut both ways
cut a deal
cut of one's jib
cut and dried
cut and dry
cut and paste
cut and try
cut back
cut down
cut down to size
cut glass
cut grass
cut in
cut off
cut out
cut price
cut rate
cut time
cut up
director's cut
emerald cut
fish or cut bait
jump cut
rose cut
rough cut
cold cuts
clear cutting
cutting board
cutting edge
cutting horse
cutting room
leaf cutting ant
price cutting

cut a deal
to negotiate an agreement

cut back
: to shorten by cutting : PRUNE
intransitive verb
1 : to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented
2 : CUT DOWN <cut back on sugar>

cut both ways
to have both favorable and unfavorable results or implications

cut corners
to perform some action in the quickest, easiest, or cheapest way

cut down
1 a : to strike down and kill or incapacitate b : KNOCK DOWN
2 a : to remodel by removing extras or unwanted furnishings and fittings b : to remake in a smaller size
intransitive verb : to reduce or curtail volume or activity <cut down on smoking>
–cut down to size : to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

cut down to size
to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

cut glass
: glass ornamented with patterns cut into its surface by an abrasive wheel and polished

cut ice
to be of importance ― usually used in negative constructions <his opinion cuts no ice with me>

cut in
1 : to thrust oneself into a position between others or belonging to another
2 : to join in something suddenly <cut in on the conversation>
3 : to interrupt a dancing couple and take one as one's partner
4 : to become automatically connected or started in operation <waiting for the auxiliary motor to cut in>
transitive verb
1 : to mix with cutting motions <after sifting the flour into a mixing bowl, cut the lard in>
2 : to introduce into a number, group, or sequence
3 : to connect into an electrical circuit to a mechanical apparatus so as to permit operation
4 : to include especially among those benefiting or favored <cut them in on the profits>

cut it
to cut the mustard

cut loose

1 : to free from control or restraint <cut us loose from the contract>
2 : to act without restraint <enjoyed cutting loose at nightclubs>

cut of one's jib
APPEARANCE, STYLE

cut off
1 : to bring to an untimely end
2 : to stop the passage of <cut off communications>
3 : SHUT OFF, BAR <the river cut off their retreat>
4 : DISCONTINUE, TERMINATE <cut off a subscription>
5 : SEPARATE, ISOLATE <cut herself off from her family>
6 : DISINHERIT <threatened to cut him off without a penny>
7 a : to stop the operation of : TURN OFF <cut off the engine> b : to stop or interrupt while in communication <the operator cut me off>
intransitive verb : to cease operating <the motor cut off>

cut one's teeth
to learn, do, or perform as a beginning or at the start of one's career <an actress who cut her teeth on television>

cut out
1 : to form by erosion
2 : to determine or assign through necessity <you've got your work cut out for you>
3 : to take the place of : SUPPLANT
4 : to put an end to : desist from <cut out wasteful spending>
5 : DEPRIVE, DEFRAUD <cut him out of his share>
6 a : to remove from a series or circuit : DISCONNECT <cut out a car from a train> b : to make inoperative
intransitive verb
1 : to depart in haste
2 : to cease operating
3 : to swerve out of a traffic line

cut out
: naturally fitted or suited <not cut out to be a vet>

cut the mustard
to achieve the standard of performance necessary for success

cut time
: duple or quadruple time with the beat represented by a half note

cut to the chase
to get to the point

cut up
1 a : to cut into parts or pieces b : to injure or damage by or as if by cutting : GASH, SLASH
2 : to subject to hostile criticism : CENSURE
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo being cut up
2 : to behave in a comic, boisterous, or unruly manner : CLOWN

cut-and-dried
: being or done according to a plan, set procedure, or formula : ROUTINE <a cut-and-dried presentation>

cut-and-paste
: pieced together by excerpting and combining fragments from multiple sources <the book was a cut-and-paste job>

cut-and-try
: marked by trial and error <cut-and-try methods> <cut-and-try testing>

cut-grass
: a grass (esp. genus Leersia) with minute hooked bristles along the edges of the leaf blade

cut-in
: something cut in
–cut-in adjective

cut-price
chiefly British : CUT-RATE

cut-rate
1 : marked by, offering, or making use of a reduced rate or price <cut-rate stores>
2 : SECOND-RATE, CHEAP

cutability
: the proportion of lean salable meat yielded by a carcass

cutaneous
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the skin <a cutaneous nerve> <cutaneous anthrax>
–cu·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb

cutaway
n. : having or showing parts cut away <a cutaway drawing>

cutaway
n. 1 : a coat with skirts tapering from the front waistline to form tails at the back
2 a : a cutaway picture or representation b : a shot that interrupts the main action of a film or television program to take up a related subject or to depict action supposed to be going on at the same time as the main action
3 : a back dive in which the head is lowered toward the board after the takeoff

cutback
n. 1 : something cut back
2 : REDUCTION <a cutback in funding>

cutch
: CATECHU A

cute
adj. 1 a : clever or shrewd often in an underhanded manner b : IMPERTINENT, SMART-ALECKY <don't get cute with me>
2 : attractive or pretty especially in a childish, youthful, or delicate way
3 : obviously straining for effect
–cute·ly adverb
–cute·ness noun

cute
adj. : the quality or state of being cute or cutesy also : an instance of cuteness or cutesiness ― usually used in plural <a movie suffering from a case of the cutes>

cutesy
adj. : self-consciously or excessively cute
–cute·si·ness noun

Cuthbert
Saint 635?-687 Eng. monk

cuticle
n. 1 : an outer covering layer: as a : an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells b : the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis c : a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin d : the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2 : dead or horny epidermis
–cu·tic·u·lar \kyu̇-'ti-kyə-lər\ adjective

cutie
n. : an attractive person especially : a pretty girl

cutie-pie
: a cute person : SWEETHEART

cutin
n. : an insoluble mixture containing waxes, fatty acids, soaps, and resinous material that forms a continuous layer on the outer epidermal wall of a plant

cutinized
: infiltrated with cutin

cutis
n. : DERMIS

cutlass
n. 1 : a short curving sword formerly used by sailors on warships
2 : MACHETE

cutler
n. : one who makes, deals in, or repairs cutlery

cutlery
n. 1 : the business of a cutler
2 : edged or cutting tools specifically : implements for cutting and eating food

cutlet
n. 1 : a small slice of meat <a veal cutlet>
2 : a flat croquette of chopped meat or fish

cutline
n. : CAPTION, LEGEND

cutoff
n. 1 : the act or action of cutting off
2 a : the new and relatively short channel formed when a stream cuts through the neck of an oxbow b : SHORTCUT 1 c : a channel made to straighten a stream
3 : a device for cutting off
4 a : something cut off b plural : shorts orig. made from jeans with the legs cut off at the knees or higher
5 : the point, date, or period for a cutoff
–cutoff adjective

cutoff man
: a player in baseball who relays a ball from an outfielder to the infield

cutout
n. 1 : something cut out or off from something else also : the space or hole left after cutting
2 : one that cuts out
3 : an intermediary in a clandestine operation
4 : a record album no longer in production that is sold at a discount
–cutout adjective

cutover
n. : having most of the salable timber cut down

cutpurse
n. : PICKPOCKET

cuttable
: capable of being cut : ready for cutting <cuttable timber>

Cuttack
city E India in Orissa pop 535,139

cutter
n. 1 : one that cuts: a : one whose work is cutting or involves cutting b (1) : an instrument, machine, machine part, or tool that cuts (2) : a device for vibrating a cutting stylus in disc recording also : the stylus or its point
2 a : a ship's boat for carrying stores or passengers b : a single-masted fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel c : a small armed vessel in government service
3 : a light sleigh

cutter
n. box cutter
cookie cutter
leaf cutter
milling cutter
paper cutter
price cutter
revenue cutter

cutthroat
n. 1 : KILLER, MURDERER
2 : a cruel unprincipled person

cutthroat
n. 1 : MURDEROUS, CRUEL
2 : marked by unprincipled practices : RUTHLESS <cutthroat competition>
3 : characterized by each player playing independently rather than having a permanent partner ― used especially of partnership games adapted for three players <cutthroat bridge>

cutthroat contract
: contract bridge in which partnerships are determined by the bidding

cutthroat trout
: a large spotted trout (Oncorhynchus clarki syn. Salmo clarki) chiefly of northwestern No. America that has reddish streaks on the integument of the lower jaw ― called also cutthroat

cutting
n. 1 : something cut or cut off or out: as a : a plant section originating from stem, leaf, or root and capable of developing into a new plant b : HARVEST
2 : something made by cutting especially : RECORD 4

cutting
n. 1 : given to or designed for cutting especially : SHARP, EDGED
2 : marked by sharp piercing cold <cutting winds>
3 : inclined or likely to wound the feelings of others especially because of a ruthless incisiveness <a cutting remark>
4 : INTENSE, PIERCING <a cutting pain>
–cut·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

cutting
n. clear cutting
cutting board
cutting edge
cutting horse
cutting room
leaf cutting ant
price cutting

cutting board
: a board on which something (as food or cloth) is placed for cutting

cutting edge
1 : a sharp effect or quality
2 : the foremost part or place : VANGUARD
–cutting-edge adjective

cutting horse
: an agile saddle horse trained to separate individual animals from a cattle herd

cutting room
: a room where film or videotape is edited ― often used attributively in cutting-room floor to describe something removed or discarded in or as if in editing a film <the scene ended up on the cutting-room floor>

cuttlebone
n. : the shell of a cuttlefish that is sometimes used for polishing powder or for supplying cage birds with lime and salts

cuttlefish
n. : any of various marine cephalopod mollusks (order Sepioidea, especially genus Sepia) having eight short arms and two usually longer tentacles and differing from the related squid in having a calcified internal shell

cutty sark
chiefly Scottish : a short garment especially : a woman's short undergarment

cutty stool
1 chiefly Scottish : a low stool
2 : a seat in a Scottish church where offenders formerly sat for public rebuke

cutup
n. : a person who clowns or acts boisterously

cutwater
n. : the forepart of a ship's stem

cutwork
n. : embroidery usually on linen in which a design is outlined in buttonhole stitch and the enclosed material cut away

cutworm
n. : any of various smooth-bodied chiefly nocturnal noctuid moth caterpillars which often feed on young plant stems near ground level

cuvee
1 : bulk wine especially : wine in casks or vats so blended as to ensure uniformity and marketability
2 : a blend of still wines used in the production of champagne

cuvette
n. : a small often transparent laboratory vessel (as a tube)

Cuvier
Baron Georges 1769-1832 orig. Jean-Léopold-Nicolas-Frédéric Cuvier Fr. naturalist

Cuxhaven
city & port NW Germany on North Sea at mouth of the Elbe pop 56,328

Cuyahoga
river 100 mi (161 km) NE Ohio flowing into Lake Erie at Cleveland

Cuyahoga Falls
city NE Ohio N of Akron pop 49,374

Cuyp
Aelbert Jacobsz 1620-1691 Du. painter

Cuyuni
river 350 mi (563 km) N S. America rising in E Venezuela & flowing E into the Essequibo in N Guyana

Cuzco
n. city S Peru pop 316,804

CV
1 cardiovascular
2 curriculum vitae

cv
1 convertible
2 cultivar

CVA
1 cerebrovascular accident
2 Columbia Valley Authority

CVS
chorionic villus sampling

CW
1 chemical warfare; chemical weapon
2 chief warrant officer

cw
clockwise

cwm
n. chiefly British : CIRQUE 3

CWO
1 cash with order
2 chief warrant officer

cwt
n. hundredweight

CY
calendar year

CY
cy pres
cy pres doctrine

cy
1 : action : practice <mendicancy>
2 : rank : office <baronetcy> <chaplaincy>
3 : body : class <magistracy>
4 : state : quality <bankruptcy> <normalcy> ― often replacing a final -t or -te of the base word <accuracy>

cy pres
: a rule providing for the interpretation of instruments in equity as nearly as possible in conformity to the intention of the testator when literal construction is illegal, impracticable, or impossible ― called also cy pres doctrine

cy pres
: in accordance with the rule of cy pres

cyan
n. : a greenish-blue color ― used in photography and color printing of one of the primary colors

cyan
n. 1 : dark blue : blue <cyanobacterium>
2 : cyanogen <cyanide>
3 : cyanide <cyanogenetic>

cyanamide
n. 1 : a caustic acidic compound CH_2N_2
2 : CALCIUM CYANAMIDE

cyanate
n. : a salt (as ammonium cyanate) or ester of cyanic acid

cyanic acid
: a strong acid HOCN used to prepare cyanates

cyanide
n. 1 : a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: as a : POTASSIUM CYANIDE b : SODIUM CYANIDE
2 : CYANOGEN 1

cyanide
n. hydrogen cyanide
potassium cyanide
sodium cyanide

cyanine
: any of various dyes used especially to sensitize photographic film to light from the green, yellow, red, and infrared regions of the spectrum

cyano
: relating to or containing the cyanogen group

cyanoacrylate
n. : any of several liquid acrylate monomers that readily polymerize as anions and are used as adhesives in industry and in closing wounds in surgery

cyanobacterium
n. : any of a major group (Cyanobacteria) of photosynthetic bacteria that have two photosystems, produce molecular oxygen, and use water as an electron-donating substrate in photosynthesis ― called also blue-green alga

cyanocobalamin
n. : VITAMIN B 1_12

cyanogen
n. 1 : a monovalent group –CN present in cyanides
2 : a colorless flammable poisonous gas (CN)2

cyanogenetic
adj. : capable of producing cyanide (as hydrogen cyanide) <a cyanogenetic glucoside>
–cy·a·no·gen·e·sis \-'je-nə-səs\ noun

cyanohydrin
n. : any of various compounds containing both cyano and hydroxyl groups

cyanosis
n. : a bluish or purplish discoloration (as of skin) due to deficient oxygenation of the blood
–cy·a·not·ic \-'nä-tik\ adjective

cyanuric acid
: a crystalline weak acid C_3N_3(OH)3 that yields cyanic acid when heated

Cybele
n. : a nature goddess of the ancient peoples of Asia Minor

cyber
pref. : of, relating to, or involving computers or computer networks (as the Internet) <the cyber marketplace>

cyber
pref. : computer : computer network <cyberspace>

cybercafe
n. : a café or coffee shop providing computers for access to the Internet

cybercitizen
: NETIZEN

cybernation
n. : the automatic control of a process or operation (as in manufacturing) by means of computers
–cy·ber·nat·ed \'sī-bər-ˌnā-təd\ adjective

cybernaut
n. : NETIZEN

cybernetician
n. : a specialist in cybernetics

cyberneticist
n. : CYBERNETICIAN

cybernetics
n. : the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
–cy·ber·net·ic \-tik\ also cy·ber·net·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–cy·ber·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cyberporn
: pornography accessible online especially via the Internet

cyberpunk
n. 1 : science fiction dealing with future urban societies dominated by computer technology
2 : an opportunistic computer hacker

cybersex
n. 1 : online sex-oriented conversations and exchanges
2 : sex-oriented material available on a computer (as on the Internet and on CD-ROMs)

cyberspace
n. : the online world of computer networks and especially the Internet

cyberspeak
: jargon relating to or used in online communications

cybersurfer
n. : one who surfs the Internet

cyborg
n. : a bionic human

cybrarian
n. : a person whose job is to find, collect, and manage information that is available on the World Wide Web

cycad
n. : any of an order (Cycadales) of dioecious cycadophytes that flourished especially during the Jurassic and are represented by four surviving families of palmlike tropical plants

cycadeoid
: any of a division (Cycadeoidophyta syn. Bennettitophyta) of extinct Jurassic to Cretaceous gymnosperms that differ from the cycadophytes chiefly in having the reproductive organs on the trunk embedded in a thick covering of bracts and scales

cycadophyte
: any of a division (Cycadophyta) of usually unbranched mostly extinct gymnosperms with pinnate leaves, large pith, little xylem, and a thick cortex that includes the cycads, cycadeoids, and seed ferns

cycasin
n. : a glucoside C_8H_16N_2O_7 that occurs in cycads and results in toxic and carcinogenic effects when introduced into mammals

cycl
1 : circle <cyclometer>
2 : cyclic <cyclohexane>

Cyclades
n. islands Greece in the S Aegean area 993 sq mi (2572 sq km), pop 95,083
–Cy·clad·ic \si-'kla-dik, sī-\ adjective

cyclamate
n. : an artificially prepared salt of sodium or calcium used especially formerly as a sweetener

cyclamen
n. : any of a genus (Cyclamen) of Old World plants of the primrose family having showy nodding flowers

cyclase
n. : an enzyme (as adenylate cyclase) that catalyzes cyclization of a compound

cyclazocine
n. : an analgesic drug C_18H_25NO that inhibits the effect of morphine and related addictive drugs and is used in the treatment of drug addiction

cycle
n. 1 : an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed <a 4-year cycle of growth and development>
2 a : a course or series of events or operations that recur regularly and usually lead back to the starting point b : one complete performance of a vibration, electric oscillation, current alternation, or other periodic process c : a permutation of a set of ordered elements in which each element takes the place of the next and the last becomes first d : a takeoff and landing of an airplane
3 : a circular or spiral arrangement: as a : an imaginary circle or orbit in the heavens b : RING 10
4 : a long period of time : AGE
5 a : a group of creative works (as poems, plays, or songs) treating the same theme b : a series of narratives dealing typically with the exploits of a legendary hero
6 a : BICYCLE b : TRICYCLE c : MOTORCYCLE
7 : the series of a single, double, triple, and home run hit in any order by one player during one baseball game

cycle
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to pass through a cycle b : to recur in cycles
2 : to ride a cycle specifically : BICYCLE
transitive verb : to cause to go through a cycle
–cy·cler \'sī-k(ə-)lər\ noun

cycle
n. business cycle
Calvin cycle
carbon cycle
cell cycle
citric acid cycle
estral cycle
estrous cycle
estrus cycle
hydrologic cycle
hydrological cycle
Krebs cycle
tricarboxylic acid cycle
life cycle
menstrual cycle
nitrogen cycle
oxygen cycle
song cycle
two cycle
vicious cycle
water cycle

cycleway
n. British : BIKEWAY

cyclic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or being a cycle b : moving in cycles <cyclic time> c : of, relating to, or being a chemical compound containing a ring of atoms
2 cyclic : being a mathematical group that has an element such that every element of the group can be expressed as one of its powers
–cy·cli·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ also cy·clic·ly \'sī-kli-klē, 'si-\ adverb

cyclic AMP
: a cyclic mononucleotide of adenosine that is formed from ATP and is responsible for the intracellular mediation of hormonal effects on various cellular processes ― called also adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate

cyclic GMP
: a cyclic mononucleotide of guanosine that acts similarly to cyclic AMP as a secondary messenger in response to hormones

cyclicity
: the quality or state of being cyclic <estrous cyclicity> ― called also cy·cli·cal·i·ty \ˌsī-klə-'ka-lə-tē, ˌsi-\

cyclin
n. : any of a group of proteins active in controlling the cell cycle and in initiating DNA synthesis

cyclist
n. : one who rides a cycle

cyclitol
n. : an alicyclic polyhydroxy compound (as inositol)

cyclization
n. : formation of a ring in a chemical compound
–cy·clize \'sī-kə-ˌlīz, 'si-, -ˌklīz\ verb

cyclo
: a 3-wheeled often motor-driven taxi

cyclo-cross
: the sport of racing bicycles over rough terrain that usually requires carrying the bicycle over obstacles

cycloaddition
: a chemical reaction leading to ring formation in a compound

cycloaliphatic
: ALICYCLIC

cyclodextrin
: any of a class of complex cyclic sugars that are products of the enzymatic decomposition of starch and that can catalyze reactions between simpler molecules which come together within the cylindrical body of the sugar

cyclodiene
: an organic insecticide (as dieldrin or chlordane) with a chlorinated methylene group forming a bridge across a 6-membered carbon ring

cyclogenesis
n. : the development or intensification of a cyclone

cyclohexane
n. : a pungent saturated cyclic hydrocarbon C_6H_12 found in petroleum or made synthetically and used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis

cyclohexanone
: a liquid ketone C_6H_10O used especially as a solvent and in organic synthesis

cycloheximide
n. : an agricultural fungicide C_15H_23NO_4 that inhibits protein synthesis and is obtained from a soil bacterium (Streptomyces griseus)

cyclohexylamine
: a colorless liquid amine C_6H_11NH_2 that is used in organic synthesis and to prevent corrosion in boilers and that is believed to be harmful as a metabolic breakdown product of cyclamate

cycloid
n. : a curve that is generated by a point on the circumference of a circle as it rolls along a straight line
–cy·cloi·dal \sī-'klȯi-dəl\ adjective

cycloid
n. 1 : smooth with concentric lines of growth <cycloid scales> also : having or consisting of cycloid scales
2 : characterized by alternating high and low moods <a cycloid personality>

cyclometer
n. : a device made for recording the revolutions of a wheel and often used for registering distance traversed by a wheeled vehicle

Cyclone
n. ― used for a chain-link fence

cyclone
n. 1 a : a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain b : TORNADO c : 4LOW 1B
2 : any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (as solid particles from gases)
–cy·clon·ic \sī-'klä-nik\ adjective
–cy·clon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cyclone
n. cyclone cellar
extratropical cyclone
tropical cyclone

cyclone cellar
: STORM CELLAR

cycloolefin
: a hydrocarbon containing a ring having one or more double bonds
–cy·clo·ole·fin·ic \-ˌō-lə-'fi-nik\ adjective

cyclooxygenase
: an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and that has two isoforms of which one is involved in the creation of prostaglandins which mediate inflammation and pain

cycloparaffin
: a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon of the formula CnH2n

cyclopean
adj. 1 often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a Cyclops
2 : HUGE, MASSIVE
3 : of or relating to a style of stone construction marked typically by the use of large irregular blocks without mortar

cyclopedia
n. : ENCYCLOPEDIA
–cy·clo·pe·dic \-'pē-dik\ adjective

cyclophosphamide
n. : an immunosuppressive and antineoplastic agent C_7H_15Cl_2N_2O_2P used especially in the treatment of lymphomas and some leukemias

cyclopropane
n. : a flammable gaseous saturated cyclic hydrocarbon C_3H_6 sometimes used as a general anesthetic

cyclops
n. 1 plural cy·clo·pes \sī-'klō-(ˌ)pēz\ capitalized : any of a race of giants in Greek mythology with a single eye in the middle of the forehead
2 plural cyclops [New Latin, genus name, from L] : any of a genus (Cyclops) of freshwater predatory copepods having a single median eye

cyclorama
n. 1 : a large pictorial representation encircling the spectator and often having real objects as a foreground
2 : a curved curtain or wall used as a background of a stage set to suggest unlimited space
–cy·clo·ram·ic \-'ra-mik\ adjective

cycloserine
n. : a broad-spectrum antibiotic C_3H_6N_2O_2 produced by an actinomycete (Streptomyces orchidaceus) and used especially in the treatment of tuberculosis

cyclosis
n. : the streaming of protoplasm within a cell

cyclospora
: any of a genus (Cyclospora of the order Coccidia) of sporozoans including one (C. cayetanensis) causing diarrhea in humans

cyclosporine
: an immunosuppressive polypeptide drug C_62H_111N_11O_12 obtained from various imperfect fungi and used especially to prevent rejection of organ transplants

cyclostome
n. : any of a class (Cyclostomata) of jawless fishes having a large sucking mouth and comprising the hagfishes and lampreys

cyclostyle
n. : a machine for making multiple copies that utilizes a stencil cut by a graver whose tip is a small rowel
–cyclostyle transitive verb

cyclothymic
adj. : relating to or being a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and elation in a form less severe than that of bipolar disorder
–cy·clo·thy·mia \-'thī-mē-ə\ noun

cyclotomic
: relating to, being, or containing a polynomial of the form xp-1 + xp-2 +⋯+ x + 1 where p is a prime number

cyclotron
n. : an accelerator in which charged particles (as protons, deuterons, or ions) are propelled by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

cyder
n. British variant of cider

Cydonia
n. ― see CANEA
–Cy·do·nian \sī-'dō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

cygnet
n. : a young swan

Cygnus
n. : a northern constellation between Lyra and Pegasus in the Milky Way

cyl
cylinder

cylinder
n. 1 a : the surface traced by a straight line moving parallel to a fixed straight line and intersecting a fixed planar closed curve b : a solid or surface bounded by a cylinder and two parallel planes cutting all its elements especially : RIGHT CIRCULAR CYLINDER ― see VOLUME table
2 : a cylindrical body or space: as a : the turning chambered breech of a revolver b (1) : the piston chamber in an engine (2) : a chamber in a pump from which the piston expels the fluid c : any of various rotating members in a press (as a printing press) especially : one that impresses paper on an inked form d : a cylindrical clay object inscribed with cuneiform inscriptions
–cyl·in·dered \-dərd\ adjective
–on all cylinders : with maximum effort or intensity : at full capacity or speed <the economy is running on all cylinders>

cylinder
n. cylinder head
cylinder seal
graduated cylinder
right circular cylinder
vascular cylinder
on all cylinders

cylinder head
: the closed end of an engine or pump cylinder

cylinder seal
: a cylinder (as of stone) engraved in intaglio and used especially in ancient Mesopotamia to roll an impression on wet clay

cylindrical
adj. : relating to or having the form or properties of a cylinder
–cy·lin·dri·cal·ly \-dri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cylindrical coordinate
: any of the coordinates in space obtained by constructing in a plane a polar coordinate system and on a line perpendicular to the plane a linear coordinate system

cyma
1 : a projecting molding whose profile is an S-shaped curve
2 : an S-shaped curve formed by the union of a concave line and a convex line

cymatium
: a crowning molding in classic architecture especially : CYMA

cymbal
n. : a concave brass plate that produces a brilliant clashing tone and that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck glancingly together
–cym·bal·ist \-bə-list\ noun

cymbidium
n. : any of a genus (Cymbidium) of tropical Old World epiphytic orchids with showy flowers

cyme
n. : an inflorescence in which each floral axis terminates in a single flower especially : a determinate inflorescence of this type containing several flowers with the first-opening central flower terminating the main axis and subsequent flowers developing from lateral buds ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration

cymling
: PATTYPAN

cymophane
: CHRYSOBERYL especially : an opalescent chrysoberyl

cymose
adj. : of, relating to, being, or bearing a cyme

Cymric
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the non-Gaelic Celtic people of Britain or their language specifically : WELSH

Cymric
adj. : BRYTHONIC specifically : the Welsh language

Cymru
― see WALES

Cymry
n. : WELSH 2

Cynewulf
9th cent. Anglo-Saxon poet

cynic
n. 1 capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence
2 : a faultfinding captious critic especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest
–cynic adjective

cynical
adj. 1 : CAPTIOUS, PEEVISH
2 : having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic: as a : contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives <those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient ― F. D. Roosevelt> b : based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest <a cynical ploy to cheat customers>
–cyn·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms CYNICAL, MISANTHROPIC, PESSIMISTIC mean deeply distrustful. CYNICAL implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity <cynical about politicians' motives>. MISANTHROPIC suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society <a solitary and misanthropic artist>. PESSIMISTIC implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life <pessimistic about the future>.

cynicism
n. 1 capitalized : the doctrine of the Cynics
2 : cynical character, attitude, or quality also : an expression of such quality

cynomolgus monkey
: a macaque (Macaca fascicularis) of southeastern Asia, Borneo, and the Philippines that sometimes feeds on marine crustaceans and shellfish and is often used in medical research

cynosure
n. 1 capitalized : the northern constellation Ursa Minor also : NORTH STAR
2 : one that serves to direct or guide
3 : a center of attraction or attention <turned an eyesore into a cynosure ― Catherine Reynolds>

Cynthia
n. 1 : ARTEMIS
2 : MOON 1A

CYO
Catholic Youth Organization

cypher
n. chiefly British variant of cipher

Cypress
n. city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 46,229

cypress
n. 1 a (1) : any of a genus (Cupressus of the family Cupressaceae, the cypress family) of evergreen trees and shrubs with small overlapping leaves resembling scales (2) : any of several coniferous trees of the cypress family or the bald cypress family especially : BALD CYPRESS 1 b : the wood of a cypress tree
2 : branches of cypress used as a symbol of mourning

cypress
n. : a silk or cotton usually black gauze formerly used for mourning

cypress
n. bald cypress
cypress vine
Monterey cypress
summer cypress

cypress vine
: a tropical American annual vine (Ipomoea quamoclit syn. Quamoclit pennata) of the morning-glory family with usually red or white tubular flowers and finely dissected leaves

Cyprian
n. Saint d 258 Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus Christian martyr; bishop of Carthage (ca 248-258)

cyprian
n. : PROSTITUTE

cyprinid
n. : any of a family (Cyprinidae) of soft-finned freshwater fishes including the carps and minnows
–cyprinid adjective

cypripedium
n. 1 : any of a genus (Cypripedium) of Eurasian and No. American terrestrial orchids having large usually showy drooping flowers with the lip inflated or pouched ― compare LADY'S SLIPPER
2 : any of a genus (Paphiopedalum) of widely cultivated Asian orchids

cyproheptadine
n. : a histamine and serotonin antagonist C_21H_21N used especially in the form of its hydrochloride to treat allergy symptoms and hives

cyproterone
n. : a synthetic steroid C_22H_27ClO_3 that inhibits androgenic secretions (as of testosterone)

Cyprus
n. 1 island E Mediterranean S of Turkey
2 country coextensive with the island; a republic of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Nicosia area 3572 sq mi (9287 sq km), pop 793,100
–Cyp·ri·ot \'si-prē-ət, -ˌät\ or Cyp·ri·ote \-ˌōt, -ət\ adjective or noun

Cyrankiewicz
Józef 1911-1989 Pol. polit.; prime min. (1947-52; 1954-70)

Cyrano de Bergerac
Savinien de 1619-1655 Fr. poet & soldier

Cyrenaic
n. : an adherent of the doctrine that pleasure is the chief end of life
–Cyrenaic adjective
–Cy·re·na·icism \-'nā-ə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Cyrenaica
1 or Cy·re·ne \sī-'rē-(ˌ)nē\ ancient coastal region N Africa dominated by city of Cyrene
2 region E Libya; formerly a province
–Cy·re·na·ic \ˌsir-ə-'nā-ik, ˌsī-rə-\ adjective or noun
–Cy·re·na·ican \-'nā-ə-kən\ adjective or noun

Cyrene
ancient city N Africa on the Mediterranean in NE Libya
–Cy·re·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Cyril
n. Saint ca 827-869 Constantine apostle to the Slavs

Cyrillic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting an alphabet used for writing Old Church Slavic and for Russian and a number of other languages of eastern Europe and Asia

Cyrus
n. ca 585-ca 529 B.C. the Great or the Elder king of Persia (ca 550-529)

Cyrus
n. 424?-401 B.C. the Younger Persian prince & satrap

cyst
n. 1 : a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body
2 : a body resembling a cyst: as a : a resting spore of many algae b : a gas-filled vesicle (as of a rockweed or bladderwort) c : a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage also : this capsule with its contents d : a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host

cyst
n. : bladder <cystitis> : sac <cystocarp>

cyst
n. : bladder : sac <blastocyst>

cysteamine
n. : a cysteine derivative C_2H_7NS used especially to treat cystinuria

cysteine
n. : a crystalline sulfur-containing amino acid C_3H_7NO_2S readily oxidizable to cystine

cystic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the urinary bladder or the gallbladder
2 : relating to, composed of, or containing cysts
3 : enclosed in a cyst

cystic fibrosis
: a hereditary disease especially among whites that appears usually in early childhood, is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, involves functional disorder of the exocrine glands, and is marked especially by faulty digestion due to a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, by difficulty in breathing due to mucus accumulation in airways, and by excessive loss of salt in the sweat

cysticercoid
: a tapeworm larva having an invaginated scolex and solid tailpiece

cysticercosis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by cysticerci

cysticercus
n. : a tapeworm larva that consists of a fluid-filled sac containing an invaginated scolex and is situated in the tissues of an intermediate host

cystine
adj. : a crystalline amino acid C_6H_12N_2O_4S_2 that is widespread in proteins (as keratins) and is a major metabolic sulfur source

cystinuria
n. : a metabolic defect characterized by excretion of excessive amounts of cystine in the urine and inherited as an autosomal recessive trait

cystitis
n. : inflammation of the urinary bladder

cystolith
n. : a calcium carbonate concretion arising from the cellulose wall of cells of higher plants

cystoscope
n. : a rigid endoscope for inspecting and passing instruments into the urethra and bladder
–cys·to·scop·ic \ˌsis-tə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–cys·tos·co·py \si-'stäs-kə-pē\ noun

cyt
1 : cell <cytology>
2 : cytoplasm <cytokinesis>

cyte
: cell <leukocyte>

Cytherea
: APHRODITE

Cytherean
: of or relating to the planet Venus

cytidine
n. : a nucleoside containing cytosine

cytochalasin
n. : any of a group of metabolites isolated from fungi (esp. Helminthosporium dematioideum) that inhibit various cell processes

cytochemistry
n. 1 : microscopic biochemistry
2 : the chemistry of cells
–cy·to·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective

cytochrome
n. : any of several intracellular hemoprotein respiratory pigments that are enzymes functioning in electron transport as carriers of electrons

cytochrome c
: the most abundant and stable of the cytochromes

cytochrome oxidase
: an iron-porphyrin enzyme important in cell respiration due to its ability to catalyze the oxidation of reduced cytochrome c in the presence of oxygen

cytodifferentiation
n. : the development of specialized cells (as muscle, blood, or nerve cells) from undifferentiated precursors

cytogenetics
: a branch of biology that deals with the study of heredity and variation by the methods of both cytology and genetics
–cy·to·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ or cy·to·ge·net·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–cy·to·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cy·to·ge·net·i·cist \-'ne-tə-sist\ noun

cytokine
n. : any of a class of immunoregulatory proteins (as interleukin or interferon) that are secreted by cells especially of the immune system

cytokinesis
n. 1 : the cytoplasmic changes accompanying mitosis
2 : cleavage of the cytoplasm into daughter cells following nuclear division
–cy·to·ki·net·ic \-'ne-tik\ adjective

cytokinin
n. : any of various plant growth substances (as kinetin) that are usually derivatives of adenine

cytol
cytological; cytology

cytology
n. 1 : a branch of biology dealing with the structure, function, multiplication, pathology, and life history of cells
2 : the cytological aspects of a process or structure
–cy·to·log·i·cal \ˌsī-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or cy·to·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–cy·to·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–cy·tol·o·gist \sī-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

cytolysin
n. : a substance (as an antibody that lyses bacteria) producing cytolysis

cytolysis
n. : the usually pathologic dissolution or disintegration of cells
–cy·to·lyt·ic \ˌsī-tə-'li-tik\ adjective

cytomegalic
adj. : characterized by or causing the formation of enlarged cells

cytomegalovirus
n. : a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 5 of the genus Cytomegalovirus) that causes cellular enlargement and formation of eosinophilic inclusion bodies especially in the nucleus and acts as an opportunistic infectious agent in immunosuppressed conditions (as AIDS)

cytomembrane
n. : one of the cellular membranes including those of the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope, and Golgi apparatus specifically : UNIT MEMBRANE

cytopathic
adj. : of, relating to, characterized by, or producing pathological changes in cells

cytopathogenic
adj. : pathologic for or destructive to cells
–cy·to·path·o·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

cytopathology
n. : a branch of pathology that deals with manifestations of disease at the cellular level
–cy·to·pa·thol·o·gist \-jəst\ noun

cytophilic
adj. : having an affinity for cells

cytophotometry
n. : photometry applied to the study of the cell or its constituents
–cy·to·pho·to·met·ric \-ˌfō-tə-'me-trik\ adjective

cytoplasm
n. : the organized complex of inorganic and organic substances external to the nuclear membrane of a cell and including the cytosol and membrane-bound organelles (as mitochondria or chloroplasts) ― see CELL illustration
–cy·to·plas·mic \ˌsī-tə-'plaz-mik\ adjective
–cy·to·plas·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cytosine
n. : a pyrimidine base C_4H_5N_3O that codes genetic information in the polynucleotide chain of DNA or RNA ― compare ADENINE, GUANINE, THYMINE, URACIL

cytoskeleton
n. : the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement
–cy·to·skel·e·tal \-təl\ adjective

cytosol
n. : the fluid portion of the cytoplasm exclusive of organelles and membranes ― called also ground substance
–cy·to·sol·ic \ˌsī-tə-'sä-lik, -'sȯ-\ adjective

cytostatic
adj. : tending to retard cellular activity and multiplication <cytostatic treatment of tumor cells>
–cytostatic noun

cytotaxonomy
n. 1 : study of the relationships and classification of organisms using both classical systematic techniques and comparative studies of chromosomes
2 : the nuclear cytologic makeup of a kind of organism
–cy·to·tax·o·nom·ic \-ˌtak-sə-'nä-mik\ adjective
–cy·to·tax·o·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

cytotechnologist
n. : a medical technician trained in the identification of cells and cellular abnormalities (as in cancer)
–cy·to·tech·nol·o·gy \-lə-jē\ noun

cytotoxic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a cytotoxin
2 : toxic to cells <cytotoxic drugs>
–cy·to·tox·ic·i·ty \-(ˌ)täk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

cytotoxic T cell
: KILLER T CELL

cytotoxin
n. : a substance (as a toxin or antibody) having a toxic effect on cells

Cyzicus
1 ― see KAPIDAGI
2 ancient city in Mysia on isthmus leading to Kapidagi Peninsula

CZ
Canal Zone

czar
n. 1 : EMPEROR specifically : the ruler of Russia until the 1917 revolution
2 : one having great power or authority <a banking czar>
–czar·dom also tsar·dom or tzar·dom \'zär-dəm, '(t)sär-\ noun

czardas
n. : a Hungarian dance to music in duple time in which the dancers start slowly and finish with a rapid whirl

czarevitch
n. : an heir apparent of a Russian czar

czarina
n. : the wife of a czar

czarism
n. 1 : the government of Russia under the czars
2 : autocratic rule
–czar·ist also tsar·ist or tzar·ist \'zär-ist, '(t)sär-\ noun or adjective

Czech
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of western Czechoslovakia including Bohemia and Moravia
2 : the Slavic language of the Czechs
3 : a native or inhabitant of Czechoslovakia or the Czech Republic
–Czech adjective
–Czech·ish \'che-kish\ adjective

Czech Republic
country cen Europe; a constituent republic of Czechoslovakia 1918-92 capital Prague area 30,450 sq mi (78,866 sq km), pop 10,332,000

Czechoslovakia
n. country 1918-92 cen Europe; a republic capital Prague area 49,371 sq mi (127,871 sq km); divided Jan. 1, 1993 into separate countries of Czech Republic & Slovakia
–Czech·o·slo·vak \-'slō-ˌväk, -ˌvak\ adjective or noun
–Czech·o·slo·va·ki·an \-slō-'vä-kē-ən, -slə-, -'va-\ adjective or noun

Czerny
Carl 1791-1857 Austrian pianist & composer

Czestochowa
city S Poland on the Warta pop 258,700

Côte
Côte d'Azur
Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Or
Côte Saint Luc

D
n. 1 Democrat
2 derivative
3 Dutch

D
n. deuterium

d
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 4th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic d
2 : five hundred ― see NUMBER table
3 : the second tone of a C-major scale
4 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter d
5 : one designated d especially as the fourth in order or class
6 a : a grade rating a student's work as poor in quality b : one graded or rated with a D
7 : something shaped like the letter D specifically : a semicircle on a pool table about 23 inches in diameter for use especially in snooker
8 capitalized a : DEFENSE 2B <play tough D> b : DEFENSE 4B

d
n. 1 date
2 daughter
3 day
4 dead; deceased
5 deci-
6 degree
7 [Latin denarius, denarii] penny; pence
8 depart; departure
9 diameter
10 differential
11 dimensional
12 distance
13 dorsal
14 drive; driving

d
n. 1 : dextrorotatory <d-tartaric acid>
2 : having a similar configuration at a selected carbon atom to the configuration of dextrorotatory glyceraldehyde ― usually printed as a small capital <D-fructose>

d
n. ― used after the figure 2 or 3 to indicate the ordinal number second or third <2d> <53d>

d
n. 1 : HAD
2 : WOULD
3 : DID

D & C
dilation and curettage

D layer
: a layer within the D region of the ionosphere also : D REGION

D region
: the lowest part of the ionosphere occurring approximately between 30 and 55 miles (50 and 90 kilometers) above the surface of the earth

D ring
: a usually metal ring having the shape of a capital D

D'
, etc. for many names beginning with these elements see the specific family names

D' Albert
Eugen Francis Charles 1864-1932 Ger. (Scot.-born) pianist & composer

d'accord
: in accord : agreed

d'affaires
charge d'affaires
chargés d'affaires
chargé d'affaires
homme d'affaires

d'amore
viola d'amore
viole d'amore
violas d'amore

D'Annunzio
Gabriele 1863-1938 Ital. author & soldier

D'Entrecasteaux Islands
islands SW Pacific N of E tip of New Guinea belonging to Papua New Guinea area 1200 sq mi (3120 sq km), pop 38,894

d'esprit
jeu d'esprit
jeux d'esprit
homme d'esprit

d'etat
coup d'etat
coups d'etat
raison d'etat

d'honneur
dame d'honneur
fille d'honneur
garcon d'honneur
garçon d'honneur

d'hôtel
maître d'hôtel butter
maîtres d'hôtel
maître d'hôtel

d'oeuvre
chef d'oeuvre
chefs d'oeuvre
hors d'oeuvre

d'or
louis d'or
Bras d'Or Lake
Cote d'Or
Côte d'Or
Val d'Or

D'Oyly Carte
― see CARTE, D'OYLY

d'un certain age
: of a certain age : no longer young

D'Urfey
Thomas 1653-1723 Eng. songwriter & dram.

d'état
coups d'état
coup d'état
raison d'état

D-day
: a day set for launching an operation specifically : June 6, 1944, on which Allied forces began the invasion of France in World War II

D-mark
: DEUTSCHE MARK

d.t.'s
: DELIRIUM TREMENS

D/A
digital to analog

d/b/a
doing business as

d4T
: a synthetic antiretroviral nucleoside C_10H_12N_2O_4 that is an analog of thymidine and is administered orally in the treatment of HIV infection ― called also stavudine

DA
: DUCKTAIL

DA
1 days after acceptance
2 delayed action
3 deposit account
4 Dictionary of Americanisms
5 district attorney
6 documents against acceptance; documents for acceptance
7 don't answer

Da
― see BLACK

da
deka-

da
auto da fe
autos da fé
auto da fé
autos da fe
da capo
la di da
la de da
viola da gamba
violist da gamba
viole da gamba
violas da gamba
Francesca da Rimini
Gama da
Gentile da Fabriano
Leonardo da Vinci
Silva da
Vasco da Gama
Vinci da
Da Nang
Da Yunhe
Cabo da Roca
Serra da Estrela
Tristan da Cunha

da capo
: from the beginning ― used as a direction in music to repeat

Da Nang
n. city & port cen Vietnam in Annam pop 724,000

Da Yunhe
― see GRAND CANAL

DAB
n. Dictionary of American Biography

dab
n. 1 : a sudden blow or thrust : POKE
2 : a small amount
3 : a gentle touch or stroke : PAT
4 : DAUB

dab
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike or touch lightly : PAT <dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief>
2 : to apply lightly or irregularly : DAUB <dab paint>
intransitive verb : to make a dab
–dab·ber noun

dab
n. : FLATFISH especially : any of several flounders (genus Limanda, especially L. limanda) ― compare SAND DAB

dab
n. chiefly British : a skillful person

dab
n. dab hand
sand dab
smack dab

dab hand
chiefly British : EXPERT

dabble
v. transitive verb : to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : SPATTER
intransitive verb
1 a : to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water b : to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food
2 : to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest <dabbles in art>

dabbler
n. : one that dabbles: as a : one not deeply engaged in or concerned with something b : a duck (as a mallard or shoveler) that feeds by dabbling ― called also dabbling duck puddle duck river duck
synonyms see AMATEUR

dabbling
v. : a superficial or intermittent interest, investigation, or experiment <his dabblings in philosophy and art>

dabchick
n. : any of several small grebes

Dabrowa Gornicza
city S Poland pop 139,200

Dacca
n. ― see DHAKA

dace
n. 1 : a small freshwater European cyprinid fish (Leuciscus leuciscus)
2 : any of various small No. American freshwater cyprinid fishes

dacha
n. : a Russian country cottage used especially in the summer

Dachau
n. city S Germany in S Bavaria pop 35,892; site of Nazi concentration camp during World War II

dachshund
n. : any of a breed of long-bodied, short-legged dogs of German origin that occur in short-haired, long-haired, and wirehaired varieties

Dacia
n. ancient country & Roman province SE Europe roughly equivalent to Romania & Bessarabia
–Da·cian \-shən\ adjective or noun

Dacron
n. ― used for a synthetic polyester textile fiber

dactyl
n. : a metrical foot consisting of one long and two short syllables or of one stressed and two unstressed syllables (as in tenderly)
–dac·tyl·ic \dak-'ti-lik\ adjective or noun

dactyl
n. : finger : toe : digit <dactylology>

dactylology
n. : FINGER SPELLING

dad
n. : FATHER 1A

Dada
n. : a movement in art and literature based on deliberate irrationality and negation of traditional artistic values also : the art and literature produced by this movement

dadaism
n. : DADA
–da·da·ist \-ˌist\ noun or adjective often cap
–da·da·is·tic \ˌdä-dä-'is-tik\ adjective often cap

daddy
n. 1 : FATHER 1A
2 : GRANDDADDY 2

daddy
n. big daddy
daddy longlegs
sugar daddy

daddy longlegs
1 chiefly British : CRANE FLY
2 : any of an order (Opiliones) of arachnids that have slender usually long legs and that resemble spiders but have an oval body lacking a constriction ― called also harvestman

dado
n. 1 a : the part of a pedestal of a column above the base b : the lower part of an interior wall when specially decorated or faced also : the decoration adorning this part of a wall
2 : a rectangular groove cut to make a joint in woodworking specifically : one cut across the grain

dado
n. 1 : to provide with a dado
2 a : to set into a groove b : to cut a dado in (as a plank)

Dadra and Nagar Haveli
n. union territory India bordering on Gujarat and Maharashtra capital Silvassa area 189 sq mi (491 sq km), pop 220,451

DAE
Dictionary of American English

daedal
adj. 1 a : SKILLFUL, ARTISTIC b : INTRICATE <the computer's daedal circuitry>
2 : adorned with many things <visions of cloud and light and daedal earth are the airman's daily scene ― Laurence Binyon>

Daedalus
n. : the legendary builder of the Cretan labyrinth who makes wings to enable himself and his son Icarus to escape imprisonment
–Dae·da·lian or Dae·da·lean \di-'dāl-yən\ adjective

Daegu
― see TAEGU

Daejeon
― see TAEJON

daemon
n. variant of demon

daff
n. 1 archaic : to thrust aside
2 obsolete : to put off (as with an excuse)

daffodil
n. : any of various perennial bulbous herbs (genus Narcissus) of the amaryllis family especially : one whose flowers have a large corona elongated into a trumpet ― compare JONQUIL, NARCISSUS

daffy
adj. : CRAZY, FOOLISH
–daf·fi·ly \'da-fə-lē\ adverb

daft
adj. 1 a : SILLY, FOOLISH b : MAD, INSANE
2 Scottish : frivolously merry
–daft·ly adverb
–daft·ness \'daf(t)-nəs\ noun

dag
n. 1 : a hanging end or shred
2 : matted or manure-coated wool

dag
n. dekagram

Dagenham
former municipal borough SE England in Essex, now part of Barking and Dagenham

Dagestan
n. autonomous republic SE Russia in Europe on W shore of the Caspian capital Makhachkala area 19,421 sq mi (50,300 sq km), pop 1,890,000

dagger
n. 1 : a sharp pointed knife for stabbing
2 a : something that resembles a dagger b : a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date
–dag·ger·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–at daggers drawn : in a state of open hostility or conflict
–look daggers or stare daggers : to stare angrily <they looked daggers at each other across the table>

dagger
n. cloak and dagger
double dagger
stare daggers
look daggers
at daggers drawn

daggerboard
n. : a removable narrow centerboard in some small boats that is raised and lowered by sliding up and down

dago
n. usually offensive : a person of Italian or Spanish birth or descent

Daguerre
n. Louis (-Jacques-Mandé) 1789-1851 Fr. painter & inventor

daguerreotype
n. : an early photograph produced on a silver or a silver-covered copper plate also : the process of producing such photographs
–daguerreotype transitive verb
–da·guerre·o·typ·ist \-ˌtī-pist\ noun
–da·guerre·o·typy \-ˌtī-pē\ noun

DAH
n. Dictionary of American History

dah
n. : DASH 7

dah
n. lah di dah
lah dee dah
lah de dah

dahlia
n. : any of a genus (Dahlia) of American tuberous-rooted composite herbs having opposite pinnate leaves and rayed flower heads and including many that are cultivated as ornamentals

Dahomey
n. ― see BENIN
–Da·ho·man \də-'hō-mən\ adjective or noun
–Da·ho·me·an \-mē-ən\ or Da·ho·mey·an \-mē-ən\ adjective or noun

daidzein
: an isoflavone C_15H_10O_4 found chiefly in legumes and especially soybeans

daikon
n. : a large long hard white radish used especially in Asian cuisine also : a plant (Raphanus sativus longipinnatus) whose root is a daikon

dailiness
: daily or routine quality : ORDINARINESS <the dailiness of family life>

daily
n. 1 a : occurring, made, or acted upon every day <daily needs> b : issued every day or every weekday <a daily newspaper> c : of or providing for every day <a daily schedule>
2 a : reckoned by the day <average daily wage> b : covering the period of or based on a day <daily statistics>

daily
n. 1 : every day
2 : every weekday

daily
n. 1 : a newspaper published every weekday
2 British : a servant who works on a daily basis
3 plural : RUSH 6

daily double
: a system of betting (as on horse races) in which the bettor must pick the winners of two stipulated races in order to win

daily dozen
1 : a series of physical exercises to be performed daily : WORKOUT
2 : a set of routine duties or tasks

Daimler
Gottlieb Wilhelm 1834-1900 Ger. automotive manuf.

daimon
n. 1 : DEMON 2
2 : DEMON 3
–dai·mon·ic \dī-'mä-nik\ adjective

daimyo
n. : a Japanese feudal baron

dainty
n. 1 a : something delicious to the taste b : something choice or pleasing
2 obsolete : FASTIDIOUSNESS

dainty
n. 1 a : tasting good : TASTY b : attractively prepared and served
2 : marked by delicate or diminutive beauty, form, or grace <dainty teacups>
3 obsolete : CHARY, RELUCTANT
4 a : marked by fastidious discrimination or finicky taste b : showing avoidance of anything rough
synonyms see CHOICE
–dain·ti·ly \'dān-tə-lē\ adverb
–dain·ti·ness \'dān-tē-nəs\ noun

daiquiri
n. : a cocktail made usually of rum, lime juice, and sugar

dairy
n. 1 : a room, building, or establishment where milk is kept and butter or cheese is made
2 a : the department of farming or of a farm that is concerned with the production of milk, butter, and cheese b : a farm devoted to such production
3 : an establishment for the sale or distribution chiefly of milk and milk products

dairy cattle
: cattle kept for milk production

dairying
n. : the business of operating a dairy

dairymaid
n. : a woman employed in a dairy

dairyman
n. : one who operates a dairy farm or works in a dairy

dais
n. : a raised platform (as in a hall or large room)

daishiki
n. variant of dashiki

daisy
n. 1 : a composite plant (as of the genera Bellis or Chrysanthemum) having a flower head with well-developed ray flowers usually arranged in one or a few whorls: as a : a low European herb (Bellis perennis) with white or pink ray flowers ― called also English daisy b : a leafy-stemmed perennial herb (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) with long white ray flowers and a yellow disk that was introduced into the U.S. from Europe ― called also oxeye daisy
2 : the flower head of a daisy
3 : a first-rate person or thing
4 capitalized : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in kindergarten and first grade

daisy
n. oxeye daisy
English daisy
African daisy
daisy chain
daisy ham
daisy wheel
gloriosa daisy
Michaelmas daisy
Shasta daisy

daisy chain
1 : a string of daisies with stems linked to form a chain
2 : an interlinked series <a daisy chain of computer peripherals> <a daisy chain of toddlers>

daisy ham
: a boned and smoked piece of pork from the shoulder

daisy wheel
: a disk with spokes bearing type that serves as the printing element of an electric typewriter or printer also : a printer that uses such a disk

daisy-chain
: to link (as computer components) together in series

Dakar
n. city & port capital of Senegal pop 1,729,823

Dakhla
town & port NW Africa in Western Sahara capital of Río de Oro

Dakin
Henry Drysdale 1880-1952 Eng. chem.

Dakota
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the northern Mississippi valley
2 : the Siouan language of the Dakota people

Dakota
n. 1 ― see JAMES 1
2 territory (1861-89) NW U.S. divided 1889 into states of N.D. & S.D. (the Da·ko·tas \-təz\)
–Da·ko·tan \-'kō-tən\ adjective or noun

Dakota
n. North Dakota
South Dakota
North Dakotan
South Dakotan

dal
n. : a dried legume (as lentils, beans, or peas) also : an Indian dish made of simmered and usually pureed and spiced legumes

dal
n. dekaliter

dal segno
― used as a direction in music to return to the sign that marks the beginning of a repeat

Daladier
Édouard 1884-1970 Fr. statesman

Dalai Lama
: the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism

Dalai Lama
1935-     Tenzin Gyatso Tibetan religious & political leader

dalasi
n. ― see MONEY table

Dalcroze
Émile Jaques ― see Émile JAQUES-DALCROZE

Dale
n. Sir Henry Hallett 1875-1968 Eng. physiol.

Dale
n. Sir Thomas d 1619 Eng. colonial administrator in Virginia

dale
n. : VALLEY, VALE <went riding over hill and dale>

Dalecarlia
region W cen Sweden
–Dal·e·car·li·an \-lē-ən\ adjective

Dalen
Nils Gustaf 1869-1937 Swed. inventor

dalesman
n. British : one living or born in a dale

daleth
: the 4th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

Daley
Richard Joseph 1902-1976 American polit.

Dalhousie
Earl & Marquis of ― see RAMSAY

Dali
n. Salvador 1904-1989 Span. surrealistic painter
–Da·li·esque \ˌdä-lē-'esk\ adjective

Dalian
n. city NE China in S Liaoning on Liaodong Peninsula pop 1,723,302

Dall
Dall sheep
Dall's sheep
Dall's porpoise
Dall porpoise

Dall sheep
: a large white wild sheep (Ovis dalli) of Alaska and northern British Columbia ― called also Dall's sheep \'dȯlz-\

Dall's porpoise
: a black-and-white porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) of temperate and arctic waters of the rim of the No. Pacific Ocean ― called also Dall porpoise

Dallas
n. George Mifflin 1792-1864 vice pres. of the U.S. (1845-49)

Dallas
n. city NE Tex. on Trinity River pop 1,188,580
–Dal·las·ite \'da-lə-ˌsīt\ noun

dalliance
n. : an act of dallying: as a : PLAY especially : amorous play b : frivolous action : TRIFLING

Dallis grass
: a tall tufted tropical So. American perennial grass (Paspalum dilatatum) introduced as a pasture and forage grass in the southern U.S.

dally
v. 1 a : to act playfully especially : to play amorously b : to deal lightly : TOY <accused him of dallying with a serious problem>
2 a : to waste time b : LINGER, DAWDLE
synonyms see TRIFLE, DELAY
–dal·li·er noun

Dalmatia
n. region W Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic in Croatia extending into Bosnia and Herzegovina & Montenegro
–Dal·ma·tian \-shən\ adjective or noun

dalmatian
n. : any of a breed of medium-sized dogs having a white short-haired coat with many black or brown spots

dalmatic
n. 1 : a wide-sleeved overgarment with slit sides worn by a deacon or prelate
2 : a robe worn by a British sovereign at his or her coronation

Dalrymple
Sir James 1619-1695 1st Viscount Stair \'ster\ Scot. jurist

Dalrymple
Sir John 1673-1747 2d Earl of Stair Brit. gen. & diplomat

Dalton
n. (Edward) Hugh 1887-1962 Baron Dalton Brit. polit.

Dalton
n. John 1766-1844 Eng. chem. & physicist

Dalton
n. city NW Ga. pop 27,912

dalton
n. : ATOMIC MASS UNIT ― used chiefly in biochemistry

Daly
(John) Augustin 1838-1899 American dram. & theater manager

Daly City
city W Calif. S of San Francisco pop 103,621

Dam
n. (Carl Peter) Henrik 1895-1976 Dan. biochem.

dam
n. : the female parent of an animal and especially of a domestic animal

dam
n. 1 : a body of water confined by a barrier
2 a : a barrier preventing the flow of water or of loose solid materials (as soil or snow) especially : a barrier built across a watercourse for impounding water b : a barrier to check the flow of liquid, gas, or air

dam
n. 1 : to provide or restrain with a dam <dam a river>
2 : to stop up : BLOCK <damming up their emotions>

dam
n. dekameter

dam
n. air dam
tinker's dam
Bhakra Dam
Boulder Dam
Garrison Dam
Gavins Point Dam
Glen Canyon Dam
Grand Coulee Dam
Hoover Dam

damage
n. 1 : loss or harm resulting from injury to person, property, or reputation
2 plural : compensation in money imposed by law for loss or injury
3 : EXPENSE, COST <“What's the damage?” he asked the waiter>

damage
n. : to cause damage to <don't damage the furniture> <returning soldiers damaged by war>
synonyms see INJURE
–dam·age·abil·i·ty \ˌda-mi-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–dam·ag·er noun

damage
n. collateral damage
damage control
property damage insurance
punitive damages
damaged goods

damage control
: measures taken to offset or minimize damage to reputation, credibility, or public image caused by a controverisal act, remark, or revelation

damaged goods
: a person considered to be flawed or spoiled in character, efficiency, or worth

damaging
n. : causing or able to cause damage : INJURIOUS <has a damaging effect on wildlife>
–dam·ag·ing·ly \'da-mi-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

Daman
n. district W India on Gulf of Khambhat; a constituent part of the union territory of Daman and Diu (area 36 sq mi or 93 sq km, pop 158,059) ― see GOA, PORTUGUESE INDIA

Damanhur
city N Egypt E of Alexandria pop 216,000

damar
n. : any of various resins used in varnishes and inks and obtained chiefly in Malaya and Indonesia from several timber trees (families Dipterocarpaceae and Burseraceae)

damascene
n. 1 capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Damascus
2 : the characteristic markings of Damascus steel

damascene
n. 1 capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of Damascus or the Damascenes
2 : of or relating to damask or the art of damascening

damascene
n. : to ornament (as iron or steel) with wavy patterns like those of watered silk or with inlaid work of precious metals

Damascus
n. city SW Syria, its capital pop 1,451,000

Damascus steel
: hard elastic steel ornamented with wavy patterns and used especially for sword blades

damask
n. 1 : a firm lustrous fabric (as of linen, cotton, silk, or rayon) made with flat patterns in a satin weave on a plain-woven ground on jacquard looms
2 : DAMASCUS STEEL also : the characteristic markings of this steel
3 : a grayish red

damask
n. 1 : made of or resembling damask
2 : of the color damask

damask rose
: a hardy rose (Rosa damascena) widely introduced from Asia Minor and having large fragrant pink or white flowers that are the major source of attar of roses

Damavand
mountain 18,934 ft (5771 m) N Iran; highest in Elburz Mountains

dame
n. 1 : a woman of rank, station, or authority: as a archaic : the mistress of a household b : the wife or daughter of a lord c : a female member of an order of knighthood ― used as a title prefixed to the given name
2 a : an elderly woman b : WOMAN

dame
n. dame school
dame's rocket
dame's violet
grande dame
dame d'honneur
la belle dame sans merci
grande dames
grandes dames
place aux dames

dame d'honneur
: lady-in-waiting

dame school
: a school in which the rudiments of reading and writing were taught by a woman in her own home

dame's rocket
: a Eurasian perennial plant (Hesperis matronalis) of the mustard family cultivated for its spikes of showy fragrant white or purplish flowers ― called also dame's violet rocket

damiana
n. 1 : the dried leaf of a tropical American shrub (Turnera diffusa syn. T. aphrodisiaca) used especially formerly as an aphrodisiac and tonic also : a preparation containing damiana
2 : the plant from which damiana is obtained

Damien
Father 1840-1889 orig. Joseph de Veuster Belg. R.C. missionary in Hawaiian Islands

Damietta
city & port N Egypt pop 93,488

Dammam
― see AD DAMMāM

damn
n. transitive verb
1 : to condemn to a punishment or fate especially : to condemn to hell
2 a : to condemn vigorously and often irascibly for some real or fancied fault or defect <damned the storm for their delay> b : to condemn as a failure by public criticism
3 : to bring ruin on
4 : to swear at : CURSE ― often used to express annoyance, disgust, or surprise <damn him, he should have been careful> <I'll be damned>
intransitive verb : CURSE, SWEAR

damn
n. 1 : the utterance of the word damn as a curse
2 : a minimum amount or degree (as of care or consideration) : the least bit <don't give a damn>

damn
n. : DAMNED <a damn nuisance> <ran damn fast>
–damn well : beyond doubt or question : CERTAINLY <knew damn well what would happen>

damn
n. damn well
tinker's damn
self damning

damn well
beyond doubt or question : CERTAINLY <knew damn well what would happen>

damnable
adj. 1 : liable to or deserving condemnation
2 : very bad : DETESTABLE <damnable weather>
–dam·na·ble·ness noun
–dam·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

damnant quod non intelligunt
: they condemn what they do not understand

damnation
n. : the act of damning : the state of being damned

damnatory
adj. : expressing, imposing, or causing condemnation : CONDEMNATORY

damned
n. 1 : DAMNABLE <this damned smog>
2 : COMPLETE, UTTER ― often used as an intensive <a damned shame>
3 : EXTRAORDINARY ― used in the superlative <the damnedest contraption you ever saw>

damned
n. : EXTREMELY, VERY <a damned good job>

damnedest
adj. : UTMOST, BEST ― used chiefly in the phrase do one's damnedest <doing my damnedest to win>

damnify
v. : to cause loss or damage to

damning
adj. 1 : bringing damnation <a damning sin>
2 : causing or leading to condemnation or ruin <presented some damning testimony>
–damn·ing·ly \-miŋ-lē\ adverb

Damocles
n. : a courtier of ancient Syracuse held to have been seated at a banquet beneath a sword hung by a single hair
–Dam·o·cle·an \ˌda-mə-'klē-ən\ adjective

Damodar
river 368 mi (592 km) NE India in cen Bihar & W. Bengal flowing ESE into the Hugli

Damon
n. : a legendary Sicilian who pledges his life for his condemned friend Pythias

damp
n. 1 : a noxious gas ― compare BLACK DAMP, FIREDAMP
2 : MOISTURE: a : HUMIDITY, DAMPNESS b archaic : FOG, MIST
3 a : DISCOURAGEMENT, CHECK b archaic : DEPRESSION, DEJECTION

damp
n. 1 a : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : CHOKE b : to diminish the activity or intensity of <damping down the causes of inflation> <liquid damps out compass oscillations> c : to check the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
2 : DAMPEN
intransitive verb : to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation

damp
n. 1 a archaic : being confused, bewildered, or shocked : STUPEFIED b : DEPRESSED, DULL
2 : slightly or moderately wet : MOIST <a damp towel> also : HUMID <damp weather>
synonyms see WET
–damp·ish \'dam-pish\ adjective
–damp·ly adverb
–damp·ness noun

dampen
v. transitive verb
1 : to check or diminish the activity or vigor of : DEADEN <the heat dampened our spirits>
2 : to make damp <the shower barely dampened the ground>
3 : DAMP 1C
intransitive verb
1 : to become damp
2 : to become deadened or depressed
–damp·en·er \-nər\ noun

damper
n. 1 : a dulling or deadening influence <put a damper on the celebration>
2 : a device that damps: as a : a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft b : a small felted block to stop the vibration of a piano string c chiefly British : SHOCK ABSORBER
3 Australian : a simple usually unleavened bread of a kind made originally in the Australian bush

Dampier
William 1652-1715 Eng. buccaneer & navigator

damping-off
: a diseased condition of seedlings or cuttings caused by fungi and marked by wilting or rotting

Damrosch
Walter Johannes 1862-1950 American (Ger.-born) musician & conductor

damsel
n. : a young woman: a archaic : a young unmarried woman of noble birth b : GIRL

damselfish
n. : any of numerous often brilliantly colored marine fishes (family Pomacentridae) living especially along coral reefs ― called also demoiselle

damselfly
n. : any of numerous odonate insects (suborder Zygoptera) distinguished from dragonflies by laterally projecting eyes and usually stalked wings folded above the body when at rest

damson
n. : the small tart fruit of a widely cultivated Asian plum tree (Prunus insititia) also : this tree

Dan
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Dan
n. archaic : MASTER, SIR

Dan
n. 1 Daniel
2 Danish

Dan
n. 1 river 180 mi (290 km) S Va. & N N.C. flowing E into Roanoke River
2 village at N extremity of ancient Palestine

Dana
n. Charles Anderson 1819-1897 American newspaper editor

Dana
n. James Dwight 1813-1895 American geologist

Dana
n. Richard Henry 1815-1882 American lawyer & author

Dana Point
coastal city S Calif. bet. Los Angeles & San Diego pop 35,110

Danae
: a princess of Argos visited by Zeus in the form of a shower of gold and by him the mother of Perseus

danazol
: a synthetic androgen C_22H_27NO_2 that inhibits the release of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland and is used especially to treat endometriosis

Danbury
city SW Conn. pop 74,848

dance
n. intransitive verb
1 : to engage in or perform a dance
2 : to move or seem to move up and down or about in a quick or lively manner
transitive verb
1 : to perform or take part in as a dancer
2 : to cause to dance
3 : to bring into a specified condition by dancing
–dance·able \'dan(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective
–danc·er noun
–dance attendance : to attend in an eager and servile manner <a celebrity used to having people dance attendance on him>

dance
n. 1 : an act or instance of dancing
2 : a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
3 : a social gathering for dancing
4 : a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5 : the art of dancing

dance
n. ballroom dance
barn dance
belly dance
break dance
clog dance
contra dance
country dance
dance attendance
dance card
Ghost Dance
lap dance
line dance
ring dance
round dance
Saint Vitus' dance
Saint Vitus's dance
shadow dance
snake dance
song and dance
square dance
step dance
sun dance
sword dance
tap dance
tea dance
toe dance
war dance
ballroom dancing
break dancing
clog dancing
ice dancing
lap dancing
line dancing
square dancing
tap dancing
toe dancing
ballroom dancer
belly dancer
break dancer
clog dancer
gandy dancer
lap dancer
line dancer
square dancer
sword dancer
tap dancer
taxi dancer
toe dancer

dance attendance
to attend in an eager and servile manner <a celebrity used to having people dance attendance on him>

dance card
1 : a card listing partners for scheduled dances
2 : a calendar of engagements

dandelion
n. : any of a genus (Taraxacum) of yellow-flowered composite herbs with milky sap especially : one (T. officinale) sometimes grown as a potherb and nearly cosmopolitan as a weed

dander
n. 1 : DANDRUFF specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may be allergenic
2 : ANGER, TEMPER <now don't get your dander up>

dandiacal
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a dandy

Dandie Dinmont terrier
: any of a breed of terriers characterized by short legs, a long body, pendulous ears, a rough coat, and a full silky topknot

dandify
v. : to cause to resemble a dandy
–dan·di·fi·ca·tion \ˌdan-di-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

dandle
v. 1 : to move (as a baby) up and down in one's arms or on one's knee in affectionate play
2 : PAMPER, PET

Dandong
city & port NE China in SE Liaoning at mouth of the Yalu pop 523,699

dandruff
n. : scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching
–dan·druffy \-drə-fē\ adjective

dandy
n. 1 : a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance
2 : something excellent in its class
–dan·dy·ish \-dē-ish\ adjective
–dan·dy·ish·ly adverb

dandy
n. 1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a dandy : FOPPISH
2 : very good : FIRST-RATE <a dandy place to stay>

dandyism
n. 1 : the style or conduct of a dandy
2 : a literary and artistic style of the latter part of the 19th century marked by artificiality and excessive refinement

Dane
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Denmark
2 : a person of Danish descent
3 : GREAT DANE

Dane
n. Clemence 1888-1965 pseud. of Winifred Ash·ton \'ash-tən\ Eng. nov.

danegeld
n. : an annual tax believed to have been imposed orig. to buy off Danish invaders in England or to maintain forces to oppose them but continued as a land tax

Danelaw
n. 1 : the law in force in the part of England held by the Danes before the Norman Conquest
2 : the part of England under the Danelaw

dang
n. : DAMN 4

dang
n. : DAMNED

danger
n. 1 a archaic : JURISDICTION b obsolete : REACH, RANGE
2 obsolete : HARM, DAMAGE
3 : exposure or liability to injury, pain, harm, or loss <a place where children could play without danger>
4 : a case or cause of danger <the dangers of mining>

danger
n. archaic : ENDANGER

Danger Islands
― see PUKAPUKA

dangerous
adj. 1 : exposing to or involving danger <a dangerous job>
2 : able or likely to inflict injury or harm <a dangerous man>
–dan·ger·ous·ly adverb
–dan·ger·ous·ness noun
synonyms DANGEROUS, HAZARDOUS, PRECARIOUS, PERILOUS, RISKY mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury. DANGEROUS applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully <soldiers on a dangerous mission>. HAZARDOUS implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure <claims that smoking is hazardous to your health>. PRECARIOUS suggests both insecurity and uncertainty <earned a precarious living by gambling>. PERILOUS strongly implies the immediacy of danger <perilous mountain roads>. RISKY often applies to a known and accepted danger <shied away from risky investments>.

dangle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to hang loosely and usually so as to be able to swing freely
2 : to be a hanger-on or a dependent
3 : to occur in a sentence without having a normally expected syntactic relation to the rest of the sentence (as climbing in “Climbing the mountain the cabin came into view”) <a dangling participle> <a dangling modifier>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to dangle : SWING <dangled her feet in the water>
2 a : to keep hanging uncertainly b : to hold out as an inducement
–dan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

dangle
v. 1 : the action of dangling
2 : something that dangles

Daniel
n. 1 : the Jewish hero of the Book of Daniel who as an exile in Babylon interprets dreams, gives accounts of apocalyptic visions, and is divinely delivered from a den of lions
2 : a book of narratives, visions, and prophecies in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Daniel
n. Samuel 1562?-1619 Eng. poet

Daniels
n. Josephus 1862-1948 American journalist & statesman

Danilova
Aleksandra 1903?-1997 American (Russ.-born) choreographer & dancer

danio
n. : any of various small brightly colored Asian cyprinid fishes (genera Danio and Brachydanio) ― compare ZEBRA FISH

Danish
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Denmark, the Danes, or the Danish language

Danish
n. 1 : the Germanic language of the Danes
2 plural Danish : a piece of Danish pastry

Danish pastry
: a pastry made of a rich raised dough

Danish West Indies
the W Virgin Islands that were until 1917 a Danish possession & now constitute the Virgin Islands of the U.S.

dank
adj. : unpleasantly moist or wet <a dank basement>
synonyms see WET
–dank·ly adverb
–dank·ness noun

Danmark
― see DENMARK

danseur
n. : a male ballet dancer

danseuse
n. : a female ballet dancer

Dante
n. 1265-1321 Dante or Durante Ali·ghie·ri \ˌa-lə-'gyer-ē\ Ital. poet
–Dan·te·an \'dan-tē-ən, 'dän-\ or Dan·tes·can \dan-'tes-kən, dän-\ or Dan·tesque \-'tesk\ adjective

Dantean
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of Dante or his writings especially : having a hellish or bizarre quality <refugees lived a Dantean existence ― A. E. Cowdrey>

Danton
Georges-Jacques 1759-1794 Fr. revolutionary

Danube
n. river 1771 mi (2850 km) cen & SE Europe flowing SE from SW Germany into Black Sea
–Da·nu·bi·an \da-'nyü-bē-ən\ adjective

Danvers
town NE Mass. N of Lynn pop 25,212

Danville
1 city W Calif. E of Oakland pop 41,715
2 city E Ill. pop 33,904
3 city S Va. on Dan River pop 48,411

Danzig
1 ― see GDAńSK
2 territory surrounding & including Gdańsk that (1920-39) constituted a free city under the League of Nations

Danzig, Gulf of
― see GDAńSK (Gulf of)

Daoism
variant of taoism

Daphne
n. : a nymph in Greek mythology who is transformed into a laurel tree to escape the pursuing Apollo

daphne
n. : any of a genus (Daphne) of Eurasian shrubs of the mezereon family with apetalous flowers whose colored calyx resembles a corolla

daphnia
n. : any of a genus (Daphnia) of minute freshwater branchiopod crustaceans with biramous antennae used as locomotor organs ― compare WATER FLEA

Daphnis
n. : a Sicilian shepherd renowned in Greek mythology as the inventor of pastoral poetry

dapper
adj. 1 a : neat and trim in appearance b : very spruce and stylish
2 : alert and lively in movement and manners
–dap·per·ly adverb
–dap·per·ness noun

dapple
n. 1 : any of numerous usually cloudy and rounded spots or patches of a color or shade different from their background
2 : the quality or state of being dappled
3 : a dappled animal

dapple
n. transitive verb : to mark with dapples
intransitive verb : to produce a dappled pattern <sun dappling through trees>

dappled
adj. : marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background <a dappled fawn>

dapsone
n. : an antimicrobial agent C_12H_12N_2O_2S used especially to treat leprosy and a chronic form of dermatitis

DAR
Daughters of the American Revolution

Dar el Beida
― see CASABLANCA

Dar es Salaam
city & port capital of Tanzania on Indian Ocean pop 1,360,850

Darby and Joan
: a happily married usually elderly couple

Dard
n. : DARDIC

Dardan
archaic : TROJAN

Dardanelles
n. strait NW Turkey connecting Sea of Marmara with the Aegean

Dardanian
: TROJAN

Dardic
n. : a complex of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the upper valley of the Indus

DARE
n. Dictionary of American Regional English

Dare
n. Virginia 1587-? 1st child born in America of Eng. parents

dare
n. verbal auxiliary : to be sufficiently courageous to <no one dared say a word> <she dare not let herself love ― G. B. Shaw>
intransitive verb : to have sufficient courage <try it if you dare>
transitive verb
1 a : to challenge to perform an action especially as a proof of courage <dared him to jump> b : to confront boldly : DEFY <dared the anger of his family>
2 : to have the courage to contend against, venture, or try <the actress dared a new interpretation of this classic role>
–dar·er \'der-ər\ noun

dare
n. 1 : an act or instance of daring : CHALLENGE <foolishly took a dare>
2 : imaginative or vivacious boldness : DARING

daredevil
n. : recklessly and often ostentatiously daring
synonyms see ADVENTUROUS

daredevil
n. : a recklessly bold person
–dare·dev·il·ry \-vəl-rē\ noun
–dare·dev·il·try \-vəl-trē\ noun

dareful
obsolete : DARING

daren't
: dare not : dared not

daresay
v. : venture to say : think probable ― used in present 1st singular
intransitive verb : AGREE, SUPPOSE ― used in present 1st singular

Darfur
region W Sudan; chief city El Fasher

Darien
Spanish colonial settlement Central America W of Gulf of Darien

Darien
Darien Gulf of
Darien Isthmus of
Isthmus of Darien

Darien, Gulf of
inlet of the Caribbean bet. E Panama & NW Colombia

Darien, Isthmus of
― see PANAMA (Isthmus of)

daring
n. : venturesomely bold in action or thought
synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
–dar·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
–dar·ing·ness noun

daring
n. : venturesome boldness

Darius
n. name of 3 kings of Persia: especially I 550-486 B.C. (reigned 522-486) Darius Hys·tas·pes \his-'tas-pəs\; the Great

Darjeeling
n. : a tea of high quality grown especially in the mountainous districts of northern India

Darjeeling
n. city NE India in W. Bengal on Sikkim border pop 107,530

dark
n. 1 a : devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light <a dark room> b : transmitting only a portion of light <dark glasses>
2 a : wholly or partially black <dark clothing> b of a color : of low or very low lightness c : being less light in color than other substances of the same kind <dark rum>
3 a : arising from or showing evil traits or desires : EVIL <the dark powers that lead to war> b : DISMAL, GLOOMY <had a dark view of the future> c : lacking knowledge or culture : UNENLIGHTENED <a dark period in history> d : relating to grim or depressing circumstances <dark humor>
4 a : not clear to the understanding b : not known or explored because of remoteness <the darkest reaches of the continent>
5 : not fair in complexion : SWARTHY
6 : SECRET <kept his plans dark>
7 : possessing depth and richness <a dark voice>
8 : closed to the public <the theater is dark in the summer>
synonyms see OBSCURE
–dark·ish \'där-kish\ adjective
–dark·ly adverb
–dark·ness noun

dark
n. 1 a : a place or time of little or no light : NIGHT, NIGHTFALL b : absence of light : DARKNESS
2 : a dark or deep color
–in the dark
1 : in secrecy <most of his dealings were done in the dark>
2 : in ignorance <kept the public in the dark about the agreement>

dark
n. obsolete : to grow dark
transitive verb : to make dark

dark
n. in the dark
dark adaptation
dark adapted
dark age
dark continent
dark eyed junco
dark field
dark field microscope
dark horse
dark lantern
dark matter
dark reaction
pitch dark
shot in the dark
whistle in the dark

dark adaptation
: the process including dilation of the pupil, increase in sensitivity of the retinal rods, and regeneration of rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of reduced illumination
–dark-adapt·ed \ˌdärk-ə-'dap-təd\ adjective

dark age
1 : a time during which a civilization undergoes a decline: as a plural capitalized D&A : the European historical period from about A.D. 476 to about 1000 broadly : MIDDLE AGES b often plural often capitalized D&A : the Greek historical period of three to four centuries from about 1100 B.C.
2 a often plural often capitalized D&A : the primitive period in the development of something <in the dark ages of medicine> b often plural often capitalized D&A : a state of stagnation or decline

dark continent
1 often capitalized D&C : the continent of Africa
2 : something unknown or unexplored

dark field
: the dark area that serves as the background for objects viewed in an ultramicroscope

dark horse
1 a : a usually little known contender (as a racehorse) that makes an unexpectedly good showing b : an entrant in a contest that is judged unlikely to succeed
2 : a political candidate unexpectedly nominated usually as a compromise between factions

dark lantern
: a lantern that can be closed to conceal the light

dark matter
: nonluminous matter not yet directly detected by astronomers that is hypothesized to exist to account for various observed gravitational effects

dark reaction
: any of a series of chemical reactions in photosynthesis not requiring the presence of light and involving the reduction of carbon dioxide to form carbohydrate especially : CALVIN CYCLE

dark-eyed junco
: a common No. American junco (Junco hyemalis)

dark-field microscope
: ULTRAMICROSCOPE

darken
v. intransitive verb
1 : to grow dark : become obscured <the skies were darkening>
2 : to become gloomy <his mood darkened>
transitive verb
1 : to make dark
2 : to make less clear : OBSCURE <the financial crisis darkened the future of the company>
3 : TAINT, TARNISH <darkened his reputation>
4 : to cast a gloom over
5 : to make of darker color
–dark·en·er \-kə-nər\ noun

darkle
v. 1 a : to become clouded or gloomy b : to grow dark
2 : to become concealed in the dark

darkling
adj. : in the dark

darkling
adj. 1 : DARK
2 : done or taking place in the dark

darkling beetle
: any of a family (Tenebrionidae) of firm-bodied mostly dark-colored vegetable-feeding nocturnal beetles which often have vestigial and functionless wings and whose larvae are usually hard cylindrical worms (as a mealworm) ― called also tenebrionid

darkroom
n. : a room with no light or with a safelight for handling and processing light-sensitive photographic materials

darksome
adj. : gloomily somber : DARK

darky
n. usually offensive : a black person

Darlan
Jean-Louis-Xavier-François 1881-1942 Fr. admiral

Darling
n. river ab 1700 mi (2735 km) SE Australia in Queensland & New South Wales flowing SW into Murray River

darling
n. 1 : a dearly loved person
2 : FAVORITE <a director who is the darling of the critics>

darling
n. 1 : dearly loved : FAVORITE
2 : very pleasing : CHARMING
–dar·ling·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–dar·ling·ness noun

Darling Range
mountains SW Western Australia extending ab 250 mi (400 km) N-S along coast; highest point Mt. Cooke 1910 ft (582 m)

Darlington
town N England in Durham pop 96,700

Darmstadt
city cen Germany in Hesse SSW of Frankfurt am Main pop 140,040

darmstadtium
: a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

darn
n. transitive verb
1 : to mend with interlacing stitches
2 : to embroider by filling in with long running or interlacing stitches
intransitive verb : to do darning
–darn·er noun

darn
n. : a place that has been darned <a sweater full of darns>

darn
n. : DAMNED

darn
n. : DAMN
–darned \'därn(d)\ also durned \'dərn(d)\ adjective or adverb

darn
n. : DAMN

Darnah
city & port NE Libya

darnel
n. : any of several usually weedy ryegrasses (genus Lolium)

darning needle
1 : a long needle with a large eye for use in darning
2 : DRAGONFLY, DAMSELFLY

Darnley
Lord 1545-1567 Henry Stewart or Stuart; husband of Mary, Queen of Scots

DARPA
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Darrow
n. Clarence Seward 1857-1938 American lawyer & author

dart
n. 1 a archaic : a light spear b (1) : a small missile usually with a pointed shaft at one end and feathers at the other (2) plural but singular in construction : a game in which darts are thrown at a target
2 a : something projected with sudden speed especially : a sharp glance b : something causing sudden pain or distress <darts of sarcasm>
3 : something with a slender pointed shaft or outline specifically : a stitched tapering fold in a garment
4 : a quick movement <made a dart for the door>

dart
n. 1 : to throw with a sudden movement
2 : to thrust or move with sudden speed
3 : to shoot with a dart containing a usually tranquilizing drug
intransitive verb : to move suddenly or rapidly <darted across the street>

dartboard
n. : a usually circular board (as of compressed bristles) used as a target in the game of darts

darter
n. 1 : ANHINGA
2 : any of numerous small No. American freshwater bony fishes (esp. genera Ammocrypta, Etheostoma, and Percina of the family Percidae)

Dartmoor
n. tableland SW England in S Devon area 365 sq mi (945 sq km)

Dartmouth
n. 1 town SE Mass. W of New Bedford pop 30,666
2 town & port SW England in S Devon on Dart River pop 6298

Darwin
n. Charles Robert 1809-1882 Eng. naturalist

Darwin
n. Erasmus 1731-1802 grandfather of C.R. Eng. physiol. & poet

Darwin
n. city & port N Australia capital of Northern Territory on Port Darwin (inlet of Timor Sea) pop 70,071

Darwin tulip
: a tall late-flowering tulip with the flowers single and of one color

Darwin's finches
: finches of a subfamily (Geospizinae) having great variation in bill shape and confined mostly to the Galápagos Islands

Darwinian
n. 1 : of or relating to Charles Darwin, his theories especially of evolution, or his followers
2 : of, relating to, or being a competitive environment or situation in which only the fittest persons or organizations prosper
–Darwinian noun

Darwinian
n. neo Darwinian
anti Darwinian
non Darwinian
post Darwinian

Darwinism
n. 1 : a theory of the origin and perpetuation of new species of animals and plants that offspring of a given organism vary, that natural selection favors the survival of some of these variations over others, that new species have arisen and may continue to arise by these processes, and that widely divergent groups of plants and animals have arisen from the same ancestors ― compare EVOLUTION 4 NEO-DARWINISM
2 : a theory that inherent dynamic forces allow only the fittest persons or organizations to prosper in a competitive environment or situation <economic Darwinism> ― compare SOCIAL DARWINISM
–Dar·win·ist \-wə-nist\ noun or adjective

Darwinism
n. neo Darwinism
social Darwinism
anti Darwinism
neo Darwinist
social Darwinist

dash
n. transitive verb
1 : to break by striking or knocking
2 : to knock, hurl, or thrust violently
3 : SPLASH, SPATTER
4 a : RUIN, DESTROY <the news dashed his hopes> b : DEPRESS, SADDEN c : to make ashamed
5 : to affect by mixing in something different <his delight was dashed with bitterness over the delay>
6 : to complete, execute, or finish off hastily ― used with down or off <dashed down a drink> <dash off a letter>
7 [euphemism] : 1DAMN 4
intransitive verb
1 : to move with sudden speed <dashed through the rain>
2 : SMASH

dash
n. 1 a archaic : BLOW b (1) : a sudden burst or splash (2) : the sound produced by such a burst
2 a : a stroke of a pen b : a punctuation mark 97 that is used especially to indicate a break in the thought or structure of a sentence
3 : a small usually distinctive addition <a dash of salt> <a dash of humor>
4 : flashy display
5 : animation in style and action
6 a : a sudden onset, rush, or attempt b : a short fast race
7 : a long click or buzz forming a letter or part of a letter (as in Morse code)
8 : DASHBOARD 2

dashboard
n. 1 : a screen on the front of a usually horse-drawn vehicle to intercept water, mud, or snow
2 : a panel extending across the interior of a vehicle (as an automobile) below the windshield and usually containing instruments (as a speedometer) and controls

dashed
adj. : made up of a series of dashes

dasheen
n. : TARO

dasher
n. 1 : a dashing person
2 : one that dashes
3 : a device having blades for agitating a liquid or semisolid

dashi
n. : a fish broth made from dried bonito

dashiki
n. : a usually brightly colored loose-fitting pullover garment

dashing
adj. 1 : marked by vigorous action : SPIRITED <a dashing young horse>
2 : marked by smartness especially in dress and manners
–dash·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

dashpot
n. : a device for cushioning or damping a movement (as of a mechanical part) to avoid shock

dassie
n. : HYRAX

dastard
n. 1 : COWARD
2 : a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly

dastardly
adj. 1 : COWARDLY
2 : characterized by underhandedness or treachery <a dastardly attack> <a dastardly villain>
synonyms see COWARDLY
–das·tard·li·ness noun

DAT
1 differential aptitude test
2 digital audiotape

dat
dative

data
n. 1 : factual information (as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation <the data is plentiful and easily available ― H. A. Gleason, Jr.> <comprehensive data on economic growth have been published ― N. H. Jacoby>
2 : information output by a sensing device or organ that includes both useful and irrelevant or redundant information and must be processed to be meaningful
3 : information in numerical form that can be digitally transmitted or processed
usage Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plural noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (as these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns (as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (as this, much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Both constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.

data
n. data bank
data processing
data processor
data structure
sense data

data bank
: DATABASE

data processing
: the converting of raw data to machine-readable form and its subsequent processing (as storing, updating, combining, rearranging, or printing out) by a computer
–data processor noun

data structure
: any of various methods or formats (as an array, file, or record) for organizing data in a computer

database
n. : a usually large collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval (as by a computer)
–database transitive verb

date
n. 1 : the oblong edible fruit of a palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
2 : the tall palm with pinnate leaves that yields the date

date
n. 1 a : the time at which an event occurs <the date of his birth> b : a statement of the time of execution or making <the date on the letter>
2 : DURATION
3 : the period of time to which something belongs
4 a : an appointment to meet at a specified time especially : a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character b : a person with whom one has a usually romantic date
5 : an engagement for a professional performance (as of a dance band)
–to date : up to the present moment

date
n. transitive verb
1 : to determine the date of <date an antique>
2 : to record the date of : mark with the date
3 a : to mark with characteristics typical of a particular period b : to show up plainly the age of
4 : to make or have a date with
intransitive verb
1 : to reckon chronologically
2 : ORIGINATE <a friendship dating from college days>
3 : to become dated
4 : to go out on usually romantic dates
–dat·able also date·able \'dā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–dat·er \'dā-tər\ noun

date
n. date line
blind date
carbon date
to date
date rape
date rapist
date rape drug
double date
expiration date
international date line
out of date
radiocarbon date
rain date
target date
up to date
carbon dating
open dating
radiocarbon dating
thermoluminescence dating

date rape
: rape committed by the victim's date broadly : ACQUAINTANCE RAPE

date rape drug
: a drug (as GHB) administered surreptitiously (as in a drink) to induce an unconscious or sedated state in a potential date rape victim

date-rape
: to commit date rape on
–date rapist noun

dated
adj. 1 : provided with a date <a dated document>
2 : OUTMODED, OLD-FASHIONED <dated formalities>
–dat·ed·ly adverb
–dat·ed·ness noun

dateless
adj. 1 : ENDLESS
2 : having no date
3 : too ancient to be dated
4 : TIMELESS <the play's dateless theme>

dateline
n. 1 : a line in a written document or a printed publication giving the date and place of composition or issue
2 usually date line : INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
–dateline transitive verb

dative
n. : of, relating to, or being the grammatical case that marks typically the indirect object of a verb, the object of some prepositions, or a possessor

dative
n. : a dative case or form

dative bond
: COORDINATE BOND

Datong
city NE China in N Shanxi pop 798,319

datum
n. 1 plural da·ta \-ə\ : something given or admitted especially as a basis for reasoning or inference
2 plural datums : something used as a basis for calculating or measuring
usage see DATA

datum
n. sense datum
data bank
data processing
data processor
data structure
sense data

datura
n. : any of a genus (Datura) of widely distributed strong-scented herbs, shrubs, or trees of the nightshade family including some used as sources of medicinal alkaloids (as stramonium) or in folk rites or illicitly for their poisonous, narcotic, or hallucinogenic properties ― compare JIMSONWEED

dau
daughter

daub
n. transitive verb
1 : to cover or coat with soft adhesive matter : PLASTER
2 : to coat with a dirty substance
3 a : to apply coloring material crudely to b : to apply (as paint) crudely
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to put on a false exterior
2 : to apply colors crudely
–daub·er noun

daub
n. 1 : material used to daub walls
2 : an act or instance of daubing
3 : something daubed on : SMEAR
4 : a crude picture

daube
n. : a stew of braised meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices

Daubigny
Charles-François 1817-1878 Fr. painter

Daudet
Alphonse 1840-1897 Fr. nov.

Daudet
Léon 1867-1942 son of Alphonse Fr. journalist & writer

Daugavpils
city E Latvia on Western Dvina River pop 113,409

daughter
n. 1 a : a female offspring especially of human parents b : a female adopted child c : a human female descendant
2 : something considered as a daughter <the United States is a daughter of Great Britain>
3 : an atomic species that is the product of the radioactive decay of a given element
–daugh·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

daughter
n. 1 : having the characteristics or relationship of a daughter
2 : belonging to the first generation of offspring, organelles, or molecules produced by reproduction, division, or replication <daughter cell> <daughter DNA molecules>

daughter-in-law
: the wife of one's son

Daumier
Honoré 1808-1879 Fr. caricaturist & painter

daunomycin
n. : DAUNORUBICIN

daunorubicin
n. : an antibiotic C_27H_29NO_10 that is a nitrogenous glycoside and is used especially in the treatment of leukemia

daunt
v. : to lessen the courage of : COW, SUBDUE
synonyms see DISMAY

daunting
adj. : tending to overwhelm or intimidate <a daunting task>
–daunt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

dauntless
adj. : FEARLESS, UNDAUNTED <a dauntless hero>
–daunt·less·ly adverb
–daunt·less·ness noun

dauphin
n. : the eldest son of a king of France

Dauphine
n. region & former province SE France N of Provence capital Grenoble

dauphine
n. : the wife of the dauphin

Dausset
Jean-Baptiste-Gabriel 1916-     Fr. physician

DAV
Disabled American Veterans

Davao
city Philippines on Davao Gulf pop 850,000

Davao Gulf
gulf of the Pacific Philippines in SE Mindanao

daven
v. : to recite the prescribed prayers in a Jewish liturgy

Davenant
Sir William 1606-1668 Eng. poet & dram.; poet laureate (1638-68)

Davenport
n. John 1597-1670 American (Eng.-born) clergyman & founder of New Haven colony

Davenport
n. city E Iowa on Mississippi River pop 98,359

davenport
n. 1 : a small compact writing desk
2 : a large upholstered sofa often convertible into a bed

David
n. 1 : a Hebrew shepherd who became the second king of Israel in succession to Saul according to biblical accounts
2 : UNDERDOG 1
–Da·vid·ic \də-'vi-dik, dā-\ adjective

David
n. ca 1082-1153 king of Scotland (1124-53)

David
n. Gerard ca 1460-1523 Du. painter

David
n. Jacques-Louis 1748-1825 Fr. painter

David
n. town W Panama pop 77,057

David
n. David I
Magen David
Mogen David
Star of David
David d'Angers

David d'Angers
Pierre-Jean 1788-1856 Fr. sculptor

Davidson
n. Jo 1883-1952 American sculptor

Davidson
n. Randall Thomas 1848-1930 archbishop of Canterbury (1903-28)

Davie
city SE Fla. pop 75,720

Davies
n. Arthur Bowen 1862-1928 American painter

Davies
n. (William) Robertson 1913-1995 Canad. author

Davila Padilla
Agustín 1562-1604 Mex. monk & hist.

Davis
n. Bet·te \'be-tē\ 1908-1989 orig. Ruth Elizabeth Davis American actress

Davis
n. Dwight Filley 1879-1945 American statesman

Davis
n. Elmer Holmes 1890-1958 American radio broadcaster & news commentator

Davis
n. Harold Le·noir \lə-'nȯr\ 1896-1960 American writer

Davis
n. Jefferson 1808-1889 American statesman; pres. of Confed. states (1861-65)

Davis
n. Miles 1926-1991 American jazz musician

Davis
n. Raymond, Jr. 1914-     American astrophysicist

Davis
n. city W Calif. W of Sacramento pop 60,308

Davis
n. Jefferson Davis's Birthday
Davis Mountains
Davis Strait

Davis Mountains
mountains W Tex. N of the Big Bend of the Rio Grande

Davis Strait
strait connecting Baffin Bay with the Atlantic

Davisson
Clinton Joseph 1881-1958 American physicist

davit
n. : a crane that projects over the side of a ship or a hatchway and is used especially for boats, anchors, or cargo

Davout
Louis-Nicolas 1770-1823 Duc d'Au·er·städt \'dau̇(-ə)r-ˌstet\ & Prince d'Eck·mühl \'dek-ˌmyül\ marshal of France

Davy
n. Sir Humphry 1778-1829 Eng. chem.

Davy Jones
: the bottom of the sea personified

Davy Jones's locker
: the bottom of the ocean

daw
n. chiefly Scottish : DAWN

daw
n. : JACKDAW

dawdle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to spend time idly
2 : to move lackadaisically
transitive verb : to spend fruitlessly or lackadaisically <dawdled the day away>
synonyms see DELAY
–daw·dler \'dȯ-dlər, -dəl-ər\ noun

Dawes
Charles Gates 1865-1951 American lawyer & financier; vice pres. of U.S. (1925-29)

dawn
n. 1 : to begin to grow light as the sun rises
2 : to begin to appear or develop
3 : to begin to be perceived or understood <the truth finally dawned on us>

dawn
n. 1 : the first appearance of light in the morning followed by sunrise
2 : BEGINNING <the dawn of the space age>

dawn horse
: EOHIPPUS

dawn redwood
: a metasequoia (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) of China resembling the coast redwood but having deciduous foliage

Dawson
n. Sir John William 1820-1899 Canad. geologist

Dawson
n. city N Canada in Yukon pop 1251

Dax
n. commune SW France in the Landes on the Adour NE of Biarritz pop 19,557

Day
n. Clarence Shepard, Jr. 1874-1935 American author

Day
n. Thomas 1748-1789 Eng. author

Day
n. William Rufus 1849-1923 American statesman & jurist

day
n. 1 a : the time of light between one night and the next b : DAYLIGHT 1 c : DAYTIME
2 : the period of rotation of a planet (as earth) or a moon on its axis
3 : the mean solar day of 24 hours beginning at mean midnight
4 : a specified day or date
5 : a specified time or period : AGE <in grandfather's day> ― often used in plural <the old days> <the days of sailing ships>
6 : the conflict or contention of the day <played hard and won the day>
7 : the time established by usage or law for work, school, or business
–day after day : for an indefinite or seemingly endless number of days
–day in, day out : for an indefinite number of successive days

day
n. Lammas Day
all day
All Fools' Day
All Saints' Day
All Souls' Day
April Fools' Day
April Fool's Day
Arbor Day
Armistice Day
Ascension Day
Australia Day
Bastille Day
Boxing Day
call it a day
Canada Day
carry the day
Columbus Day
Commonwealth Day
Confederate Memorial Day
day in day out
day after day
day care
Day Glo
day job
day laborer
day letter
day neutral
day nursery
Day of Atonement
day one
day school
day student
day to day
day trader
day trade
day tripper
D day
Decoration Day
degree day
Discoverers' Day
Discovery Day
dollar day
Dominion Day
dress down day
Election Day
ember day
Empire Day
Father's Day
field day
first day cover
flag day
Groundhog Day
Guy Fawkes Day
holy day
holy day of obligation
Inauguration Day
Independence Day
Jackson Day
judgment day
Kamehameha Day
Labor Day
Lady Day
latter day
Latter day Saint
lay day
long day
Lord's day
man day
Martin Luther King Day
May Day
M day
mean solar day
Memorial Day
Midsummer Day
Mother's Day
name day
New Year's Day
night and day
nine day wonder
order of the day
pass the time of day
Patriots' Day
present day
Presidents' Day
quarter day
rainy day
Remembrance Day
Rogation Day
Saint Patrick's Day
saint's day
Saint Valentine's Day
San Jacinto Day
see the light of day
Seventh Day
short day
sick day
sidereal day
solar day
Susan B. Anthony Day
Susan B Anthony Day
Texas Independence Day
Thanksgiving Day
Twelfth Day
United Nations Day
Valentine's Day
Valentine Day
V day
Veterans Day
Victoria Day
working day
Day Lewis
John Day
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
dog days
nine days' wonder
salad days

day after day
for an indefinite or seemingly endless number of days

day care
1 : supervision of and care for children or disabled adults that is provided during the day by a person or organization
2 : a program, facility, or organization offering day care

day in, day out
for an indefinite number of successive days

day job
: one's regular employment as contrasted with an occasional, secondary, or coveted job

day laborer
: one who works for daily wages especially as an unskilled laborer

day letter
: a telegram sent during the day that has a lower priority than a regular telegram

day nursery
: a public center for the care and training of young children specifically : NURSERY SCHOOL

Day of Atonement

1611
: YOM KIPPUR

day one
: the first day or very beginning of something

day school
: an elementary or secondary school held on weekdays specifically : a private school without boarding facilities

day student
: a student who attends regular classes at a college or preparatory school but does not live at the institution

day trader
: a speculator who seeks profit from the intraday fluctuation in the price of a security or commodity by completing double trades of buying and selling or selling and covering during a single session of the market
–day-trade \'dā-ˌtrād\ noun or verb

Day-Glo
― used for fluorescent materials or colors

Day-Lewis
Cecil 1904-1972 pseud. Nicholas Blake Brit. writer; poet laureate (1968-72)

day-neutral
: developing and maturing regardless of relative length of alternating exposures to light and dark periods ― used especially of a plant ― compare LONG-DAY, SHORT-DAY

day-to-day
1 : taking place, made, or done in the course of days <in charge of day-to-day operations> also : EVERYDAY <day-to-day life>
2 : providing for a day at a time with little thought for the future <an aimless day-to-day existence>

day-tripper
: one who takes a trip that does not last overnight

Dayak
n. : a member of any of several Indonesian peoples of the interior of Borneo

Dayan
n. Moshe 1915-1981 Israeli soldier & polit.

daybed
n. 1 : a chaise longue of a type made 1680-1780
2 : a couch that can be converted into a bed

daybook
n. : DIARY, JOURNAL

daybreak
n. : DAWN

daydream
n. : a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination
–day·dream·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

daydream
n. : to have a daydream
–day·dream·er noun

dayflower
n. : any of a genus (Commelina) of herbs of the spiderwort family having one petal smaller than the other two especially : a blue-flowered Asian herb (C. communis) with the smaller petal white that has become naturalized as a weed in the U.S.

dayglow
: airglow seen during the day

daylight
n. 1 : the light of day
2 : DAYTIME
3 : DAWN
4 a : knowledge or understanding of something that has been obscure <began to see daylight on the problem> b : the quality or state of being open : OPENNESS
5 plural a : CONSCIOUSNESS b : mental soundness or stability : WITS <scared the daylights out of him>
6 : a perceptible space, gap, or difference <denied there was any daylight between the two governments' positions>

daylight
n. daylight saving time
daylight time
daylight savings time
daylight savings
daylight saving

daylight saving time
: time usually one hour ahead of standard time ― called also daylight saving daylight savings daylight savings time daylight time

daylighting
: illumination of indoor spaces by natural light

daylily
n. : any of various Eurasian perennial herbs (genus Hemerocallis) of the lily family that have short-lived flowers resembling lilies and are widespread in cultivation and as escapes

daylong
adj. : lasting all day <a daylong tour>

daymare
: a nightmarish fantasy experienced while awake

dayroom
n. : a room (as in a hospital) equipped for relaxation and recreation

days
n. : in the daytime repeatedly : on any day

days
n. dog days
nine days' wonder
salad days

dayside
n. : the side of a planet in sunlight

daystar
n. 1 : MORNING STAR
2 : SUN 1A

daytime
n. : the time during which there is daylight

daytimes
: DAYS <has a housekeeper daytimes>

Dayton
n. city SW Ohio on Miami River pop 166,179

Daytona Beach
city NE Fla. pop 64,112

daze
n. 1 : to stupefy especially by a blow : STUN
2 : to dazzle with light
–daze noun
–da·zed·ly \'dā-zəd-lē\ adverb
–dazed·ness \'dā-zəd-nəs, 'dāzd-\ noun

dazzle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to lose clear vision especially from looking at bright light
2 a : to shine brilliantly b : to arouse admiration by an impressive display
transitive verb
1 : to overpower with light
2 : to impress deeply, overpower, or confound with brilliance <dazzled us with her wit>
–dazzle noun
–daz·zler \-z(ə-)lər\ noun
–daz·zling·ly \-z(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

DB
n. daybook

Db
n. dubnium

dB
n. decibel

DBA
doctor of business administration

DBCP
: a compound C_3H_5Br_2Cl used especially formerly as an agricultural pesticide that is a suspected carcinogen and cause of sterility in human males

DBE
Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

DBH
diameter at breast height

dbl
double

DBMS
database management system

DBS
direct broadcast satellite

DC
1 [Italian da capo] from the beginning
2 decimal classification
3 direct current
4 District of Columbia
5 doctor of chiropractic
6 double crochet

DChE
doctor of chemical engineering

DCL
1 doctor of canon law
2 doctor of civil law

DD
1 days after date
2 demand draft
3 dishonorable discharge
4 doctor of divinity
5 due date

dd
1 dated
2 delivered

DDC
Dewey Decimal Classification

ddC
: a synthetic nucleoside C_9H_13N_3O_3 that inhibits replication of retroviruses and is used in the treatment of advanced HIV infection ― called also zalcitabine

DDD
: an insecticide C_14H_10Cl_4 closely related chemically and similar in properties to DDT

DDE
: a persistent organochlorine C_15H_8Cl_4 that is produced by the metabolic breakdown of DDT

ddI
: a synthetic nucleoside C_10H_12N_4O_3 having properties and uses similar to those of ddC ― called also didanosine

DDS
doctor of dental surgery

DDT
: a colorless odorless water-insoluble insecticide C_14H_9Cl_5 that is an aromatic organochlorine banned in the U.S. that tends to accumulate and persist in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

DDVP
: DICHLORVOS

DE
prep. 1 defensive end
2 Delaware
3 diatomaceous earth
4 doctor of engineering

de
prep. 1 a : do the opposite of <deactivate> b : reverse of <de-emphasis>
2 a : remove (a specified thing) from <delouse> b : remove from (a specified thing) <dethrone>
3 : reduce <devalue>
4 : something derived from (a specified thing) <decompound> : derived from something (of a specified nature) <denominative>
5 : get off of (a specified thing) <detrain>
6 : having a molecule characterized by the removal of one or more atoms (of a specified element) <deoxy->

de bonne grace
: with good grace : willingly

de facto
: in reality : ACTUALLY

de facto
1 : ACTUAL especially : being such in effect though not formally recognized <a de facto state of war>
2 : exercising power as if legally constituted <a de facto government>
3 : resulting from economic or social factors rather than from laws or actions of the state <de facto segregation>

De Forest
Lee 1873-1961 American inventor

de Gaulle
Charles ― see GAULLE

de Gaullism
: GAULLISM
–de Gaull·ist \-ləst\ noun

De Gennes
Pierre-Gilles 1932-     Fr. physicist

de gustibus non est disputandum
: there is no disputing about tastes

de haut en bas
: of superiority : of or with condescension

de integro
: anew : afresh

de jure
1 : by right : of right
2 : based on laws or actions of the state <de jure segregation>

De Kalb
city N Ill. pop 39,018

de Klerk
F(rederik) W(illem) 1936-     pres. of Republic of So. Africa (1989-94); vice pres. (1994-96)

de Kooning
Willem 1904-1997 American (Du.-born) painter

de Kruif
Paul Henry 1890-1971 American bacteriol. & author

de l'audace, encore de l'audace, et toujours de l'audace
: audacity, more audacity, and ever more audacity

de la Mare
Walter John 1873-1956 Eng. poet & nov.

De La Rey
Jacobus Hercules 1847-1914 Boer gen. & statesman

De La Warr
Baron 1577-1618 Thomas West; Lord Delaware Eng. colonial administrator in America

De Long
George Washington 1844-1881 American naval officer & explorer

de mal en pis
: from bad to worse

de Mille
Agnes George 1905-1993 American dancer & choreographer

de minimis
: lacking significance or importance : so minor as to merit disregard <de minimis fringe benefits>

de minimis non curat lex
: the law takes no account of trifles

De Morgan
William Frend 1839-1917 Eng. artist & nov.

de mortuis nil nisi bonum
: of the dead (say) nothing but good

de nos jours
: of our time : contemporary ― used postpositively especially after a proper name

de novo
: over again : ANEW <a case tried de novo>

de profundis
: out of the depths

De Quincey
Thomas 1785-1859 Eng. author

de rigueur
: prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette, or custom : PROPER

De Seversky
Alexander Procofieff 1894-1974 American (Russ.-born) aeronautical engineer

De Soto
city NE Tex. S of Dallas pop 37,646

de Soto
Hernando ― see SOTO, DE

de Stijl
: a school of art founded in Holland in 1917 typically using rectangular forms and the primary colors plus black and white and asymmetric balance

de te fabula narratur
: the story applies to you

de trop
: too much or too many : SUPERFLUOUS, EXCESSIVE

de Valera
v. Ea·mon \'ā-mən\ 1882-1975 Irish polit.; prime min. of Ireland (1937-48; 1951-54; 1957-59); pres. of Ireland (1959-73)

De Vere
v. Aubrey Thomas 1814-1902 Irish poet

De Voto
v. Bernard Augustine 1897-1955 American author

De Vries
v. Hugo ― see VRIES, DE

De Wet
Christiaan Rudolph ― see WET, DE

De Witt
Johan ― see WITT, DE

De Witte
Emanuel ― see WITT, DE

de-emphasize
: to reduce in relative importance also : PLAY DOWN
–de-em·pha·sis \-fə-səs\ noun

de-energize
: to disconnect from a source of electricity : shut off the power to

de-escalate
: LIMIT 2B
intransitive verb : to decrease in extent, volume, or scope
–de-es·ca·la·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌes-kə-'lā-shən, ÷-kyə-\ noun
–de-es·ca·la·to·ry \(ˌ)dē-'es-kə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē, ÷-kyə-\ adjective

de-skill
1 : to reduce the level of skill needed for (a job)
2 : to reduce the level of skill needed for a job by (a worker)

de-Stalinization
: the discrediting of Stalin and his policies

de-stress
: to release bodily or mental tension : UNWIND

DEA
Drug Enforcement Administration

deaccession
v. : to sell or otherwise dispose of (an item in a collection) <the museum deaccessioned several paintings>
–deaccession noun

deacidify
v. : to remove acid from : reduce the acidity of (as by neutralization)
–de·acid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌsi-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

deacon
n. : a subordinate officer in a Christian church: as a : a Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox cleric ranking next below a priest b : one of the laymen elected by a church with congregational polity to serve in worship, in pastoral care, and on administrative committees c : a Mormon in the lowest grade of the Aaronic priesthood

deacon's bench
: a bench with usually spindled arms and back

deaconess
n. : a woman chosen to assist in the church ministry specifically : one in a Protestant order

deactivate
v. : to make inactive or ineffective <deactivate a bomb> <deactivate a chemical compound>
–de·ac·ti·va·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌak-tə-'vā-shən\ noun
–de·ac·ti·va·tor \(ˌ)dē-'ak-tə-ˌvā-tər\ noun

dead
n. 1 : deprived of life : no longer alive
2 a (1) : having the appearance of death : DEATHLY <in a dead faint> (2) : lacking power to move, feel, or respond : NUMB b : very tired c (1) : incapable of being stirred emotionally or intellectually : UNRESPONSIVE <dead to pity> (2) : grown cold : EXTINGUISHED <dead coals>
3 a : INANIMATE, INERT <dead matter> b : BARREN, INFERTILE <dead soil> c : no longer producing or functioning : EXHAUSTED <a dead battery>
4 a (1) : lacking power or effect <a dead law> (2) : no longer having interest, relevance, or significance <a dead issue> b : no longer in use : OBSOLETE <a dead language> c : no longer active : EXTINCT <a dead volcano> d : lacking in gaiety or animation <a dead party> e (1) : lacking in commercial activity : QUIET (2) : commercially idle or unproductive <dead capital> f : lacking elasticity <a dead tennis ball> g : being out of action or out of use <the phone went dead> specifically : free from any connection to a source of voltage and free from electric charges h (1) : being out of play <a dead ball> (2) : temporarily forbidden to play or to make a certain play in croquet
5 a : not running or circulating : STAGNANT <dead water> b : not turning <the dead center of a lathe> c : not imparting motion or power although otherwise functioning <a dead rear axle> d : lacking warmth, vigor, or taste
6 a : absolutely uniform <a dead level> b (1) : UNERRING (2) : EXACT <dead center of the target> (3) : certain to be doomed <he's dead if he's late for curfew> (4) : IRREVOCABLE <a dead loss> c : ABRUPT <brought to a dead stop> d (1) : COMPLETE, ABSOLUTE <a dead silence> (2) : ALL-OUT <caught it on the dead run>
7 : devoid of former occupants <dead villages>
–dead·ness noun
–dead in the water
1 : incapable of being effective : STALLED <peace talks were dead in the water>
2 : as good as dead : DOOMED <most books are dead in the water long before their publication ― Phillip Lopate>
–dead to rights : with no chance of escape or excuse : RED-HANDED <had him dead to rights for the robbery>
–over one's dead body : only by overcoming one's utter and determined resistance <vows that they'll raise his taxes over his dead body>
synonyms DEAD, DEFUNCT, DECEASED, DEPARTED, LATE mean devoid of life. DEAD applies literally to what is deprived of vital force but is used figuratively of anything that has lost any attribute (as energy, activity, radiance) suggesting life <a dead, listless performance>. DEFUNCT stresses cessation of active existence or operation <a defunct television series>. DECEASED, DEPARTED, and LATE apply to persons who have died recently. DECEASED is the preferred term in legal use <the estate of the deceased>. DEPARTED is used usually as a euphemism <our departed sister>. LATE is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status <the company's late president>.

dead
n. 1 : one that is dead ― usually used collectively
2 : the state of being dead <raised him from the dead ― Col 2:12(RSV)>
3 : the time of greatest quiet <the dead of night>

dead
n. 1 : ABSOLUTELY, UTTERLY <dead certain> <finished dead last>
2 : suddenly and completely <stopped dead>
3 : DIRECTLY <dead ahead>

dead
n. brain dead
catch dead
over one's dead body
dead to rights
dead in the water
dead air
dead air space
dead bolt
dead cat bounce
dead duck
dead end
dead endedness
dead hand
dead heat
dead horse
dead letter
dead lift
dead load
dead man's float
dead march
dead meat
dead metaphor
dead on
dead presidents
dead reckoning
dead reckon
dead space
dead stick landing
dead tree
drop dead
knock dead
Dead Sea

dead air
: a period of silence especially during a broadcast

dead bolt
: a lock bolt that is moved by turning a knob or key without action of a spring

dead duck
: one that is doomed

dead end
1 : an end (as of a street) without an exit
2 : a position, situation, or course of action that leads to nothing further

dead hand
1 : MORTMAIN 1
2 : the oppressive influence of the past

dead heat
: a tie with no single winner of a race broadly : TIE

dead horse
: an exhausted or profitless topic or issue ― usually used in the phrases beat a dead horse and flog a dead horse

dead in the water

1 : incapable of being effective : STALLED <peace talks were dead in the water>
2 : as good as dead : DOOMED <most books are dead in the water long before their publication ― Phillip Lopate>

dead letter
1 : something that has lost its force or authority without being formally abolished
2 : a letter that is undeliverable and unreturnable by the post office

dead lift
: a lift in weight lifting in which the weight is lifted from the floor to hip level
–dead·lift \'ded-ˌlift\ transitive verb

dead load
: a constant load in a structure (as a bridge, building, or machine) that is due to the weight of the members, the supported structure, and permanent attachments or accessories

dead man's float
: a prone floating position with the arms extended forward

dead march
: a solemn march for a funeral

dead meat
: one that is doomed <he's dead meat if they catch him>

dead metaphor
: a word or phrase (as time is running out) that has lost its metaphoric force through common usage

dead presidents
slang : U.S. money in the form of bills specifically : DOLLARS

dead reckoning
1 : the determination without the aid of celestial observations of the position of a ship or aircraft from the record of the courses sailed or flown, the distance made, and the known or estimated drift
2 : GUESSWORK
–dead reckon verb

Dead Sea
salt lake ab 50 mi (80 km) long on boundary bet. Israel & Jordan area 370 sq mi (962 sq km), surface 1312 ft (400 m) below sea level

dead space
: the portion of the respiratory system which is external to the bronchioles and through which air must pass to reach the bronchioles and alveoli

dead to rights
with no chance of escape or excuse : RED-HANDED <had him dead to rights for the robbery>

dead-air space
: an unventilated air space

dead-cat bounce
: a brief and insignificant recovery (as of stock prices) after a steep decline

dead-end
1 a : lacking opportunities especially for advancement <a dead-end job> b : lacking an exit <a dead-end street>
2 : UNRULY <dead-end kids>
–dead-end·ed·ness \ˌded-'en-dəd-nəs\ noun

dead-end
: to come to a dead end : TERMINATE <the road dead-ends at the lake> <the investigation dead-ended>

dead-on
: exactly correct or accurate <a dead-on analysis> <his impersonations were dead-on>

dead-stick landing
: a landing of an airplane or spacecraft made without power

dead-tree
: being the print version of a work available in both print and electronic formats <reads the dead-tree edition>

deadbeat
n. 1 : LOAFER
2 : one who persistently fails to pay personal debts or expenses

deadbeat
n. : having a pointer that gives a reading with little or no oscillation

deaden
v. transitive verb
1 : to impair in vigor or sensation : BLUNT <deadened his enthusiasm> <deadened the pain>
2 a : to deprive of brilliance b : to make vapid or spiritless <oxygen deadens wine> c : to make (as a wall) impervious to sound
3 : to deprive of life : KILL
intransitive verb : to become dead : lose life or vigor
–dead·en·er \'ded-nər, -dən-ər\ noun
–dead·en·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē, -dən-iŋ-\ adverb

deadening
n. : material used to soundproof walls or floors

deadeye
n. 1 : a rounded wood block encircled by a rope or an iron band and having holes to receive the lanyard that is used especially to set up shrouds and stays
2 : an unerring marksman

deadfall
n. 1 : a trap so constructed that a weight (as a heavy log) falls on an animal and kills or disables it
2 : a tangled mass of fallen trees and branches

deadhead
n. 1 : one who has not paid for a ticket
2 : a dull or stupid person
3 : a partially submerged log

deadhead
n. 1 : to make especially a return trip without a load
2 : to deadhead a plant
transitive verb : to remove the faded flowers of (a plant) especially to keep a neat appearance and to promote reblooming by preventing seed production

deadlight
n. : a metal cover or shutter fitted to a port to keep out light and water

deadline
n. 1 : a line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot
2 a : a date or time before which something must be done b : the time after which copy is not accepted for a particular issue of a publication
–on deadline or under deadline : with the requirement of meeting a deadline <working on deadline>

deadlock
n. 1 : a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : STANDSTILL <the deadlock was broken with a key compromise>
2 : a tie score
–deadlock verb

deadly
adj. 1 : likely to cause or capable of producing death <deadly poison>
2 a : aiming to kill or destroy : IMPLACABLE <a deadly enemy> b : highly effective <a deadly exposé> c : UNERRING <a deadly marksman> d : marked by determination or extreme seriousness
3 a : tending to deprive of force or vitality <a deadly habit> b : suggestive of death especially in dullness or lack of animation <deadly bores> <a deadly conversation>
4 : very great : EXTREME
–dead·li·ness noun
synonyms DEADLY, MORTAL, FATAL, LETHAL mean causing or capable of causing death. DEADLY applies to an established or very likely cause of death <a deadly disease>. MORTAL implies that death has occurred or is inevitable <a mortal wound>. FATAL stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction <fatal consequences>. LETHAL applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life <lethal gas>.

deadly
adj. 1 archaic : in a manner to cause death : MORTALLY
2 : suggesting death
3 : EXTREMELY <deadly serious>

deadly nightshade
: BELLADONNA 1

deadly sin
: one of seven sins of pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth held to be fatal to spiritual progress

deadman
n. : an anchor (as a metal plate) buried in snow and used (as in mountain climbing) to secure a rope

deadpan
adj. : marked by an impassive matter-of-fact manner, style, or expression <a deadpan comedy>
–deadpan adverb

deadpan
adj. 1 : a completely expressionless face
2 : a deadpan manner of behavior or presentation

deadpan
adj. : to express in a deadpan manner
–dead·pan·ner noun

deadweight
n. 1 : the unrelieved weight of an inert mass
2 : DEAD LOAD
3 : a ship's load including the total weight of cargo, fuel, stores, crew, and passengers

deadweight ton
: a long ton used in indicating a ship's gross capacity ― abbreviation dwt

deadwood
n. 1 : wood dead on the tree
2 : useless personnel or material
3 : solid timbers built in at the extreme bow and stern of a ship when too narrow to permit framing
4 : bowling pins that have been knocked down but remain on the alley

deaerate
v. : to remove air or gas from
–de·aer·a·tion \ˌdē-ˌer-'ā-shən\ noun
–de·aer·a·tor \-'er-ˌā-tər\ noun

deaf
n. 1 : lacking or deficient in the sense of hearing
2 : unwilling to hear or listen : not to be persuaded <was overwrought and deaf to reason>
–deaf·ish \'de-fish\ adjective
–deaf·ly adverb
–deaf·ness noun

deaf
n. deaf aid
deaf mute
stone deaf
tone deaf
turn a deaf ear
tone deafness

deaf-aid
British : HEARING AID

deaf-mute
often offensive : a deaf person who cannot speak
–deaf-mute adjective often offensive

deafen
v. : to make deaf <was deafened by the explosion>

deafening
adj. 1 : that deafens
2 : very loud : EARSPLITTING <fell with a deafening clap>
3 : very noticeable <their silence on the issue was deafening>
–deaf·en·ing·ly adverb

Deak
Fe·renc \'fer-ˌen(t)s\ 1803-1876 Hung. statesman

deal
n. 1 obsolete : PART, PORTION
2 : a usually large or indefinite quantity or degree <a great deal of support> <a good deal faster>
3 a : the act or right of distributing cards to players in a card game b : HAND 9B

deal
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give as one's portion : APPORTION <tried to deal justice to all> <dealt out three sandwiches apiece> b : to distribute (playing cards) to players in a game
2 : ADMINISTER, DELIVER <dealt him a blow>
3 a : SELL <deals drugs> b : TRADE <deal a player to another team>
intransitive verb
1 : to distribute the cards in a card game
2 : to concern oneself or itself <the book deals with education>
3 a : to engage in bargaining : TRADE b : to sell or distribute something as a business <deal in insurance>
4 a : to take action with regard to someone or something <deal with an offender> b : to reach or try to reach a state of acceptance or reconcilement <trying to deal with her son's death>
synonyms see DISTRIBUTE
–deal·er \'dē-lər\ noun

deal
n. 1 a : an act of dealing : TRANSACTION b : BARGAIN c : CONTRACT 1A <signed a 2-year deal>
2 : PACKAGE DEAL
3 : treatment received <a dirty deal>
4 : an arrangement for mutual advantage
5 : AFFAIR 2 <dinner was an informal deal>
6 : SITUATION, STORY <what is the deal with that guy?>
7 : MCCOY ― used in the phrase the real deal

deal
n. 1 British : a board of fir or pine
2 : pine or fir wood
–deal adjective

deal
n. big deal
cut a deal
done deal
good deal
New Deal
package deal
raw deal
wheel and deal
dealing box
double dealing
self dealing
double dealer
New Dealer
wheeler and dealer
wheeler dealer
wheelers and dealers

dealated
: divested of the wings ― used of postnuptial adults of insects (as ants) that drop their wings after a nuptial flight
–de·ala·tion \ˌdē-(ˌ)ā-'lā-shən\ noun

dealership
n. : an authorized sales agency <an automobile dealership>

dealfish
: any of several silvery ribbonfishes (genus Trachipterus, especially T. arcticus) inhabiting deep seas

dealing
n. 1 : method of business : manner of conduct
2 plural : friendly or business interactions

dealing
n. dealing box
double dealing
self dealing

dealing box
: a case that holds a deck of playing cards so that they may be dealt one by one

deaminase
: an enzyme that hydrolyzes amino compounds (as amino acids) with removal of the amino group

deaminate
v. : to remove the amino group from (a compound)
–de·am·i·na·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌa-mi-'nā-shən\ noun

Dean
n. Sir Patrick 1909-1994 Brit. diplomat

dean
n. 1 a : the head of the chapter of a collegiate or cathedral church b : a Roman Catholic priest who supervises one district of a diocese
2 a : the head of a division, faculty, college, or school of a university b : a college or secondary school administrator in charge of counseling and disciplining students
3 : DOYEN 1
–dean intransitive verb
–dean·ship \-ˌship\ noun

dean
n. dean's list
rural dean
Dean Forest of

dean's list
: a list of students receiving special recognition from the dean of a college because of superior scholarship

Dean, Forest of
forested district SW England in W Gloucestershire bet. Severn & Wye rivers; an ancient royal forest

Deane
Silas 1737-1789 American lawyer & diplomat

deanery
n. : the office, jurisdiction, or official residence of a clerical dean

dear
n. : SEVERE, SORE <in our dear peril ― Shakespeare>

dear
n. 1 obsolete : NOBLE
2 : highly valued : PRECIOUS <a dear friend> ― often used in a salutation <dear Sir>
3 : AFFECTIONATE, FOND
4 : high or exorbitant in price : EXPENSIVE <eggs are very dear just now>
5 : HEARTFELT <our dearest prayers>
–dear·ness noun

dear
n. 1 : DEARLY 3 <the effort cost them dear>
2 : DEARLY 1 <so dear I loved the man ― Shakespeare>

dear
n. 1 : a loved one : SWEETHEART
2 : a lovable person

dear
n. ― used especially to express annoyance or dismay

Dear John
: a letter (as to a soldier) in which a wife asks for a divorce or a girlfriend breaks off an engagement or a friendship

Dearborn
n. city SE Mich. pop 97,775

Dearborn Heights
city SE Mich. W of Detroit pop 58,264

dearly
adv. 1 : with affection : FONDLY
2 : HEARTILY, EARNESTLY <prayed so dearly for peace>
3 : at a high rate or price <paid dearly for the error>

dearth
n. 1 : scarcity that makes dear specifically : FAMINE
2 : an inadequate supply : LACK <a dearth of evidence>

deasil
adj. : CLOCKWISE ― compare WIDDERSHINS

death
n. 1 a : a permanent cessation of all vital functions : the end of life ― compare BRAIN DEATH b : an instance of dying <a disease causing many deaths>
2 a : the cause or occasion of loss of life <drinking was the death of him> b : a cause of ruin <the slander that was death to my character ― Wilkie Collins>
3 capitalized : the destroyer of life represented usually as a skeleton with a scythe
4 : the state of being dead
5 a : the passing or destruction of something inanimate <the death of vaudeville> b : EXTINCTION
6 : CIVIL DEATH
7 : SLAUGHTER
8 Christian Science : the lie of life in matter : that which is unreal and untrue
–at death's door : close to death : critically ill
–to death : beyond endurance : EXCESSIVELY <bored to death>

death
n. programmed cell death
black death
brain death
civil death
crib death
to death
at death's door
death benefit
death camas
death camp
death cap
death cup
death duty
death grip
death instinct
death mask
death metal
death rate
death rattle
death ray
death row
death sentence
death's head
death's head hawkmoth
death's head moth
death's head hawk moth
death squad
death tax
death trap
death warrant
death wish
kiss of death
life and death
life or death
living death
sudden death
sudden infant death syndrome
wrongful death
Death Valley

death benefit
: money payable to the beneficiary of a deceased

death camas
: any of several plants (genus Zigadenus) of the lily family that cause poisoning of livestock in the western U.S.

death camp
: a concentration camp in which large numbers of prisoners are systematically killed

death cap
: a very poisonous mushroom (Amanita phalloides) of deciduous woods of No. America and Europe that varies in color from pure white to olive or yellow and has a prominent volva at the base ― called also death cup

death duty
chiefly British : DEATH TAX

death grip
1 : an extremely tight grip caused especially by fear
2 : HOLD 3B <maintained their death grip on overseas markets>

death instinct
: an innate and unconscious tendency toward self-destruction postulated in psychoanalytic theory to explain aggressive and destructive behavior not satisfactorily explained by the pleasure principle ― called also Thanatos ― compare EROS 2

death mask
: a cast taken from the face of a dead person

death metal
: a type of heavy metal music that is characterized by the use of dark, violent, or gory imagery

death rate
: the ratio between deaths and individuals in a specified population and time

death rattle
: a rattling or gurgling sound produced by air passing through mucus in the lungs and air passages of a dying person

death ray
: a weapon that generates an intense beam of particles or radiation by which it destroys its target

death row
: a prison area housing inmates sentenced to death ― usually used with on <prisoners waiting on death row>

death sentence
1 : a sentence condemning a convicted defendant to death
2 : an affliction or a situation that is considered to be fatal also : a prognosis of death

death squad
: any of various extremist groups whose members kill suspected political adversaries and criminals

death tax
: a tax arising on the transmission of property after the owner's death especially : ESTATE TAX

death trap
: a structure or situation that is potentially very dangerous to life

Death Valley
v. arid valley E Calif. & S Nev. containing lowest point in the U.S. at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level; most of area included in Death Valley National Park

death warrant
1 : a warrant for the execution of a death sentence
2 : DEATHBLOW

death wish
: the conscious or unconscious desire for the death of oneself or of another

death's-head
: a human skull or a depiction of a human skull symbolizing death

death's-head hawkmoth
: a large dark hawk moth (Acherontia atropos) especially of Mediterranean regions with markings resembling a human skull on the back of the thorax ― called also death's-head moth

deathbed
n. 1 : the bed in which a person dies
2 : the last hours of life
–on one's deathbed : near the point of death

deathblow
n. : a destructive or killing stroke or event

deathcare
: of, relating to, or providing products or services for the burial or cremation of the dead <the deathcare industry>

deathless
adj. : IMMORTAL, IMPERISHABLE <deathless fame>
–death·less·ly adverb
–death·less·ness noun

deathly
adj. 1 : FATAL
2 : of, relating to, or suggestive of death <a deathly pallor>
–deathly adverb

deathsman
archaic : EXECUTIONER

deathwatch
n. : a small insect that makes a ticking sound especially : DEATHWATCH BEETLE

deathwatch
n. 1 : a vigil kept over the dead or dying
2 : the guard set over a criminal to be executed

deathwatch beetle
: any of various small beetles (family Anobiidae, especially Xestobium rufovillosum) that bore in seasoned or dead wood (as of old buildings) and make a tapping noise as a mating call

Deauville
town NW France on Bay of the Seine SSW of Le Havre pop 4371

deb
n. : DEBUTANTE

deb
n. debenture

debacle
n. 1 : a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river
2 : a violent disruption (as of an army) : ROUT
3 a : a great disaster b : a complete failure : FIASCO

debar
v. : to bar from having or doing something : PRECLUDE
–de·bar·ment \-mənt\ noun

debark
v. : DISEMBARK
–de·bar·ka·tion \ˌdē-ˌbär-'kā-shən\ noun

debark
v. : to remove bark from
–de·bark·er \-'bär-kər\ noun

debase
v. 1 : to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character
2 a : to reduce the intrinsic value of (a coin) by increasing the base-metal content b : to reduce the exchange value of (a monetary unit)
–de·base·ment \-'bās-mənt\ noun
–de·bas·er \-'bā-sər\ noun
synonyms DEBASE, VITIATE, DEPRAVE, CORRUPT, DEBAUCH, PERVERT mean to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character. DEBASE implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity <commercialism has debased the holiday>. VITIATE implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect <a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship>. DEPRAVE implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences <the claim that society is depraved by pornography>. CORRUPT implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity <the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language>. DEBAUCH implies a debasing through sensual indulgence <the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew>. PERVERT implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal <perverted the original goals of the institute>.

debatable
adj. 1 : claimed by more than one country <debatable border territory>
2 a : open to dispute : QUESTIONABLE <the debatable wisdom of his advice> b : open to debate
3 : capable of being debated
–de·bat·ably \-blē\ adverb

debate
n. : a contention by words or arguments: as a : the formal discussion of a motion before a deliberative body according to the rules of parliamentary procedure b : a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides

debate
n. intransitive verb
1 obsolete : FIGHT, CONTEND
2 a : to contend in words b : to discuss a question by considering opposed arguments
3 : to participate in a debate
transitive verb
1 a : to argue about <the subject was hotly debated> b : to engage (an opponent) in debate
2 : to turn over in one's mind <he's still debating what to do>
synonyms see DISCUSS
–de·bate·ment \-'bāt-mənt\ noun
–de·bat·er noun

debauch
v. 1 a archaic : to make disloyal b : to seduce from chastity
2 a : to lead away from virtue or excellence b : to corrupt by intemperance or sensuality
synonyms see DEBASE
–de·bauch·er noun

debauch
v. 1 : an act or occasion of debauchery
2 : ORGY

debauchee
n. : one given to debauchery

debauchery
n. 1 a : extreme indulgence in sensuality b plural : ORGIES
2 archaic : seduction from virtue or duty

debeak
v. : to remove the tip of the upper mandible of (as a chicken) to prevent cannibalism and fighting

debeard
: to remove the byssus from (a mussel)

debenture
n. 1 British : a corporate security other than an equity security : BOND
2 : a bond backed by the general credit of the issuer rather than a specific lien on particular assets

Debierne
André-Louis 1874-1949 Fr. chem.

debilitate
v. : to impair the strength of : ENFEEBLE
synonyms see WEAKEN
–de·bil·i·ta·tion \-ˌbi-lə-'tā-shən\ noun

debility
n. : WEAKNESS, INFIRMITY

debit
n. : to enter upon the debit side of an account : charge with a debit

debit
n. 1 a : a record of an indebtedness specifically : an entry on the left-hand side of an account constituting an addition to an expense or asset account or a deduction from a revenue, net worth, or liability account b : the sum of the items entered as debits
2 : a charge against a bank deposit account
3 : DRAWBACK, SHORTCOMING

debit card
: a card like a credit card by which money may be withdrawn or the cost of purchases paid directly from the holder's bank account without the payment of interest

debonair
adj. 1 archaic : GENTLE, COURTEOUS
2 a : SUAVE, URBANE <a debonair performer> b : LIGHTHEARTED, NONCHALANT
–deb·o·nair·ly adverb
–deb·o·nair·ness noun

debone
v. : BONE <debone a roast>
–de·bon·er noun

Deborah
n. : a Hebrew prophetess who rallied the Israelites in their struggles against the Canaanites

debouch
v. transitive verb : to cause to emerge : DISCHARGE
intransitive verb
1 : to march out into open ground <troops debouching from the town>
2 : EMERGE, ISSUE <rivers debouching into the sea>
–de·bouch·ment \-mənt\ noun

Debrecen
city E Hungary pop 222,300

Debreu
Gerard 1921-     American (Fr.-born) econ.

debridement
n. : the usually surgical removal of lacerated, devitalized, or contaminated tissue
–de·bride \di-'brēd, dā-\ transitive verb

debrief
v. 1 : to interrogate (as a pilot) usually upon return (as from a mission) in order to obtain useful information
2 : to carefully review upon completion <debrief the flight>

debris
n. 1 : the remains of something broken down or destroyed
2 : an accumulation of fragments of rock
3 : something discarded : RUBBISH

Debs
n. Eugene Victor 1855-1926 American socialist

debt
n. 1 : SIN, TRESPASS
2 : something owed : OBLIGATION <unable to pay off his debts>
3 : a state of owing <deeply in debt>
4 : the common-law action for the recovery of money held to be due
–debt·less \-ləs\ adjective

debt service
: the amount of interest and sinking fund payments due annually on long-term debt

debtor
n. 1 : one guilty of neglect or violation of duty
2 : one who owes a debt

debug
v. 1 : to remove insects from
2 : to eliminate errors in or malfunctions of <debug a computer program>
3 : to remove a concealed microphone or wiretapping device from
–de·bug·ger noun

debunk
v. : to expose the sham or falseness of <debunk a legend>
–de·bunk·er noun

Debussy
n. (Achille-) Claude 1862-1918 Fr. composer
–De·bus·sy·an \ˌde-byu̇-'sē-ən, ˌdā-; də-'byü-sē-ən\ adjective

debut
n. 1 : a first appearance <made her singing debut>
2 : a formal entrance into society

debut
n. : to make a debut
transitive verb : to present to the public for the first time : INTRODUCE <debut a new product>

debutant
n. : one making a debut

debutante
n. : DEBUTANT especially : a young woman making her formal entrance into society

Debye
n. Peter Joseph William 1884-1966 American (Du.-born) physicist

Dec
December

dec
1 deceased
2 declaration; declared
3 declination
4 decorated; decorative
5 decrease
6 decrescendo

deca
pref. : ten <decasyllabic> <dekameter>

decade
n. 1 : a group or set of 10: as a : a period of 10 years b : a division of the rosary that consists primarily of 10 Hail Marys
2 : a ratio of 10 to 1 : ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
–de·cad·al \'de-kə-dəl\ adjective

decadelong
: lasting a decade

decadence
n. 1 : the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent
2 : a period of decline
synonyms see DETERIORATION

decadency
n. : DECADENCE 1

decadent
n. 1 : marked by decay or decline
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the decadents
3 : characterized by or appealing to self-indulgence <decadent pleasures>
–dec·a·dent·ly adverb

decadent
n. 1 : one of a group of late 19th century French and English writers tending toward artificial and unconventional subjects and subtilized style
2 : one that is decadent

decaf
n. : decaffeinated coffee

decaffeinated
adj. : having the caffeine removed <decaffeinated coffee> <decaffeinated tea>

decagon
n. : a plane polygon of 10 angles and 10 sides

decagram
n. : DEKAGRAM

decahedron
n. : a polyhedron of 10 faces

decal
n. : a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper

decalcification
n. : the removal or loss of calcium or calcium compounds (as from bones or soil)
–de·cal·ci·fy \(ˌ)dē-'kal-sə-fī\ transitive verb

decalcomania
n. 1 : the art or process of transferring pictures and designs from specially prepared paper (as to glass)
2 : DECAL

decaliter
n. : DEKALITER

decalogue
n. 1 capitalized : TEN COMMANDMENTS
2 : a basic set of rules carrying binding authority

decameter
n. : DEKAMETER

decameter
n. : a line of verse consisting of 10 metrical feet

decamethonium
n. : a synthetic ion used in the form of either its bromide or iodide salts (C_16H_38Br_2N_2 or C_16H_38I_2N_2) as a skeletal muscle relaxant also : either of these salts

decametric
: of, relating to, or being a radio wave of high frequency

decamp
v. 1 : to break up a camp
2 : to depart suddenly : ABSCOND
–de·camp·ment \-mənt\ noun

decane
: any of several isomeric liquid alkanes C_10H_22

decant
v. 1 : to draw off (a liquid) without disturbing the sediment or the lower liquid layers
2 : to pour from one vessel into another
3 : to pour out, transfer, or unload as if by pouring
–de·can·ta·tion \ˌdē-ˌkan-'tā-shən\ noun

decanter
n. : a vessel used to decant or to receive decanted liquids especially : an ornamental glass bottle used for serving wine

decapitate
v. : to cut off the head of : BEHEAD
–de·cap·i·ta·tion \-ˌka-pə-'tā-shən\ noun
–de·cap·i·ta·tor \-'ka-pə-ˌtā-tər\ noun

decapod
n. 1 : any of an order (Decapoda) of crustaceans (as shrimps, lobsters, and crabs) with five pairs of thoracic appendages one or more of which are modified into pincers, with stalked eyes, and with the head and thorax fused into a cephalothorax and covered by a carapace
2 : any of the cephalopod mollusks (orders Sepioidea and Teuthoidea) with 10 arms including cuttlefishes, squids, and related forms
–decapod adjective
–de·cap·o·dan \di-'ka-pə-dən\ adjective or noun
–de·cap·o·dous \-ə-dəs\ adjective

Decapolis
confederation of 10 ancient cities N Palestine in region chiefly SE of Sea of Galilee

decarbonate
v. : to remove carbon dioxide or carbonic acid from
–de·car·bon·ation \-ˌkär-bə-'nā-shən\ noun

decarbonize
v. : to remove carbon from
–de·car·bon·iz·er noun

decarboxylase
n. : any of a group of enzymes that accelerate decarboxylation especially of amino acids

decarboxylation
n. : the removal or elimination of carboxyl from a molecule
–de·car·box·yl·ate \-'bäk-sə-ˌlāt\ transitive verb

decarburize
v. : DECARBONIZE
–de·car·bu·ri·za·tion \-ˌkär-b(y)ə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

decare
: a metric unit of area equal to 10 ares or 0.2471 acre

decasualization
n. : the process of eliminating the employment of casual workers in order to stabilize the workforce

decasyllabic
adj. : consisting of 10 syllables or composed of verses of 10 syllables
–decasyllabic noun
–deca·syl·la·ble \'de-kə-ˌsi-lə-bəl, ˌde-kə-'\ noun

decathlete
n. : an athlete who competes in the decathlon

decathlon
n. : a 10-event athletic contest specifically : a composite contest that consists of the 100-meter, 400-meter, and 1500-meter runs, the 110-meter high hurdles, the javelin and discus throws, shot put, pole vault, high jump, and long jump

Decatur
Stephen 1779-1820 American naval officer

Decatur
1 city N Ala. pop 53,929
2 city cen Ill. pop 81,860

decay
n. intransitive verb
1 : to decline from a sound or prosperous condition
2 : to decrease usually gradually in size, quantity, activity, or force
3 : to fall into ruin
4 : to decline in health, strength, or vigor
5 : to undergo decomposition <decaying fruit>
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to cause to decay : IMPAIR <infirmity that decays the wise ― Shakespeare>
2 : to destroy by decomposition
–de·cay·er noun
synonyms DECAY, DECOMPOSE, ROT, PUTREFY, SPOIL mean to undergo destructive dissolution. DECAY implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection <a decaying mansion>. DECOMPOSE stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption <the strong odor of decomposing vegetation>. ROT is a close synonym of DECOMPOSE and often connotes foulness <fruit was left to rot in warehouses>. PUTREFY implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell <corpses putrefying on the battlefield>. SPOIL applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods <keep the ham from spoiling>.

decay
n. 1 : gradual decline in strength, soundness, or prosperity or in degree of excellence or perfection
2 : a wasting or wearing away : RUIN
3 obsolete : DESTRUCTION, DEATH
4 a : ROT specifically : aerobic decomposition of proteins chiefly by bacteria b : the product of decay
5 : a decline in health or vigor
6 : decrease in quantity, activity, or force: as a : spontaneous decrease in the number of radioactive atoms in radioactive material b : spontaneous disintegration (as of an atom or a particle)

Decazes
Duc Élie 1780-1860 Fr. statesman

Decca
: a system of long-range navigation used chiefly in Europe that utilizes the phase differences of continuous-wave signals from synchronized ground transmitters to establish position

Deccan
plateau region S cen India lying bet. Eastern Ghats & Western Ghats

decd
deceased

decease
n. : departure from life : DEATH
–decease intransitive verb

deceased
n. : no longer living especially : recently dead ― used of persons
synonyms see DEAD

deceased
n. : a dead person <the will of the deceased>

decedent
n. : a deceased person ― used chiefly in law

deceit
n. 1 : the act or practice of deceiving : DECEPTION
2 : an attempt or device to deceive : TRICK
3 : the quality of being deceitful : DECEITFULNESS

deceitful
adj. : having a tendency or disposition to deceive: a : not honest <a deceitful child> b : DECEPTIVE, MISLEADING <deceitful advertising>
synonyms see DISHONEST
–de·ceit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–de·ceit·ful·ness noun

deceivable
adv. 1 archaic : DECEITFUL, DECEPTIVE
2 archaic : capable of being deceived

deceive
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : ENSNARE
2 a obsolete : to be false to b archaic : to fail to fulfill
3 obsolete : CHEAT
4 : to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid
5 archaic : to while away
intransitive verb : to practice deceit also : to give a false impression <appearances can deceive>
–de·ceiv·er noun
–de·ceiv·ing·ly \-'sē-viŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms DECEIVE, MISLEAD, DELUDE, BEGUILE mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness. DECEIVE implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness <tried to deceive me about the cost>. MISLEAD implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional <I was misled by the confusing sign>. DELUDE implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth <we were deluded into thinking we were safe>. BEGUILE stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving <was beguiled by false promises>.

decelerate
v. transitive verb
1 : to reduce the speed of : slow down <decelerate a car>
2 : to decrease the rate of progress of <decelerate growth> <decelerate soil erosion>
intransitive verb : to move at decreasing speed
–de·cel·er·a·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌse-lə-'rā-shən\ noun
–de·cel·er·a·tor \(ˌ)dē-'se-lə-rā-tər\ noun

December
n. : the 12th month of the Gregorian calendar

Decembrist
n. : one taking part in the unsuccessful uprising against the Russian emperor Nicholas I in December 1825

decemvir
n. : one of a ruling body of 10 specifically : one of a body of 10 magistrates in ancient Rome
–de·cem·vi·ral \-vər-əl\ adjective
–de·cem·vi·rate \-vər-ət\ noun

decency
n. 1 archaic a : FITNESS b : ORDERLINESS
2 a : the quality or state of being decent : PROPRIETY b : conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality
3 : standard of propriety ― usually used in plural
4 plural : conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living
5 : literary decorum

decennial
n. 1 : consisting of or lasting for 10 years
2 : occurring or being done every 10 years <the decennial census>
–decennial noun
–de·cen·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

decennium
n. : a period of 10 years : DECADE

decent
adj. 1 archaic a : APPROPRIATE b : well-formed : HANDSOME
2 a : conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality <decent behavior> b : modestly clothed
3 : free from immodesty or obscenity <decent language>
4 : fairly good : ADEQUATE, SATISFACTORY <decent wages>
5 : marked by moral integrity, kindness, and goodwill <hard-working and decent folks> <it's very decent of them to help>
synonyms see CHASTE
–de·cent·ly adverb

decenter
v. : to cause to lose or shift from an established center or focus especially : to disconnect from practical or theoretical assumptions of origin, priority, or essence <decenter Western conceptions of history ― Ernest Larsen>

decentralisation
British variant of decentralization

decentralization
n. 1 : the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers specifically : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities
2 : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas
–de·cen·tral·ize \(ˌ)dē-'sen-trə-ˌlīz\ verb

deception
n. 1 a : the act of deceiving b : the fact or condition of being deceived
2 : something that deceives : TRICK <a clever deception>
–de·cep·tion·al \-shə-nəl\ adjective
synonyms DECEPTION, FRAUD, DOUBLE-DEALING, SUBTERFUGE, TRICKERY mean the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives. DECEPTION may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource <magicians are masters of deception>. FRAUD always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice <indicted for fraud>. DOUBLE-DEALING suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude <a go-between suspected of double-dealing>. SUBTERFUGE suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end <obtained the papers by subterfuge>. TRICKERY implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat <resorted to trickery to gain their ends>.

deceptive
adj. : tending or having power to deceive : MISLEADING <a deceptive appearance>
–de·cep·tive·ly adverb
–de·cep·tive·ness noun

decerebrate
v. 1 : characteristic of decerebration <decerebrate rigidity>
2 : having the cerebrum removed or made inactive

decerebrate
v. : to remove the cerebrum from also : to make incapable of cerebral activity
–de·cer·e·bra·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌser-ə-'brā-shən\ noun

decertify
v. : to withdraw or revoke the certification of
–de·cer·ti·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsər-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

dechlorinate
v. : to remove chlorine from <dechlorinate water>
–de·chlo·ri·na·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌklȯr-ə-'nā-shən\ noun

deci
pref. : one tenth part of <decimeter>

decibel
n. 1 a : a unit for expressing the ratio of two amounts of electric or acoustic signal power equal to 10 times the common logarithm of this ratio b : a unit for expressing the ratio of the magnitudes of two electric voltages or currents or analogous acoustic quantities equal to 20 times the common logarithm of the voltage or current ratio
2 : a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain level
3 : degree of loudness also : extremely loud sound ― usually used in plural

decide
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make a final choice or judgment about <decide what to do> b : to select as a course of action ― used with an infinitive <decided to go> c : to infer on the basis of evidence : CONCLUDE <they decided that he was right>
2 : to bring to a definitive end <one blow decided the fight>
3 : to induce to come to a choice <her pleas decided him to help>
intransitive verb : to make a choice or judgment <decide on where to go>
–de·cid·abil·i·ty \di-ˌsī-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·cid·able \di-'sī-də-bəl\ adjective
–de·cid·er noun
synonyms DECIDE, DETERMINE, SETTLE, RULE, RESOLVE mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. DECIDE implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy <she decided to sell her house>. DETERMINE implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something <determined the cause of the problem>. SETTLE implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty <the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy>. RULE implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority <the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible>. RESOLVE implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something <he resolved to quit smoking>.

decided
adj. 1 : UNQUESTIONABLE <a decided advantage>
2 : free from doubt or wavering <has decided ideas on politics>
–de·cid·ed·ly adverb
–de·cid·ed·ness noun

deciding
adj. : that decides : DECISIVE <drove in the deciding run>

decidua
n. 1 : the part of the endometrium that in higher placental mammals undergoes special modifications in preparation for and during pregnancy and is cast off at parturition
2 : the part of the endometrium cast off in the process of menstruation
–de·cid·u·al \-wəl, -əl\ adjective

deciduous
adj. 1 : falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle <deciduous leaves> <deciduous scales>
2 a : having deciduous parts <maples, birches, and other deciduous trees> b : having the dominant plants deciduous <a deciduous forest>
3 : EPHEMERAL
–de·cid·u·ous·ness noun

deciduous tooth
: MILK TOOTH

decigram
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

decile
n. : any one of nine numbers that divide a frequency distribution into 10 classes such that each contains the same number of individuals also : any one of these 10 classes
–decile adjective

deciliter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

decillion
― see NUMBER table

decimal
n. : numbered or proceeding by tens: a : based on the number 10 especially : expressed in or utilizing a decimal system especially with a decimal point b : subdivided into 10th or 100th units <decimal coinage>
–dec·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

decimal
n. : any real number expressed in base 10 especially : DECIMAL FRACTION

decimal
n. circulating decimal
decimal fraction
decimal place
decimal point
decimal system
Dewey decimal classification
Dewey decimal system
recurring decimal
repeating decimal
terminating decimal

decimal fraction
: a fraction (as .25 = 25/100 or .025 = 25/1000) or mixed number (as 3.025 = 325/1000) in which the denominator is a power of 10 usually expressed by use of the decimal point

decimal place
: the position of a digit as counted to the right of the decimal point in a decimal

decimal point
: a period, centered dot, or in some countries a comma at the left of a proper decimal fraction (as .678) or between the parts of a mixed number (as 3.678) expressed by a whole number and a decimal fraction

decimal system
1 : a number system that uses a notation in which each number is expressed in base 10 by using one of the first nine integers or 0 in each place and letting each place value be a power of 10
2 : a system of measurement or currency in which the basic units increase by powers of 10

decimalisation
British variant of decimalization

decimalization
n. : conversion (as of a currency) to a decimal system
–dec·i·mal·ize \'de-sə-mə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

decimate
v. 1 : to select by lot and kill every tenth man of
2 : to exact a tax of 10 percent from <poor as a decimated Cavalier ― John Dryden>
3 a : to reduce drastically especially in number <cholera decimated the population> b : to cause great destruction or harm to <firebombs decimated the city> <an industry decimated by recession>
–dec·i·ma·tion \ˌde-sə-'mā-shən\ noun

decimeter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

decipher
v. 1 : DECODE 1A
2 obsolete : DEPICT
3 a : to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity b : to interpret the meaning of
–de·ci·pher·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–de·ci·pher·er \-fər-ər\ noun
–de·ci·pher·ment \-fər-mənt\ noun

decision
n. 1 a : the act or process of deciding b : a determination arrived at after consideration : CONCLUSION <make a decision>
2 : a report of a conclusion <a 5-page decision>
3 : promptness and firmness in deciding : DETERMINATION <acting with decision>
4 a : WIN specifically : a victory in boxing decided on points <a unanimous decision> b : a win or loss officially credited to a pitcher in baseball <has five wins in eight decisions>
–de·ci·sion·al \-'si-zhnəl, -'si-zhə-nəl\ adjective

decision
n. : to win a decision over (a boxing opponent)

decision
n. decision theory
decision tree
split decision

decision theory
: a branch of statistical theory concerned with quantifying the process of making choices between alternatives

decision tree
: a tree diagram which is used for making decisions in business or computer programming and in which the branches represent choices with associated risks, costs, results, or probabilities

decisive
adj. 1 : having the power or quality of deciding <a decisive battle>
2 : RESOLUTE, DETERMINED <a decisive manner>
3 : UNMISTAKABLE, UNQUESTIONABLE <a decisive superiority>
synonyms see CONCLUSIVE
–de·ci·sive·ly adverb
–de·ci·sive·ness noun

Decius
Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus ca 201-251 Rom. emp. (249-51)

deck
n. 1 : a platform in a ship serving usually as a structural element and forming the floor for its compartments
2 : something resembling the deck of a ship: as a : a story or tier of a building (as a sports stadium) <the upper deck> b : the roadway of a bridge c : a flat floored roofless area adjoining a house d : the lid of the compartment at the rear of the body of an automobile also : the compartment e : a layer of clouds
3 a : a pack of playing cards b : a packet of narcotics
4 : TAPE DECK
–on deck
1 : ready for duty
2 : next in line : next in turn

deck
n. 1 obsolete : COVER
2 a : to clothe in a striking or elegant manner : ARRAY <decked out in furs> b : DECORATE <deck the halls with boughs of holly ― English carol> c : to portray or present with embellishments
3 [1deck] : to furnish with or as if with a deck
4 [1deck] : to knock down forcibly : FLOOR <decked him with one punch>
synonyms see ADORN

deck
n. on deck
deck chair
deck shoe
deck tennis
double deck
flight deck
orlop deck
play with a full deck
poop deck
promenade deck
tape deck
weather deck
well deck
clear the decks
double decked

deck chair
: a folding chair often having an adjustable leg rest

deck shoe
: a low shoe having a nonslip sole and a lace that is threaded through a channel around the back of the shoe

deck tennis
: a game in which players toss a ring or quoit back and forth over a net

decker
n. : something having a specified number of decks, levels, floors, or layers ― used in combination <many of the city's buses are double-deckers>

decker
n. double decker
three decker
triple decker

deckhand
n. : a sailor who performs manual duties

deckhouse
n. : a superstructure on a ship's upper deck

decking
n. : DECK also : material for a deck

deckle
n. : a frame around the edges of a mold used in making paper by hand also : either of the bands around the edge of the wire of a papermaking machine that determine the width of the web

deckle edge
: the rough untrimmed edge of paper left by a deckle or produced artificially
–deck·le-edged \-'ejd\ adjective

declaim
v. intransitive verb
1 : to speak rhetorically specifically : to recite something as an exercise in elocution
2 : to speak pompously or bombastically : HARANGUE
transitive verb : to deliver rhetorically <an actor declaiming his lines> specifically : to recite in elocution
–de·claim·er noun
–dec·la·ma·tion \ˌde-klə-'mā-shən\ noun

declamatory
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by declamation or rhetorical display <declamatory speeches>

declarant
n. : a person who makes a statement or declaration especially in connection with a legal proceeding

declaration
n. 1 : the act of declaring : ANNOUNCEMENT
2 a : the first pleading in a common-law action b : a statement made by a party to a legal transaction usually not under oath
3 a : something that is declared <a declaration of love> b : a document containing such a declaration

declarative
adj. : making a declaration : DECLARATORY <a declarative sentence>
–de·clar·a·tive·ly adverb

declaratory
adj. 1 : serving to declare, set forth, or explain
2 a : declaring what is the existing law <declaratory statute> b : declaring a legal right or interpretation <a declaratory judgment>

declare
v. transitive verb
1 : to make known formally, officially, or explicitly
2 obsolete : to make clear
3 : to make evident : SHOW
4 : to state emphatically : AFFIRM <declares his innocence>
5 : to make a full statement of (one's taxable or dutiable property)
6 a : to announce (as a trump suit) in a card game b : MELD
7 : to make payable <declare a dividend>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a declaration
2 : to avow one's opinion or support
3 : to announce one's intentions (as to run for political office) <declared for mayor>
–de·clar·able \-'kler-ə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms DECLARE, ANNOUNCE, PROCLAIM, PROMULGATE mean to make known publicly. DECLARE implies explicitness and usually formality in making known <the referee declared the contest a draw>. ANNOUNCE implies the declaration of something for the first time <announced their engagement at a party>. PROCLAIM implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively <the president proclaimed a national day of mourning>. PROMULGATE implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law <promulgated an edict of religious toleration>. synonym see in addition ASSERT

declarer
n. : one that declares specifically : the bridge player who names the trump and plays both his or her own hand and that of the dummy

declass
v. : to remove from a class especially : to assign to a lower social status

declasse
adj. 1 : fallen or lowered in class, rank, or social position
2 : of inferior status

declassify
v. : to remove or reduce the security classification of <declassify a secret document>
–de·clas·si·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkla-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

declaw
v. : to remove the claws of (as a cat) surgically

declension
n. 1 a : noun, adjective, or pronoun inflection especially in some prescribed order of the forms b : a class of nouns or adjectives having the same type of inflectional forms
2 : a falling off or away : DETERIORATION
3 : DESCENT, SLOPE
–de·clen·sion·al \-'klen(t)-shə-nəl\ adjective

declination
n. 1 : angular distance north or south from the celestial equator measured along a great circle passing through the celestial poles
2 : a turning aside or swerving
3 : DETERIORATION <moral declination>
4 : a bending downward : INCLINATION
5 : a formal refusal
6 : the angle formed between a magnetic needle and the geographical meridian
–dec·li·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

decline
n. intransitive verb
1 archaic : to turn from a straight course : STRAY
2 a : to slope downward : DESCEND b : to bend down : DROOP c : to stoop to what is unworthy
3 a of a celestial body : to sink toward setting b : to draw toward a close : WANE <the day declined>
4 : to tend toward an inferior state or weaker condition <his health declined> <morale declined>
5 : to withhold consent
6 : to become less in amount <prices declined>
transitive verb
1 : to give in prescribed order the grammatical forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective)
2 obsolete a : AVERT b : AVOID
3 : to cause to bend or bow downward
4 a : to refuse to undertake, undergo, engage in, or comply with <decline battle> b : to refuse especially courteously <decline an invitation>
–de·clin·able \-'klī-nə-bəl\ adjective
–de·clin·er \-'klī-nər\ noun
synonyms DECLINE, REFUSE, REJECT, REPUDIATE, SPURN mean to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering. DECLINE often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations <declined his party's nomination>. REFUSE suggests more positiveness or ungraciousness and often implies the denial of something asked for <refused to lend them the money>. REJECT implies a peremptory refusal by sending away or discarding <rejected the manuscript as unpublishable>. REPUDIATE implies a casting off or disowning as untrue, unauthorized, or unworthy of acceptance <teenagers who repudiate the values of their parents>. SPURN stresses contempt or disdain in rejection or repudiation <spurned his overtures of friendship>.

decline
n. 1 : the process of declining: a : a gradual physical or mental sinking and wasting away b : a change to a lower state or level <the decline of the aristocracy>
2 : the period during which something is deteriorating or approaching its end <an empire in decline>
3 : a downward slope
4 : a wasting disease especially : pulmonary tuberculosis
synonyms see DETERIORATION

declining
adj. : of or relating to the period during which something is deteriorating or nearing its end <her declining years>

declinist
: one who theorizes that a nation or society is in or is headed for a state of economic, political, or social decline

declivitous
adj. : moderately steep

declivity
n. 1 : downward inclination
2 : a descending slope

deco
often attrib

1969
: ART DECO

decoct
v. 1 : to extract the flavor of by boiling
2 : BOIL DOWN, CONCENTRATE

decoction
n. 1 : an extract obtained by decocting
2 : the act or process of decocting

decode
v. 1 a : to convert (as a coded message) into intelligible form b : to recognize and interpret (an electronic signal)
2 a : DECIPHER 3A b : to discover the underlying meaning of <decode the play's imagery>

decoder
n. : one that decodes especially : an electronic device that converts signals from one form to another (as for unscrambling a television transmission)

decollate
v. : BEHEAD
–de·col·la·tion \ˌdē-kä-'lā-shən\ noun

decolletage
n. 1 : the low-cut neckline of a dress
2 : a décolleté dress
3 : 1BUST 2

decollete
adj. 1 : wearing a strapless or low-necked dress
2 : having a low-cut neckline

decollete
adj. : DÉCOLLETAGE

decolonize
v. : to free from colonial status
–de·col·o·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkä-lə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

decolorize
v. : to remove color from <decolorize vinegar by adsorption of impurities on activated charcoal>
–de·col·or·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkə-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·col·or·iz·er \(')dē-'kə-lə-ˌrī-zər\ noun

decommission
v. : to remove (as a ship or nuclear power plant) from service

decompensation
n. : loss of physiological or psychological compensation especially : inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation
–de·com·pen·sate \(ˌ)dē-'käm-pən-ˌsāt, -ˌpen-\ verb

decompose
v. transitive verb
1 : to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds <decompose water by electrolysis> <decompose a word into its base and affixes>
2 : ROT
intransitive verb : to break up into constituent parts by or as if by a chemical process : DECAY, ROT <fruit decomposes>
synonyms see DECAY
–de·com·pos·abil·i·ty \-ˌpō-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·com·pos·able \-'pō-zə-bəl\ adjective
–de·com·po·si·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pə-'zi-shən\ noun

decomposer
n. : any of various organisms (as many bacteria and fungi) that return constituents of organic substances to ecological cycles by feeding on and breaking down dead protoplasm ― compare CONSUMER, PRODUCER 4

decompound
v. of a leaf : having divisions that are themselves compound

decompress
v. 1 : to release from pressure or compression
2 : to convert (as a compressed file or signal) to an expanded or original size
intransitive verb : to undergo release from pressure especially : RELAX <need a week off to decompress>
–de·com·pres·sion \-'pre-shən\ noun

decompression sickness
: a sometimes fatal disorder that is marked by neuralgic pains and paralysis, distress in breathing, and often collapse and that is caused by the release of gas bubbles (as of nitrogen) in tissue upon too rapid decrease in air pressure after a stay in a compressed atmosphere ― called also bends, caisson disease ― compare AEROEMBOLISM

deconcentrate
v. : to reduce or abolish the concentration of : DECENTRALIZE
–de·con·cen·tra·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkän(t)-sən-'trā-shən\ noun

decondition
v. 1 : to cause extinction of (a conditioned response)
2 : to cause to lose physical fitness

decongestant
n. : an agent that relieves congestion (as of mucous membranes)
–decongestant adjective

decongestion
n. : the process of relieving congestion
–de·con·gest \-'jest\ transitive verb
–de·con·ges·tive \-'jes-tiv\ adjective

deconsecrate
v. : to remove the sacred character of <deconsecrate a church>
–de·con·se·cra·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkän(t)-sə-'krā-shən\ noun

deconstruct
v. 1 : to examine (as a work of literature) using the methods of deconstruction
2 : to take apart or examine in order to reveal the basis or composition of often with the intention of exposing biases, flaws, or inconsistencies <deconstruct the myths of both the left and the right ― Wayne Karlin>
3 : to adapt or separate the elements of for use in an ironic or radically new way <uses his masterly tailoring skills to deconstruct the classics ― Vogue>
4 : DESTROY, DEMOLISH <nations that are deconstructing themselves ― Jim Hoagland>
–de·con·struc·tive \-tiv\ adjective
–de·con·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

deconstruction
n. 1 : a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers also : an instance of the use of this method <a deconstruction of the nature-culture opposition in Rousseau's work>
2 : the analytic examination of something (as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy

deconstructionism
: DECONSTRUCTION 1
–de·con·struc·tion·ist \-shə-nist\ adjective or noun

deconstructivism
: an architectural movement or style influenced by deconstruction that encourages radical freedom of form and the open manifestation of complexity in a building rather than strict attention to functional concerns and conventional design elements (as right angles or grids)
–de·con·struc·ti·vist \-vist\ adjective or noun often cap

decontaminate
v. : to rid of contamination (as radioactive material)
–de·con·tam·i·na·tion \-ˌta-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–de·con·tam·i·na·tor \-'ta-mə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

decontextualize
v. : to remove from a context

decontrol
v. : to end control of
–decontrol noun

decor
n. 1 : a stage setting
2 a : DECORATION 2 b : the style and layout of interior furnishings

decorate
v. 1 : to add honor to
2 : to furnish with something ornamental <decorate a room>
3 : to award a mark of honor to <a soldier decorated for valor>
synonyms see ADORN

decoration
n. 1 : the act or process of decorating
2 : something that adorns, enriches, or beautifies : ORNAMENT
3 : a badge of honor (as a U.S. military award)

Decoration Day
: MEMORIAL DAY

decorative
adj. : serving to decorate especially : purely ornamental
–dec·o·ra·tive·ly adverb
–dec·o·ra·tive·ness noun

decorative art
1 : art that is concerned primarily with the creation of useful items (as furniture, ceramics, or textiles) ― usually used in plural
2 : objects of decorative art

decorator
n. : one that decorates especially : one that designs or executes interiors and their furnishings

decorator
n. : suitable for interior decoration <decorator fabrics>

decorous
adj. : marked by propriety and good taste : CORRECT <decorous conduct>
–dec·o·rous·ly adverb
–dec·o·rous·ness noun

decortication
n. 1 : the act or process of removing the outer coverings (as bark or husks) from something (as fiber or seed)
2 : the surgical removal of the outer layer or covering of an organ or structure (as the brain or a kidney)
–de·cor·ti·cate \(ˌ)dē-'kȯr-tə-ˌkāt\ transitive verb
–de·cor·ti·cat·or \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

decorum
n. 1 : literary and dramatic propriety : FITNESS
2 : propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
3 : ORDERLINESS
4 plural : the conventions of polite behavior

decoupage
n. 1 : the art of decorating surfaces by applying cutouts (as of paper) and then coating with usually several layers of finish (as lacquer or varnish)
2 : work produced by decoupage
–decoupage or découpage transitive verb

decouple
v. : to eliminate the interrelationship of : SEPARATE

decoy
n. 1 : a pond into which wildfowl are lured for capture
2 : someone or something used to lure or lead another into a trap especially : an artificial bird used to attract live birds within shot
3 : someone or something used to draw attention away from another

decoy
n. : to lure by or as if by a decoy : ENTICE
synonyms see LURE

decrease
n. intransitive verb : to grow progressively less (as in size, amount, number, or intensity)
transitive verb : to cause to decrease
–de·creas·ing·ly \di-'krē-siŋ-lē, dē-\ adverb
synonyms DECREASE, LESSEN, DIMINISH, REDUCE, ABATE, DWINDLE mean to grow or make less. DECREASE suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity <slowly decreased the amount of pressure>. LESSEN suggests a decline in amount rather than in number <has been unable to lessen her debt>. DIMINISH emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total <his visual acuity has diminished>. REDUCE implies a bringing down or lowering <you must reduce your caloric intake>. ABATE implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount <the storm abated>. DWINDLE implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller <their provisions dwindled slowly>.

decrease
n. 1 : the process of decreasing
2 : an amount of diminution : REDUCTION

decree
n. 1 : an order usually having the force of law
2 a : a religious ordinance enacted by council or titular head b : a foreordaining will
3 a : a judicial decision of the Roman emperor b : a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court

decree
n. transitive verb
1 : to command or enjoin by or as if by decree <decree an amnesty>
2 : to determine or order judicially <decree a punishment>
intransitive verb : ORDAIN
–de·cre·er \-'krē-ər\ noun

decree-law
: a decree of a ruler or ministry having the force of a law enacted by the legislature

decrement
n. 1 : a gradual decrease in quality or quantity
2 a : the quantity lost by diminution or waste b : the amount of decrease (as of a variable)
–dec·re·men·tal \ˌde-krə-'men-təl\ adjective

decrepit
adj. 1 : wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age
2 a : impaired by use or wear : WORN-OUT b : fallen into ruin or disrepair
3 : DILAPIDATED, RUN-DOWN
synonyms see WEAK
–de·crep·it·ly adverb

decrepitate
v. transitive verb : to roast or calcine (as salt) so as to cause crackling or until crackling stops
intransitive verb : to become decrepitated
–de·crep·i·ta·tion \-ˌkre-pə-'tā-shən\ noun

decrepitude
n. : the quality or state of being decrepit

decrescendo
n. 1 : a gradual decrease in volume of a musical passage
2 : a decrescendo musical passage

decrescendo
n. : with a decrease in volume ― used as a direction in music

decrescent
adj. : becoming less by gradual diminution : DECREASING, WANING

decretal
n. : DECREE especially : a papal letter giving an authoritative decision on a point of canon law

decretive
adj. : having the force of a decree : DECRETORY

decretory
adj. : relating to or fixed by a decree or decision

decriminalize
v. : to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of especially : to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation <decriminalize the possession of marijuana>
–de·crim·i·nal·iza·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌkrim-nəl-\ noun

decry
v. 1 : to depreciate (as a coin) officially or publicly
2 : to express strong disapproval of <decry the emphasis on sex>
–de·cri·er \-'krī(-ə)r\ noun
synonyms DECRY, DEPRECIATE, DISPARAGE, BELITTLE mean to express a low opinion of. DECRY implies open condemnation with intent to discredit <decried their defeatist attitude>. DEPRECIATE implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed <critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental>. DISPARAGE implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison <disparaged polo as a game for the rich>. BELITTLE usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude <belittled the achievements of others>.

decrypt
v. : DECODE 1A
–de·cryp·tion \-'krip-shən\ noun

decubitus ulcer
: BEDSORE

decumbent
adj. 1 : lying down
2 of a plant : reclining on the ground but with ascending apex or extremity

decuple
n. 1 : TENFOLD
2 : taken in groups of 10

decurion
1 : a Roman cavalry officer in command of 10 men
2 : a member of a Roman senate

decurrent
adj. : running or extending downward along the stem <decurrent leaves>

decurved
: curved downward : bent down <a decurved bill>

decussate
adj. : INTERSECT, CROSS

decussate
adj. : arranged in pairs each at right angles to the next pair above or below <decussate leaves>

decussation
n. 1 : the action of crossing (as of nerve fibers) especially in the form of an X
2 : a crossed tract of nerve fibers passing between centers on opposite sides of the nervous system

Dedham
town E Mass. SW of Boston pop 23,464

dedicate
v. : DEDICATED 1

dedicate
v. 1 : to devote to the worship of a divine being specifically : to set apart (a church) to sacred uses with solemn rites
2 a : to set apart to a definite use <money dedicated to their vacation fund> b : to commit to a goal or way of life <ready to dedicate his life to public service>
3 : to inscribe or address by way of compliment <dedicate a book to a friend>
4 : to open to public use
synonyms see DEVOTE
–ded·i·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

dedicated
adj. 1 : devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose : ZEALOUS <a dedicated scholar>
2 : given over to a particular purpose <a dedicated Web server>
–ded·i·cat·ed·ly adverb

dedicatee
n. : one to whom a thing is dedicated

dedication
n. 1 : an act or rite of dedicating to a divine being or to a sacred use
2 : a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose
3 : a name and often a message prefixed to a literary, musical, or artistic production in tribute to a person or cause
4 : self-sacrificing devotion <her dedication to the cause>
5 : a ceremony to mark the official completion or opening of something (as a building)
–ded·i·ca·to·ry \'de-di-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

dedifferentiation
n. : reversion of specialized structures (as cells) to a more generalized or primitive condition often as a preliminary to major physiological or structural change
–de·dif·fer·en·ti·ate \-'ren-chē-ˌāt\ intransitive verb

deduce
v. 1 : to determine by deduction specifically : to infer from a general principle
2 : to trace the course of
synonyms see INFER
–de·duc·ible \-'d(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adjective

deduct
v. 1 : to take away (an amount) from a total : SUBTRACT
2 : DEDUCE, INFER

deductible
adj. : allowable as a deduction <expenses that are deductible from taxable income>
–de·duct·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

deductible
adj. : a clause in an insurance policy that relieves the insurer of responsibility for an initial specified loss of the kind insured against also : the amount of the loss specified in such a clause

deduction
n. 1 a : an act of taking away <deduction of legitimate business expenses> b : something that is or may be subtracted <deductions from his taxable income>
2 a : the deriving of a conclusion by reasoning specifically : inference in which the conclusion about particulars follows necessarily from general or universal premises ― compare INDUCTION b : a conclusion reached by logical deduction

deductive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or provable by deduction
2 : employing deduction in reasoning
–de·duc·tive·ly adverb

Dee
n. 1 river 87 mi (140 km) NE Scotland flowing E into North Sea
2 river 50 mi (80 km) S Scotland flowing S into Solway Firth
3 river 70 mi (113 km) N Wales & W England flowing E & N into Irish Sea

dee
n. 1 : the letter d
2 : something shaped like the letter D

deed
n. 1 : something that is done <evil deeds>
2 : a usually illustrious act or action : FEAT, EXPLOIT <a hero's daring deeds>
3 : the act of performing : ACTION <righteous in word and in deed>
4 : a signed and usually sealed instrument containing some legal transfer, bargain, or contract
–deed·less \-ləs\ adjective

deed
n. : to convey or transfer by deed

deed
n. deed poll
quitclaim deed
title deed
warranty deed
deeds poll

deed poll
British : a deed (as to change one's name) made and executed by only one party

deedy
dialect chiefly English : INDUSTRIOUS

deejay
n. : DISC JOCKEY
–deejay verb

deem
v. transitive verb : to come to think or judge : CONSIDER <deemed it wise to go slow>
intransitive verb : to have an opinion : BELIEVE

deep
n. 1 : extending far from some surface or area: as a : extending far downward <a deep well> b (1) : extending well inward from an outer surface <a deep gash> <a deep-chested animal> (2) : not located superficially within the body <deep pressure receptors in muscles> c : extending well back from a surface accepted as front <a deep closet> d : extending far laterally from the center <deep borders of lace> e : occurring or located near the outer limits of the playing area <hit to deep right field> f : thrown deep <a deep pass>
2 : having a specified extension in an implied direction usually downward or backward <a shelf 20 inches deep> <cars parked three-deep>
3 a : difficult to penetrate or comprehend : RECONDITE <deep mathematical problems> b : MYSTERIOUS, OBSCURE <a deep dark secret> c : grave in nature or effect <in deepest disgrace> d : of penetrating intellect : WISE <a deep thinker> e : intensely engrossed or immersed <she was deep in her book> f : characterized by profundity of feeling or quality <a deep sleep> also : DEEP-SEATED <deep religious beliefs>
4 a of color : high in saturation and low in lightness b : having a low musical pitch or pitch range <a deep voice>
5 a : situated well within the boundaries <a house deep in the woods> b : remote in time or space c : being below the level of consciousness <deep neuroses> d : covered, enclosed, or filled to a specified degree ― usually used in combination <ankle-deep in mud>
6 : LARGE <deep discounts>
7 : having many good players <a deep bull pen>
synonyms see BROAD
–deep·ly adverb
–deep·ness noun
–in deep water : in difficulty or distress

deep
n. 1 : to a great depth : DEEPLY <still waters run deep>
2 : far on : LATE <danced deep into the night>
3 a : near the outer limits of the playing area <the shortstop was playing deep> b : LONG 6

deep
n. 1 a : a vast or immeasurable extent : ABYSS b (1) : the extent of surrounding space or time (2) : OCEAN
2 : any of the deep portions of a body of water specifically : a generally long and narrow area in the ocean where the depth exceeds 3000 fathoms (5500 meters)
3 : the middle or most intense part <the deep of winter>
4 : any of the fathom points on a sounding line other than the marks

deep
n. in deep water
deep dish
deep ecology
deep ecologist
deep fat
deep focus
deep freeze
deep fry
deep fryer
deep pocket
deep pocketed
deep rooted
deep sea
deep seated
deep six
deep sky
deep space
deep structure
deep throat
between the devil and the deep blue sea
in deep doo doo
go off the deep end
knee deep
rapture of the deep
skin deep
Deep South

deep ecology
: a movement or a body of concepts that considers humans no more important than other species and that advocates a corresponding radical readjustment of the relationships between humans and nature
–deep ecologist noun

deep fat
: hot fat or oil deep enough in a cooking utensil to cover the food to be fried

deep focus
: a photographic effect or technique (as in filmmaking) characterized by great depth of field

deep freeze
1 : COLD STORAGE 2 <a bill presently in deep freeze awaiting a new congress ― Newsweek>
2 : intense cold

deep fryer
: a utensil suitable for deep-fat frying

deep pocket
1 : a person or an organization having substantial financial resources
2 plural : substantial financial resources <a corporation with deep pockets>
–deep-pock·et·ed \'dēp-'pä-kə-təd\ adjective

deep six
slang : a place of disposal or abandonment ― used especially in the phrase give it the deep six

Deep South
region SE U.S. ― usually considered to include Ala., Ga., La., Miss., N.C., S.C., and all or part of the adjacent states of Fla., Va., Tenn., Ark., & Tex.

deep space
: space well outside the earth's atmosphere and especially that part lying beyond the earth-moon system

deep structure
: a formal representation of the underlying semantic content of a sentence also : the structure which such a representation specifies

deep throat
: an informant who divulges damaging information under cover of anonymity

deep-dish
: baked in a deep dish <a deep-dish pizza> especially : baked in a deep dish with usually a fruit filling and no bottom crust <a deep-dish apple pie>

deep-freeze
1 : QUICK-FREEZE
2 : to store in a frozen state

deep-fry
: to cook in deep fat

deep-rooted
: deeply implanted or established <a deep-rooted loyalty>
synonyms see INVETERATE

deep-sea
: of, relating to, or occurring in the deeper parts of the sea <deep-sea fishing>

deep-seated
1 : situated far below the surface <a deep-seated inflammation>
2 : firmly established <a deep-seated tradition>
synonyms see INVETERATE

deep-six
1 : to get rid of : DISCARD, ELIMINATE <legislators voting to deep-six a government program>
2 slang : to throw overboard

deep-sky
: relating to or existing in space outside the solar system <deep-sky objects>

deepen
v. transitive verb : to make deep or deeper
intransitive verb : to become deeper or more profound

Deepfreeze
n. ― used for a freezer for food storage

Deeping
(George) Warwick 1877-1950 Eng. nov.

deepwater
: of, relating to, or characterized by water of considerable depth <deepwater sailors> especially : able to accommodate oceangoing vessels <deepwater ports>

deer
n. 1 archaic : ANIMAL especially : a small mammal
2 : any of numerous slender-legged ruminant mammals (family Cervidae, the deer family) having usually brownish fur and antlers borne by the males of nearly all and by the females of a few forms
–deer·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

deer
n. red deer
barking deer
axis deer
black tailed deer
deer mouse
deer tick
fallow deer
key deer
mule deer
musk deer
roe deer
white tailed deer
whitetail deer
Deer Park
Red Deer

deer mouse
: any of various mice (genus Peromyscus) of No. and Central America especially : one (P. maniculatus) widely distributed in forests and grasslands of No. America

Deer Park
city SE Tex. pop 28,520

deer tick
: an ixodid tick (Ixodes scapularis syn. I. dammini) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease ― called also black-legged tick

deerberry
1 : either of two shrubs (Vaccinium stamineum or V. caesium) of the heath family that are found in dry woods and scrub of the eastern U.S.
2 : the edible fruit of a deerberry

Deere
n. John 1804-1886 American inventor

Deerfield Beach
city SE Fla. N of Fort Lauderdale pop 64,583

deerfly
n. : any of numerous small horseflies (as of the genus Chrysops) that include important vectors of tularemia

deerhound
n. : SCOTTISH DEERHOUND

deerskin
n. : leather made from the skin of a deer also : a garment of this leather

deerstalker
n. : a close-fitting hat with a visor at the front and the back and with earflaps that may be worn up or down ― called also deerstalker cap deerstalker hat

deeryard
: a place where deer herd in winter

deet
: a colorless oily liquid insect and tick repellent C_12H_17NO

def
n. slang : COOL 7

def
n. 1 defendant; defense
2 deferred
3 defined; definition
4 definite

deface
v. 1 : to mar the appearance of : injure by effacing significant details <deface an inscription>
2 : IMPAIR
3 obsolete : DESTROY
–de·face·ment \-'fās-mənt\ noun
–de·fac·er noun

defalcate
v. transitive verb archaic : DEDUCT, CURTAIL
intransitive verb : to engage in embezzlement
–de·fal·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

defalcation
n. 1 archaic : DEDUCTION
2 : the act or an instance of embezzling
3 : a failure to meet a promise or an expectation

defamation
n. : the act of defaming another : CALUMNY
–de·fam·a·to·ry \di-'fa-mə-tȯr-ē, dē-\ adjective

defame
v. 1 archaic : DISGRACE
2 : to harm the reputation of by libel or slander
3 archaic : ACCUSE
synonyms see MALIGN
–de·fam·er noun

defamiliarize
v. : to present or render in an unfamiliar artistic form usually to stimulate fresh perception
–de·fa·mil·iar·iza·tion \-ˌmil-yə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

defang
v. : to make harmless or less powerful

defat
v. : to remove fat from

default
n. 1 : failure to do something required by duty or law : NEGLECT
2 archaic : FAULT
3 : a failure to pay financial debts
4 a : failure to appear at the required time in a legal proceeding b : failure to compete in or to finish an appointed contest <lost the game by default>
5 a : a selection made usually automatically or without active consideration due to lack of a viable alternative <remained the club's president by default> b : a selection automatically used by a computer program in the absence of a choice made by the user
–in default of : in the absence of

default
n. 1 : to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty: as a : to fail to meet a financial obligation <default on a loan> b : to fail to appear in court c : to fail to compete in or to finish an appointed contest also : to forfeit a contest by such failure
2 : to make a default selection <the program defaults to a standard font>
transitive verb
1 : to fail to perform, pay, or make good
2 a : FORFEIT b : to exclude (a player or a team) from a contest by default
–de·fault·er noun

defeasance
n. 1 a (1) : the termination of a property interest in accordance with stipulated conditions (as in a deed) (2) : an instrument stating such conditions of limitation b : a rendering null or void
2 : DEFEAT, OVERTHROW

defeasible
adj. : capable of being annulled or made void <a defeasible claim>
–de·fea·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌfē-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

defeat
n. 1 obsolete : DESTROY
2 a : NULLIFY <defeat an estate> b : FRUSTRATE 2A(1) <defeat a hope>
3 : to win victory over : BEAT <defeat the opposing team>
synonyms see CONQUER
–de·feat·able \-'fē-tə-bəl\ adjective

defeat
n. 1 : frustration by nullification or by prevention of success <the bill suffered defeat in the Senate>
2 obsolete : DESTRUCTION
3 a : an overthrow especially of an army in battle b : the loss of a contest

defeatism
n. : an attitude of accepting, expecting, or being resigned to defeat
–de·feat·ist \-tist\ noun or adjective

defeature
v. 1 archaic : DISFIGUREMENT
2 archaic : DEFEAT

defecate
v. transitive verb
1 : to free from impurity or corruption
2 : to discharge from the anus
intransitive verb : to discharge feces from the bowels
–def·e·ca·tion \ˌde-fi-'kā-shən\ noun

defect
n. 1 a : an imperfection that impairs worth or utility : SHORTCOMING <the grave defects in our foreign policy> b : an imperfection (as a vacancy or an unlike atom) in a crystal lattice
2 [Latin defectus] : a lack of something necessary for completeness, adequacy, or perfection : DEFICIENCY <a hearing defect>

defect
n. 1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology
2 : to leave one situation (as a job) often to go over to a rival <the reporter defected to another network>
–de·fec·tor \-'fek-tər\ noun

defection
n. : conscious abandonment of allegiance or duty (as to a person, cause, or doctrine) : DESERTION

defective
adj. 1 a : imperfect in form or function : FAULTY <a defective pane of glass> b : falling below the norm in structure or in mental or physical function <defective eyesight>
2 : lacking one or more of the usual forms of grammatical inflection <must is a defective verb>
–de·fec·tive·ly adverb
–de·fec·tive·ness noun

defective
adj. : a person who is subnormal physically or mentally

defeminize
v. : to divest of feminine qualities or characteristics : MASCULINIZE
–de·fem·i·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌfe-mə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

defence
n. chiefly British variant of defense, defenseman

defend
v. transitive verb
1 a : to drive danger or attack away from <defend our shores> b (1) : to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism <defend a theory> (2) : to prove (as a doctoral thesis) valid by answering questions in an oral exam c : to attempt to prevent an opponent from scoring at <elects to defend the south goal>
2 archaic : PREVENT, FORBID
3 : to act as attorney for
4 : to deny or oppose the right of a plaintiff in regard to (a suit or a wrong charged) : CONTEST
5 : to retain or seek to retain (as a title or position) against a challenge in a contest <they successfully defended their championship>
intransitive verb
1 : to take action against attack or challenge
2 : to play or be on defense <playing deep to defend against a pass>
3 : to play against the high bidder in a card game
–de·fend·able \'fen-də-bəl\ adjective
synonyms DEFEND, PROTECT, SHIELD, GUARD, SAFEGUARD mean to keep secure from danger or against attack. DEFEND denotes warding off actual or threatened attack <defend the country>. PROTECT implies the use of something (as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure <a hard hat to protect your head>. SHIELD suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack <shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand>. GUARD implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger <White House entrances are well guarded>. SAFEGUARD implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger <our civil liberties must be safeguarded>. synonym see in addition MAINTAIN

defendant
n. : a person required to make answer in a legal action or suit ― compare PLAINTIFF

defendant
n. : being on the defensive : DEFENDING

defender
n. 1 : one that defends
2 : a player in a sport (as football) assigned to a defensive position

defenestration
n. 1 : a throwing of a person or thing out of a window
2 : a usually swift dismissal or expulsion (as from a political party or office)
–de·fen·es·trate \(ˌ)dē-'fe-nə-ˌstrāt\ transitive verb

defense
1 a : the act or action of defending <the defense of our country> <speak out in defense of justice> b : a defendant's denial, answer, or plea
2 a : capability of resisting attack b : defensive play or ability <a player known for good defense>
3 a : means or method of defending or protecting oneself, one's team, or another also : a defensive structure b : an argument in support or justification c : the collected facts and method adopted by a defendant to protect and defend against a plaintiff's action d : a sequence of moves available in chess to the second player in the opening
4 a : a defending party or group (as in a court of law) <the defense rests> b : a defensive team
5 : the military and industrial aggregate that authorizes and supervises arms production <appropriations for defense> <defense contract>
–de·fense·less \-ləs\ adjective
–de·fense·less·ly adverb
–de·fense·less·ness noun

defense
n. : to take specific defensive action against (an opposing team or player or an offensive play)

defense
n. civil defense
defense mechanism
self defense
zone defense

defense mechanism
1 : an often unconscious mental process (as repression) that makes possible compromise solutions to personal problems
2 : a defensive reaction by an organism

defenseman
n. : a player in a sport (as hockey) who is assigned to a defensive zone or position

defensible
adj. : capable of being defended <defensible theories> <a defensible hill>
–de·fen·si·bil·i·ty \di-ˌfen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌdē-\ noun
–de·fen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

defensive
n. 1 : serving to defend or protect <defensive fortifications>
2 a : devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack <defensive behavior> b : of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest <a player with good defensive skills>
3 a : valuable in defensive play <a defensive card in bridge> b : designed to keep an opponent from being the highest bidder <a defensive bid>
–de·fen·sive·ly adverb
–de·fen·sive·ness noun

defensive
n. : a defensive position
–on the defensive : in the state or condition of being prepared or required to defend against attack or criticism <keeping his political rivals on the defensive>

defensive
n. on the defensive
defensive medicine
self defensive

defensive medicine
: the practice of ordering medical tests, procedures, or consultations of doubtful clinical value in order to protect the prescribing physician from malpractice suits

defer
v. 1 : PUT OFF, DELAY
2 : to postpone induction of (a person) into military service
–de·fer·rer noun
synonyms DEFER, POSTPONE, SUSPEND, STAY mean to delay an action or proceeding. DEFER implies a deliberate putting off to a later time <deferred buying a car until spring>. POSTPONE implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time <the game is postponed until Saturday>. SUSPEND implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied <business will be suspended while repairs are under way>. STAY often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority <the governor stayed the execution>.

defer
v. transitive verb : to delegate to another <he could defer his job to no one ― J. A. Michener>
intransitive verb : to submit to another's wishes, opinion, or governance usually through deference or respect <deferred to her father's wishes>
synonyms see YIELD

deference
n. : respect and esteem due a superior or an elder also : affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes
synonyms see HONOR
–in deference to : in consideration of <returned early in deference to her parents' wishes>

deferent
n. : DEFERENTIAL

deferential
adj. : showing or expressing deference <deferential attention>
–def·er·en·tial·ly \-'ren-chə-lē\ adverb

deferment
n. : the act of delaying or postponing specifically : official postponement of military service

deferrable
adj. : capable of or suitable or eligible for being deferred
–deferrable noun

deferral
n. : the act of delaying : POSTPONEMENT

deferred
adj. 1 : withheld for or until a stated time <a deferred payment>
2 : charged in cases of delayed handling <a deferred rate>

defervescence
n. : the subsidence of a fever

Deffand, du
Marquise 1697-1780 née Marie de Vichy-Cham·rond \də-vē-shē-shän-'rōn\ Fr. woman of letters

deffer
comparative of def

deffest
superlative of def

defiance
n. 1 : the act or an instance of defying : CHALLENGE
2 : disposition to resist : willingness to contend or fight
–in defiance of : contrary to : DESPITE <seemingly in defiance of the laws of physics>

defiant
adj. : full of or showing defiance : BOLD, IMPUDENT <defiant rebels> <a defiant refusal>
–de·fi·ant·ly adverb

defibrillator
n. : an electronic device that applies an electric shock to restore the rhythm of a fibrillating heart
–de·fi·bril·late \-ˌlāt\ transitive verb
–de·fi·bril·la·tion \-ˌfi-brə-'lā-shən\ noun

defibrinate
v. : to remove fibrin from (blood)
–de·fi·brin·ation \(ˌ)dē-ˌfi-brə-'nā-shən, -ˌfī-\ noun

deficiency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being deficient : INADEQUACY
2 : an amount that is lacking or inadequate : SHORTAGE: as a : a shortage of substances necessary to health b : DELETION 2B(1)

deficiency
n. acquired immune deficiency syndrome
deficiency disease
mental deficiency
severe combined immune deficiency

deficiency disease
: a disease (as scurvy) caused by a lack of essential dietary elements and especially a vitamin or mineral

deficient
adj. 1 : lacking in some necessary quality or element <deficient in judgment>
2 : not up to a normal standard or complement : DEFECTIVE <deficient strength>
–de·fi·cient·ly adverb

deficient
adj. : one that is deficient <a mental deficient>

deficit
n. 1 a (1) : deficiency in amount or quality <a deficit in rainfall> (2) : a lack or impairment in a functional capacity <cognitive deficits> <a hearing deficit> b : DISADVANTAGE <scored two runs to overcome a 2-1 deficit>
2 a : an excess of expenditure over revenue b : a loss in business operations

deficit spending
: the spending of public funds raised by borrowing rather than by taxation

defier
n. : one that defies <a defier of convention>

defilade
n. : to arrange (fortifications) so as to protect the lines from frontal or enfilading fire and the interior from fire from above or behind
–defilade noun

defile
n. : to make unclean or impure: as a : to corrupt the purity or perfection of : DEBASE <the countryside defiled by billboards> b : to violate the chastity of : DEFLOWER c : to make physically unclean especially with something unpleasant or contaminating <boots defiled with blood> d : to violate the sanctity of : DESECRATE <defile a sanctuary> e : SULLY, DISHONOR
synonyms see CONTAMINATE
–de·file·ment \-'fī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
–de·fil·er \-'fī-lər\ noun

defile
n. : a narrow passage or gorge

defile
n. : to march off in a line

definable
adj. 1 : able to be defined
2 : able to be specified to have a particular function or operation <definable keys>
–de·fin·ably \-'fī-nə-blē\ adverb

define
v. transitive verb
1 a : to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of <whatever defines us as human> b : to discover and set forth the meaning of (as a word) c : to create on a computer <define a window> <define a procedure>
2 a : to fix or mark the limits of : DEMARCATE <rigidly defined property lines> b : to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline <the issues aren't too well defined>
3 : CHARACTERIZE, DISTINGUISH <you define yourself by the choices you make ― Denison Univ. Bull.>
intransitive verb : to make a definition
–de·fine·ment \-'fīn-mənt\ noun
–de·fin·er \-'fī-nər\ noun

definiendum
: an expression that is being defined

definiens
: an expression that defines : DEFINITION

definite
adj. 1 : having distinct or certain limits <set definite standards for pupils to meet>
2 a : free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, or obscurity <demanded a definite answer> b : UNQUESTIONABLE, DECIDED <the quarterback was a definite hero today>
3 : typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing <the definite article the>
4 a of floral organs : being constant in number, usually less than 20, and occurring in multiples of the petal number <stamens definite> b : CYMOSE <a definite inflorescence>
synonyms see EXPLICIT
–def·i·nite·ly adverb
–def·i·nite·ness noun

definite
adj. definite integral
law of definite proportions
positive definite

definite integral
: the difference between the values of the integral of a given function f(x) for an upper value b and a lower value a of the independent variable x

definition
n. 1 : an act of determining specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
2 a : a statement expressing the essential nature of something b : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol <dictionary definitions> c : a product of defining
3 : the action or process of defining
4 a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear <the definition of a telescope> <her comic genius is beyond definition> b (1) : clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail <improve the definition of an image> (2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction c : sharp demarcation of outlines or limits <a jacket with distinct waist definition>
–def·i·ni·tion·al \-'ni-shə-nəl\ adjective

definitive
adj. 1 : serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation <a definitive victory>
2 : authoritative and apparently exhaustive <a definitive edition>
3 a : serving to define or specify precisely <definitive laws> b : serving as a perfect example : QUINTESSENTIAL <a definitive bourgeois>
4 : fully differentiated or developed <a definitive organ>
5 of a postage stamp : issued as a regular stamp for the country or territory in which it is to be used
synonyms see CONCLUSIVE
–de·fin·i·tive·ly adverb
–de·fin·i·tive·ness noun

definitive
adj. : a definitive postage stamp ― compare PROVISIONAL

definitive host
: the host in which the sexual reproduction of a parasite takes place ― compare INTERMEDIATE HOST 1

definitize
: to make definite

definitude
n. : PRECISION, DEFINITENESS

deflagrate
v. transitive verb : to cause to deflagrate ― compare DETONATE 1
intransitive verb : to burn rapidly with intense heat and sparks being given off
–def·la·gra·tion \ˌdef-lə-'grā-shən\ noun

deflate
v. transitive verb
1 : to release air or gas from <deflate a tire>
2 : to reduce in size, importance, or effectiveness <deflate his ego with cutting remarks>
3 : to reduce (a price level) or cause (a volume of credit) to contract
intransitive verb : to lose firmness through or as if through the escape of contained gas
synonyms see CONTRACT
–de·fla·tor also de·fla·ter \-'flā-tər\ noun

deflation
n. 1 : an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
2 : a contraction in the volume of available money or credit that results in a general decline in prices
3 : the erosion of soil by the wind
–de·fla·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

deflect
v. transitive verb : to turn aside especially from a straight course or fixed direction
intransitive verb : to turn aside : DEVIATE
–de·flect·able \-'flek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–de·flec·tive \-tiv\ adjective
–de·flec·tor \-tər\ noun

deflection
n. 1 : a turning aside or off course : DEVIATION
2 : the departure of an indicator or pointer from the zero reading on the scale of an instrument

deflexed
adj. : turned abruptly downward <a deflexed leaf>

defloration
n. : rupture of the hymen

deflower
v. 1 : to deprive of virginity
2 : to take away the prime beauty of
–de·flow·er·er noun

Defoe
n. Daniel 1660-1731 Eng. journalist & nov.

defog
v. : to remove fog or condensed moisture from <defog a windshield>
–de·fog·ger noun

defoliant
n. : a chemical spray or dust applied to plants in order to cause the leaves to drop off prematurely

defoliate
v. : to deprive of leaves especially prematurely
–de·fo·li·a·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌfō-lē-'ā-shən\ noun
–de·fo·li·a·tor \(ˌ)dē-'fō-lē-ˌā-tər\ noun

deforce
v. 1 : to keep (as lands) by force from the rightful owner
2 : to eject (a person) from possession by force
–de·force·ment \-'fȯr-smənt\ noun

deforestation
n. : the action or process of clearing of forests also : the state of having been cleared of forests
–de·for·est \(')dē-'fȯr-əst, -'fär-\ transitive verb

deform
v. transitive verb
1 : to spoil the form of
2 a : to spoil the looks of : DISFIGURE <a face deformed by bitterness> b : to mar the character of <a marriage deformed by jealousy>
3 : to alter the shape of by stress
intransitive verb : to become misshapen or changed in shape
–de·form·able \-mə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms DEFORM, DISTORT, CONTORT, WARP means to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting. DEFORM may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or some accident of growth <his face was deformed by hatred>. DISTORT and CONTORT both imply a wrenching from the natural, normal, or justly proportioned, but CONTORT suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result <the odd camera angle distorts the figure in the photograph> <disease had painfully contorted her body>. WARP indicates physically an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane <warped floorboards>.

deformalize
: to make less formal

deformation
n. 1 : alteration of form or shape also : the product of such alteration
2 : the action of deforming : the state of being deformed
3 : change for the worse
–de·for·ma·tion·al \-shə-nəl\ adjective

deformative
adj. : tending to deform

deformed
adj. : distorted or unshapely in form : MISSHAPEN

deformity
n. 1 : the state of being deformed
2 : IMPERFECTION, BLEMISH: as a : a physical blemish or distortion : DISFIGUREMENT b : a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

defrag
v. : DEFRAGMENT

defragment
v. : to reorganize separated fragments of related data on (a computer disk) into a contiguous arrangement
–de·frag·men·ta·tion \-ˌfrag-mən-'tā-shən, -ˌmen-\ noun

defragmenter
n. : software that defragments a computer disk

defraud
v. : to deprive of something by deception or fraud
synonyms see CHEAT
–de·fraud·er \di-'frȯ-dər\ noun

defray
v. 1 : to provide for the payment of : PAY
2 archaic : to bear the expenses of
–de·fray·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–de·fray·al \-'frā(-ə)l\ noun

defrock
v. 1 : to deprive (as a priest) of the right to exercise the functions of office
2 : to remove from a position of honor or privilege

defrost
v. 1 : to release from a frozen state <defrost meat>
2 : to free from ice <defrost the refrigerator> also : DEFOG <defrost the windshield>
intransitive verb : to thaw out especially from a deep-frozen state
–de·frost·er noun

deft
adj. : characterized by facility and skill
synonyms see DEXTEROUS
–deft·ly adverb
–deft·ness \'def(t)-nəs\ noun

defunct
n. : no longer living, existing, or functioning <the committee is now defunct>
synonyms see DEAD

defund
v. : to withdraw funding from

defuse
v. 1 : to remove the fuse from (as a mine or bomb)
2 : to make less harmful, potent, or tense <defuse the crisis>

defy
v. 1 archaic : to challenge to combat
2 : to challenge to do something considered impossible : DARE
3 : to confront with assured power of resistance : DISREGARD <defy public opinion>
4 : to resist attempts at : WITHSTAND <the paintings defy classification>

defy
v. : CHALLENGE, DEFIANCE

deg
degree

degage
1 : free of constraint : NONCHALANT
2 : being free and easy <clothes with a degage look>
3 : extended with toe pointed in preparation for a ballet step

Degas
n. (Hilaire-Germain-) Edgar 1834-1917 Fr. artist

degas
n. : to remove gas from <degas an electron tube>

degauss
v. : to remove or neutralize the magnetic field of <degauss a ship> <degauss a magnetic tape>
–de·gauss·er noun

degeneracy
n. 1 : the state of being degenerate
2 : the process of becoming degenerate
3 : sexual perversion
4 : the coding of an amino acid by more than one codon

degenerate
n. 1 a : having declined or become less specialized (as in nature, character, structure, or function) from an ancestral or former state b : having sunk to a condition below that which is normal to a type especially : having sunk to a lower and usually corrupt and vicious state c : DEGRADED 2
2 : being mathematically simpler (as by having a factor or constant equal to zero) than the typical case <a degenerate hyperbola>
3 : characterized by atoms stripped of their electrons and by very great density <degenerate matter> also : consisting of degenerate matter <a degenerate star>
4 : having two or more states or subdivisions <degenerate energy level>
5 : having more than one codon representing an amino acid also : being such a codon
synonyms see VICIOUS
–de·gen·er·ate·ly adverb
–de·gen·er·ate·ness noun

degenerate
n. 1 : to pass from a higher to a lower type or condition : DETERIORATE
2 : to sink into a low intellectual or moral state
3 : to decline in quality <the poetry gradually degenerates into jingles>
4 : to decline from a condition or from the standards of a species, race, or breed
5 : to evolve or develop into a less autonomous or less functionally active form <degenerated into dependent parasites>
transitive verb : to cause to degenerate

degenerate
n. : one that is degenerate: as a : one degraded from the normal moral standard b : a sexual pervert c : one showing signs of reversion to an earlier culture stage

degeneration
n. 1 : degenerate condition
2 : a lowering of effective power, vitality, or essential quality to an enfeebled and worsened kind or state
3 : intellectual, moral, or artistic decline
4 a : progressive deterioration of physical characters from a level representing the norm of earlier generations or forms b : deterioration of a tissue or an organ in which its function is diminished or its structure is impaired
synonyms see DETERIORATION

degenerative
adj. : of, relating to, involving, or causing degeneration <a degenerative disease>

deglaciation
: the melting of ice specifically : the retreat of a glacier or ice sheet
–de·gla·ci·at·ed \-'glā-s(h)ē-ˌā-təd\ adjective

deglamorize
: to remove the glamour from <a book that deglamorizes Hollywood>
–de·glam·or·iza·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌgla-mə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

deglaze
v. : to remove the glaze from <deglaze pottery>

deglaze
v. : to dissolve the small particles of sautéed meat remaining in (a pan) by adding a liquid and heating

deglutition
n. : the act or process of swallowing

degradable
adj. : capable of being chemically degraded <degradable detergents> ― compare BIODEGRADABLE
–de·grad·abil·i·ty \-ˌgrā-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

degradation
n. 1 : the act or process of degrading
2 a : decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state b : moral or intellectual decadence : DEGENERATION
–deg·ra·da·tive \'de-grə-ˌdā-tiv\ adjective

degrade
v. transitive verb
1 a : to lower in grade, rank, or status : DEMOTE b : to strip of rank or honors c : to lower to an inferior or less effective level <degrade the image quality> d : to scale down in desirability or salability
2 a : to bring to low esteem or into disrepute <his actions have degraded his profession> b : to drag down in moral or intellectual character : CORRUPT
3 : to impair in respect to some physical property <material degraded by exposure to sunlight>
4 : to wear down by erosion
5 : to reduce the complexity of (a chemical compound) : DECOMPOSE
intransitive verb
1 : to pass from a higher grade or class to a lower
2 of a chemical compound : to become reduced in complexity
–de·grad·er noun
–de·grad·ing·ly \-'grā-diŋ-lē\ adverb

degraded
adj. 1 : reduced far below ordinary standards of civilized life and conduct
2 : characterized by degeneration of structure or function
–de·grad·ed·ly adverb

degranulation
n. : the process of losing granules specifically : the process by which cytoplasmic granules (as of mast cells) release their contents

degrease
v. : to remove grease from
–de·greas·er \-'grē-sər, -zər\ noun

degree
n. 1 : a step or stage in a process, course, or order of classification <advanced by degrees>
2 a : a rank or grade of official, ecclesiastical, or social position <people of low degree> b archaic : a particular standing especially as to dignity or worth c : the civil condition or status of a person
3 : a step in a direct line of descent or in the line of ascent to a common ancestor
4 a obsolete : STEP, STAIR b archaic : a member of a series arranged in steps
5 : a measure of damage to tissue caused by injury or disease ― compare FIRST-DEGREE BURN, SECOND-DEGREE BURN, THIRD-DEGREE BURN
6 a : the extent, measure, or scope of an action, condition, or relation <different in degree but not in kind> b : relative intensity <a high degree of stress> c : one of the forms or sets of forms used in the comparison of an adjective or adverb d : a legal measure of guilt or negligence <found guilty of robbery in the first degree>
7 a : a title conferred on students by a college, university, or professional school on completion of a program of study b : a grade of membership attained in a ritualistic order or society c : an academic title conferred to honor distinguished achievement or service d : the formal ceremonies observed in the conferral of such a distinction
8 : a unit of measure for angles equal to an angle with its vertex at the center of a circle and its sides cutting off 1/360 of the circumference also : a unit of measure for arcs of a circle equal to the amount of arc that subtends a central angle of one degree
9 archaic : a position or space on the earth or in the heavens as measured by degrees of latitude
10 a : a step, note, or tone of a musical scale b : a line or space of the musical staff
11 : one of the divisions or intervals marked on a scale of a measuring instrument specifically : any of various units for measuring temperature
12 a : the sum of the exponents of the variables in the term of highest degree in a polynomial, polynomial function, or polynomial equation b : the sum of the exponents of the variable factors of a monomial c : the greatest power of the derivative of highest order in a differential equation after the equation has been rationalized and cleared of fractions with respect to the derivative
–de·greed \-'grēd\ adjective
–to a degree
1 : to a remarkable extent : EXCEEDINGLY <I felt desolate to a degree ― Charlotte Brontë>
2 : in a small way <to a degree he succeeded>

degree
n. advanced degree
degree day
to a degree
degree of freedom
external degree
first degree burn
pass degree
second degree burn
third degree
third degree burn

degree of freedom

1867
1 : any of a limited number of ways in which a body may move or in which a dynamic system may change
2 : one of the capabilities of a statistic for variation of which there are as many as the number of unrestricted and independent variables determining its value

degree-day
: a unit that represents one degree of difference from a given point (as 65°) in the mean daily outdoor temperature and that is used especially to measure heat requirements

degressive
adj. : tending to descend or decrease
–de·gres·sive·ly adverb

degringolade
: a rapid decline or deterioration (as in strength, position, or condition) : DOWNFALL

degum
v. : to free from gum, a gummy substance, or sericin

degustation
n. : the action or an instance of tasting especially in a series of small portions
–de·gust \di-'gəst, dē-\ transitive verb

dehisce
v. : to split along a natural line also : to discharge contents by so splitting <seedpods dehiscing at maturity>

dehiscence
n. : an act or instance of dehiscing <pollen freed by dehiscence of the anther>
–de·his·cent \-sənt\ adjective

Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
town W Sri Lanka on coast S of Colombo pop 193,000

Dehmelt
Hans Georg 1922-     American (Ger.-born) physicist

dehorn
v. 1 : to deprive of horns
2 : to prevent the growth of the horns of
–de·horn·er noun

Dehra Dun
city N India capital of Uttaranchal pop 447,808

dehumanize
v. : to deprive of human qualities, personality, or spirit
–de·hu·man·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌhyü-mə-nə-'zā-shən, (ˌ)dē-ˌyü-\ noun

dehumidify
v. : to remove moisture from (as air)
–de·hu·mid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌmi-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–de·hu·mid·i·fi·er \-'mi-də-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

dehydrate
v. 1 a : to remove bound water or hydrogen and oxygen from (a chemical compound) in the proportion in which they form water b : to remove water from (as foods)
2 : to deprive of vitality or savor
intransitive verb : to lose water or body fluids
–de·hy·dra·tor \-ˌdrā-tər\ noun

dehydration
n. : the process of dehydrating especially : an abnormal depletion of body fluids

dehydrochlorination
n. : the process of removing hydrogen and chlorine or hydrogen chloride from a compound
–de·hy·dro·chlo·ri·nate \-'klȯr-ə-ˌnāt\ transitive verb

dehydroepiandrosterone
: a weakly androgenic ketosteroid C_19H_28O_2 secreted by the adrenal glands that is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosterone and estrogens (as estradiol) also : a synthetic derivative of this compound ― abbreviation DHEA

dehydrogenase
n. : an enzyme that accelerates the removal of hydrogen from metabolites and its transfer to other substances ― compare SUCCINATE DEHYDROGENASE

dehydrogenase
n. glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase
lactate dehydrogenase
lactic dehydrogenase
succinate dehydrogenase
succinic dehydrogenase

dehydrogenation
n. : the removal of hydrogen from a chemical compound
–de·hy·dro·ge·nate \ˌdē-(ˌ)hī-'drä-jə-ˌnāt, (ˌ)dē-'hī-drə-jə-\ transitive verb

Dei
Agnus Dei
ad majorem Dei gloriam
Dei gratia
vox populi vox Dei

Dei gratia
: by the grace of God

deice
v. : to rid or keep free of ice <deice an airplane's wings>
–de·ic·er noun

deicide
n. 1 : the act of killing a divine being or a symbolic substitute of such a being
2 : the killer or destroyer of a god

deictic
adj. : showing or pointing out directly <the words this, that, and those have a deictic function>

deification
n. : the act or an instance of deifying

deify
v. 1 a : to make a god of b : to take as an object of worship
2 : to glorify as of supreme worth

deign
v. intransitive verb : to condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the affront to one's superiority that is involved : STOOP <would not even deign to talk to him>
transitive verb : to condescend to give or offer

deil
Scottish : DEVIL

deindustrialization
n. : the reduction or destruction of a nation's or region's industrial capacity
–de·in·dus·tri·al·ize \(ˌ)dē-in-'dəs-trē-ə-ˌlīz\ verb

deinonychus
n. : any of a genus (Deinonychus) of small bipedal carnivorous theropod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous having a very large sharp claw on the second digit of both hind feet

deinstitutionalization
1 : the release of institutionalized individuals from institutional care (as in a psychiatric hospital) to care in the community
2 : the reform or modification of an institution to remove or disguise its institutional character
–de·in·sti·tu·tion·al·ize \-'tü-shə-nə-ˌlīz, -'tyü-\ transitive verb

deionize
v. : to remove ions from <deionize water by ion exchange>
–de·ion·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌī-ə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·ion·iz·er \-ˌnī-zər\ noun

Deisenhofer
Johann 1943-     Ger. biochem.

deism
n. : a movement or system of thought advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with the laws of the universe
–de·ist \'dē-ist, 'dā-\ noun often cap
–de·is·tic \dē-'is-tik, dā-\ adjective
–de·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–de·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

deity
n. 1 a : the rank or essential nature of a god : DIVINITY b capitalized : GOD 1, SUPREME BEING
2 : a god or goddess <the deities of ancient Greece>
3 : one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful

deixis
n. : the pointing or specifying function of some words (as definite articles and demonstrative pronouns) whose denotation changes from one discourse to another

deja vu
1 a : the illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time b : a feeling that one has seen or heard something before
2 : something overly or unpleasantly familiar

deject
v. archaic : DEJECTED

deject
v. : to make gloomy

dejecta
n. : FECES, EXCREMENT

dejected
adj. 1 : cast down in spirits : DEPRESSED
2 a obsolete of the eyes : DOWNCAST b archaic : thrown down
3 obsolete : lowered in rank or condition
–de·ject·ed·ly adverb
–de·ject·ed·ness noun

dejection
n. : lowness of spirits

deka
― see DECA-

dekagram
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

dekaliter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

dekameter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

dekametric
: DECAMETRIC

deke
n. transitive verb : to fake (an opponent) out of position (as in ice hockey)
intransitive verb : to deke an opponent
–deke noun

Dekker
Thomas 1572?-?1632 Eng. dram.

Del
n. Delaware

del
n. 1 delegate; delegation
2 delete

del
n. República Oriental del Uruguay
Andrea del Sarto
Citta del Vaticano
Città del Vaticano
Costa del Sol
Del Rio
El Ferrol del Caudillo
Mar del Plata
Ojos del Salado
Pinar del Rio
Pinar del Río
Punta del Este
Santiago del Estero
Sierra Madre del Sur
Tierra del Fuego
Torre del Greco
Vina del Mar
Viña del Mar

Del Rio
city S Tex. on Rio Grande pop 33,867

Delacroix
n. (Ferdinand-Victor-) Eugène 1798-1863 Fr. painter

Delagoa Bay
inlet of Indian Ocean S Mozambique

delamination
: separation into constituent layers
–de·lam·i·nate \(ˌ)dē-'la-mə-ˌnāt\ intransitive verb

Deland
Margaret 1857-1945 née Margaretta Wade Campbell American nov.

Delano
n. city S Calif. NNW of Bakersfield pop 38,824

Delaroche
(Hippolyte-) Paul 1797-1859 Fr. painter

delate
v. 1 : ACCUSE, DENOUNCE
2 : REPORT, RELATE
–de·la·tion \-'lā-shən\ noun
–de·la·tor \-'lā-tər\ noun

Delavigne
Jean-François-Casimir 1793-1843 Fr. poet & dram.

Delaware
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of the Delaware valley
2 : the Algonquian language of the Delaware

Delaware
n. 1 river 296 mi (476 km) E U.S. flowing S from S N.Y. into Delaware Bay
2 state E U.S. capital Dover area 2057 sq mi (5348 sq km), pop 783,600
3 city cen Ohio NNW of Columbus pop 25,243
–Del·a·war·ean \ˌde-lə-'wer-ē-ən\ noun

Delaware Bay
inlet of the Atlantic bet. SW N.J. & E Del.

delay
n. 1 a : the act of delaying : the state of being delayed <get started without delay> b : an instance of being delayed
2 : the time during which something is delayed <a delay of 30 minutes>

delay
n. transitive verb
1 : PUT OFF, POSTPONE <delay a departure>
2 : to stop, detain, or hinder for a time <the mails were delayed by heavy snows>
3 : to cause to be slower or to occur more slowly than normal <delay a child's development>
intransitive verb : to move or act slowly also : to cause delay
–de·lay·er noun
synonyms DELAY, RETARD, SLOW, SLACKEN, DETAIN mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress. DELAY implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival <bad weather delayed our arrival>. RETARD suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping <language barriers retarded their progress>. SLOW and SLACKEN also imply a reduction of speed, SLOW often suggesting deliberate intention <medication slowed the patient's heart rate>, SLACKEN an easing up or relaxing of power or effort <on hot days runners slacken their pace>. DETAIN implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time <unexpected business had detained her>.
synonyms DELAY, PROCRASTINATE, LAG, LOITER, DAWDLE, DALLY mean to move or act slowly so as to fall behind. DELAY usually implies a putting off (as a beginning or departure) <we cannot delay any longer>. PROCRASTINATE implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy <procrastinates about making decisions>. LAG implies failure to maintain a speed set by others <lagging behind in technology>. LOITER and DAWDLE imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but DAWDLE more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time <loitered at several store windows> <children dawdling on their way home from school>. DALLY suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary <stop dallying and get to work>.

dele
n. : to delete especially from typeset matter

dele
n. : a mark indicating that something is to be deled

delectable
adj. 1 : highly pleasing : DELIGHTFUL <a delectable melody>
2 : DELICIOUS <a delectable meal>
–de·lec·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌlek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·lec·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

delectable
adj. : something that is delectable especially : a delicious food item

delectation
n. : DELIGHT, ENJOYMENT

delegable
adj. : capable of being delegated

delegacy
n. 1 : a body of delegates : BOARD
2 a : the act of delegating b : appointment as delegate

delegate
n. : a person acting for another: as a : a representative to a convention or conference b : a representative of a U.S. territory in the House of Representatives c : a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia

delegate
transitive verb
1 : to entrust to another <delegate authority>
2 : to appoint as one's representative
intransitive verb : to assign responsibility or authority <a good manager knows how to delegate>
–del·e·ga·tee \ˌde-li-gə-'tē\ noun
–del·e·ga·tor \'de-li-ˌgā-tər\ noun

delegate
n. apostolic delegate
walking delegate
house of delegates

delegation
n. 1 : the act of empowering to act for another
2 : a group of persons chosen to represent others

delegitimate
: DELEGITIMIZE
–de·le·git·i·ma·tion \ˌdē-lə-ˌji-tə-'mā-shən\ noun

delegitimize
v. : to diminish or destroy the legitimacy, prestige, or authority of <delegitimize a government>
–de·le·git·i·mi·za·tion \-ˌji-tə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun

Delemont
commune NW Switzerland capital of Jura canton pop 11,467

delenda est Carthago
: Carthage must be destroyed

delete
v. : to eliminate especially by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing <delete a passage in a manuscript> <delete a computer file>

deleterious
adj. : harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way <deleterious effects> <deleterious to health>
synonyms see PERNICIOUS
–del·e·te·ri·ous·ly adverb
–del·e·te·ri·ous·ness noun

deletion
n. 1 : the act of deleting
2 a : something deleted b (1) : the absence of a section of genetic material from a gene or chromosome (2) : the mutational process that results in a deletion

Delft
n. commune SW Netherlands pop 96,936

delft
n. 1 : tin-glazed Dutch earthenware with blue and white or polychrome decoration
2 : ceramic ware (as tiles) resembling or imitative of Dutch delft

delftware
n. : DELFT

Delgado, Cape
cape NE Mozambique

Delhi
n. 1 union territory N India W of Uttar Pradesh capital Delhi area 573 sq mi (1484 sq km), pop 13,782,976
2 city, its capital pop 9,817,439 ― see NEW DELHI

Delhi belly
: diarrhea contracted in India especially by tourists broadly : TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA

deli
n. : DELICATESSEN

deliberate
adj. intransitive verb : to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
transitive verb : to think about deliberately and often with formal discussion before reaching a decision
synonyms see THINK

deliberate
adj. 1 : characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration <a deliberate decision>
2 : characterized by awareness of the consequences <deliberate falsehood>
3 : slow, unhurried, and steady as though allowing time for decision on each individual action involved <a deliberate pace>
synonyms see VOLUNTARY
–de·lib·er·ate·ly adverb
–de·lib·er·ate·ness noun

deliberation
n. 1 a : the act of deliberating b : a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for and against a measure
2 : the quality or state of being deliberate
–de·lib·er·a·tive \-'li-bə-ˌrā-tiv, -'li-b(ə-)rə-\ adjective
–de·lib·er·a·tive·ly adverb
–de·lib·er·a·tive·ness noun

Delibes
(Clément-Philibert-) Léo 1836-1891 Fr. composer

delicacy
n. 1 obsolete a : the quality or state of being luxurious b : INDULGENCE
2 : something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious <considered caviar a delicacy>
3 a : the quality or state of being dainty : FINENESS <lace of great delicacy> b : FRAILTY 1 <the delicacy of his health>
4 : fineness or subtle expressiveness of touch (as in painting or music)
5 a : precise and refined perception and discrimination b : extreme sensitivity : PRECISION <an electronic instrument of great delicacy>
6 a : refined sensibility in feeling or conduct b : the quality or state of being squeamish
7 : the quality or state of requiring delicate handling

delicate
adj. 1 : pleasing to the senses: a : generally pleasant <the climate's delicate, the air most sweet ― Shakespeare> b : pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way <a delicate aroma> <a robust wine will dominate delicate dishes> c : marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions <a delicate floral print> <an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek ― Shakespeare> d : marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture <a delicate tracery> <a delicate lace>
2 a : marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination <delicate insights> <a more delicate syntactic analysis ― R. H. Robins> b : FASTIDIOUS, SQUEAMISH <a person of delicate tastes>
3 a : not robust in health or constitution : WEAK, SICKLY <had been considered a delicate child> b : easily torn or damaged : FRAGILE <the delicate chain of life>
4 a : requiring careful handling: (1) : easily unsettled or upset <a delicate balance> <the delicate relationships defined by the Constitution ― New Yorker> (2) : requiring skill or tact <in a delicate position> <delicate negotiations> <a delicate operation> (3) : involving matters of a deeply personal nature : SENSITIVE <this is a delicate matter. Could I possibly speak to you alone ― Daphne Dutch Maurier> b : marked by care, skill, or tact <delicate handling of a difficult situation>
5 : marked by great precision or sensitivity <a delicate instrument>
synonyms see CHOICE
–del·i·cate·ly adverb

delicate
adj. : something delicate

delicatessen
n. 1 : ready-to-eat food products (as cooked meats and prepared salads)
2 singular, plural delicatessens [delicatessen (store)] : a store where delicatessen are sold

Delicious
adj. : a sweet red or yellow eating apple of U.S. origin that has a crown of five rounded prominences on the end opposite the stem

delicious
adj. 1 : affording great pleasure : DELIGHTFUL <delicious anecdotes>
2 : appealing to one of the bodily senses especially of taste or smell
–de·li·cious·ly adverb
–de·li·cious·ness noun

delict
n. : an offense against the law

delight
n. 1 : a high degree of gratification : JOY also : extreme satisfaction
2 : something that gives great pleasure <her performance was a delight>
3 archaic : the power of affording pleasure

delight
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take great pleasure <delighted in playing the guitar>
2 : to give keen enjoyment <a book certain to delight>
transitive verb : to give joy or satisfaction to
–de·light·er noun

delighted
adj. 1 obsolete : DELIGHTFUL
2 : highly pleased
–de·light·ed·ly adverb
–de·light·ed·ness noun

delightful
adj. : highly pleasing <a delightful surprise>
–de·light·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–de·light·ful·ness noun

delightsome
adj. : very pleasing : DELIGHTFUL

Delilah
n. : the mistress and betrayer of Samson in the book of Judges

delimit
v. : to fix or define the limits of
–de·lim·i·ta·tion \di-ˌli-mə-'tā-shən, ˌdē-\ noun

delimiter
n. : a character that marks the beginning or end of a unit of data

delineate
v. 1 a : to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines b : to mark the outline of <lights delineating the narrow streets>
2 : to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail <delineate a character in the story> <delineate the steps to be taken by the government>
–de·lin·ea·tor \-ē-ˌā-tər\ noun

delineation
n. 1 : the act of delineating
2 : something made by delineating
–de·lin·ea·tive \-'li-nē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

delineavit
: he (or she) drew it

delinquency
n. 1 a : a delinquent act b : conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law especially : JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
2 : a debt on which payment is overdue

delinquent
n. : a delinquent person

delinquent
n. 1 : offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
2 : being overdue in payment <a delinquent charge account>
3 : of, relating to, or characteristic of delinquents : marked by delinquency <delinquent behavior>
–de·lin·quent·ly adverb

deliquesce
v. 1 : to dissolve or melt away
2 : to become soft or liquid with age ― used of plant structures (as mushrooms)

deliquescent
adj. 1 : tending to melt or dissolve especially : tending to undergo gradual dissolution and liquefaction by the attraction and absorption of moisture from the air
2 : having repeated division into branches <elms are deliquescent trees> ― compare EXCURRENT 2a
–del·i·ques·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun

delirious
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of delirium <delirious mutterings>
2 : affected with or marked by delirium <delirious with fever> <delirious fans>
–de·lir·i·ous·ly adverb
–de·lir·i·ous·ness noun

delirium
n. 1 : an acute mental disturbance characterized by confused thinking and disrupted attention usually accompanied by disordered speech and hallucinations
2 : frenzied excitement <he would stride about his room in a delirium of joy ― Thomas Wolfe>

delirium tremens
: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors ― called also d.t.'s

delish
adj. : DELICIOUS

delist
v. : to remove from a list especially : to remove (a security) from the list of securities that may be dealt in on a particular exchange

Delius
Frederick 1862-1934 Eng. composer

deliver
v. transitive verb
1 : to set free <and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ― Mount 6:13(AV)>
2 a : to take and hand over to or leave for another : CONVEY <deliver a package> b : HAND OVER, SURRENDER <delivered the prisoners to the sheriff> <delivered themselves over to God>
3 a (1) : to assist in giving birth (2) : to aid in the birth of b : to give birth to c : to cause (oneself) to produce as if by giving birth <has delivered himself of half an autobiography ― H. C. Schonberg>
4 : SPEAK, SING, UTTER <delivered their lines with style> <deliver a song> <deliver a speech>
5 : to send (something aimed or guided) to an intended target or destination <ability to deliver nuclear warheads> <delivered a fastball>
6 a : to bring (as votes) to the support of a candidate or cause b : to come through with : PRODUCE <can deliver the best results> <the new car delivers high gas mileage>
intransitive verb : to produce the promised, desired, or expected results : COME THROUGH <can't deliver on all these promises>
synonyms see RESCUE
–de·liv·er·abil·i·ty \-ˌli-v(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·liv·er·able \-'li-v(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–de·liv·er·er \-'li-vər-ər\ noun
–deliver the goods : to give results that are promised, expected, or desired

deliver the goods
to give results that are promised, expected, or desired

deliverance
n. 1 : the act of delivering someone or something : the state of being delivered especially : LIBERATION, RESCUE
2 : something delivered especially : an opinion or decision (as the verdict of a jury) expressed publicly

delivery
n. : the act or manner of delivering something also : something delivered

delivery
n. breech delivery
delivery boy
general delivery
rural free delivery
rural delivery
special delivery

delivery boy
: a person employed by a retail store to deliver small orders to customers on call

deliveryman
n. : a person who delivers wholesale or retail goods to customers usually over a regular local route

dell
n. : a secluded hollow or small valley usually covered with trees or turf

Della
Della Robbia
Jacopo della Quercia
Pico della Mirandola
Piero della Francesca
Quercia della
Robbia della

Della Robbia
Luca 1399(or 1400)-1482 orig. Luca di Simone di Marco Florentine sculptor

Dells of the Wisconsin
gorge of Wisconsin River in S cen Wis.

Delmarva Peninsula
peninsula E U.S. bet. Chesapeake & Delaware bays comprising Del. & parts of Md. & Va. ― see EASTERN SHORE

Delmenhorst
city NW Germany in Lower Saxony WSW of Bremen pop 75,967

Delmonico steak
: CLUB STEAK ― called also Delmonico

delocalize
v. : to free from the limitations of locality specifically : to remove (a charge or charge carrier) from a particular position
–de·lo·cal·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌlō-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Delorme
Philibert 1515?-1570 Fr. architect

Delos
n. island Greece in cen Cyclades area 2 sq mi (5.2 sq km)
–De·lian \'dē-lē-ən, 'dēl-yən\ adjective or noun

delouse
v. : to remove lice from

Delphi
n. ancient town cen Greece in Phocis on S slope of Mt. Parnassus near present village of Dhel·foí \thel-'fē\

Delphian
adj. : DELPHIC

Delphic
adj. 1 : of or relating to ancient Delphi or its oracle
2 often not capitalized : AMBIGUOUS, OBSCURE <Delphic utterances>
–del·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

delphinium
n. : any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous ― compare LARKSPUR

Delphinus
: a northern constellation nearly west of Pegasus

Delray Beach
city SE Fla. S of W. Palm Beach pop 60,020

delt
: DELTOID ― usually used in plural

Delta
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter d

Delta
n. municipality Canada in SW B.C. pop 96,950

delta
n. 1 : the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : something shaped like a capital Greek delta especially : the alluvial deposit at the mouth of a river
3 : an increment of a variable ― symbol Δ
4 : DELTA WAVE
–del·ta·ic \del-'tā-ik\ adjective

delta
n. : fourth in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom ― symbol δ

delta
n. Okavango Delta
delta ray
delta wave
delta rhythm
delta wing
Kronecker delta
Delta The

delta ray
: an electron ejected by an ionizing particle in its passage through matter

delta wave
: a high amplitude electrical rhythm of the brain with a frequency of less than four cycles per second that occurs especially in slow-wave sleep, in infancy, and in many diseased conditions of the brain ― called also delta delta rhythm

delta wing
: a triangular swept-back airplane wing with a usually straight trailing edge

Delta, The
region NW Miss. bet. Mississippi & Yazoo rivers
–Delta adjective

deltoid
n. : a large triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint and serves to raise the arm laterally

deltoid
n. 1 : having a triangular shape <a deltoid leaf> ― see LEAF illustration
2 : relating to, associated with, or supplying the deltoid

deltoideus
n. : DELTOID

Deltona
city Fla. N of Orlando pop 69,543

delude
v. 1 : to mislead the mind or judgment of : DECEIVE, TRICK
2 obsolete a : FRUSTRATE, DISAPPOINT b : EVADE, ELUDE
synonyms see DECEIVE
–de·lud·er noun

deluge
n. 1 a : an overflowing of the land by water b : a drenching rain
2 : an overwhelming amount or number <received a deluge of offers>

deluge
n. 1 : to overflow with water : INUNDATE
2 : OVERWHELM, SWAMP

delusion
n. 1 : the act of deluding : the state of being deluded
2 a : something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated b : a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs
–de·lu·sion·al \-'lüzh-nəl, -'lü-zhə-nəl\ adjective
–de·lu·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
synonyms DELUSION, ILLUSION, HALLUCINATION, MIRAGE mean something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal. DELUSION implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind <delusions of persecution>. ILLUSION implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines <an illusion of safety>. HALLUCINATION implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs <suffered from terrifying hallucinations>. MIRAGE in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim <claimed a balanced budget is a mirage>.

delusive
adj. 1 : likely to delude <delusive promises>
2 : constituting a delusion <delusive beliefs>
–de·lu·sive·ly adverb
–de·lu·sive·ness noun

delusory
adj. : DECEPTIVE, DELUSIVE

deluster
v. : to reduce the sheen of (as yarn or fabric)

deluxe
adj. : notably luxurious, elegant, or expensive <a deluxe edition> <deluxe hotels>

delve
v. transitive verb archaic : EXCAVATE
intransitive verb
1 : to dig or labor with or as if with a spade
2 a : to make a careful or detailed search for information <delved into the past> b : to examine a subject in detail <the book delves into the latest research>
–delv·er noun

delve
v. archaic : CAVE, HOLLOW

dely
delivery

Dem
: DEMOCRAT 2

dem
demonstrative

demagnetize
v. : to deprive of magnetic properties
–de·mag·ne·ti·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmag-nə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·mag·ne·tiz·er \(ˌ)dē-'mag-nə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

demagogic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a demagogue : employing demagoguery
–dem·a·gog·i·cal·ly \-gi-k(ə-)lē, -ji-\ adverb

demagogue
n. 1 : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
2 : a leader championing the cause of the common people in ancient times
–dem·a·gogu·ery \-ˌgä-g(ə-)rē\ noun
–dem·a·gogy \-ˌgä-gē, -ˌgä-jē, -ˌgō-jē\ noun

demagogue
intransitive verb : to behave like a demagogue
transitive verb : to treat (as an issue) in a demagogic manner

demand
n. 1 a : an act of demanding or asking especially with authority <a demand for obedience> b : something claimed as due <a list of demands>
2 archaic : QUESTION
3 a : willingness and ability to purchase a commodity or service <the demand for quality day care> b : the quantity of a commodity or service wanted at a specified price and time <supply and demand>
4 a : a seeking or state of being sought after <in great demand as an entertainer> b : urgent need
5 : the requirement of work or of the expenditure of a resource <equal to the demands of the office> <demands on one's time> <oxygen demand for waste oxidation>
–on demand : upon presentation and request for payment also : when requested or needed <video on demand>

demand
n. intransitive verb : to make a demand : ASK
transitive verb
1 : to ask or call for with authority : claim as due or just <demanded to see a lawyer>
2 : to call for urgently, peremptorily, or insistently <demanded that the rioters disperse>
3 a : to ask authoritatively or earnestly to be informed of <demand the reason for the dismissal> b : to require to come : SUMMON
4 : to call for as useful or necessary <etiquette demands a handwritten thank-you>
–de·mand·able \-'man-də-bəl\ adjective
–de·mand·er noun
synonyms DEMAND, CLAIM, REQUIRE, EXACT mean to ask or call for something as due or as necessary. DEMAND implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands <demanded payment of the debt>. CLAIM implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right <claimed the right to manage his own affairs>. REQUIRE suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation <the patient requires constant attention>. EXACT implies not only demanding but getting what one demands <exacts absolute loyalty>.

demand
n. biochemical oxygen demand
biological oxygen demand
on demand
demand deposit
demand loan
demand note
demand pull
demand side
oxygen demand

demand deposit
: a bank deposit that can be withdrawn without advance notice

demand loan
: CALL LOAN

demand note
: a note payable on demand

demand-pull
: an increase or upward trend in spendable money that tends to result in increased competition for available goods and services and a corresponding increase in consumer prices ― compare COST-PUSH
–demand-pull adjective

demand-side
: of, relating to, or being an economic theory that advocates use of government spending and growth in the money supply to stimulate the demand for goods and services and therefore expand economic activity ― compare SUPPLY-SIDE

demandant
n. 1 archaic : the plaintiff in a real action
2 archaic : one who makes a demand or claim

demanding
adj. : requiring much time, effort, or attention : EXACTING <a demanding job> <demanding customers>
–de·mand·ing·ly \-'man-diŋ-lē\ adverb
–de·mand·ing·ness noun

demantoid
: a green variety of garnet used as a gem

demarcate
v. 1 : DELIMIT
2 : to set apart : DISTINGUISH <demarcate teachers as mentor, master and model teachers based on their level of education ― Shanay Cadette>
–de·mar·ca·tion \ˌdē-ˌmär-'kā-shən\ noun

demarche
n. 1 a : a course of action : MANEUVER b : a diplomatic or political initiative or maneuver
2 : a petition or protest presented through diplomatic channels

demark
v. : DEMARCATE

dematerialize
v. : to cause to become or appear immaterial
intransitive verb : to lose or appear to lose materiality
–de·ma·te·ri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtir-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Demavend
― see DAMAVAND

deme
n. 1 : a unit of local government in ancient Attica
2 : a local population of closely related interbreeding organisms

demean
v. : to conduct or behave (oneself) usually in a proper manner

demean
v. : to lower in character, status, or reputation

demeanor
n. : behavior toward others : outward manner
synonyms see BEARING

demeanour
n. British variant of demeanor

demented
adj. 1 : MAD, INSANE
2 : suffering from or exhibiting cognitive dementia
–de·ment·ed·ly adverb
–de·ment·ed·ness noun

dementia
n. 1 : a usually progressive condition (as Alzheimer's disease) marked by deteriorated cognitive functioning often with emotional apathy
2 : MADNESS, INSANITY <a fanaticism bordering on dementia>
–de·men·tial \-shəl\ adjective

dementia praecox
: SCHIZOPHRENIA

Demerara
n. river 200 mi (322 km) Guyana flowing N into the Atlantic

demerara sugar
: a coarse light-brown raw sugar

demerit
n. 1 obsolete : OFFENSE
2 a : a quality that deserves blame or lacks merit : FAULT, DEFECT b : lack of merit
3 : a mark usually entailing a loss of privilege given to an offender

Demerol
n. ― used for meperidine

demersal
: living near, deposited on, or sinking to the bottom of the sea <demersal fish eggs>

demesne
n. 1 : legal possession of land as one's own
2 : manorial land actually possessed by the lord and not held by tenants
3 a : the land attached to a mansion b : landed property : ESTATE c : REGION 2, TERRITORY
4 : REALM 2, DOMAIN

Demeter
n. : the Greek goddess of agriculture ― compare CERES

demethylate
v. : to remove a methyl group from (a chemical compound)
–de·meth·yl·a·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌme-thə-'lā-shən\ noun

demi
n. 1 : half <demisemiquaver>
2 : one that partly belongs to (a specified type or class) <demigod>

demi-glace
: a highly concentrated reduced brown sauce often used as a base for other sauces

demi-sec
of champagne : moderately sweet

demigod
n. 1 : a mythological being with more power than a mortal but less than a god
2 : a person so outstanding as to seem to approach the divine <the demigods of jazz>

demigoddess
n. : a female demigod

demijohn
n. : a large narrow-necked bottle usually enclosed in wickerwork

demilitarize
v. 1 a : to do away with the military organization or potential of b : to prohibit (as a zone or frontier area) from being used for military purposes
2 : to rid of military characteristics or uses
–de·mil·i·tar·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmi-lə-t(ə-)rə-'zā-shən, di-\ noun

DeMille
n. Cec·il \'se-səl\ Blount \'blənt\ 1881-1959 American film director & producer

demimondaine
n. : a woman supported by a wealthy lover : a woman of the demimonde

demimonde
n. 1 a : a class of women on the fringes of respectable society supported by wealthy lovers also : their world b : the world of prostitution
2 : a distinct circle or world that is often an isolated part of a larger world <a night in the disco demimonde> especially : one having low reputation or prestige

demineralization
n. 1 : loss of bodily minerals (as calcium salts) especially in disease
2 : the process of removing mineral matter or salts (as from water)
–de·min·er·al·ize \(ˌ)dē-'mi-nə-rə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
–de·min·er·al·iz·er \-ˌlī-zər\ noun

demirep
: DEMIMONDAINE

demise
n. transitive verb
1 : to convey (as an estate) by will or lease
2 obsolete : CONVEY, GIVE
3 : to transmit by succession or inheritance
intransitive verb
1 : DIE, DECEASE
2 : to pass by descent or bequest <the property has demised to the king's heirs>

demise
n. 1 : the conveyance of an estate
2 : transfer of the sovereignty to a successor
3 a : DEATH b : a cessation of existence or activity c : a loss of position or status

demisemiquaver
n. : THIRTY-SECOND NOTE

demission
n. : RESIGNATION, ABDICATION

demit
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : DISMISS
2 : RESIGN 2
intransitive verb : to withdraw from office or membership

demitasse
n. : a small cup of black coffee also : the cup used to serve it

demiurge
n. 1 capitalized a : a Platonic subordinate deity who fashions the sensible world in the light of eternal ideas b : a Gnostic subordinate deity who is the creator of the material world
2 : one that is an autonomous creative force or decisive power
–demi·ur·gic \-jik\ also demi·ur·gi·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective

demiworld
: DEMIMONDE 2 <the demiworld of drugs>

demo
n. 1 capitalized : DEMOCRAT 2
2 a : DEMONSTRATION 1B b British : DEMONSTRATION 4
3 a : DEMONSTRATOR A b : a recording intended to show off a song or performer to a record producer

demob
n. chiefly British : DEMOBILIZE

demob
n. chiefly British : the act or process of demobilizing

demobilize
v. 1 : DISBAND
2 : to discharge from military service
–de·mo·bi·li·za·tion \di-ˌmō-bə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌdē-\ noun

democracy
n. 1 a : government by the people especially : rule of the majority b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
2 : a political unit that has a democratic government
3 capitalized : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S. <from emancipation Republicanism to New Deal Democracy ― C. M. Roberts>
4 : the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority
5 : the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges

democracy
n. pure democracy
social democracy
Tory Democracy

democrat
n. 1 a : an adherent of democracy b : one who practices social equality
2 capitalized : a member of the Democratic party of the U.S.

democratic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or favoring democracy
2 often capitalized : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the U.S. evolving in the early 19th century from the anti-federalists and the Democratic-Republican party and associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and internationalism
3 : relating to, appealing to, or available to the broad masses of the people <democratic art>
4 : favoring social equality : not snobbish
–dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

democratic
adj. democratic centralism
Democratic Republican
social democratic
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen
Democratic Republic of the Congo

democratic centralism
: a principle of Communist party organization by which members take part in policy discussions and elections at all levels but must follow decisions made at higher levels

Democratic-Republican
: of or relating to a major American political party of the early 19th century favoring a strict interpretation of the Constitution to restrict the powers of the federal government and emphasizing states' rights

democratize
v. : to make democratic
–de·moc·ra·ti·za·tion \-ˌmä-krə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·moc·ra·tiz·er \-'mä-krə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

Democritus
n. ca 460-ca 370 B.C. the Laughing Philosopher Greek philos.

demode
adj. : no longer fashionable : OUT-OF-DATE

demoded
adj. : DÉMODÉ

demodulate
v. : to extract the information from (a modulated signal)
–de·mod·u·la·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmä-jə-'lā-shən\ noun
–de·mod·u·la·tor \(')dē-'mä-jə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

Demogorgon
: a mysterious spirit or deity often explained as a primeval creator god who antedates the gods of Greek mythology

demographic
1 : of or relating to demography or demographics
2 : relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density and capacity for expansion or decline
–de·mo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

demographic
adj. 1 plural : the statistical characteristics of human populations (as age or income) used especially to identify markets
2 : a market or segment of the population identified by demographics

demography
n. : the statistical study of human populations especially with reference to size and density, distribution, and vital statistics
–de·mog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

demoiselle
n. 1 : a young lady
2 : DAMSELFISH

DeMoivre's theorem
: a theorem of complex numbers: the nth power of a complex number has for its absolute value and its argument respectively the nth power of the absolute value and n times the argument of the complex number

demolish
v. 1 a : TEAR DOWN, RAZE b : to break to pieces : SMASH
2 a : to do away with : DESTROY b : to strip of any pretense of merit or credence
–de·mol·ish·er noun
–de·mol·ish·ment \-lish-mənt\ noun

demolition
n. 1 : the act of demolishing especially : destruction in war by means of explosives
2 plural : explosives for destruction in war
–de·mo·li·tion·ist \-'li-sh(ə-)nəst\ noun

demolition derby
1 : a contest in which skilled drivers ram old cars into one another until only one car remains running
2 : something that resembles a demolition derby in destructiveness

demon
n. 1 a : an evil spirit b : a source or agent of evil, harm, distress, or ruin
2 usually daemon : an attendant power or spirit : GENIUS
3 usually daemon : a supernatural being of Greek mythology intermediate between gods and men
4 : one that has exceptional enthusiasm, drive, or effectiveness <a demon for work>
–de·mo·ni·an \di-'mō-nē-ən\ adjective
–de·mon·i·za·tion \ˌdē-mə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·mon·ize \'dē-mə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb

demonetize
v. 1 : to stop using (a metal) as a monetary standard
2 : to deprive of value for official payment
–de·mon·e·ti·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmä-nə-tə-'zā-shən, -ˌmə-\ noun

demoniac
n. 1 : possessed or influenced by a demon
2 : DEMONIC <demoniac rage>
–de·mo·ni·a·cal·ly \ˌdē-mə-'nī-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

demoniac
n. : one possessed by a demon

demonic
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a demon : FIENDISH <demonic cruelty> <demonic laughter>
–de·mon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

demonology
n. 1 : the study of demons or evil spirits
2 : belief in demons : a doctrine of evil spirits
3 : a catalog of enemies <the liberal creed at that time put Big Business in a central place in its demonology ― Carl Kaysen>
–de·mon·olog·i·cal \ˌdē-mə-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–de·mon·ol·o·gist \-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

demonstrable
adj. 1 : capable of being demonstrated
2 : APPARENT, EVIDENT
–de·mon·stra·bil·i·ty \-ˌmän(t)-strə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·mon·stra·bly \-blē\ adverb

demonstrate
v. transitive verb
1 : to show clearly <demonstrate a willingness to cooperate>
2 a : to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence b : to illustrate and explain especially with many examples <demonstrate a procedure>
3 : to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer <demonstrate a new product>
intransitive verb : to make a demonstration <crowds demonstrating for the right to vote>
synonyms see SHOW

demonstration
n. 1 : an act, process, or means of demonstrating to the intelligence: as a (1) : conclusive evidence : PROOF (2) : DERIVATION 5 b : a showing of the merits of a product or service to a prospective consumer
2 : an outward expression or display
3 : a show of armed force
4 : a public display of group feelings toward a person or cause
–dem·on·stra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

demonstrative
1 a : demonstrating as real or true b : characterized or established by demonstration
2 : pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class <demonstrative pronouns>
3 a : marked by display of feeling b : inclined to display feelings openly
–de·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb
–de·mon·stra·tive·ness noun

demonstrative
adj. : a demonstrative word or morpheme

demonstrator
n. : one that demonstrates: a : a product (as an automobile) used to demonstrate performance or merits to prospective buyers b : a person who engages in a public demonstration

demoralize
v. 1 : to corrupt the morals of
2 a : to weaken the morale of : DISCOURAGE, DISPIRIT b : to upset or destroy the normal functioning of c : to throw into disorder
–de·mor·al·i·za·tion \di-ˌmȯr-ə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌdē-, -ˌmär-\ noun
–de·mor·al·iz·er \di-'mȯr-ə-ˌlī-zər, ˌdē-, -'mär-\ noun
–de·mor·al·iz·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

demos
n. 1 : POPULACE
2 : the common people of an ancient Greek state

Demosthenes
n. 384-322 B.C. Athenian orator & statesman
–De·mos·then·ic \di-ˌmäs-'the-nik, ˌdē-, -'thē-\ adjective

demote
v. 1 : to reduce to a lower grade or rank
2 : to relegate to a less important position
–de·mo·tion \-'mō-shən\ noun

demotic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or written in a simplified form of the ancient Egyptian hieratic writing
2 : POPULAR, COMMON <demotic idiom>
3 : of or relating to the form of Modern Greek that is based on everyday speech

demount
v. 1 : to remove from a mounted position
2 : DISASSEMBLE
–de·mount·able \-tə-bəl\ adjective

Dempsey
n. William Harrison 1895-1983 Jack American boxer

demulcent
adj. : SOOTHING

demulcent
adj. : a usually mucilaginous or oily substance (as tragacanth) that can soothe or protect an abraded mucous membrane

demultiplexer
n. : an electronic device that separates a multiplex signal into its component parts

demur
n. 1 archaic : DELAY, HESITATE
2 : to file a demurrer
3 : to take exception : OBJECT ― often used with to or at

demur
n. 1 : hesitation (as in doing or accepting) usually based on doubt of the acceptability of something offered or proposed
2 : the act or an instance of objecting : PROTEST
synonyms see QUALM

demure
adj. 1 : RESERVED, MODEST
2 : affectedly modest, reserved, or serious : COY
–de·mure·ly adverb
–de·mure·ness noun

demurrage
n. 1 : the detention of a ship by the freighter beyond the time allowed for loading, unloading, or sailing
2 : a charge for detaining a ship, freight car, or truck

demurral
n. : the act or an instance of demurring

demurrer
n. 1 : a response in a court proceeding in which the defendant does not dispute the truth of the allegation but claims it is not sufficient grounds to justify legal action
2 : OBJECTION

demurrer
n. : one that demurs

demyelinating
: causing or characterized by the loss or destruction of myelin <demyelinating diseases> <a demyelinating agent>
–de·my·e·lin·ation \(ˌ)dē-ˌmī-ə-lə-'nā-shən\ noun

demystify
v. : to eliminate the mystifying features of
–de·mys·ti·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmis-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

demythologize
v. 1 : to divest of mythological forms in order to uncover the meaning underlying them <demythologize the Gospels>
2 : to divest of mythical elements or associations
–de·my·thol·o·gi·za·tion \-ˌthä-lə-jə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·my·thol·o·giz·er \-'thä-lə-ˌjī-zər\ noun

Den
n. Denmark

den
n. 1 : the lair of a wild usually predatory animal
2 a (1) : a hollow or cavern used especially as a hideout (2) : a center of secret activity b : a small usually squalid dwelling
3 : a comfortable usually secluded room
4 : a subdivision of a Cub Scout pack made up of two or more boys

den
n. intransitive verb : to live in or retire to a den <polar bears den in ice caves or snowdrifts>
transitive verb : to drive into a den

den
n. den mother
lion's den
Den Helder

Den Helder
commune W Netherlands in N. Holland on an outlet from Waddenzee to North Sea pop 60,083

den mother
: a female adult leader of a Cub Scout den also : a person seen in the role of leader or protector of a group

Denali, Denali National Park
― see MCKINLEY (Mount)

denar
n. ― see MONEY table

denarius
n. 1 : a small silver coin of ancient Rome
2 : a gold coin of the Roman Empire equivalent to 25 denarii

denationalize
v. 1 : to divest of national character or rights
2 : to remove from ownership or control by the national government
–de·na·tion·al·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌnash-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌna-shə-nə-lə-'zā-\ noun

denaturalize
v. 1 : to make unnatural
2 : to deprive of the rights and duties of a citizen
–de·nat·u·ral·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

denature
v. transitive verb
1 : DEHUMANIZE
2 : to deprive of natural qualities : change the nature of: as a : to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking (as by adding an obnoxious substance) without impairing usefulness for other purposes b : to modify the molecular structure of (as a protein or DNA) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so as to destroy or diminish some of the original properties and especially the specific biological activity
intransitive verb : to become denatured
–de·na·tur·ant \(ˌ)dē-'nā-chər-ənt\ noun
–de·na·tur·ation \(ˌ)dē-ˌnā-chə-'rā-shən\ noun

denazify
v. : to rid of Nazism and its influence
–de·na·zi·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌnät-si-fə-'kā-shən, -ˌnat-\ noun

Denbigh
administrative area of N Wales area 326 sq mi (844 sq km)

Dendermonde
commune NW cen Belgium pop 43,168

dendr
pref. : tree <dendrology> : resembling a tree <dendrite>

dendriform
adj. : treelike in form

dendrite
n. 1 : a branching treelike figure produced on or in a mineral by a foreign mineral also : the mineral so marked
2 : a crystallized arborescent form
3 : any of the usually branching protoplasmic processes that conduct impulses toward the body of a neuron ― see NEURON illustration

dendritic
adj. : resembling or having dendrites : branching like a tree <a dendritic drainage system> <dendritic cells>

dendritic cell
: any of various antigen-presenting cells with long irregular processes

dendrochronology
: the science of dating events and variations in environment in former periods by comparative study of growth rings in trees and aged wood
–den·dro·chro·no·log·i·cal \-ˌkrä-nə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌkrō-\ adjective
–den·dro·chro·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–den·dro·chro·nol·o·gist \-krə-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

dendrogram
n. : a branching diagram representing a hierarchy of categories based on degree of similarity or number of shared characteristics especially in biological taxonomy

dendroid
adj. : resembling a tree in form : ARBORESCENT

dendrology
n. : the study of trees
–den·dro·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–den·drol·o·gist \den-'drä-lə-jist\ noun

Dene
n. : a member of any of the Athabascan-speaking peoples of the interior of Alaska and northwestern Canada also : the languages of these peoples

dene
n. British : VALLEY

Deneb
: a star of the first magnitude in Cygnus

denegation
n. : DENIAL

denervate
v. : to deprive of a nerve supply
–de·ner·va·tion \ˌdē-(ˌ)nər-'vā-shən\ noun

Deng Xiaoping
― see TENG HSIAO-P'ING

dengue
n. : an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus (species Dengue virus of the genus Flavivirus), transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, and characterized by headache, severe joint pain, and a rash ― called also breakbone fever dengue fever

deni
― see denar at MONEY table

deniability
n. : the ability to deny something especially on the basis of being officially uninformed

deniable
adj. : capable of being denied

denial
n. 1 : refusal to satisfy a request or desire
2 a (1) : refusal to admit the truth or reality (as of a statement or charge) (2) : assertion that an allegation is false b : refusal to acknowledge a person or a thing : DISAVOWAL
3 : the opposing by the defendant of an allegation of the opposite party in a lawsuit
4 : SELF-DENIAL
5 : negation in logic
6 : a psychological defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality
–in denial : refusing to admit the truth or reality of something unpleasant <a patient in denial about his health problems>

denier
n. 1 \də-'nir, də-'nyā\ : a small orig. silver coin formerly used in western Europe
2 \'de-nyər\ : a unit of fineness for yarn equal to the fineness of a yarn weighing one gram for each 9000 meters <100-denier yarn is finer than 150-denier yarn>

denigrate
1 : to attack the reputation of : DEFAME <denigrate one's opponents>
2 : to deny the importance or validity of : BELITTLE <denigrate their achievements>
–den·i·gra·tion \ˌde-ni-'grā-shən\ noun
–den·i·gra·tive \'de-ni-ˌgrā-tiv\ adjective
–den·i·gra·tor \-ˌgrā-tər\ noun
–den·i·gra·to·ry \'de-ni-grə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Deniker
Joseph 1852-1918 Fr. anthropol.

denim
n. 1 a : a firm durable twilled usually cotton fabric woven with colored warp and white filling threads b : a similar fabric woven in colored stripes
2 plural : overalls or trousers usually of blue denim
–den·imed \-nəmd\ adjective

Denis
n. Saint d 258? 1st bishop of Paris & patron saint of France

Denison
city NE Tex. on Red River pop 22,773

denitrification
: the loss or removal of nitrogen or nitrogen compounds specifically : reduction of nitrates or nitrites commonly by bacteria (as in soil) that usually results in the escape of nitrogen into the air
–de·ni·tri·fi·er \-'nī-trə-ˌfī-ər\ noun
–de·ni·tri·fy \-'nī-trə-ˌfī\ transitive verb

denizen
n. 1 : INHABITANT <denizens of the forest>
2 : a person admitted to residence in a foreign country especially : an alien admitted to rights of citizenship
3 : one that frequents a place <nightclub denizens>

Denizli
city SW Turkey SE of Izmir pop 204,118

Denmark
n. country N Europe occupying most of Jutland Peninsula & adjacent islands in Baltic & North seas; a kingdom capital Copenhagen area 16,629 sq mi (43,069 sq km), pop 5,383,507

Denmark Strait
strait 130 mi (209 km) wide bet. SE Greenland & Iceland connecting Arctic Ocean with the Atlantic

denominal
adj. : derived from a noun

denominate
v. 1 : to give a name to : DESIGNATE
2 : to express or designate in some denomination <will denominate prices in U.S. dollars>

denominate number
: a number (as 7 in 7 feet) that specifies a quantity in terms of a unit of measurement

denomination
n. 1 : an act of denominating
2 : a value or size of a series of values or sizes (as of money)
3 : NAME, DESIGNATION especially : a general name for a category
4 : a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices
–de·nom·i·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–de·nom·i·na·tion·al·ly adverb

denominationalism
1 : devotion to denominational principles or interests
2 : the emphasizing of denominational differences to the point of being narrowly exclusive : SECTARIANISM

denominative
n. : derived from a noun or adjective
–denominative noun

denominator
n. 1 : the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator
2 a : a shared trait <a common denominator> b : the average level (as of taste or opinion) : STANDARD

denominator
n. common denominator
least common denominator
lowest common denominator

denotation
n. 1 : an act or process of denoting
2 : MEANING especially : a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea
3 a : a denoting term : NAME b : SIGN, INDICATION <visible denotations of divine wrath>
4 : the totality of things to which a term is applicable especially in logic ― compare CONNOTATION

denotative
adj. 1 : denoting or tending to denote
2 : relating to denotation

denote
v. 1 : to serve as an indication of : BETOKEN <the swollen bellies that denote starvation>
2 : to serve as an arbitrary mark for <red flares denoting danger>
3 : to make known : ANNOUNCE <his crestfallen look denoted his distress>
4 a : to serve as a linguistic expression of the notion of : MEAN b : to stand for : DESIGNATE
–de·note·ment \-'nōt-mənt\ noun

denouement
n. 1 : the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
2 : the outcome of a complex sequence of events

denounce
v. 1 : to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil <they denounced him as a bigot>
2 archaic a : PROCLAIM b : to announce threateningly
3 : to inform against : ACCUSE
4 obsolete : PORTEND
5 : to announce formally the termination of (as a treaty)
synonyms see CRITICIZE
–de·nounce·ment \-'nau̇n(t)-smənt\ noun
–de·nounc·er noun

dense
adj. 1 a : marked by compactness or crowding together of parts <dense vegetation> <dense traffic> b : having a high mass per unit volume <carbon dioxide is a dense gas>
2 a : slow to understand : STUPID, THICKHEADED <was too dense to get the joke> b : EXTREME <dense ignorance>
3 : having between any two elements at least one element <the set of rational numbers is dense>
4 : demanding concentration to follow or comprehend <dense prose>
5 : having high or relatively high opacity <a dense fog> <a dense photographic negative>
synonyms see STUPID
–dense·ly adverb
–dense·ness \'den(t)-snəs\ noun

densify
v. : to make denser : COMPRESS
–den·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌden(t)-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

densitometer
n. : an instrument for determining optical, photographic, or mass density <diagnose osteoporosis using an X-ray bone densitometer>
–den·si·to·met·ric \ˌden(t)-sə-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–den·si·tom·e·try \ˌden(t)-sə-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

density
n. 1 : the quality or state of being dense
2 : the quantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as a : the mass of a substance per unit volume b : the distribution of a quantity (as mass, electricity, or energy) per unit usually of space (as length, area, or volume) c : the average number of individuals or units per space unit <a population density of 500 per square mile> <a housing density of 10 houses per acre>
3 a : the degree of opacity of a translucent medium b : the common logarithm of the opacity

density
n. density function
high density lipoprotein
low density lipoprotein
probability density
probability density function
very low density lipoprotein

density function
: PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTION

Dent
n. Joseph Mal·a·by \'ma-lə-bē\ 1849-1926 Eng. publisher

dent
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a dent in <dent a car's bumper>
2 : to have a weakening effect on
intransitive verb : to form a dent by sinking inward : become dented

dent
n. 1 : a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure
2 : an appreciable impression or effect often made against resistance <hasn't made a dent in the problem> specifically : a weakening or lessening effect <costs that have made a dent in the budget>

dent
n. : TOOTH 3A

dent
n. dental; dentist; dentistry

dent
n. : tooth : teeth <dentiform>

dent
n. dent corn
Dent Blanche
Dent du Midi

Dent Blanche
mountain 14,295 ft (4357 m) S Switzerland in Pennine Alps

dent corn
: an Indian corn having kernels that contain both hard and soft starch and that become indented at maturity

Dent du Midi
mountain 10,686 ft (3257 m) SW Switzerland in W Alps

dental
adj. 1 : of or relating to the teeth or dentistry
2 : articulated with the tip or blade of the tongue against or near the upper front teeth
–den·tal·ly \-ē\ adverb

dental
adj. : a dental consonant

dental
adj. dental floss
dental hygienist
dental technician

dental floss
: a thread used to clean between the teeth

dental hygienist
: a licensed dental professional who cleans and examines teeth

dental technician
: one who makes dental appliances

dentalium
n. : any of a genus (Dentalium) of widely distributed tooth shells broadly : TOOTH SHELL

dentate
adj. : having teeth or pointed conical projections <a dentate margin of a leaf>

denticle
n. : a conical pointed projection (as a small tooth)

denticulate
adj. 1 : finely dentate or serrate <a denticulate shell> <a denticulate margin of a leaf>
2 : cut into dentils
–den·tic·u·la·tion \(ˌ)den-ˌti-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

dentiform
adj. : shaped like a tooth

dentifrice
n. : a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth

dentil
n. : one of a series of small projecting rectangular blocks forming a molding especially under a cornice
–den·tiled \-təld, -ˌtild\ adjective

dentin
n. : a calcareous material similar to but harder and denser than bone that composes the principal mass of a tooth ― see TOOTH illustration
–den·tin·al \den-'tē-nəl, 'den-tə-nəl\ adjective

dentist
n. : one who is skilled in and licensed to practice the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth

dentistry
n. : the art or profession of a dentist

dentition
n. 1 : the development and cutting of teeth
2 : the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement ― see TOOTH illustration
3 : TEETH

Denton
city N Tex. NW of Dallas pop 80,537

dentulous
adj. : having teeth

denture
n. 1 : a set of teeth
2 : an artificial replacement for one or more teeth especially : a set of false teeth

denturist
n. : a dental technician who makes, fits, and repairs dentures directly for the public

denuclearize
v. : to remove nuclear arms from : prohibit the use of nuclear arms in
–de·nu·cle·ar·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌn(y)ü-klē-ə-rə-'zā-shən, ÷-kyə-lə-rə-\ noun

denude
v. 1 : to deprive of something important
2 a : to strip of all covering or surface layers b : to lay bare by erosion c : to strip (land) of forests
–de·nu·da·tion \ˌdē-(ˌ)n(y)ü-'dā-shən, ˌden-yu̇-\ noun
–de·nude·ment \di-'n(y)üd-mənt\ noun

denumerable
: COUNTABLE
–de·nu·mer·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌn(y)ü-mə-rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·nu·mer·a·bly \-'n(y)ü-mə-rə-blē\ adverb

denunciation
n. : an act of denouncing especially : a public condemnation
–de·nun·ci·a·tive \-'nən(t)-sē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–de·nun·ci·a·to·ry \-sē-ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Denver
n. city NE cen Colo., its capital pop 554,636
–Den·ver·ite \-və-ˌrīt\ noun

Denver
n. Denver boot
Denver omelet
Denver sandwich

Denver boot
: a metal clamp that is locked onto one of the wheels of an automobile to immobilize it especially until its owner pays accumulated parking fines

Denver omelet
: WESTERN OMELET

Denver sandwich
: WESTERN SANDWICH

deny
v. 1 : to declare untrue <deny an allegation>
2 : to refuse to admit or acknowledge : DISAVOW <deny responsibility>
3 a : to give a negative answer to <denying the petitioners> b : to refuse to grant <deny a request> c : to restrain (oneself) from gratification of desires
4 archaic : DECLINE
5 : to refuse to accept the existence, truth, or validity of
–de·ny·ing·ly \-'nī-iŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms DENY, GAINSAY, CONTRADICT, CONTRAVENE mean to refuse to accept as true or valid. DENY implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of <denied the charges>. GAINSAY implies disputing the truth of what another has said <no one can gainsay her claims>. CONTRADICT implies an open or flat denial <her account contradicts his>. CONTRAVENE implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility <laws that contravene tradition>.

Deo
Deo volente
Deo favente
Deo gratias
laus Deo

Deo favente
: with God's favor

Deo gratias
: thanks (be) to God

Deo volente
: God being willing

deoch an doris
Scottish & Irish variant of doch-an-dorris

deodar
n. : an East Indian cedar (Cedrus deodara)

deodorant
n. : a preparation that destroys or masks unpleasant odors
–deodorant adjective

deodorize
v. 1 : to eliminate or prevent the offensive odor of
2 : to make (something unpleasant or reprehensible) more acceptable <the movie deodorizes his scandalous career>
–de·odor·i·za·tion \-ˌō-də-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·odor·iz·er noun

deontic
: of or relating to moral obligation : DEONTOLOGICAL

deontology
n. : the theory or study of moral obligation
–de·on·to·log·i·cal \ˌdē-ˌän-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–de·on·tol·o·gist \ˌdē-ˌän-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

deoxidize
v. : to remove especially elemental oxygen from <deoxidize the compound>
–de·ox·i·da·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌäk-sə-'dā-shən\ noun
–de·ox·i·diz·er \(ˌ)dē-'äk-sə-ˌdī-zər\ noun

deoxy
: containing less oxygen in the molecule than the compound from which it is derived <deoxy sugars> ― usually used in combination <deoxyribonucleic acid>

deoxygenate
v. : to remove especially molecular oxygen from <deoxygenates the lake water>
–de·ox·y·gen·ation \(ˌ)dē-ˌäk-si-jə-'nā-shən, ˌdē-äk-ˌsi-jə-\ noun

deoxygenated
v. : having the hemoglobin in the reduced state

deoxyribonuclease
n. : DNASE

deoxyribonucleic acid
: DNA

deoxyribonucleotide
n. : a nucleotide that contains deoxyribose and is a constituent of DNA

deoxyribose
n. : a pentose sugar C_5H_10O_4 that is a structural element of DNA

dep
1 depart; departure
2 department
3 deponent
4 deposed
5 deposit
6 depot
7 deputy

depart
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to go away : LEAVE b : DIE
2 : to turn aside : DEVIATE
transitive verb : to go away from : LEAVE
synonyms see SWERVE

departed
adj. 1 : BYGONE <departed days>
2 : having died especially recently <mourning our departed friend>
synonyms see DEAD

departee
: a person who is departing or who has departed

department
n. 1 a : a distinct sphere : PROVINCE <that's not my department> b : a category consisting especially of a measurable activity or attribute <lacking in the trustworthiness department ― Garrison Keillor>
2 : a functional or territorial division: as a : a major administrative division of a government b : a major territorial administrative subdivision c : a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject d : a major division of a business e : a section of a department store handling a particular kind of merchandise f : a territorial subdivision made for the administration and training of military units
–de·part·men·tal \di-ˌpärt-'men-təl, ˌdē-\ adjective
–de·part·men·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

department store
: a store having separate sections for a wide variety of goods

departmentalize
: to divide into departments
–de·part·men·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌmen-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

departure
n. 1 a (1) : the act or an instance of departing (2) archaic : DEATH b : a setting out (as on a new course)
2 : DIVERGENCE 2 <a departure from tradition>

depauperate
v. 1 : falling short of natural development or size
2 : IMPOVERISHED <a depauperate fauna>

depend
v. 1 : to be determined, based, or contingent <life depends on food> <the value of Y depends on X>
2 : to be pending or undecided
3 a : to place reliance or trust <you can depend on me> b : to be dependent especially for financial support
4 : to hang down

dependable
adj. : capable of being depended on : RELIABLE <a dependable source of income>
–de·pend·abil·i·ty \-ˌpen-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·pend·able·ness noun
–de·pend·ably \-blē\ adverb

dependence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being dependent especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
2 : RELIANCE, TRUST
3 : one that is relied on
4 a : drug addiction <developed a dependence on painkillers> b : HABITUATION 2B

dependency
n. 1 : DEPENDENCE 1
2 : something that is dependent on something else especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3 : a building (as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

dependent
n. 1 : hanging down
2 a : determined or conditioned by another : CONTINGENT <plans that are dependent on the weather> b (1) : relying on another for support <dependent children> (2) : affected with a drug dependence c : subject to another's jurisdiction <a dependent territory> d : SUBORDINATE 3A <dependent clauses>
3 a : not mathematically or statistically independent <a dependent set of vectors> <dependent events> b : EQUIVALENT 6A <dependent equations>
–de·pen·dent·ly adverb

dependent
n. 1 archaic : DEPENDENCY
2 : one that is dependent especially : a person who relies on another for support

dependent
n. dependent variable
insulin dependent diabetes
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
linearly dependent
non insulin dependent diabetes
non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
self dependent

dependent variable
: a mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function

depersonalization
n. 1 a : an act or process of depersonalizing b : the quality or state of being depersonalized
2 : a psychopathological syndrome characterized by loss of identity and feelings of unreality and strangeness about one's own behavior

depersonalize
v. 1 : to deprive of the sense of personal identity <schools that depersonalize students>
2 : to make impersonal <depersonalizing medical care>

Depew
Chauncey Mitchell 1834-1928 American lawyer & polit.

dephosphorylation
n. : the process of removing phosphate groups from an organic compound (as ATP) by hydrolysis also : the resulting state
–de·phos·phor·y·late \(ˌ)dē-fäs-'fȯr-ə-ˌlāt\ transitive verb

depict
v. 1 : to represent by or as if by a picture <a mural depicting a famous battle>
2 : DESCRIBE 1
–de·pic·ter \-'pik-tər\ noun
–de·pic·tion \-'pik-shən\ noun

depigmentation
n. : loss of normal pigmentation

depilation
n. : the removal of hair, wool, or bristles by chemical or mechanical methods
–dep·i·late \'de-pə-ˌlāt\ transitive verb

depilatory
n. : an agent for removing hair, wool, or bristles
–depilatory adjective

deplane
v. : to disembark from an airplane

deplete
v. 1 : to empty of a principal substance
2 : to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value
–de·plet·able \-'plē-tə-bəl\ adjective
–de·plet·er \-'plē-tər\ noun
–de·ple·tion \-'plē-shən\ noun
–de·ple·tive \-'plē-tiv\ adjective
synonyms DEPLETE, DRAIN, EXHAUST, IMPOVERISH, BANKRUPT mean to deprive of something essential to existence or potency. DEPLETE implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function <depleting our natural resources>. DRAIN implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence <personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit>. EXHAUST stresses a complete emptying <her lecture exhausted the subject>. IMPOVERISH suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness <impoverished soil>. BANKRUPT suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse <war had bankrupted the nation of resources>.

deplorable
adj. 1 : LAMENTABLE <a deplorable death>
2 : deserving censure or contempt : WRETCHED <deplorable living conditions>
–de·plor·able·ness noun
–de·plor·ably \-blē\ adverb

deplore
v. 1 a : to feel or express grief for b : to regret strongly
2 : to consider unfortunate or deserving of deprecation <many critics deplore his methods>
–de·plor·er \-'plȯr-ər\ noun
–de·plor·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms DEPLORE, LAMENT, BEWAIL, BEMOAN mean to express grief or sorrow for something. DEPLORE implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value <deplores the breakdown in family values>. LAMENT implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow <lamenting the loss of their only child>. BEWAIL and BEMOAN imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, BEWAIL commonly suggesting loudness, and BEMOAN lugubriousness <fans bewailed the defeat> <purists bemoaning the corruption of the language>.

deploy
v. transitive verb
1 a : to extend (a military unit) especially in width b : to place in battle formation or appropriate positions
2 : to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose <deploy a sales force> <deploy a parachute>
intransitive verb : to move, spread out, or function while being deployed <the troops deployed along the front> <the parachute failed to deploy>
–de·ploy·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–de·ploy·ment \-mənt\ noun

depolarize
v. 1 : to cause to become partially or wholly unpolarized
2 : to prevent or remove polarization of (as a dry cell or cell membrane)
–de·po·lar·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌpō-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·po·lar·iz·er \(ˌ)dē-'pō-lə-ˌrī-zər\ noun

depoliticize
v. : to remove the political character of : take out of the realm of politics <depoliticize foreign aid>
–de·po·lit·i·ci·za·tion \ˌdē-pə-ˌli-tə-sə-'zä-shən\ noun

depolymerize
v. : to decompose (macromolecules) into simpler compounds (as monomers)
intransitive verb : to undergo decomposition into simpler compounds
–de·po·ly·mer·i·za·tion \ˌdē-pə-ˌli-mə-rə-'zā-shən, (ˌ)dē-ˌpä-lə-mə-rə-\ noun

depone
v. : TESTIFY

deponent
n. : occurring with passive or middle voice forms but with active voice meaning <the deponent verbs in Latin and Greek>

deponent
n. 1 : a deponent verb
2 : one who gives evidence

depopulate
v. 1 obsolete : RAVAGE
2 : to reduce greatly the population of
–de·pop·u·la·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌpä-pyə-'lā-shən\ noun

deport
v. 1 : to behave or comport (oneself) especially in accord with a code
2 [Latin deportare] a : to carry away b : to send out of the country by legal deportation
synonyms see BANISH, BEHAVE

deportable
adj. 1 : punishable by deportation <deportable offenses>
2 : subject to deportation <deportable aliens>

deportation
n. 1 : an act or instance of deporting
2 : the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is unlawful or prejudicial

deportee
n. : one who has been deported or is under sentence of deportation

deportment
n. : the manner in which one conducts oneself : BEHAVIOR
synonyms see BEARING

deposal
n. : an act of deposing from office

depose
v. transitive verb
1 : to remove from a throne or other high position
2 : to put down : DEPOSIT
3 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin deponere, from Late Latin] a : to testify to under oath or by affidavit b : AFFIRM, ASSERT c : to take a deposition of <depose a witness>
intransitive verb : to bear witness

deposit
n. transitive verb
1 : to place especially for safekeeping or as a pledge especially : to put in a bank
2 a : to lay down : PLACE b : to let fall (as sediment)
intransitive verb : to become deposited
–de·pos·i·tor \-'pä-zə-tər, -'päz-tər\ noun

deposit
n. 1 : the state of being deposited
2 : something placed for safekeeping: as a : money deposited in a bank b : money given as a pledge or down payment
3 : a place of deposit : DEPOSITORY
4 : an act of depositing
5 a : something laid down especially : matter deposited by a natural process b : a natural accumulation (as of iron ore, coal, or gas)

deposit
n. certificate of deposit
demand deposit
direct deposit
safe deposit box
safety deposit box

depositary
n. 1 : a person to whom something is entrusted
2 : DEPOSITORY 2

deposition
n. 1 : an act of removing from a position of authority
2 a : a testifying especially before a court b : DECLARATION specifically : testimony taken down in writing under oath c : out-of-court testimony made under oath and recorded by an authorized officer for later use in court also : a meeting at which such testimony is taken
3 : an act or process of depositing
4 : something deposited : DEPOSIT
–de·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

depository
n. 1 : DEPOSITARY 1
2 : a place where something is deposited especially for safekeeping

depository library
: a library designated to receive U.S. government publications

depot
n. 1 a : a place for storing goods or motor vehicles b : STORE, CACHE <a fat depot in the body>
2 a : a place for the storage of military supplies b : a place for the reception and forwarding of military replacements
3 : a building for railroad or bus passengers or freight

depr
1 depreciation
2 depression

deprave
v. 1 archaic : to speak ill of : MALIGN
2 : to make bad : CORRUPT especially : to corrupt morally
synonyms see DEBASE
–de·pra·va·tion \ˌde-prə-'vā-shən, ˌdē-ˌprā-\ noun
–de·prave·ment \di-'prāv-mənt\ noun
–de·prav·er \di-'prā-vər\ noun

depraved
adj. : marked by corruption or evil especially : PERVERTED
–de·praved·ly \-'prā-vəd-lē, -'prāvd-lē\ adverb
–de·pra·ved·ness \-'prā-vəd-nəs, -'prāvd-nəs\ noun

depravity
n. 1 : a corrupt act or practice
2 : the quality or state of being depraved

deprecate
v. 1 a archaic : to pray against (as an evil) b : to seek to avert <deprecate the wrath⋯of the Roman people ― Tobias Smollett>
2 : to express disapproval of
3 a : PLAY DOWN : make little of <speaks five languages⋯but deprecates this facility ― Time> b : BELITTLE, DISPARAGE <the most reluctantly admired and least easily deprecated of⋯novelists ― New Yorker>
–dep·re·cat·ing·ly \-ˌkā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–dep·re·ca·tion \ˌde-pri-'kā-shən\ noun

deprecate
v. self deprecating
self deprecation
self deprecatingly

deprecatory
adj. 1 : seeking to avert disapproval : APOLOGETIC
2 : serving to deprecate : DISAPPROVING
–dep·re·ca·to·ri·ly \ˌde-pri-kə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

depreciate
transitive verb
1 : to lower in estimation or esteem
2 a : to lower the price or estimated value of <depreciate property> b : to deduct from taxable income a portion of the original cost of (a business asset) over several years as the value of the asset decreases
intransitive verb : to fall in value
synonyms see DECRY
–de·pre·cia·ble \-shə-bəl\ adjective
–de·pre·ci·at·ing·ly \-shē-ˌā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–de·pre·ci·a·tion \-ˌprē-shē-'ā-shən\ noun
–de·pre·ci·a·tive \-'prē-shə-tiv, -shē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–de·pre·ci·a·tor \-shē-ˌā-tər\ noun
–de·pre·cia·to·ry \-shə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

depredate
v. transitive verb : to lay waste : PLUNDER, RAVAGE
intransitive verb : to engage in plunder
–dep·re·da·tion \ˌde-prə-'dā-shən\ noun
–de·pre·da·tor \'de-prə-ˌdā-tər, di-'pre-də-\ noun
–de·pre·da·to·ry \di-'pre-də-ˌtȯr-ē, 'de-pri-də-\ adjective

deprenyl
: a monoamine oxidase inhibitor C_13H_17N used especially to treat Parkinson's disease

depress
v. 1 obsolete : REPRESS, SUBJUGATE
2 a : to press down <depress a typewriter key> b : to cause to sink to a lower position
3 : to lessen the activity or strength of <drugs that may depress the appetite>
4 : SADDEN, DISCOURAGE <don't let the news depress you>
5 : to decrease the market value or marketability of
–de·press·ible \-'pre-sə-bəl\ adjective

depressant
n. : one that depresses specifically : an agent that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (as appetite)
–depressant adjective

depressed
adj. 1 : low in spirits : SAD especially : affected by psychological depression
2 a : vertically flattened <a depressed cactus> b : having the central part lower than the margin c : lying flat or prostrate d : dorsoventrally flattened
3 : suffering from economic depression especially : UNDERPRIVILEGED
4 : being below the standard

depressing
adj. : that depresses especially : causing emotional depression <a depressing story>
–de·press·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

depression
n. 1 a : the angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon b : the size of an angle of depression
2 : an act of depressing or a state of being depressed: as a : a pressing down : LOWERING b (1) : a state of feeling sad : DEJECTION (2) : a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies c (1) : a reduction in activity, amount, quality, or force (2) : a lowering of vitality or functional activity
3 : a depressed place or part : HOLLOW
4 : LOW 1B
5 : a period of low general economic activity marked especially by rising levels of unemployment

depression
n. angle of depression
manic depression
Depression glass
major depression
Qattara Depression

Depression glass
: tinted glassware machine-produced during the 1930s

depressive
n. 1 : tending to depress
2 : of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression <depressive symptoms> <a depressive patient>
–de·pres·sive·ly adverb

depressive
n. : one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression

depressive
n. manic depressive illness
major depressive disorder
manic depressive

depressor
n. : one that depresses: as a : a muscle that draws down a part ― compare LEVATOR b : a device for pressing down or aside c : a nerve or nerve fiber that decreases the activity or the tone of the organ or the part it innervates

depressurize
v. : to release pressure from
–de·pres·sur·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌpre-shə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

deprivation
n. 1 : the state of being deprived : PRIVATION especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice
2 : an act or instance of depriving : LOSS

deprive
v. 1 obsolete : REMOVE
2 : to take something away from <deprived him of his professorship ― J. M. Phalen>
3 : to remove from office
4 : to withhold something from <deprived a citizen of her rights>

deprived
adj. : marked by deprivation especially of the necessities of life or of healthful environmental influences <culturally deprived children>

deprogram
v. : to dissuade or try to dissuade from strongly held convictions (as religious beliefs) or a firmly established or innate behavior <the necessity of countering propaganda and deprogramming the indoctrinated ― Toni Cade Bambara>
–de·pro·gram·mer \-mər\ noun

dept
n. department

Deptford
former metropolitan borough SE London, England, now part of Lewisham

depth
n. 1 a (1) : a deep place in a body of water <fish living at great depths> (2) : a part that is far from the outside or surface <the depths of the woods> (3) : ABYSS 2 b (1) : a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling) <the depths of misery> also : a reprehensibly low condition <hadn't realized that standards had fallen to such depths> (2) : the middle of a time (as winter) (3) : the worst part
2 a : the perpendicular measurement downward from a surface b : the direct linear measurement from front to back
3 : the quality of being deep
4 : the degree of intensity <depth of a color> also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge)
5 : the quality or state of being complete or thorough <a study will be made in depth>
6 : a large number of good players <a team that lacks depth>
–depth·less \'depth-ləs\ adjective
–beyond one's depth or out of one's depth : beyond the limits of one's capabilities <an actor who is clearly out of his depth in serious drama>

depth
n. out of one's depth
beyond one's depth
depth charge
depth bomb
depth of field
depth perception
depth psychology
in depth

depth charge
: an antisubmarine weapon that consists essentially of a drum filled with explosives which is dropped near a target and descends to a predetermined depth where it explodes ― called also depth bomb

depth of field

1911
: the range of distances of the object in front of an image-forming device (as a camera lens) measured along the axis of the device throughout which the image has acceptable sharpness

depth perception
: the ability to judge the distance of objects and the spatial relationship of objects at different distances

depth psychology
: PSYCHOANALYSIS also : psychology concerned especially with the unconscious mind

deputation
n. 1 : the act of appointing a deputy
2 : a group of people appointed to represent others

depute
v. : DELEGATE

deputize
v. transitive verb : to appoint as deputy
intransitive verb : to act as deputy
–dep·u·ti·za·tion \ˌde-pyə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

deputy
n. 1 a : a person appointed as a substitute with power to act b : a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent
2 : a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies

der
derivation; derivative

der
Frankfurt an der Oder
Mülheim an der Ruhr
van der Waals forces
der Geist der stets verneint
Meer van Delft van der
Mies van der Rohe
van der Meer
Waals van der
Walther von der Vogelweide

der Geist der stets verneint
: the spirit that ever denies ― applied originally to Mephistopheles

deracinate
v. 1 : UPROOT
2 : to remove or separate from a native environment or culture especially : to remove the racial or ethnic characteristics or influences from
–de·rac·i·na·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌra-sə-'nā-shən\ noun

derail
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to run off the rails
2 a : to obstruct the progress of : FRUSTRATE <security problems derailed the tour> b : to upset the stability or composure of <divorce⋯can seriously derail an employee ― Joanne Gordon>
intransitive verb : to leave the rails
–de·rail·ment \-mənt\ noun

derailleur
n. : a mechanism for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another

Derain
André 1880-1954 Fr. painter

derange
v. 1 : to disturb the operation or functions of
2 : DISARRANGE <hatless, with tie deranged ― G. W. Stonier>
3 : to make insane
–de·range·ment \-mənt\ noun

derate
v. : to lower the rated capability of (as electrical or mechanical apparatus) because of deterioration or inadequacy

Derbe
ancient town S Asia Minor in S Lycaonia on border of Cilicia; exact site unknown

Derbent
city S Russia in Europe in Dagestan on Caspian Sea pop 81,500

Derby
n. city N cen England in Derbyshire pop 214,000

derby
n. 1 : any of several horse races held annually and usually restricted to three-year-olds
2 : a race or contest open to all comers or to a specified category of contestants <bicycle derby>
3 : a man's stiff felt hat with dome-shaped crown and narrow brim

Derbys
Derbyshire

Derbyshire
n. county N cen England capital Matlock area 1052 sq mi (2725 sq km), pop 914,600

derealization
n. : a feeling of altered reality (as that occurring in schizophrenia or in some drug reactions) in which one's surroundings appear unreal or unfamiliar

deregulation
n. : the act or process of removing restrictions and regulations
–de·reg·u·late \(ˌ)dē-'re-gyə-ˌlāt\ transitive verb

derelict
n. 1 : abandoned especially by the owner or occupant also : RUN-DOWN
2 : lacking a sense of duty : NEGLIGENT

derelict
n. 1 a : something voluntarily abandoned especially : a ship abandoned on the high seas b : a tract of land left dry by receding water
2 : a destitute homeless social misfit : VAGRANT, BUM

dereliction
n. 1 a : an intentional abandonment b : the state of being abandoned
2 : a recession of water leaving permanently dry land
3 a : intentional or conscious neglect : DELINQUENCY <dereliction of duty> b : FAULT, SHORTCOMING

derepress
v. : to activate (a gene or enzyme) by releasing from a blocked state
–de·re·pres·sion \-'pre-shən\ noun

deride
v. 1 : to laugh at contemptuously
2 : to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule
synonyms see RIDICULE
–de·rid·er noun
–de·rid·ing·ly \-'rī-diŋ-lē\ adverb

derision
n. 1 a : the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt b : a state of being derided
2 : an object of ridicule or scorn

derisive
adj. : expressing or causing derision <derisive laughter>
–de·ri·sive·ly adverb
–de·ri·sive·ness noun

derisory
adj. 1 : expressing derision : DERISIVE
2 : worthy of derision especially : laughably small <land could be bought for a derisory sum>

derivable
adj. : capable of being derived

derivate
: DERIVATIVE

derivation
n. 1 a (1) : the formation of a word from another word or base (as by the addition of a usually noninflectional affix) (2) : an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation of a word (3) : ETYMOLOGY 1 b : the relation of a word to its base
2 a : SOURCE, ORIGIN b : DESCENT, ORIGINATION
3 : something derived : DERIVATIVE
4 : an act or process of deriving
5 : a sequence of statements (as in logic or mathematics) showing that a result is a necessary consequence of previously accepted statements
–der·i·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

derivative
n. 1 : a word formed by derivation
2 : something derived
3 : the limit of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable as the latter change approaches zero
4 a : a chemical substance related structurally to another substance and theoretically derivable from it b : a substance that can be made from another substance
5 : a contract or security that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as another security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or currency exchange) or index of asset value (as a stock index)

derivative
n. 1 : formed by derivation <a derivative word>
2 : made up of or marked by derived elements
3 : lacking originality : BANAL
–de·riv·a·tive·ly adverb
–de·riv·a·tive·ness noun

derivatization
: the conversion of a chemical compound into a derivative (as for identification)
–de·riv·a·tize \də-'ri-və-ˌtīz\ transitive verb

derive
v. transitive verb
1 a : to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source b : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
2 : INFER, DEDUCE
3 archaic : BRING
4 : to trace the derivation of
intransitive verb : to have or take origin : come as a derivative
synonyms see SPRING
–de·riv·er noun

derived
adj. : being, possessing, or marked by a character (as the large brain in humans) not present in the ancestral form <derived features>

derm
n. dermatologist; dermatology

derm
n. : skin <dermal>

derm
n. : skin : covering <ectoderm>

derma
n. : skin or skin ailment of a (specified) type <scleroderma>

dermabrasion
n. : surgical removal of skin blemishes or imperfections (as scars or tattoos) by abrasion (as with sandpaper or wire brushes)

dermal
adj. 1 : of or relating to skin and especially to the dermis : CUTANEOUS
2 : EPIDERMAL

dermat
: skin <dermatitis> <dermatology>

dermatitis
n. : inflammation of the skin

dermatoglyphics
n. 1 : skin patterns especially : patterns of the specialized skin of the inferior surfaces of the hands and feet
2 : the science of the study of skin patterns
–der·ma·to·glyph·ic \-fik\ adjective

dermatology
n. : a branch of medicine dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases
–der·ma·to·log·ic \-mə-tə-'lä-jik\ or der·ma·to·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–der·ma·tol·o·gist \-mə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

dermatome
n. : the lateral wall of a somite from which the dermis is produced
–der·ma·to·mal \ˌdər-mə-'tō-məl\ adjective

dermatomyositis
n. : an inflammatory disease of skin and muscle marked especially by muscular weakness and skin rash

dermatophyte
n. : a fungus parasitic on the skin or skin derivatives (as hair or nails)

dermatosis
n. : a disease of the skin

dermatous
: having a (specified) type of skin <pachydermatous>

dermestid
: any of a family (Dermestidae) of beetles with clubbed antennae that are very destructive to organic material of animal origin (as dried meat, wool, or museum specimens)
–dermestid adjective

dermis
n. : the sensitive vascular inner mesodermic layer of the skin ― called also corium cutis ― see HAIR illustration

dermis
n. : layer of skin or tissue <endodermis>

dermoid cyst
: a cystic tumor often of the ovary that contains skin and skin derivatives (as hair or teeth) ― called also dermoid

Derna
― see DARNAH

dernier cri
: the newest fashion

derogate
v. transitive verb : to cause to seem inferior : DISPARAGE
intransitive verb
1 : to take away a part so as to impair : DETRACT
2 : to act beneath one's position or character
–der·o·ga·tion \ˌder-ə-'gā-shən, ˌde-rə-\ noun
–de·ro·ga·tive \di-'rä-gə-tiv\ adjective

derogatory
adj. 1 : detracting from the character or standing of something ― often used with to, towards, or of
2 : expressive of a low opinion : DISPARAGING <derogatory remarks>
–de·rog·a·to·ri·ly \-ˌrä-gə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

derrick
n. 1 : a hoisting apparatus employing a tackle rigged at the end of a beam
2 : a framework or tower over a deep drill hole (as of an oil well) for supporting boring tackle or for hoisting and lowering

Derrida
n. Jacques 1930-     Fr. philos. & critic
–Der·ri·de·an also Der·ri·di·an \ˌde-ri-'dē-ən\ adjective

derriere
n. : BUTTOCKS

derring-do
: daring action : DARING <deeds of derring-do>

derringer
n. : a short-barreled pocket pistol

derris
n. 1 : a preparation chiefly of ground derris roots used as an insecticide
2 : any of a large genus (Derris) of tropical Eurasian shrubs and woody vines of the legume family including sources of poisons and especially commercial sources of rotenone

Derry
n. 1 city SE N.H. SE of Manchester pop 34,021
2 or Lon·don·der·ry \ˌlən-dən-'der-ē; 'lən-dən-ˌder-ē, -d(ə-)rē\ district NW Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 148 sq mi (383 sq km), pop 94,918
3 or Londonderry port NW Derry district pop 62,697

dervish
n. 1 : a member of a Muslim religious order noted for devotional exercises (as bodily movements leading to a trance)
2 : one that whirls or dances with or as if with the abandonment of a dervish

Derwent
river more than 105 mi (170 km) Australia in Tasmania flowing SE into Tasman Sea

Derwent Water
lake NW England in Lake District in Cumbria

Derzhavin
Gavrila Romanovich 1743-1816 Russ. poet

DES
: DIETHYLSTILBESTROL

des
: DE- 6 ― especially before vowels <desoxy>

des
crise des nerfs
folie des grandeurs
salon des refuses
salon des refusés
trahison des clercs
Des Prez
Josquin des Prez
Des Moines
Des Plaines
Dollard des Ormeaux
Ile des Pins
Marais des Cygnes
Maures Monts des
Saint Maur des Fosses
Saint Maur des Fossés
West Des Moines
Bouvier des Flandres
Bouviers des Flandres
au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois

Des Moines
1 river 327 mi (526 km) Iowa flowing SE into Mississippi River
2 city capital of Iowa on Des Moines River pop 198,682
3 \also -'mȯinz\ city W Wash. S of Seattle pop 29,267

Des Plaines
1 river 150 mi (241 km) NE Ill. flowing S to unite with Kankakee River forming Illinois River
2 city NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 58,720

Des Prez
Josquin ― see JOSQUIN DES PREZ

desacralize
v. : to divest of sacred qualities or status
–de·sa·cral·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsā-krə-lī-'zā-shən, -ˌsa-\ noun

Desaguadero
― see SALADO

Desai
Morarji Ranchhodji 1896-1995 prime min. of India (1977-79)

Desaix de Veygoux
v. Louis-Charles-Antoine 1768-1800 Fr. gen.

desalinate
v. : DESALT
–de·sa·li·na·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsa-lə-'nā-shən also -ˌsā-\ noun
–de·sa·li·na·tor \(ˌ)dē-'sa-lə-ˌnā-tər also -'sā-\ noun

desalinize
v. : DESALT
–de·sa·li·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsa-lə-nə-'zā-shən also -ˌsā-\ noun

desalt
v. : to remove salt from
–de·salt·er noun

desanctify
: DESACRALIZE
–de·sanc·ti·fi·ca·tion \-ˌsaŋ(k)-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

Desargues
Gérard or Girard 1591-1661 Fr. math.

descant
n. 1 a : a melody or counterpoint sung above the plainsong of the tenor b : the art of composing or improvising contrapuntal part music also : the music so composed or improvised c : SOPRANO, TREBLE d : a superimposed counterpoint to a simple melody sung typically by some or all of the sopranos
2 : discourse or comment on a theme

descant
n. 1 : to sing or play a descant broadly : SING
2 : COMMENT, DISCOURSE

Descartes
n. René 1596-1650 L. Renatus Cartesius Fr. math. & philos.

descend
v. intransitive verb
1 : to pass from a higher place or level to a lower one <descended from the platform>
2 : to pass in discussion from what is logically prior or more comprehensive
3 a : to originate or come from an ancestral stock or source : DERIVE <descends from an old merchant family> b : to pass by inheritance <a desk that has descended in the family> c : to pass by transmission <songs descended from old ballads>
4 : to incline, lead, or extend downward <the road descends to the river>
5 a : to swoop or pounce down (as in a sudden attack) b : to appear suddenly and often disconcertingly as if from above <reporters descended on the candidate>
6 : to proceed in a sequence or gradation from higher to lower or from more remote to nearer or more recent
7 a : to lower oneself in status or dignity : STOOP b : to worsen and sink in condition or estimation
transitive verb
1 : to pass, move, or climb down or down along
2 : to extend down along
–de·scend·ible \-'sen-də-bəl\ adjective

descendant
n. 1 : moving or directed downward
2 : proceeding from an ancestor or source

descendant
n. 1 : one descended from another or from a common stock
2 : one deriving directly from a precursor or prototype

descender
n. : the part of a lowercase letter (as p) that descends below the main body of the letter also : a letter that has such a part

descension
archaic : DESCENT 2

descent
n. 1 a : derivation from an ancestor : BIRTH, LINEAGE <of French descent> b : transmission or devolution of an estate by inheritance usually in the descending line c : the fact or process of originating from an ancestral stock d : the shaping or development in nature and character by transmission from a source : DERIVATION
2 : the act or process of descending
3 : a step downward in a scale of gradation specifically : one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale
4 a : an inclination downward : SLOPE b : a descending way (as a downgrade or stairway) c obsolete : the lowest part
5 a : ATTACK, INVASION b : a sudden disconcerting appearance (as for a visit)
6 : a downward step (as in station or value) : DECLINE <descent of the family to actual poverty>

Deschanel
Paul-Eugène-Louis 1855-1922 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1920)

Deschutes
river 250 mi (402 km) cen & N Oreg. E of Cascade Range flowing N into Columbia River

descramble
v. : UNSCRAMBLE 2
–de·scram·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

describe
v. 1 : to represent or give an account of in words <describe a picture>
2 : to represent by a figure, model, or picture : DELINEATE
3 obsolete : DISTRIBUTE
4 : to trace or traverse the outline of <describe a circle>
5 archaic : OBSERVE, PERCEIVE
–de·scrib·able \-'skrī-bə-bəl\ adjective
–de·scrib·er noun

description
n. 1 a : an act of describing specifically : discourse intended to give a mental image of something experienced b : a descriptive statement or account
2 : kind or character especially as determined by salient features <opposed to any tax of so radical a description>
synonyms see TYPE

descriptive
adj. 1 : serving to describe <a descriptive account>
2 a : referring to, constituting, or grounded in matters of observation or experience <the descriptive basis of science> b : factually grounded or informative rather than normative, prescriptive, or emotive <descriptive cultural studies>
3 of a modifier a : expressing the quality, kind, or condition of what is denoted by the modified term <hot in “hot water” is a descriptive adjective> b : NONRESTRICTIVE
4 : of, relating to, or dealing with the structure of a language at a particular time usually with exclusion of historical and comparative data <descriptive linguistics>
–de·scrip·tive·ly adverb
–de·scrip·tive·ness noun

descriptor
n. : something (as a word or characteristic feature) that serves to describe or identify especially : a word or phrase (as an index term) used to identify an item (as a subject or document) in an information retrieval system

descry
v. 1 a : to catch sight of <I descried a sail ― Jonathan Swift> b : FIND OUT, DISCOVER
2 obsolete : to make known : REVEAL

descry
v. obsolete : discovery or view from afar

Desdemona
n. : the wife of Othello in Shakespeare's Othello

desecrate
v. 1 : to violate the sanctity of : PROFANE <desecrate a shrine>
2 : to treat disrespectfully, irreverently, or outrageously <the kind of shore development⋯that has desecrated so many waterfronts ― John Fischer>
–des·e·crat·er or des·e·cra·tor \-ˌkrā-tər\ noun

desecration
n. : an act or instance of desecrating : the state of being desecrated

desegregate
v. : to eliminate segregation in specifically : to free of any law, provision, or practice requiring isolation of the members of a particular race in separate units
intransitive verb : to become desegregated

desegregation
n. 1 : the action or an instance of desegregating
2 : the state of being desegregated

deselect
v. : DISMISS, REJECT

desensitize
v. 1 : to make (a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent
2 : to make emotionally insensitive or callous specifically : to extinguish an emotional response (as of fear, anxiety, or guilt) to stimuli that formerly induced it
–de·sen·si·ti·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsen(t)-sə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–de·sen·si·tiz·er \(ˌ)dē-'sen-sə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

Deseret
provisional state of the U.S. S of 42d parallel & W of the Rockies organized 1849 by Mormons

desert
n. 1 a : arid land with usually sparse vegetation especially : such land having a very warm climate and receiving less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) of sporadic rainfall annually b : an area of water apparently devoid of life
2 archaic : a wild uninhabited and uncultivated tract
3 : a desolate or forbidding area <lost in a desert of doubt>
–de·ser·tic \de-'zər-tik\ adjective
–des·ert·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

desert
n. 1 : desolate and sparsely occupied or unoccupied <a desert island>
2 : of or relating to a desert
3 archaic : FORSAKEN

desert
n. 1 : the quality or fact of deserving reward or punishment
2 : deserved reward or punishment ― usually used in plural <got their just deserts>
3 : EXCELLENCE, WORTH

desert
n. transitive verb
1 : to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return <desert a town>
2 a : to leave in the lurch <desert a friend in trouble> b : to abandon (military service) without leave
intransitive verb : to quit one's post, allegiance, or service without leave or justification especially : to abandon military duty without leave and without intent to return
synonyms see ABANDON
–de·sert·er noun

desert
n. desert locust
desert soil
desert tortoise
desert varnish
Arabian Desert
Atacama Desert
Colorado Desert
Great Indian Desert
Great Salt Lake Desert
Kalahari Desert
Libyan Desert
Mojave Desert
Mohave Desert
Mount Desert Island
Nubian Desert
Painted Desert
Palm Desert
Sonoran Desert
Syrian Desert
Thar Desert

desert locust
: a destructive migratory locust (Schistocerca gregaria) of southwestern Asia and parts of northern Africa

desert soil
: a soil that develops under sparse shrub vegetation in warm to cool arid climates with a light-colored surface soil usually underlain by calcareous material and a hardpan layer

desert tortoise
: a large burrowing land tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico

desert varnish
: a dark coating which is found on rocks after long exposure in desert regions and whose color is due to iron and manganese oxides

desertification
n. : the process of becoming desert (as from land mismanagement or climate change)
–de·sert·i·fy \-'zər-tə-ˌfī\ transitive verb

desertion
n. 1 : an act of deserting especially : the abandonment without consent or legal justification of a person, post, or relationship and the associated duties and obligations <sued for divorce on grounds of desertion>
2 : a state of being deserted or forsaken

deserve
v. transitive verb : to be worthy of : MERIT <deserves another chance>
intransitive verb : to be worthy, fit, or suitable for some reward or requital <have become recognized as they deserve ― T. S. Eliot>
–de·serv·er noun

deserved
adj. : of, relating to, or being that which one deserves <a deserved reputation>
–de·served·ly \-'zər-vəd-lē, -'zərvd-lē\ adverb
–de·served·ness \-'zər-vəd-nəs, -'zərvd-nəs\ noun

deserving
adj. : DESERT, MERIT <reward the proud according to their deservings ― Charles Kingsley>

deserving
adj. : MERITORIOUS, WORTHY especially : meriting financial aid <scholarships for deserving students>

desex
v. 1 : CASTRATE, SPAY
2 : to eliminate perceived sexism from <desex the language of church Bible study programs ― R. M. Harley>
3 : DESEXUALIZE 2

desexualize
v. 1 : to deprive of sexual characters or power
2 : to divest of sexual quality
–de·sex·u·al·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsek-sh(ə-)wə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌsek-shə-lə-, -ˌsek-shü-ə-\ noun

deshabille
n. variant of dishabille

desiccant
n. : a drying agent (as calcium chloride)

desiccate
v. transitive verb
1 : to dry up
2 : to preserve (a food) by drying : DEHYDRATE
3 : to drain of emotional or intellectual vitality
intransitive verb : to become dried up
–des·ic·ca·tion \ˌde-si-'kā-shən\ noun
–de·sic·ca·tive \'de-si-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective
–des·ic·ca·tor \'de-si-ˌkā-tər\ noun

desiderate
v. : to entertain or express a wish to have or attain
–de·sid·er·a·tion \-ˌsi-də-'rā-shən, -ˌzi-\ noun
–de·sid·er·a·tive \-'si-də-ˌrā-tiv, -'si-d(ə-)rət-, -'zi-\ adjective

desideratum
n. : something desired as essential

design
n. transitive verb
1 : to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan : DEVISE, CONTRIVE
2 a : to conceive and plan out in the mind <he designed the perfect crime> b : to have as a purpose : INTEND <she designed to excel in her studies> c : to devise for a specific function or end <a book designed primarily as a college textbook>
3 archaic : to indicate with a distinctive mark, sign, or name
4 a : to make a drawing, pattern, or sketch of b : to draw the plans for <design a building>
intransitive verb
1 : to conceive or execute a plan
2 : to draw, lay out, or prepare a design
–de·sign·ed·ly \-'zī-nəd-lē\ adverb

design
n. 1 a : a particular purpose held in view by an individual or group <he has ambitious designs for his son> b : deliberate purposive planning <more by accident than design>
2 : a mental project or scheme in which means to an end are laid down
3 a : a deliberate undercover project or scheme : PLOT b plural : aggressive or evil intent ― used with on or against <he has designs on the money>
4 : a preliminary sketch or outline showing the main features of something to be executed <the design for the new stadium>
5 a : an underlying scheme that governs functioning, developing, or unfolding : PATTERN, MOTIF <the general design of the epic> b : a plan or protocol for carrying out or accomplishing something (as a scientific experiment) also : the process of preparing this
6 : the arrangement of elements or details in a product or work of art
7 : a decorative pattern <a floral design>
8 : the creative art of executing aesthetic or functional designs
synonyms see INTENTION, PLAN

design
n. graphic design
interior design
randomized block design

designate
adj. : chosen but not yet installed <ambassador designate>

designate
1 : to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or duty <designate a group to prepare a plan>
2 a : to point out the location of <a marker designating the battle> b : to distinguish as to class <the area we designate as that of spiritual values ― J. B. Conant> c : SPECIFY, STIPULATE <to be sent by a designated shipper>
3 : DENOTE <associate names with the people they designate>
4 : to call by a distinctive title, term, or expression <a particle designated the neutron>
–des·ig·na·tive \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–des·ig·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun
–des·ig·na·to·ry \-nə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

designated driver
: a person chosen to abstain from intoxicants (as alcohol) so as to transport others safely who are not abstaining

designated hitter
1 : a baseball player designated at the start of the game to bat in place of the pitcher without causing the pitcher to be removed from the game
2 : REPRESENTATIVE, SUBSTITUTE

designation
n. 1 : the act of indicating or identifying
2 : appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
3 : a distinguishing name, sign, or title
4 : the relation between a sign and the thing signified

designee
: one that is designated

designer
n. : one that designs: as a : one who creates and often executes plans for a project or structure <urban designers> <a theater set designer> b : one that creates and manufactures a new product style or design especially : one who designs and manufactures high-fashion clothing <the designer's new fall line>

designer
n. 1 : of, relating to, or produced by a designer <designer wallpaper> <wearing a designer original> also : displaying the name, signature, or logo of a designer or manufacturer <designer jeans>
2 : intended to reflect the latest in sophisticated taste or fashion <designer ice cream> <a designer haircut>
3 : modified artificially (as by genetic engineering) to fulfill individual specifications or meet a need <designer foods> <designer estrogens>

designer
n. designer drug
graphic designer
interior designer

designer drug
: a synthetic version of a controlled substance (as heroin) that is produced with a slightly altered molecular structure to avoid having it classified as an illicit drug

designing
n. 1 : practicing forethought
2 : CRAFTY, SCHEMING <falling into the snares of a designing enemy ― Charles Dickens>

designment
n. obsolete : PLAN, PURPOSE

desipere in loco
: to indulge in trifling at the proper time

desipramine
n. : a tricyclic antidepressant C_18H_22N_2

desirability
n. 1 plural : desirable conditions <had understood and studied certain desirabilities ― D. D. Eisenhower>
2 : the quality, fact, or degree of being desirable

desirable
adj. 1 : having pleasing qualities or properties : ATTRACTIVE <a desirable woman>
2 : worth seeking or doing as advantageous, beneficial, or wise : ADVISABLE <desirable legislation>
–de·sir·able·ness noun
–de·sir·ably \-blē\ adverb

desirable
adj. : one that is desirable

desire
n. transitive verb
1 : to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for <desire success>
2 a : to express a wish for : REQUEST <they desire an immediate answer> b archaic : to express a wish to : ASK
3 obsolete : INVITE
4 archaic : to feel the loss of
intransitive verb : to have or feel desire
synonyms DESIRE, WISH, WANT, CRAVE, COVET mean to have a longing for. DESIRE stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim <desires to start a new life>. WISH sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable <wishes for permanent world peace>. WANT specif. suggests a felt need or lack <wants to have a family>. CRAVE stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need <craves sweets>. COVET implies strong envious desire <covets his rise to fame>.

desire
n. 1 : conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment
2 a : LONGING, CRAVING b : sexual urge or appetite
3 : a usually formal request or petition for some action
4 : something desired

desirous
adj. : impelled or governed by desire <desirous of fame>
–de·sir·ous·ly adverb
–de·sir·ous·ness noun

desist
v. : to cease to proceed or act
synonyms see STOP
–de·sis·tance \-'sis-tən(t)s, -'zis-\ noun

desk
n. 1 a : a table, frame, or case with a sloping or horizontal surface especially for writing and reading and often with drawers, compartments, and pigeonholes b : a reading table or lectern from which a liturgical service is read c : a table, counter, stand, or booth at which a person works
2 a : a division of an organization specializing in a particular phase of activity <the Russian desk in the Department of State> b : a seating position according to rank in an orchestra <a first-desk violinist>

desk
n. desk jockey
partners desk
reading desk
rolltop desk
writing desk

desk jockey
: a person whose job involves working at a desk

deskbound
adj. : restricted to work at a desk

deskman
n. : a person who works at a desk specifically : a newspaperman who processes news and prepares copy

desktop
n. 1 : the top of a desk also : an area or window on a computer screen in which icons are arranged in a manner analogous to objects on top of a desk
2 : a desktop computer

desktop
n. : of a size that can be conveniently used on a desk or table <desktop computers> ― compare LAPTOP

desktop publishing
: the production of printed matter by means of a desktop computer having a layout program that integrates text and graphics

desm
: bond : ligament <desmosome>

desmid
n. : any of numerous unicellular or colonial green algae (order Zygnematales, especially family Desmidiaceae)

desmosome
n. : a specialized structure of the cell membrane especially of an epithelial cell that serves as a zone of adhesion to anchor contiguous cells together
–des·mo·som·al \-ˌsō-məl\ adjective

Desmoulins
Camille 1760-1794 Lucie-Simplice-Camille-Benoît Desmoulins Fr. revolutionary

Desna
river 550 mi (885 km) SW Russia in Europe & N Ukraine flowing S into the Dnieper

desolate
adj. 1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : DESERTED
2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one <a desolate widow>
3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : DILAPIDATED <a desolate old house> b : BARREN, LIFELESS <a desolate landscape> c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : GLOOMY <desolate memories>
synonyms see ALONE, DISMAL
–des·o·late·ly adverb
–des·o·late·ness noun

desolate
: to make desolate: a : to deprive of inhabitants b : to lay waste c : FORSAKE d : to make wretched
–des·o·lat·er or des·o·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–des·o·lat·ing·ly \-ˌlā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

desolation
n. 1 : the action of desolating
2 a : GRIEF, SADNESS b : LONELINESS
3 : DEVASTATION, RUIN <a scene of utter desolation>
4 : barren wasteland

desorb
v. : to remove (a sorbed substance) by the reverse of adsorption or absorption

desorption
n. : the process of desorbing

desoxy
― see DEOXY-

desoxyribonucleic acid
: DNA

despair
n. intransitive verb : to lose all hope or confidence <despair of winning>
transitive verb obsolete : to lose hope for
–de·spair·er noun

despair
n. 1 : utter loss of hope <a cry of despair> <gave up in despair>
2 : a cause of hopelessness <an incorrigible child is the despair of his parents>

despairing
adj. : given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope
synonyms see DESPONDENT
–de·spair·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

despatch
n. chiefly British variant of dispatch

desperado
n. : a bold or violent criminal especially : a bandit of the western U.S. in the 19th century

desperate
adj. 1 a : having lost hope <a desperate spirit crying for relief> b : giving no ground for hope <the outlook was desperate>
2 a : moved by despair <victims made desperate by abuse> b : involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration <made a desperate leap for the rope>
3 : suffering extreme need or anxiety <desperate for money>
4 : involving extreme danger or possible disaster <a desperate situation>
5 : of extreme intensity
6 : SHOCKING, OUTRAGEOUS
synonyms see DESPONDENT
–des·per·ate·ness noun

desperately
adv. 1 : in a desperate manner <struggling desperately>
2 : EXTREMELY, TERRIBLY <desperately tired> <desperately important>

desperation
n. 1 : loss of hope and surrender to despair
2 : a state of hopelessness leading to rashness

despicable
adj. : deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation <despicable behavior>
synonyms see CONTEMPTIBLE
–de·spi·ca·ble·ness noun
–de·spi·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

despiritualize
: to deprive of spiritual character or influence

despise
v. 1 : to look down on with contempt or aversion <despised the weak>
2 : to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful
–de·spise·ment \-'spīz-mənt\ noun
–de·spis·er \-'spī-zər\ noun
synonyms DESPISE, CONTEMN, SCORN, DISDAIN mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. DESPISE may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing <despises cowards>. CONTEMN implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious <contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers>. SCORN implies a ready or indignant contempt <scorns the very thought of retirement>. DISDAIN implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy <disdained popular music>.

despite
prep. 1 : the feeling or attitude of despising : CONTEMPT
2 : MALICE, SPITE
3 a : an act showing contempt or defiance b : DETRIMENT, DISADVANTAGE <I know of no government which stands to its obligations, even in its own despite, more solidly ― Sir Winston Churchill>
–in despite of : in spite of

despite
prep. 1 archaic : to treat with contempt
2 obsolete : to provoke to anger : VEX

despite
prep. : in spite of <played despite an injury>

despiteful
adj. : expressing malice or hate
–de·spite·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–de·spite·ful·ness noun

despiteous
archaic : feeling or showing despite : MALICIOUS
–de·spit·eous·ly adverb archaic

despoil
v. : to strip of belongings, possessions, or value : PILLAGE
synonyms see RAVAGE
–de·spoil·er noun
–de·spoil·ment \-mənt\ noun

despoliation
n. : the action or process of despoiling : SPOLIATION

despond
n. : to become despondent

despond
n. : DESPONDENCY

despondence
n. : DESPONDENCY

despondency
n. : the state of being despondent : DEJECTION, HOPELESSNESS

despondent
adj. : feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression <despondent about his health>
–de·spon·dent·ly adverb
synonyms DESPONDENT, DESPAIRING, DESPERATE, HOPELESS mean having lost all or nearly all hope. DESPONDENT implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort <despondent about yet another rejection>. DESPAIRING suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency <despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child>. DESPERATE implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration <one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle>. HOPELESS suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation <the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless>.

despot
n. 1 a : a Byzantine emperor or prince b : a bishop or patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church c : an Italian hereditary prince or military leader during the Renaissance
2 a : a ruler with absolute power and authority b : a person exercising power tyrannically

despotic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a despot
–des·pot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

despotism
n. 1 a : rule by a despot b : despotic exercise of power
2 a : a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power : ABSOLUTISM b : a despotic state

desquamate
v. : to peel off in scales
–des·qua·ma·tion \ˌdes-kwə-'mā-shən\ noun

Desroches
island NW Indian Ocean NNE of Madagascar belonging to Seychelles

Dessaix
Comte Joseph-Marie 1764-1834 Fr. gen.

Dessalines
Jean-Jacques 1758?-1806 emp. as Jacques I \'zhäk\ of Haiti (1804-06)

Dessau
city cen Germany NE of Halle pop 95,097

dessert
n. 1 : a usually sweet course or dish (as of pastry or ice cream) usually served at the end of a meal
2 British : a fresh fruit served after a sweet course

dessert wine
: a usually sweet wine typically served with dessert or afterward

dessertspoon
n. 1 : a spoon intermediate in size between a teaspoon and a tablespoon for use in eating dessert
2 : DESSERTSPOONFUL

dessertspoonful
n. 1 : as much as a dessertspoon will hold
2 chiefly British : a unit of measure equal to about 21/2 fluid drams

destabilize
v. 1 : to make unstable
2 : to cause (as a government) to be incapable of functioning or surviving
–de·sta·bi·li·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌstā-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

destain
v. : to selectively remove stain from (a specimen for microscopic study)

destigmatize
: to remove associations of shame or disgrace from <destigmatize mental illness>

destination
n. 1 : the purpose for which something is destined
2 : an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or predetermining
3 : a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent <kept their destination secret>
4 : a place worthy of travel or an extended visit ― often used attributively <a destination restaurant> <a destination resort>

destine
v. 1 : to decree beforehand : PREDETERMINE
2 a : to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance <the younger son was destined for the priesthood> <a trait that destines them to failure> b : to direct, devise, or set apart for a specific purpose or place <freight destined for European ports>

destiny
n. 1 : something to which a person or thing is destined : FORTUNE <wants to control his own destiny>
2 : a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency
synonyms see FATE

destitute
adj. 1 : lacking something needed or desirable <a lake destitute of fish>
2 : lacking possessions and resources especially : suffering extreme poverty <a destitute old man>
–des·ti·tute·ness noun

destitution
n. : the state of being destitute especially : such extreme want as threatens life unless relieved
synonyms see POVERTY

destrier
n. archaic : WARHORSE also : a charger used especially in medieval tournaments

destroy
v. transitive verb
1 : to ruin the structure, organic existence, or condition of <destroyed the files> also : to ruin as if by tearing to shreds <their reputation was destroyed>
2 a : to put out of existence : KILL <destroy an injured horse> b : NEUTRALIZE <the moon destroys the light of the stars> c : ANNIHILATE, VANQUISH <armies had been crippled but not destroyed ― W. L. Shirer>
intransitive verb : to cause destruction

destroyer
n. 1 : one that destroys
2 : a small fast warship used especially to support larger vessels and usually armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles

destroyer
n. destroyer escort
tank destroyer
self destroyer

destroyer escort
: a warship similar to but smaller than a destroyer

destroying angel
: any of several very poisonous pure white amanita mushrooms (as Amanita verna or A. virosa) : DEATH CAP

destructible
adj. : capable of being destroyed
–de·struc·ti·bil·i·ty \di-ˌstrək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

destruction
n. 1 : the state or fact of being destroyed : RUIN
2 : the action or process of destroying something
3 : a destroying agency

destructionist
n. : one who delights in or advocates destruction

destructive
adj. 1 : causing destruction : RUINOUS <destructive storm>
2 : designed or tending to hurt or destroy <destructive criticism>
–de·struc·tive·ly adverb
–de·struc·tive·ness noun

destructive
adj. destructive distillation
self destructive
self destructiveness

destructive distillation
: decomposition of a substance (as wood, coal, or oil) by heat in a closed container and collection of the volatile products produced

destructivity
n. : capacity for destruction

desuetude
n. : discontinuance from use or exercise : DISUSE

desulfurization
: the removal of sulfur or sulfur compounds (as from coal or flue gas)
–de·sul·fur·ize \(ˌ)dē-'səl-fər-ˌīz\ transitive verb

desultory
adj. 1 : marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose <a dragged-out ordeal of⋯desultory shopping ― Herman Wouk>
2 : not connected with the main subject
3 : disappointing in progress, performance, or quality <a desultory fifth place finish> <a desultory wine>
–des·ul·to·ri·ly \ˌde-səl-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
–des·ul·to·ri·ness \'de-səl-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs\ noun

det
1 detached; detachment
2 detail
3 determine

detach
v. 1 : to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
2 : DISENGAGE, WITHDRAW
–de·tach·abil·i·ty \-ˌta-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·tach·able \-'ta-chə-bəl\ adjective
–de·tach·ably \-blē\ adverb

detached
adj. 1 : standing by itself : SEPARATE, UNCONNECTED especially : not sharing any wall with another building <a detached house>
2 : exhibiting an aloof objectivity usually free from prejudice or self-interest <a detached observer>
synonyms see INDIFFERENT
–de·tached·ly \-'ta-chəd-lē, -'tacht-lē\ adverb
–de·tached·ness \-'ta-chəd-nəs, -'tacht-nəs\ noun

detached service
: military service away from one's assigned organization

detachment
n. 1 : the action or process of detaching : SEPARATION
2 a : the dispatch of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for a special mission or service b : the part so dispatched c : a permanently organized separate unit usually smaller than a platoon and of special composition
3 a : indifference to worldly concerns : ALOOFNESS b : freedom from bias or prejudice

detail
n. 1 : extended treatment of or attention to particular items
2 : a part of a whole: as a : a small and subordinate part : PARTICULAR also : a reproduction of such a part of a work of art b : a part considered or requiring to be considered separately from the whole c : the small elements that collectively constitute a work of art d : the small elements of a photographic image corresponding to those of the subject
3 a : selection of a person or group for a particular task (as in military service) b (1) : the person or group selected (2) : the task to be performed
synonyms see ITEM
–in detail : with all the particulars <explained the job in detail>

detail
n. 1 : to report minutely and distinctly : SPECIFY <detailed their grievances>
2 : to assign to a particular task
3 : to furnish with the smaller elements of design and finish <trimmings that detail slips and petticoats>
intransitive verb : to make detail drawings
–de·tail·er noun

detail man
: a sales representative of a drug manufacturer who introduces new drugs especially to physicians and pharmacists

detailed
adj. : marked by abundant detail or by thoroughness in treating small items or parts <the detailed study of history>
synonyms see CIRCUMSTANTIAL
–de·tailed·ly \di-'tāld-lē, -'tā-ləd-, 'dē-ˌ\ adverb
–de·tailed·ness \di-'tā-ləd-nəs, -'tāld-, 'dē-ˌ\ noun

detailing
n. : the act or process of meticulously cleaning and refurbishing an automobile

Detaille
(Jean-Baptiste-) Édouard 1848-1912 Fr. painter

detain
v. 1 : to hold or keep in or as if in custody <detained by the police for questioning>
2 obsolete : to keep back (as something due) : WITHHOLD
3 : to restrain especially from proceeding <was detained by a flat tire>
synonyms see KEEP, DELAY
–de·tain·ment \-mənt\ noun

detainee
n. : a person held in custody especially for political reasons

detainer
n. 1 : the act of keeping something in one's possession specifically : the withholding from the rightful owner of something that has lawfully come into the possession of the holder
2 : detention in custody
3 : a writ authorizing the keeper of a prison to continue to hold a person in custody

detd
determined

detect
v. transitive verb
1 : to discover the true character of
2 : to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of <detect alcohol in the blood>
3 : DEMODULATE
intransitive verb : to work as a detective
–de·tect·abil·i·ty \-ˌtek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·tect·able \-'tek-tə-bəl\ adjective

detection
n. 1 : the act of detecting : the state or fact of being detected
2 : the process of demodulating

detective
n. 1 : fitted for or used in detecting something <had perfected his detective sensibilities>
2 : of or relating to detectives or their work <a detective novel>
–de·tec·tive·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

detective
n. : one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible

detector
n. : one that detects: as a : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity b : a rectifier of high-frequency current used especially for extracting the intelligence from a radio signal

detent
n. : a device (as a catch, dog, or spring-operated ball) for positioning and holding one mechanical part in relation to another in a manner such that the device can be released by force applied to one of the parts

detente
n. 1 : the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations) also : a policy promoting this
2 : a period of détente

detention
n. 1 : the act or fact of detaining or holding back especially : a holding in custody
2 : the state of being detained especially : a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court

detention home
: a house of detention for juvenile delinquents usually under the supervision of a juvenile court

deter
v. 1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting <she would not be deterred by threats>
2 : INHIBIT <painting to deter rust>
–de·ter·ment \-'tər-mənt\ noun
–de·ter·ra·bil·i·ty \-ˌtər-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–de·ter·ra·ble \-'tər-ə-bəl\ adjective

deterge
v. : to wash off : CLEANSE
–de·terg·er noun

detergency
n. : cleansing quality or power

detergent
n. : that cleanses : CLEANSING <a detergent oil>

detergent
n. : a cleansing agent: as a : SOAP b : any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting agents c : an oil-soluble substance that holds insoluble foreign matter in suspension and is used in lubricating oils and dry-cleaning solvents

deteriorate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make inferior in quality or value : IMPAIR
2 : DISINTEGRATE
intransitive verb : to become impaired in quality, functioning, or condition : DEGENERATE <allowed a tradition of academic excellence to deteriorate> <his health deteriorated>
–de·te·ri·o·ra·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

deterioration
n. : the action or process of deteriorating : the state of having deteriorated
synonyms DETERIORATION, DEGENERATION, DECADENCE, DECLINE mean the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality. DETERIORATION implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness <the deterioration of the house through neglect>. DEGENERATION stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression <the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism>. DECADENCE presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy <cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence>. DECLINE differs from DECADENCE in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration <the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal>.

determinable
adj. 1 : capable of being determined, definitely ascertained, or decided upon <a determinable cause>
2 : liable to be terminated : TERMINABLE <a determinable estate>
–de·ter·min·able·ness noun
–de·ter·min·ably \-blē\ adverb

determinacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being determinate
2 a : the state of being definitely and unequivocally characterized : EXACTNESS b : the state of being determined or necessitated

determinant
n. 1 : an element that identifies or determines the nature of something or that fixes or conditions an outcome
2 : a square array of numbers bordered on the left and right by a vertical line and having a value equal to the algebraic sum of all possible products where the number of factors in each product is the same as the number of rows or columns, each factor in a given product is taken from a different row and column, and the sign of a product is positive or negative depending upon whether the number of permutations necessary to place the indices representing each factor's position in its row or column in the order of the natural numbers is odd or even
3 : GENE
4 : EPITOPE
–de·ter·mi·nan·tal \-ˌtər-mə-'nan-təl\ adjective

determinate
adj. 1 : having defined limits <a determinate period of time>
2 : definitely settled <a determinate order of precedence>
3 : conclusively determined : DEFINITIVE <a determinate answer>
4 : characterized by sequential flowering from the central or uppermost bud to the lateral or basal buds also : characterized by growth in which the main stem ends in an inflorescence and stops growing with only branches from the main stem having further and similarly restricted growth <determinate tomato plants> ― compare INDETERMINATE 4
5 : relating to, being, or undergoing egg cleavage in which each division irreversibly separates portions of the zygote with specific potencies for further development
–de·ter·mi·nate·ly adverb
–de·ter·mi·nate·ness noun

determination
n. 1 a : a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy b : the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning
2 archaic : TERMINATION
3 a : the act of deciding definitely and firmly also : the result of such an act of decision b : firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end <a woman of great courage and determination>
4 : a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: as a : the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement b : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
5 a : the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents b : the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation
6 : direction or tendency to a certain end : IMPULSION
7 : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue

determinative
adj. : having power or tendency to determine : tending to fix, settle, or define something <regard experiments as determinative of the principles from which deductions could be made ― S. F. Mason>
synonyms see CONCLUSIVE
–determinative noun

determinator
: DETERMINER

determine
v. transitive verb
1 a : to fix conclusively or authoritatively <determine national policy> b : to decide by judicial sentence <determine a plea> c : to settle or decide by choice of alternatives or possibilities <trying to determine the best time to go> d : RESOLVE <she determineed to do better>
2 a : to fix the form, position, or character of beforehand : ORDAIN <two points determine a straight line> b : to bring about as a result : REGULATE <demand determines the price>
3 a : to fix the boundaries of b : to limit in extent or scope c : to put or set an end to : TERMINATE <determine an estate>
4 : to find out or come to a decision about by investigation, reasoning, or calculation <determine the answer to the problem> <determine a position at sea>
5 : to bring about the determination of <determine the fate of a cell>
intransitive verb
1 : to come to a decision
2 : to come to an end or become void
synonyms see DECIDE, DISCOVER

determined
adj. 1 : having reached a decision : firmly resolved <determined to be a pilot>
2 a : showing determination <a determined effort> b : characterized by determination <will deter all but the most determined thief ― Security World>
–de·ter·mined·ly \-mənd-lē, -mə-nəd-lē\ adverb
–de·ter·mined·ness \-mənd-nəs\ noun

determiner
n. : one that determines: as a : GENE b : a word (as an article, possessive, demonstrative, or quantifier) that makes specific the denotation of a noun phrase

determinism
n. 1 a : a theory or doctrine that acts of the will, occurrences in nature, or social or psychological phenomena are causally determined by preceding events or natural laws b : a belief in predestination
2 : the quality or state of being determined
–de·ter·min·ist \-nəst\ noun or adjective
–de·ter·min·is·tic \-ˌtər-mə-'nis-tik\ adjective
–de·ter·min·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

deterrence
n. : the act or process of deterring: as a : the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment b : the maintenance of military power for the purpose of discouraging attack

deterrent
n. 1 : serving to deter <a deterrent effect>
2 : relating to deterrence <a deterrent view of punishment>
–deterrent noun
–de·ter·rent·ly adverb

detersive
adj. : DETERGENT
–detersive noun

detest
v. 1 : to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward : LOATHE
2 obsolete : CURSE, DENOUNCE
synonyms see HATE
–de·test·er noun

detestable
adj. : arousing or meriting intense dislike : ABOMINABLE
–de·test·able·ness noun
–de·test·ably \-blē\ adverb

detestation
n. 1 : extreme hatred or dislike : ABHORRENCE, LOATHING
2 : an object of hatred or contempt

dethrone
v. : to remove from a throne or place of power or prominence <dethrone a king> <trying to dethrone the champion>
–de·throne·ment \-mənt\ noun
–de·thron·er noun

detick
: to remove ticks from
–de·tick·er noun

detinue
n. 1 : a common-law action for the recovery of a personal chattel wrongfully detained or of its value
2 : detention of something due especially : the unlawful detention of a personal chattel from another

detn
1 detention
2 determination

detonable
adj. : capable of being detonated
–det·o·na·bil·i·ty \ˌde-tən-ə-'bil-ət-ē, ˌde-tə-nə-\ noun

detonate
v. intransitive verb : to explode with sudden violence
transitive verb
1 : to cause to detonate <detonate a bomb> ― compare DEFLAGRATE
2 : to set off in a burst of activity : SPARK <programs that detonated controversies>
–det·o·nat·able \-ˌā-tə-bəl, -ˌnā-\ adjective
–det·o·na·tive \'de-tən-ˌā-tiv, 'de-tə-ˌnā-\ adjective

detonation
n. 1 : the action or process of detonating
2 : rapid combustion in an internal combustion engine that results in knocking

detonator
n. : a device or small quantity of explosive used for detonating a high explosive

detour
n. : a deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure especially : a roundabout way temporarily replacing part of a route

detour
n. : to proceed by a detour <detour around road construction>
transitive verb
1 : to send by a circuitous route <detour traffic around an accident>
2 : to avoid by going around : BYPASS <detour an accident site>

detox
n. 1 : detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance <a detox clinic>
2 : a detox program or facility <spent one week in detox>
–detox verb

detoxicate
v. 1 : DETOXIFY 1
2 : DETOXIFY 2
–de·tox·i·cant \-si-kənt\ noun
–de·tox·i·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌtäk-sə-'kā-shən\ noun

detoxify
v. 1 a : to remove a harmful substance (as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from b : to render (a harmful substance) harmless
2 : to free (as a drug user or an alcoholic) from an intoxicating or an addictive substance in the body or from dependence on or addiction to such a substance
3 : NEUTRALIZE 2
–de·tox·i·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌtäk-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

detract
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to speak ill of
2 archaic : to take away
3 : DIVERT <detract attention>
intransitive verb : to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something ― often used with from <small errors that do not seriously detract from the book>
–de·trac·tor \-'trak-tər\ noun

detraction
n. 1 : a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : BELITTLING, DISPARAGEMENT
2 : a taking away <it is no detraction from its dignity or prestige ― J. F. Golay>
–de·trac·tive \-'trak-tiv\ adjective
–de·trac·tive·ly adverb

detrain
v. : to get off a railroad train
transitive verb : to remove from a railroad train
–de·train·ment \-mənt\ noun

detribalize
v. : to cause to lose tribal identity : ACCULTURATE
–de·trib·al·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌtrī-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

detriment
n. 1 : INJURY, DAMAGE <did hard work without detriment to his health>
2 : a cause of injury or damage <a detriment to progress>

detrimental
adj. : obviously harmful : DAMAGING <the detrimental effects of pollution>
synonyms see PERNICIOUS
–det·ri·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

detrimental
adj. : an undesirable or harmful person or thing

detrition
n. : a wearing off or away

detritivore
n. : an organism (as an earthworm or a fungus) that feeds on dead and decomposing organic matter

detritus
n. 1 : loose material (as rock fragments or organic particles) that results directly from disintegration
2 a : a product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away : DEBRIS b : miscellaneous remnants : ODDS AND ENDS <sifting through the detritus of his childhood ― Michael Tomasky>
–de·tri·tal \-'trī-təl\ adjective

Detroit
n. 1 river 31 mi (50 km) Ont. & SE Mich. connecting Lake Erie & Lake Saint Clair
2 city SE Mich. on Detroit River pop 951,270
–De·troit·er \di-'trȯi-tər\ noun

Detskoe Selo
― see PUSHKIN

detumescence
n. : subsidence or diminution of swelling or erection
–de·tu·mes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

Deucalion
n. : a survivor with his wife Pyrrha of a great flood by which Zeus destroys the rest of the human race

deuce
n. 1 a (1) : the face of a die that bears two spots (2) : a playing card bearing an index number two b : a throw of the dice yielding two points
2 : a tie in tennis after each side has scored 40 requiring two consecutive points by one side to win
3 [obsolete English deuce bad luck] a : DEVIL, DICKENS ― used chiefly as a mild oath <what the deuce is he up to now> b : something notable of its kind <a deuce of a mess>

deuce
n. : to bring the score of (a tennis game or set) to deuce

deuced
adj. : DAMNED, CONFOUNDED <in a deuced fix>
–deuc·ed or deuc·ed·ly adverb

deuces wild
: a card game (as poker) in which each deuce may represent any card designated by its holder

deus
n. deus ex machina
Deus absconditus
Deus vult
ditat Deus
quos deus vult perdere prius dementat
sicut patribus sit Deus nobis
Deus Ramos

Deus absconditus
: hidden God : God unknowable by the human mind

deus ex machina
1 : a god introduced by means of a crane in ancient Greek and Roman drama to decide the final outcome
2 : a person or thing (as in fiction or drama) that appears or is introduced suddenly and unexpectedly and provides a contrived solution to an apparently insoluble difficulty

Deus Ramos
João \'zhwau̇n\ de 1830-1896 Port. poet

Deus vult
: God wills it ― rallying cry of the First Crusade

Deut
Deuteronomy

deuter
: second : secondary <deuteranopia>

deuteragonist
n. 1 : the actor taking the part of second importance in a classical Greek drama
2 : a person who serves as a foil to another

deuteranomalous
adj. : exhibiting partial loss of green color vision so that an increased intensity of green is required in a mixture of red and green to match a given yellow
–deu·ter·anom·a·ly \-'nä-mə-lē\ noun

deuteranope
n. : an individual affected with deuteranopia

deuteranopia
n. : color blindness marked by usually complete loss of ability to distinguish colors
–deu·ter·an·opic \-'nō-pik, -'nä-pik\ adjective

deuterate
v. : to introduce deuterium into (a compound)
–deu·ter·a·tion \ˌdyü-tə-'rā-shən\ noun

deuterium
n. : an isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus and that has twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen ― symbol D ― called also heavy hydrogen

deuterium oxide
: HEAVY WATER 1

deuterocanonical
: of, relating to, or constituting the books of Scripture contained in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew canon

deuteron
n. : a deuterium nucleus

Deuteronomic
: of or relating to the book of Deuteronomy, its style, or its contents

Deuteronomist
: any of the writers or editors of a Deuteronomic body of source material often distinguished in the earlier books of the Old Testament
–Deu·ter·on·o·mis·tic \-ˌrä-nə-'mis-tik\ adjective

Deuteronomy
n. : the fifth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture containing narrative and Mosaic laws ― see BIBLE table

deuterostome
n. : any of a major division (Deuterostomia) of the animal kingdom that includes the bilaterally symmetrical animals (as the chordates) with indeterminate cleavage and a mouth that does not arise from the blastopore

Deutsche Demokratische Republik
― see GERMANY

deutsche mark
: the basic monetary unit of West Germany from 1948 to 1990 and of reunited Germany from 1990 to 2001

Deutschland
n. ― see GERMANY

deutzia
n. : any of a genus (Deutzia) of the saxifrage family of ornamental shrubs with usually white or pink flowers

deux
n. a deux
à deux
folie a deux
folie à deux
pas de deux

dev
deviation

devaluate
v. : DEVALUE

devaluation
n. 1 : an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency
2 : a lessening especially of status or stature : DECLINE

devalue
v. 1 : to institute the devaluation of (money)
2 : to lessen the value of
intransitive verb : to institute devaluation

Devanagari
n. : an alphabet usually employed for Sanskrit and also used as a literary hand for various modern languages of India ― see ALPHABET table

devastate
1 : to bring to ruin or desolation by violent action <a country devastated by war>
2 : to reduce to chaos, disorder, or helplessness : OVERWHELM <devastated by grief> <her wisecrack devastated the class>
synonyms see RAVAGE
–dev·as·tat·ing·ly \-ˌstā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–dev·as·ta·tion \ˌde-və-'stā-shən\ noun
–dev·as·tat·ive \'de-və-ˌstā-tiv\ adjective
–dev·as·ta·tor \-ˌstā-tər\ noun

devein
: to remove the dark dorsal vein from (shrimp)

develop
v. transitive verb
1 a : to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : EXPOUND <develop a thesis> b : to make visible or manifest c : to treat (as in dyeing) with an agent to cause the appearance of color d : to subject (exposed photograph material) especially to chemicals in order to produce a visible image <develop film> also : to make visible by such a method <develop pictures> e : to elaborate (a musical idea) by the working out of rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme
2 a : to work out the possibilities of <develop an idea> b : to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time <develop new ways of doing business> <develop software>
3 a : to make active or promote the growth of <developed his muscles> b (1) : to make available or usable <develop natural resources> (2) : to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes <develop land> c : to move (as a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use
4 a : to cause to unfold gradually <developed his argument> b : to expand by a process of growth <working to develop the company further> c : to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind <rain and sun develop the grain> d : to become infected or affected by <developed pneumonia>
5 : to acquire gradually <develop an appreciation for ballet>
intransitive verb
1 a : to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation, or evolution by successive changes <a blossom develops from a bud> b : to acquire secondary sex characteristics
2 : to become gradually manifest
3 : to come into being gradually <the situation developing in eastern Europe> also : TURN OUT 2A <it developed that no one had paid the bill>
–de·vel·op·able \-'ve-lə-pə-bəl\ adjective

developed
adj. : having a relatively high level of industrialization and standard of living <a developed country>

developer
n. : one that develops: as a : a chemical used to develop exposed photographic materials b : a person who develops real estate c : a person or company that develops computer software

developing
n. : UNDERDEVELOPED 2 <developing nations>

development
n. 1 : the act, process, or result of developing <development of new ideas> <an interesting development>
2 : the state of being developed <a project in development>
3 : a developed tract of land especially : one with houses built on it

development
n. housing development
ribbon development
self development

developmental
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or being development <developmental processes> <developmental biology> broadly : EXPERIMENTAL 2 <developmental aircraft> b : serving economic development <developmental highways>
2 : designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill) <developmental toys>
–de·vel·op·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

developmentally disabled
: having a physical or mental disability that becomes apparent in childhood and prevents, impedes, or limits normal development

Deventer
commune E Netherlands pop 86,072

deverbal
adj. : DEVERBATIVE

deverbative
1 : derived from a verb <the deverbative noun developer is derived from develop>
2 : used in derivation from a verb <the deverbative suffix -er in developer>
–deverbative noun

Devereux
Robert 1566-1601 2d Earl of Essex Eng. soldier & courtier

devest
v. : DIVEST

deviance
n. : deviant quality, state, or behavior

deviancy
n. : DEVIANCE

deviant
n. : deviating especially from an accepted norm <deviant behavior>
–deviant noun

deviate
n. intransitive verb
1 : to stray especially from a standard, principle, or topic
2 : to depart from an established course or norm <a flight forced by weather to deviate south>
transitive verb : to cause to turn out of a previous course
synonyms see SWERVE
–de·vi·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun
–de·vi·a·to·ry \-ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

deviate
n. 1 : one that deviates from a norm especially : a person who differs markedly from a group norm
2 : a statistical variable that gives the deviation of another variable from a fixed value (as the mean)

deviate
n. : departing significantly from the behavioral norms of a particular society <deviate behavior>

deviation
n. : an act or instance of deviating: as a : deflection of the needle of a compass caused by local magnetic influences (as in a ship) b : the difference between a value in a frequency distribution and a fixed number (as the mean) c : departure from an established ideology or party line d : noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior
–de·vi·a·tion·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–de·vi·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

deviation
n. mean deviation
mean square deviation
standard deviation

device
n. 1 : something devised or contrived: as a (1) : PLAN, PROCEDURE, TECHNIQUE (2) : a scheme to deceive : STRATAGEM, TRICK b : something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design c : something (as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect d archaic : MASQUE, SPECTACLE e : a conventional stage practice or means (as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect f : a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function <an electronic device>
2 : DESIRE, INCLINATION <left to my own devices>
3 : an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing

device
n. charge coupled device
charged coupled device
intrauterine device
intrauterine contraceptive device
point device
ventricular assist device

devil
n. 1 often capitalized : the personal supreme spirit of evil often represented in Jewish and Christian belief as the tempter of humankind, the leader of all apostate angels, and the ruler of hell ― usually used with the ― often used as an interjection, an intensive, or a generalized term of abuse <what the devil is this?> <the devil you say!>
2 : an evil spirit : DEMON
3 a : an extremely wicked person : FIEND b archaic : a great evil
4 : a person of notable energy, recklessness, and dashing spirit also : one who is mischievous <those kids are little devils today>
5 : FELLOW ― usually used in the phrases poor devil, lucky devil
6 a : something very trying or provoking <having a devil of a time with this problem> b : severe criticism or rebuke : HELL ― used with the <I'll probably catch the devil for this> c : the difficult, deceptive, or problematic part of something <the devil is in the details>
7 : DUST DEVIL
8 Christian Science : the opposite of Truth : a belief in sin, sickness, and death : EVIL, ERROR
–between the devil and the deep blue sea : faced with two equally objectionable alternatives
–devil to pay : severe consequences ― used with the <there'll be the devil to pay if we're late>

devil
n. 1 : to season highly <deviled eggs>
2 : TEASE, ANNOY

devil
n. devil to pay
between the devil and the deep blue sea
devil may care
devil's advocate
devil's claw
devil's club
devil's darning needle
devil's food cake
devil's paintbrush
devil theory
dust devil
go devil
printer's devil
sea devil
Tasmanian devil
Devil Mountain
Devil's Island
Kill Devil
blue devils
Devils Postpile
Devils Tower

Devil Mountain
― see AUYÁN-TEPUÍ

devil theory
: a theory of history: political and social crises arise from the deliberate actions of evil or misguided leaders rather than as a natural result of conditions

devil to pay
severe consequences ― used with the <there'll be the devil to pay if we're late>

devil's advocate
1 : a Roman Catholic official whose duty is to examine critically the evidence on which a demand for beatification or canonization rests
2 : a person who champions the less accepted cause for the sake of argument

devil's claw
: any of several herbs (genus Proboscidea syn. Martynia of the family Martyniaceae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that have edible pods yielding a black sewing material used in basket making

devil's club
: a spiny western No. American shrub (Oplopanax horridus) of the ginseng family having large lobed leaves and stems covered with dense sharp prickles

devil's darning needle
1 : DRAGONFLY
2 : DAMSELFLY

devil's food cake
: a rich chocolate cake

Devil's Island
island French Guiana in the Safety Islands group; former penal colony

devil's paintbrush
: ORANGE HAWKWEED broadly : any of various hawkweeds that are naturalized weeds in the eastern U.S.

devil-may-care
: EASYGOING, CAREFREE <a devil-may-care attitude>

devilfish
n. 1 : MANTA RAY
2 : OCTOPUS broadly : any large cephalopod

devilish
adj. 1 : resembling or befitting a devil: as a : EVIL, SINISTER b : MISCHIEVOUS, ROGUISH <a devilish grin>
2 : EXTREME <in a devilish hurry>
–devilish adverb
–dev·il·ish·ly adverb
–dev·il·ish·ness noun

devilment
n. : MISCHIEF

devilry
n. 1 a : action performed with the help of the devil : WITCHCRAFT b : WICKEDNESS c : MISCHIEF
2 : an act of devilry

Devils Postpile
lava formation E cen Calif. SE of Yosemite National Park in Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Tower
columnar rock formation NE Wyo. rising 865 ft (264 m) in Devils Tower National Monument

devilwood
: a small tree (Osmanthus americanus) of the olive family that is native to the southern U.S.

devious
adj. 1 a : WANDERING, ROUNDABOUT <a devious path> b : moving without a fixed course : ERRANT <devious breezes>
2 : OUT-OF-THE-WAY, REMOTE
3 a : deviating from a right, accepted, or common course <devious conduct> b : not straightforward : CUNNING <a devious politician> also : DECEPTIVE <a devious trick>
–de·vi·ous·ly adverb
–de·vi·ous·ness noun

devise
v. 1 a : to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : INVENT <devise a new strategy> b archaic : CONCEIVE, IMAGINE c : to plan to obtain or bring about : PLOT <devise one's death>
2 : to give (real estate) by will ― compare BEQUEATH
–de·vis·able \-'vī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–de·vis·er noun

devise
v. 1 : the act of giving or disposing of real property by will
2 : a will or clause of a will disposing of real property
3 : property devised by will

devisee
n. : one to whom a devise of property is made

devisor
n. : one who devises property in a will

devitalize
v. : to deprive of life, vigor, or effectiveness
–de·vi·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌvī-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

devitrify
v. : to deprive of glassy luster and transparency especially : to change (as a glass) from a vitreous to a crystalline condition
–de·vit·ri·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌvi-trə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

devocalize
v. : DEVOICE

devoice
v. : to pronounce (as a sometimes or formerly voiced sound) without vibration of the vocal cords

devoid
adj. : being without a usual, typical, or expected attribute or accompaniment ― used with of <an argument devoid of sense> <a landscape devoid of life>

devoir
n. 1 : DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY
2 : a usually formal act of civility or respect

devolution
n. 1 : transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2 : retrograde evolution : DEGENERATION
–de·vo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
–de·vo·lu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

devolve
v. transitive verb : to pass on (as responsibility, rights, or powers) from one person or entity to another <devolving to western Europe full responsibility for its own defense ― Christopher Lane>
intransitive verb
1 a : to pass by transmission or succession <the estate devolved on a distant cousin> b : to fall or be passed usually as a responsibility or obligation <the responsibility for breadwinning has devolved increasingly upon women ― Barbara Ehrenreich>
2 : to come by or as if by flowing down <his allegedly subversive campaigns⋯devolve from his belief in basic American rights ― Frank Deford>
3 : to degenerate through a gradual change or evolution <where order devolves into chaos ― Johns Hopkins Mag.>

Devon
n. Devonshire

Devon
n. county SW England capital Exeter area 2686 sq mi (6957 sq km), pop 998,200

devon
n. : any of an English breed of vigorous red cattle used for meat and milk

devon
n. Devon rex
South Devon
Devon Island
Devonshire cream

Devon Island
island Nunavut, Canada, in E Parry Islands N of Baffin Is. area 20,861 sq mi (54,239 sq km)

Devon rex
: any of a breed of large-eared cats having a very short wavy or curly coat with sparse guard hairs

Devonian
adj. 1 : of or relating to Devonshire, England
2 : of, relating to, or being the period of the Paleozoic era between the Silurian and the Mississippian or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Devonian noun

Devonshire
n. dukes of ― see CAVENDISH

Devonshire cream
: CLOTTED CREAM

devote
v. 1 : to commit by a solemn act <devoted herself to serving God>
2 : to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity
–de·vote·ment \-'vōt-mənt\ noun
synonyms DEVOTE, DEDICATE, CONSECRATE, HALLOW mean to set apart for a special and often higher end. DEVOTE is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective <devoted his evenings to study>. DEDICATE implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose <dedicated her life to medical research>. CONSECRATE stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality <consecrate a church to the worship of God>. HALLOW often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity <battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots>.

devoted
adj. : characterized by loyalty and devotion <a devoted fan> <he is devoted to her>
–de·vot·ed·ly adverb
–de·vot·ed·ness noun

devotee
n. : an ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast (as of a religion, art form, or sport)

devotion
n. 1 a : religious fervor : PIETY b : an act of prayer or private worship ― usually used in plural c : a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate worship of a congregation
2 a : the act of devoting <devotion of time and energy> b : the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal <her devotion to the cause> <filial devotion>
3 obsolete : the object of one's devotion
synonyms see FIDELITY

devotional
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by devotion <devotional literature>
–de·vo·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb

devotional
adj. : a short worship service

devour
v. 1 : to eat up greedily or ravenously
2 : to use up or destroy as if by eating <we are devouring the world's resources>
3 : to prey upon <devoured by guilt>
4 : to enjoy avidly <devours books>
–de·vour·er noun

devout
adj. 1 : devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises
2 : expressing devotion or piety <a devout attitude>
3 a : devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior : SERIOUS, EARNEST <a devout baseball fan> <born a devout coward ― G. B. Shaw> b : warmly sincere <a devout wish for peace>
–de·vout·ly adverb
–de·vout·ness noun

DEW
n. distant early warning

dew
n. 1 : moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at night
2 : something resembling dew in purity, freshness, or power to refresh
3 : moisture especially when appearing in minute droplets: as a : TEARS b : SWEAT c : droplets of water produced by a plant in transpiration
–dew transitive verb
–dew·less \-ləs\ adjective

dew
n. dew point
dew worm
mountain dew

dew point
: the temperature at which a vapor (as water) begins or would begin to condense <it's 78° outside and the dew point is 63°>

dew worm
: NIGHT CRAWLER

Dewar
n. Sir James 1842-1923 Scot. chem. & physicist

dewar
n. : a glass or metal container made like a vacuum bottle that is used especially for storing liquefied gases ― called also Dewar flask

dewater
v. : to remove water from
–de·wa·ter·er noun

dewberry
n. 1 : any of several sweet edible berries related to and resembling blackberries
2 : a trailing or decumbent bramble (genus Rubus) that bears dewberries

dewclaw
n. : a vestigial digit not reaching to the ground on the foot of a mammal also : a claw or hoof terminating such a digit ― see COW illustration

dewdrop
n. : a drop of dew

Dewey
n. George 1837-1917 American admiral

Dewey
n. John 1859-1952 American philos. & educ.
–Dew·ey·an \-ən\ adjective

Dewey
n. Melvil 1851-1931 American librarian

Dewey
n. Thomas Edmund 1902-1971 American lawyer & polit.

Dewey decimal classification
: a system of classifying books and other publications whereby main classes are designated by a 3-digit number and subdivisions are shown by numbers after a decimal point ― called also Dewey decimal system

dewfall
n. : formation of dew also : the time when dew begins to deposit

dewlap
n. 1 : loose skin hanging under the neck of an animal ― see COW illustration
2 : loose flesh on the human throat
–dew·lapped \-ˌlapt\ adjective

deworm
v. : to rid (as a dog) of worms : WORM 4
–de·worm·er \(ˌ)dē-'wər-mər\ noun

Dewsbury
town N England in W. Yorkshire S of Leeds pop 48,339

dewy
adj. 1 : moist with, affected by, or suggestive of dew <dewy grass>
2 : INNOCENT, UNSOPHISTICATED <from a dewy bride to an ill-mannered, murderous courtesan ― Melvin Gussow>
–dew·i·ly \'dü-ə-lē, 'dyü-\ adverb
–dew·i·ness \'dü-ē-nəs, 'dyü-\ noun

dewy-eyed
: naively innocent and trusting <a dewy-eyed optimist>

dex
: the sulfate of dextroamphetamine

dexamethasone
n. : a synthetic glucocorticoid C_22H_29FO_5 used especially as an anti-inflammatory agent

Dexedrine
n. ― used for a preparation of the sulfate of dextroamphetamine

dexfenfluramine
: the dextrorotatory form of fenfluramine formerly used to treat obesity but withdrawn due to its association with heart valve disease ― compare FEN-PHEN

dexies
n. : tablets or capsules of the sulfate of dextroamphetamine

dexter
adj. 1 : relating to or situated on the right
2 : being or relating to the side of a heraldic shield at the right of the person bearing it
–dexter adverb

dexterity
n. 1 : mental skill or quickness : ADROITNESS
2 : readiness and grace in physical activity especially : skill and ease in using the hands <manual dexterity>

dexterous
adj. 1 : mentally adroit and skillful : CLEVER <her dexterous handling of the crisis>
2 : done with dexterity : ARTFUL <a dexterous maneuver>
3 : skillful and competent with the hands <a dexterous surgeon>
–dex·ter·ous·ly adverb
–dex·ter·ous·ness noun
synonyms DEXTEROUS, ADROIT, DEFT mean ready and skilled in physical movement. DEXTEROUS implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation <unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss>. ADROIT implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness <the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause>. DEFT emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling <a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel>.

dextr
1 : right : on or toward the right <dextrorotatory>
2 usually dextro- : dextrorotatory <dextroamphetamine>

dextral
adj. : of or relating to the right : inclined to the right: as a : RIGHT-HANDED 3 b of a gastropod shell : having the whorls coiling clockwise down the spire when viewed with the apex toward the observer and having the aperture situated on the right of the axis when held with the spire uppermost and with the aperture opening toward the observer ― compare SINISTRAL

dextran
n. : any of numerous glucose biopolymers of variable molecular weight that are produced especially by the fermentation of sucrose by bacteria (as genus Leuconostoc), are found in dental plaque, and are used especially in blood plasma substitutes

dextranase
n. : a hydrolase that prevents tooth decay by breaking down dextran and eliminating dental plaque

dextrin
n. : any of various water-soluble gummy polysaccharides (C_6H_10O_5)n obtained from starch by the action of heat, acids, or enzymes and used as adhesives, as sizes for paper and textiles, as thickening agents (as in syrups), and in beer

dextro
: DEXTROROTATORY

dextroamphetamine
n. : the dextrorotatory sulfate of amphetamine

dextromethorphan
: a nonaddictive cough suppressant C_18H_25NO that is widely used especially in the form of a hydrated hydrogen bromide complex

dextrorotatory
adj. : turning clockwise or toward the right specifically : rotating the plane of polarization of light toward the right <dextrorotatory crystals> ― compare LEVOROTATORY

dextrose
n. : dextrorotatory glucose

dey
n. : a ruling official of the Ottoman Empire in northern Africa

Dez
river 250 mi (402 km) W Iran flowing S to the Karun

Dezhnev, Cape
cape NE Russia in Asia at E end of Chukchi Peninsula

DF
1 damage free
2 direction finder; direction finding

DFA
doctor of fine arts

DFC
Distinguished Flying Cross

dft
1 defendant
2 draft

DG
1 [Late Latin Dei gratia] by the grace of God
2 director general

dg
decigram

DH
: DESIGNATED HITTER 1

DH
: to play as a designated hitter in a baseball game

DH
doctor of humanities

DHA
docosahexaenoic acid

Dhahran
town SE Saudi Arabia on Persian Gulf near Bahrain Islands pop 12,500

Dhaka
n. city capital of Bangladesh pop 3,637,892

dharma
n. 1 Hinduism : an individual's duty fulfilled by observance of custom or law
2 Hinduism & Buddhism a : the basic principles of cosmic or individual existence : divine law b : conformity to one's duty and nature
–dhar·mic \-mik\ adjective

dharna
n. : a fast held at the door of an offender in India as an appeal for justice

Dhaulagiri, Mount
mountain 26,810 ft (8172 m) W cen Nepal in the Himalayas

DHEA
dehydroepiandrosterone

DHL
doctor of Hebrew letters; doctor of Hebrew literature

dhole
n. : a wild dog (Cuon alpinus) occurring from India to southern Siberia

dhoti
n. : a loincloth worn by men in some parts of India

dhow
n. : an Arab lateen-rigged boat usually having a long overhang forward, a high poop, and a low waist

DHS
Department of Homeland Security

Dhu'l-Hijja
: the 12th month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

Dhu'l-Qadah
: the 11th month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

dhurrie
n. : a thick flat-woven cotton or wool cloth or rug made in India

DI
n. drill instructor

DI
n. la di da
lah di dah
Campagna di Roma
Reggio di Calabria

di
n. 1 : twice : twofold : double <dichromatic>
2 : containing two atoms, radicals, or groups <dioxide>

DIA
Defense Intelligence Agency

dia
diameter

dia
: through <diapositive> : across <diadromous>

diabase
n. 1 archaic : DIORITE
2 chiefly British : an altered basalt
3 : a fine-grained rock of the composition of gabbro but with an ophitic texture
–di·a·ba·sic \ˌdī-ə-'bā-sik\ adjective

diabetes
n. : any of various abnormal conditions characterized by the secretion and excretion of excessive amounts of urine especially : DIABETES MELLITUS

diabetes
n. adult onset diabetes
diabetes insipidus
diabetes mellitus
insulin dependent diabetes
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
juvenile diabetes
juvenile onset diabetes
non insulin dependent diabetes
non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
type 1 diabetes
type 1 diabetes mellitus
type 2 diabetes
type 2 diabetes mellitus

diabetes insipidus
: a disorder of the pituitary gland characterized by intense thirst and by the excretion of large amounts of urine

diabetes mellitus
: a variable disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors and usually characterized by inadequate secretion or utilization of insulin, by excessive urine production, by excessive amounts of sugar in the blood and urine, and by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight ― compare TYPE 1 DIABETES, TYPE 2 DIABETES

diabetic
n. 1 : of or relating to diabetes or diabetics
2 : affected with diabetes
3 : occurring in or caused by diabetes <diabetic coma>
4 : suitable for diabetics <diabetic food>

diabetic
n. : a person affected with diabetes

diabetogenic
adj. : producing diabetes

diabetologist
: a specialist in diabetes

diablerie
n. 1 : black magic : SORCERY
2 a : a representation in words or pictures of black magic or of dealings with the devil b : demon lore
3 : mischievous conduct or manner

Diablo, Mount
mountain 3849 ft (1173 m) cen Calif. at N end of Diablo Range

diabolical
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : DEVILISH <a diabolical plot>
–di·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–di·a·bol·i·cal·ness \-li-kəl-nəs\ noun

diabolism
n. 1 : dealings with or possession by the devil
2 : belief in or worship of devils
3 : evil character or conduct
–di·ab·o·list \-list\ noun

diabolize
: to represent as or make diabolical

diachronic
adj. : of, relating to, or dealing with phenomena (as of language or culture) as they occur or change over a period of time
–dia·chron·i·cal·ly \-'krä-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diachrony
1 : diachronic analysis
2 : change extending through time

diacid
: able to react with two molecules of a monobasic acid or one of a dibasic acid to form a salt or ester ― used especially of bases

diacid
: an acid with two acid hydrogen atoms

diaconal
adj. : of or relating to a deacon or deaconess

diaconate
n. 1 : the office or period of office of a deacon or deaconess
2 : an official body of deacons

diacriti-table

diacritic
n. : a mark near or through an orthographic or phonetic character or combination of characters indicating a phonetic value different from that given the unmarked or otherwise marked element

see table...

diacritical
adj. 1 : serving as a diacritic
2 a : DISTINCTIVE <the diacritical elements in culture ― S. F. Nadel> b : capable of distinguishing <students of superior diacritical powers>

diadelphous
: united by filaments into two fascicles ― used of stamens

diadem
n. 1 a : CROWN 2 specifically : a royal headband b : CROWN 6A(1)
2 : something that adorns like a crown

diadromous
of a fish : migratory between salt and fresh waters

diaeresis
n. 1 : a mark {uml} placed over a vowel to indicate that the vowel is pronounced in a separate syllable (as in naïve or Brontë) ― compare UMLAUT
2 : the break in a verse caused by the coincidence of the end of a foot with the end of a word
–di·ae·ret·ic \ˌdī-ə-'re-tik\ adjective

diag
n. 1 diagonal
2 diagram

diagenesis
n. 1 : recombination or rearrangement of constituents (as of a chemical or mineral) resulting in a new product
2 : the conversion (as by compaction or chemical reaction) of sediment into rock
–dia·ge·net·ic \ˌdī-ə-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective
–dia·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-'ne-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diageotropic
: tending to grow at right angles to the line of gravity <diageotropic branches and roots>

Diaghilev
Sergey Pavlovich 1872-1929 Russ. ballet producer & art critic

diagnose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms b : to diagnose a disease or condition in <diagnosed the patient>
2 : to analyze the cause or nature of <diagnose the problem>
intransitive verb : to make a diagnosis
–di·ag·nos·able or di·ag·nose·able \ˌdī-ig-'nō-sə-bəl, -əg-, -zə-\ adjective

diagnosis
n. 1 a : the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms b : the decision reached by diagnosis
2 : a concise technical description of a taxon
3 a : investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem <diagnosis of engine trouble> b : a statement or conclusion from such an analysis

diagnosis related group
: DRG

diagnostic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or used in diagnosis <a diagnostic tool> b : using the methods of or yielding a diagnosis <diagnostic tests>
2 : serving to distinguish or identify <a diagnostic feature>
–di·ag·nos·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diagnostic
adj. 1 : the art or practice of diagnosis ― often used in plural
2 : a distinguishing mark
–di·ag·nos·ti·cian \-(ˌ)näs-'ti-shən\ noun

diagonal
n. 1 a : joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same face b : passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron <a diagonal plane>
2 a : inclined obliquely from a reference line (as the vertical) <wood with a diagonal grain> b : having diagonal markings or parts <a diagonal weave>

diagonal
n. 1 : a diagonal straight line or plane
2 a (1) : a diagonal direction (2) : a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern b : something oriented in diagonal position
3 : SLASH 4
–on the diagonal : in an oblique direction : DIAGONALLY

diagonal
n. on the diagonal
diagonal matrix
principal diagonal

diagonal matrix
: a diagonalized matrix

diagonalize
: to put (a matrix) in a form with all the nonzero elements along the diagonal from upper left to lower right
–di·ag·o·nal·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–di·ag·o·nal·i·za·tion \-ˌa-gə-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌag-nə-lə-'zā-\ noun

diagonally
adv. : in a diagonal manner

diagram
1 : a graphic design that explains rather than represents especially : a drawing that shows arrangement and relations (as of parts)
2 : a line drawing made for mathematical or scientific purposes
–di·a·gram·ma·ble \-ˌgra-mə-bəl\ adjective
–di·a·gram·mat·ic \ˌdī-ə-grə-'ma-tik\ also di·a·gram·mat·i·cal \-'ma-ti-kəl\ adjective
–di·a·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diagram
n. : to represent by or put into the form of a diagram <diagram a sentence> <diagram a football play>

diagram
n. Argand diagram
block diagram
flow diagram
scatter diagram
Venn diagram

diakinesis
n. : the final stage of the meiotic prophase marked by contraction of the bivalents

dial
n. 1 : the face of a sundial
2 obsolete : TIMEPIECE
3 : the graduated face of a timepiece
4 a : a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer <the thermometer dial reads 70°F> b : a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine <a radio dial> <a telephone dial>

dial
n. transitive verb
1 : to measure with a dial
2 a : to manipulate a device (as a dial) so as to operate, regulate, or select <dial your favorite program> <dialed the wrong number> b : CALL 1M(1) <dialed the office>
intransitive verb
1 : to manipulate a dial
2 : to make a telephone call or connection
–di·al·er noun

dial
n. 1 dialect
2 dialectical

dial tone
: a tone emitted by a telephone as a signal that the system is ready for dialing

dial-up
: relating to or being a standard telephone line used for computer communications also : accessible via a standard telephone line <a dial-up Internet provider>

dialect
n. 1 a : a regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting together with them a single language <the Doric dialect of ancient Greek> b : one of two or more cognate languages <French and Italian are Romance dialects> c : a variety of a language used by the members of a group <such dialects as politics and advertising ― Philip Howard> d : a variety of language whose identity is fixed by a factor other than geography (as social class) <spoke a rough peasant dialect> e : REGISTER 4C f : a version of a computer programming language
2 : manner or means of expressing oneself : PHRASEOLOGY
–di·a·lec·tal \ˌdī-ə-'lek-təl\ adjective
–di·a·lec·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

dialect atlas
: LINGUISTIC ATLAS

dialect geography
: LINGUISTIC GEOGRAPHY

dialectic
n. 1 : LOGIC 1A(1)
2 a : discussion and reasoning by dialogue as a method of intellectual investigation specifically : the Socratic techniques of exposing false beliefs and eliciting truth b : the Platonic investigation of the eternal ideas
3 : the logic of fallacy
4 a : the Hegelian process of change in which a concept or its realization passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its opposite also : the critical investigation of this process b (1) usually plural but singular or plural in construction : development through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism (2) : the investigation of this process (3) : the theoretical application of this process especially in the social sciences
5 usually plural but singular or plural in construction a : any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usually seeks to resolve their conflict b : an intellectual exchange of ideas
6 : the dialectical tension or opposition between two interacting forces or elements

dialectical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or in accordance with dialectic <dialectical method> b : practicing, devoted to, or employing dialectic <a dialectical philosopher>
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a dialect
–di·a·lec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dialectical materialism
: the Marxist theory that maintains the material basis of a reality constantly changing in a dialectical process and the priority of matter over mind ― compare HISTORICAL MATERIALISM

dialectician
n. 1 : one who is skilled in or practices dialectic
2 : a student of dialects

dialectologist
n. : a specialist in dialectology

dialectology
n. 1 : the systematic study of dialect
2 : the body of data available for study of a dialect
–di·a·lec·to·log·i·cal \-ˌlek-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–di·a·lec·to·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diallel
: relating to or being the crossing of each of several individuals with two or more others in order to determine the relative genetic contribution of each parent to specific characters in the offspring

dialog box
: a window on a computer screen for choosing options or inputting information

dialogic
n. : of, relating to, or characterized by dialogue <dialogic writing>
–di·a·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dialogist
1 : a writer of dialogues
2 : one who participates in a dialogue
–di·a·lo·gis·tic \(ˌ)dī-ˌa-lə-'jis-tik; ˌdī-ə-ˌlȯ-'gis-, -ˌlä-'gis-\ adjective

dialogue
n. 1 : a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing
2 a : a conversation between two or more persons also : a similar exchange between a person and something else (as a computer) b : an exchange of ideas and opinions <organized a series of dialogues on human rights> c : a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution <a constructive dialogue between loggers and environmentalists>
3 : the conversational element of literary or dramatic composition <very little dialogue in this film>
4 : a musical composition for two or more parts suggestive of a conversation

dialogue
n. transitive verb : to express in dialogue
intransitive verb : to take part in a dialogue <managers dialoguing with employees>

dialysate
n. : the material that passes through the membrane in dialysis

dialyse
v. chiefly British variant of dialyze, dialyzer

dialysis
n. 1 : the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes especially : such a separation of colloids from soluble substances
2 : the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein ― called also hemodialysis
–di·a·lyt·ic \ˌdī-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

dialyze
v. transitive verb : to subject to dialysis
intransitive verb : to undergo dialysis
–di·a·lyz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

dialyzer
n. : an apparatus in which dialysis is carried out

diam
n. diameter

diamagnetic
adj. : having a magnetic permeability less than that of a vacuum : slightly repelled by a magnet
–dia·mag·ne·tism \-'mag-nə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

diamante
n. : a sparkling decoration (as of sequins) or material decorated with this <a gown trimmed with diamante>

Diamantina
1 \ˌdī-ə-ˌman-'tē-nə\ intermittent river maximum length 560 mi (901 km) E cen Australia in SW Queensland flowing SW into Warburton Creek
2 \ˌdē-ə-ˌmän-\ city E Brazil in cen Minas Gerais pop 26,075

diameter
n. 1 : a chord passing through the center of a figure or body
2 : the length of a straight line through the center of an object
3 : a unit of enlargement used with a number to indicate magnification by a lens or optical system <an object one millimeter wide magnified 40 diameters appears 40 millimeters wide>
–di·am·e·tral \-'a-mə-trəl\ adjective

diametric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a diameter : located at the diameter
2 : completely opposed : being at opposite extremes <in diametric contradiction to his claims>
–di·a·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diamide
: a compound containing two amido groups

diamine
n. : a compound containing two amino groups

diammonium phosphate
: a white crystalline compound (NH_4)2HPO_4 used especially as a fertilizer and as a fire retardant

Diamond
n. mountains SE N. Korea; highest 5374 ft (1638 m)

diamond
n. 1 a : native crystalline carbon that is the hardest known mineral, that is usually nearly colorless, that when transparent and free from flaws is highly valued as a precious stone, and that is used industrially especially as an abrasive also : a piece of this substance b : crystallized carbon produced artificially
2 : something that resembles a diamond (as in brilliance, value, or fine quality)
3 : a square or rhombus-shaped figure usually oriented with the long diagonal vertical
4 a : a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a red diamond b plural but singular or plural in construction : the suit comprising cards marked with diamonds
5 : a baseball infield also : the entire playing field

diamond
n. : to adorn with or as if with diamonds

diamond
n. : of, relating to, or being a 60th or 75th anniversary or its celebration <diamond jubilee>

diamond
n. black diamond
diamond in the rough
Diamond Bar
Diamond Head

Diamond Bar
city S Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 56,287

Diamond Head
promontory Hawaii on Oahu Is. in SE Honolulu

diamond in the rough

1785
: one having exceptional qualities or potential but lacking refinement or polish

diamondback
n. : having marks like diamonds or lozenges on the back

diamondback
n. diamondback moth
diamondback rattlesnake
diamondback rattler
diamondback terrapin

diamondback moth
: a nearly cosmopolitan moth (Plutella xylostella of the family Plutellidae) whose larva is a pest on cruciferous plants

diamondback rattlesnake
: either of two large and deadly rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus of the southeastern U.S. and C. atrox of the south central and southwestern U.S. and Mexico) ― called also diamondback diamondback rattler

diamondback terrapin
: any of several terrapins (genus Malaclemys) formerly widely distributed in salt marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts but now much restricted

diamondiferous
: containing diamonds <diamondiferous earth>

Diana
n. : an ancient Italian goddess of the forest and of childbirth who was identified with Artemis by the Romans

dianthus
n. : 2PINK 1

diapason
n. 1 a : a burst of sound <diapasons of laughter> b : the principal foundation stop in the organ extending through the complete range of the instrument c (1) : the entire compass of musical tones (2) : RANGE, SCOPE <registers the full diapason of her responses ― Mindy Aloff>
2 a : TUNING FORK b : a standard of pitch

diapause
n. : a period of physiologically enforced dormancy between periods of activity

diapausing
: undergoing diapause

diapedesis
n. : the passage of blood cells through capillary walls into the tissues

diaper
n. 1 : a fabric with a distinctive pattern: a : a rich silk fabric b : a soft usually white linen or cotton fabric used for tablecloths or towels
2 : an allover pattern consisting of one or more small repeated units of design (as geometric figures) connecting with one another or growing out of one another with continuously flowing or straight lines
3 : a basic garment for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist also : a similar garment especially for incontinent adults

diaper
n. 1 : to ornament with diaper designs
2 : to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)

diaper rash
: skin irritation of the diaper-covered area of an infant especially from exposure to feces and urinary ammonia

diaphaneity
: the quality or state of being diaphanous

diaphanous
adj. 1 : characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through <diaphanous fabrics>
2 : characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ETHEREAL <painted diaphanous landscapes>
3 : INSUBSTANTIAL, VAGUE <had only a diaphanous hope of success>
–di·aph·a·nous·ly adverb
–di·aph·a·nous·ness noun

diaphone
: a fog signal similar to a siren but producing a blast of two tones

diaphorase
n. : a flavoprotein enzyme capable of oxidizing the reduced form of NAD

diaphoresis
n. : PERSPIRATION especially : profuse perspiration artificially induced

diaphoretic
n. 1 : having the power to increase perspiration
2 : perspiring profusely
–diaphoretic noun

diaphragm
n. 1 : a body partition of muscle and connective tissue specifically : the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals
2 : a dividing membrane or thin partition especially in a tube
3 a : a more or less rigid partition in the body or shell of an invertebrate b : a transverse septum in a plant stem
4 : a device that limits the aperture of a lens or optical system ― compare IRIS DIAPHRAGM
5 : a thin flexible disk (as in a microphone or loudspeaker) that vibrates when struck by sound waves or that vibrates to generate sound waves
6 : a molded cap usually of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier
–di·a·phrag·mat·ic \ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-'ma-tik, -ˌfrag-\ adjective
–di·a·phrag·mat·i·cal·ly \-'ma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diaphysis
n. : the shaft of a long bone
–di·aph·y·se·al \(ˌ)dī-ˌa-fə-'sē-əl\ or di·a·phys·i·al \ˌdī-ə-'fi-zē-əl\ adjective

diapir
n. : an anticlinal fold in which a mobile core has broken through brittle overlying rocks
–di·a·pir·ic \ˌdī-ə-'pir-ik\ adjective

diapositive
n. : a positive photographic image on transparent material (as glass or film)

diapsid
: of, relating to, or including reptiles (as the crocodiles) with two pairs of temporal openings in the skull

diarchy
n. variant of dyarchy

diarist
n. : one who keeps a diary

diaristic
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a diary <her diaristic tone>

diarrhea
n. 1 : abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools
2 : excessive flow <verbal diarrhea>
–di·ar·rhe·al \-'rē-əl\ adjective
–di·ar·rhe·ic \-'rē-ik\ adjective
–di·ar·rhet·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective

diarrhoea
n. chiefly British variant of diarrhea

diarthrosis
n. 1 : articulation that permits free movement
2 : a freely movable joint

diary
n. 1 : a record of events, transactions, or observations kept daily or at frequent intervals : JOURNAL especially : a daily record of personal activities, reflections, or feelings
2 : a book intended or used for a diary

Dias
n. Bartholomeu ca 1450-1500 Port. navigator

diaspora
n. 1 capitalized a : the settling of scattered colonies of Jews outside Palestine after the Babylonian exile b : the area outside Palestine settled by Jews c : the Jews living outside Palestine or modern Israel
2 a : the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland <the black diaspora to northern cities> b : people settled far from their ancestral homelands <African diaspora> c : the place where these people live
–di·a·spor·ic \ˌdī-ə-'spȯr-ik\ adjective

diaspore
n. : a mineral consisting of aluminum hydrogen oxide

diastase
n. 1 : AMYLASE especially : a mixture of amylases from malt
2 : ENZYME

diastatic
: relating to or having the properties of diastase especially : converting starch into sugar

diastema
n. : a space between teeth in a jaw

diastereomer
: a stereoisomer of a compound having two or more chiral centers that is not a mirror image of another stereoisomer of the same compound ― compare ENANTIOMER
–di·a·ste·reo·mer·ic \-ˌster-ē-ō-'mer-ik, -ˌstir-\ or di·a·ste·reo·iso·mer·ic \-ˌī-sə-'mer-ik\ adjective
–di·a·ste·reo·isom·er·ism \-ī-'sä-mə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

diastole
n. : a rhythmically recurrent expansion especially : the dilatation of the cavities of the heart during which they fill with blood
–di·a·stol·ic \ˌdī-ə-'stä-lik\ adjective

diastrophism
n. : TECTONISM
–di·a·stroph·ic \ˌdī-ə-'strä-fik\ adjective
–di·a·stroph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diatessaron
: a harmony of the four Gospels edited and arranged into a single connected narrative

diathermy
n. : the generation of heat in tissue by electric currents for medical or surgical purposes
–dia·ther·mic \ˌdī-ə-'thər-mik\ adjective

diathesis
n. : a constitutional predisposition toward a particular state or condition and especially one that is abnormal or diseased
–di·a·thet·ic \ˌdī-ə-'the-tik\ adjective

diatom
n. : any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomaceous earth

diatomaceous
adj. : consisting of or abounding in diatoms or their siliceous remains <diatomaceous silica>

diatomaceous earth
: a light friable siliceous material derived chiefly from diatom remains and used especially as a filter

diatomic
adj. : consisting of two atoms : having two atoms in the molecule

diatomite
n. : DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

diatonic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a musical scale (as a major or minor scale) comprising intervals of five whole steps and two half steps
–dia·ton·i·cal·ly \-'tä-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diatribe
n. 1 archaic : a prolonged discourse
2 : a bitter and abusive speech or writing
3 : ironic or satirical criticism

Diaz
n. Armando 1861-1928 Duca della Vittoria Ital. gen.; marshal of Italy

Diaz
n. (José de la Cruz) Porfirio 1830-1915 Mex. gen.; pres. of Mexico (1877-80; 1884-1911)

Diaz
n. Azana y Diaz
Azaña y Diaz
Diaz de Vivar
Diaz Ordaz
Juana Diaz
Díaz de Vivar
Díaz Ordaz
Juana Díaz

Diaz de Vivar
v. ― see CID

Diaz Ordaz
Gustavo 1911-1979 pres. of Mexico (1964-70)

diazepam
n. : a tranquilizer C_16H_13ClN_2O used especially to relieve anxiety and tension and as a muscle relaxant

Diazinon
: a cholinesterase-inhibiting organophosphate insecticide C_12H_21N_2O_3PS

diazo
adj. 1 a : relating to or containing the group N_2 composed of two nitrogen atoms united to a single carbon atom of an organic radical ― often used in combination b : relating to or containing diazonium ― often used in combination
2 : of or relating to a photograph or photocopy whose production involves the use of a coating of a diazo compound that is decomposed by exposure to light

diazonium
n. : the monovalent cation N_2+ that is composed of two nitrogen atoms united to carbon in an organic radical and that usually exists in salts used in the manufacture of azo dyes

diazotize
v. : to convert (a compound) into a diazo compound (as a diazonium salt)
–di·az·o·ti·za·tion \-ˌa-zə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

dibasic
n. : having two replaceable hydrogen atoms ― used of acids

dibber
n. : DIBBLE

dibble
n. : a small hand implement used to make holes in the ground for plants, seeds, or bulbs

dibble
n. 1 : to plant with a dibble
2 : to make holes in (soil) with or as if with a dibble

dibenzofuran
: a highly toxic chemical compound C_12H_8O that is used in chemical synthesis and as an insecticide and is a hazardous pollutant when chlorinated

dibs
n. 1 slang : money especially in small amounts
2 : CLAIM, RIGHTS <I have dibs on that piece of cake>

dibutyl phthalate
: a colorless oily ester C_16H_22O_4 used chiefly as a solvent, plasticizer, pesticide, and repellent (as for chiggers and mites)

dicalcium silicate
: a calcium silicate 2CaO·SiO_2 that is an essential ingredient of portland cement

dicamba
: a systemic herbicide C_8H_6Cl_2O_3

dicarboxylic
adj. : containing two carboxyl groups in the molecule <dicarboxylic acids>

dicast
: an ancient Athenian performing the functions of both judge and juror at a trial

dice
n. 1 a : DIE 1 b : a gambling game played with dice
2 plural also dic·es : a small cubical piece (as of food)
3 : a close contest between two racing-car drivers for position during a race
–no dice
1 : of no avail : no use : FUTILE
2 : 1NO 3 <said no dice to my request>

dice
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut into small cubes <diced onions> b : to ornament with square markings <diced leather>
2 a : to bring by playing dice <dice himself into debt> b : to lose by dicing <dice her money away>
intransitive verb
1 : to play games with dice <dice for drinks in the bar ― Malcolm Lowry>
2 : to take a chance <the temptation to dice with death ― Newsweek>
–dic·er noun

dicentric
: having two centromeres <a dicentric chromosome>
–dicentric noun

dicey
adj. : RISKY, UNPREDICTABLE <a dicey proposition> <dicey weather>

dich
pref. : in two : apart <dichogamous>

dichasium
: a cymose inflorescence that produces two main axes

dichlor
: containing two atoms of chlorine <dichloroethane>

dichlorobenzene
n. : any of three isomeric compounds C_6H_4Cl_2 especially : PARADICHLOROBENZENE

dichlorodifluoromethane
n. : a chlorofluoromethane CCl_2F_2

dichloroethane
: a colorless toxic liquid compound C_2H_4Cl_2 that is used chiefly as a solvent

dichlorvos
: an organophosphorus insecticide and anthelmintic C_4H_7Cl_2O_4P used especially in veterinary medicine ― called also DDVP

dichogamy
n. : the production of male and female reproductive elements at different times by a hermaphroditic organism in order to ensure cross-fertilization
–di·chog·a·mous \-gə-məs\ adjective

dichondra
: any of a genus (Dichondra) of chiefly tropical perennial herbs of the morning glory family that includes some (esp. D. repens or its varieties) used as a ground cover and a substitute for lawn grasses in warmer parts of the U.S.

dichotic
adj. : relating to or involving the presentation of a stimulus to one ear that differs in some respect (as pitch, loudness, frequency, or energy) from a stimulus presented to the other ear <dichotic listening>
–dich·oti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dichotomist
: one that dichotomizes

dichotomize
v. transitive verb : to divide into two parts, classes, or groups
intransitive verb : to exhibit dichotomy
–di·chot·o·mi·za·tion \-ˌkä-tə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun

dichotomous
adj. 1 : dividing into two parts
2 : relating to, involving, or proceeding from dichotomy
–di·chot·o·mous·ly adverb
–di·chot·o·mous·ness noun

dichotomous key
: a key for the identification of organisms based on a series of choices between alternative characters

dichotomy
n. 1 : a division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities <the dichotomy between theory and practice> also : the process or practice of making such a division <dichotomy of the population into two opposed classes>
2 : the phase of the moon or an inferior planet in which half its disk appears illuminated
3 a : BIFURCATION especially : repeated bifurcation (as of a plant's stem) b : a system of branching in which the main axis forks repeatedly into two branches c : branching of an ancestral line into two equal diverging branches
4 : something with seemingly contradictory qualities <it's a dichotomy, this opulent Ritz-style luxury in a place that fronts on a boat harbor ― Jean T. Barrett>

dichroic
adj. 1 : having the property of dichroism <a dichroic crystal> <a dichroic mirror>
2 : DICHROMATIC

dichroism
n. : the property of some crystals and solutions of absorbing one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other also : the property of exhibiting different colors by reflected or transmitted light ― compare CIRCULAR DICHROISM

dichromat
n. : one affected with dichromatism

dichromate
n. : a usually orange to red chromium salt containing the anion Cr_2O_72- <dichromate of potassium> ― called also bichromate

dichromatic
adj. 1 : having or exhibiting two colors
2 : of, relating to, or exhibiting dichromatism

dichromatism
n. : partial color blindness in which only two colors are perceptible

dichroscope
: an instrument for examining crystals for dichroism

Dick
n. George Frederick 1881-1967 & Gladys Henry 1881-1963 American physicians

dick
n. 1 chiefly British : FELLOW, CHAP
2 usually vulgar : PENIS
3 [by shortening & alteration] : DETECTIVE

dick
n. Dick test
spotted dick
Tom Dick and Harry
Toms Dicks and Harrys

Dick test
: a test to determine susceptibility or immunity to scarlet fever by an injection of scarlet fever toxin

dickcissel
n. : a common migratory black-throated finch (Spiza americana of the family Cardinalidae) of the central U.S.

Dickens
n. Charles John Huffam 1812-1870 pseud. Boz \'bäz, 'bōz\ Eng. nov.
–Dick·en·si·an \di-'ken-zē-ən, -sē-\ adjective

dickens
n. : DEVIL, DEUCE

dicker
v. : the number or quantity of 10 especially of hides or skins

dicker
v. : BARGAIN <dickered over the price>

dicker
v. 1 : BARTER
2 : an act or session of bargaining

Dickey
n. James Lafayette 1923-1997 American poet, nov., & critic

dickey
n. 1 : any of various articles of clothing: as a : a man's separate or detachable shirtfront b : a small fabric insert worn to fill in the neckline
2 chiefly British a : the driver's seat in a carriage b : a seat at the back of a carriage or automobile

dickey bird
: a small bird

dickhead
n. usually vulgar : a stupid or contemptible person

Dickinson
n. Emily Elizabeth 1830-1886 American poet

Dickinson
n. John 1732-1808 American statesman

diclinous
: having the stamens and pistils in separate flowers

dicot
n. : DICOTYLEDON

dicotyledon
n. : any of a class or subclass (Magnoliopsida or Dicotyledoneae) of angiospermous plants that produce an embryo with two cotyledons and usually have floral organs arranged in cycles of four or five and leaves with reticulate venation ― compare MONOCOTYLEDON
–di·cot·y·le·don·ous \-də-nəs\ adjective

dicoumarin
n. : DICUMAROL

dicrotic
adj. 1 of the pulse : having a double beat
2 : being or relating to the second part of the arterial pulse occurring during diastole of the heart or of an arterial pressure recording made during the same period
–di·cro·tism \'dī-krə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

dict
n. dictionary

Dictaphone
n. ― used for a dictating machine

dictate
n. intransitive verb
1 : to give dictation
2 : to speak or act domineeringly : PRESCRIBE
transitive verb
1 : to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record
2 a : to issue as an order b : to impose, pronounce, or specify authoritatively c : to require or determine necessarily <injuries dictated the choice of players>

dictate
n. 1 a : an authoritative rule, prescription, or injunction b : a ruling principle <according to the dictates of your conscience>
2 : a command by one in authority

dictating machine
: a machine used especially for the recording of human speech for transcription

dictation
n. 1 a : PRESCRIPTION b : arbitrary command
2 a (1) : the act or manner of uttering words to be transcribed (2) : material that is dictated or transcribed b (1) : the performing of music to be reproduced by a student (2) : music so reproduced

dictator
n. 1 a : a person granted absolute emergency power especially : one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome b : one holding complete autocratic control c : one ruling absolutely and often oppressively
2 : one that dictates

dictatorial
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or befitting a dictator <dictatorial power> b : ruled by a dictator
2 : oppressive to or arrogantly overbearing toward others
–dic·ta·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–dic·ta·to·ri·al·ness noun
synonyms DICTATORIAL, MAGISTERIAL, DOGMATIC, DOCTRINAIRE, ORACULAR mean imposing one's will or opinions on others. DICTATORIAL stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner <exercised dictatorial control over the office>. MAGISTERIAL stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions <the magisterial tone of his pronouncements>. DOGMATIC implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions <dogmatic about what is art and what is not>. DOCTRINAIRE implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people <a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy>. ORACULAR implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism <a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion>.

dictatorship
n. 1 : the office of dictator
2 : autocratic rule, control, or leadership
3 a : a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique b : a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated c : a despotic state

diction
n. 1 obsolete : verbal description
2 : choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness
3 a : vocal expression : ENUNCIATION b : pronunciation and enunciation of words in singing
–dic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–dic·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb

dictionary
n. 1 : a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical and idiomatic uses
2 : a reference book listing alphabetically terms or names important to a particular subject or activity along with discussion of their meanings and applications
3 : a reference book giving for words of one language equivalents in another
4 : a computerized list (as of items of data or words) used for reference (as for information retrieval or word processing)

dictum
n. 1 : a noteworthy statement: as a : a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion b : an observation intended or regarded as authoritative
2 : a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case

dicty
: net <dictyostele> <dictyosome>

dictyosome
n. : any of the membranous or vesicular structures making up the Golgi apparatus

dictyostele
: a stele in which the vascular cylinder is broken up into a longitudinal series or network of vascular strands around a central pith (as in many ferns)

dicumarol
: a crystalline compound C_19H_12O_6 orig. obtained from spoiled sweet clover hay and used to delay clotting of blood especially in preventing and treating thromboembolic disease

dicynodont
n. : any of a suborder (Dicynodontia) of small herbivorous therapsid reptiles with reduced dentition
–dicynodont adjective

did
n. past of do

didact
: a didactic person

didactic
adj. 1 a : designed or intended to teach b : intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment <didactic poetry>
2 : making moral observations
–di·dac·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–di·dac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–di·dac·ti·cism \-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

didactics
n. : systematic instruction : PEDAGOGY

didanosine
n. : DDI

diddle
v. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to move with short rapid motions
2 : to waste (as time) in trifling
3 : HOAX, SWINDLE
4 often vulgar : to copulate with
intransitive verb
1 : DAWDLE, FOOL
2 : FIDDLE, TOY ― usually used with with <diddled with the machine until it broke>
–did·dler \'did-lər, -dəl-ər\ noun

diddly
n. slang : DIDDLY-SQUAT

diddly-squat
slang : the least amount : anything at all <didn't know diddly-squat about sports ― Sam Toperoff>

Diderot
n. Denis 1713-1784 Fr. encyclopedist

didgeridoo
n. : a large bamboo or wooden trumpet of the Australian aborigines

didn't
: did not

Dido
n. : a legendary queen of Carthage in Virgil's Aeneid who kills herself when Aeneas leaves her

dido
n. 1 : a mischievous or capricious act : PRANK, ANTIC ― often used in the phrase cut didoes
2 : something that is frivolous or showy

didst
archaic past 2d singular of do

didymium
n. : a mixture of rare-earth elements made up chiefly of neodymium and praseodymium and used especially for coloring glass for optical filters

die
n. 1 : to pass from physical life : EXPIRE
2 a : to pass out of existence : CEASE <their anger died at these words> b : to disappear or subside gradually ― often used with away, down, or out <the storm died down>
3 a : SINK, LANGUISH <dying from fatigue> b : to long keenly or desperately <dying to go> c : to be overwhelmed by emotion <die of embarrassment>
4 a : to cease functioning : STOP <the motor died> b : to end in failure <the bill died in committee>
5 : to become indifferent <die to worldly things>
–die hard
1 : to be long in dying <such rumors die hard>
2 : to continue resistance against hopeless odds <that kind of determination dies hard>
–die on the vine : to fail especially at an early stage through lack of support or enthusiasm <let the proposal die on the vine>
–to die for : extremely desirable or appealing <the dessert was to die for>

die
n. 1 plural dice : a small cube marked on each face with from one to six spots and used usually in pairs in various games and in gambling by being shaken and thrown to come to rest at random on a flat surface ― often used figuratively in expressions concerning chance or the irrevocability of a course of action <the die was cast>
2 plural dies : DADO 1A
3 plural dies : any of various tools or devices for imparting a desired shape, form, or finish to a material or for impressing an object or material: as a (1) : the larger of a pair of cutting or shaping tools that when moved toward each other produce a desired form in or impress a desired device on an object by pressure or by a blow (2) : a device composed of a pair of such tools b : a hollow internally threaded screw-cutting tool used for forming screw threads c : a mold into which molten metal or other material is forced d : a perforated block through which metal or plastic is drawn or extruded for shaping

die
n. die Schweiz
to die for
die on the vine
die hard
die hardism
die off
die out
do or die
sine die
truditur dies die
Dies Irae
dies faustus
dies infaustus
dies irae
no dice
roll the dice

die hard

1 : to be long in dying <such rumors die hard>
2 : to continue resistance against hopeless odds <that kind of determination dies hard>

die off
: to die sequentially either singly or in numbers so that the total number is greatly diminished

die on the vine
to fail especially at an early stage through lack of support or enthusiasm <let the proposal die on the vine>

die out
: to become extinct

die-hard
: strongly or fanatically determined or devoted <die-hard fans> especially : strongly resisting change <a die-hard conservative>
–die·hard noun
–die-hard·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ noun

die-off
: a sudden sharp decline of a population of animals or plants that is not caused directly by human activity

dieback
n. : a condition in woody plants in which peripheral parts are killed (as by parasites)

Diefenbaker
John George 1895-1979 prime min. of Canada (1957-63)

dieffenbachia
n. : any of a genus (Dieffenbachia) of erect poisonous tropical American plants of the arum family having usually variegated leaves and often grown as houseplants

Diego
n. Diego Garcia
Diego Suarez
San Diego

Diego Garcia
island in Indian Ocean, chief island of Chagos Archipelago

Diego-Suarez
― see ANTSIRANANA

diel
adj. : involving a 24-hour period that usually includes a day and the adjoining night <diel fluctuations in temperature>

dieldrin
n. : a white crystalline persistent toxic chlorinated hydrocarbon C_12H_8Cl_6O used especially formerly as an insecticide

dielectric
n. : a nonconductor of direct electric current
–dielectric adjective

dielectric constant
: PERMITTIVITY

dielectric heating
: the rapid and uniform heating throughout a nonconducting material by means of a high-frequency electromagnetic field

Diels
Otto Paul Hermann 1876-1954 Ger. chem.

Dien Bien Phu
village NW Vietnam

diencephalon
n. : the posterior subdivision of the forebrain
–di·en·ce·phal·ic \-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

diene
n. : a compound containing two double bonds between carbon atoms

Dieppe
city & port N France N of Rouen pop 34,644

dieresis
n. variant of diaeresis

dies faustus
: lucky day

dies infaustus
: unlucky day

Dies Irae
: a medieval Latin hymn on the Day of Judgment sung in requiem masses

dies irae
: day of wrath ― used of the Judgment Day

Diesel
n. Rudolf 1858-1913 Ger. mechanical engineer

diesel
n. 1 : DIESEL ENGINE
2 : a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
3 : DIESEL FUEL

diesel
n. diesel electric
diesel engine
diesel fuel

diesel engine
: an internal combustion engine in which air is compressed to a temperature sufficiently high to ignite fuel injected into the cylinder where the combustion and expansion actuate a piston

diesel fuel
: a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines

diesel-electric
: of, relating to, or employing a diesel engine for driving an electric generator or for charging batteries <a diesel-electric locomotive> <diesel-electric submarines>

dieseling
: the continued operation of an internal combustion engine after the ignition is turned off

dieselize
v. : to equip with a diesel engine or with diesel-electric locomotives
–die·sel·i·za·tion \ˌdē-zə-lə-'zā-shən, -sə-\ noun

diesis
n. : DOUBLE DAGGER

diester
n. : a compound containing two ester groups

diestock
n. : a stock to hold dies used for cutting threads

diestrus
n. : a period of sexual quiescence that intervenes between two periods of estrus
–di·es·trous \-trəs\ adjective

diet
n. 1 a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed b : habitual nourishment c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason d : a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight <going on a diet>
2 : something provided or experienced repeatedly <a diet of Broadway shows and nightclubs ― Frederick Wyatt>

diet
n. 1 : to cause to take food : FEED
2 : to cause to eat and drink sparingly or according to prescribed rules
intransitive verb : to eat sparingly or according to prescribed rules
–di·et·er noun

diet
n. 1 : reduced in calories <a diet soft drink>
2 : promoting weight loss (as by depressing appetite) <diet pills>

diet
n. 1 : a formal deliberative assembly of princes or estates
2 : any of various national or provincial legislatures

dietary
n. : the kinds and amounts of food available to or eaten by an individual, group, or population

dietary
n. : of or relating to a diet or to the rules of a diet <dietary guidelines>
–di·e·tar·i·ly \ˌdī-ə-'ter-ə-lē, -'te-rə-\ adverb

dietary law
: any of the laws observed by Orthodox Jews that permit or prohibit certain foods

dietary supplement
: a product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients (as vitamins or amino acids) that are intended to supplement one's diet and are not considered food

dietetic
adj. 1 : of or relating to diet
2 : adapted for use in special diets
–di·e·tet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dietetics
n. : the science or art of applying the principles of nutrition to the diet

diether
: a compound containing two atoms of oxygen with ether linkages

diethyl ether
: ETHER 3A

diethyl zinc
: a volatile pyrophoric liquid compound C_4H_10Zn used especially to catalyze polymerization and to deacidify paper

diethylcarbamazine
n. : an anthelmintic administered in the form of its crystalline citrate C_10H_21N_3O·C_6H_8O_7 especially to control human filariasis and large nematodes (as heartworms) in dogs and cats

diethylstilbestrol
n. : a colorless crystalline synthetic compound C_18H_20O_2 used as a potent estrogen but contraindicated in pregnancy for its tendency to cause cancer or birth defects in offspring ― called also DES stilbestrol

diethylstilbestrol
n. crise des nerfs
folie des grandeurs
salon des refuses
salon des refusés
trahison des clercs
Des Prez
Josquin des Prez
Des Moines
Des Plaines
Dollard des Ormeaux
Ile des Pins
Marais des Cygnes
Maures Monts des
Saint Maur des Fosses
Saint Maur des Fossés
West Des Moines
Bouvier des Flandres
Bouviers des Flandres
au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois

dietitian
n. : a specialist in dietetics

Dietrich
n. Marlene 1901?-1992 American (Ger.-born) actress & singer

dieu
prie dieu
Dieu et mon droit
Dieu vous garde

Dieu et mon droit
: God and my right ― motto on the British royal arms

Dieu vous garde
: God keep you

Diez
Friedrich Christian 1794-1876 Ger. philologist

diff
slang : DIFFERENCE

differ
v. 1 a : to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics <the law of one state differs from that of another> b : to change from time to time or from one instance to another : VARY <the number of cookies in a box may differ>
2 : to be of unlike or opposite opinion : DISAGREE <they differ on religious matters>

difference
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being different <the difference between right and wrong> b : an instance of differing in nature, form, or quality <noted the differences in color and texture> c archaic : a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average d : the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations
2 : distinction or discrimination in preference <timing is often the difference between success and failure>
3 a : disagreement in opinion : DISSENSION b : an instance or cause of disagreement <unable to settle their differences>
4 : the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure specifically : REMAINDER 2B(1)
5 : a significant change in or effect on a situation <it makes no difference to me>

difference
n. : DIFFERENTIATE, DISTINGUISH

difference
n. common difference
finite difference
potential difference
split the difference
vive la difference

different
adj. 1 : partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : DISSIMILAR <could hardly be more different> ― often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to <small, neat hand, very different from the captain's tottery characters ― R. L. Stevenson> <vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years ago ― N. M. Pusey> <a very different situation to the⋯one under which we live ― Sir Winston Churchill>
2 : not the same: as a : DISTINCT <different age groups> b : VARIOUS <different members of the class> c : ANOTHER <switched to a different TV program>
3 : UNUSUAL, SPECIAL <she was different and superior>
–dif·fer·ent·ness noun
synonyms DIFFERENT, DIVERSE, DIVERGENT, DISPARATE, VARIOUS mean unlike in kind or character. DIFFERENT may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness <different foods>. DIVERSE implies both distinctness and marked contrast <such diverse interests as dancing and football>. DIVERGENT implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation <went on to pursue divergent careers>. DISPARATE emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility <disparate notions of freedom>. VARIOUS stresses the number of sorts or kinds <tried various methods>.
usage Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.

different
adj. : DIFFERENTLY

differentia
n. : an element, feature, or factor that distinguishes one entity, state, or class from another especially : a characteristic trait distinguishing a species from other species of the same genus

differential
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting a difference : DISTINGUISHING b : making a distinction between individuals or classes c : based on or resulting from a differential d : functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
2 : being, relating to, or involving a differential or differentiation
3 a : relating to quantitative differences b : producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
–dif·fer·en·tial·ly \-'ren(t)-shə-lē\ adverb

differential
n. 1 a : the product of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable b : a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function
2 : a difference between comparable individuals or classes <a price differential> also : the amount of such a difference
3 a : a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other b : a case covering such an assembly

differential
n. differential calculus
differential diagnosis
differential equation
differential gear
differential geometry
exact differential
partial differential equation

differential calculus
: a branch of mathematics concerned chiefly with the study of the rate of change of functions with respect to their variables especially through the use of derivatives and differentials

differential diagnosis
: the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting with similar signs and symptoms

differential equation
: an equation containing differentials or derivatives of functions ― compare PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

differential gear
: DIFFERENTIAL 3A

differential geometry
: a branch of mathematics using calculus to study the geometric properties of curves and surfaces

differentiate
transitive verb
1 : to obtain the mathematical derivative of
2 : to mark or show a difference in : constitute a difference that distinguishes
3 : to develop differential characteristics in
4 : to cause differentiation of in the course of development
5 : to express the specific distinguishing quality of : DISCRIMINATE
intransitive verb
1 : to recognize or give expression to a difference
2 : to become distinct or different in character
3 : to undergo differentiation
–dif·fer·en·tia·bil·i·ty \-ˌren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–dif·fer·en·tia·ble \-'ren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-bəl\ adjective

differentiation
n. 1 : the act or process of differentiating
2 : development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
3 a : modification of body parts for performance of particular functions b : the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent or unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function
4 : the processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma

differentiation
n. implicit differentiation
partial differentiation
self differentiation

differently
adv. 1 : in a different manner
2 : OTHERWISE

differently abled
: DISABLED, CHALLENGED ― compare ABLED

difficile
adj. : STUBBORN, UNREASONABLE

difficult
adj. 1 : hard to do, make, or carry out : ARDUOUS <a difficult climb>
2 a : hard to deal with, manage, or overcome <a difficult child> b : hard to understand : PUZZLING <difficult reading>
synonyms see HARD
–dif·fi·cult·ly adverb

difficulty
n. 1 : the quality or state of being difficult
2 : CONTROVERSY, DISAGREEMENT
3 : OBJECTION
4 : something difficult : IMPEDIMENT
5 : EMBARRASSMENT, TROUBLE ― usually used in plural

diffidence
n. : the quality or state of being diffident

diffident
adj. 1 : hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
2 archaic : DISTRUSTFUL
3 : RESERVED, UNASSERTIVE
synonyms see SHY
–dif·fi·dent·ly adverb

diffract
v. : to cause to undergo diffraction

diffraction
n. : a modification which light undergoes especially in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected also : a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves) or of moving particles (as electrons)

diffraction grating
: GRATING 3

diffractometer
n. : an instrument for analyzing the structure of a usually crystalline substance from the scattering pattern produced when a beam of radiation or particles (as X rays or neutrons) strikes it
–dif·frac·to·met·ric \di-ˌfrak-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–dif·frac·tom·e·try \di-ˌfrak-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

diffuse
adj. 1 : being at once verbose and ill-organized <a diffuse report from the scene of the earthquake>
2 : not concentrated or localized <diffuse lighting>
synonyms see WORDY
–dif·fuse·ly adverb
–dif·fuse·ness noun

diffuse
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely b : EXTEND, SCATTER c : to spread thinly or wastefully
2 : to subject to diffusion especially : to break up and distribute (incident light) by reflection
intransitive verb
1 : to spread out or become transmitted especially by contact
2 : to undergo diffusion
–dif·fus·ible \di-'fyü-zə-bəl\ adjective

diffuse-porous
: having vessels more or less evenly distributed throughout an annual ring and not varying greatly in size ― compare RING-POROUS

diffuser
n. 1 : one that diffuses: as a : a device (as a reflector) for distributing the light of a lamp evenly b : a screen (as of cloth or frosted glass) for softening lighting (as in photography) c : a device (as slats at different angles) for deflecting air from an outlet in various directions
2 : a device for reducing the velocity and increasing the static pressure of a fluid passing through a system

diffusion
n. 1 : the action of diffusing : the state of being diffused
2 : PROLIXITY, DIFFUSENESS
3 a : the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration b (1) : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface (2) : transmission of light through a translucent material : SCATTERING
4 : the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact
5 : the softening of sharp outlines in a photographic image
–dif·fu·sion·al \-'fyü-zhə-nəl\ adjective

diffusionist
n. : an anthropologist who emphasizes the role of diffusion in the history of culture rather than independent invention or discovery
–dif·fu·sion·ism \-'fyü-zhə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–diffusionist adjective

diffusive
adj. : tending to diffuse : characterized by diffusion <diffusive motion of atoms>
–dif·fu·sive·ly adverb
–dif·fu·sive·ness noun
–dif·fu·siv·i·ty \di-ˌfyü-'si-və-tē, -'zi-\ noun

difunctional
: of, relating to, or being a compound with two highly reactive sites in each molecule

dig
n. transitive verb
1 a : to break up, turn, or loosen (as earth) with an implement b : to prepare the soil of <dig a garden>
2 a : to bring to the surface by digging : UNEARTH <dig potatoes> b : to bring to light or out of hiding <dig up facts>
3 : to hollow out or form by removing earth : EXCAVATE <dig a hole>
4 : to drive down so as to penetrate : THRUST
5 : POKE, PROD
6 a : to pay attention to : NOTICE <dig that fancy hat> b : UNDERSTAND, APPRECIATE <couldn't dig the medical jargon> c : LIKE, ADMIRE <high school students dig short poetry ― David Burmester>
intransitive verb
1 : to turn up, loosen, or remove earth
2 : to work hard or laboriously
3 : to advance by or as if by removing or pushing aside material

dig
n. 1 a : THRUST, POKE b : a cutting remark
2 plural a : accommodations for living or working b chiefly British : LODGING, HOTEL
3 : an archaeological excavation site also : the excavation itself

dig
n. digest

dig
n. dig in
dig in one's heels
dig out
dig up
infra dig

dig in
1 : to cover or incorporate by burying <dig in compost>
2 : to establish in a dug defensive position <the platoon was well dug in>
intransitive verb
1 : to establish a defensive position especially by digging trenches
2 a : to go resolutely to work b : to begin eating
3 : to hold stubbornly to a position
4 : to scuff the ground for better footing while batting (as in baseball)
–dig in one's heels : to take or persist in an uncompromising position or attitude despite opposition

dig in one's heels
to take or persist in an uncompromising position or attitude despite opposition

dig out
1 : FIND, UNEARTH
2 : to make hollow by digging
intransitive verb : TAKE OFF 2A

dig up
: FIND, UNEARTH

digamy
n. : a second marriage after the termination of the first

digastric
n. : of, relating to, or being either of a pair of muscles that depress the lower jaw and raise the hyoid bone during swallowing

Digby
Sir Ken·elm \'ke-ˌnelm\ 1603-1665 Eng. naval commander, diplomat, & author

digenetic
adj. : of or relating to a subclass (Digenea) of trematode worms in which sexual reproduction as an internal parasite of a vertebrate alternates with asexual reproduction in a mollusk

digerati
n. : persons well versed in computer use and technology

digest
n. 1 : a summation or condensation of a body of information: as a : a systematic compilation of legal rules, statutes, or decisions b : a periodical devoted to condensed versions of previously published articles
2 : a product of digestion

digest
n. transitive verb
1 : to distribute or arrange systematically : CLASSIFY
2 : to convert (food) into absorbable form
3 : to take into the mind or memory especially : to assimilate mentally
4 a : to soften, decompose, or break down by heat and moisture or chemical action <DNA digested by restriction enzymes> b : to extract soluble ingredients from by warming with a liquid
5 : to compress into a short summary
6 : ABSORB 1 <the capacity of the U.S. to digest immigrants>
intransitive verb
1 : to digest food
2 : to become digested <foods that digest easily>

digester
n. 1 : one that digests or makes a digest
2 : a vessel for digesting especially plant or animal materials

digestibility
n. 1 : the fitness of something for digestion
2 : the percentage of a foodstuff taken into the digestive tract that is absorbed into the body

digestible
adj. : capable of being digested

digestif
n. : an alcoholic drink (as brandy or a liqueur) usually taken after a meal

digestion
n. : the action, process, or power of digesting: as a : the process of making food absorbable by dissolving it and breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds that occurs in the living body chiefly through the action of enzymes secreted into the alimentary canal b : the process in sewage treatment by which organic matter in sludge is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria with the release of a burnable mixture of gases

digestive
adj. : an aid to digestion especially of food

digestive
adj. 1 : relating to or functioning in digestion <the digestive system>
2 : having the power to cause or promote digestion <digestive enzymes>
–di·ges·tive·ly adverb

digestive gland
: a gland secreting digestive enzymes

digger
n. 1 a : one that digs b : a tool or machine for digging
2 capitalized usually disparaging especially formerly : a No. American Indian (as a Paiute) who dug roots for food
3 often capitalized chiefly Australian & New Zealand : an Australian or New Zealand soldier

digger wasp
: a burrowing wasp especially : any of numerous usually solitary wasps (superfamily Sphecoidea) that dig nest burrows in the soil and provision them with insects or spiders paralyzed by stinging

diggings
n. 1 : a place of excavating especially for ore, metals, or precious stones
2 : material dug out
3 a : QUARTERS, PREMISES b chiefly British : lodgings for a student

dight
adj. archaic : DRESS, ADORN

digit
n. 1 a : any of the Arabic numerals 1 to 9 and usually the symbol 0 b : one of the elements that combine to form numbers in a system other than the decimal system
2 : a unit of length based on the breadth of a finger and equal in English measure to 3/4 inch
3 : any of the divisions in which the limbs of most vertebrates terminate, which are typically five in number but may be reduced (as in the horse), and which typically have a series of phalanges bearing a nail, claw, or hoof at the tip ― compare FINGER 1 TOE 1a

digital
adj. 1 : of or relating to the fingers or toes <digital dexterity>
2 : done with a finger <a digital rectal examination>
3 : of, relating to, or using calculation by numerical methods or by discrete units
4 : of, relating to, or being data in the form of especially binary digits <digital images> <a digital readout> especially : of, relating to, or employing digital communications signals <a digital broadcast> ― compare ANALOG 2
5 : providing a readout in numerical digits <a digital voltmeter>
6 : relating to an audio recording method in which sound waves are represented digitally (as on magnetic tape) so that in the recording wow and flutter are eliminated and background noise is reduced
7 : ELECTRONIC <digital devices> also : characterized by electronic and especially computerized technology <the digital age>
–dig·i·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

digital
adj. digital camera
digital computer
digital subscriber line
digital versatile disc
digital video disc
personal digital assistant

digital camera
: a camera that records images as digital data instead of on film

digital computer
: a computer that operates with numbers expressed directly as digits ― compare ANALOG COMPUTER, HYBRID COMPUTER

digital subscriber line
: a high-speed communications connection used for accessing the Internet and carrying short-range transmissions over ordinary telephone lines

digital versatile disc
: DVD

digital video disc
: DVD

digitalin
n. 1 : a white crystalline steroid glycoside C_36H_56O_14 obtained from seeds especially of the common foxglove
2 : a mixture of the glycosides of digitalis

digitalis
n. 1 : FOXGLOVE
2 : the dried powdered leaf of the common foxglove that contains glycosides which act on the heart and that is a powerful cardiotonic serving especially to increase the force of myocardial contraction broadly : any of various cardiac glycosides (as digitalin or digoxin) that are constituents of digitalis or are derived from a related foxglove (Digitalis lanata)

digitalization
n. : the administration of digitalis until the desired physiological adjustment is attained also : the bodily state so produced

digitalize
v. : to subject to digitalization

digitalize
v. : DIGITIZE

digitate
adj. : having divisions arranged like those of a bird's foot <digitate leaves>
–dig·i·tate·ly adverb

digiti
pref. : digit : finger <digitigrade>

digitigrade
adj. : walking on the digits with the posterior of the foot more or less raised

digitize
v. : to convert (as data or an image) to digital form
–dig·i·ti·za·tion \ˌdi-jə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–dig·i·tiz·er \'di-jə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

digitizing tablet
: GRAPHICS TABLET

digitonin
n. : a steroid saponin C_56H_92O_29 occurring in the leaves and seeds of the common foxglove

digitoxigenin
n. : a steroid lactone C_23H_34O_4 obtained especially by hydrolysis of digitoxin

digitoxin
n. : a poisonous cardiotonic glycoside C_41H_64O_13 that is the most active constituent of digitalis also : a mixture of digitalis glycosides consisting chiefly of digitoxin

diglyceride
: an ester formed from glycerol by reacting two of its hydroxyl groups with fatty acids

dignified
adj. : showing or expressing dignity

dignify
v. 1 : to give distinction to : ENNOBLE
2 : to confer dignity upon also : to give undue attention or status to <won't dignify that remark with a reply>

dignitary
n. : one who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor
–dignitary adjective

dignity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed
2 a : high rank, office, or position b : a legal title of nobility or honor
3 archaic : DIGNITARY
4 : formal reserve or seriousness of manner, appearance, or language

digoxin
n. : a poisonous cardiotonic steroid C_41H_64O_14 obtained from a foxglove (Digitalis lanata) and used especially to treat atrial fibrillation

digraph
n. 1 : a group of two successive letters whose phonetic value is a single sound (as ea in bread or ng in sing) or whose value is not the sum of a value borne by each in other occurrences (as ch in chin where the value is \t\ + \sh\)
2 : a group of two successive letters
3 : LIGATURE 4
–di·graph·ic \dī-'gra-fik\ adjective
–di·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

digress
v. : to turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument
synonyms see SWERVE

digression
n. 1 : the act or an instance of digressing in a discourse or other usually organized literary work
2 archaic : a going aside
–di·gres·sion·al \-'gresh-nəl, -ə-nəl\ adjective
–di·gres·sion·ary \-'gre-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

digressive
adj. : characterized by digressions <a digressive talk>
–di·gres·sive·ly adverb
–di·gres·sive·ness noun

dihedral
n. 1 : DIHEDRAL ANGLE
2 : the angle between an aircraft supporting surface (as a wing) and a horizontal transverse line

dihedral angle
: a figure formed by two intersecting planes

dihybrid
n. : of, relating to, involving, or being an individual or strain that is heterozygous at two genetic loci
–dihybrid noun

dihydr
: combined with two atoms of hydrogen <dihydroergotamine>

dihydroergotamine
n. : a hydrogenated derivative C_33H_37N_5O_5 of ergotamine that is used in the treatment of migraine

dihydrotestosterone
n. : a biologically active metabolite C_19H_30O_2 of testosterone having similar androgenic activity

dihydroxy
: containing two hydroxyl groups <dihydroxyacetone>

dihydroxyacetone
: a glyceraldehyde isomer C_3H_6O_3 used especially to stain the skin to simulate a tan

Dijon
n. city E France pop 150,138

Dijon mustard
: a prepared mustard made from dark mustard seeds, white wine, and spices

dik-dik
: any of a genus (Madoqua) of small antelopes of eastern and southern Africa having an elongated snout

dike
n. 1 : an artificial watercourse : DITCH
2 a : a bank usually of earth constructed to control or confine water : LEVEE b : a barrier preventing passage especially of something undesirable
3 a : a raised causeway b : a tabular body of igneous rock that has been injected while molten into a fissure

dike
n. 1 : to surround or protect with a dike
2 : to drain by a dike
–dik·er noun

dike
n. variant of dyke

Diksmuide
town W Belgium in W. Flanders N of Ieper pop 15,480

diktat
n. 1 : a harsh settlement unilaterally imposed (as on a defeated nation)
2 : DECREE, ORDER

dil
dilute

Dilantin
n. ― used for phenytoin

dilapidate
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin <furniture is dilapidated by use ― Janet Flanner>
2 archaic : SQUANDER
intransitive verb : to become dilapidated
–di·lap·i·da·tion \-ˌla-pə-'dā-shən\ noun

dilapidated
adj. : decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse <a dilapidated old house>

dilatancy
n. : the property of being dilatant

dilatant
adj. : increasing in viscosity and setting to a solid as a result of deformation by expansion, pressure, or agitation

dilatation
n. 1 : amplification in writing or speech
2 a : the condition of being stretched beyond normal dimensions especially as a result of overwork, disease, or abnormal relaxation <dilatation of the heart> <dilatation of the stomach> b : DILATION 2
3 : the action of expanding : the state of being expanded
4 : a dilated part or formation
–di·la·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

dilate
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to describe or set forth at length or in detail
2 : to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent : DISTEND, WIDEN
intransitive verb
1 : to comment at length : DISCOURSE ― usually used with on or upon
2 : to become wide : SWELL <the pupil of the eye dilates and contracts>
synonyms see EXPAND
–di·lat·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)dī-ˌlā-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–di·lat·able \dī-'lā-tə-bəl, 'dī-ˌ\ adjective
–di·la·tor \dī-'lā-tər, 'dī-ˌ\ noun

dilated
v. 1 : expanded laterally especially : being flat and widened <dilated leaves>
2 : expanded normally or abnormally in all dimensions

dilation
n. 1 : the act or action of dilating : the state of being dilated : EXPANSION, DILATATION
2 : the action of stretching or enlarging an organ or part of the body

dilative
adj. : causing dilation : tending to dilate

dilatometer
n. : an instrument for measuring expansion
–di·la·to·met·ric \-tō-'me-trik\ adjective
–di·la·tom·e·try \-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

dilatory
adj. 1 : tending or intended to cause delay <dilatory tactics>
2 : characterized by procrastination : TARDY <dilatory in paying bills>
–dil·a·to·ri·ly \ˌdi-lə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
–dil·a·to·ri·ness \'di-lə-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs\ noun

dildo
n. : an object resembling a penis used for sexual stimulation

dilemma
n. 1 : an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent
2 a : a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice <faces this dilemma: raise interest rates and slow the economy or lower them and risk serious inflation> b : a situation involving such a choice <here am I brought to a very pretty dilemma; I must commit murder or commit matrimony ― George Farquhar> broadly : PREDICAMENT <lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma ― G. M. Trevelyan>
3 a : a problem involving a difficult choice <the dilemma of “liberty versus order” ― J. M. Burns> b : a difficult or persistent problem <unemployment⋯the great central dilemma of our advancing technology ― August Heckscher>
–dil·em·mat·ic \ˌdi-lə-'ma-tik also -ˌdī-\ adjective
usage Although some commentators insist that dilemma be restricted to instances in which the alternatives to be chosen are equally unsatisfactory, their concern is misplaced; the unsatisfactoriness of the options is usually a matter of how the author presents them. What is distressing or painful about a dilemma is having to make a choice one does not want to make. The use of such adjectives as terrible, painful, and irreconcilable suggests that dilemma is losing some of its unpleasant force. There also seems to be a tendency especially in sense 3b toward applying the word to less weighty problems <solved their goaltending dilemma ― Pat Calabria>.

dilettante
1 : an admirer or lover of the arts
2 : a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge : DABBLER
synonyms see AMATEUR
–dilettante adjective
–dil·et·tant·ish \-ˌtän-tish, -ˌtan-, ˌdi-lə-'\ adjective
–dil·et·tan·tism \-ˌtän-ˌti-zəm, -ˌtan-, ˌdi-lə-'\ noun

Dili
city & port N Timor capital of East Timor

diligence
n. 1 a : persevering application : ASSIDUITY b obsolete : SPEED, HASTE
2 : the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)

diligence
n. : STAGECOACH

diligent
adj. : characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort : PAINSTAKING <a diligent worker>
synonyms see BUSY
–dil·i·gent·ly adverb

Dill
n. Sir John Greer 1881-1944 Brit. gen.

dill
n. 1 a : any of several plants of the carrot family especially : a European herb (Anethum graveolens) with aromatic foliage and seeds both of which are used in flavoring foods and especially pickles b : the foliage of dill
2 : DILL PICKLE
–dilled adjective

dill pickle
: a pickle seasoned with fresh dill

dill weed
: DILL 1

Dillon
John 1851-1927 Irish nationalist polit.

dilly
n. : one that is remarkable or outstanding <had a dilly of a storm> <for a practical joke, that was a dilly>

dilly bag
: an Australian mesh bag made of native fibers

dillydally
v. : to waste time by loitering or delaying : DAWDLE

diltiazem
: a calcium channel blocker C_22H_26N_2O_4S used especially in the form of its hydrochloride as a coronary vasodilator

diluent
n. : a diluting agent (as the vehicle in a medicinal preparation)

dilute
adj. 1 : ATTENUATE
2 : to make thinner or more liquid by admixture <diluted wine>
3 : to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture <dilute a color>
4 : to decrease the per share value of (common stock) by increasing the total number of shares
–di·lut·er or di·lu·tor \-'lü-tər\ noun
–di·lu·tive \-'lü-tiv\ adjective

dilute
adj. : WEAK, DILUTED
–di·lute·ness noun

dilution
n. 1 : the action of diluting : the state of being diluted
2 : something (as a solution) that is diluted
3 : a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth specifically : a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares

diluvial
adj. : of, relating to, or brought about by a flood

dim
adj. 1 a : emitting or having a limited or insufficient amount of light <dim stars> <a dim lamp> <a dim hallway> b : DULL, LUSTERLESS <dim colors> c : lacking pronounced, clear-cut, or vigorous quality or character <a dim echo of the past>
2 a : seen indistinctly <a dim outline> b : perceived by the senses or mind indistinctly or weakly : FAINT <had only a dim notion of what was going on> c : having little prospect of favorable result or outcome <a dim future> d : characterized by an unfavorable, skeptical, or pessimistic attitude ― usually used in the phrase take a diminutive view of
3 : not perceiving clearly and distinctly <dim eyes>
4 : DIM-WITTED
–dim·ly adverb
–dim·ma·ble \'di-mə-bəl\ adjective
–dim·ness noun

dim
adj. transitive verb
1 : to make dim or lusterless
2 : to reduce the light from
intransitive verb : to become dim

dim
adj. 1 archaic : DUSK, DIMNESS
2 : LOW BEAM

dim
adj. 1 dimension
2 diminished
3 diminuendo
4 diminutive

dim
adj. dim bulb
dim sum
dim sums
dim witted
dim wittedness
dim wittedly

dim bulb
slang : DIMWIT

dim sum
: traditional Chinese food consisting of a variety of items (as steamed or fried dumplings, pieces of cooked chicken, and rice balls) served in small portions

dim-witted
: not mentally bright : STUPID
–dim-wit·ted·ly adverb
–dim-wit·ted·ness noun

DiMaggio
n. Joseph Paul 1914-1999 the Yankee Clipper American baseball player

dime
n. 1 a : a coin of the U.S. worth 1/10 dollar b : a petty sum of money
2 : a Canadian 10-cent piece
3 slang : a packet containing 10 dollars worth of an illicit drug (as marijuana) ― called also dime bag
–a dime a dozen : so plentiful or commonplace as to be of little esteem or slight value
–on a dime
1 : in a very small area <these cars can turn on a dime>
2 : INSTANTLY

dime
n. dime bag
on a dime
a dime a dozen
dime novel
dime store
drop a dime
five and dime
half dime
nickel and dime

dime novel
: a usually paperback melodramatic novel especially : one popular in the U.S. from about the mid-19th century to the early 20th often featuring a Western theme

dime store
: FIVE-AND-TEN

dime-store
1 : INEXPENSIVE <dime-store perfume>
2 : TAWDRY, SECOND-RATE <dime-store philosophy>

dimenhydrinate
n. : a crystalline antihistamine C_24H_28ClN_5O_3 used especially to prevent nausea (as in motion sickness)

dimension
1 a (1) : measure in one direction specifically : one of three coordinates determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time (2) : one of a group of properties whose number is necessary and sufficient to determine uniquely each element of a system of usually mathematical entities (as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space) <the surface of a sphere has two dimensions> also : a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property <the three dimensions of momentum> (3) : the number of elements in a basis of a vector space b : the quality of spatial extension : MAGNITUDE, SIZE c : a lifelike or realistic quality d : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : SCOPE ― usually used in plural e : one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : ASPECT
2 obsolete : bodily form or proportions
3 : any of the fundamental units (as of mass, length, or time) on which a derived unit is based also : the power of such a unit
4 : wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size
5 : a level of existence or consciousness
–di·men·sion·al \-'mench-nəl, -'men(t)-shə-nəl\ adjective
–di·men·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–di·men·sion·al·ly \-'mench-nə-lē, -'men(t)-shə-nəl-ē\ adverb
–di·men·sion·less \-'men(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective

dimension
n. 1 : to form to the required dimensions
2 : to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)

dimension
n. fourth dimension
third dimension
one dimensionality
three dimensionality
two dimensionality
four dimensional
fourth dimensional
one dimensional
third dimensional
three dimensional
two dimensional

dimer
n. : a compound formed by the union of two radicals or two molecules of a simpler compound specifically : a polymer formed from two molecules of a monomer
–di·mer·ic \(ˌ)dī-'mer-ik\ adjective
–di·mer·iza·tion \ˌdī-mə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–di·mer·ize \'dī-mə-ˌrīz\ transitive verb

dimercaprol
n. : a compound C_3H_8OS_2 developed as an antidote against lewisite and used to treat arsenic, mercury, and gold poisoning ― called also BAL

dimeter
n. : a line of verse consisting of two metrical feet or of two dipodies

dimethoate
: an organophosphorous insecticide and miticide C_5H_12NO_3PS_2 used especially on crops and ornamental plants

dimethyl
n. : containing two methyl groups in the molecule ― often used in combination

dimethyl sulfoxide
: a compound C_2H_6SO obtained as a by-product in wood-pulp manufacture and used as a solvent and in medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent ― called also DMSO

dimethylhydrazine
: either of two flammable corrosive isomeric liquids C_2H_8N_2 which are methylated derivatives of hydrazine and of which one is used as a rocket fuel

dimethylnitrosamine
n. : a carcinogenic nitrosamine C_2H_6N_2O that occurs especially in tobacco smoke

dimethyltryptamine
n. : a naturally occurring or easily synthesized hallucinogenic drug C_12H_16N_2 that is chemically similar to but shorter acting than psilocybin ― called also DMT

dimin
diminuendo

diminish
v. transitive verb
1 : to make less or cause to appear less <diminish an army's strength>
2 : to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : BELITTLE <diminish a rival's accomplishments>
3 : to cause to taper
intransitive verb
1 : to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : DWINDLE
2 : TAPER
synonyms see DECREASE
–di·min·ish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective
–di·min·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

diminished
adj. of a musical interval : made one half step less than perfect or minor <a diminished fifth>

diminishing returns
1 : a rate of yield that beyond a certain point fails to increase in proportion to additional investments of labor or capital
2 : benefits that beyond a certain point fail to increase in proportion to extended efforts

diminuendo
n. : DECRESCENDO
–diminuendo noun

diminution
n. : the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : DECREASE

diminutive
n. 1 : a diminutive word, affix, or name
2 : a diminutive individual

diminutive
n. 1 : indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible ― used of affixes (as -ette, -kin, -ling) and of words formed with them (as kitchenette, manikin, duckling), of clipped forms (as Jim), and of altered forms (as Peggy) ― compare AUGMENTATIVE
2 : exceptionally or notably small : TINY <a diminutive performer>
synonyms see SMALL
–di·min·u·tive·ly adverb
–di·min·u·tive·ness noun

Dimitrios
1914-1991 Dimitrios Papadopoulos archbishop of Constantinople and ecumenical patriarch (1972-91)

Dimitrovgrad
city S Bulgaria on the Maritsa ESE of Plovdiv pop 56,882

dimity
n. : a sheer usually corded cotton fabric of plain weave in checks or stripes

DIMM
dual in-line memory module

dimmer
n. 1 : a device for regulating the intensity of an electric lighting unit
2 : LOW BEAM

dimorphic
adj. 1 a : DIMORPHOUS 1 b : occurring in two distinct forms <dimorphic leaves> <sexually dimorphic coloration in birds>
2 : combining qualities of two kinds of individuals in one

dimorphism
n. : the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: as a : the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population <sexual dimorphism> b : the existence of a part (as leaves of a plant) in two different forms

dimorphous
adj. 1 : crystallizing in two different forms
2 : DIMORPHIC 1B

dimout
n. : a restriction limiting the use or showing of lights at night especially during the threat of an air raid also : a condition of partial darkness produced by this restriction

dimple
n. 1 : a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body
2 : a depression or indentation on a surface (as of a golf ball)
–dim·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adjective

dimple
n. transitive verb : to mark with dimples
intransitive verb : to exhibit or form dimples

dimwit
n. : a stupid or mentally slow person

DIN
n. German Industrial Standards

din
n. 1 : a loud continued noise especially : a welter of discordant sounds
2 : a situation or condition resembling a din

din
n. intransitive verb : to make a loud noise
transitive verb
1 : to assail with loud continued noise
2 : to impress by insistent repetition ― often used with into <lessons dinned into us as children>

din
n. dinar

dinar
n. 1 : a gold coin formerly used in countries of southwest Asia and north Africa
2 a ― see MONEY table b ― see rial at MONEY table

Dinaric Alps
range of E Alps W Slovenia, W Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, & Montenegro; highest point 8274 ft (2522 m)

dine
v. intransitive verb : to take dinner ― often used with on <dine on pasta>
transitive verb : to give a dinner to <wined her and dined her>

dine
v. Scottish : DINNER

dine
v. dine out
dine out on
dining car
dining room

dine out
: to eat a meal away from home
–dine out on : to use as a subject for dining table conversation

dine out on
to use as a subject for dining table conversation

diner
n. 1 : a person who dines (as in a restaurant)
2 a : DINING CAR b : a restaurant usually resembling a dining car in shape

diner-out
: a person who dines out

Dinesen
Isak \'ē-ˌsäk\ 1885-1962 pseud. of Karen Christence Dinesen, Baroness Blixen-Finecke Dan. author

dinette
n. : a small space usually off a kitchen used for informal dining also : furniture for such a space

ding
n. transitive verb : to dwell on with tiresome repetition <keeps dinging it into him that the less he smokes the better ― Samuel Butler †1902>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a ringing sound : CLANG
2 : to speak with tiresome reiteration

ding
n. : an instance of minor surface damage (as a dent)

ding
n. : to cause minor surface damage to <ding a car door>

ding
n. ding a ling
ding dong
whing ding

ding-a-ling
: NITWIT, KOOK

ding-dong
1 : the ringing sound produced by repeated strokes especially on a bell
2 : NITWIT, KOOK

ding-dong
1 : to make a ding-dong sound
2 : to repeat a sound or action tediously or insistently

ding-dong
chiefly British : marked by a rapid exchange or alternation (as of blows) <a ding-dong battle>

dingbat
n. 1 : a typographical symbol or ornament (as ·, ¶, or )
2 : NITWIT, KOOK

dinge
: the condition of being dingy

dinger
n. : HOME RUN 1

dinghy
n. 1 : an East Indian rowboat or sailboat
2 a : a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or a lifeboat b : a small sailboat
3 : a rubber life raft

dingle
n. : a small wooded valley : DELL

Dingle Bay
inlet of the Atlantic SW Ireland

dingo
n. : a wild dog (Canis dingo) of Australia having a tan or reddish coat that is often considered a subspecies (C. familiaris dingo) of the domestic dog

dingus
n. : DOODAD 2

Dingwall
burgh N Scotland NW of Inverness pop 4815

dingy
adj. 1 : DIRTY, UNCLEAN
2 : SHABBY, SQUALID
–din·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adverb
–din·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ noun

dining car
: a railroad car in which meals are served

dining room
: a room used for eating meals

dinitro
n. : containing two nitro groups ― often used in combination

dinitrobenzene
: any of three isomeric toxic compounds C_6H_4(NO_2)2

dinitrophenol
n. : any of six isomeric crystalline compounds C_6H_4N_2O_5 some of whose derivatives are pesticides

dink
v. : DINGHY

dink
v. : DROP SHOT

dink
v. slang : NITWIT, JERK, NERD

dink
v. : a couple with two incomes and no children also : a member of such a couple

Dinka
n. 1 : a member of a pastoral people of the Nile Valley in south central Sudan
2 : the Nilotic language of the Dinkas

dinkey
n. : a small locomotive

dinkum
adv. Australian & New Zealand : AUTHENTIC, GENUINE ― often used with fair <I was fair dinkum about my interest in their culture ― Percy Trezise>

dinkum
adv. Australian & New Zealand : TRULY, HONESTLY ― often used with fair ― often used interjectionally

dinky
adj. : overly or unattractively small <drives a dinky little car> also British : attractively small : CUTE

dinner
n. 1 a : the principal meal of the day b : a formal feast or banquet
2 : TABLE D'HÔTE 2
3 : the food prepared for a dinner <eat your dinner>
4 : a packaged meal usually for quick preparation <warmed up a frozen dinner>
–din·ner·less \-ləs\ adjective

dinner
n. dinner jacket
dinner jacketed
dinner theater
shore dinner
TV dinner

dinner jacket
: a jacket for formal evening wear
–din·ner-jac·ket·ed \-'ja-kə-təd\ adjective

dinner theater
: a restaurant in which a play is presented after the meal is over

dinnertime
n. : the customary time for dinner

dinnerware
n. : tableware other than flatware

dino
1 : DINOSAUR 1
2 : DINOSAUR 2

dinoflagellate
n. : any of an order (Dinoflagellata) of chiefly marine planktonic usually solitary unicellular phytoflagellates that include luminescent forms, forms important in marine food chains, and forms causing red tide

dinosaur
n. 1 : any of a group (Dinosauria) of extinct often very large chiefly terrestrial carnivorous or herbivorous reptiles of the Mesozoic era
2 : any of various large extinct reptiles (as ichthyosaurs) other than the true dinosaurs
3 : one that is impractically large, out-of-date, or obsolete
–di·no·sau·ri·an \ˌdī-nə-'sȯr-ē-ən\ adjective
–di·no·sau·ric \-'sȯr-ik\ adjective

dinosaur
n. duck billed dinosaur
duckbill dinosaur
Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument
n. reservation NW Colo. & NE Utah at junction of Green & Yampa rivers containing rich fossil deposits

dint
n. 1 archaic : BLOW, STROKE
2 : FORCE, POWER
3 : 2DENT
–by dint of : by force of : BECAUSE OF <succeeded by dint of hard work>

dint
n. 1 : to make a dent in
2 : to impress or drive in with force

dinucleotide
n. : a nucleotide consisting of two units each composed of a phosphate, a pentose, and a nitrogen base

dinucleotide
n. nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
flavin adenine dinucleotide
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

Dinwiddie
Robert 1693-1770 Eng. colonial administrator in America

diocesan
adj. : a bishop having jurisdiction over a diocese

diocese
n. : the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop
–di·oc·e·san \dī-'ä-sə-sən also 'dī-ə-ˌsē-sən\ adjective

Diocletian
245-316 Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus Rom. emp. (284-305)

diode
n. : an electronic device that has two electrodes or terminals and is used especially as a rectifier

dioecious
adj. 1 : having male reproductive organs in one individual and female in another
2 : having staminate and pistillate flowers borne on different individuals
–di·oe·cism \-'ē-ˌsi-zəm\ noun
–di·oe·cy \'dī-ˌē-sē\ noun

Diogenes
n. d ca 320 B.C. Greek Cynic philos.

diol
n. : a compound containing two hydroxyl groups

diolefin
: DIENE

Diomede
Big Diomede
Diomede Islands
Little Diomede

Diomede Islands
islands in Bering Strait comprising Big Diomede (Russia) & Little Diomede (U.S.)

Diomedes
: one of the Greek heroes of the Trojan War

Dionysia
n. : ancient Greek festival observances held in seasonal cycles in honor of Dionysus especially : such observances marked by dramatic performances

Dionysiac
adj. : DIONYSIAN 2
–Dionysiac noun

Dionysian
adj. 1 a : of or relating to Dionysius b : of or relating to the theological writings once mistakenly attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite
2 a : devoted to the worship of Dionysus b : characteristic of Dionysus or the cult of worship of Dionysus especially : being of a frenzied or orgiastic character ― compare APOLLONIAN

Dionysius
ca 430-367 B.C. the Elder Greek tyrant of Syracuse (405-367)

Dionysius
the Younger tyrant of Syracuse (367-356; 346-343 B.C.)

Dionysius
Dionysius Exiguus
Dionysius of Alexandria
Dionysius of Halicarnassus

Dionysius Exiguus
ca 500-ca 560 Christian monk

Dionysius of Alexandria
Saint ca 200-ca 265 theol. & bishop of Alexandria (247)

Dionysius of Halicarnassus
fl ca 20 B.C. Greek scholar

Dionysus
n. : BACCHUS

Diophantine equation
: an indeterminate polynomial equation which has integral coefficients and for which it is required to find all integral solutions

diopside
n. : a green to white mineral that consists of pyroxene containing little or no aluminum
–di·op·sid·ic \ˌdī-ˌäp-'si-dik\ adjective

diopter
n. : a unit of measurement of the refractive power of lenses equal to the reciprocal of the focal length in meters

dioptric
adj. : REFRACTIVE specifically : assisting vision by refracting and focusing light

diorama
n. 1 : a scenic representation in which a partly translucent painting is seen from a distance through an opening
2 a : a scenic representation in which sculptured figures and lifelike details are displayed usually in miniature so as to blend indistinguishably with a realistic painted background b : a life-size exhibit (as of a wildlife specimen or scene) with realistic natural surroundings and a painted background
–di·oram·ic \-'ra-mik\ adjective

diorite
n. : a granular crystalline igneous rock commonly of acid plagioclase and hornblende, pyroxene, or biotite
–di·o·rit·ic \ˌdī-ə-'ri-tik\ adjective

Dioscuri
n. : the twins Castor and Pollux reunited as stars in the sky by Zeus after Castor's death and regarded as patrons of athletes and sailors

Diospolis
― see THEBES 1

dioxane
n. : a flammable toxic liquid diether C_4H_8O_2 used especially as a solvent

dioxide
n. : an oxide (as carbon dioxide) containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule

dioxide
n. carbon dioxide
chlorine dioxide
lead dioxide
manganese dioxide
nitrogen dioxide
sulfur dioxide
titanium dioxide

dioxin
n. : any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (as pesticide manufacture and paper making) and waste incineration especially : TCDD

DIP
n. dual in-line package; dual in-line packaging

dip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to plunge or immerse momentarily or partially under the surface (as of a liquid) so as to moisten, cool, or coat <dip candles> b : to thrust in a way to suggest immersion c : to immerse (as a sheep or dog) in an antiseptic or parasiticidal solution
2 a : to lift a portion of by reaching below the surface with something shaped to hold liquid : LADLE b : to take a portion of (snuff)
3 a archaic : INVOLVE b : MORTGAGE
4 a : to lower and then raise again <dip a flag in salute> b chiefly British : DIM 2
intransitive verb
1 a : to plunge into a liquid and quickly emerge b : to immerse something into a processing liquid or finishing material
2 a : to suddenly drop down or out of sight b of an airplane : to drop suddenly before climbing c : to decline or decrease moderately and usually temporarily <prices dipped> d : to lower the body momentarily especially as part of an athletic or dancing motion
3 a : to withdraw a part of the contents of something by or as if by reaching down inside it ― used with into <dipped into his pocket for change> <dipped into the family's savings>
4 : to examine or read something casually or superficially ― used with into <dip into a book>
5 : to incline downward from the plane of the horizon
–dip·pa·ble \'di-pə-bəl\ adjective

dip
n. 1 : an act of dipping especially : a brief plunge into the water for sport or exercise <a quick dip in the pool>
2 : inclination downward: a : PITCH b : a sharp downward course : DROP <a dip in popularity> c : the angle that a stratum or similar geological feature makes with a horizontal plane
3 : the angle formed with the horizon by a magnetic needle free to rotate in the vertical plane
4 : HOLLOW, DEPRESSION <a dip in the road>
5 : something obtained by or used in dipping <a dip of ice cream> <a dip of snuff>
6 a : a sauce or soft mixture into which food may be dipped <bean dip> b : a liquid preparation for the dipping of something especially : an insecticide or parasiticide for the dipping of animals <a sheep dip>
7 slang : PICKPOCKET

dip
n. : a stupid or unsophisticated person

dip
n. diploma

dip
n. dip net
lucky dip
skinny dip
double dipping

dip net
: a bag net with a handle that is used especially to scoop fish from the water
–dip·net \'dip-ˌnet\ transitive verb

dipeptidase
n. : any of various enzymes that hydrolyze dipeptides but not polypeptides

dipeptide
n. : a peptide that yields two molecules of amino acid on hydrolysis

diphasic
adj. : having two phases

diphenhydramine
n. : an antihistamine C_17H_21NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

diphenylamine
n. : a crystalline pleasant-smelling compound (C_6H_5)2NH used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes and as an indicator

diphenylhydantoin
n. : PHENYTOIN

diphosgene
n. : a liquid compound C_2Cl_4O_2 used as a poison gas in World War I

diphosphate
n. : a phosphate containing two phosphate groups

diphosphoglyceric acid
: a diphosphate of glyceric acid that is an important intermediate in photosynthesis and in glycolysis and fermentation

diphosphopyridine nucleotide
: NAD

diphtheria
n. : an acute febrile contagious disease typically marked by the formation of a false membrane especially in the throat and caused by a gram-positive bacterium (Corynebacterium diphtheriae) that produces a toxin causing inflammation of the heart and nervous system
–diph·the·ri·al \-ē-əl\ adjective
–diph·the·rit·ic \ˌdif-thə-'ri-tik, ÷ˌdip-\ adjective

diphtheroid
adj. : resembling diphtheria

diphtheroid
adj. : a bacterium (esp. genus Corynebacterium) that resembles the bacterium of diphtheria but does not produce diphtheria toxin

diphthong
n. 1 : a gliding monosyllabic speech sound (as the vowel combination at the end of toy) that starts at or near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves to or toward the position of another
2 : DIGRAPH
3 : the ligature æ or o
–diph·thon·gal \dif-'thȯŋ-(g)əl, dip-\ adjective

diphthongize
v. intransitive verb of a simple vowel : to change into a diphthong
transitive verb : to pronounce as a diphthong
–diph·thong·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dif-ˌthȯŋ-ə-'zā-shən, (ˌ)dip-\ noun

diphy
: double : bipartite <diphyodont>

diphyletic
: derived from two lines of evolutionary descent <diphyletic hadrosaurs>

diphyodont
adj. : marked by the successive development of deciduous and permanent sets of teeth

dipl
1 : double : twofold <diplopia>
2 : diploid <diplophase>

diplegia
n. : paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body

diploblastic
adj. : having two germ layers ― used of an embryo or lower invertebrate that lacks a true mesoderm

diplococcus
n. : any of various encapsulated bacteria (as Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia) that usually occur in pairs and that were formerly grouped in a single taxon (genus Diplococcus) but are now all assigned to other genera

diplodocus
n. : any of a genus (Diplodocus) of large herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs of the late Jurassic known from remains found in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah

diploe
n. : cancellous bony tissue between the external and internal layers of the skull
–di·plo·ic \də-'plō-ik, dī-\ adjective

diploid
n. : having two haploid sets of homologous chromosomes <diploid somatic cells>
–dip·loi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

diploid
n. : a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by the diploid chromosome number

diploma
n. 1 plural also di·plo·ma·ta \-mə-tə\ : an official or state document : CHARTER
2 : a writing usually under seal conferring some honor or privilege
3 : a document bearing record of graduation from or of a degree conferred by an educational institution

diploma mill
: a usually unregulated institution of higher education granting degrees with few or no academic requirements

diplomacy
n. 1 : the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations
2 : skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility : TACT

diplomacy
n. dollar diplomacy
gunboat diplomacy
shuttle diplomacy

diplomat
n. : one employed or skilled in diplomacy

diplomate
n. : a person who holds a diploma especially : a physician qualified to practice in a medical specialty by advanced training and experience in the specialty followed by passing an intensive examination by a national board of senior specialists

diplomatic
adj. 1 a : PALEOGRAPHIC b : exactly reproducing the original <a diplomatic edition>
2 : of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats <diplomatic relations>
3 : employing tact and conciliation especially in situations of stress
synonyms see SUAVE
–dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diplomatist
n. : DIPLOMAT

diplophase
: a diploid phase in a life cycle

diplopia
n. : a disorder of vision in which two images of a single object are seen (as from unequal action of the eye muscles) ― called also double vision
–dip·lo·pic \-'plō-pik, -'plä-pik\ adjective

diplopod
: MILLIPEDE

diplotene
n. : a stage of meiotic prophase which follows the pachytene and during which the paired homologous chromosomes begin to separate and chiasmata become visible
–diplotene adjective

dipnoan
n. : LUNGFISH

dipody
n. : a prosodic unit or measure of two feet
–di·pod·ic \dī-'pä-dik\ adjective

dipole
n. 1 a : a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles of opposite sign separated especially by a small distance b : a body or system (as a molecule) having such charges or poles
2 : a radio antenna consisting of two horizontal rods in line with each other with their ends slightly separated
–di·po·lar \'dī-ˌpō-lər, ˌdī-'pō-\ adjective

dipole moment
: the moment produced by a magnetic or electric dipole especially : the product of the distance between the two poles and the magnitude of either pole

dipper
n. 1 : one that dips: as a : a worker who dips articles b : something (as a long-handled cup) used for dipping c slang : PICKPOCKET
2 : any of a genus (Cinclus and especially C. cinclus of the Old World and C. mexicanus of No. America) of birds that comprise an oscine family (Cinclidae) and include individuals that wade and dive into swift mountain streams in search of food ― called also water ouzel
3 capitalized : a group of stars that resembles a dipper: as a : BIG DIPPER b : LITTLE DIPPER
–dip·per·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

dipper
n. Big Dipper
double dipper
Little Dipper
skinny dipper

dippy
adj. : FOOLISH
–dip·pi·ness noun

dipshit
n. usually vulgar : a stupid or incompetent person

dipso
n. : one affected with dipsomania

dipsomania
n. : an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic liquors
–dip·so·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun
–dip·so·ma·ni·a·cal \ˌdip-sō-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ adjective

dipstick
n. 1 : a graduated rod for indicating depth (as of oil in a crankcase)
2 [euphemism for dipshit] : NITWIT
3 : a chemically sensitive strip of paper used to identify one or more constituents (as glucose or protein) of urine by immersion

dipteran
n. : of, relating to, or being a fly (sense 2a)
–dipteran noun
–dip·ter·ous \'dip-t(ə-)rəs\ adjective

dipterocarp
n. : any of a family (Dipterocarpaceae) of tall hardwood tropical trees chiefly of southeastern Asia that have a 2-winged fruit and are the source of valuable timber, aromatic oils, and resins especially : a tree of the type genus (Dipterocarpus)

diptych
n. 1 : a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces
2 : a picture or series of pictures (as an altarpiece) painted or carved on two hinged tablets
3 : a work made up of two matching parts

diquat
: a powerful herbicide and plant desiccant C_12H_12Br_2N_2 used especially to control aquatic weeds and to desiccate aerial plant parts (as of potatoes) before harvesting

dir
n. 1 direction
2 director

Dirac
Paul Adrien Maurice 1902-1984 Eng. physicist

diram
n. ― see somoni at MONEY table

dirdum
Scottish : BLAME

dire
adj. 1 a : exciting horror <dire suffering> b : DISMAL, OPPRESSIVE <dire days>
2 : warning of disaster <a dire forecast>
3 a : desperately urgent <dire need> b : EXTREME <dire poverty>
–dire·ly adverb
–dire·ness noun

dire
adj. dire wolf
voir dire
ca va sans dire
ça va sans dire
c'est a dire
c'est à dire
Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa
city E Ethiopia pop 237,012

dire wolf
: a large extinct wolflike mammal (Canis dirus) known from Pleistocene deposits of No. America

direct
adj. transitive verb
1 a obsolete : to write (a letter) to a person b : to mark with the name and address of the intended recipient c : to impart orally d : to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability <arguments directed at the emotions>
2 a : to regulate the activities or course of b : to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of <direct a project> c : to dominate and determine the course of d : to train and lead performances of <direct a movie>
3 : to cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course <X-rays directed through the body>
4 : to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course <direct the nozzle down>
5 : to request or enjoin with authority <the judge directed the jury to acquit>
6 : to show or point out the way for <signs directing us to the entrance>
intransitive verb
1 : to point out, prescribe, or determine a course or procedure
2 : to act as director
synonyms see COMMAND, CONDUCT

direct
adj. 1 : having or being motion in the general planetary direction from west to east : not retrograde
2 a : stemming immediately from a source <direct result> b : being or passing in a straight line of descent from parent to offspring : LINEAL <direct ancestor> c : having no compromising or impairing element <a direct insult>
3 a : proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption : STRAIGHT <a direct line> b : proceeding by the shortest way <the direct route>
4 : NATURAL, STRAIGHTFORWARD <a direct manner>
5 a : marked by absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence <making direct observations of nature> b : effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives <direct democracy> c : consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer <a direct quotation>
6 : characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship <direct evidence>
7 : capable of dyeing without the aid of a mordant

direct
adj. : in a direct way: as a : from point to point without deviation : by the shortest way <flew direct to Miami> b : from the source without interruption or diversion <the writer must take his material direct from life ― Douglas Stewart> c : without an intervening agency or step <buy direct from the manufacturer>

direct
adj. direct action
direct broadcast satellite
direct current
direct deposit
direct examination
direct lighting
direct mail
direct marketing
direct object
direct primary
direct product
direct response
direct sum
direct tax
direct variation
inner directed
other directed
self directed
self directing

direct action
: action that seeks to achieve an end directly and by the most immediately effective means (as boycott or strike)

direct broadcast satellite
: a television broadcasting system in which satellite transmissions are received by a dish antenna at the viewing location (as a home)

direct current
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value ― abbreviation DC

direct deposit
: a method of payment in which money is transferred to the payee's account without the use of checks or cash

direct examination
: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness ― compare CROSS-EXAMINATION

direct lighting
: lighting in which the greater part of the light goes directly from the source to the area lit

direct mail
: printed matter (as circulars) prepared for soliciting business or contributions and mailed directly to individuals

direct marketing
: marketing by means of direct communication with consumers (as through catalogs and telemarketing)

direct object
: a word or phrase denoting the goal or the result of the action of a verb

direct primary
: a primary in which nominations of candidates for office are made by direct vote

direct product
: CARTESIAN PRODUCT especially : a group that is the Cartesian product of two other groups

direct sum
: CARTESIAN PRODUCT ― compare DIRECT PRODUCT

direct tax
: a tax exacted directly from the taxpayer

direct variation
1 : mathematical relationship between two variables that can be expressed by an equation in which one variable is equal to a constant times the other
2 : an equation or function expressing direct variation ― compare INVERSE VARIATION

direct-response
: of or relating to direct marketing <direct-response advertising>

directed
adj. 1 : subject to supervision or regulation <a directed reading program for students>
2 : having a positive or negative sense <directed line segment>
–di·rect·ed·ness noun

directed
adj. inner directed
other directed
self directed
other directedness

direction
n. 1 : guidance or supervision of action or conduct : MANAGEMENT
2 archaic : SUPERSCRIPTION
3 a : an explicit instruction : ORDER b : assistance in pointing out the proper route ― usually used in plural <asked for directions to the beach>
4 : the line or course on which something is moving or is aimed to move or along which something is pointing or facing
5 archaic : DIRECTORATE 1
6 a : a channel or direct course of thought or action b : TENDENCY, TREND c : a guiding, governing, or motivating purpose
7 a : the art and technique of directing an orchestra, band, or a show (as for stage or screen) b : a word, phrase, or sign indicating the appropriate tempo, mood, or intensity of a passage or movement in music
–di·rec·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective
–di·rec·tion·less·ness noun

direction
n. direction angle
direction cosine
direction finder
stage direction
self direction

direction angle
: an angle made by a given line with an axis of reference specifically : such an angle made by a straight line with the three axes of a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system ― usually used in plural

direction cosine
: any of the cosines of the three angles between a directed line in space and the positive direction of the axes of a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system ― usually used in plural

direction finder
: a radio receiving device for determining the direction of incoming radio waves that typically consists of a coil antenna rotating freely on a vertical axis

directional
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or indicating direction in space: a : suitable for detecting the direction from which radio signals come or for sending out radio signals in one direction only <a directional antenna> b : operating most effectively in a particular direction <a directional microphone>
2 : relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort
–di·rec·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌrek-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun

directive
n. 1 : serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
2 : serving to point direction specifically : DIRECTIONAL 1B
3 : of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

directive
n. : something that serves to direct, guide, and usually impel toward an action or goal especially : an authoritative instrument issued by a high-level body or official

directivity
n. : the property of being directional

directly
adv. 1 a : in a direct manner <directly relevant> <the road runs directly east and west> b : in immediate physical contact c : in the manner of direct variation
2 a : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <the second game followed directly after the first> b : in a little while : SHORTLY <we'll be leaving directly>

directly
adv. chiefly British : immediately after : AS SOON AS <directly I received it I rang up the shipping company ― F. W. Crofts>

directly proportional
: related by direct variation ― compare INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL

directness
n. 1 : the character of being accurate in course or aim
2 : strict pertinence : STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS <her directness was disarming ― Robin Cook>

Directoire
n. : of, relating to, or imitative of the style of clothing, furniture, or decoration prevalent in France during the period of the Directory

director
n. : one who directs: as a : the head of an organized group or administrative unit (as a bureau or school) b : one of a group of persons entrusted with the overall direction of a corporate enterprise c : a person who supervises the production of a show (as for stage or screen) usually with responsibility for action, lighting, music, and rehearsals d : CONDUCTOR C
–di·rec·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

director
n. casting director
director's chair
director's cut
funeral director
program director
stage director

director's chair
: a lightweight folding armchair with a back and seat usually of cotton duck

director's cut
: a version of a motion picture that is edited according to the director's wishes and that usually includes scenes cut from the version created for general distribution

directorate
n. 1 : the office of director
2 a : a board of directors (as of a corporation) b : membership on a board of directors
3 : an executive staff (as of a department)

directorial
adj. 1 : serving to direct
2 : of or relating to a director or to theatrical or motion-picture direction
3 : of, relating to, or administered by a directory

directory
n. : serving to direct specifically : providing advisory but not compulsory guidance

directory
n. 1 a : a book or collection of directions, rules, or ordinances b : an alphabetical or classified list (as of names and addresses)
2 : a body of directors
3 : FOLDER 3B

directress
n. : a woman who is a director

directrice
: DIRECTRESS

directrix
n. 1 archaic : DIRECTRESS
2 : a fixed curve with which a generatrix maintains a given relationship in generating a geometric figure specifically : a straight line the distance to which from any point of a conic section is in fixed ratio to the distance from the same point to a focus

direful
adj. 1 : DREADFUL <direful war began again ― Charles Dickens>
2 : OMINOUS
–dire·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

dirge
n. 1 : a song or hymn of grief or lamentation especially : one intended to accompany funeral or memorial rites
2 : a slow, solemn, and mournful piece of music
3 : something (as a poem) that has the qualities of a dirge
–dirge·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

dirham
n. 1 ― see MONEY table
2 ― see dinar, riyal at MONEY table

dirigible
n. : capable of being steered

dirigible
n. : AIRSHIP

dirigisme
n. : economic planning and control by the state
–di·ri·giste \di-ri-'zhēst, dē-rē-\ adjective

dirigo
: I direct ― motto of Maine

dirk
n. : a long straight-bladed dagger

dirk
n. : to stab with a dirk

Dirksen
Everett McKinley 1896-1969 American polit.

dirl
Scottish : TREMBLE, QUIVER

dirndl
n. 1 : a dress style with tight bodice, short sleeves, low neck, and gathered skirt
2 : a full skirt with a tight waistband

dirt
n. 1 a : EXCREMENT b : a filthy or soiling substance (as mud, dust, or grime) c archaic : something worthless d : a contemptible person <treated me like dirt>
2 : loose or packed soil or sand : EARTH <a mound of dirt> <a dirt road>
3 a : an abject or filthy state : SQUALOR <living in dirt> b : CORRUPTION, CHICANERY <vowed to clean up the dirt in the city government> c : licentiousness of language or theme d : scandalous or malicious gossip <spreading dirt about his ex-wife> e : embarrassing or incriminating information <trying to dig up dirt on her political rivals>

dirt
n. dirt bike
dirt cheap
dirt farmer
dirt poor
pay dirt

dirt bike
: a usually lightweight motorcycle designed for operation on unpaved surfaces

dirt cheap
: exceedingly cheap

dirt farmer
: a farmer who earns a living by farming the land especially without the help of hired hands or tenants

dirt-poor
: suffering extreme poverty

dirtbag
n. slang : a dirty, unkempt, or contemptible person

dirty
adj. 1 a : not clean or pure <dirty clothes> b : likely to befoul or defile with dirt <dirty jobs> c : contaminated with infecting organisms <dirty wounds> d : containing impurities <dirty coal>
2 a : morally unclean or corrupt: as (1) : INDECENT, VULGAR <dirty jokes> <a dirty movie> (2) : DISHONORABLE, BASE <a dirty trick> (3) : UNSPORTSMANLIKE <dirty players> b : acquired by disreputable or illegal means : ILL-GOTTEN <dirty money> c : disagreeable, distasteful, or objectionable but usually necessary (as in achieving a desired result) <hired a thug to do their dirty work>
3 a : ABOMINABLE, HATEFUL <war is a dirty business> b : highly regrettable <a dirty shame> c : likely to cause disgrace or scandal <dirty little secrets>
4 : FOGGY, STORMY <dirty weather>
5 a of color : not clear and bright : DULLISH <dirty blond> b : characterized by a husky, rasping, or raw tonal quality <dirty trumpet tones>
6 : conveying ill-natured resentment <gave him a dirty look>
7 : having considerable fallout <dirty bombs>
–dirt·i·ly \'dər-tə-lē\ adverb
–dirt·i·ness \'dər-tē-nəs\ noun
synonyms DIRTY, FILTHY, FOUL, NASTY, SQUALID mean conspicuously unclean or impure. DIRTY emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it <a dirty littered street>. FILTHY carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears <a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy>. FOUL implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking <a foul-smelling open sewer>. NASTY applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness <it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat>. In practice, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable <had a nasty fall> <his answer gave her a nasty shock>. SQUALID adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect <squalid slums>. All these terms are also applicable to moral uncleanness or baseness or obscenity. DIRTY then stresses meanness or despicableness <don't ask me to do your dirty work>, while FILTHY and FOUL describe disgusting obscenity or loathsome behavior <filthy street language> <a foul story of lust and greed>, and NASTY implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness <a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor>. Distinctively, SQUALID implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness <engaged in a series of squalid affairs>.

dirty
adj. : in a dirty manner: as a : DECEPTIVELY, UNDERHANDEDLY <fight dirty> b : INDECENTLY <talk dirty>

dirty
adj. transitive verb
1 : to make dirty
2 a : to stain with dishonor : SULLY b : to debase by distorting the real nature of
intransitive verb : to become soiled

dirty
adj. dirty laundry
dirty linen
dirty old man
dirty pool
dirty rice
dirty tricks
dirty trickster
dirty word
down and dirty

dirty laundry
: private matters whose public exposure brings distress and embarrassment ― called also dirty linen

dirty old man
: a lecherous older man

dirty pool
: underhanded or unsportsmanlike conduct

dirty rice
: a Cajun dish of white rice cooked with chopped or ground giblets

dirty tricks
: underhanded stratagems for obtaining secret information about or sabotaging an enemy or for discrediting an opponent (as in politics)
–dirty trickster noun

dirty word
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference

Dis
v. : the Roman god of the underworld ― compare PLUTO

dis
v. 1 slang : to treat with disrespect or contempt : INSULT
2 slang : to find fault with : CRITICIZE

dis
v. 1 slang : a disparaging remark or act : INSULT <was meant as a tribute, not a dis ― Vibe>
2 slang : DISRESPECT

dis
v. 1 discharge
2 discount
3 distance

dis
v. 1 a : do the opposite of <disestablish> b : deprive of (a specified quality, rank, or object) <disfranchise> c : exclude or expel from <disbar>
2 : opposite or absence of <disunion> <disaffection>
3 : not <disagreeable>
4 : completely <disannul>
5 [by folk etymology] : DYS- <disfunction>

dis aliter visum
: the Gods decreed otherwise

disability
n. 1 a : the condition of being disabled b : inability to pursue an occupation because of a physical or mental impairment also : a program providing financial support to one affected by disability <went on disability after the injury>
2 : lack of legal qualification to do something
3 : a disqualification, restriction, or disadvantage

disable
v. 1 : to deprive of legal right, qualification, or capacity
2 : to make incapable or ineffective especially : to deprive of physical, moral, or intellectual strength
synonyms see WEAKEN
–dis·able·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun

disabled
n. : incapacitated by illness or injury also : physically or mentally impaired in a way that substantially limits activity especially in relation to employment or education

disabuse
v. : to free from error, fallacy, or misconception

disaccharidase
n. : an enzyme (as maltase or lactase) that hydrolyzes disaccharides

disaccharide
n. : any of a class of sugars (as sucrose) that yields on hydrolysis two monosaccharide molecules

disaccord
n. : CLASH, DISAGREE
–disaccord noun

disaccustom
: to free from a habit

disadvantage
n. 1 : loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : DETRIMENT <the deal worked to their disadvantage>
2 a : an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition <we were at a disadvantage> b : a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : HANDICAP <his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage>

disadvantage
n. : to place at a disadvantage : HARM

disadvantaged
adj. : lacking in the basic resources or conditions (as standard housing, medical and educational facilities, and civil rights) believed to be necessary for an equal position in society
–dis·ad·van·taged·ness \-tijd-nəs\ noun

disadvantageous
adj. 1 : constituting a disadvantage
2 : DEROGATORY, DISPARAGING
–dis·ad·van·ta·geous·ly adverb
–dis·ad·van·ta·geous·ness noun

disaffect
v. : to alienate the affection or loyalty of also : to fill with discontent and unrest

disaffected
adj. : discontented and resentful especially against authority : REBELLIOUS <disaffected youth>

disaffiliate
v. : DISASSOCIATE
intransitive verb : to terminate an affiliation
–dis·af·fil·i·a·tion \-ˌfil-ē-'ā-shən\ noun

disaffirm
v. 1 : to refuse to confirm : ANNUL, REPUDIATE
2 : CONTRADICT
–dis·af·fir·mance \-'fər-mən(t)s\ noun

disaggregate
v. : to separate into component parts <disaggregate sandstone> <disaggregate demographic data>
intransitive verb : to break up or apart <the molecules of a gel disaggregate to form a sol>
–dis·ag·gre·ga·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌa-gri-'gā-shən\ noun
–dis·ag·gre·ga·tive \(ˌ)dis-'a-gri-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective

disagree
v. 1 : to fail to agree <the two accounts disagree>
2 : to differ in opinion <he disagreed with me on every topic>
3 : to cause discomfort or distress <fried foods disagree with me>

disagreeable
adj. 1 : causing discomfort : UNPLEASANT, OFFENSIVE <a disagreeable odor>
2 : marked by ill temper : PEEVISH <a disagreeable person>
–dis·agree·able·ness noun
–dis·agree·ably \-blē\ adverb

disagreement
n. 1 : the act of disagreeing
2 a : the state of being at variance : DISPARITY b : QUARREL

disallow
v. 1 : to deny the force, truth, or validity of
2 : to refuse to allow
–dis·al·low·ance \-ən(t)s\ noun

disambiguate
v. : to establish a single semantic or grammatical interpretation for
–dis·am·big·u·a·tion \-ˌbi-gyə-'wā-shən, -gyü-'ā-\ noun

disannul
v. : ANNUL, CANCEL

disappear
v. 1 : to pass from view
2 : to cease to be : pass out of existence or notice
transitive verb : to cause the disappearance of
–dis·ap·pear·ance \-'pir-ən(t)s\ noun

disappoint
v. transitive verb : to fail to meet the expectation or hope of : FRUSTRATE <the team disappointed its fans>
intransitive verb : to cause disappointment <where the show disappoints most is in the work of the younger generation ― John Ashbery>

disappointed
adj. 1 : defeated in expectation or hope
2 obsolete : not adequately equipped
–dis·ap·point·ed·ly adverb

disappointing
adj. : failing to meet expectations <a disappointing meal>
–dis·ap·point·ing·ly \-'pȯin-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

disappointment
n. 1 : the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2 : one that disappoints <he's a disappointment to his parents>

disapprobation
n. : the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved : CONDEMNATION

disapproval
n. : DISAPPROBATION, CENSURE

disapprove
v. 1 : to pass unfavorable judgment on
2 : to refuse approval to : REJECT
intransitive verb : to feel or express disapproval
–dis·ap·prov·er noun
–dis·ap·prov·ing·ly \-'prü-viŋ-lē\ adverb

disarm
v. transitive verb
1 a : to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile <disarmed criticism by admitting her errors> b : to win over
2 a : to divest of arms <disarm captured troops> b : to deprive of a means of attack or defense <disarm a ship> c : to make harmless <disarm a bomb>
intransitive verb
1 : to lay aside arms
2 : to give up or reduce armed forces
–dis·ar·ma·ment \-'är-mə-mənt\ noun
–dis·arm·er noun

disarming
adj. : allaying criticism or hostility : INGRATIATING <a disarming smile>
–dis·arm·ing·ly \-'är-miŋ-lē\ adverb

disarrange
v. : to disturb the arrangement or order of <hair disarranged by the wind>
–dis·ar·range·ment \-mənt\ noun

disarray
n. 1 : a lack of order or sequence : CONFUSION, DISORDER <the room was in disarray>
2 : disorderly dress : DISHABILLE

disarray
n. 1 : to throw into disorder
2 : UNDRESS

disarticulate
v. : to become disjointed
transitive verb : DISJOINT
–dis·ar·tic·u·la·tion \-ˌti-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

disassemble
v. : to take apart <disassemble a watch>
intransitive verb
1 : to come apart <the frame disassembles into sections>
2 : DISPERSE, SCATTER <the crowd began to disassemble>
–dis·as·sem·bly \-blē\ noun

disassociate
v. : to detach from association : DISSOCIATE
–dis·as·so·ci·a·tion \-ˌsō-sē-'ā-shən, -shē-\ noun

disaster
n. 1 obsolete : an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star
2 : a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction broadly : a sudden or great misfortune or failure <the party was a disaster>

disaster area
: an area officially declared to be the scene of an emergency created by a disaster and therefore qualified to receive certain types of governmental aid (as emergency loans and relief supplies)

disastrous
adj. 1 : attended by or causing suffering or disaster : CALAMITOUS <a disastrous flood>
2 : TERRIBLE, HORRENDOUS <a disastrous score>
–di·sas·trous·ly adverb

disavow
v. 1 : to deny responsibility for : REPUDIATE
2 : to refuse to acknowledge or accept : DISCLAIM <party leaders disavowed him>
–dis·avow·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·avow·al \-'vau̇(-ə)l\ noun

disband
v. transitive verb : to break up the organization of : DISSOLVE
intransitive verb : to break up as an organization : DISPERSE
–dis·band·ment \-'ban(d)-mənt\ noun

disbar
v. : to expel from the bar or the legal profession : deprive (an attorney) of legal status and privileges
–dis·bar·ment \-mənt\ noun

disbelief
n. : the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

disbelieve
v. : to hold not worthy of belief : not believe
intransitive verb : to withhold or reject belief
–dis·be·liev·er noun

disbenefit
n. : something disadvantageous or objectionable : DRAWBACK

disbud
v. 1 : to thin out flower buds in order to improve the quality of bloom of
2 : to dehorn (cattle) by destroying the undeveloped horn bud

disburden
v. 1 a : to rid of a burden <disburden a pack animal> b : UNBURDEN <disburden your conscience>
2 : UNLOAD <disburdened their merchandise in the town square>
intransitive verb : DISCHARGE <the vessels disburdened at the dock>
–dis·bur·den·ment \-mənt\ noun

disburse
v. 1 a : to pay out : expend especially from a fund <disburse money> b : to make a payment in settlement of <disburse a bill>
2 : DISTRIBUTE
–dis·burs·er noun

disbursement
n. : the act of disbursing also : funds paid out

disc
n. variant of disk

disc
n. discount

disc
n. 1 : disk <discoid>
2 : phonograph record <discophile>

disc
n. compact disc
digital versatile disc
digital video disc
disc brake
disc jockey
laser disc

disc brake
: a brake that operates by the action of a frictional material pressed against the sides of a rotating disc by a caliper

disc jockey
: an announcer of a radio show of popular recorded music also : one who plays recorded music for dancing at a nightclub or party

discalced
adj. : UNSHOD, BAREFOOT <discalced friars>

discant
n. variant of descant

discard
n. 1 : to get rid of especially as useless or unwanted <a pile of discarded tires>
2 a : to remove (a playing card) from one's hand b : to play (any card except a trump) from a suit different from the one led
intransitive verb : to discard a playing card
–dis·card·able \-də-bəl\ adjective
–dis·card·er noun
synonyms DISCARD, CAST, SHED, SLOUGH, SCRAP, JUNK mean to get rid of. DISCARD implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless <discard old clothes>. CAST especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation <cast off her friends>. SHED and SLOUGH imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster <shed a bad habit> <finally sloughed off the depression>. SCRAP and JUNK imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form <scrap all the old ways> <would junk our educational system>.

discard
n. 1 a : the act of discarding in a card game b : a card discarded
2 : one that is cast off or rejected

discarnate
adj. : having no physical body : INCORPOREAL

discern
v. transitive verb
1 a : to detect with the eyes <discerned a figure approaching through the fog> b : to detect with senses other than vision <discerned a strange odor>
2 : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : DISCRIMINATE <discern right from wrong>
3 : to come to know or recognize mentally <unable to discern his motives>
intransitive verb : to see or understand the difference
–dis·cern·er noun
–dis·cern·ible also dis·cern·able \-'sər-nə-bəl, -'zər-\ adjective
–dis·cern·ibly \-blē\ adverb

discerning
adj. : showing insight and understanding : DISCRIMINATING <a discerning critic>
–dis·cern·ing·ly \-'sər-niŋ-lē, -'zər-\ adverb

discernment
n. 1 : the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2 : an act of discerning
synonyms DISCERNMENT, DISCRIMINATION, PERCEPTION, PENETRATION, INSIGHT, ACUMEN mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. DISCERNMENT stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art) <the discernment to know true friends>. DISCRIMINATION stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent <the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music>. PERCEPTION implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling) <a novelist of keen perception into human motives>. PENETRATION implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial <lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles>. INSIGHT suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy <a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless>. ACUMEN implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment <a director of reliable box-office acumen>.

discharge
transitive verb
1 : to relieve of a charge, load, or burden: a : UNLOAD <discharge a cargo ship> b : to release from an obligation c : to release electrical energy from (as a battery or capacitor) by a discharge
2 a : to let or put off <discharge passengers> <discharge cargo> b : SHOOT <discharge an arrow> c : to release from confinement, custody, or care <discharge a prisoner> <discharge a patient> d : to give outlet or vent to : EMIT <discharge emotions>
3 a (1) : to dismiss from employment (2) : to release from service or duty <discharge a soldier> b : to get rid of (as a debt or obligation) by performing an appropriate action (as payment) c : to set aside : ANNUL d : to order (a legislative committee) to end consideration of a bill in order to bring it before the house for action
4 : to bear and distribute (as the weight of a wall above an opening)
5 : to bleach out or remove (color or dye) in dyeing and printing textiles
6 : to cancel the record of the loan of (a library book) upon return
intransitive verb
1 a : to throw off or deliver a load, charge, or burden b : to release electrical energy by a discharge
2 a : GO OFF, FIRE ― used of a gun b : SPREAD, RUN <some dyes discharge> c : to pour forth fluid or other contents
synonyms see PERFORM
–dis·charge·able \-jə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·charg·ee \(ˌ)dis-ˌchär-'jē\ noun
–dis·charg·er \dis-'chär-jər, 'dis-ˌ\ noun

discharge
n. 1 a : the act of relieving of something that oppresses : RELEASE b : something that discharges or releases especially : a certification of release or payment
2 : the state of being discharged or relieved
3 : the act of discharging or unloading
4 : legal release from confinement
5 : a firing off
6 a : a flowing or issuing out <a discharge of spores> also : a rate of flow b : something that is emitted <a purulent discharge>
7 : the act of removing an obligation or liability
8 a : release or dismissal especially from an office or employment b : complete separation from military service
9 a : the equalization of a difference of electric potential between two points b : the conversion of the chemical energy of a battery into electrical energy

discharge
n. brush discharge
discharge lamp
discharge tube
glow discharge

discharge lamp
: an electric lamp in which an enclosed gas or vapor glows or causes a phosphor coating on the lamp's inner surface to glow

discharge tube
: an electron tube which contains gas or vapor at low pressure and through which conduction takes place when a high voltage is applied

disci
n. ― see DISC-

disciform
adj. : round or oval in shape

disciple
n. 1 : one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as a : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts b : a convinced adherent of a school or individual
2 capitalized : a member of the Disciples of Christ founded in the U.S. in 1809 that holds the Bible alone to be the rule of faith and practice, usually baptizes by immersion, and has a congregational polity
synonyms see FOLLOWER
–dis·ci·ple·ship \-ˌship\ noun

disciplinable
adj. 1 : DOCILE, TEACHABLE
2 : subject to or deserving discipline <a disciplinable offense>

disciplinarian
n. : one who disciplines or enforces order
–disciplinarian adjective

disciplinary
adj. 1 a : of or relating to discipline <disciplinary problems> b : designed to correct or punish breaches of discipline <took disciplinary action>
2 : of or relating to a particular field of study <disciplinary specialization>
–dis·ci·plin·ar·i·ly \ˌdi-sə-plə-'ner-ə-lē\ adverb
–dis·ci·plin·ar·i·ty \-'nar-ə-tē\ noun

discipline
n. 1 : PUNISHMENT
2 obsolete : INSTRUCTION
3 : a field of study
4 : training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
5 a : control gained by enforcing obedience or order b : orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior c : SELF-CONTROL
6 : a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
–dis·ci·plin·al \-plə-nəl\ adjective

discipline
n. 1 : to punish or penalize for the sake of discipline
2 : to train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control
3 a : to bring (a group) under control <discipline troops> b : to impose order upon <serious writers discipline and refine their writing styles>
synonyms see PUNISH, TEACH
–dis·ci·plin·er noun

disciplined
adj. : marked by or possessing discipline <a disciplined mind>

disclaim
v. intransitive verb
1 : to make a disclaimer
2 a obsolete : to disavow all part or share b : to utter denial
transitive verb
1 : to renounce a legal claim to
2 : DENY, DISAVOW <disclaimed any knowledge of the contents of the letter>

disclaimer
n. 1 a : a denial or disavowal of legal claim : relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate b : a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer
2 a : DENIAL, DISAVOWAL b : REPUDIATION

disclamation
n. : RENUNCIATION, DISAVOWAL

disclimax
: a relatively stable ecological community often including kinds of organisms foreign to the region and displacing the climax because of disturbance especially by humans

disclose
v. 1 obsolete : to open up
2 a : to expose to view b archaic : HATCH c : to make known or public <demands that politicians disclose the sources of their income>
synonyms see REVEAL
–dis·clos·er noun

disclose
v. obsolete : DISCLOSURE

disclosing
v. : being or using an agent (as a tablet or liquid) that contains a usually red dye that stains dental plaque

disclosure
n. 1 : the act or an instance of disclosing : EXPOSURE
2 : something disclosed : REVELATION

disco
n. 1 : a nightclub for dancing to live and recorded music
2 : popular dance music characterized by hypnotic rhythm, repetitive lyrics, and electronically produced sounds

disco
n. : to dance to disco music

disco
n. ― see DISC-

discographer
n. : a person who compiles discographies

discography
1 : a descriptive list of recordings by category, composer, performer, or date of release
2 : the history of recorded music
–dis·co·graph·i·cal \ˌdis-kə-'gra-fi-kəl\ also dis·co·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–dis·co·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

discoid
n. 1 : relating to or having a disk: as a : situated in the floral disk <discoid florets> b : having only disk flowers <a discoid flower head>
2 : flat and circular like a disc

discoidal
adj. : of, resembling, or producing a disk

discoidal cleavage
: meroblastic cleavage in which a disk of cells is produced at the animal pole of the zygote (as in bird eggs)

discolor
v. transitive verb : to alter or change the hue or color of
intransitive verb : to change color especially for the worse

discoloration
n. 1 : the act of discoloring : the state of being discolored
2 : a discolored spot or formation : STAIN

discombobulate
v. : UPSET, CONFUSE <inventing cool new ways to discombobulate the old order ― Kurt Andersen>
–dis·com·bob·u·la·tion \-ˌbä-b(y)ə-'lā-shən\ noun

discomfit
v. 1 a archaic : to defeat in battle b : to frustrate the plans of : THWART
2 : to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : DISCONCERT
synonyms see EMBARRASS
–dis·com·fit·ing·ly \dis-'kəm(p)-fə-tiŋ-lē, ˌdīs-kəm-'fi-\ adverb

discomfit
v. : DISCOMFITURE

discomfiture
n. : the act of discomfiting : the state of being discomfited

discomfort
n. 1 archaic : DISMAY 1
2 : to make uncomfortable or uneasy
–dis·com·fort·able \-'kəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl, -'kəm(p)f-tər-bəl\ adjective

discomfort
n. 1 archaic : DISTRESS, GRIEF
2 : mental or physical uneasiness : ANNOYANCE

discommend
v. 1 : DISAPPROVE, DISPARAGE
2 : to cause to be viewed unfavorably

discommode
v. : to cause inconvenience to : TROUBLE

discompose
v. 1 : to destroy the composure of
2 : to disturb the order of
–dis·com·po·sure \-'pō-zhər\ noun
synonyms DISCOMPOSE, DISQUIET, DISTURB, PERTURB, AGITATE, UPSET, FLUSTER mean to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action. DISCOMPOSE implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress <discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife>. DISQUIET suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind <the disquieting news of factories closing>. DISTURB implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption <the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me>. PERTURB implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions <perturbed by her husband's strange behavior>. AGITATE suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement <in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work>. UPSET implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief <the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child>. FLUSTER suggests bewildered agitation <his declaration of love completely flustered her>.

disconcert
v. 1 : to throw into confusion
2 : to disturb the composure of
synonyms see EMBARRASS
–dis·con·cert·ing adjective
–dis·con·cert·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–dis·con·cert·ment \-mənt\ noun

disconfirm
v. : to deny or refute the validity of
–dis·con·fir·ma·tion \-ˌkän-fər-'mā-shən\ noun

disconformity
n. 1 : NONCONFORMITY
2 : a break in a sequence of sedimentary rocks all of which have approximately the same dip

disconnect
v. 1 : to sever the connection of or between
2 : DISSOCIATE 1 <are disconnected from meaningful relationships>
intransitive verb
1 : to terminate a connection
2 : to become detached or withdrawn <disconnects into dark moods>
–dis·con·nec·tion \-'nek-shən\ noun

disconnect
v. : a lack of or a break in connection, consistency, or agreement <a huge disconnect⋯between the nation's capital and the rest of the country ― R. J. Samuelson>

disconnected
adj. : not connected : SEPARATE also : INCOHERENT <a disconnected narrative>
–dis·con·nect·ed·ly adverb
–dis·con·nect·ed·ness noun

disconsolate
adj. 1 : CHEERLESS <a clutch of disconsolate houses ― D. H. Lawrence>
2 : DEJECTED, DOWNCAST <the team returned disconsolate from three losses>
–dis·con·so·late·ly adverb
–dis·con·so·late·ness noun
–dis·con·so·la·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌkän(t)-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

discontent
n. : DISCONTENTED

discontent
n. : lack of contentment: a : a sense of grievance : DISSATISFACTION <the winter of our discontent ― Shakespeare> b : restless aspiration for improvement

discontent
n. : to make discontented
–dis·con·tent·ment \-mənt\ noun

discontent
n. : one who is discontented : MALCONTENT

discontented
adj. : DISSATISFIED, MALCONTENT
–dis·con·tent·ed·ly adverb
–dis·con·tent·ed·ness noun

discontinuance
n. 1 : the act or an instance of discontinuing
2 : the interruption or termination of a legal action by the plaintiff's not continuing it

discontinue
v. transitive verb
1 : to break the continuity of : cease to operate, administer, use, produce, or take
2 : to abandon or terminate by a legal discontinuance
intransitive verb : to come to an end
synonyms see STOP
–dis·con·tin·u·a·tion \-kən-ˌtin-yə-'wā-shən, -yü-'ā-\ noun

discontinuity
n. 1 : lack of continuity or cohesion
2 : GAP 5
3 a : the property of being not mathematically continuous <a point of discontinuity> b : an instance of being not mathematically continuous especially : a value of an independent variable at which a function is not continuous

discontinuous
adj. 1 a (1) : not continuous <a discontinuous series of events> (2) : not continued : DISCRETE <discontinuous features of terrain> b : lacking sequence or coherence
2 : having one or more mathematical discontinuities ― used of a variable or a function
–dis·con·tin·u·ous·ly adverb

discophile
n. : one who studies and collects phonograph records or CDs

discord
n. 1 a : lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) b : active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions : STRIFE
2 a (1) : a combination of musical sounds that strikes the ear harshly (2) : DISSONANCE b : a harsh or unpleasant sound
synonyms DISCORD, STRIFE, CONFLICT, CONTENTION, DISSENSION, VARIANCE mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony. DISCORD implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism <a political party long racked by discord>. STRIFE emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved <during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife>. CONFLICT usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires <the conflict of freedom and responsibility>. CONTENTION applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy <several points of contention about the new zoning law>. DISSENSION implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions <religious dissension threatened to split the colony>. VARIANCE implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest <cultural variances that work against a national identity>.

discord
n. : DISAGREE, CLASH

discordance
n. 1 : the state or an instance of being discordant
2 : DISSONANCE

discordancy
n. : DISCORDANCE

discordant
adj. 1 a : being at variance : DISAGREEING <discordant opinions> b : QUARRELSOME <a discordant family>
2 : relating to a discord <a discordant tone>
–dis·cor·dant·ly adverb

discordia concors
: harmonious discord : harmony or unity gained by combining disparate or conflicting elements

discotheque
n. : DISCO 1

discount
n. 1 : a reduction made from the gross amount or value of something: as a (1) : a reduction made from a regular or list price (2) : a proportionate deduction from a debt account usually made for cash or prompt payment b : a deduction made for interest in advancing money upon or purchasing a bill or note not due
2 : the act or practice of discounting
3 : a deduction taken or allowance made

discount
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make a deduction from usually for cash or prompt payment <a discounted price> b : to sell or offer for sale at a discount <discounting last year's model>
2 : to lend money on after deducting the discount
3 a : to leave out of account : DISREGARD b : to minimize the importance of <shouldn't discount his contributions> c (1) : to make allowance for bias or exaggeration in (2) : to view with doubt <discount a rumor> d : to take into account (as a future event) in present calculations
intransitive verb : to give or make discounts
–dis·count·er \-ˌkau̇n-tər, -'kau̇n-\ noun

discount
n. 1 a : selling goods or services at a discount <discount stores> <a discount broker> <discount airlines> b : offered or sold at a discount <discount tickets>
2 : reflecting a discount <discount prices>

discount
n. bank discount
cash discount
discount rate
trade discount

discount rate
1 : the interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan
2 : the charge levied by a central bank for advances and rediscounts

discountable
adj. 1 : set apart for discounting <within the discountable period>
2 : subject to being discounted <a discountable note>

discountenance
v. 1 : ABASH, DISCONCERT
2 : to look with disfavor on : discourage by evidence of disapproval <discountenanced all bellicose statements>

discountenance
v. : DISAPPROBATION, DISFAVOR

discourage
1 : to deprive of courage or confidence : DISHEARTEN <was discouraged by repeated failure>
2 a : to hinder by disfavoring <trying to discourage absenteeism> b : to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something <tried to discourage her from going>
–dis·cour·age·able \-jə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·cour·ag·er noun
–dis·cour·ag·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

discouragement
n. 1 : the act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged
2 : something that discourages

discourse
n. 1 archaic : the capacity of orderly thought or procedure : RATIONALITY
2 : verbal interchange of ideas especially : CONVERSATION
3 a : formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject b : connected speech or writing c : a linguistic unit (as a conversation or a story) larger than a sentence
4 obsolete : social familiarity
5 : a mode of organizing knowledge, ideas, or experience that is rooted in language and its concrete contexts (as history or institutions) <critical discourse>

discourse
intransitive verb
1 : to express oneself especially in oral discourse
2 : TALK, CONVERSE
transitive verb archaic : to give forth : UTTER
–dis·cours·er noun

discourse analysis
: the study of linguistic relations and structures in discourse

discourteous
adj. : lacking courtesy : RUDE
–dis·cour·te·ous·ly adverb
–dis·cour·te·ous·ness noun

discourtesy
n. 1 : RUDENESS
2 : a rude act

discover
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make known or visible : EXPOSE b archaic : DISPLAY
2 a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : FIND <discover the solution> b : FIND OUT <discovered he was out of gas>
intransitive verb : to make a discovery
–dis·cov·er·able \-'kə-v(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·cov·er·er \-ər-ər\ noun
synonyms DISCOVER, ASCERTAIN, DETERMINE, UNEARTH, LEARN mean to find out what one did not previously know. DISCOVER may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter <discovered the source of the river>. ASCERTAIN implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty <attempts to ascertain the population of the region>. DETERMINE emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely <unable to determine the origin of the word>. UNEARTH implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden <unearth old records>. LEARN may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice <I learned her name only today> <learning Greek>.

Discoverers' Day
: COLUMBUS DAY

discovery
n. 1 a : the act or process of discovering b (1) archaic : DISCLOSURE (2) obsolete : DISPLAY c obsolete : EXPLORATION
2 : something discovered
3 : the usually pretrial disclosure of pertinent facts or documents by one or both parties to a legal action or proceeding

Discovery Day
: COLUMBUS DAY

discredit
n. 1 : to refuse to accept as true or accurate : DISBELIEVE <discredit a rumor>
2 : to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of <a discredited theory>
3 : to deprive of good repute : DISGRACE <personal attacks meant to discredit his opponent>

discredit
n. 1 : loss of credit or reputation <I knew stories to the discredit of England ― W. B. Yeats>
2 : lack or loss of belief or confidence : DOUBT <contradictions cast discredit on his testimony>

discreditable
adj. : injurious to reputation : DISGRACEFUL <discreditable conduct>
–dis·cred·it·ably \-blē\ adverb

discreet
adj. 1 : having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : PRUDENT especially : capable of preserving prudent silence
2 : UNPRETENTIOUS, MODEST <the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home ― Joseph Wechsberg>
3 : UNOBTRUSIVE, UNNOTICEABLE <followed at a discreet distance>
–dis·creet·ly adverb
–dis·creet·ness noun

discrepancy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being discrepant
2 : an instance of being discrepant

discrepant
adj. : being at variance : DISAGREEING <widely discrepant conclusions>
–dis·crep·ant·ly adverb

discrete
adj. 1 : constituting a separate entity : individually distinct <several discrete sections>
2 a : consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : NONCONTINUOUS b : taking on or having a finite or countably infinite number of values <discrete probabilities> <a discrete random variable>
synonyms see DISTINCT
–dis·crete·ly adverb
–dis·crete·ness noun

discretion
n. 1 : the quality of being discreet : CIRCUMSPECTION especially : cautious reserve in speech
2 : ability to make responsible decisions
3 a : individual choice or judgment <left the decision to his discretion> b : power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds <reached the age of discretion>
4 : the result of separating or distinguishing

discretionary
adj. 1 : left to discretion : exercised at one's own discretion
2 : available for discretionary use <discretionary purchasing power>

discretionary account
: a security or commodity market account in which an agent (as a broker) is given power of attorney so as to be able to make independent decisions and buy and sell for the principal's account

discriminability
1 : the quality of being discriminable
2 : the ability to discriminate

discriminable
adj. : capable of being discriminated
–dis·crim·i·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

discriminant
n. : a mathematical expression providing a criterion for the behavior of another more complicated expression, relation, or set of relations

discriminant function
: a function of a set of variables that is evaluated for samples of events or objects and used as an aid in discriminating between or classifying them

discriminate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of b : DISTINGUISH, DIFFERENTIATE <discriminate hundreds of colors>
2 : to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences especially : to distinguish from another like object
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a distinction <discriminate among historical sources> b : to use good judgment
2 : to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit <discriminate in favor of your friends> <discriminate against a certain nationality>

discriminating
adj. 1 : making a distinction : DISTINGUISHING <a discriminating mark>
2 : marked by discrimination: a : DISCERNING, JUDICIOUS <discriminating buyers> b : DISCRIMINATORY <accused of discriminating practices>
–dis·crim·i·nat·ing·ly \-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

discrimination
n. 1 a : the act of discriminating b : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently
2 : the quality or power of finely distinguishing
3 a : the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually b : prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment <racial discrimination>
synonyms see DISCERNMENT
–dis·crim·i·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

discriminative
adj. 1 : making distinctions
2 : DISCRIMINATORY 2

discriminator
n. : one that discriminates especially : a circuit that can be adjusted to accept or reject signals of different characteristics (as amplitude or frequency)

discriminatory
adj. 1 : DISCRIMINATIVE 1
2 : applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
–dis·crim·i·na·to·ri·ly \-ˌkri-mə-nə-'tȯr-ə-lē, -ˌkrim-nə-\ adverb

discursive
adj. 1 a : moving from topic to topic without order : RAMBLING b : proceeding coherently from topic to topic
2 : marked by analytical reasoning
3 : of or relating to discourse <discursive practices>
–dis·cur·sive·ly adverb
–dis·cur·sive·ness noun

discus
n. : a heavy disk (as of wood or plastic) that is thicker in the center than at the perimeter and that is hurled for distance as a track-and-field event also : the event

discuss
v. 1 obsolete : DISPEL
2 a : to investigate by reasoning or argument b : to present in detail for examination or consideration <discussed plans for the party> c : to talk about
3 obsolete : DECLARE
–dis·cuss·able or dis·cuss·ible \-'skə-sə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·cuss·er noun
synonyms DISCUSS, ARGUE, DEBATE mean to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince. DISCUSS implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con <discussed the need for a new highway>. ARGUE implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held <argued that the project would be too costly>. DEBATE suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties <debated the merits of the amendment>; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself <I'm debating whether I should go>.

discussant
n. : one who takes part in a formal discussion or symposium

discussion
n. 1 : consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate
2 : a formal treatment of a topic in speech or writing

disdain
n. : a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior : SCORN

disdain
n. 1 : to look on with scorn <disdained him as a coward>
2 : to refuse or abstain from because of disdain <disdained to answer their questions>
3 : to treat as beneath one's notice or dignity
synonyms see DESPISE

disdainful
adj. : full of or expressing disdain
synonyms see PROUD
–dis·dain·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dis·dain·ful·ness noun

disease
n. 1 obsolete : TROUBLE
2 : a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms : SICKNESS, MALADY
3 : a harmful development (as in a social institution)
–dis·eased \-'zēzd\ adjective

disease
n. guinea worm disease
wilt disease
Addison's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Bang's disease
Bright's disease
caisson disease
cat scratch disease
celiac disease
Chagas' disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
coronary heart disease
coronary artery disease
Creutzfeldt Jakob disease
Creutzfeld Jakob disease
Crohn's disease
Cushing's disease
bends caisson disease
deficiency disease
Dutch elm disease
fifth disease
Gaucher's disease
graft versus host disease
Graves' disease
hand foot and mouth disease
Hansen's disease
heart disease
hemolytic disease of the newborn
Hodgkin's disease
hoof and mouth disease
Huntington's disease
inflammatory bowel disease
Johne's disease
Kawasaki disease
kissing disease
Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaire's disease
Lou Gehrig's disease
Lyme disease
mad cow disease
Marek's disease
Meniere's disease
Ménière's disease
milky disease
milky spore disease
Newcastle disease
Paget's disease
pelvic inflammatory disease
polycystic kidney disease
Pott's disease
pullorum disease
Reiter's disease
tsutsugamushi disease
sickle cell disease
social disease
Tay Sachs disease
venereal disease
whirling disease
Wilson's disease
woolsorter's disease
foot and mouth disease
Parkinson's disease

diseconomy
n. 1 : a lack of economy
2 : a factor responsible for an increase in cost

disembark
v. transitive verb : to remove to shore from a ship
intransitive verb
1 : to go ashore out of a ship
2 : to get out of a vehicle or craft
–dis·em·bar·ka·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌem-ˌbär-'kā-shən, -bər-\ noun

disembarrass
v. : to free (as oneself) from something troublesome or superfluous
synonyms see EXTRICATE

disembody
v. : to divest of a body, of corporeal existence, or of reality

disembogue
v. intransitive verb : to flow or come forth from or as if from a channel
transitive verb archaic : to pour out from or as if from a container

disembowel
v. 1 : to take out the bowels of : EVISCERATE
2 : to remove the substance of <a program disemboweled by spending cuts>
–dis·em·bow·el·ment \-mənt\ noun

disempower
v. : to deprive of power, authority, or influence : make weak, ineffectual, or unimportant
–dis·em·pow·er·ment \-mənt\ noun

disenchant
v. : to free from illusion
–dis·en·chant·er noun
–dis·en·chant·ing adjective
–dis·en·chant·ing·ly \-'chan-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–dis·en·chant·ment \-mənt\ noun

disenchanted
adj. : DISAPPOINTED, DISSATISFIED

disencumber
v. : to free from encumbrance : DISBURDEN
synonyms see EXTRICATE

disendow
v. : to strip of endowment
–dis·en·dow·er \-'dau̇(-ə)r\ noun
–dis·en·dow·ment \-'dau̇-mənt\ noun

disenfranchise
v. : to deprive of a franchise, of a legal right, or of some privilege or immunity especially : to deprive of the right to vote
–dis·en·fran·chise·ment \-ˌchīz-mənt, -chəz-\ noun

disengage
v. transitive verb : to release from something that engages or involves
intransitive verb : to release or detach oneself : WITHDRAW
–dis·en·gage·ment \-mənt\ noun

disengaged
adj. : DETACHED 2 <a disengaged observer>

disentail
v. : to free from entail

disentangle
v. : to free from entanglement : UNRAVEL
intransitive verb : to become disentangled
synonyms see EXTRICATE
–dis·en·tan·gle·ment \-mənt\ noun

disenthrall
v. : to free from bondage : LIBERATE

disentitle
v. : to deprive of title, claim, or right

disequilibrate
: to put out of balance
–dis·equil·i·bra·tion \-ˌkwi-lə-'brā-shən\ noun

disequilibrium
n. : loss or lack of equilibrium

disestablish
v. : to deprive of an established status especially : to deprive of the status and privileges of an established church
–dis·es·tab·lish·ment \-mənt\ noun

disestablishmentarian
: one who opposes an established order
–disestablishmentarian adjective often cap

disesteem
n. : to regard with disfavor

disesteem
n. : DISFAVOR, DISREPUTE

diseuse
n. : a woman who is a skilled and usually professional reciter

disfavor
n. 1 : DISAPPROVAL, DISLIKE <practices looked upon with disfavor>
2 : the state or fact of being no longer favored <fell into disfavor>
3 : DISADVANTAGE

disfavor
n. : to withhold or withdraw favor from

disfigure
v. 1 : to impair (as in beauty) by deep and persistent injuries <a face disfigured by smallpox>
2 obsolete : DISGUISE
–dis·fig·ure·ment \-mənt\ noun

disfranchise
v. : DISENFRANCHISE
–dis·fran·chise·ment \-ˌchīz-mənt, -chəz-\ noun

disfrock
v. : DEFROCK

disfunction
n. variant of dysfunction

disfurnish
: to make destitute of possessions : DIVEST
–dis·fur·nish·ment \-mənt\ noun

disgorge
v. transitive verb
1 a : to discharge by the throat and mouth : VOMIT b : to discharge or let go of rapidly or forcefully <the train disgorged its passengers> c : to give up on request or under pressure <refused to disgorge his ill-gotten gains>
2 : to discharge the contents of (as the stomach)
intransitive verb : to discharge contents <where the river disgorges into the sea>

disgrace
n. 1 archaic : to humiliate by a superior showing
2 : to be a source of shame to <your actions disgraced the family>
3 : to cause to lose favor or standing <was disgraced by the hint of scandal>
–dis·grac·er noun

disgrace
n. 1 a : the condition of one fallen from grace or honor b : loss of grace, favor, or honor
2 : a source of shame <your manners are a disgrace> <he's a disgrace to the profession>
synonyms DISGRACE, DISHONOR, DISREPUTE, INFAMY, IGNOMINY mean the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach. DISGRACE often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism <sent home in disgrace>. DISHONOR emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem <preferred death to life with dishonor>. DISREPUTE stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation <a once proud name fallen into disrepute>. INFAMY usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame <a day that lives in infamy>. IGNOMINY stresses humiliation <the ignominy of being arrested>.

disgraceful
adj. : bringing or involving disgrace <disgraceful conduct>
–dis·grace·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dis·grace·ful·ness noun

disgruntle
v. : to make ill-humored or discontented ― usually used as a participial adjective <they were a very disgruntled crew ― Flannery O'Connor>
–dis·grun·tle·ment \-təl-mənt\ noun

disguise
1 a : to change the customary dress or appearance of b : to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity
2 obsolete : DISFIGURE
3 : to obscure the existence or true state or character of : CONCEAL <unable to disguise his true feelings>
–dis·guised·ly \-'gīz(-ə)d-lē, -'kīz(-ə)d-\ adverb
–dis·guise·ment \-'gīz-mənt, -'kīz-\ noun
–dis·guis·er noun
synonyms DISGUISE, CLOAK, MASK mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. DISGUISE implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity <disguised herself as a peasant>. CLOAK suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention <cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy>. MASK suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something <smiling to mask his discontent>.

disguise
n. 1 : apparel assumed to conceal one's identity or counterfeit another's
2 : the act of disguising
3 a : form misrepresenting the true nature of something <blessings in disguise> b : an artificial manner : PRETENSE <threw off all disguise>

disgust
n. : marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful : REPUGNANCE

disgust
n. transitive verb
1 : to provoke to loathing, repugnance, or aversion : be offensive to
2 : to cause (one) to lose an interest or intention
intransitive verb : to cause disgust
–dis·gust·ed adjective
–dis·gust·ed·ly adverb

disgustful
adj. 1 : provoking disgust
2 : full of or accompanied by disgust
–dis·gust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

disgusting
adj. : causing disgust
–dis·gust·ing·ly \di-'skəs-tiŋ-lē, dis-'gəs- also diz-\ adverb

dish
n. 1 a : a more or less concave vessel from which food is served b : the contents of a dish <a dish of strawberries>
2 a : food prepared in a particular way b : something one particularly enjoys : CUP OF TEA
3 a (1) : any of various shallow concave vessels broadly : anything shallowly concave (2) : a directional receiver having a concave usually parabolic reflector especially : one used as a microwave or radar antenna b : the state of being concave or the degree of concavity
4 a : something that is favored <entertainment that is just his dish> b : an attractive or sexy person
5 : GOSSIP 2A <the latest dish>

dish
n. 1 : to put (as food for serving) into a dish ― often used with up
2 : PRESENT ― usually used with up
3 : to make concave like a dish
4 : to disclose or discuss especially publicly <dish the dirt>
5 : to pass (a basketball) to a teammate ― often used with off
intransitive verb
1 : GOSSIP also : to disclose private or personal information
2 : to pass a basketball to a teammate ― often used with off

dish
n. chafing dish
deep dish
dish out
petri dish
satellite dish
side dish

dish out
: to give or dispense freely <dish out gifts> <dish out advice> <dish out punishment>

dishabille
n. 1 a archaic : NEGLIGEE b : the state of being dressed in a casual or careless style
2 : a deliberately careless or casual manner

disharmonious
adj. : lacking in harmony

disharmonize
v. : to make disharmonious

disharmony
n. : lack of harmony : DISCORD
–dis·har·mon·ic \-här-'mä-nik\ adjective

dishcloth
n. : a cloth for washing dishes

dishclout
British : DISHCLOTH

dishdasha
n. : a long usually white robe traditionally worn by men in the Middle East

dishearten
v. : to cause to lose spirit or morale
–dis·heart·en·ing·ly \-'härt-niŋ-lē, -'här-tən-iŋ-\ adverb
–dis·heart·en·ment \-'här-tən-mənt\ noun

dished
adj. : curved in : CONCAVE

dishevel
v. : to throw into disorder or disarray
–di·shev·el·ment \-'shev-əl-mənt\ noun

disheveled
adj. : marked by disorder or disarray <disheveled hair>

dishonest
adj. 1 obsolete : SHAMEFUL, UNCHASTE
2 : characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : UNFAIR, DECEPTIVE
–dis·hon·est·ly adverb
synonyms DISHONEST, DECEITFUL, MENDACIOUS, UNTRUTHFUL mean unworthy of trust or belief. DISHONEST implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud <a swindle usually involves two dishonest people>. DECEITFUL usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing <the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse>. MENDACIOUS may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths <mendacious tales of adventure>. UNTRUTHFUL stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality <an untruthful account of their actions>.

dishonesty
n. 1 : lack of honesty or integrity : disposition to defraud or deceive
2 : a dishonest act : FRAUD

dishonor
n. 1 : lack or loss of honor or reputation
2 : the state of one who has lost honor or prestige : SHAME <has brought dishonor on his family>
3 : a cause of disgrace
4 : the nonpayment or nonacceptance of commercial paper by the party on whom it is drawn
synonyms see DISGRACE
–dis·hon·or·er \-'än-ər-ər\ noun

dishonor
n. 1 a : to treat in a degrading manner b : to bring shame on
2 : to refuse to accept or pay (as a bill or check)

dishonorable
adj. 1 : lacking honor : SHAMEFUL <dishonorable conduct>
2 archaic : not honored
–dis·hon·or·able·ness noun
–dis·hon·or·ably \-blē\ adverb

dishpan
n. : a large flat-bottomed pan used for washing dishes

dishpan hands
: a condition of dryness, redness, and scaling of the hands that results typically from repeated exposure to, sensitivity to, or overuse of cleaning materials (as detergents) used especially in housework

dishrag
n. : DISHCLOTH

dishware
n. : tableware (as of china) used in serving food

dishwasher
n. 1 : a worker employed to wash dishes
2 : a machine for washing dishes

dishwater
n. : water in which dishes have been or are to be washed

dishy
adj. 1 : ATTRACTIVE, GOOD-LOOKING
2 : characterized by, full of, or given to gossip or disclosure <a dishy biography>

disillusion
n. : the condition of being disenchanted

disillusion
: to free from illusion also : to cause to lose naive faith and trust
–dis·il·lu·sion·ment \-'lü-zhən-mənt\ noun

disillusioned
adj. : DISAPPOINTED, DISSATISFIED

disincentive
n. : DETERRENT

disinclination
n. : a preference for avoiding something : slight aversion

disincline
v. : to make unwilling

disinclined
adj. : unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval
synonyms DISINCLINED, HESITANT, RELUCTANT, LOATH, AVERSE mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated. DISINCLINED implies lack of taste for or inclination <disinclined to move again> <disinclined for reading>. HESITANT implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty <hesitant about asking for a date>. RELUCTANT implies a holding back through unwillingness <a reluctant witness>. LOATH implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking <seems loath to trust anyone>. AVERSE implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance <averse to hard work> <not averse to an occasional drink>.

disinfect
v. : to free from infection especially by destroying harmful microorganisms broadly : CLEANSE
–dis·in·fec·tion \-'fek-shən\ noun

disinfectant
n. : an agent that frees from infection especially : a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms (as bacteria and fungi) especially on inanimate objects but that may be less effective in destroying spores

disinfest
v. : to rid of small animal pests (as insects or rodents)
–dis·in·fes·ta·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌin-ˌfes-'tā-shən\ noun

disinflation
n. : a reversal of inflationary pressures
–dis·in·fla·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

disinformation
n. : false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth

disingenuous
adj. : lacking in candor also : giving a false appearance of simple frankness : CALCULATING
–dis·in·gen·u·ous·ly adverb
–dis·in·gen·u·ous·ness noun

disinherit
v. 1 : to prevent deliberately from inheriting something (as by making a will)
2 : to deprive of natural or human rights or of previously held special privileges
–dis·in·her·i·tance \-'her-ə-tən(t)s, -'he-rə-\ noun

disinhibition
n. : loss or reduction of an inhibition (as by the action of interfering stimuli or events) <disinhibition of a reflex> <disinhibition of violent tendencies>
–dis·in·hib·it \(ˌ)dis-in-'hi-bət\ transitive verb
–dis·in·hib·i·tor \-in-'hi-bə-tər\ noun

disintegrate
v. 1 : to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
2 : to destroy the unity or integrity of
intransitive verb
1 : to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
2 : to lose unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts
3 : to undergo a change in composition <an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity>
–dis·in·te·gra·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌin-tə-'grā-shən\ noun
–dis·in·te·gra·tive \(ˌ)dis-'in-tə-ˌgrā-tiv\ adjective
–dis·in·te·gra·tor \-ˌgrā-tər\ noun

disinter
v. 1 : to take out of the grave or tomb
2 : to bring back into awareness or prominence also : to bring to light : UNEARTH
–dis·in·ter·ment \-mənt\ noun

disinterest
n. : to cause to regard something with no interest or concern

disinterest
n. 1 : DISINTERESTEDNESS
2 : lack of interest : INDIFFERENCE

disinterested
adj. 1 a : not having the mind or feelings engaged : not interested <telling them in a disinterested voice ― Tom Wicker> <disinterested in women ― J. A. Brussel> b : no longer interested <husband and wife become disinterested in each other ― T. I. Rubin>
2 : free from selfish motive or interest : UNBIASED <a disinterested decision> <disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of real civilization ― G. M. Trevelyan>
synonyms see INDIFFERENT
–dis·in·ter·est·ed·ly adverb
usage Disinterested and uninterested have a tangled history. Uninterested orig. meant impartial, but this sense fell into disuse during the 18th century. About the same time the original sense of disinterested also disappeared, with uninterested developing a new sense97the present meaning97to take its place. The original sense of uninterested is still out of use, but the original sense of disinterested revived in the early 20th century. The revival has since been under frequent attack as an illiteracy and a blurring or loss of a useful distinction. Actual usage shows otherwise. Sense 2 of disinterested is still its most frequent sense, especially in edited prose; it shows no sign of vanishing. A careful writer may choose sense 1a of disinterested in preference to uninterested for emphasis <teaching the letters of the alphabet to her wiggling and supremely disinterested little daughter ― C. L. Sulzberger>. Further, disinterested has developed a sense (1b), perhaps influenced by sense 1 of the prefix dis-, that contrasts with uninterested <when I grow tired or disinterested in anything, I experience a disgust ― Jack London (letter, 1914)>. Still, use of senses 1a and 1b will incur the disapproval of some who may not fully appreciate the history of this word or the subtleties of its present use.

disinterestedness
n. : the quality or state of being objective or impartial

disintermediation
n. 1 : the diversion of savings from accounts with low fixed interest rates to direct investment in high-yielding instruments
2 : the elimination of an intermediary in a transaction between two parties
–dis·in·ter·me·di·ate \-'mē-dē-ˌāt\ verb

disintoxicate
v. : DETOXIFY 2
–dis·in·tox·i·ca·tion \-ˌtäk-sə-'kā-shən\ noun

disinvest
v. : to reduce or eliminate capital investment (as in an industry or area)

disinvestment
n. : consumption of capital also : the withdrawing of investment

disinvite
v. : to withdraw an invitation to

disjoin
v. transitive verb : to end the joining of
intransitive verb : to become detached

disjoint
v. 1 obsolete : DISJOINTED 1A
2 : having no elements in common <disjoint mathematical sets>

disjoint
v. 1 : to disturb the orderly structure or arrangement of
2 : to take apart at the joints
intransitive verb : to come apart at the joints

disjointed
adj. 1 a : being thrown out of orderly function <a disjointed society> b : lacking coherence or orderly sequence <an incomplete and disjointed history>
2 : separated at or as if at the joint
–dis·joint·ed·ly adverb
–dis·joint·ed·ness noun

disjunct
adj. : marked by separation of or from usually contiguous parts or individuals: as a : DISCONTINUOUS b : relating to melodic progression by intervals larger than a major second ― compare CONJUNCT

disjunct
adj. 1 : any of the alternatives that make up a logical disjunction
2 : an adverb or adverbial (as luckily in “Luckily we had an extra set” or in short in “In short, there is nothing we can do”) that is loosely connected to a sentence and conveys the speaker's or writer's comment on its content, truth, or manner ― compare ADJUNCT 2b

disjunction
n. 1 : a sharp cleavage : DISUNION, SEPARATION <the disjunction between theory and practice>
2 : a compound sentence in logic formed by joining two simple statements by or: a : INCLUSIVE DISJUNCTION b : EXCLUSIVE DISJUNCTION

disjunctive
n. 1 a : relating to, being, or forming a logical disjunction b : expressing an alternative or opposition between the meanings of the words connected <the disjunctive conjunction or> c : expressed by mutually exclusive alternatives joined by or <disjunctive pleading>
2 : marked by breaks or disunity <a disjunctive narrative sequence>
3 of a pronoun form : stressed and not attached to the verb as an enclitic or proclitic
–dis·junc·tive·ly adverb

disjunctive
n. : a disjunctive conjunction

disjuncture
n. : DISJUNCTION 1

disk
n. 1 a : the seemingly flat figure of a celestial body <the solar disk> b archaic : DISCUS
2 : any of various rounded and flattened animal anatomical structures especially : INTERVERTEBRAL DISK ― compare SLIPPED DISK
3 : the central part of the flower head of a typical composite made up of closely packed tubular flowers
4 : a thin circular object: as a usually discovered : a phonograph record b : a round flat plate coated with a magnetic substance on which data for a computer is stored c usually discovered : OPTICAL DISK: as (1) : VIDEODISC (2) : CD
5 usually discovered : one of the concave circular steel tools with sharpened edge making up the working part of a disc harrow or plow also : an implement employing such tools
–disk·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

disk
n. : to cultivate with an implement (as a harrow or plow) that turns and loosens the soil with a series of discs

disk
n. accretion disk
optic disk
disk jockey
disk drive
disk flower
disk floret
embryonic disk
floppy disk
hard disk
intervertebral disk
magnetic disk
optical disk
slipped disk
sun disk
compact disc
digital versatile disc
digital video disc
disc brake
disc jockey
laser disc

disk drive
: a device for reading and writing data on a magnetic disk

disk flower
: one of the tubular flowers in the disk of a composite plant ― called also disk floret

disk jockey
variant of disc jockey

diskette
n. : FLOPPY DISK

Disko
― see QEQERTARSUAQ

dislikable
: easy to dislike

dislike
n. 1 : a feeling of aversion or disapproval
2 obsolete : DISCORD

dislike
n. 1 : to regard with dislike : DISAPPROVE
2 archaic : DISPLEASE
3 obsolete : to show aversion to
–dis·lik·er noun

dislimn
: DIM

dislocate
v. 1 : to put out of place specifically : to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone
2 : to force a change in the usual status, relationship, or order of : DISRUPT

dislocation
n. : the act of dislocating : the state of being dislocated: as a : displacement of one or more bones at a joint : LUXATION b : a discontinuity in the otherwise normal lattice structure of a crystal c : disruption of an established order

dislodge
v. transitive verb
1 : to drive from a position of hiding, defense, or advantage
2 : to force out of a secure or settled position <dislodged the rock with a shovel>
intransitive verb : to leave a place previously occupied
–dis·lodg·ment or dis·lodge·ment noun

disloyal
adj. : lacking in loyalty also : showing an absence of allegiance, devotion, obligation, faith, or support <his disloyal refusal to help his friend>
synonyms see FAITHLESS
–dis·loy·al·ly \-'lȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

disloyalty
n. : lack of loyalty

dismal
adj. 1 obsolete : DISASTROUS, DREADFUL
2 : showing or causing gloom or depression
3 : lacking merit : particularly bad <a dismal performance>
–dis·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–dis·mal·ness noun
synonyms DISMAL, DREARY, BLEAK, GLOOMY, CHEERLESS, DESOLATE mean devoid of cheer or comfort. DISMAL indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess <dismal weather>. DREARY often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility <a dreary job>. BLEAK suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten <the bleak years of the depression>. GLOOMY often suggests lack of hope or promise <gloomy war news>. CHEERLESS stresses absence of anything cheering <a drab and cheerless office>. DESOLATE adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect <a desolate outpost>.

Dismal Swamp
swamp SE Va. & NE N.C. bet. Chesapeake Bay & Albemarle Sound ab 37 mi (60 km) long, 10 mi (16 km) wide

dismantle
v. 1 : to take to pieces also : to destroy the integrity or functioning of
2 : to strip of dress or covering : DIVEST
3 : to strip of furniture and equipment
–dis·man·tle·ment \-'man-təl-mənt\ noun

dismast
v. : to remove or break off the mast of

dismay
n. 1 : to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear) <must not let ourselves be dismayed by the task before us>
2 : UPSET, PERTURB <were dismayed by the condition of the building>
–dis·may·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms DISMAY, APPALL, HORRIFY, DAUNT mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion. DISMAY implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something <dismayed at the size of the job>. APPALL implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks <I am appalled by your behavior>. HORRIFY stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion <was horrified by such wanton cruelty>. DAUNT suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage <a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber>.

dismay
n. 1 : sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear
2 a : sudden disappointment b : PERTURBATION 1

disme
: a U.S. 10-cent coin struck in 1792

dismember
v. 1 : to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of
2 : to break up or tear into pieces
–dis·mem·ber·ment \-bər-mənt\ noun

dismiss
v. 1 : to permit or cause to leave <dismissed the visitors>
2 : to remove from position or service : DISCHARGE <dismissed the thievish servant>
3 a : to reject serious consideration of <dismissed the thought> b : to put out of judicial consideration <dismissed all charges>
–dis·mis·sion \-'mi-shən\ noun
–dis·mis·sive \-'mi-siv\ adjective
–dis·mis·sive·ly adverb

dismissal
n. : the act of dismissing : the fact or state of being dismissed

dismount
v. transitive verb
1 : to throw down or remove from a mount or an elevated position especially : UNHORSE
2 : DISASSEMBLE
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : DESCEND
2 : to alight from an elevated position (as on a horse) also : to get out of an enclosed craft or vehicle

dismount
v. : the act of dismounting

Disney
n. Walter Elias 1901-1966 American film producer

Disneyesque
: resembling or suggestive of the films, television productions, or amusement parks made by Walt Disney or his organization

Disneyfication
: the transformation (as of something real or unsettling) into carefully controlled and safe entertainment or an environment with similar qualities <the Disneyfication of a downtown>

disobedience
n. : refusal or neglect to obey

disobedient
adj. : refusing or neglecting to obey
–dis·obe·di·ent·ly adverb

disobey
v. intransitive verb : to be disobedient
transitive verb : to fail to obey
–dis·obey·er noun

disoblige
v. 1 : to go counter to the wishes of
2 : INCONVENIENCE

disodium phosphate
: a sodium phosphate Na_2HPO_4

disomic
: having one or more chromosomes present in twice the normal number but not having the entire genome doubled

disorder
n. 1 : to disturb the order of
2 : to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder
n. 1 : lack of order <clothes in disorder>
2 : breach of the peace or public order <troubled times marked by social disorders>
3 : an abnormal physical or mental condition <a liver disorder> <a personality disorder>

disorder
n. dysthymic disorder
affective disorder
Asperger's disorder
attention deficit disorder
bipolar disorder
conversion disorder
dissociative identity disorder
eating disorder
major depressive disorder
mood disorder
panic disorder
psychopathic personality disorder
seasonal affective disorder
antisocial personality disorder
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
multiple personality disorder
post traumatic stress disorder

disordered
adj. 1 obsolete a : morally reprehensible b : UNRULY
2 a : marked by disorder <a disordered room> b : not functioning in a normal orderly healthy way <a disordered mind>
–dis·or·dered·ly adverb
–dis·or·dered·ness noun

disorderly
adj. archaic : in a disorderly manner

disorderly
adj. 1 : engaged in conduct offensive to public order <charged with being drunk and disorderly>
2 : characterized by disorder <a disorderly pile of clothes>
–dis·or·der·li·ness noun

disorderly conduct
: a petty offense chiefly against public order and decency that falls short of an indictable misdemeanor

disorderly house
: BORDELLO

disorganize
v. : to destroy or interrupt the orderly structure or function of
–dis·or·ga·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌȯr-gə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

disorganized
adj. : lacking coherence, system, or central guiding agency : not organized <disorganized work habits>

disorient
v. 1 a : to cause to lose bearings : displace from normal position or relationship b : to cause to lose the sense of time, place, or identity
2 : CONFUSE

disorientate
v. : DISORIENT
–dis·ori·en·ta·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌȯr-ē-ən-'tā-shən, -ē-ˌen-\ noun

disown
v. 1 : to refuse to acknowledge as one's own
2 a : to repudiate any connection or identification with b : to deny the validity or authority of
–dis·own·ment \-mənt\ noun

disp
dispensary

disparage
1 : to lower in rank or reputation : DEGRADE
2 : to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about
synonyms see DECRY
–dis·par·age·ment \-ij-mənt\ noun
–dis·par·ag·er noun
–dis·par·ag·ing adjective
–dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adverb

disparate
adj. 1 : containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements
2 : markedly distinct in quality or character
synonyms see DIFFERENT
–dis·pa·rate·ly adverb
–dis·pa·rate·ness noun
–dis·par·i·ty \di-'sper-ə-tē, -'spa-rə-\ noun

dispart
v. archaic : SEPARATE, DIVIDE

dispassion
n. : absence of passion : COOLNESS

dispassionate
adj. : not influenced by strong feeling especially : not affected by personal or emotional involvement <a dispassionate critic> <a dispassionate approach to an issue>
synonyms see FAIR
–dis·pas·sion·ate·ly adverb
–dis·pas·sion·ate·ness noun

dispatch
n. transitive verb
1 : to send off or away with promptness or speed especially : to send off on official business
2 a : to kill with quick efficiency b obsolete : DEPRIVE
3 : to dispose of (as a task) rapidly or efficiently
4 : DEFEAT 3
intransitive verb archaic : to make haste : HURRY
synonyms see KILL
–dis·patch·er noun

dispatch
n. 1 a : a message sent with speed especially : an important official message sent by a diplomatic, military, or naval officer b : a news item filed by a correspondent
2 : the act of dispatching: as a obsolete : DISMISSAL b : the act of killing c (1) : prompt settlement (as of an item of business) (2) : quick riddance d : a sending off : SHIPMENT
3 : promptness and efficiency in performance or transmission <done with dispatch>
synonyms see HASTE

dispatch case
: a case for carrying papers

dispel
v. : to drive away by or as if by scattering : DISSIPATE <dispel a rumor>
synonyms see SCATTER

dispensable
adj. : capable of being dispensed with
–dis·pens·abil·i·ty \-ˌspen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

dispensary
n. : a place where medicine or medical or dental treatment is dispensed

dispensation
n. 1 a : a general state or ordering of things specifically : a system of revealed commands and promises regulating human affairs b : a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature
2 a : an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath b : a formal authorization
3 a : the act of dispensing b : something dispensed or distributed
–dis·pen·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

dispensatory
n. : a medicinal formulary

dispense
v. transitive verb
1 a : to deal out in portions b : ADMINISTER <dispense justice>
2 : to give dispensation to : EXEMPT
3 : to prepare and distribute (medication)
intransitive verb archaic : to grant dispensation
synonyms see DISTRIBUTE
–dispense with
1 : to set aside : DISCARD <dispensing with the usual introduction>
2 : to do without <could dispense with such a large staff>

dispense with

1 : to set aside : DISCARD <dispensing with the usual introduction>
2 : to do without <could dispense with such a large staff>

dispenser
n. : one that dispenses: as a : a container that extrudes, sprays, or feeds out in convenient units b : a usually mechanical device for vending merchandise

dispeople
v. : DEPOPULATE

dispersal
n. : the act or result of dispersing especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

dispersant
n. : a dispersing agent especially : a substance for promoting the formation and stabilization of a dispersion of one substance in another
–dispersant adjective

disperse
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to break up <police dispersed the crowd> b : to cause to become spread widely c : to cause to evaporate or vanish <sunlight dispersing the mist>
2 : to spread or distribute from a fixed or constant source: as a archaic : DISSEMINATE b : to subject (as light) to dispersion c : to distribute (as fine particles) more or less evenly throughout a medium
intransitive verb
1 : to break up in random fashion <the crowd dispersed on request>
2 a : to become dispersed b : DISSIPATE, VANISH <the fog dispersed toward morning>
synonyms see SCATTER
–dis·persed·ly \-'spər-səd-lē, -'spərst-lē\ adverb
–dis·pers·er noun
–dis·pers·ible \-'spər-sə-bəl\ adjective

dispersion
n. 1 capitalized : DIASPORA 1A
2 : the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed
3 : the scattering of the values of a frequency distribution from an average
4 : the separation of light into colors by refraction or diffraction with formation of a spectrum also : the separation of radiation into components in accordance with some varying characteristic (as energy)
5 a : a dispersed substance b : a system consisting of a dispersed substance and the medium in which it is dispersed : COLLOID 2B

dispersive
adj. 1 : of or relating to dispersion <a dispersive medium> <the dispersive power of a lens>
2 : tending to disperse
–dis·per·sive·ly adverb
–dis·per·sive·ness noun

dispersoid
: finely divided particles of one substance dispersed in another

dispirit
v. : to deprive of morale or enthusiasm
–dis·pir·it·ed adjective
–dis·pir·it·ed·ly adverb
–dis·pir·it·ed·ness noun

dispiteous
adj. archaic : CRUEL

displace
v. 1 a : to remove from the usual or proper place specifically : to expel or force to flee from home or homeland <displaced persons> b : to remove from an office, status, or job c obsolete : to drive out : BANISH
2 a : to move physically out of position <a floating object displaces water> b : to take the place of (as in a chemical reaction) : SUPPLANT
synonyms see REPLACE
–dis·place·able \-'plā-sə-bəl\ adjective

displacement
n. 1 : the act or process of displacing : the state of being displaced
2 a : the volume or weight of a fluid (as water) displaced by a floating body (as a ship) of equal weight b : the difference between the initial position of something (as a body or geometric figure) and any later position c : the volume displaced by a piston (as in a pump or an engine) in a single stroke also : the total volume so displaced by all the pistons in an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)
3 a : the redirection of an emotion or impulse from its original object (as an idea or person) to another b : the substitution of another form of behavior for what is usual or expected especially when the usual response is nonadaptive ― called also displacement activity displacement behavior

displant
1 : DISPLACE, REMOVE
2 : SUPPLANT

display
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put or spread before the view <display the flag> b : to make evident <displayed great skill> c : to exhibit ostentatiously <liked to display his erudition>
2 obsolete : DESCRY
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : SHOW OFF
2 : to make a breeding display <penguins displayed and copulated>
synonyms see SHOW
–dis·play·able \-'splā-ə-bəl\ adjective

display
n. 1 a (1) : a setting or presentation of something in open view <a fireworks display> (2) : a clear sign or evidence : EXHIBITION <a display of courage> b : ostentatious show c : type, composition, or printing designed to catch the eye d : an eye-catching arrangement by which something is exhibited <a display of artifacts> ― often used with on <her early paintings are currently on display> e : an electronic device (as a cathode-ray tube) that presents information in visual form also : the visual information
2 : a pattern of behavior exhibited especially by male birds in the breeding season

displease
v. transitive verb
1 : to incur the disapproval or dislike of especially by annoying <their gossip displeases her>
2 : to be offensive to <abstract art displeases him>
intransitive verb : to give displeasure <behavior calculated to displease>

displeasure
n. 1 : the feeling of one that is displeased : DISFAVOR
2 : DISCOMFORT, UNHAPPINESS
3 archaic : OFFENSE, INJURY

displode
archaic : EXPLODE
–dis·plo·sion \-'splō-zhən\ noun

disport
v. archaic : SPORT, PASTIME

disport
v. transitive verb
1 : DIVERT, AMUSE
2 : DISPLAY
intransitive verb : to amuse oneself in light or lively fashion : FROLIC
–dis·port·ment \-mənt\ noun

disposable
n. 1 : subject to or available for disposal specifically : remaining to an individual after deduction of taxes and necessary living expenses <disposable income>
2 : designed to be used once and then thrown away <disposable diapers>
–dis·pos·abil·i·ty \-ˌspō-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

disposable
n. : something that is disposable

disposal
n. 1 : the power or authority to dispose or make use of as one chooses <the car was at my disposal>
2 : the act or process of disposing: as a : orderly placement or distribution b : REGULATION, ADMINISTRATION c : the act or action of presenting or bestowing something <disposal of favors> d : systematic destruction especially : destruction or transformation of garbage
3 [garbage disposal unit] : a device used to reduce waste matter (as by grinding)

dispose
v. transitive verb
1 : to give a tendency to : INCLINE <faulty diet disposes one to sickness>
2 a : to put in place : set in readiness : ARRANGE <disposing troops for withdrawal> b obsolete : REGULATE c : BESTOW
intransitive verb
1 : to settle a matter finally
2 obsolete : to come to terms
synonyms see INCLINE
–dis·pos·er noun
–dispose of
1 : to place, distribute, or arrange especially in an orderly way
2 a : to transfer to the control of another <disposing of personal property to a total stranger> b (1) : to get rid of <how to dispose of toxic waste> (2) : to deal with conclusively <disposed of the matter efficiently>

dispose
v. 1 obsolete : DISPOSAL
2 obsolete a : DISPOSITION b : DEMEANOR

dispose of

1 : to place, distribute, or arrange especially in an orderly way
2 a : to transfer to the control of another <disposing of personal property to a total stranger> b (1) : to get rid of <how to dispose of toxic waste> (2) : to deal with conclusively <disposed of the matter efficiently>

disposition
n. 1 : the act or the power of disposing or the state of being disposed: as a : ADMINISTRATION, CONTROL b : final arrangement : SETTLEMENT <the disposition of the case> c (1) : transfer to the care or possession of another (2) : the power of such transferal d : orderly arrangement
2 a : prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination b : temperamental makeup c : the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances
–dis·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective
synonyms DISPOSITION, TEMPERAMENT, TEMPER, CHARACTER, PERSONALITY mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. DISPOSITION implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one <a cheerful disposition>. TEMPERAMENT implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization <an artistic temperament>. TEMPER implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations <a resilient temper>. CHARACTER applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents <strength of character>. PERSONALITY applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person <a somber personality>.

dispositive
adj. : directed toward or effecting disposition (as of a case) <dispositive evidence>

dispossess
v. : to put out of possession or occupancy <dispossessed the nobles of their land>
–dis·pos·ses·sion \-'ze-shən also -'se-\ noun
–dis·pos·ses·sor \-'ze-sər also -'se-\ noun

dispossessed
adj. : deprived of homes, possessions, and security

disposure
archaic : DISPOSAL, DISPOSITION

dispraise
n. : to comment on with disapproval or censure
–dispraise noun
–dis·prais·er noun
–dis·prais·ing·ly \-'prā-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

dispread
: to spread abroad or out

disprize
archaic : UNDERVALUE, SCORN

disproof
n. 1 : the action of disproving
2 : evidence that disproves

disproportion
n. : lack of proportion, symmetry, or proper relation : DISPARITY also : an instance of such disparity
–dis·pro·por·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

disproportion
n. : to make out of proportion : MISMATCH

disproportionate
adj. : being out of proportion <a disproportionate share>
–dis·pro·por·tion·ate·ly adverb

disproportionation
n. : the transformation of a substance into two or more dissimilar substances usually by simultaneous oxidation and reduction
–dis·pro·por·tion·ate \-'pȯr-shə-ˌnāt\ intransitive verb

disprove
v. : to prove to be false or wrong : REFUTE <disprove a theory>
–dis·prov·able \-'prü-və-bəl\ adjective

Dispur
city E India capital of Assam

disputant
n. : one that is engaged in a dispute

disputation
n. 1 : the action of disputing : verbal controversy <continuous disputation between them> <ideological disputations>
2 : an academic exercise in oral defense of a thesis by formal logic

disputatious
adj. 1 a : inclined to dispute b : marked by disputation
2 : provoking debate : CONTROVERSIAL
–dis·pu·ta·tious·ly adverb
–dis·pu·ta·tious·ness noun

dispute
intransitive verb : to engage in argument : DEBATE especially : to argue irritably or with irritating persistence
transitive verb
1 a : to make the subject of disputation <legislators hotly disputed the bill> b : to call into question <her honesty was never disputed>
2 a : to struggle against : OPPOSE <disputed the advance of the invaders> b : to contend over <both sides disputed the bridgehead>
–dis·put·able \di-'spyü-tə-bəl, 'dis-pyə-\ adjective
–dis·put·ably \-blē\ adverb
–dis·put·er noun

dispute
n. 1 a : verbal controversy : DEBATE b : QUARREL
2 obsolete : physical combat

disqualification
n. 1 : something that disqualifies or incapacitates
2 : the act of disqualifying : the state of being disqualified <disqualification from office>

disqualify
v. 1 : to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions : make unfit
2 : to deprive of a power, right, or privilege
3 : to make ineligible for a prize or for further competition because of violations of the rules

disquantity
obsolete : DIMINISH, LESSEN

disquiet
n. : to take away the peace or tranquillity of : DISTURB, ALARM
synonyms see DISCOMPOSE
–dis·qui·et·ing adjective
–dis·qui·et·ing·ly \-'kwī-ə-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

disquiet
n. : lack of peace or tranquillity : ANXIETY

disquiet
n. archaic : UNEASY, DISQUIETED
–dis·qui·et·ly adverb

disquietude
n. : ANXIETY, AGITATION

disquisition
n. : a formal inquiry into or discussion of a subject : DISCOURSE

Disraeli
n. Benjamin 1804-1881 1st Earl of Bea·cons·field \'bē-kənz-ˌfēld\ Brit. polit. & author; prime min. (1868; 1874-80)

disrate
v. : to reduce in rank : DEMOTE

disregard
n. : to pay no attention to : treat as unworthy of regard or notice
synonyms see NEGLECT

disregard
n. : the act of disregarding : the state of being disregarded : NEGLECT
–dis·re·gard·ful \-fəl\ adjective

disrelated
: not related

disrelation
: lack of a fitting or proportionate connection or relationship

disrelish
n. : to find unpalatable or distasteful

disrelish
n. : lack of relish : DISTASTE, DISLIKE

disremember
v. : FORGET

disrepair
n. : the state of being in need of repair <a building fallen into disrepair>

disreputable
adj. : not reputable
–dis·rep·u·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)dis-ˌre-pyə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–dis·rep·u·ta·ble·ness \(ˌ)dis-'re-pyə-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–dis·rep·u·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

disrepute
n. : lack or decline of good reputation : a state of being held in low esteem
synonyms see DISGRACE

disrespect
n. 1 : to have disrespect for
2 : to show or express disrespect or contempt for : INSULT, DIS <disrespected the officer>

disrespect
: lack of respect
–dis·re·spect·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–dis·re·spect·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dis·re·spect·ful·ness noun

disrespectable
adj. : not respectable
–dis·re·spect·abil·i·ty \-ˌspek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

disrobe
v. intransitive verb : to take off one's clothing
transitive verb : to strip of clothing or covering

disrupt
v. 1 a : to break apart : RUPTURE b : to throw into disorder <agitators trying to disrupt the meeting>
2 : to interrupt the normal course or unity of
–dis·rupt·er noun
–dis·rup·tion \-'rəp-shən\ noun
–dis·rup·tive \-'rəp-tiv\ adjective
–dis·rup·tive·ly adverb
–dis·rup·tive·ness noun

diss
v. variant of dis

diss
v. dissertation

dissatisfaction
n. : the quality or state of being dissatisfied : DISCONTENT

dissatisfactory
adj. : causing dissatisfaction

dissatisfied
adj. : expressing or showing lack of satisfaction : not pleased or satisfied <dissatisfied customers> <dissatisfied with his response>

dissatisfy
v. : to fail to satisfy : DISPLEASE

dissave
: to use savings for current expenses

disseat
archaic : UNSEAT

dissect
v. transitive verb
1 : to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (as an animal) for scientific examination
2 : to analyze and interpret minutely <dissect a problem>
intransitive verb : to make a dissection
synonyms see ANALYZE
–dis·sec·tor \-'sek-tər\ noun

dissected
adj. 1 : cut deeply into fine lobes <a dissected leaf>
2 : divided into hills and ridges (as by gorges) <a dissected plateau>

dissecting microscope
: a low-magnification stereomicroscope used especially in examining or dissecting biological specimens

dissection
n. 1 : the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected
2 : an anatomical specimen prepared by dissecting

disseise
v. : to deprive especially wrongfully of seisin : DISPOSSESS
–dis·sei·sor \-'sē-zər\ noun

disseisin
n. : the act of disseising : the state of being disseised

dissemble
v. transitive verb
1 : to hide under a false appearance
2 : to put on the appearance of : SIMULATE
intransitive verb : to put on a false appearance : conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense
–dis·sem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

disseminate
v. 1 : to spread abroad as though sowing seed <disseminate ideas>
2 : to disperse throughout
–dis·sem·i·na·tion \-ˌse-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–dis·sem·i·na·tor \-'se-mə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

disseminated
adj. : widely dispersed in a tissue, organ, or the entire body <disseminated gonococcal disease>

disseminule
n. : a part or organ (as a seed or spore) of a plant that ensures propagation

dissension
n. : DISAGREEMENT especially : partisan and contentious quarreling
synonyms see DISCORD

dissensus
n. : difference of opinion

dissent
n. 1 : to withhold assent
2 : to differ in opinion

dissent
n. : difference of opinion <heard voices of dissent at the meeting>: as a : religious nonconformity b : a justice's nonconcurrence with a decision of the majority ― called also dissenting opinion c : political opposition to a government or its policies <attempts to suppress domestic dissent>

dissenter
n. 1 : one that dissents
2 capitalized : an English Nonconformist

dissentient
n. : expressing dissent
–dissentient noun

dissenting
adj. : of or relating to the English Nonconformists <a dissenting church> <dissenting merchants>

dissentious
adj. : characterized by dissension or dissent

dissepiment
n. : a dividing tissue : SEPTUM

dissert
v. : to speak or write at length

dissertate
v. : DISSERT also : to write a dissertation
–dis·ser·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

dissertation
n. : an extended usually written treatment of a subject specifically : one submitted for a doctorate
–dis·ser·ta·tion·al \-'tāsh-nəl, -'tā-shə-nəl\ adjective

disserve
v. : to serve badly or falsely : HARM

disservice
n. : ill service : HARM also : an unhelpful, unkind, or harmful act <misinformation that does a disservice to readers>

disserviceable
: COUNTERPRODUCTIVE

dissever
v. transitive verb : SEVER, SEPARATE
intransitive verb : to come apart : DISUNITE
–dis·sev·er·ance \-'se-v(ə-)rən(t)s\ noun
–dis·sev·er·ment \-'se-vər-mənt\ noun

dissidence
n. : DISSENT, DISAGREEMENT <political dissidence>

dissident
n. : disagreeing especially with an established religious or political system, organization, or belief
–dissident noun

dissimilar
adj. : UNLIKE <people with dissimilar backgrounds>
–dis·sim·i·lar·i·ty \(ˌ)di(s)-ˌsi-mə-'lar-ə-tē\ noun
–dis·sim·i·lar·ly \(')di(s)-'si-mə-lər-lē, -'sim-lər-\ adverb

dissimilate
v. : to undergo dissimilation
–dis·sim·i·la·to·ry \-mə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

dissimilation
n. : the change or omission of one of two identical or closely related sounds in a word

dissimilitude
n. : lack of resemblance

dissimulate
v. transitive verb : to hide under a false appearance <smiled to dissimulate her urgency ― Alice Glenday>
intransitive verb : DISSEMBLE
–dis·sim·u·la·tion \(ˌ)di-ˌsim-yə-'lā-shən\ noun
–dis·sim·u·la·tor \(')di-'sim-yə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

dissipate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to break up and drive off (as a crowd) b : to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish <one's sympathy is eventually dissipated ― Andrew Feinberg> c : to lose (as heat or electricity) irrecoverably
2 : to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly <dissipated the family fortune in reckless business ventures>
intransitive verb
1 : to break up and scatter or vanish <the clouds soon dissipated> <the team's early momentum has dissipated>
2 : to be extravagant or dissolute in the pursuit of pleasure especially : to drink to excess
synonyms see SCATTER
–dis·si·pat·er noun

dissipated
adj. : given to or marked by dissipation : DISSOLUTE
–dis·si·pat·ed·ly adverb
–dis·si·pat·ed·ness noun

dissipation
n. 1 : the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated: a : DISPERSION, DIFFUSION b archaic : DISSOLUTION, DISINTEGRATION c : wasteful expenditure d : intemperate living especially : excessive drinking
2 : an act of self-indulgence especially : one that is not harmful : AMUSEMENT

dissipative
adj. : relating to dissipation especially of heat

dissociable
adj. : SEPARABLE
–dis·so·cia·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)di-ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə-'bi-lə-tē, -sē-ə-\ noun

dissocial
adj. : UNSOCIAL, SELFISH

dissociate
v. transitive verb
1 : to separate from association or union with another <attempts to dissociate herself from her past>
2 : DISUNITE specifically : to subject to chemical dissociation
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo dissociation
2 : to mutate especially reversibly

dissociation
n. 1 : the act or process of dissociating : the state of being dissociated: as a : the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler constituents especially : one that results from the action of energy (as heat) on a gas or of a solvent on a dissolved substance b : the separation of whole segments of the personality (as in multiple personality disorder) or of discrete mental processes (as in the schizophrenias) from the mainstream of consciousness or of behavior
2 : the property inherent in some biological stocks (as of certain bacteria) of differentiating into two or more distinct and relatively permanent strains also : such a strain
–dis·so·cia·tive \(ˌ)di-'sō-shē-ˌā-tiv, -sē-, -shə-tiv\ adjective

dissociative identity disorder
: MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER

dissoluble
adj. : capable of being dissolved or disintegrated

dissolute
adj. : lacking restraint especially : marked by indulgence in things (as drink or promiscuous sex) deemed vices <the dissolute and degrading aspects of human nature ― Wallace Fowlie>
–dis·so·lute·ly adverb
–dis·so·lute·ness noun

dissolution
n. 1 : the act or process of dissolving: as a : separation into component parts b (1) : DECAY, DISINTEGRATION (2) : DEATH c : termination or destruction by breaking down, disrupting, or dispersing <the dissolution of the republic> d : the dissolving of an assembly or organization e : LIQUEFACTION
2 : a dissolute act or practice

dissolve
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to disperse or disappear : DESTROY <do not dissolve and deface the laws of charity ― Francis Bacon> b : to separate into component parts : DISINTEGRATE c : to bring to an end : TERMINATE <dissolve parliament> d : ANNUL <dissolve an injunction>
2 a : to cause to pass into solution <dissolve sugar in water> b : MELT, LIQUEFY c : to cause to be emotionally moved d : to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve
3 archaic : DETACH, LOOSEN
4 : to clear up <dissolve a problem>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become dissipated or decomposed b : BREAK UP, DISPERSE c : to fade away
2 a : to become fluid : MELT b : to pass into solution c : to be overcome emotionally <dissolved into tears> d : to resolve itself as if by dissolution <hate dissolved into fear> e : to change by a dissolve <the scene dissolves to a Victorian parlor>
–dis·solv·able \-'zäl-və-bəl, -'zȯl-\ adjective
–dis·sol·vent \-'zäl-vənt, -'zȯl-\ noun or adjective
–dis·solv·er noun

dissolve
v. : a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen

dissonance
n. 1 a : lack of agreement especially : inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs ― compare COGNITIVE DISSONANCE b : an instance of such inconsistency or disagreement
2 : a mingling of discordant sounds especially : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord

dissonant
adj. 1 : marked by dissonance : DISCORDANT
2 : INCONGRUOUS
3 : harmonically unresolved
–dis·so·nant·ly adverb

dissuade
v. 1 a : to advise (a person) against something b archaic : to advise against (an action)
2 : to turn from something by persuasion <unable to dissuade him from going>
–dis·suad·er noun

dissuasion
n. : the action of dissuading

dissuasive
adj. : tending to dissuade <a dissuasive effect>
–dis·sua·sive·ly adverb
–dis·sua·sive·ness noun

dissyllable
n. variant of disyllable

dissymmetry
n. : the absence of or the lack of symmetry
–dis·sym·met·ric \(ˌ)di(s)-sə-'me-trik\ adjective

dist
1 distance
2 district

distaff
n. 1 a : a staff for holding the flax, tow, or wool in spinning b : woman's work or domain
2 : the female branch or side of a family

distaff
n. 1 : MATERNAL 2 <the distaff side of the family> ― compare SPEAR
2 : FEMALE 1 <distaff executives>

distain
1 archaic : STAIN
2 archaic : DISHONOR

distal
adj. 1 : situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point especially of the body ― compare PROXIMAL
2 : of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the tooth behind it or that is farthest from the middle of the front of the jaw ― compare MESIAL 2
–dis·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

distal convoluted tubule
: the convoluted portion of the vertebrate nephron that lies between the loop of Henle and the nonsecretory part of the nephron and that is concerned especially with the concentration of urine

distance
n. 1 obsolete : DISCORD
2 a : separation in time b : the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects c (1) : an extent of area or an advance along a route measured linearly (2) : an extent of space measured other than linearly <within walking distance> d : an extent of advance from a beginning e : EXPANSE f (1) : length of a race or contest <won at all distances> (2) : the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game) (3) : a long race <distance training>
3 : the quality or state of being distant: as a : spatial remoteness b : personal and especially emotional separation also : RESERVE, COLDNESS c : DIFFERENCE, DISPARITY
4 : a distant point or region
5 a : AESTHETIC DISTANCE b : capacity to observe dispassionately
–go the distance also last the distance : to complete a course of action

distance
n. 1 : to place or keep at a distance <able to distance themselves from the tragedy> <distances herself from her coworkers>
2 : to leave far behind : OUTSTRIP <easily distanced the other candidates in the race>

distance
n. : taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students who are not together in a classroom <distance learning> <distance education>

distance
n. last the distance
keep at a distance
aesthetic distance
go the distance
hyperfocal distance
keep one's distance
long distance
mean distance
middle distance
shouting distance
striking distance

distant
adj. 1 a : separated in space : AWAY <a mile distant> b : situated at a great distance : FAR-OFF <a distant galaxy> c : separated by a great distance from each other : far apart d : far behind <finished a distant third>
2 : separated in a relationship other than spatial <a distant cousin> <the distant past>
3 : different in kind <from two very distant backgrounds>
4 : reserved or aloof in personal relationship : COLD <was distant and distracted>
5 a : going a long distance <distant voyages> b : concerned with remote things <distant thoughts>
–dis·tant·ly adverb
–dis·tant·ness noun

distaste
n. 1 archaic : to feel aversion to
2 archaic : OFFEND, DISPLEASE
intransitive verb obsolete : to have an offensive taste

distaste
n. 1 a archaic : dislike of food or drink b : AVERSION, DISINCLINATION <a distaste for opera>
2 obsolete : ANNOYANCE, DISCOMFORT

distasteful
adj. 1 a : objectionable because offensive to one's personal taste : UNPLEASANT, DISAGREEABLE <found the job distasteful> <a shady, distasteful character> b : objectionable because in poor taste, inappropriate, or unethical <a harmless stroking⋯but it seems oddly distasteful in retrospect ― Richard Sandza et al.>
2 : unpleasant to the taste <distasteful unripe fruit>
–dis·taste·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dis·taste·ful·ness noun

distelfink
: a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch design motif in the form of a stylized bird

distemper
n. 1 : to throw out of order
2 archaic : DERANGE, UNSETTLE

distemper
n. 1 : bad humor or temper
2 : a disordered or abnormal bodily state especially of quadruped mammals: as a : a highly contagious virus disease especially of dogs that is caused by a paramyxovirus (species Canine distemper virus of the genus Morbillivirus) and is marked by fever, leukopenia, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms b : STRANGLES c : PANLEUKOPENIA
3 : AILMENT, DISORDER <vice and folly are situated not in human nature⋯but in distempers of intellect ― George Stade>
–dis·tem·per·ate \-p(ə-)rət\ adjective

distemper
n. 1 : a process of painting in which the pigments are mixed with an emulsion of egg yolk, with size, or with white of egg as a vehicle and which is used for painting scenery and murals
2 a : the paint or the prepared ground used in the distemper process b : a painting done in distemper
3 : any of various water-based paints

distemper
n. : to paint in or with distemper

distemperature
: a disordered condition

distend
v. transitive verb
1 : EXTEND
2 : to enlarge from internal pressure : SWELL
intransitive verb : to become expanded
synonyms see EXPAND

distensible
adj. : capable of being distended
–dis·ten·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌsten(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

distension
n. : the act of distending or the state of being distended especially unduly or abnormally

distich
n. : a strophic unit of two lines

distichous
adj. : disposed in two vertical rows <distichous leaves>

distill
v. transitive verb
1 : to let fall, exude, or precipitate in drops or in a wet mist
2 a : to subject to or transform by distillation <distill molasses into rum> b : to obtain by or as if by distillation <distill whiskey> <able to distill humor from personal loss> c : to extract the essence of : CONCENTRATE
intransitive verb
1 a : to fall or materialize in drops or in a fine moisture b : to appear slowly or in small quantities at a time
2 a : to undergo distillation b : to perform distillation

distillate
n. 1 : a liquid product condensed from vapor during distillation
2 : something concentrated or extracted as if by distilling

distillation
n. 1 a : the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation b : a process like distillation <gradual distillation of the truth> also : an instance of such distilling
2 : something distilled : DISTILLATE 2

distiller
n. : one that distills especially alcoholic liquors

distillery
n. : the works where distilling (as of alcoholic liquors) is done

distinct
adj. 1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete : SEPARATE <a distinct cultural group> <teaching as distinct from research>
2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression <a neat distinct handwriting>
3 archaic : notably decorated
4 a : NOTABLE <a distinct contribution to scholarship> b : readily and unmistakably apprehended <a distinct possibility of snow> <a distinct British accent>
–dis·tinct·ly \-'stiŋ(k)-tlē, -'stiŋ-klē\ adverb
–dis·tinct·ness \-'stiŋ(k)t-nəs, -'stiŋk-nəs\ noun
synonyms DISTINCT, SEPARATE, DISCRETE mean not being each and every one the same. DISTINCT indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others <two distinct versions>. SEPARATE often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things <separate rooms>. DISCRETE strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection <broke the job down into discrete stages>. synonym see in addition EVIDENT

distinction
n. 1 a archaic : DIVISION b : CLASS 4
2 : the distinguishing of a difference <without distinction as to race, sex, or religion> also : the difference distinguished <the distinction between imply and infer>
3 : something that distinguishes <regional distinctions>
4 : the quality or state of being distinguishable <no distinction of facial features in the twins>
5 a : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy <a politician of some distinction> b : special honor or recognition <took a law degree with distinction> <won many distinctions> c : an accomplishment that sets one apart <the distinction of being the oldest to win the title>

distinctive
adj. 1 a : serving to distinguish <the distinctive flight of the crane> b : having or giving style or distinction <a distinctive table setting>
2 : capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance
synonyms see CHARACTERISTIC
–dis·tinc·tive·ly adverb
–dis·tinc·tive·ness noun

distingue
adj. : distinguished especially in manner or bearing

distinguish
v. transitive verb
1 : to perceive a difference in : mentally separate <so alike they could not be distinguished>
2 a : to mark as separate or different <a policy that distinguishes him from other candidates> b : to separate into kinds, classes, or categories <distinguish words by their part of speech> c : to give prominence or distinction to <distinguished themselves in music> d : CHARACTERIZE <recipes distinguished by simplicity>
3 a : DISCERN <distinguished a light in the distance> b : to single out : take special notice of
intransitive verb : to perceive a difference <distinguish between right and wrong>
–dis·tin·guish·abil·i·ty \-ˌstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–dis·tin·guish·able \-'stiŋ-(g)wi-shə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·tin·guish·ably \-blē\ adverb

distinguish
v. Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Order

distinguished
adj. 1 : marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence <distinguished leadership>
2 : befitting an eminent person <a distinguished setting>
synonyms see FAMOUS

distinguished
adj. Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Conduct Medal
: a British military decoration awarded for distinguished conduct in the field

Distinguished Flying Cross
1 : a British military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry when flying in operations against an enemy
2 : a U.S. military decoration awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight

Distinguished Service Cross
1 : a British military decoration awarded for distinguished service against the enemy
2 : a U.S. Army decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism during operations against an armed enemy

Distinguished Service Medal
1 : a British military decoration awarded for distinguished conduct in war
2 : a U.S. military decoration awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a wartime duty of great responsibility

Distinguished Service Order
: a British military decoration awarded for special services in action

distort
v. transitive verb
1 : to twist out of the true meaning or proportion <distorted the facts>
2 : to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition <a face distorted by pain> also : to cause to be perceived unnaturally <the new lights distorted colors>
3 : PERVERT <distort justice>
intransitive verb : to become distorted also : to cause a twisting from the true, natural, or normal
synonyms see DEFORM
–dis·tort·er noun

distortion
n. 1 : the act of distorting
2 : the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: as a : a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system b : falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal caused by change in the wave form of the original signal
–dis·tor·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

distr
n. distribute; distribution

distract
v. archaic : INSANE, MAD

distract
1 a : to turn aside : DIVERT <refused to be distracted from her purpose> b : to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time <was distracted by a sudden noise>
2 : to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives
synonyms see PUZZLE
–dis·tract·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌstrak-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–dis·tract·ible also dis·tract·able \-'strak-tə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·tract·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

distracted
adj. 1 : mentally confused, troubled, or remote
2 : maddened or deranged especially by grief or anxiety
synonyms see ABSTRACTED
–dis·tract·ed·ly adverb

distraction
n. 1 : the act of distracting or the state of being distracted especially : mental confusion <driven to distraction>
2 : something that distracts especially : AMUSEMENT <a harmless distraction>
–dis·trac·tive \-'strak-tiv\ adjective

distrain
v. transitive verb
1 : to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress
2 : to seize by distress
intransitive verb : to levy a distress
–dis·train·able \-'strā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–dis·train·er \-'strā-nər\ also dis·train·or \-'strā-nər, -ˌstrā-'nȯr\ noun

distraint
n. : the act or action of distraining

distrait
adj. : apprehensively divided or withdrawn in attention : DISTRACTED

distraite
adj. : DISTRAIT ― used especially of women

distraught
adj. 1 : agitated with doubt or mental conflict or pain <distraught mourners>
2 : mentally deranged : CRAZED <as if thou wert distraught and mad with terror ― Shakespeare>
–dis·traught·ly adverb

distress
n. 1 a : seizure and detention of the goods of another as pledge or to obtain satisfaction of a claim by the sale of the goods seized b : something that is distrained
2 a : pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind : TROUBLE <gastric distress> b : a painful situation : MISFORTUNE
3 : a state of danger or desperate need <a ship in distress>
synonyms DISTRESS, SUFFERING, MISERY, AGONY mean the state of being in great trouble. DISTRESS implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress <the hurricane put everyone in great distress>. SUFFERING implies conscious endurance of pain or distress <the suffering of famine victims>. MISERY stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss <the homeless live with misery every day>. AGONY suggests pain too intense to be borne <in agony over the death of their child>.

distress
n. 1 : to subject to great strain or difficulties <homes distressed by poverty>
2 archaic : to force or overcome by inflicting pain
3 : to cause to worry or be troubled : UPSET <don't let the news distress you>
4 : to mar (as clothing or wood) deliberately to give an effect of age <a distressed table>
–dis·tress·ing·ly \-'stre-siŋ-lē\ adverb

distress
n. 1 : offered for sale at a loss <distress merchandise>
2 : involving distress goods <a distress sale>

distressed
adj. : of, relating to, or experiencing economic decline or difficulty <federal grants for distressed cities>

distressful
adj. : causing distress : full of distress
–dis·tress·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dis·tress·ful·ness noun

distributary
n. : a river branch flowing away from the main stream

distribute
v. transitive verb
1 : to divide among several or many : APPORTION <distribute expenses>
2 a : to spread out so as to cover something : SCATTER b : to give out or deliver especially to members of a group <distribute newspapers> <distribute leaflets> c : to place or position so as to be properly apportioned over or throughout an area <200 pounds distributed on a 6-foot frame> d : to use (a term) so as to convey information about every member of the class named <the proposition “all men are mortal” distributes “man” but not “mortal”>
3 a : to divide or separate especially into kinds b : to return the units of (as typeset matter) to storage
4 : to use in or as an operation so as to be mathematically distributive
intransitive verb : to be mathematically distributive <multiplication distributes over addition>
–dis·trib·u·tee \dis-ˌtri-byü-'tē\ noun
synonyms DISTRIBUTE, DISPENSE, DIVIDE, DEAL, DOLE OUT mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group. DISTRIBUTE implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts <distributed food to the needy>. DISPENSE suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need <dispensed wisdom to the students>. DIVIDE stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal <three charitable groups divided the proceeds>. DEAL emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece <deal out equipment and supplies>. DOLE OUT implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply <doled out what little food there was>.

distributed
adj. 1 : characterized by a statistical distribution of a particular kind <a normally distributed random variable>
2 : of, relating to, or being a computer network in which at least some of the processing is done by the individual workstations and information is shared by and often stored at the workstations

distribution
n. 1 a : the act or process of distributing b : the apportionment by a court of the personal property of an intestate
2 a : the position, arrangement, or frequency of occurrence (as of the members of a group) over an area or throughout a space or unit of time b : the natural geographic range of an organism
3 a : something distributed: as (1) : a sum of money withdrawn from a fund (as a retirement fund) and given to the beneficiary or holder of the fund (2) : DIVIDEND 1A b (1) : FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION (2) : PROBABILITY FUNCTION (3) : PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTION 2
4 : the pattern of branching and termination of a ramifying structure (as a nerve)
5 : the marketing or merchandising of commodities
–dis·tri·bu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

distribution
n. binomial distribution
chi square distribution
cumulative distribution function
distribution function
F distribution
frequency distribution
Gaussian distribution
hypergeometric distribution
normal distribution
Poisson distribution
probability distribution
skew distribution
student's t distribution
t distribution
z distribution

distribution function
: CUMULATIVE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION

distributive
n. 1 : of or relating to distribution: as a : dealing a proper share to each of a group b : diffusing more or less evenly
2 of a word : referring singly and without exception to the members of a group <each, either, and none are distributive>
3 a : being an operation (as multiplication in a(b + c) = ab + ac) that produces the same result when operating on the whole mathematical expression as when operating on each part and collecting the results b : being or relating to a rule or property concerning a distributive operation <the distributive property of multiplication with respect to addition>
–dis·trib·u·tive·ly adverb
–dis·trib·u·tiv·i·ty \-ˌstri-byü-'ti-və-tē\ noun

distributor
n. 1 : one that distributes
2 : one that markets a commodity especially : WHOLESALER
3 : an apparatus for directing the secondary current from the induction coil to the various spark plugs of an engine in their proper firing order

district
n. 1 a : a territorial division (as for administrative or electoral purposes) b : the basic administrative unit for local government in Northern Ireland
2 : an area, region, or section with a distinguishing character <a shopping district>

district
n. : to divide or organize into districts

district
n. congressional district
district attorney
district court
federal district
federal district court
school district
senatorial district
special district
Columbia District of
District of Columbia
Federal District
Lake District

district attorney
: the prosecuting officer of a judicial district

district court
: a trial court that has jurisdiction over certain cases within a specific judicial district

District of Columbia
federal district E U.S. coextensive with city of Washington area 69 sq mi (179 sq km), pop 572,059

Distrito Federal
1 district E Argentina largely comprising capital city of Buenos Aires area 77 sq mi (199 sq km), pop 2,960,976
2 ― see FEDERAL DISTRICT 1
3 or Federal District district cen Mexico including capital city of Mexico City area 579 sq mi (1500 sq km), pop 8,235,744
4 or Federal District district N Venezuela including capital city of Caracas area 745 sq mi (1937 sq km), pop 2,103,661

distrust
n. : the lack or absence of trust

distrust
n. : to have no trust or confidence in

distrustful
adj. : having or showing distrust
–dis·trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dis·trust·ful·ness noun

disturb
v. transitive verb
1 a : to interfere with : INTERRUPT <disturbing the flow of traffic> b : to alter the position or arrangement of <the items on her desk had been disturbed> c : to upset the natural and especially the ecological balance or relations of <wetlands disturbed by development>
2 a : to destroy the tranquillity or composure of <the noisy lawnmower disturbed their sleep> b : to throw into disorder c : ALARM d : to put to inconvenience <sorry to disturb you at such a late hour>
intransitive verb : to cause disturbance
synonyms see DISCOMPOSE
–dis·turb·er noun
–dis·turb·ing·ly \-'stər-biŋ-lē\ adverb

disturbance
n. 1 : the act of disturbing : the state of being disturbed
2 : a local variation from the average or normal wind conditions

disturbed
adj. : showing symptoms of emotional illness <disturbed children> <disturbed behavior>

disubstituted
: having two substituent atoms or groups in a molecule

disulfide
n. 1 : a compound containing two atoms of sulfur combined with an element or radical
2 : an organic compound containing the divalent group SS composed of two sulfur atoms

disulfiram
n. : a compound C_10H_20N_2S_4 that causes a severe physiological reaction to alcohol and is used especially in the treatment of alcoholism

disulfoton
: a toxic organophosphorus systemic insecticide C_8H_19O_2PS_3

disunion
n. 1 : the termination of union : SEPARATION
2 : DISUNITY
–dis·union·ist \-nyə-nist\ noun

disunite
v. : DIVIDE, SEPARATE

disunity
n. : lack of unity especially : DISSENSION

disuse
n. : to discontinue the use or practice of

disuse
n. : cessation of use or practice

disused
adj. : no longer used or occupied : ABANDONED <disused buildings>

disutility
n. : the state or fact of being counterproductive

disvalue
1 archaic : UNDERVALUE, DEPRECIATE
2 : to consider of little value

disvalue
1 obsolete : DISREGARD, DISESTEEM
2 : a negative value

disyllable
n. : a linguistic form consisting of two syllables
–di·syl·lab·ic \ˌdī-sə-'la-bik, ˌdi(s)-sə-\ adjective

dit
n. : a dot in radio or telegraphic code

ditat Deus
: God enriches ― motto of Arizona

ditch
n. : a long narrow excavation dug in the earth (as for drainage)

ditch
n. 1 a : to enclose with a ditch b : to dig a ditch in
2 : to make a forced landing of (an airplane) on water
3 a : to get rid of : DISCARD <ditch an old car> b : to end association with : LEAVE <ditched school> <his girlfriend ditched him>
intransitive verb
1 : to dig a ditch
2 : to crash-land at sea

ditchdigger
1 : one that digs ditches
2 : one employed at menial and usually hard physical labor

dite
dialect : MITE, BIT

dither
n. 1 : SHIVER, TREMBLE
2 : to act nervously or indecisively : VACILLATE
–dith·er·er \-thər-ər\ noun

dither
n. : a highly nervous, excited, or agitated state : EXCITEMENT, CONFUSION
–dith·ery \'di-thə-rē\ adjective

dithiocarbamate
: any of several sulfur analogs of the carbamates including some used as fungicides

dithyramb
n. 1 : a usually short poem in an inspired wild irregular strain
2 : a statement or writing in an exalted or enthusiastic vein
–dith·y·ram·bic \ˌdi-thi-'ram-bik\ adjective
–dith·y·ram·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Ditmars
Raymond Lee 1876-1942 American naturalist

ditransitive
n. : able to take both a direct and an indirect object <a ditransitive verb>
–ditransitive noun

dittany
n. 1 : a pink-flowered mint (Origanum dictamnus) that is native to Crete
2 : a No. American mint (Cunila origanoides) having purplish or white flowers

ditto
n. 1 : a thing mentioned previously or above ― used to avoid repeating a word ― often symbolized by inverted commas or apostrophes
2 : a ditto mark

ditto
n. : having the same characteristics : SIMILAR

ditto
n. : as before or aforesaid : in the same manner

ditto
n. 1 : to repeat the action or statement of
2 [from Ditto, a trademark] : to copy (as printed matter) on a duplicator

ditty
n. : an especially simple and unaffected song

ditty bag
: a bag used especially by sailors to hold small articles (as needles and thread)

ditty box
: a box used for the same purpose as a ditty bag

ditz
n. : a ditzy person

ditzy
adj. : eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : DIZZY
–dit·zi·ness or dit·si·ness \-nəs\ noun

Diu
district W India at S end of Kathiawar Peninsula; a constituent part of the union territory of Daman and Diu ― see GOA, PORTUGUESE INDIA

diuresis
n. : an increased excretion of urine

diuretic
n. : tending to increase the excretion of urine <diuretic drugs>
–diuretic noun
–di·uret·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

diurnal
adj. 1 a : recurring every day <diurnal tasks> b : having a daily cycle <diurnal tides>
2 a : of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime <the city's diurnal noises> b : active chiefly in the daytime <diurnal animals> c : opening during the day and closing at night <diurnal flowers>
–di·ur·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

diurnal
adj. 1 archaic : DIARY, DAYBOOK
2 : JOURNAL 2A

diuron
: a persistent herbicide C_9H_10Cl_2N_2O used especially to control annual weeds

div
1 divided
2 dividend
3 division
4 divorced

diva
n. 1 a : PRIMA DONNA 1 b : PRIMA DONNA 2
2 : a usually glamorous and successful female performer or personality <a fashion diva> especially : a popular female singer <pop divas>

diva
n. nose dive
back dive
crash dive
dive bomb
dive bomber
front dive
power dive
scuba dive
skin dive
swan dive
diving beetle
diving bell
diving board
diving duck
diving suit
free diving
skin diving

divagate
v. : to wander or stray from a course or subject : DIVERGE, DIGRESS
–di·va·ga·tion \ˌdī-və-'gā-shən, ˌdi-\ noun

divalent
adj. : having a chemical valence of two also : bonded to two other atoms or groups

divan
n. 1 a : the privy council of the Ottoman Empire b : COUNCIL
2 : a council chamber
3 : a large couch usually without back or arms often designed for use as a bed
4 : a collection of poems in Persian or Arabic usually by one author

divaricate
adj. : to spread apart : branch off : DIVERGE

divarication
n. 1 : the action, process, or fact of divaricating
2 : a divergence of opinion

dive
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to plunge into water intentionally and especially headfirst also : to execute a dive b : SUBMERGE <the submarine dived>
2 a : to come or drop down precipitously : PLUNGE <the temperature is diving> b : to plunge one's hand into something c of an airplane : to descend in a dive
3 a : to plunge into some matter or activity <she dove into her studies> b : to plunge or dash for some place <diving for cover> also : to lunge especially in order to seize something <dove for the ball>
transitive verb
1 : to thrust into something
2 : to cause to dive <dive a submarine>
usage Dive, which was orig. a weak verb, developed a past tense dove, prob. by analogy with verbs like drive, drove. Dove exists in some British dialects and has become the standard past tense especially in speech in some parts of Canada. In the U.S. dived and dove are both widespread in speech as past tense and past participle, with dove less common than dived in the south Midland area, and dived less common than dove in the Northern and north Midland areas. In writing, the past tense dived is usual in British English and somewhat more common in American English. Dove seems relatively rare as a past participle in writing.

dive
n. 1 : the act or an instance of diving: as a (1) : a plunge into water executed in a prescribed manner (2) : a submerging of a submarine (3) : a steep descent of an airplane at greater than the maximum horizontal speed b : a sharp decline
2 : a shabby and disreputable establishment (as a bar or nightclub)
3 : a faked knockout ― usually used in the phrase take a dive
4 : an offensive play in football in which the ballcarrier plunges into the line for short yardage

dive
n. nose dive
back dive
crash dive
dive bomb
dive bomber
front dive
power dive
scuba dive
skin dive
swan dive
diving beetle
diving bell
diving board
diving duck
diving suit
free diving
skin diving
mourning dove
ringed turtle dove
rock dove

dive-bomb
: to bomb from an airplane by making a steep dive toward the target before releasing the bomb
–dive-bomb·er noun

diver
n. 1 : one that dives
2 a : a person who stays underwater for long periods by having air supplied from the surface or by carrying a supply of compressed air b : any of various birds that obtain food by diving in water especially : LOON

diver
n. free diver
scuba diver
skin diver

diverge
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart <diverging roads> b : to become or be different in character or form : differ in opinion
2 : to turn aside from a path or course : DEVIATE
3 : to be mathematically divergent
transitive verb : DEFLECT
synonyms see SWERVE

divergence
n. 1 a : a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center) b : DIFFERENCE, DISAGREEMENT c : the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms in unlike environments
2 : a deviation from a course or standard
3 : the condition of being mathematically divergent

divergency
n. : DIVERGENCE

divergent
adj. 1 a : diverging from each other <divergent paths> b : differing from each other or from a standard <the divergent interests of capital and labor>
2 : relating to or being an infinite sequence that does not have a limit or an infinite series whose partial sums do not have a limit
3 : causing divergence of rays <a divergent lens>
synonyms see DIFFERENT
–di·ver·gent·ly adverb

divers
n. : VARIOUS

divers
n. : an indefinite number more than one <with divers of the leaves torn and stitched across ― Charles Dickens>

diverse
adj. 1 : differing from one another : UNLIKE <people with diverse interests>
2 : composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities <a diverse population>
synonyms see DIFFERENT
–di·verse·ly adverb
–di·verse·ness noun

diversify
v. transitive verb
1 : to make diverse : give variety to <diversify a course of study>
2 : to balance (as an investment portfolio) defensively by dividing funds among securities of different industries or of different classes
3 : to increase the variety of the products of <diversify a business>
intransitive verb
1 : to produce variety
2 : to engage in varied operations
–di·ver·si·fi·ca·tion \-ˌvər-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–di·ver·si·fi·er \-'vər-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

diversion
n. 1 : the act or an instance of diverting from a course, activity, or use : DEVIATION <bad weather forced the diversion of several flights>
2 : something that diverts or amuses : PASTIME
3 : an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation
4 British : a temporary traffic detour

diversionary
adj. : tending to draw attention away from the principal concern : being a diversion

diversionist
n. 1 : one engaged in diversionary activities
2 : one characterized by political deviation

diversity
n. 1 : the condition of being diverse : VARIETY especially : the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization <programs intended to promote diversity in schools>
2 : an instance of being diverse <a diversity of opinion>

divert
v. intransitive verb : to turn aside : DEVIATE <studied law but diverted to diplomacy>
transitive verb
1 a : to turn from one course or use to another : DEFLECT <divert traffic to a side street> b : DISTRACT <trying to divert her attention>
2 : to give pleasure to especially by distracting the attention from what burdens or distresses
synonyms see AMUSE

diverticulitis
n. : inflammation of a diverticulum

diverticulosis
n. : an intestinal disorder characterized by the presence of many diverticula

diverticulum
n. 1 : an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow organ (as the intestine or bladder)
2 : a pocket or closed branch opening off a main passage
–di·ver·tic·u·lar \-kyə-lər\ adjective

divertimento
n. 1 : an instrumental chamber work in several movements usually light in character
2 : DIVERTISSEMENT 1

diverting
adj. : providing amusement or entertainment <a diverting evening>
–di·vert·ing·ly adverb

divertissement
n. 1 : a dance sequence or short ballet usually used as an interlude
2 : DIVERTIMENTO 1
3 : DIVERSION, ENTERTAINMENT

Dives
n. : a rich man

divest
v. 1 a : to deprive or dispossess especially of property, authority, or title b : to undress or strip especially of clothing, ornament, or equipment c : RID, FREE
2 : to take away from a person
–di·vest·ment \-'ves(t)-mənt\ noun

divestiture
n. 1 : the act of divesting
2 : the compulsory transfer of title or disposal of interests (as stock in a corporation) upon government order

divi-divi
: a small tropical American tree (Caesalpinia coriaria) of the legume family with twisted astringent pods that contain a large proportion of tannin

divide
n. transitive verb
1 a : to separate into two or more parts, areas, or groups <divide the city into wards> b : to separate into classes, categories, or divisions <divide history into epochs> c : CLEAVE, PART <a ship dividing the waves>
2 a : to separate into portions and give out in shares : DISTRIBUTE <divide profits> b : to possess, enjoy, or make use of in common <divide the blame> c : APPORTION <divides her time between the office and home>
3 a : to cause to be separate, distinct, or apart from one another <fields divided by stone walls> b : to separate into opposing sides or parties <the issues that divide us> c : to cause (a parliamentary body) to vote by division
4 a : to subject (a number or quantity) to the operation of finding how many times it contains another number or quantity <divide 42 by 14> b : to be used as a divisor with respect to (a dividend) <4 divides 16 evenly> c : to use as a divisor ― used with into <divide 14 into 42>
intransitive verb
1 : to perform mathematical division
2 a (1) : to undergo replication, multiplication, fission, or separation into parts (2) : to branch out b : to become separated or disunited especially in opinion or interest
synonyms see SEPARATE, DISTRIBUTE
–di·vid·able \-'vī-də-bəl\ adjective

divide
n. 1 : an act of dividing
2 a : a dividing ridge between drainage areas b : a point or line of division or disagreement

divide
n. great divide
divide et impera
Continental Divide
Great Divide
Great Dividing Range

divide et impera
: divide and rule

divided
adj. 1 a : separated into parts or pieces b of a leaf : cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib c : having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions <a divided highway>
2 a : disagreeing with each other : DISUNITED b : directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects <divided loyalties>
3 : separated by distance <familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided ― James Joyce>
–di·vid·ed·ly \də-'vī-dəd-lē\ adverb
–di·vid·ed·ness \-nəs\ noun

dividend
n. 1 : an individual share of something distributed: as a : a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockholders b : a share of surplus allocated to a policyholder in a participating insurance policy
2 a : a resultant return or reward <our efforts are finally paying dividends> b : BONUS
3 a : a number to be divided b : a sum or fund to be divided and distributed
–div·i·dend·less \-ləs\ adjective

divider
n. 1 : one that divides
2 plural : an instrument for measuring or marking (as in dividing lines)
3 : something serving as a partition between separate spaces or areas <a highway divider>

divination
n. 1 : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2 : unusual insight : intuitive perception
–di·vi·na·to·ry \də-'vi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, də-'vī-nə-, 'di-və-nə-\ adjective

divine
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God or a god <divine love> b : being a deity <the divine Savior> c : directed to a deity <divine worship>
2 a : supremely good : SUPERB <the pie was divine> b : HEAVENLY, GODLIKE
–di·vine·ly adverb

divine
n. 1 : CLERGYMAN
2 : THEOLOGIAN

divine
n. transitive verb
1 : to discover by intuition or insight : INFER <divine the truth>
2 : to discover or locate (as water or minerals underground) usually by means of a divining rod
intransitive verb
1 : to practice divination : PROPHESY
2 : to perceive intuitively
synonyms see FORESEE

divine
n. Divine Liturgy
Divine Office
divine right
divine service
divining rod

Divine Liturgy
: the eucharistic rite of Eastern churches

Divine Office
: the office for the canonical hours of prayer that priests and religious say daily

divine right
: the right of a sovereign to rule as set forth by the theory of government that holds that a monarch receives the right to rule directly from God and not from the people

divine service
: a service of Christian worship specifically : such a service that is not sacramental in character

diviner
n. 1 : a person who practices divination : SOOTHSAYER
2 : a person who divines the location of water or minerals

diving beetle
: any of various predatory aquatic beetles (family Dytiscidae) that breathe while submerged using air trapped under their elytra

diving bell
: a diving apparatus consisting of a container open only at the bottom and supplied with compressed air by a hose

diving board
: SPRINGBOARD 1

diving duck
: any of various ducks (as a bufflehead) that frequent deep waters and obtain their food by diving

diving suit
: a waterproof suit with a removable helmet that is worn by a diver who is supplied with air pumped through a tube

divining rod
: a forked rod believed to indicate the presence of water or minerals especially by dipping downward when held over a vein

divinity
n. 1 : THEOLOGY
2 : the quality or state of being divine
3 often capitalized : a divine being: as a : GOD 1 b (1) : GOD 2 (2) : GODDESS
4 : fudge made of whipped egg whites, sugar, and nuts

divinity school
: a professional school having a religious curriculum especially for ministerial candidates

divisible
adj. : capable of being divided <a number divisible by 3>
–di·vis·i·bil·i·ty \də-ˌvi-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

division
n. 1 a : the act or process of dividing : the state of being divided b : the act, process, or an instance of distributing among a number : DISTRIBUTION c obsolete : a method of arranging or disposing (as troops)
2 : one of the parts or groupings into which a whole is divided or is divisible
3 : the condition or an instance of being divided in opinion or interest : DISAGREEMENT, DISUNITY <exploited the divisions between the two countries>
4 a : something that divides, separates, or marks off b : the act, process, or an instance of separating or keeping apart : SEPARATION
5 : the mathematical operation of dividing something
6 a : a self-contained major military unit capable of independent action b : a tactical military unit composed of headquarters and usually three to five brigades c (1) : the basic naval administrative unit (2) : a tactical subdivision of a squadron of ships d : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a wing and lower than an air force
7 a : a portion of a territorial unit marked off for a particular purpose (as administrative or judicial functions) b : an administrative or operating unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization
8 : the physical separation into different lobbies of the members of a parliamentary body voting for and against a question
9 : plant propagation by dividing parts and planting segments capable of producing roots and shoots
10 : a group of organisms forming part of a larger group specifically : a primary category of the plant kingdom in biological taxonomy that is typically equivalent to a phylum
11 : a competitive class or category (as in boxing or wrestling)
synonyms see PART
–di·vi·sion·al \-'vizh-nəl, -'vi-zhə-nəl\ adjective

division
n. cell division
division of labor
division sign
long division
panzer division
reduction division
short division
synthetic division

division of labor

1776
: the breakdown of labor into its components and their distribution among different persons, groups, or machines to increase productive efficiency

division sign
1 : the symbol ÷ used to indicate division
2 : the slash / used to indicate a fraction

divisionism
n. : POINTILLISM
–di·vi·sion·ist \-'vi-zhə-nəst\ noun or adjective

divisive
adj. : creating disunity or dissension <a divisive issue>
–di·vi·sive·ly adverb
–di·vi·sive·ness noun

divisor
n. : the number by which a dividend is divided

divorce
n. 1 : the action or an instance of legally dissolving a marriage
2 : SEPARATION, SEVERANCE <divorce of the secular and the spiritual>

divorce
n. transitive verb
1 a : to end marriage with (one's spouse) by divorce <she divorced her husband> b : to dissolve the marriage contract between <they were divorced last year>
2 : to make or keep separate : SEPARATE <divorce church from state>
intransitive verb : to obtain a divorce
synonyms see SEPARATE
–di·vorce·ment \-'vȯr-smənt\ noun

divorce
n. : a divorced man

divorcee
n. : a divorced woman

divot
n. 1 Scottish : a square of turf or sod
2 : a loose piece of turf (as one dug from a golf fairway in making a shot)

divulge
n. 1 archaic : to make public : PROCLAIM
2 : to make known (as a confidence or secret)
synonyms see REVEAL
–di·vul·gence \-'vəl-jən(t)s\ noun

divvy
n. : DIVIDE, SHARE ― usually used with up

Dix
Dorothea Lynde 1802-1887 American social reformer

Dix
Dorothy ― see Elizabeth Meriwether GILMER

Dixie
n. ― used for a paper cup

Dixie
n. the states of the SE U.S. & especially those which constituted the Confederacy

Dixiecrat
n. : a dissident Southern Democrat specifically : a supporter of a 1948 presidential ticket opposing the civil rights stand of the Democrats
–Dix·ie·crat·ic \ˌdik-sē-'kra-tik\ adjective

Dixieland
n. : jazz music in duple time usually played by a small band and characterized by ensemble and solo improvisation

Dixon
n. Jeremiah d 1777 Eng. surveyor in America

DIY
: DO-IT-YOURSELF

Diyarbakir
city SE Turkey on the Tigris pop 381,144

dizen
archaic : BEDIZEN

dizygotic
adj. of twins : FRATERNAL 2

dizzy
adj. 1 : FOOLISH, SILLY
2 a : having a whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to fall b : mentally confused
3 a : causing giddiness or mental confusion <dizzy heights> b : caused by or marked by giddiness c : extremely rapid <prices climbing at a dizzy rate>
–diz·zi·ly \'di-zə-lē\ adverb
–diz·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

dizzy
adj. 1 : to make dizzy or giddy
2 : BEWILDER <disasters that dizzy the mind>
–diz·zy·ing·ly \-zē-iŋ-lē\ adverb

DJ
n. : DISC JOCKEY

DJ
n. 1 district judge
2 doctor of jurisprudence
3 dust jacket

Djakarta
n. ― see JAKARTA

Djawa
― see JAVA

djellaba
n. : a long loose garment with full sleeves and a hood

Djerba
n. ― see JERBA

DJIA
Dow Jones Industrial Average

Djibouti
n. 1 or formerly French Territory of the Afars and the Is·sas \'ä-ˌfär(z)⋯ē-'sä(z)\ or earlier French Somaliland country E Africa on Gulf of Aden; a republic area 8880 sq mi (23,088 sq km), pop 510,000
2 city, its capital pop 300,000

djinni
variant of jinni

dk
1 dark
2 deck
3 dock

DL
disabled list

dl
deciliter

dl
1 also d,l- : consisting of equal amounts of the dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms of a specified compound <dl-tartaric acid>
2 : consisting of equal amounts of the D- and L- forms of a specified compound <DL-fructose>

DLitt
doctor of letters; doctor of literature

DLO
dead letter office

DLS
doctor of library science

DM
deutsche mark

dm
decimeter

DMA
doctor of musical arts

DMD
doctor of dental medicine

DME
: an electronic device that informs the pilot of an airplane of its distance from a particular ground station

DMin
doctor of ministry

Dmowski
Roman 1864-1939 Pol. statesman

DMSO
: DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE

DMT
: DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE

DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles

DMZ
demilitarized zone

dn
down

DNA
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei ― compare RECOMBINANT DNA

DNA
DNA fingerprinting
DNA fingerprint
DNA typing
DNA polymerase
DNA virus
junk DNA
mitochondrial DNA
recombinant DNA
satellite DNA

DNA fingerprinting
: a technique used especially for identification (as for forensic purposes) by extracting and identifying the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA ― called also DNA typing
–DNA fingerprint noun

DNA polymerase
: any of several polymerases that promote replication or repair of DNA usually using single-stranded DNA as a template

DNA virus
: a virus whose genome consists of DNA

DNase
: an enzyme that hydrolyzes DNA to nucleotides ― called also deoxyribonuclease

DNB
Dictionary of National Biography

DNF
did not finish

Dnieper
n. river 1420 mi (2285 km) Ukraine, E Belarus, & W Russia in Europe rising in S Valdai Hills & flowing S into Black Sea

Dniester
n. river 877 mi (1411 km) W Ukraine & E Moldova rising on N slope of Carpathian Mountains near Polish border & flowing SE into Black Sea

Dniprodzerzhyns'k
city E cen Ukraine on the Dnieper W of Dnipropetrovs'k pop 284,000

Dnipropetrovs'k
city E Ukraine pop 1,189,000

DNP
did not play

DNR
do not resuscitate

DO
n. 1 defense order
2 doctor of osteopathy

do
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring to pass : CARRY OUT <do another's wishes>
2 : PUT ― used chiefly in do to death
3 a : PERFORM, EXECUTE <do some work> <did his duty> b : COMMIT <crimes done deliberately>
4 a : BRING ABOUT, EFFECT <trying to do good> <do violence> b : to give freely : PAY <do honor to her memory>
5 : to bring to an end : FINISH ― used in the past participle <the job is finally done>
6 : to put forth : EXERT <did her best to win the race>
7 a : to wear out especially by physical exertion : EXHAUST <at the end of the race they were pretty well done> b : to attack physically : BEAT also : KILL
8 : to bring into existence : PRODUCE <do a biography on the general>
9 ― used as a substitute verb especially to avoid repetition <if you must make such a racket, do it somewhere else>
10 a : to play the role or character of b : MIMIC also : to behave like <do a Houdini and disappear> c : to perform in or serve as producer of <do a play>
11 : to treat unfairly especially : CHEAT <did him out of his inheritance>
12 : to treat or deal with in any way typically with the sense of preparation or with that of care or attention: a (1) : to put in order : CLEAN <was doing the kitchen> (2) : WASH <did the dishes after supper> b : to prepare for use or consumption especially : COOK <like my steak done rare> c : SET, ARRANGE <had her hair done> d : to apply cosmetics to <wanted to do her face before the party> e : DECORATE, FURNISH <did the living room in Early American> <do over the kitchen>
13 : to be engaged in the study or practice of <do science> especially : to work at as a vocation <what to do after college>
14 a : to pass over (as distance) : TRAVERSE <did 20 miles yesterday> b : to travel at a speed of <doing 55 on the turnpike>
15 : TOUR <doing 12 countries in 30 days>
16 a : to spend (time) in prison <has been doing time in a federal penitentiary> b : to serve out (a period of imprisonment) <did ten years for armed robbery>
17 : to serve the needs of : SUIT, SUFFICE <worms will do us for bait>
18 : to approve especially by custom, opinion, or propriety <you oughtn't to say a thing like that⋯it's not done ― Dorothy Sayers>
19 : to treat with respect to physical comforts <did themselves well>
20 : USE 3 <doesn't do drugs>
21 : to have sexual intercourse with
22 : to partake of <let's do lunch>
intransitive verb
1 : ACT, BEHAVE <do as I say>
2 a : GET ALONG, FARE <do well in school> b : to carry on business or affairs : MANAGE <we can do without your help>
3 : to take place : HAPPEN <what's doing across the street>
4 : to come to or make an end : FINISH ― used in the past participle
5 : to be active or busy <let us then be up and doing ― H. W. Longfellow>
6 : to be adequate or sufficient : SERVE <half of that will do>
7 : to be fitting : conform to custom or propriety <won't do to be late>
8 ― used as a substitute verb to avoid repetition <wanted to run and play as children do> ― used especially in British English following a modal auxiliary or perfective have <a great many people had died, or would do ― Bruce Chatwin>
9 ― used in the imperative after an imperative to add emphasis <be quiet do>
verbal auxiliary
1 a ― used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in legal and parliamentary language <do hereby bequeath> and in poetry <give what she did crave ― Shakespeare> b ― used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in declarative sentences with inverted word order <fervently do we pray ― Abraham Lincoln>, in interrogative sentences <did you hear that?>, and in negative sentences <we don't know> <don't go>
2 ― used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses expressing emphasis <I do say> <do be careful>
–do·able \'dü-ə-bəl\ adjective
–do a number on : to defeat or confound thoroughly especially by indirect or deceptive means
–do away with
1 : to put an end to : ABOLISH
2 : to put to death : KILL
–do by : to deal with : TREAT
–do for
chiefly British
1 : to attend to the wants and needs of : take care of
2 : to bring about the death or ruin of
–do it : to have sexual intercourse
–do justice
1 a : to act justly b : to treat fairly or adequately c : to show due appreciation for
2 : to acquit in a way worthy of one's abilities
–do proud : to give cause for pride or gratification <she did herself proud>
–do the trick : to produce a desired result
–do with : to make good use of : benefit by <could do with a cup of coffee>
–to do : necessary to be done <I've done my best and all's to do again ― A. E. Housman>

do
n. 1 chiefly dialect : FUSS, ADO
2 archaic : DEED, DUTY
3 a : a festive get-together : AFFAIR, PARTY b chiefly British : BATTLE
4 : a command or entreaty to do something <a list of dos and don'ts>
5 British : CHEAT, SWINDLE
6 : HAIRDO

do
n. : the first tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

do
n. 1 ditto
2 double occupancy

do
n. Paraíba do Sul
Paraíba do Norte
can do
can do ism
derring do
to do
do with
do the trick
do proud
do justice
do it
do for
do by
do away with
do a number on
do down
do good
do goodism
do gooder
do gooding
do in
do it yourself
do it yourselfer
do nothing
do nothingism
do or die
do rag
do si do
do si dos
do up
have to do with
make do
ne'er do well
tae kwon do
well to do
whoop de do
Mato Grosso do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Norte
Serra do Mar
to dos
Dos Passos
Lagoa dos Patos
Patos Lagoa dos
nothing doing
done deal
done for
have done with
have done
well done

do a number on
to defeat or confound thoroughly especially by indirect or deceptive means

do away with

1 : to put an end to : ABOLISH
2 : to put to death : KILL

do by
to deal with : TREAT

do down
British : to get the better of (as by trickery)

do for
chiefly British
1 : to attend to the wants and needs of : take care of
2 : to bring about the death or ruin of

do in
1 a : to bring about the defeat or destruction of <a businessman done in by greed> also : KILL b : EXHAUST, WEAR OUT
2 : CHEAT

do it
to have sexual intercourse

do justice

1 a : to act justly b : to treat fairly or adequately c : to show due appreciation for
2 : to acquit in a way worthy of one's abilities

do proud
to give cause for pride or gratification <she did herself proud>

do the trick
to produce a desired result

do up
1 : to prepare (as by cleaning or repairing) for wear or use <do up a shirt>
2 a : to wrap up <do up a package> b : PUT UP, CAN
3 a : to deck out : CLOTHE b : to furnish with something ornamental : DECORATE
4 : EXHAUST, WEAR OUT
5 : FASTEN

do with
to make good use of : benefit by <could do with a cup of coffee>

do-good
: designed or disposed sometimes impracticably and too zealously toward bettering the conditions under which others live
–do-good·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

do-gooder
: an earnest often naive humanitarian or reformer
–do-good·ing \-diŋ\ noun or adjective

do-it-yourself
: the activity of doing or making something (as in woodworking or home repair) without professional training or assistance broadly : an activity in which one does something oneself or on one's own initiative
–do-it-your·self·er noun

do-nothing
: a shiftless or lazy person

do-nothing
: marked by inactivity or failure to make positive progress
–do-noth·ing·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

do-or-die
1 : doggedly determined to reach one's objective : INDOMITABLE
2 : presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin <a do-or-die situation>

do-rag
: a kerchief worn especially to cover the hair

do-si-do
: a square-dance figure: a : a figure in which the dancers pass each other right shoulder to right shoulder and circle each other back to back b : a figure in which the woman moves in a figure circling first her partner and then the man on her right

DOA
dead on arrival

DOB
v. date of birth

dobbin
n. 1 : a farm horse
2 : a quiet plodding horse

dobby
n. 1 : a loom attachment for weaving small figures
2 : a fabric or figured weave made with a dobby

Dobe
n. : DOBERMAN PINSCHER

Doberai
peninsula Indonesia in NW West Papua

Dobereiner
Johann Wolfgang 1780-1849 Ger. chem.

Doberman pinscher
: any of a breed of short-haired medium-sized dogs of German origin ― called also Doberman

Dobie
J(ames) Frank 1888-1964 American folklorist

dobra
n. ― see MONEY table

Dobree
Bon·a·my \'bä-nə-mē\ 1891-1974 Eng. scholar

Dobro
n. ― used for an acoustic guitar having a metal resonator

Dobruja
region S Europe in Romania & Bulgaria on Black Sea S of the Danube

Dobson
(Henry) Austin 1840-1921 Eng. poet & essayist

dobsonfly
n. : a winged insect (family Corydalidae) that has very long slender mandibles in the male and a large carnivorous aquatic larva and that is now usually considered a neuropteran ― compare HELLGRAMMITE

doc
n. : DOCTOR

doc
n. document

docendo discimus
: we learn by teaching

docent
n. 1 : a college or university teacher or lecturer
2 : a person who leads guided tours especially through a museum or art gallery

docetic
: of or relating to Docetism or the Docetists

Docetism
n. : a belief opposed as heresy in early Christianity that Christ only seemed to have a human body and to suffer and die on the cross
–Do·ce·tist \-'sē-tist, -sə-\ noun

doch-an-dorris
Scottish & Irish : a parting drink : STIRRUP CUP

docile
adj. 1 : easily taught <a docile pupil>
2 : easily led or managed : TRACTABLE <a docile pony>
synonyms see OBEDIENT
–doc·ile·ly \'dä-sə(l)-lē\ adverb
–do·cil·i·ty \dä-'si-lə-tē, dō-\ noun

dock
n. 1 : any of a genus (Rumex) of coarse weedy plants of the buckwheat family having long taproots and sometimes used as potherbs
2 : any of several usually broad-leaved weedy plants (as of the genus Silphium)

dock
n. 1 : the solid part of an animal's tail as distinguished from the hair
2 : the part of an animal's tail left after it has been shortened

dock
n. 1 a : to cut off the end of a body part of specifically : to remove part of the tail of b : to cut (as ears or a tail) short
2 a : to take away a part of : ABRIDGE b : to subject (as wages) to a deduction c : to penalize by depriving of a benefit ordinarily due especially : to fine by a deduction of wages <docked him for tardiness>

dock
n. 1 : a usually artificial basin or enclosure for the reception of ships that is equipped with means for controlling the water height
2 : 2SLIP 1B
3 a : a place (as a wharf or platform) for the loading or unloading of materials b : a usually wooden pier used as a landing place or moorage for boats

dock
n. 1 : to haul or guide into or alongside a dock
2 : to join (as two spacecraft) mechanically while in space
intransitive verb
1 : to come into or alongside a dock
2 : to become docked

dock
n. : the place in a criminal court where a prisoner stands or sits during trial
–in the dock : on trial

dock
n. in the dock
dry dock
floating dock
graving dock

dockage
n. 1 : a charge for the use of a dock
2 : the docking of ships
3 : docking facilities

docker
n. : one that docks the tails of animals

docker
n. chiefly British : one connected with docks especially : LONGSHOREMAN

docket
n. 1 : a brief written summary of a document : ABSTRACT
2 a (1) : a formal abridged record of the proceedings in a legal action (2) : a register of such records b (1) : a list of legal causes to be tried also : the caseload of a court or judge (2) : a calendar of business matters to be acted on : AGENDA
3 : an identifying statement about a document placed on its outer surface or cover

docket
n. 1 : to place on the docket for legal action
2 : to make a brief abstract of (as a legal matter) and inscribe it in a list
3 : to inscribe (as a document) with an identifying statement

dockhand
: LONGSHOREMAN

dockland
n. British : the part of a port occupied by docks also : a residential section adjacent to docks

dockmaster
n. : a person in charge of a dock or marina or of the docking of ships

dockside
n. : the shore or area adjacent to a dock

dockworker
n. : LONGSHOREMAN

dockyard
n. 1 : SHIPYARD
2 British : NAVY YARD

docosahexaenoic acid
: an omega-3 fatty acid C_22H_32O_2 found especially in fish of cold waters

doctor
1 a : an eminent theologian declared a sound expounder of doctrine by the Roman Catholic Church ― called also doctor of the church b : a learned or authoritative teacher c : a person who has earned one of the highest academic degrees (as a PhD) conferred by a university d : a person awarded an honorary doctorate (as an LLD or Litt D) by a college or university
2 a : a person skilled or specializing in healing arts especially : one (as a physician, dentist, or veterinarian) who holds an advanced degree and is licensed to practice b : MEDICINE MAN
3 a : material added (as to food) to produce a desired effect b : a blade (as of metal) for spreading a coating or scraping a surface
4 : a person who restores, repairs, or fine-tunes things
–doc·tor·al \-t(ə-)rəl\ adjective
–doc·tor·less \-tər-ləs\ adjective
–doc·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

doctor
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give medical treatment to b : to restore to good condition : REPAIR <doctor an old clock>
2 a : to adapt or modify for a desired end by alteration or special treatment <doctored the play to suit the audience> <the drink was doctored> b : to alter deceptively <accused of doctoring the election returns> <a doctored photo>
intransitive verb
1 : to practice medicine
2 dialect : to take medicine

doctor
n. family doctor
herb doctor
Juris Doctor
snake doctor
spin doctor
witch doctor
doctor of the church

doctorate
n. : the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

doctrinaire
n. : one who attempts to put into effect an abstract doctrine or theory with little or no regard for practical difficulties

doctrinaire
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a doctrinaire : DOGMATIC
synonyms see DICTATORIAL
–doc·tri·nair·ism \-'ner-ˌi-zəm\ noun

doctrinal
adj. : of, relating to, or preoccupied with doctrine
–doc·trin·al·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

doctrine
n. 1 archaic : TEACHING, INSTRUCTION
2 a : something that is taught b : a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : DOGMA c : a principle of law established through past decisions d : a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations e : a military principle or set of strategies

doctrine
n. cy pres doctrine
fairness doctrine
Monroe Doctrine

docudrama
n. : a drama made for television, motion pictures, or theater dealing freely with historical events especially of a recent and controversial nature

document
n. 1 a archaic : PROOF, EVIDENCE b : an original or official paper relied on as the basis, proof, or support of something c : something (as a photograph or a recording) that serves as evidence or proof
2 a : a writing conveying information b : a material substance (as a coin or stone) having on it a representation of thoughts by means of some conventional mark or symbol c : DOCUMENTARY
3 : a computer file containing information input by a computer user and usually created with an application (as a word processor)
–doc·u·men·tal \ˌdä-kyə-'men-təl, -kyü-\ adjective

document
n. 1 : to furnish documentary evidence of
2 : to furnish with documents
3 a : to provide with factual or substantial support for statements made or a hypothesis proposed especially : to equip with exact references to authoritative supporting information b (1) : to construct or produce (as a movie or novel) with authentic situations or events (2) : to portray realistically
4 : to furnish (a ship) with ship's papers
–doc·u·ment·able \-ˌmen-tə-bəl, ˌdä-kyə-', -kyü-\ adjective
–doc·u·ment·er \'dä-kyə-ˌmen-tər\ noun

documentalist
n. : a specialist in documentation

documentarian
n. : one who makes a documentary

documentarist
: DOCUMENTARIAN

documentary
n. 1 : being or consisting of documents : contained or certified in writing <documentary evidence>
2 : of, relating to, or employing documentation in literature or art broadly : FACTUAL, OBJECTIVE <a documentary film of the war>
–doc·u·men·tar·i·ly \-mən-'ter-ə-lē, -ˌmen-\ adverb

documentary
n. : a documentary presentation (as a film or novel)

documentation
n. 1 : the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents
2 a : the provision of documents in substantiation also : documentary evidence b (1) : the use of historical documents (2) : conformity to historical or objective facts (3) : the provision of footnotes, appendices, or addenda referring to or containing documentary evidence
3 : INFORMATION SCIENCE
4 : the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware
–doc·u·men·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

DOD
Department of Defense

dodder
v. : any of a genus (Cuscuta) of wiry twining vines of the morning-glory family that are highly deficient in chlorophyll, are parasitic on other plants, and have tiny scales instead of leaves

dodder
v. 1 : to tremble or shake from weakness or age
2 : to progress feebly and unsteadily <was doddering down the walk>
–dod·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

doddered
adj. 1 : deprived of branches through age or decay <a doddered oak>
2 : INFIRM, ENFEEBLED

doddering
adj. : FEEBLE, SENILE

doddery
n. 1 : DODDERED 2
2 : DODDERING

dodeca
: twelve <dodecaphonic>

dodecagon
n. : a polygon of 12 angles and 12 sides

dodecahedron
n. : a solid having 12 plane faces
–do·deca·he·dral \-drəl\ adjective

Dodecanese
n. islands Greece in the SE Aegean comprising the Southern Sporades S of Ikaria & Samos; belonged to Italy 1923-47 area 486 sq mi (1264 sq km), pop 162,439 ― see RHODES
–Do·de·ca·ne·sian \(ˌ)dō-ˌde-kə-'nē-zhən, ˌdō-di-kə-, -shən\ adjective or noun

dodecaphonic
adj. : TWELVE-TONE
–do·deca·phon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–do·deca·pho·nist \dō-'de-kə-fə-nist, -ˌfō-; ˌdō-di-'ka-fə-nist\ noun
–do·deca·pho·ny \-nē\ noun

Dodge
n. Mary Elizabeth 1831-1905 née Mapes \'māps\ American author

dodge
n. 1 : an act of evading by sudden bodily movement
2 a : an artful device to evade, deceive, or trick b : EXPEDIENT

dodge
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move to and fro or from place to place usually in an irregular course <dodged through the crowd> b : to make a sudden movement in a new direction (as to evade a blow) <dodged behind the door>
2 : to evade a responsibility or duty especially by trickery or deceit
transitive verb
1 a : to evade by a sudden or repeated shift of position <dodge tacklers> b : to avoid an encounter with <celebrities dodging the media>
2 : to evade (as a duty) usually indirectly or by trickery <dodged the draft by leaving the country> <dodged questions>
–dodge a bullet also dodge the bullet : to narrowly avoid an unwelcome, harmful, or disastrous outcome or occurrence <coastal towns dodged a bullet when the hurricane veered out to sea>

dodge
n. dodge the bullet
dodge a bullet
Dodge City
Fort Dodge

dodge a bullet
also dodge the bullet : to narrowly avoid an unwelcome, harmful, or disastrous outcome or occurrence <coastal towns dodged a bullet when the hurricane veered out to sea>

Dodge City
city S Kans. on Arkansas River pop 25,176

dodgeball
n. : a game in which players stand in a circle and try to hit opponents within the circle with a large inflated ball

dodgem
n. chiefly British : BUMPER CAR ― called also dodgem car

dodger
n. 1 : one that dodges especially : one who uses tricky devices
2 : a small leaflet : CIRCULAR
3 : CORN DODGER
4 : a usually canvas screen on a boat or ship that provides protection from spray

dodgery
n. : EVASION, TRICKERY

Dodgson
n. Charles Lut·widge \'lət-wij\ 1832-1898 pseud. Lewis Car·roll \'ka-rəl\ Eng. math. & writer

dodgy
adj. 1 chiefly British : EVASIVE, TRICKY
2 chiefly British a : not sound, good, or reliable b : QUESTIONABLE, SUSPICIOUS
3 chiefly British : requiring skill or care in handling or coping with
–dodg·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

dodo
n. 1 a : an extinct heavy flightless bird (Raphus cucullatus syn. Didus ineptus of the family Raphidae) of the island of Mauritius that was larger than a turkey and was related to the pigeon b : an extinct flightless bird (Raphus solitarius) of the island of Réunion similar to and closely related to the dodo
2 a : one hopelessly behind the times b : a stupid person

Dodoma
town NE cen Tanzania, since 1974 designated as the future national capital

Dodsley
Robert 1703-1764 Eng. author & bookseller

DOE
n. 1 Department of Energy
2 depends on experience

doe
n. : the adult female of various mammals (as a deer, rabbit, or kangaroo) of which the male is called buck

doe
n. doe eyed
Jane Doe
John Doe

doe-eyed
: having large innocent-looking eyes

doer
n. : one that takes an active part <a thinker or a doer>

does
n. present 3d singular of do plural of doe

doeskin
n. 1 : the skin of does or leather made of it also : soft leather from sheep- or lambskins
2 : a compact coating and sportswear fabric napped and felted for a smooth surface

doesn't
v. : does not

doest
v. archaic present 2d singular of do

doeth
v. archaic present 3d singular of do

doff
v. 1 a : to remove (an article of wear) from the body b : to take off (the hat) in greeting or as a sign of respect
2 : to rid oneself of : put aside
–doff one's hat to or doff one's cap to : to show respect to : SALUTE

doff one's hat to
or doff one's cap to : to show respect to : SALUTE

dog
n. 1 a : CANID especially : a highly variable domestic mammal (Canis familiaris) closely related to the gray wolf b : a male dog also : a male usually carnivorous mammal
2 a : a worthless or contemptible person b : FELLOW, CHAP <a lazy dog> <you lucky dog>
3 a : any of various usually simple mechanical devices for holding, gripping, or fastening that consist of a spike, bar, or hook b : ANDIRON
4 : uncharacteristic or affected stylishness or dignity <put on the dog>
5 capitalized : either of the constellations Canis Major or Canis Minor
6 plural : FEET
7 plural : RUIN <going to the dogs>
8 : one inferior of its kind <the movie was a dog>: as a : an investment not worth its price b : an undesirable piece of merchandise
9 : an unattractive person especially : an unattractive girl or woman
10 : HOT DOG 1
–dog·like \'dȯg-ˌlīk\ adjective

dog
n. 1 : CANINE
2 : SPURIOUS especially : unlike that used by native speakers or writers <dog Latin> <dog French>

dog
n. 1 a : to hunt, track, or follow like a hound <dogged her every move> b : to worry as if by pursuit with dogs : PLAGUE <dogged by his past failures> c : to bother or pester persistently <dogged him about his grades>
2 : to fasten with a dog
–dog it : to fail to do one's best : GOLDBRICK

dog
n. : EXTREMELY, UTTERLY <dog-tired>

dog
n. dog's breakfast
sun dog
cant dog
Dog Star
African wild dog
African hunting dog
American dog tick
dog tick
attack dog
Australian cattle dog
Bernese mountain dog
bird dog
chili dog
coach dog
corn dog
dog it
dog and pony show
dog biscuit
dog collar
dog days
dog ear
dog eared
dog eat dog
dog fennel
dog in the manger
dog paddle
dog rose
dog's chance
dog tag
Eskimo dog
feed dog
foo dog
fu dog
guide dog
hearing dog
hearing ear dog
hot dog
police dog
Portuguese water dog
prairie dog
puppy dog
pye dog
raccoon dog
red dog
running dog
sea dog
shaggy dog
shepherd dog
sled dog
sledge dog
spotted dog
top dog
water dog
wild dog
wolf dog
working dog
yellow dog
yellow dog contract
cats and dogs
rain cats and dogs
bird dogging

dog and pony show
: an often elaborate public relations or sales presentation also : an elaborate or overblown affair or event

dog biscuit
: a hard dry cracker for dogs

dog collar
1 : a collar for a dog
2 slang : CLERICAL COLLAR
3 : a wide flexible snug-fitting necklace

dog days
1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity

dog fennel
1 : an ill-scented Eurasian chamomile (Anthemis cotula) naturalized as a weed in the U.S.
2 : a usually annual composite weed (Eupatorium capillifolium) chiefly of the southern U.S.

dog in the manger
: a person who selfishly withholds from others something useless to himself

dog it
to fail to do one's best : GOLDBRICK

dog paddle
: an elementary swimming stroke in which the arms paddle in the water and the legs maintain a kicking motion
–dog-pad·dle intransitive verb

dog rose
: a chiefly European wild rose (Rosa canina)

Dog Star
: SIRIUS

dog tag
: an identification tag (as for military personnel or pets)

dog tick
: AMERICAN DOG TICK

dog's chance
: a bare chance in one's favor

dog'sbreakfast
chiefly British : a confused mess or mixture

dog-ear
: the turned-down corner of a page especially of a book
–dog-ear transitive verb

dog-eared
1 : having dog-ears <a dog-eared book>
2 : SHABBY, TIMEWORN <a dog-eared resort> <dog-eared myths>

dog-eat-dog
: marked by ruthless self-interest <dog-eat-dog competition>

dogbane
n. : any of a genus (Apocynum of the family Apocynaceae, the dogbane family) of often poisonous plants chiefly of temperate-zone regions with milky juice and fibrous bark

dogcart
n. 1 : a cart drawn by a dog
2 : a light two-wheeled carriage with two transverse seats set back to back

dogcatcher
n. : a community official assigned to catch and dispose of stray dogs

dogdom
: the world of dogs or of dog fanciers

doge
n. : the chief magistrate in the republics of Venice and Genoa

dogface
n. : SOLDIER especially : INFANTRYMAN

dogfight
n. 1 : a fight between dogs broadly : a fiercely disputed contest
2 : a fight between two or more fighter planes usually at close quarters
–dogfight intransitive verb
–dog·fight·er \-ˌfī-tər\ noun

dogfish
n. : any of various usually small bottom-dwelling sharks (as of the families Squalidae, Carcharhinidae, and Scyliorhinidae) that often appear in schools near shore, prey chiefly on fish and invertebrates, and are a valuable food source

dogged
adj. : marked by stubborn determination <a dogged competitor> <dogged devotion>
synonyms see OBSTINATE
–dog·ged·ly adverb
–dog·ged·ness noun

Dogger Bank
submerged sandbank ab 150 mi (241 km) long in North Sea E of N England

doggerel
n. : loosely styled and irregular in measure especially for burlesque or comic effect also : marked by triviality or inferiority

doggerel
n. : doggerel verse

doggery
n. : a cheap saloon : DIVE

doggie bag
: a container for leftover food to be carried home from a meal eaten at a restaurant

doggish
adj. 1 : CANINE
2 : stylish in a showy way
–dog·gish·ly adverb
–dog·gish·ness noun

doggo
adv. : in hiding ― used chiefly in the phrase to lie doggo

doggone
interj. : DAMN

doggone
interj. : DAMNED

doggone
interj. : DAMN

doggy
n. : a usually small dog

doggy
n. 1 : concerned with or fond of dogs
2 : resembling or suggestive of a dog <doggy odor>
3 : STYLISH, SHOWY
4 : not worthy or profitable : INFERIOR <doggy stocks>

doghouse
n. 1 : a shelter for a dog
2 : a state of disfavor ― often used in the phrase in the doghouse

dogie
n. chiefly West : a motherless calf in a range herd

dogleg
n. : crooked or bent like a dog's hind leg <a sharp dogleg bend in the fairway>

dogleg
n. 1 a : something having an abrupt angle b : a sharp bend (as in a road)
2 : a golf hole having an angled fairway

dogleg
n. : to proceed along a dogleg course <the single narrow street that doglegs through town ― Russian Leadabrand>

dogma
n. 1 a : something held as an established opinion especially : a definite authoritative tenet b : a code of such tenets <pedagogical dogma> c : a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds
2 : a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church

dogmatic
adj. 1 : characterized by or given to the expression of opinions very strongly or positively as if they were facts <a dogmatic critic>
2 : of or relating to dogma
synonyms see DICTATORIAL
–dog·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–dog·mat·i·cal·ness \-ti-kəl-nəs\ noun

dogmatic theology
: DOGMATICS

dogmatics
n. : a branch of theology that seeks to interpret the dogmas of a religious faith

dogmatism
n. 1 : positiveness in assertion of opinion especially when unwarranted or arrogant
2 : a viewpoint or system of ideas based on insufficiently examined premises

dogmatist
n. : one who dogmatizes

dogmatize
v. intransitive verb : to speak or write dogmatically
transitive verb : to state as a dogma or in a dogmatic manner
–dog·ma·ti·za·tion \ˌdȯg-mə-tə-'zā-shən, ˌdäg-\ noun
–dog·ma·tiz·er noun

dognap
: to steal (a dog) especially to obtain a reward for its return or to sell to a scientific laboratory
–dog·nap·per or dog·nap·er noun

Dogon
n. 1 : a member of a people of Mali noted for their sculpture
2 : the language of the Dogon

dogsbody
n. chiefly British : DRUDGE 1

dogsled
n. : a sled drawn by dogs
–dogsled intransitive verb
–dog·sled·der \-ˌsle-dər\ noun

dogtooth
n. 1 : CANINE 1, EYETOOTH
2 : an architectural ornament common in early English Gothic consisting usually of four leaves radiating from a raised point at the center
3 chiefly British : HOUNDSTOOTH

dogtooth violet
: any of a genus (Erythronium) of small spring-flowering bulbous herbs of the lily family

dogtrot
n. 1 : a quick easy gait suggesting that of a dog
2 chiefly Southern & Midland : a roofed passage similar to a breezeway especially : one connecting two parts of a cabin

dogtrot
n. : to move or progress at a dogtrot

dogwatch
n. 1 : either of two watches of two hours on shipboard that extend from 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 p.m.
2 : any of various night shifts especially : the last shift

dogwood
n. : any of various trees and shrubs (genus Cornus of the family Cornaceae, the dogwood family) with clusters of small flowers and often large white, pink, or red involucral bracts

Doha
n. city & port capital of Qatar on Persian Gulf pop 217,294

Doherty
Peter Charles 1940-     American (Austral.-born) immunologist

doily
n. 1 : a small napkin
2 : a small often decorative mat

doing
n. 1 : the act of performing or executing : ACTION <that will take a great deal of doing>
2 plural a : things that are done or that occur : GOINGS-ON <everyday doings> b : social activities

Doisy
Edward Adelbert 1893-1986 American biochem.

doit
n. 1 : an old Dutch coin equal to about 1/8 stiver
2 : TRIFLE 1

dojo
n. : a school for training in various arts of self-defense (as judo or karate)

Dolby
n. ― used for an electronic device that eliminates noise from recorded or broadcast sound

dolce
adj. : SOFT, SMOOTH ― used as a direction in music

dolce
adj. dolce far niente
dolce vita
la dolce vita
dolce stil nuovo

dolce far niente
: pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness

dolce stil nuovo
: sweet new style

dolce vita
: a life of indolence and self-indulgence ― called also la dolce vita

dolcetto
: a light fruity red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy

doldrums
n. 1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

Dole
n. Robert Joseph 1923-     American polit.

Dole
n. Sanford Ballard 1844-1926 American jurist; pres. (1894-1900) & gov. (1900-03) of Hawaii

dole
n. 1 archaic : one's allotted share, portion, or destiny
2 a (1) : a giving or distribution of food, money, or clothing to the needy (2) : a grant of government funds to the unemployed b : something distributed at intervals to the needy also : HANDOUT 1 c : something portioned out bit by bit

dole
n. : to give or distribute as a charity ― usually used with out

dole
n. archaic : GRIEF, SORROW

dole out
1 : to give or deliver in small portions
2 : DISH OUT
synonyms see DISTRIBUTE

doleful
adj. 1 : causing grief or affliction <a doleful loss>
2 : full of grief : CHEERLESS <a doleful face>
3 : expressing grief : SAD <a doleful melody>
–dole·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dole·ful·ness noun

dolerite
n. 1 : any of various coarse basalts
2 chiefly British : DIABASE 3
–dol·er·it·ic \ˌdä-lə-'ri-tik\ adjective

dolesome
: DOLEFUL

Dolgellau
town W Wales; formerly capital of Merionethshire

dolichocephalic
adj. : having a relatively long head with cephalic index of less than 75
–dol·i·cho·ceph·a·ly \-'se-fə-lē\ noun

doll
n. 1 : a small-scale figure of a human being used especially as a child's plaything
2 a (1) : a pretty but often empty-headed young woman (2) : WOMAN b : DARLING, SWEETHEART c : an attractive person
–doll·ish \'dä-lish, 'dȯ-\ adjective
–doll·ish·ly adverb
–doll·ish·ness noun

doll
n. doll's house
doll up
rag doll
dolls' house

doll up
1 : to dress elegantly or extravagantly <got all dolled up for the party>
2 : to make more attractive (as by decorating)
intransitive verb : to get dolled up

dollar
n. 1 : TALER
2 : any of numerous coins patterned after the taler (as a Spanish peso)
3 a : any of various basic monetary units (as in the U.S. and Canada) ― see MONEY table b : a coin, note, or token representing one dollar
4 : RINGGIT
5 : money obtained from a specific source <the tourism dollar>

dollar
n. dollar a year
dollar cost averaging
dollar averaging
dollar day
dollar diplomacy
dollar sign
dollar mark
East Caribbean dollar
half dollar
Maria Theresa dollar
sand dollar
Straits dollar
top dollar
trade dollar
dollars and cents

dollar cost averaging
: investment in a security at regular intervals of a uniform sum regardless of the price level in order to obtain an overall reduction in cost per unit ― called also dollar averaging

dollar day
: a day on which special low prices are offered

dollar diplomacy
1 : diplomacy used by a country to promote its financial or commercial interests abroad
2 : diplomacy that seeks to strengthen the power of a country or effect its purposes in foreign relations by the use of its financial resources

dollar sign
: a mark $ placed before a number to indicate that it stands for dollars ― called also dollar mark

dollar-a-year
: compensated by a token salary usually for government service <a dollar-a-year man>

Dollard-des-Ormeaux
town Canada in S Que. NW of Montreal pop 48,206

dollarization
n. : the adoption of the U.S. dollar as a country's official national currency
–dol·lar·ize \'dä-lə-ˌrīz\ verb

dollars-and-cents
: dealing with or expressed in terms of money, sales, or profits

Dollfuss
Engelbert 1892-1934 Austrian statesman

dollhouse
n. 1 : a child's small-scale toy house
2 : a dwelling so small as to suggest a house for dolls

dollop
n. 1 chiefly British : an indefinite often large quantity especially of something liquid <out of heaven, as if a plug had been pulled, fell a jolly dollop of rain ― E. M. Forster>
2 : a lump or glob of something soft or mushy <top it with a dollop of jam>
3 : an amount given, spooned, or ladled out : PORTION <hold out their mess tins for a dollop of gruel ― Robert Craft>
4 : a small lump, portion, or amount <want just a dollop of ketchup>
5 : something added or served as if in dollops <a delicious dollop of gossip ― Leon Harris>

dollop
n. : to serve or dispense in dollops

dolly
n. 1 : DOLL
2 : a wooden-pronged instrument for beating and stirring clothes in the process of washing them in a tub
3 : a compact narrow-gauge railroad locomotive for moving construction trains and for switching
4 a : a platform on a roller or on wheels or casters for moving heavy objects b : a wheeled platform for a television or motion-picture camera

dolly
n. transitive verb
1 : to treat with a dolly
2 : to move or convey on a dolly
intransitive verb : to move a motion-picture or television camera about on a dolly while shooting a scene also of a camera : to be moved on a dolly

dolly
n. dolly bird
dolly shot
Dolly Varden

dolly bird
British : a pretty young woman

dolly shot
: TRACKING SHOT

Dolly Varden
v. : a large anadromous or freshwater char (Salvelinus malma) widespread in streams of northwestern No. America and eastern Asia ― called also Dolly Varden trout

dolma
n. : a stuffed grape leaf or vegetable shell

dolman sleeve
: a sleeve very wide at the armhole and tight at the wrist often cut in one piece with the bodice

dolmen
n. : a prehistoric monument of two or more upright stones supporting a horizontal stone slab found especially in Britain and France and thought to be a tomb

dolomite
n. 1 : a mineral CaMg(CO_3)2 consisting of a calcium magnesium carbonate found in crystals and in extensive beds as a compact limestone
2 : a limestone or marble rich in magnesium carbonate
–do·lo·mit·ic \ˌdō-lə-'mi-tik, ˌdä-\ adjective

Dolomites
n. range of E Alps NE Italy bet. Adige & Piave rivers ― see MARMOLADA

dolomitization
: the process of converting into dolomite
–do·lo·mi·tize \'dō-lə-mə-ˌtīz, 'dä-\ transitive verb

dolor
n. : mental suffering or anguish : SORROW

dolorous
adj. : causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief
–do·lor·ous·ly adverb
–do·lor·ous·ness noun

dolour
n. chiefly British variant of dolor

dolphin
n. 1 a (1) : any of various small marine toothed whales (family Delphinidae) with the snout more or less elongated into a beak and the neck vertebrae partially fused (2) : any of several related chiefly freshwater toothed whales (as of the family Platanistidae) b : PORPOISE 1
2 : either of two active pelagic bony food fishes (Coryphaena equiselis and C. hippuras of the family Coryphaenidae) of tropical and temperate seas ― called also dolphinfish
3 capitalized : DELPHINUS
4 : a spar or buoy for mooring boats also : a cluster of closely driven piles used as a fender for a dock or as a mooring or guide for boats

dolphin
n. bottle nosed dolphin
bottlenose dolphin
dolphin striker
spinner dolphin

dolphin striker
: a vertical spar under the end of the bowsprit of a sailboat to extend and support the martingale

dolt
n. : a stupid person
–dolt·ish \'dōl-tish\ adjective
–dolt·ish·ly adverb
–dolt·ish·ness noun

Dolton
village NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 25,614

Dom
1 \'däm\ ― used as a title for some monks and canons regular
2 \'dōn\ ― used as a title prefixed to the Christian name of a Portuguese or Brazilian man of rank

dom
1 domestic
2 dominant
3 dominion

dom
1 a : dignity : office <dukedom> b : realm : jurisdiction <kingdom>
2 : state or fact of being <freedom>
3 : those having a (specified) office, occupation, interest, or character <officialdom>

Domagk
Gerhard 1895-1964 Ger. bacteriol.

domain
n. 1 a : complete and absolute ownership of land ― compare EMINENT DOMAIN b : land so owned
2 : a territory over which dominion is exercised
3 : a region distinctively marked by some physical feature <the domain of rushing streams, tall trees, and lakes>
4 : a sphere of knowledge, influence, or activity <the domain of art>
5 : the set of elements to which a mathematical or logical variable is limited specifically : the set on which a function is defined
6 : any of the small randomly oriented regions of uniform magnetization in a ferromagnetic substance
7 : INTEGRAL DOMAIN
8 : the highest taxonomic category in biological classification ranking above the kingdom
9 : any of the three-dimensional subunits of a protein that are formed by the folding of its linear peptide chain and that together make up its tertiary structure
10 : a subdivision of the Internet consisting of computers or sites usually with a common purpose (as providing commercial information) and denoted in Internet addresses by a unique abbreviation (as com or gov) also : DOMAIN NAME

domain
n. domain name
eminent domain
integral domain
public domain

domain name
: a sequence of usually alphanumeric characters (as Merriam-Webster.com) that specifies a group of online resources (as of a particular company or person) and that forms part of the corresponding Internet addresses

domaine
n. : a vineyard especially in Burgundy that makes and bottles wine from its own grapes

dome
n. 1 archaic : a stately building : MANSION
2 : a large hemispherical roof or ceiling
3 : a natural formation or structure that resembles the dome or cupola of a building
4 : a form of crystal composed of planes parallel to a lateral axis that meet above in a horizontal edge like a roof
5 : an upward fold in rock whose sides dip uniformly in all directions
6 : a roofed sports stadium
7 : a person's head
–dom·al \'dō-məl\ adjective

dome
n. transitive verb
1 : to cover with a dome
2 : to form into a dome
intransitive verb : to swell upward or outward like a dome

dome
n. double dome
onion dome
pleasure dome
salt dome
Clingmans Dome
Dome Puy de
Puy de Dome
onion domed

Dome, Puy de
mountain 4806 ft (1465 m) S cen France in Auvergne Mountains

Domenichino
1581-1641 Domenico Zam·pie·ri \ˌtsäm-pē-'er-ē, ˌzäm-\ Ital. painter

Domesday Book
: a record of a survey of English lands and landholdings made by order of William the Conqueror about 1086

domestic
n. 1 a : living near or about human habitations b : TAME, DOMESTICATED <the domestic cat>
2 : of, relating to, or originating within a country and especially one's own country <domestic politics> <domestic wines>
3 : of or relating to the household or the family <domestic chores> <domestic happiness>
4 : devoted to home duties and pleasures <leading a quietly domestic life>
5 : INDIGENOUS
–do·mes·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

domestic
n. 1 : a household servant
2 : an article of domestic manufacture ― usually used in plural

domestic
n. court of domestic relations
domestic animal
domestic partner
domestic partnership
domestic prelate
domestic relations court
domestic science
domestic shorthair
domestic violence
gross domestic product

domestic animal
: any of various animals (as the horse or sheep) domesticated so as to live and breed in a tame condition

domestic partner
1 : a company especially in a developing country that joins in a commercial venture with an international company
2 : either one of an unmarried heterosexual or homosexual cohabiting couple especially when considered as to eligibility for spousal benefits
–domestic partnership noun

domestic prelate
: a priest having permanent honorary membership in the papal household

domestic relations court
: COURT OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS

domestic science
: HOME ECONOMICS

domestic shorthair
: AMERICAN SHORTHAIR broadly : a short-haired domestic cat especially of unknown pedigree

domestic violence
: the inflicting of physical injury by one family or household member on another also : a repeated or habitual pattern of such behavior

domesticate
1 : to bring into domestic use : ADOPT
2 : to adapt (an animal or plant) to life in intimate association with and to the advantage of humans
3 : to make domestic : fit for domestic life
4 : to bring to the level of ordinary people
–do·mes·ti·ca·tion \-ˌmes-ti-'kā-shən\ noun

domesticate
v. : a domesticated animal or plant

domesticity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being domestic or domesticated
2 : domestic activities or life
3 plural : domestic affairs

domical
adj. : relating to, shaped like, or having a dome

domicile
n. 1 : a dwelling place : place of residence : HOME
2 a : a person's fixed, permanent, and principal home for legal purposes b : RESIDENCE 2B

domicile
n. : to establish in or provide with a domicile

domiciliary
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a domicile: as a : provided or taking place in the home b : providing care and living space (as for disabled veterans)

domiciliate
v. transitive verb : DOMICILE
intransitive verb : RESIDE
–do·mi·cil·i·a·tion \-ˌsi-lē-'ā-shən\ noun

dominance
n. 1 : the fact or state of being dominant: as a : dominant position especially in a social hierarchy b : the property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression of the other in the heterozygous condition c : the influence or control over ecological communities exerted by a dominant
2 : functional asymmetry between a pair of bodily structures (as the right and left hands)

dominant
n. 1 a : commanding, controlling, or prevailing over all others <the dominant culture> b : very important, powerful, or successful <a dominant theme> <a dominant industry>
2 : overlooking and commanding from a superior position <a dominant hill>
3 : of, relating to, or exerting ecological or genetic dominance
4 : being the one of a pair of bodily structures that is the more effective or predominant in action <dominant eye>
–dom·i·nant·ly adverb
synonyms DOMINANT, PREDOMINANT, PARAMOUNT, PREPONDERANT mean superior to all others in influence or importance. DOMINANT applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling <a dominant social class>. PREDOMINANT applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence <a predominant emotion>. PARAMOUNT implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction <unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign>. PREPONDERANT applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect <preponderant evidence in her favor>.

dominant
n. 1 : the fifth tone of a major or minor scale
2 a : a dominant genetic character or factor b : any of one or more kinds of organism (as a species) in an ecological community that exerts a controlling influence on the environment and thereby largely determines what other kinds of organisms are present c : a dominant individual in a social hierarchy

dominate
v. transitive verb
1 : RULE, CONTROL <an empire that dominated the world>
2 : to exert the supreme determining or guiding influence on <the ambition that has dominated his life>
3 : to overlook from a superior elevation or command because of superior height or position <a hill that dominates the town>
4 a : to be predominant in <sugar maples dominate the forest> b : to have a commanding or preeminent place or position in <name brands dominate the market>
intransitive verb
1 : to have or exert mastery, control, or preeminence
2 : to occupy a more elevated or superior position
–dom·i·na·tive \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–dom·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

domination
n. 1 : supremacy or preeminence over another
2 : exercise of mastery or ruling power
3 : exercise of preponderant, governing, or controlling influence
4 plural : DOMINION 3

dominatrix
n. : a woman who physically or psychologically dominates her partner in a sadomasochistic encounter broadly : a dominating woman

Domine, dirige nos
: Lord, direct us ― motto of the City of London

domineer
v. intransitive verb : to exercise arbitrary or overbearing control
transitive verb : to tyrannize over

domineering
adj. : inclined to exercise arbitrary and overbearing control over others
synonyms see MASTERFUL
–dom·i·neer·ing·ly adverb
–dom·i·neer·ing·ness noun

Domingo
n. Placido 1941-     Span. tenor

Dominic
n. Saint ca 1170-1221 Domingo de Guz·mán \güz-'män, güs-\ Span.-born founder of the Dominican order of friars

Dominica
n. island Brit. West Indies in the Lesser Antilles; a republic of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1978 capital Roseau area 289 sq mi (749 sq km), pop 71,242

dominical
adj. 1 : of or relating to Jesus Christ as Lord
2 : of or relating to the Lord's day

Dominican
n. : a member of a mendicant order of friars founded by St. Dominic in 1215 and dedicated especially to preaching
–Dominican adjective

Dominican Republic
country W. Indies on E Hispaniola; a republic capital Santo Domingo area 18,657 sq mi (48,322 sq km), pop 8,533,744
–Dominican adjective or noun

dominicker
: DOMINIQUE

dominie
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : SCHOOLMASTER
2 : CLERGYMAN

dominion
n. 1 : DOMAIN
2 : supreme authority : SOVEREIGNTY
3 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
4 often capitalized : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as chief of state
5 : absolute ownership
synonyms see POWER

Dominion Day
: CANADA DAY

dominique
: any of a U.S. breed of domestic chickens with a rose comb, yellow legs, and barred plumage

domino
n. 1 a (1) : a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume (2) : a half mask worn over the eyes with a masquerade costume b : a person wearing a domino
2 a : a flat rectangular block (as of wood or plastic) whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear usually from one to six dots arranged as on dice faces b plural but usually singular in construction : any of several games played with a set of usually 28 dominoes
3 : a member of a group (as of nations) expected to behave in accordance with the domino theory

domino effect
: a cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events ― compare RIPPLE EFFECT

domino theory
1 : a theory that if one nation becomes Communist-controlled the neighboring nations will also become Communist-controlled
2 : the theory that if one act or event is allowed to take place a series of similar acts or events will follow

Dominus vobiscum
: the Lord be with you

Domitian
A.D. 51-96 Titus Flavius Domitianus Rom. emp. (81-96)

domoic acid
: a neurotoxin C_15H_21NO_6 that is produced by some diatoms (esp. genus Pseudonitzchia) and has caused poisoning in vertebrates (as sea lions, birds, and humans) that have consumed diatom-contaminated fish or shellfish

Don
n. director of nursing

Don
n. river 1224 mi (1969 km) Russia in Europe flowing SE & then SW into Sea of Azov

don
n. 1 : to put on (an article of clothing)
2 : to wrap oneself in : TAKE ON 3A

don
n. 1 : a Spanish nobleman or gentleman ― used as a title prefixed to the Christian name
2 archaic : a person of consequence : GRANDEE
3 : a head, tutor, or fellow in a college of Oxford or Cambridge University broadly : a college or university professor
4 [Italian, title of respect, from donno, literally, lord, from Latin dominus] : a powerful Mafia leader

don
n. Don Juan
Don Juanism
Don Quixote
Rostov on Don

Don Juan
1 : a legendary Spaniard proverbial for his seduction of women
2 : a captivating man known as a great lover or seducer of women
–Don Juan·ism \-'(h)wän-ˌi-zəm, -'jü-ə-ˌni-\ noun

Don Quixote
: an impractical idealist

don't
n. 1 : do not
2 : does not
usage Don't is the earliest attested contraction of does not and until about 1900 was the standard spoken form in the U.S. (it survived as spoken standard longer in British English). Dialect surveys find it more common in the speech of the less educated than in that of the educated; in those places (as the Midland and southern Atlantic seaboard regions) where it has lasted in educated speech, it is most common with older informants. Surveys of attitudes toward usage show it more widely disapproved in 1971 than it had been 40 years earlier. Its chief use in edited prose is in fiction for purposes of characterization. It is sometimes used consciously, like ain't, to gain an informal effect.

don't
n. : a command or entreaty not to do something <a list of dos and don'ts>

dona
n. : a Portuguese or Brazilian woman of rank ― used as a title prefixed to the Christian name

dona
n. : a Spanish woman of rank ― used as a title prefixed to the Christian name

donate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make a gift of especially : to contribute to a public or charitable cause
2 : to transfer (as electrons) to another atom or molecule
intransitive verb : to make a donation
synonyms see GIVE

Donatello
1386?-1466 Donato de Betto di Bardi Florentine sculptor

donation
n. : the act or an instance of donating: as a : the making of a gift especially to a charity or public institution b : a free contribution : GIFT

Donatism
n. : the doctrines of a Christian sect arising in No. Africa in 311 and holding that sanctity is essential for the administration of sacraments and church membership
–Do·na·tist \-tist\ noun

donative
adj. : a special gift or donation

donative
adj. : of or relating to donation

donator
n. : DONOR

Donau
― see DANUBE

Doncaster
town N England in S. Yorkshire pop 81,610

done
adj. past part of do

done
adj. 1 : arrived at or brought to an end <one more question and we're done>
2 : doomed to failure, defeat, or death
3 : gone by : OVER <the day of the circus big top is done>
4 : physically exhausted
5 : cooked sufficiently <check to see if the meat is done>
6 : conformable to social convention <not the done thing>

done
adj. done deal
done for
have done with
have done
well done

done deal
: FAIT ACCOMPLI <thought the trade was a done deal>

done for
1 : sunk in defeat : BEATEN
2 : mortally stricken : DOOMED

donee
n. : a recipient of a gift

Donegal
county NW Ireland (republic) in Ulster capital Lifford area 1865 sq mi (4849 sq km), pop 137,575

Donegal Bay
inlet of the Atlantic NW Ireland

doneness
n. : the condition of being cooked to the desired degree

Donets
river over 630 mi (1014 km) SE Ukraine & SW Russia in Europe flowing SE into Don River

Donets Basin
region E Ukraine SW of the Donets

Donetsk
city E Ukraine in Donets Basin pop 1,121,000

dong
n. usually vulgar : PENIS

dong
n. ― see MONEY table

dong
n. ding dong
dong quai

dong quai
: the root of an Asian angelica (Angelica sinensis) used especially in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, and laxative also : an extract or preparation of dong quai

Dongen
Kees van 1877-1968 orig. Cornelis Theodorus Maria Dongen Fr. (Du.-born) painter

dongle
n. : a small device that plugs into a computer and serves as an adapter or as a security measure to enable the use of certain software

Donitz
Karl 1891-1980 Ger. admiral

Donizetti
Gaetano 1797-1848 Ital. composer
–Don·i·zet·ti·an \-'ze-tē-ən\ adjective

donjon
n. : a massive inner tower in a medieval castle ― see CASTLE illustration

donkey
n. 1 : the domestic ass (Equus asinus)
2 : a stupid or obstinate person

donkey
n. donkey engine
donkey jacket
donkey's years

donkey engine
1 : a small usually portable auxiliary engine
2 : a small locomotive used in switching

donkey jacket
British : a jacket of heavy material worn especially by laborers

donkey's years
chiefly British : a very long time

donkeywork
n. : monotonous and routine work : DRUDGERY

donna
n. : an Italian woman especially of rank ― used as a title prefixed to the given name

Donne
John 1572-1631 Eng. poet & clergyman
–Donn·ean or Donn·ian \'də-nē-ən, 'dä-\ adjective

donnee
: the set of assumptions on which a work of fiction or drama proceeds

Donner Pass
mountain pass ab 7090 ft (2160 m) E Calif. in Sierra Nevada

donnicker
: TOILET 3A

donnish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a university don
–don·nish·ly adverb
–don·nish·ness noun

Donnybrook
n. city E Ireland in Leinster, SE suburb of Dublin

donnybrook
n. 1 : FREE-FOR-ALL, BRAWL
2 : a usually public quarrel or dispute

donor
n. 1 : one that gives, donates, or presents something
2 : one used as a source of biological material (as blood or an organ)
3 a : a compound capable of giving up a part (as an atom, chemical group, or subatomic particle) for combination with an acceptor b : an impurity added to a semiconductor to increase the number of mobile electrons

Donostia-San Sebastian
seaport N Spain capital of Guipúzcoa province pop 178,377

Donovan
n. William Joseph 1883-1959 Wild Bill American lawyer & gen.

donsie
1 dialect British : UNLUCKY
2 Scottish a : RESTIVE b : SAUCY
3 chiefly northern Midland : slightly ill

donut
n. variant of doughnut

doo
doo doo
in deep doo doo
doo wop
whoop de doo
Chun Doo Hwan

doo-doo
: FECES
–in deep doo-doo : in trouble

doo-wop
: a vocal style of rock and roll characterized by the a cappella singing of nonsense syllables in rhythmical support of the melody

doobie
n. slang : a marijuana cigarette : JOINT

doodad
n. 1 : an ornamental attachment or decoration
2 : an often small article whose common name is unknown or forgotten : GADGET

doodle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a doodle
2 : DAWDLE, TRIFLE
transitive verb : to produce by doodling
–doo·dler \'düd-lər, 'dü-dəl-ər\ noun

doodle
n. : an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch also : a minor work

doodlebug
n. 1 : the larva of an ant lion also : any of several other insects
2 : a device (as a divining rod) used in attempting to locate underground gas, water, oil, or ores
3 : BUZZ BOMB

doodley-squat
: DIDDLY-SQUAT

doofus
n. slang : a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person

doohickey
n. : DOODAD 2

Doolittle
James Harold 1896-1993 American aviator & gen.

doom
n. 1 : a law or ordinance especially in Anglo-Saxon England
2 a : JUDGMENT, DECISION especially : a judicial condemnation or sentence b (1) : JUDGMENT 3A (2) : JUDGMENT DAY 1
3 a : DESTINY especially : unhappy destiny b : DEATH, RUIN
synonyms see FATE

doom
n. 1 : to give judgment against : CONDEMN
2 a : to fix the fate of : DESTINE <felt he was doomed to a life of loneliness> b : to make certain the failure or destruction of <the scandal doomed her chances for election>

doomful
: presaging doom : OMINOUS <doomful predictions>
–doom·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

doomsayer
n. : one given to forebodings and predictions of impending calamity
–doom·say·ing \-ˌsā-iŋ\ noun

doomsday
n. 1 : a day of final judgment
2 : a time of catastrophic destruction and death

doomsdayer
: DOOMSAYER

doomster
n. 1 : JUDGE
2 : DOOMSAYER

doomy
adj. : suggestive of doom : DOOMFUL
–doom·i·ly \'dü-mi-lē\ adverb

door
n. 1 : a usually swinging or sliding barrier by which an entry is closed and opened also : a similar part of a piece of furniture
2 : DOORWAY
3 : a means of access or participation : OPPORTUNITY <opens new doors> <door to success>
–door·less \-ləs\ adjective
–at one's door : as a charge against one as being responsible <laid the blame at our door>

door
n. close the door
closed door
at death's door
at one's door
door prize
door to door
double door
Dutch door
foot in the door
French door
next door
next door to
open door
out of door
revolving door
show one the door
storm door
trap door spider
Door Peninsula
close one's doors
out of doors

Door Peninsula
peninsula E Wis. bet. Green Bay & Lake Michigan

door prize
: a prize awarded to the holder of a winning ticket passed out at the entrance to an entertainment or function

door-to-door
: going or made by going to each house in a neighborhood <door-to-door salespeople> <a door-to-door canvass>
–door-to-door adverb

doorbell
n. : a bell or set of chimes to be rung usually by a push button at an outer door

doorjamb
n. : an upright piece forming the side of a door opening

doorkeeper
n. : a person who tends a door

doorknob
n. : a knob that releases a door latch

doorman
n. : a usually uniformed attendant at the door of a building (as a hotel or apartment building)

doormat
n. 1 : a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes
2 : one that submits without protest to abuse or indignities
3 : a team that regularly finishes last

doornail
n. : a large-headed nail ― used chiefly in the phrase dead as a doornail

Doornik
― see TOURNAI

doorplate
n. : a nameplate on a door

doorpost
n. : DOORJAMB

doorsill
n. : SILL 1B

doorstep
n. : a step before an outer door
–on one's doorstep : close at hand especially : too close to be overlooked

doorstop
n. 1 : a usually rubber-tipped device attached to a wall or floor to prevent damaging contact between an opened door and the wall
2 : a device (as a wedge or weight) for holding a door open

doorway
n. 1 : the opening that a door closes especially : an entrance into a building or room
2 : DOOR 3

dooryard
n. : a yard next to the door of a house

doozy
n. : an extraordinary one of its kind

dopa
n. : a phenolic amino acid C_9H_11NO_4 occurring naturally (as in broad beans) or prepared synthetically (as from tyrosine) ― compare L-DOPA

dopamine
n. : a monoamine C_8H_11NO_2 that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and that occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain

dopaminergic
adj. : liberating, activated by, or involving dopamine or related substances

dopant
n. : an impurity added usually in minute amounts to a pure substance to alter its properties (as conductivity)

dope
n. 1 a : a thick liquid or pasty preparation b : a preparation for giving a desired quality to a substance or surface
2 : absorbent or adsorbent material used in various manufacturing processes (as the making of dynamite)
3 a (1) : an illicit, habit-forming, or narcotic drug especially : MARIJUANA (2) : a preparation given to a racehorse to help or hinder its performance b chiefly Southern : a cola drink c : a stupid person
4 : information especially from a reliable source <the inside dope>

dope
n. transitive verb
1 : to treat or affect with dope especially : to give a narcotic to
2 : FIGURE OUT ― usually used with out
3 : to treat with a dopant
intransitive verb : to take dope
–dop·er noun

dope
n. slang : EXCELLENT ― used as a generalized term of approval

dopehead
: a drug addict

dopester
n. : a forecaster of the outcome of future events (as sports contests or elections)

dopey
adj. 1 a : dulled by alcohol or a narcotic b : SLUGGISH, STUPEFIED
2 : STUPID, FATUOUS <dopey sitcoms>
–dop·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–dop·i·ness noun

doping
n. : the use of a substance (as an anabolic steroid or erythropoietin) or technique (as blood doping) to illegally improve athletic performance

doppelganger
n. 1 : a ghostly counterpart of a living person
2 a : DOUBLE 2A b : ALTER EGO B c : a person who has the same name as another

Doppler
n. : of, relating to, being, or utilizing a shift in frequency in accordance with the Doppler effect also : of or relating to Doppler radar

Doppler
n. Christian Johann 1803-1853 Austrian physicist

Doppler effect
: a change in the frequency with which waves (as of sound or light) from a given source reach an observer when the source and the observer are in motion with respect to each other so that the frequency increases or decreases according to the speed at which the distance is decreasing or increasing

Doppler radar
: a radar system that utilizes the Doppler effect for measuring velocity

Dorado
n. city N Puerto Rico pop 34,017

dorado
n. : MAHIMAHI

Dorati
An·tal \'än-ˌtäl\ 1906-1988 American (Hung.-born) conductor

Dorcas
n. : a Christian woman of New Testament times who made clothing for the poor

Dorchester
town S England capital of Dorset pop 14,049

Dordogne
river 293 mi (471 km) SW France flowing SW & W to unite with the Garonne forming the Gironde Estuary

Dordrecht
commune SW Netherlands in S. Holland on the Meuse pop 120,222

Dore
(Paul-) Gustave 1832-1883 Fr. illustrator & painter

Dore, Monts
mountain group S cen France in Auvergne Mountains ― see SANCY (Puy de)

Dorgeles
Roland 1886-1973 Fr. nov.

Dorian
n. : a member of an ancient Hellenic race that completed the overthrow of Mycenaean civilization and settled especially in the Peloponnisos and Crete
–Dorian adjective

Doric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Dorians
2 : belonging to the oldest and simplest Greek architectural order ― see ORDER illustration
3 : of, relating to, or constituting Doric

Doric
adj. : a dialect of ancient Greek spoken especially in the Peloponnisos, Crete, Sicily, and southern Italy

Doris
n. 1 ancient country cen Greece bet. Oeta Mountains & Mt. Parnassus
2 ancient district SW Asia Minor on coast of Caria

dork
n. slang : NERD also : JERK 4A

dorky
adj. slang : foolishly stupid : CLUELESS
–dork·i·ness noun

dorm
n. : DORMITORY

dormancy
n. : the quality or state of being dormant

dormant
adj. 1 : represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws
2 : marked by a suspension of activity: as a : temporarily devoid of external activity <a dormant volcano> b : temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated
3 a : ASLEEP, INACTIVE b : having the faculties suspended : SLUGGISH c : having biological activity suspended: as (1) : being in a state of suspended animation (2) : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment ― used of plant parts
4 : associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy <dormant grafting>
synonyms see LATENT

dormer
n. : a window set vertically in a structure projecting through a sloping roof also : the roofed structure containing such a window
–dor·mered \-mərd\ adjective

dormie
adj. : being ahead by as many holes in golf as remain to be played in match play

dormitory
n. 1 : a room for sleeping especially : a large room containing numerous beds
2 : a residence hall providing rooms for individuals or for groups usually without private baths
3 chiefly British : a residential community inhabited chiefly by commuters

dormouse
n. : any of numerous small Old World rodents (esp. family Myoxidae) that are intermediate in form and behavior between mice and squirrels

dornick
: a stone small enough to throw also : a large piece of rock

Dornier
Claudius 1884-1969 Ger. airplane builder

Dornoch
royal burgh N Scotland N of Inverness

doronicum
: any of a genus (Doronicum) of Eurasian perennial composite herbs including several cultivated for their showy yellow flower heads

dorp
n. : VILLAGE

Dorpat
― see TARTU

Dorr
n. Thomas Wilson 1805-1854 American lawyer & polit.

dors
n. 1 : back <dorsad>
2 : dorsal and <dorsolateral>

dorsad
adv. : toward the back : DORSALLY

dorsal
adj. variant of dossal

dorsal
adj. 1 : relating to or situated near or on the back especially of an animal or of one of its parts
2 : ABAXIAL
–dor·sal·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb

dorsal
adj. : a dorsally located part especially : a thoracic vertebra

dorsal lip
: the margin of the fold of blastula wall that delineates the dorsal limit of the blastopore, constitutes the primary organizer, and forms the point of origin of chordamesoderm

dorsal root
: the one of the two roots of a spinal nerve that passes dorsally to the spinal cord and consists of sensory fibers

Dorset
n. : any of a breed of domestic white-faced sheep orig. developed in Dorset, England

Dorset
n. 1st Earl of ― see Thomas SACKVILLE

Dorset
n. county S England capital Dorchester area 1062 sq mi (2750 sq km), pop 645,200

dorsiventral
adj. 1 : having distinct dorsal and ventral surfaces
2 : DORSOVENTRAL 1
–dor·si·ven·tral·i·ty \-ven-'tra-lə-tē\ noun
–dor·si·ven·tral·ly \-'ven-trə-lē\ adverb

dorsolateral
adj. : of, relating to, or involving both the back and the sides

dorsoventral
adj. 1 : relating to, involving, or extending along the axis joining the dorsal and ventral sides
2 : DORSIVENTRAL 1
–dor·so·ven·tral·i·ty \-ven-'tra-lə-tē\ noun
–dor·so·ven·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

dorsum
n. 1 : the upper surface of an appendage or part
2 : BACK especially : the entire dorsal surface of an animal

Dortmund
city W Germany in the Ruhr pop 601,007

dory
n. : a flat-bottomed boat with high flaring sides, sharp bow, and deep V-shaped transom

dory
n. hunky dory
John Dory
John Dories

DOS
disk operating system

dos
plural of 2do

dos
do si dos
to dos
Dos Passos
Lagoa dos Patos
Patos Lagoa dos

Dos Passos
John Roderigo 1896-1970 American writer

dosage
n. 1 a : the addition of an ingredient or the application of an agent in a measured dose b : the presence and relative representation or strength of a factor or agent
2 a : DOSE 2 b (1) : the giving of a dose (2) : regulation or determination of doses
3 : an exposure to some experience in or as if in measured portions

dose
n. 1 a : the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time b : the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2 : a portion of a substance added during a process
3 : an amount of something likened to a prescribed or measured quantity of medicine <a daily dose of hard work> <a dose of scandal>
4 : a gonorrheal infection

dose
n. 1 : to give a dose to especially : to give medicine to
2 : to divide (as a medicine) into doses
3 : to treat with an application or agent

dosimeter
n. : a device for measuring doses of radiations (as X rays)
–do·si·met·ric \ˌdō-sə-'me-trik\ adjective
–do·sim·e·try \dō-'si-mə-trē\ noun

doss
n. chiefly British : to sleep or bed down in a convenient place ― usually used with down

doss
n. chiefly British : a crude or makeshift bed

doss-house
chiefly British : a cheap rooming house or hotel

dossal
n. : an ornamental cloth hung behind and above an altar

dossier
n. : a file containing detailed records on a particular person or subject

dost
v. archaic present 2d singular of do

Dostoyevsky
n. Fyodor Mikhaylovich 1821-1881 Russ. nov.
–Dos·to·yev·ski·an or Dos·to·ev·ski·an \-skē-ən\ adjective

DOT
n. Department of Transportation

dot
n. 1 : a small spot : SPECK
2 : a small round mark: as a (1) : a small point made with a pointed instrument <a dot on the chart marked the ship's position> (2) : a small round mark used in orthography or punctuation <put a dot over the i> b : a centered point used as a multiplication sign (as in 6 · 5 = 30) c (1) : a point after a note or rest in music indicating augmentation of the time value by one half (2) : a point over or under a note indicating that it is to be played staccato
3 : a precise point especially in time <arrived at six on the dot>
4 : a short click or buzz forming a letter or part of a letter (as in the Morse code)

dot
n. transitive verb
1 : to mark with a dot
2 : to intersperse with dots or objects scattered at random <boats dotting the lake>
intransitive verb : to make a dot
–dot·ter noun

dot
n. : DOWRY 2

dot
n. dot com
dot commer
dot matrix
dot product
polka dot
connect the dots
dotted swiss
polka dotted

dot matrix
: a pattern of dots in a grid from which alphanumeric characters can be formed <a dot matrix printer>

dot product
: SCALAR PRODUCT

dot-com
: a company that markets its products or services usually exclusively online via a Web site

dot-commer
: a person who owns or works for a dot-com

dotage
n. : a state or period of senile decay marked by decline of mental poise and alertness

dotal
adj. : of or relating to a woman's marriage dowry

dotard
n. : a person in his or her dotage

dote
v. 1 : to exhibit mental decline of or like that of old age : be in one's dotage
2 : to be lavish or excessive in one's attention, fondness, or affection ― usually used with on <doted on her only grandchild>
–dot·er noun
–dot·ing·ly \'dō-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

doth
v. archaic present 3d singular of do

Dothan
city SE Ala. pop 57,737

dotted swiss
: a sheer light muslin ornamented with evenly spaced raised dots

dotterel
n. : a Eurasian plover (Eudromias morinellus) formerly common in England also : any of various related plovers chiefly of eastern Asia, Australia, and So. America

dottle
n. : unburned and partially burned tobacco in the bowl of a pipe

dotty
adj. 1 a : mentally unbalanced : CRAZY b : amiably eccentric <a dotty old relative>
2 : being obsessed or infatuated <dotty fans>
3 : amusingly absurd : RIDICULOUS <dotty traditions>
–dot·ti·ly \'dä-təl-ē\ adverb
–dot·ti·ness \'dä-tē-nəs\ noun

dotty
adj. : composed of or marked by dots

Dou
Gerrit or Gerard 1613-1675 Du. painter

Douai
n. city N France S of Lille pop 42,812

Douala
city & port SW Cameroon on Bight of Biafra pop 810,000

Douay Version
v. : an English translation of the Vulgate used by Roman Catholics

double
n. 1 : having a twofold relation or character : DUAL
2 : consisting of two usually combined members or parts <an egg with a double yolk>
3 a : being twice as great or as many <double the number of expected applicants> b of a coin : worth two of the specified amount <a double eagle> <a double crown>
4 : marked by duplicity : DECEITFUL
5 : folded in two
6 : of extra size, strength, or value <a double martini>
7 : having more than the normal number of floral leaves often at the expense of the sporophylls
8 of rhyme : involving correspondence of two syllables (as in exciting and inviting)
9 : designed for the use of two persons <a double room> <a double bed>
–dou·ble·ness noun

double
n. transitive verb
1 : to make twice as great or as many: as a : to increase by adding an equal amount b : to amount to twice the number of c : to make a call in bridge that increases the value of odd tricks or undertricks at (an opponent's bid)
2 a : to bend or fold (as a sheet of paper) usually in the middle so that one part lies directly against the other part b : CLENCH <doubled his fist> c : to cause to stoop
3 : to avoid by doubling : ELUDE
4 a : to replace in a dramatic role b : to play (dramatic roles) by doubling
5 a (1) : to advance or score (a base runner) by a double (2) : to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a double b : to put out (a base runner) in completing a double play
intransitive verb
1 a : to become twice as much or as many b : to double a bid (as in bridge)
2 a : to turn sharply and suddenly especially : to turn back on one's course <the rabbit doubled back on its tracks> b : to follow a circuitous course
3 : to become bent or folded usually in the middle ― usually used with up <she doubled up in pain>
4 a : to serve an additional purpose or perform an additional duty b : to play a dramatic role as a double
5 : to make a double in baseball
–dou·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

double
n. 1 : to twice the extent or amount
2 : two together <some people sleep better double and some single ― Morris Fishbein>
3 : downward and forward from the usual position <he was bent double with pain>

double
n. 1 : something twice the usual size, strength, speed, quantity, or value: as a : a double amount b : a base hit that enables the batter to reach second base
2 : one that is the counterpart of another : DUPLICATE: as a : a living person that closely resembles another living person b : WRAITH c (1) : UNDERSTUDY (2) : one who resembles an actor and takes his or her place especially in scenes calling for special skills (3) : an actor who plays more than one role in a production
3 a : a sharp turn (as in running) : REVERSAL b : an evasive shift
4 : something consisting of two paired members: as a : FOLD b : a combined bet placed on two different contests c : two consecutive strikes in bowling
5 plural : a game between two pairs of players
6 : an act of doubling in a card game
7 : a room (as in a hotel) for two guests ― compare SINGLE 4
–on the double : very quickly : RIGHT AWAY

double
n. double bassoon
double vision
body double
daily double
on the double
double agent
double bar
double barrel
double barreled
double bass
double bassist
double bill
double bind
double blind
double bogey
double boiler
double bond
double breasted
double check
double clutch
double crested cormorant
double crop
double cross
double crosser
double dagger
double date
double dealing
double dealer
double deck
double decked
double decker
double digit
double dipper
double dipping
double dome
double door
double double
double dribble
double Dutch
double eagle
double edged
double edged sword
double ended
double ender
double entendre
double entendres
double entry
double faced
double face
double fault
double feature
double fertilization
double genitive
double possessive
double glazing
Double Gloucester
double helix
double helical
double hung
double hyphen
double indemnity
double jeopardy
double jointed
double knit
double negative
double park
double play
double pneumonia
double prime
double quick
double reed
double refraction
double ring
double salt
double space
double standard
double star
double stop
double sugar
double take
double talk
double talker
double team
Double Ten
double time
double tongue
double u
double up
double whammy
double wide
takeout double
triple double
twin double

double agent
: a spy pretending to serve one government while actually serving another

double bar
: two adjacent vertical lines or a heavy single line separating principal sections of a musical composition

double bass
: the largest and lowest-pitched of the stringed instruments tuned in fourths
–double bass·ist \-'bā-sist\ noun

double bassoon
: CONTRABASSOON

double bill
: a bill (as at a theater) offering two principal features

double bind
: a psychological predicament in which a person receives from a single source conflicting messages that allow no appropriate response to be made broadly : DILEMMA 2

double bogey
: a golf score of two strokes over par on a hole
–double-bogey transitive verb

double boiler
: a cooking utensil consisting of two saucepans fitting together so that the contents of the upper can be cooked or heated by boiling water in the lower

double bond
: a chemical bond in which two pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms in a molecule ― compare SINGLE BOND, TRIPLE BOND

double check
: a careful checking to determine accuracy, condition, or progress especially of something already checked

double cross
1 a : an act of winning or trying to win a fight or match after agreeing to lose it b : an act of betraying or cheating an associate
2 : a cross between first-generation hybrids of four separate inbred lines (as in the production of hybrid seed corn)

double dagger
: the character 87 used as a reference mark ― called also diesis

double date
: a date participated in by two couples
–dou·ble-date intransitive verb

double door
: an opening with two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the opening when closed ― compare DUTCH DOOR

double dribble
: an illegal action in basketball made when a player dribbles the ball with two hands simultaneously or continues to dribble after allowing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands

double Dutch
1 : unintelligible language
2 : the jumping of two jump ropes rotating in opposite directions simultaneously

double eagle
: a golf score of three strokes less than par on a hole
–double-eagle transitive verb

double entendre
1 : ambiguity of meaning arising from language that lends itself to more than one interpretation
2 : a word or expression capable of two interpretations with one usually risqué

double entry
: a method of bookkeeping that recognizes both sides of a business transaction by debiting the amount of the transaction to one account and crediting it to another account so the total debits equal the total credits

double fault
: two consecutive serving faults in tennis that result in the loss of a point
–dou·ble-fault \ˌdə-bəl-'fȯlt\ intransitive verb

double feature
: a movie program with two main films

double fertilization
: fertilization characteristic of seed plants in which one sperm nucleus fuses with the egg nucleus to form an embryo and another fuses with polar nuclei to form endosperm

double genitive
: a syntactic construction in English in which possession is marked both by the preposition of and a noun or pronoun in the possessive case (as in “A friend of Bob's is a friend of mine”) ― called also double possessive

double glazing
: two layers of glass set in a window to reduce heat flow in either direction

Double Gloucester
: a firm mild orange-colored English cheese similar to cheddar

double helix
: a helix or spiral consisting of two strands in the surface of a cylinder that coil around its axis especially : the structural arrangement of DNA in space that consists of paired polynucleotide strands stabilized by cross-links between purine and pyrimidine bases ― compare ALPHA-HELIX, WATSON-CRICK MODEL
–dou·ble-he·li·cal \-'he-li-kəl, -'hē-\ adjective

double hyphen
: a punctuation mark used in place of a hyphen at the end of a line to indicate that the word so divided is normally hyphenated

double indemnity
: a provision in a life-insurance or accident policy whereby the company agrees to pay twice the face of the contract in case of accidental death

double jeopardy
1 : the putting of a person on trial for an offense for which he or she has previously been put on trial under a valid charge : two adjudications for one offense
2 : considerable danger or trouble from two sources

double knit
: a knitted fabric (as wool) made with a double set of needles to produce a double thickness of fabric with each thickness joined by interlocking stitches also : an article of clothing made of such fabric

double negative
: a now nonstandard syntactic construction containing two negatives and having a negative meaning <“I didn't hear nothing” is a double negative>

double play
: a play in baseball by which two players are put out

double pneumonia
: pneumonia affecting both lungs

double prime
: the symbol ˝ used to distinguish arbitrary characters (as a, a′, and a˝), to indicate a specific unit (as inches), or to indicate the second derivative of a function (as p˝ or f˝(x)) ― compare PRIME 7

double reed
: two reeds bound together with a slight separation between them so that air passing through them causes them to beat against one another and that are used as a sound-producing device in certain woodwind instruments (as members of the oboe family)

double refraction
: BIREFRINGENCE

double salt
: a salt (as an alum) yielding on hydrolysis two different cations or anions

double standard
1 : BIMETALLISM
2 : a set of principles that applies differently and usually more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another especially : a code of morals that applies more severe standards of sexual behavior to women than to men

double star
1 : BINARY STAR
2 : two stars in very nearly the same line of sight but actually physically separate

double sugar
: DISACCHARIDE

double take
: a delayed reaction to a surprising or significant situation after an initial failure to notice anything unusual ― usually used in the phrase do a double take

Double Ten
: October 10 observed by the Republic of China in commemoration of the revolution of 1911

double time
1 : a marching cadence of 180 30-inch steps per minute
2 : payment of a worker at twice the regular wage rate

double up
: to share accommodations designed for one

double vision
: DIPLOPIA

double whammy
: a combination of two usually adverse forces, circumstances, or effects

double-barrel
: a double-barreled gun

double-barreled
1 of a firearm : having two barrels mounted side by side or one beneath the other
2 : TWOFOLD especially : having a double purpose <asked a double-barreled question>

double-blind
: of, relating to, or being an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects nor the experimenters know the identity of the individuals in the test and control groups during the actual course of the experiments ― compare OPEN-LABEL, SINGLE-BLIND

double-breasted
1 : having one half of the front lapped over the other and usually a double row of buttons and a single row of buttonholes <a double-breasted coat>
2 : having a double-breasted coat <a double-breasted suit>

double-check
: to subject to a double check <an article double-checked for accuracy>
intransitive verb : to make a double check

double-clutch
: to shift gears in an automotive vehicle by shifting into neutral and pumping the clutch before shifting to another gear

double-crested cormorant
: a No. American cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) of which the breeding adults have a tuft of feathers on each side of the head

double-crop
: to grow two or more crops on the same land in the same season or at the same time
transitive verb : to grow (a crop) by double-cropping <double-crop soybeans with wheat>

double-cross
: to deceive by double-dealing : BETRAY
–dou·ble-cross·er noun

double-dealing
: action contradictory to a professed attitude : DUPLICITY
synonyms see DECEPTION
–dou·ble-deal·er \-'dē-lər\ noun

double-dealing
: given to or marked by duplicity

double-deck
: having two decks, levels, or layers <a double-deck bus> <a double-deck sandwich>

double-decker
: something that is double-deck <a double-decker bus>

double-digit
: amounting to 10 percent or more <double-digit inflation> <double-digit price increases>

double-dipper
: a person who collects both a government pension and a government salary
–dou·ble-dip·ping \-piŋ\ noun

double-dome
: INTELLECTUAL

double-double
: an instance of a player's accumulating a total of 10 or more in two statistical categories (as points and rebounds) in one basketball game

double-edged
1 : having two cutting edges <a double-edged knife>
2 a : having two components or aspects <a spy with a double-edged mission> b : capable of being taken in two ways <a double-edged remark>

double-edged sword
: something that has or can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences <freedom of expression⋯can be a double-edged sword ― Linda Connors>

double-ended
: similar at both ends <a double-ended bolt>

double-ender
: a ship or boat with bow and stern of similar shape

double-faced
1 : HYPOCRITICAL, TWO-FACED
2 a : having two faces or sides designed for use <a double-faced bookshelf> b also dou·ble-face \-'fās\ : finished on both sides : REVERSIBLE ― used of fabric

double-hung
of a window : having an upper and a lower sash that can slide vertically past each other

double-jointed
: having a joint that permits an exceptional degree of freedom of motion of the parts joined

double-park
: to park (a vehicle) beside a row of vehicles already parked parallel to the curb
intransitive verb : to double-park a vehicle

double-quick
: DOUBLE TIME 1 broadly : a rapid pace
–double-quick adjective or adverb

double-ring
: of or relating to a wedding ceremony in which each partner ceremonially gives the other a wedding ring while reciting vows

double-space
: to type (text) leaving alternate lines blank
intransitive verb : to type on every other line

double-stop
: to produce two or more tones simultaneously on (as a violin)
–double-stop noun

double-talk
1 : language that appears to be earnest and meaningful but in fact is a mixture of sense and nonsense
2 : inflated, involved, and often deliberately ambiguous language
–dou·ble-talk intransitive verb
–dou·ble-talk·er noun

double-team
: to block or guard (an opponent) with two players at one time
–double-team noun

double-time
: to move at double time

double-tongue
: to cause the tongue to alternate rapidly between the positions for t and k so as to produce a fast succession of detached notes on a wind instrument

double-u
: the letter w

double-wide
: a mobile home consisting of two units that have been fastened together along their length

Doubleday
Abner 1819-1893 American soldier & reputed inventor of baseball

doublehanded
adj. : having, requiring, or suitable for two sailors <a doublehanded dinghy> also : involving boats each manned by two sailors <a doublehanded race>

doubleheader
n. 1 : a train pulled by two locomotives
2 : two games, contests, or events held consecutively on the same program

doublespeak
v. : language used to deceive usually through concealment or misrepresentation of truth also : GOBBLEDYGOOK
–dou·ble·speak·er \-ˌspē-kər\ noun

doublet
n. 1 : a man's close-fitting jacket worn in Europe especially during the Renaissance
2 : something consisting of two identical or similar parts: as a : a lens consisting of two components especially : a handheld magnifier consisting of two lenses in a metal cylinder b : a spectrum line having two close components c : a domino with the same number of spots on each end
3 : a set of two identical or similar things: as a : two thrown dice with the same number of spots on the upper face b : one of nine pairs of microtubules found in cilia and flagella
4 : one of a pair specifically : one of two or more words (as guard and ward) in the same language derived by different routes of transmission from the same source

doublethink
n. : a simultaneous belief in two contradictory ideas

doubleton
n. : two cards that are the only ones of their suit orig. dealt to a player ― compare SINGLETON 1 VOID 4

doubloon
n. : an old gold coin of Spain and Spanish America

doubly
adv. 1 : in a twofold manner
2 : to twice the degree <doubly glad> <doubly frustrating>

doubt
n. transitive verb
1 archaic a : FEAR b : SUSPECT
2 : to be in doubt about <he doubts everyone's word>
3 a : to lack confidence in : DISTRUST <find myself doubting him even when I know that he is honest ― H. L. Mencken> b : to consider unlikely <I doubt if I can go>
intransitive verb : to be uncertain
–doubt·able \'dau̇-tə-bəl\ adjective
–doubt·er noun
–doubt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

doubt
n. 1 a : uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making b : a deliberate suspension of judgment
2 : a state of affairs giving rise to uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense <the outcome is still in doubt>
3 a : a lack of confidence : DISTRUST <has doubts about his abilities> b : an inclination not to believe or accept <a claim met with doubt>
synonyms see UNCERTAINTY
–no doubt : 1DOUBTLESS

doubt
n. no doubt
self doubt
doubting Thomas

doubtful
adj. 1 : giving rise to doubt : open to question <it is doubtful that they ever knew what happened>
2 a : lacking a definite opinion, conviction, or determination <they were doubtful about the advantages of the new system> b : uncertain in outcome : UNDECIDED <the outcome of the election remains doubtful>
3 : marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity <of doubtful repute>
–doubt·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–doubt·ful·ness noun
synonyms DOUBTFUL, DUBIOUS, PROBLEMATIC, QUESTIONABLE mean not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something. DOUBTFUL implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty <doubtful about whether I said the right thing>. DUBIOUS stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation <dubious about the practicality of the scheme>. PROBLEMATIC applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain <whether the project will ever be finished is problematic>. QUESTIONABLE may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded <a man of questionable honesty>.

doubting Thomas
: an incredulous or habitually doubtful person

doubtless
adv. 1 : without doubt
2 : PROBABLY

doubtless
adv. : free from doubt : CERTAIN
–doubt·less·ly adverb
–doubt·less·ness noun

douce
adj. chiefly Scottish : SOBER, SEDATE <the douce faces of the mourners ― L. J. A. Bell>
–douce·ly adverb chiefly Scottish

douceur
n. : a conciliatory gift

douche
n. 1 a : a jet or current of liquid (as a cleansing solution) directed against or into a bodily part or cavity (as the vagina) b : an act of cleansing with a douche
2 : a device for giving douches
3 British : an abrupt often chastening shock to the nerves, emotions, or awareness <the icy douche (what he said about my work) ― John Fowles>
–douche verb

douche bag
slang : an unattractive or offensive person

dough
n. 1 : a mixture that consists essentially of flour or meal and a liquid (as milk or water) and is stiff enough to knead or roll
2 : something resembling dough especially in consistency
3 : MONEY
4 : DOUGHBOY
–dough·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

dough box
: a rectangular wooden box mounted on legs that is used as a worktable and storage space

doughboy
n. : an American infantryman especially in World War I

doughface
n. : a Northern congressman not opposed to slavery in the South before or during the American Civil War also : a Northerner sympathetic to the South during the same period
–dough-faced \-'fāst\ adjective

doughnut
n. 1 : a small usually ring-shaped cake fried in fat
2 : something (as a mathematical torus) that resembles a doughnut especially in shape
–dough·nut·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Doughty
adj. Charles Montagu 1843-1926 Eng. poet & traveler

doughty
adj. : marked by fearless resolution : VALIANT <a doughty warrior>
–dough·ti·ly \'dau̇-təl-ē\ adverb
–dough·ti·ness \'dau̇-tē-nəs\ noun

doughy
adj. : resembling dough: as a : not thoroughly baked <doughy bread> b : unhealthily pale : PASTY <a doughy face>

Douglas
n. John Shol·to \'shȯl-(ˌ)tō\ 1844-1900 8th Marquess & Earl of Queens·ber·ry \'kwēnz-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ Scot. boxing patron

Douglas
n. Stephen Arnold 1813-1861 American polit.

Douglas
n. William Orville 1898-1980 American jurist

Douglas
n. town United Kingdom capital of Isle of Man pop 22,214

Douglas
n. Douglas fir
Douglas Home
Douglas of Kirtleside

Douglas fir
: any of a genus (Pseudotsuga) of tall evergreen timber trees of the pine family having thick bark, pitchy wood, and pendulous cones especially : one (P. menziesii syn. P. taxifolia) chiefly of the western U.S. ― see CONE illustration

Douglas of Kirtleside
1st Baron 1893-1969 William Sholto Douglas Brit. air marshal

Douglas-Home
― see HOME

Douglass
n. Frederick 1817-1895 orig. Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey American abolitionist

Doukhobor
: a member of a Christian sect of 18th century Russian origin emphasizing the duty of obeying the inner light and rejecting church or civil authority

doula
n. : a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth

Doumer
Paul 1857-1932 pres. of France (1931-32)

Doumergue
Gaston 1863-1937 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1924-31)

dour
adj. 1 : STERN, HARSH
2 : OBSTINATE, UNYIELDING
3 : GLOOMY, SULLEN
–dour·ly adverb
–dour·ness noun

Douro
river 556 mi (895 km) N Spain & N Portugal flowing W into the Atlantic

douroucouli
n. : OWL MONKEY

douse
transitive verb
1 : to plunge into water
2 a : to throw a liquid on : DRENCH b : SLOSH
3 : EXTINGUISH <douse the lights>
intransitive verb : to fall or become plunged into water
–dous·er also dows·er noun

douse
v. : a heavy drenching

douse
v. British : BLOW, STROKE

douse
v. 1 a : to take in : LOWER, STRIKE <douse a sail> b : SLACKEN <douse a rope>
2 : TAKE OFF, DOFF

doux
of champagne : very sweet

dove
n. 1 : any of numerous pigeons especially : a small wild pigeon
2 : a gentle woman or child
3 : one who takes a conciliatory attitude and advocates negotiations and compromise especially : an opponent of war ― compare HAWK
–dov·ish \'də-vish\ adjective
–dov·ish·ness noun

dove
n. past of dive

dove
n. mourning dove
ringed turtle dove
rock dove

dovecote
n. 1 : a small compartmented raised house or box for domestic pigeons
2 : a settled or harmonious group or organization

dovekie
n. : a small short-billed auk (Alle alle) breeding on arctic coasts and ranging south in winter

doven
variant of daven

Dover
n. 1 city cen Del., its capital pop 32,135
2 city SE N.H. pop 26,884
3 port SE England in Kent on Strait of Dover pop 32,843

Dover
n. Dover sole
Dover's powder
Dover Strait of

Dover sole
1 : a common European sole (Solea solea) esteemed as a food fish
2 : a flatfish (Microstomus pacificus of the family Ploeronectidae) of the Pacific coast of No. America that is a commercially important food fish

Dover's powder
: a powder of ipecac and opium formerly used as a pain reliever and diaphoretic

Dover, Strait of
channel bet. SE England & N France, easternmost section of English Channel; 20 mi (32 km) wide at narrowest point

dovetail
n. : something resembling a dove's tail especially : a flaring tenon and a mortise into which it fits tightly making an interlocking joint between two pieces (as of wood)

dovetail
n. 1 a : to join by means of dovetails b : to cut to a dovetail
2 a : to fit skillfully to form a whole b : to fit together with
intransitive verb : to fit together into a whole

Dow
n. : DOW JONES AVERAGE

dow
n. chiefly Scottish : to be able or capable

Dow Jones average
: an index of the relative price of securities

dowager
n. 1 : a widow holding property or a title from her deceased husband
2 : a dignified elderly woman

dowager's hump
: an abnormal outward curvature of the upper back with round shoulders and stooped posture caused especially by bone loss and anterior compression of the vertebrae in osteoporosis

Dowden
Edward 1843-1913 Irish lit. critic

dowdy
adj. archaic : a dowdy woman

dowdy
adj. 1 : not neat or becoming in appearance : SHABBY <a dowdy old hat>
2 a : lacking smartness or taste <a dowdy room> b : OLD-FASHIONED <a dowdy institution>
–dowd·i·ly \'dau̇-də-lē\ adverb
–dowd·i·ness \'dau̇-dē-nəs\ noun
–dowdy·ish \-ish\ adjective

dowdy
adj. : PANDOWDY

dowel
n. 1 : a pin fitting into a hole in an abutting piece to prevent motion or slipping also : a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels
2 : a piece of wood driven into a wall so that other pieces can be nailed to it

dowel
n. : to fasten by or furnish with dowels

dower
n. 1 : the part of or interest in the real estate of a deceased husband given by law to his widow during her life ― compare CURTESY
2 a : DOWRY 2 b : DOWRY 3

dower
n. : to supply with a dower or dowry : ENDOW

Dowie
John Alexander 1847-1907 American (Scot.-born) religious leader

dowitcher
n. : any of several long-billed wading birds (esp. Limnodromus griseus and L. scolopaceus of the family Scolopacidae) related to the sandpipers

Down
n. : DOWN SYNDROME ― usually used attributively <a Down baby>

Down
n. 1 district SE Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 250 sq mi (650 sq km), pop 57,511
2 traditional county SE Northern Ireland

down
n. 1 a (1) : toward or in a lower physical position (2) : to a lying or sitting position (3) : toward or to the ground, floor, or bottom b : as a down payment <paid $10 down> c : on paper <put down what he says>
2 : in a direction that is the opposite of up: as a : SOUTHWARD b : to or toward a point away from the speaker or the speaker's point of reference c : in or into the stomach <can't keep food down>
3 : to a lesser degree, level, or rate <cool down tensions>
4 : to or toward a lower position in a series
5 a : to or in a lower or worse condition or status b ― used to indicate thoroughness or completion <dusted down the house> <described him down to his haircut>
6 : from a past time <stories passed down by word of mouth>
7 : to or in a state of less activity or prominence
8 : to a concentrated state <got the report down to three pages>
9 : into defeat <voted the motion down>
–down to the ground : PERFECTLY, COMPLETELY <that suits me down to the ground>

down
n. down one's alley
count down
Hampshire Down
down at the heel
splash down
down one's street
down the tubes
back down
batten down the hatches
bear down
bear down on
boil down
break down
breathe down one's neck
bring down
bring the house down
bring down the house
broken down
button down
buttoned down
call down
cast down
clamp down
climb down
come down
crack down
cry down
cut down
cut down to size
do down
down to the ground
down on one's luck
down on
down and dirty
down and out
down and outer
down at the heels
down at heels
down at heel
down bow
down east
down easter
down home
down in the mouth
down market
down payment
Down syndrome
Down's syndrome
down the line
down to earth
down to earthness
down to the wire
down under
down the drain
draw down
dress down
dress down day
dressing down
drop down
dumb down
fall down
first down
get down
go down
go down on
hand down
hand me down
hands down
hold down
hull down
keep one's head down
keep down
knock down
knuckle down
lay down
lead one down the garden path
let one's hair down
let down
lie down
live down
look down one's nose
look down
low down
mark down
melt down
Oxford down
with one's pants down
pat down
pay down
phase down
down the pike
pipe down
play down
plunk down
pull down
put one's foot down
put down
put down roots
reach me down
ring down the curtain
down the road
run down
scale down
sell down the river
send down
set down
shake down
shoot down
shut down
simmer down
sit down
slap down
stand down
stare down
step down
stop down
strike down
stripped down
take down
talk down
tear down
throw down
thumbs down
tie down
top down
touch down
trade down
trickle down
trickle down theory
down the tube
turn down
up and down
upside down
upside down cake
wash down
water down
watered down
wear down
weigh down
wet down
wind down
write down
Down Under
North Down
knock down drag out
knock down and drag out
ups and downs
North Downs
South Downs

down
n. : down along, around, through, toward, in, into, or on <fell down the stairs> <down the years>

down
n. 1 : to cause to go or come down: as a : BRING DOWN 1 <downed the enemy helicopter> b : CONSUME 3 <downing slices of pizza>
2 : to cause (a football) to be out of play
3 : DEFEAT <down a proposal>
intransitive verb : to go down

down
n. 1 a (1) : occupying a low position specifically : lying on the ground <down timber> (2) : directed or going downward <attendance is down> b : lower in price c : not being in play in football because of wholly stopped progress or because the officials stop the play <the ball was down> d : defeated or trailing an opponent (as in points scored) <down by two runs> e baseball : OUT <two down in the top of the third inning>
2 a : reduced or low in activity, frequency, or intensity <a down economy> b : not operating or able to function <the computer is down> c : DEPRESSED, DEJECTED <feeling a bit down> also : DEPRESSING <a down movie> d : SICK <down with flu>
3 : DONE, FINISHED <eight down and two to go>
4 : completely mastered <had her lines down> ― often used with pat <got the answers down pat>
5 a slang : COOL 7 b slang : understanding or supportive of something or someone ― usually used with with <trying to prove that they were down with hip-hop culture ― J. E. White>
6 : being on record <you're down for two tickets>
–down on : having a low opinion of or dislike for
–down on one's luck : experiencing misfortune and especially financial distress

down
n. 1 : DESCENT, DEPRESSION
2 : an instance of putting down
3 a : a complete play to advance the ball in football b : one of a series of four attempts in American football or three attempts in Canadian football to advance the ball 10 yards
4 chiefly British : DISLIKE, GRUDGE
5 : DOWNER
6 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of -1/3 and that is one of the constituents of a nucleon

down
n. 1 : an undulating usually treeless upland with sparse soil ― usually used in plural
2 often capitalized : a sheep of any breed originating in the downs of southern England

down
n. 1 : a covering of soft fluffy feathers also : these feathers
2 : something soft and fluffy like down

down and dirty
1 : UNVARNISHED <the down and dirty truth>
2 : made or done hastily : not revised or polished <a down and dirty solution>
3 : marked by or given to fierce often unscrupulous competition <down and dirty campaigning>
4 : BAWDY <down and dirty sexuality>
5 : SEEDY <a down and dirty neighborhood>
6 : relating to or involved with what is crudely basic and practical <down and dirty details>

down at heel
or down at the heel : in or into a run-down or shabby condition

down east
: in or into the northeast coastal section of the U.S. and parts of the Maritime Provinces of Canada specifically : in or into coastal Maine
–down east adjective often cap D&E

down in the mouth
: DEJECTED 1

down in the mouth
DEJECTED, SULKY

down on
having a low opinion of or dislike for

down on one's luck
experiencing misfortune and especially financial distress

down payment
: a part of the full price paid at the time of purchase or delivery with the balance to be paid later broadly : the first step in a process

Down syndrome
: a congenital condition characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, slanting eyes, a broad short skull, broad hands with short fingers, and trisomy of the human chromosome numbered 21 ― called also Down's syndrome

down the drain
to a state of being wasted or irretrievably lost

down the line

1 : all the way : FULLY
2 : in the future

down the pike

1 : in the course of events <the greatest boxer to come down the pike in years>
2 : in the future <today's advances only hint at what's down the pike>

down the road
in or into the future

down the tube
or down the tubes : into a state of collapse or deterioration

down to the ground
PERFECTLY, COMPLETELY <that suits me down to the ground>

Down Under
Australia or New Zealand

down under
: to or in Australia or New Zealand

Down's
: DOWN SYNDROME <a Down's patient>

down-and-out
1 : DESTITUTE, IMPOVERISHED
2 : physically weakened or incapacitated
–down-and-out or down-and-outer noun

down-at-the-heels
: SHABBY

down-bow
: a stroke in playing a bowed instrument (as a violin) in which the bow is drawn across the strings from the frog to the tip

down-easter
: one born or living down east

down-home
: of, relating to, or having qualities (as informality and simplicity) associated with rural or small-town people especially of the Southern U.S. <down-home country cooking> broadly : SIMPLE, UNPRETENTIOUS

down-market
: relating or appealing to lower-income consumers <a down-market tabloid>

down-the-line
: COMPLETE <a down-the-line union supporter>

down-to-earth
1 : PRACTICAL <down-to-earth traveling tips>
2 : UNPRETENTIOUS <surprised to find the movie star so down-to-earth>
–down-to-earthness noun

down-to-the-wire
: full of suspense especially : unsettled until the very end

downbeat
n. 1 : the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music also : the first beat of a measure
2 : a decline in activity or prosperity

downbeat
n. : PESSIMISTIC, GLOOMY <a downbeat assessment>

downburst
: a powerful downdraft usually associated with a thunderstorm that strikes the ground and deflects in all directions also : MICROBURST

downcast
n. 1 : low in spirit : DEJECTED
2 : directed downward <with downcast eyes>

downcourt
adj. : in or into the opposite end of the court (as in basketball)

downdraft
n. 1 : a downward current of gas (as air during a thunderstorm)
2 : DECLINE 1 <an economic downdraft>

downer
n. 1 : a weak, sick, or crippled animal in shipment that is down and cannot get up ― often used attributively <a downer cow>
2 : a depressant drug especially : BARBITURATE
3 : someone or something depressing, disagreeable, or unsatisfactory

Downers Grove
village NE Ill. pop 48,724

Downey
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 107,323

downfall
n. 1 a : a sudden fall (as from power) b : a fall (as of snow or rain) especially when sudden or heavy
2 : something that causes a downfall (as of a person) <gambling was his downfall>
–down·fall·en \-ˌfȯ-lən\ adjective

downfield
n. : in or into the part of the field toward which the offensive team is headed

downforce
n. : a downward aerodynamic force generated especially by an airfoil (as a spoiler on a race car)

downgrade
n. 1 : a downward grade (as of a road)
2 : a descent toward an inferior state <a career on the downgrade>

downgrade
n. 1 : to lower in quality, value, status, or extent
2 : MINIMIZE, DEPRECIATE

downhaul
: a rope or line for hauling down or holding down a sail or spar

downhearted
adj. : DOWNCAST, DEJECTED
–down·heart·ed·ly adverb
–down·heart·ed·ness noun

downhill
adj. 1 : toward the bottom of a hill
2 : toward a worsened or inferior state or level ― used especially in the phrase go downhill

downhill
adj. 1 : a descending slope
2 a : the sport of skiing on downhill trails ― often used attributively b : a skiing race against time down a trail <finished second in the downhill>

downhill
adj. 1 : not difficult : EASY <after that problem the rest was downhill>
2 : sloping downhill
3 : closer to the bottom of an incline <your downhill ski>
4 : progressively worse

downhiller
n. : a downhill skier

downland
n. : 6DOWN 1

downlight
n. : a small spotlight set in a ceiling and directed downward

downlink
n. : a communications channel for receiving transmissions from a spacecraft also : such transmissions

downlink
n. : to transmit (as data) from a spacecraft or satellite to a receiver on earth

download
v. : an act or instance of downloading something also : the item downloaded

download
v. : to transfer (as data or files) from a usually large computer to the memory of another device (as a smaller computer)
–down·load·able \-ˌlō-də-bəl\ adjective

Downpatrick
town SE Northern Ireland in Down district pop 8245

downpipe
n. British : DOWNSPOUT

downplay
v. : PLAY DOWN, DE-EMPHASIZE

downpour
n. : a pouring or streaming downward especially : a heavy rain

downrange
adj. : away from a launching site

downright
adj. 1 archaic : straight down
2 : ABSOLUTELY 1 <downright handsome> <downright mean>
3 obsolete : FORTHRIGHT

downright
adj. 1 archaic : directed vertically downward
2 : OUTRIGHT, THOROUGH <a downright lie>
3 : PLAIN, BLUNT <stories he had heard of her downright tongue ― Angus Wilson>
–down·right·ly adverb
–down·right·ness noun

downriver
adv. : toward or at a point nearer the mouth of a river

Downs
n. 1 two ranges of hills SE England ― see NORTH DOWNS, SOUTH DOWNS
2 roadstead in English Channel along E coast of Kent protected by the Goodwin Sands

Downs
n. ups and downs
North Downs
South Downs

downscale
adj. : to cut back in size or scope <the recession forced us to downscale vacation plans>

downscale
adj. : lower in class, income, or quality

downshift
v. 1 : to shift an automotive vehicle into a lower gear
2 : to move or shift to a lower level (as of speed, activity, or intensity)
–downshift noun

downside
n. 1 : a downward trend (as of prices)
2 : a negative aspect <the downside of fame>

downsize
adj. 1 : to reduce in size especially : to design or produce in smaller size
2 : to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business
intransitive verb : to undergo a reduction in size

downslide
: a downward movement

downslope
n. : toward the bottom of a slope

downspout
n. : a vertical pipe used to drain rainwater from a roof

downstage
adv. 1 : toward or at the front of a theatrical stage
2 : toward a motion-picture or television camera

downstage
adv. : the part of a stage that is nearest the audience or camera

downstairs
adj. : down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs
adj. : situated on the main, lower, or ground floor of a building

downstairs
adj. : the lower floor of a building

downstate
adj. : the chiefly southerly sections of a state also : the chiefly rural part of a state when the major metropolitan area is to the north
–down·state \-'stāt\ adjective or adverb
–down·stat·er \-'stā-tər\ noun

downstream
adv. 1 : in the direction of or nearer to the mouth of a stream
2 : in or toward the latter stages of a usually industrial process or the stages (as marketing) after manufacture

downstroke
n. : a downward stroke

downswing
n. 1 : a downward swing
2 : DOWNTURN

downtime
n. 1 : time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs
2 : inactive time (as between periods of work) <napping during our downtime> <an injured athlete facing months of downtime>

downtown
n. 1 : of, relating to, or located in the lower part or business center of a city
2 : HIP, TRENDY <downtown music>
–downtown adverb

downtown
n. : the lower part of a city especially : the main business district
–down·town·er \-'tau̇-nər\ noun

downtrend
n. : DOWNTURN

downtrodden
adj. : suffering oppression

downturn
n. : a downward turn especially toward a decline in business and economic activity

downward
adj. 1 a : from a higher to a lower place b : toward a direction that is the opposite of up
2 : from a higher to a lower condition
3 a : from an earlier time b : from an ancestor or predecessor

downward
adj. 1 : moving or extending downward
2 : descending from a head, origin, or source
–down·ward·ly adverb
–down·ward·ness noun

downwash
n. : an airstream directed downward (as by an airfoil)

downwind
adv. : in the direction that the wind is blowing

downy
adj. 1 : resembling a bird's down
2 : covered with down
3 : made of down
4 : SOFT, SOOTHING

downy mildew
1 : any of various parasitic lower fungi (family Peronosporaceae) that produce whitish masses of sporangiophores or conidiophores on the undersurface of the leaves of the host
2 : a plant disease caused by a downy mildew

downy woodpecker
: a small black-and-white woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) of No. America that has a white back and is smaller than the hairy woodpecker

downzone
: to reduce or limit development or the number of buildings permitted on <the county downzoned rural land to allow only one home per ten acres>

dowry
n. 1 archaic : DOWER 1
2 : the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage
3 : a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride
4 : a natural talent

dowsabel
obsolete : SWEETHEART

dowse
v. variant of douse

dowse
v. intransitive verb : to use a divining rod
transitive verb : to find (as water) by dowsing

dowser
n. : DIVINING ROD also : a person who uses it

dowsing rod
: DIVINING ROD

Dowson
Ernest Christopher 1867-1900 Eng. lyric poet

Doxiadis
Konstantinos Apostolos 1913-1975 Greek architect

doxology
n. : a usually liturgical expression of praise to God

doxorubicin
n. : an antibiotic with broad antineoplastic activity that is obtained from a bacterium (Streptomyces peucetius) and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C_27H_29NO_11·HCl

doxy
n. 1 : FLOOZY, PROSTITUTE
2 : MISTRESS 4A

doxycycline
n. : a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic C_22H_24N_2O_8 with potent antibacterial activity that is often taken by travelers to prevent diarrhea

doyen
n. 1 a : the senior member of a body or group b : a person considered to be knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experience in some field of endeavor
2 : the oldest example of a category

doyenne
n. : a woman who is a doyen

Doyle
n. Sir Arthur Co·nan \'kō-nən\ 1859-1930 Brit. physician, nov., & detective-story writer

doyley
n. chiefly British variant of doily

doz
n. dozen

doze
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to sleep lightly b : to fall into a light sleep ― usually used with off
2 : to be in a dull or stupefied condition
transitive verb : to pass (as time) drowsily
–doze noun
–doz·er noun

doze
n. : BULLDOZE 2
–doz·er noun

dozen
n. 1 : a group of 12
2 : an indefinitely large number <dozens of times>
3 plural but singular in construction : a ritualized word game that consists of exchanging insults usually about the members of the opponent's family ― used with the
–dozen adjective
–doz·enth \-zən(t)th\ adjective

dozen
n. baker's dozen
daily dozen
a dime a dozen

dozer
n. : BULLDOZER 2

dozy
adj. : DROWSY, SLEEPY
–doz·i·ly \'dō-zə-lē\ adverb
–doz·i·ness noun

DP
1 : a displaced person
2 : DOUBLE PLAY

DP
1 data processing
2 degree of polymerization
3 dew point
4 director of photography
5 doctor of podiatry

DPE
doctor of physical education

DPH
1 department of public health
2 doctor of public health

dpi
dots per inch

DPM
doctor of podiatric medicine

DPN
: NAD

DPT
diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus

dpt
1 department
2 deponent

DQ
disqualification; disqualify

DR
n. 1 dead reckoning
2 dining room

Dr
n. doctor

dr
n. 1 debtor
2 drachma
3 dram
4 drive
5 drum

drab
n. 1 : SLATTERN
2 : PROSTITUTE

drab
n. : to associate with prostitutes

drab
n. 1 : any of various cloths of a dull brown or gray color
2 a : a light olive brown b : a dull, lifeless, or faded appearance or quality

drab
n. 1 a : of the dull brown color of drab b : of the color drab
2 : characterized by dullness and monotony : CHEERLESS <a drab life>
–drab·ly adverb
–drab·ness noun

drab
n. : a small amount ― usually used in the phrase dribs and drabs <receiving donations in dribs and drabs>

dracaena
n. : any of two genera (Dracaena and Cordyline) of chiefly Old World tropical shrubs or trees of the agave family that have naked branches ending in tufts of sword-shaped leaves and include some used as houseplants

Drachenfels
hill 1053 ft (321 m) W Germany in the Siebengebirge on the Rhine S of Bonn

drachm
n. 1 : DRACHMA
2 chiefly British : 1DRAM

drachma
n. 1 a : any of various ancient Greek units of weight b : any of various modern units of weight especially : 1DRAM 1
2 a : an ancient Greek silver coin equivalent to six obols b : the basic monetary unit of Greece from circa 1831 to 2001

Drachmann
Holger Henrik Herholdt 1846-1908 Dan. author

Draco
n. : a northern circumpolar constellation within which is the north pole of the ecliptic

Draco
n. late 7th cent. B.C. Athenian lawgiver

draconian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him
2 : CRUEL also : SEVERE <draconian littering fines>

draconic
adj. : of or relating to a dragon

draconic
adj. : DRACONIAN

dracunculiasis
n. : a disease that is caused by infestation with the guinea worm and that has been eradicated in most regions except Africa ― called also guinea worm disease

Dracut
town NE Mass. N of Lowell pop 28,562

draft
n. 1 a : the act of drawing a net b : HAUL 2B
2 a : the act or an instance of drinking or inhaling also : the portion drunk or inhaled in one such act b : a portion poured out or mixed for drinking : DOSE
3 a : the force required to pull an implement b : load or load-pulling capacity
4 a : the act of moving loads by drawing or pulling : PULL b : a team of animals together with what they draw
5 a : DELINEATION, REPRESENTATION b : SCHEME, DESIGN c : a preliminary sketch, outline, or version <the author's first draft> <a draft treaty>
6 : the act, result, or plan of drawing out or stretching
7 a : the act of drawing (as from a cask) b : a portion of liquid so drawn <a draft of ale> c : draft beer <a glass of draft>
8 : the depth of water a ship draws especially when loaded
9 a (1) : a system for or act of selecting individuals from a group (as for compulsory military service) (2) : an act or process of selecting an individual (as for political candidacy) without the individual's expressed consent b : a group of individuals selected especially by military draft c : a system whereby exclusive rights to selected new players are apportioned among professional teams
10 a : an order for the payment of money drawn by one person or bank on another b : the act or an instance of drawing from or making demands upon something : DEMAND
11 a : a current of air in a closed-in space <felt a draft> b : a device for regulating the flow of air (as in a fireplace)
12 : ANGLE, TAPER specifically : the taper given to a pattern or die so that the work can be easily withdrawn
13 : a pocket of reduced air pressure behind a moving object also : the use of such a draft to save energy
–on draft : ready to be drawn from a receptacle <beer on draft>

draft
n. 1 : used or adapted for drawing loads <draft horses>
2 : being or having been on draft <drinking draft beer>

draft
n. 1 : to select for some purpose: as a : to conscript for military service b : to select (a professional athlete) by draft
2 a : to draw the preliminary sketch, version, or plan of <draft legislation> b : COMPOSE, PREPARE <draft a memo>
3 : to draw off or away <water drafted by pumps>
4 : to stay close behind (another racer) so as to take advantage of the reduced air pressure created by the leading racer
intransitive verb
1 : to practice draftsmanship
2 : to draft another racer (as in car or bike racing)
–draft·able \'draf-tə-bəl, 'dräf-\ adjective
–draft·ee \ˌdraf-'tē, ˌdräf-\ noun
–draft·er \'draf-tər, 'dräf-\ noun

draft board
: a civilian board that registers, classifies, and selects men for compulsory military service

draftsman
n. 1 : a person who draws plans and sketches (as of machinery or structures)
2 : a person who draws legal documents or other writings
3 : an artist who excels in drawing
–drafts·man·ly \-lē\ adjective
–drafts·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

draftsperson
: DRAFTSMAN 1

drafty
adj. : exposed to or abounding in drafts of air <a drafty room>
–draft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–draft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

drag
n. 1 : something used to drag with especially : a device for dragging under water to detect or obtain objects
2 : something that is dragged, pulled, or drawn along or over a surface: as a : HARROW b : a sledge for conveying heavy bodies c : CONVEYANCE
3 a : the act or an instance of dragging or drawing: as (1) : a drawing along or over a surface with effort or pressure (2) : motion effected with slowness or difficulty also : the condition of having or seeming to have such motion (3) : a draw on a pipe, cigarette, or cigar also : a draft of liquid b : a movement, inclination, or retardation caused by or as if by dragging c slang : influence securing special favor : PULL
4 a : something that retards motion, action, or advancement b (1) : the retarding force acting on a body (as an airplane) moving through a fluid (as air) parallel and opposite to the direction of motion (2) : friction between engine parts also : retardation due to friction c : BURDEN, ENCUMBRANCE <the drag of population growth on living standards> d : one that is boring or gets in the way of enjoyment <thinks studying is a drag> <this sickly kid is going to be a social drag ― Edmund Morris>
5 a : an object drawn over the ground to leave a scented trail b : a clog fastened to a trap to prevent the escape of a trapped animal
6 : STREET, ROAD <the main drag>
7 a : COSTUME, OUTFIT <in Victorian drag> b : clothing typical of one sex worn by a person of the opposite sex ― often used in the phrase in drag
8 : DRAG RACE

drag
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to draw slowly or heavily : HAUL (2) : to cause (as oneself) to move with slowness or difficulty <dragged myself up the stairs> (3) : to cause to trail along a surface <wandered off dragging the leash> b (1) : to bring by or as if by force or compulsion <had to drag her husband to the opera> (2) : to extract by or as if by pulling c : PROTRACT <drag a story out>
2 a : to pass a drag over <drag a field> b : to explore with a drag <drag a pond> c : to catch with a dragnet
3 : to hit (a drag bunt) while moving toward first base
4 : to move (items on a computer screen) especially by means of a mouse
intransitive verb
1 : to hang or lag behind
2 : to fish or search with a drag
3 : to trail along on the ground
4 a : to move slowly because of fatigue <was dragging after the long trip> b : to proceed or continue laboriously or tediously <the lawsuit dragged on for years>
5 : DRAW 4A <drag on a cigarette>
6 : to make a plucking or pulling movement
7 : to participate in a drag race
–drag·ging·ly \'dra-giŋ-lē\ adverb
–drag one's feet also drag one's heels : to act in a deliberately slow or dilatory manner

drag
n. : of, being, involving, or intended for a person in drag <a drag ball>

drag
n. drag one's heels
drag one's feet
drag and drop
drag bunt
drag coefficient
drag queen
drag race
drag racing
drag racer
drag strip
knock down drag out
knock down and drag out
foot dragging

drag bunt
: a bunt in baseball made by a left-handed batter by trailing the bat while moving toward first base broadly : a bunt made with the object of getting on base safely rather than sacrificing

drag coefficient
: a factor representing the drag acting on a body (as an automobile or airfoil)

drag one's feet
also drag one's heels : to act in a deliberately slow or dilatory manner

drag queen
: a male homosexual who dresses as a woman especially for comic or theatrical effect

drag race
: an acceleration contest between vehicles (as automobiles)
–drag racer noun
–drag racing noun

drag strip
: the site of a drag race specifically : a strip of pavement with a racing area at least 1/4 mile long

drag-and-drop
: of, relating to, or allowing movement of items on a computer screen by dragging them and fixing their new locations by releasing the mouse button <a drag-and-drop interface>

dragee
n. 1 : a sugar-coated nut
2 : a small silver-colored ball for decorating cakes

dragger
n. : one that drags specifically : a fishing boat operating a trawl or dragnet

draggle
v. transitive verb : to make wet and dirty by dragging
intransitive verb
1 : to trail on the ground
2 : STRAGGLE

draggle-tail
: SLATTERN

draggy
adj. : SLUGGISH, DULL

dragline
n. 1 : a line used in or for dragging
2 : an excavating machine in which the bucket is attached by cables and operates by being drawn toward the machine
3 : a strong stiff strand of silk produced by a spider especially to form the framework of its web and as a means of lowering itself from and returning to a height

dragnet
n. 1 a : a net drawn along the bottom of a body of water b : a net used on the ground (as to capture small game)
2 : a network of measures for apprehension (as of criminals)

dragoman
n. : an interpreter chiefly of Arabic, Turkish, or Persian employed especially in the Near East

dragon
n. 1 archaic : a huge serpent
2 : a mythical animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent or saurian with a crested head and enormous claws
3 : a violent, combative, or very strict person
4 capitalized : DRACO
5 : something or someone formidable or baneful
–drag·on·ish \-gə-nish\ adjective

dragon
n. dragon lady
dragon's blood
dragon's teeth
green dragon
Komodo dragon

dragon lady
: an overbearing or tyrannical woman also : a glamorous often mysterious woman

dragon's blood
: any of several resinous mostly dark-red plant products specifically : a resin from the fruit of a palm (genus Daemonorops) used for coloring varnish and in photoengraving

dragon's teeth
1 : seeds of strife
2 : wedge-shaped concrete antitank barriers laid in multiple rows

dragonet
n. 1 : a little dragon
2 : any of a family (Callionymidae) of small often brightly colored scaleless marine fishes especially : a European fish (Callionymus lyra) sometimes used as food

dragonfly
n. : any of a suborder (Anisoptera) of odonate insects that are larger and stouter than damselflies, hold the wings horizontal in repose, and have rectal gills during the naiad stage broadly : ODONATE

dragonhead
n. : any of several mints (genus Dracocephalum) often grown for their showy flower heads especially : a No. American plant (D. parviflorum) with dense spikes of blue or violet flowers

dragoon
n. 1 : a member of a European military unit formerly composed of heavily armed mounted troops
2 : CAVALRYMAN

dragoon
n. 1 : to subjugate or persecute by harsh use of troops
2 : to force into submission or compliance especially by violent measures

dragster
n. 1 : a vehicle built or modified for use in a drag race
2 : one who participates in a drag race

drain
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : FILTER
2 a : to draw off (liquid) gradually or completely <drained all the water out> b : to cause the gradual disappearance of <drain the region's wealth> c : to exhaust physically or emotionally <feeling drained at the end of a long workday>
3 a : to make gradually dry <drain a swamp> b : to carry away the surface water of <the river that drains the valley> c : to deplete or empty by or as if by drawing off by degrees or in increments <drained the country of its resources> d : to empty by drinking the contents of <drain a mug of beer>
4 : DROP 7C, SINK <drained the putt>
intransitive verb
1 a : to flow off gradually b : to disappear gradually : DWINDLE
2 : to become emptied or freed of liquid by its flowing or dropping <waiting for the tub to drain>
3 : to discharge surface or surplus water
synonyms see DEPLETE
–drain·er noun

drain
n. 1 : a means (as a pipe) by which usually liquid matter is drained
2 a : the act of draining b : a gradual outflow or withdrawal : DEPLETION
3 : something that causes depletion : BURDEN
4 : an electrode in a field-effect transistor toward which charge carriers move ― compare GATE, SOURCE
–down the drain : to a state of being wasted or irretrievably lost

drainage
n. 1 : the act, process, or mode of draining also : something drained off
2 : a device for draining : DRAIN also : a system of drains
3 : an area or district drained

drainpipe
n. : a pipe for drainage

Draize test
: a test for harmfulness of chemicals to the human eye that involves dropping the test substance into one eye of a rabbit without anesthesia using the other eye as a control ― called also Draize eye test

Drake
n. Sir Francis 1540(or 1543)-1596 Eng. navigator & buccaneer

drake
n. : a male duck

drake
n. duck and drake
Drake Passage
ducks and drakes
make ducks and drakes of
play ducks and drakes with

Drake Passage
strait S of S. America bet. Cape Horn & S. Shetlands

Drakensberg
mountains Lesotho & E Republic of S. Africa; highest Thabana Ntlenyana 11,425 ft (3482 m)

DRAM
n. : a type of RAM that must be continuously supplied with power in order to retain data

dram
n. 1 a ― see WEIGHT table b : FLUID DRAM
2 a : a small portion of something to drink b : a small amount

dram
n. ― see MONEY table

dram
n. dramatic; dramatist

drama
n. 1 a : a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : PLAY ― compare CLOSET DRAMA b : a movie or television production with characteristics (as conflict) of a serious play broadly : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject <a police drama>
2 : dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3 a : a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces b : dramatic state, effect, or quality <the drama of the courtroom proceedings>

drama
n. closet drama
comedy drama
music drama

Dramamine
n. ― used for dimenhydrinate

dramatic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the drama <a dramatic actor>
2 a : suitable to or characteristic of the drama <a dramatic attempt to escape> b : striking in appearance or effect <a dramatic pause>
3 of an opera singer : having a powerful voice and a declamatory style ― compare LYRIC
–dra·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms DRAMATIC, THEATRICAL, HISTRIONIC, MELODRAMATIC mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays. DRAMATIC applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply <a dramatic meeting of world leaders>. THEATRICAL implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression <a theatrical oration>. HISTRIONIC applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess <a histrionic show of grief>. MELODRAMATIC suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism <made a melodramatic plea>.

dramatic
adj. dramatic irony
dramatic monologue
dramatic unities

dramatic irony
: IRONY 3B

dramatic monologue
: a literary work (as a poem) in which a speaker's character is revealed in a monologue usually addressed to a second person

dramatic unities
: the unities of time, place, and action that are observed in classical drama

dramatics
n. 1 : the study or practice of theatrical arts (as acting and stagecraft)
2 : dramatic behavior or expression

dramatis personae
1 : the characters or actors in a drama
2 singular in construction : a list of the characters or actors in a drama
3 : people who figure prominently in something (as an event)

dramatisation
n. British variant of dramatization, dramatize

dramatist
n. : PLAYWRIGHT

dramatization
n. 1 : the action of dramatizing
2 : a dramatized version (as of a novel)

dramatize
v. transitive verb
1 : to adapt (as a novel) for theatrical presentation
2 : to present or represent in a dramatic manner
intransitive verb
1 : to be suitable for dramatization
2 : to behave dramatically
–dra·ma·tiz·able \-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adjective

dramaturge
n. : a specialist in dramaturgy

dramaturgy
n. : the art or technique of dramatic composition and theatrical representation
–dra·ma·tur·gic \ˌdra-mə-'tər-jik, ˌdrä-\ or dra·ma·tur·gi·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–dra·ma·tur·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dramedy
: a comedy (as a film or television show) having dramatic moments

Drammen
city & port SE Norway pop 53,825

drammock
chiefly Scottish : raw oatmeal mixed with cold water

dramshop
n. : BARROOM

Drancy
commune N France, NE of Paris pop 62,271

drank
past and past part of drink

drape
transitive verb
1 : to cover or adorn with or as if with folds of cloth
2 : to cause to hang or stretch out loosely or carelessly
3 : to arrange in flowing lines or folds
intransitive verb : to become arranged in folds <this silk drapes beautifully>
–drap·abil·i·ty also drape·abil·i·ty \ˌdrā-pə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–drap·able also drape·able \'drā-pə-bəl\ adjective

drape
n. 1 : arrangement in or of folds
2 a : a drapery especially for a window : CURTAIN b : a sterile covering used in an operating room ― usually used in plural
3 : the cut or hang of clothing
–drap·ey \'drā-pē\ adjective

Draper
n. Henry 1837-1882 American astron.

Draper
n. city N cen Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 25,220

draper
n. chiefly British : a dealer in cloth and sometimes also in clothing and dry goods

drapery
n. 1 British : DRY GOODS
2 a : a decorative piece of material usually hung in loose folds and arranged in a graceful design b : hangings of heavy fabric for use as a curtain
3 : the draping or arranging of materials

drastic
adj. 1 : acting rapidly or violently <a drastic purgative>
2 : extreme in effect or action : SEVERE <drastic measures>
–dras·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

drat
interj. : DAMN ― used as a mild oath

draughts
n. British : CHECKERS

draughtsman
n. chiefly British variant of draftsman

Drava
river 447 mi (719 km) S Austria, NE Slovenia, & N tip of Croatia flowing SE into the Danube

Dravidian
n. 1 : a member of an ancient dark-skinned people of southern India
2 : DRAVIDIAN LANGUAGES
–Dravidian adjective

Dravidian languages
: a language family of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan that includes Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam

draw
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to move continuously toward or after a force applied in advance : PULL <draw your chair up by the fire>: as a : to move (as a covering) over or to one side <draw the drapes> b : to pull up or out of a receptacle or place where seated or carried <draw water from the well> <drew a gun> also : to cause to come out of a container or source <draw water for a bath> <the nurse drew a blood sample> <the wound drew blood>
2 : to cause to go in a certain direction (as by leading) <drew him aside>
3 a : to bring by inducement or allure : ATTRACT <honey draws flies> b : to bring in or gather from a specified group or area <a college that draws its students from many states> c : BRING ON, PROVOKE <drew enemy fire> d : to bring out by way of response : ELICIT <drew cheers from the audience> e : to receive in the course of play <the batter drew a walk> <draw a foul>
4 : INHALE <drew a deep breath>
5 a : to extract the essence from <draw tea> b : EVISCERATE <plucking and drawing a goose before cooking> c : to derive to one's benefit <drew inspiration from the old masters>
6 : to require (a specified depth) to float in <a ship that draws 12 feet of water>
7 a : ACCUMULATE, GAIN <drawing interest> b : to take (money) from a place of deposit c : to use in making a cash demand <drawing a check against his account> d : to receive regularly or in due course <draw a salary>
8 a : to take (cards) from a stack or from the dealer b : to receive or take at random <drew a winning number>
9 : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string
10 : to cause to shrink, contract, or tighten
11 a : to strike (a ball) so as to impart a backward spin b : to strike (a golf ball) so that a slight to moderate hook results
12 : to leave (a contest) undecided : TIE
13 a (1) : to produce a likeness or representation of by making lines on a surface <draw a picture> <draw a graph with chalk> (2) : to give a portrayal of : DELINEATE <a writer who draws characters well> b : to write out in due form <draw a will> c : to design or describe in detail : FORMULATE <draw comparisons>
14 : to infer from evidence or premises <draw a conclusion>
15 : to spread or elongate (metal) by hammering or by pulling through dies also : to shape (as plastic) by stretching or by pulling through dies
intransitive verb
1 : to come or go steadily or gradually <night draws near>
2 a : to move something by pulling <drawing at the well> b : to exert an attractive force <the play is drawing well>
3 a : to pull back a bowstring b : to bring out a weapon <drew, aimed, and fired>
4 a : to produce a draft <the chimney draws well> <draw on a cigar> b : to swell out in a wind <all sails drawing>
5 a : to wrinkle or tighten up : SHRINK b : to change shape by pulling or stretching
6 : to cause blood or pus to localize at one point
7 : to create a likeness or a picture in outlines : SKETCH
8 : to come out even in a contest
9 a : to make a written demand for payment of money on deposit b : to obtain resources (as of information) <drawing from a common fund of knowledge>
–draw·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–draw a bead on : to take aim at
–draw a blank : to fail to gain a desired object (as information sought) also : to be unable to think of something
–draw on or draw upon : to use as a source of supply <drawing on the whole community for support>
–draw straws : to decide or assign something by lottery in which straws of unequal length are used
–draw the line or draw a line
1 : to fix an arbitrary boundary between things that tend to intermingle
2 : to fix a boundary excluding what one will not tolerate or engage in

draw
n. 1 : the act or process of drawing: as a : a sucking pull on something held with the lips b : a removal of a handgun from its holster <quick on the draw> c : backward spin given to a ball by striking it below center ― compare FOLLOW
2 : something that is drawn: as a : a card drawn to replace a discard in poker b : a lot or chance drawn at random c : the movable part of a drawbridge
3 : a contest left undecided or deadlocked : TIE
4 : one that draws attention or patronage : ATTRACTION
5 a : the distance from the string to the back of a drawn bow b : the force required to draw a bow fully
6 : a gully shallower than a ravine
7 : the deal in draw poker to improve the players' hands after discarding
8 : a football play that simulates a pass play so a runner can go straight up the middle past the pass rushers
9 : a slight to moderate and usually intentional hook in golf

draw
n. draw a line
draw upon
draw the line
draw straws
draw on
draw a blank
draw a bead on
draw away
draw back
draw down
draw in
draw off
draw out
draw play
draw poker
draw shot
draw up
drawing account
drawing board
drawing card
drawing pin
drawing room
drawing table
line drawing
mechanical drawing
special drawing rights
wash drawing
at daggers drawn
drawn butter
long drawn out
long drawn

draw a bead on
to take aim at

draw a blank
to fail to gain a desired object (as information sought) also : to be unable to think of something

draw away
: to move ahead (as of an opponent in a race)

draw back
: to avoid an issue or commitment

draw down
: to deplete by using or spending

draw in
1 : to cause or entice to enter or participate
2 : to sketch roughly
intransitive verb
1 a : to draw to an end <the day drew in> b : to shorten seasonally <the evenings are already drawing in>
2 : to become more cautious or economical

draw off
: REMOVE, WITHDRAW
intransitive verb : to move apart or ahead

draw on
or draw upon : to use as a source of supply <drawing on the whole community for support>

draw on
: APPROACH <night draws on>
transitive verb : BRING ON, CAUSE

draw out
1 : REMOVE, EXTRACT
2 : to extend beyond a minimum in time : PROTRACT 2
3 : to cause to speak freely <a reporter's ability to draw a person out>

draw play
: DRAW 8

draw poker
: poker in which each player is dealt five cards face down and after betting may get replacements for discards

draw shot
: a shot in billiards or pool made by hitting the cue ball with draw so it moves back after striking the object ball

draw straws
to decide or assign something by lottery in which straws of unequal length are used

draw the line
or draw a line
1 : to fix an arbitrary boundary between things that tend to intermingle
2 : to fix a boundary excluding what one will not tolerate or engage in

draw up
1 : to bring (as troops) into array
2 : to prepare a draft or version of <draw up plans>
3 : to bring to a halt
4 : to straighten (oneself) to an erect posture especially as an assertion of dignity or resentment
intransitive verb : to come to a halt <the car drew up at the door>

drawback
n. 1 : a refund of duties especially on an imported product subsequently exported or used to produce a product for export
2 : an objectionable feature : DISADVANTAGE

drawbar
n. 1 : a railroad coupler
2 : a beam across the rear of a vehicle (as a tractor) to which implements are hitched

drawbridge
n. : a bridge made to be raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit or hinder passage ― see CASTLE illustration

drawdown
n. 1 : a lowering of a water level (as in a reservoir)
2 a : the process of depleting b : REDUCTION

drawee
n. : the party on which an order or bill of exchange is drawn

drawer
n. 1 : one that draws: as a : a person who draws liquor b : DRAFTSMAN c : one that draws a bill of exchange or order for payment or makes a promissory note
2 \dial also 'drȯ\ : a sliding box or receptacle opened by pulling out and closed by pushing in
3 \dial also 'drȯ\ plural : an article of clothing (as underwear) for the lower body
–drawer·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

drawing
n. 1 : an act or instance of drawing especially : the process of deciding something by drawing lots
2 : the art or technique of representing an object or outlining a figure, plan, or sketch by means of lines
3 : something drawn or subject to drawing: as a : an amount drawn from a fund b : a representation formed by drawing : SKETCH

drawing
n. drawing account
drawing board
drawing card
drawing pin
drawing room
drawing table
line drawing
mechanical drawing
special drawing rights
wash drawing

drawing account
: an account showing payments made to an employee in advance of actual earnings or for traveling expenses

drawing board
1 : a board used as a base for drafting on paper
2 : a planning stage <a project still on the drawing board>

drawing card
: one that attracts attention or patronage

drawing pin
British : THUMBTACK

drawing room
1 a : a formal reception room b : a private room on a railroad passenger car with three berths and an enclosed toilet
2 : a formal reception

drawing table
: a table with a surface adjustable for elevation and angle of incline

drawknife
n. : a woodworker's tool consisting of a blade with a handle at each end for use in shaving off surfaces

drawl
n. intransitive verb : to speak slowly with vowels greatly prolonged
transitive verb : to utter in a slow lengthened tone
–drawl·er noun
–drawl·ing·ly \'drȯ-liŋ-lē\ adverb

drawl
n. : a drawling manner of speaking
–drawly \'drȯ-lē\ adjective

drawn
adj. past part of draw

drawn
adj. : showing the effects of tension, pain, or illness : HAGGARD <a face drawn with pain>

drawn
adj. at daggers drawn
drawn butter
long drawn out
long drawn

drawn butter
: melted clarified butter

drawnwork
n. : decoration on cloth made by drawing out threads according to a pattern

drawplate
: a die with holes through which wires are drawn

drawshave
n. : DRAWKNIFE

drawstring
n. : a string, cord, or tape inserted into hems or casings or laced through eyelets for use in closing a bag or controlling fullness in garments or curtains

drawtube
: a telescoping tube (as for the eyepiece of a microscope)

dray
n. : a vehicle used to haul goods especially : a strong cart or wagon without sides

dray
n. : to haul on a dray : CART

dray horse
: a horse adapted for drawing heavy loads

drayage
n. : the work or cost of hauling by dray

drayman
n. : one whose work is hauling by dray

Drayton
Michael 1563-1631 Eng. poet

dread
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fear greatly b archaic : to regard with awe
2 : to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face
intransitive verb : to be apprehensive or fearful

dread
n. 1 a : great fear especially in the face of impending evil b : extreme uneasiness in the face of a disagreeable prospect <dread of a social blunder> c archaic : AWE
2 : one causing fear or awe
3 a : DREADLOCK 1 b plural : DREADLOCK 2
synonyms see FEAR

dread
n. 1 : causing great fear or anxiety
2 : inspiring awe

dreadful
adj. 1 a : inspiring dread : causing great and oppressive fear <a dreadful storm> b : inspiring awe or reverence <the dreadful sublimity of the mountain peaks>
2 : extremely bad, distasteful, unpleasant, or shocking <dreadful news>
3 : EXTREME <dreadful disorder>
–dread·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–dread·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

dreadful
adj. : a cheap and sensational story or periodical

dreadlock
n. 1 : a narrow ropelike strand of hair formed by matting or braiding
2 plural : a hairstyle consisting of dreadlocks
–dread·locked \-ˌläkt\ adjective

dreadnought
n. 1 : a warm garment of thick cloth also : the cloth
2 [Dreadnought, British battleship] a : BATTLESHIP b : one that is among the largest or most powerful of its kind

dream
1 : a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep ― compare REM SLEEP
2 : an experience of waking life having the characteristics of a dream: as a : a visionary creation of the imagination : DAYDREAM b : a state of mind marked by abstraction or release from reality : REVERIE c : an object seen in a dreamlike state : VISION
3 : something notable for its beauty, excellence, or enjoyable quality <the new car is a dream to operate>
4 a : a strongly desired goal or purpose <a dream of becoming president> b : something that fully satisfies a wish : IDEAL <a meal that was a gourmet's dream>
–dream·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–dream·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–dream·ful·ness noun
–dream·less adjective
–dream·less·ly adverb
–dream·less·ness noun
–dream·like \'drēm-ˌlīk\ adjective

dream
n. intransitive verb
1 : to have a dream
2 : to indulge in daydreams or fantasies <dreaming of a better future>
3 : to appear tranquil or dreamy <houses dream in leafy shadows ― Gladys Taber>
transitive verb
1 : to have a dream of
2 : to consider as a possibility : IMAGINE
3 : to pass (time) in reverie or inaction <dreaming the hours away>
–dream of : to consider possible or fitting <wouldn't dream of disturbing you>

dream
n. American dream
dream of
dream catcher
dream team
dream up
dream vision
pipe dream
wet dream

dream catcher
: a circular framed net with a hole in the center that is used by some American Indian peoples to help block bad dreams and catch good ones

dream of
to consider possible or fitting <wouldn't dream of disturbing you>

dream team
: a team whose members are preeminent in a particular field <a legal dream team>

dream up
: to form in the mind : DEVISE, CONCOCT

dream vision
: a usually medieval poem having a framework in which the poet pictures himself as falling asleep and envisioning in his dream a series of allegorical people and events

dreamboat
n. slang : one that is highly desirable especially : a very attractive person

dreamer
n. 1 : one that dreams
2 a : one who lives in a world of fancy and imagination b : one who has ideas or conceives projects regarded as impractical : VISIONARY

dreamland
n. : an unreal delightful country existing only in imagination or in dreams : NEVER-NEVER LAND

dreamtime
n. : the time of creation in the mythology of the Australian aborigines

dreamworld
n. : a world of illusion or fantasy

dreamy
adj. 1 a : full of dreams <a dreamy night's sleep> b : pleasantly abstracted from immediate reality
2 : given to dreaming or fantasy <a dreamy child>
3 a : suggestive of a dream or dreamlike state (as in vague or visionary quality) <a dreamy smile> <dreamy speculation> b : quiet and soothing <dreamy music> c : DELIGHTFUL, IDEAL
–dream·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–dream·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

drear
adj. : DREARY
–drear noun

dreary
adj. 1 : feeling, displaying, or reflecting listlessness or discouragement
2 : having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest : GLOOMY, DISMAL
synonyms see DISMAL
–drea·ri·ly \'drir-ə-lē\ adverb
–drea·ri·ness \'drir-ē-nəs\ noun

dreck
n. : TRASH, RUBBISH

dredge
n. transitive verb
1 a : to dig, gather, or pull out with or as if with a dredge ― often used with up b : to deepen (as a waterway) with a dredging machine
2 : to bring to light by deep searching ― often used with up <dredging up memories>
intransitive verb
1 : to use a dredge
2 : to search deeply
–dredg·er noun

dredge
n. 1 : an apparatus usually in the form of an oblong iron frame with an attached bag net used especially for gathering fish and shellfish
2 : a machine for removing earth usually by buckets on an endless chain or a suction tube
3 : a barge used in dredging

dredge
n. : to coat (food) by sprinkling (as with flour)
–dredg·er noun

dree
v. chiefly Scottish : ENDURE, SUFFER

dreg
n. 1 : sediment contained in a liquid or precipitated from it : LEES ― usually used in plural
2 : the most undesirable part ― usually used in plural <the dregs of society>
3 : the last remaining part : VESTIGE ― usually used in plural <the last dregs of fuel>
–dreg·gy \'dre-gē\ adjective

dreich
chiefly Scottish : DREARY

dreidel
n. 1 : a 4-sided toy marked with Hebrew letters and spun like a top in a game of chance
2 : a children's game of chance played especially at Hanukkah with a dreidel

Dreiser
n. Theodore 1871-1945 American editor & nov.
–Drei·ser·ian \ˌdrī-'ser-ē-ən, -'zər-\ adjective

drench
v. 1 : a poisonous or medicinal drink specifically : a large dose of medicine mixed with liquid and put down the throat of an animal
2 a : something that drenches b : a quantity sufficient to drench or saturate

drench
v. 1 a archaic : to force to drink b : to administer a drench to (an animal)
2 : to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid)
3 : to soak or cover thoroughly with liquid that falls or is precipitated
4 : to fill or cover completely as if by soaking or precipitation <was drenched in furs and diamonds ― Richard Brautigan>
synonyms see SOAK
–drench·er noun

Drenthe
province NE Netherlands capital Assen area 1037 sq mi (2686 sq km), pop 478,799

Dresden
n. city E Germany capital of Saxony pop 485,132

dress
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make or set straight b : to arrange (as troops) in a straight line and at proper intervals
2 : to prepare for use or service specifically : to prepare for cooking or for the table <dress a salad>
3 : to add decorative details or accessories to : EMBELLISH
4 a : to put clothes on <dress a child> b : to provide with clothing <feed and dress a growing family>
5 archaic : DRESS DOWN
6 a : to apply dressings or medicaments to <dress a wound> b (1) : to arrange (as the hair) by combing, brushing, or curling (2) : to groom and curry (an animal) c : to kill and prepare for market or for consumption ― often used with out d : CULTIVATE, TEND especially : to apply manure or fertilizer to <dress a field> e : to put through a finishing process especially : to trim and smooth the surface of (as lumber or stone)
intransitive verb
1 a : to put on clothing b : to put on or wear formal, elaborate, or fancy clothes <dress for dinner>
2 of a food animal : to weigh after being dressed ― often used with out
3 : to align oneself with the next soldier in a line to make the line straight
–dress ship : to ornament a ship for a celebration by hoisting national ensigns at the mastheads and running a line of signal flags and pennants from bow to stern

dress
n. 1 : APPAREL, CLOTHING
2 : an outer garment (as for a woman or girl) usually consisting of a one-piece bodice and skirt
3 : covering, adornment, or appearance appropriate or peculiar to a particular time
4 : a particular form of presentation : GUISE

dress
n. 1 : suitable for a formal occasion <dress clothes> <dress shoes>
2 : requiring or permitting formal dress <a dress affair>
3 : relating to or used for a dress <dress material>

dress
n. battle dress uniform
cross dress
dress ship
dress circle
dress code
dress down
dress down day
dress rehearsal
dress shield
dress shirt
dress uniform
dress up
fancy dress
full dress
granny dress
side dress
top dress
window dress
vinaigrette dressing
cross dressing
dressing down
dressing glass
dressing gown
dressing room
dressing table
French dressing
Italian dressing
ore dressing
ranch dressing
Russian dressing
side dressing
Thousand Island dressing
window dressing

dress circle
: the first or lowest curved tier of seats above the main floor in a theater or opera house

dress code
: formally or socially imposed standards of dress

dress down
: to reprove severely
intransitive verb : to dress casually especially for reasons of fashion

dress rehearsal
1 : a full rehearsal (as of a play) in costume and with stage properties shortly before the first performance
2 : a practice exercise for something to come : DRY RUN

dress shield
: a pad worn inside a part of the clothing liable to be soiled by perspiration (as at the underarm)

dress ship
to ornament a ship for a celebration by hoisting national ensigns at the mastheads and running a line of signal flags and pennants from bow to stern

dress shirt
: a man's shirt especially for wear with evening dress broadly : a shirt suitable for wear with a necktie

dress uniform
: a uniform for formal wear

dress up
1 : to make more attractive, glamorous, or fancy <dress up a plain dessert with a rich chocolate sauce>
2 a : to attire in best or formal clothes b : to attire in clothes suited to a particular role
3 : to present in the most attractive or impressive light <a fiasco dressed up as a triumph>
intransitive verb : to get dressed up

dress-down day
: a day during which employees are allowed to wear casual attire at work

dressage
n. : the execution by a trained horse of precision movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider

dresser
n. 1 obsolete : a table or sideboard for preparing and serving food
2 : a cupboard to hold dishes and cooking utensils
3 : a chest of drawers or bureau with a mirror

dresser
n. : one that dresses <a fashionable dresser>

dresser
n. cross dresser
dresser set
window dresser

dresser set
: a set of toilet articles including hairbrush, comb, and mirror for use at a dresser or dressing table

dressing
n. 1 a : the act or process of one who dresses b : an instance of such act or process
2 a : a sauce for adding to a dish (as a salad) b : a seasoned mixture usually used as a stuffing (as for poultry)
3 a : material (as ointment or gauze) applied to cover a lesion or wound b : fertilizing material (as manure or compost)

dressing
n. vinaigrette dressing
cross dressing
dressing down
dressing glass
dressing gown
dressing room
dressing table
French dressing
Italian dressing
ore dressing
ranch dressing
Russian dressing
side dressing
Thousand Island dressing
window dressing

dressing glass
: a small mirror set to swing in a standing frame and used at a dresser or dressing table

dressing gown
: a robe worn especially while dressing or resting

dressing room
: a room used chiefly for dressing especially : a room in a theater for changing costumes and makeup

dressing table
: a table often fitted with drawers and a mirror in front of which one sits while dressing and grooming oneself

dressing-down
: a severe reprimand

dressmaker
n. : one that makes dresses
–dress·mak·ing \-ˌmā-kiŋ\ noun

dressmaker
n. of women's clothes : having softness, rounded lines, and intricate detailing <a dressmaker suit>

dressy
adj. 1 : showy in dress
2 : STYLISH, SMART <dressy clothes>
3 : requiring or characterized by fancy or formal dress <a dressy affair>
–dress·i·ness noun

Drew
John 1827-1862 American (Irish-born) actor

Drew
John 1853-1927 son of prec. American actor

drew
past of draw

Dreyfus
n. Alfred 1859-1935 Fr. army officer

Dreyfusard
: a defender or partisan of Alfred Dreyfus

DRG
: any of the payment categories that are used to classify patients and especially Medicare patients for the purpose of reimbursing hospitals for each case in a given category with a fixed fee regardless of the actual costs incurred ― called also diagnosis related group

drib
n. : a small amount ― usually used in the phrase dribs and drabs

dribble
n. transitive verb
1 : to issue sporadically and in small bits
2 : to let or cause to fall in drops little by little
3 a : to propel by successive slight taps or bounces with hand, foot, or stick <dribble a basketball> <dribble a puck> b : to hit (as a baseball) so as to cause a slow bouncing
intransitive verb
1 : to fall or flow in drops or in a thin intermittent stream : TRICKLE
2 : to let saliva trickle from the corner of the mouth : DROOL
3 : to come or issue in piecemeal or desultory fashion
4 a : to dribble a ball or puck b : to proceed by dribbling c of a ball : to move with short bounces
–drib·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

dribble
n. 1 : a tiny or insignificant bit or quantity
2 : a small trickling stream or flow
3 : an act, instance, or manner of dribbling a ball or puck
–drib·bly \'dri-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

driblet
n. 1 : a trifling or small sum or part
2 : a drop of liquid

dried-up
: being wizened and shriveled

drier
n. comparative of dry

drier
n. 1 : something that extracts or absorbs moisture
2 : a substance that accelerates drying (as of oils, paints, and printing inks)
3 usually dryer : a device for drying

Driesch
Hans Adolf Eduard 1867-1941 Ger. biol. & philos.

driest
adj. superlative of dry

drift
n. 1 a : the act of driving something along b : the flow or the velocity of the current of a river or ocean stream
2 : something driven, propelled, or urged along or drawn together in a clump by or as if by a natural agency: as a : wind-driven snow, rain, cloud, dust, or smoke usually at or near the ground surface b (1) : a mass of matter (as sand) deposited together by or as if by wind or water (2) : a helter-skelter accumulation c : DROVE, FLOCK d : something (as driftwood) washed ashore e : rock debris deposited by natural agents specifically : a deposit of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders transported by a glacier or by running water from a glacier
3 a : a general underlying design or tendency <perceiving the drift of the government's policies> b : the underlying meaning, import, or purport of what is spoken or written <the drift of a conversation>
4 : something (as a tool) driven down upon or forced into a body
5 : the motion or action of drifting especially spatially and usually under external influence: as a : the lateral motion of an aircraft due to air currents b : an easy moderate more or less steady flow or sweep along a spatial course c : a gradual shift in attitude, opinion, or position d : an aimless course especially : a foregoing of any attempt at direction or control e : a deviation from a true reproduction, representation, or reading especially : a gradual change in the zero reading of an instrument or in any quantitative characteristic that is supposed to remain constant
6 a : a nearly horizontal mine passageway driven on or parallel to the course of a vein or rock stratum b : a small crosscut in a mine connecting two larger tunnels
7 a : an assumed trend toward a general change in the structure of a language over a period of time b : GENETIC DRIFT
8 : a mass of planted flowers
synonyms see TENDENCY
–drifty \'drif-tē\ adjective

drift
n. 1 a : to become driven or carried along (as by a current of water, wind, or air) <a balloon drifting in the wind> b : to move or float smoothly and effortlessly
2 a : to move along a line of least resistance b : to move in a random or casual way c : to become carried along subject to no guidance or control <the talk drifted from topic to topic>
3 a : to accumulate in a mass or become piled up in heaps by wind or water <drifting snow> b : to become covered with a drift
4 : to vary or deviate from a set course or adjustment
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to be driven in a current b West : to drive (livestock) slowly especially to allow grazing
2 a : to pile in heaps b : to cover with drifts
–drift·ing·ly \'drif-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

drift
n. continental drift
drift fence
drift net
genetic drift

drift fence
: a stretch of fence on rangeland especially in the western U.S. for preventing cattle from drifting from their home range

drift net
: a fishing net often miles in extent arranged to drift with the tide or current and buoyed up by floats or attached to a boat

driftage
n. : drifted material

drifter
n. : one that drifts especially : one that travels or moves about aimlessly

driftwood
n. 1 : wood drifted or floated by water
2 : FLOTSAM 2

drill
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fix something in the mind or habit pattern of by repetitive instruction <drill pupils in spelling> b : to impart or communicate by repetition <impossible to drill the simplest idea into some people> c : to train or exercise in military drill
2 a (1) : to bore or drive a hole in (2) : to make by piercing action <drill a hole> b : to shoot with or as if with a gun c (1) : to propel (as a ball) with force or accuracy <drilled a single to right field> (2) : to hit with force <drilled the batter with the first pitch>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a hole with a drill
2 : to engage in an exercise
–drill·abil·i·ty \ˌdri-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–drill·able \-lə-bəl\ adjective
–drill·er \'dri-lər\ noun

drill
n. 1 : an instrument with an edged or pointed end for making holes in hard substances by revolving or by a succession of blows also : a machine for operating such an instrument
2 : the act or exercise of training soldiers in marching and in executing prescribed movements with a weapon
3 a : a physical or mental exercise aimed at perfecting facility and skill especially by regular practice b : a formal exercise by a team of marchers c : the approved, correct, or usual procedure for accomplishing something : ROUTINE
4 a : a marine snail (Urosalpinx cinerea) destructive to oysters by boring through their shells and feeding on the soft parts b : any of several mollusks related to the drill
5 : a drilling sound

drill
n. : a western African baboon (Mandrillus leucophaeus syn. Papio leucophaeus) having a black face and brown coat and closely related to the typical mandrills

drill
n. 1 a : a shallow furrow or trench into which seed is sown b : a row of seed sown in such a furrow
2 : a planting implement that makes holes or furrows, drops in the seed and sometimes fertilizer, and covers them with earth

drill
n. 1 : to sow (seeds) by dropping along a shallow furrow
2 a : to sow with seed or set with seedlings inserted in drills b : to distribute seed or fertilizer in by means of a drill

drill
n. : a durable cotton twilled fabric

drill
n. breast drill
drill press
drill team
fire drill
oyster drill
twist drill

drill press
: an upright drilling machine in which the drill is pressed to the work by a hand lever or by power

drill team
: an exhibition marching team that engages in precision drill

drilling
n. : 6DRILL

drillmaster
n. 1 : an instructor in military drill
2 : an instructor or director who maintains severe discipline and often stresses method and detail

Drina
river 285 mi (459 km) flowing N along the border bet. Bosnia & Serbia into the Sava

drink
n. transitive verb
1 a : SWALLOW, IMBIBE <drink water> b : to take in or suck up : ABSORB <drinking air into his lungs> c : to take in or receive avidly ― usually used with in <drank in every word of the lecture>
2 : to join in a toast to <I'll drink your good health>
3 : to bring to a specified state by drinking alcoholic beverages <drank himself into oblivion>
intransitive verb
1 a : to take liquid into the mouth for swallowing b : to receive into one's consciousness
2 : to partake of alcoholic beverages <has quit drinking>
3 : to make or join in a toast <I'll drink to that!>

drink
n. 1 a : a liquid suitable for swallowing b : alcoholic beverages
2 : a draft or portion of liquid
3 : excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages <he took to drink when his business failed>
4 : a sizable body of water ― used with the <landed in the drink>

drink
n. drink driving
mixed drink
soft drink
strong drink
drinking fountain
drinking song
drunk tank
punch drunk

drink-driving
British : driving a vehicle while drunk

drinkable
adj. : suitable or safe for drinking
–drink·abil·i·ty \ˌdriŋ-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

drinkable
adj. : a liquid suitable for drinking : BEVERAGE

drinker
n. 1 a : one that drinks b : a person who drinks alcoholic beverages especially to a notable degree <a heavy drinker>
2 : WATERER B

drinking fountain
: a fixture with nozzle that delivers a stream of water for drinking

drinking song
: a song on a convivial theme appropriate for a group engaged in social drinking

Drinkwater
John 1882-1937 Eng. writer

DRIP
n. dividend reinvestment plan

drip
n. transitive verb
1 : to let fall in drops <a brush dripping paint>
2 : to let out or seem to spill copiously <her voice dripping sarcasm> <trees dripping Spanish moss>
intransitive verb
1 a : to let fall drops of moisture or liquid <wet clothes dripping onto the floor> b : to overflow with or as if with moisture <stories dripping with pop-culture references> <toast dripping with butter>
2 : to fall in or as if in drops <let the excess drip off>
3 : to waft or pass gently
–drip·per noun

drip
n. 1 : a part of a cornice or other member that projects to throw off rainwater also : an overlapping metal strip or an underneath groove for the same purpose
2 a : a falling in drops b : liquid that falls, overflows, or is extruded in drops <a pan to catch drips>
3 : the sound made by or as if by falling drops
4 : a device for the administration of a fluid at a slow rate especially into a vein also : a material so administered
5 : a dull or unattractive person

drip
n. : of, relating to, or being coffee made by letting boiling water drip slowly through finely ground coffee <drip coffee> <a drip pot>

drip
n. drip dry
postnasal drip

drip-dry
: to dry with few or no wrinkles when hung wet
transitive verb : to hang (as wet clothing) to drip-dry

drip-dry
: made of a washable fabric that drip-dries

dripless
adj. : designed not to drip <dripless candles>

dripping
n. : fat and juices drawn from meat during cooking ― often used in plural

drippy
adj. 1 : characterized by dripping especially : RAINY, DRIZZLY
2 : MAWKISH 2

dripstone
n. 1 : a stone drip (as over a window)
2 : calcium carbonate in the form of stalactites or stalagmites

drive
transitive verb
1 a : to frighten or prod (as game or cattle) into moving in a desired direction b : to go through (an area) driving game animals
2 : to carry on or through energetically <drives a hard bargain>
3 a : to impart a forward motion to by physical force <waves drove the boat ashore> b : to repulse, remove, or cause to go by force, authority, or influence <drive the enemy back> c : to set or keep in motion or operation <drive machinery by electricity> d basketball : to move quickly and forcefully down or along <drive the lane> <drive the baseline>
4 a : to direct the motions and course of (a draft animal) b : to operate the mechanism and controls and direct the course of (as a vehicle) <drive a car> c : to convey in a vehicle <his father drove me home> d : to float (logs) down a stream
5 a : to exert inescapable or coercive pressure on : FORCE <driven by his passions> b : to compel to undergo or suffer a change (as in situation or emotional state) <drove him crazy> <drove her out of business> c : to urge relentlessly to continuous exertion <the sergeant drove his recruits> d : to press or force into an activity, course, or direction <the drug habit drives addicts to steal> e : to project, inject, or impress incisively <drove her point home>
6 : to force (a passage) by pressing or digging
7 a : to propel (an object of play) swiftly or forcefully <drove a long fly ball to the warning track> b : to hit (a golf ball) from the tee especially with a driver also : to drive a golf ball onto (a green) c : to cause (a run or runner) to be scored in baseball ― usually used with in
8 : to give shape or impulse to <factors that drive the business cycle> <the ideas that have driven history>
intransitive verb
1 a : to dash, plunge, or surge ahead rapidly or violently b : to progress with strong momentum <the rain was driving hard> c : to make a quick and forceful move in basketball <driving to the hoop>
2 a : to operate a vehicle b : to have oneself carried in a vehicle
3 : to drive a golf ball
synonyms see MOVE
–driv·abil·i·ty also drive·abil·i·ty \ˌdrī-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–driv·able also drive·able \'drī-və-bəl\ adjective
–drive at : to intend to express, convey, or accomplish <did not understand what she was driving at ― Eric Goldman>

drive
n. 1 : an act of driving: a : a trip in a carriage or automobile <a short drive to the coast> b : a collection and driving together of animals also : the animals gathered c : a driving of cattle or sheep overland d : a hunt or shoot in which the game is driven within the hunter's range e : the guiding of logs downstream to a mill also : the floating logs amassed in a drive f (1) : the act or an instance of driving an object of play (as a golf ball) (2) : the flight of a ball <a high drive to left field>
2 a : a private road : DRIVEWAY b : a public road for driving (as in a park)
3 : the state of being hurried and under pressure
4 a : a strong systematic group effort <a fund-raising drive> b : a sustained offensive effort <the drive ended in a touchdown>
5 a : the means for giving motion to a machine or machine part b : the means by which the propulsive power of an automobile is applied to the road <front wheel drive> c : the means by which the propulsion of an automotive vehicle is controlled and directed <a left-hand drive>
6 a : an offensive, aggressive, or expansionist move especially : a strong military attack against enemy-held terrain b : a quick and aggressive move toward the basket in basketball
7 a : an urgent, basic, or instinctual need : a motivating physiological condition of an organism <a sexual drive> b : an impelling culturally acquired concern, interest, or longing <the drive to succeed> c : dynamic quality
8 : a device for reading or writing on magnetic or optical media (as tapes or disks)

drive
n. disk drive
drive at
drive by
drive in
drive through
drive thru
drive time
drive up
four wheel drive
friction drive
hard drive
line drive
self drive
test drive
drink driving
driving range
hard driving
menu driven

drive at
to intend to express, convey, or accomplish <did not understand what she was driving at ― Eric Goldman>

drive time
: a time during rush hour when radio audiences are swelled by commuters listening to car radios

drive-by
1 : carried out from a moving vehicle <a drive-by shooting>
2 : done or made in a quick or cursory manner <a drive-by analysis>

drive-by
: a drive-by shooting

drive-in
: an establishment (as a theater or restaurant) so laid out that patrons can be accommodated while remaining in their automobiles
–drive-in adjective

drive-through
: DRIVE-UP

drive-through
: a drive-through establishment (as a restaurant or bank) also : the drive-through window at such an establishment

drive-up
: designed to allow patrons or customers to be served while remaining in their automobiles <a drive-up window>

drivel
1 : to let saliva dribble from the mouth : SLAVER
2 : to talk stupidly and carelessly
–driv·el·er \-v(ə-)lər\ noun

drivel
n. 1 archaic : DROOL 1
2 : NONSENSE

driveline
n. : DRIVETRAIN

driven
adj. 1 : having a compulsive or urgent quality <a driven sense of obligation>
2 : propelled or motivated by something ― used in combination <results-driven>
–driv·en·ness \'dri-vən-nəs\ noun

driver
n. : one that drives: as a : COACHMAN b : the operator of a motor vehicle c : an implement (as a hammer) for driving d : a mechanical piece for imparting motion to another piece e : one that provides impulse or motivation <a driver in this economy> f : a golf wood with a nearly straight face used in driving g : an electronic circuit that supplies input to another electronic circuit also : LOUDSPEAKER h : a piece of computer software that controls input and output operations
–driv·er·less \-ləs\ adjective

driver
n. designated driver
driver ant
driver's license
driver's seat
engine driver
mass driver
pile driver
slave driver

driver ant
: ARMY ANT specifically : any of various African and Asian ants (Dorylus or related genera) that move in vast numbers

driver's license
: a license issued under governmental authority that permits the holder to operate a motor vehicle

driver's seat
: the position of top authority or dominance

driveshaft
n. : a shaft that transmits mechanical power

drivetrain
n. : the parts (as the universal joint and the driveshaft) that connect the transmission with the driving axles of an automobile also : POWER TRAIN <the drivetrain warranty>

driveway
n. : a private road giving access from a public way to a building on abutting grounds

driving
n. 1 a : communicating force <a driving wheel> b : exerting pressure <a driving influence>
2 a : having great force <a driving rain> <a driving beat> b : acting with vigor : ENERGETIC <a hard-driving worker>

driving
n. drink driving
driving range
hard driving

driving range
: an area equipped with distance markers, clubs, balls, and tees for practicing golf shots

drizzle
n. 1 : a fine misty rain
2 : something that is drizzled <a drizzle of syrup>
–driz·zly \'driz-(ə-)lē\ adjective

drizzle
n. transitive verb
1 : to shed or let fall in minute drops or particles
2 : to make wet with minute drops : SPRINKLE <vegetables drizzled with olive oil>
intransitive verb : to rain in very small drops or very lightly : SPRINKLE
–driz·zling·ly \-z(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

Drogheda
town & port E Ireland in County Louth on the Boyne pop 23,845

drogue
n. 1 : SEA ANCHOR
2 a : a cylindrical or funnel-shaped device towed as a target by an airplane b : a small parachute for stabilizing or decelerating something (as an astronaut's capsule) or for pulling a larger parachute out of stowage
3 : a funnel-shaped device which is attached to the end of a long flexible hose suspended from a tanker airplane in flight and into which the probe of another airplane is fitted so as to receive fuel from the tanker

droit
n. : a legal right

droit du seigneur
: a supposed legal or customary right of a feudal lord to have sexual relations with a vassal's bride on her wedding night

droll
adj. : having a humorous, whimsical, or odd quality <his dignified presence decorated our droll little quarters ― Gwendolyn Brooks>
–droll·ness noun
–drol·ly \'drō(l)-lē\ adverb

droll
adj. : an amusing person : JESTER, COMEDIAN

droll
adj. archaic : to make fun : JEST, SPORT

drollery
n. 1 : something that is droll especially : a comic picture or drawing
2 : the act or an instance of jesting or burlesquing
3 : whimsical humor

drome
1 : racecourse <motordrome>
2 : large specially prepared place <aerodrome>

dromedary
n. : CAMEL 1A

dromous
: running <catadromous>

drone
n. 1 : the male of a bee (as the honeybee) that has no sting and gathers no honey
2 : one that lives on the labors of others : PARASITE
3 : an unmanned aircraft or ship guided by remote control
4 a : DRUDGE 1 b : DRUDGE 2

drone
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a sustained deep murmuring, humming, or buzzing sound <droning bees> b : to talk in a persistently dull or monotonous tone <droning on and on about his health>
2 : to pass, proceed, or act in a dull, drowsy, or indifferent manner <the afternoon droned on>
transitive verb
1 : to utter or pronounce with a drone
2 : to pass or spend in dull or monotonous activity or in idleness
–dron·er noun
–dron·ing·ly \'drō-niŋ-lē\ adverb

drone
n. 1 : a deep sustained or monotonous sound : HUM
2 : an instrument or part of an instrument (as one of the fixed-pitch pipes of a bagpipe) that sounds a continuous unvarying tone
3 : PEDAL POINT

drongo
n. : any of a family (Dicruridae) of insectivorous passerine birds native to Africa, Asia, and Australia that usually have glossy black plumage and long forked tails

drool
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to secrete saliva in anticipation of food b : DRIVEL 1
2 : to make an effusive show of pleasure or often envious or covetous appreciation
3 : to talk nonsense
transitive verb : to express sentimentally or effusively

drool
v. 1 : saliva trickling from the mouth
2 : NONSENSE

droop
n. intransitive verb
1 : to hang or incline downward
2 : to sink gradually
3 : to become depressed or weakened : LANGUISH
transitive verb : to let droop
–droop·ing·ly \'drü-piŋ-lē\ adverb

droop
n. : the condition or appearance of drooping

droopy
adj. 1 : GLOOMY
2 : drooping or tending to droop

drop
n. 1 a (1) : the quantity of fluid that falls in one spherical mass (2) plural : a dose of medicine measured by drops <eye drops for dilating the pupil of the eye> b : a minute quantity or degree of something nonmaterial or intangible c : a small quantity of drink d : the smallest practical unit of liquid measure
2 : something that resembles a liquid drop: as a : a pendent ornament attached to a piece of jewelry also : an earring with such a pendant b : a small globular cookie or candy
3 [2drop] a : the act or an instance of dropping : FALL b : a decline in quantity or quality c : a descent by parachute also : the people or equipment dropped by parachute d : a place or central depository to which something (as mail, money, or stolen property) is brought for distribution or transmission also : the act of depositing something at such a place <made the drop>
4 a : the distance from a higher to a lower level or through which something drops b : a decrease in electric potential
5 : a slot into which something is to be dropped
6 [2drop] : something that drops, hangs, or falls: as a : a movable plate that covers the keyhole of a lock b : an unframed piece of cloth stage scenery also : DROP CURTAIN c : a hinged platform on a gallows d : a fallen fruit
7 : the advantage of having an opponent covered with a firearm broadly : ADVANTAGE, SUPERIORITY ― usually used in the phrase get the drop on
8 : a move back from the line of scrimmage (as in preparation for making a forward pass) <a quick drop>
–at the drop of a hat : as soon as the slightest provocation is given : IMMEDIATELY
–drop in the bucket : a part so small as to be negligible

drop
n. intransitive verb
1 : to fall in drops
2 a (1) : to fall unexpectedly or suddenly (2) : to descend from one line or level to another b : to fall in a state of collapse or death c of a card : to become played by reason of the obligation to follow suit d of a ball : to fall or roll into a hole or basket
3 : to enter or pass as if without conscious effort of will into some state, condition, or activity <dropped into sleep>
4 a : to cease to be of concern : LAPSE <let the matter drop> b : to pass from view or notice : DISAPPEAR ― often used with out <drop out of sight> c : to become less <production dropped> ― often used with off
5 : to move with a favoring wind or current ― usually used with down
transitive verb
1 : to let fall : cause to fall
2 a : GIVE UP 2, ABANDON <drop an idea> <drop the charges> b : DISCONTINUE <dropped what she was doing> c : to break off an association or connection with : DISMISS <drop a failing student>
3 a : to utter or mention in a casual way <drop a suggestion> <drop names> b : WRITE <drop us a line soon>
4 a : to lower or cause to descend from one level or position to another b : to cause to lessen or decrease : REDUCE <dropped his speed>
5 of an animal : to give birth to
6 a : LOSE <dropped three games> <dropped $50 in a poker game> b : SPEND <drop $20 for lunch> c : to get rid of <dropped 20 pounds>
7 a : to bring down with a shot or a blow b : to cause (a high card) to fall c : to toss or roll into a hole or basket <drop a putt>
8 a : to deposit or deliver during a usually brief stop ― usually used with off <drop the kids off at school> b : AIR-DROP
9 : to cause (the voice) to be less loud
10 a : to leave (a letter representing a speech sound) unsounded <drop the g in running> b : to leave out in writing : OMIT
11 : to draw from an external point <drop a perpendicular to the line>
12 : to take (a drug) orally : SWALLOW <drop acid>
–drop·pa·ble \'drä-pə-bəl\ adjective
–drop a dime : to inform authorities (as police) of another's wrongdoing
–drop behind : to fail to keep up
–drop the ball : to make a mistake especially by failing to take timely, effective, or proper action

drop
n. air drop
cough drop
drag and drop
drop in the bucket
at the drop of a hat
drop the ball
drop behind
drop a dime
drop back
drop by
drop cloth
drop curtain
drop dead
drop down
drop forge
drop forger
drop front
drop hammer
drop in
drop kick
drop leaf
drop off
drop out
drop pass
drop seat
drop shot
drop tank
drop top
drop volley
drop zone
mail drop
name drop
knockout drops
dropped egg
jaw dropping
name dropping
air droppable

drop a dime
to inform authorities (as police) of another's wrongdoing

drop back
1 : RETREAT
2 : to move straight back from the line of scrimmage <the quarterback drops back to pass>

drop behind
to fail to keep up

drop by
: to pay a brief casual visit
transitive verb : to visit casually or unexpectedly <drop by a friend's house>

drop cloth
: a protective sheet (as of cloth or plastic) used especially by painters to cover floors and furniture

drop curtain
: a stage curtain that can be lowered and raised

drop front
: a hinged cover on the front of a desk that may be lowered to provide a surface for writing

drop hammer
: a power hammer raised and then released to drop (as on metal resting on an anvil or die)

drop in
: to pay an unexpected or casual visit ― often used with on

drop in the bucket
a part so small as to be negligible

drop leaf
: a hinged leaf on the side or end of a table that can be folded down

drop off
: to fall asleep

drop out
: to withdraw from participation or membership : QUIT especially : to withdraw from conventional society

drop pass
: a pass in ice hockey in which the passer skates past the puck leaving it for a teammate following close behind

drop seat
1 : a hinged seat (as in a taxi) that may be dropped down
2 : a seat (as in an undergarment) that can be unbuttoned

drop shot
: a delicately hit shot (as in tennis or squash) that drops quickly after crossing the net or dies after hitting a wall

drop tank
: an auxiliary fuel tank for airplanes that can be jettisoned (as when empty)

drop the ball
to make a mistake especially by failing to take timely, effective, or proper action

drop volley
: a drop shot made on a volley in tennis

drop zone
: the area in which troops, supplies, or equipment are to be air-dropped also : the target on which a skydiver lands

drop-dead
: sensationally striking, attractive, or impressive <a drop-dead evening gown>
–drop-dead adverb

drop-down
: PULL-DOWN <a drop-down menu>

drop-forge
: to forge between dies by means of a drop hammer or punch press
–drop forger noun

drop-in
1 : a casual visit or brief stop
2 : one who drops in : a casual visitor

drop-kick
: to make a dropkick
transitive verb : to kick by means of a dropkick <drop-kick a ball> <drop-kick a field goal>
–drop·kick·er noun

drop-off
1 : a very steep or perpendicular descent
2 : a marked dwindling or decline <a drop-off in attendance>
3 : the act or an instance of making a usually brief deposit or delivery <drop-off points along the route>

drop-top
: a convertible automobile

drophead
n. British : a convertible automobile

dropkick
n. : a kick made by dropping a ball to the ground and kicking it at the moment it starts to rebound

droplet
n. : a tiny drop (as of a liquid)

droplight
n. : an electric light suspended by a cord or on a portable extension

dropout
n. 1 a : one who drops out of school b : one who drops out of conventional society c : one who abandons an attempt, activity, or chosen path <a corporate dropout>
2 : a momentary defect on a magnetic tape or disk caused by a temporary loss of signal

dropped
v. : designed to extend or begin lower than normal <a dress with a dropped waist> <dropped shoulders>

dropped egg
: a poached egg

dropper
n. 1 : one that drops
2 : a short glass tube fitted with a rubber bulb and used to measure liquids by drops ― called also eyedropper medicine dropper
–drop·per·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

dropper
n. medicine dropper
jaw dropper
name dropper

dropping
n. 1 : something dropped
2 plural : DUNG

dropsical
adj. 1 : TURGID, SWOLLEN
2 : relating to or affected with dropsy

dropsy
n. : EDEMA

droshky
n. : any of various 2- or 4-wheeled carriages used especially in Russia

drosophila
n. : any of a genus (Drosophila) of fruit flies used in genetic research

dross
n. 1 : the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal
2 : waste or foreign matter : IMPURITY
3 : something that is base, trivial, or inferior
–drossy \'drä-sē, 'drȯ-\ adjective

Drouet
Jean-Baptiste 1765-1844 Comte d'Er·lon \der-'lōn\ Fr. gen.; marshal of France

drought
n. 1 : a period of dryness especially when prolonged specifically : one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth
2 : a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired
–drought·i·ness \'drau̇-tē-nəs\ noun
–droughty \'drau̇-tē\ adjective

drove
n. 1 : a group of animals driven or moving in a body
2 : a large number : CROWD ― usually used in plural especially with in <tourists arriving in droves> <stayed away in droves>

drove
n. past of drive

drover
n. : one who drives cattle or sheep

drown
v. intransitive verb : to become drowned
transitive verb
1 a : to suffocate by submersion especially in water b : to submerge especially by a rise in the water level <villages drowned by the flooding river> c : to soak, drench, or cover with a liquid
2 : to engage (oneself) deeply and strenuously <drowned himself in work>
3 : to cause (a sound) not to be heard by making a loud noise ― usually used with out
4 a : to drive out (as a sensation or an idea) <drowned his sorrows in liquor> b : OVERWHELM

drownd
nonstandard variant of drown

drowse
n. intransitive verb
1 : to be inactive
2 : to fall into a light slumber
transitive verb
1 : to make drowsy or inactive
2 : to pass (time) drowsily or in drowsing

drowse
n. : the act or an instance of drowsing : DOZE

drowsy
adj. 1 a : ready to fall asleep <the pills made her drowsy> b : inducing or tending to induce sleep <drowsy music> c : INDOLENT, LETHARGIC <drowsy bureaucrats>
2 : giving the appearance of peaceful inactivity <a drowsy village>
–drows·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–drows·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

drub
v. transitive verb
1 : to beat severely
2 : to berate critically
3 : to defeat decisively
intransitive verb : DRUM, STAMP
–drub·ber noun
–drub·bing noun

drudge
v. intransitive verb : to do hard, menial, or monotonous work
transitive verb : to force to do hard, menial, or monotonous work
–drudg·er noun

drudge
v. 1 : one who is obliged to do menial work
2 : one whose work is routine and boring
3 : menial or tedious labor : DRUDGERY

drudgery
n. : dull, irksome, and fatiguing work : uninspiring or menial labor
synonyms see WORK

drudging
adj. : MONOTONOUS, TIRING
–drudg·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

drug
n. 1 a obsolete : a substance used in dyeing or chemical operations b : a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of medication c according to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1) : a substance recognized in an official pharmacopoeia or formulary (2) : a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease (3) : a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body (4) : a substance intended for use as a component of a medicine but not a device or a component, part, or accessory of a device
2 : a commodity that is not salable or for which there is no demand ― used in the phrase drug on the market
3 : something and often an illegal substance that causes addiction, habituation, or a marked change in consciousness
–drug·gy also drug·gie \'drə-gē\ adjective

drug
n. transitive verb
1 : to affect with a drug especially : to stupefy by a narcotic drug
2 : to administer a drug to
3 : to lull or stupefy as if with a drug
intransitive verb : to take drugs for narcotic effect

drug
n. dialect past of drag

drug
n. date rape drug
designer drug
gateway drug
miracle drug
wonder drug
new drug
orphan drug
prescription drug
recreational drug
smart drug
sulfa drug

drugget
n. 1 : a wool or partly wool fabric formerly used for clothing
2 : a coarse durable cloth used chiefly as a floor covering
3 : a rug having a cotton warp and a wool filling

druggie
n. : a person who habitually uses drugs

druggist
n. : a person who sells or dispenses drugs and medicines: as a : PHARMACIST b : one who owns or manages a drugstore

drugmaker
n. : a company that manufactures pharmaceuticals

drugstore
n. : a retail store where medicines and miscellaneous articles are sold : PHARMACY

drugstore cowboy
1 : one who wears cowboy clothes but has had no experience as a cowboy
2 : one who loafs on street corners and in drugstores

druid
n. : one of an ancient Celtic priesthood appearing in Irish and Welsh sagas and Christian legends as magicians and wizards
–dru·id·ic \drü-'i-dik\ or dru·id·i·cal \-di-kəl\ adjective often cap

druidism
n. : the system of religion, philosophy, and instruction of the druids

drum
n. 1 : a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow shell or cylinder with a drumhead stretched over one or both ends that is beaten with the hands or with some implement (as a stick or wire brush)
2 : TYMPANIC MEMBRANE
3 : the sound of a drum also : a sound similar to that of a drum
4 : any of various chiefly marine bony fishes (family Sciaenidae) that make a drumming or croaking noise using their air bladder and associated muscles
5 : something resembling a drum in shape: as a (1) : any of the cylindrical blocks that form the shaft of a column (2) : a round wall or structure that supports a dome b : a cylindrical machine or mechanical device or part c : a cylindrical container specifically : a large usually metal container for liquids <a 55-gallon drum> d : a disk-shaped magazine for an automatic weapon
–drum·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

drum
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a succession of strokes or vibrations that produce sounds like drumbeats
2 : to beat a drum
3 : to throb or sound rhythmically
4 : to stir up interest : SOLICIT
transitive verb
1 : to summon or enlist by or as if by beating a drum <were drummed into service>
2 : to dismiss ignominiously : EXPEL ― usually used with out
3 : to drive or force by steady effort or reiteration <drummed the speech into her head>
4 a : to strike or tap repeatedly b : to produce (rhythmic sounds) by such action

drum
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a long narrow hill or ridge
2 : DRUMLIN

drum
n. bass drum
beat the drum
drum brake
drum machine
drum major
drum majorette
drum up
freshwater drum
red drum
side drum
snare drum
steel drum

drum brake
: a brake that operates by the friction of usually a pair of shoes pressing against the inner surface of the cylinder of a rotating drum ― compare DISC BRAKE

drum machine
: an electronic device that simulates the sound of drums

drum major
: the leader of a marching band

drum majorette
1 : a girl or woman who leads a marching band
2 : a baton twirler who accompanies a marching band

drum up
1 : to bring about by persistent effort <drum up some business>
2 : INVENT, ORIGINATE <drum up a new method>

drumbeat
n. 1 : a stroke on a drum or its sound also : a series of such strokes
2 : vociferous advocacy of a cause
3 : DRUMFIRE 2
–drum·beat·er \-ˌbē-tər\ noun
–drum·beat·ing \-tiŋ\ noun

drumfire
n. 1 : artillery firing so continuous as to sound like a drumroll
2 : something suggestive of drumfire in intensity : BARRAGE <a drumfire of publicity>

drumhead
n. 1 : the material (as skin or plastic) stretched over one or both ends of a drum
2 : the top of a capstan that is pierced with sockets for the levers used in turning it

drumhead court-martial
: a summary court-martial that tries offenses on the battlefield

drumlin
n. : an elongate or oval hill of glacial drift

drummer
n. 1 : one that plays a drum ― sometimes used figuratively in phrases denoting unconventional thought or action <march to a different drummer>
2 : TRAVELING SALESMAN

Drummond
Henry 1851-1897 Scot. clergyman & writer

Drummond
William Henry 1854-1907 Canad. (Irish-born) poet

Drummond of Hawthornden
William 1585-1649 Scot. poet

Drummondville
town Canada in S Que. NE of Montreal pop 46,599

drumroll
: a roll on a drum or its sound

drumstick
n. 1 : a stick for beating a drum
2 : the segment of a fowl's leg between the thigh and tarsus

drunk
n. past part of drink

drunk
n. 1 a : having the faculties impaired by alcohol b : having a level of alcohol in the blood that exceeds a maximum prescribed by law <legally drunk>
2 : dominated by an intense feeling <drunk with rage>
3 : relating to, caused by, or characterized by intoxication : DRUNKEN <drunk driving>

drunk
n. 1 : a period of drinking to intoxication or of being intoxicated <a 2-day drunk>
2 : one who is drunk especially : DRUNKARD

drunk tank
: a large detention cell for arrested drunks

drunkard
n. : one who is habitually drunk

drunken
adj. 1 : DRUNK 1 <a drunken driver>
2 obsolete : saturated with liquid
3 a : given to habitual excessive use of alcohol b : of, relating to, or characterized by intoxication <they come from⋯broken homes, drunken homes ― P. B. Gilliam> c : resulting from or as if from intoxication <a drunken brawl>
4 : unsteady or lurching as if from alcoholic intoxication
–drunk·en·ly adverb
–drunk·en·ness \-kən-nəs\ noun

drupaceous
adj. 1 : of or relating to a drupe
2 : bearing drupes

drupe
n. : a one-seeded indehiscent fruit having a hard bony endocarp, a fleshy mesocarp, and a thin exocarp that is flexible (as in the cherry) or dry and almost leathery (as in the almond)

drupelet
n. : a small drupe specifically : one of the individual parts of an aggregate fruit (as the raspberry)

Drusus
38-9 B.C. Ne·ro \'nē-(ˌ)rō, 'nir-(ˌ)ō\ Claudius Drusus Ger·man·i·cus \(ˌ)jer-'ma-ni-kəs\ Rom. gen.

druthers
n. dialect : free choice : PREFERENCE ― used especially in the phrase if one had one's druthers

Druze
n. : a member of a religious sect originating among Muslims and centered in Lebanon and Syria

dry
adj. 1 a : free or relatively free from a liquid and especially water b : not being in or under water <dry land> c : lacking precipitation or humidity <a dry climate>
2 a : characterized by exhaustion of a supply of liquid <a dry well> b : devoid of running water <a dry ravine> c : devoid of natural moisture <my throat was dry> d : no longer sticky or damp <the paint is dry> e : not giving milk <a dry cow> f : lacking freshness : STALE g : ANHYDROUS
3 a : marked by the absence or scantiness of secretions <a dry cough> b : not shedding or accompanied by tears <a dry sob>
4 obsolete : involving no bloodshed or drowning <I would fain die a dry death ― Shakespeare>
5 a : marked by the absence of alcoholic beverages <a dry party> b : prohibiting the manufacture or distribution of alcoholic beverages <a dry county>
6 : served or eaten without butter or margarine <dry toast>
7 a : lacking sweetness : SEC <dry champagne> b : having all or most sugar fermented to alcohol <a dry wine> <dry beer>
8 a : solid as opposed to liquid <dry groceries> b : reduced to powder or flakes : DEHYDRATED <dry milk>
9 : functioning without lubrication <a dry clutch>
10 of natural gas : containing no recoverable hydrocarbon (as gasoline)
11 : requiring no liquid in preparation or operation <a dry photocopying process>
12 a : not showing or communicating warmth, enthusiasm, or tender feeling : SEVERE <a dry style of painting> b : WEARISOME, UNINTERESTING <dry passages of description> c : lacking embellishment : PLAIN <the dry facts>
13 a : not yielding what is expected or desired : UNPRODUCTIVE <a writer going through a dry spell> b : having no personal bias or emotional concern <the dry light of reason> c : RESERVED, ALOOF
14 : marked by matter-of-fact, ironic, or terse manner of expression <a dry wit>
15 : lacking smooth sound qualities <a dry rasping voice>
16 : being a dry run <a dry rehearsal>
–dry·ish \'drī-ish\ adjective
–dri·ly or dry·ly adverb
–dry·ness noun

dry
adj. transitive verb : to make dry
intransitive verb : to become dry
–dry·able \'drī-ə-bəl\ adjective

dry
adj. 1 : the condition of being dry : DRYNESS
2 : something dry especially : a dry place
3 : PROHIBITIONIST

dry
adj. dry wash
air dry
blow dry
bone dry
cut and dry
drip dry
dry cell
dry battery
dry clean
dry cleanable
dry cleaner
dry cleaning
dry dock
dry eye
dry eye syndrome
dry eyed
dry farming
dry farmer
dry farm
dry fly
dry goods
dry heaves
dry hole
dry ice
dry measure
dry mop
dry nurse
dry out
dry rot
dry run
dry shod
dry sink
dry suit
dry up
dry well
freeze dry
hang out to dry
high and dry
rough dry
run dry
tumble dry
Dry Tortugas
blow dried
cut and dried
dried up
freeze dried
drying oil
tumble drying
blow dryer
tumble dryer

dry cell
: a voltaic cell whose contents are not spillable ― called also dry battery

dry cleaner
: one whose business is dry cleaning

dry cleaning
1 : the cleansing of fabrics with substantially nonaqueous organic solvents
2 : something that is dry-cleaned

dry dock
: a dock that can be kept dry for use during the construction or repairing of ships

dry eye
: a condition associated with inadequate tear production and marked by redness, itching, and burning of the eye ― called also dry eye syndrome

dry farming
: farming on nonirrigated land with little rainfall that relies on moisture-conserving tillage and drought-resistant crops
–dry-farm transitive verb
–dry farm noun
–dry farmer noun

dry fly
: an artificial angling fly designed to float

dry goods
: textiles, ready-to-wear clothing, and notions as distinguished especially from hardware and groceries

dry heaves
: repeated involuntary retching unaccompanied by vomit

dry hole
: a well (as for gas or oil) that proves unproductive

dry ice
: solidified carbon dioxide

dry measure
: a series of units of capacity for dry commodities ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table

dry mop
: a long-handled mop for dusting floors

dry nurse
: a nurse who takes care of but does not breast-feed another woman's baby

dry out
: to undergo an extended period of withdrawal from alcohol or drug use especially at a special clinic

dry rot
1 a : a decay of seasoned timber caused by fungi that consume the cellulose of wood leaving a soft skeleton which is readily reduced to powder b : a fungal rot of plant tissue in which the affected areas are dry and often firmer than normal or more or less mummified
2 : a fungus causing dry rot
3 : decay from within caused especially by resistance to new forces

dry run
1 : a practice exercise : REHEARSAL, TRIAL
2 : a practice firing without ammunition

dry sink
: a cabinet with a tray top for holding a wash basin

dry suit
: a close-fitting air-insulated waterproof suit for divers

Dry Tortugas
island group S Fla. W of Key West; site of Dry Tortugas National Park

dry up
: to cut off the supply of
intransitive verb
1 : to disappear as if by evaporation, draining, or cutting off of a source of supply
2 : to wither or die through gradual loss of vitality
3 : to stop talking

dry wash
West : WASH 1D

dry well
: a hole in the ground filled with gravel or rubble to receive drainage water and allow it to percolate away

dry-clean
: to subject to dry cleaning
intransitive verb : to undergo dry cleaning
–dry-clean·able \-'klē-nə-bəl\ adjective

dry-dock
: to place in a dry dock

dry-eyed
1 : not moved to tears or to empathy
2 : marked by the absence of sentimentalism or romanticism

dry-nurse
1 : to act as dry nurse to
2 : to give unnecessary supervision to

dry-rot
: to affect with dry rot
intransitive verb : to become affected with dry rot

dry-shod
: having dry shoes or feet

dryad
n. : WOOD NYMPH

dryasdust
n. : BORING
–dryasdust noun

Dryden
n. John 1631-1700 Eng. poet & dram.; poet laureate (1668-88)
–Dry·de·ni·an \ˌdrī-'dē-nē-ən, -'de-\ adjective

dryer
n. variant of drier

Drygas
― used for fuel-line antifreeze for motor vehicles

drying oil
: an oil (as linseed oil) that changes readily to a hard tough elastic substance when exposed in a thin film to air

dryland
: of, relating to, or being a relatively arid region <a dryland wheat state> also : of, adapted to, practicing, or being agricultural methods (as dry farming) suited to such a region

drylot
: an enclosure of limited size usually bare of vegetation and used for fattening livestock

dryopithecine
n. : any of a subfamily (Dryopithecinae) of Miocene and Pliocene Old World anthropoid apes sometimes regarded as ancestors of both humans and modern anthropoids
–dryopithecine adjective

drypoint
n. : an engraving made with a steel or jeweled point directly into the metal plate without the use of acid as in etching also : a print made from such an engraving

drysalter
n. British : a dealer in crude dry chemicals and dyes
–dry·salt·ery \-tə-rē\ noun British

drystone
adj. chiefly British : constructed of stone without the use of mortar as an adhesive <a drystone wall>

drywall
n. : a board made of several plies of fiberboard, paper, or felt bonded to a hardened gypsum plaster core and used especially as wallboard

DS
1 [Italian dal segno] from the sign
2 detached service
3 document signed

Ds
darmstadtium

DSC
Distingished Service Cross

DSc
doctor of science

DSL
digital subscriber line

DSM
Distinguished Service Medal

DSO
Distinguished Service Order

DSP
died without issue

DST
1 daylight saving time
2 doctor of sacred theology

DSW
doctor of social welfare; doctor of social work

DT
1 daylight time
2 doctor of theology
3 double time

DTh
doctor of theology

DTP
1 desktop publishing
2 diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis

du
carte du jour
cartes du jour
droit du seigneur
du jour
plat du jour
plats du jour
Port du Salut
soup du jour
embarras du choix
garde du corps
gens du monde
l'etoile du nord
l'étoile du nord
mal du siècle
vin du pays
Bellay du
Deffand du
Du Barry
Du Cange
Du Chaillu
Du Gard
Du Guesclin
du Maurier
Du Pont
Du Pont de Nemours
Du Vigneaud
Martin du Gard
Rochers du Calvados
Dent du Midi
Île du Diable
Fond du Lac
Frejus Massif du
Fréjus Massif du
Ile du Diable
Iles du Vent
Îles du Vent
Golfe du Lion

Du Barry
Comtesse ― see Jeanne BARRY

Du Cange
Sieur Charles Du Fresne 1610-1688 Fr. scholar & glossarist

Du Chaillu
Paul Belloni 1831-1903 American (Fr.-born) explorer in Africa

Du Gard
Roger Martin ― see MARTIN DU GARD

Du Guesclin
Bertrand ― see GUESCLIN

du jour
1 : made for a particular day ― used of an item not specified on the regular menu <soup du jour>
2 : popular, fashionable, or prominent at a particular time <the buzzword du jour>

du Maurier
Dame Daphne 1907-1989 Brit. writer

du Maurier
George Louis Palmella Busson 1834-1896 grandfather of prec. Brit. artist & nov.

Du Pont
Éleuthère Irénée 1771-1834 son of P.S. Du Pont de Nemours American (Fr.-born) industrialist

Du Pont de Nemours
n. Pierre-Samuel 1739-1817 Fr. econ. & statesman

Du Vigneaud
v. Vincent 1901-1978 American biochem.

dual
adj. 1 of grammatical number : denoting reference to two
2 a : consisting of two parts or elements or having two like parts : DOUBLE b : having a double character or nature
–du·al·ly \-ə(l)-lē\ adverb

dual
adj. 1 : the dual number of a language
2 : a linguistic form in the dual

dual
adj. dual carriageway
dual citizenship
dual energy X ray absorptiometry
dual purpose

dual carriageway
chiefly British : a divided highway

dual citizenship
: the status of an individual who is a citizen of two or more nations

dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
: absorptiometry in which the density or mass of a material (as bone) is measured by comparing the material's absorption of X rays of two different energies and which is used especially for determining the mineral content of bone

dual-purpose
: having breed characteristics that serve two purposes <dual-purpose cattle that supply milk and meat>

dualism
n. 1 : a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes
2 : the quality or state of being dual or of having a dual nature
3 a : a doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil b : a view of human beings as constituted of two irreducible elements (as matter and spirit)
–du·al·ist \-list\ noun
–du·al·is·tic \ˌdü-ə-'lis-tik, ˌdyü-\ adjective
–du·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

duality
n. : DUALISM 2 also : DICHOTOMY

dualize
v. : to make dual

dub
v. 1 a : to confer knighthood on b : to call by a distinctive title, epithet, or nickname
2 : to trim or remove the comb and wattles of
3 a : to hit (a golf ball or shot) poorly b : to execute poorly <a dubbed attempt>
–dub·ber noun

dub
v. : one who is inept or clumsy

dub
v. chiefly Scottish : POOL, PUDDLE

dub
v. 1 : to add (sound effects or new dialogue) to a film or to a radio or television production ― usually used with in
2 : to provide (a motion-picture film) with a new sound track and especially dialogue in a different language
3 : to make a new recording of (sound or videotape already recorded) also : to mix (recorded sound or videotape from different sources) into a single recording
–dubber noun

dub
v. : Jamaican popular music in which audio effects and spoken or chanted words are imposed on an instrumental reggae background

Dubawnt
river 580 mi (933 km) N Canada flowing NE through Dubawnt Lake to Ba·ker Lake \'bā-kər\ (W expansion of Chesterfield Inlet)

Dubawnt Lake
lake N Canada in Nunavut E of Great Slave Lake

Dubayy
1 sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates 1500 sq mi (3885 sq km)
2 city, its capital pop 265,702

dubbin
n. : a dressing of oil and tallow for leather

dubiety
n. 1 : a usually hesitant uncertainty or doubt that tends to cause vacillation
2 : a matter of doubt
synonyms see UNCERTAINTY

dubious
adj. 1 : giving rise to uncertainty: as a : of doubtful promise or outcome <a dubious plan> b : questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality <the practice is of dubious legality>
2 : unsettled in opinion : DOUBTFUL <I was dubious about the plan>
synonyms see DOUBTFUL
–du·bi·ous·ly adverb
–du·bi·ous·ness noun

dubitable
adj. : open to doubt or question

dubitation
n. archaic : DOUBT

Dublin
n. 1 city W Calif. ESE of Oakland pop 29,973
2 city cen Ohio, a suburb of Columbus pop 31,392
3 county E Ireland in Leinster area 356 sq mi (926 sq km), pop 1,122,821
4 city & port capital of Ireland (republic) & of County Dublin at mouth of the Liffey on Dublin Bay (inlet of Irish Sea) pop 495,781
–Dub·lin·er \'də-blə-nər\ noun

Dublin Bay prawn
: LANGOUSTINE

dubnium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

DuBois
W(illiam) E(dward) B(urghardt) 1868-1963 American educ. & writer

Dubois
Paul 1829-1905 Fr. sculptor

Dubrovnik
city & port S Croatia pop 55,638

Dubuffet
Jean 1901-1985 Fr. artist

Dubuque
city E Iowa on Mississippi River pop 57,686

ducal
adj. : of or relating to a duke or dukedom
–du·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

ducat
n. 1 : a former European usually gold coin
2 : TICKET 2

duce
n. : LEADER ― used especially for the leader of the Italian Fascist party

Duchamp
n. Marcel 1887-1968 Fr. painter
–Du·champ·ian \-'shäm-pē-ən\ adjective

Duchenne muscular dystrophy
: a severe progressive X-linked muscular dystrophy of males with early childhood onset that is characterized by absence of the protein dystrophin ― called also Duchenne's muscular dystrophy ― compare BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

duchess
n. 1 : the wife or widow of a duke
2 : a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right

duchy
n. 1 : the territory of a duke or duchess : DUKEDOM
2 : special domain

duck
n. 1 or plural duck a : any of various swimming birds (family Anatidae, the duck family) in which the neck and legs are short, the feet typically webbed, the bill often broad and flat, and the sexes usually different from each other in plumage b : the flesh of any of these birds used as food
2 : a female duck ― compare DRAKE
3 chiefly British : DARLING ― often used in plural but singular in construction
4 : PERSON, CREATURE

duck
n. transitive verb
1 : to thrust under water
2 : to lower (as the head) quickly : BOW
3 : AVOID, EVADE <duck the issue>
intransitive verb
1 a : to plunge under the surface of water b : to descend suddenly : DIP
2 a : to lower the head or body suddenly : DODGE b : BOW, BOB
3 a : to move quickly b : to evade a duty, question, or responsibility
–duck·er noun

duck
n. : an instance of ducking

duck
n. 1 : a durable closely woven usually cotton fabric
2 plural : light clothes and especially trousers made of duck

duck
n. river duck
puddle duck
dabbling duck
eider duck
duck billed platypus
black duck
cold duck
dead duck
diving duck
duck billed dinosaur
duck call
duck hook
duck and drake
duck sauce
duck soup
fish duck
lame duck
long tailed duck
Muscovy duck
Peking duck
ring necked duck
ruddy duck
sea duck
sitting duck
wood duck
ducks and drakes
make ducks and drakes of
play ducks and drakes with
ducking stool

duck call
: a device for imitating the calls of ducks

duck hook
: a pronounced and unintended hook in golf
–duck-hook transitive verb

duck sauce
: a thick sauce in Chinese cuisine that contains fruits (as plums or apricots), vinegar, sweeteners, and seasonings

duck soup
: something easy to do

duck-billed dinosaur
: HADROSAUR

duck-billed platypus
: PLATYPUS

duckbill
n. 1 : PLATYPUS
2 : HADROSAUR

duckboard
n. : a boardwalk or slatted flooring laid on a wet, muddy, or cold surface ― usually used in plural

ducking stool
: a seat attached to a plank and formerly used to plunge culprits tied to it into water

duckling
n. : a young duck

duckpin
n. 1 : a small bowling pin shorter than a tenpin but proportionately wider at mid-diameter
2 plural but singular in construction : a bowling game using duckpins

ducks and drakes
: the pastime of skimming flat stones or shells along the surface of calm water
–play ducks and drakes with or make ducks and drakes of : to use recklessly : SQUANDER <played ducks and drakes with his money>

ducktail
n. : a hairstyle in which the hair on each side is slicked back to meet in a ridge at the back of the head

duckwalk
v. : to walk while in a crouch or full squatting position

duckweed
n. : a small floating aquatic monocotyledonous plant (family Lemnaceae, the duckweed family)

ducky
n. 1 : DARLING, CUTE <a ducky little tearoom>
2 : SATISFACTORY, FINE <everything is just ducky>

duct
n. 1 : a bodily tube or vessel especially when carrying the secretion of a gland
2 a : a pipe, tube, or channel that conveys a substance b : a pipe or tubular runway for carrying an electric power line, telephone cables, or other conductors
3 : a tube or elongated cavity (as a xylem vessel) in plant tissue
4 : a layer (as in the atmosphere or the ocean) which occurs under usually abnormal conditions and in which radio or sound waves are confined to a restricted path
–duc·tal \'dək-təl\ adjective
–duct·less \'dək(t)-ləs\ adjective

duct
n. 1 : to enclose in a duct
2 : to convey (as a gas) through a duct also : to propagate (as radio waves) through a duct

duct
n. bile duct
duct tape
ejaculatory duct
pancreatic duct
resin duct
seminal duct
thoracic duct
Wolffian duct
ductless gland

duct tape
: a wide cloth adhesive tape orig. designed for sealing joints in heating or air-conditioning ducts

ductile
adj. 1 : capable of being drawn out into wire or thread <ductile iron>
2 : easily led or influenced
3 : capable of being fashioned into a new form
synonyms see PLASTIC
–duc·til·i·ty \ˌdək-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

ducting
n. : a system of ducts also : the material composing a duct

ductless gland
: ENDOCRINE GLAND

ductule
n. : a small duct

ductus arteriosus
: a short broad vessel in the fetus that connects the pulmonary artery with the aorta and conducts most of the blood directly from the right ventricle to the aorta bypassing the lungs

ductwork
: DUCTING

dud
n. 1 plural a : CLOTHING b : personal belongings
2 a : one that is ineffectual also : FAILURE <a box-office dud> b : MISFIT
3 : a bomb or missile that fails to explode

dud
n. : of little or no worth : VALUELESS <dud checks>

duddie
Scottish : RAGGED, TATTERED

dude
n. 1 : a man extremely fastidious in dress and manner : DANDY
2 : a city dweller unfamiliar with life on the range especially : an Easterner in the West
3 : FELLOW, GUY ― sometimes used informally as a term of address <hey, dude, what's up>
–dud·ish \'d(y)üd-ish\ adjective
–dud·ish·ly adverb

dude
n. : DRESS UP ― usually used with up

dude ranch
: a vacation resort offering activities (as horseback riding) typical of western ranches

dudeen
: a short tobacco pipe made of clay

Dudevant
Aurore ― see George SAND

dudgeon
n. 1 obsolete : a wood used especially for dagger hilts
2 a archaic : a dagger with a handle of dudgeon b obsolete : a haft made of dudgeon

dudgeon
n. : a fit or state of indignation ― often used in the phrase in high dudgeon
synonyms see OFFENSE

Dudley
n. Robert 1532(or 1533)-1588 1st Earl of Leicester Eng. courtier

Dudley
n. Thomas 1576-1653 Eng. colonial administrator in America

Dudley
n. town W cen England in W. Midlands WNW of Birmingham pop 300,400

due
n. 1 : owed or owing as a debt
2 a : owed or owing as a natural or moral right <everyone's right to dissent⋯is due the full protection of the Constitution ― Nat Hentoff> b : according to accepted notions or procedures : APPROPRIATE <with all due respect>
3 a : satisfying or capable of satisfying a need, obligation, or duty : ADEQUATE <giving the matter due attention> b : REGULAR, LAWFUL <due proof of loss>
4 : capable of being attributed : ASCRIBABLE ― used with to <this advance is partly due to a few men of genius ― A. N. Whitehead>
5 : having reached the date at which payment is required : PAYABLE <the rent is due>
6 : required or expected in the prescribed, normal, or logical course of events : SCHEDULED <the train is due at noon> also : expected to give birth
–due·ness noun

due
n. : something due or owed: as a : something that rightfully belongs to one <give him his due> b : a payment or obligation required by law or custom : DEBT c plural : FEES, CHARGES <membership dues>

due
n. 1 : DIRECTLY, EXACTLY <due north>
2 obsolete : DULY

due
n. in due course
due diligence
due process
substantive due process
procedural due process
due to
holder in due course
postage due stamp
pay dues
pay one's dues

due diligence
1 : the care that a reasonable person exercises under the circumstances to avoid harm to other persons or their property
2 : research and analysis of a company or organization done in preparation for a business transaction (as a corporate merger or purchase of securities)

due process
1 : a course of formal proceedings (as legal proceedings) carried out regularly and in accordance with established rules and principles ― called also procedural due process
2 : a judicial requirement that enacted laws may not contain provisions that result in the unfair, arbitrary, or unreasonable treatment of an individual ― called also substantive due process

due to
: as a result of : BECAUSE OF <due to the complaints of uptight parents⋯he lost his job ― Herbert Gold>
usage The objection to due to as a preposition is only a continuation of disagreements that began in the 18th century over the proper uses of owing and due. Due to is as grammatically sound as owing to, which is frequently recommended in its place. It has been and is used by reputable writers and has been recognized as standard for decades. There is no solid reason to avoid due to.

duel
n. 1 : a combat between two persons specifically : a formal combat with weapons fought between two persons in the presence of witnesses
2 : a conflict between antagonistic persons, ideas, or forces also : a hard-fought contest between two opponents

duel
intransitive verb : to fight a duel
transitive verb : to encounter (an opponent) in a duel
–du·el·er or du·el·ler noun
–du·el·ist or du·el·list \'dü-ə-list\ noun

duello
1 : the rules or practice of dueling
2 : DUEL

duende
n. : the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm

duenna
n. 1 : an elderly woman serving as governess and companion to the younger ladies in a Spanish or a Portuguese family
2 : CHAPERONE
–du·en·na·ship \-ˌship\ noun

duet
n. : a composition for two performers

duet
n. : to perform a duet

duff
n. 1 : a boiled or steamed pudding often containing dried fruit
2 : the partly decayed organic matter on the forest floor
3 : fine coal : SLACK

duff
n. : BUTTOCKS <get off your duff>

duff
n. British : INFERIOR, WORTHLESS

Duff-Gordon
Lady Lucie 1821-1869 Eng. author

duffel
n. 1 : a coarse heavy woolen material with a thick nap
2 : transportable personal belongings, equipment, and supplies
3 : DUFFEL BAG
4 : DUFFLE COAT

duffel
n. duffel bag
duffel coat
duffle coat

duffel bag
: a soft oblong bag for personal belongings

duffer
n. 1 a : a peddler especially of cheap flashy articles b : something counterfeit or worthless
2 : an incompetent, ineffectual, or clumsy person especially : a mediocre golfer
3 Australian : a cattle rustler

Dufferin and Ava
1st Marquis of 1826-1902 Frederick Temple Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood Brit. diplomat

duffle coat
: a heavy usually woolen medium-length coat with toggle fasteners and a hood

Duffy
n. Sir Charles Gavan 1816-1903 Irish nationalist & Austral. polit.

dufus
n. variant of doofus

Dufy
Raoul 1877-1953 Fr. painter

dug
n. past and past part of dig

dug
n. 1 : UDDER
2 usually vulgar when used of a woman : TEAT ― usually used of a suckling animal

dugong
n. : a sirenian mammal (Dugong dugon of the family Dugongidae) of a monotypic genus that has a bilobed tail and in the male upper incisors altered into short tusks and that inhabits warm coastal waters chiefly of southern Asia, Australia, and northeastern Africa

dugout
n. 1 : a boat made by hollowing out a large log
2 a : a shelter dug in a hillside also : a shelter dug in the ground and roofed with sod b : an area in the side of a trench for quarters, storage, or protection
3 : either of two low shelters on either side of and facing a baseball diamond that contain the players' benches

duh
interj. 1 ― used to express actual or feigned ignorance or stupidity
2 ― used derisively to indicate that something just stated is all too obvious or self-evident

Duhamel
Georges 1884-1966 Fr. writer

DUI
1 : the act or crime of driving while affected by alcohol <was arrested for DUI>
2 : a person who is arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence
3 : an arrest or conviction for driving under the influence

duiker
n. : any of several small African antelopes comprising two genera (Cephalophus and Sylvicapra)

Duisburg
city W Germany at junction of Rhine & Ruhr rivers pop 537,441

duit
variant of doit

Dukakis
Michael Stanley 1933-     American polit.

Duke
n. Benjamin Newton 1855-1929 & his bro. James Buchanan 1856-1925 American tobacco industrialists

duke
n. 1 : a sovereign male ruler of a continental European duchy
2 : a nobleman of the highest hereditary rank especially : a member of the highest grade of the British peerage
3 [probably from dukes of York, rhyming slang for fork (hand, fist)] slang : FIST, HAND ― usually used in plural
–duke·dom \-dəm\ noun

duke
n. : FIGHT
–duke it out : to engage in a fight and especially a fistfight

duke
n. duke it out
grand duke
grand duchess

duke it out
to engage in a fight and especially a fistfight

Dukhobor
variant of doukhobor

dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
: it is sweet and seemly to die for one's country

dulcet
adj. 1 : sweet to the taste
2 : pleasing to the ear <dulcet tones>
3 : generally pleasing or agreeable <a dulcet smile>
–dul·cet·ly adverb

dulcify
v. 1 : to make sweet
2 : to make agreeable : MOLLIFY

dulcimer
n. 1 : a stringed instrument of trapezoidal shape played with light hammers held in the hands
2 or dul·ci·more \-ˌmȯr\ : an American folk instrument with three or four strings stretched over an elongate fretted sound box that is held on the lap and played by plucking or strumming

dulcimer
n. Appalachian dulcimer
hammer dulcimer
hammered dulcimer

dulcinea
n. : MISTRESS, SWEETHEART

dull
adj. 1 : mentally slow : STUPID
2 a : slow in perception or sensibility : INSENSIBLE <somewhat dull of hearing> b : lacking zest or vivacity : LISTLESS <a dull performance>
3 : slow in action : SLUGGISH
4 a : lacking in force, intensity, or sharpness <a dull ache> b : not resonant or ringing <a dull booming sound>
5 : lacking sharpness of edge or point <a dull knife>
6 : lacking brilliance or luster <a dull finish>
7 of a color : low in saturation and low in lightness
8 : CLOUDY <dull weather>
9 : TEDIOUS, UNINTERESTING <dull lectures>
–dull·ness also dul·ness \'dəl-nəs\ noun
–dul·ly \'də(l)-lē\ adverb
synonyms DULL, BLUNT, OBTUSE mean not sharp, keen, or acute. DULL suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency <a dull pain> <a dull mind>. BLUNT suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception <a person of blunt sensibility>. OBTUSE implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination <too obtuse to take the hint>. synonym see in addition STUPID

dull
adj. : to make dull <dull a knife's edge>
intransitive verb : to become dull

dullard
n. : a stupid or unimaginative person

Dulles
John Foster 1888-1959 American diplomat; secy. of state (1953-59)

dullish
adj. : somewhat dull
–dull·ish·ly adverb

dullsville
: something or some place that is dull or boring <the movie was dullsville>

dulse
n. : any of several coarse red seaweeds (esp. Palmaria palmata) found especially in northern latitudes and used as a food condiment

Duluth
n. city & port NE Minn. at W end of Lake Superior pop 86,918
–Du·luth·ian \-'lü-thē-ən\ adjective or noun

Dulwich
a SE district of London, England, in Southwark

duly
adv. : in a due manner or time : PROPERLY <a duly elected official> <duly noted>

dum
dum dum
dum spiro spero
dum vivimus vivamus
oderint dum metuant

dum spiro, spero
: while I breathe, I hope ― one of the mottoes of South Carolina

dum vivimus vivamus
: while we live, let us live

dum-dum
: a stupid person : DUMMY

duma
n. : a representative council in Russia especially often capitalized : the principal legislative assembly in Russia from 1906 to 1917 and since 1993

Dumas
n. Alexandre 1802-1870 Dumas père \'per\ Fr. nov. & dram.

Dumas
n. Alexandre 1824-1895 Dumas fils \'fēs\ Fr. nov. & dram.

dumb
n. 1 a : lacking the human power of speech <dumb animals> b of a person often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
2 : temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment) <struck dumb with fear>
3 : not expressed in uttered words <dumb grief>
4 : SILENT also : TACITURN
5 : lacking some usual attribute or accompaniment especially : having no means of self-propulsion <a dumb barge>
6 a : lacking intelligence : STUPID b : showing a lack of intelligence <asking dumb questions> c : requiring no intelligence <dumb luck>
7 : not having the capability to process data <a dumb terminal> ― compare INTELLIGENT 3a
synonyms see STUPID
–dumb·ly \'dəm-lē\ adverb
–dumb·ness noun
usage There is evidence that, when applied to persons who cannot speak, dumb has come to be considered offensive.

dumb
n. : to make silent : DEADEN <would lie around, dumbed by the drugs ― Norman Mailer>

dumb
n. dumb cane
dumb down
dumb show

dumb cane
: DIEFFENBACHIA

dumb down
: to lower the level of difficulty and the intellectual content of (as a textbook) also : to lower the general level of intelligence in <the dumbing down of society>

dumb show
1 : a part of a play presented in pantomime
2 : signs and gestures without words : PANTOMIME

Dumbarton
1 burgh W cen Scotland WNW of Glasgow pop 79,750
2 or Dum·bar·ton·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ DUNBARTON

dumbbell
n. 1 : a short bar with weights at each end that is used usually in pairs for exercise
2 : a stupid person : DUMMY

dumbfound
v. : to confound briefly and usually with astonishment
synonyms see PUZZLE
–dumb·found·ing·ly \ˌdəm-'fau̇n-diŋ-lē, 'dəm-ˌfau̇n-\ adverb

dumbhead
n. slang : a stupid person : BLOCKHEAD

dumbstruck
adj. : made silent by astonishment

dumbwaiter
n. 1 : a portable serving table or stand
2 : a small elevator used for conveying food and dishes from one story of a building to another

dumdum
n. : a bullet (as one with a hollow point) that expands more than usual upon hitting an object

Dumfries
1 or Dum·fries·shire \-'frēsh-ˌshir, -shər\ former county S Scotland capital Dumfries
2 burgh S Scotland pop 32,084

Dumfries and Galloway
administrative area S Scotland area 2481 sq mi (6425 sq km)

dumka
: an Eastern European folk ballad or lament usually with alternating slow and fast sections

dummkopf
: BLOCKHEAD

dummy
n. 1 a : a person who is incapable of speaking b : a person who is habitually silent c : a stupid person
2 a : the exposed hand in bridge played by the declarer in addition to his own hand b : a bridge player whose hand is a dummy
3 : an imitation, copy, or likeness of something used as a substitute: as a : MANNEQUIN b : a stuffed figure or cylindrical bag used by football players for tackling and blocking practice c : a large puppet usually having movable features (as mouth and arms) manipulated by a ventriloquist d chiefly British : PACIFIER 2
4 : one seeming to act independently but in reality controlled by another
5 a : a mock-up of a proposed publication (as a book or magazine) b : a set of pages (as for a newspaper or magazine) with the position of text and artwork indicated for the printer

dummy
n. 1 a : having the appearance of being real : ARTIFICIAL <dummy foods in the display case> b : existing in name only : FICTITIOUS <dummy corporations>
2 : apparently acting for oneself while really acting for or at the direction of another <a dummy director>

dummy
n. : to make a dummy of (as a publication) ― often used with up <dummied up the front page>

dummy up
: to say nothing : CLAM UP

dummy variable
: an arbitrary mathematical symbol or variable that can be replaced by another without affecting the value of the expression in which it occurs

dumortierite
: a bright especially blue mineral consisting of a borosilicate of aluminum

Dumouriez
Charles-François du Périer 1739-1823 Fr. gen.

dump
n. transitive verb
1 a : to let fall in or as if in a heap or mass <dumped his clothes on the bed> b : to get rid of unceremoniously or irresponsibly <got dumped by his girlfriend> c : JETTISON <an airplane dumping gasoline>
2 slang : to knock down : BEAT <the man rushed out and dumped him ― John Corry>
3 : to sell in quantity at a very low price specifically : to sell abroad at less than the market price at home
4 : to copy (data in a computer's internal storage) to an external storage or output device
5 a : to hit or throw short and softly <dump a pass to a running back> <dump a bunt down the line> b : to hit (a puck) deep into the opponent's zone in ice hockey
intransitive verb
1 : to fall abruptly : PLUNGE
2 : to dump refuse
–dump on : to treat disrespectfully especially : BELITTLE, BAD-MOUTH

dump
n. 1 a : an accumulation of refuse and discarded materials b : a place where such materials are dumped
2 a : a quantity of reserve materials accumulated at one place b : a place where such materials are stored <ammunition dump>
3 : a disorderly, slovenly, or objectionable place
4 : an instance of dumping data stored in a computer
5 often vulgar : an act of defecation ― usually used with take

dump
n. dump on
dump truck
patient dumping
dumping ground

dump on
to treat disrespectfully especially : BELITTLE, BAD-MOUTH

dump truck
: an automotive truck for the transportation of bulk material that has a body which tilts to dump its contents

dumper
n. 1 : one that dumps: as a : DUMP TRUCK b : a device used for unloading freight cars by tilting or dumping
2 : a state of collapse, failure, or ruin <the economy is in the dumper>

dumper truck
British : DUMP TRUCK

dumping
n. 1 : the act of one that dumps especially : the selling of goods in quantity at below market price
2 : the practice of refusing emergency medical care to poor or uninsured patients or of referring them to another hospital without that hospital's consent ― called also patient dumping

dumping ground
: a place to which unwanted people or things are sent

dumpish
adj. : SAD, MELANCHOLY

dumpling
n. 1 a : a small mass of leavened dough cooked by boiling or steaming b : a usually baked dessert of fruit wrapped in dough
2 : something soft and rounded like a dumpling especially : a short fat person or animal

dumps
n. : a gloomy state of mind : DESPONDENCY <in the dumps>

Dumpster
n. ― used for a large trash receptacle

dumpy
adj. 1 : being short and thick in build : SQUAT
2 : SHABBY, DINGY
–dump·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–dump·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

dumpy level
: a surveyor's level with a short telescope rigidly fixed and rotating only in a horizontal plane

dun
n. 1 a : having the color dun b of a horse : having a grayish-yellow coat with black mane and tail
2 : marked by dullness and drabness
–dun·ness \'dən-nəs\ noun

dun
n. 1 : a dun horse
2 : a variable color averaging a nearly neutral slightly brownish dark gray
3 : a subadult mayfly also : an artificial fly tied to imitate such an insect

dun
n. 1 : to make persistent demands upon for payment
2 : PLAGUE, PESTER

dun
n. 1 : a person who duns
2 : an urgent request especially : a demand for payment

dun
n. Dehra Dun
Dun Laoghaire
Duns Scotus

Dun Laoghaire
borough & port E Ireland in Leinster on Dublin Bay pop 54,715

Dunant
(Jean-) Henri 1828-1910 Swiss philanthropist & founder of the Red Cross

Dunbar
n. Paul Laurence 1872-1906 American poet

Dunbar
n. William 1460?-?1530 Scot. poet

Dunbarton
former county W cen Scotland capital Dumbarton

Duncan
n. Isadora 1877-1927 American dancer

Duncan
n. city S Okla. pop 22,505

Duncan Phyfe
: of, relating to, or constituting furniture designed and built by or in the style of Duncan Phyfe

Duncanville
city NE Tex. pop 36,081

dunce
n. : a slow-witted or stupid person

dunce cap
: a conical cap formerly used as a punishment for slow learners at school ― called also dunce's cap

Dundalk
town & port NE Ireland (republic) on Dundalk Bay (inlet of Irish Sea) capital of County Louth pop 26,669

Dundas
Henry 1742-1811 1st Viscount Melville & Baron Dun·ira \ˌdə-'nir-ə\ Brit. statesman

Dundee
city & port E Scotland constituting an administrative area on Firth of Tay area 25 sq mi (65 sq km), pop 172,860

dunderhead
n. : DUNCE, BLOCKHEAD
–dun·der·head·ed \ˌdən-dər-'he-dəd\ adjective

dundrearies
: long flowing sideburns

dune
n. : a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
–dune·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

dune buggy
: an off-road motor vehicle with oversize tires for use especially on sand

Dunedin
1 city W Fla. N of Clearwater pop 35,691
2 ― see EDINBURGH 1
3 city New Zealand on SE coast of South Is. at head of Otago Harbour urban area pop 107,088

duneland
: an area having many dunes

Dunfermline
royal burgh E Scotland NW of Edinburgh pop 129,910

dung
n. 1 : the feces of an animal : MANURE
2 : something repulsive
–dungy \'dəŋ-ē\ adjective

dung
n. : to fertilize or dress with manure
intransitive verb : DEFECATE

dung beetle
: a beetle (as a tumblebug) that rolls balls of dung in which to lay eggs and on which the larvae feed

Dungannon
district S Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 301 sq mi (783 sq km), pop 45,322

dungaree
n. 1 : a heavy coarse durable cotton twill woven from colored yarns specifically : blue denim
2 plural : clothes made usually of blue denim
–dun·ga·reed \-'rēd, -ˌrēd\ adjective

Dungeness crab
: a large edible crab (Cancer magister) of the Pacific coast of No. America from Alaska to California

dungeon
n. 1 : DONJON
2 : a dark usually underground prison or vault

dunghill
n. 1 : a heap of dung
2 : something (as a situation or condition) that is repulsive or degraded

dunite
n. : a granular igneous rock consisting chiefly of olivine
–du·nit·ic \dü-'ni-tik, ˌdə-\ adjective

dunk
v. transitive verb
1 : to dip (as a piece of bread) into a beverage while eating
2 : to dip or submerge temporarily in liquid
3 : to throw (a basketball) into the basket from above the rim
intransitive verb
1 : to submerge oneself in water
2 : to make a dunk shot in basketball

dunk
v. : the act or action of dunking especially : DUNK SHOT

dunk shot
: a shot in basketball made by jumping high into the air and throwing the ball down through the basket

Dunker
n. : a member of the Church of the Brethren or any of several other orig. German Baptist denominations practicing trine immersion and love feasts and refusing to take oaths or to perform military service

dunker
n. : one that dunks especially : a basketball player who makes dunk shots

Dunkerque
city & port N France on Strait of Dover pop 70,834

Dunkirk
n. 1 : a retreat to avoid total defeat
2 : a crisis situation that requires a desperate last effort to forestall certain failure <a Dunkirk for U.S. foreign policy ― Time>

dunlin
n. : a small widely distributed sandpiper (Calidris alpina) largely cinnamon to rusty brown above and white below

Dunlop
: a Scottish cheese similar to cheddar

Dunlop
John Boyd 1840-1921 Scot. inventor

dunnage
n. 1 : loose materials used to support and protect cargo in a ship's hold also : padding in a shipping container
2 : BAGGAGE

Dunne
Finley Peter 1867-1936 American humorist

Dunnet Head
headland N Scotland on N coast W of John o' Groat's; northernmost point of mainland, at 58°50′N

Dunois
Comte de 1403-1468 Jean d'Orléans; the Bastard of Orléans Fr. gen.

Duns
n. burgh SE Scotland pop 2249

Duns Scotus
John 1266?-1308 Scot. scholastic theol.

Dunsany
18th Baron 1878-1957 Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett Irish poet & dram.

Dunstan
Saint 924-988 archbishop of Canterbury (959-988)

duo
n. 1 : DUET
2 : PAIR 2

duo
n. : two <duologue>

duodecillion
― see NUMBER table

duodecimal
adj. : of, relating to, or proceeding by twelve or the scale of twelves
–duodecimal noun

duodecimo
n. : TWELVEMO

duodenum
n. : the first part of the small intestine extending from the pylorus to the jejunum
–du·o·de·nal \-'dē-nəl, -də-nəl\ adjective

duologue
n. : a dialogue between two persons

duomo
n. : CATHEDRAL

duopoly
n. 1 : an oligopoly limited to two sellers
2 : preponderant influence or control by two political powers
–du·op·o·lis·tic \-ˌä-pə-'lis-tik\ adjective

dup
n. archaic : OPEN

dup
n. 1 duplex
2 duplicate

dupe
n. : one that is easily deceived or cheated : FOOL

dupe
n. : to make a dupe of
–dup·er noun

dupe
n. : DUPLICATE
–dupe verb

dupery
n. 1 : the condition of being duped
2 : the act or practice of duping

duple
adj. 1 : having two elements
2 a : marked by two or a multiple of two beats per measure of music <duple time> b of rhythm : consisting of a meter based on disyllabic feet

Dupleix
Marquis Joseph-François 1697-1763 Fr. colonial administrator in India

Duplessis-Mornay
― see Philippe de MORNAY

duplex
n. 1 a : having two principal elements or parts : DOUBLE, TWOFOLD b : having two complementary polynucleotide strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA
2 : allowing telecommunication in opposite directions simultaneously

duplex
n. : to make duplex

duplex
n. : something duplex: as a : a 2-family house b : DUPLEX APARTMENT c : a duplex molecule of DNA or of RNA and DNA

duplex apartment
: an apartment having rooms on two floors

duplexer
: a switching device that permits alternate transmission and reception with the same radio antenna

duplicate
n. 1 : consisting of or existing in two corresponding or identical parts or examples <duplicate invoices>
2 : being the same as another <duplicate copies>

duplicate
transitive verb
1 : to make double or twofold
2 a : to make a copy of <a cell duplicates itself when it divides> b : to produce something equal to <trying to duplicate last year's success> c : to do over or again often needlessly <duplicated effort>
intransitive verb : to become duplicated also : REPEAT
–du·pli·ca·tive \-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective

duplicate
n. 1 a : either of two things exactly alike and usually produced at the same time or by the same process b : an additional copy of something (as a book or stamp) already in a collection
2 : one that resembles or corresponds to another : COUNTERPART
3 : two identical copies ― used in the phrase in duplicate
synonyms see REPRODUCTION

duplicate bridge
: a tournament form of contract bridge in which identical deals are played in order to compare individual scores

duplication
n. 1 a : the act or process of duplicating b : the quality or state of being duplicated
2 : DUPLICATE, COUNTERPART
3 : a part of a chromosome in which the genetic material is repeated also : the process of forming a duplication

duplicator
n. : one that duplicates specifically : a machine for making copies of graphic matter

duplicitous
adj. : marked by duplicity : deceptive in words or action
–du·plic·i·tous·ly adverb

duplicity
n. 1 : contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action especially : the belying of one's true intentions by deceptive words or action
2 : the quality or state of being double or twofold
3 : the technically incorrect use of two or more distinct items (as claims, charges, or defenses) in a single legal action

Duque de Caxias
city SE Brazil in Rio de Janeiro state N of city of Rio de Janeiro pop 775,456

Duquesne
Marquis Abraham 1610-1688 Fr. naval officer

dura mater
: the tough fibrous membrane that envelops the brain and spinal cord external to the arachnoid and pia mater

durable
adj. : able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration also : designed to be durable <durable goods>
synonyms see LASTING
–du·ra·bil·i·ty \ˌdu̇r-ə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌdyu̇r-\ noun
–du·ra·ble·ness \'du̇r-ə-bəl-nəs, 'dyu̇r-\ noun
–du·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

durable press
: PERMANENT PRESS

durables
n. : consumer goods (as vehicles and household appliances) that are typically used repeatedly over a period of years ― called also durable goods

duralumin
n. : a light strong alloy of aluminum, copper, manganese, and magnesium

durance
n. 1 archaic : ENDURANCE
2 : restraint by or as if by physical force ― usually used in the phrase durance vile

Durango
1 state NW cen Mexico area 46,196 sq mi (119,648 sq km), pop 1,349,378
2 city, its capital pop 464,566

Durant
Will(iam James) 1885-1981 & his wife Ariel 1898-1981 orig. Ada Kaufman American writers

duration
n. 1 : continuance in time
2 : the time during which something exists or lasts

durative
: CONTINUATIVE
–durative noun

Durban
city & port E Republic of South Africa in E KwaZulu-Natal on inlet of Indian Ocean pop 736,852

durbar
n. 1 : court held by an Indian prince
2 : a formal reception held by an Indian prince or an African ruler

Durer
n. Albrecht 1471-1528 Ger. painter & engraver
–Dü·rer·esque \ˌdu̇r-ər-'esk, ˌdyu̇r-, ˌdr-\ adjective

duress
n. 1 : forcible restraint or restriction
2 : compulsion by threat specifically : unlawful constraint

Durham
n. : SHORTHORN

Durham
n. 1 city NE cen N.C. NW of Raleigh pop 187,035
2 county N England bordering on North Sea area 974 sq mi (2523 sq km), pop 589,800
3 city, its capital, S of Newcastle pop 26,422

Durham Rule
: a legal hypothesis under which a person is not judged responsible for a criminal act that is attributed to a mental disease or defect

durian
n. 1 : a large oval tasty but foul-smelling fruit with a prickly rind
2 : an East Indian tree (Durio zibethinus) of the silk-cotton family that bears durians

during
prep. 1 : throughout the duration of <swims every day during the summer>
2 : at a point in the course of <was offered a job during a visit to the capital>

Durkheim
Émile 1858-1917 Fr. sociol.
–Durk·heim·ian \-'ke-mē-ən\ adjective

durmast oak
: a European oak (Quercus petraea) valued especially for its dark heavy tough elastic wood and for its tannin-rich bark

durn
adj. variant of darn

duro
: a Spanish or Spanish American peso or silver dollar

Duroc
Géraud-Christophe-Michel 1772-1813 Duc de Fri·oul \frē-'ül\ Fr. gen. under Napoleon

duroc
: any of a breed of large vigorous red American hogs

durometer
: an instrument for measuring hardness

durra
n. : any of several grain sorghums widely grown in warm dry regions

Durrell
Lawrence 1912-1990 Eng. nov. & poet

Durrenmatt
Friedrich 1921-1990 Swiss author

Durres
city & port Albania on Adriatic Sea W of Tiranë pop 181,662

durst
v. archaic & dialect past of dare

durum wheat
: a wheat (Triticum durum) that yields a glutenous flour used especially in pasta ― called also durum

Duruy
Victor 1811-1894 Fr. hist.

Duse
Eleonora 1858-1924 Ital. actress

Dushanbe
n. city capital of Tajikistan pop 595,000

dusk
n. : DUSKY

dusk
n. : to become dark
transitive verb : to make dark or gloomy

dusk
n. 1 : the darker part of twilight especially at night
2 : darkness or semidarkness caused by the shutting out of light

dusky
adj. 1 : somewhat dark in color specifically : having dark skin
2 : marked by slight or deficient light : SHADOWY
–dusk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–dusk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

Dusseldorf
n. city W Germany on the Rhine N of Cologne capital of N. Rhine-Westphalia pop 577,561

dust
n. 1 : fine particles of matter (as of earth)
2 : the particles into which something disintegrates
3 a : something worthless b : a state of humiliation
4 a : the earth especially as a place of burial b : the surface of the ground
5 a : a cloud of dust b : CONFUSION, DISTURBANCE
6 archaic : a single particle (as of earth)
7 British : refuse ready for collection
–dust·less \-ləs\ adjective
–dust·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

dust
n. 1 archaic : to make dusty
2 : to make free of dust <dust the living room>
3 a : to sprinkle with fine particles <a cake dusted with sugar> b : to sprinkle in the form of dust
4 : to throw a fastball close to (a batter) : BRUSH BACK ― often used with off
5 : to defeat badly (as in a race)
intransitive verb
1 of a bird : to work dust into the feathers
2 : to remove dust
3 : to give off dust

dust
n. angel dust
bite the dust
cosmic dust
dust bowl
dust bunny
dust devil
dust jacket
dust mite
dust mop
dust off
dust storm
dust wrapper
house dust mite

dust bowl
: a region that suffers from prolonged droughts and dust storms

dust bunny
: an aggregate of dust <swept the dust bunnies from under the bed>

dust devil
: a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

dust jacket
: a paper cover for a book

dust mite
: any of various mites (esp. family Pyroglyphidae) commonly found in house dust ― compare HOUSE-DUST MITE

dust mop
: DRY MOP

dust off
: to bring out or back to use again <dusted off his golf clubs when he retired>

dust storm
1 : a dust-laden whirlwind that moves across an arid region and is usually associated with hot dry air and marked by high electrical tension
2 : strong winds bearing clouds of dust

dust wrapper
: DUST JACKET

dustbin
n. 1 British : a can for trash or garbage
2 : DUSTHEAP 2

dustcover
1 : a cover (as of cloth or plastic) used to protect furniture or equipment from dust
2 : DUST JACKET

duster
n. 1 : one that removes dust
2 a (1) : a long lightweight overgarment to protect clothing from dust (2) : a long coat cut like a duster ― called also duster coat b : a dress-length housecoat
3 : one that scatters fine particles specifically : a device for applying insecticidal or fungicidal dusts to crops
4 : DUST STORM

duster
n. duster coat
crop duster
knuckle duster

dustheap
1 : a pile of refuse
2 : a category of forgotten items <the dustheap of history ― New Republic>

dustman
n. British : a collector of trash or garbage

dustpan
n. : a shovel-shaped pan for sweepings

dustup
n. : ROW, FIGHT

dusty
adj. 1 : covered or abounding with dust
2 : consisting of dust : POWDERY
3 : resembling dust
4 : lacking vitality : DRY <dusty scholarship>
5 British : UNSATISFACTORY ― used especially in the phrases dusty answer and not so dusty
–dust·i·ly \'dəs-tə-lē\ adverb
–dust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

dusty miller
: any of several plants having ashy-gray or white tomentose leaves especially : an herbaceous artemisia (Artemisia stelleriana) with grayish foliage found especially along the eastern coast of the U.S.

Dutch
n. 1 a archaic : of, relating to, or in any of the Germanic languages of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries b : of, relating to, or in the Dutch of the Netherlands
2 a archaic : of or relating to the Germanic peoples of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries b : of or relating to the Netherlands or its inhabitants c : 2GERMAN
3 : of or relating to the Pennsylvania Dutch or their language
–Dutch·ly adverb

Dutch
n. 1 a archaic (1) : any of the Germanic languages of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries (2) : GERMAN 3 b : the Germanic language of the Netherlands and Belgium
2 Dutch plural a archaic : the Germanic peoples of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries b : GERMANS 2A B c : the people of the Netherlands
3 : PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH
4 : DANDER <her Dutch is up>
5 : DISFAVOR, TROUBLE <in Dutch with the boss>

dutch
n. : with each person paying his or her own way <went dutch to the movies>

dutch
n. Dutch Guiana
Dutch cheese
double Dutch
Dutch clover
Dutch Colonial
Dutch courage
Dutch door
Dutch elm disease
Dutch hoe
Dutch oven
Dutch roll
dutch treat
Dutch uncle
Middle Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutch
white Dutch clover
Dutch Borneo

Dutch Borneo
― see KALIMANTAN 2

Dutch cheese
chiefly Northern : COTTAGE CHEESE

Dutch clover
: WHITE CLOVER

Dutch Colonial
: characterized by a gambrel roof with overhanging eaves

Dutch courage
: courage artificially stimulated especially by drink also : drink taken for courage

Dutch door
: a door divided horizontally so that the lower or upper part can be shut separately

Dutch elm disease
: a disease of elms caused by an ascomycetous fungus (Ceratocystis ulmi) and characterized by yellowing of the foliage, defoliation, and death

Dutch Guiana
― see SURINAME 1

Dutch hoe
: SCUFFLE HOE

Dutch oven
1 : a metal shield for roasting before an open fire
2 : a brick oven in which cooking is done by the preheated walls
3 a : a cast-iron kettle with a tight cover that is used for baking in an open fire b : a heavy pot with a tight-fitting domed cover

Dutch roll
: a combination of directional and lateral oscillation of an airplane

dutch treat
: a meal or other entertainment for which each person pays his or her own way

dutch treat
: DUTCH <go dutch treat>

Dutch uncle
: one who admonishes sternly and bluntly

dutchman
n. 1 capitalized a archaic : a member of any of the Germanic peoples of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries b : a native or inhabitant of the Netherlands c : a person of Dutch descent d : GERMAN 2A B
2 : a device for hiding or counteracting structural defects

dutchman
n. Dutchman's breeches
Dutchman's pipe
Dutchman's pipes
Flying Dutchman
Pennsylvania Dutchman

Dutchman's-breeches
: a spring-flowering herb (Dicentra cucullaria) of the fumitory family occurring in the eastern U.S. and having finely divided leaves and cream-white double-spurred flowers

Dutchman's-pipe
: a vine (Aristolochia durior syn. A. macrophylla) of the birthwort family with large leaves and early summer flowers having the tube of the calyx curved like the bowl of a pipe

duteous
adj. : DUTIFUL, OBEDIENT

dutiable
adj. : subject to a duty

dutiful
adj. 1 : filled with or motivated by a sense of duty <a dutiful child>
2 : proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty <a dutiful effort>
–du·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–du·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Dutra
Eurico Gaspar 1885-1974 Braz. gen.; pres. of Brazil (1946-51)

duty
n. 1 : conduct due to parents and superiors : RESPECT
2 a : obligatory tasks, conduct, service, or functions that arise from one's position (as in life or in a group) b (1) : assigned service or business (2) : active military service (3) : a period of being on duty
3 a : a moral or legal obligation b : the force of moral obligation
4 : TAX especially : a tax on imports
5 a : WORK 1A b (1) : the service required (as of an electric machine) under specified conditions (2) : functional application : USE <got double duty out of the trip> (3) : use as a substitute <making the word do duty for the thing ― Edward Sapir>
synonyms see FUNCTION, TASK
–off duty : free from assignment or responsibility
–on duty : engaged in or responsible for an assigned task or duty

duty
n. 1 : done as a duty
2 : being on duty : assigned to specified tasks or functions <the duty officer>

duty
n. death duty
on duty
off duty
duty free
heavy duty
line of duty
sea duty
stamp duty
succession duty
temporary duty

duty-free
1 : without payment of customs duties : free from duties <imported duty-free> <duty-free goods>
2 : relating to or selling duty-free goods <a duty-free shop>

duumvir
n. 1 : one of two Roman officers or magistrates constituting a board or court
2 : one of two people jointly holding power
–du·um·vi·rate \-və-rət\ noun

Duvalier
François 1907-1971 Papa Doc pres. of Haiti (1957-71)

duvet
n. : COMFORTER 2B

duvetyn
: a smooth lustrous velvety fabric

dux femina facti
: a woman was leader of the exploit

duxelles
n. : a garnish or stuffing made especially of finely chopped sautéed mushrooms

DV
1 [Latin Deo volente] God willing
2 Douay Version

DVD
: a high-capacity optical disk format also : an optical disk using such a format and containing especially a video recording (as a movie) or computer data

Dvina
Dvina Northern
Dvina Western
Dvina Gulf
Dvina Bay

Dvina Gulf
arm of White Sea N Russia in Europe

Dvina, Northern
n. river 466 mi (750 km) N Russia in Europe flowing NW into White Sea

Dvina, Western
river 634 mi (1020 km) Latvia, W Belarus, & W Russia in Europe rising in Valdai Hills & flowing W into Gulf of Riga

Dvinsk
― see DAUGAVPILS

DVM
doctor of veterinary medicine

Dvorak
: a typing keyboard with frequently used letters placed centrally ― compare QWERTY

Dvorak
Antonín 1841-1904 Bohemian composer

DW
1 deadweight
2 delayed weather
3 distilled water
4 dust wrapper

dwarf
1 a : a person of unusually small stature especially : one whose bodily proportions are abnormal b : an insignificant person <a literary dwarf>
2 : an animal or plant much below normal size
3 : a small legendary manlike being who is usually misshapen and ugly and skilled as a craftsman
4 : a star (as the sun) of ordinary or low luminosity and relatively small mass and size
–dwarf·ish \'dwȯr-fish\ adjective
–dwarf·ish·ly adverb
–dwarf·ish·ness noun
–dwarf·like \'dwȯrf-ˌlīk\ adjective
–dwarf·ness \'dwȯrf-nəs\ noun

dwarf
n. 1 : to restrict the growth of : STUNT
2 : to cause to appear smaller or to seem inferior <has dwarfed the achievements of her predecessors>
intransitive verb : to become smaller

dwarf
n. of a plant : low-growing in habit <dwarfer forms of citrus>

dwarf
n. black dwarf
brown dwarf
red dwarf
white dwarf
yellow dwarf
black dwarfs
white dwarfs

dwarfism
n. : the condition of stunted growth

dweeb
n. slang : an unattractive, insignificant, or inept person
–dweeb·ish \'dwē-bish\ adjective slang
–dweeby \-bē\ adjective slang

dwell
v. 1 : to remain for a time
2 a : to live as a resident b : EXIST, LIE
3 a : to keep the attention directed ― used with on or upon <tried not to dwell on my fears> b : to speak or write insistently ― used with on or upon <leering reviewers dwelled on a publicity photograph ― James Atlas>
–dwell·er noun

dwell
v. cliff dwelling
lake dwelling
cave dweller
cliff dweller
lake dweller
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

dwelling
n. : a shelter (as a house) in which people live

dwelling
n. cliff dwelling
lake dwelling
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

DWI
: DUI

Dwiggins
William Addison 1880-1956 American type designer

Dwight
n. Timothy 1752-1817 American clergyman; pres. Yale U. (1795-1817)

Dwight
n. Timothy 1828-1916 grandson of prec. American clergyman; pres. Yale U. (1886-99)

dwindle
v. intransitive verb : to become steadily less : SHRINK
transitive verb : to make steadily less
synonyms see DECREASE

dwt
1 deadweight ton
2 pennyweight

Dwyfor
Earl of ― see LLOYD GEORGE

DX
: DISTANCE ― used of long-distance radio transmission

Dy
n. dysprosium

dy
n. 1 delivery
2 deputy
3 duty

dy
n. : two <dyarchy>

dyad
n. 1 : PAIR specifically : two individuals (as husband and wife) maintaining a sociologically significant relationship
2 : a meiotic chromosome after separation of the two homologous members of a tetrad
3 : a mathematical operator indicated by writing the symbols of two vectors without a dot or cross between (as AB)
–dy·ad·ic \dī-'a-dik\ adjective
–dy·ad·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dyadic
adj. : a mathematical expression formed by addition or subtraction of dyads

Dyak
n. variant of dayak

dyarchy
n. : a government in which power is vested in two rulers or authorities

dybbuk
n. : a wandering soul believed in Jewish folklore to enter and control a living body until exorcised by a religious rite

Dyce
Alexander 1798-1869 Scot. editor

dye
n. 1 : color from dyeing
2 : a soluble or insoluble coloring matter

dye
n. transitive verb
1 : to impart a new and often permanent color to especially by impregnating with a dye
2 : to impart (a color) by dyeing <dyeing blue on yellow>
intransitive verb : to take up or impart color in dyeing
–dye·abil·i·ty \ˌdī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–dye·able \'dī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–dy·er \'dī(-ə)r\ noun

dye
n. aniline dye
azo dye
piece dye
tie and dye
tie dye
vat dye
xanthene dye
yarn dye
dyed in the wool
tie dyed
vat dyed
tie dyeing

dyed-in-the-wool
: THOROUGHGOING, UNCOMPROMISING <a dyed-in-the-wool conservative>

Dyer
n. John 1699-1757 Brit. poet

Dyer
n. Mary d 1660 American Quaker martyr

dyestuff
n. : DYE 2

dyewood
n. : a wood (as logwood or fustic) from which coloring matter is extracted for dyeing

dying
n. present part of die

dyke
n. chiefly British variant of dike

dyke
n. often disparaging : LESBIAN
–dykey \'dī-kē\ adjective often disparaging

Dylan
n. Bob 1941-     orig. Robert Zimmerman American singer & songwriter

dynam
dynamics

dynamic
adj. 1 also dy·nam·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ a : of or relating to physical force or energy b : of or relating to dynamics
2 a : marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change <a dynamic city> b : ENERGETIC, FORCEFUL <a dynamic personality>
3 of random-access memory : requiring periodic refreshment of charge in order to retain data
–dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dynamic
adj. 1 : a dynamic force
2 : DYNAMICS 2 also : an underlying cause of change or growth

dynamic range
: the ratio of the strongest to the weakest sound intensity that can be transmitted or reproduced by an audio or broadcasting system

dynamics
n. 1 : a branch of mechanics that deals with forces and their relation primarily to the motion but sometimes also to the equilibrium of bodies
2 : a pattern or process of change, growth, or activity <population dynamics>
3 : variation and contrast in force or intensity (as in music)

dynamism
n. 1 a : a theory that all phenomena (as matter or motion) can be explained as manifestations of force ― compare MECHANISM b : DYNAMICS 2
2 : a dynamic or expansionist quality
–dy·na·mist \-mist\ noun
–dy·na·mis·tic \ˌdī-nə-'mis-tik\ adjective

dynamite
n. 1 : an explosive that is made of nitroglycerin absorbed in a porous material and that often contains ammonium nitrate or cellulose nitrate also : an explosive (as a mixture of ammonium nitrate and nitrocellulose) that contains no nitroglycerin
2 : one that has a powerful effect <an actress who's dynamite at the box office> also : something that has great potential to cause trouble or conflict <an issue regarded as political dynamite>
–dy·na·mit·ic \ˌdī-nə-'mi-tik\ adjective

dynamite
n. 1 : to blow up with dynamite
2 : to cause the failure or destruction of
–dy·na·mit·er noun

dynamite
n. : TERRIFIC, WONDERFUL <a dynamite performance>

dynamo
n. 1 : GENERATOR 3
2 : a forceful energetic individual

dynamometer
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring mechanical force
2 : an apparatus for measuring mechanical power (as of an engine)
–dy·na·mo·met·ric \-mō-'me-trik\ adjective
–dy·na·mom·e·try \-'mä-mə-trē\ noun

dynamotor
n. : a motor generator combining the electric motor and generator

dynast
n. : RULER 1

dynasty
n. 1 : a succession of rulers of the same line of descent
2 : a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time
–dy·nas·tic \dī-'nas-tik\ adjective
–dy·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dynatron
n. : a vacuum tube in which the secondary emission of electrons from the plate results in a decrease in the plate current as the plate voltage increases

dyne
n. : the unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second system equal to the force that would give a free mass of one gram an acceleration of one centimeter per second per second

dynein
: an ATPase that is associated especially with microtubules involved in the movement of cellular organelles and structures (as cilia, flagella, and chromosomes)

dynode
n. : an electrode in an electron tube that functions to produce secondary emission of electrons

dys
1 : abnormal <dysplasia>
2 : difficult <dysphagia> ― compare EU-
3 : impaired <dysfunction>
4 : bad <dyslogistic> ― compare EU-

dysarthria
n. : difficulty in articulating words due to disease of the central nervous system

dyscrasia
n. : an abnormal condition of the body and especially the blood

dysenteric
adj. : of or relating to dysentery

dysentery
n. 1 : a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection
2 : DIARRHEA

dysfunction
n. 1 : impaired or abnormal functioning <gastrointestinal dysfunction>
2 : abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction within a group <family dysfunction>
–dys·func·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

dysgenesis
n. : defective development especially of the gonads (as in Klinefelter's syndrome)

dysgenic
adj. 1 : tending to promote survival of or reproduction by less well-adapted individuals (as the weak or diseased) especially at the expense of well-adapted individuals (as the strong or healthy) <the dysgenic effect of war>
2 : biologically defective or deficient

dyskinesia
n. : impairment of voluntary movements resulting in fragmented or jerky motions (as in Parkinson's disease) ― compare TARDIVE DYSKINESIA
–dys·ki·net·ic \-'net-ik\ adjective

dyslexia
n. : a variable often familial learning disability involving difficulties in acquiring and processing language that is typically manifested by a lack of proficiency in reading, spelling, and writing
–dys·lex·ic \-sik\ adjective or noun

dyslogistic
adj. : UNCOMPLIMENTARY
–dys·lo·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dysmenorrhea
n. : painful menstruation
–dys·men·or·rhe·ic \-'rē-ik\ adjective

dysmenorrhoea
n. chiefly British variant of dysmenorrhea

dysmorphic
: characterized by malformation <mildly dysmorphic ears> <dysmorphic cells>

dyspepsia
n. 1 : INDIGESTION
2 : ill humor : DISGRUNTLEMENT
–dys·pep·tic \-'pep-tik\ adjective or noun
–dys·pep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

dysphagia
n. : difficulty in swallowing

dysphasia
n. : loss of or deficiency in the power to use or understand language as a result of injury to or disease of the brain
–dys·pha·sic \-'fā-zik\ noun or adjective

dysphemism
n. : the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one also : an expression so substituted
–dys·phe·mis·tic \ˌdis-fə-'mis-tik\ adjective

dysphonia
n. : defective use of the voice

dysphoria
n. : a state of feeling unwell or unhappy
–dys·phor·ic \-'fȯr-ik, -'fär-\ adjective

dysplasia
n. : abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells) broadly : abnormal anatomical structure due to such growth
–dys·plas·tic \-'plas-tik\ adjective

dyspnea
n. : difficult or labored respiration
–dys·pne·ic \-nē-ik\ adjective

dyspnoea
n. chiefly British variant of dyspnea

dysprosium
n. : an element of the rare-earth group that forms highly magnetic compounds ― see ELEMENT table

dysrhythmia
n. : an abnormal rhythm especially : a disordered rhythm exhibited in a record of electrical activity of the brain or heart
–dys·rhyth·mic \-mik\ adjective

dysthymia
n. : a mood disorder characterized by chronic mildly depressed or irritable mood often accompanied by other symptoms (as eating and sleeping disturbances, fatigue, and poor self-esteem) ― called also dysthymic disorder
–dys·thy·mic \-'thī-mik\ adjective or noun

dystocia
n. : slow or difficult labor or delivery

dystonia
n. : any of various conditions (as Parkinson's disease and torticollis) characterized by abnormalities of movement and muscle tone
–dys·ton·ic \-'tä-nik\ adjective

dystopia
n. 1 : an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives
2 : ANTI-UTOPIA 2
–dys·to·pi·an \-pē-ən\ adjective

dystrophic
adj. 1 a : relating to or caused by faulty nutrition b : relating to or affected with a dystrophy <a dystrophic patient>
2 of a lake : brownish with much dissolved humic matter, a sparse bottom fauna, and a high oxygen consumption

dystrophin
n. : a protein that is associated with a transmembrane complex of skeletal muscle cells and that is absent in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and deficient or defective in Becker muscular dystrophy

dystrophy
n. 1 : a condition produced by faulty nutrition
2 : any myogenic atrophy especially : MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

dystrophy
n. muscular dystrophy
myotonic dystrophy
Becker muscular dystrophy
Beck·er's muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

dysuria
n. : difficult or painful discharge of urine ― compare STRANGURY

DZ
drop zone

dz
dozen

Dzaudzhikau
― see VLADIKAVKAZ

Dzerzhinsk
city cen Russia in Europe on Oka River W of Nizhniy Novgorod pop 287,000

Dzungaria
― see JUNGGAR

E
n. 1 electromotive force
2 energy
3 English
4 error
5 exponent

e
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 5th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic e
2 : the third tone of a C-major scale
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter e
4 : one designated e especially as the fifth in order or class
5 a : a grade rating a student's work as poor and usually constituting a conditional pass b : a grade rating a student's work as failing c : one graded or rated with an E
6 : a transcendental number having a value to eight decimal places of 2.71828183 that is the base of natural logarithms
7 : something shaped like the letter E
8 capitalized : ECSTASY 4

e
n. 1 earth
2 east; easterly; eastern
3 edge
4 eldest
5 ell
6 empty
7 end
8 energy
9 erg
10 excellent

e
n. 1 : missing : absent <edentulous>
2 : away <eluviation>

e
n. : electronic <e-commerce>

E and OE
errors and omissions excepted

e contrario
: on the contrary

E layer
: a layer of the ionosphere occurring about 65 miles (110 kilometers) above the earth's surface during daylight hours that is capable of reflecting shortwave frequencies

e pluribus unum
: one out of many ― used on the Great Seal of the U.S. and on several U.S. coins

E region
: the part of the ionosphere occurring between about 55 and 80 miles (90 and 130 kilometers) above the surface of the earth and containing the daytime E layer and the sporadic E layer

e'en
n. : EVEN

e'er
adv. : EVER

e-book
: a book composed in or converted to digital format for display on a computer screen or handheld device

e-commerce
: commerce conducted via the Internet

e-mail
1 : a means or system for transmitting messages electronically (as between computers on a network) <communicating by e-mail>
2 a : messages sent and received electronically through an e-mail system <receives a lot of e-mail> b : an e-mail message <sent him an e-mail>
–e-mail verb
–e-mail·er \-ˌmā-lər\ noun

e-tail
: retail business conducted online via the World Wide Web
–e-tail·er noun
–e-tail·ing noun

e-zine
: an electronic magazine (as on the World Wide Web)

E. coli
: an enterobacterium (Escherichia coli) that is used in public health as an indicator of fecal pollution (as of water or food) and in medicine and genetics as a research organism and that occurs in various strains that may live as harmless inhabitants of the human lower intestine or may produce a toxin causing intestinal illness

e.g.
for example

ea
each

each
adj. : being one of two or more distinct individuals having a similar relation and often constituting an aggregate

each
adj. : each one <to each his own>

each
adj. : to or for each : APIECE <cost a dollar each>

each other
: each of two or more in reciprocal action or relation <looked at each other in surprise>
usage Some handbooks and textbooks recommend that each other be restricted to reference to two and one another to reference to three or more. The distinction, while neat, is not observed in actual usage. Each other and one another are used interchangeably by good writers and have been since at least the 16th century.

Eads
James Buchanan 1820-1887 American engineer & inventor

Eagan
city SE Minn. pop 63,557

eager
adj. 1 a archaic : SHARP b obsolete : SOUR
2 : marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest
–ea·ger·ly adverb
–ea·ger·ness noun
synonyms EAGER, AVID, KEEN, ANXIOUS, ATHIRST mean moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest. EAGER implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint <eager to get started>. AVID adds to EAGER the implication of insatiability or greed <avid for new thrills>. KEEN suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action <keen on the latest fashions>. ANXIOUS emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment <anxious not to make a social blunder>. ATHIRST stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action <athirst for adventure>.

eager beaver
: a person who is extremely zealous about performing duties and volunteering for more

eagle
n. 1 : any of various large diurnal birds of prey (family Accipitridae) noted for their strength, size, keenness of vision, and powers of flight
2 a : the eagle-bearing standard of the ancient Romans b : one of a pair of eagle-bearing silver insignia of rank worn by a military colonel or a navy captain
3 : a gold coin of the U.S. bearing an eagle on the reverse and usually having a value of ten dollars
4 : a golf score of two strokes less than par on a hole ― compare BIRDIE
5 capitalized [Fraternal Order of Eagles] : a member of a major fraternal order

eagle
n. : to score an eagle on (a golf hole)

eagle
n. bald eagle
double eagle
eagle eye
eagle eyed
eagle ray
Eagle Scout
golden eagle
half eagle
harpy eagle
legal eagle
sea eagle
spread eagle
Eagle Lake

eagle eye
1 : the ability to see or observe keenly
2 : one that sees or observes keenly
3 : close watch <keeping an eagle eye on the prisoner>
–eagle-eyed \'ē-gəl-ˌīd\ adjective

Eagle Lake
lake 13 mi (21 km) long N Calif. ENE of Lassen Peak

eagle ray
: any of several widely distributed large active marine stingrays (family Myliobatidae) with broad pectoral fins

Eagle Scout
1 : a Boy Scout who has reached the highest level of achievement in scouting
2 : a straight-arrow and self-reliant man

eaglet
n. : a young eagle

Eakins
Thomas 1844-1916 American artist

ealdorman
: the chief officer in a district (as a shire) in Anglo-Saxon England

Ealing
borough of W Greater London, England pop 263,600

Eames
― used for chairs made from modern materials and designed to fit the contours of the body

EAN
European Article Number

ean
― see -AN

ear
n. 1 a : the characteristic vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium consisting in the typical mammal of a sound-collecting outer ear separated by the tympanic membrane from a sound-transmitting middle ear that in turn is separated from a sensory inner ear by membranous fenestrae b : any of various organs (as of a fish) capable of detecting vibratory motion
2 : the external ear of humans and most mammals
3 a : the sense or act of hearing b : acuity of hearing c : sensitivity to musical tone and pitch also : the ability to retain and reproduce music that has been heard d : sensitivity to nuances of language especially as revealed in the command of verbal melody and rhythm or in the ability to render a spoken idiom accurately
4 : something resembling a mammalian ear in shape, position, or function: as a : a projecting part (as a lug or handle) b : either of a pair of tufts of lengthened feathers on the head of some birds
5 : ATTENTION, AWARENESS <lend an ear>
6 : a space in the upper corner of the front page of a periodical (as a newspaper) usually containing advertising for the periodical itself or a weather forecast
7 : a person who listens : LISTENER <looking for a friendly ear>
–all ears : eagerly listening <if anybody spoke of that grisly matter, I was all ears⋯and alert to hear what might be said ― Mark Twain>
–by ear : without reference to or memorization of written music <plays by ear>
–in one ear and out the other : through one's mind without making an impression <everything you say to him goes in one ear and out the other>
–on one's ear : in or into a state of irritation, shock, or discord <set the racing world on its ear by breaking the record>
–up to one's ears : deeply involved : heavily implicated <up to his ears in shady deals>

ear
n. : the fruiting spike of a cereal (as wheat or Indian corn) including both the seeds and protective structures

ear
n. : to form ears in growing <the rye should be earing up>

ear
n. bend one's ear
cauliflower ear
cloud ear
dog ear
on one's ear
in one ear and out the other
by ear
ear canal
ear candy
ear clip
ear pick
ear rot
ear shell
elephant's ear
flea in one's ear
hearing ear dog
inner ear
middle ear
mouse ear
mouse ear chickweed
outer ear
play by ear
roasting ear
slick ear
swimmer's ear
tin ear
tree ear
turn a deaf ear
wood ear
burn one's ears
up to one's ears
all ears
lamb's ears
prick up one's ears
rabbit ears
wet behind the ears

ear canal
: the tubular passage of the outer ear leading to the tympanic membrane

ear candy
: music that is pleasing to listen to but lacks depth

ear clip
: an earring with a clip fastener

ear pick
: a device often of precious metal for removing wax or foreign bodies from the ear

ear rot
: a condition of Indian corn that is characterized by molding and decay of the ears and that is caused by fungi (genera Diplodia, Fusarium, or Gibberella)

ear shell
: ABALONE

earache
n. : an ache or pain in the ear

earbud
: a small earphone inserted into the ear

eardrop
n. : EARRING especially : one with a pendant

eardrum
n. : TYMPANIC MEMBRANE

eared
adj. : having ears especially of a specified kind or number <a big-eared man> <golden-eared corn>

eared
adj. rabbit eared bandicoot
bat eared fox
crop eared
dog eared
eared seal
jug eared
lop eared
short eared owl

eared seal
: any of a family (Otariidae) of seals including the sea lions and fur seals and having independent mobile hind flippers and small well-developed external ears ― compare HAIR SEAL

earflap
n. : a warm covering for the ears especially : an extension on the lower edge of a cap that may be folded up or down

earful
n. 1 : an outpouring of news or gossip
2 : an outpouring of anger, abuse, or complaint

Earhart
n. Amelia 1897-1937 American aviator

earing
n. : a line used to fasten a corner of a sail to the yard or gaff or to haul a reef cringle to the yard

earl
n. : a member of the British peerage ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
–earl·dom \-dəm\ noun

Earl Grey
: a black-tea blend flavored with bergamot oil

earl marshal
: an officer of state in England serving chiefly as a royal attendant on ceremonial occasions, as marshal of state processions, and as head of the College of Arms

earlobe
n. : the pendent part of the ear of humans or some domestic chickens

earlock
n. : a curl of hair hanging in front of the ear

Early
adj. Ju·bal \'jü-bəl\ Anderson 1816-1894 American Confed. gen.

early
adj. 1 a : near the beginning of a period of time <awoke early in the morning> b : near the beginning of a course, process, or series <early in his senatorial career>
2 a : before the usual or expected time <the train arrived early> b archaic : SOON c : sooner than related forms <these apples bear early>

early
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series <in the early evening> <the early symptoms of the disease> b (1) : distant in past time (2) : PRIMITIVE <early tools>
2 a : occurring before the usual or expected time <an early arrival> b : occurring in the near future <at your earliest convenience> c : maturing or producing sooner than related forms <an early peach>
–ear·li·ness noun

early
adj. Early American
early bird
early on

Early American
: a style (as of furniture, architecture, or fabric) originating in or characteristic of colonial America

early bird
1 : an early riser
2 : one that arrives early and especially before possible competitors

early on
: at or during an early point or stage <the reasons were obvious early on in the experiment>
usage This adverb is sometimes objected to in American writing as an obtrusive Briticism. It is a relative newcomer to the language, having arisen in British English around 1928. It seems to have filled a need, however. It came into frequent use in American English in the late 1960s and is now well established on both sides of the Atlantic in both speech and writing.

earlywood
: SPRINGWOOD

earmark
n. 1 : a mark of identification on the ear of an animal
2 : a distinguishing mark <all the earmarks of poverty>

earmark
n. 1 a : to mark (livestock) with an earmark b : to mark in a distinguishing manner
2 : to designate (as funds) for a specific use or owner <money earmarked for education>

earmuff
n. : one of a pair of ear coverings connected by a flexible band and worn as protection against cold or noises

earn
v. 1 a : to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered b : to bring in by way of return <bonds earning 10 percent interest>
2 a : to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to <she earned a promotion> b : to make worthy of or obtain for <the suggestion earned him a promotion>
–earn·er noun

earn
v. obsolete : GRIEVE

earn
v. earned run
earned run average
wage earner

earned run
: a run in baseball that scores without benefit of an error before the fielding team has had a chance to make the third putout of the inning

earned run average
: the average number of earned runs per game scored against a pitcher in baseball determined by dividing the total of earned runs scored against him by the total number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine

earnest
n. 1 : a serious and intent mental state <a proposal made in earnest>
2 : a considerable or impressive degree or amount <the sap started running in earnest>

earnest
n. 1 : characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind
2 : GRAVE, IMPORTANT
synonyms see SERIOUS
–ear·nest·ly adverb
–ear·nest·ness \-nəs(t)-nəs\ noun

earnest
n. 1 : something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain
2 : a token of what is to come : PLEDGE

earnings
n. 1 : something (as wages) earned
2 : the balance of revenue after deduction of costs and expenses

Earp
n. Wyatt 1848-1929 American lawman

earphone
n. : a device that converts electrical energy into sound waves and is worn over or inserted into the ear

earpiece
n. 1 : a part of an instrument (as a stethoscope or hearing aid) which is inserted into the outer opening of the ear especially : EARPHONE
2 : one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears

earplug
n. 1 : an ornament inserted in the lobe of the ear especially to distend it
2 : a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)

earring
n. : an ornament for the ear and especially the earlobe

earshot
n. : the range within which one may hear a person's unaided voice <waited until he was out of earshot>

earsplitting
adj. : distressingly loud or shrill
synonyms see LOUD

earth
n. 1 : the fragmental material composing part of the surface of the globe especially : cultivable soil
2 : the sphere of mortal life as distinguished from spheres of spirit life ― compare HEAVEN, HELL
3 a : areas of land as distinguished from sea and air b : the solid footing formed of soil : GROUND
4 often capitalized : the planet on which we live that is third in order from the sun ― see PLANET table
5 a : the people of the planet Earth b : the mortal human body c : the pursuits, interests, and pleasures of earthly life as distinguished from spiritual concerns
6 : the lair of a burrowing animal
7 : an excessive amount of money ― used with the <real suede, which costs the earth to clean ― Joanne Winship>
–earth·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–on earth
― used as an intensive <to find out what on earth he was up to ― Michael Holroyd>

earth
n. 1 : to drive to hiding in the earth
2 : to draw soil about (plants) ― often used with up
3 chiefly British : GROUND 3
intransitive verb of a hunted animal : to hide in the ground

earth
n. alkaline earth metal
alkaline earth
brown earth
diatomaceous earth
down to earth
on earth
earth color
earth mother
earth science
earth scientist
earth shattering
earth sheltered
earth station
earth tone
earth toned
fuller's earth
infusorial earth
low earth orbit
potter's earth
rare earth
rare earth element
rare earth metal
scorched earth

earth color
: EARTH TONE

earth mother
1 : the earth viewed (as in primitive theology) as the divine source of terrestrial life
2 : an embodiment of the female principle of fertility : a nurturing maternal woman

earth science
: any of the sciences (as geology, meteorology, or oceanography) that deal with the earth or with one or more of its parts ― compare GEOSCIENCE
–earth scientist noun

earth station
: DISH 3A(2) especially : one used primarily for receiving and transmitting television signals

earth tone
: any of various rich colors containing some brown
–earth-toned adjective

earth-shattering
: EARTHSHAKING

earth-sheltered
: built partly or mostly underground <an earth-sheltered house>

earthborn
adj. 1 : born on this earth : MORTAL
2 : associated with earthly life <earthborn cares>

earthbound
adj. 1 a : fast in or to the soil <earthbound roots> b : located on or restricted to land or to the surface of the earth
2 a : bound by earthly interests b : PEDESTRIAN, UNIMAGINATIVE

earthen
adj. 1 : made of earth
2 : EARTHLY

earthenware
n. : ceramic ware made of slightly porous opaque clay fired at low heat

earthily
adv. : in an earthy manner

earthlight
n. : EARTHSHINE

earthling
n. 1 : an inhabitant of the earth
2 : WORLDLING

earthly
adj. 1 a : characteristic of or belonging to this earth b : relating to the human race's actual life on this earth
2 : POSSIBLE <there is no earthly reason for such behavior>
–earth·li·ness noun
synonyms EARTHLY, WORLDLY, MUNDANE mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth. EARTHLY often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual <abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent>. WORLDLY and MUNDANE both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, WORLDLY suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification <worldly goods> and MUNDANE suggesting reference to the immediate and practical <a mundane discussion of finances>.

earthmover
n. : a machine (as a bulldozer) for excavating, pushing, or transporting large quantities of earth (as in road building)
–earth·mov·ing \-ˌmü-viŋ\ noun or adjective

earthquake
n. 1 : a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin
2 : UPHEAVAL 2

earthrise
n. : the rising of the earth above the horizon of the moon as seen from lunar orbit

earthshaking
adj. : of great importance : MOMENTOUS <an earthshaking announcement>
–earth·shak·ing·ly adverb

earthshine
n. : sunlight reflected by the earth that illuminates the dark part of the moon ― called also earthlight

earthstar
n. : any of a genus (Geastrum) of globose basidiomycetous fungi with an outer peridium that splits into the shape of a star

earthward
adv. : toward the earth

earthwork
n. 1 : an embankment or other construction made of earth especially : one used as a field fortification
2 : the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth
3 : a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified by an artist

earthworm
n. : a terrestrial annelid worm (class Oligochaeta) especially : any of a family (Lumbricidae) of numerous widely distributed hermaphroditic worms that move through the soil by means of setae and feed on decaying organic matter

earthy
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of earth <earthy creatures like worms> b : suggestive of earth (as in texture, odor, or color) <an earthy yellow> c : rough, coarse, or plain in taste <earthy flavors>
2 a archaic : EARTHLY, WORLDLY b : characteristic of or associated with mortal life on the earth <prefers earthy to ethereal themes>
3 : suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways: as a : PRACTICAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH <earthy problems of daily life> b : CRUDE, GROSS <earthy humor> c : plain and simple in style : UNSOPHISTICATED <earthy peasant cookery> <earthy decor> <earthy clothes>
–earth·i·ness noun

earwax
n. : the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear ― called also cerumen

earwig
n. : any of numerous insects (order Dermaptera) having slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of cerci resembling forceps at the end of the body

earwig
n. : to annoy or attempt to influence by private talk

earwitness
n. : one who overhears something especially : one who gives a report on what has been heard

ease
n. 1 : the state of being comfortable: as a : freedom from pain or discomfort b : freedom from care c : freedom from labor or difficulty d : freedom from embarrassment or constraint : NATURALNESS <known for his charm and ease of manner> e : an easy fit
2 : relief from discomfort or obligation
3 : FACILITY, EFFORTLESSNESS <did it with ease>
4 : an act of easing or a state of being eased
–ease·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–ease·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–at ease
1 : free from pain or discomfort
2 a : free from restraint or formality <feels most at ease with old friends> b : standing silently (as in a military formation) with the feet apart, the right foot in place, and one or both hands behind the body ― often used as a command

ease
n. transitive verb
1 : to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens <trying to ease her of her worries>
2 : to make less painful : ALLEVIATE <ease his suffering>
3 a : to lessen the pressure or tension of especially by slackening, lifting, or shifting <ease a spring> b : to maneuver gently or carefully <eased himself into the chair> c : to moderate or reduce especially in amount or intensity <ease a flow>
4 : to make less difficult <ease credit>
5 a : to put the helm of (a ship) alee b : to let (a helm or rudder) come back a little after having been put hard over
intransitive verb
1 : to give freedom or relief
2 : to move or pass slowly or easily ― often used with a directional word (as over or up) <the limo eased up in front of the house>
3 a : to become less intense, vigorous, or engaged : become moderate ― usually used with up or off <told her staff to ease up a little> <expected the storm to ease off> <ease up on fatty foods> b : to apply less pressure ― usually used with up or off <ease up on the accelerator> c : to act in a less harsh manner ― usually used with up or off <decided to ease off on enforcement>

ease
n. chapel of ease
at ease
ill at ease

easel
n. : a frame for supporting something (as an artist's canvas)

easement
n. 1 : an act or means of easing or relieving (as from discomfort)
2 : an interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use or enjoyment also : an area of land covered by an easement

easily
adv. 1 : in an easy manner : without difficulty <won easily>
2 a : without question : by far <was easily the best meal I've ever had> b : at the minimum : at least <costs easily twice as much>
3 : WELL 10B <it could easily have been me>

east
n. : to, toward, or in the east

east
n. 1 : situated toward or at the east <an east window>
2 : coming from the east <an east wind>

east
n. 1 a : the general direction of sunrise : the direction toward the right of one facing north b : the compass point directly opposite to west
2 capitalized a : regions lying to the east of a specified or implied point of orientation b : regions having a culture derived from ancient non-European especially Asian areas
3 : the altar end of a church
4 often capitalized a : the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the east or at the right of a diagram b : a person (as a bridge player) occupying this position in the course of a specified activity

east
n. East Detroit
British East Africa
Portuguese East Africa
East Punjab
down east
east by north
east by south
East Caribbean dollar
East Germanic
East Indiaman
east northeast
east southeast
north by east
northeast by east
south by east
southeast by east
North East Frontier Agency
Belgian East Africa
East Africa
East Anglia
East Anglian
East Antarctica
East Ayrshire
East Bengal
East Beskids
East Chicago
East China Sea
East Cleveland
East Dunbartonshire
East Flanders
East Frisian Islands
East Germany
East Ham
East Hartford
East Haven
East Indies
East India
East Indian
East Lansing
East London
East Los Angeles
East Lothian
East Malaysia
East Moline
East Orange
East Pakistan
East Palo Alto
East Peoria
East Point
East Providence
East Prussia
East Renfrewshire
East Riding
East River
East Saint Louis
East Sea
East Siberian Sea
East Stroudsburg
East Suffolk
East Sussex
East Timor
East York
Far East
German East Africa
Italian East Africa
Middle East
Near East
North East New Guinea

East Africa
region E Africa ― usually considered to include Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, & Somalia

East Anglia
region E England including Norfolk & Suffolk; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy pop 1,366,300
–East An·gli·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

East Antarctica
― see ANTARCTICA

East Ayrshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 483 sq mi (1252 sq km)

East Bengal
the part of Bengal now in Bangladesh

East Beskids
― see BESKIDS

east by north

1656
: a compass point that is one point north of due east : N78°45′E

east by south

14th century
: a compass point that is one point south of due east : S78°45′E

East Caribbean dollar
: a basic monetary unit shared by a number of islands of the British West Indies

East Chicago
city NW Ind. SE of Chicago, Ill. pop 32,414

East China Sea
sea W Pacific bet. China (on W), S. Korea (on N), Japan & Ryukyu Islands (on E), & Taiwan (on S)

East Cleveland
city NE Ohio NE of Cleveland pop 27,217

East Dunbartonshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 66 sq mi (172 sq km)

East Flanders
province NW cen Belgium capital Ghent area 1151 sq mi (2981 sq km), pop 1,366,652

East Frisian Islands
― see FRISIAN ISLANDS

East Germanic
: a subdivision of the Germanic languages that includes Gothic ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

East Germany
the German Democratic Republic ― see GERMANY

East Ham
former county borough SE England in Essex, now part of Newham

East Hartford
town cen Conn. pop 49,575

East Haven
town S Conn. SE of New Haven pop 28,189

East Indiaman
: a large sailing ship formerly used for trading runs to the East Indies

East Indies
1 or East India southeastern Asia including India, Indochina, & the Malay Archipelago ― a chiefly former name
2 the Malay Archipelago
–East Indian adjective or noun

East Lansing
city S Mich. pop 46,525

East London
city & port S Republic of South Africa in SE Eastern Cape on Indian Ocean pop 119,727

East Los Angeles
urban center SW Calif. pop 124,283

East Lothian
administrative area of SE Scotland area 262 sq mi (678 sq km) ― see LOTHIAN

East Malaysia
the parts of Malaysia on the island of Borneo comprising Sabah and Sarawak

East Moline
city NW Ill. on Mississippi River pop 20,333

East Orange
city NE N.J. NW of Newark pop 69,824

East Pakistan
the former E division of Pakistan comprising the E portion of Bengal ― see BANGLADESH

East Palo Alto
city W Calif. pop 29,506

East Peoria
city N cen Ill. pop 22,638

East Point
city NW cen Ga. SW of Atlanta pop 39,595

East Providence
city E R.I. pop 48,688

East Prussia
region N Europe bordering on the Baltic E of Pomerania; formerly a province of Prussia; for a time (1919-39) separated from rest of Prussia by Polish Corridor; divided 1945 bet. Poland & U.S.S.R. (Russia & Lithuania)

East Punjab
― see PUNJAB

East Renfrewshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 67 sq mi (173 sq km)

East Riding
― see YORK 3

East River
strait SE N.Y. connecting Upper New York Bay with Long Island Sound & separating Manhattan Is. from Long Is.

East Saint Louis
city SW Ill. pop 31,542

East Sea
― see JAPAN (Sea of)

East Siberian Sea
sea, arm of Arctic Ocean N of E Russia in Asia extending from New Siberian Islands to Wrangel Is.

East Stroudsburg
borough E Pa. pop 9888

East Suffolk
― see SUFFOLK 2

East Sussex
county SE England capital Lewes area 718 sq mi (1860 sq km), pop 670,600

East Timor
country SE Asia on E Timor capital Dili area 5763 sq mi (14,926 sq km), pop 747,750

East York
former borough Canada in SE Ont., now part of Toronto

east-northeast
: a compass point that is two points north of due east : N67°30′E

east-southeast
: a compass point that is two points south of due east : S67°30′E

eastbound
adj. : traveling or heading east

Eastbourne
n. town S England in E. Sussex on English Channel pop 83,200

Easter
n. : a feast that commemorates Christ's resurrection and is observed with variations of date due to different calendars on the first Sunday after the paschal full moon

see table...

Easter
n. down easter
easter table
Easter egg
Easter lily
Easter Monday
Easter Island
Easter Islander

Easter egg
: an egg that is dyed and sometimes decorated and that is associated with the celebration of Easter

Easter Island
n. island Chile in SE Pacific 2000 mi (3200 km) W of coast area 46 sq mi (119 sq km)
–Easter Islander noun

Easter lily
: any of several white cultivated lilies (esp. Lilium longiflorum) that bloom in early spring

Easter Monday
: the Monday after Easter observed as a legal holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and in No. Carolina

easter-table

easterly
adj. 1 : situated toward or belonging to the east <the easterly shore of the lake>
2 : coming from the east <an easterly storm>

easterly
adj. : a wind from the east

eastern
adj. 1 capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated East
2 capitalized a : of, relating to, or being the Christian churches originating in the church of the Eastern Roman Empire b : EASTERN ORTHODOX
3 a : lying toward the east b : coming from the east <an eastern wind>
–east·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective

eastern
adj. Eastern Transvaal
eastern bluebird
eastern hemisphere
Eastern Orthodox
eastern time
eastern white pine
Eastern Samoa
Eastern Cape
Eastern Ghats
Eastern Rumelia
Eastern Shore
Eastern Thrace
Far Eastern
Middle Eastern
Near Eastern

eastern bluebird
: a bluebird (Sialia sialis) chiefly of eastern No. America that has a reddish-brown throat and breast

Eastern Cape
province SE Republic of South Africa area 65,483 sq mi (169,600 sq km), pop 6,504,000

Eastern Ghats
chain of mountains SE India extending SW & S from near delta of the Mahanadi in Orissa to W Tamil Nadu; highest point Mt. Dodabetta (in Nilgiri Hills) 8640 ft (2633 m) ― see WESTERN GHATS

eastern hemisphere
: the half of the earth east of the Atlantic Ocean including Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa

Eastern Orthodox
: of or consisting of the Eastern churches that form a loose federation according primacy of honor to the patriarch of Constantinople and adhering to the decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils and to the Byzantine rite

Eastern Rumelia
region S Bulgaria including Rhodope Mountains & the Maritsa valley

Eastern Samoa
― see AMERICAN SAMOA

Eastern Shore
region E Md. & E Va. E of Chesapeake Bay ― sometimes considered to include Del. ― see DELMARVA PENINSULA

Eastern Thrace
― see THRACE

eastern time
: the time of the fifth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the eastern U.S. ― see TIME ZONE illustration

Eastern Transvaal
― see MPUMALANGA

eastern white pine
: WHITE PINE 1A

Easterner
n. : a native or inhabitant of the East especially : a native or resident of the eastern part of the U.S.

Eastertide
n. : the period from Easter to Ascension Day, to Whitsunday, or to Trinity Sunday

easting
n. 1 : easterly progress <make as much easting as possible ― Kevin Patterson>
2 : difference in longitude to the east from the last preceding point of reckoning

Eastmain
river ab 500 mi (804 km) Canada in W Que.

Eastman
n. George 1854-1932 American inventor & industrialist

Eastman
n. Max Forrester 1883-1969 American editor & writer

Easton
city E Pa. NE of Allentown pop 26,263

Eastpointe
city SE Mich. pop 34,077

eastward
adj. : toward the east
–east·wards \-wərdz\ adverb

eastward
adj. : eastward direction or part <sail to the eastward>

Eastwood
n. Clinton, Jr. 1930-     Clint Eastwood American film actor & director

easy
adj. 1 a : causing or involving little difficulty or discomfort <within easy reach> b : requiring or indicating little effort, thought, or reflection <easy clichés>
2 a : not severe : LENIENT <hopes they'll be easy on him> b : not steep or abrupt <easy slopes> c : not difficult to endure or undergo <an easy penalty> d : readily taken advantage of <an easy target for takeovers> <an easy mark for con men> e (1) : readily available <easy pickings> (2) : plentiful in supply at low or declining interest rates <easy money> (3) : less in demand and usually lower in price <bonds were easier> f : PLEASANT <easy listening> g : sexually promiscuous
3 a : marked by peace and comfort <the easy life of a courtier> b : not hurried or strenuous <an easy pace>
4 a : free from pain, annoyance, or anxiety <did all she could to make him easier> b : marked by social ease <an air of easy assurance> c : EASYGOING <an easy disposition>
5 a : giving ease, comfort, or relaxation b : not burdensome or straitened <bought on easy terms> c : fitting comfortably : allowing freedom of movement <easy jackets> d : marked by ready facility <an easy flowing style> e : felt or attained to readily, naturally, and spontaneously <an easy smile>
–eas·i·ness noun
synonyms EASY, FACILE, SIMPLE, LIGHT, EFFORTLESS, SMOOTH mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty. EASY is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks <an easy college course>. FACILE often adds to EASY the connotation of undue haste or shallowness <facile answers to complex questions>. SIMPLE stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent <a simple problem in arithmetic>. LIGHT stresses freedom from what is burdensome <a light teaching load>. EFFORTLESS stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness <moving with effortless grace>. SMOOTH stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles <a smooth ride>. synonym see in addition COMFORTABLE

easy
adj. 1 : EASILY 1 <promises come easy>
2 : without undue speed or excitement <take it easy>
3 a : without worry or care <rest easy> b : without a severe penalty <got off easy> c : without violent movement <the boat rode easy>
4 : EASILY 2 <cost $500 easy>

easy
adj. breathe easy
easy chair
easy street
easy virtue
free and easy
go easy
over easy
breathe easier
free and easiness

easy chair
: a roomy upholstered chair

easy street
: a situation with no worries

easy virtue
: sexually promiscuous behavior or habits <ladies of easy virtue>

easygoing
adj. 1 a : relaxed and casual in style or manner <an easygoing boss> b : morally lax
2 : UNHURRIED, COMFORTABLE <an easygoing pace>
–easy·go·ing·ness noun

eat
v. transitive verb
1 : to take in through the mouth as food : ingest, chew, and swallow in turn
2 a : to destroy, consume, or waste by or as if by eating <expenses ate up the profits> <gadgets that eat up too much space> b : to bear the expense of : take a loss on <the team was forced to eat the rest of his contract>
3 a : to consume gradually : CORRODE <cars eaten away by rust> b : to consume with vexation : BOTHER <what's eating you now>
4 : to enjoy eagerly or avidly : LAP ― used with up <it was an amazing performance and the crowd ate it up>
5 usually vulgar : to perform fellatio or cunnilingus on ― often used with out
intransitive verb
1 : to take food or a meal
2 : to affect something by gradual destruction or consumption ― usually used with into, away, or at <the loss was really eating at her> <the controversy ate into his support>
–eat·er noun
–eat alive : to defeat, conquer, or overwhelm completely : CRUSH <was eaten alive by the competition>
–eat one out of house and home : to consume more than one can easily provide or afford
–eat one's heart out
1 : to grieve bitterly
2 : to be jealous
–eat one's words : to retract what one has said
–eat out of one's hand : to accept the domination of another
–eat someone's lunch : to deprive of profit, dominance, or success

eat
v. : something to eat : FOOD ― usually used in plural

eat
v. dog eat dog
eat someone's lunch
eat out of one's hand
eat one's words
eat one's heart out
eat one out of house and home
eat alive
moth eaten
worm eaten
bee eater
fire eater
lotus eater
man eater
man eater shark
eating disorder
fire eating
man eating
man eating shark

eat alive
to defeat, conquer, or overwhelm completely : CRUSH <was eaten alive by the competition>

eat one out of house and home
to consume more than one can easily provide or afford

eat one's heart out

1 : to grieve bitterly
2 : to be jealous

eat one's words
to retract what one has said

eat out of one's hand
to accept the domination of another

eat someone's lunch
to deprive of profit, dominance, or success

eatable
adj. : fit or able to be eaten

eatable
adj. 1 : something to eat
2 plural : FOOD

eatery
n. : LUNCHEONETTE, RESTAURANT

eath
Scottish : EASY

eating
n. 1 : used for eating <eating utensils>
2 : suitable to eat <the finest eating fish> also : suitable to eat raw <an eating apple>

eating
n. eating disorder
fire eating
man eating
man eating shark

eating disorder
: any of several psychological disorders (as anorexia nervosa or bulimia) characterized by serious disturbances of eating behavior

Eaton
n. Theophilus 1590-1658 Eng. colonial administrator in America; gov. of New Haven colony (1638-58)

eau
n. eau de cologne
eau de parfum
eau de parfums
eau de vie
Eau Claire
eau de toilette
eau de toilettes

Eau Claire
city W Wis. pop 61,704

eau de cologne
: COLOGNE

eau de parfum
: a perfumed liquid containing a percentage of fragrant oils that is lower than that in perfume but greater than that in eau de toilette

eau de toilette
: a perfumed liquid containing a lower percentage of fragrant oils than is contained in ordinary perfume or eau de parfum ― called also toilet water

eau-de-vie
: a clear brandy distilled from the fermented juice of fruit (as pears or raspberries)

eaux
n. eaux de cologne
eaux de parfums
eaux de parfum
eaux de vie
eaux de toilettes
eaux de toilette

eave
n. 1 : the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall ― usually used in plural
2 : a projecting edge (as of a hill) ― usually used in plural

eaves trough
: GUTTER 1A

eavesdrop
v. : to listen secretly to what is said in private
–eaves·drop·per noun

EB
eastbound

EB virus
: EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS

ebb
n. 1 : the reflux of the tide toward the sea
2 : a point or condition of decline <our spirits were at a low ebb>

ebb
n. 1 : to recede from the flood
2 : to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state <his popularity ebbed>
synonyms see ABATE

ebb tide
1 : the tide while ebbing or at ebb
2 : a period or state of decline

Ebbw Vale
v. town SE Wales N of Cardiff pop 24,422

EBC
Educational Broadcasting Corporation

EBCDIC
: a code for representing alphanumeric information (as on magnetic tape)

Ebert
Friedrich 1871-1925 pres. of Germany (1919-25)

EBITDA
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization

Ebola
n. 1 : EBOLA VIRUS
2 : the hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus ― called also Ebola Fever

Ebola virus
: any of several filoviruses (esp. species Zaire Ebola virus) of African origin that cause an often fatal hemorrhagic fever

ebon
adj. : EBONY

Ebonics
n. : BLACK ENGLISH

ebonite
n. : hard rubber especially when black

ebonize
v. : to stain black in imitation of ebony

ebony
n. 1 : a hard heavy blackish wood yielded by various tropical chiefly southeast Asian trees (genus Diospyros of the family Ebenaceae, the ebony family)
2 a : a tree yielding ebony b : any of several trees yielding wood like ebony

ebony
n. 1 : made of or resembling ebony
2 : BLACK, DARK

Eboracum
― see YORK

Ebro
river 565 mi (909 km) NE Spain flowing from Cantabrian Mountains ESE into the Mediterranean

ebullience
n. : the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings : EXUBERANCE

ebulliency
n. : EBULLIENCE

ebullient
adj. 1 : BOILING, AGITATED
2 : characterized by ebullience : having or showing liveliness and enthusiasm <ebullient performers>
–ebul·lient·ly adverb

ebullition
n. 1 : a sudden violent outburst or display
2 : the act, process, or state of boiling or bubbling up

EBV
Epstein-Barr virus

EC
European Community; European Communities

Ecbatana
― see HAMADAN

ecce signum
: behold the sign : look at the proof

eccentric
n. 1 a : deviating from an established or usual pattern or style <eccentric products> b : deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways <an eccentric millionaire>
2 a : deviating from a circular path especially : ELLIPTICAL 1 <an eccentric orbit> b : located elsewhere than at the geometrical center also : having the axis or support so located <an eccentric wheel>
synonyms see STRANGE
–ec·cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

eccentric
n. 1 : a mechanical device consisting of an eccentric disk communicating its motion to a rod so as to produce reciprocating motion
2 : an eccentric person

eccentricity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being eccentric b : deviation from an established pattern or norm especially : odd or whimsical behavior
2 a : a mathematical constant that for a given conic section is the ratio of the distances from any point of the conic section to a focus and the corresponding directrix b : the eccentricity of an astronomical orbit used as a measure of its deviation from circularity

ecchymosis
n. : the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels
–ec·chy·mot·ic \-'mä-tik\ adjective

eccl
ecclesiastic; ecclesiastical

Eccles
Ecclesiastes

Eccles
Marriner Stoddard 1890-1977 American banker & econ.

ecclesi
: church <ecclesiology>

ecclesial
: of or relating to a church

Ecclesiastes
n. : a book of wisdom literature in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

ecclesiastic
n. : ECCLESIASTICAL

ecclesiastic
n. : CLERGYMAN

ecclesiastical
adj. 1 : of or relating to a church especially as an established institution
2 : suitable for use in a church
–ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ecclesiasticism
n. : excessive attachment to ecclesiastical forms and practices

Ecclesiasticus
n. : a didactic book included in the Protestant Apocrypha and as Sirach in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament

ecclesiology
n. 1 : the study of church architecture and adornment
2 : theological doctrine relating to the church
–ec·cle·si·o·log·i·cal \-zē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ec·cle·si·ol·o·gist \-zē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

Ecclus
Ecclesiasticus

eccrine gland
: any of the rather small sweat glands in the human skin that produce a fluid secretion without removing cytoplasm from the secretory cells ― called also eccrine sweat gland

ecdysiast
n. : STRIPTEASER

ecdysis
n. : the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer

ecdysone
n. : any of several arthropod hormones that in insects are produced by the prothoracic gland and that trigger molting and metamorphosis

ecesis
: the establishment of a plant or animal in a new habitat

ECG
electrocardiogram

echelle
: a diffraction grating made by ruling a plane metallic mirror with lines having a relatively wide spacing

echelon
n. 1 a (1) : an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps (2) : a formation of units or individuals resembling such an echelon <geese flying in echelon> (3) : a flight formation in which each airplane flies at a certain elevation above or below and at a certain distance behind and to the right or left of the airplane ahead b : any of several military units in echelon formation also : any unit or group acting in a disciplined or organized manner <served in a combat echelon>
2 a : one of a series of levels or grades in an organization or field of activity <involved employees at every echelon> b : a group of individuals at a particular level or grade in an organization <the upper echelons of the bureaucracy>

echelon
n. : to form or arrange in an echelon
intransitive verb : to take position in an echelon

echeveria
n. : any of a large genus (Echeveria) of tropical American succulent plants of the orpine family that have showy rosettes of often plushy basal leaves and axillary clusters of flowers with erect petals

Echeverria Alvarez
Luis 1922-     pres. of Mexico (1970-76)

echidna
n. : a spiny-coated toothless burrowing nocturnal monotreme mammal (Tachyglossus aculeatus) of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea that has a long extensible tongue and long heavy claws and that feeds chiefly on ants also : a related mammal (Zaglossus bruijni) of New Guinea having a longer snout and shorter spines

echin
1 : prickle <echinoderm>
2 : sea urchin <echinoid>

echinacea
n. : the dried rhizome, roots, or other parts of any of three purple coneflowers that are used primarily in dietary supplements and herbal remedies for the stimulating effect they are held to have on the immune system also : any of these herbs

echinococcosis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by an echinococcus

echinococcus
n. : any of a genus (Echinococcus) of tapeworms that alternate a minute adult living as a commensal in the intestine of carnivores with a hydatid larva invading tissues especially of the liver of cattle, sheep, swine, and humans and acting as a dangerous pathogen

echinoderm
n. : any of a phylum (Echinodermata) of radially symmetrical coelomate marine animals including the starfishes, sea urchins, and related forms
–echi·no·der·ma·tous \-ˌkī-nə-'dər-mə-təs\ adjective

echinoid
n. : SEA URCHIN

echinus
n. 1 : SEA URCHIN
2 a : the rounded molding that lies directly beneath the abacus in the capital of a column in the Greek Doric order b : a similar member in other orders

echiuroid
: any of a phylum (Echiura syn. Echiuroidea) of marine worms of uncertain taxonomic affinities that have a sensitive but nonretractile proboscis above the mouth

Echo
n. : a nymph in Greek mythology who pines away for love of Narcissus until nothing is left of her but her voice

Echo
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter e

echo
n. 1 a : the repetition of a sound caused by reflection of sound waves b : the sound due to such reflection
2 a : a repetition or imitation of another : REFLECTION b : REPERCUSSION, RESULT c : TRACE, VESTIGE d : RESPONSE
3 : one who closely imitates or repeats another's words, ideas, or acts
4 : a soft repetition of a musical phrase
5 a : the repetition of a received radio signal due especially to reflection of part of the wave from an ionized layer of the atmosphere b (1) : the reflection of transmitted radar signals by an object (2) : the visual indication of this reflection on a radarscope
–echo·ey \'e-ˌkō-ē\ adjective

echo
n. intransitive verb
1 : to resound with echoes
2 : to produce an echo
transitive verb
1 a : REPEAT, IMITATE <children echoing their teacher's words> b : to restate in support or agreement <his successor echoed his opinion> c : to be reminiscent of : EVOKE <music that echoes an earlier time>
2 : to send back (a sound) by the reflection of sound waves

echo chamber
: a room with sound-reflecting walls used for producing hollow or echoing sound effects

echo sounder
: an instrument for determining the depth of a body of water or of an object below the surface by sound waves

echocardiogram
n. : a visual record made by echocardiography also : the procedure for producing such a record

echocardiography
: the use of ultrasound to examine the structure and functioning of the heart for abnormalities and disease
–echo·car·di·og·raph·er \-grə-fər\ noun
–echo·car·dio·graph·ic \-dē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective

echoic
adj. 1 : formed in imitation of some natural sound : ONOMATOPOEIC
2 : of or relating to an echo

echolalia
n. : the often pathological repetition of what is said by other people as if echoing them
–echo·lal·ic \-'la-lik\ adjective

echolocation
n. : a physiological process for locating distant or invisible objects (as prey) by sound waves reflected back to the emitter (as a bat) from the objects

echovirus
n. : any of numerous serotypes of an enterovirus (species Human enterovirus B) found in the gastrointestinal tract that cause cytopathic changes in cells in tissue culture and are sometimes associated with respiratory ailments and meningitis

echt
: TRUE, GENUINE <an echt New Yorker>

Eck
Johann 1486-1543 orig. Johann Maier Ger. R.C. theol.

Eckehart
Johannes 1260?-?1327 Meister Eckehart Ger. mystic

Eckermann
Johann Peter 1792-1854 Ger. writer

eclair
n. : a usually chocolate-frosted oblong pastry filled with whipped cream or custard

eclaircissement
: a clearing up of something obscure : ENLIGHTENMENT

eclampsia
n. : a convulsive state especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or parturition
–eclamp·tic \-'klam(p)-tik\ adjective

eclat
n. 1 : ostentatious display : PUBLICITY
2 : dazzling effect : BRILLIANCE
3 a : brilliant or conspicuous success b : PRAISE, APPLAUSE

eclectic
adj. 1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources also : HETEROGENEOUS
–eclec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

eclectic
adj. : one who uses an eclectic method or approach

eclecticism
n. : the theory or practice of an eclectic method

eclipse
n. 1 a : the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another b : the passing into the shadow of a celestial body ― compare OCCULTATION, TRANSIT
2 : a falling into obscurity or decline also : the state of being eclipsed <his reputation has fallen into eclipse>
3 : the state of being in eclipse plumage

eclipse
n. : to cause an eclipse of: as a : OBSCURE, DARKEN b : to reduce in importance or repute c : SURPASS <her score eclipsed the old record>

eclipse
n. annular eclipse
eclipse plumage
lunar eclipse
solar eclipse
total eclipse

eclipse plumage
: comparatively dull plumage that is usually of seasonal occurrence in birds exhibiting a distinct breeding plumage

ecliptic
n. : of or relating to the ecliptic or an eclipse

ecliptic
n. : the great circle of the celestial sphere that is the apparent path of the sun among the stars or of the earth as seen from the sun : the plane of the earth's orbit extended to meet the celestial sphere

eclogue
n. : a poem in which shepherds converse

eclosion
of an insect : the act of emerging from the pupal case or hatching from the egg

ECM
1 electronic countermeasure
2 European Common Market

eco
1 : habitat or environment <ecospecies>
2 : ecological or environmental <ecocatastrophe>

eco-conscious
: marked by or showing concern for the environment <eco-conscious consumers>

ecocatastrophe
n. : a major destructive upset in the balance of nature especially when caused by the action of humans

ecocide
n. : the destruction of large areas of the natural environment especially as a result of deliberate human action
–eco·cid·al \-'sī-dəl\ adjective

ecofeminism
n. : a movement or theory that applies feminist principles and ideas to ecological issues
–eco·fem·i·nist \-nist\ noun or adjective

ecol
ecological; ecology

ecology
n. 1 : a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2 : the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3 : HUMAN ECOLOGY
4 : ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE <the moral ecology> also : an often delicate or intricate system or complex <the ecology of language>
–eco·log·i·cal \ˌē-kə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌe-kə-\ also eco·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–eco·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ecol·o·gist \i-'kä-lə-jist, e-\ noun

ecology
n. deep ecology
human ecology
deep ecologist

econ
economics; economist; economy

econobox
: a small economical car

econometrics
: the application of statistical methods to the study of economic data and problems
–econo·met·ric \-trik\ adjective
–econo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–econo·me·tri·cian \-mə-'tri-shən\ noun
–econo·met·rist \-'me-trist\ noun

economic
adj. 1 archaic : of or relating to a household or its management
2 : ECONOMICAL 2
3 a : of or relating to economics <economic theories> b : of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services <economic growth> c : of or relating to an economy <a group of economic advisers>
4 : having practical or industrial significance or uses : affecting material resources
5 : PROFITABLE

economic
adj. economic rent
exclusive economic zone
European Economic Community

economic rent
: the return for the use of a factor in excess of the minimum required to bring forth its service

economical
adj. 1 archaic : ECONOMIC 1
2 : marked by careful, efficient, and prudent use of resources : THRIFTY <an economical shopper>
3 : operating with little waste or at a saving <an economical car>
synonyms see SPARING

economically
adv. : in an economic or economical manner

economics
n. 1 a : a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services b : economic theory, principles, or practices <sound economics>
2 : economic aspect or significance <the economics of building a new stadium>
3 : economic conditions <current economics>

economise
v. British variant of economize

economist
n. 1 archaic : one who practices economy
2 : a specialist in economics

economize
v. intransitive verb : to practice economy : be frugal
transitive verb : to use frugally : SAVE
–econ·o·miz·er noun

economy
n. 1 archaic : the management of household or private affairs and especially expenses
2 a : thrifty and efficient use of material resources : frugality in expenditures also : an instance or a means of economizing : SAVING b : efficient and concise use of nonmaterial resources (as effort, language, or motion)
3 a : the arrangement or mode of operation of something : ORGANIZATION b : a system especially of interaction and exchange <an economy of information>
4 : the structure or conditions of economic life in a country, area, or period also : an economic system

economy
n. : designed to save money <economy cars>

economy
n. command economy
economy of scale
market economy
political economy

economy of scale

1944
: a reduction in the cost of producing something (as a car or a unit of electricity) brought about especially by increased size of production facilities ― usually used in plural

ecophysiology
: the science of the interrelationships between the physiology of organisms and their environment
–eco·phys·i·o·log·i·cal \-zē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

ecosphere
n. : the parts of the universe habitable by living organisms especially : BIOSPHERE 1

ecosystem
n. : the complex of a community of organisms and its environment functioning as an ecological unit

ecoterrorism
1 : sabotage intended to hinder activities that are considered damaging to the environment
2 : political terrorism intended to damage an enemy's natural environment
–eco·ter·ror·ist \-ər-ist\ noun or adjective

ecotone
n. : a transition area between two adjacent ecological communities
–eco·ton·al \-ˌtō-nəl\ adjective

ecotour
n. : a trip that follows the principles of ecotourism

ecotourism
n. : the practice of touring natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact
–eco·tour·ist \-'tu̇r-ist\ noun

ecotoxicology
: a scientific discipline combining the methods of ecology and toxicology in studying the effects of toxic substances and especially pollutants on the environment
–eco·tox·i·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–eco·tox·i·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

ecotype
n. : a population of a species that survives as a distinct group through environmental selection and isolation and that is comparable with a taxonomic subspecies
–eco·typ·ic \ˌē-kə-'ti-pik, ˌe-kə-\ adjective

ecrasez l'infame
: crush the infamous thing

ecru
n. : BEIGE 2
–ecru adjective

ecstasy
n. 1 a : a state of being beyond reason and self-control b archaic : SWOON
2 : a state of overwhelming emotion especially : rapturous delight
3 : TRANCE especially : a mystic or prophetic trance
4 often capitalized : a synthetic amphetamine analog C_11H_15NO_2 used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties ― called also MDMA
synonyms ECSTASY, RAPTURE, TRANSPORT mean intense exaltation of mind and feelings. ECSTASY and RAPTURE both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion. ECSTASY may apply to any strong emotion (as joy, fear, rage, adoration) <religious ecstasy>. RAPTURE usually implies intense bliss or beatitude <in speechless rapture>. TRANSPORT applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action <in a transport of rage>.

ecstatic
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by ecstasy
–ec·stat·i·cal·ly \-'sta-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ecstatic
adj. : one that is subject to ecstasies

ECT
electroconvulsive therapy

ect
: outside : external <ectoderm> ― compare END-, EXO-

ectoderm
n. 1 : the outer cellular membrane of a diploblastic animal (as a jellyfish)
2 a : the outermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of various tissues and structures (as the epidermis, the nervous system, and the eyes and ears) b : a tissue (as neural tissue) derived from this germ layer
–ec·to·der·mal \ˌek-tə-'dər-məl\ adjective

ectomorph
n. : an ectomorphic individual

ectomorphic
1 : of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the body's degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility
2 : characterized by a lean slender body build with slight muscular development

ectomy
: surgical removal <gastrectomy>

ectoparasite
n. : a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host
–ec·to·par·a·sit·ic \-ˌper-ə-'si-tik, -pa-rə-\ adjective

ectopic
adj. : occurring in an abnormal position or in an unusual manner or form <ectopic lesions>
–ec·top·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ectopic pregnancy
: development of a fertilized egg elsewhere than in the uterus (as in a fallopian tube or in the peritoneal cavity)

ectoplasm
n. 1 : the outer relatively rigid granule-free layer of the cytoplasm usually held to be a gel reversibly convertible to a sol
2 : a substance held to produce spirit materialization and telekinesis
–ec·to·plas·mic \ˌek-tə-'plaz-mik\ adjective

ectotherm
n. : a cold-blooded animal : POIKILOTHERM
–ec·to·ther·mic \ˌek-tə-'thər-mik\ adjective

ectotrophic
of a mycorrhiza : growing in a close web on the surface of the associated root ― compare ENDOTROPHIC

ecu
n. : any of various old French units of value also : a coin representing an ecu

ecu
n. : a money of account based on the currency units of members of the European Union from 1979 up to the introduction of the euro in 1999

Ecua
Ecuador

Ecuador
n. country W S. America bordering on the Pacific; a republic capital Quito area 109,483 sq mi (283,561 sq km), pop 12,156,608
–Ec·ua·dor·an \ˌe-kwə-'dȯr-ən\ adjective or noun
–Ec·ua·dor·ean or Ec·ua·dor·ian \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

ecumenical
adj. 1 : worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
2 a : of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches b : promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation
–ec·u·men·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ecumenical patriarch
: the patriarch of Constantinople as the dignitary given first honor in the Eastern Orthodox Church

ecumenicalism
n. : ECUMENISM

ecumenicism
n. : ECUMENISM
–ec·u·men·i·cist \-sist\ noun

ecumenicity
n. : the quality or state of being drawn close to others especially through Christian ecumenism

ecumenics
: the study of the nature, mission, problems, and strategy of the Christian church from the perspective of its ecumenical character

ecumenism
n. : ecumenical principles and practices especially as shown among religious groups (as Christian denominations)
–ecu·me·nist \e-'kyü-mə-nist, i- also 'e-kyə-mə-nist or ˌe-kyə-'me-nist\ noun

eczema
n. : an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions which become scaly, crusted, or hardened
–ec·zem·a·tous \ig-'ze-mə-təs\ adjective

ED
n. erectile dysfunction

ed
n. : EDUCATION <driver's ed> <adult ed>

ed
n. 1 edited; edition; editor
2 education

ed
n. 1 ― used to form the past participle of regular weak verbs <ended> <faded> <tried> <patted>
2 ― used to form adjectives of identical meaning from Latin-derived adjectives ending in -ate <crenulated>
3 a : having : characterized by <cultured> <two-legged> b : having the characteristics of <bigoted>

ed
n. ― used to form the past tense of regular weak verbs <judged> <denied> <dropped>

ed
n. MA Ed
x ed
op ed
phys ed
voc ed
Jebel ed Druz

edacious
adj. 1 archaic : of or relating to eating
2 : VORACIOUS
–edac·i·ty \-'da-sə-tē\ noun

Edam
n. : a yellow pressed cheese of Dutch origin usually made in flattened balls and often coated with red wax

Edam
n. commune NW Netherlands on the IJsselmeer NNE of Amsterdam

edaphic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the soil
2 : resulting from or influenced by the soil rather than the climate ― compare CLIMATIC 2
–edaph·i·cal·ly \-'da-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

edaphic climax
: an ecological climax resulting from soil factors and commonly persisting through cycles of climatic and physiographic change ― compare CLIMATIC CLIMAX

EDB
ethylene dibromide

EDD
English Dialect Dictionary

EdD
doctor of education

Eddic
: of, relating to, or resembling the Old Norse Edda

Eddington
Sir Arthur Stanley 1882-1944 Eng. astron.

Eddy
n. Mary (Morse) 1821-1910 née Baker American founder of the Christian Science Church

eddy
n. 1 a : a current of water or air running contrary to the main current especially : a circular current : WHIRLPOOL b : something moving similarly
2 : a contrary or circular current (as of thought or policy)

eddy
n. transitive verb : to cause to move in an eddy
intransitive verb : to move in an eddy or in the manner of an eddy

eddy current
: an electric current induced by an alternating magnetic field

Ede
1 \'ā-də\ commune E Netherlands NW of Arnhem pop 103,708
2 \'ā-ˌdā\ city SW Nigeria NE of Ibadan pop 271,000

edelweiss
n. : a small alpine perennial composite herb (Leontopodium alpinum) of central and southeast Europe that has a dense woolly white pubescence

edema
n. 1 : an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity ― called also dropsy
2 a : watery swelling of plant organs or parts b : any of various plant diseases characterized by such swellings
–edem·a·tous \-'de-mə-təs\ adjective

Eden
n. 1 : PARADISE 2
2 : the garden where according to the account in Genesis Adam and Eve first lived
3 : a place of pristine or abundant natural beauty
–Eden·ic \i-'de-nik, ē-\ adjective

Eden
n. (Robert) Anthony 1897-1977 Earl of Avon \'ā-vən\ Eng. statesman; prime min. (1955-57)

Eden Prairie
village SE cen Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis pop 54,901

edentate
n. 1 : lacking teeth
2 : being an edentate

edentate
n. : any of an order (Edentata) of mammals having few or no teeth and including the sloths, armadillos, and New World anteaters and formerly also the pangolins and the aardvark

edentulous
adj. : TOOTHLESS

Edessa
― see URFA

Edgar
n. : a statuette awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in mystery-novel writing

edge
n. 1 a : the cutting side of a blade <a razor's edge> b : the sharpness of a blade <a knife with no edge> c (1) : FORCE, EFFECTIVENESS <blunted the edge of the legislation> (2) : vigor or energy especially of body <maintains his hard edge> d (1) : incisive or penetrating quality <writing with a satirical edge> (2) : a noticeably harsh or sharp quality <her voice had an edge to it> (3) : a secondary but distinct quality <rock music with a bluesy edge> e : keenness or intensity of desire or enjoyment <lost my competitive edge> <took the edge off our appetites>
2 a : the line where an object or area begins or ends : BORDER <on the edge of a plain> b : the narrow part adjacent to a border <the edge of the deck> c (1) : a point near the beginning or the end especially : BRINK, VERGE <on the edge of disaster> (2) : the threshold of danger or ruin <living on the edge> d : a favorable margin : ADVANTAGE <has an edge on the competition>
3 : a line or line segment that is the intersection of two plane faces (as of a pyramid) or of two planes
–edge·less adjective
–on edge : ANXIOUS, NERVOUS

edge
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give an edge to b : to be on an edge of <trees edging the lake>
2 : to move or force gradually <edged him off the road>
3 : to incline (a ski) sideways so that one edge cuts into the snow
4 : to defeat by a small margin ― often used with out <edged out her opponent>
intransitive verb : to advance by short moves

edge
n. cutting edge
deckle edge
on edge
edge city
edge effect
edge grain
edge grained
edge in
edge tool
gilt edge
hard edge
knife edge
leading edge
set one's teeth on edge
trailing edge
deckle edged
double edged
double edged sword
gilt edged
hard edged
rough edged
two edged sword

edge city
: a suburb that has developed its own political, economic, and commercial base independent of the central city

edge effect
: the effect of an abrupt transition between two quite different adjoining ecological communities on the numbers and kinds of organisms in the marginal habitat

edge in
: to work in : INTERPOLATE <edged in a few remarks>

edge tool
: a tool with a sharp cutting edge

edge-grain
: QUARTERSAWN

edged
adj. 1 : having a specified kind of edge, boundary, or border or a specified number of edges <rough-edged> <two-edged>
2 : SHARP, CUTTING <an edged knife> <an edged remark>

edged
adj. deckle edged
double edged
double edged sword
gilt edged
hard edged
rough edged
two edged sword

edger
n. : one that edges especially : a tool used to trim the edge of a lawn along a sidewalk or curb

edgeways
adv. chiefly British : SIDEWAYS

edgewise
adv. 1 : SIDEWAYS
2 : as if by an edge : BARELY ― usually used in the phrase get a word in edgewise

Edgeworth
Maria 1767-1849 Brit. nov.

edging
n. : something that forms an edge or border

edgy
adj. 1 : having an edge : SHARP
2 a : being on edge : TENSE, IRRITABLE b : characterized by tension <edgy negotiations>
3 : having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality <an edgy film>
–edg·i·ly \'e-jə-lē\ adverb
–edg·i·ness \'e-jē-nəs\ noun

edh
n. : the letter ð used in Old English to represent either of the fricatives \th\ or \th\ and in Icelandic and some phonetic alphabets to represent the fricative \th\

Ediacaran
: being or belonging to an assemblage of extinct multicellular marine organisms of the late Precambrian era <Ediacaran fauna>
–Ediacaran noun

edible
n. : fit to be eaten : EATABLE
–ed·i·bil·i·ty \ˌe-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–edible noun
–ed·i·ble·ness \'e-də-bəl-nəs\ noun

edict
n. 1 : a proclamation having the force of law
2 : ORDER, COMMAND <we held firm to Grandmother's edict ― M. F. K. Fisher>
–edic·tal \i-'dik-təl\ adjective

edification
n. : an act or process of edifying

edifice
n. 1 : BUILDING especially : a large or massive structure
2 : a large abstract structure <holds together the social edifice ― R. H. Tawney>

edify
v. 1 archaic a : BUILD b : ESTABLISH
2 : to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge : UPLIFT also : ENLIGHTEN, INFORM

Edina
village SE Minn. SW of Minneapolis pop 47,425

Edinburg
city S Tex. NW of Brownsville pop 48,465

Edinburgh
n. Duke of ― see PHILIP

Edinburgh
n. 1 or Scottish Gaelic Dun·e·din \ˌdə-'nē-dən\ city capital of Scotland constituting an administrative area on Firth of Forth area 101 sq mi (262 sq km), pop 434,520
2 or Ed·in·burgh·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ ― see MIDLOTHIAN

Edirne
city Turkey in Europe on the Maritsa pop 102,345

Edison
n. Thomas Alva 1847-1931 American inventor
–Ed·i·so·nian \ˌe-də-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Edisto
river 150 mi (241 km) S S.C. flowing SE into the Atlantic

edit
v. 1 a : to prepare (as literary material) for publication or public presentation b : to assemble (as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging c : to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose <carefully edited the speech> <edit a data file>
2 : to direct the publication of <edits the daily newspaper>
3 : DELETE ― usually used with out
–ed·it·able \'e-də-tə-bəl\ adjective

edit
v. : an instance or result of editing

Edith Cavell, Mount
mountain 11,033 ft (3363 m) Canada in SW Alta. in Jasper National Park

editio princeps
: the first printed edition especially of a work that circulated in manuscript before printing became common

edition
n. 1 a : the form or version in which a text is published <a paperback edition> <the German edition> b (1) : the whole number of copies published at one time (2) : a usually special issue of a newspaper (as for a particular day or purpose) <Sunday edition> <international edition> (3) : one of the usually several issues of a newspaper in a single day <city edition> <late edition>
2 a : one of the forms in which something is presented <this year's edition of the annual charity ball> b : the whole number of articles of one style put out at one time <a limited edition of collectors' pieces>
3 : COPY, VERSION

edition
n. co edition
first edition
limited edition
pocket edition
text edition
trade edition

editor
n. 1 : someone who edits especially as an occupation
2 : a device used in editing motion-picture film or magnetic tape
3 : a computer program that permits the user to create or modify data (as text or graphics) especially on a display screen
–ed·i·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

editor
n. city editor
copy editor
editor in chief
managing editor

editor in chief
: an editor who heads an editorial staff

editorial
n. 1 : of or relating to an editor or editing <an editorial office>
2 : being or resembling an editorial <an editorial statement>
–ed·i·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

editorial
n. : a newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinions of the editors or publishers also : an expression of opinion that resembles such an article <a television editorial>

editorialist
n. : a writer of editorials

editorialize
1 : to express an opinion in the form of an editorial
2 : to introduce opinion into the reporting of facts
3 : to express an opinion (as on a controversial issue)
–ed·i·to·ri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtȯr-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ed·i·to·ri·al·iz·er noun

editress
n. : a woman who is an editor

editrix
: EDITRESS

EdM
master of education

Edmond
n. city cen Okla. N of Oklahoma City pop 68,315

Edmonds
city W Wash. N of Seattle pop 39,515

Edmonton
n. 1 city Canada capital of Alta. on the N. Saskatchewan pop 666,104
2 former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Enfield
–Ed·mon·to·ni·an \ˌed-mən-'tō-nē-ən, -nyən\ noun

Edmund
n. ca 993-1016 Ironside king of the English (1016)

Edo
n. ― see TOKYO

Edom
n. ancient country SW Asia S of Judea & the Dead Sea

Edomite
n. : a member of a Semitic people living south of the Dead Sea in biblical times

EDP
electronic data processing

EdS
specialist in education

EDT
eastern daylight time

EDTA
: a white crystalline acid C_10H_16N_2O_8 used especially as a chelating agent, a preservative, and in medicine as an anticoagulant and in the treatment of lead poisoning

edu
educational institution ― usually preceded by a period; used in World Wide Web addresses

educ
education; educational

educable
adj. : capable of being educated specifically : capable of some degree of learning
–ed·u·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌe-jə-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

educate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to provide schooling for <chose to educate their children at home> b : to train by formal instruction and supervised practice especially in a skill, trade, or profession
2 a : to develop mentally, morally, or aesthetically especially by instruction b : to provide with information : INFORM <educating themselves about changes in the industry>
3 : to persuade or condition to feel, believe, or act in a desired way <educate the public to support our position>
intransitive verb : to educate a person or thing
synonyms see TEACH

educated
adj. 1 : having an education especially : having an education beyond the average <educated speakers>
2 a : giving evidence of training or practice : SKILLED <educated hands> b : befitting one that is educated <educated taste> c : based on some knowledge of fact <an educated guess>
–ed·u·cat·ed·ness noun

education
n. 1 a : the action or process of educating or of being educated also : a stage of such a process b : the knowledge and development resulting from an educational process <a person of little education>
2 : the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools
–ed·u·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ed·u·ca·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb

education
n. adult education
bilingual education
compensatory education
continuing education
further education
higher education
physical education
special education
self education
educational psychology
educational psychologist
educational television

educational psychology
: psychology concerned with human maturation, school learning, teaching methods, guidance, and evaluation of aptitude and progress by standardized tests
–educational psychologist noun

educational television
1 : television that provides instruction especially for students
2 : public television

educationese
: the jargon used especially by educational theorists

educationist
n. 1 chiefly British : a professional educator
2 : an educational theorist

educative
adv. 1 : tending to educate : INSTRUCTIVE <an educative experience>
2 : of or relating to education

educator
n. 1 : one skilled in teaching : TEACHER
2 a : a student of the theory and practice of education : EDUCATIONIST 2 b : an administrator in education

educe
v. 1 : to bring out (as something latent)
2 : DEDUCE
–educ·ible \-'dü-sə-bəl also -'dyü-\ adjective
–educ·tion \-'dək-shən\ noun
synonyms EDUCE, EVOKE, ELICIT, EXTRACT, EXTORT mean to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved. EDUCE implies the bringing out of something potential or latent <educed order out of chaos>. EVOKE implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory <a song that evokes warm memories>. ELICIT usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response <careful questioning elicited the truth>. EXTRACT implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information <extracted a confession from him>. EXTORT suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly <extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform>.

eductor
: EJECTOR 2

edutainment
n. : entertainment (as by games, films, or shows) that is designed to be educational

Edward
n. name of 8 post-Norman Eng. (Brit.) kings: I 1239-1307 (reigned 1272-1307); II 1284-1327 (reigned 1307-27); III 1312-1377 (reigned 1327-77); IV 1442-1483 (reigned 1461-70; 1471-83); V 1470-1483 (reigned 1483); VI 1537-1553 (reigned 1547-53) son of Henry VIII & Jane Seymour; VII 1841-1910 (reigned 1901-10) Albert Edward, son of Victoria; VIII 1894-1972 (reigned 1936; abdicated) Duke of Windsor, son of George V

Edward
n. 1330-1376 the Black Prince; son of Edward III prince of Wales

Edward
n. 1003?-1066 the Confessor king of the English (1042-66)

Edward
n. Charles Edward
James Edward
Edward Lake
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island National Park
Edwards Plateau

Edward, Lake
lake E Africa SW of Lake Albert on boundary bet. NE Democratic Republic of the Congo & SW Uganda area 830 sq mi (2158 sq km)

Edwardian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Edward VII of England or his age especially of clothing : marked by the hourglass silhouette for women and long narrow fitted suits and high collars for men
–Edwardian noun

Edwards
n. Jonathan 1703-1758 American theol.
–Ed·ward·ean \ed-'wär-dē-ən, -'wȯr-\ adjective

Edwards Plateau
highland 2000-5000 ft (610-1524 m) SW Tex.

Edwin
n. 585?-633 king of Northumbria (616-633)

EE
electrical engineer

ee
1 : recipient or beneficiary of (a specified action) <appointee> <grantee>
2 : person furnished with (a specified thing) <patentee>
3 : person that performs (a specified action) <escapee>

ee
1 : one associated with <bargee>
2 : a particular especially small kind of <bootee>
3 : one resembling or suggestive of <goatee>

EEC
European Economic Community

EEG
electroencephalogram; electroencephalograph

eek
interj. ― used to express surprise or dismay

eel
n. 1 a : any of numerous voracious elongate snakelike bony fishes (order Anguilliformes) that have a smooth slimy skin, lack pelvic fins, and have the median fins confluent around the tail ― compare AMERICAN EEL b : any of numerous other elongate fishes (as of the order Synbranchiformes)
2 : any of various nematodes (as the vinegar eel)
–eel·like \'ēl-ˌlīk\ adjective
–eely \'ē-lē\ adjective

eel
n. lamprey eel
American eel
conger eel
electric eel
moray eel
sand eel
vinegar eel

eelgrass
n. 1 : a submerged long-leaved monocotyledonous marine plant (Zostera marina) that is found especially in coastal temperate waters and whose dried stems and leaves are used especially as packing material in woven goods
2 : TAPE GRASS

eelpout
n. 1 : any of various elongate tapered marine fishes (family Zoarcidae) usually living on the bottom of cold seas
2 : BURBOT

eelworm
n. : a nematode worm especially : any of various small free-living or plant-parasitic roundworms

een
: inferior fabric resembling (a specified fabric) : imitation <velveteen>

EENT
eye, ear, nose, and throat

EEO
equal employment opportunity

EEOC
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

EEPROM
electronically erasable programmable read-only memory

eer
: one that is concerned with professionally, conducts, or produces <auctioneer> <pamphleteer> ― often in words with derogatory meaning <profiteer>

eerie
adj. 1 chiefly Scottish : affected with fright : SCARED
2 : so mysterious, strange, or unexpected as to send a chill up the spine <a coyote's eerie howl> <the similarities were eerie> also : seemingly not of earthly origin <the flames cast an eerie glow>
synonyms see WEIRD
–ee·ri·ly \'ir-ə-lē\ adverb
–ee·ri·ness \'ir-ē-nəs\ noun

EEZ
exclusive economic zone

ef
: the letter f

Efate
island SW Pacific in cen Vanuatu; chief town Port-Vila (capital of Vanuatu) area 353 sq mi (914 sq km), pop 30,422

eff
v. efficiency

efface
v. 1 : to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface <coins with dates effaced by wear> also : to cause to vanish <daylight effaced the stars>
2 : to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous
–ef·face·able \-'fā-sə-bəl\ adjective
–ef·face·ment \-'fās-mənt\ noun
–ef·fac·er noun

effect
n. 1 a : PURPORT, INTENT b : basic meaning : ESSENCE
2 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (as a cause or agent)
3 : an outward sign : APPEARANCE
4 : ACCOMPLISHMENT, FULFILLMENT
5 : power to bring about a result : INFLUENCE <the content itself of television⋯is therefore less important than its effect ― Current Biog.>
6 plural : movable property : GOODS <personal effects>
7 a : a distinctive impression <the color gives the effect of being warm> b : the creation of a desired impression <her tears were purely for effect> c (1) : something designed to produce a distinctive or desired impression ― usually used in plural (2) plural : SPECIAL EFFECTS
8 : the quality or state of being operative : OPERATION <the law goes into effect next week>
–in effect : in substance : VIRTUALLY <the⋯committee agreed to what was in effect a reduction in the hourly wage ― Current Biog.>
–to the effect : with the meaning <issued a statement to the effect that he would resign>

effect
n. 1 : to cause to come into being
2 a : to bring about often by surmounting obstacles : ACCOMPLISH <effect a settlement of a dispute> b : to put into operation <the duty of the legislature to effect the will of the citizens>
synonyms see PERFORM
usage Effect and affect are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation. The verb 2affect usually has to do with pretense <she affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down>. The more common 3affect denotes having an effect or influence <the weather affected everyone's mood>. The verb effect goes beyond mere influence; it refers to actual achievement of a final result <the new administration hopes to effect a peace settlement>. The uncommon noun affect, which has a meaning relating to psychology, is also sometimes mistakenly used for the very common effect. In ordinary use, the noun you will want is effect <waiting for the new law to take effect> <the weather had an effect on everyone's mood>.

effect
n. Auger effect
Bohr effect
butterfly effect
Coriolis effect
domino effect
Doppler effect
edge effect
to the effect
in effect
field effect transistor
founder effect
greenhouse effect
ground effect machine
Hall effect
halo effect
Hawthorne effect
lake effect
photoelectric effect
placebo effect
position effect
ripple effect
side effect
take effect
Zeeman effect
personal effects
sound effects
special effects

effective
adj. 1 a : producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect <an effective policy> b : IMPRESSIVE, STRIKING <a gold lamé fabric studded with effective⋯precious stones ― Stanley Marcus>
2 : ready for service or action <effective manpower>
3 : ACTUAL <the need to increase effective demand for goods>
4 : being in effect : OPERATIVE <the tax becomes effective next year>
5 of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the interest is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period ― compare NOMINAL 4
–ef·fec·tive·ness noun
–ef·fec·tiv·i·ty \ˌe-ˌfek-'ti-və-tē, i-, ē-, ə-\ noun
synonyms EFFECTIVE, EFFECTUAL, EFFICIENT, EFFICACIOUS mean producing or capable of producing a result. EFFECTIVE stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect <an effective rebuttal>. EFFECTUAL suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact <the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual>. EFFICIENT suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning <an efficient small car>. EFFICACIOUS suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power <a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease>.

effective
adj. : one that is effective especially : a soldier equipped for duty

effectively
adv. 1 : in effect : VIRTUALLY <by withholding further funds they effectively killed the project>
2 : in an effective manner <dealt with the problem effectively>

effector
n. 1 : a bodily organ (as a gland or muscle) that becomes active in response to stimulation
2 : a molecule (as an inducer or a corepressor) that activates, controls, or inactivates a process or action (as protein synthesis)

effectual
adj. : producing or able to produce a desired effect
synonyms see EFFECTIVE
–ef·fec·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌfek-chə-'wa-lə-tē, -chü-'a-\ noun
–ef·fec·tu·al·ness \-'fek-chə(-wə)l-nəs, -chü(-ə)l-; -'feksh-wəl-\ noun

effectually
adv. 1 : in an effectual manner
2 : with great effect : COMPLETELY

effectuate
v. : EFFECT 2
–ef·fec·tu·a·tion \-ˌfek-chə-'wā-shən, -chü-'ā-\ noun

effeminacy
n. : the quality of being effeminate

effeminate
adj. 1 : having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner
2 : marked by an unbecoming delicacy or overrefinement <effeminate art> <an effeminate civilization>

effeminate
adj. : an effeminate person

effendi
n. : a man of property, authority, or education in an eastern Mediterranean country

efferent
adj. : conducting outward from a part or organ specifically : conveying nervous impulses to an effector <efferent neurons> ― compare AFFERENT
–efferent noun
–ef·fer·ent·ly adverb

effervesce
1 : to bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes
2 : to show liveliness or exhilaration
–ef·fer·ves·cence \-'ve-sən(t)s\ noun
–ef·fer·ves·cent \-sənt\ adjective
–ef·fer·ves·cent·ly adverb

effete
adj. 1 : no longer fertile
2 a : having lost character, vitality, or strength <the effete monarchies⋯of feudal Europe ― G. M. Trevelyan> b : marked by weakness or decadence <the effete East> c : soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence <peddled⋯trendy tweeds to effete Easterners ― William Helmer> <effete tenderfeet> also : characteristic of an effete person <a wool scarf⋯a bit effete on an outdoorsman ― Nelson Bryant>
3 : EFFEMINATE 1 <a good-humored, effete boy brought up by maiden aunts ― Herman Wouk>
–ef·fete·ly adverb
–ef·fete·ness noun

efficacious
adj. : having the power to produce a desired effect <an efficacious remedy>
synonyms see EFFECTIVE
–ef·fi·ca·cious·ly adverb
–ef·fi·ca·cious·ness noun

efficacity
: EFFICACY

efficacy
n. : the power to produce an effect

efficiency
n. 1 : the quality or degree of being efficient
2 a : efficient operation b (1) : effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost (as in energy, time, and money) (2) : the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it
3 : EFFICIENCY APARTMENT

efficiency
n. efficiency apartment
efficiency expert
efficiency engineer

efficiency apartment
: a small usually furnished apartment with minimal kitchen and bath facilities

efficiency expert
: one who analyzes methods, procedures, and jobs in order to secure maximum efficiency ― called also efficiency engineer

efficient
adj. 1 : being or involving the immediate agent in producing an effect <the efficient action of heat in changing water to steam>
2 : productive of desired effects especially : productive without waste <an efficient worker>
synonyms see EFFECTIVE
–ef·fi·cient·ly adverb

effigy
n. : an image or representation especially of a person especially : a crude figure representing a hated person
–in effigy : publicly in the form of an effigy <the football coach was burned in effigy>

Effigy Mounds National Monument
n. site NE Iowa on Mississippi River NW of Dubuque including prehistoric mounds

effloresce
v. 1 : to burst forth : BLOOM
2 a : to change to a powder from loss of water of crystallization b : to form or become covered with a powdery crust <bricks may effloresce owing to the deposition of soluble salts>

efflorescence
n. 1 a : the action or process of developing and unfolding as if coming into flower : BLOSSOMING <periods of⋯intellectual and artistic efflorescence ― Julian Huxley> b : an instance of such development c : fullness of manifestation : CULMINATION
2 : the period or state of flowering
3 : the process or product of efflorescing chemically
–ef·flo·res·cent \-sənt\ adjective

effluence
n. 1 : something that flows out
2 : an action or process of flowing out

effluent
n. : flowing out : EMANATING, OUTGOING <an effluent river>

effluent
n. : something that flows out: as a : an outflowing branch of a main stream or lake b : waste material (as smoke, liquid industrial refuse, or sewage) discharged into the environment especially when serving as a pollutant

effluvium
n. 1 : an invisible emanation especially : an offensive exhalation or smell
2 : a by-product especially in the form of waste

efflux
n. 1 : something given off in or as if in a stream
2 a : EFFLUENCE 2 b : a passing away : EXPIRATION
–ef·flux·ion \e-'flək-shən\ noun

effort
n. 1 : conscious exertion of power : hard work <a job requiring time and effort>
2 : a serious attempt : TRY <making an effort to reduce costs>
3 : something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort>
4 : effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force
5 : the total work done to achieve a particular end <the war effort>

effortful
adj. : showing or requiring effort
–ef·fort·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–ef·fort·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

effortless
adj. : showing or requiring little or no effort <effortless power>
synonyms see EASY
–ef·fort·less·ly adverb
–ef·fort·less·ness noun

effrontery
n. : shameless boldness : INSOLENCE
synonyms see TEMERITY

effulgence
n. : radiant splendor : BRILLIANCE
–ef·ful·gent \-jənt\ adjective

effuse
v. transitive verb : to pour out (a liquid)
intransitive verb
1 : to flow out : EMANATE
2 : to make a great or excessive display of enthusiasm <they effused about his accomplishments>

effuse
v. : DIFFUSE specifically : spread out flat without definite form <effuse lichens>

effusion
n. 1 : an act of effusing
2 : unrestrained expression of words or feelings <greeted her with great effusion ― Olive H. Prouty>
3 a (1) : the escape of a fluid from anatomical vessels by rupture or exudation (2) : the flow of a gas through an aperture whose diameter is small as compared with the distance between the molecules of the gas b : the fluid that escapes

effusive
adj. 1 : marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm <effusive praise>
2 archaic : pouring freely
3 : characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava <effusive rocks>
–ef·fu·sive·ly adverb
–ef·fu·sive·ness noun

Efik
n. 1 : a member of a people of southeastern Nigeria
2 : the language of the Efik people

EFT
n. electronic funds transfer (system)

eft
n. : NEWT especially : the terrestrial phase of a predominantly aquatic newt

eftsoons
archaic : soon after

Eg
Egypt; Egyptian

egad
interj. ― used as a mild oath

Egadi Islands
islands Italy off W coast of Sicily area 15 sq mi (39 sq km), pop 4335

egal
obsolete : EQUAL

egalitarian
n. : asserting, promoting, or marked by egalitarianism
–egalitarian noun

egalitarianism
n. 1 : a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges
2 : a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people

egalite
: social or political equality

Egas Moniz
António Caetano de Abreu Freire 1874-1955 Port. neurologist & polit.

Egbert
d 839 king of the West Saxons (802-839) & 1st king of the English (828-839)

Eger
river 193 mi (311 km) E Germany & NW Czech Republic flowing NE into the Elbe

Egeria
: a woman who is an adviser or a companion

egesta
n. : egested material

egestion
: the act or process of discharging undigested or waste material from a cell or organism specifically : DEFECATION
–egest \i-'jest\ transitive verb
–eges·tive \-'jes-tiv\ adjective

EGF
epidermal growth factor

egg
n. : to incite to action ― usually used with on <egged the mob on to riot>

egg
n. 1 a : the hard-shelled reproductive body produced by a bird and especially by the common domestic chicken also : its contents used as food b : an animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum together with its nutritive and protective envelopes and having the capacity to develop into a new individual capable of independent existence c : OVUM
2 : something resembling an egg
3 : PERSON, SORT <a good egg>
–egg·less adjective
–eggy \'e-gē, 'ā-\ adjective
–egg on one's face : a state of embarrassment or humiliation

egg
n. 1 : to cover with egg
2 : to pelt with eggs

egg
n. egg cell
chicken and egg
curate's egg
dropped egg
Easter egg
egg on one's face
egg and dart
egg case
egg capsule
egg cream
egg foo yong
egg foo yung
egg foo young
egg roll
egg timer
egg tooth
goose egg
lay an egg
nest egg
Scotch egg
thunder egg
walk on eggs
butter and eggs
eggs Benedict

egg and dart
: a carved ornamental design in relief consisting of an egg-shaped figure alternating with a figure somewhat like an elongated javelin or arrowhead

egg case
: a protective case enclosing eggs : OOTHECA ― called also egg capsule

egg cell
: OVUM

egg cream
: a sweetened drink made with milk or cream and other ingredients especially : a drink consisting of milk, a flavoring syrup, and soda water

egg foo yong
: a fried egg patty containing vegetables (as bean sprouts) and sometimes meat

egg on one's face
a state of embarrassment or humiliation

egg roll
: a thin egg-dough casing filled with minced vegetables and often bits of meat (as shrimp or chicken) and usually deep-fried

egg timer
: a small sandglass for timing the boiling of eggs

egg tooth
: a hard sharp prominence on the beak of an unhatched bird or the nose of an unhatched reptile that is used to break through the eggshell

eggbeater
n. 1 : a hand-operated kitchen utensil used for beating, stirring, or whipping especially : a rotary device for these purposes
2 : HELICOPTER

eggcup
n. : a cup for holding an egg that is to be eaten from the shell

egghead
n. : INTELLECTUAL, HIGHBROW

eggheaded
: having the characteristics of an egghead
–egg·head·ed·ness noun

Eggleston
Edward 1837-1902 American writer

Eggleston
George Cary 1839-1911 bro. of Edward American writer

eggnog
n. : a drink consisting of eggs beaten with sugar, milk or cream, and often alcoholic liquor

eggplant
n. 1 a : a widely cultivated perennial Asian herb (Solanum melongena) of the nightshade family yielding edible fruit b : the usually smooth ovoid typically blackish-purple or white fruit of the eggplant
2 : a dark grayish or blackish purple

eggs Benedict
: poached eggs and broiled ham placed on toasted halves of English muffin and covered with hollandaise

eggshell
n. 1 : the hard exterior covering of an egg
2 : something resembling an eggshell especially in fragility

eggshell
n. 1 : thin and fragile
2 : slightly glossy
3 : yellowish white

egis
n. variant of aegis

eglantine
n. : SWEETBRIAR

eglomise
: made of glass on the back of which is a painted picture that shows through

Egmond
Lamoraal 1522-1568 Graaf van Egmond Flem. gen. & statesman

Egmont, Mount
mountain 8260 ft (2518 m) New Zealand in W cen North Is.

ego
n. 1 : the self especially as contrasted with another self or the world
2 a : EGOTISM 2 b : SELF-ESTEEM 1
3 : the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that serves as the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality especially by functioning both in the perception of and adaptation to reality ― compare ID, SUPEREGO
–ego·less adjective

ego
n. alter ego
ego ideal
ego trip
ego tripper
et in Arcadia ego

ego ideal
: the standards, ideals, and ambitions that according to psychoanalytic theory are assimilated from the superego

ego trip
: an act or course of action that enhances and satisfies one's ego
–ego-trip intransitive verb
–ego-trip·per noun

egocentric
adj. 1 : concerned with the individual rather than society
2 : taking the ego as the starting point in philosophy
3 a : limited in outlook or concern to one's own activities or needs b : SELF-CENTERED, SELFISH
–egocentric noun
–ego·cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ego·cen·tric·i·ty \-ˌsen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun
–ego·cen·trism \-'sen-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

egoism
n. 1 a : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action b : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2 : excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance ― compare EGOTISM 2

egoist
n. 1 : a believer in egoism
2 : an egocentric or egotistic person
–ego·is·tic \ˌē-gə-'wis-tik, -gō-'is- also ˌe-\ also ego·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–ego·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

egoistic hedonism
: the ethical theory that achieving one's own happiness is the proper goal of all conduct

egomania
n. : the quality or state of being extremely egocentric
–ego·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun
–ego·ma·ni·a·cal \-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ adjective
–ego·ma·ni·a·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

egotism
n. 1 a : excessive use of the first person singular personal pronoun b : the practice of talking about oneself too much
2 : an exaggerated sense of self-importance : CONCEIT ― compare EGOISM 2
–ego·tist \-tist\ noun
–ego·tis·tic \ˌē-gə-'tis-tik also ˌe-\ or ego·tis·ti·cal \-'tis-ti-kəl\ adjective
–ego·tis·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

egregious
adj. 1 archaic : DISTINGUISHED
2 : CONSPICUOUS especially : conspicuously bad : FLAGRANT <egregious errors> <egregious padding of the evidence ― Christopher Hitchens>
–egre·gious·ly adverb
–egre·gious·ness noun

egress
n. 1 : the action or right of going or coming out
2 : a place or means of going out : EXIT

egress
n. : to go or come out

egression
n. : EGRESS, EMERGENCE

egret
n. : any of various herons that bear long plumes during the breeding season

egret
n. cattle egret
great egret
snowy egret

Egypt
n. country NE Africa bordering on Mediterranean & Red seas capital Cairo area 386,900 sq mi (1,002,071 sq km), pop 67,313,000 ― see UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC

Egyptian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Egypt or the Egyptians

Egyptian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Egypt
2 : the Afro-Asiatic language of the ancient Egyptians from earliest times to about the third century A.D.
3 often not capitalized : a typeface having little contrast between thick and thin strokes and squared serifs

Egyptian
n. Egyptian clover
Egyptian alfalfa weevil
Egyptian cotton
Anglo Egyptian Sudan

Egyptian alfalfa weevil
: an Old World weevil (Hypera brunneipennis) that is now a pest of alfalfa in western No. America

Egyptian clover
: BERSEEM

Egyptian cotton
: a fine long-staple often somewhat brownish cotton grown chiefly in Egypt

Egyptology
n. : the study of Egyptian antiquities
–Egyp·to·log·i·cal \-tə-'lä-jə-kəl\ adjective
–Egyp·tol·o·gist \-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

eh
interj. ― used to ask for confirmation or repetition or to express inquiry ― used especially in Canadian English in anticipation of the listener's or reader's agreement

eheu fugaces labuntur anni
: alas! the fleeting years glide on

EHF
extremely high frequency

EHP
electric horsepower

Ehrenburg
Ilya Grigoryevich 1891-1967 Russ. writer

Ehrlich
Paul 1854-1915 Ger. bacteriol.

Ehrlich
Paul Ralph 1932-     American biol.

ehrlichiosis
: infection with or disease caused by tick-borne rickettsial bacteria (genus Ehrlichia)

EHV
extra high voltage

eicosanoid
: any of a class of compounds (as the prostaglandins) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (as arachidonic acid) and involved in cellular activity

eider
n. 1 : any of several large northern sea ducks (genera Somateria and Polystica) having fine soft down that is used by the female for lining the nest ― called also eider duck
2 : EIDERDOWN 1

eiderdown
n. 1 : the down of the eider
2 : a comforter filled with eiderdown
3 : a soft lightweight clothing fabric knitted or woven and napped on one or both sides

eidetic
adj. : marked by or involving extraordinarily accurate and vivid recall especially of visual images <an eidetic memory>
–ei·det·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

eidolon
n. 1 : an unsubstantial image : PHANTOM
2 : IDEAL

Eifel
plateau region W Germany NW of the Moselle & NE of Luxembourg

Eiffel
n. Alexandre-Gustave 1832-1923 Fr. engineer

eigenmode
: a normal mode of vibration of an oscillating system

eigenvalue
n. : a scalar associated with a given linear transformation of a vector space and having the property that there is some nonzero vector which when multiplied by the scalar is equal to the vector obtained by letting the transformation operate on the vector especially : a root of the characteristic equation of a matrix

eigenvector
n. : a nonzero vector that is mapped by a given linear transformation of a vector space onto a vector that is the product of a scalar multiplied by the original vector ― called also characteristic vector

Eiger
mountain 13,025 ft (3970 m) W cen Switzerland NE of the Jungfrau

eight
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the eighth in a set or series <the eight of spades>
3 : something having eight units or members: as a : an 8-oared racing boat or its crew b : an 8-cylinder engine or automobile
–eight adjective
–eight pronoun, plural in construction

eight
n. eight ball
behind the eight ball
figure eight
figure of eight
piece of eight
Section Eight
seventy eight
thirty eight

eight ball
1 : a black pool ball numbered 8
2 : MISFIT
–behind the eight ball : in a highly disadvantageous position

eighteen
n. ― see NUMBER table
–eighteen adjective
–eighteen pronoun, plural in construction
–eigh·teenth \-'tēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

eightfold
adj. 1 : having eight units or members
2 : being eight times as great or as many <an eightfold increase>
–eight·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

eightfold way
: a unified theoretical scheme for classifying the relationship among strongly interacting elementary particles on the basis of isospin and hypercharge

eighth
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : OCTAVE
–eighth adjective or adverb

eighth note
: a musical note with the time value of 1/8 of a whole note ― see NOTE illustration

eighth rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to an eighth note

eightpenny nail
: a nail typically 21/2 inches (6.35 centimeters) long

eighty
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 80 to 89 specifically : the years 80 to 89 in a lifetime or century
–eight·i·eth \'ā-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–eighty adjective
–eighty pronoun, plural in construction

eighty-six
slang : to refuse to serve (a customer) also : to get rid of : THROW OUT

Eijkman
n. Christiaan 1858-1930 Du. pathologist

Eilean Siar
― see WESTERN ISLES 1

ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott
: a mighty fortress is our God

Eindhoven
commune S Netherlands in N. Brabant pop 204,776

einkorn
n. : an ancient wheat (Triticum monococcum) having one-grained spikelets and grown especially formerly in poor soils in central and southern Europe and southwest Asia

Einstein
n. Albert 1879-1955 American (Ger.-born) physicist
–Ein·stein·ian \īn-'stī-nē-ən\ adjective

einsteinium
n. : a radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

Einthoven
Willem 1860-1927 Du. physiol.

Eire
n. ― see IRELAND

eirenic
adj. chiefly British variant of irenic

eisegesis
n. : the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas ― compare EXEGESIS

Eisenach
city cen Germany in Thuringia W of Erfurt pop 44,266

Eisenhower
n. Dwight David 1890-1969 American gen.; 34th pres. of the U.S. (1953-61)

Eisenstein
Sergey Mikhaylovich 1898-1948 Soviet (Russ.-born) film director

eisteddfod
n. : a usually Welsh competitive festival of the arts especially in poetry and singing
–ei·stedd·fod·ic \ˌī-ˌsteth-'vȯ-dik, ˌā-\ adjective

eiswein
n. : a sweet German wine made from grapes that have frozen on the vine also : a similar wine made elsewhere

either
adj. 1 : being the one and the other of two : EACH <flowers blooming on either side of the walk> <plays either instrument well>
2 : being the one or the other of two <take either road>

either
adj. : the one or the other <take either of the two routes>

either
adj. ― used as a function word before two or more coordinate words, phrases, or clauses joined usually by or to indicate that what immediately follows is the first of two or more alternatives <can be used either as a guest room or as an office>

either
adj. 1 : LIKEWISE, MOREOVER ― used for emphasis after a negative <not smart or handsome either>
2 : for that matter ― used for emphasis after an alternative following a question or conditional clause especially where negation is implied <who answers for the Irish parliament? or army either? ― Robert Browning>

either-or
: an unavoidable choice or exclusive division between only two alternatives

either-or
: of or marked by either-or : BLACK-AND-WHITE

ejaculate
transitive verb
1 : to eject from a living body specifically : to eject (semen) in orgasm
2 : to utter suddenly and vehemently
intransitive verb : to eject a fluid
–ejac·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

ejaculate
v. : the semen released by one ejaculation

ejaculation
n. 1 : an act of ejaculating specifically : a sudden discharging of a fluid from a duct
2 : something ejaculated especially : a short sudden emotional utterance

ejaculatory
adj. 1 : marked by or given to vocal ejaculation
2 : casting or throwing out specifically : associated with or concerned in physiological ejaculation <ejaculatory vessels>

ejaculatory duct
: a duct through which semen is ejaculated specifically : either of the paired ducts in the human male that are formed by the junction of the duct from the seminal vesicle with the vas deferens and that pass through the prostate to empty into the urethra by means of a small opening

eject
v. 1 a : to throw out especially by physical force, authority, or influence <ejected the player from the game> b : to evict from property
2 : to throw out or off from within <ejects the empty cartridges>
–eject·able \-'jek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ejec·tion \-'jek-shən\ noun
–ejec·tive \-'jek-tiv\ adjective
synonyms EJECT, EXPEL, OUST, EVICT mean to drive or force out. EJECT carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action <ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar>. EXPEL stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical <a student expelled from college>. OUST implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion <got the sheriff to oust the squatters>. EVICT chiefly applies to turning out of house and home <evicted for nonpayment of rent>.

ejecta
n. : material thrown out (as from a volcano)

ejection seat
: an emergency escape seat for propelling an occupant out and away from an airplane

ejectment
n. 1 : the act or an instance of ejecting : DISPOSSESSION
2 : an action for the recovery of possession of real property and damages and costs

ejector
n. 1 : one that ejects especially : a mechanism of a firearm that ejects an empty cartridge
2 : a jet pump for withdrawing a gas, fluid, or powdery substance from a space

eka
: standing or assumed to stand next in order beyond (a specified element) in the same family of the periodic table ― in names of chemical elements especially when not yet discovered <eka-lead is the hypothetical element 114>

Ekaterinodar
― see KRASNODAR

Ekaterinoslav
― see DNIPROPETROVS'K

eke
v. archaic : ALSO

eke
v. 1 archaic : INCREASE, LENGTHEN
2 : to get with great difficulty ― usually used with out <eke out a living>

eke out
1 : to make up for the deficiencies of : SUPPLEMENT <eked out his income by getting a second job>
2 : to make (a supply) last by economy

EKG
electrocardiogram; electrocardiograph

ekistics
n. : a science dealing with human settlements and drawing on the research and experience of professionals in various fields (as architecture, engineering, city planning, and sociology)
–ekis·tic \-tik\ adjective

el
n. : the letter l

el
n. : an urban railway that operates chiefly on an elevated structure also : a train belonging to such a railway

el
n. elevation

el
n. Dar el Beida
Gezira El
El Giza
El Bahnasa
el cheapo
El Dorado
El Nino
El Niños
El Niño
Cid El
Greco El
Aaiun El
Aaiún El
Alamein El
Wadi el 'Arabah
Bab el Mandeb
Bahnasa El
El Aiun
El Aiún
El Alamein
El Cajon
El Centro
El Cerrito
El Faiyum
El Faiyûm
El Fasher
El Ferrol
El Ferrol del Caudillo
El Gezira
El Maghreb al Aqsa
El Mahalla El Kubra
El Malpais National Monument
El Mansura
El Mansûra
El Minya
El Misti
El Monte
El Morro National Monument
El Obeid
El Paso
El Pasoan
El Paso de Robles
El Salvador
El Salvadoran
Faiyum El
Faiyûm El
Ferrol El
Jebel Bahr el
Mahalla El Kubra El
Mansura El
Mansûra El
Mari El
Mariy El
Minya El
Misti El
Saguia el Hamra
Shibîn el Kôm
Tel el Amarna
Yunque El
Wadi al Arabah Wadi Arabah Wadi el Arabah
Wadi al 'Arabah Wadi 'Arabah Wadi el 'Arabah

El Aiun
― see AAIÚN (El)

El Alamein
village NW Egypt on the Mediterranean N of NE corner of Qattara Depression

El Bahnasa
― see OXYRHYNCHUS

El Cajon
city SW Calif. E of San Diego pop 94,869

El Centro
city S Calif. in Imperial Valley pop 37,835

El Cerrito
city W Calif. on San Francisco Bay N of Berkeley pop 23,171

el cheapo
: CHEAP 3A B

El Dorado
1 : a city or country of fabulous riches held by 16th century explorers to exist in So. America
2 : a place of fabulous wealth or opportunity

El Faiyum
city N Egypt SSW of Cairo pop 166,910

El Fasher
city W Sudan in Darfur

El Ferrol
city & port NW Spain on the Atlantic pop 77,950

El Gezira
― see GEZIRA

El Giza
― see GIZA

El Maghreb al Aqsa
― see MAGHREB

El Mahalla El Kubra
city N Egypt in Nile Delta NE of Tanta pop 400,000

El Malpais National Monument
n. site W New Mexico including volcanic features

El Mansura
city N Egypt in Nile Delta

El Minya
city cen Egypt on the Nile

El Misti
― see MISTI (El)

El Monte
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 115,965

El Morro National Monument
n. reservation W N.Mex. SE of Gallup containing rock carvings & ruins of anc. pueblos

El Nino
n. : an irregularly recurring flow of unusually warm surface waters from the Pacific Ocean toward and along the western coast of South America that prevents upwelling of nutrient-rich cold deep water and that disrupts typical regional and global weather patterns ― compare LA NIñA

El Obeid
city cen Sudan in Kordofan pop 66,270

El Paso
city Tex. at W tip on Rio Grande pop 563,662
–El Paso·an \-'pa-sō-ən\ noun

El Paso de Robles
― see PASO ROBLES

El Salvador
country Central America bordering on the Pacific; a republic capital San Salvador area 8260 sq mi (21,393 sq km), pop 5,517,000
–El Sal·va·dor·an \-ˌsal-və-'dȯr-ən\ noun or adjective

El'brus
mountain 18,510 ft (5642 m) S Russia in Europe; highest in the Caucasus & in Europe

elaborate
adj. 1 : planned or carried out with great care <took elaborate precautions>
2 : marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornateness <elaborate prose>
–elab·o·rate·ly adverb
–elab·o·rate·ness noun

elaborate
transitive verb
1 : to produce by labor
2 : to build up (as complex organic compounds) from simple ingredients
3 : to work out in detail : DEVELOP <elaborate a theory>
intransitive verb
1 : to become elaborate
2 : to expand something in detail <would you care to elaborate on that statement>
–elab·o·ra·tion \-ˌla-bə-'rā-shən\ noun
–elab·o·ra·tive \-'la-bə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

Elagabalus
204-222 Rom. emp. (218-222)

Elaine
n. : any of several women in Arthurian legend especially : one who dies for unrequited love of Lancelot

Elam
ancient kingdom SW Asia at head of Persian Gulf E of Babylonia capital Susa
–Elam·ite \'ē-lə-ˌmīt\ adjective or noun

Elamite
n. : a language of unknown affinities used in Elam approximately from the 25th to the 4th centuries B.C.

elan
n. : vigorous spirit or enthusiasm

elan vital
: the vital force or impulse of life especially : a creative principle held by Bergson to be immanent in all organisms and responsible for evolution

eland
n. : either of two large African antelopes (Taurotragus oryx syn. Tragelaphus oryx and Taurotragus derbianus syn. Tragelaphus derbianus) bovine in form with short spirally twisted horns in both sexes

elapid
n. : any of a family (Elapidae) of venomous snakes (as the cobras and coral snakes) with hollow fangs

elapse
v. : PASS, GO BY <four years elapsed before he returned>

elapse
v. : PASSAGE <returned after an elapse of 15 years>

elapsed time
: the actual time taken (as by a boat or automobile in traveling over a racecourse)

elasmobranch
n. : any of a subclass (Elasmobranchii) of cartilaginous fishes that have five to seven lateral to ventral gill openings on each side and that comprise the sharks, rays, skates, and extinct related fishes
–elasmobranch adjective

elastase
n. : an enzyme especially of pancreatic juice that digests elastin

elastic
n. 1 a of a solid : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation b : relating to or being a collision between particles in which the total kinetic energy of the particles remains unchanged
2 : capable of recovering quickly especially from depression or disappointment <my elastic spirits revived ― Wilkie Collins>
3 : capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape : FLEXIBLE <an elastic bandage>
4 a : capable of ready change or easy expansion or contraction : not rigid or constricted <an elastic concept> b : receptive to new ideas : ADAPTABLE <an elastic mind>
–elas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms ELASTIC, RESILIENT, SPRINGY, FLEXIBLE, SUPPLE mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured. ELASTIC implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching <an elastic waistband>. RESILIENT implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed <a resilient innersole>. SPRINGY stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape <the cake is done when the top is springy>. FLEXIBLE applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking <flexible plastic tubing>. SUPPLE applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury <supple leather>.

elastic
n. 1 a : easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings, or bands b : RUBBER BAND
2 a : an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber b : something made from this fabric

elastic
n. elastic fiber
elastic limit
elastic modulus
elastic scattering

elastic fiber
: a thick very elastic smooth yellowish anastomosing fiber of connective tissue that contains elastin

elastic limit
: the greatest stress that an elastic solid can sustain without undergoing permanent deformation

elastic modulus
: the ratio of the stress in a body to the corresponding strain

elastic scattering
: a scattering of particles as the result of an elastic collision

elasticity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being elastic: as a : the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation : SPRINGINESS b : RESILIENCE 2 c : the quality of being adaptable
2 : the responsiveness of a dependent economic variable to changes in influencing factors <elasticity of demand> <price elasticity>

elasticized
v. : made with elastic thread or inserts <an elasticized waistband>

elastin
n. : a protein that is similar to collagen and is the chief constituent of elastic fibers

elastomer
n. : any of various elastic substances resembling rubber <polyvinyl elastomers>
–elas·to·mer·ic \i-ˌlas-tə-'mer-ik\ adjective

Elat
town & port S Israel at head of Gulf of Aqaba pop 29,900

elate
v. : to fill with joy or pride

elate
v. : ELATED <I smiled to myself and felt elate ― Charlotte Brontë>

Elatea
― see CITHAERON

elated
adj. : marked by high spirits : EXULTANT
–elat·ed·ly adverb
–elat·ed·ness noun

elater
: a plant structure functioning in the dispersal of spores: as a : one of the elongated filaments among the spores in the capsule of a liverwort b : one of the filamentous appendages of the spores in the horsetails

Elath
― see AQABA

elation
n. 1 : the quality or state of being elated
2 : pathological euphoria

Elazig
city E cen Turkey in valley of the upper Murat pop 204,603

Elba
n. : a place or state of exile

Elba
n. island Italy in the Mediterranean bet. Corsica & mainland; chief town Portoferraio area 86 sq mi (224 sq km)

Elbe
n. river 720 mi (1159 km) N Czech Republic & NE Germany flowing NW into North Sea

Elbert, Mount
mountain 14,433 ft (4399 m) cen Colo. in Sawatch Range; highest in Colo. & Rocky Mountains

Elblag
city & port N Poland near Vislinski Zaliv pop 125,154

elbow
n. 1 a : the joint of the human arm b : a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
2 : something (as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow
–at one's elbow : at one's side
–out at elbows or out at the elbows
1 : shabbily dressed
2 : short of funds

elbow
n. 1 a : to push with the elbow : JOSTLE b : to shove aside by pushing with or as if with the elbow <people elbowed each other to get a better view>
2 : to force (as one's way) by pushing with or as if with the elbow <elbowing our way through the crowd> <elbows her way into the best social circles>
intransitive verb
1 : to advance by pushing with the elbow
2 : to make an angle : TURN

elbow
n. elbow room
at one's elbow
elbow grease
tennis elbow
out at the elbows
out at elbows
rub elbows

elbow grease
: vigorously applied physical labor : hard work

elbowroom
n. 1 a : room for moving the elbows freely b : adequate space for work or operation <the large house gives plenty of elbow room>
2 : free scope <elbow room to try new ideas>

Elburz Mountains
mountains N Iran parallel with S shore of Caspian Sea ― see DAMAVAND

Elche
city SE Spain SW of Alicante pop 194,767

eld
n. 1 : old age
2 archaic : old times : ANTIQUITY

elder
n. : ELDERBERRY 2

elder
n. 1 : of earlier birth or greater age <his elder brother>
2 : of or relating to earlier times : FORMER
3 archaic : of or relating to a more advanced time of life
4 : prior or superior in rank, office, or validity

elder
n. 1 : one living in an earlier period
2 a : one who is older : SENIOR <a child trying to please her elders> b : an aged person
3 : one having authority by virtue of age and experience <the village elders>
4 : any of various officers of religious groups: as a : PRESBYTER 1 b : a permanent officer elected by a Presbyterian congregation and ordained to serve on the session and assist the pastor at communion c : MINISTER 2 d : a leader of the Shakers e : a Mormon ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood
–el·der·ship \-ˌship\ noun

elder
n. box elder
elder statesman
marsh elder

elder statesman
: an eminent senior member of a group or organization especially : a retired statesman who unofficially advises current leaders

elderberry
n. 1 : the edible black or red berrylike drupe of any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs or trees of the honeysuckle family bearing flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2 : a tree or shrub bearing elderberries

elderly
n. 1 a : rather old especially : being past middle age b : OLD-FASHIONED
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons
–el·der·li·ness noun

elderly
n. : an elderly person

Elders
n. (Minnie) Joycelyn 1933-     née Jones U.S. surgeon general (1993-94)

eldest
adj. : of the greatest age or seniority : OLDEST <my eldest daughter>

eldest hand
: the card player who first receives cards in the deal

Eldon
1st Earl of 1751-1838 John Scott Eng. jurist

eldress
: a woman who is an elder especially of the Shakers

eldritch
adj. : WEIRD, EERIE <whose voice had risen to a kind of eldritch singsong ― R. L. Stevenson>

Eleanor
n. of Aquitaine 1122?-1204 queen of Louis VII of France (divorced 1152) & of Henry II of England

Eleanor of Castile
1246-1290 queen of Edward I of England

Eleanor of Provence
1223-1291 queen of Henry III of England

Eleatic
: of or relating to a school of Greek philosophers founded by Parmenides and developed by Zeno and marked by belief in the unity of being and the unreality of motion or change
–Eleatic noun
–El·e·at·i·cism \-'a-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

elec
electric, electrical, electricity

elecampane
n. : a large coarse Eurasian composite herb (Inula helenium) that has yellow ray flowers and is naturalized in the U.S.

elect
adj. 1 : carefully selected : CHOSEN
2 : chosen for salvation through divine mercy
3 a : chosen for office or position but not yet installed <the president-elect> b : chosen for marriage at some future time <the bride-elect>

elect
adj. 1 : one chosen or set apart (as by divine favor)
2 plural : a select or exclusive group of people

elect
adj. transitive verb
1 : to select by vote for an office, position, or membership <elected her class president>
2 : to make a selection of <will elect an academic program>
3 : to choose (as a course of action) especially by preference <might elect to sell the business>
intransitive verb : to make a selection

electable
: capable of being elected (as to public office)
–elect·abil·i·ty \-ˌlek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

election
n. 1 a : an act or process of electing <the election of a new governor> b : the fact of being elected <her election to the Senate>
2 : predestination to eternal life
3 : the right, power, or privilege of making a choice

election
n. by election
bye election
Election Day
general election

Election Day
: a day legally established for the election of public officials especially : the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in an even year designated for national elections in the U.S. and observed as a legal holiday in many states

electioneer
v. : to take an active part in an election specifically : to work for the election of a candidate or party
–elec·tion·eer·er noun

elective
n. 1 a : chosen or filled by popular election <an elective official> b : of or relating to election c : based on the right or principle of election <the presidency is an elective office>
2 a : permitting a choice : OPTIONAL <an elective course in school> b : beneficial to the patient but not essential for survival <elective surgery>
3 a : tending to operate on one substance rather than another <elective absorption> b : favorably inclined to one more than to another : SYMPATHETIC <an elective affinity>
–elec·tive·ly adverb
–elec·tive·ness noun

elective
n. : an elective course or subject

elector
n. 1 : one qualified to vote in an election
2 : one entitled to participate in an election: as a : any of the German princes entitled to take part in choosing the Holy Roman Emperor b : a member of the electoral college in the U.S.

electoral
adj. 1 : of or relating to an elector <the electoral vote>
2 : of or relating to election <an electoral system>
–elec·tor·al·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē, -'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

electoral college
: a body of electors especially : one that elects the president and vice president of the U.S.

electorate
n. 1 : the territory, jurisdiction, or dignity of a German elector
2 : a body of people entitled to vote

electr
1 a : electricity <electrometer> b : electric <electrode> : electric and <electrochemical> : electrically <electropositive>
2 : electrolytic <electroanalysis>
3 : electron <electrophilic>

Electra
n. : a sister of Orestes who aids him in killing their mother Clytemnestra

Electra complex
: the Oedipus complex when it occurs in a female

electress
n. : the wife or widow of a German elector

electret
n. : a dielectric body in which a permanent state of electric polarization has been set up

electric
n. 1 or elec·tri·cal \-tri-kəl\ : of, relating to, or operated by electricity <an electric current> <an electric heater>
2 : exciting as if by electric shock <an electric performance> <an electric personality> also : charged with strong emotion <the room was electric with tension>
3 a : ELECTRONIC 3A b : amplifying sound by electronic means ― used of a musical instrument <an electric guitar>
4 : very bright <electric blue> <electric orange>
–elec·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electric
n. 1 archaic : a nonconductor of electricity used to excite or accumulate electricity
2 : something (as a light, automobile, or train) operated by electricity

electric
n. diesel electric
electric storm
electric chair
electric eel
electric eye
electric field
electric organ
electric ray
Electric Peak
electrical storm

electric chair
1 : a chair used in legal electrocution
2 : the penalty of death by electrocution

electric eel
: a large eel-shaped fish (Electrophorus electricus) of the Orinoco and Amazon basins that is capable of giving a severe shock with its electric organs

electric eye
: PHOTOELECTRIC CELL

electric field
: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

electric organ
: a specialized tract of tissue (as in the electric eel) in which electricity is generated

Electric Peak
mountain 10,992 ft (3350 m) S Mont. in Yellowstone National Park; highest in Gallatin Range

electric ray
: any of various round-bodied short-tailed rays (family Torpedinidae) of warm seas with a pair of electric organs

electrical storm
: THUNDERSTORM ― called also electric storm

electrician
n. : one who installs, maintains, operates, or repairs electrical equipment

electricity
n. 1 a : a fundamental form of energy observable in positive and negative forms that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons b : electric current or power
2 : a science that deals with the phenomena and laws of electricity
3 : keen contagious excitement <could feel the electricity in the room>

electrification
n. 1 : an act or process of electrifying
2 : the state of being electrified

electrify
v. 1 a : to charge with electricity b (1) : to equip for use of electric power (2) : to supply with electric power (3) : to amplify (music) electronically
2 : to excite intensely or suddenly <the news electrified the nation>

electro
pref. electro optical
electro optic
electro optically
electro optics

electro-optical
1 : of or relating to electro-optics
2 a : relating to or being a change in the refractive index of a material due to an electric field <electro-optical effect> b : using or being a material that exhibits electro-optical properties <an electro-optical crystal>
3 : relating to or being an electronic device for emitting, modulating, transmitting, or sensing light
–elec·tro-op·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electro-optics
1 singular in construction : a branch of physics that deals with the effects of an electric field on light traversing it
2 : electro-optical devices

electroacoustics
: a science that deals with the transformation of acoustic energy into electric energy or vice versa
–elec·tro·acous·tic \-tik\ adjective

electroanalysis
n. : chemical analysis by electrolytic methods
–elec·tro·an·a·lyt·i·cal \-'lit-i-kəl\ adjective

electrocardiogram
n. : the tracing made by an electrocardiograph also : the procedure for producing an electrocardiogram

electrocardiograph
: an instrument for recording the changes of electrical potential occurring during the heartbeat used especially in diagnosing abnormalities of heart action
–elec·tro·car·dio·graph·ic \-ˌkär-dē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–elec·tro·car·dio·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–elec·tro·car·di·og·ra·phy \-dē-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

electrocautery
n. : cauterization of tissue by means of an instrument heated by an electric current

electrochemistry
: a science that deals with the relation of electricity to chemical changes and with the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy
–elec·tro·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–elec·tro·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–elec·tro·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

electroconvulsive
adj. : of, relating to, or involving convulsive response to electroshock <electroconvulsive shocks>

electroconvulsive therapy
: ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY

electrocorticogram
n. : an electroencephalogram made with the electrodes in direct contact with the brain

electrocute
v. 1 : to execute (a criminal) by electricity
2 : to kill by electric shock
–elec·tro·cu·tion \-ˌlek-trə-'kyü-shən\ noun

electrode
n. 1 : a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit
2 : an element in a semiconductor device (as a transistor) that emits or collects electrons or holes or controls their movements

electrodeposit
v. : a deposit formed in or at an electrode by electrolysis

electrodeposit
: to deposit (as a metal or rubber) by electrolysis
–elec·tro·de·po·si·tion \-ˌde-pə-'zi-shən, -ˌdē-pə-\ noun

electrodermal
adj. : of or relating to electrical activity in or electrical properties of the skin

electrodesiccation
n. : the drying up of tissue by a high-frequency electric current applied with a needle-shaped electrode ― called also fulguration

electrodialysis
n. : dialysis accelerated by an electromotive force applied to electrodes adjacent to the membranes
–elec·tro·di·a·lyt·ic \-ˌdī-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

electrodynamics
n. : a branch of physics that deals with the effects arising from the interactions of electric currents with magnets, with other currents, or with themselves
–elec·tro·dy·nam·ic \-mik\ adjective

electroencephalogram
n. : the tracing of brain waves made by an electroencephalograph

electroencephalograph
: an apparatus for detecting and recording brain waves
–elec·tro·en·ceph·a·log·ra·pher \-ˌse-fə-'lä-grə-fər\ noun
–elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph·ic \-ˌse-f(ə-)lə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–elec·tro·en·ceph·a·log·ra·phy \-'lä-grə-fē\ noun

electrofishing
: fishing that employs a direct electric current to attract and usually temporarily immobilize fish for easy capture

electroform
v. : to form (shaped articles) by electrodeposition on a mold
–electroform noun

electrogenic
adj. : of or relating to the production of electrical activity in living tissue <an electrogenic pump>
–elec·tro·gen·e·sis \-'je-nə-sis\ noun

electrogram
n. : a tracing of the electrical potentials of a tissue (as the brain or heart) made by means of electrodes placed directly in the tissue instead of on the surface of the body

electrohydraulic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a combination of electric and hydraulic mechanisms
2 : involving or produced by the action of very brief but powerful pulse discharges of electricity under a liquid resulting in the generation of shock waves and highly reactive chemical species <an electrohydraulic effect>

electrojet
n. : a concentration of atmospheric electric current found in the regions of strong auroral displays and along the magnetic equator

electrokinetic
: of or relating to the motion of particles or liquids that results from or produces a difference of electric potential

electrokinetics
n. : a branch of physics dealing with the motion of electric currents or charged particles

electroless
adj. : being or involving deposition of metal by chemical means instead of by electrodeposition

electrologist
n. : a person who removes hair, warts, moles, and birthmarks by means of an electric current applied to the body with a needle-shaped electrode
–elec·trol·o·gy \-lə-jē\ noun

electroluminescent
: of or relating to luminescence resulting from a high-frequency discharge through a gas or from application of a current to a layer of phosphor
–elec·tro·lu·mi·nes·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun

electrolysis
n. 1 a : the producing of chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte b : subjection to this action
2 : the destruction of hair roots with an electric current

electrolyte
n. 1 : a nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions
2 a : a substance that when dissolved in a suitable solvent or when fused becomes an ionic conductor b : any of the ions (as of sodium or calcium) that in biological fluid regulate or affect most metabolic processes (as the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of cells)

electrolytic
adj. : of or relating to electrolysis or an electrolyte <an electrolytic cell> also : produced by or used in electrolysis <electrolytic copper>
–elec·tro·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electrolyze
v. : to subject to electrolysis

electromagnet
n. : a core of magnetic material (as iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

electromagnetic
adj. : of, relating to, or produced by electromagnetism
–elec·tro·mag·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electromagnetic
adj. electromagnetic force
electromagnetic pulse
electromagnetic radiation
electromagnetic spectrum
electromagnetic unit
electromagnetic wave

electromagnetic pulse
: high-intensity electromagnetic radiation generated by a nuclear blast high above the earth's surface and held to disrupt electronic and electrical systems

electromagnetic radiation
: energy in the form of electromagnetic waves also : a series of electromagnetic waves

electromagnetic spectrum
: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

electromagnetic unit
: any of a system of electrical units based primarily on the magnetic properties of electrical currents

electromagnetic wave
: one of the waves that are propagated by simultaneous periodic variations of electric and magnetic field intensity and that include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X rays, and gamma rays

electromagnetism
n. 1 : magnetism developed by a current of electricity
2 a : a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions between charged particles which occur because of their charge and for the emission and absorption of photons, that is about 100 times weaker than the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over atomic and molecular distances ― called also electromagnetic force ― compare GRAVITY 3a(2) STRONG FORCE, WEAK FORCE b : a branch of physical science that deals with the physical relations between electricity and magnetism

electromechanical
adj. : of, relating to, or being a mechanical process or device actuated or controlled electrically especially : being a transducer for converting electrical energy to mechanical energy
–elec·tro·me·chan·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electrometallurgy
n. : a branch of metallurgy that deals with the application of electric current either for electrolytic deposition or as a source of heat

electrometer
n. : any of various instruments for detecting or measuring potential differences or ionizing radiations by means of the forces of attraction or repulsion between charged bodies

electromotive force
: something that moves or tends to move electricity : the potential difference derived from an electrical source per unit quantity of electricity passing through the source (as a cell or generator)

electromyogram
n. : a tracing made by an electromyograph

electromyograph
: an instrument that converts the electrical activity associated with functioning skeletal muscle into a visual record or into sound and is used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders and in biofeedback training
–elec·tro·myo·graph·ic \-ˌmī-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–elec·tro·myo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–elec·tro·my·og·ra·phy \-mī-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

electron
n. : an elementary particle consisting of a charge of negative electricity equal to about 1.602 × 10-19 coulomb and having a mass when at rest of about 9.109 × 10-31 kilogram or about 1/1836 that of a proton

electron
n. Auger electron
Auger electron spectroscopy
electron cloud
electron gas
electron gun
electron micrograph
electron micrography
electron multiplier
electron optics
electron optical
electron probe
electron transport
electron tube
electron volt
free electron laser
valence electron
electron microscope
electron microscopy
electron microscopist
scanning electron microscope
scanning electron microscopy

electron cloud
: the system of electrons surrounding the nucleus of an atom

electron gas
: a population of free electrons in a vacuum or in a metallic conductor

electron gun
: an electron-emitting cathode and its surrounding assembly (as electromagnets in a cathode-ray tube) for directing, controlling, and focusing a beam of electrons

electron micrograph
: a micrograph made with an electron microscope
–electron micrography \-mī-'krä-grə-fē\ noun

electron microscope
: an electron-optical instrument in which a beam of electrons is used to produce an enlarged image of a minute object
–electron microscopist noun
–electron microscopy noun

electron multiplier
: a device utilizing secondary emission of electrons for amplifying a current of electrons

electron optics
: a branch of physics in which the principles of optics are applied to beams of electrons
–elec·tron-op·ti·cal \i-ˌlek-ˌträn-'äp-ti-kəl\ adjective

electron probe
: a microprobe that uses an electron beam to induce X-ray emissions in a sample

electron transport
: the sequential transfer of electrons especially by cytochromes in cellular respiration from an oxidizable substrate to molecular oxygen by a series of oxidation-reduction reactions

electron tube
: an electronic device in which conduction by electrons takes place through a vacuum or a gaseous medium within a sealed glass or metal container and which has various uses based on the controlled flow of electrons

electron volt
: a unit of energy equal to the energy gained by an electron in passing from a point of low potential to a point one volt higher in potential : 1.60 × 10-19 joule

electronegative
adj. : having a tendency to attract electrons
–elec·tro·neg·a·tiv·i·ty \-ˌne-gə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

electronic
adj. 1 : of or relating to electrons
2 a : of, relating to, or utilizing devices constructed or working by the methods or principles of electronics <electronic fuel injection> b : implemented on or by means of a computer : involving a computer <electronic banking>
3 a : generating musical tones by electronic means <an electronic organ> b : of, relating to, or being music that consists of sounds electronically generated or modified
4 : of, relating to, or being a medium (as television) by which information is transmitted electronically <electronic journalism>
–elec·tron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electronic
adj. electronic countermeasure
electronic mail
electronic publishing

electronic countermeasure
: the disruption of the operation of an enemy's equipment (as by jamming radio or radar signals)

electronic mail
: E-MAIL

electronic publishing
: publishing in which information is distributed by means of a computer network or is produced in a format for use with a computer

electronica
n. : dance music featuring extensive use of synthesizers, electronic percussion, and samples of recorded music or sound

electronics
n. 1 singular in construction : a branch of physics that deals with the emission, behavior, and effects of electrons (as in electron tubes and transistors) and with electronic devices
2 : electronic components, devices, or equipment

electrooculogram
n. : a record of the difference in electrical charge between the front and back of the eye that is correlated with eyeball movement (as in REM sleep) and obtained by electrodes placed on the skin near the eye

electrooculography
n. : the preparation and study of electrooculograms

electroosmosis
n. : the movement of a liquid out of or through a porous material or a biological membrane under the influence of an electric field
–elec·tro·os·mot·ic \-'mä-tik\ adjective

electropherogram
: ELECTROPHORETOGRAM

electrophile
n. : an electrophilic substance (as an electron-accepting reagent)

electrophilic
adj. 1 of an atom, ion, or molecule : having an affinity for electrons : being an electron acceptor
2 : involving an electrophilic species <an electrophilic reaction> ― compare NUCLEOPHILIC
–elec·tro·phi·lic·ity \-trō-fi-'li-sə-tē\ noun

electrophoresis
: the movement of suspended particles through a medium (as paper or gel) under the action of an electromotive force applied to electrodes in contact with the suspension
–elec·tro·pho·rese \-'rēs, -'rēz\ transitive verb
–elec·tro·pho·ret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective
–elec·tro·pho·ret·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electrophoretogram
n. : a record that consists of the separated components of a mixture (as of proteins) produced by electrophoresis in a supporting medium (as filter paper)

electrophorus
adj. : a device for producing electric charges consisting of a disk that is negatively electrified by friction and a metal plate that becomes charged by induction when placed on the disk

electrophotography
n. : photography in which images are produced by electrical means (as in xerography)
–elec·tro·pho·to·graph·ic \-trə-ˌfō-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

electrophysiology
1 : physiology that is concerned with the electrical aspects of physiological phenomena
2 : electrical phenomena associated with a physiological process (as the function of a body or bodily part) <electrophysiology of the eye>
–elec·tro·phys·i·o·log·i·cal \-zē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also elec·tro·phys·i·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–elec·tro·phys·i·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–elec·tro·phys·i·ol·o·gist \-zē-'äl-ə-jist\ noun

electroplate
v. : to plate with an adherent continuous coating by electrodeposition

electroporation
n. : the application of an electric current to a living surface (as the skin or a cell membrane) in order to open pores or channels through which something (as a drug or DNA) may pass

electropositive
adj. : having a tendency to release electrons

electroreceptor
n. : a vertebrate organ found especially in fish that contains sensory cells capable of detecting electric fields

electroretinogram
n. : a graphic record of electrical activity of the retina used especially in the diagnosis of retinal conditions

electroretinograph
n. : an instrument for recording electrical activity in the retina
–elec·tro·ret·i·no·graph·ic \-ˌre-tə-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–elec·tro·ret·i·nog·ra·phy \-tən-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

electroscope
n. : any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for determining whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation

electroshock
n. 1 : 3SHOCK 5
2 : ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY

electroshock therapy
: the treatment of mental disorder and especially depression by the application of electric current to the head of a usually anesthetized patient that induces unconsciousness and convulsive seizures in the brain ― called also electroconvulsive therapy

electrostatic
adj. 1 : of or relating to static electricity or electrostatics
2 : of or relating to painting with a spray that utilizes electrically charged particles to ensure complete coating
–elec·tro·stat·i·cal·ly \-'sta-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electrostatic generator
: VAN DE GRAAFF GENERATOR

electrostatic precipitator
: an electrostatic device in chimney flues that removes particles from escaping gases

electrostatics
n. : physics that deals with phenomena due to attractions or repulsions of electric charges but not dependent upon their motion

electrosurgery
n. : surgery by means of diathermy
–elec·tro·sur·gi·cal \-'sər-ji-kəl\ adjective

electrotherapy
n. : the therapeutic use of electricity

electrothermal
adj. : relating to or combining electricity and heat specifically : relating to the generation of heat by electricity
–elec·tro·ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

electrotonic
adj. 1 : of, induced by, relating to, or constituting electrotonus
2 : of, relating to, or being the spread of electrical activity through living tissue or cells in the absence of repeated action potentials
–elec·tro·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

electrotonus
n. : the altered sensitivity of a nerve when a constant current of electricity passes through any part of it

electrotype
n. 1 : a duplicate printing surface made by an electroplating process
2 : a copy (as of a coin) made by an electroplating process
–electrotype transitive verb
–elec·tro·typ·er \-ˌtī-pər\ noun

electroweak
adj. : of, relating to, or being the unification of electromagnetism and the weak force

electrowinning
: the recovery especially of metals from solutions by electrolysis

electrum
n. : a natural pale yellow alloy of gold and silver

electuary
n. : CONFECTION 2B

eledoisin
n. : a small protein C_54H_85N_13O_15S from the salivary glands of several octopuses (genus Eledone) that is a powerful vasodilator and hypotensive agent

eleemosynary
adj. : of, relating to, or supported by charity

elegance
n. 1 a : refined grace or dignified propriety : URBANITY b : tasteful richness of design or ornamentation <the sumptuous elegance of the furnishings> c : dignified gracefulness or restrained beauty of style : POLISH <the essay is marked by lucidity, wit, and elegance> d : scientific precision, neatness, and simplicity <the elegance of a mathematical proof>
2 : something that is elegant

elegancy
n. : ELEGANCE

elegant
adj. 1 : marked by elegance <elegant clothes> <an elegant solution>
2 : of a high grade or quality : SPLENDID <elegant gems priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars>
synonyms see CHOICE
–el·e·gant·ly adverb

elegiac
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of two dactylic hexameter lines the second of which lacks the arsis in the third and sixth feet b (1) : written in or consisting of elegiac couplets (2) : noted for having written poetry in such couplets c : of or relating to the period in Greece about the seventh century B.C. when poetry written in such couplets flourished
2 : of, relating to, or comprising elegy or an elegy especially : expressing sorrow often for something now past <an elegiac lament for departed youth>
–elegiac noun
–el·e·gi·a·cal·ly \ˌe-lə-'jī-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

elegit
n. : a judicial writ of execution by which a defendant's goods and if necessary his or her lands are delivered for debt to the plaintiff until the debt is paid

elegize
v. intransitive verb : to write an elegy
transitive verb : to write an elegy on

elegy
n. 1 : a poem in elegiac couplets
2 a : a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead b : something (as a speech) resembling such a song or poem
3 a : a pensive or reflective poem that is usually nostalgic or melancholy b : a short pensive musical composition

elem
elementary

element
n. 1 a : any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe b plural : weather conditions especially : violent or severe weather <battling the elements> c : the state or sphere natural or suited to a person or thing <at school she was in her element>
2 : a constituent part: as a plural : the simplest principles of a subject of study : RUDIMENTS b (1) : a part of a geometric magnitude <an infinitesimal element of volume> (2) : a generator of a geometric figure also : a line or line segment contained in the surface of a cone or cylinder (3) : a basic member of a mathematical or logical class or set (4) : one of the individual entries in a mathematical matrix or determinant c : a distinct group within a larger group or community <the criminal element in the city> d (1) : one of the necessary data or values on which calculations or conclusions are based (2) : one of the factors determining the outcome of a process e : any of the fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that singly or in combination constitute all matter f : a distinct part of a composite device g : a subdivision of a military unit
3 plural : the bread and wine used in the Eucharist
synonyms ELEMENT, COMPONENT, CONSTITUENT, INGREDIENT mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole. ELEMENT applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity <the basic elements of geometry>. COMPONENT and CONSTITUENT may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; COMPONENT stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character <the components of a stereo system>. CONSTITUENT stresses its essential and formative character <the constituents of a chemical compound>. INGREDIENT applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture <the ingredients of a cocktail>.

see table...

element
n. element table
identity element
minor element
rare earth element
trace element
transition element
transposable element

element-table

CHEMICAL ELEMENTS

ELEMENT

SYMBOL

ATOMIC
NUMBER

ATOMIC
WEIGHT
(C = 12)

actinium

Ac

89

227.0278

aluminum

Al

13

26.98154

americium

Am

95

antimony

Sb

51

121.75

argon

Ar

18

39.948

arsenic

As

33

74.9216

astatine

At

85

barium

Ba

56

137.33

berkelium

Bk

97

beryllium

Be

4

9.01218

bismuth

Bi

83

208.9804

bohrium

Bh

107

boron

B

5

10.81

bromine

Br

35

79.904

cadmium

Cd

48

112.41

calcium

Ca

20

40.08

californium

Cf

98

carbon

C

6

12.011

cerium

Ce

58

140.12

cesium

Cs

55

132.9054

chlorine

Cl

17

35.453

chromium

Cr

24

51.996

cobalt

Co

27

58.9332

copper

Cu

29

63.546

curium

Cm

96

dubnium

Db

105

dysprosium

Dy

66

162.50

einsteinium

Es

99

erbium

Er

68

167.26

europium

Eu

63

151.96

fermium

Fm

100

fluorine

F

9

18.998403

francium

Fr

87

gadolinium

Gd

64

157.25

gallium

Ga

31

69.72

germanium

Ge

32

72.59

gold

Au

79

196.9665

hafnium

Hf

72

178.49

hassium

Hs

108

helium

He

2

4.00260

holmium

Ho

67

164.9304

hydrogen

H

1

1.0079

indium

In

49

114.82

iodine

I

53

126.9045

iridium

Ir

77

192.22

iron

Fe

26

55.847

krypton

Kr

36

83.80

lanthanum

La

57

138.9055

lawrencium

Lr

103

lead

Pb

82

207.2

lithium

Li

3

6.941

lutetium

Lu

71

174.967

magnesium

Mg

12

24.305

manganese

Mn

25

54.9380

meitnerium

Mt

109

mendelevium

Md

101

mercury

Hg

80

200.59

molybdenum

Mo

42

95.94

neodymiun

Nd

60

144.24

neon

Ne

10

20.179

neptunium

Np

93

237.0482

nickel

Ni

28

58.69

niobium

Nb

41

92.9064

nitrogen

N

7

14.0067

nobelium

No

102

osmium

Os

76

190.2

oxygen

O

8

15.9994

palladium

Pd

46

106.42

phosphorus

P

15

30.97376

platinum

Pt

78

195.08

plutonium

Pu

94

polonium

Po

84

potassium

K

19

39.0983

praseodymium

Pr

59

140.9077

promethium

Pm

61

protactinium

Pa

91

231.0359

radium

Ra

88

226.0254

radon

Rn

86

rhenium

Re

75

186.207

rhodium

Rh

45

102.9055

rubidium

Rb

37

85.4678

rutherfordium

Rf

104

ruthenium

Ru

44

101.07

samarium

Sm

62

150.36

scandium

Sc

21

44.9559

seaborgium

Sg

106

selenium

Se

34

78.96

silicon

Si

14

28.0855

silver

Ag

47

107.868

sodium

Na

11

22.98977

strontium

Sr

38

87.62

sulfur

S

16

32.06

tantalum

Ta

73

180.9479

technetium

Tc

43

tellurium

Te

52

127.60

terbium

Tb

65

158.9254

thallium

Tl

81

204.383

thorium

Th

90

232.0381

thulium

Tm

69

168.9342

tin

Sn

50

118.69

titanium

Ti

22

47.88

tungsten

W

74

183.85

uranium

U

92

238.0289

vanadium

V

23

50.9415

xenon

Xe

54

131.29

ytterbium

Yb

70

173.04

yttrium

Y

39

88.9059

zinc

Zn

30

65.38

zirconium

Zr

40

91.22

elemental
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or being an element specifically : existing as an uncombined chemical element b (1) : of, relating to, or being the basic or essential constituent of something : FUNDAMENTAL <elemental biological needs> (2) : SIMPLE, UNCOMPLICATED <elemental food> c : of, relating to, or dealing with the rudiments of something : ELEMENTARY <taught elemental crafts to the children> d : forming an integral part : INHERENT <an elemental sense of rhythm>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a great force of nature <the rains come with elemental violence> <elemental passions>
–elemental noun
–el·e·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

elementary
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something <an elementary course> b : of or relating to an elementary school <an elementary curriculum>
2 : ELEMENTAL 1A B
3 : ELEMENTAL 2
–el·e·men·ta·ri·ly \-ˌmen-'ter-ə-lē, -'men-trə-lē\ adverb
–el·e·men·ta·ri·ness \-'men-tə-rē-nəs, -'men-trē-\ noun

elementary particle
: any of the particles of which matter and energy are composed or which mediate the fundamental forces of nature especially : one whose existence has not been attributed to the combination of other more fundamental entities

elementary school
: a school including usually the first four to the first eight grades and often a kindergarten

elemi
n. : any of various fragrant oleoresins from tropical trees (family Burseraceae) used chiefly in varnishes, lacquers, and printing inks

elenchus
n. : REFUTATION especially : one in syllogistic form

elephant
1 : any of a family (Elephantidae, the elephant family) of thickset usually extremely large nearly hairless herbivorous mammals that have a snout elongated into a muscular trunk and two incisors in the upper jaw developed especially in the male into large ivory tusks and that include two living forms and various extinct relatives: as a : a tall large-eared mammal (Loxodonta africana) of tropical Africa ― called also African elephant b : a relatively small-eared mammal (Elephas maximus) of forests of southeastern Asia ― called also Asian elephant Indian elephant
2 : an animal or fossil related to the elephants
3 : one that is uncommonly large or hard to manage

elephant
n. African elephant
Asian elephant
Asiatic elephant
elephant bird
elephant garlic
elephant grass
elephant seal
elephant's ear
Indian elephant
rogue elephant
white elephant
pink elephants

elephant bird
: any of a group (genus Aepyornis or order Aepyornithiformes) of gigantic flightless ratite birds known only from remains found in Madagascar

elephant garlic
: an Old World herb (Allium ampeloprasum) of the lily family that is related to the leek and has a bulb that resembles that of garlic but is much larger also : the mildly flavored bulb of the elephant garlic used especially as a seasoning

elephant grass
1 : an Old World cattail (Typha elephantina) used especially in making baskets
2 : NAPIER GRASS

elephant seal
: either of two very large seals (genus Mirounga of the family Phocidae) characterized by a long inflatable proboscis: a : one (M. angustirostris) found in Pacific coastal waters from southeastern Alaska to Baja California b : one (M. leonina) found in coastal waters of subantarctic islands and Patagonia

elephant's ear
: any of several large-leaved plants of the arum family: as a : TARO b : any of a genus (Alocasia) of tropical Asian perennial herbs cultivated as ornamentals for their large heavily veined basal leaves

Elephanta
island W India in Bombay harbor

elephantiasis
n. 1 : enlargement and thickening of tissues specifically : the enormous enlargement of a limb or the scrotum caused by obstruction of lymphatics by filarial worms (esp. Wuchereria bancrofti)
2 : an undesirable usually enormous growth, enlargement, or overdevelopment <elephantiasis of the imagination>

Elephantine
adj. island S Egypt in the Nile opposite Aswân pop 1814

elephantine
adj. 1 a : having enormous size or strength : MASSIVE b : CLUMSY, PONDEROUS <elephantine verse>
2 : of or relating to an elephant

Eleusinian
adj. : of or relating to ancient Eleusis or to the religious mysteries celebrated there in worship of Demeter and Persephone

Eleusis
n. ancient city W Attica NW of Athens; ruins at modern town of Elev·sís \ˌe-lef-'sēs\ in E Greece
–El·eu·sin·i·an \ˌel-yu̇-'si-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Eleuthera
island Bahamas E of New Providence Is. area 164 sq mi (426 sq km), pop 7999

elev
elevation

elevate
v. archaic : ELEVATED

elevate
v. transitive verb
1 : to lift up or make higher : RAISE <elevate a patient's leg> <exercises that elevate the heart rate>
2 : to raise in rank or status <was elevated to chairman>
3 : to improve morally, intellectually, or culturally <great books that both entertain and elevate their readers>
4 : to raise the spirits of : ELATE
intransitive verb : to become elevated : RISE <his voice elevated to a shout>
synonyms see LIFT

elevated
adj. 1 a : raised especially above the ground or other surface <an elevated highway> b : increased especially abnormally (as in degree or amount) <elevated blood pressure>
2 a : being morally or intellectually on a high plane : REFINED <elevated conversation> b : FORMAL, DIGNIFIED <elevated diction>
3 : exhilarated in mood or feeling

elevated
adj. : 2EL

elevation
n. 1 : the height to which something is elevated: as a : the angular distance of something (as a celestial object) above the horizon b : the degree to which a gun is aimed above the horizon c : the height above the level of the sea : ALTITUDE
2 : a dancer's or an athlete's leap and seeming suspension in the air also : the ability to achieve an elevation
3 : an act or instance of elevating
4 : something that is elevated: as a : an elevated place b : a swelling especially on the skin
5 : the quality or state of being elevated
6 : a geometrical drawing that depicts one vertical plane of an object or structure
synonyms see HEIGHT

elevator
n. 1 : one that raises or lifts something up: as a : an endless belt or chain conveyor with cleats, scoops, or buckets for raising material b : a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for conveying people or things to different levels c : GRAIN ELEVATOR
2 : a movable auxiliary airfoil usually attached to the tail plane of an airplane for controlling pitch ― see AIRPLANE illustration

elevator music
: instrumental arrangements of popular songs often piped in (as to an elevator or retail store)

eleven
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the 11th in a set or series
3 : something having 11 units or members especially : a football team
–eleven adjective
–eleven pronoun, plural in construction
–elev·enth \-vən(t)th\ adjective or noun

eleven-plus
British : an examination taken by schoolchildren between the ages of 11 and 12 that determines the type of secondary education to which they are assigned

elevenses
n. British : light refreshment (as a snack) taken in the middle of the morning

eleventh hour
: the latest possible time <still making changes at the eleventh hour>

elevon
: an airplane control surface that combines the functions of elevator and aileron

ELF
n. extremely low frequency

elf
n. 1 : a small often mischievous fairy
2 : a small lively creature also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
–elf·ish \'el-fish\ adjective
–elf·ish·ly adverb

elf owl
: a very small insectivorous owl (Micrathene whitneyi) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that roosts and nests in the cavities of trees and saguaro cacti

elfin
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or produced by an elf b : resembling an elf especially in its tiny size <elfin portions>
2 : having an otherworldly or magical quality or charm

elflock
n. : hair matted as if by elves ― usually used in plural

Elgar
Sir Edward 1857-1934 Eng. composer

Elgin
1 \'el-jən\ city NE Ill. pop 94,487
2 \'el-gən\ or El·gin·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ ― see MORAY 2
3 \'el-gən\ royal burgh NE Scotland NE of Inverness pop 18,905

Elgon, Mount
extinct volcano 14,178 ft (4321 m) E Africa on boundary bet. Uganda & Kenya NE of Lake Victoria

elhi
adj. : of, relating to, or designed for use in grades 1 to 12

Eli
n. : a judge and priest of Israel who according to the account in I Samuel was entrusted with the care of the boy Samuel

Elias
n. : ELIJAH

Elias
n. Saint Elias Mount
Saint Elias Mountains
Wrangell Saint Elias National Park

elicit
v. 1 : to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential) <hypnotism elicited his hidden fears>
2 : to call forth or draw out (as information or a response) <her remarks elicited cheers>
synonyms see EDUCE
–elic·i·ta·tion \i-ˌli-sə-'tā-shən, ˌē-\ noun
–elic·i·tor \i-'li-sə-tər\ noun

elide
v. 1 a : to suppress or alter (as a vowel or syllable) by elision b : to strike out (as a written word)
2 a : to leave out of consideration : OMIT b : CURTAIL, ABRIDGE

eligible
adj. 1 a : qualified to participate or be chosen : ENTITLED <eligible to retire> b : permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass <an eligible receiver>
2 : worthy of being chosen : DESIRABLE <an eligible young bachelor>
–el·i·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌe-lə-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–eligible noun
–el·i·gi·bly \'e-lə-jə-blē\ adverb

Elijah
n. : a Hebrew prophet of the ninth century B.C. who according to the account in I Kings championed the worship of Jehovah as against Baal

Elikon
― see HELICON

eliminate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put an end to or get rid of : REMOVE, ERADICATE <the need to eliminate poverty> <eliminate errors> b : to remove from consideration <cannot yet eliminate him as a suspect> c : to remove from further competition by defeating <the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs>
2 : to expel (as waste) from the living body
3 : to cause (as an unknown) to disappear by combining two or more mathematical equations
intransitive verb : to expel waste from the living body
–elim·i·na·tive \-'li-mə-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–elim·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

elimination
n. : the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: as a : the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body b : the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule <ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol> ― compare ADDITION 4

Elion
Gertrude Belle 1918-1999 American biochem.

Eliot
n. Charles William 1834-1926 American educ.; pres. Harvard U. (1869-1909)

Eliot
n. George 1819-1880 pseud. of Mary Ann (or Marian) Evans Eng. nov.

Eliot
n. Sir John 1592-1632 Eng. statesman

Eliot
n. John 1604-1690 apostle to the Indians American clergyman

Eliot
n. T(homas) S(tearns) 1888-1965 Brit. (Am.-born) poet & critic
–El·i·ot·ian \ˌe-lē-'ō-tē-ən, -'ō-sh(ē-)ən\ adjective
–El·i·ot·ic \ˌe-lē-'ä-tik\ adjective

Elis
region S Greece in NW Peloponnese S of Achaea bordering on Ionian Sea

ELISA
: ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY

Elisabethville
― see LUBUMBASHI

Elisavetgrad
― see KIROVOGRAD

Elisavetpol
― see GANCA

Elisha
n. : a Hebrew prophet and disciple and successor of Elijah

elision
n. 1 a : the use of a speech form that lacks a final or initial sound which a variant speech form has (as 's instead of is in there's) b : the omission of an unstressed vowel or syllable in a verse to achieve a uniform metrical pattern
2 : the act or an instance of omitting something : OMISSION

Elista
town S Russia in Europe capital of Kalmykia pop 95,200

elite
n. 1 a singular or plural in construction : the choice part : CREAM <the elite of the entertainment world> b singular or plural in construction : the best of a class <superachievers who dominate the computer elite ― Marilyn Chase> c singular or plural in construction : the socially superior part of society <how the elite live ― A P World> <how the French-speaking elite⋯was changing ― Economist> d : a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence <members of the ruling elite> <the intellectual elites of the country> e : a member of such an elite ― usually used in plural <the elites ⋯, pursuing their studies in Europe ― Robert Wernick>
2 : a typewriter type providing 12 characters to the linear inch
–elite adjective

elite
n. chiefly British variant of elite, elitism

elitism
n. 1 : leadership or rule by an elite
2 : the selectivity of the elite especially : SNOBBERY <elitism in choosing new members>
3 : consciousness of being or belonging to an elite
–elit·ist \-'lē-tist\ noun or adjective

elixir
n. 1 a (1) : a substance held capable of changing base metals into gold (2) : a substance held capable of prolonging life indefinitely b (1) : CURE-ALL (2) : a medicinal concoction
2 : a sweetened liquid usually containing alcohol that is used in medication either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring
3 : the essential principle

Elizabeth
n. name of 2 Eng. (Brit.) queens: I 1533-1603 dau. of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn (reigned 1558-1603); II 1926-     Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; dau. of George VI (reigned 1952-    )

Elizabeth
n. 1596-1662 queen of Frederick V of Bohemia

Elizabeth
n. 1900-2002 Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Ly·on \'bōz-'lī-ən\; queen of George VI of Great Britain

Elizabeth
n. 1843-1916 pseud. Car·men Syl·va \'kär-mən-'sil-və\ queen of Romania & writer

Elizabeth
n. 1 short river SE Va. flowing bet. cities of Norfolk & Portsmouth into Hampton Roads
2 city & port NE N.J. SW of Newark on Newark Bay pop 120,568

Elizabeth
n. Elizabeth Stuart
Elizabeth Petrovna
Elizabeth Islands
Port Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth Islands

Elizabeth Islands
islands SE Mass. extending SW from SW point of Cape Cod

Elizabeth Petrovna
1709-1762 empress of Russia (1741-62)

Elizabethan
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Elizabeth I of England or her reign
–Elizabethan noun

Elizabethtown
city Ky. SSW of Louisville pop 22,542

elk
n. 1 plural usually elk a : MOOSE 1 ― used for one of the Old World b : a large gregarious deer (Cervus elaphus) of No. America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa ― called also red deer wapiti c : any of various large Asian deer
2 : soft tanned rugged leather
3 capitalized [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

elk
n. tule elk
Elk Grove Village
Elk Island National Park

Elk Grove Village
v. village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 34,727

Elk Island National Park
n. reservation Canada in E cen Alta.

Elkhart
city N Ind. E of S. Bend pop 51,874

elkhorn coral
: a reef-building branching coral (Acropora palmata) of shallow waters of southern Florida and the West Indies

elkhound
n. : NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND

ell
n. : a former English unit of length (as for cloth) equal to 45 inches (about 1.14 meters) also : any of various units of length used similarly

ell
n. 1 : an extension at right angles to the length of a building
2 : an elbow in a pipe or conduit

ellagic acid
: a crystalline phenolic compound C_14H_6O_8 with two lactone groupings that is obtained especially from oak galls and some tannins and is used medicinally as a hemostatic

Ellas
― see GREECE

Ellenborough
1st Baron ― see LAW

Ellesmere Island
island Canada in Nunavut W of NW Greenland ― see COLUMBIA (Cape)

Ellice Islands
― see TUVALU

Ellington
n. Edward Kennedy 1899-1974 Duke Ellington American bandleader & composer

Elliott
Maxine 1868-1940 orig. Jessie Dermot American actress

ellipse
n. 1 a : OVAL b : a closed plane curve generated by a point moving in such a way that the sums of its distances from two fixed points is a constant : a plane section of a right circular cone that is a closed curve
2 : ELLIPSIS

ellipsis
n. 1 a : the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete b : a sudden leap from one topic to another
2 : marks or a mark (as ⋯) indicating an omission (as of words) or a pause

ellipsoid
n. : a surface all plane sections of which are ellipses or circles
–el·lip·soi·dal \i-ˌlip-'sȯi-dəl, (ˌ)e-\ also ellipsoid adjective

elliptical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse
2 a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)
–el·lip·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

elliptical galaxy
: a galaxy that has a generally elliptical shape and that has no apparent internal structure or spiral arms ― called also elliptical ― compare SPIRAL GALAXY

ellipticity
: deviation of an ellipse or a spheroid from the form of a circle or a sphere

Ellis
n. Alexander John 1814-1890 orig. surname Sharpe Eng. philologist

Ellis
n. (Henry) Have·lock \'hav-ˌläk, -lək\ 1859-1939 Eng. psychol. & writer

Ellis Island
island SE N.Y. in Upper New York Bay; served as immigration station 1892-1954

Ellison
n. Ralph Waldo 1914-1994 American writer

Ellora
village W India in cen Maharashtra NW of Aurangabad; site of Ellora Caves (temples excavated out of rock cliffs)

Ellsworth
Lincoln 1880-1951 American explorer

Ellsworth
Oliver 1745-1807 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1796-1800)

Ellsworth Land
region W Antarctica on Bellingshausen Sea

Ellsworth Mountains
range Antarctica S of Ellsworth Land

elm
n. 1 : any of a genus (Ulmus of the family Ulmaceae, the elm family) of usually large deciduous north temperate-zone trees with alternate stipulate leaves and fruit that is a samara
2 : the wood of an elm

elm
n. American elm
Dutch elm disease
elm bark beetle
elm leaf beetle
slippery elm
smaller European elm bark beetle
winged elm

elm bark beetle
: either of two beetles (family Scolytidae) that are vectors for the fungus causing Dutch elm disease: a : one (Hylurgopinus rufipes) native to eastern No. America b : one (Scolytus multistriatus) introduced from Europe into eastern No. America

elm leaf beetle
: a small yellow to greenish black-striped Old World chrysomelid beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola) that in the larval and adult stage is a leaf-eating pest of elms in eastern No. America

Elman
Mi·scha \'mē-shə\ 1891-1967 American (Russ.-born) violinist

Elmhurst
city NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 42,762

Elmira
city S N.Y. pop 30,940

Elmwood Park
village NE Ill. pop 25,405

elocution
n. 1 : a style of speaking especially in public
2 : the art of effective public speaking
–el·o·cu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
–el·o·cu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

elodea
: any of a small American genus (Elodea) of submerged aquatic monocotyledonous herbs

eloign
v. 1 archaic : to take (oneself) far away
2 archaic : to remove to a distant or unknown place : CONCEAL

elongate
v. transitive verb : to extend the length of
intransitive verb : to grow in length

elongate
v. 1 : stretched out
2 : SLENDER

elongation
n. 1 : the angular distance of a celestial body from another around which it revolves or from a particular point in the sky
2 a : the state of being elongated or lengthened also : the process of growing or increasing in length b : something that is elongated

elope
v. 1 : to slip away : ESCAPE <might have mistaken him for⋯some scarecrow eloped from a cornfield ― Washington Irving>
2 a : to run away from one's husband with a lover b : to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent
–elope·ment \-'lōp-mənt\ noun
–elop·er noun

eloquence
n. 1 : discourse marked by force and persuasiveness also : the art or power of using such discourse
2 : the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness

eloquent
adj. 1 : marked by forceful and fluent expression <an eloquent preacher>
2 : vividly or movingly expressive or revealing <an eloquent monument>
–el·o·quent·ly adverb

Elphinstone
Mount·stu·art \mau̇nt-'st(y)ü-ərt\ 1779-1859 Brit. statesman in India

Elphinstone
William 1431-1514 Scot. bishop & statesman

Elsass
― see ALSACE

else
adj. 1 a : in a different manner or place or at a different time <how else could he have acted> <here and nowhere else> b : in an additional manner or place or at an additional time <where else is gold found>
2 : if not : OTHERWISE <leave or else you'll be sorry> ― used absolutely to express a threat <do what I tell you or else>

else
adj. : OTHER: a : being different in identity <it must have been somebody else> b : being in addition <what else did he say?>

Elsene
― see IXELLES

elsewhere
adv. : in or to another place <took my business elsewhere>

eluant
n. : a solvent used in eluting

eluate
n. : the washings obtained by eluting

elucidate
v. transitive verb : to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis <elucidate a text>
intransitive verb : to give a clarifying explanation
synonyms see EXPLAIN
–elu·ci·da·tion \-ˌlü-sə-'dā-shən\ noun
–elu·ci·da·tive \-'lü-sə-ˌdā-tiv\ adjective
–elu·ci·da·tor \-ˌdā-tər\ noun

elude
v. 1 : to avoid adroitly : EVADE <the mice eluded the traps> <managed to elude capture>
2 : to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of <subtlety simply eludes them> <victory continued to elude us>
3 : DEFY 4 <it eludes explanation>
synonyms see ESCAPE

Elul
n. : the 12th month of the civil year or the 6th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Eluru
city SE India in E Andhra Pradesh pop 189,772

elusion
n. : an act of eluding

elusive
adj. : tending to elude: as a : tending to evade grasp or pursuit <elusive prey> b : hard to comprehend or define <an elusive concept> c : hard to isolate or identify <a haunting elusive aroma>
–elu·sive·ly adverb
–elu·sive·ness noun

elute
v. : EXTRACT specifically : to remove (adsorbed material) from an adsorbent by means of a solvent
–elu·tion \-'lü-shən\ noun

elutriate
v. : to purify, separate, or remove by washing
–elu·tri·a·tion \ē-ˌlü-trē-'ā-shən\ noun
–elu·tri·a·tor \ē-'lü-trē-ˌā-tər\ noun

eluviation
: the transportation of dissolved or suspended material within the soil by the movement of water when rainfall exceeds evaporation
–elu·vi·al \ē-'lü-vē-əl\ adjective
–elu·vi·at·ed \-'lü-vē-ā-təd\ adjective

elver
n. : a young eel specifically : a small immature catadromous eel chiefly of fresh and brackish water

elves
n. plural of elf

elvish
adj. 1 : of or relating to elves
2 : MISCHIEVOUS

Ely
town E England in N cen Cambridgeshire

Ely
Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely
Ely Isle of
Isle of Ely

Ely, Isle of
district & former administrative county (capital Ely) E England in Cambridgeshire ― see CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Elyot
Sir Thomas 1490?-1546 Eng. scholar & diplomat

Elyria
city NE Ohio SW of Cleveland pop 55,953

elysian
adj. 1 : of or relating to Elysium
2 : BLISSFUL, DELIGHTFUL <elysian peace>

elysian fields
: ELYSIUM

Elysium
n. 1 : the abode of the blessed after death in classical mythology
2 : PARADISE 2

Elytis
Odysseus 1911-1996 Greek poet

elytron
n. : one of the anterior wings in beetles and some other insects that serve to protect the posterior pair of functional wings

Elzevir
n. family of Du. printers including especially Lodewijk or Louis 1546?-1617, his son Bonaventura 1583-1652, & his grandson Abraham 1592-1652

EM
n. 1 electromagnetic
2 electron microscope; electron microscopy
3 end matched
4 engineer of mines
5 enlisted man

em
n. 1 : the letter m
2 : the width of a piece of type about as wide as it is tall used as a unit of measure of typeset matter

em
n. ― see EN-

em
n. : THEM

emaciate
v. intransitive verb : to waste away physically
transitive verb
1 : to cause to lose flesh so as to become very thin <cattle emaciated by illness>
2 : to make feeble
–ema·ci·a·tion \-ˌmā-s(h)ē-'ā-shən\ noun

emalangeni
n. plural of lilangeni

emanate
v. intransitive verb : to come out from a source <a sweet scent emanating from the blossoms>
transitive verb : EMIT <she seems to emanate an air of serenity>
synonyms see SPRING

emanation
n. 1 a : the action of emanating b : the origination of the world by a series of hierarchically descending radiations from the Godhead through intermediate stages to matter
2 a : something that emanates or is produced by emanation : EFFLUENCE b : an isotope of radon produced by radioactive disintegration <radium emanation>
–em·a·na·tive \'e-mə-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective

emancipate
v. 1 : to free from restraint, control, or the power of another especially : to free from bondage
2 : to release from paternal care and responsibility and make sui juris
3 : to free from any controlling influence (as traditional mores or beliefs)
synonyms see FREE
–eman·ci·pa·tor \-ˌpā-tər\ noun
–eman·ci·pa·tory \-pə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

emancipation
n. : the act or process of emancipating
–eman·ci·pa·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

emarginate
: having the margin notched
–emar·gi·na·tion \(ˌ)ē-ˌmär-jə-'nā-shən\ noun

emasculate
1 : to deprive of strength, vigor, or spirit : WEAKEN
2 : to deprive of virility or procreative power : CASTRATE
3 : to remove the androecium of (a flower) in the process of artificial cross-pollination
synonyms see UNNERVE
–emas·cu·late \-lət\ adjective
–emas·cu·la·tion \-ˌmas-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun
–emas·cu·la·tor \-'mas-kyə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

embalm
v. 1 : to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay
2 : to fill with sweet odors : PERFUME
3 : to protect from decay or oblivion : PRESERVE <embalm a hero's memory>
4 : to fix in a static condition
–em·balm·er noun
–em·balm·ment \-'bä(l)m-mənt, -'bȧm-\ noun

embank
v. : to enclose or confine by an embankment

embankment
n. 1 : a raised structure (as of earth or gravel) used especially to hold back water or to carry a roadway
2 : the action of embanking

embarcadero
n. West : a landing place especially on an inland waterway

embargo
n. 1 : an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships from its ports
2 : a legal prohibition on commerce <a trade embargo>
3 : STOPPAGE, IMPEDIMENT especially : PROHIBITION <I lay no embargo on anybody's words ― Jane Austen>
4 : an order by a common carrier or public regulatory agency prohibiting or restricting freight transportation

embargo
n. : to place an embargo on

embark
v. intransitive verb
1 : to go on board a vehicle for transportation <the troops embarked at noon>
2 : to make a start <embarked on a new career>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to go on board (as a boat or airplane)
2 : to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise
–em·bar·ka·tion \ˌem-ˌbär-'kā-shən, -bər-\ noun
–em·bark·ment \im-'bärk-mənt\ noun

Embarras
river 185 mi (298 km) E Ill. flowing SE into the Wabash

Embarras
embarras de choix
embarras du choix
embarras de richesses
embarras de richesse

embarras de choix
: embarrassing variety of choice

embarras de richesses
: embarrassing surplus of riches : confusing abundance

embarrass
v. transitive verb
1 a : to place in doubt, perplexity, or difficulties b : to involve in financial difficulties c : to cause to experience a state of self-conscious distress <bawdy stories embarrassed him>
2 a : to hamper the movement of b : HINDER, IMPEDE
3 : to make intricate : COMPLICATE
4 : to impair the activity of (a bodily function) or the function of (a bodily part) <digestion embarrassed by overeating>
intransitive verb : to become anxiously self-conscious <he embarrasses easily>
–em·bar·rass·able \-ə-sə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms EMBARRASS, DISCOMFIT, ABASH, DISCONCERT, RATTLE mean to distress by confusing or confounding. EMBARRASS implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action <embarrassed to admit that she liked the movie>. DISCOMFIT implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion <hecklers discomfited the speaker>. ABASH presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority <abashed by her swift and cutting retort>. DISCONCERT implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy <disconcerted by finding so many in attendance>. RATTLE implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment <rattled by all the television cameras>.

embarrassedly
adv. : with embarrassment

embarrassingly
adv. : to an embarrassing degree : so as to cause embarrassment <an embarrassingly messy house>

embarrassment
n. 1 a : something that embarrasses <the scandal was a major embarrassment> b : an excessive quantity from which to select ― used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2 : the state of being embarrassed: as a : confusion or disturbance of mind <couldn't hide her embarrassment> b : difficulty arising from the want of money to pay debts c : difficulty in functioning as a result of disease <cardiac embarrassment>

embassage
n. 1 : the message or commission entrusted to an ambassador
2 archaic : EMBASSY

embassy
n. 1 : a body of diplomatic representatives specifically : one headed by an ambassador
2 a : the function or position of an ambassador b : a mission abroad undertaken officially especially by an ambassador
3 : EMBASSAGE 1
4 : the official residence and offices of an ambassador

embattle
v. 1 : to arrange in order of battle : prepare for battle
2 : FORTIFY

embattled
adj. 1 a : ready to fight : prepared to give battle <here once the embattled farmers stood ― R. W. Emerson> b : engaged in battle, conflict, or controversy <an embattled official accused of extortion>
2 a : being a site of battle, conflict, or controversy <the embattled capital> b : characterized by conflict or controversy <an embattled presidency>

embattlement
n. 1 : BATTLEMENT
2 : the state of being embattled

embay
v. : to trap or catch in or as if in a bay <an embayed sailing ship>

embayment
n. 1 : formation of a bay
2 : a bay or a conformation resembling a bay

Embden
: any of a breed of large white domestic geese with an orange bill and deep orange shanks and toes

embed
v. transitive verb
1 a : to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix <fossils embedded in stone> b : to make something an integral part of <the prejudices embedded in our language> c : to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
2 : to surround closely <a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed>
intransitive verb : to become embedded
–em·bed·ment \-'bed-mənt\ noun

embedded
adj. : occurring as a grammatical constituent (as a verb phrase or clause) within a like constituent
–em·bed·ding \-diŋ\ noun

embellish
v. 1 : to make beautiful with ornamentation : DECORATE <a book embellished with illustrations>
2 : to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative or fanciful details : ENHANCE <embellished our account of the trip>
synonyms see ADORN
–em·bel·lish·er noun

embellishment
n. 1 : the act or process of embellishing
2 : something serving to embellish
3 : ORNAMENT 5

ember
n. 1 : a glowing fragment (as of coal) from a fire especially : one smoldering in ashes
2 plural : the smoldering remains of a fire
3 plural : slowly dying or fading emotions, memories, ideas, or responses still capable of being revived <the embers of his past>

ember day
: a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday following the first Sunday in Lent, Whitsunday, September 14, or December 13 set apart for fasting and prayer in Western churches

embezzle
v. : to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use <embezzled thousands of dollars>
–em·bez·zle·ment \-zəl-mənt\ noun
–em·bez·zler \-z(ə-)lər\ noun

embitter
v. 1 : to excite bitter feelings in <embittered by divorce>
2 : to make bitter
–em·bit·ter·ment \-mənt\ noun

emblaze
n. 1 : to illuminate especially by a blaze
2 : to set ablaze

emblaze
n. 1 archaic : EMBLAZON 1
2 : to adorn sumptuously <with gems and golden luster rich emblazed ― John Milton>

emblazon
v. 1 a : to inscribe or adorn with or as if with heraldic bearings or devices b : to inscribe (as heraldic bearings) on a surface
2 : CELEBRATE, EXTOL <have his⋯deeds emblazoned by a poet ― Thomas Nash>
–em·bla·zon·er \-'blāz-nər, -zən-ər\ noun
–em·bla·zon·ment \-'blā-zən-mənt\ noun

emblazonry
n. 1 : emblazoned figures : brilliant decoration
2 : the act or art of emblazoning

emblem
n. 1 : a picture with a motto or set of verses intended as a moral lesson
2 : an object or the figure of an object symbolizing and suggesting another object or an idea
3 a : a symbolic object used as a heraldic device b : a device, symbol, or figure adopted and used as an identifying mark

emblem
n. : EMBLEMATIZE

emblematic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting an emblem : SYMBOLIC, REPRESENTATIVE
–em·blem·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

emblematize
v. : to represent by or as if by an emblem : SYMBOLIZE

emblements
n. : crops from annual cultivation legally belonging to the tenant

embodiment
n. 1 : one that embodies something <the embodiment of all our hopes>
2 : the act of embodying : the state of being embodied

embody
v. 1 : to give a body to (a spirit) : INCARNATE
2 a : to deprive of spirituality b : to make concrete and perceptible
3 : to cause to become a body or part of a body : INCORPORATE
4 : to represent in human or animal form : PERSONIFY <men who greatly embodied the idealism of American life ― A. M. Schlesinger b1917>
–em·bodi·er noun

embolden
v. : to instill with boldness or courage

embolectomy
n. : surgical removal of an embolus

embolic
adj. : of or relating to an embolus or embolism

embolisation
n. British variant of embolization

embolism
n. 1 : the insertion of one or more days in a calendar : INTERCALATION
2 a : the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus b : EMBOLUS
–em·bo·lis·mic \ˌem-bə-'liz-mik\ adjective

embolization
n. : the process or state in which a blood vessel or organ is obstructed by the lodgment of a material mass (as an embolus)

embolus
n. : an abnormal particle (as an air bubble) circulating in the blood ― compare THROMBUS

embonpoint
n. : plumpness of person : STOUTNESS

embosom
v. 1 archaic : to take into or place in the bosom
2 : to shelter closely : ENCLOSE <his house embosomed in the grove ― Alexander Pope>

emboss
v. archaic : to drive (as a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion

emboss
v. 1 : to raise the surface of into bosses especially : to ornament with raised work
2 : to raise in relief from a surface
3 : ADORN, EMBELLISH
–em·boss·able \-'bä-sə-bəl, -'bȯ-\ adjective
–em·boss·er \-sər\ noun
–em·boss·ment \-mənt\ noun

embouchure
n. 1 : the position and use of the lips, tongue, and teeth in playing a wind instrument
2 : the mouthpiece of a musical instrument

embourgeoisement
n. : a shift to bourgeois values and practices

embowed
: bent like a bow : ARCHED

embowel
v. 1 : DISEMBOWEL
2 obsolete : ENCLOSE

embower
v. : to shelter or enclose in or as if in a bower <like a rose embowered in its own green leaves ― P. B. Shelley>

embrace
transitive verb
1 a : to clasp in the arms : HUG b : CHERISH, LOVE
2 : ENCIRCLE, ENCLOSE
3 a : to take up especially readily or gladly <embrace a cause> b : to avail oneself of : WELCOME <embraced the opportunity to study further>
4 a : to take in or include as a part, item, or element of a more inclusive whole <charity embraces all acts that contribute to human welfare> b : to be equal or equivalent to <his assets embraced $10>
intransitive verb : to participate in an embrace
synonyms see ADOPT, INCLUDE
–embrace·able \-'brā-sə-bəl\ adjective
–em·brace·ment \-'brās-mənt\ noun
–em·brac·er noun
–em·brac·ing·ly \-'brā-siŋ-lē\ adverb

embrace
n. 1 : a close encircling with the arms and pressure to the chest especially as a sign of affection : HUG
2 : GRIP, ENCIRCLEMENT <in the embrace of terror>
3 : ACCEPTANCE <her embrace of new ideas>

embraceor
n. : one guilty of embracery

embracery
n. : an attempt to influence a jury corruptly

embracive
1 : disposed to embrace
2 : INCLUSIVE, COMPREHENSIVE

embrangle
v. : EMBROIL
–em·bran·gle·ment \-gəl-mənt\ noun

embrasure
n. 1 : an opening with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of a fortification usually for allowing the firing of cannon
2 : a recess of a door or window

embrittle
v. transitive verb : to make brittle
intransitive verb : to become brittle
–em·brit·tle·ment \-'bri-təl-mənt\ noun

embrocation
n. : LINIMENT

embroider
v. transitive verb
1 a : to ornament with needlework b : to form with needlework
2 : to elaborate on : EMBELLISH <embroider a story>
intransitive verb
1 : to make embroidery
2 : to provide embellishments : ELABORATE
–em·broi·der·er \-'brȯi-dər-ər\ noun

embroidery
n. 1 a : the art or process of forming decorative designs with hand or machine needlework b : a design or decoration formed by or as if by embroidery c : an object decorated with embroidery
2 : elaboration by use of decorative and often fictitious detail
3 : something pleasing or desirable but unimportant <considered the humanities mere educational embroidery>

embroil
v. 1 : to throw into disorder or confusion
2 : to involve in conflict or difficulties <a program embroiled in controversy>
–em·broil·ment \-mənt\ noun

embrown
v. 1 : DARKEN
2 : to cause to turn brown

embrue
variant of imbrue

embry
: embryo <embryogeny>

embryo
n. 1 a archaic : a vertebrate at any stage of development prior to birth or hatching b : an animal in the early stages of growth and differentiation that are characterized by cleavage, the laying down of fundamental tissues, and the formation of primitive organs and organ systems especially : the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception
2 : the young sporophyte of a seed plant usually comprising a rudimentary plant with plumule, radicle, and cotyledons
3 a : something as yet undeveloped b : a beginning or undeveloped state of something <productions seen in embryo during their out-of-town tryout period ― Henry Hewes>

embryo
n. embryo sac
embryo transfer
embryo transplant

embryo sac
: the female gametophyte of a seed plant consisting of a thin-walled sac within the nucellus that contains the egg nucleus and other nuclei which give rise to endosperm on fertilization

embryo transfer
: a procedure used especially in animal breeding in which an embryo from a superovulated female is removed and reimplanted in the uterus of another female ― called also embryo transplant

embryogenesis
n. : the formation and development of the embryo
–em·bryo·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

embryogeny
n. : EMBRYOGENESIS
–em·bryo·gen·ic \-brē-ō-'je-nik\ adjective

embryoid
adj. : a mass of plant or animal tissue that resembles an embryo
–embryoid adjective

embryology
n. 1 : a branch of biology dealing with embryos and their development
2 : the features and phenomena exhibited in the formation and development of an embryo
–em·bry·o·log·i·cal \-brē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–em·bry·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–em·bry·ol·o·gist \-brē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

embryon
: embryo <embryonic>

embryonal
adj. : EMBRYONIC 1

embryonated
: having an embryo

embryonic
adj. 1 : of or relating to an embryo
2 : being in an early stage of development : INCIPIENT, RUDIMENTARY <an embryonic plan>
–em·bry·on·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

embryonic
adj. embryonic disk
embryonic shield
embryonic membrane

embryonic disk
1 a : BLASTODISC b : BLASTODERM
2 : the part of the inner cell mass of a blastocyst from which the embryo of a placental mammal develops ― called also embryonic shield

embryonic membrane
: a structure (as the amnion) that derives from the fertilized ovum but does not form a part of the embryo

embryophyte
: any of a subkingdom (Embryophyta) of plants in which the embryo is retained within maternal tissue and which include the bryophytes and tracheophytes

emcee
n. : MASTER OF CEREMONIES

emcee
n. transitive verb : to act as master of ceremonies of <emcee an awards dinner>
intransitive verb : to act as master of ceremonies

Emden
city & port NW Germany at mouth of Ems River pop 51,103

eme
: significantly distinctive unit of language structure <taxeme>

emend
v. : to correct usually by textual alterations <emended the manuscript>
synonyms see CORRECT
–emend·able \-'men-də-bəl\ adjective
–emend·er noun

emendation
n. 1 : the act or practice of emending
2 : an alteration designed to correct or improve

emer
emeritus

emerald
n. 1 : a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone
2 : any of various green gemstones (as synthetic corundum or demantoid)

emerald
n. : brightly or richly green

emerald cut
: a rectangular cut for a gem having a series of parallel facets on each side and at each corner

emerald green
1 : a clear bright green resembling that of the emerald
2 : any of various strong greens

emerge
v. 1 : to become manifest : become known <new problems emerged>
2 : to rise from or as if from an enveloping fluid : come out into view <a diver emerging from the water>
3 : to rise from an obscure or inferior position or condition <someone must emerge as a leader>
4 : to come into being through evolution

emergence
n. 1 : the act or an instance of emerging
2 : any of various superficial outgrowths of plant tissue usually formed from both epidermis and immediately underlying tissues
3 : penetration of the soil surface by a newly germinated plant

emergency
n. 1 : an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2 : an urgent need for assistance or relief <the governor declared a state of emergency after the flood>
synonyms see JUNCTURE

emergency
n. emergency brake
emergency medical technician
emergency medicine
emergency room

emergency brake
: a brake (as on an automobile) that can be used for stopping in the event of failure of the main brakes and to keep the vehicle from rolling when parked

emergency medical technician
: EMT

emergency medicine
: a medical specialty concerned with the care and treatment of acutely ill or injured patients who need immediate medical attention

emergency room
: a hospital room or area staffed and equipped for the reception and treatment of persons requiring immediate medical care

emergent
adj. 1 a : arising unexpectedly b : calling for prompt action : URGENT <emergent danger>
2 a : rising out of or as if out of a fluid <emergent coastal islands> b : rooted in shallow water and having most of its vegetative growth above water <an emergent plant>
3 : arising as a natural or logical consequence
4 : newly formed or prominent <emergent nations>

emergent
adj. 1 : something emergent
2 a : a tree that rises above the surrounding forest b : an emergent plant

emergent evolution
: evolution that according to some theories involves the appearance of new characters and qualities at complex levels of organization (as the cell or organism) which cannot be predicted solely from the study of less complex levels (as the atom or molecule) ― compare CREATIVE EVOLUTION

emerging
adj. : EMERGENT 4 <emerging nations> <an emerging artist>

emerita
: EMERITUS ― used of a woman <Professor Emerita Mary Smith>

emeritus
adj. : one retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held

emeritus
adj. 1 : holding after retirement an honorary title corresponding to that held last during active service
2 : retired from an office or position <professor emeritus> ― converted to emeriti after a plural <professors emeriti>

emersed
adj. : standing out of or rising above a surface (as of a fluid) <emersed aquatic weeds>

emersion
n. : an act of emerging : EMERGENCE

Emerson
n. Ralph Waldo 1803-1882 American essayist & poet
–Em·er·so·nian \ˌe-mər-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

emery
n. : a dark granular mineral that consists of corundum with iron oxide impurities (as magnetite) and is used as an abrasive also : a hard abrasive powder

emery board
: a cardboard nail file covered with emery

Emesa
― see HOMS

emesis
n. : an act or instance of vomiting

emetic
n. : an agent that induces vomiting
–emetic adjective
–emet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

emetine
n. : an emetic alkaloid C_29H_40N_2O_4 extracted from ipecac root and used especially to treat amebiasis

emeute
: UPRISING

EMF
electromagnetic field

emf
: POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

EMG
electromyogram; electromyograph; electromyography

emia
1 : condition of having (such) blood <leukemia>
2 : condition of having (a specified thing) in the blood <uremia>

emic
: of, relating to, or involving analysis of cultural phenomena from the perspective of one who participates in the culture being studied ― compare ETIC

emigrant
n. 1 : one who emigrates
2 : a migrant plant or animal

emigrant
n. : departing or having departed from a country to settle elsewhere

emigrate
v. : to leave one's place of residence or country to live elsewhere <emigrated from Canada to the United States>
–em·i·gra·tion \ˌe-mə-'grā-shən\ noun

emigre
n. : EMIGRANT especially : a person who emigrates for political reasons

Emilia
n. 1 district N Italy comprising the W part of Emilia-Romagna region
2 ― see EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Emilia-Romagna
region N Italy bounded by the Po, the Adriatic, & the Apennines capital Bologna area 8543 sq mi (22,126 sq km), pop 4,008,663

eminence
n. 1 : a position of prominence or superiority
2 : one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: as a : an anatomical protuberance (as on a bone) b : a person of high rank or attainments ― often used as a title for a cardinal c : a natural elevation

eminence grise
1 : a confidential agent especially : one exercising unsuspected or unofficial power
2 : a respected authority specifically : ELDER STATESMAN <the éminence grise of classical music>

eminency
n. archaic : EMINENCE

eminent
adj. 1 : standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted : CONSPICUOUS
2 : jutting out : PROJECTING
3 : exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position : PROMINENT
synonyms see FAMOUS

eminent domain
: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction

eminently
adv. : to a high degree : VERY <eminently worthy> <an eminently sensible plan>

emir
n. : a ruler, chief, or commander in Islamic countries

emirate
n. : the state or jurisdiction of an emir

emissary
n. 1 : one designated as the agent of another : REPRESENTATIVE
2 : a secret agent

emission
n. 1 a : an act or instance of emitting : EMANATION b archaic : PUBLICATION c : a putting into circulation
2 a : something sent forth by emitting: as (1) : electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body (2) usually plural : substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine) b : EFFLUVIUM
–emis·sive \-'mi-siv\ adjective

emissivity
n. : the relative power of a surface to emit heat by radiation : the ratio of the radiant energy emitted by a surface to that emitted by a blackbody at the same temperature

emit
v. 1 a : to throw or give off or out (as light or heat) b : to send out : EJECT
2 a : to issue with authority especially : to put (as money) into circulation b obsolete : PUBLISH
3 : to give utterance or voice to <emitted a groan>
–emit·ter noun

emittance
n. 1 : the energy radiated by the surface of a body per second per unit area
2 : EMISSIVITY

Emmanuel
n. variant of immanuel

Emmanuel
n. Victor Emmanuel
Victor Emmanuel I
Victor Emmanuel II
Victor Emmanuel III

Emme
river ab 50 mi (80 km) cen Switzerland in E Bern canton

Emmen
commune NE Netherlands pop 108,367

emmenagogue
n. : an agent that promotes the menstrual discharge

Emmentaler
: SWISS CHEESE

emmer
n. : an ancient tetraploid wheat (Triticum dicoccum) that has spikelets with two hard red kernels which remain in the glumes after threshing and that has been cultivated especially in southwest Asia, northeast Africa, and Europe

Emmet
n. Robert 1778-1803 Irish nationalist & rebel

emmet
n. chiefly dialect : ANT

Emmy
n. : a statuette awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in television

emodin
n. : an orange crystalline phenolic compound C_15H_10O_5 that is obtained from plants (as rhubarb and cascara buckthorn) and is used as a laxative

emollient
n. 1 : making soft or supple also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane <an emollient hand lotion>
2 : making less intense or harsh : MOLLIFYING <soothe us in our agonies with emollient words ― H. L. Mencken>

emollient
n. : something that softens or soothes

emolument
n. 1 : the returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites
2 archaic : ADVANTAGE

emote
v. : to give expression to emotion especially in acting
–emot·er \-'mō-tər\ noun

emoticon
n. : a group of keyboard characters (as :-)) that typically represents a facial expression or suggests an attitude or emotion and that is used especially in computerized communications (as e-mail)

emotion
n. 1 a obsolete : DISTURBANCE b : EXCITEMENT
2 a : the affective aspect of consciousness : FEELING b : a state of feeling c : a conscious mental reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body
synonyms see FEELING

emotional
adj. 1 : of or relating to emotion <an emotional disorder>
2 : dominated by or prone to emotion <an emotional person>
3 : appealing to or arousing emotion <an emotional sermon>
4 : markedly aroused or agitated in feeling or sensibilities <gets emotional at weddings>
–emo·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌmō-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–emo·tion·al·ly \-'mō-shnə-lē, -shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

emotionalism
n. 1 : a tendency to regard things emotionally
2 : undue indulgence in or display of emotion

emotionalist
n. 1 : one who bases a theory or policy on an emotional conviction
2 : one prone to emotionalism
–emo·tion·al·is·tic \-ˌmō-shnə-'lis-tik, -shə-nə-'lis-\ adjective

emotionalize
v. : to give an emotional quality to

emotionless
adj. : showing, having, or expressing no emotion <an emotionless stare>
–emo·tion·less·ness noun
–emo·tion·less·ly adverb

emotive
adj. 1 : of or relating to the emotions
2 : appealing to or expressing emotion <the emotive use of language>
–emo·tive·ly adverb
–emo·tiv·i·ty \i-ˌmō-'ti-və-tē, ˌē-ˌmō-\ noun

EMP
electromagnetic pulse

emp
emperor; empress

empanada
n. : a turnover with a sweet or savory filling

empanel
v. variant of impanel

empathetic
adj. : involving, eliciting, characterized by, or based on empathy
–em·pa·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

empathic
adj. : EMPATHETIC
–em·path·ic·al·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

empathise
v. British variant of empathize

empathize
v. : to experience empathy <empathized with his son's fears>
–em·pa·thiz·er \-ˌthī-zər\ noun

empathy
n. 1 : the imaginative projection of a subjective state into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it
2 : the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner also : the capacity for this

Empedocles
ca 490-430 B.C. Greek philos. & statesman

empennage
n. : the tail assembly of an airplane

emperor
n. : the sovereign or supreme male monarch of an empire
–em·per·or·ship \-ˌship\ noun

emperor penguin
: a penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) that is the largest known and that is noted for the male's habit of incubating the egg between the feet and a fold of abdominal skin resembling a pouch ― called also emperor

empery
: wide dominion : EMPIRE

emphasis
n. 1 a : force or intensity of expression that gives impressiveness or importance to something b : a particular prominence given in reading or speaking to one or more words or syllables
2 : special consideration of or stress or insistence on something

emphasise
v. British variant of emphasize

emphasize
v. : to place emphasis on : STRESS <emphasized the need for reform>

emphatic
adj. 1 : uttered with or marked by emphasis <an emphatic refusal>
2 : tending to express oneself in forceful speech or to take decisive action
3 : attracting special attention
4 : constituting or belonging to a set of tense forms in English consisting of the auxiliary do followed by an infinitive without to that are used to facilitate rhetorical inversion or to emphasize something
–em·phat·i·cal·ly \-'fa-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

emphysema
n. : a condition characterized by air-filled expansions of body tissues specifically : a condition of the lung marked by abnormal enlargement of the alveoli with loss of pulmonary elasticity that is characterized especially by shortness of breath and may lead to impairment of heart action
–em·phy·se·ma·tous \-'ze-mə-təs, -'se-, -'zē-, -'sē-\ adjective
–em·phy·se·mic \-'zē-mik, -'sē-\ adjective

Empire
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a style (as of clothing or furniture) popular in early 19th century France

empire
n. 1 a (1) : a major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority especially : one having an emperor as chief of state (2) : the territory of such a political unit b : something resembling a political empire especially : an extensive territory or enterprise under single domination or control
2 : imperial sovereignty, rule, or dominion
3 capitalized [Empire State, nickname for New York] : a juicy apple with dark red skin that is a cross between a McIntosh apple and a Red Delicious apple

empire
n. Empire Day
Holy Roman Empire
Second Empire
British Empire
Celestial Empire
Inland Empire
Ottoman Empire
Central African Empire

Empire Day
: COMMONWEALTH DAY ― used before the official adoption of Commonwealth Day in 1958

empiric
adj. 1 : CHARLATAN 2
2 : one who relies on practical experience

empirical
adj. 1 : originating in or based on observation or experience <empirical data>
2 : relying on experience or observation alone often without due regard for system and theory <an empirical basis for the theory>
3 : capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment <empirical laws>
4 : of or relating to empiricism
–em·pir·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

empirical formula
: a chemical formula showing the simplest ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms in the molecule <CH_2O is the empirical formula for glucose>

empiricism
n. 1 a : a former school of medical practice founded on experience without the aid of science or theory b : QUACKERY, CHARLATANRY
2 a : the practice of relying on observation and experiment especially in the natural sciences b : a tenet arrived at empirically
3 : a theory that all knowledge originates in experience
–em·pir·i·cist \-sist\ noun

emplace
v. : to put into position <missiles emplaced around the city>

emplacement
n. 1 : the situation or location of something
2 : a prepared position for weapons or military equipment <radar emplacements>
3 : a putting into position : PLACEMENT

emplane
v. variant of enplane

employ
v. 1 a : to make use of (someone or something inactive) <employ a pen for sketching> b : to use (as time) advantageously <a job that employed her skills> c (1) : to use or engage the services of (2) : to provide with a job that pays wages or a salary <a company that employs fifty>
2 : to devote to or direct toward a particular activity or person <employed all her energies to help the poor>
synonyms see USE
–em·ploy·er noun

employ
v. 1 a : USE, PURPOSE b : OCCUPATION, JOB
2 : the state of being employed <in the city's employ>

employable
adj. : capable of being employed
–em·ploy·abil·i·ty \-ˌplȯi-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

employable
adj. : one who is employable

employee
n. : one employed by another usually for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level

employment
n. 1 : USE, PURPOSE
2 a : activity in which one engages or is employed <seeking gainful employment> b : an instance of such activity
3 : the act of employing : the state of being employed <employment of a pen in sketching>
synonyms see WORK

employment agency
: an agency whose business is to find jobs for people seeking them or to find people to fill jobs that are open

empoison
v. 1 archaic : POISON
2 : EMBITTER <a look of empoisoned acceptance ― Saul Bellow>
–em·poi·son·ment \-mənt\ noun

Emporia
n. city E cen Kans. pop 26,760

emporium
n. 1 a : a place of trade especially : a commercial center b : a retail outlet <a hardware emporium> <a pizza emporium>
2 : a store carrying many different kinds of merchandise

empower
v. 1 : to give official authority or legal power to <empowered her attorney to act on her behalf>
2 : ENABLE 1A
3 : to promote the self-actualization or influence of <women's movement has been inspiring and empowering women ― Ron Hansen>
–em·pow·er·ment \-mənt\ noun

empress
n. 1 : the wife or widow of an emperor
2 : a woman who is the sovereign or supreme monarch of an empire

empressement
: demonstrative warmth or cordiality

emprise
n. : an adventurous, daring, or chivalric enterprise

empty
n. 1 a : containing nothing <empty shelves> b : not occupied or inhabited <an empty building> c : UNFREQUENTED d : not pregnant <empty heifer> e : NULL 4A <the empty set>
2 a : lacking reality, substance, meaning, or value : HOLLOW <an empty pleasure> b : destitute of effect or force <an empty threat> c : devoid of sense : FOOLISH
3 : HUNGRY
4 a : IDLE <empty hours> b : having no purpose or result : USELESS
5 : marked by the absence of human life, activity, or comfort <an empty silence>
–emp·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–emp·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun
synonyms EMPTY, VACANT, BLANK, VOID, VACUOUS mean lacking contents which could or should be present. EMPTY suggests a complete absence of contents <an empty bucket>. VACANT suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants <a vacant apartment>. BLANK stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface <a blank wall>. VOID suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine <a statement void of meaning>. VACUOUS suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance <a vacuous facial expression>. synonym see in addition VAIN

empty
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make empty : remove the contents of <empty a purse> b : DEPRIVE, DIVEST <a phrase emptied of all meaning> c : to discharge (itself) of contents d : to fire (a repeating firearm) until empty
2 : to remove from what holds or encloses <empty the grain from sacks>
intransitive verb
1 : to become empty <the theater emptied quickly>
2 : to discharge contents <the river empties into the ocean>

empty
n. : something (as a bottle or can) that is empty

empty
n. come up empty
empty calories
empty handed
empty headed
empty nester
empty nest syndrome
Empty Quarter

empty calories
: calories from food that supplies energy but is not nutritionally balanced

empty nester
: a parent whose children have grown and moved away from home

Empty Quarter
RUB' AL-KHALI

empty-handed
1 : having or bringing nothing
2 : having acquired or gained nothing <came back empty-handed>

empty-headed
: VACUOUS 2

empty-nest syndrome
: an emotional letdown often experienced by an empty nester

empurple
v. transitive verb : to tinge or color purple
intransitive verb : to become purple

empyema
n. : the presence of pus in a bodily cavity
–em·py·emic \-mik\ adjective

empyreal
n. 1 : of or relating to the empyrean : CELESTIAL
2 : SUBLIME

empyrean
n. : EMPYREAL

empyrean
n. 1 a : the highest heaven or heavenly sphere in ancient and medieval cosmology usually consisting of fire or light b : the true and ultimate heavenly paradise
2 : FIRMAMENT, HEAVENS
3 : an ideal place or state

EMS
n. emergency medical service; emergency medical services

Ems
n. 1 river 231 mi (372 km) NW Germany flowing N into North Sea
2 or Bad Ems \ˌbät-\ town W Germany SE of Koblenz pop 10,358

EMT
: a specially trained medical technician certified to provide basic emergency services (as cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before and during transportation to a hospital ― compare PARAMEDIC 2

emu
n. : a swift-running Australian ratite bird (Dromaius novae-hollandiae) with undeveloped wings that is smaller than the ostrich

emu
n. electromagnetic unit

emulate
v. 1 a : to strive to equal or excel b : IMITATE especially : to imitate by means of an emulator
2 : to equal or approach equality with

emulate
v. obsolete : EMULOUS 1B <pricked on by a most emulate pride ― Shakespeare>

emulation
n. 1 obsolete : ambitious or envious rivalry
2 : ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others (as in achievement)
3 a : IMITATION b : the use of or technique of using an emulator
–em·u·la·tive \'em-yə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–em·u·la·tive·ly adverb

emulator
n. 1 : one that emulates
2 : hardware or software that permits programs written for one computer to be run on another computer

emulous
adj. 1 a : inspired by or deriving from a desire to emulate b : ambitious or eager to emulate
2 obsolete : JEALOUS
–em·u·lous·ly adverb
–em·u·lous·ness noun

emulsifier
n. : one that emulsifies especially : a surface-active agent (as a soap) promoting the formation and stabilization of an emulsion

emulsify
v. : to disperse (as an oil) in an emulsion also : to convert (two or more immiscible liquids) into an emulsion
–emul·si·fi·able \i-'məl-sə-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–emul·si·fi·ca·tion \i-ˌməl-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

emulsion
n. 1 a : a system (as fat in milk) consisting of a liquid dispersed with or without an emulsifier in an immiscible liquid usually in droplets of larger than colloidal size b : the state of such a system
2 : SUSPENSION 2B(3) especially : a suspension of a sensitive silver salt or a mixture of silver halides in a viscous medium (as a gelatin solution) forming a coating on photographic plates, film, or paper

en
1 : the width of a piece of type half the width of an em
2 : the letter n

en
1 : put into or onto <enthrone> : cover with <enshroud> : go into or onto <enplane> ― in verbs formed from nouns
2 : cause to be <enslave> ― in verbs formed from adjectives or nouns
3 : provide with <empower> ― in verbs formed from nouns
4 : so as to cover <enwrap> : thoroughly <entangle> ― in verbs formed from verbs ― in all senses usually em- before b, m, or p

en
: in : within <enzootic> ― usually em- before b, m, or p <empathy>

en
: made of : consisting of <earthen> <leathern>

en
1 a : cause to be <sharpen> b : cause to have <lengthen>
2 a : come to be <steepen> b : come to have <lengthen>

en
Châlons en Champagne
Crécy en Ponthieu
de haut en bas
en banc
en bloc
en brochette
en clair
en masse
en passant
en prise
en route
en suite
mise en scene
mise en scènes
mise en scène
chateau en Espagne
château en Espagne
de mal en pis
en ami
en effet
en famille
en garcon
en garçon
en garde
en pantoufles
en plein air
en plein jour
en poste
en regle
en règle
en retard
en retraite
en revanche
en secondes noces
metteur en scene
metteur en scène
mise en abyme
mise en abîme
mise en page
Chou En lai
Aix en Provence
Saint Germain en Laye

en ami
: as a friend

en banc
: in full court : with full judiciary authority

en bloc
: as a whole : in a mass

en brochette
of food : cooked or served on a skewer <shrimp en brochette>

en clair
: in plain language <a message sent en clair>

en effet
: in fact : indeed

en famille
: in or with one's family : at home : informally

en garcon
: as or like a bachelor

en garde
: on guard

en masse
: in a body : as a whole <moved the inmates en masse to the new prison>

en pantoufles
: in slippers : at ease : informally

en passant
1 : in passing
2 ― used in chess of the capture of a pawn as it makes a first move of two squares by an enemy pawn that threatens the first of these squares

en plein air
: in the open air

en plein jour
: in broad day

en poste
: in a diplomatic post

en prise
of a chess piece : exposed to capture

en regle
: in order : in due form

en retard
: behind time : late

en retraite
: in retreat : in retirement

en revanche
: in return : in compensation

en route
: on or along the way <he reads en route> <arrived early despite en route delays>

en secondes noces
: in a second marriage

en suite
: so as to form a suite : CONNECTED <bathroom en suite> also : so as to make a matching set

enable
v. 1 a : to provide with the means or opportunity <training that enables people to earn a living> b : to make possible, practical, or easy <a deal that would enable passage of a new law> c : to cause to operate <software that enables the keyboard>
2 : to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to <a law enabling admission of a state>

enabler
n. : one that enables another to achieve an end especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior

enact
v. 1 : to establish by legal and authoritative act specifically : to make (as a bill) into law
2 : ACT OUT <enact a role>
–en·ac·tor \-'nak-tər\ noun

enactment
n. 1 : the act of enacting : the state of being enacted
2 : something (as a law) that has been enacted

enalapril
: an antihypertensive drug C_20H_28N_2O_5 that is an ACE inhibitor administered orally in the form of its maleate

enamel
1 : to cover, inlay, or decorate with enamel
2 : to beautify with a colorful surface
3 : to form a glossy surface on (as paper, leather, or cloth)
–enam·el·er noun
–enam·el·ist \-mə-list\ noun

enamel
n. 1 : a usually opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal, glass, or pottery
2 : a surface or outer covering that resembles enamel
3 a : something that is enameled b : ENAMELWARE
4 : a cosmetic intended to give a smooth or glossy appearance
5 : a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth ― see TOOTH illustration
6 : a paint that flows out to a smooth coat when applied and that dries with a glossy appearance

enamelware
n. : metalware (as kitchen utensils) coated with enamel

enamine
: an amine containing the double bond linkage C=C–N

enamor
v. 1 : to inflame with love ― usually used in the passive with of
2 : to cause to feel a strong or excessive interest or fascination ― usually used in the passive with of or with <baseball fans enamored of statistics>

enamour
v. chiefly British variant of enamor

enantiomer
n. : either of a pair of chemical compounds whose molecular structures have a nonsuperimposable mirror-image relationship to each other ― compare DIASTEREOMER
–en·an·tio·mer·ic \-ˌnan-tē-ə-'mer-ik\ adjective

enantiomorph
n. 1 : ENANTIOMER
2 : either of a pair of crystals (as of quartz) that are structural mirror images
–en·an·tio·mor·phic \-ˌnan-tē-ə-'mȯr-fik\ adjective
–en·an·tio·mor·phism \-'mȯr-ˌfi-zəm\ noun
–en·an·tio·mor·phous \-'mȯr-fəs\ adjective

enation
n. : an outgrowth from the surface of an organ <a plant virus causing enations on leaves>

enc
n. enclosure

encaenia
n. : an annual university ceremony (as at Oxford) of commemoration with recital of poems and essays and conferring of degrees

encage
v. : CAGE 1

encamp
v. : to set up or occupy a camp
transitive verb : to place or establish in a camp

encampment
n. 1 a : the place where a group (as a body of troops) is encamped b : the individuals that make up an encampment
2 : the act of encamping : the state of being encamped

encapsulate
v. transitive verb
1 : to enclose in or as if in a capsule <a pilot encapsulated in the cockpit>
2 : EPITOMIZE, SUMMARIZE <encapsulate an era in an aphorism>
intransitive verb : to become encapsulated
–en·cap·su·la·tion \-ˌkap-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

encapsulated
adj. 1 : surrounded by a gelatinous or membranous envelope <encapsulated water bacteria>
2 : CONDENSED

encapsule
v. : ENCAPSULATE

encase
v. : to enclose in or as if in a case

encasement
n. : the act or process of encasing : the state of being encased also : CASE, COVERING

encash
v. British : CASH
–en·cash·able \-'ka-shə-bəl\ adjective chiefly British
–en·cash·ment \-mənt\ noun chiefly British

encaustic
n. : a paint made from pigment mixed with melted beeswax and resin and after application fixed by heat also : the method involving the use of encaustic or a work produced by this method
–encaustic adjective

ence
1 : action or process <emergence> : instance of an action or process <reference>
2 : quality or state <despondence>

enceinte
n. : PREGNANT 4

enceinte
n. : a line of fortification enclosing a castle or town also : the area so enclosed

encephal
: brain <encephalitis> <encephalomyocarditis>

encephalitis
n. : inflammation of the brain
–en·ceph·a·lit·ic \-'li-tik\ adjective

encephalitis
n. equine encephalitis
Saint Louis encephalitis
West Nile encephalitis

encephalitogenic
adj. : tending to cause encephalitis <an encephalitogenic virus>
–en·ceph·a·li·to·gen \-'lī-tə-jən, -ˌjen\ noun

encephalogram
n. : an X-ray picture of the brain made by encephalography

encephalograph
n. 1 : ENCEPHALOGRAM
2 : ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPH

encephalography
n. : radiography of the brain after the cerebrospinal fluid has been replaced by a gas (as air)

encephalomyelitis
n. : concurrent inflammation of the brain and spinal cord specifically : EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

encephalomyocarditis
: an acute febrile disease especially of swine and some nonhuman primates caused by a picornavirus (species Encephalomyocarditis virus of the genus Cardiovirus) and marked by degeneration and inflammation of skeletal and cardiac muscle and lesions of the central nervous system

encephalon
n. : the vertebrate brain

encephalopathy
n. : a disease of the brain especially : one involving alterations of brain structure
–en·ceph·a·lo·path·ic \-lə-'pa-thik\ adjective

enchain
v. : to bind or hold with or as if with chains
–en·chain·ment \-mənt\ noun

enchant
v. 1 : to influence by or as if by charms and incantation : BEWITCH
2 : to attract and move deeply : rouse to ecstatic admiration <the scene enchanted her to the point of tears ― Elinor Wylie>
synonyms see ATTRACT

Enchanted Mesa
sandstone butte W N.Mex. NE of Acoma

enchanter
n. : one that enchants especially : SORCERER

enchanting
adj. : CHARMING <an enchanting smile>
–en·chant·ing·ly adverb

enchantment
n. 1 a : the act or art of enchanting b : the quality or state of being enchanted
2 : something that enchants <the enchantments of sailing>

enchantress
n. 1 : a woman who practices magic : SORCERESS
2 : a fascinating or beautiful woman

enchase
v. 1 : ORNAMENT: as a : to cut or carve in relief b : INLAY
2 : SET <enchase a gem>

enchilada
n. 1 : a usually corn tortilla rolled around a savory mixture, covered with chili sauce, and usually baked
2 : SCHMEAR, BALL OF WAX <the whole enchilada>

enchiridion
n. : HANDBOOK, MANUAL

enchyma
: cellular tissue <collenchyma>

Encinitas
city S Calif. on coast N of San Diego pop 58,014

encipher
v. : to convert (a message) into cipher
–en·ci·pher·er \-fər-ər\ noun
–en·ci·pher·ment \-fər-mənt\ noun

encircle
v. 1 : to form a circle around : SURROUND
2 : to pass completely around
–en·cir·cle·ment \-mənt\ noun

enclasp
v. : to seize and hold : EMBRACE

enclave
n. : a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory <ethnic enclaves>

enclitic
n. : a clitic that is associated with a preceding word
–enclitic adjective

enclose
v. 1 a (1) : to close in : SURROUND <enclose a porch with glass> (2) : to fence off (common land) for individual use b : to hold in : CONFINE
2 : to include along with something else in a parcel or envelope <a check is enclosed herewith>

enclosure
n. 1 : the act or action of enclosing : the quality or state of being enclosed
2 : something that encloses
3 : something enclosed <a letter with two enclosures>

encode
v. 1 a : to convert (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another especially : to convert (a message) into code b : to convey symbolically <the capacity of poetry to encode ideology ― J. D. Niles>
2 : to specify the genetic code for
–en·cod·er noun

encomiast
n. : one that praises : EULOGIST
–en·co·mi·as·tic \-ˌkō-mē-'as-tik\ adjective

encomium
n. : glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise also : an expression of this
synonyms ENCOMIUM, EULOGY, PANEGYRIC, TRIBUTE, CITATION mean a formal expression of praise. ENCOMIUM implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing <received encomiums from literary critics>. EULOGY applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person <delivered the eulogy at the funeral service>. PANEGYRIC suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment <her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor>. TRIBUTE implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act <the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters>. CITATION applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree <earned a citation for bravery>.

encompass
v. 1 a : to form a circle about : ENCLOSE b obsolete : to go completely around
2 a : ENVELOP b : INCLUDE, COMPREHEND <a plan that encompasses a number of aims>
3 : BRING ABOUT, ACCOMPLISH <encompass a task>
–en·com·pass·ment \-pə-smənt\ noun

encore
n. 1 : a demand for repetition or reappearance made by an audience
2 a : a reappearance or additional performance demanded by an audience b : a second achievement especially that surpasses the first
–encore verb

encounter
n. transitive verb
1 a : to meet as an adversary or enemy b : to engage in conflict with
2 : to come upon face-to-face
3 : to come upon or experience especially unexpectedly <encounter difficulties>
intransitive verb : to meet especially by chance

encounter
n. 1 : a meeting between hostile factions or persons : a sudden often violent clash <an encounter between the police and demonstrators>
2 a : a chance meeting <an accidental encounter> b : a particular kind of meeting or experience with another person <a romantic encounter>
3 : a coming into the vicinity of a celestial body <the Martian encounter of a spacecraft>

encounter group
: a usually unstructured group that seeks to develop the capacity of the individual to express feelings and to form emotional ties by unrestrained confrontation of individuals

encourage
v. 1 a : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : HEARTEN <she was encouraged to continue by her early success> b : to attempt to persuade : URGE <they encouraged him to go back to school>
2 : to spur on : STIMULATE <warm weather encourages plant growth>
3 : to give help or patronage to : FOSTER <government grants designed to encourage conservation>
–en·cour·ag·er noun
synonyms ENCOURAGE, INSPIRIT, HEARTEN, EMBOLDEN mean to fill with courage or strength of purpose. ENCOURAGE suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency <the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts>. INSPIRIT somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something <patriots inspirited the people to resist>. HEARTEN implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal <a hospital patient heartened by good news>. EMBOLDEN implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance <emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb>.

encouragement
n. 1 : the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged
2 : something that encourages

encouraging
adj. : giving hope or promise <encouraging news>
–en·cour·ag·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

encrimson
: to make or dye crimson

encroach
v. 1 : to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another
2 : to advance beyond the usual or proper limits <the gradually encroaching sea>
synonyms see TRESPASS
–en·croach·er noun
–en·croach·ment \-'krōch-mənt\ noun

encrust
v. transitive verb : to cover, line, or overlay with or as if with a crust
intransitive verb : to form a crust

encrustation
n. variant of incrustation

encrypt
v. 1 : ENCIPHER
2 : ENCODE 1A
–en·cryp·tion \-'krip-shən\ noun

enculturation
n. : the process by which an individual learns the traditional content of a culture and assimilates its practices and values
–en·cul·tur·ate \-'kəl-chə-ˌrāt\ verb

encumber
v. 1 : WEIGH DOWN, BURDEN <tourists encumbered by heavy luggage>
2 : to impede or hamper the function or activity of : HINDER <negotiations encumbered by a lack of trust>
3 : to burden with a legal claim (as a mortgage) <encumber an estate>

encumbrance
n. 1 : something that encumbers : IMPEDIMENT, BURDEN
2 : a claim (as a mortgage) against property

encumbrancer
n. : one that holds an encumbrance

ency
encyclopedia

ency
: quality or state <despondency>

encyclical
n. : addressed to all the individuals of a group : GENERAL

encyclical
n. : an encyclical letter specifically : a papal letter to the bishops of the church as a whole or to those in one country

encyclopaedia
n. chiefly British variant of encyclopedia, encyclopedic

encyclopedia
n. : a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject

encyclopedic
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of an encyclopedia or its methods of treating or covering a subject : COMPREHENSIVE <an encyclopedic mind> <an encyclopedic collection of armor>
–en·cy·clo·pe·di·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

encyclopedism
n. : the quality or state of being encyclopedic

encyclopedist
n. 1 : one who compiles or writes for an encyclopedia
2 often capitalized : one of the writers of a French encyclopedia (1751-80) who were identified with the Enlightenment and advocated deism and scientific rationalism

encyst
v. : to enclose in a cyst
intransitive verb : to form or become enclosed in a cyst
–en·cyst·ment \-'sis(t)-mənt\ noun

end
n. 1 a : the part of an area that lies at the boundary b (1) : a point that marks the extent of something (2) : the point where something ceases to exist <world without end> c : the extreme or last part lengthwise : TIP d : the terminal unit of something spatial that is marked off by units e : a player stationed at the extremity of a line (as in football)
2 a : cessation of a course of action, pursuit, or activity b : DEATH, DESTRUCTION c (1) : the ultimate state (2) : RESULT, ISSUE
3 : something incomplete, fragmentary, or undersized : REMNANT
4 a : an outcome worked toward : PURPOSE <the end of poetry is to be poetry ― R. P. Warren> b : the object by virtue of or for the sake of which an event takes place
5 a : a share in an undertaking <kept your end up> b : a particular operation or aspect of an undertaking or organization <the sales end of the business>
6 : something that is extreme : ULTIMATE ― used with the
7 : a period of action or turn in any of various sports events (as archery or lawn bowling)
synonyms see INTENTION
–end·ed \'en-dəd\ adjective
–in the end : AFTER ALL, ULTIMATELY <will surely succeed in the end>
–no end : EXCEEDINGLY <it pleases us no end>
–on end : without a stop or letup <it rained for days on end>

end
n. 1 a : to bring to an end b : DESTROY
2 : to make up the end of <a wedding scene ends the film>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come to an end <the meeting will end at noon> b : to reach a specified ultimate rank, situation, or place ― usually used with up <ended up as a colonel>
2 : DIE
synonyms see CLOSE

end
n. : FINAL, ULTIMATE <end results> <end markets>

end
n. dialect English : to put (grain or hay) into a barn or stack

end
n. 1 : within : inside <endoskeleton> ― compare ECT-, EXO-
2 : taking in <endothermic>

end
n. scrag end
at one's wits' end
be all and end all
bitter end
business end
closed end
dead end
on end
no end
in the end
end around
end brush
end line
end man
end organ
end plate
end point
end run
end stage
end stopped
end table
end time
end user
end zone
fag end
front end
front end load
front end loader
go off the deep end
high end
loose end
low end
open end
rear end
receiving end
split end
tag end
tail end
tight end
top end
at one's wit's end
year end
Land's End
beam ends
on her beam ends
burn the candle at both ends
make ends meet
odds and ends
play both ends against the middle
double ended
open ended
nerve ending

end around
: a football play in which an offensive end comes behind the line of scrimmage to take a handoff and attempts to carry the ball around the opposite flank

end brush
: END PLATE

end line
: a line marking an end or boundary especially of a playing area: as a : a line at either end of a football field 10 yards beyond and parallel to the goal line b : a line at either end of a court (as in basketball or tennis) perpendicular to the sidelines

end man
: a man at each end of the line of performers in a minstrel show who engages in comic repartee with the interlocutor

end organ
: a structure forming the end of a neural path and consisting of an effector or a receptor with its associated nerve terminations

end plate
: a complex terminal treelike branching of the axon of a motor neuron that contacts with a muscle fiber

end point
1 : a point marking the completion of a process or stage of a process especially : a point in a titration at which a definite effect (as a color change) is observed
2 usually end·point : either of two points or values that mark the ends of a line segment or interval also : a point that marks the end of a ray

end run
1 : a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line specifically : SWEEP 3E
2 : an evasive trick or maneuver <made an end run around the regulations>

end table
: a small table usually about the height of the arm of a chair that is used beside a larger piece of furniture (as a sofa)

end user
: the ultimate consumer of a finished product

end zone
: the area at either end of a football field between the goal line and the end line

end-run
: to avoid artfully <end-running the law>

end-stage
: being or occurring in the final stages of a terminal disease or condition <end-stage renal disease>

end-stopped
: marked by a logical or rhetorical pause at the end <an end-stopped line of verse> ― compare RUN-ON

end-time
: the time of the prophesied end of the world : ARMAGEDDON

endamage
v. : to cause loss or damage to

endanger
v. transitive verb : to bring into danger or peril <recklessly endangering innocent lives>
intransitive verb : to create a dangerous situation <driving to endanger>
–en·dan·ger·ment \-'dān-jər-mənt\ noun

endangered
adj. : being or relating to an endangered species <an endangered bird> <put on the endangered list>

endangered species
: a species threatened with extinction broadly : anyone or anything whose continued existence is threatened

Endara (Galimany)
Guillermo 1936-     pres. of Panama (1989-94)

endarch
: formed or taking place from inner cells outward <endarch xylem>

endarterectomy
n. : surgical removal of the inner layer of an artery when thickened and atheromatous or occluded (as by intimal plaques)

endbrain
n. : TELENCEPHALON

endear
v. 1 obsolete : to make higher in cost, value, or estimation
2 : to cause to become beloved or admired <her generosity has endeared her to the public>
–en·dear·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

endearment
n. 1 : a word or an act (as a caress) expressing affection
2 : the act or process of endearing

endeavor
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : to strive to achieve or reach
2 : to attempt (as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort <endeavors to finish the race>
intransitive verb : to work with set purpose
synonyms see ATTEMPT

endeavor
n. 1 : serious determined effort
2 : activity directed toward a goal : ENTERPRISE <fields of endeavor>

endeavour
n. chiefly British variant of endeavor

Endecott
John 1588-1665 colonial gov. of Massachusetts

endemic
adj. 1 a : belonging or native to a particular people or country b : characteristic of or prevalent in a particular field, area, or environment <problems endemic to translation> <the self-indulgence endemic in the film industry>
2 : restricted or peculiar to a locality or region <endemic diseases> <an endemic species>
synonyms see NATIVE
–en·dem·i·cal·ly \-'de-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–en·de·mic·i·ty \ˌen-ˌde-'mi-sə-tē, -də-'mi-\ noun
–en·de·mism \'en-də-ˌmi-zəm\ noun

endemic
adj. : an endemic organism

Enderbury
island (atoll) cen Pacific in the Phoenix Islands chain of Kiribati

endergonic
: ENDOTHERMIC 1 <an endergonic biochemical reaction>

endexine
: an inner membranous layer of the exine

endgame
n. : the stage of a chess game after major reduction of forces also : the final stage of some action or process

Endicott Mountains
mountains N Alaska, the cen part of the Brooks Range

ending
n. : something that constitutes an end: as a : CONCLUSION <a movie with a happy ending> b : one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

endive
n. 1 : an annual or biennial composite herb (Cichorium endivia) occurring in two forms: a : one having slightly bitter curly usually dissected leaves used especially in salads b : one having slightly bitter broad flat leaves used especially cooked as a vegetable ― called also escarole
2 : BELGIAN ENDIVE

endleaf
: ENDPAPER

endless
adj. 1 : being or seeming to be without end <an endless speech>
2 : extremely numerous <all the multiplied, endless, nameless iniquities ― Edmund Burke>
3 : joined at the ends <an endless chain>
–end·less·ly adverb
–end·less·ness noun

endlong
adv. archaic : LENGTHWISE

endmost
adj. : situated at the very end

endnote
n. : a note placed at the end of the text

endobiotic
adj. : dwelling within the cells or tissues of a host <endobiotic fungi>

endocardial
adj. 1 : situated within the heart
2 : of or relating to the endocardium

endocarditis
n. : inflammation of the lining of the heart and its valves

endocardium
n. : a thin serous membrane lining the cavities of the heart

endocarp
n. : the inner layer of the pericarp of a fruit (as an apple or orange) when it consists of two or more layers of different texture or consistency

endocast
: ENDOCRANIAL CAST

endochondral
adj. : relating to, formed by, or being ossification that takes place from centers arising in cartilage and involves deposition of lime salts in the cartilage matrix followed by secondary absorption and replacement by true bony tissue

endocranial cast
: a cast of the cranial cavity showing the approximate shape of the brain

endocrine
n. 1 : secreting internally specifically : producing secretions that are distributed in the body by way of the bloodstream <hormones produced by the endocrine system>
2 : of, relating to, affecting, or resembling an endocrine gland or secretion <endocrine tumors>

endocrine
n. 1 : HORMONE 1
2 : ENDOCRINE GLAND

endocrine gland
: a gland (as the thyroid or the pituitary) that produces an endocrine secretion ― called also ductless gland

endocrinologic
adj. : involving or relating to the endocrine glands or secretions or to endocrinology

endocrinology
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with the structure, function, and disorders of the endocrine glands
–en·do·cri·nol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

endocytosis
n. : incorporation of substances into a cell by phagocytosis or pinocytosis
–en·do·cy·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

endoderm
n. : the innermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of the epithelium of the digestive tract and its derivatives and of the lower respiratory tract also : a tissue derived from this germ layer
–en·do·der·mal \ˌen-də-'dər-məl\ adjective

endodermis
n. : the innermost tissue of the cortex in many roots and stems

endodontics
n. : a branch of dentistry concerned with diseases of the pulp
–end·odon·tic \-'dän-tik\ adjective
–end·odon·ti·cal·ly \-'dän-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–end·odon·tist \-'dän-tist\ noun

endoenzyme
n. : an enzyme that functions inside the cell

endoergic
: absorbing energy : ENDOTHERMIC <endoergic nuclear reactions>

endogamy
n. : marriage within a specific group as required by custom or law
–en·dog·a·mous \-məs\ adjective

endogenic
adj. 1 : of or relating to metamorphism taking place within a planet or moon
2 : ENDOGENOUS

endogenous
adj. 1 : growing or produced by growth from deep tissue <endogenous plant roots>
2 a : caused by factors inside the organism or system <suffered from endogenous depression> <endogenous business cycles> b : produced or synthesized within the organism or system <an endogenous hormone>
–en·dog·e·nous·ly adverb

endolithic
: living within or penetrating deeply into stony substances (as rocks or coral) <endolithic lichens>

endolymph
n. : the watery fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the ear
–en·do·lym·phat·ic \ˌen-də-lim-'fa-tik\ adjective

endometriosis
n. : the presence and growth of functioning endometrial tissue in places other than the uterus that often results in severe pain and infertility

endometritis
n. : inflammation of the endometrium

endometrium
n. : the mucous membrane lining the uterus
–en·do·me·tri·al \-trē-əl\ adjective

endomitosis
n. : division of chromosomes not followed by nuclear division that results in an increased number of chromosomes in the cell
–en·do·mi·tot·ic \-mī-'tä-tik\ adjective

endomixis
n. : a periodic nuclear reorganization in ciliated protozoans

endomorph
n. : an endomorphic individual

endomorphic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the massiveness of the digestive viscera and the body's degree of roundedness and softness
2 : having a heavy rounded body build often with a marked tendency to become fat
–en·do·mor·phy \'en-də-ˌmȯr-fē\ noun

endomorphism
n. : a homomorphism that maps a mathematical set into itself ― compare ISOMORPHISM

endonuclease
n. : an enzyme that breaks down a nucleotide chain into two or more shorter chains by cleaving the internal covalent bonds linking nucleotides ― compare EXONUCLEASE

endonucleolytic
: cleaving a nucleotide chain into two parts at an internal point <endonucleolytic nicks>

endoparasite
n. : a parasite that lives in the internal organs or tissues of its host
–en·do·par·a·sit·ic \-ˌpa-rə-'si-tik\ adjective
–en·do·par·a·sit·ism \-'pa-rə-ˌsī-ˌti-zəm, -sə-ˌti-\ noun

endopeptidase
n. : any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds within the long chains of protein molecules : PROTEASE ― compare EXOPEPTIDASE

endoperoxide
: any of various biosynthetic intermediates in the formation of prostaglandins

endophyte
n. : an organism (as a bacterium or fungus) living within a plant
–en·do·phyt·ic \ˌen-də-'fi-tik\ adjective

endoplasm
n. : the inner relatively fluid part of the cytoplasm
–en·do·plas·mic \ˌen-də-'plaz-mik\ adjective

endoplasmic reticulum
: a system of interconnected vesicular and lamellar cytoplasmic membranes that functions especially in the transport of materials within the cell and that is studded with ribosomes in some places ― see CELL illustration

endopolyploidy
n. : a polyploid state in which the chromosomes have divided repeatedly without subsequent division of the nucleus or cell
–en·do·poly·ploid \-ˌplȯid\ adjective

endorphin
n. : any of a group of endogenous peptides (as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (as pain relief) like those of opiates specifically : BETA-ENDORPHIN

endorse
v. 1 a : to write on the back of especially : to sign one's name as payee on the back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face b : to inscribe (one's signature) on a check, bill, or note c : to inscribe (as an official document) with a title or memorandum d : to make over to another (the value represented in a check, bill, or note) by inscribing one's name on the document e : to acknowledge receipt of (a sum specified) by one's signature on a document
2 a : to approve openly <endorse an idea> especially : to express support or approval of publicly and definitely <endorse a mayoral candidate> b : to recommend (as a product or service) usually for financial compensation <shoes endorsed by a pro basketball player>
synonyms see APPROVE
–en·dors·able \-'dȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective
–en·dors·ee \in-ˌdȯr-'sē, ˌen-\ noun
–en·dors·er \in-'dȯr-sər\ noun

endorsement
n. 1 : the act or process of endorsing
2 a : something that is written in the process of endorsing b : a provision added to an insurance contract altering its scope or application
3 : SANCTION, APPROVAL <went ahead without the endorsement of his boss>
4 : money earned from a product recommendation <made millions in salary and endorsements>

endoscope
n. : an illuminated usually fiber-optic flexible or rigid tubular instrument for visualizing the interior of a hollow organ or part (as the bladder or esophagus) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes that typically has one or more channels to enable passage of instruments (as forceps or scissors)
–en·dos·co·py \en-'däs-kə-pē\ noun

endoscopic
adj. : of, relating to, or performed by means of an endoscope or endoscopy
–en·do·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

endoskeleton
n. : an internal skeleton or supporting framework in an animal
–en·do·skel·e·tal \-lə-təl\ adjective

endosome
n. : a vesicle formed by the invagination and pinching off of the cell membrane during endocytosis

endosperm
n. : a nutritive tissue in seed plants formed within the embryo sac by division of the endosperm nucleus

endosperm nucleus
: the triploid nucleus formed in the embryo sac of a seed plant by fusion of a sperm nucleus with two polar nuclei or with a nucleus formed by the prior fusion of the polar nuclei

endospore
n. : an asexual spore developed within the cell especially in bacteria

endosteal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the endosteum
2 : located within bone or cartilage
–end·os·te·al·ly adverb

endosteum
n. : the layer of vascular connective tissue lining the medullary cavities of bone

endostyle
: a pair of parallel longitudinal folds projecting into the pharyngeal cavity in lower chordates (as the tunicates) that secrete mucus for trapping food particles

endosulfan
: a toxic crystalline chlorinated insecticide and acaricide C_9H_6Cl_6O_3S used especially on food crops

endosymbiosis
n. : symbiosis in which a symbiont dwells within the body of its symbiotic partner
–en·do·sym·bi·ont \-'sim-bī-ˌänt, -bē-\ noun
–en·do·sym·bi·ot·ic \-ˌsim-bī-'ä-tik, -bē-\ adjective

endothecium
: the inner lining of a mature anther

endothelioma
n. : a tumor developing from endothelial tissue

endothelium
n. 1 : an epithelium of mesodermal origin composed of a single layer of thin flattened cells that lines internal body cavities and the lumens of vessels
2 : the inner layer of the seed coat of some plants
–en·do·the·li·al \-lē-əl\ adjective

endotherm
n. : a warm-blooded animal

endothermic
adj. 1 : characterized by or formed with absorption of heat
2 : WARM-BLOODED

endothermy
n. : physiological generation and regulation of body temperature by metabolic means : the property or state of being warm-blooded

endotoxin
n. : a toxic heat-stable lipopolysaccharide substance present in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria that is released from the cell upon lysis
–en·do·tox·ic \-sik\ adjective

endotracheal
adj. 1 : placed within the trachea <an endotracheal tube>
2 : applied or effected through the trachea

endotrophic
of a mycorrhiza : penetrating into the associated root and ramifying between the cells ― compare ECTOTROPHIC

endow
v. 1 : to furnish with an income especially : to make a grant of money providing for the continuing support or maintenance of <endow a hospital>
2 : to furnish with a dower
3 : to provide with something freely or naturally <endowed with a good sense of humor>

endowment
n. 1 : the act or process of endowing
2 : something that is endowed specifically : the part of an institution's income derived from donations
3 : natural capacity, power, or ability <a person of great intellectual endowment>

endpaper
n. : a once-folded sheet of paper having one leaf pasted flat against the inside of the front or back cover of a book and the other pasted at the base to the first or last page

endrin
n. : a toxic chlorinated compound C_12H_8Cl_6O that is a stereoisomer of dieldrin used especially formerly as an insecticide

endue
v. 1 : PROVIDE, ENDOW <endued with the rights of a citizen>
2 : IMBUE, TRANSFUSE <a mummy again endued with animation ― Mary W. Shelley>
3 [Middle English induen; influenced by Latin induere to put on] : PUT ON, DON

endurable
adj. : capable of being endured : BEARABLE
–en·dur·ably \-blē\ adverb

endurance
n. 1 : PERMANENCE, DURATION <the endurance of the play's importance>
2 : the ability to withstand hardship or adversity especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity <a marathon runner's endurance>
3 : the act or an instance of enduring or suffering <endurance of many hardships>

endure
v. transitive verb
1 : to undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in : SUFFER <endured great pain>
2 : to regard with acceptance or tolerance <could not endure noisy children>
intransitive verb
1 : to continue in the same state : LAST <the style endured for centuries>
2 : to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding <though it is difficult, we must endure>
synonyms see BEAR, CONTINUE

enduring
adj. : LASTING, DURABLE <an enduring truth>
–en·dur·ing·ly adverb
–en·dur·ing·ness noun

enduro
n. : a long race (as for automobiles or motorcycles) stressing endurance rather than speed

endways
adv. 1 : in or toward the direction of the ends : LENGTHWISE <endways pressure>
2 : with the end forward (as toward the observer)
3 : on end : UPRIGHT <boxes set endways>

endwise
adv. : ENDWAYS

Endymion
n. : a beautiful youth loved by Selene in Greek mythology

ENE
east-northeast

ene
: unsaturated carbon compound <benzene> especially : carbon compound with one double bond <ethylene>

enema
n. 1 : the injection of liquid into the intestine by way of the anus
2 : material for injection as an enema

enemy
n. 1 : one that is antagonistic to another especially : one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent
2 : something harmful or deadly <alcohol was his greatest enemy>
3 a : a military adversary b : a hostile unit or force

energetic
adj. 1 : operating with or marked by vigor or effect
2 : marked by energy : STRENUOUS <an energetic walk>
3 : of or relating to energy <energetic equation>
synonyms see VIGOROUS
–en·er·get·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

energetics
n. 1 : a branch of mechanics that deals primarily with energy and its transformations
2 : the total energy relations and transformations of a physical, chemical, or biological system <the energetics of an ecological community>

energise
v. British variant of energize

energize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make energetic, vigorous, or active <energized by the coach's pep talk>
2 : to impart energy to <sunlight energizes the chemical reactions>
3 : to apply voltage to
intransitive verb : to put forth energy : ACT
–en·er·gi·za·tion \ˌe-nər-ˌjī-'zā-shən\ noun
–en·er·giz·er noun

energy
n. 1 a : dynamic quality <narrative energy> b : the capacity of acting or being active <intellectual energy> c : a usually positive spiritual force <the energy flowing through all people>
2 : vigorous exertion of power : EFFORT <investing time and energy>
3 : a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work
4 : usable power (as heat or electricity) also : the resources for producing such power
synonyms see POWER

energy
n. activation energy
binding energy
conservation of energy
dual energy X ray absorptiometry
energy level
energy state
high energy
high energy physics
kinetic energy
luminous energy
potential energy
radiant energy

energy level
: one of the stable states of constant energy that may be assumed by a physical system ― used especially of the quantum states of electrons in atoms and of nuclei ― called also energy state

enervate
v. : lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor : ENERVATED

enervate
1 : to reduce the mental or moral vigor of
2 : to lessen the vitality or strength of
synonyms see UNNERVE
–en·er·vat·ing·ly \-ˌvā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–en·er·va·tion \ˌe-nər-'vā-shən\ noun

Enescu
Gheorghe or George Fr Enes·co \-(ˌ)kō\ Georges 1881-1955 Romanian composer

enfant
n. enfant terrible
enfant cheri
enfant chéri
enfant gate
enfant gâté

enfant cheri
: loved or pampered child : one that is highly favored

enfant gate
: spoiled child

enfant terrible
1 a : a child whose inopportune remarks cause embarrassment b : a person known for shocking remarks or outrageous behavior
2 : a usually young and successful person who is strikingly unorthodox, innovative, or avant-garde

enfants perdus
: lost children : soldiers sent to a dangerous post

enfeeble
v. : to make feeble : deprive of strength
synonyms see WEAKEN
–en·fee·ble·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun

enfeoff
v. : to invest with a fief or fee
–en·feoff·ment \-mənt\ noun

enfetter
v. : to bind in fetters : ENCHAIN

Enfield
1 town N Conn. pop 45,212
2 borough of N Greater London, England pop 248,900

Enfield rifle
: a .30 caliber bolt-action repeating rifle used by U.S. and British troops in World War I

enfilade
n. 1 : an interconnected group of rooms arranged usually in a row with each room opening into the next
2 : gunfire directed from a flanking position along the length of an enemy battle line

enfilade
n. : to rake or be in a position to rake with gunfire in a lengthwise direction

enfin
: in conclusion : in a word

enflame
v. variant of inflame

enfleurage
: a process of extracting perfumes by exposing absorbents to the exhalations of flowers

enfold
v. 1 a : to cover with or as if with folds : ENVELOP b : to surround with a covering : CONTAIN
2 : to clasp within the arms : EMBRACE

enforce
v. 1 : to give force to : STRENGTHEN
2 : to urge with energy <enforce arguments>
3 : CONSTRAIN, COMPEL <enforce obedience>
4 obsolete : to effect or gain by force
5 : to carry out effectively <enforce laws>
–en·force·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–en·force·able \-'fȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective
–en·force·ment \-'fȯr-smənt\ noun

enforcer
n. 1 : one that enforces
2 a : a violent criminal employed by a crime syndicate especially : HIT MAN 1 b : player (as in ice hockey) known for rough play and fighting

enframe
v. : FRAME 6
–en·frame·ment \-'frām-mənt\ noun

enfranchise
v. 1 : to set free (as from slavery)
2 : to endow with a franchise: as a : to admit to the privileges of a citizen and especially to the right of suffrage b : to admit (a municipality) to political privileges or rights
–en·fran·chise·ment \-ˌchīz-mənt, -chəz-\ noun

eng
1 engine
2 engineer; engineering

Engadine
valley of upper Inn River 60 mi (96 km) long E Switzerland in Graubünden

engage
v. transitive verb
1 : to offer (as one's word) as security for a debt or cause
2 a obsolete : to entangle or entrap in or as if in a snare or bog b : to attract and hold by influence or power c : to interlock with : MESH also : to cause (mechanical parts) to mesh <engage the clutch>
3 : to bind (as oneself) to do something especially : to bind by a pledge to marry
4 a : to provide occupation for : INVOLVE <engage him in a new project> b : to arrange to obtain the use or services of : HIRE <engage a lawyer>
5 a : to hold the attention of : ENGROSS <her work engages her completely> b : to induce to participate <engaged the shy boy in conversation>
6 a : to enter into contest or battle with <engage the enemy> b : to bring together or interlock (weapons)
7 : to deal with especially at length
intransitive verb
1 a : to pledge oneself : PROMISE b : GUARANTEE <he engages for the honesty of his brother>
2 a : to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity <engaged in trade for a number of years> b : to take part : PARTICIPATE <at college she engaged in gymnastics> c : to give attention to something : DEAL <the author's unwillingness to engage with our political system ― C. E. Rosenberg>
3 : to enter into conflict or battle
4 : to come together and interlock (as of machinery parts) : be or become in gear

engage
v. : committed to or supportive of a cause

engaged
adj. 1 : involved in activity : OCCUPIED, BUSY
2 : pledged to be married : BETROTHED
3 : greatly interested : COMMITTED
4 : involved especially in a hostile encounter
5 : partly embedded in a wall <an engaged column>
6 : being in gear : MESHED

engagement
n. 1 a : an arrangement to meet or be present at a specified time and place <a dinner engagement> b : a job or period of employment especially as a performer
2 : something that engages : PLEDGE
3 a : the act of engaging : the state of being engaged b : emotional involvement or commitment <seesaws between obsessive engagement and ambiguous detachment ― Gary Taylor> c : BETROTHAL
4 : the state of being in gear
5 : a hostile encounter between military forces

engaging
adj. : tending to draw favorable attention or interest : ATTRACTIVE <an engaging smile>
–en·gag·ing·ly \-'gā-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

Engelmann spruce
: a large spruce (Picea engelmannii) of the Rocky mountain region and British Columbia that yields a light-colored wood

Engels
n. Friedrich 1820-1895 Ger. socialist

engender
v. transitive verb
1 : BEGET, PROCREATE
2 : to cause to exist or to develop : PRODUCE <policies that have engendered controversy>
intransitive verb : to assume form : ORIGINATE

engild
: to make bright with or as if with light

engine
n. 1 obsolete a : INGENUITY b : evil contrivance : WILE
2 a : something used to effect a purpose : AGENT, INSTRUMENT <mournful and terrible engine of horror and of crime ― E. A. Poe> b : something that produces a particular and usually desirable result <engines of economic growth>
3 a : a mechanical tool: as (1) : an instrument or machine of war (2) obsolete : a torture implement b : MACHINERY c : any of various mechanical appliances ― often used in combination <fire engine>
4 : a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion also : a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source <black holes may be the engines for quasars>
5 : a railroad locomotive
6 : computer software that performs a fundamental function especially of a larger program
–en·gine·less adjective

engine
n. : to equip with engines

engine
n. vernier engine
diesel engine
donkey engine
engine driver
external combustion engine
fire engine
fire engine red
heat engine
in line engine
internal combustion engine
ion engine
jet engine
pilot engine
pulse jet engine
radial engine
reciprocating engine
rotary engine
search engine
steam engine
Stirling engine
stratified charge engine
switch engine
turbojet engine
turboprop engine
V engine
Wankel engine

engine driver
British : ENGINEER 4

engineer
n. 1 : a member of a military group devoted to engineering work
2 obsolete : a crafty schemer : PLOTTER
3 a : a designer or builder of engines b : a person who is trained in or follows as a profession a branch of engineering c : a person who carries through an enterprise by skillful or artful contrivance
4 : a person who runs or supervises an engine or an apparatus

engineer
n. 1 : to lay out, construct, or manage as an engineer <engineer a bridge>
2 a : to contrive or plan out usually with more or less subtle skill and craft <engineer a business deal> b : to guide the course of <engineer a rally>
3 : to modify or produce by genetic engineering <corn engineered to resist crop pests>
synonyms see GUIDE

engineer
n. biomedical engineer
chemical engineer
civil engineer
efficiency engineer
flight engineer
genetic engineer
industrial engineer
knowledge engineer
mechanical engineer
reverse engineer
social engineer
traffic engineer
genetically engineered
pre engineered
biomedical engineering
chemical engineering
civil engineering
genetic engineering
geotechnical engineering
human engineering
industrial engineering
knowledge engineering
mechanical engineering
reverse engineering
social engineering
traffic engineering

engineering
n. 1 : the activities or function of an engineer
2 a : the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people b : the design and manufacture of complex products <software engineering>
3 : calculated manipulation or direction (as of behavior) <social engineering> ― compare GENETIC ENGINEERING

engineering
n. biomedical engineering
chemical engineering
civil engineering
genetic engineering
geotechnical engineering
human engineering
industrial engineering
knowledge engineering
mechanical engineering
reverse engineering
social engineering
traffic engineering

enginery
n. : instruments of war

engird
v. archaic : GIRD, ENCOMPASS

engirdle
v. : GIRDLE 1

England
n. 1 or Late Latin An·glia \'aŋ-glē-ə\ country S Great Britain; a division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland capital London area 50,333 sq mi (130,362 sq km), pop 49,138,831
2 England & Wales
3 UNITED KINGDOM

England
n. Church of England
New England
East Anglia

Englewood
1 city N cen Colo. S of Denver pop 31,727
2 city NE N.J. on the Hudson pop 26,203

English
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
–En·glish·ness noun

English
n. 1 a : the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control b : a particular variety of English distinguished by peculiarities (as of pronunciation) c : English language, literature, or composition when a subject of study
2 plural in construction : the people of England
3 a : an English translation b : idiomatic or intelligible English
4 : spin around the vertical axis deliberately imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled ― compare DRAW, FOLLOW, BODY ENGLISH

English
n. 1 : to translate into English
2 : to adopt into English : ANGLICIZE

English
n. English daisy
English yew
American English
Black English
Black English vernacular
body English
borough English
British English
English breakfast
English cocker spaniel
English foxhound
English holly
English horn
English ivy
English muffin
English pea
English saddle
English setter
English shepherd
English sonnet
English sparrow
English springer spaniel
English springer
English system
English toy spaniel
English walnut
Hiberno English
King's English
Middle English
New English Bible
Old English
Old English sheepdog
pidgin English
Southern English
Standard English
un English
English Channel
anti English

English breakfast
1 : a substantial breakfast (as of eggs, ham or bacon, toast, and cereal)
2 : CONGOU broadly : any similar black tea

English Channel
strait bet. S England & N France connecting North Sea & Atlantic Ocean

English cocker spaniel
: any of a breed of active friendly spaniels that have square muzzles, wide noses, and heads which are typically half muzzle and half skull with the forehead and skull arched and slightly flattened

English daisy
: DAISY 1A

English foxhound
: any of a breed of medium-sized foxhounds developed in England and characterized by a muscular body, bi- or tri-colored short coat, and lightly fringed tail

English holly
: a Eurasian holly (Ilex aquifolium) with glossy green leaves and persistent red berries that is widely planted in the U.S.

English horn
: a double-reed woodwind instrument resembling the oboe in design but having a longer tube and a range a fifth lower than that of the oboe

English ivy
: IVY 1

English muffin
: bread dough rolled and cut into rounds, baked on a griddle, and split and toasted just before eating

English pea
Southern : PEA 1A B

English saddle
: a saddle with long side bars, steel cantle and pommel, no horn, and a leather seat supported by webbing stretched between the saddlebow and cantle

English setter
: any of a breed of dogs often trained as bird dogs and characterized by a moderately long flat silky coat of white or white with color and by feathering on the tail and legs

English shepherd
: any of a breed of vigorous medium-sized working dogs with a long and glossy black coat usually with tan to brown markings that was developed in England for herding sheep and cattle

English sonnet
: a sonnet consisting of three quatrains and a couplet with a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg ― called also Shakespearean sonnet

English sparrow
: HOUSE SPARROW

English springer spaniel
: any of a breed of springer spaniels having a muscular build and a moderately long silky coat usually of black-and-white or liver and white hair ― called also English springer

English system
: the foot-pound-second system of units

English toy spaniel
: any of a breed of small blocky spaniels with well-rounded upper skull projecting forward toward the short turned-up nose

English walnut
: a Eurasian walnut (Juglans regia) with large edible nuts and hard richly figured wood also : its nut or wood

English yew
: YEW 1A(1)

Englishman
n. : a native or inhabitant of England

Englishry
: the state, fact, or quality of being English : ENGLISHNESS

Englishwoman
n. : a woman of English birth, nationality, or origin

engorge
v. transitive verb : GORGE, GLUT especially : to fill with blood to the point of congestion
intransitive verb : to suck blood to the limit of body capacity
–en·gorge·ment \-mənt\ noun

engr
1 engineer
2 engraved; engraver; engraving

engraft
v. 1 : to join or fasten as if by grafting
2 : GRAFT 1
3 : GRAFT 3
intransitive verb
1 : to become grafted and begin functioning normally <the transplanted bone marrow engrafted successfully>
–en·graft·ment \-'graf(t)-mənt\ noun

engrailed
v. 1 : indented with small concave curves <an engrailed heraldic bordure>
2 : made of or bordered by a circle of raised dots <an engrailed coin>

engrain
v. variant of ingrain, ingrained

engram
n. : a hypothetical change in neural tissue postulated in order to account for persistence of memory

engrave
v. 1 a : to impress deeply as if with a graver <the incident was engraved in his memory> b : to form by incision (as on wood or metal)
2 a : to cut figures, letters, or designs on for printing also : to print from an engraved plate <an engraved invitation> b : PHOTOENGRAVE
–en·grav·er noun

engrave
v. line engraving
steel engraving
wood engraving

engraving
n. 1 : the act or process of one that engraves
2 : something that is engraved: as a : an engraved printing surface b : engraved work
3 : an impression from an engraved printing surface

engraving
n. line engraving
steel engraving
wood engraving

engross
v. 1 a : to copy or write in a large hand b : to prepare the usually final handwritten or printed text of (an official document)
2 [Middle English, from Anglo-French engrosser, from en gros wholesale, in quantity] a : to purchase large quantities of (as for speculation) b archaic : AMASS, COLLECT c : to take or engage the whole attention of : occupy completely <ideas that have engrossed the minds of scholars for generations>
–en·gross·er noun

engrossing
n. : taking up the attention completely : ABSORBING
–en·gross·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

engrossment
n. 1 : the act of engrossing
2 : the state of being absorbed or occupied : PREOCCUPATION

engulf
v. 1 : to flow over and enclose : OVERWHELM <the mounting seas threatened to engulf the island>
2 : to take in (food) by or as if by flowing over and enclosing
–en·gulf·ment \-mənt\ noun

enhalo
: to surround with or as if with a halo <a figure enhaloed with misty light>

enhance
v. 1 obsolete : RAISE
2 : HEIGHTEN, INCREASE especially : to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness <enhanced the room with crown molding>
–en·hance·ment \-'han(t)-smənt\ noun

enhanced recovery
: the extraction of oil from a nearly exhausted well by methods more costly and complex than waterflooding alone

enhancer
n. 1 : one that enhances
2 : a nucleotide sequence that increases the rate of genetic transcription by preferentially increasing the activity of the nearest promoter on the same DNA molecule

enharmonic
adj. : of, relating to, or being notes that are written differently (as A flat and G sharp) but sound the same in the tempered scale
–en·har·mon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Enid
city N Okla. pop 47,045

enigma
n. 1 : an obscure speech or writing
2 : something hard to understand or explain
3 : an inscrutable or mysterious person
synonyms see MYSTERY

enigmatic
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : MYSTERIOUS
synonyms see OBSCURE
–enig·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

enisle
v. 1 : to place apart : ISOLATE
2 : to make an island of

Eniwetok
island (atoll) W Pacific in the NW Marshalls

enjambment
n. : the running over of a sentence from one verse or couplet into another so that closely related words fall in different lines ― compare RUN-ON

enjoin
v. 1 : to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition <enjoined us to be careful>
2 a : FORBID, PROHIBIT <was enjoined by conscience from telling a lie> b : to prohibit by a judicial order : put an injunction on <a book had been enjoined prior to publication ― David Margolick>
synonyms see COMMAND

enjoy
v. intransitive verb : to have a good time
transitive verb
1 : to have for one's use, benefit, or lot : EXPERIENCE <enjoyed great success>
2 : to take pleasure or satisfaction in
–en·joy·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–en·joy·able·ness noun
–en·joy·ably \-blē\ adverb
–en·joy·er noun
–enjoy oneself : to have a good time

enjoy oneself
to have a good time

enjoyment
n. 1 a : the action or state of enjoying b : possession and use <the enjoyment of civic rights>
2 : something that gives keen satisfaction <the poorest life has its enjoyments and pleasures>

enkephalin
n. : either of two pentapeptides with opiate and analgesic activity that occur naturally especially in the brain and have a marked affinity for opiate receptors ― compare ENDORPHIN

enkindle
v. 1 : to set (as fuel) on fire
2 : to make bright and glowing
intransitive verb : to take fire : FLAME

enl
1 enlarged
2 enlisted

enlace
v. 1 : ENCIRCLE, ENFOLD
2 : ENTWINE, INTERLACE

enlacement
n. 1 : the process or result of interlacing
2 : a pattern of interlacing elements

enlarge
v. transitive verb
1 : to make larger : EXTEND <enlarged the family fortune with new investments>
2 : to give greater scope to : EXPAND <education may enlarge one's view of the world>
3 : to set free (as a captive)
intransitive verb
1 : to grow larger
2 : to speak or write at length : ELABORATE <let me enlarge upon that point>
synonyms see INCREASE
–en·large·able \-'lär-jə-bəl\ adjective
–en·larg·er noun

enlargement
n. 1 : an act or instance of enlarging : the state of being enlarged
2 : a photographic print larger than the negative that is made by projecting the negative image through a lens onto a photographic printing surface

enlighten
v. 1 archaic : ILLUMINATE
2 a : to furnish knowledge to : INSTRUCT <enlightened us about the problem> b : to give spiritual insight to

enlightened
adj. 1 : freed from ignorance and misinformation <an enlightened people> <an enlightened time>
2 : based on full comprehension of the problems involved <issued an enlightened ruling>

enlightenment
n. 1 : the act or means of enlightening : the state of being enlightened
2 capitalized : a philosophic movement of the 18th century marked by a rejection of traditional social, religious, and political ideas and an emphasis on rationalism ― used with the
3 Buddhism : a final blessed state marked by the absence of desire or suffering

enlist
v. 1 a : to secure the support and aid of : employ in advancing an interest <enlist all the available resources> <enlisted our help> b : to win over : ATTRACT <trying to enlist my sympathies>
2 : to engage (a person) for duty in the armed forces
intransitive verb
1 : to enroll oneself in the armed forces <will enlist for three years>
2 : to participate heartily (as in a cause, drive, or crusade)
–en·list·ee \-ˌlis-'tē, -'lis-tē\ noun
–en·list·ment \-'lis(t)-mənt\ noun

enlisted
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting the part of a military or naval force below commissioned or warrant officers

enlisted man
: a man or woman in the armed forces ranking below a commissioned or warrant officer specifically : one ranking below a noncommissioned officer or petty officer

enliven
v. : to give life, action, or spirit to : ANIMATE <fresh flowers enliven the room>
synonyms see QUICKEN

enmesh
v. : to catch or entangle in or as if in meshes <deeply enmeshed in the plot>
–en·mesh·ment \-mənt\ noun

enmity
n. : positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
synonyms ENMITY, HOSTILITY, ANTIPATHY, ANTAGONISM, ANIMOSITY, RANCOR, ANIMUS mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. ENMITY suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <an unspoken enmity>. HOSTILITY suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression <hostility between the two nations>. ANTIPATHY and ANTAGONISM imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, ANTIPATHY suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and ANTAGONISM suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <a natural antipathy for self-seekers> <antagonism between the brothers>. ANIMOSITY suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility <animosity that led to revenge>. RANCOR is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <rancor filled every line of his letters>. ANIMUS adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <objections devoid of personal animus>.

Enna
commune Italy in cen Sicily pop 28,296

ennead
n. : a group of nine

Ennis
town W Ireland capital of County Clare pop 13,746

Enniskillen
town SW Northern Ireland in cen Fermanagh district

ennoble
v. 1 : to make noble : ELEVATE <seemed ennobled by suffering>
2 : to raise to the rank of nobility
–en·no·ble·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun

Enns
river 160 mi (257 km) cen Austria flowing E & N from Styria into the Danube

ennui
n. : a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction : BOREDOM

Enoch
n. : an Old Testament patriarch and father of Methuselah

enoki mushroom
: a whitish cultivated agaric mushroom (Flammulina velutipes syn. Collybia velutipes) with a long thin stem and a small cap ― called also enoki

enokidake
n. : ENOKI MUSHROOM

enol
n. : an organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom having a double bond and that is usually characterized by the grouping C=C(OH)
–eno·lic \ē-'nō-lik, -'nä-lik\ adjective

enolase
n. : a crystalline enzyme that is found especially in muscle and yeast and is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates

enology
n. : a science that deals with wine and wine making
–eno·log·i·cal also oe·no·log·i·cal \ˌē-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–enol·o·gist also oe·nol·o·gist \ē-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

enormity
n. 1 : an outrageous, improper, vicious, or immoral act <the enormities of state power ― Susan Sontag> <other enormities too juvenile to mention ― Richard Freedman>
2 : the quality or state of being immoderate, monstrous, or outrageous especially : great wickedness <the enormity of the crimes committed during the Third Reich ― G. A. Craig>
3 : the quality or state of being huge : IMMENSITY <the inconceivable enormity of the universe>
4 : a quality of momentous importance or impact <the enormity of the decision>
usage Enormity, some people insist, is improperly used to denote large size. They insist on enormousness for this meaning, and would limit enormity to the meaning “great wickedness.” Those who urge such a limitation may not recognize the subtlety with which enormity is actually used. It regularly denotes a considerable departure from the expected or normal <they awakened; they sat up; and then the enormity of their situation burst upon them. “How did the fire start?” ― John Steinbeck>. When used to denote large size, either literal or figurative, it usually suggests something so large as to seem overwhelming <no intermediate zone of study. Either the enormity of the desert or the sight of a tiny flower ― Paul Theroux> <the enormity of the task of teachers in slum schools ― J. B. Conant> and may even be used to suggest both great size and deviation from morality <the enormity of existing stockpiles of atomic weapons ― New Republic>. It can also emphasize the momentousness of what has happened <the sombre enormity of the Russian Revolution ― George Steiner> or of its consequences <perceived as no one in the family could the enormity of the misfortune ― E. L. Doctorow>.

enormous
adj. 1 a archaic : ABNORMAL, INORDINATE b : exceedingly wicked : SHOCKING <an enormous sin>
2 : marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions
–enor·mous·ly adverb
–enor·mous·ness noun
synonyms ENORMOUS, IMMENSE, HUGE, VAST, GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL, MAMMOTH mean exceedingly large. ENORMOUS and IMMENSE both suggest an exceeding of all ordinary bounds in size or amount or degree, but ENORMOUS often adds an implication of abnormality or monstrousness <an enormous expense> <an immense shopping mall>. HUGE commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount <incurred a huge debt>. VAST usually suggests immensity of extent <the vast Russian steppes>. GIGANTIC stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind <a gigantic sports stadium>. COLOSSAL applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions <a colossal statue of Lincoln>. MAMMOTH suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk <a mammoth boulder>.

enosis
n. : a movement to secure the political union of Greece and Cyprus

enough
adj. : occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations <enough food for everyone>
synonyms see SUFFICIENT

enough
adj. 1 : in or to a degree or quantity that satisfies or that is sufficient or necessary for satisfaction : SUFFICIENTLY
2 : FULLY, QUITE <he is qualified enough for the position>
3 : in a tolerable degree <she sang well enough>

enough
adj. : a sufficient number, quantity, or amount <enough were present to constitute a quorum> <had enough of their foolishness> ― often used interjectionally

enounce
v. 1 : to set forth or state (as a proposition)
2 : to pronounce distinctly : ARTICULATE

enow
n. archaic : ENOUGH

enplane
v. : to board an airplane

enrage
v. : to fill with rage : ANGER

enrapt
adj. : wholly absorbed with rapture

enrapture
v. : to fill with delight

enregister
: to put on record : REGISTER

enrich
v. : to make rich or richer especially by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient <the experience will enrich your life>: as a : to add beauty to : ADORN b : to enhance the taste of <butter will enrich the sauce> c : to make (a soil) more fertile d : to improve the nutritive value of (a food) by adding nutrients (as vitamins or amino acids) and especially by restoring part of the nutrients lost in processing <enriched flour> e : to process so as to add or increase the proportion of a desirable ingredient <enriched uranium> <enriched natural gas>
–en·rich·er noun
–en·rich·ment \-'rich-mənt\ noun

enrobe
v. 1 : to cover with or as if with a robe
2 : COAT 2

enroll
v. transitive verb
1 : to insert, register, or enter in a list, catalog, or roll <the school enrolls about 800 pupils>
2 : to prepare a final perfect copy of (a bill passed by a legislature) in written or printed form
3 : to roll or wrap up
intransitive verb : to enroll oneself or cause oneself to be enrolled <we enrolled in the history course>
–en·roll·ee \-rō-'lē\ noun
–en·roll·ment also en·rol·ment \-'rōl-mənt\ noun

enroot
v. : ESTABLISH, IMPLANT

ENS
ensign

ensample
archaic : EXAMPLE, INSTANCE

ensanguine
v. 1 : to make bloody
2 : CRIMSON

Enschede
commune E Netherlands in Overijssel near German frontier pop 151,346

ensconce
v. 1 : SHELTER, CONCEAL <ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms ― Mark Twain>
2 : ESTABLISH, SETTLE <ensconced in a new job>

ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
: with the sword she seeks calm repose under liberty : by the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty ― motto of Massachusetts(%en00B7;se pe00B7;tit pla00B7;ci00B7;dam sub li00B7;ber00B7;ta00B7;te qui00B7;e00B7;tem

ensemble
n. : a group producing a single effect: as a : concerted music of two or more parts b : a complete costume of harmonizing or complementary clothing and accessories c (1) : the musicians engaged in the performance of a musical ensemble (2) : a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers especially : CORPS DE BALLET

ensemble
n. : emphasizing the roles of all performers as a whole rather than a star performance <ensemble acting>

Ensenada
city & port NW Mexico in Baja California on the Pacific SE of Tijuana pop 315,289

enserf
: to make a serf of : deprive of liberty and personal rights
–en·serf·ment \-mənt\ noun

ensheathe
v. : to cover with or as if with a sheath

enshrine
v. 1 : to enclose in or as if in a shrine
2 : to preserve or cherish as sacred
–en·shrine·ment \-mənt\ noun

enshrinee
: a person inducted into a Hall of Fame

enshroud
v. : to cover or enclose with or as if with a shroud

ensiform
adj. : having sharp edges and tapering to a slender point <ensiform leaves> ― see LEAF illustration

ensign
n. 1 : a flag that is flown (as by a ship) as the symbol of nationality and that may also be flown with a distinctive badge added to its design
2 a : a badge of office, rank, or power b : EMBLEM, SIGN
3 a : an infantry officer of what was formerly the lowest commissioned rank b : a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a chief warrant officer and below a lieutenant junior grade

ensilage
n. 1 : the process of preserving fodder by ensiling
2 : SILAGE

ensile
v. : to prepare and store (fodder) so as to induce conversion to silage

ensky
: EXALT <I hold you as a thing enskied and sainted ― Shakespeare>

enslave
v. : to reduce to or as if to slavery : SUBJUGATE
–en·slave·ment \-mənt\ noun
–en·slav·er noun

ensnare
v. : to take in or as if in a snare
synonyms see CATCH

ensnarl
v. : to involve in a snarl

ensorcell
: BEWITCH, ENCHANT
–en·sor·cell·ment \-mənt\ noun

ensoul
v. : to endow or imbue with a soul
–en·soul·ment \-mənt\ noun

ensphere
: to enclose in or as if in a sphere

ensue
v. transitive verb : to strive to attain : PURSUE <I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing it ― Rupert Brooke>
intransitive verb : to take place afterward or as a result
synonyms see FOLLOW

ensure
v. : to make sure, certain, or safe : GUARANTEE
synonyms ENSURE, INSURE, ASSURE, SECURE mean to make a thing or person sure. ENSURE, INSURE and ASSURE are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ENSURE may imply a virtual guarantee <the government has ensured the safety of the refugees>, while INSURE sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand <careful planning should insure the success of the party>, and ASSURE distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind <I assure you that no harm will be done>. SECURE implies action taken to guard against attack or loss <sent reinforcements to secure their position>.

enswathe
: to enfold or enclose with or as if with a covering : SWATHE

ENT
ear, nose, and throat

ent
: inner : within <entoderm>

entablature
n. : a horizontal part in classical architecture that rests on the columns and consists of architrave, frieze, and cornice ― see COLUMN illustration

entail
n. 1 : to restrict (property) by limiting the inheritance to the owner's lineal descendants or to a particular class thereof
2 a : to confer, assign, or transmit as if by entail : FASTEN <entailed on them indelible disgrace ― Robert Browning> b : to fix (a person) permanently in some condition or status <entail him and his heirs unto the crown ― Shakespeare>
3 : to impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result <the project will entail considerable expense>
–en·tail·er \-'tā-lər\ noun
–en·tail·ment \-'tāl-mənt\ noun

entail
n. 1 a : an entailing especially of lands b : an entailed estate
2 : something transmitted as if by entail

entamoeba
n. : any of a genus (Entamoeba) of amoebas parasitic in vertebrates and including one (E. histolytica) that causes amebic dysentery in humans

entangle
v. 1 a : to wrap or twist together : INTERWEAVE b : ENSNARE
2 a : to involve in a perplexing or troublesome situation <became entangled in a lawsuit> b : to make complicated <the story is entangled with legends>
–en·tan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

entanglement
n. 1 a : the action of entangling : the state of being entangled b : something that entangles, confuses, or ensnares <a project delayed by legal entanglements>
2 : the condition of being deeply involved <their entanglement in politics>

entasis
n. : a slight convexity especially in the shaft of a column

Entebbe
n. town S Uganda on N shore of Lake Victoria; former capital of Uganda pop 41,638

entelechy
n. 1 : the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence
2 : a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

entente
n. 1 : an international understanding providing for a common course of action
2 [French entente cordiale] : a coalition of parties to an entente

entente cordiale
1 : ENTENTE 1
2 : a friendly agreement or working relationship

enter
v. intransitive verb
1 : to go or come in
2 : to come or gain admission into a group : JOIN ― often used with into
3 a : to make a beginning <entering upon a career> b : to begin to consider a subject ― usually used with into or upon
4 : to go upon land for the purpose of taking possession
5 a : to come onstage ― usually used in the subjunctive as a stage direction <enter Hamlet reading> b : to come into a preestablished situation or context like an actor coming onstage ― usually used in the subjunctive <enter the new principal with her radical ideas>
6 : to play a part : be a factor <other considerations enter when money is involved>
transitive verb
1 : to come or go into <enter a room>
2 : INSCRIBE, REGISTER <enter the names of qualified voters>
3 : to cause to be received or admitted <enter a child at a school>
4 : to put in : INSERT <enter the new data into the computer>
5 a : to make a beginning in <enter politics> b : to go into (a particular period of time) <enter middle age>
6 : to become a member of or an active participant in <enter the university> <enter a race>
7 : to make report of (a ship or its cargo) to customs authorities
8 : to place in proper form before a court of law or upon record <enter a writ>
9 : to go into or upon and take actual possession of (as land)
10 : to put formally on record <entering a complaint>
–en·ter·able \'en-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–enter into
1 : to make oneself a party to or in <enter into an agreement>
2 : to form or be part of <your prejudices shouldn't enter into it>
3 : to participate or share in <enter into the spirit of the occasion>
–enter the lists : to engage in a fight or struggle
synonyms ENTER, PENETRATE, PIERCE, PROBE mean to make way into something. ENTER is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in <entered the city in triumph>. PENETRATE carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance <the enemy penetrated the fortress>. PIERCE means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument <pierced the boil with a lancet>. PROBE implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge <probed the depths of the sea>.

enter
v. : intestine <enteritis>

enter
v. enter the lists
enter into
breaking and entering

enter into

1 : to make oneself a party to or in <enter into an agreement>
2 : to form or be part of <your prejudices shouldn't enter into it>
3 : to participate or share in <enter into the spirit of the occasion>

enter the lists
to engage in a fight or struggle

enteral
adj. : ENTERIC
–en·ter·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

enteric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affecting the intestines broadly : ALIMENTARY
2 : being a coating (as of an aspirin tablet) designed to pass through the stomach unaltered and disintegrate in the intestines

enteric fever
: TYPHOID FEVER also : PARATYPHOID

enteritis
n. 1 : inflammation of the intestines and especially of the human ileum
2 : a disease of domestic animals (as panleukopenia of cats) marked by enteritis and diarrhea

enterobacterium
n. : any of a family (Enterobacteriaceae) of gram-negative straight rod bacteria (as a salmonella, a shigella, or E. coli) that ferment glucose and include saprophytes as well as some serious plant and animal pathogens
–en·tero·bac·te·ri·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

enterobiasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by pinworms (genus Enterobius, especially E. vermicularis) that occurs especially in children

enterochromaffin
: of or relating to epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa that stain especially with chromium salts and usually contain serotonin

enterococcus
n. : any of a genus (Enterococcus) of gram-positive bacteria that resemble streptococci and were formerly classified with them especially : a bacterium (E. faecalis) normally present in the intestine
–en·tero·coc·cal \-'kä-kəl\ adjective

enterocoele
n. : a coelom originating by outgrowth from the archenteron
–en·tero·coe·lous \ˌen-tə-rō-'sē-ləs\ adjective
–en·tero·coe·lic \-lik\ adjective

enterocolitis
n. : enteritis affecting both the large and small intestine

enterogastrone
n. : a hormone that is produced by the duodenal mucosa and has an inhibitory action on gastric motility and secretion

enterokinase
n. : an enzyme especially of the duodenal mucosa that activates trypsinogen by converting it to trypsin

enteron
n. : the alimentary canal or system ― used especially of the embryo

enteropathogenic
adj. : tending to produce disease in the intestinal tract <enteropathogenic bacteria>

enteropathy
n. : a disease of the intestinal tract

enterostomy
n. : a surgical formation of an opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall
–en·ter·os·to·mal \-tə-məl\ adjective

enterotoxigenic
: producing enterotoxin <enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli>

enterotoxin
n. : a toxin that is produced by microorganisms (as some staphylococci) and causes gastrointestinal symptoms (as in some forms of food poisoning or cholera)

enterovirus
n. : any of a genus (Enterovirus) of picornaviruses (as the poliomyelitis virus) that typically occur in the gastrointestinal tract but may be involved in respiratory ailments, meningitis, encephalitis, and myocarditis
–en·tero·vi·ral \-rəl\ adjective

enterprise
n. 1 : a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2 : readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : INITIATIVE <showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis>
3 a : a unit of economic organization or activity especially : a business organization b : a systematic purposeful activity <agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people>

enterprise
n. enterprise zone
free enterprise
private enterprise

enterprise zone
: an economically depressed area in which business growth is encouraged by the government through tax relief and financial concessions

enterpriser
n. : ENTREPRENEUR

enterprising
adj. : marked by an independent energetic spirit and by readiness to act <an enterprising young reporter>

entertain
v. transitive verb
1 a archaic : MAINTAIN b obsolete : RECEIVE
2 : to show hospitality to <entertain guests>
3 a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind <I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity> b : to receive and take into consideration <refused to entertain our plea>
4 : to provide entertainment for <entertained with songs and stories>
5 : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court
intransitive verb : to provide entertainment especially for guests
synonyms see AMUSE
–en·ter·tain·er noun

entertaining
adj. : providing entertainment : DIVERTING <an entertaining book> <an entertaining speaker>
–en·ter·tain·ing·ly \-'tā-niŋ-lē\ adverb

entertainment
n. 1 : the act of entertaining
2 a archaic : MAINTENANCE, PROVISION b obsolete : EMPLOYMENT
3 a : amusement or diversion provided especially by performers <hired a band to provide entertainment> b : something diverting or engaging: as (1) : a public performance (2) : a usually light comic or adventure novel

enthalpy
n. : the sum of the internal energy of a body or system and the product of its volume multiplied by the pressure

enthrall
v. 1 : to hold in or reduce to slavery
2 : to hold spellbound : CHARM
–en·thrall·ment \-'thrȯl-mənt\ noun

enthrone
v. 1 a : to seat in a place associated with a position of authority or influence b : to seat ceremonially on a throne
2 : to assign supreme virtue or value to : EXALT
–en·throne·ment \-mənt\ noun

enthuse
v. transitive verb
1 : to make enthusiastic <is enthused about the project>
2 : to express with enthusiasm
intransitive verb : to show enthusiasm <a splendid performance, and I was enthusing over it ― Julian Huxley>
usage Enthuse is apparently American in origin, although the earliest known example of its use occurs in a letter written in 1827 by a young Scotsman who spent about two years in the Pacific Northwest. It has been disapproved since about 1870. Current evidence shows it to be flourishing nonetheless on both sides of the Atlantic especially in journalistic prose.

enthusiasm
n. 1 a : belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit b : religious fanaticism
2 a : strong excitement of feeling : ARDOR <did her work with energy and enthusiasm> b : something inspiring zeal or fervor <his enthusiasms include sailing and fishing>
synonyms see PASSION

enthusiast
n. : a person filled with enthusiasm: as a : one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit <a sports car enthusiast> b : one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest

enthusiastic
adj. : filled with or marked by enthusiasm <enthusiastic supporters> <an enthusiastic recommendation>
–en·thu·si·as·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

enthymeme
n. : a syllogism in which one of the premises is implicit

entice
v. : to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire : TEMPT
synonyms see LURE
–en·tice·ment \-'tī-smənt\ noun
–en·tic·ing·ly \-'tī-siŋ-lē\ adverb

entire
adj. 1 : having no element or part left out : WHOLE <was alone the entire day>
2 : complete in degree : TOTAL <their entire devotion to their family>
3 a : consisting of one piece b : HOMOGENEOUS, UNMIXED c : INTACT <strove to keep the collection entire>
4 : not castrated
5 : having the margin continuous or free from indentations <an entire leaf>
synonyms see WHOLE, PERFECT
–entire adverb
–en·tire·ness noun

entire
adj. 1 archaic : the whole : ENTIRETY
2 : STALLION

entirely
adv. 1 : to the full or entire extent : COMPLETELY <I agree entirely> <you are entirely welcome>
2 : to the exclusion of others : SOLELY <entirely by my own efforts>

entirety
n. 1 : the state of being entire or complete
2 : SUM TOTAL, WHOLE

entitle
v. 1 : to give a title to : DESIGNATE
2 : to furnish with proper grounds for seeking or claiming something <this ticket entitles the bearer to free admission>

entitlement
n. 1 a : the state or condition of being entitled : RIGHT b : a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract
2 : a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program
3 : belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges

entity
n. 1 a : BEING, EXISTENCE especially : independent, separate, or self-contained existence b : the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes
2 : something that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality
3 : an organization (as a business or governmental unit) that has an identity separate from those of its members

ento
― see ENT-

entoderm
n. : ENDODERM
–en·to·der·mal \ˌen-tə-'dər-məl\ adjective

entoil
: ENTRAP, ENMESH

entom
: insect <entomophagous>

entom
entomological; entomology

entomb
v. 1 : to deposit in or as if in a tomb : BURY
2 : to serve as a tomb for
–en·tomb·ment \-'tüm-mənt\ noun

entomofauna
: a fauna of insects : the insects of an environment or region

entomology
n. : a branch of zoology that deals with insects
–en·to·mo·log·i·cal \-mə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–en·to·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–en·to·mol·o·gist \ˌen-tə-'mä-lə-jist\ noun

entomophagous
: feeding on insects

entomophagy
: the practice of eating insects

entomophilous
adj. : normally pollinated by insects ― compare ZOOPHILIC
–en·to·moph·i·ly \-lē\ noun

entoproct
: any of a phylum (Entoprocta) of chiefly marine animals that are very similar to bryozoans but lack a true coelom and have the anus located near the mouth inside a crown of tentacles

entorhinal
: of, relating to, or being the part of the cerebral cortex in the medial temporal lobe that serves as the main cortical input to the hippocampus

entourage
n. 1 : one's attendants or associates
2 : SURROUNDINGS

entr'acte
n. 1 : a dance, piece of music, or interlude performed between two acts of a play
2 : the interval between two acts of a play

entrails
n. 1 : BOWELS, VISCERA broadly : internal parts
2 : the inner workings of something <the entrails of the movie industry>

entrain
v. 1 : to draw along with or after oneself
2 : to draw in and transport (as solid particles or gas) by the flow of a fluid
3 : to incorporate (air bubbles) into concrete
4 : to determine or modify the phase or period of <circadian rhythms entrained by a light cycle>
–en·train·er noun
–en·train·ment \-'trān-mənt\ noun

entrain
v. : to put aboard a train
intransitive verb : to go aboard a train

entrance
n. 1 : power or permission to enter : ADMISSION
2 : the act of entering
3 : the means or place of entry
4 : the point at which a voice or instrument part begins in ensemble music
5 : the first appearance of an actor in a scene

entrance
n. 1 : to put into a trance
2 : to carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture <we were entranced by the view>
–en·trance·ment \-'tran(t)-smənt\ noun

entranceway
n. : ENTRYWAY

entrant
n. : one that enters especially : one that enters a contest

entrap
v. 1 : to catch in or as if in a trap
2 : to lure into a compromising statement or act
synonyms see CATCH

entrapment
n. 1 a : the action or process of entrapping b : the condition of being entrapped
2 : the action of luring an individual into committing a crime in order to prosecute the person for it

entreat
v. intransitive verb
1 obsolete a : NEGOTIATE b : INTERCEDE
2 : to make an earnest request : PLEAD
transitive verb
1 : to plead with especially in order to persuade : ask urgently <entreated his boss for another chance>
2 archaic : to deal with : TREAT
synonyms see BEG
–en·treat·ing·ly \-trē-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–en·treat·ment \-mənt\ noun

entreaty
n. : an act of entreating : PLEA

entrechat
n. : a leap in which a ballet dancer repeatedly crosses the legs and sometimes beats them together

entrecote
n. : a steak cut from between the ribs

entree
n. 1 a : the act or manner of entering : ENTRANCE b : freedom of entry or access
2 : the main course of a meal in the U.S.

entremets
n. : dishes served in addition to the main course of a meal especially : DESSERT

entrench
v. 1 a : to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense b : to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position c : to establish solidly <entrenched themselves in the business>
2 : to cut into : FURROW specifically : to erode downward so as to form a trench
intransitive verb
1 : to dig or occupy a trench for defensive purposes
2 : to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully : ENCROACH ― used with on or upon
–en·trench·ment \-mənt\ noun

entrepot
n. : an intermediary center of trade and transshipment

entrepreneur
: one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise
–en·tre·pre·neur·ial \-'n(y)u̇r-ē-əl, -'nər-\ adjective
–en·tre·pre·neur·ial·ism \-ē-ə-li-zəm\ noun
–en·tre·pre·neur·ial·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–en·tre·pre·neur·ship \-'nər-ˌship, -'n(y)u̇r-\ noun

entresol
n. : MEZZANINE

entropion
n. : the inversion or turning inward of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball

entropy
n. 1 : a measure of the unavailable energy in a closed thermodynamic system that is also usually considered to be a measure of the system's disorder, that is a property of the system's state, and that varies directly with any reversible change in heat in the system and inversely with the temperature of the system broadly : the degree of disorder or uncertainty in a system
2 a : the degradation of the matter and energy in the universe to an ultimate state of inert uniformity b : a process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder
3 : CHAOS, DISORGANIZATION, RANDOMNESS
–en·tro·pic \en-'trō-pik, -'trä-pik\ adjective
–en·tro·pi·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

entrust
v. 1 : to confer a trust on especially : to deliver something in trust to
2 : to commit to another with confidence
synonyms see COMMIT
–en·trust·ment \-'trəs(t)-mənt\ noun

entry
n. 1 : the right or privilege of entering : ENTRÉE
2 : the act of entering : ENTRANCE
3 : a place of entrance: as a : VESTIBULE, PASSAGE b : DOOR, GATE
4 a : the act of making or entering a record b : something entered: as (1) : a record or notation of an occurrence, transaction, or proceeding (2) : a descriptive record (as in a card catalog or an index) (3) : HEADWORD (4) : a headword with its definition or identification (5) : VOCABULARY ENTRY
5 : a person, thing, or group entered into something (as a contest or market) <the latest entries in the computer market> <judge the entries in the writing contest>

entry
n. double entry
entry level
entry word
port of entry
single entry
vocabulary entry

entry word
: HEADWORD

entry-level
: of or being at the lowest level of a hierarchy <entry-level jobs>

entryway
n. : a passage for entrance

entwine
v. : to twine together or around
intransitive verb : to become twisted or twined

entwist
v. : ENTWINE

enucleate
v. 1 archaic : EXPLAIN
2 : to deprive of a nucleus
3 : to remove without cutting into <enucleate a tumor> <enucleate the eyeball>
–enu·cle·ation \(ˌ)ē-ˌn(y)ü-klē-'ā-shən\ noun

enumerable
adj. : COUNTABLE
–enu·mer·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌn(y)üm-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -'n(y)ü-mə-\ noun

enumerate
v. 1 : to ascertain the number of : COUNT
2 : to specify one after another : LIST
–enu·mer·a·tion \-ˌn(y)ü-mə-'rā-shən\ noun
–enu·mer·a·tive \-'n(y)ü-mə-ˌrā-tiv, -'n(y)üm-rə-, -'n(y)ü-mə-rə-\ adjective

enumerator
n. : one that enumerates especially : a census taker

enunciate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make a definite or systematic statement of b : ANNOUNCE, PROCLAIM <enunciated the new policy>
2 : ARTICULATE, PRONOUNCE <enunciate all the syllables>
intransitive verb : to utter articulate sounds
–enun·cia·ble \-'nən(t)-sē-ə-bəl, -'nən-ch(ē-)ə-\ adjective
–enun·ci·a·tion \-ˌnən(t)-sē-'ā-shən\ noun
–enun·ci·a·tor \-'nən(t)-sē-ˌā-tər\ noun

enure
v. variant of inure

enuresis
n. : the involuntary discharge of urine : incontinence of urine
–en·uret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective or noun

env
envelope

envelop
v. 1 : to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
2 : to mount an attack on (an enemy's flank)
–en·vel·op·ment \-mənt\ noun

envelope
n. 1 : a flat usually paper container (as for a letter)
2 : something that envelops : WRAPPER <the envelope of air around the earth>
3 a : the outer covering of an aerostat b : the bag containing the gas in a balloon or airship
4 a : a natural enclosing covering (as a membrane, shell, or integument) b : a lipoprotein unit membrane that forms the outer layer of some virions
5 a : a curve tangent to each of a family of curves b : a surface tangent to each of a family of surfaces
6 : a set of performance limits (as of an aircraft) that may not be safely exceeded also : the set of operating parameters that exists within these limits
7 : a conventionally accepted limit <new computers that push the envelope>
usage The \'en-\ and \'än-\ pronunciations are used with about equal frequency, and both are fully acceptable, though the \'än-\ version is sometimes decried as “pseudo-French.” Actually \'än-\ is exactly what one would expect to hear when a French word like entrepreneur is becoming anglicized. Envelope, however, has been in English for nearly 300 years, plenty of time for it to become completely anglicized and for both of its pronunciations to win respectability.

envelope
n. floral envelope
nuclear envelope
pay envelope
window envelope

envenom
v. 1 : to make poisonous
2 : EMBITTER

envenomation
n. : an act or instance of poisoning by venom (as of a snake or spider)
–en·ven·om·ate \-'ve-nə-ˌmāt\ transitive verb

envenomization
n. : ENVENOMATION

Enver Pasa
1881-1922 Turk. soldier & polit.

enviable
adj. : highly desirable
–en·vi·able·ness noun
–en·vi·ably \-blē\ adverb

envier
n. : one that envies

envious
adj. 1 : feeling or showing envy <envious of their neighbor's new car> <envious looks>
2 archaic a : EMULOUS b : ENVIABLE
–en·vi·ous·ly adverb
–en·vi·ous·ness noun

enviro
: ENVIRONMENTALIST

environ
v. : ENCIRCLE, SURROUND

environment
n. 1 : the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded
2 a : the complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival b : the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community
3 : the position or characteristic position of a linguistic element in a sequence
4 : a computer interface from which various tasks can be performed <a programming environment>
synonyms see BACKGROUND
–en·vi·ron·men·tal \-ˌvī-rə(n)-'men-təl, -ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-\ adjective
–en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

environmentalism
n. 1 : a theory that views environment rather than heredity as the important factor in the development and especially the cultural and intellectual development of an individual or group
2 : advocacy of the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural environment especially : the movement to control pollution

environmentalist
n. 1 : an advocate of environmentalism
2 : one concerned about environmental quality especially of the human environment with respect to the control of pollution

environs
n. 1 : the districts around a city
2 a : environing things : SURROUNDINGS b : an adjoining region or space : VICINITY

envisage
v. 1 : to view or regard in a certain way <envisages the slum as a hotbed of crime>
2 : to have a mental picture of especially in advance of realization <envisages an entirely new system of education>
synonyms see THINK

envision
v. : to picture to oneself <envisions a career dedicated to promoting peace>
synonyms see THINK

envoi
n. : the usually explanatory or commendatory concluding remarks to a poem, essay, or book especially : a short final stanza of a ballad serving as a summary or dedication

envoy
n. 1 a : a minister plenipotentiary accredited to a foreign government who ranks between an ambassador and a minister resident ― called also envoy extraordinary b : a person delegated to represent one government in its dealings with another
2 : MESSENGER, REPRESENTATIVE

envy
n. 1 : painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage
2 obsolete : MALICE
3 : an object of envious notice or feeling <his new car made him the envy of his friends>

envy
n. transitive verb
1 : to feel envy toward or on account of
2 obsolete : BEGRUDGE
intransitive verb obsolete : to feel or show envy
–en·vy·ing·ly \-vē-iŋ-lē\ adverb

enwheel
obsolete : ENCIRCLE

enwind
: to wind in or about : ENFOLD

enwomb
: to shut up as if in a womb

enwrap
v. 1 : to wrap in a covering : ENFOLD
2 a : ENVELOP b : to preoccupy or absorb mentally : ENGROSS

enwreathe
v. : to encircle with or as if with a wreath : ENVELOP

enzootic
adj. of animal diseases : peculiar to or constantly present in a locality
–enzootic noun

enzymatic
adj. : of, relating to, or produced by an enzyme
–en·zy·mat·i·cal·ly \ˌen-zə-'ma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ also en·zy·mi·cal·ly \en-'zī-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

enzyme
n. : any of numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions at body temperatures

enzyme
n. angiotensin converting enzyme
enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
restriction enzyme

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
: an in vitro method for quantifying an antigen or antibody concentration in which the test material is immobilized on a surface and exposed either to a complex of an enzyme linked to an antibody specific for the antigen or an enzyme linked to an antigen specific for the antibody followed by reaction of the enzyme with a substrate to yield a colored product corresponding to the concentration of the test material ― called also ELISA

enzymology
n. : a branch of biochemistry that deals with the properties, activity, and significance of enzymes
–en·zy·mol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

EO
executive order

eo
: earliest : oldest <eolithic>

eo ipso
: by that itself : by that fact alone

eo nomine
: by or under that name

Eocene
adj. : of, relating to, or being an epoch of the Tertiary between the Paleocene and the Oligocene or the corresponding series of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Eocene noun

EOE
equal opportunity employer

eohippus
n. : any of a genus (Hyracotherium syn. Eohippus) of very small primitive horses from the Lower Eocene having 4-toed forefeet and 3-toed hind feet ― called also dawn horse

eolian
adj. : borne, deposited, produced, or eroded by the wind

eolith
n. : a very crudely chipped flint

Eolithic
: of or relating to the early period of the Stone Age marked by the use of eoliths

EOM
end of month

eon
n. variant of aeon

Eos
n. : the Greek goddess of dawn ― compare AURORA

eosin
n. 1 : a red fluorescent dye C_20H_8Br_4O_5 obtained by the action of bromine on fluorescein and used especially in cosmetics and as a toner also : its red to brown sodium or potassium salt used especially as a biological stain for cytoplasmic structures
2 : any of several dyes related to eosin

eosinophil
n. : EOSINOPHILIC 1

eosinophil
n. : a granulocyte readily stained by eosin that is present at sites of allergic reactions and parasitic infections

eosinophilia
n. : abnormal increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood that is characteristic of allergic states and various parasitic infections

eosinophilic
adj. 1 : staining readily with eosin
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by eosinophilia

EP
1 estimated position
2 European plan
3 extended play

EPA
Environmental Protection Agency

epact
n. : a period added to harmonize the lunar with the solar calendar

Epaminondas
ca 410-362 B.C. Theban gen. & statesman

eparchy
n. : a diocese of an Eastern church

epater le bourgeois
: to shock the middle classes

epaulet
n. : something that ornaments or protects the shoulder: as a : an ornamental fringed shoulder pad formerly worn as part of a military uniform b : an ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a dress or coat
–ep·au·let·ted \ˌe-pə-'le-təd, 'e-pə-ˌ\ adjective

epazote
: WORMSEED B also : the fresh or dried pungent-smelling leaves of wormseed used especially in Mexican cooking

epee
n. 1 : a fencing or dueling sword having a bowl-shaped guard and a rigid blade of triangular section with no cutting edge that tapers to a sharp point blunted for fencing ― compare 5FOIL 1 SABER
2 : the art or sport of fencing with the épée

epeeist
n. : one who fences with an épée

epeirogeny
: the deformation of the earth's crust by which the broader features of relief are produced
–epei·ro·gen·ic \i-ˌpī-rə-'je-nik\ adjective
–epei·ro·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

epenthesis
n. : the insertion or development of a sound or letter in the body of a word (as \ə\ in \'a-thə-ˌlēt\ athlete)
–ep·en·thet·ic \ˌe-pən-'the-tik\ adjective

epergne
n. : an often ornate tiered centerpiece consisting typically of a frame of wrought metal (as silver or gold) bearing dishes, vases, or candle holders or a combination of these

epexegesis
n. : additional explanation or explanatory matter
–ep·ex·e·get·i·cal \-'je-ti-kəl\ or ep·ex·e·get·ic \-'je-tik\ adjective
–ep·ex·e·get·i·cal·ly \-'je-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Eph
Ephesians

ephah
n. : an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure equal to 1/10 homer or a little over a bushel

ephebe
n. : EPHEBUS also : a young man : YOUTH

ephebic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of an ephebe or ephebus

ephebus
: a youth of ancient Greece especially : an Athenian 18 or 19 years old in training for full citizenship

ephedra
n. 1 : any of a genus (Ephedra of the family Ephedraceae) of jointed nearly leafless shrubs of dry or desert regions with the leaves reduced to scales at the nodes
2 : an extract of ma huang containing ephedrine and related alkaloids and used as a dietary supplement

ephedrine
n. : a crystalline sympathomimetic alkaloid C_10H_15NO extracted from Chinese ephedras or synthesized and usually used in the form of a salt especially as a bronchodilator and decongestant

ephemera
n. 1 : something of no lasting significance ― usually used in plural
2 ephemera plural : paper items (as posters, broadsides, and tickets) that were orig. meant to be discarded after use but have since become collectibles

ephemeral
adj. 1 : lasting one day only <an ephemeral fever>
2 : lasting a very short time <ephemeral pleasures>
synonyms see TRANSIENT
–ephem·er·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

ephemeral
adj. : something ephemeral specifically : a plant that grows, flowers, and dies in a few days

ephemerality
n. 1 plural : ephemeral things
2 : the quality or state of being ephemeral

ephemerid
n. : MAYFLY

ephemeris
n. : a tabular statement of the assigned places of a celestial body for regular intervals

ephemeris time
: a uniform measure of time defined by the orbital motions of the planets

Ephesians
n. : a letter addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Ephesus
n. ancient city W Asia Minor in Ionia near Aegean coast; site SSE of Izmir
–Ephe·sian \i-'fē-zhən\ adjective or noun

ephod
n. 1 : a linen apron worn in ancient Hebrew rites especially : a vestment for the high priest
2 : an ancient Hebrew instrument of priestly divination

ephor
n. 1 : one of five ancient Spartan magistrates having power over the king
2 : a government official in modern Greece especially : one who oversees public works
–eph·or·ate \'e-fə-ˌrāt\ noun

Ephraim
n. : a son of Joseph and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Ephraim
n. 1 or Mount Ephraim hilly region of ancient Palestine; now in West Bank
2 ― see ISRAEL 2

Ephraimite
1 : a member of the Hebrew tribe of Ephraim
2 : a native or inhabitant of the biblical northern kingdom of Israel

epi
1 : upon <epiphyte> : besides <epiphenomenon> : attached to <epididymis> : over <epicenter> : outer <epiblast> : after <epigenesis>
2 a : chemical entity related to (such) another <epimer> b : chemical entity distinguished from (such) another by having a bridge connection <epichlorohydrin>

epiblast
n. : the outer layer of the blastoderm : ECTODERM
–epi·blas·tic \ˌe-pə-'blas-tik\ adjective

epiboly
n. : the growing of one part about another especially : such growth of the dorsal lip area during gastrulation
–ep·i·bol·ic \ˌe-pə-'bä-lik\ adjective

epic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic <an epic poem>
2 a : extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope <his genius was epic ― Times Lit. Supp.> b : HEROIC
–ep·i·cal \-pi-kəl\ adjective
–ep·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

epic
n. 1 : a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero <the Iliad and the Odyssey are epics>
2 : a work of art (as a novel or drama) that resembles or suggests an epic
3 : a series of events or body of legend or tradition thought to form the proper subject of an epic <the winning of the West was a great American epic>

epic
n. beast epic
epic simile
mock epic

epic simile
: an extended simile that is used typically in epic poetry to intensify the heroic stature of the subject

epicalyx
: an involucre resembling the calyx but consisting of a whorl of bracts that is exterior to the calyx or results from the union of the sepal appendages

epicanthic fold
: a prolongation of a fold of the skin of the upper eyelid over the inner angle or both angles of the eye

epicardium
n. : the inner layer of the pericardium that closely envelops the heart
–epi·car·di·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

epicarp
n. : EXOCARP

epicene
adj. 1 of a noun : having but one form to indicate either sex
2 a : having characteristics typical of the other sex : INTERSEXUAL b : EFFEMINATE
3 : lacking characteristics of either sex
–epicene noun
–ep·i·cen·ism \-ˌsē-ˌni-zəm, ˌe-pə-'\ noun

epicenter
n. 1 : the part of the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake ― compare HYPOCENTER 1
2 : CENTER 2A B C <the epicenter of world finance>
–epi·cen·tral \ˌe-pi-'sen-trəl\ adjective

epichlorohydrin
: a volatile liquid toxic epoxide C_3H_5ClO having a chloroform odor and used especially in making epoxy resins and rubbers

epicontinental
: lying upon a continent or a continental shelf <epicontinental seas>

epicotyl
n. : the portion of the axis of a plant embryo or seedling above the cotyledonary node

epicritic
adj. : of, relating to, being, or mediating cutaneous sensory reception marked by accurate discrimination between small degrees of sensation

Epictetus
ca A.D. 55-ca 135 Greek Stoic philos. in Rome
–Ep·ic·te·tian \-'tē-shən\ adjective

epicure
n. 1 archaic : one devoted to sensual pleasure : SYBARITE
2 : one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine
synonyms EPICURE, GOURMET, GOURMAND, GASTRONOME mean one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking. EPICURE implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste. GOURMET implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them. GOURMAND implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's. GASTRONOME implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

Epicurean
adj. 1 : a follower of Epicurus
2 often not capitalized : EPICURE 2

epicurean
adj. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Epicurus or Epicureanism
2 : of, relating to, or suited to an epicure

epicureanism
n. 1 capitalized a : the philosophy of Epicurus who subscribed to a hedonistic ethics that considered an imperturbable emotional calm the highest good and whose followers held intellectual pleasures superior to transient sensualism b : a way of life in accord with Epicureanism
2 : EPICURISM

epicurism
n. : the practices or tastes of an epicure or an epicurean

Epicurus
n. 341-270 B.C. Greek philos.

epicuticle
n. : the outermost waxy layer of the arthropod exoskeleton
–epi·cu·tic·u·lar \-kyü-'ti-kyə-lər\ adjective

epicycle
n. 1 in Ptolemaic astronomy : a circle in which a planet moves and which has a center that is itself carried around at the same time on the circumference of a larger circle
2 : a process going on within a larger one
–epi·cy·clic \ˌe-pə-'sī-klik, -'si-klik\ adjective

epicyclic train
: a train (as of gear wheels) designed to have one or more parts travel around the circumference of another fixed or revolving part

epicycloid
n. : a curve traced by a point on a circle that rolls on the outside of a fixed circle
–epi·cy·cloi·dal \-sī-'klȯi-dəl\ adjective

Epidamnus
― see DURRES

Epidaurus
ancient town S Greece in Argolis on Saronic Gulf

epidemic
n. 1 : affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time <typhoid was epidemic>
2 a : excessively prevalent b : CONTAGIOUS 4 <epidemic laughter>
3 : of, relating to, or constituting an epidemic <the practice had reached epidemic proportions>
–ep·i·dem·i·cal \-'de-mi-kəl\ adjective
–ep·i·dem·i·cal·ly \-'de-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ep·i·de·mic·i·ty \-də-'mi-sə-tē\ noun

epidemic
n. 1 : an outbreak of epidemic disease
2 : an outbreak or product of sudden rapid spread, growth, or development <an epidemic of bankruptcies>

epidemiology
1 : a branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population
2 : the sum of the factors controlling the presence or absence of a disease or pathogen
–ep·i·de·mi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌdē-mē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌde-mē-\ also ep·i·de·mi·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–ep·i·de·mi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gist \-ˌdē-mē-'ä-lə-jist, -ˌde-mē-\ noun

epidendrum
: any of a large genus (Epidendrum) of chiefly epiphytic orchids found especially in tropical America

epidermal
adj. : of, relating to, or arising from the epidermis

epidermal growth factor
: a polypeptide hormone that stimulates cell proliferation

epidermis
n. 1 a : the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast specifically : the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis b : any of various animal integuments
2 : a thin surface layer of tissue in higher plants formed by growth of a primary meristem

epidermoid
adj. : resembling epidermis or epidermal cells : made up of elements like those of epidermis <an epidermoid cyst>

epidiascope
n. 1 : a projector for images of both opaque objects and transparencies
2 : EPISCOPE

epididymis
n. : a system of ductules emerging posteriorly from the testis that holds sperm during maturation and that forms a tangled mass before uniting into a single coiled duct which is continuous with the vas deferens
–ep·i·did·y·mal \-məl\ adjective

epididymitis
n. : inflammation of the epididymis

epidote
n. : a yellowish-green mineral Ca_2(Al,Fe)3Si_3O_12OH usually occurring in grains or columnar masses and sometimes used as a gemstone

epidural
adj. : situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater <epidural anesthesia> <an epidural abscess>

epidural
adj. : an injection of a local anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater of the spinal cord in the lower back region to produce loss of sensation especially in the abdomen or pelvic region

epifauna
n. : benthic fauna living on the substrate (as a hard sea floor) or on other organisms ― compare INFAUNA
–epi·fau·nal \-'fȯ-nəl, -'fä-\ adjective

epigastric
adj. 1 : lying upon or over the stomach
2 a : of, relating to, supplying, or draining the anterior walls of the abdomen b : of or relating to the abdominal region

epigeal
1 of a cotyledon : forced above ground by elongation of the hypocotyl
2 : marked by the production of epigeal cotyledons <epigeal germination>
3 : living on or near the surface of the ground also : relating to or being the environment near the surface of the ground

epigenesis
n. 1 : development of a plant or animal from an egg or spore through a series of processes in which unorganized cell masses differentiate into organs and organ systems also : the theory that plant and animal development proceeds in this way ― compare PREFORMATION 2
2 : change in the mineral character of a rock owing to outside influences

epigenetic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or produced by the chain of developmental processes in epigenesis that lead from genotype to phenotype after the initial action of the genes b : relating to, being, or involving changes in gene function that do not involve changes in DNA sequence
2 of a deposit or structure : formed after the laying down of the enclosing rock
–epi·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-'ne-ti-k(-ə)lē\ adverb

epiglottal
adj. : of, relating to, or produced with the aid of the epiglottis

epiglottis
n. : a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing

epigone
n. : FOLLOWER, DISCIPLE also : an inferior imitator
–ep·i·gon·ic \ˌe-pə-'gä-nik\ or epig·o·nous \i-'pi-gə-nəs, e-\ adjective
–epig·o·nism \-'pi-gə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

epigonus
: EPIGONE ― usually used in plural

epigram
n. 1 : a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought
2 : a terse, sage, or witty and often paradoxical saying
3 : epigrammatic expression
–ep·i·gram·ma·tism \ˌe-pə-'gra-mə-ˌti-zəm\ noun
–ep·i·gram·ma·tist \-'gra-mə-tist\ noun

epigrammatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling an epigram
2 : marked by or given to the use of epigrams
–ep·i·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-'ma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

epigrammatize
v. transitive verb
1 : to express in the form of an epigram
2 : to make an epigram about
intransitive verb : to make an epigram
–ep·i·gram·ma·tiz·er noun

epigraph
n. 1 : an engraved inscription
2 : a quotation set at the beginning of a literary work or one of its divisions to suggest its theme

epigrapher
n. : EPIGRAPHIST

epigraphic
adj. : of or relating to epigraphs or epigraphy
–ep·i·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

epigraphist
n. : a specialist in epigraphy

epigraphy
n. 1 : EPIGRAPHS, INSCRIPTIONS
2 : the study of inscriptions especially : the deciphering of ancient inscriptions

epigynous
adj. 1 of a floral organ : adnate to the surface of the ovary and appearing to grow from the top of it
2 : having epigynous floral organs
–epig·y·ny \-nē\ noun

epilation
n. : the loss or removal of hair

epilepsy
n. : any of various disorders marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden brief episodes of altered or diminished consciousness, involuntary movements, or convulsions

epilept
: epilepsy <epileptoid>

epileptic
n. : relating to, affected with, or having the characteristics of epilepsy <an epileptic seizure>
–epileptic noun
–ep·i·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

epileptiform
adj. : resembling that of epilepsy <an epileptiform convulsion>

epileptogenic
adj. : inducing or tending to induce epilepsy <an epileptogenic drug>

epileptoid
adj. 1 : EPILEPTIFORM
2 : exhibiting symptoms resembling those of epilepsy <the epileptoid person>

epilimnion
n. : the water layer overlying the thermocline of a lake

epilogue
n. 1 : a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work
2 a : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the end of a play also : the actor speaking such an epilogue b : the final scene of a play that comments on or summarizes the main action
3 : the concluding section of a musical composition : CODA

epimer
n. : either of two stereoisomers that differ in the arrangement of groups on a single asymmetric carbon atom (as the first chiral center of a sugar's carbon chain)
–epi·mer·ic \ˌe-pi-'mer-ik\ adjective

epimerase
: any of various isomerases that catalyze the inversion of asymmetric groups in a substrate with several centers of asymmetry

epimysium
n. : the external connective-tissue sheath of a muscle

Epinal
commune NE France on the Moselle pop 35,782

epinasty
: a nastic movement in which a plant part (as a flower petal) is bent outward and often downward

epinephrine
n. : a colorless crystalline feebly basic sympathomimetic hormone C_9H_13NO_3 that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and is used medicinally especially as a heart stimulant, a vasoconstrictor in controlling hemorrhages of the skin, and a muscle relaxant in bronchial asthma ― called also adrenaline

epineurium
n. : the external connective-tissue sheath of a nerve trunk

epipelagic
: of, relating to, or constituting the part of the oceanic zone into which enough light penetrates for photosynthesis

epiphanic
: of or having the character of an epiphany

epiphanous
: EPIPHANIC

epiphany
n. 1 capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ
2 : an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
3 a (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b : a revealing scene or moment

epiphenomenal
: of or relating to an epiphenomenon : DERIVATIVE
–epi·phe·nom·e·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

epiphenomenalism
n. : a doctrine that mental processes are epiphenomena of brain processes

epiphenomenon
n. : a secondary phenomenon accompanying another and caused by it specifically : a secondary mental phenomenon that is caused by and accompanies a physical phenomenon but has no causal influence itself

epiphragm
: a closing membrane or septum (as of a snail shell or a moss capsule)

epiphyseal
adj. : of or relating to an epiphysis

epiphysis
n. 1 : a part or process of a bone that ossifies separately and later becomes ankylosed to the main part of the bone especially : an end of a long bone
2 : PINEAL GLAND

epiphyte
n. : a plant that derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and grows usually on another plant

epiphytic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being an epiphyte
2 : living on the surface of plants
–epi·phyt·i·cal·ly \-'fi-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–epi·phyt·ism \'e-pə-ˌfī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

epiphytotic
: of, relating to, or being a plant disease that tends to recur sporadically and to affect large numbers of susceptible plants
–epiphytotic noun

EPIRB
emergency position-indicating radio beacon

Epirus
n. region NW Greece bordering on Ionian Sea
–Epi·rote \i-'pī-ˌrōt, -rət\ noun

episcia
: any of a genus (Episcia) of tropical American herbs of the gesneriad family that have hairy foliage and are related to the African violet

episcopacy
n. 1 : government of the church by bishops or by a hierarchy
2 : EPISCOPATE

Episcopal
adj. : EPISCOPALIAN

episcopal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a bishop
2 : of, having, or constituting government by bishops
3 capitalized : of or relating to the Protestant Episcopal Church representing the Anglican communion in the U.S.
–epis·co·pal·ly \-p(ə-)lē\ adverb

Episcopalian
n. 1 : an adherent of the episcopal form of church government
2 : a member of an episcopal church (as the Protestant Episcopal Church)
–Episcopalian adjective
–Epis·co·pa·lian·ism \-yə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

episcopate
n. 1 : the rank or office of or term of as a bishop
2 : DIOCESE
3 : the body of bishops (as in a country)

episcope
n. : a projector for images of opaque objects (as photographs)

episiotomy
n. : surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for obstetrical purposes during the birth process

episode
n. 1 : a usually brief unit of action in a dramatic or literary work: as a : the part of an ancient Greek tragedy between two choric songs b : a developed situation that is integral to but separable from a continuous narrative : INCIDENT c : one of a series of loosely connected stories or scenes d : the part of a serial presented at one performance
2 : an event that is distinctive and separate although part of a larger series
3 : a digressive subdivision in a musical composition
synonyms see OCCURRENCE

episodic
adj. 1 : made up of separate especially loosely connected episodes
2 : having the form of an episode
3 : of or limited in duration or significance to a particular episode : TEMPORARY <may be able to establish whether the sea-floor spreading is continuous or episodic ― A. I. Hammond>
4 : occurring, appearing, or changing at usually irregular intervals : OCCASIONAL <an episodic illness>
–ep·i·sod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

episome
n. : a genetic determinant (as the DNA of some bacteriophages) that can replicate autonomously in bacterial cytoplasm or as an integral part of the chromosomes
–epi·som·al \ˌe-pə-'sō-məl, -'zō-\ adjective
–epi·som·al·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

epistasis
n. : suppression of the effect of a gene by a nonallelic gene
–ep·i·stat·ic \ˌe-pə-'sta-tik\ adjective

epistaxis
n. : NOSEBLEED

epistemic
adj. : of or relating to knowledge or knowing : COGNITIVE
–ep·i·ste·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

epistemology
n. : the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity
–epis·te·mo·log·i·cal \-mə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–epis·te·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–epis·te·mol·o·gist \-'mä-lə-jist\ noun

epistle
n. 1 capitalized a : one of the letters adopted as books of the New Testament b : a liturgical lection usually from one of the New Testament Epistles
2 a : LETTER especially : a formal or elegant letter b : a composition in the form of a letter
–epis·tler \-'pi-sə-lər\ noun

epistolary
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suitable to a letter
2 : contained in or carried on by letters <an endless sequence of⋯epistolary love affairs ― Times Lit. Supp.>
3 : written in the form of a series of letters <an epistolary novel>

epistolary
adj. : a lectionary containing a body of liturgical epistles

epistoler
: the reader of the liturgical Epistle especially in Anglican churches

epistome
: any of several structures or regions situated above or covering the mouth of various invertebrates

epistrophe
n. : repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect (as Lincoln's “of the people, by the people, for the people”) ― compare ANAPHORA

epitaph
n. 1 : an inscription on or at a tomb or a grave in memory of the one buried there
2 : a brief statement commemorating or epitomizing a deceased person or something past
–ep·i·taph·ial \ˌe-pə-'ta-fē-əl\ adjective
–ep·i·taph·ic \-'ta-fik\ adjective

epitasis
: the part of a play developing the main action and leading to the catastrophe

epitaxy
n. : the growth on a crystalline substrate of a crystalline substance that mimics the orientation of the substrate
–ep·i·tax·i·al \ˌe-pə-'tak-sē-əl\ adjective
–ep·i·tax·i·al·ly \-sē-ə-lē\ adverb

epithalamium
: a song or poem in honor of a bride and bridegroom
–ep·i·tha·lam·ic \-'la-mik\ adjective

epithelial
adj. : of or relating to epithelium

epithelialization
n. : the process of becoming covered with or converted to epithelium
–ep·i·the·li·al·ize \-'thē-lē-ə-ˌlīz\ or ep·i·the·lize \-'thē-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

epithelioid
adj. : resembling epithelium <epithelioid cells>

epithelioma
n. : a tumor derived from epithelial tissue
–ep·i·the·li·o·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

epithelium
n. 1 : a membranous cellular tissue that covers a free surface or lines a tube or cavity of an animal body and serves especially to enclose and protect the other parts of the body, to produce secretions and excretions, and to function in assimilation
2 : a usually thin layer of parenchyma that lines a cavity or tube of a plant

epithet
n. 1 a : a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing b : a disparaging or abusive word or phrase c : the part of a taxonomic name identifying a subordinate unit within a genus
2 obsolete : EXPRESSION
–ep·i·thet·ic \ˌe-pə-'the-tik\ or ep·i·thet·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

epitome
n. 1 a : a summary of a written work b : a brief presentation or statement of something
2 : a typical or ideal example : EMBODIMENT <the British monarchy itself is the epitome of tradition ― Richard Joseph>
3 : brief or miniature form ― usually used with in
–ep·i·tom·ic \ˌe-pə-'tä-mik\ or ep·i·tom·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective

epitomise
v. British variant of epitomize

epitomize
v. 1 : to make or give an epitome of
2 : to serve as the typical or ideal example of

epitope
n. : a molecular region on the surface of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response and of combining with the specific antibody produced by such a response ― called also determinant antigenic determinant

epizoic
adj. : living upon the body of an animal <an epizoic plant>
–epi·zo·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

epizootic
n. : an outbreak of disease affecting many animals of one kind at the same time also : the disease itself
–epizootic adjective

epizootiology
n. 1 : the sum of the factors controlling the occurrence of a disease or pathogen of animals
2 : a science that deals with the character, ecology, and causes of outbreaks of animal diseases
–epi·zo·ot·i·o·log·i·cal \-tē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also epi·zo·ot·i·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective

EPO
erythropoietin

epoch
n. 1 a : an event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development b : a memorable event or date
2 a : an extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events b : a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age
3 : an instant of time or a date selected as a point of reference (as in astronomy)
synonyms see PERIOD

epochal
adj. 1 : of or relating to an epoch
2 : uniquely or highly significant : MOMENTOUS <during his three epochal years in the assembly ― C. G. Bowers> also : UNPARALLELED <epochal stupidity>
–ep·och·al·ly adverb

epode
n. 1 : a lyric poem in which a long verse is followed by a shorter one
2 : the third part of a triadic Greek ode following the strophe and the antistrophe

eponym
n. 1 : one for whom or which something is or is believed to be named
2 : a name (as of a drug or a disease) based on or derived from an eponym
–ep·onym·ic \ˌe-pə-'ni-mik\ adjective

eponymous
adj. : of, relating to, or being an eponym

eponymy
: the explanation of a proper name (as of a town or tribe) by supposing a fictitious eponym

epopee
n. : EPIC especially : an epic poem

epos
n. 1 : EPIC 1
2 : a number of poems that treat an epic theme but are not formally united

epoxidation
: a conversion of a usually unsaturated compound into an epoxide

epoxide
n. : an epoxy compound

epoxidize
: to convert into an epoxide <epoxidized esters>

epoxy
n. 1 : containing oxygen attached to two different atoms already united in some other way specifically : containing a 3-membered ring consisting of one oxygen and two carbon atoms
2 : of or relating to an epoxide

epoxy
n. : to glue, fill, or coat with epoxy resin

epoxy resin
: a flexible usually thermosetting resin made by copolymerization of an epoxide with another compound having two hydroxyl groups and used chiefly in coatings and adhesives ― called also epoxy

Epping Forest
forested region SE England in Essex NE of London & S of town of Epping

eppur si muove
: and yet it does move ― attributed to Galileo after recanting his assertion of the earth's motion

EPR
electron paramagnetic resonance

EPROM
: a read-only memory that can be erased (as by exposure to ultraviolet radiation) and usually reprogrammed

epsilon
n. 1 : the 5th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : an arbitrarily small positive quantity in mathematical analysis
–ep·si·lon·ic \ˌep-sə-'lä-nik\ adjective

Epsom salt
: EPSOM SALTS

Epsom salts
: a bitter colorless or white crystalline salt MgSO_4·7H_2O that is a hydrated magnesium sulfate with cathartic properties

Epstein
n. Sir Jacob 1880-1959 Brit. (Am.-born) sculptor

Epstein-Barr virus
: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma ― abbreviation EBV

eq
1 equal
2 equation

equable
adj. 1 : marked by lack of variation or change : UNIFORM <an equable distance apart>
2 : marked by lack of noticeable, unpleasant, or extreme variation or inequality <an equable temperament>
synonyms see STEADY
–equa·bil·i·ty \ˌe-kwə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌē-\ noun
–equa·ble·ness \'e-kwə-bəl-nəs, 'ē-\ noun
–equa·bly \-blē\ adverb

equal
n. 1 a (1) : of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another (2) : identical in mathematical value or logical denotation : EQUIVALENT b : like in quality, nature, or status c : like for each member of a group, class, or society <provide equal employment opportunities>
2 : regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : IMPARTIAL
3 : free from extremes: as a : tranquil in mind or mood b : not showing variation in appearance, structure, or proportion
4 a : capable of meeting the requirements of a situation or a task b : SUITABLE <bored with work not equal to his abilities>
synonyms see SAME

equal
n. 1 : one that is equal <insists that women can be absolute equals with men ― Anne Bernays>
2 : an equal quantity

equal
n. 1 : to be equal to especially : to be identical in value to
2 archaic : EQUALIZE
3 : to make or produce something equal to

equal
n. equal area
equal opportunity employer
equal protection
equal sign
equals sign

equal opportunity employer
: an employer who agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, or age

equal protection
: a guarantee under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that a state must treat an individual or class of individuals the same as it treats other individuals or classes in like circumstances

equal sign
: a sign = indicating mathematical or logical equivalence ― called also equality sign equals sign

equal-area
of a map projection : maintaining constant ratio of size between quadrilaterals formed by the meridians and parallels and the quadrilaterals of the globe thereby preserving true areal extent of forms represented

equalise
v. British variant of equalize, equalizer

equalitarian
n. : EGALITARIAN
–equal·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

equality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being equal
2 : EQUATION 2A

equalize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make equal
2 a : to compensate for b : to make uniform especially : to distribute evenly or uniformly <equalize the tax burden> c : to adjust or correct the frequency characteristics of (an electronic signal) by restoring to their original level high frequencies that have been attenuated
intransitive verb chiefly British : to tie the score
–equal·i·za·tion \ˌē-kwə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

equalizer
n. : one that equalizes: as a : a score that ties a game b : an electronic device (as in a sound-reproducing system) used to adjust response to different audio frequencies

equally
adv. 1 : in an equal or uniform manner : EVENLY <sharing the money equally>
2 : to an equal degree <respected equally by young and old>

equanimity
n. 1 : evenness of mind especially under stress <nothing could disturb his equanimity>
2 : right disposition : BALANCE <physical equanimity>
synonyms EQUANIMITY, COMPOSURE, SANGFROID mean evenness of mind under stress. EQUANIMITY suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain <accepted her troubles with equanimity>. COMPOSURE implies the controlling of emotional or mental agitation by an effort of will or as a matter of habit <maintaining his composure even under hostile questioning>. SANGFROID implies great coolness and steadiness under strain <handled the situation with professional sangfroid>.

equate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make equal : EQUALIZE b : to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result
2 : to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable <equates disagreement with disloyalty>
intransitive verb : to correspond as equal

equation
n. 1 a : the act or process of equating b (1) : an element affecting a process : FACTOR (2) : a complex of variable factors c : a state of being equated specifically : a state of close association or identification <bring governmental enterprises and payment for them into immediate equation ― R. G. Tugwell>
2 a : a usually formal statement of the equality or equivalence of mathematical or logical expressions b : an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols

equation
n. characteristic equation
cubic equation
differential equation
Diophantine equation
equation of time
linear equation
parametric equation
partial differential equation
personal equation
Schrodinger equation
Schrödinger equation
simple equation
wave equation

equation of time

1667
: the difference between apparent time and mean time usually expressed as a correction which is to be added to apparent time to give local mean time

equational
adv. 1 : of, using, or involving equation or equations
2 : dividing into two equal parts ― used especially of the mitotic cell division usually following reduction in meiosis
–equa·tion·al·ly adverb

equator
n. 1 : the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of the earth
2 : a great circle of the earth or a celestial body that is everywhere equally distant from the two poles and divides the surface into the northern and southern hemispheres
3 a : a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts b : EQUATORIAL PLANE <the equator of a dividing cell>
4 : GREAT CIRCLE

equatorial
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or located at the equator or an equator also : being in the plane of the equator <a satellite in equatorial orbit> b : of, originating in, or suggesting the region around the geographic equator
2 a : being or having a support that includes two axles at right angles to each other with one parallel to the earth's axis of rotation <an equatorial telescope mount> b : extending in a direction essentially in the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane) <equatorial hydrogens> ― compare AXIAL

equatorial
adj. equatorial plane
equatorial plate
Equatorial Guinea
French Equatorial Africa

Equatorial Guinea
country W Africa on Bight of Biafra comprising former Spanish Guinea; an independent republic since 1968 capital Malabo area 10,825 sq mi (28,037 sq km), pop 376,000 ― see SPANISH GUINEA

equatorial plane
: the plane perpendicular to the spindle of a dividing cell and midway between the poles

equatorial plate
1 : METAPHASE PLATE
2 : EQUATORIAL PLANE

equatorward
: toward or near the equator <currents flowing equatorward> <equatorward winds>

equerry
n. 1 : an officer of a prince or noble charged with the care of horses
2 : an officer of the British royal household in personal attendance on the sovereign or a member of the royal family

equestrian
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding <equestrian Olympic events> b archaic : riding on horseback : MOUNTED c : representing a person on horseback <an equestrian statue>
2 : of, relating to, or composed of knights

equestrian
n. : one who rides on horseback

equestrienne
n. : a girl or woman who rides on horseback

equi
: equal <equipoise> : equally <equiprobable>

equiangular
adj. : having all or corresponding angles equal <mutually equiangular parallelograms>

equicaloric
: capable of yielding equal amounts of energy in the body <equicaloric diets>

equid
n. : any of a family (Equidae) of perissodactyl mammals consisting of the horses, asses, zebras, and extinct related animals

equidistant
adj. 1 : equally distant <a location equidistant from two major cities>
2 : representing map distances true to scale in all directions
–equi·dis·tant·ly adverb

equilateral
adj. 1 : having all sides equal <an equilateral triangle> <an equilateral polygon> ― see TRIANGLE illustration
2 : having all the faces equal <an equilateral polyhedron>

equilateral hyperbola
: a hyperbola with its asymptotes at right angles

equilibrant
n. : a force that will balance one or more unbalanced forces

equilibrate
transitive verb : to bring into or keep in equilibrium : BALANCE
intransitive verb : to bring about, come to, or be in equilibrium
–equil·i·bra·tion \-ˌkwi-lə-'brā-shən\ noun
–equil·i·bra·tor \-'kwi-lə-ˌbrā-tər\ noun
–equil·i·bra·to·ry \-brə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective

equilibrist
n. : one (as a rope dancer) who performs difficult feats of balancing
–equil·i·bris·tic \i-ˌkwi-lə-'bris-tik\ adjective

equilibrium
n. 1 a : a state of intellectual or emotional balance : POISE <trying to recover his equilibrium> b : a state of adjustment between opposing or divergent influences or elements
2 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)
3 : BALANCE 6A

equilibrium constant
: a number that expresses the relationship between the amounts of products and reactants present at equilibrium in a reversible chemical reaction at a given temperature

equimolar
1 : of or relating to an equal number of moles <an equimolar mixture>
2 : having equal molar concentration

equine
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a horse or the horse family
–equine noun
–equine·ly adverb

equine encephalitis
: any of three forms of encephalitis that attack chiefly equines and humans in various parts of No. and So. America and are caused by three related single-stranded RNA viruses (genus Alphavirus of the family Togaviridae)

equinoctial
n. 1 : relating to an equinox or to a state or the time of equal day and night
2 : relating to the regions or climate on or near the equator
3 : relating to the time when the sun passes an equinoctial point

equinoctial
n. 1 : EQUATOR 1
2 : an equinoctial storm

equinox
n. 1 : either of the two points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic
2 : either of the two times each year (as about March 21 and September 23) when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are everywhere on earth of approximately equal length

equip
v. 1 : to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning <equip an army>
2 : DRESS, ARRAY
3 : to make ready : PREPARE <wasn't equipped to handle the pressures of the job>
synonyms see FURNISH

equip
v. equipment

equipage
n. 1 a : material or articles used in equipment : OUTFIT b archaic (1) : a set of small articles (as for table service) (2) : ETUI c : TRAPPINGS
2 archaic : RETINUE
3 : a horse-drawn carriage with its servants also : such a carriage alone

equipment
n. 1 a : the set of articles or physical resources serving to equip a person or thing: as (1) : the implements used in an operation or activity : APPARATUS <sports equipment> (2) : all the fixed assets other than land and buildings of a business enterprise (3) : the rolling stock of a railway b : a piece of such equipment
2 a : the equipping of a person or thing b : the state of being equipped
3 : mental or emotional traits or resources : ENDOWMENT

equipoise
n. 1 : a state of equilibrium
2 : COUNTERBALANCE

equipoise
n. 1 : to serve as an equipoise to
2 : to put or hold in equipoise

equipollence
n. : the quality of being equipollent

equipollent
adj. 1 : equal in force, power, or validity
2 : the same in effect or signification
–equipollent noun
–equi·pol·lent·ly adverb

equiponderant
adj. : evenly balanced

equipotential
adj. : having the same potential : of uniform potential throughout <equipotential points>

equiprobable
: having the same degree of logical or mathematical probability <equiprobable alternatives>

equisetum
n. : HORSETAIL

equitable
adj. 1 : having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally with all concerned <an equitable settlement of the dispute>
2 : existing or valid in equity as distinguished from law <an equitable defense>
synonyms see FAIR
–eq·ui·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌe-kwə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–eq·ui·ta·ble·ness \'e-kwə-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–eq·ui·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

equitation
n. : the act or art of riding on horseback

equity
n. 1 a : justice according to natural law or right specifically : freedom from bias or favoritism b : something that is equitable
2 a : a system of law originating in the English chancery and comprising a settled and formal body of legal and procedural rules and doctrines that supplement, aid, or override common and statute law and are designed to protect rights and enforce duties fixed by substantive law b : trial or remedial justice under or by the rules and doctrines of equity c : a body of legal doctrines and rules developed to enlarge, supplement, or override a narrow rigid system of law
3 a : a right, claim, or interest existing or valid in equity b : the money value of a property or of an interest in a property in excess of claims or liens against it c : a risk interest or ownership right in property d : the common stock of a corporation

equity capital
: capital (as stock or surplus earnings) that is free of debt especially : capital received for an interest in the ownership of a business

equiv
equivalency; equivalent

equivalence
n. 1 a : the state or property of being equivalent b : the relation holding between two statements if they are either both true or both false so that to affirm one and to deny the other would result in a contradiction
2 : a presentation of terms as equivalent
3 : equality in metrical value of a regular foot and one in which there are substitutions

equivalence class
: a set for which an equivalence relation holds between every pair of elements

equivalence relation
: a relation (as equality) between elements of a set (as the real numbers) that is symmetric, reflexive, and transitive and for any two elements either holds or does not hold

equivalency
n. 1 : EQUIVALENCE
2 : a level of achievement equivalent to completion of an educational or training program <a high school equivalency certificate>

equivalent
n. 1 : equal in force, amount, or value also : equal in area or volume but not superposable <a square equivalent to a triangle>
2 a : like in signification or import b : having logical equivalence <equivalent statements>
3 : corresponding or virtually identical especially in effect or function
4 obsolete : equal in might or authority
5 : having the same chemical combining capacity <equivalent quantities of two elements>
6 a : having the same solution set <equivalent equations> b : capable of being placed in one-to-one correspondence <equivalent sets> c : related by an equivalence relation
synonyms see SAME
–equivalent noun
–equiv·a·lent·ly adverb

equivalent
n. equivalent weight
gram equivalent
topologically equivalent

equivalent weight
: the mass of a substance especially in grams that combines with or is chemically equivalent to eight grams of oxygen or one gram of hydrogen : the atomic or molecular weight divided by the valence

equivocal
adj. 1 a : subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse <an equivocal statement> b : uncertain as an indication or sign <equivocal evidence>
2 a : of uncertain nature or classification <equivocal shapes> b : of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing : UNDECIDED <an equivocal attitude> c : of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude <equivocal behavior>
synonyms see OBSCURE
–equiv·o·cal·i·ty \-ˌkwi-və-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–equiv·o·cal·ly \-'kwi-və-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–equiv·o·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

equivocate
v. 1 : to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive
2 : to avoid committing oneself in what one says
synonyms see LIE
–equiv·o·ca·tion \-ˌkwi-və-'kā-shən\ noun
–equiv·o·ca·tor \-'kwi-və-ˌkā-tər\ noun

equivoque
n. 1 : an equivocal word or phrase specifically : PUN
2 a : double meaning b : WORDPLAY

ER
1 earned run
2 emergency room

Er
erbium

er
― used to express hesitation

er
― used to form the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs of one syllable <hotter> <drier> and of some adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables <completer> <beautifuller>

er
1 a : person occupationally connected with <furrier> <lawyer> b : person or thing belonging to or associated with <header> <old-timer> c : native of : resident of <cottager> <New Yorker> d : one that has <three-decker> e : one that produces or yields <porker>
2 a : one that does or performs (a specified action) <batter> ― sometimes added to both elements of a compound <builder-upper> b : one that is a suitable object of (a specified action) <broiler>
3 : one that is <foreigner> ― in all senses -yer in a few words after w, -ier in a few other words, otherwise -er

Er Rif
mountain range N Morocco on the Mediterranean

ERA
n. 1 earned run average
2 Equal Rights Amendment

era
n. 1 a : a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned b : a memorable or important date or event especially : one that begins a new period in the history of a person or thing
2 : a system of chronological notation computed from a given date as basis
3 a : a period identified by some prominent figure or characteristic feature <the era of the horse and buggy> b : a stage in development (as of a person or thing) c : a large division of geologic time usually shorter than an eon <Paleozoic era>
synonyms see PERIOD

era
n. Christian era
Common Era
Islamic era
Muhammadan era
Muslim era
vulgar era

eradicate
v. 1 : to pull up by the roots
2 : to do away with as completely as if by pulling up by the roots <programs to eradicate illiteracy>
synonyms see EXTERMINATE
–erad·i·ca·ble \-'ra-di-kə-bəl\ adjective
–erad·i·ca·tion \-ˌra-də-'kā-shən\ noun
–erad·i·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

erase
v. transitive verb
1 a : to rub or scrape out (as written, painted, or engraved letters) <erase an error> b : to remove written or drawn marks from <erase a blackboard> c : to remove (recorded matter) from a magnetic medium also : to remove recorded matter from <erase a videotape> d : to delete from a computer storage device <erase a file>
2 a : to remove from existence or memory as if by erasing b : to nullify the effect or force of
intransitive verb : to yield to erasure
–eras·abil·i·ty \-ˌrā-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–eras·able \-'rā-sə-bəl\ adjective

eraser
n. : one that erases especially : a device (as a piece of rubber, or a felt pad) used to erase marks (as of ink or chalk)

Erasmus
n. Desiderius 1466?-1536 Du. scholar
–Eras·mi·an \-mē-ən\ adjective

Erastian
n. : of, characterized by, or advocating the doctrine of state supremacy in ecclesiastical affairs
–Erastian noun
–Eras·tian·ism \-ˌni-zəm\ noun

erasure
n. : an act or instance of erasing

Erato
n. : the Greek Muse of lyric and love poetry

Eratosthenes
ca 276-ca 194 B.C. Greek astron.

Erbil
― see ARBIL

erbium
n. : a metallic element of the rare-earth group ― see ELEMENT table

Erciyas
mountain 12,848 ft (3916 m) cen Turkey; highest in Asia Minor

Erckmann-Chatrian
joint pseud. of Émile Erckmann 1822-1899 & Alexandre Chatrian 1826-1890 Fr. authors

Erdos
Paul 1913-1996 Hung. math.

ere
prep. : 2BEFORE 2 <contrived ere the beginning of the world ― Norman Douglas>

ere
prep. : 3BEFORE

Erebus
n. 1 : a personification of darkness in Greek mythology
2 : a place of darkness in the underworld on the way to Hades

Erebus, Mount
volcano 12,450 ft (3795 m) E Antarctica on Ross Is. in SW Ross Sea

erect
adj. 1 a : vertical in position also : not spread out or decumbent <an erect plant stem> <columns still erect in the ruins> b : standing up or out from the body <erect hairs> c : characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture <an erect bearing>
2 archaic : directed upward
3 obsolete : ALERT, WATCHFUL
4 : being in a state of physiological erection
–erect·ly \-'rek-(t)lē\ adverb
–erect·ness \-'rek(t)-nəs\ noun

erect
adj. 1 a (1) : to put up by the fitting together of materials or parts : BUILD (2) : to fix in an upright position (3) : to cause to stand up or stand out b archaic : to direct upward c : to change (an image) from an inverted to a normal position
2 : to elevate in status
3 : SET UP, ESTABLISH
4 obsolete : ENCOURAGE, EMBOLDEN
5 : to draw or construct (as a perpendicular or figure) upon a given base
–erect·able \-'rek-tə-bəl\ adjective

erectile
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or capable of undergoing physiological erection <erectile tissue> <erectile dysfunction>
2 : capable of being raised to an upright position <the erectile quills of a porcupine>
–erec·til·i·ty \-ˌrek-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

erection
n. 1 a : the state marked by firm turgid form and erect position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood b : an occurrence of such a state in the penis or clitoris
2 : the act or process of erecting something : CONSTRUCTION
3 : something erected

Erector
n. ― used for a metal toy construction set

erector
n. : one that erects especially : a muscle that raises or keeps a part erect

Eregli
1 city S Turkey SSE of Ankara pop 74,332
2 town & port NW Turkey in Asia on Black Sea pop 63,776

erelong
adv. archaic : BEFORE LONG, SOON

eremite
n. : HERMIT especially : a religious recluse
–er·e·mit·ic \ˌer-ə-'mi-tik\ or er·e·mit·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–er·e·mit·ism \'er-ə-ˌmī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

eremurus
: any of a genus (Eremurus) of perennial Asian herbs of the lily family that produce tall racemes of showy blooms ― called also foxtail lily

erenow
adv. archaic : HERETOFORE

erepsin
: a mixture of exopeptidases obtained especially from the intestinal juice

erethism
n. : abnormal irritability or responsiveness to stimulation

erewhile
adv. archaic : a while before : FORMERLY

Erfurt
city cen Germany capital of Thuringia pop 204,912

erg
n. : a centimeter-gram-second unit of work equal to the work done by a force of one dyne acting through a distance of one centimeter and equivalent to 10-7 joule

erg
n. : work <ergometer>

ergastic
adj. : constituting the nonliving by-products of protoplasmic activity <ergastic substances>

ergastoplasm
n. : ribosome-studded endoplasmic reticulum
–er·gas·to·plas·mic \-ˌgas-tə-'plaz-mik\ adjective

ergative
n. : of, relating to, or being a language (as Inuit or Georgian) in which the objects of transitive verbs and subjects of intransitive verbs are typically marked by the same linguistic forms also : being an inflectional morpheme that typically marks the subject of a transitive verb in an ergative language

ergic
: exhibiting or stimulating activity of <dopaminergic>

ergo
adv. : THEREFORE, HENCE

ergo
adv. : ergot <ergosterol>

ergodic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a process in which every sequence or sizable sample is equally representative of the whole (as in regard to a statistical parameter)
2 : involving or relating to the probability that any state will recur especially : having zero probability that any state will never recur
–er·go·dic·i·ty \ˌər-gə-'di-sə-tē\ noun

ergogenic
adj. : enhancing physical performance <athletic use of caffeine and other ergogenic aids>

ergograph
n. : an apparatus for measuring the work capacity of a muscle

ergometer
n. : an apparatus for measuring the work performed (as by a person exercising) also : an exercise machine equipped with an ergometer
–er·go·met·ric \ˌər-gə-'me-trik\ adjective

ergonomics
1 : an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely ― called also biotechnology human engineering human factors
2 : the design characteristics of an object resulting especially from the application of the science of ergonomics
–er·go·nom·ic \-mik\ adjective
–er·go·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–er·gon·o·mist \(ˌ)ər-'gä-nə-mist\ noun

ergonovine
n. : an alkaloid C_19H_23N_3O_2 derived from ergot and used especially in the form of its maleate as an oxytocic

ergosterol
n. : a crystalline steroid alcohol C_28H_44O that occurs especially in yeast, molds, and ergot and is converted by ultraviolet irradiation ultimately into vitamin D_2

ergot
n. 1 : the black or dark purple sclerotium of fungi (genus Claviceps) that occurs as a club-shaped body replacing the seed of a grass (as rye) also : a fungus bearing ergots
2 : a disease of rye and other cereals caused by an ergot fungus
3 a : the dried sclerotia of an ergot fungus grown on rye and containing several alkaloids (as ergonovine and ergotamine) b : any of such alkaloids used medicinally for their contractile effect on smooth muscle (as of the uterus and or blood vessels)
–er·got·ic \(ˌ)ər-'gä-tik\ adjective

ergotamine
n. : an alkaloid C_33H_35N_5O_5 derived from ergot that is used chiefly in the form of its tartrate especially in treating migraine

ergotism
n. : a toxic condition produced by eating grain, grain products (as rye bread), or grasses infected with ergot fungus or by chronic excessive use of an ergot drug

ergotized
adj. : infected with ergot <ergotized grain> also : poisoned by ergot <ergotized cattle>

Erhard
Ludwig 1897-1977 chancellor of West Germany (1963-66)

erica
n. : any of a large genus (Erica) of evergreen chiefly African plants of the heath family ranging from low shrubs to small trees

ericaceous
: of, relating to, or being a heath or the heath family

ericoid
: resembling heath <ericoid foliage>

Ericsson
n. John 1803-1889 American (Swed.-born) engineer & inventor

Erie
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people living south of Lake Erie in the 17th century
2 : the extinct and prob. Iroquoian language of the Erie people

Erie
n. city & port NW Pa. on Lake Erie pop 103,717

Erie
n. Erie Lake
Erie Canal
Fort Erie

Erie Canal
canal 363 mi (584 km) long N N.Y. from Hudson River at Albany to Lake Erie at Buffalo; built 1817-25; superseded by New York State Barge Canal (ab 525 mi or 840 km long)

Erie, Lake
lake E cen N. America on boundary bet. the U.S. & Canada; one of the Great Lakes area 9910 sq mi (25,667 sq km)

Erigena
John Sco·tus \'skō-təs\ ca 810-ca 877 Scot. (Irish-born) philos. & theol.

erigeron
n. : any of a widely distributed genus (Erigeron) of composite herbs with flower heads that resemble asters but have fewer and narrower involucral bracts

Erik
n. the Red 10th cent. Norw. navigator & explorer

Eriksson
Leif ― see LEIF ERIKSSON

Erin
n. IRELAND ― a poetic name

Erin go bragh
: Ireland forever

Erinys
n. : FURY 2A

eriophyid
: any of a large family (Eriophyidae) of minute plant-feeding wormlike mites that have two pairs of legs and include gall mites and rust mites
–eriophyid adjective

ERISA
Employee Retirement Income Security Act

eristic
n. : characterized by disputatious and often subtle and specious reasoning
–eris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

eristic
n. 1 : a person devoted to logical disputation
2 : the art or practice of disputation and polemics

Eritrea
n. country NE Africa bordering on Red Sea capital Asmara; incorporated (1962) into Ethiopia; voted (1993) in favor of independence area 45,405 sq mi (117,599 sq km), pop 3,317,611
–Er·i·tre·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Erlander
Tage Frithiof 1901-1985 Swed. polit.

Erlangen
city S Germany in Bavaria NNW of Nuremberg pop 102,433

Erlanger
Joseph 1874-1965 American physiol.

Erlenmeyer
n. Richard August Carl Emil 1825-1909 Ger. chem.

Erlenmeyer flask
: a flat-bottomed conical laboratory flask

ermine
n. 1 or plural ermine a : any of several weasels whose coats become white in winter usually with black on the tip of the tail especially : a short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) of the forests and tundra of Eurasia and No. America b : the white fur of the ermine
2 : a rank or office whose ceremonial or official robe is ornamented with ermine

ermined
: clothed or adorned with ermine

Ermoupolis
town & port Greece on Syros; chief town of the Cyclades pop 12,987

erne
n. : EAGLE especially : a long-winged sea eagle (Haliäetus albicilla) with a short white wedge-shaped tail

Ernst
n. Max 1891-1976 Ger. painter

Ernst
n. Richard Robert 1933-     Swiss chem.

erode
v. transitive verb
1 : to diminish or destroy by degrees: a : to eat into or away by slow destruction of substance (as by acid, infection, or cancer) b : to wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice <flooding eroded the hillside> c : to cause to deteriorate or disappear as if by eating or wearing away <inflation eroding buying power>
2 : to produce or form by eroding <glaciers erode U-shaped valleys>
intransitive verb : to undergo erosion <where the land has eroded away>
–erod·ibil·i·ty \-ˌrō-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–erod·ible also erod·able \-'rō-də-bəl\ adjective

erogenous
adj. 1 : producing sexual excitement or libidinal gratification when stimulated : sexually sensitive
2 : of, relating to, or arousing sexual feelings

Eros
n. 1 : the Greek god of erotic love ― compare CUPID
2 : the sum of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as impulses to gratify basic needs, as sublimated impulses, and as impulses to protect and preserve the body and mind ― compare DEATH INSTINCT
3 a : love conceived in the philosophy of Plato as a fundamental creative impulse having a sensual element b often not capitalized : erotic love or desire

erose
adj. : IRREGULAR, UNEVEN specifically : having the margin irregularly notched as if gnawed <an erose leaf>

erosion
n. 1 a : the action or process of eroding b : the state of being eroded
2 : an instance or product of erosive action
–ero·sion·al \-'rōzh-nəl, -'rō-zhə-nəl\ adjective
–ero·sion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb

erosive
adj. : tending to erode or to induce or permit erosion also : caused or marked by erosion <erosive arthritis>
–ero·sive·ness noun
–ero·siv·i·ty \i-ˌrō-'si-və-tē\ noun

erotic
n. 1 : of, devoted to, or tending to arouse sexual love or desire <erotic art>
2 : strongly marked or affected by sexual desire
–erotic noun
–erot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

erotica
n. 1 : literary or artistic works having an erotic theme or quality
2 : depictions of things erotic

eroticism
n. 1 : an erotic theme or quality
2 : a state of sexual arousal
3 : insistent sexual impulse or desire
–erot·i·cist \-sist\ noun

eroticize
v. : to make erotic <eroticize the male image>
–erot·i·ci·za·tion \i-ˌrä-tə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

erotism
n. : EROTICISM

erotize
v. : to invest with erotic significance or sexual feeling
–er·o·ti·za·tion \ˌer-ə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

eroto
: sexual desire <erotogenic>

erotogenic
adj. : EROGENOUS

erotomania
n. 1 : excessive sexual desire
2 : a psychological disorder marked by the delusional belief that one is the object of another person's love or sexual desire
–ero·to·ma·ni·ac \-ˌak\ noun

err
v. 1 archaic : STRAY
2 a : to make a mistake <erred in his calculations> <erred on the side of caution> b : to violate an accepted standard of conduct

errancy
n. : the state or an instance of erring

errand
n. 1 archaic a : an oral message entrusted to a person b : EMBASSY, MISSION
2 a : a short trip taken to attend to some business often for another <was on an errand for his mother> b : the object or purpose of such a trip

errant
adj. 1 : traveling or given to traveling <an errant knight>
2 a : straying outside the proper path or bounds <an errant calf> b : moving about aimlessly or irregularly <an errant breeze> c : behaving wrongly <an errant child> d : FALLIBLE
–errant noun
–er·rant·ly adverb

errantry
n. : the quality, condition, or fact of wandering especially : a roving in search of chivalrous adventure

errare humanum est
: to err is human

errata
n. : a list of corrigenda also : a page bearing such a list

erratic
n. 1 a : having no fixed course : WANDERING <an erratic comet> b archaic : NOMADIC
2 : transported from an original resting place especially by a glacier <an erratic boulder>
3 a : characterized by lack of consistency, regularity, or uniformity <erratic dieting> <keeps erratic hours> b : deviating from what is ordinary or standard : ECCENTRIC <an erratic genius>
synonyms see STRANGE
–er·rat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–er·rat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–er·rat·i·cism \-'a-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

erratic
n. : one that is erratic especially : an erratic boulder or block of rock

erratum
n. : ERROR especially : CORRIGENDUM

erroneous
adj. 1 : containing or characterized by error : MISTAKEN <erroneous assumptions> <gave an erroneous impression>
2 archaic : WANDERING
–er·ro·ne·ous·ly adverb
–er·ro·ne·ous·ness noun

error
n. 1 a : an act or condition of ignorant or imprudent deviation from a code of behavior b : an act involving an unintentional deviation from truth or accuracy <made an error in adding up the bill> c : an act that through ignorance, deficiency, or accident departs from or fails to achieve what should be done <an error in judgment>: as (1) : a defensive misplay other than a wild pitch or passed ball made by a baseball player when normal play would have resulted in an out or prevented an advance by a base runner (2) : the failure of a player (as in tennis) to make a successful return of a ball during play d : a mistake in the proceedings of a court of record in matters of law or of fact
2 a : the quality or state of erring <the map is in error> b Christian Science : illusion about the nature of reality that is the cause of human suffering : the contradiction of truth c : an instance of false belief
3 : something produced by mistake <a typographical error> especially : a postage stamp exhibiting a consistent flaw (as a wrong color) in its manufacture
4 a : the difference between an observed or calculated value and a true value specifically : variation in measurements, calculations, or observations of a quantity due to mistakes or to uncontrollable factors b : the amount of deviation from a standard or specification
5 : a deficiency or imperfection in structure or function <an error of metabolism>
–er·ror·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms ERROR, MISTAKE, BLUNDER, SLIP, LAPSE mean a departure from what is true, right, or proper. ERROR suggests the existence of a standard or guide and a straying from the right course through failure to make effective use of this <procedural errors>. MISTAKE implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error <dialed the wrong number by mistake>. BLUNDER regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame <diplomatic blunders>. SLIP stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes <a slip of the tongue>. LAPSE stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause <a lapse in judgment>.

error
n. error bar
standard error
systematic error
trial and error
type I error
type II error
writ of error

error bar
: the estimated uncertainty in experimental data

ersatz
n. : being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation <ersatz turf> <ersatz intellectuals>
–ersatz noun

Erse
n. 1 : SCOTTISH GAELIC
2 : IRISH GAELIC
–Erse adjective

Erskine
John 1879-1951 American educ. & writer

erst
adv. archaic : ERSTWHILE

erstwhile
adj. : in the past : FORMERLY <cultures, erstwhile unknown to each other ― Robert Plank>

erstwhile
adj. : FORMER, PREVIOUS <erstwhile enemies>

ERT
estrogen replacement therapy

erucic acid
: a crystalline fatty acid C_22H_42O_2 found in the form of glycerides especially in rapeseed oil

eruct
v. : BELCH

eructation
n. : an act or instance of belching

erudite
adj. : possessing or displaying erudition : LEARNED <an erudite scholar>
–er·u·dite·ly adverb

erudition
n. : extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books : profound, recondite, or bookish learning
synonyms see KNOWLEDGE

erupt
v. intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to burst from limits or restraint (2) of a tooth : to emerge through the gum b : to force out or release suddenly and often violently something (as lava or steam) that is pent up c : to become active or violent especially suddenly : break forth <war could erupt at any moment> <the audience erupted in applause>
2 : to break out with or as if with a skin eruption
transitive verb : to force out or release usually suddenly and violently <a volcano erupting lava and ash>
–erupt·ible \-'rəp-tə-bəl\ adjective
–erup·tive \-tiv\ adjective
–erup·tive·ly adverb

eruption
n. 1 a : an act, process, or instance of erupting b : the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane
2 : a product of erupting (as a skin rash)

Ervine
St. John \sānt-'jän, sənt-; 'sin-jən\ Greer 1883-1971 Irish dram. & nov.

ery
1 : qualities collectively : character : -NESS <snobbery>
2 : art : practice <quackery> <trickery>
3 : place of doing, keeping, producing, or selling (the thing specified) <fishery> <bakery> <eatery>
4 : collection : aggregate <finery> <greenery>
5 : state or condition <slavery>

eryngo
1 : any of various plants (genus Eryngium) of the carrot family that have elongate spinulose-margined leaves and flowers in dense bracted heads
2 : candied root of the sea holly formerly used as an aphrodisiac

erysipelas
n. : an acute febrile disease associated with intense edematous local inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by a hemolytic streptococcus

erythema
n. : abnormal redness of the skin due to capillary congestion
–er·y·them·a·tous \-'the-mə-təs\ adjective

erythema migrans
: a red spreading annular skin lesion that is an early symptom of Lyme disease and that develops at the site of the bite of a tick (as the deer tick) infected with the causative spirochete

erythorbate
n. : a salt of erythorbic acid that is used in foods as an antioxidant

erythorbic acid
: a diastereoisomer of ascorbic acid with optical activity

erythr
1 : red <erythrocyte>
2 : erythrocyte <erythroid>

erythremia
n. : POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

erythrism
n. : a condition marked by exceptional prevalence of red pigmentation (as in hair or feathers)
–er·y·thris·tic \ˌer-ə-'thris-tik\ also er·y·thris·mal \-'thriz-məl\ adjective

erythrite
: a usually rose-colored mineral consisting of a hydrous cobalt arsenate occurring especially in monoclinic crystals

erythroblast
n. : a polychromatic nucleated cell of red bone marrow that synthesizes hemoglobin and that is an intermediate in the initial stage of red blood cell formation broadly : a cell ancestral to red blood cells
–eryth·ro·blas·tic \-ˌrith-rə-'blas-tik\ adjective

erythroblastosis
n. : abnormal presence of erythroblasts in the circulating blood especially : ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

erythroblastosis fetalis
: a hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn that occurs when the system of an Rh-negative mother produces antibodies to an antigen in the blood of an Rh-positive fetus which cross the placenta and destroy fetal erythrocytes and that is characterized by an increase in circulating erythroblasts and by jaundice

erythrocyte
n. : RED BLOOD CELL
–eryth·ro·cyt·ic \-ˌrith-rə-'si-tik\ adjective

erythroid
adj. : relating to erythrocytes or their precursors

erythromycin
n. : a broad-spectrum antibiotic C_37H_67NO_13 produced by an actinomycete (Streptomyces erythreus) and administered orally or topically

erythropoiesis
n. : the production of red blood cells (as from the bone marrow)
–eryth·ro·poi·et·ic \-'e-tik\ adjective

erythropoietin
n. : a glycoprotein hormone formed especially in the kidney and stimulating red blood cell formation

erythrosin
: any of several dyes made from fluorescein that yield reddish shades

Erzberger
Matthias 1875-1921 Ger. statesman

Erzgebirge
mountain range Germany & NW Czech Republic on boundary bet. Saxony & Bohemia; highest Klinovec (in Czech Republic) 4080 ft (1244 m)

Erzincan
city E cen Turkey on the Euphrates pop 90,799

Erzurum
city NE Turkey in mountainous area pop 242,391

Es
einsteinium

es
― used to form the plural of most nouns that end in s <glasses>, z <fuzzes>, sh <bushes>, ch <peaches>, or a final y that changes to i <ladies> and of some nouns ending in f that changes to v <loaves> ― compare 1-S

es
― used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that end in s <blesses>, z <fizzes>, sh <hushes>, ch <catches>, or a final y that changes to i <defies> ― compare 3-S

Esau
n. : the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah who sold his birthright to his twin brother Jacob

ESB
electrical stimulation of the brain

Esbjerg
city & port SW Denmark in SW Jutland Peninsula on North Sea pop 81,843

escadrille
n. : a unit of a European air command containing usually six airplanes

escalade
n. : an act of scaling especially the walls of a fortification
–escalade transitive verb
–es·ca·lad·er noun

escalate
v. intransitive verb : to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope <a little war threatens to escalate into a huge ugly one ― Arnold Abrams>
transitive verb : EXPAND 2
–es·ca·la·tion \ˌes-kə-'lā-shən, ÷-kyə-\ noun
–es·ca·la·to·ry \'es-kə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē, ÷-kyə-\ adjective

escalate
v. de escalate
de escalatory
de escalation

escalator
n. 1 a : a power-driven set of stairs arranged like an endless belt that ascend or descend continuously b : an upward course suggestive of an escalator <a never-stopping escalator of economic progress ― D. W. Brogan>
2 : an escalator clause or provision

escalator
n. : providing for a periodic proportional upward or downward adjustment (as of prices or wages) <an escalator arrangement tying the base pay⋯to living costs ― N. Y. Times>

escalope
n. : SCALLOP 5

escapade
n. : a usually adventurous action that runs counter to approved or conventional conduct

escape
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to get away (as by flight) <escaped from prison> b : to issue from confinement <gas is escaping> c of a plant : to run wild from cultivation
2 : to avoid a threatening evil <the boat sank but the crew escaped>
transitive verb
1 : to get free of : break away from <escape the jungle> <escape the solar system>
2 : to get or stay out of the way of : AVOID <efforts to escape poverty>
3 : to fail to be noticed or recallable by <his name escapes me>
4 a : to issue from <a smile escaped me> b : to be uttered involuntarily by <a sigh of relief escaped her>
–es·cap·er noun
synonyms ESCAPE, AVOID, EVADE, ELUDE, SHUN, ESCHEW mean to get away or keep away from something. ESCAPE stresses the fact of getting away or being passed by not necessarily through effort or by conscious intent <nothing escapes her sharp eyes>. AVOID stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty <try to avoid past errors>. EVADE implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding <evaded the question by changing the subject>. ELUDE implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes <what she sees in him eludes me>. SHUN often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence <you have shunned your responsibilities>. ESCHEW implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful <a playwright who eschews melodrama>.

escape
n. 1 : an act or instance of escaping: as a : flight from confinement b : evasion of something undesirable c : leakage or outflow especially of a fluid d : distraction or relief from routine or reality
2 : a means of escape
3 : a cultivated plant run wild

escape
n. 1 : providing a means of escape <escape literature>
2 : providing a means of evading a regulation, claim, or commitment <an escape clause in a contract>

escape
n. escape artist
escape hatch
escape mechanism
escape velocity
fire escape

escape artist
: one (as a performer or criminal) unusually adept at escaping from confinement

escape hatch
1 : a hatch providing an emergency exit from an enclosed space
2 : a means of evading a difficulty, dilemma, or responsibility

escape mechanism
: a mode of behavior or thinking adopted to evade unpleasant facts or responsibilities

escape velocity
: the minimum velocity that a moving body (as a rocket) must have to escape from the gravitational field of a celestial body (as the earth) and move outward into space

escapee
n. : one that has escaped especially : an escaped prisoner

escapement
n. 1 a : a device in a timepiece which controls the motion of the train of wheelwork and through which the energy of the power source is delivered to the pendulum or balance by means of impulses that permit a tooth to escape from a pallet at regular intervals b : a ratchet device (as the spacing mechanism of a typewriter) that permits motion in one direction only in equal steps
2 a : the act of escaping b : a way of escape : VENT

escapism
n. : habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine
–es·cap·ist \-pist\ adjective or noun

escapology
n. : the art or practice of escaping
–es·cap·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

escargot
n. : a snail prepared for use as food

escarole
n. : ENDIVE 1B

escarpment
n. 1 : a steep slope in front of a fortification
2 : a long cliff or steep slope separating two comparatively level or more gently sloping surfaces and resulting from erosion or faulting

Escaut
― see SCHELDE

escence
: state or process of becoming <obsolescence>

escent
1 : beginning : beginning to be : slightly <frutescent>
2 : reflecting or emitting light (in a specified way) <opalescent>

eschar
n. : a scab formed especially after a burn

escharotic
adj. : producing an eschar
–escharotic noun

eschatological
adj. 1 : of or relating to eschatology or an eschatology
2 : of or relating to the end of the world or the events associated with it in eschatology
–es·cha·to·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

eschatology
n. 1 : a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind
2 : a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment

escheat
n. 1 : escheated property
2 a : the reversion of lands in English feudal law to the lord of the fee when there are no heirs capable of inheriting under the original grant b : the reversion of property to the crown in England or to the state in the U.S. when there are no legal heirs

escheat
n. : to cause to revert by escheat
intransitive verb : to revert by escheat
–es·cheat·able \-'chē-tə-bəl\ adjective

Escher
M(aurits) C(ornelis) 1898-1972 Du. graphic artist

eschew
v. : to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : SHUN
synonyms see ESCAPE
–es·chew·al \-əl\ noun

escolar
n. : a large widely distributed rough-scaled scombroid fish (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum) that resembles a mackerel

Escondido
city SW Calif. N of San Diego pop 133,559

escort
n. 1 a (1) : a person or group of persons accompanying another to give protection or as a courtesy (2) : the man who goes on a date with a woman b : a protective screen of warships or fighter planes or a single ship or plane used to fend off enemy attack from one or more vulnerable craft
2 : accompaniment by a person or an armed protector (as a ship)

escort
n. : to accompany as an escort

escot
obsolete : SUPPORT, MAINTAIN

escritoire
n. : a writing table or desk specifically : SECRETARY 4B

escrow
n. 1 : a deed, a bond, money, or a piece of property held in trust by a third party to be turned over to the grantee only upon fulfillment of a condition
2 : a fund or deposit designed to serve as an escrow
–in escrow : in trust as an escrow <had $1000 in escrow to pay taxes>

escrow
n. : to place in escrow

escudo
n. 1 : any of various former gold or silver coins of Hispanic countries
2 a : the basic monetary unit of Portugal from 1910 to 2001 b ― see MONEY table
3 : the basic monetary unit of Chile from 1960 to 1975

esculent
n. : EDIBLE
–esculent noun

escutcheon
n. 1 : a defined area on which armorial bearings are displayed and which usually consists of a shield
2 : a protective or ornamental plate or flange (as around a keyhole)
3 : the part of a ship's stern on which the name is displayed

Esd
Esdras

Esdraelon, Plain of
plain N Israel NE of Mt. Carmel in valley of the upper Qishon

Esdras
1 : either of two books of the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament: a : EZRA 2 b : NEHEMIAH 2
2 : either of two uncanonical books of Scripture included in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table

ESE
n. east-southeast

ese
n. : of, relating to, or originating in (a certain place or country) <Japanese>

ese
n. 1 : native or resident of (a specified place or country) <Chinese>
2 a : language of (a particular place, country, or nationality) <Cantonese> b : speech, literary style, or diction peculiar to (a specified place, person, group, discipline, subject, or activity) ― usually in words applied in depreciation <journalese> <baseballese>

esemplastic
: shaping or having the power to shape disparate things into a unified whole <the esemplastic power of the poetic imagination ― W. H. Gardner>

eserine
n. : PHYSOSTIGMINE

Esfahan
n. city W cen Iran; former capital of Persia pop 986,753

Esher
town S England in N Surrey pop 61,446

Eshkol
Levi 1895-1969 prime min. of Israel (1963-69)

Esk
Eskimo

esker
n. : a long narrow ridge or mound of sand, gravel, and boulders deposited by a stream flowing on, within, or beneath a stagnant glacier

Eskilstuna
city SE Sweden pop 90,089

Eskimo
n. 1 plural Eskimo or Eskimos : a member of a group of peoples of northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia
2 : any of the languages of the Eskimo peoples
–Es·ki·mo·an \ˌes-kə-'mō-ən\ adjective

Eskimo
n. Eskimo Aleut
Eskimo curlew
Eskimo dog

Eskimo curlew
: an extremely rare New World curlew (Numenius borealis) that breeds in northern No. America and winters in So. America

Eskimo dog
: any of an American breed of spitz dogs with a thick white coat also : any of a breed of Canadian sled dogs

Eskimo-Aleut
: a language family including Eskimo and Aleut languages

Eskisehir
city W cen Turkey on tributary of the Sakarya pop 413,082

ESL
English as a second language

ESOP
: a program by which a corporation's employees acquire its stock

esophagitis
n. : inflammation of the esophagus

esophagus
n. : a muscular tube that in humans is about nine inches (23 centimeters) long and passes from the pharynx down the neck between the trachea and the spinal column and behind the left bronchus where it pierces the diaphragm slightly to the left of the middle line and joins the cardiac end of the stomach
–esoph·a·ge·al \i-ˌsä-fə-'jē-əl\ adjective

esoteric
adj. 1 a : designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone <a body of esoteric legal doctrine ― B. N. Cardozo> b : requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group <esoteric terminology> broadly : difficult to understand <esoteric subjects>
2 a : limited to a small circle <engaging in esoteric pursuits> b : PRIVATE, CONFIDENTIAL <an esoteric purpose>
3 : of special, rare, or unusual interest <esoteric building materials>
–es·o·ter·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

esoterica
n. : esoteric items

esotericism
n. 1 : esoteric doctrines or practices
2 : the quality or state of being esoteric

ESP
adv. : EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION

esp
adv. especially

espadrille
n. : a sandal usually having a fabric upper and a flexible sole

espalier
n. 1 : a plant (as a fruit tree) trained to grow flat against a support (as a wall)
2 : a railing or trellis on which fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow flat

espalier
n. 1 : to train as an espalier
2 : to furnish with an espalier

Espana
― see SPAIN

Espanola
― see HISPANIOLA

Espartero
Baldomero 1793-1879 Conde de Luchana Span. gen. & statesman

esparto
n. 1 : either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses (Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum) used especially to make cordage, shoes, and paper ― called also esparto grass
2 : the fiber of esparto

especial
adj. : being distinctive: as a : directed toward a particular individual, group, or end <sent especial greetings to his son> <took especial care to speak clearly> b : of special note or importance : unusually great or significant <a decision of especial relevance> c : highly distinctive or personal : PECULIAR <had an especial dislike for music> d : CLOSE, INTIMATE <his especial crony> e : SPECIFIC, PARTICULAR <had no especial destination in mind>
synonyms see SPECIAL
–in especial : in particular

especially
adv. 1 : SPECIALLY 1
2 a : in particular : PARTICULARLY <food seems cheaper, especially meats> b : for a particular purpose <built especially for research>
3 ― used as an intensive <an especially good essay> <nothing especially radical in the remarks>

esperance
obsolete : HOPE, EXPECTATION

Esperanto
n. : an artificial international language based as far as possible on words common to the chief European languages
–Es·pe·ran·tist \-'rän-tist, -'ran-\ noun or adjective

espial
n. 1 : OBSERVATION
2 : an act of noticing : DISCOVERY

espiegle
: FROLICSOME, ROGUISH

espieglerie
: the quality or state of being roguish or frolicsome

espionage
n. : the practice of spying or using spies to obtain information about the plans and activities especially of a foreign government or a competing company <industrial espionage>

Espirito Santo
state E Brazil bordering on the Atlantic capital Vitória area 17,658 sq mi (45,734 sq km), pop 3,097,232

Espiritu Santo
island SW Pacific in NW Vanuatu; largest in the group area 1420 sq mi (3678 sq km), pop 22,663

esplanade
n. : a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground especially : one designed for walking or driving along a shore

ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network

Espoo
town S Finland W of Helsinki pop 216,836

espousal
n. 1 a : BETROTHAL b : WEDDING c : MARRIAGE
2 : a taking up or adopting of a cause or belief

espouse
v. 1 : MARRY
2 : to take up and support as a cause : become attached to
synonyms see ADOPT
–es·pous·er noun

espresso
n. 1 : coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans
2 : a cup of espresso

esprit
n. 1 : vivacious cleverness or wit
2 : ESPRIT DE CORPS

esprit
n. esprit de corps
esprit de l'escalier
esprit d'escalier

esprit de corps
: the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group

esprit de l'escalier
: wit of the staircase : repartee thought of only too late, on the way home

espy
v. : to catch sight of <among the several horses⋯she espied the white mustang ― Zane Grey>

Esq
n. esquire

esque
: in the manner or style of : like <statuesque>

Esquiline
hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven on which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE

Esquimau
n. : ESKIMO

esquire
n. 1 : a member of the English gentry ranking below a knight
2 : a candidate for knighthood serving as shield bearer and attendant to a knight
3 ― used as a title of courtesy usually placed in its abbreviated form after the surname <John R. Smith, Esq.>
4 archaic : a landed proprietor

Esquivel
Adolfo Pérez 1931-     Argentine sculptor & dissident

ess
n. 1 : the letter s
2 : something resembling the letter S in shape especially : an S-shaped curve in a road

ess
n. : female <giantess>

Essaouira
city & port W Morocco on the Atlantic W of Marrakech pop 83,000

essay
n. 1 : to put to a test
2 : to make an often tentative or experimental effort to perform : TRY
synonyms see ATTEMPT
–es·say·er noun

essay
n. 1 : TRIAL, TEST
2 a : EFFORT, ATTEMPT especially : an initial tentative effort b : the result or product of an attempt
3 a : an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view b : something resembling such a composition <a photographic essay>
4 : a proof of an unaccepted design for a stamp or piece of paper money

essay question
: an examination question that requires an answer in a sentence, paragraph, or short composition

essayist
n. : a writer of essays

essayistic
1 : of or relating to an essay or an essayist
2 : resembling an essay in quality or character

esse quam videri
: to be rather than to seem ― motto of North Carolina

Essen
n. Count Hans Henrik von 1755-1824 Swed. field marshal & statesman

Essen
n. city W Germany in the Ruhr pop 626,989

essence
n. 1 a : the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being b : the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence <a painting that captures the essence of the land> c : the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is
2 : something that exists : ENTITY
3 a (1) : a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume) (2) : a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form also : a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute b : ODOR, PERFUME
4 : one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form <she was the essence of punctuality>
5 : the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person <the essence of the issue>
–in essence : in or by its very nature : ESSENTIALLY, BASICALLY <was in essence an honest person>
–of the essence : of the utmost importance <time is of the essence>

essence
n. of the essence
in essence
pearl essence

Essene
n. : a member of a monastic brotherhood of Jews in Palestine from the second century B.C. to the second century A.D.
–Es·se·ni·an \i-'sē-nē-ən, e-'se-\ or Es·se·nic \-'se-nik, -'sē-nik\ adjective
–Es·se·nism \-'sē-ˌni-zəm\ noun

essential
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting essence : INHERENT
2 a : of the utmost importance : BASIC, INDISPENSABLE, NECESSARY <an essential requirement for admission to college> b : being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet <dietary protein provides the body with essential amino acids> ― compare NONESSENTIAL 2
3 : IDIOPATHIC <essential disease> <essential hypertension>
–es·sen·tial·ly \-'sench-lē, -'sen-chə-\ adverb
–es·sen·tial·ness \-'sen-chəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms ESSENTIAL, FUNDAMENTAL, VITAL, CARDINAL mean so important as to be indispensable. ESSENTIAL implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character <conflict is essential in drama>. FUNDAMENTAL applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse <fundamental principles of algebra>. VITAL suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation <cut off from vital supplies>. CARDINAL suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends <a cardinal rule in buying a home>.

essential
adj. 1 : something basic <the essentials of astronomy>
2 : something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

essential oil
: any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy ― compare FIXED OIL

essentialism
n. 1 : an educational theory that ideas and skills basic to a culture should be taught to all alike by time-tested methods ― compare PROGRESSIVISM
2 : a philosophical theory ascribing ultimate reality to essence embodied in a thing perceptible to the senses ― compare NOMINALISM
3 : the practice of regarding something (as a presumed human trait) as having innate existence or universal validity rather than as being a social, ideological, or intellectual construct
–es·sen·tial·ist \-list\ adjective or noun

essentiality
n. 1 a : essential nature : ESSENCE b : an essential quality, property, or aspect
2 : the quality or state of being essential <the essentiality of freedom and justice ― P. G. Hoffman>

essentialize
: to express or formulate in essential form : reduce to essentials

Essequibo
river 630 mi (1014 km) Guyana flowing N into the Atlantic through a wide estuary

Essex
n. 2d Earl of ― see DEVEREUX

Essex
n. county SE England bordering on North Sea & N shore of Thames River; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy capital Chelmsford area 1470 sq mi (3807 sq km), pop 1,495,600

Esslingen
city SW Germany on the Neckar pop 91,829

essoin
n. 1 : an excuse for not appearing in an English law court at the appointed time
2 obsolete : EXCUSE, DELAY

essonite
variant of hessonite

EST
eastern standard time

est
1 established
2 estimate; estimated

est
― used to form the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs of one syllable <fattest> <latitudeest>, of some adjectives and adverbs of two syllables <luckiest> <oftenest>, and less often of longer ones <beggarliest>

est
― used to form the archaic second person singular of English verbs (with thou) <didst> <canst>

est
alea jacta est
ars est celare artem
credo quia absurdum est
de gustibus non est disputandum
delenda est Carthago
dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
errare humanum est
est modus in rebus
fas est et ab hoste doceri
hoc opus hic labor est
humanum est errare
id est
ira furor brevis est
jacta alea est
Joannes est nomen eius
laborare est orare
le roi est mort vive le roi
magna est veritas et praevalebit
verbum sat sapienti est
tout est perdu fors l'honneur
tout est perdu hors l'honneur

est modus in rebus
: there is a proper measure in things, i.e., the golden mean should always be observed

establish
v. 1 : to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
2 obsolete : SETTLE 7
3 a : to make firm or stable b : to introduce and cause to grow and multiply <establish grass on pasturelands>
4 a : to bring into existence : FOUND <established a republic> b : BRING ABOUT, EFFECT <established friendly relations>
5 a : to put on a firm basis : SET UP <establish his son in business> b : to put into a favorable position c : to gain full recognition or acceptance of <the role established her as a star>
6 : to make (a church) a national or state institution
7 : to put beyond doubt : PROVE <established my innocence>
–es·tab·lish·able \-shə-bəl\ adjective
–es·tab·lish·er \-shər\ noun

established church
: a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation or state and supported by civil authority

establishing shot
: a usually long shot in film or video used at the beginning of a sequence to establish an overview of the scene that follows

establishment
n. 1 : something established: as a : a settled arrangement especially : a code of laws b : ESTABLISHED CHURCH c : a permanent civil or military organization d : a place of business or residence with its furnishings and staff e : a public or private institution
2 : an established order of society: as a often capitalized : a group of social, economic, and political leaders who form a ruling class (as of a nation) b often capitalized : a controlling group <the literary establishment>
3 a : the act of establishing b : the state of being established

establishmentarian
n. : of, relating to, or favoring the social or political establishment
–establishmentarian noun
–es·tab·lish·men·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Estaing, d'
Comte Jean-Baptiste-Charles-Henri-Hector 1729-1794 Fr. admiral

estaminet
n. : a small café

estancia
n. : a So. American cattle ranch or stock farm

estate
n. 1 : STATE, CONDITION
2 : social standing or rank especially of a high order
3 : a social or political class specifically : one of the great classes (as the nobility, the clergy, and the commons) formerly vested with distinct political powers
4 a : the degree, quality, nature, and extent of one's interest in land or other property b (1) : POSSESSIONS, PROPERTY especially : a person's property in land and tenements <a man of small estate> (2) : the assets and liabilities left by a person at death c : a landed property usually with a large house on it d British : PROJECT 4
5 British : STATION WAGON
6 : FARM, PLANTATION also : VINEYARD

estate
n. : previously owned by another and usually of high quality <estate jewelry>

estate
n. estate agent
estate bottled
estate car
estate tax
first estate
fourth estate
housing estate
real estate
second estate
third estate
Hoffman Estates

estate agent
British : a real estate broker or manager

estate car
British : STATION WAGON

estate tax
: a tax in the form of a percentage of the taxable estate that is imposed on a property owner's right to transfer the property to others after his or her death ― compare INHERITANCE TAX 1

estate-bottled
of a wine : entirely produced and bottled by a single winery

Este
Ital. princely family beginning with Alberto Az·zo II \'äd-(ˌ)zō\ 996-1097 & ending with Er·co·le III \'er-kə-ˌlā\ 1727-1803

esteem
n. 1 archaic : WORTH, VALUE
2 archaic : OPINION, JUDGMENT
3 : the regard in which one is held especially : high regard <the esteem we all feel for her>

esteem
n. 1 archaic : APPRAISE
2 a : to view as : CONSIDER <esteem it a privilege> b : THINK, BELIEVE
3 : to set a high value on : regard highly and prize accordingly <an esteemed guest>
synonyms see REGARD

ester
n. : any of a class of often fragrant organic compounds that can be represented by the formula RCOOR′ and that are usually formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water

esterase
n. : an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis or synthesis of esters

Esterel
forested mountain region SE France on coast SW of Cannes; highest point 2020 ft (616 m)

Esterhazy
Marie-Charles-Ferdinand-Walsin 1847-1923 Fr. army officer

esterify
v. : to convert into an ester
–es·ter·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌster-ə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

Estes Park
valley N Colo. in Front Range of the Rocky Mountains at E border of Rocky Mountain National Park

Esth
Esther

Esther
n. 1 : the Jewish heroine of the Old Testament book of Esther
2 : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

esthete
n. variant of aesthete, aesthetic, aesthetical, aesthetician, aestheticism, aestheticize

Estienne
Fr. family of printers & booksellers including especially : Henri I ca 1470-1520; his son Robert 1503-1559; & Robert's son Henri II 1528-1598

estimable
adj. 1 : capable of being estimated <an estimable amount>
2 archaic : VALUABLE
3 : worthy of esteem <an estimable adversary>
–es·ti·ma·ble·ness noun
–es·ti·ma·bly \-blē\ adverb

estimate
n. 1 archaic a : ESTEEM b : APPRAISE
2 a : to judge tentatively or approximately the value, worth, or significance of b : to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of c : to produce a statement of the approximate cost of
3 : JUDGE, CONCLUDE
–es·ti·ma·tive \-ˌmā-tiv\ adjective
synonyms ESTIMATE, APPRAISE, EVALUATE, VALUE, RATE, ASSESS mean to judge something with respect to its worth or significance. ESTIMATE implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out <estimated the crowd at two hundred>. APPRAISE commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment <having their house appraised>. EVALUATE suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary <evaluate a student's work>. VALUE equals APPRAISE but without implying expertness of judgment <a watercolor valued by the donor at $500>. RATE adds to ESTIMATE the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values <a highly rated restaurant>. ASSESS implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action <officials are trying to assess the damage>.

estimate
n. 1 : the act of appraising or valuing : CALCULATION
2 : an opinion or judgment of the nature, character, or quality of a person or thing <had a high estimate of his abilities>
3 a : a rough or approximate calculation b : a numerical value obtained from a statistical sample and assigned to a population parameter
4 : a statement of the cost of work to be done

estimation
n. 1 : JUDGMENT, OPINION <a poor choice in my estimation>
2 a : the act of estimating something b : the value, amount, or size arrived at in an estimate
3 : ESTEEM, HONOR

estimator
n. 1 : one that estimates
2 : ESTIMATE 3B also : a statistical function whose value for a sample furnishes an estimate of a population parameter

estival
adj. : of or relating to the summer

estivate
v. 1 : to spend the summer usually at one place
2 : to pass the summer in a state of torpor ― compare HIBERNATE

estivation
n. : the state of one that estivates

esto perpetua
: may she endure forever ― motto of Idaho

Estonia
n. country N Europe bordering on Baltic Sea; one of the Baltic Provinces of Russia 1721-1917, an independent republic 1918-40, a constituent republic (Estonian Republic) of the U.S.S.R. 1940-91 capital Tallinn area 17,413 sq mi (45,100 sq km), pop 1,361,242

Estonian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Estonia
2 : the Finno-Ugric language of the Estonian people
–Estonian adjective

estop
v. 1 archaic : to stop up
2 : BAR specifically : to impede by estoppel

estoppel
n. : a legal bar to alleging or denying a fact because of one's own previous actions or words to the contrary

Estoril
resort town Portugal on coast W of Lisbon

estr
: estrus <estrogen>

Estrada
Joseph 1937-     orig. surname Ejercito pres. of Philippines (1998-2001)

Estrada Palma
Tomás 1835-1908 1st pres. of Cuba (1902-06)

estradiol
n. : a natural estrogenic hormone that is a phenolic alcohol C_18H_24O_2 secreted chiefly by the ovaries, that is the most potent of the naturally occurring estrogens, and that is administered in its natural or semisynthetic esterified form especially to treat menopausal symptoms

estral cycle
: ESTROUS CYCLE

estrange
v. 1 : to remove from customary environment or associations
2 : to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness : ALIENATE
–es·trange·ment \-mənt\ noun
–es·trang·er noun
synonyms ESTRANGE, ALIENATE, DISAFFECT mean to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty. ESTRANGE implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement <his estranged wife>. ALIENATE may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest <managed to alienate all his coworkers>. DISAFFECT refers especially to those from whom loyalty is expected and stresses the effects (as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation <troops disaffected by hunger>.

estray
n. : STRAY 1

estray
n. archaic : STRAY

Estremadura
region & old province W cen Portugal capital Lisbon

estriol
n. : a relatively weak natural estrogenic hormone that is a glycol C_18H_24O_3 found in the body chiefly as a metabolite of estradiol, is the main estrogen secreted by the placenta during pregnancy, and is the estrogen typically found in the urine of pregnant women

estrogen
n. : any of various natural steroids (as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens

estrogen replacement therapy
: hormone replacement therapy involving the administration of estrogen without progestin

estrogenic
adj. 1 : promoting estrus
2 : of, relating to, caused by, or being an estrogen
–es·tro·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

estrone
n. : a natural estrogenic hormone that is a ketone C_18H_22O_2 found in the body chiefly as a metabolite of estradiol, that is also secreted especially by the ovaries, and that is used to treat various conditions (as ovarian failure and menopausal symptoms) relating to estrogen deficiency

estrous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of estrus
2 : being in heat

estrous cycle
: the correlated phenomena of the endocrine and reproductive systems of a female mammal from the beginning of one period of estrus to the beginning of the next ― called also estral cycle estrus cycle

estrual
adj. : ESTROUS

estrus
n. : a regularly recurrent state of sexual excitability during which the female of most mammals will accept the male and is capable of conceiving : HEAT also : a single occurrence of this state

estuarial
: ESTUARINE

estuarine
: of, relating to, or formed in an estuary <estuarine currents> <estuarine animals>

estuary
n. : a water passage where the tide meets a river current especially : an arm of the sea at the lower end of a river

esurience
n. : the quality or state of being esurient

esurient
adj. : HUNGRY, GREEDY
–esu·ri·ent·ly adverb

ET
n. : EXTRATERRESTRIAL

ET
n. eastern time

Et
n. ethyl

et
n. dialect past and past part of eat

et
n. : small one <baronet> <cellaret>

et
n. : group <octet>

et
n. vingt et un
et al
et alia
et cetera
et seq
et ux
son et lumiere
son et lumière
aqua et igni interdictus
a tort et a travers
à tort et à travers
Dieu et mon droit
divide et impera
dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
et hoc genus omne
et id genus omne
et in Arcadia ego
et sic de similibus
et tu Brute
fas est et ab hoste doceri
forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit
hic et nunc
hic et ubique
magna est veritas et praevalebit
meum et tuum
odi et amo
omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
panem et circenses
peine forte et dure
pereunt et imputantur
pro aris et focis
pro rege lege et grege
sans peur et sans reproche
timeo Danaos et dona ferentes
urbi et orbi
va et vient
varium et mutabile semper femina
virtute et armis
vox et praeterea nihil
Frontenac et Palluau
de l'audace encore de l'audace et toujours de l'audace
tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

et al
and others

et alia
: and others

et cetera
: and others especially of the same kind : and so forth

et hoc genus omne
: and everything of this kind

et in Arcadia ego
: I too (lived) in Arcadia

et seq
[Latin et sequens] and the following one; [Latin et sequentes (masc. & feminine plural) or et sequentia (neut. plural)] and the following ones

et sic de similibus
: and so of like things

et tu Brute
: thou too, Brutus ― exclamation attributed to Julius Caesar on seeing his friend Brutus among his assassins

et ux
and wife

ETA
estimated time of arrival

eta
: the 7th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

etagere
n. : a piece of furniture consisting of a set of open shelves for displaying small objects and sometimes having an enclosed cabinet as a base

etamine
: a light cotton or worsted fabric with an open mesh

etatism
: STATISM
–etat·ist \-'tä-tist\ adjective

etc
adv. et cetera ― usually punctuated

etcetera
adv. 1 : a number of unspecified additional persons or things
2 plural : unspecified additional items : ODDS AND ENDS

etch
v. transitive verb
1 a : to produce (as a pattern or design) on a hard material by eating into the material's surface (as by acid or laser beam) b : to subject to such etching
2 : to delineate or impress clearly <scenes etched in our minds> <pain was etched on his features>
intransitive verb : to practice etching
–etch·er noun

etch
v. 1 : the action or effect of etching a surface
2 : a chemical agent used in etching

etchant
n. : ETCH 2

etching
n. 1 a : the action or process of etching b : the art of producing pictures or designs by printing from an etched metal plate
2 a : an etched design b : an impression from an etched plate

ETD
estimated time of departure

eternal
adj. 1 a : having infinite duration : EVERLASTING <eternal damnation> b : of or relating to eternity c : characterized by abiding fellowship with God <good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ― Mk 10:17(RSV)>
2 a : continued without intermission : PERPETUAL <an eternal flame> b : seemingly endless <eternal delays>
3 archaic : INFERNAL <some eternal villain⋯devised this slander ― Shakespeare>
4 : valid or existing at all times : TIMELESS <eternal verities>
–eter·nal·ize \-nə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
–eter·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb
–eter·nal·ness noun

eternal
adj. 1 capitalized : GOD 1 ― used with the
2 : something eternal

eterne
archaic : ETERNAL

eternity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being eternal
2 : infinite time <lasting throughout eternity>
3 plural : AGE 3B
4 : the state after death : IMMORTALITY
5 : a seemingly endless or immeasurable time <an eternity of delays>

eternize
v. 1 a : to make eternal b : to prolong indefinitely
2 : IMMORTALIZE
–eter·ni·za·tion \-ˌtər-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

Etesian
adj. : recurring annually ― used of summer winds that blow over the Mediterranean
–Etesian noun

eth
variant of edh

eth
: ethyl <ethene>

eth
― used to form the archaic third person singular present of verbs <doth>

eth
― see 2-TH

ethacrynic acid
: a potent synthetic diuretic C_13H_12Cl_2O_4 used especially in the treatment of edema

ethambutol
n. : a synthetic drug C_10H_24N_2O_2 used in the form of its hydrochloride especially in the treatment of tuberculosis

ethane
n. : a colorless odorless gaseous alkane C_2H_6 found in natural gas and used as a fuel

ethanol
n. : a colorless volatile flammable liquid C_2H_5OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent and in fuel ― called also ethyl alcohol grain alcohol

ethanolamine
n. : a colorless liquid amino alcohol C_2H_7NO used especially as a solvent in the synthesis of detergents and in gas purification

Ethelbert
― see AETHELBERHT

Ethelred
― see AETHELRED

ethene
n. : ETHYLENE

ethephon
: a synthetic plant growth regulator C_2H_6ClO_3P that induces flowering and abscission by promoting the release of ethylene and has been used to cause early ripening (as of apples on the tree)

ether
n. 1 a : the rarefied element formerly believed to fill the upper regions of space b : the upper regions of space : HEAVENS
2 a also ae·ther : a medium that in the wave theory of light permeates all space and transmits transverse waves b : AIRWAVES
3 a : a light volatile flammable liquid C_4H_10O used chiefly as a solvent and especially formerly as an anesthetic b : any of a class of organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom attached to two carbon atoms
–ethe·ric \i-'ther-ik, -'thir-\ adjective

ether
n. diethyl ether
ether extract
ethyl ether

ether extract
: the part of a complex organic material that is soluble in ether and consists chiefly of fats and fatty acids

ethereal
1 a : of or relating to the regions beyond the earth b : CELESTIAL, HEAVENLY c : UNWORLDLY, SPIRITUAL
2 a : lacking material substance : IMMATERIAL, INTANGIBLE b : marked by unusual delicacy or refinement <this smallest, most ethereal, and daintiest of birds ― William Beebe> c : suggesting the heavens or heaven
3 : relating to, containing, or resembling a chemical ether
–ethe·re·al·i·ty \-ˌthir-ē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–ethe·re·al·i·za·tion \-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ethe·re·al·ize \-'thir-ē-ə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
–ethe·re·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–ethe·re·al·ness noun

Etherege
Sir George 1635?-1692 Eng. dram.

etherize
v. 1 : to treat or anesthetize with ether
2 : to make numb as if by anesthetizing
–ether·i·za·tion \ˌē-thə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ether·iz·er noun

Ethernet
n. : a computer network architecture consisting of various specified local-area network protocols, devices, and connection methods

ethic
n. 1 plural but singular or plural in construction : the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
2 a : a set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values <the present-day materialistic ethic> <an old-fashioned work ethic> ― often used in plural but singular or plural in construction <an elaborate ethics> <Christian ethics> b plural but singular or plural in construction : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group <professional ethics> c : a guiding philosophy d : a consciousness of moral importance <forge a conservation ethic>
3 plural : a set of moral issues or aspects (as rightness) <debated the ethics of human cloning>

ethical
adj. 1 : of or relating to ethics <ethical theories>
2 : involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval <ethical judgments>
3 : conforming to accepted standards of conduct <ethical behavior>
4 of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
synonyms see MORAL
–eth·i·cal·i·ty \ˌe-thə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–eth·i·cal·ly \'e-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–eth·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

ethician
: ETHICIST

ethicist
n. : a specialist in ethics

ethidium bromide
: a fluorescent mutagenic biological dye C_21H_20BrN_3 that is used especially to stain nucleic acids

ethinyl
: a monovalent unsaturated radical HC≡C– derived from acetylene by removal of one hydrogen atom

ethinyl estradiol
: a very potent synthetic estrogen C_20H_24O_2 used especially as an oral contraceptive

ethion
: a toxic organophosphate C_9H_22O_4P_2S_4 used as an insecticide and acaricide

ethionamide
n. : a compound C_8H_10N_2S used against mycobacteria (as in tuberculosis and leprosy)

ethionine
: an amino acid C_6H_13NO_2S that is the ethyl homologue of methionine and is biologically antagonistic to methionine

Ethiop
n. archaic : ETHIOPIAN

Ethiopia
n. 1 ancient country NE Africa bordering on Red Sea and extending from S Egypt to N (present-day) Ethiopia
2 or Ab·ys·sin·ia \ˌa-bə-'si-nē-ə, -nyə\ country E Africa; formerly an empire; since 1975 a republic capital Addis Ababa area 471,776 sq mi (1,226,618 sq km), pop 67,220,000

Ethiopian
n. 1 : a member of any of the mythical or actual peoples usually described by the ancient Greeks as dark-skinned and living far to the south
2 archaic : a black person
3 : a native or inhabitant of Ethiopia

Ethiopian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the inhabitants or the country of Ethiopia
2 : of, relating to, or being the biogeographic region that includes Africa south of the Sahara, southern Arabia, and sometimes Madagascar and the adjacent islands

Ethiopic
n. 1 : ETHIOPIAN
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting Ethiopic b : of, relating to, or constituting a group of related Semitic languages spoken in Ethiopia

Ethiopic
n. 1 : a Semitic language formerly spoken in Ethiopia and still used as the liturgical language of the Christian church in Ethiopia
2 : the Ethiopic group of Semitic languages

ethmoid
n. : a light spongy cubical bone forming much of the walls of the nasal cavity and part of those of the orbits
–ethmoid \same\ or eth·moi·dal \(ˌ)eth-'mȯi-dəl\ adjective

ethnic
adj. 1 : HEATHEN
2 a : of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background <ethnic minorities> <ethnic enclaves> b : being a member of a specified ethnic group <an ethnic German> c : of, relating to, or characteristic of ethnics <ethnic neighborhoods> <ethnic foods>

ethnic
adj. : a member of an ethnic group especially : a member of a minority group who retains the customs, language, or social views of the group

ethnic cleansing
: the expulsion, imprisonment, or killing of an ethnic minority by a dominant majority in order to achieve ethnic homogeneity

ethnical
adj. 1 : ETHNIC
2 : of or relating to ethnology : ETHNOLOGIC
–eth·ni·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ethnicity
n. 1950
1 : ethnic quality or affiliation <aspects of ethnicity>
2 : a particular ethnic affiliation or group <students of diverse ethnicities>

ethno
: race : people : cultural group <ethnocentric>

ethnobiology
: the interdisciplinary study of how human cultures interact with and use their native plants and animals
–eth·no·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–eth·no·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

ethnobotany
: the plant lore of indigenous cultures also : the systematic study of such lore
–eth·no·bo·tan·i·cal \-bə-'ta-ni-kəl\ adjective
–eth·no·bot·a·nist \-'bä-tə-nist, -'bät-nist\ noun

ethnocentric
adj. : characterized by or based on the attitude that one's own group is superior
–eth·no·cen·tric·i·ty \-sen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun
–eth·no·cen·trism \-'sen-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

ethnography
: the study and systematic recording of human cultures also : a descriptive work produced from such research
–eth·nog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–eth·no·graph·ic \ˌeth-nə-'gra-fik\ or eth·no·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–eth·no·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ethnohistory
: a study of the development of cultures
–eth·no·his·to·ri·an \-(h)is-'tȯr-ē-ən, -'tär-\ noun
–eth·no·his·to·ric \-(h)is-'tȯr-ik, -'tär-\ or eth·no·his·to·ri·cal \-i-kəl\ adjective

ethnology
n. 1 : a science that deals with the division of human beings into races and their origin, distribution, relations, and characteristics
2 : anthropology dealing chiefly with the comparative and analytical study of cultures : CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
–eth·no·log·i·cal \ˌeth-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also eth·no·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–eth·nol·o·gist \eth-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

ethnomedicine
: the comparative study of how different cultures view disease and how they treat or prevent it also : the medical beliefs and practices of indigenous cultures
–eth·no·med·i·cal \-'me-di-kəl\ adjective

ethnomethodology
: a branch of sociology dealing with nonspecialists' commonsense understanding of the structure and organization of society
–eth·no·meth·od·ol·o·gist \-'dä-lə-jist\ noun

ethnomusicology
n. 1 : the study of music that is outside the European art tradition
2 : the study of music in a sociocultural context
–eth·no·mu·si·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–eth·no·mu·si·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

ethnoscience
: the study of a culture's system of classifying knowledge (as its taxonomy of plants and animals) also : such a system in a particular culture

ethology
n. 1 : a branch of knowledge dealing with human character and with its formation and evolution
2 : the scientific and objective study of animal behavior especially under natural conditions
–etho·log·i·cal \ˌē-thə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌe-thə-\ adjective
–ethol·o·gist \ē-'thä-lə-jist\ noun

ethos
n. : the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution also : ETHIC 2C

ethoxy
: relating to or containing the monovalent radical CH_3CH_2O– composed of ethyl united with oxygen

ethyl
n. : an alkyl radical CH_3CH_2– derived from ethane
–eth·yl·ic \e-'thi-lik\ adjective

ethyl
n. ethyl alcohol
ethyl acetate
ethyl cellulose
ethyl chloride
ethyl ether
methyl ethyl ketone

ethyl acetate
: a colorless fragrant volatile flammable liquid ester C_4H_8O_2 used especially as a solvent

ethyl alcohol
: ETHANOL

ethyl cellulose
: any of various thermoplastic substances used especially in plastics and lacquers

ethyl chloride
: a colorless pungent flammable gaseous or volatile liquid C_2H_5Cl used especially as a topical anesthetic

ethyl ether
: ETHER 3A

ethylbenzene
: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C_8H_10 used chiefly in the manufacture of styrene

ethylene
n. 1 : a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C_2H_4 that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit
2 : a divalent hydrocarbon group C_2H_4 derived from ethane
–eth·yl·enic \ˌe-thə-'lē-nik, -'le-nik\ adjective

ethylene
n. ethylene dibromide
ethylene glycol
ethylene oxide

ethylene dibromide
: a colorless toxic liquid compound C_2H_4Br_2 that is used chiefly as a fuel additive in leaded gasolines, that has been found to be strongly carcinogenic in laboratory animals, and that was used formerly in the U.S. as an agricultural pesticide ― abbreviation EDB

ethylene glycol
: a thick liquid diol C_2H_6O_2 used especially as an antifreeze and in making polyester fibers

ethylene oxide
: a colorless flammable toxic compound C_2H_4O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in sterilization and fumigation

ethylenediaminetetraacetate
: a salt of EDTA(eth00B7;yl00B7;ene00B7;di00B7;amine00B7;tet00B7;ra00B7;ac00B7;e00B7;tate

ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
: EDTA

ethyne
n. : ACETYLENE

ethynyl
variant of ethinyl

etic
: of, relating to, or involving analysis of cultural phenomena from the perspective of one who does not participate in the culture being studied ― compare EMIC

etic
: -IC <limnetic> ― often in adjectives corresponding to nouns ending in -esis <genetic>

etidronate
: a white sodium salt C_2H_6Na_2O_7P_2 that inhibits the formation, growth, and dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystals and is administered orally in the treatment of some bone diseases (as Paget's disease of bone) ― called also etidronate disodium

etiolate
v. 1 : to bleach and alter the natural development of (a green plant) by excluding sunlight
2 a : to make pale b : to deprive of natural vigor : make feeble
–eti·o·la·tion \ˌē-tē-ə-'lā-shən\ noun

etiologic
adj. 1 : assigning or seeking to assign a cause
2 : of or relating to etiology
–eti·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

etiology
n. 1 : CAUSE, ORIGIN specifically : the cause of a disease or abnormal condition
2 : a branch of knowledge concerned with causes specifically : a branch of medical science concerned with the causes and origins of diseases

etiquette
n. : the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life

Etna, Mount
volcano 10,902 ft (3323 m) Italy in NE Sicily

ETO
European theater of operations

Etobicoke
former city Canada in SE Ont., now part of Toronto

Eton
n. town SE cen England in Berkshire

Eton collar
: a large stiff turnover collar

Eton jacket
: a short black jacket with long sleeves, wide lapels, and an open front

Etonian
n. : a student or former student of Eton College
–Etonian adjective

etouffee
: a Cajun stew of shellfish or chicken served over rice

Etruria
n. ancient country cen Italy coextensive with modern Tuscany & part of Umbria; home of the Etruscans

Etrurian
n. : ETRUSCAN
–Etrurian adjective

Etruscan
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Etruria, the Etruscans, or the Etruscan language

Etruscan
n. 1 : the language of the Etruscans which is of uncertain affiliation
2 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Etruria

ette
1 : little one <kitchenette>
2 : female <farmerette>

Ettrick Forest
region in SE Scotland; formerly a forest & hunting ground

etude
n. 1 : a piece of music for the practice of a point of technique
2 : a composition built on a technical motive but played for its artistic value

etui
n. : a small ornamental case

ETV
educational television

etymologise
v. British variant of etymologize

etymologist
n. : a specialist in etymology

etymologize
v. transitive verb : to discover, formulate, or state an etymology for
intransitive verb : to study or formulate etymologies

etymology
n. 1 : the history of a linguistic form (as a word) shown by tracing its development since its earliest recorded occurrence in the language where it is found, by tracing its transmission from one language to another, by analyzing it into its component parts, by identifying its cognates in other languages, or by tracing it and its cognates to a common ancestral form in an ancestral language
2 : a branch of linguistics concerned with etymologies
–et·y·mo·log·i·cal \-mə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–et·y·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

etymon
n. 1 a : an earlier form of a word in the same language or an ancestral language b : a word in a foreign language that is the source of a particular loanword
2 : a word or morpheme from which words are formed by composition or derivation

EU
European Union

Eu
europium

eu
1 a : well : easily <euclase> ― compare DYS- b : good <eudaemonism> ― compare DYS-
2 : true <euchromatin>

eubacterium
n. : any of the bacteria excluding those included in the archaebacteria or the archaea
–eu·bac·te·ri·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

Euboea
n. island 90 mi (145 km) long E Greece in the Aegean NE of Attica & Boeotia area 1411 sq mi (3654 sq km)
–Eu·boe·an \yu̇-'bē-ən\ adjective or noun

eucalypt
: EUCALYPTUS

eucalyptol
n. : a liquid C_10H_18O with an odor of camphor that occurs in many essential oils (as of eucalyptus) and is used especially as an expectorant and flavoring agent ― called also cineole

eucalyptus
n. : any of a genus (Eucalyptus) of mostly Australian evergreen trees or rarely shrubs of the myrtle family that have rigid entire leaves and umbellate flowers and are widely cultivated for their gums, resins, oils, and woods

eucaryote
n. variant of eukaryote

Eucharist
n. 1 : COMMUNION 2A
2 Christian Science : spiritual communion with God
–eu·cha·ris·tic \ˌyü-kə-'ris-tik\ adjective often cap

euchre
n. : a card game in which each player is dealt five cards and the player making trump must take three tricks to win a hand

euchre
n. 1 : to prevent from winning three tricks in euchre
2 : CHEAT, TRICK <euchred out of their life savings ― Pete Martin>

euchromatin
n. : the part of chromatin that is genetically active and is largely composed of genes
–eu·chro·mat·ic \ˌyü-krō-'ma-tik\ adjective

euclase
: a mineral that consists of a brittle silicate of beryllium and aluminum in pale yellow, green, or blue prismatic crystals and is used especially as a gemstone

Euclid
n. fl ca 300 B.C. Greek geometer

Euclid
n. city NE Ohio NE of Cleveland pop 52,717

euclidean
adj. : of, relating to, or based on the geometry of Euclid or a geometry with similar axioms

euclidean
adj. Euclidean algorithm
euclidean geometry
euclidean space
non euclidean

Euclidean algorithm
: a method of finding the greatest common divisor of two numbers by dividing the larger by the smaller, the smaller by the remainder, the first remainder by the second remainder, and so on until exact division is obtained whence the greatest common divisor is the exact divisor ― called also Euclid's algorithm

euclidean geometry
1 : geometry based on Euclid's axioms
2 : the geometry of a euclidean space

euclidean space
: a space in which Euclid's axioms and definitions (as of straight and parallel lines and angles of plane triangles) apply

eucrite
1 : a stony meteorite composed essentially of plagioclase and pigeonite
2 : a rock consisting of a very basic gabbro
–eu·crit·ic \yü-'kri-tik\ adjective

eudaemonism
n. : a theory that the highest ethical goal is happiness and personal well-being
–eu·dae·mo·nist \-nist\ noun
–eu·dae·mo·nis·tic \-ˌdē-mə-'nis-tik\ adjective

eudiometer
n. : an instrument for the volumetric measurement and analysis of gases
–eu·dio·met·ric \ˌyü-dē-ə-'me-trik\ adjective
–eu·dio·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Euganean Hills
hills NE Italy in SW Veneto bet. Padua & the Adige

Eugene
n. 1663-1736 François-Eugène de Savoie-Carignan prince of Savoy & Austrian gen.

Eugene
n. city W Oreg. on the Willamette pop 137,893

eugenic
adj. 1 : relating to or fitted for the production of good offspring
2 : of or relating to eugenics
–eu·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

eugenicist
n. : a student or advocate of eugenics

eugenics
n. : a science that deals with the improvement (as by control of human mating) of hereditary qualities of a race or breed

Eugenie
1826-1920 Eugénia Maria de Montijo de Guzmán; wife of Napoleon III empress of the French (1853-71)

eugenist
n. : EUGENICIST

eugenol
n. : a colorless aromatic liquid phenol C_10H_12O_2 found especially in clove oil and used commercially in flavors and perfumes and in dentistry as an analgesic

eugeosyncline
: a narrow rapidly subsiding geosyncline usually with volcanic materials mingled with clastic sediments
–eu·geo·syn·cli·nal \-(ˌ)sin-'klī-nəl\ adjective

euglena
n. : any of a genus (Euglena) of green freshwater flagellates often classified as algae

euglenoid
: any of a taxon (Euglenoidina or Euglenophyta) of varied flagellates (as a euglena) that are typically green or colorless stigma-bearing solitary organisms with one or two flagella emerging from a well-defined gullet
–euglenoid adjective

euglenoid movement
: writhing usually nonprogressive protoplasmic movement of plastic-bodied euglenoid flagellates

euglobulin
n. : a simple protein that does not dissolve in pure water

euhemerism
: interpretation of myths as traditional accounts of historical persons and events
–eu·he·mer·ist \-rist\ noun
–eu·he·mer·is·tic \-ˌhē-mə-'ris-tik, -ˌhe-mə-\ adjective

eukaryote
n. : any of a domain (Eukarya) or a higher taxonomic group (Eukaryota) above the kingdom that includes organisms composed of one or more cells containing visibly evident nuclei and organelles ― compare ARCHAEA, BACTERIUM, PROKARYOTE
–eu·kary·ot·ic \-ˌker-ē-'ä-tik, -ˌka-rē-\ adjective

eulachon
n. : CANDLEFISH

Euler
n. Leonhard 1707-1783 Swiss math. & physicist

Euler-Chelpin
Hans (Karl August Simon) von 1873-1964 Swed. (Ger.-born) chem.

Euless
city NE Tex. NE of Fort Worth pop 46,005

eulogise
v. British variant of eulogize

eulogist
n. : one who eulogizes

eulogium
n. : EULOGY

eulogize
v. : to speak or write in high praise of : EXTOL
–eu·lo·giz·er noun

eulogy
n. 1 : a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased <she delivered the eulogy at his funeral>
2 : high praise
synonyms see ENCOMIUM
–eu·lo·gis·tic \ˌyü-lə-'jis-tik\ adjective
–eu·lo·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Eumenides
n. : the Furies in Greek mythology

eunuch
n. 1 : a castrated man placed in charge of a harem or employed as a chamberlain in a palace
2 : a man or boy deprived of the testes or external genitals
3 : one that lacks virility or power <political eunuchs>
–eu·nuch·ism \-nə-ˌki-zəm, -ni-\ noun

eunuchoid
adj. : a sexually deficient individual especially : one lacking in sexual differentiation and tending toward the intersexual state
–eunuchoid adjective

euonymus
n. : SPINDLE TREE

eupatrid
: one of the hereditary aristocrats of ancient Athens

Eupen
commune E Belgium E of Liège; formerly in Germany; transferred (with Malmédy) to Belgium 1919 pop 17,606

eupeptic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having good digestion
2 : CHEERFUL, OPTIMISTIC

euphausiid
: any of an order (Euphausiacea) of small usually luminescent malacostracan crustaceans that resemble shrimps and in some areas form an important element in marine plankton
–euphausiid adjective

euphemise
v. British variant of euphemize

euphemism
n. : the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant also : the expression so substituted
–eu·phe·mist \-mist\ noun
–eu·phe·mis·tic \ˌyü-fə-'mis-tik\ adjective
–eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

euphemize
v. : to express or describe euphemistically <euphemize death>
–eu·phe·miz·er \-ˌmī-zər\ noun

euphenics
n. : the therapeutic techniques and procedures (as medical treatment) for amelioration of the deleterious phenotypic effects of a genetic defect especially without altering the genetic makeup of the germplasm of the individual
–eu·phen·ic \-nik\ adjective

euphonious
adj. : pleasing to the ear
–eu·pho·ni·ous·ly adverb
–eu·pho·ni·ous·ness noun

euphonium
n. : a brass instrument smaller than but resembling a tuba and having a range from B flat below the bass staff upward for three octaves

euphony
n. 1 : pleasing or sweet sound especially : the acoustic effect produced by words so formed or combined as to please the ear
2 : a harmonious succession of words having a pleasing sound
–eu·phon·ic \yu̇-'fä-nik\ adjective
–eu·phon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

euphorbia
n. : any of a large genus (Euphorbia) of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the spurge family that have a milky juice and flowers lacking a calyx and included in an involucre which surrounds a group of several staminate flowers and a central pistillate flower with 3-lobed pistils broadly : SPURGE

euphoria
n. : a feeling of well-being or elation
–eu·phor·ic \-'fȯr-ik, -'fär-\ adjective
–eu·phor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

euphoriant
adj. : a drug that tends to induce euphoria
–euphoriant adjective

euphotic
: of, relating to, or constituting the upper layers of a body of water into which sufficient light penetrates to permit growth of green plants

Euphrates
n. river 1700 mi (2736 km) SW Asia flowing from E Turkey SE through Syria & Iraq to unite with the Tigris forming the Shatt al Arab ― see KARA SU
–Eu·phra·te·an \-'frā-tē-ən\ adjective

Euphrosyne
n. : one of the three Graces

euphuism
n. 1 : an elegant Elizabethan literary style marked by excessive use of balance, antithesis, and alliteration and by frequent use of similes drawn from mythology and nature
2 : artificial elegance of language
–eu·phu·ist \-wist, -ist\ noun
–eu·phu·is·tic \ˌyü-fyə-'wis-tik, -fyü-'is-\ adjective
–eu·phu·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

euploid
adj. : having a chromosome number that is an exact multiple of the monoploid number ― compare ANEUPLOID
–euploid noun
–eu·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

eupnea
n. : normal respiration
–eup·ne·ic \-'nē-ik\ adjective

Eur
Europe; European

Eur
: European and <Euramerican> : European <Eurocentric> : western European <Eurocommunism> : of the European Union <Eurocrat>

Eurasia
n. landmass of Asia & Europe ― chiefly used to refer to the two continents as one continent

Eurasian
n. 1 : of a mixed European and Asian origin
2 : of or relating to Europe and Asia
–Eurasian noun

Eure
river 140 mi (225 km) NW France flowing N into the Seine

Eureka
interj. city & port NW Calif. pop 26,128

eureka
interj. ― used to express triumph on a discovery

eureka
interj. : marked by usually sudden triumphant discovery <a eureka moment>

eureka
interj. : I have found it ― motto of California

Euripides
n. ca 484-406 B.C. Greek dram.
–Eu·rip·i·de·an \-ˌri-pə-'dē-ən\ adjective

Euro
n. : EUROPEAN
–Euro noun

euro
n. : WALLAROO

euro
n. : the common basic monetary unit of most countries of the European Union ― see MONEY table

Euro-American
1 : WESTERN 2A B
2 : WESTERN 3

Euro-American
1 : a person of both European and American ancestry
2 : an American of European and especially white European descent

Eurobond
n. : a bond of a U.S. corporation that is sold outside the U.S. and that is denominated and paid for in dollars and yields interest in dollars

Eurocentric
adj. : centered on Europe or the Europeans especially : reflecting a tendency to interpret the world in terms of western and especially European or Anglo-American values and experiences
–Eu·ro·cen·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun
–Eu·ro·cen·trist \-'sen-trist\ noun

Eurocommunism
n. : the communism especially of western European Communist parties that was marked by a willingness to reach power through coalitions and by independence from Soviet leadership
–Eu·ro·com·mu·nist noun or adjective

Eurocrat
n. : a staff member of the administrative commission of the European Union
–Eu·ro·cra·cy \yu̇-'rä-krə-sē\ noun

Eurocurrency
n. : moneys (as of the U.S. and Japan) held outside their countries of origin and used in the money markets of Europe

Eurodollar
n. : a U.S. dollar held as Eurocurrency

Europa
n. : a Phoenician princess carried off by Zeus in the form of a white bull and by him mother of Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon

Europe
n. 1 continent of the eastern hemisphere bet. Asia & the Atlantic area 3,997,929 sq mi (10,354,636 sq km), pop 498,000,000
2 the European continent exclusive of the British Isles

European
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Europe or its people
–Eu·ro·pe·an·ness noun

European
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Europe
2 : a person of European descent

European
n. European American
European bison
European chafer
European corn borer
European flat
European plan
European red mite
Indo European
Indo European languages
smaller European elm bark beetle
un European
European Economic Community
European Union
European Community
European Communities
non Indo European
non European

European American
: EURO-AMERICAN

European bison
: WISENT

European chafer
: an Old World beetle (Rhizotragus majalis syn. Amphimallon majalis) established in parts of eastern No. America where its larva is a destructive pest on the roots of turf grasses

European corn borer
: an Old World moth (Ostrinia nubilalis) widespread in eastern and central No. America where its larva is a major pest in the stems, crowns, and fruits of crop plants and especially Indian corn

European Economic Community
economic organization subsumed within the European Union

European flat
: a flat-shelled European oyster (Ostrea edulis)

European plan
: a hotel plan whereby the daily rates cover only the cost of the room ― compare AMERICAN PLAN

European red mite
: a small bright red or brownish-red oval Old World mite (Panonychus ulmi) that is a destructive orchard pest

European Union
economic, scientific, and political organization consisting of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, & Slovenia

Europeanism
n. 1 : attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of Europeans
2 : the ideal or advocacy of the political and economic integration of Europe

Europeanist
1 : a specialist in European culture or history
2 : an advocate for Europeanism

Europeanize
v. : to cause to acquire or conform to European characteristics
–Eu·ro·pe·an·i·za·tion \-ˌpē-ə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

europium
n. : a divalent and trivalent metallic element of the rare-earth group found especially in monazite sand ― see ELEMENT table

Europocentric
: EUROCENTRIC
–Eu·ro·po·cen·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

eury
: broad : wide <euryhaline>

eurybathic
: capable of living on the bottom in both deep and shallow water

Eurydice
n. : the wife of Orpheus whom he attempts to bring back from Hades

euryhaline
: able to live in waters of a wide range of salinity <euryhaline crabs>

eurypterid
n. : any of an order (Eurypterida) of usually large aquatic Paleozoic arthropods resembling scorpions and related to the horseshoe crabs ― called also sea scorpion
–eurypterid adjective

eurythermal
: tolerating a wide range of temperature <eurythermal animals>

eurythermic
: EURYTHERMAL

eurythermous
: EURYTHERMAL

eurythmic
adj. 1 : HARMONIOUS
2 : of or relating to eurythmy or eurythmics

eurythmics
n. : the art of harmonious bodily movement especially through expressive timed movements in response to improvised music

eurythmy
: a system of harmonious body movement to the rhythm of spoken words

eurytopic
: tolerant of wide variation in one or more environmental factors

Eusden
Laurence 1688-1730 Eng. poet; poet laureate (1718-30)

Eusebius of Caesarea
ca 260-ca 339 theol. & church hist.

eusocial
: living in a cooperative group in which usually one female and several males are reproductively active and the nonbreeding individuals care for the young or protect and provide for the group <eusocial termites, ants, and naked mole rats>
–eu·so·ci·al·i·ty \-ˌsō-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun

eustachian tube
: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane ― called also auditory tube ― see EAR illustration

Eustachio
Bartolomeo 1520-1574 L. Eu·sta·chius \yu̇-'stā-kē-əs, -'stā-sh(ē-)əs\ Ital. anatomist

eustatic
: relating to or characterized by worldwide change of sea level

eustele
: a stele typical of dicotyledonous plants that consists of vascular bundles of xylem and phloem strands with parenchymal cells between the bundles

eutectic
n. 1 of an alloy or solution : having the lowest melting point possible
2 : of or relating to a eutectic alloy or solution or its melting or freezing point
–eutectic noun
–eu·tec·toid \-ˌtȯid\ adjective or noun

Euterpe
n. : the Greek Muse of music

euthanasia
n. : the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy
–eu·tha·na·sic \-zik, -sik\ adjective

euthanize
v. : to subject to euthanasia

euthenics
n. : a science that deals with development of human well-being by improvement of living conditions
–eu·the·nist \yü-'the-nist, 'yü-thə-\ noun

eutherian
n. : of or relating to a major division (Eutheria) of mammals comprising the placental mammals
–eutherian noun

euthyroid
n. : characterized by normal thyroid function

eutrophic
adj. of a body of water : characterized by the state resulting from eutrophication ― compare MESOTROPHIC, OLIGOTROPHIC
–eu·tro·phy \'yü-trə-fē\ noun

eutrophication
n. : the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients (as phosphates) that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen

EV
electric vehicle

eV
electron volt

EVA
n. extravehicular activity

evacuate
v. transitive verb
1 : to remove the contents of : EMPTY
2 : to discharge from the body as waste : VOID
3 : to remove something (as gas or water) from especially by pumping
4 a : to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous area b : to withdraw from military occupation of c : VACATE <were ordered to evacuate the building>
intransitive verb
1 : to withdraw from a place in an organized way especially for protection
2 : to pass urine or feces from the body
–evac·u·a·tive \-ˌwā-tiv, -ˌā-\ adjective

evacuation
n. 1 : the act or process of evacuating
2 : something evacuated or discharged

evacuee
n. : an evacuated person

evade
v. intransitive verb
1 : to slip away
2 : to take refuge in escape or avoidance
transitive verb
1 : to elude by dexterity or stratagem
2 a : to avoid facing up to <evaded the real issues> b : to avoid the performance of : DODGE, CIRCUMVENT especially : to fail to pay (taxes) c : to avoid answering directly : turn aside
3 : to be elusive to : BAFFLE <the simple, personal meaning evaded them ― C. D. Lewis>
synonyms see ESCAPE
–evad·able \-'vā-də-bəl\ adjective
–evad·er noun

evagination
n. 1 : an act or instance of everting
2 : a product of eversion : OUTGROWTH

eval
n. evaluation

evaluate
v. 1 : to determine or fix the value of
2 : to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study
synonyms see ESTIMATE
–eval·u·a·tion \-ˌval-yə-'wā-shən, -yü-'ā-\ noun
–eval·u·a·tive \-'val-yə-ˌwā-tiv, -yü-ˌā-\ adjective
–eval·u·a·tor \-tər\ noun

evanesce
v. : to dissipate like vapor

evanescence
n. 1 : the process or fact of evanescing
2 : evanescent quality

evanescent
adj. : tending to vanish like vapor
synonyms see TRANSIENT

evangel
n. : GOSPEL

evangel
n. : EVANGELIST

evangelical
1 : of, relating to, or being in agreement with the Christian gospel especially as it is presented in the four Gospels
2 : PROTESTANT
3 : emphasizing salvation by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ through personal conversion, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of preaching as contrasted with ritual
4 a capitalized : of or relating to the Evangelical Church in Germany b often capitalized : of, adhering to, or marked by fundamentalism : FUNDAMENTALIST c often capitalized : LOW CHURCH
5 : marked by militant or crusading zeal : EVANGELISTIC <the evangelical ardor of the movement's leaders ― Amos Vogel>
–Evan·gel·i·cal·ism \-li-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–evan·gel·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

evangelical
n. : one holding evangelical principles or belonging to an evangelical party or church

evangelism
n. 1 : the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ
2 : militant or crusading zeal
–evan·ge·lis·tic \-ˌvan-jə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–evan·ge·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

evangelist
n. 1 often capitalized : a writer of any of the four Gospels
2 : a person who evangelizes specifically : a Protestant minister or layman who preaches at special services
3 : an enthusiastic advocate <an evangelist for physical fitness>

evangelize
v. transitive verb
1 : to preach the gospel to
2 : to convert to Christianity
intransitive verb : to preach the gospel
–evan·ge·li·za·tion \-ˌvan-jə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Evans
n. Sir Arthur John 1851-1941 Eng. archaeol.

Evans
n. Donald Louis 1946-     U.S. secy. of commerce (2001-  )

Evans
n. Herbert McLean 1882-1971 American anatomist & embryologist

Evans
n. Maurice 1901-1989 American (Eng.-born) actor

Evans
n. Rudolph 1878-1960 American sculptor

Evans
n. Walker 1903-1975 American photographer

Evans, Mount
mountain 14,264 ft (4348 m) N cen Colo. in Front Range WSW of Denver

Evanston
city NE Ill. N of Chicago pop 74,239

Evansville
n. city SW Ind. on Ohio River pop 121,582

evap
evaporate

evaporate
transitive verb
1 a : to convert into vapor also : to dissipate or draw off in vapor or fumes b : to deposit (as a metal) in the form of a film by sublimation
2 a : to expel moisture from b : EXPEL <evaporate electrons from a hot wire>
intransitive verb
1 a : to pass off in vapor or in minute particles b (1) : to pass off or away : DISAPPEAR <my despair evaporated ― J. F. Wharton> (2) : to diminish quickly
2 : to give forth vapor
–evap·o·ra·tion \-ˌva-pə-'rā-shən\ noun
–evap·o·ra·tive \-'va-pə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective
–evap·o·ra·tor \-'va-pə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

evaporated milk
: unsweetened milk concentrated by partial evaporation

evaporite
n. : a sedimentary rock (as gypsum) that originates by evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin
–evap·o·rit·ic \-ˌva-pə-'ri-tik\ adjective

evapotranspiration
n. : loss of water from the soil both by evaporation and by transpiration from the plants growing thereon

Evarts
William Maxwell 1818-1901 American lawyer & statesman

evasion
n. 1 : a means of evading : DODGE
2 : the act or an instance of evading : ESCAPE <suspected of tax evasion>

evasive
adj. : tending or intended to evade : EQUIVOCAL <evasive answers>
–eva·sive·ly adverb
–eva·sive·ness noun

Evatt
Herbert Vere 1894-1965 Austral. jurist & statesman

Eve
n. : the first woman, the wife of Adam, and the mother of Cain and Abel

eve
n. 1 : EVENING
2 : the evening or the day before a special day
3 : the period immediately preceding

Evelyn
n. John 1620-1706 Eng. diarist

even
adj. archaic : EVENING

even
adj. 1 a : having a horizontal surface : FLAT <even ground> b : being without break, indentation, or irregularity : SMOOTH c : being in the same plane or line
2 a : free from variation : UNIFORM <his disposition was even> b : LEVEL 4
3 a : EQUAL, FAIR <an even exchange> b (1) : leaving nothing due on either side : SQUARE <we will not be even until you repay my visit> (2) : fully revenged c : being in equilibrium : BALANCED specifically : showing neither profit nor loss d obsolete : CANDID
4 a : being any of the integers (as -2, 0, and +2) that are exactly divisible by two b : marked by an even number c : being a mathematical function such that f(x) = f(-x) where the value remains unchanged if the sign of the independent variable is reversed
5 : EXACT, PRECISE <an even dollar>
6 : as likely as not : FIFTY-FIFTY <an even chance of winning>
synonyms see LEVEL, STEADY
–even·ly adverb
–even·ness \-vən-nəs\ noun
–on an even keel also on even keel : in a sound or stable condition

even
adj. 1 a : EXACTLY, PRECISELY b : to a degree that extends : FULLY, QUITE <faithful even unto death> c : at the very time <raining even as the sun came out>
2 a ― used as an intensive to emphasize the identity or character of something <he looked content, even happy> <forgot his car keys and even left the engine running> b ― used as an intensive to stress an extreme or highly unlikely condition or instance <so simple even a child can do it> c ― used as an intensive to stress the comparative degree <she did even better> d ― used as an intensive to indicate a small or minimum amount <didn't even try>

even
adj. transitive verb : to make even
intransitive verb : to become even
–even·er \-nər\ noun

even
adj. on even keel
break even
on an even keel
even keeled
even money
even permutation
even so
get even with
get even
evening grosbeak
evening prayer
evening primrose
evening star

even money
: a situation in wagering in which the odds are even

even permutation
: a permutation that is produced by the successive application of an even number of interchanges of pairs of elements

even so
: in spite of that : NEVERTHELESS

even-keeled
: characterized by stability or consistency

evenfall
: the beginning of evening : DUSK

evenhanded
adj. : FAIR, IMPARTIAL
–even·hand·ed·ly adverb
–even·hand·ed·ness noun

evening
n. 1 a : the latter part and close of the day and early part of the night b chiefly Southern & Midland : AFTERNOON c : the period from sunset or the evening meal to bedtime
2 : the latter portion
3 : the period of an evening's entertainment

evening
n. : suitable for formal or semiformal evening social occasions <evening dress> <evening clothes>

evening
n. evening grosbeak
evening prayer
evening primrose
evening star

evening grosbeak
: a No. American grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) having conspicuous white wing patches with the male being chiefly yellowish with some black

evening prayer
: the daily evening office of the Anglican liturgy

evening primrose
: any of several dicotyledonous plants of a family (Onagraceae, the evening-primrose family) and especially of the type genus (Oenothera) especially : a coarse biennial herb (O. biennis) of No. America with yellow flowers that open in the evening

evening star
1 : a bright planet (as Venus) seen especially in the western sky at or after sunset
2 : a planet that rises before midnight

evenings
n. : in the evening repeatedly : on any evening <goes bowling evenings>

evensong
n. 1 : VESPERS 1
2 : EVENING PRAYER

event
n. 1 a archaic : OUTCOME b : the final outcome or determination of a legal action c : a postulated outcome, condition, or eventuality <in the event that I am not there, call the house>
2 a : something that happens : OCCURRENCE b : a noteworthy happening c : a social occasion or activity d : an adverse or damaging medical occurrence <a heart attack or other cardiac event>
3 : any of the contests in a program of sports
4 : the fundamental entity of observed physical reality represented by a point designated by three coordinates of place and one of time in the space-time continuum postulated by the theory of relativity
5 : a subset of the possible outcomes of an experiment
synonyms see OCCURRENCE
–event·less \-ləs\ adjective
–at all events : in any case
–in any event : in any case
–in the event
chiefly British : as it turns out

event
n. in the event
in any event
event horizon
field event
media event
at all events

event horizon
: the surface of a black hole : the boundary of a black hole beyond which nothing can escape from within it

eventful
adj. 1 : full of or rich in events
2 : MOMENTOUS
–event·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–event·ful·ness noun

eventide
n. : the time of evening : EVENING

eventual
adj. 1 archaic : CONTINGENT, CONDITIONAL
2 : taking place at an unspecified later time : ultimately resulting <they counted on our eventual success>

eventuality
n. : a possible event or outcome : POSSIBILITY

eventually
adv. : at an unspecified later time : in the end

eventuate
v. : to come out finally : RESULT, COME ABOUT

ever
adv. 1 : ALWAYS <ever striving to improve> <the ever-increasing population>
2 a : at any time <more than ever before> b : in any way <how can I ever thank you>
3 ― used as an intensive <looks ever so angry> <am I ever happy to see you>
–ever and anon : from time to time : OCCASIONALLY

ever and anon
from time to time : OCCASIONALLY

everblooming
adj. : blooming more or less continuously throughout the growing season

everduring
archaic : EVERLASTING

Everest, Mount
mountain 29,035 ft (8850 m) S Asia on border bet. Nepal & Tibet in the Himalayas; highest in the world

Everett
Edward 1794-1865 American clergyman, orator, & statesman

Everett
1 city E Mass. N of Boston pop 38,073
2 city NW cen Wash. on Puget Sound N of Seattle pop 91,488

everglade
n. : a swampy grassland especially in southern Florida usually containing saw grass and at least seasonally covered by slowly moving water ― usually used in plural

Everglades
n. swamp region S Fla. S of Lake Okeechobee; now partly drained; SW part forms Everglades National Park

evergreen
n. 1 : having foliage that remains green and functional through more than one growing season ― compare DECIDUOUS 1
2 : retaining freshness or interest : PERENNIAL

evergreen
n. 1 : an evergreen plant also : CONIFER
2 plural : twigs and branches of evergreen plants used for decoration
3 : something that retains its freshness, interest, or popularity

evergreen oak
: any of various oaks (as a live oak, a holm oak, or a tan oak) with foliage that persists for two years so that the plant is more or less continuously green

everlasting
1 : lasting or enduring through all time : ETERNAL
2 a (1) : continuing for a long time or indefinitely (2) : having or being flowers or foliage that retain form or color for a long time when dried b : tediously persistent <the everlasting sympathy-seeker who demands attention ― H. A. Overstreet>
3 : wearing indefinitely <everlasting twill pants>
–ev·er·last·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–ev·er·last·ing·ness noun

everlasting
adj. 1 : ETERNITY <from everlasting>
2 capitalized : GOD 1 ― used with the
3 a : any of several chiefly composite plants (as cudweed) with flowers that can be dried without loss of form or color ― compare PEARLY EVERLASTING b : the flower of an everlasting

evermore
adv. 1 : FOREVER, ALWAYS
2 : in the future

eversion
n. 1 : the act of turning inside out : the state of being turned inside out <eversion of the bladder>
2 : the condition (as of the foot) of being turned or rotated outward
–ever·si·ble \-'vər-sə-bəl\ adjective

evert
v. 1 : OVERTHROW, UPSET
2 : to subject to eversion

every
adj. 1 a : being each individual or part of a group without exception b : being each in a series or succession <every few days> <every once in a while>
2 obsolete : being all taken severally
3 : being each within a range of possibilities <was given every chance>
4 : COMPLETE, ENTIRE <we have every confidence in her>
–every now and then or every now and again or every so often : at intervals : OCCASIONALLY

every
adj. every so often
every now and again
on every hand
every now and then
every which way
every inch
at every turn

every inch
to the utmost degree <looks every inch a winner>

every now and then
or every now and again or every so often : at intervals : OCCASIONALLY

every which way
1 : in every direction
2 : in a disorderly manner : IRREGULARLY <toys scattered about every which way>

everybody
pron. : EVERYONE

everyday
adj. : encountered or used routinely or typically : ORDINARY <everyday clothes>
–ev·ery·day·ness \-'dā-nəs\ noun

everyman
n. : the typical or ordinary person

everyone
pron. : every person : EVERYBODY

everyplace
adv. : EVERYWHERE

everything
pron. 1 a : all that exists b : all that relates to the subject
2 : all that is important <you mean everything to me>
3 : all sorts of other things ― used to indicate related but unspecified events, facts, or conditions <all the pains and colds and everything ― E. B. White>

everywhere
adv. : in every place or part

everywoman
: the typical or ordinary woman

Evesham
town W cen England in Worcester S of Birmingham in Vale of Evesham pop 15,271

evg
evening

Evian
n. commune E France on Lake Geneva; health resort pop 7278

evict
v. 1 a : to recover (property) from a person by legal process b : to put (a tenant) out by legal process
2 : to force out : EXPEL
synonyms see EJECT
–evic·tion \-'vik-shən\ noun
–evic·tor \-'vik-tər\ noun

evictee
n. : an evicted person

evidence
n. 1 a : an outward sign : INDICATION b : something that furnishes proof : TESTIMONY specifically : something legally submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter
2 : one who bears witness especially : one who voluntarily confesses a crime and testifies for the prosecution against his accomplices
–in evidence
1 : to be seen : CONSPICUOUS <trim lawns⋯are everywhere in evidence ― American Guide Series: N.C.>
2 : as evidence

evidence
n. : to offer evidence of : PROVE, EVINCE
synonyms see SHOW

evidence
n. circumstantial evidence
in evidence
hearsay evidence
indirect evidence
self evidence
state's evidence

evident
adj. : clear to the vision or understanding
synonyms EVIDENT, MANIFEST, PATENT, DISTINCT, OBVIOUS, APPARENT, PLAIN, CLEAR mean readily perceived or apprehended. EVIDENT implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion <an evident fondness for sweets>. MANIFEST implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required <manifest hostility>. PATENT applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it <patent defects>. DISTINCT implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required <a distinct refusal>. OBVIOUS implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer <the obvious solution>. APPARENT is very close to EVIDENT except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference <for no apparent reason>. PLAIN suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration <her feelings about him are plain>. CLEAR implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern <a clear explanation>.

evidential
adj. : EVIDENTIARY 1
–ev·i·den·tial·ly adverb

evidentiary
adj. 1 : being, relating to, or affording evidence <photographs of evidentiary value>
2 : conducted so that evidence may be presented <an evidentiary hearing>

evidently
adv. 1 : in an evident manner : CLEARLY, OBVIOUSLY <any style⋯so evidently bad or second-rate ― T. S. Eliot>
2 : on the basis of available evidence <he was born⋯evidently in Texas ― Robert Coughlan>

evil
n. 1 a : morally reprehensible : SINFUL, WICKED <an evil impulse> b : arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct <a person of evil reputation>
2 a archaic : INFERIOR b : causing discomfort or repulsion : OFFENSIVE <an evil odor> c : DISAGREEABLE <woke late and in an evil temper>
3 a : causing harm : PERNICIOUS <the evil institution of slavery> b : marked by misfortune : UNLUCKY
–evil adverb archaic
–evil·ly \-(l)ē\ adverb
–evil·ness \-nəs\ noun

evil
n. 1 a : the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing b : a cosmic evil force
2 : something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity

evil
n. evil eye
evil minded
evil mindedness
evil mindedly
king's evil

evil eye
: an eye or glance held capable of inflicting harm also : a person believed to have such an eye or glance

evil-minded
: having an evil disposition or evil thoughts
–evil-mind·ed·ly adverb
–evil-mind·ed·ness noun

evildoer
n. : one who does evil

evildoing
n. : the act or action of doing evil

evince
v. 1 : to constitute outward evidence of
2 : to display clearly : REVEAL
synonyms see SHOW
–evinc·ible \-'vin(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

eviscerate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to take out the entrails of : DISEMBOWEL b : to deprive of vital content or force
2 : to remove an organ from (a patient) or the contents of (an organ)
intransitive verb : to protrude through a surgical incision or suffer protrusion of a part through an incision
–evis·cer·a·tion \-ˌvi-sə-'rā-shən\ noun

evitable
adj. : capable of being avoided

evocable
adj. : capable of being evoked

evocation
n. 1 : the act or fact of evoking : SUMMONING: as a : the summoning of a spirit b : imaginative recreation <an evocation of the past>
2 : INDUCTION 4E
–evo·ca·tor \'ē-vō-ˌkā-tər, 'e-və-\ noun

evocative
adj. : evoking or tending to evoke an especially emotional response <settings⋯so evocative that they bring tears to the eyes ― Eric Malpass>
–evoc·a·tive·ly adverb
–evoc·a·tive·ness noun

evoke
v. 1 : to call forth or up: as a : CONJURE 2A <evoke evil spirits> b : to cite especially with approval or for support : INVOKE c : to bring to mind or recollection <this place evokes memories>
2 : to re-create imaginatively
synonyms see EDUCE

evolute
n. : the locus of the center of curvature or the envelope of the normals of a curve

evolution
n. 1 : one of a set of prescribed movements
2 a : a process of change in a certain direction : UNFOLDING b : the action or an instance of forming and giving something off : EMISSION c (1) : a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state : GROWTH (2) : a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance d : something evolved
3 : the process of working out or developing
4 a : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : PHYLOGENY b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations also : the process described by this theory
5 : the extraction of a mathematical root
6 : a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena
–evo·lu·tion·ari·ly \-shə-ˌner-ə-lē\ adverb
–evo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
–evo·lu·tion·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–evo·lu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

evolution
n. creative evolution
emergent evolution
evolutionary psychology
evolutionary psychologist

evolutionary psychology
: the study of human cognition and behavior with respect to their evolutionary origins
–evolutionary psychologist noun

evolve
v. transitive verb
1 : EMIT
2 a : DERIVE, EDUCE b : to produce by natural evolutionary processes c : DEVELOP, WORK OUT <evolve social, political, and literary philosophies ― L. W. Doob>
intransitive verb : to undergo evolutionary change
–evolv·able \-'väl-və-bəl, -'vȯl- also -'vä-və- or -'vȯ-və-\ adjective
–evolve·ment \-'välv-mənt, -'vȯlv- also -'väv- or -'vȯv-\ noun

Evora
city S cen Portugal pop 56,519

Evreux
commune N France WNW of Paris pop 51,159

Evripos
narrow strait E Greece bet. Euboea & mainland

Evros
― see MARITSA

evulsion
n. : EXTRACTION

evzone
n. : a member of a select Greek infantry unit often serving as a palace guard

EW
enlisted woman

Ewald
Johannes 1743-1781 Dan. poet & dram.

Ewe
n. : a people of Ghana and Togo speaking a Kwa language also : the language itself

ewe
n. : the female of the sheep especially when mature also : the female of various related animals

ewe-neck
: a thin neck with a concave arch occurring as a defect in dogs and horses
–ewe-necked \-'nekt\ adjective

Ewell
Richard Stoddert 1817-1872 American Confed. gen.

ewer
n. : a vase-shaped pitcher or jug

Ewig-Weibliche
: eternal feminine

Ewing's sarcoma
: a malignant bone tumor especially of a long bone or the pelvis

Ex
pref. Exodus

ex
pref. 1 : out of : FROM: as a : from a specified place or source b : from a specified dam <a promising calf by Eric XVI ex Heatherbell>
2 : free from : WITHOUT: as a : without an indicated value or right ― used especially of securities b : free of charges precedent to removal from the specified place with purchaser to provide means of subsequent transportation <ex dock>

ex
pref. : one that formerly held a specified position or place especially : a former spouse

ex
pref. : the letter x

ex
pref. 1 example
2 exchange
3 executive
4 express
5 extra

ex
pref. 1 : out of : outside <exclave>
2 : not <exstipulate>
3 \(ˌ)eks, 'eks\ [Middle English, from Late Latin, from L] : former <ex-president>

ex
pref. ― see EXO-

ex
pref. deus ex machina
ex cathedra
ex directory
ex gratia
ex hypothesi
ex libris
ex nihilo
ex officio
ex parte
ex post facto
ex voto
ex votos
ex animo
ex mero motu
ex necessitate rei
ex nihilo nihil fit
ex pede Herculem
ex ungue leonem
ex vi termini

ex animo
: from the heart : sincerely

ex cathedra
: by virtue of or in the exercise of one's office or position <ex cathedra pronouncements>

ex gratia
: as a favor : not compelled by legal right <ex gratia pension payments>

ex hypothesi
: according to assumptions made : by hypothesis <regard⋯all elites as ex hypothesi incompatible with democracy ― P. G. J. Pulzer>

ex libris
: BOOKPLATE

ex mero motu
: out of mere impulse : of one's own accord

ex necessitate rei
: from the necessity of the case

ex nihilo
: from or out of nothing <creation ex nihilo>

ex nihilo nihil fit
: from nothing nothing is produced

ex officio
: by virtue or because of an office <the Vice President serves ex officio as president of the Senate>

ex parte
1 : on or from one side or party only ― used of legal proceedings
2 : from a one-sided or partisan point of view

ex pede Herculem
: from the foot (we may judge of the size of) Hercules : from a part we may judge of the whole

ex post facto
: after the fact : RETROACTIVELY

ex post facto
: done, made, or formulated after the fact : RETROACTIVE <ex post facto approval> <ex post facto laws>

ex ungue leonem
: from the claw (we may judge of) the lion : from a part we may judge of the whole

ex vi termini
: from the force of the term

ex-directory
British : not listed in a telephone book : UNLISTED

ex-voto
: a votive offering

ex-voto
: VOTIVE

exa
: quintillion (10^18) <exajoule>

exacerbate
v. : to make more violent, bitter, or severe <the proposed shutdown⋯would exacerbate unemployment problems ― Science>
–ex·ac·er·ba·tion \-ˌza-sər-'bā-shən\ noun

exact
adj. 1 : to call for forcibly or urgently and obtain <from them has been exacted the ultimate sacrifice ― D. D. Eisenhower>
2 : to call for as necessary or desirable
synonyms see DEMAND
–ex·act·able \-'zak-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·ac·tor also ex·act·er \-'zak-tər\ noun

exact
adj. 1 : exhibiting or marked by strict, particular, and complete accordance with fact or a standard
2 : marked by thorough consideration or minute measurement of small factual details
synonyms see CORRECT
–ex·act·ness \-'zak(t)-nəs\ noun

exact differential
: a differential expression of the form X_1dx_1 +⋯+ Xndxn where the X's are the partial derivatives of a function f(x_1, ⋯, xn) with respect to x_1, ⋯, xn respectively

exact science
: a science (as physics, chemistry, or astronomy) whose laws are capable of accurate quantitative expression

exacta
n. : PERFECTA

exacting
adj. 1 : tryingly or unremittingly severe in making demands
2 : requiring careful attention and precision
synonyms see ONEROUS
–ex·act·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–ex·act·ing·ness noun

exaction
n. 1 a : the act or process of exacting b : EXTORTION
2 : something exacted especially : a fee, reward, or contribution demanded or levied with severity or injustice

exactitude
n. : the quality or an instance of being exact : EXACTNESS

exactly
adv. 1 a : in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition <it's exactly 3 o'clock> <these two pieces are exactly the same size> b : in every respect : ALTOGETHER, ENTIRELY <that was exactly the wrong thing to do> <not exactly what I had in mind>
2 : quite so ― used to express agreement

exaggerate
transitive verb
1 : to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : OVERSTATE <a friend exaggerates a man's virtues ― Joseph Addison>
2 : to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal : OVEREMPHASIZE
intransitive verb : to make an overstatement
–ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ly adverb
–ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ness noun
–ex·ag·ger·a·tion \-ˌza-jə-'rā-shən\ noun
–ex·ag·ger·a·tive \-'za-jə-ˌrā-tiv, -'zaj-rə-, -'za-jə-\ adjective
–ex·ag·ger·a·tor \-'za-jə-ˌrā-tər\ noun
–ex·ag·ger·a·to·ry \-'zaj-rə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'za-jə-\ adjective

exalt
v. transitive verb
1 : to raise in rank, power, or character
2 : to elevate by praise or in estimation : GLORIFY
3 obsolete : ELATE
4 : to raise high : ELEVATE
5 : to enhance the activity of : INTENSIFY <rousing and exalting the imagination ― George Eliot>
intransitive verb : to induce exaltation
–ex·alt·ed·ly adverb
–ex·alt·er noun

exaltation
n. 1 : an act of exalting : the state of being exalted
2 : an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance
3 : an increase in degree or intensity <exaltation of virulence of a virus>

exalte
: emotionally excited or elated : fanatic

exam
n. : EXAMINATION

examen
1 : EXAMINATION
2 : a critical study

examinant
n. 1 : EXAMINEE
2 : one who examines : EXAMINER

examination
n. 1 : the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2 : an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge
3 : a formal interrogation
–ex·am·i·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

examination
n. cross examination
direct examination
physical examination
postmortem examination
self examination

examine
v. transitive verb
1 a : to inspect closely b : to test the condition of c : to inquire into carefully : INVESTIGATE
2 a : to interrogate closely <examine a prisoner> b : to test by questioning in order to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge
intransitive verb : to make or give an examination
synonyms see SCRUTINIZE
–ex·am·in·able \-'za-mə-nə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·am·in·er \-'zam-nər, -'za-mə-\ noun

examine
v. cross examine
cross examiner
medical examiner
trial examiner

examinee
n. : a person who is examined

example
n. 1 : one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated <a good example> <a bad example>
2 : a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others also : an individual so punished
3 : one (as an item or incident) that is representative of all of a group or type
4 : a parallel or closely similar case especially when serving as a precedent or model
5 : an instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule
synonyms see INSTANCE, MODEL
–for example \fər-ig-'zam-pəl, frig-\ : as an example <there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example>

example
n. 1 : to serve as an example of
2 archaic : to be or set an example to

exanimate
adj. 1 : lacking animation : SPIRITLESS
2 : being or appearing lifeless

exanthem
: an eruptive disease (as measles) or its symptomatic eruption
–ex·an·them·a·tous \ˌeg-ˌzan-'the-mə-təs\ or ex·an·the·mat·ic \-ˌzan-thə-'ma-tik\ adjective

exaptation
: PREADAPTATION

exarch
n. 1 : a Byzantine viceroy
2 : an Eastern bishop ranking below a patriarch and above a metropolitan specifically : the head of an independent church
–ex·ar·chal \ek-'sär-kəl\ adjective
–ex·arch·ate \'ek-ˌsär-kət\ noun
–ex·ar·chy \'ek-ˌsär-kē\ noun

exarch
n. : formed or taking place from the periphery toward the center <exarch xylem>

exasperate
1 a : to excite the anger of : ENRAGE b : to cause irritation or annoyance to
2 obsolete : to make more grievous : AGGRAVATE
synonyms see IRRITATE
–ex·as·per·at·ed·ly adverb
–ex·as·per·at·ing·ly \-ˌrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

exasperate
v. 1 : irritated or annoyed especially to the point of injudicious action : EXASPERATED
2 : roughened with irregular prickles or elevations <exasperate seed coats>

exasperation
n. 1 : the state of being exasperated
2 : the act or an instance of exasperating

exc
1 excellent
2 except

Excalibur
n. : the sword of King Arthur

excavate
v. transitive verb
1 : to form a cavity or hole in
2 : to form by hollowing out
3 : to dig out and remove
4 : to expose to view by or as if by digging away a covering <excavate the remains of a temple>
intransitive verb : to make excavations

excavation
n. 1 : the action or process of excavating
2 : a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping
–ex·ca·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

excavator
n. : one that excavates especially : a power-operated shovel

exceed
v. transitive verb
1 : to extend outside of <the river will exceed its banks>
2 : to be greater than or superior to
3 : to go beyond a limit set by <exceeded his authority>
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : OVERDO
2 : PREDOMINATE
synonyms EXCEED, SURPASS, TRANSCEND, EXCEL, OUTDO, OUTSTRIP mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree. EXCEED implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement <exceed the speed limit>. SURPASS suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill <the book surpassed our expectations>. TRANSCEND implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits <transcended the values of their culture>. EXCEL implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others <excels in mathematics>. OUTDO applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before <outdid herself this time>. OUTSTRIP suggests surpassing in a race or competition <outstripped other firms in sales>.

exceedance
: an act or instance of exceeding especially a limit or amount

exceeding
n. : exceptional in amount, quality, or degree

exceedingly
adv. : to an extreme degree : EXTREMELY

excel
v. transitive verb : to be superior to : surpass in accomplishment or achievement
intransitive verb : to be distinguishable by superiority : surpass others <excel in sports> <excelled at lipreading>
synonyms see EXCEED

excellence
n. 1 : the quality of being excellent
2 : an excellent or valuable quality : VIRTUE
3 : EXCELLENCY 2

excellency
n. 1 : EXCELLENCE especially : outstanding or valuable quality ― usually used in plural <so crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies ― Shakespeare>
2 ― used as a title for high dignitaries of state (as a governor or an ambassador) or church (as a Roman Catholic archbishop or bishop)

excellent
adj. 1 archaic : SUPERIOR
2 : very good of its kind : eminently good : FIRST-CLASS
–ex·cel·lent·ly adverb

excelsior
n. : fine curled wood shavings used especially for packing fragile items

excelsior
n. : still higher ― motto of New York

except
v. : with the exclusion or exception of <daily except Sundays>

except
v. transitive verb : to take or leave out from a number or a whole : EXCLUDE
intransitive verb : to take exception : OBJECT
–ex·cep·tive \-'sep-təv\ adjective

except
v. 1 : on any other condition than that : UNLESS <except you repent>
2 : with this exception, namely <was inaccessible except by boat>
3 : ONLY ― often followed by that <I would go except that it's too far>

except for
1 : with the exception of <everyone was gone except for me>
2 : were it not for <except for you I would be dead>

exceptio probat regulam de rebus non exceptis
: an exception establishes the rule as to things not excepted(

exception
n. 1 : the act of excepting : EXCLUSION
2 : one that is excepted especially : a case to which a rule does not apply
3 : QUESTION, OBJECTION <witnesses whose authority is beyond exception ― T. B. Macaulay>
4 : an oral or written legal objection

exceptionable
adj. : being likely to cause objection : OBJECTIONABLE <visitors even drink the exceptionable beer ― W. D. Howells>
–ex·cep·tion·abil·i·ty \-ˌsep-sh(ə-)nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·cep·tion·ably \-'sep-sh(ə-)nə-blē\ adverb

exceptional
adj. 1 : forming an exception : RARE <an exceptional number of rainy days>
2 : better than average : SUPERIOR <exceptional skill>
3 : deviating from the norm: as a : having above or below average intelligence b : physically disabled
–ex·cep·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌsep-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·cep·tion·al·ness noun

exceptionalism
: the condition of being different from the norm also : a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region
–ex·cep·tion·al·ist \-list\ adjective

exceptionally
adv. : in an exceptional manner : to an exceptional degree especially : more than average or usual <an exceptionally difficult task>

exceptis excipiendis
: with the proper or necessary exceptions

excerpt
n. 1 : to select (a passage) for quoting : EXTRACT
2 : to take or publish extracts from (as a book)
–ex·cerp·tor or ex·cerpt·er noun
–ex·cerp·tion \ek-'sərp-shən, eg-'zərp-\ noun

excerpt
n. : a passage (as from a book or musical composition) selected, performed, or copied : EXTRACT

excess
n. 1 a : the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : SUPERFLUITY b : the amount or degree by which one thing or quantity exceeds another <an excess of 10 bushels>
2 : undue or immoderate indulgence : INTEMPERANCE also : an act or instance of intemperance <prevent excesses and abuses by newly created local powers ― Albert Shanker>
–in excess of : to an amount or degree beyond : OVER

excess
n. : more than the usual, proper, or specified amount

excess
n. : to eliminate the position of <excessed several teachers because of budget cutbacks>

excessive
adj. : exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal
–ex·ces·sive·ly adverb
–ex·ces·sive·ness noun
synonyms EXCESSIVE, IMMODERATE, INORDINATE, EXTRAVAGANT, EXORBITANT, EXTREME mean going beyond a normal limit. EXCESSIVE implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable <excessive punishment>. IMMODERATE implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint <immoderate spending>. INORDINATE implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment <inordinate pride>. EXTRAVAGANT implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste <extravagant claims for the product>. EXORBITANT implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree <exorbitant prices>. EXTREME may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree <extreme shyness>.

exch
exchange; exchanged

exchange
n. 1 : the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another : TRADE <an exchange of prisoners>
2 a : the act or process of substituting one thing for another b : reciprocal giving and receiving
3 : something offered, given, or received in an exchange
4 a : funds payable currently at a distant point either in a foreign currency or in domestic currency b (1) : interchange or conversion of the money of two countries or of current and uncurrent money with allowance for difference in value (2) : EXCHANGE RATE (3) : the amount of the difference in value between two currencies or between values of a particular currency at two places c : instruments (as checks or bills of exchange) presented in a clearinghouse for settlement
5 : a place where things or services are exchanged: as a : an organized market or center for trading in securities or commodities b : a store or shop specializing in merchandise usually of a particular type c : a cooperative store or society d : a central office in which telephone lines are connected to permit communication
–in exchange : as a substitute

exchange
transitive verb
1 a : to part with, give, or transfer in consideration of something received as an equivalent b : to have replaced by other merchandise <exchanged the shirt for one in a larger size>
2 : to part with for a substitute <exchanging future security for immediate pleasure>
3 : to give and receive reciprocally <exchange gifts>
intransitive verb
1 : to pass or become received in exchange
2 : to engage in an exchange
–ex·change·abil·i·ty \iks-ˌchān-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·change·able \iks-'chān-jə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·chang·er \iks-'chān-jər, eks-ˌ\ noun

exchange
n. base exchange
bill of exchange
in exchange
exchange rate
exchange student
foreign exchange
ion exchange
ion exchange resin
medium of exchange
post exchange
rate of exchange
stock exchange
heat exchanger
ion exchanger

exchange rate
: the ratio at which the principal unit of two currencies may be traded

exchange student
: a student from one country received into an institution in another country in exchange for one sent to an institution in the home country of the first

Exchangite
: a member of a major national service club

exchequer
n. 1 capitalized : a department or office of state in medieval England charged with the collection and management of the royal revenue and judicial determination of all revenue causes
2 capitalized : a former superior court having jurisdiction in England and Wales primarily over revenue matters and now merged with King's Bench
3 often capitalized a : the department or office of state in Great Britain and Northern Ireland charged with the receipt and care of the national revenue b : the national banking account of this realm
4 : TREASURY especially : a national or royal treasury
5 : pecuniary resources : FUNDS

excimer laser
: a laser that uses a noble-gas halide to generate radiation usually in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum

excipient
n. : a usually inert substance (as gum arabic or starch) that forms a vehicle (as for a drug)

excisable
adj. : subject to excise

excise
n. 1 : an internal tax levied on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of a commodity
2 : any of various taxes on privileges often assessed in the form of a license or fee

excise
n. : to impose an excise on

excise
n. : to remove by or as if by excision

exciseman
n. : an officer who inspects and rates articles liable to excise under British law

excision
n. : the act or procedure of removing by or as if by cutting out especially : surgical removal or resection
–ex·ci·sion·al \-'sizh-nəl, -zhə-nəl\ adjective

excitable
adj. 1 : capable of being readily roused into action or a state of excitement or irritability
2 : capable of being activated by and reacting to stimuli <excitable cells>
–ex·cit·abil·i·ty \-ˌsī-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·cit·able·ness \-'sī-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun

excitant
n. : tending to excite or augment <excitant drugs>
–excitant noun

excitation
n. : EXCITEMENT especially : the disturbed or altered condition resulting from stimulation of an individual, organ, tissue, or cell

excitative
adj. : tending to induce excitation (as of a neuron) <excitative substances>

excitatory
adj. : exhibiting, resulting from, related to, or producing excitement or excitation <excitatory nerve fibers>

excite
n. 1 a : to call to activity b : to rouse to an emotional response <scenes to excite the hardest man to pity> c : to arouse (as a strong emotional response) by appropriate stimuli <excite enthusiasm for the new regime ― Arthur Knight>
2 a : ENERGIZE <excite an electromagnet> b : to produce a magnetic field in <excite a dynamo>
3 : to increase the activity of (as a living organism) : STIMULATE
4 : to raise (as an atomic nucleus, an atom, or a molecule) to a higher energy level
synonyms see PROVOKE
–ex·cit·ed·ly \-'sī-təd-lē\ adverb

excited state
: a state of a physical system (as an atomic nucleus, an atom, or a molecule) that is higher in energy than the ground state

excitement
n. 1 : something that excites or rouses
2 : the action of exciting : the state of being excited

exciter
n. 1 : one that excites
2 a : a generator or battery that supplies the electric current used to produce the magnetic field in another generator or motor b : an electrical oscillator that generates the carrier frequency (as for a radio transmitter)

exciting
adj. : producing excitement
–ex·cit·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

exciton
n. : a mobile combination of an electron and a hole in an excited crystal (as of a semiconductor)
–ex·ci·ton·ic \ˌek-sə-'tä-nik, -ˌsī-\ adjective

excitor
n. : an afferent nerve arousing increased action of the part that it supplies

excl
exclude; excluded; excluding

exclaim
v. intransitive verb
1 : to cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion <exclaimed in delight>
2 : to speak loudly or vehemently <exclaimed against immorality>
transitive verb : to utter sharply, passionately, or vehemently : PROCLAIM
–ex·claim·er noun

exclamation
n. 1 : a sharp or sudden utterance
2 : vehement expression of protest or complaint

exclamation point
1 : a mark ! used especially after an interjection or exclamation to indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling
2 : a distinctive indication of major significance, interest, or contrast <the game put an exclamation point on the season> ― called also exclamation mark

exclamatory
adj. : containing, expressing, using, or relating to exclamation <an exclamatory phrase>

exclave
n. : a portion of a country separated from the main part and constituting an enclave in respect to the surrounding territory

excludable
: subject to exclusion <excludable income>
–ex·clud·abil·i·ty \-ˌklü-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

exclude
v. 1 a : to prevent or restrict the entrance of b : to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion
2 : to expel or bar especially from a place or position previously occupied
–ex·clud·er noun

exclusion
n. 1 : the act or an instance of excluding
2 : the state of being excluded
–ex·clu·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

exclusion
n. exclusion principle
Pauli exclusion principle
self exclusion
exclusionary rule

exclusion principle
: a principle in physics: no two particles (as electrons) in an atom or molecule can have the same set of quantum numbers ― called also Pauli exclusion principle

exclusionary rule
: a legal rule that bars unlawfully obtained evidence from being used in court proceedings

exclusionist
n. : one who would exclude another from some right or privilege
–exclusionist adjective

exclusive
n. 1 a : excluding or having power to exclude b : limiting or limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group
2 a : excluding others from participation b : snobbishly aloof
3 a : accepting or soliciting only a socially restricted patronage (as of the upper class) b : STYLISH, FASHIONABLE c : restricted in distribution, use, or appeal because of expense
4 a : SINGLE, SOLE <exclusive jurisdiction> b : WHOLE, UNDIVIDED <his exclusive attention>
–ex·clu·sive·ly adverb
–ex·clu·sive·ness noun

exclusive
n. : something exclusive: as a : a news story at first released to or reported by only one source b : an exclusive right (as to sell a particular product in a certain area)

exclusive
n. exclusive disjunction
exclusive economic zone
exclusive of
mutually exclusive

exclusive disjunction
: a compound proposition in logic that is true when one and only one of its constituent statements is true ― see TRUTH TABLE table

exclusive economic zone
: the area of sea and seabed extending from the shore of a country claiming exclusive rights to it

exclusive of
: not taking into account <there were four of us exclusive of the guide>

exclusivism
n. : the practice of excluding or of being exclusive
–ex·clu·siv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective

exclusivity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being exclusive
2 : exclusive rights or services

excogitate
v. : to think out : DEVISE
–ex·cog·i·ta·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌskä-jə-'tā-shən\ noun
–ex·cog·i·ta·tive \ek-'skä-jə-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective

excommunicate
v. : to subject to excommunication
–ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

excommunicate
v. : excluded from the rights of church membership : EXCOMMUNICATED
–excommunicate noun

excommunication
n. 1 : an ecclesiastical censure depriving a person of the rights of church membership
2 : exclusion from fellowship in a group or community
–ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tive \-'myü-nə-ˌkā-tiv, -ni-kət-\ adjective

excoriate
v. 1 : to wear off the skin of : ABRADE
2 : to censure scathingly
–ex·co·ri·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌskȯr-ē-'ā-shən\ noun

excrement
n. : waste matter discharged from the body especially : FECES
–ex·cre·men·tal \ˌek-skrə-'men-təl\ adjective
–ex·cre·men·ti·tious \-ˌmen-'ti-shəs, -mən-\ adjective

excrescence
n. 1 : a projection or outgrowth especially when abnormal <warty excrescences in the colon>
2 : a disfiguring, extraneous, or unwanted mark or part : BLOT
3 : BY-PRODUCT 2

excrescency
: EXCRESCENCE

excrescent
adj. 1 : forming an abnormal, excessive, or useless outgrowth
2 : of, relating to, or constituting epenthesis
–ex·cres·cent·ly adverb

excreta
n. : waste matter (as feces) eliminated or separated from the body
–ex·cre·tal \-'skrē-təl\ adjective

excrete
v. : to separate and eliminate or discharge (waste) from the blood, tissues, or organs or from the active protoplasm
–ex·cret·er noun

excretion
n. 1 : the act or process of excreting
2 : something excreted especially : metabolic waste products (as urea and carbon dioxide) that are eliminated from the body

excretory
adj. : of, relating to, or functioning in excretion <excretory ducts>

excruciate
v. 1 : to inflict intense pain on : TORTURE
2 : to subject to intense mental distress
–ex·cru·ci·a·tion \-ˌskrü-shē-'ā-shən, -sē-\ noun

excruciating
adj. 1 : causing great pain or anguish : AGONIZING <the nation's most excruciating dilemma ― W. H. Ferry>
2 : very intense : EXTREME <excruciating pain>
–ex·cru·ci·at·ing·ly \-ˌā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

exculpate
v. : to clear from alleged fault or guilt
–ex·cul·pa·tion \ˌek-(ˌ)skəl-'pā-shən\ noun
synonyms EXCULPATE, ABSOLVE, EXONERATE, ACQUIT, VINDICATE mean to free from a charge. EXCULPATE implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance <exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm>. ABSOLVE implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin <cannot be absolved of blame>. EXONERATE implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt <exonerated by the investigation>. ACQUIT implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge <voted to acquit the defendant>. VINDICATE may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame <her judgment was vindicated>.

exculpatory
adj. : tending or serving to exculpate

excurrent
1 : characterized by a current that flows outward <the clam's excurrent siphon>
2 : having the axis prolonged to form an undivided main stem or trunk (as in conifers) ― compare DELIQUESCENT 2

excursion
n. 1 a : a going out or forth : EXPEDITION b (1) : a usually brief pleasure trip (2) : a trip at special reduced rates
2 : deviation from a direct, definite, or proper course especially : DIGRESSION <needless excursions into abstruse theory>
3 : a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis also : the distance traversed : AMPLITUDE <the excursion of a piston>

excursionist
n. : a person who goes on an excursion

excursive
adj. : constituting a digression : characterized by digression
–ex·cur·sive·ly adverb
–ex·cur·sive·ness noun

excursus
n. : an appendix or digression that contains further exposition of some point or topic

excusatory
adj. : making or containing excuse

excuse
1 a : to make apology for b : to try to remove blame from
2 : to forgive entirely or disregard as of trivial import : regard as excusable <graciously excused his tardiness>
3 a : to grant exemption or release to <was excused from jury duty> b : to allow to leave <excused the class>
4 : to serve as excuse for : JUSTIFY <nothing can excuse such neglect>
–ex·cus·able \ik-'skyü-zə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·cus·able·ness noun
–ex·cus·ably \-blē\ adverb
–ex·cus·er noun
synonyms EXCUSE, CONDONE, PARDON, FORGIVE mean to exact neither punishment nor redress. EXCUSE may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these <excuse an interruption> <excused them for interrupting>. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances <injustice excuses strong responses>. CONDONE implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it <a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics>. PARDON implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense <pardon a criminal>. FORGIVE implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings <could not forgive their rudeness>.

excuse
n. 1 : the act of excusing
2 a : something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused b plural : an expression of regret for failure to do something c : a note of explanation of an absence
3 : JUSTIFICATION, REASON
synonyms see APOLOGY

exec
n. 1 : EXECUTIVE OFFICER
2 : EXECUTIVE

execrable
adj. 1 : deserving to be execrated : DETESTABLE <execrable crimes>
2 : very bad : WRETCHED <execrable hotel food>
–ex·e·cra·ble·ness noun
–ex·e·cra·bly \-blē\ adverb

execrate
v. 1 : to declare to be evil or detestable : DENOUNCE
2 : to detest utterly
–ex·e·cra·tive \-ˌkrā-tiv\ adjective
–ex·e·cra·tor \-ˌkrā-tər\ noun

execration
n. 1 : the act of cursing or denouncing also : the curse so uttered
2 : an object of curses : something detested

executant
n. : one who executes or performs especially : one skilled in the technique of an art : PERFORMER

execute
v. transitive verb
1 : to carry out fully : put completely into effect <execute a command>
2 : to do what is provided or required by <execute a decree>
3 : to put to death especially in compliance with a legal sentence
4 : to make or produce (as a work of art) especially by carrying out a design
5 : to perform what is required to give validity to <execute a deed>
6 : PLAY <execute a piece of music>
intransitive verb
1 : to perform properly or skillfully the fundamentals of a sport or of a particular play <never had a team execute better ― Bobby Knight>
2 : to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions ― used of a computer program or routine
synonyms see KILL, PERFORM
–ex·e·cut·able \-ˌkyü-tə-bəl\ adjective

execution
n. 1 : the act or process of executing : PERFORMANCE
2 : a putting to death especially as a legal penalty
3 : the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor) also : a judicial writ directing such enforcement
4 : the act or mode or result of performance
5 archaic : effective or destructive action <his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution ― Shakespeare> ― usually used with do <as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done ― Daniel Defoe>

executioner
n. : one who executes especially : one who puts to death

executive
n. 1 a : of or relating to the execution of the laws and the conduct of public and national affairs b : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, superintendence of the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usually has some power over legislation (as through veto) ― compare JUDICIAL, LEGISLATIVE
2 a : designed for or relating to execution or carrying into effect <executive board> b : having administrative or managerial responsibility <executive director>
3 : of or relating to an executive <the executive offices>

executive
n. 1 : the executive branch of a government also : the person or persons who constitute the executive magistracy of a state
2 : a directing or controlling office of an organization
3 : one that exercises administrative or managerial control

executive
n. account executive
chief executive
executive agreement
executive council
executive officer
executive order
executive privilege
executive secretary
executive session

executive agreement
: an agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government made by the executive branch of the government either alone or with Congressional approval and dealing usually with routine matters

executive council
1 : a council constituted to advise or share in the functions of a political executive
2 : a council that exercises supreme executive power

executive officer
: the officer second in command of a military or naval organization or vessel

executive order
: REGULATION 2B

executive privilege
: exemption from legally enforced disclosure of communications within the executive branch of government when such disclosure would adversely affect the functions and decision-making processes of the executive branch

executive secretary
: a secretary having administrative duties especially : an official responsible for administering the activities and business affairs of an organization

executive session
: a usually closed session (as of a legislative body) that functions as an executive council (as of the U.S. Senate when considering appointments or the ratification of treaties)

executor
n. 1 a : one who executes something b obsolete : EXECUTIONER
2 a : the person appointed by a testator to execute a will b : LITERARY EXECUTOR
–ex·ec·u·to·ri·al \ig-ˌze-k(y)ə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

executory
adj. 1 : designed or of such a nature as to be executed in time to come or to take effect on a future contingency
2 : relating to administration

executrix
n. : a woman who is an executor

exedra
n. 1 : a room (as in a temple or house) in ancient Greece and Rome used for conversation and formed by an open or columned recess often semicircular in shape and furnished with seats
2 : a large outdoor nearly semicircular seat with a solid back

exegesis
n. : EXPOSITION, EXPLANATION especially : an explanation or critical interpretation of a text

exegete
n. : one who practices exegesis

exegetical
adj. : of or relating to exegesis : EXPLANATORY <an exegetical text>

exegetist
: EXEGETE

exemplar
n. : one that serves as a model or example: as a : an ideal model b : a typical or standard specimen <an exemplar of medieval architecture> c : a copy of a book or writing d : IDEA 1A
synonyms see MODEL

exemplary
adj. 1 a : serving as a pattern b : deserving imitation : COMMENDABLE <his courage was exemplary> also : deserving imitation because of excellence <they serve exemplary pastries ― G. V. Higgins>
2 : serving as a warning : MONITORY <given an exemplary punishment>
3 : serving as an example, instance, or illustration <this story is exemplary of her style>
–ex·em·plar·i·ly \ˌeg-ˌzem-'pler-ə-lē\ adverb
–ex·em·pla·ri·ness \ig-'zem-plə-rē-nəs\ noun
–ex·em·plar·i·ty \ˌeg-ˌzem-'pla-rə-tē\ noun

exempli gratia
: for example

exemplification
n. 1 a : the act or process of exemplifying b : EXAMPLE, CASE IN POINT
2 : an exemplified copy of a document

exemplify
v. 1 : to show or illustrate by example <anecdotes exemplifying those virtues>
2 : to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal
3 a : to be an instance of or serve as an example : EMBODY <she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader> b : to be typical of <a dish that exemplifies French cuisine>

exemplum
n. 1 : EXAMPLE, MODEL <an exemplum of heroism>
2 : an anecdote or short narrative used to point a moral or sustain an argument

exempt
adj. 1 obsolete : set apart
2 : free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subject <was exempt from jury duty> <the estate was exempt from taxes>

exempt
adj. 1 : to release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which others are subject : EXCUSE <a man exempted from military service>
2 obsolete : to set apart

exempt
adj. : one exempted or freed from duty

exemption
n. 1 : the act of exempting or state of being exempt : IMMUNITY
2 : one that exempts or is exempted especially : a source or amount of income exempted from taxation

exenterate
adj. : to remove the contents of (as the orbit or pelvis)
–ex·en·ter·a·tion \-ˌzen-tə-'rā-shən\ noun

exercise
n. 1 a : the act of bringing into play or realizing in action : USE <the exercise of self-control> b : the discharge of an official function or professional occupation <exercise of his judicial duties> c : the act or an instance of carrying out the terms of an agreement (as an option) ― often used attributively <an option's exercise price>
2 a : regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ b : bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness <trying to get more exercise>
3 : something performed or practiced in order to develop, improve, or display a specific capability or skill <arithmetic exercises> <vocal exercises>
4 : a performance or activity having a strongly marked secondary or ulterior aspect <party politics has always been an exercise in compromise ― H. S. Ashmore>
5 a : a maneuver, operation, or drill carried out for training and discipline <naval exercises> b plural : a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character <commencement exercises>

exercise
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make effective in action : USE <didn't exercise good judgment> b : to bring to bear : EXERT <exercise influence> c : to implement the terms of (as an option)
2 a : to use repeatedly in order to strengthen or develop <exercise a muscle> b : to train (as troops) by drills and maneuvers c : to put through exercises <exercise the horses>
3 a : to engage the attention and effort of b : to cause anxiety, alarm, or indignation in <the issues exercising voters this year>
intransitive verb : to take exercise
–ex·er·cis·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective

exercise
n. exercise bicycle
exercise bike
floor exercise
setting up exercise
Kegel exercises

exercise bicycle
: STATIONARY BICYCLE

exercise bike
: STATIONARY BICYCLE

exerciser
n. 1 : one that exercises
2 : an apparatus for use in physical exercise

exercitation
: EXERCISE

Exercycle
n. ― used for a stationary bicycle

exergonic
: EXOTHERMIC <an exergonic biochemical reaction>

exergue
n. : a space on a coin, token, or medal usually on the reverse below the central part of the design

exert
v. 1 a : to put forth (as strength) <the force is exerted sideways> b : to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort <won't have to exert himself moving the table>
2 : to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect <exerted a bad influence on his students>
3 : EMPLOY, WIELD <exerted her leadership abilities intelligently>

exertion
n. : the act or an instance of exerting especially : a laborious or perceptible effort

exertional
: precipitated by physical exertion <exertional chest pain>

Exeter
city SW England capital of Devon pop 101,100

exeunt
v. ― used as a stage direction to specify that all or certain named characters leave the stage

exfoliant
n. : a mechanical or chemical agent (as an abrasive skin wash or salicylic acid) that is applied to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface

exfoliate
v. transitive verb
1 : to cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
2 : to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3 : to spread or extend by or as if by opening out leaves
intransitive verb
1 : to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2 : to come off in thin layers or scales
3 : to grow by or as if by producing or unfolding leaves
–ex·fo·li·a·tion \(ˌ)eks-ˌfō-lē-'ā-shən\ noun
–ex·fo·li·a·tive \eks-'fō-lē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

exfoliator
n. : EXFOLIANT

exhalant
adj. : bearing out or outward : EMISSIVE <an exhalant siphon of a clam>

exhalation
n. 1 : something exhaled or given off : EMANATION
2 : an act of exhaling

exhale
v. intransitive verb
1 : to rise or be given off as vapor
2 : to emit breath or vapor
transitive verb
1 a : to breathe out <she exhaled a sigh> b : to give forth (gaseous matter) : EMIT
2 archaic : to cause to be emitted in vapor

exhaust
n. transitive verb
1 a : to consume entirely : USE UP <exhausted our funds in a week> b : to tire extremely or completely <exhausted by overwork> c : to deprive of a valuable quality or constituent <exhaust a photographic developer> <exhaust a soil of fertility>
2 a : to draw off or let out completely b : to empty by drawing off the contents specifically : to create a vacuum in
3 a : to consider or discuss (a subject) thoroughly or completely b : to try out the whole number of <exhausted all the possibilities>
intransitive verb : DISCHARGE, EMPTY <the engine exhausts through the muffler>
synonyms see DEPLETE, TIRE
–ex·haust·er noun
–ex·haust·ibil·i·ty \-ˌzȯ-stə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·haust·ible \-'zȯ-stə-bəl\ adjective

exhaust
n. 1 a : the escape of used gas or vapor from an engine b : the gas or vapor thus escaping
2 a : the conduit through which used gases escape b : an arrangement for removing fumes, dusts, or odors from an enclosure
3 : EXHAUSTION

exhaustion
n. : the act or process of exhausting : the state of being exhausted

exhaustive
adj. : testing all possibilities or considering all elements : THOROUGH <conducted an exhaustive investigation>
–ex·haus·tive·ly adverb
–ex·haus·tive·ness noun
–ex·haus·tiv·i·ty \-ˌzȯ-'sti-və-tē\ noun

exhaustless
adj. : not to be exhausted : INEXHAUSTIBLE
–ex·haust·less·ly adverb
–ex·haust·less·ness noun

exhbn
exhibition

exhibit
n. transitive verb
1 : to submit (as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings also : to present or offer officially or in legal form
2 : to present to view: as a : to show or display outwardly especially by visible signs or actions <exhibited no fear> b : to have as a readily discernible quality or feature <in all cultures we know, men exhibit an aesthetic sense ― H. J. Muller> c : to show publicly especially for purposes of competition or demonstration <exhibit a collection of artifacts>
intransitive verb : to display something for public inspection
synonyms see SHOW
–ex·hib·i·tive \-bə-tiv\ adjective
–ex·hib·i·tor \-bə-tər\ noun
–ex·hib·i·to·ry \-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

exhibit
n. 1 : a document or material object produced and identified in court or before an examiner for use as evidence
2 : something exhibited
3 : an act or instance of exhibiting : EXHIBITION

exhibition
n. 1 : an act or instance of exhibiting
2 British : a grant drawn from the funds of a school or university to help maintain a student
3 : a public showing (as of works of art, objects of manufacture, or athletic skill) <a one-man exhibition> <an exhibition game>

exhibitioner
n. British : one who holds a grant from a school or university

exhibitionism
n. 1 a : a perversion in which sexual gratification is obtained from the indecent exposure of one's genitals (as to a stranger) b : an act of such exposure
2 : the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself
–ex·hi·bi·tion·ist \-'bish-nist, -'bi-shə-\ noun or adjective
–ex·hi·bi·tion·is·tic \-ˌbi-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective
–ex·hi·bi·tion·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

exhilarate
v. 1 : to make cheerful and excited : ENLIVEN, ELATE <was exhilarated by her success>
2 : REFRESH, STIMULATE
–ex·hil·a·rat·ing·ly \ig-'zi-lə-ˌrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–ex·hil·a·ra·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

exhilaration
n. 1 : the action of exhilarating
2 : the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

exhort
v. transitive verb : to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly <exhorting voters to do the right thing>
intransitive verb : to give warnings or advice : make urgent appeals
–ex·hort·er noun

exhortation
n. 1 : an act or instance of exhorting
2 : language intended to incite and encourage

exhortative
adj. : serving to exhort

exhortatory
adj. : using exhortation : EXHORTATIVE <an exhortatory appeal>

exhume
v. 1 : DISINTER <exhume a body>
2 : to bring back from neglect or obscurity <exhumed a great deal of information from the archives>
–ex·hu·ma·tion \ˌeks-(h)yü-'mā-shən, ˌeg-zü-, ˌegz-yü-\ noun
–ex·hum·er \ig-'zü-mər, igz-'yü-, iks-'(h)yü-\ noun

exigence
n. : EXIGENCY

exigency
n. 1 : that which is required in a particular situation ― usually used in plural <exceptionally quick in responding to the exigencies of modern warfare ― D. B. Ottaway>
2 a : the quality or state of being exigent b : a state of affairs that makes urgent demands <a leader must act in any sudden exigency>
synonyms see JUNCTURE

exigent
adj. 1 : requiring immediate aid or action <exigent circumstances>
2 : requiring or calling for much : DEMANDING <an exigent client>
–ex·i·gent·ly adverb

exiguity
n. : the quality or state of being exiguous : SCANTINESS

exiguous
adj. : excessively scanty : INADEQUATE <wrest an exiguous existence from the land> <exiguous evidence>
–ex·ig·u·ous·ly adverb
–ex·ig·u·ous·ness noun

exile
n. 1 a : the state or a period of forced absence from one's country or home b : the state or a period of voluntary absence from one's country or home
2 : a person who is in exile
–ex·il·ic \eg-'zi-lik\ adjective

exile
n. : to banish or expel from one's own country or home
synonyms see BANISH

eximious
archaic : CHOICE, EXCELLENT

exine
: the outer of the two major layers forming the walls of some spores and especially pollen grains

exist
v. 1 a : to have real being whether material or spiritual <did unicorns exist> <the largest galaxy known to exist> b : to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions <strange ideas existed in his mind>
2 : to continue to be <racism still exists in society>
3 a : to have life or the functions of vitality <we cannot exist without oxygen> b : to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances <the hungry existing from day to day>

existence
n. 1 a obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance b : reality as presented in experience c (1) : the totality of existent things (2) : a particular being <all the fair existences of heaven ― John Keats> d : sentient or living being : LIFE
2 a : the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence <the existence of other worlds> b : the manner of being that is common to every mode of being c : being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect
3 : actual or present occurrence <existence of a state of war>

existent
adj. 1 : having being : EXISTING
2 : existing now : PRESENT <existent methods of flood control>
–existent noun

existential
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affirming existence <existential propositions>
2 a : grounded in existence or the experience of existence : EMPIRICAL b : having being in time and space
3 [translation of Danish eksistentiel & German existential] : EXISTENTIALIST
–ex·is·ten·tial·ly adverb

existential quantifier
: a quantifier (as for some in “for some x, 2x + 5 = 8”) that asserts that there exists at least one value of a variable ― called also existential operator

existentialism
n. : a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad

existentialist
n. : an adherent of existentialism

existentialist
: of or relating to existentialism or existentialists
–ex·is·ten·tial·is·tic \-ˌten(t)-shə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–ex·is·ten·tial·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

exit
n. ― used as a stage direction to specify who goes off stage

exit
n. 1 [1exit] : a departure from a stage
2 a : the act of going out or away <made an early exit> b : DEATH
3 : a way out of an enclosed place or space
4 : one of the designated points of departure from an expressway
–ex·it·less adjective

exit
n. 1 : to go out or away : DEPART
2 : DIE
transitive verb
1 : LEAVE 3A
2 : to cause (a computer program or routine) to cease running

exit poll
: a poll taken (as by news media) of voters leaving the voting place that is usually used for predicting the winners
–exit polling noun

exitus acta probat
: the outcome justifies the deed

Exmoor
1 : any of a breed of horned sheep of Devonshire in England valued especially for mutton
2 : any of a breed of hardy ponies native to the Exmoor district that have a brown, bay, or dun coat and a pale-colored muzzle

Exmoor
moorland SW England in Somerset & Devon area 32 sq mi (83 sq km)

exo
1 : outside <exogamy> : outer <exoskeleton> ― compare ECT-, END-
2 : turning out <exoergic>

exobiology
n. : a branch of biology concerned with the search for life outside the earth and with the effects of extraterrestrial environments on living organisms
–exo·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–exo·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

exocarp
n. : the outermost layer of the pericarp of a fruit ― see ENDOCARP illustration

exocrine
n. : producing, being, or relating to a secretion that is released outside its source <exocrine pancreatic cells>

exocrine gland
: a gland (as a salivary gland or part of the pancreas) that releases a secretion external to or at the surface of an organ by means of a canal or duct

exocyclic
: situated outside of a ring in a chemical structure

exocytosis
n. : the release of cellular substances (as secretory products) contained in cell vesicles by fusion of the vesicular membrane with the plasma membrane and subsequent release of the contents to the exterior of the cell
–exo·cy·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

Exod
Exodus

exodermis
: a layer of the outer living cortical cells of plants that takes over the functions of the epidermis in roots lacking secondary thickening

exodontia
n. : a branch of dentistry that deals with the extraction of teeth
–ex·odon·tist \-'dän-tist\ noun

exodus
n. 1 capitalized : the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table
2 : a mass departure : EMIGRATION

exoenzyme
n. : an extracellular enzyme

exoergic
: releasing energy : EXOTHERMIC

exoerythrocytic
adj. : occurring outside the red blood cells ― used especially of stages of malaria parasites

exogamy
n. : marriage outside of a specific group especially as required by custom or law
–ex·og·a·mous \ek-'sä-gə-məs\ or exo·gam·ic \ˌek-sə-'ga-mik\ adjective

exogenous
adj. 1 : produced by growth from superficial tissue <exogenous roots produced by leaves>
2 a : caused by factors (as food or a traumatic factor) or an agent (as a disease-producing organism) from outside the organism or system <exogenous obesity> <exogenous psychic depression> <exogenous market fluctuations> b : introduced from or produced outside the organism or system specifically : not synthesized within the organism or system
–ex·og·e·nous·ly adverb

exon
n. : a polynucleotide sequence in a nucleic acid that codes information for protein synthesis and that is copied and spliced together with other such sequences to form messenger RNA ― compare INTRON
–ex·on·ic \ek-'sä-nik\ adjective

exonerate
v. 1 : to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
2 : to clear from accusation or blame
synonyms see EXCULPATE
–ex·on·er·a·tion \-ˌzä-nə-'rā-shən\ noun
–ex·on·er·a·tive \-'zä-nə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

exonuclease
n. : an enzyme that breaks down a nucleic acid by removing nucleotides one by one from the end of a chain ― compare ENDONUCLEASE

exonumia
: numismatic items (as tokens, medals, or scrip) other than coins and paper money

exopeptidase
n. : any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds formed by the terminal amino acids of peptide chains : PEPTIDASE ― compare ENDOPEPTIDASE

exophthalmos
n. : abnormal protrusion of the eyeball
–ex·oph·thal·mic \-mik\ adjective

exor
executor

exorbitance
n. 1 : an exorbitant action or procedure especially : excessive or gross deviation from rule, right, or propriety
2 : the tendency or disposition to be exorbitant

exorbitant
adj. 1 : not coming within the scope of the law
2 : exceeding the customary or appropriate limits in intensity, quality, amount, or size
synonyms see EXCESSIVE
–ex·or·bi·tant·ly adverb

exorcise
v. 1 a : to expel (an evil spirit) by adjuration b : to get rid of (something troublesome, menacing, or oppressive)
2 : to free of an evil spirit
–ex·or·cis·er noun

exorcism
n. 1 : the act or practice of exorcising
2 : a spell or formula used in exorcising
–ex·or·cist \-ˌsist, -səst\ noun
–ex·or·cis·tic \ˌek-ˌsȯr-'sis-tik, -sər-\ or ex·or·cis·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

exordium
n. : a beginning or introduction especially to a discourse or composition
–ex·or·di·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

exoskeleton
n. 1 : an external supportive covering of an animal (as an arthropod)
2 : bony or horny parts of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues
3 : an artificial external supporting structure
–exo·skel·e·tal \-lə-təl\ adjective

exosphere
n. : the outer fringe region of the atmosphere of the earth or a celestial body (as a planet)
–exo·spher·ic \ˌek-sō-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

exospore
n. : an asexual spore cut off from a parent sporophore by the formation of septa

exostosis
n. : a spur or bony outgrowth from a bone or the root of a tooth

exoteric
adj. 1 a : suitable to be imparted to the public <the exoteric doctrine> ― compare ESOTERIC b : belonging to the outer or less initiate circle
2 : relating to the outside : EXTERNAL
–ex·o·ter·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

exothermal
adj. : EXOTHERMIC
–exo·ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

exothermic
adj. : characterized by or formed with evolution of heat
–exo·ther·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–exo·ther·mi·ci·ty \-ˌthər-'mis-ə-tē\ noun

exotic
adj. 1 : introduced from another country : not native to the place where found <exotic plants>
2 archaic : FOREIGN, ALIEN
3 : strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual <exotic flavors>
4 : of or relating to striptease <exotic dancing>
–ex·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ex·ot·ic·ness \-tik-nəs\ noun

exotic
adj. 1 : one (as a plant or animal) that is exotic
2 : STRIPTEASER
3 : EXOTIC SHORTHAIR

exotic shorthair
: any of a breed of stocky shorthaired domestic cats developed in the U.S. by crossing American shorthairs and Persians

exotica
n. : things excitingly different or unusual especially : literary or artistic items having an exotic theme or nature

exoticism
n. : the quality or state of being exotic

exotoxin
n. : a soluble poisonous substance produced during growth of a microorganism and released into the surrounding medium

exp
n. 1 expense
2 experience
3 experiment; experimental
4 exponent
5 export
6 express

expand
v. transitive verb
1 : to open up : UNFOLD
2 : to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : ENLARGE
3 a : to express at length or in greater detail b : to write out in full <expand all abbreviations> c : to subject to mathematical expansion <expand a function in a power series>
intransitive verb
1 : to open out : SPREAD
2 : to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope
3 : to speak or write fully or in detail <expanded on the theme>
4 : to feel generous or optimistic
–ex·pand·abil·i·ty \-ˌspan-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·pand·able \-'span-də-bəl\ adjective
synonyms EXPAND, AMPLIFY, SWELL, DISTEND, INFLATE, DILATE mean to increase in size or volume. EXPAND may apply whether the increase comes from within or without and regardless of manner (as growth, unfolding, addition of parts) <a business that expands every year>. AMPLIFY implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate <amplify the statement with details>. SWELL implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits <the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions> . DISTEND implies outward extension caused by pressure from within <a distended abdomen>. INFLATE implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a resulting vulnerability and liability to sudden collapse <an inflated ego>. DILATE applies especially to expansion of circumference <dilated pupils>.

expand
v. expanded metal
expanded plastic
mind expanding

expanded
adj. of a typeface : EXTENDED

expanded metal
: sheet metal cut and expanded into a lattice and used especially as lath

expanded plastic
: lightweight cellular plastic used especially as insulation and protective packing material ― called also foamed plastic plastic foam

expander
n. : one that expands specifically : any of several colloidal substances (as dextran) of high molecular weight used as a blood or plasma substitute for increasing the blood volume

expanse
n. 1 : FIRMAMENT
2 : great extent of something spread out <an expanse of calm ocean>

expansible
adj. : capable of being expanded
–ex·pan·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌspan(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

expansion
n. 1 : EXPANSE
2 : the act or process of expanding <territorial expansion> <economic expansion> <expansion of the universe>
3 : the quality or state of being expanded
4 : the increase in volume of working fluid (as steam) in an engine cylinder after cutoff or in an internal combustion engine after explosion
5 a : an expanded part b : something that results from an act of expanding <the book is an expansion of a lecture series>
6 : the result of carrying out an indicated mathematical operation : the expression of a function in the form of a series
–ex·pan·sion·al \-'panch-nəl, -chə-nəl\ adjective

expansion card
: a circuit board connecting to a motherboard which expands the capabilities of a computer

expansion slot
: a socket on the motherboard of a computer into which an expansion card may be inserted

expansionary
adj. : tending toward expansion <an expansionary economy>

expansionism
n. : a policy or practice of expansion and especially of territorial expansion by a nation
–ex·pan·sion·ist \-'span(t)-sh(ə-)nist\ noun
–expansionist also ex·pan·sion·is·tic \-ˌspan(t)-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

expansive
adj. 1 : having a capacity or a tendency to expand
2 : causing or tending to cause expansion
3 a : characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : OPEN <grew expansive after dinner> b : marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance <an expansive patient>
4 : marked by expansion especially : having a great expanse or extent : SIZABLE, EXTENSIVE <an expansive interpretation of the law>
5 : characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence <expansive living> <expansive taste>
–ex·pan·sive·ly adverb
–ex·pan·sive·ness noun

expansivity
n. : the quality or state of being expansive especially : the capacity to expand

expat
n. chiefly British : an expatriate person : EXPATRIATE

expatiate
v. 1 : to move about freely or at will : WANDER
2 : to speak or write at length or in detail <expatiating upon the value of the fabric ― Thomas Hardy>
–ex·pa·ti·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌspā-shē-'ā-shən\ noun

expatriate
transitive verb
1 : BANISH, EXILE
2 : to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country
intransitive verb : to leave one's native country to live elsewhere also : to renounce allegiance to one's native country
–ex·pa·tri·ate \-ˌāt, -ət\ noun
–ex·pa·tri·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌspā-trē-'ā-shən\ noun

expatriate
n. : living in a foreign land

expatriatism
: the fact or state of being an expatriate

expect
v. intransitive verb
1 archaic : WAIT, STAY
2 : to look forward
3 : to be pregnant : await the birth of one's child ― used in progressive tenses <she's expecting next month>
transitive verb
1 archaic : AWAIT
2 : to anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of <we expect them any minute now> <expected a telephone call>
3 : SUPPOSE, THINK
4 a : to consider probable or certain <expect to be forgiven> <expect that things will improve> b : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary <expected hard work from the students> c : to consider bound in duty or obligated <they expect you to pay your bills>
–ex·pect·able \-'spek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·pect·ably \-blē\ adverb
–ex·pect·ed·ly adverb
–ex·pect·ed·ness noun
synonyms EXPECT, HOPE, LOOK mean to await some occurrence or outcome. EXPECT implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning <expects to be finished by Tuesday>. HOPE implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen <hopes to find a job soon>. LOOK with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled <looks to a tidy profit from the sale>; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness <look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast>.

expectance
n. : EXPECTANCY

expectancy
n. 1 a : the act, action, or state of expecting <the strange expectancy that getting on any train gives us ― John Updike> b : the state of being expected <occurs with an expectancy slightly greater than usual>
2 a : something expected <their belief led to an expectancy> b : the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability <life expectancy>

expectant
n. 1 : characterized by expectation
2 : expecting the birth of a child <expectant mothers>
–ex·pec·tant·ly adverb

expectant
n. : one who is looking forward to something

expectation
n. 1 : the act or state of expecting : ANTICIPATION <in expectation of what would happen>
2 a : something expected <not up to expectations> <expectations for an economic recovery> b : basis for expecting : ASSURANCE <they have every expectation of success> c : prospects of inheritance ― usually used in plural
3 : the state of being expected
4 a : EXPECTANCY 2B b : EXPECTED VALUE
–ex·pec·ta·tion·al \-'tā-shə-nəl, -shnəl\ adjective

expectative
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting an object of expectation <expectative goals>

expected value
1 : the sum of the values of a random variable with each value multiplied by its probability of occurrence
2 : the integral of the product of a probability density function of a continuous random variable and the random variable itself when taken over all possible values of the variable

expectorant
n. : an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract broadly : an antitussive agent
–expectorant adjective

expectorate
v. transitive verb
1 : to eject from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
2 : SPIT
intransitive verb
1 : to discharge matter from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
2 : SPIT
–ex·pec·to·ra·tion \-ˌspek-tə-'rā-shən\ noun

expedience
n. : EXPEDIENCY

expediency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : SUITABILITY, FITNESS
2 obsolete a : HASTE, DISPATCH b : an enterprise requiring haste or caution
3 : adherence to expedient means and methods <put more emphasis on expediency than on principle ― W. H. Jones>
4 : a means of achieving a particular end : EXPEDIENT
–ex·pe·di·en·tial \-ˌspē-dē-'en-chəl\ adjective

expedient
n. 1 : suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance
2 : characterized by concern with what is opportune especially : governed by self-interest
–ex·pe·di·ent·ly adverb
synonyms EXPEDIENT, POLITIC, ADVISABLE mean dictated by practical or prudent motives. EXPEDIENT usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles <a politically expedient decision>. POLITIC stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity <a politic show of interest>. ADVISABLE applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of EXPEDIENT and POLITIC <sometimes it's advisable to say nothing>.

expedient
n. : something expedient : a temporary means to an end
synonyms see RESOURCE

expedite
v. 1 : to execute promptly
2 : to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up
3 : ISSUE, DISPATCH

expediter
n. : one that expedites specifically : one employed to ensure efficient movement of goods or supplies in a business

expedition
n. 1 a : a journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose b : the group of persons making such a journey
2 : efficient promptness : SPEED
3 : a sending or setting forth
synonyms see HASTE
–ex·pe·di·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun

expeditionary
adj. : of, relating to, or being an expedition also : sent on military service abroad <an expeditionary force>

expeditious
adj. : characterized by or acting promptly and efficiently
synonyms see FAST
–ex·pe·di·tious·ly adverb
–ex·pe·di·tious·ness noun

expel
v. 1 : to force out : EJECT <expelled the smoke from her lungs>
2 : to force to leave (as a place or organization) by official action : take away rights or privileges of membership <expelled from college>
synonyms see EJECT
–ex·pel·la·ble \-'spe-lə-bəl\ adjective

expellee
n. : a person who is expelled especially from a native or adopted country

expend
v. 1 : to pay out : SPEND <the social services upon which public revenue is expended ― J. A. Hobson>
2 : to make use of for a specific purpose : UTILIZE <projects on which they expended great energy> also : USE UP
–ex·pend·er noun

expendable
adj. : that may be expended: as a : normally used up or consumed in service <expendable supplies like pencils and paper> b : more easily or economically replaced than rescued, salvaged, or protected
–ex·pend·abil·i·ty \-ˌspen-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

expendable
adj. : one that is expendable ― usually used in plural

expenditure
n. 1 : the act or process of expending <an expenditure of energy>
2 : something expended : DISBURSEMENT, EXPENSE <income should exceed expenditures>

expense
n. 1 archaic : the act or an instance of expending : EXPENDITURE
2 a : something expended to secure a benefit or bring about a result b : financial burden or outlay : COST <built the monument at their own expense> c : an item of business outlay chargeable against revenue for a specific period
3 : a cause or occasion of expenditure <an estate is a great expense>
4 : a loss, detriment, or embarrassment that results from some action or gain : SACRIFICE <everyone had a good laugh at my expense> ― usually used in the phrase at the expense of <develop a boy's physique at the expense of his intelligence ― Bertrand Russell>

expense
n. 1 : to charge with expenses
2 a : to charge to an expense account b : to write off as an expense

expense account
: an account of expenses reimbursable to an employee also : the right of charging expenses to such an account

expensive
adj. 1 : involving high cost or sacrifice <an expensive hobby>
2 a : commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means b : characterized by high prices <expensive shops>
–ex·pen·sive·ly adverb
–ex·pen·sive·ness noun

experience
n. 1 a : direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge b : the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
2 a : practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity b : the length of such participation <has 10 years' experience in the job>
3 a : the conscious events that make up an individual life b : the events that make up the conscious past of a community or nation or humankind generally
4 : something personally encountered, undergone, or lived through
5 : the act or process of directly perceiving events or reality

experience
n. 1 : to learn by experience <I have experienced that a landscape and the sky unfold the deepest beauty ― Nathaniel Hawthorne>
2 : to have experience of : UNDERGO <experienced severe hardships as a child>

experienced
adj. : made skillful or wise through experience : PRACTICED <an experienced driver>

experiential
adj. : relating to, derived from, or providing experience : EMPIRICAL <experiential knowledge> <experiential lessons>
–ex·pe·ri·en·tial·ly \-'en(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

experiment
n. 1 a : TEST, TRIAL <make another experiment of his suspicion ― Shakespeare> b : a tentative procedure or policy c : an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law
2 obsolete : EXPERIENCE
3 : the process of testing : EXPERIMENTATION

experiment
n. : to carry out experiments : try out a new procedure, idea, or activity
–ex·per·i·men·ta·tion \ik-ˌsper-ə-mən-'tā-shən, -ˌmen- also -ˌspir-\ noun
–ex·per·i·ment·er \-'sper-ə-ˌmen-tər also -'spir-\ noun

experiment
n. control experiment
experiment station
thought experiment

experiment station
: an establishment for scientific research (as in agriculture) where experiments are carried out, studies of practical application are made, and information is disseminated

experimental
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment
2 a : serving the ends of or used as a means of experimentation <an experimental school> b : relating to or having the characteristics of experiment : TENTATIVE <still in the experimental stage>
–ex·per·i·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

experimentalism
n. : reliance on or advocacy of experimental or empirical principles and procedures specifically : INSTRUMENTALISM

experimentalist
n. : one who experiments specifically : a person conducting scientific experiments

expert
n. 1 obsolete : EXPERIENCED
2 : having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience
synonyms see PROFICIENT
–ex·pert·ly adverb
–ex·pert·ness noun

expert
n. : one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject

expert
n. : to serve as an expert

expert system
: computer software that attempts to mimic the reasoning of a human specialist

expertise
n. 1 : expert opinion or commentary
2 : the skill of an expert

expertism
: EXPERTISE 2

expertize
intransitive verb : to give a professional opinion usually after careful study
transitive verb : to examine and give expert judgment on

experto crede
: believe one who has had experience : trust me

expiate
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to put an end to
2 a : to extinguish the guilt incurred by b : to make amends for <permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours ― Francis Bacon>
intransitive verb : to make expiation
–ex·pi·a·ble \'ek-spē-ə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·pi·a·tor \-spē-ˌā-tər\ noun

expiation
n. 1 : the act of making atonement
2 : the means by which atonement is made

expiatory
adj. : serving to expiate

expiration
n. 1 a : the last emission of breath : DEATH b (1) : the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : EXHALATION (2) : the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)
2 : the fact of coming to an end or the point at which something ends : TERMINATION

expiration date
1 : the date after which something (as a credit card) is no longer in effect
2 : the date after which a product (as food or medicine) should not be sold because of an expected decline in quality or effectiveness

expiratory
adj. : of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs

expire
v. intransitive verb
1 : to breathe one's last breath : DIE
2 : to come to an end
3 : to emit the breath
transitive verb
1 obsolete : CONCLUDE
2 : to breathe out from or as if from the lungs
3 archaic : EMIT

expiry
n. : EXPIRATION: as a : exhalation of breath b : DEATH c : TERMINATION especially : the termination of a time or period fixed by law, contract, or agreement

explain
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make known <explain the secret of your success> b : to make plain or understandable <footnotes that explain the terms>
2 : to give the reason for or cause of <unable to explain his strange conduct>
3 : to show the logical development or relationships of <explained the new theory>
intransitive verb : to make something plain or understandable <a report that suggests rather than explains>
–ex·plain·able \-'splā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·plain·er noun
–explain oneself : to clarify one's statements or the reasons for one's conduct
synonyms EXPLAIN, EXPOUND, EXPLICATE, ELUCIDATE, INTERPRET mean to make something clear or understandable. EXPLAIN implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known <explain the rules>. EXPOUND implies a careful often elaborate explanation <expounding a scientific theory>. EXPLICATE adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis <explicate a poem>. ELUCIDATE stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit <elucidate an obscure passage>. INTERPRET adds to EXPLAIN the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something <interpreting a work of art>.

explain
v. explain oneself
explain away
self explaining

explain away
1 : to get rid of by or as if by explanation
2 : to minimize the significance of by or as if by explanation <explains his faults, but does not try to explain them away ― M. K. Spears>

explain oneself
to clarify one's statements or the reasons for one's conduct

explanation
n. 1 : the act or process of explaining
2 : something that explains <gave no explanation>

explanative
: EXPLANATORY
–ex·plan·a·tive·ly adverb

explanatory
adj. : serving to explain <explanatory notes>
–ex·plan·a·to·ri·ly \-ˌspla-nə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

explant
n. : to remove (living tissue) especially to a medium for tissue culture
–ex·plan·ta·tion \ˌek-ˌsplan-'tā-shən\ noun

explant
n. : living tissue removed from an organism and placed in a medium for tissue culture

expletive
n. 1 a : a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense especially : a word (as it in “make it clear which you prefer”) that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content b : an exclamatory word or phrase especially : one that is obscene or profane
2 : one that serves to fill out or as a filling

expletive
n. 1 : serving to fill up <expletive phrases>
2 : marked by the use of expletives

expletory
: EXPLETIVE

explicable
adj. : capable of being explained
–ex·pli·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

explicate
v. 1 : to give a detailed explanation of
2 : to develop the implications of : analyze logically
synonyms see EXPLAIN
–ex·pli·ca·tion \ˌek-splə-'kā-shən\ noun
–ex·pli·ca·tor \'ek-splə-ˌkā-tər\ noun

explication de texte
: a method of literary criticism involving a detailed analysis of a work

explicative
adj. : serving to explicate specifically : serving to explain logically what is contained in the subject <an explicative proposition>
–ex·pli·ca·tive·ly adverb

explicatory
adj. : EXPLICATIVE

explicit
adj. 1 a : fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity : leaving no question as to meaning or intent <explicit instructions> b : open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality <explicit books and films>
2 : fully developed or formulated <an explicit plan> <an explicit notion of our objective>
3 : unambiguous in expression <was very explicit on how we are to behave>
4 of a mathematical function : defined by an expression containing only independent variables ― compare IMPLICIT 1c
–ex·plic·it·ly adverb
–ex·plic·it·ness noun
synonyms EXPLICIT, DEFINITE, EXPRESS, SPECIFIC mean perfectly clear in meaning. EXPLICIT implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding <explicit instructions>. DEFINITE stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision <the law is definite in such cases>. EXPRESS implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance <her express wishes>. SPECIFIC applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular <two specific criticisms>.

explode
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
2 : to bring into disrepute or discredit <explode a theory>
3 : to cause to explode or burst noisily <explode a bomb>
intransitive verb
1 : to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy: as a : to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases <dynamite explodes> b : to burst violently as a result of pressure from within
2 a : to give forth a sudden strong and noisy outburst of emotion <exploded in anger> b : to move with sudden speed and force <exploded from the starting gate>
3 : to increase rapidly <the population of the city exploded>
4 : to suggest an explosion (as in appearance or effect) <shrubs exploded with blossoms>
–ex·plod·er noun

exploded
adj. : showing the parts separated but in correct relationship to each other <an exploded view of a carburetor>

exploit
n. : DEED, ACT especially : a notable or heroic act
synonyms see FEAT

exploit
n. 1 : to make productive use of : UTILIZE <exploiting your talents> <exploit your opponent's weakness>
2 : to make use of meanly or unfairly for one's own advantage <exploiting migrant farm workers>
–ex·ploit·abil·i·ty \ik-ˌsploi-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·ploit·able \-'splȯi-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·ploit·er noun

exploitation
n. : an act or instance of exploiting <exploitation of natural resources> <exploitation of immigrant laborers> <clever exploitation of the system>

exploitative
adj. : exploiting or tending to exploit especially : unfairly or cynically using another person or group for profit or advantage <exploitative terms of employment> <an exploitative film>
–ex·ploit·ative·ly adverb

exploitive
adj. : EXPLOITATIVE

exploration
n. : the act or an instance of exploring
–ex·plo·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

explorative
adj. : EXPLORATORY
–ex·plor·ative·ly adverb

exploratory
adj. : of, relating to, or being exploration <exploratory surgery> <exploratory drilling for oil>

explore
v. transitive verb
1 a : to investigate, study, or analyze : look into <explore the relationship between social class and learning ability> ― sometimes used with indirect questions <to explore where ethical issues arise ― R. T. Blackburn> b : to become familiar with by testing or experimenting <explore new cuisines>
2 : to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery
3 : to examine especially for diagnostic purposes <explore the wound>
intransitive verb : to make or conduct a systematic search <explore for oil>

explorer
n. 1 : one that explores especially : a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information
2 capitalized : a member of a coed scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people ages 14 to 20 focusing on career awareness

explosion
n. 1 : the act or an instance of exploding <injured in a laboratory explosion>
2 : a large-scale, rapid, or spectacular expansion or bursting out or forth <the explosion of suburbia> <an explosion of red hair>
3 : the release of occluded breath that occurs in one kind of articulation of stop consonants

explosive
n. 1 a : relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion <an explosive hatch> b : resulting from or as if from an explosion <explosive population growth>
2 a : tending to explode <an explosive person> b : likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence <an explosive ghetto situation>
–ex·plo·sive·ly adverb
–ex·plo·sive·ness noun

explosive
n. 1 : an explosive substance
2 : a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments : STOP

expo
n. : EXPOSITION 3

exponent
n. 1 : a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression to indicate the operation of raising to a power
2 a : one that expounds or interprets b : one that champions, practices, or exemplifies

exponential
adj. 1 : of or relating to an exponent
2 : involving a variable in an exponent <10x is an exponential expression>
3 : expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function especially : characterized by or being an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent) <an exponential growth rate>
–ex·po·nen·tial·ly \-'nench-(ə-)lē\ adverb

exponential function
: a mathematical function in which an independent variable appears in one of the exponents ― called also exponential

exponentiation
n. : the mathematical operation of raising a quantity to a power ― called also involution

export
n. transitive verb
1 : to carry away : REMOVE
2 : to carry or send (as a commodity) to some other place (as another country)
intransitive verb : to export something abroad
–ex·port·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)ek-ˌspȯr-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·port·able \ek-'spȯr-tə-bəl, 'ek-ˌ\ adjective

export
n. 1 : something exported specifically : a commodity conveyed from one country or region to another for purposes of trade
2 : the act of exporting : EXPORTATION <the export of wheat>

export
n. : of or relating to exportation or exports <export duties>

exportation
n. : the act of exporting also : a commodity exported

exporter
n. : one that exports specifically : a wholesaler who sells to merchants or industrial consumers in foreign countries

expose
v. 1 a : to deprive of shelter, protection, or care : subject to risk from a harmful action or condition <expose troops needlessly> <has not yet been exposed to measles> b : to submit or make accessible to a particular action or influence <expose children to good books> especially : to subject (a sensitive photographic film, plate, or paper) to radiant energy c : to abandon (an infant) especially by leaving in the open
2 a : to make known : bring to light (as something shameful) b : to disclose the faults or crimes of <expose a murderer>
3 : to cause to be visible or open to view : DISPLAY: as a : to offer publicly for sale b : to exhibit for public veneration c : to reveal the face of (a playing card) or the cards of (a player's hand) d : to engage in indecent exposure of (oneself)
synonyms see SHOW
–ex·pos·er noun

expose
v. 1 : a formal statement of facts
2 : an exposure of something discreditable <a newspaper expose of government corruption>

exposed
adj. 1 : open to view
2 : not shielded or protected also : not insulated <an exposed electric wire>
synonyms see LIABLE

exposit
: EXPOUND

exposition
n. 1 : a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)
2 a : discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand b (1) : the first part of a musical composition in sonata form in which the thematic material of the movement is presented (2) : the opening section of a fugue
3 : a public exhibition or show
–ex·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

expositive
adj. : DESCRIPTIVE, EXPOSITORY

expositor
n. : a person who explains : COMMENTATOR

expository
adv. : of, relating to, or containing exposition <expository writing>

expostulate
v. transitive verb obsolete : DISCUSS, EXAMINE
intransitive verb : to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance

expostulation
n. : an act or an instance of expostulating
–ex·pos·tu·la·to·ry \-'späs-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

exposure
n. 1 : the fact or condition of being exposed: as a : the condition of being presented to view or made known <a politician seeks a lot of exposure> b : the condition of being unprotected especially from severe weather <died of exposure> c : the condition of being subject to some effect or influence <risk exposure to the flu> d : the condition of being at risk of financial loss <minimizes your exposure to market fluctuations> also : an amount at risk
2 : the act or an instance of exposing: as a : disclosure of something secret <tried to prevent exposure of their past> b : the treating of sensitized material (as film) to controlled amounts of radiant energy also : the amount of such energy or length of such treatment <a 3-second exposure>
3 a : the manner of being exposed b : the position (as of a house) with respect to weather influences or compass points <a room with a southern exposure>
4 : a piece or section of sensitized material (as film) on which an exposure is or can be made <36 exposures per roll>

exposure
n. exposure meter
indecent exposure
time exposure

exposure meter
: a device for indicating correct photographic exposure under varying conditions of illumination

expound
v. transitive verb
1 a : to set forth : STATE b : to defend with argument
2 : to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail <expound a law>
intransitive verb : to make a statement : COMMENT
synonyms see EXPLAIN
–ex·pound·er noun

express
n. 1 a : directly, firmly, and explicitly stated <my express orders> b : EXACT, PRECISE
2 a : designed for or adapted to its purpose b : of a particular sort : SPECIFIC <for that express purpose>
3 a : traveling at high speed specifically : traveling with few or no stops along the way <express train> b : adapted or suitable for travel at high speed <an express highway> c British : designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger
synonyms see EXPLICIT

express
n. 1 obsolete : EXPRESSLY
2 : by express <delivered express>

express
n. 1 a British : a messenger sent on a special errand b British : a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger c (1) : a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges (2) : a company operating such a merchandise freight service d British : SPECIAL DELIVERY
2 : an express vehicle

express
n. 1 a : DELINEATE, DEPICT b : to represent in words : STATE c : to give or convey a true impression of : SHOW, REFLECT d : to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself) e : to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself) f : to represent by a sign or symbol : SYMBOLIZE
2 a : to force out (as the juice of a fruit) by pressure b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something
3 : to send by express
4 : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process
–ex·press·er noun
–ex·press·ible \-ə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms EXPRESS, VENT, UTTER, VOICE, BROACH, AIR mean to make known what one thinks or feels. EXPRESS suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces <expressed her feelings in music>. VENT stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words <a tirade venting his frustration>. UTTER implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech <utter a groan>. VOICE does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words <an editorial voicing their concerns>. BROACH adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion <broached the subject of a divorce>. AIR implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention <publicly airing their differences>.

Express Mail
― used for overnight delivery of mail

expressage
n. : a carrying of parcels by express also : a charge for such carrying

expression
n. 1 a : an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (as words) : UTTERANCE <freedom of expression> b (1) : something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else <this gift is an expression of my admiration for you> (2) : a significant word or phrase (3) : a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols (4) : the detectable effect of a gene also : EXPRESSIVITY 1
2 a : a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism especially : felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment <read the poem with expression> b (1) : the quality or fact of being expressive (2) : facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3 : an act or product of pressing out
–ex·pres·sion·al \-'spresh-nəl, -'spre-shə-nəl\ adjective

expressionism
: a theory or practice in art of seeking to depict the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in the artist
–ex·pres·sion·ist \-'spre-shə-nist\ noun or adjective often cap
–ex·pres·sion·is·tic \-ˌspre-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective
–ex·pres·sion·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

expressionism
n. abstract expressionism
neo Expressionism
abstract expressionist
neo Expressionist

expressionless
adj. : lacking expression <an expressionless face>
–ex·pres·sion·less·ly adverb
–ex·pres·sion·less·ness noun

expressive
adj. 1 : of or relating to expression <the expressive function of language>
2 : serving to express, utter, or represent <foul and novel terms expressive of rage ― H. G. Wells>
3 : effectively conveying meaning or feeling <an expressive silence> <expressive line drawings>
–ex·pres·sive·ly adverb
–ex·pres·sive·ness noun

expressivity
1 : the relative capacity of a gene to affect the phenotype of the organism of which it is a part
2 : the quality of being expressive

expressly
adv. 1 : in an express manner : EXPLICITLY <expressly rejected the proposal>
2 : for the express purpose : PARTICULARLY, SPECIFICALLY <made expressly for me>

expressman
n. : a person employed in the express business

expresso
n. variant of espresso

expressway
n. : a high-speed divided highway for through traffic with access partially or fully controlled

expropriate
v. 1 : to deprive of possession or proprietary rights
2 : to transfer (the property of another) to one's own possession
–ex·pro·pri·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

expropriation
n. : the act of expropriating or the state of being expropriated specifically : the action of the state in taking or modifying the property rights of an individual in the exercise of its sovereignty

expt
experiment

exptl
experimental

expulse
: EXPEL

expulsion
n. : the act of expelling : the state of being expelled
–ex·pul·sive \-'spəl-siv\ adjective

expunction
: the act of expunging : the state of being expunged : ERASURE

expunge
v. 1 : to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion
2 : to efface completely : DESTROY
3 : to eliminate (as a memory) from one's consciousness
–ex·pung·er noun

expurgate
v. : to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous especially : to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or presentation <an expurgated edition of the letters>
–ex·pur·ga·tion \ˌek-spər-'gā-shən\ noun
–ex·pur·ga·tor \'ek-spər-ˌgā-tər\ noun

expurgatorial
: relating to expurgation or an expurgator : EXPURGATORY

expurgatory
: serving to purify from something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous

expwy
expressway

exquisite
adj. 1 : carefully selected : CHOICE
2 archaic : ACCURATE
3 a : marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution <an exquisite vase> b : marked by nice discrimination, deep sensitivity, or subtle understanding <exquisite taste> c : ACCOMPLISHED, PERFECTED <an exquisite gentleman>
4 a : pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection <an exquisite white blossom> b : ACUTE, INTENSE <exquisite pain> c : having uncommon or esoteric appeal
synonyms see CHOICE
–ex·qui·site·ly adverb
–ex·qui·site·ness noun

exquisite
adj. : one who is overly fastidious in dress or ornament

exrx
executrix

exsanguination
n. : the action or process of draining or losing blood
–ex·san·gui·nate \ek(s)-'saŋ-gwə-ˌnāt\ transitive verb

exscind
v. : to cut off or out : EXCISE

exsert
v. : to thrust out
–ex·ser·tion \-'sər-shən\ noun

exserted
v. : projecting beyond an enclosing organ or part

exsiccate
v. : to remove moisture from : DRY
–ex·sic·ca·tion \ˌek-si-'kā-shən\ noun

exsolution
: the process of separating or precipitating from a solid crystalline phase

ext
n. 1 extension
2 exterior
3 external; externally
4 extra
5 extract

extant
adj. 1 archaic : standing out or above
2 a : currently or actually existing <the most charming writer extant ― G. W. Johnson> b : still existing : not destroyed or lost <extant manuscripts>

extemporal
adj. archaic : EXTEMPORANEOUS
–ex·tem·po·ral·ly \-ē\ adverb

extemporaneity
: the quality or state of being extemporaneous

extemporaneous
adj. 1 a (1) : composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment : IMPROMPTU <an extemporaneous comment> (2) : carefully prepared but delivered without notes or text b : skilled at or given to extemporaneous utterance c : happening suddenly and often unexpectedly and usually without clearly known causes or relationships <a great deal of criminal and delinquent behavior is⋯extemporaneous ― W. C. Reckless>
2 : provided, made, or put to use as an expedient : MAKESHIFT <an extemporaneous shelter>
–ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adverb
–ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ness noun

extemporary
adj. : EXTEMPORANEOUS
–ex·tem·po·rar·i·ly \-ˌstem-pə-'rer-ə-lē\ adverb

extempore
adj. : in an extemporaneous manner <speaking extempore>

extemporisation
British variant of extemporization, extemporize

extemporization
n. 1 : the act of extemporizing : IMPROVISATION
2 : something extemporized

extemporize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to do something extemporaneously : IMPROVISE especially : to speak extemporaneously
2 : to get along in a makeshift manner
transitive verb : to compose, perform, or utter extemporaneously : IMPROVISE <extemporized an after-dinner speech>
–ex·tem·po·riz·er noun

extend
v. transitive verb
1 : to spread or stretch forth : UNBEND <extended both her arms>
2 a : to stretch out to fullest length b : to cause (as a horse) to move at full stride c : to exert (oneself) to full capacity <could work long and hard without seeming to extend himself> d (1) : to increase the bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier) (2) : ADULTERATE
3 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin extendere (fr. L) or Anglo-French estendre, from Old French] a British : to take possession of (as lands) by a writ of extent b obsolete : to take by force
4 a : to make the offer of : PROFFER <extending aid to the needy> <extending their greetings> b : to make available <extending credit to customers>
5 a : to cause to reach (as in distance or scope) <national authority was extended over new territories> b : to cause to be longer : PROLONG <extend the side of a triangle> <extended their visit another day> also : to prolong the time of payment of c : ADVANCE, FURTHER <extending her potential through job training>
6 a : to cause to be of greater area or volume : ENLARGE <extended the patio to the back of the house> b : to increase the scope, meaning, or application of : BROADEN <beauty, I suppose, opens the heart, extends the consciousness ― Algernon Blackwood> c archaic : EXAGGERATE
intransitive verb
1 : to stretch out in distance, space, or time : REACH <their jurisdiction extended over the whole area>
2 : to reach in scope or application <his concern extends beyond mere business to real service to his customers>
–ex·tend·abil·i·ty \-ˌsten-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·tend·able also ex·tend·ible \-'sten-də-bəl\ adjective
synonyms EXTEND, LENGTHEN, PROLONG, PROTRACT mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length. EXTEND and LENGTHEN imply a drawing out in space or time but EXTEND may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range <extend a vacation> <extend welfare services> <lengthen a skirt> <lengthen the workweek>. PROLONG suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits <prolonged illness>. PROTRACT adds to PROLONG implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness <protracted litigation>.

extended
adj. 1 : drawn out in length especially of time <an extended visit>
2 a : fully stretched out <an extended battle line> b of a horse's gait : performed with a greatly lengthened stride but without a break ― compare COLLECTED c : INTENSIVE <extended efforts>
3 : having spatial magnitude : being larger than a point <an extended source of light>
4 : EXTENSIVE 1 <made available extended information ― Ruth G. Strickland>
5 : DERIVATIVE 1, SECONDARY 2A <an extended sense of a word>
6 of a typeface : having a wider face than that of a standard typeface
–ex·tend·ed·ly adverb
–ex·tend·ed·ness noun

extended family
: a family that includes in one household near relatives in addition to a nuclear family

extender
n. : one that extends: as a : a substance added to a product especially in the capacity of a diluent, adulterant, or modifier b : an added ingredient used to increase the bulk of a food (as soup or meat)

extensible
adj. : capable of being extended
–ex·ten·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌsten(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

extensile
adj. : EXTENSIBLE

extension
n. 1 a : the action of extending : state of being extended b : an enlargement in scope or operation <tools are extensions of human hands>
2 a : the total range over which something extends : COMPASS b : DENOTATION 4
3 a : the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position b : an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint ― compare FLEXION 4a
4 : a property whereby something occupies space
5 : an increase in length of time specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession
6 : a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources
7 a : a part constituting an addition b : a section or line segment forming an additional length c : an extra telephone connected to the principal line d : a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair e : a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose
8 : a mathematical set (as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

extension agent
: COUNTY AGENT

extension cord
: an electric cord fitted with a plug at one end and a receptacle at the other

extensional
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by extension specifically : DENOTATIVE
2 : concerned with objective reality
–ex·ten·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌsten(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·ten·sion·al·ly \-'stench-nə-lē, -'sten(t)-shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

extensity
1 a : the quality of having extension b : degree of extension : RANGE
2 : an attribute of sensation whereby space or size is perceived

extensive
adj. 1 : having wide or considerable extent <extensive reading>
2 : EXTENSIONAL
3 : of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
–ex·ten·sive·ly adverb
–ex·ten·sive·ness noun

extensometer
n. : an instrument for measuring minute deformations of test specimens caused by tension, compression, bending, or twisting

extensor
n. : a muscle serving to extend a bodily part (as a limb)

extent
n. 1 archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation
2 a : seizure (as of land) in execution of a writ of extent in Great Britain also : the condition of being so seized b : a writ giving to a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property
3 a : the range over which something extends : SCOPE <the extent of her jurisdiction> b : the point, degree, or limit to which something extends <using talents to the greatest extent> c : the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : MAGNITUDE <the extent of the forest>

extenuate
v. 1 a archaic : to make light of b : to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses : MITIGATE <extenuating circumstances> c obsolete : DISPARAGE
2 a archaic : to make thin or emaciated b : to lessen the strength or effect of
–ex·ten·u·a·tor \-ˌ(w)ā-tər\ noun
–ex·ten·u·a·to·ry \-(w)ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

extenuation
n. 1 : the act of extenuating or state of being extenuated especially : partial justification
2 : something extenuating especially : a partial excuse

exterior
n. 1 : being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
2 : observable by outward signs <his exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitch ― Current Biog.>
3 : suitable for use on outside surfaces
–ex·te·ri·or·ly adverb

exterior
n. 1 a : an exterior part or surface : OUTSIDE b : outward manner or appearance
2 : a representation (as on stage or film) of an outdoor scene also : a scene filmed outdoors

exterior angle
1 : the angle between a side of a polygon and an extended adjacent side
2 : an angle formed by a transversal as it cuts one of two lines and situated on the outside of the line

exteriorise
v. British variant of exteriorize

exteriority
n. : the quality or state of being exterior or exteriorized : EXTERNALITY

exteriorize
v. 1 : EXTERNALIZE
2 : to bring out of the body (as for surgery)
–ex·te·ri·or·iza·tion \-ˌstir-ē-ə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

exterminate
v. : to get rid of completely usually by killing off <exterminate termites and cockroaches>
–ex·ter·mi·na·tion \-ˌstər-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–ex·ter·mi·na·tor \-'stər-mə-ˌnā-tər\ noun
synonyms EXTERMINATE, EXTIRPATE, ERADICATE, UPROOT mean to effect the destruction or abolition of something. EXTERMINATE implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals <exterminate cockroaches>. EXTIRPATE implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation <many species have been extirpated from the area>. ERADICATE implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself <a campaign to eradicate illiteracy>. UPROOT implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction <the war uprooted thousands>.

exterminatory
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by extermination

extermine
obsolete : EXTERMINATE

extern
n. archaic : EXTERNAL

extern
n. : a person connected with an institution but not living or boarding in it specifically : a nonresident doctor or medical student at a hospital

external
n. 1 a : capable of being perceived outwardly <external signs of a disease> b (1) : having merely the outward appearance of something : SUPERFICIAL (2) : not intrinsic or essential <external circumstances>
2 a : of, relating to, or connected with the outside or an outer part <the building's external features> b : applied or applicable to the outside <a lotion for external use>
3 a (1) : situated outside, apart, or beyond specifically : situated near or toward the surface of the body (2) : arising or acting from outside <an external force> b : of or relating to dealings or relationships with foreign countries c : having existence independent of the mind <external reality>
–ex·ter·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

external
n. : something that is external: as a : an outer part b : an external feature or aspect ― usually used in plural

external
n. external combustion engine
external degree
external respiration

external combustion engine
: a heat engine (as a steam engine) that derives its heat from fuel consumed outside the cylinder

external degree
: a degree conferred on a student who has not attended the university but has passed the qualifying examination

external respiration
: exchange of gases between the external environment and a distributing system of the animal body (as the lungs of higher vertebrates or the tracheal tubes of insects) or between the alveoli of the lungs and the blood ― compare INTERNAL RESPIRATION

externalisation
n. British variant of externalization, externalize

externalism
n. 1 : attention to externals especially : excessive preoccupation with externals
2 : EXTERNALITY 1

externality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being external or externalized
2 : something that is external
3 : a secondary or unintended consequence <pollution and other externalities of manufacturing>

externalization
n. 1 a : the action or process of externalizing b : the quality or state of being externalized
2 : something externalized : EMBODIMENT

externalize
v. 1 : to make external or externally manifest
2 : to attribute to causes outside the self : RATIONALIZE <externalized his lack of ability to succeed>

externship
: a training program that is part of a course of study of an educational institution and is taken in private business

exteroceptive
adj. : relating to, being, or activated by stimuli received by an organism from outside

exteroceptor
n. : a sense organ excited by exteroceptive stimuli

exterritorial
adj. : EXTRATERRITORIAL
–ex·ter·ri·to·ri·al·i·ty \-ˌtȯr-ē-'a-lə-tē\ noun

extinct
adj. 1 a : no longer burning b : no longer active <an extinct volcano>
2 : no longer existing <an extinct animal>
3 a : gone out of use : SUPERSEDED b : having no qualified claimant <an extinct title>

extinct
adj. archaic : EXTINGUISH

extinction
n. 1 : the act of making extinct or causing to be extinguished
2 : the condition or fact of being extinct or extinguished also : the process of becoming extinct <extinction of a species>
3 : the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not reinforcing it

extinction coefficient
: a measure of the rate of diminution of transmitted light via scattering and absorption for a medium

extinctive
: tending or serving to extinguish or make extinct

extinguish
v. 1 a (1) : to bring to an end : make an end of <hope for their safety was slowly extinguished> (2) : to reduce to silence or ineffectiveness b : to cause to cease burning : QUENCH c : to cause extinction of (a conditioned response) d : to dim the brightness of : ECLIPSE
2 a : to cause to be void : NULLIFY <extinguish a claim> b : to get rid of usually by payment <extinguish a debt>
–ex·tin·guish·able \-(g)wi-shə-bəl\ adjective
–ex·tin·guish·er \-shər\ noun
–ex·tin·guish·ment \-mənt\ noun

extirpate
v. 1 a : to destroy completely : WIPE OUT b : to pull up by the root
2 : to cut out by surgery
synonyms see EXTERMINATE
–ex·tir·pa·tion \ˌek-stər-'pā-shən\ noun
–ex·tir·pa·tor \'ek-stər-ˌpā-tər\ noun

extol
v. : to praise highly : GLORIFY
–ex·tol·ler noun
–ex·tol·ment \-'stōl-mənt\ noun

extort
v. : to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : WRING also : to gain especially by ingenuity or compelling argument
synonyms see EDUCE
–ex·tort·er noun
–ex·tor·tive \-'stȯr-tiv\ adjective

extortion
n. 1 : the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property especially : the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
2 : something extorted especially : a gross overcharge
–ex·tor·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun
–ex·tor·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

extortionary
archaic : EXTORTIONATE 1

extortionate
adj. 1 : characterized by extortion
2 : EXCESSIVE, EXORBITANT <extortionate prices>
–ex·tor·tion·ate·ly adverb

extra
n. 1 a : more than is due, usual, or necessary : ADDITIONAL <extra work> b : subject to an additional charge <dessert is extra>
2 : SUPERIOR <extra quality>

extra
n. 1 : one that is extra or additional: as a : a special edition of a newspaper b : an added charge c : an additional worker specifically : one hired to act in a group scene in a motion picture or stage production d : an attractive addition or accessory : FRILL <cars loaded with extras>
2 : something of superior quality or grade

extra
n. : beyond the usual size, extent, or degree <extra large>

extra
n. : outside : beyond <extrajudicial>

extra
n. extra base hit
extra point
extra virgin

extra point
: a point gained on a conversion in football

extra-base hit
: a hit in baseball that lets the batter take more than one base

extra-virgin
: being a virgin olive oil that is lowest in acidity and highest in quality

extracellular
adj. : situated or occurring outside a cell or the cells of the body <extracellular digestion> <extracellular enzymes>
–ex·tra·cel·lu·lar·ly adverb

extrachromosomal
adj. : situated or controlled by factors outside the chromosome <extrachromosomal inheritance>

extracorporeal
adj. : occurring or based outside the living body <the heart-lung machine maintains extracorporeal circulation during heart surgery>
–ex·tra·cor·po·re·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

extracranial
: situated or occurring outside the cranium

extract
n. 1 a : to draw forth (as by research) <extract data> b : to pull or take out forcibly <extracted a wisdom tooth> c : to obtain by much effort from someone unwilling <extracted a confession>
2 a : to withdraw (as a juice or fraction) by physical or chemical process b : to treat with a solvent so as to remove a soluble substance
3 : to separate (a metal) from an ore
4 : to determine (a mathematical root) by calculation
5 : to select (excerpts) and copy out or cite
synonyms see EDUCE
–ex·tract·abil·i·ty \ik-ˌstrak-tə-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)ek-\ noun
–ex·tract·able \ik-'strak-tə-bəl, 'ek-ˌ\ adjective

extract
n. 1 : a selection from a writing or discourse : EXCERPT
2 : a product (as an essence or concentrate) prepared by extracting especially : a solution (as in alcohol) of essential constituents of a complex material (as meat or an aromatic plant)

extraction
n. 1 : the act or process of extracting something
2 : ANCESTRY, ORIGIN <a family of French extraction>
3 : something extracted

extractive
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or involving extraction b : tending toward or resulting in withdrawal of natural resources by extraction with no provision for replenishment <extractive agriculture>
2 : capable of being extracted
–ex·trac·tive·ly adverb

extractive
n. : something extracted or extractable : EXTRACT

extractor
n. : one that extracts especially : the mechanism in a firearm that dislodges a spent cartridge from the chamber

extracurricular
adj. 1 : not falling within the scope of a regular curriculum specifically : of or relating to officially or semiofficially approved and usually organized student activities (as athletics) connected with school and usually carrying no academic credit <extracurricular sports>
2 a : lying outside one's regular duties or routine b : EXTRAMARITAL
–extracurricular noun

extraditable
adj. 1 : subject or liable to extradition
2 : making one liable to extradition <an extraditable offense>

extradite
v. 1 : to deliver up to extradition
2 : to obtain the extradition of

extradition
n. : the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

extrados
n. : the exterior curve of an arch ― see ARCH illustration

extraembryonic
adj. : situated outside the embryo especially : developed from the zygote but not part of the embryo <extraembryonic membranes>

extragalactic
adj. : originating or existing outside the Milky Way galaxy also : of or relating to extragalactic space <extragalactic astronomy>

extrahepatic
adj. : situated or originating outside the liver

extrajudicial
adj. 1 a : not forming a valid part of regular legal proceedings <an extrajudicial investigation> b : delivered without legal authority : PRIVATE 2A(2) <the judge's extrajudicial statements>
2 : done in contravention of due process of law <an extrajudicial execution>
–ex·tra·ju·di·cial·ly \-'dish-lē, -'di-shə-\ adverb

extralegal
adj. : not regulated or sanctioned by law
–ex·tra·le·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

extralimital
: not present in a given area ― used of kinds of organisms (as species)

extralinguistic
adj. : lying outside the province of linguistics
–ex·tra·lin·guis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-kə-lē\ adverb

extraliterary
: lying outside the field of literature

extrality
: EXTRATERRITORIALITY

extralogical
: not guided or determined by considerations of logic

extramarital
adj. : of, relating to, or being sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse : ADULTEROUS <an extramarital affair>

extramundane
adj. : situated in or relating to a region beyond the material world

extramural
adj. 1 : existing or functioning outside or beyond the walls, boundaries, or precincts of an organized unit (as a school or hospital)
2 chiefly British : of, relating to, or taking part in extension courses or facilities
–ex·tra·mu·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

extramusical
: lying outside the province of music

extraneous
adj. 1 : existing on or coming from the outside <extraneous light>
2 a : not forming an essential or vital part <extraneous ornamentation> b : having no relevance <an extraneous digression>
3 : being a number obtained in solving an equation that is not a solution of the equation <extraneous roots>
synonyms see EXTRINSIC
–ex·tra·ne·ous·ly adverb
–ex·tra·ne·ous·ness noun

extranet
n. : a network (as of a company) similar to an intranet that also allows access by certain others (as customers or suppliers)

extranuclear
adj. 1 : situated in or affecting the parts of a cell external to the nucleus : CYTOPLASMIC
2 : situated outside the nucleus of an atom

extraocular muscle
: any of six small voluntary muscles that pass between the eyeball and the orbit and control the movement of the eyeball in relation to the orbit

extraordinaire
adj. : EXTRAORDINARY ― used postpositively <a chef extraordinaire>

extraordinary
adj. 1 a : going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary <extraordinary powers> b : exceptional to a very marked extent <extraordinary beauty> c of a financial transaction : NONRECURRING
2 : employed for or sent on a special function or service <an ambassador extraordinary>
–ex·traor·di·nari·ly \ik-ˌstrȯr-də-'ner-ə-lē, ˌek-strə-ˌȯr-\ adverb
–ex·traor·di·nari·ness \ik-'strȯr-də-ˌner-ē-nəs, ˌek-strə-'ȯr-\ noun

extrapolate
transitive verb
1 : to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval
2 a : to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area <extrapolates present trends to construct an image of the future> b : to predict by projecting past experience or known data <extrapolate public sentiment on one issue from known public reaction on others>
intransitive verb : to perform the act or process of extrapolating
–ex·trap·o·la·tion \-ˌstra-pə-'lā-shən\ noun
–ex·trap·o·la·tive \-'stra-pə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–ex·trap·o·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

extrapyramidal
adj. : situated outside of the pyramidal tracts also : involving descending nerve tracts other than the pyramidal tracts

extrasensory
adj. : residing beyond or outside the ordinary senses

extrasensory perception
: perception (as in telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) that involves awareness of information about events external to the self not gained through the senses and not deducible from previous experience ― called also ESP

extrasolar
: originating or existing outside the solar system <extrasolar planets>

extrasystole
n. : a premature beat of one of the chambers of the heart that leads to momentary arrhythmia

extraterrestrial
n. : originating, existing, or occurring outside the earth or its atmosphere <extraterrestrial life>

extraterrestrial
n. : an extraterrestrial being

extraterritorial
adj. : existing or taking place outside the territorial limits of a jurisdiction

extraterritoriality
n. : exemption from the application or jurisdiction of local law or tribunals

extratextual
: of, relating to, or being something outside a literary text

extratropical cyclone
: a cyclone in the middle or high latitudes often containing a cold front that extends toward the equator for hundreds of miles

extrauterine
adj. : situated or occurring outside the uterus <extrauterine pregnancy>

extravagance
n. 1 a : an instance of excess or prodigality specifically : an excessive outlay of money b : something extravagant <a new car is an extravagance we can't afford>
2 : the quality or fact of being extravagant <the extravagance of the decorations>

extravagancy
n. : EXTRAVAGANCE

extravagant
adj. 1 a obsolete : STRANGE, CURIOUS b archaic : WANDERING
2 a : exceeding the limits of reason or necessity <extravagant claims> b : lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint <extravagant praise> c : extremely or excessively elaborate <an extravagant display>
3 a : spending much more than necessary <has always been extravagant with her money> b : PROFUSE, LAVISH
4 : extremely or unreasonably high in price <an extravagant purchase>
synonyms see EXCESSIVE
–ex·trav·a·gant·ly adverb

extravaganza
n. 1 : a literary or musical work marked by extreme freedom of style and structure and usually by elements of burlesque or parody
2 : a lavish or spectacular show or event
3 : something extravagant

extravagate
archaic : to go beyond proper limits

extravasate
v. transitive verb : to force out or cause to escape from a proper vessel or channel
intransitive verb : to pass by infiltration or effusion from a proper vessel or channel (as a blood vessel) into surrounding tissue
–ex·trav·a·sa·tion \-ˌstra-və-'sā-shən, -'zā-\ noun

extravascular
adj. : not occurring or contained in body vessels <extravascular tissue fluids>

extravehicular
adj. : taking place outside a vehicle (as a spacecraft) <extravehicular activity>

Extremadura
n. region & old province W Spain bordering on Portugal; area included in present Cáceres & Badajoz provinces

extreme
n. 1 a : existing in a very high degree <extreme poverty> b : going to great or exaggerated lengths : RADICAL <went on an extreme diet> c : exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected <extreme weather conditions>
2 archaic : LAST
3 : situated at the farthest possible point from a center <the country's extreme north>
4 a : most advanced or thoroughgoing <the extreme political left> b : MAXIMUM
5 a : of, relating to, or being an outdoor activity or a form of a sport (as skiing) that involves an unusually high degree of physical risk <extreme mountain biking down steep slopes> b : involved in an extreme sport <an extreme snowboarder>
synonyms see EXCESSIVE
–ex·treme·ness noun

extreme
n. 1 a : something situated at or marking one end or the other of a range <extremes of heat and cold> b : the first term or the last term of a mathematical proportion c : the major term or minor term of a syllogism
2 a : a very pronounced or excessive degree b : highest degree : MAXIMUM
3 : an extreme measure or expedient <going to extremes>
–in the extreme : to the greatest possible extent

extreme
n. extreme value
in the extreme
extreme unction

extreme unction
: a sacrament in which a priest anoints and prays for the recovery and salvation of a critically ill or injured person

extremely
adv. 1 : in an extreme manner
2 : to an extreme extent

extremely high frequency
: a radio frequency in the highest range of the radio spectrum ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

extremely low frequency
: a radio frequency in the lowest range of the radio spectrum ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

extremism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being extreme
2 : advocacy of extreme measures or views : RADICALISM
–ex·trem·ist \-mist\ noun or adjective

extremity
n. 1 a : the farthest or most remote part, section, or point <the island's westernmost extremity> b : a limb of the body especially : a human hand or foot
2 a : extreme danger or critical need b : a moment marked by imminent destruction or death
3 a : an intense degree <the extremity of his participation ― Saturday Rev.> b : the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)
4 : a drastic or desperate act or measure <driven to extremities>

extremophile
n. : an organism that lives under extreme environmental conditions (as in a hot spring or ice cap)

extremum
n. : a maximum or a minimum of a mathematical function ― called also extreme value

extricate
v. 1 a archaic : UNRAVEL b : to distinguish from a related thing
2 : to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty
–ex·tri·ca·ble \ik-'stri-kə-bəl, ek-', 'ek-(ˌ)\ adjective
–ex·tri·ca·tion \ˌek-strə-'kā-shən\ noun
synonyms EXTRICATE, DISENTANGLE, UNTANGLE, DISENCUMBER, DISEMBARRASS mean to free from what binds or holds back. EXTRICATE implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation <extricated himself from financial difficulties>. DISENTANGLE and UNTANGLE suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things <disentangling fact from fiction> <untangle a web of deceit>. DISENCUMBER implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down <an article disencumbered of jargon>. DISEMBARRASS suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders <disembarrassed herself of her advisers>.

extrinsic
adj. 1 a : not forming part of or belonging to a thing : EXTRANEOUS b : originating from or on the outside especially : originating outside a part and acting upon the part as a whole <extrinsic muscles of the tongue>
2 : EXTERNAL
–ex·trin·si·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si-\ adverb
synonyms EXTRINSIC, EXTRANEOUS, FOREIGN, ALIEN mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character. EXTRINSIC applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature <sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value>. EXTRANEOUS applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part <arguments extraneous to the issue>. FOREIGN applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated <techniques foreign to French cuisine>. ALIEN is stronger than FOREIGN in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability <a practice totally alien to her nature>.

extrinsic factor
: VITAMIN B_12

extro
: outward <extrovert> ― compare INTRO-

extrorse
adj. : facing outward <an extrorse anther>

extroversion
n. : the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self

extrovert
n. : one whose personality is characterized by extroversion broadly : a gregarious and unreserved person
–extrovert also extravert adjective
–ex·tro·vert·ed also ex·tra·vert·ed \-ˌvər-təd, ˌek-strə-'vər-\ adjective

extrude
v. transitive verb
1 : to force, press, or push out
2 : to shape (as metal or plastic) by forcing through a die
intransitive verb : to become extruded
–ex·trud·abil·i·ty \-ˌstrü-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ex·trud·able \-'strü-də-bəl\ adjective
–ex·trud·er \-'strü-dər\ noun

extrusion
n. : the act or process of extruding also : a form or product produced by this process

extrusive
adj. : relating to or formed by geological extrusion from the earth in a molten state or as volcanic ash

exuberance
n. 1 : the quality or state of being exuberant <youthful exuberance>
2 : an exuberant act or expression

exuberant
adj. 1 : extreme or excessive in degree, size, or extent <exuberant prosperity>
2 a : joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic <exuberant praise> <an exuberant personality> b : unrestrained or elaborate especially in style : FLAMBOYANT <exuberant architecture>
3 : produced in extreme abundance : PLENTIFUL <exuberant foliage and vegetation>
synonyms see PROFUSE
–ex·u·ber·ant·ly adverb

exuberate
v. 1 archaic : to have something in abundance : OVERFLOW
2 : to become exuberant : show exuberance <exuberated over his victory>

exudate
n. : exuded matter

exudation
n. 1 : the process of exuding
2 : EXUDATE
–ex·u·da·tive \ig-'zü-də-tiv; 'ek-s(y)ü-ˌdā-tiv, -shü-\ adjective

exude
v. intransitive verb
1 : to ooze out
2 : to undergo diffusion
transitive verb
1 : to cause to ooze or spread out in all directions
2 : to display conspicuously or abundantly <exudes charm>

exult
v. 1 obsolete : to leap for joy
2 : to be extremely joyful : REJOICE <the team exulted in their victory>
–ex·ult·ing·ly \-'zəl-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

exultance
: EXULTATION

exultancy
n. : EXULTATION

exultant
adj. : filled with or expressing great joy or triumph : JUBILANT <an exultant cheer> <exultant fans>
–ex·ul·tant·ly adverb

exultation
n. : the act of exulting : the state of being exultant

Exuma
islands in cen Bahamas S of Exuma Sound (SE of New Providence Is.); chief island Great Exuma

exurb
n. : a region or settlement that lies outside a city and usually beyond its suburbs and that often is inhabited chiefly by well-to-do families
–ex·ur·ban \ek-'sər-bən; eg-'zər-, ig-\ adjective

exurbanite
n. : one who lives in an exurb

exurbia
n. : the generalized region of exurbs

exuviae
n. : sloughed off natural animal coverings (as the skins of snakes)
–ex·u·vi·al \-vē-əl\ adjective

exuviation
n. : the process of molting

ey
― see -Y

eyas
n. : an unfledged bird specifically : a nestling hawk

Eyck, van
Hubert or Huybrecht ca 1370-1426 & his bro. Jan before 1395-1441 Flem. painters

eye
n. 1 a : a specialized light-sensitive sensory structure of animals that in nearly all vertebrates, most arthropods, and some mollusks is the image-forming organ of sight especially : the nearly spherical usually paired hollow organ of sight in vertebrates that is filled with a jellylike material, is lined with a photosensitive retina, and is lodged in a bony orbit in the skull b : all the visible structures within and surrounding the orbit and including eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows c (1) : the faculty of seeing with eyes (2) : the faculty of intellectual or aesthetic perception or appreciation <an eye for beauty> (3) : skill or ability dependent upon eyesight <a batter with a good eye> d : LOOK, GLANCE <cast an eager eye> e (1) : an attentive look <kept an eye on his valuables> (2) : ATTENTION, NOTICE <caught his eye> (3) : close observation : SCRUTINY <works under the eye of her boss> <in the public eye> f : POINT OF VIEW, JUDGMENT <beauty is in the eye of the beholder> ― often used in plural <an offender in the eyes of the law>
2 : something having an appearance suggestive of an eye: as a : the hole through the head of a needle b : a usually circular marking (as on a peacock's tail) c : LOOP especially : a loop or catch to receive a hook d : an undeveloped bud (as on a potato) e : an area like a hole in the center of a tropical cyclone marked by only light winds or complete calm with no precipitation f : the center of a flower especially when differently colored or marked specifically : the disk of a composite g (1) : a triangular piece of beef cut from between the top and bottom of a round (2) : the chief muscle of a chop (3) : a compact mass of muscular tissue usually embedded in fat in a rib or loin cut of meat h : a device (as a photoelectric cell) that functions in a manner analogous to human vision
3 : something central : CENTER <the eye of the problem ― Norman Mailer>
4 : the direction from which the wind is blowing
–eye·less \'ī-ləs\ adjective
–eye·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–an eye for an eye : retribution in kind
–my eye
― used to express mild disagreement or sometimes surprise <a diamond, my eye! That's glass>
–with an eye to also with an eye toward
1 : with awareness or contemplation of <with an eye to the future>
2 : with the object of <built the house with an eye to adding on later>

eye
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to fix the eyes on : look at <they eyed him suspiciously> (2) : CONTEMPLATE, CONSIDER <eyeing the choices> b : to watch or study closely <eyeing changes in the stock market>
2 : to furnish with an eye
intransitive verb obsolete : SEEM, LOOK
–ey·er \'ī(-ə)r\ noun

eye
n. lazy eye
with an eye toward
eye popping
tiger's eye
apple of one's eye
bird's eye
bird's eye maple
bird's eye view
black eye
in the blink of an eye
bull's eye
bull's eye window
cat's eye
compound eye
cross eye
Draize eye test
dry eye
dry eye syndrome
eagle eye
electric eye
evil eye
with an eye to
my eye
an eye for an eye
eye bank
eye blink
eye candy
eye catcher
eye catchingly
eye catching
eye chart
eye contact
eye lens
eye lift
eye opener
eye opening
eye rhyme
eye shadow
eye socket
eye view
fish eye
glass eye
goggle eye
have one's eye on
hook and eye
keep an eye on
mind's eye
pop eye
private eye
rapid eye movement
rapid eye movement sleep
red eye
rib eye
screw eye
see eye to eye
Seeing Eye
sheep's eye
shut eye
turn a blind eye
weather eye
worm's eye
keep one's eyes peeled
baby blue eyes
bull's eyes
cat's eyes
close one's eyes to
eyes only
keep one's eyes open
lay eyes on
make eyes
pull the wool over one's eyes
set eyes on
sight for sore eyes
black eyed pea
almond eyed
Argus eyed
black eyed Susan
blear eyed
bleary eyed
blue eyed
blue eyed grass
brown eyed Susan
bug eyed
clear eyed
cold eyed
cross eyed
dark eyed junco
dewy eyed
doe eyed
dry eyed
eagle eyed
four eyed
gimlet eyed
glass eyed
glassy eyed
goggle eyed
googly eyed
green eyed
green eyed monster
hard eyed
lynx eyed
misty eyed
moon eyed
open eyed
pie eyed
pop eyed
red eyed vireo
sharp eyed
sloe eyed
squint eyed
starry eyed
wide eyed
wild eyed

eye bank
: a storage place for human corneas from the newly dead for transplant to the eyes of those blind from corneal defects

eye blink
1 : a brief period of time : INSTANT
2 : BLINK 3

eye candy
: something superficially attractive to look at

eye chart
: a chart read at a fixed distance for purposes of testing sight especially : one with rows of letters or objects of decreasing size

eye contact
: visual contact with another person's eyes

eye lens
: the lens nearest the eye in an eyepiece

eye lift
: BLEPHAROPLASTY

eye rhyme
: an imperfect rhyme that appears to have identical vowel sounds from similarity of spelling (as move and love)

eye shadow
: a cosmetic cream or powder in one of various colors that is applied to the eyelids to accent the eyes

eye socket
: 1ORBIT

eye view
: POINT OF VIEW <an alien eye view>

eye-catcher
: something that arrests the eye
–eye-catch·ing \-chiŋ\ adjective
–eye-catch·ing·ly \-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

eye-opener
1 : a drink intended to wake one up
2 : something startling, surprising, or enlightening <her biography is a real eye-opener>
–eye-open·ing \-niŋ\ adjective

eyeball
n. 1 : the more or less globular capsule of the vertebrate eye formed by the sclera and cornea together with their contained structures
2 plural : people who view something (as an advertisement) <Web sites competing for eyeballs>

eyeball
n. : to look at intently especially in making an evaluation or choice <diners eyeballing the menu> <eyeball the competition>

eyeball
n. : based on observation <eyeball judgment>

eyeball-to-eyeball
: FACE-TO-FACE

eyebar
: a metal bar having a closed loop at one or both ends

eyebolt
: a bolt with a looped head

eyebright
n. : any of a genus (Euphrasia) of semiparasitic herbs of the snapdragon family with spikelike racemes

eyebrow
n. : the ridge over the eye or the hair growing on it

eyebrow pencil
: a cosmetic pencil for the eyebrows

eyecup
n. 1 : a small oval cup with a rim curved to fit the orbit of the eye used for applying liquid remedies to the eyes
2 : OPTIC CUP
3 : a usually rubber cup at the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as binoculars) for keeping out extraneous light

eyed
adj. : having an eye or eyes especially of a specified kind or number ― often used in combination <an almond-eyed girl>

eyed
adj. black eyed pea
almond eyed
Argus eyed
black eyed Susan
blear eyed
bleary eyed
blue eyed
blue eyed grass
brown eyed Susan
bug eyed
clear eyed
cold eyed
cross eyed
dark eyed junco
dewy eyed
doe eyed
dry eyed
eagle eyed
four eyed
gimlet eyed
glass eyed
glassy eyed
goggle eyed
googly eyed
green eyed
green eyed monster
hard eyed
lynx eyed
misty eyed
moon eyed
open eyed
pie eyed
pop eyed
red eyed vireo
sharp eyed
sloe eyed
squint eyed
starry eyed
wide eyed
wild eyed

eyedness
n. : preference for the use of one eye instead of the other (as in using a monocular microscope)

eyedropper
n. : DROPPER 2

eyedrops
n. : a medicated solution for the eyes applied in drops

eyeful
n. 1 : a full or completely satisfying view
2 : one that is visually attractive especially : a strikingly beautiful woman

eyeglass
n. 1 a : EYEPIECE b : a lens worn to aid vision specifically : MONOCLE c plural : GLASSES, SPECTACLES
2 : EYECUP 1

eyehole
n. 1 : 1ORBIT
2 : PEEPHOLE

eyelash
n. 1 : the fringe of hair edging the eyelid ― usually used in plural
2 : a single hair of the eyelashes
3 : HAIRBREADTH

eyelet
n. 1 a : a small hole designed to receive a cord or used for decoration (as in embroidery) b : a small typically metal ring to reinforce an eyelet : GROMMET
2 : PEEPHOLE, LOOPHOLE

eyelid
n. : either of the movable folds of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

eyeliner
n. : makeup used to emphasize the contour of the eyes

eyen
archaic plural of eye

eyepiece
n. : the lens or combination of lenses at the eye end of an optical instrument

eyepopper
: something that excites, astonishes, or attracts the eye
–eye-pop·ping \-ˌpä-piŋ\ adjective

eyes only
: to be read only by the person addressed

eyeshade
n. : a visor that shields the eyes from strong light and is fastened on with a headband

eyeshot
n. : the range of the eye : VIEW

eyesight
n. 1 : SIGHT 4A
2 archaic : OBSERVATION 1

eyesore
n. : something offensive to view <the old factory has become an eyesore>

eyespot
n. 1 : a spot of color
2 a : a simple visual organ of pigment or pigmented cells covering a sensory termination : OCELLUS b : a small pigmented body of various unicellular algae
3 : any of several fungal diseases of cultivated grasses (as corn, wheat, and sugarcane) characterized by yellowish oval lesions on the leaves and stem

eyestalk
n. : one of the movable peduncles bearing an eye at the tip in a decapod crustacean

eyestrain
n. : weariness or a strained state of the eye

eyestrings
obsolete : organic eye attachments formerly believed to break at death or blindness

eyetooth
n. : a canine tooth of the upper jaw

eyewash
n. 1 : an eye lotion
2 : misleading or deceptive statements, actions, or procedures

eyewear
n. : corrective or protective devices (as glasses or contact lenses) for the eyes

eyewink
n. : LOOK, GLANCE

eyewitness
n. : one who sees an occurrence or an object especially : one who gives a report on what he or she has seen

eyre
n. : a circuit traveled by an itinerant justice in medieval England or the court he presided over

Eyre Peninsula
peninsula Australia in S S. Australia W of Spencer Gulf

Eyre, Lake
intermittent lake cen Australia in NE S. Australia

eyrie
n. chiefly British variant of aerie

eyrir
n. ― see krona at MONEY table

Eyzies, Les
― see LES EYZIES

Ez
Ezra

Ezech
Ezechiel

Ezechiel
: EZEKIEL

Ezek
Ezekiel

Ezekiel
n. 1 : a Hebrew priest and prophet of the sixth century B.C.
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture written by Ezekiel ― see BIBLE table

Ezekiel
n. Moses Jacob 1844-1917 American sculptor

Ezra
n. 1 : a Hebrew priest, scribe, and reformer of Judaism of the fifth century B.C. in Babylon and Jerusalem
2 : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

F
n. 1 Fahrenheit
2 farad
3 French
4 Friday

F
n. fluorine

f
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 6th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic f
2 : the fourth tone of a C-major scale
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter f
4 : one designated f especially as the sixth in order or class
5 a : a grade rating a student's work as failing b : one graded or rated with an F
6 : something shaped like the letter F

f
n. 1 failure
2 false
3 family
4 faraday
5 feast
6 female
7 feminine
8 femto-
9 fermi
10 fine
11 finish
12 fluid; fluidness
13 focal length
14 folio
15 [following] and the following one
16 force
17 forte
18 fragile
19 frequency
20 from
21 full

F and A
fore and aft

F clef
: BASS CLEF

F distribution
: a probability density function that is used especially in analysis of variance and is a function of the ratio of two independent random variables each of which has a chi-square distribution and is divided by its number of degrees of freedom

F layer
: the highest and most densely ionized regular layer of the ionosphere occurring at night within the F region

F region
: the highest region of the ionosphere occurring from 80 miles (130 kilometers) to more than 300 miles (500 kilometers)

f-number
1 : the ratio of the focal length to the aperture in an optical system
2 : a number following the symbol f/ that expresses the effectiveness of the aperture of a camera lens in relation to brightness of image so that the smaller the number the brighter the image and therefore the shorter the exposure required

f-stop
: a camera lens aperture setting indicated by an f-number

F/X
: SPECIAL EFFECTS

F1 layer
: the lower of the two layers into which the F region of the ionosphere splits in the daytime that occurs at varying heights from about 80 to 120 miles (130 to 200 kilometers) above the earth's surface

F2 layer
: the upper of the two layers into which the F region of the ionosphere splits in the daytime at varying heights from about 120 miles (200 kilometers) to more than 300 miles (500 kilometers) above the earth

F2F
face-to-face

FA
n. 1 field artillery
2 fielding average
3 football association

fa
n. : the fourth tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

fa
n. fa la
fi fa
sol fa
sol fa syllables
tonic sol fa

fa la
: a 16th and 17th century part-song

FAA
1 Federal Aviation Administration
2 free of all average

fab
adj. : FABULOUS

Fabian
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or in the manner of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus known for his defeat of Hannibal in the Second Punic War by the avoidance of decisive contests b : CAUTIOUS, DILATORY
2 [the Fabian Society; from the members' belief in slow rather than revolutionary change in government] : of, relating to, or being a society of socialists organized in England in 1884 to spread socialist principles gradually
–Fabian noun
–Fa·bi·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Fabiola
1928-     Fabiola de Mo·ra y Ara·gón \-ˌthā-'mȯr-ä-ē-ä-rä-'gōn\ queen of Baudoin of Belgium

Fabius
n. d 203 B.C. Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus Cunc·ta·tor \ˌkəŋk-'tā-tər\ Rom. gen. against Hannibal

fable
n. : a fictitious narrative or statement: as a : a legendary story of supernatural happenings b : a narration intended to enforce a useful truth especially : one in which animals speak and act like human beings c : FALSEHOOD, LIE

fable
n. intransitive verb archaic : to tell fables
transitive verb : to talk or write about as if true
–fa·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

fabled
adj. 1 : FICTITIOUS
2 : told or celebrated in fables
3 : RENOWNED, FAMOUS <the team's fabled coach>

fabliau
n. : a short, usually comic, frankly coarse, and often cynical tale in verse popular especially in the 12th and 13th centuries

Fabre
n. Jean-Henri 1823-1915 Fr. entomologist

fabric
n. 1 a : STRUCTURE, BUILDING b : underlying structure : FRAMEWORK <the fabric of society>
2 : an act of constructing : ERECTION specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building
3 a : structural plan or style of construction b : TEXTURE, QUALITY ― used chiefly of textiles c : the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other
4 a : CLOTH 1A b : a material that resembles cloth
5 : the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

fabric softener
: a product used to make laundered fabrics softer and fluffier

fabricant
n. : MANUFACTURER

fabricate
v. 1 a : INVENT, CREATE b : to make up for the purpose of deception <accused of fabricating evidence>
2 : CONSTRUCT, MANUFACTURE specifically : to construct from diverse and usually standardized parts
–fab·ri·ca·tor \'fa-bri-ˌkā-tər\ noun

fabrication
n. 1 : the act or process of fabricating
2 : a product of fabrication especially : LIE, FALSEHOOD

fabular
: of, relating to, or having the form of a fable

fabulist
n. 1 : a creator or writer of fables
2 : LIAR
–fabulist or fab·u·lis·tic \ˌfa-byə-'lis-tik\ adjective

fabulous
adj. 1 a : resembling or suggesting a fable : of an incredible, astonishing, or exaggerated nature <fabulous wealth> b : WONDERFUL, MARVELOUS <had a fabulous time>
2 : told in or based on fable
synonyms see FICTITIOUS
–fab·u·lous·ly adverb
–fab·u·lous·ness noun

FAC
forward air controller

fac
1 facsimile
2 faculty

facade
n. 1 : the front of a building also : any face of a building given special architectural treatment <a museum's east facade>
2 : a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect

face
n. 1 a : the front part of the head that in humans extends from the forehead to the chin and includes the mouth, nose, cheeks, and eyes b : the face as a means of identification : COUNTENANCE <would know that face anywhere>
2 archaic : PRESENCE, SIGHT
3 a : facial expression <a friendly face> b : a facial expression of distaste or displeasure <he made a face when he saw the test results> c : MAKEUP 3A(1)
4 a (1) : outward appearance <put a good face on it> (2) : the aspect of something that is perceptible or obvious upon superficial examination <the theory is absurd on its face ― Kim Neely> b : DISGUISE, PRETENSE c (1) : ASSURANCE, CONFIDENCE <maintaining a firm face in spite of adversity> (2) : EFFRONTERY <how anyone could have the face to ask that question> d : DIGNITY, PRESTIGE <afraid to lose face>
5 : SURFACE: a (1) : a front, upper, or outer surface (2) : the front of something having two or four sides (3) : FACADE (4) : an exposed surface of rock (5) : any of the plane surfaces that bound a geometric solid b : a surface specially prepared: as (1) : the principal dressed surface (as of a disk) (2) : the right side (as of cloth or leather) (3) : an inscribed, printed, or marked side c : a striking surface (as of a tool) <the face of the golf club> <the face of an anvil> d (1) : the surface (as of type) that receives the ink and transfers it to the paper (2) : a style of type
6 : the end or wall of a mine tunnel, drift, or excavation at which work is progressing
7 : FACE VALUE
8 : PERSON <lots of new faces around here>
–in one's face : directly and aggressively in one's presence <dunked the ball in his face> ― often used with get to describe aggressively confrontational speech or behavior <his boss got in his face about being late>
–in the face of also in face of : face-to-face with : DESPITE <fearless in the face of danger>
–to one's face : in one's presence or so that one is fully aware of what is going on

face
n. transitive verb
1 : to confront impudently
2 a : to line near the edge especially with a different material b : to cover the front or surface of <faced the building with marble>
3 : to meet face-to-face or in competition
4 a : to stand or sit with the face toward b : to have the front oriented toward <a house facing the park>
5 a : to recognize and deal with straightforwardly <face the facts> b : to master by confronting with determination ― used with down <faced down his critics>
6 a : to have as a prospect : be confronted by <face a grim future> b : to be a prospect or a source of concern for <the problems that face us> c : to bring face-to-face <he was faced with ruin>
7 : to make the surface of (as a stone) flat or smooth
8 : to cause (troops) to face in a particular direction on command
intransitive verb
1 : to have the face or front turned in a specified direction
2 : to turn the face in a specified direction
–face the music : to meet an unpleasant situation, a danger, or the consequences of one's actions

face
n. in face of
about face
blue in the face
double face
egg on one's face
to one's face
in the face of
in one's face
face the music
face angle
face card
face centered
face cord
face first
face fly
face lift
face mask
face off
face plant
face saver
face saving
face time
face to face
face up
face value
fall on one's face
fly in the face of
hatchet face
in your face
long face
make a face
open face
poker face
pull a face
smiley face
stare one in the face
straight face
volte face
whey face
make faces
dough faced
bald faced
bold faced
brazen faced
double faced
hatchet faced
Janus faced
open faced
pie faced
po faced
poker faced
stone faced
straight faced
two faced
whey faced
white faced

face angle
: an angle formed by two edges of a polyhedral angle

face card
: a king, queen, or jack in a deck of cards

face cord
: a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 × 8 feet with lengths of pieces from about 12 to 16 inches

face fly
: a European dipteran fly (Musca autumnalis) that is similar to the housefly, is widely established in No. America, and causes distress to livestock by clustering about the face

face mask
: a mask covering the face (as in football)

face off
: to be in or come into opposition or competition <politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate>

face the music
to meet an unpleasant situation, a danger, or the consequences of one's actions

face time
1 : the amount of time one spends appearing on television
2 : time spent in a face-to-face meeting with someone
3 : time spent at one's place of employment especially beyond normal work hours

face up
: to confront or deal directly with someone or something previously avoided ― usually used with to <faced up to my fears>

face value
1 : the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)
2 : the apparent value or significance <if their remarks may be taken at face value>

face-centered
: relating to or being a crystal space lattice in which each cubic unit cell has an atom at the center and at the corners of each face ― compare BODY-CENTERED

face-first
: with the face foremost <hit the wall face-first>
–face-first adjective

face-lift
1 : plastic surgery on the face and neck to remove defects and imperfections (as wrinkles or sagging skin) typical of aging
2 : an alteration, restoration, or restyling (as of a building) intended especially to modernize
–face-lift transitive verb

face-off
1 : a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which two opponents face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them
2 : CONFRONTATION

face-plant
: a sudden face-first fall

face-saver
: something (as a compromise) that saves face
–face-sav·ing \-ˌsā-viŋ\ adjective or noun

face-to-face
1 : within each other's sight or presence <met and talked face-to-face> <a face-to-face consultation>
2 : in or into direct contact or confrontation <came face-to-face with the problem>

facecloth
n. : WASHCLOTH

faced
adj. : having (such) a face or (so many) faces <rosy-faced> <two-faced>

faced
adj. dough faced
bald faced
bold faced
brazen faced
double faced
hatchet faced
Janus faced
open faced
pie faced
po faced
poker faced
stone faced
straight faced
two faced
whey faced
white faced

facedown
adv. : with the face down <sliding facedown>

faceless
adj. 1 a : lacking character or individuality : NONDESCRIPT <the faceless masses> b : not identified : ANONYMOUS <a faceless accuser>
2 : lacking a face
–face·less·ness noun

faceplate
n. 1 : a disk fixed with its face at right angles to the live spindle of a lathe for the attachment of the work
2 a : a protective plate for a machine or device b : a protective cover for the human face (as of a diver)
3 : the glass front of a cathode-ray tube on which the image is seen

facer
n. 1 : one that faces
2 British : a sudden often stunning check or obstacle

facet
n. 1 : a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) ― see BRILLIANT illustration
2 : any of the definable aspects that make up a subject (as of contemplation) or an object (as of consideration)
3 : the external corneal surface of an ommatidium
4 : a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)
–fac·et·ed or fac·et·ted \'fa-sə-təd\ adjective

facete
archaic : FACETIOUS, WITTY

facetiae
n. : witty or humorous writings or sayings

facetious
adj. 1 : joking or jesting often inappropriately : WAGGISH <just being facetious>
2 : meant to be humorous or funny : not serious <a facetious remark>
synonyms see WITTY
–fa·ce·tious·ly adverb
–fa·ce·tious·ness noun

faceup
adv. : with the face up

facia
n. variant of fascia3

facia
n. fieri facias
scire facias
venire facias

facial
n. 1 : of or relating to the face <facial expressions>
2 : concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
–fa·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

facial
n. : a facial treatment

facial index
: the ratio of the breadth of the face to its length multiplied by 100

facial nerve
: either of the seventh pair of cranial nerves that supply motor fibers especially to the muscles of the face and jaw and sensory and parasympathetic fibers to the tongue, palate, and fauces

facient
: making : causing <somnifacient>

facies
n. 1 : general appearance <a plant species with a particularly distinct facies>
2 : an appearance and expression of the face characteristic of a particular condition especially when abnormal <adenoid facies>
3 : a part of a rock or group of rocks that differs from the whole formation (as in composition, age, or fossil content)

facile
adj. 1 a (1) : easily accomplished or attained <a facile victory> (2) : SHALLOW, SIMPLISTIC <I am not concerned⋯with offering any facile solution for so complex a problem ― T. S. Eliot> b : used or comprehended with ease c : readily manifested and often lacking sincerity or depth <facile tears>
2 archaic : mild or pleasing in manner or disposition
3 a : READY, FLUENT <facile prose> b : POISED, ASSURED
synonyms see EASY
–fac·ile·ly \-sə(l)-lē\ adverb
–fac·ile·ness \-səl-nəs\ noun

facile princeps
: easily first

facilis descensus Averno
: the descent to Avernus is easy : the road to evil is easy

facilitate
v. : to make easier : help bring about <facilitate growth>
–fa·cil·i·ta·tive \-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective

facilitation
n. 1 : the act of facilitating : the state of being facilitated
2 a : the lowering of the threshold for reflex conduction along a particular neural pathway especially from repeated use of that pathway b : the increasing of the ease or intensity of a response by repeated stimulation

facilitator
n. : one that facilitates especially : one that helps to bring about an outcome (as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, or supervision <the workshop's facilitator kept discussion flowing smoothly>

facilitatory
: inducing or involved in facilitation especially of a reflex action

facility
n. 1 : the quality of being easily performed
2 : ease in performance : APTITUDE
3 : readiness of compliance
4 a (1) : something that makes an action, operation, or course of conduct easier ― usually used in plural <facilities for study> (2) : LAVATORY 2 ― often used in plural b : something (as a hospital) that is built, installed, or established to serve a particular purpose

facing
n. 1 a : a lining at the edge especially of a garment b plural : the collar, cuffs, and trimmings of a uniform coat
2 : an ornamental or protective layer
3 : material for facing

facon de parler
: manner of speaking : figurative or conventional expression

facsimile
n. 1 : an exact copy
2 : a system of transmitting and reproducing graphic matter (as printing or still pictures) by means of signals sent over telephone lines
synonyms see REPRODUCTION

fact
n. 1 : a thing done: as a obsolete : FEAT b : CRIME <accessory after the fact> c archaic : ACTION
2 archaic : PERFORMANCE, DOING
3 : the quality of being actual : ACTUALITY <a question of fact hinges on evidence>
4 a : something that has actual existence <space exploration is now a fact> b : an actual occurrence <prove the fact of damage>
5 : a piece of information presented as having objective reality
–in fact : in truth

fact
n. in fact
fact check
fact checker
fact finder
fact finding
fact of life
as a matter of fact
matter of fact
accessory after the fact
accessory before the fact

fact finder
: one that tries to determine the realities of a case, situation, or relationship especially : an impartial examiner designated by a government agency to appraise the facts underlying a particular matter (as a labor dispute)
–fact-find·ing noun or adjective

fact of life

1849
1 : something that exists and must be taken into consideration
2 plural : the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

fact-check
: to verify the factual accuracy of <fact-check the article before publication>
–fact-check·er \-ˌche-kər\ noun

facticity
adj. : the quality or state of being a fact

faction
n. 1 : a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking : CLIQUE
2 : party spirit especially when marked by dissension
–fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–fac·tion·al·ism \-shnə-ˌli-zəm, -shə-nə-ˌliz-\ noun
–fac·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb

faction
n. : making : -FICATION <petrifaction>

factious
adj. : of or relating to faction: as a : caused by faction <factious disputes> b : inclined to faction or the formation of factions c : SEDITIOUS
–fac·tious·ly adverb
–fac·tious·ness noun

factitious
adj. 1 : produced by humans rather than by natural forces
2 a : formed by or adapted to an artificial or conventional standard b : produced by special effort : SHAM <created a factitious demand by spreading rumors of shortage>
–fac·ti·tious·ly adverb
–fac·ti·tious·ness noun

factitive
adj. : of, relating to, or being a transitive verb that in some constructions requires an objective complement as well as an object
–fac·ti·tive·ly adverb

factive
adj. : making : causing <putrefactive>

facto
n. de facto
ex post facto
ipso facto

factoid
n. 1 : an invented fact believed to be true because of its appearance in print
2 : a briefly stated and usually trivial fact

factor
n. 1 : one who acts or transacts business for another: as a : BROKER 1B b : one that lends money to producers and dealers (as on the security of accounts receivable)
2 a (1) : one that actively contributes to the production of a result : INGREDIENT <price wasn't a factor in the decision> (2) : a substance that functions in or promotes the function of a particular physiological process or bodily system b : a good or service used in the process of production
3 : GENE
4 a : any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product also : a number or symbol that divides another number or symbol b : a quantity by which a given quantity is multiplied or divided in order to indicate a difference in measurement <costs increased by a factor of 10>
–fac·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

factor
n. intransitive verb : to work as a factor
transitive verb
1 : to resolve into factors
2 a : to include or admit as a factor ― used with in or into <factor inflation into our calculations> b : to exclude as a factor ― used with out
–fac·tor·able \-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

factor
n. : a glycoprotein clotting factor of blood plasma that is essential for blood clotting and is absent or inactive in hemophilia ― called also antihemophilic factor

factor
n. antihemophilic factor
factor VIII
windchill factor
chill factor
atrial natriuretic factor
citrovorum factor
clotting factor
colony stimulating factor
common factor
epidermal growth factor
extrinsic factor
factor analysis
factor analytic
factor group
fibroblast growth factor
fudge factor
g factor
greatest common factor
growth factor
insulin like growth factor
intrinsic factor
lethal factor
load factor
luteinizing hormone releasing factor
Mendelian factor
multiple factor
nerve growth factor
R factor
rheumatoid factor
Rh factor
risk factor
spreading factor
sun protection factor
transcription factor
transfer factor
tumor necrosis factor
thyrotropin releasing factor
human factors

factor analysis
: the analytical process of transforming statistical data (as measurements) into linear combinations of usually independent variables
–factor analytic adjective

factor group
: QUOTIENT GROUP

factorage
n. 1 : the charges made by a factor for services
2 : the business of a factor

factorial
n. : of, relating to, or being a factor or a factorial

factorial
n. 1 : the product of all the positive integers from 1 to n ― symbol n!
2 : the quantity 0! arbitrarily defined as equal to 1

factorization
n. : the operation of resolving a quantity into factors also : a product obtained by factorization
–fac·tor·ize \'fak-tə-ˌrīz\ transitive verb

factory
n. 1 : a station where factors reside and trade <a colonial factory>
2 a : a building or set of buildings with facilities for manufacturing b : the seat of some kind of production <the vice factories of the slums>
–fac·to·ry·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

factory ship
: a ship equipped to process a whale or fish catch at sea

factotum
n. 1 : a person having many diverse activities or responsibilities
2 : a general servant

factual
adj. 1 : of or relating to facts <a factual error>
2 : restricted to or based on fact <a factual statement>
–fac·tu·al·i·ty \ˌfak-chə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–fac·tu·al·ly \'fak-chə-wə-lē, -chə-lē, -chü(-ə)-lē, 'faksh-wə-\ adverb
–fac·tu·al·ness noun

factualism
n. : adherence or dedication to facts
–fac·tu·al·ist \-list\ noun

facture
n. : the manner in which something (as an artistic work) is made : EXECUTION

facula
n. : any of the bright regions of the sun's photosphere seen most easily near the sun's edge

facultative
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the grant of permission, authority, or privilege <facultative legislation> b : OPTIONAL
2 : of or relating to a mental faculty
3 a : taking place under some conditions but not under others <facultative diapause> b : exhibiting an indicated lifestyle under some environmental conditions but not under others <facultative anaerobes>
–fac·ul·ta·tive·ly adverb

faculty
n. 1 : ABILITY, POWER: as a : innate or acquired ability to act or do b : an inherent capability, power, or function <the faculty of hearing> c : any of the powers of the mind formerly held by psychologists to form a basis for the explanation of all mental phenomena d : natural aptitude <has a faculty for saying the right things>
2 a : a branch of teaching or learning in an educational institution b archaic : something in which one is trained or qualified
3 a : the members of a profession b : the teaching and administrative staff and those members of the administration having academic rank in an educational institution c faculty plural : faculty members <many faculty were present>
4 : power, authority, or prerogative given or conferred
synonyms see GIFT

FAD
n. : FLAVIN ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE

fad
n. : a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal : CRAZE
synonyms see FASHION
–fad·dish \'fa-dish\ adjective
–fad·dish·ly adverb
–fad·dish·ness noun
–fad·dism \'fa-ˌdi-zəm\ noun
–fad·dist \'fa-dist\ noun
–fad·dy \-dē\ adjective

Fadden
Sir Arthur William 1895-1973 Austral. statesman

fade
v. intransitive verb
1 : to lose freshness, strength, or vitality : WITHER <fading flowers>
2 : to lose freshness or brilliance of color
3 : to sink away : VANISH <a fading memory>
4 : to change gradually in loudness, strength, or visibility ― used of a motion-picture image or of an electronics signal and usually with in or out
5 of an automobile brake : to lose braking power gradually
6 : to move back from the line of scrimmage ― used of a quarterback
7 of a ball or shot : to move in a slight to moderate slice
transitive verb : to cause to fade
–fad·er noun

fade
v. 1 a : FADE-OUT b : a gradual changing of one picture to another in a motion-picture or television sequence
2 : a fading of an automobile brake
3 : a slight to moderate and usually intentional slice in golf
4 : a hairstyle similar to a crew cut in which the hair on top of the head stands high

fade
v. : INSIPID, COMMONPLACE

fade-in
: a gradual increase in a motion-picture or television image's visibility at the beginning of a sequence

fade-out
: an act or instance of fading out especially : a gradual decrease in a motion-picture or television image's visibility at the end of a sequence

fadeaway
n. 1 a : SCREWBALL 1 b : a slide in which a base runner throws his or her body sideways to avoid the tag
2 : an act or instance of fading away

fadeless
adj. : not susceptible to fading

Fadiman
Clifton 1904-1999 American writer & editor

FADM
fleet admiral

fado
n. : a plaintive Portuguese folk song

faecal
adj. chiefly British variant of fecal, feces

faena
: a series of final passes leading to the kill made by the matador in a bullfight

Faenza
commune N Italy pop 53,549

faerie
n. 1 : FAIRYLAND
2 : FAIRY 1
–faery adjective

Faeroe Islands
islands Denmark in the NE Atlantic NW of the Shetlands capital Tórshavn area 540 sq mi (1404 sq km), pop 47,653

Faeroese
n. 1 : a member of the people inhabiting the Faeroes
2 : the North Germanic language of the Faeroese people
–Faeroese adjective

Fafnir
: a dragon in Norse mythology that guards the Nibelungs' gold hoard until slain by Sigurd

fag
n. intransitive verb : to work hard : TOIL
transitive verb : to tire by strenuous activity : EXHAUST <fagged by the strenuous climb>
synonyms see TIRE

fag
n. 1 chiefly British : TOIL, DRUDGERY
2 : DRUDGE 1

fag
n. : an English public-school boy who acts as servant to an older schoolmate

fag
n. : to serve as a fag especially in an English public school <fagging for older boys during his first year>

fag
n. : CIGARETTE

fag
n. usually disparaging : FAGGOT
–fag·gy \'fa-gē\ adjective usually disparaging

fag end
1 a : a poor or worn-out end : REMNANT b : the extreme end
2 a : the last part or coarser end of a web of cloth b : the untwisted end of a rope

faggot
n. usually disparaging : a male homosexual
–fag·got·ry \-gə-trē\ noun usually disparaging
–fag·goty \-gə-tē\ adjective usually disparaging

fagin
: an adult who instructs others (as children) in crime

fagot
n. : BUNDLE: as a : a bundle of sticks b : a bundle of pieces of wrought iron to be shaped by rolling or hammering at high temperature

fagot
n. : to make a fagot of : bind together into a bundle <fagoted sticks>

fagoting
n. 1 : an embroidery produced by pulling out horizontal threads from a fabric and tying the remaining cross threads into groups of an hourglass shape
2 : an openwork stitch joining hemmed edges

Fah
n. Fahrenheit

Fahd
1923-     Fahd ibn 'Abd al-'Azīz as-Sa'ūd king of Saudi Arabia (1982-    )

Fahrenheit
adj. : relating or conforming to a thermometric scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale, the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero, and the zero point approximates the temperature produced by mixing equal quantities by weight of snow and common salt ― abbreviation F

Fahrenheit
adj. Daniel Gabriel 1686-1736 Ger. physicist

Faial
island cen Azores area 66 sq mi (171 sq km)

faience
n. : earthenware decorated with opaque colored glazes

fail
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to lose strength : WEAKEN <her health was failing> b : to fade or die away <until our family line fails> c : to stop functioning normally <the patient's heart failed>
2 a : to fall short <failed in his duty> b : to be or become absent or inadequate <the water supply failed> c : to be unsuccessful <the marriage failed> specifically : to be unsuccessful in achieving a passing grade <took the exam and failed> d : to become bankrupt or insolvent
transitive verb
1 a : to disappoint the expectations or trust of <her friends failed her> b : to miss performing an expected service or function for <his wit failed him>
2 : to be deficient in : LACK <never failed an invincible courage ― Douglas MacArthur>
3 : to leave undone : NEGLECT <fail to lock the door>
4 a : to be unsuccessful in passing <failed chemistry> b : to grade (as a student) as not passing
–fail·ing·ly \'fā-liŋ-lē\ adverb

fail
n. 1 : FAILURE ― usually used in the phrase without fail
2 : a failure (as by a security dealer) to deliver or receive securities within a prescribed period after purchase or sale

fail
n. fail safe
pass fail

fail-safe
1 : incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure
2 : being or relating to a safeguard that prevents continuing on a bombing mission according to a preconceived plan
3 : having no chance of failure : infallibly problem-free <the little black dress⋯has consistently been the fail-safe solution for night ― Vogue>

fail-safe
: a device or measure that makes something fail-safe

failing
n. : a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
synonyms see FAULT

failing
n. : in absence or default of <failing specific instructions, use your own judgment>

faille
n. : a somewhat shiny closely woven silk, rayon, or cotton fabric characterized by slight ribs in the weft

failure
n. 1 a : omission of occurrence or performance specifically : a failing to perform a duty or expected action <failure to pay the rent on time> b (1) : a state of inability to perform a normal function <kidney failure> ― compare HEART FAILURE (2) : an abrupt cessation of normal functioning <a power failure> c : a fracturing or giving way under stress <structural failure>
2 a : lack of success b : a failing in business : BANKRUPTCY
3 a : a falling short : DEFICIENCY <a crop failure> b : DETERIORATION, DECAY
4 : one that has failed

fain
adj. 1 archaic : HAPPY, PLEASED
2 archaic : INCLINED, DESIROUS
3 a : WILLING <he was very fain, for the young widow was “altogether fair and lovely⋯” ― Amy Kelly> b : being obliged or constrained : COMPELLED <Great Britain was fain to devote its whole energy⋯to the business of slaying and being slain ― G. M. Trevelyan>

fain
adj. 1 : with pleasure : GLADLY <a speech of fire that fain would blaze ― Michael Billington>
2 a : by preference <knew it, too, though he would fain not admit it publicly ― John Lukacs> b : by desire <I would fain consult you ― W. S. Gilbert>

faineant
n. : an irresponsible idler

faineant
n. : idle and ineffectual : INDOLENT

faint
n. 1 : lacking courage and spirit : COWARDLY <faint of heart>
2 : weak, dizzy, and likely to faint
3 : lacking strength or vigor : performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or languidly <faint praise>
4 : producing a sensation of faintness : OPPRESSIVE <the faint atmosphere of a tropical port>
5 a : hardly perceptible : DIM <faint handwriting> b : VAGUE 2A <haven't the faintest idea>
–faint·ish \'fān-tish\ adjective
–faint·ish·ness noun
–faint·ly adverb
–faint·ness noun

faint
n. 1 archaic : to lose courage or spirit
2 archaic : to become weak
3 : to lose consciousness because of a temporary decrease in the blood supply to the brain

faint
n. : the physiological action of fainting also : the resulting condition : SYNCOPE 1

fainthearted
adj. : lacking courage or resolution : TIMID
–faint·heart·ed·ly adverb
–faint·heart·ed·ness noun

fair
n. 1 : pleasing to the eye or mind especially because of fresh, charming, or flawless quality
2 : superficially pleasing : SPECIOUS <she trusted his fair promises>
3 a : CLEAN, PURE <fair sparkling water> b : CLEAR, LEGIBLE
4 : not stormy or foul : FINE <fair weather>
5 : AMPLE <a fair estate>
6 a : marked by impartiality and honesty : free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism <a very fair person to do business with> b (1) : conforming with the established rules : ALLOWED (2) : consonant with merit or importance : DUE <a fair share> c : open to legitimate pursuit, attack, or ridicule <fair game>
7 a : PROMISING, LIKELY <in a fair way to win> b : favorable to a ship's course <a fair wind>
8 archaic : free of obstacles
9 : not dark <fair skin>
10 a : sufficient but not ample : ADEQUATE <a fair understanding of the work> b : moderately numerous, large, or significant <takes a fair amount of time>
11 : being such to the utmost : UTTER <a fair treat to watch him ― New Republic>
–fair·ness noun
synonyms FAIR, JUST, EQUITABLE, IMPARTIAL, UNBIASED, DISPASSIONATE, OBJECTIVE mean free from favor toward either or any side. FAIR implies an elimination of one's own feelings, prejudices, and desires so as to achieve a proper balance of conflicting interests <a fair decision>. JUST implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper <a just settlement of territorial claims>. EQUITABLE implies a less rigorous standard than JUST and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned <the equitable distribution of the property>. IMPARTIAL stresses an absence of favor or prejudice <an impartial third party>. UNBIASED implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice <your unbiased opinion>. DISPASSIONATE suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment <a dispassionate summation of the facts>. OBJECTIVE stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings <I can't be objective about my own child>. synonym see in addition BEAUTIFUL

fair
n. 1 obsolete : BEAUTY, FAIRNESS
2 : something that is fair or fortunate
3 archaic : WOMAN especially : SWEETHEART
–for fair : to the greatest extent or degree : FULLY <the rush is on for fair>
–no fair : something that is not according to the rules <that's no fair>

fair
n. 1 : in a fair manner <play fair>
2 chiefly British : FAIRLY 3 <fair makes you want to cry>

fair
n. of the weather : CLEAR
transitive verb : to join so that the external surfaces blend smoothly

fair
n. 1 : a gathering of buyers and sellers at a particular place and time for trade
2 a : a competitive exhibition usually with accompanying entertainment and amusements <an agricultural fair> b : an exhibition designed to acquaint prospective buyers or the general public with a product <a book fair> c : an exposition that promotes the availability of services or opportunities <health fairs> <job fairs>
3 : a sale of assorted articles usually for a charitable purpose

fair
n. bid fair
county fair
no fair
for fair
fair ball
fair catch
fair copy
fair haired
Fair Isle
fair market value
fair minded
fair mindedness
fair play
fair shake
fair spoken
fair trade
fair trader
fair trade agreement
fair use
fair weather
science fair
vanity fair
world's fair
Fair Lawn
fairness doctrine

fair ball
: a batted baseball that lands within the foul lines or that is within the foul lines when bounding to the outfield past first or third base or when going beyond the outfield for a home run

fair catch
: a catch of a kicked football by a player who gives a prescribed signal, may not advance the ball, and may not be tackled
–fair-catch transitive verb

fair copy
: a neat and exact copy especially of a corrected draft

Fair Isle
: a style of knitting originating in the Shetland Islands that is characterized by bands of multicolored geometric patterns also : an article of clothing knitted in this style

Fair Lawn
borough NE N.J. NE of Paterson pop 31,637

fair market value
: a price at which buyers and sellers with a reasonable knowledge of pertinent facts and not acting under any compulsion are willing to do business

fair play
: equitable or impartial treatment : JUSTICE

fair shake
: a fair chance or fair treatment <give the negative side a fair shake ― S. L. Payne>

fair use
: a legal doctrine that portions of copyrighted materials may be used without permission of the copyright owner provided the use is fair and reasonable, does not substantially impair the value of the materials, and does not curtail the profits reasonably expected by the owner

fair-haired
: specially favored : WHITE-HEADED ― used especially in the phrase fair-haired boy

fair-minded
: marked by impartiality and honesty : JUST, UNPREJUDICED
–fair-mind·ed·ness noun

fair-spoken
: pleasant and courteous in speech <a fair-spoken youth>

fair-trade
: to market (a commodity) in compliance with the provisions of a fair-trade agreement
–fair trade noun
–fair trader noun

fair-trade agreement
: an agreement between a producer and a seller that commodities bearing a trademark, label, or brand name belonging to the producer be sold at or above a specified price

fair-weather
1 : loyal only during a time of success <a fair-weather friend>
2 : suitable for or done during fair weather <a fair-weather sail>

Fairbanks
n. Charles Warren 1852-1918 American lawyer & polit.; vice pres. of U.S. (1905-09)

Fairbanks
n. Douglas Elton 1883-1939 American actor

Fairbanks
n. city E cen Alaska pop 30,224

Fairborn
city SW cen Ohio NE of Dayton pop 32,052

Fairchild
David Grandison 1869-1954 American botanist

faire
n. laisser faire
laissez faire
savoir faire
faire suivre
scene a faire
scène à faire

faire suivre
: have forwarded : please forward

Fairfax
n. Baron Thomas 1612-1671 Eng. gen.

Fairfax
n. Baron Thomas 1692-1782 proprietor in Virginia

Fairfield
n. 1 city W Calif. NE of Berkeley pop 96,178
2 city SW Conn. pop 57,340
3 city SW Ohio pop 42,097

fairgoer
n. : one who attends a fair

fairground
n. : an area where outdoor fairs, circuses, or exhibitions are held ― often used in plural with singular construction <what a spot for a fairgrounds ― W. L. Gresham>

fairing
n. 1 British a : a present bought or given at a fair b : GIFT
2 British : 3DESERT 2

fairing
n. : a member or structure whose primary function is to produce a smooth outline and to reduce drag (as on an airplane)

fairish
adj. : fairly good <a fairish wage for those days>
–fair·ish·ly adverb

fairlead
n. 1 also fair·lead·er \-ˌlē-dər\ : a block, ring, or strip of plank with holes that serves as a guide for the running rigging or any ship's rope and keeps it from chafing
2 : a course of running ship's rope that avoids all chafing

fairly
adv. 1 : in a handsome manner <a table fairly set>
2 obsolete a : in a gentle manner : QUIETLY b : in a courteous manner
3 : so to speak : NEARLY, PRACTICALLY <fairly bursting with pride>
4 a : in a proper or legal manner <fairly priced stocks> b : without bias or distortion : IMPARTIALLY <a story told fairly and objectively>
5 : to a full degree or extent : PLAINLY, DISTINCTLY <had fairly caught sight of him>
6 : RATHER 5, MODERATELY <a fairly easy job>

fairness doctrine
: a tenet of licensed broadcasting that ensures a reasonable opportunity for the airing of conflicting viewpoints on controversial issues

fairway
n. 1 a : a navigable part of a river, bay, or harbor b : an open path or space
2 : the closely mowed part of a golf course between a tee and a green

Fairweather, Mount
mountain 15,300 ft (4663 m) on boundary bet. Alaska & B.C.

fairy
n. 1 : a mythical being of folklore and romance usually having diminutive human form and magic powers
2 usually disparaging : a male homosexual
–fairy adjective
–fairy·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

fairy
n. airy fairy
fairy godmother
fairy ring
fairy shrimp
fairy tale
fairy story
tooth fairy

fairy godmother
: a generous friend or benefactor

fairy ring
1 : a ring of basidiomycetous mushrooms produced at the periphery of a body of mycelium which has grown outward from an initial growth point also : a ring of luxuriant vegetation especially when associated with these mushrooms
2 : a mushroom (esp. Marasmius oreades) that commonly grows in fairy rings

fairy shrimp
: any of several very small translucent freshwater branchiopod crustaceans (order Anostraca)

fairy tale
1 a : a story (as for children) involving fantastic forces and beings (as fairies, wizards, and goblins) ― called also fairy story b : a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending
2 : a made-up story usually designed to mislead

fairy-tale
: characteristic of or suitable to a fairy tale especially : marked by seemingly unreal beauty, perfection, luck, or happiness <led a fairy-tale life> <a store clerk's fairy-tale romance>

fairyism
archaic : the power to enchant

fairyland
n. 1 : the land of fairies
2 : a place of delicate beauty or magical charm

Faisal
ca 1906-1975 king of Saudi Arabia (1964-75)

Faisal
1885-1933 king of Syria (1920), of Iraq (1921-1933)

Faisal
1935-1958 king of Iraq (1939-58)

Faisalabad
city NE Pakistan W of Lahore pop 2,008,861

fait
n. fait accompli
au fait
aussitot dit aussitot fait
aussitôt dit aussitôt fait
l'union fait la force
tout a fait
tout à fait

fait accompli
: a thing accomplished and presumably irreversible

faith
n. 1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction especially : a system of religious beliefs <the Protestant faith>
synonyms see BELIEF
–on faith : without question <took everything he said on faith>

faith
n. archaic : BELIEVE, TRUST

faith
n. article of faith
on faith
faith healing
faith healer
good faith

faith healing
: a method of treating diseases by prayer and exercise of faith in God
–faith healer noun

faithful
n. 1 obsolete : full of faith
2 : steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL
3 : firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : CONSCIENTIOUS
4 : given with strong assurance : BINDING <a faithful promise>
5 : true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original <a faithful copy>
–faith·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–faith·ful·ness noun
synonyms FAITHFUL, LOYAL, CONSTANT, STAUNCH, STEADFAST, RESOLUTE mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. FAITHFUL implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted <faithful to her promise>. LOYAL implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray <remained loyal to the czar>. CONSTANT stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows <constant friends>. STAUNCH suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it <a staunch defender of free speech>. STEADFAST implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction <steadfast in their support>. RESOLUTE implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose <a resolute ally>.

faithful
n. 1 plural in construction a : church members in full communion and good standing ― used with the b : the body of believers in Islam ― used with the
2 plural faithful or faithfuls : one who is faithful especially : a loyal follower, member, or fan <party faithfuls>

faithless
adj. 1 : not true to allegiance or duty : TREACHEROUS, DISLOYAL <a faithless servant>
2 : not to be relied on : UNTRUSTWORTHY <a faithless tool>
–faith·less·ly adverb
–faith·less·ness noun
synonyms FAITHLESS, FALSE, DISLOYAL, TRAITOROUS, TREACHEROUS, PERFIDIOUS mean untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance. FAITHLESS applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty <faithless allies>. FALSE stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery <betrayed by false friends>. DISLOYAL implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country <disloyal to their country>. TRAITOROUS implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust <traitorous acts punishable by death>. TREACHEROUS implies readiness to betray trust or confidence <a treacherous adviser>. PERFIDIOUS adds to FAITHLESS the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability <a perfidious double-crosser>.

faitour
archaic : CHEAT, IMPOSTER

Faiyum, El
― see EL FAIYÛM

Faizabad
1 or Fey·za·bad \'fā-zä-ˌbäd\ city NE Afghanistan pop 70,871
2 city N India in Uttar Pradesh pop 144,924

Fajardo
city NE Puerto Rico pop 40,712

fajita
: a marinated strip usually of beef or chicken grilled or broiled and served usually with a flour tortilla and various savory fillings ― usually used in plural

Fakarava
island (atoll) S. Pacific; principal island of the Tuamotu Archipelago pop 651

fake
n. : to coil in fakes

fake
n. : one loop of a coil (as of ship's rope or a fire hose) coiled free for running

fake
n. : COUNTERFEIT, SHAM

fake
n. : one that is not what it purports to be: as a : a worthless imitation passed off as genuine b : IMPOSTOR, CHARLATAN c : a simulated movement in a sports contest (as a pretended kick, pass, or jump or a quick movement in one direction before going in another) designed to deceive an opponent d : a device or apparatus used by a magician to achieve the illusion of magic in a trick
synonyms see IMPOSTURE

fake
n. transitive verb
1 : to alter, manipulate, or treat so as to give a spuriously genuine appearance to : DOCTOR <faked the lab results>
2 : COUNTERFEIT, SIMULATE, CONCOCT <faked a heart attack>
3 : to deceive (an opponent) in a sports contest by means of a fake
4 : IMPROVISE, AD-LIB <whistle a few bars⋯and I'll fake the rest ― Robert Sylvester>
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in faking something : PRETEND ― sometimes used with it <if you don't have the answers, fake it>
2 : to give a fake to an opponent
–fak·er noun
–fak·ery \'fā-k(ə-)rē\ noun

fake out
: to deliberately mislead : FOOL, TRICK

fakir
n. 1 \fə-'kir, fä-, fa-; 'fā-kər\ a : a Muslim mendicant : DERVISH b : an itinerant Hindu ascetic or wonder-worker
2 \'fā-kər\ : IMPOSTOR especially : SWINDLER

fal-lal
: a fancy ornament especially in dress
–fal·lal·ery \fa-'la-lə-rē\ noun

falafel
n. : a spicy mixture of ground vegetables (as chick-peas or fava beans) formed into balls or patties and then fried

Falaise
town NW France SSE of Caen pop 8434

Falangist
n. : a member of the fascist political party governing Spain after the civil war of 1936-39

Falasha
n. : a member of a people of highland Ethiopia who practice a variety of Judaism

falcate
adj. : hooked or curved like a sickle

falchion
n. 1 : a broad-bladed slightly curved sword of medieval times
2 archaic : SWORD

falciform
adj. : having the shape of a scythe or sickle

falciparum malaria
: extremely severe malaria caused by a sporozoan parasite (Plasmodium falciparum)

falcon
n. 1 : any of various hawks trained for use in falconry especially : PEREGRINE FALCON ― used technically only of a female ― compare TIERCEL
2 : any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

falcon-gentle
: the female peregrine falcon

falconer
n. : a person who breeds, trains, or hunts with hawks

falconet
n. 1 : a very small cannon used in the 16th and 17th centuries
2 : any of several very small falcons (genera Microhierax, Polihierax, and Spiziapteryx)

falconry
n. 1 : the art of training hawks to hunt in cooperation with a person
2 : the sport of hunting with hawks

falderal
n. variant of folderol

faldstool
n. 1 : a folding stool or chair specifically : one used by a bishop
2 : a folding stool or small desk at which one kneels during devotions especially : one used by the sovereigns of England at their coronation
3 : the desk from which the litany is read in Anglican churches

Falier
Marino 1274-1355 doge of Venice (1354-55)

Falkenhausen
Ludwig 1844-1936 Freiherr von Falkenhausen Ger. gen.

Falkenhayn
Erich von 1861-1922 Ger. gen.

Falkirk
1 administrative area cen Scotland area 115 sq mi (299 sq km)
2 royal burgh cen Scotland ENE of Glasgow pop 36,875

Falkland Islands
islands SW Atlantic E of S end of Argentina; a Brit. crown colony capital Stanley area 4700 sq mi (12,173 sq km), pop 2100

Falkner
William ― see FAULKNER

fall
intransitive verb
1 a : to descend freely by the force of gravity b : to hang freely <her hair falls over her shoulders> c : to drop oneself to a lower position <fell to his knees> d : to come or go as if by falling <darkness falls early in the winter>
2 : to become born ― usually used of lambs
3 a : to become lower in degree or level <the temperature fell 10°> b : to drop in pitch or volume <their voices fell to a whisper> c : ISSUE 1A B <wisdom that fell from his lips> d : to become lowered <her eyes fell>
4 a : to leave an erect position suddenly and involuntarily <slipped and fell on the ice> b : to enter as if unawares : STUMBLE, STRAY <fell into error> c : to drop down wounded or dead especially : to die in battle d : to suffer military capture <after a long siege the city fell> e : to lose office <the party fell from power> f : to suffer ruin, defeat, or failure <the deal fell through>
5 : to commit an immoral act especially : to lose one's chastity
6 a : to move or extend in a downward direction <the land falls away to the east> b : SUBSIDE, ABATE <the wind is falling> c : to decline in quality, activity, or quantity <production fell off> d : to lose weight ― used with off or away e : to assume a look of shame, disappointment, or dejection <his face fell> f : to decline in financial value or price <stocks fell sharply>
7 a : to occur at a certain time <her birthday falls on a Monday this year> b : to come by chance <a job that fell into his hands> c : to come or pass by lot, assignment, or inheritance : DEVOLVE <it fell to him to break the news> d : to have a certain or proper position, place, or station <the accent falls on the second syllable>
8 : to come within the limits, scope, or jurisdiction of something <this word falls into the class of verbs>
9 : to pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind or a new state or condition <fall asleep> <fall in love>
10 : to set about heartily or actively <fell to work>
11 : STRIKE, IMPINGE <music falling on the ear>
transitive verb : FELL 1
–fall all over oneself or fall over oneself or fall over backward : to display great or excessive eagerness
–fall apart
1 : DISINTEGRATE
2 : to succumb to mental or emotional stress : BREAK DOWN
–fall behind
1 : to lag behind
2 : to be in arrears
–fall between two stools : to fail because of inability to choose between or reconcile two alternative or conflicting courses of action
–fall flat : to produce no response or result <the joke fell flat>
–fall for
1 : to fall in love with
2 : to become a victim of <fell for the trick>
–fall from grace : BACKSLIDE 1
–fall home : to curve inward ― used of the timbers or upper parts of a ship's side
–fall into line : to comply with a certain course of action
–fall on or fall upon : to meet with <fell on hard times>
–fall on one's face : to fail utterly <the movie fell on its face at the box office>
–fall on one's sword : to sacrifice one's pride or position
–fall short
1 : to be deficient
2 : to fail to attain something (as a goal or target)

fall
n. 1 : the act of falling by the force of gravity
2 a : a falling out, off, or away : DROPPING <the fall of leaves> <a fall of snow> b : the season when leaves fall from trees : AUTUMN c : a thing or quantity that falls or has fallen <a fall of rock at the base of the cliff> especially : one or more meteorites or their fragments that have fallen together d (1) : BIRTH (2) : the quantity born ― usually used of lambs
3 a : a costume decoration of lace or thin fabric arranged to hang loosely and gracefully b : a very wide turned-down collar worn in the 17th century c : the part of a turnover collar from the crease to the outer edge d : a wide front flap on trousers (as those worn by sailors) e : the freely hanging lower edge of the skirt of a coat f : one of the three outer and often drooping segments of the flower of an iris g : long hair overhanging the face of dogs of some breeds h : a usually long straight portion of hair that is attached to a person's own hair
4 : a hoisting-tackle rope or chain especially : the part of it to which the power is applied
5 a : loss of greatness : COLLAPSE <the fall of the Roman Empire> b : the surrender or capture of a besieged place <the fall of Troy> c : lapse or departure from innocence or goodness d : loss of a woman's chastity e : the blame for a failure or misdeed <took the fall for the robbery>
6 a : the downward slope (as of a hill) : DECLIVITY b : a precipitous descent of water : WATERFALL ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction c : a musical cadence d : a falling-pitch intonation in speech
7 : a decrease in size, quantity, degree, or value
8 a : the distance which something falls b : INCLINATION, PITCH
9 a : the act of felling something b : the quantity of trees cut down c (1) : an act of forcing a wrestler's shoulders to the mat for a specified time (as one second) (2) : a bout of wrestling
10 Scottish : DESTINY, LOT

fall
n. : of, relating to, or suitable for autumn <a new fall coat>

fall
n. fall short
fall on one's sword
fall on one's face
fall on
fall upon
fall into line
fall home
fall from grace
fall for
fall flat
fall between two stools
fall behind
fall apart
fall all over oneself
fall over backward
fall over oneself
fall armyworm
fall away
fall back
fall back upon
fall back on
fall down
fall guy
fall in
fall in with
fall line
fall off
fall out
fall to
free fall
ride for a fall
Fall River
Angel Falls
Augrabies Falls
Boyoma Falls
Stanley Falls
Cauvery Falls
Kaveri Falls
Cedar Falls
Churchill Falls
Grand Falls
Cumberland Falls
Cuyahoga Falls
Great Falls
Idaho Falls
Kabalega Falls
Murchison Falls
Kabarega Falls
Kaieteur Falls
Livingstone Falls
Menomonee Falls
Montmorency Falls
Multnomah Falls
Niagara Falls
Owen Falls
Ripon Falls
Shoshone Falls
Sioux Falls
Snoqualmie Falls
Sutherland Falls
Taughannock Falls
Tequendama Falls
Twin Falls
Victoria Falls
Wichita Falls
Yellowstone Falls
Yosemite Falls
clear fell
Sca Fell
falling diphthong
falling out
falling outs
falling rhythm
falling star

fall all over oneself
or fall over oneself or fall over backward : to display great or excessive eagerness

fall apart

1 : DISINTEGRATE
2 : to succumb to mental or emotional stress : BREAK DOWN

fall armyworm
: a migratory American noctuid moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that is destructive to grains and grasses as a larva

fall away
1 a : to withdraw friendship or support b : to renounce one's faith
2 a : to diminish gradually in size b : to drift off a course

fall back
: RETREAT, RECEDE
–fall back on or fall back upon : to have recourse to <had to fall back on their reserves>

fall back on
or fall back upon : to have recourse to <had to fall back on their reserves>

fall behind

1 : to lag behind
2 : to be in arrears

fall between two stools
to fail because of inability to choose between or reconcile two alternative or conflicting courses of action

fall down
: to fail to meet expectations or requirements <fell down on the job>

fall flat
to produce no response or result <the joke fell flat>

fall for

1 : to fall in love with
2 : to become a victim of <fell for the trick>

fall from grace
BACKSLIDE 1

fall guy
: SCAPEGOAT <a fall guy for his boss's errors>

fall home
to curve inward ― used of the timbers or upper parts of a ship's side

fall in
1 : to sink inward <the roof fell in>
2 : to take one's proper place in a military formation
–fall in with
1 : to concur with <had to fall in with her wishes>
2 : to harmonize with <it falls in exactly with my views>
3 : to begin associating with <she fell in with a bad crowd>

fall in with

1 : to concur with <had to fall in with her wishes>
2 : to harmonize with <it falls in exactly with my views>
3 : to begin associating with <she fell in with a bad crowd>

fall into line
to comply with a certain course of action

fall line
1 : a line joining the waterfalls on numerous rivers that marks the point where each river descends from the upland to the lowland and the limit of the navigability of each river
2 : the natural downhill course (as for skiing) between two points on a slope

fall off
1 : TREND 1B
2 of a ship : to deviate to leeward of the point to which the bow was directed

fall on
or fall upon : to meet with <fell on hard times>

fall on one's face
to fail utterly <the movie fell on its face at the box office>

fall on one's sword
to sacrifice one's pride or position

fall out
1 : QUARREL also : to cut off relations over a quarrel <former friends who have fallen out>
2 : TURN OUT, HAPPEN <expected to be in the States⋯, but things fell out otherwise ― Mark Twain>
3 a : to leave one's place in the ranks b : to leave a building in order to take one's place in a military formation

Fall River
city & port SE Mass. pop 91,938

fall short

1 : to be deficient
2 : to fail to attain something (as a goal or target)

fall to
: to begin doing something (as working or eating) especially vigorously ― often used in invitation or command

Falla
Manuel de 1876-1946 Span. composer

fallacious
adj. 1 : embodying a fallacy <a fallacious conclusion>
2 : tending to deceive or mislead : DELUSIVE
–fal·la·cious·ly adverb
–fal·la·cious·ness noun

fallacy
n. 1 a obsolete : GUILE, TRICKERY b : deceptive appearance : DECEPTION
2 a : a false or mistaken idea <popular fallacies> b : erroneous character : ERRONEOUSNESS
3 : an often plausible argument using false or invalid inference

fallaway
: made while moving away from the basket in basketball <a fallaway jump shot>
–fallaway noun

fallback
n. 1 : something on which one can fall back : RESERVE ― often used attributively <a fallback career> <a fallback position>
2 : a falling back : RETREAT
3 : something that falls back <the fallback from an explosion>

faller
n. 1 : a machine part that acts by falling
2 : a logger who fells trees

fallfish
n. : a common silvery cyprinid fish (Semotilus corporalis) of the streams of northeastern No. America

fallibility
n. : liability to err

fallible
adj. 1 : liable to be erroneous <a fallible generalization>
2 : capable of making a mistake <we're all fallible>
–fal·li·bly \-blē\ adverb

Fallieres
(Clément-) Armand 1841-1931 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1906-13)

falling diphthong
: a diphthong (as \ȯi\ in \'nȯiz\ noise) composed of a vowel followed by a less sonorous glide

falling rhythm
: rhythm with stress occurring regularly on the first syllable of each foot ― compare RISING RHYTHM

falling star
: METEOR 2A

falling-out
: an instance of falling out : QUARREL <had a falling-out with his parents>

falloff
n. : a decline especially in quantity or quality <a falloff in exports> <a falloff of light intensity>

fallopian tube
: either of the pair of tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus

fallout
n. 1 a : the often radioactive particles stirred up by or resulting from a nuclear explosion and descending through the atmosphere also : other polluting particles (as volcanic ash) descending likewise b : descent (as of fallout) through the atmosphere
2 : a secondary and often lingering effect, result, or set of consequences <have to take a position and accept the political fallout ― Andy Logan>

fallow
n. : of a light yellowish-brown color

fallow
n. 1 : usu. cultivated land that is allowed to lie idle during the growing season
2 obsolete : plowed land
3 : the state or period of being fallow
4 : the tilling of land without sowing it for a season

fallow
n. : to plow, harrow, and break up (land) without seeding to destroy weeds and conserve soil moisture

fallow
n. 1 : left untilled or unsown after plowing
2 : DORMANT, INACTIVE ― used especially in the phrase to lie fallow <at this very moment there are probably important inventions lying fallow ― Harper's>
–fal·low·ness noun

fallow deer
: a deer (Dama dama syn. Cervus dama) of variable color with palmate antlers in the male and typically a yellow-brown coat spotted with white in the summer that was orig. of Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia but has been introduced elsewhere

Falmouth
town SE Mass. on Cape Cod pop 32,660

false
adj. 1 : not genuine <false documents> <false teeth>
2 a : intentionally untrue <false testimony> b : adjusted or made so as to deceive <false scales> <a trunk with a false bottom> c : intended or tending to mislead <a false promise>
3 : not true <false concepts>
4 a : not faithful or loyal : TREACHEROUS <a false friend> b : lacking naturalness or sincerity <false sympathy>
5 a : not essential or permanent ― used of parts of a structure that are temporary or supplemental b : fitting over a main part to strengthen it, to protect it, or to disguise its appearance <a false ceiling>
6 : inaccurate in pitch <a false note>
7 a : based on mistaken ideas <false pride> b : inconsistent with the facts <a false position> <a false sense of security>
8 : threateningly sudden or deceptive <don't make any false moves>
synonyms see FAITHLESS
–false·ly adverb
–false·ness noun

false
adj. : in a false or faithless manner : TREACHEROUSLY <his friends played him false>

false
adj. false miterwort
false alarm
false arrest
false color
false imprisonment
false morel
false pregnancy
false rib
false Solomon's seal
false Solomonseal
false start
true false test
False Bay

false alarm
1 : an alarm (as a fire or burglar alarm) that is set off needlessly
2 : one causing alarm or excitement that proves to be unfounded

false arrest
: an arrest not justifiable under law

False Bay
inlet Republic of South Africa in SW Western Cape province E of Cape of Good Hope

false color
: color in an image (as a photograph) of an object that does not actually appear in the object but is used to enhance, contrast, or distinguish details

false imprisonment
: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

false miterwort
: FOAMFLOWER

false morel
: any of a genus (Gyromitra) of fungi that are often poisonous and have a cap with convolutions resembling a brain

false pregnancy
: PSEUDOCYESIS, PSEUDOPREGNANCY

false rib
: a rib whose cartilages unite indirectly or not at all with the sternum ― compare FLOATING RIB

false Solomon's seal
: any of a genus (Smilacina) of herbs of the lily family that differ from Solomon's seal in having flowers in a terminal raceme or panicle ― called also false Solomonseal

false start
1 : a premature start (as of a race or football play)
2 : an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (as a career)

falsehood
n. 1 : an untrue statement : LIE
2 : absence of truth or accuracy
3 : the practice of lying : MENDACITY

falsetto
n. 1 : an artificially high voice especially : an artificially produced singing voice that overlaps and extends above the range of the full voice especially of a tenor
2 : a singer who uses falsetto

falsetto
n. : in falsetto

falsework
n. : temporary construction work on which a main work is wholly or partly built and supported until the main work is strong enough to support itself

falsie
n. : an artificial addition to a bodily part worn to enhance appearance specifically : a breast-shaped usually fabric or rubber cup used to pad a brassiere ― usually used in plural

falsify
transitive verb
1 : to prove or declare false : DISPROVE
2 : to make false: as a : to make false by mutilation or addition <the accounts were falsified to conceal a theft> b : to represent falsely : MISREPRESENT
3 : to prove unsound by experience
intransitive verb : to tell lies : LIE
–fal·si·fi·abil·i·ty \ˌfȯl-sə-ˌfī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–fal·si·fi·able \-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–fal·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌfȯl-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–fal·si·fi·er \'fȯl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

falsity
n. 1 : something false : LIE
2 : the quality or state of being false

Falstaff
n. : a fat, convivial, roguish character in Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV
–Fal·staff·ian \fȯl-'sta-fē-ən\ adjective

Falster
island Denmark in Baltic Sea pop 43,537

falter
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to walk unsteadily : STUMBLE b : to give way : TOTTER <could feel my legs faltering> c : to move waveringly or hesitatingly
2 : to speak brokenly or weakly : STAMMER <her voice faltered>
3 a : to hesitate in purpose or action : WAVER <he never faltered in his determination> b : to lose drive or effectiveness <the business was faltering>
transitive verb : to utter hesitatingly or brokenly
synonyms see HESITATE
–fal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
–fal·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

falter
v. : an act or instance of faltering

fam
1 familiar
2 family

Famagusta
city & port E Cyprus on Famagusta Bay (inlet of the Mediterranean) pop 42,500

fame
n. 1 a : public estimation : REPUTATION b : popular acclaim : RENOWN
2 archaic : RUMOR

fame
n. 1 archaic : REPORT, REPUTE
2 : to make famous

famed
adj. : known widely and well : FAMOUS

familial
adj. 1 : tending to occur in more members of a family than expected by chance alone <a familial disorder>
2 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a family <has familial ties to the area> <a familial atmosphere>

familial
adj. familial hypercholesterolemia
familial adenomatous polyposis
familial polyposis

familial adenomatous polyposis
: an inherited disease of the large intestine marked by the formation especially in the colon and rectum of numerous glandular polyps which typically become malignant if left untreated ― called also familial polyposis

familial hypercholesterolemia
: an inherited metabolic disorder marked by excess accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the blood resulting especially in atherosclerosis and irregular yellow skin lesions

familiar
n. 1 : a member of the household of a high official
2 : one that is familiar especially : an intimate associate : COMPANION
3 : a spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person
4 a : one who is well acquainted with something b : one who frequents a place

familiar
n. 1 : closely acquainted : INTIMATE <a familiar family friend>
2 obsolete : AFFABLE, SOCIABLE
3 a : of or relating to a family <remembering past familiar celebrations> b : frequented by families <a familiar resort>
4 a : being free and easy <the familiar association of old friends> b : marked by informality <a familiar essay> c : overly free and unrestrained : PRESUMPTUOUS <grossly familiar behavior> d : moderately tame <familiar animals>
5 a : frequently seen or experienced : easily recognized <a familiar theme> b : of everyday occurrence <a familiar routine> c : possibly known but imperfectly remembered <her face looked familiar>
6 : having personal or intimate knowledge ― used with with <familiar with the facts of the case>
synonyms see COMMON
–fa·mil·iar·ly adverb
–fa·mil·iar·ness noun

familiar spirit
1 : a spirit or demon that serves or prompts an individual
2 : the spirit of a dead person invoked by a medium to advise or prophesy

familiarise
v. British variant of familiarize

familiarity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being familiar b : a state of close relationship : INTIMACY
2 a : absence of ceremony : INFORMALITY b : an unduly informal act or expression : IMPROPRIETY c : a sexual liberty
3 : close acquaintance with something <my familiarity with American history>

familiarize
v. 1 : to make known or familiar <Shakespeare⋯familiarizes the wonderful ― Samuel Johnson>
2 : to make well acquainted <familiarize students with good literature>
–fa·mil·iar·i·za·tion \-ˌmil-yə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

familism
: a social pattern in which the family assumes a position of ascendance over individual interests
–fam·i·lis·tic \ˌfa-mə-'lis-tik\ adjective

famille
n. famille rose
famille verte
en famille

famille rose
: Chinese porcelain in the decoration of which a rose color predominates

famille verte
: Chinese porcelain in the decoration of which green predominates

family
n. 1 : a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : HOUSEHOLD
2 a : a group of persons of common ancestry : CLAN b : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : RACE
3 a : a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : FELLOWSHIP b : the staff of a high official (as the President)
4 : a group of things related by common characteristics: as a : a closely related series of elements or chemical compounds b : a group of soils with similar chemical and physical properties (as texture, pH, and mineral content) that comprise a category ranking above the series and below the subgroup in soil classification c : a group of related languages descended from a single ancestral language
5 a : the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family <a single-parent family> b : spouse and children <want to spend more time with my family>
6 a : a group of related plants or animals forming a category ranking above a genus and below an order and usually comprising several to many genera b in livestock breeding (1) : the descendants or line of a particular individual especially of some outstanding female (2) : an identifiable strain within a breed
7 : a set of curves or surfaces whose equations differ only in parameters
8 : a unit of a crime syndicate (as the Mafia) operating within a geographical area
–fam·i·ly·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

family
n. 1 : of or relating to a family
2 : designed or suitable for both children and adults <family restaurants> <family movies>

family
n. blended family
extended family
family Bible
family court
family doctor
family jewels
family leave
family man
family name
family physician
family planning
family practice
family medicine
family practitioner
family room
family style
family tree
family values
family way
natural family planning
nuclear family
pro family

family Bible
: a large Bible usually having special pages for recording births, marriages, and deaths

family court
: COURT OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS

family doctor
1 : a doctor regularly consulted by a family
2 : a doctor specializing in family practice

family jewels
slang : a man's testicles

family leave
: a usually unpaid leave of absence for an employee to attend to family concerns (as a serious illness or the care of an infant)

family man
: a man with a wife and children dependent on him especially : a man devoted to his family

family name
: SURNAME 2

family physician
: FAMILY DOCTOR

family planning
: planning intended to determine the number and spacing of one's children through birth control

family practice
: a medical practice or specialty which provides continuing general medical care for the individual and family ― called also family medicine

family practitioner
: FAMILY DOCTOR

family room
: a large room designed as a recreation center and informal gathering place for members of a family

family style
: with the food placed on the table in serving dishes from which those eating may help themselves

family tree
1 : GENEALOGY
2 : a genealogical diagram

family values
: values especially of a traditional or conservative kind which are held to promote the sound functioning of the family and to strengthen the fabric of society

family way
: condition of being pregnant ― used with in and the or a <she is in a family way>

famine
n. 1 : an extreme scarcity of food
2 archaic : STARVATION
3 archaic : a ravenous appetite
4 : a great shortage

famish
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to suffer severely from hunger
2 archaic : to cause to starve to death
intransitive verb
1 archaic : STARVE
2 : to suffer for lack of something necessary <a moment when French poetry in particular was famishing for such invention ― T. S. Eliot>
–fam·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

famished
adj. : intensely hungry also : NEEDY 1

famous
adj. 1 a : widely known b : honored for achievement
2 : EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE <famous weather for a walk>
–fa·mous·ness noun
synonyms FAMOUS, RENOWNED, CELEBRATED, NOTED, NOTORIOUS, DISTINGUISHED, EMINENT, ILLUSTRIOUS mean known far and wide. FAMOUS implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known <a famous actress>. RENOWNED implies more glory and acclamation <one of the most renowned figures in sports history>. CELEBRATED implies notice and attention especially in print <the most celebrated beauty of her day>. NOTED suggests well-deserved public attention <the noted mystery writer>. NOTORIOUS frequently adds to FAMOUS an implication of questionableness or evil <a notorious gangster>. DISTINGUISHED implies acknowledged excellence or superiority <a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize>. EMINENT implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character <the country's most eminent writers>. ILLUSTRIOUS stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person <illustrious war heroes>.

famously
adv. 1 : in a celebrated manner
2 : in a superlative fashion
3 : to an unusual degree : VERY

famulus
n. : a private secretary or attendant

fan
n. 1 : any of various devices for winnowing grain
2 : an instrument for producing a current of air: as a : a device that is held in the hand and moved back and forth to cool a person and that is usually shaped like a segment of a circle and composed of material (as feathers or paper) mounted on thin rods or slats moving about a pivot so that the device may be closed compactly when not in use b : a device that consists of a series of vanes radiating from a hub rotated on its axle by a motor c slang : an airplane propeller
3 a : something resembling an open fan b : a gently sloping fan-shaped body of detritus especially : ALLUVIAL FAN
–fan·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

fan
n. transitive verb
1 a : to drive away the chaff of (grain) by means of a current of air b : to eliminate (as chaff) by winnowing
2 : to move or impel (air) with a fan
3 : to blow or breathe upon <the breeze fanning her hair>
4 a : to direct a current of air upon with a fan b : to stir up to activity as if by fanning : STIMULATE <fanning the fires of nationalism>
5 archaic : WAVE
6 slang : SPANK
7 : to spread like a fan <the peacock fanned his tail>
8 : to strike (a batter) out in baseball
9 : to fire a series of shots from (a single-action revolver) by holding the trigger back and successively striking the hammer to the rear with the free hand
intransitive verb
1 : to move like a fan : FLUTTER
2 : to spread like a fan ― often used with out <the searchers fanned out>
3 : STRIKE OUT 3
–fan·ner \'fa-nər\ noun

fan
n. 1 : an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator
2 : an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit) <science-fiction fans>

fan
n. alluvial fan
fan jet
fan letter
fan mail
fan tan
fan vault
fan vaulting
hit the fan
sea fan

fan letter
: a letter sent to a public figure by an admirer

fan mail
: FAN LETTERS

fan vault
: a Gothic vault in which the ribs from each springer spread out like the vanes of a fan
–fan vaulting noun

fan-jet
: a jet engine having a fan that operates in a duct and draws in extra air whose compression and expulsion provide extra thrust also : an airplane powered by a fan-jet engine

fan-tan
1 : a Chinese gambling game in which the banker divides a pile of objects (as beans) into fours and players bet on what number will be left at the end of the count
2 : a card game in which players must build in sequence upon sevens and attempt to be the first one out of cards

fanatic
n. : marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion <they're fanatic about politics>
–fanatic noun
–fa·nat·i·cal·ly \fə-'na-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fa·nat·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

fanaticism
n. : fanatic outlook or behavior

fanaticize
v. : to cause to become fanatic

fancier
n. 1 : one that has a special liking or interest
2 : a person who breeds or grows a particular animal or plant for points of excellence <a pigeon fancier>

fanciful
adj. 1 : marked by fancy or unrestrained imagination rather than by reason and experience <a fanciful person>
2 : existing in fancy only <a fanciful notion>
3 : marked by or as if by fancy or whim <gave their children fanciful names>
synonyms see IMAGINARY
–fan·ci·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fan·ci·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

fancify
: to make ornate, elaborate, or fancy <a fancified hamburger>

fancy
n. 1 : to have a fancy for : LIKE
2 : to form a conception of : IMAGINE <fancy our embarrassment>
3 a : to believe mistakenly or without evidence b : to believe without being certain <she fancied she had met him before>
4 : to visualize or interpret as <fancied myself a child again>
synonyms see THINK

fancy
n. 1 a : a liking formed by caprice rather than reason : INCLINATION <took a fancy to the mutt> b : amorous fondness : LOVE
2 a : NOTION, WHIM b : an image or representation of something formed in the mind
3 archaic : fantastic quality or state
4 a : imagination especially of a capricious or delusive sort b : the power of conception and representation used in artistic expression (as by a poet)
5 : TASTE, JUDGMENT
6 a : devotees of some particular art, practice, or amusement b : the object of interest of such a fancy especially : 1BOXING

fancy
n. 1 : dependent or based on fancy : WHIMSICAL
2 a (1) : not plain : ORNAMENTAL <a fancy hairdo> (2) : SWANKY 2, POSH <a fancy restaurant> b (1) : of particular excellence or highest grade <fancy tuna> (2) : IMPRESSIVE <posted some fancy numbers> c of an animal or plant : bred especially for bizarre or ornamental qualities that lack practical utility
3 : based on conceptions of the fancy <fancy sketches>
4 a : dealing in fancy goods b : EXTRAVAGANT <paying fancy prices>
5 : executed with technical skill and style <fancy footwork> <fancy diving>
6 : PARTI-COLOR <fancy carnations>
–fan·ci·ly \'fan(t)-sə-lē\ adverb
–fan·ci·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

fancy
n. fancy dan
fancy Dan
fancy dress
fancy free
fancy man
fancy pants
fancy up
fancy woman

fancy Dan
: one given to flamboyant display especially of technique or dress

fancy dress
: a costume (as for a masquerade) chosen to suit the wearer's fancy

fancy man
: a woman's paramour also : PIMP

fancy up
: to add superficial adornment to

fancy woman
: a woman of questionable morals specifically : PROSTITUTE

fancy-dan
: SHOWY 2, FANCY <fancy-dan basketball players hotdogging on the court>

fancy-free
1 : free from amorous attachment or engagement <footloose and fancy-free>
2 : free to imagine or fancy

fancy-pants
: overly elegant or refined : LA-DI-DA

fancywork
n. : decorative needlework

fandango
n. 1 : a lively Spanish or Spanish-American dance in triple time that is usually performed by a man and a woman to the accompaniment of guitar and castanets also : music for this dance
2 : TOMFOOLERY

fandom
n. 1 : all the fans (as of a sport)
2 : the state or attitude of being a fan

fane
n. 1 : TEMPLE
2 : CHURCH

Faneuil
Peter 1700-1743 American merchant

fanfare
n. 1 : a short and lively sounding of trumpets
2 : a showy outward display

fanfaronade
n. : empty boasting : BLUSTER

fanfold
: paper (as business forms or tape) made from a web and folded like a fan lengthwise and sometimes crosswise
–fanfold transitive verb

Fang
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of northern Gabon, mainland Equatorial Guinea, and southern Cameroon
2 : the language of the Fang people

fang
n. 1 a : a long sharp tooth: as (1) : one by which an animal's prey is seized and held or torn (2) : one of the long hollow or grooved and often erectile teeth of a venomous snake b : one of the chelicerae of a spider at the tip of which a poison gland opens
2 : the root of a tooth or one of the processes or prongs into which a root divides
3 : a projecting tooth or prong
–fanged \'faŋd\ adjective

fang
n. alluvial fan
fan jet
fan letter
fan mail
fan tan
fan vault
fan vaulting
hit the fan
sea fan

fanlight
n. : a semicircular window with radiating bars like the ribs of a fan that is placed over a door or window

Fanning
v. ― see TABUAERAN

fanny
n. 1 slang British : VULVA
2 : BUTTOCKS

fanny pack
: a pack that straps to the waist and is used for carrying personal articles

fantabulous
adj. slang : marvelously good <had a fantabulous time>

fantail
n. 1 : a fan-shaped tail or end
2 : a domestic pigeon having a broad rounded tail often with 30 or 40 feathers
3 : an architectural part resembling a fan
4 : a counter or after overhang of a ship shaped like a duck's bill

fantasia
n. 1 : a free usually instrumental composition not in strict form
2 a : a work (as a poem or play) in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted b : something possessing grotesque, bizarre, or unreal qualities

fantasied
adj. 1 : existing only in the imagination : FANCIED
2 obsolete : full of fancies or strange whims

fantasise
v. British variant of fantasize

fantasist
n. : one who creates fantasias or fantasies

fantasize
v. intransitive verb : to indulge in reverie : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas <doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhood ― Diane Arbus>
transitive verb : to portray in the mind : FANCY <likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy>
–fan·ta·siz·er \-ˌsī-zər\ noun

fantasm
n. variant of phantasm

fantast
n. 1 : VISIONARY
2 : a fantastic or eccentric person
3 : FANTASIST

fantastic
1 a : based on fantasy : not real b : conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy c : so extreme as to challenge belief : UNBELIEVABLE broadly : exceedingly large or great
2 : marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : ECCENTRIC
3 fantastic : EXCELLENT, SUPERLATIVE <a fantastic meal>
–fan·tas·ti·cal·i·ty \(ˌ)fan-ˌtas-tə-'ka-lə-tē, fən-\ noun
–fan·tas·ti·cal·ness \-'tas-tə-kəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms FANTASTIC, BIZARRE, GROTESQUE mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality. FANTASTIC may connote unrestrained extravagance in conception or merely ingenuity of decorative invention <dreamed up fantastic rumors to spread>. BIZARRE applies to the sensationally queer or strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination <a bizarre medieval castle built in the heart of a modern city>. GROTESQUE may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones <grotesque statues adorn the cathedral> <though grief-stricken, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile>. synonym see in addition IMAGINARY

fantastic
adj. : ECCENTRIC 2

fantastically
adv. 1 : in a fantastic manner
2 : to a fantastic degree : EXTREMELY <fantastically expensive clothes>

fantasticate
v. : to make fantastic
–fan·tas·ti·ca·tion \(ˌ)fan-ˌtas-tə-'kā-shən, fən-\ noun

fantastico
: a ridiculously fantastic individual

fantasy
n. 1 obsolete : HALLUCINATION
2 : FANCY especially : the free play of creative imagination
3 : a creation of the imaginative faculty whether expressed or merely conceived: as a : a fanciful design or invention b : a chimerical or fantastic notion c : FANTASIA 1 d : imaginative fiction featuring especially strange settings and grotesque characters ― called also fantasy fiction
4 : CAPRICE
5 : the power or process of creating especially unrealistic or improbable mental images in response to psychological need <an object of fantasy> also : a mental image or a series of mental images (as a daydream) so created <sexual fantasies of adolescence>
6 : a coin usually not intended for circulation as currency and often issued by a dubious authority (as a government-in-exile)

fantasy
n. : FANTASIZE

fantasyland
: an imaginary or ideal place or situation

fantoccini
n. : a puppet show using puppets operated by strings or mechanical devices also : such puppets

fantod
1 plural a : a state of irritability and tension b : FIDGETS
2 : an emotional outburst : FIT

fanwise
: in the manner or position of the slats of an open fan <boats anchored fanwise at the pier>

fanzine
n. : a magazine written by and for fans <a sci-fi fanzine> <a punk rocker with her own fanzine>

FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAQ
1 fair average quality
2 frequently asked question

FAR
adj. federal air regulation

far
adj. 1 : at or to a considerable distance in space <wandered far from home>
2 a : to a great extent : MUCH <far better methods> b : by a broad interval : WIDELY <the far distant future>
3 : to or at a definite distance, point, or degree <as far as I know>
4 : to an advanced point or extent <a bright student will go far> <worked far into the night>
5 : at a considerable distance in time <not far from the year 1870>
–by far : far and away <is by far the best runner>
–far be it from : it would be inappropriate or impossible for <far be it from God, that he should do wickedness ― Job 34:10(AV)>
–far from : of a distinctly different and especially opposite quality than <the trip was far from a failure>
–how far : to what extent, degree, or distance <didn't know how far to trust them>
–so far
1 : to a certain extent, degree, or distance <when the water rose so far, the villagers sought higher ground>
2 : up to the present <has written just one novel so far>
–thus far : so far <thus far our findings have been negative>

far
adj. 1 a : remote in space b : distinctly different in quality or relationship c : remote in time
2 a : LONG <a far journey> b : of notable extent : COMPREHENSIVE <a man of far vision>
3 : the more distant of two <the far end>
4 : EXTREME <the far left> <a far right political organization>

far
adj. as far as
dolce far niente
thus far
so far
how far
far from
far be it from
by far
far and away
far and wide
far cry
far fetched
far flung
far infrared
far off
far out
far outness
far reaching
far red
on the far side of
far ultraviolet
few and far between
so far as
Far East
Far Eastern
further education

far and away
: by a considerable margin <was far and away the better team>

far and wide
: in every direction : EVERYWHERE <searched far and wide>

far be it from
it would be inappropriate or impossible for <far be it from God, that he should do wickedness ― Job 34:10(AV)>

far cry
1 : a long distance
2 : something notably different <the effects of the foreign-aid program were a far cry from what was intended>

Far East
the countries of E Asia & the Malay Archipelago ― usually considered to comprise the Asian countries bordering on the Pacific but sometimes also to include India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, & Myanmar
–Far Eastern adjective

far from
of a distinctly different and especially opposite quality than <the trip was far from a failure>

far-fetched
1 : brought from a remote time or place
2 : not easily or naturally deduced or introduced : IMPROBABLE <a far-fetched story>
–far·fetched·ness \-'fech(t)-nəs, -'fe-chəd-nəs\ noun

far-flung
1 : widely spread or distributed <a far-flung empire>
2 : REMOTE <a far-flung correspondent>

far-infrared
: of or relating to the longer wavelengths of radiation in the infrared spectrum and especially to those between 10 and 1000 micrometers

far-off
: remote in time or space

far-out
: marked by a considerable departure from the conventional or traditional <far-out clothes>
–far-out·ness noun

far-reaching
: having a wide range or effect

far-red
: NEAR-INFRARED

far-ultraviolet
: of, relating to, or being the shortest wavelengths of radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum and especially those between 100 and 300 nanometers

farad
n. : the unit of capacitance equal to the capacitance of a capacitor between whose plates there appears a potential of one volt when it is charged by one coulomb of electricity

Faraday
n. Michael 1791-1867 Eng. chem. & physicist

faraday
n. : the quantity of electricity transferred in electrolysis per equivalent weight of an element or ion equal to about 96,500 coulombs

faradic
adj. : of or relating to an asymmetric alternating current of electricity produced by an induction coil <faradic stimulation of the muscles>

faradism
n. : the application of a faradic current of electricity (as for therapeutic purposes)

Farallon Islands
islands in the Pacific W cen Calif. W of San Francisco

farandole
n. 1 : a lively Provençal dance in which men and women hold hands, form a chain, and follow a leader through a serpentine course
2 : music in sextuple time for a farandole

faraway
adj. 1 : lying at a great distance : REMOTE <faraway lands>
2 : DREAMY, ABSTRACTED <a faraway look in her eyes>

farce
n. 1 : STUFF
2 : to improve as if by stuffing

farce
n. 1 : a savory stuffing : FORCEMEAT
2 : a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot
3 : the broad humor characteristic of farce or pretense
4 a : ridiculous or empty show b : MOCKERY <the enforcement of this law became a farce>

farceur
n. 1 : JOKER, WAG
2 : a writer or actor of farce

farci
: stuffed especially with forcemeat <oysters farci>

farcical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling farce : LUDICROUS
2 : laughably inept : ABSURD
–far·ci·cal·i·ty \ˌfär-sə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–far·ci·cal·ly \'fär-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

farcy
n. : GLANDERS especially : cutaneous glanders

fard
1 : to paint (the face) with cosmetics
2 archaic : to gloss over
–fard noun archaic

fardel
n. 1 : BUNDLE
2 : BURDEN

fare
n. 1 : GO, TRAVEL
2 : GET ALONG, SUCCEED <how did you fare on your exam?>
3 : EAT, DINE

fare
n. 1 a : range of food : DIET b : material provided for use, consumption, or enjoyment
2 a : the price charged to transport a person b : a paying passenger on a public conveyance

fare
n. bill of fare
fare thee well
fare you well

fare-thee-well
1 : the utmost degree <researched the story to a fare-thee-well>
2 : a state of perfection <imitated the speaker's pompous manner to a fare-thee-well>

farewell
n. : get along well ― used interjectionally to or by one departing

farewell
n. 1 : a wish of well-being at parting : GOOD-BYE
2 a : an act of departure : LEAVE-TAKING b : a formal occasion honoring a person about to leave or retire

farewell
n. chiefly Australian & New Zealand : to bid farewell to

farewell
n. : of or relating to leave-taking : FINAL <a farewell performance>

Farewell, Cape
cape Greenland at S tip

farfalle
n. : butterfly-shaped pasta

farfel
: noodles in the form of pellets or granules

Fargo
city E N.Dak. on Red River pop 90,599

Faridabad
town N India in Haryana pop 1,054,981

Farina
n. Salvatore 1846-1918 Ital. nov.

farina
n. 1 : a fine meal of vegetable matter (as cereal grains) used chiefly for puddings or as a breakfast cereal
2 : any of various powdery or mealy substances

farinaceous
adj. 1 : having a mealy texture or surface
2 : containing or rich in starch

farinha
: cassava meal

farkleberry
n. : a shrub or small tree (Vaccinium arboreum) of the heath family of the southeastern U.S. having a small hard black berry with stony seeds

farl
n. Scottish : a small thin triangular cake or biscuit made especially with oatmeal or wheat flour

Farley
James Aloysius 1888-1976 American polit.

farm
n. 1 obsolete : a sum or due fixed in amount and payable at fixed intervals
2 : a letting out of revenues or taxes for a fixed sum to one authorized to collect and retain them
3 : a district or division of a country leased out for the collection of government revenues
4 : a tract of land devoted to agricultural purposes
5 a : a plot of land devoted to the raising of animals and especially domestic livestock b : a tract of water reserved for the artificial cultivation of some aquatic life form <a fish farm>
6 : a minor-league team (as in baseball) associated with a major-league team as a subsidiary
7 : an area containing a number of similar structures or objects (as radio antennas or storage tanks)

farm
n. 1 obsolete : RENT
2 : to collect and take the fees or profits of (an occupation or business) on payment of a fixed sum
3 : to give up (as an estate or a business) to another on condition of receiving in return a fixed sum
4 a : to devote to agriculture b : to manage and cultivate as a farm c : to grow or cultivate in quantity <farm trees for fuel> <farm salmon>
intransitive verb : to engage in raising crops or animals

farm
n. buy the farm
collective farm
dry farm
farm out
fat farm
fish farm
funny farm
poor farm
tree farm
truck farm
wind farm
work farm
dry farming
mixed farming
subsistence farming

farm out
1 : to turn over (as a job) for performance by another usually under contract
2 a : to put (as children) into the hands of another for care b : to send (as a baseball player) to a farm team
3 : to exhaust (land) by farming especially by continuously raising one crop

Farman
Henri 1874-1958 & his bro. Maurice 1877-1964 Fr. pioneer aviators & airplane manufacturers

Farmer
n. Fannie Merritt 1857-1915 American cookery expert

Farmer
n. James Leonard 1920-1999 American civil rights leader

farmer
n. 1 : a person who pays a fixed sum for some privilege or source of income
2 : a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals (as livestock or fish)
3 : YOKEL, BUMPKIN

farmer
n. dirt farmer
dry farmer
farmer cheese
farmer's lung
gentleman farmer
tenant farmer
truck farmer
subsistence farmer
gentlemen farmers
Farmers Branch

farmer cheese
: a pressed unripened cheese similar to but drier and firmer than cottage cheese

farmer's lung
: an acute pulmonary disorder characterized by sudden onset, fever, cough, expectoration, and breathlessness that results from the inhalation of spores in dust from moldy hay or straw

farmerette
: a woman who is a farmer or farmhand

Farmers Branch
city NE Tex. NNE of Dallas pop 27,508

farmhand
n. 1 : a farm laborer especially : a hired laborer on a farm
2 : a player on a farm team

farmhouse
n. : a dwelling on a farm

farming
n. : the practice of agriculture or aquaculture

farming
n. dry farming
mixed farming
subsistence farming

Farmington
1 town N Conn. W of Hartford pop 23,641
2 city NW N.Mex. pop 37,844

Farmington Hills
city SE Mich. NW of Detroit pop 82,111

farmland
n. : land used or suitable for farming

farmstead
n. : the buildings and adjacent service areas of a farm broadly : a farm with its buildings

farmwife
: a farmer's wife

farmworker
: FARMHAND 1
–farm·work \-ˌwərk\ noun

farmyard
n. : land around or enclosed by farm buildings especially : BARNYARD

Farnese
Alessandro 1545-1592 Duke of Parma Ital. gen. in Span. service

Farnsworth
Philo Taylor 1906-1971 American engineer

faro
n. : a gambling game in which players bet on cards drawn from a dealing box

Faroese
n. variant of faeroese

farouche
adj. 1 : WILD
2 : marked by shyness and lack of social graces

Farouk
n. 1920-1965 king of Egypt (1936-52; abdicated)

Farquhar
George 1678-1707 Brit. dram.

Farquhar Islands
island group NW Indian Ocean NE of Madagascar belonging to Seychelles

farraginous
adj. : consisting of a farrago

farrago
n. : a confused mixture : HODGEPODGE

Farragut
David Glasgow 1801-1870 American admiral

Farrakhan
n. Louis Abdul 1933-     orig. Louis Eugene Walcott American religious leader

Farrar
Frederic William 1831-1903 Eng. clergyman & writer

Farrar
Geraldine 1882-1967 American soprano

Farrell
James Thomas 1904-1979 American nov.

Farrell
Suzanne 1945-     American dancer

farrier
n. : a person who shoes horses

farrow
n. transitive verb : to give birth to (a farrow)
intransitive verb of swine : to bring forth young ― often used with down

farrow
n. 1 : a litter of pigs
2 : an act of farrowing

farrow
n. of a cow : not pregnant

Farrukhabad
city N India in Uttar Pradesh on the Ganges WNW of Lucknow pop 227,876

Farsala
― see PHARSALUS

farseeing
adj. : FARSIGHTED 1

Farsi
n. : PERSIAN 2B

farside
: the farther side especially : the side of the moon away from the earth
–on the far side of : BEYOND <just on the far side of 40>

farsighted
adj. 1 a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS
2 : affected with hyperopia
–far·sight·ed·ly adverb

farsightedness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being farsighted
2 : HYPEROPIA

fart
n. often vulgar : to expel intestinal gas from the anus

fart
n. 1 often vulgar : an expulsion of intestinal gas
2 often vulgar : a foolish or contemptible person <couldn't stand the old fart>

farther
adj. 1 : at or to a greater distance or more advanced point <got no farther than the first page> <nothing could be farther from the truth>
2 : to a greater degree or extent <see to it that I do not have to act any farther in the matter ― Bernard DeVoto>
usage Farther and further have been used more or less interchangeably throughout most of their history, but currently they are showing signs of diverging. As adverbs they continue to be used interchangeably whenever spatial, temporal, or metaphorical distance is involved. But where there is no notion of distance, further is used <our techniques can be further refined>. Further is also used as a sentence modifier <further, the workshop participants were scarcely optimistic ― L. B. Mayhew>, but farther is not. A polarizing process appears to be taking place in their adjective use. Farther is taking over the meaning of distance <the farther shore> and further the meaning of addition <needed no further invitation>.

farther
adj. 1 : more distant : REMOTER <the farther side of town>
2 : FURTHER 2 <clearing his throat preparatory to farther revelations ― Edith Wharton>

farthermost
adj. : most distant : FARTHEST

farthest
adj. : most distant especially in space or time <the farthest frontier> <the seat farthest from the door>

farthest
adj. 1 : to or at the greatest distance in space or time <who can jump the farthest>
2 : to the most advanced point <goes farthest toward answering the question>
3 : by the greatest degree or extent : MOST <the painting farthest removed from reality>

farthing
n. 1 a : a former British monetary unit equal to 1/4 of a penny b : a coin representing this unit
2 : something of small value : MITE

farthingale
n. : a support (as of hoops) worn especially in the 16th century beneath a skirt to expand it at the hipline

Faruk
var of FAROUK

FAS
1 fetal alcohol syndrome
2 firsts and seconds
3 free alongside ship

fas est et ab hoste doceri
: it is right to learn even from an enemy

fasc
fascicle

fasces
n. : a bundle of rods and among them an ax with projecting blade borne before ancient Roman magistrates as a badge of authority

fascia
n. 1 : a flat usually horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band or broad fillet: as a : a flat piece used as a molding b : a horizontal piece (as a board) covering the joint between the top of a wall and the projecting eaves ― called also fascia board c : a nameplate over the front of a shop
2 : a sheet of connective tissue covering or binding together body structures (as muscles) also : tissue of this character
3 or fa·cia \'fā-sh(ē-)ə\ British : the dashboard of an automobile
–fas·cial \'fa-sh(ē-)əl\ adjective

fascia
n. fascia board
superficial fascia
fieri facias
scire facias
venire facias

fasciated
adj. 1 : exhibiting fasciation
2 : arranged in fascicles

fasciation
n. : a malformation of plant stems commonly manifested as enlargement and flattening as if several stems were fused

fascicle
n. 1 : a small or slender bundle (as of pine needles or nerve fibers)
2 : one of the divisions of a book published in parts
–fas·ci·cled \-kəld\ adjective

fascicular
adj. : of, relating to, or consisting of fascicles or fasciculi
–fas·cic·u·lar·ly adverb

fasciculate
adj. : FASCICULAR

fasciculation
n. : muscular twitching involving the simultaneous contraction of contiguous groups of muscle fibers

fascicule
n. : FASCICLE 2

fasciculus
n. 1 : a slender bundle of anatomical fibers (as nerve fibers)
2 : FASCICLE 2

fasciitis
n. : inflammation of a fascia (as from infection or injury) ― compare NECROTIZING FASCIITIS

fascinate
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : BEWITCH
2 a : to transfix and hold spellbound by an irresistible power <believed that the serpent could fascinate its prey> b : to command the interest of : ALLURE <was fascinated by carnivals>
intransitive verb : to be irresistibly attractive <the novel's flamboyant cover fascinates>
synonyms see ATTRACT

fascinating
adj. : extremely interesting or charming : CAPTIVATING
–fas·ci·nat·ing·ly \-ˌā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

fascination
n. 1 a : the quality or power of fascinating b : something fascinating
2 : the state of being fascinated : the state of feeling an intense interest in something

fascinator
n. 1 : one that fascinates
2 : a woman's lightweight head scarf usually of crochet or lace

fascine
n. : a long bundle of sticks of wood bound together and used for such purposes as filling ditches and making revetments for riverbanks

fascioliasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica or F. gigantica)

fascism
n. 1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control <early instances of army fascism and brutality ― J. W. Aldridge>
–fas·cist \-shist also -sist\ noun or adjective often cap
–fas·cis·tic \fa-'shis-tik also -'sis-\ adjective often cap
–fas·cis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb often cap

Fascista
: a member of an Italian political organization under Mussolini governing Italy 1922-1943 according to the principles of fascism

fash
n. chiefly Scottish : VEX
–fash noun chiefly Scottish

fashion
n. 1 a : the make or form of something b archaic : KIND, SORT
2 a : a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way <he will, after his sour fashion, tell you ― Shakespeare> b : mode of action or operation <assembled in an orderly fashion>
3 a : a prevailing custom, usage, or style b (1) : the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time (2) : a garment in such a style <always wears the latest fashions> c : social standing or prominence especially as signalized by dress or conduct <men and women of fashion>
–after a fashion : in an approximate or rough way <became an artist after a fashion>
synonyms FASHION, STYLE, MODE, VOGUE, FAD, RAGE, CRAZE mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date. FASHION is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place <the current fashion>. STYLE often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste <a media baron used to traveling in style>. MODE suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated <slim bodies are the mode at this resort>. VOGUE stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion <short skirts are back in vogue>. FAD suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion <last year's fad is over>. RAGE and CRAZE stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad <Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time> <crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted>. synonym see in addition METHOD

fashion
n. 1 a : to give shape or form to : MOLD b : ALTER, TRANSFORM c : to mold into a particular character by influencing or training d : to make or construct usually with the use of imagination and ingenuity <fashion a lamp from an old churn>
2 : FIT, ADAPT
3 obsolete : CONTRIVE
–fash·ion·er \'fash-nər, 'fa-shə-nər\ noun

fashion
n. Bristol fashion
after a fashion
fashion plate
high fashion
full fashioned
new fashioned
old fashioned

fashion plate
1 : an illustration of a clothing style
2 : a person who dresses in the latest fashions

fashionable
1 : conforming to the custom, fashion, or established mode
2 : of or relating to the world of fashion
–fash·ion·abil·i·ty \ˌfash-nə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌfa-shə-nə-\ noun
–fash·ion·able·ness \'fash-nə-bəl-nəs, 'fa-shə-\ noun
–fash·ion·ably \-blē\ adverb

fashionable
adj. : a fashionable person

fashionista
n. : a designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions

fashionmonger
n. : one that studies, imitates, or sets the fashion

Fashoda
― see KODOK

fast
n. 1 a : firmly fixed <roots fast in the ground> b : tightly shut <the drawers were fast> c : adhering firmly d : not easily freed : STUCK <a ball fast in the mouth of the cannon> e : STABLE <movable items were made fast to the deck>
2 : firmly loyal <became fast friends>
3 a : characterized by quick motion, operation, or effect: (1) : moving or able to move rapidly : SWIFT (2) : taking a comparatively short time (3) : imparting quickness of motion <a fast bowler> (4) : accomplished quickly (5) : agile of mind especially : quick to learn <a class for fast students> b : conducive to rapidity of play or action c (1) of a timepiece or weighing device : indicating in advance of what is correct (2) : according to or being daylight saving time d : contributing to a shortening of exposure time <fast film> e : acquired with unusually little effort and often by shady or dishonest methods <had a keen eye for a fast buck ― R. A. Keith>
4 a : securely attached <a rope fast to the wharf> b : TENACIOUS <a fast hold on her purse>
5 a archaic : sound asleep b of sleep : not easily disturbed
6 : not fading or changing color readily
7 a : WILD <a pretty fast crowd> b : sexually promiscuous
8 : resistant to change (as from destructive action or fading) <fast dyes> ― often used in combination <sunfast> <acid-fast bacteria>
synonyms FAST, RAPID, SWIFT, FLEET, QUICK, SPEEDY, HASTY, EXPEDITIOUS mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. FAST and RAPID are very close in meaning, but FAST applies particularly to the thing that moves <fast horses> and RAPID to the movement itself <rapid current>. SWIFT suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement <returned the ball with one swift stroke>. FLEET adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness <fleet runners>. QUICK suggests promptness and the taking of little time <a quick wit>. SPEEDY implies quickness of successful accomplishment <speedy delivery of mail> and may also suggest unusual velocity. HASTY suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness <a hasty inspection>. EXPEDITIOUS suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment <the expeditious handling of an order>.

fast
n. 1 : in a firm or fixed manner <stuck fast>
2 : in a sound manner : DEEPLY <fast asleep>
3 a : in a rapid manner : QUICKLY b : in quick succession
4 : in a reckless or dissipated manner
5 : ahead of a correct time or schedule
6 archaic : CLOSE, NEAR

fast
n. 1 : to abstain from food
2 : to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods

fast
n. 1 : the practice of fasting
2 : a time of fasting

fast
n. : something that fastens (as a mooring line) or holds a fastening

fast
n. acid fast
fast and loose
fast break
fast food
fast forward
fast lane
Fast of Esther
fast pitch
fast talk
fast talker
fast track
fast tracker
fast twitch
hard and fast
pull a fast one

fast and loose
1 : in a reckless or irresponsible manner <played fast and loose with the public purse strings ― Paul Stuewe>
2 : in a craftily deceitful way <manipulated evidence⋯and played fast and loose with the truth ― C. V. Woodward>

fast break
: a quick offensive drive toward a goal (as in basketball) in an attempt to score before the opponent's defense is set up
–fast-break intransitive verb

fast lane
1 : a traffic lane intended for vehicles traveling at higher speeds
2 : a way of life marked by a fast pace and usually the pursuit of immediate gratification
3 : FAST TRACK
–fast-lane adjective

Fast of Esther

1887
: a Jewish fast day observed the day before Purim in commemoration of a fast proclaimed by Queen Esther

fast track
1 : a course leading to rapid advancement or success
2 : a course of expedited consideration or approval

fast-food
1 : of, relating to, or specializing in food that can be prepared and served quickly <a fast-food restaurant>
2 : designed for ready availability, use, or consumption and with little consideration given to quality or significance <fast-food TV programming>
–fast food noun

fast-forward
1 : a function of an electronic device that advances a recording at a higher than normal speed
2 : a state or an instance of rapid advancement <put her career in fast-forward>

fast-forward
1 : to advance (a magnetic tape) using the fast-forward of a tape player
2 : to bypass (as a commercial) by fast-forwarding
intransitive verb
1 : to advance a magnetic tape using the fast-forward
2 : to proceed rapidly forward especially in time <fast-forward to the future>

fast-pitch
: softball which is played with 9 or 10 players on each side and in which pitches are thrown with speed and base stealing is allowed ― compare SLOW-PITCH

fast-talk
: to influence or persuade by fluent, facile, and usually deceptive or tricky talk <fast-talked him into buying a lemon>
–fast-talk·er noun

fast-track
1 : of, relating to, or moving along a fast track <fast-track executives>
2 : of, relating to, or being a construction procedure in which work on a building begins before designs are completed
3 : of or relating to authority granted to the President of the U.S. by Congress that allows the President to negotiate trade agreements which Congress must confirm or reject in their entirety

fast-track
: to speed up the processing, production, or construction of in order to meet a goal
–fast-track·er noun

fast-twitch
: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts quickly especially during brief high-intensity physical activity requiring strength ― compare SLOW-TWITCH

fastback
n. : an automobile with a roof having a long curving downward slope to the rear also : the back of such an automobile

fastball
n. : a baseball pitch thrown at full speed and often rising slightly as it nears the plate
–fast·ball·er \-ˌbȯ-lər\ noun

fasten
v. transitive verb
1 a : to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing b : to make fast and secure c : to fix firmly or securely d : to secure against opening
2 : to fix or set steadily <fastened her attention on the main problem>
3 : to take a firm grip with <the dog fastened its teeth in the shoe>
4 a : to attach (oneself) persistently and usually objectionably b : to place forcefully : IMPOSE <fastened the blame on the wrong person>
intransitive verb
1 : to become fast or fixed
2 a : to take a firm grip or hold b : to focus attention
–fas·ten·er \'fas-nər, 'fa-sən-ər\ noun
synonyms FASTEN, FIX, ATTACH, AFFIX mean to make something stay firmly in place. FASTEN implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing <fasten the reins to a post>. FIX usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding <fixed the stake in the ground>. ATTACH suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together <attach the W-2 form here>. AFFIX implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing <affix your address label here>.

fastening
n. : something that fastens : FASTENER

fastidious
adj. 1 archaic : SCORNFUL
2 a : having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please <critics⋯so fastidious that they can talk only to a small circle of initiates ― Granville Hicks> b : showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care c : reflecting a meticulous, sensitive, or demanding attitude <fastidious workmanship>
3 : having complex nutritional requirements <fastidious microorganisms>
–fas·tid·i·ous·ly adverb
–fas·tid·i·ous·ness noun

fastigiate
: narrowing toward the top especially : having upright usually clustered branches <fastigiate trees>

fastness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fast: as a : the quality or state of being fixed b : the quality or state of being swift c : colorfast quality d : resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
2 a : a fortified or secure place b : a remote and secluded place <vacationed in their mountain fastness>

fastuous
1 : HAUGHTY, ARROGANT <a fastuous air of finality ― Carl Van Vechten>
2 : OSTENTATIOUS, SHOWY <disdained fastuous ceremonies>

fat
n. 1 : notable for having an unusual amount of fat: a : PLUMP b : OBESE c of a meat animal : fattened for market d of food : OILY, GREASY
2 a : well filled out : THICK, BIG <a fat book> b : full in tone and quality : RICH <a gorgeous fat bass voice ― Irish Digest> c : well stocked <a fat larder> d : PROSPEROUS, WEALTHY <grew fat on the war ― Time> e : being substantial and impressive <a fat bank account>
3 a : richly rewarding or profitable <a fat part in a movie> <a fat contract> b : practically nonexistent <a fat chance>
4 : PRODUCTIVE, FERTILE <a fat year for crops>
5 : STUPID, FOOLISH
6 : being swollen <got a fat lip from the fight>
7 of a baseball pitch : easy to hit
–fat·ness noun

fat
n. : to make fat : FATTEN

fat
n. 1 : animal tissue consisting chiefly of cells distended with greasy or oily matter
2 a : oily or greasy matter making up the bulk of adipose tissue and often abundant in seeds b : any of various compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that are glycerides of fatty acids, are the chief constituents of plant and animal fat, are a major class of energy-rich food, and are soluble in organic solvents but not in water c : a solid or semisolid fat as distinguished from an oil
3 : the best or richest part
4 : OBESITY
5 : something in excess : SUPERFLUITY <trim the fat from the news operation ― Ray Olson>
–fat·less \-ləs\ adjective

fat
n. brown fat
chew the fat
deep fat
fat body
fat cat
fat cell
fat depot
fat farm
fat tailed sheep
Fat Tuesday
fat witted
leaf fat
milk fat
trans fat
wool fat

fat body
: a fatty tissue especially of nearly mature insect larvae that serves as a food reserve

fat cat
1 a : a wealthy contributor to a political campaign fund b : a wealthy and privileged person c : BIG SHOT
2 : a lethargic complacent person
–fat-cat \'fat-ˌkat\ adjective

fat cell
: one of the fat-laden cells making up adipose tissue

fat depot
: ADIPOSE TISSUE

fat farm
: a health spa that specializes in weight reduction

Fat Tuesday
: MARDI GRAS 1A

fat-tailed sheep
: a coarse-wooled mutton sheep that has great quantities of fat on each side of the tail bones

fat-witted
: STUPID, IDIOTIC

fata morgana
: MIRAGE

Fata viam invenient
: the Fates will find a way

fatal
adj. 1 obsolete : FATED
2 : FATEFUL <a fatal hour>
3 a : of or relating to fate b : resembling fate in proceeding according to a fixed sequence c : determining one's fate
4 a : causing death b : bringing ruin <a fatal attraction to gambling> c : causing failure <a fatal design flaw>
synonyms see DEADLY

fatalism
n. : a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them also : a belief in or attitude determined by this doctrine
–fa·tal·ist \-list\ noun
–fa·tal·is·tic \ˌfā-tə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–fa·tal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

fatality
n. 1 a : the quality or state of causing death or destruction b : the quality or condition of being destined for disaster
2 : something established by fate
3 a : FATE 1 b : FATALISM
4 : the agent or agency of fate
5 a : death resulting from a disaster b : one that experiences a fatal outcome

fatally
adv. 1 : in a way determined by fate
2 : in a manner suggesting fate or an act of fate: as a : in a manner resulting in death : MORTALLY <fatally wounded> b : beyond repair : IRREVOCABLY c : in a manner resulting in ruin or evil <it is fatally easy to pass off our prejudices as our opinions ― W. F. Hambly> d : in a manner that cannot be easily resisted <thinks she is fatally attractive ― J. W. Krutch>

fatback
n. : the strip of fat from the back of a hog carcass usually cured by drying and salting

fate
n. 1 : the will or principle or determining cause by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do : DESTINY
2 a : an inevitable and often adverse outcome, condition, or end b : DISASTER especially : DEATH
3 a : final outcome b : the expected result of normal development <prospective fate of embryonic cells> c : the circumstances that befall someone or something <did not know the fate of her former classmates>
4 plural capitalized : the three goddesses who determine the course of human life in classical mythology
synonyms FATE, DESTINY, LOT, PORTION, DOOM mean a predetermined state or end. FATE implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome <the fate of the submarine is unknown>. DESTINY implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end <the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world>. LOT and PORTION imply a distribution by fate or destiny, LOT suggesting blind chance <it was her lot to die childless>, PORTION implying the apportioning of good and evil <remorse was his daily portion>. DOOM distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate <if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain>.

fate
n. : DESTINE also : DOOM

fated
adj. : decreed, controlled, or marked by fate

fateful
adj. 1 : having a quality of ominous prophecy <a fateful remark>
2 a : involving momentous consequences : DECISIVE <made his fateful decision to declare war ― W. L. Shirer> b : DEADLY, CATASTROPHIC
3 : controlled by fate : FOREORDAINED
synonyms see OMINOUS
–fate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fate·ful·ness noun

fath
fathom

fathead
n. : a stupid person
–fat·head·ed \-'he-dəd\ adjective
–fat·head·ed·ly adverb
–fat·head·ed·ness noun

father
1 a : a man who has begotten a child also : SIRE 3 b capitalized (1) : GOD 1 (2) : the first person of the Trinity
2 : FOREFATHER
3 a : one related to another in a way suggesting that of father to child b : an old man ― used as a respectful form of address
4 often capitalized : a pre-Scholastic Christian writer accepted by the church as an authoritative witness to its teaching and practice ― called also church father
5 a : one that originates or institutes <the father of modern science> b : SOURCE <the sun, the father of warmth and light ― Lena M. Whitney> c : PROTOTYPE
6 : a priest of the regular clergy broadly : PRIEST ― used especially as a title
7 : one of the leading men (as of a city) ― usually used in plural
–fa·ther·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–fa·ther·less \-ləs\ adjective
–fa·ther·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective or adverb

father
n. transitive verb
1 a : BEGET b : to be the founder, producer, or author of <fathered the improvement plan> c : to accept responsibility for
2 a : to fix the paternity or origin of b : to place responsibility for the origin or cause of <collected gossip and fathered it on responsible men ― J. A. Williamson>
3 : FOIST, IMPOSE
intransitive verb : to care for or look after someone as a father might

father
n. church father
Apostolic Father
city father
Father Christmas
father figure
father image
father in law
Father's Day
Father Time
founding father
Holy Father
Our Father
fathers in law

Father Christmas
British : SANTA CLAUS

father figure
: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

father image
: an idealization of one's father often projected onto someone to whom one looks for guidance and protection

Father Time
: time personified especially as a bearded old man holding a scythe and an hourglass

Father's Day
: the third Sunday in June appointed for the honoring of fathers

father-in-law
1 : the father of one's spouse
2 archaic : STEPFATHER

fatherland
n. 1 : the native land or country of one's father or ancestors
2 : one's native land or country

fatherly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or befitting a father <fatherly responsibilities>
2 : resembling a father (as in affection or care) <a fatherly old man>
–fa·ther·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–fatherly adverb

fathom
n. 1 : a unit of length equal to six feet (1.83 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water ― sometimes used in the singular when qualified by a number <five fathom deep>
2 : COMPREHENSION

fathom
n. 1 : PROBE
2 : to take soundings
transitive verb
1 : to measure by a sounding line
2 : to penetrate and come to understand <couldn't fathom the problem>
–fath·om·able \'fa-thə-mə-bəl\ adjective

Fathom Five National Marine Park
n. reservation Canada in SE Ont. off N tip of Bruce Peninsula

Fathometer
n. ― used for a sonic depth finder

fathomless
adj. : incapable of being fathomed : IMMEASURABLE <fathomless powers of gravity and chemistry ― R. W. Emerson>
–fath·om·less·ly adverb
–fath·om·less·ness noun

fatidic
adj. : of or relating to prophecy

fatigable
adj. : susceptible to fatigue
–fa·ti·ga·bil·i·ty \fə-ˌtē-gə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌfa-ti-gə-\ noun

fatigue
n. 1 a : LABOR b : manual or menial work performed by military personnel c plural : the uniform or work clothing worn on fatigue and in the field
2 a : weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress b : the temporary loss of power to respond that is induced in a sensory receptor or motor end organ by continued stimulation
3 : the tendency of a material to break under repeated stress <metal fatigue>

fatigue
n. transitive verb
1 : to weary with labor or exertion
2 : to induce a condition of fatigue in
intransitive verb : to suffer fatigue
synonyms see TIRE
–fa·tigu·ing·ly \-'tē-giŋ-lē\ adverb

fatigue
n. 1 : consisting of, done, or used in fatigue <fatigue detail>
2 : belonging to fatigues <a fatigue cap>

fatigue
n. battle fatigue
chronic fatigue syndrome
combat fatigue
battle fatigued

Fatima
village cen Portugal NNE of Lisbon

Fatimah
ca 606-633 az-Zahrā' (‘Shining One’) dau. of Muḥammad

fatling
n. : a young animal fattened for slaughter

fatly
adv. 1 : RICHLY
2 : in the manner of one that is fat <waddled fatly>
3 : in a smug manner : COMPLACENTLY <snickered fatly>

Fatshan
― see FOSHAN

fatshedera
: an ornamental foliage plant (× Fatshedera lizei) with lobed glossy palmate leaves that is a hybrid between plants of two different genera of the ginseng family

fatso
n. often disparaging : a fat person

fatstock
n. chiefly British : livestock that is fat and ready for market

fatten
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make fat, fleshy, or plump especially : to feed (as a stock animal) for slaughter b : to make more substantial
2 : to make fertile
intransitive verb : to become fat
–fat·ten·er \'fat-nər, 'fa-tə-nər\ noun

fatti maschii, parole femine
: deeds are males, words are females : deeds are more effective than words ― motto of Maryland, where it is generally interpreted as meaning “manly deeds, womanly words”

fattish
adj. : somewhat fat

fatty
n. 1 : containing fat especially in unusual amounts <fatty foods> also : unduly stout : CORPULENT
2 : GREASY
3 : derived from or chemically related to fat
–fat·ti·ness noun

fatty
n. : one that is fat especially : an overweight person

fatty
n. fatty acid
fatty liver
trans fatty acid

fatty acid
1 : any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids CnH2n+1COOH (as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils
2 : any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils

fatty liver
: an abnormal condition of the liver marked by excess lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes and caused by injury, malnutrition, or toxins also : a liver affected with fatty liver

fatuity
n. 1 a : something foolish or stupid b : STUPIDITY, FOOLISHNESS
2 archaic : IMBECILITY, DEMENTIA

fatuous
adj. : complacently or inanely foolish : SILLY <a fatuous remark>
synonyms see SIMPLE
–fat·u·ous·ly adverb
–fat·u·ous·ness noun

fatwa
n. : a legal opinion or decree handed down by an Islamic religious leader

fatwood
chiefly Southern : LIGHTWOOD

faubourg
n. 1 : SUBURB especially : a suburb of a French city
2 : a city quarter

fauces
n. : the narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx between the soft palate and the base of the tongue
–fau·cial \'fȯ-shəl\ adjective

faucet
n. : a fixture for drawing or regulating the flow of liquid especially from a pipe

faugh
interj. ― used to express contempt, disgust, or abhorrence

Faulkner
n. William Cuthbert 1897-1962 orig. surname Falkner American nov.
–Faulk·ner·ian \fȯk-'nir-ē-ən, -'ner-\ also Faulk·ner·esque \ˌfȯk-nər-'esk\ adjective

fault
n. 1 obsolete : LACK
2 a : WEAKNESS, FAILING especially : a moral weakness less serious than a vice b : a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : DEFECT c : an error especially in service in a net or racket game
3 a : MISDEMEANOR b : MISTAKE
4 : responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <the accident was the driver's fault>
5 : a fracture in the crust of a planet (as the earth) or moon accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other usually in a direction parallel to the fracture
–at fault
1 : unable to find the scent and continue chase
2 : open to blame : RESPONSIBLE <couldn't determine who was really at fault>
–to a fault : to an excessive degree <precise to a fault>
synonyms FAULT, FAILING, FRAILTY, FOIBLE, VICE mean an imperfection or weakness of character. FAULT implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit <a writer of many virtues and few faults>. FAILING suggests a minor shortcoming in character <being late is a failing of mine>. FRAILTY implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation <human frailties>. FOIBLE applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy <an eccentric's charming foibles>. VICE can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others <compulsive gambling was his vice>.

fault
n. 1 : to commit a fault : ERR
2 : to fracture so as to produce a geologic fault
transitive verb
1 : to find a fault in <easy to praise this book and to fault it ― H. G. Roepke>
2 : to produce a geologic fault in
3 : BLAME, CENSURE <can't fault them for not coming>

fault
n. comma fault
double fault
to a fault
at fault
fault line
fault tolerant
fault tolerance
find fault
foot fault
no fault
transform fault
San Andreas Fault

fault line
: something resembling a fault : SPLIT, RIFT <a major conceptual fault line in foreign policy ― Morton Kondracke>

fault-tolerant
: relating to or being a computer or program with a self-contained backup system that allows continued operation when major components fail
–fault tolerance noun

faultfinder
n. : one given to faultfinding

faultfinding
n. : disposed to find fault : captiously critical
synonyms see CRITICAL

faultfinding
n. : petty, nagging, or unreasonable criticism

faultless
adj. : having no fault : IRREPROACHABLE <faultless workmanship>
–fault·less·ly adverb
–fault·less·ness noun

faulty
adj. : marked by fault or defect : IMPERFECT
–fault·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–fault·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

faun
n. : a figure in Roman mythology similar to but gentler than the satyr

fauna
n. : animal life especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment ― compare FLORA
–fau·nal \-nəl\ adjective
–fau·nal·ly adverb

faunistic
: of or relating to zoogeography : FAUNAL
–fau·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Faunus
n. : the Roman god of animals

Faure
(François-) Félix 1841-1899 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1895-99)

Faure
Gabriel (-Urbain) 1845-1924 Fr. composer

Faust
n. : a magician of German legend who enters into a compact with the devil

Fausta
289-326 Flavia Maximiana Fausta; wife of Constantine the Great Rom. empress

Faustian
n. : of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting Faust especially : made or done for present gain without regard for future cost or consequences <a Faustian bargain>

faute de mieux
: for lack of something better or more desirable <sherry made him dopey but he drank it faute de mieux ― F. T. Marsh>

fauteuil
n. : ARMCHAIR especially : an upholstered chair with open arms

fauve
n. : a painter practicing fauvism : FAUVIST

fauve
n. 1 often capitalized : of or relating to the fauves
2 : vivid in color

fauvism
n. : a movement in painting typified by the work of Matisse and characterized by vivid colors, free treatment of form, and a resulting vibrant and decorative effect
–fau·vist \-vist\ noun or adjective often cap

faux
adj. : IMITATION, ERSATZ <faux marble>

faux
adj. faux naif
faux naïf
faux pas
faux bonhomme

faux bonhomme
: pretended good fellow

faux pas
: BLUNDER especially : a social blunder

faux-naif
: spuriously or affectedly childlike : artfully simple <faux-naif prose>

fava bean
: BROAD BEAN

fave
: FAVORITE
–fave adjective

favela
n. : a settlement of jerry-built shacks lying on the outskirts of a Brazilian city

favism
n. : a condition especially of males of Mediterranean descent that is marked by the development of hemolytic anemia upon consumption of broad beans or inhalation of broad bean pollen and is caused by a usually inherited deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate

favonian
: of or relating to the west wind : MILD

favor
n. 1 a (1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior (2) : approving consideration or attention : APPROBATION b : PARTIALITY c archaic : LENIENCY d archaic : PERMISSION e : POPULARITY
2 archaic a : APPEARANCE b (1) : FACE (2) : a facial feature
3 a : gracious kindness also : an act of such kindness <did you a favor> b archaic : AID, ASSISTANCE c plural : effort in one's behalf or interest : ATTENTION
4 a : a token of love (as a ribbon) usually worn conspicuously b : a small gift or decorative item given out at a party c : BADGE
5 a : a special privilege or right granted or conceded b : sexual privileges ― usually used in plural
6 archaic : LETTER
7 : BEHALF, INTEREST
–in favor of
1 a : in accord or sympathy with b : to the benefit of : in support of <a verdict in favor of the accused>
2 : to the order of
3 : in order to choose : out of preference for <turned down the scholarship in favor of a pro career>
–in one's favor
1 : in one's good graces
2 : to one's advantage <the odds were in my favor>
–out of favor : UNPOPULAR, DISLIKED <was out of favor with his neighbors>

favor
n. 1 a : to regard or treat with favor b (1) : to do a kindness for : OBLIGE (2) : ENDOW c : to treat gently or carefully <favored her injured leg>
2 : to show partiality toward : PREFER
3 a : to give support or confirmation to : SUSTAIN b : to afford advantages for success to : FACILITATE <good weather favored the outing>
4 : to bear a resemblance to <he favors his father>
–fa·vor·er \'fā-vər-ər\ noun

favor
n. curry favor
out of favor
in one's favor
in favor of
ill favored
well favored

favorable
adj. 1 a : disposed to favor : PARTIAL b : expressing approval : COMMENDATORY c : giving a result that is in one's favor <a favorable comparison> d : AFFIRMATIVE <a favorable reply>
2 : winning approval : PLEASING <a favorable impression>
3 a : tending to promote or facilitate : ADVANTAGEOUS <a favorable wind> b : marked by success
–fa·vor·able·ness noun
–fa·vor·ably \-blē\ adverb
synonyms FAVORABLE, AUSPICIOUS, PROPITIOUS mean pointing toward a happy outcome. FAVORABLE implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous <favorable weather conditions>. AUSPICIOUS applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event <an auspicious beginning>. PROPITIOUS may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition <a propitious time for starting a business>.

favored
adj. 1 : having an appearance or features of a particular kind <hard-favored>
2 : endowed with special advantages or gifts
3 : providing preferential treatment <favored rates of credit>

favorite
n. 1 : one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking especially : a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority
2 : a competitor judged most likely to win

favorite
n. : constituting a favorite especially : markedly popular

favorite son
1 : one favored by the delegates of his state as presidential candidate at a national political convention
2 : a famous person who is popular with hometown people

favoritism
n. 1 : the showing of special favor : PARTIALITY
2 : the state or fact of being a favorite

favour
n. chiefly British variant of favor

favus
n. : any of several contagious skin diseases caused by ascomycetous fungi (as Trichophyton schoenleinii) and occurring in humans and many domestic animals

Fawkes
n. Guy 1570-1606 Eng. conspirator

fawn
n. 1 : to show affection ― used especially of a dog
2 : to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
–fawn·er noun
–fawn·ing·ly \'fȯ-niŋ-lē, 'fä-\ adverb
synonyms FAWN, TOADY, TRUCKLE, CRINGE, COWER mean to behave abjectly before a superior. FAWN implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention <waiters fawning over a celebrity>. TOADY suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude <toadying to his boss>. TRUCKLE implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior <truckling to a powerful lobbyist>. CRINGE suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility <a cringing sycophant>. COWER suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people <cowering before a bully>.

fawn
n. 1 : a young deer especially : one still unweaned or retaining a distinctive baby coat
2 : KID 1
3 : a light grayish brown
–fawny \'fȯ-nē, 'fä-\ adjective

fawn lily
: DOGTOOTH VIOLET

fax
n. 1 : FACSIMILE 2
2 : a device used to send or receive facsimile communications
3 : a facsimile communication
–fax verb

fax modem
: a computer peripheral capable of sending data to or receiving data from a fax machine or another computer especially over phone lines

fay
n. : to fit or join closely or tightly

fay
n. obsolete : FAITH

fay
n. : FAIRY, ELF

fay
n. : resembling an elf

fay
n. : OFAY

Fayetteville
n. 1 city NW Ark. pop 58,047
2 city SE cen N.C. on Cape Fear River pop 121,015

faze
v. : to disturb the composure of : DISCONCERT, DAUNT <nothing fazed her>

FB
1 foreign body
2 freight bill

FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation

FC
1 fire control
2 follow copy
3 often not capitalized foot-candle

FCA
Farm Credit Administration

FCC
Federal Communications Commission

fcp
foolscap

FD
fire department

FDA
Food and Drug Administration

FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Fe
n. iron

Fe
n. auto da fe
autos da fe
Santa Fe
Santa Fe Trail

fealty
n. 1 a : the fidelity of a vassal or feudal tenant to his lord b : the obligation of such fidelity
2 : intense fidelity
synonyms see FIDELITY

fear
n. 1 archaic : FRIGHTEN
2 archaic : to feel fear in (oneself)
3 : to have a reverential awe of <fear God>
4 : to be afraid of : expect with alarm <fear the worst>
intransitive verb : to be afraid or apprehensive <feared for their lives>
–fear·er noun

fear
n. 1 a : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger b (1) : an instance of this emotion (2) : a state marked by this emotion
2 : anxious concern : SOLICITUDE
3 : profound reverence and awe especially toward God
4 : reason for alarm : DANGER
synonyms FEAR, DREAD, FRIGHT, ALARM, PANIC, TERROR, TREPIDATION mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. FEAR is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage <fear of the unknown>. DREAD usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety <faced the meeting with dread>. FRIGHT implies the shock of sudden, startling fear <fright at being awakened suddenly>. ALARM suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger <view the situation with alarm>. PANIC implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity <the news caused widespread panic>. TERROR implies the most extreme degree of fear <immobilized with terror>. TREPIDATION adds to DREAD the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation <raised the subject with trepidation>.

fear
n. Cape Fear
Fear Cape
God fearing

Fear, Cape
cape SE N.C. at mouth of Cape Fear River

fearful
adj. 1 : causing or likely to cause fear, fright, or alarm especially because of dangerous quality <a fearful storm>
2 a : full of fear <fearful for his safety> b : indicating or arising from fear <a fearful glance> c : inclined to fear : TIMOROUS
3 : very great or bad ― used as an intensive <a fearful waste> <fearful slum conditions>
–fear·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fear·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms FEARFUL, APPREHENSIVE, AFRAID mean disturbed by fear. FEARFUL implies often a timorous or worrying temperament <the child is fearful of loud noises>. APPREHENSIVE suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger <apprehensive of being found out>. AFRAID often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance <afraid to speak the truth>.

fearless
adj. : free from fear : BRAVE
–fear·less·ly adverb
–fear·less·ness noun

fearmonger
: SCAREMONGER
–fear·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ noun

fearsome
adj. 1 a : causing fear <a fearsome monster> b : INTENSE, EXTREME <fearsome determination>
2 : TIMID, TIMOROUS
–fear·some·ly adverb
–fear·some·ness noun

feasible
adj. 1 : capable of being done or carried out <a feasible plan>
2 : capable of being used or dealt with successfully : SUITABLE
3 : REASONABLE, LIKELY
synonyms see POSSIBLE
–fea·si·bil·i·ty \ˌfē-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–fea·si·bly \'fē-zə-blē\ adverb

feast
n. 1 a : an elaborate and usually abundant meal often accompanied by a ceremony or entertainment : BANQUET b (1) : something that gives unusual or abundant enjoyment <a visual feast> (2) : ABUNDANCE, PROFUSION <an unprecedented feast of corruption, gargantuan in scale ― Neil Sheehan>
2 : a periodic religious observance commemorating an event or honoring a deity, person, or thing

feast
n. 1 : to take part in a feast
2 : to enjoy some unusual pleasure or delight
transitive verb
1 : to give a feast for
2 : DELIGHT, GRATIFY <feasting our eyes on the scenery>
–feast·er noun

Feast of Tabernacles

14th century
: SUKKOTH

feat
n. 1 : ACT, DEED
2 a : a deed notable especially for courage b : an act or product of skill, endurance, or ingenuity
synonyms FEAT, EXPLOIT, ACHIEVEMENT mean a remarkable deed. FEAT implies strength or dexterity or daring <an acrobatic feat>. EXPLOIT suggests an adventurous or heroic act <his exploits as a spy>. ACHIEVEMENT implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition <her achievements as a chemist>.

feat
n. 1 archaic : BECOMING, NEAT
2 archaic : SMART, DEXTEROUS

Feather
n. river 100 mi (161 km) N cen Calif. flowing S into Sacramento River

feather
n. 1 a : any of the light horny epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds and that consist of a shaft bearing on each side a series of barbs which bear barbules which in turn bear barbicels commonly ending in hooked hamuli and interlocking with the barbules of an adjacent barb to link the barbs into a continuous vane b archaic : PLUME 2A c : the vane of an arrow
2 a : PLUMAGE b : KIND, NATURE <birds of a feather flock together> c : ATTIRE, DRESS d : CONDITION, MOOD <woke up in fine feather> e plural : COMPOSURE <some feathers had been ruffled ― D. J. Blum>
3 : FEATHERING 2
4 : a projecting strip, rib, fin, or flange
5 : a feathery flaw in the eye or in a precious stone
6 : the act of feathering an oar
–feath·ered \-thərd\ adjective
–feath·er·less adjective
–a feather in one's cap : a mark of distinction : HONOR

feather
n. transitive verb
1 a : to furnish (as an arrow) with a feather b : to cover, clothe, or adorn with or as if with feathers
2 a : to turn (an oar blade) almost horizontal when lifting from the water at the end of a stroke to reduce air resistance b (1) : to change the angle of (airplane propeller blades) so that the chords become approximately parallel to the line of flight also : to change the angle of airplane propeller blades of (an engine) in such a manner (2) : to change the angle of (a rotor blade of a rotorcraft) periodically in forward flight
3 : to reduce the edge of to a featheredge
4 : to cut (as air) with or as if with a wing
5 : to join by a tongue and groove
6 : to hit, throw, pass, or shoot softly and usually with precision <feathered a perfect lob over the net>
intransitive verb
1 : to grow or form feathers
2 : to have or take on the appearance of a feather or something feathered
3 : to soak in and spread : BLUR ― used of ink or a printed impression
4 : to feather an oar or an airplane propeller blade
–feather one's nest : to provide for oneself especially financially by unethically exploiting a position of trust

feather
n. contour feather
feather one's nest
a feather in one's cap
feather bed
feather star
flight feather
prince's feather
tar and feather
white feather

feather bed
1 : a feather mattress
2 : a bed having a feather mattress

feather one's nest
to provide for oneself especially financially by unethically exploiting a position of trust

feather star
: any of an order (Comatulida) of free-swimming stalkless crinoids

featherbed
n. : calling for, sanctioning, or resulting from featherbedding <a featherbed rule> <a featherbed job>

featherbed
n. 1 a : to require that more workers be hired than are needed b : to limit production under a featherbed rule
2 : to do featherbed work or put in time under a featherbed rule
transitive verb
1 : to bring under a featherbed rule
2 : to assist (as an industry) by government aid

featherbedding
n. : the requiring of an employer usually under a union rule or safety statute to hire more employees than are needed or to limit production

featherbrain
n. : a foolish scatterbrained person
–feath·er·brained \-ˌbrānd\ adjective

featheredge
n. : a very thin sharp edge especially : one that is easily broken or bent over
–featheredge transitive verb

featherhead
n. : a foolish person : FEATHERBRAIN
–feath·er·head·ed \ˌfe-thər-'he-dəd\ adjective

feathering
n. 1 : a covering of feathers : PLUMAGE
2 : a fringe of hair (as on the legs of a dog) ― see DOG illustration

featherlight
: extremely light

featherstitch
n. : an embroidery stitch consisting of a line of diagonal blanket stitches worked alternately to the left and right
–featherstitch verb

featherweight
n. 1 : one that is very light in weight especially : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 126 pounds for professionals and 125 pounds for amateurs ― compare BANTAMWEIGHT, LIGHTWEIGHT
2 : LIGHTWEIGHT 2
–featherweight adjective

feathery
adj. : resembling, suggesting, or covered with feathers especially : extremely light

featly
1 : in a graceful manner : NIMBLY
2 : in a suitable manner : PROPERLY
3 : with skill and ingenuity

featly
: GRACEFUL, NEAT

feature
n. 1 a : the structure, form, or appearance especially of a person b obsolete : physical beauty
2 a : the makeup or appearance of the face or its parts b : a part of the face : LINEAMENT
3 a : a prominent part or characteristic b : any of the properties (as voice or gender) that are characteristic of a grammatical element (as a phoneme or morpheme) especially : one that is distinctive
4 : a special attraction: as a : a featured motion picture b : a featured article, story, or department in a newspaper or magazine c : something offered to the public or advertised as particularly attractive <one of the car's most popular features>
–fea·ture·less \-ləs\ adjective

feature
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to resemble in features
2 : to picture or portray in the mind : IMAGINE
3 a : to give special prominence to <the exhibit features local artists> b : to have as a characteristic or feature <a menu featuring many options>
intransitive verb : to play an important part

featured
adj. 1 : having facial features of a particular kind ― used in combination <a heavy-featured lout>
2 : displayed, advertised, or presented as a special attraction

featurette
n. : a short film especially : a short documentary film about the making of a full-length movie

Feb
n. February

febri
: fever <febrific>

febrific
adj. archaic : FEVERISH

febrifuge
n. : ANTIPYRETIC
–febrifuge adjective

febrile
adj. : marked or caused by fever : FEVERISH

February
n. : the second month of the Gregorian calendar
usage Dissimilation may occur when a word contains two identical or closely related sounds, resulting in the change or loss of one of them. This happens regularly in February, which is more often pronounced \'fe-b(y)ə-ˌwer-ē\ than \'fe-brə-ˌwer-ē\, though all of these variants are in frequent use and widely accepted. The \y\ heard from many speakers is not an intrusion but rather a common pronunciation of the vowel u after a consonant, as in January and annual.

fec
he made it

fecal
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting feces

feces
n. : bodily waste discharged through the anus : EXCREMENT

Fechner
n. Gustav Theodor 1801-1887 Ger. physicist & psychol.

feckless
adj. 1 : WEAK, INEFFECTIVE
2 : WORTHLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE
–feck·less·ly adverb
–feck·less·ness noun

feckly
chiefly Scottish : ALMOST, NEARLY

feculent
adj. : foul with impurities : FECAL
–fe·cu·lence \-lən(t)s\ noun

fecund
adj. 1 : fruitful in offspring or vegetation : PROLIFIC
2 : intellectually productive or inventive to a marked degree <a fecund imagination>
synonyms see FERTILE
–fe·cun·di·ty \fi-'kən-də-tē, fe-\ noun

fecundate
v. 1 : to make fecund
2 : IMPREGNATE
–fe·cun·da·tion \ˌfe-kən-'dā-shən, ˌfē-\ noun

Fed
adj. 1 often not capitalized : a federal agent, officer, or official ― usually used in plural
2 a : FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD b : FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

fed
adj. federal; federation

fed up
: tired, sated, or disgusted beyond endurance

fedayee
n. : a member of an Arab commando group operating especially against Israel ― usually used in plural

Federal
n. 1 : a supporter of the U.S. government in the Civil War especially : a soldier in the federal armies
2 : FED 1 ― usually used in plural

federal
n. 1 archaic : of or relating to a compact or treaty
2 a : formed by a compact between political units that surrender their individual sovereignty to a central authority but retain limited residuary powers of government b : of or constituting a form of government in which power is distributed between a central authority and a number of constituent territorial units c : of or relating to the central government of a federation as distinguished from the governments of the constituent units
3 capitalized : advocating or friendly to the principle of a federal government with strong centralized powers especially : of or relating to the American Federalists
4 often capitalized : of, relating to, or loyal to the federal government or the Union armies of the U.S. in the American Civil War
5 capitalized : being or belonging to a style of architecture and decoration current in the U.S. following the American Revolution
–fed·er·al·ly \-d(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

federal
n. federal case
federal court
federal district
federal district court
federal funds
Federal Reserve bank
Federal Reserve Board
Federal Reserve System
Distrito Federal
Federal District
Federal Capital Territory
Federal Way

Federal Capital Territory
― see AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

federal case
: BIG DEAL <don't make a federal case out of it>

federal court
: a court established by a federal government especially : one established under the constitution and laws of the U.S.

Federal District
1 or Portuguese Dis·tri·to Fe·de·ral \dish-'trē-tü-ˌfe-di-'räl\ district E cen Brazil including capital city of Brasília area 2245 sq mi (5814 sq km), pop 2,051,146
2 ― see DISTRITO FEDERAL 3
3 ― see DISTRITO FEDERAL 4

federal district
: a district set apart as the seat of the central government of a federation

federal district court
: a district trial court of law and equity that hears cases under federal jurisdiction

federal funds
: reserve funds lent overnight by one Federal Reserve bank to another

Federal Reserve bank
: one of 12 reserve banks set up under the Federal Reserve Act to hold reserves and discount commercial paper for affiliated banks in their respective districts

Federal Reserve Board
: a 7-member board of governors overseeing the Federal Reserve System

Federal Reserve System
: the central banking system of the U.S. consisting of 12 districts with a Federal Reserve bank in the principal commercial city of each district

Federal Way
city W Wash. NE of Tacoma pop 83,259

federalese
n. : BUREAUCRATESE

federalism
n. 1 a often capitalized : the distribution of power in an organization (as a government) between a central authority and the constituent units ― compare CENTRALISM b : support or advocacy of this principle
2 capitalized : Federalist principles

federalist
n. 1 : an advocate of federalism: as a often capitalized : an advocate of a federal union between the American colonies after the Revolution and of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution b often capitalized : WORLD FEDERALIST
2 capitalized : a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. favoring a strong centralized national government
–federalist adjective often cap

federalization
n. 1 : the act of federalizing
2 : the state of being federalized

federalize
v. 1 : to unite in or under a federal system
2 : to bring under the jurisdiction of a federal government

federate
v. : united in an alliance or federation : FEDERATED

federate
v. : to join in a federation

federate
v. federated church
Federated Malay States
Micronesia Federated States of

federated church
: a local church uniting two or more congregations that maintain different denominational ties ― compare UNION CHURCH

Federated Malay States
former Brit. protectorate (1895-1945) comprising the Malay states of Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, & Selangor capital Kuala Lumpur

federation
n. 1 : an encompassing political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller or more localized entities: as a : a federal government b : a union of organizations
2 : the act of creating or becoming a federation especially : the forming of a federal union

federation
n. Federation of Malaya
Federation of Malaysia
Russian Federation
Rhodesia and Nyasaland Federation of
South Arabia Federation of
West Indies Federation

federative
adj. : of, relating to, or formed by federation <a federative republic>
–fed·er·a·tive·ly adverb

fedn
federation

fedora
n. : a low soft felt hat with the crown creased lengthwise

fee
n. 1 a (1) : an estate in land held in feudal law from a lord on condition of homage and service (2) : a piece of land so held b : an inherited or heritable estate in land
2 a : a fixed charge b : a sum paid or charged for a service
–in fee : in absolute and legal possession

fee
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : HIRE
2 : 9TIP 2

fee
n. contingency fee
contingent fee
in fee
fee for service
fee simple
fee splitting
fee tail
greens fee
green fee
service fee
slotting fee
user fee
user's fee
fees simple
fees tail
scratch feed
bottle feed
breast feed
chicken feed
feed dog
force feed
hand feed
self feed
spoon feed
stall feed
bite the hand that feeds one
corn fed
fed up
bottom feeding
care and feeding
feeding frenzy

fee simple
: a fee without limitation to any class of heirs or restrictions on transfer of ownership

fee splitting
: payment by a specialist (as a doctor or a lawyer) of a part of his or her fee to the person who made the referral

fee tail
: a fee limited to a particular class of heirs

fee-for-service
: separate payment to a health-care provider for each medical service rendered to a patient <a fee-for-service health plan>

feeble
adj. 1 a : markedly lacking in strength b : indicating weakness
2 a : deficient in qualities or resources that indicate vigor, authority, force, or efficiency b : INADEQUATE, INFERIOR
synonyms see WEAK
–fee·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
–fee·bly \-blē\ adverb

feebleminded
adj. 1 obsolete : IRRESOLUTE, VACILLATING
2 : mentally deficient
3 : FOOLISH, STUPID
–fee·ble·mind·ed·ly adverb
–fee·ble·mind·ed·ness noun

feeblish
: somewhat feeble

feed
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give food to b : to give as food
2 a : to furnish something essential to the development, sustenance, maintenance, or operation of <reading feeds the mind> b : to supply (material to be operated on) to a machine
3 : to produce or provide food for
4 a : SATISFY, GRATIFY b : SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE
5 a (1) : to supply for use or consumption (2) : CHANNEL, ROUTE b (1) : to supply (a signal) to an electronic circuit (2) : to send (as by wire or satellite) to a transmitting station for broadcast
6 : to supply (a fellow actor) with cues and situations that make a role more effective
7 : to pass a ball or puck to (a teammate) especially for a shot at the goal
intransitive verb
1 a : to consume food : EAT b : PREY ― used with on, upon, or off
2 : to become nourished or satisfied or sustained as if by food
3 a : to become channeled or directed b : to move into a machine or opening in order to be used or processed

feed
n. 1 a : an act of eating b : MEAL especially : a large meal
2 a : food for livestock specifically : a mixture or preparation for feeding livestock b : the amount given at each feeding
3 a : material supplied (as to a furnace or machine) b : a mechanism by which the action of feeding is effected c : the motion or process of carrying forward the material to be operated upon (as in a machine) d : the act or process of feeding a signal (as an audio or video transmission) also : the signal being fed
4 : the action of passing a ball or puck to a team member who is in position to score

feed
n. scratch feed
bottle feed
breast feed
chicken feed
feed dog
force feed
hand feed
self feed
spoon feed
stall feed
bite the hand that feeds one
corn fed
fed up
bottom feeding
care and feeding
feeding frenzy

feed dog
: a notched piece of metal on a sewing machine that feeds material into position under the needle

feedback
n. 1 : the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)
2 a : the partial reversion of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage b : the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source also : the information so transmitted
3 : a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

feedback
n. feedback inhibition
negative feedback
positive feedback

feedback inhibition
: inhibition of an enzyme controlling an early stage of a series of biochemical reactions by the end product when it reaches a critical concentration

feeder
n. 1 : one that feeds: as a : one that fattens livestock for slaughter b : a device or apparatus for supplying food
2 : one that eats or takes nourishment especially : an animal being fattened or one suitable for fattening
3 a : one that supplies, replenishes, or connects b : TRIBUTARY 2 c : a heavy wire conductor supplying electricity at some point of an electric distribution system (as from a substation) d : BRANCH especially : a branch transportation line e : a road that provides access to a major artery

feeder
n. creep feeder
bottom feeder
filter feeder
self feeder

feeding frenzy
: a frenzy of eating also : the excited pursuit of something by a group

feedlot
n. : a plot of land on which livestock are fattened for market

feedstock
n. : raw material supplied to a machine or processing plant

feedstuff
n. : FEED 2A also : any of the constituent nutrients of an animal ration

feel
n. transitive verb
1 a : to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality b : to perceive by a physical sensation coming from discrete end organs (as of the skin or muscles)
2 a : to undergo passive experience of b : to have one's sensibilities markedly affected by
3 : to ascertain by cautious trial ― usually used with out
4 a : to be aware of by instinct or inference b : BELIEVE, THINK <say what you really feel>
intransitive verb
1 a : to receive or be able to receive a tactile sensation b : to search for something by using the sense of touch
2 a : to be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, or physical condition b : to have a marked sentiment or opinion <feels strongly about it>
3 : SEEM <it feels like spring today>
4 : to have sympathy or pity <I feel for you>
–feel like : to have an inclination for <feel like a walk?>

feel
n. 1 : SENSATION, FEELING
2 : the sense of touch
3 a : the quality of a thing as imparted through or as if through touch b : typical or peculiar quality or atmosphere also : an awareness of such a quality or atmosphere
4 : intuitive knowledge or ability

feel
n. feel like
feel good
feel up
feel one's oats
felt tip
felt tipped
fellow feeling
self feeling

feel like
to have an inclination for <feel like a walk?>

feel one's oats
to act in a newly self-confident and often self-important manner

feel up
: to touch or fondle (someone) for sexual pleasure

feel-good
1 : relating to or promoting an often specious sense of satisfaction or well-being <a feel-good reform program that makes no changes>
2 : cheerfully sentimental : LIGHTHEARTED <a feel-good movie>

feeler
n. : one that feels: as a : a tactile process (as a tentacle) of an animal b : something (as a proposal) ventured to ascertain the views of others

feeler gauge
: a thin metal strip or wire of known thickness used as a gauge

feeling
n. 1 a (1) : the one of the basic physical senses of which the skin contains the chief end organs and of which the sensations of touch and temperature are characteristic : TOUCH (2) : a sensation experienced through this sense b : generalized bodily consciousness or sensation c : appreciative or responsive awareness or recognition
2 a : an emotional state or reaction <a kindly feeling toward the boy> b plural : susceptibility to impression : SENSITIVITY <the remark hurt her feelings>
3 a : the undifferentiated background of one's awareness considered apart from any identifiable sensation, perception, or thought b : the overall quality of one's awareness c : conscious recognition : SENSE
4 a : often unreasoned opinion or belief : SENTIMENT b : PRESENTIMENT
5 : capacity to respond emotionally especially with the higher emotions
6 : the character ascribed to something : ATMOSPHERE
7 a : the quality of a work of art that conveys the emotion of the artist b : sympathetic aesthetic response
8 : FEEL 4
synonyms FEELING, EMOTION, AFFECTION, SENTIMENT, PASSION mean a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation. FEELING denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it <the feelings that once moved me are gone>. EMOTION carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like FEELING encompasses both positive and negative responses <the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence>. AFFECTION applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings <a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family>. SENTIMENT often implies an emotion inspired by an idea <her feminist sentiments are well known>. PASSION suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion <revenge became his ruling passion>.

feeling
n. 1 a : SENTIENT, SENSITIVE b : easily moved emotionally
2 obsolete : deeply felt
3 : expressing emotion or sensitivity
–feel·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–feel·ing·ness noun

feet
n. plural of foot

feet
n. clay feet
cold feet
crow's feet
drag one's feet
feet of clay
to one's feet
on one's feet
off one's feet
at one's feet
stand on one's own feet
in one's stocking feet
sweep one off one's feet
vote with one's feet

feet of clay
: a character flaw that is usually not readily apparent

feetfirst
: with the feet foremost

feeze
n. 1 chiefly dialect : RUSH
2 dialect : a state of alarm or excitement

Fehling's solution
: a blue solution of Rochelle salt and copper sulfate used as an oxidizing agent in a test for sugars and aldehydes

Feiffer
Jules 1929-     American cartoonist & writer

feign
v. intransitive verb : PRETEND, DISSEMBLE
transitive verb
1 a : to give a false appearance of : induce as a false impression <feign death> b : to assert as if true : PRETEND
2 archaic a : INVENT, IMAGINE b : to give fictional representation to
3 obsolete : DISGUISE, CONCEAL
synonyms see ASSUME
–feign·er noun

feigned
adj. 1 : FICTITIOUS
2 : not genuine or real

feijoa
n. : the green round or oval juicy fruit of a shrub or small tree (Feijoa sellowiana) of the myrtle family that is native to So. America and is grown commercially especially in New Zealand also : the tree or shrub

Feininger
Lyonel Charles Adrian 1871-1956 American painter

feint
n. : something feigned specifically : a mock blow or attack on or toward one part in order to distract attention from the point one really intends to attack
synonyms see TRICK

feint
n. : to make a feint
transitive verb
1 : to lure or deceive with a feint
2 : to make a pretense of

feirie
Scottish : NIMBLE, STRONG

feist
n. chiefly dialect : a small dog

feisty
adj. 1 chiefly Southern & Midland a : full of nervous energy : FIDGETY b : TOUCHY, QUARRELSOME c : exuberantly frisky
2 : having or showing a lively aggressiveness : SPUNKY <the movie's feisty heroine>
–feist·i·ness noun

Feke
Robert ca 1705-ca 1750 American painter

felafel
n. variant of falafel

feldsher
: a medical or surgical practitioner without full professional qualifications or status in some east European countries and especially Russia

feldspar
n. : any of a group of crystalline minerals that consist of aluminum silicates with either potassium, sodium, calcium, or barium and that are an essential constituent of nearly all crystalline rocks

feldspathic
adj. : relating to or containing feldspar

felicific
: causing or intended to cause happiness

felicific calculus
: a method of determining the rightness of an action by balancing the probable pleasures and pains that it would produce

felicitate
v. obsolete : made happy

felicitate
1 archaic : to make happy
2 a : to consider happy or fortunate b : to offer congratulations to
–fe·lic·i·ta·tion \-ˌli-sə-'tā-shən\ noun
–fe·lic·i·ta·tor \-'li-sə-ˌtā-tər\ noun

felicitous
adj. 1 : very well suited or expressed : APT <a felicitous remark>
2 : PLEASANT, DELIGHTFUL <felicitous weather>
synonyms see FIT
–fe·lic·i·tous·ly adverb
–fe·lic·i·tous·ness noun

felicity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being happy especially : great happiness <marital felicity> b : an instance of happiness
2 : something that causes happiness
3 : a pleasing manner or quality especially in art or language <a felicity with words>
4 : an apt expression

felid
n. : CAT 1B
–felid adjective

feline
n. 1 : of, relating to, or affecting cats or the cat family
2 : resembling a cat: as a : sleekly graceful b : SLY, TREACHEROUS c : STEALTHY
–feline noun
–fe·line·ly adverb
–fe·lin·i·ty \fē-'li-nə-tē\ noun

feline distemper
: PANLEUKOPENIA

feline panleukopenia
: PANLEUKOPENIA

felix culpa
: fortunate fault ― used especially of original sin in relation to the consequent coming of Christ

fell
n. 1 : SKIN, HIDE, PELT
2 : a thin tough membrane covering a carcass directly under the hide

fell
n. 1 a : to cut, knock, or bring down <fell a tree> b : KILL
2 : to sew (a seam) by folding one raw edge under the other and sewing flat on the wrong side
–fell·able \'fe-lə-bəl\ adjective
–fell·er noun

fell
n. past of fall

fell
n. 1 a : FIERCE, CRUEL, TERRIBLE b : SINISTER, MALEVOLENT <a fell purpose> c : very destructive : DEADLY <a fell disease>
2 Scottish : SHARP, PUNGENT
–fell·ness noun
–fel·ly \'fel-lē\ adverb

fell
n. dialect British : a high barren field or moor

fell
n. clear fell
Sca Fell
clear felling

fella
n. : FELLOW, MAN

fellah
n. : a peasant or agricultural laborer in an Arab country (as Egypt)

fellate
v. transitive verb : to perform fellatio on
intransitive verb : to fellate someone
–fel·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər, -'lā-tər\ noun

fellatio
n. : oral stimulation of the penis

Fellini
n. Federico 1920-1993 Ital. film director
–Fel·li·ni·esque \fə-ˌlē-nē-'esk\ adjective

fellmonger
British : one who removes hair or wool from hides in preparation for leather making
–fell·mon·gered \-gərd\ adjective British
–fell·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ noun British
–fell·mon·gery \-g(ə-)rē\ noun British

fellow
n. 1 : COMRADE, ASSOCIATE
2 a : an equal in rank, power, or character : PEER b : one of a pair : MATE
3 : a member of a group having common characteristics specifically : a member of an incorporated literary or scientific society
4 a obsolete : a person of one of the lower social classes b archaic : a worthless man or boy c : MAN, BOY d : BOYFRIEND, BEAU
5 : an incorporated member of a college or collegiate foundation especially in a British university
6 : a person appointed to a position granting a stipend and allowing for advanced study or research

fellow
n. fellow feeling
fellow man
fellow servant
fellow traveler
fellow traveling
good fellow
hail fellow
hail fellow well met
Odd Fellow

fellow feeling
: a feeling of community of interest or of mutual understanding

fellow man
: a kindred human being

fellow servant
: an employee working with another employee under such circumstances that each one if negligent may expose the other to harm which the employer cannot reasonably be expected to guard against or be held legally liable for

fellow traveler
: a person who sympathizes with and often furthers the ideals and program of an organized group (as the Communist party) without membership in the group or regular participation in its activities broadly : a sympathetic supporter of another's cause
–fel·low-trav·el·ing adjective

fellowly
: SOCIABLE
–fellowly adverb

fellowship
n. 1 : COMPANIONSHIP, COMPANY
2 a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3 : a company of equals or friends : ASSOCIATION
4 : the quality or state of being comradely
5 obsolete : MEMBERSHIP, PARTNERSHIP
6 a : the position of a fellow (as of a university) b : the stipend of a fellow c : a foundation for the providing of such a stipend

fellowship
intransitive verb : to join in fellowship especially with a church member
transitive verb : to admit to fellowship (as in a church)

Felltham
Owen 1602?-1668 Eng. writer

felly
n. : the exterior rim or a segment of the rim of a wheel supported by the spokes

felo-de-se
1 : a person who commits suicide or who dies from the effects of having committed an unlawful malicious act
2 : an act of deliberate self-destruction : SUICIDE

felon
n. 1 : one who has committed a felony
2 archaic : VILLAIN
3 : WHITLOW

felon
n. 1 archaic a : CRUEL b : EVIL
2 archaic : WILD

felonious
adj. 1 archaic : very evil : VILLAINOUS
2 : of, relating to, or having the nature of a felony <felonious assault>
–fe·lo·ni·ous·ly adverb
–fe·lo·ni·ous·ness noun

felonry
n. : FELONS especially : the convict population of a penal colony

felony
n. 1 : an act on the part of a feudal vassal involving the forfeiture of his fee
2 a : a grave crime formerly differing from a misdemeanor under English common law by involving forfeiture in addition to any other punishment b : a grave crime declared to be a felony by the common law or by statute regardless of the punishment actually imposed c : a crime declared a felony by statute because of the punishment imposed d : a crime for which the punishment in federal law may be death or imprisonment for more than one year

felsite
: a dense igneous rock consisting almost entirely of feldspar and quartz
–fel·sit·ic \fel-'si-tik\ adjective

felspar
n. chiefly British variant of feldspar

felt
n. 1 a : a cloth made of wool and fur often mixed with natural or synthetic fibers through the action of heat, moisture, chemicals, and pressure b : a firm woven cloth of wool or cotton heavily napped and shrunk
2 : an article made of felt
3 : a material resembling felt: as a : a heavy paper of organic or asbestos fibers impregnated with asphalt and used in building construction b : semirigid pressed fiber insulation used in building
–felt·like adjective

felt
n. 1 : to make out of or cover with felt
2 : to cause to adhere and mat together
3 : to make into felt or a similar substance

felt
n. past and past part of feel

felt-tip
: a pen having a writing point made of felt
–felt-tip also felt-tipped \-ˌtipt\ adjective

felting
n. 1 : the process of making felt
2 : FELT

felucca
n. : a narrow fast lateen-rigged sailing vessel chiefly of the Mediterranean area

fem
female; feminine

FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency

female
n. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or being the sex that bears young or produces eggs (2) : PISTILLATE b (1) : composed of members of the female sex <the female population> (2) : characteristic of girls or women <composed for female voices> <a female name>
2 : having some quality (as gentleness) associated with the female sex
3 : designed with a hollow or groove into which a corresponding male part fits <the female coupling of a hose>
–fe·male·ness noun

female
n. 1 a : a female person : a woman or a girl b : an individual that bears young or produces large usually immobile gametes (as eggs) that are fertilized by small usually motile gametes of a male
2 : a pistillate plant

female genital mutilation
: clitoridectomy especially as a cultural rite sometimes with removal of the labia that is now outlawed in many nations including the U.S. ― abbreviation FGM ― called also female circumcision ― compare INFIBULATION

feminazi
n. usually disparaging : an extreme or militant feminist

feminine
n. 1 : FEMALE 1A(1)
2 : characteristic of or appropriate or unique to women <feminine beauty> <a feminine perspective>
3 : of, relating to, or constituting the gender that ordinarily includes most words or grammatical forms referring to females <a feminine noun>
4 a : being an unstressed and usually hypermetric final syllable <a feminine ending> b of rhyme : having an unstressed final syllable c : having the final chord occurring on a weak beat <music in feminine cadences>
–fem·i·nine·ly adverb
–fem·i·nine·ness \-nə(n)-nəs\ noun

feminine
n. 1 a : a noun, pronoun, adjective, or inflectional form or class of the feminine gender b : the feminine gender
2 : the embodiment or conception of a timeless or idealized feminine nature <the eternal feminine>

femininity
n. 1 : the quality or nature of the female sex
2 : EFFEMINACY
3 : WOMEN, WOMANKIND

feminise
v. British variant of feminize

feminism
n. 1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
–fem·i·nist \-nist\ noun or adjective
–fem·i·nis·tic \ˌfe-mə-'nis-tik\ adjective

feminity
: FEMININITY

feminize
v. 1 : to give a feminine quality to
2 : to cause (a male or castrate) to take on feminine characters (as by implantation of ovaries or administration of estrogens)
–fem·i·ni·za·tion \ˌfe-mə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

femme
n. 1 : WOMAN 1A
2 : a lesbian who is notably or stereotypically feminine in appearance and manner

femme
n. femme fatale
cherchez la femme
femme de chambre
femmes fatales

femme de chambre
: chambermaid : lady's maid

femme fatale
1 : a seductive woman who lures men into dangerous or compromising situations
2 : a woman who attracts men by an aura of charm and mystery

femoral
adj. : of or relating to the femur or thigh

femoral artery
: the chief artery of the thigh lying in its anterior inner part

femto
: one quadrillionth (10-15) part of <femtosecond>

femtosecond
n. : one quadrillionth of a second

femur
n. 1 : the proximal bone of the hind or lower limb that extends from the hip to the knee ― called also thighbone
2 : the segment of an insect's leg that is third from the body

Fen
n. river 300 mi (483 km) N China in cen Shanxi flowing SSE into the Huang

fen
n. : low land that is covered wholly or partly with water unless artificially drained and that usually has peaty alkaline soil and characteristic flora (as of sedges and reeds)

fen
n. ― see yuan at MONEY table

fen-phen
: a former diet drug combination of phentermine with either fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine ― called also phen-fen

fence
n. 1 archaic : a means of protection : DEFENSE
2 a : a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion or to mark a boundary especially : such a barrier made of posts and wire or boards b : an immaterial barrier or boundary line <on the other side of the fence in the argument>
3 : FENCING 1
4 a : a receiver of stolen goods b : a place where stolen goods are bought
–fence·less \-ləs\ adjective
–fence·less·ness noun
–on the fence : in a position of neutrality or indecision

fence
n. transitive verb
1 a : to enclose with a fence b (1) : to keep in or out with a fence (2) : to ward off
2 : to provide a defense for
3 : to sell (stolen property) to a fence
intransitive verb
1 a : to practice fencing b (1) : to use tactics of attack and defense resembling those of fencing (2) : to parry arguments by shifting ground
2 archaic : to provide protection
–fenc·er noun

fence
n. chain link fence
drift fence
on the fence
fence mending
fence sitting
fence sitter
snake fence
snow fence
stockade fence
straddle the fence
sunk fence
Virginia fence
Virginia rail fence
worm fence

fence-mending
: the rehabilitating of a deteriorated political relationship

fence-sitting
: a state of indecision or neutrality with respect to conflicting positions
–fence-sit·ter noun

fencerow
n. : the land occupied by a fence including the uncultivated area on each side

fencing
n. 1 : the art or practice of attack and defense with the foil, épee, or saber
2 a (1) : FENCE 2A (2) : the fences of a property or region b : material used for building fences

fend
v. transitive verb
1 : DEFEND
2 : to keep or ward off : REPEL ― often used with off <fend off an invader>
3 dialect British : to provide for : SUPPORT
intransitive verb
1 dialect British : to make an effort : STRUGGLE
2 a : to try to get along without help : SHIFT <had to fend for themselves> b : to provide a livelihood

fend
v. chiefly Scottish : an effort or attempt especially for oneself

fender
n. : a device that protects: as a (1) : a cushion (as foam rubber or a wood float) between a boat and a dock or between two boats that lessens shock and prevents chafing (2) : a pile or a row or cluster of piles placed to protect a dock or bridge pier from damage by ships or floating objects b : RAILING c : a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision d : a guard over the wheel of a motor vehicle e : a low metal frame or a screen before an open fireplace f : an oblong or triangular shield of leather attached to the stirrup leather of a saddle to protect a rider's legs
–fend·ered \-dərd\ adjective
–fend·er·less adjective

fender bender
: a minor automobile accident

Fenelon
François de Salignac de La Mothe- 1651-1715 Fr. prelate & writer

fenestra
1 : a small anatomical opening (as in a bone): as a : OVAL WINDOW ― called also fenestra ova·lis \-ō-'vā-ləs\ fenestra ves·tib·u·li \-ves-'ti-byə-(ˌ)lē\ b : ROUND WINDOW ― called also fenestra cochleae fenestra ro·tun·da \-rō-'tən-də\
2 : an opening cut in bone
–fe·nes·tral \-trəl\ adjective

fenestra
n. fenestra rotunda
fenestra cochleae
fenestra vestibuli
fenestra ovalis

fenestrate
adj. : FENESTRATED

fenestrated
adj. : having one or more openings or pores <fenestrated blood capillaries>

fenestration
n. 1 : the arrangement, proportioning, and design of windows and doors in a building
2 : an opening in a surface (as a wall or membrane)
3 : the operation of cutting an opening in the bony labyrinth between the inner ear and tympanum to replace natural fenestrae that are not functional

fenfluramine
: an anorectic amphetamine derivative C_12H_16F_3N with little stimulant effect on the central nervous system formerly used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat obesity but no longer used due to its association with heart valve disease ― see FEN-PHEN

feng
feng shui
Feng Yu hsiang
Feng Yü hsiang
Hua Kuo feng

feng shui
: a Chinese geomantic practice in which a structure or site is chosen or configured so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it also : orientation, placement, or arrangement according to the precepts of feng shui <auspicious feng shui>

Feng Yu-hsiang
1882-1948 Chin. gen.

Fengtien
1 ― see LIAONING
2 ― see SHENYANG

Fenian
n. 1 : a member of a legendary band of warriors defending Ireland in the second and third centuries A.D.
2 : a member of a secret 19th century Irish and Irish-American organization dedicated to the overthrow of British rule in Ireland
–Fenian adjective
–Fe·ni·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

fenland
n. : an area of low often marshy ground

Fenn
John Bennett 1917-     Am. chem.

fennec
n. : a small pale-fawn fox (Vulpes zerda syn. Fennecus zerda) with large ears that inhabits the deserts of northern Africa and Arabia

fennel
n. : a perennial European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) of the carrot family having two cultivated forms: a : the commonly cultivated form (F. vulgare dulce) having aromatic leaves and seeds b : FLORENCE FENNEL

fenny
adj. 1 : having the characteristics of a fen : BOGGY
2 archaic : peculiar to or found in a fen

fentanyl
n. : a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C_22H_28N_2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered especially in the form of its citrate

fenugreek
n. : a leguminous annual Eurasian herb (Trigonella foenum-graecum) with aromatic seeds also : its seeds

feoffee
n. : one to whom a feoffment is made

feoffment
n. : the granting of a fee

feoffor
n. : one who makes a feoffment

FEPA
Fair Employment Practices Act

FEPC
Fair Employment Practices Commission

fer
: one that bears <aquifer>

fer
chemin de fer
chemins de fer
fer de lance

fer-de-lance
: a large extremely venomous pit viper (Bothrops atrox) of Central and So. America

ferae naturae
: wild by nature and not usually tamed

feral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a wild beast <feral teeth> <feral instincts>
2 a : not domesticated or cultivated : WILD b : having escaped from domestication and become wild <feral cats>
synonyms see BRUTAL
–feral noun

Ferber
Edna 1887-1968 American writer

Ferdinand
n. 1503-1564 Holy Rom. emp. (1558-64)

Ferdinand
n. 1578-1637 king of Bohemia (1617-19; 1620-27) & of Hungary (1618-25); Holy Rom. emp. (1619-37)

Ferdinand
n. 1608-1657 king of Hungary (1625-47); Holy Rom. emp. (1637-57)

Ferdinand
n. 1861-1948 king of Bulgaria (1908-18)

Ferdinand
n. 1016(or 1018)-1065 the Great king of Castile (1035-65); of León (1037-65)

Ferdinand
n. of Aragon or V of Castile 1452-1516 the Catholic; husband of Isabella I king of Castile (1474-1504); of Aragon (1479-1516); of Naples (1504-16); founder of the Span. monarchy

Ferdinand
n. 1784-1833 king of Spain (1808; 1814-33)

Ferdinand
n. Ferdinand I
Ferdinand II
Ferdinand III
Ferdinand VII
Francis Ferdinand

fere
1 archaic : COMPANION 1
2 archaic : SPOUSE

Fergana
valley W cen Asia in the Tian Shan in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, & Uzbekistan SE of Tashkent

feria
n. : a weekday of a church calendar on which no feast falls
–fe·ri·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

feria
n. : a Hispanic market festival often in observance of a religious holiday

ferine
adj. : FERAL

ferity
n. archaic : the quality or state of being feral also : BARBARITY

ferlie
Scottish : WONDER

Fermanagh
1 district SW Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 724 sq mi (1875 sq km), pop 54,062
2 traditional county W Northern Ireland

Fermat
n. Pierre de 1601-1665 Fr. math.

Fermat's last theorem
: a theorem in number theory: the equation xn + yn = zn has no solutions when x, y, z, and n are all positive integers and n is greater than 2

fermata
n. : a prolongation at the discretion of the performer of a musical note, chord, or rest beyond its given time value also : the sign denoting such a prolongation ― called also hold

fermata
n. hold one's peace
choke hold
hold with
hold water
hold to account
hold to
hold the line
hold the fort
hold the bag
hold sway
hold one's tongue
hold one's own
hold one's horses
hold one's breath
hold hands
hold forth
hold court
hold a candle to
hold a brief for
on hold
hold back
hold down
hold off
hold on
hold on to
hold out
hold out on
hold over
hold up
scissors hold
take hold
no holds barred
closely held
hand holding
holding company
holding pattern

ferment
n. 1 : to undergo fermentation
2 : to be in a state of agitation or intense activity
transitive verb
1 : to cause to undergo fermentation
2 : to work up (as into a state of agitation) : FOMENT
–fer·ment·able \-'men-tə-bəl\ adjective

ferment
n. 1 a : a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes b : ENZYME
2 a : a state of unrest : AGITATION b : a process of active often disorderly development <the great period of creative ferment in literature ― William Barrett>

fermentation
n. 1 a : a chemical change with effervescence b : an enzymatically controlled anaerobic breakdown of an energy-rich compound (as a carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and alcohol or to an organic acid) broadly : an enzymatically controlled transformation of an organic compound
2 : FERMENT 2

fermentative
adj. 1 : causing or producing a substance that causes fermentation <fermentative organisms>
2 : of, relating to, or produced by fermentation

fermenter
n. 1 : an organism that causes fermentation
2 or fer·men·tor : an apparatus for carrying out fermentation

Fermi
n. Enrico 1901-1954 American (Ital.-born) physicist

fermi
n. : a unit of length equal to 10-13 centimeter

fermion
n. : a particle (as an electron, proton, or neutron) whose spin quantum number is an odd multiple of 1/2 ― compare BOSON
–fer·mi·on·ic \ˌfer-mē-'ä-nik, ˌfər-\ adjective

fermium
n. : a radioactive metallic element produced artificially (as by bombardment of plutonium with neutrons) ― see ELEMENT table

fern
n. : any of a division (Filicophyta) or class (Filicopsida) of flowerless spore-producing vascular plants having alternating sporophyte and gametophyte generations especially : any of an order (Filicales) of homosporous plants possessing roots, stems, and leaflike fronds ― compare SEED FERN
–fern·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–ferny \'fər-nē\ adjective

fern
n. fiddlehead fern
bird's nest fern
Boston fern
Christmas fern
cinnamon fern
fern bar
fern seed
hay scented fern
maidenhair fern
male fern
ostrich fern
seed fern
sweet fern
sword fern
tree fern

fern bar
: a bar or restaurant fashionably decorated with green plants and especially ferns

fern seed
: the dustlike asexual spores of ferns formerly thought to be seeds and believed to make the possessor invisible

Fernandez
Juan ca 1536-ca 1604 Span. navigator

Fernandez
Fernandez de Cordoba
Juan Fernandez
Fernández de Córdoba
Juan Fernández

Fernandez de Cordoba
Gon·za·lo \gȯn-'zä-lō\ 1453-1515 El Gran Capitán Span. soldier & statesman

Fernando
Fernando Póo
Fernando de Noronha
Fernando Poo
San Fernando

Fernando de Noronha
n. island Brazil in the Atlantic NE of city of Natal area 10 sq mi (26 sq km)

Fernando Poo
― see BIOKO

fernery
n. 1 : a place or stand where ferns grow
2 : a collection of growing ferns

ferocious
adj. 1 : exhibiting or given to extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality <a ferocious predator>
2 : extremely intense <ferocious heat>
synonyms see FIERCE
–fe·ro·cious·ly adverb
–fe·ro·cious·ness noun

ferocity
n. : the quality or state of being ferocious

ferous
: bearing : producing <carboniferous>

Ferrara
commune N Italy in Emilia-Romagna NE of Bologna near the Po pop 131,713

ferredoxin
n. : any of a group of iron- and sulfur-containing proteins that function as electron carriers in photosynthetic and nitrogen-fixing organisms and in some anaerobic bacteria

Ferrero
Guglielmo 1871-1943 Ital. hist. & author

ferret
n. 1 a : a domesticated usually albino, brownish, or silver-gray animal (Mustela putorius furo) that is descended from the European polecat b : BLACK-FOOTED FERRET
2 : an active and persistent searcher
–fer·rety \-ə-tē\ adjective

ferret
n. 1 : to hunt with ferrets
2 : to search about
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to hunt (as rabbits) with ferrets (2) : to force out of hiding : FLUSH b : to find and bring to light by searching ― usually used with out <ferret out the answers>
2 : HARRY, WORRY
–fer·ret·er noun

ferret
n. : a narrow cotton, silk, or wool tape ― called also ferreting

ferri
1 : iron <ferriferous>
2 : ferric iron <ferricyanide>

ferriage
n. 1 : the fare paid for a ferry passage
2 : the act or business of transporting by ferry

ferric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or containing iron
2 : being or containing iron usually with a valence of three

ferric
adj. ferric ammonium citrate
ferric chloride
ferric oxide

ferric ammonium citrate
: a complex salt containing varying amounts of iron and used especially for making blueprints

ferric chloride
: a deliquescent dark salt FeCl_3 that readily hydrates to the yellow-orange form and that is used especially for etching, in sewage treatment, and as an astringent

ferric oxide
: the red or black oxide of iron Fe_2O_3 found in nature as hematite and as rust and also obtained synthetically and used especially in magnetic materials, as a pigment, and for polishing

ferricyanide
1 : the trivalent anion Fe(CN)63-
2 : a compound containing the ferricyanide anion especially : the red salt K_3Fe(CN)6 used in making blue pigments

ferriferous
adj. : containing or yielding iron

ferrimagnetic
: of or relating to a substance (as ferrite) characterized by magnetization in which two types of ions of unequal magnetic moment are polarized in opposite directions
–fer·ri·mag·net \'fer-ˌī-ˌmag-nət, 'fer-i-\ noun
–fer·ri·mag·net·i·cal·ly \'fer-ˌī-mag-'ne-ti-k(ə-)lē, ˌfer-i-\ adverb
–fer·ri·mag·ne·tism \-'mag-nə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Ferris wheel
: an amusement device consisting of a large upright power-driven wheel carrying seats that remain horizontal around its rim

ferrite
n. 1 : any of several magnetic substances that consist essentially of ferric oxide combined with the oxides of one or more other metals (as manganese, nickel, or zinc), have high magnetic permeability and high electrical resistivity, and are used especially in electronic devices
2 : a solid solution in which alpha iron is the solvent
–fer·rit·ic \fə-'ri-tik, fe-\ adjective

ferritin
n. : a crystalline iron-containing protein that functions in the storage of iron and is found especially in the liver and spleen

Ferro
pref. ― see HIERRO

ferro
pref. 1 : iron <ferroconcrete>
2 : ferrous iron <ferrocyanide>

ferro-cement
: a building material made of thin cement slabs reinforced with steel mesh

ferrocene
: a crystalline stable organometallic coordination compound (C_5H_5)2Fe also : an analogous compound with a heavy metal (as chromium)

ferroconcrete
n. : REINFORCED CONCRETE

ferrocyanide
1 : the tetravalent anion Fe(CN)64-
2 : a compound containing the ferrocyanide anion especially : the salt K_4Fe(CN)6 used in making blue pigments (as Prussian blue)

ferroelectric
: of or relating to crystalline substances having spontaneous electric polarization reversible by an electric field
–ferroelectric noun
–fer·ro·elec·tric·i·ty \-ˌlek-'tri-sə-tē, -'tris-tē\ noun

Ferrol
El Ferrol
El Ferrol del Caudillo
Ferrol El

Ferrol, El
― see EL FERROL

ferromagnesian
adj. : containing iron and magnesium <ferromagnesian minerals>

ferromagnetic
adj. : of or relating to substances with an abnormally high magnetic permeability, a definite saturation point, and appreciable residual magnetism and hysteresis
–fer·ro·mag·net \'fer-ə-ˌmag-nət\ noun
–fer·ro·mag·ne·tism \ˌfer-ō-'mag-nə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

ferromanganese
n. : an alloy of iron and manganese containing usually about 80 percent manganese and used in the manufacture of steel

ferrosilicon
: an alloy of iron and silicon containing 15 to 95 percent silicon and used for deoxidizing molten steel and making silicon steel and high-silicon cast iron

ferrotype
n. 1 : a positive photograph made by a collodion process on a thin iron plate having a darkened surface ― called also tintype
2 : the process by which a ferrotype is made

ferrous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or containing iron
2 : being or containing divalent iron

ferrous sulfate
: a salt obtained usually in its bluish-green hydrated form FeSO_4·7H_2O that is used especially in making inks, pigments, and other iron salts and in medicine for treating anemia caused by iron deficiency

ferruginous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or containing iron <a ferruginous soil>
2 : resembling iron rust in color

ferruginous hawk
: a large hawk (Buteo regalis) of western No. America that is typically rust-colored above and white below with long tapered wings

ferrule
n. 1 : a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting
2 : a usually metal sleeve used especially for joining or binding one part to another (as pipe sections or the bristles and handle of a brush)
–fer·ruled adjective

ferry
n. transitive verb
1 a : to carry by boat over a body of water b : to cross by a ferry
2 a : to convey (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another : TRANSPORT b : to fly (an airplane) from the factory or other shipping point to a designated delivery point or from one base to another
intransitive verb : to cross water in a boat

ferry
n. 1 : a place where persons or things are carried across a body of water (as a river) in a boat
2 : FERRYBOAT
3 : a franchise or right to operate a ferry service across a body of water
4 : an organized service and route for flying airplanes especially across a sea or continent for delivery to the user

ferryboat
n. : a boat used to ferry passengers, vehicles, or goods

ferryman
n. : a person who operates a ferry

Ferryville
― see MENZEL-BOURGUIBA

fertile
adj. 1 a : producing or bearing fruit in great quantities : PRODUCTIVE b : characterized by great resourcefulness of thought or imagination : INVENTIVE <a fertile mind> c obsolete : PLENTIFUL
2 a (1) : capable of sustaining abundant plant growth <fertile soil> (2) : affording abundant possibilities for growth or development <damp bathrooms are fertile ground for fungi ― Consumer Reports> <a fertile area for research> b : capable of growing or developing <a fertile egg> c (1) : capable of producing fruit (2) of an anther : containing pollen (3) : developing spores or spore-bearing organs d : capable of breeding or reproducing
3 : capable of being converted into fissionable material <fertile uranium 238>
–fer·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē\ adverb
–fer·tile·ness \-təl-nəs\ noun
synonyms FERTILE, FECUND, FRUITFUL, PROLIFIC mean producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit. FERTILE implies the power to reproduce in kind or to assist in reproduction and growth <fertile soil>; applied figuratively, it suggests readiness of invention and development <a fertile imagination>. FECUND emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring <a fecund herd>. FRUITFUL adds to FERTILE and FECUND the implication of desirable or useful results <fruitful research>. PROLIFIC stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction <a prolific writer>.

fertile
adj. cross fertile
self fertile
Fertile Crescent

Fertile Crescent
semicircle of fertile land stretching from SE coast of Mediterranean around Syrian Desert N of Arabia to Persian Gulf

fertility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fertile
2 : the birthrate of a population

fertilization
n. : an act or process of making fertile: as a : the application of fertilizer b (1) : an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination ― not used technically (2) : the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

fertilization
n. cross fertilization
double fertilization
fertilization membrane
in vitro fertilization
self fertilization

fertilization membrane
: a resistant membranous layer in eggs of many animals that forms following fertilization by the thickening and separation of the vitelline membrane from the cell surface and that prevents multiple fertilization

fertilize
v. : to make fertile: as a : to apply a fertilizer to <fertilize land> b : to cause the fertilization of
–fer·til·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

fertilizer
n. : one that fertilizes specifically : a substance (as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

ferule
n. 1 : an instrument (as a flat piece of wood like a ruler) used to punish children
2 : school discipline

ferulic acid
: a white crystalline acid that is structurally related to vanillin and is obtained especially from plant sources (as aspen bark)

fervency
n. : FERVOR

fervent
adj. 1 : very hot : GLOWING
2 : exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : ZEALOUS <fervent prayers>
synonyms see IMPASSIONED
–fer·vent·ly adverb

fervid
adj. 1 : very hot : BURNING
2 : marked by often extreme fervor <a fervid crusader>
synonyms see IMPASSIONED
–fer·vid·ly adverb
–fer·vid·ness noun

fervor
n. 1 : intensity of feeling or expression <booing and cheering with almost equal fervor ― Alan Rich>
2 : intense heat
synonyms see PASSION

fervour
n. chiefly British variant of fervor

fescennine
: SCURRILOUS, OBSCENE

fescue
n. 1 : a small pointer (as a stick) used to point out letters to children learning to read
2 : any of a genus (Festuca) of tufted perennial grasses with panicled spikelets

fescue
n. fescue foot
meadow fescue
red fescue
sheep fescue
sheep's fescue
tall fescue
tall fescue grass

fescue foot
: a disease of the feet of cattle resembling ergotism that is associated with feeding on fescue grass and especially tall fescue

fess
n. 1 : a broad horizontal bar across the middle of a heraldic field
2 : the center point of an armorial escutcheon

fess
n. : to own up : CONFESS ― usually used with up

Fessenden
William Pitt 1806-1869 American polit.; secy. of the treasury (1864-65)

fest
n. : a gathering, event, or show having a specified focus <a music fest> ― often used in combination <a gabfest>

festal
adj. : of or relating to a feast or festival : FESTIVE
–fes·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

fester
n. : a suppurating sore : PUSTULE

fester
n. intransitive verb
1 : to generate pus
2 : PUTREFY, ROT
3 a : to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness : RANKLE <dissent festered unchecked> b : to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration <allowed slums to fester>
transitive verb : to make inflamed or corrupt

festina lente
: make haste slowly

festinate
adj. : HASTEN

festinate
adj. : HASTY <a most festinate preparation ― Shakespeare>
–fes·ti·nate·ly adverb

festival
n. : of, relating to, appropriate to, or set apart as a festival

festival
n. 1 a : a time of celebration marked by special observances b : FEAST 2
2 : an often periodic celebration or program of events or entertainment having a specified focus <a daffodil festival> <a Greek festival>
3 : GAIETY, CONVIVIALITY

festivalgoer
: one who attends a festival

festive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival <a festive occasion>
2 : JOYFUL, GAY <a festive mood>
–fes·tive·ly adverb
–fes·tive·ness noun

festivity
n. 1 : FESTIVAL 1
2 : the quality or state of being festive : GAIETY
3 : festive activity

festoon
n. 1 : a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
2 : a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing a decorative chain

festoon
n. 1 : to hang or form festoons on
2 : to shape into festoons
3 : DECORATE, ADORN also : COVER 4B

festoonery
: an arrangement of festoons

Festschrift
n. : a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar

Festus
Porcius d ca A.D. 62 Rom. procurator of Judea (58 or 60-62)

FET
1 Federal excise tax
2 field-effect transistor

feta
n. : a white moderately hard and crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk and cured in brine

fetal
adj. : of, relating to, or being a fetus

fetal
adj. fetal alcohol syndrome
fetal hemoglobin
fetal position

fetal alcohol syndrome
: a highly variable group of birth defects including mental retardation, deficient growth, and malformations of the skull and face that tend to occur in the offspring of women who consume large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy

fetal hemoglobin
: a hemoglobin variant that predominates in the blood of a newborn and persists in increased proportions in some forms of anemia (as thalassemia)

fetal position
: a position (as of a sleeping person) in which the body lies curled up on one side with the arms and legs drawn up and the head bowed forward and which is assumed in some forms of psychic regression

fetch
v. transitive verb
1 a : to go or come after and bring or take back <fetch a doctor> b : DERIVE, DEDUCE
2 a : to cause to come b : to bring in (as a price) : REALIZE c : INTEREST, ATTRACT
3 a : to give (a blow) by striking : DEAL b chiefly dialect : BRING ABOUT, ACCOMPLISH c (1) : to take in (as a breath) : DRAW (2) : to bring forth (as a sound) : HEAVE <fetch a sigh>
4 a : to reach by sailing especially against the wind or tide b : to arrive at : REACH
intransitive verb
1 : to get and bring something specifically : to retrieve killed game
2 : to take a roundabout way : CIRCLE
3 a : to hold a course on a body of water b : VEER
–fetch·er noun

fetch
v. 1 : TRICK, STRATAGEM
2 : an act or instance of fetching
3 a : the distance along open water or land over which the wind blows b : the distance traversed by waves without obstruction

fetch
v. : DOPPELGÄNGER 1

fetch up
1 : to bring up or out : PRODUCE
2 : to make up (as lost time)
3 : to bring to a stop
intransitive verb : to reach a standstill, stopping place, or goal : end up <may have fetched up running a village store ― Geoffrey Household>

fetching
n. : ATTRACTIVE, PLEASING <a fetching smile>
–fetch·ing·ly \-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

fete
n. 1 : FESTIVAL
2 a : a lavish often outdoor entertainment b : a large elaborate party

fete
n. 1 : to honor or commemorate with a fete
2 : to pay high honor to

fete champetre
: an outdoor entertainment

feticide
n. : the act of causing the death of a fetus

fetid
adj. : having a heavy offensive smell <a fetid swamp>
synonyms see MALODOROUS
–fet·id·ly adverb
–fet·id·ness noun

fetish
n. 1 a : an object (as a small stone carving of an animal) believed to have magical power to protect or aid its owner broadly : a material object regarded with superstitious or extravagant trust or reverence b : an object of irrational reverence or obsessive devotion : PREPOSSESSION c : an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression
2 : a rite or cult of fetish worshipers
3 : FIXATION

fetishism
n. 1 : belief in magical fetishes
2 : extravagant irrational devotion
3 : the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish
–fe·tish·ist \-tish-ist\ noun
–fe·tish·is·tic \ˌfe-ti-'shis-tik also ˌfē-\ adjective
–fe·tish·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

fetishize
v. : to make a fetish of : treat or regard with fetishism

fetlock
n. 1 a : a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal ― see HORSE illustration b : the tuft of hair itself
2 : the joint of the limb at the fetlock

feto
: fetus <feticide>

fetology
n. : a branch of medical science concerned with the study and treatment of the fetus in the uterus
–fe·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

fetoprotein
n. : any of several fetal antigens present in the adult in some abnormal conditions

fetor
n. : a strong offensive smell : STENCH

fetoscope
1 : an endoscope for visual examination of the pregnant uterus
2 : a stethoscope for listening to the fetal heartbeat
–fe·tos·co·py \fē-'täs-kə-pē\ noun

fetter
n. 1 : a chain or shackle for the feet
2 : something that confines : RESTRAINT

fetter
n. 1 : to put fetters on : SHACKLE
2 : to restrain from motion, action, or progress
synonyms see HAMPER

fettle
n. : state or condition of health, fitness, wholeness, spirit, or form ― often used in the phrase in fine fettle

fettle
n. : to cover or line the hearth of (as a reverberatory furnace) with loose material (as sand or gravel)

fettuccine
n. : pasta in the form of narrow ribbons also : a dish of which fettuccine forms the base

fettuccine Alfredo
: a dish consisting of fettuccine with butter, Parmesan cheese, cream, and seasonings ― called also fettuccine all'Alfredo \-ˌal-(ˌ)al-, -ˌäl-(ˌ)äl-\

fetus
n. : an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind specifically : a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth ― compare EMBRYO 1b

Feuchtwanger
Li·on \'lē-ˌȯn\ 1884-1958 Ger. nov. & dram.

feud
n. : a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate especially : BLOOD FEUD
–feud intransitive verb

feud
n. : FEE 1A

feudal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a medieval fee
2 : of, relating to, or suggestive of feudalism <feudal law>
–feu·dal·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

feudalism
n. 1 : the system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture
2 : any of various political or social systems similar to medieval feudalism
–feu·dal·ist \-də-list\ noun
–feu·dal·is·tic \ˌfyü-dəl-'is-tik\ adjective

feudality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being feudal
2 : a feudal holding, domain, or concentration of power

feudalize
v. : to make feudal
–feu·dal·i·za·tion \ˌfyü-dəl-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

feudatory
n. 1 : owing feudal allegiance
2 : being under the overlordship of a foreign state

feudatory
n. 1 : a dependent lordship : FEE
2 : one holding lands by feudal tenure

feudist
: a specialist in feudal law

feudist
: one who feuds

Feuillet
Octave 1821-1890 Fr. nov. & dram.

feuilleton
n. 1 : a part of a European newspaper or magazine devoted to material designed to entertain the general reader
2 : something (as an installment of a novel) printed in a feuilleton
3 a : a novel printed in installments b : a work of fiction catering to popular taste
4 : a short literary composition often having a familiar tone and reminiscent content
–feuil·le·ton·ism \-'tō(n)-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–feuil·le·ton·ist \-nist\ noun

Feulgen
adj. : of, relating to, utilizing, or staining by the Feulgen reaction <positive Feulgen mitochondria>

Feulgen reaction
: the development of a brilliant purple color by DNA in a microscopic preparation stained with a modified Schiff's reagent

feux d'artifice
: fireworks : display of wit

fever
n. 1 a : a rise of body temperature above the normal b : any of various diseases of which fever is a prominent symptom
2 a : a state of heightened or intense emotion or activity b : a contagious usually transient enthusiasm : CRAZE

fever
n. transitive verb : to throw into a fever : AGITATE
intransitive verb : to contract or be in a fever : become feverish

fever
n. dengue fever
breakbone fever
Ebola Fever
paratyphoid fever
parrot fever
snail fever
rabbit fever
blackwater fever
buck fever
cabin fever
cat scratch fever
childbed fever
fever blister
enteric fever
fever pitch
fever tree
glandular fever
hay fever
hemorrhagic fever
Lassa fever
milk fever
phlebotomus fever
puerperal fever
Q fever
rat bite fever
relapsing fever
rheumatic fever
Rift Valley fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
rose fever
run a fever
sandfly fever
scarlet fever
spotted fever
spring fever
swine fever
Texas fever
tick fever
trench fever
typhoid fever
undulant fever
valley fever
West Nile fever
yellow fever
yellow fever mosquito

fever blister
: COLD SORE

fever pitch
: a state of intense excitement and agitation

fever tree
: any of several shrubs or trees that are thought to indicate regions free from fever or that yield remedies for fever especially : an African acacia (Acacia xanthlophloea)

feverfew
n. : a perennial European composite herb (Chrysanthemum parthenium) widely cultivated as an ornamental

feverish
adj. 1 a : tending to cause fever b : having the symptoms of a fever c : indicating or relating to fever
2 : marked by intense emotion, activity, or instability <feverish excitement>
–fe·ver·ish·ly adverb
–fe·ver·ish·ness noun

feverous
adj. : FEVERISH

feverwort
: a coarse American herb (Triosteum perfoliatum) of the honeysuckle family ― called also horse gentian

few
n. : not many persons or things <few were present> <few of his stories are true>

few
n. 1 : consisting of or amounting to only a small number <one of our few pleasures>
2 : at least some but indeterminately small in number ― used with a <caught a few fish>
–few·ness noun
–few and far between : few in number and infrequently met : RARE

few
n. 1 : a small number of units or individuals <a few of them>
2 : a special limited number <the discriminating few>

few
n. few and far between
quite a few
of few words

few and far between
few in number and infrequently met : RARE

fewer
adj. : a smaller number of persons or things

fewer
adj. comparative of few
usage see LESS

fewtrils
dialect English : things of little value : TRIFLES

fey
adj. 1 a chiefly Scottish : fated to die : DOOMED b : marked by a foreboding of death or calamity
2 a : able to see into the future : VISIONARY b : marked by an otherworldly air or attitude c : CRAZY, TOUCHED
3 a : excessively refined : PRECIOUS b : quaintly unconventional : CAMPY
–fey·ly adverb
–fey·ness noun

Feynman
n. Richard Phillips 1918-1988 American physicist

Fez
n. city N cen Morocco

fez
n. : a brimless cone-shaped flat-crowned hat that usually has a tassel, is usually made of red felt, and is worn especially by men in eastern Mediterranean countries
–fezzed \'fezd\ adjective

Fezzan
region SW Libya, chiefly desert

ff
1 folios
2 [following] and the following ones
3 fortissimo

FGM
female genital mutilation

FHA
Federal Housing Administration

fi
fi fa
hi fi
lo fi
sci fi
Wi Fi

fi fa
fieri facias

fiacre
n. : a small hackney coach

fiance
n. : a man engaged to be married

fiancee
n. : a woman engaged to be married

fianchetto
n. transitive verb : to develop (a bishop) in a chess game to the second square on the adjacent knight's file
intransitive verb : to fianchetto a bishop

fiasco
n. : a complete failure

fiasco
n. : BOTTLE, FLASK especially : a bulbous long-necked straw-covered bottle for wine

fiat
n. 1 : a command or act of will that creates something without or as if without further effort
2 : an authoritative determination : DICTATE <a fiat of conscience>
3 : an authoritative or arbitrary order : DECREE <government by fiat>

fiat
n. fiat money
fiat experimentum in corpore vili
fiat justitia ruat caelum
fiat lux

fiat experimentum in corpore vili
: let experiment be made on a worthless body(fi00B7;at ex00B7;pe00B7;ri00B7;men00B7;tum in cor00B7;po00B7;re vi00B7;li

fiat justitia, ruat caelum
: let justice be done though the heavens fall

fiat lux
: let there be light

fiat money
: money (as paper currency) not convertible into coin or specie of equivalent value

fib
n. : a trivial or childish lie

fib
n. : to tell a fib
synonyms see LIE
–fib·ber noun

fib
n. British : PUMMEL, BEAT

fiber
n. 1 : a thread or a structure or object resembling a thread: as a (1) : a slender root (as of a grass) (2) : an elongated tapering thick-walled plant cell void at maturity that imparts elasticity, flexibility, and tensile strength b (1) : a strand of nerve tissue : AXON, DENDRITE (2) : one of the filaments composing most of the intercellular matrix of connective tissue (3) : one of the elongated contractile cells of muscle tissue c : a slender and greatly elongated natural or synthetic filament (as of wool, cotton, asbestos, gold, glass, or rayon) typically capable of being spun into yarn d : mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to peristalsis ― called also bulk roughage
2 : material made of fibers especially : VULCANIZED FIBER
3 a : an element that gives texture or substance b : basic toughness : STRENGTH, FORTITUDE c : essential structure or character <the very fiber of a person's being>
–fi·bered \-bərd\ adjective

fiber
n. acrylic fiber
bast fiber
carbon fiber
elastic fiber
fiber optic
fiber optics
glass fiber
modacrylic fiber
nerve fiber
optical fiber
Purkinje fiber
vulcanized fiber
in bulk
bulk up

fiber optics
1 : thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower refractive index and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as for viewing body cavities)
2 singular in construction : the technique of the use of fiber optics

fiber-optic
: of, relating to, or using fiber optics

fiberboard
n. : a material made by compressing fibers (as of wood) into stiff sheets also : CARDBOARD

fiberfill
n. : synthetic fibers used as a filling material (as for cushions)

fiberglass
n. 1 : glass in fibrous form used in making various products (as glass wool for insulation)
2 : a composite structural material of plastic and fiberglass

fiberglass
n. : to protect or repair by applying fiberglass

fiberize
: to make or break down into fibers
–fi·ber·i·za·tion \ˌfī-b(ə-)rə-'zā-shən\ noun

fiberscope
n. : a flexible instrument utilizing fiber optics and used for examination of inaccessible areas

Fibiger
Johannes Andreas Grib 1867-1928 Dan. pathologist

Fibonacci number
: an integer in the infinite sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,⋯of which the first two terms are 1 and 1 and each succeeding term is the sum of the two immediately preceding

fibr
n. : fiber : fibrous tissue <fibroid> : fibrous and <fibrovascular>

fibranne
: a fabric made of spun-rayon yarn

fibre
n. chiefly British variant of fiber

fibril
n. : a small filament or fiber: as a : ROOT HAIR b (1) : one of the fine threads into which a striated muscle fiber can be longitudinally split (2) : NEUROFIBRIL
–fi·bril·lar \'fi-brə-lər, 'fī-\ adjective

fibrillate
v. intransitive verb : to undergo or exhibit fibrillation
transitive verb : to cause to undergo fibrillation

fibrillation
n. 1 : an act or process of forming fibers or fibrils
2 a : a muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination b : very rapid irregular contractions of the muscle fibers of the heart resulting in a lack of synchronism between heartbeat and pulse

fibrin
n. : a white insoluble fibrous protein formed from fibrinogen by the action of thrombin especially in the clotting of blood
–fi·bri·nous \-brə-nəs\ adjective

fibrinogen
n. : a plasma protein that is produced in the liver and is converted into fibrin during blood clot formation

fibrinoid
adj. : a homogeneous acidophilic refractile material that somewhat resembles fibrin and is formed in the walls of blood vessels and in connective tissue in some pathological conditions and normally in the placenta

fibrinolysin
n. : any of several proteolytic enzymes that promote the dissolution of blood clots especially : PLASMIN

fibrinolysis
n. : the usually enzymatic breakdown of fibrin
–fi·bri·no·lyt·ic \-brə-nə-'li-tik\ adjective

fibrinopeptide
: any of the vertebrate polypeptides that are cleaved from fibrinogen by thrombin during clot formation

fibroblast
n. : a connective-tissue cell of mesenchymal origin that secretes proteins and especially molecular collagen from which the extracellular fibrillar matrix of connective tissue forms
–fi·bro·blas·tic \ˌfī-brə-'blas-tik, ˌfi-\ adjective

fibroblast growth factor
: any of several protein growth factors that stimulate the proliferation especially of endothelial cells and that promote angiogenesis

fibrocystic
: characterized by the presence or development of fibrous tissue and cysts

fibroid
n. : resembling, forming, or consisting of fibrous tissue <a fibroid tumor>

fibroid
n. : a benign tumor that consists of fibrous and muscular tissue and occurs especially in the uterine wall

fibroin
n. : an insoluble protein comprising the filaments of the raw silk fiber

fibroma
n. : a benign tumor consisting mainly of fibrous tissue
–fi·bro·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

fibromyalgia
n. : any of a group of rheumatic disorders affecting soft tissues and characterized by pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures

fibronectin
: any of a group of glycoproteins of cell surfaces, blood plasma, and connective tissue that promote cellular adhesion and migration

fibrosarcoma
n. : a sarcoma of relatively low malignancy consisting chiefly of spindle-shaped cells that tend to form collagenous fibrils

fibrosis
n. : a condition marked by increase of interstitial fibrous tissue
–fi·brot·ic \-'brä-tik\ adjective

fibrositis
n. : a rheumatic disorder of fibrous tissue especially : FIBROMYALGIA

fibrous
adj. 1 a : containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers b : characterized by fibrosis c : capable of being separated into fibers <a fibrous mineral>
2 : TOUGH, SINEWY <fibrous texture>

fibrous root
: a root (as in most grasses) that has no prominent central axis and that branches in all directions

fibrovascular
: having or consisting of fibers and conducting cells

fibrovascular bundle
: VASCULAR BUNDLE

fibula
n. 1 : the outer and usually smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle in the hind or lower limbs of vertebrates
2 : a clasp resembling a safety pin used especially by the ancient Greeks and Romans
–fib·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

fic
: making : causing <felicific>

FICA
Federal Insurance Contributions Act

fication
: making : production <reification>

fice
variant of feist

fiche
n. : MICROFICHE

Fichte
n. Johann Gottlieb 1762-1814 Ger. philos.
–Fich·te·an \-tē-ən\ adjective

Fichtelgebirge
mountains Germany in NE Bavaria; highest Schneeberg 3453 ft (1052 m)

fichu
n. : a woman's light triangular scarf that is draped over the shoulders and fastened in front or worn to fill in a low neckline

ficin
n. : a protease obtained from the latex of fig trees and used as an anthelmintic and protein digestive

fickle
adj. : marked by lack of steadfastness, constancy, or stability : given to erratic changeableness
synonyms see INCONSTANT
–fick·le·ness noun
–fick·ly \'fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

fico
archaic : FIG 2

fict
fiction; fictitious

fictile
adj. 1 archaic : PLASTIC 2A
2 : of or relating to pottery
3 : MALLEABLE 2A

fiction
n. 1 a : something invented by the imagination or feigned specifically : an invented story b : fictitious literature (as novels or short stories) c : a work of fiction especially : NOVEL
2 a : an assumption of a possibility as a fact irrespective of the question of its truth <a legal fiction> b : a useful illusion or pretense
3 : the action of feigning or of creating with the imagination
–fic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–fic·tion·al·i·ty \ˌfik-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–fic·tion·al·ly \'fik-shnə-lē, -shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

fiction
n. fantasy fiction
science fiction
science fictional

fictionalise
v. British variant of fictionalize

fictionalize
v. : to make into or treat in the manner of fiction <fictionalize a biography>
–fic·tion·al·i·za·tion \ˌfik-shnə-lə-'zā-shən, -shə-nə-lə-\ noun

fictioneer
: one who writes fiction especially in quantity and without high standards
–fic·tion·eer·ing noun

fictionist
n. : a writer of fiction especially : NOVELIST

fictionize
: FICTIONALIZE
–fic·tion·i·za·tion \ˌfik-shə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

fictitious
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction : IMAGINARY
2 a : conventionally or hypothetically assumed or accepted <a fictitious concept> b of a name : FALSE, ASSUMED
3 : not genuinely felt
–fic·ti·tious·ly adverb
–fic·ti·tious·ness noun
synonyms FICTITIOUS, FABULOUS, LEGENDARY, MYTHICAL, APOCRYPHAL mean having the nature of something imagined or invented. FICTITIOUS implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception <fictitious characters>. FABULOUS stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence <a land of fabulous riches>. LEGENDARY suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition <the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett>. MYTHICAL implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination <mythical creatures>. APOCRYPHAL implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate <a book that repeats many apocryphal stories>.

fictive
adj. 1 : not genuine : FEIGNED
2 : of, relating to, or capable of imaginative creation
3 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fiction : FICTIONAL
–fic·tive·ly adverb
–fic·tive·ness noun

ficus
n. : FIG 1B

fid
n. : a tapered usually wooden pin used in opening the strands of a rope

fid
n. : divided into (so many) parts or (such) parts <pinnatifid>

fiddle
n. 1 : VIOLIN
2 : a device (as a slat, rack, or light railing) to keep objects from sliding off a table aboard ship
3 : FIDDLESTICKS ― used as an interjection
4 [2fiddle] chiefly British : SWINDLE

fiddle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to play on a fiddle
2 a : to move the hands or fingers restlessly b : to spend time in aimless or fruitless activity : PUTTER, TINKER <fiddled around with the engine for hours> c : MEDDLE, TAMPER d : to make minor manual movements especially to adjust something <fiddled with the radio knobs>
transitive verb
1 : to play (as a tune) on a fiddle
2 : CHEAT, SWINDLE
3 : to alter or manipulate deceptively for fraudulent gain <accountants fiddling the books ― Stanley Cohen>
–fid·dler \'fid-lər, 'fi-dəl-ər\ noun

fiddle
n. bass fiddle
bull fiddle
fiddle away
fiddle faddle
fiddle footed
play second fiddle
second fiddle
bull fiddler
fiddler crab

fiddle away
: to fritter away <fiddling away the time>

fiddle-faddle
: NONSENSE ― often used as an interjection

fiddle-footed
1 : SKITTISH, JUMPY <a fiddle-footed horse>
2 : prone to wander <the nameless fiddle-footed drifters, the shifty riders who traveled the back trails ― Luke Short>

fiddleback
: something resembling a fiddle

fiddlehead
n. : one of the young unfurling fronds of some ferns that are often eaten as greens ― called also fiddlehead fern

fiddler crab
: any of a genus (Uca) of burrowing crabs in which the male has one claw that is greatly enlarged

fiddlestick
n. 1 : a violin bow
2 a : something of little value : TRIFLE <didn't care a fiddlestick for that> b plural : NONSENSE ― used as an interjection

fiddling
adj. : TRIFLING, PETTY <a fiddling excuse>

fiddly
adj. chiefly British : requiring close attention to detail : FUSSY especially : requiring an annoying amount of close attention <the tiny control buttons on the back are fiddly ― M. J. McNamara>

Fidei Defensor
: Defender of the Faith ― a title of the sovereigns of England

fideism
n. : reliance on faith rather than reason in pursuit of religious truth
–fi·de·ist \-ˌdā-ist\ noun
–fi·de·is·tic \ˌfē-(ˌ)dā-'is-tik\ adjective

Fidelista
: an adherent of Castroism

fidelity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being faithful b : accuracy in details : EXACTNESS
2 : the degree to which an electronic device (as a record player, radio, or television) accurately reproduces its effect (as sound or picture)
synonyms FIDELITY, ALLEGIANCE, FEALTY, LOYALTY, DEVOTION, PIETY mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. FIDELITY implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity>. ALLEGIANCE suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country <pledging allegiance>. FEALTY implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow <fealty to the truth>. LOYALTY implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray <valued the loyalty of his friends>. DEVOTION stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication <a painter's devotion to her art>. PIETY stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental <filial piety>.

fidge
chiefly Scottish : FIDGET

fidget
n. 1 : uneasiness or restlessness as shown by nervous movements ― usually used in plural
2 [2fidget] : one that fidgets

fidget
n. : to move or act restlessly or nervously
transitive verb : to cause to move or act nervously

fidgety
adj. 1 : inclined to fidget
2 : making unnecessary fuss : FUSSY
–fidg·et·i·ness noun

fido
n. : a coin having a minting error

fiducial
adj. 1 : taken as standard of reference <a fiducial mark>
2 : founded on faith or trust
3 : having the nature of a trust : FIDUCIARY
–fi·du·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

fiduciary
n. : one that holds a fiduciary relation or acts in a fiduciary capacity

fiduciary
n. : of, relating to, or involving a confidence or trust: as a : held or founded in trust or confidence b : holding in trust c : depending on public confidence for value or currency <fiduciary fiat money>

fidus Achates
: faithful Achates : trusty friend

fie
interj. ― used to express disgust or disapproval

Fiedler
Arthur 1894-1979 American conductor

fief
n. 1 : a feudal estate : FEE
2 : something over which one has rights or exercises control <a politician's fief>
–fief·dom \-dəm\ noun

Field
n. Cyrus West 1819-1892 American financier

Field
n. Eugene 1850-1895 American poet & journalist

Field
n. Marshall 1834-1906 American merchant

field
n. 1 a (1) : an open land area free of woods and buildings (2) : an area of land marked by the presence of particular objects or features <dune fields> b (1) : an area of cleared enclosed land used for cultivation or pasture <a field of wheat> (2) : land containing a natural resource (3) : AIRFIELD c : the place where a battle is fought also : BATTLE d : a large unbroken expanse (as of ice)
2 a : an area or division of an activity, subject, or profession b : the sphere of practical operation outside a base (as a laboratory, office, or factory) <geologists working in the field> c : an area for military exercises or maneuvers d (1) : an area constructed, equipped, or marked for sports (2) : the portion of an indoor or outdoor sports area enclosed by the running track and on which field events are conducted (3) : any of the three sections of a baseball outfield <hits to all fields>
3 : a space on which something is drawn or projected: as a : the space on the surface of a coin, medal, or seal that does not contain the design b : the ground of each division in a flag c : the whole surface of an escutcheon
4 : the individuals that make up all or part of the participants in a contest especially : all participants with the exception of the favorite or the winner in a contest where more than two are entered
5 : the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument
6 a : a region or space in which a given effect (as magnetism) exists b : a region of embryonic tissue capable of a particular type of differentiation <a morphogenetic field>
7 : a set of mathematical elements that is subject to two binary operations the second of which is distributive relative to the first and that constitutes a commutative group under the first operation and also under the second if the zero or unit element under the first is omitted
8 : a complex of forces that serve as causative agents in human behavior
9 : a series of drain tiles and an absorption area for septic-tank outflow
10 : a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which the same type of information is regularly recorded
–from the field : in field goals as opposed to free throws <made 40 percent of his shots from the field>

field
n. : of or relating to a field: as a : growing in or inhabiting the fields or open country b : made, conducted, or used in the field c : operating or active in the field

field
n. 1 a : to catch or pick up (as a batted ball) and usually throw to a teammate b : to take care of or respond to (as a telephone call or a request) c : to give an impromptu answer or solution to <the senator fielded the reporters' questions>
2 : to put into the field <field an army> <field a team> also : to enter in competition
intransitive verb : to play as a fielder

field
n. field pea
field worker
broken field
center field
color field
dark field
dark field microscope
depth of field
electric field
from the field
field artillery
field bed
field corn
field crop
field day
field effect transistor
field event
field glass
field goal
field grade
field guide
field hand
field hockey
field house
field judge
field lens
field magnet
field marshal
field mouse
field mushroom
field officer
field of force
field of honor
field of view
field of vision
field spaniel
field test
field theory
field trial
field trip
field winding
force field
Higgs field
ice field
killing field
landing field
left field
magnetic field
oil field
play the field
playing field
potter's field
quantum field theory
reverse field
reverse one's field
right field
track and field
vector field
visual field
elysian fields
Kolar Gold Fields
fielding percentage
fielding average

field artillery
: artillery other than antiaircraft artillery used with armies in the field

field bed
: a four-poster with a canopy arched at the center

field corn
: an Indian corn (as dent corn or flint corn) with starchy kernels grown for feeding livestock or for market grain

field crop
: an agricultural crop (as hay, grain, or cotton) grown on large areas

field day
1 a : a day for military exercises or maneuvers b : an outdoor meeting or social gathering c : a day of sports and athletic competition
2 : a time of extraordinary pleasure or opportunity <the newspaper had a field day with the scandal>

field event
: an event (as weight-throwing or jumping) in a track-and-field meet other than a race

field glass
: a binocular without prisms especially for use outdoors ― usually used in plural

field goal
1 : a score of three points in football made by drop-kicking or place-kicking the ball over the crossbar from ordinary play
2 : a goal in basketball made while the ball is in play

field grade
: the rank of a field officer

field guide
: a manual for identifying natural objects, flora, or fauna in the field

field hand
: an outdoor farm laborer

field hockey
: a game played on a turfed field between two teams of 11 players each whose object is to direct a ball into the opponent's goal with a hockey stick

field house
1 : a building at an athletic field for housing equipment or providing dressing facilities
2 : a building enclosing a large area suitable for various forms of athletics and usually providing seats for spectators

field judge
: a football official whose duties include covering action on kicks and forward passes and timing intermission periods and time-outs

field lens
: the lens in a compound eyepiece that is nearer the objective

field magnet
: a magnet for producing and maintaining a magnetic field especially in a generator or electric motor

field marshal
: the highest ranking military officer (as in the British army)

field mouse
: any of various mice and voles that inhabit fields

field mushroom
: MEADOW MUSHROOM

field of force

1850
: FIELD 6A

field of honor

1824
1 : BATTLEFIELD
2 : a place where a duel is fought

field of view

circa 1816
: FIELD 5

field of vision

1862
: VISUAL FIELD

field officer
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps of the rank of colonel, lieutenant colonel, or major ― compare COMPANY OFFICER, GENERAL OFFICER

field pea
1 : a small-seeded pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense) widely grown for forage, food, and green manure also : its usually dried green or yellow seed ― compare SPLIT PEA
2 : COW PEA

field spaniel
: any of a breed of medium-sized hunting and retrieving spaniels developed in England that have a flat dense usually black, liver, red, or roan coat

field theory
: any theory in physics consisting of a detailed mathematical description of the assumed physical properties of a region under some influence (as gravitation)

field trial
1 : a trial of sporting dogs in actual performance
2 : a trial of a new product in actual situations for which it is intended

field trip
: a visit (as to a factory, farm, or museum) made (as by students and a teacher) for purposes of firsthand observation

field winding
: the winding of a field magnet

field-effect transistor
: a transistor in which the output current is controlled by a variable electric field

field-test
: to test (as a procedure or product) in actual situations reflecting intended use
–field test noun

fielder
n. : one that fields especially : a defensive player stationed in the field (as in baseball)

fielder
n. center fielder
fielder's choice
left fielder
right fielder

fielder's choice
: a situation in baseball in which a batter reaches base safely because the fielder attempts to put out another base runner on the play

fieldfare
n. : a medium-sized Eurasian thrush (Turdus pilaris) with an ash-colored head and chestnut wings and back

Fielding
n. Henry 1707-1754 Eng. nov.

fielding percentage
: the average (as of a baseball fielder) determined by dividing the number of putouts and assists by the number of chances ― called also fielding average ― compare BATTING AVERAGE

fieldpiece
n. : a gun or howitzer for use in the field

Fields
n. W.C. 1880-1946 orig. Claude William Dukenfield American actor

fieldstone
n. : stone (as in building) in usually unaltered form as taken from the field

fieldstrip
: to take apart (a weapon) to the extent authorized for routine cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs

fieldwork
n. 1 : a temporary fortification thrown up by an army in the field
2 : work done in the field (as by students) to gain practical experience and knowledge through firsthand observation
3 : the gathering of anthropological or sociological data through the interviewing and observation of subjects in the field
–field-work·er noun

fiend
n. 1 a : DEVIL 1 b : DEMON c : a person of great wickedness or maliciousness
2 : a person extremely devoted to a pursuit or study : FANATIC <a golf fiend>
3 : ADDICT 1 <a dope fiend>
4 : WIZARD 3 <a fiend at mathematics>

fiendish
adj. 1 : perversely diabolical <took a fiendish pleasure in hurting people>
2 : extremely cruel or wicked
3 : excessively bad, unpleasant, or difficult <fiendish weather>
–fiend·ish·ly adverb
–fiend·ish·ness noun

fierce
adj. 1 a : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament b : given to fighting or killing : PUGNACIOUS
2 a : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence <a fierce argument> b : extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense <fierce pain>
3 : furiously active or determined <make a fierce effort>
4 : wild or menacing in appearance
–fierce·ness noun
synonyms FIERCE, FEROCIOUS, BARBAROUS, SAVAGE, CRUEL mean showing fury or malignity in looks or actions. FIERCE applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack <fierce warriors>. FEROCIOUS implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality <a ferocious dog>. BARBAROUS implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people <barbarous treatment of prisoners>. SAVAGE implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion <a savage criminal>. CRUEL implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it <the cruel jokes of schoolboys>.

fiercely
adv. 1 : in a fierce or vehement manner <fiercely competitive>
2 : to a high degree : VERY <fiercely expensive>

fieri facias
: a writ authorizing the sheriff to obtain satisfaction of a judgment in debt or damages from the goods and chattels of the defendant

fiery
adj. 1 a : consisting of fire b : marked by fire <a fiery crash> c : using or carried out with fire d : liable to catch fire or explode : FLAMMABLE <a fiery vapor>
2 a : hot like a fire b (1) : being in an inflamed state or condition <a fiery boil> (2) : feverish and flushed <a fiery forehead>
3 : of the color of fire : RED <a fiery sunset>
4 a : full of or exuding emotion or spirit <a fiery sermon> b : easily provoked : IRRITABLE <a fiery temper>
–fi·eri·ly \'fī-rə-lē\ adverb
–fi·eri·ness \'fī-rē-nəs\ noun
–fiery adverb

Fiesole
commune cen Italy in Tuscany NE of Florence pop 14,808

fiesta
n. : FESTIVAL specifically : a saint's day celebrated in Spain and Latin America with processions and dances

Fife
n. administrative area E Scotland bet. Firths of Tay & Forth area 509 sq mi (1319 sq km)

fife
n. : a small transverse flute with six to eight finger holes and usually no keys

fife rail
: a rail about the mast near the deck to which rigging is belayed

FIFO
first in, first out

fifteen
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the first point scored by a side in a game of tennis ― called also five
–fifteen adjective
–fifteen pronoun, plural in construction
–fif·teenth \-'tēn(t)th, -ˌtēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

fifteen
n. five and ten
five and dime
five finger
five of a kind
five spice powder
five star
forty five
high five
take five
Fathom Five National Marine Park

fifth
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 a : the musical interval embracing five diatonic degrees b : a tone at this interval specifically : DOMINANT 1 c : the harmonic combination of two tones at this interval
3 : a unit of measure for liquor equal to one fifth of a U.S. gallon (0.757 liter)
4 capitalized : the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also : the right accorded by the Fifth Amendment to refuse to testify against oneself ― usually used in the phrase take the Fifth
–fifth adjective or adverb
–fifth·ly adverb

fifth
n. fifth column
fifth columnist
fifth columnism
fifth disease
fifth wheel

fifth column
: a group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders
–fifth col·um·nism \-'kä-ləm-ˌ(n)i-zəm\ noun
–fifth col·um·nist \-(n)ist\ noun

fifth disease
: an acute disease especially of children caused by a parvovirus species (B19 virus of the genus Erythrovirus) and characterized by fever, malaise, and a blotchy red rash on the cheeks which spreads to the extremities

fifth wheel
1 a : a horizontal wheel or segment of a wheel that consists of two parts rotating on each other above the fore axle of a carriage and that forms support to prevent tipping b : a similar coupling between tractor and trailer of a semitrailer
2 : one that is superfluous, unnecessary, or burdensome

fifty
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 50 to 59 specifically : the years 50 to 59 in a lifetime or century
3 : a 50-dollar bill
–fif·ti·eth \-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–fifty adjective
–fifty pronoun, plural in construction
–fif·ty·ish \-tē-ish\ adjective

fifty-fifty
1 : shared, assumed, or borne equally <a fifty-fifty proposition>
2 : half favorable and half unfavorable <a fifty-fifty chance>
–fifty-fifty adverb

fig
n. 1 a : an oblong or pear-shaped syconium fruit of a tree (genus Ficus) of the mulberry family b : a tree bearing figs especially : a widely cultivated tree (F. carica) that produces edible figs
2 : a worthless trifle : the least bit <doesn't care a fig>

fig
n. : DRESS, ARRAY <a young woman in dazzling royal full fig ― Mollie Panter-Downes>

fig
n. figurative; figuratively; figure

fig
n. fig leaf
fig wasp
strangler fig
weeping fig

fig leaf
1 : the leaf of a fig tree
2 [from the use by Adam and Eve of fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:7)] : something that conceals or camouflages usually inadequately or dishonestly

fig wasp
: a minute wasp (Blastophaga psenes of the family Agaontidae) that breeds in the caprifig and is the agent of caprification broadly : any wasp of the same family

fight
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to contend in battle or physical combat especially : to strive to overcome a person by blows or weapons b : to engage in boxing
2 : to put forth a determined effort
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to contend against in or as if in battle or physical combat (2) : to box against in the ring b (1) : to attempt to prevent the success or effectiveness of <the company fought the takeover attempt> (2) : to oppose the passage or development of <fight a bill in Congress>
2 a : WAGE, CARRY ON <fight a battle> b : to take part in (as a boxing match)
3 : to struggle to endure or surmount <fight a cold>
4 a : to gain by struggle <fights his way through> b : to resolve by struggle <fought out their differences in court>
5 a : to manage (a ship) in a battle or storm b : to cause to struggle or contend c : to manage in an unnecessarily rough or awkward manner
–fight shy of : to avoid facing or meeting

fight
n. 1 a : a hostile encounter : BATTLE, COMBAT b : a boxing match c : a verbal disagreement : ARGUMENT
2 : a struggle for a goal or an objective <a fight for justice>
3 : strength or disposition for fighting : PUGNACITY <still full of fight>

fight
n. fight shy of
fight or flight
fight song
fighting chair
fighting chance
fighting word
Siamese fighting fish

fight shy of
to avoid facing or meeting

fight song
: a song used to inspire enthusiasm usually during an athletic competition

fight-or-flight
: relating to, being, or causing physiological changes in the body (as an increase in heart rate or dilation of bronchi) in response to stress <epinephrine is a fight-or-flight hormone> <a fight-or-flight reaction>

fighter
n. : one that fights: as a (1) : WARRIOR, SOLDIER (2) : a pugnacious or game individual (3) : 1BOXER 1 b : an airplane of high speed and maneuverability with armament designed to destroy enemy aircraft

fighter
n. fighter bomber
freedom fighter
street fighter

fighter-bomber
: a fighter aircraft fitted to carry bombs and rockets in addition to its normal armament

fighting chair
: a chair from which a salt-water angler plays a hooked fish

fighting chance
: a chance that may be realized by a struggle <the patient had a fighting chance to live>

fighting word
: a word likely to provoke a fight

Figl
Leopold 1902-1965 Austrian polit.

figment
n. : something made up or contrived

Figueiredo
João Baptista de Oliveira 1918-1999 pres. of Brazil (1979-85)

Figueroa
Francisco de ca 1536-ca 1620 Span. poet

figural
adj. 1 : FIGURATIVE 2A
2 : of, relating to, or consisting of human or animal figures <a figural composition>

figuration
n. 1 : FORM, OUTLINE
2 : the act or process of creating or providing a figure
3 : an act or instance of representation in figures and shapes <cubism was explained as a synthesis of colored figurations of objects ― Janet Flanner>
4 : ornamentation of a musical passage by using decorative and usually repetitive figures

figurative
adj. 1 a : representing by a figure or resemblance : EMBLEMATIC b : of or relating to representation of form or figure in art <figurative sculpture>
2 a : expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous : METAPHORICAL <figurative language> b : characterized by figures of speech <a figurative description>
–fig·u·ra·tive·ly adverb
–fig·u·ra·tive·ness noun

figure
n. 1 a : a number symbol : NUMERAL, DIGIT b plural : arithmetical calculations <good at figures> c : a written or printed character d : value especially as expressed in numbers : SUM, PRICE <sold at a low figure> e plural : digits representing an amount (as of money earned or points scored) <made six figures last year> <a score in double figures>
2 a : a geometric form (as a line, triangle, or sphere) especially when considered as a set of geometric elements (as points) in space of a given number of dimensions <a square is a plane figure> b : bodily shape or form especially of a person <a slender figure> c : an object noticeable only as a shape or form <figures moving in the dusk>
3 a : the graphic representation of a form especially of a person or geometric entity b : a diagram or pictorial illustration of textual matter
4 : a person, thing, or action representative of another
5 a : FIGURE OF SPEECH b : an intentional deviation from the ordinary form or syntactical relation of words
6 : the form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term
7 : an often repetitive pattern or design in a manufactured article (as cloth) or natural product (as wood) <a polka-dot figure>
8 : appearance made : impression produced <the couple cut quite a figure>
9 a : a series of movements in a dance b : an outline representation of a form traced by a series of evolutions (as with skates on an ice surface or by an airplane in the air)
10 : a prominent personality : PERSONAGE <great figures of history>
11 : a short coherent group of notes or chords that may constitute part of a phrase, theme, or composition

figure
n. transitive verb
1 : to represent by or as if by a figure or outline
2 : to decorate with a pattern also : to write figures over or under (the bass) in order to indicate the accompanying chords
3 : to indicate or represent by numerals
4 a : CALCULATE b : CONCLUDE, DECIDE <figured there was no use in further effort> also : ASSUME <figure it will rain> c : REGARD, CONSIDER d : to appear likely <figures to win>
intransitive verb
1 a : to be or appear important or conspicuous b : to be involved or implicated <figured in a robbery>
2 : to perform a figure in dancing
3 : COMPUTE, CALCULATE
4 : to seem rational, normal, or expected <that figures>
5 : to make sense of something ― used interjectionally in the phrase go figure to suggest that something is surprising or perplexing <why do they think women will buy this lie? Go figure ― Ellen Bravo>
–fig·ur·er \-g(y)ər-ər\ noun
–figure on
1 : to take into consideration <figuring on the extra income>
2 : to rely on
3 : PLAN <I figure on going into town>

figure
n. action figure
father figure
figure on
figure eight
figure of eight
figure in
figure of merit
figure of speech
figure out
figure skating
figure skater
lay figure
significant figure
stick figure
figured bass

figure eight
: something resembling the Arabic numeral eight in form or shape: as a : a small knot ― see KNOT illustration b : an embroidery stitch c : a dance pattern d : a skater's figure ― called also figure-of-eight

figure in
: to include especially in a reckoning

figure of merit

circa 1865
: a numerical quantity based on one or more characteristics of a system or device that represents a measure of efficiency or effectiveness

figure of speech

1751
: a form of expression (as a simile or metaphor) used to convey meaning or heighten effect often by comparing or identifying one thing with another that has a meaning or connotation familiar to the reader or listener

figure on

1 : to take into consideration <figuring on the extra income>
2 : to rely on
3 : PLAN <I figure on going into town>

figure out
1 : DISCOVER, DETERMINE <try to figure out a way to do it>
2 : SOLVE, FATHOM <figure out a problem>

figure skating
: skating characterized by the performance of various jumps, spins, and dance movements and formerly by the tracing of prescribed figures
–figure skater noun

figured
adj. 1 : adorned with, formed into, or marked with a figure <figured muslin> <figured wood>
2 : being represented : PORTRAYED
3 : indicated by figures

figured bass
: CONTINUO

figurehead
n. 1 : the figure on a ship's bow
2 : a head or chief in name only

figurine
n. : a small carved or molded figure : STATUETTE

figwort
n. : any of a genus (Scrophularia) of chiefly herbaceous often fetid plants of the snapdragon family with terminal cymes of small purple, yellow, or greenish flowers

Fiji
n. islands SW Pacific E of Vanuatu constituting (with Rotuma Is.) an independent dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Suva (on Viti Levu) area 7055 sq mi (18,272 sq km), pop 775,077
–Fi·ji·an \'fē-(ˌ)jē-ən, fi-'\ adjective or noun

Fijian
n. 1 : a member of a Melanesian people of Fiji
2 : the Austronesian language of the Fijians
–Fijian adjective

filament
n. : a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage: as a : a tenuous conductor (as of carbon or metal) made incandescent by the passage of an electric current specifically : a cathode in the form of a metal wire in an electron tube b (1) : a thin and fine elongated constituent part of a gill (2) : an elongated thin series of cells attached one to another or a very long thin cylindrical single cell (as of some algae, fungi, or bacteria) c : the anther-bearing stalk of a stamen ― see FLOWER illustration
–fil·a·men·ta·ry \ˌfil-ə-'men-t(ə-)rē\ adjective
–fil·a·men·tous \-'men-təs\ adjective

filar
adj. : of or relating to a thread or line especially : having threads across the field of view <a filar eyepiece>

filaria
n. : any of numerous slender filamentous nematodes (Filaria and related genera) that as adults are parasites in the blood or tissues of mammals and as larvae usually develop in biting insects
–fi·lar·i·al \-ē-əl\ adjective
–fi·lar·i·id \-ē-əd\ adjective or noun

filariasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by filariae

filature
n. : a factory where silk is reeled

filbert
n. 1 : either of two Eurasian hazels (Corylus avellana and C. maxima)
2 : the sweet thick-shelled nut of the filbert broadly : HAZELNUT

filch
v. : to appropriate furtively or casually <filch a cookie>
synonyms see STEAL

Filchner Ice Shelf
area of shelf ice Antarctica in Weddell Sea

file
n. 1 : a tool usually of hardened steel with cutting ridges for forming or smoothing surfaces especially of metal
2 : a shrewd or crafty person

file
n. : to rub, smooth, or cut away with or as if with a file

file
n. chiefly dialect : DEFILE, CORRUPT

file
n. transitive verb
1 : to arrange in order for preservation and reference <file letters>
2 a : to place among official records as prescribed by law <file a mortgage> b : to send (copy) to a newspaper <filed a story> c : to return to the office of the clerk of a court without action on the merits
3 : to initiate (as a legal action) through proper formal procedure <threatened to file charges>
intransitive verb
1 : to register as a candidate especially in a primary election
2 : to place items in a file
3 : to submit documents necessary to initiate a legal proceeding <file for bankruptcy>
–fil·er \'fī-lər\ noun

file
n. 1 : a device (as a folder, case, or cabinet) by means of which papers are kept in order
2 a archaic : ROLL, LIST b : a collection of papers or publications usually arranged or classified c (1) : a collection of related data records (as for a computer) (2) : a complete collection of data (as text or a program) treated by a computer as a unit especially for purposes of input and output
–on file : in or as if in a file for ready reference

file
n. 1 : SINGLE FILE
2 : any of the rows of squares that extend across a chessboard from one player's side to the other player's side

file
n. : to march or proceed in single file

file
n. : powdered young leaves of sassafras used to thicken soups or stews

file
n. spindle file
circular file
cross file
on file
file clerk
Indian file
nail file
rank and file
rat tail file
single file
vertical file
rank and filer

file clerk
: a clerk who works on files

filefish
n. : any of various small-mouthed bony fishes (family Monacantidae, especially genera Aluterus, Cantherhines, and Monacanthus) with rough granular leathery skin

filet
n. : a lace with a square mesh and geometric designs

filet mignon
: a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a beef tenderloin

fili
: thread <filiform>

filial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter <filial obedience>
2 : having or assuming the relation of a child or offspring
–fil·ial·ly \-lē-ə-lē, -yə-lē\ adverb

filial generation
: a generation in a breeding experiment that is successive to a mating between parents of two distinctively different but usually relatively pure genotypes

filiation
n. 1 a : filial relationship especially of a son to his father b : the adjudication of paternity
2 a : descent or derivation especially from a culture or language b : the act or process of determining such relationship

filibuster
n. 1 : an irregular military adventurer specifically : an American engaged in fomenting insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century
2 [2filibuster] a : the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly b : an instance of this practice

filibuster
n. intransitive verb
1 : to carry out insurrectionist activities in a foreign country
2 : to engage in a filibuster
transitive verb : to subject to a filibuster
–fil·i·bus·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

filicide
n. : the murder of one's own daughter or son

filiform
adj. : shaped like a filament

filigree
n. 1 : ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
2 a : ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design b : a pattern or design resembling such openwork <a filigree of frost> c : ORNAMENTATION, EMBELLISHMENT <writings⋯heavy with late Victorian filigree ― Jack Beatty>

filigree
n. : to adorn with or as if with filigree

filing
n. 1 : an act or instance of using a file
2 : a fragment rubbed off in filing <iron filings>

filing
n. 1 : an act or instance of filing something
2 : a document filed

filiopietistic
: of or relating to an often excessive veneration of ancestors or tradition
–fil·io·pi·e·tism \ˌfi-lē-ō-'pī-ə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Filipina
n. : a Filipino girl or woman

Filipinas, Republica de
― see PHILIPPINES

Filipino
n. 1 : a native of the Philippine Islands
2 : a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
3 : the Tagalog-based official language of the Republic of the Philippines
–Filipino adjective

fill
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put into as much as can be held or conveniently contained <fill a cup with water> b : to supply with a full complement <the class is filled> c (1) : to cause to swell or billow <wind filled the sails> (2) : to trim (a sail) to catch the wind d : to raise the level of with fill <filled land> e : to repair the cavities of (teeth) f : to stop up : OBSTRUCT <wreckage filled the channel> g : to stop up the interstices, crevices, or pores of (as cloth, wood, or leather) with a foreign substance
2 a : FEED, SATIATE b : SATISFY, FULFILL <fills all requirements> c : MAKE OUT, COMPLETE ― used with out or in <fill out a form> <fill in the blanks> d : to draw the playing cards necessary to complete (as a straight or flush in poker)
3 a : to occupy the whole of <smoke filled the room> b : to spread through <music filled the air> c : to make full <a mind filled with fantasies>
4 a : to possess and perform the duties of : HOLD <fill an office> b : to place a person in <fill a vacancy>
5 : to supply as directed <fill a prescription>
6 : to cover the surface of with a layer of precious metal
intransitive verb : to become full
–fill one's shoes : to take over one's job, position, or responsibilities

fill
n. 1 : a full supply especially : a quantity that satisfies or satiates <eat your fill>
2 : something that fills: as a : material used to fill a receptacle, cavity, passage, or low place b : a bit of instrumental music that fills the pauses between phrases (as of a vocalist or soloist) c : artificial light used in photography to reduce or eliminate shadows ― often used attributively <fill flash>

fill
n. back and fill
fill the bill
fill one's shoes
fill away
fill in
fill out
fill up
gold filled
smoke filled room
filling station

fill away
1 : to trim a sail to catch the wind
2 : to proceed on the course especially after being brought up in the wind

fill in
1 : to enrich (as a design) with detail
2 : to give necessary or recently acquired information to <I'll fill you in>
intransitive verb : to fill a vacancy usually temporarily <interns filled in for regular staffers>

fill one's shoes
to take over one's job, position, or responsibilities

fill out
: to put on flesh

fill the bill
or fit the bill : to be exactly what is needed : be suitable

fill-in
: someone or something that fills in

fill-up
: an action or instance of filling up something (as a gas tank)

fille d'honneur
: maid of honor

fille de chambre
: lady's maid

filler
n. : one that fills: as a : a substance added to a product (as to increase bulk, weight, viscosity, opacity, or strength) b : a composition used to fill the pores and grain especially of a wood surface before painting or varnishing c : a piece used to cover or fill in a space between two parts of a structure d : tobacco used to form the core of a cigar e : material used to fill extra space in a column or page of a newspaper or magazine or to increase the size of a work (as a book) f : a pack of paper for a loose-leaf notebook g : a sound, word, or phrase (as “you know?”) used to fill pauses in speaking

filler
n. ― see forint at MONEY table

fillet
n. 1 : a ribbon or narrow strip of material used especially as a headband
2 a : a thin narrow strip of material b : a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish especially : the tenderloin of beef
3 a : a concave junction formed where two surfaces meet (as at an angle) b : a strip that gives a rounded appearance to such a junction also : a strip to reinforce the corner where two surfaces meet
4 : a narrow flat architectural member: a : a flat molding separating others b : the space between two flutings in a shaft

fillet
n. 1 : to bind, furnish, or adorn with or as if with a fillet
2 : to cut into fillets

fillet
n. fillet weld
filet mignon
filets mignons

fillet weld
: a weld of approximately triangular cross section used to join two pieces especially perpendicularly

filling
n. 1 : an act or instance of filling
2 : something used to fill a cavity, container, or depression
3 : something that completes: as a : the yarn interlacing the warp in a fabric also : yarn for the shuttle b : a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches

filling station
: GAS STATION

fillip
n. 1 a : to make a filliping motion with b : to strike or tap with a fillip <filliped him on the nose>
2 : to project quickly by or as if by a fillip <fillip crumbs off the table>
3 : STIMULATE <with this to fillip his spirits ― Robert Westerby>

fillip
n. 1 a : a blow or gesture made by the sudden forcible straightening of a finger curled up against the thumb b : a short sharp blow : BUFFET
2 : something tending to arouse or excite: as a : STIMULUS <just the fillip my confidence needed> <lent a fillip of danger to the sport> b : a trivial addition : EMBELLISHMENT <showy fillips of language> c : a significant and often unexpected development : WRINKLE <plot twists and fillips>

Fillmore
n. Millard 1800-1874 13th pres. of the U.S. (1850-53)

filly
n. 1 : a young female horse usually of less than four years
2 : a young woman : GIRL

film
n. 1 a : a thin skin or membranous covering : PELLICLE b : an abnormal growth on or in the eye
2 : a thin covering or coating <a film of ice>
3 a : an exceedingly thin layer : LAMINA b (1) : a thin flexible transparent sheet (as of plastic) used especially as a wrapping (2) : a thin sheet of cellulose acetate or nitrocellulose coated with a radiation-sensitive emulsion for taking photographs
4 : MOTION PICTURE
–film·less \-ləs\ adjective

film
n. 1 : to cover with or as if with a film
2 : to make a motion picture of or from <film a scene>
intransitive verb
1 : to become covered or obscured with or as if with a film
2 : to make a motion picture
–film·able \'fil-mə-bəl\ adjective

film
n. film badge
film noir
film noirs
roll film
thin film
films noirs
films noir

film badge
: a small pack of sensitive photographic film worn as a badge for indicating exposure to radiation

film noir
: a type of crime film featuring cynical malevolent characters in a sleazy setting and an ominous atmosphere that is conveyed by shadowy photography and foreboding background music also : a film of this type

filmdom
n. : the motion-picture industry

filmgoer
n. : one who frequently attends films

filmic
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling motion pictures
–film·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

filmland
n. : FILMDOM

filmmaker
n. : one who makes motion pictures

filmmaking
n. : the making of motion pictures

filmography
n. : a list of motion pictures featuring the work of a prominent film figure or relating to a particular topic

filmsetting
n. : PHOTOCOMPOSITION
–film·set·ter noun

filmstrip
n. : a strip of film bearing a sequence of images for projection as still pictures

filmy
adj. 1 : of, resembling, or composed of film : GAUZY <filmy draperies>
2 : covered with a haze or film
–film·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–film·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

filo
n. variant of phyllo

filo
n. ― see FILI-

filovirus
n. : any of a family (Filoviridae) of single-stranded chiefly filamentous RNA viruses infecting vertebrates that includes the Marburg virus and the Ebola viruses

fils
n. : SON ― used after a family name to distinguish a son from his father

fils
n. ― see dinar, dirham, rial at MONEY table

filter
n. 1 a : a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension b : an apparatus containing a filter medium
2 a : a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound) b : a transparent material (as colored glass) that absorbs light of certain wavelengths or colors selectively and is used for modifying light that reaches a sensitized photographic material ― called also color filter
3 : something that has the effect of a filter (as by holding back elements or modifying the appearance of something) <his work is too often viewed through the filter of race ― Brent Staples>
4 : software for sorting or blocking access to certain online material

filter
n. transitive verb
1 : to subject to the action of a filter
2 : to remove by means of a filter
intransitive verb
1 : to pass or move through or as if through a filter
2 : to come or go in small units over a period of time <people began filtering in>

filter
n. color filter
band pass filter
filter bed
filter feeder
filter paper
filter tip
filter tipped

filter bed
: a sand or gravel bed for filtering water or sewage

filter feeder
: an animal (as a clam or baleen whale) that obtains its food by filtering organic matter or minute organisms from a current of water that passes through some part of its system

filter paper
: porous unsized paper used especially for filtering

filter tip
: a cigar or cigarette tip designed to filter the smoke before it enters the smoker's mouth also : a cigar or cigarette provided with such a tip
–fil·ter-tipped \ˌfil-tər-'tipt\ adjective

filterable
adj. : capable of being filtered or of passing through a filter
–fil·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌfil-t(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

filterable virus
: any of the infectious agents that pass through a filter of diatomite or unglazed porcelain with the filtrate and remain virulent and that include the viruses as presently understood and various other groups (as the mycoplasmas and rickettsias) which were orig. considered viruses before their cellular nature was established

filth
n. 1 : foul or putrid matter especially : loathsome dirt or refuse
2 a : moral corruption or defilement b : something that tends to corrupt or defile

filthy
adj. 1 : covered with, containing, or characterized by filth
2 a : UNDERHAND, VILE b : OBSCENE <filthy language>
synonyms see DIRTY
–filth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–filth·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

filthy
adj. : in a filthy manner <filthy dirty> <filthy rich>

filtrate
n. : fluid that has passed through a filter

filtration
n. 1 : the process of filtering
2 : the process of passing through or as if through a filter also : DIFFUSION

fimbria
n. 1 : a bordering fringe especially at the entrance of the fallopian tubes
2 : a pilus of a bacterium
–fim·bri·al \-brē-əl\ adjective

fimbriated
adj. : having the edge or extremity bordered by slender processes : FRINGED
–fim·bri·a·tion \ˌfim-brē-'ā-shən\ noun

fin
n. 1 : an external membranous process of an aquatic animal (as a fish) used in propelling or guiding the body ― see FISH illustration
2 : something resembling a fin: as a : HAND, ARM b (1) : an appendage of a boat (as a submarine) (2) : an airfoil attached to an airplane for directional stability c : FLIPPER 1B d : any of the projecting ribs on a radiator or an engine cylinder
–fin·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–finned \'find\ adjective

fin
n. transitive verb : to equip with fins
intransitive verb
1 : to show the fins above the water
2 : to move through water propelled by fins

fin
n. slang : a 5-dollar bill

fin
n. 1 finance; financial
2 finish

fin
n. lobe fin
fin de siecle
fin de siècle
fin whale
pectoral fin
pelvic fin
swim fin
tail fin
lobe finned

fin de siecle
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the close of the 19th century and especially its literary and artistic climate of sophistication, world-weariness, and fashionable despair
2 : of or relating to the end of a century
–fin de siècle noun

fin whale
: a baleen whale (Balaenoptera physalus) that may attain a length of over 70 feet (21 meters) and is found chiefly in subtropical to arctic and antarctic waters worldwide ― called also finback

finagle
v. transitive verb
1 : to obtain by indirect or involved means <finagle a ride home>
2 : to obtain by trickery <finagled his way into the concert>
intransitive verb : to use devious or dishonest methods to achieve one's ends
–fi·na·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

final
n. 1 a : not to be altered or undone <all sales are final> b : of or relating to a concluding court action or proceeding <final decree>
2 : coming at the end : being the last in a series, process, or progress <the final chapter>
3 : of or relating to the ultimate purpose or result of a process <our final goal>
synonyms see LAST
–fi·nal·ly \'fī-nəl-ē, 'fīn-lē\ adverb

final
n. : something that is final: as a : a deciding match, game, heat, or trial ― usually used in plural b : the last examination in a course ― often used in plural

final solution
: the Nazi program for extermination of all Jews in Europe

finale
n. : the close or termination of something: as a : the last section of an instrumental musical composition b : the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance c : the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence

finalise
v. British variant of finalize

finalist
n. : a contestant in a competition finals

finality
n. 1 a : the character or condition of being final, settled, irrevocable, or complete b : the condition of being at an ultimate point especially of development or authority
2 : something final especially : a fundamental fact, action, or belief

finalize
v. 1 : to put in final or finished form <soon my conclusion will be finalized ― D. D. Eisenhower>
2 : to give final approval to <finalizing the papers prepared⋯by his staff ― Newsweek>
–fi·nal·i·za·tion \ˌfī-nə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
usage Finalize has been frequently castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government gobbledygook. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The U.S. Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -IZE). Currently, it is most frequently used in government and business dealings; it usually is not found in belles-lettres.

finance
n. 1 plural : money or other liquid resources of a government, business, group, or individual
2 : the system that includes the circulation of money, the granting of credit, the making of investments, and the provision of banking facilities
3 : the science or study of the management of funds
4 : the obtaining of funds or capital : FINANCING

finance
n. 1 a : to raise or provide funds or capital for <finance a new house> b : to furnish with necessary funds <finance a son through college>
2 : to sell something to on credit

finance company
: a company that makes usually small short-term loans usually to individuals

financial
adj. : relating to finance or financiers <financial aid> <the financial district>
–fi·nan·cial·ly \-'nan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

financials
n. : financial statistics <reviewed the company's financials>

financier
n. 1 : one who specializes in raising and expending public moneys
2 : one who deals with finance and investment on a large scale

financing
n. : the act or process or an instance of raising or providing funds also : the funds thus raised or provided

finasteride
: a nitrogenous steroid derivative C_23H_36N_2O_2 that is used especially to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and to increase hair growth in male-pattern baldness

finback
n. : FIN WHALE

finca
n. : a rural property, ranch, or farm in Spain or Spanish America

finch
n. : any of numerous passerine songbirds (families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, Emberizidae, and Cardinalidae) having a short stout usually conical bill adapted for crushing seeds

finch
n. house finch
purple finch
zebra finch
Darwin's finches

Finchley
former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Barnet

find
n. transitive verb
1 a : to come upon often accidentally : ENCOUNTER b : to meet with (a particular reception) <hoped to find favor>
2 a : to come upon by searching or effort <must find a suitable person for the job> b : to discover by study or experiment <find an answer> c : to obtain by effort or management <find the time to study> d : ATTAIN, REACH <the bullet found its mark>
3 a : to discover by the intellect or the feelings : EXPERIENCE <find much pleasure in your company> b : to perceive (oneself) to be in a certain place or condition c : to gain or regain the use or power of <trying to find his tongue> d : to bring (oneself) to a realization of one's powers or of one's proper sphere of activity <must help the student to find himself as an individual ― N. M. Pusey>
4 a : PROVIDE, SUPPLY b : to furnish (room and board) especially as a condition of employment
5 : to determine and make a statement about <find a verdict> <found her guilty>
intransitive verb : to determine a case judicially by a verdict <find for the defendant>
–find·able \'fīn-də-bəl\ adjective
–find fault : to criticize unfavorably

find
n. 1 : an act or instance of finding
2 : something found: as a : a valuable discovery <an archaeological find> b : a person whose ability proves to be unexpectedly good

find
n. find fault
find out
found object
found poem
well found
fact finding
well founded
founding father

find fault
to criticize unfavorably

find out
1 : to learn by study, observation, or search : DISCOVER
2 a : to catch in an offense (as a crime) <the culprits were soon found out> b : to ascertain the true character or identity of <the informer was found out>
intransitive verb : to discover, learn, or verify something <I don't know, but I'll find out for you>

finder
n. 1 : one that finds
2 : a small astronomical telescope of low power and wide field attached to a larger telescope for finding an object
3 : VIEWFINDER

finder
n. direction finder
fact finder
range finder

finding
n. 1 a : the act of one that finds b : FIND 2
2 plural : small tools and supplies used by an artisan (as a dressmaker, jeweler, or shoemaker)
3 a : the result of a judicial examination or inquiry b : the results of an investigation ― usually used in plural

Findlay
city NW Ohio pop 38,967

fine
n. 1 obsolete : END, CONCLUSION
2 : a compromise of a fictitious suit used as a form of conveyance of lands
3 a : a sum imposed as punishment for an offense b : a forfeiture or penalty paid to an injured party in a civil action
–in fine : in short

fine
n. : to impose a fine on : punish by a fine

fine
n. 1 a : free from impurity b of a metal : having a stated proportion of pure metal in the composition expressed in parts per thousand <a gold coin .9166 fine>
2 a (1) : very thin in gauge or texture <fine thread> (2) : not coarse <fine sand> (3) : very small <fine print> (4) : KEEN <a knife with a fine edge> (5) : very precise or accurate <a fine adjustment> <trying to be too fine with his pitches> b : physically trained or hardened close to the limit of efficiency ― used of an athlete or animal
3 : delicate, subtle, or sensitive in quality, perception, or discrimination <a fine distinction>
4 : superior in kind, quality, or appearance : EXCELLENT <a fine job> <a fine day> <fine wines>
5 a : ORNATE 1 <fine writing> b : marked by or affecting elegance or refinement <fine manners>
6 a : very well <feel fine> b : ALL RIGHT <that's fine with me>
7 ― used as an intensive <the leader, in a fine frenzy, beheaded one of his wives ― Brian Crozier>
–fine·ness \'fīn-nəs\ noun

fine
n. 1 : FINELY: as a : very well b : ALL RIGHT
2 : with a very narrow margin of time or space <she had not intended to cut her escape so fine ― Melinda Beck et al.>

fine
n. transitive verb
1 : PURIFY, CLARIFY <fine and filter wine>
2 : to make finer in quality or size
intransitive verb
1 : to become pure or clear <the ale will fine>
2 : to become smaller in lines or proportions

fine
n. : END ― used as a direction in music to mark the closing point after a repeat

fine
n. in fine
fine art
fine print
fine structure
fine structural
fine tooth comb
fine tune
fines herbes

fine art
1 a : art (as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects ― usually used in plural b : objects of fine art
2 : an activity requiring a fine skill

fine print
: something thoroughly and often deliberately obscure especially : a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions and limitations often in small type or obscure language

fine structure
: microscopic structure of a biological entity or one of its parts especially as studied in preparations for the electron microscope
–fine structural adjective

fine-tooth comb
1 : a comb with close-set teeth used especially for clearing parasites or foreign matter from the hair
2 : an attitude or system of thorough searching or scrutinizing <went over the report with a fine-tooth comb>

fine-tune
1 a : to adjust precisely so as to bring to the highest level of performance or effectiveness <fine-tune a TV set> <fine-tune the format> b : to improve through minor alteration or revision <fine-tune the temperature of the room>
2 : to stabilize (an economy) by small-scale fiscal and monetary manipulations

finely
adv. : in a fine manner: as a : extremely well : EXCELLENTLY <plays the hero very finely ― New Yorker> b : with close discrimination : PRECISELY c : with delicacy or subtlety : SENSITIVELY <a leader finely attuned to the needs of the people> d : MINUTELY <finely ground meal>

finem respice
: consider the end

finery
n. : ORNAMENT, DECORATION especially : dressy or showy clothing and jewels

fines
n. : finely crushed or powdered material (as ore) also : very small particles in a mixture of various sizes

fines herbes
: a mixture of herbs used as a seasoning or garnish

finespun
adj. : developed with extreme care or delicacy also : developed in excessively fine or subtle detail

finesse
n. 1 : refinement or delicacy of workmanship, structure, or texture
2 : skillful handling of a situation : adroit maneuvering
3 : the withholding of one's highest card or trump in the hope that a lower card will take the trick because the only opposing higher card is in the hand of an opponent who has already played

finesse
n. intransitive verb : to make a finesse in playing cards
transitive verb
1 : to play (a card) in a finesse
2 a : to bring about, direct, or manage by adroit maneuvering <finesse his way through tight places ― Marquis James> b : EVADE, SKIRT <finesse the hard issues>

finest
adj. : POLICE OFFICERS ― usually used with the possessive form of a city or area <the city's finest>

finfish
n. : FISH 1B ― compare SHELLFISH

Fingal's Cave
sea cave W Scotland on Staffa Is.

finger
n. 1 : any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb especially : one other than the thumb
2 a : something that resembles a finger <a narrow finger of land> b : a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted c : a projecting piece (as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion
3 : the breadth of a finger
4 : INTEREST, SHARE ― often used in the phrase have a finger in the pie
5 : BIRD 10 ― usually used with the
–fin·ger·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

finger
n. transitive verb
1 : to touch or feel with the fingers
2 a : to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers b : to play (as notes or chords) with a specific fingering c : to mark the notes of (a music score) as a guide in playing
3 : to point out : IDENTIFY
4 : to extend into or penetrate in the shape of a finger
intransitive verb
1 : to touch or handle something
2 a : to use the fingers in playing a musical instrument b : to have a certain fingering ― used of a musical instrument
3 : to extend in the shape or manner of a finger

finger
n. finger bowl
finger food
finger hole
finger painting
finger pointing
finger spelling
finger wave
fish finger
five finger
index finger
little finger
middle finger
put the finger on
put one's finger on
ring finger
split finger
Finger Lakes
green fingers
light fingered
split fingered fastball

finger bowl
: a small water bowl for rinsing the fingers at the table

finger food
: a food that is to be held with the fingers for eating

finger hole
1 : any of several holes in the side of a wind instrument (as a recorder) which may be covered or left open by the fingers to change the pitch of the tone
2 : a hole (as in a telephone dial or a bowling ball) into which the finger is placed to provide a grip

Finger Lakes
group of long narrow lakes W cen N.Y. comprising Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Skaneateles, Owasco, & several smaller lakes

finger painting
: a technique of spreading pigment on paper chiefly with the fingers also : a picture so produced

finger spelling
: communication by signs made with the fingers ― called also dactylology

finger wave
: a method of setting hair by dampening with water or wave solution and forming waves or curls with the fingers and a comb

finger-pointing
: the act of making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame

fingerboard
n. : the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch ― see VIOLIN illustration

fingered
adj. 1 : having fingers especially of a specified kind or number ― used in combination <stubby-fingered> <five-fingered>
2 : having projections or processes like fingers <the fingered roots of giant trees>

fingerhold
n. 1 : a hold or place of support for the fingers
2 : a tenuous hold or support

fingering
n. 1 a : the act or method of using the fingers in playing an instrument b : the marking (as by figures on a musical score) of the method of fingering
2 : the act or process of handling or touching with the fingers

fingerling
n. : a small fish especially up to one year of age

fingernail
n. : the nail of a finger

fingerpicking
v. : a method of playing a stringed instrument (as a guitar) with the thumb and tips of the fingers rather than with a pick
–fin·ger·pick verb

fingerpost
n. 1 : a post bearing one or more signs often terminating in a pointing finger
2 : something serving as a guide to understanding or knowledge

fingerprint
n. 1 : the impression of a fingertip on any surface also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification
2 : something that identifies: as a : a trait, trace, or characteristic revealing origin or responsibility b : analytical evidence (as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis c : the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA obtained by DNA fingerprinting
–fingerprint transitive verb
–fin·ger·print·ing noun

fingerprint
n. latent fingerprint
DNA fingerprint
genetic fingerprint
DNA fingerprinting
genetic fingerprinting

fingertip
n. 1 : the tip of a finger
2 : a protective covering for the end of a finger
–at one's fingertips : instantly or readily available

fingertip
n. 1 : readily accessible : being within easy reach <fingertip information> <fingertip controls>
2 : extending from head or shoulders to mid-thigh ― used of clothing

finial
n. 1 : a usually foliated ornament forming an upper extremity especially in Gothic architecture
2 : a crowning ornament or detail (as a decorative knob)

finical
adj. : FINICKY
–fin·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fin·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

finicking
adj. : FINICKY

finicky
adj. 1 : extremely or excessively particular, exacting, or meticulous in taste or standards <a finicky eater>
2 : requiring much care, precision, or attentive effort <a finicky recipe>
–fin·ick·i·ness noun

finis
n. : END, CONCLUSION

finis coronat opus
: the end crowns the work

finish
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to come to an end : TERMINATE b : END 1B
2 a : to come to the end of a course, task, or undertaking b : to end relations ― used with with <decided to finish with him for good>
3 : to end a competition in a specified manner or position <finished third in the race>
transitive verb
1 a : to bring to an end : TERMINATE <finished the speech and sat down> b : to use or dispose of entirely <her sandwich finished the loaf>
2 a : to bring to completion or issue <hope to finish their new home before winter> b : to provide with a finish especially : to put a final coat or surface on <finish a table with varnish>
3 a : to defeat or ruin utterly and finally <the scandal finished his career> b : to bring about the death of
synonyms see CLOSE
–fin·ish·er noun

finish
n. 1 : something that completes or perfects: as a : the fine or decorative work required for a building or one of its parts b : a finishing material used in painting c : the final treatment or coating of a surface d : the taste in the mouth after swallowing a beverage (as wine)
2 a : final stage : END b : the cause of one's ruin
3 : the result or product of a finishing process <a glossy finish>
4 : the quality or state of being perfected

finish
n. finish line
Garrison finish
photo finish
finishing school

finish line
: a line marking the end of a racecourse

finished
adj. : marked by the highest quality : CONSUMMATE <finished workmanship>

finishing school
: a private school for girls that emphasizes cultural studies and prepares students especially for social activities

Finisterre, Cape
cape NW Spain on coast of La Coruña province; westernmost point of Spanish mainland, at 9°18′W

finite
adj. 1 a : having definite or definable limits <a finite number of possibilities> b : having a limited nature or existence <finite beings>
2 : completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought <the finite velocity of light>
3 a : less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer b : having a finite number of elements <a finite set>
4 : of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
–finite noun
–fi·nite·ly adverb
–fi·nite·ness noun

finite difference
: any of a sequence of differences obtained by incrementing successively the dependent variable of a function by a fixed amount especially : any of such differences obtained from a polynomial function using successive integral values of its dependent variable

finitude
n. : finite quality or state

fink
n. 1 : one who is disapproved of or is held in contempt
2 : STRIKEBREAKER
3 : INFORMER 2

fink
n. : to turn informer : SQUEAL

fink out
: BACK OUT, COP OUT

Finland
n. country N Europe bordering on Gulf of Bothnia & Gulf of Finland; a republic capital Helsinki area 130,128 sq mi (337,032 sq km), pop 5,058,000
–Fin·land·er noun

Finland, Gulf of
arm of Baltic Sea bet. Finland & Estonia

Finlandisation
British variant of finlandization

Finlandization
n. : a foreign policy of neutrality under the influence of the Soviet Union also : the conversion to such a policy
–Fin·land·ize \'fin-lən-ˌdīz, (ˌ)fin-'lan-\ transitive verb

Finlay
Carlos Juan 1833-1915 Cuban physician & biol.

Finlay
river 250 mi (402 km) Canada in N cen B.C. flowing SE to unite with Pars·nip \'pär-snip\ River (145 mi or 232 km) forming Peace River

Finn
n. 1 : a member of a people speaking Finnish or a Finnic language
2 a : a native or inhabitant of Finland b : one who is of Finnish descent

finnan haddie
: smoked haddock ― called also finnan haddock

Finnbogadottir
Vigdís 1930-     pres. of Iceland (1980-96)

Finnic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Finns
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the branch of the Finno-Ugric subfamily that includes Finnish, Estonian, and Sami

Finnish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Finland, the Finns, or Finnish

Finnish
adj. : the Finno-Ugric language of the Finns

Finno-Ugrian
: FINNO-UGRIC
–Finno-Ugrian noun

Finno-Ugric
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a subfamily of the Uralic family of languages comprising various languages spoken in Hungary, Lapland, Finland, Estonia, and parts of western Russia
2 : of or relating to any of the peoples speaking Finno-Ugric languages
–Finno-Ugric noun

finny
adj. 1 : provided with or characterized by fins
2 : relating to or being fish

fino
n. : a very dry Spanish sherry

finocchio
: FLORENCE FENNEL

Finsbury
former metropolitan borough E cen London, England, now part of Islington

Finsen
Niels Ryberg 1860-1904 Dan. physician

Finsteraarhorn
mountain 14,019 ft (4273 m) S Switzerland; highest of the Berner Alpen

FIO
free in and out

fiord
n. variant of fjord

Fiordland
mountain region S New Zealand in SW South Is.

fioritura
n. : ORNAMENT 5

fipple flute
: any of a group of wind instruments (as a flageolet or recorder) having a straight tubular shape, a whistle mouthpiece, and finger holes

fir
n. 1 : any of a genus (Abies) of north temperate evergreen trees of the pine family that have flattish leaves, circular leaf scars, and erect female cones and are valued for their wood also : any of various conifers (as the Douglas fir) of other genera
2 : the wood of a fir

fir
n. balsam fir
Douglas fir
Fraser fir
grand fir
silver fir
subalpine fir
white fir

Firbank
(Arthur Annesley) Ronald 1886-1926 Eng. author
–Fir·bank·ian \ˌfər-'baŋ-kē-ən\ adjective

Firdawsi
ca 935-ca 1020(or 1026) orig. Abū ol-Qāsem Manșūr Pers. poet

FIRE
n. finance, insurance, and real estate

fire
n. 1 a (1) : the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (2) : one of the four elements of the alchemists b (1) : burning passion : ARDOR (2) : liveliness of imagination : INSPIRATION
2 a : fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth) b British : a small gas or electric space heater
3 a : a destructive burning (as of a building) b (1) : death or torture by fire (2) : severe trial or ordeal
4 : BRILLIANCY, LUMINOSITY <the fire of a gem>
5 a : the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles) b : intense verbal attack or criticism c : a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)
–fire·less \-ləs\ adjective
–on fire
1 : being consumed by fire : AFLAME
2 : EAGER, BURNING
–under fire
1 : exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons
2 : under attack

fire
n. transitive verb
1 a : to set on fire : KINDLE also : IGNITE <fire a rocket engine> b (1) : to give life or spirit to : INSPIRE <the description fired his imagination> (2) : to fill with passion or enthusiasm ― often used with up c : to light up as if by fire d : to cause to start operating ― usually used with up <fired up the engine>
2 a : to drive out or away by or as if by fire b : to dismiss from a position
3 a (1) : to cause to explode : DETONATE (2) : to propel from or as if from a gun : DISCHARGE, LAUNCH <fire a rocket> (3) : SHOOT 1B <fire a gun> (4) : to score (a number) in a game or contest b : to throw with speed or force <fired the ball to first base> <fire a left jab> c : to utter with force and rapidity
4 : to apply fire or fuel to: as a : to process by applying heat <fire pottery> b : to feed or serve the fire of <fire a boiler>
intransitive verb
1 a : to take fire : KINDLE, IGNITE b : to begin operation : START <the engine fired> c : to operate especially as the result of the application of an electrical impulse <the spark plug fires>
2 a : to become irritated or angry ― often used with up b : to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm
3 a : to discharge a firearm <fire at close range> b : to emit or let fly an object
4 : to tend a fire
5 : to transmit a nerve impulse <the rate at which a neuron fires>
–fire·able \'fī(-ə)r-ə-bəl, 'fī-rə-\ adjective
–fir·er noun

fire
n. ball of fire
baptism of fire
brush fire
build a fire under
Camp Fire girl
catch fire
cease fire
cross fire
under fire
on fire
fire and brimstone
fire ant
fire away
fire blight
fire breathing
fire breather
fire brigade
fire chief
fire control
fire coral
fire department
fire drill
fire eater
fire eating
fire engine
fire engine red
fire escape
fire extinguisher
fire hall
fire irons
fire line
fire off
fire opal
fire sale
fire screen
fire station
fire stop
fire tower
fire truck
fire wall
fox fire
free fire zone
out of the frying pan into the fire
Greek fire
hang fire
imported fire ant
iron in the fire
play with fire
rapid fire
Saint Anthony's fire
Saint Elmo's fire
sea fire
watch fire
Ring of Fire
all fired
firing line
firing pin
firing squad

fire and brimstone
: the torments suffered by sinners in hell
–fire-and-brimstone adjective

fire ant
: any of a genus (Solenopsis) of fiercely stinging omnivorous ants especially : IMPORTED FIRE ANT

fire away
: to speak without hesitation ― usually used as an imperative

fire blight
: a destructive infectious disease especially of apples, pears, and related fruits caused by a bacterium (Erwinia amylovora)

fire brigade
: a body of firefighters: as a : a usually private or temporary firefighting organization b British : FIRE DEPARTMENT

fire chief
: the head of a fire department

fire control
: the planning, preparation, and delivery of fire on targets

fire coral
: a colonial coralline hydrozoan (genus Millepora) having nematocysts that inflict a painful and burning sting

fire department
1 : an organization for preventing or extinguishing fires especially : a government division (as in a municipality) having these duties
2 : the members of a fire department

fire drill
: a practice drill in extinguishing fires or in the conduct and manner of exit in case of fire

fire engine
: a usually mobile apparatus for directing an extinguishing agent upon fires especially : FIRE TRUCK

fire escape
: a device for escape from a burning building especially : a metal stairway attached to the outside of a building

fire extinguisher
: a portable or wheeled apparatus for putting out small fires by ejecting extinguishing chemicals

fire hall
chiefly Canadian : FIRE STATION

fire irons
: utensils (as tongs) for tending a fire especially in a fireplace

fire line
: FIREBREAK

fire off
: to write and send usually in haste or anger <fired off a memo>

fire opal
: GIRASOLE 2

fire sale
: a sale of merchandise damaged in a fire also : a sale at very low prices

fire screen
: a protective screen before a fireplace

fire station
: a building housing fire apparatus and usually firefighters

fire tower
: a tower (as in a forest) from which a watch for fires is maintained

fire truck
: an automotive vehicle equipped with firefighting apparatus

fire wall
1 : a wall constructed to prevent the spread of fire
2 usually fire·wall \'fī(-ə)r-ˌwȯl\ : computer hardware or software that prevents unauthorized access to private data (as on a company's local area network or intranet) by outside computer users (as of the Internet)

fire-breathing
: intimidatingly or violently aggressive in speech and manner <a fire-breathing orator>
–fire-breath·er \-thər\ noun

fire-eater
1 : a performer who pretends to eat fire
2 a : a violent or pugnacious person b : a person who displays very militant or aggressive partisanship

fire-eating
: violent or highly militant in disposition, bearing, or policy <a fire-eating radical>

fire-engine red
: a bright red

fire-sale
: heavily discounted <fire-sale prices>

fire-stop
: material used to close open parts especially of a building for preventing the spread of fire
–fire-stop transitive verb

firearm
n. : a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder ― usually used of small arms

fireback
n. : an often decorated cast-iron plate lining the back wall of a fireplace

fireball
n. 1 : a ball of fire also : something resembling such a ball <the primordial fireball associated with the beginning of the universe ― Scientific American>
2 : a brilliant meteor that may trail bright sparks
3 : the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
4 : a highly energetic person

fireballer
n. : a baseball pitcher known for throwing fastballs
–fire·ball·ing \-liŋ\ adjective

firebase
n. : a secured site from which field artillery can lay down interdicting fire

fireboat
n. : a ship equipped with firefighting apparatus

firebomb
n. : an incendiary bomb
–firebomb transitive verb

firebox
n. 1 : a chamber (as of a furnace or steam boiler) that contains a fire
2 : a box containing an apparatus for transmitting an alarm to a fire station

firebrand
n. 1 : a piece of burning wood
2 : one that creates unrest or strife (as in aggressively promoting a cause) : AGITATOR

firebrat
n. : a wingless insect (Thermobia domestica) related to the silverfish and found in warm moist places

firebreak
n. : a barrier of cleared or plowed land intended to check a forest or grass fire

firebrick
n. : a refractory brick capable of sustaining high temperatures that is used especially for lining furnaces or fireplaces

firebug
n. : INCENDIARY, PYROMANIAC

fireclay
n. : clay capable of withstanding high temperatures that is used especially for firebrick and crucibles

firecracker
n. : a usually paper cylinder containing an explosive and a fuse and set off to make a noise

fired
adj. : using a specified fuel ― usually used in combination <oil-fired power plant>

firedamp
n. : a combustible mine gas that consists chiefly of methane also : the explosive mixture of this gas with air

firedog
n. chiefly Southern & Midland : ANDIRON

firedrake
n. : a fire-breathing dragon especially in Germanic mythology

firefight
n. 1 a : a usually brief intense exchange of fire between opposing military units b : a hostile confrontation that involves gunfire
2 : SKIRMISH 2B

firefighter
n. : a person who fights fires : FIREMAN 2
–firefighting noun

firefly
n. : any of various winged nocturnal beetles (esp. family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin especially for courtship purposes

fireguard
n. 1 : a person who watches for the outbreak of fire also : a person whose duty is to extinguish fires
2 : FIRE SCREEN
3 : FIREBREAK

firehouse
n. : FIRE STATION

firelight
n. : the light of a fire (as in a fireplace)
–fire·lit \-ˌlit\ adjective

firelock
n. 1 : a gun's lock employing a slow match to ignite the powder charge also : a gun having such a lock
2 a : FLINTLOCK b : WHEEL LOCK

fireman
n. 1 : a person who tends or feeds fires : STOKER
2 : a member of a fire department : FIREFIGHTER
3 : an enlisted man in the navy who works with engineering machinery
4 : a relief pitcher in baseball

fireplace
n. 1 : a framed opening made in a chimney to hold an open fire : HEARTH also : a metal container with a smoke pipe used for the same purpose
2 : an outdoor structure of brick, stone, or metal for an open fire
–fire·placed \-ˌplāst\ adjective

fireplug
n. : HYDRANT

firepot
1 : a clay pot filled with combustibles formerly used as a missile in war
2 : a vessel used in eastern Asian cuisine for cooking foods in broth at the table also : the food cooked in it

firepower
n. 1 a : the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target b : effective fire
2 a : effective power or force <intellectual firepower> b : the scoring ability of a team or player

fireproof
adj. : proof against or resistant to fire

fireproof
adj. : to make fireproof

fireship
n. : a ship carrying combustibles or explosives sent burning among the enemy's ships or works to set them on fire

fireside
n. 1 : a place near the fire or hearth
2 : HOME

fireside
n. : having an informal or intimate quality <a fireside chat>

Firestone
n. Harvey Samuel 1868-1938 American industrialist

firestone
n. 1 : pyrite formerly used for striking fire also : FLINT
2 : a stone that will endure high heat

firestorm
n. 1 : a large usually stationary fire characterized by very high temperatures in which the central column of rising heated air induces strong inward winds which supply oxygen to the fire
2 a : a sudden or violent outburst <a firestorm of public protest> b : a raging controversy <a political firestorm>

firethorn
n. : PYRACANTHA especially : a European semievergreen shrub (P. coccinea) with orange-red berries

firetrap
n. : a place (as a building) apt to catch on fire or difficult to escape from in case of fire

firewater
n. : strong alcoholic liquor

fireweed
n. : any of several plants that grow especially in clearings or burned districts: as a : a weedy annual composite (Erechtites hieracifolia) of eastern No. America having flower heads of whitish tubular disk flowers enveloped by green bracts b : a tall perennial (Epilobium angustifolium) of the evening-primrose family that has long spikes of pinkish-purple flowers and is an important honey plant in some areas ― called also willow herb

firewood
n. : wood used for fuel

firework
n. 1 : a device for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions
2 plural : a display of fireworks
3 plural a : a display of temper or intense conflict b : a spectacular display <the fireworks of autumn leaves>

firing
n. 1 : the act or process of one that fires
2 : the process of maturing ceramic products by the application of heat

firing
n. firing line
firing pin
firing squad

firing line
1 : a line from which fire is delivered against a target
2 : the forefront of an activity ― used especially in the phrase on the firing line

firing pin
: the pin that strikes the cartridge primer in the breech mechanism of a firearm

firing squad
1 : a detachment detailed to fire volleys over the grave of one buried with military honors
2 : a detachment detailed to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

firkin
n. 1 : a small wooden vessel or cask
2 : any of various British units of capacity usually equal to 1/4 barrel

firm
n. 1 a : securely or solidly fixed in place b : not weak or uncertain : VIGOROUS c : having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
2 a (1) : not subject to change or revision (2) : not subject to price weakness : STEADY b : not easily moved or disturbed : STEADFAST c : WELL-FOUNDED
3 : indicating firmness or resolution <a firm mouth>
–firm·ly adverb
–firm·ness noun

firm
n. : in a firm manner : STEADFASTLY, FIXEDLY

firm
n. 1 a : to make secure or fast : TIGHTEN <firming her grip on the racquet> ― often used with up b : to make solid or compact <firm the soil>
2 : to put into final form : SETTLE <firm a contract> <firm up plans>
3 : to give additional support to : STRENGTHEN ― usually used with up
intransitive verb
1 : to become firm : HARDEN ― often used with up
2 : to recover from a decline : IMPROVE <the market is firming>

firm
n. 1 : the name or title under which a company transacts business
2 : a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3 : a business unit or enterprise

firmament
n. 1 : the vault or arch of the sky : HEAVENS
2 obsolete : BASIS
3 : the field or sphere of an interest or activity <the international fashion firmament>
–fir·ma·men·tal \ˌfər-mə-'men-təl\ adjective

firmer chisel
: a woodworking chisel with a thin flat blade

firmware
n. : computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (as a read-only memory)

firn
: NÉVÉ

first
n. : preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as a : EARLIEST b : being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments <first tenor> <first violins>

first
n. 1 a : before another in time, space, or importance b : in the first place ― often used with of all c : for the first time
2 : in preference to something else : SOONER

first
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : something that is first: as a : the first occurrence or item of a kind b : the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : the highest or chief voice or instrument of a group d : an article of commerce of the finest grade e : the winning or highest place in a competition, examination, or contest
3 : FIRST BASE
–at first : at the beginning : INITIALLY

first
n. airman first class
face first
at first
first aid
first base
first baseman
first cause
first class
first cousin
first day cover
first degree burn
first down
first edition
first estate
first floor
first lady
first lieutenant
first line
first mortgage
first name
first night
first nighter
first off
first offender
first papers
first person
first rate
first rater
first rateness
First Reader
first reading
first run
first sergeant
first strike
first string
first stringer
first water
first world
at first glance
last in first out
petty officer first class
private first class
sergeant first class

first aid
: emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained

first base
1 : the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball
2 : the player position for defending the area around first base
3 : the first step or stage in a course of action <plans never got to first base>
–first base·man \-'bā-smən\ noun

first cause
: the self-created ultimate source of all being

first class
: the first or highest group in a classification: as a : the highest of usually three classes of travel accommodations b : a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, or matter sealed against inspection

first cousin
: COUSIN 1A

first day cover
: a philatelic cover franked with a newly issued postage stamp and bearing the postmark of the first day of issue and an officially chosen place of issue

first down
1 : the first of a series of usually four downs in which a football team must net a 10-yard gain to retain possession of the ball
2 : a gain of a total of 10 or more yards within usually four downs giving the team the right to start a new series of downs

first edition
: the copies of a literary work first printed from the same type and issued at the same time also : a single copy from a first edition

first estate
: the first of the traditional political estates specifically : CLERGY

first floor
1 : GROUND FLOOR 1
2 chiefly British : the floor next above the ground floor

first lady
1 : the wife or hostess of the chief executive of a country or jurisdiction
2 : the leading woman of an art or profession

first lieutenant
1 : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a second lieutenant and below a captain
2 : a naval officer responsible for a ship's upkeep

first mortgage
: a mortgage that has priority as a lien over all mortgages and liens except those imposed by law

first name
: the name that stands first in one's full name

first night
: the night on which a theatrical production is first performed at a given place also : the performance itself

first off
: in the first place : before anything else

first offender
: one convicted of an offense for the first time

first papers
: papers declaring intention filed by an applicant for citizenship as the first step in the naturalization process

first person
1 a : a set of linguistic forms (as verb forms, pronouns, and inflectional affixes) referring to the speaker or writer of the utterance in which they occur b : a linguistic form belonging to such a set c : reference of a linguistic form to the speaker or writer of the utterance in which it occurs
2 : a style of discourse marked by general use of verbs and pronouns of the first person

First Reader
: a Christian Scientist chosen to conduct meetings for a specified time and specif. to read aloud from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy

first reading
: the first submitting of a bill before a quorum of a legislative assembly usually by title or number only

first sergeant
1 : a noncommissioned officer serving as the chief assistant to the commander of a military unit (as a company or squadron)
2 : the rank of a first sergeant specifically : a rank in the army above a platoon sergeant and below a command sergeant major and in the marine corps above a gunnery sergeant and below a sergeant major

first strike
: a preemptive nuclear attack
–first-strike adjective

first water
1 : the purest luster ― used of gems
2 : the highest grade, degree, or quality

first world
: the highly developed industrialized nations often considered the westernized countries of the world

first-class
1 : of or relating to first class
2 : of the highest quality <a first-class meal>
–first-class adverb

first-degree burn
: a mild burn characterized by heat, pain, and reddening of the burned surface but not exhibiting blistering or charring of tissues

first-line
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice <first-line treatment of tuberculosis> ― compare SECOND-LINE

first-nighter
: a spectator at a first-night performance

first-rate
: of the first order of size, importance, or quality
–first-rate·ness noun
–first-rat·er \-'rā-tər\ noun

first-rate
: very well <is getting along first-rate, now ― Mark Twain>

first-run
: available for public viewing for the first time <first-run movies> also : exhibiting first-run movies <first-run theaters>

first-string
1 : being a regular as distinguished from a substitute (as on a team)
2 : FIRST-RATE
–first-string·er \-'striŋ-ər\ noun

firstborn
n. : first brought forth : ELDEST
–firstborn noun

firstfruits
n. 1 : the earliest gathered fruits offered to the Deity in acknowledgment of the gift of fruitfulness
2 : the earliest products or results of an endeavor

firsthand
adj. : obtained by, coming from, or being direct personal observation or experience <a firsthand account of the war>
–firsthand adverb

firstling
n. 1 : the first of a class or kind
2 : the first offspring or result of something

firstly
adv. : in the first place : FIRST

firth
n. : ESTUARY

firth
n. Lorn Firth of
Firth of Lorne
Moray Firth
Pentland Firth
Solway Firth

fisc
n. : a state or royal treasury

fiscal
adj. 1 : of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt <fiscal policy>
2 : of or relating to financial matters
–fis·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

fiscal
adj. 1 : REVENUE STAMP
2 : FISCAL YEAR

fiscal year
: an accounting period of 12 months

Fischer
Edmond Henri 1920-     American (Chin.-born of Fr. parents) biochem.

Fischer
Emil 1852-1919 Ger. chem.

Fischer
Hans 1881-1945 Ger. chem.

Fischer-Dieskau
Dietrich 1925-     Ger. baritone

Fish
n. Hamilton 1808-1893 American statesman

fish
n. 1 a : an aquatic animal ― usually used in combination <starfish> <cuttlefish> b : any of numerous cold-blooded strictly aquatic craniate vertebrates that include the bony fishes and usually the cartilaginous and jawless fishes and that have typically an elongated somewhat spindle-shaped body terminating in a broad caudal fin, limbs in the form of fins when present at all, and a 2-chambered heart by which blood is sent through thoracic gills to be oxygenated
2 : the flesh of fish used as food
3 a : a person who is caught or is wanted (as in a criminal investigation) b : FELLOW, PERSON <an odd fish> c : SUCKER 5A
4 : something that resembles a fish: as a plural capitalized : PISCES 1 also : PISCES 2A b : TORPEDO 2B
–fish·less \'fish-ləs\ adjective
–fish·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–fish out of water : a person who is in an unnatural or uncomfortable sphere or situation
–fish to fry : concerns or interests to pursue ― usually used with other
–neither fish nor fowl : one that does not belong to a particular class or category

fish
n. 1 : to attempt to catch fish
2 : to seek something by roundabout means <fishing for a compliment>
3 a : to search for something underwater <fish for pearls> b : to engage in a search by groping or feeling <fishing around in her purse for her keys>
transitive verb
1 a : to try to catch fish in b : to fish with : use (as a boat, net, or bait) in fishing
2 a : to go fishing for <fish salmon> b : to pull or draw as if fishing <fished the ball from under the car> <fish wires through a conduit>
–fish·abil·i·ty \ˌfi-shə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–fish·able \'fi-shə-bəl\ adjective
–fish or cut bait : to make a choice between alternatives

fish
n. buffalo fish
tuna fish
bony fish
butterfly fish
cartilaginous fish
clown fish
coarse fish
cold fish
fish or cut bait
neither fish nor fowl
fish to fry
fish out of water
fish and chips
fish cake
fish duck
fish eye
fish farm
fish finger
fish fry
fish hawk
fish ladder
fish meal
fish oil
fish out
fish protein concentrate
fish stick
fish story
fly fish
flying fish
game fish
gefilte fish
jawless fish
kettle of fish
lantern fish
mosquito fish
parrot fish
pilot fish
porcupine fish
puffer fish
rainbow fish
rough fish
scorpion fish
sergeant fish
Siamese fighting fish
sport fish
trash fish
tropical fish
zebra fish
bottom fishing
fishing expedition
fly fishing
spin fishing

fish cake
: a round fried cake made of shredded fish and mashed potato

fish duck
: MERGANSER

fish farm
: a commercial facility for raising aquatic animals for human food
–fish-farm \'fish-ˌfärm\ transitive verb

fish finger
British : FISH STICK

fish fry
1 : a picnic or supper featuring fried fish
2 : fried fish

fish hawk
: OSPREY 1

fish ladder
: a series of pools arranged like steps by which fish can pass over a dam in going upstream

fish meal
: ground dried fish and fish waste used as fertilizer and animal food

fish oil
: a fatty oil from the bodies of various fishes (as menhaden or sardines) that contains large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and is used in making various products (as cosmetics and paints)

fish or cut bait
to make a choice between alternatives

fish out
: to exhaust the supply of fish in by fishing

fish out of water
a person who is in an unnatural or uncomfortable sphere or situation

fish protein concentrate
: a protein-rich food additive made from ground whole fish

fish stick
: a small elongated breaded fillet of fish

fish story
: an extravagant or incredible story

fish to fry
concerns or interests to pursue ― usually used with other

fish-and-chips
: fried fish and french fried potatoes

fish-eye
: being, having, or produced by a wide-angle photographic lens that has a highly curved protruding front, that covers an angle of about 180 degrees, and that gives a circular image

Fishbein
Morris 1889-1976 American physician & editor

fishbowl
n. 1 : a bowl for the keeping of live fish
2 : a place or condition that affords no privacy

Fisher
n. Dorothy 1879-1958 Dorothea Frances née Can·field \'kan-ˌfēld\ American nov.

Fisher
n. Irving 1867-1947 American econ.

Fisher
n. John Arbuthnot 1841-1920 1st Baron Fisher of Kil·ver·stone \'kil-vər-stən\ Brit. admiral

Fisher
n. Mary Frances Kennedy 1908-1992 American writer

fisher
n. 1 : one that fishes
2 a : a dark brown No. American carnivorous mammal (Martes pennanti) of the weasel family b : the fur or pelt of this animal

fisherfolk
n. : people who fish especially for a living

fisherman
n. 1 : one who engages in fishing as an occupation or for pleasure
2 : a ship used in commercial fishing

fisherman's bend
: a knot made by passing the end twice round a spar or through a ring and then back under both turns ― see KNOT illustration

Fishers
n. town cen Ind. N of Indianapolis pop 37,835

fisherwoman
: a woman who fishes as an occupation or for pleasure

fishery
n. 1 : the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals (as sponges, shrimp, or seals) : FISHING
2 : a place for catching fish or taking other sea animals
3 : a fishing establishment also : its fishermen
4 : the legal right to take fish at a particular place or in particular waters
5 : the technology of fishery ― usually used in plural

fishhook
n. : a usually barbed hook for catching fish

fishing
n. 1 : the sport or business of catching fish
2 : a place for catching fish

fishing
n. bottom fishing
fishing expedition
fly fishing
spin fishing

fishing expedition
1 : a legal interrogation or examination to discover information for a later proceeding
2 : an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence

fishmonger
n. chiefly British : a fish dealer

fishnet
n. 1 : netting fitted with floats and weights or a supporting frame for catching fish
2 : a coarse open-mesh fabric

fishplate
n. : a steel plate used to lap a butt joint

fishpond
n. : a pond stocked with fish

fishtail
n. 1 : to swing the tail of an airplane from side to side to reduce speed especially when landing
2 : to have the rear end slide from side to side out of control while moving forward <the car fishtailed on the icy curve>

fishway
: a contrivance for enabling fish to pass around a fall or dam in a stream specifically : FISH LADDER

fishwife
n. 1 : a woman who sells fish
2 : a vulgar abusive woman

fishy
adj. 1 : of or resembling fish especially in taste or odor
2 : creating doubt or suspicion : QUESTIONABLE

Fiske
John 1842-1901 orig. Edmund Fisk Green American philos. & hist.

fissile
adj. 1 : capable of being split or divided in the direction of the grain or along natural planes of cleavage <fissile wood> <fissile crystals>
2 : capable of undergoing fission
–fis·sil·i·ty \fi-'si-lə-tē\ noun

fission
n. 1 : a splitting or breaking up into parts
2 : reproduction by spontaneous division of the body into two or more parts each of which grows into a complete organism
3 : the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy
–fis·sion·al \-shə-nəl, -zhə-\ adjective

fission
n. : to undergo fission
transitive verb : to cause to undergo fission

fissionable
adj. : FISSILE 2
–fis·sion·abil·i·ty \ˌfi-shə-nə-'bi-lə-tē, -zhə-; ˌfish-nə-, ˌfizh-\ noun
–fissionable noun

fissiparous
adj. : tending to break up into parts : DIVISIVE <fissiparous tendencies within a political party>
–fis·sip·a·rous·ness noun

fissure
n. 1 : a narrow opening or crack of considerable length and depth usually occurring from some breaking or parting
2 a : a natural cleft between body parts or in the substance of an organ b : a break or slit in tissue usually at the junction of skin and mucous membrane
3 : a separation or disagreement in thought or viewpoint : SCHISM <fissures in a political party>

fissure
n. transitive verb : to break into fissures : CLEAVE
intransitive verb : CRACK, DIVIDE

fist
n. 1 : the hand clenched with the fingers doubled into the palm and the thumb doubled inward across the fingers
2 : the hand closed as in grasping : CLUTCH
3 : INDEX 5

fist
n. 1 : to grip with the fist : HANDLE
2 : to clench into a fist

fisted
: having (such or so many) fists <two-fisted> <tightfisted>

fistfight
n. : a usually spontaneous fight with bare fists

fistful
n. 1 : HANDFUL <a fistful of coins>
2 : a considerable number or amount <a whole fistful of musicians ― Thomas Lask>

fistic
adj. : of or relating to boxing or to fighting with the fists <fistic prowess>

fisticuffs
n. : a fight with the fists

fistnote
: matter in a text to which attention is directed by means of an index mark

fistula
n. : an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

fistulous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the form or nature of a fistula
2 : hollow like a pipe or reed

fistulous withers
: a deep-seated chronic inflammation of the withers of the horse in which bloody fluid is discharged

fit
n. archaic : a division of a poem or song

fit
n. 1 a (1) : adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art (2) : adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving b : acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality) : PROPER <a movie fit for the whole family>
2 a : put into a suitable state : made ready <get the house fit for company> b : being in such a state as to be or seem ready to do or suffer something <fair fit to cry I was ― Bryan MacMahon> <laughing fit to burst>
3 : sound physically and mentally : HEALTHY
–fit·ly adverb
–fit to be tied : extremely angry or irritated
–fit to kill : in a striking manner <dressed fit to kill>
synonyms FIT, SUITABLE, MEET, PROPER, APPROPRIATE, FITTING, APT, HAPPY, FELICITOUS mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. FIT stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action <fit for battle>. SUITABLE implies an answering to requirements or demands <clothes suitable for camping>. MEET suggests a just proportioning <meet payment>. PROPER suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom <proper acknowledgement>. APPROPRIATE implies eminent or distinctive fitness <an appropriate gift>. FITTING implies harmony of mood or tone <a fitting end>. APT connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination <apt quotations>. HAPPY suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate <a happy choice of words>. FELICITOUS suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful <a felicitous phrase>.

fit
n. 1 a : a sudden violent attack of a disease (as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness : PAROXYSM b : a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance
2 : a sudden burst or flurry (as of activity) <cleaned the whole house in a fit of efficiency>
3 : an emotional reaction (as in anger or frustration) <has a fit when I show up late>
–by fits or by fits and starts or in fits and starts : in an impulsive and irregular manner <construction proceeded by fits and starts>

fit
n. transitive verb
1 a : to be suitable for or to : harmonize with b archaic : to be seemly or proper for <it fits us then to be as provident as fear may teach us ― Shakespeare>
2 a : to conform correctly to the shape or size of <it doesn't fit me anymore> b (1) : to insert or adjust until correctly in place <fit the mechanism into the box> (2) : to make or adjust to the right shape and size <fitting the jacket to the customer> (3) : to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn by <fitted him for a new suit> c : to make a place or room for : ACCOMMODATE
3 : to be in agreement or accord with <the theory fits all the facts>
4 a : to put into a condition of readiness b : to cause to conform to or suit something
5 : SUPPLY, EQUIP <fitted the ship with new engines> ― often used with out
6 : to adjust (a smooth curve of a specified type) to a given set of points
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to be seemly, proper, or suitable
2 : to conform to a particular shape or size also : to be accommodated <will we all fit into the car?>
3 : to be in harmony or accord : BELONG ― often used with in
–fit·ter noun

fit
n. : the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted: as a : the way clothing fits the wearer b : the degree of closeness between surfaces in an assembly of parts c : GOODNESS OF FIT

fit
n. dialect past and past part of fight

fit
n. fit the bill
fit to kill
fit to be tied
goodness of fit
hissy fit
ex nihilo nihil fit
poeta nascitur non fit
in fits and starts
by fits and starts
by fits
steam fitting
curve fitting
pipe fitting
gas fitter
pipe fitter
survival of the fittest

fit to be tied
extremely angry or irritated

fit to kill
in a striking manner <dressed fit to kill>

Fitch
n. (William) Clyde 1865-1909 American dram.

Fitch
n. John 1743-1798 American inventor

Fitch
n. Val Logsdon 1923-     American physicist

fitch
n. 1 : POLECAT 1
2 : the fur or pelt of the polecat

Fitchburg
city N cen Mass. pop 39,102

fitchet
: POLECAT 1

fitful
adj. 1 obsolete : characterized by fits or paroxysms
2 : having an erratic or intermittent character : IRREGULAR
–fit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fit·ful·ness noun
synonyms FITFUL, SPASMODIC, CONVULSIVE mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement. FITFUL implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings <fitful sleep>. SPASMODIC adds to FITFUL the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity <spasmodic growth>. CONVULSIVE suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement <convulsive shocks>.

fitment
n. chiefly British : FURNISHING 2, FIXTURE, CABINETRY ― usually used in plural

fitness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fit
2 : the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductive offspring as compared to competing organisms also : the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes

fitted
adj. 1 : FIT, SUITABLE
2 : shaped for a precise fit <a fitted sheet> especially : shaped to conform to the lines of the body <a fitted shirt>

fitting
n. : of a kind appropriate to the situation : SUITABLE
synonyms see FIT
–fit·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–fit·ting·ness noun

fitting
n. 1 : an action or act of one that fits specifically : a trying on of clothes which are in the process of being made or altered
2 : something used in fitting up : ACCESSORY
3 : a small often standardized part <an electrical fitting>

fitting
n. steam fitting
curve fitting
pipe fitting

FitzGerald
n. Edward 1809-1883 Eng. poet & translator

FitzGerald
n. Garret 1926-     prime min. of Ireland (1981-87)

Fitzgerald
n. Ella 1917-1996 American singer

Fitzgerald
n. F(rancis) Scott (Key) 1896-1940 American writer

Fitzherbert
Maria Anne 1756-1837 née Smythe; secret wife of George IV of England as Prince of Wales (1785-1808)

Fiume
― see RIJEKA

Fiumicino
town cen Italy on Tyrrhenian Sea SW of Rome & WNW of Ostia pop 51,958

five
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : a British handball game
3 : the fifth in a set or series <the five of clubs>
4 : something having five units or members especially : a basketball team
5 : a 5-dollar bill
6 : FIFTEEN 2
7 : a slapping of extended right hands by two people (as in greeting or celebration) ― usually used in phrases with give or slap <so I slapped him five and hugged him ― J. R. Burke>
–five adjective
–five pronoun, plural in construction

five
n. five and ten
five and dime
five finger
five of a kind
five spice powder
five star
forty five
high five
take five
Fathom Five National Marine Park

five of a kind

1897
: four cards of the same rank plus a wild card in one hand ― see POKER illustration

five-and-ten
: a retail store that carries chiefly inexpensive merchandise (as notions and household goods) ― called also five-and-dime

five-finger
: CINQUEFOIL 1

five-spice powder
: a blend of spices typically including anise, pepper, fennel, cloves, and cinnamon that is used in Chinese cooking

five-star
: of first class or quality <a five-star hotel>

fivefold
adj. 1 : having five units or members
2 : being five times as great or as many
–five·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

fiver
n. 1 slang : a 5-dollar bill
2 British : a 5-pound note

fix
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make firm, stable, or stationary b : to give a permanent or final form to: as (1) : to change into a stable compound or available form <bacteria that fix nitrogen> (2) : to kill, harden, and preserve for microscopic study (3) : to make the image of (a photographic film) permanent by removing unused salts c : AFFIX, ATTACH
2 a : to hold or direct steadily <fixes his eyes on the horizon> b : to capture the attention of <fixed her with a stare>
3 a : to set or place definitely : ESTABLISH b : to make an accurate determination of : DISCOVER <fixing our location on the chart> c : ASSIGN <fix the blame>
4 : to set in order : ADJUST
5 : to get ready : PREPARE <fix lunch>
6 a : REPAIR, MEND <fix the clock> b : RESTORE, CURE <the doctor fixed him up> c : SPAY, CASTRATE
7 a : to get even with b : to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods <the race had been fixed>
intransitive verb
1 : to become firm, stable, or fixed
2 : to get set : be on the verge <we're fixing to leave soon>
3 : to direct one's attention or efforts : FOCUS also : DECIDE, SETTLE ― usually used with on <had fixed on the first Saturday in June>
synonyms see FASTEN
–fix·able \'fik-sə-bəl\ adjective

fix
n. 1 : a position of difficulty or embarrassment : PREDICAMENT
2 a : the position (as of a ship) determined by bearings, observations, or radio also : a determination of one's position b : an accurate determination or understanding especially by observation or analysis
3 : an act or instance of improper or illegal fixing <the fix was in>
4 : a supply or dose of something strongly desired or craved <a coffee fix> especially : a shot of a narcotic
5 : FIXATION
6 : something that fixes or restores : SOLUTION <an easy fix>

fix
n. fix up
quick fix
idées fixes
fixed charge
fixed oil
fixed point
fixed star
well fixed
nitrogen fixing
price fixing

fix up
1 : REFURBISH <fix up the attic>
2 : to set right : SETTLE <fixed up their dispute>
3 : to provide with something needed or wanted especially : to arrange a date for

fixate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make fixed, stationary, or unchanging
2 : to focus one's gaze on
3 : to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification
intransitive verb
1 : to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention intently or obsessively
2 : to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

fixated
adj. : arrested in development or adjustment especially : arrested at a pregenital level of psychosexual development

fixation
n. : the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated: as a : a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage b : stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration) c : an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment

fixative
n. : something that fixes or sets: as a : a substance added to a perfume especially to prevent too rapid evaporation b : a substance used to fix living tissue c : a varnish used especially for the protection of drawings (as in pastel or charcoal)
–fixative adjective

fixe
idee fixe
idée fixe
prix fixe

fixed
adj. 1 a : securely placed or fastened : STATIONARY b (1) : NONVOLATILE (2) : formed into a chemical compound c (1) : not subject to change or fluctuation <a fixed income> (2) : firmly set in the mind <a fixed idea> (3) : having a final or crystallized form or character (4) : recurring on the same date from year to year <fixed holidays> d : IMMOBILE, CONCENTRATED <a fixed stare>
2 : supplied with something (as money) needed <comfortably fixed>
–fixed·ly \'fik-səd-lē, 'fikst-lē\ adverb
–fixed·ness \'fik-səd-nəs, 'fiks(t)-nəs\ noun

fixed
adj. fixed charge
fixed oil
fixed point
fixed star
well fixed

fixed charge
: a regularly recurring expense (as rent, taxes, or interest) that must be met when due

fixed oil
: a nonvolatile oil especially : a fatty oil ― compare ESSENTIAL OIL

fixed star
: a star so distant that its motion can be measured only by very precise observations over long periods

fixed-point
: involving or being a mathematical notation (as in a decimal system) in which the point separating whole numbers and fractions is fixed ― compare FLOATING-POINT

fixer
n. : one that fixes: as a : a person who intervenes to enable someone to circumvent the law or obtain a political favor b : a person who adjusts matters or disputes by negotiation c : SODIUM THIOSULFATE also : a solution of sodium thiosulfate

fixer-upper
: something (as a house or car) that needs fixing up

fixing
n. 1 : the act or process of one that fixes
2 plural \often -sənz\ : customary accompaniments : TRIMMINGS <a turkey dinner with all the fixings>

fixity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fixed or stable
2 : something that is fixed

fixture
n. 1 : the act or process of fixing : the state of being fixed
2 a : something that is fixed or attached (as to a building) as a permanent appendage or as a structural part <a plumbing fixture> b : a device for supporting work during machining c : an item of movable property so incorporated into real property that it may be regarded as legally a part of it
3 : a familiar or invariably present element or feature in some particular setting especially : a person long associated with a place or activity
4 : a settled date or time especially for a sporting or festive event also : such an event especially as a regularly scheduled affair

fizz
n. 1 : to make a hissing or sputtering sound : EFFERVESCE
2 : to show excitement or exhilaration

fizz
n. 1 a : a hissing sound b : SPIRIT, LIVELINESS
2 : an effervescent beverage
–fizzy \'fi-zē\ adjective

fizzle
n. 1 : FIZZ
2 : to fail or end feebly especially after a promising start ― often used with out

fizzle
n. : an abortive effort : FAILURE

fjord
n. : a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes

FL
1 Florida
2 focal length
3 foreign language

fl
1 flanker
2 floor
3 florin
4 [Latin floruit] flourished
5 fluid

fl dr
fluid dram

fl oz
fluid ounce

Fla
n. Florida

flab
n. : soft flabby body tissue

flabbergast
v. : to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder : DUMBFOUND
synonyms see SURPRISE
–flab·ber·gast·ing·ly \-ˌgas-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

flabby
adj. 1 : lacking resilience or firmness : FLACCID
2 : weak and ineffective : FEEBLE
–flab·bi·ly \'fla-bə-lē\ adverb
–flab·bi·ness \'fla-bē-nəs\ noun

flaccid
adj. 1 a : not firm or stiff also : lacking normal or youthful firmness <flaccid muscles> b of a plant part : deficient in turgor
2 : lacking vigor or force <flaccid leadership>
–flac·cid·i·ty \fla(k)-'si-də-tē\ noun
–flac·cid·ly \'fla(k)-səd-lē\ adverb

flack
n. : one who provides publicity especially : PRESS AGENT
–flack·ery \'fla-k(ə-)rē\ noun

flack
n. variant of flak

flack
n. : to provide publicity : engage in press-agentry

flacon
n. : a small usually ornamental bottle with a tight cap

flag
n. : any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: as a : IRIS especially : a wild iris b : SWEET FLAG

flag
n. 1 : a usually rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration
2 a : the tail of some dogs (as a setter or hound) also : the long hair fringing a dog's tail b : the tail of a deer
3 a : something used like a flag to signal or attract attention b : one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value
4 : something represented by a flag: as a : FLAGSHIP b : an admiral functioning in his office of command c : NATIONALITY especially : the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft

flag
n. 1 : to signal with or as if with a flag especially : to signal to stop <flagged the train> ― often used with down
2 : to mark or identify with or as if with a flag <flagged potential problems in the proposal>
3 : to call a penalty on : PENALIZE <a lineman flagged for being offside>

flag
n. 1 : to hang loose without stiffness
2 a : to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless b : to decline in interest, attraction, or value <flagging stock prices>

flag
n. : a hard evenly stratified stone that splits into flat pieces suitable for paving also : a piece of such stone

flag
n. : to lay (as a pavement) with flags

flag
n. black flag
blue flag
capture the flag
flag day
flag football
flag of convenience
flag officer
flag of truce
flag rank
flag stop
flag waver
flag waving
red flag
sweet flag
white flag

flag day
1 capitalized F&D : June 14 observed in various states in commemoration of the adoption in 1777 of the official U.S. flag
2 British : a day on which charitable contributions are solicited in exchange for small flags

flag football
: a variation of football in which a player must remove a flag attached to the ballcarrier's clothing to stop the play

flag of convenience

1956
: registry of a merchant ship under a foreign flag in order to profit from less restrictive regulations

flag of truce

1582
: a white flag carried or displayed to an enemy as an invitation to conference or parley

flag officer
: any of the officers in the navy or coast guard above captain ― compare GENERAL OFFICER

flag rank
: the rank of a flag officer

flag stop
: a point at which a vehicle in public transportation stops only on prearrangement or signal

flag-waver
1 : one who is intensely and conspicuously patriotic
2 : one who waves a flag in signaling
3 : a song intended to rouse patriotic sentiment

flag-waving
: passionate appeal to patriotic or partisan sentiment : CHAUVINISM

flagellant
n. 1 : a person who scourges himself or herself as a public penance
2 : a person who responds sexually to being beaten by or to beating another person
–flagellant adjective
–fla·gel·lant·ism \-lən-ˌti-zəm\ noun

flagellar
adj. : of or relating to a flagellum

flagellate
adj. 1 : WHIP, SCOURGE
2 : to drive or punish as if by whipping

flagellate
adj. 1 a or flag·el·lat·ed \'fla-jə-ˌlā-təd\ : having flagella b : shaped like a flagellum
2 [3flagellate] : of, relating to, or caused by flagellates <flagellate diarrhea>

flagellate
adj. : a flagellate protozoan or alga

flagellation
n. : the act or practice of flagellating especially : the practice of a flagellant

flagellin
: a polymeric protein that is the chief constituent of bacterial flagella and that determines the specificity of the flagellum in eliciting an immune response

flagellum
n. : any of various elongated filiform appendages of plants or animals: as a : the slender distal part of an antenna b : a long tapering process that projects singly or in groups from a cell and is the primary organ of motion of many microorganisms

flageolet
n. : a small fipple flute resembling the treble recorder

flageolet
n. : a green kidney bean used in French cuisine

Flagg
v. James Montgomery 1877-1960 American illustrator

flagging
n. 1 : LANGUID, WEAK
2 : becoming progressively less : DWINDLING
–flag·ging·ly adverb

flagitious
adj. : marked by scandalous crime or vice : VILLAINOUS
–fla·gi·tious·ly adverb
–fla·gi·tious·ness noun

flagman
n. : a person who signals with a flag

flagon
n. 1 a : a large usually metal or pottery vessel (as for wine) with handle and spout and often a lid b : a large bulging short-necked bottle
2 : the contents of a flagon

flagpole
n. : a pole on which to raise a flag

flagrance
n. : FLAGRANCY

flagrancy
n. : the quality or state of being flagrant

flagrant
adj. 1 archaic : fiery hot : BURNING
2 : conspicuously offensive <flagrant errors> especially : so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality <flagrant violations of human rights>
–fla·grant·ly adverb
synonyms FLAGRANT, GLARING, GROSS, RANK mean conspicuously bad or objectionable. FLAGRANT applies usually to offenses or errors so bad that they can neither escape notice nor be condoned <flagrant abuse of the office of president>. GLARING implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper <glaring errors>. GROSS implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits <gross carelessness>. RANK applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned <rank heresy>.

flagrante
adv. flagrante delicto
in flagrante
in flagrante delicto

flagrante delicto
: IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO

flagship
n. 1 : the ship that carries the commander of a fleet or subdivision of a fleet and flies the commander's flag
2 : the finest, largest, or most important one of a series, network, or chain <the company's flagship store>

Flagstad
Kir·sten \'kish-tən, 'kir-stən\ 1895-1962 Norw. soprano

Flagstaff
n. city N cen Ariz. pop 52,894

flagstaff
n. : a staff on which a flag is hoisted

flagstick
: a staff for a flag marking the location of the cup on a golf putting green

flagstone
n. : 5FLAG

flail
n. : a hand threshing implement consisting of a wooden handle at the end of which a stouter and shorter stick is so hung as to swing freely

flail
n. 1 a : to strike with or as if with a flail <arms flailing the water> b : to move, swing, or beat as if wielding a flail <flailing a club to drive away the insects>
2 : to thresh (grain) with a flail
intransitive verb : to move, swing, or beat like a flail

flair
n. 1 : a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : TALENT <a flair for color> also : INCLINATION, TENDENCY <a flair for the dramatic>
2 : a uniquely attractive quality : STYLE <fashionable dresses with a flair all their own>

flak
n. 1 : antiaircraft guns
2 : the bursting shells fired from flak
3 also flack : CRITICISM, OPPOSITION

flak jacket
: a jacket containing metal plates for protection against flak broadly : a bulletproof vest ― called also flak vest

flake
n. 1 : a small loose mass or bit <flakes of snow>
2 : a thin flattened piece or layer : CHIP
3 slang : COCAINE
4 : FLAKE TOOL

flake
n. transitive verb
1 : to cover with or as if with flakes
2 : to form or break into flakes : CHIP
intransitive verb : to separate into flakes also : to peel in flakes

flake
n. : a stage, platform, or tray for drying fish or produce

flake
n. : a person who is flaky : ODDBALL

flake out
1 slang : to fall asleep
2 slang : to be overcome especially by exhaustion

flake tool
: a Stone-Age tool that is a flake of stone struck off from a larger piece ― called also flake

flaky
adj. 1 : consisting of flakes <flaky snow>
2 : tending to flake <a flaky crust>
–flak·i·ness noun

flaky
adj. : markedly odd or unconventional : OFFBEAT, WACKY
–flak·i·ness noun

flam
n. : a drumbeat of two strokes of which the first is a very quick grace note

flambe
adj. : dressed or served covered with flaming liquor ― usually used postpositively <crepes suzette flambe>

flambe
adj. : to douse with a liquor (as brandy, rum, or cognac) and ignite

flambeau
n. : a flaming torch broadly : TORCH

Flamborough Head
promontory NE England on North Sea coast

flamboyance
n. : the quality or state of being flamboyant

flamboyancy
n. : FLAMBOYANCE

flamboyant
adj. 1 often capitalized : characterized by waving curves suggesting flames <flamboyant tracery> <flamboyant architecture>
2 : marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior <a flamboyant performer>
–flam·boy·ant·ly adverb

flamboyant
adj. : ROYAL POINCIANA

flame
n. 1 : the glowing gaseous part of a fire
2 a : a state of blazing combustion <the car burst into flame> b : a condition or appearance suggesting a flame or burning: as (1) : burning zeal or passion (2) : a strong reddish-orange color
3 : BRILLIANCE, BRIGHTNESS
4 : SWEETHEART
5 : the memory, reputation, or beliefs of a deceased person broadly : MEMORY <keeper of the flame>
6 : an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message

flame
n. intransitive verb
1 : to burn with a flame : BLAZE
2 a : to burst or break out violently or passionately <flaming with indignation> b : to send an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message
3 : to shine brightly : GLOW <color flaming up in her cheeks>
transitive verb
1 : to send or convey by means of flame <flame a message by signal fires>
2 : to treat or affect with flame: as a : to sear, sterilize, or destroy by fire b : FLAMBÉ
3 : to send an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message to or about
–flam·er noun

flame
n. flame cell
flame out
flame photometer
flame photometry
flame photometric
flame retardant
flame stitch
flame tree
go up in flames

flame cell
: a hollow cell that has a tuft of vibratile cilia and is part of some lower invertebrate excretory systems (as of a platyhelminthic worm)

flame out
: to fail spectacularly and especially prematurely

flame photometer
: a spectrophotometer in which a spray of metallic salts in solution is vaporized in a very hot flame and subjected to quantitative analysis by measuring the intensities of the spectral lines of the metals present
–flame photometric adjective
–flame photometry noun

flame stitch
: a needlepoint stitch that produces a pattern resembling flames

flame tree
: any of several trees or shrubs with showy scarlet or yellow flowers: as a : a tree (Brachychiton acerifolium of the family Sterculiaceae) of southern Australia with panicles of brilliant scarlet flowers b : ROYAL POINCIANA

flame-retardant
: made or treated so as to resist burning

flamen
n. : a priest especially in ancient Rome

flamenco
n. 1 : a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Andalusian Gypsies also : a dance in flamenco style
2 : music or song suitable to accompany a flamenco dance

flameout
n. 1 : the unintentional cessation of operation of a jet airplane engine
2 : a sudden downfall, failure, or cessation
3 : a person whose successful career ends abruptly

flameproof
adj. : resistant to damage or burning on contact with flame
–flameproof transitive verb
–flame·proof·er noun

flamethrower
n. 1 : a device that expels from a nozzle a burning stream of liquid or semiliquid fuel under pressure
2 : a pitcher who throws hard : a fastball pitcher

flaming
adj. 1 : resembling or suggesting a flame in color, brilliance, or wavy outline <the flaming sunset sky> <flaming red hair>
2 : being on fire : BLAZING <a flaming torch>
3 : INTENSE, PASSIONATE <flaming youth>
4 ― used as an intensive <you flaming idiot>
–flam·ing·ly adverb

flamingo
n. : any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usually rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills

Flaminius
Gaius d 217 B.C. Rom. gen. & statesman

flammability
n. : ability to support combustion especially : a high capacity for combustion

flammable
adj. : capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly
–flammable noun

Flammarion
(Nicolas-) Camille 1842-1925 Fr. astron. & writer

flan
n. 1 a : an open pie containing any of various sweet or savory fillings b : custard baked with a caramel glaze
2 : the metal disk of a coin, token, or medal as distinguished from the design and lettering stamped on it

Flanagan
Edward Joseph 1886-1948 American (Irish-born) R.C. priest & founder of Boys Town

Flanders
n. 1 medieval county along coast of what is now Belgium and adjacent parts of France & Netherlands capital Lille
2 semiautonomous region W Belgium pop 5,972,781 ― see EAST FLANDERS, WEST FLANDERS

Flandin
Pierre-Étienne 1889-1958 Fr. polit.; premier (1934-35)

flaneur
n. : an idle man-about-town

flange
n. 1 : a rib or rim for strength, for guiding, or for attachment to another object <a flange on a pipe> <a flange on a wheel>
2 : a projecting edge of cloth used for decoration on clothing <a jacket with flange shoulders>

flange
n. : to furnish with a flange

flank
n. 1 a : the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip broadly : the side of a quadruped b : a cut of meat from this part of an animal ― see BEEF illustration
2 a : SIDE b : the right or left of a formation
3 : the area along either side of a heraldic shield

flank
n. 1 a : to be situated at the side of especially : to be situated on both sides of <a road flanked with linden trees> b : to place something on each side of
2 : to protect a flank of
3 : to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)

flank steak
: a pear-shaped muscle of the beef flank also : a steak cut from this muscle ― see BEEF illustration

flanken
: beef flank cooked especially by boiling

flanker
n. : a football player stationed wide of the formation slightly behind the line of scrimmage as a pass receiver ― called also flanker back

flannel
n. 1 a : a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface b : a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel c : a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side
2 plural a : flannel underwear b : outer garments of flannel especially : men's trousers
3 British : WASHCLOTH
4 British : flattering or evasive talk also : NONSENSE, RUBBISH
–flannel adjective
–flan·nel·ly \-nəl-ē\ adjective

flannelette
n. : a lightweight cotton flannel

flannelmouthed
1 : speaking indistinctly
2 : speaking in a tricky or ingratiating way

flap
n. 1 : a stroke with something broad : SLAP
2 obsolete : something broad and flat used for striking
3 : something that is broad, limber, or flat and usually thin and that hangs loose or projects freely: as a : a piece on a garment that hangs free b : a part of a book jacket that folds under the book's cover c : a piece of tissue partly severed from its place of origin for use in surgical grafting d : an extended part forming the closure (as of an envelope or carton)
4 : the motion of something broad and limber (as a sail or wing)
5 : a movable auxiliary airfoil usually attached to an airplane wing's trailing edge to increase lift or drag ― see AIRPLANE illustration
6 a : a state of excitement or agitation : TIZZY, UPROAR b : something (as an incident or remark) that generates an uproar
7 : a consonant (as the sound \d\ in ladder and \t\ in latter) characterized by a single rapid contact of the tongue or lower lip against another point in the mouth ― called also tap

flap
n. transitive verb
1 : to beat with or as if with a flap
2 : to toss sharply : FLING
3 : to move or cause to move in flaps
intransitive verb
1 : to sway loosely usually with a noise of striking and especially when moved by wind
2 a : to beat or pulsate wings or something suggesting wings b : to progress by flapping c : to flutter ineffectively
3 : to talk foolishly and persistently

flap
n. mud flap
slip tap
love tap
spinal tap
on tap
tap into
tap dance
tap dancing
tap dancer
tap in
tap off
tap out
tap pants
tap water
tapped out

flapdoodle
n. : NONSENSE

flapjack
n. : PANCAKE

flappable
adj. : easily upset

flapper
n. 1 a : something used in flapping or striking b : one that flaps c : FLIPPER 1
2 : a young woman specifically : a young woman of the period of World War I and the following decade who showed freedom from conventions (as in conduct)

flappy
adj. : flapping or tending to flap

flare
n. 1 a : a fire or blaze of light used especially to signal, illuminate, or attract attention also : a device or composition used to produce such a flare
2 : an unsteady glaring light b : SOLAR FLARE also : a sudden increase and decrease in the brightness of a star often amounting to a difference of several magnitudes
3 a : a sudden outburst (as of excitement or anger) b : FLARE-UP 3
4 a : a spreading outward also : a place or part that spreads b : an area of skin flush
5 : light resulting from reflection (as between lens surfaces) or an effect of this light (as a fogged or dense area in a photographic negative)
6 a : a short pass in football thrown to a back who is running toward the sideline b : a weakly hit fly ball in baseball <a flare into short right field>
7 plural : pants that flare toward the bottom

flare
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to burn with an unsteady flame b : to stream in the wind
2 a : to shine with a sudden light <a match flares in the darkness> b (1) : to become suddenly excited or angry ― usually used with up (2) : to break out or intensify usually suddenly or violently ― often used with up <fighting flared up after a 2-week lull> c : to express strong emotion (as anger) <flaring out at such abuses>
3 : to open or spread outward <the pants flare at the bottom>
transitive verb
1 : to display conspicuously <flaring her scarf to attract attention>
2 : to cause to flare <the breeze flares the candle>
3 : to signal with a flare or by flaring
4 : to burn (a jet of waste gas) in the open air

flare-up
1 : a sudden outburst or intensification
2 : a sudden bursting (as of a smoldering fire) into flame or light
3 : a sudden outburst of or increase in the symptoms of a disease or condition

flaring
adj. 1 a : flaming or as if flaming brightly or unsteadily b : GAUDY <a flaring resort hotel>
2 : opening or spreading outward <flaring nostrils>
–flar·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

flash
n. intransitive verb
1 : RUSH, DASH ― used of flowing water
2 : to break forth in or like a sudden flame or flare
3 a : to appear suddenly <an idea flashes into her mind> b : to move with great speed <the days flash by>
4 a : to break forth or out so as to make a sudden display <the sun flashed from behind a cloud> b : to act or speak vehemently and suddenly especially in anger
5 a : to give off light suddenly or in transient bursts b : to glow or gleam especially with animation or passion <her eyes flashed with anger>
6 : to change suddenly or violently into vapor <hot water flashing to steam under reduced pressure>
7 : to expose one's breasts or genitals usually suddenly and briefly in public
8 : to have sudden insight ― often used with on
transitive verb
1 a archaic : SPLASH b : to fill by a sudden inflow of water
2 a : to cause the sudden appearance of (light) b : to cause to burst violently into flame c (1) : to cause (light) to reflect (2) : to cause (as a mirror) to reflect light (3) : to cause (a lamp) to flash d : to convey by means of flashes of light
3 a : to make known or cause to appear with great speed <flash a message on the screen> b : to display obtrusively and ostentatiously <always flashing a roll of bills> c : to expose to view usually suddenly and briefly <flashed a badge>
4 : to cover with or form into a thin layer: as a : to protect against rain by covering with sheet metal or a substitute b : to coat (as glass) with a thin layer (as of metal or a differently colored glass)
5 : to subject (an exposed photographic negative or positive) to a supplementary uniform exposure to light before development in order to modify detail or tone
6 : to expose one's breasts or genitals usually suddenly and briefly to <flashed the audience>
synonyms FLASH, GLEAM, GLINT, SPARKLE, GLITTER, GLISTEN, GLIMMER, SHIMMER mean to send forth light. FLASH implies a sudden and transient outburst of bright light <lightning flashed>. GLEAM suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background <lights gleamed in the valley>. GLINT implies a cold glancing light <glinting steel>. SPARKLE suggests innumerable moving points of bright light <the sparkling waters of the gulf>. GLITTER connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming <glittering diamonds>. GLISTEN applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface <glistening rain-drenched sidewalks>. GLIMMER suggests a faint or wavering gleam <a distant glimmering light>. SHIMMER implies a soft tremulous gleaming or a blurred reflection <a shimmering satin dress>.

flash
n. 1 a : a sudden burst of light b : a movement of a flag in signaling
2 : a sudden and often brilliant burst <a flash of wit>
3 : a brief time <I'll be back in a flash>
4 a : SHOW, DISPLAY especially : a vulgar ostentatious display b archaic : a showy ostentatious person c : one that attracts notice especially : an outstanding athlete d : PIZZAZZ
5 obsolete : thieves' slang
6 : something flashed: as a : GLIMPSE, LOOK b : SMILE c : a first brief news report d : FLASHLIGHT 2 e : a quick-spreading flame or momentary intense outburst of radiant heat f (1) : FLASHLIGHT 1 (2) : a device for producing a flashlight for taking photographs
7 : RUSH 7A
8 : the rapid conversion of a liquid into vapor

flash
n. 1 a : FLASHY, SHOWY b : of, relating to, or characteristic of flashy people or things <flash behavior> c : of, relating to, or characteristic of persons considered social outcasts <flash language>
2 : of sudden origin and short duration <a flash fire>

flash
n. : by very brief exposure to an intense altering agent (as heat or cold) <flash fry> <flash freeze>

flash
n. flash back
flash card
flash flood
flash forward
flash in the pan
flash memory
flash point
green flash
hot flash

flash back
1 : to focus one's mind on or vividly remember a past time or incident ― usually used with to <flashed back to my childhood>
2 : to employ a flashback (as in a film) ― usually used with to

flash card
: a card bearing words, numbers, or pictures that is briefly displayed (as by a teacher to a class) usually as a learning aid

flash flood
: a local flood of great volume and short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity
–flash flood verb

flash in the pan
1 : a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing
2 : one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless

flash memory
: a computer memory chip that retains its data even without a connection to a power source

flash point
1 : the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame
2 : a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being
3 : TINDERBOX 2

flash-forward
: interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or novel) by interjection of events of future occurrence also : an instance of flash-forward
–flash forward intransitive verb

flashback
n. 1 : a recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)
2 a : interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence also : an instance of flashback b : a past incident recurring vividly in the mind

flashboard
n. : one or more boards projecting above the top of a dam to increase the depth of the water

flashbulb
n. : an electric bulb that can be used only once to produce a brief and very bright flash for taking photographs

flashcube
n. : a cubical device incorporating four flashbulbs

flasher
n. : one that flashes: as a : a light (as a traffic signal or automobile light) that flashes to catch attention b : a device for automatically flashing a light c : an exhibitionist who flashes

flashgun
n. : a device for producing a bright flash of light for photography

flashing
adj. : sheet metal used in waterproofing (as at roof valleys or hips or the angle between a chimney and a roof)

flashlamp
: a lamp for producing a brief but intense flash of light (as for taking photographs)

flashlight
n. 1 a : a sudden bright artificial light used in taking photographic pictures b : a photograph taken by such a light
2 : a small battery-operated portable electric light

flashover
n. 1 : an abnormal electrical discharge (as through the air to the ground from a high potential source or between two conducting portions of a structure)
2 : the sudden spread of flame over an area when it becomes heated to the flash point

flashtube
n. : a gas discharge tube that produces very brief intense flashes of light and is used especially in photography

flashy
adj. 1 chiefly dialect : lacking in substance or flavor : INSIPID
2 : momentarily dazzling
3 a : superficially attractive or impressive b : ostentatious or showy often beyond the bounds of good taste especially : marked by gaudy brightness
synonyms see GAUDY
–flash·i·ly \'fla-shə-lē\ adverb
–flash·i·ness \'fla-shē-nəs\ noun

flask
n. : a container often somewhat narrowed toward the outlet and often fitted with a closure: as a : a broad flattened necked vessel used especially to carry alcoholic beverages on the person b British : THERMOS

flask
n. Dewar flask
Erlenmeyer flask
Florence flask
vacuum flask

flat
n. 1 a : lying at full length or spread out upon the ground : PROSTRATE b : utterly ruined or destroyed c : resting with a surface against something
2 a : having a continuous horizontal surface b : being or characterized by a horizontal line or tracing without peaks or depressions <a flat EEG>
3 : having a relatively smooth or even surface
4 : arranged or laid out so as to be level or even
5 a : having the major surfaces essentially parallel and distinctly greater than the minor surfaces <a flat piece of wood> b of a shoe heel : very low and broad
6 a : clearly unmistakable : DOWNRIGHT <a flat denial> b (1) : not varying : FIXED <a flat rate> (2) : having no fraction either lacking or in excess : EXACT <in a flat 10 seconds> (3) of a frequency response : not varying significantly throughout its range
7 a : lacking in animation, zest, or vigor : DULL <life seemed flat without her> b : lacking flavor : TASTELESS c : lacking effervescence or sparkle <flat ginger ale> d : commercially inactive also : characterized by no significant rise or decline from one period to another <sales were flat> e of a tire : lacking air : DEFLATED f chiefly British of a battery : DEAD 3C, DISCHARGED
8 a (1) of a tone : lowered a half step in pitch (2) : lower than the proper pitch b of the vowel a : pronounced as in bad or bat
9 a : having a low trajectory b of a tennis stroke : made so as to give little or no spin to the ball
10 of a sail : TAUT
11 a : uniform in hue or shade b : having little or no illusion of depth c of a photograph or negative : lacking contrast d of lighting conditions : lacking shadows or contours e : free from gloss <a flat paint> f : TWO-DIMENSIONAL 3 <flat characters>
12 : of, relating to, or used in competition on the flat <a flat horse>
13 of a universe : having a mass such that expansion halts only after infinite time and collapse never occurs
synonyms see LEVEL, INSIPID
–flat·ly adverb
–flat·ness noun
–flat·tish \'fla-tish\ adjective

flat
n. 1 a : a level surface of land ― usually used in plural <sagebrush flats> <tidal flats> b : a stretch of land without obstacles especially : a track or course for a flat race ― usually used with the <has won twice on the flat>
2 : a flat part or surface <the flat of one's hand>
3 a : a musical note or tone one half step lower than a specified note or tone b : a character ♭ on a line or space of the musical staff indicating a half step drop in pitch
4 : something flat: as a : a shallow container for shipping produce b : a shallow box in which seedlings are started c : a flat piece of theatrical scenery d : a shoe or slipper having a flat heel or no heel
5 chiefly British : an apartment on one floor
6 : a deflated tire
7 : the area to either side of an offensive football formation

flat
n. 1 : in a flat manner : DIRECTLY, POSITIVELY
2 : in a complete manner : ABSOLUTELY <flat broke>
3 : below the proper musical pitch
4 : without interest charge especially : without allowance or charge for accrued interest <bonds sold flat>

flat
n. transitive verb
1 : FLATTEN
2 : to lower in pitch especially by a half step
intransitive verb : to sing or play below the true pitch

flat
n. European flat
fall flat
flat coated retriever
flat earther
flat earthist
flat footed
flat footedness
flat footedly
flat hat
flat hatter
flat out
flat panel
flat picking
flat race
flat racing
flat tax
granny flat
railroad flat
salt flat
Bonneville Salt Flats
self flattering

flat out
1 : in a blunt and direct manner : OPENLY <called flat out for revolution ― Nat'l Review>
2 : at top speed or peak performance <the car does 180 m.p.h. flat out>
3 usually flat-out : ABSOLUTELY, DOWNRIGHT ― usually used as an intensive <is just flat-out confusing>

flat race
: a race (as for horses) on a level course without obstacles (as hurdles) ― compare STEEPLECHASE
–flat racing noun

flat tax
: PROPORTIONAL TAX

flat-coated retriever
: any of an English breed of medium-sized sporting dogs that have a dense smooth black or liver-colored coat

flat-earther
: a person who believes that the planet Earth is flat

flat-footed
1 : affected with flatfoot broadly : walking with a dragging or shambling gait
2 a : firm and well balanced on the feet b : free from reservation : FORTHRIGHT <had an honest flat-footed way of saying a thing>
3 : not ready : UNPREPARED ― used chiefly in the phrase catch one flat-footed
4 : proceeding in a plodding or unimaginative way : PEDESTRIAN <flat-footed prose>
–flat-foot·ed·ly adverb
–flat-foot·ed·ness noun

flat-footed
1 : in an open and determined manner : FLATLY
2 : with the feet flat on a surface (as the ground)

flat-hat
: to fly low in an airplane in a reckless manner : HEDGEHOP
–flat-hat·ter noun

flat-out
1 : being or going at maximum effort or speed
2 : OUT-AND-OUT, DOWNRIGHT <it was a flat-out lie>

flat-panel
: relating to or being a thin flat video display (as for a portable computer)

flat-picking
: a method of playing a stringed instrument (as a guitar) with a plectrum held between the thumb and index finger

flatbed
n. : having a horizontal bed on which the work rests <a flatbed printing press> <a flatbed scanner>

flatbed
n. : a motortruck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box

flatboat
n. : a boat with a flat bottom and square ends used for transportation of bulky freight especially in shallow waters

flatcar
n. : a railroad freight car without permanent raised sides, ends, or covering

flatfish
n. : any of an order (Heterosomata) of marine typically bottom-dwelling bony fishes (as the halibuts, flounders, turbots, and soles) that as adults swim on one side of the laterally compressed body and have both eyes on the upper side

flatfoot
n. 1 : a condition in which the arch of the instep is flattened so that the entire sole rests upon the ground
2 : a foot affected with flatfoot
3 a or plural flatfoots slang : POLICE OFFICER especially : a patrolman walking a regular beat b slang : SAILOR

Flathead
n. 1 : a member of any of several No. American Indian peoples that practiced head-flattening
2 : an American Indian people of Montana
3 not capitalized : any of a family (Platycephalidae) of mostly Australian and East Indian marine food fishes that resemble sculpins

Flathead
n. river 245 mi (394 km) SE B.C. & NW Mont. flowing S through Flathead Lake (reservoir in Mont.) into Clark Fork

flathead catfish
: a large yellowish catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) of the central and Gulf states of the U.S. with the sides and back heavily mottled with brown or black

flatiron
n. : IRON 2C

flatland
n. 1 : a region in which the land is predominantly flat ― usually used in plural
2 : land that lacks significant variation in elevation
–flat·land·er \-ˌlan-dər\ noun

flatlet
n. British : EFFICIENCY APARTMENT

flatline
v. 1 a : to register on an electronic monitor as having no brain waves or heartbeat b : DIE
2 a : to be in a state of no progress or advancement b : to come to an end
–flat·lin·er noun

flatling
dialect British : with a flat side or edge

flatmate
n. chiefly British : one of two or more persons sharing the same flat

flatten
v. transitive verb : to make flat: as a : to make level or smooth b : to knock down also : to defeat decisively c : to make dull or uninspired ― often used with out d : to make (as paint) lusterless e : to stabilize especially at a lower level
intransitive verb : to become flat or flatter: as a : to become dull or spiritless b : to extend in or into a flat position or form c : to become uniform or stabilized often at a new lower level ― usually used with out
–flat·ten·er \-nər\ noun

flatter
n. transitive verb
1 : to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
2 a archaic : BEGUILE 4 b : to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right <I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct>
3 a : to portray too favorably <the portrait flatters him> b : to display to advantage <candlelight often flatters the face>
intransitive verb : to use flattery
–flat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
–flat·ter·ing·ly \-tər-iŋ-lē\ adverb

flatter
n. : one that flattens especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

flattery
n. 1 a : the act or practice of flattering b (1) : something that flatters (2) : insincere or excessive praise
2 obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Flattery, Cape
cape NW Wash. at entrance to Strait of Juan de Fuca

flattop
n. : something with a flat or flattened upper surface: as a : AIRCRAFT CARRIER b : a modified crew cut

flatulence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being flatulent
2 : flatus expelled through the anus

flatulency
n. : FLATULENCE 1

flatulent
adj. 1 a : likely to cause gas b : marked by or affected with gas generated in the intestine or stomach
2 : pompously or portentously overblown
–flat·u·lent·ly adverb

flatus
n. : gas generated in the stomach or bowels

flatware
n. : relatively flat tableware especially : eating and serving utensils (as knives, forks, and spoons) ― compare HOLLOWWARE

flatways
adv. : FLATWISE

flatwise
adv. : with the flat surface presented in some expressed or implied position

flatwork
n. : laundry that can be finished mechanically and does not require hand ironing

flatworm
n. : any of a phylum (Platyhelminthes) of soft-bodied usually much flattened acoelomate worms (as the planarians, flukes, and tapeworms) ― called also platyhelminth

Flaubert
n. Gustave 1821-1880 Fr. nov.
–Flau·ber·tian \-'bər-shən, -'ber-tē-ən\ adjective

flaunt
v. intransitive verb
1 : to display or obtrude oneself to public notice <a great flaunting crowd ― Charles Dickens>
2 : to wave or flutter showily <the flag flaunts in the breeze>
transitive verb
1 : to display ostentatiously or impudently : PARADE <flaunting his superiority>
2 : to treat contemptuously <flaunted the rules ― Louis Untermeyer>
synonyms see SHOW
–flaunt noun
–flaunt·ing·ly \'flȯn-tiŋ-lē, 'flän-\ adverb
–flaunty \-tē\ adjective
usage Although transitive sense 2 of flaunt undoubtedly arose from confusion with flout, the contexts in which it appears cannot be called substandard <meting out punishment to the occasional mavericks who operate rigged games, tolerate rowdyism, or otherwise flaunt the law ― Oscar Lewis> <observed with horror the flaunting of their authority in the suburbs, where men⋯put up buildings that had no place at all in a Christian commonwealth ― Marchette Chute> <in our profession⋯very rarely do we publicly chastise a colleague who has flaunted our most basic principles ― R. T. Blackburn, AAUP Bull.>. If you use it, however, you should be aware that many people will consider it a mistake. Use of flout in the sense of flaunt 1 is found occasionally <“The proper pronunciation,” the blonde said, flouting her refined upbringing, “is pree feeks” ― Mike Royko>.

flauta
: a usually corn tortilla rolled tightly around a filling (as of meat) and deep-fried

flautist
n. : FLUTIST

flavanone
n. : any of various aromatic ketones that often occur in plants as glycosides and that constitute a subset of the flavonoids

flavin
n. : any of a class of yellow water-soluble nitrogenous pigments derived from isoalloxazine and occurring in the form of nucleotides as coenzymes of flavoproteins especially : RIBOFLAVIN

flavin adenine dinucleotide
: a coenzyme C_27H_33N_9O_15P_2 of some flavoproteins

flavin mononucleotide
: FMN

flavine
n. : any of a series of yellow acridine dyes (as acriflavine) having antiseptic properties

flavivirus
: any of a family (Flaviviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that are transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes and include the causative agents of dengue and yellow fever

flavone
n. : a colorless crystalline aromatic ketone C_15H_10O_2 found in the leaves, stems, and seed capsules of many primroses also : any of the derivatives of this ketone many of which occur as yellow plant pigments in the form of glycosides and are used as dyestuffs

flavonoid
adj. : any of a group of oxygen-containing aromatic antioxidant compounds that includes many common pigments (as the anthocyanins and flavones)

flavonol
n. : any of various hydroxy derivatives of flavone

flavoprotein
n. : a dehydrogenase that contains a flavin and often a metal and plays a major role in biological oxidations

flavor
1 a archaic : ODOR, FRAGRANCE b : the quality of something that affects the sense of taste c : the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance in the mouth <the flavor of apples>
2 : a substance that flavors <artificial flavors>
3 a : characteristic or predominant quality <the ethnic flavor of a neighborhood> b : a distinctive appealing or enlivening quality <her performance adds flavor to the show>
4 a : VARIETY 3A b : a property that distinguishes different types of elementary particles (as quarks or neutrinos) also : any of the different types of particles that are distinguished by flavor
5 : VERSION 3 <flavors of software>
6 : one that is in the center of public attention for a limited time ― usually used in phrases like flavor of the month
–fla·vored \-vərd\ adjective
–fla·vor·ful \-vər-fəl\ adjective
–fla·vor·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fla·vor·less \-vər-ləs\ adjective
–fla·vor·some \-səm\ adjective

flavor
n. : to give or add flavor to

flavoring
n. : FLAVOR 2

flavorist
: a specialist in the creation of artificial flavors

flavour
n. chiefly British variant of flavor

flaw
n. 1 : a sudden brief burst of wind also : a spell of stormy weather
2 obsolete : an outburst especially of passion

flaw
n. 1 a : a defect in physical structure or form <a diamond with a flaw> b : an imperfection or weakness and especially one that detracts from the whole or hinders effectiveness <vanity was the flaw in his character> <a flaw in the book's plot>
2 obsolete : FRAGMENT
–flawed \'flȯd\ adjective
–flaw·less \-ləs\ adjective
–flaw·less·ly adverb
–flaw·less·ness noun

flaw
n. : to make flaws in : MAR
intransitive verb : to become defective

flax
n. 1 : any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs especially : a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed
2 : the fiber of the flax plant especially when prepared for spinning
3 : any of several plants resembling flax
–flaxy \'flak-sē\ adjective

flaxen
adj. 1 : made of flax
2 : resembling flax especially in pale soft strawy color <flaxen hair>

Flaxman
John 1755-1826 Eng. sculptor

flaxseed
n. : the small seed of flax (esp. Linum usitatissimum) used especially as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient, and as a dietary supplement ― called also linseed

flay
v. 1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : SKIN
2 : to criticize harshly : EXCORIATE
3 : LASH 1B <the wind whipped up to gale fury, flaying his face ― Richard Kent>

flea
n. : any of an order (Siphonaptera) of small wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals
–flea in one's ear : REBUKE <sent him away with a flea in his ear>

flea
n. beach flea
flea in one's ear
flea beetle
flea bitten
flea collar
flea flicker
flea market
sand flea
water flea

flea beetle
: any of a subfamily (Alticinae, especially genera Alticia and Epitrix) of small chrysomelid beetles with legs adapted for leaping that feed on foliage and include some that are agricultural pests

flea collar
: a collar for animals (as dogs and cats) that contains insecticide for killing fleas

flea in one's ear
REBUKE <sent him away with a flea in his ear>

flea market
: a usually open-air market for secondhand articles and antiques

flea-bitten
1 of a horse : having a white or gray coat flecked with a darker color
2 : bitten by or infested with fleas

flea-flicker
: any of various offensive plays in football involving a combination of handoffs and forward or lateral passes

fleabag
n. : an inferior hotel or rooming house

fleabane
n. : any of various composite plants (esp. of the genus Erigeron) that were once believed to drive away fleas

fleabite
n. 1 : the bite of a flea also : the red spot caused by such a bite
2 : a trifling pain or annoyance

fleahopper
: any of several small jumping bugs that feed on cultivated plants

fleapit
n. British : a dilapidated building usually housing a movie theater

fleawort
n. : any of three Old World plantains (esp. Plantago psyllium) whose seeds are sometimes used as a mild laxative ― compare PSYLLIUM

fleche
: SPIRE especially : a slender spire above the intersection of the nave and transepts of a church

flechette
: a small dart-shaped projectile that is clustered in an explosive warhead, dropped as a missile from an airplane, or fired from a handheld gun

fleck
n. 1 : STREAK, SPOT <whitecaps flecked the blue sea>
2 : to color as if by sprinkling with flecks <his wit is flecked with sarcasm ― James Atlas>

fleck
n. 1 : SPOT, MARK <a brown tweed with flecks of yellow>
2 : FLAKE, PARTICLE <flecks of snow drifted down>

fledge
v. intransitive verb of a young bird : to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity also : to leave the nest after acquiring such feathers
transitive verb
1 : to rear until ready for flight or independent activity
2 : to cover with or as if with feathers or down
3 : to furnish (as an arrow) with feathers

fledgling
n. 1 : a young bird just fledged
2 : an immature or inexperienced person
3 : one that is new <a fledgling company>

flee
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to run away often from danger or evil : FLY b : to hurry toward a place of security
2 : to pass away swiftly : VANISH
transitive verb : to run away from : SHUN

fleece
n. 1 a : the coat of wool covering a wool-bearing animal (as a sheep) b : the wool obtained from a sheep at one shearing
2 a : any of various soft or woolly coverings b : a soft bulky deep-piled knitted or woven fabric used chiefly for clothing

fleece
n. 1 a : to strip of money or property by fraud or extortion b : to charge excessively for goods or services
2 : to remove the fleece from : SHEAR
3 : to dot or cover with fleecy masses

fleeced
v. 1 : covered with or as if with a fleece
2 of a textile : having a soft nap

fleecy
adj. : covered with, made of, or resembling fleece <a fleecy winter coat>

fleer
n. : to laugh or grimace in a coarse derisive manner : SNEER
synonyms see SCOFF
–fleer·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

fleer
n. : a word or look of derision or mockery

fleet
n. intransitive verb
1 obsolete : DRIFT
2 a archaic : FLOW b : to fade away : VANISH
3 [3fleet] : to fly swiftly
transitive verb : to cause (time) to pass usually quickly or imperceptibly

fleet
n. 1 : a number of warships under a single command specifically : an organization of ships and aircraft under the command of a flag officer
2 : GROUP 2A B especially : a group (as of ships, planes, or trucks) operated under unified control

fleet
n. 1 : swift in motion : NIMBLE
2 : EVANESCENT, FLEETING
synonyms see FAST
–fleet·ly adverb
–fleet·ness noun

fleet
n. admiral of the fleet
fleet admiral
fleet footed
Fleet Street
Fleet Streeter

fleet admiral
: an admiral of the highest rank in the navy whose insignia is five stars

Fleet Street
: the London press
–Fleet Street·er noun

fleet-footed
: able to run fast

fleeting
adj. : passing swiftly : TRANSITORY
synonyms see TRANSIENT
–fleet·ing·ly \'flē-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–fleet·ing·ness noun

Fleetwood
Charles d 1692 Eng. gen.

flehmen
: a mammalian behavior (as of horses or cats) in which the animal inhales with the mouth open and upper lip curled to facilitate exposure of the vomeronasal organ to a scent or pheromone
–flehmen intransitive verb

fleishig
: made of, prepared with, or used for meat or meat products ― compare MILCHIG, PAREVE

Fleming
n. : a member of the Germanic people inhabiting northern Belgium and a small section of northern France

Fleming
n. Sir Alexander 1881-1955 Brit. bacteriol.

Fleming
n. Ian Lancaster 1908-1964 Brit. writer

Fleming
n. Sir John Ambrose 1849-1945 Eng. electrical engineer

Flemish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Flanders or the Flemings or their language

Flemish
adj. 1 : the Germanic language of the Flemings that is made up of dialects of Dutch
2 plural in construction : FLEMINGS

Flemish giant
: any of a breed of very large solid-colored rabbits prob. of Belgian origin

Flensburg
city & port N Germany on inlet of the Baltic near Danish border pop 87,241

flense
v. : to strip (as a whale) of blubber or skin

flesh
n. 1 a : the soft parts of the body of an animal and especially of a vertebrate especially : the parts composed chiefly of skeletal muscle as distinguished from internal organs, bone, and integument b : the condition of having ample fat on the body <cattle in good flesh> c : SKIN
2 a : edible parts of an animal b : flesh of a mammal or fowl eaten as food
3 a : the physical nature of human beings <the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak ― Mount 26:41(AV)> b : HUMAN NATURE
4 a : human beings : HUMANKIND b : living beings c : STOCK, KINDRED
5 : a fleshy plant part used as food also : the fleshy part of a fruit
6 Christian Science : an illusion that matter has sensation
7 : SUBSTANCE <insights buried in the flesh of the narrative ― Jan Carew>
–in the flesh : in person and alive

flesh
n. 1 : to initiate or habituate especially by giving a foretaste
2 archaic : GRATIFY
3 a : to clothe or cover with or as if with flesh broadly : to give substance to ― usually used with out <flesh out a plan> b : to make fuller or more nearly complete ― used with out <museums fleshing out their collections with borrowed works>
4 : to free from flesh
intransitive verb : to become fleshy ― often used with up or out

flesh
n. in the flesh
flesh and blood
flesh fly
flesh pressing
flesh wound
pound of flesh
press the flesh
proud flesh

flesh and blood
1 : corporeal nature as composed of flesh and of blood
2 : near kindred ― used chiefly in the phrase one's own flesh and blood
3 : SUBSTANCE, REALITY

flesh fly
: a dipteran fly whose maggots feed on flesh especially : any of a family (Sarcophagidae) of flies some of which cause myiasis

flesh wound
: an injury involving penetration of the body musculature without damage to bones or internal organs

flesh-pressing
: the act of greeting and shaking hands with people especially while campaigning for political office

fleshed
v. : having flesh especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <pink-fleshed> <thick-fleshed>

fleshly
adj. 1 a : CORPOREAL, BODILY b : of, relating to, or characterized by indulgence of bodily appetites especially : LASCIVIOUS <fleshly desires> c : not spiritual : WORLDLY
2 : FLESHY 1A
3 : having a sensuous quality <fleshly art>
synonyms see CARNAL

fleshment
obsolete : excitement associated with a successful beginning

fleshpot
n. 1 plural : bodily comfort : LUXURY
2 : a place of lascivious entertainment ― usually used in plural

fleshy
adj. 1 a : marked by, consisting of, or resembling flesh b : marked by abundant flesh especially : CORPULENT
2 a : SUCCULENT, PULPY <the fleshy texture of a melon> b : not thin, dry, or membranous <fleshy fungi>
–flesh·i·ness noun

fleshy fruit
: a fruit (as a berry, drupe, or pome) consisting largely of soft succulent tissue

fletch
v. : FEATHER <fletch an arrow>

Fletcher
n. John 1579-1625 Eng. dram.

fletcher
n. : a maker of arrows

fletching
n. : the feathers on an arrow also : the arrangement of such feathers

Fletschhorn
mountain 13,107 ft (3995 m) S Switzerland in Pennine Alps S of Simplon Pass

fleur
fleur de coin
fleur de lis
fleur de lys

fleur de coin
: being in the preserved mint condition

fleur-de-lis
1 : IRIS 3
2 : a conventionalized iris in artistic design and heraldry

Fleury
André-Hercule de 1653-1743 Fr. cardinal & statesman

Fleury
Claude 1640-1723 Fr. ecclesiastical hist.

fleury
of a heraldic cross : having the ends of the arms broadening out into the heads of fleurs-de-lis ― see CROSS illustration

Flevoland
province cen Netherlands capital Lelystad area 549 sq mi (1422 sq km), pop 341,721

flew
past of fly

flews
n. : the pendulous lateral parts of a dog's upper lip ― see DOG illustration

flex
n. transitive verb
1 : to bend especially repeatedly
2 a : to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint) b : to move or tense (a muscle) by contraction
3 : USE, DEMONSTRATE <flexing her skills as a singer>
intransitive verb : BEND
–flex one's muscles : to demonstrate one's strength <an exaggerated need to flex his political muscles ― J. P. Lash>

flex
n. chiefly British : an electric cord

flex
n. : an act or instance of flexing

flex one's muscles
to demonstrate one's strength <an exaggerated need to flex his political muscles ― J. P. Lash>

flexible
adj. 1 : capable of being flexed : PLIANT
2 : yielding to influence : TRACTABLE
3 : characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements <a flexible foreign policy> <a flexible schedule>
synonyms see ELASTIC
–flex·i·bil·i·ty \ˌflek-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–flex·i·bly \'flek-sə-blē\ adverb

flexile
adj. : FLEXIBLE

flexion
n. 1 : the act of flexing or bending
2 : a part bent : BEND
3 : INFLECTION 3
4 a : a bending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint ― compare EXTENSION 3b b : a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint

flexography
n. : a process of rotary letterpress printing using flexible plates and fast-drying inks
–flexo·graph·ic \ˌflek-sə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–flexo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

flexor
n. : a muscle serving to bend a body part (as a limb)

flextime
n. : a system that allows employees to choose their own times for starting and finishing work within a broad range of available hours

flexuous
1 : having curves, turns, or windings
2 : lithe or fluid in action or movement

flexural
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resulting from flexure
2 : characterized by flexure

flexure
n. 1 : the quality or state of being flexed : FLEXION
2 : TURN, BEND, FOLD

fley
Scottish : FRIGHTEN

flibbertigibbet
n. : a silly flighty person
–flib·ber·ti·gib·bety \-bə-tē\ adjective

flic
: a French police officer

flick
n. 1 : a light sharp jerky stroke or movement <a flick of the wrist>
2 : a sound produced by a flick
3 : 2FLICKER 1

flick
n. 1 a : to move or propel with or as if with a flick <flicked her hair back over her shoulder> <flick a switch> b : to activate, deactivate, or change by or as if by flicking a switch <flick on a cigarette lighter> <flick off the radio>
2 a : to strike lightly with a quick sharp motion <flicked the horse with a whip> b : to remove with light blows <flicked an ash off her sleeve>
intransitive verb
1 : to go or pass quickly or abruptly <flicking through some papers>
2 : to direct flicks at something

flick
n. : MOVIE

flick-knife
British : SWITCHBLADE

flicker
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move irregularly or unsteadily : FLUTTER
2 : to burn or shine fitfully or with a fluctuating light <a candle flickering in the window>
3 : to appear briefly
transitive verb
1 : to cause to flicker
2 : to produce by flickering
–flick·er·ing·ly \-k(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

flicker
n. 1 a : an act of flickering b : a sudden brief movement c : a momentary quickening <a flicker of anger> d : a slight indication : HINT <a flicker of recognition>
2 a : a wavering light b : a repeated momentary defect in a cathode-ray tube image caused especially by slow scanning of the screen
3 : MOVIE ― often used in plural
–flick·ery \'fli-k(ə-)rē\ adjective

flicker
n. : a large barred and spotted No. American woodpecker (Colaptes auratus) with a brown back that commonly forages on the ground for ants ― compare RED-SHAFTED FLICKER, YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER

flicker
n. flea flicker
red shafted flicker
yellow shafted flicker

flied
past and past part of 3fly

flier
n. 1 : one that flies specifically : AIRMAN
2 : a reckless or speculative venture ― usually used in the phrase take a flier
3 usually flyer : an advertising circular

flight
n. 1 a : an act or instance of passing through the air by the use of wings <the flight of a bee> b : the ability to fly <flight is natural to birds>
2 a : a passing through the air or through space outside the earth's atmosphere <flight of an arrow> <flight of a rocket to the moon> b : the distance covered in such a flight c : swift movement
3 a : a trip made by or in an airplane or spacecraft b : a scheduled airplane trip
4 : a group of similar beings or objects flying through the air together
5 : a brilliant, imaginative, or unrestrained exercise or display <a flight of fancy>
6 a : a continuous series of stairs from one landing or floor to another b : a series (as of terraces or conveyors) resembling a flight of stairs
7 : a unit of the U.S. Air Force below a squadron
–flight·less \-ləs\ adjective

flight
n. : FLUSH
intransitive verb : to rise, settle, or fly in a flock <geese flighting on the marsh>

flight
n. : an act or instance of running away

flight
n. top flight
fight or flight
flight attendant
flight bag
flight deck
flight engineer
flight feather
flight lieutenant
flight line
flight path
flight pay
flight plan
flight recorder
flight suit
flight surgeon
flight test
in flight
time of flight
white flight

flight attendant
: a person who attends passengers on an airplane

flight bag
1 : a lightweight traveling bag with zippered outside pockets
2 : a small canvas satchel

flight deck
1 : the uppermost complete deck of an aircraft carrier
2 : the forward compartment in some airplanes

flight engineer
: a flight crewman responsible for mechanical operation

flight feather
: one of the quills of a bird's wing or tail that support it in flight ― compare CONTOUR FEATHER

flight lieutenant
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a captain in the army

flight line
: a parking and servicing area for airplanes

flight path
: the path in the air or space made or followed by something (as a particle, an airplane, or a spacecraft) in flight

flight pay
: an additional allowance paid to military personnel who take part in regular authorized aircraft flights

flight plan
: a usually written statement (as by a pilot) of the details of an intended flight (as of an airplane or spacecraft) usually filed with an authority

flight recorder
: a crashworthy instrument for recording flight data (as airspeed and altitude)

flight suit
: a usually one-piece garment especially of fire-resistant fabric worn especially by a member of a military aircrew

flight surgeon
: a military medical officer specializing in aerospace medicine

flight-test
: to test (as an airplane or spacecraft) in flight

flighty
adj. 1 : SWIFT
2 : lacking stability or steadiness: a : easily upset : VOLATILE <a flighty temper> b : easily excited : SKITTISH <a flighty horse> c : CAPRICIOUS, SILLY
–flight·i·ly \'flī-tə-lē\ adverb
–flight·i·ness \'flī-tē-nəs\ noun

flimflam
n. 1 : deceptive nonsense
2 : DECEPTION, FRAUD

flimflam
: to subject to a flimflam
–flim·flam·mer noun
–flim·flam·mery \-ˌfla-mə-rē\ noun

flimsy
n. 1 a : lacking in physical strength or substance <flimsy silks> b : of inferior materials and workmanship
2 : having little worth or plausibility <a flimsy excuse>
–flim·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–flim·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

flimsy
n. chiefly British : a lightweight paper used especially for multiple copies also : a document printed on flimsy

flinch
n. : to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : WINCE also : to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort
synonyms see RECOIL
–flinch noun
–flinch·er noun

Flinders
n. river 520 mi (837 km) Australia in cen Queensland flowing NW into Gulf of Carpentaria

flinders
n. : SPLINTERS, FRAGMENTS

Flinders Ranges
mountain ranges Australia in E S. Australia E of Lake Torrens

fling
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move in a brusque or headlong manner <flung out of the room in a rage>
2 of an animal : to kick or plunge vigorously
3 Scottish : CAPER
transitive verb
1 a : to throw forcefully, impetuously, or casually <flung herself down on the sofa> <clothes were flung on the floor> b : to cast as if by throwing <flung off all restraint>
2 : to place or send suddenly and unceremoniously <was arrested and flung into prison>
3 : to give unrestrainedly <flung himself into music>
synonyms see THROW
–fling·er \'fliŋ-ər\ noun

fling
n. 1 : an act or instance of flinging
2 a : a casual try or involvement b : a casual or brief love affair
3 : a period devoted to self-indulgence

Flint
n. Austin: father 1812-1886 & son 1836-1915 American physicians

Flint
n. 1 river 265 mi (426 km) W Ga. flowing S & SW into Lake Seminole
2 city SE cen Mich. NNW of Detroit pop 124,943
3 or Flint·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ administrative area of NE Wales area 169 sq mi (438 sq km)

flint
n. 1 : a massive hard dark quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
2 : an implement of flint used in prehistoric cultures
3 a : a piece of flint b : a material used for producing a spark especially : an alloy (as of iron and cerium) used in lighters
4 : something resembling flint in hardness
–flint·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

flint
n. flint corn
flint glass
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

flint corn
: an Indian corn (Zea mays indurata) having hard horny usually rounded kernels with the soft endosperm enclosed by a hard outer layer

flint glass
: heavy brilliant glass that contains lead oxide, has a relatively high refractive index, and is used in lenses and prisms

flintlock
n. 1 : a lock for a gun or pistol having a flint in the hammer for striking a spark to ignite the charge
2 : a firearm fitted with a flintlock

flinty
adj. 1 : resembling flint especially : STERN, UNYIELDING <flinty determination>
2 : composed of or covered with flint
–flint·i·ly \'flin-tə-lē\ adverb
–flint·i·ness \'flin-tē-nəs\ noun

flip
n. transitive verb
1 : to toss so as to cause to turn over in the air <flip a coin> also : TOSS <flip me the ball> <flip one end of the scarf over your shoulder>
2 a : to cause to turn and especially to turn over <flipped the car> <flipping the pages of a book> b : to move with a small quick motion <flip a switch>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a twitching or flicking movement <the fish flipped and flopped on the deck> also : to change from one position to another and especially turn over <the car flipped>
2 : LEAF 2 <flipped through the pages>
3 slang a : to lose one's mind or composure ― often used with out b : to become very enthusiastic

flip
n. 1 : a mixed drink usually consisting of a sweetened spiced liquor with beaten eggs
2 : an act or instance of flipping
3 : the motion used in flipping
4 : a somersault especially in the air

flip
n. : FLIPPANT, IMPERTINENT

flip
n. flip flop
flip off
flip side

flip off
: to hold up the middle finger as an obscene gesture of contempt to <flipped off the other driver>

flip side
1 : the reverse and usually less popular side of a phonograph record
2 : a reverse or opposite side, aspect, or result <the flip side of deficient saving⋯is overconsumption ― R. S. Gay>

flip-flop
1 : the sound or motion of something flapping loosely
2 a : a backward handspring b : a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)
3 : a usually electronic device or a circuit (as in a computer) capable of assuming either of two stable states
4 : a rubber sandal loosely fastened to the foot by a thong
–flip-flop intransitive verb

flippancy
n. : unbecoming levity or pertness especially in respect to grave or sacred matters

flippant
adj. 1 archaic : GLIB, TALKATIVE
2 : lacking proper respect or seriousness
–flip·pant·ly adverb

flipper
n. 1 a : a broad flat limb (as of a seal or cetacean) adapted for swimming b : a flat rubber shoe with the front expanded into a paddle used in skin diving
2 : one that flips

flippy
: loose and flaring at the bottom <a flippy skirt>

flirt
n. 1 : to move erratically : FLIT
2 a : to behave amorously without serious intent b : to show superficial or casual interest or liking <flirted with the idea> also : EXPERIMENT <a novelist flirting with poetry>
3 : to come close to reaching or experiencing something ― used with with <flirting with disaster> <the temperature flirted with 100°>
transitive verb
1 : FLICK
2 : to move in a jerky manner
synonyms see TRIFLE
–flir·ta·tion \ˌflər-'tā-shən\ noun
–flirt·er noun
–flirty \'flər-tē\ adjective

flirt
n. 1 : an act or instance of flirting
2 : a person who flirts

flirtatious
adj. : inclined to flirt : COQUETTISH
–flir·ta·tious·ly adverb
–flir·ta·tious·ness noun

flit
n. 1 : to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another
2 archaic : ALTER, SHIFT
3 : to move in an erratic fluttering manner
–flit noun

flitch
n. 1 : a side of cured meat especially : a side of bacon
2 : a longitudinal section of a log

flitter
n. : FLUTTER, FLICKER

flitter
n. : one that flits

flivver
n. : a small cheap usually old automobile

float
n. 1 : an act or instance of floating
2 : something that floats in or on the surface of a fluid: as a : a device (as a cork) buoying up the baited end of a fishing line b : a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers or boats c : a hollow ball that floats at the end of a lever in a cistern, tank, or boiler and regulates the liquid level d : a sac containing air or gas and buoying up the body of a plant or animal e : a watertight structure giving an airplane buoyancy on water
3 : a tool or apparatus for smoothing a surface (as of wet concrete)
4 : a government grant of a fixed amount of land not yet located by survey out of a larger specific tract
5 : a vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade also : the vehicle and exhibit together
6 a : an amount of money represented by checks outstanding and in process of collection b : the time between a transaction (as the writing of a check or a purchase on credit) and the actual withdrawal of funds to cover it c : the volume of a company's shares available for active trading in the auction market
7 : a soft drink with ice cream floating in it

float
n. 1 : to rest on the surface of or be suspended in a fluid
2 a : to drift on or through or as if on or through a fluid <yellow leaves floated down> b : WANDER
3 of a currency : to find a level in the international exchange market in response to the law of supply and demand and without any restrictive effect of artificial support or control
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to float in or on the surface of a fluid b : to cause to float as if in a fluid
2 : FLOOD <float a cranberry bog>
3 : to smooth (as plaster or cement) with a float
4 a : to put forth (as a proposal) for acceptance b : to place (an issue of securities) on the market c : to obtain money for the establishment or development of (an enterprise) by issuing and selling securities d : NEGOTIATE <float a loan>

float
n. dead man's float
float glass
floating dock
floating drydock
floating island
floating point
floating rib
free floating

float glass
: flat glass produced by solidifying molten glass on the surface of a bath of molten tin

floatation
n. variant of flotation

floater
n. 1 a : one that floats b : a person who floats something
2 : a person who votes illegally in various polling places
3 a : a person without a permanent residence or regular employment b : a worker who moves from job to job especially : one without fixed duties
4 : a pitched, thrown, or hit ball that moves through the air relatively slowly with little or no spin or rotation
5 : a policy insuring specific items of personal property (as jewelry or art)
6 : a bit of optical debris (as a dead cell or cell fragment) in the vitreous humor or lens that may be perceived as a spot before the eye also : a spot in the visual field due to such debris ― usually used in plural

floating
n. 1 : buoyed on or in a fluid
2 : located out of the normal position <a floating kidney>
3 a : continually drifting or changing position <the floating population> b : not presently committed or invested <floating capital> c : short-term and usually not funded <floating debt> d : having no fixed value or rate <floating currencies> <floating interest rates>
4 : connected or constructed so as to operate and adjust smoothly <a floating axle>

floating
n. floating dock
floating drydock
floating island
floating point
floating rib
free floating

floating dock
: a dock that floats on the water and can be partly submerged to permit entry of a ship and raised to keep the ship high and dry ― called also floating drydock

floating island
: a dessert consisting of custard with floating masses of beaten egg whites

floating rib
: a rib (as one of either of the last two pairs in humans) that has no attachment to the sternum ― compare FALSE RIB

floating-point
: expressed in, using, or being a mathematical notation in which a number is represented (as in a computer display) by an integer or a decimal fraction multiplied by a power of the number base indicated by an exponent (as in 4.52E2 for 452) ― compare FIXED-POINT

floatplane
n. : a seaplane supported on the water by one or more floats

floaty
adj. 1 : tending to float : BUOYANT
2 : light and billowy <a floaty gown>

floc
n. : a flocculent mass

flocculate
transitive verb : to cause to aggregate into a flocculent mass <flocculate clay particles>
intransitive verb : to become flocculent
–floc·cu·lant \-lənt\ noun
–floc·cu·la·tion \ˌflä-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun
–floc·cu·la·tor \'flä-kyə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

floccule
n. : FLOC

flocculent
adj. 1 : resembling wool especially in loose fluffy organization
2 : containing, consisting of, or occurring in the form of loosely aggregated particles or soft flakes <a flocculent precipitate>

flocculus
n. 1 : a small loosely aggregated mass
2 : a bright or dark patch on the sun

flock
n. 1 : a group of animals (as birds or sheep) assembled or herded together
2 : a group under the guidance of a leader especially : a church congregation
3 : a large number <a flock of tourists>

flock
n. : to gather or move in a flock <they flocked to the beach>

flock
n. 1 : a tuft of wool or cotton fiber
2 : woolen or cotton refuse used for stuffing furniture and mattresses
3 : very short or pulverized fiber used especially to form a velvety pattern on cloth or paper or a protective covering on metal
4 : FLOC

flock
n. 1 : to fill with flock
2 : to decorate with flock

flocking
v. : a design in flock

Flodden
hill N England in N Northumberland near Scottish border

floe
n. 1 : floating ice formed in a large sheet on the surface of a body of water
2 : ICE FLOE

flog
v. transitive verb
1 a : to beat with or as if with a rod or whip b : to criticize harshly
2 : to force or urge into action : DRIVE
3 a chiefly British : to sell (as stolen goods) illegally <flogged their employers' petrol to ordinary motorists ― Economist> b : SELL 7 <traveled by horse, flogging encyclopedias ― Robert Darnton> c : to promote aggressively : PLUG <flying around the world flogging your movies ― Peter Bogdanovich>
4 British : STEAL 1
intransitive verb
1 : FLAP, FLUTTER <sails flogging>
2 British : to move along with difficulty : SLOG
–flog·ger noun

flokati rug
: a hand-woven Greek woolen rug with a thick shaggy pile ― called also flokati

flood
n. 1 a : a rising and overflowing of a body of water especially onto normally dry land also : a condition of overflowing <rivers in flood> b capitalized : a flood described in the Bible as covering the earth in the time of Noah
2 : the flowing in of the tide
3 : an overwhelming quantity or volume also : a state of abundant flow or volume ― often used in the phrase in full flood <a debate in full flood>
4 : FLOODLIGHT

flood
n. 1 : to cover with a flood : INUNDATE
2 a : to fill abundantly or excessively <flood the market> b : to supply an excess of fuel to (as an engine or its carburetor) so that engine operation is hampered
intransitive verb
1 : to pour forth, go, or come in a flood
2 : to become filled with a flood
–flood·er noun

flood tide
1 : a rising tide
2 a : an overwhelming quantity b : a high point : PEAK

floodgate
n. 1 : a gate for shutting out, admitting, or releasing a body of water : SLUICE
2 : something serving to restrain an outburst <opened the floodgates of criticism>

floodlight
n. 1 a : artificial illumination in a broad beam b : a source of such illumination
2 : a lighting unit for projecting a broad beam of light

floodlight
n. : to illuminate by means of one or more floodlights

floodplain
n. 1 : level land that may be submerged by floodwaters
2 : a plain built up by stream deposition

floodwater
n. : the water of a flood

floodway
n. : a channel for diverting floodwaters

flooey
: AWRY, ASKEW <go flooey>

floor
n. 1 : the level base of a room
2 a : the lower inside surface of a hollow structure (as a cave or bodily part) b : a ground surface <the ocean floor>
3 a : a structure dividing a building into stories also : STORY b : the occupants of such a floor
4 : the surface of a structure on which one travels <the floor of a bridge>
5 a : a main level space (as in a stock exchange or legislative chamber) distinguished from a platform or gallery b : the specially prepared or marked area on which indoor sports events take place c : the members of an assembly <took questions from the floor> d : the right to address an assembly <the senator from Utah has the floor>
6 : a lower limit : BASE
–floored adjective
–from the floor : in field goals as opposed to free throws <made 16 of 18 shots from the floor>

floor
n. 1 : to cover with a floor or flooring
2 a : to knock or bring down b : FLABBERGAST, DUMBFOUND
3 : to press (the accelerator of a vehicle) to the floorboard also : to accelerate rapidly <floored the van>
–floor·er noun

floor
n. first floor
from the floor
floor exercise
floor lamp
floor leader
floor length
floor manager
floor show
floor through
forest floor
ground floor
take the floor
wipe the floor with

floor exercise
: an event in gymnastics competition consisting of various ballet and tumbling movements (as jumps, somersaults, and handstands) performed without apparatus

floor lamp
: a tall lamp that stands on the floor

floor leader
: a member of a legislative body chosen by a party to have charge of its organization and strategy on the floor

floor manager
: a person who directs something from the floor (as of a nominating convention)

floor show
: a series of acts presented in a nightclub

floor-length
: reaching to the floor <a floor-length gown>

floor-through
: an apartment that occupies an entire floor of a building

floorboard
n. 1 : a board in a floor
2 : the floor of an automobile

floorcloth
n. : a usually decorated heavy cloth (as of canvas) used for a floor covering

flooring
n. 1 : FLOOR, BASE
2 : material for floors

floorwalker
n. : a person employed in a retail store to oversee the salespeople and aid customers

floozy
n. : a usually young woman of loose morals

flop
n. intransitive verb
1 : to swing or move loosely : FLAP
2 : to throw or move oneself in a heavy, clumsy, or relaxed manner <flopped into the chair>
3 : to change or turn suddenly
4 : to go to bed <a place to flop at night>
5 : to fail completely <the play flopped>
transitive verb : to move or drop heavily or noisily : cause to flop <flopped the bundles down>
–flop·per noun

flop
n. : RIGHT, SQUARELY <fell flop on my face>

flop
n. 1 : an act or sound of flopping
2 : a complete failure <the movie was a flop>
3 slang : a place to sleep especially : FLOPHOUSE
4 : DUNG <cow flop> also : a piece of dung

flop
n. belly flop
flip flop
flop sweat
belly flopper

flop sweat
: nervous sweat (as of a performer) caused especially by the fear of failing

flophouse
n. : a cheap rooming house or hotel

floppy
n. : tending to flop especially : being both soft and flexible
–flop·pi·ly \'flä-pə-lē\ adverb
–flop·pi·ness \'flä-pē-nəs\ noun

floppy
n. : FLOPPY DISK

floppy disk
: a thin plastic disk coated with magnetic material on which data for a computer can be stored

flora
n. 1 : a treatise on or list of the plants of an area or period
2 : plant or bacterial life especially : such life characteristic of a region, period, or special environment <fossil flora> <intestinal flora> ― compare FAUNA

floral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or depicting flowers <a floral display> <a floral design>
2 : of or relating to a flora <floral diversity>

floral
adj. : a design or picture in which flowers predominate

floral envelope
: PERIANTH

floreat
: may (he, she, or it) flourish ― usually followed by a name

Florence
n. 1 city NW Ala. on Tennessee River pop 36,264
2 city N Ky. SSW of Cincinnati, Ohio pop 23,551
3 city E S.C. pop 30,248
4 or Italian Fi·ren·ze \fē-'rent-sā\ commune cen Italy on the Arno capital of Tuscany pop 402,316
–Flor·en·tine \'flȯr-ən-ˌtēn, 'flär-, -ˌtīn\ noun

Florence fennel
: a fennel (Foeniculum vulgare azoricum) cultivated for its edible bulbous stem base ― called also finocchio

Florence flask
: a round usually flat-bottomed laboratory vessel with a long neck

Florentine
n. 1 a : of or relating to Florence, Italy b : MACHIAVELLIAN <Florentine politics>
2 : served or dressed with spinach <poached eggs Florentine>
3 : having a matte brushed finish <Florentine gold>

Flores
Juan José 1800-1864 Ecuadorian soldier; pres. of Ecuador (1830-35; 1839-45)

Flores
1 island NW Azores area 58 sq mi (150 sq km)
2 island Indonesia in Lesser Sunda Islands

florescence
n. : a state or period of flourishing
–flo·res·cent \-sənt\ adjective

floret
n. 1 : a small flower especially : one of the small flowers forming the head of a composite plant
2 : a cluster of flower buds separated from a head especially when used as food <broccoli florets>

Florey
Sir Howard Walter 1898-1968 Brit. pathologist

flori
: flower or flowers <floriculture>

Florianopolis
city S Brazil capital of Santa Catarina state on island off coast pop 342,315

floriated
adj. : having floral ornaments or a floral form
–flo·ri·a·tion \ˌflȯr-ē-'ā-shən\ noun

floribunda
n. : any of various bush roses with large flowers in open clusters that derive from crosses of polyantha and tea roses

floriculture
n. : the cultivation and management of ornamental and especially flowering plants
–flo·ri·cul·tur·al \ˌflȯr-ə-'kəlch-rəl, -'kəl-chə-\ adjective
–flo·ri·cul·tur·ist \-rist\ noun

florid
adj. 1 a obsolete : covered with flowers b : very flowery in style : ORNATE <florid prose> <florid declamations> also : having a florid style <a florid writer> c : elaborately decorated <a florid interior>
2 a : tinged with red : RUDDY <a florid complexion> b : marked by emotional or sexual fervor <a florid secret life> <a florid sensibility>
3 archaic : HEALTHY
4 : fully developed : manifesting a complete and typical clinical syndrome <the florid stage of a disease>
–flo·rid·i·ty \flə-'ri-də-tē, flȯ-\ noun
–flor·id·ly \'flȯr-əd-lē, 'flär-\ adverb
–flor·id·ness \-nəs\ noun

Florida
n. state SE U.S. capital Tallahassee area 58,664 sq mi (151,940 sq km), pop 15,982,378
–Flo·rid·i·an \flə-'ri-dē-ən\ adjective or noun
–Flor·i·dan \'flȯr-ə-dən, 'flär-\ adjective or noun

Florida
n. Florida panther
Florida Straits of
Florida Island
Florida Keys
La Florida

Florida Island
island W Pacific in SE Solomons N of Guadalcanal

Florida Keys
chain of islands S Florida extending SW from S tip of the peninsula

Florida panther
: a highly endangered cougar (Felis concolor coryi) whose range is now limited to southern Florida

Florida, Straits of
channel bet. Florida Keys (on NW) & Cuba & Bahamas (on S & E) connecting Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic

floriferous
adj. : bearing flowers especially : blooming freely
–flo·rif·er·ous·ness noun

florigen
: a hormone or hormonal agent that promotes flowering
–flo·ri·gen·ic \ˌflȯr-ə-'je-nik\ adjective

florilegium
n. : a volume of writings : ANTHOLOGY

florin
n. 1 a : an old gold coin first struck at Florence in 1252 b : any of various European gold coins patterned after the Florentine florin
2 a : a British silver coin worth two shillings b : any of several similar coins issued in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations
3 : GULDEN

Florio
John ca 1553-ca 1625 Eng. lexicographer & translator

Florissant
city E Mo. NNW of St. Louis pop 50,497

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
reservation cen Colo.

florist
n. : a person who sells or grows for sale flowers and ornamental plants
–flo·rist·ry \-ə-strē\ noun

floristic
: of or relating to flowers, a flora, or the phytogeographical study of plants and plant groups
–flo·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

floruit
n. : a period of flourishing (as of a person or movement)

floss
n. 1 a : soft thread of silk or mercerized cotton for embroidery b : DENTAL FLOSS
2 : fluffy fibrous material

floss
n. : to use dental floss on
intransitive verb : to use dental floss

flossy
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of floss
2 : stylish or glamorous especially at first impression <flossy new hotels>
–floss·i·ly \'flä-sə-lē\ adverb

flota
: a fleet of Spanish ships

flotation
n. 1 : the act, process, or state of floating
2 : an act or instance of financing (as an issue of stock)
3 : the separation of the particles of a mass of pulverized ore according to their relative capacity for floating on a given liquid also : any of various similar processes involving the relative capacity of materials for floating
4 : the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow

flotilla
n. 1 : a fleet of ships or boats especially : a navy organizational unit consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships
2 : an indefinite large number <a flotilla of changes>

flotsam
n. 1 : floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo broadly : floating debris
2 a : a floating population (as of emigrants or castaways) <human flotsam> b : miscellaneous or unimportant material <a notebook filled with flotsam and jetsam> c : DEBRIS, REMAINS <the village⋯built on the flotsam of war ― Stan Sesser>

flounce
n. 1 a : to move with exaggerated jerky or bouncy motions <flounced about the room, jerking her shoulders, gesticulating ― Agatha Christie> also : to move so as to draw attention to oneself <flounced into the lobby> b : to go with sudden determination <flounced out in a huff>
2 : FLOUNDER, STRUGGLE

flounce
n. : an act or instance of flouncing
–flouncy \'flau̇n(t)-sē\ adjective

flounce
n. : to trim with flounces

flounce
n. : a strip of fabric attached by one edge also : a wide ruffle
–flouncy \'flau̇n(t)-sē\ adjective

flouncing
n. : material used for flounces

flounder
n. : FLATFISH especially : a marine fish of either of two families (Pleuronectidae and Bothidae) that include important food fishes

flounder
n. 1 : to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly
2 : to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually

flounder
n. summer flounder
winter flounder
yellowtail flounder

flour
n. 1 : a product consisting of finely milled wheat also : a similar product made from another grain or food product (as dried potatoes or fish)
2 : a fine soft powder
–flour·less adjective
–floury \-ē\ adjective

flour
n. : to coat with or as if with flour
intransitive verb : to break up into particles

flour
n. corn flour
flour beetle
graham flour
Mediterranean flour moth
patent flour
self rising flour
self raising flour

flour beetle
: any of various small darkling beetles (esp. Tribolium confusum and T. castaneum) that typically feed on and lay eggs in stored grain and grain products

flourish
n. intransitive verb
1 : to grow luxuriantly : THRIVE
2 a : to achieve success : PROSPER <a flourishing business> b : to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850> c : to reach a height of development or influence
3 : to make bold and sweeping gestures
transitive verb : to wield with dramatic gestures : BRANDISH
synonyms see SWING
–flour·ish·er noun
–flour·ish·ing·ly \-i-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

flourish
n. 1 : an act or instance of brandishing or waving
2 a : a florid bit of speech or writing <rhetorical flourishes> b : an ornamental stroke in writing or printing c : a decorative or finishing detail <a house with clever little flourishes>
3 : FANFARE
4 a : a period of thriving b : a luxuriant growth or profusion <a flourish of white hair> <a springtime flourish of color>
5 : showiness in the doing of something <opened the door with a flourish>
6 : a sudden burst <a flourish of activity>

flout
v. transitive verb : to treat with contemptuous disregard : SCORN <flouting the rules>
intransitive verb : to indulge in scornful behavior
synonyms see SCOFF
usage see FLAUNT
–flout·er noun

flout
v. : JEER

flow
n. intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to issue or move in a stream (2) : CIRCULATE b : to move with a continual change of place among the constituent particles <molasses flows slowly>
2 : RISE <the tide ebbs and flows>
3 : ABOUND <a land flowing with natural resources>
4 a : to proceed smoothly and readily <conversation flowed easily> b : to have a smooth continuity
5 : to hang loose and billowing <her gown flowed around her>
6 : to derive from a source : COME <the wealth that flows from trade>
7 : to deform under stress without cracking or rupturing ― used especially of minerals and rocks
8 : MENSTRUATE
transitive verb
1 : to cause to flow
2 : to discharge in a flow
synonyms see SPRING
–flow·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

flow
n. 1 : an act of flowing
2 a : FLOOD 1A b : FLOOD 2 <the tide's ebb and flow>
3 a : a smooth uninterrupted movement or progress <a flow of information> b : STREAM also : a mass of material which has flowed when molten <an old lava flow> c : the direction of movement or development <go with the flow>
4 : the quantity that flows in a certain time <a gauge that measures fuel flow>
5 : MENSTRUATION
6 a : the motion characteristic of fluids b : a continuous transfer of energy

flow
n. cash flow
flow cytometry
flow cytometer
flow diagram
flow sheet
gene flow
go with the flow
laminar flow
peak flow meter
turbulent flow
Scapa Flow
free flowing

flow cytometry
: a technique for identifying and sorting cells and their components (as DNA) by staining with a fluorescent dye and detecting the fluorescence usually by laser beam illumination
–flow cy·tom·e·ter \-sī-'tä-mə-tər\ noun

flow diagram
: FLOWCHART

flow sheet
: FLOWCHART

flowage
n. 1 a : an overflowing onto adjacent land b : a body of water formed by overflowing or damming c : floodwater especially of a stream
2 : gradual deformation of a body of plastic solid (as rock) by intermolecular shear

flowchart
n. : a diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure or system especially using connecting lines and a set of conventional symbols
–flow·chart·ing \-ˌchär-tiŋ\ noun

flower
n. 1 a : the part of a seed plant that normally bears reproductive organs : BLOSSOM, INFLORESCENCE b : a shoot of the sporophyte of a higher plant that is modified for reproduction and consists of a shortened axis bearing modified leaves especially : one of a seed plant differentiated into a calyx, corolla, stamens, and carpels c : a plant cultivated for its blossoms
2 a : the best part or example <the flower of our youth> b : the finest most vigorous period c : a state of blooming or flourishing <in full flower>
3 plural : a finely divided powder produced especially by condensation or sublimation <flowers of sulfur>
–flow·ered \'flau̇(-ə)rd\ adjective
–flow·er·ful \'flau̇(-ə)r-fəl\ adjective
–flow·er·less \-ləs\ adjective
–flow·er·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

flower
n. 1 a : DEVELOP <flowered into young womanhood> b : FLOURISH 2
2 : to produce flowers : BLOSSOM
transitive verb
1 : to cause to bear flowers
2 : to decorate with flowers or floral designs
–flow·er·er \'flau̇(-ə)r-ər\ noun

flower
n. ball flower
balloon flower
cardinal flower
disk flower
flower bud
flower bug
flower child
flower girl
flower head
flower people
flower power
moccasin flower
peacock flower
pincushion flower
pinxter flower
ray flower
state flower
trumpet flower
Venus's flower basket
Venus flower basket
Flower Mound
flowering plant
flowering dogwood

flower bud
: a plant bud that produces only a flower

flower bug
: any of various small mostly black-and-white predaceous bugs (family Anthocoridae) that frequent flowers and feed on pest insects (as aphids and thrips)

flower child
: a hippie who advocates love, beauty, and peace

flower girl
: a little girl who carries flowers at a wedding

flower head
: a capitulum (as of a composite) having sessile flowers so arranged that the whole inflorescence looks like a single flower

Flower Mound
town N Texas N of Arlington pop 50,702

flower people
: FLOWER CHILDREN

flower power
: a nonviolent ethic as advocated by hippies

flowerage
: a flowering process, state, or condition

floweret
n. : FLORET

flowering dogwood
: a common spring-flowering usually white-bracted dogwood (Cornus florida)

flowering plant
: ANGIOSPERM

flowerpot
n. : a pot in which to grow plants

flowery
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling flowers
2 : marked by or given to rhetorical elegance <flowery speeches>
–flow·er·i·ly \'flau̇(-ə)r-ə-lē\ adverb
–flow·er·i·ness noun

flowmeter
n. : an instrument for measuring one or more properties (as velocity or pressure) of a flow (as of a liquid in a pipe)

flown
past part of fly

flown
: filled to excess

flowstone
n. : calcite deposited by a thin sheet of flowing water usually along the walls or floor of a cave

FLSA
Fair Labor Standards Act

flu
n. 1 : INFLUENZA
2 : any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms
–flu-like \'flü-ˌlīk\ adjective

flu
n. flu like
Asian flu
blue flu
yuppie flu

flub
n. transitive verb : to make a mess of : BOTCH <flubbed my lines>
intransitive verb : BLUNDER

flub
n. : an act or instance of flubbing : BLUNDER

flubdub
n. : BUNKUM, BALDERDASH

fluconazole
: an antifungal agent C_13H_12F_2N_6O used orally to treat cryptococcal meningitis and local or systemic candida infections

fluctuant
adj. 1 : moving in waves
2 : VARIABLE, UNSTABLE
3 : being movable and compressible <a fluctuant abscess>

fluctuat nec mergitur
: it is tossed by the waves but does not sink ― motto of Paris

fluctuate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to shift back and forth uncertainly
2 : to ebb and flow in waves
transitive verb : to cause to fluctuate
synonyms see SWING
–fluc·tu·a·tion \ˌflək-chə-'wā-shən, -chü-'ā-\ noun
–fluc·tu·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

flue
n. : an enclosed passageway for directing a current: as a : a channel in a chimney for conveying flame and smoke to the outer air b : a pipe for conveying flame and hot gases around or through water in a steam boiler c : an air channel leading to the lip of a wind instrument d : FLUE PIPE

flue
n. flue cured
flue pipe
flue stop

flue pipe
: an organ pipe whose tone is produced by an air current striking the lip and causing the air within to vibrate ― compare REED PIPE

flue stop
: an organ stop made up of flue pipes

flue-cured
: cured with heat transmitted through a flue without exposure to smoke or fumes <flue-cured tobacco>

fluency
n. : the quality or state of being fluent

fluent
adj. 1 a : capable of flowing : FLUID b : capable of moving with ease and grace <the fluent body of a dancer>
2 a : capable of using a language easily and accurately <fluent in Spanish> <a fluent writer> b : effortlessly smooth and flowing : POLISHED <a fluent performance> <spoke in fluent English> c : having or showing mastery of a subject or skill <fluent in math>
–flu·ent·ly adverb

fluff
n. 1 : 7DOWN 1
2 : something fluffy <dandelion fluff>
3 : something inconsequential
4 : BLUNDER especially : an actor's lapse of memory

fluff
n. 1 : to make fluffy <fluff the pillows> <birds fluffing up their feathers>
2 a : to spoil by a mistake : BOTCH b : to deliver badly or forget (one's lines) in a play
intransitive verb
1 : to become fluffy
2 : to make a mistake especially : to forget or bungle one's lines in a play

fluffy
adj. 1 a : covered with or resembling fluff b : being light and soft or airy : puffed up <a fluffy omelet>
2 : lacking in meaning or substance : SUPERFICIAL 2C
–fluff·i·ly \'flə-fə-lē\ adverb
–fluff·i·ness \'flə-fē-nəs\ noun

flugelhorn
n. : a valved brass instrument resembling a cornet but having a larger bore
–flü·gel·horn·ist \-ˌhȯr-nist\ noun

fluid
n. 1 a : having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass and that easily yield to pressure : capable of flowing b : subject to change or movement <boundaries became fluid>
2 : characterized by or employing a smooth easy style <the ballerina's fluid movements> <fluid recitation of his lines>
3 a : available for various uses <a fluid computer program> b : LIQUID 4 <fluid assets>
–flu·id·ly adverb
–flu·id·ness noun

fluid
n. : a substance (as a liquid or gas) tending to flow or conform to the outline of its container
–flu·id·al \'flü-ə-dəl\ adjective
–flu·id·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb
–flu·id·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

fluid
n. amniotic fluid
cerebrospinal fluid
correction fluid
fluid dram
fluid bed
fluid mechanics
fluid ounce
seminal fluid
synovial fluid
tissue fluid
working fluid

fluid dram
: a unit of liquid capacity equal to 1/8 fluid ounce ― see WEIGHT table

fluid mechanics
: a branch of mechanics dealing with the properties of liquids and gases

fluid ounce
1 : a U.S. unit of liquid capacity equal to 1/16 pint ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a British unit of liquid capacity equal to 1/20 pint ― see WEIGHT table

fluidextract
n. : an alcohol preparation of a plant-derived drug containing the active constituents of one gram of the dry drug in each milliliter

fluidic
: of, relating to, or being a device (as an amplifier or control) that depends for operation on the pressures and flows of a fluid in precisely shaped channels
–fluidic noun
–flu·id·ics \-diks\ noun plural but singular in construction

fluidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fluid
2 : the physical property of a substance that enables it to flow

fluidize
v. 1 : to cause to flow like a fluid
2 : to suspend (as solid particles) in a rapidly moving stream of gas or vapor to induce flowing motion of the whole
–flu·id·i·za·tion \ˌflü-ə-də-'zā-shən\ noun
–flu·id·iz·er \'flü-ə-ˌdī-zər\ noun

fluidized bed
: a bed of small solid particles (as in a coal burning furnace) suspended and kept in motion by an upward flow of a fluid (as a gas) ― called also fluid bed

fluke
n. 1 : FLATFISH
2 : a flattened digenetic trematode worm broadly : TREMATODE ― compare LIVER FLUKE

fluke
n. 1 : the part of an anchor that fastens in the ground ― see ANCHOR illustration
2 : one of the lobes of a whale's tail

fluke
n. 1 : an accidentally successful stroke at billiards or pool
2 : a stroke of luck <the discovery was a fluke>

fluky
adj. 1 : happening by or depending on chance
2 : being unsteady or uncertain ― used especially of wind

flume
n. 1 : an inclined channel for conveying water (as for power)
2 : a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it

flummery
n. 1 a : a soft jelly or porridge made with flour or meal b : any of several sweet desserts
2 : MUMMERY, MUMBO JUMBO

flummox
v. : CONFUSE

flump
n. intransitive verb : to move or fall suddenly and heavily <flumped down into the chair>
transitive verb : to place or drop with a flump

flump
n. : a dull heavy sound (as of a fall)

flung
past and past part of fling

flunk
v. intransitive verb : to fail especially in an examination or course
transitive verb
1 : to give a failing grade to
2 : to get a failing grade or result in
–flunk·er noun

flunk
v. : an act or instance of flunking

flunk out
: to be dismissed from a school or college for failure
transitive verb : to dismiss from a school or college for failure

flunky
n. 1 a : a liveried servant b : one performing menial or miscellaneous duties
2 : YES-MAN

fluocinolone acetonide
: a glucocorticoid steroid C_24H_30F_2O_6 used especially as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of skin diseases

fluor
n. : FLUORITE

fluor
n. 1 : fluorine <fluoride>
2 also fluori- : fluorescence <fluoroscope> <fluorimeter>

fluoresce
v. : to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence
–fluo·resc·er noun

fluorescein
n. : a yellow or red crystalline dye C_20H_12O_5 with a bright yellow-green fluorescence in alkaline solution

fluorescence
n. : luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost at once when the incident radiation stops also : the radiation emitted ― compare PHOSPHORESCENCE

fluorescent
adj. 1 : having or relating to fluorescence
2 : bright and glowing as a result of fluorescence <fluorescent inks> broadly : very bright in color
–fluorescent noun
–fluo·res·cent·ly adverb

fluorescent lamp
: a usually tubular electric lamp having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface and containing mercury vapor whose bombardment by electrons from the cathode provides ultraviolet light which causes the material to emit visible light

fluoridate
v. : to add a fluoride to (as drinking water) to reduce tooth decay
–fluo·ri·da·tion \ˌflu̇r-ə-'dā-shən, ˌflȯr-\ noun

fluoride
n. 1 : a compound of fluorine
2 : the monovalent anion of fluorine

fluoride
n. hydrogen fluoride
lithium fluoride
sodium fluoride

fluorinate
v. : to treat or cause to combine with fluorine or a compound of fluorine
–fluo·ri·na·tion \ˌflȯr-ə-'nā-shən, ˌflu̇r-\ noun

fluorine
n. : a nonmetallic halogen element that is isolated as a pale yellowish flammable irritating toxic diatomic gas ― see ELEMENT table

fluorite
n. : a transparent or translucent mineral of different colors that consists of the fluoride of calcium and is used especially as a steelmaking flux and in the making of opalescent and opaque glasses

fluorocarbon
n. : any of various chemically inert compounds containing carbon and fluorine used chiefly as lubricants, refrigerants, nonstick coatings, and formerly aerosol propellants and in making resins and plastics also : CHLOROFLUOROCARBON

fluorochrome
n. : any of various fluorescent substances used in biological staining to produce fluorescence in a specimen

fluorography
n. : the photography of the image produced on a fluorescent screen by X rays
–flu·o·ro·graph·ic \ˌflu̇r-ə-'gra-fik, ˌflȯr-\ adjective

fluorometer
: an instrument for measuring fluorescence and related phenomena (as intensity of radiation)
–fluo·ro·met·ric or fluo·ri·met·ric \ˌflu̇r-ə-'me-trik, ˌflȯr-\ adjective
–fluo·rom·e·try \flu̇-'rä-mə-trē, flȯ-\ or fluo·rim·e·try \-'ri-mə-trē\ noun

fluoroquinolone
n. : any of a group of fluorinated derivatives of quinolone that are used as antibacterial drugs

fluoroscope
: an instrument used for observing the internal structure of an opaque object (as the living body) by means of X-rays
–fluo·ro·scop·ic \ˌflu̇r-ə-'skä-pik, ˌflȯr-\ adjective
–fluo·ro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fluo·ros·co·pist \flu̇-'räs-kə-pist, flȯ-\ noun
–fluo·ros·co·py \-pē\ noun

fluoroscope
n. : to examine by fluoroscopy

fluorosis
n. : an abnormal condition (as mottling of the teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
–fluo·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective

fluorouracil
n. : a fluorine-containing pyrimidine base C_4H_3FN_2O_2 used as a neoplastic agent to treat some kinds of cancer

fluorspar
n. : FLUORITE

fluoxetine
n. : an antidepressant drug C_17H_18F_3NO that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride and enhances serotonin activity

fluphenazine
n. : a tranquilizer C_22H_26F_3N_3OS used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

flurry
n. 1 a : a gust of wind b : a brief light snowfall
2 a : a brief period of commotion or excitement b : a sudden occurrence of many things at once : BARRAGE 2 <a flurry of insults>
3 : a brief advance or decline in prices : a short-lived outburst of trading activity

flurry
n. transitive verb : to cause to become agitated and confused
intransitive verb : to move in an agitated or confused manner

flush
n. intransitive verb : to fly away suddenly
transitive verb
1 : to cause (as a bird) to flush
2 : to expose or chase from a place of concealment <flushed the boys from their hiding place>

flush
n. 1 : a hand of playing cards all of the same suit specifically : a poker hand containing five cards of the same suit but not in sequence ― see POKER illustration
2 : a series of three or more slalom gates set vertically on a slope

flush
n. 1 : a sudden flow (as of water) also : a rinsing or cleansing with or as if with a flush of water
2 a : a sudden increase or expansion especially : sudden and usually abundant new plant growth <the spring flush of grass> b : a surge of emotion <felt a flush of anger at the insult>
3 a : a tinge of red : BLUSH b : a fresh and vigorous state <in the first flush of womanhood>
4 : a transitory sensation of extreme heat ― compare HOT FLASH

flush
n. 1 : to flow and spread suddenly and freely
2 a : to glow brightly b : BLUSH
3 : to produce new growth <the plants flush twice during the year>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to flow b : to pour liquid over or through especially : to cleanse or wash out with or as if with a rush of liquid <flush the toilet> <flush the lungs with air>
2 : INFLAME, EXCITE ― usually used passively <flushed with pride>
3 : to cause to blush

flush
n. 1 a : of a ruddy healthy color b : full of life and vigor : LUSTY
2 a : filled to overflowing b : AFFLUENT
3 : readily available : ABUNDANT
4 a : having or forming a continuous plane or unbroken surface <flush paneling> b : directly abutting or immediately adjacent: as (1) : set even with an edge of a type page or column : having no indention (2) : arranged edge to edge so as to fit snugly
–flush·ness noun

flush
n. 1 : in a flush manner
2 : SQUARELY <hit him flush on the chin>

flush
n. : to make flush <flush the headings on a page>

flush
n. four flush
hot flush
royal flush
straight flush

flushable
adj. : suitable for disposal by flushing down a toilet

Flushing
n. 1 section of New York City on Long Is. in Queens
2 ― see VLISSINGEN

fluster
n. transitive verb
1 : to make tipsy
2 : to put into a state of agitated confusion : UPSET
intransitive verb : to move or behave in an agitated or confused manner
synonyms see DISCOMPOSE
–flus·tered·ly adverb

fluster
n. : a state of agitated confusion

flute
n. 1 a : RECORDER 3 b : a keyed woodwind instrument consisting of a cylindrical tube which is stopped at one end and which has a side hole over which air is blown to produce the tone and having a range from middle C upward for three octaves
2 : something long and slender: as a : a tall slender wineglass b : a grooved pleat (as on a hat brim)
3 : a rounded groove specifically : one of the vertical parallel grooves on a classical architectural column
–flute·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–fluty or flut·ey \'flü-tē\ adjective

flute
n. intransitive verb
1 : to play a flute
2 : to produce a flutelike sound
transitive verb
1 : to utter with a flutelike sound
2 : to form flutes in
–flut·er noun

fluted
adj. : having or marked by grooves

fluting
n. 1 : a series of flutes <the fluting of a column>
2 : fluted material

flutist
n. : one who plays a flute

flutter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to flap the wings rapidly
2 a : to move with quick wavering or flapping motions b : to vibrate in irregular spasms
3 : to move about or behave in an agitated aimless manner
transitive verb : to cause to flutter
–flut·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
–flut·tery \-tər-ē\ adjective

flutter
n. 1 : an act of fluttering
2 a : a state of nervous confusion or excitement b : FLURRY, COMMOTION c : abnormal spasmodic fluttering of a body part <treatment of atrial flutter>
3 a : a distortion in reproduced sound similar to but of a higher pitch than wow b : fluctuation in the brightness of a television image
4 : an unwanted oscillation (as of an aileron or a bridge) set up by natural forces
5 chiefly British : a small speculative venture or gamble

flutter kick
: an alternating whipping motion of the legs used in various swimming styles (as the crawl)

flutter sleeve
: a loose-fitting tapered sleeve falling in folds over the upper arm

fluvial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or living in a stream or river
2 : produced by the action of a stream <a fluvial plain>

fluviatile
: FLUVIAL

flux
n. 1 : a flowing of fluid from the body: as a : DIARRHEA b : DYSENTERY
2 : a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream)
3 : a continued flow : FLOOD
4 a : INFLUX b : CHANGE, FLUCTUATION <in a state of flux>
5 : a substance used to promote fusion (as of metals or minerals) especially : one (as rosin) applied to surfaces to be joined by soldering, brazing, or welding to clean and free them from oxide and promote their union
6 : the rate of transfer of fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface

flux
n. 1 : to cause to become fluid
2 : to treat with a flux
intransitive verb : to become fluid : FUSE

flux
n. luminous flux
magnetic flux
radiant flux

fluxgate
: a device used to indicate the direction and intensity of the magnetic field (as on a planet)

fluxion
n. 1 : the action of flowing or changing also : something subjected to such action
2 : DERIVATIVE 3 ― compare METHOD OF FLUXIONS
–flux·ion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Fly
n. river 650 mi (1046 km) S New Guinea flowing SE into Gulf of Papua

fly
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move in or pass through the air with wings b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space c : to float, wave, or soar in the air <flags flying at half-mast>
2 a : to take flight : FLEE b : to fade and disappear : VANISH
3 a : to move, pass, or spread quickly <rumors were flying> b : to be moved with sudden extreme emotion <flew into a rage> c : to seem to pass quickly <the time simply flew>
4 : to become expended or dissipated rapidly
5 : to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft
6 : to work successfully : win popular acceptance <knew⋯a pure human-rights approach would not fly ― Charles Brydon>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to fly, float, or hang in the air <flying a kite> b : to operate (as a balloon, aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft) in flight c : to journey over or through by flying
2 a : to flee or escape from b : AVOID, SHUN
3 : to transport by aircraft or spacecraft
–fly at : to assail suddenly and violently
–fly blind : to fly an airplane solely by instruments
–fly high : to be elated
–fly in the face of or fly in the teeth of : to stand or act forthrightly or brazenly in defiance or contradiction of

fly
n. 1 : the action or process of flying : FLIGHT
2 a : a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery b : FLYWHEEL
3 plural : the space over a theater stage where scenery and equipment can be hung
4 : something attached by one edge: as a : a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth extending over the fastener b (1) : the length of an extended flag from its staff or support (2) : the outer or loose end of a flag
5 : a baseball hit high into the air
6 : FLYLEAF
7 : a sheet of material (as canvas) that is attachable to a tent for use as a double top or as a rooflike extension
8 : a football pass pattern in which the receiver runs straight downfield
–on the fly
1 : in motion : BUSY
2 : while still in the air : without the ball bouncing <the home run carried 450 feet on the fly>
3 : in a hurry and often without preparation : HASTILY, SPONTANEOUSLY <making decisions on the fly>
4 : simultaneously with another task <software that handles formatting on the fly>

fly
n. : to hit a fly in baseball

fly
n. 1 : a winged insect ― usually used in combination <mayflies> <butterfly>
2 a : any of a large order (Diptera) of winged or rarely wingless insects (as the housefly, mosquito, or gnat) that have the anterior wings functional, the posterior wings reduced to halteres, and segmented often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae ― compare MAGGOT b : a large stout-bodied fly
3 : a fishhook dressed (as with feathers or tinsel) to suggest an insect
–fly in the ointment : a detracting factor or element

fly
n. chiefly British : KEEN, ARTFUL

fly
n. fly in the teeth of
syrphid fly
lacewing fly
bee fly
caddis fly
crane fly
dry fly
face fly
flesh fly
fly in the face of
fly high
fly blind
fly at
on the fly
fly in the ointment
fly agaric
fly ash
fly ball
fly by night
fly by nighter
fly by wire
fly casting
fly dope
fly fisherman
fly fishing
fly fish
fly front
fly gallery
fly net
fly on the wall
fly rod
fly sheet
fly strike
fly struck
fly whisk
fruit fly
go fly a kite
harvest fly
heel fly
Hessian fly
horn fly
ichneumon fly
lantern fly
let fly
Mediterranean fruit fly
pop fly
robber fly
sacrifice fly
sand fly
scorpion fly
Spanish fly
stable fly
stone fly
test fly
tsetse fly
two winged fly
vinegar fly
warble fly
as the crow flies
high flown
Distinguished Flying Cross
with flying colors
flying boat
flying bomb
flying bridge
flying buttress
Flying Dutchman
flying fish
flying fox
flying gurnard
flying jib
flying lemur
flying machine
flying mare
flying officer
flying saucer
flying spot
flying squad
flying squirrel
flying start
flying wedge
high flying
instrument flying

fly agaric
: a medium to large poisonous amanita mushroom (Amanita muscaria) with a usually bright red cap

fly ash
: fine solid particles of ashes, dust, and soot carried out from burning fuel (as coal or oil) by the draft

fly at
to assail suddenly and violently

fly ball
: 2FLY 5

fly blind
to fly an airplane solely by instruments

fly casting
: the casting of artificial flies in fly-fishing or as a competitive sport

fly dope
: an insect repellent

fly fisherman
: an angler who uses the technique of fly-fishing

fly front
: a concealed closing on the front of a coat, skirt, shirt, dress, or pants
–fly-front \'flī-ˌfrənt\ adjective

fly gallery
: a narrow raised platform at the side of a theater stage from which flying scenery lines are operated

fly high
to be elated

fly in the face of
or fly in the teeth of : to stand or act forthrightly or brazenly in defiance or contradiction of

fly in the ointment
a detracting factor or element

fly net
: a net to exclude or keep off insects (as from a harness horse)

fly rod
: a light springy fishing rod used in fly casting
–fly·rod·der \'flī-ˌrä-dər\ noun

fly sheet
1 : a small loose advertising sheet : HANDBILL
2 : a sheet of a folder, booklet, or catalog giving directions for the use of or information about the material that follows

fly whisk
: a whisk for brushing away flies

fly-by-night
1 : one that seeks to evade responsibilities and especially creditors by flight
2 : one without established reputation or standing especially : a shaky business enterprise

fly-by-night
1 : given to making a quick profit usually by shady or irresponsible acts
2 : TRANSITORY, PASSING <fly-by-night fashions>

fly-by-nighter
: FLY-BY-NIGHT

fly-by-wire
: of, relating to, being, or utilizing a flight-control system in which controls are operated electrically rather than mechanically

fly-fishing
: a method of fishing in which an artificial fly is cast by use of a fly rod, a reel, and a relatively heavy oiled or treated line
–fly-fish \'flī-ˌfish\ intransitive verb

fly-on-the-wall
: having or involving an inconspicuous but effective point of observation <fly-on-the-wall observations of aspects of daily life ― Will Manley>

fly-strike
British : infestation with fly maggots
–fly-struck \-ˌstrək\ adjective British

flyable
adj. : suitable for flying or for being flown

flyaway
adj. 1 : loose and flowing especially because of unconfined fullness at the back <a flyaway jacket>
2 : of, relating to, or being an aircraft that is ready to fly <the plane's flyaway price>

flyblow
n. : FLY-STRIKE

flyblow
n. 1 : TAINT, CONTAMINATE
2 : to deposit eggs or young larvae of a flesh fly or blowfly in

flyblown
adj. 1 a : not pure : TAINTED <a world flyblown with the vices of irresponsible power ― V. L. Parrington> b : not bright and new : SEEDY, MOTH-EATEN c : TRITE, HACKNEYED <a long list of flyblown metaphors ― Horizon>
2 a : infested with eggs or young larvae of a flesh fly or blowfly b : covered with flyspecks

flyboy
: a member of the air force especially : an aircraft pilot

flybridge
n. : an open deck on a cabin cruiser located above the bridge on the cabin roof and usually having a duplicate set of navigating equipment

flyby
n. 1 : a prearranged usually low-altitude flight by one or more airplanes over a public gathering (as an air show)
2 a : a flight of a spacecraft past a celestial body (as Mars) close enough to obtain scientific data b : a spacecraft that makes a flyby

flycatcher
n. : any of various passerine birds (families Muscicapidae and Tyrannidae) that feed on insects taken on the wing

flyer
n. variant of flier

flying
n. 1 a : moving or capable of moving in the air b : moving or made by moving rapidly <flying feet> <a flying leap> c : very brief
2 : intended for ready movement or action <a flying squad car>
3 : having stylized wings ― used especially of livestock brand marks
4 : of or relating to the operation of aircraft <a flying club>
5 : traversed or to be traversed (as in speed-record trials) after a running start <a flying kilometer>
–with flying colors : with complete or eminent success

flying
n. 1 : travel by air
2 : the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft

flying
n. Distinguished Flying Cross
with flying colors
flying boat
flying bomb
flying bridge
flying buttress
Flying Dutchman
flying fish
flying fox
flying gurnard
flying jib
flying lemur
flying machine
flying mare
flying officer
flying saucer
flying spot
flying squad
flying squirrel
flying start
flying wedge
high flying
instrument flying

flying boat
: a seaplane with a hull designed for floating

flying bomb
chiefly British : BUZZ BOMB

flying bridge
1 : the highest navigational bridge on a ship
2 : FLYBRIDGE

flying buttress
: a masonry structure that typically consists of a straight inclined bar carried on an arch and a solid pier or buttress against which it abuts and that receives the thrust of a roof or vault

Flying Dutchman
1 : a legendary Dutch mariner condemned to sail the seas until Judgment Day
2 : a spectral ship that according to legend haunts the seas near the Cape of Good Hope

flying fish
: any of numerous bony fishes (family Exocoetidae) chiefly of tropical and warm seas that are capable of long gliding flights out of water by spreading their large pectoral fins like wings

flying fox
: FRUIT BAT

flying gurnard
: any of several marine fishes (family Dactylopteridae) that resemble gurnards and have large pectoral fins allowing them to glide above the water for short distances

flying jib
: a sail outside the jib on an extension of the jibboom ― see SAIL illustration

flying lemur
: either of two East Indian or Philippine arboreal nocturnal mammals (Cynocephalus volans and C. variegatus) that are about the size of a cat, that make long gliding leaps using a broad fold of skin on each side attached to and extending between the limbs, and that are placed in a separate order (Dermoptera)

flying machine
: an apparatus for navigating the air

flying mare
: a wrestling maneuver in which an opponent is seized by the wrist and thrown to the ground by being pulled over the back of the aggressor

flying officer
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a first lieutenant in the army

flying saucer
: any of various unidentified flying objects usually described as being saucer-shaped or disk-shaped

flying spot
: a spot of light moved over a surface (as one bearing printing or an image) so that light reflected from or transmitted by different parts of the surface is translated into electrical signals for transmission (as in television or computers)

flying squad
: a usually small standby group of people ready to move or act swiftly especially : a police unit formed to respond quickly in an emergency

flying squirrel
: either of two small nocturnal No. American squirrels (Glaucomys volans and G. sabrinus) with folds of skin connecting the forelegs and hind legs that enable it to make long gliding leaps also : any of various squirrels that possess a patagium

flying start
1 : a start in racing in which the participants are already moving when they cross the starting line or receive the starting signal
2 : a favorable start of something

flying wedge
: a moving formation (as of guards or police) resembling a wedge

flyleaf
n. : one of the free endpapers of a book

flyman
n. : a worker in the flies of a theater who manipulates curtains and scenery

flyover
n. 1 British : OVERPASS
2 : FLYBY 1

flypaper
n. : paper coated with a sticky often poisonous substance for killing flies

flypast
n. chiefly British : FLYBY 1

flysch
n. : a thick and extensive deposit largely of sandstone that is formed in a geosyncline adjacent to a rising mountain belt and is especially common in the Alpine region of Europe

flyspeck
n. 1 : a speck made by fly excrement
2 : something small and insignificant
–flyspeck transitive verb

flyswatter
n. : a device for killing insects that consists of a flat piece of perforated rubber or plastic or fine-mesh wire netting attached to a handle

flytier
: a person who makes flies for fishing

flyting
: a dispute or exchange of personal abuse in verse form

flyway
n. : an established air route of migratory birds

flyweight
n. : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 112 pounds ― compare BANTAMWEIGHT

flywheel
n. : a heavy wheel for opposing and moderating by its inertia any fluctuation of speed in the machinery with which it revolves also : a similar wheel used for storing kinetic energy (as for motive power)

FM
: a broadcasting system using frequency modulation also : a radio receiver of such a system

FM
field manual

Fm
fermium

fm
fathom

FMN
: a yellow crystalline phosphoric ester C_17H_21N_4O_9P of riboflavin that is a coenzyme of several flavoprotein enzymes

fn
footnote

FO
1 field officer
2 field order
3 finance officer
4 flight officer
5 foreign office
6 forward observer

Fo
Dario 1926-     Ital. playwright

fo
folio

fo'c'sle
variant of forecastle

foal
n. : a young animal of the horse family especially : one under one year
–in foal : PREGNANT 4

foal
n. : to give birth to a foal
transitive verb : to give birth to (a foal)

foam
n. 1 : a light frothy mass of fine bubbles formed in or on the surface of a liquid or from a liquid: as a : a frothy mass formed in salivating or sweating b : a stabilized froth produced chemically or mechanically and used especially in fighting oil fires c : a material in a lightweight cellular form resulting from introduction of gas bubbles during manufacture
2 : SEA
3 : something resembling foam
–foam·less \-ləs\ adjective

foam
n. 1 a : to produce or form foam b : to froth at the mouth especially in anger broadly : to be angry
2 : to gush out in foam
3 : to become covered with or as if with foam <streets⋯foaming with life ― Thomas Wolfe>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to foam specifically : to cause air bubbles to form in
2 : to convert (as a plastic) into a foam
–foam·able \'fō-mə-bəl\ adjective
–foam·er \fō-mər\ noun

foam
n. plastic foam
foam cell
foam rubber
foamed plastic

foam cell
: a swollen vacuolated phagocytic cell filled with lipid inclusions that often accummulates along arterial walls and is characteristic of some conditions of disturbed lipid metabolism

foam rubber
: spongy rubber of fine texture made from latex by foaming (as by whipping) before vulcanization

foamed plastic
: EXPANDED PLASTIC

foamflower
: a spring-flowering herb (Tiarella cordifolia) of eastern No. America that has white flowers with long stamens and no stem leaves ― called also false miterwort

foamy
adj. 1 : covered with foam : FROTHY
2 : full of, consisting of, or resembling foam
–foam·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–foam·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

FOB
n. free on board

fob
n. archaic : DECEIVE, CHEAT

fob
n. 1 : WATCH POCKET
2 : a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch
3 : an ornament attached to a fob chain

fob off
1 : to put off with a trick, excuse, or inferior substitute
2 : to pass or offer (something spurious) as genuine
3 : to put aside <now fob off what once they would have welcomed eagerly ― Walter Lippmann>

FOC
free of charge

focaccia
n. : a flat Italian bread typically seasoned with herbs and olive oil

focal
adj. : of, relating to, being, or having a focus
–fo·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

focal
adj. focal infection
focal length
focal plane
focal point
focal ratio

focal infection
: a persistent bacterial infection of some organ or region especially : one causing symptoms elsewhere in the body

focal length
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or curved mirror

focal plane
: a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of a lens or mirror and passes through the focus

focal point
1 : FOCUS 1A
2 : FOCUS 5A

focal ratio
: F-NUMBER

focalize
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring to a focus
2 : LOCALIZE
intransitive verb
1 : to come to a focus : CONCENTRATE
2 : LOCALIZE
–fo·cal·i·za·tion \ˌfō-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Foch
Ferdinand 1851-1929 Fr. gen.; marshal of France

focus
n. 1 a : a point at which rays (as of light, heat, or sound) converge or from which they diverge or appear to diverge specifically : the point where the geometrical lines or their prolongations conforming to the rays diverging from or converging toward another point intersect and give rise to an image after reflection by a mirror or refraction by a lens or optical system b : a point of convergence of a beam of particles (as electrons)
2 a : FOCAL LENGTH b : adjustment for distinct vision also : the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image c : a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding <tried to bring the issues into focus> d : DIRECTION 6C <the team lost focus>
3 : one of the fixed points that with the corresponding directrix defines a conic section
4 : a localized area of disease or the chief site of a generalized disease or infection
5 a : a center of activity, attraction, or attention <the focus of the meeting was drug abuse> b : a point of concentration
6 : the place of origin of an earthquake or moonquake
7 : directed attention : EMPHASIS
–fo·cus·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in focus : having or giving the proper sharpness of outline due to good focusing
–out of focus : not in focus

focus
transitive verb
1 a : to bring into focus b : to adjust the focus of (as the eye or a lens)
2 : to cause to be concentrated <focused their attention on the most urgent problems>
3 : to bring (as light rays) to a focus : CONCENTRATE
intransitive verb
1 : to come to a focus : CONVERGE
2 : to adjust one's eye or a camera to a particular range
3 : to concentrate attention or effort
–fo·cus·able \-kə-sə-bəl\ adjective
–fo·cus·er noun

focus
n. deep focus
out of focus
in focus
focus group
real focus
soft focus
isoelectric focusing

focus group
: a small group of people whose response to something (as a new product or a politician's image) is studied to determine the response that can be expected from a larger population

fodder
n. 1 : something fed to domestic animals especially : coarse food for cattle, horses, or sheep
2 : inferior or readily available material used to supply a heavy demand <fodder for tabloids>
–fodder transitive verb

fodgel
Scottish : BUXOM

FOE
n. Fraternal Order of Eagles

foe
n. 1 : one who has personal enmity for another
2 a : an enemy in war b : ADVERSARY, OPPONENT
3 : one who opposes on principle <a foe of needless expenditures>
4 : something prejudicial or injurious

foehn
n. : a warm dry wind blowing down the side of a mountain

foeman
n. : FOE 2

foetal
adj. chiefly British variant of fetal, fetus

foetid
adj. chiefly British variant of fetid

foeto
chiefly British variant of feto-

fog
n. 1 a : vapor condensed to fine particles of water suspended in the lower atmosphere that differs from cloud only in being near the ground b : a fine spray or a foam for firefighting
2 : a murky condition of the atmosphere or a substance causing it
3 a : a state of confusion or bewilderment <spent the morning in a fog> b : something that confuses or obscures <hid behind a fog of rhetoric>
4 : cloudiness or partial opacity in a developed photographic image caused by chemical action or stray radiation
–fog·less \-ləs\ adjective

fog
n. transitive verb
1 : to cover, envelop, or suffuse with or as if with fog <fog the barns with pesticide>
2 : to make obscure or confusing <accusations which fogged the real issues>
3 : to make confused
4 : to produce fog on (as a photographic film) during development
intransitive verb
1 : to become covered or thick with fog
2 a : to become blurred by a covering of fog or mist b : to become indistinct through exposure to light or radiation

fogbound
adj. 1 : unable to move because of fog <a fogbound ship>
2 : covered by fog <a fogbound coast>

fogbow
: a nebulous arc or circle of white or yellowish light sometimes seen in fog

Fogel
Robert William 1926-     American econ.

foggage
Scottish : a second growth of grass

fogger
: an apparatus for spreading a fog of pesticide

Foggia
commune SE Italy in Puglia pop 154,760

foggy
adj. 1 a : filled or abounding with fog b : covered or made opaque by moisture or grime
2 : blurred or obscured as if by fog <hadn't the foggiest notion>
–fog·gi·ly \'fȯ-gə-lē, 'fä-\ adverb
–fog·gi·ness \'fȯ-gē-nəs, 'fä-\ noun

Foggy Bottom
: the U.S. Department of State

Foggy Bottom
section of Washington, D.C., near the Potomac where the State Department building is located

foghorn
n. 1 : a horn (as on a ship) sounded in a fog to give warning
2 : a loud hoarse voice

fogy
n. : a person with old-fashioned ideas ― usually used with old
–fo·gy·ish or fo·gey·ish \-gē-ish\ adjective
–fo·gy·ism or fo·gey·ism \-gē-ˌi-zəm\ noun

foi
bonne foi
gardez la foi
ma foi

FOIA
Freedom of Information Act

foible
n. 1 : the part of a sword or foil blade between the middle and point
2 : a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : WEAKNESS <admired their teacher despite his foibles>
synonyms see FAULT

foie
n. foie gras
pate de foie gras
pâtés de foie gras
pâté de foie gras

foie gras
: the fatted liver of an animal and especially of a goose usually served as a pâté

foil
n. 1 obsolete : TRAMPLE
2 a : to prevent from attaining an end : DEFEAT <always able to foil her enemies> b : to bring to naught : THWART <foiled the plot>
synonyms see FRUSTRATE

foil
n. 1 archaic : DEFEAT
2 archaic : the track or trail of an animal

foil
n. 1 : very thin sheet metal <aluminum foil>
2 : a thin piece of material (as metal) put under an inferior or paste stone to add color or brilliance
3 : someone or something that serves as a contrast to another <acted as a foil for a comedian>
4 a : an indentation between cusps in Gothic tracery b : one of several arcs that enclose a complex figure
5 : HYDROFOIL 1

foil
n. 1 : to back or cover with foil
2 : to enhance by contrast

foil
n. 1 : a light fencing sword having a usually circular guard and a flexible blade of rectangular section tapering to a blunted point ― compare ÉPÉE, SABER
2 : the art or sport of fencing with the foil ― often used in plural

foiled
adj. : ornamented with foils <a foiled arch>

foilsman
: a person who fences with a foil

foin
archaic : to thrust with a pointed weapon : LUNGE

foin
archaic : a pass in fencing : LUNGE

foison
1 archaic : rich harvest
2 chiefly Scottish : physical energy or strength
3 plural obsolete : RESOURCES

foist
v. 1 a : to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant b : to force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit
2 : to pass off as genuine or worthy <foist costly and valueless products on the public ― Jonathan Spivak>

Foix
region & former province S France in the Pyrenees SE of Gascony

Fokine
Michel 1880-1942 American (Russ.-born) choreographer

Fokker
n. Anthony Herman Gerard 1890-1939 American (Du.-born) aircraft designer & builder

folacin
n. : FOLIC ACID

folate
adj. : FOLIC ACID

fold
n. 1 : an enclosure for sheep
2 a : a flock of sheep b : a group of people or institutions that share a common faith, belief, activity, or enthusiasm

fold
n. : to pen up or confine (as sheep) in a fold

fold
n. transitive verb
1 : to lay one part over another part of <fold a letter>
2 : to reduce the length or bulk of by doubling over <fold a tent>
3 : to clasp together : ENTWINE <fold the hands>
4 : to clasp or enwrap closely : EMBRACE
5 : to bend (as a layer of rock) into folds
6 a : to incorporate (a food ingredient) into a mixture by repeated gentle overturnings without stirring or beating b : to incorporate closely
7 a : to concede defeat by withdrawing (one's cards) from play (as in poker) b : to bring to an end
intransitive verb
1 : to become doubled or pleated
2 : to fail completely : COLLAPSE especially : to go out of business
3 : to fold one's cards (as in poker)
–fold·able \'fōl-də-bəl\ adjective

fold
n. 1 : a part doubled or laid over another part : PLEAT
2 : something that is folded together or that enfolds
3 a : a bend or flexure produced in rock by forces operative after the depositing or consolidation of the rock b chiefly British : an undulation in the landscape
4 : a margin apparently formed by the doubling upon itself of a flat anatomical structure (as a membrane)
5 : a crease made by folding something (as a newspaper)

fold
n. 1 : multiplied by (a specified number) : times ― in adjectives <a sixfold increase> and adverbs <repay you tenfold>
2 : having (so many) parts <threefold aspect of the problem>

fold
n. epicanthic fold
vocal folds
folding money

foldaway
adj. : designed to be folded for storage or portability <foldaway doors> <a foldaway bed> <a foldaway table>

foldboat
n. : a small collapsible canoe made of rubberized sailcloth stretched over a framework

folder
n. 1 : one that folds
2 : a folded printed circular
3 a : a folded cover or large envelope for holding or filing loose papers b : an organizational element of a computer operating system used to group files or other folders together

folderol
n. 1 : a useless ornament or accessory : TRIFLE
2 : NONSENSE

folding
n. : capable of being folded into a more compact shape <folding chairs> <a folding door>

folding money
: PAPER MONEY

foldout
n. : a folded leaf in a publication (as a book) that is larger in some dimension than the page <a foldout map>

Foley
n. : sound effects created for a film <a Foley artist>

Folger
Henry Clay 1857-1930 American bibliophile

foliaceous
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling an ordinary green leaf as distinguished from a modified leaf (as a petal, bract, or scale)

foliage
n. 1 : a representation of leaves, flowers, and branches for architectural ornamentation
2 : the aggregate of leaves of one or more plants
3 : a cluster of leaves, flowers, and branches
–fo·liaged \-lē-ijd also -lyijd; ÷'fō-lijd, ÷'fȯi-\ adjective
usage The disyllabic pronunciation \'fō-lij\ is very common. Some commentators insist that foliage requires a trisyllabic pronunciation because of its spelling, but words of a similar pattern such as carriage and marriage do not fall under their prescription. The pronunciation \'fȯi-lij\ is disapproved because it suggests the transposition of the l and i in the spelling. It is not as common as \'fō-lij\ and may be associated with the nonstandard spelling foilage.

foliage plant
: a plant grown primarily for its decorative foliage

foliar
adj. : of, relating to, or applied to leaves <foliar sprays> <foliar diseases>

foliate
adj. 1 : shaped like a leaf <a foliate sponge>
2 : FOLIATED

foliated
adj. 1 : composed of or separable into layers <a foliated rock>
2 : ornamented with foils or a leaf design

foliation
n. 1 a : the process of forming into a leaf b : the state of being in leaf c : VERNATION
2 : the numbering of the leaves of a manuscript or early printed book
3 a : ornamentation with foliage b : a decoration resembling a leaf
4 : the enrichment of an opening by foils
5 : foliated texture

folic acid
: a crystalline vitamin C_19H_19N_7O_6 of the B complex that is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias ― called also pteroylglutamic acid

folie
n. folie a deux
folie à deux
folie de grandeur
folie des grandeurs

folie a deux
: the presence of the same or similar delusional ideas in two persons closely associated with one another

folie de grandeur
: delusion of greatness : megalomania

folio
n. 1 a : a leaf especially of a manuscript or book b : a leaf number c : a page number d : an identifying reference in accounting used in posting
2 a : a sheet of paper folded once b : a case or folder for loose papers
3 a : the size of a piece of paper cut two from a sheet also : paper or a page of this size b : a book printed on folio pages c : a book of the largest size
4 : a certain number of words taken as a unit or division in a document for purposes of measurement or reference

folio
n. : to put a serial number on each leaf or page of

foliose
adj. : having a flat, thin, and usually lobed thallus attached to the substratum <foliose lichens> ― compare CRUSTOSE, FRUTICOSE

folk
n. 1 archaic : a group of kindred tribes forming a nation : PEOPLE
2 : the great proportion of the members of a people that determines the group character and that tends to preserve its characteristic form of civilization and its customs, arts and crafts, legends, traditions, and superstitions from generation to generation
3 plural : a certain kind, class, or group of people <old folks> <just plain folk> <country folk> <media folk>
4 plural : people generally
5 folks plural : the persons of one's own family especially : PARENTS
6 : folk music

folk
n. 1 : originating or traditional with the common people of a country or region and typically reflecting their lifestyle <folk hero> <folk music>
2 : of or relating to the common people or to the study of the common people <folk sociology>

folk
n. folk art
folk etymology
folk mass
folk medicine
folk song
just folks

folk art
: the traditional typically anonymous art of usually untrained people

folk etymology
: the transformation of words so as to give them an apparent relationship to other better-known or better-understood words (as in the change of Spanish cucaracha to English cockroach)

folk mass
: a mass in which traditional liturgical music is replaced by folk music

folk medicine
: traditional medicine as practiced nonprofessionally especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis

folk song
: a traditional or composed song typically characterized by stanzaic form, refrain, and simplicity of melody

Folkestone
seaport & summer resort SE England in Kent on Strait of Dover pop 43,742

folkie
n. : a folk singer or instrumentalist

folkie
n. : of or relating to folk music

folkish
: FOLKLIKE
–folk·ish·ness noun

folklife
: the traditions, activities, skills, and products (as handicrafts) of a particular people or group

folklike
adj. : having a folk character

folklore
n. 1 : traditional customs, tales, sayings, dances, or art forms preserved among a people
2 : a branch of knowledge that deals with folklore
3 : an often unsupported notion, story, or saying that is widely circulated
–folk·lor·ic \-ˌlȯr-ik\ adjective
–folk·lor·ish \-ish\ adjective
–folk·lor·ist \-ist\ noun
–folk·lor·is·tic \ˌfōk-ˌlȯr-'is-tik\ adjective

folkmoot
: a general assembly of the people (as of a shire) in early England

folksinger
: one who sings folk songs or sings in a style associated with folk songs
–folk·sing·ing \-ˌsiŋ-iŋ\ noun

folksy
adj. 1 : SOCIABLE, FRIENDLY
2 : informal, casual, or familiar in manner or style <folksy humor>
–folks·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–folks·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

folktale
n. : a characteristically anonymous, timeless, and placeless tale circulated orally among a people

folkway
n. : a mode of thinking, feeling, or acting common to a given group of people especially : a traditional social custom

follicle
n. 1 a : a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression b : a small lymph node c : a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells especially : GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE
2 : a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture
–fol·lic·u·lar \fə-'li-kyə-lər, fä-\ adjective

follicle
n. follicle mite
follicle stimulating hormone
graafian follicle
hair follicle

follicle mite
: any of several minute mites (genus Demodex) parasitic in hair follicles

follicle-stimulating hormone
: a hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of the ovum-containing follicles in the ovary and activates sperm-forming cells ― abbreviation FSH

folliculitis
n. : inflammation of one or more follicles especially of the hair

follow
v. transitive verb
1 : to go, proceed, or come after <followed the guide>
2 a : to engage in as a calling or way of life : PURSUE <wheat-growing is generally followed here> b : to walk or proceed along <follow a path>
3 a : to be or act in accordance with <follow directions> b : to accept as authority : OBEY <followed his conscience>
4 a : to pursue in an effort to overtake b : to seek to attain <follow knowledge>
5 : to come into existence or take place as a result or consequence of <disaster followed the blunder>
6 a : to come or take place after in time, sequence, or order b : to cause to be followed <followed dinner with a liqueur>
7 : to copy after : IMITATE
8 a : to watch steadily <followed the flight of the ball> b : to keep the mind on <follow a speech> c : to attend closely to : keep abreast of <followed his career with interest> d : to understand the sense or logic of (as a line of thought)
intransitive verb
1 : to go or come after a person or thing in place, time, or sequence
2 : to result or occur as a consequence, effect, or inference
–as follows : as comes next ― used impersonally
–follow one's nose
1 : to go in a straight or obvious course
2 : to proceed without plan or reflection : obey one's instincts
–follow suit
1 : to play a card of the same suit as the card led
2 : to follow an example set
synonyms FOLLOW, SUCCEED, ENSUE, SUPERVENE mean to come after something or someone. FOLLOW may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence <speeches followed the dinner>. SUCCEED implies a coming after immediately in a sequence determined by natural order, inheritance, election, or laws of rank <she succeeded her father as head of the business>. ENSUE commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development <after the talk a general discussion ensued>. SUPERVENE suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable <unable to continue because of supervening circumstances>. synonym see in addition CHASE

follow
v. 1 : the act or process of following
2 : forward spin given to a ball by striking it above center ― compare DRAW, ENGLISH

follow
v. follow suit
follow one's nose
follow on
follow out
follow shot
follow through
follow up
as follows

follow one's nose

1 : to go in a straight or obvious course
2 : to proceed without plan or reflection : obey one's instincts

follow out
1 : to follow to the end or to a conclusion
2 : CARRY OUT, EXECUTE <followed out their orders>

follow shot
1 : a shot in billiards or pool made by striking the cue ball above its center to cause it to continue forward after striking the object ball
2 : a camera shot in which the camera follows the movement of the subject

follow suit

1 : to play a card of the same suit as the card led
2 : to follow an example set

follow through
1 : to continue a stroke or motion to the end of its arc
2 : to press on in an activity or process especially to a conclusion

follow up
1 : to follow with something similar, related, or supplementary <following up his convictions with action ― G. P. Merrill>
2 : to maintain contact with (a person) so as to monitor the effects of earlier activities or treatments
3 : to pursue in an effort to take further action <the police are following up leads>
intransitive verb : to take appropriate action <follow up on complaints>

follow-on
: being or relating to something that follows as a natural or logical consequence, development, or progression
–follow-on noun

follow-through
1 : the part of the stroke following the striking of a ball
2 : the act or an instance of following through

follow-up
1 a : the act or an instance of following up b : something that follows up
2 : maintenance of contact with or reexamination of a person (as a patient) especially following treatment
3 : a news story presenting new information on a story published earlier

follow-up
1 : of, relating to, or being something that follows up <follow-up action by the police ― Frank Faulkner>
2 : done, conducted, or administered in the course of following up persons <follow-up care for discharged hospital patients>

follower
n. 1 a : one in the service of another : RETAINER b : one that follows the opinions or teachings of another c : one that imitates another
2 archaic : one that chases
3 : a sheet added to the first sheet of an indenture or other deed
4 : a machine part that receives motion from another part
5 : a spring-loaded plate at the bottom of a firearm's magazine that angles cartridges for proper insertion into the chamber
6 : FAN, DEVOTEE
synonyms FOLLOWER, ADHERENT, DISCIPLE, PARTISAN mean one who gives full loyalty and support to another. FOLLOWER may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another <an evangelist and his followers>. ADHERENT suggests a close and persistent attachment <adherents to Marxism>. DISCIPLE implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master <disciples of Gandhi>. PARTISAN suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment <partisans of the President>.

followership
n. 1 : FOLLOWING
2 : the capacity or willingness to follow a leader

following
n. 1 : being next in order or time <the following day>
2 : listed or shown next <trains will leave at the following times>

following
n. : a group of followers, adherents, or partisans

following
n. : SUBSEQUENT TO <following the lecture tea was served>

folly
n. 1 : lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight
2 a : criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct b obsolete : EVIL, WICKEDNESS especially : lewd behavior
3 : a foolish act or idea
4 : an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking
5 : an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste

Folsom
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a prehistoric culture of No. America on the east side of the Rocky Mountains that is characterized by flint projectile points having a concave base with side projections and a longitudinal groove on each face

Folsom
n. city Calif. NE of Sacramento pop 51,884

foment
v. : to promote the growth or development of : ROUSE, INCITE <foment a rebellion>
synonyms see INCITE
–fo·ment·er noun

fomentation
n. 1 a : the application of hot moist substances to the body to ease pain b : the material so applied
2 : the act of fomenting : INSTIGATION

fomite
: an object (as a dish or an article of clothing) that may be contaminated with infectious organisms and serve in their transmission

fond
n. 1 : FOOLISH, SILLY <fond pride>
2 a : prizing highly : DESIROUS ― used with of <fond of praise> b : having an affection or liking ― used with of <fond of music>
3 a : foolishly tender : INDULGENT <a fond mother> b : AFFECTIONATE, LOVING <absence makes the heart grow fonder>
4 : cherished with great affection : doted on <our fondest hopes>

fond
n. obsolete : to lavish affection : DOTE

fond
n. 1 : BACKGROUND, BASIS
2 obsolete : FUND

fond
n. au fond
Fond du Lac
La Chaux de Fonds

Fond du Lac
city E Wis. on Lake Winnebago pop 42,203

Fonda
n. Henry (Jaynes) 1905-1982 American actor

fondant
n. 1 : a soft creamy preparation of sugar, water, and flavorings that is used as a basis for candies or icings
2 : a candy consisting chiefly of fondant

fondle
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : PAMPER
2 : to handle tenderly, lovingly, or lingeringly : CARESS
intransitive verb : to show affection or desire by caressing
–fon·dler \-(d)lər, -dəl-ər\ noun

fondly
adv. 1 archaic : in a foolish manner : FOOLISHLY
2 : in a fond manner : AFFECTIONATELY <spoke of her fondly>
3 : in a willingly credulous manner <it would stun, I fondly hoped, the reader ― Annie Dillard>

fondness
n. 1 obsolete : FOOLISHNESS, FOLLY
2 : tender affection
3 : APPETITE, RELISH <had a fondness for argument>

fondue
n. 1 : a dish similar to a soufflé usually made with cheese and bread crumbs
2 a (1) : a preparation of melted cheese (as Swiss cheese and Gruyère) usually flavored with white wine and kirsch (2) : a dish that consists of small pieces of food (as meat or fruit) cooked in or dipped into a hot liquid <beef fondue> <chocolate fondue> b : a chafing dish in which fondue is made

Fonseca, Gulf of
inlet of the Pacific in Central America in El Salvador, Honduras, & Nicaragua

font
n. 1 a : a receptacle for baptismal water b : a receptacle for holy water c : a receptacle for various liquids
2 : SOURCE, FOUNTAIN <a font of information>
–font·al \'fän-təl\ adjective

font
n. : an assortment or set of type or characters all of one style and sometimes one size

Fontainebleau
commune N France pop 15,949

Fontana
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 128,929

fontanel
n. : a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones specifically : any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull

Fontanne
Lynn 1887?-1983 wife of Alfred Lunt American (Eng.-born) actress

Fonteyn
Dame Margot 1919-1991 orig. Margot Hook·ham \'hu̇-kəm\ Eng. ballerina

fontina
n. : a cheese that is semisoft to hard in texture and mild to medium sharp in flavor

foo
n. egg foo yong
egg foo yung
egg foo young
foo dog

foo dog
: a mythical lion-dog used as a decorative motif in Far Eastern art

Foochow
― see FUZHOU

food
n. 1 a : material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy also : such food together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments) b : inorganic substances absorbed by plants in gaseous form or in water solution
2 : nutriment in solid form
3 : something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies <food for thought>
–food·less \-ləs\ adjective
–food·less·ness noun

food
n. angel food cake
comfort food
devil's food cake
fast food
finger food
food chain
food court
food poisoning
food processor
food pyramid
food stamp
food vacuole
food web
functional food
health food
junk food
natural food
plant food
soul food
whole food

food chain
1 : an arrangement of the organisms of an ecological community according to the order of predation in which each uses the next usually lower member as a food source
2 : a hierarchy based on power or importance <at the top of the corporate food chain>

food court
: an area within a building (as a shopping mall) set apart for food concessions

food poisoning
: an acute gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacteria or their toxic products or by chemical residues in food

food processor
: an electric kitchen appliance with a set of interchangeable blades revolving inside a container

food pyramid
: an ecological hierarchy of food relationships in which a chief predator is at the top, each level preys on the next lower level, and usually green plants are at the bottom

food stamp
: a government-issued coupon that is sold or given to low-income persons and is redeemable for food

food vacuole
: a membrane-bound vacuole (as in an amoeba) in which ingested food is digested ― see AMOEBA illustration

food web
: the totality of interacting food chains in an ecological community

foodie
n. : a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads

foodstuff
n. : a substance with food value specifically : the raw material of food before or after processing

foodways
: the eating habits and culinary practices of a people, region, or historical period

foofaraw
1 : frills and flashy finery
2 : a disturbance or to-do over a trifle : FUSS

fool
n. 1 : a person lacking in judgment or prudence
2 a : a retainer formerly kept in great households to provide casual entertainment and commonly dressed in motley with cap, bells, and bauble b : one who is victimized or made to appear foolish : DUPE
3 a : a harmlessly deranged person or one lacking in common powers of understanding b : one with a marked propensity or fondness for something <a dancing fool> <a fool for candy>
4 : a cold dessert of pureed fruit mixed with whipped cream or custard

fool
n. : FOOLISH, SILLY <barking its fool head off>

fool
n. 1 a : to behave foolishly <told the children to stop their fooling> ― often used with around b : to meddle, tamper, or experiment especially thoughtlessly or ignorantly <don't fool with that gun> ― often used with around
2 a : to play or improvise a comic role b : to speak in jest : JOKE <I was only fooling>
3 : to contend or fight without serious intent or with less than full strength : TOY <a dangerous man to fool with>
transitive verb
1 : to make a fool of : DECEIVE
2 obsolete : INFATUATE
3 : to spend on trifles or without advantage : FRITTER ― used with away

fool
n. fool's cap
April fool
April Fool's Day
fool around
fool's gold
fool's paradise
fool's parsley
All Fools' Day
April Fools' Day

fool around
1 : to spend time idly, aimlessly, or frivolously
2 : to engage in casual sexual activity

fool's gold
: PYRITE broadly : any of various pyritic minerals resembling gold

fool's paradise
: a state of delusory happiness

fool's parsley
: a poisonous European weed (Aethusa cynapium) of the carrot family that resembles parsley and is naturalized in the northern U.S. and southern Canada

foolery
n. 1 : a foolish act, utterance, or belief
2 : foolish behavior

foolhardy
adj. : foolishly adventurous and bold : RASH
synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
–fool·har·di·ly \-ˌhär-dəl-ē\ adverb
–fool·har·di·ness \-ˌhär-dē-nəs\ noun

foolish
adj. 1 : lacking in sense, judgment, or discretion
2 a : ABSURD, RIDICULOUS b : marked by a loss of composure : NONPLUSSED
3 : INSIGNIFICANT, TRIFLING
synonyms see SIMPLE
–fool·ish·ly adverb

foolishness
n. 1 : foolish behavior
2 : a foolish act or idea

foolproof
adj. : so simple, plain, or reliable as to leave no opportunity for error, misuse, or failure <a foolproof plan>

foolscap
n. 1 : a cap or hood usually with bells worn by jesters
2 : a conical cap for slow or lazy students
3 usually foolscap [from the watermark of a foolscap formerly applied to such paper] : a size of paper formerly standard in Great Britain broadly : a piece of writing paper

foosball
n. : a table game resembling soccer in which the ball is moved by manipulating rods to which small figures of players are attached ― called also table soccer

foot
n. 1 : the terminal part of the vertebrate leg upon which an individual stands
2 : an invertebrate organ of locomotion or attachment especially : a ventral muscular surface or process of a mollusk
3 : any of various units of length based on the length of the human foot especially : a unit equal to 1/3 yard and comprising 12 inches ― plural foot used between a number and a noun <a 10-foot pole> ― plural feet or foot used between a number and an adjective <6 feet tall> ― see WEIGHT table
4 : the basic unit of verse meter consisting of any of various fixed combinations or groups of stressed and unstressed or long and short syllables
5 a : motion or power of walking or running : STEP <fleet of foot> b : SPEED, SWIFTNESS <showed early foot>
6 : something resembling a foot in position or use: as a : the lower end of the leg of a chair or table b (1) : the basal portion of the sporophyte in mosses (2) : a specialized outgrowth by which the embryonic sporophyte especially of many bryophytes absorbs nourishment from the gametophyte c : a piece on a sewing machine that presses the cloth against the feed
7 foot plural chiefly British : INFANTRY
8 : the lower edge (as of a sail)
9 : the lowest part : BOTTOM <the foot of the hill>
10 a : the end that is lower or opposite the head <the foot of the bed> b : the part (as of a stocking) that covers the foot
11 foots plural but singular or plural in construction : material deposited especially in aging or refining : DREGS
12 foots plural : FOOTLIGHTS
–at one's feet : under one's spell or influence
–foot in the door : the initial step toward a goal
–off one's feet : in a sitting or lying position
–on foot : by walking or running <tour the campus on foot>
–on one's feet
1 : in a standing position
2 : in an established position or state
3 : in a recovered condition (as from illness) <back on my feet>
4 : in an extemporaneous manner : while in action <good debaters can think on their feet>
–to one's feet : to a standing position <brought the crowd to its feet>

foot
n. 1 : DANCE
2 : to go on foot
3 of a sailboat : to make speed : MOVE
transitive verb
1 a : to perform the movements of (a dance) b : to walk, run, or dance on, over, or through
2 archaic a : KICK b : REJECT
3 archaic : ESTABLISH
4 a : to add up b : to pay or stand credit for <foot the bill>
5 : to make or renew the foot of (as a stocking)

foot
n. acre foot
athlete's foot
bird's foot trefoil
bird's foot violet
board foot
calf's foot jelly
claw foot
cloven foot
crow's foot
fescue foot
on foot
foot in the door
foot candle
foot dragging
foot fault
foot pound
foot pounds
foot pound second
foot rot
foot soldier
hand and foot
hand foot and mouth disease
light foot
neat's foot oil
put one's foot in one's mouth
put one's foot down
set foot on
set foot in
shoot oneself in the foot
single foot
trench foot
tube foot
wrong foot
foot and mouth disease
foot and mouth
single foots
web footed
black footed albatross
black footed ferret
cloven footed
fiddle footed
flat footed
fleet footed
four footed
heavy footed
light footed
slow footed
sure footed
white footed mouse
wing footed
war footing
clay feet
cold feet
crow's feet
drag one's feet
feet of clay
to one's feet
on one's feet
off one's feet
at one's feet
stand on one's own feet
in one's stocking feet
sweep one off one's feet
vote with one's feet

foot fault
: an infraction of the service rules (as in tennis, racquetball, or volleyball) that results from illegal placement of the server's feet
–foot·fault \'fu̇t-ˌfȯlt\ intransitive verb

foot in the door
the initial step toward a goal

foot rot
1 : a progressive inflammation of the feet of sheep, goats, or cattle that is associated with bacterial infection
2 : a plant disease marked by rot of the stem near the ground

foot soldier
1 : INFANTRYMAN
2 : a person likened to an infantryman especially in doing active and usually unglamorous work in support of an organization or movement <foot soldiers in the war against drugs>

foot-and-mouth disease
: an acute contagious febrile disease especially of cloven-footed animals that is caused by serotypes of a picornavirus (species Foot-and-mouth disease virus of the genus Aphthovirus) and is marked by ulcerating vesicles in the mouth, about the hooves, and on the udder and teats ― called also foot-and-mouth hoof-and-mouth disease ― compare HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

foot-candle
: a unit of illuminance on a surface that is everywhere one foot from a uniform point source of light of one candle and equal to one lumen per square foot

foot-dragging
: failure to act with the necessary promptness or vigor

foot-pound
: a unit of work equal to the work done by a force of one pound acting through a distance of one foot in the direction of the force

foot-pound-second
: being or relating to a system of units based upon the foot as the unit of length, the pound as the unit of weight, and the second as the unit of time ― abbreviation fps

footage
n. : length or quantity expressed in feet: as a : BOARD FEET b : the total number of running feet of motion-picture film used (as for a scene or subject) also : the material contained on such footage

football
n. 1 : any of several games played between two teams on a usually rectangular field having goalposts or goals at each end and whose object is to get the ball over a goal line, into a goal, or between goalposts by running, passing, or kicking: as a British : SOCCER b British : RUGBY c : an American game played between two teams of 11 players each in which the ball is in possession of one side at a time and is advanced by running or passing d Australian : AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL e Canadian : CANADIAN FOOTBALL
2 a : an inflated oval ball used in the game of football b British : a soccer ball
3 : something treated roughly especially as the subject of a prolonged dispute <the issue became a political football in Congress>
–foot·ball·er \-ˌbȯ-lər\ noun

football
n. association football
arena football
Australian Rules football
Canadian football
flag football
touch football

footbath
n. : a bath for cleansing, warming, soothing, or disinfecting the feet

footboard
n. 1 : a narrow platform on which to stand or brace the feet
2 : a board forming the foot of a bed

footboy
n. : a serving boy : PAGE, ATTENDANT

footbridge
n. : a bridge for pedestrians

footcloth
1 archaic : an ornamental cloth draped over the back of a horse to reach the ground on each side
2 archaic : CARPET

footdragger
: one who engages in foot-dragging

Foote
Andrew Hull 1806-1863 American admiral

Foote
Samuel 1720-1777 Eng. actor & playwright

Foote
Shelby 1916-     American hist. & nov.

footed
adj. : having a foot or feet especially of a specified kind or number ― often used in combination <a four-footed animal>

footed
adj. web footed
black footed albatross
black footed ferret
cloven footed
fiddle footed
flat footed
fleet footed
four footed
heavy footed
light footed
slow footed
sure footed
white footed mouse
wing footed

footedness
flat footedness
slow footedness
sure footedness

footer
n. 1 archaic : PEDESTRIAN
2 : information (as a page number) printed at the bottom of each page of a document

footer
n. : one that is a specified number of feet in height, length, or breadth <a six-footer>

footfall
n. : the sound of a footstep

footgear
n. : FOOTWEAR

foothill
n. 1 : a hill at the foot of higher hills
2 plural : a hilly region at the base of a mountain range

foothold
n. 1 : a hold for the feet : FOOTING
2 : a position usable as a base for further advance

footing
n. 1 : a stable position or placing of the feet
2 : a surface or its condition with respect to one walking or running on it especially : the condition of a racetrack
3 : the act of moving on foot : STEP, TREAD
4 a : a place or position providing a base of operations : FOOTHOLD b : established position : STATUS especially : position or rank in relation to others <they all started off on an equal footing>
5 : BASIS
6 : terms of social intercourse
7 : an enlargement at the lower end of a foundation wall, pier, or column to distribute the load
8 : the sum of a column of figures

footlambert
: a unit of luminance equal to the luminance of a perfectly diffusing surface that emits or reflects one lumen per square foot

footle
n. 1 : to talk or act foolishly
2 : to waste time : TRIFLE, FOOL
–footle noun
–foo·tler \-təl-ər, 'füt-lər\ noun

footless
adj. 1 a : having no feet b : lacking foundation : UNSUBSTANTIAL
2 : STUPID, INEPT
–foot·less·ly adverb
–foot·less·ness noun

footlights
n. 1 : a row of lights set across the front of a stage floor
2 : the stage as a profession <the lure of the footlights>

footling
adj. 1 : lacking judgment or ability : INEPT <footling amateurs who understand nothing ― E. R. Bentley>
2 : lacking use or value : TRIVIAL <footling matters>

footlocker
n. : a small trunk designed to be placed at the foot of a bed (as in a barracks)

footloose
adj. : having no ties : free to move about

footman
n. 1 a archaic : a traveler on foot : PEDESTRIAN b : INFANTRYMAN
2 a : a servant in livery formerly attending a rider or required to run in front of his master's carriage b : a servant who serves at table, tends the door, and runs errands

footmark
n. : FOOTPRINT

footnote
n. 1 : a note of reference, explanation, or comment usually placed below the text on a printed page
2 a : one that is a relatively subordinate or minor part (as of an event, work, or field) <a movement now regarded as a footnote to architectural history> b : COMMENTARY 3A

footnote
n. : to furnish with a footnote : ANNOTATE

footpace
n. 1 : a walking pace
2 : PLATFORM, DAIS

footpad
n. : a criminal who robs pedestrians

footpad
n. : a flattish foot on the leg of a spacecraft for distributing weight to minimize sinking into a surface

footpath
n. : a narrow path for pedestrians

footprint
n. 1 : an impression of the foot on a surface
2 a : the area on a surface covered by something <a tire with a wide footprint> <the footprint of a laser beam> b : range of operation (as of a service) <a global footprint>
3 : a marked effect or impression <left a footprint in the field of research>
4 : something that identifies <a genetic footprint>

footrace
n. : a race run by humans on foot

footrest
n. : a support for the feet

footrope
1 : the part of a boltrope sewed to the lower edge of a sail
2 : a rope rigged below a yard for crew members to stand on

footsie
n. 1 : a furtive flirtatious caressing with the feet (as under a table)
2 : a usually surreptitious cooperation or negotiation with someone supposed hostile to one's own interests ― usually used with play

footslog
v. : to march or tramp through mud
–foot·slog·ger noun

footsore
adj. : having sore or tender feet (as from much walking)
–foot·sore·ness noun

footstep
n. 1 : the mark of the foot : TRACK
2 a : TREAD b : distance covered by a step : PACE
3 : a step on which to ascend or descend
4 : a way of life, conduct, or action <followed in his father's footsteps>

footstone
n. : a stone placed at the foot of a grave

footstool
n. : a low stool used to support the feet

footwall
n. 1 : the lower underlying wall of a vein, ore deposit, or coal seam in a mine
2 : the lower wall of an inclined fault

footway
n. : a narrow way or path for pedestrians

footwear
n. : wearing apparel (as shoes or boots) for the feet

footwork
n. 1 : the activity of moving from place to place <the investigation entailed a lot of footwork>
2 : the management of the feet (as in boxing) also : the work done with them
3 : active and adroit maneuvering to achieve an end <fancy political footwork>

foozle
n. : an act of foozling especially : a bungling golf stroke

foozle
n. : to manage or play awkwardly : BUNGLE

fop
n. 1 obsolete : a foolish or silly person
2 : a man who is devoted to or vain about his appearance or dress : COXCOMB, DANDY

fop
n. obsolete : FOOL, DUPE

foppery
n. 1 : foolish character or action : FOLLY
2 : the behavior or dress of a fop

foppish
adj. 1 obsolete : FOOLISH, SILLY
2 a : characteristic of a fop <a foppish dressing gown> b : behaving or dressing in the manner of a fop
–fop·pish·ly adverb
–fop·pish·ness noun

FOR
prep. free on rail

for
prep. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate purpose <a grant for studying medicine> b ― used as a function word to indicate an intended goal <left for home> <acted for the best> c ― used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity <now for a good rest> <run for your life> <an eye for a bargain>
2 a : as being or constituting <taken for a fool> <eggs for breakfast> b ― used as a function word to indicate an actual or implied enumeration or selection <for one thing, the price is too high>
3 : because of <can't sleep for the heat>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate suitability or fitness <it is not for you to choose> <ready for action>
5 a : in place of <go to the store for me> b (1) : on behalf of : REPRESENTING <speaks for the court> (2) : in favor of <all for the plan>
6 : in spite of ― usually used with all <for all his large size, he moves gracefully>
7 : with respect to : CONCERNING <a stickler for detail> <heavy for its size>
8 a ― used as a function word to indicate equivalence in exchange <$10 for a hat>, equality in number or quantity <point for point>, or correspondence or correlation <for every one that works, you'll find five that don't> b ― used as a function word to indicate number of attempts <0 for 4>
9 ― used as a function word to indicate duration of time or extent of space <gone for two days>
10 : in honor of : AFTER <named for her grandmother>

for
prep. : for the reason that : on this ground : BECAUSE

for
prep. 1 foreign
2 forestry

for
prep. 1 : so as to involve prohibition, exclusion, omission, failure, neglect, or refusal <forbid>
2 : destructively or detrimentally <fordo>
3 : completely : excessively : to exhaustion : to pieces <forspent>

for a loop
into a state of amazement, confusion, or distress <the news threw us for a loop>

for a loss
into a state of distress <events had thrown him for a loss>

for all one is worth
to the fullest extent of one's value or ability

for all the world
in every way : EXACTLY <copies which look for all the world like the original>

for and
obsolete : and also

for certain
as a certainty : ASSUREDLY <the cause is not known for certain>

for example
\fər-ig-'zam-pəl, frig-\ : as an example <there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example>

for fair
to the greatest extent or degree : FULLY <the rush is on for fair>

for free
without charge

for good
also for good and all : FOREVER, PERMANENTLY

for good measure
in addition to the minimum required : as an extra

for hire
also on hire : available for use or service in return for payment

for instance
: EXAMPLE <I'll give you a for instance>

for instance
\fə-'rin(t)-stən(t)s, 'frin(t)-\ : as an instance or example <older people, like my grandmother, for instance>

for keeps

1 a : with the provision that one keep what one has won <played marbles for keeps> b : with deadly seriousness
2 : for an indefinitely long time : PERMANENTLY
3 : with the result of ending the matter

for nothing

1 : without reason
2 : at no charge

for one
as one example <I for one disagree>

for one's money
according to one's preference or opinion

for one's part
as far as one's share or interest is concerned <for my part, I do not see that the difference is important ― Mary McCarthy>

for openers
to begin with

for real

1 : in earnest : SERIOUSLY <fighting for real>
2 : GENUINE <couldn't believe the threats were for real>
3 : genuinely good or capable of success (as in competition) <not yet sure if this team is for real>

for rent
available for use or service in return for payment

for sale
available for purchase

for short
as an abbreviation <named Katherine or Kate for short>

for starters
to begin with

for sure
without doubt or question : CERTAINLY

for that matter
so far as that is concerned

for the birds
WORTHLESS, RIDICULOUS

for the most part
in general : on the whole <for the most part the crowd was orderly>

for the record
for public knowledge : on the record

for the rest
with regard to remaining issues or needs

for the time being
for the present

for-profit
: established, maintained, or conducted for the purpose of making a profit <for-profit businesses>

fora
n. plural of forum

forage
n. 1 : food for animals especially when taken by browsing or grazing
2 [2forage] : the act of foraging : search for provisions

forage
n. transitive verb
1 : to strip of provisions : collect forage from
2 : to secure by foraging <foraged a chicken for the feast>
intransitive verb
1 : to wander in search of forage or food
2 : to secure forage (as for horses) by stripping the country
3 : RAVAGE, RAID
4 : to make a search : RUMMAGE
–for·ag·er noun

Foraker, Mount
mountain 17,400 ft (5304 m) S Alaska in Alaska Range SW of Mt. McKinley

foram
: FORAMINIFER

foramen
n. : a small opening, perforation, or orifice : FENESTRA
–fo·ram·i·nal \fə-'ra-mə-nəl\ or fo·ram·i·nous \-mə-nəs\ adjective

foramen magnum
: the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord passes to become the medulla oblongata

foramen ovale
: an opening in the septum between the two atria of the heart that is normally present only in the fetus

foraminifer
n. : any of an order (Foraminifera) of large chiefly marine rhizopod protozoans usually having calcareous shells that often are perforated with minute holes for protrusion of slender pseudopodia and form the bulk of chalk and nummulitic limestone
–fo·ra·mi·nif·er·al \fə-ˌra-mə-'ni-f(ə-)rəl; ˌfȯr-ə-mə-'ni-, ˌfär-\ adjective

foraminifera
n. : organisms that are foraminifers

foraminiferan
: FORAMINIFER

forasmuch as
: in view of the fact that

foray
n. transitive verb archaic : to ravage in search of spoils : PILLAGE
intransitive verb : to make a raid or brief invasion <forayed into enemy territory>
–for·ay·er noun

foray
n. 1 : a sudden or irregular invasion or attack for war or spoils : RAID
2 : a brief excursion or attempt especially outside one's accustomed sphere <the novelist's foray into nonfiction>

forb
n. : an herb other than grass

forbear
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to do without
2 : to hold oneself back from especially with an effort <forbore mentioning the incident>
3 obsolete : to leave alone : SHUN <forbear his presence ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb
1 : HOLD BACK, ABSTAIN <have forborne from taking part in any controversy ― Abraham Lincoln>
2 : to control oneself when provoked : be patient
–for·bear·er noun

forbear
n. variant of forebear

forbearance
n. 1 : a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due
2 : the act of forbearing : PATIENCE
3 : the quality of being forbearing : LENIENCY

Forbes-Robertson
Sir Johnston 1853-1937 Eng. actor

forbid
1 : to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against <the law forbids stores to sell liquor to minors> <her mother forbids her to go>
2 : to hinder or prevent as if by an effectual command <space forbids further treatment here>
–for·bid·der noun
synonyms FORBID, PROHIBIT, INTERDICT, INHIBIT mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. FORBID implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected <smoking is forbidden in the building>. PROHIBIT suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations <prohibited the sale of liquor>. INTERDICT implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose <practices interdicted by the church>. INHIBIT implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation <conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade>.

forbid
v. archaic : ACCURSED <he shall live a man forbid ― Shakespeare>

forbiddance
n. : the act of forbidding

forbidden
adj. 1 : not permitted or allowed
2 : not conforming to the usual selection principles ― used of quantum phenomena <forbidden transition> <forbidden radiation> <forbidden spectral line>

forbidden fruit
: an immoral or illegal pleasure

forbidding
adj. 1 : such as to make approach or passage difficult or impossible <forbidding walls>
2 : DISAGREEABLE, REPELLENT <a forbidding task>
3 : GRIM, MENACING <a dark forbidding sky>
–for·bid·ding·ly \-'bi-diŋ-lē\ adverb

forbode
variant of forebode

forby
1 archaic a : PAST b : NEAR
2 chiefly Scottish : BESIDES

forby
chiefly Scottish : BESIDES : in addition

force
n. 1 a (1) : strength or energy exerted or brought to bear : cause of motion or change : active power <the forces of nature> <the motivating force in her life> (2) capitalized ― used with a number to indicate the strength of the wind according to the Beaufort scale <a Force 10 hurricane> b : moral or mental strength c : capacity to persuade or convince <the force of the argument>
2 a : military strength b (1) : a body (as of troops or ships) assigned to a military purpose (2) plural : the whole military strength (as of a nation) c : a body of persons or things available for a particular end <a labor force> <the missile force> d : an individual or group having the power of effective action <join forces to prevent violence> <a force in politics> e often capitalized : POLICE FORCE ― usually used with the
3 : violence, compulsion, or constraint exerted upon or against a person or thing
4 a : an agency or influence that if applied to a free body results chiefly in an acceleration of the body and sometimes in elastic deformation and other effects b : any of the natural influences (as electromagnetism, gravity, the strong force, and the weak force) that exist especially between particles and determine the structure of the universe
5 : the quality of conveying impressions intensely in writing or speech <stated the objectives with force>
synonyms see POWER
–force·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in force
1 : in great numbers <picnickers were out in force>
2 : VALID, OPERATIVE <the ban remains in force>

force
n. 1 : to do violence to especially : RAPE
2 : to compel by physical, moral, or intellectual means
3 : to make or cause especially through natural or logical necessity <forced to admit my error> <the last minute goal forced overtime>
4 a : to press, drive, pass, or effect against resistance or inertia <force your way through> b : to impose or thrust urgently, importunately, or inexorably <force unwanted attentions on a coworker>
5 : to achieve or win by strength in struggle or violence: as a : to win one's way into <force a castle> <forced the mountain passes> b : to break open or through <force a lock>
6 a : to raise or accelerate to the utmost <forcing the pace> b : to produce only with unnatural or unwilling effort <forced a smile> c : to wrench, strain, or use (language) with marked unnaturalness and lack of ease
7 a : to hasten the rate of progress or growth of b : to bring (as plants) to maturity out of the normal season <forcing lilies for Easter>
8 : to induce (as a particular bid or play by another player) in a card game by some conventional act, play, bid, or response
9 a : to cause (a runner in baseball) to be put out on a force-out b : to cause (a run) to be scored in baseball by giving a base on balls when the bases are full
–forc·er noun
–force one's hand : to cause one to act precipitously : force one to reveal one's purpose or intention
synonyms FORCE, COMPEL, COERCE, CONSTRAIN, OBLIGE mean to make someone or something yield. FORCE is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress <forced to flee for their lives>. COMPEL typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force <compelled to admit my mistake>. COERCE suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure <coerced into signing over the rights>. CONSTRAIN suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice <constrained by conscience>. OBLIGE implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty <felt obliged to go>.

force
n. electromagnetic force
gravitational force
shearing force
air force
centrifugal force
centripetal force
chief master sergeant of the air force
coercive force
Coriolis force
electromotive force
field of force
in force
force one's hand
force feed
force field
force majeure
force of habit
force of nature
force out
force play
force pump
general of the air force
g force
labor force
life force
line of force
magnetomotive force
marshal of the Royal Air Force
police force
strike force
strong force
strong nuclear force
task force
third force
tour de force
tours de force
weak force
weak nuclear force
force de frappe
l'union fait la force
armed forces
Special Forces
van der Waals forces

force de frappe
: a force equipped to deal a quick offensive or retaliatory blow

force field
1 : FIELD 6A
2 : a special charm, aura, or spirit that can influence anyone in its presence
3 : something resembling a force field especially in intensity that restricts or impedes movement toward an area or object

force majeure
1 : superior or irresistible force
2 : an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled ― compare ACT OF GOD

force of habit

1796
: behavior made involuntary or automatic by repeated practice

force of nature

1975
: FORCE 4B

force one's hand
to cause one to act precipitously : force one to reveal one's purpose or intention

force play
: FORCE-OUT

force pump
: a pump with a solid piston for drawing and forcing through valves a liquid (as water) to a considerable height above the pump or under a considerable pressure

force-feed
1 : to feed (as an animal) by forcible administration of food
2 : to force to take in <force-feed students the classics> ― also used with a single object <force-feed the classics to students> <force-feed students with the classics>

force-out
: a play in baseball in which a runner is put out by being forced to advance to the next base but failing to do so safely

forced
adj. 1 : compelled by force or necessity : INVOLUNTARY <a forced landing>
2 : done or produced with effort, exertion, or pressure <a forced laugh>
–forced·ly \'fȯr-səd-lē\ adverb

forceful
adj. : possessing or filled with force : EFFECTIVE <a forceful argument>
–force·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–force·ful·ness noun

forcemeat
n. : finely chopped and highly seasoned meat or fish that is either served alone or used as a stuffing ― called also farce

forceps
n. : an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by jewelers or surgeons)
–for·ceps·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

forcible
adj. 1 : effected by force used against opposition or resistance
2 : characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : POWERFUL
–forc·ible·ness noun
–forc·ibly \-blē\ adverb

Ford
n. Ford Mad·ox \'ma-dəks\ 1873-1939 orig. Ford Hermann Huef·fer \'hü-fər; 'hwe-fər, 'we-\ Eng. author

Ford
n. Gerald R(udolph) 1913-     American polit.; 38th pres. of the U.S. (1974-77)

Ford
n. Henry 1863-1947 American automobile manuf.

Ford
n. John 1586-?1639 Eng. dram.

ford
n. : a shallow part of a body of water that may be crossed by wading

ford
n. : to cross (a body of water) by wading
–ford·able \'fȯr-də-bəl\ adjective

fordo
1 archaic : to do away with : DESTROY
2 : to overcome with fatigue ― used only as past participle <quite fordone with the heat>

fore
n. 1 obsolete : at an earlier time or period
2 : in, toward, or near the front : FORWARD

fore
n. 1 chiefly dialect : BEFORE
2 : in the presence of

fore
n. 1 : situated in front of something else : FORWARD
2 : prior in order of occurrence : FORMER

fore
n. : something that occupies a front position
–to the fore : in or into a position of prominence : FORWARD

fore
n. ― used by a golfer to warn anyone within range of the probable line of flight of the ball

fore
n. 1 a : earlier : beforehand <foresee> b : occurring earlier : occurring beforehand <foreshock>
2 a : situated at the front : in front <foreleg> b : front part of (something specified) <forearm> c : foremast <foretop>

fore
n. to the fore
fore and aft
fore and after
fore and aft rig
fore topmast

fore and aft
1 : lengthwise of a ship : from stem to stern
2 : in, at, or toward both the bow and stern
3 : in or at the front and back or the beginning and end

fore-and-aft
1 : lying, running, or acting in the general line of the length of a construction (as a ship or a house) : LONGITUDINAL
2 : having no square sails

fore-and-aft rig
: a sailing-ship rig in which most or all of the sails are not attached to yards but are bent to gaffs or set on the masts or on stays in a fore-and-aft line

fore-and-after
: a ship with a fore-and-aft rig especially : SCHOONER

fore-topmast
: a mast next above the foremast

forearm
n. : to arm in advance : PREPARE

forearm
n. : the part of the human arm between the elbow and the wrist also : the corresponding part in other vertebrates

forebay
: a reservoir or canal from which water is taken to run equipment (as a waterwheel or turbine)

forebear
n. : ANCESTOR, FOREFATHER also : PRECURSOR ― usually used in plural

forebearer
: ANCESTOR, FOREFATHER

forebode
v. 1 : to have an inward conviction of (as coming ill or misfortune)
2 : FORETELL, PORTEND
intransitive verb : AUGUR, PREDICT
–fore·bod·er noun

foreboding
n. : the act of one who forebodes also : an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil : PORTENT

foreboding
n. : indicative of or marked by foreboding
–fore·bod·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb
–fore·bod·ing·ness noun

forebrain
n. : the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions ― called also prosencephalon ― compare DIENCEPHALON, TELENCEPHALON

forecaddie
: a golf caddie who is stationed in the fairway and who indicates the position of balls on the course

forecast
transitive verb
1 a : to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data especially : to predict (weather conditions) on the basis of correlated meteorological observations b : to indicate as likely to occur
2 : to serve as a forecast of : PRESAGE <such events may forecast peace>
intransitive verb : to calculate the future
synonyms see FORETELL
–fore·cast·able \-ˌkas-tə-bəl\ adjective
–fore·cast·er noun

forecast
n. 1 archaic : foresight of consequences and provision against them : FORETHOUGHT
2 : a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition

forecastle
n. 1 : the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2 : the crew's quarters usually in a ship's bow

forecheck
v. : to check an opponent in ice hockey in the opponent's defensive zone
–fore·check·er \-ˌche-kər\ noun

foreclose
v. transitive verb
1 : to shut out : PRECLUDE
2 : to hold exclusively
3 : to deal with or close in advance
4 : to subject to foreclosure proceedings
intransitive verb : to foreclose a mortgage

foreclosure
n. : an act or instance of foreclosing specifically : a legal proceeding that bars or extinguishes a mortgagor's right of redeeming a mortgaged estate

forecourt
n. 1 : an open court in front of a building
2 : the area near the net in a court game

foredeck
n. : the forepart of a ship's main deck

foredo
variant of fordo

foredoom
v. : DOOM 2

foreface
: the part of the head of a quadruped that is in front of the eyes

forefather
n. 1 : ANCESTOR 1A
2 : a person of an earlier period and common heritage

forefeel
: to have a presentiment of

forefend
variant of forfend

forefinger
n. : INDEX FINGER

forefoot
n. 1 a : one of the anterior feet especially of a quadruped b : the front part of the human foot also : the front part of a shoe
2 : the forward part of a ship where the stem and keel meet

forefront
n. : the foremost part or place

foregather
v. variant of forgather

forego
v. : to go before : PRECEDE
–fore·go·er \-'gō-ər\ noun

forego
v. variant of forgo

foregoing
adj. : listed, mentioned, or occurring before <the foregoing statement can be proven>
synonyms see PRECEDING

foregone
adj. : PREVIOUS, PAST

foregone conclusion
1 : a conclusion that has preceded argument or examination
2 : an inevitable result : CERTAINTY <the victory was a foregone conclusion>

foreground
n. 1 : the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator
2 : a position of prominence : FOREFRONT
3 : a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task ― compare BACKGROUND

foreground
n. : to bring to the foreground especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

foregut
n. : the anterior part of the alimentary canal of a vertebrate embryo that develops into the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and extreme anterior part of the intestine

forehand
n. 1 archaic : superior position : ADVANTAGE
2 : the part of a horse that is before the rider
3 : a forehand stroke (as in tennis or racquets) also : the side on which such strokes are made

forehand
n. 1 obsolete : done or given in advance : PRIOR
2 : made with the palm of the hand turned in the direction in which the hand is moving <a forehand tennis stroke>

forehand
n. : with a forehand stroke

forehanded
adj. 1 a : mindful of the future : PRUDENT b : WELL-TO-DO
2 : FOREHAND 2
–fore·hand·ed·ly adverb
–fore·hand·ed·ness noun

forehead
n. 1 : the part of the face above the eyes
2 : the front or forepart of something <flames in the forehead of the morning sky ― John Milton>

forehoof
: the hoof of a forefoot

foreign
adj. 1 : situated outside a place or country especially : situated outside one's own country
2 : born in, belonging to, or characteristic of some place or country other than the one under consideration
3 : of, relating to, or proceeding from some other person or material thing than the one under consideration
4 : alien in character : not connected or pertinent
5 : related to or dealing with other nations
6 a : occurring in an abnormal situation in the living body and often introduced from outside <a foreign body lodged in the esophagus> b : not recognized by the immune system as part of the self <foreign proteins>
7 : not being within the jurisdiction of a political unit (as a state)
synonyms see EXTRINSIC
–for·eign·ness \-ən-nəs\ noun

foreign
adj. foreign affairs
foreign aid
foreign bill
foreign born
foreign correspondent
foreign exchange
foreign minister
foreign office
foreign policy
foreign service

foreign affairs
: matters having to do with international relations and with the interests of the home country in foreign countries

foreign aid
: assistance (as economic aid) provided by one nation to another

foreign bill
: a bill of exchange that is drawn in one jurisdiction (as a country or state) and payable within another

foreign correspondent
: a correspondent employed to send news or comment from a foreign country

foreign exchange
1 : a process of settling accounts or debts between persons residing in different countries
2 : foreign currency or current short-term credit instruments payable in such currency

foreign minister
: a governmental minister for foreign affairs

foreign office
: a government office (as a ministry) that deals with foreign affairs

foreign policy
: the policy of a sovereign state in its interaction with other sovereign states

foreign service
: the field force of a foreign office comprising diplomatic and consular personnel

foreign-born
: foreign by birth

foreigner
n. 1 : a person belonging to or owing allegiance to a foreign country
2 chiefly dialect : one not native to a place or community : STRANGER 1C

foreignism
: something peculiar to a foreign language or people specifically : a foreign idiom or custom

forejudge
v. : to expel, oust, or put out by judgment of a court

forejudge
v. : PREJUDGE

foreknow
v. : to have previous knowledge of : know beforehand especially by paranormal means or by revelation
synonyms see FORESEE
–fore·knowl·edge \'fȯr-ˌnä-lij, (ˌ)fȯr-'nä-\ noun

forelady
n. : FOREWOMAN

foreland
n. : PROMONTORY, HEADLAND

foreleg
n. : a front leg

forelimb
n. : a limb (as an arm, wing, fin, or leg) that is situated anteriorly <the forelimb of a bat>

forelock
n. : a lock of hair growing from the front of the head

foreman
n. : a first or chief person: as a : a member of a jury who acts as chairman and spokesman b (1) : a chief and often specially trained worker who works with and usually leads a gang or crew (2) : a person in charge of a group of workers, a particular operation, or a section of a plant
–fore·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

foremast
n. : the mast nearest the bow of a ship

foremost
adj. 1 : first in a series or progression
2 : of first rank or position : PREEMINENT

foremost
adj. 1 : in the first place
2 : most importantly <first and foremost>

foremother
n. : a female ancestor

forename
n. : a name that precedes one's surname

forenamed
adj. : named previously : AFORESAID

forenoon
n. : the early part of the day ending with noon : MORNING

forensic
adj. 1 : belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate
2 : ARGUMENTATIVE, RHETORICAL
3 : relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems <forensic medicine> <forensic science> <forensic pathologist> <forensic experts>
–fo·ren·si·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē, -zi-\ adverb

forensic
adj. 1 : an argumentative exercise
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : the art or study of argumentative discourse
3 plural but singular or plural in construction : the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems especially : scientific analysis of physical evidence (as from a crime scene)

foreordain
v. : to dispose or appoint in advance : PREDESTINE
–fore·or·di·na·tion \-ˌȯr-də-'nā-shən\ noun

forepart
n. 1 : the anterior part of something
2 : the earlier part of a period of time

forepassed
: BYGONE

forepaw
n. : the paw of a foreleg

forepeak
n. : the extreme forward lower compartment or tank usually used for trimming or storage in a ship

foreplay
n. 1 : erotic stimulation preceding sexual intercourse
2 : action or behavior that precedes an event

forequarter
n. : the front half of a lateral half of the body or carcass of a quadruped <a forequarter of beef>

forereach
v. of a ship : to gain ground in tacking
transitive verb : to gain on or go ahead of (a ship) when close-hauled

forerun
v. 1 : to run before
2 : to come before as a token of something to follow
3 : FORESTALL, ANTICIPATE

forerunner
n. 1 : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another: as a : a premonitory sign or symptom b : a skier who runs the course before the start of a race
2 : PREDECESSOR, ANCESTOR
synonyms FORERUNNER, PRECURSOR, HARBINGER, HERALD mean one that goes before or announces the coming of another. FORERUNNER is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage <the blockade was the forerunner of war>. PRECURSOR applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another <18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics>. HARBINGER and HERALD both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event <their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season> <the herald of a new age in medicine>.

foresaid
archaic : AFORESAID

foresail
n. 1 : the lowest sail set on the foremast of a square-rigged ship or schooner ― see SAIL illustration
2 : the sole or principal headsail (as of a sloop, cutter, or schooner)

foresee
v. : to see (as a development) beforehand
–fore·seer \fȯr-'sē-ər, -'sir\ noun
synonyms FORESEE, FOREKNOW, DIVINE, ANTICIPATE mean to know beforehand. FORESEE implies nothing about how the knowledge is derived and may apply to ordinary reasoning and experience <economists should have foreseen the recession>. FOREKNOW usually implies supernatural assistance, as through revelation <if only we could foreknow our own destinies>. DIVINE adds to FORESEE the suggestion of exceptional wisdom or discernment <was able to divine Europe's rapid recovery from the war>. ANTICIPATE implies taking action about or responding emotionally to something before it happens <the waiter anticipated our every need>.

foreseeable
adj. 1 : being such as may be reasonably anticipated <foreseeable problems>
2 : lying within the range for which forecasts are possible <in the foreseeable future>
–fore·see·abil·i·ty \-ˌsē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

foreshadow
v. : to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : PREFIGURE
–fore·shad·ow·er \-də-wər\ noun

foreshank
: the upper part of the foreleg of cattle also : meat cut from this part

foresheet
n. 1 : one of the sheets of a foresail
2 plural : the forward part of an open boat

foreshock
n. : any of the usually minor tremors commonly preceding the principal shock of an earthquake

foreshore
n. 1 : a strip of land margining a body of water
2 : the part of a seashore between high-water and low-water marks

foreshorten
v. 1 : to shorten by proportionately contracting in the direction of depth so that an illusion of projection or extension in space is obtained
2 : to make more compact : ABRIDGE, SHORTEN

foreside
: the front side or part : FRONT

foresight
n. 1 : an act or the power of foreseeing : PRESCIENCE
2 : provident care : PRUDENCE <had the foresight to invest his money wisely>
3 : an act of looking forward also : a view forward
–fore·sight·ed \-ˌsī-təd\ adjective
–fore·sight·ed·ly adverb
–fore·sight·ed·ness noun
–fore·sight·ful \-ˌsīt-fəl\ adjective

foreskin
n. : a fold of skin that covers the glans of the penis ― called also prepuce

forespeak
1 archaic : FORETELL, PREDICT
2 archaic : to arrange for in advance

forest
n. 1 : a dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large tract
2 : a tract of wooded land in England formerly owned by the sovereign and used for game
3 : something resembling a forest especially in profusion or lushness <a forest of microphones> <a kelp forest>
–for·est·al \-əs-təl\ or fo·res·tial \fə-'res-tē-əl, fȯ-, -'res(h)-chəl\ adjective
–for·est·ed \'fȯr-ə-stəd, 'fär-\ adjective

forest
n. : to cover with trees or forest <land densely forested with firs>
–for·es·ta·tion \ˌfȯr-ə-'stā-shən, ˌfär-\ noun

forest
n. cloud forest
forest floor
forest green
forest ranger
forest tent caterpillar
gallery forest
national forest
rain forest
tropical rain forest
temperate rain forest
De Forest
Black Forest
Bohemian Forest
Dean Forest of
Epping Forest
Ettrick Forest
Four Forest Cantons
Lake Forest
New Forest
Oak Forest
Park Forest
Petrified Forest National Park
Sherwood Forest
Teutoburg Forest
Waltham Forest

forest floor
: the richly organic layer of soil and debris characteristic of forested land

forest green
: a dark yellowish or moderate olive green

forest ranger
: an officer charged with the patrolling and guarding of a forest especially : one in charge of the management and protection of a portion of a public forest

forest tent caterpillar
: a moth (Malacosoma disstria of the family Lasiocampidae) whose orange-marked larva is a tent caterpillar and a serious defoliator of deciduous trees

forestage
: APRON 2E

forestall
v. 1 : to prevent the normal trading in by buying or diverting goods or by persuading persons to raise prices
2 archaic : INTERCEPT
3 obsolete : OBSTRUCT, BESET
4 : to exclude, hinder, or prevent by prior occupation or measures
5 : to get ahead of : ANTICIPATE
synonyms see PREVENT
–fore·stall·er noun
–fore·stall·ment \-'stȯl-mənt\ noun

forestay
n. : a stay from the foremast to the foredeck or bow of a ship

forestaysail
: the triangular aftermost headsail of a schooner, ketch, or yawl set on the forestay ― see SAIL illustration

Forester
n. C(ecil) S(cott) 1899-1966 Brit. writer

forester
n. 1 : a person trained in forestry
2 : an inhabitant of a forest
3 : any of various noctuid woodland moths (subfamily Agaristinae)
4 capitalized : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

forestland
n. : land covered with forest or reserved for the growth of forests

forestry
n. 1 : FORESTLAND
2 a : the science of developing, caring for, or cultivating forests b : the management of growing timber

foreswear
v. variant of forswear, forsworn

foretaste
n. 1 : a small anticipatory sample
2 : an advance indication or warning
synonyms see PROSPECT

foretaste
n. : to taste beforehand : ANTICIPATE

foretell
v. : to tell beforehand : PREDICT
–fore·tell·er noun
synonyms FORETELL, PREDICT, FORECAST, PROPHESY, PROGNOSTICATE mean to tell beforehand. FORETELL applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information <seers foretold the calamity>. PREDICT commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature <astronomers predicted an eclipse>. FORECAST adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from PREDICT in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties <forecast snow>. PROPHESY connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises <prophesying a new messiah>. PROGNOSTICATE is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for PREDICT or PROPHESY <prognosticating the future>.

forethought
n. 1 : a thinking or planning out in advance : PREMEDITATION
2 : consideration for the future

forethought
n. archaic : AFORETHOUGHT

forethoughtful
adj. : full of or having forethought
–fore·thought·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fore·thought·ful·ness noun

foretime
n. : former or past time : the time before the present

foretoken
n. : a premonitory sign

foretoken
n. : to indicate or warn of in advance

foretop
n. : the platform at the head of a ship's foremast

foretopman
: a sailor on duty on the foremast and above

forever
adv. 1 : for a limitless time <wants to live forever>
2 : at all times : CONTINUALLY <is forever making bad puns>

forever
adv. : a seemingly interminable time : excessively long <it took her forever to find the answer>

forevermore
adv. : FOREVER 1

foreverness
: ETERNITY

forewarn
v. : to warn in advance

forewarning
n. 1 : a warning given in advance
2 : the state of being warned in advance

forewing
n. : either of the anterior wings of a 4-winged insect

forewoman
n. : a woman who is a foreman

foreword
n. : prefatory comments (as for a book) especially when written by someone other than the author

foreworn
archaic variant of forworn

Forfar
1 or For·far·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ ― see ANGUS
2 royal burgh E Scotland NNE of Dundee pop 12,742

forfeit
n. 1 : something forfeited or subject to being forfeited (as for a crime, offense, or neglect of duty) : PENALTY
2 : forfeiture especially of civil rights
3 a : something deposited (as for making a mistake in a game) and then redeemed on payment of a fine b plural : a game in which forfeits are exacted

forfeit
n. 1 : to lose or lose the right to especially by some error, offense, or crime
2 : to subject to confiscation as a forfeit also : ABANDON, GIVE UP
–for·feit·able \-fə-tə-bəl\ adjective
–for·feit·er noun

forfeit
n. : forfeited or subject to forfeiture

forfeiture
n. 1 : the act of forfeiting : the loss of property or money because of a breach of a legal obligation
2 : something (as money or property) that is forfeited : PENALTY

forfend
v. 1 a archaic : FORBID b : to ward off : PREVENT
2 : PROTECT, PRESERVE

forgather
v. 1 : to come together : ASSEMBLE
2 : to meet someone usually by chance

forge
n. 1 : a furnace or a shop with its furnace where metal is heated and wrought : SMITHY
2 : a workshop where wrought iron is produced or where iron is made malleable

forge
n. transitive verb
1 a : to form (as metal) by heating and hammering b : to form (metal) by a mechanical or hydraulic press with or without heat
2 : to make or imitate falsely especially with intent to defraud : COUNTERFEIT <forge a document> <forge a signature>
3 : to form or bring into being especially by an expenditure of effort <working to forge party unity>
intransitive verb
1 : to work at a forge
2 : to commit forgery
–forge·abil·i·ty \ˌfȯr-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–forge·able \'fȯr-jə-bəl\ adjective

forge
n. 1 : to move forward slowly and steadily <the ship forged ahead through heavy seas>
2 : to move with a sudden increase of speed and power <forged into the lead> <forged ahead in marketing the product>

forger
n. 1 : one that forges metals
2 a : a person who falsifies especially : a creator of false tales b : a person guilty of forgery

forgery
n. 1 archaic : INVENTION
2 : something forged
3 : an act of forging especially : the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (as a check)

forget
v. transitive verb
1 a : to lose the remembrance of : be unable to think of or recall <I forget his name> b obsolete : to cease from doing
2 : to treat with inattention or disregard <forgot their old friends>
3 a : to disregard intentionally : OVERLOOK ― usually used in the imperative <I shouldn't have said that, so just forget it> b : to give up hope for or expectation of ― usually used in the imperative <as for prompt service, forget it>
intransitive verb
1 : to cease remembering or noticing <forgive and forget>
2 : to fail to become mindful at the proper time <forgot about paying the bill>
synonyms see NEGLECT
–for·get·ter noun
–forget oneself : to lose one's dignity, temper, or self-control

forget
v. forget oneself
forget me not
self forgetting
forgotten man

forget oneself
to lose one's dignity, temper, or self-control

forget-me-not
: any of a genus (Myosotis) of small herbs of the borage family having usually bright blue or white flowers usually arranged in a curving spike

forgetful
adj. 1 : likely to forget
2 : characterized by negligent failure to remember : NEGLECTFUL
3 : inducing oblivion <forgetful sleep>
–for·get·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–for·get·ful·ness noun

forgetful
adj. self forgetful
self forgetfulness
self forgetfully

forgetive
archaic : INVENTIVE, IMAGINATIVE

forgettable
adj. : fit or likely to be forgotten <a forgettable movie>

forging
n. 1 : the art or process of forging
2 : a piece of forged work
3 : FORGERY 3

forgive
v. transitive verb
1 a : to give up resentment of or claim to requital for <forgive an insult> b : to grant relief from payment of <forgive a debt>
2 : to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : PARDON <forgive one's enemies>
intransitive verb : to grant forgiveness
synonyms see EXCUSE
–for·giv·able \-'gi-və-bəl\ adjective
–for·giv·ably \-blē\ adverb
–for·giv·er noun

forgiveness
n. : the act of forgiving

forgiving
adj. 1 : willing or able to forgive
2 : allowing room for error or weakness <designed to be a forgiving tennis racquet>
–for·giv·ing·ly \-'gi-viŋ-lē\ adverb
–for·giv·ing·ness noun

forgo
v. 1 : to give up the enjoyment or advantage of : do without
2 archaic : FORSAKE
–for·go·er \-'gō-ər\ noun

forgotten man
: a person or category of persons that receives less attention than is merited

Forillon National Park
n. reservation E Canada in Gaspé Peninsula

forint
n. ― see MONEY table

fork
n. 1 : an implement with two or more prongs used especially for taking up (as in eating), pitching, or digging
2 : a forked part, tool, or piece of equipment
3 a : a division into branches or the place where something divides into branches b : CONFLUENCE
4 : one of the branches into which something forks
5 : an attack by one chess piece (as a knight) on two pieces simultaneously
–fork·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

fork
n. 1 : to divide into two or more branches <where the road forks>
2 a : to use or work with a fork b : to turn into a fork
transitive verb
1 : to give the form of a fork to <forking her fingers>
2 : to attack (two chessmen) simultaneously
3 : to raise, pitch, dig, or work with a fork <fork hay>
4 : PAY, CONTRIBUTE ― used with over, out, or up <had to fork over $5000>
–fork·er noun

fork
n. fork tender
tuning fork
Clark Fork
Caudine Forks
Grand Forks
Three Forks
forked tongue

fork-tender
: tender enough to be easily pierced or cut with a fork <fork-tender filet mignon>

forkball
n. : a baseball pitch in which the ball is gripped between the forked index and middle fingers

forked
adj. 1 : resembling a fork especially in having one end divided into two or more branches or points <forked lightning>
2 : shaped like a fork or having a forked part <a forked road>

forked tongue
: intent to mislead or deceive ― usually used in the phrase to speak with forked tongue

forklift
n. : a self-propelled machine for hoisting and transporting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load

forky
: FORKED <a forky beard>

Forli
commune N Italy in Emilia-Romagna SE of Bologna pop 107,827

forlorn
adj. 1 a : BEREFT, FORSAKEN <left quite forlorn of hope> b : sad and lonely because of isolation or desertion : DESOLATE <a forlorn landscape>
2 : being in poor condition : MISERABLE, WRETCHED <forlorn tumbledown buildings>
3 : nearly hopeless <a forlorn attempt>
synonyms see ALONE
–for·lorn·ly adverb
–for·lorn·ness \-'lȯrn-nəs\ noun

forlorn hope
1 : a body of men selected to perform a perilous service
2 : a desperate or extremely difficult enterprise

form
n. 1 a : the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material b : a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face : FIGURE c archaic : BEAUTY
2 : the essential nature of a thing as distinguished from its matter: as a : IDEA 1A b : the component of a thing that determines its kind
3 a : established method of expression or proceeding : procedure according to rule or rote also : a standard or expectation based on past experience : PRECEDENT <true to form, the champions won again> b : a prescribed and set order of words : FORMULA <the form of the marriage service>
4 : a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information <tax forms>
5 a (1) : conduct regulated by extraneous controls (as of custom or etiquette) : CEREMONY (2) : show without substance b : manner or conduct as tested by a prescribed or accepted standard <rudeness is simply bad form> c : manner or style of performing or accomplishing according to recognized standards of technique <a strong swimmer but weak on form>
6 a : the resting place or nest of a hare b : a long seat : BENCH
7 a : a supporting frame model of the human figure or part (as the torso) of the human figure usually used for displaying apparel b : a proportioned and often adjustable model for fitting clothes c : a mold in which concrete is placed to set
8 : the printing type or other matter arranged and secured in a chase ready for printing
9 a : one of the different modes of existence, action, or manifestation of a particular thing or substance : KIND <one form of respiratory disorder> <a form of art> b : a distinguishable group of organisms c : LINGUISTIC FORM d : one of the different aspects a word may take as a result of inflection or change of spelling or pronunciation <verbal forms> e : a mathematical expression of a particular type <a bilinear form> <a polynomial form>
10 a (1) : orderly method of arrangement (as in the presentation of ideas) : manner of coordinating elements (as of an artistic production or course of reasoning) (2) : a particular kind or instance of such arrangement <the sonnet is a poetical form> b : PATTERN, SCHEMA <arguments of the same logical form> c : the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art ― compare CONTENT 2c d : a visible and measurable unit defined by a contour : a bounded surface or volume
11 : a grade in a British school or in some American private schools
12 a (1) : the past performance of a race horse (2) : RACING FORM b : known ability to perform <a singer at the top of her form> c : condition suitable for performing (as in athletic competition) <back on form>

form
n. 1 a : to give a particular shape to : shape or mold into a certain state or after a particular model <form the dough into a ball> <a state formed along republican lines> b : to arrange themselves in <the dancers formed a line> c : to model by instruction and discipline <a mind formed by classical education>
2 : to give form or shape to : FASHION, CONSTRUCT
3 : to serve to make up or constitute : be an essential or basic element of
4 : DEVELOP, ACQUIRE <form a habit>
5 : to arrange in order : DRAW UP
6 a : to assume an inflection so as to produce (as a tense) <forms the past in -ed> b : to combine to make (a compound word)
intransitive verb
1 : to become formed or shaped
2 : to take form : come into existence : ARISE
3 : to take on a definite form, shape, or arrangement
–form·abil·i·ty \ˌfȯr-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–form·able \'fȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective
–form on : to take up a formation next to

form
n. : formic acid <formate>

form
n. : in the form or shape of : resembling <filiform>

form
n. art form
by form
canonical form
combining form
form on
form class
form critical
form criticism
form critic
form genus
form letter
form word
free form
L form
life form
linguistic form
speech form
quadratic form
racing form
re form
slip form
slope intercept form
sonata form
self formed
habit forming

form class
: a class of linguistic forms that can be used in the same position in a construction and that have one or more morphological or syntactical features in common

form criticism
: a method of criticism for determining the sources and historicity of biblical writings through analysis of the writings in terms of ancient literary forms and oral traditions (as love poems, parables, and proverbs)
–form critic noun

form genus
: an artificial taxonomic category established for organisms (as imperfect fungi) of obscure true relationships

form letter
1 : a letter on a subject of frequent recurrence that can be sent to different people without essential change except in the address
2 : a letter for mass circulation that is printed in many copies and has a very general salutation (as Dear Friend)

form on
to take up a formation next to

form word
: FUNCTION WORD

form-critical
: based on or applying form criticism

forma
n. in forma pauperis
pro forma
pro forma invoice

formal
n. 1 a : belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing <formal cause> b : relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content <formal logic> <a formal style of painting> <a formal approach to comparative linguistics>
2 a : following or according with established form, custom, or rule <lacked formal schooling> <a formal dinner party> <formal attire> b : done in due or lawful form <a formal contract> <received formal recognition>
3 a : characterized by punctilious respect for form : METHODICAL <very formal in all his dealings> b : rigidly ceremonious : PRIM
4 : having the appearance without the substance <formal Christians who go to church only at Easter>
synonyms see CEREMONIAL
–for·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–for·mal·ness noun

formal
n. : something (as a dance or a dress) formal in character

formal
n. : 3MOLAR

formaldehyde
n. : a colorless pungent irritating gas CH_2O used chiefly in aqueous solution as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis

formalin
n. : a clear aqueous solution of formaldehyde containing a small amount of methanol used especially as a preservative

formalise
v. British variant of formalize

formalism
n. 1 : the practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms (as in religion or art) also : an instance of this
2 : marked attention to arrangement, style, or artistic means (as in art or literature) usually with corresponding de-emphasis of content
–for·mal·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–for·mal·is·tic \ˌfȯr-mə-'lis-tik\ adjective

formality
n. 1 : compliance with formal or conventional rules : CEREMONY
2 : the quality or state of being formal
3 : an established form or procedure that is required or conventional <the interview was just a formality>

formalize
1 : to give a certain or definite form to : SHAPE
2 a : to make formal b : to give formal status or approval to
–for·mal·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–for·mal·i·za·tion \ˌfȯr-mə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–for·mal·iz·er \'fȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

formamide
: a colorless hygroscopic liquid CHONH_2 used chiefly as a solvent

formant
n. : a characteristic component of the quality of a speech sound specifically : any of several resonance bands held to determine the phonetic quality of a vowel

format
n. 1 : the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed)
2 : general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show)
3 : a method of organizing data (as for storage) <various file formats>

format
n. 1 : to arrange (as material to be printed or stored data) in a particular format
2 : to prepare (as a computer disk) for storing data in a particular format
–for·mat·ter noun

formate
n. : a salt or ester of formic acid

formation
n. 1 : an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : DEVELOPMENT
2 : something that is formed <new word formations>
3 : the manner in which a thing is formed : STRUCTURE <the peculiar formation of the heart>
4 : a major kind of plant growth (as forest, grassland, or tundra) characteristic of a broad ecological region
5 a : any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock represented as a unit b : any sedimentary bed or consecutive series of beds sufficiently homogeneous or distinctive to be a unit
6 : an arrangement of a body or group of persons or things in some prescribed manner or for a particular purpose <flying in formation>

formation
n. back formation
I formation
punt formation
reticular formation
spread formation
T formation

formative
adj. 1 a : giving or capable of giving form : CONSTRUCTIVE <a formative influence> b : used in word formation or inflection
2 : capable of alteration by growth and development also : producing new cells and tissues
3 : of, relating to, or characterized by formative effects or formation <formative years>
–for·ma·tive·ly adverb

formative
adj. : the element (as a suffix) in a word that serves to give the word appropriate form and is not part of the base

forme
n. British : FORM 8

formed
v. : organized in a way characteristic of living matter <mitochondria are formed bodies of the cell>

formee
of a heraldic cross : having the arms narrow at the center and expanding toward the ends ― see CROSS illustration

former
n. 1 a : coming before in time b : of, relating to, or occurring in the past <former correspondence>
2 : preceding in place or arrangement : FOREGOING <the former part of the chapter>
3 : first in order of two or more things cited or understood <of the two given, the former spelling is more common> <of the two spellings, the former is more common>
4 : having been previously : ONETIME <a former athlete>
synonyms see PRECEDING

former
n. 1 : one that forms
2 chiefly British : a member of a school form ― usually used in combination <sixth former>

formerly
adv. 1 : at an earlier time : PREVIOUSLY
2 obsolete : just before

formfitting
adj. : conforming to the outline of the body : fitting snugly <a formfitting sweater>

formful
: exhibiting or notable for form

formic acid
: a colorless pungent fuming vesicant liquid acid CH_2O_2 found especially in ants and in many plants and used chiefly in dyeing and finishing textiles

Formica
n. ― used for any of various laminated plastic products used especially for surface finish

formicary
n. : an ant nest

formidable
adj. 1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension <a formidable prospect>
2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack
3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder : IMPRESSIVE
–for·mi·da·bil·i·ty \ˌfȯr-mə-də-'bi-lə-tē; fȯr-ˌmi-, fər-ˌ\ noun
–for·mi·da·ble·ness \'fȯr-mə-də-bəl-nəs; fȯr-'mi-, fər-'\ noun
–for·mi·da·bly \-blē\ adverb

formless
adj. 1 : having no regular form or shape
2 : lacking order or arrangement
3 : having no physical existence
–form·less·ly adverb
–form·less·ness noun

formo
― see FORM-

Formosa
n. ― see TAIWAN
–For·mo·san \fȯr-'mō-sən, fər-, -zən\ adjective or noun

Formosa
n. Formosa Strait
Formosan termite
Formosan subterranean termite

Formosa Strait
― see TAIWAN STRAIT

Formosan termite
: a large termite (Coptotermes formosanus of the family Rhinotermitidae) native to Taiwan and nearby areas and introduced into Hawaii, California, and some southern U.S. states where it is a destructive pest of wooden structures ― called also Formosan subterranean termite

formula
1 a : a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritual b : a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action
2 a (1) : RECIPE (2) : PRESCRIPTION b : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding an infant
3 a : a general fact, rule, or principle expressed in usually mathematical symbols b : a symbolic expression of the chemical composition or constitution of a substance c : a group of symbols (as letters and numbers) associated to express facts or data (as the number and kinds of teeth in the jaw) concisely d : a combination of signs in a logical calculus
4 : a customary or set form or method allowing little room for originality
–for·mu·la·ic \ˌfȯr-myə-'lā-ik\ adjective
–for·mu·la·ical·ly \-'lā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

formula
n. : of, relating to, or being an open-wheel open-cockpit rear-engine racing car conforming to prescribed specifications as to size, weight, and engine displacement

formula
n. empirical formula
formula weight
molecular formula
Stirling's formula
structural formula

formula weight
: MOLECULAR WEIGHT ― used especially of ionic compounds

formularize
v. : to state in or reduce to a formula : FORMULATE
–for·mu·la·ri·za·tion \ˌfȯr-myə-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–for·mu·la·riz·er \'fȯr-myə-lə-ˌrī-zər\ noun

formulary
n. 1 : a collection of prescribed forms (as oaths or prayers)
2 : FORMULA 1
3 : a book listing medicinal substances and formulas
–formulary adjective

formulate
v. 1 a : to reduce to or express in a formula b : to put into a systematized statement or expression c : DEVISE <formulate a policy>
2 a : to develop a formula for the preparation of (as a soap or plastic) b : to prepare according to a formula
–for·mu·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

formulation
n. : an act or the product of formulating

formulize
v. : FORMULATE 1

formwork
n. : a set of forms in place to hold wet concrete until it sets

formyl
n. : the radical HCO– of formic acid that is also characteristic of aldehydes

fornicate
adj. intransitive verb : to commit fornication
transitive verb : to commit fornication with
–for·ni·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

fornication
n. : consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other ― compare ADULTERY

fornix
n. : an anatomical arch or fold

forrader
adv. chiefly British : further ahead

Forrest
n. Edwin 1806-1872 American actor

Forrest
n. Nathan Bedford 1821-1877 American Confed. gen.

Forrestal
James Vincent 1892-1949 American banker; 1st secy. of defense (1947-49)

forsake
v. : to renounce or turn away from entirely <friends have forsaken her> <forsook the theater for politics>
synonyms see ABANDON

forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit
: perhaps this too will be a pleasure to look back on one day

forsooth
adv. : in truth : INDEED ― often used to imply contempt or doubt

forspent
archaic : WORN-OUT, EXHAUSTED

Forster
n. E(dward) M(organ) 1879-1970 Brit. nov.
–For·ste·ri·an \fȯr-'stir-ē-ən\ adjective

forswear
v. transitive verb
1 : to make a liar of (oneself) under or as if under oath
2 a : to reject or renounce under oath b : to renounce earnestly
3 : to deny under oath
intransitive verb : to swear falsely
synonyms see ABJURE

forsworn
1 : guilty of perjury
2 : marked by perjury

Forsyth
John 1780-1841 American statesman

forsythia
n. : any of a genus (Forsythia) of ornamental shrubs of the olive family with opposite leaves and yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring

fort
n. 1 : a strong or fortified place especially : a fortified place occupied only by troops and surrounded with such works as a ditch, rampart, and parapet : FORTIFICATION
2 : a permanent army post ― often used in place names

fort
n. Fort Lamy
hold the fort
Fort Collins
Fort de France
Fort Dodge
Fort Erie
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort George
Fort Knox
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lee
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort McHenry National Monument
Fort Myers
Fort Nelson
Fort Peck Lake
Fort Pierce
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Smith
Fort Stanwix National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Union National Monument
Fort Wayne
Fort William
Fort Worth

Fort Collins
city N Colo. pop 118,652

Fort Dodge
city NW cen Iowa pop 25,136

Fort Erie
town Canada in SE Ont. on Niagara River pop 28,143

Fort Frederica National Monument
n. reservation SE Ga. on W shore of St. Simons Is. containing site of fort built by Oglethorpe 1736

Fort George
river 480 mi (772 km) Canada in cen Que. flowing W into James Bay

Fort Knox
military reservation N cen Ky. SSW of Louisville; location of U.S. Gold Bullion Depository

Fort Lauderdale
city SE Fla. on the Atlantic pop 152,397

Fort Lee
borough NE N.J. on the Hudson pop 35,461

Fort Matanzas National Monument
n. reservation SSE of St. Augustine, Fla., containing fort built ab 1736 by the Spanish

Fort McHenry National Monument
n. site in Baltimore, Md., of a fort bombarded 1814 by the British

Fort Myers
city SW Fla. pop 48,208

Fort Nelson
n. river 260 mi (418 km) Canada in NE B.C. flowing NW into the Liard

Fort Peck Lake
reservoir ab 130 mi (209 km) long NE Mont. formed in Missouri River by Fort Peck Dam

Fort Pierce
city E Fla. on the Atlantic pop 37,516

Fort Pulaski National Monument
n. reservation E Ga. comprising island in mouth of Savannah River; site of a fort built 1829-47 to replace Revolutionary Fort Greene

Fort Smith
city NW Ark. on Arkansas River pop 80,268

Fort Stanwix National Monument
n. historic site E cen N.Y. in Rome

Fort Sumter National Monument
n. reservation S.C. at entrance to Charleston harbor containing site of Fort Sumter

Fort Union National Monument
n. reservation NE N.Mex. ENE of Santa Fe containing site of military post 1851-91

Fort Wayne
city NE Ind. pop 205,727

Fort William
― see THUNDER BAY

Fort Worth
city N Tex. W of Dallas pop 534,694

Fort-de-France
city French West Indies capital of Martinique on W coast pop 93,598

Fort-Lamy
― see N'DJAMENA

Fortaleza
city & port NE Brazil on the Atlantic capital of Ceará pop 2,141,402

fortalice
1 archaic : FORTRESS
2 archaic : a small fort

Fortas
Abe 1910-1982 American jurist

forte
n. 1 : the part of a sword or foil blade that is between the middle and the hilt and that is the strongest part of the blade
2 : one's strong point
usage In forte we have a word derived from French that in its “strong point” sense has no entirely satisfactory pronunciation. Usage writers have denigrated \'fȯr-ˌtā\ and \'fȯr-tē\ because they reflect the influence of the Italian-derived 2forte. Their recommended pronunciation \'fȯrt\, however, does not exactly reflect French either: the French would write the word le fort and would rhyme it with English for. So you can take your choice, knowing that someone somewhere will dislike whichever variant you choose. All are standard, however. In British English \'fȯ-ˌtā\ and \'fȯt\ predominate; \'fȯr-ˌtā\ and \fȯr-'tā\ are prob. the most frequent pronunciations in American English.

forte
n. : LOUD ― used as a direction in music

forte
n. : a tone or passage played forte

forte
n. forte piano
mezzo forte
peine forte et dure
fortes fortuna juvat
vixere fortes ante Agamemnona

forte-piano
: loud then immediately soft ― used as a direction in music

fortepiano
n. : an early form of the piano originating in the 18th and early 19th centuries and having a smaller range and softer timbre than a modern piano

fortes fortuna juvat
: fortune favors the brave

Forth
adv. river 116 mi (187 km) S cen Scotland flowing E into Firth of Forth (estuary 48 mi or 77 km long, inlet of North Sea)

forth
adv. 1 : onward in time, place, or order : FORWARD <from that day forth>
2 : out into notice or view <put forth leaves>
3 obsolete : AWAY, ABROAD

forth
adv. archaic : forth from : OUT OF

forth
adv. and so forth
back and forth
bring forth
call forth
forth of
hold forth
put forth
set forth

forth of
archaic : out from : OUT OF

forthcoming
adj. 1 : being about to appear or to be produced or made available <the forthcoming holidays> <your forthcoming novel> <funds are forthcoming>
2 a : RESPONSIVE, OUTGOING <a forthcoming and courteous man> b : characterized by openness, candidness, and forthrightness <not forthcoming about his memories of medical school ― Mark Kramer>

forthright
adj. 1 archaic a : directly forward b : without hesitation : FRANKLY
2 archaic : at once

forthright
adj. 1 archaic : proceeding straight on
2 : free from ambiguity or evasiveness : going straight to the point <a forthright critic> <was forthright in appraising the problem>
3 : notably simple in style or quality <forthright furniture>
–forth·right·ly adverb
–forth·right·ness noun

forthright
adj. archaic : a straight path

forthwith
adv. : IMMEDIATELY

fortification
n. 1 : an act or process of fortifying
2 : something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens especially : works erected to defend a place or position

fortified wine
: a wine (as sherry) to which alcohol usually in the form of grape brandy has been added during or after fermentation

fortify
v. transitive verb : to make strong: as a : to strengthen and secure (as a town) by forts or batteries b : to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to <fortified by a hearty meal> c : to add mental or moral strength to : ENCOURAGE <fortified by prayer> d : to add material to for strengthening or enriching <fortified milk>
intransitive verb : to erect fortifications
–for·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

fortis
adj. : produced with relatively great articulatory tenseness and strong expiration <\t\ in toe is fortis, \d\ in doe is lenis>

fortissimo
adj. : very loud ― used especially as a direction in music

fortissimo
adj. : a very loud passage, sound, or tone

fortitude
n. 1 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage
2 obsolete : STRENGTH

fortnight
n. : a period of 14 days : two weeks

fortnightly
n. : occurring or appearing once in a fortnight

fortnightly
n. : once in a fortnight : every fortnight

fortnightly
n. : a publication issued fortnightly

FORTRAN
: a computer programming language that resembles algebra in its notation and is widely used for scientific applications

fortress
n. : a fortified place : STRONGHOLD especially : a large and permanent fortification sometimes including a town
–for·tress·like \-līk\ adjective

fortuitous
adj. 1 : occurring by chance
2 a : FORTUNATE, LUCKY <from a cost standpoint, the company's timing is fortuitous ― Business Week> b : coming or happening by a lucky chance <belted down the stairs, and there was a fortuitous train ― Doris Lessing>
synonyms see ACCIDENTAL
–for·tu·itous·ly adverb
–for·tu·itous·ness noun
usage Sense 2a has been influenced in meaning by fortunate. It has been in standard if not elevated use for some 70 years, but is still disdained by some critics. Sense 2b, a blend of 1 and 2a, is virtually unnoticed by the critics. Sense 1 is the only sense commonly used in negative constructions.

fortuity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fortuitous
2 : a chance event or occurrence

fortunate
adj. 1 : bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain : AUSPICIOUS
2 : receiving some unexpected good
synonyms see LUCKY
–for·tu·nate·ness noun

fortunately
adv. 1 : in a fortunate manner
2 : it is fortunate that <fortunately, no one was hurt>

fortune
n. 1 often capitalized : a hypothetical force or personified power that unpredictably determines events and issues favorably or unfavorably
2 obsolete : ACCIDENT, INCIDENT
3 a : prosperity attained partly through luck : SUCCESS b : LUCK 1 c plural : the turns and courses of luck accompanying one's progress (as through life) <her fortunes varied but she never gave up>
4 : DESTINY, FATE <can tell your fortune> also : a prediction of fortune
5 a : RICHES, WEALTH <a man of fortune> b : a store of material possessions <the family fortune> c : a very large sum of money <spent a fortune redecorating>

fortune
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to give good or bad fortune to
2 archaic : to endow with a fortune
intransitive verb archaic : HAPPEN, CHANCE

fortune
n. fortune cookie
fortune hunter
fortune teller
fortune telling
gentleman of fortune
soldier of fortune

fortune cookie
: a thin cookie folded to contain a slip of paper on which is printed a fortune, proverb, or humorous statement

fortune hunter
: a person who seeks wealth especially by marriage

fortune-teller
: one that professes to foretell future events
–for·tune-tell·ing \-liŋ\ noun or adjective

forty
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 40 to 49 specifically : the years 40 to 49 in a lifetime or century
3 : the third point scored by a side in a game of tennis
–for·ti·eth \'fȯr-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–forty adjective
–forty pronoun, plural in construction
–for·ty·ish \-tē-ish\ adjective

forty
n. forty five
Forty Hours
forty niner
forty winks
roaring forties

Forty Hours
: a Roman Catholic devotion in which the churches of a diocese in 2-day turns have the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar for continuous daytime veneration

forty winks
: a short sleep : NAP

forty-five
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a .45 caliber handgun ― usually written .45
3 : a phonograph record designed to be played at 45 revolutions per minute ― usually written 45
–forty-five adjective
–forty-five pronoun, plural in construction

forty-niner
: one taking part in the rush to California for gold in 1849

forum
n. 1 a : the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business b : a public meeting place for open discussion c : a medium (as a newspaper or online service) of open discussion or expression of ideas
2 : a judicial body or assembly : COURT
3 a : a public meeting or lecture involving audience discussion b : a program (as on radio or television) involving discussion of a problem usually by several authorities

forward
n. 1 a : near, being at, or belonging to the forepart b : situated in advance
2 a : strongly inclined : READY b : lacking modesty or reserve : BRASH
3 : notably advanced or developed : PRECOCIOUS
4 : moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front also : moving toward an opponent's goal
5 a : advocating an advanced policy in the direction of what is considered progress b : EXTREME, RADICAL
6 : of, relating to, or getting ready for the future <forward buying of produce>
–for·ward·ly adverb
–for·ward·ness noun

forward
n. : to or toward what is ahead or in front <from that time forward> <moved slowly forward>

forward
n. 1 : to help onward : PROMOTE <forwarded his friend's career>
2 a : to send forward : TRANSMIT <will forward the goods on receipt of your check> b : to send or ship onward from an intermediate post or station in transit <forward mail>
synonyms see ADVANCE

forward
n. : a player who plays at the front of his team's formation near the goal at which his team is attempting to score

forward
n. bring forward
fast forward
flash forward
forward air controller
forward looking
forward pass
look forward
power forward
put forward
set forward
small forward
call forwarding

forward air controller
: a military officer who directs from a forward position on the ground or in the air the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support of land forces

forward pass
: a pass (as in football) made in the direction of the opponents' goal

forward-looking
: concerned with or planning for the future

forwarder
n. : one that forwards especially : an agent who performs services (as receiving, transshipping, or delivering) designed to move goods to their destination

forwards
n. : FORWARD

forwent
past of forgo

forworn
adj. archaic : WORN-OUT

forz
forzando

forzando
: SFORZANDO

foscarnet
: a hydrated sodium salt Na_3CO_5·6H_2O that is administered intravenously to individuals infected with HIV to treat retinitis caused by a cytomegalovirus

Fosdick
Harry Emerson 1878-1969 American clergyman

Foshan
city SE China in cen Guangdong SW of Guangzhou pop 303,160

fossa
n. : an anatomical pit, groove, or depression

fossa
n. : a slender lithe carnivorous mammal (Cryptoprocta ferox) of Madagascar that resembles a cat especially in having retractile claws but is usually considered a viverrid

fosse
n. : DITCH, MOAT

Fossey
Dian 1932-1985 American ethologist

fossick
v. intransitive verb
1 Australian & New Zealand : to search for gold or gemstones typically by picking over abandoned workings
2 chiefly Australian & New Zealand : to search about : RUMMAGE
transitive verb chiefly Australian & New Zealand : to search for by or as if by rummaging : ferret out
–fos·sick·er noun chiefly Australian & New Zealand

fossil
n. 1 : preserved from a past geologic age <fossil plants> <fossil water in an underground reservoir>
2 : being or resembling a fossil
3 : of or relating to fossil fuel

fossil
n. 1 : a remnant, impression, or trace of an organism of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth's crust ― compare LIVING FOSSIL
2 a : a person whose views are outmoded : FOGY b : something (as a theory) that has become rigidly fixed
3 : an old word or word element preserved only by idiom (as fro in to and fro)

fossil
n. fossil fuel
fossil fueled
index fossil
living fossil
trace fossil
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument
n. reservation SW Wyo. containing aquatic fossils

fossil fuel
: a fuel (as coal, oil, or natural gas) formed in the earth from plant or animal remains
–fos·sil-fueled \-ˌfyü(-ə)ld\ adjective

fossiliferous
adj. : containing fossils

fossilise
v. chiefly British variant of fossilize

fossilize
v. transitive verb
1 : to convert into a fossil
2 : to make outmoded, rigid, or fixed
intransitive verb : to become changed into a fossil
–fos·sil·i·za·tion \'fä-sə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

fossorial
adj. : adapted to digging <a fossorial foot>

Foster
adj. Stephen Collins 1826-1864 American songwriter

Foster
adj. William Zebulon 1881-1961 American Communist

foster
adj. : affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties

foster
adj. 1 : to give parental care to : NURTURE
2 : to promote the growth or development of : ENCOURAGE <fostered the college in its early years>
–fos·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

foster
adj. bananas Foster
foster home
Foster City

Foster City
city W Calif. SSE of San Francisco pop 28,803

foster home
: a household in which an orphaned, neglected, or delinquent child is placed for care

fosterage
n. 1 : the act of fostering
2 : a custom once prevalent in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland of entrusting one's child to foster parents to be brought up

fosterling
n. : a foster child

fou
Scottish : DRUNK 1A

Foucauldian
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the philosophy of Michel Foucault

Foucault
n. Jean-Bernard-Léon 1819-1868 Fr. physicist

Foucault pendulum
: a freely swinging pendulum that consists of a heavy weight hung by a long wire and that swings in a constant direction which appears to change showing that the earth rotates

fouette
: a quick whipping movement of the raised leg in ballet usually accompanying a pirouette

fought
past and past part of fight

foul
n. 1 a : offensive to the senses : LOATHSOME b : filled or covered with offensive matter
2 : full of dirt or mud
3 a : morally or spiritually odious : DETESTABLE <a foul crime> b : notably unpleasant or distressing : WRETCHED, HORRID <in a foul mood>
4 : OBSCENE, ABUSIVE <foul language>
5 a : being wet and stormy b : obstructive to navigation <a foul tide>
6 dialect British : HOMELY, UGLY
7 a : TREACHEROUS, DISHONORABLE <fair means or foul> b : constituting an infringement of rules in a game or sport <a foul blow in boxing>
8 : containing marked-up corrections <a foul manuscript> <foul proofs>
9 : encrusted, clogged, or choked with a foreign substance <the chimney was foul and smoked badly>
10 : being odorous and impure : POLLUTED <foul air>
11 : placed in a situation that impedes physical movement : ENTANGLED
12 : being outside the foul lines in baseball
synonyms see DIRTY
–foul·ly \'fau̇(l)-lē\ adverb
–foul·ness noun

foul
n. 1 archaic : something foul
2 : an entanglement or collision especially in angling or sailing
3 a : an infringement of the rules in a game or sport b : FREE THROW
4 : FOUL BALL

foul
n. 1 : to become or be foul: as a : DECOMPOSE, ROT b : to become encrusted, clogged, or choked with a foreign substance c : to become entangled or come into collision
2 : to commit a violation of the rules in a sport or game
3 : to hit a foul ball
transitive verb
1 : to make foul: as a : to make dirty : POLLUTE b : to tangle or come into collision with c : to encrust with a foreign substance <a ship's bottom fouled with barnacles> d : OBSTRUCT, BLOCK
2 : DISHONOR, DISCREDIT
3 : to commit a foul against
4 : to hit (a baseball) foul

foul
n. : in a foul manner : so as to be foul

foul
n. foul ball
foul line
foul of
foul out
foul play
foul shot
foul tip
foul up
personal foul
team foul
technical foul

foul ball
: a baseball batted into foul territory

foul line
1 : either of two straight lines extending from the rear corner of home plate through the outer corners of first and third base respectively and prolonged to the boundary of a baseball field
2 : a line across a bowling alley that a player must not step over when delivering the ball
3 : either of two lines on a basketball court parallel to and 15 feet from the backboards behind which a player must stand while shooting a free throw

foul of
: AFOUL OF <he fell foul of the law> <ran foul of a hidden reef>

foul out
: to be put out of a basketball game for exceeding the number of fouls permitted

foul play
: VIOLENCE especially : MURDER

foul shot
: FREE THROW

foul tip
: a pitched ball in baseball that is slightly deflected by the bat specifically : a tipped pitch legally caught by the catcher and counting as a full strike with the ball remaining in play

foul up
1 : to make dirty : CONTAMINATE
2 : to spoil by making mistakes or using poor judgment : CONFUSE
3 : ENTANGLE, BLOCK <fouled up communications>
intransitive verb : to cause a foul-up : BUNGLE <it was his fault. He had fouled up ― Pat Frank>

foul-up
1 : a state of confusion or an error caused by ineptitude, carelessness, or mismanagement <foul-ups in transportation>
2 : a mechanical difficulty

foulard
n. 1 a : a lightweight plain-woven or twilled silk usually decorated with a printed pattern b : an imitation of this fabric
2 : an article of clothing made of foulard

foulbrood
n. : a destructive disease of honeybee larvae caused by bacteria (as Bacillus larvae)

fouling
n. : DEPOSIT, INCRUSTATION <fouling on a ship's bottom>

foulmouthed
adj. : given to the use of obscene, profane, or abusive language

found
adj. past and past part of find

found
adj. 1 : having all usual, standard, or reasonably expected equipment <the boat comes fully found, ready to go ― Holiday>
2 : presented as or incorporated into an artistic work essentially as found <sculpture of fabric, wood, and other found materials ― Hilton Kramer>

found
adj. : free food and lodging in addition to wages <they're paid $175 a month and found ― New Yorker>

found
adj. 1 : to take the first steps in building
2 : to set or ground on something solid : BASE
3 : to establish (as an institution) often with provision for future maintenance

found
adj. : to melt (as metal) and pour into a mold

found
adj. found object
found poem
well found
well founded
founding father

found object
: OBJET TROUVÉ

found poem
: a poem consisting of words found in a nonpoetic context (as a product label) and usually broken into lines that convey a verse rhythm

foundation
n. 1 : the act of founding
2 : a basis (as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported <the foundations of geometry> <the rumor is without foundation in fact>
3 a : funds given for the permanent support of an institution : ENDOWMENT b : an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance
4 : an underlying base or support especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building
5 a : a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid b : a woman's supporting undergarment : CORSET c : a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup
–foun·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–foun·da·tion·al·ly adverb
–foun·da·tion·less \-shən-ləs\ adjective

foundation stone
1 : a stone in the foundation of a building especially : such a stone laid with public ceremony ― compare CORNERSTONE
2 : BASIS, GROUNDWORK

founder
n. : one that founds or establishes

founder
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become disabled especially : to go lame
2 : to give way : COLLAPSE
3 : to become submerged : SINK
4 : to come to grief : FAIL
transitive verb : to disable (an animal) especially by excessive feeding

founder
n. : LAMINITIS

founder
n. : one that founds metal especially : TYPEFOUNDER

founder effect
: the effect on the resulting gene pool that occurs when a new isolated population is founded by a small number of individuals possessing limited genetic variation relative to the larger population from which they have migrated

founding father
1 : an originator of an institution or movement : FOUNDER
2 often capitalized both Fs : a leading figure in the founding of the U.S. specifically : a member of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787

foundling
n. : an infant found after its unknown parents have abandoned it

foundry
n. 1 : an establishment where founding is carried on
2 : the act, process, or art of casting metals

fount
n. : FOUNTAIN, SOURCE

fount
n. British : a type font

fountain
n. 1 : the source from which something proceeds or is supplied
2 : a spring of water issuing from the earth
3 : an artificially produced jet of water also : the structure from which it rises
4 : a reservoir containing a liquid that can be drawn off as needed
5 : SODA FOUNTAIN 2

fountain
n. : to flow or spout like a fountain
transitive verb : to cause to flow like a fountain

fountain
n. drinking fountain
fountain grass
fountain pen
soda fountain
Fountain Valley

fountain grass
: any of several ornamental grasses (genus Pennisetum) having tufted stems and spikes of feathery flower clusters

fountain pen
: a pen containing a reservoir that automatically feeds the writing point with ink

Fountain Valley
v. city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 54,978

fountainhead
n. 1 : a spring that is the source of a stream
2 : principal source : ORIGIN

Fouque
Friedrich Heinrich Karl de la Motte \mȯt\ 1777-1843 Freiherr Fouqué Ger. author

Fouquet
Nicolas 1615-1680 Fr. govt. official

Fouquier-Tinville
Antoine-Quentin 1746-1795 Fr. polit.

four
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the fourth in a set or series <the four of hearts>
3 : something having four units or members: as a : a 4-oared racing shell or its crew b : a 4-cylinder engine or automobile
–four adjective
–four pronoun, plural in construction

four
n. four by four
four bagger
four ball
four dimensional
four eyed
four flush
four flusher
four footed
four hand
four handed
Four Horsemen
Four Hundred
four in hand
four letter
four letter word
four o'clock
four of a kind
four peat
four poster
four star
four way
four wheel
four wheeled
four wheel drive
four wheeler
petit four
two by four
Four Forest Cantons
all fours
petit fours
petits fours
plus fours

four flush
: four cards of the same suit in a 5-card poker hand

Four Forest Cantons
the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, & Lucerne in cen Switzerland surrounding Lake of Lucerne

Four Horsemen
: war, famine, pestilence, and death personified as the four major plagues of humankind

Four Hundred
: the exclusive social set of a community ― used with the

four of a kind

circa 1934
: four cards of the same rank in one hand ― see POKER illustration

four-bagger
: HOME RUN 1

four-ball
: a golf match in which the best individual score of one partnership is matched against the best individual score of another partnership for each hole

four-dimensional
: relating to or having four dimensions <four-dimensional space-time continuum> especially : consisting of or relating to elements requiring four coordinates to determine them

four-eyed
: wearing glasses

four-flush
: to bluff in poker holding a four flush broadly : to make a false claim : BLUFF
–four-flush·er \-'flə-shər\ noun

four-footed
: having four feet : QUADRUPED

four-hand
: FOUR-HANDED

four-handed
1 : engaged in by four persons <a four-handed card game>
2 : designed for four hands <a four-handed piano piece>

four-in-hand
1 a : a vehicle drawn by a team of four horses driven by one person b : such a team of four horses
2 : a necktie tied in a slipknot with long ends overlapping vertically in front

four-letter
: of, relating to, or being four-letter words

four-letter word
: any of a group of vulgar or obscene words typically made up of four letters broadly : a taboo word or topic <tax is a four-letter word to him>

four-o'clock
: any of a genus (Mirabilis) of chiefly American annual or perennial herbs (family Nyctaginaceae, the four-o'clock family) having apetalous flowers with a showy involucre simulating a calyx especially : a garden plant (M. jalapa) with fragrant yellow, red, or white flowers opening late in the afternoon

four-peat
: a fourth consecutive championship
–four-peat intransitive verb

four-poster
: a bed with tall often carved corner posts orig. designed to support curtains or a canopy

four-star
: of a superior degree of excellence <a four-star French restaurant>

four-way
1 a : allowing or affecting passage in any of four directions b : applicable to traffic from each of four directions <a four-way stop>
2 : including four participants

four-wheel
1 : having four wheels
2 : acting on or by means of four wheels of an automotive vehicle <four-wheel disc brakes>

four-wheel drive
: an automotive drive mechanism that acts on all four wheels of the vehicle also : a vehicle equipped with such a drive

four-wheeler
: a vehicle with four wheels

fourchee
of a heraldic cross : having the end of each arm forked ― see CROSS illustration

Fourdrinier
Henry 1766-1854 & his bro. Sealy d 1847 Eng. papermakers & inventors

fourdrinier
: a machine for making paper in an endless web

fourfold
adj. 1 : being four times as great or as many
2 : having four units or members
–four·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

Fourier
n. (François-Marie-) Charles 1772-1837 Fr. sociol. & reformer

Fourier
n. Fourier analysis
Fourier series
Fourier's theorem
Fourier transform
Fourier transformation

Fourier analysis
: the process of using the terms of a Fourier series to find a function that approximates periodic data

Fourier series
: an infinite series in which the terms are constants multiplied by sine or cosine functions of integer multiples of the variable and which is used in the analysis of periodic functions

Fourier transform
: any of various functions (as F(u)) that under suitable conditions can be obtained from given functions (as f(x)) by multiplying by eiux and integrating over all values of x and that in scientific instrumentation describe the dependence of the average of a series of measurements (as of a spectrum) on a quantity of interest (as brightness) especially of a very small magnitude ― called also Fourier transformation

Fourier's theorem
: a theorem in mathematics: under suitable conditions any periodic function can be represented by a Fourier series

Fourierism
: a system for reorganizing society into cooperative communities of small self-sustaining groups
–Fou·ri·er·ist \-ē-ə-rist, -ē-ˌā-ist\ noun

fourplex
n. : a building that contains four separate apartments

fourragere
: a braided cord worn usually around the left shoulder especially : such a cord awarded as a decoration to a military unit

fourscore
adj. : being four times twenty : EIGHTY

foursome
n. 1 a : a group of four persons or things : QUARTET b : two couples
2 : a golf match in which two players compete against two others with players on each side taking turns playing one ball broadly : any golf match involving four players

foursquare
n. 1 : SQUARE
2 : marked by boldness and conviction : FORTHRIGHT <a foursquare hero>
–foursquare adverb

fourteen
n. ― see NUMBER table
–fourteen adjective
–fourteen pronoun, plural in construction
–four·teenth \-'tēn(t)th; -ˌtēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

fourteener
1 : a verse consisting of 14 syllables or especially of 7 iambic feet
2 : a mountain that is at least 14,000 feet high

fourth
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 a : a musical interval embracing four tones of the diatonic scale b : a tone at this interval specifically : SUBDOMINANT 1 c : the harmonic combination of two tones a fourth apart
3 : the fourth forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
4 capitalized : INDEPENDENCE DAY ― used with the
–fourth adjective or adverb
–fourth·ly adverb

fourth
n. fourth dimension
fourth dimensional
fourth estate
Fourth of July
fourth wall
fourth world
sixty fourth note
sixty fourth rest

fourth dimension
1 : a dimension in addition to length, breadth, and depth specifically : a coordinate in addition to three rectangular coordinates especially when interpreted as the time coordinate in a space-time continuum
2 : something outside the range of ordinary experience
–fourth-dimensional adjective

fourth estate
: the public press

Fourth of July

1779
: INDEPENDENCE DAY

fourth wall
: an imaginary wall (as at the opening of a modern stage proscenium) that keeps performers from recognizing or directly addressing their audience

fourth world
: a group of nations especially in Africa and Asia characterized by extremely low per capita income and an absence of valuable natural resources

Fouta Djallon
mountain region W Guinea; highest point ab 4970 ft (1515 m)

fovea
n. 1 : a small fossa
2 : a small rodless area of the retina that affords acute vision ― see EYE illustration
–fo·ve·al \-vē-əl\ adjective
–fo·ve·ate \-vē-ˌāt, -ət\ adjective

fovea centralis
: FOVEA 2

fowl
n. 1 : a bird of any kind ― compare WATERFOWL, WILDFOWL
2 a : a cock or hen of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) especially : an adult hen b : any of several domesticated or wild gallinaceous birds ― compare GUINEA FOWL, JUNGLE FOWL
3 : the meat of fowls used as food

fowl
n. : to seek, catch, or kill wildfowl
–fowl·er noun

fowl
n. neither fish nor fowl
guinea fowl
jungle fowl
fowling piece

Fowler
n. Henry Watson 1858-1933 Eng. lexicographer

Fowler
n. William Alfred 1911-1995 American physicist

fowling piece
: a shotgun for shooting birds or small animals

Fox
n. Charles James 1749-1806 Eng. statesman & orator

Fox
n. George 1624-1691 Eng. preacher & founder of Society of Friends

Fox
n. Henry 1705-1774 1st Baron Hol·land \'hä-lənd\ Brit. statesman

Fox
n. (Quesada) \'fȯks-ˌkā-'sä-thä\ Vicente 1942-     pres. of Mexico (2000-  )

Fox
n. 1 river 220 mi (354 km) SE Wis. & NE Ill. flowing S into Illinois River
2 river 175 mi (282 km) E Wis. flowing NE & N through Lake Winnebago into Green Bay

fox
n. 1 a : any of various carnivorous mammals (esp. genus Vulpes) of the dog family related to but smaller than wolves with shorter legs, more pointed muzzle, large erect ears, and long bushy tail b : the fur of a fox
2 : a clever crafty person
3 archaic : SWORD
4 capitalized : a member of an American Indian people formerly living in what is now Wisconsin
5 : a good-looking young woman or man

fox
n. 1 obsolete : INTOXICATE
2 a : to trick by ingenuity or cunning : OUTWIT b : BAFFLE <foxed by his behavior>

fox
n. arctic fox
bat eared fox
flying fox
fox fire
fox grape
fox terrier
fox trot
gray fox
kit fox
red fox
silver fox
smooth fox terrier
swift fox
wire fox terrier
Fox Islands

fox fire
: an eerie phosphorescent light (as of decaying wood) also : a luminous fungus (as Armillaria mellea) that causes decaying wood to glow

fox grape
: any of several native grapes (esp. Vitis labrusca) of eastern No. America with sour or musky fruit

Fox Islands
islands SW Alaska in E Aleutians ― see UMNAK, UNALASKA, UNIMAK

fox terrier
: a small lively terrier of either of two breeds formerly used to dig out foxes: a : SMOOTH FOX TERRIER b : WIRE FOX TERRIER

fox-trot
1 : a short broken slow trotting gait in which the hind foot of the horse hits the ground a trifle before the diagonally opposite forefoot
2 : a ballroom dance in duple time that includes slow walking steps, quick running steps, and the step of the two-step

fox-trot
: to dance the fox-trot

Foxe
John 1516-1587 Eng. martyrologist

Foxe
Richard ca 1448-1528 Eng. prelate & statesman

Foxe
Foxe Basin
arctic fox
bat eared fox
flying fox
fox fire
fox grape
fox terrier
fox trot
gray fox
kit fox
red fox
silver fox
smooth fox terrier
swift fox
wire fox terrier
Fox Islands

Foxe Basin
inlet of the Atlantic N Canada in Nunavut W of Baffin Is., connected with Hudson Bay by Foxe Channel

foxed
adj. : discolored with foxing <foxed leaves of old books>

foxglove
n. : any of a genus (Digitalis) of erect herbs of the snapdragon family especially : a common European biennial or perennial (D. purpurea) cultivated for its showy racemes of dotted white or purple tubular flowers and as a source of digitalis

foxhole
n. : a pit dug usually hastily for individual cover from enemy fire

foxhound
n. : any of various large swift powerful hounds of great endurance used in hunting foxes and developed to form several breeds and many distinctive strains ― compare AMERICAN FOXHOUND, ENGLISH FOXHOUND

foxhunter
n. 1 : one who engages in foxhunting
2 : HUNTER 1C

foxhunting
n. : a pastime in which participants on horseback ride over the countryside following a pack of hounds on the trail of a fox
–fox·hunt \-ˌhənt\ intransitive verb

foxing
v. : brownish spots on old paper <some foxing on the pages>

foxtail
n. 1 a : the tail of a fox b : something resembling the tail of a fox
2 : any of several grasses (esp. genera Alopecurus, Hordeum, and Setaria) with spikes resembling brushes ― called also foxtail grass

foxtail
n. foxtail lily
foxtail grass
foxtail millet

foxtail lily
: EREMURUS

foxtail millet
: a coarse drought-resistant but frost-sensitive annual grass (Setaria italica) grown for grain, hay, and forage

Foxtrot
n. ― a communications code word for the letter f

foxy
adj. 1 : resembling or suggestive of a fox <a narrow foxy face>: as a : cunningly shrewd b : of a warm reddish-brown color <foxy eyebrows>
2 : having a sharp brisk flavor <foxy grapes>
3 : physically attractive <a foxy lady>
synonyms see SLY
–fox·i·ly \'fäk-sə-lē\ adverb
–fox·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

foy
chiefly Scottish : a farewell feast or gift

foyer
n. : an anteroom or lobby especially of a theater also : an entrance hallway : VESTIBULE

Foyle
river ab 20 mi (32 km) N Ireland flowing NE past city of Derry to Lough Foyle (inlet of the Atlantic 18 mi or 29 km long)

FP
fielding percentage

fp
freezing point

FPC
fish protein concentrate

fpm
feet per minute

FPO
fleet post office

fps
1 feet per second
2 foot-pound-second
3 frames per second

Fr
n. 1 France; French
2 Friday

Fr
n. francium

fr
n. 1 father
2 franc
3 friar
4 from

Fra
n. ― used as a title equivalent to brother preceding the name of an Italian monk or friar

fracas
n. : a noisy quarrel : BRAWL

fractal
n. : any of various extremely irregular curves or shapes for which any suitably chosen part is similar in shape to a given larger or smaller part when magnified or reduced to the same size
–fractal adjective

fracted
obsolete : BROKEN

fraction
n. 1 a : a numerical representation (as 3/4, 5/8, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers b (1) : a piece broken off : FRAGMENT (2) : a discrete unit : PORTION
2 : one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation
3 : BIT, LITTLE <a fraction closer>

fraction
n. common fraction
complex fraction
continued fraction
decimal fraction
improper fraction
partial fraction
proper fraction
simple fraction

fractional
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a fraction
2 : of, relating to, or being fractional currency
3 : relatively small : INCONSIDERABLE
4 : of, relating to, or involving a process for separating components of a mixture through differences in physical or chemical properties <fractional distillation>
–frac·tion·al·ly adverb

fractional currency
1 : paper money in denominations of less than one dollar issued by the U.S. 1863-76
2 : currency in denominations less than the basic monetary unit

fractionalize
v. : to break up into parts or sections
–frac·tion·al·i·za·tion \ˌfrak-shnə-lə-'zā-shən, -shə-nə-lə-'zā-\ noun

fractionate
v. 1 : to separate (as a mixture) into different portions especially by a fractional process
2 : to divide or break up
–frac·tion·ation \ˌfrak-shə-'nā-shən\ noun
–frac·tion·ator \'frak-shə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

fractious
adj. 1 : tending to be troublesome : UNRULY <a fractious crowd>
2 : QUARRELSOME, IRRITABLE
–frac·tious·ly adverb
–frac·tious·ness noun

fracture
n. 1 : the result of fracturing : BREAK
2 a : the act or process of breaking or the state of being broken especially : the breaking of hard tissue (as bone) b : the rupture (as by tearing) of soft tissue <kidney fracture>
3 : the general appearance of a freshly broken surface of a mineral

fracture
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause a fracture in : BREAK <fracture a rib> b : RUPTURE, TEAR
2 a : to damage or destroy as if by rupturing b : to cause great disorder in c : to break up : FRACTIONATE d : to go beyond the limits of (as rules) : VIOLATE <fractured the English language with malaprops ― Goodman Ace>
intransitive verb : to undergo fracture

fracture
n. compound fracture
fracture zone
freeze fracture
greenstick fracture
simple fracture
stress fracture

fracture zone
: an area of suboceanic crust characterized by fractures

frae
Scottish : FROM

fragile
adj. 1 a : easily broken or destroyed <a fragile vase> b : constitutionally delicate : lacking in vigor <a fragile child>
2 : TENUOUS, SLIGHT <fragile hope>
–fra·gil·i·ty \frə-'ji-lə-tē\ noun
synonyms FRAGILE, FRANGIBLE, BRITTLE, CRISP, FRIABLE mean breaking easily. FRAGILE implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling <a fragile antique chair>. FRANGIBLE implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy <frangible stone used for paving>. BRITTLE implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness <brittle bones>. CRISP implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods <crisp lettuce>. FRIABLE applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized <friable soil>. synonym see in addition WEAK

fragile X syndrome
: an X-linked inherited disorder that is characterized especially by moderate to severe mental retardation, by a long face and large ears, and by large testes in males and that often has limited or no effect in heterozygous females ― called also fragile X

fragment
n. : a part broken off, detached, or incomplete
synonyms see PART

fragment
n. : to fall to pieces
transitive verb : to break up or apart into fragments

fragmental
adj. : FRAGMENTARY
–frag·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

fragmentary
adj. : consisting of fragments : INCOMPLETE <fragmentary evidence> <a fragmentary account>
–frag·men·tari·ly \ˌfrag-mən-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb
–frag·men·tari·ness \-ˌter-ē-nəs\ noun

fragmentation
n. 1 : the act or process of fragmenting or making fragmentary
2 : the state of being fragmented or fragmentary
–frag·men·tate \'frag-mən-ˌtāt\ verb

fragmentation bomb
: a bomb or shell whose casing is splintered upon explosion and thrown in fragments in all directions

fragmentize
v. : FRAGMENT

Fragonard
Jean-Honoré 1732-1806 Fr. artist

fragrance
n. 1 a : a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume) b : something (as a perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor
2 : the quality or state of having a sweet odor
synonyms FRAGRANCE, PERFUME, SCENT, REDOLENCE mean a sweet or pleasant odor. FRAGRANCE suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things <the fragrance of pine>. PERFUME may suggest a stronger or heavier odor <the perfume of lilacs>. SCENT is very close to PERFUME but of wider application because more neutral in connotation <scent-free soaps>. REDOLENCE implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors <the redolence of a forest after a rain>.

fragrancy
n. : FRAGRANCE

fragrant
adj. : having a sweet or pleasant smell
synonyms see ODOROUS
–fra·grant·ly adverb

frail
adj. 1 : easily led into evil <frail humanity>
2 : easily broken or destroyed : FRAGILE
3 a : physically weak b : SLIGHT, UNSUBSTANTIAL
synonyms see WEAK
–frail·ly \'frā(l)-lē\ adverb
–frail·ness noun

frailty
n. 1 : the quality or state of being frail
2 : a fault due to weakness especially of moral character
synonyms see FAULT

frais
a grands frais
à grands frais
tous frais faits

fraise
n. : an obstacle of pointed stakes driven into the ramparts of a fortification in a horizontal or inclined position

Fraktur
n. 1 : a German style of black letter
2 often not capitalized : a Pennsylvania German document (as a birth or wedding certificate) that is written in calligraphy and illuminated with decorative motifs (as tulips, birds, and scrolls)

frambesia
n. : YAWS

framboise
n. : a brandy or liqueur made from raspberries

frame
n. transitive verb
1 : to construct by fitting and uniting the parts of the skeleton of (a structure)
2 a : PLAN, CONTRIVE <framed a new method of achieving their purpose> b : SHAPE, CONSTRUCT c : to give expression to : FORMULATE d : to draw up (as a document)
3 a : to devise falsely (as a criminal charge) b : to contrive the evidence against (an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured c : FIX 7B
4 : to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end : ARRANGE
5 obsolete : PRODUCE
6 : to enclose in a frame also : to enclose as if in a frame
intransitive verb
1 archaic : PROCEED, GO
2 obsolete : MANAGE
–fram·able or frame·able \'frā-mə-bəl\ adjective
–fram·er noun

frame
n. 1 a : something composed of parts fitted together and united b : the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : PHYSIQUE, FIGURE
2 a : the underlying constructional system or structure that gives shape or strength (as to a building) b : a frame dwelling
3 obsolete : the act or manner of framing
4 a : a machine built upon or within a framework <a spinning frame> b : an open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting something <a window frame> c (1) : a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses (2) plural : that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses d : a structural unit in an automobile chassis supported on the axles and supporting the rest of the chassis and the body
5 a : an enclosing border b : the matter or area enclosed in such a border: as (1) : one of the squares in which scores for each round are recorded (as in bowling) also : a round in bowling (2) : an individual drawing in a comic strip usually enclosed by a bordering line (3) : one picture of the series on a length of film (4) : a complete image for display (as on a television set) c : an inning in baseball d (1) : FRAMEWORK 1A (2) : CONTEXT, FRAME OF REFERENCE e : an event that forms the background for the action of a novel or play
6 : FRAME-UP

frame
n. : having a wood frame <frame houses>

frame
n. A frame
cold frame
frame of mind
frame of reference
frame up
freeze frame
reading frame
space frame
spinning frame
time frame

frame of mind

1665
: mental attitude or outlook : MOOD

frame of reference

1897
1 : an arbitrary set of axes with reference to which the position or motion of something is described or physical laws are formulated
2 : a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood <a Marxian frame of reference>

frame-up
1 : an act or series of actions in which someone is framed
2 : an action that is framed

frameshift
: relating to, being, or causing a mutation in which a number of nucleotides not divisible by three is inserted or deleted so as to change the reading frame of some triplet codons during genetic translation
–frameshift noun

framework
n. 1 a : a basic conceptional structure (as of ideas) <the framework of the U.S. Constitution> b : a skeletal, openwork, or structural frame
2 : FRAME OF REFERENCE
3 : the larger branches of a tree that determine its shape

framing
n. : FRAME, FRAMEWORK

Framingham
town E Mass. WSW of Boston pop 66,910

franc
n. 1 : any of various former basic monetary units (as in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg)
2 ― see MONEY table

franc-tireur
: a civilian and especially a guerrilla fighter or sniper

France
n. Anatole 1844-1924 pseud. of Jacques-Anatole-François Thibault Fr. nov. & satirist

France
n. country W Europe bet. English Channel & the Mediterranean; a republic capital Paris area 212,918 sq mi (551,458 sq km), pop 58,520,688

France
n. Margaret of France
Mendes France
Mendès France
Fort de France
Ile de France
Île de France
New France

Francesca
Piero della ― see PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA

Francesca da Rimini
― see POLENTA

Franche-Comte
region & former county & province E France E of the Saône capital Besançon ― see BURGUNDY

franchise
n. 1 : freedom or immunity from some burden or restriction vested in a person or group
2 a : a special privilege granted to an individual or group especially : the right to be and exercise the powers of a corporation b : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege especially : the right to vote c (1) : the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory also : a business granted such a right or license (2) : the territory involved in such a right
3 a : the right of membership in a professional sports league b : a team and its operating organization having such membership

franchise
n. 1 archaic : FREE
2 : to grant a franchise to

franchisee
n. : one granted a franchise

franchiser
n. 1 : FRANCHISEE
2 : FRANCHISOR

franchisor
n. : one that grants a franchise

Francis
n. 1494-1547 king of France (1515-47)

Francis
n. 1768-1835 last Holy Rom. emp. (1792-1806); emp. of Austria (as Francis I) 1804-35

Francis
n. Francis I
Francis II
Francis Ferdinand
Francis Joseph
Francis Joseph I
Francis of Assisi
Francis of Sales
Francis Case Lake
Saint Francis
Saint Francis Lake

Francis Case, Lake
reservoir ab 100 mi (161 km) long S S.Dak. formed in Missouri River by Fort Ran·dall Dam \'ran-dəl\

Francis Ferdinand
1863-1914 archduke of Austria

Francis Joseph
1830-1916 emp. of Austria (1848-1916)

Francis of Assisi
Saint 1181(or 1182)-1226 Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone Ital. friar; founder of Franciscan order

Francis of Sales
Saint 1567-1622 Fr. R.C. bishop of Geneva

Franciscan
n. : a member of the Order of Friars Minor founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209 and dedicated especially to preaching, missions, and charities
–Franciscan adjective

Francisco
n. San Francisco
San Francisco Peaks
Sao Francisco
São Francisco
South San Francisco

francium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element of the alkali-metal group occurring naturally as a disintegration product of actinium and also produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

Franck
César Auguste 1822-1890 Fr. (Belg.-born) organist & composer

Franck
James 1882-1964 American (Ger.-born) physicist

Francke
Kuno 1855-1930 American (Ger.-born) hist. & educ.

Franco
n. 1 : French and <Franco-American>
2 : French <Francophile>

Franco
n. Francisco 1892-1975 Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco Bahamonde Span. gen. & head of Span. state (1936-75)

Franco-American
: an American of French or especially French-Canadian descent
–Franco-American adjective

francolin
n. : any of a genus (Francolinus) of partridges of chiefly southern Asia and Africa

Franconia
former duchy in Austrasia, now included chiefly in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, & Hesse states, Germany
–Fran·co·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Francophile
n. : markedly friendly to France or French culture
–Francophile noun
–Fran·co·phil·ia \ˌfraŋ-kə-'fi-lē-ə, -lyə, -kō-\ noun

Francophobe
n. : marked by a fear or strong dislike of France or French culture or customs
–Francophobe noun
–Fran·co·pho·bia \ˌfraŋ-kə-'fō-bē-ə, -kō-\ noun

francophone
n. : of, having, or belonging to a population using French as its first or sometimes second language
–Francophone noun

frangible
n. : readily or easily broken
synonyms see FRAGILE
–fran·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌfran-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

frangipane
n. : a custard usually flavored with almonds

frangipani
n. 1 : a perfume derived from or imitating the odor of the flower of a frangipani (Plumeria rubra)
2 : any of a genus (Plumeria) of shrubs or small trees of the dogbane family that are native to the American tropics and widely cultivated as ornamentals

franglais
n. : French marked by a considerable number of borrowings from English

Frank
n. : a member of a West Germanic tribal confederacy that entered the Roman provinces in A.D. 253, occupied the Netherlands and most of Gaul, and established themselves along the Rhine

Frank
n. Anne 1929-1945 Ger.-born diarist during the Holocaust

frank
n. 1 : marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression <a frank reply>
2 a : unmistakably evident <frank materialism> b : clinically evident and unmistakable <frank pus>
–frank·ness noun
synonyms FRANK, CANDID, OPEN, PLAIN mean showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks. FRANK stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience <frank discussions>. CANDID suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion <a candid appraisal>. OPEN implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than FRANK and less earnestness than CANDID <open in saying what they think>. PLAIN suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression <plain talk>.

frank
n. 1 a : to mark (a piece of mail) with an official signature or sign indicating the right of the sender to free mailing b : to mail free c : to affix to (mail) a stamp or a marking indicating the payment of postage
2 : to enable to pass or go freely or easily
–frank·able \'fraŋ-kə-bəl\ adjective
–frank·er noun

frank
n. 1 a : the signature of the sender on a piece of franked mail serving in place of a postage stamp b : a mark or stamp on a piece of mail indicating postage paid c : a franked envelope
2 : the privilege of sending mail free of charge

frank
n. : FRANKFURTER

Frankenfood
n. : genetically engineered food

Frankenstein
n. 1 a : the title character in Mary W. Shelley's novel Frankenstein who creates a monster by which he is eventually killed b : a monster in the shape of a man especially in popularized versions of the Frankenstein story
2 : a monstrous creation especially : a work or agency that ruins its originator
–Fran·ken·stein·ian \ˌfraŋ-kən-'stī-nē-ən, -'sti-\ adjective

Frankenthaler
Helen 1928-     American artist

Frankfort
n. city capital of Ky. on Kentucky River E of Louisville pop 27,741

Frankfurt
n. 1 or in full Frankfurt am Main \(ˌ)äm-'mīn\ city W Germany on Main River pop 654,679
2 or in full Frankfurt an der Oder \ˌän-dər-'ō-dər\ city E Germany on Oder River pop 85,357

Frankfurter
n. Felix 1882-1965 American (Austrian-born) jurist

frankfurter
n. : a cured cooked sausage (as of beef or beef and pork) that may be skinless or stuffed in a casing

frankincense
n. : a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

Frankish
adj. : of or relating to the Franks

Frankish
adj. : the Germanic language of the Franks

Franklin
n. Benjamin 1706-1790 American statesman & philos.

Franklin
n. Sir John 1786-1847 Eng. arctic explorer

Franklin
n. Rosalind Elsie 1920-1958 Eng. biophysicist

Franklin
n. 1 town E cen Mass. pop 29,560
2 town cen Tenn. S of Nashville pop 41,842
3 city SE Wis., a SSW suburb of Milwaukee pop 29,494
4 former district Canada in N Northwest Territories including Arctic islands & Boothia & Melville peninsulas; area now divided bet. Nunavut & Northwest Territories

franklin
n. : a medieval English landowner of free but not noble birth

Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake
reservoir 151 mi (243 km) long NE Wash. formed in Columbia River by Grand Coulee Dam

Franklin stove
: a metal heating stove resembling an open fireplace but designed to be set out in a room

frankly
adv. 1 : in a frank manner <spoke frankly>
2 : in truth : INDEED <frankly, I don't know>
usage see HOPEFULLY

frankpledge
: an Anglo-Saxon system under which each adult male member of a tithing was responsible for the good conduct of the others also : the member himself or the tithing

Franks
n. Oliver Shewell 1905-1992 Baron Franks of Headington Eng. philos. & diplomat

Franks Peak
mountain 13,140 ft (4005 m) NW Wyo.; highest in Absaroka Range

frantic
adj. 1 a archaic : mentally deranged b : emotionally out of control <frantic with anger and frustration>
2 : marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity <made a frantic search for the lost child>
–fran·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fran·tic·ness \-tik-nəs\ noun

Franz Josef Land
archipelago Russia in Arctic Ocean N of Novaya Zemlya

frap
v. : to draw tight (as with ropes or cables) <frap a sail>

frappe
n. : chilled or partly frozen

frappe
n. 1 a : a partly frozen drink (as of fruit juice) b : a liqueur served over shaved ice
2 : a thick milk shake

Frascati
n. commune cen Italy in Lazio SE of Rome pop 20,758

Fraser
James Earle 1876-1953 American sculptor

Fraser
(John) Malcolm 1930-     prime min. of Australia (1975-83)

Fraser
Peter 1884-1950 N.Z. statesman; prime min. (1940-49)

Fraser
Simon 1776-1862 Canad. explorer & fur trader

Fraser
river 850 mi (1368 km) Canada in S cen B.C. flowing into Strait of Georgia

Fraser fir
: a southern Appalachian fir (Abies fraseri) that resembles the balsam fir

frass
n. : debris or excrement produced by insects

frat
n. : FRATERNITY 1C

fraternal
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or involving brothers b : of, relating to, or being a fraternity or society <a fraternal order>
2 : derived from two ova : DIZYGOTIC <fraternal twins>
3 : FRIENDLY, BROTHERLY
–fra·ter·nal·ism \-nə-ˌliz-əm\ noun
–fra·ter·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

fraternity
n. 1 : a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: as a : a fraternal order b : GUILD 1 c : a men's student organization formed chiefly for social purposes having secret rites and a name consisting of Greek letters d : a student organization for scholastic, professional, or extracurricular activities <a debating fraternity>
2 : the quality or state of being brothers : BROTHERLINESS
3 : persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes <the racetrack fraternity>

fraternize
v. 1 : to associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms
2 a : to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group especially when contrary to military orders b : to be friendly or amiable
–frat·er·ni·za·tion \ˌfra-tər-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–frat·er·niz·er \'fra-tər-ˌnī-zər\ noun

fratricide
n. 1 : one that murders or kills his or her own brother or sister or an individual (as a countryman) having a relationship like that of a brother or sister
2 : the act of a fratricide
–frat·ri·cid·al \ˌfra-trə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

Frau
n. : a German married woman : WIFE ― used as a title equivalent to Mrs.

fraud
n. 1 a : DECEIT, TRICKERY specifically : intentional perversion of truth in order to induce another to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right b : an act of deceiving or misrepresenting : TRICK
2 a : a person who is not what he or she pretends to be : IMPOSTOR also : one who defrauds : CHEAT b : one that is not what it seems or is represented to be
synonyms see DECEPTION, IMPOSTURE

fraudster
n. chiefly British : a person who engages in fraud : CHEAT

fraudulence
n. : the quality or state of being fraudulent

fraudulent
adj. : characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : DECEITFUL
–fraud·u·lent·ly adverb
–fraud·u·lent·ness noun

Frauenfeld
commune NE Switzerland capital of Thurgau canton pop 19,538

fraught
adj. chiefly Scottish : LOAD, CARGO

fraught
adj. chiefly Scottish : LOAD, FREIGHT

fraught
adj. 1 archaic a : LADEN b : well supplied or provided
2 : full of or accompanied by something specified ― used with with <a situation fraught with danger>
3 : causing or characterized by emotional distress or tension : UNEASY <a fraught relationship>

fraulein
n. 1 capitalized : an unmarried German woman ― used as a title equivalent to Miss
2 : a German governess

Fraunhofer
Joseph von 1787-1826 Ger. physicist

fraxinella
n. : a Eurasian perennial herb (Dictamnus albus) of the rue family with flowers that emit an aromatic flammable vapor in hot weather ― called also gas plant

fray
n. archaic : SCARE also : to frighten away

fray
n. : a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute

fray
n. transitive verb
1 a : to wear (as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing : FRET b : to separate the threads at the edge of
2 : STRAIN, IRRITATE <tempers became a bit frayed>
intransitive verb
1 : to wear out or into shreds
2 : to show signs of strain <fraying nerves>

fray
n. : a raveled place or worn spot (as on fabric)

fraying
n. : something rubbed or worn off by fraying

Frazer
Sir James George 1854-1941 Scot. anthropol.

frazzle
n. transitive verb
1 : 3FRAY
2 a : to put in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue b : UPSET
intransitive verb : to become frazzled

frazzle
n. 1 : the state of being frazzled
2 : a condition of fatigue or nervous exhaustion <worn to a frazzle>

FRB
Federal Reserve Board

freak
n. 1 a : a sudden and odd or seemingly pointless idea or turn of the mind b : a seemingly capricious action or event
2 archaic : a whimsical quality or disposition
3 : one that is markedly unusual or abnormal: as a : a person or animal having a physical oddity and appearing in a circus sideshow b slang (1) : a sexual deviate (2) : a person who uses an illicit drug c : HIPPIE d : an atypical postage stamp usually caused by a unique defect in paper (as a crease) or a unique event in the manufacturing process (as a speck of dirt on the plate) that does not produce a constant or systematic effect
4 a : an ardent enthusiast <film freaks> b : a person who is obsessed with something <a control freak>

freak
n. : having the character of a freak <a freak accident>

freak
n. 1 : to make greatly distressed, astonished, or discomposed ― often used with out <the news freaked them out>
2 : to put under the influence of a psychedelic drug ― often used with out
intransitive verb
1 : to withdraw from reality especially by taking drugs ― often used with out
2 : to experience nightmarish hallucinations as a result of taking drugs ― often used with out
3 a : to behave irrationally or unconventionally under the influence of drugs ― often used with out b : to react with extreme or irrational distress or discomposure ― often used with out
–freaked adjective
–freaked-out adjective

freak
n. : to streak especially with color <silver and mother-of-pearl freaking the intense azure ― Robert Bridges †1930>

freak
n. control freak
freak of nature
freak out
freak show
speed freak
freaked out

freak of nature

1879
: FREAK 3A

freak show
: an exhibition (as a sideshow) featuring freaks of nature

freak-out
1 : an act or instance of freaking out
2 : a gathering of hippies

freaking
v. : DAMNED ― used as an intensive

freakish
adj. 1 : WHIMSICAL, CAPRICIOUS
2 : markedly strange or abnormal <freakish appearance>
–freak·ish·ly adverb
–freak·ish·ness noun

freaky
adj. : FREAKISH
–freak·i·ness noun

Frechette
Louis-Honoré 1839-1908 Canad. poet

freckle
n. : any of the small brownish spots in the skin due to augmented melanin production that increase in number and intensity on exposure to sunlight
–freck·ly \'fre-k(ə-)lē\ adjective

freckle
n. transitive verb : to sprinkle or mark with freckles or small spots
intransitive verb : to become marked with freckles

Frederick
n. ca 1123-1190 Frederick Bar·ba·ros·sa \ˌbär-bə-'rä-sə, -'rȯ-\ Holy Rom. emp. (1152-90)

Frederick
n. 1194-1250 Holy Rom. emp. (1215-50); king of Sicily (1198-1250)

Frederick
n. 1657-1713 king of Prussia (1701-13)

Frederick
n. 1712-1786 the Great king of Prussia (1740-86)

Frederick
n. 1899-1972 king of Denmark (1947-72)

Frederick
n. city N Md. pop 52,767

Frederick
n. Frederick I
Frederick II
Frederick IX
Frederick William

Frederick William
1620-1688 the Great Elector elector of Brandenburg (1640-88)

Frederick William
name of 4 kings of Prussia: I 1688-1740 (reigned 1713-40); II 1744-1797 (reigned 1786-97); III 1770-1840 (reigned 1797-1840); IV 1795-1861 (reigned 1840-61)

Fredericksburg
city NE Va. SW of Alexandria pop 19,279

Fredericton
n. city Canada capital of N.B. on St. John River pop 47,560

Frederiksberg
city Denmark on Sjælland Is., W suburb of Copenhagen pop 91,435

free
adj. 1 a : having the legal and political rights of a citizen b : enjoying civil and political liberty <free citizens> c : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination d : enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another
2 a : not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being : choosing or capable of choosing for itself b : determined by the choice of the actor or performer <free actions> c : made, done, or given voluntarily or spontaneously
3 a : relieved from or lacking something and especially something unpleasant or burdensome <free from pain> <a speech free of political rhetoric> ― often used in combination <error-free> b : not bound, confined, or detained by force
4 a : having no trade restrictions b : not subject to government regulation c of foreign exchange : not subject to restriction or official control
5 a : having no obligations (as to work) or commitments <I'll be free this evening> b : not taken up with commitments or obligations <a free evening>
6 : having a scope not restricted by qualification <a free variable>
7 a : not obstructed, restricted, or impeded <free to leave> b : not being used or occupied <waved with his free hand> c : not hampered or restricted in its normal operation
8 a : not fastened <the free end of the rope> b : not confined to a particular position or place <in twelve-tone music, no note is wholly free for it must hold its place in the series ― J. L. Stewart> c : capable of moving or turning in any direction <a free particle> d : performed without apparatus <free tumbling> e : done with artificial aids (as pitons) used only for protection against falling and not for support <a free climb>
9 a : not parsimonious <free spending> b : OUTSPOKEN c : availing oneself of something without stint d : FRANK, OPEN e : overly familiar or forward in action or attitude f : LICENTIOUS
10 : not costing or charging anything
11 a (1) : not united with, attached to, combined with, or mixed with something else : SEPARATE <free ores> <a free surface of a bodily part> (2) : FREESTANDING <a free column> b : chemically uncombined <free oxygen> <free acids> c : not permanently attached but able to move about <a free electron in a metal> d : capable of being used alone as a meaningful linguistic form <the word hats is a free form> ― compare 5BOUND 7
12 a : not literal or exact <free translation> b : not restricted by or conforming to conventional forms <free skating>
13 : FAVORABLE ― used of a wind blowing from a direction more than six points from dead ahead
14 : not allowing slavery
15 : open to all comers
–free·ness \-nəs\ noun
–for free : without charge
synonyms FREE, INDEPENDENT, SOVEREIGN, AUTONOMOUS mean not subject to the rule or control of another. FREE stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions <you're free to do as you like>. INDEPENDENT implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies <the colony's struggle to become independent>. SOVEREIGN stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere <separate and sovereign armed services>. AUTONOMOUS stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government <in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous>.

free
adj. 1 a : to cause to be free b : to relieve or rid of what restrains, confines, restricts, or embarrasses <free a person from debt> ― often used with up <free up space on the hard drive> c : DISENTANGLE, CLEAR
2 obsolete : BANISH
–fre·er noun
synonyms FREE, RELEASE, LIBERATE, EMANCIPATE, MANUMIT mean to set loose from restraint or constraint. FREE implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses <freed the animals from their cages>. RELEASE suggests a setting loose from confinement, restraint, or a state of pressure or tension, often without implication of permanent liberation <released his anger on a punching bag>. LIBERATE stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty <liberated their country from the tyrant>. EMANCIPATE implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination <labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery>. MANUMIT implies emancipation from slavery <the document manumitted the slaves>.

free
adj. 1 : in a free manner
2 : without charge
3 : with the wind more than six points from dead ahead <sailing free>

free
adj. free lance
break free
context free
cruelty free
duty free
fancy free
for free
free agent
free agency
free alongside ship
free and easy
free and easiness
free association
free associative
free associate
free beach
free climb
free climber
free diver
free diving
free electron laser
free enterprise
free enterpriser
free fall
free fire zone
free floating
free flowing
free for all
free form
free hand
free jazz
free kick
free living
free love
free lunch
free market
free marketeer
free marketer
free on board
free port
free radical
free range
free reed
free rein
free ride
free rider
free safety
free soil
Free Soilism
Free Soiler
free speech
free spirit
free spirited
free spoken
Free State
free swimming
free swinging
free tailed bat
free thought
free throw
free throw lane
free trade
free trader
free verse
free will
free world
free zone
heart free
home free
mean free path
post free
rural free delivery
scot free
toll free
value free
Orange Free State
Congo Free State

free agent
: a professional athlete (as a baseball player) who is free to negotiate a contract with any team
–free agency noun

free alongside ship
: with delivery at the side of the ship free of charges and the buyer's liability then beginning

free and easy
1 : marked by informality and lack of constraint <the free and easy, open-air life of the plains ― Allan Murray>
2 : not observant of strict demands <too free and easy in accepting political contributions>
–free-and-eas·i·ness \ˌfrē-ən(d)-'ē-zē-nəs\ noun
–free and easy adverb

free association
1 a : the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis b : the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (as a word)
2 : an idea or image elicited by free association
3 : a method using free association
–free-as·so·ci·ate \ˌfrē-ə-'sō-s(h)ē-ˌāt\ intransitive verb
–free-as·so·ci·at·ive \-s(h)ē-ˌā-tiv, -shə-tiv\ adjective

free beach
: a beach at which nudity is permitted

free diver
: one who engages in skin diving
–free diving noun

free enterprise
: freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interference by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in balance

free enterpriser
: a supporter or advocate of free enterprise

free fall
1 : the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field also : such motion
2 a : the part of a parachute jump before the parachute opens b : a rapid and continuing drop or decline <a free fall in stock prices>
–free-fall intransitive verb

free hand
: freedom of action or decision

free jazz
: free-form jazz marked especially by an abandonment of preset chord progression and a lack of melodic pattern

free kick
: a kick (as in football, soccer, or rugby) with which an opponent may not interfere especially : such a kick in any direction awarded because of an infraction of the rules by an opponent

free love
1 : the practice of living openly with one of the opposite sex without marriage
2 : sexual relations without any commitments by either partner

free lunch
: something one does not have to pay for also : FREE RIDE

free market
: an economic market operating by free competition

free marketeer
: a proponent of a free-market economy

free on board
: without charge for delivery to and placing on board a carrier at a specified point

free port
: an enclosed port or section of a port where goods are received and shipped free of customs duty

free radical
: an especially reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons especially : one that is produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from an outside source (as tobacco smoke, toxins, or pollutants) and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure

free reed
: a reed in a musical instrument (as a harmonium) that vibrates in an air opening just large enough to allow the reed to move freely ― compare BEATING REED

free rein
: unrestricted liberty of action or decision

free ride
: a benefit obtained at another's expense or without the usual cost or effort also : soft or easy treatment
–free ride intransitive verb
–free rider noun

free safety
: a safety in football who has no particular receiver to cover in a man-to-man defense

free soil
: U.S. territory where prior to the Civil War slavery was prohibited

free speech
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution also : the right to such speech <an unconstitutional restraint on free speech ― Nat'l Law Jour.>

free spirit
: NONCONFORMIST 2
–free-spir·it·ed \'frē-'spir-ə-təd\ adjective

Free State
: a state of the U.S. in which slavery was prohibited before the Civil War

Free State
province E cen Republic of South Africa bet. Orange & Vaal rivers area 49,992 sq mi (129,480 sq km), pop 2,767,000

free thought
: unorthodox attitudes or beliefs specifically : 18th century deism

free throw
: an unhindered shot in basketball made from behind a set line and awarded because of a foul by an opponent

free throw lane
: a 12 or 16 foot wide lane on a basketball court that extends from underneath the goal to a line 15 feet in front of the backboard and that players may not enter during a free throw

free trade
: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue

free trader
: one that practices or advocates free trade

free verse
: verse whose meter is irregular in some respect or whose rhythm is not metrical

free will
1 : voluntary choice or decision <I do this of my own free will>
2 : freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or by divine intervention

free world
: the part of the world where democracy and capitalism or moderate socialism rather than totalitarian or Communist political and economic systems prevail

free zone
: an area within which goods may be received and stored without payment of duty

free-climb
: to climb (as a rock face) without using aids for support
intransitive verb : to free-climb something
–free climber noun

free-electron laser
: a laser that can be tuned over a wide range of frequencies and that produces electromagnetic radiation by the motion of electrons moving at relativistic velocities in a magnetic field

free-fire zone
: a combat area in which any moving thing is a legitimate target

free-floating
1 a : floating freely <free-floating vegetation> b : lacking specific attachment, direction, or purpose <free-floating ideas>
2 : felt as an emotion without apparent cause <free-floating anxiety>

free-flowing
: characterized by easy freedom in movement, progression, or style <a free-flowing essay>

free-for-all
: a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : BRAWL also : a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure <the press conference deteriorated into a free-for-all>
–free-for-all adjective

free-form
1 : having or being an irregular or asymmetrical shape or design <free-form furniture>
2 : FREE 12B <free-form dancing>

free-living
1 : marked by more than usual freedom in the gratification of appetites
2 a : not fixed to the substrate but capable of motility <a free-living protozoan> b : being metabolically independent : neither parasitic nor symbiotic <a free-living adult hairworm>

free-range
: allowed to range and forage with relative freedom <free-range chickens> also : of, relating to, or produced by free-range animals <free-range eggs>

free-soil
1 : characterized by free soil <free-soil states>
2 capitalized F&S : opposing the extension of slavery into U.S. territories and the admission of slave states into the Union prior to the Civil War specifically : of, relating to, or constituting a minor U.S. political party having these aims
–Free-Soil·er \-'sȯi-lər\ noun
–Free-Soil·ism \-'sȯi(ə)-ˌli-zəm\ noun

free-spoken
: speaking freely : OUTSPOKEN

free-swimming
: able to swim about : not attached <the free-swimming larva of the barnacle>

free-swinging
: bold, forthright, and heedless of personal consequences <a free-swinging soldier of fortune ― Will Herberg>

free-tailed bat
: any of a family (Molossidae) of bats characterized by a tail that projects beyond the posterior part of the flight membrane and found in warm regions of the world

freebase
n. : to prepare or use freebase cocaine
transitive verb : to prepare or use (cocaine) as freebase
–free·bas·er noun

freebase
n. : a purified solid form of cocaine (as crack) that is obtained by treating the powdered hydrochloride of cocaine with an alkaloid base (as sodium bicarbonate) and that can be smoked or heated to produce vapors for inhalation specifically : a form derived from treatment of the hydrochloride of cocaine with ammonia or similar alkaloid solution followed by extraction with a solvent (as ether)

freebie
n. : something (as a theater ticket) given without charge

freeboard
n. 1 : the distance between the waterline and the main deck or weather deck of a ship or between the level of the water and the upper edge of the side of a small boat
2 : the height above the recorded high-water mark of a structure (as a dam) associated with the water

freebooter
n. : PIRATE, PLUNDERER
–free·boot \-ˌbüt\ intransitive verb

freeborn
adj. 1 : not born in vassalage or slavery
2 : of, relating to, or befitting one that is freeborn

freedman
n. : a person freed from slavery

freedom
n. 1 : the quality or state of being free: as a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : INDEPENDENCE c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous <freedom from care> d : EASE, FACILITY <spoke the language with freedom> e : the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken <answered with freedom> f : improper familiarity g : boldness of conception or execution h : unrestricted use <gave him the freedom of their home>
2 a : a political right b : FRANCHISE, PRIVILEGE
synonyms FREEDOM, LIBERTY, LICENSE mean the power or condition of acting without compulsion. FREEDOM has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated <freedom of the press>. LIBERTY suggests release from former restraint or compulsion <the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty>. LICENSE implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom <freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license>.

freedom
n. academic freedom
degree of freedom
freedom fighter
freedom of the seas
freedom ride
freedom rider
Medal of Freedom

freedom fighter
: a person who takes part in a resistance movement against an oppressive political or social establishment

freedom of the seas

1917
: the right of a merchant ship to travel any waters except territorial waters either in peace or war

freedom ride
: a ride made by civil rights workers through states of the southern U.S. to ascertain whether public facilities (as bus terminals) are desegregated
–freedom rider noun

freedwoman
n. : a woman freed from slavery

freehand
adj. : done without mechanical aids or devices <freehand drawing>
–freehand adverb

freehanded
adj. : GENEROUS, OPENHANDED
–free·hand·ed·ly adverb
–free·hand·ed·ness noun

freehearted
adj. 1 : FRANK, UNRESERVED
2 : GENEROUS
–free·heart·ed·ly adverb

freehold
n. 1 : a tenure of real property by which an estate in fee simple or fee tail or an estate for life is held also : an estate held by such tenure ― compare FEE 1
2 British : an estate held in fee simple
–freehold adjective or adverb
–free·hold·er \-ˌhōl-dər\ noun

freelance
n. 1 a usually free lance : a mercenary soldier especially of the Middle Ages : CONDOTTIERE b : a person who acts independently without being affiliated with or authorized by an organization
2 : a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer

freelance
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or being a freelance : INDEPENDENT <a freelance writer> b : done by a freelance <freelance reviewing>
2 : not sponsored by an organization <freelance terrorists>
–freelance adverb

freelance
n. : to act or work as a freelance
transitive verb : to produce as a freelance <freelancing magazine articles>

freelancer
n. 1 : FREELANCE 1B
2 : FREELANCE 2

freeload
v. : to impose upon another's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility involved : SPONGE
–free·load·er noun

freely
adv. : in a free manner: as a : of one's own accord <left home freely> b : with freedom from external control <a freely elected government> c : without restraint or reservation <spent freely on clothes> d : without hindrance <a gate swinging freely> e : not strictly following a model, convention, or rule <freely translated>

Freeman
n. Douglas Sou·thall \'sau̇-ˌthȯl, -ˌthȯl\ 1886-1953 American editor & hist.

Freeman
n. Mary Eleanor 1852-1930 née Wilkins American writer

freeman
n. 1 : one enjoying civil or political liberty
2 : one having the full rights of a citizen

freemartin
n. : a sexually imperfect usually sterile female calf twinborn with a male

Freemason
n. : a member of a major fraternal organization called Free and Accepted Masons or Ancient Free and Accepted Masons that has certain secret rituals

freemasonry
n. 1 capitalized : the principles, institutions, or practices of Freemasons ― called also Masonry
2 : natural fellowship based on some common experience

Freeport
1 city N Ill. W of Rockford pop 26,443
2 village SE N.Y. on Long Is. pop 43,783
3 city NW Bahamas on cen Grand Bahama Is. pop 26,574

freer
adj. comparative of free

freesia
n. : any of a genus (Freesia) of sweet-scented African herbs of the iris family with usually red, pink, white, or yellow flowers

freest
adj. superlative of free

freestanding
adj. 1 : standing alone or on its own foundation free of support or attachment <a freestanding wall>
2 : INDEPENDENT 1 especially : not being part of or affiliated with another organization <a freestanding clinic> <a freestanding city> <a freestanding computer store>

freestone
n. 1 : a stone that may be cut freely without splitting
2 a : a fruit stone to which the flesh does not cling b : a fruit having such a stone

freestyle
n. 1 : a competition in which the contestant is given more latitude than in related events especially : swimming competition in which the swimmer may use any stroke
2 : CRAWL 2
–free·styl·er noun

freethinker
n. : one who forms opinions on the basis of reason independently of authority especially : one who doubts or denies religious dogma
–free·think·ing \-kiŋ\ noun or adjective

Freetown
n. city & port capital of Sierra Leone on the Atlantic pop 178,600

freeware
n. : software that is available for use at no cost or for a nominal usually voluntary fee

freeway
n. 1 : an expressway with fully controlled access
2 : a toll-free highway

freewheel
n. : a clutch fitted in the rear hub of a bicycle that permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped

freewheel
n. 1 : to roll along freely independent of a gear
2 : to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly
–free·wheel·er noun

freewheeling
n. : free and loose in form or manner: as a : heedless of social norms or niceties <the raider style of his freewheeling father ― Garry Wills> b : not repressed or restrained <freewheeling promiscuity> <a freewheeling competitive spirit> c : not bound by formal rules, procedures, or guidelines <a freewheeling investigation> d : loose and undisciplined : not defensive <a freewheeling style of hockey>
–free·wheel·ing·ly adverb

freewill
adj. : VOLUNTARY, SPONTANEOUS

Freewill Baptist
: a member of a Baptist group holding to Arminian doctrine and practicing open communion

freewriting
: automatic writing done especially as a classroom exercise
–free·write \'frē-ˌrīt\ intransitive verb

freeze
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to become congealed into ice by cold b : to solidify as a result of abstraction of heat c : to withstand freezing <the bread freezes well>
2 : to become chilled with cold <almost froze to death>
3 : to adhere solidly by or as if by freezing <pressure caused the metals to freeze>
4 : to become fixed or motionless especially : to become incapable of acting or speaking
5 : to become clogged with ice <the water pipes froze>
transitive verb
1 a : to harden into ice b : to convert from a liquid to a solid by cold
2 : to make extremely cold : CHILL
3 a : to act on usually destructively by frost b : to anesthetize by cold
4 : to cause to grip tightly or remain in immovable contact
5 a : to cause to become fixed, immovable, unavailable, or unalterable <freeze interest rates> b : to immobilize by governmental regulation the expenditure, withdrawal, or exchange of <freeze foreign assets> c : to render motionless <a fake froze the defender>
6 : to attempt to retain continuous possession of (a ball or puck) without an attempt to score usually in order to protect a small lead
–freez·ing·ly adverb

freeze
n. 1 a : an act or instance of freezing b : the state of being frozen
2 : a state of weather marked by low temperature especially when below the freezing point
3 : a halt in the production, testing, and deployment of military weapons <a nuclear freeze>

freeze
n. brain freeze
deep freeze
freeze dried
freeze dry
freeze etching
freeze fracture
freeze frame
freeze out
quick freeze
freezing point

freeze fracture
: preparation of a specimen (as of tissue) for examination by an electron microscope after freezing, fracturing along natural structural lines, and preparing a replica (as by simultaneous vapor deposition of carbon and platinum)
–freeze-frac·ture adjective

freeze out
: EXCLUDE
–freeze-out \'frēz-ˌau̇t\ noun

freeze-dried
: being in a state produced by or as if by freeze-drying

freeze-dry
: to dry (as food) in a frozen state under high vacuum especially for preservation

freeze-etching
: FREEZE FRACTURE

freeze-frame
1 a : a frame of a motion-picture film that is repeated so as to give the illusion of a static picture b : a static picture produced especially from a videodisc or videotape recording
2 : something resembling a freeze-frame especially in unchanging quality
–freeze-frame transitive verb

freezer
n. : one that freezes or keeps cool especially : a compartment, room, or device for freezing food or keeping it frozen

freezer burn
: light-colored spots developed in frozen foods as a result of surface evaporation and drying when inadequately wrapped or packaged

freezing point
: the temperature at which a liquid solidifies

Frege
(Friedrich Ludwig) Gottlob 1848-1925 Ger. math. & philos.

Frei Ruiz-Tagle
Eduardo 1941-     pres. of Chile (1994-2000)

Freiburg
city SW Germany at W foot of Black Forest pop 193,775

freight
n. 1 a : the compensation paid for the transportation of goods b : COST <help pay the freight>
2 a : goods to be shipped : CARGO b : LOAD, BURDEN c : MEANING 3, SIGNIFICANCE
3 a : the ordinary transportation of goods by a common carrier and distinguished from express b : a train designed or used for such transportation

freight
n. 1 a : to load with goods for transportation b : BURDEN, CHARGE <freighted with memories>
2 : to transport or ship by freight

freightage
n. : FREIGHT

freighter
n. 1 : one that loads or charters and loads a ship
2 : SHIPPER
3 : a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

Frejus
― see CENIS (Mont) 2

Frejus, Massif du
mountain on border bet. France & Italy at SW end of Graian Alps

Frelinghuysen
Frederick Theodore 1817-1885 American statesman

Fremantle
city Australia in SW Western Australia at mouth of Swan River; port for Perth pop 23,834

fremitus
n. : a sensation felt by a hand placed on a part of the body (as the chest) that vibrates during speech

Fremont
John Charles 1813-1890 American gen. & explorer

Fremont
1 city W Calif. SE of Oakland pop 203,413
2 city E Nebr. on Platte River pop 25,174

French
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of France, its people, or their language
2 : of or relating to the overseas descendants of the French people
–French·ness noun

French
n. 1 : a Romance language that developed out of the Vulgar Latin spoken in northern and central Transalpine Gaul and that became the literary and official language of France
2 plural in construction : the French people
3 : strong language <pardon my French>

French
n. Daniel Chester 1850-1931 American sculptor

french
n. 1 : to trim the meat from the end of the bone of (as a chop)
2 : to cut (green beans) in thin lengthwise strips before cooking

french
n. French Somaliland
French Territory of the Afars and the Issas
French Guinea
French Indochina
Anglo French
Canadian French
French bean
French bread
French bulldog
French Canadian
French chalk
French cuff
french curve
French door
French dressing
french fry
French horn
French kiss
French leave
French letter
French pastry
French press
French provincial
French seam
French telephone
French toast
French twist
French window
Middle French
Norman French
Old French
French Broad
French Community
French Equatorial Africa
French Congo
French Guiana
French India
French Morocco
French Polynesia
French Oceania
French Sudan
French Union
French West Africa
French West Indies
anti French
Afars and the Issas French Territory of the

French bean
1 chiefly British : a bean (as a green bean) of which the whole young pod is eaten
2 chiefly British : KIDNEY BEAN 2

French bread
: a crusty white bread baked usually in long thin loaves

French Broad
river 210 mi (338 km) flowing from W N.C. to E Tenn.

French bulldog
: any of a breed of small compact heavy-boned dogs developed in France and having erect ears

French Canadian
: one of the descendants of French settlers in Lower Canada
–French-Canadian adjective

French chalk
: a soft white granular variety of steatite used especially for drawing lines on cloth and for removing grease in dry cleaning

French Community
former federation comprising France, its overseas departments & territories, & the former French territories in Africa that chose to maintain their ties with France

French cuff
: a soft double cuff that is made by turning back half of a wide cuff band and fastening with cuff links

french curve
: a curved piece of flat often plastic material used as a guide in drawing curves

French door
: a door with rectangular glass panes extending the full length also : FRENCH WINDOW

French dressing
1 : a salad dressing made with oil and vinegar or lemon juice, and spices
2 : a commercial salad dressing that is tomato-flavored and of creamy consistency

French Equatorial Africa
former country W cen Africa N of Congo River comprising a federation of Chad, Gabon, Middle Congo, & Ubangi-Shari territories capital Brazzaville

french fry
: a strip of potato fried in deep fat ― usually used in plural

french fry
: to fry (as strips of potato) in deep fat until brown

French Guiana
country N S. America; an overseas department of France capital Cayenne area 35,126 sq mi (90,976 sq km), pop 128,000

French Guinea
― see GUINEA 2

French horn
: a circular valved brass instrument having a conical bore, a funnel-shaped mouthpiece, and a usual range from B below the bass staff upward for more than three octaves

French India
former French possessions in India including Chandernagore (ceded to India 1950) & Pondicherry, Karikal, Yanam, & Mahé (ceded to India 1954) capital Pondicherry

French Indochina
― see INDOCHINA 2

French kiss
: an open-mouth kiss usually involving tongue-to-tongue contact
–French-kiss verb

French leave
: an informal, hasty, or secret departure

French letter
chiefly British : CONDOM 1

French Morocco
― see MOROCCO 1

French pastry
: a rich pastry filled especially with custard or fruit

French Polynesia
islands in S. Pacific belonging to France & including Society, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Gambier, & Austral groups capital Papeete (on Tahiti) pop 212,000

French press
: a coffeepot in which ground beans are infused and then pressed to the bottom by means of a plunger

French provincial
: a style of furniture, architecture, or fabric originating in or characteristic of the 17th and 18th century French provinces

French seam
: a strong seam stitched on both sides of the fabric to enclose all raw edges

French Somaliland
― see DJIBOUTI 1

French Sudan
― see MALI 2

French telephone
: HANDSET

French Territory of the Afars and the Issas
― see DJIBOUTI 1

French toast
: bread dipped in a mixture of egg and milk and sautéed

French twist
: a woman's hairstyle in which the hair is coiled at the rear and secured in place

French Union
former federation (1946-58) comprising metropolitan France & its overseas departments, territories, & associated states ― see FRENCH COMMUNITY

French West Africa
former federation of French dependencies W Africa consisting of Dahomey, French Guinea, French Sudan, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, & Upper Volta

French West Indies
islands of the W. Indies belonging to France & including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Désirade, Les Saintes, Marie Galante, St. Barthélemy, & part of St. Martin

French window
: a pair of casement windows that reaches to the floor, opens in the middle, and is placed in an exterior wall

frenchify
v. : to make French in qualities, traits, or typical practices
–french·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌfren-chə-fi-'kā-shən\ noun often cap

Frenchman
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of France
2 : a person who is of French descent

Frenchwoman
n. 1 : a woman who is a native or inhabitant of France
2 : a woman of French descent

Freneau
Philip Morin 1752-1832 American poet

frenetic
adj. : FRENZIED, FRANTIC
–fre·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–fre·net·i·cism \-'ne-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

frenulum
n. 1 : a connecting fold of membrane serving to support or restrain a part (as the tongue)
2 : a bristle or group of bristles on the front edge of the posterior wings of some lepidoptera that unites the wings by interlocking with a catch on the posterior part of the forewings

frenum
n. : FRENULUM 1

frenzied
adj. : feeling or showing great or abnormal excitement or emotional disturbance <had a frenzied look in his eye>
–fren·zied·ly adverb

frenzy
n. 1 a : a temporary madness b : a violent mental or emotional agitation
2 : intense usually wild and often disorderly compulsive or agitated activity <a shopping frenzy>

frenzy
n. : to affect with frenzy

Freon
n. ― used for any of various fluorocarbons

freq
1 frequency
2 frequent; frequently
3 frequentative

frequence
n. : FREQUENCY

frequency
n. 1 : the fact or condition of occurring frequently
2 a : the number of times that a periodic function repeats the same sequence of values during a unit variation of the independent variable b : the number, proportion, or percentage of items in a particular category in a set of data
3 : the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: as a : the number of complete alternations per second of an alternating current b : the number of complete oscillations per second of energy (as sound or electromagnetic radiation) in the form of waves

frequency
n. extremely high frequency
extremely low frequency
frequency distribution
frequency modulation
frequency response
gene frequency
high frequency
low frequency
medium frequency
radio frequency
superhigh frequency
ultrahigh frequency
very high frequency
very low frequency

frequency distribution
: an arrangement of statistical data that exhibits the frequency of the occurrence of the values of a variable

frequency modulation
: modulation of the frequency of the carrier wave in accordance with speech or a signal also : FM

frequency response
: the ability of a device (as an audio amplifier) to handle the frequencies applied to it also : a graph representing this ability

frequent
adj. 1 : to associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually <a bar frequented by sports fans>
2 archaic : to read systematically or habitually
–fre·quen·ta·tion \ˌfrē-ˌkwen-'tā-shən, -kwən-\ noun
–fre·quent·er noun

frequent
adj. 1 a : COMMON, USUAL b : happening at short intervals : often repeated or occurring <a bus making frequent stops>
2 obsolete : FULL, THRONGED
3 : acting or returning regularly or often <a frequent visitor>
4 archaic : INTIMATE, FAMILIAR
–fre·quent·ness noun

frequent-flier
: of, relating to, or being an airline program that offers awards for specified numbers of air miles traveled

frequentative
adj. : denoting repeated or recurrent action or state ― used of a verb aspect, verb form, or meaning
–frequentative noun

frequently
adv. : at frequent or short intervals

fresco
n. 1 : the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments
2 : a painting executed in fresco
–fresco transitive verb

Frescobaldi
Girolamo 1583-1643 Ital. composer

fresh
adj. 1 a : having its original qualities unimpaired: as (1) : full of or renewed in vigor : REFRESHED <rose fresh from a good night's sleep> (2) : not stale, sour, or decayed <fresh bread> (3) : not faded <the lessons remain fresh in her memory> (4) : not worn or rumpled <a fresh white shirt> b : not altered by processing <fresh vegetables>
2 a : not salt b (1) : free from taint : PURE <fresh air> (2) of wind : moderately strong
3 a (1) : experienced, made, or received newly or anew <form fresh friendships> (2) : ADDITIONAL, ANOTHER <a fresh start> b : ORIGINAL, VIVID <a fresh portrayal> c : lacking experience : RAW d : newly or just come or arrived <fresh from school> e : having the milk flow recently established <a fresh cow>
4 [probably by folk etymology from German frech] : disposed to take liberties : IMPUDENT <don't get fresh with me>
5 slang : FASHIONABLE, COOL
synonyms see NEW
–fresh·ly adverb
–fresh·ness noun

fresh
adj. : just recently : NEWLY <we're fresh out of eggs> <fresh caught fish>

fresh
adj. 1 : an increased flow or rush (as of water) : FRESHET
2 archaic : a stream, spring, or pool of freshwater

fresh
adj. breath of fresh air
fresh breeze
fresh gale

fresh breeze
: wind having a speed of 19 to 24 miles per hour (30 to 39 kilometers per hour) ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

fresh gale
: wind having a speed of 39 to 46 miles per hour (62 to 74 kilometers per hour) ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

freshen
v. intransitive verb
1 : to grow or become fresh: as a of wind : to increase in strength b : to become fresh in appearance or vitality ― usually used with up <freshen up with a shower>
2 of a milk animal : to begin lactating
transitive verb : to make fresh also : REFRESH, REVIVE
–fresh·en·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun

freshet
n. 1 archaic : STREAM 1
2 a : a great rise or overflowing of a stream caused by heavy rains or melted snow b : a swelling quantity : INFLUX <summer brings a freshet of tourists>

freshman
n. 1 : a first-year student
2 : BEGINNER, NEWCOMER

freshwater
adj. : water that is not salty especially when considered as a natural resource

freshwater
adj. 1 : of, relating to, being, or living in freshwater
2 : accustomed to navigating only in inland waters <a freshwater sailor> also : UNSKILLED
3 : inland and usually provincial <a freshwater college>

freshwater drum
: a croaker (Aplodinotus grunniens) of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River valley that may attain a weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) or more ― called also sheepshead white perch

freshwater pearl
: a usually very small pearl produced by a freshwater mollusk

Fresnel
Augustin-Jean 1788-1827 Fr. physicist

Fresnel lens
: a lens that has a surface consisting of a concentric series of simple lens sections so that a thin lens with a short focal length and large diameter is possible and that is used especially for spotlights

Fresno
n. city S cen Calif. SE of San Francisco pop 427,652

fret
n. transitive verb
1 a : to eat or gnaw into : CORRODE also : FRAY b : RUB, CHAFE c : to make by wearing away a substance <the stream fretted a channel>
2 : to cause to suffer emotional strain : VEX
3 : to pass (as time) in fretting
4 : AGITATE, RIPPLE
intransitive verb
1 a : to eat into something b : to affect something as if by gnawing or biting : GRATE
2 a : WEAR, CORRODE b : CHAFE c : FRAY 1
3 a : to become vexed or worried b of running water : to become agitated

fret
n. 1 a : the action of wearing away : EROSION b : a worn or eroded spot
2 : an agitation of mind : IRRITATION

fret
n. 1 a : to decorate with interlaced designs b : to form a pattern upon
2 : to enrich with embossed or pierced carved patterns

fret
n. 1 : an ornamental network especially : a medieval metallic or jeweled net for a woman's headdress
2 : an ornament or ornamental work often in relief consisting of small straight bars intersecting one another in right or oblique angles

fret
n. : one of a series of ridges fixed across the fingerboard of a stringed musical instrument (as a guitar)
–fret·less adjective
–fret·ted adjective

fret
n. : to press (the strings of a stringed instrument) against the frets

fretful
adj. : disposed to fret : IRRITABLE, RESTLESS
–fret·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fret·ful·ness noun

fretsaw
n. : a saw that resembles a coping saw but usually has a deeper frame and is used for cutting curved outlines

fretwork
n. 1 : decoration consisting of work adorned with frets
2 : ornamental openwork or work in relief

Freud
n. Sigmund 1856-1939 Austrian neurologist

Freudian
n. : of, relating to, or according with the psychoanalytic theories or practices of Sigmund Freud
–Freudian noun
–Freud·ian·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Freudian
n. Freudian slip
neo Freudian
post Freudian

Freudian slip
: a slip of the tongue that is motivated by and reveals some unconscious aspect of the mind

Frey
: the Norse god of fertility, crops, peace, and prosperity

Freya
: the Norse goddess of love and beauty

Freyberg
Bernard Cyril 1889-1963 Baron Freyberg N.Z. gen.

Freytag
Gustav 1816-1895 Ger. author

FRG
Federal Republic of Germany

Fri
n. Friday

Fria, Cape
cape NW Namibia on the Atlantic

friable
adj. : easily crumbled or pulverized <friable soil>
synonyms see FRAGILE
–fri·a·bil·i·ty \ˌfrī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

friar
n. : a member of a mendicant order

friar
n. friar's lantern
grey friar
white friar

friar's lantern
obsolete : IGNIS FATUUS

friarly
: resembling a friar : relating to friars

friary
n. : a monastery of friars

fribble
n. transitive verb : to trifle or fool away
intransitive verb
1 : TRIFLE
2 obsolete : DODDER

fribble
n. : a frivolous person, thing, or idea
–frib·ble adjective

Fribourg
1 canton W cen Switzerland area 645 sq mi (1670 sq km), pop 239,100
2 commune, its capital, SW of Bern pop 32,096

fricandeau
n. : larded veal roasted and glazed in its own juices

fricassee
n. : a dish of cut-up pieces of meat (as chicken) or vegetables stewed in stock and served in a white sauce

fricassee
n. : to cook as a fricassee

fricative
n. : a consonant characterized by frictional passage of the expired breath through a narrowing at some point in the vocal tract
–fricative adjective

Frick
Henry Clay 1849-1919 American industrialist

friction
n. 1 a : the rubbing of one body against another b : the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact
2 : the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : DISAGREEMENT
3 : sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
–fric·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective
–fric·tion·less·ly adverb

friction
n. friction clutch
friction drive
friction tape

friction clutch
: a clutch in which connection is made through sliding friction

friction drive
: a power-transmission system that transmits motion by surface friction instead of teeth

friction tape
: a usually cloth tape impregnated with water-resistant insulating material and an adhesive and used especially to protect, insulate, and support electrical conductors

frictional
adj. 1 : of or relating to friction
2 : moved or produced by friction
–fric·tion·al·ly adverb

Friday
n. : the sixth day of the week
–Fri·days \-(ˌ)dāz, -dēz\ adverb

Friday
n. gal Friday
girl Friday
Good Friday
man Friday

fridge
n. : REFRIGERATOR

Fridley
city SE Minn. N of St. Paul pop 27,449

fried
adj. : INTOXICATED, HIGH

fried
adj. chicken fried steak
fried rice
home fried potatoes

fried rice
: a dish of boiled or steamed rice that is stir-fried with soy sauce and typically includes beaten egg and chopped meat and vegetables

friedcake
n. : DOUGHNUT, CRULLER

Friedman
n. Jerome Isaac 1930-     American physicist

Friedman
n. Milton 1912-     American econ.

Friedrich
n. Caspar David 1774-1840 Ger. painter

friend
n. 1 a : one attached to another by affection or esteem b : ACQUAINTANCE
2 a : one that is not hostile b : one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3 : one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)
4 : a favored companion
5 capitalized : a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war ― called also Quaker
–friend·less \'fren(d)-ləs\ adjective
–friend·less·ness noun
–be friends with : to have a friendship or friendly relationship with

friend
n. : to act as the friend of : BEFRIEND

friend
n. friend of the court
next friend
plumber's friend
be friends with
make friends with
Quaker gun
quaker ladies

friend of the court

1909
: AMICUS CURIAE

friendly
1 : of, relating to, or befitting a friend: as a : showing kindly interest and goodwill b : not hostile <a friendly merger offer> also : involving or coming from actions of one's own forces <friendly fire> c : CHEERFUL, COMFORTING <the friendly glow of the fire>
2 : serving a beneficial or helpful purpose
3 : easy to use or understand <friendly computer software> ― often used in combination <a reader-friendly layout>
4 : COMPATIBLE, ACCOMMODATING <environmentally friendly packaging> ― often used in combination <a kid-friendly restaurant>
synonyms see AMICABLE
–friend·li·ly \'fren(d)-lə-lē\ adverb
–friend·li·ness noun

friendly
adj. : in a friendly manner : AMICABLY

friendly
adj. 1 : one that is friendly especially : a native who is friendly to settlers or invaders
2 chiefly British : a match between sports teams and especially international teams that has no connection with league or championship play

friendly
adj. friendly society
user friendly
user friendliness

friendly society
British : a mutual association for providing life and health insurance and old-age pension benefits to members

friendship
n. 1 : the state of being friends
2 : the quality or state of being friendly : FRIENDLINESS
3 obsolete : AID

Friendswood
city SE Tex. SE of Houston pop 29,037

frier
n. variant of fryer

Friesian
adj. chiefly British : HOLSTEIN

Friesland
n. 1 old region N Europe bordering on North Sea
2 province N Netherlands capital Leeuwarden area 1464 sq mi (3792 sq km), pop 636,184

frieze
n. 1 : a heavy durable coarse wool and shoddy fabric with a rough surface
2 : a pile surface of uncut loops or of patterned cut and uncut loops

frieze
n. 1 : the part of an entablature between the architrave and the cornice
2 : a sculptured or richly ornamented band (as on a building or piece of furniture)
3 : a band, line, or series suggesting a frieze <a constant frieze of visitors wound its way around the⋯ruins ― Mollie Panter-Downes>
–frieze·like adjective

frig
n. often vulgar : COPULATE ― sometimes used in the present participle as a meaningless intensive

frigate
n. 1 : a light boat propelled orig. by oars but later by sails
2 : a square-rigged war vessel intermediate between a corvette and a ship of the line
3 : a modern warship that is smaller than a destroyer

frigate bird
: any of a family (Fregatidae, containing a single genus Fregata) of tropical seabirds having a forked tail and large wingspans that are noted for aggressively taking food from other birds

Frigga
: the wife of Odin and Norse goddess of married love and of the hearth

fright
n. 1 : fear excited by sudden danger : ALARM <gave me quite a fright>
2 : something strange, ugly, or shocking
synonyms see FEAR

fright
n. : to alarm suddenly : FRIGHTEN

fright wig
: a wig with hair that stands out from the head

frighten
v. transitive verb
1 : to make afraid : TERRIFY
2 : to drive or force by frightening <frightened the boy into confessing>
intransitive verb : to become frightened
–fright·en·ing·ly \-tən-iŋ-lē, -niŋ-lē\ adverb

frightful
adj. 1 : causing intense fear or alarm : TERRIFYING
2 : startling especially in being bad or objectionable <a frightful novel>
3 : EXTREME <frightful thirst>
–fright·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fright·ful·ness noun

frigid
adj. 1 a : intensely cold b : lacking warmth or ardor : INDIFFERENT
2 : lacking imaginative qualities : INSIPID
3 a : abnormally averse to sexual intercourse ― used especially of women b of a female : unable to achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse
–frig·id·ly adverb
–frig·id·ness noun

frigid zone
: the area or region between the arctic circle and the north pole or between the antarctic circle and the south pole

Frigidaire
― used for an electric refrigerator

frigidity
n. : the quality or state of being frigid specifically : marked or abnormal sexual indifference especially in a woman

frigorific
adj. : causing cold : CHILLING

frijole
: any of various beans used in Mexican style cooking ― usually used in plural

frill
n. : to provide or decorate with a frill

frill
n. 1 a : a gathered, pleated, or bias-cut fabric edging used on clothing b : a strip of paper curled at one end and rolled to be slipped over the bone end (as of a chop) in serving
2 : a ruff of hair or feathers or a bony or cartilaginous projection about the neck of an animal
3 a : AFFECTATION, AIR ― usually used in plural <an honest⋯man who had no frills,⋯no nonsense about him ― W. A. White> b : something decorative or useful and desirable but not essential : LUXURY
–frilly \'fri-lē\ adjective

fringe
n. 1 : an ornamental border consisting of short straight or twisted threads or strips hanging from cut or raveled edges or from a separate band
2 a : something resembling a fringe : EDGE, PERIPHERY ― often used in plural <operated on the fringes of the law> b chiefly British : 4BANG c : one of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction of light d : an area bordering a putting green on a golf course with grass trimmed longer than on the green itself
3 a : something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject <a fringe sport> b : a group with marginal or extremist views c : FRINGE BENEFIT
–fringy \'frin-jē\ adjective

fringe
n. 1 : to furnish or adorn with a fringe
2 : to serve as a fringe for : BORDER

fringe
n. fringe area
fringe benefit
fringe tree
lunatic fringe

fringe area
: a region in which reception from a given broadcasting station is weak or subject to serious distortion

fringe benefit
1 : an employment benefit (as a pension or a paid holiday) granted by an employer that has a monetary value but does not affect basic wage rates
2 : any additional benefit (increased energy is a fringe benefit of regular exercise)

fringe tree
: a small eastern U.S. tree (Chionanthus virginicus) of the olive family that has clusters of white flowers and is widely cultivated as an ornamental

Frio, Cape
cape SE Brazil E of Rio de Janeiro

frippery
n. 1 obsolete a : cast-off clothes b archaic : a place where old clothes are sold
2 a : FINERY also : an elegant or showy garment b : something showy, frivolous, or nonessential c : OSTENTATION especially : something foolish or affectedly elegant

Frisbee
n. ― used for a plastic disk for tossing between players

Frisch
Karl von 1886-1982 Austrian zool.

Frisches Haff
― see VISLINSKI ZALIV

Frisco
n. city N Texas N of Dallas pop 33,714

frise
bichon frise
cheval de frise
chevaux de frise
Frise aileron

Frise aileron
: an aileron having a nose portion projecting ahead of the hinge axis and a lower surface in line with the lower surface of the wing

frisee
: curly leaves of endive (sense 1) that have finely dissected edges and are used in salads ― called also curly endive frisée lettuce

Frisian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Friesland, the Frisians, or Frisian

Frisian
n. 1 : a member of a people that inhabit principally the Netherlands province of Friesland and the Frisian islands in the North Sea
2 : the Germanic language of the Frisian people

Frisian
n. East Frisian Islands
Frisian Islands
North Frisian
West Frisian Islands

Frisian Islands
islands NW Europe in North Sea including West Frisian Islands (off N Netherlands), East Frisian Islands (off NW Germany), & North Frisian Islands (off NW Germany & Denmark, including Helgoland & Sylt)

frisk
n. intransitive verb : to leap, skip, or dance in a lively or playful way : GAMBOL
transitive verb : to search (a person) for something (as a concealed weapon) by running the hand rapidly over the clothing and through the pockets
–frisk·er noun

frisk
n. 1 a archaic : CAPER b : GAMBOL, ROMP c : DIVERSION
2 : an act of frisking

frisket
n. : a masking device or material used especially in printing or graphic arts

frisky
adj. : inclined to frisk : PLAYFUL <frisky puppies> also : LIVELY <a frisky performance>
–frisk·i·ly \'fris-kə-lē\ adverb
–frisk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

frisson
n. : a brief moment of emotional excitement : SHUDDER, THRILL <produce a genuine frisson of disquiet ― Patricia Craig>

frit
n. 1 : the calcined or partly fused materials of which glass is made
2 : any of various chemically complex glasses used ground especially to introduce soluble or unstable ingredients into glazes or enamels

frit
n. 1 : to prepare (materials for glass) by heat : FUSE
2 : to convert into a frit

frith
n. archaic : ESTUARY

fritillaria
: any of a widespread genus (Fritillaria) of bulbous herbs of the lily family with variably colored and often mottled or checkered flowers

fritillary
n. 1 : FRITILLARIA
2 : any of numerous nymphalid butterflies (Argynnis, Speyeria, and related genera) that usually are orange with black spots on the upper side of both wings and silver spotted on the underside of the hind wing

frittata
n. : an unfolded omelet often containing chopped vegetables or meats

fritted
v. : being porous glass made of sintered powdered glass or fiberglass

fritter
n. : a small mass of fried or sautéed batter often containing fruit or meat

fritter
n. transitive verb
1 : to spend or waste bit by bit, on trifles, or without commensurate return ― usually used with away
2 : to break into small fragments
intransitive verb : DISSIPATE, DWINDLE
–frit·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

fritto misto
: small morsels of meat, seafood, or vegetables coated with batter and deep fried

fritz
n. : a state of disorder or disrepair ― used in the phrase on the fritz

Friuli
district N Italy in Friuli-Venezia Giulia on Slovenia border
–Fri·u·li·an \frē-'ü-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

Friuli-Venezia Giulia
region N Italy E of Veneto capital Trieste area 3028 sq mi (7842 sq km), pop 1,188,594

frivol
v. : to act frivolously : TRIFLE
–friv·ol·er or friv·ol·ler \-və-lər\ noun

frivolity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being frivolous
2 : a frivolous act or thing

frivolous
adj. 1 a : of little weight or importance b : having no sound basis (as in fact or law) <a frivolous lawsuit>
2 a : lacking in seriousness b : marked by unbecoming levity
–friv·o·lous·ly adverb
–friv·o·lous·ness noun

frizz
n. transitive verb : to form into small tight curls
intransitive verb of hair : to form a mass of tight curls

frizz
n. 1 : a tight curl
2 : hair that is tightly curled

frizz
n. transitive verb : to fry or sear with a sizzling noise
intransitive verb : SIZZLE

frizzies
: frizzy hair ― often used with the <a bad case of the frizzies>

frizzle
n. : FRIZZ, CURL

frizzle
n. : a crisp curl

frizzle
n. transitive verb
1 : to fry until crisp and curled
2 : BURN, SCORCH
intransitive verb : to cook with a sizzling noise

frizzy
adj. : tightly curled <frizzy hair>
–frizz·i·ness noun

FRM
fixed rate mortgage

fro
adv. dialect British : FROM

fro
adv. : BACK, AWAY ― used in the phrase to and fro

fro
adv. to and fro
to ing and fro ing
to ings and fro ings

Frobisher
n. Sir Martin 1535?-1594 Eng. navigator

Frobisher Bay
inlet of the Atlantic N Canada in E Nunavut on SE coast of Baffin Is.

frock
n. 1 : an outer garment worn by monks and friars : HABIT
2 : an outer garment worn chiefly by men: a : a long loose mantle b : a workman's outer shirt especially : SMOCK FROCK c : a woolen jersey worn especially by sailors
3 : a woman's dress

frock
n. 1 : to clothe in a frock
2 : to make a cleric of

frock coat
: a man's knee-length usually double-breasted coat

froe
n. : a cleaving tool for splitting cask staves and shingles from the block

Froebel
n. Friedrich Wilhelm August 1782-1852 Ger. educ.

frog
n. 1 : any of various largely aquatic leaping anuran amphibians (as ranids) that have slender bodies with smooth moist skin and strong long hind legs with webbed feet ― compare TOAD
2 : the triangular elastic horny pad in the middle of the sole of the foot of a horse ― see HOOF illustration
3 a : a loop attached to a belt to hold a weapon or tool b : an ornamental braiding for fastening the front of a garment that consists of a button and a loop through which it passes
4 often capitalized usually offensive : FRENCHMAN
5 : a device permitting the wheels on one rail of a track to cross an intersecting rail
6 : a condition in the throat that produces hoarseness <had a frog in his throat>
7 : the nut of a violin bow
8 : a small holder (as of metal, glass, or plastic) with perforations or spikes for holding flowers in place in a bowl or vase

frog
n. frog kick
frog march
frog spit
leopard frog
poison dart frog
poison arrow frog
tree frog
wood frog

frog kick
: a breaststroke kick executed with the knees primarily turned outward and the legs alternately separated and closed

frog spit
: CUCKOO SPIT 1

frog-march
: to seize from behind roughly and forcefully propel forward <frog-marched him out the door>

frogeye
: any of various fungal leaf diseases characterized by concentric rings about the diseased spots

froghopper
n. : SPITTLEBUG

froglet
: a young frog specifically : one that has recently metamorphosed from a tadpole

frogman
n. : a person equipped (as with face mask, flippers, and air supply) for extended periods of underwater swimming especially : a person so equipped for military reconnaissance and demolition

Frohman
Charles 1860-1915 American theater manager

Froissart
Jean 1333?-ca 1405 Fr. chronicler

frolic
n. : full of fun : MERRY

frolic
n. 1 : to amuse oneself : make merry
2 : to play and run about happily : ROMP
–frol·ick·er noun

frolic
n. 1 : a playful or mischievous action
2 a : an occasion or scene of fun : PARTY b : FUN, MERRIMENT

frolicsome
adj. : full of gaiety : PLAYFUL, SPORTIVE

from
prep. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits <came here from the city> <a week from today> <cost from $5 to $10> b ― used as a function word to indicate the starting or focal point of an activity <called me from a pay phone> <ran a business from her home>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation <protection from the sun> <relief from anxiety>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis <we conclude from this> <a call from my lawyer> <inherited a love of music from his father> <worked hard from necessity>

from
prep. from wire to wire
apart from
aside from
blast from the past
bolt from the blue
from coast to coast
fall from grace
far from
far be it from
from the field
from the floor
from the ground up
hail from
from hell
from hence
from the horse's mouth
from the housetops
from hunger
know from
miles from nowhere
from pillar to post
pull the rug from under
from scratch
shoot from the hip
from stem to stern
from strength to strength
from thence
from time to time
walk away from
from way back
from whence

from coast to coast
across an entire nation or continent

from hell
being the worst or most dreadful of its kind

from hence
archaic : from this place : from this time

from hunger
very bad or inept <the jokes were from hunger ― Mordecai Richler>

from pillar to post
from one place or one predicament to another

from scratch

1 : from a point at which nothing has been done ahead of time <build a school system from scratch>
2 : without using a prepared mixture of ingredients <bake a cake from scratch>

from stem to stern
THROUGHOUT, THOROUGHLY

from strength to strength
vigorously forward : from one high point to the next

from the field
in field goals as opposed to free throws <made 40 percent of his shots from the field>

from the floor
in field goals as opposed to free throws <made 16 of 18 shots from the floor>

from the ground up

1 : entirely new or afresh
2 : from top to bottom : THOROUGHLY

from the horse's mouth
from the original source

from the housetops
for all to hear : OPENLY <shouting their grievances from the housetops>

from thence
from that place

from time to time
once in a while : OCCASIONALLY

from way back
of long standing <friends from way back>

from whence
from what place, source, or cause <no one could tell me from whence the gold had come ― Graham Greene>

Fromm
Erich 1900-1980 American (Ger.-born) psychoanalyst

frond
n. 1 : a large leaf (esp. of a palm or fern) usually with many divisions
2 : a thallus or thalloid shoot (as of a lichen or seaweed) resembling a leaf
–frond·ed \'frän-dəd\ adjective

frondeur
: REBEL, MALCONTENT

Frondizi
Arturo 1908-1995 Argentine pres. (1958-62)

front
n. 1 a : FOREHEAD also : the whole face b : external and often feigned appearance especially in the face of danger or adversity
2 a (1) : VANGUARD (2) : a line of battle (3) : a zone of conflict between armies b (1) : a stand on an issue : POLICY (2) : an area of activity or interest <progress on the educational front> (3) : a movement linking divergent elements to achieve common objectives especially : a political coalition
3 : a side of a building especially : the side that contains the principal entrance
4 a : the forward part or surface b (1) : FRONTAGE (2) : a beach promenade at a seaside resort c : DICKEY 1A d : the boundary between two dissimilar air masses
5 archaic : BEGINNING
6 a (1) : a position ahead of a person or of the foremost part of a thing (2) ― used as a call by a hotel desk clerk in summoning a bellhop b : a position of leadership or superiority
7 a : a person, group, or thing used to mask the identity or true character or activity of the actual controlling agent b : a person who serves as the nominal head or spokesman of an enterprise or group to lend it prestige
–in front of : directly before or ahead of
–out front : in the audience

front
n. 1 : to have the front or principal side adjacent to something also : to have frontage on something <a ten-acre plot fronting on a lake ― Current Biog.>
2 : to serve as a front <fronting for special interests>
transitive verb
1 a : CONFRONT <went to the woods because I wished⋯to front only the essential facts of life ― H. D. Thoreau> b : to appear before <daily fronted him in some fresh splendor ― Alfred Tennyson>
2 a : to be in front of <a lawn fronting the house> b : to be the leader of (a musical group) <appeared as a soloist and fronted bands>
3 : to face toward or have frontage on <the house fronts the street>
4 : to supply a front to <fronted the building with bricks>
5 a : to articulate (a sound) with the tongue farther forward b : to move (a word or phrase) to the beginning of a sentence
6 basketball : to play in front of (an opposing player) rather than between the player and the basket
7 : ADVANCE 7 <fronted him the cash>

front
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or situated at the front b : acting as a front <front company>
2 : articulated at or toward the front of the oral passage <front vowels>
3 : constituting the first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course
–front adverb

front
n. frontispiece

front
n. cold front
drop front
fly front
out front
in front of
front and center
front bench
front bencher
front burner
front dive
front end
front end load
front end loader
front loader
front line
front load
front man
front matter
front money
front office
front page
front room
front runner
home front
occluded front
polar front
popular front
shock front
stationary front
swell front
up front
warm front
wave front
Front Range

front and center
: in or to the forefront of activity or consideration

front bench
: either of the two benches nearest the chair in a British legislature (as the House of Commons) occupied by government and opposition leaders also : the leaders themselves ― compare BACKBENCH
–front-bench·er \-'ben-chər\ noun

front burner
: the condition of being in active consideration or development : a position of priority ― usually used in the phrase on the front burner ― compare BACK BURNER
–front-burner adjective

front dive
: a dive from a position facing the water

front end
1 : a unit in a computer system devoted to controlling the data communications link between terminals and the main computer and often to the preliminary processing of data
2 : a software interface (as a graphical user interface) designed to enable user-friendly interaction with a computer

front line
1 a : a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units also : FRONT 2A(2) b : an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle
2 : the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity

front man
1 : a person serving as a front or figurehead
2 : the lead performer in a musical group

front matter
: matter preceding the main text of a book

front money
: money that is paid in advance for a promised service or product

front office
: the policy-making officials of an organization ― usually hyphenated when used attributively <the front-office staff>

Front Range
range of the Rockies extending from cen Colo. N into SE Wyo. ― see GRAYS PEAK

front room
: LIVING ROOM, PARLOR

front-end
: relating to or required at the beginning of an undertaking <no front-end charge at the time of investment>

front-end load
: the part of the total commission and expenses taken out of early payments under a contract plan for the periodic purchase of investment-company shares

front-end loader
: a usually wheeled vehicle with a hydraulically operated scoop in front for excavating and loading loose material ― called also front loader

front-load
: to assign costs or benefits to the early stages of (as a contract, project, or time period)

front-page
: printed on the front page of a newspaper also : very newsworthy

front-page
: to print or report on the front page

front-runner
1 : a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2 : a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition <a political front-runner>

frontage
n. 1 a : a piece of land that lies adjacent (as to a street or the ocean) b : the land between the front of a building and the street c : the length of a frontage
2 : the act or fact of facing a given way
3 : the front side of a building

frontage road
: a local street that parallels an expressway or through street and that provides access to property near the expressway ― called also service road

frontal
adj. 1 [Middle English frontel, from Medieval Latin frontellum, diminutive of Latin front-, frons] : a cloth hanging over the front of an altar
2 : FACADE 1

frontal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or adjacent to the forehead or the frontal bone
2 a : of, relating to, or situated at the front b : directed against the front or at the main point or issue : DIRECT <frontal assault>
3 : parallel to the main axis of the body and at right angles to the sagittal plane
4 : of or relating to a meteorological front
–fron·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

frontal bone
: a bone that forms the forehead and roofs over most of the orbits and nasal cavity and that at birth consists of two halves separated by a suture

frontal lobe
: the anterior division of each cerebral hemisphere

frontality
1 sculpture : a schematic composition of the front view that is complete without lateral movement
2 painting : the depiction of an object, figure, or scene in a plane parallel to the plane of the picture surface

frontcourt
1 : a basketball team's offensive half of the court
2 : the positions of the forwards and center on a basketball team also : the forwards and center themselves

Frontenac et Palluau
Comte de 1622-1698 Louis de Buade \'bwyäd\ Fr. gen. & colonial administrator in America

Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera
Palos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera

fronti nulla fides
: no reliance can be placed on appearance

frontier
n. 1 a : a border between two countries b obsolete : a stronghold on a frontier
2 a : a region that forms the margin of settled or developed territory b : the farthermost limits of knowledge or achievement in a particular subject c : a line of division between different or opposed things <the frontiers separating science and the humanities ― R. W. Clark> d : a new field for exploitative or developmental activity
–frontier adjective

frontiersman
n. : a person who lives or works on a frontier

frontispiece
n. 1 a : the principal front of a building b : a decorated pediment over a portico or window
2 : an illustration preceding and usually facing the title page of a book or magazine

frontless
adj. archaic : SHAMELESS

frontlet
n. 1 : a band or phylactery worn on the forehead
2 : the forehead especially of an animal

frontline
n. 1 : relating to, being, or involved in a front line <frontline ambulances>
2 : FIRST-RATE <frontline teachers> also : FIRST-STRING <a frontline goalie>

fronto
pref. : boundary of an air mass <frontogenesis>

frontogenesis
n. : the coming together into a distinct front of two dissimilar air masses that commonly react upon each other to induce cloud and precipitation

frontolysis
: a process tending to destroy a meteorological front

fronton
n. : a jai alai arena

frontward
adj. : toward the front

frore
: FROSTY, FROZEN

frosh
n. : FRESHMAN

Frost
n. Robert Lee 1874-1963 American poet
–Frost·ian \'frȯs-tē-ən, -chən\ adjective

frost
n. 1 a : the process of freezing b : a covering of minute ice crystals on a cold surface also : ice particles formed from a gas c : the temperature that causes freezing
2 a : coldness of deportment or temperament : an indifferent, reserved, or unfriendly manner b : FAILURE <the play was⋯a most dreadful frost ― Arnold Bennett>

frost
n. 1 a : to cover with or as if with frost especially : to put icing on (cake) b : to produce a fine-grained slightly roughened surface on (as metal or glass)
2 : to injure or kill (as plants) by frost
3 : to make angry or irritated <that really frosts me>
intransitive verb : to become frosted

frost
n. frost heave
frost heaving
Jack Frost

frost heave
: an upthrust of ground or pavement caused by freezing of moist soil ― called also frost heaving

Frostbelt
n. the N & NE states of the U.S.

frostbite
n. : to affect or injure by frost or frostbite

frostbite
n. : the superficial or deep freezing of the tissues of some part of the body (as the feet or hands) also : the damage to tissues caused by freezing ― compare FROSTNIP

frostbite
n. : done in cold weather <frostbite sailing> also : of or relating to cold-weather sailing <frostbite sailors>

frostbiting
: the sport of sailing in cold weather

frosted
adj. : having undergone frosting <frosted hair>

frosting
n. 1 a : ICING b : TRIMMING, ORNAMENTATION
2 : lusterless finish of metal or glass : MAT also : a white finish produced on glass (as by etching)
3 : the lightening (as by chemicals) of small strands of hair throughout the entire head to produce a two-tone effect ― compare STREAKING

frostnip
: the reversible freezing of superficial skin layers that is usually marked by numbness and whiteness of the skin

frostwork
n. : the figures that moisture sometimes forms in freezing (as on a windowpane)

frosty
adj. 1 a : attended with or producing frost : FREEZING b : briskly cold : CHILLY
2 : covered or appearing as if covered with frost : HOARY <a man of 65, with frosty eyebrows and hair ― Nan Robertson>
3 : marked by coolness or extreme reserve in manner <his smile was distinctly frosty ― Erle Stanley Gardner>
–frost·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adverb
–frost·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ noun

froth
n. 1 a : bubbles formed in or on a liquid : FOAM b : a foamy slaver sometimes accompanying disease or exhaustion
2 : something resembling froth (as in being unsubstantial, worthless, or light and airy)

froth
n. 1 : to foam at the mouth
2 : to throw froth out or up
3 : to become covered with or as if with froth <whole groves froth with nodding blossoms ― Amy Lovejoy>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to foam
2 : to cover with froth
3 : VENT, VOICE

frothy
adj. 1 : full of or consisting of froth
2 a : gaily frivolous or light in content or treatment : INSUBSTANTIAL <a frothy comedy> b : made of light thin material
–froth·i·ly \-thə-lē, -thə-\ adverb
–froth·i·ness \-thē-nəs, -thē-\ noun

frottage
n. 1 : the technique of creating a design by rubbing (as with a pencil) over an object placed underneath the paper also : a composition so made
2 : the act of obtaining sexual stimulation by rubbing against a person or object

Froude
James Anthony 1818-1894 Eng. hist.

froufrou
n. 1 : a rustling especially of a woman's skirts
2 : showy or frilly ornamentation

frow
variant of froe

froward
adj. 1 : habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
2 archaic : ADVERSE
–fro·ward·ly adverb
–fro·ward·ness noun

Froward, Cape
headland S Chile N of Strait of Magellan; southernmost point of mainland of S. America at ab 53°54′S

frown
n. intransitive verb
1 : to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration
2 : to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression <critics frown on the idea>
transitive verb : to show displeasure with or disapproval of especially by facial expression
–frown·er noun
–frown·ing·ly \'frau̇-niŋ-lē\ adverb

frown
n. 1 : an expression of displeasure
2 : a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure or concentration

frowsty
adj. 1 chiefly British : MUSTY
2 chiefly British : FROWSY 2

frowsy
adj. 1 : MUSTY, STALE <a frowsy smell of stale beer and stale smoke ― W. S. Maugham>
2 : having a slovenly or uncared-for appearance <a couple of frowsy stuffed chairs ― R. M. Williams>

froze
past of freeze

frozen
adj. 1 a : treated, affected, or crusted over by freezing b : subject to long and severe cold <the frozen north>
2 a : incapable of being changed, moved, or undone : FIXED specifically : debarred by official action from movement or from change in status <frozen wages> b : not available for present use <frozen capital> c (1) : drained or incapable of emotion (2) : expressing or characterized by cold unfriendliness
–fro·zen·ly adverb
–fro·zen·ness \-zən-(n)əs\ noun

FRS
Federal Reserve System

frt
freight

fructification
n. : the reproductive organs or fruit of a plant especially : SPOROPHORE

fructify
v. intransitive verb : to bear fruit <its seeds shall fructify ― Amy Lowell> <no partnership can fructify without candor on both sides ― D. M. Ogilvy>
transitive verb : to make fruitful or productive

fructose
n. 1 : a crystalline sugar C_6H_12O_6 sweeter and more soluble than glucose
2 : the very sweet levorotatory D-form of fructose that occurs especially in fruit juices and honey ― called also fruit sugar levulose

fructuous
adj. : FRUITFUL <a fructuous land>

frugal
adj. : characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources
synonyms see SPARING
–fru·gal·i·ty \frü-'ga-lə-tē\ noun
–fru·gal·ly \'frü-gə-lē\ adverb

frugivorous
adj. : feeding on fruit
–fru·gi·vore \'frü-ji-ˌvȯr\ noun

fruit
n. 1 a : a product of plant growth (as grain, vegetables, or cotton) <the fruits of the field> b (1) : the usually edible reproductive body of a seed plant especially : one having a sweet pulp associated with the seed <the fruit of the tree> (2) : a succulent plant part (as the petioles of a rhubarb plant) used chiefly in a dessert or sweet course c : a dish, quantity, or diet of fruits <live on fruit> d : a product of fertilization in a plant with its modified envelopes or appendages specifically : the ripened ovary of a seed plant and its contents e : the flavor or aroma of fresh fruit in mature wine
2 : OFFSPRING, PROGENY
3 a : the state of bearing fruit <a tree in fruit> b : the effect or consequence of an action or operation : PRODUCT, RESULT <the fruits of our labor>
4 usually disparaging : a male homosexual
–fruit·ed \'frü-təd\ adjective

fruit
n. : to bear fruit
transitive verb : to cause to bear fruit

fruit
n. star fruit
fruit sugar
accessory fruit
bear fruit
fleshy fruit
forbidden fruit
fruit bat
fruit fly
fruit machine
Mediterranean fruit fly
miracle fruit
oriental fruit moth
passion fruit
stone fruit
fruiting body

fruit bat
: any of a family (Pteropodidae of the suborder Megachiroptera) of often large tropical and subtropical Old World bats that feed on ripe fruit, pollen, and nectar and that usually use visual navigation rather than echolocation ― called also flying fox

fruit fly
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

fruit machine
British : SLOT MACHINE 2

fruit sugar
: FRUCTOSE 2

fruitage
n. 1 a : FRUIT b : the condition or process of bearing fruit
2 : the product or result of an action

fruitarian
n. : a person who lives on fruit

fruitcake
n. 1 : a rich cake containing nuts, dried or candied fruits, and spices
2 : NUT 6A

fruiterer
n. chiefly British : a person who deals in fruit

fruitful
adj. 1 a : yielding or producing fruit b : conducive to an abundant yield
2 : abundantly productive <a fruitful discussion>
synonyms see FERTILE
–fruit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–fruit·ful·ness noun

fruiting body
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores especially : SPOROPHORE

fruition
n. 1 : pleasurable use or possession : ENJOYMENT
2 a : the state of bearing fruit b : REALIZATION

fruitless
adj. 1 : UNSUCCESSFUL <a fruitless attempt>
2 : lacking or not bearing fruit
synonyms see FUTILE
–fruit·less·ly adverb
–fruit·less·ness noun

fruitlet
n. 1 : a small fruit
2 : a unit of a collective fruit

fruitwood
n. : the wood of a fruit tree (as the apple, cherry, or pear) <fruitwood furniture>

fruity
adj. 1 a : relating to, made with, or resembling fruit b : having the flavor or aroma of ripe fruit
2 a : extremely effective, interesting, or enjoyable b : sweet or sentimental especially to excess c of a voice : rich and deep
3 slang : CRAZY, SILLY
–fruit·i·ly adverb
–fruit·i·ness noun

frumenty
n. : a dish of wheat boiled in milk and usually sweetened and spiced

frump
n. 1 : a dowdy unattractive girl or woman
2 : a staid, drab, old-fashioned person

frumpish
adj. : DOWDY, DRAB

frumpy
adj. : DOWDY, DRAB

Frunze
― see BISHKEK

frustrate
v. 1 a : to balk or defeat in an endeavor b : to induce feelings of discouragement in
2 a (1) : to make ineffectual : bring to nothing (2) : IMPEDE, OBSTRUCT b : to make invalid or of no effect
synonyms FRUSTRATE, THWART, FOIL, BAFFLE, BALK mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. FRUSTRATE implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent <frustrated attempts at government reform>. THWART suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing <the army thwarted his attempt at a coup>. FOIL implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort <foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her>. BAFFLE implies frustration by confusing or puzzling <baffled by the maze of rules and regulations>. BALK suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances <officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime>.

frustrate
v. : characterized by frustration

frustrating
adj. : tending to produce or characterized by frustration <a frustrating delay>
–frus·trat·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

frustration
n. 1 : the act of frustrating
2 a : the state or an instance of being frustrated b : a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs
3 : something that frustrates

frustule
n. : the 2-valved siliceous shell of a diatom

frustum
n. : the basal part of a solid cone or pyramid formed by cutting off the top by a plane parallel to the base also : the part of a solid intersected between two usually parallel planes

fruticose
: having a shrubby often branched thallus that grows perpendicular to the substrate <fruticose lichens> ― compare CRUSTOSE, FOLIOSE

frwy
freeway

Fry
n. Christopher 1907-     Eng. dram.

fry
n. transitive verb
1 : to cook in a pan or on a griddle over heat especially with the use of fat
2 slang : ELECTROCUTE 1
3 : to damage or destroy (an electrical device or its circuitry) by overheating especially as a result of unusually high voltage
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo frying
2 : to get very hot or burn as if being fried <bodies frying on the beach>

fry
n. 1 : a social gathering or picnic where food is fried and eaten <a fish fry>
2 a : a dish of something fried b : FRENCH FRY ― usually used in plural <a burger and fries>

fry
n. 1 a : recently hatched or juvenile fishes b : the young of other animals
2 : very small adult fishes
3 : members of a group or class : INDIVIDUALS <small fry>

fry
n. deep fry
fish to fry
fish fry
french fry
fry bread
fry pan
fry up
Hangtown fry
small fry
stir fry
home fries
chicken fried steak
fried rice
home fried potatoes
frying pan
out of the frying pan into the fire

fry bread
: quick bread cooked (as by American Indians) by deep-frying

fry-up
British : a dish or meal of fried food

Frydek-Mistek
city E Czech Republic just S of Ostrava pop 226,563

Frye
(Herman) Northrop 1912-1991 Canad. lit. critic

fryer
n. : something intended for or used in frying: as a : a young chicken b : a deep utensil for frying foods

frying pan
: a metal pan with a handle that is used for frying foods ― called also fry pan
–out of the frying pan into the fire : clear of one difficulty only to fall into a greater one

FS
1 filmstrip
2 Foreign Service

fs
femtosecond

FSH
follicle-stimulating hormone

FSLIC
Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation

FSO
Foreign Service Officer

FT
n. 1 Fourier transform
2 free throw
3 full time

ft
n. 1 feet; foot
2 fort

ft lb
foot-pound

FTC
Federal Trade Commission

FTE
full-time equivalent

fth
fathom

FTP
: a system for transferring computer files especially via the Internet
–FTP transitive verb

Fu
K'ung Fu tzu
Fu chou
fu dog
Fu Manchu mustache
kung fu
Tu Fu

fu dog

Usage:

often cap F

variant of foo dog

Fu Manchu mustache
: a long mustache with ends that turn down to the chin

Fu'ad
1868-1936 sultan (1917-22) & king (1922-36) of Egypt

Fu-chou
― see FUZHOU

fubsy
adj. : chubby and somewhat squat

fuchsia
n. 1 : any of a genus (Fuchsia) of ornamental shrubs of the evening-primrose family having showy nodding flowers usually in deep pinks, reds, and purples
2 : a vivid reddish purple

fuchsin
n. : a dye that is produced by oxidation of a mixture of aniline and toluidines and yields a brilliant bluish red

fuck
n. intransitive verb
1 usually obscene : COPULATE
2 usually vulgar : MESS 3 ― used with with
transitive verb
1 usually obscene : to engage in coitus with ― sometimes used interjectionally with an object (as a personal or reflexive pronoun) to express anger, contempt, or disgust
2 usually vulgar : to deal with unfairly or harshly : CHEAT, SCREW

fuck
n. 1 usually obscene : an act of copulation
2 usually obscene : a sexual partner
3 a usually vulgar : DAMN 2 b usually vulgar ― used especially with the as a meaningless intensive <what the fuck do they want from me>
4 usually vulgar : FUCKER

fuck
n. fuck off
fuck up
fucked up

fuck off
usually vulgar : SCRAM ― usually used as a command

fuck up
usually vulgar : to act foolishly or stupidly : BLUNDER
transitive verb usually vulgar : to ruin or spoil especially through stupidity or carelessness : BUNGLE
–fuck·up \'fək-ˌəp\ noun usually vulgar

fucked-up
usually vulgar : thoroughly confused, disordered, or damaged

fucker
n. usually vulgar : one that fucks ― often used as a generalized term of abuse

fucking
adj. usually vulgar : DAMNED ― used as an intensive

fucoid
: relating to or resembling the rockweeds

fucoid
: a fucoid seaweed or fossil

fucose
adj. : an aldose sugar that occurs in bound form in the dextrorotatory form in various glycosides and in the levorotatory form in some brown algae and in mammalian polysaccharides typical of some blood groups

fucoxanthin
: a brown carotenoid pigment C_40H_60O_6 occurring especially in the chloroplasts of brown algae

fucus
n. 1 obsolete : a face paint
2 [New Latin, genus name, from L] : any of a genus (Fucus) of leathery marine brown algae of rocky intertidal zones that are a source of algin and have been used as fertilizer broadly : any of various brown algae ― compare ROCKWEED

FUD
fear, uncertainty, doubt

fud
: FUDDY-DUDDY

fuddle
n. intransitive verb : BOOZE, TIPPLE
transitive verb
1 : to make drunk : INTOXICATE
2 : to make confused : MUDDLE <corridors, archways, recesses⋯combined to fuddle any sense of direction ― Elizabeth Bowen>

fuddy-duddy
: one that is old-fashioned, unimaginative, or conservative
–fuddy-duddy adjective

fudge
n. transitive verb
1 a : to devise as a substitute : FAKE b : FALSIFY <fudged the figures>
2 : to fail to come to grips with : DODGE <fudged the issue>
intransitive verb
1 : to exceed the proper bounds or limits of something <feel that the author has fudged a little on the⋯rules for crime fiction ― Newsweek> also : CHEAT <fudging on an exam>
2 : to fail to perform as expected
3 : to avoid commitment : HEDGE <the government's tendency to fudge on delicate matters of policy ― Claire Sterling>

fudge
n. 1 : foolish nonsense ― often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief
2 : a soft creamy candy made typically of sugar, milk, butter, and flavoring
3 : something that is fudged especially : a bending of rules or a compromise

fudge factor
: an arbitrary mathematical term inserted into a calculation in order to arrive at an expected solution or to allow for errors especially of underestimation broadly : any arbitrary unspecified factor

fuel
n. 1 a : a material used to produce heat or power by burning b : nutritive material c : a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor
2 : a source of sustenance or incentive : REINFORCEMENT

fuel
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide with fuel
2 : SUPPORT, STIMULATE <movement is fueled by massive grants-in-aid ― Allen Schick>
intransitive verb : to take in fuel ― often used with up

fuel
n. diesel fuel
fossil fuel
fuel cell
fuel injection
fuel injected
fuel oil
fossil fueled

fuel cell
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (as hydrogen) and an oxidant directly into electrical energy

fuel injection
: a usually electronically-controlled system for injecting a precise amount of atomized fuel into the cylinders or the intake airstream of an internal combustion engine
–fuel-in·ject·ed \'fyül-in-'jek-təd\ adjective

fuel oil
: an oil that is used for fuel and that usually has a higher flash point than kerosene

fuelwood
: wood grown or used for fuel

Fuenlabrada
commune cen Spain, SSW of Madrid pop 182,705

Fuentes
Carlos 1928-     Mex. author

Fuertes
Louis Agassiz 1874-1927 American illustrator

fug
n. : the stuffy atmosphere of a poorly ventilated space also : a stuffy or malodorous emanation
–fug·gy \'fə-gē\ adjective

fug
n. intransitive verb : to loll indoors in a stuffy atmosphere
transitive verb : to make stuffy and odorous

fugacious
adj. : lasting a short time : EVANESCENT

fugacity
n. : the vapor pressure of a vapor assumed to be an ideal gas obtained by correcting the determined vapor pressure and useful as a measure of the escaping tendency of a substance from a heterogeneous system

fugal
adj. : of, relating to, or being in the style of a musical fugue
–fu·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

Fugard
Athol 1932-     So. African playwright

fuge
: one that drives away <febrifuge>

fugitive
n. 1 : running away or intending flight <a fugitive slave> <a fugitive debtor>
2 : moving from place to place : WANDERING
3 a : being of short duration b : difficult to grasp or retain : ELUSIVE c : likely to evaporate, deteriorate, change, fade, or disappear <dyed with fugitive colors>
4 : being of transient interest <fugitive essays>
synonyms see TRANSIENT
–fu·gi·tive·ly adverb
–fu·gi·tive·ness noun

fugitive
n. 1 : a person who flees or tries to escape especially : REFUGEE
2 : something elusive or hard to find

fugleman
n. 1 : a trained soldier formerly posted in front of a line of soldiers at drill to serve as a model in their exercises
2 : one at the head or forefront of a group or movement

fugu
n. : any of various very poisonous puffer fishes (family Tetraodontidae) that contain tetrodotoxin and that are used as food in Japan after the toxin-containing parts are removed

fugue
n. 1 a : a musical composition in which one or two themes are repeated or imitated by successively entering voices and contrapuntally developed in a continuous interweaving of the voice parts b : something that resembles a fugue especially in interweaving repetitive elements
2 : a disturbed state of consciousness in which the one affected seems to perform acts in full awareness but upon recovery cannot recollect the acts performed
–fugue verb
–fugu·ist \'fyü-gist\ noun

fuhrer
n. : LEADER 2 especially : TYRANT

fuit Ilium
: Troy has been (i.e., is no more)

Fujairah
― see AL FUJAYRAH

fuji
n. : a spun silk clothing fabric in plain weave orig. made in Japan

Fuji, Mount
mountain 12,388 ft (3776 m) Japan in S cen Honshu; highest in Japan

Fujian
n. province SE China bordering on Taiwan Strait capital Fuzhou area 47,529 sq mi (123,575 sq km), pop 30,048,224

Fujimori
Alberto 1938-     pres. of Peru (1990-2000)

Fujisawa
city Japan in SE Honshu pop 379,185

Fukui
Kenichi 1918-1998 Jp. chem.

Fukuoka
n. city & port Japan in N Kyushu on inlet of Tsushima Strait pop 1,341,470

Fukuyama
city Japan in SW Honshu pop 378,789

ful
1 : full of <prideful>
2 : characterized by <peaceful>
3 : having the qualities of <masterful>
4 : tending, given, or liable to <helpful>

ful
: number or quantity that fills or would fill <roomful>

Fula
n. 1 : a member of a mainly pastoral African people dispersed over savanna and desert from Senegal to eastern Sudan
2 : the language of the Fula people

Fulani
n. 1 : FULA 1 especially : the Fula of northern Nigeria and adjacent areas
2 : FULA 2

Fulbright
n. (James) William 1905-1995 American polit.

fulcrum
n. 1 a : PROP specifically : the support about which a lever turns b : one that supplies capability for action
2 : a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support

Fulda
city cen Germany pop 57,180

fulfill
v. 1 archaic : to make full : FILL <her subtle, warm, and golden breath⋯fulfills him with beatitude ― Alfred Tennyson>
2 a : to put into effect : EXECUTE b : to meet the requirements of (a business order) c : to bring to an end d : to measure up to : SATISFY
3 a : to convert into reality b : to develop the full potentialities of
synonyms see PERFORM
–ful·fill·er noun

fulfillment
n. 1 : the act or process of fulfilling
2 : the act or process of delivering a product (as a publication) to a customer

fulgent
adj. : dazzlingly bright : RADIANT
–ful·gent·ly adverb

fulgurant
adj. : flashing like lightning also : BRILLIANT

fulguration
n. 1 : the act or process of flashing like lightning
2 : ELECTRODESICCATION
–ful·gu·rate \'fu̇l-g(y)ə-ˌrāt, 'fu̇l-jə-, 'fəl-\ transitive verb

fulgurite
n. : an often tubular vitrified crust produced by the fusion of sand or rock by lightning

fulgurous
: flashing with lightning

Fulham
former metropolitan borough SW London, England, now part of Hammersmith

fulham
archaic : a loaded die

fuliginous
adj. 1 a : SOOTY b : OBSCURE, MURKY
2 : having a dark or dusky color
–fu·lig·i·nous·ly adverb

full
n. 1 : containing as much or as many as is possible or normal <a bin full of corn>
2 a : complete especially in detail, number, or duration <a full report> <gone a full hour> <my full share> b : lacking restraint, check, or qualification <full retreat> <full support> c : having all distinguishing characteristics : enjoying all authorized rights and privileges <full member> <full professor> d : not lacking in any essential : PERFECT <in full control of your senses> e (1) : completely occupied by runners <came to bat with the bases full> (2) : having three balls and two strikes <a full count>
3 a : being at the highest or greatest degree : MAXIMUM <full speed> <full strength> b : being at the height of development <full bloom> c : being a full moon : completely illuminated <the moon is full tonight>
4 : rounded in outline <a full figure>
5 a : possessing or containing a great number or amount ― used with of <a room full of pictures> <full of hope> b : having an abundance of material especially in the form of gathered, pleated, or flared parts <a full skirt> c : rich in experience <a full life>
6 a : satisfied especially with food or drink b : large enough to satisfy <a full meal>
7 archaic : completely weary
8 : having both parents in common <full sisters>
9 : having volume or depth of sound <full tones>
10 : completely occupied especially with a thought or plan <full of his own concerns>
11 : possessing a rich or pronounced quality <a food of full flavor>
–full of it : not to be believed
synonyms FULL, COMPLETE, PLENARY, REPLETE mean containing all that is wanted or needed or possible. FULL implies the presence or inclusion of everything that is wanted or required by something or that can be held, contained, or attained by it <a full schedule>. COMPLETE applies when all that is needed is present <a complete picture of the situation>. PLENARY adds to COMPLETE the implication of fullness without qualification <given plenary power>. REPLETE implies being filled to the brim or to satiety <replete with delightful details>.

full
n. 1 a : VERY, EXTREMELY <knew full well they had lied to me> b : ENTIRELY <swung full around ― Morley Callaghan>
2 : STRAIGHT, SQUARELY <got hit full in the face>
3 ― used as an intensive <wound up winning by a full four strokes ― William Johnson>

full
n. 1 : the highest or fullest state or degree <the full of the moon>
2 : the utmost extent <enjoy to the full>
–in full
1 : to the requisite or complete amount <paid in full>
2 : to the fullest extent : COMPLETELY <read the book in full>

full
n. of the moon : to become full
transitive verb : to make full in sewing

full
n. : to shrink and thicken (woolen cloth) by moistening, heating, and pressing

full
n. chock full
full of it
in full
full blast
full blood
full blooded
full bloodedness
full blown
full bodied
full bore
full circle
full court press
full dress
full fashioned
full fledged
full house
full length
full marks
full moon
full nelson
full on
full out
full scale
full service
full size
full stop
full term
full tilt
full time
full timer
paschal full moon
play with a full deck
at full throttle
fuller's teasel
fuller's earth

full blast
: at full capacity : with great intensity

full bore
: with maximum effort or speed <runners sprinting full bore>

full circle
: through a series of developments that lead back to the original source, position, or situation or to a complete reversal of the original position ― usually used in the phrase come full circle

full dress
: the style of dress prescribed for ceremonial or formal social occasions

full house
: a poker hand containing three of a kind and a pair ― see POKER illustration

full marks
chiefly British : due credit or commendation

full moon
: the moon with its whole apparent disk illuminated

full nelson
: a wrestling hold gained from behind an opponent by thrusting the arms under the opponent's arms and clasping the hands behind the opponent's head ― compare HALF NELSON

full of it
not to be believed

full stop
chiefly British : PERIOD 5A

full tilt
: at high speed <running full tilt>

full time
: the amount of time considered the normal or standard amount for working during a given period

full-blood
: FULL-BLOODED 1

full-blood
: a full-blooded individual

full-blooded
1 : of unmixed ancestry : PUREBRED
2 : FLORID, RUDDY <of full-blooded face>
3 : FORCEFUL <full-blooded prose style>
4 a : lacking no particulars : GENUINE b : containing fullness of substance : RICH
–full-blood·ed·ness noun

full-blown
1 a : fully mature b : being at the height of bloom c : FULL-FLEDGED
2 : possessing or exhibiting all the usual or necessary features or symptoms <a general philosophy, if not a full-blown ideology, is emerging ― W. H. Jones> <developed full-blown AIDS>

full-bodied
1 : having a large body
2 of a beverage : imparting to the palate the general impression of substantial weight and rich texture
3 : having importance, significance, or meaningfulness <full-bodied study of literature>

full-bore
1 : FULL-BLOWN 2 <a full-bore crisis>
2 : made with maximum effort <a full-bore attempt to succeed>

full-court press
1 : a press employed in basketball on both halves of the court
2 : an all-out effort or offensive

full-dress
: involving attention to every detail in preparation or execution <a full-dress rehearsal> <a full-dress investigation>

full-fashioned
: employing or produced by a knitting process for shaping to conform to body lines <full-fashioned hosiery>

full-fledged
1 : fully developed : TOTAL, COMPLETE <a full-fledged biography>
2 : having attained complete status <full-fledged lawyer>
3 : FULL-BLOWN 2 <a full-fledged reunion>

full-length
1 : showing or adapted to the entire length especially of the human figure <a full-length mirror> <a full-length dress>
2 : having a length as great as that which is normal or standard for one of its kind <a full-length play>

full-on
: COMPLETE, FULL-FLEDGED

full-out
: COMPLETE, TOTAL <a full-out effort>

full-scale
1 : identical to an original in proportion and size <full-scale drawing>
2 a : involving full use of available resources <a full-scale biography> <full-scale war> b : TOTAL, COMPLETE <a full-scale musical renaissance ― Current Biog.>

full-service
: providing comprehensive service of a particular kind <a full-service bank>

full-size
1 : having the usual or normal size of its kind
2 : having the dimensions 54 by 75 inches (about 1.4 by 1.9 meters) ― used of a bed ― compare KING-SIZE, QUEEN-SIZE, TWIN-SIZE

full-term
: retained in the uterus for the normal period of gestation before birth <a full-term newborn>

full-time
1 : employed for or involving full time <full-time employees> <full-time work>
2 : devoting one's full attention and energies to something <a full-time gambler>
–full-time adverb

full-timer
: a person who works full-time

fullback
n. 1 : an offensive football back used primarily for line plunges and blocking
2 : a primarily defensive player usually stationed nearest the defended goal (as in soccer or field hockey)

Fuller
n. Melville Weston 1833-1910 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1888-1910)

Fuller
n. (Richard) Buckminster 1895-1983 American engineer

Fuller
n. (Sarah) Margaret 1810-1850 Marchioness Os·so·li \'ȯ-sə-(ˌ)lē\ American critic & reformer

Fuller
n. Thomas 1608-1661 Eng. divine & author

fuller
n. : one that fulls cloth

fuller
n. : a blacksmithing hammer for grooving and spreading iron

fuller's earth
: an earthy substance that consists chiefly of clay mineral but lacks plasticity and that is used as an adsorbent, a filter medium, and a carrier for catalysts

fuller's teasel
: TEASEL 1A

fullerene
n. : any of a class of closed hollow aromatic carbon compounds whose structures are made up of twelve pentagonal and differing numbers of hexagonal faces especially : one having a roughly spherical shape

Fullerton
city SW Calif. NE of Long Beach pop 126,003

fullmouthed
adj. 1 : having a full complement of teeth <fullmouthed ewes>
2 : uttered loudly

fullness
n. : the quality or state of being full
–in the fullness of time : at some point : EVENTUALLY

fully
adv. 1 : in a full manner or degree : COMPLETELY
2 : at least <fully nine tenths of us>
usage see PLENTY

fulmar
n. : a seabird (Fulmarus glacialis) of colder northern seas closely related to the petrels also : a related bird (F. glacialoides) of circumpolar distribution in colder southern seas

fulminant
adj. : coming on suddenly or with great severity <fulminant disease>

fulminate
transitive verb : to utter or send out with denunciation <fulminate a decree>
intransitive verb : to send forth censures or invectives
–ful·mi·na·tion \ˌfu̇l-mə-'nā-shən, ˌfəl-\ noun

fulminate
v. : an often explosive salt (as mercury fulminate) containing the group –CNO

fulminating
adj. 1 : hurling denunciations or menaces
2 : EXPLOSIVE
3 : FULMINANT

fulmine
archaic : FULMINATE

fulsome
adj. 1 a : characterized by abundance : COPIOUS <describes in fulsome detail ― G. N. Shuster> <fulsome bird life. The feeder overcrowded ― Maxine Kumin> b : generous in amount, extent, or spirit <the passengers were fulsome in praise of the plane's crew ― Don Oliver> <a fulsome victory for the far left ― Bruce Rothwell> <the greetings have been fulsome, the farewells tender ― Simon Gray> c : being full and well developed <she was in generally fulsome, limpid voice ― Thor Eckert, Jr.>
2 : aesthetically, morally, or generally offensive <fulsome lies and nauseous flattery ― William Congreve> <the devil take thee for a⋯fulsome rogue ― George Villiers>
3 : exceeding the bounds of good taste : OVERDONE <the fulsome chromium glitter of the escalators dominating the central hall ― Lewis Mumford>
4 : excessively complimentary or flattering : EFFUSIVE <an admiration whose extent I did not express, lest I be thought fulsome ― A. J. Liebling>
–ful·some·ly adverb
–ful·some·ness noun
usage The senses shown above are the chief living senses of fulsome. Sense 2, which was a generalized term of disparagement in the late 17th century, is the least common of these. Fulsome became a point of dispute when sense 1, thought to be obsolete in the 19th century, began to be revived in the 20th. The dispute was exacerbated by the fact that the large dictionaries of the first half of the century missed the beginnings of the revival. Sense 1 has not only been revived but has spread in its application and continues to do so. The chief danger for the user of fulsome is ambiguity. Unless the context is made very clear, the reader or hearer cannot be sure whether such an expression as “fulsome praise” is meant in sense 1b or in sense 4.

Fulton
n. Robert 1765-1815 American engineer & inventor

fulvous
adj. : of a dull brownish yellow : TAWNY

fumarase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion (as in the Krebs cycle) of fumaric acid and malic acid or their salts

fumarate
adj. : a salt or ester of fumaric acid

fumaric acid
: a crystalline acid C_4H_4O_4 found in various plants or made synthetically

fumarole
n. : a hole in a volcanic region from which hot gases and vapors issue
–fu·ma·rol·ic \ˌfyü-mə-'rō-lik\ adjective

fumble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly b : to make awkward attempts to do or find something <fumbled in his pocket for a coin> c : to search by trial and error d : BLUNDER
2 : to feel one's way or move awkwardly
3 a : to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder b : to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it
transitive verb
1 : to bring about by clumsy manipulation
2 a : to feel or handle clumsily b : to deal with in a blundering way : BUNGLE
3 : to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner
4 a : MISPLAY <fumble a grounder> b : to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running
–fum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–fum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

fumble
n. 1 : an act or instance of fumbling
2 : a fumbled ball

fume
n. 1 a : a smoke, vapor, or gas especially when irritating or offensive <engine exhaust fumes> b : an often noxious suspension of particles in a gas (as air)
2 : something (as an emotion) that impairs one's reasoning <sometimes his head gets a little hot with the fumes of patriotism ― Matthew Arnold>
3 : a state of excited irritation or anger ― usually used in the phrase in a fume
–fumy \'fyü-mē\ adjective
–on fumes : with little of the original strength or energy remaining <tired ballplayers running on fumes>

fume
n. transitive verb
1 : to expose to or treat with fumes
2 : to give off in fumes <fuming thick black smoke>
3 : to utter while in a state of excited irritation or anger
intransitive verb
1 a : to emit fumes b : to be in a state of excited irritation or anger <fretted and fumed over the delay>
2 : to rise in or as if in fumes

fumet
n. : a reduced and seasoned fish, meat, or vegetable stock

fumigant
n. : a substance used in fumigating

fumigate
v. : to apply smoke, vapor, or gas to especially for the purpose of disinfecting or of destroying pests
–fu·mi·ga·tion \ˌfyü-mə-'gā-shən\ noun
–fu·mi·ga·tor \'fyü-mə-ˌgā-tər\ noun

fumitory
n. : any of a genus (Fumaria of the family Fumariaceae, the fumitory family) of erect or climbing herbs especially : a common European herb (F. officinalis)

fun
n. 1 : what provides amusement or enjoyment specifically : playful often boisterous action or speech <full of fun>
2 : a mood for finding or making amusement <all in fun>
3 a : AMUSEMENT, ENJOYMENT <sickness takes all the fun out of life> b : derisive jest : SPORT, RIDICULE <a figure of fun>
4 : violent or excited activity or argument <let a snake loose in the classroom; then the fun began>
synonyms FUN, JEST, SPORT, GAME, PLAY mean action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter. FUN usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose <played cards just for fun>. JEST implies lack of earnestness in what is said or done and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing <hurt by remarks said only in jest>. SPORT applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone <teasing begun in sport led to anger>. GAME is close to SPORT and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun <made game of their poor relations>. PLAY stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief <pretended to strangle his brother in play>.

fun
n. : to indulge in banter or play : JOKE

fun
n. 1 : providing entertainment, amusement, or enjoyment <a fun party> <a fun person to be with>
2 : full of fun : PLEASANT <a fun night> <have a fun time>

fun
n. fun and games
fun house
make fun of
poke fun at

fun and games
: light amusement

fun house
: a building in an amusement park that contains various devices designed to startle or amuse

Funabashi
city Japan in SE Honshu, a suburb of Tokyo pop 550,074

Funafuti
n. island (atoll) cen Tuvalu Islands in W Pacific; contains capital of the group pop 1328

funambulism
n. 1 : tightrope walking
2 : a show especially of mental agility
–fu·nam·bu·list \-list\ noun

Funchal
city & port Portugal capital of Madeira Islands pop 103,961

function
n. 1 : professional or official position : OCCUPATION
2 : the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : PURPOSE
3 : any of a group of related actions contributing to a larger action especially : the normal and specific contribution of a bodily part to the economy of a living organism
4 : an official or formal ceremony or social gathering
5 a : a mathematical correspondence that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set b : a variable (as a quality, trait, or measurement) that depends on and varies with another <height is a function of age> also : RESULT <illnesses that are a function of stress>
6 : characteristic behavior of a chemical compound due to a particular reactive unit also : FUNCTIONAL GROUP
7 : a computer subroutine specifically : one that performs a calculation with variables provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result
–func·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms FUNCTION, OFFICE, DUTY, PROVINCE mean the acts or operations expected of a person or thing. FUNCTION implies a definite end or purpose that the one in question serves or a particular kind of work it is intended to perform <the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information ― Aldous Huxley>. OFFICE is typically applied to the function or service expected of a person by reason of a trade or profession or a special relationship to others <they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor ― W. E. Gladstone>. DUTY applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling <it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case ― R. B. Taney>. PROVINCE applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one <I felt it was not my province to inquire ― Anne Brontë>.

function
n. 1 : to have a function : SERVE <an attributive noun functions as an adjective>
2 : to carry on a function or be in action : OPERATE <a government functions through numerous divisions>

function
n. Bessel function
circular function
composite function
cumulative distribution function
density function
discriminant function
distribution function
exponential function
function key
function word
hyperbolic function
inverse function
linear function
logarithmic function
power function
probability density function
probability function
propositional function
rational function
sentential function
step function
trigonometric function

function key
: any of a set of keys on a computer keyboard that have or can be programmed to have special functions

function word
: a word (as a preposition, auxiliary verb, or conjunction) expressing primarily grammatical relationship

functional
adj. 1 a : of, connected with, or being a function b : affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure <functional heart disease>
2 : used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole <functional and practical school courses> also : designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use <functional clothing>
3 : performing or able to perform a regular function
–func·tion·al·ly \'fəŋ(k)-shnə-lē, -shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

functional
adj. functional calculus
functional food
functional group
functional shift
functional illiterate
functional illiteracy
functionally illiterate

functional calculus
: PREDICATE CALCULUS

functional food
: NUTRACEUTICAL

functional group
: a characteristic reactive unit of a chemical compound especially in organic chemistry

functional illiterate
: a person who has had some schooling but does not meet a minimum standard of literacy
–functional illiteracy noun
–functionally illiterate adjective

functional shift
: the process by which a word or form comes to be used in another grammatical function

functionalism
n. 1 : a late 19th century to early 20th century American school of psychology concerned especially with how the mind functions to adapt the individual to the environment ― compare STRUCTURALISM 1
2 : a philosophy of design (as in architecture) holding that form should be adapted to use, material, and structure
3 : a theory that stresses the interdependence of the patterns and institutions of a society and their interaction in maintaining cultural and social unity
4 : a doctrine or practice that emphasizes practical utility or functional relations
–func·tion·al·ist \-shnə-list, -shə-nə-list\ noun
–functionalist or func·tion·al·is·tic \ˌfən(k)-shnə-'lis-tik, -shə-nə-'lis-\ adjective

functionality
n. : the quality or state of being functional especially : the particular set of functions or capabilities associated with computer software or hardware or an electronic device

functionary
n. 1 : one who serves in a certain function
2 : one holding office in a government or political party

functor
n. : something that performs a function or an operation

fund
n. 1 a : a sum of money or other resources whose principal or interest is set apart for a specific objective b : money on deposit on which checks or drafts can be drawn ― usually used in plural c : CAPITAL d plural : the stock of the British national debt ― usually used with the
2 : an available quantity of material or intangible resources : SUPPLY
3 plural : available pecuniary resources
4 : an organization administering a special fund

fund
n. 1 a : to make provision of resources for discharging the interest or principal of b : to provide funds for <a federally funded program>
2 : to place in a fund : ACCUMULATE
3 : to convert into a debt that is payable either at a distant date or at no definite date and that bears a fixed interest <fund a floating debt>
–fund·er \'fən-dər\ noun

fund
n. fundamental

fund
n. fund raiser
fund raising
hedge fund
mutual fund
revolving fund
sinking fund
slush fund
trust fund
federal funds

fund-raiser
1 : a person employed to raise funds
2 : a social event (as a cocktail party) held for the purpose of raising funds

fund-raising
: the organized activity of raising funds (as for an institution or political cause)

fundament
n. 1 : an underlying ground, theory, or principle
2 a : BUTTOCKS b : ANUS
3 : the part of a land surface that has not been altered by human activities

fundamental
n. 1 a : serving as an original or generating source : PRIMARY <a discovery fundamental to modern computers> b : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : BASIC
2 a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : RADICAL <fundamental change> also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application <fundamental science> b : adhering to fundamentalism
3 : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration
4 : of central importance : PRINCIPAL <fundamental purpose>
5 : belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : DEEP-ROOTED <her fundamental good humor>
synonyms see ESSENTIAL
–fun·da·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

fundamental
n. 1 : something fundamental especially : one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is
2 a : the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based b : the root of a chord
3 : the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude

fundamental
n. fundamental group
fundamental law
fundamental particle

fundamental group
: a set that is a subset of all paths defined on a set of points each pair of which is joined by a path and that is the quotient group of the group of all paths beginning and ending in a given point

fundamental law
: the organic or basic law of a political unit as distinguished from legislative acts specifically : CONSTITUTION

fundamental particle
: ELEMENTARY PARTICLE

fundamentalism
n. 1 a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b : the beliefs of this movement c : adherence to such beliefs
2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles <Islamic fundamentalism> <political fundamentalism>
–fun·da·men·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun
–fundamentalist or fun·da·men·tal·is·tic \-ˌmen-tə-'lis-tik\ adjective

fundic
adj. : of or relating to a fundus

fundus
n. : the bottom of or part opposite the aperture of the internal surface of a hollow organ: as a : the greater curvature of the stomach b : the lower back part of the bladder c : the large upper end of the uterus d : the part of the eye opposite the pupil

Fundy National Park
n. reservation SE Canada in N.B. on upper Bay of Fundy

Fundy, Bay of
inlet of the Atlantic SE Canada bet. N.B. & N.S.

funeral
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a funeral
2 : FUNEREAL 2

funeral
n. 1 : the observances held for a dead person usually before burial or cremation
2 chiefly dialect : a funeral sermon
3 : a funeral procession
4 : an end of something's existence
5 : a matter of concern to one : WORRY <if you flunk, it's your funeral>

funeral
n. funeral director
funeral home
funeral parlor

funeral director
: one whose profession is the management of funerals and who is usually an embalmer

funeral home
: an establishment with facilities for the preparation of the dead for burial or cremation, for the viewing of the body, and for funerals ― called also funeral parlor

funerary
adj. : of, used for, or associated with burial <a pharaoh's funerary chamber>

funereal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a funeral
2 : befitting or suggesting a funeral (as in solemnity)
–fu·ne·re·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

funfair
n. chiefly British : AMUSEMENT PARK

fungal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi
2 : caused by a fungus <a fungal skin disease>

fungi
n. : fungus <fungiform>

fungible
adj. : something that is fungible ― usually used in plural

fungible
adj. 1 : being of such a nature that one part or quantity may be replaced by another equal part or quantity in the satisfaction of an obligation <oil, wheat, and lumber are fungible commodities>
2 : INTERCHANGEABLE
3 : FLEXIBLE 3
–fun·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌfən-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

fungicidal
adj. : ANTIFUNGAL
–fun·gi·cid·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

fungicide
n. : an agent that destroys fungi or inhibits their growth

fungiform
adj. : shaped like a mushroom

fungistatic
adj. : inhibiting the growth of fungi without destroying them

fungo
n. 1 : a fly ball hit especially for practice fielding by a player who tosses a ball in the air and hits it as it comes down
2 : FUNGO BAT

fungo bat
: a long thin bat used for hitting fungoes

fungoid
adj. : resembling, characteristic of, caused by, or being a fungus <a fungoid growth>
–fungoid noun

fungous
adj. : FUNGAL

fungus
n. : any of a kingdom (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts

fungus
n. bracket fungus
club fungus
cup fungus
fungus gnat
imperfect fungus
lower fungus
pore fungus
sac fungus
shelf fungus

fungus gnat
: any of various small dipteran flies (families Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae) resembling mosquitoes and having larvae that feed on fungi and decaying organic matter

funicular
n. 1 : having the form of or associated with a cord usually under tension
2 [New Latin funiculus] : of, relating to, or being a funiculus
3 : of, relating to, or being a funicular <a funicular system>

funicular
n. : a cable railway ascending a mountain especially : one in which an ascending car counterbalances a descending car

funiculus
n. 1 : a bodily structure suggesting a cord especially : a bundle of nerve fibers
2 : the stalk of a plant ovule

Funk
n. Casimir 1884-1967 American (Pol.-born) biochem.

Funk
n. Isaac Kauffman 1839-1912 American editor & publisher

funk
n. : a strong offensive smell

funk
n. : to become frightened and shrink back
transitive verb
1 : to be afraid of : DREAD
2 : to shrink from undertaking or facing

funk
n. 1 a : a state of paralyzing fear b : a depressed state of mind
2 : one that funks : COWARD
3 : SLUMP 1 <an economic funk> <the team went into a funk>

funk
n. 1 : music that combines traditional forms of black music (as blues, gospel, or soul) and is characterized by a strong backbeat
2 : the quality or state of being funky <jeans⋯have lost much of their funk ― Tom Wolfe>

funk hole
1 : DUGOUT 2
2 : a place of safe retreat

funkia
n. : HOSTA

funky
adj. : being in a funk : PANICKY

funky
adj. 1 : having an offensive odor : FOUL
2 : having an earthy unsophisticated style and feeling especially : having the style and feeling of older black American music (as blues or gospel) or of funk <a slick, heavy beat that is unmistakably contemporary and irresistibly funky ― Jay Cocks>
3 a : odd or quaint in appearance or feeling b : lacking style or taste c : unconventionally stylish : HIP
–funk·i·ly adverb
–funk·i·ness noun

funnel
n. 1 a : a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow b : something shaped like a funnel
2 : a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

funnel
n. intransitive verb
1 : to have or take the shape of a funnel
2 : to pass through or as if through a funnel or conduit <the crowd funnels through the doors>
transitive verb
1 : to form in the shape of a funnel <funneled his hands and shouted through them>
2 : to move to a focal point or into a conduit or central channel <contributions were funneled into one account>

funnel cloud
: a funnel-shaped cloud that projects from the base of a thundercloud and that often precedes the formation of a tornado also : TORNADO 2B

funnelform
: having the form of a funnel or cone <funnelform flowers>

funny
n. 1 a : affording light mirth and laughter : AMUSING b : seeking or intended to amuse : FACETIOUS
2 : differing from the ordinary in a suspicious, perplexing, quaint, or eccentric way : PECULIAR ― often used as a sentence modifier <funny, things didn't turn out the way we planned>
3 : involving trickery or deception <told his prisoner not to try anything funny>
–fun·ni·ly \'fə-nə-lē\ adverb
–fun·ni·ness \'fə-nē-nəs\ noun
–funny adverb

funny
n. 1 : one that is funny especially : JOKE
2 plural : comic strips or the comic section of a periodical ― usually used with the

funny
n. funny bone
funny book
funny car
funny farm
funny money
funny paper

funny bone
1 : the place at the back of the elbow where the ulnar nerve rests against a prominence of the humerus
2 : a sense of humor

funny book
: COMIC BOOK

funny car
: a specialized dragster that has a one-piece molded body resembling the body of a mass-produced car

funny farm
slang : a psychiatric hospital

funny money
1 : artificially inflated currency
2 : counterfeit money

funny paper
: a comic section of a newspaper

funnyman
n. : COMEDIAN 2, HUMORIST

funplex
: an entertainment complex that includes facilities for various sports and games and often restaurants

Funston
Frederick 1865-1917 American gen.

FUO
fever of undetermined origin; fever of unknown origin

fur
n. transitive verb
1 : to cover, line, trim, or clothe with fur
2 : to coat or clog as if with fur
3 : to apply furring to
intransitive verb : to become coated or clogged as if with fur

fur
n. 1 : a piece of the dressed pelt of an animal used to make, trim, or line wearing apparel
2 : an article of clothing made of or with fur
3 : the hairy coat of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick also : such a coat with the skin
4 : a coating resembling fur: as a : a coat of epithelial debris on the tongue b : the thick pile of a fabric (as chenille)
–fur·less \'fər-ləs\ adjective

fur
n. furlong

fur seal
: any of two genera (Callorhinus and Arctocephalus) of eared seals that have a double coat with a dense soft underfur

furan
n. : a cyclic flammable liquid compound C_4H_4O that is obtained from wood oils of pines or made synthetically and is used especially in organic synthesis also : any of various derivatives of furan

furanose
adj. : a sugar having an oxygen-containing ring of five atoms

furanoside
: a glycoside containing the ring characteristic of furanose

furazolidone
n. : an antimicrobial drug C_8H_7N_3O_5 used against bacteria and some protozoa especially in infections of the gastrointestinal tract

furbearer
: an animal that bears fur especially of a commercially desired quality

furbelow
n. 1 : a pleated or gathered piece of material especially : a flounce on women's clothing
2 : something that suggests a furbelow especially in being showy or superfluous
–furbelow transitive verb

furbish
v. 1 : to make lustrous : POLISH
2 : to give a new look to : RENOVATE ― often used with up
–fur·bish·er noun

furcation
n. 1 : something that is branched : FORK
2 : the act or process of branching

Furchgott
Robert Francis 1916-     American pharmacologist

furcula
n. : a forked process or part: as a : WISHBONE b : the forked leaping appendage arising from the fourth abdominal segment of a springtail

furfural
n. : a liquid aldehyde C_5H_4O_2 of penetrating odor that is usually made from plant materials and used especially in making furan or phenolic resins and as a solvent

furioso
adv. : with great force or vigor ― used as a direction in music

furious
adj. 1 a (1) : exhibiting or goaded by anger (2) : indicative of or proceeding from anger b : giving a stormy or turbulent appearance <furious bursts of flame> c : marked by noise, excitement, activity, or rapidity
2 : INTENSE 1A <the furious growth of tropical vegetation>
–fu·ri·ous·ly adverb

furl
v. transitive verb : to wrap or roll (as a sail or a flag) close to or around something
intransitive verb : to curl or fold as in being furled

furl
v. 1 : a furled coil
2 : the act of furling

furlong
n. : a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201 meters)

furlough
n. : a leave of absence from duty granted especially to a soldier also : a document authorizing such a leave of absence

furlough
n. 1 : to grant a furlough to
2 : to lay off from work

furmity
variant of frumenty

furnace
n. : an enclosed structure in which heat is produced (as for heating a house or for reducing ore)

Furneaux
islands Australia off NE Tasmania

Furness
Horace Howard: father 1833-1912 & son 1865-1930 American Shakespeare scholars

Furness
district N England comprising peninsula in Irish Sea in SW Cumbria

furnish
v. 1 : to provide with what is needed especially : to equip with furniture
2 : SUPPLY, GIVE <furnished food and shelter for the refugees>
–fur·nish·er noun
synonyms FURNISH, EQUIP, OUTFIT, APPOINT, ACCOUTRE mean to supply one with what is needed. FURNISH implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function <a sparsely furnished apartment>. EQUIP suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use <a fully equipped kitchen>. OUTFIT implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation <outfitted the family for a ski trip>. APPOINT implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings <a lavishly appointed apartment>. ACCOUTRE suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity <fully accoutred members of a polar expedition>.

furnishing
n. 1 : an article or accessory of dress ― usually used in plural
2 : an object that tends to increase comfort or utility especially : an article of furniture for the interior of a building ― usually used in plural

furniture
n. : equipment that is necessary, useful, or desirable: as a archaic : the trappings of a horse b : movable articles used in readying an area (as a room or patio) for occupancy or use

furniture beetle
: a widespread beetle (Anobium punctatum of the family Anobiidae) that bores in and damages furniture and seasoned wood

Furnivall
Frederick James 1825-1910 Eng. philologist

furor
n. 1 : an angry or maniacal fit : RAGE
2 : FURY 4
3 : a fashionable craze : VOGUE
4 a : furious or hectic activity b : an outburst of public excitement or indignation : UPROAR

furor
n. furor loquendi
furor poeticus
furor scribendi
ira furor brevis est

furor loquendi
: rage for speaking

furor poeticus
: poetic frenzy

furor scribendi
: rage for writing

furore
n. 1 : FUROR 3
2 : FUROR 4B

furosemide
n. : a powerful diuretic C_12H_11ClN_2O_5S used especially to treat edema and hypertension

furred
adj. 1 : lined, trimmed, or faced with fur
2 : coated as if with fur specifically : having a coating consisting chiefly of mucus and dead epithelial cells <a furred tongue>
3 : bearing or wearing fur
4 : provided with furring <furred wall>

furrier
n. 1 : a fur dealer
2 a : one that dresses furs b : one that makes, repairs, alters, or cleans fur garments

furriery
n. 1 : the fur business
2 : fur craftsmanship

furriner
: FOREIGNER 2 ― used to represent a dialect pronunciation

furring
n. 1 : a fur trimming or lining
2 a : the application of thin wood, brick, or metal to joists, studs, or walls to form a level surface (as for attaching wallboard) or an air space b : the material used in this process

furrow
n. 1 a : a trench in the earth made by a plow b : plowed land : FIELD
2 : something that resembles the track of a plow: as a : a marked narrow depression : GROOVE b : a deep wrinkle <furrows in his brow>

furrow
n. : to make furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines in
intransitive verb : to make or form furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines

furry
adj. 1 : consisting of or resembling fur <animals with furry coats>
2 : covered with fur
3 : thick in quality <spoke with a furry voice>

Furth
city S cen Germany NW of Nuremberg pop 105,297

further
adj. 1 : FARTHER 1 <my ponies are tired, and I have further to go ― Thomas Hardy>
2 : in addition : MOREOVER
3 : to a greater degree or extent <further annoyed by a second intrusion>
usage see FARTHER

further
adj. : to help forward : PROMOTE
synonyms see ADVANCE
–fur·ther·er \'fər-thər-ər\ noun

further
adj. 1 : FARTHER 1 <rode⋯across the valley and up the further slopes ― T. E. Lawrence>
2 : going or extending beyond : ADDITIONAL <further volumes> <further education>
usage see FARTHER

further education
British : ADULT EDUCATION

furtherance
n. : the act of furthering : ADVANCEMENT

furthermore
adv. : in addition to what precedes : BESIDES

furthermost
adj. : most distant : FARTHEST

furthest
adj. : FARTHEST

furtive
adj. 1 a : done by stealth : SURREPTITIOUS b : expressive of stealth : SLY <had a furtive look about him>
2 : obtained underhandedly : STOLEN
synonyms see SECRET
–fur·tive·ly adverb
–fur·tive·ness noun

Furtwangler
(Gustav Heinrich Ernst Martin) Wilhelm 1886-1954 Ger. conductor

furuncle
n. : 2BOIL

furunculosis
n. 1 : the condition of having or tending to develop multiple furuncles
2 : a highly infectious disease of various salmonoid fishes (as trout) that is caused by a bacterium (Aeromonas salmonicida) and is especially virulent in dense fish populations (as in hatcheries)

fury
n. 1 : intense, disordered, and often destructive rage
2 a capitalized : any of the avenging deities in Greek mythology who torment criminals and inflict plagues b : an avenging spirit c : one who resembles an avenging spirit especially : a spiteful woman
3 : extreme fierceness or violence
4 : a state of inspired exaltation : FRENZY
synonyms see ANGER

furze
n. : GORSE
–furzy \'fər-zē\ adjective

fusarium
n. : any of a genus (Fusarium) of ascomycetous fungi having curved septate conidia which includes forms that are important agents of plant disease and others that produce mycotoxins implicated in human and animal disease also : a plant disease (as wilt or dry rot) caused by a fusarium

fuscous
adj. : of any of several colors averaging a brownish gray

fuse
n. transitive verb
1 : to reduce to a liquid or plastic state by heat
2 : to blend thoroughly by or as if by melting together : COMBINE
3 : to stitch by applying heat and pressure with or without the use of an adhesive
intransitive verb
1 a : to become fluid with heat b British : to fail because of the blowing of a fuse
2 : to become blended or joined by or as if by melting together
synonyms see MIX

fuse
n. : an electrical safety device consisting of or including a wire or strip of fusible metal that melts and interrupts the circuit when the current exceeds a particular amperage

fuse
n. 1 : a continuous train of a combustible substance enclosed in a cord or cable for setting off an explosive charge by transmitting fire to it
2 also fuze : a mechanical or electrical detonating device for setting off the bursting charge of a projectile, bomb, or torpedo

fuse
n. : to equip with a fuse

fuse
n. proximity fuse
short fuse
fused quartz
fused silica

fused quartz
: QUARTZ GLASS ― called also fused silica

fusee
n. 1 : a conical spirally grooved pulley in a timepiece from which a cord or chain unwinds onto a cylinder containing the mainspring and which by its increasing diameter compensates for the lessening power of the spring
2 : a red signal flare used especially for protecting stalled trains and trucks

fusel oil
: an acrid oily liquid occurring in insufficiently distilled alcoholic liquors, consisting chiefly of amyl alcohol, and used especially as a source of alcohols and as a solvent

fuselage
n. : the central body portion of an aircraft designed to accommodate the crew and the passengers or cargo ― see AIRPLANE illustration

Fushun
city NE China in NE Liaoning E of Shenyang pop 1,202,388

fusible
adj. : capable of being fused and especially liquefied by heat <fusible alloy>
–fus·ibil·i·ty \ˌfyü-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

fusiform
adj. : tapering toward each end <fusiform bacteria>

fusil
n. 1 archaic a : made by melting and pouring into forms : CAST b : liquefied by heat
2 archaic : FUSIBLE

fusil
n. : a light flintlock musket

fusilier
n. 1 : a soldier armed with a fusil
2 : a member of a British regiment formerly armed with fusils

fusillade
n. 1 a : a number of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid succession b : something that gives the effect of a fusillade <a fusillade of rocks and bottles>
2 : a spirited outburst especially of criticism

fusilli
n. : spiral-shaped pasta

fusion
n. 1 : the act or process of liquefying or rendering plastic by heat
2 : a union by or as if by melting: as a : a merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole b : a political partnership : COALITION c : popular music combining different styles (as jazz and rock) d : food prepared using techniques and ingredients of two or more ethnic or regional cuisines ― called also fusion cuisine
3 : the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite

fusionist
n. : a person involved in a political fusion or in musical fusion

fuss
n. 1 a : needless bustle or excitement b : a show of flattering attention <made a big fuss over his favorite niece>
2 a : a state of agitation especially over a trivial matter b : OBJECTION, PROTEST c : an often petty controversy or quarrel

fuss
n. 1 a : to create or be in a state of restless activity especially : to shower flattering attentions <fussing over the grandchildren> b : to pay close or undue attention to small details <fussed with her hair>
2 a : to become upset : WORRY b : to express annoyance or pique : COMPLAIN
transitive verb : AGITATE, UPSET
–fuss·er noun

fussbudget
n. : one who fusses or is fussy especially about trifles
–fuss·bud·gety \-jə-tē\ adjective

fusspot
n. : FUSSBUDGET

fussy
adj. 1 : easily upset : IRRITABLE
2 : overly decorative <a fussy wallpaper pattern>
3 a : requiring or giving close attention to details <fussy bookkeeping procedures> b : revealing a sometimes extreme concern for niceties : FASTIDIOUS, PICKY
–fuss·i·ly \'fə-sə-lē\ adverb
–fuss·i·ness \'fə-sē-nəs\ noun

fustian
n. 1 a : a strong cotton and linen fabric b : a class of cotton fabrics usually having a pile face and twill weave
2 : high-flown or affected writing or speech broadly : anything high-flown or affected in style
–fus·tian adjective

fustic
n. : the wood of a tropical American tree (Chlorophora tinctoria) of the mulberry family that yields a yellow dye also : any of several similar dyewoods

fustigate
v. 1 : CUDGEL
2 : to criticize severely
–fus·ti·ga·tion \ˌfəs-tə-'gā-shən\ noun

fusty
adj. 1 British : impaired by age or dampness : MOLDY
2 : saturated with dust and stale odors : MUSTY
3 : rigidly old-fashioned or reactionary
synonyms see MALODOROUS
–fus·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–fus·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

fusulinid
: any of a family (Fusulinidae) of extinct marine foraminifers

fut
future

futhark
n. : the runic alphabet ― see RUNE illustration

futile
adj. 1 : serving no useful purpose : completely ineffective <efforts to convince him were futile>
2 : occupied with trifles : FRIVOLOUS
–fu·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
–fu·tile·ness \-təl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun
synonyms FUTILE, VAIN, FRUITLESS mean producing no result. FUTILE may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking <resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left>. VAIN usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result <a vain attempt to get the car started>. FRUITLESS comes close to VAIN but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment <fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace>.

futilitarian
n. : one who believes that human striving is futile
–futilitarian adjective
–fu·til·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

futility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being futile : USELESSNESS
2 : a useless act or gesture <the futilities of debate for its own sake ― W. A. White>

futon
n. : a usually cotton-filled mattress used on the floor or in a frame as a bed, couch, or chair

futtock
n. : one of the curved timbers scarfed together to form the lower part of the compound rib of a ship

futtock shroud
: a short iron rod connecting the topmast rigging with the lower mast

Futuna
1 island SW Pacific in Futuna Islands
2 island SW Pacific in SE Vanuatu

Futuna Islands
islands SW Pacific NE of Fiji; formerly a French protectorate, since 1959 part of Wallis & Futuna Islands territory pop 4732

future
n. 1 : that is to be specifically : existing after death
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense expressive of time yet to come
3 : existing or occurring at a later time <met his future wife>

future
n. 1 a : time that is to come b : what is going to happen
2 : an expectation of advancement or progressive development
3 : something (as a bulk commodity) bought for future acceptance or sold for future delivery ― usually used in plural <grain futures>
4 a : the future tense of a language b : a verb form in the future tense

future
n. future perfect
future shock
wave of the future

future perfect
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is traditionally formed in English with will have and shall have and that expresses completion of an action by a specified time that is yet to come
–future perfect noun

future shock
: the physical and psychological distress suffered by one who is unable to cope with the rapidity of social and technological changes

futureless
adj. : having no future
–fu·ture·less·ness noun

futurism
n. 1 : a movement in art, music, and literature begun in Italy about 1909 and marked especially by an effort to give formal expression to the dynamic energy and movement of mechanical processes
2 : a point of view that finds meaning or fulfillment in the future rather than in the past or present

futurist
n. 1 : one who studies and predicts the future especially on the basis of current trends
2 : one who advocates or practices futurism
–futurist adjective

futuristic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the future, futurism, or futurology also : very modern
–fu·tur·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

futuristics
: FUTUROLOGY

futurity
n. 1 : time to come : FUTURE
2 : the quality or state of being future
3 plural : future events or prospects
4 a : a horse race usually for two-year-olds in which the competitors are nominated at birth or before b : a race or competition for which entries are made well in advance of the event

futurology
n. : a study that deals with future possibilities based on current trends
–fu·tur·olog·i·cal \-rə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–fu·tur·olo·gist \-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

futz
v. slang : FOOL AROUND 1 ― often used with around <futz around without producing any worthwhile music ― John Koegel>

Fuxin
city NE China in cen Liaoning pop 688,000

fuze
n. variant of fuse

Fuzhou
city & port SE China capital of Fujian on Min River pop 874,809

fuzz
n. 1 : fine light particles or fibers (as of down or fluff)
2 : a blurred effect

fuzz
n. 1 : to fly off in or become covered with fluffy particles
2 : to become blurred <her frame of reference fuzzing at the edges ― Jane O'Reilly>
transitive verb
1 : to make fuzzy
2 : to envelop in a haze

fuzz
n. : POLICE also : a police officer

fuzzy
adj. 1 : marked by or giving a suggestion of fuzz <a fuzzy covering of felt>
2 : lacking in clarity or definition <moving the camera causes fuzzy photos>
3 : being, relating to, or invoking pleasant and usually sentimental emotions <warm and fuzzy feelings>
–fuzz·i·ly \'fə-zə-lē\ adverb
–fuzz·i·ness \'fə-zē-nəs\ noun

fuzzy logic
: a system of logic in which a statement can be true, false, or any of a continuum of values in between

fuzzy set
: a mathematical set with the property that an object can be a member of the set, not a member of the set, or any of a continuum of states of being a partial member of the set

FV
on the back of the page

FWD
n. front-wheel drive

fwd
n. 1 foreword
2 forward

FX
foreign exchange

FY
fiscal year

fy
1 : make : form into <dandify>
2 : invest with the attributes of : make similar to <citify>

fyce
variant of feist

FYI
for your information

fyke
n. : a long bag net kept open by hoops

fylfot
n. : SWASTIKA

Fyn
island Denmark in the Baltic bet. Sjælland & Jutland; chief city Odense area 1149 sq mi (2987 sq km), pop 441,795

fynbos
: a biome of southern coastal South Africa characterized by a diverse richness of endemic plant species (as of the heath, protea, composite, iris, and lily families), by soil that is acidic and nutrient-poor, and by a climate marked by cold wet winters and hot dry summers also : the type of vegetation characteristic of this biome

G
n. 1 German
2 giga-
3 guanine
4 Gulf

G
n. ― used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that persons of all ages may be allowed admission ― compare NC-17, PG, PG-13, R

g
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 7th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic g
2 : the fifth tone of a C-major scale
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter g
4 : one designated g especially as the seventh in order or class
5 [gravity] : ACCELERATION OF GRAVITY also : a unit of force that is equal to the force exerted by gravity on a body at rest and is used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when undergoing acceleration
6 [grand] slang : a sum of $1000
7 : something shaped like the letter G

g
n. 1 acceleration of gravity; gravity
2 game
3 gauge
4 gelding
5 gender
6 good
7 gram

G clef
: TREBLE CLEF

G protein
: any of a class of cell membrane proteins that are coupled to cell surface receptors and upon stimulation of the receptor by an extracellular signaling molecule (as a hormone or neurotransmitter) bind to GTP to form an active complex which mediates an intracellular event (as activation of adenylate cyclase)

G suit
: a suit designed to counteract the physiological effects of acceleration on an aviator or astronaut

g-factor
: GYROMAGNETIC RATIO

g-force
: the force of gravity or acceleration on a body <pilots experiencing strong g-forces during takeoff>

G-man
: a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

G-rated
1 : having a rating of G broadly : relating to or characterized by a lack of violence, obscenity, or sexual explicitness <a G-rated novel>
2 : INNOCENT, CLEAN <G-rated fun>

G-spot
: a mass of tissue that is held to exist on the anterior vaginal wall and to be highly erogenous when stimulated

G-string
: a strip of cloth passed between the legs and supported by a waist cord that is worn especially by striptease dancers

G1 phase
: the period in the cell cycle from the end of cell division to the beginning of DNA replication ― compare G_2 PHASE_2, M PHASE, S PHASE

G2 phase
: the period in the cell cycle from the completion of DNA replication to the beginning of cell division ― compare G_1 PHASE_1, M PHASE, S PHASE

GA
n. 1 Gamblers Anonymous
2 general agent
3 general assembly
4 general average
5 general of the army
6 Georgia

Ga
n. Georgia

Ga
n. gallium

ga
n. gauge

GAAP
generally accepted accounting principles

gab
n. : to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner : CHATTER
–gab·ber noun

gab
n. : TALK especially : idle talk

gab
n. : GABARDINE 2

GABA
gamma-aminobutyric acid

gabardine
n. 1 : GABERDINE 1
2 a : a firm hard-finish durable fabric (as of wool or rayon) twilled with diagonal ribs on the right side b : a garment of gabardine

gabble
n. intransitive verb
1 : to talk fast or foolishly : JABBER
2 : to utter inarticulate or animal sounds
transitive verb : to say with incoherent rapidity : BABBLE
–gabble noun
–gab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

gabbro
n. : a granular igneous rock composed essentially of calcic plagioclase, a ferromagnesian mineral, and accessory minerals
–gab·bro·ic \ga-'brō-ik\ adjective

gabby
adj. : TALKATIVE, GARRULOUS

gabelle
n. : a tax on salt levied in France prior to 1790

gaberdine
n. 1 : a long loose outer garment worn in medieval times and associated especially with Jews since the 16th century
2 : GABARDINE 2

Gabes
city & port SE Tunisia on Gulf of Gabès or ancient Syr·tis Minor \'sər-təs\ (arm of the Mediterranean) pop 83,610

gabfest
n. 1 : an informal gathering for general talk <political gabfests>
2 : an extended conversation

gabion
n. : a basket or cage filled with earth or rocks and used especially in building a support or abutment

Gable
n. (William) Clark 1901-1960 American actor

gable
n. 1 a : the vertical triangular end of a building from cornice or eaves to ridge b : the similar end of a gambrel roof c : the end wall of a building
2 : a triangular part or structure
–ga·bled \-bəld\ adjective

gable roof
: a double-sloping roof that forms a gable at each end

Gabo
Naum 1890-1977 orig. Naum Pevs·ner \'pevz-nər\ American (Russ.-born) sculptor

Gabon
n. 1 or Ga·boon or Ga·bun \gə-'bün, ga-\ river NW Gabon flowing into the Atlantic through long wide estuary
2 country W Africa on the Atlantic; formerly a territory of French Equatorial Africa, since 1958 a republic capital Libreville area 102,317 sq mi (265,001 sq km), pop 1,280,000
–Gab·o·nese \ˌga-bə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

gaboon
dialect : SPITTOON

Gabor
Dennis 1900-1979 Brit. (Hung.-born) physicist

Gaboriau
Émile 1832?-1873 Fr. writer

Gaborone
n. town SE Botswana, its capital pop 133,468

Gabriel
n. : one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition

Gabrieli
Giovanni ca 1556-1612 Ital. composer

gaby
n. dialect chiefly English : SIMPLETON

Gad
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel
–Gad·ite \'ga-ˌdīt\ noun

gad
n. 1 : a chisel or pointed iron or steel bar for loosening ore or rock
2 chiefly dialect : a long stick

gad
n. : to be on the go without a specific aim or purpose ― usually used with about

gad
n. ― used as a mild oath

gadabout
n. : a person who flits about in social activity
–gadabout adjective

Gadara
town of ancient Palestine SE of Sea of Galilee
–Gad·a·rene \'ga-də-ˌrēn, ˌga-də-'\ adjective or noun

gadarene
adj. : HEADLONG, PRECIPITATE <a gadarene rush to the cities>

Gades
― see CÁDIZ
–Gad·i·tan \'ga-də-tən\ adjective or noun

gadfly
n. 1 : any of various flies (as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock
2 : a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism

gadget
n. : an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty
–gad·ge·teer \ˌga-jə-'tir\ noun
–gad·get·ry \'ga-jə-trē\ noun
–gad·gety \-jə-tē\ adjective

Gadhafi
n. Mu'ammar Muḥammad al- 1942-     Libyan leader (1969-    )

gadoid
adj. : resembling or related to the cods
–gadoid noun

gadolinite
n. : a black or brown mineral that is a source of rare earths and consists of a silicate especially of iron, beryllium, yttrium, cerium, and erbium

gadolinium
n. : a magnetic metallic element of the rare-earth group occurring in combination in gadolinite and several other minerals ― see ELEMENT table

gadroon
n. 1 : the ornamental notching or carving of a rounded molding
2 : a short often oval fluting or reeding used in decoration
–gadroon transitive verb
–ga·droon·ing noun

Gadsden
James 1788-1858 American army officer & diplomat

Gadsden
city NE Ala. on the Coosa pop 38,978

Gadsden Purchase
tract of land S of Gila River in present Ariz. & N.Mex. purchased 1853 by the U.S. from Mexico area 29,640 sq mi (77,064 sq km)

gadwall
n. : a grayish-brown medium-sized dabbling duck (Anas strepera)

gadzookery
n. British : the use of archaisms (as in a historical novel)

gadzooks
interj. archaic ― used as a mild oath

Gaea
n. : the Greek earth goddess and mother of the Titans

Gael
n. 1 : a Scottish Highlander
2 : a Celtic especially Gaelic-speaking inhabitant of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man
–Gael·dom \-dəm\ noun

Gaelic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Gaels and especially the Celtic Highlanders of Scotland
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the Goidelic speech of the Celts in Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Scottish Highlands
–Gaelic noun

Gaeltacht
: any of the Irish-speaking regions remaining in Ireland

Gaeseong
― see KAESONG

Gaeta
city & port cen Italy in Lazio on Gulf of Gaeta (inlet of Tyrrhenian Sea N of Bay of Naples) pop 22,515

gaff
n. 1 a : a spear or spearhead for taking fish or turtles b : a handled hook for holding or lifting heavy fish c : a metal spur for a gamecock d : a butcher's hook e : a climbing iron or its steel point used by a telephone lineman
2 : the spar on which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is extended
3 : GAFFE

gaff
n. 1 : to strike or secure with a gaff
2 : to fit (a gamecock) with a gaff

gaff
n. British : a cheap theater or music hall

gaff
n. 1 a : something painful or difficult to bear : ORDEAL ― usually used in the phrase stand the gaff especially : persistent raillery or criticism b : rough treatment : ABUSE
2 a : HOAX, FRAUD b : GIMMICK, TRICK

gaff
n. 1 : DECEIVE, TRICK also : FLEECE
2 : to fix for the purpose of cheating <gaff the dice>

gaff-topsail
: a usually triangular topsail with its foot extended upon the gaff ― see SAIL illustration

gaffe
n. 1 : a social or diplomatic blunder
2 : a noticeable mistake

gaffer
n. 1 : an old man ― compare GAMMER
2 British a : FOREMAN, OVERSEER b : EMPLOYER
3 : a head glassblower
4 : a lighting electrician on a motion-picture or television set

Gafsa
oasis W cen Tunisia

gag
n. transitive verb
1 a : to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting a gag b : to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression c : to pry or hold open with a gag
2 : to provide or write quips or pranks for <gag a show>
3 : to choke or cause to retch
intransitive verb
1 a : CHOKE also : to suffer a throat spasm that makes swallowing or breathing difficult b : RETCH
2 : to be unable to endure something : BALK
3 : to make quips
–gag·ger noun

gag
n. 1 : something thrust into the mouth to keep it open or to prevent speech or outcry
2 : an official check or restraint on debate or free speech <a gag rule>
3 : a laugh-provoking remark or act
4 : PRANK, TRICK

gag order
: a judicial ruling barring public disclosure or discussion (as by the press) of information related to a case broadly : a similar nonjudicial prohibition against the release of confidential information or against public discussion of a sensitive matter

gaga
n. 1 : CRAZY, FOOLISH
2 : marked by wild enthusiasm : INFATUATED, DOTING

gagaku
: the ancient court music of Japan

Gagarin
Yu·ry \'yu̇r-ē\ Alekseyevich 1934-1968 Russ. astronaut

Gage
n. Thomas 1721-1787 Brit. gen. & colonial gov. in America

gage
n. 1 : a token of defiance specifically : a glove or cap cast on the ground to be taken up by an opponent as a pledge of combat
2 : something deposited as a pledge of performance

gage
n. 1 archaic : PLEDGE
2 archaic : STAKE, RISK

gage
n. variant of gauge

gage
n. : GREENGAGE

gaggle
n. 1 : FLOCK especially : a flock of geese when not in flight ― compare SKEIN
2 : a group, aggregation, or cluster lacking organization <a gaggle of reporters and photographers>
3 : an indefinite number <participated in a gaggle of petty crimes>

gagman
n. 1 : a gag writer
2 : COMEDIAN 2

gagster
n. : GAGMAN also : one who plays practical jokes

Gahanna
city cen Ohio NE of Columbus pop 32,636

gahnite
: a usually dark green mineral consisting of an oxide of zinc and aluminum

Gaia
n. : the hypothesis that the living and nonliving components of earth function as a single system in such a way that the living component regulates and maintains conditions (as the temperature of the ocean or composition of the atmosphere) so as to be suitable for life also : this system regarded as a single organism

gaiety
n. 1 : MERRYMAKING also : festive activity ― often used in plural
2 : high spirits : MERRIMENT
3 : ELEGANCE, FINERY

gaijin
n. : a foreigner in Japan

Gaillard
David DuBose \dü-'bōz, dyü-\ 1859-1913 American army officer & engineer

gaillardia
n. : any of a genus (Gaillardia) of American composite herbs with showy flower heads ― called also blanketflower

gaily
adv. : in a gay manner : marked by gaiety

gain
n. 1 : resources or advantage acquired or increased : PROFIT <made substantial gains last year>
2 : the act or process of gaining
3 a : an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree <a gain in efficiency> b : the increase (as of voltage or signal intensity) caused by an amplifier especially : the ratio of output over input c : the signal-gathering ability of an antenna

gain
n. 1 a : to acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft <gain an advantage> <he stood to gain a fortune> b : to win in competition or conflict <the troops gained enemy territory> c (1) : to arrive at : REACH, ATTAIN <gained the river that night> (2) : TRAVERSE, COVER <gained 10 yards on the play> d : to get by a natural development or process <gain strength> e : to establish a specific relationship with <gain a friend>
2 a : to make an increase of (a specified amount) <gained three percent in the past month> b : to increase in (a particular quality) <gain momentum>
3 : to win to one's side : PERSUADE <gain adherents to a cause>
4 : to cause to be obtained or given : ATTRACT <gain attention>
5 of a timepiece : to run fast by the amount of <the clock gains a minute a day>
intransitive verb
1 : to get advantage : PROFIT <hoped to gain by the deal>
2 a : INCREASE <the day was gaining in warmth> b : to increase in weight c : to improve in health or ability
3 of a timepiece : to run fast
4 : to get closer to something pursued ― usually used with on or upon
–gain·er noun
–gain ground : to make progress

gain ground
to make progress

Gaines
Edmund Pendleton 1777-1849 American gen.

Gainesville
1 city N cen Fla. pop 95,447
2 city N Ga. NE of Atlanta pop 25,578

gainful
adj. : productive of gain : PROFITABLE <gainful employment>
–gain·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–gain·ful·ness noun

gaingiving
archaic : MISGIVING

gainsay
n. 1 : to declare to be untrue or invalid
2 : CONTRADICT, OPPOSE
synonyms see DENY
–gain·say·er noun

Gainsborough
n. Thomas 1727-1788 Eng. painter

Gairdner, Lake
salt lake Australia in S. Australia W of Lake Torrens area 1840 sq mi (4784 sq km)

gait
n. 1 : a manner of walking or moving on foot
2 : a sequence of foot movements (as a walk, trot, pace, or canter) by which a horse or a dog moves forward
3 : a manner or rate of movement or progress <the leisurely gait of summer>

gait
n. 1 : to train (a horse or a dog) to use a particular gait or set of gaits
2 : to lead (a show dog) before a judge to display carriage and movement
intransitive verb : to walk with a particular gait

gaited
adj. : having a particular gait or so many gaits <slow-gaited> <a 3-gaited horse>

gaiter
n. 1 : a cloth or leather leg covering reaching from the instep to above the ankle or to mid-calf or knee
2 a : an overshoe with fabric upper b : an ankle-high shoe with elastic gores in the sides

Gaithersburg
town W Md. NW of Washington, D.C. pop 52,613

Gaitskell
Hugh Todd Naylor 1906-1963 Eng. polit.

Gaius
n. fl A.D. 130-180 Rom. jurist

Gal
n. Galatians

gal
n. : GIRL, WOMAN

gal
n. : a unit of acceleration equivalent to one centimeter per second per second ― used especially for values of gravity

gal
n. 1 gallery
2 gallon

gal Friday
: GIRL FRIDAY

gala
n. 1 : a festive celebration especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion
2 capitalized : a medium-sized apple with crisp yellowish-white sweet flesh and a red skin or a golden skin with red striping
–gala adjective

galabia
n. : DJELLABA

galact
1 : milk <galactorrhea>
2 : related to galactose <galactosemia>

galactic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a galaxy and especially the Milky Way galaxy
2 : HUGE <a galactic sum of money>

galactorrhea
n. : a spontaneous flow of milk from the nipple

galactosamine
n. : an amino derivative C_6H_13O_5N of galactose that occurs in cartilage

galactose
n. : a sugar C_6H_12O_6 less soluble and less sweet than glucose

galactosemia
n. : a metabolic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose
–ga·lac·to·semic \-mik\ adjective

galactosidase
n. : an enzyme (as lactase) that hydrolyzes a galactoside

galactoside
n. : a glycoside that yields galactose on hydrolysis

galactosyl
: a glycosyl radical C_6H_11O_5– that is derived from galactose

galacturonic acid
: a crystalline aldehyde-acid C_6H_10O_7 that occurs especially in polymerized form in pectin

galago
n. : BUSH BABY

galah
n. : a pink-breasted Australian cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapillus syn. Cacatua roseicapilla) that is sometimes a pest in wheat-growing areas and is often kept as a cage bird

Galahad
n. 1 : the knight of the Round Table who successfully seeks the Holy Grail
2 : one who is pure, noble, and unselfish

galanga
: GALANGAL

galangal
n. 1 : either of two eastern Asian perennial herbs (Alpinia galanga and A. officinarum) of the ginger family with dark green sword-shaped leaves and pungent aromatic rhizomes
2 : the fresh, dried, or ground rhizome of a galangal used in cookery as a spice and in medicine

galantine
n. : a cold dish consisting of boned meat or fish that has been stuffed, poached, and covered with aspic

Galapagos Islands
island group Ecuador in the Pacific W of mainland capital on San Cristóbal Is. area 3093 sq mi (8010 sq km), pop 9785 ― see ISABELA ISLAND

Galata
port & commercial section of Istanbul, Turkey

Galatea
: a female figure sculpted by Pygmalion and given life by Aphrodite in fulfillment of his prayer

Galati
city E Romania on the Danube pop 298,584

Galatia
n. ancient country & Roman province cen Asia Minor in region centered on modern Ankara, Turkey
–Ga·la·tian \-shən\ adjective or noun

Galatians
n. : an argumentative letter of St. Paul written to the Christians of Galatia and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

galavant
v. variant of gallivant

galax
: an evergreen herb (Galax urceolata syn. G. aphylla of the order Diapensiales) of the southeastern U.S. that has glossy leaves and is related to the heaths (order Ericales)

galaxy
n. 1 a often capitalized : MILKY WAY GALAXY ― used with the b : any of the very large groups of stars and associated matter that are found throughout the universe
2 a : an assemblage of brilliant or notable persons or things <a galaxy of artists> b : WORLD 11 <remained galaxies apart on the issue ― Newsweek>

galaxy
n. elliptical galaxy
Milky Way galaxy
radio galaxy
Seyfert galaxy
spiral galaxy

Galba
Servius Sulpicius 3 B.C.-A.D. 69 Rom. emp. (68-69)

galbanum
n. : a yellowish to green or brown aromatic bitter gum resin derived from several Asian plants (as Ferula galbaniflua) and used in incense

Galbraith
John Kenneth 1908-     American (Canad.-born) econ.
–Gal·braith·ian \ˌgal-'brā-thē-ən, -'brāth-yən\ adjective

Galdhopiggen
mountain 8100 ft (2469 m) S cen Norway in Jotunheim Mountains

Gale
n. Zona 1874-1938 American nov.

gale
n. 1 a : a strong current of air: (1) : a wind from 32 to 63 miles per hour (about 51 to 102 kilometers per hour) (2) : FRESH GALE ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table b archaic : BREEZE
2 : an emotional outburst <gales of laughter>

gale
n. fresh gale
moderate gale
near gale
strong gale
whole gale

galea
n. : an anatomical part suggesting a helmet

Galen
n. A.D. 129-ca 199 Greek physician & writer
–Ga·len·ic \gə-'le-nik\ or Ga·len·i·cal \-ni-kəl\ adjective

galena
n. : a bluish-gray cubic mineral with metallic luster consisting of lead sulfide and constituting the principal ore of lead

galenical
n. : a medicine prepared by extracting one or more active constituents of a plant

galere
: a group of people having an attribute in common

Galerius
d 311 Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus Rom. emp. (305-311)

Galesburg
city NW Ill. WNW of Peoria pop 33,706

galette
n. 1 : a flat round cake of pastry often topped with fruit
2 : a food prepared and served in the shape of a flat round cake <a galette of potatoes>

Galgenhumor
: gallows humor

Galicia
n. 1 region E cen Europe including N slopes of the Carpathians & valleys of the upper Vistula, Dniester, Bug, & Seret rivers; former Austrian crown land; belonged to Poland bet. the two world wars; now divided bet. Poland & Ukraine
2 region & ancient kingdom NW Spain bordering on the Atlantic
–Ga·li·cian \-'li-shən\ adjective or noun

Galilean
n. : of, relating to, or discovered by Galileo Galilei <Galilean satellites>

Galilee
n. hill region N Israel N of Plain of Esdraelon
–Gal·i·le·an \ˌga-lə-'lē-ən\ adjective or noun

galilee
n. : a chapel or porch at the entrance of an English church

Galilee, Sea of
lake 13 mi (21 km) long & 7 mi (11 km) wide N Israel on Syrian border traversed by Jordan River; ab 700 ft (212 m) below sea level

Galileo
n. 1564-1642 in full Galileo Galilei Ital. astron. & physicist

galingale
n. 1 : an Old World sedge (Cyperus longus) broadly : any of various other sedges of the same genus
2 : GALANGAL

galiot
n. variant of galliot

gall
n. 1 a : BILE especially : bile obtained from an animal and used in the arts or medicine b : something bitter to endure c : bitterness of spirit : RANCOR
2 : brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence
synonyms see TEMERITY

gall
n. 1 a : a skin sore caused by chronic irritation b : a cause or state of exasperation
2 archaic : FLAW

gall
n. 1 : to fret and wear away by friction : CHAFE <the loose saddle galled the horse's back> <the galling of a metal bearing>
2 : IRRITATE, VEX <sarcasm galls her>
intransitive verb
1 : to become sore or worn by rubbing
2 : SEIZE 2

gall
n. : an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue usually due to insect or mite parasites or fungi and sometimes forming an important source of tannin ― see GALL WASP illustration

gall
n. crown gall
gall midge
gall mite
gall wasp
Saint Gall

gall midge
: any of numerous minute dipteran flies (family Cecidomyiidae) most of which cause gall formation in plants

gall mite
: any of various minute 4-legged mites (family Eriophyidae) that form galls on plants

gall wasp
: any of a family (Cynipidae) of hymenopterous gallflies

Galla
n. : OROMO

gallamine triethiodide
: a substituted ammonium salt C_30H_60I_3N_3O_3 that is used to produce muscle relaxation especially during anesthesia ― called also gallamine

Galland
Antoine 1646-1715 Fr. orientalist & translator

Gallant
n. Mavis 1922-     orig. Mavis de Trafford Young Canad.-Fr. writer

gallant
n. 1 : a young man of fashion
2 a : LADIES' MAN b : SUITOR c : PARAMOUR

gallant
n. 1 : showy in dress or bearing : SMART
2 a : SPLENDID, STATELY <a gallant ship> b : SPIRITED, BRAVE <gallant efforts against the enemy> c : nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
3 : courteously and elaborately attentive especially to ladies
synonyms see CIVIL
–gal·lant·ly adverb

gallant
n. 1 : to pay court to (a lady) : ATTEND <used to gallant her in his youth ― Washington Irving>
2 obsolete : to manipulate (a fan) in a modish manner
intransitive verb : to pay court to ladies

gallantry
n. 1 archaic : gallant appearance
2 a : an act of marked courtesy b : courteous attention to a lady c : amorous attention or pursuit
3 : spirited and conspicuous bravery

gallate
n. : a salt or ester of gallic acid

Gallatin
(Abraham Alfonse) Albert 1761-1849 American (Swiss-born) financier & statesman

Gallatin
1 river 125 mi (201 km) SW Mont. ― see THREE FORKS
2 city N Tenn. NE of Nashville pop 23,230

Gallatin Range
mountain range S Mont. ― see ELECTRIC PEAK

Gallaudet
Thomas Hopkins 1787-1851 American teacher of the hearing- and speech-impaired

gallbladder
n. : a membranous muscular sac in which bile from the liver is stored

galleass
n. : a large fast galley used especially as a warship by Mediterranean countries in the 16th and 17th centuries and having both sails and oars but usually propelled chiefly by rowing

Gallegos Freire
Rómulo 1884-1969 Venezuelan nov.; pres. of Venezuela (1948)

galleon
n. : a heavy square-rigged sailing ship of the 15th to early 18th centuries used for war or commerce especially by the Spanish

galleria
n. : a roofed and usually glass-enclosed promenade or court (as at a mall)

gallery
n. 1 a : a roofed promenade : COLONNADE b : CORRIDOR 1
2 a : an outdoor balcony b Southern & Midland : PORCH, VERANDA c : a platform at the quarters or stern of a ship
3 a : a long and narrow passage, apartment, or corridor b : a subterranean passageway in a cave or military mining system also : a working drift or level in mining c : an underground passage made by a mole or ant or a passage made in wood by an insect (as a beetle)
4 a : a room or building devoted to the exhibition of works of art b : an institution or business exhibiting or dealing in works of art c : COLLECTION, AGGREGATION <the rich gallery of characters in this novel ― H. S. Canby>
5 a : a structure projecting from one or more interior walls (as of an auditorium or church) to accommodate additional people especially : the highest balcony in a theater commonly having the cheapest seats b : the part of a theater audience seated in the top gallery c : the undiscriminating general public d : the spectators at a sporting event (as a tennis or golf match)
6 : a small ornamental barrier or railing (as along the edge of a table or shelf)
7 : a photographer's studio
–gal·ler·ied \-rēd\ adjective
–gal·lery·ite \-rē-ˌīt\ noun

gallery
n. fly gallery
gallery forest
rogues' gallery
shooting gallery

gallery forest
: a forest growing along a watercourse in a region otherwise devoid of trees

gallerygoer
: one who frequently goes to art galleries

galleta
: either of two perennial grasses (Hilaria rigida and H. jamesii syn. Pleuraphis rigida and P. jamesii) chiefly of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico used for forage

galley
n. 1 : a ship or boat propelled solely or chiefly by oars: as a : a long low ship used for war and trading especially in the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle Ages to the 19th century also : GALLEASS b : a warship of classical antiquity ― compare BIREME, TRIREME c : a large open boat (as a gig) formerly used in England
2 : the kitchen and cooking apparatus especially of a ship or airplane
3 a : an oblong tray to hold especially a single column of set type b : a proof of typeset matter especially in a single column before being made into pages

galley-west
: into destruction or confusion <was knocked galley-west>

gallfly
n. : an insect (as a gall wasp) that deposits its eggs in plants causing the formation of galls in which the larvae feed

Galli-Curci
Amelita 1889-1963 née Galli American (Ital.-born) soprano

galliard
n. archaic : GAY, LIVELY

galliard
n. : a sprightly dance with five steps to a phrase popular in the 16th and 17th centuries

Gallic
adj. : of or relating to Gaul or France

gallic acid
: a white crystalline acid C_7H_6O_5 found widely in plants or combined in tannins and used especially in dyes and as a photographic developer

gallica
: a compact fragrant European rose (Rosa gallica) having usually pink, red, or crimson flowers that yield an oil used especially in perfumery

Gallican
n. 1 : GALLIC
2 often not capitalized : of or relating to Gallicanism
–Gallican noun

Gallicanism
n. : a movement originating in France and advocating administrative independence from papal control for the Roman Catholic Church in each nation

Gallice
: in French : after the French manner

gallicism
n. 1 : a characteristic French idiom or expression appearing in another language
2 : a French trait

gallicize
v. : to cause to conform to a French mode or idiom
–gal·li·ci·za·tion \ˌga-lə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

Gallieni
Joseph-Simon 1849-1916 Fr. gen. & colonial administrator

Gallienus
Publius Licinius Valerianus Egnatius d 268 Rom. emp. (253-268)

galligaskins
n. 1 a : loose wide hose or breeches worn in the 16th and 17th centuries b : very loose trousers
2 dialect chiefly British : LEGGINGS

gallimaufry
n. : HODGEPODGE <a gallimaufry of opinions>

gallinaceous
adj. : of or relating to an order (Galliformes) of heavy-bodied largely terrestrial birds including the pheasants, turkeys, grouse, and the common domestic chicken

Gallinas, Point
cape N Colombia; northernmost point of S. America, at 12°15′ N

galling
adj. : markedly irritating : VEXING <a most galling defeat>
–gall·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

gallinipper
chiefly Southern & Midland : any of various insects (as a large mosquito or crane fly)

gallinule
n. : any of several aquatic birds of the rail family with long thin feet and a platelike frontal area on the head: as a : MOORHEN b : one (Porphyrula martinica) found from the southern U.S. to Argentina that is purplish blue with olive-green upperparts, a red and yellow bill, and a light blue frontal area

galliot
n. 1 : a small swift galley formerly used in the Mediterranean
2 [Dutch galjoot, from Middle French galiot] : a long narrow shallow-draft Dutch merchant sailing ship

Gallipoli
n. peninsula Turkey in Europe bet. the Dardanelles & Saros Gulf ― see CHERSONESE

gallipot
n. 1 : a small usually ceramic vessel
2 archaic : DRUGGIST

gallium
n. : a bluish-white metallic element obtained especially as a by-product in refining various ores and used especially in semiconductors and optoelectronic devices ― see ELEMENT table

gallium arsenide
: a synthetic compound GaAs used especially as a semiconducting material

gallivant
v. 1 : to go about usually ostentatiously or indiscreetly with members of the opposite sex
2 : to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure

gallnut
n. : a gall resembling a nut

Gallo-Romance
: the Romance speech that developed out of the spoken Latin of Transalpine Gaul

gallon
n. : a unit of liquid capacity equal to 231 cubic inches or four quarts ― see WEIGHT table

gallonage
: amount in gallons

galloon
n. : a narrow trimming (as of lace, embroidery, or braid with metallic threads) having both edges scalloped

gallop
n. 1 : to progress or ride at a gallop
2 : to run fast
transitive verb
1 : to cause to gallop
2 : to transport at a gallop
–gal·lop·er noun

gallop
n. 1 : a bounding gait of a quadruped specifically : a fast natural 3-beat gait of the horse ― compare 3CANTER, RUN
2 : a ride or run at a gallop
3 : a stretch of land suitable for galloping horses
4 : a rapid or hasty progression or pace

gallopade
: GALOP

Gallophile
n. : FRANCOPHILE
–Gallophile noun

galloping
adj. : progressing, developing, or increasing rapidly <galloping inflation> <a galloping farce> <galloping alcoholism>

Galloway
adj. : any of a breed of hardy medium-sized hornless chiefly black beef cattle native to southwestern Scotland

Galloway
adj. former district SW Scotland comprising area formerly in counties of Wigtown & Kirkcudbright ― see DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
–Gal·we·gian \gal-'wē-j(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

gallowglass
n. 1 : a mercenary or retainer of an Irish chief
2 : an armed Irish foot soldier

gallows
n. 1 a : a frame usually of two upright posts and a transverse beam from which criminals are hanged ― called also gallows tree b : the punishment of hanging
2 : a structure consisting of an upright frame with a crosspiece
3 : SUSPENDER 2A

gallows
n. : deserving the gallows

gallows
n. gallows tree
gallows bird
gallows humor

gallows bird
: a person who deserves hanging

gallows humor
: humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation

gallstone
n. : a calculus (as of cholesterol) formed in the gallbladder or biliary passages

Gallup
n. George Horace 1901-1984 American statistician

Gallup
n. city NW N.Mex. near American Indian reservations pop 20,209

gallus
n. : SUSPENDER 2A ― usually used in plural

gallused
: wearing galluses

gally
chiefly dialect : FRIGHTEN, TERRIFY

Galois
Évariste 1811-1832 Fr. math.

Galois theory
: a part of the theory of mathematical groups concerned especially with the conditions under which a solution to a polynomial equation with coefficients in a given mathematical field can be obtained in the field by the repetition of operations and the extraction of nth roots

galoot
n. slang : FELLOW especially : one who is strange or foolish

galop
n. : a lively dance in duple measure also : the music of a galop

galore
adv. : ABUNDANT, PLENTIFUL ― used postpositively <bargains galore>

galosh
n. 1 obsolete : a shoe with a heavy sole
2 : a high overshoe worn especially in snow and slush
–ga·loshed \-'läsht\ adjective

Galsworthy
n. John 1867-1933 Eng. nov. & dram.

Galt
John 1779-1839 Scot. nov.

Galt
former city Ont., Canada ― see CAMBRIDGE 2

Galton
Sir Francis 1822-1911 Eng. scientist
–Gal·to·nian \gȯl-'tō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

galumph
v. : to move with a clumsy heavy tread

Galvani
Luigi 1737-1798 Ital. physician & physicist

galvanic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or producing a direct current of electricity <a galvanic cell>
2 a : having an electric effect : intensely exciting <a galvanic performance> b : produced as if by an electric shock <had a galvanic effect on the audience>
–gal·van·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

galvanic skin response
: a change in the electrical resistance of the skin that is a physiochemical response to emotional arousal which increases sympathetic nervous system activity

galvanise
v. British variant of galvanize

galvanism
n. 1 : a direct current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action
2 : the therapeutic use of direct electric current (as for pain relief)
3 : vital or forceful activity

galvanize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically <galvanize a muscle> b : to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock <an issue that would galvanize public opinion>
2 : to coat (iron or steel) with zinc especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy
intransitive verb : to react as if stimulated by an electric shock <they galvanized into action>
–gal·va·ni·za·tion \ˌgal-və-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–gal·va·niz·er \'gal-və-ˌnī-zər\ noun

galvano
: galvanic current <galvanometer>

galvanometer
n. : an instrument for detecting or measuring a small electric current by movements of a magnetic needle or of a coil in a magnetic field
–gal·va·no·met·ric \-nō-'me-trik\ adjective

galvanoscope
n. : an instrument for detecting the presence and direction of an electric current by the deflection of a magnetic needle

Galveston
city SE Tex. on Galveston Island (30 mi or 48 km long) at entrance to Galveston Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico) pop 57,247
–Gal·ves·to·nian \ˌgal-və-'stō-nē-ən, -nyən\ noun

Galvez
José 1729-1787 Marqués de la Sonora Span. jurist & colonial administrator

Galway
1 county W Ireland in Connacht bordering on the Atlantic area 2293 sq mi (5962 sq km), pop 209,077
2 municipal borough & port, its capital, on Galway Bay (inlet) pop 65,832

gam
n. slang : LEG

gam
n. 1 : a visit or friendly conversation at sea or ashore especially between whalers
2 : a school of whales

gam
n. intransitive verb : to engage in a gam
transitive verb
1 : to have a gam with
2 : to spend or pass (as time) talking

gama
n. gama grass
Gama da
Vasco da Gama

gama grass
: a tall coarse American grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) valuable for forage

Gama, da
Vas·co \'vas-kō, 'väs-\ ca 1460-1524 Port. navigator & explorer

Gamarra
Augustín 1785-1841 Peruvian gen.; pres. of Peru (1829-33; 1839-41)

gamay
n. : a light dry red table wine made from the same grape used for French Beaujolais <gamay rosé> also : the grape

gamba
n. : VIOLA DA GAMBA

gamba
n. viola da gamba
violist da gamba
viole da gamba
violas da gamba

gambado
n. : a horseman's legging

gambado
n. 1 : a spring of a horse
2 : CAPER, GAMBOL

Gambetta
Léon (-Michel) 1838-1882 Fr. lawyer & statesman

Gambia
n. 1 river 700 mi (1126 km) W Africa flowing from Fouta Djallon in W Guinea W through Senegal into the Atlantic in Gambia
2 or the Gambia country W Africa; a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations capital Banjul area 4003 sq mi (10,368 sq km), pop 687,817
–Gam·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

gambier
n. : a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a tropical southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing

Gambier Islands
islands S. Pacific SE of Tuamotu Archipelago belonging to France pop 620 ― see MANGAREVA

gambit
n. 1 : a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position
2 a (1) : a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point (2) : TOPIC b : a calculated move : STRATAGEM

gamble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to play a game for money or property b : to bet on an uncertain outcome
2 : to stake something on a contingency : take a chance
transitive verb
1 : to risk by gambling : WAGER
2 : VENTURE, HAZARD
–gam·bler \-blər\ noun

gamble
n. 1 a : an act having an element of risk b : something chancy
2 : the playing of a game of chance for stakes

gamboge
n. 1 : an orange to brown gum resin from southeast Asian trees (genus Garcinia) of the Saint-John's-wort family that is used as a yellow pigment and cathartic
2 : a strong yellow

gambol
n. : to skip about in play : FRISK, FROLIC

gambol
n. : a skipping or leaping about in play

gambrel
n. : a stick or iron for suspending slaughtered animals

gambrel roof
: a roof with a lower steeper slope and an upper less steep one on each of its two sides ― see ROOF illustration

gambusia
: any of a genus (Gambusia) of live-bearers (family Poeciliidae) including some introduced as exterminators of mosquito larvae in warm freshwaters ― compare MOSQUITO FISH

game
n. 1 a (1) : activity engaged in for diversion or amusement : PLAY (2) : the equipment for a game b : often derisive or mocking jesting : FUN, SPORT <make game of a nervous player>
2 a : a procedure or strategy for gaining an end : TACTIC b : an illegal or shady scheme or maneuver : RACKET
3 a (1) : a physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with the participants in direct opposition to each other (2) : a division of a larger contest (3) : the number of points necessary to win (4) : points scored in certain card games (as in all fours) by a player whose cards count up the highest (5) : the manner of playing in a contest (6) : the set of rules governing a game (7) : a particular aspect or phase of play in a game or sport <a football team's kicking game> b plural : organized athletics c (1) : a field of gainful activity : LINE <the newspaper game> (2) : any activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry, strategy, or struggle <the dating game> <the game of politics> also : the course or period of such an activity <got into aviation early in the game> (3) : area of expertise : SPECIALTY 3 <comedy is not my game>
4 a (1) : animals under pursuit or taken in hunting especially : wild animals hunted for sport or food (2) : the flesh of game animals b archaic : PLUCK c : a target or object especially of ridicule or attack ― often used in the phrase fair game
synonyms see FUN
–game·like \-līk\ adjective

game
n. intransitive verb : to play for a stake
transitive verb
1 archaic : to lose or squander by gambling
2 : to take dishonest advantage of : CHEAT <game the tax system>

game
n. 1 a : having or showing a resolute unyielding spirit <game to the end> b : willing or ready to proceed <were game for anything>
2 : of or relating to game <game laws>
–game·ly adverb
–game·ness noun

game
n. : LAME <a game leg>

game
n. numbers game
arcade game
ball game
big game
board game
game ball
game bird
game fish
game hen
game of chance
game plan
game point
game show
game theory
game theorist
head game
middle game
mind game
mug's game
name of the game
parlor game
perfect game
pinball game
play the game
Rock Cornish game hen
shell game
singing game
skin game
video game
waiting game
war game
Paralympic Games
fun and games
Olympian Games
Olympic Games
play games
theory of games

game ball
: a ball (as a football) presented to a player or coach in recognition of an outstanding contribution to a team victory

game bird
: a bird that may be legally hunted according to the laws especially of a state of the U.S.

game fish
1 : a fish of a family (Salmonidae) including salmons, trouts, chars, and whitefishes
2 : SPORT FISH especially : a fish made a legal catch by law

game hen
: an immature domestic hen weighing usually less than two pounds and used especially for roasting <a Cornish game hen>

game of chance

1790
: a game (as a dice game) in which chance rather than skill determines the outcome

game plan
: a strategy for achieving an objective
–game-plan intransitive verb

game point
: a situation (as in tennis) in which one player will win the game by winning the next point also : the point itself

game show
: a television program on which contestants compete for prizes in a game (as a quiz)

game theory
: the analysis of a situation involving conflicting interests (as in business or military strategy) in terms of gains and losses among opposing players
–game theorist noun

gamecock
n. : a rooster of the domestic chicken trained for fighting

gamekeeper
n. : a person in charge of the breeding and protection of game animals or birds on a private preserve

gamelan
n. : an Indonesian orchestra made up especially of percussion instruments (as gongs, xylophones, and drums)

Gamelin
Maurice-Gustave 1872-1958 Fr. gen.

gamer
n. 1 : a player who is game especially : an athlete who relishes competition
2 : a person who plays games especially : a person who regularly plays computer or video games

gamesman
n. : one who practices gamesmanship also : one who plays games

gamesmanship
n. 1 : the art or practice of winning games by questionable expedients without actually violating the rules
2 : the use of ethically dubious methods to gain an objective

gamesome
adj. : MERRY, FROLICSOME
–game·some·ly adverb
–game·some·ness noun

gamester
n. : one who plays games especially : GAMBLER

gamet
: gamete <gametophore>

gametangium
n. : a cell or organ (as of an alga, fern, or fungus) in which gametes are developed

gamete
n. : a mature male or female germ cell usually possessing a haploid chromosome set and capable of initiating formation of a new diploid individual by fusion with a gamete of the opposite sex
–ga·met·ic \gə-'me-tik, -'mē-\ adjective
–ga·met·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

gamete intrafallopian transfer
: a method of assisting reproduction in cases of infertility that involves obtaining eggs from an ovary, mixing them with sperm, and inserting them into a fallopian tube by a laparoscope ― abbreviation GIFT ― called also gamete intrafallopian tube transfer

gametocyte
n. : a cell (as of a protozoan causing malaria) that divides to produce gametes

gametogenesis
n. : the production of gametes
–ga·me·to·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ or gam·etog·e·nous \ˌga-mə-'tä-jə-nəs\ adjective

gametophore
: a modified branch (as of a moss) bearing gametangia

gametophyte
n. : the haploid multicellular individual or generation of a plant with alternation of generations that begins with a haploid spore, produces gametes by mitotic division, and ends with fertilization producing a diploid zygote and that constitutes the visibly dominant form in mosses and algae, exists as an independent plant body in ferns and their relatives, and is reduced to a microscopic or rudimentary state in seed plants ― compare SPOROPHYTE
–ga·me·to·phyt·ic \-ˌmē-tə-'fi-tik\ adjective

gamic
adj. : having (such) reproductive organs <cleistogamic>

gamin
n. 1 : a boy who hangs around on the streets : URCHIN
2 : GAMINE 2

gamine
n. 1 : a girl who hangs around on the streets
2 : a small playfully mischievous girl

gamine
n. : of, relating to, or suggesting a gamine

gaming
n. 1 : the practice of gambling
2 a : the playing of games that simulate actual conditions (as of business or war) especially for training or testing purposes b : the playing of video games

gamma
n. 1 : the 3d letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : the degree of contrast of a developed photographic image or of a video image
3 : a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla
4 : GAMMA RAY <gamma counter>
5 : MICROGRAM

gamma
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being one of three or more closely related chemical substances
2 : third in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom ― symbol γ

gamma
n. gamma hydroxybutyrate
gamma aminobutyric acid
gamma camera
gamma globulin
gamma interferon
Gamma Knife
gamma radiation
gamma ray
interferon gamma

gamma camera
: a camera that detects the radiation from a radioactive tracer injected into the body and is used especially in medical diagnostic scanning

gamma globulin
1 : a protein fraction of blood rich in antibodies
2 : a sterile solution of gamma globulin from pooled human blood administered especially for passive immunity against measles, German measles, infectious hepatitis, or poliomyelitis

gamma hydroxybutyrate
: GHB

gamma interferon
: an interferon that is produced by T cells, regulates the immune response, and in a form produced by recombinant DNA technology is used especially to control infections due to inability of white blood cells to destroy certain bacteria and fungi ― compare ALPHA INTERFERON, BETA INTERFERON

Gamma Knife
― used for a medical device that emits a highly focused beam of gamma radiation

gamma radiation
: radiation composed of gamma rays

gamma ray
: a photon emitted spontaneously by a radioactive substance also : a photon of higher energy than that of an X ray ― usually used in plural

gamma-aminobutyric acid
: an amino acid C_4H_9NO_2 that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

gammer
n. archaic : an old woman ― compare GAFFER

gammon
n. 1 chiefly British : HAM 2
2 chiefly British a : a side of bacon b : the lower end of a side of bacon

gammon
n. 1 archaic : BACKGAMMON
2 : the winning of a backgammon game before the loser removes any men from the board

gammon
n. : to beat by scoring a gammon

gammon
n. 1 : to talk gammon
2 : PRETEND, FEIGN
transitive verb : DECEIVE, FOOL

gammon
n. : talk intended to deceive

gammy
adj. British : LAME, GAME

gamous
1 : characterized by having or practicing (such) a marriage or (such or so many) marriages <exogamous>
2 : -GAMIC <heterogamous>

gamut
n. 1 : the whole series of recognized musical notes
2 : an entire range or series <ran the gamut from praise to contempt>
synonyms see RANGE

gamy
adj. 1 : BRAVE, PLUCKY ― used especially of animals
2 a : having the flavor of game especially : having the flavor of game near tainting b : SMELLY
3 a : SORDID, SCANDALOUS <gave us all the gamy details> b : CORRUPT, DISREPUTABLE <a gamy character> c : sexually suggestive : RACY <gamy witticisms>
–gam·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–gam·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

gamy
adj. 1 : marriage <exogamy>
2 : union for propagation or reproduction <allogamy>
3 : possession of (such) reproductive organs or (such) a mode of fertilization <cleistogamy>

Gan
river over 500 mi (800 km) SE China in Jiangxi

gan
past of gin

Gana
― see GHANA 1

ganache
n. : a sweet creamy chocolate mixture used especially as a filling or frosting

Ganca
city W Azerbaijan pop 282,200

ganciclovir
: an antiviral drug C_9H_13N_5O_4 related to acyclovir and used especially to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunocompromised individuals

Gand
― see GHENT

Ganda
1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Uganda
2 : LUGANDA

gander
n. 1 : an adult male goose
2 : SIMPLETON

gander
n. : LOOK, GLANCE <take a gander>

Gandhi
n. In·dira \in-'dir-ə, 'in-də-rə\ 1917-1984 dau. of Jawaharlal Nehru prime min. of India (1966-77; 1980-84)

Gandhi
n. Mohandas Karamchand 1869-1948 Ma·hat·ma \mə-'hät-mə, -'hat-\ Indian nationalist leader
–Gan·dhi·an \-ən\ adjective

Gandhi
n. Ra·jiv \rä-'jēv\ Ratna 1944-1991 son of Indira prime min. of India (1984-89)

Gandhinagar
town W India capital of Gujarat pop 121,746

gandy dancer
1 : a laborer in a railroad section gang
2 : an itinerant or seasonal laborer

ganef
n. slang : THIEF, RASCAL

Ganelon
: the traitor in the Charlemagne romances who is responsible for the death of Roland

gang
n. Scottish : GO

gang
n. 1 a (1) : a set of articles : OUTFIT <a gang of oars> (2) : a combination of similar implements or devices arranged for convenience to act together <a gang of saws> b : GROUP: as (1) : a group of persons working together (2) : a group of persons working to unlawful or antisocial ends especially : a band of antisocial adolescents
2 : a group of persons having informal and usually close social relations <watching TV with the gang>

gang
n. 1 a : to assemble or operate simultaneously as a group b : to arrange in or produce as a gang
2 : to attack in a gang
intransitive verb : to move or act as a gang

gang
n. chain gang
gang bang
gang hook
gang rape
gang tackle
gang up
press gang
section gang

gang bang
1 often vulgar : copulation by several persons in succession with the same passive partner
2 often vulgar : GANG RAPE

gang hook
: two or three fishhooks with their shanks joined together

gang rape
: rape of one person by several attackers in succession
–gang-rape transitive verb

gang up
1 : to make a joint assault <ganged up on him and beat him up>
2 : to combine for a specific purpose <ganged up to raise prices>
3 : to exert group pressure <ganged up against the boss>

gang-tackle
: to bring down (a ballcarrier in football) with several tacklers

gangbang
v. 1 often vulgar : to participate in a gang bang
2 : to participate in especially violent gang activity
transitive verb often vulgar : to subject to a gang bang

gangbanger
n. : a member of a street gang

gangbuster
n. : one engaged in the aggressive breakup of organized criminal gangs
–like gangbusters : with great or excessive force or aggressiveness <came on like gangbusters> also : with great speed or success <making money like gangbusters ― Martha Hume>

gangbusters
n. : outstandingly excellent or successful <a gangbusters ballplayer>
–gangbusters adverb

ganger
n. British : the foreman of a gang of workers

Ganges
n. river 1550 mi (2494 km) N India flowing from the Himalayas SE & E to unite with the Brahmaputra & empty into Bay of Bengal through the vast Ganges Delta ― see HUGLI
–Gan·get·ic \gan-'je-tik\ adjective

Gangetic Plain
low-lying plains region India & Bangladesh formed by Ganges River & its tributaries

gangland
n. : the world of organized crime <a gangland killing>

gangling
adj. : loosely and awkwardly built : LANKY

ganglion
n. 1 : a small cystic tumor connected either with a joint membrane or tendon sheath
2 a : a mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons external to the brain or spinal cord also : NUCLEUS 2B b : something likened to a nerve ganglion <a ganglion of cables and wires>
–gan·gli·on·at·ed \'gaŋ-glē-ə-ˌnā-təd\ adjective
–gan·gli·on·ic \ˌgaŋ-glē-'ä-nik\ adjective

ganglioside
n. : any of a group of glycolipids that yield a hexose sugar on hydrolysis and are found especially in the plasma membrane of cells of the gray matter

gangly
adj. : GANGLING

gangplank
n. : a movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a ship at a pier

gangplow
: a plow designed to turn two or more furrows at one time

gangrel
Scottish : VAGRANT

gangrene
n. 1 : local death of soft tissues due to loss of blood supply
2 : pervasive decay or corruption : ROT <moral gangrene>
–gan·gre·nous \'gaŋ-grə-nəs\ adjective

gangrene
n. transitive verb : to make gangrenous
intransitive verb : to become gangrenous

gangsta
n. 1 : a member of an urban street gang
2 : a performer of gangsta rap

gangsta rap
: rap music with lyrics explicitly portraying the violence and drug use of urban gang life and typically expressing hostility toward whites, women, and civil authority
–gangsta rapper noun

gangster
n. : a member of a gang of criminals : RACKETEER
–gang·ster·dom \-dəm\ noun
–gang·ster·ish \-stə-rish\ adjective
–gang·ster·ism \-stə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

Gangtok
town NE India capital of Sikkim pop 29,162

gangue
n. : the worthless rock or vein matter in which valuable metals or minerals occur

gangway
n. 1 : PASSAGEWAY especially : a temporary way of planks
2 a : either of the sides of the upper deck of a ship b : the opening by which a ship is boarded c : GANGPLANK
3 British : AISLE
4 a : a cross aisle dividing the front benches from the backbenches in the British House of Commons b : an aisle in the British House of Commons that separates government and opposition benches
5 : a clear passage through a crowd ― often used as an interjection

ganister
n. : a fine-grained quartzite used in the manufacture of refractory brick

ganja
n. : a potent and selected preparation of marijuana used especially for smoking broadly : MARIJUANA

gannet
n. : any of a genus (Morus of the family Sulidae, the gannet family) of large fish-eating seabirds that breed in colonies chiefly on offshore islands

Gannett Peak
mountain 13,804 ft (4208 m) cen Wyo.; highest in Wind River Range & in the state

ganoid
n. : of, having, or being fish scales consisting of bone and an outer shiny layer resembling enamel also : relating to or being fish with ganoid scales

ganoid
n. : a fish (as a sturgeon or gar) with ganoid scales

Gansu
province N cen China capital Lanzhou area 137,104 sq mi (356,470 sq km), pop 22,371,141

gantelope
archaic : 2GAUNTLET

gantlet
n. variant of gauntlet

gantry
n. 1 : a frame for supporting barrels
2 : a frame structure raised on side supports so as to span over or around something: as a : a platform made to carry a traveling crane and supported by towers or side frames running on parallel tracks also : a movable structure with platforms at different levels used for erecting and servicing rockets before launching b : a structure spanning several railroad tracks and displaying signals for each

Ganymede
n. : a beautiful youth in classical mythology carried off to Olympus to be the cupbearer of the gods

GAO
General Accounting Office

Gao Xingjian
1940-     Fr. (Chin.-born) nov., essayist, & dram.

gap
n. 1 a : a break in a barrier (as a wall, hedge, or line of military defense) b : an assailable position
2 a : a mountain pass b : RAVINE
3 : SPARK GAP
4 a : a separation in space b : an incomplete or deficient area <a gap in her knowledge>
5 : a break in continuity : HIATUS
6 : a break in the vascular cylinder of a plant where a vascular trace departs from the central cylinder
7 : lack of balance : DISPARITY <the gap between imports and exports>
8 : a wide difference in character or attitude <the generation gap>
9 : a problem caused by some disparity <a communication gap> <credibility gap>
–gap·py \'ga-pē\ adjective

gap
n. transitive verb
1 : to make an opening in
2 : to adjust the space between the electrodes of (a spark plug)
intransitive verb : to fall or stand open

gap
n. credibility gap
gap junction
gap toothed
spark gap
water gap
wind gap
Cumberland Gap
gapped scale

gap junction
n. : an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances

gap-toothed
: having gaps between the teeth

gape
n. 1 a : to open the mouth wide b : to open or part widely <holes gaped in the pavement>
2 : to gaze stupidly or in openmouthed surprise or wonder
3 : YAWN
–gap·ing·ly \'gā-piŋ-lē, 'ga-piŋ-\ adverb

gape
n. 1 : an act of gaping: a : YAWN b : an openmouthed stare
2 : an unfilled space or extent
3 a : the median margin-to-margin length of the open mouth b : the line along which the mandibles of a bird close c : the width of an opening
4 plural but singular in construction a : a disease of birds and especially young birds in which gapeworms invade and irritate the trachea b : a fit of yawning

gaper
n. 1 : one that gapes
2 : any of several large sluggish burrowing clams (families Myacidae and Mactridae) including several used for food

gapeworm
n. : a nematode worm (Syngamus trachea) that causes gapes in birds

gaping
adj. : wide open <a gaping hole>

gapped scale
: a musical scale derived from a larger system of tones by omitting certain tones

GAR
Grand Army of the Republic

Gar
town China in W Tibet

gar
― used as a mild oath in the phrase by gar

gar
: any of various fishes that have an elongate body resembling that of a pike and long narrow jaws: as a : NEEDLEFISH 1 b : any of several predaceous No. American freshwater bony fishes (family Lepisosteidae) with heavy ganoid scales

gar
garage

garage
n. 1 : a shelter or repair shop for automotive vehicles
2 : a cabinet with a vertical rolling door that is used for storing a small kitchen appliance

garage
n. : to keep or put in a garage

garage band
: an amateur rock band typically holding its rehearsals in a garage and usually having only a local audience

garage sale
: a sale of used household or personal articles (as furniture, tools, or clothing) held on the seller's own premises

garageman
: a person who works in a garage

garam masala
: a pungent and aromatic mixture of ground spices used in Indian cooking

Garamond
Claude ca 1480-1561 Fr. typefounder

Garand
John Cantius 1888-1974 American (Canad.-born) inventor

Garand rifle
: M1 RIFLE

garb
n. 1 obsolete : FASHION, MANNER
2 a : a style of apparel b : outward form : APPEARANCE

garb
n. : to cover with or as if with clothing <garbed in T-shirt and blue jeans>

garbage
n. 1 a : food waste b : discarded or useless material
2 a : TRASH 1B b : inaccurate or useless data

garbageman
n. : one who collects and hauls away garbage

garbanzo
n. : CHICKPEA

garbanzo bean
: CHICKPEA

garble
v. 1 archaic : CULL 1
2 : to sift impurities from
3 a : to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning <garble a story> b : to introduce textual error into (a message) by inaccurate encipherment, transmission, or decipherment
–gar·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

garble
v. 1 : the impurities removed from spices in sifting
2 : an act or an instance of garbling

Garbo
n. Greta 1905-1990 orig. Greta Lovisa Gustafsson American (Swed.-born) actress
–Gar·bo·esque \ˌgär-bō-'wesk\ adjective

garboard
n. : the strake next to a ship's keel

garboil
archaic : a confused disordered state : TURMOIL

garbology
n. : the study of modern culture through the analysis of what is thrown away as garbage
–gar·bol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Garcia
n. Garcia Gutierrez
Garcia Iniguez
Garcia Lorca
Garcia Marquez
Garcia Moreno
Diego Garcia

Garcia Gutierrez
Antonio 1813-1884 Span. dram.

Garcia Iniguez
Calixto 1839-1898 Cuban revolutionary

Garcia Lorca
Federico 1898-1936 Span. poet & dram.

Garcia Marquez
Gabriel 1928-     Colombian author

Garcia Moreno
Gabriel 1821-1875 Ecuadorian journalist; pres. of Ecuador (1861-65; 1869-75)

Garcilaso de la Vega
v. 1539-1616 El Inca Peruvian hist.

garcon
n. : WAITER

garcon
n. en garcon
garcon d'honneur
en garçon
garçon d'honneur

garcon d'honneur
: bridegroom's attendant

García
García Gutiérrez
García iñiguez
García Lorca
García Márquez
García Moreno

garda
n. : a police officer in the Republic of Ireland

Garda, Lake
lake ab 35 mi (56 km) long N Italy bet. Lombardy & Veneto draining through the Mincio into the Po

garde
avant garde
garde manger
garde mangers
Dieu vous garde
en garde
garde du corps

garde du corps
: bodyguard

garde-manger
: a cook who specializes in the preparation of cold foods (as meats, fish, and salads)

Garden
n. Mary 1874-1967 American (Scot.-born) soprano

garden
n. 1 a : a plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated b : a rich well-cultivated region c : a container (as a window box) planted with usually a variety of small plants
2 a : a public recreation area or park usually ornamented with plants and trees <a botanical garden> b : an open-air eating or drinking place c : a large hall for public entertainment
–gar·den·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

garden
n. intransitive verb : to lay out or work in a garden
transitive verb
1 : to make into a garden
2 : to ornament with gardens
–gar·den·er \'gär-də-nər, 'gärd-nər\ noun

garden
n. 1 : of, relating to, used in, or frequenting a garden
2 a : of a kind grown in the open as distinguished from one more delicate <garden plant> b : commonly found : GARDEN-VARIETY

garden
n. garden rocket
lead one up the garden path
botanical garden
botanic garden
common or garden
garden apartment
garden city
garden cress
garden heliotrope
Garden of Eden
garden variety
kitchen garden
knot garden
lead one down the garden path
market garden
rock garden
roof garden
tea garden
water garden
zoological garden
Garden City
Garden Grove
Welwyn Garden City
Bell Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens
landscape gardening
market gardening
landscape gardener
market gardener

garden apartment
: a multiple-unit low-rise dwelling having considerable lawn or garden space

Garden City
1 city W Kans. on Arkansas River pop 28,451
2 city SE Mich. pop 30,047

garden city
: a planned residential community with park and planted areas

garden cress
: an annual herb (Lepidium sativum) of the mustard family sometimes cultivated for its pungent basal leaves

Garden Grove
city SW Calif. SW of Los Angeles pop 165,196

garden heliotrope
: a tall rhizomatous Old World valerian (Valeriana officinalis) widely cultivated for its fragrant tiny flowers and for its roots which yield the drug valerian

Garden of Eden

1535
: EDEN

garden rocket
: ARUGULA

garden-variety
: ORDINARY, COMMONPLACE

Gardena
city SW Calif. S of Los Angeles pop 57,746

gardenia
n. : any of a large genus (Gardenia) of Old World tropical trees and shrubs of the madder family with showy fragrant white or yellow flowers

garderobe
n. 1 : a wardrobe or its contents
2 : a private room : BEDROOM
3 : PRIVY 1

gardez la foi
: keep faith

Gardiner
Samuel Rawson 1829-1902 Eng. hist.

Gardiner
Stephen ca 1482-1555 Eng. prelate & statesman

Gardner
Erle Stanley 1889-1970 American writer

gardyloo
― used in Edinburgh as a warning cry when it was customary to throw slops from the windows into the streets

Gareth
n. : a knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur

Garfield
n. James Abram 1831-1881 20th pres. of the U.S. (1881)

Garfield
n. city NE N.J. N of Newark pop 29,786

Garfield Heights
city NE Ohio SSE of Cleveland pop 30,734

Garfield Mountain
mountain 10,961 ft (3341 m) SW Mont. near Idaho border; highest in Beaverhead & Bitterroot ranges

garfish
n. : GAR

Gargantua
n. : a gigantic king in Rabelais's Gargantua having a great capacity for food and drink

gargantuan
adj. : tremendous in size, volume, or degree : GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL <gargantuan waterfalls>

gargle
n. transitive verb
1 a : to hold (a liquid) in the mouth or throat and agitate with air from the lungs b : to cleanse or disinfect (the oral cavity) in this manner
2 : to utter with a gargling sound
intransitive verb
1 : to use a gargle
2 : to speak or sing as if gargling

gargle
n. 1 : a liquid used in gargling
2 : a sound of or like that of gargling

gargoyle
n. 1 a : a spout in the form of a grotesque human or animal figure projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building b : a grotesquely carved figure
2 : a person with an ugly face
–gar·goyled \-ˌgȯi(-ə)ld\ adjective

Garibaldi
n. Giuseppe 1807-1882 Ital. patriot
–Gar·i·bal·di·an \-dē-ən\ adjective

garibaldi
n. : a woman's blouse copied from the red shirt worn by the Italian patriot Garibaldi

Garifuna
: a member of a people of African and American Indian descent that live mainly along the Caribbean coast of northern Central America ― called also Black Carib also : the Arawakan language containing many Cariban elements spoken by the Garifunas

Garigliano
river 100 mi (161 km) cen Italy in Lazio flowing SE & SW into Gulf of Gaeta

garigue
: a low open scrubland with many evergreen shrubs, low trees, aromatic herbs, and bunchgrasses found in poor or dry soil in the Mediterranean region

garish
adj. 1 : clothed in vivid colors
2 a : excessively or disturbingly vivid <garish colors> <garish imagery> b : offensively or distressingly bright : GLARING
3 : tastelessly showy : FLASHY
synonyms see GAUDY
–gar·ish·ly adverb
–gar·ish·ness noun

Garland
n. (Hannibal) Hamlin 1860-1940 American nov.

Garland
n. Judy 1922-1969 orig. Frances Gumm American actress & singer

Garland
n. city NE Tex. NNE of Dallas pop 215,768

garland
n. 1 : a circular or spiral arrangement of intertwined material (as flowers or leaves)
2 : ANTHOLOGY, COLLECTION

garland
n. 1 : to form into a garland
2 : to adorn with or as if with a garland

garlic
n. 1 : a European allium (Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery broadly : ALLIUM
2 : a bulb of garlic
–gar·licky \-li-kē\ adjective

garlic
n. elephant garlic
garlic chive
garlic salt

garlic chive
: a perennial allium (Allium tuberosum) native to southeastern Asia but widely cultivated for its garlic-flavored stems, leaves, buds, and flower heads ― usually used in plural ― called also Chinese chive

garlic salt
: a seasoning of ground dried garlic and salt

garlicked
: containing or prepared with garlic

garment
n. : an article of clothing

garment
n. : to clothe with or as if with a garment

garment bag
: a bag used by travelers that folds in half and has a center handle for easy carrying

Garmisch-Partenkirchen
city S Germany in Bavaria SW of Munich in foothills of the Alps pop 27,094

Garner
n. John Nance 1868-1967 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1933-41)

garner
n. 1 a : to gather into storage b : to deposit as if in a granary <volumes in which he has garnered the fruits of his lifetime labors ― Reinhold Niebuhr>
2 a : to acquire by effort : EARN b : ACCUMULATE, COLLECT

garnet
n. 1 : a brittle and more or less transparent usually red silicate mineral that has a vitreous luster, occurs mainly in crystals but also in massive form and in grains, is found commonly in gneiss and mica schist, and is used as a semiprecious stone and as an abrasive
2 : a variable color averaging a dark red
–gar·net·if·er·ous \ˌgär-nə-'ti-f(ə-)rəs\ adjective

garnet paper
: an abrasive paper with crushed garnet as the abrasive

Garnett
n. Constance 1862-1946 née Black Eng. translator

garnierite
: a soft mineral consisting of hydrous nickel magnesium silicate and constituting an important ore of nickel

garnish
n. 1 a : DECORATE, EMBELLISH b : to add decorative or savory touches to (food or drink)
2 : to equip with accessories : FURNISH
3 : GARNISHEE
synonyms see ADORN

garnish
n. 1 : EMBELLISHMENT, ORNAMENT
2 : something (as lemon wedges or parsley) used to garnish food or drink
3 a : an unauthorized fee formerly extorted from a new inmate of an English jail b : a similar payment required of a new worker

garnishee
n. : a person who is served with a legal process of garnishment

garnishee
n. 1 : to serve with a garnishment
2 : to take (as a debtor's wages) by legal authority

garnishment
n. 1 : ORNAMENT, GARNISH
2 : a legal summons or warning concerning the attachment of property to satisfy a debt
3 : a stoppage of a specified sum from wages to satisfy a creditor or a legal obligation (as child support)

garniture
n. 1 : EMBELLISHMENT, TRIMMING
2 : a set of decorative objects (as vases, urns, or clocks)

Garonne
river ab 355 mi (571 km) SW France flowing NW to unite with the Dordogne forming Gironde Estuary

garpike
n. : GAR B

garret
n. : a room or unfinished part of a house just under the roof

Garrick
David 1717-1779 Eng. actor

Garrison
n. William Lloyd 1805-1879 American abolitionist

garrison
n. 1 : a military post especially : a permanent military installation
2 : the troops stationed at a garrison

garrison
n. 1 : to station troops in
2 a : to assign as a garrison b : to occupy with troops

garrison
n. garrison cap
Garrison finish
garrison house
garrison state
Garrison Dam

garrison cap
: a visorless folding cap worn as part of a military uniform ― compare SERVICE CAP

Garrison Dam
dam 210 ft (64 m) high in Missouri River W cen N.Dak. ― see SAKAKAWEA (Lake)

Garrison finish
: a finish in which the winner comes from behind at the end

garrison house
1 : a house fortified against attack
2 : BLOCKHOUSE
3 : a house having the second story overhanging the first in the front

garrison state
: a state organized to serve primarily its own need for military security also : a state maintained by military power

garron
n. Scottish & Irish : a small sturdy workhorse

garrote
n. 1 a : a method of execution by strangulation b : the apparatus used
2 : an implement (as a wire with a handle at each end) for strangulation

garrote
: to strangle with or as if with a garrote
–gar·rot·er noun

garrulity
n. : the quality or state of being garrulous

garrulous
adj. 1 : given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
2 : WORDY 1 <garrulous speeches>
synonyms see TALKATIVE
–gar·ru·lous·ly adverb
–gar·ru·lous·ness noun

Garshin
Vsevolod Mikhaylovich 1855-1888 Russ. writer

garter
n. 1 a : a band worn to hold up a stocking or sock b : a band worn to hold up a shirt sleeve c : a strap hanging from a girdle or corset to support a stocking
2 capitalized a : the British Order of the Garter also : the blue velvet garter that is its badge b : membership in the order

garter
n. : to support with or as if with a garter

garter snake
: any of a genus (Thamnophis) of harmless viviparous American snakes with longitudinal stripes on the back

garth
n. : a small yard or enclosure : CLOSE

Garvey
n. Marcus Moziah 1887-1940 Jamaican black leader

garvey
n. : a small scow especially of the New Jersey coast

Gary
n. Elbert Henry 1846-1927 American industrialist

Gary
n. city NW Ind. on Lake Michigan pop 102,746

gas
n. 1 : a fluid (as air) that has neither independent shape nor volume but tends to expand indefinitely
2 a : a combustible gas or gaseous mixture for fuel or lighting especially : NATURAL GAS b : a gaseous product of digestion also : discomfort from this c : a gas or gaseous mixture used to produce anesthesia d : a substance that can be used to produce a poisonous, asphyxiating, or irritant atmosphere
3 : empty talk : BOMBAST
4 : GASOLINE also : the accelerator pedal of an automotive vehicle
5 : driving force : ENERGY <I was young, and full of gas ― H. L. Mencken> <ran out of gas in the seventh inning>
6 slang : something that gives pleasure : DELIGHT <the party was a gas>

gas
n. intransitive verb
1 : to talk idly or garrulously
2 : to give off gas
3 : to fill the tank (as of an automobile) with gasoline ― usually used with up
transitive verb
1 : to supply with gas or especially gasoline <gas up the car>
2 a : to treat chemically with gas b : to poison or otherwise affect adversely with gas
3 slang : to please greatly

gas
n. gas plant
bottled gas
carbonic acid gas
coal gas
electron gas
gas chamber
gas chromatograph
gas chromatography
gas chromatographic
gas fitter
gas gangrene
gas guzzler
gas guzzling
gas liquid chromatography
gas liquid chromatographic
gas log
gas mask
gas oil
gas operated
gas ring
gas station
gas turbine
inert gas
laughing gas
liquefied petroleum gas
marsh gas
mustard gas
natural gas
nerve gas
noble gas
poison gas
producer gas
synthesis gas
tear gas
water gas
white gas
kinetic theory of gases
off gassing

gas chamber
: a chamber in which prisoners are executed by poison gas

gas chromatograph
: an instrument used to separate a sample into components in gas chromatography

gas chromatography
: chromatography in which the sample mixture is vaporized and injected into a stream of carrier gas (as nitrogen or helium) moving through a column containing a stationary phase composed of a liquid or particulate solid and is separated into its component compounds according to their affinity for the stationary phase
–gas chromatographic adjective

gas fitter
: a worker who installs or repairs gas pipes and appliances

gas gangrene
: progressive gangrene marked by impregnation of the dead and dying tissue with gas and caused by one or more toxin-producing clostridia

gas log
: a hollow perforated imitation log used as a gas burner in a fireplace

gas mask
: a mask connected to a chemical air filter and used to protect the face and lungs from toxic gases broadly : RESPIRATOR 1

gas oil
: a hydrocarbon oil used as a fuel oil especially : a petroleum distillate intermediate in boiling range and viscosity between kerosene and lubricating oil

gas plant
: FRAXINELLA

gas ring
: a ring-shaped portable gas burner for cooking

gas station
: a retail station for servicing motor vehicles especially with gasoline and oil ― called also service station

gas turbine
: an internal combustion engine in which expanding gases from the combustion chamber drive the blades of a turbine

gas-guzzler
: a usually large automobile that gets relatively poor mileage
–gas-guz·zling \-liŋ\ adjective

gas-liquid chromatography
: gas chromatography in which the stationary phase is a liquid
–gas-liquid chromatographic adjective

gas-operated
of a firearm : using part of the force of expanding propellant gases to operate the action

gasbag
n. 1 : a bag for holding gas
2 : an idle or garrulous talker

Gascoigne
George ca 1525-1577 Eng. poet

gascon
n. 1 capitalized a : a native of Gascony b : the Romance speech of Gascony
2 : a boastful swaggering person
–Gascon adjective

Gasconade
n. river 265 mi (426 km) S cen Mo. flowing NE into Missouri River

gasconade
n. : BRAVADO, BOASTING
–gasconade intransitive verb
–gas·con·ad·er noun

Gascony
n. region & former province SW France capital Auch

gaseous
adj. 1 : having the form of or being gas also : of or relating to gases
2 a : lacking substance or solidity b : GASSY 3 <trick phrases and gaseous circumlocutions ― Edwin Newman>
–gas·eous·ness noun

gash
n. 1 : a deep long cut in flesh
2 : a deep narrow depression or cut <cut a gash through the forest> <a gash in the hull>

gash
n. transitive verb : to make a gash in
intransitive verb : to make a gash : CUT

gash
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : KNOWING, WITTY
2 chiefly Scottish : well-dressed : TRIM

Gasherbrum
mountain 26,470 ft (8068 m) N Kashmir in Karakoram Range SE of K2

gasholder
n. : a container for gas especially : a huge cylindrical tank for storing fuel gas under pressure

gashouse
n. : GASWORKS

gasification
n. : conversion into gas especially : conversion of coal into natural gas

gasify
v. transitive verb : to convert into gas <gasify coal>
intransitive verb : to become gaseous
–gas·ifi·er \'ga-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

Gaskell
Elizabeth Cleghorn 1810-1865 née Stevenson Eng. nov.

gasket
n. : a material (as rubber) or a part (as an O-ring) used to make a joint fluid-tight

gaskin
n. 1 plural obsolete : HOSE, BREECHES
2 : a part of the hind leg of a quadruped between the stifle and the hock ― see HORSE illustration

gaslight
n. 1 : light made by burning illuminating gas
2 a : a gas flame b : a gas lighting fixture

gaslit
adj. : illuminated by gaslight

gasogene
1 : a portable apparatus for carbonating liquids
2 : an apparatus carried by a vehicle to produce gas for fuel by partial burning of charcoal or wood

gasohol
n. : a fuel consisting of a blend usually of 10 percent ethyl alcohol and 90 percent gasoline

gasolier
n. : a gaslight chandelier

gasoline
n. : a volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture used as a fuel especially for internal combustion engines and usually blended from several products of natural gas and petroleum
–gas·o·lin·ic \ˌga-sə-'lē-nik, -'li-\ adjective

gasometer
n. 1 : GASHOLDER
2 : a laboratory apparatus for holding and measuring gases

gasp
n. intransitive verb
1 : to catch the breath convulsively and audibly (as with shock)
2 : to breathe laboriously
transitive verb : to utter in a gasping manner
–gasp noun

Gaspe Peninsula
peninsula Canada in SE Que. bet. mouth of St. Lawrence River & Chaleur Bay
–Gas·pe·sian \ga-'spē-zhən\ adjective

gasper
n. slang British : CIGARETTE

gassed
adj. : DRUNK 1A

Gasser
n. Herbert Spencer 1888-1963 American physiol.

gasser
n. slang : something outstanding

gassy
adj. 1 : full of or containing gas
2 : having the characteristics of gas
3 : characterized by many words but little content : emptily verbose
–gas·si·ly \'ga-sə-lē\ adverb
–gas·si·ness noun

gast
obsolete : SCARE <gasted by the noise I made, full suddenly he fled ― Shakespeare>

Gasteiz
― see VITORIA

gaster
n. : the enlarged part of the abdomen behind the pedicel in hymenopterous insects (as ants)

gastight
adj. : impervious to gas
–gas·tight·ness noun

Gastineau Channel
channel SE Alaska bet. Douglas Is. & mainland on which Juneau is situated

gastness
obsolete : FRIGHT, TERROR

Gastonia
city SW N.C. W of Charlotte pop 66,277

gastr
pref. 1 : stomach <gastrectomy>
2 : gastric and <gastrointestinal>

gastrectomy
n. : surgical removal of all or part of the stomach

gastric
adj. : of or relating to the stomach

gastric
adj. gastric gland
gastric juice
gastric ulcer

gastric gland
: any of various glands in the walls of the stomach that secrete gastric juice

gastric juice
: a thin watery acid digestive fluid secreted by glands in the mucous membrane of the stomach

gastric ulcer
: a peptic ulcer situated in the stomach

gastrin
n. : any of various polypeptide hormones that are secreted by the gastric mucosa and induce secretion of gastric juice

gastritis
n. : inflammation especially of the mucous membrane of the stomach

gastrocnemius
n. : the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg arising by two heads from the condyles of the femur and attaching to a tendon that becomes part of the Achilles tendon

gastroduodenal
adj. : of, relating to, or involving the stomach and the duodenum

gastroenteritis
n. : inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and the intestines characterized especially by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps

gastroenterology
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with the structure, functions, diseases, and pathology of the stomach and intestines
–gas·tro·en·ter·o·log·i·cal \-rə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–gas·tro·en·ter·ol·o·gist \-ˌen-tə-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

gastroesophageal
: of, relating to, or involving the stomach and esophagus

gastroesophageal reflux
: backward flow of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to improper functioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and results especially in heartburn

gastrointestinal
adj. : of, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine <gastrointestinal tract>

gastrolith
n. : a stone or pebble ingested by an animal and functioning to grind food in gastric digestion

gastronome
n. : a lover of good food especially : one with a serious interest in gastronomy
synonyms see EPICURE

gastronomically
adv. 1 : from the standpoint of gastronomy <gastronomically fashionable>
2 : toward gastronomy <gastronomically inclined>

gastronomist
n. : GASTRONOME

gastronomy
n. 1 : the art or science of good eating
2 : culinary customs or style
–gas·tro·nom·ic \ˌgas-trə-'nä-mik\ also gas·tro·nom·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective

gastropod
n. : any of a large class (Gastropoda) of mollusks (as snails and slugs) usually with a univalve shell or none and a distinct head bearing sensory organs
–gastropod adjective

gastroscope
n. : an endoscope for viewing the interior of the stomach
–gas·tro·scop·ic \ˌgas-trə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–gas·tros·co·pist \ga-'sträs-kə-pist\ noun
–gas·tros·co·py \-pē\ noun

gastrotrich
: any of a phylum (Gastrotricha) of minute aquatic pseudocoelomate animals that usually have a spiny or scaly cuticle and cilia on the ventral surface

gastrovascular
: functioning in both digestion and circulation <the gastrovascular cavity of a coelenterate>

gastrula
n. : an early metazoan embryo in which the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm are established either by invagination of the blastula (as in fish and amphibians) to form a multilayered cellular cup with a blastopore opening into the archenteron or by differentiation of the blastodisc (as in reptiles, birds, and mammals) and inward cellular migration ― compare BLASTULA, MORULA
–gas·tru·lar \-lər\ adjective

gastrulation
n. : the process of becoming or of forming a gastrula
–gas·tru·late \'gas-trə-ˌlāt\ intransitive verb

gasworks
n. : a plant for manufacturing gas and especially illuminating gas

gat
n. archaic past of get

gat
n. : a natural or artificial channel or passage

gat
n. slang : HANDGUN

gate
n. 1 : an opening in a wall or fence
2 : a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures (as towers)
3 a : the frame or door that closes a gate b : a movable barrier (as at a grade crossing)
4 a : a means of entrance or exit b : STARTING GATE c : an area (as at a railroad station or an airport) for departure or arrival d : a space between two markers through which a competitor must pass in the course of a slalom race
5 a : a door, valve, or other device for controlling the passage especially of a fluid b (1) : an electronic switch that allows or prevents the flow of current in a circuit (2) : an electrode in a field-effect transistor that modulates the current flowing through the transistor according to the voltage applied to the electrode ― compare DRAIN, SOURCE c : a device (as in a computer) that outputs a signal when specified input conditions are met <logic gate> d : a molecule or part of a molecule that acts (as by a change in conformation) in response to a stimulus to permit or block passage (as of ions) through a cell membrane
6 slang : DISMISSAL <gave him the gate>
7 : the total admission receipts or the number of spectators (as at a sports event)

gate
n. 1 British : to punish by confinement to a campus or dormitory
2 : to supply with a gate
3 : to control by means of a gate

gate
n. 1 archaic : WAY, PATH
2 dialect : METHOD, STYLE

gate
n. : usu. political scandal often involving the concealment of wrongdoing <Irangate>

gate
n. gate crasher
gate crash
lich gate
lych gate
starting gate
water gate
enfant gate
Golden Gate
Hell Gate
Iron Gate
Moravian Gate
South Gate
Caspian Gates
Cilician Gates
Gates of the Arctic National Park

gate-crasher
: a person who enters, attends, or participates without ticket or invitation
–gate-crash verb

gateau
n. 1 : food baked or served in the form of a cake <eggplant gateau>
2 : a rich or fancy cake

gated
adj. 1 : having or controlled by a gate <a gated entrance>
2 : designed to restrict entrance usually by means of physical barriers, a private security force, and a controlled gate <gated communities>

gatefold
n. : FOLDOUT especially : one with a single fold that opens out like a gate

gatehouse
n. : a building or house connected or associated with a gate

gatekeeper
n. 1 : one that tends or guards a gate
2 : a person who controls access
–gate·keep·ing \-piŋ\ noun

gateleg table
: a table with drop leaves supported by movable paired legs

gatepost
n. : the post to which a gate is hung or the one against which it closes

Gates
n. Henry Louis, Jr. 1950-     American educator

Gates
n. Horatio ca 1728-1806 American gen. in Revolution

Gates
n. William Henry III 1955-     American computer software manuf.

Gates
n. Caspian Gates
Cilician Gates
Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park
n. wilderness area N cen Alaska in Brooks Range N of the Arctic Circle

Gateshead
town N England in Tyne and Wear county on the Tyne opposite Newcastle pop 196,500

gateway
n. 1 : an opening for a gate
2 : GATE 4A

gateway drug
: a drug (as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (as cocaine or heroin)

Gath
city of ancient Philistia ENE of Gaza

gather
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring together : COLLECT <tried to gather a crowd> <gathered firewood>
2 a : PICK, HARVEST <gather flowers> b : to pick up or amass as if by harvesting <gathering ideas for the project> c : to scoop up or take up from a resting place <gathered the child up in his arms>
3 : to serve as an attraction for : ACCUMULATE <books gathering dust>
4 : to effect the collection of <gather contributions>
5 a : to summon up <gathered his courage> b : to gain by gradual increase <gather speed> c : to prepare (as oneself) by mustering strength d : to gain or regain control of <gathered his wits>
6 : to reach a conclusion often intuitively from hints or through inferences <I gather that you want to leave>
7 a : to pull (fabric) along a line of stitching so as to draw into puckers b : to draw about or close to something <gathering her cloak about her> c : to bring together the parts of <gathered her hair into a ponytail> d : to assemble (the signatures of a book) in sequence for binding e : to haul in <the sailors gathered the sails>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come together in a body b : to cluster around a focus of attraction
2 a : to swell and fill with pus b : GROW, INCREASE <the gathering crisis>
–gath·er·er \-thər-ər\ noun
synonyms GATHER, COLLECT, ASSEMBLE, CONGREGATE mean to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit. GATHER is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state <a crowd quickly gathered>. COLLECT often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement <collected books on gardening>. ASSEMBLE implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose <experts assembled for a conference>. CONGREGATE implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle <congregating under a shelter>. synonym see in addition INFER

gather
n. 1 : something gathered: as a : a puckering in cloth made by gathering b : a mass of molten glass collected for use in glassblowing
2 : an act or instance of gathering

gathering
n. 1 : ASSEMBLY, MEETING
2 : a suppurating swelling : ABSCESS
3 : the collecting of food or raw materials from the wild
4 : COLLECTION, COMPILATION
5 : a gather in cloth

Gatineau
1 river 240 mi (386 km) Canada in SW Que. flowing S into Ottawa River at Hull
2 town Canada in SW Que. pop 102,898

Gatling gun
: a machine gun with a revolving cluster of barrels fired once each per revolution

gator
n. : ALLIGATOR

Gatsbyesque
: resembling or characteristic of the title character or the world of the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

GATT
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

Gatun Lake
lake cen Panama formed by the Gatun Dam in the Chagres; formerly in Canal Zone

gauche
adj. 1 a : lacking social experience or grace also : not tactful : CRUDE <it would be gauche to mention the subject> b : crudely made or done <a gauche turn of phrase>
2 : not planar <gauche conformation of molecules>
synonyms see AWKWARD
–gauche·ly adverb
–gauche·ness noun

gauche
adj. a gauche
à gauche
Gaucher's disease

Gaucher's disease
: a rare hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism caused by an enzyme deficiency and characterized by enlargement of the spleen and liver, bone lesions, and neurological impairment

gaucherie
n. : a tactless or awkward act

gaucho
n. : a cowboy of the So. American pampas

gaud
n. : ORNAMENT, TRINKET

gaudeamus igitur
: let us then be merry

gaudery
: showy ornamentation especially : personal finery

gaudy
n. 1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
2 : marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : OUTLANDISH <gaudy lies> <gaudy claims> also : EXCEPTIONAL <a gaudy batting average>
–gaud·i·ly \'gȯ-də-lē, 'gä-\ adverb
–gaud·i·ness \'gȯ-dē-nəs, 'gä-\ noun
synonyms GAUDY, TAWDRY, GARISH, FLASHY, MERETRICIOUS mean vulgarly or cheaply showy. GAUDY implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation <circus performers in gaudy costumes>. TAWDRY applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy <tawdry saloons>. GARISH describes what is distressingly or offensively bright <garish neon signs>. FLASHY implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar <a flashy nightclub act>. MERETRICIOUS stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise <a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.

gaudy
n. : a feast or entertainment especially in the form of an annual college dinner at a British university

gauffer
n. variant of goffer

gauge
n. 1 a : a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: as (1) : the distance between the rails of a railroad (2) : the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound <a 12-gauge shotgun> (3) : the thickness of a thin material (as sheet metal or plastic film) (4) : the diameter of a slender object (as wire or a hypodermic needle) (5) : the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width b : DIMENSIONS, SIZE c : MEASURE 1 <surveys are a gauge of public sentiment>
2 : an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: as a : an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy b : an instrument with a graduated scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity
3 : relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind
4 : a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences
synonyms see STANDARD

gauge
n. 1 a : to measure precisely the size, dimensions, or other measurable quantity of b : to determine the capacity or contents of c : ESTIMATE, JUDGE <hard to gauge his moods>
2 a : to check for conformity to specifications or limits b : to measure off or set out

gauge
n. broad gauge
feeler gauge
gauge theory
pressure gauge
rain gauge
standard gauge
strain gauge
vacuum gauge
water gauge
wire gauge
broad gauged

gauge theory
: any of several theories in physics that explain the transmission of a fundamental force between two interacting particles by the exchange of an elementary particle

gauged
v. of masonry : dressed to size

gauger
n. 1 : one that gauges
2 chiefly British : an exciseman who inspects dutiable bulk goods

Gauguin
n. (Eugène-Henri-) Paul 1848-1903 Fr. painter
–Gau·guin·esque \(ˌ)gō-ˌga-'nesk\ adjective

Gaul
n. 1 : a Celt of ancient Gaul
2 : FRENCHMAN

Gaul
n. ancient country W Europe comprising the region now occupied by France & Belgium & at one time also the Po valley in N Italy ― see CISALPINE GAUL, TRANSALPINE GAUL

gauleiter
n. 1 a : a district leader in Nazi Germany who served as a provincial governor b : a subordinate political official resembling a Nazi gauleiter in function or in autocratic manner
2 : a person with an arrogant overbearing outlook or manner

Gaulish
n. : of or relating to the Gauls or their language or land

Gaulish
n. : the Celtic language of the ancient Gauls ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Gaulle, de
Charles (-André-Marie-Joseph) 1890-1970 Fr. gen. & polit.; pres. of Fifth Republic (1958-69)

Gaullism
n. 1 : a French political movement during World War II led by Charles de Gaulle in opposition to the Vichy regime
2 : a postwar French political movement led by Charles de Gaulle
–Gaull·ist \-list\ adjective or noun

gault
n. chiefly British : a heavy thick clay soil

gaum
dialect : SMUDGE, SMEAR

gaunt
adj. 1 : excessively thin and angular <a long gaunt face>
2 : BARREN, DESOLATE
synonyms see LEAN
–gaunt·ly adverb
–gaunt·ness noun

gauntlet
n. 1 : a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand
2 : any of various protective gloves used especially in industry
3 : an open challenge (as to combat) ― used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet
4 : a dress glove extending above the wrist
–gaunt·let·ed \-lə-təd\ adjective

gauntlet
n. 1 a : a double file of men facing each other and armed with clubs or other weapons with which to strike at an individual who is made to run between them ― used with run b : a line, series, or assemblage especially : one that poses some sort of ordeal <a gauntlet of autograph-seekers>
2 : a severe trial : ORDEAL <ran the gauntlet of criticism and censure>

gaur
n. : a large wild ox (Bos gaurus) of India and southeast Asia with a broad forehead and short thick curved horns

Gauss
n. Carl Friedrich 1777-1855 Ger. math. & astron.

gauss
n. : the centimeter-gram-second unit of magnetic flux density that is equal to 1 × 10-4 tesla

Gaussian
adj. : being or having the shape of a normal curve or a normal distribution

Gaussian curve
: NORMAL CURVE

Gaussian distribution
: NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

Gautama Buddha
― see SIDDHāRTHA GAUTAMA

Gauteng
province cen NE Republic of South Africa area 7262 sq mi (18,810 sq km), pop 6,864,000

Gautier
Théophile 1811-1872 Fr. author

gauze
n. 1 a : a thin often transparent fabric used chiefly for clothing or draperies b : a loosely woven cotton surgical dressing c : a firm woven fabric of metal or plastic filaments
2 : HAZE
–gauze·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–gauz·i·ly \'gȯ-zə-lē\ adverb

gauzy
adj. 1 : made of or resembling gauze <gauzy wings>
2 : marked by vagueness, elusiveness, or fuzziness <his gauzy memory of the events> <a gauzy melody>
3 : tending to be or make romantic <gauzy optimism>

gavage
n. : introduction of material into the stomach by a tube

Gavarnie
waterfall 1385 ft (422 m) SW France S of Lourdes in the Cirque de Gavarnie \ˌsērk-də-\ (natural amphitheater at head of Gave de Pau) ― see PAU 1

gave
past of give

Gave de Pau
― see PAU 1

gavel
n. : rent or tribute in medieval England

gavel
n. : a mallet used (as by a presiding officer or auctioneer) for commanding attention or confirming an action (as a vote or sale)

gavel
n. : to bring or force by use of a gavel <gaveled the audience to silence>

gavel-to-gavel
: extending from the beginning to the end of a meeting or session <gavel-to-gavel television coverage>

gavelkind
n. : a tenure of land existing chiefly in Kent from Anglo-Saxon times until 1925 and providing for division of an intestate's estate equally among the sons or other heirs

gavial
n. : GHARIAL

Gavins Point Dam
dam SE S.Dak. & NE Nebr. in Missouri River ― see LEWIS AND CLARK LAKE

Gavle
city & port E Sweden on Gulf of Bothnia NNW of Stockholm pop 91,276

gavotte
n. 1 : a dance of French peasant origin marked by the raising rather than sliding of the feet
2 : a tune for the gavotte in moderately quick 4/4 time
–gavotte intransitive verb

Gawain
: a knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur

gawk
n. : a clumsy stupid person : LOUT

gawk
n. : to gape or stare stupidly
–gawk·er noun

gawkish
adj. : GAWKY
–gawk·ish·ly adverb
–gawk·ish·ness noun

gawky
adj. : AWKWARD, CLUMSY <a gawky adolescent>
–gawk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–gawk·i·ness noun
–gawky noun

gawp
v. chiefly British : GAWK
–gawp·er \'gȯ-pər, 'gä-\ noun

Gay
n. John 1685-1732 Eng. poet & dram.

gay
n. 1 a : happily excited : MERRY <in a gay mood> b : keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits <a bird's gay spring song>
2 a : BRIGHT, LIVELY <gay sunny meadows> b : brilliant in color
3 : given to social pleasures also : LICENTIOUS
4 a : HOMOSEXUAL <gay men> b : of, relating to, or used by homosexuals <the gay rights movement> <a gay bar>
synonyms see LIVELY
–gay adverb
–gay·ness noun

gay
n. : HOMOSEXUAL especially : a homosexual male

Gay-Lussac
Joseph-Louis 1778-1850 Fr. chem. & physicist

Gaya
city NE India in cen Bihar pop 383,197

Gaya
Bodh Gaya
Buddh Gaya
Buddha Gaya
Buddha Gaya Buddh Gaya

gaydar
n. slang : the ability to recognize homosexuals through observation or intuition

gayety
n. variant of gaiety, gaily

gaz
gazette

Gaza
n. Palestinian-administered city near the Mediterranean; with surrounding coastal district (Gaza Strip, adjoining Sinai Peninsula), administered 1949-67 by Egypt, subsequently by Israel, self-rule accord signed 1994 pop 57,000
–Ga·zan \-zən\ noun or adjective

gazania
n. : any of a genus (Gazania) of So. African composite herbs often cultivated for their brightly colored flowers

gazar
: a silk organza

gaze
n. : to fix the eyes in a steady intent look often with eagerness or studious attention
–gaz·er noun

gaze
n. : a fixed intent look

gaze
n. crystal gazing
navel gazing
crystal gazer

gazebo
n. 1 : BELVEDERE
2 : a freestanding roofed structure usually open on the sides

gazehound
: SIGHTHOUND

gazelle
n. : any of numerous small to medium graceful and swift African and Asian antelopes (Gazella and related genera)

gazette
n. 1 : NEWSPAPER
2 : an official journal
3 British : an announcement in an official gazette

gazette
n. 1 chiefly British : to announce or publish in a gazette
2 British : to announce the appointment or status of in an official gazette

gazetteer
n. 1 archaic : JOURNALIST, PUBLICIST
2 [The Gazetteer's: or, Newsman's Interpreter, a geographical index edited by Laurence Echard] : a geographical dictionary also : a book in which a subject is treated especially in regard to geographic distribution and regional specialization

Gaziantep
city S Turkey N of Aleppo, Syria pop 603,434

gazillion
n. : ZILLION
–gazillion adjective
–ga·zil·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adjective

gazillionaire
: ZILLIONAIRE

gazogene
n. variant of gasogene

gazoo
slang : WAZOO

gazpacho
n. : a spicy soup that is usually made from chopped raw vegetables (as tomato, onion, pepper, and cucumber) and that is served cold

GB
n. : SARIN

GB
n. 1 gigabyte
2 Great Britain

GC
gas chromatograph; gas chromatography

GCA
ground-controlled approach

GCB
Knight Grand Cross of the Bath

GCD
greatest common divisor

GCF
greatest common factor

Gd
gadolinium

gd
good

Gdansk
city & port N Poland on Gulf of Gdańsk pop 464,649

Gdansk
Gdansk Gulf of
Danzig Gulf of
Gulf of Danzig

Gdansk, Gulf of
inlet of S Baltic Sea in N Poland & W Russia

GDP
gross domestic product

GDR
German Democratic Republic

Gdynia
city & port N Poland on Gulf of Gdańsk NNW of Gdańsk pop 250,936

Ge
germanium

ge
gilt edges

gear
n. 1 a : CLOTHING, GARMENTS b : movable property : GOODS
2 : EQUIPMENT, PARAPHERNALIA <fishing gear>
3 a : the rigging of a ship or boat b : the harness especially of horses
4 dialect chiefly British : absurd talk : NONSENSE
5 dialect chiefly British : DOINGS
6 a (1) : a mechanism that performs a specific function in a complete machine <steering gear> (2) : a toothed wheel (3) : working relation, position, order, or adjustment <got her career in gear> (4) : a level or pace of functioning <kicked their performance into high gear> b : one of two or more adjustments of a transmission (as of a bicycle or motor vehicle) that determine mechanical advantage, relative speed, and direction of travel
–gear·less \-ləs\ adjective

gear
n. 1 a : to provide (as machinery) with gearing b : to connect by gearing
2 a : to make ready for effective operation b : to adjust so as to match, blend with, or satisfy something <gearing wages to productivity>
intransitive verb
1 a British of machinery : to be in gear : MESH b : SHIFT 1C <gear down>
2 : to become adjusted so as to match, blend, or harmonize

gear
n. rain gear
bevel gear
differential gear
gear up
high gear
landing gear
reduction gear
running gear
spur gear
steering gear
worm gear
shift gears

gear up
: to get ready <are gearing up for the big game>

gearbox
n. 1 : GEARING 2
2 : TRANSMISSION 3

gearchange
British : GEARSHIFT

gearhead
n. : a person who pursues mechanical or technological interests (as in automobiles or computers)

gearing
n. 1 : the act or process of providing or fitting with gears
2 : the parts by which motion is transmitted from one portion of machinery to another especially : a train of gears

gearshift
n. : a mechanism by which the transmission gears in a power-transmission system are engaged and disengaged also : a lever for controlling such a mechanism

gearwheel
n. : GEAR 6A(2)

Geat
: a member of a Scandinavian people of southern Sweden to which the legendary hero Beowulf belonged
–Geat·ish \'gē-tish, 'gā-, OE 'yaə-\ adjective

Gebel
Gebel Katherina
Gebel Musa
Katherina Gebel
Musa Gebel

Gebel Katherina
― see KATHERINA (Gebel)

Gebel Musa
― see MUSA (Gebel)

Geber
― see JABIR IBN HAYYAN

gecko
n. : any of numerous small chiefly tropical and nocturnal insectivorous lizards (family Gekkonidae)

GED
1 General Educational Development (tests)
2 general equivalency diploma

gedankenexperiment
: an experiment carried out in thought only

Geddes
Norman Bel 1893-1958 American designer

Gediz
river 217 mi (349 km) W Turkey in Asia flowing W into Gulf of Izmir

gee
v. imperative verb ― used as a direction to turn to the right or move ahead ― compare 5HAW
intransitive verb geed gee·ing : to turn to the right side

gee
v. 1 : the letter g
2 [grand] slang : a thousand dollars

gee
v. ― used as an introductory expletive or to express surprise or enthusiasm

gee whiz
: 2GEE

gee-whiz
1 : designed to arouse wonder or excitement or to amplify the merits or significance of something especially by the use of clever or sensational language <play-by-play specialists who wallow in gee-whiz banality ― Jack Gould>
2 : marked by spectacular or astonishing qualities or achievement <gee-whiz technology>
3 : characterized by wide-eyed enthusiasm, excitement, and wonder

geegaw
n. variant of gewgaw

geek
n. 1 : a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake
2 : a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked
3 : an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity <computer geek>
–geek·dom \'gēk-dəm\ noun
–geek·i·ness noun
–geeky \'gē-kē\ adjective

geeked
slang : filled with excitement or enthusiasm

Geelong
city & port SE Australia in S Victoria on Port Phillip Bay SW of Melbourne pop 13,036

Geelvink Bay
― see SARERA BAY

geese
n. plural of goose

Geez
interj. : a Semitic language formerly spoken in northern highland Ethiopia and still used as the liturgical language of the Christian church in Ethiopia

geez
interj. variant of jeez

geezer
n. : a queer, odd, or eccentric person ― used especially of elderly men
–gee·zer·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

gefilte fish
: balls or cakes of seasoned minced fish usually simmered in a fish stock or baked in a tomato sauce

gegenschein
n. : a faint light about 20° across on the celestial sphere opposite the sun probably caused by backscatter of sunlight by solar-system dust

Gehenna
n. 1 : a place or state of misery
2 : HELL 1A(2)

Gehrig
n. Lou 1903-1941 Henry Louis Gehrig American baseball player

Gehry
Frank Owen 1929-     American (Canad.-born) architect

Geiger
n. Geiger counter
Geiger Muller counter
Geiger Müller counter

Geiger counter
: an instrument for detecting the presence and intensity of radiations (as cosmic rays or particles from a radioactive substance) by means of their ionizing effect on an enclosed gas which results in a pulse that is amplified and fed to a device giving a visible or audible indication

Geiger-Muller counter
: GEIGER COUNTER

Geikie
Sir Archibald 1835-1924 Scot. geologist

Geisel
Theodor Seuss 1904-1991 pseud. Dr. Seuss \'süs\ American writer & illustrator

geisha
n. : a Japanese girl or woman who is trained to provide entertaining and lighthearted company especially for a man or a group of men

gel
n. 1 : a colloid in a more solid form than a sol broadly : JELLY 2
2 : a thin colored transparent sheet used over a stage light to color it
3 : a gelatinous preparation used in styling hair

gel
n. 1 : to change into or take on the form of a gel : SET
2 : JELL 2
–gel·able \'je-lə-bəl\ adjective

gel
n. gel electrophoresis
gel permeation chromatography
silica gel

gel electrophoresis
: electrophoresis in which molecules (as proteins and nucleic acids) migrate through a gel and especially a polyacrylamide gel and separate into bands according to size

gel permeation chromatography
: chromatography in which macromolecules (as polymers) in a solution are separated by size on a column packed with a gel (as of polystyrene)

gelada baboon
: a large long-haired chiefly herbivorous primate (Theropithecus gelada) of Ethiopia related to the baboon ― called also gelada

gelandesprung
: a jump usually over an obstacle in skiing that is made from a low crouch with the aid of both ski poles

gelate
v. : GEL

gelatin
n. 1 : glutinous material obtained from animal tissues by boiling especially : a colloidal protein used as a food, in photography, and in medicine
2 a : any of various substances (as agar) resembling gelatin b : an edible jelly made with gelatin
3 : GEL 2

gelatinization
n. : the process of converting into a gelatinous form or into a jelly
–ge·la·ti·nize \jə-'la-tə-ˌnīz, 'je-lə-tə-\ verb

gelatinous
adj. 1 : resembling gelatin or jelly : VISCOUS <a gelatinous precipitate>
2 : of, relating to, or containing gelatin
–ge·lat·i·nous·ly adverb
–ge·lat·i·nous·ness noun

gelation
n. : the action or process of freezing

gelation
n. : the formation of a gel from a sol

gelato
n. : a soft rich ice cream containing little or no air

gelcap
: a capsule-shaped tablet coated with gelatin for easy swallowing

geld
v. 1 : CASTRATE
2 : to deprive of a natural or essential part <the legislation was pretty much gelded by the time it was passed>

geld
v. : the crown tax paid under Anglo-Saxon and Norman kings

Gelderland
province E Netherlands bordering on IJsselmeer capital Arnhem area 1981 sq mi (5131 sq km), pop 1,949,233

gelding
n. 1 : a castrated animal specifically : a castrated male horse
2 archaic : EUNUCH

gelee
: a cosmetic gel

Gelibolu
― see GALLIPOLI

gelid
adj. : extremely cold : ICY <gelid water> <a man of gelid reserve ― New Yorker>
–ge·lid·i·ty \jə-'li-də-tē, je-\ noun
–gel·id·ly \'je-ləd-lē\ adverb

gelignite
n. : a dynamite in which the adsorbent base is largely potassium nitrate or a similar nitrate usually with some wood pulp

Gell-Mann
Murray 1929-     American physicist

gellant
: a substance used to produce gelling

Gellee
Claude ― see CLAUDE LORRAIN

Gelsenkirchen
city W Germany in the Ruhr W of Dortmund pop 293,839

gelt
n. : MONEY

GEM
n. ground-effect machine

gem
n. 1 a : JEWEL b : a precious or sometimes semiprecious stone cut and polished for ornament
2 a : something prized especially for great beauty or perfection b : a highly prized or well-beloved person
3 : MUFFIN

gem
n. : to adorn with or as if with gems

Gemara
n. : a commentary on the Mishnah forming the second part of the Talmud
–Ge·ma·ric \-ik\ adjective
–Ge·ma·rist \-ist\ noun

gemeinschaft
n. : a spontaneously arising organic social relationship characterized by strong reciprocal bonds of sentiment and kinship within a common tradition also : a community or society characterized by this relationship ― compare GESELLSCHAFT

gemfibrozil
: a drug C_15H_22O_3 that regulates blood serum lipids and is used especially to lower the levels of triglycerides and increase the levels of HDLs in the treatment of hyperlipemia

geminal
adj. : relating to or characterized by two usually similar substituents on the same atom
–gem·i·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

geminate
adj. 1 : arranged in pairs : DUPLICATE
2 : being a sequence of identical speech sounds (as in meanness or Italian notte \'nȯt-te\ “night”)

geminate
adj. transitive verb : to make geminate
intransitive verb : to be or become geminate
–gem·i·na·tion \ˌje-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

Gemini
n. 1 : the third zodiacal constellation pictorially represented as the twins Castor and Pollux sitting together and located on the opposite side of the Milky Way from Taurus and Orion
2 a : the third sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under the sign of Gemini

gemma
n. : BUD broadly : an asexual reproductive body that becomes detached from a parent plant

gemmation
n. : reproduction by gemmae

gemmule
n. : a small bud: a : a theoretical particle proposed in the theory of pangenesis that is shed by a somatic cell and contains all the information necessary to reproduce that cell type (as in an offspring) b : a reproductive bud produced by freshwater and some marine sponges that consists of a usually hardened aggregate of cells

gemmy
adj. 1 : having the characteristics desired in a gemstone
2 : BRIGHT, GLITTERING

gemologist
n. : a specialist in gems specifically : one who appraises gems

gemology
n. : the science of gems
–gem·olog·i·cal \ˌje-mə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

gemot
: a judicial or legislative assembly in Anglo-Saxon England

gemsbok
n. : a large and strikingly marked oryx (Oryx gazella) formerly abundant in southern Africa

gemstone
n. : a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

gemutlich
adj. : agreeably pleasant : COMFORTABLE

gemutlichkeit
n. : CORDIALITY, FRIENDLINESS

Gen
n. Genesis

Gen
n. : GENERATION X ― often hyphenated in attributive use <a Gen-X celebrity>
–Gen Xer \-'ek-sər\ noun

gen
n. chiefly British : INFORMATION 2A

gen
n. 1 general
2 genitive
3 genus

gen
n. 1 : offspring : race <genocide>
2 : genus : kind <genotype>

gen
n. 1 : producer <androgen>
2 : one that is (so) produced <cultigen>

gen
n. B Gen
Gen Xer
Gen X
Lt Gen
atty gen
Brig Gen
Gen AF
Maj Gen
gens d'eglise
gens d'église
gens de guerre
gens du monde

Gen AF
general of the air force

gendarme
n. 1 : a member of a body of soldiers especially in France serving as an armed police force for the maintenance of public order
2 : POLICE OFFICER

gendarmerie
n. : a body of gendarmes

gender
n. 1 a : a subclass within a grammatical class (as noun, pronoun, adjective, or verb) of a language that is partly arbitrary but also partly based on distinguishable characteristics (as shape, social rank, manner of existence, or sex) and that determines agreement with and selection of other words or grammatical forms b : membership of a word or a grammatical form in such a subclass c : an inflectional form showing membership in such a subclass
2 a : SEX <the feminine gender> b : the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex

gender
n. : ENGENDER

gender bender
: a person who dresses and behaves like a member of the opposite sex
–gender-bending adjective or noun

gendered
: reflecting the experience, prejudices, or orientations of one sex more than the other <gendered language> also : reflecting or involving gender differences or stereotypical gender roles

genderless
adj. 1 : lacking qualities typically associated with either sex
2 : suitable to or for either sex also : not reflective of the experiences, prejudices, or orientations of one sex more than the other <genderless language>
–gen·der·less·ness noun

gene
n. : a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material

gene
n. operator gene
gene conversion
gene flow
gene frequency
gene mutation
gene pool
gene splicing
gene therapy
gene therapist
lethal gene
regulatory gene
regulator gene
structural gene
tumor suppressor gene
sans gene

gene conversion
: a genetic process that involves nonreciprocal meiotic recombination in heterozygotes in which a mismatched DNA sequence from one heteroduplex DNA strand is replaced with a sequence complementary to the other strand resulting in aberrant gametic ratios (as 3:1) and that is observed especially in ascomycetous fungi

gene flow
: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another

gene frequency
: the ratio of the number of a specified allele in a population to the total of all alleles at its genetic locus

gene mutation
: mutation due to fundamental intramolecular reorganization of a gene ― compare POINT MUTATION

gene pool
: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms <the human gene pool>

gene therapy
: the insertion of usually genetically altered genes into cells especially to replace defective genes in the treatment of genetic disorders or to provide a specialized disease-fighting function
–gene therapist noun

gene-splicing
: the process of preparing recombinant DNA

genealogist
n. : a person who traces or studies the descent of persons or families

genealogy
n. 1 : an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms
2 : regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor or older form : PEDIGREE
3 : the study of family pedigrees
4 : an account of the origin and historical development of something
–ge·ne·a·log·i·cal \ˌjē-nē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌje-nē-\ adjective
–ge·ne·a·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

genera
n. plural of genus

generable
: capable of being generated

general
n. 1 : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2 : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group <the general equation of a straight line>
3 : not confined by specialization or careful limitation
4 : belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : GENERIC
5 a : applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : PREVALENT b : concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6 : relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details <bearing a general resemblance to the original>
7 : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled <the general manager>

general
n. 1 : something (as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2 : SUPERIOR GENERAL
3 archaic : the general public : PEOPLE
4 a : GENERAL OFFICER b : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars ― compare ADMIRAL
–in general : for the most part : GENERALLY

general
n. minister general
adjutant general
adjutants general
agent general
agents general
attorney general
attorneys general
brigadier general
consulate general
consulates general
consul general
consuls general
in general
general admission
general agent
general anesthesia
general anesthetic
general assembly
general aviation
General Court
general delivery
general election
general officer
general of the air force
general of the army
general paresis
general paralysis of the insane
general partner
general practitioner
general purpose
general quarters
general relativity
general semantics
general store
general theory of relativity
general will
governor general
governors general
inspector general
judge advocate general
lieutenant general
major general
postmaster general
postmasters general
receiver general
receivers general
secretary general
secretaries general
solicitor general
solicitors general
States General
superior general
superiors general
surgeon general
surgeons general
vicar general
vicars general
General San Martin
General San Martín
attorney generals
governor generals

general admission
: a fee paid for admission to a usually unreserved seating area (as in an auditorium or stadium)

general agent
1 : one employed to transact generally all legal business entrusted by a principal
2 : an insurance company agent working within a specified area

general anesthesia
: anesthesia affecting the entire body and accompanied by loss of consciousness
–general anesthetic noun

general assembly
1 : the highest governing body in a religious denomination (as the United Presbyterian Church)
2 : a legislative assembly especially : a U.S. state legislature
3 capitalized G&A : the supreme deliberative body of the United Nations

general aviation
: the operation of civilian aircraft not under the control of a common carrier also : such aircraft collectively

General Court
: a legislative assembly specifically : the state legislature in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

general delivery
: a department of a post office that handles the delivery of mail at a post office window to persons who call for it

general election
: an election usually held at regular intervals in which candidates are elected in all or most constituencies of a nation or state

general of the air force

1949
: a general of the highest rank in the air force whose insignia is five stars

general of the army

1945
: a general of the highest rank in the army whose insignia is five stars

general officer
: any of the officers in the army, air force, or marine corps above colonel ― compare COMPANY OFFICER, FIELD OFFICER, FLAG OFFICER

general paresis
: insanity caused by syphilitic alteration of the brain that leads to dementia and paralysis ― called also general paralysis of the insane

general partner
: a partner whose liability for partnership debts and obligations is unlimited

general practitioner
: a physician or veterinarian whose practice is not limited to a specialty broadly : GENERALIST

general quarters
: a condition of maximum readiness of a warship for action

general relativity
: RELATIVITY 3B

General San Martin
― see SAN MARTÍN

general semantics
: a doctrine and educational discipline intended to improve habits of response of human beings to their environment and one another especially by training in the more critical use of words and other symbols

general store
: a retail store located usually in a small or rural community that carries a wide variety of goods including groceries but is not divided into departments

general theory of relativity

1921
: RELATIVITY 3B

general will
: the collective will of a community that is the embodiment or expression of its common interest

general-purpose
: suitable to be used for two or more basic purposes

generalisation
n. British variant of generalization, generalize, generalized

generalissimo
n. : the chief commander of an army

generalist
n. : one whose skills, interests, or habits are varied or unspecialized

generality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being general
2 a : GENERALIZATION 2 b : a vague or inadequate statement
3 : the greatest part : BULK <the generality of the population>

generalization
n. 1 : the act or process of generalizing
2 : a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
3 : the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus

generalize
transitive verb
1 : to give a general form to
2 a : to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars b : to draw a general conclusion from
3 : to give general applicability to <generalize a law> also : to make indefinite
intransitive verb
1 : to form generalizations also : to make vague or indefinite statements
2 : to spread or extend throughout the body
–gen·er·al·iz·abil·i·ty \ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌje-nə-\ noun
–gen·er·al·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–gen·er·al·iz·er noun

generalized
adj. : made general especially : not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment

generally
adv. : in a general manner: as a : in disregard of specific instances and with regard to an overall picture <generally speaking> b : as a rule : USUALLY

generalship
n. 1 : office or tenure of office of a general
2 : LEADERSHIP
3 : military skill in a high commander

generate
v. 1 : to bring into existence: as a : PROCREATE, BEGET b : to originate by a vital, chemical, or physical process : PRODUCE <generate electricity>
2 : to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) <these stories⋯generate a good deal of psychological suspense ― Atlantic>
3 : to define or originate (as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations especially : to trace out (as a curve) by a moving point or trace out (as a surface) by a moving curve

Generation
n. : the generation of Americans born in the 1960s and 1970s
–Generation Xer \-'ek-sər\ noun

generation
n. 1 a : a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor b : a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously c : a group of individuals having contemporaneously a status (as that of students in a school) which each one holds only for a limited period d : a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type <first of the⋯new generation of powerful supersonic fighters ― Kenneth Koyen>
2 a : the action or process of producing offspring : PROCREATION b : the process of coming or bringing into being <generation of income> c : origination by a generating process : PRODUCTION especially : formation of a geometric figure by motion of another
3 : the average span of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring
–gen·er·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–gen·er·a·tion·al·ly \-shnə-lē, shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

generation
n. Generation Xer
Generation X
filial generation
sexual generation
spontaneous generation
alternation of generations

generative
adj. : having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing

generative
adj. generative cell
generative grammar
generative nucleus
generative semantics

generative cell
: a sexual reproductive cell : GAMETE

generative grammar
1 : a description in the form of a set of rules for producing the grammatical sentences of a language
2 : TRANSFORMATIONAL GRAMMAR

generative nucleus
: the one of the two nuclei resulting from the first division in the pollen grain of a seed plant that gives rise to sperm nuclei ― compare TUBE NUCLEUS

generative semantics
: a description of a language emphasizing a semantic deep structure that is logical in form, that provides syntactic structure, and that is related to surface structure by transformations

generator
n. 1 : one that generates: as a : an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed b : a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy
2 : a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements specifically : GENERATRIX

generatrix
n. : a point, line, or surface whose motion generates a line, surface, or solid

generic
n. 1 a : relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class : GENERAL b : being or having a nonproprietary name <generic drugs> c : having no particularly distinctive quality or application <generic restaurants>
2 : relating to or having the rank of a biological genus
–ge·ner·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ge·ner·ic·ness noun

generic
n. : a generic product (as a drug)

generosity
n. 1 a : the quality or fact of being generous b : a generous act
2 : ABUNDANCE <great generosity of spirit>

generous
adj. 1 archaic : HIGHBORN
2 a : characterized by a noble or forbearing spirit : MAGNANIMOUS, KINDLY b : liberal in giving : OPENHANDED c : marked by abundance or ample proportions : COPIOUS <a thin salt-and-pepper moustache interrupted by a generous nose ― Richard Zabel>
synonyms see LIBERAL
–gen·er·ous·ly adverb
–gen·er·ous·ness noun

Genesee
river 144 mi (232 km) W N.Y. flowing N into Lake Ontario

Genesis
n. : the mainly narrative first book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures ― see BIBLE table

genesis
n. : the origin or coming into being of something <the genesis of a new political movement>

Genet
n. Edmond-Charles-Édouard 1763-1834 Citizen Genet Fr. diplomat in U.S.

Genet
n. Jean 1910-1986 Fr. dram. & nov.

genet
n. : any of a genus (Genetta) of small Old World usually carnivorous viverrid mammals related to the civets and having retractile claws, spotted or striped fur, and a ringed tail

genetic
adj. 1 : relating to or determined by the origin, development, or causal antecedents of something
2 a : of, relating to, or involving genetics b : of, relating to, caused by, or controlled by genes <a genetic disease> <genetic variation>
–ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

genetic
adj. 1 : -GENIC 1 <organogenetic>
2 : -GENIC 2 <psychogenetic>

genetic
adj. genetic map
genetic code
genetic counseling
genetic drift
genetic engineering
genetic engineer
genetic fingerprinting
genetic fingerprint
genetic load
genetic marker
genetically engineered

genetic code
: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and appear to be uniform for nearly all known forms of life

genetic counseling
: guidance relating to genetic disorders that is provided by a medical professional typically to individuals with an increased risk of having a child with such a disorder

genetic drift
: random changes in gene frequency especially in small populations when leading to preservation or extinction of particular genes

genetic engineering
: the group of applied techniques of genetics and biotechnology used to cut up and join together genetic material and especially DNA from one or more species of organism and to introduce the result into an organism in order to change one or more of its characteristics
–genetically engineered adjective
–genetic engineer noun

genetic fingerprinting
: DNA FINGERPRINTING
–genetic fingerprint noun

genetic load
: the decrease in fitness of the average individual in a population relative to the fittest genotype due to the presence of deleterious genes in the gene pool

genetic map
: MAP 3

genetic marker
: a readily recognizable genetic trait, gene, DNA segment, or gene product used for identification especially when closely linked to a trait or genetic material that is difficult to identify

genetics
n. 1 : a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms
2 : the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition
–ge·net·i·cist \-'ne-tə-sist\ noun

Geneva
n. 1 canton SW Switzerland area 109 sq mi (282 sq km), pop 414,300
2 city, its capital, at SW tip of Lake Geneva on the Rhône pop 175,998
–Gen·e·vese \ˌje-nə-'vēz, -'vēs\ adjective or noun

geneva
n. : a highly aromatic bitter gin orig. made in the Netherlands

geneva
n. Geneva bands
Geneva tabs
Geneva convention
Geneva cross
Geneva gown
Geneva Lake

Geneva bands
: two strips of white cloth suspended from the front of a clerical collar and sometimes worn by Protestant clergymen ― called also Geneva tabs

Geneva convention
: one of a series of agreements concerning the treatment of prisoners of war and of the sick, wounded, and dead in battle first made at Geneva, Switzerland in 1864 and subsequently accepted in later revisions by most nations

Geneva cross
: RED CROSS

Geneva gown
: a loose large-sleeved black academic gown widely used as a vestment by members of the Protestant clergy

Geneva, Lake
lake 45 mi (72 km) long on border bet. SW Switzerland & E France; traversed by the Rhône

Genevan
n. 1 : of or relating to Geneva, Switzerland
2 : of or relating to Calvinism
–Genevan noun

Genghis Khan
ca 1162-1227 Mongol conqueror

genial
adj. 1 obsolete : of or relating to marriage or generation <the genial bed ― John Milton>
2 obsolete : INBORN, NATIVE
3 a : favorable to growth or comfort : MILD <genial sunshine> b : marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness <your genial host>
4 : displaying or marked by genius
synonyms see GRACIOUS
–ge·nial·i·ty \ˌjē-nē-'a-lə-tē, jēn-'yal-\ noun
–ge·nial·ly \'jēn-yə-lē\ adverb

genial
adj. : of or relating to the chin

genic
adj. : GENETIC 2B
–gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

genic
adj. 1 : producing : forming <carcinogenic>
2 : produced by : formed from <biogenic>
3 [photogenic] : suitable for production or reproduction by (such) a medium <telegenic>

geniculate
adj. : bent abruptly at an angle like a bent knee

genie
n. 1 : JINNI 1
2 : a magic spirit believed to take human form and serve the person who calls it

genistein
: an isoflavone C_15H_10O_5 found especially in soybeans and shown in laboratory experiments to have antitumor activity

genital
adj. 1 : GENERATIVE
2 : of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3 : of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
–gen·i·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

genital
adj. female genital mutilation
genital herpes
genital wart

genital herpes
: herpes simplex of the type typically affecting the genitalia

genital wart
: a wart on the skin or adjoining mucous membrane usually on or near the genital organs or the anus and caused by any of several genotypes of the human papillomavirus

genitalia
n. : the organs of the reproductive system especially : the external genital organs
–gen·i·ta·lic \-'ta-lik, -'tā-\ adjective

genitals
n. : GENITALIA

genitival
adj. : of, relating to, or formed with or from the genitive case
–gen·i·ti·val·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

genitive
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case marking typically a relationship of possessor or source ― compare POSSESSIVE
2 : expressing a relationship that in some inflected languages is often marked by a genitive case ― used especially of English prepositional phrases introduced by of
–genitive noun

genito
pref. : genital and <genitourinary>

genitourinary
adj. : of or relating to the genital and urinary organs or functions <genitourinary disorders>

geniture
n. : NATIVITY, BIRTH

genius
n. 1 a plural genii : an attendant spirit of a person or place b plural usually genii : a person who influences another for good or bad
2 : a strong leaning or inclination : PENCHANT
3 a : a peculiar, distinctive, or identifying character or spirit b : the associations and traditions of a place c : a personification or embodiment especially of a quality or condition
4 plural usually genii : SPIRIT, JINNI
5 plural usually geniuses a : a single strongly marked capacity or aptitude <had a genius for getting along with boys ― Mary Ross> b : extraordinary intellectual power especially as manifested in creative activity c : a person endowed with transcendent mental superiority especially : a person with a very high IQ
synonyms see GIFT

genius loci
1 : the pervading spirit of a place
2 : a tutelary deity of a place

Genk
commune NE Belgium pop 62,949

genl
general

gennaker
: a spinnaker sail having an asymmetrical shape

Gennesaret, Lake of
― see GALILEE (Sea of)

geno
― see GEN-

Genoa
n. commune & port NW Italy capital of Liguria at foot of the Apennines & at head of Gulf of Genoa (arm of Ligurian Sea) pop 632,366
–Gen·o·ese \ˌje-nō-'ēz, -'ēs\ adjective or noun
–Gen·o·vese \-nə-'vēz, -'vēs\ adjective or noun

genoa
n. : a large jib that overlaps the mainsail and is used especially in racing

genocide
n. : the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
–geno·cid·al \ˌje-nə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

genogram
: a diagram outlining the history of the behavior patterns (as of divorce, abortion, or suicide) of a family over several generations also : a similar diagram detailing the medical history of a family in order to assess a family member's risk of developing disease

genoise
: a sponge cake containing butter and leavened by stiffly beaten eggs

genome
n. : one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain broadly : the genetic material of an organism ― compare PROTEOME

genomic
adj. : of or relating to a genome or to genomics

genomics
n. : a branch of biotechnology concerned with applying the techniques of genetics and molecular biology to the genetic mapping and DNA sequencing of sets of genes or the complete genomes of selected organisms, with organizing the results in databases, and with applications of the data (as in medicine or biology) ― compare PROTEOMICS

genotype
n. 1 [International Scientific Vocabulary gen-] : TYPE SPECIES
2 [International Scientific Vocabulary gene] : all or part of the genetic constitution of an individual or group ― compare PHENOTYPE
–ge·no·typ·ic \ˌjē-nə-'ti-pik, ˌje-\ also ge·no·typ·i·cal \-pi-kəl\ adjective
–ge·no·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

genous
1 : producing : yielding <erogenous>
2 : having (such) an origin <terrigenous>

genre
n. 1 : a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content
2 : KIND, SORT
3 : painting that depicts scenes or events from everyday life usually realistically

genro
: the elder statesmen of Japan who formerly advised the emperor

gens
n. 1 : a Roman clan embracing the families of the same stock in the male line with the members having a common name and worshipping a common ancestor
2 : CLAN especially : a patrilineal clan
3 : a distinguishable group of related organisms

gens
n. gens d'eglise
gens d'église
gens de guerre
gens du monde

gens d'eglise
: church people : clergy

gens de guerre
: military people : soldiery

gens du monde
: people of the world : fashionable people

Genseric
d 477 king of the Vandals (428-477)

Gent
n. ― see GHENT

gent
n. archaic : PRETTY, GRACEFUL

gent
n. : GENTLEMAN

gentamicin
n. : a broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture derived from an actinomycete (Micromonospora purpurea or M. echinospora) and extensively used as the sulfate in treating infections (as of the urinary tract)

genteel
adj. 1 a : having an aristocratic quality or flavor : STYLISH b : of or relating to the gentry or upper class c : elegant or graceful in manner, appearance, or shape d : free from vulgarity or rudeness : POLITE
2 a : maintaining or striving to maintain the appearance of superior or middle-class social status or respectability b (1) : marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation (2) : conventionally or insipidly pretty <timid and genteel artistic style>
–gen·teel·ly \-'tē(l)-lē\ adverb
–gen·teel·ness noun

genteelism
n. : a word believed by its user to be more polite or less vulgar than a common synonym also : the use of genteelisms

gentian
n. 1 : any of numerous herbs (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana) with opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers
2 : the rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered gentian (Gentiana lutea) of southern Europe that is used as a tonic, stomachic, and flavoring in vermouth

gentian violet
: any of several dyes or dye mixtures consisting of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline especially : a dark green or greenish mixture used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic

gentile
n. 1 often capitalized : a person of a non-Jewish nation or of non-Jewish faith especially : a Christian as distinguished from a Jew
2 : HEATHEN, PAGAN
3 often capitalized : a non-Mormon

gentile
n. 1 often capitalized a : of or relating to the nations at large as distinguished from the Jews also : of or relating to Christians as distinguished from the Jews b : of or relating to non-Mormons
2 : HEATHEN, PAGAN
3 [Latin gentilis] : relating to a tribe or clan

Gentile da Fabriano
ca 1370-1427 orig. Niccolo di Giovanni di Massio Ital. painter

Gentileschi
Orazio Lomi ca 1562-ca 1647 & his dau. Artemisia ca 1597-after 1651 Ital. painters

gentilesse
: decorum of conduct befitting a member of the gentry

gentility
n. 1 a : the condition of belonging to the gentry b : GENTLEFOLK, GENTRY
2 a (1) : decorum of conduct : COURTESY (2) : attitudes or activity marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation b : superior social status or prestige evidenced by manners, possessions, or mode of life

gentle
n. 1 a : belonging to a family of high social station b archaic : CHIVALROUS c : HONORABLE, DISTINGUISHED specifically : of or relating to a gentleman d : KIND, AMIABLE ― used especially in address as a complimentary epithet <gentle reader> e : suited to a person of high social station
2 a : TRACTABLE, DOCILE b : free from harshness, sternness, or violence
3 : SOFT, DELICATE
4 : MODERATE
–gent·ly \'jent-lē\ adverb

gentle
n. : a person of gentle birth or status

gentle
n. transitive verb
1 : to raise from the commonalty : ENNOBLE
2 a : to make gentler b : to make (an animal) tame and docile c : MOLLIFY, PLACATE d : to stroke soothingly : PET
intransitive verb : to become gentle <the wind gentled>

gentle
n. falcon gentle
gentle breeze
gentle sex

gentle breeze
: wind having a speed of 8 to 12 miles per hour (about 12 to 19 kilometers per hour) ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

gentle sex
: the female sex : women in general

gentlefolk
n. : persons of gentle or good family and breeding

gentleman
n. 1 a : a man of noble or gentle birth b : a man belonging to the landed gentry c (1) : a man who combines gentle birth or rank with chivalrous qualities (2) : a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior d (1) : a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain (2) : a man who does not engage in a menial occupation or in manual labor for gain
2 : VALET ― often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman
3 : a man of any social class or condition ― often used in a courteous reference <show this gentleman to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>
–gen·tle·man·like \-mən-ˌlīk\ adjective
–gen·tle·man·like·ness noun

gentleman
n. country gentleman
gentleman at arms
gentleman commoner
gentleman farmer
gentleman of fortune
gentleman's agreement
gentlemen at arms
gentlemen commoners
gentlemen farmers
gentlemen's agreement

gentleman farmer
: a man who farms mainly for pleasure rather than for profit

gentleman of fortune

1743
: ADVENTURER

gentleman's agreement
: an agreement secured only by the honor of the participants

gentleman-at-arms
: one of a military corps of 40 gentlemen who attend the British sovereign on state occasions

gentleman-commoner
: any of a privileged class of commoners formerly required to pay higher fees than ordinary commoners at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge

gentlemanly
adj. : characteristic of or having the character of a gentleman
–gen·tle·man·li·ness noun

gentleness
n. : the quality or state of being gentle especially : mildness of manners or disposition

gentleperson
: a gentleman or lady

gentlewoman
n. 1 a : a woman of noble or gentle birth b : a woman who is an attendant upon a lady of rank
2 : a woman of refined manners or good breeding : LADY

Gentofte
city Denmark on Sjælland Is., N suburb of Copenhagen pop 68,314

Gentoo
n. archaic : HINDU

gentoo penguin
: a penguin (Pygoscelis papua) of Antarctica and nearby islands with a gray back and throat, white underparts, and white spots above the eyes ― called also gentoo

gentrice
archaic : gentility of birth : RANK

gentrification
n. : the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces earlier usually poorer residents

gentrify
v. transitive verb : to attempt or accomplish the gentrification of
intransitive verb : to become gentrified
–gen·tri·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

gentry
n. 1 a obsolete : the qualities appropriate to a person of gentle birth especially : COURTESY b : the condition or rank of a gentleman
2 a : upper or ruling class : ARISTOCRACY b : a class whose members are entitled to bear a coat of arms though not of noble rank especially : the landed proprietors having such status
3 : people of a specified class or kind : FOLKS <no real heroes or heroines among the academic gentry ― R. G. Hanvey>

gents
n. chiefly British : MEN'S ROOM

genuflect
v. 1 a : to bend the knee b : to touch the knee to the floor or ground especially in worship
2 : to be servilely obedient or respectful
–gen·u·flec·tion \ˌjen-yə-'flek-shən\ noun

genuine
adj. 1 a : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character <genuine vintage wines> b : actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author <the signature is genuine> c : sincerely and honestly felt or experienced <a deep and genuine love> d : ACTUAL, TRUE <a genuine improvement>
2 : free from hypocrisy or pretense : SINCERE
synonyms see AUTHENTIC
–gen·u·ine·ly adverb
–gen·u·ine·ness \-wə(n)-nəs\ noun
usage The objection which some commentators make to the pronunciation \'jen-yə-ˌwīn\ is perhaps occasioned by the fact that it is more frequent among those with less schooling. However, this variant is heard in the speech of cultured or highly educated speakers sufficiently frequently for it to be recognized as a widespread pronunciation at all social levels. This variant was recorded as early as 1890 and appears to be simply a long-standing spelling pronunciation.

genus
n. 1 : a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and being designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun
2 : a class of objects divided into several subordinate species

genus
n. form genus
type genus
et hoc genus omne
et id genus omne

geny
: generation : production <phylogeny>

geo
pref. 1 : earth : ground : soil <geophyte>
2 : geographic : geography and <geopolitics>

geobotany
n. : PHYTOGEOGRAPHY
–geo·bo·tan·i·cal \-bə-'ta-ni-kəl\ also geo·bo·tan·ic \-nik\ adjective
–geo·bot·a·nist \-'bä-tə-nist, -'bät-nist\ noun

geocentric
adj. 1 a : relating to, measured from, or as if observed from the earth's center ― compare TOPOCENTRIC b : having or relating to the earth as center ― compare HELIOCENTRIC
2 : taking or based on the earth as the center of perspective and valuation
–geo·cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geochemistry
n. 1 : a science that deals with the chemical composition of and chemical changes in the solid matter of the earth or a celestial body (as the moon)
2 : the related chemical and geological properties of a substance
–geo·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–geo·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–geo·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

geochronology
1 : the chronology of the past as indicated by geologic data
2 : the study of geochronology
–geo·chro·no·log·i·cal \-ˌkrä-nə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌkrō-\ also geo·chro·no·log·ic \-'ä-jik\ adjective
–geo·chro·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–geo·chro·nol·o·gist \-krə-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

geode
n. 1 : a nodule of stone having a cavity lined with crystals or mineral matter
2 : the cavity in a geode

geodesic
adj. 1 : GEODETIC
2 : made of light straight structural elements mostly in tension <a geodesic dome>

geodesic
adj. : the shortest line between two points that lies in a given surface

geodesy
n. : a branch of applied mathematics concerned with the determination of the size and shape of the earth and the exact positions of points on its surface and with the description of variations of its gravity field
–ge·od·e·sist \-də-sist\ noun

geodetic
adj. : of, relating to, or determined by geodesy

geodetic survey
: a survey of a large land area in which corrections are made for the curvature of the earth's surface

geoduck
n. : a large edible clam (Panopea abrupta syn. P. generosa) of the Pacific coast that usually weighs two to three pounds (about one kilogram) but may attain a weight of over ten pounds (4.5 kilograms)

geoeconomics
1 : the combination of economic and geographic factors relating to international trade
2 : a governmental policy guided by geoeconomics
–geo·eco·nom·ic \-mik\ adjective

Geoffrey of Monmouth
ca 1100-1154 Brit. ecclesiastic & chronicler

geog
n. geographic; geographical; geography

geographer
n. : a specialist in geography

geographic
adj. 1 : of or relating to geography
2 : belonging to or characteristic of a particular region
–geo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geography
n. 1 : a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surface
2 : the geographic features of an area
3 : a treatise on geography
4 a : a delineation or systematic arrangement of constituent elements : CONFIGURATION <the philosophers⋯have tried to construct geographies of human reason ― Times Lit. Supp.> b : MAKEUP 1 <her emotional geography>

geography
n. dialect geography
physical geography
linguistic geography

geohydrology
: a science that deals with the character, source, and mode of occurrence of underground water
–geo·hy·dro·log·ic \-ˌhī-drə-'lä-jik\ adjective
–geo·hy·drol·o·gist \-hī-'drä-lə-jist\ noun

geoid
n. : the surface within or around the earth that is everywhere normal to the direction of gravity and coincides with mean sea level in the oceans
–ge·oi·dal \jē-'ȯi-dəl\ adjective

geol
geologic; geological; geology

geologic
adj. : of, relating to, or based on geology
–geo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geologic time
: the long period of time occupied by the earth's geologic history

see table...

geologic-table

geologize
v. : to study geology or make geologic investigations

geology
n. 1 a : a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life especially as recorded in rocks b : a study of the solid matter of a celestial body (as the moon)
2 : geologic features
3 : a treatise on geology
–ge·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

geom
geometric; geometrical; geometry

geomagnetic
adj. : of or relating to terrestrial magnetism
–geo·mag·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–geo·mag·ne·tism \-'mag-nə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

geomagnetic storm
: MAGNETIC STORM

geomancy
n. : divination by means of figures or lines or geographic features
–geo·man·cer \-sər\ noun
–geo·man·tic \ˌjē-ə-'man-tik\ adjective

geometer
n. 1 : a specialist in geometry
2 : GEOMETRID

geometric
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or according to the methods or principles of geometry b : increasing in a geometric progression <geometric population growth>
2 capitalized : of or relating to a style of ancient Greek pottery characterized by geometric decorative motifs
3 a : utilizing rectilinear or simple curvilinear motifs or outlines in design b : of or relating to art based on simple geometric shapes (as straight lines, circles, or squares) <geometric abstractions>
–geo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geometric
adj. geometric mean
geometric series
geometric progression
geometric sequence
geometrical progression

geometric mean
: the nth root of the product of n numbers specifically : a number that is the second term of three consecutive terms of a geometric progression <the geometric mean of 9 and 4 is 6>

geometric progression
: a sequence (as 1, 1/2, 1/4) in which the ratio of a term to its predecessor is always the same ― called also geometrical progression geometric sequence

geometric series
: a series (as 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 +⋯) whose terms form a geometric progression

geometrician
n. : GEOMETER 1

geometrics
: decorative patterns or designs based on geometric shapes

geometrid
n. : any of a family (Geometridae) of usually medium-sized moths with large wings and larvae that are loopers
–geometrid adjective

geometrise
British variant of geometrize

geometrize
intransitive verb : to work by or as if by geometric methods or laws
transitive verb
1 : to represent geometrically
2 : to make conform to geometric principles and laws
–ge·om·e·tri·za·tion \-ˌä-mə-trə-'zā-shən\ noun

geometry
n. 1 a : a branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids broadly : the study of properties of given elements that remain invariant under specified transformations b : a particular type or system of geometry
2 a : CONFIGURATION b : surface shape
3 : an arrangement of objects or parts that suggests geometric figures

geometry
n. analytic geometry
coordinate geometry
differential geometry
euclidean geometry
plane geometry
projective geometry
Riemannian geometry
solid geometry
spherical geometry
synthetic geometry

geomorphic
adj. : GEOMORPHOLOGICAL

geomorphological
adj. : of or relating to the form or surface features of the earth or another celestial body

geomorphology
n. 1 : a science that deals with the relief features of the earth or of another celestial body (as the moon) and seeks a genetic interpretation of them
2 : the features dealt with in geomorphology
–geo·mor·phol·o·gist \-mȯr-'fä-lə-jist\ noun

geophagy
n. : the practice of eating earthy substances (as clay) that in humans is performed especially to augment a scanty or mineral-deficient diet or as part of a cultural tradition ― compare 1PICA

geophone
: an instrument for detecting vibrations passing through rocks, soil, or ice

geophysics
n. : a branch of earth science dealing with the physical processes and phenomena occurring especially in the earth and in its vicinity
–geo·phys·i·cal \-zi-kəl\ adjective
–geo·phys·i·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–geo·phys·i·cist \-'fi-zə-sist\ noun

geophyte
: a perennial plant that bears its perennating buds below the surface of the soil

geopolitician
n. : a specialist in geopolitics

geopolitics
n. 1 : a study of the influence of such factors as geography, economics, and demography on the politics and especially the foreign policy of a state
2 : a governmental policy guided by geopolitics
3 : a combination of political and geographic factors relating to something (as a state or particular resources)
–geo·po·lit·i·cal \-pə-'li-ti-kəl\ adjective
–geo·po·lit·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geopressured
: subjected to great pressure from geologic forces <geopressured methane>

Geordie
n. chiefly British : an inhabitant of Newcastle upon Tyne or its environs also : the dialect of English spoken by Geordies

George
n. 1 : either of two of the insignia of the British Order of the Garter
2 : a British coin bearing the image of St. George

George
n. Saint 3d cent. Christian martyr & patron saint of England

George
n. name of 6 kings of Great Britain: I 1660-1727 (reigned 1714-27); II 1683-1760 (reigned 1727-60); III 1738-1820 (reigned 1760-1820); IV 1762-1830 (reigned 1820-30); V 1865-1936 (reigned 1910-36); VI 1895-1952 (reigned 1936-52)

George
n. name of 2 kings of Greece: I 1845-1913 (reigned 1863-1913); II 1890-1947 (reigned 1922-23; 1935-47)

George
n. David Lloyd ― see David LLOYD GEORGE

George
n. Henry 1839-1897 American econ.

George
n. river 345 mi (555 km) Canada in NE Que. flowing N into Ungava Bay

George
n. Lloyd George
Fort George
George Lake
George Town
Prince George
Saint George
Saint George's
Saint George's Channel
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument

George Town
1 town capital of Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman Is.
2 or Pe·nang \pə-'naŋ, -'näŋ\ city & port Malaysia capital of Penang on Penang Is. pop 234,930

George Washington Birthplace National Monument
historic site E Va.

George Washington Carver National Monument
historic site SW Mo. SE of Joplin

George, Lake
1 lake 14 mi (22 km) long NE Fla. in course of St. Johns River WNW of Daytona Beach
2 lake 33 mi (53 km) long E N.Y. S of Lake Champlain

Georges Bank
submerged sandbank in the Atlantic E of Mass.

Georgetown
n. 1 section of Washington, D.C., in W part of the city
2 city cen Texas N of Austin pop 28,339
3 city & port capital of Guyana on the Atlantic pop 162,000

georgette
n. : a sheer crepe woven from hard-twisted yarns to produce a dull pebbly surface

Georgia
n. 1 state SE U.S. capital Atlanta area 58,910 sq mi (152,577 sq km), pop 8,186,453
2 or Republic of Georgia independent country SE Europe bordering on Black Sea; an ancient & medieval kingdom, later (1936-91) a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. capital Tbilisi area 26,911 sq mi (69,699 sq km), pop 5,493,000

Georgia
n. Republic of Georgia
Georgia Strait of
New Georgia
South Georgia

Georgia, Strait of
channel 150 mi (241 km) long NW Wash. & SW B.C. bet. S Vancouver Is. & mainland NW of Puget Sound

Georgian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Georgia in the Caucasus
2 : the language of the Georgian people

Georgian
n. : of, relating to, or constituting Georgia in the Caucasus, the Georgians, or Georgian

Georgian
n. : a native or resident of the state of Georgia

Georgian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the state of Georgia or its people

Georgian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the reigns of the first four Georges of Great Britain
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the reign of George V of Great Britain

Georgian
n. 1 : one belonging to either of the Georgian periods especially : a poet of the second decade of the 20th century
2 : Georgian taste or style especially in architecture

Georgian Bay
inlet of Lake Huron Canada in SE Ont.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park
n. reservation SE Canada in Ont. comprising over 50 small islands in Georgian Bay

georgic
n. : a poem dealing with agriculture

georgic
n. : of or relating to agriculture

Georgina
town Canada in SE Ont. pop 39,263

geoscience
n. 1 : the sciences (as geology, geophysics, and geochemistry) dealing with the earth
2 : any of the geosciences ― compare EARTH SCIENCE
–geo·sci·en·tist \-ən-tist\ noun

geostationary
adj. : being or having an equatorial orbit at an altitude of about 22,300 miles (35,900 kilometers) requiring an angular velocity the same as that of the earth so that the position of a satellite in such an orbit is fixed with respect to the earth

geostrategy
1 : a branch of geopolitics that deals with strategy
2 : the combination of geopolitical and strategic factors characterizing a particular geographic region
3 : the use by a government of strategy based on geopolitics
–geo·stra·te·gic \-strə-'tē-jik\ adjective
–geo·strat·e·gist \-'stra-tə-jist\ noun

geostrophic
: of, relating to, or arising from the Coriolis force
–geo·stroph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geosynchronous
adj. : GEOSTATIONARY

geosyncline
n. : a great downward flexure of the earth's crust
–geo·syn·cli·nal \-ˌsin-'klī-nəl\ adjective

geotactic
: of or relating to geotaxis

geotaxis
n. : a taxis in which the force of gravity is the directive factor

geotechnical
: of or relating to geotechnical engineering

geotechnical engineering
: a science that deals with the application of geology to engineering

geotectonic
: of or relating to the form, arrangement, and structure of rock masses of the earth's crust resulting from folding or faulting
–geo·tec·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

geothermal
adj. : of, relating to, or utilizing the heat of the earth's interior also : produced or permeated by such heat <geothermal steam> <geothermal regions>
–geo·ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

geotropic
adj. : of or relating to geotropism
–geo·tro·pi·cal·ly \-'trō-pi-k(ə-)lē, -'trä-\ adverb

geotropism
n. : a tropism (as of plant roots) in which gravity is the orienting factor

Ger
German; Germany

ger
gerund

Gera
city E Germany ESE of Erfurt pop 126,521

gerah
: an ancient Hebrew unit of weight equal to 1/20 shekel

geraniol
n. : a fragrant liquid unsaturated alcohol C_10H_18O used chiefly in perfumes and soap

geranium
n. 1 : any of a widely distributed genus (Geranium of the family Geraniaceae, the geranium family) of plants having regular usually white, pink, or purple flowers with elongated styles and glands that alternate with the petals ― called also cranesbill
2 : PELARGONIUM
3 : a vivid or strong red

Gerard
n. Charles 1618?-1694 1st Baron Gerard of Bran·don \'bran-dən\; Viscount Brandon Eng. Royalist commander

Gerard
n. Comte Étienne-Maurice 1773-1852 Fr. Napoleonic gen.; marshal of France

gerardia
: any of a genus (Agalinis syn. Gerardia) of often root-parasitic herbs of the snapdragon family having pink, purple, or white flowers

gerbera
n. : any of a genus (Gerbera) of Asian and African composite herbs that have basal tufted leaves and are often cultivated for their showy heads of yellow, pink, or orange flowers with prominent rays

gerbil
n. : any of numerous Old World burrowing desert rodents (Gerbillus and related genera) with long hind legs adapted for leaping

GERD
gastroesophageal reflux disease

gerent
: one that rules or manages

gerenuk
n. : a large-eyed antelope (Litocranius walleri) of eastern Africa with a long neck and limbs

Gerhardsen
Einar Henry 1897-1987 Norw. polit.

geriatric
adj. 1 plural but singular in construction : a branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and aging people ― compare GERONTOLOGY
2 : an aged person

geriatric
adj. 1 a : of or relating to geriatrics or the process of aging b : of, relating to, or appropriate for elderly people <the geriatric set>
2 a : OLD, ELDERLY <a geriatric dachshund> b : being old and outmoded <geriatric airplanes>

geriatrician
n. : a specialist in geriatrics

Gericault
(Jean-Louis-André-) Théodore 1791-1824 Fr. painter

Gerlachovsky
mountain 8711 ft (2655 m) N Slovakia in Tatry Mountains; highest in Carpathians

germ
n. 1 a : a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts b : the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that is usually separated from the starchy endosperm during milling
2 : something that initiates development or serves as an origin : RUDIMENTS, BEGINNING
3 : MICROORGANISM especially : a microorganism causing disease

germ
n. germ cell
germ layer
germ line
germ theory
germ warfare
wheat germ

germ cell
: a gamete (as an egg or sperm cell) or one of its antecedent cells

germ layer
: any of the three primary layers of cells differentiated in most embryos during and immediately following gastrulation

germ line
: the cellular lineage of a sexually reproducing organism from which eggs and sperm are derived also : the genetic material contained in this cellular lineage which can be passed to the next generation

germ theory
: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions result from the action of microorganisms

germ warfare
: the use of harmful microorganisms (as bacteria) as weapons in war

German
n. 1 : a member of any of the Germanic peoples inhabiting western Europe in Roman times
2 a : a native or inhabitant of Germany b : a person of German descent c : one whose native language is German and who is a native of a country other than Germany
3 a : the Germanic language spoken mainly in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland b : the literary and official language of Germany
4 often not capitalized a : a dance consisting of intricate figures that are improvised and intermingled with waltzes b chiefly Midland : a dancing party specifically : one at which the german is danced

German
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Germany, the Germans, or German

german
n. : having the same parents or the same grandparents on either the maternal or paternal side ― usually used after the noun which it modifies and joined to it by a hyphen <brother-german> <cousin-german>

german
n. obsolete : a near relative

german
n. German Southwest Africa
cousin german
cousins german
German cockroach
German measles
German shepherd
German shorthaired pointer
German silver
German wirehaired pointer
High German
Low German
Middle High German
Middle Low German
Old High German
Pennsylvania German
German East Africa
San German
anti German

German cockroach
: a small active winged cockroach (Blattella germanica) prob. of African origin that is a common household pest in the U.S. ― called also Croton bug

German East Africa
former country E Africa comprising Tanganyika & Ruanda-Urundi (now Rwanda & Burundi); a German protectorate 1885-1920

German measles
: an acute contagious disease that is caused by a virus (species Rubella virus of the genus Rubivirus, family Togaviridae) and is milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy ― called also rubella

German shepherd
: any of a breed of working dogs of German origin that are intelligent and responsive and are often used in police work and as guide dogs for the blind ― called also Alsatian

German shorthaired pointer
: any of a breed of gundogs of German origin that have a liver or liver and white short coat

German silver
: a silver-white alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel

German Southwest Africa
― see NAMIBIA

German wirehaired pointer
: any of a breed of gundogs of German origin that have a liver or liver and white flat-lying wiry coat

germander
n. : any of a genus (Teucrium) of plants of the mint family with flowers having four projecting stamens, a short corolla tube, and a prominent lower lip

germane
adj. 1 obsolete : closely akin
2 : being at once relevant and appropriate : FITTING <omit details that are not germane to the discussion>
synonyms see RELEVANT
–ger·mane·ly adverb

Germania
1 region of ancient Europe E of the Rhine & N of the Danube
2 region of Roman Empire just W of the Rhine in what is now NE France & part of Belgium & the Netherlands

Germanic
adj. 1 : GERMAN
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Germanic-speaking peoples
3 : of, relating to, or constituting Germanic

Germanic
adj. : a branch of the Indo-European language family containing English, German, Dutch, Afrikaans, Frisian, the Scandinavian languages, and Gothic ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Germanic
adj. East Germanic
Indo Germanic
North Germanic
West Germanic

Germanicus Caesar
15 B.C.-A.D. 19 Rom. gen.

Germanism
n. 1 : a characteristic feature of German occurring in another language
2 : partiality for Germany or German customs
3 : the practices or objectives characteristic of the Germans

Germanist
n. : a specialist in German or Germanic language, literature, or culture

germanium
n. : a grayish-white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used especially in optical and semiconductor materials and as a catalyst ― see ELEMENT table

germanize
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to translate into German
2 : to cause to acquire German characteristics
intransitive verb : to have or acquire German customs or leanings
–ger·man·i·za·tion \ˌjər-mə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

Germano
n. : German <Germanophile>

Germanophile
n. : approving or favoring the German people and their institutions and customs

Germanophile
n. : one that is Germanophile

Germantown
n. 1 city SW Tenn. pop 37,348
2 a NW section of Philadelphia, Pa.

Germany
country cen Europe bordering on North & Baltic seas, divided 1949-90 into two republics: Federal Republic of Germany or Bun·des·re·pu·blik Deutschland \ˌbu̇n-dəs-ˌrā-pü-'blēk\ to the W (capital Bonn, area ab 96,000 sq mi or 249,600 sq km) & German Democratic Republic or Deutsche De·mo·krat·ische Re·pu·blik \'dȯi-chə-ˌdā-mō-'krä-ti-shə-ˌrā-pü-'blēk\ to the E (capital East Berlin area ab 42,000 sq mi or 108,780 sq km); capital Berlin area 137,735 sq mi (356,734 sq km), pop 82,440,300

Germany
n. East Germany
West Germany
Bundesrepublik Deutschland

germen
archaic : GERM 1A 2

germfree
adj. : free of microorganisms : AXENIC

germicidal
adj. : of or relating to a germicide also : destroying germs

germicide
n. : an agent that destroys germs

germinability
: the capacity to germinate

germinal
adj. 1 a : being in the earliest stage of development b : CREATIVE, PRODUCTIVE
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a germ cell or early embryo
–ger·mi·nal·ly adverb

germinal vesicle
: the enlarged nucleus of the egg before completion of meiosis

germinate
v. transitive verb : to cause to sprout or develop
intransitive verb
1 : to come into being : EVOLVE <before Western civilization began to germinate ― A. L. Kroeber>
2 : to begin to grow : SPROUT
–ger·mi·na·tion \ˌjər-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–ger·mi·na·tive \'jər-mə-ˌnā-tiv, -mə-nə-\ adjective

Germiston
city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng E of Johannesburg pop 221,972

germplasm
1 : germ cells and their precursors serving as the bearers of heredity and being fundamentally independent of other cells
2 : the hereditary material of the germ cells : GENES

germproof
adj. : impervious to the penetration or action of germs

germy
adj. : full of germs

Gerome
Jean-Léon 1824-1904 Fr. painter

Gerona
n. 1 province NE Spain in NE Catalonia area 2273 sq mi (5887 sq km), pop 565,304
2 commune, its capital pop 74,879

Geronimo
n. 1829-1909 Goyathlay Chiricahua Apache leader

geront
: aged one : old age <gerontology>

gerontic
adj. : of or relating to decadence or old age

gerontocracy
n. : rule by elders specifically : a form of social organization in which a group of old men or a council of elders dominates or exercises control
–ge·ron·to·crat \jə-'rän-tə-ˌkrat\ noun
–ge·ron·to·crat·ic \-ˌrän-tə-'kra-tik\ adjective

gerontology
n. : the comprehensive study of aging and the problems of the aged ― compare GERIATRIC 1
–ge·ron·to·log·i·cal \jə-ˌrän-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also ge·ron·to·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–ger·on·tol·o·gist \ˌjer-ən-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

Gerry
n. Elbridge 1744-1814 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1813-14)

gerrymander
n. 1 : the act or method of gerrymandering
2 : a district or pattern of districts varying greatly in size or population as a result of gerrymandering

gerrymander
n. 1 : to divide (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
2 : to divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group <gerrymander a school district>

Gershwin
n. George 1898-1937 orig. Jacob Gershvin American composer

gerund
n. 1 : a verbal noun in Latin that expresses generalized or uncompleted action
2 : any of several linguistic forms analogous to the Latin gerund in languages other than Latin especially : the English verbal noun ending in -ing that has the function of a substantive and at the same time shows the verbal features of tense, voice, and capacity to take adverbial qualifiers and to govern objects

gerundive
n. 1 : the Latin future passive participle that functions as the verbal adjective, that expresses the fitness or necessity of the action to be performed, and that has the same suffix as the gerund
2 : a verbal adjective in a language other than Latin analogous to the gerundive

Gesell
Arnold Lucius 1880-1961 American psychol. & pediatrician

gesellschaft
n. : a rationally developed mechanistic type of social relationship characterized by impersonally contracted associations between persons also : a community or society characterized by this relationship ― compare GEMEINSCHAFT

Gesner
Conrad 1516-1565 Swiss naturalist

gesneriad
: any of a family (Gesneriaceae) of tropical or subtropical herbs (as an African violet or gloxinia) with chiefly opposite leaves and highly zygomorphic flowers

gesso
n. 1 : plaster of paris or gypsum prepared with glue for use in painting or making bas-reliefs
2 : a paste prepared by mixing whiting with size or glue and spread upon a surface to fit it for painting or gilding
–ges·soed \-(ˌ)sōd\ adjective

gest
n. 1 : a tale of adventures especially : a romance in verse
2 : ADVENTURE, EXPLOIT

gest
n. beau geste
chanson de geste
chansons de geste
beau gestes
beaux gestes

gestalt
n. : a structure, configuration, or pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to constitute a functional unit with properties not derivable by summation of its parts

Gestalt psychology
: the study of perception and behavior from the standpoint of an individual's response to configurational wholes with stress on the uniformity of psychological and physiological events and rejection of analysis into discrete events of stimulus, percept, and response

gestaltist
n. : a specialist in Gestalt psychology

gestapo
n. : a secret-police organization employing underhanded and terrorist methods against persons suspected of disloyalty

gestate
v. transitive verb
1 : to carry in the uterus during pregnancy
2 : to conceive and gradually develop in the mind
intransitive verb : to be in the process of gestation

gestation
n. 1 : the carrying of young in the uterus : PREGNANCY
2 : conception and development especially in the mind
–ges·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

geste
n. 1 archaic : DEPORTMENT
2 archaic : GESTURE

geste
n. beau geste
chanson de geste
chansons de geste
beau gestes
beaux gestes

gestic
: relating to or consisting of bodily movements or gestures

gesticulant
: making gesticulations <the little wiry man gesticulant and wild ― William Faulkner>

gesticulate
: to make gestures especially when speaking
–ges·ti·cu·la·tive \je-'sti-kyə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–ges·tic·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–ges·tic·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

gesticulation
n. 1 : the act of making gestures
2 : GESTURE especially : an expressive gesture made in showing strong feeling or in enforcing an argument

gestural
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of gestures
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by vigorous application of paint and expressive brushwork <gestural expressionism>
–ges·tur·al·ly \-chə-rə-lē\ adverb

gesture
n. 1 archaic : CARRIAGE, BEARING
2 : a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude
3 : the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression
4 : something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token, or for its effect on the attitudes of others <a political gesture to draw popular support ― V. L. Parrington>

gesture
n. intransitive verb : to make a gesture
transitive verb : to express or direct by a gesture

gesture language
: communication by gestures especially : SIGN LANGUAGE ― called also gestural language

gesundheit
interj. ― used to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed

get
v. transitive verb
1 a : to gain possession of b : to receive as a return : EARN <he got a bad reputation for carelessness>
2 a : to obtain by concession or entreaty <get your mother's permission to go> b : to become affected by (a disease or bodily condition) : CATCH <got measles from his sister>
3 a : to seek out and obtain <hoped to get dinner at the inn> b : to obtain and bring where wanted or needed <get a pencil from the desk>
4 : BEGET
5 a : to cause to come or go <quickly got his luggage through customs> b : to cause to move <get it out of the house> c : to cause to be in a certain position or condition <got his feet wet> d : to make ready : PREPARE <get breakfast>
6 a : to be subjected to <got a bad fall> b : to receive by way of punishment c : to suffer a specified injury to <got my nose broken>
7 a : to achieve as a result of military activity b : to obtain or receive by way of benefit or advantage <he got little for his trouble> <get the better of an enemy>
8 a : SEIZE b : OVERCOME c : to have an emotional effect on <the final scene always gets me> d : IRRITATE <the delays were starting to get her> e : PUZZLE f : to take vengeance on specifically : KILL g : HIT
9 : to prevail on : CAUSE <finally got them to tidy up their room>
10 a : HAVE ― used in the present perfect tense form with present meaning <I've got no money> b : to have as an obligation or necessity ― used in the present perfect tense form with present meaning <you have got to come>
11 a : to find out by calculation <get the answer to a problem> b : MEMORIZE <got the verse by heart> c : HEAR d : UNDERSTAND <he got the joke>
12 : to establish communication with
13 : to put out in baseball
14 : DELIVER 6B <the car gets 20 miles to the gallon>
intransitive verb
1 a : to succeed in coming or going : to bring or move oneself <get away to the country> <got into the car> b : to reach or enter into a certain condition <got to sleep after midnight> c : to make progress <hasn't gotten far with the essay>
2 : to acquire wealth
3 a : to be able <never got to go to college> b : to come to be ― often used with following present participle <got talking about old times>
4 a : to succeed in becoming : BECOME <how to get clear of all the debts I owe ― Shakespeare> b : to become involved <people who get into trouble with the law>
5 : to leave immediately <told them to get>
verbal auxiliary ― used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive voice auxiliary <they got caught in the act>
–get after : to pursue with exhortation, reprimand, or attack
–get ahead : to achieve success <determined to get ahead in life>
–get a life : to stop wasting time on trivial or hopeless matters
–get a move on : HURRY
–get at
1 : to reach effectively
2 : to influence corruptly : BRIBE
3 : to turn one's attention to
4 : to try to prove or make clear <what is he getting at>
–get away with : to avoid criticism or punishment for or the consequences of (as a reprehensible act)
–get cracking : to make a start : get going <ought to get cracking on that assignment>
–get even : to get revenge
–get even with : to repay in kind
–get going : to make a start
–get into : to become strongly involved with or deeply interested in
–get it : to receive a scolding or punishment
–get it on
1 : to become enthusiastic, energetic, or excited
2 : to engage in sexual intercourse
–get on
1 : to produce an unfortunate effect on : UPSET <the noise got on my nerves>
2 : to criticize insistently <the fans got on him for losing the game>
–get one's act together
1 : to put one's life, thoughts, or emotions in order : cease to be confused or misdirected
2 : to begin to function in a skillful or efficient manner <the company finally got its act together>
–get one's goat : to make one angry or annoyed
–get over
1 a : OVERCOME, SURMOUNT b : to recover from c : to reconcile oneself to : become accustomed to
2 : to move or travel across
–get real : to stop deceiving oneself or fooling around : face reality
–get religion
1 : to undergo religious conversion
2 : to turn to or adopt an enlightened course of action or point of view
–get somewhere : to be successful
–get there : to be successful
–get through : to reach the end of : COMPLETE
–get to
1 a : BEGIN <gets to worrying over nothing at all> b : to be ready to begin or deal with <I'll get to the accounts as soon as I can>
2 : to have an effect on: as a : INFLUENCE b : BOTHER
–get together
1 : to bring together : ACCUMULATE
2 : to come together : ASSEMBLE, MEET
3 : to reach agreement
–get wind of : to become aware of
–get with it : to become alert or aware : show sophisticated consciousness
usage The pronunciation \'git\ has been noted as a feature of some British and American dialects since the 16th century. In the phonetic spelling of his own speech Benjamin Franklin records git. However, since at least 1687 some grammarians and teachers have disapproved this pronunciation. It nonetheless remains in widespread and unpredictable use in many dialects, often, but not exclusively, when get is a passive auxiliary (as in get married) or an imperative (as in get up!).

get
v. 1 a : something begotten: (1) : OFFSPRING (2) : the entire progeny of a male animal b : LINEAGE
2 : a return of a difficult shot in a game (as tennis)

get
v. 1 : a document of release from obligation in Jewish law specifically : a bill of divorce
2 : a religious divorce by Jewish law

get
v. all get out
get with it
get wind of
get together
get to
get through
get there
get somewhere
get religion
get real
get over
get one's goat
get one's act together
get on
get it on
get it
get into
get going
get even with
get even
get cracking
get away with
get at
get a move on
get a life
get ahead
get after
get about
get across
get along
get around
get back
get by
get down
get go
get in
get off
get out
get round
get up
get up and go
go getting
ill gotten

get a life
to stop wasting time on trivial or hopeless matters

get a move on
HURRY

get about
1 : to become current : CIRCULATE
2 : to be up and about : begin to walk <able to get about again>

get across
: to become clear or convincing
transitive verb : to make clear or convincing <we couldn't get our point across>

get after
to pursue with exhortation, reprimand, or attack

get ahead
to achieve success <determined to get ahead in life>

get along
1 a : to proceed toward a destination : PROGRESS b : to approach an advanced stage especially : to approach old age
2 : to meet one's needs : MANAGE <we got along on a minimum of clothing>
3 : to be or remain on congenial terms

get around
1 : CIRCUMVENT, EVADE
2 : to get the better of
intransitive verb
1 a : to find or take the necessary time or effort ― used with to b : to give attention or consideration ― used with to
2 : to go from place to place
3 : to become known or current <word got around that he was resigning>

get at

1 : to reach effectively
2 : to influence corruptly : BRIBE
3 : to turn one's attention to
4 : to try to prove or make clear <what is he getting at>

get away with
to avoid criticism or punishment for or the consequences of (as a reprehensible act)

get back
1 : to come or go again to a person, place, or condition : RETURN, REVERT <getting back to the main topic of the lecture>
2 : to gain revenge : RETALIATE ― usually used with at
transitive verb : to regain possession of : RECOVER

get by
1 : to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment
2 : to make ends meet : SURVIVE
3 : to proceed without being discovered, criticized, or punished

get cracking
to make a start : get going <ought to get cracking on that assignment>

get down
1 : to manage to swallow
2 : to cause to be physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted : DEPRESS <the weather was getting her down>
3 : to commit to writing : DESCRIBE
intransitive verb
1 : to alight especially from a vehicle : DESCEND
2 : to give one's attention or consideration ― used with to <get down to business>
3 a : to perform music or dance effectively and infectiously b : to have a good time partying

get even
to get revenge

get even with
to repay in kind

get going
to make a start

get in
1 a : ENTER b : ARRIVE
2 a : to become friendly b : to become involved
3 : to become accepted for membership or chosen for office
transitive verb
1 : to succeed in doing, making, or delivering
2 : to include in one's schedule
3 : INVOLVE 2A B

get into
to become strongly involved with or deeply interested in

get it
to receive a scolding or punishment

get it on

1 : to become enthusiastic, energetic, or excited
2 : to engage in sexual intercourse

get off
1 : to avoid the most serious consequences of a dangerous situation or punishment <got off with a light sentence>
2 : START, LEAVE <got off on the trip early>
3 : to leave work with permission or as scheduled
4 : to get high on a drug
5 : to experience orgasm
6 : to experience great pleasure ― often used with on
transitive verb
1 : to secure the release of or procure a modified penalty for <his lawyers got him off>
2 a : UTTER <get off a joke> b : to write and send
3 : to succeed in doing, making, or delivering
4 : to cause to get off

get on

1 : to produce an unfortunate effect on : UPSET <the noise got on my nerves>
2 : to criticize insistently <the fans got on him for losing the game>

get on
1 : GET ALONG <was getting on in years> <got on well with the boss> <get on with the game>
2 : to gain knowledge or understanding <got on to the racket>

get one's act together

1 : to put one's life, thoughts, or emotions in order : cease to be confused or misdirected
2 : to begin to function in a skillful or efficient manner <the company finally got its act together>

get one's goat
to make one angry or annoyed

get out
1 : LEAVE, ESCAPE <doubted that he would get out alive>
2 : to become known : leak out <their secret got out>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to leave or escape
2 : to bring before the public especially : PUBLISH

get over

1 a : OVERCOME, SURMOUNT b : to recover from c : to reconcile oneself to : become accustomed to
2 : to move or travel across

get real
to stop deceiving oneself or fooling around : face reality

get religion

1 : to undergo religious conversion
2 : to turn to or adopt an enlightened course of action or point of view

get round
: GET AROUND

get somewhere
to be successful

get there
to be successful

get through
to reach the end of : COMPLETE

get through
1 : to reach a destination
2 : to gain approval or a desired outcome
3 a : to become clear or understood <our warnings finally got through to him> b : to complete a communications connection

get to

1 a : BEGIN <gets to worrying over nothing at all> b : to be ready to begin or deal with <I'll get to the accounts as soon as I can>
2 : to have an effect on: as a : INFLUENCE b : BOTHER

get together

1 : to bring together : ACCUMULATE
2 : to come together : ASSEMBLE, MEET
3 : to reach agreement

get up
1 a : to arise from bed b : to rise to one's feet c : CLIMB, ASCEND
2 : to go ahead or faster ― used in the imperative as a command especially to driven animals
transitive verb
1 : to make preparations for : ORGANIZE <got up a party for the newcomers>
2 : to arrange as to external appearance : DRESS
3 : to acquire a knowledge of
4 : to create in oneself <cannot get up the courage to tell them>

get wind of
to become aware of

get with it
to become alert or aware : show sophisticated consciousness

get-go
: the very beginning ― used in the phrase from the get-go <didn't like me from the get-go>

get-together
: MEETING especially : an informal social gathering

get-up-and-go
: ENERGY, DRIVE

geta
n. : a Japanese wooden clog for outdoor wear

Getafe
commune cen Spain, S of Madrid pop 151,479

getatable
adj. : ACCESSIBLE, APPROACHABLE

getaway
n. 1 : an act or instance of getting away: as a : ESCAPE b : START
2 : a place suitable for a vacation
3 : a vacation especially of brief duration

Gethsemane
n. 1 : the garden outside Jerusalem mentioned in Mk 14 as the scene of the agony and arrest of Jesus
2 : a place or occasion of great mental or spiritual suffering

getter
n. 1 : one that gets
2 : a substance introduced into a vacuum tube or electric lamp to remove traces of gas

Getty
Jean Paul 1892-1976 American oil magnate

Gettysburg
n. borough S Pa. WSW of York pop 7490

getup
n. 1 : OUTFIT, COSTUME
2 : general composition or structure

geum
n. : AVENS

GeV
giga-electron-volt

gewgaw
n. : a showy trifle : BAUBLE, TRINKET

gewurztraminer
: a light dry Alsatian white wine with a spicy bouquet also : a similar wine made elsewhere

gey
chiefly Scottish : VERY, QUITE

geyser
n. 1 : a spring that throws forth intermittent jets of heated water and steam
2 British : an apparatus for heating water rapidly with a gas flame (as for a bath)

geyserite
: a variety of opal that is deposited around some hot springs and geysers in white or grayish concretions

Gezira
region E cen Sudan bet. the Blue Nile & the White Nile

GH
growth hormone

Ghadames
oasis & town NW Libya in Tripolitania near Algerian border

Ghaghara
river 570 mi (1207 km) S cen Asia flowing S from SW Tibet through Nepal into the Ganges in N India

Ghana
n. 1 or Ga·na ancient empire W Africa in what is now W Mali; flourished 4th-13th centuries
2 country W Africa bordering on Gulf of Guinea; a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations; formerly (as Gold Coast) a Brit. territory comprising Gold Coast Colony, Ashanti, Northern Territories, & Brit. Togoland trust terr. capital Accra area 92,100 sq mi (238,539 sq km), pop 15,636,000
–Gha·na·ian \gä-'nā-ən, ga-, -'nī-ən\ adjective or noun
–Gha·nian \'gä-nē-ən, 'ga-, -nyən\ adjective or noun
–Gha·nese \gä-'nēz, ga-, -'nēs\ adjective

Gharapuri
― see ELEPHANTA

Ghardaia
commune N cen Algeria pop 89,415

gharial
n. : a large long-snouted crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus of the family Gavialidae) of India

gharry
n. : a horse-drawn cab used especially in India and Egypt

ghast
archaic : GHASTLY

ghastful
archaic : FRIGHTFUL
–ghast·ful·ly adverb archaic

ghastly
adj. 1 a : terrifyingly horrible to the senses : FRIGHTENING <a ghastly crime> b : intensely unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable <such a life seems ghastly in its emptiness and sterility ― Aldous Huxley>
2 : resembling a ghost
3 obsolete : filled with fear
4 : very great <a ghastly mistake>
–ghast·li·ness noun
–ghastly adverb
synonyms GHASTLY, GRISLY, GRUESOME, MACABRE, LURID mean horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect. GHASTLY suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts <a ghastly accident>. GRISLY and GRUESOME suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty <an unusually grisly murder> <suffered a gruesome death>. MACABRE implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death <a macabre tale of premature burial>. LURID adds to GRUESOME the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder <the lurid details of a crime>.

ghat
n. : a broad flight of steps that is situated on an Indian riverbank and that provides access to the water especially for bathing

ghat
n. burning ghat
Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats

Ghats
n. ― see EASTERN GHATS, WESTERN GHATS

Ghazali, al
1058-1111 Abu Ḥāmid Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad aṭ-Ṭūsī al-Ghazālī Islamic jurist, theol., & mystic

Ghazni
city E cen Afghanistan; once capital of a Muslim kingdom extending from the Tigris to the Ganges pop 35,900

Ghazze
― see GAZA

GHB
: a metabolite C_4H_8O_3 of gamma-aminobutyric acid that is a depressant of the central nervous system and is used illicitly in the form of its synthetic sodium salt to produce sedative and euphoric effects or to stimulate release of growth hormone to increase muscle mass ― called also gamma hydroxybutyrate

ghee
n. : a semifluid clarified butter made especially in India

Ghent
n. city NW cen Belgium capital of E. Flanders pop 226,220

gherkin
n. 1 a : a small prickly fruit used for pickling also : a pickle made from this fruit b : the slender annual vine (Cucumis anguria) of the gourd family that bears gherkins
2 : the immature fruit of the cucumber especially when used for pickling

ghetto
n. 1 : a quarter of a city in which Jews were formerly required to live
2 : a quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure
3 a : an isolated group <a geriatric ghetto> b : a situation that resembles a ghetto especially in conferring inferior status or limiting opportunity <the pink-collar ghetto>

ghetto
n. : GHETTOIZE

ghetto blaster
: BOOM BOX

ghettoize
v. : to isolate in or as if in a ghetto
–ghet·to·i·za·tion \ˌge-tō-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

Ghibelline
n. : a member of an aristocratic political party in medieval Italy supporting the authority of the German emperors ― compare GUELF

Ghiberti
Lorenzo ca 1378-1455 Florentine goldsmith, painter, & sculptor

ghillie
n. variant of gillie

Ghirlandajo
Domenico 1449-1494 orig. Domenico di Tommaso Bigordi Florentine painter

Ghose
Sri Aurobindo ― see AUROBINDO

ghost
n. 1 : the seat of life or intelligence : SOUL <give up the ghost>
2 : a disembodied soul especially : the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world or to appear to the living in bodily likeness
3 : SPIRIT, DEMON
4 a : a faint shadowy trace <a ghost of a smile> b : the least bit <not a ghost of a chance>
5 : a false image in a photographic negative or on a television screen caused especially by reflection
6 : one who ghostwrites
7 : a red blood cell that has lost its hemoglobin
–ghost·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–ghosty \'gō-stē\ adjective

ghost
n. 1 : to haunt like a ghost
2 : GHOSTWRITE
intransitive verb
1 a : to move silently like a ghost b : to sail quietly in light winds
2 : GHOSTWRITE

ghost
n. Ghost Dance
ghost story
ghost town
ghost word
give up the ghost
Holy Ghost

Ghost Dance
: a group dance of a late 19th century American Indian messianic cult believed to promote the return of the dead and the restoration of traditional ways of life

ghost story
1 : a story about ghosts
2 : a tale based on imagination rather than fact

ghost town
: a once-flourishing town wholly or nearly deserted usually as a result of the exhaustion of some natural resource

ghost word
: a word form never in established usage

ghosting
n. : a faint double image on a television screen also : the formation of such images

ghostly
adj. 1 : of or relating to the soul : SPIRITUAL
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost : SPECTRAL
–ghost·li·ness noun
–ghostly adverb

ghostwrite
v. intransitive verb : to write for and in the name of another
transitive verb : to write (as a speech) for another who is the presumed author
–ghost·writ·er noun

ghoul
n. 1 : a legendary evil being that robs graves and feeds on corpses
2 : one suggestive of a ghoul especially : one who shows morbid interest in things considered shocking or repulsive
–ghoul·ish \'gü-lish\ adjective
–ghoul·ish·ly adverb
–ghoul·ish·ness noun

ghoulie
: GHOUL 1

GHQ
general headquarters

GHz
gigahertz

GI
1 : provided by an official U.S. military supply department <GI shoes>
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of U.S. military personnel
3 : conforming to military regulations or customs <a GI haircut>

GI
: a member or former member of the U.S. armed forces especially : a man enlisted in the army

GI
: in a strictly regulation manner

GI
: to clean thoroughly (as floors) in preparation for or as if for a military inspection

GI
1 galvanized iron
2 gastrointestinal
3 general issue; government issue

gi
gill

Giacconi
Ricardo 1931-     American (Ital.-born) astrophysicist

Giacometti
Alberto 1901-1966 Swiss artist

giant
n. 1 : a legendary humanlike being of great stature and strength
2 a : a living being of great size b : a person of extraordinary powers
3 : something unusually large or powerful
–gi·ant·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

giant
n. : having extremely large size, proportion, or power

giant
n. giant panda
Flemish giant
giant anteater
giant cactus
giant clam
giant reed
giant schnauzer
giant sequoia
giant slalom
giant squid
giant star
giant tortoise
giant water bug
red giant
sleeping giant
Giant's Causeway

giant anteater
: a large bushy-tailed anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) of Central and So. America

giant cactus
: SAGUARO

giant clam
: a very large clam (Tridacna gigas) found on the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific oceans that sometimes weighs more than 500 pounds (227 kilograms)

giant panda
: PANDA 2

giant reed
: a tall perennial grass (Arundo donax) native to Mediterranean regions that has woody stems used especially in making baskets, shelters, and reeds for woodwind instruments

giant schnauzer
: any of a breed of powerful heavyset schnauzers that attain a height of 231/2 to 271/2 inches (60 to 70 centimeters)

giant sequoia
: an evergreen tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum) of the bald cypress family that grows on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and sometimes exceeds 270 feet (about 82 meters) in height ― called also big tree sequoia

giant slalom
: a slalom race for skiers on a longer and steeper course than that used for the regular slalom

giant squid
: any of a genus (Architeuthis) of extremely large squids that may attain a length of 60 feet (18 meters) and include the largest mollusks known

giant star
: a star of great luminosity and of large mass

giant tortoise
: any of various large long-lived herbivorous land tortoises (genus Geochelone) formerly common on the islands of the western Indian Ocean and on the Galápagos Islands

giant water bug
: any of a family (Belostomatidae and especially genus Lethocerus) of very large predatory aquatic bugs capable of inflicting a painful bite

Giant's Causeway
formation of prismatic basaltic columns Northern Ireland on N coast of Moyle

giantess
n. : a female giant

giantism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being a giant <giantism in industry>
2 : GIGANTISM 2

giaour
n. : one outside the Islamic faith : INFIDEL 2A

giardia
n. : any of a genus (Giardia) of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. lamblia syn. G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans

giardiasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by a giardia

Giauque
William Francis 1895-1982 Am. chem.

Gib
n. Gibraltar

gib
n. : a male cat specifically : a castrated male cat

gib
n. : a plate of metal or other material machined to hold other parts in place, to afford a bearing surface, or to provide means for overcoming looseness

gibber
n. : to speak rapidly, inarticulately, and often foolishly
–gibber noun

gibberellic acid
: a crystalline acid C_19H_22O_6 that is a gibberellin used especially in the malting of barley

gibberellin
n. : any of several growth-regulating plant hormones that promote cell elongation and activity of the cambium, induce parthenocarpy, and stimulate synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins

gibberish
n. : unintelligible or meaningless language: a : a technical or esoteric language b : pretentious or needlessly obscure language

gibbet
n. 1 : GALLOWS 1A
2 : an upright post with a projecting arm for hanging the bodies of executed criminals as a warning

gibbet
n. 1 a : to expose to infamy or public scorn b : to hang on a gibbet
2 : to execute by hanging on a gibbet

Gibbon
n. Edward 1737-1794 Eng. hist.
–Gib·bon·esque \ˌgi-bə-'nesk\ or Gib·bon·ian \gi-'bō-nē-ən\ adjective

gibbon
n. : any of a genus (Hylobates of the family Hylobatidae) of agile brachiating tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are the smallest and most arboreal anthropoid apes

Gibbons
n. James 1834-1921 American cardinal

Gibbons
n. Orlando 1538-1625 Eng. organist & composer

gibbosity
n. : PROTUBERANCE, SWELLING

gibbous
adj. 1 a : marked by convexity or swelling b of the moon or a planet : seen with more than half but not all of the apparent disk illuminated
2 : having a hump : HUMPBACKED

Gibbs
James 1682-1754 Brit. architect

Gibbs
J(osiah) Willard 1839-1903 American math. & physicist

gibe
n. intransitive verb : to utter taunting words
transitive verb : to deride or tease with taunting words
synonyms see SCOFF
–gibe or jibe noun
–gib·er or jib·er noun

Gibeon
city of ancient Palestine NW of Jerusalem
–Gib·e·on·ite \-ə-ˌnīt\ noun

giblets
n. : the edible viscera of a fowl

Gibraltar
n. : an impregnable stronghold

Gibraltar
n. town & port on Rock of Gibraltar; a Brit. colony area 2.5 sq mi (6.5 sq km), pop 29,760
–Gi·bral·tar·i·an \jə-ˌbrȯl-'ter-ē-ən, ˌji-ˌbrȯl-\ noun

Gibraltar, Rock of
headland on S coast of Spain at E end of Strait of Gibraltar; highest point 1396 ft (426 m) ― see PILLARS OF HERCULES

Gibraltar, Strait of
channel bet. Spain & Africa connecting the Atlantic & Mediterranean ab 8 mi (12.8 km) wide at narrowest point

Gibran
Kahlil 1883-1931 Jubrān Khalīl Jubrān Lebanese nov., poet, & artist in U.S.

Gibson
n. : a martini garnished with a cocktail onion

Gibson
n. Charles Dana 1867-1944 American illustrator

Gibson
n. William 1914-     American dram.

Gibson girl
: of or relating to a style especially in women's clothing characterized by high necks, full sleeves, and wasp waists

gid
n. : a disease especially of sheep caused by the larva of a tapeworm (Multiceps multiceps) in the brain

giddy
adj. 1 a : DIZZY <giddy from the unaccustomed exercise> b : causing dizziness <a giddy height> c : whirling rapidly
2 a : lightheartedly silly : FRIVOLOUS b : joyfully elated : EUPHORIC
–gid·di·ly \'gi-də-lē\ adverb
–gid·di·ness \'gi-dē-nəs\ noun

giddy
adj. transitive verb : to make giddy
intransitive verb : to become giddy

giddyap
― a command (as to a horse) to go ahead or go faster

Gide
n. André 1869-1951 Fr. nov., critic, & essayist

Gideon
n. 1 : an early Hebrew hero noted for his defeat of the Midianites
2 : a member of an interdenominational organization whose activities include the placing of Bibles in hotel rooms

gie
chiefly Scottish variant of give

Gielgud
Sir (Arthur) John 1904-2000 Eng. actor

Giemsa
Giemsa stain
Giemsa stained
Giemsa's stain

Giemsa stain
: a stain consisting of eosin and a blue dye and used chiefly in the differential staining of blood films ― called also Giemsa Giemsa's stain
–Gi·em·sa-stained \-ˌstānd\ adjective

Gierek
Edward 1913-2001 1st secy. of Polish Communist party (1970-80)

Gieseking
Walter Wilhelm 1895-1956 Ger. (Fr.-born) pianist

Giessen
city W cen Germany N of Frankfurt am Main pop 73,763

GIF
: a computer file format for the compression and storage of digital video images also : such an image itself

GIFT
n. gamete intrafallopian transfer; gamete intrafallopian tube transfer

gift
n. 1 : a notable capacity, talent, or endowment
2 : something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation
3 : the act, right, or power of giving
synonyms GIFT, FACULTY, APTITUDE, BENT, TALENT, GENIUS, KNACK mean a special ability for doing something. GIFT often implies special favor by God or nature <the gift of singing beautifully>. FACULTY applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function <a faculty for remembering names>. APTITUDE implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it <a mechanical aptitude>. BENT is nearly equal to APTITUDE but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability <a family with an artistic bent>. TALENT suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed <has enough talent to succeed>. GENIUS suggests impressive inborn creative ability <has no great genius for poetry>. KNACK implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance <the knack of getting along>.

gift
n. 1 : to endow with some power, quality, or attribute
2 : PRESENT <generously gifted us with a copy ― Saturday Rev.>
–gift·ee \ˌgif-'tē\ noun

gift
n. gift certificate
gift of gab
gift of tongues
gift wrap

gift certificate
: a certificate entitling the recipient to receive goods or services of a specified value from the issuer

gift of gab

1839
: the ability to talk glibly and persuasively

gift of tongues
: a charisma identified by ecstatic usually unintelligible speech

gift wrap
: to wrap (merchandise intended as a gift) decoratively

gifted
adj. 1 : having great natural ability : TALENTED <gifted children>
2 : revealing a special gift <gifted voices>
–gift·ed·ly adverb
–gift·ed·ness noun

giftware
n. : wares or goods suitable for gifts

Gifu
city Japan in cen Honshu pop 402,751

gig
n. 1 : something that whirls or is whirled: as a obsolete : TOP, WHIRLIGIG b : a 3-digit selection in a numbers game
2 : a person of odd or grotesque appearance
3 a : a long light ship's boat b : a rowboat designed for speed rather than for work
4 : a light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage

gig
n. : to travel in a gig

gig
n. 1 : a pronged spear for catching fish
2 : an arrangement of hooks to be drawn through a school of fish in order to hook their bodies

gig
n. transitive verb
1 : to spear with a gig
2 a chiefly West : SPUR, JAB b : GOAD, PROVOKE
intransitive verb : to fish with a gig

gig
n. : a job usually for a specified time especially : an entertainer's engagement

gig
n. : to work as a musician <gigged with various bands ― Downbeat>

gig
n. : a military demerit

gig
n. : to give a military gig to

gig
n. : GIGABYTE

giga
pref. : billion (10^9) <gigahertz> <gigawatt>

gigabit
n. : one billion bits

gigabyte
n. : 1024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes also : one billion bytes

gigaflop
: a unit of measure for the calculating speed of a computer equal to one billion floating-point operations per second

gigahertz
n. : a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz

gigantesque
adj. : of enormous or grotesquely large proportions

gigantic
adj. : exceeding the usual or expected (as in size, force, or prominence) <a man of gigantic stature> <made a last gigantic effort> <gigantic industrial combines>
synonyms see ENORMOUS
–gi·gan·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

gigantism
n. 1 : GIANTISM 1
2 : development to abnormally large size
3 : excessive vegetative growth often accompanied by the inhibiting of reproduction

gigawatt
n. : a unit of power equal to one billion watts

giggle
n. intransitive verb : to laugh with repeated short catches of the breath
transitive verb : to utter with a giggle
–gig·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun
–gig·gling·ly \-g(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
–gig·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

giggle
n. 1 : the act of giggling
2 chiefly British : a source of amusement

GIGO
garbage in, garbage out

gigolo
n. 1 : a man supported by a woman usually in return for his attentions
2 : a professional dancing partner or male escort

gigot
n. 1 : a leg of meat (as lamb) especially when cooked
2 : a leg-of-mutton sleeve

gigue
n. : a lively dance movement (as of a suite) having compound triple rhythm and composed in fugal style

Gijon
city & port NW Spain in Asturias province on Bay of Biscay pop 266,419

Gila
n. river 630 mi (1014 km) N.Mex. & Ariz. flowing W into Colorado River

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
n. reservation SW N.Mex. including cliff-dweller ruins

Gila monster
: a large orange and black venomous lizard (Heloderma suspectum) of the southwestern U.S. also : a related lizard (H. horridum) of Mexico

Gilbert
n. Cass 1859-1934 American architect

Gilbert
n. Sir Humphrey ca 1539-1583 Eng. navigator

Gilbert
n. Walter 1932-     American biochem.

Gilbert
n. William 1540-1603 Eng. physician & physicist

Gilbert
n. Sir William Schwenck 1836-1911 Eng. librettist & poet
–Gil·bert·ian \ˌgil-'bər-tē-ən\ adjective

Gilbert
n. town SW cen Ariz. SE of Mesa pop 109,697

gilbert
n. : the centimeter-gram-second unit of magnetomotive force equivalent to 10÷4π ampere-turn

Gilbert and Ellice
island group W Pacific; until 1976 a Brit. colony; now divided into the independent countries of Kiribati and Tuvalu

Gilbert Islands
islands Kiribati in W Pacific
–Gil·bert·ese \ˌgil-bər-'tēz, -'tēs\ noun or adjective

Gilboa, Mount
mountain 1631 ft (497 m) N Israel W of Jordan River & S of Plain of Esdraelon

gild
v. 1 : to overlay with or as if with a thin covering of gold
2 a : to give money to b : to give an attractive but often deceptive appearance to c archaic : to make bloody
–gild·er noun
–gild the lily : to add unnecessary ornamentation to something beautiful in its own right

gild
v. variant of guild

gild
v. gild the lily
gilt edged
gilt edge

gild the lily
to add unnecessary ornamentation to something beautiful in its own right

Gilead
n. mountainous region of ancient Palestine E of Jordan River; now in Jordan
–Gil·e·ad·ite \-lē-ə-ˌdīt\ noun

Gilgamesh
n. : a legendary Sumerian king and hero of the Gilgamesh Epic

Gilgit
1 region NW Kashmir; under Pakistani control
2 town NW Kashmir on Gilgit River (tributary of the Indus) pop 4671

gill
n. ― see WEIGHT table

gill
n. 1 : an organ (as of a fish) for obtaining oxygen from water
2 a : 3WATTLE b : the flesh under or about the chin or jaws ― usually used in plural c : one of the radiating plates forming the undersurface of the cap of a mushroom fungus
–gilled \'gild\ adjective
–to the gills : as full or as much as possible <a suitcase packed to the gills>

gill
n. : GILLNET
intransitive verb of fish : to become entangled in a gill net
–gill·er noun

gill
n. 1 British : RAVINE
2 British : a narrow stream or rivulet

gill
n. : GIRL, SWEETHEART

gill
n. gill arch
gill cleft
gill cover
gill net
gill raker
gill slit
to the gills
green around the gills

gill arch
1 : any of the bony or cartilaginous arches or curved bars extending dorsoventrally and placed one behind the other on each side of the pharynx and supporting the gills of fishes and amphibians
2 : any of the rudimentary ridges in the embryos of all higher vertebrates that correspond to the gill arches

gill cleft
1 : GILL SLIT 1
2 : GILL SLIT 2

gill cover
: OPERCULUM 1B

gill net
: a flat net suspended vertically in the water with meshes that allow the head of a fish to pass but entangle the gills upon withdrawal

gill raker
: any of the bony processes on a gill arch that divert solid substances away from the gills

gill slit
1 : any of the openings or clefts between the gill arches in vertebrates that breathe by gills through which water taken in at the mouth passes to the exterior and so bathes the gills
2 : any of the rudimentary grooves in the neck region of the embryos of air-breathing vertebrates that correspond to the gill slits
3 : the external opening to the cavity containing the gills when a protective covering of the gills is present

Gillespie
n. John Birks 1917-1993 Dizzy American jazz musician

Gillette
King Camp 1855-1932 American inventor & manuf.

gillie
n. 1 : a male attendant on a Scottish Highland chief broadly : ATTENDANT
2 chiefly Scottish & Irish : a fishing and hunting guide
3 : a shoe with a low top and decorative lacing

Gillingham
town SE England in Kent pop 93,300

gillnet
: to catch (fish) with a gill net

gillnetter
: a boat equipped for or engaged in fishing with gill nets also : a person who fishes with a gill net

gillyflower
n. : CARNATION 2

Gilman
Alfred Goodman 1941-     American pharmacologist

Gilman
Daniel Coit \'kȯit\ 1831-1908 American educ.; pres. Johns Hopkins U. (1875-1901)

Gilmer
Elizabeth 1870-1951 née Mer·i·weth·er \'mer-ə-ˌwe-thər\ pseud. Dorothy Dix \'diks\ American journalist

Gilpin
Charles Sidney 1878-1930 American actor

Gilroy
city W Calif. SE of San Jose pop 41,464

Gilsonite
― used for asphalt

gilt
n. : covered with gold or gilt : of the color of gold

gilt
n. 1 : gold or something that resembles gold laid on a surface
2 slang : MONEY
3 : superficial brilliance
4 : a bond issued by the government of the United Kingdom

gilt
n. : a young female swine

gilt-edged
1 : having a gilt edge
2 : of the best quality or rating <gilt-edged securities>

gimbal
v. : a device that permits a body to incline freely in any direction or suspends it so that it will remain level when its support is tipped ― usually used in plural ― called also gimbal ring

gimbal
v. : to provide with or support on gimbals

gimcrack
n. : a showy object of little use or value : GEWGAW
–gim·crack·ery \-ˌkra-k(ə-)rē\ noun

gimcrack
n. : CHEAP, SHODDY

gimel
n. : the 3d letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

gimlet
n. : a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes

gimlet
n. : having a piercing or penetrating quality

gimlet
n. : to pierce as if with a gimlet

gimlet
n. : a drink consisting of sweetened lime juice and gin or vodka and sometimes carbonated or plain water

gimlet-eyed
: SHARP-SIGHTED

gimmal
1 plural : joined work (as in a clock) whose parts move within each other
2 : a finger ring consisting of a pair or series of interlocked rings

gimme
v. 1 : a short putt in golf conceded to an opponent in casual or match play
2 : something easily achieved or won especially in a contest

gimme cap
: an adjustable visored cap that often features a corporate logo or slogan

gimmick
n. 1 a : a mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatus b : an ingenious or novel mechanical device : GADGET
2 a : an important feature that is not immediately apparent : CATCH b : an ingenious and usually new scheme or angle c : a trick or device used to attract business or attention <a marketing gimmick>
–gim·micky \-mi-kē\ adjective

gimmick
n. 1 : to alter or influence by means of a gimmick
2 : to provide with a gimmick ― often used with up

gimmickry
n. : an array or profusion of gimmicks also : use of gimmicks

gimp
n. : an ornamental flat braid or round cord used as a trimming

gimp
n. : SPIRIT, VIM

gimp
n. 1 : CRIPPLE 1A
2 : LIMP <walks with a gimp ― Damon Runyon>
–gimpy \'gim-pē\ adjective

gimp
n. : LIMP, HOBBLE <gimping up the stairs>

gin
n. archaic : BEGIN

gin
n. : any of various tools or mechanical devices: as a : a snare or trap for game b : COTTON GIN

gin
n. 1 : SNARE
2 : to separate (cotton fiber) from seeds and waste material
3 : to come up with : GENERATE ― usually used with up <gin up support for the policy>
–gin·ner noun

gin
n. dialect : IF

gin
n. 1 : a colorless alcoholic beverage made from distilled or redistilled neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper berries and aromatics (as anise and caraway seeds)
2 a : GIN RUMMY b : the act of laying down a full hand of matched cards in gin rummy
–gin·ny \'jin-ē\ adjective

gin
n. Holland gin
bathtub gin
cotton gin
gin mill
gin rummy
sloe gin
Ramat Gan

gin mill
: BAR, SALOON

gin rummy
: a rummy game for two players in which each player is dealt 10 cards and in which a player may win a hand by matching all the cards in it or may end play when the unmatched cards count up to 10 points or less

Ginastera
Alberto Evaristo 1916-1983 Argentine composer

ginger
n. 1 a (1) : a thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is used as a spice and sometimes medicinally (2) : the spice usually prepared by drying and grinding ginger b : any of a genus (Zingiber of the family Zingiberaceae, the ginger family) of herbs with pungent aromatic rhizomes especially : a widely cultivated tropical herb (Z. officinale) that supplies most commercial ginger ― compare WILD GINGER
2 : PEP <the ginger to⋯work hard ― Willa Cather>
3 : a light reddish or reddish-brown color <ginger hair>
–gin·gery \'jinj-rē, 'jin-jə-\ adjective

ginger
n. : to make lively : pep up <ginger up the tourist trade ― N.Y. Times>

ginger
n. ginger ale
ginger beer
ginger group
ginger nut
wild ginger

ginger ale
: a sweetened carbonated nonalcoholic beverage flavored mainly with ginger extract

ginger beer
: a sweetened carbonated nonalcoholic beverage heavily flavored with ginger or capsicum or both

ginger group
chiefly British : a group that serves as an energizing force within a larger body (as a political party)

ginger nut
British : GINGERSNAP

gingerbread
n. 1 : a cake whose ingredients include molasses and ginger
2 [from the fancy shapes and gilding formerly often applied to gingerbread] : lavish or superfluous ornament especially in architecture
–gingerbread adjective
–gin·ger·bread·ed \-ˌbre-dəd\ adjective
–gin·ger·bready \-dē\ adjective

gingerly
adj. : very cautious or careful
–gin·ger·li·ness noun
–gingerly adverb

gingerroot
n. : GINGER 1A(1)

gingersnap
n. : a thin brittle cookie sweetened with molasses and flavored with ginger

gingham
n. : a clothing fabric usually of yarn-dyed cotton in plain weave

gingiva
n. : 1GUM
–gin·gi·val \'jin-jə-vəl\ adjective

gingivectomy
n. : surgical removal of a portion of the gingiva

gingivitis
n. : inflammation of the gums

Gingrich
n. Newton Leroy 1943-     American polit.

gink
n. slang : PERSON, GUY

ginkgo
n. 1 : a gymnospermous dioecious tree (Ginkgo biloba) of eastern China that is widely grown as an ornamental or shade tree and has fan-shaped leaves and foul-smelling yellowish fleshy seed coats ― called also maidenhair tree
2 : GINKGO BILOBA

ginkgo biloba
: an extract of the leaves of ginkgo that is held to enhance mental functioning by increasing blood circulation to the brain

Ginsberg
n. Allen 1926-1997 American poet

Ginsburg
n. Ruth Bader 1933-     American jurist

ginseng
n. 1 a : a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng syn. P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having five leaflets on each leaf, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued especially locally as a medicine b : any of several plants related to ginseng especially : a No. American herb (P. quinquefolius)
2 : the root of a ginseng

Ginza
shopping street & entertainment district in downtown Tokyo, Japan

Giorgione
ca 1477-1511 Giorgione da Castelfranco Venetian painter

Giotto
n. 1266/67(or 1276)-1337 Giotto di Bondone Florentine painter, architect, & sculptor

Gipsy
n. chiefly British variant of gypsy

giraffe
n. 1 or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines
2 capitalized : CAMELOPARDALIS
–gi·raff·ish \-'ra-fish\ adjective

girandole
n. 1 : a radiating and showy composition (as a cluster of skyrockets fired together)
2 : an ornamental branched candlestick
3 : a pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece

Girard
n. Jean-Baptiste 1765-1850 Swiss Franciscan & educ.

Girard
n. Stephen 1750-1831 American (Fr.-born) financier

girasole
n. 1 : JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE
2 usually girasol : an opal of varying color that gives out fiery reflections in bright light

Giraud
Henri-Honoré 1879-1949 Fr. gen.

Giraudoux
(Hyppolyte-) Jean 1882-1944 Fr. writer

gird
v. transitive verb
1 a : to encircle or bind with a flexible band (as a belt) b : to make fast (as a sword by a belt or clothing with a cord) c : SURROUND
2 : PROVIDE, EQUIP especially : to invest with the sword of knighthood
3 : to prepare (oneself) for action
intransitive verb : to prepare for action
–gird one's loins : to prepare for action : muster up one's resources

gird
v. transitive verb : to sneer at : MOCK
intransitive verb : GIBE, RAIL

gird
v. : a sarcastic remark

gird one's loins
to prepare for action : muster up one's resources

girder
n. : a horizontal main structural member (as in a building or bridge) that supports vertical loads and that consists of a single piece or of more than one piece bound together

girdle
n. 1 : something that encircles or confines: as a : an article of dress encircling the body usually at the waist b : a woman's close-fitting undergarment often boned and usually elasticized that extends from the waist to below the hips c (1) : SHOULDER GIRDLE (2) : PELVIC GIRDLE
2 : the edge of a brilliant that is grasped by the setting ― see BRILLIANT illustration

girdle
n. 1 : to encircle with or as if with a girdle
2 : to cut away the bark and cambium in a ring around (a plant) usually to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients
3 : to move around : CIRCLE <girdled the world>

girdle
n. pantie girdle
pectoral girdle
pelvic girdle
shoulder girdle

Giresun
city & port NE Turkey on Black Sea W of Trabzon pop 67,536

Girgenti
― see AGRIGENTO

girl
n. 1 a : a female child from birth to adulthood b : DAUGHTER c : a young unmarried woman d sometimes offensive : a single or married woman of any age
2 a : SWEETHEART b sometimes offensive : a female servant or employee
–girl·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

girl
n. ball girl
bat girl
B girl
call girl
Camp Fire girl
chorus girl
cover girl
flower girl
Gibson girl
girl Friday
Girl Guide
Girl Scout
house girl
pinup girl
poster girl
sweater girl
Valley girl

girl Friday
: a female assistant (as in an office) entrusted with a wide variety of tasks

Girl Guide
: a member of a worldwide scouting movement for girls 7 to 18 years of age that is equivalent to the Girl Scouts in the U.S.

Girl Scout
: a member of any of the scouting programs of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for girls ages 5 through 17

girlfriend
n. 1 : a female friend
2 : a frequent or regular female companion in a romantic or sexual relationship

girlie
n. 1 : GIRLISH
2 usually girlie : featuring scantily clothed women <girlie magazines> <girlie show>

girlish
adj. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a girl or girlhood
–girl·ish·ly adverb
–girl·ish·ness noun

girn
v. chiefly Scottish : SNARL
–girn noun chiefly Scottish

giro
n. : a service of many European banks that permits authorized direct transfer of funds among account holders as well as conventional transfers by check

girolle
: CHANTERELLE

Gironde
estuary 45 mi (72 km) W France formed by junction of the Garonne & the Dordogne & flowing NW into Bay of Biscay

Girondin
n. : GIRONDIST

Girondist
n. : a member of the moderate republican party in the French legislative assembly in 1791

girt
transitive verb
1 : GIRD
2 : to fasten by means of a girth
intransitive verb : to measure in girth

girth
n. 1 : a band or strap that encircles the body of an animal to fasten something (as a saddle) on its back
2 a : a measure around a body <a man of more than average girth> <the girth of a tree> b : SIZE, DIMENSIONS

girth
n. 1 : ENCIRCLE
2 : to bind or fasten with a girth
3 : to measure the girth of

Girtin
Thomas 1775-1802 Eng. painter

gisarme
: a medieval weapon consisting of a blade mounted on a long staff and carried by foot soldiers

Gisborne
port New Zealand on E North Is. urban area pop 31,719

Giscard d'Estaing
Valéry 1926-     pres. of France (1974-81)

Gish
Lillian Diana 1893-1993 American actress

Gissing
n. George Robert 1857-1903 Eng. nov.

gist
n. 1 : the ground of a legal action
2 : the main point or part : ESSENCE <the gist of an argument>

git
v. British : a foolish or worthless person

git
v. dialect variant of get

git-go
variant of get-go

gittern
n. : a medieval guitar

Giulio Romano
ca 1499-1546 Giulio di Pietro di Filippo de' Gianuzzi Ital. painter & architect

give
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a present of <give a doll to a child>
2 a : to grant or bestow by formal action <the law gives citizens the right to vote> b : to accord or yield to another <gave him her confidence>
3 a : to put into the possession of another for his or her use <gave me his phone number> b (1) : to administer as a sacrament (2) : to administer as a medicine c : to commit to another as a trust or responsibility and usually for an expressed reason d : to transfer from one's authority or custody <the sheriff gave the prisoner to the warden> e : to execute and deliver <all employees must give bond> f : to convey to another <give them my regards>
4 a : to offer to the action of another : PROFFER <gave her his hand> b : to yield (oneself) to a man in sexual intercourse
5 a : to present in public performance <give a concert> b : to present to view or observation <gave the signal to start>
6 : to provide by way of entertainment <give a party>
7 : to propose as a toast
8 a : to designate as a share or portion : ALLOT <all the earth to thee and to thy race I give ― John Milton> b : to make assignment of (a name) c : to set forth as an actual or hypothetical datum <give the dimensions of the room> d : to attribute in thought or utterance : ASCRIBE <gave the credit to you>
9 a : to yield as a product, consequence, or effect : PRODUCE <cows give milk> <84 divided by 12 gives 7> b : to bring forth : BEAR
10 a : to yield possession of by way of exchange : PAY b : to dispose of for a price : SELL
11 a : to deliver by some bodily action <gave him a push> b : to carry out (as a bodily movement) <gave a cynical smile> c : to inflict as punishment d : to award by formal verdict <judgment was given against the plaintiff>
12 : to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use <gives no reason for his absence>
13 a : to suffer the loss of : SACRIFICE b : to offer as appropriate or due especially to something higher or more worthy <gave his spirit to God> c : to apply freely or fully : DEVOTE <gave themselves to their work> d : to offer as a pledge <I give you my word>
14 a : to cause one to have or receive <mountains always gave him pleasure> b : to cause a person to catch by contagion, infection, or exposure
15 a : to allow one to have or take <give me time> b : to lead or attempt to lead ― used with an infinitive <you gave me to understand you'd be late>
16 : to care to the extent of <didn't give a hoot>
intransitive verb
1 : to make gifts or presents
2 a : to yield to physical force or strain b : to collapse from the application of force or pressure c : to undergo or submit to change <for the strike to be settled, something has to give>
3 : to afford a view or passage : OPEN <the window gives onto the terrace>
4 : to enter wholeheartedly into an activity
5 slang : to be happening <wants to know what gives>
–give a good account of : to acquit (oneself) well
–give birth : to have a baby <gave birth last Thursday>
–give birth to
1 : to produce as offspring <gave birth to a son>
2 : to be the source of
–give chase : to set off in pursuit
–give ground : to withdraw before superior force : RETREAT
–give of : to make available : provide generously <freely gave of their time>
–give or take : as an estimate accurate within (an amount to be added or subtracted)
–give place to : to be replaced or succeeded by <optimism gave place to worry>
–give rise to : to be the cause or source of : PRODUCE
–give the gun : to open the throttle of : speed up
–give the lie to
1 : to accuse of falsehood
2 : to show to be false, inaccurate, or invalid
–give tongue
of hounds : to begin barking on the scent
–give way
1 a : RETREAT b : to yield the right of way
2 : to yield oneself without restraint or control
3 a : to yield to or as if to physical stress b : to yield to entreaty or insistence
4 : to yield place
5 : to begin to row
synonyms GIVE, PRESENT, DONATE, BESTOW, CONFER, AFFORD mean to convey to another as a possession. GIVE the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means <give alms> <gave her a ride on a pony> <give my love to your mother>. PRESENT carries a note of formality and ceremony <present an award>. DONATE is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity) <donate a piano to the orphanage>. BESTOW implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver <bestow unwanted advice>. CONFER implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor) <confer an honorary degree>. AFFORD implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver <the trees afford shade> <a development that affords us some hope>.

give
n. 1 : capacity or tendency to yield to force or strain : FLEXIBILITY
2 : the quality or state of being springy

give
n. give way
give tongue
give the lie to
give the gun
give rise to
give place to
give or take
give of
give ground
give chase
give birth to
give birth
give a good account of
give and go
give and take
give away
give back
give in
give off
give out
give over
give up
give up the ghost
give a hang
Gave de Pau
Indian giving
life giving
self giving
given name
self given

give a good account of
to acquit (oneself) well

give a hang
or care a hang : to be the least bit concerned or worried

give away
1 : to make a present of
2 : to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding
3 a : BETRAY b : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
4 : to give (as weight) by way of a handicap

give back
: RETIRE, RETREAT
transitive verb : to send in return or reply : RESTORE, RETURN

give birth
to have a baby <gave birth last Thursday>

give birth to

1 : to produce as offspring <gave birth to a son>
2 : to be the source of

give chase
to set off in pursuit

give ground
to withdraw before superior force : RETREAT

give in
: DELIVER, SUBMIT <gave in his resignation>
intransitive verb : to yield under insistence or entreaty : SURRENDER

give of
to make available : provide generously <freely gave of their time>

give off
1 : to send out as a branch
2 : EMIT <gave off an unpleasant smell>
intransitive verb : to branch off

give or take
as an estimate accurate within (an amount to be added or subtracted)

give out
1 a : DECLARE, PUBLISH <giving out that the doctor⋯required a few days of complete rest ― Charles Dickens> b : to read aloud the words of (a hymn or psalm) for congregational singing
2 : EMIT <gave out a constant hum>
3 : ISSUE <gave out new uniforms>
intransitive verb
1 : BREAK DOWN, FAIL
2 : to become exhausted : COLLAPSE

give over
1 : CEASE
2 : ENTRUST
3 a : to yield without restraint or control : ABANDON <gave themselves over to laughter> b : to set apart for a particular purpose or use
4 archaic : to pronounce incurable
intransitive verb British : to cease an activity : STOP <told him to give over and let me alone ― Brendan Behan>

give place to
to be replaced or succeeded by <optimism gave place to worry>

give rise to
to be the cause or source of : PRODUCE

give the gun
to open the throttle of : speed up

give the lie to

1 : to accuse of falsehood
2 : to show to be false, inaccurate, or invalid

give tongue
of hounds : to begin barking on the scent

give up
1 : to yield control or possession of : SURRENDER <forced to give up his job>
2 : to desist from : ABANDON <refused to give up her efforts>
3 : to declare incurable or insoluble
4 a : to abandon (oneself) to a particular feeling, influence, or activity <gave himself up to despair> b : to devote to a particular purpose or use
5 : to despair of seeing <we'd given you up>
6 : to allow (a hit or run in baseball) while pitching
intransitive verb : to cease doing or attempting something especially as an admission of defeat : QUIT ― often used with on <don't give up on the project>
–give up the ghost : to cease to live or function : DIE

give up the ghost
to cease to live or function : DIE

give way

1 a : RETREAT b : to yield the right of way
2 : to yield oneself without restraint or control
3 a : to yield to or as if to physical stress b : to yield to entreaty or insistence
4 : to yield place
5 : to begin to row

give-and-go
: a play (as in basketball or hockey) in which a player passes to a teammate and immediately cuts toward the net or goal to receive a return pass

give-and-take
1 : the practice of making mutual concessions : COMPROMISE
2 : a usually good-natured exchange (as of ideas or comments)

giveaway
n. 1 : an unintentional revelation or betrayal
2 a : something given away free specifically : PREMIUM 1D b : the act of giving something away free <staging a promotional giveaway>
3 : a radio or television program on which prizes are given away

giveback
n. : a previous gain (as an increase in wages or benefits) given back to management by workers (as in a labor contract)

given
adj. 1 : PRONE, DISPOSED <given to swearing>
2 : presented as a gift : bestowed without compensation
3 a : PARTICULAR, SPECIFIED <at a given time> b : assumed as actual or hypothetical : GRANTED <given that all are equal before the law>
4 of an official document : having been executed : DATED
5 : immediately present in experience

given
adj. : something given especially : something taken for granted : a basic condition or assumption

given
adj. : in view of : CONSIDERING <given what she knew about others' lives, how could she complain about her own? ― Marilyn French>

given name
: a name that precedes one's surname especially : FIRST NAME

giver
n. : one that gives : DONOR

Giza
n. city N Egypt on W bank of the Nile near Cairo pop 2,096,000

gizmo
n. : GADGET

gizzard
n. 1 a : the muscular enlargement of the alimentary canal of birds that has usually thick muscular walls and a tough horny lining for grinding the food and when the crop is present follows it and the proventriculus b : a thickened part of the alimentary canal in some animals (as an insect or an earthworm) that is similar in function to the crop of a bird
2 : INNARDS

Gjuhezes, Cape
cape SW Albania projecting into Strait of Otranto

glabella
n. : the smooth prominence between the eyebrows
–gla·bel·lar \-'be-lər\ adjective

glabrous
adj. : SMOOTH especially : having a surface without hairs or projections <glabrous skin> <glabrous leaves>

glace
adj. 1 : made or finished so as to have a smooth glossy surface <glace silk>
2 also gla·céed \-'sād\ : coated with a glaze : CANDIED <glace cherries>

glacial
adj. 1 : suggestive of ice: as a : extremely cold : FRIGID <a glacial wind> b : devoid of warmth and cordiality <a glacial handshake> c : coldly imperturbable <maintained a glacial calm>
2 : of a purity marked by the tendency to readily solidify in the form of ice-like crystals <glacial acetic acid>
3 a (1) : of, relating to, or being any of those parts of geologic time from Precambrian onward when a much larger portion of the earth was covered by glaciers than at present (2) capitalized : PLEISTOCENE b : of, relating to, or produced by glaciers c : suggestive of the very slow movement of glaciers <progress on the bill has been glacial>
–gla·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

glaciate
v. 1 : FREEZE
2 a : to subject to glacial action also : to produce glacial effects in or on b : to cover with a glacier
–gla·ci·a·tion \ˌglā-shē-'ā-shən, -sē-\ noun

glacier
n. : a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface

glacier
n. Glacier Bay
Glacier National Park
Humboldt Glacier
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Glacier Bay
inlet SE Alaska at S end of St. Elias Range in Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier National Park
n. 1 ― see WATERTON-GLACIER INTERNATIONAL PEACE PARK
2 reservation W Canada in SE B.C. in Selkirk Mountains W of Yoho National Park

glaciology
n. : any of the branches of science dealing with snow or ice accumulation, glaciation, or glacial epochs
–gla·ci·o·log·i·cal \-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–gla·ci·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

glacis
n. 1 a : a gentle slope : INCLINE b : a slope that runs downward from a fortification
2 : BUFFER STATE also : BUFFER ZONE

glad
n. 1 archaic : having a cheerful or happy disposition by nature
2 a : experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight : made happy b : made pleased, satisfied, or grateful ― often used with of <was glad of their help> c : very willing <glad to do it>
3 a : marked by, expressive of, or caused by happiness and joy <a glad shout> b : causing happiness and joy : PLEASANT <glad tidings>
4 : full of brightness and cheerfulness <a glad spring morning>
–glad·ly adverb
–glad·ness noun

glad
n. archaic : GLADDEN

glad
n. : GLADIOLUS 1

glad
n. glad hand
glad hander
glad rags

glad hand
: a warm welcome or greeting often prompted by ulterior reasons

glad rags
: dressy clothes

glad-hand
: to extend a glad hand to <candidates glad-handing everyone they meet>
intransitive verb : to extend a glad hand <glad-handing as if he were running for mayor>
–glad-hand·er \'glad-ˌhan-dər\ noun

Gladbeck
city W Germany in the Ruhr pop 80,127

gladden
v. intransitive verb archaic : to be glad
transitive verb : to make glad

glade
n. : an open space surrounded by woods
–glady \'glā-dē\ adjective

Glades
n. EVERGLADES

gladiator
n. 1 : a person engaged in a fight to the death as public entertainment for ancient Romans
2 : a person engaging in a public fight or controversy
3 : a trained fighter especially : a professional boxer
–glad·i·a·to·ri·al \ˌgla-dē-ə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

gladiola
n. : GLADIOLUS 1

gladiolus
n. 1 or plural gladiolus also glad·i·o·lus·es : any of a genus (Gladiolus) of chiefly African perennial plants of the iris family with erect sword-shaped leaves and spikes of brilliantly colored irregular flowers arising from corms
2 : the large middle portion of the sternum

Gladsakse
city Denmark, a suburb of Copenhagen pop 61,198

gladsome
adj. : giving or showing joy : CHEERFUL <gladsome news>
–glad·some·ly adverb
–glad·some·ness noun

Gladstone
n. William Ewart 1809-1898 Brit. statesman; prime min. (1868-74; 1880-85; 1886; 1892-94)
–Glad·ston·ian \ˌglad-'stō-nē-ən\ adjective

Gladstone
n. city W Mo. N of Kansas City pop 26,365

gladstone
n. : a suitcase with flexible sides on a rigid frame that opens flat into two equal compartments ― called also gladstone bag

glaikit
adj. chiefly Scottish : FOOLISH, GIDDY

glair
n. 1 : a sizing liquid made from egg white
2 : a viscid substance suggestive of an egg white

glairy
adj. : having the characteristics of or overlaid with glair

glaive
n. archaic : SWORD especially : BROADSWORD

glam
adj. 1 : extravagantly showy glamour
2 : GLITTER ROCK
–glam adjective

Glamorgan
n. former county SE Wales capital Cardiff; divided 1974 into Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, and West Glamorgan

glamorise
v. British variant of glamorize

glamorize
v. 1 : to look upon or depict as glamorous : ROMANTICIZE <the novel glamorizes war>
2 : to make glamorous <glamorize the living room>
–glam·or·i·za·tion \ˌgla-mə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–glam·or·iz·er \'gla-mə-ˌrī-zər\ noun

glamorous
adj. : full of glamour : excitingly attractive <a glamorous actress> <a glamorous life>
–glam·or·ous·ly adverb
–glam·or·ous·ness noun

glamour
n. 1 : a magic spell <the girls appeared to be under a glamour ― Llewelyn Powys>
2 : an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness <the glamour of Hollywood> especially : alluring or fascinating attraction ― often used attributively <glamour stock> <glamour girls> <whooping cranes and⋯other glamour birds ― R. T. Peterson>
–glamour transitive verb
–glam·our·less \-ləs\ adjective

glamour-puss
: a glamorously attractive person

glance
n. intransitive verb
1 : to strike a surface obliquely so as to go off at an angle <the bullet glanced off the wall>
2 a : to make sudden quick movements <dragonflies glancing over the pond> b : to flash or gleam with quick intermittent rays of light <brooks glancing in the sun>
3 : to touch on a subject or refer to it briefly or indirectly <the work glances at the customs of ancient cultures>
4 a of the eyes : to move swiftly from one thing to another b : to take a quick look at something <glanced at his watch>
transitive verb
1 archaic a : to take a quick look at b : to catch a glimpse of
2 : to give an oblique path of direction to: a : to throw or shoot so that the object glances from a surface b archaic : to aim (as an innuendo) indirectly : INSINUATE
–glanc·er noun

glance
n. 1 a : a quick intermittent flash or gleam b archaic : a sudden quick movement
2 a archaic : a rapid oblique movement b : a deflected impact or blow
3 a : a swift movement of the eyes b : a quick or cursory look
4 archaic a : a brief satirical reference to something : GIBE b : ALLUSION
–at first glance : on first consideration <at first glance the subject seems harmless enough>

glancing
adj. 1 : hitting so as to glance off <a glancing blow>
2 : INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT <made glancing allusions to her past>
–glanc·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

gland
n. 1 a : a specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body ― compare ENDOCRINE GLAND, EXOCRINE GLAND b : any of various animal structures suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
2 : any of various secreting organs (as a nectary) of plants
–gland·less \'gland-ləs\ adjective

gland
n. 1 : a device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery
2 : the movable part of a stuffing box by which the packing is compressed

gland
n. adrenal gland
suprarenal gland
Bartholin's gland
bulbourethral gland
Cowper's gland
digestive gland
ductless gland
eccrine gland
eccrine sweat gland
endocrine gland
exocrine gland
gastric gland
green gland
lymph gland
mammary gland
oil gland
parathyroid gland
parotid gland
pineal gland
pituitary gland
prostate gland
prothoracic gland
salt gland
sex gland
silk gland
sweat gland
uropygial gland

glandered
adj. : affected with glanders

glanders
n. : a contagious and destructive disease especially of horses caused by a bacterium (Pseudomonas mallei syn. Actinobacillus mallei) and characterized by caseating nodular lesions especially on the respiratory mucosae and lungs that tend to break down and form ulcers

glandular
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products b : having the characteristics or function of a gland
2 a : INNATE, INHERENT <the almost glandular⋯instinct for adventure and romance ― Newsweek> b : PHYSICAL, SEXUAL
–glan·du·lar·ly adverb

glandular fever
: INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

glans
n. 1 : a conical vascular body forming the extremity of the penis ― called also glans penis
2 : a structure of the clitoris similar to the glans penis ― called also glans cli·to·ri·dis \-klə-'tȯr-ə-dəs\

glare
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to shine with a harsh uncomfortably brilliant light b : STAND OUT, OBTRUDE
2 : to stare angrily or fiercely
transitive verb
1 : to express (as hostility) by staring angrily
2 archaic : to cause to be sharply reflected

glare
n. 1 a : a harsh uncomfortably bright light <the glare of a neon sign> <the glare of publicity> especially : painfully bright sunlight b : cheap showy brilliance : GARISHNESS
2 : an angry or fierce stare
3 : a surface or sheet of smooth and slippery ice

glaring
adj. 1 : having a fixed look of hostility, fierceness, or anger
2 a : shining with or reflecting an uncomfortably bright light b (1) : GARISH (2) : vulgarly ostentatious
3 : obtrusively and often painfully obvious <a glaring error>
synonyms see FLAGRANT
–glar·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
–glar·ing·ness noun

Glarus
1 canton E cen Switzerland area 264 sq mi (684 sq km), pop 38,300
2 commune, its capital pop 5634

glary
adj. : having a dazzling brightness : GLARING

Glaser
Donald Arthur 1926-     American physicist

Glasgow
n. Ellen (Anderson Gholson) 1873-1945 American nov.

Glasgow
n. city & port S cen Scotland constituting an administrative area on the Clyde area 68 sq mi (175 sq km), pop 681,470
–Glas·we·gian \gla-'swē-jən, glaz-\ noun or adjective

Glashow
Sheldon Lee 1932-     American physicist

glasnost
n. : a Soviet policy permitting open discussion of political and social issues and freer dissemination of news and information

Glaspell
Susan 1882-1948 American nov. & dram.

Glass
n. Carter 1858-1946 American statesman

Glass
n. Philip 1937-     American composer

glass
n. 1 : any of various amorphous materials formed from a melt by cooling to rigidity without crystallization: as a : a usually transparent or translucent material consisting typically of a mixture of silicates b : a material (as obsidian) produced by fast cooling of magma
2 a : something made of glass: as (1) : TUMBLER also : GLASSWARE (2) : MIRROR (3) : BAROMETER (4) : HOURGLASS (5) : BACKBOARD 1 b (1) : an optical instrument or device that has one or more lenses and is designed to aid in the viewing of objects not readily seen (2) : FIELD GLASSES, BINOCULARS ― usually used in plural c plural : a device used to correct defects of vision or to protect the eyes that consists typically of a pair of glass or plastic lenses and the frame by which they are held in place ― called also eyeglasses spectacles
3 : the quantity held by a glass container
4 : FIBERGLASS
–glass·ful \'glas-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–glass·less \-ləs\ adjective

glass
n. 1 a : to provide with glass : GLAZE 1 b : to enclose, case, or wall with glass <the sunroom was glassed in>
2 : to make glassy
3 a : REFLECT b : to see mirrored
4 : to look at through an optical instrument (as binoculars)
intransitive verb : 1GLAZE 1

glass
n. art glass
borosilicate glass
cased glass
case glass
cheval glass
cocktail glass
cover glass
crown glass
cut glass
Depression glass
dressing glass
field glass
flint glass
float glass
glass ceiling
glass eye
glass eyed
glass fiber
glass harmonica
glass jaw
glass snake
glass sponge
glass wool
ground glass
hand glass
lead glass
lime glass
looking glass
milk glass
opera glass
optical glass
parfait glass
pier glass
plate glass
quartz glass
ruby glass
safety glass
sheet glass
spun glass
stained glass
venetian glass
volcanic glass
water glass
aviator glasses
granny glasses
half glasses
rose colored glasses

glass ceiling
: an intangible barrier within the hierarchy of a company that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions

glass eye
1 : an artificial eye made of glass
2 : an eye having a pale, whitish, or colorless iris
–glass-eyed \-ˌīd\ adjective

glass fiber
: FIBERGLASS

glass harmonica
: a musical instrument consisting of a series of rotating glass bowls of differing sizes played by touching the dampened edges with a finger

glass jaw
: vulnerability (as of a boxer) to knockout punches

glass snake
: any of a genus (Ophisaurus) of limbless snakelike lizards of the southern U.S., Eurasia, and Africa with a fragile tail that readily breaks off from the body often in pieces

glass sponge
: any of a class (Hexactinellida syn. Hyalospongiae) of chiefly deep-water siliceous marine sponges with 6-rayed spicules and a skeleton often resembling glass when dried

glass wool
: glass fibers in a mass resembling wool and being used especially for thermal insulation and air filters

glassblowing
n. : the art of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube
–glass·blow·er \-ˌblō(-ə)r\ noun

glasshouse
n. 1 : a place where glass is made
2 chiefly British : GREENHOUSE
3 British : a military prison

glassie
: a playing marble made of glass

glassine
n. : a thin dense transparent or semitransparent paper highly resistant to the passage of air and grease

glassmaker
n. : one that makes glass
–glass·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

glassware
n. : articles made of glass

glasswork
n. 1 a : the manufacture of glass or glassware also : glaziers' work b plural : GLASSHOUSE 1
2 : GLASSWARE
–glass·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

glasswort
n. : any of a genus (Salicornia) of woody jointed succulent herbs of the goosefoot family with leaves reduced to fleshy sheaths ― called also pickleweed

glassy
adj. 1 : resembling or made of glass
2 : having little animation : DULL, LIFELESS <glassy eyes>
–glass·i·ly \'gla-sə-lē\ adverb
–glass·i·ness \'gla-sē-nəs\ noun

glassy-eyed
: marked by or having glassy eyes

Glastonbury
1 \'glas-tən-ˌber-ē\ town cen Conn. SE of Hartford pop 31,876
2 \'glas-tən-b(ə-)rē, 'gläs-\ town SW England in Somerset pop 6773

Glauber's salt
: a colorless crystalline sulfate of sodium Na_2SO_4·10H_2O used especially in dyeing, as a cathartic, and in solar energy systems ― sometimes used in plural ― called also Glauber salt

glaucoma
n. : a disease of the eye marked by increased pressure within the eyeball that can result in damage to the optic disk and gradual loss of vision

glauconite
n. : a mineral consisting of a dull green earthy iron potassium silicate occurring in greensand
–glau·co·nit·ic \ˌglȯ-kə-'ni-tik\ adjective

glaucous
adj. 1 a : of a pale yellow-green color b : of a light bluish-gray or bluish-white color
2 : having a powdery or waxy coating that gives a frosted appearance and tends to rub off
–glau·cous·ness noun

glaze
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish or fit with glass
2 a : to coat with or as if with a glaze <the storm glazed trees with ice> b : to apply a glaze to <glaze doughnuts>
3 : to give a smooth glossy surface to
intransitive verb
1 : to become glazed or glassy <my eyes glazed over>
2 : to form a glaze
–glaz·er noun

glaze
n. 1 : a smooth slippery coating of thin ice
2 a (1) : a liquid preparation applied to food on which it forms a firm glossy coating (2) : a mixture mostly of oxides (as silica and alumina) applied to the surface of ceramic wares to form a moisture-impervious and often lustrous or ornamental coating b : a transparent or translucent color applied to modify the effect of a painted surface c : a smooth glossy or lustrous surface or finish
3 : a glassy film

glaze
n. archaic : STARE

glazed
adj. 1 : covered with or as if with a glassy film <glazed eyes>
2 : marked by lack of expression

glazier
n. : one who sets glass
–gla·ziery \'glā-zh(ə-)rē, 'glā-zē-ə-rē\ noun

glazing
n. 1 : the action, process, or trade of fitting windows with glass
2 a : GLASSWORK b : GLAZE
3 : transparent material (as glass) used for windows

Glazunov
Aleksandr Konstantinovich 1865-1936 Russ. composer

gleam
n. 1 a : a transient appearance of subdued or partly obscured light <the gleam of dawn in the east> b (1) : a small bright light <the gleam of a match> (2) : GLINT <a gleam in his eyes>
2 : a brief or faint appearance <a gleam of hope>
–gleamy \'glē-mē\ adjective

gleam
n. 1 : to shine with or as if with subdued steady light or moderate brightness
2 : to appear briefly or faintly <a light gleamed in the distance>
transitive verb : to cause to gleam
synonyms see FLASH

glean
v. intransitive verb
1 : to gather grain or other produce left by reapers
2 : to gather information or material bit by bit
transitive verb
1 a : to pick up after a reaper b : to strip (as a field) of the leavings of reapers
2 a : to gather (as information) bit by bit b : to pick over in search of relevant material <gleaning old files for information>
3 : FIND OUT
–glean·able \'glē-nə-bəl\ adjective
–glean·er noun

gleanings
n. : things acquired by gleaning

glebe
n. 1 archaic : LAND specifically : a plot of cultivated land
2 : land belonging or yielding revenue to a parish church or ecclesiastical benefice

glee
n. 1 : exultant high-spirited joy : MERRIMENT
2 : a part-song for usually male voices

glee club
: a chorus organized for singing usually short pieces

gleed
archaic : a glowing coal

gleeful
adj. : full of glee : MERRY <gleeful laughter>
–glee·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–glee·ful·ness noun

gleek
archaic : GIBE, JOKE

gleeman
n. : JONGLEUR

gleesome
adj. archaic : GLEEFUL

gleet
n. : a chronic inflammation (as gonorrhea) of a bodily orifice usually accompanied by an abnormal discharge also : the discharge itself

gleg
Scottish : marked by quickness of perception or movement

gleization
: development of or conversion into gley

glen
n. : a secluded narrow valley

glen
n. glen plaid
glen check
Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Cove
Glen Ellyn
Glen More

Glen Canyon Dam
dam N Ariz. in Glen Canyon of Colorado River forming Lake Pow·ell \'pau̇(-ə)l\ (chiefly in SE Utah)

Glen Cove
city SE N.Y. on NW Long Is. pop 26,622

Glen Ellyn
village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 26,999

Glen More
valley ab 50 mi (80 km) long N Scotland running SW to NE & connecting Loche Linnhe & Moray Firth ― see CALEDONIAN CANAL

glen plaid
: a twill pattern of broken checks also : a fabric woven in this pattern ― called also glen check

Glencoe
valley W Scotland SE of Loch Leven

Glendale
n. 1 city cen Ariz. NW of Phoenix pop 218,812
2 city SW Calif. just N of Los Angeles pop 194,973

Glendale Heights
city NE Ill. pop 31,765

Glendora
city SW Calif. pop 49,415

Glendower
Owen ca 1359-ca 1416 Welsh rebel

glengarry
n. : a woolen cap of Scottish origin ― called also glengarry bonnet

Glenn
n. John Herschel 1921-     American astronaut & polit.

Glenview
village NE Ill. NNW of Chicago pop 41,847

gley
: a sticky clay soil or soil layer formed under the surface of some waterlogged soils
–gleyed adjective

gleying
: GLEIZATION

glia
n. : supporting tissue intermingled with the essential elements of nervous tissue especially in the brain, spinal cord, and ganglia

gliadin
n. : PROLAMIN especially : one obtained by alcoholic extraction of gluten from wheat and rye

glial
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting glia <glial cells>

glib
adj. 1 a : marked by ease and informality : NONCHALANT b : showing little forethought or preparation : OFFHAND <glib answers> c : lacking depth and substance : SUPERFICIAL <glib solutions to knotty problems>
2 archaic : SMOOTH, SLIPPERY
3 : marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitful <a glib politician>
–glib·ly adverb
–glib·ness noun

glide
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly <swans gliding over the lake>
2 : to go or pass imperceptibly <hours glided by>
3 a of an airplane : to descend gradually in controlled flight b : to fly in a glider
4 : to produce a glide (as in music or speech)
transitive verb : to cause to glide

glide
n. 1 : a calm stretch of shallow water flowing smoothly
2 : the act or action of gliding
3 : PORTAMENTO
4 a : a less prominent vowel sound produced by the passing of the vocal organs to or from the articulatory position of a speech sound ― compare DIPHTHONG b : SEMIVOWEL
5 : a device for facilitating movement of something especially : a circular usually metal button attached to the bottom of furniture legs to provide a smooth surface

glide
n. glide path
glide slope
hang glide
hang gliding

glide path
: GLIDE SLOPE

glide slope
1 : the proper path of descent for an aircraft preparing to land especially : such a path indicated by a radio beam
2 : the radio beam that marks a glide slope

glider
n. 1 : one that glides: as a : an aircraft similar to an airplane but without an engine b : a porch seat suspended from an upright framework
2 : something that aids gliding

glim
n. : something that furnishes light (as a lantern or candle) also : illumination given off by such a source

glimmer
n. 1 a : to shine faintly or unsteadily b : to give off a subdued unsteady reflection
2 : to appear indistinctly with a faintly luminous quality
synonyms see FLASH

glimmer
n. 1 a : a feeble or intermittent light b : a subdued unsteady shining or sparkle
2 a : a dim perception or faint idea : INKLING b : HINT, SPARK <a glimmer of intelligence>

glimmering
n. : GLIMMER

glimpse
n. intransitive verb
1 archaic : GLIMMER
2 : to look briefly
transitive verb : to get a brief look at
–glimps·er noun

glimpse
n. 1 archaic : GLIMMER
2 : a fleeting view or look

Glinka
Mikhail Ivanovich 1804-1857 Russ. composer

glint
n. intransitive verb
1 a archaic : to glance off an object b of rays of light : to be reflected at an angle from a surface
2 : to give off reflection in brilliant flashes also : GLEAM
3 : to look quickly or briefly : GLANCE
4 : to appear briefly or faintly
transitive verb : to cause to glint
synonyms see FLASH

glint
n. 1 : a tiny bright flash of light
2 : a brief or faint manifestation : GLIMMER <a glint of recognition> also : a trace of emotion expressed through the eyes <a steely glint in his eye>

glioblastoma
: a malignant rapidly growing astrocytoma of the central nervous system and usually of a cerebral hemisphere ― called also glioblastoma mul·ti·for·me \-ˌməlt-ə-'fȯrm-ē\

glioma
n. : a tumor arising from glial cells

glissade
n. 1 : to perform a ballet glissade
2 : to slide in a standing or squatting position down a snow-covered slope without the aid of skis
–glis·sad·er noun

glissade
n. 1 : a gliding step in ballet
2 : the action of glissading

glissando
n. : a rapid sliding up or down the musical scale

glisten
n. : to give off a sparkling or lustrous reflection of or as if of a moist or polished surface
synonyms see FLASH

glisten
n. : GLITTER, SPARKLE

glister
n. : GLITTER
–glister noun

glitch
n. 1 a : a usually minor malfunction <a glitch in a spacecraft's fuel cell> also : 2BUG 2 b : a minor problem that causes a temporary setback : SNAG
2 : a false or spurious electronic signal
–glitchy \'gli-chē\ adjective

glitter
n. 1 a : to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light : SPARKLE <sequins glittered in the spotlight> b : to shine with strong emotion : FLASH <eyes glittering in anger>
2 : to be brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular also : to be superficially attractive or exciting
synonyms see FLASH
–glit·ter·ing·ly \-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb

glitter
n. 1 a : sparkling brilliance of something that glitters b : a bright usually superficial attractiveness c : the quality of being spectacular
2 : small glittering objects used for ornamentation
–glit·tery \'gli-tə-rē\ adjective

glitter rock
: rock music characterized by performers wearing glittering costumes and bizarre often grotesque makeup

glitterati
n. : CELEBRITIES, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

Glittertind
mountain 8110 ft (2472 m) S cen Norway in Jotunheim Mountains; highest in Scandinavia

glitz
n. : extravagant showiness : GLITTER, OSTENTATION
–glitz·i·ness \'glit-sē-nəs\ noun
–glitzy \'glit-sē\ adjective

glitz
n. : to make flashy or extravagant in appearance ― often used with up <she got glitzed up for the party>

Gliwice
city SW Poland in Silesia W of Katowice pop 222,084

gloam
archaic : TWILIGHT

gloaming
n. : TWILIGHT, DUSK

gloat
v. 1 obsolete : to look or glance admiringly or amorously
2 : to observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight <gloat over an enemy's misfortune>
–gloat·er noun
–gloat·ing·ly adverb

gloat
v. : the act or feeling of one who gloats

glob
n. 1 : a small drop : BLOB
2 : a usually large and rounded mass
–glob·by \'glä-bē\ adjective

global
adj. 1 : SPHERICAL
2 : of, relating to, or involving the entire world : WORLDWIDE <a global system of communication> also : of or relating to a celestial body (as the moon)
3 : of, relating to, or applying to a whole (as a mathematical function or a computer program) : UNIVERSAL <a global search of a file>
–glob·al·ly \'glō-bə-lē\ adverb

global
adj. Global Positioning System
global village
global warming

Global Positioning System
: GPS

global village
: the world viewed as a community in which distance and isolation have been dramatically reduced by electronic media (as television and the Internet)

global warming
: an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution

globalisation
n. British variant of globalization, globalize

globalism
n. : a national policy of treating the whole world as a proper sphere for political influence ― compare IMPERIALISM, INTERNATIONALISM
–glob·al·ist \-list\ noun

globalization
n. : the act or process of globalizing : the state of being globalized especially : the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets

globalize
v. : to make global especially : to make worldwide in scope or application

globe
n. : something spherical or rounded: as a : a spherical representation of the earth, a celestial body, or the heavens b : EARTH 4 c : ORB 5

globe
n. archaic : to form into a globe

globe
n. celestial globe
globe amaranth
globe artichoke
globe mallow
globe thistle
globe trotter
globe trotting

globe amaranth
: an annual herb (Gomphrena globosa) of the amaranth family often cultivated as an ornamental for its dense globe-shaped flower heads which can be dried with nearly full retention of their color

globe artichoke
: ARTICHOKE 1

globe mallow
: any of a genus (Sphaeralcea) of coarse herbs of the mallow family found in arid regions of No. and So. America and often having clusters of cup-shaped pink or scarlet flowers

globe thistle
: any of a genus (Echinops) of widely cultivated Asian and Mediterranean composite herbs with spiky globose blue or white flowers

globe-trotter
: a person who travels widely
–globe-trot·ting \-ˌträ-tiŋ\ noun or adjective

globefish
n. : PUFFER FISH 1

globeflower
n. : any of a genus (Trollius) of plants of the buttercup family usually with globose yellow or orange flowers

globin
n. : a colorless protein obtained by removal of heme from a conjugated protein and especially hemoglobin

globoid
: shaped like a sphere

globose
adj. : GLOBULAR 1A(1) <globose pollen>

globular
adj. 1 a (1) : having the shape of a globe or globule (2) : composed of compactly folded polypeptide chains arranged in a spherical form <globular proteins> b : GLOBAL
2 : having or consisting of globules

globular cluster
: any of various approximately spherical clusters of gravitationally associated stars that typically populate galactic halos ― called also globular

globule
n. : a tiny globe or ball especially of a liquid <globules of mercury>

globulin
n. : any of a class of simple proteins (as myosin) that are insoluble in pure water but are soluble in dilute salt solutions and that occur widely in plant and animal tissues ― compare ALPHA GLOBULIN, BETA GLOBULIN, GAMMA GLOBULIN

globulin
n. alpha globulin
beta globulin
gamma globulin
serum globulin

glochidium
n. : the larva of a freshwater mussel (family Unionidae) that develops as an external parasite on fish

glockenspiel
n. : a percussion instrument consisting of a series of graduated metal bars tuned to the chromatic scale and played with two hammers

glogg
: a hot spiced wine and liquor punch served in Scandinavian countries as a Christmas drink

glom
v. 1 : TAKE, STEAL
2 : SEIZE, CATCH
–glom on to : to grab hold of : appropriate to oneself <glommed on to her ideas>

glom on to
to grab hold of : appropriate to oneself <glommed on to her ideas>

glomerular
adj. : of, relating to, or produced by a glomerulus <glomerular nephritis> <glomerular capillaries>

glomerule
: a compacted cyme of almost sessile and usually small flowers

glomerulonephritis
n. : nephritis marked by inflammation of the capillaries of the renal glomeruli

glomerulus
n. : a small convoluted or intertwined mass especially : a tuft of capillaries at the point of origin of each vertebrate nephron that passes a protein-free filtrate to the surrounding Bowman's capsule

glomus
n. : a small arteriovenous anastomosis together with its supporting structures

gloom
n. intransitive verb
1 : to look, feel, or act sullen or despondent
2 : to be or become overcast
3 : to loom up dimly
transitive verb : to make dark, murky, or somber : make gloomy

gloom
n. 1 a : partial or total darkness b : a dark or shadowy place
2 a : lowness of spirits : DEJECTION b : an atmosphere of despondency <a gloom fell over the household>

gloomy
adj. 1 a : partially or totally dark especially : dismally and depressingly dark <gloomy weather> b : having a frowning or scowling appearance : FORBIDDING <a gloomy countenance> c : low in spirits : MELANCHOLY
2 a : causing gloom : DEPRESSING <a gloomy story> <a gloomy landscape> b : lacking in promise or hopefulness : PESSIMISTIC <gloomy prophecies> <a gloomy future>
synonyms see DISMAL, SULLEN
–gloom·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–gloom·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

gloomy
adj. Gloomy Gus
Gloomy Gusses
Gloomy Guses

Gloomy Gus
: a person who is habitually gloomy

glop
n. 1 : a thick semiliquid substance (as food) that is usually unattractive in appearance
2 : tasteless or worthless material
–glop·py \'glä-pē\ adjective

Gloria
n. 1 : GLORIA IN EXCELSIS
2 : GLORIA PATRI

Gloria
n. Gloria in Excelsis
Gloria Patri
sic transit gloria mundi

Gloria in Excelsis
: a Christian liturgical hymn having the verse form of the Psalms

Gloria Patri
: a 2-verse doxology to the Trinity

glorify
v. 1 a : to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration b : to elevate to celestial glory
2 : to light up brilliantly
3 a : to represent as glorious : EXTOL <a song glorifying romantic love> b : to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition <the new position is just a glorified version of the old stockroom job>
4 : to give glory to (as in worship)
–glo·ri·fi·ca·tion \ˌglȯr-ə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–glo·ri·fi·er \'glȯr-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

gloriosa daisy
: a black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) of either of two tetraploid cultivars with large single or double yellow, orange, maroon, or bicolored flowers

glorious
adj. 1 a : possessing or deserving glory : ILLUSTRIOUS b : entitling one to glory <a glorious victory>
2 : marked by great beauty or splendor : MAGNIFICENT <a glorious sunset>
3 : DELIGHTFUL, WONDERFUL <had a glorious weekend>
synonyms see SPLENDID
–glo·ri·ous·ly adverb
–glo·ri·ous·ness noun

glory
n. 1 a : praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : RENOWN b : worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>
2 a : something that secures praise or renown <the glory of a brilliant career> b : a distinguished quality or asset
3 a (1) : great beauty and splendor : MAGNIFICENCE <the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome ― E. A. Poe> (2) : something marked by beauty or resplendence <a perfect glory of a day> b : the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven broadly : ETERNITY
4 a : a state of great gratification or exaltation <when she's acting she's in her glory> b : a height of prosperity or achievement
5 : a ring or spot of light: as a : AUREOLE b : a halo appearing around the shadow of an object

glory
n. : to rejoice proudly ― used with in

glory
n. ― used to express surprise or delight

glory
n. glory be
glory of the snow
morning glory
Old Glory
self glory

glory-of-the-snow
: any of a genus (Chionodoxa) of hardy spring-flowering chiefly Mediterranean bulbous herbs of the lily family with basal leaves and racemes of blue, white, or pink flowers

gloss
n. 1 : a surface luster or brightness : SHINE
2 a : a deceptively attractive appearance <selfishness that had a gloss of humanitarianism about it> b : bright often superficial attractiveness <show-biz gloss>
3 : a transparent cosmetic preparation for adding shine and usually color to the lips

gloss
n. 1 a : to mask the true nature of : give a deceptively attractive appearance to ― used with over <the misery was general, where not glossed over by liberal application of alcohol ― Marston Bates> b : to deal with (a subject or problem) too lightly or not at all ― used with over <glosses over scholarly controversies rather than confronting them head-on ― John Israel>
2 : to give a gloss to

gloss
n. 1 a : a brief explanation (as in the margin or between the lines of a text) of a difficult or obscure word or expression b : a false and often willfully misleading interpretation (as of a text)
2 a : GLOSSARY b : an interlinear translation c : a continuous commentary accompanying a text
3 : COMMENTARY, INTERPRETATION

gloss
n. 1 a : to provide a gloss for : EXPLAIN, DEFINE b : INTERPRET
2 : to dispose of by false or perverse interpretation <trying to gloss away the irrationalities of the universe ― Irwin Edman>

gloss
n. 1 : tongue <glossitis>
2 : language <glossolalia>

glossa
n. : a tongue or lingual structure especially in an insect especially : the median distal lobe of the labium of an insect

glossarist
n. : GLOSSATOR

glossary
n. : a collection of textual glosses or of specialized terms with their meanings
–glos·sar·i·al \glä-'ser-ē-əl, glȯ-\ adjective

glossator
n. 1 : one that makes textual glosses
2 : a compiler of a glossary

glossitis
n. : inflammation of the tongue

glossographer
: GLOSSATOR

glossolalia
n. : TONGUE 4C
–glos·so·la·list \-'lā-list\ noun

glossopharyngeal nerve
: either of the ninth pair of cranial nerves that are mixed nerves and supply chiefly the pharynx, posterior tongue, and parotid gland ― called also glossopharyngeal

glossy
adj. 1 : having a surface luster or brightness <rich glossy leather> <glossy paper>
2 : attractive in an artificially opulent, sophisticated, or smoothly captivating manner : SLICK <lots of glossy and phony chatter>
synonyms see SLEEK
–gloss·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–gloss·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

glossy
adj. 1 : a photograph printed on smooth shiny paper
2 chiefly British : SLICK 4

glott
: language <glottochronology>

glottal
adj. : of, relating to, or produced in or by the glottis <glottal constriction>

glottal stop
: the interruption of the breath stream during speech by closure of the glottis

glottis
n. : the elongated space between the vocal cords also : the structures that surround this space ― compare EPIGLOTTIS

glottochronology
: a linguistic method that uses the rate of vocabulary replacement to estimate the date of divergence for distinct but genetically related languages
–glot·to·chro·no·log·i·cal \-ˌkrä-nə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌkrō-\ adjective

Gloucester
n. Duke of ― see HUMPHREY

Gloucester
n. 1 city NE Mass. on Cape Ann pop 30,273
2 former city Canada in SE Ont., now part of Ottawa
3 town SW cen England capital of Gloucestershire pop 91,800

Gloucestershire
n. county SW cen England area 1055 sq mi (2732 sq km), pop 520,600

Gloucs
Gloucestershire

glout
archaic : FROWN, SCOWL

glove
n. 1 a : a covering for the hand having separate sections for each of the fingers and the thumb and often extending part way up the arm b : 1GAUNTLET 1
2 a (1) : a padded leather covering for the hand used in baseball to catch a thrown or batted ball specifically : one having individual thumb and finger sections usually connected with a lacing or webbing ― compare MITT (2) : fielding ability <he's got a good glove at three positions and can pinch-hit ― Casey Stengel> b : BOXING GLOVE
3 a : 1GAUNTLET 3 b plural : the restraints of civility <the gloves came off for the interview>

glove
n. 1 a : to cover with or as if with a glove b : to furnish with gloves
2 : to catch (as a baseball) in one's gloved hand

glove
n. boxing glove
glove box
glove compartment
glove leather
hand in glove
hand and glove
kid glove
white glove
with kid gloves
kid gloved

glove box
1 : GLOVE COMPARTMENT
2 : a sealed protectively lined compartment having holes to which are attached gloves for use in handling especially dangerous materials inside the compartment

glove compartment
: a small storage cabinet in the dashboard of an automobile

glove leather
: a soft lightweight leather

Glover
n. John 1732-1797 American gen. in Revolution

Glover
n. Sarah Ann 1785-1867 Eng. music teacher

glover
n. : one that makes or sells gloves

glow
n. 1 a : to shine with or as if with an intense heat <embers glowing in the darkness> b (1) : to have a rich warm typically ruddy color <cheeks glowing with health> (2) : FLUSH, BLUSH <the children glowed with excitement>
2 a : to experience a sensation of or as if of heat <glowing with rage> b : to show exuberance or elation <glow with pride>
–glow·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

glow
n. 1 : brightness or warmth of color especially : REDNESS
2 a : warmth of feeling or emotion b : a sensation of warmth <the drug produces a sustained glow>
3 a : the state of glowing with heat and light b : light such as is emitted by a solid body heated to luminosity : INCANDESCENCE

glow
n. glow discharge
glow lamp
glow plug
golden glow
twilight glow

glow discharge
: a luminous electrical discharge without sparks through a gas

glow lamp
: a gas-discharge electric lamp in which most of the light proceeds from the glow of the gas near the cathode

glow plug
: a heating element in a diesel-engine cylinder to preheat the air and facilitate starting also : a similar element for ignition in other internal combustion engines

glower
v. : to look or stare with sullen annoyance or anger

glower
v. : a sullen brooding look of annoyance or anger

glowworm
n. : any of various luminous insect larvae or adults with wings rudimentary or lacking especially : a larva or wingless female of a firefly (family Lampyridae) that emits light from the abdomen

gloxinia
n. : any of a genus (Sinningia) of tuberous herbaceous gesneriads found from Mexico to Argentina especially : a Brazilian plant (S. speciosa) widely cultivated for its showy bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers

gloze
v. archaic : 4GLOSS 1

gloze
v. : 2GLOSS 1 ― often used with over

gluc
: glucose <glucokinase>

glucagon
n. : a protein hormone that is produced especially by the islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of glycogen breakdown in the liver

glucan
: a polysaccharide (as glycogen or cellulose) that is a polymer of glucose

Gluck
Alma 1884-1938 née (Reba) Fiersohn American (Romanian-born) soprano

Gluck
Christoph Willibald 1714-1787 Ger. composer

glucocorticoid
adj. : any of a group of corticosteroids (as cortisol) that are involved especially in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, and that are used widely in medicine (as in the alleviation of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis) ― compare MINERALOCORTICOID

glucokinase
n. : a hexokinase found especially in the liver that catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose

gluconate
: a salt or ester of gluconic acid

gluconeogenesis
n. : formation of glucose within the animal body especially by the liver from substances (as fats and proteins) other than carbohydrates

gluconic acid
: a crystalline acid C_6H_12O_7 obtained by oxidation of glucose

glucosamine
: an amino derivative C_6H_13NO_5 of glucose that occurs especially as a constituent of various polysaccharides that are components of structural substances (as chitin and cartilage)

glucose
n. 1 : a crystalline sugar C_6H_12O_6 specifically : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals
2 : a light-colored syrup made from cornstarch

glucose
n. glucose 1 phosphate
glucose phosphate
glucose 6 phosphate
glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase

glucose phosphate
: a phosphate ester of glucose: as a : GLUCOSE-1-PHOSPHATE b : GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE

glucose-1-phosphate
: an ester C_6H_13O_9P that reacts in the presence of a phosphorylase with aldoses and ketoses to yield disaccharides or with itself in liver and muscle to yield glycogen and phosphoric acid

glucose-6-phosphate
: an ester C_6H_13O_9P that is formed from glucose and ATP in the presence of a glucokinase and that is an essential early stage in glucose metabolism

glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
: an enzyme found especially in red blood cells that dehydrogenates glucose-6-phosphate in a glucose degradation pathway alternative to the Krebs cycle

glucosidase
n. : an enzyme (as maltase) that hydrolyzes a glucoside

glucoside
n. : GLYCOSIDE especially : a glycoside that yields glucose on hydrolysis
–glu·co·sid·ic \ˌglü-kə-'si-dik\ adjective

glucuronic acid
: a compound C_6H_10O_7 that occurs especially as a constituent of mucopolysaccharides (as hyaluronic acid) and combined as a glucuronide

glucuronidase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes a glucuronide especially : one that occurs widely (as in liver and spleen) and hydrolyzes the beta form of a glucuronide

glucuronide
n. : any of various derivatives of glucuronic acid that are formed especially as combinations with often toxic aromatic hydroxyl compounds and are excreted in the urine

glue
n. 1 a : any of various strong adhesive substances especially : a hard protein chiefly gelatinous substance that absorbs water to form a viscous solution with strong adhesive properties and that is obtained by cooking down collagenous materials (as hides or bones) b : a solution of glue used for sticking things together
2 : something that binds together <enough social glue⋯to satisfy the human desire for community ― E. D. Hirsch, Jr.>
–glu·ey \'glü-ē\ adjective
–glu·i·ly \'glü-ə-lē\ adverb

glue
n. 1 : to cause to stick tightly with or as if with glue <gluing the parts together> <used that war to glue together a frail story ― Gloria Emerson>
2 : to cause to remain continuously or to be fixed steadily ― usually used with to <the spectators were glued to their seats> <all eyes glued to the TV screen>

gluhwein
: mulled wine

glum
adj. 1 : broodingly morose <became glum when they heard the news>
2 : DREARY, GLOOMY <a glum countenance>
synonyms see SULLEN
–glum·ly adverb
–glum·ness noun

glume
n. : a chaffy bract specifically : either of two empty bracts at the base of the spikelet in grasses

gluon
n. : a hypothetical neutral massless particle held to bind together quarks to form hadrons

glut
n. transitive verb
1 : to fill especially with food to satiety
2 : to flood (the market) with goods so that supply exceeds demand
intransitive verb : to eat gluttonously
synonyms see SATIATE

glut
n. 1 : an excessive quantity : OVERSUPPLY
2 archaic : the act or process of glutting

glut
n. archaic : to swallow greedily

glutamate
n. : a salt or ester of glutamic acid specifically : a salt or ester of levorotatory glutamic acid that functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter ― compare MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE

glutamic acid
: a crystalline amino acid C_5H_9NO_4 widely distributed in plant and animal proteins

glutaminase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes glutamine to glutamic acid and ammonia

glutamine
n. : a crystalline amino acid C_5H_10N_2O_3 that is found both free and in proteins in plants and animals and that yields glutamic acid and ammonia on hydrolysis

glutaraldehyde
n. : a compound C_5H_8O_2 that contains two aldehyde groups and is used especially in tanning leather and in the fixation of biological tissues

glutaric acid
: a crystalline acid C_5H_8O_4 used especially in organic synthesis

glutathione
n. : a peptide C_10H_17N_3O_6S that contains one amino acid residue each of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine, that occurs widely in plant and animal tissues, and that plays an important role in biological oxidation-reduction processes and as a coenzyme

glute
n. : GLUTEUS ― usually used in plural

gluteal
adj. : of or relating to the gluteus muscles

gluten
n. : a tenacious elastic protein substance especially of wheat flour that gives cohesiveness to dough
–glu·ten·ous \'glüt-nəs, 'glü-tən-əs\ adjective

glutethimide
n. : a sedative-hypnotic drug C_13H_15NO_2 that is a derivative of piperidine and has pharmacological properties similar to those of barbiturates

gluteus
n. : any of the large muscles of the buttocks especially : GLUTEUS MAXIMUS

gluteus maximus
: the outermost muscle of the three glutei found in each of the human buttocks

glutinous
adj. : having the quality of glue : GUMMY
–glu·ti·nous·ly adverb

glutinous rice
: the seeds of a short-grained cultivated rice (Oryza sativa glutinosa) that are plump and sticky when cooked

glutton
n. 1 a : one given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinking b : one that has a great capacity for accepting or enduring something <a glutton for punishment>
2 : WOLVERINE 1A

gluttonous
adj. : marked by or given to gluttony <a gluttonous appetite>
synonyms see VORACIOUS
–glut·ton·ous·ly adverb
–glut·ton·ous·ness noun

gluttony
n. 1 : excess in eating or drinking
2 : greedy or excessive indulgence

glyc
1 : carbohydrate and especially sugar <glycoprotein>
2 : glycine <glycyl>

glycan
n. : POLYSACCHARIDE

glycemia
n. : the presence of glucose in the blood
–gly·ce·mic \-'sē-mik\ adjective

glyceraldehyde
n. : a sweet crystalline compound C_3H_6O_3 that is formed as an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism by the breakdown of sugars and that yields glycerol on reduction

glyceric acid
: a syrupy acid C_3H_6O_4 obtainable by oxidation of glycerol or glyceraldehyde

glyceride
n. : an ester of glycerol especially with fatty acids
–glyc·er·id·ic \ˌgli-sə-'ri-dik\ adjective

glycerin
n. : GLYCEROL

glycerinate
: to treat with or preserve in glycerin

glycerol
n. : a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C_3H_8O_3 usually obtained by the saponification of fats

glyceryl
n. : a radical derived from glycerol by removal of hydroxide especially : a trivalent radical CH_2CHCH_2

glycine
n. : a sweet crystalline amino acid C_2H_5NO_2 obtained especially by hydrolysis of proteins

glycoalkaloid
: a bitter compound (as solanine) occurring in various plants and consisting of a glycoside of an alkaloid

glycogen
n. : a white amorphous tasteless polysaccharide (C_6H_10O_5)x that is the principal form in which glucose is stored in animal tissues and especially muscle and liver tissue

glycogenesis
n. : the formation and storage of glycogen

glycogenolysis
n. : the breakdown of glycogen especially to glucose in the animal body
–gly·co·gen·o·lyt·ic \-jə-nə-'li-tik, -ˌje-\ adjective

glycol
n. : DIOL especially : ETHYLENE GLYCOL

glycol
n. ethylene glycol
polyethylene glycol
propylene glycol

glycolic acid
: an alpha hydroxy acid C_2H_4O_3 found especially in unripe grapes and sugar beets and used especially in textile and leather processing and in skin-care treatments especially as an exfoliant

glycolipid
n. : a lipid (as a ganglioside or a cerebroside) that contains a carbohydrate radical

glycolysis
n. : the enzymatic breakdown of a carbohydrate (as glucose) by way of phosphate derivatives with the production of pyruvic or lactic acid and energy stored in high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP
–gly·co·lyt·ic \ˌglī-kə-'li-tik\ adjective

glycopeptide
n. : GLYCOPROTEIN

glycoprotein
n. : a conjugated protein in which the nonprotein group is a carbohydrate

glycosaminoglycan
n. : any of various polysaccharides derived from an amino hexose that are constituents of mucoproteins, glycoproteins, and blood-group substances ― called also mucopolysaccharide

glycosidase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a bond joining a sugar of a glycoside to an alcohol or another sugar unit

glycoside
n. : any of numerous sugar derivatives that contain a nonsugar group bonded to an oxygen or nitrogen atom and that on hydrolysis yield a sugar (as glucose)
–gly·co·sid·ic \ˌglī-kə-'si-dik\ adjective
–gly·co·sid·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

glycosuria
n. : the presence in the urine of abnormal amounts of sugar

glycosyl
: a monovalent radical derived from a cyclic form of glucose by removal of the hemiacetal hydroxyl group

glycosylation
: the process of adding glycosyl radicals to a protein to form a glycoprotein
–gly·co·sy·late \ˌglī-kō-'sī-ˌlāt\ transitive verb

glycyl
: the monovalent acyl radical NH_2CH_2CO– of glycine

glyph
n. 1 : an ornamental vertical groove especially in a Doric frieze
2 : a symbolic figure or a character (as in the Mayan system of writing) usually incised or carved in relief
3 : a symbol (as a curved arrow on a road sign) that conveys information nonverbally
–glyph·ic \'gli-fik\ adjective

glyphosate
n. : a systemic organophosphate herbicide C_3H_8NO_5P used to control herbaceous and woody weeds especially on croplands

Glyptal
― used for an alkyd

glyptic
adj. : the art or process of carving or engraving especially on gems

GM
n. 1 general manager
2 genetically modified
3 grand master
4 guided missile

gm
n. gram

GMO
genetically modified organism

GMT
Greenwich mean time

GMW
gram molecular weight

gn
guinea

gnar
: SNARL, GROWL

gnarl
n. : SNARL, GROWL

gnarl
n. : to twist into a state of deformity

gnarl
n. : a hard protuberance with twisted grain on a tree

gnarled
adj. 1 : full of knots or gnarls : KNOTTY <gnarled hands>
2 : crabbed in disposition, aspect, or character

gnarly
adj. 1 : GNARLED
2 slang a : DIFFICULT, HAIRY <skidded around gnarly hairpin turns ― Austin Murphy> b : BAD, NASTY <has some pretty gnarly karma coming ― Drew Barrymore> c : COOL, GOOD

gnash
v. : to strike or grind (as the teeth) together
–gnash noun

gnat
n. : any of various small usually biting dipteran flies
–gnat·ty \-ē\ adjective

gnatcatcher
n. : any of a genus (Polioptila) of several small No. and So. American insectivorous oscine birds

gnathic
adj. : of or relating to the jaw

gnathous
: having (such) a jaw <prognathous>

gnaw
v. transitive verb
1 a : to bite or chew on with the teeth especially : to wear away by persistent biting or nibbling <a dog gnawing a bone> b : to make by gnawing <rats gnawed a hole>
2 a : to be a source of vexation to : PLAGUE <anxiety always gnawing him> b : to affect like gnawing <hunger gnawing her vitals>
3 : ERODE, CORRODE
intransitive verb
1 : to bite or nibble persistently <gnawing at his underlip>
2 : to produce an effect of or as if of gnawing <waves gnawing away at the cliffs>
–gnaw·er \'nȯ(-ə)r\ noun

gneiss
n. : a foliated metamorphic rock corresponding in composition to a feldspathic plutonic rock (as granite)
–gneiss·ic \'nī-sik\ adjective
–gneiss·oid \-ˌsȯid\ adjective
–gneiss·ose \-ˌsōs\ adjective

GNMA
Government National Mortgage Association

gnocchi
n. : dumplings usually made with potato or semolina and served with sauce

gnome
n. : MAXIM, APHORISM

gnome
n. 1 : an ageless and often deformed dwarf of folklore who lives in the earth and usually guards treasure
2 : an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus that inhabits earth
–gnome·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–gnom·ish \'nō-mish\ adjective

gnomic
adj. 1 : characterized by aphorism <gnomic utterances>
2 : given to the composition of gnomic writing <a gnomic poet>

gnomon
n. 1 : an object that by the position or length of its shadow serves as an indicator especially of the hour of the day: as a : the pin of a sundial b : a column or shaft erected perpendicular to the horizon
2 : the remainder of a parallelogram after the removal of a similar parallelogram containing one of its corners

gnosis
n. : esoteric knowledge of spiritual truth held by the ancient Gnostics to be essential to salvation

Gnossus
― see KNOSSOS

gnostic
adj. : an adherent of gnosticism
–gnostic adjective often cap

gnosticism
n. : the thought and practice especially of various cults of late pre-Christian and early Christian centuries distinguished by the conviction that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through gnosis

gnothi seauton
: know thyself

gnotobiotic
adj. : of, relating to, living in, or being a controlled environment containing one or a few kinds of organisms also : AXENIC
–gno·to·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

GNP
gross national product

GnRH
gonadotropin-releasing hormone

gnu
n. : WILDEBEEST

go
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move on a course : PROCEED <go slow> <went by train> ― compare STOP
2 : to move out of or away from a place expressed or implied : LEAVE, DEPART <went from school to the party> <going away for vacation>
3 a : to take a certain course or follow a certain procedure <reports go through channels to the president> b : to pass by means of a process like journeying <the message went by wire> c : to proceed without delay and often in a thoughtless or reckless manner ― used especially to intensify a complementary verb <why did you go and spoil it> <go jump in a lake> d (1) : to extend from point to point or in a certain direction <the road goes to the lake> (2) : to give access : LEAD <that door goes to the cellar>
4 obsolete : WALK
5 : to be habitually in a certain state or condition <go bareheaded>
6 a : to become lost, consumed, or spent <our time has gone> b : DIE c : to slip away : ELAPSE <the evening went quickly> d : to come to be given up or discarded <these slums have to go> e : to pass by sale <went for a good price> f : to become impaired or weakened <his hearing started to go> g : to give way especially under great force or pressure : BREAK <the roof went>
7 a : to move along in a specified manner : FARE <everything was going well> b : to be in general or on an average <cheap, as yachts go> c : to be or become especially as the result of a contest <the election went in her favor> d : to turn out well : SUCCEED <worked hard to make the party go>
8 a : to apply oneself <went to work on the problem> b : to put or subject oneself <went to unnecessary expense> c chiefly Southern & Midland : INTEND <I didn't go to do it>
9 : to have recourse to another for corroboration, vindication, or decision : RESORT <go to court to recover damages>
10 a : to begin an action or motion <here goes> b : to maintain or perform a certain action or motion <still going strong> c : to function in the proper or expected manner : RUN <the motor won't go>
11 : to be known <goes by an alias>
12 a : to act in accordance or harmony <a good rule to go by> b : to come to be determined <dreams go by contraries> c : to come to be applied or appropriated <all proceeds go to charity> d : to pass by award, assignment, or lot <the prize went to a sophomore> e (1) : to contribute to an end or result <qualities that go to make a hero> (2) : to be of advantage <has a lot going for her>
13 : to be about, intending, or expecting something ― used in a progressive tense before an infinitive <is going to leave town>
14 a : EXTEND <his knowledge fails to go very deep> b : to come or arrive at a certain state or condition <go to sleep> c : to come to be : BECOME <the tire went flat> ― often used to express conversion to specified values or a specified state <gone Hollywood> <go condo> d : to undergo a change <leaves go from green to red>
15 a : to be in phrasing or expression : READ <as the story goes> b : to be capable of being sung or played <the tune goes like this>
16 : to be compatible, suitable, or becoming : HARMONIZE <the tie goes with his suit>
17 a : to be capable of passing, extending, or being contained or inserted <will these clothes go in your suitcase> b : to have a usual or proper place or position : BELONG <these books go on the top shelf>
18 : to have a tendency : CONDUCE <it goes to show>
19 a (1) : to carry authority <what she said went> (2) : to be acceptable, satisfactory, or adequate <anything goes here> b : to hold true : be valid <the rule goes for you, too>
20 : to empty the bladder or bowels
transitive verb
1 : to proceed along or according to : FOLLOW <if I were going his way> <went the conventional route>
2 : to travel through or along : TRAVERSE <went the length of the street>
3 a : to make a wager of : BET <go a dollar on the outcome> b : to make an offer of : BID <willing to go $50 for the clock>
4 a : to assume the function or obligation of <promised to go bail for his friend> b : to participate to the extent of <decided to go halves on the winnings>
5 : YIELD, WEIGH <this fish goes ten pounds>
6 a : to put up with : TOLERATE <couldn't go the noise> b : AFFORD <can't go the price> c : ENJOY <I could go a soda>
7 a : to cause (a characteristic sound) to occur <the gun went bang> b : SAY ― used chiefly in oral narration of speech
8 : to engage in <don't go telling everyone>
9 of a sports team or player : to have a record of <went 11-0 last season>
–go·er \'gō-ər\ noun
–go about : to set about
–go after : to try to get : SEEK
–go all the way
1 : to enter into complete agreement
2 : to engage in sexual intercourse
–go at
1 a : to make an attack on b : to make an approach to
2 : UNDERTAKE
–go back on
1 : ABANDON
2 : BETRAY
3 : FAIL
–go begging : to be in little demand
–go by the board
1 : to be carried over a ship's side
2 : to be discarded
–go easy : to be sparing <go easy with the sugar> <go easy on the kid>
–go fly a kite : to stop being an annoyance or disturbance <told him to go fly a kite>
–go for
1 : to pass for or serve as
2 : to try to secure or attain (as a goal) <go for the prize>
3 a : FAVOR, ACCEPT <cannot go for your idea> b : to have an interest in or liking for <she went for him in a big way ― Chandler Brossard>
4 : ATTACK, ASSAIL <my dog went for the intruder>
–go for broke : to put forth all one's strength or resources
–go great guns : to achieve great success
–go hang : to cease to be of interest or concern
–go into : to be contained in <5 goes into 60 12 times>
–go it
1 : to behave in a reckless, excited, or impromptu manner
2 : to proceed in a rapid or furious manner
3 : to conduct one's affairs : ACT <insists on going it alone>
–go missing
chiefly British : to become lost : DISAPPEAR
–go one better : OUTDO, SURPASS
–go over
1 : EXAMINE
2 a : REPEAT b : STUDY, REVIEW
–go places : to be on the way to success
–go public : to make a public disclosure
–go steady : to date one person exclusively and frequently
–go through
1 : to subject to thorough examination, consideration, or study
2 : EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO <had to go through quite an ordeal>
3 : CARRY OUT, PERFORM <went through his work in a daze>
–go to bat for : to give active support or assistance to : DEFEND, CHAMPION
–go to bed with : to have sexual intercourse with
–go to one's head
1 : to cause one to become confused, excited, or dizzy
2 : to cause one to become conceited or overconfident
–go to pieces : to become shattered (as in nerves or health)
–go to the mat : to make an all-out combative effort (as in support of a position)
–go to town
1 : to work or act rapidly or efficiently
2 : to be markedly successful
3 : to indulge oneself excessively
–go with
1 : DATE
2 : CHOOSE 2 <went with an iron off the tee>
–go without saying : to be self-evident
–go with the flow : CONFORM 2B
–to go
1 : still remaining <ten minutes to go>
2 of prepared food : sold for consumption off the premises

go
n. 1 : the act or manner of going
2 : the height of fashion : RAGE <elegant shawls labeled⋯“quite the go” ― R. S. Surtees>
3 : an often unexpected turn of affairs : OCCURRENCE
4 : the quantity used or furnished at one time <you can obtain a go of brandy for sixpence ― C. B. Fairbanks>
5 : ENERGY, VIGOR
6 a : a turn in an activity (as a game) <it's your go> b : ATTEMPT, TRY <have a go at painting>
7 : a spell of activity <finished the job at one go>
8 : SUCCESS <made a go of the business>
9 : permission to proceed : GO-AHEAD <gave the astronauts a go for another orbit>
–no go : to no avail : USELESS
–on the go : constantly or restlessly active

go
n. : functioning properly : being in good and ready condition <declared all systems go>

go
n. : a game played between two players who alternately place black and white stones on a board checkered by 19 vertical lines and 19 horizontal lines in an attempt to enclose the larger area on the board

go
n. a go go
go the distance
get go
git go
get up and go
give and go
to go
go with the flow
go without saying
go with
go to town
go to the mat
go to pieces
go to one's head
go to bed with
go to bat for
go through
go steady
go public
go places
go over
go one better
go missing
go it
go into
go hang
go great guns
go for broke
go for
go fly a kite
go easy
go by the board
go begging
go back on
go at
go all the way
go after
go about
on the go
no go
go ahead
go along
go around
go between
go by
go cart
go devil
go down
go down on
go getter
go getting
go go
go in
go in for
go kart
go gold
go no go
go off
go off the deep end
go on
go out
go round
go slow
go to
go under
go up
go up in smoke
go up in flames
happy go lucky
let go
merry go round
pay as you go
go platinum
go to seed
stop and go
Sunday go to meeting
go with the territory
touch and go
Erin go bragh
here goes
get going
going on
going over

go about
to set about

go after
to try to get : SEEK

go all the way

1 : to enter into complete agreement
2 : to engage in sexual intercourse

go along
1 : to move along : PROCEED
2 : to go or travel as a companion
3 : to act in cooperation or express agreement <go along with the crowd>

go around
1 a : to pass from place to place : go here and there b : to have currency : CIRCULATE <an amusing story is going around>
2 : to satisfy demand : fill the need <not enough jobs to go around>

go at

1 a : to make an attack on b : to make an approach to
2 : UNDERTAKE

go back on

1 : ABANDON
2 : BETRAY
3 : FAIL

go begging
to be in little demand

go by
: PASS 3B <as time goes by>

go by the board

1 : to be carried over a ship's side
2 : to be discarded

go down
1 a : to go below the horizon : SET <the sun went down> b : to fall to or as if to the ground <the plane went down in flames> c : to become submerged : SINK <the ship went down with all hands>
2 : to admit of being swallowed <the medicine went down easily>
3 a : to find acceptance <will the plan go down with the farmers> b : to come to be remembered especially in posterity <will he go down in history as a great president>
4 British : to leave a university
5 a : to undergo defeat or failure b chiefly British : to become incapacitated <went down with⋯acute tonsillitis ― Helen Cathcart>
6 slang : to take place : HAPPEN
–go down on : to perform fellatio or cunnilingus on

go down on
to perform fellatio or cunnilingus on

go easy
to be sparing <go easy with the sugar> <go easy on the kid>

go fly a kite
to stop being an annoyance or disturbance <told him to go fly a kite>

go for

1 : to pass for or serve as
2 : to try to secure or attain (as a goal) <go for the prize>
3 a : FAVOR, ACCEPT <cannot go for your idea> b : to have an interest in or liking for <she went for him in a big way ― Chandler Brossard>
4 : ATTACK, ASSAIL <my dog went for the intruder>

go for broke
to put forth all one's strength or resources

go gold
to have enough sales to qualify for a gold record <the album went gold>

go great guns
to achieve great success

go hang
to cease to be of interest or concern

go in
1 : to make an approach (as in attacking)
2 a : to take part in a game or contest b : to call the opening bet in poker : STAY
3 of a celestial body : to become obscured by a cloud
4 : to form a union or alliance : JOIN ― often used with with <asked us to go in with them>
–go in for
1 : to give support to : ADVOCATE
2 : to have or show an interest in or a liking for
3 : to engage in : take part in

go in for

1 : to give support to : ADVOCATE
2 : to have or show an interest in or a liking for
3 : to engage in : take part in

go into
to be contained in <5 goes into 60 12 times>

go it

1 : to behave in a reckless, excited, or impromptu manner
2 : to proceed in a rapid or furious manner
3 : to conduct one's affairs : ACT <insists on going it alone>

go missing
chiefly British : to become lost : DISAPPEAR

go off
1 : EXPLODE
2 : to burst forth or break out suddenly or noisily
3 : to go forth, out, or away : LEAVE
4 : to undergo decline or deterioration
5 : to follow the expected or desired course : PROCEED <the party went off well>
6 : to make a characteristic noise : SOUND <could hear the alarm going off>
–go off the deep end
1 : to enter recklessly on a course
2 : to become very much excited

go off the deep end

1 : to enter recklessly on a course
2 : to become very much excited

go on
1 a : to continue on or as if on a journey <life goes on> <went on to greater things> b : to keep on : CONTINUE <went on smoking> c : PROCEED <went on to win the election>
2 : to take place : HAPPEN <what's going on>
3 : to talk especially in an effusive manner <the way people go on about their ancestors ― Hamilton Basso>

go one better
OUTDO, SURPASS

go out
1 a : to go forth, abroad, or outdoors specifically : to leave one's house b (1) : to take the field as a soldier (2) : to participate as a principal in a duel c : to travel as or as if a colonist or immigrant d : to work away from home
2 a : to come to an end b : to give up office : RESIGN c : to become obsolete or unfashionable d (1) : to play the last card of one's hand (2) : to reach or exceed the total number of points required for game in cards
3 : to take part in social activities
4 : to go on strike
5 : BREAK, COLLAPSE
6 : to become a candidate <went out for the football team>

go over

1 : EXAMINE
2 a : REPEAT b : STUDY, REVIEW

go over
1 : to make one's way <going over to the store for supplies>
2 : to become converted
3 a : to win approval : SUCCEED <glad it went over> b : to be received <the film went over well>

go places
to be on the way to success

go platinum
to have enough sales to qualify for a platinum record

go public
to make a public disclosure

go steady
to date one person exclusively and frequently

go the distance
also last the distance : to complete a course of action

go through

1 : to subject to thorough examination, consideration, or study
2 : EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO <had to go through quite an ordeal>
3 : CARRY OUT, PERFORM <went through his work in a daze>

go through
1 : to continue firmly or obstinately to the end <I was going through with it if it killed me ― A. W. Long>
2 a : to receive approval or sanction : PASS b : to come to a desired or satisfactory conclusion

go to
1 archaic ― used interjectionally as an exhortation <and they said one to another, go to, let us make brick ― Gen 11:3(AV)>
2 archaic ― used interjectionally to express disapproval or disbelief <go to, go to; you have known what you should not ― Shakespeare>

go to bat for
to give active support or assistance to : DEFEND, CHAMPION

go to bed with
to have sexual intercourse with

go to one's head

1 : to cause one to become confused, excited, or dizzy
2 : to cause one to become conceited or overconfident

go to pieces
to become shattered (as in nerves or health)

go to seed
or run to seed
1 : to develop seed
2 : DECAY, DETERIORATE

go to the mat
to make an all-out combative effort (as in support of a position)

go to town

1 : to work or act rapidly or efficiently
2 : to be markedly successful
3 : to indulge oneself excessively

go under
: to be overwhelmed, destroyed, or defeated : FAIL

go up
1 chiefly British : to attend a university
2 of an actor : to become confused
3 : to be built or erected <a new sign went up>
–go up in flames : BURN
–go up in smoke : to be destroyed by or as if by burning

go up in flames
BURN

go up in smoke
to be destroyed by or as if by burning

go with

1 : DATE
2 : CHOOSE 2 <went with an iron off the tee>

go with the flow
CONFORM 2B

go with the territory
or come with the territory : to be a natural or unavoidable aspect or accompaniment of a particular situation, position, or field <criticism goes with the territory in this job>

go without saying
to be self-evident

go-ahead
1 : marked by energy and enterprise : PROGRESSIVE <a vigorous go-ahead company>
2 : indicating that one may proceed <go-ahead signal>
3 : being a score that gives a team the lead in a game <drove in the go-ahead run>

go-ahead
1 a : ENERGY, SPIRIT b : one possessing go-ahead
2 : a sign, signal, or authority to proceed : GREEN LIGHT

go-around
1 : RUNAROUND <gave me the go-around>
2 a : ROUND <reached an agreement during the first go-around> b : a heated argument or struggle <had a real go-around with her about it>
3 : an act or instance of going around (as in an air traffic pattern)

go-between
: an intermediate agent : BROKER

go-cart
1 a : WALKER b : STROLLER
2 : HANDCART
3 : a light open carriage

go-devil
: any of various devices: as a : a cultivator with wooden runners b : a weight formerly dropped in a bored hole (as of an oil well) to set off an explosive c : a cleaning scraper propelled through a pipeline d : a handcar or small gasoline car used on a railroad e : a child's sled

go-getter
: an aggressively enterprising person
–go-get·ting \-ˌge-tiŋ\ adjective or noun

go-go
1 a : employed to entertain in a disco <go-go dancers> b : of, relating to, or being a disco or the music or dances performed there
2 : marked by spirited or aggressive action <go-go baseball>
3 a : relating to or dealing in popular often speculative investment expected to yield high returns <go-go mutual funds> b : relating to, involved in, or marked by business growth and prosperity and aggressive efforts to turn a quick profit <go-go bankers and entrepreneurs⋯who put together the megabuck deals ― Ken Auletta>

go-kart
: a small motorized vehicle used especially for racing

go-no-go
1 : being or relating to a required decision to continue or stop a course of action
2 : being or relating to a point at which a go-no-go decision must be made

go-round
: one of a series of recurring actions or events : ROUND

go-slow
British : SLOWDOWN

go-to
: relied on for expert knowledge or skill <the company's go-to guy>

Goa
n. state W India on Malabar Coast; before 1962 belonged to Portugal; with Daman & Diu constituted a union territory 1962-87; capital Panaji area 1404 sq mi (3636 sq km), pop 1,343,998 ― see PORTUGUESE INDIA
–Go·an \'gō-ən\ adjective or noun
–Goa·nese \ˌgō-ə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

goad
n. 1 a : something that pains as if by pricking : THORN b : something that urges or stimulates into action : SPUR
2 : a pointed rod used to urge on an animal
synonyms see MOTIVE

goad
n. 1 : to incite or rouse as if with a goad
2 : to drive (as cattle) with a goad

goal
n. 1 a : the terminal point of a race b : an area to be reached safely in children's games
2 : the end toward which effort is directed : AIM
3 a : an area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points b : the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal c : the score resulting from such an act
synonyms see INTENTION
–goal intransitive verb
–goal·less \'gō(l)-ləs\ adjective

goal
n. field goal
goal kick
goal line

goal kick
: a free kick in soccer awarded to a defensive player when the ball is driven out of bounds over the end line by an opposing player

goal line
: a line at either end and usually running the width of a playing area on which a goal or goalpost is situated

goalie
n. : GOALKEEPER

goalkeeper
n. : a player who defends the goal in any of various games (as hockey, lacrosse, or soccer)

goalmouth
n. : the area directly in front of the goal (as in soccer or hockey)

goalpost
n. : one of usually two vertical posts that with or without a crossbar constitute the goal in various games

goaltender
n. : GOALKEEPER

goaltending
1 : the act of guarding a goal (as in hockey)
2 : a violation in basketball that involves touching or deflecting a ball that is on its downward path toward the basket or on or within the rim of the basket

goalward
: toward a goal

goanna
n. : any of several large Australian monitor lizards (genus Varanus of the family Varanidae)

goat
n. 1 a or plural goat : any of various hollow-horned ruminant mammals (esp. of the genus Capra) related to the sheep but of lighter build and with backwardly arching horns, a short tail, and usually straight hair especially : one (Capra hircus) long domesticated for its milk, wool, and flesh b capitalized : CAPRICORN
2 : a licentious man : LECHER
3 : SCAPEGOAT 2
–goat·ish \'gō-tish\ adjective
–goat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

goat
n. Angora goat
billy goat
cashmere goat
get one's goat
goat cheese
mountain goat
nanny goat

goat cheese
: any of various cheeses made from goat's milk

goatee
n. : a small pointed or tufted beard on a man's chin
–goa·teed \-'tēd\ adjective

goatfish
n. : any of a family (Mullidae) of medium-sized often brightly colored bony fishes having two long barbels under the chin, and elongate body, and two widely separated dorsal fins ― compare RED MULLET

goatherd
n. : a person who tends goats

goatskin
n. 1 : the skin of a goat
2 : leather made from goatskin

goatsucker
n. : NIGHTJAR

gob
n. 1 : LUMP
2 : a large amount ― usually used in plural <gobs of money>

gob
n. chiefly British : MOUTH

gob
n. : SAILOR

gobbet
n. 1 : a piece or portion (as of meat)
2 : LUMP, MASS
3 : a small fragment or extract <a gobbet of information>
4 : a small quantity of liquid : DROP

gobble
n. 1 : to swallow or eat greedily
2 : to take eagerly : GRAB ― usually used with up
3 : to read rapidly or greedily ― usually used with up

gobble
n. 1 : to make the natural guttural noise of a male turkey
2 : to make a sound resembling the gobble of a turkey
–gobble noun

gobbledygook
n. : wordy and generally unintelligible jargon

gobbler
n. : a male turkey

gobbler
n. : one that gobbles

Gobelin
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of tapestry produced at the Gobelin works in Paris
–Gobelin noun

Gobi
n. desert E cen Asia in Mongolia & China area ab 500,000 sq mi (1,300,000 sq km)

goblet
n. 1 archaic : a bowl-shaped drinking vessel without handles
2 : a drinking vessel (as of glass) with a foot and stem ― compare TUMBLER

goblet cell
: a mucus-secreting epithelial cell (as of intestinal columnar epithelium) that is distended at the free end

goblin
n. : an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious

gobo
n. 1 : a dark strip (as of wallboard) to shield a motion-picture or television camera from light
2 : a device to shield a microphone from sound

goby
n. : any of numerous spiny-finned fishes (family Gobiidae) that usually have the pelvic fins united to form a ventral sucking disk

god
n. 1 capitalized : the supreme or ultimate reality: as a : the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe b Christian Science : the incorporeal divine Principle ruling over all as eternal Spirit : infinite Mind
2 : a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and powers and to require human worship specifically : one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality
3 : a person or thing of supreme value
4 : a powerful ruler

god
n. : to treat as a god : IDOLIZE, DEIFY

god
n. act of God
Assembly of God
god awful
God fearing
God's acre
man of God
son of God
sun god
bitch goddess
sun goddess
Twilight of the Gods

God's acre
: CHURCHYARD

god-awful
: extremely unpleasant or disagreeable : ABOMINABLE <god-awful weather>

God-fearing
: having a reverent feeling toward God : DEVOUT

Godavari
river 900 mi (1448 km) cen India flowing SE across the Deccan into Bay of Bengal

godchild
n. : a person for whom another person becomes sponsor at baptism

goddamn
adj. : DAMN <they were in no mood to give a good goddamn about anything ― Robert Lowry>

goddamn
adj. : DAMN

goddamned
adj. : DAMNED

Goddard
Robert Hutchings 1882-1945 American physicist

goddaughter
n. : a female godchild

goddess
n. 1 : a female god
2 : a woman whose great charm or beauty arouses adoration

Godel's theorem
: a theorem in advanced logic: in any logical system as complex as or more complex than the arithmetic of the integers there can always be found either a statement which can be shown to be both true and false or a statement whose truth or falsity cannot be deduced from other statements in the system ― called also Godel's incompleteness theorem

Godesberg
former commune W Germany on the Rhine; became part of Bonn 1969

godet
n. : an inset of cloth placed in a seam to give fullness (as at the bottom of a skirt)

godetia
n. : CLARKIA

godfather
n. 1 : a man who sponsors a person at baptism
2 : one having a relation to someone or something analogous to that of a male sponsor to his godchild: as a : one that founds, supports, or inspires <made him the godfather of a whole generation of rebels ― Times Lit. Supp.> b : the leader of an organized crime syndicate

godfather
n. : to act as godfather to

godforsaken
adj. 1 : REMOTE, DESOLATE
2 : neglected and miserable in appearance or circumstances

Godfrey of Bouillon
ca 1060-1100 Fr. crusader

godhead
n. 1 : divine nature or essence
2 capitalized a : GOD 1 b : the nature of God especially as existing in three persons ― used with the

godhood
n. : DIVINITY

Godiva
n. : an English earl's wife who in legend rode naked through Coventry to save its citizens from a tax

godless
adj. : not acknowledging a deity or divine law
–god·less·ness noun

godlike
adj. : resembling or having the qualities of God or a god : DIVINE
–god·like·ness noun

godling
: an inferior or local god

godly
adj. 1 : DIVINE
2 : PIOUS, DEVOUT
–god·li·ness noun
–godly adverb archaic

godmother
n. : a woman who sponsors a person at baptism

Godolphin
Sidney 1645-1712 1st Earl of Godolphin Eng. statesman

godown
n. : a warehouse in a country of southern or eastern Asia

Godoy
Manuel de 1767-1851 Span. statesman

godparent
n. : a sponsor at baptism

godsend
n. : a desirable or needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly

godson
n. : a male godchild

Godspeed
n. : a prosperous journey : SUCCESS <bade him Godspeed>

Godthab
― see NUUK

Godunov
Boris Fyodorovich ca 1551-1605 czar of Russia (1598-1605)

Godwin
n. d 1053 earl of Wessex

Godwin
n. William 1756-1836 Eng. philos. & nov.
–God·win·ian \gäd-'wi-nē-ən\ adjective

Godwin Austen
― see K2

Godwin-Austen
Henry Haversham 1834-1923 Eng. explorer & geologist

godwit
n. : any of a genus (Limosa) of shorebirds that are related to the curlews and sandpipers and have a long slender slightly upturned or straight bill

Goebbels
n. (Paul) Joseph 1897-1945 Ger. Nazi propagandist

Goering
n. var of GÖRING

Goes
Hugo van der ca 1440-1482 Du. painter

goes
present 3d singular of go plural of go

Goethals
George Washington 1858-1928 American gen. & engineer

Goethe
n. Johann Wolfgang von 1749-1832 Ger. poet & dram.
–Goe·the·an \-tē-ən\ adjective

goethite
: a common brown mineral that consists of an iron hydrogen oxide and is the commonest constituent of many forms of natural rust

gofer
n. : an employee whose duties include running errands : LACKEY

gofer
n. pocket gopher
gopher tortoise
gopher snake
gopher ball

goffer
n. : to crimp, plait, or flute (as linen or lace) especially with a heated iron
–goffer noun

Gogebic
iron-bearing region N Wis. & NW Mich.

goggle
n. : to stare with wide or protuberant eyes
–gog·gler \'gä-gəl-ər\ noun

goggle
n. : PROTUBERANT, STARING <goggle eyes>
–gog·gly \'gä-gəl-ē\ adjective

goggle-eye
1 : ROCK BASS
2 : WARMOUTH

goggle-eyed
: having bulging or rolling eyes

goggles
n. 1 : protective glasses set in a flexible frame (as of rubber or plastic) that fits snugly against the face
2 : an electronic apparatus that covers the eyes and is used to enhance vision (as at night) or to produce images (as of a virtual reality)
–gog·gled \-gəld\ adjective

Gogh, van
Vincent Willem 1853-1890 Du. painter

Gogol
Nikolay Vasilyevich 1809-1852 Russ. writer
–Go·gol·ian \gȯ-'gōl-yən, gō-'gȯl-\ adjective

Goiania
city SE cen Brazil capital of Goiás pop 1,093,007

Goias
state SE cen Brazil capital Goiânia area 131,339 sq mi (340,168 sq km), pop 5,003,228

Goidelic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Gaels
2 : of, relating to, or constituting Goidelic

Goidelic
n. : the branch of the Celtic languages that includes Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

going
n. 1 : an act or instance of going
2 plural : BEHAVIOR, ACTIONS <for his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings ― Job 34:21 (AV)>
3 : the condition of the ground (as for walking)
4 : advance toward an objective <when the going gets tough>

going
n. 1 a : that goes ― often used in combination <easygoing> <outgoing> b : WORKING, MOVING <everything was in going order>
2 : LIVING, EXISTING <the best novelist going>
3 : CURRENT, PREVAILING <going price>
4 : conducting business with the expectation of indefinite continuance <a going concern>
–going on : drawing near to : APPROACHING <is six years old going on seven>

going
n. get going
going on
going over

going on
drawing near to : APPROACHING <is six years old going on seven>

going-over
1 a : a severe scolding b : BEATING
2 : a thorough examination or investigation

goings-on
1 : ACTIONS, EVENTS
2 : irregular or reprehensible happenings or conduct <titillating stories about the goings-on of the carefree millionaires ― Eleanor Early>

goiter
n. : an enlargement of the thyroid gland visible as a swelling of the front of the neck ― compare HYPERTHYROIDISM, HYPOTHYROIDISM
–goi·trous \'gȯi-trəs, 'gȯi-tə-rəs\ adjective

goitre
n. chiefly British variant of goiter

goitrogen
n. : a substance (as thiourea or thiouracil) that induces goiter formation

goitrogenic
adj. : producing or tending to produce goiter
–goi·tro·ge·nic·i·ty \ˌgȯi-trə-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

Gokceada
island Turkey in NE Aegean area 110 sq mi (286 sq km)

Golan Heights
hilly region NE of Sea of Galilee; annexed by Israel 1981

Golconda
n. : a rich mine broadly : a source of great wealth

Golconda
n. ruined city cen India in W Andhra Pradesh W of Hyderabad capital (1512-1687) of Golconda kingdom

gold
n. 1 : a yellow malleable ductile metallic element that occurs chiefly free or in a few minerals and is used especially in coins, jewelry, and dentures ― see ELEMENT table
2 a (1) : gold coins (2) : a gold piece b : MONEY c : GOLD STANDARD 1
3 : a variable color averaging deep yellow
4 : something resembling gold especially : something valued as the finest of its kind <a heart of gold>
5 : a medal awarded as the first prize in a competition : a gold medal

gold
n. : qualifying for a gold record <five⋯recordings are certified gold ― Henry Edwards>
–go gold : to have enough sales to qualify for a gold record <the album went gold>

gold
n. basket of gold
black gold
fool's gold
go gold
gold coast
gold digger
gold filled
gold leaf
gold mine
gold of pleasure
gold record
gold rush
gold rusher
gold standard
as good as gold
old gold
white gold
Gold Coast
Kolar Gold Fields

Gold Coast
1 region W Africa on N shore of Gulf of Guinea bet. the Ivory Coast & the Slave Coast
2 former Brit. colony in S Gold Coast region capital Accra; now part of Ghana

gold coast
: an exclusive residential district

gold digger
1 : one who digs for gold
2 : a person who uses charm to extract money or gifts from others

gold leaf
: an extremely thin sheet of gold that is used especially for gilding

gold mine
: a rich source of something desired

gold of pleasure

1597
: a European herb (Camelina sativa) of the mustard family that is cultivated for its oil-rich seeds

gold record
: a gold phonograph record awarded to a singer or group whose single record has sold at least one million copies or whose album has sold at least 500,000 copies

gold rush
1 : a rush to newly discovered goldfields in pursuit of riches
2 : the headlong pursuit of sudden wealth in a new or lucrative field
–gold rush·er \-'rə-shər\ noun

gold standard
1 : a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold and which is usually characterized by the coinage and circulation of gold, unrestricted convertibility of other money into gold, and the free export and import of gold for settling of international obligations
2 : BENCHMARK 2B

gold-filled
: consisting of a base metal covered with a layer of gold <a gold-filled bracelet>

Goldberg
n. Arthur Joseph 1908-1990 American lawyer & jurist; U.S. ambassador to U.N. (1965-68)

goldbrick
n. 1 a : a worthless brick that appears to be of gold b : something that appears to be valuable but is actually worthless
2 : a person who shirks assigned work

goldbrick
n. : SWINDLE
intransitive verb : to shirk duty or responsibility

goldbug
n. 1 : a supporter of the gold standard
2 : a person who invests in or hoards gold

golden
adj. 1 : consisting of, relating to, or containing gold
2 a : being or having the color gold or the color of gold b : BLOND 1
3 : LUSTROUS, SHINING
4 : of a high degree of excellence : SUPERB
5 : PROSPEROUS, FLOURISHING <golden days>
6 a : radiantly youthful and vigorous b : having talents that promise great success ― often used with boy c : highly favored : POPULAR
7 : FAVORABLE, ADVANTAGEOUS <a golden opportunity>
8 : of, relating to, or being a 50th anniversary or its celebration
9 : MELLOW, RESONANT <a smooth golden tenor>
–gold·en·ly adverb
–gold·en·ness \-də(n)-nəs\ noun

golden
adj. golden syrup
golden age
golden ager
golden alexanders
golden brown alga
golden alga
golden club
golden eagle
Golden Fleece
golden glow
golden hamster
golden handcuffs
golden handshake
Golden Horde
golden lion tamarin
golden mean
golden nematode
golden oldie
golden parachute
golden plover
golden rain tree
golden retriever
golden rule
golden section
golden shiner
golden shower
golden trout
golden years
Golden Chersonese
Golden Gate
Golden Horn

golden age
: a period of great happiness, prosperity, and achievement

golden alexanders
: a No. American yellow-flowered perennial herb (Zizia aurea) of the carrot family occurring in moist woods and meadows also : any of several related herbs

Golden Chersonese
― see CHERSONESE

golden club
: a No. American aquatic plant (Orontium aquaticum) of the arum family with a spadix of tiny yellow flowers

golden eagle
: a dark brown eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) of the northern hemisphere with gold-colored feathers on the back of the head and neck, a gray beak, and yellow legs and feet

Golden Fleece
: a fleece of gold placed by the king of Colchis in a dragon-guarded grove and recovered by the Argonauts

Golden Gate
strait 2 mi (3.2 km) wide W Calif. connecting San Francisco Bay with Pacific Ocean

golden glow
: a tall branching composite herb (Rudbeckia laciniata hortensia) with showy yellow flower heads

golden hamster
: a small tawny hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) native chiefly to Syria and often kept as a pet or used as a laboratory animal ― called also Syrian hamster

golden handcuffs
: special benefits offered to an employee as an inducement to continue service

golden handshake
: a generous severance agreement given especially as an inducement to early retirement

Golden Horde
: a body of Mongols that overran eastern Europe in the 13th century and dominated Russia until 1486

Golden Horde
region comprising most of what is now Russia in Europe; formed W part of Mongol Empire from mid 13th to end of 14th century

Golden Horn
inlet of the Bosporus Turkey; harbor of Istanbul

golden lion tamarin
: a tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) with a reddish-gold coat and mane that occurs in remnants of tropical forest in southeastern Brazil

golden mean
: the medium between extremes : MODERATION

golden nematode
: a small yellowish nematode worm (Globodera rostochiensis syn. Heterodera rostochiensis) prob. of So. American origin that is a pest of solanaceous crops and especially potatoes

golden oldie
: one that was a hit or favorite in the past

golden parachute
: a generous severance agreement for a corporate executive in the event of a sudden dismissal (as because of a merger)

golden plover
: any of three plovers (genus Pluvialis) having dark upperparts spotted with gold especially : one (P. dominica) that breeds chiefly in arctic America and winters in So. America

golden rain tree
: an Asian tree (Koelreuteria paniculata of the family Sapindaceae) that has a rounded crown with very long showy clusters of yellow flowers

golden retriever
: any of a breed of medium-sized retrievers having a flat moderately long golden coat

golden rule
1 capitalized G&R : a rule of ethical conduct referring to Mt 7:12 and Lk 6:31: do to others as you would have them do to you
2 : a guiding principle

golden section
: a proportion (as one involving a line divided into two segments or the length and width of a rectangle and their sum) in which the ratio of the whole to the larger part is the same as the ratio of the larger part to the smaller

golden shiner
: a small common cyprinid fish (Notemigonus crysoleucas) of eastern No. America having silvery sides with bright golden reflections and often used as bait

golden shower
: the act of urinating on another person usually as part of a sex act

golden syrup
chiefly British : TREACLE 2B

golden trout
: a brightly colored golden-yellow trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita syn. Salmo aguabonita) with red markings on the sides and belly that is native to waters of the southern Sierra Nevada but has been introduced in other upland waters of western No. America

golden years
: the advanced years in a lifetime <active well into their golden years>

golden-ager
: an elderly and often retired person usually engaging in club activities

golden-brown alga
: any of a division (Chrysophyta) of marine and freshwater algae (as diatoms) containing yellowish-green to golden-brown pigments that obscure the chlorophyll ― called also chrysophyte golden alga

goldeneye
n. 1 : either of two diving ducks (genus Bucephala) with small yellow eyes especially : a large-headed swift-flying Holarctic diving duck (B. clangula) with the male having a green head and striking black-and-white markings
2 : a lacewing (family Chrysopidae) with yellow eyes

goldenrod
n. : any of numerous chiefly No. American composite perennial herbs (genus Solidago) with small heads of usually yellow late-blooming flowers often clustered in panicles ― compare rayless goldenrod

goldenseal
n. : a perennial No. American herb (Hydrastis canadensis) of the buttercup family with large leaves and a thick knotted yellow rhizome sometimes used medicinally

Goldenweiser
Alexander Alexandrovich 1880-1940 American (Russ.-born) anthropol. & sociol.

goldfield
n. : a gold-mining district

goldfinch
n. 1 : a small Palearctic finch (Carduelis carduelis of the family Fringillidae) with a red, white, and black head and yellow and black wings
2 : any of three small related American finches (genus Carduelis, especially C. tristis) having the breeding plumage of the male yellow with black markings on the wings, tail, and crown

goldfish
n. : a small usually golden-orange Asian cyprinid fish (Carassius auratus) often kept as an aquarium and pond fish

goldfish bowl
: a place or situation offering no privacy

Golding
William Gerald 1911-1993 Eng. author

Goldoni
Carlo 1707-1793 Ital. dram.

Goldsboro
city E cen N.C. pop 39,043

Goldsmith
n. Oliver 1730-1774 Brit. author

goldsmith
n. : one who makes or deals in articles of gold

Goldstein
n. Joseph Leonard 1940-     American medical geneticist

goldstone
: aventurine glass spangled close and fine with particles of gold-colored material

Goldwater
n. Barry Morris 1909-1998 American polit.

Goldwyn
n. Samuel 1879?-1974 orig. Schmuel Gelbfisz American (Pol.-born) motion-picture producer

golem
n. 1 : an artificial human being in Hebrew folklore endowed with life
2 : something or someone resembling a golem: as a : AUTOMATON b : BLOCKHEAD

Golf
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter g

golf
n. : a game in which a player using special clubs attempts to sink a ball with as few strokes as possible into each of the 9 or 18 successive holes on a course
–golf intransitive verb
–golf·er noun

golf
n. golf ball
golf cart
golf car
golf course
golf links
miniature golf

golf ball
1 : a small hard dimpled ball used in golf
2 : the spherical printing element of an electric typewriter or printer

golf cart
1 : a small cart for wheeling a golf bag around a golf course
2 : a motorized cart for carrying golfers and their equipment over a golf course ― called also golf car

golf course
: an area of land laid out for golf with a series of 9 or 18 holes each including tee, fairway, and putting green and often one or more natural or artificial hazards ― called also golf links

Golgi
n. : of or relating to the Golgi apparatus, Golgi bodies, or a method of staining nerve tissue <Golgi vesicles>

Golgi
n. Camillo \kä-'mēl-(ˌ)lō\ 1843(or 1844)-1926 Ital. physician

Golgi
n. Golgi apparatus
Golgi complex
Golgi body

Golgi apparatus
: a cytoplasmic organelle that consists of a stack of smooth membranous saccules and associated vesicles and that is active in the modification and transport of proteins ― called also Golgi complex ― see CELL illustration

Golgi body
: GOLGI APPARATUS also : DICTYOSOME

Golgotha
n. ― see CALVARY

goliard
: a wandering student of the 12th or 13th century given to the writing of satiric Latin verse and to convivial living and minstrelsy
–go·liar·dic \gōl-'yär-dik\ adjective

Goliath
n. 1 : a Philistine champion who in I Samuel 17 is killed by David
2 : GIANT

Gollancz
Sir Hermann 1852-1930 Eng. Semitic scholar

golliwog
n. 1 : a grotesque black doll
2 : a person resembling a golliwog

golly
n. ― used as a mild oath or to express surprise ― usually used in the phrase by golly

Gomati
river ab 500 mi (805 km) N India flowing SE into the Ganges

Gomel
― see HOMYEL'

Gomez
Juan Vicente 1864-1935 Venezuelan gen. & polit.; dictator (1908-35)

Gomorrah
n. : a place notorious for vice and corruption

Gomorrah
n. ancient city thought to be in the area now covered by the SW part of the Dead Sea

Gompers
Samuel 1850-1924 American (Brit.-born) labor leader

Gomulka
Władysław 1905-1982 Pol. polit.

gon
: sexual : generative : semen : seed <gonocyte>

gon
: figure having (so many) angles <decagon>

gonad
n. : a reproductive gland (as an ovary or testis) that produces gametes
–go·nad·al \gō-'na-dəl\ adjective

gonadectomy
n. : surgical removal of an ovary or testis
–go·nad·ec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

gonadotropic
adj. : acting on or stimulating the gonads

gonadotropin
n. : a gonadotropic hormone (as follicle-stimulating hormone)

gonadotropin-releasing hormone
: a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins (as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) ― abbreviation GnRH ― called also luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

Gonave, Gulf of
arm of Caribbean Sea on W coast of Haiti

Goncalves Dias
Antônio 1823-1864 Braz. poet

Goncharova
Nathalie 1883-1962 Russ. artist

Goncourt
Edmond (-Louis-Antoine Huot) de 1822-1896 & his bro. Jules (-Alfred Huot) de 1830-1870 Fr. nov. & collaborators

Gond
n. : a member of a Dravidian or pre-Dravidian people of central India

Gonder
city NW Ethiopia N of Lake Tana capital of Amhara & former capital of Ethiopia pop 163,097

Gondi
n. : the Dravidian language of the Gonds

gondola
n. 1 : a long narrow flat-bottomed boat with a high prow and stern used on the canals of Venice
2 : a heavy flat-bottomed boat used on New England rivers and on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers
3 : a railroad car with no top, a flat bottom, and fixed sides that is used chiefly for hauling heavy bulk commodities
4 a : an elongated car attached to the underside of an airship b : an often spherical airtight enclosure suspended from a balloon for carrying passengers or instruments c : an enclosed car suspended from a cable and used for transporting passengers especially : one used as a ski lift

gondolier
n. : one who propels a Venetian gondola

Gondomar
Conde de 1567-1626 Diego Sarmiento de Acuña Span. diplomat

Gondwanaland
hypothetical land area believed to have once connected the Indian subcontinent & the landmasses of the southern hemisphere

gone
adj. 1 a : LOST, RUINED <lost looks and gone faculties ― Penelope Gilliatt> b : DEAD c : characterized by sinking or dropping <the empty or gone feeling in the abdomen so common in elevators ― H. G. Armstrong>
2 a : INVOLVED, ABSORBED <far gone in hysteria> b : possessed with a strong attachment or a foolish or unreasoning love or desire : INFATUATED ― often used with on <was real gone on that man ― Pete Martin> c : PREGNANT <she's six months gone>
3 : PAST <memories of gone summers ― John Cheever>
4 slang : GREAT <a real gone fashion reporter ― Inez Robb>

goner
n. : one whose case is hopeless

gonfalon
n. 1 : the ensign of certain princes or states (as the medieval republics of Italy)
2 : a flag that hangs from a crosspiece or frame

gong
n. 1 : a disk-shaped percussion instrument that produces a resounding tone when struck with a usually padded hammer
2 a : a saucer-shaped bell (as in a fire alarm) that is struck by a mechanical hammer b : a wire rod wound in a flat spiral for sounding the time or chime or alarm (as in a clock)
3 British : MEDAL
–gong intransitive verb

Gongga Shan
mountain 24,790 ft (7556 m) W China in SW cen Sichuan; highest in China

Gongorism
: a literary style characterized by studied obscurity and by the use of various ornate devices
–gon·go·ris·tic \ˌgäŋ-gə-'ris-tik\ adjective

gonidium
: an asexual reproductive cell or group of cells especially in algae (as volvox)

gonif
n. variant of ganef

goniometer
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring angles
2 : DIRECTION FINDER
–go·nio·met·ric \-nē-ə-'me-trik\ adjective
–go·ni·om·e·try \-nē-'ä-mə-trē\ noun

gonium
1 : germ cell <spermatogonium>
2 : reproductive structure of a plant or fungus <oogonium>

gonococcus
n. : a pus-producing bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) that causes gonorrhea
–gon·o·coc·cal \-'kä-kəl\ adjective

gonophore
n. : an attached reproductive zooid of a hydroid colony

gonopore
: a genital pore in some invertebrates and especially some insects

gonorrhea
n. : a contagious inflammation of the genital mucous membrane caused by the gonococcus ― called also clap
–gon·or·rhe·al \-'rē-əl\ adjective

gony
: generation : reproduction : manner of coming into being <isogony>

Gonzaga
Saint Aloysius 1568-1591 Ital. Jesuit

Gonzalez
n. Manuel 1833-1893 Mex. gen.; pres. of Mexico (1880-84)

Gonzalo de Cordoba
― see FERNÁNDEZ DE CÓRDOBA

gonzo
adj. 1 : idiosyncratically subjective but engagé <gonzo journalism>
2 : BIZARRE
3 : freewheeling or unconventional especially to the point of outrageousness <a gonzo comedian>

goo
n. 1 : a viscid or sticky substance
2 : sentimental tripe
–goo·ey \-ē\ adjective
–goo·ey·ness \-nəs\ noun

goo-goo
: LOVING, ENTICING ― used chiefly in the phrase goo-goo eyes

goo-goo
: a member or advocate of a political reform movement

goober
n. Southern & Midland : PEANUT

good
n. 1 a (1) : of a favorable character or tendency <good news> (2) : BOUNTIFUL, FERTILE <good land> (3) : HANDSOME, ATTRACTIVE <good looks> b (1) : SUITABLE, FIT <good to eat> (2) : free from injury or disease <one good arm> (3) : not depreciated <bad money drives out good> (4) : commercially sound <a good risk> (5) : that can be relied on <good for another year> <good for a hundred dollars> <always good for a laugh> (6) : PROFITABLE, ADVANTAGEOUS <made a very good deal> c (1) : AGREEABLE, PLEASANT <had a good time> (2) : SALUTARY, WHOLESOME <good for a cold> (3) : AMUSING, CLEVER <a good joke> d (1) : of a noticeably large size or quantity : CONSIDERABLE <won by a good margin> <a good bit of the time> (2) : FULL <waited a good hour> (3) ― used as an intensive <a good many of us> e (1) : WELL-FOUNDED, COGENT <good reasons> (2) : TRUE <holds good for society at large> (3) : deserving of respect : HONORABLE <in good standing> (4) : legally valid or effectual <good title> f (1) : ADEQUATE, SATISFACTORY <good care> ― often used in faint praise <his serve is only good ― Frank Deford> (2) : conforming to a standard <good English> (3) : CHOICE, DISCRIMINATING <good taste> (4) : containing less fat and being less tender than higher grades ― used of meat and especially of beef
2 a (1) : VIRTUOUS, RIGHT, COMMENDABLE <a good person> <good conduct> (2) : KIND, BENEVOLENT <good intentions> b : UPPER-CLASS <a good family> c : COMPETENT, SKILLFUL <a good doctor> d (1) : LOYAL <a good party man> <a good Catholic> (2) : CLOSE <a good friend> e : free from infirmity or sorrow <I feel good>
–good·ish \'gu̇-dish\ adjective
–as good as : in effect : VIRTUALLY <as good as dead>
–as good as gold
1 : of the highest worth or reliability <his promise is as good as gold>
2 : well-behaved <the child was as good as gold>
–good and \ˌgu̇d-ən\ : VERY, ENTIRELY <was good and mad>
usage An old notion that it is wrong to say “I feel good” in reference to health still occas. appears in print. The origins of this notion are obscure, but they seem to combine someone's idea that good should be reserved to describe virtue and uncertainty about whether an adverb or an adjective should follow feel. Today nearly everyone agrees that both good and well can be predicate adjectives after feel. Both are used to express good health, but good may connote good spirits in addition to good health.

good
n. 1 a : something that is good b (1) : something conforming to the moral order of the universe (2) : praiseworthy character : GOODNESS c : a good element or portion
2 a : advancement of prosperity or well-being <the good of the community> <it's for your own good> b : something useful or beneficial <it's no good trying>
3 a : something that has economic utility or satisfies an economic want b plural : personal property having intrinsic value but usually excluding money, securities, and negotiable instruments c plural : CLOTH d plural : something manufactured or produced for sale : WARES, MERCHANDISE <canned goods> e plural British : FREIGHT
4 : good persons ― used with the
5 plural a : the qualities required to achieve an end b : proof of wrongdoing <didn't have the goods on him ― T. G. Cooke>
–for good also for good and all : FOREVER, PERMANENTLY
–in good with : in a favored position with
–to the good
1 : for the best : BENEFICIAL <efforts to restrict credit were all to the good ― Time>
2 : in a position of net gain or profit <wound up $10 to the good>

good
n. 1 : WELL <he showed me how good I was doing ― Herbert Gold>
2 ― used as an intensive <a good 200 pounds> <a good longitude time>
usage Adverbial good has been under attack from the schoolroom since the 19th century. Insistence on well rather than good has resulted in a split in connotation: well is standard, neutral, and colorless, while good is emotionally charged and emphatic. This makes good the adverb of choice in sports <“I'm seeing the ball real good” is what you hear ― Roger Angell>. In such contexts as <listen up. And listen good ― Alex Karras> <lets fly with his tomatoes before they can flee. He gets Clarence good ― Charles Dickinson> good cannot be adequately replaced by well. Adverbial good is primarily a spoken form; in writing it occurs in reported and fictional speech and in generally familiar or informal contexts.

good
n. for good and all
good cholesterol
make good on
in one's good books
do good
feel good
give a good account of
good and
as good as gold
as good as
to the good
in good with
for good
good book
good bye
good by
good deal
good faith
good fellow
good fellowship
good for nothing
Good Friday
good hearted
good heartedness
good heartedly
good humored
good humoredness
good humoredly
good life
good looking
good looker
good natured
good naturedness
good naturedly
good neighbor
good offices
good old boy
good ole boy
good ol' boy
Good Samaritan
good tempered
good temperedness
good temperedly
kiss good bye
make good
for good measure
no good
good word
Cape of Good Hope
Good Hope Cape of
durable goods
bill of goods
capital goods
case goods
consumer goods
damaged goods
deliver the goods
dry goods
hard goods
piece goods
yard goods
producer goods
soft goods
white goods
better half
better off
go one better
had better
think better of
had best
as best
at best
best ball
best boy
best case
best man
best seller
best selling
best sellerdom
level best
second best

good and
\ˌgu̇d-ən\ : VERY, ENTIRELY <was good and mad>

good book
: BIBLE

good cholesterol
: HDL

good deal
: a considerable quantity or extent : LOT <knows a good deal about disease> <a good deal faster>

good faith
: honesty or lawfulness of purpose

good fellow
: an affable companionable person
–good-fel·low·ship \'gu̇d-'fe-lō-ˌship, -'fe-lə-\ noun

Good Friday
: the Friday before Easter observed in churches as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ and in some states of the U.S. as a legal holiday

Good Hope, Cape of
cape S Republic of South Africa in SW Western Cape province W of False Bay, at 34°21′ S ― see CAPE OF GOOD HOPE 2

good life
: a life marked by a high standard of living

good offices
: services as a mediator

good old boy
: a usually white Southerner who conforms to the values, culture, or behavior of his peers

Good Samaritan
: SAMARITAN 2

good word

1 : a favorable statement <put in a good word for me>
2 : good news <what's the good word>

good-bye
1 : a concluding remark or gesture at parting ― often used interjectionally
2 : a taking of leave <a tearful good-bye>

good-for-nothing
: of no use or value
–good-for-nothing noun

good-hearted
: having a kindly generous disposition
–good-heart·ed·ly adverb
–good-heart·ed·ness noun

good-humored
: GOOD-NATURED, CHEERFUL
–good-hu·mored·ly adverb
–good-hu·mored·ness noun

good-looking
: having a pleasing or attractive appearance
–good-look·er \-'lu̇-kər\ noun

good-natured
: of a pleasant and cooperative disposition
synonyms see AMIABLE
–good-na·tured·ly adverb
–good-na·tured·ness noun

good-neighbor
: marked by principles of friendship, cooperation, and noninterference in the internal affairs of another country <a good-neighbor policy>

good-tempered
: not easily angered or upset
–good-tem·pered·ly adverb
–good-tem·pered·ness noun

Goodall
Jane 1934-     Brit. ethologist

Goodhue
Bertram Grosvenor 1869-1924 American architect

goodly
adj. 1 : pleasantly attractive
2 : significantly large : CONSIDERABLE <a goodly number>

Goodman
n. Benjamin David 1909-1986 Benny Goodman American musician & bandleader

goodman
n. 1 archaic : the master of a household
2 archaic : MR.

goodness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being good
2 ― used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock <oh, my goodness !> <goodness knows>
3 : the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something

goodness of fit

1895
: the conformity between an experimental result and theoretical expectation or between data and an approximating curve

Goodrich
n. Samuel Griswold 1793-1860 pseud. Peter Parley \'pär-lē\ American writer

goodwife
n. 1 archaic : the mistress of a household
2 archaic : MRS.

goodwill
n. 1 a : a kindly feeling of approval and support : benevolent interest or concern b (1) : the favor or advantage that a business has acquired especially through its brands and its good reputation (2) : the value of projected earnings increases of a business especially as part of its purchase price (3) : the excess of the purchase price of a company over its book value which represents the value of goodwill as an intangible asset for accounting purposes
2 a : cheerful consent b : willing effort
–good·willed \-'wild\ adjective

Goodwin Sands
shoals SE England in Strait of Dover off E coast of Kent ― see DOWNS 2

goody
n. archaic : a usually married woman of lowly station ― used as a title preceding a surname

goody
n. 1 : something that is particularly attractive, pleasurable, good, or desirable
2 chiefly British : one that is good especially : an opponent of the villain (as in a motion picture)

goody
n. goody goody
Goody Two shoes
goody two shoes

Goody Two-shoes
: a person who is goody-goody also : a person who is uncommonly good
–goody-two-shoes adjective

goody-goody
: affectedly or ingratiatingly good or proper
–goody-goody noun

Goodyear
n. Charles 1800-1860 American inventor

goof
n. 1 : a silly or stupid person
2 : BLUNDER

goof
n. 1 a : to spend time idly or foolishly ― usually used with off <goofing off instead of working> b : to engage in playful activity ― usually used with around <goofing around after school>
2 : to make a usually foolish or careless mistake : BLUNDER ― often used with up
transitive verb : to make a mess of : BUNGLE ― usually used with up <goofed up the assignment>
–goof on
slang : to make fun of : KID, PUT ON <you're goofing on me, right?>

goof on
slang : to make fun of : KID, PUT ON <you're goofing on me, right?>

goof-off
: one who evades work or responsibility

goofball
n. 1 slang : a barbiturate sleeping pill
2 : a goofy person

goofy
adj. : being crazy, ridiculous, or mildly ludicrous : SILLY <a goofy sense of humor> <that hat looks goofy>
–goof·i·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–goof·i·ness \-fē-nəs\ noun

googly-eyed
: GOGGLE-EYED

googol
n. : the figure 1 followed by 100 zeros equal to 10^100

googolplex
n. : the figure 1 followed by a googol of zeros equal to 10googol or 1010^100

gook
n. usually offensive : a nonwhite or non-American person specifically : ASIAN

gook
n. variant of guck

goombah
n. 1 : a close friend or associate ― used especially among Italian-American men
2 : a member of a secret chiefly Italian-American crime organization : MAFIOSO broadly : GANGSTER
3 : a macho Italian-American man

goon
n. 1 : a stupid person
2 a : a man hired to terrorize or eliminate opponents b : ENFORCER 2B

gooney
: BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS broadly : ALBATROSS

goop
n. : GOO, GUNK
–goopy \'gü-pē\ adjective

goosander
n. : the common merganser (Mergus merganser) of the northern hemisphere

goose
n. 1 a : any of numerous large waterfowl (family Anatidae) that are intermediate between the swans and ducks and have long necks, feathered lores, and reticulate tarsi b : a female goose as distinguished from a gander
2 : SIMPLETON, DOLT
3 plural goos·es : a tailor's smoothing iron with a gooseneck handle
4 plural goos·es : a poke between the buttocks

goose
n. 1 : to poke between the buttocks with an upward thrust
2 : to increase the activity, speed, power, intensity, or amount of : SPUR <an effort to goose newsstand sales>

goose
n. barnacle goose
brent goose
Canada goose
cook one's goose
goose bumps
goose egg
goose pimples
goose step
Hawaiian goose
Mother Goose
snow goose
wild goose chase
Goose Creek

goose bumps
: a roughness of the skin produced by erection of its papillae especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

Goose Creek
city SE S.C. pop 29,208

goose egg
: ZERO, NOTHING especially : a score of zero in a game or contest

goose pimples
: GOOSE BUMPS

goose step
: a straight-legged stiff-kneed step used by troops of some armies when passing in review

goose-step
1 : to march in a goose step
2 : to practice an unthinking conformity

gooseberry
n. 1 a : the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs (genus Ribes, especially R. hirtellum of the U.S. and R. uva-crispa of Europe) grouped especially formerly in the saxifrage family but now often placed in a separate family (Grossulariaceae, the gooseberry family) b : a shrub bearing gooseberries
2 : CURRANT 2

goosefish
n. : any of a family (Lophiidae) of pediculate fishes with a large flattened head, a fringe of flaps along each side of the lower jaw, head, and body, and a long stalk on the head with a flap of flesh at the tip for attracting prey especially : MONKFISH

gooseflesh
n. : GOOSE BUMPS

goosefoot
n. : any of a genus (Chenopodium) or family (Chenopodiaceae, the goosefoot family) of glabrous herbs with fruit that is a utricle

goosegrass
n. 1 : CLEAVERS
2 : YARD GRASS

gooseneck
n. 1 : something (as a flexible jointed metal pipe) curved like the neck of a goose or U-shaped
2 : a truck trailer (as for transporting livestock) with a projecting front end designed to attach to the bed of a pickup truck
–goose·necked \-ˌnekt\ adjective

goosey
n. 1 : resembling a goose
2 a : affected with goose bumps : SCARED b : very nervous c : reacting strongly when goosed or startled

GOP
Grand Old Party (Republican)

GOPer
: a member of the GOP

gopher
n. 1 : a burrowing land tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) of the southern U.S. broadly : any of several related land tortoises ― called also gopher tortoise
2 a : any of a family (Geomyidae) of burrowing rodents of western No. America, Central America, and the southern U.S. that are the size of a large rat and have large cheek pouches opening beside the mouth ― called also pocket gopher b : any of several small ground squirrels (genus Spermophilus) of the prairie region of No. America
3 : GOPHER BALL

gopher
n. variant of gofer

gopher
n. pocket gopher
gopher tortoise
gopher snake
gopher ball

gopher ball
: a pitched baseball hit for a home run

gopher snake
1 : INDIGO SNAKE
2 : BULL SNAKE

gopik
n. ― see manat at MONEY table

Gorakhpur
city NE India in E Uttar Pradesh N of Varanasi pop 624,570

Gorbachev
n. Mikhail Sergeyevich 1931-     Soviet polit.; 1st secy. of Communist party (1985-91); pres. of U.S.S.R. (1990-91)

Gorchakov
Prince Aleksandr Mikhaylovich 1798-1883 Russ. statesman & diplomat

Gordian knot
1 : an intricate problem especially : a problem insoluble in its own terms ― often used in the phrase cut the Gordian knot
2 : a knot tied by Gordius, king of Phrygia, held to be capable of being untied only by the future ruler of Asia, and cut by Alexander the Great with his sword

Gordimer
Nadine 1923-     So. African writer

Gordin
Jacob 1853-1909 American (Russ.-born) Yiddish dram.

gordita
: a deep-fried pocket of cornmeal dough filled with a savory mixture

Gordon
n. Charles George 1833-1885 Chinese Gordon, Gordon Pasha Brit. soldier

Gordon
n. Charles William 1860-1937 pseud. Ralph Connor Canad. clergyman & nov.

Gordon
n. Lord George 1751-1793 Eng. polit. agitator

Gordon setter
: any of a breed of large bird dogs of Scottish origin that have a long flat black-and-tan coat

Gore
n. Albert, Jr. 1948-     American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1993-2001)

gore
n. 1 : a small usually triangular piece of land
2 a : a tapering or triangular piece (as of cloth in a skirt) b : an elastic gusset for providing a snug fit in a shoe

gore
n. 1 : to cut into a tapering triangular form
2 : to provide with a gore

gore
n. : to pierce or wound with something pointed (as a horn or knife) <gored by a bull>

gore
n. 1 : BLOOD especially : clotted blood
2 : gruesomeness depicted in vivid detail

Goremykin
Ivan Logginovich 1839-1917 Russ. statesman; prime min. (1906; 1914-16)

Gorey
Edward St. John 1925-2000 American illustrator & writer

Gorgas
William Crawford 1854-1920 American army surgeon & sanitation expert

gorge
n. 1 : THROAT ― often used with rise to indicate revulsion accompanied by a sensation of constriction <my gorge rises at the sight of blood>
2 a : a hawk's crop b : STOMACH, BELLY
3 : the entrance into an outwork (as a bastion) of a fort
4 : a narrow passage through land especially : a narrow steep-walled canyon or part of a canyon
5 : a primitive device used instead of a fishhook that consists of an object (as a piece of bone attached in the middle of a line) easy to swallow but difficult to eject
6 : a mass choking a passage <a river dammed by an ice gorge>
7 : the line on the front of a coat or jacket formed by the crease of the lapel and collar

gorge
n. intransitive verb : to eat greedily or to repletion also : to partake of something in large amounts <gorging on books>
intransitive verb
1 a : to stuff to capacity : GLUT b : to fill completely or to the point of distension <veins gorged with blood>
2 : to consume greedily
synonyms see SATIATE
–gorg·er noun

gorge
n. : the act or an instance of gorging

gorgeous
adj. : splendidly or showily brilliant or magnificent
synonyms see SPLENDID
–gor·geous·ly adverb
–gor·geous·ness noun

gorget
n. 1 : a piece of armor protecting the throat ― see ARMOR illustration
2 a : an ornamental collar b : a part of a wimple covering the throat and shoulders c : a specially colored patch on the throat

gorgon
n. 1 capitalized : any of three snake-haired sisters in Greek mythology whose appearance turns the beholder to stone
2 : an ugly or repulsive woman
–Gor·go·ni·an \gȯr-'gō-nē-ən\ adjective

gorgonian
n. : any of an order (Gorgonacea) of colonial anthozoans with a usually horny and branching axial skeleton
–gorgonian adjective

gorgonize
v. : to have a paralyzing or mesmerizing effect on : STUPEFY, PETRIFY

Gorgonzola
n. : a pungent blue cheese of Italian origin

gorilla
n. 1 : a very large typically black-colored anthropoid ape (Gorilla gorilla) of equatorial Africa that has a stocky body with broad shoulders and long arms and is less erect and has smaller ears than the chimpanzee
2 a : an ugly or brutal man b : THUG, GOON

gorilla
n. 800 pound gorilla
lowland gorilla
mountain gorilla

Goring
Hermann 1893-1946 Ger. Nazi polit.

Gorizia
commune NE Italy in Venetia pop 37,999

Gorki
n. ― see NIZHNIY NOVGOROD

Gorky
n. Arshile 1905-1948 American (Armenian-born) artist

Gorky
n. Maksim 1868-1936 pseud. of Aleksey Maksimovich Pesh·kov \'pesh-ˌkȯf, -ˌkȯv\ Russ. writer

Gorlitz
city E Germany on Neisse River pop 70,448

Gorlovka
city E Ukraine in the Donets Basin N of Donetsk pop 337,000

gormandise
v. chiefly British variant of gormandize

gormandize
v. intransitive verb : to eat gluttonously or ravenously
transitive verb : to eat greedily : DEVOUR
–gor·man·diz·er noun

gormless
adj. chiefly British : lacking intelligence : STUPID
–gorm·less·ness noun chiefly Brit

Gorno
Gorno Altay
Gorno Altai
Gorno Badakhshan

Gorno-Altay
autonomous region S Russia in Asia in SE Altai Territory in Altai Mountains capital Gorno-Al·taysk \-'tīsk\ area 35,753 sq mi (92,600 sq km), pop 197,000

Gorno-Badakhshan
autonomous region SE Tajikistan in the Pamirs capital Khorog area 24,595 sq mi (63,701 sq km), pop 167,100

gorp
n. : a snack consisting of high-energy food (as raisins and nuts)

gorse
n. : a spiny yellow-flowered European shrub (Ulex europaeus) of the legume family broadly : any of several related plants (genera Ulex and Genista)
–gorsy \'gȯr-sē\ adjective

Gort
Viscount ― see VEREKER

gory
adj. 1 : covered with gore : BLOODSTAINED
2 : BLOODCURDLING, SENSATIONAL <wanted to hear the gory details>
synonyms see BLOODY

Gorzow Wielkopolski
city W Poland pop 123,350

gosh
interj. ― used as a mild oath or to express surprise

goshawk
n. : any of several long-tailed hawks with short rounded wings especially : a large accipiter (Accipiter gentilis) of the northern hemisphere that is grayish-blue above with a barred white-and-gray underside and has a white stripe above and behind the eye

Goshen
1 city N Ind. pop 29,383
2 district of ancient Egypt E of the Nile Delta

gosling
n. 1 : a young goose
2 : a foolish or callow person

gospel
n. 1 a often capitalized : the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation b capitalized : one of the first four New Testament books telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ also : a similar apocryphal book c : an interpretation of the Christian message <the social gospel>
2 capitalized : a lection from one of the New Testament Gospels
3 : the message or teachings of a religious teacher
4 : something accepted or promoted as infallible truth or as a guiding principle or doctrine <took her words as gospel> <spreading the gospel of conservation ― R. M. Hodesh>
5 : gospel music
–gos·pel·ly \'gäs-pə-lē\ adjective

gospel
n. 1 a : having a basis in or being in accordance with the gospel : EVANGELICAL <ordained to the gospel ministry ― Christian Century> b : marked by special or fervid emphasis on the gospel <a gospel meeting>
2 : of, relating to, or being religious songs of American origin associated with evangelism and popular devotion and marked by simple melody and harmony and elements of folk songs and blues

gospel side
: the left side of an altar or chancel as one faces it

gospeler
n. 1 : a person who reads or sings the liturgical Gospel
2 : a person who preaches or propounds a gospel

Gosport
town S England in Hampshire on Portsmouth harbor pop 72,800

gossamer
n. 1 : a film of cobwebs floating in air in calm clear weather
2 : something light, delicate, or insubstantial <the gossamer of youth's dreams ― Andrea Parke>
–gos·sa·mery \-mə-rē\ adjective

gossamer
n. : extremely light, delicate, or tenuous

gossan
n. : decomposed rock or vein material of reddish or rusty color that results from oxidized pyrites

Gosse
Sir Edmund William 1849-1928 Eng. poet & critic

gossip
n. 1 a dialect British : GODPARENT b : COMPANION, CRONY c : a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others
2 a : rumor or report of an intimate nature b : a chatty talk c : the subject matter of gossip
–gos·sip·ry \-sə-prē\ noun

gossip
n. : to relate gossip
–gos·sip·er noun

gossipmonger
n. : a person who starts or spreads gossip

gossipy
adj. : characterized by, full of, or given to gossip <a gossipy letter> <gossipy neighbors>

gossypol
n. : a toxic phenolic pigment C_30H_30O_8 in cottonseed

got
past and past part of get

gotcha
: an unexpected usually disconcerting challenge, revelation, or catch also : an attempt to embarrass, expose, or disgrace someone (as a politician) with a gotcha

Goteborg
city & port SW Sweden on the Kattegat pop 474,921

Goth
n. 1 : a member of a Germanic people that overran the Roman Empire in the early centuries of the Christian era
2 often not capitalized a : rock music marked by dark and morbid lyrics b : a fan or performer of goth
3 : a person who wears mostly black clothing, uses dark dramatic makeup, and often has dyed black hair

Goth
n. Gothic

Gotha
city cen Germany W of Erfurt pop 53,372

Gotham
n. NEW YORK CITY ― an informal name
–Goth·am·ite \-thə-ˌmīt\ noun

Gothic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language b : TEUTONIC, GERMANIC c : MEDIEVAL 1 d : UNCOUTH, BARBAROUS
2 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of architecture developed in northern France and spreading through western Europe from the middle of the 12th century to the early 16th century that is characterized by the converging of weights and strains at isolated points upon slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by pointed arches and vaulting b : of or relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic
3 often not capitalized : of or relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents
–goth·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–Goth·ic·ness \-thik-nəs\ noun

Gothic
adj. 1 a : BLACK LETTER b : SANS SERIF
2 : Gothic art style or decoration specifically : the Gothic architectural style
3 : the East Germanic language of the Goths ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
4 often not capitalized : a novel, film, or play in the gothic style

Gothic
adj. Gothic arch
Gothic Revival
neo Gothic
steamboat Gothic

Gothic arch
: a pointed arch especially : one with a joint instead of a keystone at its apex

Gothic Revival
: an artistic style or movement of the 18th and 19th centuries inspired by and imitative of the Gothic style especially in architecture

Gothicism
n. 1 : barbarous lack of taste or elegance
2 : conformity to or practice of Gothic style
–Goth·i·cist \-sist\ noun

gothicize
v. : to make Gothic

Gothick
chiefly British variant of gothic

Gotland
island Sweden in the Baltic off SE coast; chief town Visby area 1225 sq mi (3173 sq km), pop 57,381

gotten
past part of get

Gotterdammerung
: a collapse (as of a society or regime) marked by catastrophic violence and disorder broadly : DOWNFALL <the Gotterdammerung of Communism>

Gottingen
city cen Germany SSW of Brunswick pop 124,331

Gottschalk
Louis Moreau 1829-1869 American composer

gouache
n. 1 : a method of painting with opaque watercolors
2 a : a picture painted by gouache b : the pigment used in gouache

Gouda
n. : a mild cheese of Dutch origin that is similar to Edam but contains more fat

Gouda
n. commune SW Netherlands pop 71,688

Goudy
Frederic William 1865-1947 American type designer

gouge
n. 1 : a chisel with a concavo-convex cross section
2 a : the act of gouging b : a groove or cavity scooped out
3 : an excessive or improper exaction : EXTORTION

gouge
n. 1 : to scoop out with or as if with a gouge
2 a : to force out (an eye) with the thumb b : to thrust the thumb into the eye of
3 : to subject to extortion or undue exaction : OVERCHARGE
–goug·er noun

Gough
Hugh 1779-1869 1st Viscount Gough Eng. field marshal

goulash
n. 1 : a stew made with meat (as beef), assorted vegetables, and paprika
2 : a round in bridge played with hands produced by a redistribution of previously dealt cards
3 : a mixture of heterogeneous elements : JUMBLE

Gould
Glenn (Herbert) 1932-1982 Canad. pianist

Gould
Jay 1836-1892 orig. Jason Gould American financier

Gould
Stephen Jay 1941-2002 American paleontologist

Gounod
Charles-François 1818-1893 Fr. composer

gourami
n. : any of numerous African and Asian tropical freshwater bony fishes (order Perciformes): as a : a large Asian food fish (Osphronemus goramy of the family Osphronemidae) b : any of various small fishes (families Belontiidae and Helostomatidae) often kept in aquariums

gourd
n. 1 : any of a family (Cucurbitaceae, the gourd family) of chiefly herbaceous tendril-bearing vines including the cucumber, melon, squash, and pumpkin
2 : the fruit of a gourd : PEPO especially : any of various hard-rinded inedible fruits of plants of two genera (Lagenaria and Cucurbita) often used for ornament or for vessels and utensils
–out of one's gourd also off one's gourd : CRAZY

gourd
n. off one's gourd
bottle gourd
buffalo gourd
out of one's gourd

gourde
n. ― see MONEY table

gourmand
n. 1 : one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking
2 : one who is heartily interested in good food and drink
synonyms see EPICURE
–gour·mand·ism \'gu̇r-ˌmän-ˌdi-zəm, -mən-\ noun
–gour·man·dize \-ˌdīz\ intransitive verb

gourmandise
n. : appreciation of or interest in good food and drink : GOURMANDISM

gourmet
n. : a connoisseur of food and drink broadly : CONNOISSEUR 2 <a film gourmet>
synonyms see EPICURE
–gourmet adjective

Gourmont
Remy de 1858-1915 Fr. writer

gout
n. 1 : a metabolic disease marked by a painful inflammation of the joints, deposits of urates in and around the joints, and usually an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood
2 : a mass or aggregate especially of something fluid often gushing or bursting forth
–gouty \-ē\ adjective

gout
n. chacun a son gout
gout de terroir
haut gout

gout de terroir
: taste of the earth

gov
n. 1 government; governor
2 governmental institution ― usually preceded by a period ― used in World Wide Web addresses

Gove
Philip Babcock 1902-1972 American lexicographer

govern
v. transitive verb
1 a : to exercise continuous sovereign authority over especially : to control and direct the making and administration of policy in b : to rule without sovereign power and usually without having the authority to determine basic policy
2 a archaic : MANIPULATE b : to control the speed of (as a machine) especially by automatic means
3 a : to control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct of b : to exert a determining or guiding influence in or over <income must govern expenditure> c : to hold in check : RESTRAIN
4 : to require (a word) to be in a certain case
5 : to serve as a precedent or deciding principle for <customs that govern human decisions>
intransitive verb
1 : to prevail or have decisive influence : CONTROL
2 : to exercise authority
–gov·ern·able \-vər-nə-bəl\ adjective

govern
v. self governed
self governing
non self governing

governance
n. : GOVERNMENT

governess
n. 1 : a woman who governs
2 : a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household

governessy
n. : characteristic of or resembling a governess (as in primness)

government
n. 1 : the act or process of governing specifically : authoritative direction or control
2 obsolete : moral conduct or behavior : DISCRETION
3 a : the office, authority, or function of governing b obsolete : the term during which a governing official holds office
4 : the continuous exercise of authority over and the performance of functions for a political unit : RULE
5 a : the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within it b : the complex of political institutions, laws, and customs through which the function of governing is carried out
6 : the body of persons that constitutes the governing authority of a political unit or organization: as a : the officials comprising the governing body of a political unit and constituting the organization as an active agency b capitalized : the executive branch of the U.S. federal government c capitalized : a small group of persons holding simultaneously the principal political executive offices of a nation or other political unit and being responsible for the direction and supervision of public affairs: (1) : such a group in a parliamentary system constituted by the cabinet or by the ministry (2) : ADMINISTRATION 4B
7 : POLITICAL SCIENCE
–gov·ern·men·tal \ˌgə-vər(n)-'men-təl\ adjective
–gov·ern·men·tal·ize \-tə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
–gov·ern·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

government
n. local government
parliamentary government
presidential government
self government
student government
quasi governmental

governmentalism
1 : a theory advocating extension of the sphere and degree of government activity
2 : the tendency toward extension of the role of government
–gov·ern·men·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun

governmentese
: jargon held to be characteristic of government officials

governor
n. 1 : one that governs: as a : one that exercises authority especially over an area or group b : an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive, or nominal head of a political unit c : COMMANDING OFFICER d : the managing director and usually the principal officer of an institution or organization e : a member of a group that directs or controls an institution or society
2 : TUTOR
3 a slang : one looked upon as governing b : MISTER, SIR ― usually used as a term of address
4 a : an attachment to a machine (as a gasoline engine) for automatic control or limitation of speed b : a device giving automatic control (as of pressure or temperature)
–gov·er·nor·ate \-ət, -ˌāt\ noun

governor
n. governor general
governor generals
lieutenant governor
governors general

governor-general
: a governor of high rank especially : one who governs a large territory or has deputy governors under him

governorship
n. 1 : the office of governor
2 : the period of incumbency of a governor

govt
n. government

gowan
n. chiefly Scottish : DAISY 1 broadly : a white or yellow field flower
–gow·any \-ə-nē\ adjective chiefly Scottish

Gowda
H(aradanahalli) D(oddegowda) Deve \'de-(ˌ)vā, -ve\ 1933-     prime min. of India (1996-97)

Gower
n. John 1330?-1408 Eng. poet

Gower
n. peninsula S Wales W of Swansea

gown
n. 1 a : a loose flowing outer garment formerly worn by men b : a distinctive robe worn by a professional or academic person c : a woman's dress d (1) : DRESSING GOWN (2) : NIGHTGOWN e : a coverall worn in an operating room
2 : the body of students and faculty of a college or university <rivalry between town and gown>
–gown transitive verb

gown
n. dressing gown
Geneva gown
tea gown

gownsman
n. : a professional or academic person

goy
n. sometimes disparaging : GENTILE 1
–goy·ish \'gȯi-ish\ adjective sometimes disparaging

Goya (y Lucientes)
Francisco José de 1746-1828 Span. painter
–Go·ya·esque \ˌgȯi-ə-'esk\ or Go·yesque \gȯi-'yesk\ adjective

Goyen
Jan Josephszoon 1596-1656 Du. painter

goût
chacun à son goût
goût de terroir
haut goût

GP
1 general practice; general practitioner
2 geometric progression

gp
group

gp120
: a glycoprotein protruding from the outer surface of the HIV virion that has a molecular weight of 120 and must bind to a CD4 receptor on a T cell bearing such receptors before infection of the cell can occur

GPA
grade point average

GPD
gallons per day

GPH
gallons per hour

GPM
gallons per minute

GPO
1 general post office
2 Government Printing Office

GPS
: a navigational system using satellite signals to fix the location of a radio receiver on or above the earth's surface also : the radio receiver so used

GPS
gallons per second

GQ
general quarters

GR
1 grade
2 grain
3 gram
4 gravity
5 gross

Gr
Greece; Greek

gr wt
gross weight

graafian follicle
: a mature liquid-filled cavity in a mammalian ovary that ruptures during ovulation to release an egg

grab
n. transitive verb
1 : to take or seize by or as if by a sudden motion or grasp <grab up an ax> <grabbed the opportunity> <grab attention>
2 : to obtain unscrupulously <grab public lands>
3 : to take hastily <grab a bite to eat> <grab a cab>
4 a : to seize the attention of <the technique of grabbing an audience ― Pauline Kael> b : to impress favorably and deeply
intransitive verb : to make a grab
synonyms see TAKE
–grab·ber noun

grab
n. 1 : intended to be grabbed <a grab rail>
2 : taken at random <grab samples of rocks>

grab
n. 1 a : something grabbed b : a sudden snatch c : an unlawful or unscrupulous seizure
2 chiefly British a : a device for clutching an object b : CLAMSHELL 2A
–up for grabs : available for anyone to take, win, or settle

grab
n. grab bag
up for grabs
land grabber

grab bag
1 : a receptacle (as a bag) containing small articles which are to be drawn (as at a party or fair) without being seen
2 : a miscellaneous collection : POTPOURRI

grabble
v. 1 : to search with the hand : GROPE
2 : to lie or fall prone : SPRAWL
–grab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

grabby
adj. 1 : tending to grab : GRASPING, GREEDY <grabby hands> <taught the children not to be grabby>
2 : having the power to grab the attention <grabby ads>

graben
n. : a depressed segment of the crust of the earth or a celestial body (as the moon) bounded on at least two sides by faults

Gracchus
Gaius Sempronius 153-121 B.C. & his bro. Tiberius Sempronius 163-133 B.C. the Grac·chi \'gra-ˌkī\ Rom. statesmen

grace
n. 1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2 a : APPROVAL, FAVOR <stayed in his good graces> b archaic : MERCY, PARDON c : a special favor : PRIVILEGE <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage ― Rudyard Kipling> d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e : a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE
3 a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic b : a pleasing appearance or effect : CHARM <all the grace of youth ― John Buchan> c : ease and suppleness of movement or bearing
4 ― used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop
5 : a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks
6 plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty
7 : a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura
8 a : sense of propriety or right <had the grace not to run for elective office ― Calvin Trillin> b : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful
synonyms see MERCY

grace
n. 1 : to confer dignity or honor on
2 : ADORN, EMBELLISH <graveled walks graced with statues ― J. A. Michener>

grace
n. coup de grace
coups de grace
fall from grace
grace note
grace period
saving grace
year of grace
de bonne grace

grace note
1 : a musical note added as an ornament especially : APPOGGIATURA
2 : a small addition or embellishment

grace period
: a period of time beyond a due date during which a financial obligation may be met without penalty or cancellation

graceful
adj. : displaying grace in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement
–grace·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–grace·ful·ness noun

graceless
adj. 1 : lacking in divine grace : IMMORAL, UNREGENERATE
2 a : lacking a sense of propriety <a graceless accusation> b : devoid of attractive qualities
3 : artistically inept or unbeautiful <graceless dancing>
–grace·less·ly adverb
–grace·less·ness noun

gracile
adj. 1 : SLENDER, SLIGHT
2 : GRACEFUL
3 : of, relating to, resembling, or being a relatively small slender australopithecine (genus Australopithecus) characterized especially by molars and incisors of similar size that are adapted to a diet including both plant matter and animal flesh ― compare ROBUST 5
–grac·ile·ness noun
–gra·cil·i·ty \gra-'si-lə-tē\ noun

gracioso
: a buffoon in Spanish comedy

gracious
adj. 1 a obsolete : GODLY b archaic : PLEASING, ACCEPTABLE
2 a : marked by kindness and courtesy <a gracious host> b : GRACEFUL c : marked by tact and delicacy : URBANE d : characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding <gracious living>
3 : MERCIFUL, COMPASSIONATE ― used conventionally of royalty and high nobility
–gra·cious·ly adverb
–gra·cious·ness noun
synonyms GRACIOUS, CORDIAL, AFFABLE, GENIAL, SOCIABLE mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. GRACIOUS implies courtesy and kindly consideration <the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues>. CORDIAL stresses warmth and heartiness <our host was cordial as he greeted us>. AFFABLE implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals <though wealthy, she was affable to all>. GENIAL stresses cheerfulness and even joviality <a genial companion with a ready quip>. SOCIABLE suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others <sociable people who enjoy entertaining>.

grackle
n. 1 : any of a genus (Quiscalus of the family Icteridae) of large American blackbirds having iridescent black plumage
2 : any of various Asian starlings (as the hill mynahs)

grad
n. : GRADUATE

grad
n. : one hundredth of a right angle

grad
n. graduated

gradation
n. 1 a : a series forming successive stages b : a step or place in an ordered scale
2 : an advance by regular degrees
3 : a gradual passing from one tint or shade to another
4 : the act or process of grading
5 : ABLAUT
–gra·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–gra·da·tion·al·ly adverb

grade
n. 1 a (1) : a position in a scale of ranks or qualities (2) : a stage in a process b : a degree of severity in illness <grade III carcinoma> c : a class organized for the work of a particular year of a school course d : a military or naval rank
2 a : a class of things of the same stage or degree b : a mark indicating a degree of accomplishment in school c : a standard of food quality
3 a : the degree of inclination of a road or slope also : a sloping road b : a datum or reference level especially : ground level
4 : a domestic animal with one parent purebred and the other of inferior breeding
5 plural : the elementary school system
–grade·less \-ləs\ adjective

grade
n. transitive verb
1 a : to arrange in grades : SORT b : to arrange in a scale or series c : to assign to a grade or assign a grade to
2 : to level off to a smooth horizontal or sloping surface
intransitive verb
1 a : to form a series b : BLEND
2 : to be of a particular grade
–grad·able \'grā-də-bəl\ adjective

grade
n. : being, involving, or yielding domestic animals of improved but not pure stock <grade ewes> <grade breeding>

grade
n. : walking <plantigrade>

grade
n. company grade officer
field grade
grade crossing
grade inflation
grade point
grade point average
grade school
grade schooler
grade separation
grade up
high grade
lieutenant junior grade
lieutenants junior grade
low grade
make the grade
high grading

grade crossing
: a crossing of highways, railroad tracks, or pedestrian walks or combinations of these on the same level

grade inflation
: a rise in the average grade assigned to students especially : the assigning of grades higher than previously assigned for given levels of achievement

grade point
: one of the points assigned to each course credit (as in a college) in accordance with the letter grade earned in the course ― called also quality point

grade point average
: the average obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted ― called also quality point average

grade school
: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
–grade-school·er \'grād-ˌskü-lər\ noun

grade separation
: a highway or railroad crossing using an underpass or overpass

grade up
: to improve by breeding females to purebred males

grader
n. 1 : one that grades
2 : a machine for leveling earth
3 : a pupil in a school grade <a fifth grader>

gradient
n. 1 a : the rate of regular or graded ascent or descent : INCLINATION b : a part sloping upward or downward
2 : change in the value of a quantity (as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit distance in a specified direction
3 : the vector sum of the partial derivatives with respect to the three coordinate variables x, y, and z of a scalar quantity whose value varies from point to point
4 : a graded difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the body or an embryonic field)
5 : change in response with distance from the stimulus

gradiometer
n. : an instrument for measuring the gradient of a physical quantity (as the earth's magnetic field)

gradual
adj. 1 : a book containing the choral parts of the Mass
2 : a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

gradual
adj. 1 : proceeding by steps or degrees
2 : moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
–grad·u·al·ly adverb
–grad·u·al·ness noun

gradualism
n. 1 : the policy of approaching a desired end by gradual stages
2 : the evolution of new species by gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time also : a theory or model of evolution emphasizing this ― compare PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM
–grad·u·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–grad·u·al·is·tic \ˌgra-jə(-wə)-'lis-tik\ adjective

graduand
n. British : one about to graduate : a candidate for a degree

graduate
n. 1 : a holder of an academic degree or diploma
2 : a graduated cup, cylinder, or flask

graduate
n. 1 : holding an academic degree or diploma
2 : of, relating to, or engaged in studies beyond the first or bachelor's degree <graduate school> <a graduate student>

graduate
n. transitive verb
1 a : to grant an academic degree or diploma to b : to be graduated from
2 a : to mark with degrees of measurement b : to divide into grades or intervals
3 : to admit to a particular standing or grade
intransitive verb
1 : to receive an academic degree or diploma
2 : to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one
3 : to change gradually
–grad·u·a·tor \-ˌwā-tər\ noun
usage In the 19th century the transitive sense (1a) was prescribed; the intransitive <I graduated from college> was condemned. The intransitive prevailed nonetheless, and today it is the sense likely to be prescribed and the newer transitive sense (1b) <she graduated high school> the one condemned. All three are standard. The intransitive is currently the most common, the new transitive the least common.

graduated
adj. of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : PROGRESSIVE <a graduated income tax>

graduated cylinder
: a tall narrow container with a volume scale used especially for measuring liquids

graduation
n. 1 : a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity also : these marks
2 a : the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma b : COMMENCEMENT
3 : arrangement in degrees or ranks

Graeco
― see GRECO-

graffiti
n. : to draw graffiti on : to deface with graffiti <graffitied walls>

graffiti
n. : usu. unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface
usage Graffiti, which also serves as the plural of graffito, is commonly used as a singular mass noun <graffiti⋯was depressing people who rode the subways ― New Yorker> <graffiti comes in various styles ― S. K. Oberbeck>. This use is well established although not yet as well established as the mass-noun use of data. Use of graffiti as a singular count noun is still quite rare and is not standard.

graffito
n. : an inscription or drawing made on some public surface (as a rock or wall) also : a message or slogan written as or as if as a graffito
–graf·fi·tist \-'fē-tist\ noun

graft
n. 1 a : a grafted plant b : SCION 1 c : the point of insertion of a scion upon a stock
2 a : the act of grafting b : something grafted specifically : living tissue used in grafting

graft
n. 1 a : to cause (a scion) to unite with a stock also : to unite (plants or scion and stock) to form a graft b : to propagate (a plant) by grafting
2 a : to join or unite as if by grafting b : to attach (a chemical unit) to a main molecular chain
3 : to implant (living tissue) surgically
intransitive verb
1 : to become grafted
2 : to perform grafting
–graft·er noun

graft
n. chiefly British : WORK, LABOR

graft
n. transitive verb : to get (illicit gain) by graft
intransitive verb : to practice graft

graft
n. : the acquisition of gain (as money) in dishonest or questionable ways also : illegal or unfair gain

graft
n. graft versus host disease
skin graft
skin grafting

graft-versus-host disease
: a potentially fatal bodily condition that results when T cells from a tissue or organ transplant and especially a bone marrow transplant react immunologically against the recipient's antigens attacking cells and tissues

graftage
: the principles and practice of grafting

Graham
n. John 1648-1689 Graham of Claverhouse; Bonnie Dundee; 1st Viscount of Dundee Scot. Jacobite

Graham
n. Martha 1893-1991 American choreographer & dancer

Graham
n. Thomas 1805-1869 Scot. chem.

Graham
n. William Franklin 1918-     Billy Graham American evangelist

Graham
n. graham cracker
graham flour
Graham Land

graham cracker
: a slightly sweet cracker made of whole wheat flour

graham flour
: whole wheat flour

Graham Land
the N section of the Antarctic Peninsula

Grahame
Kenneth 1859-1932 Brit. writer

Grahamstown
city S Republic of South Africa in Eastern Cape province ENE of Port Elizabeth pop 41,302

Graian Alps
section of W Alps S of Mont Blanc on border bet. France & Italy ― see GRAN PARADISO

grail
n. 1 capitalized : the cup or platter used according to medieval legend by Christ at the Last Supper and thereafter the object of knightly quests
2 : the object of an extended or difficult quest

grain
n. 1 a (1) obsolete : a single small hard seed (2) : a seed or fruit of a cereal grass : CARYOPSIS b : the seeds or fruits of various food plants including the cereal grasses and in commercial and statutory usage other plants (as the soybean) c : plants producing grain
2 a (1) : a small hard particle or crystal (2) : any of the particles produced in a photographic material by its development also : the size of such grains in the aggregate (3) : an individual crystal in a metal b : a minute portion or particle c : the least amount possible <a grain of truth>
3 a : kermes or a scarlet dye made from it b : cochineal or a brilliant scarlet dye made from it c : a fast dye d archaic : COLOR, TINT
4 a : a granulated surface or appearance b : the outer or hair side of a skin or hide
5 : a unit of weight based on the weight of a grain of wheat taken as an average of the weight of grains from the middle of the ear ― see WEIGHT table
6 a : the stratification of the wood fibers in a piece of wood b : a texture due to constituent particles or fibers <the grain of a rock> c : the direction of threads in cloth
7 : tactile quality
8 a : natural disposition : TEMPER <lying goes against my grain> b : a basic or characteristic quality c : a prevalent ideology or convention <teaching against the grain>
–grained \'grānd\ adjective
–grain·less adjective

grain
n. 1 : INGRAIN
2 : to form into grains : GRANULATE
3 : to paint in imitation of the grain of wood or stone
4 : to feed with grain
intransitive verb : to become granular : GRANULATE
–grain·er noun

grain
n. grain alcohol
edge grain
grain elevator
grain of salt
grain sorghum
pollen grain
Grain Coast
grains of paradise
close grained
coarse grained
cross grained
edge grained

grain alcohol
: ETHANOL

Grain Coast
region W Africa in Liberia on Gulf of Guinea

grain elevator
: a building for elevating, storing, discharging, and sometimes processing grain

grain of salt

1647
: a skeptical attitude

grain sorghum
: any of several sorghums cultivated primarily for grain ― compare SORGO

grains of paradise

15th century
: the pungent seeds of a West African plant (Aframomum melegueta) of the ginger family that are used as a spice

grainy
adj. 1 : resembling or having some characteristic of grain : not smooth or fine
2 of a photograph : appearing to be composed of grain-like particles
–grain·i·ness noun

gram
n. : any of several leguminous plants (as a chickpea) grown especially for their seed also : their seeds

gram
n. 1 : a metric unit of mass equal to 1/1000 kilogram and nearly equal to the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density ― see METRIC SYSTEM table
2 : the weight of a gram under the acceleration of gravity

gram
n. : GRANDMOTHER

gram
n. grammar; grammatical

gram
n. : drawing : writing : record <chronogram> <telegram>

gram
n. gram calorie
centimeter gram second
gram atomic weight
gram atom
gram equivalent
gram molecular weight
gram molecule
gram negative
gram positive
Gram's stain
Gram stain
Gram's method
gram variable

gram calorie
: CALORIE 1A

gram equivalent
: the quantity of an element, group, or compound that has a mass in grams equal to the equivalent weight

gram molecular weight
: the mass of one mole of a compound equal in grams to the molecular weight ― called also gram-molecule

Gram's stain
1 : a method for the differential staining of bacteria by treatment with a watery solution of iodine and the iodide of potassium after staining with a triphenylmethane dye (as crystal violet) ― called also Gram's method
2 : the chemicals used in Gram's stain

gram-atomic weight
: the mass of one mole of an element equal in grams to the atomic weight ― called also gram-atom

gram-negative
: not holding the purple dye when stained by Gram's stain ― used chiefly of bacteria

gram-positive
: holding the purple dye when stained by Gram's stain ― used chiefly of bacteria

gram-variable
: staining irregularly or inconsistently by Gram's stain

grama
n. : any of several pasture grasses (genus Bouteloua) of the western U.S.

gramercy
archaic ― used to express gratitude or surprise

gramicidin
n. : any of several toxic crystalline polypeptide antibiotics produced by a soil bacterium (Bacillus brevis) and used against gram-positive bacteria in local infections

gramineous
adj. : of or relating to a grass

graminivorous
adj. : feeding on grass or the seeds of grass <graminivorous locusts> <graminivorous birds>

grammar
n. 1 a : the study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in the sentence b : a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection and syntax
2 a : the characteristic system of inflections and syntax of a language b : a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3 a : a grammar textbook b : speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
4 : the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique <a grammar of the theater> also : a set of such principles or rules
–gram·mar·i·an \grə-'mer-ē-ən\ noun

grammar
n. generative grammar
grammar school
relational grammar
stratificational grammar
transformational grammar
universal grammar

grammar school
1 a : a secondary school emphasizing Latin and Greek in preparation for college b : a British college preparatory school
2 : a school intermediate between primary school and high school
3 : ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

grammatical
adj. 1 : of or relating to grammar
2 : conforming to the rules of grammar <a grammatical sentence>
–gram·mat·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌma-tə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-'ma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–gram·mat·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

grammatical meaning
: the part of meaning that varies from one inflectional form to another (as from plays to played to playing) ― compare LEXICAL MEANING

Gramme
n. Zénobe Théophile 1826-1901 Belg. engineer

gramme
n. chiefly British variant of 2gram

Grammy
n. ― used for the annual presentation of a statuette for notable achievement in the recording industry

gramophone
n. : PHONOGRAPH

Grampian Hills
hills cen Scotland bet. the Lowlands & the Highlands ― see BEN NEVIS

gramps
n. : GRANDFATHER 1A

grampus
n. 1 : a dolphin (Grampus griseus) of temperate and tropical seas also : any of various small cetaceans
2 : the giant whip scorpion (Mastigoproctus giganteus) of the southern U.S.

gran
n. : GRANDMOTHER 1

gran
n. Gran Chaco
Gran Canaria
Gran Paradiso

Gran Chaco
region S cen S. America drained by the Paraguay & its chief W tributaries the Pilcomayo & Bermejo; divided bet. Argentina, Bolivia, & Paraguay

Gran Paradiso
mountain 13,323 ft (4061 m) NW Italy in NW Piedmont; highest in Graian Alps

grana
n. plural of granum

Granada
n. 1 city SW Nicaragua on NW shore of Lake Nicaragua pop 56,232
2 medieval Moorish kingdom S Spain
3 province S Spain in Andalusia bordering on the Mediterranean area 4838 sq mi (12,530 sq km), pop 821,660
4 city, its capital, in the Sierra Nevada pop 240,661

granadilla
n. 1 : any of various usually egg-shaped to football-shaped passion fruits (esp. of Passiflora quadrangularis and P. edulis) that have juicy aromatic pulp : a passionflower that produces granadillas

Granados
Enrique 1867-1916 Span. composer

granary
n. 1 a : a storehouse for threshed grain b : a region producing grain in abundance
2 : a chief source or storehouse

Granby
town Canada in S Que. pop 44,121

Grand
n. 1 river 260 mi (418 km) SW Mich. flowing N & W into Lake Michigan
2 river 300 mi (483 km) NW Mo. flowing SE into Missouri River
3 river 200 mi (322 km) N S.Dak. flowing E into Missouri River
4 the Colorado River from its source to junction with Green River in SE Utah ― a former name
5 ― see NEOSHO

grand
n. 1 a : having more importance than others : FOREMOST b : having higher rank than others bearing the same general designation <the grand champion>
2 a : INCLUSIVE, COMPREHENSIVE <the grand total of all money paid out> b : DEFINITIVE, INCONTROVERTIBLE <grand example>
3 : CHIEF, PRINCIPAL
4 : large and striking in size, scope, extent, or conception <grand design>
5 a : LAVISH, SUMPTUOUS <a grand celebration> b : marked by a regal form and dignity c : fine or imposing in appearance or impression d : LOFTY, SUBLIME <writing in the grand style>
6 a : pretending to social superiority : SUPERCILIOUS b : intended to impress <a person of grand gestures>
7 : very good : WONDERFUL <a grand time>
–grand·ly \'gran-(d)lē\ adverb
–grand·ness \'gran(d)-nəs\ noun
synonyms GRAND, MAGNIFICENT, IMPOSING, STATELY, MAJESTIC, GRANDIOSE mean large and impressive. GRAND adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity <a grand staircase>. MAGNIFICENT implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste <magnificent paintings>. IMPOSING implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness <an imposing edifice>. STATELY may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement <the stately procession>. MAJESTIC combines the implications of IMPOSING and STATELY and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur <a majestic waterfall>. GRANDIOSE implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience <grandiose hydroelectric projects> but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration <grandiose schemes>.

grand
n. 1 : GRAND PIANO
2 plural grand slang : a thousand dollars

grand
n. baby grand
concert grand
grand duchess
grand duchy
grand duke
grand finale
grand fir
Grand Guignol
grand jury
grand juror
Grand Lama
grand larceny
grand mal
grand manner
grand march
grand marshal
grand master
grand old man
grand opera
grand piano
grand prix
grand slam
grand theft
grand tour
grand touring car
grand unified theory
grand unification theory
parlor grand
au grand serieux
au grand sérieux
grand monde
Grand Falls
Grand Atlas
Grand Bahama
Grand Banks
Grand Canal
Grand Canary
Grand Canyon
Grand Cayman
Grand Coulee
Grand Coulee Dam
Grand Forks
Grand Island
Grand Junction
Grand Lac
Grand Manan Island
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Prairie
Grand Rapids
Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Turk
Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
grands prix
a grands frais
à grands frais

Grand Atlas
― see ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Grand Bahama
island Bahamas area 530 sq mi (1373 sq km), pop 46,994

Grand Banks
shoals in W Atlantic SE of Newfoundland

Grand Canal
canal ab 1000 mi (1609 km) long E China from Hangzhou to Tianjin

Grand Canary
island Spain in the Canaries; chief city Las Palmas area 592 sq mi (1533 sq km)

Grand Canyon
gorge of the Colorado NW Ariz. extending from mouth of the Little Colorado W to the Grand Wash Cliffs; over 1 mi (1.6 km) deep; area largely within Grand Canyon National Park ― see MARBLE CANYON

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
reservation NW Ariz. N of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Cayman
― see CAYMAN ISLANDS

Grand Coulee
valley E Wash. extending SSW from S wall of canyon of Columbia River where it turns W in forming the Big Bend

Grand Coulee Dam
dam NE cen Wash. in Columbia River ― see FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT LAKE

grand duchess
1 : a woman who rules a grand duchy in her own right
2 : the wife or widow of a grand duke

grand duchy
: the territory or dominion of a grand duke or grand duchess

grand duke
1 : the sovereign duke of any of various European states
2 : a male descendant of a Russian czar in the male line

Grand Falls
― see CHURCHILL FALLS

grand finale
: a climactic finale (as of an opera)

grand fir
: a lofty fir tree (Abies grandis) of the northwestern chiefly Pacific coastal region of No. America with cylindrical greenish cones and soft wood

Grand Forks
city E N.Dak. on Red River pop 49,321

Grand Guignol
: dramatic entertainment featuring the gruesome or horrible
–Grand Guignol adjective

Grand Island
city SE cen Nebr. near Platte River pop 42,940

Grand Junction
city W Colo. on Colorado River pop 41,986

grand jury
: a jury that examines accusations against persons charged with crime and if the evidence warrants makes formal charges on which the accused persons are later tried
–grand juror noun

Grand Lac
― see TONLE SAP

Grand Lama
: DALAI LAMA

grand larceny
: larceny of property of a value greater than that fixed as constituting petit larceny

grand mal
: severe epilepsy characterized by seizures which are initially tonic and then become clonic and by loss of consciousness also : a seizure characteristic of grand mal

Grand Manan Island
island 20 mi (32 km) long Canada in N.B. at entrance to Bay of Fundy pop 2610

grand manner
: an elevated or grand style (as in music or literature)

grand march
: an opening ceremony at a ball that consists of a march participated in by all the guests

grand marshal
: a person honored as the ceremonial marshal of a parade

grand master
1 : the chief officer of a principal lodge in various fraternal orders (as Freemasonry)
2 : an expert player (as of chess) who has consistently scored high in international competition

grand monde
: great world : high society

grand old man
: a venerated practitioner or former practitioner of an art, profession, or sport <the grand old man of jazz>

grand opera
: opera in which the plot is serious or tragic and the entire text is set to music

grand piano
: a piano with horizontal frame and strings ― compare UPRIGHT PIANO

Grand Portage National Monument
n. historic site NE Minn. on Lake Superior

Grand Prairie
city NE cen Tex. W of Dallas pop 127,427

grand prix
1 : the highest level of international equestrian competition also : a contest at this level
2 : one of a series of international formula car races also : a high-level competition in another sport (as sailing) that is often part of a series

Grand Rapids
city SW Mich. on Grand River pop 197,800

grand slam
1 : the winning of all the tricks in one hand of a card game (as bridge)
2 : a clean sweep or total success specifically : the winning of all the major or specified tournaments on a tour <twice won the tennis grand slam>
3 : a home run hit with the bases loaded
–grand-slam adjective

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
reservation S Utah adjoining Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef national parks

Grand Teton
mountain 13,770 ft (4197 m) W Wyo. in Grand Teton National Park; highest in Teton Range

Grand Teton National Park
n. reservation NW Wyo. including Jackson Lake & main part of Teton Range

grand theft
: GRAND LARCENY

grand tour
1 : an extended tour of the Continent that was formerly a usual part of the education of young British gentlemen
2 : an extensive and usually educational tour

grand touring car
: a usually 2-passenger coupe

Grand Traverse Bay
inlet of Lake Michigan in Mich. on NW coast of Lower Peninsula

Grand Turk
― see TURKS AND CAICOS

grand unified theory
: any of several theories that seek to unite in a single mathematical framework the electromagnetic and weak forces with the strong force or with the strong force and gravity ― called also grand unification theory

grandam
n. 1 or gran·dame \-ˌdām\ a : GRANDMOTHER b : an old woman
2 or grand·dam \-ˌdam, -dəm\ : a dam's or sire's dam ― used of an animal

grandaunt
n. : the aunt of one's father or mother ― called also great-aunt

grandbaby
n. : an infant grandchild

grandchild
n. : the child of one's son or daughter

granddad
n. : GRANDFATHER 1A

granddaddy
n. 1 : GRANDFATHER 1A
2 : one that is the first, earliest, or most venerable of its kind

granddaughter
n. : the daughter of one's son or daughter

Grande
adj. Rio Grande de Cagayan
grande dame
grande dames
grande ecole
grande école
Campo Grande
Casa Grande
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Grande Rio
Grande Prairie
Grande Terre
Rio Grande
Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Norte
Sabana Grande

grande dame
1 : a usually elderly woman of great prestige or ability
2 : GRANDDADDY 2

grande ecole
: great school : French institution of higher education for postbaccalaureate professional or technological training

Grande Prairie
city Canada in W Alta. pop 36,983

Grande, Rio
1 \ˌrē-ō-'grand, -'gran-dē\ river U.S. & Mexico ― see RIO GRANDE
2 \ˌrē-ō-'gran-də, -dē\ river 680 mi (1094 km) E Brazil in Minas Gerais flowing W to unite with Paranaíba River forming Paraná River

Grande-Terre
island French West Indies constituting the E portion of Guadeloupe area 220 sq mi (572 sq km)

grandee
n. : a man of elevated rank or station especially : a Spanish or Portuguese nobleman of the first rank

grandeur
n. 1 : the quality or state of being grand : MAGNIFICENCE <the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome ― E. A. Poe>
2 : an instance or example of grandeur

grandfather
n. 1 a : the father of one's father or mother b : ANCESTOR 1A
2 : GRANDDADDY 2
–grand·fa·ther·ly \-lē\ adjective

grandfather
n. : to permit to continue under a grandfather clause

grandfather
n. grandfather clause
grandfather clock
grandfather's clock

grandfather clause
: a clause creating an exemption based on circumstances previously existing especially : a provision in several southern state constitutions designed to enfranchise poor whites and disenfranchise blacks by waiving high voting requirements for descendants of men voting before 1867

grandfather clock
: a tall pendulum clock that stands on the floor ― called also grandfather grandfather's clock

Grandi
Dino 1895-1988 Conte di Mordano Ital. Fascist polit.

grandiflora
n. : a bush rose derived from crosses of floribunda and hybrid tea roses and characterized by production of blooms both singly and in clusters on the same plant

grandiloquence
n. : a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality especially in language
–gran·dil·o·quent \-kwənt\ adjective
–gran·dil·o·quent·ly adverb

grandiose
adj. 1 : characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration
2 : impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope, effect, or grandeur
synonyms see GRAND
–gran·di·ose·ly adverb
–gran·di·ose·ness noun
–gran·di·os·i·ty \ˌgran-dē-'ä-sə-tē\ noun

grandioso
: in a broad and noble style ― used as a direction in music

grandkid
: GRANDCHILD

grandma
n. : GRANDMOTHER 1

grandmother
n. 1 : the mother of one's father or mother
2 : a female ancestor
–grand·moth·er·ly \-lē\ adjective

grandnephew
n. : a grandson of one's brother or sister

grandniece
n. : a granddaughter of one's brother or sister

grandpa
n. : GRANDFATHER 1A

grandparent
n. : a parent of one's father or mother
–grand·pa·ren·tal \ˌgran(d)-pə-'ren-təl\ adjective
–grand·par·ent·hood \'gran(d)-'per-ent-ˌhu̇d\ noun

grandsire
n. 1 or grand·sir \'gran(t)-sər\ dialect : GRANDFATHER 1A
2 archaic : FOREFATHER
3 archaic : an aged man
4 : a dam's or sire's sire ― used of an animal

grandson
n. : the son of one's son or daughter

grandstand
n. 1 : a usually roofed stand for spectators at a racecourse or stadium
2 : AUDIENCE

grandstand
n. : done for show or to impress onlookers <a grandstand play>

grandstand
n. : to play or act so as to impress onlookers
–grand·stand·er noun

granduncle
n. : an uncle of one's father or mother

Grandview
city W Mo. pop 24,881

grange
n. 1 archaic : GRANARY, BARN
2 : FARM especially : a farmhouse with outbuildings
3 capitalized : one of the lodges of a national fraternal association orig. made up of farmers also : the association itself

Grangemouth
burgh & port cen Scotland on Firth of Forth pop 21,666

granger
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a Grange
2 chiefly West : FARMER, HOMESTEADER

grangerism
: the policy or methods of the grangers

Granicus
― see KOCABAS

granita
n. : a coarse-textured ice confection typically made from fruit

granite
n. 1 : a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments
2 : unyielding firmness or endurance <the cold granite of Puritan formalism ― V. L. Parrington>
–gran·ite·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–gra·nit·ic \gra-'ni-tik\ adjective
–gran·it·oid \'gra-nə-ˌtȯid\ adjective

Granite City
city SW Ill. on Mississippi River pop 31,301

Granite Peak
mountain 12,799 ft (3901 m) S Mont. in Beartooth Range (spur of Absaroka Range); highest point in state

graniteware
n. : ironware with grayish or bluish mottled enamel

granivorous
adj. : feeding on seeds or grain <granivorous rodents>

granny
n. 1 a : GRANDMOTHER 1 b : a fussy person
2 chiefly Southern & south Midland : MIDWIFE

granny
n. granny dress
granny flat
granny glasses
granny knot
Granny Smith

granny dress
: a long loose-fitting dress usually with high neck and long sleeves

granny flat
chiefly British : an apartment that is adjacent to the main living quarters of a house

granny glasses
: spectacles with usually small oval, round, or square lenses and metal frames

granny knot
: an insecure knot often made instead of a square knot ― see KNOT illustration

Granny Smith
: a tart green apple of Australian origin

grano
: granite : granitic <granodiorite>

granodiorite
n. : a granular intrusive quartzose igneous rock intermediate between granite and quartz-containing diorite with plagioclase predominant over orthoclase
–grano·di·o·rit·ic \-ˌdī-ə-'ri-tik\ adjective

granola
n. : a mixture typically of rolled oats and various added ingredients (as brown sugar, raisins, coconut, and nuts) that is eaten especially for breakfast or as a snack

granolithic
: relating to or composed of a mixture of crushed granite and cement

granophyre
: a porphyritic igneous rock chiefly of feldspar and quartz with granular groundmass
–grano·phyr·ic \ˌgran-ə-'fir-ik\ adjective

Grant
n. Cary 1904-1986 orig. Archibald Alexander Leach American (Brit.-born) actor

Grant
n. Ulysses S. 1822-1885 orig. Hiram Ulysses Grant American gen.; 18th pres. of the U.S. (1869-77)

grant
n. 1 a : to consent to carry out for a person : allow fulfillment of <grant a request> b : to permit as a right, privilege, or favor <luggage allowances granted to passengers>
2 : to bestow or transfer formally <grant a scholarship to a student> specifically : to give the possession or title of by a deed
3 a : to be willing to concede b : to assume to be true <granting that you are correct, you may find it hard to prove your point>
–grant·able \'gran-tə-bəl\ adjective
–grant·er \-tər\ noun
–grant·or \'gran-tər, -ˌtȯr; gran-'tȯr\ noun
synonyms GRANT, CONCEDE, VOUCHSAFE, ACCORD, AWARD mean to give as a favor or a right. GRANT implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld <granted them a new hearing>. CONCEDE implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim <even her critics concede she can be charming>. VOUCHSAFE implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension <vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples>. ACCORD implies giving to another what is due or proper <accorded all the honors befitting a head of state>. AWARD implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors <awarded the company a huge defense contract>.

grant
n. 1 : the act of granting
2 : something granted especially : a gift (as of land or money) for a particular purpose
3 a : a transfer of property by deed or writing b : the instrument by which such a transfer is made also : the property so transferred
4 : a minor territorial division of Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont orig. granted by the state to an individual or institution

grant
n. block grant
grant in aid
Grant's gazelle
land grant
grants in aid
Grants Pass
take for granted

Grant's gazelle
: a large tan gazelle (Gazella granti) of eastern Africa from the Sudan and Ethiopia to Kenya and Uganda with long graceful horns and a white rump bordered with black

grant-in-aid
1 : a grant or subsidy for public funds paid by a central to a local government in aid of a public undertaking
2 : a grant or subsidy to a school or individual for an educational or artistic project

grantee
n. : one to whom a grant is made

Grants Pass
city SW Oreg. pop 23,003

grantsman
n. : a specialist in grantsmanship

grantsmanship
n. : the art of obtaining grants (as for research)

granul
: granule <granulocyte>

granular
adj. : consisting of or appearing to consist of granules : GRAINY
–gran·u·lar·i·ty \ˌgran-yə-'ler-ə-tē\ noun

granulate
v. transitive verb : to form or crystallize into grains or granules
intransitive verb : to form granulations <an open granulating wound>
–gran·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

granulation
n. 1 : the act or process of granulating : the condition of being granulated
2 : one of the minute red granules of new capillaries formed on the surface of a wound in healing
3 : GRANULE 2

granulation tissue
: tissue made up of granulations that temporarily replaces lost tissue in a wound

granule
n. 1 : a small particle especially : one of numerous particles forming a larger unit
2 : any of the small short-lived brilliant spots on the sun's photosphere

granulite
n. : a granular metamorphic rock consisting mainly of feldspar and quartz
–gran·u·lit·ic \ˌgran-yə-'li-tik\ adjective

granulocyte
n. : a polymorphonuclear white blood cell with granule-containing cytoplasm
–gran·u·lo·cyt·ic \ˌgran-yə-lō-'si-tik\ adjective

granulocytopoiesis
n. : the formation of blood granulocytes typically in the bone marrow

granuloma
n. : a mass or nodule of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations that is usually associated with an infective process
–gran·u·lo·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

granuloma inguinale
: a sexually transmitted disease characterized by ulceration and formation of granulations on the genitalia and in the groin area and caused by a bacterium (Calymmatobacterium granulomatis syn. Donovania granulomatis)

granulosa cell
: one of the estrogen-secreting cells of the epithelial lining of a graafian follicle or its follicular precursor

granulose
adj. : GRANULAR especially : having the surface roughened with granules

granulosis
n. : any of several diseases of lepidopteran larvae marked by minute granular inclusions in infected cells and caused by viruses (genus Granulovirus of the family Baculoviridae)

granum
n. : one of the lamellar stacks of chlorophyll-containing thylakoids found in plant chloroplasts

Granville-Barker
Harley 1877-1946 Eng. actor, manager, & dram.

grape
n. 1 : a smooth-skinned juicy greenish-white to deep red or purple berry eaten dried or fresh as a fruit or fermented to produce wine
2 : any of numerous woody vines (genus Vitis of the family Vitaceae, the grape family) that usually climb by tendrils, produce clustered fruits that are grapes, and are nearly cosmopolitan in cultivation
3 : GRAPESHOT
–grape·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

grape
n. fox grape
grape hyacinth
grape sugar
Oregon grape
sea grape
sour grapes

grape hyacinth
: any of several small bulbous spring-flowering herbs (genus Muscari) of the lily family with racemes of usually blue flowers

grape sugar
: DEXTROSE

grapefruit
n. 1 plural grapefruit or grapefruits : a large citrus fruit with a bitter yellow rind and inner skin and a highly flavored somewhat acid juicy pulp
2 : a small roundheaded tree (Citrus paradisi) of the rue family that produces grapefruit

grapeshot
n. : an antipersonnel weapon consisting of a cluster of small iron balls shot from a cannon

Grapevine
n. city N Tex. NE of Fort Worth pop 42,059

grapevine
n. 1 : GRAPE 2
2 a : an informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip <heard about the meeting through the grapevine> b : a secret source of information

grapey
adj. variant of grapy

graph
n. 1 : the collection of all points whose coordinates satisfy a given relation (as a function)
2 : a diagram (as a series of one or more points, lines, line segments, curves, or areas) that represents the variation of a variable in comparison with that of one or more other variables
3 : a collection of vertices and edges that join pairs of vertices

graph
n. 1 : to represent by a graph
2 : to plot on a graph

graph
n. 1 : a written or printed representation of a basic unit of speech (as a phoneme or syllable) especially : GRAPHEME 1
2 : a single occurrence of a letter of an alphabet in any of its various shapes

graph
n. 1 : something written or drawn <monograph>
2 [French -graphe, from Late Latin -graphus] : instrument for making or transmitting records or images <chronograph>

graph
n. bar graph
circle graph
graph paper
graph theory
line graph

graph paper
: paper ruled for drawing graphs

graph theory
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of graphs

grapheme
n. 1 : a unit (as a letter or digraph) of a writing system
2 : the set of units of a writing system (as letters and letter combinations) that represent a phoneme
–gra·phe·mic \gra-'fē-mik\ adjective
–gra·phe·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

graphemics
: the study and analysis of a writing system in terms of graphemes

graphic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the pictorial arts also : PICTORIAL b : of, relating to, or involving such reproductive methods as those of engraving, etching, lithography, photography, serigraphy, and woodcut c : of or relating to the art of printing d : relating or according to graphics
2 : formed by writing, drawing, or engraving
3 usually graphic a : marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description b : vividly or plainly shown or described <a graphic sex scene>
4 usually graphical : of, relating to, or represented by a graph
5 : of or relating to the written or printed word or the symbols or devices used in writing or printing to represent sound or convey meaning
–graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–graph·ic·ness \-fik-nəs\ noun
synonyms GRAPHIC, VIVID, PICTURESQUE mean giving a clear visual impression in words. GRAPHIC stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture <a graphic account of combat>. VIVID suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something <a vivid re-creation of an exciting event>. PICTURESQUE suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm <a picturesque account of his travels>.

graphic
adj. 1 a : a product of graphic art b plural : the graphic media
2 a : a graphic representation (as a picture, map, or graph) used especially for illustration b : a pictorial image displayed on a computer screen <the program's graphics are impressive> c plural but singular or plural in construction : the art or science of drawing a representation of an object on a two-dimensional surface according to mathematical rules of projection
3 plural but singular or plural in construction : the process whereby a computer displays graphics
4 : a printed message superimposed on a television picture

graphic
adj. : written or transmitted in a (specified) way <stylographic> <telegraphic>

graphic
adj. graphic arts
graphic design
graphic designer
graphic equalizer
graphic novel
graphical user interface

graphic arts
: the fine and applied arts of representation, decoration, and writing or printing on flat surfaces together with the techniques and crafts associated with them

graphic design
: the art or profession of using design elements (as typography and images) to convey information or create an effect also : a product of this art
–graphic designer noun

graphic equalizer
: an electronic device for adjusting the frequency response of an audio system by means of a number of controls each of which adjusts the response for a band centered on a particular frequency

graphic novel
: a fictional story that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book

graphical user interface
: a computer program designed to allow a computer user to interact easily with the computer typically by making choices from menus or groups of icons

graphics tablet
: a device by which pictorial information is entered into a computer in a manner similar to drawing

graphite
n. 1 : a soft black lustrous form of carbon that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors
2 : a composite material in which carbon fibers are the reinforcing material
–gra·phit·ic \gra-'fi-tik\ adjective

graphitize
v. : to convert into graphite
–graph·i·tiz·able \-ˌtī-zə-bəl, -ˌfīt-īz-\ adjective
–graph·i·ti·za·tion \ˌgra-fə-tə-'zā-shən, -ˌfī-\ noun

grapho
pref. : writing <grapholect>

grapholect
: a standard written language

graphologist
n. : a specialist in graphology

graphology
n. : the study of handwriting especially for the purpose of character analysis
–graph·o·log·i·cal \ˌgra-fə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

graphy
1 : writing or representation in a (specified) manner or by a (specified) means or of a (specified) object <stenography> <photography>
2 : writing on a (specified) subject or in a (specified) field <hagiography>

grapnel
n. : a small anchor with usually four or five flukes used especially to recover a sunken object or to anchor a small boat ― see ANCHOR illustration

grappa
n. : a dry colorless brandy distilled from fermented grape pomace

grapple
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of grappling b : a hand-to-hand struggle c : a contest for superiority or mastery
2 : a bucket similar to a clamshell but usually having more jaws

grapple
n. transitive verb
1 : to seize with or as if with a grapple
2 : to come to grips with : WRESTLE
3 : to bind closely
intransitive verb
1 : to make a ship fast with a grappling hook
2 : to come to grips
3 : to use a grapple
–grap·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

grappling
n. 1 : GRAPNEL
2 : GRAPPLING HOOK

grappling hook
: a hook usually with multiple prongs that is typically attached to a rope and is used for grabbing, grappling, or gripping ― called also grappling iron

graptolite
n. : any of an extinct class (Graptolithina) of hemichordate colonial marine animals of the Paleozoic era with zooids contained in conical cups along a chitinous support

grapy
adj. : of or relating to grapes especially of wine : having the taste or aroma of fresh grapes
–grap·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

GRAS
generally recognized as safe; generally regarded as safe

GRAS
foie gras
Mardi Gras
pate de foie gras
pâtés de foie gras
pâté de foie gras

Grasmere
lake 1 mi (1.6 km) long NW England in Cumbria in Lake District

grasp
n. intransitive verb : to make the motion of seizing : CLUTCH
transitive verb
1 : to take or seize eagerly
2 : to clasp or embrace especially with the fingers or arms
3 : to lay hold of with the mind : COMPREHEND
synonyms see TAKE
–grasp·able \'gras-pə-bəl\ adjective
–grasp·er noun
–grasp at straws : to reach for or try anything in desperation
–grasp the nettle : to act boldly

grasp
n. 1 a : HANDLE b : EMBRACE
2 : HOLD, CONTROL
3 a : the reach of the arms b : the power of seizing and holding or attaining <success lay within their grasp>
4 : mental hold or comprehension especially when broad <a remarkable grasp of the subject>

grasp at straws
to reach for or try anything in desperation

grasp the nettle
to act boldly

grasping
adj. : desiring material possessions urgently and excessively and often to the point of ruthlessness
synonyms see COVETOUS
–grasp·ing·ly \'gras-piŋ-lē\ adverb
–grasp·ing·ness noun

Grass
n. Günter Wilhelm 1927-     Ger. writer

grass
n. 1 : herbage suitable or used for grazing animals
2 : any of a large family (Gramineae syn. Poaceae) of monocotyledonous mostly herbaceous plants with jointed stems, slender sheathing leaves, and flowers borne in spikelets of bracts
3 : land (as a lawn or a turf racetrack) covered with growing grass <keep off the grass> <the horse had never won on grass>
4 plural : leaves or plants of grass
5 : a state or place of retirement <put out to grass>
6 [short for grasshopper, rhyming slang for copper] slang British : a police informer
7 : electronic noise on a radarscope that takes the form of vertical lines resembling lawn grass
8 : MARIJUANA
–grass·less \-ləs\ adjective
–grass·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

grass
n. 1 : to feed (livestock) on grass sometimes without grain or other concentrates
2 : to cover with grass especially : to seed to grass
intransitive verb
1 : to produce grass
2 slang British : INFORM 2 ― often used with on

grass
n. esparto grass
foxtail grass
harding grass
Bahia grass
barnyard grass
beach grass
bear grass
bent grass
Bermuda grass
blue eyed grass
buffalo grass
cotton grass
couch grass
cut grass
Dallis grass
elephant grass
fountain grass
gama grass
grass carp
grass cloth
grass court
grass roots
grass tree
grass widow
grass widower
guinea grass
Indian grass
love grass
manna grass
marram grass
meadow grass
napier grass
nut grass
oat grass
orchard grass
pampas grass
pangola grass
panic grass
quack grass
Rhodes grass
Saint Augustine grass
salt grass
saw grass
scurvy grass
sea grass
short grass prairie
snake in the grass
sour grass
star grass
Sudan grass
sword grass
tall fescue grass
tape grass
turtle grass
tussock grass
wire grass
yard grass

grass carp
: an herbivorous cyprinid fish (Ctenopharyngodon idella) of eastern Asia that has been introduced elsewhere to control aquatic weeds ― called also white amur

grass cloth
: a lustrous plain textile of usually loosely woven fibers

grass court
: a tennis court with a grass surface

grass roots
1 : the very foundation or source
2 : the basic level of society or of an organization especially as viewed in relation to higher or more centralized positions of power

grass tree
: any of a genus (Xanthorrhoea) of Australian plants of the lily family with a thick woody trunk bearing a cluster of stiff linear leaves and a terminal spike of small flowers

grass widow
1 chiefly dialect a : a discarded mistress b : a woman who has had an illegitimate child
2 a : a woman whose husband is temporarily away from her b : a woman divorced or separated from her husband

grass widower
1 : a man divorced or separated from his wife
2 : a man whose wife is temporarily away from him

Grasse
François-Joseph-Paul 1722-1788 Comte de Grasse & Marquis de Grasse-Tilly \-tē-'yē\ Fr. naval officer

Grasse
commune SE France W of Nice pop 43,848

grasshopper
n. 1 : any of numerous plant-eating orthopterous insects (Acrididae, Tettigoniidae, and some related families) having the hind legs adapted for leaping and sometimes engaging in migratory flights in which whole regions may be stripped of vegetation
2 : a cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and light cream

grasshopper
n. grasshopper sparrow
long horned grasshopper
red legged grasshopper
short horned grasshopper

grasshopper sparrow
: a small American sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) that is grayish brown above with a pale belly and has a high-pitched buzzing song that resembles the stridulation of grasshoppers

grassland
n. 1 : farmland occupied chiefly by forage plants and especially grasses
2 a : land on which the natural dominant plant forms are grasses and forbs b : an ecological community in which the characteristic plants are grasses

Grasslands National Park
n. reservation Canada in SW Sask.

grassroots
n. 1 : BASIC, FUNDAMENTAL <the grassroots factor in deciding to buy a house>
2 : being, originating, or operating in or at the grass roots <a grassroots organization> <grassroots political support>
3 : not adapted from or added to an existing facility or operation : totally new <a grassroots refinery>

grassy
adj. 1 a : covered or abounding with grass <grassy lawns> b : having a flavor or odor of grass <grassy tea> <wine with a grassy bouquet>
2 : resembling grass especially in color

grat
past of greet

grata
adj. non grata
persona grata
persona non grata

grate
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : ABRADE
2 : to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough <grate cheese>
3 : FRET, IRRITATE
4 a : to gnash or grind noisily b : to cause to make a rasping sound c : to utter in a harsh voice
intransitive verb
1 : to rub or rasp noisily
2 : to cause irritation : JAR <a voice that grates on the nerves>
–grat·er noun
–grat·ing·ly \'grā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

grate
n. 1 a : a barred frame for cooking over a fire b : a frame or bed of iron bars to hold a stove or furnace fire c : FIREPLACE
2 : GRATING 2
3 obsolete : CAGE, PRISON

grate
n. : to furnish with a grate

grateful
adj. 1 a : appreciative of benefits received b : expressing gratitude <grateful thanks>
2 a : affording pleasure or contentment : PLEASING b : pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated
–grate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–grate·ful·ness noun

gratia
n. exempli gratia
ex gratia
Dei gratia

Gratian
359-383 Rom. emp. (367-383)

graticule
n. 1 : RETICLE
2 : the network of lines of latitude and longitude upon which a map is drawn

gratification
n. 1 : REWARD, RECOMPENSE especially : GRATUITY
2 : the act of gratifying : the state of being gratified
3 : a source of satisfaction or pleasure

gratify
v. 1 archaic : REMUNERATE, REWARD
2 : to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to <it gratified him to have his wife wear jewels ― Willa Cather>
3 : to give in to : INDULGE, SATISFY <gratify a whim>

gratifying
adj. : giving pleasure or satisfaction : PLEASING <a gratifying result>
–grat·i·fy·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

gratin
adj. 1 : a brown crust formed on food that has been cooked au gratin also : a dish so cooked
2 : UPPER CRUST <the gratin of London society>

gratine
: AU GRATIN

gratinee
: to cook au gratin

grating
n. 1 : a wooden or metal lattice used to close or floor an opening
2 : a partition, covering, or frame of parallel bars or crossbars
3 : a system of close equidistant and parallel lines or bars ruled on a polished surface to produce spectra by diffraction

gratis
adj. : without charge or recompense : FREE <the food was supplied gratis>

gratitude
n. : the state of being grateful : THANKFULNESS

Grattan
Henry 1746-1820 Irish orator & statesman

gratuitous
adj. 1 a : given unearned or without recompense b : not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration c : costing nothing : FREE
2 : not called for by the circumstances : UNWARRANTED <gratuitous insolence> <a gratuitous assumption>
–gra·tu·itous·ly adverb
–gra·tu·itous·ness noun

gratuity
n. : something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service especially : TIP

gratulate
v. archaic : CONGRATULATE
–grat·u·la·tion \ˌgra-chə-'lā-shən\ noun
–grat·u·la·to·ry \'gra-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Grau San Martin
Ramón 1887-1969 Cuban physician & polit.; pres. of Cuba (1944-48)

Graubunden
canton E Switzerland capital Chur area 2745 sq mi (7110 sq km), pop 185,700

Graudenz
― see GRUDZIADZ

graupel
n. : granular snow pellets ― called also soft hail

Graustark
: an imaginary land of high romance also : a highly romantic piece of writing
–Grau·stark·ian \grau̇-'stär-kē-ən, grȯ-\ adjective

gravamen
n. : the material or significant part of a grievance or complaint

grave
n. 1 archaic : DIG, EXCAVATE
2 a : to carve or shape with a chisel : SCULPTURE b : to carve or cut (as letters or figures) into a hard surface : ENGRAVE
3 : to impress or fix (as a thought) deeply

grave
n. 1 : an excavation for burial of a body broadly : a burial place
2 a : DEATH 1A b : DEATH 4

grave
n. : to clean and pay with pitch <grave a ship's bottom>

grave
n. 1 a obsolete : AUTHORITATIVE, WEIGHTY b : meriting serious consideration : IMPORTANT <grave problems> c : likely to produce great harm or danger <a grave mistake> d : significantly serious : CONSIDERABLE, GREAT <grave importance>
2 : having a serious and dignified quality or demeanor <a grave and thoughtful look>
3 : drab in color : SOMBER
4 : low-pitched in sound
5 a of an accent mark : having the form ` b : marked with a grave accent c : of the variety indicated by a grave accent
synonyms see SERIOUS
–grave·ly adverb
–grave·ness noun

grave
n. : a grave accent ` used to show that a vowel is pronounced with a fall of pitch (as in ancient Greek), that a vowel has a certain quality (as è in French), that a final e is stressed and close and that a final o is stressed and low (as in Italian), that a syllable has a degree of stress between maximum and minimum (as in phonetic transcription), or that the e of the English ending -ed is to be pronounced (as in “this cursèd day”)

grave
n. : slowly and solemnly ― used as a direction in music

grave
n. Graves' disease
graving dock
graven image

gravel
n. 1 obsolete : SAND
2 a : loose rounded fragments of rock b : a stratum or deposit of gravel also : a surface covered with gravel <a gravel road>
3 : small calculi in the kidneys and urinary bladder

gravel
n. 1 : to cover or spread with gravel
2 a : PERPLEX, CONFOUND b : IRRITATE, NETTLE <disappointed⋯and graveled him a good deal ― Mark Twain>

gravel
n. : GRAVELLY 2 ― used of the human voice

gravel-blind
: having very weak vision

graveless
adj. 1 : not buried <these graveless bones>
2 : not requiring graves : DEATHLESS <the graveless home of the blessed>

gravelly
adj. 1 : of, containing, or covered with gravel
2 : having a rough or grating sound <a gravelly voice>

graven image
: an object of worship carved usually from wood or stone : IDOL

Gravenhage
Gravenhage 's
's Gravenhage
s Gravenhage

Gravenhage, 's
― see HAGUE (The)

graver
n. 1 : SCULPTOR, ENGRAVER
2 : any of various cutting or shaving tools used in graving or in hand metal-turning

Graves
n. Robert Ranke 1895-1985 Brit. author

Graves' disease
: a common form of hyperthyroidism characterized by goiter and often a slight protrusion of the eyeballs

Gravesend
town SE England in Kent pop 52,963

graveside
n. : the area beside a grave <at graveside>

gravestone
n. : a burial monument

graveyard
n. 1 : CEMETERY
2 : something resembling a graveyard <an automobile graveyard>

graveyard shift
: a work shift beginning late at night (as 11 o'clock) also : the workers on such a shift

gravi
: weight <gravimetric>

gravid
adj. 1 : PREGNANT
2 : distended with or full of eggs <a gravid fish>
–gra·vid·i·ty \gra-'vi-də-tē\ noun

gravida
n. : a pregnant woman ― often used with a number to indicate the number of pregnancies a woman has had <a gravida 4>

gravimeter
n. : a sensitive weighing instrument for measuring variations in the gravitational field of the earth or moon

gravimetric
adj. 1 : of or relating to measurement by weight
2 : of or relating to variations in the gravitational field determined by means of a gravimeter
–gravi·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

gravimetry
n. : the measurement of weight, a gravitational field, or density

graving dock
: DRY DOCK

gravitas
n. : high seriousness (as in a person's bearing or in the treatment of a subject)

gravitate
v. 1 : to move under the influence of gravitation
2 a : to move toward something b : to be drawn or attracted especially by natural inclination <youngsters⋯gravitate toward a strong leader ― Rose Friedman>

gravitation
n. 1 : a force manifested by acceleration toward each other of two free material particles or bodies or of radiant-energy quanta : GRAVITY 3A(2)
2 : the action or process of gravitating
–grav·i·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–grav·i·ta·tion·al·ly adverb
–grav·i·ta·tive \'gra-və-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective

gravitation
n. gravitational force
gravitational lens
gravitational radiation
gravitational wave

gravitational lens
: a massive celestial object (as a galaxy) that bends and focuses the light of another more distant object (as a quasar) by gravity and that is usually detected by the multiple images it forms of the second object

gravitational radiation
: a series of gravitational waves also : the generation of such waves (as by a celestial object)

gravitational wave
: a hypothetical wave held to travel at the speed of light and to propagate the gravitational field

gravitino
: a hypothetical fermion that is associated with the graviton in theories of supergravity

graviton
n. : a hypothetical particle with zero charge and rest mass that is held to be the quantum of the gravitational field

gravity
n. 1 a : dignity or sobriety of bearing b : IMPORTANCE, SIGNIFICANCE especially : SERIOUSNESS c : a serious situation or problem
2 : WEIGHT
3 a (1) : the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface (2) : a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions which occur because of mass between particles, between aggregations of matter (as stars and planets), and between particles (as photons) and aggregations of matter, that is 10^39 times weaker than the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over macroscopic distances especially between aggregations of matter ― called also gravitation gravitational force ― compare ELECTROMAGNETISM 2a STRONG FORCE, WEAK FORCE b : ACCELERATION OF GRAVITY c : SPECIFIC GRAVITY

gravity
n. acceleration of gravity
center of gravity
gravity wave
specific gravity
zero gravity

gravity wave
1 : a wave in a fluid (as the ocean or the atmosphere) which is propagated because of the tendency of gravity to maintain a uniform level or in which gravity is the restoring force
2 : GRAVITATIONAL WAVE

gravlax
n. : salmon usually cured with salt, pepper, dill, and aquavit

gravure
n. : PHOTOGRAVURE

gravy
n. 1 : a sauce made from the thickened and seasoned juices of cooked meat
2 a : something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable <with expenses now paid, future money is pure gravy ― K. Crossen> b : unearned or illicit gain : 5GRAFT

gravy train
: a much exploited source of easy money also : GRAVY 2A

Gray
n. Asa 1810-1888 American botanist

Gray
n. Thomas 1716-1771 Eng. poet

gray
n. 1 a : of the color gray b : tending toward gray <blue-gray eyes> c : dull in color
2 : having the hair gray : HOARY
3 : clothed in gray
4 a : lacking cheer or brightness in mood, outlook, style, or flavor also : DISMAL, GLOOMY <a gray day> b : prosaically ordinary : DULL, UNINTERESTING
5 : having an intermediate and often vaguely defined position, condition, or character <an ethically gray area>
–gray·ly adverb
–gray·ness noun

gray
n. 1 : something (as an animal, garment, cloth, or spot) of a gray color
2 : any of a series of neutral colors ranging between black and white
3 a : a soldier in the Confederate army during the American Civil War b often capitalized : the Confederate army

gray
n. : to make gray
intransitive verb
1 : to become gray <graying hair>
2 : AGE also : to contain an increasing percentage of older people

gray
n. : the mks unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation equal to an energy of one joule per kilogram of irradiated material ― abbreviation Gy

gray
n. African gray
gray birch
gray eminence
gray fox
gray market
gray matter
gray scale
gray squirrel
gray water
gray whale
gray wolf
iron gray
pearl gray
Grays Harbor
Grays Peak
Earl Grey
grey friar

gray birch
1 : a small birch (Betula populifolia) of northeastern No. America that has many lateral branches, grayish-white bark, triangular leaves, and soft weak wood and that occurs especially in old fields reverting to woodland
2 : YELLOW BIRCH

gray eminence
: a person who exercises power behind the scenes

gray fox
: a fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) with coarse gray hair and white underparts that occurs from southern Canada to northern So. America

gray market
: a market employing irregular but not illegal methods especially : a market that legally circumvents authorized channels of distribution to sell goods at prices lower than those intended by the manufacturer

gray matter
1 : neural tissue especially of the brain and spinal cord that contains nerve-cell bodies as well as nerve fibers and has a brownish-gray color
2 : BRAINS, INTELLECT

gray scale
: a series of regularly spaced tones ranging from black to white through intermediate shades of gray also : an image composed solely of gray scale tones
–gray·scale \'grā-ˌskāl\ adjective

gray squirrel
: a common light gray to black squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) that is native to eastern No. America and has been introduced into Great Britain and So. Africa

gray water
: household wastewater (as from a sink or bath) that does not contain serious contaminants (as from toilets or diapers)

gray whale
: a large baleen whale (Eschrichtius robustus) of the northern Pacific having short jaws and no dorsal fin

gray wolf
: a large usually gray Holarctic wolf (Canis lupus) now rare in the more southern parts of its range ― called also timber wolf

graybeard
n. : an old man

grayfish
n. : DOGFISH

grayish
adj. 1 : somewhat gray
2 of a color : low in saturation

grayling
n. : any of several freshwater salmonoid fishes (genus Thymallus) valued as food and sport fishes

Grays Harbor
inlet of the Pacific W Wash.

Grays Peak
mountain 14,270 ft (4349 m) cen Colo.; highest in Front Range

Grayson
David ― see Ray Stannard BAKER

graywacke
n. : a coarse usually dark gray sandstone or fine-grained conglomerate composed of firmly cemented fragments (as of quartz or feldspar)

Graz
city S Austria on the Mur; chief city of Styria pop 226,244

graze
n. intransitive verb
1 : to feed on growing herbage, attached algae, or phytoplankton
2 : to eat small portions of food throughout the day
transitive verb
1 a : to crop and eat in the field b : to feed on the herbage of
2 a : to put to graze <grazed the cows on the meadow> b : to put cattle to graze on
3 : to supply herbage for the grazing of
–graze·able or graz·able \'grā-zə-bəl\ adjective
–graz·er noun

graze
n. 1 : an act of grazing
2 : herbage for grazing

graze
n. transitive verb
1 : to touch lightly in passing
2 : ABRADE, SCRATCH <grazed her knee when she fell>
intransitive verb : to touch or rub against something in passing

graze
n. : a scraping along a surface or an abrasion made by it especially : a superficial abrasion of the skin

Graziani
Rodolfo 1882-1955 Marchese di Neghelli Ital. marshal & colonial administrator

grazier
n. 1 : a person who grazes cattle broadly : RANCHER
2 Australian : a sheep raiser

grazing
n. : herbage or land for grazing

GRE
Graduate Record Examination

grease
n. 1 a : rendered animal fat b : oily matter c : a thick lubricant
2 : wool as it comes from the sheep retaining the natural oils or fats
–grease·less \'grēs-ləs\ adjective
–grease·proof \'grēs-'prüf\ adjective
–in the grease
of wool or fur : in the natural uncleaned condition

grease
n. 1 : to smear or daub with grease
2 : to lubricate with grease
3 : to soil with grease
4 : to hasten the process or progress of also : FACILITATE
–grease the hand of or grease the palm of : BRIBE

grease
n. grease the palm of
elbow grease
in the grease
grease the hand of
grease monkey
grease pencil
wool grease
greaseproof paper

grease monkey
: MECHANIC

grease pencil
: a pencil in which the marking substance is pigment and grease

grease the hand of
or grease the palm of : BRIBE

greaseball
usually offensive : a person of Hispanic or Mediterranean descent

greasepaint
n. 1 : a melted tallow or grease used in theater makeup
2 : theater makeup

greaseproof paper
British : a heavy stiff waxed paper ― called also greaseproof

greaser
n. 1 : one that greases
2 usually offensive : a native or inhabitant of Latin America or a Mediterranean land especially : MEXICAN
3 : an aggressive swaggering young white male usually of working-class background

greasewood
n. : a low stiff shrub (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) of the goosefoot family common in alkaline soils in the western U.S. also : any of various related or similar shrubs

greasy
adj. 1 a : smeared or soiled with grease <greasy clothes> b : oily in appearance, texture, or manner <his greasy smile ― Jack London> c : SLIPPERY
2 : containing an unusual amount of grease <greasy food>
–greas·i·ly \-sə-lē, -zə-\ adverb
–greas·i·ness \-sē-nəs, -zē-\ noun

greasy spoon
: a dingy small cheap restaurant

great
adj. 1 a : notably large in size : HUGE b : of a kind characterized by relative largeness ― used in plant and animal names c : ELABORATE, AMPLE <great detail>
2 a : large in number or measure : NUMEROUS <great multitudes> b : PREDOMINANT <the great majority>
3 : remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness <great bloodshed>
4 : full of emotion <great with anger>
5 a : EMINENT, DISTINGUISHED <a great poet> b : chief or preeminent over others ― often used in titles <Lord Great Chamberlain> c : ARISTOCRATIC, GRAND <great ladies>
6 : long continued <a great while>
7 : PRINCIPAL, MAIN <a reception in the great hall>
8 : more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative <great-grandfather>
9 : markedly superior in character or quality especially : NOBLE <great of soul>
10 a : remarkably skilled <great at tennis> b : marked by enthusiasm : KEEN <great on science fiction>
11 ― used as a generalized term of approval <had a great time> <it was just great>
–great·ness noun

great
adj. : in a great manner : SUCCESSFULLY, WELL <things are going great>

great
adj. : an outstandingly superior or skillful person <a tribute to the greats of baseball>

great
adj. Great Crosby
great aunt
Great Ouse
Great Stour
Great Yarmouth
go great guns
great ape
great auk
Great Bear
great blue heron
great circle
Great Dane
great divide
great egret
great group
great soil group
great horned owl
great house
great laurel
Great Mogul
great nephew
great niece
great northern bean
great power
Great Pyrenees
great room
Great Russian
great seal
great skua
great uncle
great vowel shift
great white shark
great year
Great Divide
Great Dismal Swamp
Great Abaco
Great Australian Bight
Great Barrier Reef
Great Basin
Great Basin National Park
Great Bear Lake
Great Britain
Great Dividing Range
Great Exuma
Great Falls
Great Inagua
Great Indian Desert
Great Kabylia
Great Karoo
Great Lakes
Great Namaqualand
Great Plains
Great Rift Valley
Great Saint Bernard
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake Desert
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Great Slave Lake
Great Smoky Mountains
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Greater Walachia
greater yellowlegs
Greater Antilles
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Greater Sunda Islands
greatest common divisor
greatest common factor

Great Abaco
― see ABACO

great ape
: any of a family (Pongidae) of primates including the gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzees ― called also pongid

great auk
: an extinct large flightless auk (Pinguinus impennis) formerly abundant along No. Atlantic coasts

Great Australian Bight
wide bay on S coast of Australia; part of Indian Ocean

Great Barrier Reef
coral reef 1250 mi (2012 km) long Australia in Coral Sea off NE coast of Queensland; most of the area designated a marine park

Great Basin
region W U.S. bet. Sierra Nevada & Wasatch Range including most of Nev. & parts of Calif., Idaho, Utah, Wyo., & Oreg. & having no drainage to ocean; contains many isolated mountain ranges (the Basin Ranges)

Great Basin National Park
n. reservation E Nev. including Wheeler Peak & Lehman Caves

Great Bear
: URSA MAJOR

Great Bear Lake
lake Canada in Northwest Territories area over 12,000 sq mi (31,200 sq km)

great blue heron
: a large slaty-blue American heron (Ardea herodias) with a crested head

Great Britain
1 island W Europe comprising England, Scotland, & Wales area 88,150 sq mi (228,300 sq km), pop 53,917,000
2 UNITED KINGDOM

great circle
: a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through the center of the sphere specifically : such a circle on the surface of the earth an arc of which connecting two terrestrial points constitutes the shortest distance on the earth's surface between them

Great Crosby
― see CROSBY

Great Dane
: any of a breed of tall massive powerful smooth-coated dogs

Great Dismal Swamp
― see DISMAL SWAMP

Great Divide
― see CONTINENTAL DIVIDE

great divide
: a significant point of division especially : DEATH

Great Dividing Range
mountain system E Australia extending from Cape York Peninsula to S Victoria &, interrupted by Bass Strait, into Tasmania ― see KOSCIUSKO (Mount)

great egret
: a large white heron (Ardea alba syn. Casmerodius albus) with a yellow bill and black legs and feet that occurs in New and Old World temperate and tropical regions

Great Exuma
― see EXUMA

Great Falls
1 waterfall 35 ft (11 m) in the Potomac N of Washington, D.C.
2 city W cen Mont. on Missouri River WSW of the Great Falls of the Missouri (waterfall, now in modified form) pop 56,690

great group
: a category below the suborder and above the subgroup in the hierarchy of soil classification comprising one or more subgroups based on similarities in horizons or characteristics of moisture or temperature ― called also great soil group

great horned owl
: a large American owl (Bubo virginianus) with conspicuous ear tufts

great house
: the main house of an estate or plantation

Great Inagua
― see INAGUA

Great Indian Desert
― see THAR DESERT

Great Kabylia
― see KABYLIA

Great Karoo
― see KAROO

Great Lakes
1 chain of five lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, & Ontario) cen N. America in the U.S. & Canada draining through St. Lawrence River into the Atlantic
2 group of lakes E cen Africa including Lakes Turkana, Albert, Victoria, Tanganyika, & Malawi

great laurel
: a large-leaved evergreen rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) of eastern No. America with rosy bell-shaped flowers more or less speckled with green ― called also rosebay rhododendron

Great Mogul
: the sovereign of the empire founded in India by the Moguls in the 16th century

Great Namaqualand
n. ― see NAMAQUALAND

great northern bean
: a large white kidney bean

Great Ouse
― see OUSE 1

Great Plains
elevated plains region W cen U.S. & W Canada E of Rocky Mountains & chiefly W of 100th meridian extending from NE B.C. & NW Alta. SE & S to include the Llano Estacado of N.Mex. & Tex.

great power
: one of the nations that figure most decisively in international affairs : SUPERPOWER

Great Pyrenees
: any of a breed of large heavy-coated white dogs often used to guard livestock

Great Rift Valley
v. depression SW Asia & E Africa extending with several breaks from valley of Jordan River S to cen Mozambique

great room
: a large room in a residence usually serving several functions (as of a dining room, living room, and family room)

Great Russian
: RUSSIAN 1B
–Great Russian adjective

Great Saint Bernard
mountain pass 8090 ft (2468 m) through Pennine Alps bet. Switzerland & Italy

Great Salt Lake
lake ab 80 mi (130 km) long N Utah having strongly saline waters & no outlet

Great Salt Lake Desert
flat barren region NW Utah

Great Sand Dunes National Monument
n. reservation S Colo. on W slope of Sangre de Cristo Mountains

great seal
: a large seal that constitutes an emblem of sovereignty and is used especially for the authentication of important documents

great skua
: a large seabird (Stercorarius skua syn. Catharacta skua) that is related to the jaegers, has dusky plumage and broad rounded wings, breeds chiefly along arctic and antarctic shores, and forages over most cold and temperate seas

Great Slave Lake
lake NW Canada in SE Northwest Territories receiving Slave River on S & draining into Mackenzie River on W area ab 11,000 sq mi (28,490 sq km)

Great Smoky Mountains
mountains on N.C.-Tenn. boundary partly in Great Smoky Mountains National Park ― see CLINGMANS DOME

Great Stour
― see STOUR 3

great vowel shift
: a change in pronunciation of the long vowels of Middle English that began in the 15th century and continued into the 16th century in which the high vowels were diphthongized and the other vowels were raised

great white shark
: a large mackerel shark (Carcharodon carcharias) of warm seas that is bluish when young but becomes whitish with age and is a man-eater ― called also white shark ― see SHARK illustration

Great Yarmouth
― see YARMOUTH 2

great year
: the period of about 25,800 years required for one complete cycle of the equinoxes around the ecliptic

great-aunt
: GRANDAUNT

great-nephew
: GRANDNEPHEW

great-niece
: GRANDNIECE

great-uncle
: GRANDUNCLE

greatcoat
n. : a heavy overcoat

greaten
v. transitive verb : to make greater
intransitive verb : to become greater

greater
adj. : consisting of a central city together with adjacent areas that are naturally or administratively connected with it <Greater London>

greater
adj. Greater Walachia
greater yellowlegs
Greater Antilles
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Greater Sunda Islands

Greater Antilles
group of islands in the West Indies including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, & Puerto Rico

Greater London
― see LONDON 2

Greater Manchester
metropolitan area NW England comprising Manchester and nearby boroughs area 514 sq mi (1331 sq km), pop 2,454,800

Greater Sunda Islands
― see SUNDA ISLANDS

Greater Walachia
― see MUNTENIA

greater yellowlegs
: a common No. American bird of marsh and shore (Tringa melanoleuca) that is largely gray above and white below with black or dark gray flecks and yellow legs ― compare LESSER YELLOWLEGS

greatest common divisor
: the largest integer or the polynomial of highest degree that is an exact divisor of each of two or more integers or polynomials ― called also greatest common factor

greathearted
adj. 1 : characterized by bravery : COURAGEOUS
2 : GENEROUS, MAGNANIMOUS
–great·heart·ed·ly adverb
–great·heart·ed·ness noun

greatly
adv. 1 : to a great extent or degree : very much <contributed greatly to improved relations> <not greatly bothered>
2 : in a great manner : NOBLY, MAGNANIMOUSLY <a man may live greatly in the law ― O. W. Holmes †1935>

greave
n. : armor for the shin

grebe
n. : any of a family (Podicipedidae) of swimming and diving birds closely related to the loons but having lobed toes ― compare DABCHICK

Grecian
n. : GREEK 1
–Grecian noun
–gre·cian·ize \-shə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb often cap

Grecism
n. 1 : a Greek idiom
2 : a quality or style imitative of Greek art or culture

grecize
: to make Greek or Hellenistic in character

Greco
pref. 1 : Greece : Greeks <Grecophile>
2 : Greek and <Graeco-Roman>

Greco, El
1541-1614 Doménikos Theotokópoulos Span. (Cretan-born) painter

gree
Scottish : MASTERY, SUPERIORITY

gree
dialect : AGREE

Greece
n. country S Europe at S end of Balkan Peninsula; a republic capital Athens area 50,944 sq mi (131,945 sq km), pop 10,964,020

greed
n. : a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (as money) than is needed

greedy
adj. 1 : having a strong desire for food or drink
2 : marked by greed : having or showing a selfish desire for wealth and possessions
3 : EAGER, KEEN <greedy for fame>
synonyms see COVETOUS
–greed·i·ly \'grē-də-lē\ adverb
–greed·i·ness \'grē-dē-nəs\ noun

Greek
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Greece b : a person of Greek descent
2 a : the language used by the Greeks from prehistoric times to the present constituting a branch of Indo-European ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table b : ancient Greek as used from the time of the earliest records to the end of the second century A.D. ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table c often not capitalized [translation of Latin Graecum (in the medieval phrase Graecum est; non potest legi Italian is Greek; it cannot be read)] : something unintelligible <it's Greek to me>
3 : a member of a Greek-letter fraternity or sorority

Greek
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Greece, the Greeks, or Greek <Greek architecture>
2 a : EASTERN ORTHODOX b : of or relating to an Eastern church using the Byzantine rite in Greek c : of or relating to the established Orthodox church of Greece
3 : of or relating to fraternities or sororities <the Greek system>

Greek
n. Greek Catholic
Greek cross
Greek fire
Greek Orthodox
Greek Revival
Late Greek
Middle Greek
Modern Greek

Greek Catholic
1 : a member of an Eastern rite of the Roman Catholic Church
2 : a member of an Eastern church

Greek cross
: a cross having an upright and a transverse shaft equal in length and intersecting at their middles ― see CROSS illustration

Greek fire
: an incendiary composition used in warfare by the Byzantine Greeks that is said to have burst into flame on wetting

Greek Orthodox
: EASTERN ORTHODOX specifically : GREEK 2C

Greek Revival
1 : a style of architecture in the first half of the 19th century marked by the use or imitation of Greek orders
2 : a style of decoration (as of furniture) using or imitating the decorative motifs of ancient Greece

Greekless
: not proficient in Greek

Greeley
Horace 1811-1872 American journalist & polit.

Greeley
city N Colo. pop 76,930

Greely
Adolphus Washington 1844-1935 American gen. & arctic explorer

Green
n. Julien or Julian 1900-1998 Fr. nov.

Green
n. William 1873-1952 American labor leader

Green
n. 1 river 730 mi (1175 km) W U.S. flowing from Wind River Range in W Wyo. S into Colorado River in SE Utah
2 city NE Ohio S of Akron pop 22,817

green
n. 1 : of the color green
2 a : covered by green growth or foliage <green fields> b of winter : MILD, CLEMENT c : consisting of green plants and usually edible herbage <a green salad>
3 : pleasantly alluring
4 : YOUTHFUL, VIGOROUS
5 : not ripened or matured : IMMATURE <green apples> <tender green grasses>
6 : FRESH, NEW
7 a : marked by a pale, sickly, or nauseated appearance b : ENVIOUS 1 ― used especially in the phrase green with envy
8 a : not fully processed or treated: as (1) : not aged <green liquor> (2) : not dressed or tanned <green hides> (3) : freshly sawed : UNSEASONED b : not in condition for a particular use
9 a : deficient in training, knowledge, or experience <green recruits> b : deficient in sophistication and savoir faire : NAIVE c : not fully qualified for or experienced in a particular function <a green horse>
10 a often capitalized : relating to or being an environmentalist political movement b : concerned with or supporting environmentalism c : tending to preserve environmental quality (as by being recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting)
–green·ish \'grē-nish\ adjective
–green·ish·ness noun
–green·ly adverb
–green·ness \'grē(n)-nəs\ noun
–green around the gills : pale or sickly in appearance

green
n. : to become green
transitive verb
1 : to make green
2 : REJUVENATE, REVITALIZE

green
n. 1 : a color whose hue is somewhat less yellow than that of growing fresh grass or of the emerald or is that of the part of the spectrum lying between blue and yellow
2 : something of a green color
3 : green vegetation: as a plural : leafy parts of plants for use as decoration b plural (1) : leafy herbs (as spinach, dandelions, or Swiss chard) that are cooked as a vegetable : POTHERBS (2) : GREEN VEGETABLES
4 : a grassy plain or plot: as a : a common or park in the center of a town or village b : PUTTING GREEN
5 : MONEY especially : GREENBACKS
6 often capitalized : ENVIRONMENTALIST especially : a member of an activist political party focusing on environmental and social issues
–greeny \'grē-nē\ adjective

green
n. blue green alga
bottle green
chrome green
emerald green
forest green
green around the gills
green alga
green bean
Green Beret
green card
green carder
green corn
green dragon
green eyed
green eyed monster
green fingers
green flash
green gland
green heron
green backed heron
green light
green manure
green mold
green monkey
green onion
green paper
green peach aphid
green pepper
green revolution
green fee
green snake
green soap
green sunfish
green tea
green thumb
green thumbed
green turtle
green vegetable
green winged teal
Gretna Green
hunter green
jade green
Janus green
kelly green
Kendal green
long green
moss green
nile green
olive green
Paris green
pea green
putting green
red green blindness
red green color blindness
sap green
sea green
turquoise green
yellow green alga
Bethnal Green
Bowling Green
Green Bay
Green Mountains
Wood Green
collard greens
greens fee
greener pastures

green alga
: any of a division (Chlorophyta) of green-colored algae that have chloroplasts and occur especially in freshwater

green around the gills
pale or sickly in appearance

Green Bay
1 inlet of NW Lake Michigan 120 mi (193 km) long in NW Mich. & NE Wis.
2 city NE Wis. on Green Bay pop 102,313

green bean
: a kidney bean that is used as a snap bean when the pods are colored green

Green Beret
: a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces

green card
: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
–green-carder noun

green corn
: the young tender ears of Indian corn

green dragon
: a No. American herb (Arisaema dracontium) of the arum family with digitate leaves, slender green spathe, and elongated spadix

green fingers
: GREEN THUMB

green flash
: a momentary green appearance of the uppermost part of the sun's disk at sunrise or sunset that results from atmospheric refraction

green gland
: one of a pair of large green glands in some crustaceans (as crayfishes) that have an excretory function and open at the bases of the larger antennae

green heron
: a small yellow-legged American heron (Butorides virescens syn. B. striatus) with a greenish back and chestnut neck and chest ― called also green-backed heron

green light
: authority or permission to proceed
–green-light \'grēn-ˌlīt\ transitive verb

green manure
: an herbaceous crop (as clover) plowed under while green to enrich the soil
–green-manure transitive verb

green mold
: a green or green-spored mold (as of the genera Penicillium or Aspergillus)

green monkey
: a long-tailed monkey of any of several African subspecies of a guenon (Cercopithecus aethiops syn. Chloroebus aethiops) having greenish-appearing hair and often used in medical research ― called also vervet

Green Mountains
mountains E N. America in Appalachian system extending from S Que. S through Vt. into W Mass. ― see MANSFIELD (Mount)

green onion
: a young onion pulled before the bulb has enlarged and used especially in salads

green paper
British : a government document that proposes and invites discussion on approaches to a problem

green peach aphid
: a nearly cosmopolitan yellowish-green aphid (Myzus persicae) that is frequently a vector of plant virus diseases

green pepper
: a sweet pepper before it turns red at maturity

green revolution
: the great increase in production of food grains (as rice and wheat) due to the introduction of high-yielding varieties, to the use of pesticides, and to better management techniques

green snake
: either of two bright green harmless largely insectivorous No. American colubrid snakes (Opheodrys vernalis and O. aestivus)

green soap
: a soft soap made from vegetable oils and used especially in the treatment of skin diseases

green sunfish
: a sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) of the Great Lakes region and southwestward to the Rio Grande that is largely greenish above with a blue spot on many of the scales

green tea
: tea that is light in color from incomplete fermentation of the leaf before firing

green thumb
: an unusual ability to make plants grow
–green-thumbed \'grēn-'thəmd\ adjective

green turtle
: a large usually herbivorous sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) of warm waters with a smooth greenish or olive-colored shell

green vegetable
: a vegetable whose foliage or foliage-bearing stalks are the chief edible part

green-eyed
: JEALOUS

green-eyed monster
: JEALOUSY

green-winged teal
: a small Holarctic dabbling duck (Anas crecca) the male of which has a chestnut head with a green eye patch and a metallic green area on the wing speculum

Greenacres
city SE Fla. S of West Palm Beach pop 27,569

Greenaway
Catherine 1846-1901 Kate Eng. artist

greenback
n. : a legal-tender note issued by the U.S. government

greenbacker
1 capitalized : a member of a post-Civil War American political party opposing reduction in the amount of paper money in circulation
2 : one who advocates a paper currency backed only by the U.S. government
–green·back·ism \-ˌki-zəm\ noun

Greenbelt
n. city cen Md. pop 21,456

greenbelt
n. : a belt of parkways, parks, or farmlands that encircles a community

greenbrier
: any of a genus (Smilax) of woody or herbaceous vines of the lily family especially : a prickly vine (S. rotundifolia) of the eastern U.S. with umbels of small greenish flowers

greenbug
: a green aphid (Schizaphis graminum) that is a pest especially of cereal and forage grasses

Greene
n. Graham 1904-1991 Brit. nov.

Greene
n. Nathanael 1742-1786 American gen. in Revolution

Greene
n. Robert 1558?-1592 Eng. poet & dram.

greener pastures
: a better or more promising situation

greenery
n. 1 : green foliage or plants
2 : GREEN 3A

Greenfield
adj. city SE Wis. near Milwaukee pop 35,476

greenfield
adj. : land (as a potential industrial site) not previously developed or polluted

greenfinch
n. : a very common European finch (Carduelis chloris) having olive-green and yellow plumage

greenfly
n. British : APHID especially : GREEN PEACH APHID

greengage
n. : any of several rather small rounded greenish or greenish-yellow cultivated plums

Greengard
Paul 1925-     American neuroscientist

greengrocer
n. chiefly British : a retailer of fresh vegetables and fruit
–green·gro·cery \-ˌgrō-sə-rē, -ˌgrōsh-rē\ noun

greenhead
n. : any of several green-eyed horseflies (as Tabanus nigrovittatus)

greenheart
n. : a tropical So. American evergreen tree (Ocotea rodiaei syn. Nectandra rodiaei) of the laurel family with a hard greenish wood also : its wood

greenhorn
n. 1 : an inexperienced or naive person
2 : a newcomer (as to a country) unacquainted with local manners and customs

greenhouse
n. 1 : a structure enclosed (as by glass) and used for the cultivation or protection of tender plants
2 : a clear plastic shell (as a canopy) covering a section of an airplane also : a compartment (as for a bombardier) enclosed by such a shell

greenhouse
n. : of, relating to, contributing to, or caused by the greenhouse effect <greenhouse warming> <greenhouse gases>

greenhouse effect
: warming of the surface and lower atmosphere of a planet (as Earth or Venus) that is caused by conversion of solar radiation into heat in a process involving selective transmission of short wave solar radiation by the atmosphere, its absorption by the planet's surface, and reradiation as infrared which is absorbed and partly reradiated back to the surface by atmospheric gases

greening
n. : any of several green-skinned apples

greenkeeper
n. : a person responsible for the care and upkeep of a golf course

Greenland
n. island in N. Atlantic off NE N. America belonging to Denmark capital Nuuk area 839,999 sq mi (2,175,597 sq km), pop 55,171
–Green·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ noun
–Green·land·ic \ˌgrēn-'lan-dik\ adjective

Greenland Sea
arm of Arctic Ocean bet. Greenland & Spitsbergen

greenlet
n. : VIREO

greenling
n. : any of several bony fishes (family Hexagrammidae) of the rocky coasts of the northern Pacific especially : a common food and sport fish (Hexagrammos decagrammus)

greenmail
n. : the practice of buying enough of a company's stock to threaten a hostile takeover and reselling it to the company at a price above market value also : the money paid for such stock
–greenmail transitive verb
–green·mail·er \-ˌmā-lər\ noun

Greenock
burgh & port SW Scotland on Firth of Clyde pop 57,324

greenockite
: a mineral consisting of native cadmium sulfide occurring especially in yellow translucent hexagonal crystals

Greenough
Horatio 1805-1852 American sculptor

greenroom
n. : a room (as in a theater or studio) where performers can relax before or after appearances

greens fee
: a fee paid for the privilege of playing on a golf course ― called also green fee

greensand
n. : a sedimentary deposit that consists largely of dark greenish grains of glauconite often mingled with clay or sand

Greensboro
n. city N cen N.C. pop 223,891

greenshank
n. : an Old World sandpiper (Tringa nebularia) with greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill

greensickness
n. : CHLOROSIS
–green·sick adjective

Greenspan
n. Alan 1926-     American economist

greenstick fracture
: a bone fracture in a young individual in which the bone is partly broken and partly bent

greenstone
n. 1 : NEPHRITE
2 : any of numerous usually altered dark green compact rocks (as diorite)

greenstuff
n. : green vegetation used as foodstuff

greensward
n. : turf that is green with growing grass

Greenville
1 city W Miss. on Mississippi River pop 41,633
2 city E N.C. pop 60,476
3 city NW S.C. pop 56,002
4 city NE Tex. NE of Dallas on the Sabine pop 23,960

greenwashing
: expressions of environmentalist concerns especially as a cover for products, policies, or activities

greenway
n. : a corridor of undeveloped land preserved for recreational use or environmental protection

Greenwich
n. 1 \'gre-nich, 'grēn-ˌwich, 'grin-ˌwich\ town SW Conn. on Long Island Sound pop 61,101
2 \'gri-nij, 'gre-, -nich\ borough of E Greater London, England pop 200,800

Greenwich
n. Greenwich mean time
Greenwich time
Greenwich Village

Greenwich mean time
: the mean solar time of the meridian of Greenwich used historically as the prime basis of standard time throughout the world ― called also Greenwich time ― compare COORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME

Greenwich Village
v. section of New York City in Manhattan on lower W side

greenwing
: GREEN-WINGED TEAL

Greenwood
n. city cen Ind. pop 36,037

greenwood
n. : a forest that is green with foliage

greet
v. 1 : to address with expression of kind wishes upon meeting or arrival <greeted guests at the door>
2 a : to meet or react to in a specified manner <greeted him with boos> b : to occur as a response to <apathy greeted the plan>
3 : to appear to the perception of <a surprising sight greeted her eyes>
–greet·er noun

greet
v. Scottish : WEEP, LAMENT

greeting
n. 1 : a salutation at meeting
2 : an expression of good wishes : REGARDS ― usually used in plural <holiday greetings>

greeting card
: a piece of paper or thin cardboard having any of a variety of shapes and formats and bearing a greeting or message of sentiment

gregarine
n. : any of a subclass (Gregarinia) of parasitic vermiform sporozoan protozoans that occur especially in insects and other invertebrates
–gregarine adjective

gregarious
adj. 1 a : tending to associate with others of one's kind : SOCIAL b : marked by or indicating a liking for companionship : SOCIABLE c : of or relating to a social group
2 a of a plant : growing in a cluster or a colony b : living in contiguous nests but not forming a true colony ― used especially of wasps and bees
–gre·gar·i·ous·ly adverb
–gre·gar·i·ous·ness noun

Gregorian
adj. : of or relating to Pope Gregory XIII or the Gregorian calendar

Gregorian
adj. 1 : of or relating to Pope Gregory I
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Gregorian chant

Gregorian
adj. : of or relating to the Armenian national church

Gregorian calendar
: a calendar in general use introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a revision of the Julian calendar, adopted in Great Britain and the American colonies in 1752, marked by the suppression of 10 days or after 1700 11 days, and having leap years in every year divisible by four with the restriction that centesimal years are leap years only when divisible by 400 ― see MONTH table

Gregorian chant
: a monodic and rhythmically free liturgical chant of the Roman Catholic Church

Gregory
n. Saint 240-332 the Illuminator apostle & founder of the Armenian Church

Gregory
n. name of 16 popes: especially I Saint ca 540-604 the Great (pope 590-604); VII Saint orig. Hil·de·brand \'hil-də-ˌbrand\ ca 1020-1085 (pope 1073-85); XIII orig. Ugo Buon·com·pa·gni \'ü-gō-bwȯn-kōm-'pän-yē\ 1502-1585 (pope 1572-85)

Gregory
n. (Isabella) Augusta 1852-1932 Lady Gregory née Persse Irish dram.

Gregory of Nyssa
n. Saint ca 335-ca 394 Eastern church father

Gregory of Tours
Saint 538-594 Frankish ecclesiastic & hist.

greige
: being in an unbleached undyed state as taken from a loom ― used of textiles

greisen
n. : a crystalline rock consisting of quartz and mica that is common in Cornwall and Saxony

gremlin
n. : a cause of error or equipment malfunction (as in aircraft) conceived of as a small mischievous gnome

Grenada
n. island Brit. West Indies in S Windward Islands; with S Grenadines, independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1974 capital St. George's area 133 sq mi (346 sq km), pop 102,632
–Gre·na·dan \-'nā-dən\ adjective or noun
–Gre·na·di·an \-'nā-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

grenade
n. : a small missile that contains an explosive or a chemical agent (as tear gas, a flame producer, or a smoke producer) and that is thrown by hand or projected (as by a rifle or special launcher)

grenadier
n. 1 a : a soldier who carries and throws grenades b : a member of a special regiment or corps formerly armed with grenades
2 : any of various deep-sea fishes (family Macrouridae) that are related to the cods and have an elongate tapering body and compressed pointed tail

grenadine
n. 1 : an open-weave fabric of various fibers
2 : a moderate reddish orange
3 : a syrup flavored with pomegranates and used in mixed drinks

Grenadines
n. islands Brit. West Indies in cen Windward Islands bet. Grenada & St. Vincent; divided administratively bet. Grenada & St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Grendel
: a monstrous man-eating descendant of Cain slain by Beowulf in the Old English poem Beowulf

Grenfell
Sir Wilfred Thomason 1865-1940 Eng. medical missionary

Grenoble
city SE France on the Isère pop 153,426

Grenville
George 1712-1770 Eng. statesman

Grenville
Sir Richard 1542-1591 Brit. naval commander

Gresham
n. Sir Thomas 1519-1579 Eng. financier

Gresham
n. city NW Oreg. E of Portland pop 90,205

Gresham's law
: an observation in economics: when two coins are equal in debt-paying value but unequal in intrinsic value, the one having the lesser intrinsic value tends to remain in circulation and the other to be hoarded or exported as bullion broadly : any process by which inferior products or practices drive out superior ones

Gretna Green
: a place where many eloping couples are married

Gretzky
Wayne 1961-     Canad. ice hockey player

Greuze
Jean-Baptiste 1725-1805 Fr. painter

Grevy
(François-Paul-) Jules 1807-1891 Fr. lawyer; 3d pres. of the Republic (1879-87)

Grevy's zebra
: a zebra (Equus grevyi) of eastern Africa with narrow stripes and a white belly

grew
past of grow

grewsome
adj. variant of gruesome

Grey
n. 2d Earl 1764-1845 Charles Grey Eng. statesman; prime min. (1830-34)

Grey
n. Sir Edward 1862-1933 Viscount Grey of Fal·lo·don \'fa-lə-dən\ Eng. polit.

Grey
n. Lady Jane 1537-1554 titular queen of England for 9 days

Grey
n. Zane 1875-1939 American nov.

grey
n. variant of gray

grey friar
: a Franciscan friar

greyhound
n. : any of a breed of tall slender graceful smooth-coated dogs characterized by swiftness and keen sight and used for coursing game and racing also : any of several related dogs ― compare ITALIAN GREYHOUND

greylag
n. : the common gray wild goose (Anser anser) of Europe from which most domestic breeds of geese are descended

Greylock, Mount
mountain 3491 ft (1064 m) NW Mass.; highest in Berkshire Hills & in state

gribble
: either of two small wood-boring marine isopods (Limnoria lignorum and L. tripunctata)

grid
n. 1 : GRATING
2 a (1) : a perforated or ridged metal plate used as a conductor in a storage battery (2) : an electrode consisting of a mesh or a spiral of fine wire in an electron tube (3) : a network of conductors for distribution of electric power also : a network of radio or television stations b : a network of uniformly spaced horizontal and perpendicular lines (as for locating points on a map) also : something resembling such a network <a road grid> c : GRIDIRON 3 broadly : FOOTBALL
3 : the starting positions of cars on a racecourse
4 : a device in a photocomposer on which are located the characters to be exposed as the text is composed

gridder
n. : a football player

griddle
n. : a flat stone or metal surface on which food is baked or fried

griddle cake
: PANCAKE

gridiron
n. 1 : a grate for broiling food
2 : something consisting of or covered with a network
3 : a football field

gridlock
n. 1 : a traffic jam in which a grid of intersecting streets is so completely congested that no vehicular movement is possible
2 : a situation resembling gridlock (as in congestion or lack of movement) <political gridlock>
–gridlock transitive verb

grief
n. 1 obsolete : GRIEVANCE 3
2 a : deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement b : a cause of such suffering
3 a : an unfortunate outcome : DISASTER ― used chiefly in the phrase come to grief b : MISHAP, MISADVENTURE c : TROUBLE, ANNOYANCE <enough grief for one day> d : annoying or playful criticism <getting grief from his friends>
synonyms see SORROW

Grieg
Edvard Hagerup 1843-1907 Norw. composer

grievance
n. 1 obsolete : SUFFERING, DISTRESS
2 : a cause of distress (as an unsatisfactory working condition) felt to afford reason for complaint or resistance
3 : the formal expression of a grievance : COMPLAINT
synonyms see INJUSTICE

grievant
n. : one who submits a grievance for arbitration

Grieve
v. Christopher Murray ― see Hugh MACDIARMID

grieve
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to suffer : DISTRESS <it grieves me to see him this way>
2 : to feel or show grief over <grieving the death of her son>
3 : to submit a formal grievance concerning <grieve a dismissal>
intransitive verb : to feel grief : SORROW
–griev·er noun

grievous
adj. 1 : causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow <a grievous wound> <a grievous loss>
2 : OPPRESSIVE, ONEROUS <grievous costs of war>
3 : SERIOUS, GRAVE <grievous fault>
–griev·ous·ly adverb
–griev·ous·ness noun

Griffin
n. Walter Burley 1876-1937 American architect

Griffin
n. city W cen Ga. pop 23,451

griffin
n. : a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion

Griffith
n. Arthur 1872-1922 Irish journalist & nationalist

Griffith
n. D(avid Lewelyn) W(ark) 1875-1948 American motion-picture producer & director

griffon
n. 1 : BRUSSELS GRIFFON
2 : WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON

grift
n. transitive verb : to obtain (money) illicitly (as in a confidence game)
intransitive verb : to acquire money or property illicitly
–grift noun
–grift·er noun

grig
n. : a lively lighthearted usually small or young person

Grignard
(François-Auguste-) Victor 1871-1935 Fr. chem.

grigri
variant of gris-gris

grill
n. 1 : to broil on a grill also : to fry or toast on a griddle
2 a : to torment as if by broiling b : to question intensely <the police grilled the suspect>
–grill·er noun

grill
n. 1 : a cooking utensil of parallel bars on which food is exposed to heat (as from charcoal or electricity)
2 : food that is broiled usually on a grill ― compare MIXED GRILL
3 : a usually informal restaurant or dining room

grillage
n. 1 : a framework of timber or steel for support in marshy or treacherous soil
2 : a framework for supporting a load (as a column)

grille
n. 1 : a grating forming a barrier or screen especially : an ornamental one at the front end of an automobile
2 : an opening covered with a grille

Grillparzer
Franz 1791-1872 Austrian dram. & poet

grillroom
n. : GRILL 3

grillwork
n. : work constituting or resembling a grille

grilse
n. : a young Atlantic salmon returning to its native river to spawn for the first time after one winter at sea broadly : any of various salmon at such a stage of development

grim
adj. 1 : fierce in disposition or action : SAVAGE
2 a : stern or forbidding in action or appearance <a grim taskmaster> b : SOMBER, GLOOMY
3 : ghastly, repellent, or sinister in character <a grim tale>
4 : UNFLINCHING, UNYIELDING <grim determination>
–grim·ly adverb
–grim·ness noun

grim reaper
: death especially when personified as a man or skeleton with a scythe

grimace
n. : a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain
–grimace intransitive verb
–gri·mac·er noun

grimalkin
n. : a domestic cat especially : an old female cat

grime
n. : soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
–grime transitive verb

Grimm
n. Jacob 1785-1863 & his bro. Wilhelm 1786-1859 Ger. philologists & folklorists

Grimm's law
: a statement in historical linguistics: Proto-Indo-European voiceless stops became Proto-Germanic voiceless fricatives (as in Greek pyr, treis, kardia compared with English fire, three, heart), Proto-Indo-European voiced stops became Proto-Germanic voiceless stops (as in Latin duo, genus compared with English two, kin), and Proto-Indo-European voiced aspirated stops became Proto-Germanic voiced fricatives (as in Sanskrit nābhi, madhya “mid” compared with English navel, Old Norse mithr “mid”)

Grimsby
port E England near mouth of the Humber pop 92,147

grimy
adj. : full of or covered with grime : DIRTY
–grim·i·ness noun

grin
n. : to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter broadly : SMILE
–grin noun
–grin·ner noun
–grin·ning·ly \'gri-niŋ-lē\ adverb

grinch
n. : KILLJOY, SPOILSPORT

grind
n. transitive verb
1 : to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth)
2 : to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction <grind an ax>
3 a : OPPRESS, HARASS b : to weaken or destroy gradually ― usually used with down <poverty ground her spirit down>
4 a : to press together with a rotating motion <grind the teeth> b : to rub or press harshly <ground the cigarette out>
5 : to operate or produce by turning a crank <grind a hand organ>
intransitive verb
1 : to perform the operation of grinding
2 : to become pulverized, polished, or sharpened by friction
3 : to move with difficulty or friction especially so as to make a grating noise <gears grinding>
4 : DRUDGE especially : to study hard <grind for an exam>
5 : to rotate the hips in an erotic manner
–grind·ing·ly \'grīn-diŋ-lē\ adverb

grind
n. 1 a : an act of grinding b : the sound of grinding
2 a : dreary, monotonous, or difficult labor, study, or routine b : one who works or studies excessively
3 : the result of grinding also : material ground to a particular degree of fineness <a drip grind of coffee>
4 : the act of rotating the hips in an erotic manner
synonyms see WORK

grind
n. ax to grind
grind house
grind out
cover ground
ground substance
ground swell
wipe the ground with
break ground
break new ground
breeding ground
common ground
cover the ground
down to the ground
dumping ground
gain ground
give ground
to ground
on the ground
off the ground
into the ground
from the ground up
ground ball
ground bass
ground beetle
ground cherry
ground cloth
ground cover
ground crew
ground effect machine
ground floor
ground glass
ground ivy
ground loop
ground meristem
ground pine
ground plan
ground rent
ground rule
ground sloth
ground speed
ground squirrel
ground state
ground level
ground stroke
ground wave
ground zero
happy hunting ground
high ground
hit the ground running
lose ground
middle ground
proving ground
staging ground
stamping ground
stand one's ground
stomping ground
stone ground
thick on the ground
thin on the ground
Barren Grounds
well grounded

grind house
: an often shabby movie theater having continuous showings especially of pornographic or violent films

grind out
: to produce in a mechanical way

Grindelwald
valley & village cen Switzerland in Bern canton in the Berner Alpen E of Interlaken

grinder
n. 1 a : MOLAR b plural : TEETH
2 : one that grinds
3 : a machine or device for grinding
4 : SUBMARINE 2
5 : an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional skill

grindstone
n. 1 : MILLSTONE 1
2 : a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding, shaping, or smoothing

gringo
n. often disparaging : a foreigner in Spain or Latin America especially when of English or American origin broadly : a non-Hispanic person

griot
n. : any of a class of musician-entertainers of western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies broadly : STORYTELLER

grip
n. 1 : to seize or hold firmly
2 : to hold the interest of strongly <a story that grips the reader>
–grip·per noun
–grip·ping·ly \'gri-piŋ-lē\ adverb

grip
n. 1 a : a strong or tenacious grasp b : strength in gripping c : manner or style of gripping
2 a : a firm tenacious hold typically giving control, mastery, or understanding b : mental grasp
3 : a part or device for gripping
4 : a part by which something is grasped especially : HANDLE
5 : SUITCASE
6 : STAGEHAND

grip
n. death grip
key grip
pistol grip
come to grips with

gripe
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : SEIZE, GRASP
2 a : AFFLICT, DISTRESS b : IRRITATE, VEX
3 : to cause pinching and spasmodic pain in the bowels of
intransitive verb
1 : to experience gripes
2 : to complain with grumbling
–grip·er noun

gripe
n. 1 archaic : CLUTCH, GRASP broadly : CONTROL, MASTERY
2 : a pinching spasmodic intestinal pain ― usually used in plural
3 : GRIEVANCE, COMPLAINT

gripman
: a cable car operator

grippe
n. : an acute febrile contagious virus disease especially : INFLUENZA 1

gripsack
n. : SUITCASE

Griqualand West
district NW Republic of South Africa in NE Northern Cape N of Orange River; chief town Kimberley

Gris
Juan 1887-1927 José Victoriano González Span. painter in France

gris-gris
: an amulet or incantation used chiefly by people of black African ancestry

Gris-Nez, Cape
headland N France projecting into Strait of Dover

grisaille
n. : decoration in tones of a single color and especially gray designed to produce a three-dimensional effect

Griselda
: a woman of humble origins in medieval legend who endures tests of wifely patience laid on her by her wellborn husband

griseofulvin
n. : an antibiotic C_17H_17ClO_6 used systematically in treating superficial fungal infections

grisette
n. 1 : a young French working-class woman
2 : a young woman combining part-time prostitution with some other occupation

grisly
adj. 1 : inspiring horror or intense fear <houses that were dark and grisly under the blank, cold sky ― D. H. Lawrence>
2 : inspiring disgust or distaste <a grisly account of the fire>
synonyms see GHASTLY
–gris·li·ness noun

Grisons
n. ― see GRAUBÜNDEN

grist
n. 1 a : grain or a batch of grain for grinding b : the product obtained from a grist of grain including the flour or meal and the grain offals
2 : a required or usual amount
3 : matter of interest or value forming the basis of a story or analysis
4 : something turned to advantage or use ― used especially in the phrase grist for one's mill

gristle
n. : CARTILAGE broadly : tough cartilaginous, tendinous, or fibrous matter especially in table meats

gristly
adj. : consisting of or containing gristle <gristly steak>
–gris·tli·ness noun

gristmill
n. : a mill for grinding grain

grit
n. 1 a : SAND, GRAVEL b : a hard sharp granule (as of sand) also : material (as many abrasives) composed of such granules
2 : any of several sandstones
3 a : the structure of a stone that adapts it to grinding b : the size of abrasive particles usually expressed as their mesh
4 : firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger
5 capitalized : a Liberal in Canadian politics

grit
n. intransitive verb : to give forth a grating sound
transitive verb
1 : to cause (as one's teeth) to grind or grate
2 : to cover or spread with grit especially : to smooth (as marble) with a coarse abrasive

grith
: peace, security, or sanctuary imposed or guaranteed in early medieval England under various special conditions

grits
n. : coarsely ground hulled grain especially : ground hominy with the germ removed

gritty
adj. 1 : containing or resembling grit
2 : courageously persistent : PLUCKY <a gritty heroine>
3 : having strong qualities of tough uncompromising realism <a gritty novel>
–grit·ti·ly \'gri-tə-lē\ adverb
–grit·ti·ness \'gri-tē-nəs\ noun

grizzle
n. 1 archaic : gray hair
2 a : a roan coat pattern or color b : a gray or roan animal

grizzle
n. transitive verb : to make grayish
intransitive verb
1 : GRIPE, GRUMBLE
2 : to become grayish

grizzled
adj. : sprinkled or streaked with gray : GRAYING <a grizzled beard> also : having gray hair <a grizzled veteran>

grizzly
n. : GRIZZLED

grizzly bear
: a very large brown bear (Ursus arctos) found from the northwestern U.S. to Alaska ― called also grizzly

gro
gross

groan
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyance
2 : to make a harsh sound (as of creaking) under sudden or prolonged strain
transitive verb : to utter or express with groaning
–groan noun

groaner
n. 1 : one that groans
2 : a stale or corny joke, observation, or story

groat
n. 1 usually plural but singular or plural in construction : hulled grain broken into fragments larger than grits
2 : a grain (as of oats) exclusive of the hull

groat
n. : an old British coin worth four pennies

grocer
n. : a dealer in staple foodstuffs, meats, produce, and dairy products and usually household supplies

grocery
n. 1 plural : commodities sold by a grocer ― usually singular in British usage
2 : a grocer's store

Grodno
city W Belarus on the Neman pop 284,800

Grofe
Fer·de \'fər-dē\ 1892-1972 American conductor & composer

grog
n. 1 : alcoholic liquor especially : liquor (as rum) cut with water and now often served hot with lemon juice and sugar sometimes added
2 : refractory materials (as crushed pottery and firebricks) used in the manufacture of refractory products (as crucibles) to reduce shrinkage in drying and firing

groggy
adj. : weak and unsteady on the feet or in action
–grog·gi·ly \'grä-gə-lē\ adverb
–grog·gi·ness \'grä-gē-nəs\ noun

grogram
n. : a coarse loosely woven fabric of silk, silk and mohair, or silk and wool ― compare GROSGRAIN

grogshop
n. chiefly British : a usually low-class barroom

groin
n. 1 : the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh also : the region of this line
2 a : the projecting curved line along which two intersecting vaults meet b : a rib that covers this edge
3 : a rigid structure built out from a shore to protect the shore from erosion, to trap sand, or to direct a current for scouring a channel

groin
n. : to build or equip with groins

grok
v. : to understand profoundly and intuitively

Grolier de Servieres
Jean 1479-1565 Vicomte d'Aguisy Fr. bibliophile

grommet
n. 1 : a flexible loop that serves as a fastening, support, or reinforcement
2 : an eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening or to insulate or protect something passed through it

gromwell
n. : any of a genus (Lithospermum) of plants of the borage family having smooth glossy hard white nutlets

Gromyko
Andrey Andreyevich 1909-1989 Russ. econ. & diplomat; pres. of U.S.S.R. (1985-88)

Groningen
1 province NE Netherlands area 934 sq mi (2419 sq km), pop 570,480
2 city, its capital pop 175,569

groom
n. 1 archaic : MAN, FELLOW
2 a (1) archaic : MANSERVANT (2) : one of several officers of the English royal household b : a person responsible for the feeding, exercising, and stabling of horses
3 : BRIDEGROOM

groom
n. 1 : to clean and maintain the appearance of (as the coat of a horse or dog)
2 : to make neat or attractive <an impeccably groomed woman>
3 : to get into readiness for a specific objective : PREPARE <was being groomed as a presidential candidate>
intransitive verb : to groom oneself

groomer
n. : one who grooms (as dogs)

groomsman
n. : a male friend who attends a bridegroom at his wedding

Groote
Gerhard 1340-1384 Ge·rar·dus Mag·nus \jə-ˌrär-dəs-'mag-nəs\ Du. religious reformer

groove
n. 1 : a long narrow channel or depression
2 a : a fixed routine : RUT b : a situation suited to one's abilities or interests : NICHE
3 : top form <a great talker when he is in the groove>
4 : the middle of the strike zone in baseball where a pitch is most easily hit <a fastball right in the groove>
5 : an enjoyable or exciting experience
6 : a pronounced enjoyable rhythm

groove
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make a groove in b : to join by a groove
2 : to perfect by repeated practice <grooved her golf swing>
3 : to throw (a pitch) in the groove
intransitive verb
1 : to become joined or fitted by a groove
2 : to form a groove
3 : to enjoy oneself intensely
4 : to interact harmoniously <contemporary minds and rock groove together ― Benjamin DeMott>
–groov·er noun

groovy
adj. 1 : MARVELOUS, WONDERFUL, EXCELLENT <felt that this poetry was⋯enjoyable, not to mention groovy ― R. M. Muccigrosso>
2 : HIP, TRENDY <a younger and groovier audience ― Robert MacKenzie>

grope
v. intransitive verb
1 : to feel about blindly or uncertainly in search <grope for the light switch>
2 : to look for something blindly or uncertainly <grope for the right words>
3 : to feel one's way
transitive verb
1 : FEEL UP
2 : to find (as one's way) by groping
–grope noun
–grop·er noun

Gropius
Walter 1883-1969 American (Ger.-born) architect

Gropper
William 1897-1977 American artist

Gros Morne National Park
n. reservation Canada in Newfoundland

Gros Ventre
v. river 100 mi (161 km) W Wyo. flowing W into Snake River

grosbeak
n. : any of several finches (esp. families Cardinalidae and Fringillidae) of Europe and America having large stout conical bills

groschen
n. : a former Austrian monetary unit equal to 1/100 schilling

grosgrain
n. : a strong close-woven corded fabric usually of silk or rayon and often with cotton filler ― compare GROGRAM

gross
n. 1 a archaic : immediately obvious b (1) : glaringly noticeable usually because of inexcusable badness or objectionableness <a gross error> (2) : OUT-AND-OUT, UTTER <a gross injustice> c : visible without the aid of a microscope
2 a : BIG, BULKY especially : excessively fat b : growing or spreading with excessive luxuriance
3 a : of, relating to, or dealing with general aspects or broad distinctions b : consisting of an overall total exclusive of deductions <gross income> ― compare NET
4 : made up of material or perceptible elements
5 archaic : not fastidious in taste : UNDISCRIMINATING
6 a : coarse in nature or behavior : UNREFINED b : gravely deficient in civility or decency : crudely vulgar <merely gross, a scatological rather than a pornographic impropriety ― Aldous Huxley> c : inspiring disgust or distaste <that sandwich looks gross>
7 : deficient in knowledge : IGNORANT, UNTUTORED
synonyms see COARSE, FLAGRANT
–gross·ly adverb
–gross·ness noun

gross
n. 1 obsolete : AMOUNT, SUM
2 : overall total exclusive of deductions

gross
n. : to earn or bring in (an overall total) exclusive of deductions (as for taxes or expenses)
–gross·er noun

gross
n. : an aggregate of 12 dozen things <a gross of pencils>

gross
n. gross anatomy
gross domestic product
gross national product
gross out
gross ton

gross anatomy
: a branch of anatomy that deals with the macroscopic structure of tissues and organs

gross domestic product
: the gross national product excluding the value of net income earned abroad

gross national product
: the total value of the goods and services produced by the residents of a nation during a specified period (as a year)

gross out
: to offend, insult, or disgust by something gross

gross ton
: LONG TON

gross-out
: something inspiring disgust or distaste

Grossglockner
mountain 12,457 ft (3797 m) SW Austria; highest in the Hohe Tauern & in Austria

grosso
concerto grosso
grosso modo
Mato Grosso
Matto Grosso
Mato Grosso do Sul

grosso modo
: roughly

grossular
n. : a variety of garnet that is most commonly green and consists of calcium aluminum silicate

grossularite
: GROSSULAR

Grosvenor
Gilbert Hovey 1875-1966 American geographer & editor

Grosz
n. George 1893-1959 American (Ger.-born) painter

groszy
n. ― see zloty at MONEY table

grot
n. : GROTTO

Grote
George 1794-1871 Eng. hist.

grotesque
n. 1 a : a style of decorative art characterized by fanciful or fantastic human and animal forms often interwoven with foliage or similar figures that may distort the natural into absurdity, ugliness, or caricature b : a piece of work in this style
2 : one that is grotesque
3 : SANS SERIF

grotesque
n. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the grotesque: as a : FANCIFUL, BIZARRE b : absurdly incongruous c : departing markedly from the natural, the expected, or the typical
synonyms see FANTASTIC
–gro·tesque·ly adverb
–gro·tesque·ness noun

grotesquerie
n. 1 : something that is grotesque
2 : the quality or state of being grotesque : GROTESQUENESS

Grotius
Hugo 1583-1645 Huigh de Groot \də-'grōt\ Du. jurist & statesman

Groton
town SE Conn. E of New London pop 39,907

grotto
n. 1 : CAVE
2 : an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave

grotty
adj. chiefly British : wretchedly shabby : of poor quality also : FILTHY, GROSS

grouch
n. 1 a : a fit of bad temper b : GRUDGE, COMPLAINT
2 : a habitually irritable or complaining person : GRUMBLER
–grouch intransitive verb

Grouchy
adj. Emmanuel 1766-1847 Marquis de Grouchy Fr. gen.

grouchy
adj. : given to grumbling : PEEVISH
–grouch·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–grouch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

ground
n. 1 a : the bottom of a body of water b plural (1) : SEDIMENT 1 (2) : ground coffee beans after brewing
2 a : a basis for belief, action, or argument <ground for complaint> ― often used in plural <sufficient grounds for divorce> b (1) : a fundamental logical condition (2) : a basic metaphysical cause
3 a : a surrounding area : BACKGROUND b : material that serves as a substratum
4 a : the surface of the earth b : an area used for a particular purpose <the parade ground> <fishing grounds> c plural : the area around and belonging to a house or other building d : an area to be won or defended in or as if in battle e : an area of knowledge or special interest <covered a lot of ground in his lecture>
5 a : SOIL, EARTH b : a special soil
6 a : an object that makes an electrical connection with the earth b : a large conducting body (as the earth) used as a common return for an electric circuit and as an arbitrary zero of potential c : electric connection with a ground
7 : a football offense utilizing primarily running plays
–from the ground up
1 : entirely new or afresh
2 : from top to bottom : THOROUGHLY
–into the ground : beyond what is necessary or tolerable : to exhaustion <labored an issue into the ground ― Newsweek>
–off the ground : in or as if in flight : off to a good start <the program never got off the ground>
–on the ground : at the scene of action
–to ground
1 : into a burrow <the fox went to ground>
2 : into hiding <might need to make a run for it and go to ground someplace ― Edward Hoagland>

ground
n. 1 a : to bring to or place on the ground b : to cause to run aground
2 a : to provide a reason or justification for <our fears about technological change may be well grounded ― L. K. Williams> b : to furnish with a foundation of knowledge : BASE <an understanding⋯that is grounded in fact ― Michael Kimmelman>
3 : to connect electrically with a ground
4 a : to restrict to the ground <ground a pilot> b : to prohibit from taking part in some usual activities <grounded her for a week>
5 : to throw (a football) intentionally to the ground to avoid being tackled for a loss
intransitive verb
1 : to have a ground or basis : RELY
2 : to run aground
3 : to hit a grounder <grounded back to the pitcher>

ground
n. past and past part of grind

ground
n. cover ground
ground substance
ground swell
wipe the ground with
break ground
break new ground
breeding ground
common ground
cover the ground
down to the ground
dumping ground
gain ground
give ground
to ground
on the ground
off the ground
into the ground
from the ground up
ground ball
ground bass
ground beetle
ground cherry
ground cloth
ground cover
ground crew
ground effect machine
ground floor
ground glass
ground ivy
ground loop
ground meristem
ground pine
ground plan
ground rent
ground rule
ground sloth
ground speed
ground squirrel
ground state
ground level
ground stroke
ground wave
ground zero
happy hunting ground
high ground
hit the ground running
lose ground
middle ground
proving ground
staging ground
stamping ground
stand one's ground
stomping ground
stone ground
thick on the ground
thin on the ground
Barren Grounds
well grounded

ground ball
: a batted baseball that bounds or rolls along the ground

ground bass
: a short bass passage continually repeated below constantly changing melody and harmony

ground beetle
: any of a large cosmopolitan family (Carabidae) of soil-inhabiting usually carnivorous often shiny black or metallic beetles commonly having fused elytra

ground cloth
: a waterproof sheet placed on the ground for protection (as of a sleeping bag) against soil moisture

ground cover
1 : the small plants on a forest floor except young trees
2 a : a planting of low plants (as ivy) that covers the ground in place of turf b : a plant adapted for use as ground cover

ground crew
: the mechanics and technicians who maintain and service an airplane

ground floor
1 : the floor of a building most nearly on a level with the ground ― compare FIRST FLOOR
2 : a favorable position or privileged opportunity usually obtained by early participants ― used especially in the phrase in on the ground floor

ground glass
: glass with a light-diffusing surface produced by etching or abrading

ground ivy
: a trailing European mint (Glechoma hederacea) naturalized in No. America with rounded leaves and purplish flowers

ground loop
: a sharp uncontrollable turn made by an aircraft on the ground and usually caused by an unbalanced drag (as from a wingtip touching the ground)

ground meristem
: the part of a primary apical meristem remaining after differentiation of protoderm and procambium

ground pine
1 : a yellow-flowered European bugle (Ajuga chamaepitys) with a resinous odor
2 : any of several club mosses (esp. Lycopodium clavatum and L. complanatum) with long creeping stems and erect branches

ground plan
1 : a plan of a floor of a building as distinguished from an elevation
2 : a first or basic plan

ground rent
: the rent paid by a lessee for the use of land especially for building

ground rule
1 : a sports rule adopted to modify play on a particular field, court, or course
2 : a rule of procedure <ground rules for selecting a superintendent ― American School Board Jour.>

ground sloth
: any of various often huge extinct American edentates related to the recent sloths

ground speed
: the speed (as of an airplane) with relation to the ground ― compare AIRSPEED

ground squirrel
: any of various burrowing No. American and Eurasian rodents (esp. genus Spermophilus) of the squirrel family that often live in colonies especially in open areas (as grasslands) ― called also spermophile

ground state
: the state of a physical system (as of an atomic nucleus or an atom) having the least energy of all the possible states ― called also ground level

ground stroke
: a stroke made (as in tennis) by hitting a ball that has rebounded from the ground ― compare VOLLEY

ground substance
: a more or less homogeneous matrix in which the specific differentiated elements of a system are suspended: a : the intercellular substance of tissues b : CYTOSOL

ground wave
: a radio wave that is propagated along the surface of the earth

ground zero
1 : the point directly above, below, or at which a nuclear explosion occurs
2 : the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change broadly : CENTER 2A <the party town that served as ground zero for those corporate⋯bashes ― Rich Eisen>
3 : the very beginning : SQUARE ONE

ground-cherry
: any of various chiefly New World herbs (genus Physalis) of the nightshade family with pulpy fruits in papery husks also : the fruit of the ground-cherry

ground-effect machine
: HOVERCRAFT

groundbreaker
n. : one that innovates : PIONEER

groundbreaking
n. : markedly innovative <has written a groundbreaking work>

groundburst
: the detonation of a nuclear warhead at ground level

grounded
adj. : mentally and emotionally stable : admirably sensible, realistic, and unpretentious <remains grounded despite all the praise and attention>

grounder
n. : GROUND BALL

groundfish
n. : a bottom fish especially : a marine fish (as a cod, haddock, pollack, or flounder) of commercial importance

groundhog
n. : WOODCHUCK

Groundhog Day
: February 2 observed traditionally as a day that indicates six more weeks of winter if sunny or an early spring if cloudy

grounding
n. : training or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge

groundless
adj. : having no ground or foundation <groundless fears>
–ground·less·ly adverb
–ground·less·ness noun

groundling
n. 1 a : a spectator who stood in the pit of an Elizabethan theater b : a person of unsophisticated taste
2 : one that lives or works on or near the ground

groundmass
n. : the fine-grained or glassy base of a porphyry in which the larger distinct crystals are embedded

groundnut
n. 1 a : any of several plants having edible tuberous roots especially : a No. American leguminous vine (Apios americana) with pinnate leaves and clusters of brownish-purple fragrant flowers b : the root of a groundnut
2 chiefly British : PEANUT

groundout
: a play in baseball in which a batter is put out after hitting a grounder to an infielder

groundsel
n. : any of various senecios (as the nearly cosmopolitan European weed Senecio vulgaris)

groundsheet
n. : GROUND CLOTH

groundskeeper
n. : a person who cares for the grounds of a usually large property (as a sports field)

groundsman
n. chiefly British : GROUNDSKEEPER

groundswell
n. 1 usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance
2 : a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion) <a groundswell of support>

groundwater
n. : water within the earth especially that supplies wells and springs

groundwood
: wood ground up and used to make pulp for paper

groundwork
n. : FOUNDATION, BASIS <laid the groundwork for a new program> also : preparation made beforehand <the groundwork was done before the winter tour ― Susan Reiter>

group
n. 1 : two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition
2 a : a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship b : an assemblage of objects regarded as a unit c (1) : a military unit consisting of a headquarters and attached battalions (2) : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a squadron and lower than a wing
3 a : an assemblage of related organisms ― often used to avoid taxonomic connotations when the kind or degree of relationship is not clearly defined b (1) : two or more atoms joined together or sometimes a single atom forming part of a molecule especially : FUNCTIONAL GROUP <a methyl group> (2) : an assemblage of elements forming one of the vertical columns of the periodic table c : a stratigraphic division comprising rocks deposited during an era
4 : a mathematical set that is closed under a binary associative operation, contains an identity element, and has an inverse for every element

group
n. 1 : to combine in a group
2 : to assign to a group : CLASSIFY
intransitive verb
1 : to form a group
2 : to belong to a group
3 : to make groups of closely spaced hits on a target <the gun grouped beautifully ― R. C. Ruark>
–group·able \'grü-pə-bəl\ adjective

group
n. carboxyl group
diagnosis related group
ABO blood group
affinity group
age group
alternating group
blood group
encounter group
factor group
focus group
functional group
fundamental group
ginger group
great group
great soil group
Group A
Group B
group captain
group dynamics
group home
group practice
group theory
group therapy
group therapist
group psychotherapy
in group
interest group
linkage group
out group
permutation group
pressure group
quotient group
support group
symmetric group
T group
topological group

Group A
: any of various strains of a streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) that include the causative agents of pharyngitis, scarlet fever, septicemia, some skin infections, rheumatic fever, and glomerulonephritis <Group A strep throat>

Group B
: any of various strains of a streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) that include the causative agents of certain infections (as pneumonia and meningitis) especially of newborn infants <Group B streptococcal infections>

group captain
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a colonel in the army

group dynamics
: the interacting forces within a small human group also : the sociological study of these forces

group home
: a residence for persons requiring care or supervision

group practice
: medicine practiced by a group of associated physicians or dentists (as specialists in different fields) working as partners or as partners and employees

group theory
: a branch of mathematics concerned with finding all mathematical groups and determining their properties

group therapy
: therapy in the presence of a therapist in which several patients discuss and share their personal problems ― called also group psychotherapy
–group therapist noun

grouper
n. : any of numerous fishes (family Serranidae and especially genera Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) that are typically large solitary bottom-dwelling fishes of warm seas and include important food fishes

groupie
n. 1 : a fan of a rock group who usually follows the group around on concert tours
2 : an admirer of a celebrity who attends as many of his or her public appearances as possible
3 : ENTHUSIAST, AFICIONADO <a political groupie> <golf groupies>

grouping
n. 1 : the act or process of combining in groups
2 : a set of objects combined in a group <a furniture grouping>

groupthink
n. : a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics

groupuscule
n. : a small group of political activists

groupware
n. : software that enables users to work collaboratively on projects or files via a network

grouse
n. : any of various chiefly ground-dwelling birds (family Tetraonidae) that are usually of reddish-brown or other protective color and have feathered legs and that include many important game birds

grouse
n. : COMPLAIN, GRUMBLE
–grous·er noun

grouse
n. : COMPLAINT

grouse
n. black grouse
hazel grouse
ruffed grouse
sage grouse

grout
n. 1 a : thin mortar used for filling spaces (as the joints in masonry) also : any of various other materials (as a mixture of cement and water or chemicals that solidify) used for a similar purpose b : PLASTER
2 : LEES

grout
n. 1 : to fill up or finish with grout
2 : to fix in place by means of grout <grout a bolt into a wall>
–grout·er noun

Grove
n. Sir George 1820-1900 Eng. musicologist

grove
n. 1 : a small wood without underbrush <a picnic grove>
2 : a planting of fruit or nut trees

grove
n. Buffalo Grove
Cottage Grove
Downers Grove
Elk Grove Village
Garden Grove
Grove City
Inver Grove Heights
Lemon Grove
Maple Grove
Pleasant Grove
groves of academe
Webster Groves

Grove City
city cen Ohio pop 27,075

grovel
v. 1 : to creep with the face to the ground : CRAWL
2 a : to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or abasement b : to abase oneself
3 : to give oneself over to what is base or unworthy : WALLOW <groveling in self-pity>
–grov·el·er \-vəl-ər\ noun
–grov·el·ing·ly \-vəl-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Groves
n. Leslie Richard 1896-1970 American gen.

groves of academe

Usage:

often cap A

Date:

1768

: the academic world

grow
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to spring up and develop to maturity b : to be able to grow in some place or situation <trees that grow in the tropics> c : to assume some relation through or as if through a process of natural growth <ferns growing from the rocks>
2 a : to increase in size by assimilation of material into the living organism or by accretion of material in a nonbiological process (as crystallization) b : INCREASE, EXPAND <grows in wisdom>
3 : to develop from a parent source <the book grew out of a series of lectures>
4 a : to pass into a condition : BECOME <grew pale> b : to have an increasing influence <habit grows on a person> c : to become increasingly acceptable or attractive <didn't like it at first, but it grew on him>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to grow <grow wheat> b : to let grow on the body <grew a beard>
2 : to promote the development of <start a business and grow it successfully ― J. L. Deckter>
–grow·er \'grō(-ə)r\ noun
–grow·ing·ly \'grō-iŋ-lē\ adverb

grow
v. grow up
growing pains
growing point
grown up
moss grown
shade grown

grow up
: to grow toward or arrive at full stature or physical or mental maturity <growing up intellectually, socially, and physically>

growing pains
1 : pains in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
2 : the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

growing point
: the undifferentiated end of a plant shoot from which additional shoot tissues differentiate

growl
n. intransitive verb
1 a : RUMBLE <his stomach growled> b : to utter a growl <the dog growled at the stranger>
2 : to complain angrily
transitive verb : to utter with a growl : utter angrily

growl
n. : a deep guttural inarticulate sound

growler
n. 1 : one that growls
2 : a container (as a can or pitcher) for beer bought by the measure
3 : a small iceberg

growling
adj. : marked by a growl <a low growling voice> <listened to the growling thunder>
–growl·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

growly
adj. : resembling a growl <a growly voice>
–growl·i·ness noun

grown
adj. 1 : fully grown : MATURE <grown men and women>
2 : covered or surrounded with vegetation <land well grown with trees>
3 a : cultivated or produced in a specified way or locality ― used in combination <shade-grown tobacco> b : overgrown with ― used in combination <a weed-grown patio>

grown
adj. grown up
moss grown
shade grown

grown-up
1 : not childish or immature : ADULT
2 : of, for, or characteristic of adults <insisted on wearing grown-up clothes>

grown-up
: ADULT

growth
n. 1 a (1) : a stage in the process of growing : SIZE (2) : full growth b : the process of growing c : progressive development : EVOLUTION d : INCREASE, EXPANSION <the growth of the oil industry>
2 a : something that grows or has grown b : an abnormal proliferation of tissue (as a tumor) c : OUTGROWTH d : the result of growth : PRODUCT
3 : a producing especially by growing <fruits of his own growth>
4 : anticipated progressive growth especially in capital value and income <some investors prefer growth to immediate income>

growth
n. epidermal growth factor
fibroblast growth factor
growth company
growth cone
growth factor
growth hormone
growth industry
growth regulator
growth ring
human growth hormone
insulin like growth factor
nerve growth factor
old growth
second growth

growth company
: a company that grows at a greater rate than the economy as a whole and that usually directs a relatively high proportion of income back into the business

growth cone
: the specialized motile tip of an axon of a growing or regenerating neuron

growth factor
: a substance (as a vitamin B_12 or an interleukin) that promotes growth and especially cellular growth

growth hormone
1 : a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth also : a recombinant version of this hormone ― called also somatotropin
2 : GROWTH REGULATOR

growth industry
: a business that has become increasingly popular or profitable also : an interest or activity that is increasingly popular or trendy

growth regulator
: any of various synthetic or naturally occurring plant substances (as an auxin or gibberellin) that regulate growth

growth ring
: a layer of wood (as an annual ring) produced during a single period of growth

growthy
of livestock : exceptionally fast in growing and gaining weight
–growth·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

groyne
n. : GROIN 3

Grozny
n. city S Russia in Europe N of Caucasus Mountains capital of Chechnya pop 388,000

GRP
glass-reinforced plastic

GRU
Chief Intelligence Directorate

grub
n. transitive verb
1 : to clear by digging up roots and stumps
2 : to dig up by or as if by the roots
intransitive verb
1 a : to dig in the ground especially for something that is difficult to find or extract b : to search about <grubbed in the countryside for food ― Lamp>
2 : TOIL, DRUDGE <grubbing along at newspaper jobs ― Walter Kirn>
–grub·ber noun

grub
n. 1 : a soft thick wormlike larva of an insect (as a beetle)
2 a : one who does menial work : DRUDGE b : a slovenly person
3 : FOOD

grub
n. cattle grub
common cattle grub
Grub Street
white grub
money grubber

Grub Street
: the world or category of needy literary hacks

grubby
adj. 1 : infested with fly maggots
2 a : DIRTY, GRIMY <grubby hands> b : SLOVENLY, SLOPPY
3 : worthy of contempt : BASE <grubby political motives>
–grub·bi·ly \'grə-bə-lē\ adverb
–grub·bi·ness \'grə-bē-nəs\ noun

grubstake
n. 1 : supplies or funds furnished a mining prospector on promise of a share in his discoveries
2 : material assistance (as a loan) provided for launching an enterprise or for a person in difficult circumstances

grubstake
n. : to provide with a grubstake
–grub·stak·er noun

grudge
n. : to be unwilling to give or admit : give or allow reluctantly or resentfully <didn't grudge the time>
–grudg·er noun

grudge
n. : a feeling of deep-seated resentment or ill will
synonyms see MALICE

grudging
adj. 1 : UNWILLING, RELUCTANT
2 : done, given, or allowed unwillingly, reluctantly, or sparingly <grudging compliance>
–grudg·ing·ly adverb

Grudziadz
city N Poland on the Vistula NE of Bydgoszcz pop 100,861

gruel
n. 1 : a thin porridge
2 [from to get one's gruel to accept punishment] chiefly British : PUNISHMENT
3 : something that lacks substance or significance <the argument was thin gruel>

grueling
n. : trying or taxing to the point of exhaustion : PUNISHING <a grueling race>
–gru·el·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

gruesome
adj. : inspiring horror or repulsion : GRISLY
synonyms see GHASTLY
–grue·some·ly adverb
–grue·some·ness noun

gruff
adj. 1 : rough, brusque, or stern in manner, speech, or aspect <a gruff reply>
2 : being deep and harsh : HOARSE <a gruff voice>
synonyms see BLUFF
–gruff·ly adverb
–gruff·ness noun

gruff
adj. : to utter in a gruff voice or manner

grumble
n. intransitive verb
1 : to mutter in discontent
2 : GROWL, RUMBLE
transitive verb : to express with grumbling
–grumble noun
–grum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–grum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
–grum·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

grummet
n. variant of grommet

grump
n. 1 : a fit of ill humor or sulkiness ― usually used in plural
2 : a person given to complaining

grump
n. 1 : SULK
2 : GRUMBLE, COMPLAIN
transitive verb : to utter in a grumpy manner

grumpy
adj. : moodily cross : SURLY
–grump·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–grump·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

Grunewald
n. Matthias ca 1455-1528 Ger. painter

grunge
n. 1 : one that is grungy
2 : rock music incorporating elements of punk rock and heavy metal also : the untidy fashions typical of fans of grunge
–grung·er \'grən-jər\ noun

grungy
adj. 1 : shabby or dirty in character or condition
2 : characteristic of grunge music or fashion

grunion
n. : a silverside (Leuresthes tenuis) of the California coast notable for the regularity with which it comes inshore to spawn at nearly full moon

grunt
n. intransitive verb : to utter a grunt
transitive verb : to utter with a grunt
–grunt·er noun

grunt
n. 1 a : the deep short sound characteristic of a hog b : a similar sound
2 [from the noise it makes when taken from the water] : any of a family (Haemulidae syn. Pomadasyidae) of chiefly tropical marine bony fishes
3 : a dessert made by dropping biscuit dough on top of boiling berries and steaming <blueberry grunt>
4 a : a U.S. army or marine foot soldier especially in the Vietnam War b : one who does routine unglamorous work ― often used attributively <grunt work>

gruntle
v. : to put in a good humor <were gruntled with a good meal and good conversation ― W. P. Webb>

grutch
obsolete : BEGRUDGE

grutten
past part of greet

Gruyere
n. 1 : a firm cheese with small holes and a nutty flavor that is of Swiss origin
2 : a process cheese made from natural Gruyère

Gryphius
Andreas 1616-1664 G Greif \'grīf\ Ger. poet & dram.

gryphon
n. variant of griffin

grâce
coups de grâce
coup de grâce
de bonne grâce
Le Havre de Grâce

GS
1 general staff
2 giant slalom
3 government service
4 ground speed

GSA
1 General Services Administration
2 Girl Scouts of America

GSC
general staff corps

GSL
Guaranteed Student Loan

GSO
general staff officer

GSR
galvanic skin response

GSUSA
Girl Scouts of the United States of America

GT
: GRAND TOURING CAR

GT
gross ton

gt
1 great
2 [Latin gutta] drop

Gt Brit
Great Britain

gtd
guaranteed

GTP
: an energy-rich nucleotide analogous to ATP that is composed of guanine, ribose, and three phosphate groups and is necessary for peptide-bond formation during protein synthesis ― called also guanosine triphosphate

Gtr Man
Greater Manchester

gtt
drops

GU
1 genitourinary
2 Guam

guacamole
n. : pureed or mashed avocado seasoned with condiments

guacharo
n. : OILBIRD

Guadalajara
1 city W cen Mexico capital of Jalisco pop 1,628,617
2 province E cen Spain in NE New Castile area 4707 sq mi (12,191 sq km), pop 174,999
3 commune, its capital pop 68,248

Guadalcanal
n. island W Pacific in the SE Solomons pop 23,922 ― see HONIARA

Guadalquivir
river 408 mi (656 km) S Spain flowing W & SW into Gulf of Cádiz

Guadalupe
river SE Tex. flowing SE into San Antonio River

Guadalupe Hidalgo
1 former city cen Mexico N of Mexico City, now part of city of Gustavo A. Madero
2 GUSTAVO A. MADERO (Villa)

Guadalupe Mountains
mountains S N.Mex. & W Tex., the S extension of Sacramento Mountains; highest point Guadalupe Peak, 8749 ft (2667 m), in Guadalupe Mountains National Park (in Tex.)

Guadeloupe
n. two islands, Basse-Terre (or Guadeloupe proper) & Grande-Terre, in French West Indies in cen Leeward Islands; an overseas department of France capital Basse-Terre (on Basse-Terre Is.) area 582 sq mi (1507 sq km), pop 418,000
–Gua·de·lou·pe·an \ˌgwä-də-'lü-pē-ən\ noun

Guadiana
river 515 mi (829 km) Spain & Portugal flowing W & S into Gulf of Cádiz

guaiac
n. : GUAIACUM 2

guaiacum
n. 1 : any of a genus (Guaiacum) of the caltrop family of tropical American evergreen trees and shrubs having pinnate leaves, usually blue flowers, and capsular fruit
2 a : the hard greenish-brown wood of a guaiacum (esp. Guaiacum officinale) b : a resin with a faint balsamic odor that is obtained from the trunk of two guaiacums (G. officinale and G. sanctum) and often used as a clinical reagent

Guaira
― see SETE QUEDAS

Guam
n. island W Pacific in S Marianas; unincorporated U.S. territory capital Agana area 209 sq mi (541 sq km), pop 154,805
–Gua·ma·ni·an \gwä-'mā-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

guan
n. : any of various large gregarious neotropical birds (family Cracidae) that are chiefly arboreal forest-dwellers and that somewhat resemble turkeys

Guanabacoa
city W Cuba E of Havana pop 100,452

Guanabara Bay
inlet of Atlantic Ocean SE Brazil

guanaco
n. : a So. American mammal (Lama guanicoe) of dry open country that has a soft thick fawn-colored coat and is related to the camel but lacks a dorsal hump ― compare ALPACA, LLAMA

Guanajuato
1 state cen Mexico area 11,810 sq mi (30,588 sq km), pop 3,982,593
2 city, its capital pop 128,171

guanethidine
n. : a drug C_10H_22N_4 used especially in the form of its sulfate to treat hypertension

Guangdong
province SE China bordering on S. China Sea & Gulf of Tonkin capital Guangzhou area 76,220 sq mi (197,410 sq km), pop 62,829,236

Guangxi Zhuangzu
region & former province S China W of Guangdong capital Nanning area 85,096 sq mi (221,250 sq km), pop 42,245,765

Guangzhou
city & port SE China capital of Guangdong on Zhu River pop 2,914,281

Guangzhou
canton flannel
Canton ware
Four Forest Cantons

guanidine
n. : a base CH_5N_3 derived from guanine that in the form of its hydrochloride acts as a parasympathetic stimulant and is used especially to denature proteins

guanine
n. : a purine base C_5H_5N_5O that codes genetic information in the polynucleotide chain of DNA or RNA ― compare ADENINE, CYTOSINE, THYMINE, URACIL

guano
n. : a fertilizer containing the accumulated excrement of seabirds or bats broadly : excrement especially of seabirds or bats

guanosine
n. : a nucleoside C_10H_13N_5O_5 composed of guanine and ribose

guanosine triphosphate
: GTP

Guantanamo
city SE Cuba NW of Guantánamo Bay (inlet of the Caribbean; site of U.S. naval base) pop 200,381

Guapore
1 or Ité·nez \ē-'tā-nes\ river 1087 mi (1749 km) W Brazil & NE Bolivia flowing NW to the Mamoré
2 ― see RONDÔNIA

guar
n. : a drought-tolerant legume (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) cultivated in warm regions as a vegetable, for forage, and for its seeds which produce guar gum

guar gum
: a gum obtained from the endosperm of guar seeds and used especially as a thickening agent and as a sizing material for paper and textiles

guarana
n. : a dried paste that is made from the seeds of a So. American climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) of the soapberry family, that contains caffeine and tannin, and that is used as a stimulant also : this plant

guarani
n. 1 capitalized a plural guarani or guaranis : a member of a Tupi-Guaranian people of Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil b : the language of the Guarani
2 plural guaranies also guaranis ― see MONEY table

guarantee
n. 1 : GUARANTOR
2 : GUARANTY 1
3 : an assurance for the fulfillment of a condition: as a : an agreement by which one person undertakes to secure another in the possession or enjoyment of something b : an assurance of the quality of or of the length of use to be expected from a product offered for sale often with a promise of reimbursement
4 : GUARANTY 4

guarantee
n. 1 : to undertake to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of <guarantee a loan>
2 : to engage for the existence, permanence, or nature of : undertake to do or secure <guarantee the winning of three tricks>
3 : to give security to <guaranteed her against loss>
4 : to assert confidently <I guarantee you'll like it>

guarantor
n. 1 : one that makes or gives a guaranty
2 : one that guarantees

guaranty
n. 1 : an undertaking to answer for the payment of a debt or the performance of a duty of another in case of the other's default or miscarriage
2 : GUARANTEE 3
3 : GUARANTOR
4 : something given as security : PLEDGE
5 : the protection of a right afforded by legal provision (as in a constitution)

guaranty
n. : GUARANTEE

guard
n. 1 : one assigned to protect or oversee another: as a : a person or a body of persons on sentinel duty b plural : troops attached to the person of the sovereign c British : CONDUCTOR B
2 a : a defensive state or attitude <asked him out when his guard was down> b : a defensive position (as in boxing)
3 a : the act or duty of protecting or defending b : the state of being protected : PROTECTION
4 : a protective or safety device specifically : a device for protecting a machine part or the operator of a machine
5 archaic : PRECAUTION
6 a : a position or player next to the center in a football line b : a player stationed in the backcourt in basketball
–off guard : in an unprepared or unsuspecting state
–on guard : defensively watchful : ALERT

guard
n. 1 : to protect an edge of with an ornamental border
2 a : to protect from danger especially by watchful attention : make secure <police guarding our cities> b : to stand at the entrance of as if on guard or as a barrier c : to tend to carefully : PRESERVE, PROTECT <guarded their privacy>
3 archaic : ESCORT
4 a : to watch over so as to prevent escape, disclosure, or indiscretion b : to attempt to prevent (an opponent) from playing effectively or scoring
intransitive verb : to watch by way of caution or defense : stand guard
synonyms see DEFEND
–guard·er noun

guard
n. cattle guard
coast guard
color guard
corporal's guard
on guard
off guard
guard cell
guard hair
guard of honor
honor guard
national guard
old guard
point guard
provost guard
rear guard
Red Guard
shooting guard
splash guard
yeoman of the guard
master chief petty officer of the coast guard

guard cell
: one of the two crescent-shaped epidermal cells that border and open and close a plant stoma

guard hair
: one of the usually long coarse hairs forming a protective coating over the undercoat of a mammal

guard of honor

1816
: HONOR GUARD

Guardafui, Cape
cape NE Somalia at entrance to Gulf of Aden

guardant
: having the head turned toward the spectator ― used of a heraldic animal whose body is seen from the side <a lion passant guardant>

guardant
obsolete : GUARDIAN

guarded
adj. 1 : CAUTIOUS, CIRCUMSPECT
2 : being an extremely serious condition with uncertain outcome <was in guarded condition after the crash>
–guard·ed·ly adverb
–guard·ed·ness noun

guardhouse
n. 1 : a building occupied by a guard or used as a headquarters by soldiers on guard duty
2 : a military jail

guardian
n. 1 : one that guards : CUSTODIAN
2 : a superior of a Franciscan monastery
3 : one who has the care of the person or property of another
–guard·ian·ship \-ˌship\ noun

guardian angel
: an angel believed to have special care of a particular individual broadly : SAVIOR 1, PROTECTOR

guardrail
n. : a railing for guarding against danger or trespass especially : a barrier (as of steel cables) placed along the edge of a highway at dangerous points

guardroom
n. 1 : a room occupied by a military guard during its term of duty
2 : a room where military prisoners are confined

guardsman
n. : a member of a military body called guard or guards

Guarico
river W Venezuela flowing SW & S into the Apure

Guarneri
family of Ital. violin makers: especially Giuseppe Antonio 1687-1745

Guarnerius
: a violin made by one of the Italian Guarneri family in the 17th and 18th centuries

Guatemala
n. 1 country Central America S of Mexico bordering on the Pacific & the Caribbean; a republic area 42,042 sq mi (109,309 sq km), pop 9,713,000
2 or Guatemala City city, its capital pop 1,132,730
–Gua·te·ma·lan \-'mä-lən\ adjective or noun

guava
n. 1 : any of several tropical American shrubs or small trees (genus Psidium) of the myrtle family especially : a shrubby tree (P. guajava) widely cultivated for its sweet acid yellow or pink fruit
2 : the roundish to pear-shaped fruit of a guava

Guaviare
river 650 mi (1046 km) Colombia flowing E into the Orinoco

guayabera
: a usually short-sleeved lightweight sport shirt designed to be worn untucked

Guayama
town SE Puerto Rico pop 44,301

Guayanilla
city SW Puerto Rico pop 23,072

Guayaquil
city & port W Ecuador on Guayas River 40 mi (64 km) from Gulf of Guayaquil (inlet of the Pacific) pop 1,508,444

Guayas
river W Ecuador forming delta in Gulf of Guayaquil

Guaymas
city & port NW Mexico in Sonora on Gulf of California pop 134,625

Guaynabo
city NE cen Puerto Rico pop 100,053

guayule
n. : a much-branched composite shrub (Parthenium argentatum) of Mexico and the southwestern U.S. that has been cultivated as a source of rubber

gubernatorial
adj. : of or relating to a governor

guck
n. : oozy sloppy dirt or debris broadly : GOO, GUNK

Guderian
Heinz Wilhelm 1888-1954 Ger. gen.

gudgeon
n. 1 : PIVOT 1, JOURNAL
2 : a socket for a rudder pintle

gudgeon
n. : a small European freshwater fish (Gobio gobio) related to the carps and often used for food or bait

gudgeon pin
: WRIST PIN

Gudrun
: the wife of Sigurd and later of Atli in Norse mythology

guelder rose
: HIGHBUSH CRANBERRY especially : a cultivated form of the cranberry bush with large roundish heads of sterile flowers

Guelf
: a member of a papal and popular political party in medieval Italy that opposed the authority of the German emperors in Italy ― compare GHIBELLINE

Guelph
n. city Canada in SE Ont. pop 106,170

guenon
n. : any of various long-tailed chiefly arboreal African monkeys (esp. genera Cercopithecus and Erythrocebus)

guerdon
n. : REWARD, RECOMPENSE
–guerdon transitive verb

gueridon
: a small usually ornately carved and embellished stand or table

Guerin
Jules 1866-1946 American painter

Guernsey
n. : any of a breed of usually reddish-brown and white dairy cattle that are larger than the Jersey and produce rich yellowish milk

Guernsey
n. island English Channel in the Channel Islands capital St. Peter Port area 24 sq mi (62 sq km), pop 55,421

Guerre
n. Croix de Guerre
nom de guerre
noms de guerre
c'est la guerre
gens de guerre
guerre a outrance
guerre à outrance
ruse de guerre

guerre a outrance
: war to the uttermost

Guerrero
state S Mexico bordering on the Pacific capital Chilpancingo area 24,631 sq mi (63,794 sq km), pop 2,620,637

guerrilla
n. : a person who engages in irregular warfare especially as a member of an independent unit carrying out harassment and sabotage

guerrilla
n. : of, relating to, or suggestive of guerrillas especially in being aggressive, radical, or unconventional

guerrilla theater
: STREET THEATER

Guesclin
Bertrand du ca 1320-1380 Fr. soldier

Guesde
Jules 1845-1922 Mathieu Basile Fr. socialist

guess
n. transitive verb
1 : to form an opinion of from little or no evidence
2 : BELIEVE, SUPPOSE <I guess you're right>
3 : to arrive at a correct conclusion about by conjecture, chance, or intuition <guess the answer>
intransitive verb : to make a guess
–guess·able \'ge-sə-bəl\ adjective
–guess·er noun

guess
n. : CONJECTURE, SURMISE

guess
n. another guess
second guess
second guesser

guesstimate
n. : an estimate usually made without adequate information
–guess·ti·mate \-ˌmāt\ transitive verb

guesswork
n. : work performed or results obtained by guess : CONJECTURE

Guest
n. Edgar Albert 1881-1959 American journalist & poet

guest
n. 1 a : a person entertained in one's house b : a person to whom hospitality is extended c : a person who pays for the services of an establishment (as a hotel or restaurant)
2 : an organism (as an insect) sharing the dwelling of another especially : INQUILINE
3 : a substance that is incorporated in a host substance
4 : a usually prominent person not a regular member of a cast or organization who appears in a program or performance

guest
n. : to receive as a guest
intransitive verb : to appear as a guest

guest worker
: a foreign laborer working temporarily in an industrialized usually European country

guesthouse
n. : a building used for guests (as on an estate) especially : a house run as a boardinghouse or bed-and-breakfast

Guevara
n. Ernesto 1928-1967 Che Latin-Am. (Argentine-born) revolutionary leader

guff
n. 1 : NONSENSE, HUMBUG
2 : verbal abuse <doesn't take any guff>

guffaw
n. : a loud or boisterous burst of laughter
–guf·faw \(ˌ)gə-'fȯ\ intransitive verb

guggle
n. : GURGLE
–guggle noun

GUI
graphical user interface

Gui
river 200 mi (322 km) SE China in E Guangxi Zhuangzu flowing S into the Xi

Guiana
n. region N S. America bordering on the Atlantic & bounded on W & S by Orinoco, Negro, & Amazon rivers; includes Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, & adjoining parts of Brazil & Venezuela
–Gui·a·nan \-nən\ adjective or noun
–Gui·a·nese \ˌgī-ə-'nēz, ˌgē-ə-, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Guiana
n. British Guiana
Netherlands Guiana
Dutch Guiana
French Guiana

guidable
adj. : capable of being guided

guidance
n. 1 : the act or process of guiding
2 a : the direction provided by a guide b : advice on vocational or educational problems given to students
3 : the process of controlling the course of a projectile by a built-in mechanism

guide
n. 1 a : one that leads or directs another's way b : a person who exhibits and explains points of interest c : something that provides a person with guiding information d : SIGNPOST 1 e : a person who directs another's conduct or course of life
2 a : a device for steadying or directing the motion of something b : a ring or loop for holding the line of a fishing rod in position c : a sheet or a card with projecting tab for labeling inserted in a card index to facilitate reference
3 : a member of a unit on whom the movements or alignments of a military command are regulated ― used especially in commands <guide right>

guide
n. transitive verb
1 : to act as a guide to : direct in a way or course
2 a : to direct, supervise, or influence usually to a particular end b : to superintend the training or instruction of
intransitive verb : to act or work as a guide
–guid·er noun
synonyms GUIDE, LEAD, STEER, PILOT, ENGINEER mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. GUIDE implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. LEAD implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. STEER implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. PILOT suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. ENGINEER implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.

guide
n. field guide
Girl Guide
guide dog
guide word
light guide
guided missile
self guided

guide dog
: a dog trained to lead the blind

guide word
: either of the terms at the head of a page of an alphabetical reference work (as a dictionary) indicating the alphabetically first and last words on the page

guidebook
n. : HANDBOOK 1 especially : a book of information for travelers

guided missile
: a missile whose course may be altered during flight (as by a target-seeking radar device)

guideline
n. : a line by which one is guided: as a : a cord or rope to aid a passer over a difficult point or to permit retracing a course b : an indication or outline of policy or conduct

guidepost
n. 1 : INDICATION, SIGN
2 : GUIDELINE B

guideway
n. : a channel or track for controlling the line of motion of something

Guido of Arezzo
ca 991-1050 Benedictine monk & music reformer

guidon
n. 1 : a small flag especially : one borne by a military unit as a unit marker
2 : one who carries a guidon

guidwillie
Scottish : CORDIAL, CHEERING

Guienne
region & former province SW France bordering on Bay of Biscay capital Bordeaux ― see AQUITAINE

guild
n. 1 : an association of people with similar interests or pursuits especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen
2 : a group of organisms that use the same ecological resource in a similar way <a feeding guild>
–guild·ship \'gil(d)-ˌship\ noun

guild
n. guild socialism
gild the lily
gilt edged
gilt edge

guild socialism
: an early 20th century English socialistic theory advocating state ownership of industry with control and management by guilds of workers

guilder
n. : GULDEN

guildhall
n. : a hall where a guild or corporation usually assembles

guildsman
n. 1 : a guild member
2 : an advocate of guild socialism

guile
n. 1 : deceitful cunning : DUPLICITY
2 obsolete : STRATAGEM, TRICK
–guile·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–guile·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–guile·ful·ness noun

guileless
adj. : INNOCENT, NAIVE
–guile·less·ly adverb
–guile·less·ness noun

Guilin
city S China in NE Guangxi Zhuangzu on the Gui pop 364,130

Guillain-Barre syndrome
: a polyneuritis of unknown cause characterized especially by muscle weakness and paralysis

Guillaume
Charles Édouard 1861-1938 Fr. physicist

guillemet
: either of the marks « or » used as quotation marks in French writing

Guillemin
Roger (Charles Louis) 1924-     American (Fr.-born) physiol.

guillemot
n. 1 British : a common murre (Uria aalge)
2 : any of a genus (Cepphus) of narrow-billed auks of northern seas

guilloche
n. 1 : an architectural ornament formed of two or more interlaced bands with openings containing round devices
2 : a pattern (as on metalwork) made by interlacing curved lines

guillotine
n. 1 : a machine for beheading by means of a heavy blade that slides down in vertical guides
2 : a shearing machine or instrument (as a paper cutter) that in action resembles a guillotine
3 chiefly British : closure by the imposition of a predetermined time limit on the consideration of specific sections of a bill or portions of other legislative business
–guillotine transitive verb

guilt
n. 1 : the fact of having committed a breach of conduct especially violating law and involving a penalty broadly : guilty conduct
2 a : the state of one who has committed an offense especially consciously b : feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy : SELF-REPROACH
3 : a feeling of culpability for offenses

guilt-trip
: to cause feelings of guilt in <guilt-tripped them into helping>

guiltless
adj. : INNOCENT
–guilt·less·ly adverb
–guilt·less·ness noun

guilty
adj. 1 : justly chargeable with or responsible for a usually grave breach of conduct or a crime
2 obsolete : justly liable to or deserving of a penalty
3 a : suggesting or involving guilt <guilty looks> b : aware of or suffering from guilt <guilty consciences>
synonyms see BLAMEWORTHY
–guilt·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–guilt·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

guimpe
1 : a blouse worn under a jumper or pinafore
2 : a wide cloth used by some nuns to cover the neck and shoulders
3 [by alteration] : 1GIMP

Guinea
n. 1 region W Africa bordering on the Atlantic from Gambia (on N) to Angola (on S)
2 or formerly French Guinea republic W Africa bordering on the Atlantic; formerly a territory of French West Africa capital Conakry area 94,925 sq mi (245,856 sq km), pop 7,300,000
–Guin·ean \'gi-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

guinea
n. 1 : an English gold coin issued from 1663 to 1813 and fixed in 1717 at 21 shillings
2 : a unit of value equal to one pound and one shilling

guinea
n. guinea worm disease
French Guinea
guinea fowl
guinea grass
guinea hen
guinea pepper
guinea pig
guinea worm
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea Gulf of
Guinea Bissau
Portuguese Guinea
Netherlands New Guinea
New Guinea
North East New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Spanish Guinea
New Guinean
Papua New Guinean

guinea fowl
: an African bird (Numida meleagris) related to the pheasants, raised for food in many parts of the world, and marked by a bare neck and head and slaty plumage speckled with white broadly : any of several related birds

guinea grass
: a tall African forage grass (Panicum maximum) introduced into tropical America and the southern U.S.

guinea hen
: a female guinea fowl broadly : GUINEA FOWL

guinea pepper
: GRAINS OF PARADISE

guinea pig
1 : a small stout-bodied short-eared tailless domesticated rodent (Cavia porcellus) of So. American origin often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research ― called also cavy
2 : a subject of research, experimentation, or testing

guinea worm
: a slender nematode worm (Dracunculus medinensis) of tropical regions that is parasitic in humans, has no known animal reservoir, and has an adult female that infests subcutaneous tissues and may attain a length of several feet

guinea worm disease
: DRACUNCULIASIS

Guinea, Gulf of
arm of the Atlantic W cen Africa; includes Bights of Benin & Biafra

Guinea-Bissau
republic W Africa S of Senegal; until 1974 a Portuguese colony capital Bissau area 13,948 sq mi (36,265 sq km), pop 1,036,000

Guinevere
n. : the wife of King Arthur and mistress of Lancelot

Guinness
n. Sir Alec 1914-2000 Brit. actor

guipure
n. : a heavy large-patterned decorative lace

Guipuzcoa
province N Spain; in Basque Country capital Donostia-San Sebastian area 771 sq mi (1997 sq km), pop 673,563

guiro
n. : a percussion instrument of Latin-American origin made of a serrated gourd and played by scraping a stick along its surface

guisard
chiefly Scottish : MASKER, MUMMER

Guiscard
Robert ― see ROBERT GUISCARD

Guise
n. 2d Duc de 1519-1563 François de Lorraine Fr. soldier & polit.

Guise
n. 3d Duc de 1550-1588 Henri I de Lorraine Fr. soldier & polit.

guise
n. 1 : a form or style of dress : COSTUME
2 a obsolete : MANNER, FASHION b archaic : a customary way of speaking or behaving
3 a : external appearance : SEMBLANCE b : PRETEXT

guitar
n. : a flat-bodied stringed instrument with a long fretted neck and usually six strings played with a pick or with the fingers
–gui·tar·ist \-ist\ noun

guitar
n. bottleneck guitar
air guitar
Hawaiian guitar
pedal steel guitar
steel guitar
steel guitarist

guitarfish
n. : any of several viviparous rays (family Rhinobatidae) somewhat like a guitar in shape viewed from above

Guiteras
Juan 1852-1925 Cuban physician

Guiyang
city S China capital of Guizhou pop 1,018,619

Guizhou
province S China S of Sichuan capital Guiyang area 67,181 sq mi (174,671 sq km), pop 32,391,066

Guizot
François (-Pierre-Guillaume) 1787-1874 Fr. hist. & statesman

Gujarat
n. 1 region W India where Gujarati is spoken
2 state W India N & E of Gulf of Khambhat capital Gandhinagar area 72,236 sq mi (187,091 sq km), pop 50,596,992

Gujarati
n. 1 or Gu·je·ra·ti \same\ : the Indo-Aryan language of Gujarat and neighboring regions in northwestern India
2 or Guj·ra·ti \güj-'rä-, gu̇j-'rä-\ : a member of a people chiefly of Gujarat speaking the Gujarati language

Gujranwala
city NE Pakistan N of Lahore pop 1,132,509

gul
archaic : ROSE 1

gulag
n. : the penal system of the U.S.S.R. consisting of a network of labor camps also : LABOR CAMP 1

gular
adj. : of, relating to, or situated on the throat

gulch
n. : a deep or precipitous cleft : RAVINE especially : one occupied by a torrent

gulden
n. 1 : the basic monetary unit of the Netherlands until 2002
2 ― see MONEY table

gules
n. : the heraldic color red

gulf
n. 1 : a part of an ocean or sea extending into the land
2 : a deep chasm : ABYSS
3 : WHIRLPOOL
4 : a wide gap <the gulf between generations>

gulf
n. : ENGULF

gulf
n. Gulf War syndrome
Aden Gulf of
Alaska Gulf of
Ambracian Gulf
Gulf of Arta
Amundsen Gulf
Anadyr Gulf of
Gulf of Anadir
Archangel Gulf of
Argolis Gulf of
Arta Gulf of
Gulf of Chihli
Boothia Gulf of
Bothnia Gulf of
Cadiz Gulf of
Cádiz Gulf of
California Gulf of
Cambay Gulf of
Carpentaria Gulf of
Chihli Gulf of
Corinth Gulf of
Danzig Gulf of
Darien Gulf of
Davao Gulf
Dvina Gulf
Gulf of Archangel
Finland Gulf of
Fonseca Gulf of
Gdansk Gulf of
Gulf of Danzig
Gonave Gulf of
Gonâve Gulf of
Guinea Gulf of
Gulf Stream
Hauraki Gulf
Honduras Gulf of
Huon Gulf
Kachchh Gulf of
Gulf of Kutch
Khambhat Gulf of
Gulf of Cambay
Kula Gulf
Kutch Gulf of
Laconia Gulf of
Lingayen Gulf
Lion Gulf of
Maliakos Gulf of
Maliakós Gulf of
Mannar Gulf of
Martaban Gulf of
Messenia Gulf of
Mexico Gulf of
Moro Gulf
Oman Gulf of
Panama Gulf of
Papua Gulf of
Paria Gulf of
Patras Gulf of
Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf States
Riga Gulf of
Saint Malo Gulf of
Saint Vincent Gulf
Salonika Gulf of
Saronic Gulf
Saros Gulf
Siam Gulf of
Sidra Gulf of
Gulf of Sirte
Spencer Gulf
Strimon Gulf of
Strymonic Gulf
Strimón Gulf of
Tadjoura Gulf of
Thailand Gulf of
Gulf of Siam
Tonkin Gulf of
Van Diemen Gulf
Venezuela Gulf of
Venice Gulf of

Gulf Stream
warm current in N. Atlantic flowing from Gulf of Mexico NE along U.S. coast to Nantucket & thence eastward

Gulf War syndrome
: a syndrome of uncertain cause including fatigue, joint pain, memory loss, skin rash, and headache that has been reported in veterans of the war fought in the Persian Gulf in 1991

Gulfport
city & port SE Miss. pop 71,127

gulfweed
n. : any of several sargassums especially : a branching olive-brown seaweed (Sargassum natans) of tropical American seas with numerous berrylike air vesicles

Gulja
― see YINING

gull
n. : any of numerous long-winged web-footed aquatic birds (subfamily Larinae of the family Laridae) especially : a usually gray and white bird (esp. of the genus Larus) differing from a tern in usually larger size, stouter build, thicker somewhat hooked bill, less pointed wings, and short unforked tail

gull
n. : to take advantage of (one who is foolish or unwary) : DECEIVE

gull
n. : a person who is easily deceived or cheated : DUPE

gull
n. herring gull
laughing gull
ring billed gull

Gullah
n. 1 : a member of a group of blacks inhabiting the sea islands and coastal districts of So. Carolina, Georgia, and northeastern Florida
2 : an English-based creole spoken by the Gullahs that is marked by vocabulary and grammatical elements from various African languages

gullet
n. 1 : ESOPHAGUS broadly : THROAT
2 : an invagination of the protoplasm in various protozoans (as a paramecium) that sometimes functions in the intake of food
3 : the space between the tips of adjacent saw teeth

gullible
adj. : easily duped or cheated
–gull·ibil·i·ty \ˌgə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–gull·ibly \'gə-lə-blē\ adverb

Gulliver
n. : an Englishman in Jonathan Swift's satire Gulliver's Travels who makes voyages to the imaginary lands of the Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians, Laputans, and Houyhnhnms

Gullstrand
Allvar 1862-1930 Swed. ophthalmologist

gully
n. dialect British : a large knife

gully
n. 1 : a trench which was orig. worn in the earth by running water and through which water often runs after rains
2 : a small valley or gulch

gully
n. transitive verb : to make gullies in
intransitive verb : to undergo erosion : form gullies

gully erosion
: soil erosion produced by running water

gulosity
: excessive appetite : GREEDINESS

gulp
n. transitive verb
1 : to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow
2 : to keep back as if by swallowing <gulp down a sob>
3 : to take in readily as if by swallowing <gulp down knowledge>
intransitive verb : to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink
–gulp noun
–gulp·er noun

gum
n. : the tissue that surrounds the necks of teeth and covers the alveolar parts of the jaws broadly : the alveolar portion of a jaw with its enveloping soft tissues

gum
n. 1 : to enlarge gullets of (a saw)
2 : to chew with the gums

gum
n. 1 a : any of numerous colloidal polysaccharide substances of plant origin that are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying and are salts of complex organic acids ― compare MUCILAGE 1 b : any of various plant exudates (as an oleoresin or gum resin)
2 : a substance or deposit resembling a plant gum (as in sticky or adhesive quality)
3 a : a tree (as a black gum) that yields gum b Australian : EUCALYPTUS
4 : the wood or lumber of a gum especially : that of the sweet gum
5 : CHEWING GUM

gum
n. transitive verb : to clog, impede, or damage with or as if with gum <gum up the works>
intransitive verb
1 : to exude or form gum
2 : to become gummy
–gum·mer noun

gum
n. kauri gum
gum turpentine
black gum
blue gum
bubble gum
chewing gum
guar gum
gum arabic
gum boot
gum resin
gum tragacanth
gum tree
karaya gum
red gum
sour gum
spirit gum
sweet gum
xanthan gum

gum arabic
: a water-soluble gum obtained from several acacias (esp. Acacia senegal) and used especially in the manufacture of inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and confections

gum boot
: a rubber boot

gum resin
: a product consisting essentially of a mixture of gum and resin usually obtained by making an incision in a plant and allowing the juice which exudes to solidify

gum tragacanth
: TRAGACANTH

gum tree
: 3GUM 3

gum turpentine
: TURPENTINE 2A

gumbo
n. 1 : a soup thickened with okra pods or filé and containing meat or seafoods and usually vegetables
2 : OKRA 1
3 a : any of various fine-grained silty soils especially of the central U.S. that when wet become impervious and soapy or waxy and very sticky b : a heavy sticky mud
4 : MIXTURE, MÉLANGE
–gumbo adjective

gumbo
n. : CREOLE 4A

gumbo-limbo
: a tree (Bursera simaruba of the family Burseraceae) of southern Florida and the American tropics that has a smooth coppery bark and supplies a reddish resin used locally in cements and varnishes

gumboil
n. : an abscess in the gum

gumdrop
n. : a sugar-coated candy made usually from corn syrup with gelatin or gum arabic

gumma
n. : a tumor of gummy or rubbery consistency that is characteristic of the tertiary stage of syphilis
–gum·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

gummite
: a yellow to reddish-brown mixture of hydrous oxides of uranium, thorium, and lead

gummosis
: a pathological production of gummy exudate in a plant also : a plant disease marked by gummosis

gummous
: resembling or composed of gum

gummy
adj. 1 : VISCOUS, STICKY
2 a : consisting of or containing gum b : covered with gum
–gum·mi·ness noun

gumption
n. 1 chiefly dialect : COMMON SENSE, HORSE SENSE
2 : ENTERPRISE, INITIATIVE <lacked the gumption to try>

gumshoe
n. : DETECTIVE

gumshoe
n. : to engage in detective work

Gumti
― see GOMATI

gumwood
n. : 3GUM 4

gun
n. 1 a : a piece of ordnance usually with high muzzle velocity and comparatively flat trajectory b : a portable firearm (as a rifle or handgun) c : a device that throws a projectile
2 a : a discharge of a gun especially as a salute or signal b : a signal marking a beginning or ending
3 a : HUNTER b : GUNMAN
4 : something suggesting a gun in shape or function
5 : THROTTLE
–gunned \'gənd\ adjective
–under the gun : under pressure or attack

gun
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fire on b : SHOOT <gunned down by a hit man>
2 a : to open up the throttle of so as to increase speed <gun the engine> b : FIRE 3B <gunned the ball to first base>
intransitive verb : to hunt with a gun
–gun for : to aim at or go after with determination or effort

gun
n. air gun
big gun
Bofors gun
Browning machine gun
burp gun
electron gun
Gatling gun
give the gun
under the gun
gun for
gun control
gun lap
gun moll
gun room
gun shy
hired gun
jump the gun
machine gun
pellet gun
Quaker gun
radar gun
riot gun
run and gun
six gun
smoking gun
son of a gun
spray gun
squirrel gun
squirt gun
stun gun
submachine gun
Thompson submachine gun
tommy gun
top gun
water gun
zip gun
go great guns
sons of guns
stick to one's guns

gun control
: regulation of the selling, owning, and use of guns

gun for
to aim at or go after with determination or effort

gun lap
: the final lap of a race in track signaled by the firing of a gun as the leader begins the lap

gun moll
slang : MOLL 2B

gun room
: quarters on a British warship orig. used by the gunner and his mates but now by midshipmen and junior officers

gun-shy
1 : afraid of loud noise (as that of a gun)
2 : markedly distrustful, afraid, or cautious

gunboat
n. : an armed ship of shallow draft

gunboat diplomacy
: diplomacy backed by the use or threat of military force

guncotton
n. : NITROCELLULOSE especially : an explosive highly nitrated product used chiefly in smokeless powder

gundog
n. : a dog trained to work with hunters by locating and retrieving game

gunfight
n. : a hostile encounter in which antagonists with guns shoot at each other
–gun·fight·er \-ˌfī-tər\ noun

gunfire
n. : the firing of guns

gunflint
n. : a small sharp flint fashioned to ignite the priming in a flintlock

gung ho
: extremely or overly zealous or enthusiastic

gunite
: a building material consisting of a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is sprayed onto a mold

gunk
n. : filthy, sticky, or greasy matter
–gunky \'gəŋ-kē\ adjective

gunman
n. 1 : a man armed with a gun especially : a professional killer
2 : a man noted for speed or skill in handling a gun

gunmetal
n. 1 : a metal used for guns specifically : a bronze formerly much used as a material for cannon
2 : an alloy or metal treated to imitate nearly black tarnished copper-alloy gunmetal
3 : a bluish-gray color

Gunnar
n. : the king of the Nibelungs and husband of Brynhild in Norse mythology

Gunnarsson
Gunnar 1889-1975 Icelandic writer

gunnel
n. variant of gunwale

gunnel
n. : a small slimy eellike bony fish (Pholis gunnellus) of the No. Atlantic broadly : any fish of the family (Pholidae) to which the gunnel belongs

gunner
n. 1 : a soldier or airman who operates or aims a gun
2 : one who hunts with a gun
3 : a warrant officer who supervises ordnance and ordnance stores

gunnery
n. : the use of guns especially : the science of the flight of projectiles and of the effective use of guns

gunnery sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer in the marine corps ranking above a staff sergeant and below a master sergeant or first sergeant

Gunnison
river 150 mi (241 km) W cen Colo. flowing W & NW into Colorado River ― see BLACK CANYON

gunnysack
n. : a sack made of a coarse heavy fabric (as burlap)

gunplay
n. : the shooting of small arms with intent to scare or kill

gunpoint
n. : the muzzle of a gun
–at gunpoint : under a threat of death by being shot

gunpowder
n. : an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used in gunnery and blasting broadly : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

gunrunner
n. : one that traffics in contraband arms and ammunition
–gun·run·ning \-ˌrə-niŋ\ noun

Gunsan
― see KUNSAN

gunsel
n. slang : GUNMAN

gunship
n. : a helicopter or cargo aircraft armed with rockets and machine guns

gunshot
n. 1 : shot or a projectile fired from a gun
2 : the range of a gun
3 : the firing of a gun

gunslinger
n. : a person noted for speed and skill in handling and shooting a gun especially in the American West

gunslinging
n. : the shooting of a gun especially in a gunfight

gunsmith
n. : one who designs, makes, or repairs small firearms
–gun·smith·ing \-ˌsmi-thiŋ\ noun

Gunter
n. Edmund 1581-1626 Eng. math.

Gunter's chain
: a chain 66 feet (20.1 meters) long that is the unit of length for surveys of U.S. public lands

Gunther
: a Burgundian king and husband of Brunhild in Germanic legend

Guntur
city E India in cen Andhra Pradesh W of Machilipatnam pop 514,707

gunwale
n. : the upper edge of a ship's or boat's side
–to the gunwales : as full as possible

guppy
n. : a small bony fish (Poecilia reticulata of the family Poeciliidae) especially of Barbados, Trinidad, and Venezuela that is a live-bearer and is often kept as an aquarium fish

Gupta
Candra Gupta
Chandra Gupta II
Candra Gupta II
Chandra Gupta

Gurabo
city E cen Puerto Rico pop 36,743

gurgle
n. 1 : to flow in a broken irregular current <the brook gurgling over the rocks>
2 : to make a sound like that of a gurgling liquid <the baby gurgling in his crib>
–gurgle noun

Gurkha
n. : a soldier from Nepal in the British or Indian army

gurnard
n. : SEA ROBIN ― compare FLYING GURNARD

Gurnee
village NE corner of Ill. pop 28,834

gurney
n. : a wheeled cot or stretcher

gurry
n. : fishing offal

guru
n. 1 : a personal religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism
2 a : a teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern b : one who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponent c : a person with knowledge or expertise : EXPERT

gush
n. intransitive verb
1 : to issue copiously or violently
2 : to emit a sudden copious flow
3 : to make an effusive display of affection or enthusiasm <an aunt gushing over the baby>
transitive verb
1 : to emit in a copious free flow
2 : to say or write effusively
–gush·ing·ly \'gə-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

gush
n. 1 a : a sudden outpouring b : something emitted in a gushing forth
2 : an effusive display or outpouring

gusher
n. : one that gushes specifically : an oil well with a copious natural flow

gushy
adj. : marked by effusive sentimentality
–gush·i·ly \'gə-shə-lē\ adverb
–gush·i·ness \'gə-shē-nəs\ noun

Gusmao
Xanana 1946-     orig. José Alexandre Gusmão pres. of East Timor (2002-  )

gusset
n. 1 : a usually diamond-shaped or triangular insert in a seam (as of a sleeve, pocketbook, or shoe upper) to provide expansion or reinforcement
2 : a plate or bracket for strengthening an angle in framework (as in a building or bridge)
–gusset transitive verb

gussy up
: DRESS UP, EMBELLISH

gust
n. 1 obsolete a : the sensation of taste b : INCLINATION, LIKING
2 : keen delight

gust
n. 1 : a sudden brief rush of wind
2 : a sudden outburst : SURGE <a gust of emotion>
–gust·i·ly \'gəs-tə-lē\ adverb
–gust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun
–gusty \-tē\ adjective

gust
n. : to blow in gusts <winds gusting up to 40 mph>

gustation
n. : the act or sensation of tasting

gustatory
adj. : relating to or associated with eating or the sense of taste
–gus·ta·to·ri·ly \ˌgəs-tə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

Gustav
n. name of 6 kings of Sweden, the first 4 of the Vasa dynasty: I (Gustav Eriksson) 1496?-1560 (reigned 1523-60); II (Gustav Adolph) 1594-1632 (reigned 1611-32); III 1746-1792 (reigned 1771-92); IV (Gustav Adolph) 1778-1837 (reigned 1792-1809); V 1858-1950 (reigned 1907-50); VI (Gustav Adolph) 1882-1973 (reigned 1950-73)

Gustavo A. Madero, Villa
city cen Mexico in Distrito Federal N of Mexico City pop 1,182,895

gusto
n. 1 a : an individual or special taste <different gustoes> b : enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation c : vitality marked by an abundance of vigor and enthusiasm
2 archaic : artistic style

GUT
n. grand unified theory; grand unification theory

gut
n. 1 a (1) : BOWELS, ENTRAILS ― usually used in plural (2) : the basic visceral or emotional part of a person b : ALIMENTARY CANAL also : part of the alimentary canal and especially the intestine or stomach c : BELLY, ABDOMEN d : CATGUT
2 plural : the inner essential parts <the guts of a car>
3 : a narrow passage also : a narrow waterway or small creek
4 : the sac of silk taken from a silkworm ready to spin its cocoon and drawn out into a thread for use as a snell
5 plural : fortitude and stamina in coping with what alarms, repels, or discourages : COURAGE, PLUCK
6 : GUT COURSE

gut
n. 1 a : EVISCERATE b : to extract all the essential passages or portions from
2 a : to destroy the inside of <fire gutted the building> b : to destroy the essential power or effectiveness of <inflation gutting the economy>
–gut it out : PERSEVERE

gut
n. 1 : arising from one's inmost self : VISCERAL <a gut reaction>
2 : having strong impact or immediate relevance <gut issues>

gut
n. blind gut
gut it out
gut check
gut course
gut wrenching
blood and guts
hate one's guts
spill one's guts

gut check
: a test or assessment of courage, character, or determination

gut course
: a course (as in college) that is easily passed

gut it out
PERSEVERE

gut-wrenching
: causing mental or emotional anguish

gutbucket
n. 1 : BARRELHOUSE 2
2 : a homemade bass fiddle consisting of a stick attached to an inverted washtub and having a single string

guten Tag
: good day

Gutenberg
n. Johannes ca 1390-1468 Ger. inventor of printing from movable type

Guthrie
n. Woodrow Wilson 1912-1967 Woody American folksinger

gutless
adj. 1 : lacking courage : COWARDLY
2 : lacking significance or vitality
–gut·less·ness noun

gutsy
adj. 1 : marked by courage, pluck, or determination <a gutsy little fighter> <a gutsy decision>
2 a : expressing or characterized by basic physical senses or passions <gutsy macho talk> <gutsy country blues> b : rough or plain in style : not bland or sophisticated <a gutsy soup>
–gut·si·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–guts·i·ness noun

gutta
n. : one of a series of ornaments in the Doric entablature that is usually in the form of a frustum of a cone

gutta-percha
: a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees (genera Payena and Palaquium) of the sapodilla family that resembles rubber but contains more resin and is used especially as insulation and in dentistry in temporary fillings

guttation
: the exudation of liquid water from the uninjured surface of a plant leaf

gutter
n. 1 a : a trough along the eaves to catch and carry off rainwater b : a low area (as at the edge of a street) to carry off surface water (as to a sewer) c : a trough or groove to catch and direct something <the gutters of a bowling alley>
2 : a white space formed by the adjoining inside margins of two facing pages (as of a book)
3 : the lowest or most vulgar level or condition of human life

gutter
n. 1 : to cut or wear gutters in
2 : to provide with a gutter
intransitive verb
1 a : to flow in rivulets b of a candle : to melt away through a channel out of the side of the cup hollowed out by the burning wick
2 : to incline downward in a draft <the candle flame guttering>

gutter
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the gutter especially : marked by extreme vulgarity, cheapness, or indecency <gutter politics>

gutter out
1 : to become gradually weaker and then go out <the candle guttered out>
2 : to end feebly or undramatically <his screen career had slowly guttered out>

guttering
n. 1 : material for gutters
2 : GUTTER 1A

guttersnipe
n. 1 : a homeless vagabond and especially an outcast boy or girl in the streets of a city
2 : a person of the lowest moral or economic station
–gut·ter·snip·ish \-ˌsnī-pish\ adjective

guttural
n. 1 : articulated in the throat <guttural sounds>
2 : VELAR
3 : being or marked by utterance that is strange, unpleasant, or disagreeable
–guttural noun
–gut·tur·al·ism \'gə-tə-rə-ˌli-zəm, 'gə-trə-\ noun

gutty
n. 1 : GUTSY 1 <a gutty quarterback>
2 : having a vigorous challenging quality <gutty realism>

Gutzkow
Karl Ferdinand 1811-1878 Ger. journalist, nov., & dram.

guy
n. : a rope, chain, rod, or wire attached to something as a brace or guide ― called also guyline

guy
n. : to steady or reinforce with a guy

guy
n. 1 often capitalized : a grotesque effigy of Guy Fawkes traditionally displayed and burned in England on Guy Fawkes Day
2 chiefly British : a person of grotesque appearance
3 a : MAN, FELLOW b : PERSON ― used in plural to refer to the members of a group regardless of sex <saw her and the rest of the guys>
4 : INDIVIDUAL, CREATURE <the other dogs pale in companion to this little guy>

guy
n. : to make fun of : RIDICULE

guy
n. fall guy
Guy Fawkes Day
little guy
wise guy

Guy Fawkes Day
: November 5 observed in England in commemoration of the seizure of Guy Fawkes in 1605 for an attempt to blow up the houses of parliament

Guyana
n. country N S. America on Atlantic coast; a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations since 1970 capital Georgetown area 83,000 sq mi (215,800 sq km), pop 755,000
–Guy·a·nese \ˌgī-ə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

guyot
n. : a flat-topped seamount

Guzman Blanco
Antonio 1829-1899 Venezuelan soldier & statesman; dictator of Venezuela (1870-89)

guzzle
n. intransitive verb : to drink especially liquor greedily, continually, or habitually
transitive verb
1 : to drink greedily or habitually <guzzle beer>
2 : CONSUME, USE UP <devices that guzzle electricity>
–guz·zler \'gəz-lər, 'gə-zə-\ noun

GVHD
graft-versus-host disease

GW
gross weight

Gwadar
town & port SW Pakistan on Arabian Sea; until 1958 belonged to Sultan of Oman pop 17,000

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
n. reservation W Canada in W B.C. in Queen Charlotte Islands

Gwalior
1 former state N cen India capital Lashkar; part of Madhya Pradesh since 1956
2 city N cen India in NW Madhya Pradesh SSE of Agra pop 826,919

Gwangju
― see KWANGJU

Gwinnett
Button ca 1735-1777 American Revolutionary leader

Gwyn
Eleanor 1650-1687 Nell Eng. actress mistress of Charles II

Gwynedd
n. administrative area of NW Wales area 984 sq mi (2548 sq km)

Gy
gray

Gy Sgt
gunnery sergeant

Gyandzha
― see GANCA

gybe
v. variant of jibe

gym
n. 1 : GYMNASIUM
2 : PHYSICAL EDUCATION
3 : a usually metal frame supporting an assortment of outdoor play equipment (as a swing, seesaw, and rings)

gymkhana
n. : a meet featuring sports contests or athletic skills: as a : competitive games on horseback b : a timed contest for automobiles featuring a series of events designed to test driving skill

gymnasium
n. 1 a : a large room used for various indoor sports (as basketball or boxing) and usually equipped with gymnastic apparatus b : a building (as on a college campus) containing space and equipment for various indoor sports activities and usually including spectator accommodations, locker and shower rooms, offices, classrooms, and a swimming pool
2 [German, from Latin, school] : a European secondary school that prepares students for the university

gymnast
n. : a person trained in gymnastics

gymnastic
adj. : of or relating to gymnastics : ATHLETIC
–gym·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

gymnastic
adj. 1 plural but singular in construction a : physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination b : a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control
2 : an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity <my earlier philosophic study had been an intellectual gymnastic ― John Dewey> <mental gymnastics>
3 : a physical feat or contortion <the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape ― E. D. Radin>

gymnosophist
n. : any of a sect of ascetics in ancient India who went naked and practiced meditation

gymnosperm
n. : any of a group of vascular plants that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary, that were formerly considered a class (Gymnospermae) of seed plants, but that are now considered polyphyletic in origin and divided into several extinct divisions and four divisions with surviving members typified by the cycadophytes, conifers, ginkgo, and ephedras ― compare ANGIOSPERM
–gym·no·sper·mous \ˌjim-nə-'spər-məs\ adjective
–gym·no·sper·my \'jim-nə-ˌspər-mē\ noun

gyn
gynecology

gyn
: female reproductive organ : ovary <gynophore>

gynaecology
n. chiefly British variant of gynecology

gynandromorph
n. : an abnormal individual exhibiting characters of both sexes in various parts of the body : a sexual mosaic
–gyn·an·dro·mor·phic \(ˌ)gīn-ˌan-drə-'mȯr-fik, (ˌ)jin-\ adjective
–gyn·an·dro·mor·phism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun
–gyn·an·dro·mor·phy \ˌgīn-'an-drə-ˌmȯr-fē, ˌjin-\ noun

gynandrous
: having the androecium and gynoecium united in a column

gyne
: female reproductive organ <trichogyne>

gynec
: woman <gynecology>

gynecocracy
: political supremacy of women
–gy·ne·co·crat·ic \ˌgī-ni-kō-'kra-tik, ˌji-\ adjective

gynecoid
adj. : typical or characteristic of the human female <gynecoid pelvis>

gynecology
n. : a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and routine physical care of the reproductive system of women
–gy·ne·co·log·ic \ˌgī-ni-kə-'lä-jik, ˌji-\ or gy·ne·co·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–gy·ne·col·o·gist \ˌgī-nə-'kä-lə-jist, ˌji-\ noun

gynecomastia
n. : excessive development of the breast in the male

gynocentric
adj. : dominated by or emphasizing feminine interests or a feminine point of view

gynoecium
n. : the aggregate of carpels or pistils in a flower

gynogenesis
n. : development in which the embryo contains only maternal chromosomes due to activation of an egg by a sperm that degenerates without fusing with the egg nucleus
–gy·no·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

gynophore
: a prolongation of the receptacle (as in a caper flower) with the gynoecium at its apex

gynous
1 : of, relating to, or having (such or so many) wives <monogynous>
2 : situated (in a specified place) in relation to a female organ of a plant <hypogynous>

gyny
1 : existence of or condition of having (such or so many) wives <polygyny>
2 : condition of being situated (in a specified place) in relation to a female organ of a plant <epigyny>

Gyor
city NW Hungary WNW of Budapest pop 134,200

gyp
n. 1 British : a college servant
2 a : CHEAT, SWINDLER b : FRAUD, SWINDLE

gyp
n. : CHEAT

gypseous
adj. : resembling, containing, or consisting of gypsum <gypseous clay loam>

gypsophila
n. : any of a large genus (Gypsophila) of Old World herbs of the pink family having small delicate usually paniculate flowers

gypsum
n. 1 : a widely distributed mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris
2 : DRYWALL

Gypsy
n. 1 : a member of a traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India and now live chiefly in south and southwest Asia, Europe, and No. America
2 : ROMANY 2
3 not capitalized : one that resembles a Gypsy especially : WANDERER

gypsy
n. : to live or roam like a Gypsy

gypsy cab
: a taxicab licensed only to answer calls especially : such a cab that cruises in search of passengers illegally

gypsy moth
: an Old World tussock moth (Lymantria dispar) that was introduced about 1869 into the U.S. and has a grayish-brown mottled hairy caterpillar which is a destructive defoliator of many trees

gyr
1 : ring : circle : spiral <gyromagnetic>
2 : gyroscope <gyrocompass>

gyrase
: a bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the breaking and rejoining of bonds linking adjacent nucleotides in circular DNA to generate supercoiled DNA helices

gyrate
v. : winding or coiled around : CONVOLUTED <gyrate branches of a tree>

gyrate
v. 1 : to revolve around a point or axis
2 : to oscillate with or as if with a circular or spiral motion
–gy·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun
–gy·ra·to·ry \'jī-rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

gyration
n. 1 : an act or instance of gyrating
2 : something (as a coil of a shell) that is gyrate
–gy·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

gyre
n. : a circular or spiral motion or form especially : a giant circular oceanic surface current
–gy·ral \'jī-rəl\ adjective

gyre
n. : to move in a circle or spiral

gyrene
slang : a U.S. marine

gyrfalcon
n. : an arctic falcon (Falco rusticolus) that occurs in several color forms and is the largest of all falcons

Gyro
n. : a member of a major international service club

gyro
n. 1 : GYROCOMPASS
2 : GYROSCOPE

gyro
n. : a sandwich especially of lamb and beef, tomato, onion, and yogurt sauce on pita bread

gyro horizon
: ARTIFICIAL HORIZON

gyrocompass
n. : a compass consisting of a continuously driven gyroscope whose spinning axis is confined to a horizontal plane so that the earth's rotation causes it to assume a position parallel to the earth's axis and thus point to the true north

gyrofrequency
: the frequency with which a charged particle (as an electron) executes spiral gyrations in moving obliquely across a magnetic field

gyromagnetic
adj. : of or relating to the magnetic properties of a rotating electrical particle

gyromagnetic ratio
: the ratio of the magnetic moment of a spinning charged particle to its angular momentum ― called also g-factor

gyroplane
n. : an airplane balanced and supported by the aerodynamic forces acting on rapidly rotating horizontal or slightly inclined airfoils

gyroscope
n. : a wheel or disk mounted to spin rapidly about an axis and also free to rotate about one or both of two axes perpendicular to each other and to the axis of spin so that a rotation of one of the two mutually perpendicular axes results from application of torque to the other when the wheel is spinning and so that the entire apparatus offers considerable opposition depending on the angular momentum to any torque that would change the direction of the axis of spin
–gy·ro·scop·ic \ˌjī-rə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–gy·ro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

gyrostabilizer
n. : a stabilizing device (as for a ship or airplane) that consists of a continuously driven gyro spinning about a vertical axis and pivoted so that its axis of spin may be tipped fore-and-aft in the vertical plane and that serves to oppose sideways motion ― called also gy·ro·stat \'jī-rə-ˌstat\

gyrus
n. : a convoluted ridge between anatomical grooves especially : CONVOLUTION 2

gyve
n. : FETTER, SHACKLE
–gyve transitive verb

H
n. 1 Hamiltonian
2 henry
3 heroin

H
n. hydrogen

h
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 8th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic h
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter h
3 : one designated h especially as the eighth in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter H

h
n. 1 half
2 harbor
3 hard; hardness
4 hect-; hecto-
5 height
6 high
7 hit
8 horse
9 hour
10 humidity
11 hundred
12 husband

H hour
: the hour set for launching a specific tactical operation

H Res
House resolution

H-bomb
: HYDROGEN BOMB

HA
interj. hour angle

ha
interj. ― used especially to express surprise, joy, or triumph

ha
interj. hectare

ha
interj. Ha erh pin
Ch'i ch'i ha erh
ha ha
hoo ha
hoo hah

ha'penny
n. : HALFPENNY

Ha-erh-pin
― see HARBIN

ha-ha
― used to express amusement or derision

ha-ha
: SUNK FENCE

Haakon
v. 1872-1957 king of Norway (1905-57)

Haarlem
city W Netherlands capital of N. Holland pop 147,831

Haarlemmermeer
― see HOOFDDORP

Haavelmo
Trygve 1911-     Norw. econ.

Hab
Habacuc; Habakkuk

hab corp
habeas corpus

Habacuc
: HABAKKUK

Habakkuk
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet of seventh century B.C. Judah who prophesied an imminent Chaldean invasion
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Habana, La
― see HAVANA
–Ha·ba·ne·ro \ˌä-bə-'ner-ō\ noun

habanera
n. 1 : a Cuban dance in slow duple time
2 : the music for the habanera

habanero
n. : a very hot roundish chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) that is usually orange when mature

habdalah
variant of havdalah

habeas
habeas corpus
habeas corpus ad subjiciendum
writ of habeas corpus

habeas corpus
1 : any of several common-law writs issued to bring a party before a court or judge especially : HABEAS CORPUS AD SUBJICIENDUM
2 : the right of a citizen to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as a protection against illegal imprisonment

habeas corpus ad subjiciendum
: a writ for inquiring into the lawfulness of the restraint of a person who is imprisoned or detained in another's custody

Haber
Fritz 1868-1934 Ger. chem.

Haber process
: a catalytic process for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen

haberdasher
n. 1 British : a dealer in notions
2 : a dealer in men's clothing and accessories

haberdashery
n. 1 : goods sold by a haberdasher
2 : a haberdasher's shop

habergeon
n. 1 : a medieval jacket of mail shorter than a hauberk
2 : HAUBERK

Habibie
B(acharuddin) J(usuf) 1936-     pres. of Indonesia (1998-99)

habile
adj. : having general skill : ABLE, SKILLFUL

habiliment
n. 1 plural : characteristic apparatus : TRAPPINGS <the habiliments of civilization ― W. P. Webb>
2 a : the dress characteristic of an occupation or occasion ― usually used in plural b : CLOTHES ― usually used in plural

habilitate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make fit or capable (as for functioning in society)
2 : CLOTHE, DRESS
intransitive verb : to qualify oneself
–ha·bil·i·ta·tion \-ˌbi-lə-'tā-shən\ noun

habit
n. 1 archaic : CLOTHING
2 a : a costume characteristic of a calling, rank, or function <a nun's habit> b : a costume worn for horseback riding
3 : manner of conducting oneself : BEARING
4 : bodily appearance or makeup <a man of fleshy habit>
5 : the prevailing disposition or character of a person's thoughts and feelings : mental makeup
6 : a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior <her habit of taking a morning walk>
7 a : a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance b : an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary <got up early from force of habit> c : ADDICTION <a drug habit>
8 : characteristic mode of growth or occurrence <a grass similar to Indian corn in habit>
9 of a crystal : characteristic assemblage of forms at crystallization leading to a usual appearance : SHAPE
synonyms HABIT, PRACTICE, USAGE, CUSTOM, WONT mean a way of acting fixed through repetition. HABIT implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively <had a habit of tapping his fingers>. PRACTICE suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice <our practice is to honor all major credit cards>. USAGE suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm <western-style dress is now common usage in international business>. CUSTOM applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law <the custom of wearing black at funerals>. WONT usually applies to an habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group <as was her wont, she slept until noon>.

habit
n. : CLOTHE, DRESS

habit-forming
: inducing the formation of an addiction <a habit-forming drug>

habitable
adj. : capable of being lived in : suitable for habitation
–hab·it·abil·i·ty \ˌha-bə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–hab·it·able·ness \'ha-bə-tə-bəl-nes\ noun
–hab·it·ably \-blē\ adverb

habitant
n. 1 \'ha-bə-tənt\ : INHABITANT, RESIDENT
2 \ˌ(h)a-bi-'tän\ also ha·bi·tan \-'tän\ : a settler or descendant of a settler of French origin working as a farmer in Canada

habitat
n. 1 a : the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows b : the typical place of residence of a person or a group c : a housing for a controlled physical environment in which people can live under surrounding inhospitable conditions (as under the sea)
2 : the place where something is commonly found

habitation
n. 1 : the act of inhabiting : OCCUPANCY <not fit for human habitation>
2 : a dwelling place
3 : SETTLEMENT, COLONY

habitual
adj. 1 : having the nature of a habit : CUSTOMARY <habitual candor> <habitual behavior>
2 : doing, practicing, or acting in some manner by force of habit <habitual drunkards>
3 : resorted to on a regular basis <our habitual diet>
4 : inherent in an individual <habitual grace>
synonyms see USUAL
–ha·bit·u·al·ly adverb
–ha·bit·u·al·ness noun

habituate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make used to something : ACCUSTOM
2 : FREQUENT 1
intransitive verb
1 : to cause habituation
2 : to undergo habituation <habituate to a stimulus>

habituation
n. 1 : the process of habituating : the state of being habituated
2 a : tolerance to the effects of a drug acquired through continued use b : psychological dependence on a drug after a period of use ― compare ADDICTION
3 : decrease in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus

habitude
n. 1 archaic : native or essential character
2 obsolete : habitual association
3 a : habitual disposition or mode of behavior or procedure b : CUSTOM

habitue
n. 1 : a person who may be regularly found in or at a particular place or kind of place <café habitues>
2 : DEVOTEE <an Internet habitue>

habitus
n. : HABIT specifically : body build and constitution especially as related to predisposition to disease

haboob
n. : a violent dust storm or sandstorm especially of Sudan

Habsburg
n. variant of hapsburg

hacek
: a diacritic ˇ placed over a letter (as in č) to modify it : an inverted circumflex

hacendado
: the owner or proprietor of a hacienda

Hacha
Emil 1872-1945 Czech jurist & statesman

Hachioji
city Japan on Honshu pop 536,046

hachure
: a short line used for shading and denoting surfaces in relief (as in map drawing) and drawn in the direction of slope

hachure
: to shade with or show by hachures

hacienda
n. 1 : a large estate especially in a Spanish-speaking country : PLANTATION
2 : the main dwelling of a hacienda

hack
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut or sever with repeated irregular or unskillful blows b : to cut or shape by or as if by crude or ruthless strokes <hacking out new election districts> c : ANNOY, VEX ― often used with off
2 : to clear or make by or as if by cutting away vegetation <hacked his way through the brush>
3 a : to manage successfully <just couldn't hack the new job> b : TOLERATE <I can't hack all this noise>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make chopping strokes or blows <hacked at the weeds> also : to make cuts as if by chopping <hacking away at the work force> b : to play inexpert golf
2 : to cough in a short dry manner
3 : LOAF ― usually used with around
4 a : to write computer programs for enjoyment b : to gain access to a computer illegally
–hack it
1 : COPE 2B <I can't hack it any longer>
2 : to be successful <couldn't hack it in the world of professional sports>

hack
n. 1 : an implement for hacking
2 : NICK, NOTCH
3 : a short dry cough
4 : a hacking stroke or blow
5 : restriction to quarters as punishment for naval officers ― usually used in the phrase under hack
6 : a usually creative solution to a computer hardware or programming problem or limitation

hack
n. 1 a : HACKNEY b (1) : TAXICAB (2) : CABDRIVER
2 a (1) : a horse let out for common hire (2) : a horse used in all kinds of work b : a horse worn out in service : JADE c : a light easy saddle horse especially : a three-gaited saddle horse d : a ride on a horse
3 a : a person who works solely for mercenary reasons : HIRELING <party hacks> b : a writer who works on order also : a writer who aims solely for commercial success c : HACKER 2

hack
n. 1 : working for hire especially with mediocre professional standards <a hack journalist>
2 : performed by, suited to, or characteristic of a hack <hack writing>
3 : HACKNEYED, TRITE

hack
n. 1 : to ride or drive at an ordinary pace or over the roads especially as distinguished from racing or hunting
2 : to operate a taxicab
transitive verb : to ride (a horse) at an ordinary pace

hack
n. : to rear (a young hawk) in a state of partial liberty especially prior to the acquisition of flight and hunting capabilities

hack
n. slang : a guard especially at a prison

hack it

1 : COPE 2B <I can't hack it any longer>
2 : to be successful <couldn't hack it in the world of professional sports>

hackamore
n. : a bridle with a loop capable of being tightened about the nose in place of a bit or with a slip noose passed over the lower jaw

hackberry
n. : any of a genus (Celtis) of trees and shrubs of the elm family with small often edible berries also : its wood

Hackensack
city NE N.J. pop 42,677

hacker
n. 1 : one that hacks
2 : a person who is inexperienced or unskilled at a particular activity <a tennis hacker>
3 : an expert at programming and solving problems with a computer
4 : a person who illegally gains access to and sometimes tampers with information in a computer system

hackie
n. : CABDRIVER

hackle
n. 1 a : one of the long narrow feathers on the neck or saddle of a bird b : the neck plumage of the domestic fowl
2 : a comb or board with long metal teeth for dressing flax, hemp, or jute
3 plural a : erectile hairs along the neck and back especially of a dog b : TEMPER, DANDER <the issue raised some hackles>
4 a : an artificial fishing fly made chiefly of the filaments of a cock's neck feathers b : filaments of cock feather projecting from the head of an artificial fly

hackle
n. : to comb out with a hackle
–hack·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

hackly
adj. : having the appearance of something hacked : JAGGED

hackman
n. : CABDRIVER

hackmatack
n. : TAMARACK

Hackney
n. borough of N Greater London, England pop 164,200

hackney
n. 1 a : a horse suitable for ordinary riding or driving b : a trotting horse used chiefly for driving c often capitalized : any of an English breed of rather compact usually chestnut, bay, or brown high-stepping horses
2 obsolete : one that works for hire
3 : a carriage or automobile kept for hire

hackney
n. 1 : kept for public hire
2 : HACKNEYED
3 archaic : done or suitable for doing by a drudge

hackney
n. 1 a : to make common or frequent use of b : to make trite, vulgar, or commonplace
2 archaic : to make sophisticated or jaded

hackney coach
: a coach kept for hire especially : a four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses and having seats for six persons

hackneyed
adj. : lacking in freshness or originality <hackneyed slogans>
synonyms see TRITE

hacksaw
n. : a fine-tooth saw with a blade under tension in a frame that is used for cutting hard materials (as metal)
–hacksaw verb

hackwork
n. : literary, artistic, or professional work done on order usually according to formula and in conformity with commercial standards

had
past and past part of have

had better
or had best : would be wise to

hadal
: of, relating to, or being the parts of the ocean below 6000 meters (about 20,000 feet)

Haddington
1 or Had·ding·ton·shire \-shir, -shər\ ― see EAST LOTHIAN
2 royal burgh Scotland E of Edinburgh pop 8117

haddock
n. : an important food fish (Melanogrammus aeglefinus syn. Gadus aeglefinus) of the cod family occurring on both sides of the No. Atlantic that has a black lateral line and dark patch above the pectoral fin

Hadean
: of, relating to, or being the aeon of history between the formation of the solar system and the formation of the first rocks on the earth ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Hadean noun

Hades
n. 1 : PLUTO
2 : the underground abode of the dead in Greek mythology
3 : SHEOL
4 often not capitalized : HELL 1A

Hadfield
Sir Robert Abbott 1858-1940 Eng. metallurgist

hadith
n. 1 : a narrative record of the sayings or customs of Muhammad and his companions
2 : the collective body of traditions relating to Muhammad and his companions

hadj
n. variant of hajj, hajji

Hadley
Henry Kimball 1871-1937 American composer

Hadley cell
: a pattern of atmospheric circulation in which warm air rises near the equator, cools as it travels poleward at high altitude, sinks as cold air, and warms as it travels equatorward also : a similar atmospheric circulation pattern on another planet (as Mars)

hadn't
n. : had not

Hadow
Sir (William) Henry 1859-1937 Eng. educ. & musicologist

Hadramawt
region S Arabia bordering on Arabian Sea E of Aden, Yemen; chief town Al Mukalla area 58,500 sq mi (152,100 sq km)

Hadrian
n. var of ADRIAN

Hadrian
n. A.D. 76-138 Rom. emp. (117-138)

hadron
n. : any of the subatomic particles (as protons and neutrons) that are made up of quarks and are subject to the strong force
–ha·dron·ic \ha-'drä-nik\ adjective

hadrosaur
n. : any of a family (Hadrosauridae) of medium-sized bipedal herbivorous dinosaurs of the Upper Cretaceous with long flat snouts and an often crested skull

Hadrumetum
― see SOUSSE

hadst
v. archaic past 2d singular of have

hae
chiefly Scottish variant of have

Haeckel
Ernst Heinrich 1834-1919 Ger. biol. & philos.

Haeju
city SW N. Korea on inlet of Yellow Sea pop 195,000

haem
pref. chiefly British variant of heme

haem
pref. chiefly British variant of hem-

haema
chiefly British variant of hema-

haemat
chiefly British variant of hemat-

haematite
n. British variant of hematite

haemia
chiefly British variant of -emia

haet
chiefly Scottish : a small quantity : WHIT, BIT

Hafez
n. 1325(or 1326)-1389(or 1390) Moḥammad Shams od-Dīn Ḥāfez Pers. poet

haffet
Scottish : CHEEK, TEMPLE

hafnium
n. : a metallic element that resembles zirconium in its chemical properties, occurs especially in zirconium minerals, and readily absorbs neutrons ― see ELEMENT table

haft
n. : the handle of a weapon or tool

haft
n. : to set in or furnish with a haft

haftarah
n. : one of the biblical selections from the Books of the Prophets read after the parashah in the Jewish synagogue service

Hag
n. Haggai

hag
n. 1 : an ugly, slatternly, or evil-looking old woman
2 archaic a : a female demon b : an evil or frightening spirit : HOBGOBLIN
3 : WITCH
–hag·gish \'ha-gish\ adjective

hag
n. 1 British : QUAGMIRE, BOG
2 British : a firm spot in a bog

Hagar
: a concubine of Abraham driven into the desert with her son Ishmael because of Sarah's jealousy according to the account in Genesis

Hagen
city W Germany ENE of Düsseldorf pop 214,085

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
n. site S Idaho along the Snake River

Hagerstown
city N Md. pop 36,687

hagfish
n. : any of a family (Myxinidae) of marine cyclostomes that are related to the lampreys and in general resemble eels but have a round mouth surrounded by barbels and that feed upon other fishes and invertebrates by boring into their bodies

Haggadah
n. 1 : AGGADAH
2 : the book of readings for the seder service
–hag·ga·dic \-'gä-dik, -'gȯ-\ adjective often cap

haggadist
1 : a haggadic writer
2 : a student of the Haggadah
–hag·ga·dis·tic \ˌha-gə-'dis-tik, ˌhä-\ adjective often cap

Haggai
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet who flourished about 500 B.C. and who advocated that the Temple in Jerusalem be rebuilt
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures ― see BIBLE table

Haggard
n. Sir (Henry) Rider 1856-1925 Eng. nov.

haggard
n. 1 of a hawk : not tamed
2 a : wild in appearance b : having a worn or emaciated appearance : GAUNT <haggard faces looked up sadly from out of the straw ― W. M. Thackeray>
–hag·gard·ly adverb
–hag·gard·ness noun

haggard
n. 1 : an adult hawk caught wild
2 obsolete : an intractable person

haggis
n. : a traditionally Scottish dish that consists of the heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep or a calf minced with suet, onions, oatmeal, and seasonings and boiled in the stomach of the animal

haggle
v. transitive verb
1 : to cut roughly or clumsily : HACK
2 archaic : to annoy or exhaust with wrangling
intransitive verb : BARGAIN, WRANGLE <haggling over the price>
–hag·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

haggle
v. : an act or instance of haggling

hagi
1 : holy <hagioscope>
2 : saints <hagiography>

Hagiographa
n. : WRITINGS

hagiographer
n. : a writer of hagiography

hagiographic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being hagiography especially : excessively flattering <a hagiographic biography>
2 : of or relating to the Hagiographa

hagiography
n. 1 : biography of saints or venerated persons
2 : idealizing or idolizing biography

hagiology
n. 1 : literature dealing with venerated persons or writings
2 : a list of venerated figures
–ha·gi·o·log·ic \-gē-ə-'lä-jik, -jē-\ or ha·gi·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective

hagioscope
: an opening in the interior walls of a cruciform church so placed as to afford a view of the altar to those in the transept
–ha·gio·scop·ic \ˌha-gē-ə-'skä-pik, ˌhā-, -jē-\ adjective

hagride
: HARASS, TORMENT

Hague
n. Cap de la Hague
Hague Cap de la
Hague The
The Hague

Hague, Cap de la
― see CAP DE LA HAGUE

Hague, The
city SW Netherlands near coast of North Sea; capital of S. Holland & de facto capital of the Netherlands pop 457,726

hah
interj. variant of ha

Hahn
Otto 1879-1968 Ger. physical chem.

Hahnemann
(Christian Friedrich) Samuel 1755-1843 Ger. physician

hahnium
: DUBNIUM

hai
Ch'ing hai
Bo Hai
Po Hai

Haida
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, and Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
2 : the language of the Haida people

Haidarabad
― see HYDERABAD

Haider Ali
― see HYDER ALI

Haifa
n. city & port NW Israel at foot of Mt. Carmel pop 251,000

Haig
1st Earl 1861-1928 Douglas Haig Brit. field marshal

haik
n. : a voluminous piece of usually white cloth worn as an outer garment in northern Africa

Haikou
city & port SE China capital of Hainan pop 280,153

haiku
n. : an unrhymed verse form of Japanese origin having three lines containing usually five, seven, and five syllables respectively also : a poem in this form usually having a seasonal reference ― compare TANKA

hail
n. 1 : precipitation in the form of small balls or lumps usually consisting of concentric layers of clear ice and compact snow
2 : something that gives the effect of a shower of hail <a hail of rifle fire>

hail
n. 1 : to precipitate hail <it was hailing hard>
2 : to pour down or strike like hail

hail
n. 1 archaic ― used as a salutation
2 ― used to express acclamation <hail to the chief ― Sir Walter Scott>

hail
n. 1 a : SALUTE, GREET b : to greet with enthusiastic approval : ACCLAIM
2 : to greet or summon by calling <hail a taxi>
intransitive verb : to call out especially : to call a greeting to a passing ship
–hail·er \hā-lər\ noun
–hail from : to be or have been native to or a resident of

hail
n. 1 : an exclamation of greeting or acclamation
2 : a calling to attract attention
3 : hearing distance <stayed within hail>

hail
n. soft hail
all hail
hail from
hail fellow
hail fellow well met
Hail Mary
loud hailer

hail from
to be or have been native to or a resident of

Hail Mary
1 : a Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary that consists of salutations and a plea for her intercession
2 : a long forward pass in football thrown into or near the end zone in a last-ditch attempt to score as time runs out

hail-fellow
: HAIL-FELLOW-WELL-MET
–hail-fellow noun

hail-fellow-well-met
: heartily friendly and informal : COMRADELY
–hail-fellow-well-met noun

Haile Selassie
1892-1975 Ras Tafari emp. of Ethiopia (1930-36; 1941-74)

hailstone
n. : a pellet of hail

hailstorm
n. : a storm accompanied by hail

Hainan
island SE China in S. China Sea; a province capital Haikou area 13,124 sq mi (33,991 sq km), pop 6,557,482

Hainaut
1 medieval county in Low Countries SE of Flanders in modern SW Belgium & N France
2 province SW Belgium capital Mons area 1463 sq mi (3789 sq km), pop 1,281,042

Haiphong
city & port N Vietnam in Tonkin in delta of Red River pop 1,726,900

hair
n. 1 a : a slender threadlike outgrowth of the epidermis of an animal especially : one of the usually pigmented filaments that form the characteristic coat of a mammal b : the hairy covering of an animal or a body part especially : the coating of hairs on a human head
2 : HAIRCLOTH
3 a : a minute distance or amount <won by a hair> b : a precise degree <aligned to a hair>
4 obsolete : NATURE, CHARACTER
5 : a filamentous structure that resembles hair <leaf hair>
–hair·less adjective
–hair·less·ness noun
–hair·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–in one's hair : persistently and annoyingly in one's presence <can't work with you in my hair all day>
–out of one's hair : out of one's way : not in one's hair <keep the children out of his hair for a while>

hair
n. hide nor hair
angel hair pasta
big hair
camel hair
camel's hair
guard hair
hair ball
out of one's hair
in one's hair
hair cell
hair follicle
hair raiser
hair raising
hair raisingly
hair seal
hair shirt
hair spray
hair trigger
hide or hair
let one's hair down
root hair
tear one's hair
turn a hair
Venus hair
split hairs

hair ball
: a compact mass of hair formed in the stomach especially of a shedding animal (as a cat) that cleanses its coat by licking

hair cell
: a cell with hairlike processes especially : one of the sensory cells in the auditory epithelium of the organ of Corti

hair follicle
: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment ― see HAIR illustration

hair seal
: any of a family (Phocidae) of seals having a coarse hairy coat, the hind limbs reduced to swimming flippers, and no external ears ― called also true seal ― compare EARED SEAL

hair shirt
1 : a shirt made of rough animal hair worn next to the skin as a penance
2 : one that irritates like a hair shirt

hair spray
: a liquid sprayed on the hair to keep it in place after styling

hair trigger
: a gun trigger so adjusted as to permit the firearm to be fired by a very slight pressure

hair-raiser
: THRILLER

hair-raising
: causing terror, excitement, or astonishment <hair-raising stories>
–hair-rais·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

hair-trigger
1 : immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus <a hair-trigger temper>
2 : delicately adjusted or easily disrupted

hairbreadth
n. : a very small distance or margin

hairbreadth
n. : very narrow : CLOSE <a hairbreadth escape>

hairbrush
n. : a brush for the hair

haircloth
n. : any of various stiff wiry fabrics especially of horsehair or camel hair used for upholstery or for stiffening in garments

haircut
n. 1 : the act or process of cutting and shaping the hair
2 : HAIRDO
–hair·cut·ter \-ˌkə-tər\ noun
–hair·cut·ting \-ˌkə-tiŋ\ noun

hairdo
n. : a way of wearing the hair : COIFFURE

hairdresser
n. 1 : a person whose occupation is the dressing or cutting of hair
2 British : BARBER

hairdressing
n. 1 a : the action or process of washing, cutting, curling, or arranging the hair b : the occupation of a hairdresser
2 : a preparation for grooming and styling the hair

haired
adj. : having hair especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <dark-haired>

haired
adj. long haired
short haired
fair haired

hairline
n. 1 : a very slender line: as a : a tiny line or crack on a surface <a hairline bone fracture> b : a fine line connecting thicker strokes in a printed letter
2 : HAIRBREADTH
3 a : a textile design consisting of lengthwise or crosswise lines usually one thread wide b : a fabric with such a design
4 a : the outline of scalp hair especially on the forehead b : the way the hair frames the face
–hairline adjective

hairnet
n. : a net worn over the hair to keep it in place

hairpiece
n. 1 : supplementary hair (as a switch) used in some feminine coiffures
2 : TOUPEE 2

hairpin
n. 1 : a pin to hold the hair in place specifically : a long U-shaped pin
2 : something shaped like a hairpin specifically : a sharp U-shaped turn in a road

hairpin
n. : having the shape of a hairpin <a hairpin turn> also : having hairpin turns <a steep hairpin road>

hairsplitter
n. : one that makes excessively fine distinctions in reasoning
–hair·split·ting \-ˌspli-tiŋ\ adjective or noun

hairspring
n. : a slender spiraled recoil spring that regulates the motion of the balance wheel of a timepiece

hairstreak
n. : any of a subfamily (Theclinae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies usually having striped markings on the underside of the wings and thin filamentous projections from the hind wings

hairstyle
n. : HAIRDO

hairstyling
n. : the work of a hairstylist

hairstylist
n. : HAIRDRESSER especially : a person who does creative styling of coiffures

hairworm
n. 1 : any of a phylum (Nematomorpha) of elongated worms that have separate sexes, are parasitic in arthropods as larvae, and are free-living in water as adults ― called also horsehair worm
2 : any of a genus (Capillaria) of nematode worms that include serious parasites of the alimentary tract of fowls and tissue and organ parasites of mammals

hairy
adj. 1 a : covered with hair or hairlike material b : having a downy fuzz on the stems and leaves
2 : made of or resembling hair
3 a : tending to cause nervous tension (as from danger) <a hairy adventure> b : difficult to deal with or comprehend <a hairy math problem>
–hair·i·ness \'her-ē-nəs\ noun

hairy
adj. hairy cell leukemia
hairy chested
hairy vetch
hairy woodpecker

hairy cell leukemia
: a chronic leukemia that is usually of B cell origin and is characterized by malignant cells with a ciliated appearance

hairy vetch
: a Eurasian vetch (Vicia villosa) extensively cultivated as a cover and early forage crop

hairy woodpecker
: a common No. American woodpecker (Picoides villosus) closely resembling the downy woodpecker but larger with a longer bill

hairy-chested
: characterized by especially exaggerated or stereotypical manliness

Haiti
n. 1 ― see HISPANIOLA
2 country W. Indies on W Hispaniola; a republic capital Port-au-Prince area 10,714 sq mi (27,856 sq km), pop 6,902,000

Haitian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Haiti
2 : HAITIAN CREOLE
–Haitian adjective

Haitian Creole
: a French-based creole spoken by Haitians

hajj
n. : the pilgrimage to Mecca prescribed as a religious duty for Muslims

hajji
n. : one who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca ― often used as a title

hake
n. : any of several marine food fishes (as of the genera Merluccius and Urophycis) related to the Atlantic cod

hakim
n. : an administrator in a Muslim country

hakim
n. : a physician in a Muslim country

Hakluyt
Richard ca 1552-1616 Eng. geographer & hist.

Hakodate
city & port Japan in SW Hokkaido on Tsugaru Strait pop 287,637

hal
n. 1 : salt <halophyte>
2 [International Scientific Vocabulary, from halogen] : halogen <halide>

halacha
n. : the body of Jewish law supplementing the scriptural law and forming especially the legal part of the Talmud
–ha·lach·ic also ha·lakh·ic \hə-'la-kik, hä-'lä-\ adjective often cap

halal
n. 1 : sanctioned by Islamic law especially : ritually fit for use <halal foods>
2 : selling or serving food ritually fit according to Islamic law <a halal restaurant>

halala
n. ― see riyal at MONEY table

halation
n. 1 : the spreading of light beyond its proper boundaries in a developed photographic image
2 : a bright ring that sometimes surrounds a bright object on a television screen

halberd
n. : a weapon especially of the 15th and 16th centuries consisting typically of a battle-ax and pike mounted on a handle about six feet long

Halberstadt
city cen Germany SE of Brunswick pop 47,713

halcyon
n. 1 : a bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient legend to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation
2 : KINGFISHER

halcyon
n. 1 : of or relating to the halcyon or its nesting period
2 a : CALM, PEACEFUL b : HAPPY, GOLDEN c : PROSPEROUS, AFFLUENT

Haldane
J(ohn) B(urdon) S(anderson) 1892-1964 son of J.S. Brit. biol.

Haldane
John Scott 1860-1936 Brit. physiol.

Haldane
Richard Burdon 1856-1928 Viscount Haldane of Cloan \'klōn\; bro. of J.S. Brit. lawyer, philos., & statesman

Halder
Franz 1884-1972 Ger. gen.

Haldimand
town Canada in S Ont. S of Hamilton pop 43,728

Hale
adj. Edward Everett 1822-1909 American Unitarian clergyman & writer

Hale
adj. George Ellery 1868-1938 American astron.

Hale
adj. Sir Matthew 1609-1676 Eng. jurist

Hale
adj. Nathan 1755-1776 American Revolutionary hero

hale
adj. : free from defect, disease, or infirmity : SOUND also : retaining exceptional health and vigor <a hale and hearty old man>
synonyms see HEALTHY

hale
adj. 1 : HAUL, PULL
2 : to compel to go

Haleakala Crater
crater of dormant volcano 10,023 ft (3055 m) with crater more than 2500 ft (762 m) deep & 20 mi (32 km) in circumference Hawaii on E Maui in Haleakala National Park

haler
n. ― see koruna at MONEY table

Halevy
n. (Jacques-François-) Fromental (-Elíe) 1799-1862 orig. Elias Lé·vy \lā-'vē\ Fr. composer

Halevy
n. Ludovic 1834-1908 nephew of prec. Fr. dram. & nov.

half
n. 1 a : either of two equal parts that compose something also : a part approximately equal to one of these <half the distance> <the larger half of the fortune> b : half an hour ― used in designation of time
2 : one of a pair: as a : PARTNER b : SEMESTER, TERM c : either of the two equal periods that together make up the playing time of some games (as football) also : the midpoint in playing time <the score was tied at the half>
3 : HALF-DOLLAR
4 : HALFBACK
–by half : by a great deal
–by halves : in part : HALFHEARTEDLY
–half again as : one-and-a-half times as <half again as many>
–in half : into two equal or nearly equal parts

half
n. 1 a : being one of two equal parts <a half share> <a half sheet of paper> b (1) : amounting to approximately half <a half mile> <a half million> (2) : falling short of the full or complete thing : PARTIAL <half measures> <a half smile>
2 : extending over or covering only half <a half window> <a half mask>
–half·ness noun

half
n. 1 a : in an equal part or degree <the crowd was half jeering, half respectful> b : not completely : PARTIALLY <half persuaded>
2 : by any means : AT ALL <her singing isn't half bad>

half
n. better half
in half
half again as
by half
half and half
half assed
half baked
half bath
half blood
half blooded
half boot
half bound
half binding
half bred
half breed
half brother
half caste
half cock
half cocked
half court
half crown
half dime
half disme
half dollar
half duplex
half eagle
half glasses
half hardy
half hitch
half hour
half hourly
half knot
half length
half life
half light
half line
half mast
half nelson
half note
half pint
half pipe
half plane
half rest
half shell
on the half shell
half sister
half slip
half sole
half sovereign
half space
half staff
half step
half timber
half timbered
half timbering
half time
half title
half track
half tracked
half truth
half volley
half wit
half wittedness
half witted
half world
rear admiral upper half
rear admiral lower half
shelter half
time and a half
by halves

half again as
one-and-a-half times as <half again as many>

half bath
: a bathroom containing a sink and toilet but no bathtub or shower

half blood
1 a : the relation between persons having only one parent in common b : a person so related to another
2 : HALF-BREED
3 : GRADE 4

half boot
: a boot with a top reaching above the ankle and ending below the knee

half brother
: a brother related through one parent only

half cock
1 : the position of the hammer of a firearm when about half retracted and held by the sear so that it cannot be operated by a pull on the trigger
2 chiefly British : a state of inadequate preparation or mental confusion <go off at half cock>

half crown
: a British coin worth two shillings and sixpence used as legal tender until 1970

half dime
: a silver 5-cent coin struck by the U.S. mint in 1792 and from 1794 to 1873

half disme
: a half dime struck in 1792

half duplex
: a mode of communication especially with a computer via telephone line in which information can be sent in only one direction at a time ― compare DUPLEX

half eagle
: a 5-dollar gold piece issued by the U.S. from 1795 to 1916 and in 1929

half hitch
: a simple knot tied by passing the end of a line around an object, across the main part of the line, and then through the resulting loop ― see KNOT illustration

half hour
1 : thirty minutes
2 : the middle point of an hour
–half-hour·ly \'haf-'au̇(-ə)r-lē, 'häf-\ adverb or adjective

half line
: a straight line extending from a point indefinitely in one direction only

half nelson
: a wrestling hold in which one arm is thrust under the corresponding arm of an opponent and the hand placed on the back of the opponent's neck ― compare FULL NELSON

half note
: a musical note with the time value of 1/2 of a whole note ― see NOTE illustration

half plane
: the part of a plane on one side of an indefinitely extended straight line drawn in the plane

half rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to a half note

half shell
: either of the valves of a bivalve
–on the half shell : served in a half shell <oysters on the half shell>

half sister
: a sister related through one parent only

half sole
: a shoe sole extending from the shank forward

half sovereign
: a British gold coin worth 10 shillings

half step
1 : a walking step of 15 inches or in double time of 18 inches
2 : a musical interval (as E-F or B-C) equivalent to 1/12 of an octave ― called also semitone

half title
: the title of a book appearing alone on a right-hand page immediately preceding the title page also : the page itself

half volley
: a stroke of a ball (as in tennis) at the instant it rebounds from the ground
–half-volley verb

half-and-half
: something that is approximately half one thing and half another: as a : a mixture of two malt beverages (as dark and light beer) b : a mixture of cream and whole milk
–half-and-half adjective or adverb

half-assed
1 often vulgar : lacking significance, adequacy, or completeness
2 often vulgar : lacking intelligence, character, or effectiveness
–half-assed adverb often vulgar

half-baked
1 a : poorly developed or carried out <a half-baked idea> <half-baked research> b : lacking adequate planning or forethought <a half-baked scheme for getting rich> c : lacking in judgment, intelligence, or common sense
2 : imperfectly baked : UNDERDONE

half-blood
: having half blood or being a half blood

half-bound
of a book : bound in material of two qualities with the material of better quality on the spine and corners
–half binding noun

half-bred
: having one purebred parent
–half-bred noun

half-breed
often disparaging : the offspring of parents of different races especially : the offspring of an American Indian and a white person
–half-breed adjective often disparaging

half-caste
: one of mixed racial descent : HALF-BREED
–half-caste adjective

half-cocked
1 : being at half cock
2 : lacking adequate preparation or forethought <go off half-cocked>

half-court
: a dividing line that separates a playing court into equal halves (as in basketball) also : the area comprising each half

half-dollar
1 : a coin representing one half of a dollar
2 : the sum of 50 cents

half-glasses
: eyeglasses that have half lenses and are used for reading only

half-hardy
of a plant : able to withstand a moderately low temperature but injured by severe freezing and surviving the winter in cold climates only if carefully protected

half-knot
: a knot intertwining the ends of two cords and used in tying other knots

half-length
: something (as a portrait) that is or represents only half the complete length

half-life
1 : the time required for half of something to undergo a process: as a : the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated b : the time required for half the amount of a substance (as a drug, radioactive tracer, or pesticide) in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes
2 : a period of usefulness or popularity preceding decline or obsolescence <slang usually has a short half-life>

half-light
: dim grayish light

half-mast
: a point some distance but not necessarily halfway down below the top of a mast or staff or the peak of a gaff

half-mast
: to cause to hang at half-mast <half-mast a flag>

half-moon
1 : the moon when half its disk appears illuminated
2 : something shaped like a crescent
3 : the lunule of a fingernail
–half-moon adjective

half-pint
1 : half a pint
2 : a short, small, or inconsequential person

half-pint
: of less than average size : DIMINUTIVE

half-pipe
: a U-shaped high-sided ramp or runway used especially in snowboarding, skateboarding, or in-line skating

half-slip
: a topless slip with an elasticized waistband

half-sole
: to put half soles on

half-space
: the part of three-dimensional euclidean space lying on one side of a plane

half-staff
: HALF-MAST

half-timber
of a building : constructed of wood framing with spaces filled with masonry
–half-tim·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\ noun

half-time
: involving or working half the standard hours
–half-time adverb

half-track
1 : an endless chain-track drive system that propels a vehicle supported in front by a pair of wheels
2 : a motor vehicle propelled by half-tracks specifically : one lightly armored for military use
–half-track or half-tracked \-ˌtrakt\ adjective

half-truth
1 : a statement that is only partially true
2 : a statement that mingles truth and falsehood with deliberate intent to deceive

half-wit
: a foolish or imbecilic person
–half-wit·ted \-'wi-təd\ adjective
–half-wit·ted·ness noun

half-world
: DEMIMONDE

halfback
n. 1 : one of the backs stationed near either flank in football
2 : a player stationed immediately behind the forward line (as in field hockey, soccer, or rugby)

halfbeak
n. : any of various narrow-bodied fishes of warm waters that have an elongated lower jaw and are grouped with the flying fishes (family Exocoetidae) or placed in their own family (Hemiramphidae)

halfhearted
adj. : lacking heart, spirit, or interest
–half·heart·ed·ly adverb
–half·heart·ed·ness noun

halfpenny
n. 1 plural halfpence \'hā-pən(t)s, US also 'haf-ˌpen(t)s, 'häf-\ or halfpennies : a former British coin representing one half of a penny
2 : the sum of half a penny
3 : a small amount
–halfpenny adjective

halftime
: an intermission between halves of a game or contest (as in football or basketball)

halftone
n. 1 : HALF STEP 2
2 a : any of the shades of gray between the darkest and the lightest parts of a photographic image b (1) : a photoengraving made from an image photographed through a screen and then etched so that the details of the image are reproduced in dots (2) : an image (as one printed on an offset press or laser printer) that renders smooth variations of color in an original by means of dots assigned to areas of the image electronically
–halftone adjective

halfway
adj. 1 : midway between two points
2 : PARTIAL
–halfway adverb

halfway house
1 a : a place to stop midway on a journey b : a halfway place in a progression
2 : a residence for individuals after release from institutionalization (as for mental disorder, drug addiction, or criminal activity) that is designed to facilitate their readjustment to private life

halibut
n. : any of several marine flatfishes (esp. Hippoglossus hippoglossus of the Atlantic and H. stenolepis of the Pacific) that are widely used for food and include some of the largest bony fishes

Halicarnassus
ancient city SW Asia Minor in SW Caria on Aegean Sea

halide
n. : a binary compound of a halogen with a more electropositive element or radical

halidom
archaic : something held sacred

Halifax
n. Earl of 1881-1959 Edward Frederick Lindley Wood Eng. statesman & diplomat

Halifax
n. 1 municipality & port Canada capital of N.S. pop 359,111
2 town N England in W. Yorkshire pop 87,488
–Hal·i·go·ni·an \ˌha-lə-'gō-nē-ən\ noun

halite
n. : ROCK SALT

halitosis
n. : a condition of having fetid breath

Hall
n. Charles Francis 1821-1871 American arctic explorer

Hall
n. Charles Martin 1863-1914 Am. chem. & manuf.

Hall
n. G(ranville) Stanley 1844-1924 American psychol. & educ.

Hall
n. James Norman 1887-1951 American nov.

hall
n. 1 a : the castle or house of a medieval king or noble b : the chief living room in such a structure
2 : the manor house of a landed proprietor
3 : a large usually imposing building for public or semipublic purposes
4 a (1) : a building used by a college or university for some special purpose (2) : DORMITORY b : a college or a division of a college at some universities c (1) : the common dining room of an English college (2) : a meal served there
5 a : the entrance room of a building : LOBBY b : a corridor or passage in a building
6 : a large room for assembly : AUDITORIUM
7 : a place used for public entertainment

hall
n. borough hall
city hall
fire hall
Hall effect
Hall of Fame
Hall of Famer
hiring hall
mess hall
music hall
study hall
town hall
halls of ivy

Hall effect
: a potential difference observed between the edges of a conducting strip carrying a longitudinal current when placed in a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the strip

Hall of Fame

1901
1 : a structure housing memorials to famous or illustrious individuals usually chosen by a group of electors
2 : a group of individuals in a particular category (as a sport) who have been selected as particularly illustrious
–Hall of Fam·er \-'fā-mər\

hallah
variant of challah

Hallam
Henry 1777-1859 Eng. hist.

Hallandale
city SE Fla. S of Fort Lauderdale pop 34,282

Halle
city E cen Germany on the Saale NW of Leipzig pop 232,396

Halleck
Fitz-Greene 1790-1867 American poet

Halleck
Henry Wager 1815-1872 American gen.

Hallel
n. : a selection comprising Psalms 113-118 chanted during Jewish feasts (as the Passover)

hallelujah
interj. ― used to express praise, joy, or thanks

hallelujah
interj. : a shout or song of praise or thanksgiving

Halley
n. Edmond or Edmund 1656-1742 Eng. astron.

hallmark
n. 1 a : an official mark stamped on gold and silver articles in England to attest their purity b : a mark or device placed or stamped on an article of trade to indicate origin, purity, or genuineness
2 : a distinguishing characteristic, trait, or feature <the dramatic flourishes which are the hallmark of the trial lawyer ― Marion K. Sanders>

hallmark
n. : to stamp with a hallmark

hallo
n. variant of hollo

hallow
v. 1 : to make holy or set apart for holy use
2 : to respect greatly : VENERATE
synonyms see DEVOTE

hallowed
adj. 1 : HOLY, CONSECRATED <the church stands on hallowed ground>
2 : SACRED, REVERED <the university's hallowed halls> <hallowed customs>

Halloween
n. : October 31 observed especially with dressing up in disguise, trick-or-treating, and displaying jack-o'-lanterns during the evening

Hallowmas
n. : ALL SAINTS' DAY

halls of ivy
: UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE

Hallstatt
n. : of or relating to the earlier period of the Iron Age in Europe

Hallstatt
n. village W cen Austria on shore of Hall·stät·ter Lake \'hȯl-ˌste-tər, 'häl-ˌshte-\

hallucinate
v. transitive verb
1 : to affect with visions or imaginary perceptions
2 : to perceive or experience as a hallucination
intransitive verb : to have hallucinations
–hal·lu·ci·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

hallucination
n. 1 a : perception of objects with no reality usually arising from disorder of the nervous system or in response to drugs (as LSD) b : the object so perceived
2 : an unfounded or mistaken impression or notion : DELUSION
synonyms see DELUSION

hallucinatory
adj. 1 : tending to produce hallucination <hallucinatory drugs>
2 : resembling, involving, or being a hallucination <hallucinatory dreams> <a hallucinatory figure>

hallucinogen
n. : a substance that induces hallucinations
–hal·lu·ci·no·gen·ic \-ˌlü-sə-nə-'je-nik\ adjective or noun

hallucinosis
n. : a pathological mental state characterized by hallucinations

hallux
n. : the innermost digit (as the big toe) of a hind or lower limb

hallway
n. 1 : an entrance hall
2 : CORRIDOR 1

halma
n. : a game played on a square board and having rules similar to those of Chinese checkers

Halmahera
island E Indonesia in the Moluccas on the equator; largest in the group area 6928 sq mi (18,013 sq km), pop 54,000

Halmstad
city & port SW Sweden pop 86,585

halo
n. 1 : a circle of light appearing to surround the sun or moon and resulting from refraction or reflection of light by ice particles in the atmosphere
2 : something resembling a halo: as a : NIMBUS b : a region of space surrounding a galaxy that is sparsely populated with luminous objects (as globular clusters) but is believed to contain a great deal of dark matter c : a differentiated zone surrounding a central zone or object d : an orthopedic device used to immobilize the head and neck (as to treat fracture of neck vertebrae) that consists of a metal band placed around the head and fastened to the skull usually with metal pins and that is attached by extensions to an inflexible vest ― called also halo brace
3 : the aura of glory, veneration, or sentiment surrounding an idealized person or thing

halo
n. : to form into or surround with a halo <rainbows haloed the waterfalls ― Michael Crawford>

halo
n. ― see HAL-

halo effect
: generalization from the perception of one outstanding personality trait to an overly favorable evaluation of the whole personality

halocarbon
n. : any of various compounds of carbon and one or more halogens

halocline
: a usually vertical gradient in salinity (as of the ocean)

halogen
n. : any of the five elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine that form part of group VIIA of the periodic table and exist in the free state normally as diatomic molecules
–ha·log·e·nous \ha-'lä-jə-nəs\ adjective

halogen
n. : containing, using, or being a halogen <a halogen lamp>

halogenate
v. : to treat or cause to combine with a halogen
–ha·lo·ge·na·tion \ˌha-lə-jə-'nā-shən, ha-ˌlä-jə-\ noun

halogeton
n. : a coarse annual Asian herb (Halogeton glomeratus) of the goosefoot family that is a noxious weed in western U.S. ranges

halomorphic
of a soil : developed in the presence of neutral or alkali salts or both

halon
n. : a halocarbon that contains especially bromine

haloperidol
n. : a depressant C_21H_23ClFNO_2 of the central nervous system used especially as an antipsychotic drug

halophile
n. : an organism that flourishes in a salty environment
–hal·o·phil·ic \ˌha-lə-'fi-lik\ adjective

halophyte
n. : a plant (as saltbush or sea lavender) that grows in salty soil and usually has a physiological resemblance to a true xerophyte
–hal·o·phyt·ic \ˌha-lə-'fi-tik\ adjective

halothane
n. : a potent inhalational anesthetic C_2HBrClF_3 that is nonexplosive and nonflammable

Halq al-Wadi
city N Tunisia on Bay of Tunis; port for Tunis pop 67,685

Hals
Frans ca 1581-1666 Du. painter

Halsey
William Frederick 1882-1959 American admiral

Halsingborg
― see HELSINGBORG

Halsted
William Stewart 1852-1922 American surgeon

halt
n. : LAME

halt
n. 1 : to walk or proceed lamely : LIMP
2 : to stand in perplexity or doubt between alternate courses : WAVER
3 : to display weakness or imperfection : FALTER

halt
n. : STOP

halt
n. 1 : to cease marching or journeying
2 : DISCONTINUE, TERMINATE <the project halted for lack of funds>
transitive verb
1 : to bring to a stop <the strike halted subways and buses>
2 : to cause the discontinuance of : END <halt hostilities>

halter
n. 1 a : a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal b : a headstall usually with noseband and throatlatch to which a lead may be attached
2 : a rope for hanging criminals : NOOSE also : death by hanging
3 : a woman's blouse or top that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare and that is typically held in place by straps around the neck and across the back

halter
n. 1 a : to catch with or as if with a halter also : to put a halter on b : HANG
2 : to put restraint upon : HAMPER

halterbreak
v. : to break (as a colt) to a halter

haltere
: one of a pair of club-shaped organs in a dipteran fly that are the modified second pair of wings and function as sensory flight stabilizers

halting
adj. : marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness <spoke in a halting manner>
–halt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

Haltom City
city N Tex. NE of Fort Worth pop 39,018

Halton Hills
town Canada in S Ont. pop 48,184

halvah
n. : a flaky confection of crushed sesame seeds in a base of syrup (as of honey)

halve
v. 1 a : to divide into two equal parts b : to reduce to one half <halving the present cost> c : to share equally
2 : to play (as a hole in golf) in the same number of strokes as one's opponent

halvers
n. : half shares : HALVES

halves
n. plural of half

halyard
n. : a rope or tackle for hoisting and lowering something (as sails)

Halys River
― see KIZIL IRMAK

Ham
n. : a son of Noah held to be the progenitor of the Egyptians, Nubians, and Canaanites

ham
n. 1 a : the hollow of the knee b : a buttock with its associated thigh ― usually used in plural
2 : a cut of meat consisting of a thigh especially : one from a hog
3 [short for hamfatter, from “The Ham-fat Man,” minstrel song] a : a showy performer especially : an actor performing in an exaggerated theatrical style b : a licensed operator of an amateur radio station
4 : a cushion used especially by tailors for pressing curved areas of garments
–ham adjective

ham
n. transitive verb : to execute with exaggerated speech or gestures : OVERACT <ham it up for the camera>
intransitive verb : to overplay a part

ham
n. daisy ham
ham fisted
ham handed
ham handedness
ham handedly
Smithfield ham
Virginia ham
Westphalian ham
East Ham
West Ham

ham-fisted
: HAM-HANDED

ham-handed
: lacking dexterity or grace : HEAVY-HANDED
–ham-hand·ed·ly \-lē\ adverb
–ham-hand·ed·ness \-dəd-nəs\ noun

Hama
n. city W Syria on the Orontes pop 229,000

Hamad, Al
the SW portion of Syrian Desert

Hamadan
city W Iran WSW of Tehran pop 272,499

hamadryad
n. 1 : WOOD NYMPH
2 : KING COBRA

hamadryas baboon
: a baboon (Papio hamadryas) that has a reddish-pink muzzle and a large bare patch of pink skin on each buttock and that was venerated by the ancient Egyptians ― called also sacred baboon

hamal
: a porter in countries of southwest Asia (as Turkey)

Hamamatsu
city Japan in S Honshu SE of Nagoya near Pacific coast pop 582,095

Haman
n. : a Persian minister in the book of Esther who is hanged after plotting a foiled massacre of the Jews

hamantasch
: a 3-cornered pastry with a filling (as of poppy seeds or prunes) traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday Purim

hamartia
n. : TRAGIC FLAW

hamate
adj. : a bone on the inner side of the second row of the carpus in mammals

Hambro
Carl Joachim 1885-1964 Norw. statesman

Hamburg
n. city & port N Germany on the Elbe 68 mi (109 km) from its mouth; a state of the Federal Republic of Germany 1948-90 & of reunified Germany since then area 288 sq mi (749 sq km), pop 1,668,800
–Ham·burg·er \-ˌbər-gər, -ˌbu̇r-\ noun

hamburger
n. 1 a : ground beef b : a patty of ground beef
2 : a sandwich consisting of a patty of hamburger in a split typically round bun

Hamden
town S Conn. N of New Haven pop 56,913

hame
n. : one of two curved supports attached to the collar of a draft horse to which the traces are fastened

hame
n. Scottish variant of home

Hameln
n. city N cen Germany in Lower Saxony SW of Hannover pop 58,906

Hamhung
city E cen N. Korea near coast pop 701,000

Hamilcar Barca
270?-229(or 228) B.C. father of Hannibal Carthaginian gen.

Hamilton
n. Alexander 1755-1804 American statesman

Hamilton
n. Edith 1867-1963 American classicist

Hamilton
n. Lady Emma 1765-1815 née Amy Lyon mistress of Lord Nelson

Hamilton
n. 1 city SW Ohio N of Cincinnati pop 60,690
2 town & port capital of Bermuda pop 969
3 ― see CHURCHILL 2
4 city & port Canada in SE Ont. on Lake Ontario pop 490,268
5 city New Zealand on cen North Is. urban area pop 166,128

Hamilton Inlet
inlet of the Atlantic 150 mi (241 km) long (with Lake Melville) Canada in SE Labrador

Hamilton, Mount
mountain 4261 ft (1299 m) W Calif. E of San Jose

Hamiltonian
n. : a function that is used to describe a dynamic system (as the motion of a particle) in terms of components of momentum and coordinates of space and time and that is equal to the total energy of the system when time is not explicitly part of the function ― compare LAGRANGIAN

Hamiltonianism
n. : the political principles and ideas held by or associated with Alexander Hamilton that center around a belief in a strong central government, broad interpretation of the federal constitution, encouragement of an industrial and commercial economy, and a general distrust of the political capacity or wisdom of the common man
–Hamiltonian \-'tō-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Hamite
n. : a member of a Hamitic-speaking people

Hamitic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Hamites or one of the Hamitic languages

Hamitic
adj. : HAMITIC LANGUAGES

Hamitic languages
: any of various groupings of non-Semitic Afro-Asiatic languages (as Berber, Egyptian, and Cushitic) that were formerly thought to make up a single branch of the Afro-Asiatic family

Hamito-Semitic
: of, relating to, or constituting the Afro-Asiatic languages
–Hamito-Semitic noun

Hamlet
n. : a legendary Danish prince and hero of Shakespeare's play Hamlet

hamlet
n. : a small village

Hamlin
Hannibal 1809-1891 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1861-65)

Hamm
v. city W Germany on Lippe River pop 180,323

hammam
n. : TURKISH BATH

Hammarskjold
n. Dag \'däg\ Hjalmar Agne Carl 1905-1961 Swed. U.N. official; secy.-gen. (1953-61)

hammer
n. 1 a : a hand tool consisting of a solid head set crosswise on a handle and used for pounding b : a power tool that often substitutes a metal block or a drill for the hammerhead
2 : something that resembles a hammer in form or action: as a : a lever with a striking head for ringing a bell or striking a gong b (1) : an arm that strikes the cap in a percussion lock to ignite the propelling charge (2) : a part of the action of a modern gun that strikes the primer of the cartridge in firing or that strikes the firing pin to ignite the cartridge c : MALLEUS d : GAVEL e (1) : a padded mallet in a piano action for striking a string (2) : a hand mallet for playing on various percussion instruments (as a xylophone)
3 : a metal sphere thrown for distance in the hammer throw
4 : ACCELERATOR B
–under the hammer : for sale at auction

hammer
n. intransitive verb
1 : to strike blows especially repeatedly with or as if with a hammer : POUND
2 : to make repeated efforts especially : to reiterate an opinion or attitude <the lectures all hammered away at the same points>
transitive verb
1 a : to beat, drive, or shape with repeated blows of a hammer b : to fasten or build with a hammer
2 : to strike or drive with a force suggesting a hammer blow or repeated blows <hammered the ball over the fence> <tried to hammer me into submission>
3 : to criticize severely
–ham·mer·er \'ha-mər-ər\ noun

hammer
n. ball peen hammer
claw hammer
drop hammer
under the hammer
hammer and sickle
hammer and tongs
hammer dulcimer
hammer mill
hammer out
hammer price
hammer throw
trip hammer
water hammer
hammered dulcimer

hammer and sickle
: an emblem consisting of a crossed hammer and sickle used especially as a symbol of Soviet Communism

hammer and tongs
: with great force, vigor, or violence <went at it hammer and tongs>
–hammer-and-tongs adjective

hammer dulcimer
: DULCIMER 1 ― called also hammered dulcimer

hammer mill
: a grinder or crusher in which materials are broken up by hammers

hammer out
: to produce or bring about as if by repeated blows <hammered out an agreement>

hammer price
: the price at which an item is sold at auction

hammer throw
: a field event in which a usually 16-pound metal sphere attached to a flexible handle is thrown for distance

hammered
adj. 1 : having surface indentations produced or appearing to have been produced by hammering <hammered copper>
2 slang : DRUNK 1A

Hammerfest
town & port N Norway on island in Arctic Ocean; northernmost town in Europe, at 70°38′N pop 6934

hammerhead
n. 1 : the striking part of a hammer
2 : BLOCKHEAD
3 : any of a family (Sphyrnidae) of active voracious medium-sized sharks that have the eyes at the ends of lateral extensions of the flattened head ― see SHARK illustration

hammerless
adj. : having the hammer concealed <a hammerless revolver>

hammerlock
n. : a wrestling hold in which an opponent's arm is held bent behind the back broadly : a strong hold

Hammersmith and Fulham
borough of SW Greater London, England pop 136,500

Hammerstein
Oscar 1846-1919 American (Ger.-born) theater impresario

Hammerstein
Oscar 1895-1960 grandson of prec. American lyricist & librettist

hammerstone
: a prehistoric hammering implement consisting of a rounded stone

hammertoe
n. : a deformed claw-shaped toe and especially the second that results from permanent angular flexion between one or both phalangeal joints

Hammett
n. (Samuel) Dashiell 1894-1961 American writer

hammock
n. : a swinging couch or bed usually made of netting or canvas and slung by cords from supports at each end

hammock
n. 1 : HUMMOCK
2 : a fertile area in the southern U.S. and especially Florida that is usually higher than its surroundings and that is characterized by hardwood vegetation and deep humus-rich soil

Hammond
John Hays 1855-1936 American mining engineer

Hammond
John Hays 1888-1965 son of prec. American electrical engineer & inventor

Hammond
Laurens 1895-1973 American inventor

Hammond
city NW Ind. SE of Chicago pop 83,048

Hammurabi
n. d 1750 B.C. king of Babylon (1792-50)

hammy
adj. : marked by exaggerated and usually self-conscious theatricality
–ham·mi·ly \'ha-mə-lē\ adverb
–ham·mi·ness \'ha-mē-nəs\ noun

Hampden
John 1594-1643 Eng. statesman

Hampden
Walter 1879-1955 stage name of W. H. Dougherty American actor

hamper
n. 1 a : to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles : IMPEDE b : to interfere with the operation of : DISRUPT
2 a : CURB, RESTRAIN b : to interfere with : ENCUMBER
synonyms HAMPER, TRAMMEL, CLOG, FETTER, SHACKLE, MANACLE mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. HAMPER may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence <hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate>. TRAMMEL suggests entangling by or confining within a net <rules that trammel the artist's creativity>. CLOG usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering <a court system clogged by frivolous suits>. FETTER suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost <a nation fettered by an antiquated class system>. SHACKLE and MANACLE are stronger than FETTER and suggest total loss of freedom <a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice> <a people manacled by tyranny>.

hamper
n. : a large basket usually with a cover for packing, storing, or transporting articles (as food or laundry)

Hampshire
n. 1 : any of a British breed of large hornless black-faced mutton-producing sheep ― called also Hampshire Down
2 : any of an American breed of black white-belted swine

Hampshire
n. county S England on English Channel capital Winchester area 1509 sq mi (3908 sq km), pop 1,511,900

Hampstead
n. former metropolitan borough NW London, England, now part of Camden

Hampton
n. Wade 1751?-1835 American gen.

Hampton
n. Wade 1818-1902 grandson of prec. American polit. & Confed. gen.

Hampton
n. city & port SE Va. E of Newport News on Hampton Roads pop 146,437

Hampton Roads
channel SE Va. through which James & Elizabeth rivers flow into Chesapeake Bay

hamster
n. : any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches

hamstring
n. 1 a : either of two groups of tendons at the back of the human knee b : any of three muscles at the back of the thigh that function to flex and rotate the leg and extend the thigh
2 : a large tendon above and behind the hock of a quadruped

hamstring
n. 1 : to make ineffective or powerless : CRIPPLE <hamstrung by guilt>
2 : to cripple by cutting the leg tendons

Hamsun
Knut 1859-1952 pseud. of Knut Pedersen Norw. writer

Hamtramck
city SE Mich. surrounded by Detroit pop 22,976

hamulus
n. : a hook or hooked process (as of a bone)

hamza
n. : the sign for a glottal stop in Arabic orthography usually represented in English by an apostrophe

Han
n. 1 : a Chinese dynasty dated 206B.C.-A.D.220 and marked by centralized control through an appointive bureaucracy, a revival of learning, and the penetration of Buddhism
2 : the Chinese peoples especially as distinguished from non-Chinese (as Mongolian) elements in the population

Han
n. 1 river E cen China in Shaanxi & Hubei flowing SE into the Chang
2 river ab 300 mi (483 km) N cen S. Korea flowing W & NW into Yellow Sea

Han
n. Han Wu Ti
Han Yu
Han Yü

Han Wu Ti
― see WU-TI

Han Yu
768-824 Han Wen-kung Chin. poet, essayist, & philos.

Hanafi
: of or relating to an orthodox school of Sunni Muslim jurisprudence followed especially in southern and central Asia

Hancock
n. John 1737-1793 American statesman in Revolution

Hancock
n. Winfield Scott 1824-1886 American gen. & polit.

Hand
n. (Billings) Learned 1872-1961 American jurist

hand
n. 1 a (1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization b : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: as (1) : the hind foot of an ape (2) : the chela of a crustacean c : something resembling a hand: as (1) : an indicator or pointer on a dial <the hands of a clock> (2) : INDEX 5 (3) : a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group (4) : a branched rootstock of ginger (5) : a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf
2 a : personal possession ― usually used in plural <the documents fell into the hands of the enemy> b : CONTROL, SUPERVISION ― usually used in plural <left the matter in her hands>
3 a : SIDE, DIRECTION <men fighting on either hand> b : one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument <on the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war>
4 : a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage
5 a : style of penmanship : HANDWRITING <wrote in a fancy hand> b : SIGNATURE
6 a : SKILL, ABILITY <tried her hand at sailing> b : an instrumental part <had a hand in the victory>
7 : a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses
8 a : assistance or aid especially involving physical effort <lend a hand> b : PARTICIPATION, INTEREST <had no hand in the decision> c : a round of applause
9 a (1) : a player in a card game or board game (2) : the cards or pieces held by a player b : a single round in a game c : the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) <trying to strengthen their hand>
10 a : a person who performs or executes a particular work <two portraits by the same hand> b (1) : a person employed at manual labor or general tasks <a ranch hand> (2) : WORKER, EMPLOYEE <employed over a hundred hands> c : a member of a ship's crew <all hands on deck> d : a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit e : a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region <a China hand>
11 a : HANDIWORK, DOINGS b : style of execution : WORKMANSHIP <the hand of a master> c : the feel of or tactile reaction to something (as silk or leather)
12 : a punch made with a specified hand <knocked him out with a good right hand>
–at hand
1 : near in time or place : within reach <use whatever ingredients are at hand>
2 : currently receiving or deserving attention <the business at hand>
–at the hands of also at the hand of : by or through the action of
–by hand
1 : with the hands or a hand-worked implement (as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine
2 : from one individual directly to another <deliver the document by hand>
–in hand
1 : in one's possession or control <had matters well in hand> <with money in hand>
2 : in preparation
3 : under consideration
–on all hands or on every hand : EVERYWHERE
–on hand
1 : in present possession or readily available <kept supplies on hand>
2 : about to appear : PENDING
3 : in attendance : PRESENT
–on one's hands : in one's possession or care <too much time on my hands>
–out of hand
1 : without delay or deliberation also : in a summary or peremptory manner <rejected the plan out of hand>
2 : done with : FINISHED
3 : out of control
4 : with the hands <fruit eaten out of hand>
–to hand
1 : into possession <the letter⋯has come to hand ― George Washington>
2 : within reach

hand
n. : with the hands rather than by machine

hand
n. 1 a obsolete : to touch or manage with the hands also : to deal with b : FURL
2 : to lead, guide, or assist with the hand <hand a lady into a bus>
3 a : to give, pass, or transmit with the hand <hand a letter to her> b : to present or provide with <handed him a surprise>
–hand it to : to give credit to : concede the excellence of

hand
n. back of the hand
on every hand
at the hand of
hand truck
turn a hand
back of one's hand
bear a hand
bite the hand that feeds one
black hand
cap in hand
dab hand
dead hand
eat out of one's hand
eldest hand
field hand
force one's hand
four hand
four in hand
free hand
glad hand
grease the hand of
to hand
out of hand
on hand
in hand
by hand
at hand
hand it to
hand and foot
hand ax
hand brake
hand down
hand feed
hand foot and mouth disease
hand glass
hand holding
hand holder
hand in
hand in glove
hand and glove
hand in hand
hand lens
hand me down
hand off
hand on
hand organ
hand out
hand over
hand over fist
hand puppet
hand running
hand to hand
hand to mouth
hand up
hand wringing
hat in hand
helping hand
hour hand
invisible hand
iron hand
keep one's hand in
left hand
minute hand
note of hand
oil the hand
old hand
right hand
running hand
second hand
section hand
set one's hand to
show one's hand
sleight of hand
sweep hand
sweep second hand
tip one's hand
try one's hand
turn one's hand
upper hand
whip hand
change hands
dishpan hands
on one's hands
on all hands
at the hands of
hands down
hands off
hands on
hold hands
laying on of hands
sit on one's hands
throw up one's hands
wash one's hands of
bare handed
cack handed
empty handed
four handed
ham handed
heavy handed
high handed
left handed
light handed
one handed
red handed
right handed
single handed
sure handed
three handed
two handed

hand and foot
: TOTALLY, ASSIDUOUSLY

hand ax
1 : a short-handled ax intended for use with one hand
2 : a prehistoric stone tool having one end pointed for cutting and the other end rounded for holding in the hand

hand brake
: an emergency brake operated by a hand lever

hand down
1 : to transmit in succession (as from father to son)
2 : to make official formulation of and express (the opinion of a court)

hand glass
: a small mirror with a handle

hand in
: SUBMIT 2 <hand in your homework>

hand in glove
: in extremely close relationship or agreement <working hand in glove with the police>

hand in hand
1 : with hands clasped (as in intimacy or affection)
2 : in close association : TOGETHER

hand it to
to give credit to : concede the excellence of

hand lens
: a magnifying glass to be held in the hand

hand off
: to hand (a football) to a nearby teammate on a play
intransitive verb : to hand off a football
–hand·off \'hand-ˌȯf\ noun

hand on
: HAND DOWN

hand organ
: a barrel organ operated by a hand crank

hand out
1 a : to give without charge b : to give freely
2 : ADMINISTER <handed out a severe punishment>

hand over
: to yield control of
–hand·over \'han-ˌdō-vər\ noun

hand over fist
: quickly and in large amounts <making money hand over fist>

hand puppet
: PUPPET 1A

hand running
dialect : in unbroken succession

hand to hand
: at very close range

hand truck
: a small hand-propelled truck especially : TRUCK 3B

hand up
of a jury : to deliver (an indictment) to a judge or higher judicial authority

hand, foot and mouth disease
: a usually mild contagious disease especially of young children that is caused by an enterovirus (species Human enterovirus A, especially serotype Human coxsackievirus A16) and is characterized by vesicular lesions chiefly in the mouth and on the hands and feet ― compare FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

hand-feed
: to feed (as animals) by hand

hand-holding
: solicitous attention, support, or instruction (as in servicing clients)
–hand-hold·er \-ˌhōl-dər\ noun

hand-me-down
1 : put in use by one person or group after being used, discarded, or handed down by another <hand-me-down clothes> <hand-me-down anecdotes>
2 : ready-made and usually cheap and shoddy
–hand-me-down noun

hand-to-hand
: involving physical contact or close enough range for physical contact <hand-to-hand fighting>

hand-to-mouth
: having or providing nothing to spare beyond basic necessities <a hand-to-mouth existence>
–hand to mouth adverb

hand-wringing
: an overwrought expression of concern or guilt
–hand·wring·er noun

handbag
n. 1 : SUITCASE
2 : a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

handball
n. 1 : a game played in a walled court or against a single wall or board by two or four players who use their hands to strike the ball
2 : a small rubber ball used in handball

handbarrow
n. : a flat rectangular frame with handles at both ends that is carried by two persons

handbasket
n. : a small portable basket ― usually used in the phrase to hell in a handbasket denoting rapid and utter ruination

handbell
n. : a small bell with a handle especially : one of a set tuned in a scale for musical performance

handbill
n. : a small printed sheet to be distributed (as for advertising) by hand

handblown
: made by glassblowing and molded by hand

handbook
n. 1 a : a book capable of being conveniently carried as a ready reference : MANUAL b : a concise reference book covering a particular subject
2 a : a bookmaker's book of bets b : a place where bookmaking is carried on

handbreadth
n. : any of various units of length varying from about 21/2 to 4 inches based on the breadth of a hand

handcar
n. : a small four-wheeled railroad car propelled by a hand-operated mechanism or by a small motor

handcart
n. : a cart drawn or pushed by hand

handclasp
n. : HANDSHAKE

handcraft
v. : HANDICRAFT

handcraft
v. : to fashion by handicraft

handcraftsman
: a person who is skilled in handicraft
–hand·crafts·man·ship \-ship\ noun

handcuff
n. : a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening ― usually used in plural

handcuff
n. 1 : to apply handcuffs to : MANACLE
2 : to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless <handcuffed by strict regulations>

handed
adj. 1 : having a hand or hands especially of a specified kind or number ― usually used in combination <a large-handed man>
2 : using a specified hand or number of hands ― used in combination <right-handed> <a one-handed catch>

handed
adj. bare handed
cack handed
empty handed
four handed
ham handed
heavy handed
high handed
left handed
light handed
one handed
red handed
right handed
single handed
sure handed
three handed
two handed

handedly
adv. ham handedly
heavy handedly
high handedly
left handedly
right handedly
single handedly

handedness
n. 1 : a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2 a : the property of an object (as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image : CHIRALITY b : either of the two configurations of an object that may exist in forms which are nonidentical mirror images

handedness
n. ham handedness
heavy handedness
high handedness
left handedness
light handedness
right handedness
sure handedness

Handel
n. George Frideric 1685-1759 Brit. (Ger.-born) composer
–Han·de·li·an \han-'dē-lē-ən\ adjective

hander
glad hander
left hander
right hander
single hander

handfast
adj. archaic : a contract or covenant especially of betrothal or marriage

handful
n. 1 : as much or as many as the hand will grasp
2 : a small quantity or number <a handful of people>
3 : as much as one can manage <the kids are quite a handful>

handgrip
n. 1 : a grasping with the hand
2 : HANDLE
3 plural : hand-to-hand combat

handgun
n. : a firearm (as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand

handheld
n. : held in the hand especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand <handheld computers>
–handheld \-ˌheld\ noun

handhold
n. 1 : HOLD, GRIP
2 : something to hold on to (as in mountain climbing)

handicap
n. 1 a : a race or contest in which an artificial advantage is given or disadvantage imposed on a contestant to equalize chances of winning b : an advantage given or disadvantage imposed usually in the form of points, strokes, weight to be carried, or distance from the target or goal
2 a : a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult b sometimes offensive : a physical disability

handicap
n. 1 a : to give a handicap to b : to assess the relative winning chances of (contestants) or the likely winner of (a contest)
2 : to put at a disadvantage

handicapped
adj. sometimes offensive : having a physical or mental disability also : of or reserved for handicapped persons <handicapped parking spaces>

handicapper
n. 1 : a person who assigns handicaps
2 : a person who predicts the winners in a contest (as a horse race)
3 : a person who competes with a (specified) handicap (as in golf) ― usually used in combination <a 5-handicapper>

handicraft
n. 1 a : manual skill b : an occupation requiring skill with the hands
2 : the articles fashioned by those engaged in handicraft
–hand·i·craft·er \-ˌkraf-tər\ noun

handicraftsman
n. : a person who engages in a handicraft : ARTISAN

handily
adv. 1 : in a dexterous manner
2 : EASILY <defeated the other candidate handily>
3 : conveniently nearby

handiwork
n. 1 a : work done by the hands b : work done personally <recognized her handiwork>
2 : the product of handiwork

handkerchief
n. 1 : a small usually square piece of cloth used for usually personal purposes (as blowing the nose) or as a clothing accessory
2 : KERCHIEF 1

handle
n. 1 : a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand
2 : something that resembles a handle
3 a : TITLE 8 b : NAME also : NICKNAME
4 : HAND 11C
5 : the total amount of money bet on a race, game, or event
6 : a means of understanding or controlling <can't quite get a handle on things>
–han·dled \-dəld\ adjective
–han·dle·less \-dəl-(l)əs\ adjective
–off the handle : into a state of sudden and violent anger ― usually used with fly

handle
n. transitive verb
1 a : to try or examine (as by touching, feeling, or moving) with the hand <handle silk to judge its weight> b : to manage with the hands <handle a horse>
2 a : to deal with in writing or speaking or in the plastic arts b : to have overall responsibility for supervising or directing : MANAGE <a lawyer handles all my affairs> c : to train and act as second for (a boxer) d : to put up with : STAND <can't handle the heat>
3 : to act on or perform a required function with regard to <handle the day's mail>
4 : to engage in the buying, selling, or distributing of (a commodity)
intransitive verb : to act, behave, or respond in a certain way when handled or directed <a car that handles well>
–han·dle·able \-dəl-ə-bəl\ adjective

handle
n. off the handle
love handles
well handled
special handling

handlebar
n. : a straight or bent bar with a handle at each end specifically : one used to steer a bicycle or similar vehicle ― usually used in plural

handlebar mustache
: a heavy mustache with long sections that curve upward at each end

handler
n. 1 : one that handles something
2 a : a person in immediate physical charge of an animal especially : a person who exhibits dogs at shows or field trials b : a person who trains or acts as second for a boxer c : a manager of a political or public figure or campaign

handless
adj. 1 : having no hands
2 : inefficient in manual tasks : CLUMSY

handling
n. 1 a : the action of one that handles something b : a process by which something is handled in a commercial transaction especially : the packaging and shipping of an object or material (as to a consumer)
2 : the manner in which something is treated (as in a musical, literary, or art work)

handlist
n. : a list (as of books) for purposes of reference or checking

handmade
adj. : made by hand or by a hand process

handmaiden
n. 1 : a personal maid or female servant
2 : something whose essential function is to serve or assist <criticism is not the enemy of art but rather its handmaiden ― Gary Michael>

handout
n. 1 : a portion of food, clothing, or money given to or as if to a beggar
2 : a folder or circular of information for free distribution
3 : a prepared statement released to the news media

handpick
v. 1 : to pick by hand as opposed to a machine process
2 : to select personally or for personal ends

handpress
: a hand-operated press

handprint
n. : an impression of a hand on a surface

handrail
n. : a narrow rail for grasping with the hand as a support

hands down
1 : without much effort : EASILY
2 : without question
–hands-down \'han(d)z-ˌdau̇n\ adjective

hands-off
: characterized by noninterference <a hands-off policy toward the internal affairs of other nations>

hands-on
1 : relating to, being, or providing direct practical experience in the operation or functioning of something <hands-on training> also : involving or allowing use of or touching with the hands <a hands-on museum display>
2 : characterized by active personal involvement <a hands-on manager>

handsaw
n. : a saw designed to be used with one hand

handsbreadth
n. variant of handbreadth

handsel
n. 1 : a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year
2 : something received first (as in a day of trading) and taken to be a token of good luck
3 a : a first installment : earnest money b : EARNEST, FORETASTE

handsel
n. 1 : to give a handsel to
2 : to inaugurate with a token or gesture of luck or pleasure
3 : to use or do for the first time

handset
n. : a combined telephone transmitter and receiver mounted on a handheld device

handshake
n. : a clasping usually of right hands by two people (as in greeting or farewell)

handsome
adj. 1 chiefly dialect : APPROPRIATE, SUITABLE
2 : moderately large : SIZABLE <a painting that commanded a handsome price>
3 : marked by skill or cleverness : ADROIT
4 : marked by graciousness or generosity : LIBERAL <handsome contributions to charity>
5 : having a pleasing and usually impressive or dignified appearance
synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
–hand·some·ly adverb
–hand·some·ness noun

handspike
n. : a bar used as a lever

handspring
n. : an acrobatic feat in which the body turns forward or backward in a full circle from a standing position and lands first on the hands and then on the feet

handstand
n. : an act of supporting the body on the hands with the trunk and legs balanced in the air

handwheel
n. : a wheel worked by hand

handwork
n. : work done with the hands and not by machines : HANDIWORK
–hand·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

handwoven
adj. 1 : produced on a hand-operated loom
2 : woven by hand <handwoven baskets>

handwrite
v. : to write by hand

handwriting
n. 1 : writing done by hand especially : the form of writing peculiar to a particular person
2 : something written by hand
–handwriting on the wall : an omen of one's unpleasant fate

handwriting on the wall
an omen of one's unpleasant fate

handwrought
: fashioned by hand or chiefly by hand processes <handwrought silver>

Handy
adj. W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873-1958 American blues musician

handy
adj. 1 a : conveniently near b : convenient for use c of a ship : easily handled
2 : clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways <handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush>
–hand·i·ness noun

handyman
n. 1 : a person who does odd jobs
2 : one competent in a variety of small skills or inventive or ingenious in repair or maintenance work ― called also handyperson

HaNegev
― see NEGEV

Hanford
city S cen Calif. SE of Fresno pop 41,686

hang
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fasten to some elevated point without support from below : SUSPEND b : to suspend by the neck until dead ― often hanged in the past ― often used as a mild oath <I'll be hanged> c : to fasten so as to allow free motion within given limits upon a point of suspension <hang a door> d : to adjust the hem of (a skirt) so as to hang evenly and at a proper height
2 : to furnish with hanging decorations (as flags or bunting)
3 : to hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner <hung his head in shame>
4 : to apply to a wall <hang wallpaper>
5 : to display (pictures) in a gallery
6 : to throw (as a curveball) so that it fails to break properly
7 : to make (a turn) especially while driving <hang a right> <hung a quick U-turn ― Tom Clancy>
8 : BASE, FOUND <something to hang our hopes on>
intransitive verb
1 a : to remain suspended or fastened to some point above without support from below : DANGLE b : to die by hanging ― often hanged in the past <he hanged for his crimes> c : to be connected as something relevant or related <thereby hangs a tale ― Shakespeare>
2 : to remain poised or stationary in the air <clouds hanging low overhead>
3 : LINGER, PERSIST
4 : to be imminent : IMPEND <doom hung over the nation>
5 : to fall or droop from a usually tense or taut position
6 : DEPEND <election hangs on one vote>
7 a (1) : to take hold for support : CLING <she hung on his arm> (2) : to keep persistent contact <dogs hung to the trail> (3) : to maintain or continue holding a position <hang behind> (4) : to stay even : KEEP UP ― usually used with with <trying to hang with the leader> b : to be burdensome or oppressive <time hangs on his hands>
8 : to be uncertain or in suspense <the decision is still hanging>
9 : to lean, incline, or jut over or downward
10 : to be in a state of rapt attention <hung on her every word>
11 : to fit or fall from the figure in easy lines <the coat hangs loosely>
12 : to pass time idly or in relaxing or socializing <hanging at the beach> ― often used with around or out <hung out with friends>
13 of a thrown ball : to fail to break or drop as intended
–hang·able \'haŋ-ə-bəl\ adjective
–hang fire
1 : to be slow in the explosion of a charge after its primer has been discharged
2 : DELAY, HESITATE
3 : to remain unsettled or unresolved
–hang it up : to cease an activity or effort
–hang loose : to remain calm or relaxed
–hang one on
1 : to inflict a blow on
2 slang : to get very drunk
–hang out to dry : to subject to ruin by abandonment
–hang one's hat
1 : to situate oneself in (as a residence or place of employment)
2 : to have or use as a source of support <need a career to hang my hat on>
–hang ten : to ride a surfboard with the toes of both feet turned over the front edge
–hang tough : to remain resolute in the face of adversity : HANG IN
usage For both transitive and intransitive senses 1b the past and past participle hung, as well as hanged, is standard. Hanged is most appropriate for official executions <he was to be hanged, cut down whilst still alive⋯and his bowels torn out ― Louis Allen> but hung is also used <gave orders that she should be hung ― Peter Quennell>. Hung is more appropriate for less formal hangings <by morning I'll be hung in effigy ― Ronald Reagan>.

hang
n. 1 : the manner in which a thing hangs
2 : DECLIVITY, SLOPE also : DROOP
3 : facility with or an understanding of something <can't get the hang of this>
4 : a hesitation or slackening in motion or in a course
–give a hang or care a hang : to be the least bit concerned or worried

hang
n. care a hang
cliff hang
go hang
hang tough
hang ten
hang one's hat
hang out to dry
hang one on
hang loose
hang it up
hang fire
give a hang
hang about
hang around
hang back
hang glider
hang gliding
hang glide
hang in
hang off
hang on
hang on to
hang out
hang time
hang together
hang up
let it all hang out
double hung
hung up
Hung wu
Li Hung chang
cliff hanging
hanging indention

hang about
British : HANG 12

hang around
: to pass time or stay aimlessly in or at <hung around the house all day>

hang back
1 : to drag behind others
2 : to be reluctant

hang fire

1 : to be slow in the explosion of a charge after its primer has been discharged
2 : DELAY, HESITATE
3 : to remain unsettled or unresolved

hang glider
: a kitelike glider from which a harnessed rider hangs while gliding down from a cliff or hill
–hang glide intransitive verb
–hang glid·ing noun

hang in
: to refuse to be discouraged or intimidated : show pluck <hang in there>

hang it up
to cease an activity or effort

hang loose
to remain calm or relaxed

hang off
: HANG BACK

hang on
1 : to keep hold : hold onto something
2 : to persist tenaciously <a cold that hung on all spring>
3 : HOLD ON 2
–hang on to : to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

hang on to
to hold, grip, or keep tenaciously

hang one on

1 : to inflict a blow on
2 slang : to get very drunk

hang one's hat

1 : to situate oneself in (as a residence or place of employment)
2 : to have or use as a source of support <need a career to hang my hat on>

hang out
1 : to protrude and droop
2 slang : LIVE, RESIDE
transitive verb : to display outside as an announcement to the public ― used chiefly in the phrase hang out one's shingle

hang out to dry
to subject to ruin by abandonment

hang ten
to ride a surfboard with the toes of both feet turned over the front edge

hang time
: the amount of time a kicked football remains in the air also : the length of time a leaping athlete is in the air

hang together
1 : to remain united : stand by one another
2 : to have unity : form a consistent or coherent whole

hang tough
to remain resolute in the face of adversity : HANG IN

hang up
1 a : to place on a hook or hanger designed for the purpose <hang up your coat> b : to replace (a telephone receiver) on the cradle so that the connection is broken
2 : to keep delayed, suspended, or held up
3 : to cause to stick or snag immovably <the ship was hung up on a sandbar>
intransitive verb
1 : to break a telephone connection
2 : to become stuck or snagged so as to be immovable

hang-up
: a source of mental or emotional difficulty broadly : PROBLEM

hangar
n. : SHELTER, SHED especially : a covered and usually enclosed area for housing and repairing aircraft

hangar
n. : to place or store in a hangar

hangdog
adj. 1 : SAD, DEJECTED
2 : SHEEPISH

hangdog
adj. : a despicable or miserable person

hanger
n. 1 : one that hangs or causes to be hung or hanged
2 : something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended: as a : a decorative strip of cloth b : a small sword formerly used by seamen c chiefly British : a small wood on steeply sloping land
3 : a device by which or to which something is hung or hangs: as a : a strap on a sword belt by which a sword or dagger can be suspended b : a loop by which a garment is hung up c : a device that fits inside or around a garment for hanging from a hook or rod

hanger
n. cliff hanger
coat hanger
hanger on
hanger steak
hangers on

hanger steak
: a steak cut from the beef diaphragm

hanger-on
: one that hangs around a person, place, or institution especially for personal gain

hanging
n. 1 : situated or lying on steeply sloping ground
2 a : jutting out : OVERHANGING <a hanging rock> b : supported only by the wall on one side <a hanging staircase>
3 archaic : downcast in appearance
4 : adapted for sustaining a hanging object
5 : deserving, likely to cause, or prone to inflict death by hanging

hanging
n. 1 : an execution by strangling or breaking the neck by a suspended noose
2 : something hung: as a : CURTAIN b : a covering (as a tapestry) for a wall
3 : a downward slope : DECLIVITY

hanging indention
: indention of all the lines of a paragraph except the first

hangman
n. 1 : one who hangs a condemned person also : a public executioner
2 : a game in which the object is for one player to guess the letters of an unknown word before the player who knows the word creates a stick figure of a hanged man by drawing one line for each incorrect guess

hangnail
n. : a bit of skin hanging loose at the side or root of a fingernail

hangout
n. : a favorite place for spending time also : a place frequented for entertainment or for socializing

hangover
n. 1 : something (as a surviving custom) that remains from what is past
2 a : disagreeable physical effects following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs b : a letdown following great excitement or excess

hangtag
: a tag attached to an article of merchandise giving information about its material and proper care

Hangtown fry
: an omelet or scrambled eggs containing oysters

hangul
n. : the alphabetic script in which Korean is written

Hangzhou
city E China capital of Zhejiang at head of Hangzhou Bay (inlet of E. China Sea) pop 1,099,660

haniwa
: large hollow baked clay sculptures placed on ancient Japanese burial mounds

hank
n. 1 : COIL, LOOP specifically : a coiled or looped bundle (as of yarn) usually containing a definite yardage
2 : any of a series of rings or clips by which a jib or staysail is attached to a stay

hanker
v. : to have a strong or persistent desire : YEARN ― often used with for or after
synonyms see LONG
–han·ker·er \-kər-ər\ noun

hankie
n. : HANDKERCHIEF

Hanko
town & port SW Finland on Hanko (Hangö) Peninsula in the Baltic SE of Turku

Hankow
former city E cen China ― see WUHAN

hanky-panky
1 : questionable or underhanded activity
2 : sexual dalliance

Hanna
n. Marcus Alonzo 1837-1904 Mark American businessman & polit.

Hannay
James Owen 1865-1950 Irish clergyman & nov.

Hannibal
n. 247-183 B.C. son of Hamilcar Barca Carthaginian gen.

Hannibal
n. city NE Mo. on Mississippi River pop 17,757

Hanno
3d cent. B.C. the Great Carthaginian statesman

Hannover
city N cen Germany WNW of Brunswick pop 517,476

Hanoi
n. city capital of Vietnam in Tonkin on Red River; formerly capital of French Indochina & of N. Vietnam metropolitan area pop 2,931,400

Hanotaux
(Albert-Auguste-) Gabriel 1853-1944 Fr. hist. & statesman

Hanover Park
city NE Ill. pop 38,278

Hanoverian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or supporting the German ducal house of Hanover
2 : of or relating to the British royal house that ruled from 1714 to 1901

Hanoverian
adj. 1 : a member or supporter of the ducal or of the British royal Hanoverian house
2 : any of a breed of horses of German origin bred to excel in equestrian competition (as dressage and jumping)

Hansa
n. 1 : a league orig. constituted of merchants of various free German cities dealing abroad in the medieval period and later of the cities themselves and organized to secure greater safety and privileges in trading
2 : a medieval merchant guild or trading association
–Han·se·at·ic \ˌhan(t)-sē-'a-tik\ noun or adjective

Hansard
n. : the official published report of debates in the parliament of a member of the Commonwealth of Nations

Hansard
n. Luke 1752-1828 Eng. printer

hansel
n. variant of handsel

Hansen's disease
: LEPROSY

hansom
n. : a light 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver's seat elevated behind ― called also hansom cab

Hanson
n. Howard 1896-1981 American composer

Hansson
Per Albin 1885-1946 Swed. statesman

hant
dialect variant of haunt

hantavirus
n. : any of a genus (Hantavirus of the family Bunyaviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses transmitted especially by rodent feces and urine and including viruses causing serious pulmonary disease or hemorrhagic fevers marked by renal necrosis

Hants
n. Hampshire

Hanukkah
n. : an 8-day Jewish holiday beginning on the 25th of Kislev and commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after its defilement by Antiochus of Syria

Hanyang
former city E cen China ― see WUHAN

hao
: a monetary unit of Vietnam equal to 1/10 dong

haole
n. sometimes disparaging : one who is not descended from the aboriginal Polynesian inhabitants of Hawaii especially : WHITE

Haora
― see HOWRAH

hap
v. 1 : HAPPENING 1
2 : CHANCE, FORTUNE

hap
v. : HAPPEN

hap
v. dialect : CLOTHE, COVER

hap
v. dialect : something (as a bed quilt or cloak) that serves as a covering or wrap

hapa haole
: of part-white ancestry or origin especially : of white and Hawaiian ancestry

hapax legomenon
: a word or form occurring only once in a document or corpus

haphazard
adj. : CHANCE 1

haphazard
: marked by lack of plan, order, or direction
synonyms see RANDOM
–haphazard adverb
–hap·haz·ard·ly adverb
–hap·haz·ard·ness noun
–hap·haz·ard·ry \-zər-drē\ noun

hapkido
n. : a Korean martial art based on kicking motions and incorporating elements of aikido

hapl
1 : single <haplology>
2 : haploid <haplont>

hapless
adj. : having no luck : UNFORTUNATE
–hap·less·ly adverb
–hap·less·ness noun

haploid
n. : having the gametic number of chromosomes typically including one of each pair of homologous chromosomes ― compare DIPLOID
–haploid noun
–hap·loi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

haplology
n. : contraction of a word by omission of one or more similar sounds or syllables (as in mineralogy for hypothetical mineralology or \'prä-blē\ for probably)

haplont
n. : an organism (as some primitive algae) having a diploid zygote that undergoes meiosis to produce haploid cells
–hap·lon·tic \ha-'plän-tik\ adjective

haplotype
n. : a group of alleles of different genes (as of the major histocompatibility complex) on a single chromosome that are closely enough linked to be inherited usually as a unit

haply
adv. : by chance, luck, or accident

happen
v. 1 : to occur by chance ― often used with it <it so happens I'm going your way>
2 : to come into being or occur as an event, process, or result <mistakes will happen>
3 : to do, encounter, or attain something by or as if by chance <I happen to know the answer>
4 a : to meet or discover something by chance <happened upon a system that worked ― Richard Corbin> b : to come or go casually : make a chance appearance <he might happen by at any time>
5 : to come especially by way of injury or harm <I promise nothing will happen to you>

happenchance
: HAPPENSTANCE

happening
n. 1 : something that happens : OCCURRENCE
2 : an event or series of events designed to evoke a spontaneous reaction to sensory, emotional, or spiritual stimuli
3 : something (as an event) that is particularly interesting, entertaining, or important

happening
n. 1 : very fashionable : IN <a happening hairstyle>
2 : offering much stimulating activity <a happening dance club>

happenstance
n. : a circumstance especially that is due to chance
–hap·pen·stance adjective

happily
adv. 1 a : in a fortunate manner b : as it fortunately happens <happily, some boyhood pleasures don't change ― P. A. Witteman>
2 archaic : by chance
3 : in a happy manner or state
4 : in an adequate or fitting manner : SUCCESSFULLY

happiness
n. 1 obsolete : good fortune : PROSPERITY
2 a : a state of well-being and contentment : JOY b : a pleasurable or satisfying experience
3 : FELICITY, APTNESS

happy
adj. 1 : favored by luck or fortune : FORTUNATE <a happy coincidence>
2 : notably fitting, effective, or well adapted : FELICITOUS <a happy choice>
3 a : enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment <is the happiest person I know> <a happy childhood> b : expressing, reflecting, or suggestive of happiness <a happy ending> c : GLAD, PLEASED <I'm happy to meet you> d : having or marked by an atmosphere of good fellowship : FRIENDLY <a happy office>
4 a : characterized by a dazed irresponsible state <a punch-happy boxer> b : impulsively or obsessively quick to use or do something <trigger-happy> c : enthusiastic about something to the point of obsession : OBSESSED <education-conscious and statistic-happy ― Helen Rowen>
synonyms see LUCKY, FIT

happy
adj. happy camper
happy go lucky
happy hour
happy hunting ground
happy talk
trigger happy

happy camper
: one who is content

happy hour
: a period of time during which the price of drinks (as at a bar) is reduced or hors d'oeuvres are served free

happy hunting ground
1 : the paradise of some American Indian tribes to which the souls of warriors and hunters pass after death to spend a happy hereafter in hunting and feasting
2 : a choice or profitable area of activity or exploitation

happy talk
1 : informal talk among the participants in a television news broadcast also : a broadcast format featuring such talk
2 : optimistic talk

happy-go-lucky
: blithely unconcerned : CAREFREE

Hapsburg
n. : of or relating to the German royal house to which belong the rulers of Austria from 1278 to 1918, the rulers of Spain from 1516 to 1700, and many of the Holy Roman emperors
–Hapsburg noun

hapten
n. : a small separable part of an antigen that reacts specif. with an antibody but is incapable of stimulating antibody production except in combination with a carrier protein molecule
–hap·ten·ic \hap-'te-nik\ adjective

haptic
adj. 1 : relating to or based on the sense of touch
2 : characterized by a predilection for the sense of touch <a haptic person>

haptoglobin
n. : any of several forms of an alpha globulin found in blood serum that can combine with free hemoglobin in the plasma and thereby prevent the loss of iron into the urine

hara-kiri
1 : ritual suicide by disembowelment practiced by the Japanese samurai or formerly decreed by a court in lieu of the death penalty
2 : SUICIDE 1B

Harald
v. 1937-     king of Norway (1991-    )

harangue
n. 1 : a speech addressed to a public assembly
2 : a ranting speech or writing
3 : LECTURE

harangue
n. intransitive verb : to make a harangue : DECLAIM
transitive verb : to address in a harangue <haranguing me⋯on the folly of my ways ― Jay Jacobs>
–ha·rangu·er noun

Harappa
locality E Pakistan in Indus Valley between Multan and Lahore; center of a prehistoric civilization

Harare
n. city capital of Zimbabwe pop 1,184,169

Harare
n. Salisbury steak
John of Salisbury
Salisbury Plain

harass
v. 1 a : EXHAUST, FATIGUE b (1) : to annoy persistently (2) : to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct
2 : to worry and impede by repeated raids <harassed the enemy>
synonyms see WORRY
–ha·rass·er noun
–ha·rass·ment \-mənt\ noun

Harbach
Otto Abels 1873-1963 American dram. & librettist

Harbin
city NE China capital of Heilongjiang on Songhua River pop 2,443,398

harbinger
n. 1 archaic : a person sent ahead to provide lodgings
2 a : one that pioneers in or initiates a major change : PRECURSOR b : one that presages or foreshadows what is to come
synonyms see FORERUNNER

harbinger
n. : to be a harbinger of : PRESAGE

harbor
n. 1 : a place of security and comfort : REFUGE
2 : a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to furnish anchorage especially : one with port facilities
–har·bor·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–har·bor·less \-ləs\ adjective

harbor
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give shelter or refuge to b : to be the home or habitat of <the ledges still harbor rattlesnakes> broadly : CONTAIN 2
2 : to hold especially persistently in the mind : CHERISH <harbored a grudge>
intransitive verb
1 : to take shelter in or as if in a harbor
2 : LIVE
–har·bor·er \-bər-ər\ noun

harbor
n. harbor seal
Pearl Harbor
Apra Harbor
Charlotte Harbor
Grays Harbor
Indiana Harbor

harbor seal
: a small hair seal (Phoca vitulina) of oceanic coasts in the northern hemisphere that often ascends rivers

harborage
n. : SHELTER, HARBOR

harbormaster
n. : an officer who executes the regulations respecting the use of a harbor

harborside
n. : located next to a harbor

harbour
n. chiefly British variant of harbor

hard
adj. 1 a : not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure b of cheese : not capable of being spread : very firm
2 a of liquor (1) : having a harsh or acid taste (2) : strongly alcoholic b : characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent lathering with soap <hard water>
3 a : of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power : having high energy <hard X rays> b : having or producing relatively great photographic contrast <a hard negative>
4 a : metallic as distinct from paper <hard money> b of currency : convertible into gold : stable in value c : usable as currency <paid in hard cash> d of currency : readily acceptable in international trade e : being high and firm <hard prices>
5 a : firmly and closely twisted <hard yarns> b : having a smooth close napless finish <a hard worsted>
6 a : physically fit <in good hard condition> b : resistant to stress or disease c : free of weakness or defects
7 a (1) : FIRM, DEFINITE <reached a hard agreement> (2) : not speculative or conjectural : FACTUAL <hard evidence> (3) : important or informative rather than sensational or entertaining <hard news> b : CLOSE, SEARCHING <gave a hard look> c : free from sentimentality or illusion : REALISTIC <good hard sense> d : lacking in responsiveness : OBDURATE, UNFEELING <a hard heart>
8 a (1) : difficult to bear or endure <hard luck> <hard times> (2) : OPPRESSIVE, INEQUITABLE <sales taxes are hard on the poor> <a hard restriction> b (1) : lacking consideration, compassion, or gentleness : CALLOUS <a hard greedy landlord> (2) : INCORRIGIBLE, TOUGH <a hard gang> c (1) : harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect <said some hard things> (2) : RESENTFUL <hard feelings> (3) : STRICT, UNRELENTING <drives a hard bargain> d : INCLEMENT <hard winter> e (1) : intense in force, manner, or degree <hard blows> (2) : demanding the exertion of energy : calling for stamina and endurance <hard work> (3) : performing or carrying on with great energy, intensity, or persistence <a hard worker> f : most unyielding or thoroughgoing <the hard political right>
9 a : characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing b : sharply defined : STARK <hard shadows> c : lacking in shading, delicacy, or resonance <hard singing tones> d : sounding as in arcing and geese respectively ― used of c and g e : suggestive of toughness or insensitivity <hard eyes>
10 a (1) : difficult to accomplish or resolve : TROUBLESOME <hard problems> <the true story was hard to come by> (2) : difficult to comprehend or explain <a hard concept> b : having difficulty in doing something <hard of hearing> c : difficult to magnetize or demagnetize
11 : being at once addictive and gravely detrimental to health <such hard drugs as heroin>
12 : resistant to biodegradation <hard detergents> <hard pesticides such as DDT>
13 : being, schooled in, or using the methods of the natural sciences and especially of the physical sciences <a hard scientist>
14 of money : contributed (as by individuals or political action committees) directly to a particular candidate or campaign
synonyms HARD, DIFFICULT, ARDUOUS mean demanding great exertion or effort. HARD implies the opposite of all that is easy <farming is hard work>. DIFFICULT implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill, patience, or courage <the difficult ascent of the main face of the mountain>. ARDUOUS stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion <the arduous task of rebuilding>.

hard
adj. 1 a : with great or utmost effort or energy : STRENUOUSLY <were hard at work> <the children played hard> b : in a violent manner : FIERCELY c : to the full extent ― usually used in nautical directions <steer hard aport> d : to an immoderate degree <hitting the bottle hard> e : in a searching, close, or concentrated manner <stared hard at me>
2 a : in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain b : with rancor, bitterness, or grief <took the defeat hard>
3 : in a firm manner : TIGHTLY
4 : to the point of hardness <frozen hard>
5 : close in time or space <stands hard by the river>

hard
adj. hard coal
between the rock and the hard place
die hard
hard and fast
hard ass
hard assed
hard bitten
hard boil
hard boiled
hard candy
hard case
hard cheese
hard cider
hard clam
hard coated
hard copy
hard core
hard disk
hard drive
hard driving
hard edge
hard edged
hard eyed
hard goods
hard hat
hard hearted
hard heartedness
hard heartedly
hard hit
hard hitting
hard knocks
hard labor
hard line
hard liner
hard lines
hard luck
hard maple
hard nosed
hard of hearing
hard on
hard ons
hard palate
hard paste porcelain
hard pine
hard pressed
hard put
hard rock
hard rubber
hard sauce
hard sell
hard set
hard shell
hard shelled
hard shell clam
hard shelled clam
hard shell crab
hard shelled crab
hard stone
hard times token
hard up
hard wheat
hard won
between a rock and a hard place
very hard

hard candy
: a candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing

hard case
: a tough or hardened person

hard cheese
chiefly British : tough luck ― often used interjectionally

hard cider
: fermented apple juice

hard clam
: a clam with a thick hard shell specifically : QUAHOG

hard coal
: ANTHRACITE

hard copy
: a copy of textual or graphic information (as from microfilm or computer storage) produced on paper in normal size

hard core
1 : a central or fundamental and usually enduring group or part: as a : a relatively small enduring core of society marked by apparent resistance to change or inability to escape a persistent wretched condition (as poverty or chronic unemployment) b : a militant or fiercely loyal faction
2 usually hard·core \-ˌkōr, -ˌkȯr\ chiefly British : hard material in pieces (as broken bricks or stone) used as a bottom (as in making roads and in foundations)

hard disk
: a rigid metal disk coated with a magnetic material on which data for a computer can be stored also : HARD DRIVE

hard drive
: a data-storage device consisting of a drive and one or more hard disks

hard goods
: DURABLES

hard hat
1 a : a protective hat made of rigid material (as metal or fiberglass) and worn especially by construction workers b : a construction worker
2 : a conservative who is intolerant of opposing views

hard knocks
: rough unsparing treatment (as in use or in life) ― often used in the phrase school of hard knocks

hard labor
: compulsory labor of imprisoned criminals as a part of the prison discipline

hard lines
chiefly British : hard luck ― often used interjectionally

hard maple
: SUGAR MAPLE

hard of hearing
: relating to or having a defective but functional sense of hearing

hard palate
: the bony anterior part of the palate forming the roof of the mouth

hard pine
: a pine (as longleaf pine or pitch pine) that has hard wood and leaves usually in groups of two or three also : the wood of a hard pine

hard put
: barely able : faced with difficulty or perplexity <was hard put to find an explanation>

hard rock
: rock music marked by a heavy regular beat, high amplification, and usually frenzied performances

hard rubber
: a firm rubber or rubber product especially : a normally black horny substance made by vulcanizing natural rubber with high percentages of sulfur

hard sauce
: a creamed mixture of butter and powdered sugar often with added cream and flavoring (as vanilla or rum)

hard sell
: aggressive high-pressure salesmanship ― compare SOFT SELL

hard stone
: an opaque usually semiprecious stone that can be shaped or carved (as for jewelery or mosaics)

hard up
1 : short of money
2 : poorly provided <hard up for friends>

hard wheat
: a wheat with hard kernels that are high in gluten and that yield a flour especially suitable for bread and macaroni

hard-and-fast
: not to be modified or evaded : STRICT <a hard-and-fast rule>

hard-ass
often vulgar : a tough, demanding, or uncompromising person
–hard-assed \-ˌdast\ adjective often vulgar

hard-bitten
1 : inclined to bite hard
2 : seasoned or steeled by difficult experience : TOUGH

hard-boil
: to cook (an egg) in the shell until both white and yolk have solidified

hard-boiled
1 a : devoid of sentimentality : TOUGH <a hard-boiled drill sergeant> b : of, relating to, or being a detective story featuring a tough unsentimental protagonist and a matter-of-fact attitude towards violence
2 : HARDHEADED, PRACTICAL <hard-boiled business decisions>

hard-coated
of a dog : having a harsh-textured coat <hard-coated terriers>

hard-core
1 a : of, relating to, or being part of a hard core <hard-core poverty> <the hard-core unemployed> b : CONFIRMED, DIE-HARD <hard-core rock fans> <a hard-core liberal>
2 of pornography : containing explicit descriptions of sex acts or scenes of actual sex acts ― compare SOFT-CORE
3 : characterized by or being the purest or most basic form of something : FUNDAMENTAL <a room gussied up in hard-core French provincial style ― John Canaday>

hard-driving
: intensely ambitious, energetic, or hardworking

hard-edge
: of or relating to abstract painting characterized by geometric forms with clearly defined boundaries

hard-edged
: having a tough, driving, or sharp quality <hard-edged stories about life in the city>

hard-eyed
: hard or cold in manner or aproach : DISPASSIONATE <a hard-eyed view of the candidates>

hard-hearted
: lacking in sympathetic understanding : UNFEELING, PITILESS
–hard-heart·ed·ly adverb
–hard-heart·ed·ness noun

hard-hit
: profoundly stricken : affected in an especially negative way <one of the industries particularly hard-hit during the downturn>

hard-hitting
: strikingly effective in force or result <a hard-hitting exposé> <plain hard-hitting English>

hard-line
: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action
–hard-lin·er \-'lī-nər\ noun

hard-luck
: marked by, relating to, or experiencing bad luck or difficulty <another loss for the team's hard-luck pitcher> <hard-luck stories>

hard-nosed
1 : being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising
2 : HARDHEADED 2, TOUGH-MINDED

hard-on
sometimes vulgar : an erection of the penis

hard-paste porcelain
: PORCELAIN 1

hard-pressed
: HARD PUT also : being under financial strain

hard-set
: RIGID, FIXED

hard-shell
: FUNDAMENTAL 2B, FUNDAMENTALIST <a hard-shell preacher> <hard-shell Baptists> also : UNCOMPROMISING, HIDEBOUND <a hard-shell conservative>

hard-shell clam
: QUAHOG ― called also hard-shelled clam

hard-shell crab
: a crab that has not recently shed its shell ― called also hard-shelled crab

hard-times token
: any of the tokens issued during the controversy between the Jackson administration and the bank of the U.S.

hard-won
: gained by great effort

hardback
n. : a book bound in hard covers

hardball
n. 1 : BASEBALL
2 : forceful uncompromising methods employed to gain an end <played political hardball>

hardboard
n. : a very dense fiberboard usually having one smooth face

hardboot
: an especially small-time horseman

hardbound
adj. : HARDCOVER

hardcase
adj. : HARD-BITTEN, TOUGH

hardcover
n. 1 : having rigid boards on the sides covered in cloth or paper <hardcover books>
2 : of or relating to hardcover books <hardcover sales>
–hardcover noun

Hardecanute
ca 1019-1042 king of Denmark (1028-42) and of England (1040-42)

Harden
v. Sir Arthur 1865-1940 Eng. chem.

Harden
v. Maximilian 1861-1927 orig. Felix Ernst Witkowski Ger. writer

harden
v. transitive verb
1 : to make hard or harder
2 : to confirm in disposition, feelings, or action especially : to make callous <hardened his heart>
3 a : INURE, TOUGHEN <harden troops> b : to inure to unfavorable environmental conditions (as cold) ― often used with off <harden off seedlings before transplanting>
4 : to protect from blast, heat, or radiation (as by a thick barrier or placement underground)
intransitive verb
1 : to become hard or harder
2 a : to become firm, stable, or settled b : to assume an appearance of harshness or severity <her face hardened at the thought>
3 : to become gradually acclimatized to unfavorable conditions ― often used with off <plants hardened off before the first frost>

Hardenberg
Prince Karl August von 1750-1822 Pruss. statesman

hardener
n. : one that hardens especially : a substance added (as to a paint or varnish) to harden the film

hardening
n. : SCLEROSIS 1 <hardening of the arteries>

hardfisted
adj. 1 : STINGY, CLOSEFISTED
2 : HARDHANDED 2

hardhack
n. : a No. American spirea (Spiraea tomentosa) with dense terminal panicles of pink or occas. white flowers and leaves having a hairy and yellow to rust-colored underside

hardhanded
adj. 1 : having hands made hard by labor
2 : STRICT, OPPRESSIVE
–hard·hand·ed·ness noun

hardhead
n. 1 a : a hardheaded person b : BLOCKHEAD
2 plural hardheads also hardhead : any of several fishes especially with a spiny or bony head especially : ATLANTIC CROAKER

hardheaded
adj. 1 : STUBBORN, WILLFUL
2 : concerned with or involving practical considerations : SOBER, REALISTIC <some hardheaded advice> <a hardheaded observer of winds and tides>
–hard·head·ed·ly adverb
–hard·head·ed·ness noun

hardihood
n. 1 a : resolute courage and fortitude b : resolute and self-assured audacity often carried to the point of impudent insolence
2 : VIGOR, ROBUSTNESS
synonyms see TEMERITY

hardiment
1 archaic : HARDIHOOD
2 obsolete : a bold deed

Harding
n. Warren G(amaliel) 1865-1923 29th pres. of the U.S. (1921-23)

hardinggrass
: a perennial Mediterranean grass (Phalaris aquatica syn. P. tuberosa) widely used as a forage grass

hardly
adv. 1 : with force : VIGOROUSLY
2 : in a severe manner : HARSHLY
3 : with difficulty : PAINFULLY
4 a ― used to emphasize a minimal amount <I hardly knew her> <almost new 97 hardly a scratch on it> b ― used to soften a negative <you can't hardly tell who anyone is ― G. B. Shaw>
5 : certainly not <that news is hardly surprising>
usage Hardly in sense 5 is used sometimes with not for emphasis <just another day at the office? Not hardly>. In sense 4b with a negative verb (as can't, wouldn't, didn't) it does not make a double negative but softens the negative. In “you can't hardly find a red one,” the sense is that you can find a red one, but only with difficulty; in “you can't find a red one,” the sense is that red ones are simply not available. Use of hardly with a negative verb is a speech form; it is most commonly heard in Southern and Midland speech areas. In other speech areas and in all discursive prose, hardly is normally used with a positive <you can hardly find a red one>.

hardmouthed
1 of a horse : not sensitive to the bit
2 : OBSTINATE, STUBBORN

hardness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being hard
2 a : the cohesion of the particles on the surface of a mineral as determined by its capacity to scratch another or be itself scratched ― compare MOHS' SCALE b : resistance of metal to indentation under a static load or to scratching

hardnose
: a hard-nosed person

hardpack
: compacted snow

hardpan
n. 1 : a cemented or compacted and often clayey layer in soil that is impenetrable by roots
2 : a fundamental part : BEDROCK

hardscrabble
adj. 1 a : being or relating to a place of barren or barely arable soil <a hardscrabble farm> <hardscrabble prairies> b : getting a meager living from poor soil <a hardscrabble farmer>
2 : marked by poverty <a hardscrabble cotton town> <a hardscrabble childhood>

hardship
n. 1 : PRIVATION, SUFFERING
2 : something that causes or entails suffering or privation

hardstand
n. : a paved area for parking an airplane

hardstanding
n. chiefly British : HARDSTAND also : PARKING LOT

hardtack
n. 1 : a saltless hard biscuit, bread, or cracker
2 : any of several mountain mahoganies (esp. Cercocarpus betuloides)

hardtop
n. : an automobile or a motorboat having a permanent rigid top also : such an automobile styled to resemble a convertible

hardware
n. 1 : ware (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2 : major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose <educational hardware>: as a : military equipment b : the physical components (as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (as a computer)
3 : an award (as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition

hardware cloth
: rugged galvanized screening

hardwired
adj. 1 : implemented in the form of permanent electronic circuits also : connected or incorporated by or as if by permanent electrical connections <a hardwired phone> <concepts of attractiveness may be universal and hardwired into the human brain ― Jane E. Brody>
2 : genetically or innately determined : INBORN <creature whose every action is a reflexive, hardwired response ― Natalie Angier> also : genetically or innately predisposed <a human being who is hardwired to be sociable ― Forbes>

hardwood
n. 1 : the wood of an angiospermous tree as distinguished from that of a coniferous tree
2 : a tree that yields hardwood
3 : a basketball court

hardwood
n. 1 : having or made of hardwood <hardwood floors>
2 : consisting of mature woody tissue <hardwood cuttings>

hardworking
adj. : INDUSTRIOUS, DILIGENT

Hardy
adj. Thomas 1840-1928 Eng. nov. & poet
–Har·dy·esque \ˌhär-dē-'esk\ adjective

hardy
adj. 1 : BOLD, BRAVE
2 : AUDACIOUS, BRAZEN
3 a : inured to fatigue or hardships : ROBUST b : capable of withstanding adverse conditions <hardy outdoor furniture> <hardy plants> <hardy cattle>
–har·di·ly \'här-dəl-ē\ adverb
–har·di·ness \'här-dē-nəs\ noun

hardy
adj. half hardy
Hardy Weinberg law
Hardy Weinberg principle

Hardy-Weinberg law
: a fundamental principle of population genetics: population gene frequencies and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation if mating is random and if mutation, selection, immigration, and emigration do not occur ― called also Hardy-Weinberg principle

hare
n. : any of various swift long-eared lagomorph mammals (family Leporidae and especially genus Lepus) that are usually solitary or sometimes live in pairs and have the young open-eyed and furred at birth ― compare RABBIT 1a

hare
n. : to go swiftly : 3TEAR

hare
n. arctic hare
Belgian hare
hare and hounds
Hare Krishna
Hare Krishnas
sea hare
snowshoe hare
varying hare

hare and hounds
: a game in which some of the players leave a trail and others try to follow the trail to find and catch them

Hare Krishna
: a member of a religious group dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Krishna

harebell
n. : a slender blue-flowered herb (Campanula rotundifolia) with linear leaves on the stem

harebrained
adj. 1 : FOOLISH 1
2 : ABSURD, RIDICULOUS

harelip
n. sometimes offensive : CLEFT LIP

harem
n. 1 a : a usually secluded house or part of a house allotted to women in a Muslim household b : the wives, concubines, female relatives, and servants occupying a harem
2 : a group of women associated with one man
3 : a group of females associated with one male ― used of polygamous animals

harem pants
: women's loose trousers that fit closely at the ankle

Harer
city E Ethiopia E of Addis Ababa pop 105,000

Hargreaves
James d 1778 Eng. inventor

hari-kari
variant of hara-kiri

haricot
n. : the ripe seed or the unripe pod of any of several beans (genus Phaseolus) and especially the kidney bean (P. vulgaris)

haricot vert
: a thin green bean

harijan
n. : a member of the outcaste group in India : UNTOUCHABLE

Haringey
borough of N Greater London, England pop 187,300

Harington
Sir John 1561-1612 Eng. writer & translator

Hariri, al
1054-1122 Arab scholar & poet

Harirud
river 700 mi (1126 km) NW Afghanistan, NE Iran, & S Turkmenistan flowing W & N into Kara Kum Desert

hark
v. : to pay close attention : LISTEN

hark back
1 : to turn back to an earlier topic or circumstance
2 : to go back to something as an origin or source

harken
v. 1 : HEARKEN
2 : HARK BACK ― usually used with back

Harlan
John Marshall 1833-1911 & his grandson 1899-1971 American jurists

Harlem
n. 1 river channel SE N.Y. NE of Manhattan Is. connecting (with Spuyten Duyvil Creek) Hudson & East rivers
2 section of New York City in N Manhattan bordering on Harlem & East rivers
–Har·lem·ite \-lə-ˌmīt\ noun

harlequin
n. 1 a capitalized : a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword b : BUFFOON
2 a : a variegated pattern (as of a textile) b : a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs)

harlequinade
n. : a play or pantomime in which Harlequin has a leading role

Harley
n. Robert 1661-1724 1st Earl of Oxford Eng. statesman

Harlingen
city S Tex. NNW of Brownsville pop 57,564

Harlingen
town & port N Netherlands in Friesland

harlot
n. : PROSTITUTE

harlotry
n. 1 : sexual profligacy : PROSTITUTION
2 : an unprincipled or immoral woman <he sups tonight with a harlotry ― Shakespeare>

harm
n. 1 : physical or mental damage : INJURY
2 : MISCHIEF, HURT

harm
n. : to cause harm to
synonyms see INJURE
–harm·er noun

harm's way
: a dangerous place or situation <was placed in harm's way> <got them out of harm's way>

harmattan
n. : a dust-laden wind on the Atlantic coast of Africa in some seasons

harmful
adj. : of a kind likely to be damaging : INJURIOUS
–harm·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–harm·ful·ness noun

harmless
adj. 1 : free from harm, liability, or loss
2 : lacking capacity or intent to injure : INNOCUOUS <a harmless joke>
–harm·less·ly adverb
–harm·less·ness noun

harmonic
n. 1 : MUSICAL
2 : of or relating to musical harmony or a harmonic
3 : pleasing to the ear : HARMONIOUS
4 : of an integrated nature : CONGRUOUS
–har·mon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

harmonic
n. 1 a : OVERTONE especially : one whose vibration frequency is an integral multiple of that of the fundamental b : a flutelike tone produced on a stringed instrument by touching a vibrating string at a nodal point
2 : a component frequency of a complex wave (as of electromagnetic energy) that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency

harmonic
n. harmonic analysis
harmonic mean
harmonic motion
harmonic progression
harmonic series

harmonic analysis
: the expression of a periodic function as a sum of sines and cosines and specif. by a Fourier series

harmonic mean
: the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals of a finite set of numbers

harmonic motion
: a periodic motion (as of a sounding violin string or swinging pendulum) that has a single frequency or amplitude or is composed of two or more such simple periodic motions

harmonic progression
: a sequence of numbers whose reciprocals form an arithmetic progression

harmonic series
: a series of the form 1 + (1/2α) + (1/3α) + (1/4α) ⋯ which diverges for 0 ≤ α ≤ 1 and converges for α > 1

harmonica
n. 1 : GLASS HARMONICA
2 : a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling
–har·mon·i·cist \-nə-sist\ noun

harmonious
adj. 1 : musically concordant
2 : having the parts agreeably related : CONGRUOUS <blended into a harmonious whole>
3 : marked by accord in sentiment or action
–har·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb
–har·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

harmonise
v. British variant of harmonize

harmonium
n. : REED ORGAN

harmonize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to play or sing in harmony
2 : to be in harmony
transitive verb
1 : to bring into consonance or accord
2 : to provide or accompany with harmony
–har·mo·ni·za·tion \ˌhär-mə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–har·mo·niz·er \'här-mə-ˌnī-zər\ noun

harmony
n. 1 archaic : tuneful sound : MELODY
2 a : the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord b : the structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords c : the science of the structure, relation, and progression of chords
3 a : pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts <a painting exhibiting harmony of color and line> b : CORRESPONDENCE, ACCORD <lives in harmony with her neighbors> c : internal calm : TRANQUILLITY
4 a : an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative b : a systematic arrangement of parallel literary passages (as of the Gospels) for the purpose of showing agreement or harmony

Harmsworth
Alfred Charles William 1865-1922 Viscount North·cliffe \'nȯrth-ˌklif\ Eng. publisher & polit.

Harmsworth
Harold Sidney 1868-1940 1st Viscount Roth·er·mere \'rä-thər-mir\ bro. of A.C.W. Eng. publisher & polit.

harness
n. 1 a : the gear other than a yoke of a draft animal b : GEAR, EQUIPMENT especially : military equipment for a horse or man
2 a : occupational surroundings or routine <get back into harness after a vacation> b : close association <ability to work in harness with others ― R. P. Brooks>
3 a : something that resembles a harness (as in holding or fastening something) <a parachute harness> b : prefabricated wiring with insulation and terminals ready to be attached
4 : a part of a loom which holds and controls the heddles

harness
n. 1 a : to put a harness on b : to attach by means of a harness
2 : to tie together : YOKE
3 : UTILIZE <harness the computer's potential>

harness
n. harness horse
harness racing
shoulder harness

harness horse
: a horse for racing or working in harness

harness racing
: the sport of racing standardbred horses harnessed to 2-wheeled sulkies

Harney Lake
intermittent salt lake SE Oreg. in Harney Basin (depression, area 2500 sq mi or 6500 sq km)

Harney Peak
mountain 7242 ft (2207 m) SW S.Dak.; highest in Black Hills & in state

Harold
n. name of 2 kings of the English: I d 1040 Harold Hare·foot \'her-ˌfu̇t\ (reigned 1035-40); II ca 1022-1066 (reigned 1066)

Harold
n. name of 3 kings of Norway: especially III Hard·raa·de \'hȯr-ˌrȯ-də\ 1015-1066 (reigned 1045-66)

harp
n. 1 : a plucked stringed instrument consisting of a resonator, an arched or angled neck that may be supported by a post, and strings of graded length that are perpendicular to the soundboard
2 : something resembling a harp
3 : HARMONICA 2
–harp·ist \'här-pist\ noun

harp
n. 1 : to play on a harp
2 : to dwell on or recur to a subject tiresomely or monotonously ― usually used with on

harp
n. aeolian harp
harp seal
Jew's harp
Jews' harp
mouth harp
wind harp

harp seal
: a dark-faced seal (Phoca groenlandicus) of the No. Atlantic that is a variable light gray with the male usually having a dark crescent on its back and sides

harper
n. 1 : a harp player
2 : one that harps

harpoon
n. : a barbed spear or javelin used especially in hunting large fish or whales
–harpoon transitive verb
–har·poon·er noun

harpsichord
n. : a stringed instrument resembling a grand piano but usually having two keyboards and two or more strings for each note and producing tones by the plucking of strings with plectra
–harp·si·chord·ist \-ˌkȯr-dist\ noun

harpy
n. 1 capitalized : a foul malign creature in Greek mythology that is part woman and part bird
2 a : a predatory person : LEECH b : a shrewish woman

harpy eagle
: a large powerful crested eagle (Harpia harpyja) of Central and So. America that is black above and chiefly white below

harquebus
n. : a matchlock gun invented in the 15th century which was portable but heavy and was usually fired from a support
–har·que·bus·ier \ˌhär-kwi-(ˌ)bə-'sir, -kə-bə-\ noun

harridan
n. : SHREW 2

harried
adj. : beset by problems : HARASSED

harrier
n. 1 : any of a breed of hunting dogs resembling a small English foxhound and orig. bred for hunting rabbits
2 : a runner on a cross-country team

harrier
n. : any of a genus (Circus) of slender hawks having long angled wings and long legs and feeding chiefly on small mammals, reptiles, and insects

harrier
n. : one that harries

Harriman
W(illiam) Aver·ell \'āv-rəl, 'ā-və-\ 1891-1986 American businessman, diplomat, & polit.

Harris
n. Barbara Clementine 1930-     American bishop

Harris
n. Frank 1856-1931 American (Irish-born) writer

Harris
n. Joel Chandler 1848-1908 American writer

Harris
n. Roy 1898-1979 American composer

Harris
n. William Torrey 1835-1909 American philos. & educ.

Harris
n. ― see LEWIS WITH HARRIS

Harris
n. Harris's hawk
Harris hawk
Lewis with Harris

Harris's hawk
: a black hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) found from the southwestern U.S. to So. America that has brown shoulders and conspicuous white markings on the rump and tail ― called also Harris hawk

Harrisburg
n. city capital of Pa. on Susquehanna River pop 48,950

Harrison
n. Benjamin 1833-1901 grandson of W.H. Harrison 23d pres. of the U.S. (1889-93)

Harrison
n. Frederic 1831-1923 Eng. writer & philos.

Harrison
n. Sir Rex 1908-1990 orig. Reginald Carey Harrison Brit. actor

Harrison
n. William Henry 1773-1841 9th pres. of the U.S. (1841)

Harrison
n. village SE N.Y. on Long Island Sound pop 24,154

Harrisonburg
n. city N Va. pop 40,468

Harrogate
town N England in N. Yorkshire N of Leeds pop 66,475

Harrow
n. borough of NW Greater London, England pop 194,300

harrow
n. archaic : PILLAGE, PLUNDER

harrow
n. : a cultivating implement set with spikes, spring teeth, or disks and used primarily for pulverizing and smoothing the soil

harrow
n. 1 : to cultivate with a harrow
2 : TORMENT, VEX
–har·row·er \'her-ə-wər, 'ha-rə-\ noun

harrumph
v. intransitive verb
1 : to clear the throat in a pompous way
2 : to comment disapprovingly
transitive verb : to utter (a comment) disapprovingly
–harrumph noun

harry
n. 1 : to make a pillaging or destructive raid on : ASSAULT
2 : to force to move along by harassing <harrying the terrified horses down out of the mountains ― R. A. Sokolov>
3 : to torment by or as if by constant attack
synonyms see WORRY

Harsanyi
John Charles 1920-2000 American (Hung.-born) econ.

harsh
adj. 1 : having a coarse uneven surface that is rough or unpleasant to the touch
2 a : causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction : IRRITATING b : physically discomforting : PAINFUL
3 : unduly exacting : SEVERE
4 : lacking in aesthetic appeal or refinement : CRUDE
synonyms see ROUGH
–harsh·ly adverb
–harsh·ness noun

harshen
v. transitive verb : to make (as a voice) harsh
intransitive verb : to become harsh <saw the grain of his skin harshening over face bones ― Elizabeth Bowen>

Hart
n. Albert Bushnell 1854-1943 American hist. & editor

Hart
n. Basil Henry Liddell ― see LIDDELL HART

Hart
n. Lorenz 1895-1943 American lyricist

Hart
n. Moss 1904-1961 American librettist & dram.

Hart
n. Sir Robert 1835-1911 Brit. diplomat

Hart
n. William S(urrey) 1872-1946 American actor

hart
n. chiefly British : the male of the red deer especially when over five years old : STAG ― compare HIND

Harte
Francis Brett 1836-1902 Bret Harte American writer

hartebeest
n. : either of two large African antelopes (Alcelaphus buselaphus and Sigmoceros lichtensteinii) with long faces and short annulate divergent horns also : a smaller antelope (Damaliscus hunteri) of eastern Africa having a horizontal white line between the eyes

Hartford
n. city N cen Conn., its capital pop 121,578
–Hart·ford·ite \-fər-ˌdīt\ noun

Hartlepool
seaport N England on North Sea pop 88,200

hartshorn
n. : a preparation of ammonia used as smelling salts

Hartung
Hans 1904-1989 Fr. (Ger.-born) painter

Hartwell
Leland Harrison 1939-     American geneticist

harum-scarum
: RECKLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE
–harum-scarum adverb

Harun ar-Rashid
763(or 766)-809 Hārūn ar-Rashīd ibn Muḥammad al-Mahdī ibn al-Manșūr al-'Abbāsī caliph of Baghdad (786-809)

haruspex
n. : a diviner in ancient Rome basing his predictions on inspection of the entrails of sacrificial animals

haruspication
chiefly British : an act or instance of foretelling something

Harvard
n. John 1607-1638 American clergyman & benefactor

Harvard, Mount
mountain 14,420 ft (4395 m) cen Colo. in Sawatch Range SE of Mt. Elbert

harvest
n. 1 : the season for gathering in agricultural crops
2 : the act or process of gathering in a crop
3 a : a mature crop (as of grain or fruit) : YIELD b : the quantity of a natural product gathered in a single season <deer harvest> <ice harvest>
4 : an accumulated store or productive result <a harvest of revenue>

harvest
n. 1 a : to gather in (a crop) : REAP b : to gather, catch, hunt, or kill (as salmon, oysters, or deer) for human use, sport, or population control c : to remove or extract (as living cells, tissues, or organs) from culture or from a living or recently deceased body especially for transplanting
2 a : to accumulate a store of <has now harvested this new generation's scholarly labors ― M. J. Wiener> b : to win by achievement <the team harvested several awards>
intransitive verb : to gather in a crop especially for food
–har·vest·able \-və-stə-bəl\ adjective
–har·vest·er noun

harvest
n. harvest fly
harvest home
harvest mite
harvest moon

harvest fly
: CICADA

harvest home
1 : a feast at the close of the harvest
2 : the gathering or the time of the harvest
3 : a song sung by the reapers at the close of the harvest

harvest mite
: CHIGGER 2

harvest moon
: the full moon nearest the time of the September equinox

harvestman
n. : DADDY LONGLEGS 2

harvesttime
n. : the time during which an annual crop (as wheat) is harvested

Harvey
n. George Brinton McClellan 1864-1928 American journalist

Harvey
n. Sir John Martin 1863-1944 Eng. actor & producer

Harvey
n. William 1578-1657 Eng. physician & anatomist

Harvey
n. city NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 30,000

Harwich
seaport SE England in Essex on North Sea pop 15,076

Haryana
state NW India in E Punjab formed 1966 from S part of former state of Punjab capital Chandigarh area 17,010 sq mi (44,226 sq km), pop 21,082,989

Harz
mountains cen Germany bet. the Elbe & the Leine ― see BROCKEN

has
present 3d singular of have

has-been
: one that has passed the peak of effectiveness or popularity

Hasa
― see AL-HASA

Hasdrubal
d 207 B.C. bro. of Hannibal Carthaginian gen.

hasenpfeffer
n. : a highly seasoned stew made of marinated rabbit meat

hash
n. 1 a : to chop (as meat and potatoes) into small pieces b : CONFUSE, MUDDLE
2 : to talk about : REVIEW ― often used with over or out

hash
n. 1 : chopped food specifically : chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
2 : a restatement of something that is already known <the same old hash>
3 a : HODGEPODGE, JUMBLE b : a confused muddle <made a hash of the whole project>

hash
n. : HASHISH

hash
n. hash browns
hash brown potatoes
hash house
hash mark
red flannel hash
settle one's hash
hashed browns
hashed brown potatoes

hash browns
: boiled potatoes that have been diced, mixed with chopped onions and shortening, and fried usually until they form a browned cake ― called also hash brown potatoes hashed brown potatoes hashed browns

hash house
: an inexpensive eating place

hash mark
1 : SERVICE STRIPE
2 : INBOUNDS LINE

Hashemite
adj. : a member of an Arab family having common ancestry with Muhammad and founding dynasties in countries of the eastern Mediterranean

Hashimoto
n. Ryutaro 1937-     prime min. of Japan (1996-98)

hashish
n. : the concentrated resin from the flowering tops of female hemp plants (Cannabis sativa or C. indica) that is smoked, chewed, or drunk for its intoxicating effect ― called also charas ― compare BHANG, MARIJUANA

Hasid
1 : a member of a Jewish sect of the second century B.C. opposed to Hellenism and devoted to the strict observance of the ritual law
2 also Has·sid : a member of a Jewish mystical sect founded in Poland about 1750 in opposition to rationalism and ritual laxity
–Ha·sid·ic also Has·sid·ic or Cha·sid·ic or Chas·sid·ic \ha-'si-dik, hä-, ḵä-\ adjective

Hasidism
n. 1 : the practices and beliefs of the Hasidim
2 : the Hasidic movement

Hasmonaean
: a member of the Maccabees
–Hasmonaean or Hasmonean adjective

hasn't
v. : has not

hasp
n. : any of several devices for fastening especially : a fastener especially for a door or lid consisting of a hinged metal strap that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin or padlock
–hasp transitive verb

Hassam
(Frederick) Childe 1859-1935 American artist

Hasselt
commune NE Belgium capital of Limburg pop 68,771

hassium
n. : a short-lived radioactive metallic element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

hassle
n. 1 : a heated often protracted argument : WRANGLE
2 : a violent skirmish : FIGHT
3 a : a state of confusion : TURMOIL b : an annoying or troublesome concern

hassle
n. intransitive verb : ARGUE, FIGHT <hassled with the umpire>
transitive verb : to annoy persistently or acutely : HARASS <he gets hassled in the street because he dresses funny ― William Kloman>

Hassler
Hans Leo 1564-1612 Ger. composer

hassock
n. 1 : TUSSOCK
2 a : a cushion for kneeling <a church hassock> b : a padded cushion or low stool that serves as a seat or leg rest

HAST
v. Hawaii-Aleutian standard time

hast
v. archaic present 2d singular of have

hasta la vista
: good-bye

hastate
adj. 1 : triangular with sharp basal lobes spreading away from the base of the petiole <hastate leaves> ― see LEAF illustration
2 : shaped like a spear or the head of a spear <a hastate spot of a bird>

haste
n. 1 : rapidity of motion : SWIFTNESS
2 : rash or headlong action : PRECIPITATENESS <the beauty of speed uncontaminated by haste ― Harper's>
3 : undue eagerness to act
synonyms HASTE, HURRY, SPEED, EXPEDITION, DISPATCH mean quickness in movement or action. HASTE applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness <marry in haste>. HURRY often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion <in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush>. SPEED suggests swift efficiency in movement or action <exercises to increase your reading speed>. EXPEDITION and DISPATCH both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but EXPEDITION stresses ease or efficiency of performance and DISPATCH stresses promptness in concluding matters <the case came to trial with expedition> <paid bills with dispatch>.

haste
n. transitive verb archaic : to urge on : HASTEN
intransitive verb : to move or act swiftly

hasten
v. intransitive verb : to move or act quickly
transitive verb
1 : to urge on <hastened her to the door ― A. J. Cronin>
2 : ACCELERATE <hasten the coming of a new order ― D. W. Brogan>
–has·ten·er \'hās-nər, 'hā-sən-ər\ noun

Hastert
n. (John) Dennis 1942-     American polit.

hastily
adv. : in haste : HURRIEDLY

Hastings
1st Marquess of 1754-1826 Francis Raw·don-Hastings \'rȯ-dən-\ Brit. gen. & colonial administrator

Hastings
Warren 1732-1818 Eng. statesman & administrator in India

Hastings
1 city S Nebr. pop 24,064
2 resort town SE England in E. Sussex on Strait of Dover pop 78,100

hasty
adj. 1 a archaic : rapid in action or movement : SPEEDY b : done or made in a hurry c : fast and typically superficial <made a hasty examination of the wound>
2 : EAGER, IMPATIENT
3 : PRECIPITATE, RASH
4 : prone to anger : IRRITABLE
synonyms see FAST
–hast·i·ness noun

hasty pudding
1 British : a porridge of oatmeal or flour boiled in water
2 New England a : cornmeal mush b : INDIAN PUDDING

hat
n. 1 : a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim
2 a : a distinctive head covering worn as a symbol of office b : an office, position, or role assumed by or as if by the wearing of a special hat <wore many hats in her career>
–hat·less \-ləs\ adjective
–under one's hat : not disclosed : SECRET <kept the news under his hat>

hat
n. transitive verb : to furnish or provide with a hat
intransitive verb : to make or supply hats

hat
n. deerstalker hat
brass hat
cocked hat
coolie hat
cowboy hat
ten gallon hat
doff one's hat to
at the drop of a hat
flat hat
hang one's hat
hard hat
under one's hat
hat in hand
hat trick
high hat
hi hat
old hat
opera hat
pass the hat
picture hat
plug hat
porkpie hat
pot hat
shovel hat
silk hat
slouch hat
talk through one's hat
tin hat
top hat
white hat
Medicine Hat

hat in hand
: in an attitude of respectful humility <have to go hat in hand to apologize>

hat trick
1 : the retiring of three batsmen with three consecutive balls by a bowler in cricket
2 : the scoring of three goals in one game (as of hockey or soccer) by a single player
3 : a series of three victories, successes, or related accomplishments <scored a hat trick when her three best steers corralled top honors ― People>

Hatay
district S Turkey E of Gulf of Iskenderun

hatband
n. : a band (as of fabric, leather, or cord) around the crown of a hat just above the brim

hatbox
n. 1 : a box for holding or storing a hat
2 : a usually round piece of luggage designed especially for carrying hats

hatch
n. 1 : a small door or opening (as in an airplane or spaceship) <an escape hatch>
2 a : an opening in the deck of a ship or in the floor or roof of a building b : the covering for such an opening c : HATCHWAY d : COMPARTMENT
3 : FLOODGATE

hatch
n. intransitive verb
1 : to produce young by incubation
2 a : to emerge from an egg, chrysalis, or pupa b : to give forth young or imagoes
3 : to incubate eggs : BROOD
transitive verb
1 a : to produce (young) from an egg by applying natural or artificial heat b : INCUBATE 1A
2 : to bring into being : ORIGINATE especially : to concoct in secret <hatch a plot>
–hatch·abil·i·ty \ˌha-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–hatch·able \'ha-chə-bəl\ adjective
–hatch·er noun

hatch
n. 1 : an act or instance of hatching
2 : a brood of hatched young

hatch
n. 1 : to inlay with narrow bands of distinguishable material <a silver handle hatched with gold>
2 : to mark (as a drawing or engraving) with fine closely spaced lines

hatch
n. : LINE especially : one used to give the effect of shading

hatch
n. booby hatch
escape hatch
batten down the hatches
cross hatching

hatchback
n. : an automobile the back of which consists of a hatch that opens upward also : the back itself

hatcheck
n. : employed in checking hats and articles of outdoor clothing <a hatcheck girl>

hatchery
n. : a place for hatching eggs (as of poultry or fish)

hatchet
n. 1 : a short-handled ax often with a hammerhead to be used with one hand
2 : TOMAHAWK

hatchet
n. bury the hatchet
hatchet face
hatchet faced
hatchet job
hatchet man
hatchet work

hatchet face
: a thin sharp face
–hatch·et-faced \'ha-chət-ˌfāst\ adjective

hatchet job
: a forceful or malicious verbal attack

hatchet man
1 : one hired for murder, coercion, or attack
2 a : a writer specializing in invective b : a person hired to perform underhanded or unscrupulous tasks (as ruin reputations)

hatchet work
: the work of a hatchet man

hatching
n. : the engraving or drawing of fine lines in close proximity especially to give an effect of shading also : the pattern so made

hatchling
n. : a recently hatched animal

hatchment
n. : a panel on which a coat of arms of a deceased person is temporarily displayed

hatchway
n. : a passage giving access usually by a ladder or stairs to an enclosed space (as a cellar) also : HATCH 2A

hate
n. 1 a : intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury b : extreme dislike or antipathy : LOATHING <had a great hate of hard work>
2 : an object of hatred <a generation whose finest hate had been big business ― F. L. Paxson>

hate
n. transitive verb
1 : to feel extreme enmity toward <hates his country's enemies>
2 : to have a strong aversion to : find very distasteful <hated to have to meet strangers> <hate hypocrisy>
intransitive verb : to express or feel extreme enmity or active hostility
–hat·er noun
–hate one's guts : to hate someone with great intensity
synonyms HATE, DETEST, ABHOR, ABOMINATE, LOATHE mean to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for. HATE implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice <hated the enemy with a passion>. DETEST suggests violent antipathy <detests cowards>. ABHOR implies a deep often shuddering repugnance <a crime abhorred by all>. ABOMINATE suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation <abominates all forms of violence>. LOATHE implies utter disgust and intolerance <loathed the mere sight of them>.

hate
n. hate one's guts
hate crime
self hate
self hating

hate crime
: any of various crimes (as assault or defacement of property) when motivated by hostility to the victim as a member of a group (as one based on color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation)

hate one's guts
to hate someone with great intensity

hateful
adj. 1 : full of hate : MALICIOUS
2 : deserving of or arousing hate
–hate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–hate·ful·ness noun

hath
v. archaic present 3d singular of have

hatha yoga
: a system of physical exercises for the control and perfection of the body that constitutes one of the four chief Hindu disciplines

Hatillo
city NW Puerto Rico pop 38,925

hatmaker
n. : one who makes hats

hatred
n. 1 : HATE
2 : prejudiced hostility or animosity <old racial prejudices and national hatreds ― Peter Thomson>

hatter
n. : one that makes, sells, or cleans and repairs hats

Hatteras Island
island N.C. bet. Pamlico Sound & Atlantic Ocean; a long barrier island

Hatteras, Cape
cape N.C. on SE Hatteras Is.

Hattiesburg
city SE Miss. pop 44,779

hauberk
n. : a tunic of chain mail worn as defensive armor from the 12th to the 14th century

haugh
n. Scottish : a low-lying meadow by the side of a river

Haughey
Charles James 1925-     prime min. of Ireland (1979-81; 1982; 1987-92)

haughty
adj. : blatantly and disdainfully proud
synonyms see PROUD
–haugh·ti·ly \'hȯ-tə-lē, 'hä-\ adverb
–haugh·ti·ness \'hȯ-tē-nəs, 'hä-\ noun

haul
n. transitive verb
1 a : to exert traction on : DRAW <haul a wagon> b : to obtain or move by or as if by hauling <was hauled to parties night after night by his wife> c : to transport in a vehicle : CART
2 : to change the course of (a ship) especially so as to sail closer to the wind
3 : to bring before an authority for interrogation or judgment : HALE <haul traffic violators into court>
intransitive verb
1 : to exert traction : PULL
2 : to move along : PROCEED
3 : to furnish transportation
4 of the wind : SHIFT
–haul ass
often vulgar : to move quickly

haul
n. 1 a : the act or process of hauling : PULL b : a device for hauling
2 a : the result of an effort to obtain, collect, or win <the burglar's haul> b : the quantity of fish taken in a single draft of a net
3 a : transportation by hauling b : the length or course of a transportation route <a long haul> c : a quantity transported : LOAD

haul
n. haul ass
haul off
line haul
long haul
short haul
water haul
close hauled

haul ass
often vulgar : to move quickly

haul off
: to get ready ― used with and and a following verb describing a usually sudden and violent act <I hauled off and hit him>

haulage
n. 1 : the act or process of hauling
2 : a charge made for hauling

hauler
n. : one that hauls: as a : a commercial establishment or worker whose business is hauling b : an automotive vehicle for hauling goods or material

haulier
n. British variant of hauler

haulm
n. : the stems or tops of crop plants (as peas or potatoes) especially after the crop has been gathered

haunch
n. 1 a : HIP 1A b : HINDQUARTER 2 ― usually used in plural
2 : HINDQUARTER 1
3 : either side of an arch between the springing and the crown
–on one's haunches : in a squatting position

haunt
n. transitive verb
1 a : to visit often : FREQUENT b : to continually seek the company of
2 a : to have a disquieting or harmful effect on : TROUBLE <problems we ignore now will come back to haunt us> b : to recur constantly and spontaneously to <the tune haunted her> c : to reappear continually in <a sense of tension that haunts his writing>
3 : to visit or inhabit as a ghost
intransitive verb
1 : to stay around or persist : LINGER
2 : to appear habitually as a ghost
–haunt·er noun
–haunt·ing·ly \'hȯn-tiŋ-lē, 'hän-\ adverb

haunt
n. 1 : a place habitually frequented
2 chiefly dialect : GHOST

Hauptman
Herbert Aaron 1917-     American biophysicist

Hauptmann
Gerhart 1862-1946 Ger. writer

Hauraki Gulf
inlet of the S. Pacific N New Zealand on N coast of North Is.

Hausa
n. 1 : the Chadic language of the Hausa people widely used in western Africa as a trade language
2 : a member of a black people of northern Nigeria and southern Niger

hausfrau
n. : HOUSEWIFE

Haushofer
Karl Ernst 1869-1946 Ger. gen. & geographer

Haussmann
Baron Georges-Eugène 1809-1891 Fr. administrator

haustellum
n. : a proboscis (as of an insect) adapted to suck blood or juices of plants

haustorial
: of, relating to, or having a haustorium

haustorium
n. : a food-absorbing outgrowth of a plant organ (as a hypha or stem)

haut gout
: high flavor : slight taint of decay

haut monde
: high society

hautbois
n. : OBOE

haute
adj. : FASHIONABLE, HIGH-CLASS <haute interior decorators> <a store filled with haute kitsch>

haute
adj. haute couture
haute cuisine
haute ecole
haute école
haute monde
haute vulgarisation
Haute Volta
Terre Haute
de haut en bas
haut monde
haut gout
haut goût
Isle au Haut

haute couture
: the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women also : the fashions created

haute cuisine
: artful or elaborate cuisine especially : traditionally elaborate French cuisine

haute ecole
: a highly stylized form of classical riding : advanced dressage

haute vulgarisation
: high popularization : effective presentation of a difficult subject to a general audience

Haute-Volta
― see BURKINA FASO

hauteur
n. : ARROGANCE, HAUGHTINESS

Havana
n. 1 : a cigar made from Cuban tobacco
2 : a tobacco orig. grown in Cuba

Havana
n. city & port capital of Cuba on Gulf of Mexico pop 2,096,054
–Ha·van·an \hə-'va-nən\ adjective or noun

Havant
town S England in Hampshire NE of Portsmouth pop 117,400

Havarti
n. : a semisoft Danish cheese having a porous texture and usually a mild flavor

havdalah
n. : a Jewish ceremony marking the close of a Sabbath or holy day

have
n. transitive verb
1 a : to hold or maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement <they have a new car> <I have my rights> b : to hold in one's use, service, regard, or at one's disposal <the group will have enough tickets for everyone> <we don't have time to stay> c : to hold, include, or contain as a part or whole <the car has power brakes> <April has 30 days>
2 : to feel obligation in regard to ― usually used with an infinitive with to <we have things to do> <have a deadline to meet>
3 : to stand in a certain relationship to <has three fine children> <we will have the wind at our backs>
4 a : to acquire or get possession of : OBTAIN <these shoes are the best to be had> b : RECEIVE <had news> c : ACCEPT specifically : to accept in marriage d : to copulate with
5 a : to be marked or characterized by (a quality, attribute, or faculty) <both have red hair> <has a way with words> b : EXHIBIT, SHOW <had the gall to refuse> c : USE, EXERCISE <have mercy on us>
6 a : to experience especially by submitting to, undergoing, or suffering <I have a cold> b : to make the effort to perform (an action) or engage in (an activity) <have a look at that cut> c : to entertain in the mind <have an opinion>
7 a : to cause or command to do something ― used with the infinitive without to <have the children stay> b : to cause to be in a certain place or state <has people around at all times>
8 : ALLOW <we'll have no more of that>
9 : to be competent in <has only a little French>
10 a : to hold in a position of disadvantage or certain defeat <we have him now> b : to take advantage of : TRICK, FOOL <been had by a partner>
11 : BEAR 2A <have a baby>
12 : to partake of <have dinner> <have a piece>
13 : BRIBE, SUBORN <can be had for a price>
verbal auxiliary
1 ― used with the past participle to form the present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect <has gone home> <had already eaten> <will have finished dinner by then>
2 : to be compelled, obliged, or required ― used with an infinitive with to or to alone <we had to go> <do what you have to> <it has to be said>
–had better or had best : would be wise to
–have at : to go at or deal with : ATTACK
–have coming : to deserve or merit what one gets, benefits by, or suffers <he had that coming>
–have done : FINISH, STOP
–have done with : to bring to an end : have no further concern with <let us have done with name-calling>
–have had it
1 : to have had or have done all one is going to be allowed to
2 : to have experienced, endured, or suffered all one can
–have it : ASSERT, CLAIM <rumor has it that he was drunk>
–have it in for : to intend to do harm to
–have it out : to settle a matter of contention by discussion or a fight
–have none of : to refuse to have anything to do with
–have one's eye on
1 a : to look at b : to watch constantly and attentively
2 : to have as an objective
–have to do with
1 : to deal with <the story has to do with real people ― Alice M. Jordan>
2 : to have a specified relationship with or effect on <the size of the brain has nothing to do with intelligence ― Ruth Benedict>

have
n. : one that is well-endowed especially in material wealth

have a screw loose
to be mentally unbalanced

have at
to go at or deal with : ATTACK

have coming
to deserve or merit what one gets, benefits by, or suffers <he had that coming>

have done
FINISH, STOP

have done with
to bring to an end : have no further concern with <let us have done with name-calling>

have had it

1 : to have had or have done all one is going to be allowed to
2 : to have experienced, endured, or suffered all one can

have it
ASSERT, CLAIM <rumor has it that he was drunk>

have it in for
to intend to do harm to

have it out
to settle a matter of contention by discussion or a fight

have none of
to refuse to have anything to do with

have on
1 : WEAR <has on a new suit>
2 chiefly British : to trick or deceive intentionally : PUT ON 5
3 : to have plans for <what do you have on for tomorrow>

have one's eye on

1 a : to look at b : to watch constantly and attentively
2 : to have as an objective

have the wind of

1 : to be to windward of
2 : to be on the scent of
3 : to have a superior position to

have to do with

1 : to deal with <the story has to do with real people ― Alice M. Jordan>
2 : to have a specified relationship with or effect on <the size of the brain has nothing to do with intelligence ― Ruth Benedict>

have-not
: one that is poor especially in material wealth

Havel
n. Vá·clav \'vät-ˌsläf\ 1936-     Czech writer & polit.; pres. of Czechoslovakia (1989-92); pres. of Czech Republic (1993-2003)

Havel
n. river 212 mi (341 km) NE Germany flowing SW through Berlin into the Elbe

Havelock
n. Sir Henry 1795-1857 Brit. gen.

havelock
n. : a covering attached to a cap to protect the neck from the sun or bad weather

haven
n. 1 : HARBOR, PORT
2 : a place of safety : REFUGE
3 : a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions <a haven for artists>
–haven transitive verb

haven
n. East Haven
Milford Haven
New Haven
North Haven
West Haven
Winter Haven

haven't
v. : have not

haver
n. chiefly British : to hem and haw

Haverfordwest
port SW Wales pop 9936

Haverhill
city NE Mass. pop 58,969

Havering
borough of NE Greater London, England pop 224,400

haversack
n. : a bag similar to a knapsack but worn over one shoulder

haversian canal
: any of the small canals through which the blood vessels ramify in bone

haversian system
: a haversian canal with the concentrically arranged laminae of bone that surround it

Havirov
city E Czech Republic pop 86,267

havoc
n. 1 : wide and general destruction : DEVASTATION
2 : great confusion and disorder <the blackout caused havoc in the city>

havoc
n. : to lay waste : DESTROY

Havre
― see LE HAVRE

haw
n. 1 : a hawthorn berry
2 : HAWTHORN

haw
n. : NICTITATING MEMBRANE especially : an inflamed nictitating membrane of a domesticated mammal

haw
n. ― often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking

haw
n. 1 : to utter the sound represented by haw <hemmed and hawed before answering>
2 : EQUIVOCATE <the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands>

haw
n. imperative verb ― used as a direction to turn to the left ― compare GEE
intransitive verb : to turn to the near or left side

Hawaii
n. 1 or Ha·wai·ian Islands \-yən\ or formerly Sand·wich Islands \'sand-ˌwich\ group of islands cen Pacific belonging to U.S.
2 island SE Hawaii, largest of the group; chief city Hilo area 4021 sq mi (10,455 sq km)
3 state of the U.S. comprising Hawaiian Islands except Midway Islands; annexed 1898, a territory 1900-59 capital Honolulu area 6471 sq mi (16,760 sq km), pop 1,211,537

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
n. reservation Hawaii including Mauna Loa & Kilauea volcanoes on Hawaii (island)

Hawaii-Aleutian time
: the time of the 10th time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Hawaiian Islands and the Aleutians west of the Fox group

Hawaiian
n. 1 : a native or resident of Hawaii especially : one of Polynesian ancestry
2 : the Polynesian language of the Hawaiians
–Hawaiian adjective

Hawaiian
n. Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian goose
Hawaiian guitar
Hawaiian shirt

Hawaiian goose
: NENE

Hawaiian guitar
: a usually electric stringed instrument having a long fretted neck and six to eight steel strings that are plucked while being pressed with a movable steel bar for a glissando effect

Hawaiian shirt
: a usually short-sleeved sport shirt with a colorful pattern

hawfinch
n. : an Old World finch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes of the family Fringillidae) with a large heavy bill and short thick neck and the male marked with black, white, and brown

hawk
n. 1 : any of numerous diurnal birds of prey belonging to a suborder (Falcones of the order Falconiformes) and including all the smaller members of this group especially : ACCIPITER
2 : a small board or metal sheet with a handle on the underside used to hold mortar
3 : one who takes a militant attitude and advocates immediate vigorous action especially : a supporter of a war or warlike policy ― compare DOVE
–hawk·ish \'hȯ-kish\ adjective
–hawk·ish·ly adverb
–hawk·ish·ness noun

hawk
n. 1 : to hunt birds by means of a trained hawk
2 : to soar and strike like a hawk
transitive verb : to hunt on the wing like a hawk

hawk
n. transitive verb : to raise by trying to clear the throat <hawk up phlegm>
intransitive verb : to utter a harsh guttural sound in or as if in hawking

hawk
n. : an audible effort to force up phlegm from the throat

hawk
n. : to offer for sale by calling out in the street <hawking newspapers> broadly : SELL

hawk
n. hawk moth
chicken hawk
Cooper's hawk
death's head hawk moth
ferruginous hawk
fish hawk
Harris's hawk
Harris hawk
marsh hawk
mosquito hawk
pigeon hawk
red shouldered hawk
red tailed hawk
rough legged hawk
sharp shinned hawk
sparrow hawk
Swainson's hawk
war hawk
Black Hawk
Kitty Hawk

Hawke
1st Baron 1705-1781 Edward Hawke Eng. admiral

Hawke
Robert James Lee 1929-     prime min. of Australia (1983-91)

Hawke Bay
inlet of the S. Pacific N New Zealand on SE coast of North Is.

hawker
n. : FALCONER

hawker
n. : one who hawks wares

Hawkeye
n. : a native or resident of Iowa ― used as a nickname

hawkeyed
adj. : having keen sight

Hawking
n. Stephen William 1942-     Brit. physicist

Hawkins
Sir Anthony Hope 1863-1933 pseud. Anthony Hope Eng. nov. & dram.

Hawkins
Sir John 1532-1595 Eng. admiral

hawkmoth
n. : any of a family (Sphingidae) of stout-bodied moths with a long proboscis, long narrow more or less pointed forewings, and small hind wings ― called also sphinx

hawksbill
n. : a small brown or brown and yellow sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) of tropical waters that has a narrow pointed beak and a carapace of overlapping plates ― compare TORTOISESHELL 1

hawkshaw
n. : DETECTIVE

hawkweed
n. : any of a genus (Hieracium) of perennial often apomictic composite herbs having usually yellow flowers ― compare ORANGE HAWKWEED

Haworth
Sir (Walter) Norman 1883-1950 Eng. chem.

hawse
n. 1 a : the part of a ship's bow that contains the hawseholes b : HAWSEHOLE
2 : the distance between a ship's bow and her anchor

hawsehole
: a hole in the bow of a ship through which a cable passes

hawser
n. : a large rope for towing, mooring, or securing a ship

hawser-laid
: composed of three ropes laid together right-handed with each containing three strands twisted together

hawthorn
n. : any of a genus (Crataegus) of spring-flowering spiny shrubs or small trees of the rose family with glossy and often lobed leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers, and small red fruits

Hawthorne
n. Nathaniel 1804-1864 American author

Hawthorne
n. city SW Calif. SW of Los Angeles pop 84,112

Hawthorne effect
: the stimulation to output or accomplishment that results from the mere fact of being under observation also : such an increase in output or accomplishment

Hay
n. John Milton 1838-1905 American statesman

Hay
n. river 530 mi (853 km) Canada in N Alta. & S Northwest Territories flowing NE into Great Slave Lake

hay
n. 1 : herbage and especially grass mowed and cured for fodder
2 : REWARD
3 slang : BED
4 : a small sum of money <a saving of⋯$14 million is not hay ― H. C. Schonberg>

hay
n. : to cut, cure, and store hay
transitive verb : to feed with hay

hay
n. hay fever
hay scented fern
hit the hay
make hay

hay fever
: an acute allergic reaction to pollen that is usually seasonal and is marked by sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, and itching and watering of the eyes ― called also pollinosis

hay-scented fern
: a common fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) of eastern No. America with fragrant finely divided pale green fronds

haycock
n. : a somewhat rounded conical pile of hay

Haydn
n. (Franz) Joseph 1732-1809 Austrian composer

Hayes
n. Helen 1900-1993 Helen Hayes Brown American actress

Hayes
n. Isaac Israel 1832-1881 American arctic explorer

Hayes
n. Roland 1887-1977 American tenor

Hayes
n. Rutherford B(irchard) 1822-1893 19th pres. of the U.S. (1877-81)

Hayes
n. 1 river 300 mi (483 km) Canada in E Man. flowing NE into Hudson Bay
2 or Hayes and Har·ling·ton \'här-liŋ-tən\ former urban district SE England in Middlesex, now part of Hillingdon

haylage
n. : a stored forage that is essentially a grass silage wilted to 35 to 50 percent moisture

hayloft
n. : a loft especially for storing hay

haymaker
n. : a powerful blow

haymow
n. : a mow especially of or for hay

Haynes
Elwood 1857-1925 American inventor

hayrack
n. 1 : a feeding rack that holds hay for livestock
2 : a frame mounted on the running gear of a wagon and used especially in hauling hay or straw also : a wagon equipped with a hayrack

hayrick
n. : a relatively large sometimes thatched outdoor pile of hay : HAYSTACK

hayride
n. : a pleasure ride usually at night by a group in a wagon, sleigh, or open truck partly filled with straw or hay

Hays
v. Will Harrison 1879-1954 American lawyer & polit.

hayseed
n. 1 a : seed shattered from hay b : clinging bits of straw or chaff from hay
2 plural hayseeds : BUMPKIN, YOKEL

haystack
n. 1 : a stack of hay
2 : a vertical standing wave in turbulent river waters

Hayward
n. city W Calif. SE of Oakland pop 140,030

haywire
n. 1 : being out of order or having gone wrong <the radio went haywire>
2 : emotionally or mentally upset or out of control : CRAZY <is going haywire with grief>

hazan
1 : an official of a Jewish synagogue or community of the period when the Talmud was compiled
2 : CANTOR 2

Hazard
n. Paul (-Gustave-Marie-Camille) 1878-1944 Fr. lit. hist.

hazard
n. 1 : a game of chance like craps played with two dice
2 : a source of danger
3 a : CHANCE, RISK b : a chance event : ACCIDENT
4 obsolete : STAKE 3A
5 : a golf-course obstacle
–at hazard : at stake

hazard
n. : VENTURE, RISK <hazard a guess as to the outcome>

hazardous
adj. 1 : depending on hazard or chance
2 : involving or exposing one to risk (as of loss or harm) <a hazardous occupation> <disposing of hazardous waste>
synonyms see DANGEROUS
–haz·ard·ous·ly adverb
–haz·ard·ous·ness noun

haze
n. 1 a : fine dust, smoke, or light vapor causing lack of transparency of the air b : a cloudy appearance in a transparent liquid or solid also : a dullness of finish (as on furniture)
2 : something suggesting atmospheric haze especially : vagueness of mind or mental perception

haze
n. transitive verb : to make hazy, dull, or cloudy
intransitive verb : to become hazy or cloudy

haze
n. 1 a : to harass by exacting unnecessary or disagreeable work b : to harass by banter, ridicule, or criticism
2 : to haze by way of initiation <haze the fraternity pledges>
3 West : to drive (as cattle or horses) from horseback
–haz·er noun

hazel
n. 1 : any of a genus (Corylus and especially the American C. americana and the European C. avellana) of shrubs or small trees of the birch family bearing nuts enclosed in a leafy involucre
2 : a light brown to strong yellowish brown

hazel
n. 1 : consisting of hazels or of the wood of the hazel
2 a : of the color hazel b of eyes : of a variable color averaging light greenish-grayish brown

hazel
n. hazel hen
hazel grouse
witch hazel

hazel hen
: a European woodland grouse (Bonasa bonasia) related to the ruffed grouse ― called also hazel grouse

hazelnut
n. : the brown nut of a hazel

Hazelwood
city E Mo. WNW of St. Louis pop 26,206

hazing
n. : the action of hazing especially : an initiation process involving harassment

Hazleton
city E Pa. S of Wilkes-Barre pop 23,329

Hazlitt
William 1778-1830 Eng. essayist

hazmat
n. : a material (as flammable or poisonous material) that would be a danger to life or to the environment if released without precautions

hazy
adj. 1 : obscured or made dim or cloudy by or as if by haze
2 : VAGUE, INDEFINITE <has only a hazy recollection> also : UNCERTAIN <I'm hazy on that point>
–haz·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–haz·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

Hb
hemoglobin

HBM
Her Britannic Majesty; His Britannic Majesty

HC
1 Holy Communion
2 House of Commons
3 hydrocarbon

HCF
highest common factor

HCFC
hydrochlorofluorocarbon

HCG
human chorionic gonadotropin

HCL
high cost of living

HD
heavy-duty

hd
head

HDL
: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a high proportion of protein with little triglyceride and cholesterol and that is correlated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis ― called also good cholesterol ― compare LDL

HDPE
high-density polyethylene

HDTV
high-definition television

hdwd
hardwood

HE
adj. 1 Her Excellency; His Excellency
2 high explosive
3 His Eminence

He
adj. helium

he
adj. 1 : that male one who is neither speaker nor hearer <he is my father> ― compare HIM, HIS, IT, SHE, THEY
2 ― used in a generic sense or when the sex of the person is unspecified <he that hath ears to hear, let him hear ― Mount 11:15(AV)> <one should do the best he can>

he
adj. 1 : a male person or animal
2 : one that is strongly masculine or has strong masculine appeal ― usually used in combination <that's what I call he-literature ― Sinclair Lewis>

he
adj. : the 5th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

he'd
v. : he had : he would

he'll
v. : he will : he shall

he's
v. : he is : he has

he-man
: a strong virile man

he/she
: he or she ― used as a pronoun of common gender

head
n. 1 : the upper or anterior division of the animal body that contains the brain, the chief sense organs, and the mouth
2 a : the seat of the intellect : MIND <two heads are better than one> b : a person with respect to mental qualities <let wiser heads prevail> c : natural aptitude or talent <a good head for figures> d : mental or emotional control : POISE <a level head> e : HEADACHE
3 : the obverse of a coin ― usually used in plural <heads, I win>
4 a : PERSON, INDIVIDUAL <count heads> b plural head : one of a number (as of domestic animals)
5 a : the end that is upper or higher or opposite the foot <the head of the table> <head of a sail> b : the source of a stream c : either end of something (as a drum) whose two ends need not be distinguished
6 : DIRECTOR, LEADER: as a : HEADMASTER b : one in charge of a division or department in an office or institution <the head of the English department>
7 a : CAPITULUM 2 b : the foliaged part of a plant especially when consisting of a compact mass of leaves or close fructification <a head of lettuce>
8 a : the leading element of a military column or a procession b : HEADWAY
9 a : the uppermost extremity or projecting part of an object : TOP b : the striking part of a weapon, tool, or implement c : the rounded proximal end of a long bone (as the humerus) d : the end of a muscle nearest the origin e : the oval part of a printed musical note
10 a : a body of water kept in reserve at a height also : the containing bank, dam, or wall b : a mass of water in motion
11 a : the difference in elevation between two points in a body of fluid b : the resulting pressure of the fluid at the lower point expressible as this height broadly : pressure of a fluid
12 a : the bow and adjacent parts of a ship b : a ship's toilet broadly : TOILET 3
13 : the approximate length of the head of a horse <won by a head>
14 : the place of leadership, honor, or command <at the head of her class>
15 a (1) : a word or series of words often in larger letters placed at the beginning of a passage or at the top of a page in order to introduce or categorize (2) : a separate part or topic b : a portion of a page or sheet that is above the first line of printing
16 : the foam or scum that rises on a fermenting or effervescing liquid (as beer)
17 a : the part of a boil, pimple, or abscess at which it is likely to break b : culminating point of action : CRISIS <events came to a head>
18 a : a part or attachment of a machine or machine tool containing a device (as a cutter or drill) also : the part of an apparatus that performs the chief function or a particular function b : an electromagnet used as a transducer in magnetic recording for recording on, reading, or erasing a magnetic medium (as tape or a disk)
19 : an immediate constituent of a construction that can have the same grammatical function as the whole (as man in “an old man”, “a very old man”, or “the man in the street”)
20 a : one who uses a drug ― often used in combination <pothead> b : a devoted enthusiast : AFICIONADO ― often used in combination <computerhead>
21 often vulgar : FELLATIO, CUNNILINGUS ― usually used with give
–by the head : drawing the greater depth of water forward
–off one's head : CRAZY, DISTRACTED
–out of one's head : DELIRIOUS
–over one's head
1 : beyond one's comprehension or competence <the most awful intellectual detail, all of it over my head ― E. B. White>
2 : so as to pass over one's superior standing or authority <went over my head to complain>

head
n. 1 : of, relating to, or intended for the head
2 : PRINCIPAL, CHIEF <head cook>
3 : situated at the head
4 : coming from in front <head sea>

head
n. 1 : BEHEAD
2 a : to put a head on : fit a head to <head an arrow> b : to form the head or top of <tower headed by a spire>
3 : to act as leader or head to <head a revolt>
4 a : to get in front of so as to hinder, stop, or turn back b : to take a lead over (as a racehorse) : SURPASS c : to pass (a stream) by going round above the source
5 a : to put something at the head of (as a list) b : to stand as the first or leading member of <heads the list of heroes>
6 : to set the course of <head a ship northward>
7 : to drive (as a soccer ball) with the head
intransitive verb
1 : to form a head <this cabbage heads early>
2 : to point or proceed in a certain direction <the fleet was heading out>
3 : to have a source : ORIGINATE

head
n. head rhyme
cylinder head
death's head
death's head hawkmoth
death's head moth
death's head hawk moth
flower head
go to one's head
over one's head
out of one's head
off one's head
by the head
head and shoulders
head case
head cold
head game
head hunting
head in the sand
head linesman
head louse
head off
head of steam
head on
head over heels
head restraint
head scratcher
head scratching
head shop
head start
head to head
hit the nail on the head
keep one's head down
make head
pointy head
propeller head
running head
scratch one's head
swelled head
talking head
off the top of one's head
Turk's head
turn one's head
Beachy Head
Diamond Head
Dunnet Head
Flamborough Head
Hilton Head Island
Java Head
Lizard Head
Malin Head
Tintagel Head
West Quoddy Head
butt heads
count heads
heads up
turn heads
brown headed cowbird
empty headed
hydra headed
light headed
pointy headed
spiny headed worm
swelled headed
white headed
woolly headed

head and shoulders
: beyond comparison : by far <head and shoulders above the competition>

head case
: NUT 6A

head cold
: a common cold centered in the nasal passages and adjacent mucous tissues

head game
: MIND GAME

head linesman
: a football linesman

head louse
: a sucking louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) that lives on the human scalp

head of steam

1972
: strong driving force : MOMENTUM <frequent rallies helped the movement develop a head of steam>

head off
: to turn back or turn aside : BLOCK, PREVENT <head them off at the pass> <attempts to head off the imminent crisis>

head over heels
1 a : in or as if in a somersault : HELTER-SKELTER b : UPSIDE DOWN
2 : very much : DEEPLY <head over heels in love>

head restraint
: a resilient pad at the top of the back of an automobile seat especially for preventing whiplash

head rhyme
: ALLITERATION

head shop
: a shop specializing in articles (as hashish pipes and roach clips) of interest to drug users

head start
1 : an advantage granted or achieved at the beginning of a race, a chase, or a competition <a 10-minute head start>
2 : a favorable or promising beginning

head-hunting
1 : the act or custom of seeking out, decapitating, and preserving the heads of enemies as trophies
2 : a seeking to deprive usually political enemies of position or influence

head-in-the-sand
: unwilling to recognize or acknowledge a problem or situation <the government's usual head-in-the-sand response>

head-on
1 : with the head or front making the initial contact <the cars collided head-on>
2 : in direct opposition, confrontation, or contradiction <met the problem head-on>

head-on
1 : having the front facing in the direction of initial contact or line of sight <a head-on collision>
2 : FRONTAL 2B <a head-on confrontation>

head-scratcher
: PUZZLE, MYSTERY

head-scratching
: puzzled contemplation <a lot of head-scratching going on> also : CONFUSION

head-to-head
: in a direct confrontation or encounter usually between individuals

headache
n. 1 : pain in the head
2 : a vexatious or baffling situation or problem <meetings had become a giant headache ― Franklin Foer>
–head·achy also head·achey \-ˌā-kē\ adjective

headache
n. cluster headache
ice cream headache
sick headache
tension headache

headband
n. 1 : a band worn on or around the head
2 : a narrow strip of cloth sewn or glued by hand to a book at the extreme ends of the spine

headbanger
n. : a musician who performs hard rock also : a fan of hard rock

headboard
n. : a board forming the head (as of a bed)

headcheese
n. : a jellied loaf or sausage made from edible parts of the head, feet, and sometimes the tongue and heart especially of a pig

headdress
n. : an often elaborate covering for the head

headed
adj. 1 : having a head or a heading
2 : having a head or heads of a specified kind or number ― used in combination <became light-headed from the fever> <a roundheaded screw>

headed
adj. brown headed cowbird
empty headed
hydra headed
light headed
pointy headed
spiny headed worm
swelled headed
white headed
woolly headed

headend
: equipment or a facility which receives communications signals (as cable television broadcasts) for distribution to a local region

header
n. 1 : one that removes heads especially : a grain-harvesting machine that cuts off the grain heads and elevates them to a wagon
2 a : a brick or stone laid in a wall with its end toward the face of the wall b : a beam fitted at one side of an opening to support free ends of floor joists, studs, or rafters c : a horizontal structural or finish piece over an opening : LINTEL d : a conduit (as an exhaust pipe for a many-cylindered engine) into which a number of smaller conduits open e : a mounting plate through which electrical terminals pass from a sealed device (as a transistor)
3 : a fall or dive headfirst <took a header into the pool>
4 : a shot or pass in soccer made by heading the ball
5 : HEAD 15A(1)

headfirst
adv. 1 : with the head foremost <dove headfirst into the waves>
2 : HEADLONG 2
–headfirst adjective

headforemost
adv. : HEADFIRST

headgate
n. : a gate for controlling the water flowing into a channel (as an irrigation ditch)

headgear
n. 1 : a covering or protective device for the head
2 : a harness for a horse's head

headhunt
n. : to recruit (personnel and especially executives) for top-level jobs
intransitive verb : to recruit personnel for top-level jobs

headhunter
n. 1 : one that engages in head-hunting
2 : a recruiter of personnel especially at the executive level
3 : an athlete who intentionally seeks to harm an opponent

heading
n. 1 a : something that forms or serves as a head especially : an inscription, headline, or title standing at the top or beginning (as of a letter or chapter) b : the address and date at the beginning of a letter showing its place and time of origin
2 : the compass direction in which the longitudinal axis of a ship or aircraft points broadly : DIRECTION
3 : DRIFT 6

headlamp
n. : HEADLIGHT

headland
n. 1 : unplowed land at the ends of furrows or near a fence
2 : a point of usually high land jutting out into a body of water : PROMONTORY

headless
adj. 1 a : having no head b : having the head cut off : BEHEADED
2 : having no chief
3 : lacking good sense or prudence : FOOLISH
–head·less·ness noun

headlight
n. 1 : a light with a reflector and special lens mounted on the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead also : the beam cast by a headlight
2 : a light worn on the forehead (as of a miner or physician)

headline
n. 1 : words set at the head of a passage or page to introduce or categorize
2 a : a head of a newspaper story or article usually printed in large type and giving the gist of the story or article that follows b plural : front-page news <the scandal made headlines>

headline
n. 1 : to provide with a headline
2 : to publicize highly
3 : to be engaged as a leading performer in (a show)

headline
n. : deserving mention in a headline : very noteworthy <the headline abduction of a diplomat>

headliner
n. 1 : the principal performer in a show : STAR broadly : PERSONALITY 4B
2 : fabric covering the inside of the roof of an automobile

headlock
n. : a hold in which a wrestler encircles an opponent's head with one arm

headlong
adj. 1 : HEADFIRST 1
2 : without deliberation : RECKLESSLY <rushes headlong into danger>
3 : without pause or delay

headlong
adj. 1 archaic : STEEP, PRECIPITOUS
2 : lacking in calmness or restraint : PRECIPITATE <a headlong torrent of emotion>
3 : plunging headfirst
synonyms see PRECIPITATE

headman
n. 1 a \'hed-'man\ : FOREMAN, OVERSEER b \-'man, -ˌman\ : a lesser chief of a primitive community
2 \-mən\ : HEADSMAN

headmaster
n. : a man heading the staff of a private school : PRINCIPAL
–head·mas·ter·ly \-lē\ adjective
–head·mas·ter·ship \-ˌship\ noun

headmistress
n. : a woman heading the staff of a private school

headmost
adj. : most advanced : LEADING

headnote
n. 1 : a prefixed note of comment or explanation
2 : a note prefixed to the report of a decided legal case

headphone
n. : an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head ― usually used in plural

headpiece
n. 1 a : a protective or defensive covering for the head b : an ornamental, ceremonial, or traditional covering for the head
2 : BRAINS, INTELLIGENCE
3 : an ornament especially at the beginning of a chapter

headpin
n. : a bowling pin that stands foremost in the arrangement of pins

headquarter
v. : to place in headquarters
intransitive verb : to make one's headquarters

headquarters
n. 1 : a place from which a commander performs the functions of command
2 : the administrative center of an enterprise

headrest
n. 1 : a support for the head
2 : HEAD RESTRAINT

headroom
n. : vertical space in which to stand, sit, or move

heads up
― used as a warning to look out for danger especially overhead or to clear a passageway

heads-up
: ALERT, RESOURCEFUL <heads-up football>

heads-up
: a message that alerts or prepares : WARNING <gave him a heads-up that an investigation was pending>

headsail
n. : a sail set forward of the foremast

headset
n. 1 : an attachment for holding an earphone and transmitter at one's head
2 : a pair of headphones

headship
n. : the position, office, or dignity of a head

headshrinker
n. : SHRINK 3

headsman
n. : one that beheads : EXECUTIONER

headspace
n. : the volume above a liquid or solid in a closed container

headspring
n. : FOUNTAINHEAD, SOURCE

headstall
n. : a part of a bridle or halter that encircles the head

headstand
n. : the gymnastic feat of standing on one's head usually with support from the hands

headstock
n. : a bearing or pedestal for a revolving or moving part specifically : a part of a lathe that holds the revolving spindle and its attachments

headstone
n. : a memorial stone at the head of a grave

headstream
n. : a stream that is the source of a river

headstrong
adj. 1 : not easily restrained : impatient of control, advice, or suggestions <a headstrong businessman>
2 : directed by ungovernable will <violent headstrong actions>
synonyms see UNRULY

headwaiter
n. : the head of the dining-room staff of a restaurant or hotel

headwater
n. : the source of a stream ― usually used in plural

headway
n. 1 a : motion or rate of motion in a forward direction b : ADVANCE, PROGRESS
2 : headroom (as under an arch) sufficient to allow passage
3 : the time interval between two vehicles traveling in the same direction on the same route

headwind
n. : a wind having the opposite general direction to a course of movement (as of an aircraft)

headword
n. 1 : a word or term placed at the beginning (as of a chapter or an entry in an encyclopedia)
2 : HEAD 19

headwork
n. : mental labor especially : clever thinking

heady
adj. 1 a : WILLFUL, RASH <heady opinions> b : VIOLENT, IMPETUOUS
2 a : tending to intoxicate or make giddy or elated <heady wine> <being in such distinguished company was a heady experience> b : GIDDY, EXHILARATED <heady with his success> c : RICH <a heady sauce> <a heady variety> d : IMPRESSIVE <a man of heady accomplishments>
3 a : marked by or showing good judgment : SHREWD, INTELLIGENT b : intellectually stimulating or demanding
–head·i·ly \'he-də-lē\ adverb
–head·i·ness \'he-dē-nəs\ noun

heal
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make sound or whole <heal a wound> b : to restore to health
2 a : to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome : MEND <the troubles⋯had not been forgotten, but they had been healed ― William Power> b : to patch up (a breach or division) <heal a breach between friends>
3 : to restore to original purity or integrity <healed of sin>
intransitive verb : to return to a sound state

heal
v. self heal
faith healing
self healing

healer
n. 1 : one that heals
2 : a Christian Science practitioner

health
n. 1 a : the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit especially : freedom from physical disease or pain b : the general condition of the body <in poor health> <enjoys good health>
2 a : flourishing condition : WELL-BEING <defending the health of the beloved oceans ― Peter Wilkinson> b : general condition or state <poor economic health>
3 : a toast to someone's health or prosperity

health
n. health maintenance organization
bill of health
health care
health club
health food
health insurance
health spa
primary health care
public health

health care
: efforts made to maintain or restore health especially by trained and licensed professionals ― usually hyphenated when used attributively

health club
: a usually commercial establishment having members who pay a fee to use its health and fitness facilities and equipment

health food
: a food promoted as highly conducive to health

health insurance
: insurance against loss through illness of the insured especially : insurance providing compensation for medical expenses

health maintenance organization
: HMO

health spa
1 : SPA 4 especially : one emphasizing health and fitness
2 : HEALTH CLUB

healthful
adj. 1 : beneficial to health of body or mind
2 : HEALTHY <he felt incapable of looking into the girl's pretty, healthful face ― Saul Bellow>
–health·ful·ly adverb
–health·ful·ness noun
synonyms HEALTHFUL, WHOLESOME, SALUBRIOUS, SALUTARY mean favorable to the health of mind or body. HEALTHFUL implies a positive contribution to a healthy condition <a healthful diet>. WHOLESOME applies to what benefits, builds up, or sustains physically, mentally, or spiritually <wholesome foods> <the movie is wholesome family entertainment>. SALUBRIOUS applies chiefly to the helpful effects of climate or air <cool and salubrious weather>. SALUTARY describes something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant <a salutary warning that resulted in increased production>.

healthy
adj. 1 : enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit : WELL
2 : evincing health <a healthy complexion>
3 : conducive to health <walk three miles every day⋯a beastly bore, but healthy ― G. S. Patton>
4 a : PROSPEROUS, FLOURISHING b : not small or feeble : CONSIDERABLE
–health·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–health·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun
synonyms HEALTHY, SOUND, WHOLESOME, ROBUST, HALE, WELL mean enjoying or indicative of good health. HEALTHY implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease <a healthy family>. SOUND emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction <a sound heart>. WHOLESOME implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance <a face with a wholesome glow>. ROBUST implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly <a lively, robust little boy>. HALE applies particularly to robustness in old age <still hale at the age of eighty>. WELL implies merely freedom from disease or illness <she has never been a well person>.

Healy
Timothy Michael 1855-1931 Irish statesman

Heaney
Sea·mus \'shā-məs\ 1939-     Irish poet

heap
n. 1 : a collection of things thrown one on another : PILE
2 : a great number or large quantity : LOT

heap
n. 1 a : to throw or lay in a heap : pile or collect in great quantity <his sole object was to heap up riches> b : to form or round into a heap <heaped the dirt into a mound> c : to form a heap on : load heavily <heap the plates with food>
2 : to accord or bestow lavishly or in large quantities <heaped honors upon them>

hear
v. transitive verb
1 : to perceive or apprehend by the ear
2 : to gain knowledge of by hearing
3 a : to listen to with attention : HEED b : ATTEND <hear mass>
4 a : to give a legal hearing to b : to take testimony from <hear witnesses>
intransitive verb
1 : to have the capacity of apprehending sound
2 a : to gain information : LEARN b : to receive communication <haven't heard from her lately>
3 : to entertain the idea ― used in the negative <wouldn't hear of it>
4 ― often used in the expression Hear! Hear! to express approval (as during a speech)
–hear·er \'hir-ər\ noun

hear
v. hard of hearing
hearing aid
hearing dog
hearing ear dog

Heard
island S Indian Ocean SE of Kerguelen at 53°10′S, 74°10′E; administered by Australia

hearing
n. 1 a : the process, function, or power of perceiving sound specifically : the special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli b : EARSHOT
2 a : opportunity to be heard, to present one's side of a case, or to be generally known or appreciated b (1) : a listening to arguments (2) : a preliminary examination in criminal procedure c : a session (as of a legislative committee) in which testimony is taken from witnesses
3 chiefly dialect : a piece of news

hearing
n. hard of hearing
hearing aid
hearing dog
hearing ear dog

hearing aid
: an electronic device usually worn in or behind the ear of a hearing-impaired person for amplifying sound

hearing dog
: a dog trained to alert its deaf or hearing-impaired owner to sounds (as of a doorbell, alarm, or telephone) ― called also hearing ear dog

hearken
v. intransitive verb
1 : LISTEN
2 : to give respectful attention
transitive verb archaic : to give heed to : HEAR

hearken back
: HARK BACK

Hearn
n. Laf·ca·dio \laf-'kä-dē-ˌō\ 1850-1904 Jp. Yakumo Koizumi American (Greek-born) writer in Japan

hearsay
n. 1 : RUMOR
2 : HEARSAY EVIDENCE

hearsay evidence
: evidence based not on a witness's personal knowledge but on another's statement not made under oath

hearse
n. 1 a : an elaborate framework erected over a coffin or tomb to which memorial verses or epitaphs are attached b : a triangular candelabra for 15 candles used especially at Tenebrae
2 a archaic : COFFIN b obsolete : BIER 2
3 : a vehicle for conveying the dead to the grave

hearse
n. 1 a archaic : to place on or in a hearse b : to convey in a hearse
2 : BURY

Hearst
n. William Randolph 1863-1951 American newspaper publisher

heart
n. 1 a : a hollow muscular organ of vertebrate animals that by its rhythmic contraction acts as a force pump maintaining the circulation of the blood b : a structure in an invertebrate animal functionally analogous to the vertebrate heart c : BREAST, BOSOM d : something resembling a heart in shape specifically : a stylized representation of a heart
2 a : a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a red heart b plural : the suit comprising cards marked with hearts c plural but singular or plural in construction : a game in which the object is to avoid taking tricks containing hearts
3 a : PERSONALITY, DISPOSITION <a cold heart> b obsolete : INTELLECT
4 : the emotional or moral as distinguished from the intellectual nature: as a : generous disposition : COMPASSION <a leader with heart> b : LOVE, AFFECTIONS <won her heart> c : COURAGE, ARDOR <never lost heart>
5 : one's innermost character, feelings, or inclinations <knew it in his heart> <a man after my own heart>
6 a : the central or innermost part : CENTER b : the essential or most vital part of something c : the younger central compact part of a leafy rosette (as a head of lettuce)
–at heart : in essence : BASICALLY, ESSENTIALLY
–by heart : by rote or from memory
–to heart : with deep concern

heart
n. 1 archaic : HEARTEN
2 archaic : to fix in the heart

heart
n. heart warmer
bleeding heart
break one's heart
change of heart
cockles of the heart
congestive heart failure
coronary heart disease
eat one's heart out
to heart
by heart
at heart
heart attack
heart block
heart disease
heart failure
heart free
heart healthy
heart lung machine
heart pine
heart stopping
heart stopper
heart to heart
heart whole
lose one's heart
open heart
Purple Heart
set one's heart on
take heart
lonely hearts

heart attack
: an acute episode of heart disease marked by the death or damage of heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply to the heart usually as a result of a coronary thrombosis or a coronary occlusion and that is characterized especially by chest pain ― called also myocardial infarction

heart block
: incoordination of the heartbeat in which the atria and ventricles beat independently and which is marked by decreased cardiac output

heart disease
: an abnormal organic condition of the heart or of the heart and circulation

heart failure
1 : a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume
2 : cessation of heartbeat : DEATH

heart pine
: LONGLEAF PINE

heart-free
: not in love

heart-healthy
: conductive to a healthy heart and circulatory system <heart-healthy exercise> <a heart-healthy diet>

heart-lung machine
: a mechanical pump that maintains circulation during heart surgery by shunting blood away from the heart, oxygenating it, and returning it to the body

heart-stopping
: extremely shocking or exciting <a heart-stopping adventure> <heart-stopping views>
–heart-stop·per \-pər\ noun

heart-to-heart
: SINCERE, FRANK <a heart-to-heart talk>

heart-to-heart
: a heart-to-heart conversation

heart-whole
1 : HEART-FREE
2 : SINCERE, GENUINE

heartache
n. : anguish of mind : SORROW

heartbeat
n. 1 : one complete pulsation of the heart
2 : the vital center or driving impulse
3 : a brief space of time : FLASH ― used chiefly in the phrase in a heartbeat

heartbreak
n. : crushing grief, anguish, or distress

heartbreaker
n. : one that causes heartbreak

heartbreaking
adj. 1 a : causing intense sorrow or distress b : extremely trying or difficult
2 : producing an intense emotional reaction or response <heartbreaking beauty>
–heart·break·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

heartbroken
adj. : overcome by sorrow

heartburn
n. : a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to spasmodic reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus

heartburning
n. : intense or rancorous jealousy or resentment

hearted
adj. 1 : having a heart especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <a fainthearted leader> <a lighthearted wanderer>
2 : seated in the heart

hearted
adj. good hearted
hard hearted
single hearted

heartedly
adv. good heartedly
hard heartedly
single heartedly

heartedness
n. good heartedness
hard heartedness
single heartedness

hearten
v. : to give heart to : CHEER
synonyms see ENCOURAGE
–heart·en·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē, -tən-iŋ-\ adverb

heartfelt
adj. : deeply felt : EARNEST
synonyms see SINCERE

hearth
n. 1 a : a brick, stone, or concrete area in front of a fireplace b : the floor of a fireplace also : FIREPLACE c : the lowest section of a furnace especially : the section of a furnace on which the ore or metal is exposed to the flame or heat
2 : HOME
3 : a vital or creative center <the central hearth of occidental civilization ― A. L. Kroeber>

hearthstone
n. 1 : stone forming a hearth
2 : HOME

heartily
adv. 1 : in a hearty manner
2 a : with all sincerity : WHOLEHEARTEDLY b : with zest or gusto
3 : WHOLLY, THOROUGHLY <heartily sick of all this talk>

heartland
n. : a central area: as a : a central land area (as northern Eurasia) having strategic advantages b : the central geographical region of the U.S. in which mainstream or traditional values predominate c : a region where something (as an industry or activity) most strongly thrives <the heartland of high technology>

heartless
adj. 1 archaic : SPIRITLESS
2 : lacking feeling : CRUEL
–heart·less·ly adverb
–heart·less·ness noun

heartrending
adj. : HEARTBREAKING 1A
–heart·rend·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

heartsease
n. 1 : peace of mind : TRANQUILLITY
2 : any of various violas especially : JOHNNY-JUMP-UP

heartsick
adj. : very despondent : DEPRESSED
–heart·sick·ness noun

heartsome
chiefly Scottish : giving spirit or vigor : ANIMATING, ENLIVENING
–heart·some·ly adverb chiefly Scottish

heartsore
n. : HEARTSICK

heartstring
n. 1 obsolete : a nerve once believed to sustain the heart
2 : the deepest emotions or affections <pulled at his heartstrings>

heartthrob
n. 1 : the throb of a heart
2 a : sentimental emotion : PASSION b : SWEETHEART also : a usually renowned man (as an entertainer) noted for his sex appeal <teen heartthrobs>

heartwarming
adj. : inspiring sympathetic feeling : CHEERING
–heart-warm·er noun

heartwood
n. : the older harder nonliving central wood of trees that is usually darker, denser, less permeable, and more durable than the surrounding sapwood

heartworm
n. : a filarial worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is a parasite especially in the right heart of dogs and is transmitted by mosquitoes also : infestation or disease caused by the heartworm

hearty
n. 1 a : giving unqualified support <a hearty endorsement> b : enthusiastically or exuberantly cordial : JOVIAL c : expressed unrestrainedly
2 a : exhibiting vigorous good health b (1) : having a good appetite (2) : abundant, rich, or flavorful enough to satisfy the appetite
3 : VIGOROUS, VEHEMENT <a hearty pull>
synonyms see SINCERE
–heart·i·ness noun

hearty
n. : a hearty fellow also : SAILOR

heat
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become warm or hot
2 : to start to spoil from heat
transitive verb
1 : to make warm or hot
2 : EXCITE
–heat·able \'hē-tə-bəl\ adjective

heat
n. 1 a (1) : a condition of being hot : WARMTH (2) : a marked or notable degree of hotness b : pathological excessive bodily temperature c : a hot place or situation d (1) : a period of heat (2) : a single complete operation of heating also : the quantity of material so heated e (1) : added energy that causes substances to rise in temperature, fuse, evaporate, expand, or undergo any of various other related changes, that flows to a body by contact with or radiation from bodies at higher temperatures, and that can be produced in a body (as by compression) (2) : the energy associated with the random motions of the molecules, atoms, or smaller structural units of which matter is composed f : appearance, condition, or color of a body as indicating its temperature
2 a : intensity of feeling or reaction : PASSION b : the height or stress of an action or condition <in the heat of battle> c : sexual excitement especially in a female mammal specifically : ESTRUS
3 : a single continuous effort: as a : a single round of a contest (as a race) having two or more rounds for each contestant b : one of several preliminary contests held to eliminate less competent contenders
4 : pungency of flavor
5 a slang (1) : the intensification of law-enforcement activity or investigation (2) : POLICE b : PRESSURE, COERCION c : ABUSE, CRITICISM <took heat for her mistakes>
6 : SMOKE 8
7 slang : GUN 1B
–heat·less \'hēt-ləs\ adjective
–heat·proof \-'prüf\ adjective

heat
n. animal heat
dead heat
heat cramps
heat engine
heat exchanger
heat exhaustion
heat prostration
heat lightning
heat pump
heat rash
heat shield
heat shock protein
heat sink
heat treat
heat treatment
heat treater
heat wave
kinetic theory of heat
latent heat
prickly heat
radiant heat
red heat
sensible heat
specific heat
white heat
dielectric heating
induction heating
space heating

heat cramps
: a condition that is marked by sudden development of cramps in skeletal muscles and that results from prolonged work or exercise in high temperatures accompanied by profuse perspiration with loss of sodium chloride from the body

heat engine
: a mechanism (as an internal combustion engine) for converting heat energy into mechanical or electrical energy

heat exchanger
: a device (as an automobile radiator) for transferring heat from one fluid to another without allowing them to mix

heat exhaustion
: a condition marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness, and profuse sweating that results from physical exertion in a hot environment ― called also heat prostration ― compare HEATSTROKE

heat lightning
: vivid and extensive flashes of electric light without thunder seen near the horizon especially at the close of a hot day and ascribed to far-off lightning reflected by high clouds

heat pump
: an apparatus for heating or cooling (as a building) by transferring heat by mechanical means from or to an external reservoir (as the ground, water, or outside air)

heat rash
: PRICKLY HEAT

heat shield
: a barrier of ablative material to protect a space capsule from heat on its entry into an atmosphere

heat sink
: a substance or device that absorbs or dissipates especially unwanted heat (as from a process or an electronic device)

heat wave
: a period of unusually hot weather

heat-shock protein
: any of a group of proteins that are produced especially in cells subjected to stressful conditions (as high temperature), that serve to ensure proper protein folding, and that are held to comprise a class of molecular chaperones

heat-treat
: to subject to heat especially : to treat (as metals) by heating and cooling in a way that will produce desired properties
–heat treater noun
–heat treatment noun

heated
adj. : marked by anger or passion <a heated argument>
–heat·ed·ly adverb

heater
n. 1 : one that heats especially : a device that imparts heat or holds something to be heated
2 : FASTBALL

heater
n. immersion heater
quartz heater
space heater
water heater

Heath
n. Edward 1916-     Brit. prime min. (1970-74)

heath
n. 1 a : a tract of wasteland b : an extensive area of rather level open uncultivated land usually with poor coarse soil, inferior drainage, and a surface rich in peat or peaty humus
2 a : any of a family (Ericaceae, the heath family) of shrubby dicotyledonous and often evergreen plants that thrive on open barren usually acid and ill-drained soil especially : an evergreen subshrub of either of two genera (Erica and Calluna) with whorls of needlelike leaves and clusters of small flowers b : any of various plants that resemble true heaths
–heath·less \-ləs\ adjective
–heath·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–heathy \'hē-thē\ adjective

heath hen
: a now extinct grouse (Tympanuchus cupido cupido) of the northeastern U.S. ― compare PRAIRIE CHICKEN

heathen
n. 1 : of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs
2 : STRANGE, UNCIVILIZED

heathen
1 : an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible
2 : an uncivilized or irreligious person
–hea·then·dom \-dəm\ noun
–hea·then·ism \-thə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–hea·then·ize \-thə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb

heathenish
adj. : resembling or characteristic of heathens : BARBAROUS
–hea·then·ish·ly adverb

heather
n. : HEATH 2A especially : a common Eurasian heath (Calluna vulgaris) of northern and alpine regions that has small crowded sessile leaves and racemes of tiny usually purplish-pink flowers and is naturalized in the northeastern U.S.

heather
n. : HEATHERY

heathery
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling heather
2 : having flecks of various colors <a soft heathery tweed>

heathland
n. : HEATH 1

heatstroke
n. : a condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature ― compare HEAT EXHAUSTION

heave
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : ELEVATE
2 : LIFT, RAISE <heaved the trunk onto the table>
3 : THROW, CAST <heaving rocks>
4 a : to cause to swell or rise b : to displace (as a rock stratum) especially by a fault
5 : to utter with obvious effort or with a deep breath <heave a sigh of relief>
6 : HAUL, DRAW
intransitive verb
1 : LABOR, STRUGGLE
2 : RETCH
3 a : to rise and fall rhythmically b : PANT
4 a : PULL, PUSH <heaving on a rope> b : to move a ship in a specified direction or manner c past usually hove : to move in an indicated way <the ship hove into view>
5 : to rise or become thrown or raised up
synonyms see LIFT
–heav·er noun
–heave to : to halt the headway of a ship (as by positioning a sailboat with the jib aback and the rudder turned sharply to windward)

heave
n. 1 a : an effort to heave or raise b : HURL, CAST
2 : an upward motion : RISING especially : a rhythmical rising
3 : horizontal displacement especially by the faulting of a rock
4 plural but singular or plural in construction : chronic pulmonary emphysema of the horse resulting in difficult expiration, heaving of the flanks, and a persistent cough

heave
n. frost heave
heave to
heave ho
dry heaves
frost heaving

heave to
to halt the headway of a ship (as by positioning a sailboat with the jib aback and the rudder turned sharply to windward)

heave-ho
: DISMISSAL <gave him the old heave-ho>

heaven
n. 1 : the expanse of space that seems to be over the earth like a dome : FIRMAMENT ― usually used in plural
2 a often capitalized : the dwelling place of the Deity and the blessed dead b : a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God
3 capitalized : GOD 1
4 : a place or condition of utmost happiness
5 Christian Science : a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of divine Mind is manifest

heaven
n. heaven sent
hog heaven
seventh heaven
tree of heaven

heaven-sent
: PROVIDENTIAL

heavenly
adj. 1 : of or relating to heaven or the heavens : CELESTIAL <the heavenly choirs> <use a telescope to study the heavenly bodies>
2 a : suggesting the blessed state of heaven : BEATIFIC <heavenly peace> b : DELIGHTFUL
–heav·en·li·ness noun

heavenward
adv. : toward heaven

heavenwards
adv. : HEAVENWARD

heavier-than-air
: of greater weight than the air displaced

heavily
adv. 1 : to a great degree : SEVERELY
2 : slowly and laboriously : DULLY
3 archaic : with sorrow : GRIEVOUSLY
4 : in a heavy manner

Heaviside
Oliver 1850-1925 Eng. physicist

Heaviside layer
: IONOSPHERE

heavy
n. 1 a : having great weight also : characterized by mass or weight <how heavy is it?> b : having a high specific gravity : having great weight in proportion to bulk c (1) of an isotope : having or being atoms of greater than normal mass for that element (2) of a compound : containing heavy isotopes
2 : hard to bear specifically : GRIEVOUS, AFFLICTIVE <a heavy sorrow>
3 : of weighty import : SERIOUS <heavy consequences>
4 : DEEP, PROFOUND <a heavy silence>
5 a : borne down by something oppressive : BURDENED b : PREGNANT especially : approaching parturition
6 a : slow or dull from loss of vitality or resiliency : SLUGGISH <a tired heavy step> b : lacking sparkle or vivacity : DRAB c : lacking mirth or gaiety : DOLEFUL d : characterized by declining prices
7 : dulled with weariness : DROWSY
8 : greater in quantity or quality than the average of its kind or class: as a : of unusually large size or amount <a heavy turnout> <heavy traffic> b : of great force <heavy seas> c : threatening to rain or snow d (1) : impeding motion (2) : full of clay and inclined to hold water e : coming as if from a depth : LOUD <heavy breathing> f : THICK, COARSE <heavy syrup> g : OPPRESSIVE <a heavy odor> <heavy weather> <rule with a heavy hand> h : STEEP, ACUTE i : LABORIOUS, DIFFICULT <heavy going> j : IMMODERATE <a heavy smoker> k : more powerful than usual for its kind <a heavy cavalry> <a heavy cruiser> l : of large capacity or output
9 a : very rich and hard to digest <heavy desserts> b : not properly raised or leavened <heavy bread>
10 : producing goods (as coal, steel, or chemicals) used in the production of other goods <heavy industry>
11 a : having stress <a heavy rhythm> ― used especially of syllables in accentual verse b : being the strongest degree of stress in speech
12 : relating to theatrical parts of a grave or somber nature
13 : LONG 9 <heavy on ideas>
14 : IMPORTANT, PROMINENT <a heavy politician>
–heavi·ness noun
synonyms HEAVY, WEIGHTY, PONDEROUS, CUMBROUS, CUMBERSOME mean having great weight. HEAVY implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class <a heavy child for his age>. WEIGHTY suggests having actual and not just relative weight <a load of weighty boxes>. PONDEROUS implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia <ponderous elephants in a circus parade>. CUMBROUS and CUMBERSOME imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating <wrestled with the cumbrous furniture> <early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient>.

heavy
n. : in a heavy manner : HEAVILY

heavy
n. 1 : HEAVYWEIGHT 2
2 a : a theatrical role of a dignified or somber character also : an actor playing such a role b : VILLAIN 4 c : VILLAIN 5 d : someone or something influential, serious, or important e : ELITE 1B

heavy
n. heavy hydrogen
heavy bag
heavy chain
heavy cream
heavy duty
heavy footed
heavy handed
heavy handedness
heavy handedly
heavy hitter
heavy lifting
heavy metal
heavy water
heavy weight
top heavy
heavier than air

heavy bag
: PUNCHING BAG 1

heavy chain
: either of the two larger of the four polypeptide chains comprising antibodies ― compare LIGHT CHAIN

heavy cream
: a cream that is markedly thick especially : cream that by law contains not less than 36 percent butterfat

heavy hitter
: BIG SHOT, HEAVY

heavy hydrogen
: DEUTERIUM

heavy lifting
: a burdensome or laborious duty

heavy metal
: energetic and highly amplified electronic rock music having a hard beat

heavy water
1 : the compound D_2O composed of deuterium and oxygen ― called also deuterium oxide
2 : water enriched in deuterium

heavy weight
1 : one that is above average in weight
2 : one in the usually heaviest class of contestants: as a : a boxer in an unlimited weight division ― compare LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT b : a weight lifter weighing more than 198 pounds
3 : one that possesses great power, prominence, or stature

heavy-duty
1 : able or designed to withstand unusual strain <heavy-duty trucks>
2 : INTENSIVE <heavy-duty bargaining>
3 : IMPORTANT, PROMINENT <heavy-duty lawyers>

heavy-footed
: heavy and slow in movement

heavy-handed
1 : CLUMSY
2 : OPPRESSIVE, HARSH
–heavy-hand·ed·ly adverb
–heavy-hand·ed·ness noun

heavyhearted
adj. : DESPONDENT, SADDENED
–heavy·heart·ed·ly adverb
–heavy·heart·ed·ness noun

heavyset
adj. : stocky and compact and sometimes tending to stoutness in build

Heb
Hebrew; Hebrews

Hebbel
(Christian) Friedrich 1813-1863 Ger. dram.

hebdomad
n. 1 : a group of seven
2 : a period of seven days : WEEK

hebdomadal
adj. : WEEKLY
–heb·dom·a·dal·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

Hebe
n. : the Greek goddess of youth and a cupbearer to the gods

hebe
n. usually offensive : JEW

Hebei
province NE China capital Shijiazhuang area 77,079 sq mi (199,635 sq km), pop 61,082,439

hebephrenia
n. : a form of schizophrenia characterized especially by incoherence, delusions lacking an underlying theme, and affect that is usually flat, inappropriate, or silly
–he·be·phre·nic \-'fre-nik, -'frē-nik\ adjective or noun

Heber
Reginald 1783-1826 Eng. prelate & hymn writer

Hebert
Anne 1916-2000 Canad. nov., poet, & dram.

Hebert
Jacques-René 1757-1794 Fr. radical journalist

hebetate
adj. : to make dull or obtuse
–heb·e·ta·tion \ˌhe-bə-'tā-shən\ noun

hebetude
n. : LETHARGY, DULLNESS
–heb·e·tu·di·nous \ˌhe-bə-'tü-dən-əs, -'tyü-\ adjective

Hebraic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Hebrews or their language or culture
–He·bra·i·cal·ly \-'brā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Hebraism
n. 1 : a characteristic feature of Hebrew occurring in another language
2 : the thought, spirit, or practice characteristic of the Hebrews
3 : a moral theory or emphasis attributed to the Hebrews

Hebraist
n. : a specialist in Hebrew and Hebraic studies

Hebraistic
adj. 1 : marked by Hebraisms
2 : HEBRAIC

hebraize
v. intransitive verb : to use Hebraisms
transitive verb : to make Hebraic in character or form
–he·bra·i·za·tion \ˌhē-ˌbrā-ə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

Hebrew
n. 1 a : the Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews b : any of various later forms of this language
2 : a member of or descendant from one of a group of northern Semitic peoples including the Israelites especially : ISRAELITE
–Hebrew adjective

Hebrew
n. Late Hebrew
Modern Hebrew
Rabbinic Hebrew

Hebrews
n. : a theological treatise addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Hebrides
n. islands W Scotland in the Atlantic, divided by Little Minch into Inner Hebrides (near the mainland) & Outer Hebrides (to NW) area 2900 sq mi (7540 sq km), pop 30,660 ― see LEWIS WITH HARRIS, WESTERN ISLES
–Heb·ri·de·an \ˌhe-brə-'dē-ən\ adjective or noun

Hebrides
n. New Hebrides
Inner Hebrides
Outer Hebrides

Hebron
n. city West Bank SSW of Jerusalem; governed by Palestinian Authority since 1997 pop 79,087

Hecate
n. : a Greek goddess associated especially with the underworld, night, and witchcraft

Hecate Strait
strait Canada in W B.C.; inlet of the Pacific bet. Queen Charlotte Islands & the coast

hecatomb
n. 1 : an ancient Greek and Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen or cattle
2 : the sacrifice or slaughter of many victims

heck
interj. 1 : HELL 2 <all heck breaks loose>
2 : HELL 4 <a heck of a lot of money>

heckle
v. : to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes : BADGER
synonyms see BAIT
–heck·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

Heckman
James Joseph 1944-     American econ.

hect
: hundred <hectare>

hectare
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

hectic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
2 : having a hectic fever
3 : RED, FLUSHED
4 : characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion <the hectic days before the holidays>
–hec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hectogram
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

hectograph
n. : a machine for making copies of a writing or drawing produced on a gelatin surface
–hectograph transitive verb

hectoliter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

hectometer
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

hector
n. 1 capitalized : a son of Priam, husband of Andromache, and Trojan champion slain by Achilles
2 : BULLY, BRAGGART

hector
n. intransitive verb : to play the bully : SWAGGER
transitive verb : to intimidate or harass by bluster or personal pressure
synonyms see BAIT
–hec·tor·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

Hecuba
: the wife of Priam in Homer's Iliad

heddle
n. : one of the sets of parallel cords or wires that with their mounting compose the harness used to guide warp threads in a loom

heder
n. : an elementary Jewish school in which children are taught to read the Torah and other books in Hebrew

hedge
n. 1 a : a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees b : BARRIER, LIMIT
2 : a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)
3 : a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement

hedge
n. transitive verb
1 : to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge : ENCIRCLE
2 : to hem in or obstruct with or as if with a barrier : HINDER <hedged about by special regulations and statutes ― Sandi Rosenbloom>
3 : to protect oneself from losing or failing by a counterbalancing action <hedge a bet>
intransitive verb
1 : to plant, form, or trim a hedge
2 : to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat : TRIM
3 : to protect oneself financially: as a : to buy or sell commodity futures as a protection against loss due to price fluctuation b : to minimize the risk of a bet
–hedg·er noun
–hedg·ing·ly \'he-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

hedge
n. 1 : of, relating to, or designed for a hedge
2 : born, living, or made near or as if near hedges : ROADSIDE
3 : INFERIOR 3

hedge fund
: an investing group usually in the form of a limited partnership that employs speculative techniques in the hope of obtaining large capital gains

hedgehog
n. 1 a : any of a subfamily (Erinaceinae) of Eurasian and African nocturnal insectivores that have both hair and spines which they present outwardly by rolling themselves up when threatened b : any of several spiny mammals (as a porcupine)
2 a : a military defensive obstacle (as of barbed wire) b : a well-fortified military stronghold

hedgehop
v. : to fly an airplane close to the ground and rise over obstacles as they appear
–hedge·hop·per noun

hedgepig
n. : HEDGEHOG

hedgerow
n. : a row of shrubs or trees enclosing or separating fields

Hedin
Sven Anders 1865-1952 Swed. explorer

hedonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by pleasure
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by hedonism
–he·don·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hedonism
n. 1 : the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life
2 : a way of life based on or suggesting the principles of hedonism
–he·do·nist \-nist\ noun
–he·do·nis·tic \ˌhē-də-'nis-tik\ adjective
–he·do·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hedral
: having (such) a surface or (such or so many) surfaces <dihedral>

hedron
: crystal or geometrical figure having a (specified) form or number of surfaces <pentahedron> <trapezohedron>

hee-haw
1 : the bray of a donkey
2 : a loud rude laugh : GUFFAW
–hee-haw intransitive verb

heebie-jeebies
: JITTERS, CREEPS

heed
n. intransitive verb : to pay attention
transitive verb : to give consideration or attention to : MIND <heed what he says> <heed the call>

heed
n. : ATTENTION, NOTICE

heedful
adj. : taking heed : ATTENTIVE <heedful of what they were doing>
–heed·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–heed·ful·ness noun

heedless
adj. : not taking heed : INCONSIDERATE, THOUGHTLESS <heedless follies of unbridled youth ― John DeBruyn>
–heed·less·ly adverb
–heed·less·ness noun

Heeger
Alan Jay 1936-     American physicist

heel
n. 1 a : the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch b : the part of the hind limb of other vertebrates that is homologous with the human heel
2 : an anatomical structure suggestive of the human heel especially : the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist
3 : one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
4 a : the part (as of a shoe) that covers the human heel b : a solid attachment of a shoe or boot forming the back of the sole under the heel of the foot
5 : a rear, low, or bottom part: as a : the after end of a ship's keel or the lower end of a mast b : the base of a tuber or cutting of a plant used for propagation c : the base of a ladder
6 : a contemptible person
–heel·less \'hēl-ləs\ adjective
–by the heels : in a tight grip
–down at heel or down at the heel : in or into a run-down or shabby condition
–on the heels of : immediately following
–to heel
1 : close behind
2 : into agreement or line
–under heel : under control or subjection

heel
n. 1 a : to furnish with a heel b : to supply especially with money
2 a : to exert pressure on, propel, or strike with the heel <heeled her horse> b : to urge (as a lagging animal) by following closely or by nipping at the heels <dogs heeling cattle>
intransitive verb : to move along at someone's heels

heel
n. intransitive verb : to lean to one side : TIP especially of a boat or ship : to lean temporarily (as from the action of wind or waves) ― compare LIST
transitive verb : to cause (a boat) to heel

heel
n. : a tilt (as of a boat) to one side also : the extent of such a tilt

heel
n. down at the heel
Achilles' heel
Cuban heel
down at heel
under heel
to heel
heel and toe
heel fly
spike heel
stiletto heel
Tar Heel
drag one's heels
cool one's heels
dig in one's heels
down at the heels
down at heels
head over heels
on the heels of
by the heels
high heels
kick up one's heels
well heeled

heel fly
: CATTLE GRUB

heel-and-toe
: marked by a stride in which the heel of one foot touches the ground before the toe of the other foot leaves it <heel-and-toe walking>

heelball
n. : a composition of wax and lampblack used by shoemakers for polishing and by antiquarians for making rubbings of inscriptions

heeler
n. 1 a : one that heels b : AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG
2 a : a henchman of a local political boss b : a worker for a local party organization especially : WARD HEELER

heelpiece
n. : a piece designed for or forming the heel (as of a shoe)

heeltap
n. : a small quantity of alcoholic beverage remaining (as in a glass after drinking)

Heem
Jan Davidsz de 1606-1683(or 1684) Du. painter

Heerlen
commune SE Netherlands in Limburg NE of Maastricht pop 95,004

Hefei
city E China capital of Anhui W of Nanjing pop 733,278

heft
n. 1 a : WEIGHT, HEAVINESS b : IMPORTANCE, INFLUENCE
2 archaic : the greater part of something : BULK

heft
n. 1 : to heave up : HOIST
2 : to test the weight of by lifting <hefting the rod⋯to get the feel of it ― Consumer Reports>

hefty
adj. 1 : quite heavy
2 a : marked by bigness, bulk, and usually strength <a hefty football player> b : POWERFUL, MIGHTY c : impressively large : SUBSTANTIAL <hefty portions>
–heft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–heft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

hegari
: any of several Sudanese grain sorghums having chalky white seeds including one grown in the southwestern U.S.

Hegel
n. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich 1770-1831 Ger. philos.

Hegelian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Hegel, his philosophy, or his dialectic method

Hegelian
n. : a follower of Hegel : an adherent of Hegelianism

Hegelianism
n. : the philosophy of Hegel that places ultimate reality in ideas rather than in things and that uses dialectic to comprehend an absolute idea behind phenomena

hegemon
n. : one (as a political state) possessing hegemony

hegemony
n. 1 : preponderant influence or authority over others : DOMINATION <battled for hegemony in Asia>
2 : the social, cultural, ideological, or economic influence exerted by a dominant group <extend their own hegemony over American culture as a whole ― Mary K. Cayton>
–heg·e·mon·ic \ˌhe-jə-'mä-nik, ˌhe-gə-\ adjective

hegira
n. : a journey especially when undertaken to escape from a dangerous or undesirable situation : EXODUS

Heidegger
n. Martin 1889-1976 Ger. philos.
–Hei·deg·ger·ian \ˌhī-di-'ger-ē-ən\ adjective

Heidelberg
n. city SW Germany on the Neckar SE of Mannheim pop 139,392

Heidelberg man
: an early Pleistocene hominid known from a massive fossilized jaw with distinctly human dentition and classified with the direct ancestor (Homo erectus) of modern humans

heifer
n. : a young cow especially : one that has not had a calf

Heifetz
Ja·scha \'yä-shə\ 1901-1987 American (Russ.-born) violinist

heigh-ho
― used typically to express boredom, weariness, or sadness or sometimes as a cry of encouragement

height
n. 1 a : the highest part : SUMMIT b : highest or most advanced point : ZENITH <at the height of his powers>
2 a : the distance from the bottom to the top of something standing upright b : the extent of elevation above a level
3 : the condition of being tall or high
4 a : an extent of land rising to a considerable degree above the surrounding country b : a high point or position
5 obsolete : an advanced social rank
synonyms HEIGHT, ALTITUDE, ELEVATION mean vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it. HEIGHT refers to something measured vertically whether high or low <a wall two meters in height>. ALTITUDE and ELEVATION apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; ALTITUDE is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; ELEVATION is used especially in reference to vertical height on land <fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters> <Denver is a city with a high elevation>.

height
n. height to paper
slant height
x height
Arlington Heights
Balboa Heights
Chicago Heights
Citrus Heights
Cleveland Heights
Dearborn Heights
Garfield Heights
Glendale Heights
Golan Heights
Huber Heights
Inver Grove Heights
Madison Heights
Maple Heights
Maryland Heights
Shaker Heights
Sterling Heights

height to paper

1771
: the height of printing type standardized at 0.9186 inch (2.333 centimeters) in English-speaking countries

heighten
v. transitive verb
1 a : to increase the amount or degree of : AUGMENT b : to make brighter or more intense : DEEPEN c : to bring out more strongly : point up d : to make more acute : SHARPEN
2 a : to raise high or higher : ELEVATE b : to raise above the ordinary or trite
3 obsolete : ELATE
intransitive verb
1 archaic : GROW, RISE
2 a : to become great or greater in amount, degree, or extent b : to become brighter or more intense

Heilbronn
city SW Germany on the Neckar N of Stuttgart pop 117,427

Heilong, Hei-lung
― see AMUR

Heilongjiang
province NE China in N Manchuria bordering on the Amur capital Harbin area 178,996 sq mi (465,390 sq km), pop 35,214,873

Heimlich maneuver
: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea

Heine
n. Heinrich 1797-1856 Ger. poet & critic

heinie
n. slang : BUTTOCKS

heinous
adj. : hatefully or shockingly evil : ABOMINABLE
–hei·nous·ly adverb
–hei·nous·ness noun

heir
n. 1 : one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
2 : one who inherits or is entitled to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office <heir to the throne>
3 : one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from a parent or predecessor
–heir·less \-ləs\ adjective
–heir·ship \-ˌship\ noun

heir
n. chiefly dialect : INHERIT

heir
n. heir apparent
heir at law
heir presumptive
heirs apparent
heirs presumptive

heir apparent
1 : an heir whose right to an inheritance is indefeasible except by exclusion under a valid will if he or she survives the ancestor
2 : HEIR PRESUMPTIVE
3 : one whose succession especially to a position or role appears certain under existing circumstances

heir at law

1684
: HEIR 1

heir presumptive
: an heir whose legal right to an inheritance may be defeated (as by the birth of a nearer relative)

heiress
n. : a woman who is an heir especially to great wealth

heirloom
n. 1 : a piece of property that descends to the heir as an inseparable part of an inheritance of real property
2 : something of special value handed on from one generation to another
3 : a horticultural variety that has survived for several generations usually due to the efforts of private individuals

Heisenberg
Werner Karl 1901-1976 Ger. physicist

Heisenberg uncertainty principle
: UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE ― called also Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

heist
n. 1 chiefly dialect : HOIST
2 a : to commit armed robbery on b : STEAL 1A

heist
n. : armed robbery : HOLDUP also : THEFT

Hejaz
region W Saudi Arabia on Red Sea; a viceroyalty capital Mecca area 134,600 sq mi (348,614 sq km), pop 1,400,000

Hekla
volcano 4747 ft (1447 m) SW Iceland

Hel
: the Norse goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld

hela cell
: a cell of a continuously cultured strain isolated from a human uterine cervical carcinoma in 1951 and used in biomedical research especially to culture viruses

held
past and past part of hold

heldentenor
n. : a tenor with a powerful dramatic voice well suited to heroic (as Wagnerian) roles

Helen of Troy
: the wife of Menelaus whose abduction by Paris brings about the Trojan War

Helena
n. city W cen Mont., its capital pop 25,780

Helens
n. Saint Helens
Saint Helens Mount
Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Helgoland
island NW Germany in North Sea, in N. Frisian Islands

heli
: sun <heliocentric>

heli
: helicopter <heliport>

heli-skiing
: downhill skiing on remote mountains reached by helicopter

heliacal
adj. : relating to or near the sun ― used especially of the last setting of a star before and its first rising after invisibility due to conjunction with the sun
–he·li·a·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

helic
: helix : spiral <helical>

helical
adj. : of, relating to, or having the form of a helix broadly : SPIRAL 1A
–he·li·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

helicoid
adj. 1 : forming or arranged in a spiral
2 : having the form of a flat coil or flattened spiral <helicoid snail shell>

Helicon
n. mountain 5735 ft (1748 m) E cen Greece in SW Boeotia near Gulf of Corinth

helicon
n. : a large circular tuba similar to a sousaphone but lacking an adjustable bell

heliconia
: any of a genus (Heliconia of the family Heliconiaceae) of perennial herbs of tropical America and islands of the western Pacific having showy brightly colored bracts and large leaves

helicopter
n. : an aircraft whose lift is derived from the aerodynamic forces acting on one or more powered rotors turning about substantially vertical axes

helicopter
n. : to travel by helicopter
transitive verb : to transport by helicopter

heliocentric
adj. 1 : referred to or measured from the sun's center or appearing as if seen from it
2 : having or relating to the sun as center ― compare GEOCENTRIC

Heliogabalus
― see ELAGABALUS

heliograph
n. : an apparatus for telegraphing by means of the sun's rays flashed from a mirror
–heliograph transitive verb

heliographic
: measured on the sun's disk <heliographic latitude>

heliolatry
: sun worship
–he·li·ol·a·trous \-trəs\ adjective

heliometer
n. : a visual telescope that has a divided objective designed for measuring the apparent diameter of the sun but also used for measuring angles between celestial bodies or between points on the moon
–he·lio·met·ric \ˌhē-lē-ō-'me-trik\ adjective
–he·lio·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Heliopolis
1 ― see BAALBEK
2 ancient ruined city N Egypt NE of modern Cairo

Helios
n. : the god of the sun in Greek mythology ― compare SOL

heliosphere
n. : the region in space influenced by the sun or solar wind
–he·li·o·spher·ic \ˌhē-lē-ə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-, -lē-ō-\ adjective

heliostat
n. : an instrument consisting of a mirror mounted on an axis moved by clockwork by which a sunbeam is steadily reflected in one direction

heliotrope
n. 1 : any of a genus (Heliotropium) of herbs or shrubs of the borage family ― compare GARDEN HELIOTROPE
2 : BLOODSTONE
3 : a variable color averaging a moderate to reddish purple

heliotropism
n. : phototropism in which sunlight is the orienting stimulus
–he·lio·tro·pic \-lē-ə-'trō-pik, -'trä-\ adjective

heliozoan
n. : any of a class (Heliozoa) of free-living spherical usually freshwater protozoans that reproduce by binary fission or budding

helipad
n. : HELIPORT

heliport
n. : a landing and takeoff place for a helicopter

helium
n. : a light colorless inert gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, in lamps, in cryogenic research, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding) ― see ELEMENT table

helix
n. 1 : something spiral in form: as a : an ornamental volute b : a coil formed by winding wire around a uniform tube
2 : the incurved rim of the external ear
3 : a curve traced on a cylinder or cone by the rotation of a point crossing its right sections at a constant oblique angle broadly : SPIRAL 1B

hell
n. 1 a (1) : a nether world in which the dead continue to exist : HADES (2) : the nether realm of the devil and the demons in which the damned suffer everlasting punishment ― often used in curses <go to hell> or as a generalized term of abuse <the hell with it> b Christian Science : ERROR 2B, SIN
2 a : a place or state of misery, torment, or wickedness <war is hell ― W. T. Sherman> b : a place or state of turmoil or destruction <all hell broke loose> c : a severe scolding also : FLAK, GRIEF <gave me hell for coming in late> d : unrestrained fun or sportiveness <the kids were full of hell> ― often used in the phrase for the hell of it especially to suggest action on impulse or without a serious motive <decided to go for the hell of it> e : an extremely unpleasant and often inescapable situation <rush-hour hell>
3 archaic : a tailor's receptacle
4 ― used as an interjection <hell, I don't know!> or as an intensive <hurts like hell> <funny as hell> ― often used in the phrase hell of a <it was one hell of a good fight> or hell out of <scared the hell out of him> or with the or in <moved way the hell up north> <what in hell is wrong, now?>
–from hell : being the worst or most dreadful of its kind
–hell on : very hard on or destructive to <the constant traveling is hell on your digestive system>
–hell or high water : difficulties of whatever kind or size <will stand by her convictions come hell or high water>
–hell to pay : dire consequences <if he's late there'll be hell to pay>
–what the hell
― used interjectionally to express a lack of concern about consequences or risks <it might cost him half his estate⋯but what the hell ― N. W. Aldrich b1935>

hell
n. raise hell
what the hell
hell to pay
hell or high water
hell on
from hell
hell bent
hell for leather
hell raiser
hell raising
Hell Gate
Hells Canyon

Hell Gate
a narrow part of East River in New York City bet. Long Is. & Manhattan Is.

hell on
very hard on or destructive to <the constant traveling is hell on your digestive system>

hell or high water
difficulties of whatever kind or size <will stand by her convictions come hell or high water>

hell to pay
dire consequences <if he's late there'll be hell to pay>

hell-bent
: stubbornly and often recklessly determined or intent <hell-bent on winning>
–hell-bent adverb

hell-for-leather
: in a hell-for-leather manner : at full speed <rode hell-for-leather down the trail>

hell-for-leather
: marked by determined recklessness, great speed, or lack of restraint <a cocky, hell-for-leather fighting man ― H. H. Martin>

hell-raiser
: one given to wild, boisterous, or intemperate behavior
–hell-rais·ing \-ˌrā-ziŋ\ noun or adjective

hellacious
adj. 1 : exceptionally powerful or violent
2 : remarkably good
3 : extremely difficult
4 : extraordinarily large
–hel·la·cious·ly adverb

Hellas
n. ― see GREECE

hellbender
n. : a large aquatic usually brownish-gray salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) of streams of the eastern and central U.S.

hellbroth
n. : a brew for working black magic

hellcat
n. 1 : WITCH 2
2 : a violently temperamental person especially : an ill-tempered woman

hellebore
n. 1 : any of a genus (Helleborus) of poisonous Eurasian herbs of the buttercup family having showy flowers with petaloid sepals also : the dried rhizome of a hellebore (as H. niger) formerly used in medicine
2 : a poisonous herb (genus Veratrum) of the lily family also : the dried rhizome of a hellebore (V. album or V. viride) that is used as an insecticide and contains toxic alkaloids that are cardiac and respiratory depressants

Hellene
n. : GREEK 1A

Hellenic
adj. : of or relating to Greece, its people, or its language specifically : of or relating to ancient Greek history, culture, or art before the Hellenistic period

Hellenic
adj. : GREEK 2A

Hellenism
n. 1 : GRECISM 1
2 : devotion to or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs, or styles
3 : Greek civilization especially as modified in the Hellenistic period by influences from southwestern Asia
4 : a body of humanistic and classical ideals associated with ancient Greece and including reason, the pursuit of knowledge and the arts, moderation, civic responsibility, and bodily development

Hellenist
n. 1 : a person living in Hellenistic times who was Greek in language, outlook, and way of life but was not Greek in ancestry especially : a hellenized Jew
2 : a specialist in the language or culture of ancient Greece

Hellenistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to Greek history, culture, or art after Alexander the Great
2 : of or relating to the Hellenists
–Hel·le·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hellenize
v. intransitive verb : to become Greek or Hellenistic
transitive verb : to make Greek or Hellenistic in form or culture
–hel·le·ni·za·tion \ˌhe-lə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

Heller
n. Joseph 1923-1999 American nov.

heller
n. : HELLION

Helles, Cape
headland Turkey in Europe at S tip of Gallipoli Peninsula

Hellespont, Hellespontus
― see DARDANELLES

hellfire
n. : the eternal fire of hell that tortures sinners
–hellfire adjective

hellgrammite
n. : a carnivorous aquatic No. American insect larva that is the young form of a dobsonfly (esp. Corydalis cornutus) and is used for fish bait

hellhole
n. : a place of extreme misery or squalor

hellhound
n. 1 : a dog represented in mythology as a guardian of the underworld
2 : a fiendish person

hellion
n. : a troublesome or mischievous person

hellish
adj. : of, resembling, or befitting hell broadly : TERRIBLE
–hell·ish·ly adverb
–hell·ish·ness noun

Hellman
Lillian 1905-1984 American dram.

hello
n. : an expression or gesture of greeting ― used interjectionally in greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surprise

Hells Canyon
canyon of Snake River on Idaho-Oreg. border; deepest in the U.S.

helm
n. : HELMET 1

helm
n. : to cover or furnish with a helmet

helm
n. 1 a : a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship for steering broadly : the entire apparatus for steering a ship b : position of the helm with respect to the amidships position <turn the helm hard alee>
2 : a position of control : HEAD <a new dean is at the helm of the medical school>

helm
n. 1 : to direct with or as if with a helm : STEER
2 : DIRECT, CONTROL <the director has helmed many action movies>

Helmand
river SW Afghanistan flowing SW & W into swamps on Iran border

helmet
n. 1 : a covering or enclosing headpiece of ancient or medieval armor ― see ARMOR illustration
2 : any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact
3 : something resembling a helmet
–hel·met·ed \-mə-təd\ adjective
–hel·met·like \-mət-ˌlīk\ adjective

helmet
n. balaclava helmet
crash helmet
pith helmet

Helmholtz
Hermann (Ludwig Ferdinand) von 1821-1894 Ger. physicist, anatomist, & physiol.

helminth
n. : a parasitic worm (as a tapeworm, liver fluke, ascarid, or leech) especially : an intestinal worm
–hel·min·thic \hel-'min(t)-thik\ adjective

helminthiasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by parasitic worms

helminthology
n. : a branch of zoology concerned with helminths especially : the study of parasitic worms

Helmond
commune S Netherlands pop 82,853

helmsman
n. : the person at the helm : STEERSMAN
–helms·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

helmsperson
: HELMSMAN

Helmstedt
city cen Germany E of Brunswick near former E. Germany-W. Germany border pop 27,072

helo
: HELICOPTER

Heloise
ca 1098-1164 wife of Abelard Fr. abbess

helot
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta
2 : SERF, SLAVE
–hel·ot·ry \'he-lə-trē\ noun

help
n. transitive verb
1 : to give assistance or support to <help a child with homework>
2 a : to make more pleasant or bearable : IMPROVE, RELIEVE <bright curtains will help the room> <took an aspirin to help her headache> b archaic : RESCUE, SAVE
3 a : to be of use to : BENEFIT b : to further the advancement of : PROMOTE
4 a : to change for the better b : to refrain from : AVOID <we couldn't help laughing> c : to keep from occurring : PREVENT <they couldn't help the accident> d : to restrain (oneself) from doing something <knew they shouldn't go but couldn't help themselves>
5 : to serve with food or drink especially at a meal <told the guests to help themselves>
6 : to appropriate something for (oneself) <helped himself to the car keys>
intransitive verb
1 : give assistance or support ― often used with out <helps out with the housework>
2 : to be of use or benefit
synonyms see IMPROVE
–so help me : upon my word : believe it or not

help
n. 1 : AID, ASSISTANCE
2 : a source of aid <printed helps to the memory ― C. S. Braden>
3 : REMEDY, RELIEF <there was no help for it>
4 a : one who serves or assists another (as in housework) : HELPER b : EMPLOYEE <help wanted> ― often used collectively <the hired help>

help
n. cannot help
cannot help but
so help me
self help
helping hand
helping verb

helper
n. : one that helps especially : a relatively unskilled worker who assists a skilled worker usually by manual labor

helper
n. helper T cell
T helper cell
helper cell
plumber's helper

helper T cell
: a T cell that participates in an immune response by recognizing a foreign antigen and secreting lymphokines to activate T cell and B cell proliferation and that usually carries CD4 molecular markers on its cell surface ― called also helper cell T-helper cell

helpful
adj. : of service or assistance : USEFUL <helpful advice>
–help·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–help·ful·ness noun

helping
n. 1 : a portion of food : SERVING
2 : DOSE 3 <large helpings of reportage and interviews ― Stefan Kanfer>

helping hand
: HAND 8A

helping verb
: an auxiliary verb

helpless
adj. 1 : lacking protection or support : DEFENSELESS
2 a : marked by an inability to act or react <the crowd looked on in helpless horror ― Current Biog.> b : not able to be controlled or restrained <helpless laughter>
–help·less·ly adverb
–help·less·ness noun

helpmate
n. : one who is a companion and helper especially : WIFE

helpmeet
n. : HELPMATE

Helsingborg
city & port SW Sweden on Øresund opposite Helsingør, Denmark pop 119,406

Helsingor
city & port Denmark on N Sjælland Is. pop 56,754

Helsinki
n. city & port capital of Finland on Gulf of Finland pop 559,718

helter-skelter
1 : in undue haste, confusion, or disorder <ran helter-skelter, getting in each other's way ― F. V. W. Mason>
2 : in a haphazard manner

helter-skelter
1 : a disorderly confusion : TURMOIL
2 British : a spiral slide around a tower at an amusement park

helter-skelter
1 : confusedly hurried : PRECIPITATE
2 : marked by a lack of order or plan : HAPHAZARD <the helter-skelter arrangement of the papers, all mussed and frayed ― Jean Stafford>

helve
n. : a handle of a tool or weapon : HAFT

Helvellyn
mountain 3118 ft (950 m) NW England in Cumbria SW of Ullswater

Helvetia
n. ― see SWITZERLAND
–Hel·ve·tian \hel-'vē-shən\ adjective or noun

Helvetii
n. : an early Celtic people in the area of western Switzerland at the time of Julius Caesar

Helvetius
Claude-Adrien 1715-1771 Fr. philos.

hem
n. 1 : a border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down
2 : RIM, MARGIN <bright green hem of reeds about the ponds ― R. M. Lockley>

hem
n. transitive verb
1 a : to finish with a hem b : BORDER, EDGE
2 : to surround in a restrictive manner : CONFINE ― usually used with in <hemmed in by enemy troops>
intransitive verb : to make a hem in sewing
–hem·mer noun

hem
n. 1 : to utter the sound represented by hem <hemmed and hawed before answering>
2 : EQUIVOCATE <the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands>

hem
n. ― often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking

hem
n. : blood <hemagglutination> <hemoflagellate>

hema
: HEM- <hemacytometer>

hemacytometer
n. : an instrument for counting blood cells

hemagglutination
n. : agglutination of red blood cells
–hem·ag·glu·ti·nate \-'glü-tən-ˌāt\ transitive verb

hemagglutinin
n. : an agglutinin (as an antibody or viral capsid protein) that causes hemagglutination

hemangioma
n. : a usually benign tumor made up of blood vessels that typically occurs as a purplish or reddish slightly elevated area of skin

Hemans
Felicia Dorothea 1793-1835 née Browne Eng. poet

hemat
: HEM- <hematogenous>

hematin
n. : a brownish-black or bluish-black derivative C_34H_33N_4O_5Fe of oxidized heme also : any of several similar compounds

hematinic
adj. : an agent that tends to stimulate blood cell formation or to increase the hemoglobin in the blood
–hematinic adjective

hematite
n. : a reddish-brown to black mineral consisting of ferric oxide, constituting an important iron ore, and occurring in crystals or as earthy red ocher
–he·ma·ti·tic \ˌhē-mə-'ti-tik\ adjective

hematocrit
n. : the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood as determined by separation of red blood cells from the plasma usually by centrifugation

hematogenous
adj. 1 : producing blood
2 : involving, spread by, or arising in the blood <hematogenous spread of infection>

hematologic
adj. : of or relating to blood or to hematology

hematology
n. : a medical science that deals with the blood and blood-forming organs
–he·ma·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

hematoma
n. : a mass of usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel

hematophagous
adj. : feeding on blood <hematophagous mosquitoes>

hematopoiesis
n. : the formation of blood or of blood cells in the living body
–he·ma·to·poi·et·ic \-'e-tik\ adjective

hematoporphyrin
n. : any of several isomeric porphyrins C_34H_38O_6N_4 that are hydrated derivatives of protoporphyrins especially : the deep red crystalline pigment obtained by treating hematin or heme with acid

hematoxylin
n. : a crystalline phenolic compound C_16H_14O_6 found in logwood and used chiefly in biological staining

hematuria
n. : the presence of blood or blood cells in the urine

heme
n. : the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C_34H_32N_4O_4Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin

hemelytron
: one of the basally thickened anterior wings of various insects (as true bugs)

hemerocallis
n. : DAYLILY

hemerythrin
: an iron-containing respiratory pigment in the blood of various chiefly marine invertebrates (as some brachiopods)

Hemet
city SE Calif. SE of San Bernardino pop 58,812

hemi
n. : half <hemihedral>

hemia
― see -EMIA

hemiacetal
adj. : any of a class of compounds characterized by the grouping C(OH)(OR) where R is an alkyl group and usually formed as intermediates in the preparation of acetals from aldehydes or ketones

hemic
adj. : of, relating to, or produced by the blood or the circulation of blood <a hemic murmur>

hemicellulose
n. : any of various plant polysaccharides less complex than cellulose and easily hydrolyzable to monosaccharides and other products

hemichordate
n. : any of a phylum (Hemichordata) of wormlike marine animals (as an acorn worm) that have in the proboscis an outgrowth of the pharyngeal wall which superficially resembles the notochord of chordates

hemicycle
n. : a curved or semicircular structure or arrangement

hemidemisemiquaver
n. : SIXTY-FOURTH NOTE

hemihedral
of a crystal : having half the faces required by complete symmetry ― compare HOLOHEDRAL, TETARTOHEDRAL

hemihydrate
n. : a hydrate (as plaster of paris) containing half a mole of water to one mole of the compound forming the hydrate
–hemi·hy·drat·ed \-ˌdrā-təd\ adjective

hemimetabolous
: characterized by incomplete metamorphosis <hemimetabolous insects> ― compare HOLOMETABOLOUS

hemimorphic
of a crystal : having different crystalline forms at each end of a crystallographic axis
–hemi·mor·phism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun

hemin
n. : a red-brown to blue-black crystalline salt C_34H_32N_4O_4FeCl derived from oxidized heme but usually obtained in a characteristic crystalline form from hemoglobin

Heminge
John ca 1556-1630 Eng. actor

Hemingway
n. Ernest Miller 1899-1961 American writer & journalist
–Hem·ing·way·esque \ˌhe-miŋ-ˌwā-'esk\ adjective

hemiola
n. : a musical rhythmic alteration in which six equal notes may be heard as two groups of three or three groups of two

hemiplegia
n. : total or partial paralysis of one side of the body that results from disease of or injury to the motor centers of the brain
–hemi·ple·gic \-jik\ adjective or noun

hemipteran
adj. : any of a large order (Hemiptera) of hemimetabolous insects (as the true bugs) that have hemelytra and mouthparts adapted to piercing and sucking
–he·mip·ter·ous \-rəs\ adjective

hemisphere
n. 1 a : a half of the celestial sphere as divided into two halves by the horizon, the celestial equator, or the ecliptic b : half of a spherical or roughly spherical body (as a planet) specifically : the northern or southern half of the earth as divided by the equator or the eastern or western half as divided by a meridian c : the inhabitants of a terrestrial hemisphere
2 : REALM, PROVINCE
3 : one of two half spheres formed by a plane through the sphere's center
4 : a map or projection of a celestial or terrestrial hemisphere
5 : CEREBRAL HEMISPHERE
–hemi·spher·ic \ˌhe-mə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ or hemi·spher·i·cal \-'sfir-i-kəl, -'sfer-\ adjective

hemisphere
n. cerebral hemisphere
eastern hemisphere
northern hemisphere
southern hemisphere
western hemisphere

hemispherectomy
n. : surgical removal of a cerebral hemisphere

hemistich
n. : half a poetic line of verse usually divided by a caesura

hemizygous
adj. : having or characterized by one or more genes (as in a genetic deficiency or in an X chromosome paired with a Y chromosome) that have no allelic counterparts

hemline
n. : the line formed by the lower edge of a dress, skirt, or coat

hemlock
n. 1 a : any of several poisonous herbs (as a poison hemlock or a water hemlock) of the carrot family having finely cut leaves and small white flowers b : a drug or lethal drink prepared from the poison hemlock
2 : any of a genus (Tsuga) of evergreen coniferous trees of the pine family also : the soft light splintery wood of a hemlock

hemo
pref. ― see HEM-

hemochromatosis
n. : a hereditary disorder of metabolism involving the deposition of iron-containing pigments in the tissues that is characterized especially by joint or abdominal pain, weakness, and fatigue and that may lead to bronzing of the skin, arthritis, diabetes, cirrhosis, or heart disease if untreated

hemocoel
: a body cavity (as in arthropods or some mollusks) that contains blood or hemolymph and functions as part of the circulatory system

hemocyanin
n. : a copper-containing respiratory pigment in the circulatory fluid of various arthropods and mollusks

hemocyte
n. : a blood cell especially of an invertebrate animal

hemocytometer
n. : HEMACYTOMETER

hemodialysis
n. : DIALYSIS 2

hemodilution
n. : decreased concentration of cells and solids in the blood resulting from gain of fluid

hemodynamic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving hemodynamics
2 : relating to or functioning in the mechanics of blood circulation
–he·mo·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hemodynamics
n. 1 : a branch of physiology that deals with the circulation of the blood
2 : the forces or mechanisms involved in circulation

hemoflagellate
n. : a flagellate (as a trypanosome) that is a blood parasite

hemoglobin
n. 1 : an iron-containing respiratory pigment of vertebrate red blood cells that consists of a globin composed of four subunits each of which is linked to a heme molecule, that functions in oxygen transport to the tissues after conversion to oxygenated form in the gills or lungs, and that assists in carbon dioxide transport back to the gills or lungs after surrender of its oxygen
2 : any of numerous iron-containing respiratory pigments of various organisms (as invertebrates and yeasts)

hemoglobin S
: an abnormal hemoglobin that occurs in the red blood cells in sickle-cell anemia and sickle-cell trait

hemoglobinopathy
n. : a blood disorder (as sickle-cell anemia) caused by a genetically determined change in the molecular structure of hemoglobin

hemoglobinuria
n. : the presence of free hemoglobin in the urine
–he·mo·glo·bin·uric \-'nu̇r-ik, -'nyu̇r-\ adjective

hemolymph
n. : the circulatory fluid of various invertebrate animals that is functionally comparable to the blood and lymph of vertebrates

hemolysin
n. : a substance that causes the dissolution of red blood cells

hemolysis
n. : lysis of red blood cells with liberation of hemoglobin
–he·mo·lyt·ic \ˌhē-mə-'li-tik\ adjective

hemolysis
n. hemolytic anemia
hemolytic disease of the newborn
hemolytic uremic syndrome

hemolytic anemia
: anemia caused by excessive destruction (as in infection or sickle-cell anemia) of red blood cells

hemolytic disease of the newborn

1948
: ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

hemolytic uremic syndrome
: any of a group of rare disorders occurring especially in young children that are characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and varying degrees of kidney failure and that are precipitated by various factors (as infection with E. coli)

hemolyze
v. transitive verb : to cause hemolysis of
intransitive verb : to undergo hemolysis

hemophilia
n. : a sex-linked hereditary blood defect that occurs almost exclusively in males and is characterized by delayed clotting of the blood and consequent difficulty in controlling hemorrhage even after minor injuries

hemophiliac
n. : of, resembling, or affected with hemophilia

hemophiliac
n. : one affected with hemophilia ― called also bleeder

hemophilic
adj. : HEMOPHILIAC

hemopoiesis
n. : HEMATOPOIESIS
–he·mo·poi·et·ic \-'e-tik\ adjective

hemoprotein
n. : a conjugated protein (as hemoglobin or cytochrome) whose prosthetic group is a porphyrin combined with iron

hemoptysis
n. : expectoration of blood from some part of the respiratory tract

hemorrhage
n. 1 : a copious discharge of blood from the blood vessels
2 : a rapid and uncontrollable loss or outflow <a financial hemorrhage>
–hem·or·rhag·ic \ˌhe-mə-'ra-jik\ adjective

hemorrhage
n. intransitive verb : to undergo heavy or uncontrollable bleeding
transitive verb : to lose rapidly and uncontrollably <hemorrhage money>

hemorrhagic fever
: any of a diverse group of virus diseases (as Lassa fever and Ebola) that are usually transmitted by arthropods or rodents and are characterized by a sudden onset, fever, aching, bleeding in the internal organs, petechiae, and shock

hemorrhoid
n. : a mass of dilated veins in swollen tissue at the margin of the anus or nearby within the rectum ― usually used in plural ― called also piles

hemorrhoidal
adj. : a hemorrhoidal part (as an artery or vein)

hemorrhoidal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving hemorrhoids
2 : RECTAL

hemosiderin
n. : a yellowish-brown granular intracellular pigment that is formed in some phagocytic cells (as macrophages) by the breakdown of hemoglobin and is prob. essentially a denatured form of ferritin

hemostasis
n. : arrest of bleeding

hemostat
n. : HEMOSTATIC especially : an instrument for compressing a bleeding vessel

hemostatic
adj. : a hemostatic agent

hemostatic
adj. 1 : of or caused by hemostasis
2 : serving to check bleeding

hemp
n. 1 a : a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that has a tough bast fiber used especially for cordage and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica) b : the fiber of hemp c : a psychoactive drug (as marijuana or hashish) from hemp
2 : a fiber (as jute) from a plant other than the true hemp also : a plant yielding such fiber

hemp
n. Manila hemp
sisal hemp
bowstring hemp
hemp nettle
Indian hemp
sann hemp
sunn hemp

hemp nettle
: any of a genus (Galeopsis) of coarse Old World herbs of the mint family especially : a bristly Eurasian herb (G. tetrahit) naturalized in No. America as a weed

hempen
adj. : composed of hemp

Hempstead
village SE N.Y. on Long Is. pop 56,554

hemstitch
n. : to decorate (as a border) with hemstitch
–hem·stitch·er noun

hemstitch
n. 1 : decorative needlework similar to drawnwork that is used especially on or next to the stitching line of hems
2 : a stitch used in hemstitching

hen
n. 1 a : a female chicken especially over a year old broadly : a female bird b : the female of various mostly aquatic animals (as lobsters or fish)
2 : WOMAN especially : a fussy middle-aged woman

hen
n. game hen
guinea hen
hazel hen
heath hen
hen and chickens
hen party
hen track
hen scratch
marsh hen
mother hen
Rock Cornish hen
Rock Cornish game hen
tappit hen
water hen

hen and chickens
: any of several plants having offsets, runners, or flowers that send out shoots especially : HOUSELEEK

hen party
: a party for women only

hen track
: an illegible or scarcely legible mark intended as handwriting ― called also hen scratch

Henan
province E cen China capital Zhengzhou area 64,479 sq mi (167,645 sq km), pop 85,509,535

henbane
n. : a poisonous fetid Eurasian herb (Hyoscyamus niger) of the nightshade family with yellowish-brown flowers and sticky hairy leaves that yield hyoscyamine and scopolamine

henbit
n. : a Eurasian herb (Lamium amplexicaule) of the mint family that has small scalloped leaves and purplish flowers and is naturalized in No. America

hence
adv. 1 : from this place : AWAY
2 a archaic : HENCEFORTH b : from this time <four years hence>
3 : because of a preceding fact or premise : THEREFORE
4 : from this source or origin
–from hence
archaic : from this place : from this time

henceforth
adv. : from this point on

henceforward
adv. : HENCEFORTH

Hench
Philip Showalter 1896-1965 American physician

henchman
n. 1 obsolete : a squire or page to a person of high rank
2 a : a trusted follower : a right-hand man b : a political follower whose support is chiefly for personal advantage c : a member of a gang

hendecasyllabic
: consisting of 11 syllables or composed of verses of 11 syllables
–hendecasyllabic noun
–hen·deca·syl·la·ble \hen-'de-kə-ˌsi-lə-bəl, (ˌ)hen-ˌde-kə-'\ noun

Henderson
Arthur 1863-1935 Brit. labor leader & statesman

Henderson
Sir Nev·ile \'ne-vəl\ Meyrick 1882-1942 Brit. diplomat

Henderson
1 city NW Ky. pop 27,373
2 city S Nev. pop 175,381

Hendersonville
city N Tenn. NE of Nashville pop 40,620

hendiadys
n. : the expression of an idea by the use of usually two independent words connected by and (as nice and warm) instead of the usual combination of independent word and its modifier (as nicely warm)

Hendon
urban district SE England in Middlesex; part of Barnet

Hendricks
Thomas Andrews 1819-1885 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1885)

henequen
n. : a strong yellowish or reddish hard fiber obtained from the leaves of a tropical American agave (Agave fourcroydes) found chiefly in Yucatán and used especially in making twine and rope also : a plant that yields henequen

Hengist
5th cent. Jute invaders of Britain

Hengyang
city SE cen China in SE Hunan on the Xiang pop 487,148

henhouse
n. : a house or shelter for fowl

Henle's loop
: LOOP OF HENLE

Henley
n. William Ernest 1849-1903 Eng. editor & author

Henley
n. town SE cen England in Oxfordshire W of London pop 31,744

Henlopen, Cape
headland SE Del. at entrance to Delaware Bay

henna
n. 1 : a reddish-brown dye obtained from leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair
2 : an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family with small opposite leaves and panicles of fragrant usually white flowers

henna
n. : to dye (as hair) with henna

Hennepin
Louis 1626-after 1701 Belg. friar & explorer in America

hennery
n. : a poultry farm also : an enclosure for poultry

henotheism
n. : the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods
–heno·the·ist \-ˌthē-ist\ noun
–heno·the·is·tic \ˌhe-nə-thē-'is-tik\ adjective

henpeck
v. : to subject (one's husband) to persistent nagging and domination

Henri
n. Robert 1865-1929 American painter

Henry
n. name of 8 kings of England: I 1068-1135 (reigned 1100-35); II 1133-1189 (reigned 1154-89); III 1207-1272 (reigned 1216-72); IV 1366-1413 (reigned 1399-1413); V 1387-1422 (reigned 1413-22); VI 1421-1471 (reigned 1422-61 & 1470-71); VII 1457-1509 (reigned 1485-1509); VIII 1491-1547 (reigned 1509-47)

Henry
n. name of 4 kings of France: I ca 1008-1060 (reigned 1031-60); II 1519-1559 (reigned 1547-59); III 1551-1589 (reigned 1574-89); IV (Henry III of Navarre) 1553-1610 (reigned 1589-1610)

Henry
n. 1394-1460 the Navigator Port. prince

Henry
n. Joseph 1797-1878 American physicist

Henry
n. O. ― see William Sydney PORTER

Henry
n. Patrick 1736-1799 American statesman & orator

henry
n. : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of inductance equal to the self-inductance of a circuit or the mutual inductance of two circuits in which the variation of one ampere per second results in an induced electromotive force of one volt

Henry, Cape
headland SE Va. S of entrance to Chesapeake Bay

Henslowe
Philip ca 1550-1616 Eng. theater manager

Henson
n. James Maury 1936-1990 American puppeteer

Henson
n. Matthew Alexander 1866-1955 American polar explorer

hent
archaic : SEIZE

hep
adj. ― used to mark a marching cadence

hep
adj. : 4HIP

heparin
n. : a mucopolysaccharide sulfuric acid ester that is found especially in the liver and lungs, that prolongs the clotting time of blood, and that is used medically in the form of its sodium salt
–hep·a·rin·ized \-rə-ˌnīzd\ adjective

hepat
1 : liver <hepatectomy> <hepatotoxic>
2 : hepatic and <hepatocellular>

hepatectomy
n. : excision of the liver or of part of the liver
–hep·a·tec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

hepatic
adj. : of, relating to, affecting, associated with, supplying, or draining the liver <a hepatic complaint> <hepatic arteries>

hepatic
adj. : LIVERWORT

hepatica
n. : any of a genus (Hepatica) of herbs of the buttercup family with lobed leaves and delicate flowers

hepatitis
n. 1 : inflammation of the liver
2 : a disease or condition (as hepatitis A or hepatitis B) marked by inflammation of the liver

hepatitis
n. hepatitis A
infectious hepatitis
hepatitis B
serum hepatitis
hepatitis C
non A non B hepatitis

hepatitis A
: an acute usually benign hepatitis caused by a picornavirus (species Hepatitis A virus of the genus Hepatovirus) that does not persist in the blood serum and is transmitted especially in food and water contaminated with infected fecal matter ― called also infectious hepatitis

hepatitis B
: a sometimes fatal hepatitis caused by a double-stranded DNA virus (species Hepatitis B virus of the genus Orthohepadnavirus, family Hepadnaviridae) that tends to persist in the blood serum and is transmitted especially by contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids (as semen) ― called also serum hepatitis

hepatitis C
: a hepatitis caused by a flavivirus (species Hepatitis C virus of the genus Hepacivirus) that tends to persist in the blood serum and is usually transmitted by contact with infected blood (as by transfusion or by illicit intravenous drug use)

hepatocellular
adj. : of or involving hepatocytes <hepatocellular carcinoma>

hepatocyte
n. : an epithelial parenchymatous cell of the liver

hepatoma
n. : a usually malignant tumor of the liver

hepatomegaly
n. : enlargement of the liver

hepatopancreas
: a glandular structure (as of a crustacean) that combines the digestive functions of the vertebrate liver and pancreas

hepatotoxic
adj. : relating to or causing injury to the liver <hepatotoxic drugs>

hepatotoxicity
n. 1 : a state of toxic damage to the liver
2 : a tendency or capacity to cause hepatotoxicity

Hepburn
n. Katharine 1907-2003 American actress

hepcat
n. : HIPSTER

Hephaestus
n. : the Greek god of fire and metalworking ― compare VULCAN

hepped up
: ENTHUSIASTIC

Hepplewhite
n. : of, relating to, or imitating a style of furniture originating in late 18th century England

Hepplewhite
n. George d 1786 Eng. cabinetmaker & designer

hepta
1 : seven <heptameter>
2 : containing seven atoms, groups, or equivalents <heptane>

heptachlor
n. : a cyclodiene chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide C_10H_5Cl_7 that causes liver disease in animals and is a suspected human carcinogen

heptad
n. : a group of seven

heptagon
n. : a polygon of seven angles and seven sides
–hep·tag·o·nal \hep-'ta-gə-nəl\ adjective

heptameter
n. : a line of verse consisting of seven metrical feet

heptane
n. : any of several isomeric alkanes C_7H_16 especially : the liquid normal isomer occurring in petroleum and used especially as a solvent and in determining octane numbers

heptarchy
n. : a hypothetical confederacy of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of the seventh and eighth centuries

Heptateuch
n. : the first seven books of the canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures

heptathlete
n. : an athlete who competes in a heptathlon

heptathlon
n. : a 7-event athletic contest specifically : a composite contest for female athletes that consists of the 100-meter hurdles, the high jump, the shot put, the 200-meter dash, the long jump, the javelin throw, and the 800-meter run

heptose
n. : any of various monosaccharides C_7H_14O_7 containing seven carbon atoms in a molecule

Hepworth
Dame Barbara 1903-1975 Brit. sculptor

her
pron. : of or relating to her or herself especially as possessor, agent, or object of an action <her house> <her research> <her rescue> ― compare 1SHE

her
pron. objective case of she

her
pron. heraldry

Hera
n. : the sister and consort of Zeus ― compare JUNO

Heracleitus
ca 540-ca 480 B.C. Greek philos.
–Her·a·cli·te·an \-'klī-tē-ən, -klī-'tē-\ adjective

Heracles
n. : HERCULES

Heraclius
ca 575-641 Byzantine emp. (610-641)

herald
n. 1 a : an official at a tournament of arms with duties including the making of announcements and the marshaling of combatants b : an officer with the status of ambassador acting as official messenger between leaders especially in war c (1) : OFFICER OF ARMS (2) : an officer of arms ranking above a pursuivant and below a king of arms
2 : an official crier or messenger
3 a : one that precedes or foreshadows b : one that conveys news or proclaims : ANNOUNCER <it was the lark, the herald of the morn ― Shakespeare> c : one who actively promotes or advocates : EXPONENT
synonyms see FORERUNNER

herald
n. 1 : to give notice of : ANNOUNCE
2 a : to greet especially with enthusiasm : HAIL <doctors are heralding a new drug> b : PUBLICIZE
3 : to signal the approach of : FORESHADOW

heraldic
adj. : of or relating to heralds or heraldry
–he·ral·di·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

heraldry
n. 1 : the practice of devising, blazoning, and granting armorial insignia and of tracing and recording genealogies
2 : an armorial ensign broadly : INSIGNIA
3 : PAGEANTRY

Herat
city NW Afghanistan on the Harīrūd pop 177,300

herb
n. 1 : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season
2 : a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities
3 slang : MARIJUANA 2
–herb·like \'(h)ərb-ˌlīk\ adjective
–herby \'(h)ər-bē\ adjective

herb
n. willow herb
herb doctor
herb Robert

herb doctor
: HERBALIST 1

herb Robert
: a low annual or biennial geranium (Geranium robertianum) with small reddish-purple flowers

herbaceous
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an herb b of a stem : having little or no woody tissue and persisting usually for a single growing season
2 : having the texture, color, or appearance of a leaf

herbage
n. 1 : herbaceous vegetation (as grass) especially when used for grazing
2 : the succulent parts of herbaceous plants

herbal
adj. 1 : a book about plants especially with reference to their medicinal properties
2 archaic : HERBARIUM 1

herbal
adj. : of, relating to, utilizing, or made of herbs

herbal medicine
1 : the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease
2 : a plant or plant part or an extract or mixture of these used in herbal medicine

herbalism
n. : HERBAL MEDICINE 1

herbalist
n. 1 : a person who practices healing by the use of herbs
2 : a person who collects or grows herbs

herbarium
n. 1 : a collection of dried plant specimens usually mounted and systematically arranged for reference
2 : a place that houses an herbarium

Herbart
Johann Friedrich 1776-1841 Ger. philos. & educ.

herbed
: seasoned with herbs

Herbert
n. George 1593-1633 Eng. divine & poet

Herbert
n. Victor 1859-1924 American (Irish-born) composer & conductor

Herbert
n. William 1580-1630 3d Earl of Pembroke Eng. statesman & patron

herbicide
n. : an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
–her·bi·cid·al \ˌ(h)ər-bə-'sī-dəl\ adjective
–her·bi·cid·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

herbivore
n. : a herbivorous animal

herbivorous
adj. : feeding on plants
–her·biv·o·ry \-'bi-və-rē\ noun

Herblock
― see Herbert Lawrence BLOCK

herbology
: HERBAL MEDICINE 1

Herculaneum
ancient city S Italy in Campania on Tyrrhenian Sea; destroyed A.D. 79 by eruption of Mt. Vesuvius

Herculean
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Hercules
2 often not capitalized : of extraordinary power, extent, intensity, or difficulty <Herculean tasks> <Herculean proportions>

Hercules
n. 1 : a mythical Greek hero renowned for his great strength and especially for performing 12 labors imposed on him by Hera
2 [Latin (gen. Herculis)] : a northern constellation between Corona Borealis and Lyra

Hercules'-club
1 : a small prickly eastern U.S. tree (Aralia spinosa) of the ginseng family with large compound leaves ― called also angelica tree
2 : a small prickly southern U.S. tree (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) of the rue family

herd
n. 1 a : a number of animals of one kind kept together under human control b : a congregation of gregarious wild animals
2 a (1) : a group of people usually having a common bond <a herd of tourists> (2) : a large assemblage of like things b : the undistinguished masses : CROWD <isolate the individual prophets from the herd ― Norman Cousins>
–herd·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

herd
n. 1 a : to gather, lead, or drive as if in a herd <herded the children into the car> b : to keep or move (animals) together
2 : to place in a group
intransitive verb
1 : to assemble or move in a herd
2 : to place oneself in a group : ASSOCIATE

Herder
n. Johann Gottfried von 1744-1803 Ger. philos.

herder
n. : one that herds specifically : HERDSMAN 1

herdsman
n. 1 : a manager, breeder, or tender of livestock
2 capitalized : BOÖTES

here
adv. 1 a : in or at this place <turn here> ― often used interjectionally especially in answering a roll call b : NOW <here it's morning already> c : in an arbitrary location <a book here, a paper there>
2 : at or in this point, particular, or case <here we agree>
3 : in the present life or state
4 : HITHER <come here>
5 ― used interjectionally in rebuke or encouragement
–here goes
― used interjectionally to express resolution or resignation especially at the beginning of a difficult or unpleasant undertaking
–neither here nor there : having no interest or relevance : of no consequence <comfort is neither here nor there to a real sailor>

here
adv. 1 ― used for emphasis especially after a demonstrative pronoun or after a noun modified by a demonstrative adjective <this book here>
2 nonstandard ― used for emphasis after a demonstrative adjective but before the noun modified <this here book>

here
adv. : this place

here
adv. neither here nor there
here goes
here and now
here and there

here and now
: the present time ― used with the <man's obligation is in the here and now ― W. H. Whyte>

here and there
1 : in one place and another
2 : from time to time

here goes
― used interjectionally to express resolution or resignation especially at the beginning of a difficult or unpleasant undertaking

hereabouts
adv. : in this vicinity

hereafter
n. 1 : after this in sequence or in time
2 : in some future time or state

hereafter
n. 1 : FUTURE
2 : an existence beyond earthly life <belief in the hereafter>

hereafter
n. archaic : FUTURE

hereaway
dialect : HEREABOUTS

hereby
adv. : by this means

Heredia
José María de 1842-1905 Fr. (Cuban-born) poet

hereditament
n. : heritable property

hereditarian
n. : an advocate of the theory that individual differences in human beings can be accounted for primarily on the basis of genetics
–hereditarian adjective

hereditary
adj. 1 a : genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring b : characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
2 a : received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance or by reason of birth b : having title or possession through inheritance or by reason of birth
3 : of a kind established by tradition <hereditary enemies>
4 : of or relating to inheritance or heredity
synonyms see INNATE
–he·red·i·tar·i·ly \-ˌre-də-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb

heredity
n. 1 a : INHERITANCE b : TRADITION
2 a : the sum of the characteristics and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors b : the transmission of such qualities from ancestor to descendant through the genes

Hereford
n. : any of a breed of hardy red-coated beef cattle of English origin with white faces and markings

Hereford
n. 1 or Her·e·ford·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ county W England on Welsh border
2 town W England in Herefordshire pop 49,800

herein
adv. : in this

hereinabove
adv. : at a prior point in this writing or document

hereinafter
adv. : in the following part of this writing or document

hereinbefore
adv. : in the preceding part of this writing or document

hereinbelow
adv. : at a subsequent point in this writing or document

hereof
adv. : of this

hereon
adv. : on this

Herero
n. : a member of a Bantu people of central Namibia

heresiarch
n. : an originator or chief advocate of a heresy

heresy
n. 1 a : adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma b : denial of a revealed truth by a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church c : an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
2 a : dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice b : an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards

heretic
n. 1 : a dissenter from established religious dogma especially : a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church who disavows a revealed truth
2 : one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine : NONCONFORMIST

heretical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by heresy
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards : UNORTHODOX
–he·ret·i·cal·ly \hə-'re-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hereto
adv. : to this writing or document

heretofore
adv. : up to this time : HITHERTO

hereunder
adv. : under or in accordance with this writing or document

hereunto
adv. : to this

hereupon
adv. : on this : immediately after this

herewith
adv. 1 : with this communication : enclosed in this
2 : HEREBY

Herez
: a Persian rug characterized by a large central geometric medallion and by angular floral designs

Herford
Oliver 1863-1935 Eng. writer & illustrator

Herford
city W cen Germany in N. Rhine-Westphalia NE of Bielefeld pop 64,732

Hering
Ewald 1834-1918 Ger. physiol. & psychol.

heriot
n. : a feudal duty or tribute due under English law to a lord on the death of a tenant

Herisau
commune NE Switzerland capital of Appenzell Outer Rhodes pop 15,560

heritability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being heritable
2 : the proportion of observed variation in a particular trait (as height) that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors in contrast to environmental ones

heritable
adj. 1 : capable of being inherited or of passing by inheritance
2 : HEREDITARY

heritage
n. 1 : property that descends to an heir
2 a : something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor : LEGACY, INHERITANCE b : TRADITION
3 : something possessed as a result of one's natural situation or birth : BIRTHRIGHT <the nation's heritage of tolerance>

heritor
n. : one that inherits : INHERITOR

Herkimer
Nicholas 1728-1777 American gen.

herky-jerky
: characterized by sudden, irregular, or unpredictable movement or style

herm
n. : a statue in the form of a square stone pillar surmounted by a bust or head especially of Hermes

herma
: HERM

Herman
n. Woodrow Charles 1913-1987 Woody Herman American musician & bandleader

hermaphrodite
n. 1 : an animal or plant having both male and female reproductive organs
2 : something that is a combination of diverse elements
–hermaphrodite adjective
–her·maph·ro·dit·ic \(ˌ)hər-ˌma-frə-'di-tik\ adjective
–her·maph·ro·dit·ism \-'ma-frə-ˌdī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Hermaphroditus
: a son of Hermes and Aphrodite who becomes joined in one body with a nymph while bathing

hermatypic
: building reefs <hermatypic corals>

hermeneutic
adj. 1 plural but singular or plural in construction : the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)
2 : a method or principle of interpretation

hermeneutical
adj. : of or relating to hermeneutics : INTERPRETATIVE
–her·me·neu·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Hermes
n. : a Greek god of commerce, eloquence, invention, travel, and theft who serves as herald and messenger of the other gods ― compare MERCURY

Hermes Trismegistus
: a legendary author of works embodying magical, astrological, and alchemical doctrines

hermetic
adj. 1 often capitalized a : of or relating to the Gnostic writings or teachings arising in the first three centuries A.D. and attributed to Hermes Trismegistus b : relating to or characterized by occultism or abstruseness : RECONDITE
2 [from the belief that Hermes Trismegistus invented a magic seal to keep vessels airtight] a : AIRTIGHT <hermetic seal> b : impervious to external influence <trapped inside the hermetic military machine ― Jack Newfield> c : RECLUSE, SOLITARY <leads a hermetic life>
–her·met·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hermeticism
: HERMETISM

hermetism
1 a : a system of ideas based on hermetic teachings b : adherence to or practice of hermetic doctrine
2 : the practice of being hermetically mysterious <it is not⋯willful hermetism, if the message of their art is veiled and indirect ― R. J. Goldwater>
–her·me·tist \-mə-tist\ noun

hermit
n. 1 a : one that retires from society and lives in solitude especially for religious reasons : RECLUSE b obsolete : BEADSMAN
2 : a spiced molasses cookie
–her·mit·ism \'hər-mə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

hermit crab
: any of numerous chiefly marine small decapod crustaceans (esp. families Diogenidae, Paguridae, and Parapaguridae) having soft asymmetrical abdomens and occupying the empty shells of gastropods

Hermitage
n. : a red or white Rhone valley wine

hermitage
n. 1 a : the habitation of a hermit b : a secluded residence or private retreat : HIDEAWAY c : MONASTERY
2 : the life or condition of a hermit

Hermitian matrix
: a square matrix having the property that each pair of elements in the ith row and jth column and in the jth row and ith column are conjugate complex numbers

Hermon, Mount
mountain 9232 ft (2814 m) on border bet. Syria & Lebanon; highest in Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Hermosillo
city NW Mexico capital of Sonora on Sonora River pop 559,154

Hermoupolis
― see ERMOÚPOLIS

hern
n. dialect variant of heron

Herndon
William Henry 1818-1891 American lawyer

Herne
city W Germany in the Ruhr pop 179,137

hernia
n. : a protrusion of an organ or part (as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed ― called also rupture
–her·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

herniate
v. : to protrude through an abnormal body opening : RUPTURE <a herniated intervertebral disk>
–her·ni·a·tion \ˌhər-nē-'ā-shən\ noun

Herning
city Denmark in cen Jutland pop 56,376

Hero
n. : a legendary priestess of Aphrodite loved by Leander

Hero
n. 1st cent. A.D. Greek scientist

hero
n. 1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
3 plural usually heros : SUBMARINE 2
4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : IDOL

hero
n. hero worship
hero worshiper
black crowned night heron
blue heron
great blue heron
green heron
green backed heron
night heron

hero worship
1 : veneration of a hero
2 : foolish or excessive adulation for an individual

hero-worship
: to feel or express hero worship for
–hero-worshiper noun

Herod
n. 73-4 B.C. the Great Rom. king of Judea (37-4)

Herod Antipas
21 B.C.-A.D. 39 son of prec. Rom. tetrarch of Galilee (4 B.C.-A.D. 39)

Herodotus
n. ca 484-between 430 and 420 B.C. Greek hist.
–He·rod·o·te·an \-ˌrä-də-'tē-ən\ adjective

heroic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting heroes especially of antiquity
2 a : exhibiting or marked by courage and daring b : supremely noble or self-sacrificing
3 a : of impressive size, power, extent, or effect <heroic doses> <a heroic voice> b (1) : of great intensity : EXTREME, DRASTIC <heroic effort> (2) : of a kind that is likely only to be undertaken to save a life <heroic surgery>
4 : of, relating to, or constituting drama written during the Restoration in heroic couplets and concerned with a conflict between love and honor
–he·ro·ical·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

heroic
adj. 1 : a heroic verse or poem
2 plural a : flamboyantly heroic language or action b : heroic action or behavior c : determined effort especially in the face of difficulty

heroic
adj. heroic couplet
heroic poem
heroic stanza
heroic quatrain
heroic verse
heroic meter
heroic line
mock heroic
mock heroically

heroic couplet
: a rhyming couplet in iambic pentameter

heroic poem
: an epic or a poem in epic style

heroic stanza
: a rhymed quatrain in heroic verse with a rhyme scheme of abab ― called also heroic quatrain

heroic verse
1 : dactylic hexameter especially of epic verse of classical times ― called also heroic meter
2 : the iambic pentameter used especially in English epic poetry during the 17th and 18th centuries ― called also heroic line heroic meter

heroicize
: HEROIZE

heroicomic
: comic by being ludicrously noble, bold, or elevated

heroin
n. : a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C_21H_23NO_5 that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects
–her·o·in·ism \-wə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

heroine
n. 1 a : a mythological or legendary woman having the qualities of a hero b : a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities
2 a : the principal female character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central female figure in an event or period

heroism
n. 1 : heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end
2 : the qualities of a hero

heroize
v. : to make heroic

heron
n. : any of various long-necked and long-legged wading birds (family Ardeidae) with a long tapering bill, large wings, and soft plumage

heron
n. black crowned night heron
blue heron
great blue heron
green heron
green backed heron
night heron

heronry
n. : a heron rookery

herpes
n. : any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin caused by herpesviruses and characterized by clusters of vesicles especially : HERPES SIMPLEX
–her·pet·ic \(ˌ)hər-'pe-tik\ adjective

herpes
n. herpes zoster
genital herpes
herpes simplex

herpes simplex
: either of two diseases caused by a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 1 and Human herpesvirus 2 of the genus Simplexvirus) and marked in one case by groups of watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes (as of the mouth and lips) above the waist and in the other by such blisters on the genitals

herpes zoster
: SHINGLES

herpesvirus
n. : any of a family (Herpesviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses including the causative agents of herpes

herpetology
n. : a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians
–her·pe·to·log·i·cal \-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–her·pe·tol·o·gist \ˌhər-pə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

Herr
n. ― used among German-speaking people as a title equivalent to Mr.

herrenvolk
n. : MASTER RACE

Herrera
Francisco de 1576-ca 1656 el Viejo Span. painter

Herrick
Robert 1591-1674 Eng. poet

herring
n. 1 : either of two food fishes (genus Clupeus): a : one (C. harengus) that is abundant in the temperate and colder parts of the No. Atlantic and that in the adult state is preserved by smoking or salting and in the young state is extensively canned and sold as sardines b : one (C. pallasi syn. C. h. pallasi) of the No. Pacific harvested especially for its roe
2 : any of a large family (Clupeidae) of soft-finned bony fishes (as the herrings, shads, sardines, and menhadens) that have a laterally compressed body and a forked tail and usually occur in schools

herring
n. blueback herring
herring gull
lake herring
red herring

herring gull
: a common large gull (Larus argentatus) of the northern hemisphere that as an adult is largely white with a gray mantle, dark wing tips, pink feet, and yellow bill

herringbone
n. 1 : a pattern made up of rows of parallel lines which in any two adjacent rows slope in opposite directions
2 a : a twilled fabric with a herringbone pattern also : a suit made of this fabric b : a herringbone arrangement (as of materials or parts)
3 : a method in skiing of ascending a slope by herringboning

herringbone
n. 1 : to produce a herringbone pattern on
2 : to arrange in a herringbone pattern
intransitive verb
1 : to produce a herringbone pattern
2 : to ascend a slope by toeing out on skis and placing the weight on the inner side

Herriot
Édouard 1872-1957 Fr. statesman

Herrmann
Bernard 1911-1975 American composer & conductor

hers
pron. : that which belongs to her ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective her

Herschbach
Dudley Robert 1932-     Am. chem.

Herschel
n. Sir John Frederick William 1792-1871 & his father Sir William 1738-1822 Eng. astronomers

herself
pron. 1 : that identical female one ― used reflexively, for emphasis, in absolute constructions, and in place of her especially when joined to another object <she considers herself lucky> <she herself did it> <herself an orphan, she understood the situation> <accepted the award for her colleagues and herself> ― compare 1SHE
2 : her normal, healthy, or sane condition or self
3 chiefly Irish & Scottish : a woman of consequence especially : the mistress of the house

Hersey
John Richard 1914-1993 American nov. & journalist

herstory
n. : HISTORY specifically : history considered or presented from a feminist viewpoint or with special attention to the experience of women

Herten
city W Germany in N. Rhine-Westphalia N of Essen pop 69,374

Herter
Christian Archibald 1895-1966 American diplomat; secy. of state (1959-61)

Hertford
town SE England capital of Hertfordshire pop 21,412

Hertfordshire
n. county SE England area 654 sq mi (1699 sq km), pop 951,500

Hertogenbosch
Hertogenbosch 's
s Hertogenbosch
's Hertogenbosch

Hertogenbosch, 's
― see 'S HERTOGENBOSCH

Herts
n. Hertfordshire

Hertz
n. Gustav Ludwig 1887-1975 Ger. physicist

Hertz
n. Heinrich Rudolf 1857-1894 Ger. physicist

hertz
n. : a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second ― abbreviation Hz

Hertzog
J(ames) B(arry) M(unnik) 1866-1942 So. African gen. & polit.; prime min. (1924-39)

Herzberg
Gerhard 1904-1999 Canad. (Ger.-born) physicist

Herzegovina
n. region S Europe S of Bosnia & NW of Montenegro; part of Bosnia and Herzegovina
–Her·ze·go·vi·nian \ˌhert-sə-gō-'vē-nē-ən, ˌhərt-, -nyən\ noun

Herzl
n. Theodor 1860-1904 Austrian (Hung.-born) Zionist

Heshvan
n. : the second month of the civil year or the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Hesiod
n. fl ca 800 B.C. Greek poet

hesitance
n. : HESITANCY

hesitancy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being hesitant: as a : INDECISION b : RELUCTANCE <took that drastic step only with the greatest hesitancy>
2 : HESITATION 1

hesitant
adj. : tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed
synonyms see DISINCLINED
–hes·i·tant·ly adverb

hesitate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to hold back in doubt or indecision
2 : to delay momentarily : PAUSE
3 : STAMMER
transitive verb : to hold back from in doubt or uncertainty <wouldn't hesitate to commit herself>
–hes·i·tat·er noun
–hes·i·tat·ing·ly \-ˌtā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms HESITATE, WAVER, VACILLATE, FALTER mean to show irresolution or uncertainty. HESITATE implies a pause before deciding or acting or choosing <hesitated before answering the question>. WAVER implies hesitation after seeming to decide and so connotes weakness or a retreat <wavered in his support of the rebels>. VACILLATE implies prolonged hesitation from inability to reach a firm decision <vacillated until events were out of control>. FALTER implies a wavering or stumbling and often connotes nervousness, lack of courage, or outright fear <never once faltered during her testimony>.

hesitation
n. 1 : an act or instance of hesitating
2 : a pausing or faltering in speech

Hesperia
city SE Calif. N of San Bernardino pop 62,582

Hesperian
n. : WESTERN, OCCIDENTAL

Hesperides
n. 1 : a legendary garden at the western extremity of the world producing golden apples
2 : the nymphs in classical mythology who guard with the aid of a dragon a garden in which golden apples grow

hesperidin
n. : a crystalline glycoside C_28H_34O_15 found in most citrus fruits and especially in orange peel

hesperidium
n. : a berry (as an orange or lime) having a leathery rind

Hesperus
n. : EVENING STAR 1

Hess
n. Dame Myra 1890-1965 Eng. pianist

Hess
n. (Walther Richard) Rudolf 1894-1987 Ger. Nazi polit.

Hess
n. Victor Franz 1883-1964 Austrian physicist

Hess
n. Walter Rudolf 1881-1973 Swiss physiol.

Hesse
n. Hermann 1877-1962 Ger. author

Hesse
n. 1 region W cen Germany N of Baden-Württemberg, divided into Hesse-Darmstadt (in the S) & Hesse-Cas·sel \-'ka-səl, -'kä-\ (in the N), the latter being united with Prussia in 1866 as part of the province of Hesse-Nassau along with the duchy of Nassau & the city of Frankfurt am Main
2 state of the Weimar Republic, equivalent to Hesse-Darmstadt
3 state of Germany & formerly of W. Germany including larger part of Hesse-Darmstadt & part of Hesse-Nassau capital Wiesbaden area 8151 sq mi (21,111 sq km), pop 5,763,300

hessian
n. 1 capitalized a : a native of Hesse b : a German mercenary serving in the British forces during the American Revolution broadly : a mercenary soldier
2 chiefly British : BURLAP

Hessian boot
: a high boot that extends to just below the knee and is commonly ornamented with a tassel and that was introduced into England by the Hessians early in the 19th century

Hessian fly
: a small European dipteran fly (Mayetiola destructor) introduced into No. America that is destructive to wheat

hessonite
: a yellow to brown garnet

hest
n. archaic : COMMAND, PRECEPT

Hestia
n. : the Greek goddess of the hearth and chief goddess of domestic activity ― compare VESTA

Heston and Isleworth
former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Hounslow

het
adj. : HETEROSEXUAL
–het adjective

het up
: highly excited : UPSET

hetaera
n. 1 : one of a class of highly cultivated courtesans in ancient Greece
2 : DEMIMONDAINE

heter
1 : other than usual : other : different <heterophyllous>
2 : containing atoms of different kinds <heterocyclic>

hetero
n. : HETEROSEXUAL
–hetero adjective

heteroatom
: an atom other than carbon in the ring of a heterocyclic compound

heterocercal
1 of a fish tail fin : having the upper lobe larger than the lower with the vertebral column extending into the upper lobe
2 : having or relating to a heterocercal tail fin

heterochromatin
n. : densely staining chromatin that appears as nodules in or along chromosomes and contains relatively few genes
–het·ero·chro·mat·ic \-krə-'ma-tik\ adjective

heteroclite
n. 1 : a word irregular in inflection especially : a noun irregular in declension
2 : one that deviates from common forms or rules

heteroclite
n. : deviating from common rules or forms

heterocyclic
adj. : relating to, characterized by, or being a ring composed of atoms of more than one kind
–het·ero·cy·cle \'he-tə-rō-ˌsī-kəl\ noun
–heterocyclic noun

heterocyst
n. : a large transparent thick-walled cell that is found in the filaments of some cyanobacteria and is the site of nitrogen fixation
–het·ero·cys·tous \ˌhe-tə-rō-'sis-təs\ adjective

heterodox
adj. 1 : contrary to or different from an acknowledged standard, a traditional form, or an established religion : UNORTHODOX, UNCONVENTIONAL <a heterodox spirituality> <heterodox ideas>
2 : holding unorthodox opinions or doctrines

heterodoxy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being heterodox
2 : a heterodox opinion or doctrine

heteroduplex
: a nucleic-acid molecule (as DNA) composed of two chains with each derived from a different parent molecule
–heteroduplex adjective

heterodyne
n. : of or relating to the production of an electrical beat between two radio frequencies of which one usually is that of a received signal-carrying current and the other that of an uninterrupted current introduced into the apparatus also : of or relating to the production of a beat between two optical frequencies

heterodyne
n. : to combine (as a radio frequency) with a different frequency so that a beat is produced

heteroecious
adj. : passing through the different stages in the life cycle on alternate and often unrelated hosts <heteroecious aphids>
–het·er·oe·cism \-'rē-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

heterogamete
n. : either of a pair of dissimilar and usually oogamous gametes

heterogametic
adj. : forming two kinds of gametes of which one produces male offspring and the other female offspring <the human male is heterogametic>
–het·ero·gam·e·ty \-'ga-mə-tē\ noun

heterogamous
adj. : having or characterized by fusion of unlike gametes ― compare ANISOGAMOUS, ISOGAMOUS

heterogamy
n. 1 : sexual reproduction involving fusion of unlike gametes often differing in size, structure, and physiology
2 : the condition of reproducing by heterogamy

heterogeneity
n. : the quality or state of being heterogeneous

heterogeneous
adj. : consisting of dissimilar or diverse ingredients or constituents : MIXED
–het·ero·ge·neous·ly adverb
–het·ero·ge·neous·ness noun

heterogenous
adj. : HETEROGENEOUS

heterogeny
: a heterogenous collection or group

heteroglossia
n. : a diversity of voices, styles of discourse, or points of view in a literary work and especially a novel

heterogony
n. 1 : ALTERNATION OF GENERATIONS especially : alternation of a dioecious with a parthenogenetic generation
2 : ALLOMETRY
–het·ero·gon·ic \ˌhe-tə-rə-'gä-nik\ adjective

heterograft
n. : XENOGRAFT

heterokaryon
n. : a cell (as in the mycelium of a fungus) that contains two or more genetically unlike nuclei

heterokaryosis
n. : the condition of having cells that are heterokaryons
–het·ero·kary·ot·ic \-ē-'ä-tik\ adjective

heterologous
adj. : derived from a different species <heterologous DNAs> <heterologous transplants>
–het·er·ol·o·gous·ly adverb

heterolysis
n. : decomposition of a compound into two oppositely charged particles or ions
–het·ero·lyt·ic \-ə-rə-'li-tik\ adjective

heteromorphic
adj. 1 : deviating from the usual form
2 : exhibiting diversity of form or forms <heteromorphic pairs of chromosomes>
–het·ero·mor·phism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun

heteronomous
adj. : subject to external controls and impositions

heteronomy
n. : subjection to something else especially : a lack of moral freedom or self-determination

heteronym
n. : one of two or more homographs (as a bass voice and bass, a fish) that differ in pronunciation and meaning

heterophile
n. : relating to or being any of a group of antigens in organisms of different species that induce the formation of antibodies that will cross-react with the other antigens of the group also : being or relating to any of these antibodies

heterophony
: independent variation on a single melody by two or more voices

heterophyllous
: having the foliage leaves of more than one form on the same plant or stem
–het·ero·phyl·ly \'he-tə-rō-ˌfi-lē\ noun

heteroploid
n. : having a chromosome number that deviates from and is not an integral multiple of the number characteristic of a given species
–heteroploid noun
–het·ero·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

heteropterous
: of or relating to an insect order or suborder (Heteroptera) comprising the true bugs

heterosexism
n. : discrimination or prejudice by heterosexuals against homosexuals
–het·ero·sex·ist \-'sek-sist\ adjective

heterosexual
1 a : of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward the opposite sex b : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between individuals of opposite sex
2 : of or relating to different sexes
–het·ero·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–het·ero·sex·u·al·ly \-'sek-sh(ə-)wə-lē, -'sek-shə-lē\ adverb

heterosexual
n. : a heterosexual person

heterosis
n. : the marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals or plants ― called also hybrid vigor
–het·er·ot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective

heterospory
: the production of microspores and megaspores (as in seed plants)
–het·ero·spo·rous \ˌhe-tə-rə-'spȯr-əs, -'räs-pə-rəs\ adjective

heterothallic
1 : having two or more morphologically similar haploid phases or types of which individuals from the same type are mutually sterile but individuals from different types are cross-fertile <heterothallic fungi> <heterothallic spores>
2 : DIOECIOUS
–het·ero·thal·lism \-'tha-ˌli-zəm\ noun

heterotopic
adj. : occurring in an abnormal place <heterotopic bone formation> <heterotopic liver transplant>

heterotroph
n. : a heterotrophic individual

heterotrophic
adj. : requiring complex organic compounds of nitrogen and carbon (as that obtained from plant or animal matter) for metabolic synthesis ― compare AUTOTROPHIC
–het·ero·tro·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–het·ero·tro·phy \ˌhe-tə-'rä-trə-fē, 'he-tə-rə-ˌtrō-\ noun

heterotypic
adj. : different in kind, arrangement, or form

heterozygosis
n. : HETEROZYGOSITY

heterozygosity
n. : the state of being heterozygous

heterozygote
n. : a heterozygous individual

heterozygous
adj. : having the two alleles at corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes different for one or more loci

heth
: the 8th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

hetman
n. : a Cossack leader

heulandite
: a zeolite consisting of a hydrous aluminosilicate of sodium and calcium

heuristic
n. : involving or serving as an aid to learning, discovery, or problem-solving by experimental and especially trial-and-error methods <heuristic techniques> <a heuristic assumption> also : of or relating to exploratory problem-solving techniques that utilize self-educating techniques (as the evaluation of feedback) to improve performance <a heuristic computer program>
–heu·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

heuristic
n. 1 : the study or practice of heuristic procedure
2 : heuristic argument
3 : a heuristic method or procedure

Hevesy
Georg Karl 1885-1966 Hung. chem.

HEW
v. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

hew
v. transitive verb
1 : to cut with blows of a heavy cutting instrument
2 : to fell by blows of an ax <hew a tree>
3 : to give form or shape to with or as if with heavy cutting blows <hewed their farms from the wilderness ― J. T. Shotwell>
intransitive verb
1 : to make cutting blows
2 : CONFORM, ADHERE <hew to tradition> ― often used in the phrase hew to the line <no pressure⋯on newspapers to hew to the official line ― N.Y. Times Mag.>
–hew·er noun

Hewish
Antony 1924-     Brit. astron.

hex
n. intransitive verb : to practice witchcraft
transitive verb
1 : to put a hex on
2 : to affect as if by an evil spell : JINX <an unscientific fear of hexing the whole project ― Daniel Lang>
–hex·er noun

hex
n. 1 : a person who practices witchcraft : WITCH
2 : SPELL, JINX

hex
n. : HEXAGONAL <a bolt with a hex head>

hex
n. : HEXADECIMAL

hex
n. hexagon

hexa
1 : six <hexaploid>
2 : containing six atoms, groups, or equivalents <hexane>

hexachloroethane
n. : a toxic crystalline compound C_2Cl_6 used especially in smoke bombs and in the control of liver flukes in ruminants

hexachlorophene
n. : a powdered phenolic bacteria-inhibiting agent C_13H_6Cl_6O_2

hexachord
n. : a diatonic series of six tones having a semitone between the third and fourth tones

hexadecimal
adj. : of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of 16
–hexadecimal noun

hexagon
n. : a polygon of six angles and six sides

hexagonal
adj. 1 : having six angles and six sides
2 : having a hexagon as section or base
3 : relating to or being a crystal system characterized by three equal lateral axes intersecting at angles of 60 degrees and a vertical axis of variable length at right angles
–hex·ag·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

hexagram
n. : a plane figure that has the shape of a 6-pointed star, that consists of two intersecting congruent equilateral triangles having the same point as center and their sides parallel, and that can be formed by constructing external equilateral triangles on the sides of a regular hexagon ― compare SOLOMON'S SEAL 2

hexahedron
n. : a polyhedron of six faces (as a cube)

hexahydrate
: a chemical compound with six molecules of water

hexameter
n. : a line of verse consisting of six metrical feet

hexamethonium
n. : either of two compounds C_12H_30Br_2N_2 or C_12H_30Cl_2N_2 used as ganglionic blocking agents in the treatment of hypertension

hexamethylenetetramine
n. : a crystalline compound C_6H_12N_4 used especially as an accelerator in vulcanizing rubber and as a urinary antiseptic ― compare METHENAMINE

hexane
n. : any of several isomeric volatile liquid alkanes C_6H_14 found in petroleum

hexanoic acid
: CAPROIC ACID

hexaploid
n. : having or being six times the monoploid chromosome number
–hexaploid noun
–hexa·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

hexapod
n. : INSECT 1B

hexapod
n. 1 : six-footed
2 : of or relating to insects

Hexateuch
n. : the first six books of the Bible

hexerei
: WITCHCRAFT

hexobarbital
n. : a barbiturate C_12H_16N_2O_3 used as a sedative and hypnotic and in the form of its soluble sodium salt as an intravenous anesthetic of short duration

hexokinase
n. : any of a group of enzymes that accelerate the phosphorylation of hexoses (as in the formation of glucose-6-phosphate from glucose and ATP) in carbohydrate metabolism

hexosaminidase
: either of two hydrolytic enzymes that catalyze the splitting off of a hexose from a ganglioside and are deficient in some metabolic diseases (as Tay-Sachs disease)

hexosan
n. : a polysaccharide yielding only hexoses on hydrolysis

hexose
n. : a monosaccharide (as glucose) containing six carbon atoms in a molecule

hexyl
: any of various isomeric alkyl radicals C_6H_13– derived from hexane

hexylresorcinol
n. : a crystalline phenol C_12H_18O_2 used as an antiseptic and anthelmintic

hey
interj. ― used especially to call attention or to express interrogation, surprise, or exultation

hey presto
British : suddenly as if by magic

heyday
n. archaic ― used to express elation or wonder

heyday
n. 1 archaic : high spirits
2 : the period of one's greatest popularity, vigor, or prosperity

Heydrich
Reinhard 1904-1942 the Hangman Ger. Nazi administrator

Heyerdahl
Thor 1914-2002 Norw. explorer & writer

Heymans
Corneille-Jean-François 1892-1968 Belg. physiol.

Heyward
(Edwin) Du·Bose \dü-'bōz, dyü-\ 1885-1940 American author

Heywood
John 1497?-?1580 Eng. author

Heywood
Thomas 1574?-1641 Eng. dram.

Hezekiah
: a king of Judah under whom the kingdom underwent a ruinous Assyrian invasion at the end of the eighth century B.C.

HF
n. high frequency

Hf
n. hafnium

hf
n. half

Hg
n. mercury

hg
1 hectogram
2 hemoglobin

HGH
human growth hormone

hgt
n. height

hgwy
highway

HH
1 Her Higness; His Highness
2 His Holiness

HHD
doctor of humanities

HHS
Department of Health and Human Services

HI
interj. 1 Hawaii
2 high intensity
3 humidity index

hi
interj. ― used especially as a greeting

hi
interj. hi fi
hi hat
hi tech

hi-fi
1 : HIGH FIDELITY
2 : equipment for reproduction of sound with high fidelity

hi-hat
variant of high hat2

hi-tech
variant of high-tech

Hialeah
city SE Fla. N of Miami pop 226,419

hiatal
adj. : of, relating to, or involving a hiatus

hiatal hernia
: protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus usually with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm ― called also hiatus hernia

hiatus
n. 1 a : a break in or as if in a material object : GAP <the hiatus between the theory and the practice of the party ― J. G. Colton> b : a gap or passage in an anatomical part or organ
2 a : an interruption in time or continuity : BREAK especially : a period when something (as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted <after a 5-year hiatus from writing> b : the occurrence of two vowel sounds without pause or intervening consonantal sound

Hiawatha
: the Indian hero of Longfellow's poem The Song of Hiawatha

Hib
n. : a bacterial serotype (Haemophilus influenzae type B) that causes bacterial meningitis and pneumonia especially in children <Hib disease> <Hib vaccine>

hibachi
n. : a charcoal brazier

hibernaculum
n. : a shelter occupied during the winter by a dormant animal (as an insect or reptile)

hibernal
adj. : of, relating to, or occurring in winter

hibernate
v. 1 : to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
2 : to be or become inactive or dormant
–hi·ber·na·tion \ˌhī-bər-'nā-shən\ noun
–hi·ber·na·tor \'hī-bər-ˌnā-tər\ noun

Hibernia
n. ― see IRELAND 1

Hibernian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Ireland or the Irish

Hibernian
n. : a native or inhabitant of Ireland

Hiberno
1 : Irish and <Hiberno-British>
2 : Irish <Hiberno-English>

Hiberno-English
: the English language spoken in Ireland

hibiscus
n. : any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves

hic
interj. hic jacet
hic et nunc
hic et ubique
hoc opus hic labor est

hic et nunc
: here and now

hic et ubique
: here and everywhere

hic jacet
: EPITAPH

hic jacet
: here lies ― used preceding a name on a tombstone

hiccup
n. 1 : a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound
2 : an attack of hiccuping ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
3 a : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction <a few hiccups in the computer system> b : a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change <a hiccup in the stock market>

hiccup
: to make a hiccup also : to be affected with hiccups

hick
n. : an unsophisticated provincial person
–hick·ish \'hi-kish\ adjective

hick
n. : UNSOPHISTICATED, PROVINCIAL <a hick town>

hickey
n. : GADGET

hickey
n. 1 a : PIMPLE b : a temporary red mark or bruise on the skin (as one produced by biting and sucking)
2 plural also hick·ies : a small imperfection in printing

Hickok
James Butler 1837-1876 Wild Bill Hickok American scout & U.S. marshal

Hickory
n. city W cen N.C. pop 37,222

hickory
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Carya) of No. American hardwood trees of the walnut family that often have sweet edible nuts b : the usually tough wood of a hickory
2 : a switch or cane (as of hickory wood) used especially for punishing a child
–hickory adjective

Hicks
n. Edward 1780-1849 American painter

hid
: HIDDEN

Hidalgo
n. state cen Mexico capital Pachuca area 8103 sq mi (20,987 sq km), pop 1,888,366

hidalgo
n. : a member of the lower nobility of Spain

Hidatsa
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Missouri River valley in No. Dakota
2 : the Siouan language of the Hidatsa

hidden
adj. 1 : being out of sight or not readily apparent : CONCEALED
2 : OBSCURE, UNEXPLAINED, UNDISCLOSED
–hid·den·ness \-nəs\ noun

hidden agenda
: an ulterior motive

hidden tax
1 : a tax that is ultimately paid by someone other than the person on whom it is levied
2 : an economic inequity that reduces one's real income or buying power

hiddenite
: a transparent usually green spodumene valued as a gem

hide
n. : any of various old English units of land area especially : a unit of 120 acres

hide
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put out of sight : SECRETE b : to conceal for shelter or protection : SHIELD
2 : to keep secret <hide the truth>
3 : to screen from or as if from view : OBSCURE
4 : to turn (the eyes or face) away in shame or anger
intransitive verb
1 : to remain out of sight ― often used with out
2 : to seek protection or evade responsibility
–hid·er \'hī-dər\ noun
synonyms HIDE, CONCEAL, SCREEN, SECRETE, BURY mean to withhold or withdraw from sight. HIDE may or may not suggest intent <hide in the closet> <a house hidden in the woods>. CONCEAL usually does imply intent and often specif. implies a refusal to divulge <concealed the weapon>. SCREEN implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery <a house screened by trees>. SECRETE suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others <secreted the amulet inside his shirt>. BURY implies covering up so as to hide completely <buried the treasure>.

hide
n. chiefly British : BLIND 2

hide
n. 1 : the skin of an animal whether raw or dressed ― used especially of large heavy skins
2 : the life or physical well-being of a person <betrayed his friend to save his own hide>
–hide or hair or hide nor hair : a vestige or trace of someone or something <a wife he hadn't seen hide or hair of in over 20 years ― H. L. Davis>

hide
n. : to give a beating to : FLOG

hide
n. hide nor hair
hide or hair
hide and seek
hidden agenda
hidden tax

hide or hair
or hide nor hair : a vestige or trace of someone or something <a wife he hadn't seen hide or hair of in over 20 years ― H. L. Davis>

hide-and-seek
: a children's game in which one player does not look while others hide and then goes to find them

hideaway
n. : RETREAT, HIDEOUT

hidebound
adj. 1 of a domestic animal : having a dry skin lacking in pliancy and adhering closely to the underlying flesh
2 : having an inflexible or ultraconservative character

hideous
adj. 1 : offensive to the senses and especially to sight : exceedingly ugly
2 : morally offensive : SHOCKING
–hid·eos·ity \ˌhi-dē-'ä-sə-tē\ noun
–hid·eous·ly adverb
–hid·eous·ness noun

hideout
n. : a place of refuge, retreat, or concealment

hidey-hole
: HIDEAWAY

hie
v. intransitive verb : to go quickly : HASTEN
transitive verb : to cause (oneself) to go quickly

hierarch
n. 1 : a religious leader in a position of authority
2 : a person high in a hierarchy
–hi·er·ar·chal \ˌhī-(ə-)'rär-kəl\ adjective

hierarchical
adj. : of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
–hi·er·ar·chi·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hierarchize
v. : to arrange in a hierarchy
–hi·er·ar·chi·za·tion \ˌhī-(ə-)ˌrär-kə-'zā-shən, -ˌkī-'zā-\ noun

hierarchy
n. 1 : a division of angels
2 a : a ruling body of clergy organized into orders or ranks each subordinate to the one above it especially : the bishops of a province or nation b : church government by a hierarchy
3 : a body of persons in authority
4 : the classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic, social, or professional standing also : the group so classified
5 : a graded or ranked series <a hierarchy of values>

hieratic
adj. 1 : constituting or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing simpler than the hieroglyphic
2 : SACERDOTAL
3 : highly stylized or formal <hieratic poses>
–hi·er·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Hiero
d 467(or 466) B.C. tyrant of Syracuse (478-467 or 466)

hierodule
: a slave or prostitute in the service of a temple (as in ancient Greece)

hieroglyph
n. 1 : a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing
2 : something that resembles a hieroglyph

hieroglyphic
1 : written in, constituting, or belonging to a system of writing mainly in pictorial characters
2 : inscribed with hieroglyphic
3 : resembling hieroglyphic in difficulty of decipherment
–hi·ero·glyph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hieroglyphic
adj. 1 : HIEROGLYPH
2 : a system of hieroglyphic writing specifically : the picture script of the ancient Egyptian priesthood ― often used in plural but singular or plural in construction
3 : something that resembles a hieroglyph especially in difficulty of decipherment

Hieronymus
Saint Eusebius ― see JEROME

hierophant
n. 1 : a priest in ancient Greece specifically : the chief priest of the Eleusinian mysteries
2 a : EXPOSITOR b : ADVOCATE 2
–hi·ero·phan·tic \ˌhī-(ə-)rə-'fan-tik, (ˌ)hī-ˌer-ə-\ adjective

Hierosolyma
― see JERUSALEM

Hierro
island Spain; westernmost of the Canary Islands area 107 sq mi (278 sq km)

hifalutin
variant of highfalutin

Higashiosaka
city Japan in S Honshu, suburb of Osaka pop 515,094

Higginson
Thomas Wentworth Storrow 1823-1911 American clergyman & writer

higgle
v. : HAGGLE
–hig·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

higgledy-piggledy
: in a confused, disordered, or random manner <tiny hovels piled higgledy-piggledy against each other ― Edward Behr>
–higgledy-piggledy adjective

Higgs boson
: a hypothetical elementary particle that has zero spin and large mass and that is required by some gauge theories to account for the masses of other elementary particles

Higgs field
: a hypothetical physical field that endows elementary particles with mass and that is mediated by the Higgs boson

high
n. 1 a : having large extension upward : taller than average, usual, or expected <a high wall> b : having a specified elevation : TALL <six feet high> ― often used in combinations <sky-high> <waist-high> c : situated or passing above the normal level, surface, base of measurement, or elevation <the high desert>
2 a (1) : advanced toward the acme or culmination <high summer> (2) : advanced toward the most active or culminating period <on the Riviera during high season> (3) : constituting the late, most fully developed, or most creative stage or period <high Gothic> (4) : advanced in complexity, development, or elaboration <the higher primates including humans> <higher mathematics> b : verging on lateness ― usually used in the phrase high time c : long past : REMOTE <high antiquity>
3 : elevated in pitch <a high note>
4 : relatively far from the equator <high latitude>
5 : rich in quality : LUXURIOUS <high living>
6 : slightly tainted <high game> also : MALODOROUS <smelled rather high>
7 : exalted in character : NOBLE <high purposes>
8 : of greater degree, amount, cost, value, or content than average, usual, or expected <high prices>
9 : of relatively great importance: as a : foremost in rank, dignity, or standing <high officials> b : SERIOUS, GRAVE <high crimes> c : observed with the utmost solemnity <high religious observances> d : CRITICAL, CLIMACTIC <the high point of the novel> e : intellectually or artistically of the first order <high culture> f : marked by sublime, heroic, or stirring events or subject matter <high tragedy> <high adventure>
10 : FORCIBLE, STRONG <high winds>
11 : stressing matters of doctrine and ceremony specifically : HIGH CHURCH
12 a : filled with or expressing great joy or excitement <high spirits> b : INTOXICATED also : excited or stupefied by or as if by a drug
13 : articulated with some part of the tongue close to the palate <a high vowel>
–high on : enthusiastically in approval or support of
synonyms HIGH, TALL, LOFTY mean above the average in height. HIGH implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level <a high hill> <a high ceiling>. TALL applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness <a tall thin man>. LOFTY suggests great or imposing altitude <lofty mountain peaks>.

high
n. 1 : at or to a high place, altitude, level, or degree <climbed higher> <passions ran high>
2 : WELL, LUXURIOUSLY ― often used in the phrases high off the hog and high on the hog

high
n. 1 : an elevated place or region: as a : HILL, KNOLL b : the space overhead : SKY ― usually used with on c : HEAVEN ― usually used with on
2 : a region of high barometric pressure ― called also anticyclone
3 a : a high point or level : HEIGHT <sales reached a new high> b : the transmission gear of a vehicle (as an automobile) giving the highest speed of travel
4 a : an excited, euphoric, or stupefied state produced by or as if by a drug b : a state of elation or high spirits

high
n. extremely high frequency
fly high
hell or high water
high on
high altar
high analysis
high and dry
high and low
high and mighty
high beam
high blood pressure
high chair
High Church
High Churchman
high class
high comedy
high command
high commissioner
high concept
high count
high court
high definition
high density lipoprotein
high end
high energy
high energy physics
high explosive
high fashion
high fidelity
high five
high flown
high flying
high frequency
high gear
High German
high grade
high grading
high ground
high handed
high handedness
high handedly
high hat
high heels
High Holiday
high horse
high jinks
high jump
high jumper
high level
high low jack
high mass
high minded
high mindedness
high mindedly
high muck a muck
high muckety muck
high noon
high octane
high pitched
high place
high polymer
high powered
high power
high pressure
high priest
high priesthood
high priestess
high relief
high rise
high road
high roller
high rolling
high school
high schooler
high sea
high sign
high sounding
high speed
high spirited
high spiritedness
high spiritedly
high sticking
high street
high strung
high style
high table
high tea
high tech
high technology
high tension
high test
high ticket
high tide
high toned
high top
high tops
high treason
high voltage
high water
high water mark
high wire
high wrought
high yellow
high yaller
hit the high points
hit the high spots
junior high school
junior high
knee high
Middle High German
Old High German
ride high
runner's high
senior high school
sky high
very high frequency
High Atlas
High Plains
High Point
High Sierra
High Wycombe
higher criticism
higher critic
higher education
higher law
higher learning
higher up

high altar
: the principal altar in a church

high analysis
of a fertilizer : containing more than 20 percent of total plant nutrients

high and dry
1 : being out of reach of the current or tide or out of the water
2 : being in a helpless or abandoned position

high and low
: EVERYWHERE

High Atlas
― see ATLAS MOUNTAINS

high beam
: a vehicle headlight beam with a long-range focus

high blood pressure
: abnormally elevated blood pressure especially of the arteries also : HYPERTENSION

high chair
: a child's chair with long legs, a footrest, and usually a feeding tray

High Church
: favoring especially in Anglican worship the sacerdotal, liturgical, ceremonial, and traditional elements in worship

High Churchman
: an Anglican who adheres to High Church elements in worship

high comedy
: comedy employing subtle characterizations and witty dialogue ― compare LOW COMEDY

high command
1 : the supreme headquarters of a military force
2 : the highest leaders in an organization

high commissioner
: a principal or a high-ranking commissioner especially : an ambassadorial representative of the government of one country stationed in another

high court
: SUPREME COURT

high explosive
: an explosive (as TNT) that generates gas with extreme rapidity and has a shattering effect

high fashion
1 : HIGH STYLE
2 : HAUTE COUTURE

high fidelity
: the reproduction of an effect (as sound or an image) that is very faithful to the original
–high-fidelity adjective

high five
: a slapping of upraised right hands by two people (as in celebration)
–high-five verb

high frequency
: a radio frequency between very high frequency and medium frequency ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

high gear
1 : HIGH 3B
2 : a state of intense or maximum activity ― usually used with into or in <a project in high gear>

High German
1 : German as natively used in southern and central Germany
2 : GERMAN 3B

high ground
: a position of advantage or superiority especially : an ethically superior position <took the moral high ground during the debate>

high hat
1 : 1BEAVER 2
2 or hi-hat : a pair of cymbals operated by a foot pedal

high heels
: shoes with high heels

High Holiday
: either of two important Jewish holidays: a : ROSH HASHANAH b : YOM KIPPUR

high horse
: an arrogant and unyielding mood or attitude

high jinks
: boisterous or rambunctious carryings-on : carefree antics or horseplay

high jump
: a jump for height over a horizontal bar in a track-and-field contest
–high-jump transitive verb
–high jumper noun

high mass
: a mass marked by the singing of prescribed parts by the celebrant and the choir or congregation

high noon
1 : precisely noon
2 : the most advanced, flourishing, or creative stage or period <the high noon of her career>
3 : the time of a decisive confrontation or contest

high on
enthusiastically in approval or support of

high place
: a temple or altar used by the ancient Semites and built usually on a hill or elevation

High Plains
the Great Plains especially from Nebr. southward

High Point
city N cen N.C. SW of Greensboro pop 85,839

high polymer
: a substance (as polystyrene) consisting of molecules that are large multiples of units of low molecular weight

high priest
1 : a chief priest especially of the ancient Jewish Levitical priesthood traditionally traced from Aaron
2 : a priest of the Melchizedek priesthood in the Mormon Church
3 : the head of a movement or chief exponent of a doctrine or an art
–high priesthood noun

high priestess
: a chief priestess

high relief
: sculptural relief in which at least half of the circumference of the modeled form projects ― compare BAS-RELIEF

high road
1 : HIGHWAY
2 : the easiest course
3 : an ethical course

high roller
1 : a person who spends freely in luxurious living
2 : a person who gambles recklessly or for high stakes
–high-rolling adjective

high school
: a school especially in the U.S. usually including grades 9-12 or 10-12
–high school·er \-'skü-lər\ noun

high school
: a system of advanced exercises in horsemanship

high sea
: the open part of a sea or ocean especially outside territorial waters ― usually used in plural

High Sierra
the Sierra Nevada (in Calif.)

high sign
: a gesture used as a signal (as of approval or warning) ― usually used in the phrase give the high sign

high street
British : a main or principal street

high style
: the newest style in fashion or design usually adopted by a limited number of people

high table
: an elevated table in the dining room of a British college for use by the master and fellows and distinguished guests

high tea
: a fairly substantial late afternoon or early evening meal at which tea is served

high tech
1 : HIGH TECHNOLOGY
2 : a style of interior design featuring industrial products, materials, or designs
–high-tech also hi-tech adjective

high technology
: scientific technology involving the production or use of advanced or sophisticated devices especially in the fields of electronics and computers

high tide
1 : the tide when the water is at its greatest elevation
2 : culminating point : CLIMAX <the hide tide of the war effort>

high treason
: TREASON 2

high water
: a high stage of the water in a river or lake also : HIGH TIDE 1

High Wycombe
town SE cen England in Buckinghamshire WNW of London pop 60,516

high yellow
often offensive : a black person of light complexion ― called also high yal·ler \-'ya-lər\

high-and-mighty
: ARROGANT, IMPERIOUS

high-class
: of superior quality or status

high-concept
: having or exploiting elements (as fast action, glamour, or suspense) that appeal to a wide audience <high-concept movies>

high-count
: having a large number of warp and weft yarns to the square inch <high-count percale sheeting>

high-definition
: being or relating to an often digital television system that has twice as many scan lines per frame as a conventional system, a proportionally sharper image, and a wide-screen format

high-density lipoprotein
: HDL

high-end
1 : UPSCALE <high-end boutiques>
2 : of superior quality or sophistication and usually high in price <high-end cameras>

high-energy
1 a : having such speed and kinetic energy as to exhibit relativistic departure from classical laws of motion ― used especially of elementary particles whose velocity has been imparted by an accelerator b : of or relating to high-energy particles
2 : yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis

high-energy physics
: PARTICLE PHYSICS

high-flown
1 : exceedingly or excessively high or favorable
2 : having an excessively embellished or inflated character : PRETENTIOUS <high-flown language>

high-flying
1 : marked by extravagance, pretension, or excessive ambition
2 : rising to considerable height

high-grade
1 : of superior grade or quality <high-grade bonds>
2 a : being near the upper or most favorable extreme of a specified range b : medically serious or life-threatening <a high-grade tumor>

high-grading
: the practice of selecting only the most healthy or valuable individuals in harvesting a natural resource (as timber or fish)

high-handed
: having or showing no regard for the rights, concerns, or feelings of others : ARBITRARY, OVERBEARING
–high-hand·ed·ly adverb
–high-hand·ed·ness noun

high-hat
: SUPERCILIOUS, SNOBBISH
–high-hat transitive verb

high-level
1 : occurring, done, or placed at a high level
2 : being of high importance or rank <high-level diplomats>
3 : of, relating to, or being a computer programming language (as BASIC or Pascal) which is similar to a natural language (as English) and in which each statement is translated by a compiler usually into several machine language instructions
4 : relating to or being nuclear waste that contains highly concentrated radioactive components which are environmentally hazardous

high-low-jack
: an all-fours game in which scores are made by winning the highest trump, the lowest trump, the jack of trumps, and either the ten of trumps or the most points

high-minded
: marked by elevated principles and feelings also : PRETENTIOUS <too high-minded to read any fiction ― Alfred Kazin>
–high-mind·ed·ly adverb
–high-mind·ed·ness noun

high-muck-a-muck
: MUCKETY-MUCK

high-octane
1 : having a high octane number and hence good antiknock properties <high-octane gasoline>
2 : very powerful, strong, or effective <high-octane football> <high-octane coffee>

high-pitched
1 : having a high pitch <a high-pitched voice>
2 : marked by or exhibiting strong feeling : AGITATED <a high-pitched, almost frantic campaign ― Geoffrey Rice>

high-powered
1 : having great drive, energy, or capacity : DYNAMIC <a high-powered executive>
2 : having or conferring great influence <a high-powered job>

high-pressure
1 a : having or involving a high or comparatively high pressure especially greatly exceeding that of the atmosphere b : having a high barometric pressure
2 a : using or involving aggressive and insistent sales techniques b : imposing or involving severe strain or tension <high-pressure occupations>

high-pressure
: to sell or influence by high-pressure tactics

high-rise
1 : being multistory and equipped with elevators <high-rise apartments>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by high-rise buildings
–high-rise \'hī-ˌ\ noun

high-sounding
: POMPOUS, IMPOSING

high-speed
1 : operated or adapted for operation at high speed
2 : relating to the production of short-exposure photographs of rapidly moving objects or events of short duration

high-spirited
: characterized by a bold or energetic spirit
–high-spir·it·ed·ly adverb
–high-spir·it·ed·ness noun

high-sticking
: the act of carrying the blade of the stick at an illegal height in ice hockey

high-strung
: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament

high-tension
: having or using a high voltage

high-test
: meeting a high standard also : HIGH-OCTANE

high-ticket
: EXPENSIVE 2

high-toned
1 : high in social, moral, or intellectual quality
2 : PRETENTIOUS, POMPOUS

high-top
: extending up over the ankle <high-top sneakers>
–high-tops noun plural

high-voltage
: marked by great energy : ELECTRIC, DYNAMIC <a high-voltage performance>

high-water
: unusually short <high-water pants>

high-water mark
: highest point : PEAK

high-wire
1 : involving great risk <a financial high-wire act>
2 : DARING <high-wire prose>

high-wrought
: extremely agitated

highball
n. 1 : an iced drink containing liquor (as whiskey) and water or a carbonated beverage (as ginger ale) and served in a tall glass
2 : a railroad signal for a train to proceed at full speed

highball
n. : to go at full or high speed <a highballing express train>

highbinder
n. 1 : a professional killer operating in the Chinese quarter of an American city
2 : a corrupt politician

highborn
adj. : of noble birth

highboy
n. : a tall chest of drawers with a legged base

highbred
adj. : coming from superior stock

highbrow
n. : a person who possesses or has pretensions to superior learning or culture
–highbrow adjective
–high·browed \-ˌbrau̇d\ adjective
–high·brow·ism \-ˌbrau̇-ˌi-zəm\ noun

highbush
: forming a notably tall or erect bush also : borne on a highbush plant

highbush blueberry
: a variable moisture-loving No. American shrub (Vaccinium corymbosum) that is the source of most cultivated blueberries also : its fruit

highbush cranberry
: a shrubby or arborescent viburnum (Viburnum opulus) of No. America and Europe with prominently 3-lobed leaves and red fruit ― called also cranberry bush

higher criticism
: study of biblical writings to determine their literary history and the purpose and meaning of the authors ― compare LOWER CRITICISM
–higher critic noun

higher education
: education beyond the secondary level especially : education provided by a college or university

higher law
: a principle of divine or moral law that is considered to be superior to constitutions and enacted legislation

higher learning
: education, learning, or scholarship on the collegiate or university level

higher-up
: a superior officer or official

highfalutin
adj. 1 : PRETENTIOUS, FANCY
2 : expressed in or marked by the use of high-flown bombastic language : POMPOUS

highflier
n. 1 : a stock whose price rises much more rapidly than the market average
2 : a company whose stock is a highflier
3 : an ambitiously competitive person with high aspirations

highjack
n. variant of hijack

Highland
n. 1 city SE Calif. E of San Bernardino pop 44,605
2 town NW Ind. S of Hammond pop 23,546
3 administrative area N Scotland area 9806 sq mi (25,398 sq km)

highland
n. : elevated or mountainous land

highland
n. 1 : of or relating to a highland
2 capitalized : of or relating to the Highlands of Scotland

highland
n. Highland fling
West Highland white terrier
Highland Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Highlands of Navesink
Highlands of the Hudson
Navesink Highlands of
Navesink Highlands

Highland fling
: a lively Scottish folk dance

Highland Park
city NE Ill. N of Chicago pop 31,365

highlander
n. 1 : an inhabitant of a highland
2 capitalized : an inhabitant of the Highlands of Scotland

Highlands
n. the chiefly mountainous N part of Scotland N of a line connecting Firth of Clyde & Firth of Tay

Highlands
n. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Highlands of Navesink
Highlands of the Hudson
Navesink Highlands of
Navesink Highlands

Highlands of Navesink
n. ― see NAVESINK (Highlands of)

Highlands of the Hudson
hilly region SE N.Y. on both sides of Hudson River; includes Storm King (W of the Hudson) 1355 ft (413 m)

highlife
n. : dance music of West African origin that combines syncopated African rhythms with elements of jazz

highlight
n. 1 : the lightest spot or area (as in a painting) : any of several spots in a modeled drawing or painting that receives the greatest amount of illumination
2 : something (as an event or detail) that is of major significance or special interest

highlight
n. 1 : to throw a strong light on
2 a : to center attention on b : to constitute a highlight of
3 a : to mark (text) with a highlighter b : to cause (as text or an icon) to be displayed in a way that stands out on a computer screen

highlighter
n. : a pen with a broad felt tip and brightly colored transparent ink for marking selected passages in a text

highly
adv. 1 : in or to a high place, level, or rank
2 : in or to a high degree or amount
3 : with approval : FAVORABLY

highness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being high
2 ― used as a title for a person of exalted rank (as a king or prince)

highspot
n. : HIGHLIGHT 2

hight
adj. archaic : being called : NAMED

hightail
v. : to move at full speed or rapidly often in making a retreat ― usually used with it <hightailed it out of there>

highway
n. : a public way especially : a main direct road

highway
n. interstate highway
highway robbery
infobahn information highway

highway robbery
1 : robbery committed on or near a public highway usually against travelers
2 : excessive profit or advantage derived from a business transaction

highwayman
n. : a thief who robs travelers on a road

Hiiumaa
island Estonia in Baltic Sea N of Sarema Is. area 373 sq mi (966 sq km)

hijack
n. 1 a : to steal by stopping a vehicle on the highway b : to commandeer (a flying airplane) especially by coercing the pilot at gunpoint c : to stop and steal from (a vehicle in transit) d : KIDNAP
2 a : to steal or rob as if by hijacking b : to subject to extortion or swindling
–hijack noun
–hi·jack·er noun

Hijaz, Al
― see HEJAZ

hijinks
variant of high jinks

hike
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to go on a hike b : to travel by any means
2 : to rise up especially : to work upward out of place <skirt had hiked up in back>
transitive verb
1 a : to move, pull, or raise with a sudden motion <hiked himself onto the top bunk> b : SNAP 6B c : to raise in amount sharply or suddenly <hike rents>
2 : to take on a hike
3 : to traverse on a hike <hike a trail>
–hik·er noun

hike
n. 1 : a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise
2 : an increase especially in quantity or amount <a new wage hike>
3 : SNAP 11

hilar
: of, relating to, or located near a hilum

hilarious
adj. : marked by or causing hilarity : extremely funny
–hi·lar·i·ous·ly adverb
–hi·lar·i·ous·ness noun

hilarity
n. : boisterous and high-spirited merriment or laughter

Hilbert
David 1862-1943 Ger. math.

Hilbert space
: a vector space for which a scalar product is defined and in which every Cauchy sequence composed of elements in the space converges to a limit in the space

Hildebrand
― see Pope GREGORY VII

Hildesheim
city N cen Germany SSE of Hannover pop 105,674

hilding
archaic : a base contemptible person

Hill
n. Ambrose Powell 1825-1865 American Confed. gen.

Hill
n. Archibald Vivian 1886-1977 Eng. physiol.

Hill
n. James Jerome 1838-1916 American (Canad.-born) financier

Hill
n. Sir Rowland 1795-1879 Eng. postal reformer

hill
n. 1 : a usually rounded natural elevation of land lower than a mountain
2 : an artificial heap or mound (as of earth)
3 : several seeds or plants planted in a group rather than a row
4 : SLOPE, INCLINE

hill
n. 1 : to form into a heap
2 : to draw earth around the roots or base of
–hill·er noun

hill
n. Broken Hill
bunny hill
Capitol Hill
hill climb
hill mynah
Hill reaction
over the hill
Bunker Hill
Cedar Hill
Chapel Hill
Morgan Hill
Pleasant Hill
Richmond Hill
Rock Hill
San Juan Hill
Smoky Hill
Alban Hills
Berkshire Hills
Beverly Hills
Black Hills
Cheviot Hills
Chiltern Hills
Chin Hills
Chino Hills
Clee Hills
Cotswold Hills
Euganean Hills
Farmington Hills
Grampian Hills
Halton Hills
Jaintia Hills
Khasi Hills
Laguna Hills
Lake in the Hills
Malvern Hills
Naga Hills
Nilgiri Hills
North Richland Hills
Pentland Hills
Rochester Hills
Valdai Hills
Vestavia Hills

hill climb
: a road race for automobiles or motorcycles in which competitors are individually timed up a hill

hill mynah
: a largely black Asian mynah (Gracula religiosa) often tamed and taught to pronounce words

Hill reaction
: the light-dependent transfer of electrons by chloroplasts in photosynthesis that results in the cleavage of water molecules and liberation of oxygen

Hillary
n. Sir Edmund Percival 1919-     N.Z. mountaineer & explorer

hillbilly
n. : a person from a backwoods area

hillbilly music
: COUNTRY MUSIC

hillcrest
: the top line of a hill

Hillel
n. 1st cent. B.C.-1st cent. A.D. Jewish teacher

Hilliard
Nicholas 1547-1619 Eng. painter

Hilliard
city cen Ohio, a suburb of Columbus pop 24,230

Hillingdon
borough of W Greater London, England pop 225,800

Hillman
Sidney 1887-1946 American labor leader

hillock
n. : a small hill
–hill·ocky \-lə-kē\ adjective

Hillsboro
city NW Oreg. W of Portland pop 70,186

hillside
n. : a part of a hill between the top and the foot

hillslope
: HILLSIDE

hilltop
n. : the highest part of a hill

hilly
adj. : abounding in hills

Hilo
city & port Hawaii in E Hawaii (island) pop 40,759

hilt
n. : a handle especially of a sword or dagger
–to the hilt
1 : to the very limit : COMPLETELY <the farm was mortgaged to the hilt>
2 : with nothing lacking <played the role to the hilt>

Hilton
n. Conrad Nicholson 1887-1979 American hotelier

Hilton
n. James 1900-1954 Eng. nov.

Hilton Head Island
island comprising a town off S.C. coast pop 33,862

hilum
n. 1 : a scar on a seed (as a bean) marking the point of attachment of the ovule
2 : a notch in or opening from a bodily part suggesting the hilum of a bean

Hilversum
city cen Netherlands in N. Holland SE of Amsterdam pop 83,096

him
pron. objective case of he

him/her
objective case of he/she

Himachal Pradesh
state NW India NW of Uttar Pradesh capital Shimla area 21,490 sq mi (55,659 sq km), pop 6,077,248

Himalayan
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the Himalayas
2 : enormously large : MOUNTAINOUS <a task of Himalayan proportions>

Himalayan
adj. : any of a breed of domestic cats developed by crossing the Persian and the Siamese and having the stocky build and long thick coat of the former and the blue eyes and coat patterns of the latter

Himalayas, the
mountains S Asia on border bet. India & Tibet & in Kashmir, Nepal, & Bhutan ― see EVEREST (Mount)

himation
n. : a rectangular cloth draped over the left shoulder and about the body and worn as a garment in ancient Greece

Himeji
city Japan in W Honshu pop 478,309

Himmler
n. Heinrich 1900-1945 Ger. Nazi polit.

himself
pron. 1 a : that identical male one ― used reflexively, for emphasis, in absolute constructions, and in place of him especially when joined to another object <he considers himself lucky> <he himself did it> <himself unhappy, he understood the situation> <a gift to his wife and himself> ― compare 1HE b ― used reflexively when the sex of the antecedent is unspecified <everyone must fend for himself>
2 : his normal, healthy, or sane condition or self <hasn't been himself lately>
3 chiefly Irish & Scottish : a man of consequence especially : the master of the house

hin
n. : an ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure equal to about 1.5 U.S. gallons (5.7 liters)

Hinayana
n. : THERAVADA
–Hi·na·ya·nist \-'yä-nist\ noun
–Hi·na·ya·nis·tic \-yä-'nis-tik\ adjective

hinc illae lacrimae
: hence those tears

hind
n. 1 : the female of the red deer ― compare HART
2 : any of various spotted groupers (esp. genus Epinephelus)

hind
n. 1 : a British farm assistant
2 archaic : RUSTIC

hind
n. : of or forming the part that follows or is behind : REAR <the dog's hind legs>

hind wing
: either of the posterior wings of a 4-winged insect

hindbrain
n. 1 : the posterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes the cerebellum, the medulla oblongata, and in mammals the pons and that controls autonomic functions and equilibrium ― called also rhombencephalon ― compare METENCEPHALON, MYELENCEPHALON
2 : the posterior segment of the brain of an invertebrate

Hindemith
Paul 1895-1963 American (Ger.-born) violist & composer

Hindenburg
n. Paul von 1847-1934 Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg Ger. field marshal; pres. of Germany (1925-34)

Hindenburg
n. ― see ZABRZE

hinder
v. transitive verb
1 : to make slow or difficult the progress of : HAMPER
2 : to hold back : CHECK
intransitive verb : to delay, impede, or prevent action
–hin·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
synonyms HINDER, IMPEDE, OBSTRUCT, BLOCK mean to interfere with the activity or progress of. HINDER stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress <rain hindered the climb>. IMPEDE implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering <tight clothing that impedes movement>. OBSTRUCT implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way <the view was obstructed by billboards>. BLOCK implies complete obstruction to passage or progress <a landslide blocked the road>.

hinder
v. : situated behind or in the rear : POSTERIOR

hindgut
n. : the posterior part of the alimentary canal also : INTESTINE

Hindi
adj. 1 : a literary and official language of northern India
2 : a complex of Indo-Aryan languages and dialects of northern India for which Hindi is the usual literary language
–Hindi adjective

hindmost
adj. : farthest to the rear : LAST

hindquarter
n. 1 : one side of the back half of the carcass of a quadruped including a leg and usually one or more ribs
2 plural : the hind pair of legs of a quadruped broadly : all the structures of a quadruped that lie posterior to the attachment of the hind legs to the trunk

hindrance
n. 1 : the state of being hindered
2 : IMPEDIMENT
3 : the action of hindering

hindsight
n. : perception of the nature of an event after it has happened

Hindu
n. 1 : an adherent of Hinduism
2 : a native or inhabitant of India

Hindu
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Hindus or Hinduism

Hindu
n. Hindu Arabic
Hindu calendar
Hindu Kush

Hindu calendar
: a lunar calendar usually dating from 3101 B.C. and used especially in India

Hindu Kush
mountain range cen Asia SW of the Pamirs on border of Kashmir & in Afghanistan ― see TIRICH MIR

Hindu-Arabic
: relating to, being, or composed of Arabic numerals <Hindu-Arabic numeration system>

Hinduism
n. : the dominant religion of India that emphasizes dharma with its resulting ritual and social observances and often mystical contemplation and ascetic practices

Hindustan
n. 1 region N India N of the Deccan including the plain drained by the Indus, the Ganges, & the Brahmaputra
2 the subcontinent of India
3 the Republic of India

Hindustani
adj. : a group of Indo-Aryan dialects of northern India of which literary Hindi and Urdu are considered diverse written forms

Hindustani
adj. : of or relating to Hindustan or its people or Hindustani

Hinesville
town SE Ga. pop 30,392

hinge
n. 1 a : a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns b : a flexible ligamentous joint c : a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album
2 : a determining factor : TURNING POINT

hinge
n. intransitive verb : to be contingent on a single consideration or point ― used with on or upon <the prosecution's case hinges on the DNA evidence>
transitive verb : to attach by or furnish with hinges

hinge
n. butt hinge
hinge joint
piano hinge

hinge joint
: a joint between bones (as at the elbow) that permits motion in only one plane

hinky
adj. 1 slang : NERVOUS, JITTERY
2 slang : SUSPICIOUS

hinny
n. : a hybrid between a stallion and a female donkey ― compare MULE

Hinshelwood
Sir Cyril Norman 1897-1967 Brit. chem.

hint
n. 1 archaic : OPPORTUNITY, TURN
2 a : a statement conveying by implication what it is preferred not to say explicitly b : an indirect or summary suggestion <helpful hints>
3 : a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : CLUE
4 : a very small amount : SUGGESTION <with just a hint of spice>

hint
n. : to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly <a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint>
intransitive verb : to give a hint ― usually used with at <hint at the answer>
synonyms see SUGGEST
–hint·er noun

hinterland
n. 1 : a region lying inland from a coast
2 a : a region remote from urban areas b : a region lying beyond major metropolitan or cultural centers

hip
n. : ROSE HIP

hip
n. 1 a : the laterally projecting region of each side of the lower or posterior part of the mammalian trunk formed by the lateral parts of the pelvis and upper part of the femur together with the fleshy parts covering them b : HIP JOINT
2 : the external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof that have their wall plates running in different directions

hip
n. ― used in a cheer <hip hip hooray>

hip
n. 1 a : having or showing awareness of or involvement in the newest developments or styles <hip musicians> b : very fashionable : TRENDY <hip clothes>
2 : aware or appreciative of something ― used with to <got hip to their plan>
–hip·ly adverb

hip
n. : to make aware : TELL, INFORM

hip
n. : HIPNESS

hip
n. hip and thigh
hip bone
hip boot
hip hop
hip hopper
hip huggers
hip joint
hip pointer
hip roof
hip shooting
hip shooter
rose hip
shoot from the hip
swivel hipped

hip and thigh
: in a fierce or ruthless manner : UNSPARINGLY

hip bone
: the large flaring bone that consitutes a lateral half of the pelvis in mammals and is composed of the ilium, ischium, and pubis which are fused into one bone in the adult

hip boot
: a waterproof boot reaching to the hips

hip joint
: the articulation between the femur and the innominate bone

hip pointer
: a deep bruise to the iliac crest or to the attachments of the muscles attached to it that occurs especially in contact sports (as football)

hip roof
: a roof having sloping ends and sloping sides ― see ROOF illustration

hip-hop
1 : a subculture especially of inner-city youths who are typically devotees of rap music
2 : the stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rap also : rap together with this music
–hip-hop adjective

hip-hopper
: a devotee of hip-hop music and culture also : a performer of hip-hop

hip-huggers
: low-slung usually close-fitting trousers that rest on the hips

hip-shooting
: action or reaction that is quick and often reckless
–hip shooter noun

hipline
n. 1 : an arbitrary line encircling the fullest part of the hips
2 : body circumference at the hips

hipness
: the quality or state of being hip

Hipparchus
d 514 B.C. tyrant of Athens (527-514)

Hipparchus
fl 146-127 B.C. Greek astron.

hipped
adj. 1 : having hips especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <a broad-hipped person>
2 : constructed with hips <a hipped roof>

hipped
adj. : DEPRESSED

hipped
adj. : extremely absorbed or interested <hipped on astrology>

Hippias
d 490 B.C. bro. of Hipparchus ruled Athens with his brother

hippie
n. : a usually young person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favoring communal living) and advocates a nonviolent ethic broadly : a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person
–hip·pie·dom \-pē-dəm\ noun
–hip·pie·ish \-pē-ish\ adjective
–hip·pie·ness or hip·pi·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

Hippo
n. ancient city N Africa S of modern Annaba, Algeria; chief town of Numidia

hippo
n. : HIPPOPOTAMUS

hippocampus
n. : a curved elongated ridge that extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, that consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and that is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory
–hip·po·cam·pal \-pəl\ adjective

hippocras
n. : a mulled wine popular in medieval Europe

Hippocrates
n. ca 460-ca 377 B.C. father of medicine Greek physician

Hippocratic
adj. : of or relating to Hippocrates or to the school of medicine that took his name

Hippocratic oath
: an oath embodying a code of medical ethics usually taken by those about to begin medical practice

Hippocrene
n. : a fountain on Mount Helicon sacred to the Muses and believed to be a source of poetic inspiration

hippodrome
n. 1 : an oval stadium for horse and chariot races in ancient Greece
2 : an arena for equestrian performances

hippogriff
n. : a legendary animal having the foreparts of a griffin and the body of a horse

Hippolyta
: a queen of the Amazons given in marriage to Theseus by Hercules

Hippolytus
: a son of Theseus falsely accused of amorous advances by his stepmother and killed by his father through the agency of Poseidon

Hippomenes
: the successful suitor of Atalanta in Greek mythology

hippopotamus
n. : a very large herbivorous 4-toed chiefly aquatic artiodactyl mammal (Hippopotamus amphibius) of sub-Saharan Africa with an extremely large head and mouth, bare and very thick grayish skin, and short legs also : a smaller closely related mammal (Choeropsis liberiensis) of western Africa

hippy
n. : having large hips

hipster
n. : a person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and unconventional patterns (as in jazz or fashion)

hipsterism
1 : HIPNESS
2 : the way of life characteristic of hipsters

hiragana
n. : the cursive script that is one of two sets of symbols of Japanese syllabic writing ― compare KATAKANA

Hirakata
city Japan in S Honshu pop 402,563

hire
n. 1 a : payment for the temporary use of something b : payment for labor or personal services : WAGES
2 a : the act or an instance of hiring b : the state of being hired : EMPLOYMENT
3 British : RENTAL ― often used attributively
4 : one who is hired <starting wage for the new hires>
–for hire also on hire : available for use or service in return for payment

hire
n. transitive verb
1 a : to engage the personal services of for a set sum <hire a crew> b : to engage the temporary use of for a fixed sum <hire a hall>
2 : to grant the personal services of or temporary use of for a fixed sum <hire themselves out>
3 : to get done for pay <hire the mowing done>
intransitive verb : to take employment <hire out as a guide during the tourist season>
–hir·er noun
synonyms HIRE, LET, LEASE, RENT, CHARTER mean to engage or grant for use at a price. HIRE and LET strictly speaking, are complementary terms, HIRE implying the act of engaging or taking for use and LET the granting of use <we hired a car for the summer> <decided to let the cottage to a young couple>. LEASE strictly implies a letting under the terms of a contract but is often applied to hiring on a lease <the diplomat leased an apartment for a year>. RENT stresses the payment of money for the full use of property and may imply either hiring or letting <instead of buying a house, they decided to rent> <will not rent to families with children>. CHARTER applies to the hiring or letting of a vehicle usually for exclusive use <charter a bus to go to the game>.

hire
n. on hire
for hire
hire purchase
hired gun
hiring hall

hire purchase
chiefly British : purchase on the installment plan

hired gun
: an expert hired to do a specific and often ethically dubious job

hireling
n. : a person who serves for hire especially for purely mercenary motives

hiring hall
: a union-operated placement office where registered applicants are referred in rotation to jobs

Hirohito
1901-1989 emp. of Japan (1926-89)

Hiroshige
Ando 1797-1858 Jp. painter

Hiroshima
n. city & port Japan in SW Honshu on Inland Sea pop 1,126,239

hirsute
adj. 1 : HAIRY 1
2 : covered with coarse stiff hairs <a hirsute leaf>
–hir·sute·ness noun

hirsutism
n. : excessive growth of hair of normal or abnormal distribution

hirudin
n. : an anticoagulant extracted from the buccal glands of the medicinal leech

his
pron. : of or relating to him or himself especially as possessor, agent, or object of an action <his house> <his writings> <his confirmation> ― compare 1HE

his
pron. : that which belongs to him ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective his

his/her
: his or her ― used as an adjective of common gender

Hispania
IBERIAN PENINSULA

Hispanic
n. : of, relating to, or being a person of Latin American descent living in the U.S. especially : one of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin
–Hispanic noun
–His·pan·i·cism \-'spa-nə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun
–His·pan·i·cist \-sist\ noun
–His·pan·i·cize \-ˌsīz\ transitive verb

hispanidad
: HISPANISM 1

Hispaniola
n. island West Indies in the Greater Antilles; divided bet. Haiti (on W) & Dominican Republic (on E) area 29,371 sq mi (76,071 sq km)

hispanism
1 : a movement to reassert the cultural unity of Spain and Latin America
2 : a characteristic feature of Spanish occurring in another language

Hispanist
n. : a scholar specially informed in Spanish or Portuguese language, literature, linguistics, or civilization

Hispano
n. : a native or resident of the southwestern U.S. descended from Spaniards settled there before annexation also : MEXICAN 1

hispid
adj. : rough or covered with bristles, stiff hairs, or minute spines <hispid leaves>

hiss
n. intransitive verb : to make a sharp sibilant sound <the crowd hissed in disapproval> <hissing steam>
transitive verb
1 : to express disapproval of by hissing <hissed the performers off the stage>
2 : to utter or whisper angrily or threateningly and with a hiss
–hiss noun
–hiss·er noun

Hissarlik
site of ancient Troy NW Turkey in Asia 4 mi (6.4 km) SE of mouth of the Dardanelles

hisself
chiefly dialect : HIMSELF 1

hissy
chiefly Southern & southern Midland : TANTRUM

hissy fit
: TANTRUM

hist
interj. ― used to attract attention

hist
interj. dialect variant of hoist

hist
interj. historian; historical; history

hist
interj. : tissue <histophysiology>

histaminase
n. : a widely occurring flavoprotein enzyme that oxidizes histamine and various diamines

histamine
n. : a compound C_5H_9N_3 especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

histaminergic
adj. of autonomic nerve fibers : liberating or activated by histamine <histaminergic receptors>

histidine
n. : a crystalline essential amino acid C_6H_9N_3O_2 formed by the hydrolysis of most proteins

histiocyte
n. : MACROPHAGE especially : a nonmotile macrophage of extravascular tissues and especially connective tissue
–his·tio·cyt·ic \ˌhis-tē-ə-'si-tik\ adjective

histochemistry
n. : a science that combines the techniques of biochemistry and histology in the study of the chemical constitution of cells and tissues
–his·to·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–his·to·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

histocompatibility
n. : a state of mutual tolerance that allows some tissues to be grafted effectively to others ― compare MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX

histogenesis
n. : the formation and differentiation of tissues
–his·to·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

histogram
n. : a representation of a frequency distribution by means of rectangles whose widths represent class intervals and whose areas are proportional to the corresponding frequencies

histology
1 : a branch of anatomy that deals with the minute structure of animal and plant tissues as discernible with the microscope
2 : tissue structure or organization
–his·to·log·i·cal \ˌhis-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or his·to·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–his·to·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–his·tol·o·gist \his-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

histolysis
n. : the breakdown of bodily tissues

histone
n. : any of various simple water-soluble proteins that are rich in the basic amino acids lysine and arginine and are complexed with DNA in the nucleosomes of eukaryotic chromatin

histopathology
1 : a branch of pathology concerned with the tissue changes characteristic of disease
2 : the tissue changes that affect a part or accompany a disease
–his·to·path·o·log·ic \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-jik\ or his·to·path·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–his·to·path·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–his·to·pa·thol·o·gist \-pə-'thä-lə-jist, -pa-\ noun

histophysiology
n. 1 : a branch of physiology concerned with the function and activities of tissues
2 : structural and functional tissue organization
–his·to·phys·i·o·log·i·cal \-ē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or his·to·phys·i·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective

histoplasmosis
n. : a respiratory disease with symptoms like those of influenza that is caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) and is marked by benign involvement of lymph nodes of the trachea and bronchi or by severe progressive generalized involvement of the lymph nodes and tissues (as of the liver or spleen) rich in macrophages

historian
n. 1 : a student or writer of history especially : one who produces a scholarly synthesis
2 : a writer or compiler of a chronicle

historic
adj. : HISTORICAL: as a : famous or important in history <historic battlefields> b : having great and lasting importance <a historic occasion> c : known or established in the past <historic interest rates> d : dating from or preserved from a past time or culture <historic buildings> <historic artifacts>

historical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the character of history <historical data> b : based on history <historical novels> c : used in the past and reproduced in historical presentations
2 : famous in history : HISTORIC A
3 a : SECONDARY 1C b : DIACHRONIC <historical grammar>
–his·tor·i·cal·ness \-i-kəl-nəs\ noun

historical
adj. art historical
historical materialism
historical present

historical materialism
: the Marxist theory of history and society that holds that ideas and social institutions develop only as the superstructure of a material economic base ― compare DIALECTICAL MATERIALISM

historical present
: the present tense used in relating past events

historically
adv. 1 : in accordance with or with respect to history <an historically accurate account>
2 : in the past <historically, stagnant cities seldom have recovered ― Jane Jacobs>

historicism
n. : a theory, doctrine, or style that emphasizes the importance of history: as a : a theory in which history is seen as a standard of value or as a determinant of events b : a style (as in architecture) characterized by the use of traditional forms and elements
–his·tor·i·cist \-sist\ adjective or noun

historicity
n. : historical actuality

historicize
v. transitive verb : to make historical
intransitive verb : to use historical material

historiographer
n. : HISTORIAN

historiography
1 a : the writing of history especially : the writing of history based on the critical examination of sources, the selection of particulars from the authentic materials, and the synthesis of particulars into a narrative that will stand the test of critical methods b : the principles, theory, and history of historical writing <a course in historiography>
2 : the product of historical writing : a body of historical literature
–his·to·rio·graph·i·cal \-ē-ə-'gra-fi-kəl\ also his·to·rio·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–his·to·rio·graph·i·cal·ly \-ē-ə-'gra-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

history
n. 1 : TALE, STORY
2 a : a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes b : a treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena c : an account of a patient's medical background d : an established record <a prisoner with a history of violence>
3 : a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events <medieval history>
4 a : events that form the subject matter of a history b : events of the past c : one that is finished or done for <the winning streak was history> <you're history> d : previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal)

history
n. ancient history
case history
life history
natural history
oral history

histrionic
adj. 1 : deliberately affected : THEATRICAL
2 : of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater
synonyms see DRAMATIC
–his·tri·on·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

histrionics
n. 1 : theatrical performances
2 : deliberate display of emotion for effect

hit
transitive verb
1 a : to reach with or as if with a blow b : to come in contact with <the ball hit the window> c : to strike (as a ball) with an object (as a bat, club, or racket) so as to impart or redirect motion
2 a : to cause to come into contact b : to deliver (as a blow) by action c : to apply forcefully or suddenly <hit the brakes>
3 : to affect especially detrimentally <farmers hit by drought>
4 : to make a request of <hit his friend for 10 dollars> ― often used with up
5 : to discover or meet especially by chance
6 a : to accord with : SUIT b : REACH, ATTAIN <prices hit a new high> c : to arrive or appear at, in, or on <hit town> <the best time to hit the stores> d of fish : to bite at or on e : to reflect accurately <hit the right note> f : to reach or strike (as a target) especially for a score in a game or contest <couldn't seem to hit the basket> g : BAT 2B
7 : to indulge in excessively <hit the bottle>
8 : to deal another card to (as in blackjack)
intransitive verb
1 a : to strike a blow b : to arrive with a forceful effect like that of a blow <the storm hit>
2 a : to come into contact with something b : ATTACK c of a fish : STRIKE 11B d : BAT 1
3 : to succeed in attaining or coming up with something ― often used with on or upon <hit on a solution>
4 obsolete : to be in agreement : SUIT
5 of an internal combustion engine : to fire the charge in the cylinders
–hit·ter noun
–hit it big : to achieve great success
–hit it off : to get along well : become friends <they hit it off immediately>
–hit on : to make especially sexual overtures to
–hit the books : to study especially with intensity
–hit the fan : to have a major usually undesirable impact
–hit the ground running : to begin or proceed quickly, energetically, or effectively
–hit the hay or hit the sack : to go to bed
–hit the high points or hit the high spots : to touch on or at the most important points or places
–hit the jackpot : to become notably and unexpectedly successful
–hit the nail on the head : to be exactly right
–hit the road : LEAVE, TRAVEL also : to set out
–hit the roof or hit the ceiling : to give vent to a burst of anger or angry protest
–hit the spot : to give complete or special satisfaction ― used especially of food or drink
–hit the wall
1 : to reach the point of physical exhaustion during strenuous activity
2 : to reach a limiting point or situation at which progress or success ceases

hit
n. 1 : an act or instance of hitting or being hit <more hits than misses>
2 a : a stroke of luck b : a great success
3 : a telling or critical remark
4 : BASE HIT
5 : a quantity of a drug ingested at one time
6 : a premeditated murder committed especially by a member of a crime syndicate
7 : an instance of connecting to a particular Web site <a million hits per day>
8 : a successful match in a search (as of a computer database or the Internet)
–hit·less \'hit-ləs\ adjective

hit
n. base hit
extra base hit
hard hit
hit the wall
hit the spot
hit the roof
hit the ceiling
hit the road
hit the nail on the head
hit the jackpot
hit the high points
hit the high spots
hit the hay
hit the sack
hit the ground running
hit the fan
hit the books
hit on
hit it off
hit it big
hit and miss
hit and run
hit list
hit man
hit or miss
hit parade
infield hit
no hit
pinch hit
sacrifice hit
scratch hit
switch hit
hard hitting
contact hitter
designated hitter
heavy hitter
no hitter
pinch hitter
switch hitter

hit it big
to achieve great success

hit it off
to get along well : become friends <they hit it off immediately>

hit list
: a list of persons or programs to be opposed or eliminated broadly : a list of those targeted for special attention or treatment

hit man
1 : a professional assassin who works for a crime syndicate
2 : HATCHET MAN

hit on
to make especially sexual overtures to

hit or miss
: in a hit-or-miss manner : HAPHAZARDLY

hit parade
: a group or listing of the most popular or noteworthy items of a particular kind (as popular songs)

hit the books
to study especially with intensity

hit the fan
to have a major usually undesirable impact

hit the ground running
to begin or proceed quickly, energetically, or effectively

hit the hay
or hit the sack : to go to bed

hit the high points
or hit the high spots : to touch on or at the most important points or places

hit the jackpot
to become notably and unexpectedly successful

hit the nail on the head
to be exactly right

hit the road
LEAVE, TRAVEL also : to set out

hit the roof
or hit the ceiling : to give vent to a burst of anger or angry protest

hit the spot
to give complete or special satisfaction ― used especially of food or drink

hit the wall

1 : to reach the point of physical exhaustion during strenuous activity
2 : to reach a limiting point or situation at which progress or success ceases

hit-and-miss
: sometimes successful and sometimes not : not reliably good or successful

hit-and-run
1 : being or relating to a hit-and-run in baseball
2 : being or involving a motor-vehicle driver who does not stop after being involved in an accident
3 : involving or intended for quick specific action or results <a hit-and-run raid>

hit-and-run
: a baseball play calling for a runner on first to begin running as a pitch is delivered and for the batter to attempt to hit the pitch

hit-and-run
: to execute a hit-and-run play in baseball

hit-or-miss
: marked by a lack of care, forethought, system, or plan also : HIT-AND-MISS

hitch
n. transitive verb
1 : to move by jerks or with a tug
2 a : to catch or fasten by or as if by a hook or knot <hitched his horse to the fence post> b (1) : to connect (a vehicle or implement) with a source of motive power <hitch a rake to a tractor> (2) : to attach (a source of motive power) to a vehicle or instrument <hitch the horses to the wagon> c : to join in marriage <got hitched>
3 : HITCHHIKE
intransitive verb
1 : to move with halts and jerks : HOBBLE
2 a : to become entangled, made fast, or linked b : to become joined in marriage
3 : HITCHHIKE
–hitch·er noun

hitch
n. 1 : LIMP
2 : a sudden movement or pull : JERK <gave his trousers a hitch>
3 a : a sudden halt : STOPPAGE b : a usually unforeseen difficulty or obstacle <the plan went off without a hitch>
4 : the act or fact of catching hold
5 : a connection between a vehicle or implement and a detachable source of power (as a tractor or horse)
6 : a delimited period especially of military service
7 : any of various knots used to form a temporary noose in a line or to secure a line temporarily to an object
8 : LIFT 5B

hitch
n. Blackwall hitch
clove hitch
half hitch
hitch up
rolling hitch
timber hitch
weaver's hitch

hitch up
: to hitch a draft animal or team to a vehicle

Hitchcock
n. Sir Alfred Joseph 1899-1980 Brit. film director
–Hitch·cock·ian \hich-'kä-kē-ən\ adjective

Hitchcock
n. Edward 1793-1864 American geologist

hitchhike
v. 1 : to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
2 : to be carried or transported by chance or unintentionally <destructive insects hitchhiking on ships>
transitive verb : to solicit and obtain (a free ride) especially in a passing vehicle
–hitch·hik·er noun

Hitchings
George Herbert 1905-1998 American biochem.

hither
adv. : to this place

hither
adv. : being on the near or adjacent side

hithermost
: nearest on this side

hitherto
adv. : up to this or that time

hitherward
adv. : HITHER

Hitler
n. Adolf 1889-1945 Ger. chancellor & führer (1933-45)
–Hit·ler·ian \hit-'lir-ē-ən, -'ler-\ adjective

Hitlerism
n. : the principles and policies associated with Hitler
–Hit·ler·ite \-ˌrīt\ noun or adjective

Hitti
Philip Khuri 1886-1978 American (Lebanese-born) orientalist

Hittite
n. 1 : a member of a conquering people in Asia Minor and Syria with an empire in the second millennium B.C.
2 : the extinct Indo-European language of the Hittites ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Hittite adjective

Hittorf
Johann Wilhelm 1824-1914 Ger. physicist

HIV
: any of various strains, serotypes, or clades of HIV-1 and HIV-2 that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS ― called also AIDS virus human immunodeficiency virus

HIV-1
: a lentivirus (species Human immunodeficiency virus 1) that is the most prevalent HIV

HIV-2
: a lentivirus (species Human immunodeficiency virus 2) that causes AIDS especially in western Africa and is less virulent than HIV-1

hive
n. 1 a : a container for housing honeybees b : the usually aboveground nest of bees
2 : a colony of bees
3 : a place swarming with activity
–hive·less \-ləs\ adjective

hive
n. intransitive verb
1 of bees : to enter and take possession of a hive
2 : to reside in close association
transitive verb
1 : to collect into a hive
2 : to store up in or as if in a hive

hive off
chiefly British : to break away from or as if from a group : become separate
transitive verb chiefly British : to make separate: as a : to remove from a group <hive off the rookies for special training> b : to assign (as assets or responsibilities) to another c : SPIN OFF

hives
n. : an allergic disorder marked by raised edematous patches of skin or mucous membrane and usually intense itching and caused by contact with a specific precipitating factor (as a food, drug, or inhalant) either externally or internally ― called also urticaria

Hiwassee
river 150 mi (241 km) E U.S. flowing from NE Ga. WNW through W N.C. into Tennessee River in Tenn.

hizzoner
― used as a title for a man holding the office of mayor

HJ
here lies

HJR
House joint resolution

HL
House of Lords

hl
hectoliter

HLA
1 : the major histocompatibility complex in humans
2 : a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of HLA ― often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele

HLS
laid in this place

HM
Her Majesty; Her Majesty's; His Majesty; His Majesty's

hm
hectometer

HMAS
Her Majesty's Australian ship; His Majesty's Australian ship

HMCS
Her Majesty's Canadian ship; His Majesty's Canadian ship

HMO
: an organization that provides comprehensive health care to voluntarily enrolled individuals and families in a particular geographic area by member physicians with limited referral to outside specialists and that is financed by fixed periodic payments determined in advance ― called also health maintenance organization

Hmong
n. 1 : a member of a mountain-dwelling people inhabiting southeastern China and the northern parts of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand
2 : the language of the Hmong people

HMS
Her Majesty's ship; His Majesty's ship

HN
head nurse

Ho
n. holmium

ho
n. ― used especially to attract attention to something specified <land ho>

ho
n. slang : WHORE 1

ho
n. Hu ho hao t'e
Ho t'ien
gung ho
heave ho
heigh ho
ho hum
HO scale
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh
1890-1969 orig. Nguyen That Thanh pres. of No. Vietnam (1945-69)

Ho Chi Minh City
city & port S Vietnam; formerly (as Saigon) capital of S. Vietnam pop 5,479,000

ho hum
― used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

HO scale
: a scale of 3.5 millimeters to one foot used especially for model toys (as automobiles or trains)

ho-hum
1 : ROUTINE, DULL <a ho-hum existence>
2 : BORED, INDIFFERENT <a ho-hum reaction>

hoagie
n. : SUBMARINE 2

hoar
n. : HOARY

hoar
n. : FROST 1B

hoard
n. : a supply or fund stored up and often hidden away

hoard
n. 1 : to lay up a hoard of
2 : to keep (as one's thoughts) to oneself
intransitive verb : to lay up a hoard
–hoard·er noun

hoarding
n. 1 : a temporary board fence put about a building being erected or repaired ― called also hoard
2 British : BILLBOARD

Hoare
n. Sir Samuel John Gurney 1880-1959 Viscount Templewood Eng. statesman

hoarfrost
n. : FROST 1B

hoarse
adj. 1 : rough or harsh in sound : GRATING <a hoarse voice>
2 : having a hoarse voice <shouted himself hoarse>
–hoarse·ly adverb
–hoarse·ness noun

hoarsen
v. transitive verb : to make hoarse
intransitive verb : to become hoarse

hoary
adj. 1 : gray or white with or as if with age
2 : extremely old : ANCIENT <hoary legends>
–hoar·i·ness noun

hoatzin
n. : a crested large So. American bird (Opisthocomos hoazin) with blue facial skin, red eyes, brown plumage marked with white above, and claws on the first and second digits of the wing when young

hoax
n. : to trick into believing or accepting as genuine something false and often preposterous
–hoax·er noun

hoax
n. 1 : an act intended to trick or dupe : IMPOSTURE
2 : something accepted or established by fraud or fabrication

hob
n. 1 dialect English : HOBGOBLIN, ELF
2 : MISCHIEF, TROUBLE ― used with play and raise <always raising hob>

hob
n. 1 : a projection at the back or side of a fireplace on which something may be kept warm
2 : a cutting tool used for cutting the teeth of worm wheels or gears
3 British : COOKTOP

hob
n. 1 : to cut with a hob
2 : to furnish with hobnails

Hobart
Garret Augustus 1844-1899 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1897-99)

Hobart
1 \'hō-bərt\ city NW Ind. pop 25,363
2 \-ˌbärt\ city & port Australia capital of Tasmania pop 47,106

Hobbema
Mein·dert or Meyn·dert \'mīn-ˌdert\ 1638-1709 Du. painter

Hobbes
n. Thomas 1588-1679 Eng. philos.

Hobbesian
n. : of or relating to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes or Hobbism

Hobbism
n. : the philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes especially : the Hobbesian theory that people have a fundamental right to self-preservation and to pursue selfish aims but will relinquish these rights to an absolute monarch in the interest of common safety and happiness
–Hob·bist \'hä-bist\ noun or adjective

hobbit
n. : a member of a fictitious peaceful and genial race of small humanlike creatures that dwell underground

hobble
v. intransitive verb : to move along unsteadily or with difficulty especially : to limp along
transitive verb
1 : to cause to limp : make lame : CRIPPLE
2 [probably alteration of hopple to hobble] a : to fasten together the legs of (as a horse) to prevent straying : FETTER b : to place under handicap : HAMPER, IMPEDE
–hob·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

hobble
v. 1 : a hobbling movement
2 archaic : an awkward situation
3 : something used to hobble an animal

hobble skirt
: a skirt constricted at the bottom

hobblebush
: a white-flowered shrubby viburnum (Vibernum alnifolium syn. V. lantanoides) of eastern No. America having serrate rounded leaves and red berries

hobbledehoy
n. : an awkward gawky youth

Hobbs
city SE corner of N.Mex. pop 28,657

hobby
n. : a small Old World falcon (Falco subbuteo) that is dark blue above and white below with dark streaking on the breast

hobby
n. : a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation
–hob·by·ist \-bē-ist\ noun

hobbyhorse
n. 1 a : a figure of a horse fastened about the waist in the morris dance b : a dancer wearing this figure
2 obsolete : BUFFOON
3 a : a stick having an imitation horse's head at one end that a child pretends to ride b : ROCKING HORSE c : a toy horse suspended by springs from a frame
4 a : a topic to which one constantly reverts b : 2HOBBY

hobgoblin
n. 1 : a mischievous goblin
2 : BOGEY 2, BUGABOO

hobnail
n. : a short large-headed nail for studding shoe soles
–hob·nailed \-ˌnāld\ adjective

hobnob
v. 1 archaic : to drink sociably
2 : to associate familiarly
–hob·nob·ber noun

hobo
n. 1 : a migratory worker
2 : a homeless and usually penniless vagabond

hobo
n. : to live or travel in the manner of a hobo

Hoboken
city NE N.J. N of Jersey City pop 38,577

Hobson's choice
1 : an apparently free choice when there is no real alternative
2 : the necessity of accepting one of two or more equally objectionable alternatives

hoc
pron. ad hoc
post hoc
et hoc genus omne
hoc age
hoc opus hic labor est
in hoc signo vinces
post hoc ergo propter hoc
quoad hoc

hoc age
: do this : apply yourself to what you are about

hoc opus, hic labor est
: this is the hard work, this is the toil

Hoccleve
Thomas 1368(or 1369)-ca 1450 Eng. poet

hock
n. 1 a : the tarsal joint or region in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (as the horse) corresponding to the human ankle but elevated and bending backward ― see HORSE illustration b : a joint of a fowl's leg that corresponds to the hock of a quadruped
2 : a small cut of meat from a front or hind leg just above the foot <ham hocks>

hock
n. chiefly British : RHINE WINE 1

hock
n. : PAWN
–hock·er noun

hock
n. 1 a : 2PAWN 2 <got his watch out of hock> b : DEBT 3 <in hock to the bank>
2 : PRISON

hockey
n. 1 : FIELD HOCKEY
2 : ICE HOCKEY

hockey
n. field hockey
ice hockey
street hockey

Hocking
v. William Ernest 1873-1966 American philos.

Hockney
n. David 1937-     Brit. painter & photographer

hockshop
n. : PAWNSHOP

hocus
v. 1 : to perpetrate a trick or hoax on : DECEIVE
2 : to befuddle often with drugged liquor also : DOPE, DRUG <hocussed the favorite before the race>

hocus-pocus
1 : SLEIGHT OF HAND
2 : nonsense or sham used especially to cloak deception

hocus-pocus
: to play tricks on

hod
n. 1 : a tray or trough that has a pole handle and that is borne on the shoulder for carrying loads (as of mortar or brick)
2 : a coal scuttle

hod carrier
: a laborer employed in carrying supplies to bricklayers, stonemasons, cement finishers, or plasterers on the job

Hodeida
― see AL HUDAYDAH

hodgepodge
n. : a heterogeneous mixture : JUMBLE <a hodgepodge of styles>

Hodgkin
n. Dorothy Mary Crowfoot 1910-1994 Brit. physicist

Hodgkin
n. Hodgkin's disease
Hodgkin's Hodgkin's lymphoma
non Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hodgkin's disease
: a neoplastic disease that is characterized by progressive enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, and liver and by progressive anemia ― called also Hodgkin's, Hodgkin's lymphoma

hodoscope
: an instrument for tracing the paths of ionizing particles by means of ion counters in close array

Hoe
n. Richard March 1812-1886 son of Robert American inventor

Hoe
n. Robert 1784-1833 American (Eng.-born) printing-press manuf.

hoe
n. 1 : any of various implements for tilling, mixing, or raking especially : an implement with a thin flat blade on a long handle used especially for cultivating, weeding, or loosening the earth around plants
2 : BACKHOE

hoe
n. intransitive verb : to use or work with a hoe
transitive verb
1 : to weed, cultivate, or thin (a crop) with a hoe
2 : to remove (weeds) by hoeing
3 : to dress or cultivate (land) by hoeing
–ho·er \'hō(-ə)r\ noun

hoecake
n. : a small cake made of cornmeal

hoedown
n. 1 : SQUARE DANCE
2 : a gathering featuring hoedowns

Hof
city Germany in Bavaria on the Saale near former E. Germany-W. Germany border pop 52,859

Hofei
― see HEFEI

Hofer
Andreas 1767-1810 Tyrolese patriot

Hoffa
James Riddle 1913-?1975 American labor leader

Hoffman
n. Mal·vi·na \mal-'vē-nə\ 1887-1966 American sculptor

Hoffman Estates
village NE Ill. pop 49,495

Hoffmann
August Heinrich 1798-1874 Ger. poet, philologist, & hist.

Hoffmann
Ernst Theodor Wilhelm 1776-1822 known as Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann Ger. composer, writer, & illustrator

Hoffmann
Roald 1937-     American (Pol.-born) chem.

Hofmann
August Wilhelm von 1818-1892 Ger. chem.

Hofmann
Hans 1880-1966 American (Ger.-born) painter

Hofmann
Josef Casimir 1876-1957 Pol. pianist

Hofmannsthal
Hugo von 1874-1929 Austrian poet & dram.

Hofuf
― see AL HUFUF

hog
n. 1 : a domestic swine especially when weighing more than 120 pounds (54 kilograms) broadly : any of various wild and domestic swine
2 usually hogg British : a young unshorn sheep also : wool from such a sheep
3 a : a selfish, gluttonous, or filthy person b : one that uses something to excess <old cars that are gas hogs>

hog
n. transitive verb
1 : to cut (a horse's mane) short : ROACH
2 : to cause to arch
3 : to take in excess of one's due <hog the credit>
4 : to tear up or shred (as waste wood) into bits by machine
intransitive verb : to become curved upward in the middle ― used of a ship's bottom or keel

hog
n. hog cholera
hog heaven
hog nosed snake
hog score
hog line
hog sucker
hog tie
hog wild
road hog
whole hog

hog cholera
: a highly infectious often fatal disease of swine caused by a flavivirus (species Classical swine fever virus of the genus Pestivirus) and characterized by fever, loss of appetite, weakness, erythematous lesions especially in light-skinned animals, and severe leukopenia

hog heaven
: an extremely satisfying state or situation

hog score
: a line which is marked across a curling rink seven yards from the tee and beyond which a stone must pass or be removed from the ice ― called also hog line

hog sucker
: a No. American sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) that is brassy olive marked with brown and is sometimes used for food

hog wild
: lacking in restraint : WILD <would go hog wild if unconfined by constitutional limitations ― Leo Egan>

hog-tie
1 : to tie together the feet of
2 : to make helpless : STYMIE <hog-tie scientific progress>

hogan
n. : a Navajo Indian dwelling usually made of logs and mud with a door traditionally facing east

Hogarth
n. William 1697-1764 Eng. painter & engraver
–Ho·garth·ian \hō-'gär-thē-ən\ adjective

hogback
n. : a ridge of land formed by the outcropping edges of tilted strata broadly : a ridge with a sharp summit and steeply sloping sides

Hogben
Lancelot Thomas 1895-1975 Eng. scientist

hogfish
n. : a large West Indian and Florida wrasse (Lachnolaimus maximus) often used for food

Hogg
n. James 1770-1835 the Ettrick Shepherd Scot. poet

Hoggar Mountains
― see AHAGGAR MOUNTAINS

hogget
n. chiefly British : HOG 2

hoggish
adj. : grossly selfish, gluttonous, or filthy
–hog·gish·ly adverb
–hog·gish·ness noun

Hogmanay
n. 1 Scottish : the eve of New Year's Day
2 Scottish : a gift solicited or given at Hogmanay

hognose snake
: any of a genus (Heterodon) of rather small harmless stout-bodied No. American colubrid snakes with keeled scales and an upturned snout that seldom bite but hiss wildly and often play dead when disturbed ― called also hog-nosed snake puff adder

hogshead
n. 1 : a large cask or barrel
2 : any of various units of capacity especially : a U.S. unit equal to 63 gallons (238 liters)

hogwash
n. 1 : SWILL 2A, SLOP
2 : NONSENSE, BALDERDASH

Hohe Tauern
range of the E Alps W Austria bet. Carinthia & Tirol ― see GROSSGLOCKNER

Hohenstaufen
: of or relating to a princely German family that reigned over the Holy Roman Empire from 1138-1254 and over Sicily from 1194-1266
–Hohenstaufen noun

Hohenzollern
n. : of or relating to a princely German family that reigned in Prussia from 1701-1918 and in Germany from 1871-1918
–Hohenzollern noun

Hohenzollern
n. Michael ― see MICHAEL

Hohenzollern
n. region SW Germany; formerly a province of Prussia ― see WÜRTTEMBERG

Hohhot
city N China capital of Inner Mongolia pop 652,534

Hohokam
: a member of a prehistoric desert culture of the southwestern U.S. centering in the Gila Valley of Arizona and characterized especially by irrigated agriculture
–Hohokam adjective

Hohokam Pima National Monument
n. reservation SE of Phoenix, Ariz.; not open to the public

hoi polloi
: the general populace : MASSES

hoick
n. : to move or pull abruptly : YANK <was hoicked out of my job ― Vincent Sheean>

hoise
v. : HOIST 1
–hoist with one's own petard or hoist by one's own petard : victimized or hurt by one's own scheme

hoisin sauce
: a thick reddish sauce of soybeans, spices, and garlic used in east Asian cookery

hoist
n. transitive verb
1 : LIFT, RAISE especially : to raise into position by or as if by means of tackle
2 : DRINK 1 <hoist a few beers>
intransitive verb : to become hoisted : RISE
synonyms see LIFT
–hoist·er noun

hoist
n. 1 : an act of hoisting : LIFT
2 : an apparatus for hoisting
3 : the height of a flag when viewed flying

hoist with one's own petard
or hoist by one's own petard : victimized or hurt by one's own scheme

hoity-toity
: thoughtless giddy behavior

hoity-toity
1 : thoughtlessly silly or frivolous : FLIGHTY
2 : marked by an air of assumed importance : HIGHFALUTIN

hoke
v. : to give a contrived, falsely impressive, or hokey quality to ― usually used with up <hoke up a movie with lots of action>

hokey
adj. 1 : 1CORNY 3 <the usual hokey melodrama>
2 : obviously contrived : PHONY <the plots are tricky but not hokey ― Cleveland Amory>
–hok·ey·ness or hok·i·ness \'hō-kē-nəs\ noun
–hok·i·ly \'hō-kə-lē\ adverb

hokeypokey
n. 1 : HOCUS-POCUS 2
2 : ice cream sold by street vendors

Hokkaido
n. island N Japan N of Honshu area with adjacent small islands 30,313 sq mi (78,511 sq km), pop 5,683,062

hokku
n. : HAIKU

hokum
n. 1 : a device used (as by showmen) to evoke a desired audience response
2 : pretentious nonsense : BUNKUM

Hokusai
Katsushika 1760-1849 Jp. artist

hol
1 : complete : total <holohedral>
2 : completely : totally <holandric>

holandric
adj. : transmitted by or being a gene in the nonhomologous portion of the Y chromosome <a holandric trait>

Holarctic
adj. : of, relating to, or being the biogeographic region including the northern parts of the Old and the New Worlds and comprising the Nearctic and Palearctic regions or subregions

Holbein
Hans 1465?-1524 the Elder & Hans 1497?-1543 the Younger Ger. painters

Holberg
Baron 1684-1754 Ludwig Holberg Dan. (Norw.-born) author

hold
n. transitive verb
1 a : to have possession or ownership of or have at one's disposal <holds property worth millions> <the bank holds the title to the car> b : to have as a privilege or position of responsibility <hold a professorship> c : to have as a mark of distinction <holds the record for the 100-yard dash> <holds a PhD>
2 : to keep under restraint <hold price increases to a minimum>: as a : to prevent free expression of <hold your temper> b : to prevent from some action <ordered the troops to hold fire> <the only restraining motive which may hold the hand of a tyrant ― Thomas Jefferson> c : to keep back from use <ask them to hold a room for us> <I'll have a hot dog, and hold the mustard> d : to delay temporarily the handling of <please hold all my calls>
3 : to make liable or accountable or bound to an obligation <I'll hold you to your promise>
4 a : to have or maintain in the grasp <hold my hand> <this is how you hold the racket> also : AIM, POINT <held a gun on them> b : to support in a particular position or keep from falling or moving <hold me up so I can see> <hold the ladder steady> <a clamp holds the whole thing together> <hold your head up> c : to bear the pressure of : SUPPORT <can the roof hold all of that weight>
5 : to prevent from leaving or getting away <hold the train>: as a : to avoid emitting or letting out <how long can you hold your breath> b : to restrain as or as if a captive <the suspect was held without bail> <held them at gunpoint> also : to have strong appeal to <the book held my interest throughout>
6 a : to enclose and keep in a container or within bounds : CONTAIN <the jug holds one gallon> <this corral will not hold all of the horses> b : to be able to consume easily or without undue effect <can't hold any more pie> especially : to be able to drink (alcoholic beverages) without becoming noticeably drunk <can't hold your liquor> c : ACCOMMODATE <the restaurant holds 400 diners> d : to have as a principal or essential feature or attribute <the book holds a number of surprises> also : to have in store <no one knows what the future holds>
7 a : to have in the mind or express as a judgment, opinion, or belief <I hold the view that this is wrong> <hold a grudge> <holding that it is nobody's business but his ― Jack Olsen> ― often used with against <in America they hold everything you say against you ― Paul McCartney> b : to think of in a particular way : REGARD <were held in high esteem>
8 a : to assemble for and carry on the activity of <held a convention> b : to cause to be carried on : CONDUCT <will hold a seminar> c : to produce or sponsor especially as a public exhibition <will hold an art show>
9 a : to maintain occupation, control, or defense of <the troops held the ridge> also : to resist the offensive efforts or advance of <held the opposing team to just two points> b : to maintain (a certain condition, situation, or course of action) without change <hold a course due east>
10 : to cover (a part of the body) especially for protection <had to hold their ears because of the cold>
intransitive verb
1 a : to maintain position : refuse to give ground <the defensive line is holding> b : to continue in the same way or to the same degree : LAST <hopes the weather will hold> ― often used with up
2 : to derive right or title ― often used with of or from
3 : to be or remain valid : APPLY <the rule holds in most cases> ― often used in the phrase hold true
4 : to maintain a grasp on something : remain fastened to something <the anchor held in the rough sea>
5 : to go ahead as one has been going <held south for several miles>
6 : to bear or carry oneself <asked him to hold still>
7 : to forbear an intended or threatened action : HALT, PAUSE ― often used as a command
8 : to stop counting during a countdown
9 slang : to have illicit drug material in one's possession
synonyms see CONTAIN
–hold a brief for : ADVOCATE, DEFEND ― usually used in negative constructions <I hold no brief for cartels and market allocations ― J. D. Upham>
–hold a candle to : to qualify for comparison with
–hold court : to be the center of attention among friends or admirers
–hold forth : to speak at length : EXPATIATE
–hold hands : to engage one's hand with another's especially as an expression of affection
–hold one's breath
1 : to prevent oneself from breathing temporarily
2 : to wait in anxious anticipation
–hold one's horses : to slow down or stop for a moment ― usually used in the imperative
–hold one's own : to maintain one's position : prove equal to opposition
–hold one's tongue or hold one's peace : to keep silent : keep one's thoughts to oneself
–hold sway : to have a dominant influence : RULE
–hold the bag
1 : to be left empty-handed
2 : to bear alone a responsibility that should have been shared by others
–hold the fort
1 : to maintain a firm position
2 : to take care of usual affairs <is holding the fort until the manager returns>
–hold the line : to maintain the current position or situation <hold the line on prices>
–hold to : to give firm assent to : adhere to strongly <holds to his promise>
–hold to account : to hold responsible
–hold water : to stand up under criticism or analysis
–hold with : to agree with or approve of

hold
n. 1 : STRONGHOLD 1
2 a : CONFINEMENT, CUSTODY b : PRISON
3 a (1) : the act or the manner of holding or grasping : GRIP <released his hold on the handle> (2) : a manner of grasping an opponent in wrestling b : a nonphysical bond that attaches, restrains, or constrains or by which something is affected, controlled, or dominated <has lost its hold on the broad public ― Oscar Cargill> c : full comprehension <get hold of exactly what is happening ― J. P. Lyford> d : full or immediate control : POSSESSION <get hold of yourself> <wants to get hold of a road map> e : TOUCH 14 ― used with of <tried to get hold of me>
4 : something that may be grasped as a support
5 a : FERMATA b : the time between the onset and the release of a vocal articulation
6 : a sudden motionless posture at the end of a dance
7 a : an order or indication that something is to be reserved or delayed b : a delay in a countdown (as in launching a spacecraft)
–on hold
1 : in a state of interruption during a telephone call when one party switches to another line without totally disconnecting the other party
2 : in a state or period of indefinite suspension <put our plans on hold>

hold
n. 1 : the interior of a ship below decks especially : the cargo deck of a ship
2 : the cargo compartment of a plane

hold
n. hold one's peace
choke hold
hold with
hold water
hold to account
hold to
hold the line
hold the fort
hold the bag
hold sway
hold one's tongue
hold one's own
hold one's horses
hold one's breath
hold hands
hold forth
hold court
hold a candle to
hold a brief for
on hold
hold back
hold down
hold off
hold on
hold on to
hold out
hold out on
hold over
hold up
scissors hold
take hold
no holds barred
closely held
hand holding
holding company
holding pattern

hold a brief for
ADVOCATE, DEFEND ― usually used in negative constructions <I hold no brief for cartels and market allocations ― J. D. Upham>

hold a candle to
to qualify for comparison with

hold back
1 a : to hinder the progress or achievement of : RESTRAIN b : to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
2 : to refrain from revealing or parting with <held back important information>
intransitive verb
1 : to keep oneself in check
2 : to refrain from revealing or parting with something

hold court
to be the center of attention among friends or admirers

hold down
1 : to keep within limits <hold the noise down>
2 : to assume or have responsibility for <holding down two jobs>

hold forth
to speak at length : EXPATIATE

hold hands
to engage one's hand with another's especially as an expression of affection

hold off
1 : to block from an objective : DELAY
2 : to defer action on : POSTPONE <hold off a decision>
3 : to fight to a standoff : WITHSTAND
intransitive verb : to defer or temporarily stop doing something

hold on
1 a : to maintain a condition or position : PERSIST b : to maintain a grasp on something : HANG ON
2 : to await something (as a telephone connection) desired or requested broadly : WAIT
–hold on to : to maintain possession of or adherence to

hold on to
to maintain possession of or adherence to

hold one's breath

1 : to prevent oneself from breathing temporarily
2 : to wait in anxious anticipation

hold one's horses
to slow down or stop for a moment ― usually used in the imperative

hold one's own
to maintain one's position : prove equal to opposition

hold one's tongue
or hold one's peace : to keep silent : keep one's thoughts to oneself

hold out
1 : to remain unsubdued or unyielding <where 30 of the⋯refugees were still holding out ― Anna Tomforde> also : to continue to function or be available : LAST <prayed that the engine would hold out> <as long as our money holds out>
2 : to refuse to go along with others in a concerted action or to come to an agreement <holding out for a shorter workweek>
transitive verb
1 : to present as something realizable : PROFFER
2 : to represent to be
–hold out on : to withhold something (as information) from

hold out on
to withhold something (as information) from

hold over
: to continue (as in office) for a prolonged period
transitive verb
1 a : POSTPONE, DEFER b : to retain in a condition or position from an earlier period
2 : to prolong the engagement of <the film was held over another week>

hold sway
to have a dominant influence : RULE

hold the bag

1 : to be left empty-handed
2 : to bear alone a responsibility that should have been shared by others

hold the fort

1 : to maintain a firm position
2 : to take care of usual affairs <is holding the fort until the manager returns>

hold the line
to maintain the current position or situation <hold the line on prices>

hold to
to give firm assent to : adhere to strongly <holds to his promise>

hold to account
to hold responsible

hold up
1 : to rob at gunpoint
2 : DELAY, IMPEDE
3 : to call attention to : single out <his work was held up to ridicule> <hold this up as perfection ― Times Lit. Supp.>
intransitive verb : to continue in the same condition without failing or losing effectiveness or force <she's holding up under the strain> <music that holds up twenty years later>

hold water
to stand up under criticism or analysis

hold with
to agree with or approve of

hold-down
1 : something used to fasten an object in place
2 a : an act of holding down b : LIMIT <agreed to wage-rate hold-downs>

holdall
n. chiefly British : an often cloth traveling case or bag

holdback
n. 1 : something that retains or restrains
2 a : the act of holding back b : something held back

holden
n. archaic past part of hold

holder
n. 1 : a person that holds: as a (1) : OWNER (2) : TENANT b : a person in possession of and legally entitled to receive payment of a bill, note, or check
2 : a device that holds <a cigarette holder>

holder
n. hand holder
holder in due course
pot holder

holder in due course

1882
: one other than the original recipient who holds a legally effective negotiable instrument (as a promissory note) and who has a right to collect from and no responsibility toward the issuer

holdfast
n. 1 : something to which something else may be firmly secured
2 a : a part by which a plant clings to a flat surface b : an organ by which a parasitic animal attaches itself to its host

holding
n. 1 a : land held especially by a vassal or tenant b : property (as land or securities) owned ― usually used in plural
2 : a ruling of a court especially on an issue of law raised in a case ― compare DICTUM
3 : something that holds

holding
n. 1 : having the effect of holding back or delaying something <the [war] represented a holding action against the spread of world Communism ― Sidney Offit>
2 : intended for usually temporary storage or retention <a holding tank>

holding
n. hand holding
holding company
holding pattern

holding company
: a company whose primary business is holding a controlling interest in the securities of other companies ― compare INVESTMENT COMPANY

holding pattern
1 : the usually oval course flown (as over an airport) by aircraft awaiting clearance especially to land
2 : a state of waiting or suspended activity or progress

holdout
n. : one that holds out (as in negotiations) also : an instance of holding out

holdover
n. : one that is held over

holdup
n. 1 : DELAY
2 : a robbery carried out at gunpoint

hole
n. 1 a : an opening through something : PERFORATION <have a hole in my coat> b : an area where something is missing : GAP: as (1) : a serious discrepancy : FLAW, WEAKNESS <some holes in your logic> (2) : an opening in a defensive formation especially : the area of a baseball field between the positions of shortstop and third baseman (3) : a defect in a crystal (as of a semiconductor) that is due to an electron's having left its normal position in one of the crystal bonds and that is equivalent in many respects to a positively charged particle
2 : a hollowed-out place: as a : a cave, pit, or well in the ground b : BURROW c : an unusually deep place in a body of water (as a river)
3 a : a wretched or dreary place b : a prison cell especially for solitary confinement
4 a : a shallow cylindrical hole in the putting green of a golf course into which the ball is played b : a part of the golf course from tee to putting green <just beginning play on the third hole> also : the play on such a hole as a unit of scoring <won the hole by two strokes>
5 a : an awkward position or circumstance : FIX <got the rebels out of a hole at the battle ― Kenneth Roberts> b : a position of owing or losing money <$10 million in the hole> <raising money to get out of the hole>
–in the hole
1 : having a score below zero
2 : at a disadvantage

hole
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a hole in
2 : to drive or hit into a hole <hole a putt>
intransitive verb : to make a hole in something

hole
n. judas hole
ace in the hole
black hole
bolt hole
dry hole
finger hole
funk hole
hidey hole
hidy hole
in the hole
hole and corner
hole card
hole in one
hole in the wall
hole out
hole up
lubber's hole
ozone hole
rabbit hole
shot hole
sound hole
top hole
water hole
watering hole
weep hole
white hole
Jackson Hole
holes in the wall

hole card
1 : a card in stud poker that is properly dealt facedown and that the holder need not expose before the showdown
2 : something (as a reliable advantage) that is held in reserve especially for use at a strategic moment

hole in one

1925
: 1ACE 4

hole out
: to play one's ball into the hole in golf

hole up
: to hide out in or as if in a hole or cave
transitive verb : to place in or as if in a refuge or hiding place

hole-and-corner
1 : being or carried on in a place away from public view : CLANDESTINE
2 : INSIGNIFICANT

hole-in-the-wall
: a small and often unpretentious out-of-the-way place (as a restaurant)

holey
adj. : having holes

Holguin
city E Cuba in plateau region pop 228,052

Holiday
n. Eleanora 1915-1959 Billie American jazz singer

holiday
n. 1 : HOLY DAY
2 : a day on which one is exempt from work specifically : a day marked by a general suspension of work in commemoration of an event
3 chiefly British : VACATION ― often used in the phrase on holiday ― often used in plural
4 : a period of exemption or relief <corporations enjoying a tax holiday>

holiday
n. : to take or spend a holiday especially in travel or at a resort
–hol·i·day·er noun

holiday
n. bank holiday
busman's holiday
High Holiday
legal holiday
Roman holiday

holidaymaker
n. chiefly British : VACATIONER

holidays
n. : on holidays repeatedly : on any holiday

holier-than-thou
: marked by an air of superior piety or morality

holiness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being holy ― used as a title for various high religious dignitaries <His Holiness the Pope>
2 : SANCTIFICATION 2

holiness
n. : emphasizing the doctrine of the second blessing specifically : of or relating to a perfectionist movement arising in U.S. Protestantism in the late 19th century

Holinshed
Raphael d ca 1580 Eng. chronicler

holism
n. 1 : a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2 : a holistic study or method of treatment
–ho·list \'hō-list\ noun

holistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to holism
2 : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts <holistic medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body> <holistic ecology views humans and the environment as a single system>
–ho·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Holland
n. John Philip 1840-1914 American (Irish-born) inventor

Holland
n. Sir Sidney George 1893-1961 prime min. of New Zealand (1945-57)

Holland
n. 1 city W Mich. on Lake Michigan pop 35,048
2 medieval county of Holy Roman Empire bordering on North Sea, now forming N. & S. Holland provinces of the Netherlands
3 ― see NETHERLANDS
–Hol·land·er \-lən-dər\ noun

holland
n. : a cotton or linen fabric in plain weave usually heavily sized or glazed and used for window shades, bookbinding, and clothing

holland
n. Holland gin
Holland Parts of
Hook of Holland
North Holland
Noord Holland
South Holland
Zuid Holland

Holland, Parts of
district & former administrative county E England in SE Lincolnshire capital Boston area 418 sq mi (1083 sq km)

hollandaise
adj. : a rich sauce made basically of butter, egg yolks, and lemon juice or vinegar

Hollandia
― see JAYAPURA

Hollands
n. : gin made in the Netherlands ― called also Holland gin

holler
v. intransitive verb
1 : to cry out (as to attract attention or in pain) : SHOUT
2 : GRIPE, COMPLAIN
transitive verb : to call out (a word or phrase)

holler
v. 1 : SHOUT, CRY
2 : COMPLAINT
3 : a freely improvised work song of black Americans <field hollers>

holler
v. chiefly dialect variant of hollow

Hollister
city W Calif. E of Monterey Bay pop 34,413

hollo
n. : to cry hollo : HOLLER
transitive verb
1 : to call or cry hollo to
2 : to utter loudly : HOLLER

hollo
n. : an exclamation or call of hollo

hollo
n. 1 ― used to attract attention (as when a fox is spied during a fox hunt)
2 ― used as a call of encouragement or jubilation

hollow
n. 1 : an unfilled space : CAVITY, HOLE
2 : a depressed or low part of a surface especially : a small valley or basin

hollow
n. 1 : having an indentation or inward curve : CONCAVE, SUNKEN
2 : having a cavity within <a hollow tree>
3 : lacking in real value, sincerity, or substance : FALSE, MEANINGLESS <hollow promises> <a victory over a weakling is hollow and without triumph ― Ernest Beaglehole>
4 : reverberating like a sound made in or by beating on a large empty enclosure : MUFFLED
synonyms see VAIN
–hol·low·ly \'hä-lō-lē, -lə-lē\ adverb
–hol·low·ness noun

hollow
n. 1 : to make hollow
2 : to form by a hollowing action ― usually used with out <rain barrels hollowed out from trees ― Robert Shaplen>
intransitive verb : to become hollow

hollow
n. 1 : so as to have a hollow sound
2 : COMPLETELY, THOROUGHLY <an ongoing story that has the old cowboy-and-Indians genre beat hollow ― Barbara Bannon> ― often used with all

hollowware
n. : vessels (as bowls, cups, or vases) usually of pottery, glass, or metal that have a significant depth and volume ― compare FLATWARE

holly
n. 1 : any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs especially : either of two (I. opaca of the eastern U.S. and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations
2 : the foliage or branches of the holly

hollyhock
n. : a tall widely cultivated biennial or perennial herb (Alcea rosea syn. Althaea rosea) of the mallow family that has large coarse rounded leaves and tall spikes of showy flowers and that is prob. of Asian origin

Hollywood
n. : the American motion-picture industry
–Hol·ly·wood·ish \-ˌwu̇-dish\ adjective

Hollywood
n. 1 : of or characteristic of people in the American motion-picture industry <the Hollywood lifestyle>
2 : of or characteristic of a Hollywood film <a story with a Hollywood happy ending>

Hollywood
n. 1 section of Los Angeles, Calif. NW of the downtown district
2 city SE Fla. N of Miami pop 139,357

Hollywood bed
: a mattress on a box spring supported by low legs and often having an upholstered headboard

holm
n. British : a small inland or inshore island also : BOTTOMS

holm oak
: a southern European evergreen oak (Quercus ilex)

Holman-Hunt
William ― see Holman HUNT

Holmes
n. Oliver Wendell 1809-1894 American physician & author

Holmes
n. Oliver Wendell 1841-1935 son of prec. American jurist

Holmesian
adj. : of, characteristic of, or suggestive of the detective Sherlock Holmes

holmium
n. : a metallic element of the rare-earth group that forms highly magnetic compounds and is obtained especially from monazite ― see ELEMENT table

holo
― see HOL-

holoblastic
adj. : characterized by complete cleavage that divides the whole egg into distinct and separate blastomeres ― compare MEROBLASTIC

holocaust
n. 1 : a sacrifice consumed by fire
2 : a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire <a nuclear holocaust>
3 a often capitalized : the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II ― usually used with the b : a mass slaughter of people especially : GENOCIDE

Holocene
n. : of, relating to, or being the present or post-Pleistocene geologic epoch ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Holocene noun

holocrine
adj. : producing or being a secretion resulting from lysis of secretory cells <holocrine sebaceous glands>

holoenzyme
n. : a catalytically active enzyme consisting of an apoenzyme combined with its cofactor

Holofernes
: a general of Nebuchadnezzar's who led an Assyrian army against Israel and was beheaded in his sleep by Judith

hologram
n. : a three-dimensional image reproduced from a pattern of interference produced by a split coherent beam of radiation (as a laser) also : the pattern of interference itself

holograph
n. : a document wholly in the handwriting of its author also : the handwriting itself
–holograph or ho·lo·graph·ic \ˌhō-lə-'gra-fik, ˌhä-\ adjective

holography
n. : the art or process of making or using a hologram
–ho·lo·graph \'hō-lə-ˌgraf, 'hä-\ transitive verb
–ho·log·ra·pher \hō-'lä-grə-fər\ noun
–ho·lo·graph·ic \ˌhō-lə-'gra-fik, ˌhä-\ adjective
–ho·lo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

holohedral
of a crystal : having all the faces required by complete symmetry ― compare HEMIHEDRAL, TETARTOHEDRAL

holometabolous
: characterized by complete metamorphosis <holometabolous insects> ― compare HEMIMETABOLOUS
–ho·lo·me·tab·o·lism \-ˌli-zəm\ noun

holophrastic
: expressing a complex of ideas in a single word or in a fixed phrase

holophytic
adj. : obtaining food after the manner of a green plant by photosynthetic activity

holothurian
n. : SEA CUCUMBER
–holothurian adjective

holotype
n. 1 : the single specimen designated by an author as the type of a species or lesser taxon at the time of establishing the group
2 : the type of a species or lesser taxon designated at a date later than that of establishing a group or by a person other than the author of the taxon
–ho·lo·typ·ic \ˌhō-lə-'ti-pik, ˌhä-\ adjective

holozoic
adj. : characterized by food procurement after the manner of most animals by the ingestion of complex organic matter <holozoic nutrition>

holp
chiefly dialect past of help

holpen
chiefly dialect past part of help

hols
n. British : VACATION 2

Holst
n. Gustav Theodore 1874-1934 Eng. composer

Holstein
n. : any of a breed of large usually black-and-white dairy cattle orig. from northern Holland and Friesland that produce large quantities of comparatively low-fat milk

Holstein
n. region N Germany S of Jutland Peninsula adjoining Schleswig; once a duchy of Denmark, became a part of Prussia 1866 ― see SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

Holstein-Friesian
: HOLSTEIN

holster
n. : a leather or fabric case for carrying a firearm on the person (as on the hip or chest), on a saddle, or in a vehicle broadly : a case for carrying a usually small item on the person <a knife holster> <a heart monitor carried in a hip holster>

Holston
river 140 mi (225 km) E Tenn. flowing SW to unite with French Broad River forming the Tennessee River

Holt
n. Harold Edward 1908-1967 Austral. polit.; prime min. (1966-67)

Holt
n. Luther Emmett 1855-1924 American pediatrician

holt
n. archaic : a small woods : COPPICE

holus-bolus
: all at once <she⋯put it back, holus-bolus, in her pocket ― Wilkie Collins>

holy
n. 1 : exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness
2 : DIVINE <for the Lord our God is holy ― Ps 99:9(AV)>
3 : devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity <a holy temple> <holy prophets>
4 a : having a divine quality <holy love> b : venerated as or as if sacred <holy scripture> <a holy relic>
5 ― used as an intensive <this is a holy mess> <he was a holy terror when he drank ― Thomas Wolfe> ― often used in combination as a mild oath <holy smoke>
–ho·li·ly \-lə-lē\ adverb

holy
n. holy city
Holy Communion
holy day
holy day of obligation
Holy Father
Holy Ghost
Holy Grail
Holy Joe
Holy Office
holy of holies
holy oil
holy order
Holy Roller
Holy Roman Empire
Holy Saturday
Holy See
Holy Spirit
Holy Synod
Holy Thursday
holy war
holy water
Holy Week
holy writ
Holy Year
Holy Cross Mount of the
Holy Island
Holy Land
Holy Loch
holier than thou

holy city
: a city that is the center of religious worship and traditions

Holy Communion
: COMMUNION 2A

Holy Cross, Mount of the
mountain 14,005 ft (4269 m) NW cen Colo. in Sawatch Range

holy day
: a day set aside for special religious observance

holy day of obligation

1909
: a feast on which Roman Catholics are duty-bound to attend mass

Holy Father
: POPE 1

Holy Ghost
: the third person of the Trinity : HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Grail
1 : GRAIL
2 often not capitalized : an object or goal that is sought after for its great significance

Holy Island
1 or Lin·dis·farne \'lin-dəs-ˌfärn\ island N England off NE coast of Northumberland, connected to mainland at low tide pop 190
2 or Holyhead Island island NW Wales in St. George's Channel off W coast of Anglesey

Holy Joe
slang : PARSON, CHAPLAIN

Holy Land
the lands comprising ancient Palestine & including the holy land of the Jewish, Christian, & Islamic religions

Holy Loch
inlet of Firth of Clyde W Scotland on NW shore of the firth opposite mouth of the Clyde

holy of holies
: the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Jewish tabernacle and temple

Holy Office
― used formerly as the name of the Roman Catholic congregation of the curia charged with protecting faith and morals that is now called the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

holy oil
: olive oil blessed by a bishop for use in a sacrament or sacramental

holy order
1 a : MAJOR ORDER ― usually used in plural b : one of the orders of the ministry in the Anglican or Episcopal church
2 : the rite or sacrament of ordination ― usually used in plural

Holy Roller
often offensive : a member of one of the Protestant sects whose worship meetings are characterized by spontaneous expressions of emotional excitement

Holy Roman Empire
: an empire consisting primarily of a loose confederation of German and Italian territories under the suzerainty of an emperor and existing from the 9th or 10th century to 1806

Holy Roman Empire
realm of varying extent in cen Europe in medieval & modern periods with Germany as chief component

Holy Saturday
: the Saturday before Easter

Holy See
: the see of the pope

Holy Spirit
: the third person of the Christian Trinity

Holy Synod
: the governing body of a national Eastern church

Holy Thursday
1 : ASCENSION DAY
2 : MAUNDY THURSDAY

holy war
: a war or violent campaign waged by religious partisans to propagate or defend their faith

holy water
: water blessed by a priest and used as a purifying sacramental

Holy Week
: the week before Easter during which the last days of Christ's life are commemorated

holy writ
1 : BIBLE 1
2 : a writing or utterance having unquestionable authority <its financial precepts were not necessarily Holy Writ ― Herbert Stein>

Holy Year
: a Roman Catholic jubilee year

Holyhead
seaport NW Wales on Holy Is.

Holyoake
Sir Keith Jacka 1904-1983 prime min. of New Zealand (1960-72)

Holyoke
n. city SW Mass. N of Springfield pop 39,838

holystone
n. : a soft sandstone used to scrub a ship's wooden decks
–holystone transitive verb

hom
pref. 1 : one and the same : similar : alike <homograph> <homosporous>
2 : homosexual <homophobia>

homage
n. 1 a : a feudal ceremony by which a man acknowledges himself the vassal of a lord b : the relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal c : an act done or payment made in meeting the obligations of vassalage
2 a : expression of high regard : RESPECT ― often used with pay b : something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another : TRIBUTE <his long life filled with international homages to his unique musical talent ― People>
synonyms see HONOR

homager
: VASSAL

hombre
n. : GUY, FELLOW

homburg
n. : a man's felt hat with a stiff curled brim and a high crown creased lengthwise

Home
n. Sir Alec Douglas- 1903-1995 Brit. prime min. (1963-64)

Home
n. William Douglas- 1912-1992 Brit. dram.

home
n. 1 a : one's place of residence : DOMICILE b : HOUSE
2 : the social unit formed by a family living together
3 a : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment also : the focus of one's domestic attention <home is where the heart is> b : HABITAT
4 a : a place of origin <salmon returning to their home to spawn> also : one's own country <having troubles at home and abroad> b : HEADQUARTERS 2 <home of the dance company>
5 : an establishment providing residence and care for people with special needs <homes for the elderly>
6 : the objective in various games especially : HOME PLATE
–at home
1 : relaxed and comfortable : at ease <felt completely at home on the stage>
2 : in harmony with the surroundings
3 : on familiar ground : KNOWLEDGEABLE <teachers at home in their subject fields>

home
n. 1 : to or at one's home <go home> <stayed home all day>
2 a : to a final, closed, or ultimate position <drive a nail home> b : to or at an ultimate objective (as a goal or finish line)
3 : to a vital sensitive core <the truth struck home>
–home free : out of jeopardy : in a comfortable position with respect to some objective

home
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a home, place of origin, or base of operations <home office>
2 : prepared, done, or designed for use in a home <home remedies> <home cooking> <a home videotape system>
3 : operating or occurring in a home area <the home team> <home games>

home
n. intransitive verb
1 : to go or return home
2 of an animal : to return accurately to one's home or natal area from a distance
3 : to proceed to or toward a source of radiated energy used as a guide <missiles home in on radar>
4 : to proceed or direct attention toward an objective <science is homing in on the mysterious human process ― Sam Glucksberg>
transitive verb : to send to or provide with a home

home
n. at home
bring home
close to home
detention home
down home
eat one out of house and home
fall home
foster home
funeral home
group home
harvest home
home free
home brew
home computer
home economics
home economist
home ec
home fries
home fried potatoes
home front
home page
home plate
home port
home range
home rule
home run
home screen
home stand
home theater
home truth
home video
mobile home
motor home
nursing home
rest home
sheet home
soldiers' home
stay at home
take home pay
Douglas Home
homing pigeon

home brew
: an alcoholic beverage (as beer) made at home

home computer
: a personal computer used in the home

home economics
: the theory and practice of homemaking ― called also home ec \-'ek\
–home economist noun

home free
out of jeopardy : in a comfortable position with respect to some objective

home fries
: potatoes that have usually been parboiled, sliced, and then fried ― called also home fried potatoes

home front
: the sphere of civilian activity in war

home page
: the page typically encountered first at a World Wide Web site that usually contains links to the other pages of the site

home plate
: a 5-sided rubber slab at one corner of a baseball diamond at which a batter stands when batting and which must be touched by a base runner in order to score

home port
: the port from which a ship hails or from which it is documented

home range
: the area to which an animal usually confines its daily activities

home rule
: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (as a territory or municipality)

home run
1 : a hit in baseball that enables the batter to make a complete circuit of the bases and score a run
2 : an impressive success <the president's speech was a home run>

home screen
: TELEVISION 2

home stand
: a series of baseball games played at a team's home field

home theater
: an entertainment system for the home that usually consists of a large television with video components (as a DVD player and VCR) and an audio system offering surround sound

home truth
1 : an unpleasant fact that jars the sensibilities
2 : a statement of undisputed fact

home video
1 : prerecorded videocassettes or videodiscs marketed for home viewing
2 : a homemade movie usually filmed with a camcorder

homebody
n. : one whose life centers on home

homebound
adj. : going homeward : bound for home <homebound travelers>

homebound
adj. : confined to the home

homeboy
n. 1 : a boy or man from one's neighborhood, hometown, or region
2 : a fellow member of a youth gang
3 : an inner-city youth

homebred
adj. : produced at home : INDIGENOUS

homebuilt
: HOMEMADE 1

homecoming
n. 1 : a return home
2 : the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented or regarded as home especially : an annual celebration for alumni at a college or university

homegirl
n. 1 : a girl or woman from one's neighborhood, hometown, or region
2 : a girl or woman who is a member of one's peer group
3 : an inner-city girl or woman

homegrown
adj. 1 : grown or produced at home or in a particular local area <homegrown vegetables> <homegrown films>
2 : native to or characteristic of a particular area <the festival will feature homegrown artists>

homeland
n. 1 : native land : FATHERLAND
2 : a state or area set aside to be a state for a people of a particular national, cultural, or racial origin especially : BANTUSTAN

homeless
n. : having no home or permanent place of residence
–home·less·ness noun

homelike
adj. : characteristic of a home

homely
adj. 1 : suggestive or characteristic of a home
2 : being something familiar with which one is at home <satisfy themselves with houses, furniture, books and clothes that were worn and homely and friendly to the touch ― Brendan Gill>
3 a : unaffectedly natural : SIMPLE b : not elaborate or complex <homely virtues>
4 : plain or unattractive in appearance
–home·li·ness noun

homemade
adj. 1 : made in the home, on the premises, or by one's own efforts
2 : of domestic manufacture

homemaker
n. : one who manages a household especially as a wife and mother
–home·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun or adjective

homeo
1 : like : similar <homeostasis>
2 : homeotic <homeobox>

homeobox
n. : a short usually highly conserved DNA sequence in various eukaryotic genes and especially homeotic genes that encodes a DNA-binding amino acid domain of some proteins

homeomorphism
n. : a function that is a one-to-one mapping between sets such that both the function and its inverse are continuous and that in topology exists for geometric figures which can be transformed one into the other by an elastic deformation
–ho·meo·mor·phic \-'mȯr-fik\ adjective

homeopathic
adj. 1 : of or relating to homeopathy
2 : of a diluted or insipid nature <a homeopathic abolitionist ― W. A. White>
–ho·meo·path·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

homeopathy
n. : a system of medical practice that treats a disease especially by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to those of the disease
–ho·meo·path \'hō-mē-ə-ˌpath\ noun

homeostasis
n. : a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group
–ho·meo·stat·ic \-'sta-tik\ adjective

homeothermic
: WARM-BLOODED 1
–ho·meo·therm \'hō-mē-ə-ˌthərm\ also ho·moio·therm \hō-'mȯi-ə-\ noun
–ho·meo·ther·my \'hō-mē-ə-ˌthər-mē\ also ho·moio·ther·my \hō-'mȯi-ə-\ noun

homeotic
: relating to, caused by, or being a gene producing a usually major shift in the developmental fate of an organ or body part

homeport
: to provide with or assign to a home port

Homer
n. 9th-8th? cent. B.C. Greek epic poet

Homer
n. Winslow 1836-1910 American artist

homer
n. : an ancient Hebrew unit of capacity equal to about 101/2 or later 111/2 bushels or 100 U.S. gallons (378 liters)

homer
n. 1 : HOME RUN
2 : HOMING PIGEON

homer
n. : to hit a home run

Homeric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Greek poet Homer, his age, or his writings
2 : of epic proportions : HEROIC <Homeric feats of reporting ― Stanley Walker>
–Ho·mer·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

homeroom
n. : a classroom where pupils report especially at the beginning of each school day

homeschool
: to teach school subjects to one's children at home
transitive verb : to teach (one's children) at home

homeschooler
1 : one that homeschools
2 : a child who is homeschooled

homesick
adj. : longing for home and family while absent from them
–home·sick·ness noun

homesite
n. : a location of or suitable for a home

homespun
n. 1 a : spun or made at home b : made of homespun
2 : SIMPLE, HOMELY <homespun philosophy>

homespun
n. : a loosely woven usually woolen or linen fabric orig. made from homespun yarn

homestay
n. : a stay at a residence by a traveler and especially by a visiting foreign student who is hosted by a local family

Homestead
n. city SE Fla. SW of Miami pop 31,909

homestead
n. 1 a : the home and adjoining land occupied by a family b : an ancestral home c : HOUSE
2 : a tract of land acquired from U.S. public lands by filing a record and living on and cultivating the tract

homestead
n. : to acquire or occupy as a homestead
intransitive verb : to acquire or settle on land under a homestead law
–home·stead·er \-ˌste-dər\ noun

homestead law
1 : a law exempting a homestead from attachment or sale under execution for general debts
2 : any of several legislative acts authorizing the sale of public lands in homesteads

Homestead National Monument
n. site SE Nebr. (W of Beatrice) of first homestead entered under General Homestead Act of 1862

homestretch
n. 1 : the part of a racecourse between the last turn and the winning post
2 : a final stage (as of a project)

hometown
n. : the city or town where one was born or grew up also : the place of one's principal residence

homeward
adv. : toward home <look homeward, angel ― John Milton>

homeward
adv. : being or going in the direction of home

Homewood
city cen Ala. pop 25,043

homework
n. 1 : piecework done at home for pay
2 : an assignment given to a student to be completed outside the regular class period
3 : preparatory reading or research (as for a discussion or a debate)

homey
n. 1 : HOMELIKE <a restaurant with a homey atmosphere> also : evocative of home <a homey meal>
2 : HOMELY 3 <homey anecdotes>
–hom·ey·ness or hom·i·ness noun

homey
n. : HOMEBOY

homicidal
adj. : of, relating to, or tending toward homicide
–ho·mi·cid·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

homicide
n. 1 : a person who kills another
2 : a killing of one human being by another

homiletic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a homily
2 : of or relating to homiletics also : PREACHY

homiletics
n. : the art of preaching

homily
n. 1 : a usually short sermon
2 : a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme
3 : an inspirational catchphrase also : PLATITUDE

homing pigeon
: a racing pigeon trained to return home

hominid
n. : any of a family (Hominidae) of erect bipedal primate mammals comprising recent humans together with extinct ancestral and related forms
–hominid adjective

hominization
n. : the evolutionary development of human characteristics that differentiate hominids from their primate ancestors

hominoid
n. : any of a superfamily (Hominoidea) of primates including recent hominids, gibbons, and pongids together with extinct ancestral and related forms (as of the genera Proconsul and Dryopithecus)
–hominoid adjective

hominy
n. : kernels of corn that have been soaked in a caustic solution (as of lye) and then washed to remove the hulls

hominy grits
: GRITS

homme
homme d'affaires
homme de lettres
homme d'esprit
homme moyen sensuel
honnete homme
honnête homme

homme d'affaires
: man of business : business agent

homme d'esprit
: man of wit

homme de lettres
: man of letters

homme moyen sensuel
: the average nonintellectual man

homo
n. : any of a genus (Homo) of hominids that includes modern humans (H. sapiens) and several extinct related species (as H. erectus and H. habilis)

homo
n. often disparaging : HOMOSEXUAL
–homo adjective often disparaging

homo
n. ― see HOM-

homo
n. Homo sapiens
homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto
novus homo

Homo sapiens
: HUMANKIND

homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto
: I am a human being: I regard nothing of human concern as foreign to my interests

homocercal
1 of a fish tail fin : having the upper and lower lobes approximately symmetrical and the vertebral column ending at or near the middle of the base
2 : having or relating to a homocercal tail fin

homocysteine
n. : an amino acid C_4H_9NO_2S that is produced in animal metabolism by the demethylation of methionine and that appears to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when occurring at high levels in the blood

homoe
― see HOMEO-

homoerotic
adj. : HOMOSEXUAL specifically : marked by, revealing, or portraying homosexual desire <a homoerotic subtext to the story> <homoerotic photographs>
–ho·mo·erot·i·cism \-'rä-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

homogametic
adj. : forming gametes which all have the same type of sex chromosome

homogamy
n. : the mating of like with like
–ho·mog·a·mous \-məs\ adjective

homogenate
adj. : a product of homogenizing

homogeneity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being homogeneous
2 : the state of having identical cumulative distribution function or values <homogeneity of variances>

homogeneous
adj. 1 : of the same or a similar kind or nature
2 : of uniform structure or composition throughout <a culturally homogeneous neighborhood>
3 : having the property that if each variable is replaced by a constant times that variable the constant can be factored out : having each term of the same degree if all variables are considered <a homogeneous equation>
–ho·mo·ge·neous·ly adverb
–ho·mo·ge·neous·ness noun

homogenisation
British variant of homogenization, homogenize

homogenization
n. 1 : the act or process of homogenizing
2 : the quality or state of being homogenized

homogenize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to blend (diverse elements) into a uniform mixture b : to make homogeneous
2 a : to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid b : to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles
intransitive verb : to become homogenized
–ho·mog·e·niz·er noun

homogenous
adj. 1 : HOMOPLASTIC 2
2 : HOMOGENEOUS

homograft
n. : a graft of tissue taken from a donor of the same species as the recipient ― compare XENOGRAFT

homograph
n. : one of two or more words spelled alike but different in meaning or derivation or pronunciation (as the bow of a ship, a bow and arrow)
–ho·mo·graph·ic \ˌhä-mə-'gra-fik, ˌhō-\ adjective

homoio
― see HOMEO-

homoiotherm
n. variant of homeotherm, homeothermic, homeothermy

homoiousian
n. : an adherent of an ecclesiastical party of the fourth century holding that the Son is essentially like the Father but not of the same substance

homologate
v. : SANCTION, ALLOW especially : to approve or confirm officially
–ho·mol·o·ga·tion \-ˌmä-lə-'gā-shən\ noun

homological
1 : HOMOLOGOUS
2 : of or relating to topological homology theory <homological algebra>
–ho·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

homologize
v. 1 : to make homologous
2 : to demonstrate the homology of
–ho·mol·o·giz·er noun

homologous
adj. 1 a : having the same relative position, value, or structure: as (1) : exhibiting biological homology (2) : having the same or allelic genes with genetic loci usually arranged in the same order <homologous chromosomes> b : belonging to or consisting of a chemical series whose successive members have a regular difference in composition especially of one methylene group
2 : derived from or developed in response to organisms of the same species

homologue
n. : something (as a chemical compound or a chromosome) homologous

homology
n. 1 : a similarity often attributable to common origin
2 a : likeness in structure between parts of different organisms (as the wing of a bat and the human arm) due to evolutionary differentiation from a corresponding part in a common ancestor ― compare ANALOGY b : correspondence in structure between a series of parts (as vertebrae) in the same individual
3 : similarity of nucleotide or amino acid sequence (as in nucleic acids or proteins)
4 : a branch of the theory of topology concerned with partitioning space into geometric components (as points, lines, and triangles) and with the study of the number and interrelationships of these components especially by the use of group theory ― called also homology theory ― compare COHOMOLOGY

homolytic
adj. of a chemical compound : decomposing into two uncharged atoms or radicals
–ho·mol·y·sis \hō-'mä-lə-səs\ noun

homomorphism
: a mapping of a mathematical set (as a group, ring, or vector space) into or onto another set or itself in such a way that the result obtained by applying the operations to elements of the first set is mapped onto the result obtained by applying the corresponding operations to their respective images in the second set
–ho·mo·mor·phic \-fik\ adjective

homonuclear
: of or relating to a molecule composed of identical nuclei

homonym
n. 1 a : HOMOPHONE b : HOMOGRAPH c : one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning (as the noun quail and the verb quail)
2 : NAMESAKE
3 : a taxonomic designation rejected as invalid because the identical term has been used to designate another group of the same rank ― compare SYNONYM
–hom·onym·ic \ˌhä-mə-'ni-mik, ˌhō-\ adjective

homonymous
adj. 1 : AMBIGUOUS
2 : having the same designation
3 : of, relating to, or being homonyms
–hom·on·y·mous·ly adverb

homonymy
n. : the quality or state of being homonymous

homoousian
n. : an adherent of an ecclesiastical party of the fourth century holding to the doctrine of the Nicene Creed that the Son is of the same substance with the Father

homophile
n. : GAY 4B

homophobe
n. : a person characterized by homophobia

homophobia
n. : irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals
–ho·mo·pho·bic \-'fō-bik\ adjective

homophone
n. 1 : one of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling (as the words to, too, and two)
2 : a character or group of characters pronounced the same as another character or group
–ho·moph·o·nous \hō-'mä-fə-nəs\ adjective

homophonic
adj. 1 : CHORDAL
2 : of or relating to homophones
–ho·moph·o·ny \hō-'mä-fə-nē\ noun

homoplastic
adj. 1 : of or relating to homoplasy
2 : of, relating to, or derived from another individual of the same species <homoplastic grafts>

homoplasy
: correspondence between parts or organs acquired as the result of parallel evolution or convergence

homopolar
1 of a motor or generator : using or producing direct current without the use of commutators
2 : of or relating to a union of atoms of like polarity : NONIONIC

homopolymer
n. : a polymer (as polyethylene) consisting of identical monomer units
–ho·mo·pol·y·mer·ic \-ˌpä-lə-'mer-ik\ adjective

homopteran
n. : any of an order or suborder (Homoptera) of insects (as aphids and cicadas) that have sucking mouthparts
–homopteran adjective
–ho·mop·ter·ous \-rəs\ adjective

homos
n. plural of homo

homoscedasticity
: the property of having equal statistical variances
–ho·mo·sce·das·tic \-'das-tik\ adjective

homosexual
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex
2 : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between persons of the same sex
–ho·mo·sex·u·al·ly adverb

homosexual
n. : a homosexual person and especially a male

homosexuality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being homosexual
2 : erotic activity with another of the same sex

homosocial
: of, relating to, or involving social relationships between persons of the same sex and especially between men
–ho·mo·so·ci·al·i·ty \-ˌsō-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun

homospory
n. : the production by various plants (as the club mosses and horsetails) of asexual spores of only one kind
–ho·mo·spo·rous \ˌhō-mə-'spȯr-əs, ˌhä-; hō-'mäs-pə-rəs\ adjective

homothallic
1 : having a haploid phase that produces two kinds of gametes capable of fusing to form a zygote ― used especially of algae and fungi
2 : MONOECIOUS
–ho·mo·thal·lism \-'tha-ˌli-zəm\ noun

homotransplant
n. : HOMOGRAFT
–ho·mo·trans·plan·ta·tion \-ˌtran(t)s-ˌplan-'tā-shən\ noun

homozygosis
n. : HOMOZYGOSITY

homozygosity
n. : the state of being homozygous

homozygote
n. : a homozygous individual

homozygous
adj. : having the two genes at corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes identical for one or more loci
–ho·mo·zy·gous·ly adverb

Homs
city W Syria on the Orontes pop 354,508

homunculus
n. 1 : a little man : MANIKIN
2 : a miniature adult that in the theory of preformation is held to inhabit the germ cell and to produce a mature individual merely by an increase in size

homy
adj. variant of homey

Homyel'
city SE Belarus pop 503,300

hon
adj. : HONEY 2A

hon
adj. honor; honorable; honorary

Honan
― see HENAN

honcho
n. : BOSS, BIG SHOT also : HOTSHOT

Honduras
n. country Central America bordering on the Caribbean & the Pacific; a republic capital Tegucigalpa area 43,277 sq mi (112,087 sq km), pop 4,604,800
–Hon·du·ran \-ən\ adjective or noun

Honduras, Gulf of
inlet of the Caribbean bet. S Belize, E Guatemala, & N Honduras

hone
n. : WHETSTONE

hone
n. 1 : to sharpen or smooth with a whetstone
2 : to make more acute, intense, or effective : WHET <helped her hone her comic timing ― Patricia Bosworth>
–hon·er noun

hone
n. 1 dialect : YEARN ― often used with for or after
2 dialect : GRUMBLE, MOAN

hone in
: to move toward or focus attention on an objective <looking back for the ball honing in ― George Plimpton> <a missile honing in on its target ― Bob Greene> <hones in on the plights and victories of the common man ― Lisa Russell>
usage The few commentators who have noticed hone in consider it to be a mistake for home in. It may have arisen from home in by the weakening of the \m\ sound to \n\ or may perhaps simply be due to the influence of hone. Though it seems to have established itself in American English (and mention in a British usage book suggests it is used in British English too), your use of it especially in writing is likely to be called a mistake. Home in or in figurative use zero in does nicely.

Honecker
Erich 1912-1994 gen. secy. of East German Communist party (1971-89)

Honegger
Arthur 1892-1955 Fr. composer

honest
adj. 1 a : free from fraud or deception : LEGITIMATE, TRUTHFUL <an honest plea> b : GENUINE, REAL <making honest stops at stop signs ― Christian Science Monitor> c : HUMBLE, PLAIN <good honest food>
2 a : REPUTABLE, RESPECTABLE <honest decent people> b chiefly British : GOOD, WORTHY
3 : CREDITABLE, PRAISEWORTHY <an honest day's work>
4 a : marked by integrity b : marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : FRANK <an honest appraisal> c : INNOCENT, SIMPLE
synonyms see UPRIGHT

honest
adj. 1 : in an honest manner : HONESTLY <I have ever found thee honest true ― Shakespeare>
2 : with all sincerity <I didn't do it, honest>

honest broker
: a neutral mediator

honestly
adv. 1 : in an honest manner: as a : without cheating <counted the ballots honestly> b : REALLY, GENUINELY <was honestly scared> c : without frills <food honestly prepared>
2 : to be honest : to tell the truth <honestly, I don't know>

honesty
n. 1 obsolete : CHASTITY
2 a : fairness and straightforwardness of conduct b : adherence to the facts : SINCERITY
3 : any of a genus (Lunaria) of European herbs of the mustard family with toothed leaves and flat disk-shaped siliques
synonyms HONESTY, HONOR, INTEGRITY, PROBITY mean uprightness of character or action. HONESTY implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way. HONOR suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position. INTEGRITY implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge. PROBITY implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

honey
n. 1 a : a sweet viscid material elaborated out of the nectar of flowers in the honey sac of various bees b : a sweet fluid resembling honey that is collected or elaborated by various insects
2 a : a loved one : SWEETHEART, DEAR b : a superlative example
3 : the quality or state of being sweet : SWEETNESS
4 : an attractive woman

honey
n. transitive verb
1 : to sweeten with or as if with honey
2 : to speak ingratiatingly to : FLATTER
intransitive verb : to use blandishments or cajolery

honey
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling honey
2 : much loved : DEAR

honey
n. honey locust
honey sac
honey stomach

honey locust
: a tall usually spiny No. American leguminous tree (Gleditsia triacanthos) with very hard wood and long twisted pods containing a sweet edible pulp and seeds that resemble beans

honey sac
: a distension of the esophagus of a bee in which honey is elaborated ― called also honey stomach

honeybee
n. : a honey-producing bee (genus Apis of the family Apidae) especially : a European bee (A. mellifera) introduced worldwide and kept in hives for the honey it produces

honeycomb
n. 1 : a mass of hexagonal wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain their brood and stores of honey
2 : something that resembles a honeycomb in structure or appearance especially : a strong lightweight cellular structural material

honeycomb
n. 1 a : to cause to be full of cavities like a honeycomb b : to make into a checkered pattern : FRET
2 a : to penetrate into every part : FILL b : SUBVERT, WEAKEN
intransitive verb : to become pitted, checked, or cellular

honeycreeper
n. 1 : any of numerous small bright-colored oscine birds (esp. genera Cyanerpes and Chlorophanes of the family Coerebidae) of tropical America
2 : any of a family (Drepanididae) of often colorful oscine birds found only in Hawaii

honeydew
n. 1 : a saccharine deposit secreted on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus
2 : HONEYDEW MELON

honeydew melon
: a pale smooth-skinned winter melon with sweet greenish flesh

honeyeater
n. : any of a family (Meliphagidae) of oscine birds chiefly of the So. Pacific that have a long extensible tongue adapted for extracting nectar and small insects from flowers

honeyed
adj. 1 a : made with or having honey b : resembling honey
2 : pleasingly sweet <her honeyed voice>

honeyguide
n. : any of a family (Indicatoridae) of small plainly colored nonpasserine birds that inhabit Africa, the Himalayas, and the East Indies and that include some which lead people or animals to the nests of bees

honeymoon
n. 1 : a period of harmony immediately following marriage
2 : a period of unusual harmony especially following the establishment of a new relationship
3 : a trip or vacation taken by a newly married couple
–honeymoon intransitive verb
–hon·ey·moon·er noun

honeypot
n. 1 : one that is attractive or desirable
2 : a substantial source of money

honeysuckle
n. : any of a genus (Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family) of shrubs with opposite leaves and fragrant tubular flowers rich in nectar broadly : any of various plants (as a columbine or azalea) with tubular flowers rich in nectar

Honfleur
town & port N France on Seine estuary pop 8346

Hong
― see RED 4

hong
: a commercial establishment or house of foreign trade in China

Hong Kong
1 special administrative region China on SE coast E of mouth of Zhu River including Hong Kong Is., Jiulong Peninsula & New Territories, & nearby islands; formerly a Brit. crown colony with Victoria as capital area 424 sq mi (1098 sq km), pop 6,843,000
2 ― see VICTORIA 5
–Hong Kong·er noun

Hongshui
river S China flowing from E Yunnan E to E Guangxi Zhuangzu

Hongze
lake 65 mi (105 km) long E China in W Jiangsu; traversed by the Huang

honi soit qui mal y pense
: shamed be he who thinks evil of it ― motto of the Order of the Garter

Honiara
n. town W Pacific capital of Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal Is. pop 35,288

honk
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make the characteristic cry of a goose
2 : to make a sound resembling the cry of a goose
transitive verb : to cause (as a horn) to honk

honk
n. : the characteristic cry of a goose also : a similar sound

honker
n. 1 : one that honks
2 slang : a very large nose

honky
n. usually disparaging : a white person

honky
n. honky tonk
honky tonker

honky-tonk
1 : a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall especially : one that features country music
2 : a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3 : country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune
–hon·ky-tonk·er \-ˌtäŋ-kər, -ˌtȯŋ-\ noun

honky-tonk
1 : of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano
2 : marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks

honnete homme
: honest man : respectable and honorable citizen of the middle class

Honolulu
n. city & port capital of Hawaii on Oahu pop 371,657
–Ho·no·lu·lan \-'lü-lən\ noun

honor
n. 1 a : good name or public esteem : REPUTATION b : a showing of usually merited respect : RECOGNITION <pay honor to our founder>
2 : PRIVILEGE <had the honor of joining the captain for dinner>
3 : a person of superior standing ― now used especially as a title for a holder of high office <if Your Honor please>
4 : one whose worth brings respect or fame : CREDIT <an honor to the profession>
5 : the center point of the upper half of an armorial escutcheon
6 : an evidence or symbol of distinction: as a : an exalted title or rank b (1) : BADGE, DECORATION (2) : a ceremonial rite or observance <buried with full military honors> c : an award in a contest or field of competition d archaic : a gesture of deference : BOW e plural (1) : an academic distinction conferred on a superior student (2) : a course of study for superior students supplementing or replacing a regular course
7 : CHASTITY, PURITY <fought fiercely for her honor and her life ― Barton Black>
8 a : a keen sense of ethical conduct : INTEGRITY <wouldn't do it as a matter of honor> b : one's word given as a guarantee of performance <on my honor, I will be there>
9 plural : social courtesies or civilities extended by a host <asked her to do the honors>
10 a (1) : an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit in bridge (2) : the scoring value of honors held in bridge ― usually used in plural b : the privilege of playing first from the tee in golf
synonyms HONOR, HOMAGE, REVERENCE, DEFERENCE mean respect and esteem shown to another. HONOR may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition <the nomination is an honor>. HOMAGE adds the implication of accompanying praise <paying homage to Shakespeare>. REVERENCE implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe <great reverence for my father>. DEFERENCE implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence <showed no deference to their elders>. synonym see in addition HONESTY

honor
n. 1 a : to regard or treat with honor or respect b : to confer honor on
2 a : to live up to or fulfill the terms of <honor a commitment> b : to accept as payment <honor a credit card>
3 : to salute with a bow in square dancing
–hon·or·ee \ˌä-nə-'rē\ noun
–hon·or·er \'ä-nər-ər\ noun

honor
n. court of honor
field of honor
guard of honor
honor guard
honor roll
honor society
honor system
Legion of Honor
maid of honor
matron of honor
Medal of Honor
point of honor
time honored

honor guard
: a guard assigned to a ceremonial duty (as to accompany a casket at a military funeral)

honor roll
: a roster of names of persons deserving honor especially : a list of students achieving academic distinction

honor society
: a society for the recognition of scholarly achievement especially of undergraduates

honor system
: a system (as at a college) whereby persons are trusted to abide by the regulations (as for a code of conduct) without supervision or surveillance

honorable
n. 1 : deserving of honor
2 a : of great renown : ILLUSTRIOUS b : entitled to honor ― used as a title for the children of certain British noblemen and for various government officials
3 : performed or accompanied with marks of honor or respect
4 a : attesting to creditable conduct b : consistent with an untarnished reputation <an honorable withdrawal>
5 : characterized by integrity : guided by a high sense of honor and duty
synonyms see UPRIGHT
–hon·or·abil·i·ty \ˌän-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌä-nə-\ noun
–hon·or·able·ness \'än-rə-bəl-nəs, 'ä-nə-\ noun
–hon·or·ably \-blē\ adverb

honorable mention
: a distinction conferred (as in a contest or exhibition) on works or persons of exceptional merit but not deserving of top honors

honorarium
n. : a payment for a service (as making a speech) on which custom or propriety forbids a price to be set

honorary
adj. 1 a : having or conferring distinction b : COMMEMORATIVE
2 : dependent on honor for fulfillment
3 a : conferred or elected in recognition of achievement or service without the usual prerequisites or obligations <an honorary degree> <an honorary member> b : UNPAID, VOLUNTARY <an honorary chairman>
–hon·or·ari·ly \ˌä-nə-'rer-ə-lē\ adverb
–honorary noun

honorific
n. 1 : conferring or conveying honor <honorific titles>
2 : belonging to or constituting a class of grammatical forms used in speaking to or about a social superior
–honorific noun
–hon·or·if·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Honorius
Flavius 384-423 Rom. emp. of the West (395-423)

honour
n. chiefly British variant of honor, honorable

Honshu
n. island Japan; chief island of the group area 86,246 sq mi (223,377 sq km), pop 100,254,208

Honthorst
Gerrit van 1590-1656 Du. painter

hoo
hoo ha
hoo hah
yoo hoo

hoo-ha
: UPROAR

Hooch
n. Pieter de 1629-after 1684 Du. painter

hooch
n. slang : alcoholic liquor especially when inferior or illicitly made or obtained

hooch
n. slang : a usually thatched hut broadly : DWELLING

hoochie
slang : a sexually promiscuous young woman

Hood
n. John Bell 1831-1879 American Confed. gen.

Hood
n. Samuel 1724-1816 1st Viscount Hood Brit. admiral

Hood
n. Thomas 1799-1845 Eng. poet

hood
n. 1 a (1) : a flexible covering for the head and neck (2) : a protective covering for the head and face b : a covering for a hawk's head and eyes c : a covering for a horse's head also : BLINDER
2 a : an ornamental scarf worn over an academic gown that indicates by its color the wearer's college or university b : a color marking or crest on the head of an animal or an expansion of the head that suggests a hood
3 a : something resembling a hood in form or use b : a cover for parts of mechanisms specifically : the movable metal covering over the engine of an automobile c chiefly British : a top cover over the passenger section of a vehicle usually designed to be folded back d : an enclosure or canopy provided with a draft for carrying off fumes, sprays, smokes, or dusts e : a covering for an opening (as a companion hatch) on a boat
–hood transitive verb
–hood·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

hood
n. : HOODLUM
–hoody \'hu̇-dē, 'hü-\ adjective

hood
n. : a neighborhood and especially an inner-city neighborhood also : INNER CITY

hood
n. 1 : state : condition : quality : character <widowerhood> <hardihood>
2 : time : period <childhood>
3 : instance of a (specified) state or quality <falsehood>
4 : individuals sharing a (specified) state or character <brotherhood>

hood
n. Robin Hood
Hood Mount
Hood Canal

Hood Canal
inlet of Puget Sound 80 mi (129 km) long W Wash. along E shore of Olympic Peninsula

Hood, Mount
mountain 11,235 ft (3424 m) NW Oreg. in Cascade Range; highest point in state

hooded
adj. 1 : having a hood
2 : shaped like a hood <hooded spathes>
3 a : having the head conspicuously different in color from the rest of the body <hooded bird> b : having a crest on the head that suggests a hood <hooded seals> c : having the skin at each side of the neck capable of expansion by movements of the ribs <a hooded cobra>
4 : half-closed <hooded eyes>
–hood·ed·ness noun

hoodie
n. : a hooded sweatshirt

hoodlum
n. 1 : THUG especially : one who commits acts of violence
2 : a young ruffian
–hood·lum·ish \-lə-mish\ adjective
–hood·lum·ism \-ˌmi-zəm\ noun

hoodman-blind
archaic : BLINDMAN'S BUFF

hoodoo
n. 1 : a body of practices of sympathetic magic traditional especially among blacks in the southern U.S.
2 : a natural column of rock in western No. America often in fantastic form
3 : something that brings bad luck
4 : NONSENSE, HOKUM
–hoo·doo·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

hoodoo
n. : to cast a spell on broadly : to be a source of misfortune to

hoodwink
v. 1 archaic : BLINDFOLD
2 obsolete : HIDE
3 : to deceive by false appearance : DUPE
–hood·wink·er noun

hooey
n. : NONSENSE

hoof
n. 1 : a curved covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the digits of an ungulate mammal and that corresponds to a nail or claw
2 : a hoofed foot especially of a horse
–on the hoof
of a meat animal : before butchering : LIVING <90¢ a pound on the hoof>

hoof
n. 1 : WALK <hoofed it to the lecture hall>
2 : KICK, TRAMPLE
intransitive verb : to move on the feet especially : DANCE

hoof
n. cloven hoof
on the hoof
hoof and mouth disease
cloven hoofed

hoof-and-mouth disease
: FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

hoofbeat
n. : the sound of a hoof striking a hard surface (as the ground)

Hoofddorp
commune W Netherlands pop 118,553

hoofed
adj. : furnished with hooves : UNGULATE

hoofer
n. : a professional dancer

hoofprint
n. : an impression or hollow made by a hoof

Hooghly
― see HUGLI

hook
n. 1 a : a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling b : something intended to attract and ensnare c : ANCHOR 1
2 : something curved or bent like a hook especially plural : FINGERS
3 : a flight or course of a ball that deviates from straight in a direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player propelling it also : a ball following such a course ― compare SLICE
4 : a short blow delivered with a circular motion by a boxer while the elbow remains bent and rigid
5 : HOOK SHOT
6 : BUTTONHOOK
7 : quick or summary removal ― used with get or give <the pitcher got the hook after giving up three runs>
8 : a device especially in music or writing that catches the attention
9 : a selling point or marketing scheme
10 : CRADLE 1B(2)
–by hook or by crook : by any means
–off the hook
1 : out of trouble
2 : free of responsibility or accountability
–on one's own hook : by oneself : INDEPENDENTLY

hook
n. 1 : to form into a hook : CROOK
2 a : to seize or make fast by or as if by a hook b : to connect by or as if by a hook ― often used with up
3 : STEAL, PILFER
4 : to make (as a rug) by drawing loops of yarn, thread, or cloth through a coarse fabric with a hook
5 : to hit or throw (a ball) so that a hook results
intransitive verb
1 : to form a hook : CURVE
2 : to become hooked
3 : to work as a prostitute

hook
n. boat hook
cant hook
duck hook
gang hook
grappling hook
on one's own hook
off the hook
by hook or by crook
hook and eye
hook and ladder truck
hook and ladder
hook check
hook line and sinker
hook shot
hook up
jump hook
mouth hook
pruning hook
ring off the hook
Hook of Holland
Sandy Hook

hook and eye
: a 2-part fastening device (as on a garment or a door) consisting of a metal hook that catches over a bar or into a loop

hook and ladder truck
: a piece of mobile fire apparatus carrying ladders and usually other firefighting and rescue equipment ― called also hook and ladder ladder truck

hook check
: an act or instance of attempting to knock the puck away from an opponent in ice hockey by hooking it with the stick

Hook of Holland
headland SW Netherlands in S. Holland on coast SW of The Hague

hook shot
: a shot in basketball made usually while standing sideways to the basket by swinging the ball up in an arc with the far hand

hook up
: to become associated especially in a working or social relationship

hook, line and sinker
: without hesitation or reservation : COMPLETELY <fell for the story hook, line and sinker>

hookah
n. : WATER PIPE 2

Hooke
n. Robert 1635-1703 Eng. scientist

Hooke's law
: a statement in physics: the stress within an elastic solid is proportional to the strain responsible for it

hooked
adj. 1 : having the form of a hook
2 : provided with a hook
3 : made by hooking <a hooked rug>
4 a : addicted to narcotics b : fascinated by or devoted to something <hooked on skiing>

Hooker
n. Joseph 1814-1879 American gen.

Hooker
n. Sir Joseph Dalton 1817-1911 Eng. botanist

Hooker
n. Richard 1554-1600 Eng. theol.

Hooker
n. Thomas 1586?-1647 Eng. Puritan clergyman & founder of Connecticut

hooker
n. 1 : one that hooks
2 : DRINK <a hooker of Scotch>
3 : PROSTITUTE

hooker
n. : a one-masted fishing boat used on the English and Irish coasts also : a small clumsy boat

hooklet
n. : a small hook

hookup
n. 1 : a state of cooperation or alliance
2 : an assemblage (as of circuits) used for a specific purpose (as radio transmission) also : the plan of such an assemblage
3 : an arrangement of mechanical parts also : CONNECTION <a campsite with electric, water, and sewer hookups>

hookworm
n. 1 : any of several parasitic nematode worms (family Ancylostomatidae) that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests
2 : infestation with or disease caused by hookworms especially : a lethargic anemic state in humans due to blood loss from hookworms feeding in the small intestine

hooky
n. : TRUANT ― used chiefly in the phrase play hooky

hooligan
n. : RUFFIAN, HOODLUM

hooliganism
n. : rowdy, violent, or destructive behavior

hoop
n. 1 : a circular strip used especially for holding together the staves of containers or as a plaything
2 a : a circular figure or object : RING b : the rim of a basketball goal broadly : the entire goal
3 : a circle or series of circles of flexible material used to expand a woman's skirt
4 : BASKETBALL ― usually used in plural
–hoop·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

hoop
n. : to bind or fasten with or as if with a hoop
–hoop·er noun

hoopla
n. : TO-DO also : BALLYHOO

hoopoe
n. : a crested Old World nonpasserine bird (Upupa epops of the family Upupidae) having a slender decurved bill and barred black-and-white wings and tail

hoopskirt
n. : a skirt stiffened with or as if with hoops

hoopster
n. : a basketball player

hoorah
n. variant of hurrah

hooray
n. ― used to express joy, approval, or encouragement

Hoorn Islands
― see FUTUNA ISLANDS

Hoosac Mountains
mountain range NW Mass. & SW Vt., a southern extension of Green Mountains

hoosegow
n. : JAIL

Hoosier
n. : a native or resident of Indiana ― used as a nickname
–Hoosier adjective

hoot
n. intransitive verb
1 : to shout or laugh usually derisively
2 : to make the natural throat noise of an owl or a similar cry
3 : to make a loud clamorous mechanical sound
transitive verb
1 : to assail or drive out by hooting <hooted down the speaker>
2 : to express or utter with hoots <hooted their disapproval>

hoot
n. 1 : a sound of hooting especially : the cry of an owl
2 : a minimum amount or degree : the least bit <don't give a hoot>
3 : something or someone amusing <the play is a real hoot>
–hooty \'hü-tē\ adjective

hoot
n. chiefly Scottish ― used to express impatience, dissatisfaction, or objection

hootenanny
n. 1 chiefly dialect : GADGET
2 : a gathering at which folksingers entertain often with the audience joining in

hooter
n. 1 : one that hoots
2 often vulgar : BREAST ― usually used in plural

Hooton
Earnest Albert 1887-1954 American anthropol.

Hoover
n. Herbert Clark 1874-1964 31st pres. of the U.S. (1929-33)

Hoover
n. J(ohn) Edgar 1895-1972 American criminologist; F.B.I. director (1924-72)

Hoover
n. city cen Ala. pop 62,742

Hoover Dam
dam 726 ft (221 m) high in Colorado River bet. Nev. & Ariz. ― see MEAD (Lake)

Hooverville
n. : a shantytown of temporary dwellings during the depression years in the U.S. broadly : any similar area of temporary dwellings

hop
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move by a quick springy leap or in a series of leaps also : to move as if by hopping <hop in the car>
2 : to make a quick trip especially by air
3 : to set about doing something ― usually used in the phrase hop to it
transitive verb
1 : to jump over <hop a fence>
2 : to ride on <hopped a flight> also : to ride surreptitiously and without authorization <hop a freight train>

hop
n. 1 a : a short brisk leap especially on one leg b : BOUNCE, REBOUND <shortstop scooped it up on the first hop>
2 : DANCE 3
3 a : a flight in an aircraft b : a short trip

hop
n. 1 plural : the ripe dried pistillate catkins of a perennial north-temperate zone twining vine (Humulus lupulus) of the hemp family used especially to impart a bitter flavor to malt liquors
2 : the vine from which hops is obtained having 3- to 5-lobed leaves and inconspicuous flowers of which the pistillate ones are in glandular cone-shaped catkins

hop
n. : to flavor with hops

hop
n. Lindy Hop
bed hop
channel hop
hip hop
hop hornbeam
hop o' my thumb
hop skip and jump
hop step and jump
island hop
table hop
trip hop
hopped up
channel hopping
hopping John
job hopping

hop hornbeam
: a chiefly eastern No. American tree (Ostrya virginiana) of the birch family with fruiting clusters resembling hops

hop, skip, and jump
: a short distance

hop, step, and jump
: TRIPLE JUMP

hop-o'-my-thumb
: a very small person

Hopatcong, Lake
lake 8 mi (13 km) long N N.J.

HOPE
n. Health Opportunity for People Everywhere

Hope
n. Anthony ― see Sir Anthony Hope HAWKINS

Hope
n. Bob 1903-2003 orig. Leslie Townes Hope American (Brit.-born) comedian

Hope
n. Victor Alexander John 1887-1951 8th Earl of Hope·toun \'hōp-tən\ & 2d Marquis of Lin·lith·gow \lin-'lith-(ˌ)gō\ Brit. soldier; viceroy of India (1936-43)

hope
n. intransitive verb
1 : to cherish a desire with anticipation <hopes for a promotion>
2 archaic : TRUST
transitive verb
1 : to desire with expectation of obtainment
2 : to expect with confidence : TRUST
synonyms see EXPECT
–hop·er noun
–hope against hope : to hope without any basis for expecting fulfillment

hope
n. 1 archaic : TRUST, RELIANCE
2 a : desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment <came in hopes of seeing you> also : expectation of fulfillment or success <no hope of a cure> b : someone or something on which hopes are centered <our only hope for victory> c : something hoped for

hope
n. forlorn hope
hope against hope
hope chest
white hope
Cape of Good Hope
Good Hope Cape of
no hoper

hope against hope
to hope without any basis for expecting fulfillment

hope chest
: a young woman's accumulation of clothes and domestic furnishings (as silver and linen) kept in anticipation of her marriage also : a chest for such an accumulation

hopeful
n. 1 : having qualities which inspire hope <hopeful signs of economic recovery>
2 : full of hope : inclined to hope
–hope·ful·ness noun

hopeful
n. : ASPIRANT <Olympic hopefuls>

hopefully
adv. 1 : in a hopeful manner
2 : it is hoped : I hope : we hope <hopefully the rain will end soon>
usage In the 1960s the second sense of hopefully, which dates to the early 18th century and had been in fairly widespread use since at least the 1930s, underwent a surge in popularity. A surge of criticism followed in reaction, but the criticism took no account of the grammar of adverbs. Hopefully in its second sense is a member of a class of adverbs known as disjuncts. Disjuncts serve as a means by which the author or speaker can comment directly to the reader or hearer usually on the content of the sentence to which they are attached. Many other adverbs (as interestingly, frankly, clearly, luckily, unfortunately) are similarly used; most are so ordinary as to excite no comment or interest whatsoever. The second sense of hopefully is entirely standard.

Hopeh
― see HEBEI

hopeless
adj. 1 a : having no expectation of good or success : DESPAIRING b : not susceptible to remedy or cure c : incapable of redemption or improvement
2 a : giving no ground for hope : DESPERATE b : incapable of solution, management, or accomplishment : IMPOSSIBLE
synonyms see DESPONDENT
–hope·less·ness noun

hopelessly
adv. : in a hopeless manner ― used especially as an intensifier <the formerly despised and hopelessly middle-class game of golf ― Ejner Jensen>

Hopewell
city SE Va. pop 22,354

hophead
n. slang : a drug addict

Hopi
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of northeastern Arizona
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Hopi people

Hopkins
n. Sir Frederick Gow·land \'gau̇-lənd\ 1861-1947 Eng. biochem.

Hopkins
n. Gerard Manley 1844-1889 Eng. poet

Hopkins
n. Harry Lloyd 1890-1946 American polit. & administrator

Hopkins
n. Johns \'jänz\ 1795-1873 American financier

Hopkins
n. Mark 1802-1887 American educ.

Hopkinson
Francis 1737-1791 American statesman & composer

Hopkinsville
city SW Ky. pop 30,089

hoplite
n. : a heavily armed infantry soldier of ancient Greece

Hoppe
William Frederick 1887-1959 American billiard player

hopped-up
1 a : full of enthusiasm or excitement also : overly excited b : being under the influence of a narcotic c : more exciting or attractive than normal or usual
2 : having more than usual power : being souped up

Hopper
n. Edward 1882-1967 American artist

Hopper
n. Grace 1906-1992 American admiral, math., & computer scientist

Hopper
n. (William) DeWolf 1858-1935 American actor

hopper
n. 1 a : one that hops b : a leaping insect specifically : an immature hopping form of an insect (as a grasshopper or locust)
2 [from the shaking motion of hoppers used to feed grain into a mill] a : a usually funnel-shaped receptacle for delivering material (as grain or coal) also : any of various other receptacles for the temporary storage of material b : a freight car with a floor sloping to one or more hinged doors for discharging bulk materials ― called also hopper car c : a box in which a bill to be considered by a legislative body is dropped d : a tank holding liquid and having a device for releasing its contents through a pipe e : a mix of things to be considered or done

hopper
n. hopper car
hip hopper
job hopper
table hopper

hopping
adj. : EXTREMELY, VIOLENTLY ― used in the phrase hopping mad

hopping
adj. 1 : intensely active : BUSY <they kept us hopping>
2 : extremely angry

hopping
adj. : a going from one place to another of the same kind ― usually used in combination <gallery-hopping>

hopping
adj. channel hopping
hopping John
job hopping

hopping John
: a dish made essentially of cowpeas, rice, and salt pork or bacon

hoppy
n. : having the taste or aroma of hops ― used especially of ale or beer

hopsack
n. : a rough-surfaced loosely woven clothing fabric

hopscotch
n. : a child's game in which a player tosses an object (as a stone) into areas of a figure outlined on the ground and hops through the figure and back to regain the object

hopscotch
n. : to move as if by hopping <hopscotched across Europe>

Hopwood
(James) Avery 1882-1928 American dram.

hor
horizontal

hora
n. : a circle dance of Romania and Israel

Horace
n. 65-8 B.C. Quintus Horatius Flaccus Rom. poet & satirist
–Ho·ra·tian \hə-'rā-shən\ adjective

Horae
n. : the Greek goddesses of the seasons

horary
adj. : of or relating to an hour also : HOURLY

Horatio Alger
: of, relating to, or resembling the fiction of Horatio Alger in which success is achieved through self-reliance and hard work

Horatius
: a hero in Roman legend noted for his defense of a bridge over the Tiber against the Etruscans

horde
n. 1 a : a political subdivision of central Asian nomads b : a people or tribe of nomadic life
2 : a teeming crowd or throng : SWARM
synonyms see CROWD

Hore-Belisha
Leslie 1893-1957 Eng. polit.

Horeb, Mount
mountain where according to the Bible the Law was given to Moses; thought to be in the Gebel Musa on Sinai Peninsula

horehound
n. 1 a : an Old World bitter perennial mint (Marrubium vulgare) with downy leaves b : an extract or confection made from the dried leaves and flowering tops of this plant
2 : any of several mints resembling the horehound

horizon
n. 1 a : the apparent junction of earth and sky b : the great circle on the celestial sphere formed by the intersection of the celestial sphere with a plane tangent to the earth's surface at an observer's position ― see AZIMUTH illustration c : range of perception or experience d : something that might be attained <new horizons>
2 a : the geological deposit of a particular time usually identified by distinctive fossils b : any of the reasonably distinct layers of soil or its underlying material in a vertical section of land c : a cultural area or level of development indicated by separated groups of artifacts
–ho·ri·zon·al \-'rī-zən-əl\ adjective

horizon
n. A horizon
artificial horizon
B horizon
C horizon
event horizon
gyro horizon

horizonless
adj. 1 a : having no horizon b : ENDLESS 1
2 : HOPELESS

horizontal
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or situated near the horizon b : parallel to, in the plane of, or operating in a plane parallel to the horizon or to a baseline : LEVEL <horizontal distance> <a horizontal engine>
2 : relating to, directed toward, or consisting of individuals or entities of similar status or on the same level <horizontal mergers> <horizontal hostility>
–horizontal noun
–hor·i·zon·tal·i·ty \-ˌzän-'ta-lə-tē\ noun
–hor·i·zon·tal·ly \-'zän-təl-ē\ adverb

horizontal bar
1 : a steel bar supported in a horizontal position approximately eight feet above the floor and used for swinging feats in gymnastics
2 : an event in gymnastics competition in which the horizontal bar is used

Horlivka
― see GORLOVKA

hormogonium
: a portion of a filament in many cyanobacteria that becomes detached as a reproductive body

hormonal
adj. : of, relating to, or effected by hormones
–hor·mon·al·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

hormone
n. 1 : a product of living cells that circulates in body fluids (as blood) or sap and produces a specific often stimulatory effect on the activity of cells usually remote from its point of origin also : a synthetic substance that acts like a hormone
2 : SEX HORMONE
–hor·mone·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

hormone
n. adrenocorticotropic hormone
antidiuretic hormone
brain hormone
follicle stimulating hormone
growth hormone
hormone replacement therapy
human growth hormone
juvenile hormone
luteinizing hormone
luteinizing hormone releasing factor
luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
luteotropic hormone
luteotrophic hormone
melanocyte stimulating hormone
parathyroid hormone
plant hormone
sex hormone
somatotropic hormone
thyrotropic hormone
gonadotropin releasing hormone
thyroid stimulating hormone
thyrotropin releasing hormone

hormone replacement therapy
: the administration of estrogen often along with a synthetic progestin especially to ameliorate the symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Hormoz
island SE Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Hormuz
n. ancient town S Iran on Strait of Hormuz (strait connecting Persian Gulf & Gulf of Oman)

Horn
n. cape NW Iceland

horn
n. 1 a : one of the usually paired bony processes that arise from the head of many ungulates and that are found in some extinct mammals and reptiles: as (1) : one of the permanent paired hollow sheaths of keratin usually present in both sexes of cattle and their relatives that function chiefly for defense and arise from a bony core anchored to the skull ― see COW illustration (2) : ANTLER (3) : a permanent solid horn of keratin that is attached to the nasal bone of a rhinoceros (4) : one of a pair of permanent bone protuberances from the skull of a giraffe or okapi that are covered with hairy skin b : a part like an animal's horn attributed especially to the devil c : a natural projection or excrescence from an animal resembling or suggestive of a horn d (1) : the tough fibrous material consisting chiefly of keratin that covers or forms the horns of cattle and related animals, hooves, or other horny parts (as claws or nails) (2) : a manufactured product (as a plastic) resembling horn e : a hollow horn used to hold something
2 : something resembling or suggestive of a horn: as a : one of the curved ends of a crescent b : a sharp mountain peak c : a body of land or water shaped like a horn d : a beak-shaped part of an anvil e : a high pommel of a saddle f : CORNU
3 a : an animal's horn used as a wind instrument b : a brass wind instrument: as (1) : HUNTING HORN (2) : FRENCH HORN c : a wind instrument used in a jazz band especially : TRUMPET d : a usually electrical device that makes a noise like that of a horn
4 : a source of strength
5 : one of the equally disadvantageous alternatives presented by a dilemma
6 slang : TELEPHONE
–horn adjective
–horned \'hȯrnd also 'hȯr-nəd\ adjective
–horned·ness \'hȯr-nəd-nəs, 'hȯrn(d)-nəs\ noun
–horn·less \'hȯrn-ləs\ adjective
–horn·less·ness noun
–horn·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

horn
n. bass horn
English horn
French horn
horn fly
horn in
horn mad
horn of plenty
horn rims
hunting horn
post horn
powder horn
saddle horn
Golden Horn
Horn Cape
Horn of Africa
lock horns
great horned owl
horned lark
horned lizard
horned owl
horned pout
horned toad
horned viper
long horned beetle
long horned grasshopper
short horned grasshopper

horn fly
: a small dark gray European dipteran fly (Haematobia irritans) that has been introduced into No. America where it is a blood-sucking pest especially of cattle

horn in
: to participate without invitation or consent : INTRUDE

Horn of Africa
the easternmost projection of Africa; its E tip is Cape Guardafui ― variously used to refer to Somalia, SE or all of Ethiopia, & sometimes Djibouti

horn of plenty

circa 1586
: CORNUCOPIA

Horn, Cape
headland S Chile on Horn Island in Tierra del Fuego; southernmost point of S. America, at 55°59′S

horn-mad
: furiously enraged

horn-rims
: glasses with horn rims

Hornaday
William Temple 1854-1937 American zool.

hornbeam
n. : any of a genus (Carpinus) of trees of the birch family having smooth gray bark and hard white wood

hornbill
n. : any of a family (Bucerotidae) of large nonpasserine birds of Africa and Eurasia having enormous bills

hornblende
n. : a mineral that is the common dark green to black variety of aluminous amphibole broadly : AMPHIBOLE 2
–horn·blend·ic \hȯrn-'blen-dik\ adjective

hornbook
n. 1 : a child's primer consisting of a sheet of parchment or paper protected by a sheet of transparent horn
2 : a rudimentary treatise

Hornchurch
former urban district SE England in Essex, now part of Havering

horned lark
: a brownish chiefly Holarctic lark (Eremophila alpestris of the family Alaudidae) that has small tufts of black feathers on top of the head

horned lizard
: HORNED TOAD

horned owl
: any of various owls having conspicuous tufts of feathers on the head especially : GREAT HORNED OWL

horned pout
: a bullhead (genus Ameiurus) especially : a common mottled olive to brown bullhead (A. nebulosus syn. Ictalurus nebulosus) of eastern No. America that has been introduced into western streams

horned toad
: any of several small harmless insectivorous lizards (genus Phrynosoma) of the western U.S. and Mexico that resemble toads and have hornlike spines

horned viper
: a venomous viper (Cerastes cerastes syn. C. cornutus) of No. Africa and the Middle East having a horny process over each eye

hornet
n. : any of the larger vespid wasps (as of the genus Vespa) ― compare YELLOW JACKET

hornet's nest
1 : a troublesome or hazardous situation
2 : an angry reaction <must have known that his frank comments⋯would stir up a hornet's nest ― U.S. Investor>

Horney
Karen 1885-1952 née Danielsen American (Ger.-born) psychoanalyst & author

hornfels
n. : a fine-grained silicate rock produced by metamorphism especially of slate

hornist
n. : one who plays a French horn

hornpipe
n. 1 : a single-reed wind instrument consisting of a wooden or bone pipe with finger holes, a bell, and mouthpiece usually of horn
2 : a lively folk dance of the British Isles orig. accompanied by hornpipe playing

hornstone
: a mineral that is a variety of quartz much like flint but more brittle

hornswoggle
v. slang : BAMBOOZLE, HOAX

horntail
: any of various hymenopterous insects (family Siricidae) related to the typical sawflies but having females with a stout hornlike ovipositor and larvae that burrow in woody plants

hornworm
n. : a hawk moth caterpillar having a hornlike tail process ― compare TOMATO HORNWORM

hornwort
n. : any of a genus (Ceratophyllum of the family Ceratophyllaceae) of rootless thin-stemmed aquatic monoecious herbs with female flowers having a single carpel

horny
adj. 1 a : of or made of horn b : HARD, CALLOUS <horny-handed> c : compact and homogeneous with a dull luster ― used of a mineral
2 : having horns
3 [horn erect penis + 1-y] a : desiring sexual gratification b : excited sexually
–horn·i·ness noun

horologe
n. : a timekeeping device

horological
adj. : of or relating to a horologe or horology

horologist
n. 1 : a person skilled in the practice or theory of horology
2 : a maker of clocks or watches

horology
n. 1 : the science of measuring time
2 : the art of making instruments for indicating time

horoscope
n. 1 : a diagram of the relative positions of planets and signs of the zodiac at a specific time (as at one's birth) for use by astrologers in inferring individual character and personality traits and in foretelling events of a person's life
2 : an astrological forecast

Horowitz
n. Vladimir 1903-1989 American (Russ.-born) pianist

horrendous
adj. : HORRIBLE, DREADFUL <the tax rate was horrendous> <horrendous crimes>
–hor·ren·dous·ly adverb

horrent
adj. 1 archaic : covered with bristling points : BRISTLED
2 archaic : standing up like bristles : BRISTLING

horrible
adj. 1 : marked by or arousing horror <a horrible accident>
2 : extremely bad or unpleasant <a horrible mistake> <horrible food>
–horrible noun
–hor·ri·ble·ness noun
–hor·ri·bly \-blē\ adverb

horrid
adj. 1 archaic : ROUGH, BRISTLING
2 : innately offensive or repulsive: a : inspiring horror : SHOCKING b : inspiring disgust or loathing : NASTY <a horrid man> c : HORRIBLE 2 <the tenor bell⋯gives out a horrid discordant noise ― Robert Graves>
–hor·rid·ly adverb
–hor·rid·ness noun

horrific
adj. : having the power to horrify <a horrific account of the tragedy>
–hor·rif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

horrify
v. 1 : to cause to feel horror
2 : to fill with distaste : SHOCK
synonyms see DISMAY
–hor·ri·fy·ing·ly \-ˌfī-iŋ-lē\ adverb

horror
n. 1 a : painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay <astonishment giving place to horror on the faces of the people about me ― H. G. Wells> b : intense aversion or repugnance
2 a : the quality of inspiring horror : repulsive, horrible, or dismal quality or character <contemplating the horror of their lives ― Liam O'Flaherty> b : something that inspires horror
3 plural : a state of extreme depression or apprehension

horror
n. : calculated to inspire feelings of dread or horror : BLOODCURDLING <a horror movie>

horror
n. horror show
horror story
horror struck
chamber of horrors

horror show
: something difficult to deal with or watch <the trial was a horror show>

horror story
: an account of an unsettling or unfortunate occurrence <heard horror stories about recent layoffs> also : something unsettling or unfortunate <his childhood was a horror story>

horror-struck
: struck with horror <stood horror-struck as they watched⋯their own city destroyed ― Nashville Tennessean>

hors
hors de combat
hors d'oeuvre
hors d'oeuvres
hors commerce
tout est perdu hors l'honneur

hors commerce
: outside the trade : not offered through regular commercial channels

hors d'oeuvre
: any of various savory foods usually served as appetizers

hors de combat
: out of combat : DISABLED

Horsa
― see HENGIST

horse
n. 1 a (1) : a large solid-hoofed herbivorous ungulate mammal (Equus caballus, family Equidae, the horse family) domesticated since prehistoric times and used as a beast of burden, a draft animal, or for riding (2) : RACEHORSE <play the horses> b : a male horse especially : STALLION c : a recent or extinct animal (as a zebra, ass, or onager) of the horse family
2 a : JACKSTAY b : a frame usually with legs used for supporting something (as planks or staging) c (1) : POMMEL HORSE (2) : VAULTING HORSE
3 horse plural : CAVALRY
4 : a mass of the same geological character as the wall rock occurring within a vein
5 : HORSEPOWER
6 slang : HEROIN
7 : an athlete whose performance is consistently strong and reliable <a team with the horses to win the pennant>
8 or H-O-R-S-E : a game in which players take turns attempting to duplicate successful basketball shots, a letter of the word "horse" is awarded for each missed attempt, and the first player to receive all five letters loses
–horse·less \'hȯr-sləs\ adjective
–horse·like \'hȯrs-ˌlīk\ adjective
–from the horse's mouth : from the original source

horse
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide with a horse
2 : to move by brute force
intransitive verb of a mare : to be in heat

horse
n. 1 a : of or relating to a horse b : hauled or powered by a horse <a horse barge>
2 : large or coarse of its kind
3 : mounted on horses <horse guards>

horse
n. dawn horse
horse gentian
paint horse
American saddle horse
Arabian horse
charley horse
cow horse
cutting horse
dark horse
dead horse
dray horse
harness horse
high horse
from the horse's mouth
horse and buggy
horse around
horse chestnut
horse coper
horse latitudes
horse mackerel
horse nettle
horse opera
horse race
horse's ass
horse sense
horse show
horse trade
horse trader
iron horse
long horse
one horse
pommel horse
post horse
Przewalski's horse
Przewalski horse
quarter horse
river horse
rocking horse
saddle horse
sea horse
side horse
stalking horse
Tennessee walking horse
trial horse
Trojan horse
vaulting horse
Crazy Horse
hold one's horses
horseless carriage

horse around
: to engage in horseplay <horse around together, joking and laughing and pushing each other ― D. K. Shipler> also : FOOL AROUND 1

horse chestnut
1 : a large tree (Aesculus hippocastanum of the family Hippocastanaceae, the horse-chestnut family) of southeastern Europe that has palmate leaves and erect conical clusters of showy flowers and is widely cultivated as an ornamental and shade tree and naturalized as an escape also : BUCKEYE
2 : the large glossy brown seed of a horse chestnut

horse coper
British : COPER

horse gentian
: FEVERWORT

horse latitudes
: either of two belts or regions in the neighborhood of 30° N and 30° S latitude characterized by high pressure, calms, and light variable winds

horse mackerel
1 : any of various large carangid food fishes especially : JACK MACKEREL
2 : BLUEFIN TUNA

horse nettle
: a coarse prickly weed (Solanum carolinense) of the nightshade family with bright yellow fruit resembling berries

horse opera
: WESTERN 2

horse race
: a close contest (as in politics)

horse sense
: COMMON SENSE

horse show
: an exhibition of horses that usually includes competition in riding, driving, and jumping

horse trade
: negotiation accompanied by shrewd bargaining and reciprocal concessions <a political horse trade>
–horse-trade intransitive verb
–horse trader noun

horse's ass
often vulgar : a stupid or incompetent person : BLOCKHEAD

horse-and-buggy
1 : of or relating to the era before the advent of certain socially revolutionizing inventions (as the automobile)
2 : clinging to outdated attitudes or ideas : OLD-FASHIONED

horseback
n. : the back of a horse

horseback
n. : on horseback

horseback
n. : given without thorough consideration <a horseback opinion>

horsebean
n. 1 : BROAD BEAN
2 : JERUSALEM THORN

horsecar
n. 1 : a streetcar drawn by horses
2 : a car fitted for transporting horses

horsefeathers
interj. slang : NONSENSE, BALDERDASH

horseflesh
n. : horses considered especially with reference to riding, driving, or racing

horsefly
n. : any of a family (Tabanidae) of swift usually large dipteran flies with bloodsucking females

horsehair
n. 1 : the hair of a horse especially from the mane or tail
2 : cloth made from horsehair

horsehair worm
: HAIRWORM 1

horsehide
n. 1 : the dressed or raw hide of a horse
2 : the ball used in the game of baseball

horselaugh
n. : a loud boisterous laugh

horseless carriage
: AUTOMOBILE ― used especially of early models

horseman
n. 1 : a rider or driver of horses especially : one whose skill is exceptional
2 : a person skilled in caring for or managing horses
3 : a person who breeds or raises horses
–horse·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

horsemint
n. : any of various coarse mints especially : MONARDA

Horsens
city & port Denmark pop 54,940

horseplay
n. : rough or boisterous play

horseplayer
n. : one who habitually bets on horse races

horsepower
n. 1 : the power that a horse exerts in pulling
2 : a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second
3 : effective power <intellectual horsepower> <computing horsepower>

horseradish
n. 1 : a tall coarse white-flowered herb (Armoracia rusticana syn. A. lapathifolia) of the mustard family
2 : a condiment made from ground-up horseradish root

horseshit
n. usually vulgar : NONSENSE, BUNK

horseshoe
n. 1 : a usually U-shaped band of iron fitted and nailed to the rim of a horse's hoof to protect it
2 : something (as a valley) shaped like a horseshoe
3 plural : a game like quoits played with horseshoes or with horseshoe-shaped pieces of metal
–horseshoe transitive verb
–horse·sho·er \-ˌshü-ər\ noun

horseshoe arch
: an arch having an intrados that widens above the springing before narrowing to a rounded or pointed crown ― see ARCH illustration

horseshoe crab
: any of several closely related marine arthropods (order Xiphosura and class Merostomata) with a broad crescentic cephalothorax, six pairs of legs, and a spikelike tail especially : one (Limulus polyphemus) of coastal waters from Maine to the Yucatán Peninsula ― called also king crab

horsetail
n. : any of a genus (Equisetum of the order Equisetales) of lower tracheophytes comprising perennial plants that spread by creeping rhizomes and have leaves reduced to nodal sheaths on the hollow jointed ribbed shoots

horseweed
1 : a common annual American composite herb (Conyza canadensis syn. Erigeron canadensis) with an erect usually hairy stem and small discoid heads of yellow disk flowers
2 : a coarse annual No. American ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)

horsewhip
n. : to flog with or as if with a whip made to be used on a horse
–horse·whip·per noun

horsewoman
n. 1 : a woman who is a rider or a driver of horses especially : one whose skill is exceptional
2 : a woman skilled in caring for or managing horses
3 : a woman who breeds or raises horses

horsey
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a horse
2 : having to do with horses or horse racing
3 : characteristic of the manners, dress, or tastes of horsemen or horsewomen
–hors·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–hors·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

horst
n. : a block of the earth's crust separated by faults from adjacent relatively depressed blocks

hort
horticultural; horticulture

hortative
adj. : giving exhortation : ADVISORY
–hor·ta·tive·ly adverb

hortatory
adj. : HORTATIVE, EXHORTATORY <hortatory sermons>

Hortense de Beauharnais
― see BEAUHARNAIS

Horthy de Nagybanya
n. Miklós 1868-1957 Hung. admiral; regent of Hungary (1920-44)

horticulture
: the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants
–hor·ti·cul·tur·al \ˌhȯr-tə-'kəl-chə-rəl\ adjective
–hor·ti·cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
–hor·ti·cul·tur·ist \-rist\ also hor·ti·cul·tur·al·ist \-ch(ə-)rə-list\ noun

Horus
: the falcon-headed Egyptian god of light and the son of Osiris and Isis

Horvitz
Howard Robert 1947-     American geneticist

Hos
n. Hosea

hosanna
n. ― used as a cry of acclamation and adoration
–hosanna noun

hose
n. 1 plural hose a (1) : a cloth leg covering that sometimes covers the foot (2) : STOCKING, SOCK b (1) : a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist that is usually attached to a doublet by points (2) : short breeches reaching to the knee
2 : a flexible tube for conveying fluids (as from a faucet or hydrant)

hose
n. 1 a : to spray, water, or wash with a hose ― often used with down <hose down a stable floor> b slang : to fire automatic weapons at ― usually used with down
2 slang : to deprive of something due or expected : TRICK, CHEAT

hose
n. panty hose
support hose
trunk hose

Hosea
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet of the eighth century B.C.
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

hosel
n. : a socket in the head of a golf club into which the shaft is inserted

hosepipe
n. chiefly British : HOSE 2

hosiery
n. 1 : HOSE 1A
2 chiefly British : KNITWEAR

hosp
n. hospital

hospice
n. 1 : a lodging for travelers, young persons, or the underprivileged especially when maintained by a religious order
2 : a facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill

hospitable
adj. 1 a : given to generous and cordial reception of guests b : promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment
2 : readily receptive : OPEN <hospitable to new ideas>
–hos·pi·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

hospital
n. 1 : a charitable institution for the needy, aged, infirm, or young
2 : an institution where the sick or injured are given medical or surgical care ― usually used in British English without an article after a preposition
3 : a repair shop for specified small objects <a clock hospital>

Hospitalet
city NE Spain in Barcelona province, SW suburb of Barcelona pop 239,019

hospitalise
v. British variant of hospitalize

hospitalist
: a physician who specializes in treating hospitalized patients of other physicians in order to minimize the number of hospital visits by other physicians

hospitality
n. : hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition

hospitality suite
: a room or suite especially in a hotel set aside as a place for socializing especially for business purposes

hospitalize
v. : to place in a hospital as a patient
–hos·pi·tal·i·za·tion \ˌhäs-ˌpi-təl-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

Hospitaller
n. : a member of a religious military order established in Jerusalem in the 12th century

host
n. 1 : ARMY
2 : a great number : MULTITUDE

host
n. : to assemble in a host usually for a hostile purpose

host
n. 1 a : one that receives or entertains guests socially, commercially, or officially b : one that provides facilities for an event or function <our college served as host for the basketball tournament>
2 a : a living animal or plant on or in which a parasite lives b : the larger, stronger, or dominant member of a commensal or symbiotic pair c : an individual into which a tissue, part, or embryo is transplanted from another
3 : a mineral or rock that is older than the minerals or rocks in it also : a substance that contains a usually small amount of another substance incorporated in its structure
4 : a radio or television emcee
5 : a computer that controls communications in a network or that administers a database also : SERVER 6

host
n. 1 : to serve as host to, at, or for <host friends> <host a dinner>
2 : EMCEE <hosted a series of TV programs>

host
n. : the eucharistic bread

host
n. definitive host
graft versus host disease
intermediate host

hosta
n. : any of a genus (Hosta) of Asian perennial herbaceous plants of the lily family with densely growing basal leaves and tall racemes of white or violet flowers ― called also funkia plantain lily

hostage
n. 1 a : a person held by one party in a conflict as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement b : a person taken by force to secure the taker's demands
2 : one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence

hostel
n. 1 : INN
2 a chiefly British : a supervised institutional residence b : a supervised lodging for usually young travelers ― called also youth hostel

hostel
n. : to stay at hostels overnight in the course of traveling

hosteler
n. 1 : one that lodges guests or strangers
2 : a traveler who stops at hostels overnight

hostelry
n. : INN, HOTEL

hostess
n. 1 : a woman who entertains socially
2 a : a woman in charge of a public dining room who seats diners b : a female employee on a public conveyance (as an airplane) who manages the provisioning of food and attends passengers c : a woman who acts as a partner or companion to male patrons in a dance hall or bar

hostess
n. : to act as hostess
transitive verb : to serve as hostess to

hostile
adj. 1 a : of or relating to an enemy <hostile fire> b : marked by malevolence <a hostile act> c : openly opposed or resisting <a hostile critic> <hostile to new ideas> d (1) : not hospitable <plants growing in a hostile environment> (2) : having an intimidating, antagonistic, or offensive nature <a hostile workplace>
2 a : of or relating to the opposing party in a legal controversy <a hostile witness> b : adverse to the interests of a property owner or corporation management <a hostile takeover>
–hostile noun
–hos·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

hostility
n. 1 a : deep-seated usually mutual ill will b (1) : hostile action (2) plural : overt acts of warfare : WAR
2 : conflict, opposition, or resistance in thought or principle
synonyms see ENMITY

hostler
n. 1 : one who takes care of horses or mules
2 : one who moves locomotives in and out of a roundhouse also : one who services locomotives

hostly
: of or appropriate to a host

hot
adj. 1 a : having a relatively high temperature b : capable of giving a sensation of heat or of burning, searing, or scalding c : having heat in a degree exceeding normal body heat
2 a : VIOLENT, STORMY <a hot temper> <a hot battle> also : ANGRY <got hot about the remark> b (1) : sexually excited or receptive (2) : SEXY c : EAGER, ZEALOUS <hot for reform> d of jazz : emotionally exciting and marked by strong rhythms and free melodic improvisations
3 : having or causing the sensation of an uncomfortable degree of body heat <hot and tired> <it's hot in here>
4 a : newly made : FRESH <a hot scent> <hot off the press> b : close to something sought <hot on the trail>
5 a : suggestive of heat or of burning or glowing objects <hot colors> b : PUNGENT, PEPPERY
6 a : of intense and immediate interest <some hot gossip> b : unusually lucky or favorable <on a hot streak> c : temporarily capable of unusual performance (as in a sport) d : currently popular or in demand <a hot commodity> e : very good <a hot idea> <not feeling too hot> f : ABSURD, UNBELIEVABLE <wants to fight the champ? that's a hot one>
7 a : electrically energized especially with high voltage b : RADIOACTIVE also : dealing with radioactive material c of an atom or molecule : being in an excited state
8 a : recently and illegally obtained <hot jewels> b : wanted by the police also : unsafe for a fugitive
9 : FAST <a hot new fighter plane> <a hot lap around the track>
–hot·ness noun
–hot·tish \'hä-tish\ adjective
–hot under the collar : extremely exasperated or angry

hot
adj. 1 : HOTLY
2 : FAST, QUICKLY

hot
adj. 1 : HEAT 1D(1) <the hot of the day>
2 : one that is hot (as a hot meal or a horse just after a workout)
3 plural : strong sexual desire ― used with the

hot
adj. chiefly Southern, southern Midland, & British : HEAT, WARM ― usually used with up

hot
adj. blow hot and cold
hot under the collar
hot air
hot blooded
hot bloodedness
hot button
hot comb
hot corner
hot dog
hot flash
hot flush
hot key
hot link
hot melt
hot metal
hot money
hot pants
hot pepper
hot plate
hot pot
hot potato
hot pursuit
hot rod
hot rodder
hot seat
hot spot
hot spring
hot stuff
hot ticket
hot tub
hot up
hot war
hot water
hot wire
piping hot
red hot
red hot poker
white hot
Hot Springs

hot air
: empty talk

hot button
: an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction
–hot-button adjective

hot comb
: a metal comb usually electrically heated for straightening or styling the hair
–hot-comb transitive verb

hot corner
: THIRD BASE 2

hot dog
1 : FRANKFURTER especially : a frankfurter heated and served in a long split roll
2 [perhaps from 2hot dog] : one that hotdogs also : SHOW-OFF

hot dog
― used to express approval or gratification

hot flash
: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance ― called also hot flush

hot key
: a key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard programmed to perform a specific function when pressed

hot link
: HYPERLINK
–hot-link verb

hot metal
: composition in which the type is cast from molten metal

hot money
: investment funds intended for the highest short-term rate of return

hot pants
: very short shorts

hot pepper
: any of various small and usually thin-walled capsicum fruits of marked pungency also : a plant (esp. variants or cultivars of Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens) bearing hot peppers

hot plate
1 : a heated iron plate for cooking
2 : a simple portable appliance for heating or for cooking in limited spaces

hot pot
1 : a stew of meat and vegetables
2 : FIREPOT 2

hot potato
: a controversial question or issue that involves unpleasant or dangerous consequences for anyone dealing with it

hot pursuit
: close and avid or intense pursuit specifically : close continuous pursuit of a fleeing suspected lawbreaker or hostile military force especially across territorial lines

hot rod
: an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and fast acceleration

hot seat
1 slang : ELECTRIC CHAIR
2 : a position of uneasiness, embarrassment, or anxiety

hot spot
1 : a place of more than usual interest, activity, or popularity <birding hot spots>
2 : a place in the upper mantle of the earth at which hot magma from the lower mantle upwells to melt through the crust usually in the interior of a tectonic plate to form a volcanic feature also : a place in the crust overlying a hot spot
3 : an area of political, military, or civil unrest usually considered dangerous <global hot spots>

hot spring
: a spring whose water issues at a temperature higher than that of its surroundings

Hot Springs
city W cen Ark. adjoining Hot Springs National Park (reservation containing hot mineral springs) pop 35,750

hot stuff
: someone or something unusually good

hot ticket
: someone or something very popular : RAGE

hot tub
: a large tub of hot water in which bathers soak and usually socialize also : such a tub with a whirlpool device
–hot-tub intransitive verb

hot under the collar
extremely exasperated or angry

hot up
chiefly British : to increase in intensity, pace, or excitement <air raids began to hot up about the beginning of February ― George Orwell>
transitive verb chiefly British : to make livelier, speedier, or more intense

hot war
: a conflict involving actual fighting ― compare COLD WAR

hot water
: TROUBLE 4, DIFFICULTY <was in hot water with the authorities>

hot-blooded
1 : easily excited : PASSIONATE
2 of a horse : having Arab or Thoroughbred ancestors
–hot-blood·ed·ness noun

hot-melt
: a fast-drying nonvolatile adhesive applied hot in the molten state

hot-rodder
: a hot rod driver, builder, or enthusiast
–hot-rod \'hät-'räd\ verb

hot-wire
: to start (as an automobile) by short-circuiting the ignition system

Hotan
town & oasis W China in SW Xinjiang Uygur on S edge of the Taklimakan

hotbed
n. 1 : a bed of soil enclosed in glass, heated especially by fermenting manure, and used for forcing or for raising seedlings
2 : an environment that favors rapid growth or development <a hotbed of activity>

hotblood
1 : one that is hot-blooded especially : one having strong passions or a quick temper
2 : THOROUGHBRED 3

hotbox
n. : a journal bearing (as of a railroad car) overheated by friction

hotcake
n. : PANCAKE
–like hotcakes : at a rapid rate <selling like hotcakes>

hotch
1 Scottish : WIGGLE, FIDGET
2 chiefly Scottish : SWARM

hotchpot
n. : the combining of properties into a common lot to ensure equality of division among heirs

hotchpotch
n. 1 a : a thick soup or stew of vegetables, potatoes, and usually meat b : HODGEPODGE
2 : HOTCHPOT

hotdog
n. : to perform in a conspicuous or often ostentatious manner especially : to perform fancy stunts and maneuvers (as while surfing or skiing)
–hot·dog·ger \-ˌdȯ-gər\ noun

Hotel
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter h

hotel
n. : an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and various personal services for the public : INN
–ho·tel·dom \-dəm\ noun

hotelier
n. : a proprietor or manager of a hotel

hotelman
: one who is engaged in the hotel business especially in a supervisory or managerial capacity

hotfoot
v. : in haste

hotfoot
v. : to go hotfoot : HURRY ― usually used with it

hotfoot
v. : a practical joke in which a match is surreptitiously inserted between the upper and the sole of a victim's shoe and lighted

hothead
n. : a hotheaded person

hotheaded
adj. : easily angered : FIERY, IMPETUOUS
–hot·head·ed·ly adverb
–hot·head·ed·ness noun

hothouse
n. 1 obsolete : BORDELLO
2 : a greenhouse maintained at a high temperature especially for the culture of tropical plants
3 : HOTBED 2

hothouse
n. 1 : grown in a hothouse
2 : suggestive of growth and development in a hothouse <a hothouse existence> also : suggesting a hothouse <a hothouse atmosphere>

hotline
n. 1 : a direct telephone line in constant operational readiness so as to facilitate immediate communication
2 : a usually toll-free telephone service available to the public for some specific purpose <a consumer hotline>

hotly
adv. : in a hot manner <a hotly contested series>

hotshot
n. 1 : a fast freight
2 : a person who is conspicuously talented or successful <a hotshot lawyer>

Hottentot
n. : KHOIKHOI

hottie
n. : a physically attractive person

Houdini
n. Harry 1874-1926 orig. Ehrich Weiss American (Hung.-born) magician

Houdon
Jean-Antoine 1741-1828 Fr. sculptor

Houma
city SE La. pop 32,393

hound
n. 1 a : DOG b : a dog of any of numerous hunting breeds including both scent hounds (as the bloodhound and beagle) and sight hounds (as the greyhound and Afghan hound)
2 : a mean or despicable person
3 : DOGFISH
4 : a person who pursues like a hound especially : one who avidly seeks or collects something <autograph hounds>

hound
n. 1 : to pursue with or as if with hounds
2 : to drive or affect by persistent harassing
synonyms see BAIT
–hound·er noun

hound
n. hound's tooth
hound's tooth check
Afghan hound
basset hound
hound's tongue
Ibizan hound
lyam hound
lyme hound
otter hound
rock hound
scent hound
sight hound
smooth hound
hare and hounds

hound's-tongue
: any of various coarse plants (genus Cynoglossum, especially C. officinale) of the borage family having tongue-shaped leaves and reddish flowers

hounds
n. : the framing at the masthead of a ship that supports the heel of the topmast and the upper parts of the lower rigging

houndstooth
n. : a usually small broken-check textile pattern also : a fabric woven in this pattern ― called also houndstooth check hound's-tooth check

Hounsfield
Godfrey Newbold 1919-     Brit. engineer & inventor

Hounslow
borough of SW Greater London, England pop 193,400

hour
n. 1 : a time or office for daily liturgical devotion especially : CANONICAL HOUR
2 : the 24th part of a day : 60 minutes
3 a : the time of day reckoned in two 12-hour periods b plural : the time reckoned in one 24-hour period from midnight to midnight using a 4-digit number of which the first two digits indicate the hour and the last two digits indicate the minute <in the military 4:30 p.m. is called 1630 hours>
4 a : a customary or particular time <lunch hour> <in our hour of need> also : MOMENT 1B <hero of the hour> b plural : time of going to bed <keeps late hours> also : time of working <banker's hours>
5 : an angular unit of right ascension equal to 15 degrees measured along the celestial equator
6 : the work done or distance traveled at normal rate in an hour <the city was two hours away>
7 a : a class session b : CREDIT HOUR, SEMESTER HOUR
–after hours : after the regular quitting or closing time

hour
n. ampere hour
canonical hour
coffee hour
credit hour
eleventh hour
half hour
happy hour
H hour
hour angle
hour circle
hour hand
hour long
kilowatt hour
man hour
off hour
person hour
quarter hour
rush hour
semester hour
sidereal hour
watt hour
zero hour
after hours
all hours
Forty Hours
Little Hours
small hours
Three Hours

hour angle
: the angle between the celestial meridian of an observer and the hour circle of a celestial object measured westward from the meridian

hour circle
: a circle on the celestial sphere that passes through both celestial poles

hour hand
: the short hand that marks the hours on the face of a watch or clock

hour-long
: lasting an hour

hourglass
n. : an instrument for measuring time consisting of a glass vessel having two compartments from the uppermost of which a quantity of usually sand runs in an hour into the lower one

hourglass
n. : shaped like an hourglass <an hourglass figure>

houri
n. 1 : one of the beautiful maidens that in Muslim belief live with the blessed in paradise
2 : a voluptuously beautiful young woman

hourly
adj. : at or during every hour also : FREQUENTLY, CONTINUALLY

hourly
adj. 1 a : occurring hour by hour <hourly bus service> b : FREQUENT, CONTINUAL <in hourly expectation of the rain's stopping>
2 : computed in terms of an hour <an hourly wage>
3 : paid by the hour <hourly workers>

Housatonic
river 148 mi (238 km) W Mass. & W Conn. flowing from Berkshire Hills S into Long Island Sound

House
n. Edward Mandell 1858-1938 Colonel House American diplomat

house
n. 1 : a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families : HOME
2 a (1) : a shelter or refuge (as a nest or den) of a wild animal (2) : a natural covering (as a test or shell) that encloses and protects an animal or a colony of zooids b : a building in which something is housed <a carriage house>
3 a : one of the 12 equal sectors in which the celestial sphere is divided in astrology b : a zodiacal sign that is the seat of a planet's greatest influence
4 a : HOUSEHOLD b : a family including ancestors, descendants, and kindred <the house of Tudor>
5 a : a residence for a religious community or for students b : the community or students in residence
6 a : a legislative, deliberative, or consultative assembly especially : one constituting a division of a bicameral body b : the building or chamber where such an assembly meets c : a quorum of such an assembly
7 a : a place of business or entertainment <a movie house> b (1) : a business organization <a publishing house> (2) : a gambling establishment c : the audience in a theater or concert hall <a full house on opening night>
8 : the circular area 12 feet in diameter surrounding the tee and within which a curling stone must rest in order to count
9 [from The Warehouse, Chicago dance club that pioneered the style] : a type of dance music mixed by a disc jockey that features overdubbing with a heavy repetitive drumbeat and repeated electronic melody lines
–house·ful \'hau̇s-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–house·less \'hau̇-sləs\ adjective
–house·less·ness noun
–on the house : without charge : FREE

house
n. transitive verb
1 a : to provide with living quarters or shelter b : to store in a house
2 : to encase, enclose, or shelter as if by putting in a house
3 : to serve as a shelter or container for : CONTAIN <buildings that house government offices>
intransitive verb : to take shelter : LODGE

house
n. charnel house
dolls' house
doll's house
apartment house
art house
bawdy house
big house
bring the house down
bring down the house
call house
clean house
country house
crack house
disorderly house
doss house
eat one out of house and home
field house
full house
fun house
garrison house
great house
grind house
halfway house
hash house
on the house
house arrest
house call
house cat
house cricket
house detective
house dust mite
house finch
house girl
house mouse
house of assembly
House of Burgesses
house of cards
House of Commons
house of correction
house of delegates
House of Lords
house of representatives
house of studies
house of study
house organ
house party
house proud
house raising
house rule
house seat
house sitter
house sitting
house sit
house sparrow
house to house
house trailer
house train
in house
joss house
keep house
lady of the house
lodging house
man of the house
manor house
milk house
move house
open house
opera house
public house
ranch house
rest house
rooming house
row house
safe house
set one's house in order
settlement house
shotgun house
sporting house
station house
steak house
tenement house
third house
tiring house
Toll House
tower house
town house
tract house
treasure house
tree house
White House
John o' Groat's House
Yucca House National Monument
housing development
housing estate
housing project

house arrest
: confinement often under guard to one's house or quarters instead of in prison

house call
: a visit (as by a doctor or a repair person) to a home to provide a requested service

house cat
: CAT 1A

house cricket
: a widely distributed cricket (Acheta domesticus) usually living in or about dwellings

house detective
: a person who is employed (as by a hotel) to prevent disorderly or improper conduct of patrons

house finch
: a small finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) that has a male with a red head, breast, and rump and that is native to Mexico and the western U.S. and has been introduced in the eastern U.S.

house girl
: HOUSEMAID

house mouse
: a common nearly cosmopolitan grayish-brown mouse (Mus musculus) that usually lives and breeds about buildings, may act as a vector of diseases, and is an important laboratory animal

house of assembly

1653
: a legislative body or the lower house of a legislature (as in various British colonies, protectorates, and countries of the Commonwealth of Nations)

House of Burgesses

1658
: the colonial representative assembly of Virginia

house of cards

1645
: a structure, situation, or institution that is insubstantial, shaky, or in constant danger of collapse

House of Commons

1621
: the lower house of the British and Canadian parliaments

house of correction

circa 1576
: a penal institution for persons convicted of a minor offense and considered capable of reformation

house of delegates

1783
: HOUSE 6A especially : the lower house of the state legislature in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia

House of Lords

1643
: the upper house of the British Parliament composed of the lords temporal and spiritual

house of representatives

1716
: the lower house of a legislative body (as the U.S. Congress)

house of studies

1929
: an educational institution serving scholars of a religious order ― called also house of study

house organ
: a periodical distributed by a business concern among its employees, sales personnel, or customers

house party
: a party lasting over one or more nights at a residence (as a home or fraternity house)

house rule
: a rule (as in a game) that applies only among a certain group or in a certain place

house seat
: a theater seat reserved by the management for a special guest

house sitter
: a person who occupies a dwelling to provide security and maintenance while the tenant is away
–house-sit \'hau̇(s)-ˌsit\ intransitive verb
–house-sit·ting \-ˌsi-tiŋ\ noun

house sparrow
: a sparrow (Passer domesticus) native to Eurasia that has been introduced worldwide and is found especially in urban and agricultural areas ― called also English sparrow

house trailer
: MOBILE HOME

house-dust mite
: either of two widely distributed mites (Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus) that commonly occur in house dust and often induce allergic responses especially in children

house-proud
chiefly British : proud of one's house or housekeeping

house-raising
: the joint erection of a house or its framework by a gathering of neighbors

house-to-house
: going or done by going from one building to the next <house-to-house fighting>

house-train
chiefly British : HOUSEBREAK

houseboat
n. : a boat fitted for use as a dwelling especially : a pleasure craft with a broad beam, a usually shallow draft, and a large superstructure resembling a house
–house·boat·er \-ˌbō-tər\ noun

housebound
adj. : confined to the house

houseboy
n. : HOUSEMAN

housebreak
v. 1 : to make housebroken
2 a : to teach acceptable social manners to b : TAME, SUBDUE

housebreaking
n. : an act of breaking open and entering the dwelling house of another with a felonious purpose
–house·break·er \-ˌbrā-kər\ noun

housebroken
adj. 1 : trained to excretory habits acceptable in indoor living ― used of a household pet
2 : made tractable or polite

housecarl
n. : a member of the bodyguard of a Danish or early English king or noble

houseclean
v. intransitive verb
1 : to clean a house and its furniture
2 : to get rid of unwanted or undesirable items or people
transitive verb
1 : to clean the surfaces and furnishings of
2 : to improve or reform by ridding of undesirable people or practices
–house·clean·ing noun

housecoat
n. : a woman's often long-skirted informal garment for wear around the house

housedress
n. : a dress with simple lines that is suitable for housework and is made usually of a washable fabric

housefather
n. : a man in charge of a dormitory, hall, or hostel

housefly
n. : a cosmopolitan dipteran fly (Musca domestica) that is often about human habitations and may act as a mechanical vector of diseases (as typhoid fever) also : any of various flies of similar appearance or habitat

housefront
: the facade of a house

houseguest
n. : GUEST 1A

household
n. : those who dwell under the same roof and compose a family also : a social unit composed of those living together in the same dwelling

household
n. 1 : of or relating to a household : DOMESTIC <cooking and other household arts>
2 : FAMILIAR, COMMON <a household name>

household troops
: troops appointed to attend and guard a sovereign or the residence of a sovereign

householder
n. : a person who occupies a house or tenement alone or as the head of a household

househusband
n. : a husband who does housekeeping usually while his wife earns the family income

housekeep
v. : to perform the routine duties (as cooking and cleaning) of managing a house

housekeeper
n. 1 : a woman employed to keep house
2 : HOUSEWIFE 1

housekeeping
n. 1 : the management of a house and home affairs
2 : the care and management of property and the provision of equipment and services (as for an industrial organization)
3 : the routine tasks that must be done in order for a system to function or to function efficiently

housel
archaic : the Eucharist or the act of administering or receiving it

housel
archaic : to administer communion to

houseleek
n. : a pink-flowered thick-leaved European plant (Sempervivum tectorum) of the orpine family that tends to form clusters of rosettes and is often grown in rock gardens broadly : SEMPERVIVUM

houselights
n. : the lights that illuminate the auditorium of a theater

housemaid
n. : a girl or woman who is a servant employed to do housework

housemaid's knee
: a swelling over the knee due to an enlargement of the bursa in the front of the patella

houseman
n. : a person who performs general work about a house or hotel

housemaster
n. : a master in charge of a house in a boy's boarding school

housemate
n. : a person who lives in the same house with another

housemother
n. : a woman acting as hostess, chaperone, and often housekeeper in a group residence

housepainter
: one whose business or occupation is painting houses

houseparent
n. : an adult in charge of a dormitory, hall, hostel, or group residence

houseperson
: a person who does housekeeping

houseplant
n. : a plant grown or kept indoors

houser
: one that promotes or administers housing projects

houseroom
n. : space for accommodation in or as if in a house <given houseroom by a family all too eager to have a celebrity in their midst ― Walter Kerr>

housetop
n. : ROOF especially : the level surface of a flat roof
–from the housetops : for all to hear : OPENLY <shouting their grievances from the housetops>

housewares
n. : furnishings for a house especially : small articles of household equipment (as cooking utensils)

housewarming
n. : a party to celebrate the taking possession of a house or premises

housewife
1 : a married woman in charge of a household
2 : a pocket-size container for small articles (as thread)
–house·wife·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–house·wife·ly \-lē\ adjective
–house·wif·ery \-ˌwī-f(ə-)rē; Brit -(ˌ)wi-f(ə-)rē also 'hə-zə-frē\ noun
–house·wif·ey \'hau̇s-ˌwī-fē\ adjective

housework
n. : the work of housekeeping

housing
n. 1 a : SHELTER, LODGING b : dwellings provided for people
2 a : a niche for a sculpture b : the space taken out of a structural member (as a timber) to admit the insertion of part of another
3 : something that covers or protects: as a : a case or enclosure (as for a mechanical part or an instrument) b : a casing (as an enclosed bearing) in which a shaft revolves c : a support (as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing
n. : CAPARISON 1

housing
n. housing development
housing estate
housing project

housing development
: a group of individual dwellings or apartment houses typically of similar design that are usually built and sold or leased by one management

housing estate
British : HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

housing project
: a publicly supported and administered housing development planned usually for low-income families

Housman
A(lfred) E(dward) 1859-1936 Eng. classical scholar & poet

Housman
Laurence 1865-1959 bro. of prec. Eng. writer & illustrator

Houssay
Bernardo Alberto 1887-1971 Argentine physiol.

Houston
n. Samuel 1793-1863 American gen.; pres. of the Republic of Texas (1836-38; 1841-44)

Houston
n. city & port SE Tex. connected with Galveston Bay by ship canal pop 1,953,631
–Hous·to·nian \hyü-'stō-nē-ən, yü-, -nyən\ noun
–Hous·ton·ite \'hyüs-tə-ˌnīt, 'yüs-\ noun

Houyhnhnm
: a member of a race of horses endowed with reason in Swift's Gulliver's Travels

HOV
high-occupancy vehicle

Hove
town S England in E. Sussex pop 82,500

hove
past and past part of heave

hovel
n. 1 : an open shed or shelter
2 : TABERNACLE
3 : a small, wretched, and often dirty house : HUT

Hovenweep National Monument
n. site SE Utah & SW Colo. of prehistoric pueblos & cliff dwellings

hover
v. 1 a : to hang fluttering in the air or on the wing b : to remain suspended over a place or object
2 a : to move to and fro near a place : fluctuate around a given point <unemployment hovered around 10 percent> b : to be in a state of uncertainty, irresolution, or suspense
–hover noun
–hov·er·er \-vər-ər\ noun

hovercraft
n. : a vehicle that is supported above the surface of land or water by a cushion of air produced by downwardly directed fans

hoverfly
n. : any of a family (Syrphidae) of dipteran flies that are noted for frequenting flowers and hovering at one place in the air and include some whose larvae prey on plant lice ― called also syrphid fly

how
adv. 1 a : in what manner or way b : for what reason : WHY c : with what meaning : to what effect d : by what name or title
2 : to what degree or extent
3 : in what state or condition <how are you>
4 : at what price <how a score of ewes now ― Shakespeare>
–how about : what do you say to or think of <how about it, are you going?>
–how come : how does it happen that : WHY

how
adv. 1 a : the way or manner in which <remember how they fought> also : the state or condition in which b : THAT <told them how he had a situation ― Charles Dickens>
2 : HOWEVER, AS <a reader can shift his attention how he likes ― William Empson>

how
adv. 1 : a question about manner or method
2 : MANNER, METHOD

how
adv. and how
as how
how far
how come
how about
how to
know how

how about
what do you say to or think of <how about it, are you going?>

how come
how does it happen that : WHY

how far
to what extent, degree, or distance <didn't know how far to trust them>

how-to
: giving practical instruction and advice (as on a craft) <how-to books on all sorts of hobbies ― Harry Milt>

how-to
: a practical method or instruction <the how-tos of balancing a checkbook> also : something (as a book) that provides such instruction

Howard
n. Catherine ― see CATHERINE

Howard
n. Henry 1517?-1547 Earl of Surrey Eng. soldier & poet

Howard
n. John Winston 1939-     prime min. of Australia (1996-    )

Howard
n. Oliver Otis 1830-1909 American gen. & educ.

Howard
n. Sidney Coe 1891-1939 American dram.

howbeit
adv. : ALTHOUGH

howbeit
adv. : NEVERTHELESS

howdah
n. : a seat or covered pavilion on the back of an elephant or camel

howdy
interj. ― used to express greeting
–howdy verb

Howe
n. Ed 1853-1937 Edgar Watson American journalist

Howe
n. Elias 1819-1867 American inventor

Howe
n. Gordie 1928-     Gordon Howe American (Canad.-born) ice hockey player

Howe
n. Julia 1819-1910 née Ward American suffragist & reformer

Howe
n. Richard 1726-1799 Earl Howe Eng. admiral

Howe
n. William 1729-1814 5th Viscount Howe; bro. of prec. Eng. gen. in America

howe
n. Scottish : HOLLOW, VALLEY

Howells
William Dean 1837-1920 American author

however
adv. 1 : in whatever manner or way that <will help however I can>
2 archaic : ALTHOUGH

however
adv. 1 a : in whatever manner or way <shall serve you, sir, truly, however else ― Shakespeare> b : to whatever degree or extent <has done this for however many thousands of years ― Emma Hawkridge>
2 : in spite of that : on the other hand <still seems possible, however, that conditions will improve> <would like to go; however, I think I'd better not>
3 : how in the world <however did you manage to do it>

howff
n. Scottish : HAUNT, RESORT

howitzer
n. : a short cannon used to fire projectiles at medium muzzle velocities and with relatively high trajectories

howl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to emit a loud sustained doleful sound characteristic of members of the dog family
2 : to cry out loudly and without restraint under strong impulse (as pain, grief, or amusement)
3 : to go on a spree or rampage
transitive verb
1 : to utter with unrestrained outcry
2 : to drown out or cause to fail by adverse outcry ― used especially with down
–howl noun

howler
n. 1 a : HOWLER MONKEY b : one that howls
2 : a humorous and ridiculous blunder

howler monkey
: any of a genus (Alouatta) of So. and Central American monkeys that have a long prehensile tail and enlargement of the hyoid and laryngeal apparatus enabling them to make loud howling noises

howling
n. 1 : producing or marked by a sound resembling a howl <a howling storm>
2 : DESOLATE, WILD <a howling wilderness>
3 : very great : PRONOUNCED <a howling success>
–howl·ing·ly adverb

Howrah
city E India in W. Bengal on the Hugli opposite Calcutta pop 1,008,704

howsoever
adv. 1 : in whatever manner
2 : to whatever degree or extent

hoy
n. ― used in attracting attention or in driving animals

hoy
n. 1 : a small usually sloop-rigged coasting ship
2 : a heavy barge for bulky cargo

hoya
n. : any of a genus (Hoya) of climbing Asian and Australian evergreen shrubs of the milkweed family

hoyden
n. : a girl or woman of saucy, boisterous, or carefree behavior
–hoy·den·ish \-ish\ adjective

Hoyle
n. Sir Fred 1915-2001 Brit. astrophysicist

hoyle
n. : an encyclopedia of the rules of indoor games and especially card games

HP
1 half play
2 high pressure

hp
horsepower

HPA
high-powered amplifier

HPF
1 highest possible frequency
2 high power field

HPLC
high-performance liquid chromatography

HPV
1 human papillomavirus
2 human-powered vehicle

HQ
headquarters

HR
1 home run
2 House of Representatives
3 human resources

hr
1 here
2 hour

Hrdlicka
Aleš \'ä-ˌlesh\ 1869-1943 American (Bohemian-born) anthropol.

HRH
Her Royal Highness; His Royal Highness

Hrodna
n. ― see GRODNO

hryvnia
― see MONEY table

hrzn
horizon

HS
high school

Hs
hassium

hs
at bedtime

Hsi
― see XI

Hsi
Pen hsi
Wu hsi
Hsi Ning
Chu Hsi
K'ang hsi
Tz'u hsi
Yen Hsi shan
Hsi ning

Hsi-ning
― see XINING

Hsia
: the legendary first dynasty of Chinese history traditionally dated from about 2200-1766 B.C.

Hsia-men
― see XIAMEN

Hsiang
― see XIANG

Hsiang
Hsiang t'an
Hsin hsiang
Feng Yu hsiang
Feng Yü hsiang
Hsiang Kang

Hsiang-t'an
― see XIANGTAN

Hsin-chu
city & port China in NW Taiwan on coast SW of Taipei pop 332,524

Hsin-hsiang
― see XINXIANG

Hsinkao
― see YÜ SHAN

HST
1 Hawaiian standard time
2 hypersonic transport

Hsu-chou
― see XUZHOU

Hsuan-hua
― see XUANHUA

Hsuan-t'ung
― see P'U-I

HT
1 halftone
2 hardtop
3 Hawaii time
4 high-tension
5 high tide

ht
height

HTLV
: any of several retroviruses ― often used with a number or Roman numeral to indicate the type

HTLV-III
: HIV-1

HTML
: a markup language that is used to create documents on the World Wide Web incorporating text, graphics, sound, video, and hyperlinks

http
hypertext transfer protocol; hypertext transport protocol

Hu
n. Hu ho hao t'e
Hu Jintao
Hu Shih
P'eng hu
Tai Hu

Hu Jintao
1942-     gen. secy. of Chin. Communist party (2002-  ); pres. of China (2003-  )

Hu Shih
1891-1962 Chin. philos.

hua
T'ung hua
Hsüan hua
Hua Kuo feng
Hsuan hua

Hua Kuo-feng
1920-     pinyin Hua Guo·feng Chin. premier (1976-80)

HUAC
House Un-American Activities Committee

Huai
river over 600 mi (966 km) E China flowing from S Henan E into Hongze Lake

Huainan
city E China in N cen Anhui SW of Bengbu pop 703,934

Huallaga
river 700 mi (1126 km) N cen Peru flowing N into the Marañón

Huambo
city Angola in W cen highlands pop 49,823

Huang
river ab 3000 mi (4828 km) N China flowing from Kunlun Mountains in Qinghai E into Bo Hai

Huang
Ch'in huang tao
ma huang
Ch'in Shih Huang Ti
Shih Huang ti
Ch'in huang tao Chinwangtao

Huangpu
river 70 mi (113 km) E China flowing E & N past Shanghai into the Chang

huarache
n. : a low-heeled sandal having an upper made of interwoven leather strips

Huascar
d 1532 Inca prince

Huascaran
mountain 22,205 ft (6768 m) W Peru; highest in the country

hub
n. 1 : the central part of a circular object (as a wheel or propeller)
2 a : a center of activity : FOCAL POINT b : an airport or city through which an airline routes most of its traffic c : a central device that connects multiple computers on a single network
3 : a steel punch from which a working die for a coin or medal is made

hub-and-spoke
: being or relating to a system of routing air traffic in which a major airport serves as a central point for coordinating flights to and from other airports

Hubbard
n. Elbert Green 1856-1915 American writer & publisher

Hubbard squash
: an often large variably green squash of any of several cultivars of a winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) ― called also Hubbard

Hubble
n. Edwin Powell 1889-1953 American astron.

hubble-bubble
1 : WATER PIPE 2
2 : a flurry of sound or activity : COMMOTION

hubbub
n. 1 : NOISE, UPROAR
2 : CONFUSION, TURMOIL

hubby
n. : HUSBAND

hubcap
n. : a removable usually metal cap over the end of an axle especially : one used on the wheel of a motor vehicle

Hubei
province E cen China capital Wuhan area 72,394 sq mi (188,224 sq km), pop 53,969,210

Hubel
David Hunter 1926-     American (Canad.-born) neurobiologist

Huber
Robert 1937-     Ger. biochem.

Huber Heights
city W Ohio pop 38,696

Hubli-Dharwar
city SW India in W Karnataka pop 786,018

hubris
n. : exaggerated pride or self-confidence
–hu·bris·tic \hyü-'bris-tik\ adjective

huck
: HUCKABACK

huckaback
n. : an absorbent durable fabric of cotton, linen, or both used chiefly for towels

huckleberry
n. 1 : any of a genus (Gaylussacia) of American shrubs of the heath family also : the edible dark blue to black usually acid berry (esp. of G. baccata) with 10 nutlets
2 : BLUEBERRY

huckster
n. 1 : HAWKER, PEDDLER
2 : one who produces promotional material for commercial clients especially for radio or television
–huck·ster·ism \-stə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

huckster
n. intransitive verb : HAGGLE
transitive verb
1 : to deal in or bargain over
2 : to promote by showmanship

HUD
Department of Housing and Urban Development

Hudaydah, Al
― see AL HUDAYDAH

Huddersfield
town N England in W. Yorkshire NE of Manchester pop 123,888

Huddinge
city E Sweden, just S of Stockholm pop 86,457

huddle
n. transitive verb
1 British : to arrange carelessly or hurriedly
2 a : to crowd together b : to draw (oneself) together : CROUCH
3 : to wrap closely in (as clothes)
intransitive verb
1 a : to gather in a close-packed group b : to curl up : CROUCH
2 a : to hold a consultation b : to gather in a huddle in football
–hud·dler \'həd-lər, 'hə-dəl-ər\ noun

huddle
n. 1 : a close-packed group : BUNCH <huddles of children> <a huddle of cottages>
2 a : MEETING, CONFERENCE b : a brief gathering of football players away from the line of scrimmage to receive instructions (as from the quarterback) for the next down

Hudibrastic
1 : written in humorous octosyllabic couplets
2 : MOCK-HEROIC
–Hudibrastic noun

Hudson
n. Henry d 1611 Eng. navigator & explorer

Hudson
n. Manley Ottmer 1886-1960 American jurist

Hudson
n. W(illiam) H(enry) 1841-1922 Eng. naturalist & writer

Hudson
n. 1 river 306 mi (492 km) E N.Y. flowing from Adirondack Mountains S into New York Bay
2 town S N.H. pop 22,928
–Hud·so·ni·an \ˌhəd-'sō-nē-ən\ adjective

Hudson
n. Highlands of the Hudson
Hudson Bay
Hudson Strait

Hudson Bay
inlet of the Atlantic in N Canada; an inland sea 850 mi (1368 km) long

Hudson Strait
strait 450 mi (724 km) long NE Canada bet. S Baffin Is. & N Que. connecting Hudson Bay with the Atlantic

Hue
n. city & port cen Vietnam in Annam; formerly capital of Annam pop 211,718

hue
n. 1 : COMPLEXION, ASPECT <political parties of every hue ― Louis Wasserman>
2 a : COLOR b : gradation of color c : the attribute of colors that permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors ― compare BRIGHTNESS 2 LIGHTNESS 2 SATURATION 4

hue and cry
1 a : a loud outcry formerly used in the pursuit of one who is suspected of a crime b : the pursuit of a suspect or a written proclamation for the capture of a suspect
2 : a clamor of alarm or protest
3 : HUBBUB

hued
adj. : COLORED ― usually used in combination <green-hued>

Huelva
1 province SW Spain in Andalusia on Gulf of Cádiz area 3894 sq mi (10,085 sq km), pop 462,579
2 city, its capital pop 142,284

Huerta
Victoriano 1854-1916 Mex. gen.; provisional pres. of Mexico (1913-14)

Huesca
1 province NE Spain in Aragon area 6051 sq mi (15,672 sq km), pop 206,502
2 commune, its capital pop 46,243

huevos rancheros
: fried or poached eggs served on a tortilla and topped with a usually tomato-based sauce

huff
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to emit puffs (as of breath or steam) b : to proceed with labored breathing <huffed up to the peak>
2 a : to make empty threats : BLUSTER b : to react or behave indignantly
transitive verb
1 archaic : to treat with contempt
2 : to make angry
3 : to utter with indignation or scorn
4 : to inhale (noxious fumes) through the mouth for the euphoric effect produced by the inhalant

huff
n. : a usually peevish and transitory spell of anger or resentment <quit in a huff>
synonyms see OFFENSE

huffish
adj. : ARROGANT, SULKY

huffy
adj. 1 : HAUGHTY, ARROGANT
2 a : roused to indignation : IRRITATED b : easily offended : TOUCHY
–huff·i·ly \'hə-fə-lē\ adverb
–huff·i·ness \-fē-nəs\ noun

Hufuf, Al
― see AL HUFUF

hug
n. 1 : to press tightly especially in the arms
2 a : CONGRATULATE b : to hold fast : CHERISH <hugged his miseries like a sulky child ― John Buchan>
3 : to stay close to <the road hugs the river>
–hug noun
–hug·ga·ble \'hə-gə-bəl\ adjective
–hug·ger noun

hug
n. bear hug
hug me tight
hugger mugger
tree hugger
hip huggers

hug-me-tight
: a woman's short usually knitted sleeveless close-fitting jacket

huge
adj. : very large or extensive: as a : of great size or area b : great in scale or degree <a huge deficit> c : great in scope or character <a dancer of huge talent>
synonyms see ENORMOUS
–huge·ly adverb
–huge·ness noun

hugeous
: HUGE
–huge·ous·ly adverb

hugger-mugger
1 : SECRECY
2 : CONFUSION, MUDDLE

hugger-mugger
1 : SECRET
2 : of a confused or disorderly nature : JUMBLED
–hugger-mugger adverb

Huggins
Sir William 1824-1910 Eng. astron.

Hugh Capet
ca 938-996 king of France (987-996)

Hughes
n. Charles Evans 1862-1948 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1930-41)

Hughes
n. Howard Robard 1905-1976 American businessman

Hughes
n. (James) Langston 1902-1967 American writer

Hughes
n. Ted 1930-1998 Brit. poet; poet laureate (1984-98)

Hughes
n. Thomas 1822-1896 Eng. jurist, reformer, & writer

Hughes
n. William Morris 1864-1952 Austral. statesman

Hugli
river 120 mi (193 km) E India flowing S into Bay of Bengal; most westerly channel of the Ganges in its delta

Hugo
n. Victor (-Marie) 1802-1885 Fr. poet, nov., & dram.
–Hu·go·esque \ˌhyü-(ˌ)gō-'esk, ˌyü-\ adjective

Huguenot
n. : a member of the French Reformed communion especially of the 16th and 17th centuries
–Hu·gue·not·ic \ˌhyü-gə-'nä-tik\ adjective
–Hu·gue·not·ism \'hyü-gə-ˌnä-ˌti-zəm\ noun

huh
interj. ― used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion, or as an inquiry inviting affirmative reply

Huhehot
― see HOHHOT

Huichol
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the mountains between Zacatecas and Nayarit, Mexico
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Huichol people
–Huichol adjective

Huila
volcano 18,865 ft (5750 m) SW cen Colombia

huisache
: a widely cultivated thorny shrubby acacia (Acacia farnesiana) of the southern U.S. and tropical America with fragrant ball-shaped yellow flowers

Huizinga
Johan 1872-1945 Du. hist.

hula
n. : a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming

hula hoop
: a plastic hoop that is twirled around the body

Hulegu
ca 1217-ca 1265 grandson of Genghis Khan Mongol ruler

hulk
n. 1 a : a heavy clumsy ship b (1) : the body of an old ship unfit for service (2) : a ship used as a prison ― usually used in plural <every prisoner sent to the hulks ― Kenneth Roberts> c : an abandoned wreck or shell (as of a building or automobile)
2 : one that is bulky or unwieldy

hulk
n. 1 dialect English : to move ponderously
2 : to appear impressively large or massive : LOOM <factories hulked along the river>

hulking
adj. : PONDEROUS, MASSIVE <a hulking wrestler>

Hull
n. Cordell 1871-1955 American statesman; secy. of state (1933-44)

Hull
n. Isaac 1773-1843 American naval officer

Hull
n. Bobby 1939-     Robert Marvin Hull Canad. ice hockey player

Hull
n. William 1753-1825 American gen.

Hull
n. 1 town Canada in SW Que. on Ottawa River opposite Ottawa, Ont. pop 62,339
2 or in full Kings·ton upon Hull \'kiŋ-stən\ city & port E England on the Humber pop 242,200

hull
n. 1 a : the outer covering of a fruit or seed b : the persistent calyx or involucre that subtends some fruits (as a strawberry)
2 a : the frame or body of a ship or boat exclusive of masts, yards, sails, and rigging b : the main body of a usually large or heavy craft or vehicle (as an airship or tank)
3 : COVERING, CASING
–hull-less \'həl-ləs\ adjective

hull
n. : to remove the hulls of : SHUCK
–hull·er noun

hull
n. hull less
Kingston upon Hull
hull down
hulled corn

hull down
of a ship : at such a distance that only the superstructure is visible

hullabaloo
n. : DIN also : UPROAR

hulled corn
: whole grain corn from which the hulls have been removed by soaking or boiling in lye water

hullo
interj. chiefly British variant of hello

Hulse
Russell Alan 1950-     American physicist

hum
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to utter a sound like that of the speech sound \m\ prolonged b : to make the natural noise of an insect in motion or a similar sound : DRONE c : to give forth a low continuous blend of sound
2 a : to be busily active <the museum hummed with visitors> b : to run smoothly <the business started to hum>
transitive verb
1 : to sing with the lips closed and without articulation
2 : to affect or express by humming <hummed his displeasure>
–hum noun
–hum·ma·ble \'hə-mə-bəl\ adjective

hum
n. chiefly British variant of hem

Humacao
town E Puerto Rico pop 21,306

human
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of humans
2 : consisting of humans
3 a : having human form or attributes b : susceptible to or representative of the sympathies and frailties of human nature <such an inconsistency is very human ― P. E. More>
–hu·man·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun

human
n. : a bipedal primate mammal (Homo sapiens) : MAN broadly : HOMINID
–hu·man·like \-mən-ˌlīk\ adjective

human
n. human immunodeficiency virus
human being
human chorionic gonadotropin
human ecology
human engineering
human factors
human growth hormone
human leukocyte antigen
human nature
human papillomavirus
human relations
human resources
human rights

human being
: HUMAN

human chorionic gonadotropin
: a glycoprotein hormone similar in structure to luteinizing hormone that is secreted by the placenta during early pregnancy to maintain corpus luteum function and is commonly tested for as an indicator of pregnancy

human ecology
1 : a branch of sociology dealing especially with the spatial and temporal interrelationships between humans and their economic, social, and political organization
2 : the ecology of human communities and populations especially as concerned with preservation of environmental quality (as of air or water) through proper application of conservation and civil engineering practices

human engineering
1 : management of humans and their affairs especially in industry
2 : ERGONOMICS 1

human factors
: ERGONOMICS 1

human growth hormone
: the naturally occurring growth hormone of humans or a genetically engineered form that is used to treat children with growth hormone deficiencies and has been used especially by athletes to increase muscle mass

human immunodeficiency virus
: HIV

human leukocyte antigen
: any of various proteins that are encoded by genes of the major histocompatibility complex in humans and are found on the surface of many cell types (as white blood cells) broadly : HLA 2

human nature
: the nature of humans especially : the fundamental dispositions and traits of humans

human papillomavirus
: any of numerous papillomaviruses that cause various human warts (as plantar warts and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer ― abbreviation HPV

human relations
1 : a study of human problems arising from organizational and interpersonal relations (as in industry)
2 : a course, study, or program designed to develop better interpersonal and intergroup adjustments

human resources
1 : PERSONNEL 1A
2 : PERSONNEL 2 <director of human resources>

human rights
: rights (as freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons

humane
adj. 1 : marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
2 : characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : HUMANISTIC <humane studies>
–hu·mane·ly adverb
–hu·mane·ness \-'mān-nəs\ noun

humanism
n. 1 a : devotion to the humanities : literary culture b : the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns characteristic of the Renaissance
2 : HUMANITARIANISM
3 : a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values especially : a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason
–hu·man·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective
–hu·man·is·tic \ˌhyü-mə-'nis-tik, ˌyü-\ adjective
–hu·man·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

humanitarian
n. : a person promoting human welfare and social reform : PHILANTHROPIST
–humanitarian adjective
–hu·man·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

humanity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being humane
2 a : the quality or state of being human b plural : human attributes or qualities <his work has the ripeness of the 18th century, and its rough humanities ― Pamela H. Johnson>
3 plural : the branches of learning (as philosophy, arts, or languages) that investigate human constructs and concerns as opposed to natural processes (as in physics or chemistry) and social relations (as in anthropology or economics)
4 : the human race : the totality of human beings

humanize
v. 1 a : to represent as human : attribute human qualities to b : to adapt to human nature or use
2 : to make humane
–hu·man·i·za·tion \ˌhyü-mə-nə-'zā-shən, ˌyü-\ noun
–hu·man·iz·er noun

humankind
n. : the human race

humanly
adv. 1 a : with regard to human needs and emotions <provide humanly for those who are not needed in the economy ― E. F. Bacon> b : with regard to or in keeping with human proneness to error or weakness <humanly inaccurate>
2 a : from a human viewpoint <humanly speaking, the process works⋯like this ― Elizabeth Janeway> b : within the range of human capacity <did everything humanly possible> c : by humans <humanly made>

humanoid
n. : having human form or characteristics <humanoid dentition> <humanoid robots>
–humanoid noun

humanum est errare
: to err is human

humate
n. : a salt or ester of a humic acid

Humayun
1508-1556 Mogul emp. of India (1530-56)

Humber
estuary 40 mi (64 km) E England formed by Ouse & Trent rivers & flowing E & SE into North Sea

humble
adj. 1 : not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive
2 : reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission <a humble apology>
3 a : ranking low in a hierarchy or scale : INSIGNIFICANT, UNPRETENTIOUS b : not costly or luxurious <a humble contraption>
–hum·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
–hum·bly \-blē\ adverb

humble
adj. 1 : to make humble in spirit or manner
2 : to destroy the power, independence, or prestige of
–hum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–hum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

humble
adj. humble bee
humble pie
self humbling

humble pie
: a figurative serving of humiliation usually in the form of a forced submission, apology, or retraction ― often used in the phrase eat humble pie

humble-bee
: BUMBLEBEE

Humboldt
(Friedrich Wilhelm Karl Heinrich) Alexander von 1769-1859 Ger. naturalist, traveler, & statesman

Humboldt
(Karl) Wilhelm von 1767-1835 bro. of prec. Ger. philologist & diplomat

Humboldt
river 290 mi (467 km) N Nev. flowing W & SW into Rye Patch reservoir & formerly into Humboldt Lake

Humboldt
Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Glacier
Humboldt Lake

Humboldt Bay
bay NW Calif. on which Eureka is situated

Humboldt Glacier
glacier NW Greenland

Humboldt Lake
lake W Nev. formerly receiving Humboldt River; has no outlet but has an intermittent S extension Humboldt Sink

humbug
n. 1 a : something designed to deceive and mislead b : a willfully false, deceptive, or insincere person
2 : an attitude or spirit of pretense and deception
3 : NONSENSE, DRIVEL
4 British : a hard usually mint-flavored candy
synonyms see IMPOSTURE
–hum·bug·gery \-ˌbə-g(ə-)rē\ noun

humbug
n. transitive verb : DECEIVE, HOAX
intransitive verb : to engage in a hoax or deception

humdinger
n. : a striking or extraordinary person or thing

humdrum
adj. : MONOTONOUS, DULL
–humdrum noun

Hume
n. David 1711-1776 Scot. philos. & hist.
–Hum·ean or Hum·ian \'(h)yü-mē-ən\ adjective

Hume
n. John 1937-     Irish peace activist

humectant
adj. : a substance that promotes retention of moisture
–humectant adjective

humeral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or situated in the region of the humerus or shoulder
2 : of, relating to, or being a body part analogous to the humerus or shoulder
–humeral noun

humeral veil
: an oblong vestment worn around the shoulders and over the hands by a priest holding a sacred vessel

humerus
n. : the long bone of the upper arm or forelimb extending from the shoulder to the elbow

humic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived at least in part from humus

humic acid
: any of various organic acids obtained from humus

humid
adj. : containing or characterized by perceptible moisture especially to the point of being oppressive
synonyms see WET
–hu·mid·ly adverb

humidifier
n. : a device for supplying or maintaining humidity

humidify
v. : to make humid
–hu·mid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌmi-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

humidistat
n. : an instrument for regulating or maintaining the degree of humidity

humidity
n. : a moderate degree of wetness especially of the atmosphere ― compare RELATIVE HUMIDITY

humidor
n. : a case or enclosure (as for storing cigars) in which the air is kept properly humidified

humification
: formation of or conversion into humus

humified
v. : converted into humus

humiliate
v. : to reduce to a lower position in one's own eyes or others' eyes : MORTIFY
–hu·mil·i·a·tion \-ˌmi-lē-'ā-shən\ noun

humiliating
adj. : extremely destructive to one's self-respect or dignity : HUMBLING
–hu·mil·i·at·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

humility
n. : the quality or state of being humble

hummer
n. 1 : one that hums
2 : HUMMINGBIRD
3 : HUMDINGER
4 : FASTBALL

hummingbird
n. : any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

hummock
n. 1 : a rounded knoll or hillock
2 : a ridge of ice
3 : 2HAMMOCK 2
–hummock verb
–hum·mocky \-mə-kē\ adjective

hummus
n. : a paste of pureed chickpeas usually mixed with sesame oil or sesame paste and eaten as a dip or sandwich spread

humongous
adj. : extremely large : HUGE <a humongous building> <humongous amounts of money>

humor
n. 1 a : a normal functioning bodily semifluid or fluid (as the blood or lymph) b : a secretion (as a hormone) that is an excitant of activity
2 a in medieval physiology : a fluid or juice of an animal or plant specifically : one of the four fluids entering into the constitution of the body and determining by their relative proportions a person's health and temperament b : characteristic or habitual disposition or bent : TEMPERAMENT <of cheerful humor> c : an often temporary state of mind imposed especially by circumstances <was in no humor to listen> d : a sudden, unpredictable, or unreasoning inclination : WHIM <the uncertain humors of nature>
3 a : that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous b : the mental faculty of discovering, expressing, or appreciating the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous c : something that is or is designed to be comical or amusing
synonyms see WIT
–out of humor : out of sorts

humor
n. 1 : to soothe or content by indulgence
2 : to adapt oneself to
synonyms see INDULGE

humor
n. aqueous humor
gallows humor
out of humor
vitreous humor
good humored
ill humored

humoral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, proceeding from, or involving a bodily humor (as a hormone)
2 : relating to or being the part of immunity or the immune response that involves antibodies secreted by B cells and circulating in bodily fluids

humoresque
n. : a typically whimsical or fanciful musical composition

humorist
n. 1 archaic : a person subject to whims
2 : a person specializing in or noted for humor

humoristic
adj. : HUMOROUS

humorless
adj. 1 : lacking a sense of humor
2 : lacking humorous characteristics
–hu·mor·less·ly \-lē\ adverb
–hu·mor·less·ness noun

humorous
adj. 1 obsolete : HUMID
2 a : full of or characterized by humor : FUNNY b : indicating or expressive of a sense of humor
synonyms see WITTY
–hu·mor·ous·ly adverb
–hu·mor·ous·ness noun

humour
n. chiefly British variant of humor

hump
n. 1 : a rounded protuberance: as a : HUMPBACK 1 b : a fleshy protuberance on the back of an animal (as a camel, bison, or whale) c (1) : MOUND, HUMMOCK (2) : MOUNTAIN, RANGE <the Himalayan hump>
2 British : a fit of depression or sulking
3 : a difficult, trying, or critical phase or obstacle ― often used in the phrase over the hump
–humped adjective

hump
n. 1 often vulgar : to copulate with
2 : to exert (oneself) vigorously
3 : to make humpbacked : HUNCH
4 chiefly British : to put or carry on the back : LUG also : TRANSPORT
intransitive verb
1 : to exert oneself : HUSTLE
2 : to move swiftly : RACE

humpback
n. 1 : a humped or crooked back also : KYPHOSIS
2 : HUNCHBACK 1
3 : HUMPBACK WHALE
4 : PINK SALMON

humpback whale
: a large baleen whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that is black above and white below and has very long flippers, and fleshy tubercles along the snout

humpbacked
adj. 1 : having a humped back
2 : convexly curved <a humpbacked bridge>

Humperdinck
Engelbert 1854-1921 Ger. composer

humph
interj. ― used to express doubt or contempt

humph
interj. : to utter a humph
transitive verb : to utter (as a remark) in a tone suggestive of a humph

Humphrey
n. 1391-1447 son of Henry IV Duke of Gloucester (the Good Duke) & Earl of Pembroke Eng. statesman & bibliophile

Humphrey
n. Hubert H(oratio) 1911-1978 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1965-69)

Humphreys Peak
mountain peak 12,633 ft (3851 m) N cen Ariz. ― see SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS

humpy
n. 1 : full of humps
2 : covered with humps

humus
n. : a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic portion of soil

humvee
n. ― used for a military automotive vehicle

Hun
n. 1 : a member of a nomadic central Asian people gaining control of a large part of central and eastern Europe under Attila about A.D. 450
2 a often not capitalized : a person who is wantonly destructive : VANDAL b usually disparaging : GERMAN especially : a German soldier

Hunan
: of, relating to, or being a hot and spicy style of Chinese cooking

Hunan
province SE cen China capital Changsha area 81,274 sq mi (211,312 sq km), pop 60,659,754

hunch
n. transitive verb
1 : JOSTLE, SHOVE
2 : to thrust or bend over into a humped or crooked position
intransitive verb
1 : to thrust oneself forward
2 a : to assume a bent or crooked posture b : to draw oneself into a ball : curl up c : HUDDLE, SQUAT

hunch
n. 1 : an act or instance of hunching : PUSH
2 a : a thick piece : LUMP b : HUMP
3 : a strong intuitive feeling concerning especially a future event or result

hunchback
n. 1 : a person with a humpback
2 : HUMPBACK 1
–hunch·backed \-'bakt\ adjective

hundred
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 hundreds plural a : the numbers 100 to 999 b : a great number <hundreds of times>
3 : a 100-dollar bill
4 : a subdivision of some English and American counties
–hundred adjective
–hun·dred·fold \-ˌfōld\ adjective or adverb
–hun·dredth \-drədth, -drətth\ adjective or noun

hundred
n. Four Hundred
hundred percenter
hundred percentism
hundreds place

hundred-percenter
: a thoroughgoing nationalist
–hun·dred-per·cent·ism \-'sen-ˌti-zəm\ noun

hundreds place
: the place three to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of notation

hundredweight
1 : a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds ― called also short hundredweight ― see WEIGHT table
2 British : a unit of weight equal to 112 pounds ― called also long hundredweight

Huneker
James Gibbons 1860-1921 American critic

Hung
adj. Hungary

hung
adj. past and past part of hang

hung
adj. : unable to reach a decision or verdict <a hung jury> also British : not having a political party with an overall majority <a hung parliament>

hung
adj. double hung
hung up
Hung wu
Li Hung chang

hung up
1 : delayed or detained for a time
2 : anxiously nervous
3 : having great or excessive interest in or preoccupation with someone or something ― usually used with on <they broke up but he's still hung up on her> <hung up on winning>

Hung-wu
1328-1398 Chu Yüan-chang \'jü-yü-'än-'jäŋ\ Chin. emp. (1368-98); founder of Ming dynasty

Hungarian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Hungary : MAGYAR b : a person of Hungarian descent
2 : the Finno-Ugric language of the Hungarians
–Hungarian adjective

Hungary
n. country cen Europe; formerly a kingdom, since 1946 a republic capital Budapest area 35,919 sq mi (93,030 sq km), pop 10,142,000

hunger
n. 1 a : a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient b : an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food c : a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food
2 : a strong desire : CRAVING <a hunger for success>
–from hunger : very bad or inept <the jokes were from hunger ― Mordecai Richler>

hunger
n. intransitive verb
1 : to feel or suffer hunger
2 : to have an eager desire
transitive verb : to make hungry
synonyms see LONG

hunger
n. from hunger
hunger strike
hunger striker

hunger strike
: refusal (as by a prisoner) to eat enough to sustain life
–hunger striker noun

hungover
adj. : suffering from a hangover

hungry
adj. 1 a : feeling hunger b : characterized by or characteristic of hunger or appetite
2 a : EAGER, AVID <hungry for affection> b : strongly motivated (as by ambition)
3 : not rich or fertile : BARREN
–hun·gri·ly \-grə-lē\ adverb
–hun·gri·ness \-grē-nəs\ noun

Hungshui
― see HONGSHUI

Hungtse
― see HONGZE

hunk
n. 1 : a large lump, piece, or portion <a hunk of bread>
2 : an attractive and usually well-built man

hunker
v. 1 : CROUCH, SQUAT ― usually used with down
2 : to settle in or dig in for a sustained period ― used with down <hunker down for a good longitude wait ― New Yorker>

hunkers
n. : HAUNCHES

hunks
n. : a surly ill-natured person especially : MISER

Hunky
adj. usually disparaging : a person of central or east European birth or descent

hunky
adj. : being a hunk : attractive and usually well-built <the film's hunky leading man>

hunky-dory
: quite satisfactory : FINE

Hunnish
adj. : relating to or resembling the Huns

Hunt
n. (James Henry) Leigh 1784-1859 Eng. writer

Hunt
n. Richard Timothy 1943-     Brit. molecular biol.

Hunt
n. (William) Hol·man \'hōl-mən\ 1827-1910 Eng. painter

hunt
n. transitive verb
1 a : to pursue for food or in sport <hunt buffalo> b : to manage in the search for game <hunts a pack of dogs>
2 a : to pursue with intent to capture <hunted the escapees> b : to search out : SEEK
3 : to drive or chase especially by harrying <members⋯were hunted from their homes ― J. T. Adams>
4 : to traverse in search of prey <hunts the woods>
intransitive verb
1 : to take part in a hunt
2 : to attempt to find something
3 : to oscillate alternately to each side (as of a neutral point) or to run alternately faster and slower ― used especially of a device or machine

hunt
n. 1 : the act, the practice, or an instance of hunting
2 : a group of mounted hunters and their hunting dogs

hunt
n. hunt and peck
scavenger hunt
still hunt
witch hunt
Holman Hunt
African hunting dog
happy hunting ground
head hunting
hunting horn
witch hunting

hunt-and-peck
: a method of typing in which one looks at the keyboard and types using usually the index fingers

Hunter
n. John 1728-1793 Brit. anatomist & surgeon

Hunter
n. river 287 mi (462 km) SE Australia in E New South Wales flowing E into the Pacific

hunter
n. 1 a : a person who hunts game b : a dog used or trained for hunting c : a horse used or adapted for use in hunting with hounds especially : a fast strong horse trained for cross-country work and jumping
2 : one that searches for something
3 : a pocket watch with a hinged protective cover

hunter
n. bounty hunter
fortune hunter
hunter gatherer
hunter green
white hunter
witch hunter

hunter green
: a dark yellowish green

hunter-gatherer
: a member of a culture in which food is obtained by hunting, fishing, and foraging rather than by agriculture or animal husbandry

Huntersville
town N.C. N of Charlotte pop 24,960

hunting
n. 1 : the act of one that hunts specifically : the pursuit of game
2 : the process of hunting
3 a : a periodic variation in speed of a synchronous electrical machine b : a self-induced and undesirable oscillation of a variable above and below the desired value in an automatic control system c : a continuous attempt by an automatically controlled system to find a desired equilibrium condition

hunting
n. African hunting dog
happy hunting ground
head hunting
hunting horn
witch hunting

hunting horn
: a signal horn used in the chase specifically : a coiled circular horn with a flared bell and a cup-shaped mouthpiece

Huntingdon
1 or Hun·ting·don·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ or Huntingdon and Pe·ter·bor·ough \'pē-tər-ˌbər-ō\ or Hunts \'hənts\ former county E cen England capital Huntingdon; since 1974 part of Cambridgeshire
2 town E cen England in Cambridgeshire pop 2859

Huntington
n. Collis Potter 1821-1900 American railroad builder

Huntington
n. Ellsworth 1876-1947 American geographer & explorer

Huntington
n. Henry Edwards 1850-1927 American bibliophile

Huntington
n. Samuel 1731-1796 American Revolutionary polit.

Huntington
n. city W W.Va. on Ohio River pop 51,475

Huntington
n. Huntington's disease
Huntington's chorea
Huntington Beach
Huntington Park

Huntington Beach
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 189,594

Huntington Park
city SW Calif. S of Los Angeles pop 61,348

Huntington's disease
: a chorea usually beginning in middle age that is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and progresses to dementia ― called also Huntington's chorea

huntress
n. : a woman who hunts game also : a female animal that hunts prey

huntsman
n. 1 : HUNTER 1A
2 : a person who manages a hunt and looks after the hounds

Huntsville
n. 1 city N Ala. pop 158,216
2 city E Tex. N of Houston pop 35,078

Huntziger
Charles-Léon-Clément 1880-1941 Fr. gen.

Hunyadi
Já·nos \'yä-(ˌ)nōsh\ 1407?-1456 Hung. soldier & hero

Huon Gulf
inlet of Solomon Sea on SE coast of North-East New Guinea S of Huon Peninsula

hup
v. ― used to mark a marching cadence

huppah
n. variant of chuppah

hurdies
dialect British : RUMP

hurdle
n. 1 a : a portable panel usually of wattled withes and stakes used especially for enclosing land or livestock b : a frame or sled formerly used in England for dragging traitors to execution
2 a : an artificial barrier over which racers must leap b plural : any of various track events in which a series of hurdles must be surmounted
3 : BARRIER, OBSTACLE

hurdle
n. 1 : to leap over especially while running (as in a sporting competition)
2 : OVERCOME, SURMOUNT
–hur·dler \'hərd-lər, 'hər-dəl-ər\ noun

hurdy-gurdy
1 : a stringed instrument in which sound is produced by the friction of a rosined wheel turned by a crank against the strings and the pitches are varied by keys
2 : any of various mechanical musical instruments (as the barrel organ)

hurl
v. intransitive verb
1 : RUSH, HURTLE
2 : PITCH 5A B
3 : VOMIT
transitive verb
1 : to send or thrust with great vigor <the forces that were to be hurled against the Turks ― N. T. Gilroy>
2 : to throw down with violence
3 a : to throw forcefully : FLING <hurled the manuscript into the fire> <hurled myself over the fence> b : PITCH 2A
4 : to utter with vehemence <hurled insults at the police>
synonyms see THROW
–hurl noun
–hurl·er \'hər-lər\ noun

Hurley
n. Patrick Jay 1883-1963 American lawyer & diplomat

hurling
n. : an Irish game resembling field hockey played between two teams of 15 players each

hurly
: UPROAR, TUMULT

hurly-burly
: UPROAR, TUMULT
–hurly-burly adjective

Huron
n. 1 : a member of a confederacy of American Indian peoples formerly occupying the country between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Hurons

Huron, Lake
lake E cen N. America bet. the U.S. & Canada; one of the Great Lakes area 23,010 sq mi (59,826 sq km)

hurrah
n. 1 a : EXCITEMENT, FANFARE b : CHEER 7
2 : FUSS

hurrah
n. variant of hooray

Hurrian
n. 1 : a member of an ancient non-Semitic people of northern Mesopotamia, Syria, and eastern Asia Minor about 1500 B.C.
2 : the language of the Hurrian people

hurricane
n. 1 : a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour or greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table
2 : something resembling a hurricane especially in its turmoil

hurricane
n. : having or being a glass chimney providing protection from wind <a hurricane lamp>

hurried
adj. 1 : going or working at speed <a hurried waitress>
2 : done in a hurry : HASTY <a hurried departure>
–hur·ried·ly \'hər-əd-lē, 'hə-rəd-\ adverb
–hur·ried·ness \'hər-ēd-nəs, 'hə-rēd-\ noun

hurry
n. transitive verb
1 a : to carry or cause to go with haste <hurry them to the hospital> b : to impel to rash or precipitate action
2 a : to impel to greater speed : PROD <used spurs to hurry the horse> b : EXPEDITE c : to perform with undue haste <hurry a minuet>
intransitive verb : to move or act with haste <please hurry up>
–hur·ri·er noun

hurry
n. 1 : disturbed or disorderly activity : COMMOTION
2 a : agitated and often bustling or disorderly haste b : a state of eagerness or urgency : RUSH
synonyms see HASTE
–in a hurry : without delay : as rapidly as possible <the police got there in a hurry>

hurry
n. in a hurry
hurry scurry
hurry skurry
hurry up

hurry-scurry
: a confused rush : TURMOIL
–hurry-scurry adjective or adverb

hurry-up
: speeded up : completed in a hurry <a hurry-up dinner>

Hurst
n. Sir Cecil James Barrington 1870-1963 Eng. jurist

Hurst
n. Fannie 1889-1968 American writer

Hurst
n. city NE Tex. NE of Fort Worth pop 36,273

Hurston
Zora Neale 1903-1960 American writer and folklorist

hurt
n. transitive verb
1 a : to inflict with physical pain : WOUND b : to do substantial or material harm to : DAMAGE <the dry summer has hurt the land>
2 a : to cause emotional pain or anguish to : OFFEND b : to be detrimental to : HAMPER <charges of graft hurt my chances of being elected>
intransitive verb
1 a : to suffer pain or grief b : to be in need ― usually used with for <hurting for money>
2 : to cause damage or distress <hit where it hurts>
synonyms see INJURE
–hurt adjective
–hurt·er noun

hurt
n. 1 : a cause of injury or damage : BLOW
2 a : a bodily injury or wound b : mental distress or anguish : SUFFERING
3 : WRONG, HARM

hurtful
adj. : causing injury, detriment, or suffering : DAMAGING
–hurt·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–hurt·ful·ness noun

hurtle
v. intransitive verb : to move rapidly or forcefully
transitive verb : HURL, FLING
–hurtle noun

hurtless
adj. : causing no pain or injury : HARMLESS

Hus
Jan 1372(or 1373)-1415 Bohemian religious reformer

Husak
Gustav 1913-1991 pres. of Czechoslovakia (1975-87)

Husayn ibn 'Ali
ca 1854-1931 1st king of the Hejaz (1916-24)

husband
n. 1 : a male partner in a marriage
2 British : MANAGER, STEWARD
3 : a frugal manager
–hus·band·ly adjective

husband
n. 1 a : to manage prudently and economically b : to use sparingly : CONSERVE
2 archaic : to find a husband for : MATE
–hus·band·er noun

husbandman
n. 1 : one that plows and cultivates land : FARMER
2 : a specialist in a branch of farm husbandry

husbandry
n. 1 archaic : the care of a household
2 : the control or judicious use of resources : CONSERVATION
3 a : the cultivation or production of plants or animals : AGRICULTURE b : the scientific control and management of a branch of farming and especially of domestic animals

hush
n. transitive verb
1 : CALM, QUIET <hushed the children as they entered the library>
2 : to put at rest : MOLLIFY
3 : to keep from public knowledge : SUPPRESS <hush the story up>
intransitive verb : to become quiet

hush
n. 1 archaic : SILENT, STILL
2 : intended to prevent the dissemination of certain information <hush money>

hush
n. : a silence or calm especially following noise : QUIET

hush puppy
chiefly Southern & southern Midland : cornmeal dough shaped into small balls and fried in deep fat ― usually used in plural

hush-hush
: SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL

husk
n. 1 a : a usually dry or membranous outer covering (as a pod or one composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits (as barley and corn) : HULL also : one of the constituent parts b : a carob pod
2 a : an outer layer : SHELL b : an emptied shell : REMNANT c : a supporting framework

husk
n. : to strip the husk from
–husk·er noun

husk-tomato
: GROUND-CHERRY

husking
n. : CORNHUSKING ― called also husking bee

husky
n. : resembling, containing, or full of husks

husky
n. : hoarse with or as if with emotion
–hus·ki·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–hus·ki·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

husky
n. 1 : a heavy-coated working dog of the New World arctic region
2 : SIBERIAN HUSKY

husky
n. : one that is husky

husky
n. 1 : BURLY, ROBUST
2 : LARGE

hussar
n. : a member of any of various European military units orig. modeled on the Hungarian light cavalry of the 15th century

Hussein
n. 1935-1999 king of Jordan (1952-99)

Hussein
n. Saddam al-Tikriti 1937-     pres. of Iraq (1979-2003)

Husserl
n. Edmund 1859-1938 Ger. philos.
–Hus·serl·ian \hu̇-'sər-lē-ən\ adjective

Hussite
n. : a member of the Bohemian religious and nationalist movement originating with John Huss
–Hussite adjective
–Huss·it·ism \-ˌsī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

hussy
n. 1 : a lewd or brazen woman
2 : a saucy or mischievous girl

hustings
n. 1 a : a local court formerly held in various English municipalities and still held infrequently in London b : a local court in some cities in Virginia
2 a : a raised platform used until 1872 for the nomination of candidates for the British Parliament and for election speeches b : an election platform : STUMP c : the proceedings or locale of an election campaign

hustle
n. transitive verb
1 a : JOSTLE, SHOVE b : to convey forcibly or hurriedly c : to urge forward precipitately
2 a : to obtain by energetic activity <hustle up new customers> b : to sell something to or obtain something from by energetic and especially underhanded activity <hustling the suckers> c : to sell or promote energetically and aggressively <hustling a new product> d : to lure less skillful players into competing against oneself at (a gambling game) <hustle pool>
intransitive verb
1 : SHOVE, PRESS
2 : HASTEN, HURRY
3 a : to make strenuous efforts to obtain especially money or business b : to obtain money by fraud or deception c : to engage in prostitution
4 : to play a game or sport in an alert aggressive manner
–hustle noun
–hus·tler \'hə-slər\ noun

Huston
n. John 1906-1987 American motion-picture director, writer, & actor

Huszar
Károly 1882-1941 Hung. journalist & polit.

hut
n. 1 : an often small and temporary dwelling of simple construction : SHACK
2 : a simple shelter from the elements
–hut verb

hut
n. ― used to mark a marching cadence

hutch
n. 1 a : a chest or compartment for storage b : a cupboard usually surmounted by open shelves
2 : a pen or coop for an animal
3 : SHACK, SHANTY

Hutchins
Robert Maynard 1899-1977 American educ.

Hutchinson
n. Anne 1591-1643 née Marbury American (Eng.-born) religious dissident

Hutchinson
n. Thomas 1711-1780 American colonial administrator

Hutchinson
n. city cen Kans. pop 40,787

hutment
n. 1 : a collection of huts : ENCAMPMENT
2 : HUT

Hutten
Ulrich von 1488-1523 Ger. humanist & Reformer

Hutterite
n. : a member of an Anabaptist sect of northwestern U.S. and Canada living communally and holding property in common
–Hut·te·ri·an \ˌhə-'tir-ē-ən, hü-\ adjective

Hutu
n. : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Rwanda and Burundi

hutzpah
variant of chutzpah

Huxley
n. Al·dous \'ȯl-dəs\ Leonard 1894-1963 bro. of J.S. Eng. nov. & critic
–Hux·lei·an \ˌhəks-'lē-ən, 'həks-lē-\ or Hux·ley·an \'həks-lē-ən\ adjective

Huxley
n. Sir Julian Sorell 1887-1975 grandson of T.H. Eng. biol.

Huxley
n. T(homas) H(enry) 1825-1895 Eng. biol.

Huy
commune E Belgium SW of Liège pop 19,297

Huygens
n. Christian 1629-1695 Du. math., physicist, & astron.

Huysmans
Camille 1871-1968 Belg. polit.

Huysmans
Joris-Karl 1848-1907 orig. Georges-Charles Fr. nov.

Huyton with Roby
town NW England in Lancashire E of Liverpool pop 57,671

huzzah
interj. : an expression or shout of acclaim ― often used interjectionally to express joy or approbation

HV
1 high velocity
2 high voltage

hv
have

HVAC
heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning

hvy
heavy

HW
1 high water
2 highway
3 hot water

Hwaining
― see ANQING

HWM
high-water mark

hwy
highway

hyacinth
n. 1 a : a precious stone of the ancients sometimes held to be the sapphire b : a gem zircon or essonite
2 a : a plant of the ancients held to be a lily, iris, larkspur, or gladiolus b : a bulbous perennial herb (Hyacinthus orientalis) of the lily family that is native to the Mediterranean region but is widely grown for its dense spikes of fragrant flowers ― compare GRAPE HYACINTH, WATER HYACINTH
3 : a light violet to moderate purple
–hy·a·cin·thine \ˌhī-ə-'sin(t)-thən\ adjective

hyacinth
n. wild hyacinth
grape hyacinth
water hyacinth

Hyacinthus
: a youth loved and accidentally killed by Apollo who memorializes him with a hyacinth growing from the youth's blood

Hyades
: a V-shaped cluster of stars in the head of the constellation Taurus held by the ancients to indicate rainy weather when they rise with the sun

hyal
: glass : glassy : hyaline <hyaluronic acid>

hyaline
n. : transparent or nearly so and usually homogeneous

hyaline
n. 1 : something (as the clear atmosphere) that is transparent
2 or hy·a·lin \-lən\ : any of several translucent nitrogenous substances related to chitin, found especially around cells, and readily stained by eosin

hyaline cartilage
: translucent bluish-white cartilage with the cells embedded in an apparently homogeneous matrix present in joints and respiratory passages and forming most of the fetal skeleton

hyalite
n. : a colorless opal that is clear as glass or sometimes translucent or whitish

hyaloid
adj. : GLASSY, TRANSPARENT

hyaloplasm
n. : CYTOSOL

hyaluronic acid
: a viscous glycosaminoglycan chiefly of the matrix of tissues that occurs especially in the vitreous humor, umbilical cord, synovial fluid, and loose connective tissue and serves especially as a structural element and lubricant

hyaluronidase
n. : a mucolytic enzyme that facilitates the spread of fluids through tissues by lowering the viscosity of hyaluronic acid

Hyatt
Alpheus 1838-1902 American naturalist

Hybla
ancient town in Sicily on S slope of Mt. Etna

hybrid
n. 1 : an offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties, species, or genera
2 : a person whose background is a blend of two diverse cultures or traditions
3 a : something heterogeneous in origin or composition : COMPOSITE <hybrids of complementary DNA and RNA strands> <a hybrid of medieval and Renaissance styles> b : something (as a power plant, vehicle, or electronic circuit) that has two different types of components performing essentially the same function
–hybrid adjective
–hy·brid·ism \-brə-ˌdi-zəm\ noun
–hy·brid·i·ty \hī-'bri-də-tē\ noun

hybrid
n. hybrid vigor
hybrid computer
hybrid tea rose
hybrid tea

hybrid computer
: a computer system consisting of a combination of analog and digital computer systems

hybrid tea rose
: any of numerous moderately hardy cultivated hybrid bush roses grown especially for their strongly recurrent bloom of large usually scentless flowers ― called also hybrid tea

hybrid vigor
: HETEROSIS

hybridize
v. transitive verb : to cause to produce hybrids : INTERBREED
intransitive verb : to produce hybrids
–hy·brid·i·za·tion \ˌhī-brə-də-'zā-shən\ noun
–hy·brid·iz·er noun

hybridoma
: a hybrid cell produced by the fusion of an antibody-producing lymphocyte with a tumor cell and used to culture continuously a specific monoclonal antibody

hyd
1 hydraulics
2 hydrostatics

Hydaspes
― see JHELUM

hydathode
n. : a specialized pore on the leaves of higher plants that functions in the exudation of water

hydatid
n. : the larval cyst of a tapeworm (genus Echinococcus) occurring as a fluid-filled sac containing daughter cysts in which scolices develop

Hyde
n. Douglas 1860-1949 pseud. An Craoibhín Aoibhinn Irish author; pres. of Republic of Ireland (1938-45)

Hyde
n. Edward 1609-1674 1st Earl of Clar·en·don \'klar-ən-dən, 'kler-\ Eng. statesman & hist.

Hyder Ali
1722-1782 Indian ruler & soldier

Hyderabad
1 former state S cen India in the Deccan capital Hyderabad
2 or Hai·dar·a·bad city S cen India capital of Andhra Pradesh pop 3,449,878
3 city S Pakistan in Sind on the Indus pop 1,166,894

hydr
1 a : water <hydrous> <hydroelectric> b : liquid <hydrokinetic>
2 : hydrogen : containing or combined with hydrogen <hydrocarbon> <hydroxyl>
3 : hydroid <hydromedusa>

Hydra
n. 1 : a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules and each head of which when cut off was replaced by two others
2 not capitalized : a multifarious evil not to be overcome by a single effort
3 [Latin (gen. Hydrae), from Greek] : a southern constellation of great length that lies south of Cancer, Sextans, Corvus, and Virgo and is represented on old maps by a serpent
4 not capitalized [New Latin, from Latin, Hydra] : any of numerous small tubular freshwater hydrozoan polyps (Hydra and related genera) having at one end a mouth surrounded by tentacles

Hydra
n. island Greece in S Aegean Sea off E coast of Peloponnese area 20 sq mi (52 sq km), pop 2794
–Hy·dri·ot \'hī-drē-ət, -drē-ˌät\ or Hy·dri·ote \-ˌōt, -ət\ noun

hydra-headed
: having many centers or branches <a hydra-headed organization>

hydralazine
n. : a vasodilator C_8H_8N_4 used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat hypertension

hydrangea
n. : any of a genus (Hydrangea) of mostly shrubs having opposite leaves and showy clusters of usually sterile white, pink, or bluish flowers that is either placed in the saxifrage family or the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae)

hydrant
n. 1 : a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a water main (as for fighting fires) ― called also fireplug
2 : FAUCET

hydranth
: one of the feeding zooids of a hydroid colony

Hydraotes
― see RAVI

hydrase
n. : an enzyme that promotes the addition or removal of water to or from its substrate

hydrate
n. : a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance

hydrate
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water
2 : to supply with ample fluid or moisture <hydrates and softens the skin>
intransitive verb : to become a hydrate
–hy·dra·tion \hī-'drā-shən\ noun
–hy·dra·tor \'hī-ˌdrā-tər\ noun

hydraulic
adj. 1 : operated, moved, or effected by means of water
2 a : of or relating to hydraulics <hydraulic engineer> b : of or relating to water or other liquid in motion <hydraulic erosion>
3 : operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid (as water or oil) is forced through a comparatively small orifice or through a tube <hydraulic brakes>
4 : hardening or setting under water <hydraulic cement>
–hy·drau·li·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hydraulics
n. : a branch of science that deals with practical applications (as the transmission of energy or the effects of flow) of liquid (as water) in motion

hydrazide
n. : any of a class of compounds resulting from the replacement of hydrogen by an acid group in hydrazine or in one of its derivatives

hydrazine
n. : a colorless fuming corrosive strongly reducing liquid base N_2H_4 used especially in fuels for rocket and jet engines also : an organic base derived from this compound

hydrazoic acid
: a colorless volatile poisonous explosive liquid HN_3 that has a foul odor and yields explosive salts of heavy metals

hydric
adj. : characterized by, relating to, or requiring an abundance of moisture <a hydric habitat> <a hydric plant> ― compare MESIC, XERIC

hydric
adj. : containing acid hydrogen <monohydric>

hydride
n. : a compound of hydrogen with a more electropositive element or group

hydrilla
: a freshwater aquatic Asian plant (Hydrilla verticillata of the Hydrocharitaceae family) that has small narrow leaves growing in whorls of three to eight around stems which become heavily branched near the water surface

hydriodic acid
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide HI that is a strong acid and a strong reducing agent

hydro
n. British : an establishment offering hydropathic treatment (as for weight loss) : HEALTH SPA

hydro
n. : hydroelectric power

hydrobiology
: the biology of bodies or units of water especially : LIMNOLOGY
–hy·dro·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–hy·dro·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

hydrobromic acid
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide HBr that is a strong acid and a weak reducing agent and that is used especially for making bromides

hydrocarbon
n. : an organic compound (as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens

hydrocele
n. : an accumulation of serous fluid in a saclike cavity (as the scrotum)

hydrocephalic
adj. : relating to, characterized by, or affected with hydrocephalus
–hydrocephalic noun

hydrocephalus
n. : an abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles, enlargement of the skull and especially the forehead, and atrophy of the brain

hydrochloric acid
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride HCl that is a strong corrosive irritating acid, is normally present in dilute form in gastric juice, and is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

hydrochloride
n. : a chemical complex composed of an organic base (as an alkaloid) in association with hydrogen chloride

hydrochlorofluorocarbon
n. : any of several simple gaseous compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and hydrogen

hydrochlorothiazide
n. : a diuretic and antihypertensive drug C_7H_8ClN_3O_4S_2

hydrocolloid
n. : a substance that yields a gel with water
–hy·dro·col·loi·dal \-kə-'lȯi-dəl, -kä-\ adjective

hydrocortisone
n. : CORTISOL especially : cortisol used pharmaceutically

hydrocracking
: the cracking of hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen
–hy·dro·crack \-ˌkrak\ transitive verb
–hy·dro·crack·er noun

hydrocyanic acid
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide HCN that is a poisonous weak acid and is used chiefly in fumigating and in organic synthesis

hydrodynamic
adj. : of, relating to, or involving principles of hydrodynamics
–hy·dro·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hydrodynamics
n. : a branch of physics that deals with the motion of fluids and the forces acting on solid bodies immersed in fluids and in motion relative to them ― compare HYDROSTATICS
–hy·dro·dy·nam·i·cist \-'na-mə-sist\ noun

hydroelectric
adj. : of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower <constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site>
–hy·dro·elec·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–hy·dro·elec·tric·i·ty \-ˌlek-'tri-sə-tē, -'tris-tē\ noun

hydrofluoric acid
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass

hydrofluorocarbon
n. : any of several simple gaseous compounds that contain carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen

hydrofoil
n. 1 : a body similar to an airfoil but designed for action in or on water
2 : a motorboat that has metal plates or fins attached by struts fore and aft for lifting the hull clear of the water as speed is attained

hydrogel
n. : a gel composed usually of one or more polymers suspended in water

hydrogen
n. : a nonmetallic element that is the simplest and lightest of the elements, is normally a colorless odorless highly flammable diatomic gas, and is used especially in synthesis ― see ELEMENT table ― compare DEUTERIUM, TRITIUM
–hy·drog·e·nous \hī-'drä-jə-nəs\ adjective

hydrogen
n. heavy hydrogen
hydrogen bomb
hydrogen bond
hydrogen bonding
hydrogen bromide
hydrogen chloride
hydrogen cyanide
hydrogen fluoride
hydrogen iodide
hydrogen ion
hydrogen peroxide
hydrogen sulfide

hydrogen bomb
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of atomic energy resulting from the fusion of light nuclei (as of hydrogen atoms) at very high temperature and pressure to form helium nuclei

hydrogen bond
: an electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom in one polar molecule (as of water) and a small electronegative atom (as of oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in usually another molecule of the same or a different polar substance
–hydrogen bonding noun

hydrogen bromide
: a colorless irritating gas HBr that fumes in moist air and yields hydrobromic acid when dissolved in water

hydrogen chloride
: a colorless pungent poisonous gas HCl that fumes in moist air and yields hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water

hydrogen cyanide
1 : a poisonous usually gaseous compound HCN that has the odor of bitter almonds
2 : HYDROCYANIC ACID

hydrogen fluoride
: a colorless corrosive fuming usually gaseous compound HF that yields hydrofluoric acid when dissolved in water

hydrogen iodide
: an acrid colorless gas HI that fumes in moist air and yields hydriodic acid when dissolved in water

hydrogen ion
1 : the cation H+ of acids consisting of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the anion of the acid
2 : HYDRONIUM

hydrogen peroxide
: an unstable compound H_2O_2 used especially as an oxidizing and bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant

hydrogen sulfide
: a flammable poisonous gas H_2S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter

hydrogenase
n. : an enzyme of various microorganisms that promotes the formation and utilization of gaseous hydrogen

hydrogenate
v. : to combine or treat with or expose to hydrogen especially : to add hydrogen to the molecule of (an unsaturated organic compound)
–hy·dro·ge·na·tion \hī-ˌdrä-jə-'nā-shən, ˌhī-drə-\ noun

hydrogeology
n. : a branch of geology concerned with the occurrence, use, and functions of surface water and groundwater also : the phenomena dealt with in hydrogeology
–hy·dro·ge·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

hydrographic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the characteristic features (as flow or depth) of bodies of water
2 : relating to the charting of bodies of water
–hy·drog·ra·pher \hī-'drä-grə-fər\ noun
–hy·drog·ra·phy \-grə-fē\ noun

hydroid
adj. : of or relating to a hydrozoan especially : resembling a typical hydra

hydroid
adj. : HYDROZOAN especially : a hydrozoan polyp as distinguished from a hydrozoan jellyfish

hydrokinetic
adj. : of or relating to the motions of fluids or the forces which produce or affect such motions ― compare HYDROSTATIC

hydrolase
n. : a hydrolytic enzyme

hydrologic cycle
: the sequence of conditions through which water passes from vapor in the atmosphere through precipitation upon land or water surfaces and ultimately back into the atmosphere as a result of evaporation and transpiration ― called also hydrological cycle

hydrology
n. : a science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on and below the earth's surface and in the atmosphere
–hy·dro·log·ic \ˌhī-drə-'lä-jik\ or hy·dro·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–hy·dro·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–hy·drol·o·gist \hī-'drä-lə-jist\ noun

hydrolysate
n. : a product of hydrolysis

hydrolysis
n. : a chemical process of decomposition involving the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion of water
–hy·dro·lyt·ic \ˌhī-drə-'li-tik\ adjective
–hy·dro·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hydrolyze
v. transitive verb : to subject to hydrolysis
intransitive verb : to undergo hydrolysis
–hy·dro·lyz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

hydromagnetic
: MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC

hydromancy
: divination by the appearance or motion of liquids (as water)

hydromechanical
: relating to a branch of mechanics that deals with the equilibrium and motion of fluids and of solid bodies immersed in them
–hy·dro·me·chan·ics \-'ka-niks\ noun plural but singular in construction

hydromedusa
: a jellyfish (as of the orders Anthomedusae and Leptomedusae) produced as a bud from a hydroid

hydrometallurgy
: the treatment of ores by wet processes (as leaching)
–hy·dro·met·al·lur·gi·cal \-ˌme-tə-'lər-ji-kəl\ adjective
–hy·dro·met·al·lur·gist \-'me-tə-ˌlər-jist\ noun

hydrometeor
: a product (as fog, rain, or hail) formed by the condensation of atmospheric water vapor

hydrometeorology
n. : a branch of meteorology that deals with water in the atmosphere especially as precipitation
–hy·dro·me·te·o·ro·log·i·cal \-tē-ˌȯr-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌär-ə-, -ə-rə-\ adjective
–hy·dro·me·te·o·rol·o·gist \-tē-ə-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

hydrometer
n. : an instrument for determining the specific gravity of a liquid (as battery acid or an alcohol solution) and hence its strength
–hy·dro·met·ric \ˌhī-drə-'me-trik\ adjective

hydromorphic
of a soil : developed in the presence of an excess of moisture which tends to suppress aerobic factors in soil-building

hydronic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a system of heating or cooling that involves transfer of heat by a circulating fluid (as water or vapor) in a closed system of pipes
–hy·dron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hydronium
: a hydrated hydrogen ion H_3O+

hydropathy
n. : a method of treating disease by copious and frequent use of water both externally and internally ― compare HYDROTHERAPY
–hy·dro·path·ic \ˌhī-drə-'pa-thik\ adjective

hydroperoxide
: a compound containing an O_2H group

hydrophane
: a semitranslucent opal that becomes translucent or transparent on immersion in water

hydrophilic
adj. : of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water <hydrophilic proteins>
–hy·dro·phi·lic·i·ty \ˌhī-drə-fi-'li-sə-tē\ noun

hydrophobia
n. 1 : RABIES
2 : a morbid dread of water

hydrophobic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia
2 : lacking affinity for water
–hy·dro·pho·bic·i·ty \-fō-'bi-sə-tē\ noun

hydrophone
n. : an instrument for listening to sound transmitted through water

hydrophyte
n. 1 : a plant that grows either partly or totally submerged in water also : a plant growing in waterlogged soil
–hy·dro·phyt·ic \ˌhī-drə-'fi-tik\ adjective

hydroplane
n. 1 : a powerboat designed for racing that skims the surface of the water
2 : SEAPLANE

hydroplane
n. : to skim on water especially of a vehicle : to skid on a wet surface (as pavement) because a film of water on the surface causes the tires to lose contact with it

hydroponics
n. : the growing of plants in nutrient solutions with or without an inert medium (as soil) to provide mechanical support
–hy·dro·pon·ic \-nik\ adjective
–hy·dro·pon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hydropower
n. : hydroelectric power

hydroquinone
n. : a white crystalline strongly reducing phenol C_6H_6O_2 used especially as a photographic developer, as an antioxidant and stabilizer, and in medicine to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin

hydrosere
: an ecological sere originating in an aquatic habitat

hydrosol
n. : a sol in which the liquid is water
–hy·dro·sol·ic \ˌhī-drə-'säl-ik\ adjective

hydrospace
: the regions beneath the surface of the ocean

hydrosphere
n. : the aqueous vapor of the atmosphere broadly : the aqueous envelope of the earth including bodies of water and aqueous vapor in the atmosphere
–hy·dro·spher·ic \ˌhī-drə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

hydrostatic
adj. : of or relating to fluids at rest or to the pressures they exert or transmit ― compare HYDROKINETIC
–hy·dro·stat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hydrostatics
n. : a branch of physics that deals with the characteristics of fluids at rest and especially with the pressure in a fluid or exerted by a fluid on an immersed body ― compare HYDRODYNAMICS

hydrotherapy
n. : the therapeutic use of water (as in a whirlpool bath) ― compare HYDROPATHY

hydrothermal
adj. : of or relating to hot water ― used especially of the formation of minerals by hot solutions rising from a cooling magma
–hy·dro·ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

hydrothermal vent
: a fissure in the ocean floor especially at or near a mid-ocean ridge from which mineral-rich superheated water issues

hydrothorax
n. : an excess of serous fluid in the pleural cavity especially : an effusion resulting from failing circulation (as in heart disease or from lung infection)

hydrotropism
n. : a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor is the orienting factor
–hy·dro·tro·pic \ˌhī-drə-'trō-pik, -'trä-\ adjective

hydrous
adj. : containing water usually in chemical association (as in hydrates)

hydroxide
n. 1 : the monovalent anion OH- consisting of one atom of hydrogen and one of oxygen ― called also hydroxide ion
2 : an ionic compound of hydroxide with an element or group

hydroxide
n. hydroxide ion
ammonium hydroxide
calcium hydroxide
magnesium hydroxide
potassium hydroxide
sodium hydroxide

hydroxy
n. : being or containing hydroxyl especially : containing hydroxyl especially in place of hydrogen ― usually used in combination <hydroxyacetic acid>

hydroxyapatite
n. : a complex phosphate of calcium Ca_5(PO_4)3OH that occurs as a mineral and is the chief structural element of vertebrate bone

hydroxybutyric acid
: a hydroxy derivative C_4H_8O_3 of butyric acid that is excreted in increased quantities in the urine in diabetes

hydroxyl
n. 1 : the chemical group, ion, or radical OH that consists of one atom of hydrogen and one of oxygen and is neutral or negatively charged
2 : HYDROXIDE 1
–hy·drox·yl·ic \ˌhī-ˌdräk-'si-lik\ adjective

hydroxylamine
n. : a colorless odorless nitrogenous base NH_3O that resembles ammonia in its reactions but is less basic and that is used especially as a reducing agent

hydroxylase
n. : any of a group of enzymes that catalyze oxidation reactions in which one of the two atoms of molecular oxygen is incorporated into the substrate and the other is used to oxidize NADH or NADPH

hydroxylate
: to introduce hydroxyl into
–hy·drox·yl·ation \-ˌdräk-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

hydroxyproline
n. : an amino acid C_5H_9NO_3 that occurs naturally as a constituent of collagen

hydroxytryptamine
n. : SEROTONIN ― usually preceded by the numeral 5 <5-hydroxytryptamine>

hydroxyurea
n. : a drug CH_4N_2O_2 used to treat some forms of leukemia, melanoma, and malignant tumors

hydroxyzine
n. : a compound C_21H_27ClN_2O_2 used as an antihistamine and tranquilizer

hydrozoan
n. : any of a class (Hydrozoa) of coelenterates that includes solitary and colonial polyps and jellyfishes having no stomodeum or gastric tentacles
–hydrozoan adjective

hyena
n. : any of several large strong nocturnal carnivorous Old World mammals (family Hyaenidae) that usually feed as scavengers
–hy·e·nic \-'ē-nik, -'e-nik\ adjective

Hyeres
commune SE France on Côte d'Azur E of Toulon pop 51,412

Hyeres Islands
islands in the Mediterranean off SE coast of France

Hygeia
n. : the goddess of health in Greek mythology

hygiene
n. 1 : a science of the establishment and maintenance of health
2 : conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health
–hy·gien·ist \hī-'jē-nist, 'hī-ˌjē-, hī-'je-\ noun

hygienic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to hygiene b : having or showing good hygiene <hygienic conditions>
2 a : ANTISEPTIC 3C <sweetly hygienic production⋯comic in an entirely innocuous way ― J. W. Aldridge> b : ANTISEPTIC 4 <a hygienic view of national realities and moral imperatives ― I. L. Horowitz>
–hy·gien·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(-ə)lē\ adverb

hygienics
n. : HYGIENE 1

hygr
: humidity : moisture <hygrophyte>

hygrograph
: an instrument for recording automatically variations in atmospheric humidity

hygrometer
n. : any of several instruments for measuring the humidity of the atmosphere
–hy·gro·met·ric \ˌhī-grə-'me-trik\ adjective

hygrophilous
: living or growing in moist places

hygroscopic
adj. 1 : readily taking up and retaining moisture
2 : taken up and retained under some conditions of humidity and temperature <hygroscopic water in clay>
–hy·gro·scop·ic·i·ty \-(ˌ)skä-'pi-sə-tē\ noun

hying
present part of hie

Hyksos
n. : of or relating to a Semite dynasty that ruled Egypt from about the 18th to the 16th century B.C.

hylozoism
n. : a doctrine held especially by early Greek philosophers that all matter has life
–hy·lo·zo·ist \-'zō-ist\ noun
–hy·lo·zo·is·tic \-zō-'is-tik\ adjective

Hymans
Paul 1865-1941 Belg. statesman

Hymen
n. : the Greek god of marriage

hymen
n. : a fold of mucous membrane partly closing the orifice of the vagina
–hy·men·al \-mə-nəl\ adjective

hymeneal
adj. : NUPTIAL
–hy·me·ne·al·ly \-'nē-ə-lē\ adverb

hymeneal
adj. 1 plural archaic : NUPTIALS
2 archaic : a wedding hymn

hymenium
n. : a spore-bearing layer in fungi

hymenopteran
n. : any of an order (Hymenoptera) of highly specialized insects with complete metamorphosis that include the bees, wasps, ants, ichneumon flies, sawflies, gall wasps, and related forms, often associate in large colonies with complex social organization, and have usually four membranous wings and the abdomen generally borne on a slender pedicel
–hymenopteran adjective
–hy·me·nop·ter·ous \-rəs\ adjective

hymenopteron
n. : HYMENOPTERAN

Hymettus
mountain ridge ab 3370 ft (1027 m) cen Greece E & SE of Athens
–Hy·met·ti·an \-'me-tē-ən\ adjective

hymn
n. 1 a : a song of praise to God b : a metrical composition adapted for singing in a religious service
2 : a song of praise or joy
3 : something resembling a hymn : PAEAN
–hymn·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

hymn
n. transitive verb : to praise or worship in or as if in hymns <the heroes hymned in this book>
intransitive verb : to sing a hymn

hymnal
n. : a collection of church hymns

hymnary
n. : HYMNAL

hymnbook
n. : HYMNAL

hymnody
n. 1 : hymn singing
2 : hymn writing
3 : the hymns of a time, place, or church

hymnology
n. 1 : HYMNODY
2 : the study of hymns

hyoid
n. : of or relating to the hyoid bone

hyoid bone
: a U-shaped bone or complex of bones that is situated between the base of the tongue and the larynx and that supports the tongue, the larynx, and their muscles ― called also hyoid

hyoscine
n. : SCOPOLAMINE especially : the levorotatory form of scopolamine

hyoscyamine
n. : a poisonous crystalline alkaloid C_17H_23NO_3 of which atropine is a racemic mixture especially : its levorotatory form found especially in the plants belladonna and henbane and used similarly to atropine

hyp
n. hypothesis; hypothetical

hyp
n. ― see HYPO-

hypabyssal
: of or relating to a fine-grained igneous rock usually formed at a moderate distance below the surface
–hyp·abys·sal·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb

hypaethral
adj. 1 : having a roofless central space <hypaethral temple>
2 : open to the sky

hypallage
n. : an interchange of two elements in a phrase or sentence from a more logical to a less logical relationship (as in “a mind is a terrible thing to waste” for “to waste a mind is a terrible thing”)

hypanthium
: an enlargement of the floral receptacle bearing on its rim the stamens, petals, and sepals and often enlarging and surrounding the fruits (as in the rose hip)

hype
n. 1 slang : a narcotics addict
2 slang : HYPODERMIC

hype
n. 1 : STIMULATE, ENLIVEN ― usually used with up <hyping herself up for the game>
2 : INCREASE
–hyped-up \'hīp-'dəp\ adjective

hype
n. 1 : PUT ON, DECEIVE
2 : to promote or publicize extravagantly <hyping this fall's TV lineup>

hype
n. 1 : DECEPTION, PUT-ON
2 : PUBLICITY especially : promotional publicity of an extravagant or contrived kind <all the hype before the boxing match>

hype
n. slang : EXCELLENT, COOL

hyper
pref. 1 : HIGH-STRUNG, EXCITABLE also : highly excited
2 : extremely active

hyper
1 : above : beyond : SUPER- <hypermarket>
2 a : excessively <hypersensitive> b : excessive <hyperemia>
3 : that is or exists in a space of more than three dimensions <hyperspace>
4 : bridging points within an entity (as a database or network) nonsequentially <hypertext>
hy·per·acu·ity
hy·per·acute
hy·per·aes·thet·ic
hy·per·ag·gres·sive
hy·per·ag·gres·sive·ness
hy·per·alert
hy·per·arid
hy·per·arous·al
hy·per·aware
hy·per·aware·ness
hy·per·ca·tab·o·lism
hy·per·cau·tious
hy·per·charged
hy·per·civ·i·lized
hy·per·co·ag·u·la·bil·i·ty
hy·per·co·ag·u·la·ble
hy·per·com·pet·i·tive
hy·per·con·cen·tra·tion
hy·per·con·scious
hy·per·con·scious·ness
hy·per·de·vel·op·ment
hy·per·ef·fi·cient
hy·per·emo·tion·al
hy·per·emo·tion·al·i·ty
hy·per·en·dem·ic
hy·per·en·er·get·ic
hy·per·ex·cit·abil·i·ty
hy·per·ex·cit·able
hy·per·ex·cit·ed
hy·per·ex·cite·ment
hy·per·ex·cre·tion
hy·per·fas·tid·i·ous
hy·per·func·tion
hy·per·func·tion·al
hy·per·func·tion·ing
hy·per·im·mune
hy·per·im·mu·ni·za·tion
hy·per·im·mu·nize
hy·per·in·flat·ed
hy·per·in·ner·va·tion
hy·per·in·tel·lec·tu·al
hy·per·in·tel·li·gent
hy·per·in·tense
hy·per·in·vo·lu·tion
hy·per·ma·nia
hy·per·man·ic
hy·per·mas·cu·line
hy·per·met·a·bol·ic
hy·per·me·tab·o·lism
hy·per·mo·bil·i·ty
hy·per·mod·ern
hy·per·mod·ern·ist
hy·per·mu·ta·bil·i·ty
hy·per·mu·ta·ble
hy·per·na·tion·al·is·tic
hy·per·phys·i·cal
hy·per·pig·men·ta·tion
hy·per·pig·ment·ed
hy·per·pro·duc·er
hy·per·pro·duc·tion
hy·per·pure
hy·per·ra·tio·nal
hy·per·ra·tio·nal·i·ty
hy·per·re·ac·tive
hy·per·re·ac·tiv·i·ty
hy·per·re·ac·tor
hy·per·re·spon·sive
hy·per·ro·man·tic
hy·per·sa·line
hy·per·sa·lin·i·ty
hy·per·sal·i·va·tion
hy·per·se·cre·tion
hy·per·sen·si·ti·za·tion
hy·per·sen·si·tize
hy·per·som·no·lence
hy·per·stat·ic
hy·per·stim·u·late
hy·per·stim·u·la·tion
hy·per·sus·cep·ti·bil·i·ty
hy·per·sus·cep·ti·ble
hy·per·tense
hy·per·typ·i·cal
hy·per·vig·i·lance
hy·per·vig·i·lant
hy·per·vir·u·lent
hy·per·vis·cos·i·ty

hyperacidity
n. : the condition of containing more than the normal amount of acid
–hy·per·ac·id \ˌhī-pər-'a-səd\ adjective

hyperactive
adj. 1 : affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity broadly : more active than is usual or desirable
2 : intricately or elaborately designed or detailed
–hyperactive noun

hyperactivity
n. : the state or condition of being excessively or pathologically active especially : ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

hyperaesthesia
n. variant of hyperesthesia

hyperalimentation
n. : the administration of nutrients by intravenous feeding especially to patients who cannot ingest food through the alimentary tract

hyperbaric
adj. : of, relating to, or utilizing greater than normal pressure especially of oxygen <a hyperbaric chamber> <hyperbaric medicine>
–hy·per·bar·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hyperbola
n. : a plane curve generated by a point so moving that the difference of the distances from two fixed points is a constant : a curve formed by the intersection of a double right circular cone with a plane that cuts both halves of the cone

hyperbole
n. : extravagant exaggeration (as “mile-high ice-cream cones”)
–hy·per·bo·list \-list\ noun

hyperbolic
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by hyperbole
–hy·per·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hyperbolic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being analogous to a hyperbola
2 : of, relating to, or being a space in which more than one line parallel to a given line passes through a point <hyperbolic geometry>

hyperbolic function
: any of a set of six functions analogous to the trigonometric functions but related to the hyperbola in a way similar to that in which the trigonometric functions are related to a circle

hyperbolic paraboloid
: a saddle-shaped quadric surface whose sections by planes parallel to one coordinate plane are hyperbolas while those sections by planes parallel to the other two are parabolas if proper orientation of the coordinate axes is assumed

hyperbolize
v. intransitive verb : to indulge in hyperbole
transitive verb : to exaggerate to a hyperbolic degree

hyperboloid
n. : a quadric surface whose sections by planes parallel to one coordinate plane are ellipses while those sections by planes parallel to the other two are hyperbolas if proper orientation of the axes is assumed
–hy·per·bo·loi·dal \(ˌ)hī-ˌpər-bə-'lȯi-dəl\ adjective

hyperborean
n. 1 often capitalized : a member of a people held by the ancient Greeks to live beyond the north wind in a region of perpetual sunshine
2 : an inhabitant of a cool northern climate

hyperborean
n. 1 : of or relating to an extreme northern region : FROZEN
2 : of or relating to any of the arctic peoples

hypercalcemia
n. : an excess of calcium in the blood
–hy·per·cal·ce·mic \-'sē-mik\ adjective

hypercapnia
n. : the presence of excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the blood
–hy·per·cap·nic \-nik\ adjective

hypercatalexis
: the occurrence of an additional syllable after the final complete foot or dipody in a line of verse
–hy·per·cat·a·lec·tic \-'lek-tik\ adjective

hypercharge
: a quantum characteristic of a group of subatomic particles governed by the strong force that is related to strangeness and is represented by a number equal to twice the average value of the electric charge of the group

hypercholesterolemia
n. : the presence of excess cholesterol in the blood
–hy·per·cho·les·ter·ol·emic \-mik\ adjective

hypercorrect
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by the production of a nonstandard linguistic form or construction on the basis of a false analogy (as “badly” in “my eyes have gone badly” and “widely” in “open widely”)
–hy·per·cor·rec·tion \-'rek-shən\ noun
–hy·per·cor·rect·ly \-'rek-(t)lē\ adverb
–hy·per·cor·rect·ness \-'rek(t)-nəs\ noun

hypercritic
: a carping or unduly censorious critic
–hy·per·crit·i·cism \-'kri-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

hypercritical
adj. : meticulously or excessively critical
synonyms see CRITICAL
–hy·per·crit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypercube
n. 1 : a geometric figure (as a tesseract) in Euclidean space of n dimensions that is analogous to a cube in three dimensions
2 : a computer architecture in which each processor is connected to n others based on analogy to a hypercube of n dimensions

hyperdrive
n. : a state of extremely heightened activity <the promotions department went into hyperdrive>

hyperemia
n. : excess of blood in a body part : CONGESTION
–hy·per·emic \-mik\ adjective

hyperesthesia
n. : unusual or pathological sensitivity of the skin or of a particular sense
–hy·per·es·thet·ic \-'the-tik\ adjective

hypereutectic
: HYPEREUTECTOID

hypereutectoid
: containing the minor component in excess of that contained in the eutectoid

hyperextend
v. : to extend so that the angle between bones of a joint is greater than normal <a hyperextended elbow> also : to extend (as a body part) beyond the normal range of motion <hyperextended her neck>
–hy·per·ex·ten·sion \-'sten(t)-shən\ noun

hyperfine
: being or relating to a fine-structure multiplet occurring in an atomic spectrum that is due to interaction between electrons and nuclear spin

hyperfocal distance
: the nearest distance upon which a photographic lens may be focused to produce satisfactory definition at infinity

hypergamy
n. : marriage into an equal or higher caste or social group

hypergeometric distribution
: a probability function f(x) that gives the probability of obtaining exactly x elements of one kind and n - x elements of another if n elements are chosen at random without replacement from a finite population containing N elements of which M are of the first kind and N - M are of the second kind and that has the form f(x) = C(M, x) C(N - M, n - x) / C(N, n) where C(M, x) = M!/(x! (M - x)!)

hyperglycemia
n. : excess of sugar in the blood
–hy·per·gly·ce·mic \-mik\ adjective

hypergolic
1 : igniting upon contact of components without external aid (as a spark)
2 : of, relating to, or using hypergolic fuel
–hy·per·gol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hyperhidrosis
n. : generalized or local excessive sweating

hyperinflation
n. : inflation growing at a very high rate in a very short time also : a period of hyperinflation
–hy·per·in·fla·tion·ary \-shə-ˌnər-ē\ adjective

hyperinsulinism
n. : the presence of excess insulin in the body resulting in hypoglycemia

Hyperion
n. : a Titan and the father of Eos, Selene, and Helios

hyperirritability
n. : abnormally great or uninhibited response to stimuli
–hy·per·ir·ri·ta·ble \-'ir-ə-tə-bəl\ adjective

hyperkeratosis
n. : hypertrophy of the corneous layer of the skin
–hy·per·ker·a·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

hyperkinesia
n. : HYPERKINESIS

hyperkinesis
n. 1 : abnormally increased and sometimes uncontrollable activity or muscular movements
2 : a condition especially of childhood characterized by hyperactivity

hyperkinetic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affected with hyperkinesis or hyperactivity <the hyperkinetic child>
2 : characterized by fast-paced or frenetic activity <a hyperkinetic movie>

hyperlink
n. : an electronic link providing direct access from one distinctively marked place in a hypertext or hypermedia document to another in the same or a different document
–hyperlink transitive verb

hyperlipemia
n. : HYPERLIPIDEMIA
–hy·per·li·pe·mic \-mik\ adjective

hyperlipidemia
n. : the presence of excess fat or lipids in the blood

hypermarket
n. : a very large store that carries products found in a supermarket as well as merchandise commonly found in department stores

hypermedia
n. : a database format similar to hypertext in which text, sound, or video images related to that on a display can be accessed directly from the display

hypermeter
1 : a verse marked by hypercatalexis
2 : a period comprising more than two or three cola
–hy·per·met·ric \ˌhī-pər-'me-trik\ or hy·per·met·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adjective

hypermetropia
n. : HYPEROPIA
–hy·per·me·tro·pic \-'trō-pik, -'trä-\ adjective

hypermnesia
n. : abnormally vivid or complete memory or recall of the past
–hy·perm·ne·sic \-'nē-zik, -sik\ adjective

hyperon
n. : an elementary particle of the baryon group having greater mass than a nucleon

hyperopia
n. : a condition in which visual images come to a focus behind the retina of the eye and vision is better for distant than for near objects ― called also farsightedness
–hy·per·opic \-'rō-pik, -'rä-\ adjective

hyperostosis
n. : excessive growth or thickening of bone tissue
–hy·per·os·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

hyperparasite
n. : a parasite that is parasitic upon another parasite
–hy·per·par·a·sit·ic \-ˌper-ə-'si-tik, -ˌpa-rə-\ adjective
–hy·per·par·a·sit·ism \-'per-ə-ˌsī-ˌti-zəm, -'pa-rə, -sə-ˌti-\ noun

hyperparathyroidism
n. : the presence of excess parathyroid hormone in the body resulting in disturbance of calcium metabolism with increase in serum calcium and decrease in inorganic phosphorus, loss of calcium from bone, and renal damage with frequent kidney-stone formation

hyperphagia
n. : abnormally increased appetite for consumption of food frequently associated with injury to the hypothalamus
–hy·per·phag·ic \-'fa-jik\ adjective

hyperpituitarism
n. : excessive production of growth hormones by the pituitary gland
–hy·per·pi·tu·itary \-'tü-ə-ˌter-ē, -'tyü-\ adjective

hyperplane
: a figure in hyperspace corresponding to a plane in ordinary space

hyperplasia
n. : an abnormal or unusual increase in the elements composing a part (as cells composing a tissue) ― compare BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA
–hy·per·plas·tic \-'plas-tik\ adjective

hyperploid
n. : having a chromosome number slightly greater than an exact multiple of the monoploid number
–hyperploid noun
–hy·per·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

hyperpnea
n. : abnormally rapid or deep breathing
–hy·per·pne·ic \-'nē-ik\ adjective

hyperpolarize
v. : to produce an increase in potential difference across (a biological membrane)
intransitive verb : to undergo or produce an increase in potential difference across something
–hy·per·po·lar·i·za·tion \-ˌpō-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

hyperpyrexia
n. : exceptionally high fever (as in a particular disease)

hyperrealism
n. : realism in art characterized by depiction of real life in an unusual or striking manner ― compare PHOTO-REALISM
–hy·per·re·al·ist \-list, -ist\ adjective
–hy·per·re·al·is·tic \-ˌrē-ə-'lis-tik, -ˌrēl-'is-\ adjective

hypersensitive
adj. 1 : excessively or abnormally sensitive
2 : abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (as a drug or antigen)
–hy·per·sen·si·tive·ness noun
–hy·per·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \-ˌsen(t)-sə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

hypersexual
adj. : exhibiting unusual or excessive concern with or indulgence in sexual activity
–hy·per·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun

hypersonic
adj. 1 : of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air ― compare SONIC
2 : moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents that move at hypersonic speed <hypersonic wind tunnel>
–hy·per·son·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hyperspace
n. 1 : space of more than three dimensions
2 : a fictional space held to support extraordinary events (as travel faster than the speed of light)

hypersthene
n. : an orthorhombic grayish or greenish black or dark brown pyroxene
–hy·per·sthe·nic \ˌhī-pərs-'the-nik, -'thē-\ adjective

hypersurface
: a figure that is the analogue in hyperspace of a surface in three-dimensional space

hypertension
n. 1 : abnormally high blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure
2 : the systemic condition accompanying high blood pressure

hypertensive
adj. : affected with or caused by hypertension

hypertensive
adj. : an individual affected with hypertension

hypertext
n. : a database format in which information related to that on a display can be accessed directly from the display also : material (as text) in this format
–hy·per·tex·tu·al \ˌhī-pər-'teks-chə-wəl, -chəl\ adjective

hypertext
n. hypertext markup language
hypertext transfer protocol
hypertext transport protocol

hypertext markup language
: HTML

hypertext transfer protocol
: a communications protocol governing the exchange of data (as HTML files) especially on the World Wide Web ― called also hypertext transport protocol

hyperthermia
n. : exceptionally high fever especially when induced artificially for therapeutic purposes
–hy·per·ther·mic \-mik\ adjective

hyperthermophile
: an organism that lives in extremely hot environments (as hot springs) with temperatures around the boiling point of water
–hy·per·ther·mo·phil·ic \-ˌthər-mə-'fi-lik\ adjective

hyperthyroid
adj. : of, relating to, or affected with hyperthyroidism

hyperthyroidism
n. : excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

hypertonia
n. : the condition of exhibiting excessive muscular tone or tension

hypertonic
adj. 1 : exhibiting excessive tone or tension <a hypertonic baby> <a hypertonic bladder>
2 : having a higher osmotic pressure than a surrounding medium or a fluid under comparison

hypertonicity
n. : the condition of being hypertonic especially : HYPERTONIA

hypertrophy
1 : excessive development of an organ or part specifically : increase in bulk (as by thickening of muscle fibers) without multiplication of parts
2 : exaggerated growth or complexity
–hy·per·tro·phic \ˌhī-pər-'trō-fik\ adjective

hypertrophy
n. : to undergo hypertrophy

hyperurbanism
: use of hypercorrect forms in language also : such a form

hyperuricemia
n. : excess uric acid in the blood

hypervariable
: relating to or being any of the relatively short extremely variable polypeptide chain segments in the light chain or heavy chain of an antibody also : relating to, containing, or being a highly variable nucleotide sequence

hypervelocity
: a high or relatively high velocity (as thousands of feet or meters per second)

hyperventilate
v. : to breathe rapidly and deeply : undergo hyperventilation

hyperventilation
n. : excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

hypervitaminosis
n. : an abnormal state resulting from excessive intake of one or more vitamins

hypha
n. : one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus, increase by apical growth, and are transversely septate or nonseptate
–hy·phal \-fəl\ adjective

hyphen
n. : a punctuation mark - used especially to divide or to compound words, word elements, or numbers
–hy·phen·less \-ləs\ adjective

hyphen
n. : HYPHENATE

hyphenate
: to connect (as two words) or divide (as a word at the end of a line of print) with a hyphen
–hy·phen·ation \ˌhī-fə-'nā-shən\ noun

hyphenate
v. : a person who performs more than one function (as a producer-director in filmmaking)

hyphenated
adj. : of, relating to, or being an individual or unit of mixed or diverse background or composition <hyphenated Americans>

hypn
1 : sleep <hypnopompic>
2 : hypnotism <hypnotherapy>

hypnagogic
adj. : of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep <hypnagogic hallucinations>

hypnoid
adj. : of or relating to sleep or hypnosis

hypnopompic
adj. : associated with the semiconsciousness preceding waking <hypnopompic illusions>

Hypnos
: the Greek god of sleep

hypnosis
n. 1 : a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2 : any of various conditions that resemble sleep
3 : HYPNOTISM 1

hypnotherapy
n. 1 : treatment by hypnotism
2 : psychotherapy that facilitates suggestion, reeducation, or analysis by hypnosis
–hyp·no·ther·a·pist \-pist\ noun

hypnotic
adj. 1 : tending to produce sleep : SOPORIFIC
2 a : of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism b : readily holding the attention <a hypnotic personality> <a simple hypnotic beat>
–hyp·not·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypnotic
adj. 1 : a sleep-inducing agent : SOPORIFIC
2 : one that is or can be hypnotized

hypnotism
n. 1 : the study or act of inducing hypnosis ― compare MESMERISM
2 : HYPNOSIS 1
–hyp·no·tist \-tist\ noun

hypnotize
v. 1 : to induce hypnosis in
2 : to dazzle or overcome by or as if by suggestion <a voice that hypnotizes its hearers> <drivers hypnotized by speed>
–hyp·no·tiz·abil·i·ty \ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–hyp·no·tiz·able \'hip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adjective

hypo
n. : HYPOCHONDRIA

hypo
n. : SODIUM THIOSULFATE also : a solution of sodium thiosulfate

hypo
n. 1 : HYPODERMIC SYRINGE
2 : HYPODERMIC INJECTION
3 : STIMULUS

hypo
n. : STIMULATE <do everything possible to hypo the economy ― Clem Morgello>

hypo
n. 1 : under : beneath : down <hypoblast> <hypodermic>
2 : less than normal or normally <hypesthesia> <hypotension>
3 : in a lower state of oxidation : in a low and usually the lowest position in a series of compounds <hypochlorous acid> <hypoxanthine>

hypoallergenic
adj. : having little likelihood of causing an allergic response <hypoallergenic cosmetics> <hypoallergenic foods>

hypoblast
n. : the endoderm of an embryo

hypocalcemia
n. : a deficiency of calcium in the blood
–hy·po·cal·ce·mic \-mik\ adjective

hypocaust
n. : an ancient Roman central heating system with underground furnace and tile flues to distribute the heat

hypocenter
n. 1 : the focus of an earthquake ― compare EPICENTER 1
2 : the point on the earth's surface directly below the center of a nuclear bomb explosion
–hy·po·cen·tral \ˌhī-pə-'sen-trəl\ adjective

hypochlorite
n. : a salt or ester of hypochlorous acid

hypochlorous acid
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

hypochondria
n. : extreme depression of mind or spirits often centered on imaginary physical ailments specifically : HYPOCHONDRIASIS

hypochondriac
n. 1 : HYPOCHONDRIACAL
2 : of, relating to, or being the two regions of the abdomen lying on either side of the epigastric region and above the lumbar regions

hypochondriac
n. : one affected by hypochondria

hypochondriacal
adj. : affected or produced by hypochondria
–hy·po·chon·dri·a·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypochondriasis
n. : morbid concern about one's health especially when accompanied by delusions of physical disease

hypochromic
adj. : marked by or being red blood cells with deficient hemoglobin <hypochromic anemia>

hypocorism
n. 1 : a pet name
2 : the use of pet names
–hy·po·co·ris·tic \ˌhī-pə-kə-'ris-tik\ or hy·po·co·ris·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–hy·po·co·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypocotyl
n. : the part of the axis of a plant embryo or seedling below the cotyledon

hypocrisy
n. 1 : a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion
2 : an act or instance of hypocrisy

hypocrite
n. 1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
–hypocrite adjective

hypocritical
adj. : characterized by hypocrisy also : being a hypocrite
–hyp·o·crit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypocycloid
n. : a curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling internally on the circumference of a fixed circle

hypodermal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a hypodermis
2 : lying beneath an outer skin or epidermis

hypodermic
n. 1 : adapted for use in or administered by injection beneath the skin
2 : of or relating to the parts beneath the skin
3 : resembling a hypodermic injection in effect : STIMULATING
–hy·po·der·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypodermic
n. 1 : HYPODERMIC INJECTION
2 : HYPODERMIC SYRINGE

hypodermic
n. hypodermic injection
hypodermic needle
hypodermic syringe

hypodermic injection
: an injection made into the subcutaneous tissues

hypodermic needle
1 : NEEDLE 1C(1)
2 : a hypodermic syringe complete with needle

hypodermic syringe
: a small syringe used with a hollow needle for injection of material into or beneath the skin

hypodermis
n. 1 : the tissue immediately beneath the epidermis of a plant especially when modified to serve as a supporting and protecting layer
2 : the cellular layer that underlies and secretes the chitinous cuticle (as of an arthropod)
3 : SUPERFICIAL FASCIA

hypodiploid
n. : having slightly fewer than the diploid number of chromosomes
–hy·po·dip·loi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

hypoeutectoid
: containing less of the minor component than is contained in the eutectoid

hypogastric
adj. : of or relating to the lower median region of the abdomen

hypogeal
adj. 1 : growing or living below the surface of the ground
2 of a cotyledon : remaining below the ground while the epicotyl elongates

hypogene
: formed, crystallized, or lying at depths below the earth's surface : PLUTONIC ― used of various rocks

hypogeum
n. : the subterranean part of an ancient building also : an ancient underground burial chamber

hypoglossal
adj. : of or relating to the hypoglossal nerves

hypoglossal nerve
: either of the 12th and final pair of cranial nerves which are motor nerves arising from the medulla oblongata and supplying muscles of the tongue in higher vertebrates ― called also hypoglossal

hypoglycemia
n. : abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood
–hy·po·gly·ce·mic \-mik\ adjective or noun

hypogynous
1 of a floral organ : inserted upon the receptacle or axis below the gynoecium and free from it
2 : having hypogynous floral organs
–hy·pog·y·ny \-nē\ noun

hypokalemia
n. : a deficiency of potassium in the blood
–hy·po·ka·le·mic \-mik\ adjective

hypolimnion
n. : the part of a lake below the thermocline made up of water that is stagnant and of essentially uniform temperature except during the period of overturn

hypomagnesemia
n. : deficiency of magnesium in the blood

hypomania
n. : a mild mania especially when part of bipolar disorder
–hy·po·man·ic \-'ma-nik\ adjective

hypoparathyroidism
n. : deficiency of parathyroid hormone in the body also : the resultant abnormal state marked by low serum calcium and a tendency to chronic tetany

hypopharynx
n. 1 : an appendage or thickened fold on the floor of the mouth of many insects that resembles a tongue
2 : the laryngeal part of the pharynx extending from the hyoid bone to the lower margin of the cricoid cartilage

hypophyseal
adj. : of or relating to the hypophysis

hypophysectomize
v. : to remove the pituitary gland from

hypophysectomy
n. : surgical removal of the pituitary gland

hypophysis
n. : PITUITARY GLAND

hypopituitarism
n. : deficient production of growth hormones by the pituitary gland
–hy·po·pi·tu·itary \-'tü-ə-ˌter-ē, -'tyü-\ adjective

hypoplasia
n. : a condition of arrested development in which an organ or part remains below the normal size or in an immature state
–hy·po·plas·tic \-'plas-tik\ adjective

hypoploid
n. : having a chromosome number slightly less than an exact multiple of the monoploid number
–hypoploid noun

hyposensitization
n. : the state or process of being reduced in sensitivity especially to an allergen : DESENSITIZATION
–hy·po·sen·si·tize \-'sen(t)-sə-ˌtīz\ transitive verb

hypospadias
n. : an abnormality of the penis in which the urethra opens on the undersurface

hypostasis
n. 1 a : something that settles at the bottom of a fluid b : the settling of blood in the dependent parts of an organ or body
2 : PERSON 3
3 a : the substance or essential nature of an individual b : something that is hypostatized
4 [New Latin, from Late Latin] : failure of a gene to produce its usual effect when coupled with another gene that is epistatic toward it
–hy·po·stat·ic \ˌhī-pə-'sta-tik\ adjective
–hy·po·stat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypostatize
v. : to attribute real identity to (a concept)
–hy·pos·ta·ti·za·tion \-ˌpäs-tə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

hypostome
: any of several structures associated with the mouth: as a : the manubrium of a hydrozoan b : a rodlike organ that arises at the base of the beak in various mites and ticks

hypostyle
n. : having the roof resting on rows of columns
–hypostyle noun

hypotactic
: of or relating to hypotaxis

hypotaxis
n. : syntactic subordination (as by a conjunction)

hypotension
n. : abnormally low blood pressure

hypotensive
adj. 1 : characterized by or due to hypotension
2 : causing low blood pressure or a lowering of blood pressure <hypotensive drugs>

hypotensive
adj. : a person with hypotension

hypotenuse
n. 1 : the side of a right-angled triangle that is opposite the right angle
2 : the length of a hypotenuse

hypothalamic
adj. : of or relating to the hypothalamus <hypothalamic neurons>

hypothalamus
n. : a basal part of the diencephalon that lies beneath the thalamus on each side, forms the floor of the third ventricle, and includes vital autonomic regulatory centers

hypothecate
: to pledge as security without delivery of title or possession
–hy·poth·e·ca·tion \-ˌpä-thə-'kā-shən\ noun
–hy·poth·e·ca·tor \-'pä-thə-ˌkā-tər\ noun

hypothecate
: HYPOTHESIZE

hypothermal
adj. : of or relating to a hydrothermal metalliferous ore vein deposited at high temperature

hypothermia
n. : subnormal temperature of the body
–hy·po·ther·mic \-mik\ adjective

hypothesis
n. 1 a : an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument b : an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action
2 : a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
3 : the antecedent clause of a conditional statement
synonyms HYPOTHESIS, THEORY, LAW mean a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature. HYPOTHESIS implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation <a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs>. THEORY implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth <the theory of evolution>. LAW implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions <the law of gravitation>.

hypothesis
n. nebular hypothesis
null hypothesis
planetesimal hypothesis
Whorfian hypothesis

hypothesize
v. intransitive verb : to make a hypothesis
transitive verb : to adopt as a hypothesis

hypothetical
adj. : being or involving a hypothesis : CONJECTURAL <hypothetical arguments> <a hypothetical situation>
–hypothetical noun
–hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hypothetico-deductive
: relating to, being, or making use of the method of proposing hypotheses and testing their acceptability or falsity by determining whether their logical consequences are consistent with observed data

hypothyroid
adj. : of, relating to, or affected with hypothyroidism

hypothyroidism
n. : deficient activity of the thyroid gland also : a resultant bodily condition characterized by lowered metabolic rate and general loss of vigor

hypotonia
n. : the state of having hypotonic muscle tone

hypotonic
adj. 1 : having deficient tone or tension <hypotonic children>
2 : having a lower osmotic pressure than a surrounding medium or a fluid under comparison <hypotonic organisms>
–hy·po·to·nic·i·ty \-tə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

hypoxanthine
n. : a purine base C_5H_4N_4O found in plant and animal tissues that yields xanthine on oxidation

hypoxemia
n. : deficient oxygenation of the blood
–hyp·ox·emic \-mik\ adjective

hypoxia
n. : a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body
–hyp·ox·ic \-sik\ adjective

Hypselantes
var of YPSILANTIS

hypsometer
n. : any of various instruments for determining the height of trees by triangulation

hypsometric
adj. : of, relating to, or indicating elevation (as on a map) <hypsometric curve>

hyrax
n. : any of a family (Procaviidae) of small ungulate mammals of Africa and the Middle East characterized by thickset body with short legs and ears and rudimentary tail, feet with soft pads and broad nails, and teeth of which the molars resemble those of the rhinoceros and the incisors those of rodents ― called also coney dassie

Hyrcania
province of ancient Persia on SE coast of Caspian NE of Media & NW of Parthia
–Hyr·ca·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective

hyson
n. : a Chinese green tea made from thinly rolled and twisted leaves

hyssop
n. 1 : a plant used in purificatory sprinkling rites by the ancient Hebrews
2 : a European mint (Hyssopus officinalis) that has highly aromatic and pungent leaves and is sometimes used as a potherb

hyster
: womb <hysterectomy>

hysterectomy
n. : surgical removal of the uterus
–hys·ter·ec·to·mized \-tə-ˌmīzd\ adjective

hysteresis
: a retardation of an effect when the forces acting upon a body are changed (as if from viscosity or internal friction) especially : a lagging in the values of resulting magnetization in a magnetic material (as iron) due to a changing magnetizing force
–hys·ter·et·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective

hysteria
n. 1 : a psychoneurosis marked by emotional excitability and disturbances of the psychic, sensory, vasomotor, and visceral functions
2 : behavior exhibiting overwhelming or unmanageable fear or emotional excess <political hysteria>
–hys·ter·ic \-'ter-ik\ noun
–hys·ter·i·cal \-'ter-i-kəl\ also hysteric adjective
–hys·ter·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

hysterics
n. : a fit of uncontrollable laughter or crying

hysteroid
adj. : resembling or tending toward hysteria

hysteron proteron
: a figure of speech consisting of the reversal of a natural or rational order (as in “then came the thunder and the lightning”)

hysterosalpingogram
: a radiograph made by hysterosalpingography

hysterosalpingography
n. : examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes by radiography after injection of an opaque medium

hysteroscope
n. : an endoscope used for hysteroscopy

hysteroscopy
n. : visual examination of the cervix and interior of the uterus with an endoscope
–hys·ter·o·scop·ic \ˌhis-tə-rō-'skä-pik\ adjective

hysterotomy
n. : surgical incision of the uterus especially : CESAREAN SECTION

Hz
n. hertz

I
n. : the one who is speaking or writing <I feel fine> ― compare ME, MINE, MY, WE
usage see ME

I
n. : someone aware of possessing a personal individuality : SELF

I
n. 1 electric current
2 Indian
3 interstate
4 Israeli

I
n. iodine

i
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 9th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic i
2 : ONE ― see NUMBER table
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter i
4 : one designated i especially as the ninth in order or class
5 : something shaped like the letter I
6 : a unit vector parallel to the x-axis
7 [abbreviation for incomplete] a : a grade rating a student's work as incomplete b : one graded or rated with an I
8 : I FORMATION

i
n. 1 industrial
2 initial
3 intelligence
4 intensity
5 intransitive
6 island; isle

i
n. imaginary unit

i
n. ― used as a connective vowel to join word elements especially of Latin origin <matrilineal> <raticide>

i
n. what is it
as is
that is to say
where one is at
who is who
for all one is worth

I beam
: an iron or steel beam that is I-shaped in cross section

I formation
: an offensive football formation in which the running backs line up in a line directly behind the quarterback ― compare T FORMATION

I'd
n. : I would : I had : I should

I'll
n. : I will : I shall

I'm
n. : I am

I've
n. : I have

I-ch'ang
― see YICHANG

I-pin
― see YIBIN

i.e.
that is

I/O
input/output

Ia
n. Iowa

ia
n. 1 : pathological condition <hysteria>
2 : genus of plants or animals <Fuchsia>
3 : territory : world : society <suburbia>

ia
n. 1 : higher taxon (as class or order) consisting of (such plants or animals) <Sauria>
2 : things derived from or relating to (something specified) <militaria>

ia
n. plural of -ium

IAA
indoleacetic acid

IAAF
International Amateur Athletic Federation

IABA
International Amateur Boxing Association

IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency

Iago
n. : the villain of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello

ial
: 1-AL <manorial>

IALC
instrument approach and landing chart

IAM
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

iamb
n. : a metrical foot consisting of one short syllable followed by one long syllable or of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (as in above)
–iam·bic \ī-'am-bik\ adjective or noun

ian
― see -AN

iana
― see -ANA

IAP
international airport

IAS
indicated airspeed

Iasi
city NE Romania pop 321,580

iasis
: disease having characteristics of or produced by (something specified) <onchocerciasis> <ancylostomiasis>

IATA
International Air Transport Association

iatric
adj. : of or relating to (such) medical treatment or healing <pediatric>

iatrics
: medical treatment <pediatrics>

iatrogenic
adj. : induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures <an iatrogenic rash>
–iat·ro·gen·e·sis \-trō-'je-nə-səs\ noun
–iat·ro·gen·i·cal·ly \-trə-'je-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

iatry
: medical treatment : healing <podiatry>

IAU
1 International Association of Universities
2 International Astronomical Union

IB
n. 1 in bond
2 incendiary bomb

Ibadan
city SW Nigeria NNE of Lagos pop 1,263,000

Ibanez
Vicente Blasco ― see BLASCO IBÁñEZ

Iberia
n. 1 ancient Spain
2 IBERIAN PENINSULA
3 ancient region S of the Caucasus W of Colchis in modern Republic of Georgia

Iberian
n. : a member of one or more peoples anciently inhabiting the Caucasus in Asia between the Black and Caspian seas
–Iberian adjective

Iberian
n. 1 a : a member of one or more peoples anciently inhabiting parts of the peninsula comprising Spain and Portugal b : a native or inhabitant of Spain or Portugal or the Basque region
2 : one or more of the languages of the ancient Iberians
–Iberian adjective

Iberian Peninsula
peninsula SW Europe bet. the Mediterranean & the Atlantic occupied by Spain & Portugal

Iberville
Sieur d' 1661-1706 Pierre Le Moyne \'mwȧn\ Fr.-Canad. explorer & founder of Louisiana

ibex
n. : any of several wild goats (genus Capra, especially C. ibex) living chiefly in high mountain areas of the Old World and having large recurved horns transversely ridged in front

Ibicui
river S Brazil in Rio Grande do Sul flowing W into Uruguay River

ibid
adv. ibidem

ibidem
adv. : in the same place

ibility
― see -ABILITY

ibis
n. : any of various chiefly tropical or subtropical wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the herons but distinguished by a long slender downwardly curved bill

Ibiza
n. island Spain in the Balearics SW of Majorca area ab 220 sq mi (570 sq km)

Ibizan hound
: any of a breed of slender medium-sized hunting dogs developed in the Balearic Islands with a short and smooth or a wirehaired coat

ible
― see -ABLE

ibn
'Ali ibn Abi Talib
Husayn ibn 'Ali
Ibn Khaldun
Ibn Rushd
Ibn Sa'ud
Ibn Zuhr
Jabir ibn Hayyan

Ibn Sa'ud
ca 1880-1953 king of Saudi Arabia (1932-53)

Ibn Zuhr
ca 1090-1162 Muslim physician

Ibn-Khaldun
1332-1406 Arab hist.

Ibn-Rushd
― see AVERROËS

Ibo
n. 1 : a member of a people of the area around the lower Niger in Africa
2 : the languages of the Ibo people

Ibrahim Pasha
1789-1848 Egypt. gen. & viceroy

IBRD
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

IBS
irritable bowel syndrome

Ibsen
n. Henrik 1828-1906 Norw. poet & dram.
–Ib·se·ni·an \ib-'sē-nē-ən, ip-, -'se-nē-\ or Ib·sen·esque \ˌib-sə-'nesk, ˌip-\ adjective

Ibsenism
n. 1 : dramatic invention or construction characteristic of Ibsen
2 : championship of Ibsen's plays and ideas
–Ib·sen·ite \-ˌnīt\ noun or adjective

ibuprofen
n. : a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C_13H_18O_2 used to relieve pain and fever

IC
: IMMEDIATE CONSTITUENT

IC
: INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

ic
1 : having the character or form of : being <panoramic> : consisting of <runic>
2 a : of or relating to <aldermanic> b : related to, derived from, or containing <alcoholic>
3 : in the manner of : like that of : characteristic of <Byronic>
4 : associated or dealing with <Vedic> : utilizing <electronic>
5 : characterized by : exhibiting <nostalgic> : affected with <allergic>
6 : caused by <amoebic>
7 : tending to produce <analgesic>
8 : having a valence relatively higher than in compounds or ions named with an adjective ending in -ous <ferric iron>

ic
: one having the character or nature of : one belonging to or associated with : one exhibiting or affected by : one that produces

ICA
International Cooperative Alliance

Ica
― see PUTUMAYO

ical
: -IC <symmetrical> <geological> ― sometimes differing from -ic in that adjectives formed with -ical have a wider or more transferred semantic range than corresponding adjectives in -ic

ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization

Icaria
― see IKARIA
–Icar·i·an \ī-'ker-ē-ən, i-\ adjective or noun

Icarus
n. : the son of Daedalus who to escape imprisonment flies by means of artificial wings but falls into the sea and drowns when the wax of his wings melts as he flies too near the sun
–Icar·i·an \ī-'ker-ē-ən, i-\ adjective

ICBM
: an intercontinental ballistic missile

ICC
1 International Chamber of Commerce
2 Interstate Commerce Commission

ICE
adj. 1 internal combustion engine
2 International Cultural Exchange

Ice
adj. Iceland

ice
adj. 1 a : frozen water b : a sheet or stretch of ice
2 : a substance resembling ice especially : the solid state of a substance usually found as a gas or liquid <ammonia ice in the rings of Saturn>
3 : a state of coldness (as from formality or reserve)
4 a : a frozen dessert containing a flavoring (as fruit juice) especially : one containing no milk or cream b British : a serving of ice cream
5 slang : DIAMONDS broadly : JEWELRY
6 : an undercover premium paid to a theater employee for choice theater tickets
7 : methamphetamine in the form of crystals of its hydrochloride salt C_10H_15N·HCI when used illicitly for smoking ― called also crystal crystal meth
–ice·less \'īs-ləs\ adjective
–on ice
1 : with every likelihood of being won or accomplished
2 : in reserve or safekeeping
–on thin ice : in a precarious or risky situation

ice
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to coat with or convert into ice b : to chill with ice c : to supply with ice
2 : to cover with or as if with icing
3 : to put on ice
4 : SECURE 1B <made two free throws⋯to ice the win ― Jack McCallum>
5 : to shoot (an ice hockey puck) the length of the rink and beyond the opponents' goal line
6 slang : KILL 1A
intransitive verb
1 : to become ice-cold
2 a : to become covered with ice ― often used with up or over b : to have ice form inside

ice
adj. black ice
break the ice
cut ice
dry ice
on thin ice
on ice
ice age
ice ax
ice bag
ice cap
ice cold
ice cream
ice cream chair
ice cream cone
ice cream headache
ice dancing
ice field
ice floe
ice fog
ice hockey
ice milk
ice out
ice pack
ice pick
ice plant
ice point
ice sheet
ice show
ice skate
ice skater
ice storm
ice water
ice wine
Little Ice Age
Neapolitan ice cream
pack ice
shelf ice
water ice
Filchner Ice Shelf
Ronne Ice Shelf
Ross Ice Shelf
anti icing
crystal meth
crystal ball
crystal clear
crystal gazing
crystal gazer
crystal pleat
crystal pleated
crystal violet
liquid crystal
liquid crystal display
rock crystal
Crystal Lake

ice age
1 : a time of widespread glaciation
2 capitalized I&A : the Pleistocene glacial epoch

ice ax
: a combination pick and adze with a spiked handle that is used in mountain climbing

ice bag
: a waterproof bag to hold ice for local application of cold to the body

ice cap
1 : an ice bag shaped to the head
2 : a cover of perennial ice and snow specifically : a glacier forming on an extensive area of relatively level land and flowing outward from its center

ice cream
: a sweet flavored frozen food containing cream or butterfat and usually eggs

ice dancing
: a sport in which ice-skating pairs perform to music routines similar to ballroom dances

ice field
1 : an extensive sheet of sea ice
2 : ICE CAP 2

ice floe
: a usually large flat free mass of floating sea ice

ice fog
: a fog composed of ice particles

ice hockey
: a game played on an ice rink by two teams of six players on skates whose object is to drive a puck into the opponents' goal with a hockey stick

ice milk
: a sweetened frozen food made of skim milk

ice pack
: an expanse of pack ice

ice pick
: a hand tool ending in a spike for chipping ice

ice plant
: any of various usually succulent herbs (as of the genera Carpobrotus, Delosperma, and Mesembryanthemum) of the carpetweed family used especially as bedding plants or ground covers or for erosion control

ice point
: the freezing point of water of 0° Celsius or 273.15 kelvins at standard atmospheric pressure

ice sheet
: ICE CAP 2

ice show
: an entertainment consisting of various exhibitions by ice-skaters usually with musical accompaniment

ice skate
: a shoe with a metal runner attached for ice-skating

ice storm
: a storm in which falling rain freezes on contact

ice water
: chilled or iced water especially served as a beverage

ice wine
: EISWEIN

ice-cold
: extremely cold

ice-cream
: of a color similar to that of vanilla ice cream

ice-cream chair
: a small armless chair with a circular seat for use at a table (as at a café)

ice-cream cone
: a thin crisp edible cone for holding ice cream also : one filled with ice cream

ice-cream headache
: BRAIN FREEZE

ice-out
: the disappearance of ice from the surface of a body of water (as a lake) as a result of thawing

ice-skate
: to skate on ice
–ice-skat·er \-ˌskā-tər\ noun

iceberg
n. 1 : a large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier
2 : an emotionally cold person
3 : ICEBERG LETTUCE

iceberg lettuce
: any of various crisp light green lettuces that when mature have the leaves arranged in a compact head

iceblink
n. : a glare in the sky over an ice field

iceboat
n. : a skeleton boat or frame on runners propelled on ice usually by sails

iceboating
: the sport of sailing in iceboats
–ice·boat·er \-ˌbō-tər\ noun

icebound
adj. : surrounded, obstructed, or covered by ice

icebox
n. : REFRIGERATOR

icebreaker
n. 1 : a ship equipped (as with a reinforced bow) to make and maintain a channel through ice
2 : something that breaks the ice on a project or occasion especially : MIXER 1C

icefall
n. 1 : a frozen waterfall
2 : the mass of usually jagged blocks into which a glacier may break when it moves down a steep declivity

icehouse
n. : a building in which ice is made or stored

Iceland
n. island bet. the Arctic & the Atlantic SE of Greenland; a republic, formerly (1380-1918) belonging to Denmark, later (1918-44) an independent kingdom in personal union with Denmark capital Reykjavik area 39,702 sq mi (102,828 sq km), pop 282,849
–Ice·land·er \'īs-ˌlan-dər, 'īs-lən-\ noun

Iceland
n. Iceland moss
Iceland poppy
Iceland spar
Ocean Island
Pleasant Island
barrier island
floating island
island hop
island universe
Norfolk Island pine
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island White
sea island cotton
sea island
Thousand Island dressing
traffic island
Admiralty Island
Alexander I Island
Anticosti Island
Aquidneck Island
Rhode Island
Baffin Island
Baker Island
Banks Island
Bathurst Island
Bedloe's Island
Block Island
Blue Island
Bombay Island
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Cape Breton Island
Cape Sable Island
Christmas Island
Conanicut Island
Coney Island
Cordova Island
Devil's Island
Devon Island
Easter Island
Elk Island National Park
Ellesmere Island
Ellis Island
Florida Island
Grand Island
Grand Manan Island
Hatteras Island
Hilton Head Island
Holy Island
Holyhead Island
Isabela Island
Jan Mayen Island
Jupiter Island
Kanton Island
Kent Island
Kuiu Island
Liberty Island
Long Island
Long Island City
Long Island Sound
Lord Howe Island
Lundy Island
Manitoulin Island
Marcus Island
Mare Island
Melville Island
Merritt Island
Mount Desert Island
Norfolk Island
North Island
Ocracoke Island
Padre Island
Parris Island
Pelee Island
Pitcairn Island
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince of Wales Island
Principe Island
Príncipe Island
Revillagigedo Island
Roanoke Island
Rock Island
Sable Island
Saint John Island
Saint Lawrence Island
Saint Simons Island
San Clemente Island
Chatham Island
Sanibel Island
Santa Rosa Island
Somerset Island
Southampton Island
South Island
Staten Island
Stewart Island
Thursday Island
Vancouver Island
Victoria Island
Wake Island
Wallops Island
Whidbey Island
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Sandwich Islands
Hawaiian Islands
Laccadive Minicoy and Amindivi Islands
Maltese Islands
Danger Islands
Navigators Islands
Ellice Islands
Admiralty Islands
Aegates Islands
Aegean Islands
Aleutian Islands
Amindivi Islands
Amirante Islands
Andaman Islands
Andreanof Islands
Aran Islands
Aru Islands
Austral Islands
Babar Islands
Babuyan Islands
Balearic Islands
Banda Islands
Banks Islands
Bonin Islands
Ogasawara Islands
British Solomon Islands
British Virgin Islands
Canary Islands
Cape Verde Islands
Caroline Islands
Cayman Islands
Channel Islands
Santa Barbara Islands
Channel Islands National Park
Chatham Islands
Cocos Islands
Keeling Islands
Commander Islands
Cook Islands
Corn Islands
Crozet Islands
D'Entrecasteaux Islands
Diomede Islands
East Frisian Islands
Egadi Islands
Elizabeth Islands
Faeroe Islands
Faroe Islands
Falkland Islands
Farallon Islands
Farquhar Islands
Fox Islands
Frisian Islands
Futuna Islands
Hoorn Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galápagos Islands
Gambier Islands
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Gilbert Islands
Greater Sunda Islands
Hyeres Islands
Hyères Islands
Ionian Islands
Kerguelen Islands
Kermadec Islands
Komandorski Islands
Kuria Muria Islands
Kuril Islands
Kurile Islands
Laccadive Islands
Cannanore Islands
Ladrone Islands
Leeward Islands
Lesser Sunda Islands
Line Islands
Lipari Islands
Loyalty Islands
Magdalen Islands
Manihiki Islands
Manua Islands
Mariana Islands
Marquesas Islands
Marshall Islands
Mascarene Islands
Near Islands
New Siberian Islands
Nicobar Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Northern Mariana Islands
Orkney Islands
Osumi Islands
Out Islands
Pacific Islands Trust Territory of the
Parry Islands
Pelagie Islands
Philippine Islands
Phoenix Islands
Pontine Islands
Pribilof Islands
Queen Charlotte Islands
Queen Elizabeth Islands
Rat Islands
Ryukyu Islands
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Sakishima Islands
Sangihe Islands
Sangi Islands
San Juan Islands
Santa Cruz Islands
Schouten Islands
Sea Islands
Seven Islands
Shortland Islands
Society Islands
Solomon Islands
South Orkney Islands
South Sandwich Islands
South Shetland Islands
Spratly Islands
Sunda Islands
Sverdrup Islands
Swan Islands
Talaud Islands
Talaur Islands
Tanimbar Islands
Thousand Islands
Tokara Islands
Tokelau Islands
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands of the United States
Visayan Islands
Volcano Islands
Wallis Islands
West Frisian Islands
Windward Islands

Iceland moss
: a lichen (Cetraria islandica) of mountainous and arctic regions sometimes used in medicine or as food

Iceland poppy
: a poppy (Papaver nudicaule) of holarctic regions often cultivated for its usually single showy flowers

Iceland spar
: a birefringent transparent colorless variety of calcite

Icelandic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Iceland, the Icelanders, or Icelandic

Icelandic
adj. : the North Germanic language of Iceland

iceman
n. 1 : a man skilled in traveling on ice
2 : one who sells or delivers ice

Iceni
n. : an ancient British people that under their queen Boudicca revolted against the Romans in A.D. 60
–Ice·ni·an \-'sē-nē-ən\ or Ice·nic \-'sē-nik, -'se-\ adjective

ICF
intermediate care facility

ICFTU
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

ich dien
: I serve ― motto of the Prince of Wales

Ichikawa
city Japan in SE Honshu E of Tokyo pop 448,642

ichneumon
n. 1 : a mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) of Africa, southern Europe, and southwestern Asia
2 : ICHNEUMON WASP

ichneumon wasp
: any of a large superfamily (Ichneumonoidea) of hymenopterous insects whose larvae are usually internal parasites of other insect larvae and especially of caterpillars ― called also ichneumon fly

ichor
n. 1 : a thin watery or blood-tinged discharge
2 : an ethereal fluid taking the place of blood in the veins of the ancient Greek gods
–ichor·ous \-kə-rəs\ adjective

ichthy
: fish <ichthyology>

ichthyofauna
: the fish life of a region
–ich·thyo·fau·nal \-'fȯ-nəl, -'fä-\ adjective

ichthyology
n. : a branch of zoology that deals with fishes
–ich·thy·o·log·i·cal \-thē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ich·thy·o·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ich·thy·ol·o·gist \-thē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

ichthyophagous
adj. : eating or subsisting on fish

ichthyosaur
n. : any of an order (Ichthyosauria) of extinct marine reptiles of the Mesozoic specialized for aquatic life by a streamlined body with a long snout, limbs reduced to small fins for steering, and a large lunate caudal fin
–ich·thyo·sau·ri·an \ˌik-thē-ə-'sȯr-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

ici on parle francais
: French is spoken here

ician
: specialist : practitioner <beautician>

icicle
n. 1 : a pendent mass of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water
2 : an emotionally cold person
3 : a long narrow strip (as of foil) used to decorate a Christmas tree

icing
n. 1 : a sweet flavored usually creamy mixture used to coat baked goods (as cupcakes) ― called also frosting
2 : something that adds to the interest, value, or appeal of an item or event ― often used in the phrase icing on the cake

icing
n. : an illegal act by an ice-hockey player of shooting a puck from within the defensive zone or defensive half of the rink beyond the opponents' goal line but not into the goal

ICJ
International Court of Justice

Ickes
Harold LeClair 1874-1952 American polit.

icky
adj. : offensive to the senses or sensibilities : DISTASTEFUL <put off by her icky triteness ― Renata Adler>
–ick·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

icon
n. 1 : a usually pictorial representation : IMAGE
2 [Late Greek eikōn, from Greek] : a conventional religious image typically painted on a small wooden panel and used in the devotions of Eastern Christians
3 : an object of uncritical devotion : IDOL
4 : EMBLEM, SYMBOL <the house became an icon of 1960's residential architecture ― Paul Goldberger>
5 a : a sign (as a word or graphic symbol) whose form suggests its meaning b : a graphic symbol on a computer display screen that usually suggests the type of object represented or the purpose of an available function
–icon·ic \ī-'kä-nik\ adjective
–icon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

icon
n. : image <iconolatry>

iconicity
: correspondence between form and meaning <the iconicity of the Roman numeral III>

Iconium
― see KONYA

iconoclasm
n. : the doctrine, practice, or attitude of an iconoclast

iconoclast
n. 1 : a person who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration
2 : a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions
–icon·o·clas·tic \(ˌ)ī-ˌkä-nə-'klas-tik\ adjective
–icon·o·clas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

iconographer
n. 1 : a maker of figures or drawings especially of a conventional type
2 : a student of iconography

iconographic
adj. 1 : of or relating to iconography
2 : representing something by pictures or diagrams
–icon·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

iconography
n. 1 : pictorial material relating to or illustrating a subject
2 : the traditional or conventional images or symbols associated with a subject and especially a religious or legendary subject
3 : the imagery or symbolism of a work of art, an artist, or a body of art
4 : ICONOLOGY

iconolatry
n. : the worship of images or icons

iconology
n. : the study of icons or artistic symbolism
–icon·o·log·i·cal \(ˌ)ī-ˌkä-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

iconoscope
n. : a camera tube containing an electron gun and a photoemissive mosaic screen of which each cell produces a charge proportional to the varying light intensity of the image focused on the screen

iconostasis
n. : a screen or partition with doors and tiers of icons that separates the bema from the nave in Eastern churches

icosahedral
: of or having the form of an icosahedron

icosahedron
n. : a polyhedron having 20 faces

ICRC
International Committee of the Red Cross

ics
1 : study : knowledge : skill : practice <linguistics> <electronics>
2 : characteristic actions or activities <acrobatics>
3 : characteristic qualities, operations, or phenomena <mechanics>

icteric
adj. : of, relating to, or affected with jaundice

icterus
n. : JAUNDICE

Ictinus
5th cent. B.C. Greek architect

ictus
n. : the recurring stress or beat in a rhythmic or metrical series of sounds

ICU
intensive care unit

icy
adj. 1 a : covered with, abounding in, or consisting of ice b : intensely cold
2 : characterized by coldness : FRIGID <an icy stare> also : STEELY <icy nerves>
–ic·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–ic·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

ID
: IDENTIFY <ID'd the thief>

ID
1 Idaho
2 identification
3 independent distributor
4 industrial design
5 often not capitalized inside diameter; inner diameter; internal diameter
6 often not capitalized inside dimensions
7 intelligence department

id
: the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is completely unconscious and is the source of psychic energy derived from instinctual needs and drives ― compare EGO, SUPEREGO

id
idem

id
1 : one belonging to a (specified) dynastic line <Abbasid>
2 : meteor associated with or radiating from a (specified) constellation or comet <Perseid>

id
: body : particle <chromatid>

id
caller ID
ID card
et id genus omne
id est

ID card
: a card bearing identifying data (as age or organizational membership) about the individual whose name appears thereon ― called also identification card identity card

id est
: that is

IDA
n. International Development Association

Ida, Mount
― see KAZ DAGI

idae
: members of the family of ― in names of zoological families <Felidae>

Idaho
n. state NW U.S. capital Boise area 83,557 sq mi (217,248 sq km), pop 1,293,953
–Ida·ho·an \ˌī-də-'hō-ən\ adjective or noun

Idaho Falls
city SE Idaho on Snake River pop 50,730

IDDM
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

IDE
integrated drive electronics

ide
1 : binary chemical compound ― added to the contracted name of the nonmetallic or more electronegative element <hydrogen sulfide> or group <cyanide>
2 : chemical compound derived from or related to another (usu. specified) compound <anhydride> <glucoside>

idea
n. 1 a : a transcendent entity that is a real pattern of which existing things are imperfect representations b : a standard of perfection : IDEAL c : a plan for action : DESIGN
2 archaic : a visible representation of a conception : a replica of a pattern
3 a obsolete : an image recalled by memory b : an indefinite or unformed conception c : an entity (as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness
4 : a formulated thought or opinion
5 : whatever is known or supposed about something <a child's idea of time>
6 : the central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation
7 Christian Science : an image in Mind
–idea·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms IDEA, CONCEPT, CONCEPTION, THOUGHT, NOTION, IMPRESSION mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan). IDEA may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed <innovative ideas> <my idea of paradise>. CONCEPT may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be <a society with no concept of private property>. CONCEPTION is often interchangeable with CONCEPT; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result <our changing conception of what constitutes art>. THOUGHT is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining <commit your thoughts to paper>. NOTION suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental <you have the oddest notions>. IMPRESSION applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses <the first impression is of soaring height>.

ideal
n. 1 : existing as an archetypal idea
2 a : existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only broadly : lacking practicality b : relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3 a : of, relating to, or embodying an ideal <ideal beauty> b : conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : PERFECT <an ideal gas> ― compare REAL 2b(3)
4 : of or relating to philosophical idealism

ideal
n. 1 : a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2 : one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation
3 : an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : GOAL
4 : a subset of a mathematical ring that is closed under addition and subtraction and contains the products of any given element of the subset with each element of the ring
synonyms see MODEL
–ide·al·less \ī-'dē(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

ideal
n. beau ideal
ego ideal
ideal point
beau ideals

ideal point
: a point added to the plane or to space to eliminate special cases specifically : the point at infinity added in projective geometry as the assumed intersection of two parallel lines

idealise
v. British variant of idealize

idealism
n. 1 a (1) : a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena (2) : a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason b (1) : a theory that only the perceptible is real (2) : a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable
2 a : the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence b : something that is idealized
3 : literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature ― compare REALISM

idealist
n. 1 a : an adherent of a philosophical theory of idealism b : an artist or author who advocates or practices idealism in art or writing
2 : one guided by ideals especially : one that places ideals before practical considerations

idealist
n. : IDEALISTIC

idealistic
adj. : of or relating to idealists or idealism
–ide·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ideality
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being ideal b : existence only in idea
2 : something imaginary or idealized

idealize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to form ideals
2 : to work idealistically
transitive verb
1 a : to give an ideal form or value to b : to attribute ideal characteristics to <tended to idealize her teachers>
2 : to treat idealistically <portraitists who idealize their subjects>
–ide·al·i·za·tion \-ˌdē-(ə-)lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ide·al·iz·er \-'dē-(ə-)ˌlī-zər\ noun

ideally
adv. 1 : in idea or imagination : MENTALLY
2 : in relation to an exemplar
3 a : conformably to or in respect to an ideal : PERFECTLY b : for best results <ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant ― T. M. Martinez> c : in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : CLASSICALLY

ideate
v. transitive verb : to form an idea or conception of
intransitive verb : to form an idea

ideation
n. : the capacity for or the act of forming or entertaining ideas <suicidal ideation>

ideational
adj. : of, relating to, or produced by ideation broadly : of or relating to ideas
–ide·a·tion·al·ly adverb

idee fixe
: an idea that dominates one's mind especially for a prolonged period : OBSESSION

idees recues
: received ideas : conventional opinions

idem
pron. : the same as something previously mentioned ― used chiefly in bibliographies

idempotent
n. : relating to or being a mathematical quantity which when applied to itself under a given binary operation (as multiplication) equals itself also : relating to or being an operation under which a mathematical quantity is idempotent
–idempotent noun

identic
adj. : IDENTICAL: as a : constituting a diplomatic action or expression in which two or more governments follow precisely the same course or employ an identical form b : constituting an action or expression in which a government follows precisely the same course or employs identical forms with reference to two or more other governments

identical
adj. 1 : being the same : SELFSAME <the identical place we stopped before>
2 : having such close resemblance as to be essentially the same <identical hats> ― often used with to or with
3 a : having the same cause or origin <identical infections> b : MONOZYGOTIC
synonyms see SAME
–iden·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–iden·ti·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

identification
n. 1 a : an act of identifying : the state of being identified b : evidence of identity
2 a : psychological orientation of the self in regard to something (as a person or group) with a resulting feeling of close emotional association b : a largely unconscious process whereby an individual models thoughts, feelings, and actions after those attributed to an object that has been incorporated as a mental image

identification
n. caller identification
identification card
self identification

identification card
: ID CARD

identifier
n. : one that identifies

identify
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to be or become identical b : to conceive as united (as in spirit, outlook, or principle) <groups that are identified with conservation>
2 a : to establish the identity of b : to determine the taxonomic position of (a biological specimen)
intransitive verb
1 : to be or become the same
2 : to practice psychological identification <identify with the hero of a novel>
–iden·ti·fi·able \-ˌden-tə-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–iden·ti·fi·ably \-blē\ adverb

identity
n. 1 a : sameness of essential or generic character in different instances b : sameness in all that constitutes the objective reality of a thing : ONENESS
2 a : the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : INDIVIDUALITY b : the relation established by psychological identification
3 : the condition of being the same with something described or asserted <establish the identity of stolen goods>
4 : an equation that is satisfied for all values of the symbols
5 : IDENTITY ELEMENT

identity
n. additive identity
dissociative identity disorder
identity card
identity crisis
identity element
identity matrix
identity politics
identity theft
multiplicative identity
self identity

identity card
: ID CARD

identity crisis
1 : personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality
2 : a state of confusion in an institution or organization regarding its nature or direction

identity element
: an element (as 0 in the set of all integers under addition or 1 in the set of positive integers under multiplication) that leaves any element of the set to which it belongs unchanged when combined with it by a specified operation

identity matrix
: a square matrix that has numeral 1's along the principal diagonal and 0's elsewhere

identity politics
: PARTICULARISM 2

identity theft
: the illegal use of someone else's personal information (as a Social Security number) in order to obtain money or credit

ideo
pref. : idea <ideogram>

ideogram
n. 1 : a picture or symbol used in a system of writing to represent a thing or an idea but not a particular word or phrase for it especially : one that represents not the object pictured but some thing or idea that the object pictured is supposed to suggest
2 : LOGOGRAM
–ideo·gram·ic or ideo·gram·mic \ˌi-dē-ə-'gra-mik, ˌī-\ adjective
–ideo·gram·mat·ic \-dē-ō-grə-'ma-tik\ adjective

ideograph
n. : IDEOGRAM
–ideo·graph·ic \ˌi-dē-ə-'gra-fik, ˌī-\ adjective
–ideo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ideography
n. 1 : the use of ideograms
2 : the representation of ideas by graphic symbols

ideological
adj. 1 : relating to or concerned with ideas
2 : of, relating to, or based on ideology
–ideo·log·i·cal·ly \-'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ideologize
v. : to give an ideological character or interpretation to especially : to change or interpret in relation to a sociopolitical ideology often seen as biased or limited

ideologue
n. 1 : an impractical idealist : THEORIST
2 : an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology

ideology
n. 1 : visionary theorizing
2 a : a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture b : a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture c : the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program
–ide·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

ideomotor
adj. : not reflex but motivated by an idea <ideomotor muscular activity>

ides
n. : the 15th day of March, May, July, or October or the 13th day of any other month in the ancient Roman calendar broadly : this day and the seven days preceding it

Idfu
city S Egypt on the Nile pop 34,858

Idhi
mountain 8058 ft (2456 m) Greece in cen Crete; highest on island

idin
: chemical compound related in origin or structure to another compound <toluidine> <guanidine>

idio
: one's own : personal : separate : distinct <idioblast>

idioblast
: a plant cell (as a sclereid) that differs markedly from neighboring cells
–id·io·blas·tic \ˌi-dē-ə-'blas-tik\ adjective

idiocy
n. 1 usually offensive : extreme mental retardation
2 : something notably stupid or foolish

idiographic
: relating to or dealing with something concrete, individual, or unique <idiographic case studies>

idiolect
n. : the language or speech pattern of one individual at a particular period of life
–id·io·lec·tal \ˌi-dē-ə-'lek-təl\ adjective

idiom
n. 1 a : the language peculiar to a people or to a district, community, or class : DIALECT b : the syntactical, grammatical, or structural form peculiar to a language
2 : an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either grammatically (as no, it wasn't me) or in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (as Monday week for “the Monday a week after next Monday”)
3 : a style or form of artistic expression that is characteristic of an individual, a period or movement, or a medium or instrument <the modern jazz idiom> broadly : MANNER, STYLE <a new culinary idiom>

idiomatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or conforming to idiom
2 : peculiar to a particular group, individual, or style
–id·i·o·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–id·i·o·mat·ic·ness \-tik-nəs\ noun

idiomorphic
adj. : having the proper form or shape ― used of minerals whose crystalline growth has not been interfered with

idiopathic
adj. 1 : arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause : PRIMARY <idiopathic epilepsy>
2 : peculiar to the individual
–id·i·o·path·i·cal·ly \-'pa-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

idiosyncrasy
n. 1 a : a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality b : individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
2 : characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament) broadly : ECCENTRICITY
–id·i·o·syn·crat·ic \ˌi-dē-ō-(ˌ)sin-'kra-tik\ adjective
–id·i·o·syn·crat·i·cal·ly \-'kra-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

idiot
n. 1 usually offensive : a person affected with idiocy
2 : a foolish or stupid person
–idiot adjective

idiot
n. idiot box
idiot light
idiot savant
idiot savants
idiots savants

idiot box
: TELEVISION

idiot light
: a colored light on an instrument panel (as of an automobile) designed to give a warning (as of low oil pressure)

idiot savant
1 : a person affected with a mental disability (as autism or mental retardation) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (as mathematics or music) ― called also savant
2 : a person who is highly knowledgeable about one subject but knows little about anything else

idiotic
adj. 1 : characterized by idiocy
2 : showing complete lack of thought or common sense : FOOLISH
–id·i·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

idiotism
n. 1 obsolete : IDIOM 1
2 : IDIOM 2

idiotism
n. archaic : IDIOCY 2

idiotproof
: extremely easy to operate or maintain

idiotype
n. : the molecular structure and conformation of an antibody that confers its antigenic specificity
–id·io·typ·ic \ˌi-dē-ə-'ti-pik\ adjective

idium
: small one <antheridium>

idle
adj. 1 : lacking worth or basis : VAIN <idle chatter> <idle pleasure>
2 : not occupied or employed: as a : having no employment : INACTIVE <idle workers> b : not turned to normal or appropriate use <idle funds> <idle farmland> c : not scheduled to compete <the team will be idle tomorrow>
3 a : SHIFTLESS, LAZY b : having no evident lawful means of support
synonyms see VAIN, INACTIVE
–idle·ness \'ī-dəl-nəs\ noun
–idly \'īd-lē, 'ī-dəl-ē\ adverb

idle
adj. intransitive verb
1 a : to spend time in idleness b : to move idly
2 : to run at low power and often disconnected usually so that power is not used for useful work <the engine is idling>
transitive verb
1 : to pass in idleness
2 : to make idle <workers idled by a strike>
3 : to cause to idle
–idler \'īd-lər, 'ī-dəl-ər\ noun
synonyms IDLE, LOAF, LOUNGE, LOLL, LAZE mean to spend time doing nothing. IDLE may be used in reference to persons that move lazily or without purpose <idled the day away>. LOAF suggests either resting or wandering about as though there were nothing to do <she does her work and then loafs the rest of the day>. LOUNGE, though occasionally used as equal to idle or loaf, typically conveys an additional implication of resting or reclining against a support or of physical comfort and ease in relaxation <he lounged against the wall>. LOLL also carries an implication of a posture similar to that of lounge, but places greater stress upon an indolent or relaxed attitude <lolling on the couch>. LAZE usually implies the relaxation of a busy person enjoying a vacation or moments of leisure <lazed about between appointments>.

idler pulley
: a guide or tightening pulley for a belt or chain

idler wheel
1 : a wheel, gear, or roller used to transfer motion or to guide or support something
2 : IDLER PULLEY

idlesse
n. : the quality or state of being idle : IDLENESS

idocrase
: a mineral that is a complex silicate especially of calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum

idol
n. 1 : a representation or symbol of an object of worship broadly : a false god
2 a : a likeness of something b obsolete : PRETENDER, IMPOSTOR
3 : a form or appearance visible but without substance <an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol ― P. B. Shelley>
4 : an object of extreme devotion <a movie idol> also : IDEAL 2
5 : a false conception : FALLACY

idolater
n. 1 : a worshiper of idols
2 : a person that admires intensely and often blindly one that is not usually a subject of worship

idolatrous
adj. 1 : of or relating to idolatry
2 : having the character of idolatry <the religion of idolatrous nationalism ― Aldous Huxley>
3 : given to idolatry
–idol·a·trous·ly adverb
–idol·a·trous·ness noun

idolatry
n. 1 : the worship of a physical object as a god
2 : immoderate attachment or devotion to something

idolize
v. transitive verb : to worship as a god broadly : to love or admire to excess <the common people whom he so idolized ― Times Lit. Supp.>
intransitive verb : to practice idolatry
–idol·i·za·tion \ˌī-də-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–idol·iz·er \'ī-də-ˌlī-zər\ noun

IDP
international driving permit

Idumaea
― see EDOM
–Id·u·mae·an or Id·u·me·an \ˌi-dyu̇-'mē-ən\ adjective or noun

idyll
n. 1 a : a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment b : a narrative poem (as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic, or tragic theme
2 a : a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll b : a romantic interlude

idyllic
adj. 1 : pleasing or picturesque in natural simplicity
2 : of, relating to, or being an idyll
–idyl·li·cal·ly \-'di-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

IE
industrial engineer

ie
1 : little one : dear little one <birdie> <sonny>
2 a : one belonging to : one having to do with <townie> b : one who is <preemie>
3 : one of (such) a kind or quality <cutie> <toughie>

IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Ieper
commune NW Belgium in W. Flanders pop 35,081

ier
― see -ER

if
n. 1 a : in the event that b : allowing that c : on the assumption that d : on condition that
2 : WHETHER <asked if the mail had come> <I doubt if I'll pass the course>
3 ― used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish <if it would only rain>
4 : even though : although perhaps <an interesting if untenable argument>
5 : and perhaps not even <few if any changes are expected> ― often used with not <difficult if not impossible>
–if anything : on the contrary even : perhaps even <if anything, you ought to apologize>

if
n. 1 : CONDITION, STIPULATION <the question⋯depends on too many ifs to allow an answer ― Encounter>
2 : SUPPOSITION

if
n. as if
if anything
what if
if you will

if anything
on the contrary even : perhaps even <if anything, you ought to apologize>

if you will
if you wish to call it that <a kind of preoccupation, or obsession if you will ― Louis Auchincloss>

Ife
city SW Nigeria NE of Ibadan pop 209,100

iferous
: -FEROUS

IFF
identification, friend or foe

iff
: if and only if <two figures are congruent iff one can be placed over the other so that they coincide>

iffy
adj. 1 : having many uncertain or unknown qualities or conditions <an iffy proposition>
2 : of inconsistent or unreliable quality
–if·fi·ness noun

ification
: -FICATION <desertification>

Ifni
former territory SW Morocco; administered by Spain 1934-69 capital Sidi Ifni

IFO
identified flying object

iform
: -FORM <patelliform>

ify
: -FY

IG
inspector general

Ig
immunoglobulin

IgA
1 : a class of immunoglobulins including antibodies found in external bodily secretions (as saliva, tears, and sweat)
2 : an antibody of the class IgA

Igbo
n. variant of ibo

IgE
1 : a class of immunoglobulins including antibodies that function especially in allergic reactions
2 : an antibody of the class IgE

IGF
insulin-like growth factor

IgG
1 : a class of immunoglobulins including the most common antibodies circulating in the blood that facilitate the phagocytic destruction of microorganisms foreign to the body, that bind to and activate complement, and that are the only immunoglobulins to cross over the placenta from mother to fetus
2 : an antibody of the class IgG

igloo
n. 1 : an Eskimo house usually made of sod, wood, or stone when permanent or of blocks of snow or ice in the shape of a dome when built for temporary purposes
2 : a building or structure shaped like a dome

IgM
1 : a class of immunoglobulins of high molecular weight including the primary antibodies that are released into the blood early in the immune response to be replaced later by IgG and that are highly efficient in binding complement
2 : an antibody of the class IgM

Ignarro
Louis Joseph 1941-     American pharmacologist

Ignatius
n. Saint d ca A.D. 110 Theophorus bishop of Antioch & church father

Ignatius of Loyola
Saint 1491-1556 orig. Iñigo de Oñaz y Loyola Span. religious & founder of Society of Jesus
–Ig·na·tian \-sh(ē-)ən\ adjective

igneous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling fire : FIERY
2 a : relating to, resulting from, or suggestive of the intrusion or extrusion of magma or volcanic activity b : formed by solidification of magma <igneous rock>

ignescent
: VOLATILE

ignimbrite
n. : a hard rock formed by solidification of chiefly fine deposits of volcanic ash

ignis fatuus
1 : a light that sometimes appears in the night over marshy ground and is often attributable to the combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter
2 : a deceptive goal or hope

ignite
transitive verb
1 : to subject to fire or intense heat especially : to render luminous by heat
2 a : to set afire also : KINDLE b : to cause (a fuel) to burn
3 a : to heat up : EXCITE <oppression that ignited the hatred of the people> b : to set in motion : SPARK <ignite a debate>
intransitive verb
1 : to catch fire
2 : to begin to glow
–ig·nit·abil·i·ty \ig-ˌnī-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ig·nit·able also ig·nit·ible \-'nī-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ig·nit·er also ig·ni·tor \-'nī-tər\ noun

ignition
n. 1 : the act or action of igniting: as a : the starting of a fire b : the heating of a plasma to a temperature high enough to sustain nuclear fusion
2 a : the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture b : a device that activates an ignition system (as in an automobile) <put the key in the ignition>

ignitron
n. : a mercury-containing rectifier tube in which the arc is struck again at the beginning of each cycle by a special electrode separately energized by an auxiliary circuit

ignoble
adj. 1 : of low birth or common origin : PLEBEIAN
2 : characterized by baseness, lowness, or meanness
synonyms see MEAN
–ig·no·bil·i·ty \ˌig-nō-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ig·no·ble·ness \ig-'nō-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ig·no·bly \-blē also -bə-lē\ adverb

ignominious
adj. 1 : marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame : DISHONORABLE
2 : deserving of shame or infamy : DESPICABLE
3 : HUMILIATING, DEGRADING <suffered an ignominious defeat>
–ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adverb
–ig·no·min·i·ous·ness noun

ignominy
n. 1 : deep personal humiliation and disgrace
2 : disgraceful or dishonorable conduct, quality, or action
synonyms see DISGRACE

ignoramus
n. : an utterly ignorant person : DUNCE

ignorance
n. : the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness

ignorant
adj. 1 a : destitute of knowledge or education <an ignorant society> also : lacking knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified <parents ignorant of modern mathematics> b : resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or intelligence <ignorant errors>
2 : UNAWARE, UNINFORMED
–ig·no·rant·ly adverb
–ig·no·rant·ness noun
synonyms IGNORANT, ILLITERATE, UNLETTERED, UNTUTORED, UNLEARNED mean not having knowledge. IGNORANT may imply a general condition or it may apply to lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing <an ignorant fool> <ignorant of nuclear physics>. ILLITERATE applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write <much of the population is still illiterate>. UNLETTERED implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading <an allusion meaningless to the unlettered>. UNTUTORED may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization <strange monuments built by an untutored people>. UNLEARNED suggests ignorance of advanced subjects <poetry not for academics but for the unlearned masses>.

ignorantia juris neminem excusat
: ignorance of the law excuses no one(

ignoratio elenchi
: a fallacy in logic of supposing a point proved or disproved by an argument proving or disproving something not at issue

ignore
v. 1 : to refuse to take notice of
2 : to reject (a bill of indictment) as ungrounded
synonyms see NEGLECT
–ig·nor·able \-'nȯr-ə-bəl\ adjective
–ig·nor·er noun

ignotum per ignotius
: (explaining) the unknown by means of the more unknown

Igorot
1 : a member of any of several related peoples of northwestern Luzon, Philippines
2 : any of the Austronesian languages of the Igorot

Igraine
: the wife of Uther and mother of King Arthur

Iguacu
river S Brazil in Paraná state flowing W into Alto Paraná River; contains Iguaçú Falls or Iguazú Falls (waterfall over 2 mi or 3.2 km wide composed of numerous cataracts averaging 200 ft or 61 m in height)

iguana
n. : any of various large chiefly herbivorous usually green or brownish tropical American lizards (family Iguanidae, the iguana family) that have a serrated dorsal crest and large dewlap broadly : any of various large lizards

iguanodon
n. : any of a genus (Iguanodon) of very large herbivorous dinosaurs of the early Cretaceous

IGY
International Geophysical Year

ihp
indicated horsepower

IHS
― used as a Christian symbol and monogram for Jesus

IIE
Institute of Industrial Engineers

III
Ahmed III
Boris III
Ferdinand III
Ivan III
Leopold III
Napoleon III
Napoléon III
Pepin III
Pépin III
Philip III
Rainier III
HTLV III
Aga Khan III
Alexander III of Macedon
John III Sobieski
Tiglath pileser III
Victor Emmanuel III

IJssel
river 70 mi (113 km) E Netherlands flowing out of the Rhine N into IJsselmeer

IJsselmeer
freshwater lake N Netherlands separated from North Sea by a dike & bordered by reclaimed lands; part of former Zuider Zee (inlet of North Sea)

Ikaria
island Greece in Southern Sporades WSW of Samos area 99 sq mi (257 sq km)

ikat
n. : a fabric in which the yarns have been tie-dyed before weaving

ikebana
n. : the Japanese art of flower arranging that emphasizes form and balance

Ikeda
Hayato 1899-1965 Jp. polit.; prime min. (1960-64)

Ikhnaton
― see AKHENATON

ikon
n. variant of icon

IL
n. 1 Illinois
2 interleukin ― often used with an identifying number <IL-6>

IL
n. comme il faut
il faut cultiver notre jardin
Kim Il Sung
Kim Jong Il

il
n. ― see IN-

il faut cultiver notre jardin
: we must cultivate our garden : we must tend to our own affairs

Il'men'
lake W Russia in Europe S of Lake Ladoga

ILA
International Longshoremen's Association

ilang-ilang
variant of ylang-ylang

ile
: tending to or capable of <contractile>

ile
: segment of a (specified) size in a frequency distribution <decile>

ile
Ile de France
Ile des Pins
Ile du Diable
Ouessant Ile d'

Ile des Pins
island SW Pacific in New Caledonia territory SE of New Caledonia Is. area 58 sq mi (151 sq km)

Ile du Diable
― see DEVIL'S ISLAND

Ile-de-France
region & former province N cen France bounded on N by Picardy, on E by Champagne, on S by Orléanais, & on W by Normandy capital Paris

ileitis
n. : inflammation of the ileum

Iles
Iles de la Societe
Iles du Vent
Iles sous le Vent
Sept Iles

Iles de la Societe
― see SOCIETY ISLANDS

Iles du Vent
v. ― see WINDWARD ISLANDS 3

Iles sous le Vent
v. ― see LEEWARD ISLANDS 2

ileum
n. : the last division of the small intestine extending between the jejunum and large intestine
–il·e·al \-lē-əl\ adjective

ileus
n. : mechanical or functional obstruction of the bowel

ilex
n. 1 : HOLM OAK
2 : HOLLY 1

Ilford
former municipal borough SE England in Essex, now part of Redbridge

Ilfracombe
town SW England in Devon on Bristol Channel pop 10,133

ILGWU
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union

Ili
river 800 mi (1287 km) cen Asia flowing from W Xinjiang Uygur, China, W & NW into Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan

Ilia
n. ― see ELIS

iliac
adj. : of, relating to, or located near the ilium

Iliad
n. 1 a : a series of miseries or disastrous events b : a series of exploits regarded as suitable for an epic
2 : a long narrative especially : an epic in the Homeric tradition
–Il·i·ad·ic \ˌi-lē-'a-dik\ adjective

Iliamna
volcano 10,016 ft (3053 m) NE of Iliamna Lake

Iliamna Lake
lake 80 mi (129 km) long SW Alaska NE of Bristol Bay

Iliescu
Ion 1930-     pres. of Romania (1989-96)

Ilium
n. ― see TROY 3
–Il·i·an \'i-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

ilium
n. : the broad, dorsal, upper, and largest of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis

ilk
n. chiefly Scottish : SAME ― used with that especially in the names of landed families

ilk
n. : SORT, KIND <the rejection of these books or others of like ilk ― Kathleen Molz>

ilk
n. chiefly Scottish : EACH

ilka
chiefly Scottish : EACH, EVERY

Ill
n. Illinois

Ill
n. river 129 mi (208 km) NE France flowing into the Rhine

ill
n. 1 a chiefly Scottish : IMMORAL, VICIOUS b : resulting from, accompanied by, or indicative of an evil or malevolent intention <ill deeds> c : attributing evil or an objectionable quality <held an ill opinion of his neighbors>
2 a : causing suffering or distress <ill weather> b comparative also ill·er superlative also illest (1) : not normal or sound <ill health> (2) : not in good health also : NAUSEATED
3 a : not suited to circumstances or not to one's advantage : UNLUCKY <an ill omen> b : involving difficulty : HARD
4 a : not meeting an accepted standard <ill manners> b archaic : notably unskillful or inefficient
5 : UNFRIENDLY, HOSTILE <ill feeling>

ill
n. 1 a : with displeasure or hostility b : in a harsh manner c : so as to reflect unfavorably <spoke ill of the neighbors>
2 : in a reprehensible manner
3 : HARDLY, SCARCELY <can ill afford such extravagances>
4 a : in an unfortunate manner : BADLY, UNLUCKILY <ill fares the land⋯where wealth accumulates, and men decay ― Oliver Goldsmith> b : in a faulty, inefficient, insufficient, or unpleasant manner ― often used in combination <the methods used may be ill-adapted to the aims in view ― R. M. Hutchins>

ill
n. 1 : the reverse of good : EVIL
2 a : MISFORTUNE, DISTRESS b (1) : AILMENT, SICKNESS (2) : something that disturbs or afflicts : TROUBLE <economic and social ills>
3 : something that reflects unfavorably <spoke no ill of him>

ill
n. illustrated; illustration; illustrator

ill
n. ill advised
ill advisedly
ill at ease
ill being
ill boding
ill bred
ill fated
ill favored
ill gotten
ill humored
ill humoredly
ill mannered
ill natured
ill naturedly
ill sorted
ill starred
ill tempered
ill temperedly
ill treat
ill treatment
ill usage
ill use
ill will
ill wisher
the worst way
at worst
worst case

ill at ease
: not feeling easy : UNCOMFORTABLE

ill will
: unfriendly feeling
synonyms see MALICE

ill-advised
: resulting from or showing lack of wise and sufficient counsel or deliberation <an ill-advised decision>
–ill-ad·vis·ed·ly \-'vī-zəd-lē\ adverb

ill-being
: a condition of being deficient in health, happiness, or prosperity

ill-boding
: boding evil : INAUSPICIOUS

ill-bred
: badly brought up or showing bad upbringing : IMPOLITE

ill-fated
1 : having or destined to a hapless fate : UNFORTUNATE <an ill-fated expedition>
2 : that causes or marks the beginning of misfortune

ill-favored
1 : unattractive in physical appearance especially : having an ugly face
2 : OFFENSIVE, OBJECTIONABLE

ill-gotten
: acquired by illicit or improper means <ill-gotten gains>

ill-humored
: SURLY, IRRITABLE
–ill-hu·mored·ly adverb

ill-mannered
: having bad manners : RUDE

ill-natured
1 : MALEVOLENT, SPITEFUL
2 : having a bad disposition : CROSS, SURLY
–ill-na·tured·ly adverb

ill-sorted
1 : not well matched <he and his wife were an ill-sorted pair ― Lord Byron>
2 Scottish : much displeased

ill-starred
: ILL-FATED, UNLUCKY <an ill-starred venture>

ill-tempered
: ILL-NATURED, QUARRELSOME
–ill-tem·pered·ly \-lē\ adverb

ill-treat
: to treat cruelly or improperly : MALTREAT
–ill-treat·ment \-mənt\ noun

ill-usage
: harsh, unkind, or abusive treatment

ill-use
: to use badly : MALTREAT, ABUSE

ill-wisher
: one that wishes ill to another

Illampu
1 or So·ra·ta \sə-'rä-tə\ massif in the Andes W Bolivia E of Lake Titicaca ― see ANCOHUMA
2 peak 20,867 ft (6360 m) in the Illampu Massif

illation
n. 1 : the action of inferring : INFERENCE
2 : a conclusion inferred

illative
adj. 1 : a word (as therefore) or phrase (as as a consequence) introducing an inference
2 : ILLATION 2

illative
adj. : INFERENTIAL
–il·la·tive·ly adverb

illaudable
: deserving no praise
–il·laud·ably \-blē\ adverb

illegal
adj. : not according to or authorized by law : UNLAWFUL, ILLICIT also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game)
–il·le·gal·i·ty \ˌi-li-'ga-lə-tē\ noun
–il·le·gal·ly \(ˌ)i(l)-'lē-gə-lē\ adverb

illegal
adj. : an illegal immigrant

illegalize
v. : to make or declare illegal
–il·le·gal·i·za·tion \-ˌlē-gə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

illegible
adj. : not legible : INDECIPHERABLE <illegible writing>
–il·leg·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌle-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–il·leg·i·bly \-'le-jə-blē\ adverb

illegitimacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being illegitimate
2 : BASTARDY 2

illegitimate
n. 1 : not recognized as lawful offspring specifically : born of parents not married to each other
2 : not rightly deduced or inferred : ILLOGICAL
3 : departing from the regular : ERRATIC
4 a : not sanctioned by law : ILLEGAL b : not authorized by good usage c of a taxon : published but not in accordance with the rules of the relevant international code
–il·le·git·i·mate·ly adverb

illiberal
adj. : not liberal: as a archaic (1) : lacking a liberal education (2) : lacking culture and refinement b : not requiring the background of a liberal arts education <illiberal occupations> c archaic : not generous : STINGY d : not broad-minded : BIGOTED <illiberal thinking> e : opposed to liberalism <illiberal tendencies>
–il·lib·er·al·i·ty \-ˌli-bə-'ra-lə-tē\ noun
–il·lib·er·al·ly \-'li-b(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–il·lib·er·al·ness \-b(ə-)rəl-nəs\ noun

illiberalism
: opposition to or lack of liberalism

illicit
adj. : not permitted : UNLAWFUL
–il·lic·it·ly adverb

Illimani
mountain 21,201 ft (6462 m) Bolivia E of La Paz

illimitable
adj. : incapable of being limited or bounded : MEASURELESS <the illimitable reaches of space and time>
–il·lim·it·abil·i·ty \-ˌli-mə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–il·lim·it·able·ness \-'li-mə-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–il·lim·it·ably \-blē\ adverb

Illinois
n. 1 plural : a confederacy of American Indian peoples of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin
2 : a member of any of the Illinois peoples
3 : the Algonquian language of the Illinois

Illinois
n. 1 river 273 mi (439 km) Ill. flowing SW into Mississippi River
2 state cen U.S. capital Springfield area 56,400 sq mi (146,640 sq km), pop 12,419,293
–Il·li·nois·an \ˌi-lə-'nȯi-ən also -'nȯi-zən\ adjective or noun

illiquid
adj. 1 : not being cash or readily convertible into cash <illiquid holdings>
2 : deficient in liquid assets <an illiquid bank>
–il·li·quid·i·ty \-ˌli-'kwi-də-tē\ noun

illite
: any of a group of clay minerals having essentially the crystal structure of muscovite
–il·lit·ic \i-'li-tik\ adjective

illiteracy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being illiterate especially : inability to read or write
2 : a mistake or crudity (as in speaking) typical of one who is illiterate

illiterate
n. 1 : having little or no education especially : unable to read or write <an illiterate population>
2 a : showing or marked by a lack of familiarity with language and literature <an illiterate magazine> b : violating approved patterns of speaking or writing
3 : showing or marked by a lack of acquaintance with the fundamentals of a particular field of knowledge <musically illiterate>
synonyms see IGNORANT
–illiterate noun
–il·lit·er·ate·ly adverb
–il·lit·er·ate·ness noun

illness
n. 1 obsolete a : WICKEDNESS b : UNPLEASANTNESS
2 a : an unhealthy condition of body or mind b : SICKNESS 2

illocutionary
adj. : relating to or being the communicative effect (as commanding or requesting) of an utterance <“There's a snake under you” may have the illocutionary force of a warning>

illogic
n. : the quality or state of being illogical : ILLOGICALITY

illogical
adj. 1 : not observing the principles of logic <an illogical argument>
2 : devoid of logic : SENSELESS <illogical policies>
–il·log·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌlä-jə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–il·log·i·cal·ly \-'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–il·log·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

illume
v. : ILLUMINATE

illuminance
n. : ILLUMINATION 2

illuminant
n. : an illuminating device or substance

illuminate
v. 1 archaic : brightened with light
2 archaic : intellectually or spiritually enlightened

illuminate
1 a : to enlighten spiritually or intellectually b (1) : to supply or brighten with light (2) : to make luminous or shining c archaic : to set alight d : to subject to radiation
2 a : to make clear : ELUCIDATE b : to bring to the fore : HIGHLIGHT <a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are>
3 : to make illustrious or resplendent
4 : to decorate (as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
–il·lu·mi·nat·ing·ly \-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–il·lu·mi·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

illuminate
v. archaic : one having or claiming unusual enlightenment

illuminati
n. 1 capitalized : any of various groups claiming special religious enlightenment
2 : persons who are or who claim to be unusually enlightened
3 : ELITE 1D <members of the academic illuminati>

illumination
n. 1 : the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated: as a : spiritual or intellectual enlightenment b (1) : a lighting up (2) : decorative lighting or lighting effects c : decoration by the art of illuminating
2 : the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting surface at any given point
3 : one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in decorative lighting

illuminative
adj. : of, relating to, or producing illumination : ILLUMINATING

illumine
v. : ILLUMINATE
–il·lu·min·able \-mə-nə-bəl\ adjective

illuminism
n. 1 : belief in or claim to a personal enlightenment not accessible to humankind in general
2 capitalized : beliefs or claims viewed as forming doctrine or principles of Illuminati
–il·lu·mi·nist \-nist\ noun

illus
illustrated; illustration

illusion
n. 1 a obsolete : the action of deceiving b (1) : the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled : MISAPPREHENSION (2) : an instance of such deception
2 a (1) : a misleading image presented to the vision (2) : something that deceives or misleads intellectually b (1) : perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature (2) : HALLUCINATION 1 (3) : a pattern capable of reversible perspective
3 : a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses
synonyms see DELUSION
–il·lu·sion·al \-'lüzh-nəl, -'lü-zhə-nəl\ adjective

illusionary
adj. : ILLUSORY

illusionism
n. : the use of artistic techniques (as perspective or shading) to create the illusion of reality especially in a work of art

illusionist
n. : a person who produces illusory effects: as a : one (as an artist) whose work is marked by illusionism b : a sleight-of-hand performer or a magician
–il·lu·sion·is·tic \-ˌlü-zhə-'nis-tik\ adjective
–il·lu·sion·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

illusive
adj. : ILLUSORY
–il·lu·sive·ly adverb
–il·lu·sive·ness noun

illusory
adj. : based on or producing illusion : DECEPTIVE <illusory hopes>
synonyms see APPARENT
–il·lu·so·ri·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
–il·lu·so·ri·ness \-rē-nəs\ noun

illustrate
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete a : ENLIGHTEN b : to light up
2 a archaic : to make illustrious b obsolete (1) : to make bright (2) : ADORN
3 a : to make clear : CLARIFY b : to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance c : to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate <illustrate a book>
4 : to show clearly : DEMONSTRATE
intransitive verb : to give an example or instance
–il·lus·tra·tor \'i-ləs-ˌtrā-tər also i-'ləs-\ noun

illustration
n. 1 a : the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated b archaic : the action of making illustrious or honored or distinguished
2 : something that serves to illustrate: as a : an example or instance that helps make something clear b : a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive
synonyms see INSTANCE
–il·lus·tra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

illustrative
adj. : serving, tending, or designed to illustrate <illustrative examples> <art that is illustrative of provincial life>
–il·lus·tra·tive·ly adverb

illustrious
adj. 1 : notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions : EMINENT
2 archaic a : shining brightly with light b : clearly evident
synonyms see FAMOUS
–il·lus·tri·ous·ly adverb
–il·lus·tri·ous·ness noun

illuviation
: accumulation of dissolved or suspended soil materials in one area or horizon as a result of eluviation from another
–il·lu·vi·at·ed \i-'lü-vē-ˌā-təd\ adjective

illy
adv. : not wisely or well : BADLY, ILL <his illy concealed pride ― Della Lutes>

Illyria
ancient region S Europe in Balkan Peninsula bordering on the Adriatic
–Il·lyr·ic \-'lir-ik\ adjective

Illyrian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Illyria
2 : the poorly attested Indo-European languages of the Illyrians ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Illyrian adjective

Illyricum
province of Roman Empire in Illyria

ilmenite
n. : a usually massive iron-black mineral that consists of an oxide of iron and titanium and that is a major titanium ore

ILO
International Labor Organization

Ilocano
1 : a member of a major people of northern Luzon in the Philippines
2 : the Austronesian language of the Ilocano people

Iloilo
city Philippines on Panay Is. pop 311,000

ILS
instrument landing system

ils ne passeront pas
: they shall not get past

IM
1 individual medley
2 intramural

im
― see IN-

image
n. 1 : a reproduction or imitation of the form of a person or thing especially : an imitation in solid form : STATUE
2 a : the optical counterpart of an object produced by an optical device (as a lens or mirror) or an electronic device b : a visual representation of something: as (1) : a likeness of an object produced on a photographic material (2) : a picture produced on an electronic display (as a television or computer screen)
3 a : exact likeness : SEMBLANCE <God created man in his own image ― Gen 1:27(RSV)> b : a person strikingly like another person <she is the image of her mother>
4 a : a tangible or visible representation : INCARNATION <the image of filial devotion> b archaic : an illusory form : APPARITION
5 a (1) : a mental picture or impression of something <had a negative body image of herself> (2) : a mental conception held in common by members of a group and symbolic of a basic attitude and orientation <a disorderly courtroom can seriously tarnish a community's image of justice ― Herbert Brownell> b : IDEA, CONCEPT
6 : a vivid or graphic representation or description
7 : FIGURE OF SPEECH
8 : a popular conception (as of a person, institution, or nation) projected especially through the mass media <promoting a corporate image of brotherly love and concern ― R. C. Buck>
9 : a set of values given by a mathematical function (as a homomorphism) that corresponds to a particular subset of the domain

image
n. 1 : to call up a mental picture of : IMAGINE
2 : to describe or portray in language especially in a vivid manner
3 a : to create a representation of also : to form an image of <imaged Jupiter's rings> <image the bone using X-rays> b : to represent symbolically
4 a : REFLECT, MIRROR b : to make appear : PROJECT
–im·ag·er \'i-mi-jər\ noun

image
n. father image
graven image
image tube
image converter
mirror image
real image
self image
spitting image
virtual image
magnetic resonance imaging

image tube
: an electron tube in which incident electromagnetic radiation (as light or infrared) produces a visible image on its fluorescent screen duplicating the original pattern of radiation ― called also image converter

imagery
n. 1 a : the product of image makers : IMAGES also : the art of making images b : pictures produced by an imaging system
2 : figurative language
3 : mental images especially : the products of imagination

imaginable
adj. : capable of being imagined : CONCEIVABLE <any imaginable location>
–imag·in·able·ness noun
–imag·in·ably \-blē\ adverb

imaginaire
malade imaginaire
musee imaginaire
musée imaginaire

imaginal
adj. : of or relating to imagination, images, or imagery

imaginal
adj. : of or relating to the insect imago

imaginary
adj. 1 a : existing only in imagination : lacking factual reality b : formed or characterized imaginatively or arbitrarily <his canvases, chiefly imaginary, somber landscapes ― Current Biog.>
2 : containing or relating to the imaginary unit <imaginary roots>
–imag·i·nari·ly \i-ˌma-jə-'ner-ə-lē\ adverb
–imag·i·nari·ness \-'ma-jə-ˌner-ē-nəs\ noun
synonyms IMAGINARY, FANCIFUL, VISIONARY, FANTASTIC, CHIMERICAL, QUIXOTIC mean unreal or unbelievable. IMAGINARY applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination <an imaginary desert isle>. FANCIFUL suggests the free play of the imagination <a teller of fanciful stories>. VISIONARY stresses impracticality or incapability of realization <visionary schemes>. FANTASTIC implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief <a fantastic world inhabited by monsters>. CHIMERICAL combines the implication of VISIONARY and FANTASTIC <chimerical dreams of future progress>. QUIXOTIC implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense <a quixotic crusade>.

imaginary
adj. imaginary number
imaginary part
imaginary unit
pure imaginary

imaginary number
: a complex number (as 2 + 3i) in which the coefficient of the imaginary unit is not zero ― called also imaginary ― compare PURE IMAGINARY

imaginary part
: the part of a complex number (as 3i in 2 + 3i) that has the imaginary unit as a factor

imaginary unit
: the positive square root of minus 1 denoted by i or +

imagination
n. 1 : the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality
2 a : creative ability b : ability to confront and deal with a problem : RESOURCEFULNESS <use your imagination and get us out of here> c : the thinking or active mind : INTEREST <stories that fired the imagination>
3 a : a creation of the mind especially : an idealized or poetic creation b : fanciful or empty assumption

imaginative
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or characterized by imagination b : devoid of truth : FALSE
2 : given to imagining : having a lively imagination
3 : of or relating to images especially : showing a command of imagery
–imag·i·na·tive·ly adverb
–imag·i·na·tive·ness noun

imagine
v. transitive verb
1 : to form a mental image of (something not present) <imagine accidents at every turn>
2 archaic : PLAN, SCHEME
3 : SUPPOSE, GUESS <I imagine it will rain>
4 : to form a notion of without sufficient basis : FANCY <imagines himself to be a charming conversationalist>
intransitive verb
1 : to use the imagination
2 : BELIEVE 3
synonyms see THINK

imaginings
n. : products of the imagination : THOUGHTS, IMAGES <formless imaginings of danger and terror ― Jack Shaefer>

imagism
n. : a 20th century movement in poetry advocating free verse and the expression of ideas and emotions through clear precise images
–im·ag·ist \-mi-jist\ noun or adjective often cap
–im·ag·is·tic \ˌi-mi-'jis-tik\ adjective
–im·ag·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

imago
n. 1 : an insect in its final, adult, sexually mature, and typically winged state
2 : an idealized mental image of another person or the self

imam
n. 1 : the prayer leader of a mosque
2 : a Muslim leader of the line of Ali held by Shiites to be the divinely appointed, sinless, infallible successors of Muhammad
3 : any of various rulers that claim descent from Muhammad and exercise spiritual and temporal leadership over a Muslim region

imamate
n. 1 : the office of an imam
2 : the region or country ruled over by an imam

imaret
: an inn or hospice in Turkey

Imari
n. : a multicolored Japanese porcelain usually characterized by elaborate floral designs
–Imari adjective

imbalance
n. : lack of balance : the state of being out of equilibrium or out of proportion <a vitamin imbalance> <racial imbalance in schools>
–im·bal·anced \-lən(t)st\ adjective

imbecile
n. 1 usually offensive : a person affected with moderate mental retardation
2 : FOOL, IDIOT
–imbecile or im·be·cil·ic \ˌim-bə-'si-lik\ adjective

imbecility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being imbecile or an imbecile
2 a : utter foolishness also : FUTILITY b : something that is foolish or nonsensical

imbed
v. variant of embed

imbibe
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : SOAK, STEEP
2 a : to receive into the mind and retain <imbibe moral principles> b : to assimilate or take into solution
3 a : DRINK b : to take in or up <a sponge imbibes moisture>
intransitive verb
1 : DRINK 2
2 a : to take in liquid b : to absorb or assimilate moisture, gas, light, or heat
–im·bib·er noun

imbibition
n. : the act or action of imbibing especially : the taking up of fluid by a colloidal system resulting in swelling
–im·bi·bi·tion·al \-'bish-nəl, -'bi-shə-nəl\ adjective

imbitter
archaic variant of embitter

imbosom
archaic variant of embosom

imbricate
adj. : lying lapped over each other in regular order <imbricate scales>

imbricate
adj. : OVERLAP especially : to overlap like roof tiles

imbrication
n. 1 : an overlapping of edges (as of tiles or scales)
2 : a decoration or pattern showing imbrication

imbroglio
n. 1 : a confused mass
2 a : an intricate or complicated situation (as in a drama or novel) b : an acutely painful or embarrassing misunderstanding c : a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation : EMBROILMENT d : SCANDAL 3A <survived the political imbroglio>

imbrown
archaic variant of embrown

imbrue
v. : STAIN

imbrute
intransitive verb : to sink to the level of a brute
transitive verb : to degrade to the level of a brute

imbue
v. 1 : to permeate or influence as if by dyeing <the spirit that imbues the new constitution>
2 : to tinge or dye deeply
3 : ENDOW 3 <Spanish missions imbue the city with Old World charm ― Scott Pendleton>
synonyms see INFUSE

IMF
International Monetary Fund

IMHO
in my humble opinion

imidazole
n. : a white crystalline heterocyclic base C_3H_4N_2 that is an antimetabolite related to histidine broadly : any of various derivatives of this

imide
n. : a compound containing the NH group that is derived from ammonia by replacement of two hydrogen atoms by a metal or an equivalent of acid groups ― compare AMIDE
–im·id·ic \i-'mi-dik\ adjective

imido
adj. : relating to or containing the NH group or its substituted form NR united to one or two acid groups

imine
n. : a compound containing the NH group or its substituted form NR that is derived from ammonia by replacement of two hydrogen atoms by a hydrocarbon group or other nonacid organic group

imino
adj. : relating to or containing the NH group or its substituted form NR united to a group other than an acid group

imipramine
n. : a tricyclic antidepressant drug C_19H_24N_2

imitable
adj. : capable or worthy of being imitated or copied

imitate
v. 1 : to follow as a pattern, model, or example
2 : to be or appear like : RESEMBLE
3 : to produce a copy of : REPRODUCE
4 : MIMIC, COUNTERFEIT <can imitate his father's booming voice>
synonyms see COPY
–im·i·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

imitation
n. 1 : an act or instance of imitating
2 : something produced as a copy : COUNTERFEIT
3 : a literary work designed to reproduce the style of another author
4 : the repetition by one voice of a melody, phrase, or motive stated earlier in the composition by a different voice
5 : the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea
6 : the assumption of behavior observed in other individuals

imitation
n. : resembling something else that is usually genuine and of better quality : not real <imitation leather>

imitative
adj. 1 a : marked by imitation <acting is an imitative art> b : reproducing or representing a natural sound : ONOMATOPOEIC <“hiss” is an imitative word> c : exhibiting mimicry
2 : inclined to imitate
3 : imitating something superior : COUNTERFEIT
–im·i·ta·tive·ly adverb
–im·i·ta·tive·ness noun

immaculacy
n. : the quality or state of being immaculate

immaculate
adj. 1 : having no stain or blemish : PURE
2 : containing no flaw or error
3 a : spotlessly clean b : having no colored spots or marks <petals immaculate>
–im·mac·u·late·ly adverb

Immaculate Conception
1 : the conception of the Virgin Mary in which as decreed in Roman Catholic dogma her soul was preserved free from original sin by divine grace
2 : December 8 observed as a Roman Catholic feast in commemoration of the Immaculate Conception

immane
adj. archaic : HUGE also : monstrous in character

immanence
n. : the quality or state of being immanent especially : INHERENCE

immanency
n. : IMMANENCE

immanent
adj. 1 : INDWELLING, INHERENT <beauty is not something imposed but something immanent ― Anthony Burgess>
2 : being within the limits of possible experience or knowledge ― compare TRANSCENDENT
–im·ma·nent·ly adverb

immanentism
: any of several theories according to which God or an abstract mind or spirit pervades the world
–im·ma·nent·ist \-nən-tist, -ˌnen-\ noun or adjective
–im·ma·nent·is·tic \ˌi-mə-nən-'tis-tik\ adjective

Immanuel
n. : MESSIAH 1

Immanuel
n. Victor Emmanuel
Victor Emmanuel I
Victor Emmanuel II
Victor Emmanuel III

immaterial
adj. 1 : not consisting of matter : INCORPOREAL
2 : of no substantial consequence : UNIMPORTANT

immaterialism
n. : a philosophical theory that material things have no reality except as mental perceptions
–im·ma·te·ri·al·ist \-list\ noun

immateriality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being immaterial
2 : something immaterial

immaterialize
: to make immaterial or incorporeal

immature
adj. 1 archaic : PREMATURE
2 a : lacking complete growth, differentiation, or development <immature fruits> <a sexually immature bird> b : having the potential capacity to attain a definitive form or state : CRUDE, UNFINISHED <a vigorous but immature school of art> c : exhibiting less than an expected degree of maturity <emotionally immature adults>
–immature noun
–im·ma·ture·ly adverb
–im·ma·tu·ri·ty \-'tu̇r-ə-tē, -'tyu̇r-, -'chu̇r-\ noun

immeasurable
adj. : incapable of being measured broadly : indefinitely extensive
–im·mea·sur·able·ness noun
–im·mea·sur·ably \-blē\ adverb

immed
immediate; immediately

immediacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being immediate
2 : something that is immediate ― usually used in plural

immediate
adj. 1 a : acting or being without the intervention of another object, cause, or agency : DIRECT <the immediate cause of death> b : present to the mind independently of other states or factors <immediate awareness> c : involving or derived from a single premise <an immediate inference>
2 : being next in line or relation <the immediate family>
3 a : existing without intervening space or substance <brought into immediate contact> b : being near at hand <the immediate neighborhood>
4 a : occurring, acting, or accomplished without loss or interval of time : INSTANT <an immediate need> b (1) : near to or related to the present <the immediate past> (2) : of or relating to the here and now : CURRENT <too busy with immediate concerns to worry about the future>
5 : directly touching or concerning a person or thing <the child's immediate world is the classroom>

immediate constituent
: any of the meaningful constituents directly forming a larger linguistic construction (as a phrase or sentence)

immediately
adv. 1 : in direct connection or relation : DIRECTLY <the parties immediately involved in the case> <the house immediately beyond this one>
2 : without interval of time : STRAIGHTWAY <I'll make that call immediately>

immediately
adv. chiefly British : AS SOON AS

immediateness
n. : IMMEDIACY 1

immedicable
adj. : INCURABLE <wounds immedicable ― John Milton>
–im·med·i·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

Immelmann
n. : a maneuver in which an airplane reverses direction by executing half of a loop upwards followed by half of a roll ― called also Immelmann turn

Immelmann
n. Max 1890-1916 Ger. aviator

immemorial
adj. : extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition <existing from time immemorial>
–im·me·mo·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

immense
adj. 1 : marked by greatness especially in size or degree especially : transcending ordinary means of measurement <the immense and boundless universe>
2 : supremely good : EXCELLENT
synonyms see ENORMOUS
–im·mense·ly adverb
–im·mense·ness noun

immensity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being immense
2 : something immense

immensurable
: IMMEASURABLE

immerge
: to plunge into or immerse oneself in something

immerse
v. 1 : to plunge into something that surrounds or covers especially : to plunge or dip into a fluid
2 : ENGROSS, ABSORB <completely immersed in his work>
3 : to baptize by immersion

immersible
: capable of being totally submerged in water without damage (as to the heating element of an electric appliance) <an immersible electric frying pan>

immersion
n. : the act of immersing or the state of being immersed: as a : baptism by complete submersion of the person in water b : absorbing involvement <immersion in politics> c : instruction based on extensive exposure to surroundings or conditions that are native or pertinent to the object of study especially : foreign language instruction in which only the language being taught is used <learned French through immersion>

immersion heater
: a usually electric unit that heats the liquid in which it is immersed

immesh
variant of enmesh

immethodical
: not methodical
–im·me·thod·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

immigrant
n. : one that immigrates: as a : a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence b : a plant or animal that becomes established in an area where it was previously unknown
–immigrant adjective

immigrate
v. intransitive verb : to enter and usually become established especially : to come into a country of which one is not a native for permanent residence
transitive verb : to bring in or send as immigrants
–im·mi·gra·tion \ˌi-mə-'grā-shən\ noun
–im·mi·gra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

imminence
n. 1 : something imminent especially : impending evil or danger
2 : the quality or state of being imminent

imminency
: IMMINENCE 2

imminent
adj. : ready to take place especially : hanging threateningly over one's head <was in imminent danger of being run over>
–im·mi·nent·ly adverb

immingle
: BLEND, INTERMINGLE

immiscible
adj. : incapable of mixing or attaining homogeneity
–im·mis·ci·bil·i·ty \-ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

immiseration
n. : the act of making miserable especially : IMPOVERISHMENT <the immiseration of the working class ― C. R. Morris>

immitigable
adj. : not capable of being mitigated
–im·mit·i·ga·bly \-blē\ adverb

immittance
n. : electrical admittance or impedance

immix
v. : to mix intimately : COMMINGLE
–im·mix·ture \-'miks-chər\ noun

immobile
adj. 1 : incapable of being moved : FIXED
2 : not moving : MOTIONLESS <keep the patient immobile>
–im·mo·bil·i·ty \ˌi-(ˌ)mō-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

immobilism
: a policy of extreme conservatism and opposition to change

immobilize
v. : to make immobile: as a : to prevent freedom of movement or effective use of <the planes were immobilized by bad weather> b : to reduce or eliminate motion of (the body or a part) by mechanical means or by strict bed rest c : to withhold (money or capital) from circulation
–im·mo·bi·li·za·tion \-ˌmō-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–im·mo·bi·liz·er \-'mō-bə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

immoderacy
n. : lack of moderation

immoderate
adj. : exceeding just, usual, or suitable bounds <immoderate pride> <an immoderate appetite>
synonyms see EXCESSIVE
–im·mod·er·ate·ly adverb
–im·mod·er·ate·ness noun
–im·mod·er·a·tion \(ˌ)i-ˌmä-də-'rā-shən\ noun

immodest
adj. : not modest specifically : not conforming to the sexual mores of a particular time or place
–im·mod·est·ly adverb
–im·mod·es·ty \-də-stē\ noun

immolate
v. 1 : to offer in sacrifice especially : to kill as a sacrificial victim
2 : to kill or destroy often by fire
–im·mo·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

immolation
n. 1 : the act of immolating : the state of being immolated
2 : something that is immolated

immoral
adj. : not moral broadly : conflicting with generally or traditionally held moral principles
–im·mor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

immoralist
n. : an advocate of immorality
–im·mor·al·ism \-ˌli-zəm\ noun

immorality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being immoral especially : UNCHASTITY
2 : an immoral act or practice

immortal
n. 1 : exempt from death <the immortal gods>
2 : exempt from oblivion : IMPERISHABLE <immortal fame>
3 : connected with or relating to immortality
4 : able or tending to divide indefinitely <immortal cell lines produced in culture>
–im·mor·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

immortal
n. 1 a : one exempt from death b plural often capitalized : the gods of the Greek and Roman pantheon
2 a : a person whose fame is lasting b capitalized : any of the 40 members of the Académie Française

immortalise
v. British variant of immortalize

immortality
n. : the quality or state of being immortal: a : unending existence b : lasting fame

immortalize
v. : to make immortal
–im·mor·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌmȯr-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–im·mor·tal·iz·er \-'mȯr-tə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

immortelle
n. : EVERLASTING 3

immotile
adj. : lacking motility

immovable
1 : incapable of being moved broadly : not moving or not intended to be moved
2 a : STEADFAST, UNYIELDING b : not capable of being moved emotionally
–im·mov·abil·i·ty \-ˌmü-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·mov·able·ness \-'mü-və-bəl-nəs\ noun
–im·mov·ably \-blē\ adverb

immovable
adj. 1 : one that cannot be moved
2 plural : real property as opposed to movable property

immun
1 immunity
2 immunization

immune
n. 1 a : FREE, EXEMPT <immune from further taxation> b : marked by protection <some criminal leaders are immune from arrest>
2 : not susceptible or responsive <immune to all pleas> especially : having a high degree of resistance to a disease <immune to diphtheria>
3 a : having or producing antibodies or lymphocytes capable of reacting with a specific antigen <an immune serum> b : produced by, involved in, or concerned with immunity or an immune response <immune agglutinins> <immune globulins>
–immune noun

immune
n. acquired immune deficiency syndrome
immune response
immune reaction
immune system
severe combined immune deficiency

immune response
: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless ― called also immune reaction

immune system
: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (as in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow), macrophages, lymphocytes including the B cells and T cells, and antibodies

immunity
n. : the quality or state of being immune especially : a condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing development of a pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its products

immunize
v. : to make immune
–im·mu·ni·za·tion \ˌi-myə-nə-'zā-shən also i-ˌmyü-nə-\ noun

immuno
1 : physiological immunity <immunology>
2 : immunologic <immunochemistry> : immunologically <immunocompetent> : immunology and <immunogenetics>

immunoassay
n. : a technique or test used to detect the presence or quantity of a substance (as a protein) based on its capacity to act as an antigen
–im·mu·no·as·say·able \-a-'sā-ə-bəl\ adjective

immunoblot
n. : a blot (as a Western blot) in which a radioactively labeled antibody is used as the molecular probe
–im·mu·no·blot·ting \-ˌblä-tiŋ\ noun

immunochemistry
n. : a branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical aspects of immunology
–im·mu·no·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–im·mu·no·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–im·mu·no·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

immunocompetence
n. : the capacity for a normal immune response
–im·mu·no·com·pe·tent \-tənt\ adjective

immunocompromised
adj. : having the immune system impaired or weakened (as by drugs or illness)

immunocytochemistry
n. : the application of biochemistry to cellular immunology
–im·mu·no·cy·to·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–im·mu·no·cy·to·chem·i·cal·ly \-'ke-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

immunodeficiency
n. : inability to produce a normal complement of antibodies or immunologically sensitized T cells especially in response to specific antigens
–im·mu·no·de·fi·cient \-shənt\ adjective

immunodeficiency
n. human immunodeficiency virus
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
simian immunodeficiency virus
severe combined immunodeficiency

immunodiagnostic
: of, relating to, or being analytical methods using antibodies as reagents <an immunodiagnostic test for cancer>
–im·mu·no·di·ag·no·sis \-'nō-səs\ noun

immunodiffusion
n. : any of several techniques for obtaining a precipitate between an antibody and its specific antigen by suspending one in a gel and letting the other migrate through it from a well or by letting both antibody and antigen migrate through the gel from separate wells to form an area of precipitation

immunoelectrophoresis
: electrophoretic separation of proteins followed by identification by the formation of precipitates through specific immunologic reactions
–im·mu·no·elec·tro·pho·ret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective
–im·mu·no·elec·tro·pho·ret·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

immunofluorescence
n. : the labeling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes especially for the purpose of demonstrating the presence of a particular antigen or antibody in a tissue preparation or smear
–im·mu·no·flu·o·res·cent \-sənt\ adjective

immunogen
n. : a substance that produces an immune response

immunogenetics
n. : a branch of immunology concerned with the interrelations of heredity, disease, and the immune system and its components
–im·mu·no·ge·net·ic \-tik\ adjective
–im·mu·no·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–im·mu·no·ge·net·i·cist \-jə-'ne-tə-sist\ noun

immunogenic
adj. : relating to or producing an immune response <immunogenic substances>
–im·mu·no·gen·e·sis \-'je-nə-səs\ noun
–im·mu·no·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

immunoglobulin
n. : ANTIBODY ― abbreviation Ig

immunohematology
: a branch of immunology that deals with the immunologic properties of blood
–im·mu·no·he·ma·to·log·ic \-ˌhē-mə-tə-'lä-jik\ or im·mu·no·he·ma·to·log·i·cal \-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–im·mu·no·he·ma·tol·o·gist \-ˌhē-mə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

immunohistochemical
adj. : of or relating to the application of histochemical and immunologic methods to chemical analysis of living cells and tissues
–im·mu·no·his·to·chem·is·try \-'ke-mə-strē\ noun

immunology
n. : a science that deals with the immune system and the cell-mediated and humoral aspects of immunity and immune responses
–im·mu·no·log·ic \-nə-'lä-jik\ or im·mu·no·log·i·cal \-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–im·mu·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–im·mu·nol·o·gist \ˌi-myə-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

immunomodulator
: a substance that affects the functioning of the immune system
–im·mu·no·mod·u·la·to·ry \-'mä-jə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

immunopathology
: a branch of medicine that deals with immune responses associated with disease
–im·mu·no·path·o·log·ic \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-jik\ or im·mu·no·path·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–im·mu·no·pa·thol·o·gist \-pə-'thä-lə-jist, -pa-\ noun

immunoprecipitation
n. : precipitation of a complex of an antibody and its specific antigen
–im·mu·no·pre·cip·i·tate \-'si-pə-tət, -pə-ˌtāt\ noun
–im·mu·no·pre·cip·i·tate \-pə-ˌtāt\ transitive verb

immunoreactive
adj. : reacting to particular antigens or haptens <immunoreactive lymphocytes>
–im·mu·no·re·ac·tiv·i·ty \-(ˌ)rē-ˌak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

immunoregulatory
: of or relating to the regulation of the immune system <immunoregulatory T cells>
–im·mu·no·reg·u·la·tion \-ˌre-gyə-'lā-shən, -gə-\ noun

immunosorbent
n. : relating to or using a substrate consisting of a specific antibody or antigen chemically combined with an insoluble substance (as cellulose) to selectively remove the corresponding specific antigen or antibody from solution
–immunosorbent noun

immunosuppression
: suppression (as by drugs) of natural immune responses
–im·mu·no·sup·press \-sə-'pres\ transitive verb
–im·mu·no·sup·pres·sant \-'pre-sənt\ noun or adjective
–im·mu·no·sup·pres·sive \-'pre-siv\ adjective

immunotherapy
n. : the treatment or prevention of disease by taking measures to increase immune system functioning (as by the administration of antibodies or hyposensitization)
–im·mu·no·ther·a·peu·tic \-ˌther-ə-'pyü-tik\ adjective

immure
v. 1 a : to enclose within or as if within walls b : IMPRISON
2 : to build into a wall especially : to entomb in a wall
–im·mure·ment \-'myu̇r-mənt\ noun

immutable
adj. : not capable of or susceptible to change
–im·mu·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌmyü-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·mu·ta·ble·ness \-'myü-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–im·mu·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

IMO
International Maritime Organization

imp
n. 1 obsolete : SHOOT, BUD also : GRAFT
2 a : a small demon : FIEND b : a mischievous child : URCHIN

imp
n. 1 : to graft or repair (a wing, tail, or feather) with a feather to improve a falcon's flying capacity
2 : to equip with wings

imp
n. 1 imperative

2 imperfect
3 imperial
4 import; imported

impact
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fix firmly by or as if by packing or wedging b : to press together
2 a : to have a direct effect or impact on : impinge on b : to strike forcefully also : to cause to strike forcefully
intransitive verb
1 : to have an impact ― often used with on
2 : to impinge or make contact especially forcefully
–im·pact·ful \im-'pakt-fəl, 'im-ˌpakt-fəl\ adjective
–im·pac·tive \im-'pak-tiv\ adjective
–im·pac·tor also im·pact·er \-tər\ noun

impact
n. 1 a : an impinging or striking especially of one body against another b : a forceful contact or onset also : the impetus communicated in or as if in such a contact
2 : the force of impression of one thing on another : a significant or major effect <the impact of science on our society> <an environmental impact study>
synonyms IMPACT, COLLISION, SHOCK, CONCUSSION mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things. IMPACT may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other <the glass shattered on impact with the floor>. COLLISION implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded <the collision damaged the vehicle>. SHOCK often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force <the shock of falling rocks>. CONCUSSION when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow <bystanders felt the concussion of the blast>.

impact printer
: a printing device in which a printing element directly strikes a surface (as in a typewriter)

impacted
adj. 1 a : packed or wedged in b : deeply entrenched : not easily changed or removed
2 of a tooth : wedged between the jawbone and another tooth
3 : of, relating to, or being an area (as a school district) providing tax-supported services to a population having a large proportion of federal employees and especially those living or working on tax-exempt federal property <aid to education in impacted areas>

impaction
n. : the act of becoming or the state of being impacted especially : lodgment of something (as feces) in a body passage or cavity

impaint
obsolete : PAINT, DEPICT

impair
v. : to damage or make worse by or as if by diminishing in some material respect <his health was impaired by overwork> <the strike seriously impaired community services>
synonyms see INJURE
–im·pair·er noun
–im·pair·ment \-mənt\ noun

impaired
adj. : being in a less than perfect or whole condition: as a : disabled or functionally defective ― often used in combination <hearing-impaired> b : intoxicated by alcohol or narcotics <driving while impaired>

impala
n. : a large brownish antelope (Aepyceros melampus) of southeastern Africa that in the male has slender curved horns with ridges

impale
v. 1 : to join (coats of arms) on a heraldic shield divided vertically by a pale
2 a : to pierce with or as if with something pointed especially : to torture or kill by fixing on a sharp stake b : to fix in an inescapable or helpless position
–im·pale·ment \-mənt\ noun
–im·pal·er \-'pā-lər\ noun

impalpable
adj. 1 a : incapable of being felt by touch : INTANGIBLE <the impalpable aura of power that emanated from him ― Osbert Sitwell> b : so finely divided that no grains or grit can be felt <rock worn to an impalpable powder>
2 : not readily discerned by the mind <impalpable evils>
–im·pal·pa·bil·i·ty \-ˌpal-pə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·pal·pa·bly \-'pal-pə-blē\ adverb

impanel
v. : to enroll in or on a panel <impanel a jury>

imparadise
: ENRAPTURE

imparity
n. : INEQUALITY, DISPARITY

impart
v. 1 : to give, convey, or grant from or as if from a store <her experience imparted authority to her words> <the flavor imparted by herbs>
2 : to communicate the knowledge of : DISCLOSE <imparted my scheme to no one>
–im·par·ta·tion \ˌim-ˌpär-'tā-shən\ noun
–im·part·ment \im-'pärt-mənt\ noun

impartial
adj. : not partial or biased : treating or affecting all equally
synonyms see FAIR
–im·par·tial·i·ty \-ˌpär-shē-'a-lə-tē, -ˌpär-'sha-\ noun
–im·par·tial·ly \-'pär-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

impartible
adj. : not partible : not subject to partition <an impartible inheritance>
–im·par·ti·bly \-blē\ adverb

impassable
adj. : incapable of being passed, traveled, crossed, or surmounted
–im·pass·abil·i·ty \-ˌpa-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·pass·able·ness \-'pa-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–im·pass·ably \-blē\ adverb

impasse
n. 1 a : a predicament affording no obvious escape b : DEADLOCK
2 : an impassable road or way : CUL-DE-SAC

impassible
adj. 1 a : incapable of suffering or of experiencing pain b : inaccessible to injury
2 : incapable of feeling : IMPASSIVE
–im·pas·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌpa-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·pas·si·bly \-'pa-sə-blē\ adverb

impassible
adj. variant of impassable

impassion
v. : to arouse the feelings or passions of

impassioned
adj. : filled with passion or zeal : showing great warmth or intensity of feeling
synonyms IMPASSIONED, PASSIONATE, ARDENT, FERVENT, FERVID, PERFERVID mean showing intense feeling. IMPASSIONED implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression <an impassioned plea for justice>. PASSIONATE implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion <a passionate denunciation>. ARDENT implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm <an ardent supporter of human rights>. FERVENT stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal <fervent good wishes>. FERVID suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion <fervid love letters>. PERFERVID implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings <perfervid expressions of patriotism>.

impassive
adj. 1 a archaic : unsusceptible to pain b : unsusceptible to physical feeling : INSENSIBLE c : unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion : APATHETIC
2 : giving no sign of feeling or emotion : EXPRESSIONLESS
–im·pas·sive·ly adverb
–im·pas·sive·ness noun
–im·pas·siv·i·ty \ˌim-ˌpa-'si-və-tē\ noun
synonyms IMPASSIVE, STOIC, PHLEGMATIC, APATHETIC, STOLID mean unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion. IMPASSIVE stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression <met the news with an impassive look>. STOIC implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline <was resolutely stoic even in adversity>. PHLEGMATIC implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse <a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears>. APATHETIC may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness <charitable appeals met an apathetic response>. STOLID implies an habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity <stolid workers wedded to routine>.

impaste
v. obsolete : to make into a paste or crust

impasto
n. 1 : the thick application of a pigment to a canvas or panel in painting also : the body of pigment so applied
2 : raised decoration on ceramic ware usually of slip or enamel
–im·pas·toed \-(ˌ)tōd\ adjective

impatience
n. : the quality or state of being impatient

impatiens
n. : any of a widely distributed genus (Impatiens of the family Balsaminaceae) of annual or perennial herbs with irregular spurred or saccate flowers and forcefully dehiscent capsules ― compare TOUCH-ME-NOT

impatient
adj. 1 a : not patient : restless or short of temper especially under irritation, delay, or opposition b : INTOLERANT 1 <impatient of delay>
2 : prompted or marked by impatience <an impatient reply>
3 : eagerly desirous : ANXIOUS <impatient to get home>
–im·pa·tient·ly adverb

impawn
v. archaic : to put in pawn : PLEDGE

impeach
v. 1 a : to bring an accusation against b : to charge with a crime or misdemeanor specifically : to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office c : to remove from office especially for misconduct
2 : to cast doubt on especially : to challenge the credibility or validity of <impeach the testimony of a witness>
–im·peach·able \-'pē-chə-bəl\ adjective
–im·peach·ment \-'pēch-mənt\ noun

impeach
v. obsolete : CHARGE, IMPEACHMENT

impearl
v. : to form into pearls also : to form of or adorn with pearls

impeccable
adj. 1 : not capable of sinning or liable to sin
2 : free from fault or blame : FLAWLESS <spoke impeccable French>
–im·pec·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌpe-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·pec·ca·bly \-'pe-kə-blē\ adverb

impecunious
adj. : having very little or no money usually habitually : PENNILESS
–im·pe·cu·ni·os·i·ty \-ˌkyü-nē-'ä-sə-tē\ noun
–im·pe·cu·nious·ly adverb
–im·pe·cu·nious·ness noun

impedance
n. : something that impedes : HINDRANCE: as a : the apparent opposition in an electrical circuit to the flow of an alternating current that is analogous to the actual electrical resistance to a direct current and that is the ratio of effective electromotive force to the effective current b : the ratio of the pressure to the volume displacement at a given surface in a sound-transmitting medium

impede
v. : to interfere with or slow the progress of
synonyms see HINDER
–im·ped·er noun

impediment
n. 1 : something that impedes especially : an organic obstruction to speech
2 : a bar or hindrance (as lack of sufficient age) to a lawful marriage

impedimenta
n. 1 : APPURTENANCES, EQUIPMENT
2 : things that impede

impel
v. 1 : to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure : FORCE <felt impelled to correct the misconception>
2 : to impart motion to : PROPEL
synonyms see MOVE

impeller
n. 1 : one that impels
2 a : a rotor located in a conduit to impart motion to a fluid b : a blade of a rotor

impend
v. 1 a : to hover threateningly : MENACE b : to be about to occur <the impending Senate hearings>
2 archaic : to hang suspended

impendent
adj. : being near at hand : APPROACHING

impenetrability
n. 1 : the inability of two portions of matter to occupy the same space at the same time
2 : the quality or state of being impenetrable

impenetrable
adj. 1 a : incapable of being penetrated or pierced b : inaccessible to knowledge, reason, or sympathy : IMPERVIOUS
2 : incapable of being comprehended : INSCRUTABLE
–im·pen·e·tra·bly \-blē\ adverb

impenitence
n. : the quality or state of being impenitent

impenitent
adj. : not penitent
–im·pen·i·tent·ly adverb

imperative
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another b : expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation c : having power to restrain, control, and direct
2 : not to be avoided or evaded : NECESSARY <an imperative duty>
synonyms see MASTERFUL
–im·per·a·tive·ly adverb
–im·per·a·tive·ness noun

imperative
n. 1 : the imperative mood or a verb form or verbal phrase expressing it
2 : something that is imperative: as a : COMMAND, ORDER b : RULE, GUIDE c : an obligatory act or duty d : an imperative judgment or proposition

imperator
n. : a commander in chief or emperor of the ancient Romans
–im·per·a·to·ri·al \(ˌ)im-ˌper-ə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

imperceivable
adj. archaic : IMPERCEPTIBLE

imperceptible
adj. : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind : extremely slight, gradual, or subtle <imperceptible differences>
–im·per·cep·ti·bly \-'sep-tə-blē\ adverb

imperceptive
adj. : not perceptive <an imperceptive reader>
–im·per·cep·tive·ness noun

impercipience
n. : the quality or state of being imperceptive
–im·per·cip·i·ent \-ənt\ adjective

imperf
1 imperfect
2 imperforate

imperfect
n. 1 : not perfect: as a : DEFECTIVE b of a flower : having stamens or pistils but not both c : lacking or not involving sexual reproduction <the imperfect stage of a fungus>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
3 : not enforceable at law
–im·per·fect·ly \-fik(t)-lē\ adverb
–im·per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ noun

imperfect
n. : an imperfect tense also : the verb form expressing it

imperfect fungus
: any of various fungi (order Fungi Imperfecti syn. Deuteromycetes) of which only the conidial stage is known

imperfection
n. : the quality or state of being imperfect also : FAULT, BLEMISH

imperfective
adj. of a verb form or aspect : expressing action as incomplete or without reference to completion or as reiterated ― compare PERFECTIVE
–imperfective noun

imperforate
n. 1 : having no opening or aperture specifically : lacking the usual or normal opening
2 of a stamp or a sheet of stamps : lacking perforations or roulettes

Imperia
n. commune & port NW Italy in Liguria SW of Genoa pop 40,252

imperial
n. 1 a : of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or an emperor b (1) : of or relating to the United Kingdom as distinguished from the constituent parts (2) : of or relating to the Commonwealth of Nations and British Empire
2 a : SOVEREIGN b : REGAL, IMPERIOUS
3 : of superior or unusual size or excellence
4 : belonging to the official British series of weights and measures ― see WEIGHT table
–im·pe·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

imperial
n. 1 capitalized : an adherent or soldier of the Holy Roman emperor
2 : EMPEROR
3 [French impériale; from the beard worn by Napoléon III] : a pointed beard growing below the lower lip
4 : something of unusual size or excellence

imperial
n. imperial moth
Imperial Beach
Imperial Valley

Imperial Beach
city SW Calif. S of San Diego pop 26,992

imperial moth
: a large No. American saturniid moth (Eacles imperialis) having yellow wings marked with reddish-brown spots and patches

Imperial Valley
v. valley U.S. & Mexico in SE Calif. & NE Baja California in Colorado Desert; most of area below sea level

imperialism
n. 1 : imperial government, authority, or system
2 : the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas broadly : the extension or imposition of power, authority, or influence <union imperialism>
–im·pe·ri·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–im·pe·ri·al·is·tic \-ˌpir-ē-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–im·pe·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

imperil
v. : to bring into peril : ENDANGER
–im·per·il·ment \-mənt\ noun

imperious
adj. 1 a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : COMMANDING, DOMINANT <an imperious manner> b : marked by arrogant assurance : DOMINEERING
2 : intensely compelling : URGENT <the imperious problems of the new age ― J. F. Kennedy>
synonyms see MASTERFUL
–im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb
–im·pe·ri·ous·ness noun

imperishable
1 : not perishable or subject to decay
2 : enduring or occurring forever <imperishable fame>
–im·per·ish·abil·i·ty \-ˌper-i-shə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–imperishable noun
–im·per·ish·able·ness \-'per-i-shə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–im·per·ish·ably \-blē\ adverb

imperium
n. 1 a : supreme power or absolute dominion : CONTROL b : EMPIRE 1 c : EMPIRE 2
2 : the right to command or to employ the force of the state : SOVEREIGNTY

impermanence
n. : the quality or state of being impermanent

impermanency
n. : IMPERMANENCE

impermanent
adj. : not permanent : TRANSIENT
–im·per·ma·nent·ly adverb

impermeable
adj. : not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through its substance broadly : IMPERVIOUS
–im·per·me·abil·i·ty \-ˌpər-mē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

impermissible
adj. : not permissible
–im·per·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·per·mis·si·bly \-'mi-sə-blē\ adverb

impersonal
adj. 1 a : denoting the verbal action of an unspecified agent and hence used with no expressed subject (as methinks) or with a merely formal subject (as rained in it rained) b of a pronoun : INDEFINITE
2 a : having no personal reference or connection <impersonal criticism> b : not engaging the human personality or emotions <the machine as compared with the hand tool is an impersonal agency ― John Dewey> c : not existing as a person : not having human qualities or characteristics
–im·per·son·al·i·ty \-ˌpər-sə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–im·per·son·al·ly \-'pərs-nə-lē, -'pər-sə-nə-lē\ adverb

impersonalize
v. : to make impersonal <technology that impersonalizes the learning process>
–im·per·son·al·i·za·tion \-ˌpərs-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌpər-sə-nə-\ noun

impersonate
v. : to assume or act the character of : PERSONATE
–im·per·son·a·tion \-ˌpər-sə-'nā-shən\ noun
–im·per·son·a·tor \-'pər-sə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

impertinence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being impertinent: as a : IRRELEVANCE, INAPPROPRIATENESS b : INCIVILITY, INSOLENCE
2 : an instance of impertinence

impertinency
n. : IMPERTINENCE

impertinent
adj. 1 : not pertinent : IRRELEVANT
2 a : not restrained within due or proper bounds especially of propriety or good taste <impertinent curiosity> b : given to or characterized by insolent rudeness <an impertinent answer>
–im·per·ti·nent·ly adverb
synonyms IMPERTINENT, OFFICIOUS, MEDDLESOME, INTRUSIVE, OBTRUSIVE mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others. IMPERTINENT implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice <resented their impertinent interference>. OFFICIOUS implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying <officious friends made the job harder>. MEDDLESOME stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs <a meddlesome landlord>. INTRUSIVE implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs <tried to be helpful without being intrusive>. OBTRUSIVE stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions <expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety>.

imperturbable
adj. : marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness : SERENE
synonyms see COOL
–im·per·turb·abil·i·ty \-ˌtər-bə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·per·turb·ably \-'tər-bə-blē\ adverb

impervious
adj. 1 a : not allowing entrance or passage : IMPENETRABLE <a coat impervious to rain> b : not capable of being damaged or harmed <a carpet impervious to rough treatment>
2 : not capable of being affected or disturbed <impervious to criticism>
–im·per·vi·ous·ly adverb
–im·per·vi·ous·ness noun

impetigo
n. : an acute contagious staphylococcal or streptococcal skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and yellowish crusts

impetrate
v. 1 : to obtain by request or entreaty
2 : to ask for : ENTREAT
–im·pe·tra·tion \ˌim-pə-'trā-shən\ noun

impetuosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being impetuous
2 : an impetuous action or impulse

impetuous
adj. 1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion <an impetuous temperament>
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action <an impetuous wind>
synonyms see PRECIPITATE
–im·pet·u·ous·ly adverb
–im·pet·u·ous·ness noun

impetus
n. 1 a (1) : a driving force : IMPULSE (2) : INCENTIVE, STIMULUS b : stimulation or encouragement resulting in increased activity
2 : the property possessed by a moving body in virtue of its mass and its motion ― used of bodies moving suddenly or violently to indicate the origin and intensity of the motion

Imphal
city NE India capital of Manipur pop 217,275

impiety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being impious : IRREVERENCE
2 : an impious act

impinge
v. 1 : to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision <I heard the rain impinge upon the earth ― James Joyce>
2 : to have an effect : make an impression <waiting for the germ of a new idea to impinge upon my mind ― Phyllis Bentley>
3 : ENCROACH, INFRINGE <impinge on other people's rights>
–im·pinge·ment \-'pinj-mənt\ noun

impious
adj. : not pious : lacking in reverence or proper respect (as for God or one's parents) : IRREVERENT
–im·pi·ous·ly adverb

impish
adj. : of, relating to, or befitting an imp especially : MISCHIEVOUS
–imp·ish·ly adverb
–imp·ish·ness noun

implacable
adj. : not placable : not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated <an implacable enemy>
–im·pla·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌpla-kə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌplā-\ noun
–im·pla·ca·bly \-'pla-kə-blē, -'plā-\ adverb

implant
n. 1 a : to fix or set securely or deeply <a ruby implanted in the idol's forehead> b : to set permanently in the consciousness or habit patterns : INCULCATE
2 : to insert in living tissue (as for growth, slow release, or formation of an organic union) <subcutaneously implanted hormone pellets>
intransitive verb : to undergo implantation <the failure of embryos to implant>
–im·plant·able \-'plan-tə-bəl\ adjective
–im·plant·er \im-'plan-tər\ noun
synonyms IMPLANT, INCULCATE, INSTILL, INSEMINATE, INFIX mean to introduce into the mind. IMPLANT implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught <implanted a love of reading in her students>. INCULCATE implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind <tried to inculcate in him high moral standards>. INSTILL stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time <instill traditional values in your children>. INSEMINATE applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation <inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology>. INFIX stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought <infixed a chronic cynicism>.

implant
n. : something (as a graft or device) implanted in tissue ― compare COCHLEAR IMPLANT

implantation
n. 1 a : the act or process of implanting something b : the state resulting from being implanted
2 in placental mammals : the process of attachment of the early embryo to the maternal uterine wall

implausible
adj. : not plausible : provoking disbelief
–im·plau·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌplȯ-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·plau·si·bly \-'plȯ-zə-blē\ adverb

implead
v. : to sue or prosecute at law

implement
n. 1 : an article serving to equip <the implements of religious worship>
2 : a device used in the performance of a task : TOOL, UTENSIL
3 : one that serves as an instrument or tool <the partnership agreement does not seem to be a very potent implement ― H. B. Hoffman>
synonyms IMPLEMENT, TOOL, INSTRUMENT, APPLIANCE, UTENSIL mean a relatively simple device for performing work. IMPLEMENT may apply to anything necessary to perform a task <crude stone implements> <farm implements>. TOOL suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than IMPLEMENT <a carpenter's tools>. INSTRUMENT suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work <the dentist's instruments>. APPLIANCE refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment <household appliances>. UTENSIL applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity <kitchen utensils>.

implement
1 : CARRY OUT, ACCOMPLISH especially : to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures
2 : to provide instruments or means of expression for
–im·ple·men·ta·tion \ˌim-plə-mən-'tā-shən, -ˌmen-\ noun
–im·ple·men·ter or im·ple·men·tor \'im-plə-ˌmən-tər\ noun

implicate
v. 1 : to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : IMPLY
2 archaic : to fold or twist together : ENTWINE
3 a : to bring into intimate or incriminating connection <evidence that implicates him in the bombing> b : to involve in the nature or operation of something

implication
n. 1 a : the act of implicating : the state of being implicated b : close connection especially : an incriminating involvement
2 a : the act of implying : the state of being implied b (1) : a logical relation between two propositions that fails to hold only if the first is true and the second is false ― see TRUTH TABLE table (2) : a logical relationship between two propositions in which if the first is true the second is true (3) : a statement exhibiting a relation of implication
3 : something implied: as a : SUGGESTION b : a possible significance <the book has political implications>
–im·pli·ca·tive \'im-plə-ˌkā-tiv, im-'pli-kə-\ adjective
–im·pli·ca·tive·ly adverb
–im·pli·ca·tive·ness noun

implicit
adj. 1 a : capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed : IMPLIED <an implicit assumption> b : involved in the nature or essence of something though not revealed, expressed, or developed : POTENTIAL <a sculptor may see different figures implicit in a block of stone ― John Dewey> c of a mathematical function : defined by an expression in which the dependent variable and the one or more independent variables are not separated on opposite sides of an equation ― compare EXPLICIT 4
2 : being without doubt or reserve : UNQUESTIONING <an implicit trust>
–im·plic·it·ly adverb
–im·plic·it·ness noun

implicit differentiation
: the process of finding the derivative of a dependent variable in an implicit function by differentiating each term separately, by expressing the derivative of the dependent variable as a symbol, and by solving the resulting expression for the symbol

implode
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to burst inward <a blow causing a vacuum tube to implode> b : to undergo violent compression <massive stars which implode>
2 : to collapse inward as if from external pressure also : to become greatly reduced as if from collapsing
3 : to break down or fall apart from within : SELF-DESTRUCT <the firm⋯imploded from greed and factionalism ― Jan Hoffman>
transitive verb : to cause to implode

implore
v. 1 : to call upon in supplication : BESEECH
2 : to call or pray for earnestly : ENTREAT <implored the crowd to be quiet>
synonyms see BEG
–im·plor·ing·ly adverb

implosion
n. 1 : the inrush of air in forming a suction stop
2 : the action of imploding
3 : the act or action of bringing to or as if to a center also : INTEGRATION <this implosion of cultures makes realistic for the first time the age-old vision of a world culture ― Kenneth Keniston>
–im·plo·sive \-'plō-siv, -ziv\ adjective or noun

imply
v. 1 obsolete : ENFOLD, ENTWINE
2 : to involve or indicate by inference, association, or necessary consequence rather than by direct statement <rights imply obligations>
3 : to contain potentially
4 : to express indirectly <his silence implied consent>
synonyms see SUGGEST
usage see INFER

impolite
adj. : not polite : RUDE
–im·po·lite·ly adverb
–im·po·lite·ness noun

impolitic
adj. : not politic : UNWISE
–im·po·lit·i·cal \-pə-'li-ti-kəl\ adjective
–im·po·lit·i·cal·ly \-'li-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–im·pol·i·tic·ly \-'pä-lə-ˌti-klē\ adverb

imponderable
n. : not ponderable : incapable of being weighed or evaluated with exactness <the imponderable beauties of Beethoven's⋯sonatas ― Cecelia Porter>
–im·pon·der·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌpän-d(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–imponderable noun
–im·pon·der·a·bly \-'pän-d(ə-)rə-blē\ adverb

impone
obsolete : WAGER, BET

import
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bear or convey as meaning or portent : SIGNIFY b archaic : EXPRESS, STATE c : IMPLY
2 : to bring from a foreign or external source: as a : to bring (as merchandise) into a place or country from another country b : to transfer (as files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file
3 archaic : to be of importance to : CONCERN
intransitive verb : to be of consequence : MATTER
–im·port·able \im-'pȯr-tə-bəl, 'im-ˌ\ adjective
–im·port·er noun

import
n. 1 : IMPORTANCE especially : relative importance <it is hard to judge the import of this decision>
2 : PURPORT, SIGNIFICATION
3 : something that is imported
4 : IMPORTATION

importance
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being important : CONSEQUENCE b : an important aspect or bearing : SIGNIFICANCE
2 obsolete : IMPORT, MEANING
3 obsolete : IMPORTUNITY
4 obsolete : a weighty matter
synonyms IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE, MOMENT, WEIGHT, SIGNIFICANCE mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. IMPORTANCE implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone <a region with no cities of importance>. CONSEQUENCE generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects <the style you choose is of little consequence>. MOMENT implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence <a decision of great moment>. WEIGHT implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something <the argument carried no weight with the judge>. SIGNIFICANCE implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized <the treaty's significance>.

importancy
archaic : IMPORTANCE

important
adj. 1 : marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship
2 obsolete : IMPORTUNATE, URGENT
3 : giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance
usage see IMPORTANTLY

importantly
adv. 1 : in an important way <contributed importantly to the language of the field ― Ernst Mayr> <cleared his throat importantly and waited ― E. K. Gann> <the real story is importantly different ― Alexander Woollcott>
2 : it is important that <more importantly he stands a chance of having his publication barred ― H. L. Mencken>
usage A number of commentators have objected to importantly as a sentence modifier (sense 2) and have recommended important instead. Actually both the adverb and the adjective are in reputable standard use in this function. Important is always used with more or most <had bronze weapons and composite bows; more important, they utilized the horse and war chariot ― Harry A. Gailey, Jr.> <second and most important, the book contains no important woman character ― F. Scott Fitzgerald>. Importantly is somewhat more flexible in not requiring more or most <sticks and, just as importantly, unsticks easily ― Phoebe Hawkins> <importantly, the leaven in the mixture is quality ― George O'Brien>.

importation
n. 1 : the act or practice of importing
2 : something imported

imported cabbage worm
: a small European white butterfly (Pieris rapae) introduced into temperate regions worldwide also : its green larva that is a pest of cruciferous plants and especially cabbage

imported fire ant
: either of two mound-building So. American fire ants (Solenopsis richteri and S. invicta) introduced into the southeastern U.S. that are agricultural pests and can produce stings requiring medical attention

importunate
adj. 1 : troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand <importunate creditors>
2 : TROUBLESOME
–im·por·tu·nate·ly adverb
–im·por·tu·nate·ness noun

importune
v. : IMPORTUNATE
–im·por·tune·ly adverb

importune
v. transitive verb
1 a : to press or urge with troublesome persistence b archaic : to request or beg for urgently
2 : ANNOY, TROUBLE
intransitive verb : to beg, urge, or solicit persistently or troublesomely
synonyms see BEG
–im·por·tun·er noun

importunity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being importunate
2 : an importunate request or demand

impose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to establish or apply by authority <impose a tax> <impose new restrictions> <impose penalties> b : to establish or bring about as if by force <those limits imposed by our own inadequacies ― C. H. Plimpton>
2 a : PLACE, SET b : to arrange (as pages) in the proper order for printing
3 : PASS OFF <impose fake antiques on the public>
4 : to force into the company or on the attention of another <impose oneself on others>
intransitive verb : to take unwarranted advantage of something <imposed on his good nature>
–im·pos·er noun

imposing
n. : impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur
synonyms see GRAND
–im·pos·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

imposition
n. 1 : something imposed: as a : LEVY, TAX b : an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden
2 : the act of imposing
3 : DECEPTION
4 : the order of arrangement of imposed pages

impossibility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being impossible
2 : something impossible

impossible
adj. 1 a : incapable of being or of occurring b : felt to be incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled : insuperably difficult <an impossible deadline>
2 a : extremely undesirable : UNACCEPTABLE b : extremely awkward or difficult to deal with <the actor was impossible on the set>
–im·pos·si·ble·ness noun

impossibly
adv. 1 : not possibly
2 : to an improbable degree : UNBELIEVABLY <an impossibly green lawn>

impost
n. : something imposed or levied : TAX

impost
n. : a block, capital, or molding from which an arch springs ― see ARCH illustration

impostor
n. : one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception

impostume
archaic : ABSCESS

imposture
n. 1 : the act or practice of deceiving by means of an assumed character or name
2 : an instance of imposture
synonyms IMPOSTURE, FRAUD, SHAM, FAKE, HUMBUG, COUNTERFEIT mean a thing made to seem other than it is. IMPOSTURE applies to any situation in which a spurious object or performance is passed off as genuine <their claim of environmental concern is an imposture>. FRAUD usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth <the diary was exposed as a fraud>. SHAM applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action <condemned the election as a sham>. FAKE implies an imitation of or substitution for the genuine but does not necessarily imply dishonesty <these jewels are fakes; the real ones are in the vault>. HUMBUG suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent <creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public>. COUNTERFEIT applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable <20-dollar bills that were counterfeits>.

impotence
n. : the quality or state of being impotent

impotency
n. : IMPOTENCE

impotent
adj. 1 a : not potent : lacking in power, strength, or vigor : HELPLESS b : unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection broadly : STERILE
2 obsolete : incapable of self-restraint : UNGOVERNABLE
–impotent noun
–im·po·tent·ly adverb

impound
v. 1 a : to shut up in or as if in a pound : CONFINE b : to seize and hold in the custody of the law c : to take possession of <she was dismissed and her manuscript impounded ― Jonathan Weiner>
2 : to collect and confine (water) in or as if in a reservoir

impoundment
n. 1 : the act of impounding : the state of being impounded
2 : a body of water formed by impounding

impoverish
v. 1 : to make poor
2 : to deprive of strength, richness, or fertility by depleting or draining of something essential
synonyms see DEPLETE
–im·pov·er·ish·er noun
–im·pov·er·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

impoverished
adj. of a fauna or flora : represented by few species or individuals

impracticable
adj. 1 : IMPASSABLE <an impracticable road>
2 : not practicable : incapable of being performed or accomplished by the means employed or at command <an impracticable proposal>
–im·prac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌprak-ti-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·prac·ti·ca·bly \-'prak-ti-kə-blē\ adverb

impractical
adj. : not practical: as a : not wise to put into or keep in practice or effect b : incapable of dealing sensibly or prudently with practical matters c : IMPRACTICABLE d : IDEALISTIC
–im·prac·ti·cal·i·ty \-ˌprak-ti-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–im·prac·ti·cal·ly \-'prak-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

imprecate
v. transitive verb : to invoke evil on : CURSE
intransitive verb : to utter curses

imprecation
n. 1 : CURSE
2 : the act of imprecating
–im·pre·ca·to·ry \'im-pri-kə-ˌtȯr-ē, im-'pre-kə-\ adjective

imprecise
adj. : not precise : INEXACT, VAGUE <an imprecise estimate>
–im·pre·cise·ly adverb
–im·pre·cise·ness noun
–im·pre·ci·sion \-'si-zhən\ noun

impregnable
adj. 1 : incapable of being taken by assault : UNCONQUERABLE <an impregnable fortress>
2 : UNASSAILABLE also : IMPENETRABLE <impregnable walls>
–im·preg·na·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpreg-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·preg·na·ble·ness \im-'preg-nə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–im·preg·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

impregnant
: a substance used for impregnating another substance

impregnate
1 a : to cause to be filled, imbued, permeated, or saturated <impregnate wood with varnish> b : to permeate thoroughly
2 : to make pregnant : FERTILIZE
synonyms see SOAK
–im·preg·na·tion \(ˌ)im-ˌpreg-'nā-shən\ noun
–im·preg·na·tor \im-'preg-ˌnā-tər, 'im-ˌ\ noun

impregnate
adj. : being filled or saturated

impresa
: a device with a motto used in the 16th and 17th centuries broadly : EMBLEM

impresario
n. 1 : the promoter, manager, or conductor of an opera or concert company
2 : a person who puts on or sponsors an entertainment (as a television show or sports event)
3 : MANAGER, DIRECTOR

impress
v. transitive verb
1 a : to apply with pressure so as to imprint b : to produce (as a mark) by pressure c : to mark by or as if by pressure or stamping
2 a : to produce a vivid impression of b : to affect especially forcibly or deeply : gain the admiration or interest of <her honesty impressed us>
3 : TRANSFER, TRANSMIT
intransitive verb : to produce an impression
synonyms see AFFECT
–im·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·press·ible \-'pre-sə-bəl\ adjective

impress
v. 1 : a characteristic or distinctive mark : STAMP <the impress of a fresh and vital intelligence is stamped⋯in his work ― Lytton Strachey>
2 : IMPRESSION, EFFECT <have an impress on history>
3 : the act of impressing
4 a : a mark made by pressure : IMPRINT b : an image of something formed by or as if by pressure especially : SEAL c : a product of pressure or influence

impress
v. 1 : to levy or take by force for public service especially : to force into naval service
2 a : to procure or enlist by forcible persuasion b : FORCE <impressed him into a white coat for the Christmas festivities ― Nancy Hale>

impress
v. : IMPRESSMENT

impression
n. 1 a : a characteristic, trait, or feature resulting from some influence <the impression on behavior produced by the social milieu> b : an effect of alteration or improvement <the settlement left little impression on the wilderness> c : a telling image impressed on the senses or the mind
2 : the effect produced by impressing: as a : a stamp, form, or figure resulting from physical contact b : an imprint of the teeth and adjacent portions of the jaw for use in dentistry c : an especially marked and often favorable influence or effect on feeling, sense, or mind
3 : the act of impressing: as a : an affecting by stamping or pressing b : a communicating of a mold, trait, or character by an external force or influence
4 a : the amount of pressure with which an inked printing surface deposits its ink on the paper b : one instance of the meeting of a printing surface and the material being printed also : a single print or copy so made c : all the copies (as of a book) printed in one continuous operation from a single makeready
5 : an often indistinct or imprecise notion or remembrance
6 a : the first coat of color in painting b : a coat of paint for ornament or preservation
7 : an imitation or representation of salient features in an artistic or theatrical medium especially : an imitation in caricature of a noted personality as a form of theatrical entertainment
synonyms see IDEA

impressionable
adj. : capable of being easily impressed
–im·pres·sion·abil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sh(ə-)nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

impressionism
n. 1 often capitalized : a theory or practice in painting especially among French painters of about 1870 of depicting the natural appearances of objects by means of dabs or strokes of primary unmixed colors in order to simulate actual reflected light
2 a : the depiction (as in literature) of scene, emotion, or character by details intended to achieve a vividness or effectiveness more by evoking subjective and sensory impressions than by recreating an objective reality b : a style of musical composition designed to create subtle moods and impressions

impressionist
n. 1 often capitalized : one (as a painter) who practices or adheres to the theories of impressionism
2 : an entertainer who does impressions

impressionistic
adj. 1 or im·pres·sion·ist \im-'pre-sh(ə-)nist\ often capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting impressionism
2 : based on or involving impression as distinct from expertise or fact <intuitions and impressionistic anecdotal accounts ― Sidney Hook>
–im·pres·sion·is·ti·cal·ly \(ˌ)im-ˌpre-shə-'nis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

impressive
adj. : making or tending to make a marked impression : having the power to excite attention, awe, or admiration <an impressive display of skill>
synonyms see MOVING
–im·pres·sive·ly adverb
–im·pres·sive·ness noun

impressment
n. : the act of seizing for public use or of impressing into public service

impressure
n. archaic : a mark made by pressure : IMPRESSION

imprest
n. : a loan or advance of money

imprimatur
n. 1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : SANCTION, APPROVAL b : IMPRINT c : a mark of approval or distinction

imprimis
adv. : in the first place ― used to introduce a list of items or considerations

imprint
n. transitive verb
1 : to mark by or as if by pressure : IMPRESS
2 a : to fix indelibly or permanently (as on the memory) b : to subject to or induce by imprinting <an imprinted preference>
intransitive verb : to undergo imprinting
–im·print·er \-'prin-tər, -ˌprin-\ noun

imprint
n. : something imprinted or printed: as a : a mark or depression made by pressure <the fossil imprint of a dinosaur's foot> b : an identifying name (as of a publisher) placed conspicuously on a product also : the name under which a publisher issues books c : an indelible distinguishing effect or influence

imprinting
n. : a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (as a goose) and establishes a behavior pattern (as recognition of and attraction to its own kind or a substitute)

imprison
v. : to put in or as if in prison : CONFINE
–im·pris·on·ment \-mənt\ noun

improbable
adj. : unlikely to be true or to occur also : unlikely but real or true
–im·prob·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌprä-bə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·prob·a·bly \-'prä-bə-blē, -'präb-blē\ adverb

impromptu
n. 1 : something that is impromptu
2 : a musical composition suggesting improvisation

impromptu
n. 1 : made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : IMPROVISED
2 : composed or uttered without previous preparation : EXTEMPORANEOUS
–impromptu adverb

improper
adj. : not proper: as a : not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : INCORRECT <improper inference> b : not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called c : not suited to the circumstances, design, or end <improper medicine> d : not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste <improper language>
synonyms see INDECOROUS
–im·prop·er·ly adverb
–im·prop·er·ness noun

improper fraction
: a fraction whose numerator is equal to, larger than, or of equal or higher degree than the denominator

improper integral
: a definite integral whose region of integration is unbounded or includes a point at which the integrand is undefined or tends to infinity

impropriety
n. 1 : an improper or indecorous act or remark especially : an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2 : the quality or state of being improper

improv
n. : of, relating to, or being improvisation and especially an improvised comedy routine
–improv noun

improve
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : EMPLOY, USE
2 a : to enhance in value or quality : make better b : to increase the value of (land or property) by making it more useful for humans (as by cultivation or the erection of buildings) c : to grade and drain (a road) and apply surfacing material other than pavement
3 : to use to good purpose
intransitive verb
1 : to advance or make progress in what is desirable
2 : to make useful additions or amendments
–im·prov·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌprü-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·prov·able \-'prü-və-bəl\ adjective
–im·prov·er noun
synonyms IMPROVE, BETTER, HELP, AMELIORATE mean to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard. IMPROVE and BETTER are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad <measures to further improve the quality of medical care> <immigrants hoping to better their lot>. HELP implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement <a coat of paint would help that house>. AMELIORATE implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure <tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements>.

improvement
n. 1 : the act or process of improving
2 a : the state of being improved especially : enhanced value or excellence b : an instance of such improvement : something that enhances value or excellence

improvidence
n. : the quality or state of being improvident

improvident
adj. : not provident : not foreseeing and providing for the future
–im·prov·i·dent·ly adverb

improvisation
n. 1 : the act or art of improvising
2 : something (as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised
–im·pro·vi·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–im·pro·vi·sa·tion·al·ly adverb

improvisator
n. : one that improvises
–im·prov·i·sa·to·ri·al \(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-zə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–im·pro·vi·sa·to·ry \im-'prä-və-zə-ˌtȯr-ē, ˌim-prə-'vī-zə-\ adjective

improvisatore
: one that improvises (as verse) usually extemporaneously

improvise
v. transitive verb
1 : to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
2 : to make, invent, or arrange offhand
3 : to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand <improvise a meal>
intransitive verb : to improvise something
–im·pro·vis·er or im·pro·vi·sor \-ˌvī-zər, -'vī-\ noun

imprudence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being imprudent
2 : an imprudent act

imprudent
adj. : not prudent : lacking discretion, wisdom, or good judgment <an imprudent investor>
–im·pru·dent·ly adverb

impudence
n. : the quality or state of being impudent

impudent
adj. 1 obsolete : lacking modesty
2 : marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others : INSOLENT
–im·pu·dent·ly adverb

impugn
v. 1 : to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity <impugned the defendant's character>
2 obsolete a : ASSAIL b : RESIST
–im·pugn·able \-'pyü-nə-bəl\ adjective
–im·pugn·er \-nər\ noun

impuissance
n. : WEAKNESS, POWERLESSNESS

impuissant
adj. : WEAK, POWERLESS

impulse
n. : to give an impulse to

impulse
n. 1 a : INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION b : a force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly c : INCENTIVE
2 a : the act of driving onward with sudden force : IMPULSION b : motion produced by such an impulsion : IMPETUS c : a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition
3 a : a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action b : a propensity or natural tendency usually other than rational
4 a : the product of the average value of a force and the time during which it acts : the change in momentum produced by the force b : PULSE 4A
synonyms see MOTIVE

impulse
n. nerve impulse
nervous impulse
specific impulse

impulsion
n. 1 a : the act of impelling : the state of being impelled b : an impelling force c : an onward tendency derived from an impulsion
2 : IMPULSE 3A
3 : COMPULSION 2

impulsive
adj. 1 : having the power of or actually driving or impelling
2 a : arising from an impulse <an impulsive decision> b : prone to act on impulse <an impulsive young man>
3 : acting momentarily
synonyms see SPONTANEOUS
–im·pul·sive·ly adverb
–im·pul·sive·ness noun
–im·pul·siv·i·ty \-ˌpəl-'si-və-tē\ noun

impunity
n. : exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss <laws were flouted with impunity>

impure
adj. : not pure: as a : LEWD, UNCHASTE b : containing something unclean : FOUL <impure water> c : ritually unclean d : mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance <an impure chemical>
–im·pure·ly adverb
–im·pure·ness noun

impurity
n. 1 : something that is impure or makes something else impure <removing impurities from water>
2 : the quality or state of being impure

imputation
n. 1 : the act of imputing: as a : ATTRIBUTION, ASCRIPTION b : ACCUSATION <denied any imputation of unfairness> c : INSINUATION
2 : something imputed
–im·pu·ta·tive \im-'pyü-tə-tiv\ adjective
–im·pu·ta·tive·ly adverb

impute
v. 1 : to lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly
2 : to credit to a person or a cause : ATTRIBUTE <our vices as well as our virtues have been imputed to bodily derangement ― B. N. Cardozo>
synonyms see ASCRIBE
–im·put·abil·i·ty \-ˌpyü-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–im·put·able \-'pyü-tə-bəl\ adjective

Imroz
― see GÖKÇEADA

IN
n. Indiana

In
n. indium

in
n. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits <in the lake> <wounded in the leg> <in the summer> b : INTO 1 <went in the house>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality <written in pencil> <bound in leather>
3 a ― used as a function word to indicate limitation, qualification, or circumstance <alike in some respects> <left in a hurry> b : INTO 2A <broke in pieces>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate purpose <said in reply>
5 ― used as a function word to indicate the larger member of a ratio <one in six is eligible>

in
n. 1 a : neutral chemical compound <insulin> b : enzyme <pancreatin> c : antibiotic <penicillin>
2 : 2-INE 1A B <epinephrin>
3 : pharmaceutical product <niacin>

in
n. : organized public protest by means of or in favor of : demonstration <teach-in> <love-in>

in
n. 1 a (1) : to or toward the inside especially of a house or other building <come in> (2) : to or toward some destination or particular place <flew in on the first plane> (3) : at close quarters : NEAR <play close in> b : so as to incorporate <mix in the flour> ― often used in combination <built-in bookcases> c : to or at an appropriate place <fit a piece in>
2 a : within a particular place especially : within the customary place of residence or business <the doctor is in> b : in the position of participant, insider, or officeholder ― often used with on <in on the joke> c (1) : on good terms (2) : in a specified relation <in bad with the boss> (3) : in a position of assured or definitive success d : in vogue or season e of an oil well : in production f : in one's presence, possession, or control <after the crops are in> g : from a condition of indistinguishability to one of clarity <fade in>
–in for : certain to experience <in for a rude awakening>

in
n. 1 a : that is located inside or within <the in part> b : that is in position, operation, or power <the in party> c : INSIDE 2
2 : that is directed or bound inward : INCOMING <the in train>
3 a : extremely fashionable <the in thing to do> b : keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable <the in crowd>

in
n. 1 : one who is in office or power or on the inside <a matter of ins versus outs>
2 : INFLUENCE, PULL <enjoyed some sort of in with the commandant ― Henriette Roosenburg>

in
n. 1 inch
2 inlet

in
n. : not : NON-, UN- ― usually il- before l <illogical>, im- before b, m, or p <imbalance> <immoral> <impractical>, ir- before r <irreducible>, and in- before other sounds <inconclusive>

in
n. 1 : in : within : into : toward : on ― usually il- before l <illuviation>, im- before b, m, or p <immingle>, ir- before r <irradiance>, and in- before other sounds <infiltrate>
2 : 1EN- <imbrute> <imperil> <inspirit>

in a bind
in trouble

in a breeze
EASILY

in a hurry
without delay : as rapidly as possible <the police got there in a hurry>

in a nutshell
in a very brief statement

in a row
one after another : SUCCESSIVELY

in a way

1 : within limits : with reservations
2 : from one point of view

in a word
in short

in absentia
: in absence <gave him the award in absentia>

in actuality
in actual fact

in addition
2BESIDES, ALSO

in addition to
combined or associated with : 1BESIDES 2

in advance

1 : to, toward, or in a place or position ahead <sent scouts out in advance>
2 : before a deadline or an anticipated event <made reservations in advance>

in advance of
AHEAD OF

in aeternum
: forever

in all conscience
or in conscience : in all fairness

in any case
without regard to or in spite of other considerations : whatever else is done or is the case <war is inevitable in any case> <in any case the report will be made public next month>

in any event
in any case

in back of
BEHIND

in ballast
of a ship : having only ballast for a load

in bed
in the act of sexual intercourse

in between
: BETWEEN

in brief
in a few words : BRIEFLY

in bulk

1 : not divided into parts or packaged in separate units
2 : in large quantities

in calf
PREGNANT ― used of a cow

in camera
: in private : SECRETLY

in case
as a precaution <took an umbrella, just in case>

in case
1 : IF <in case we are surprised, keep by me ― Washington Irving>
2 : as a precaution against the event that <carries a gun in case he is attacked>

in case of
in the event of <in case of trouble, yell>

in chancery

1 : in litigation in a court of chancery also : under the superintendence of the lord chancellor <a ward in chancery>
2 : in a hopeless predicament

in character
in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <behaving in character>

in charge
having control or custody of something <he is in charge of the training program>

in check
under restraint or control <trying to keep his emotions in check>

in chief
in the chief position or place ― often used in titles <commander in chief>

in chorus
in unison <answering in chorus>

in clover
also in the clover : in prosperity or in pleasant circumstances

in cold blood
with premeditation : DELIBERATELY <was killed in cold blood>

in commission
or into commission
1 : under the authority of commissioners
2 of a ship : ready for active service
3 : in use or in condition for use

in common
shared together <has a lot in common with his neighbors>

in concert
TOGETHER <acting in concert with others>

in consequence
as a result

in consideration of
as payment or recompense for <a small fee in consideration of many kind services>

in deep doo-doo
in trouble

in deep water
in difficulty or distress

in default of
in the absence of

in deference to
in consideration of <returned early in deference to her parents' wishes>

in defiance of
contrary to : DESPITE <seemingly in defiance of the laws of physics>

in denial
refusing to admit the truth or reality of something unpleasant <a patient in denial about his health problems>

in despite of
in spite of

in detail
with all the particulars <explained the job in detail>

in dubio
: in doubt : undetermined

in due course
after a normal passage of time : in the expected or allotted time <his discoveries led in due course to new forms of treatment>

in effect
in substance : VIRTUALLY <the⋯committee agreed to what was in effect a reduction in the hourly wage ― Current Biog.>

in effigy
publicly in the form of an effigy <the football coach was burned in effigy>

in escrow
in trust as an escrow <had $1000 in escrow to pay taxes>

in especial
in particular

in essence
in or by its very nature : ESSENTIALLY, BASICALLY <was in essence an honest person>

in evidence

1 : to be seen : CONSPICUOUS <trim lawns⋯are everywhere in evidence ― American Guide Series: N.C.>
2 : as evidence

in excelsis
: in the highest degree

in excess of
to an amount or degree beyond : OVER

in exchange
as a substitute

in extenso
: at full length <the passage was quoted in extenso>

in extremis
: in extreme circumstances especially : at the point of death

in fact
in truth

in favor of

1 a : in accord or sympathy with b : to the benefit of : in support of <a verdict in favor of the accused>
2 : to the order of
3 : in order to choose : out of preference for <turned down the scholarship in favor of a pro career>

in fee
in absolute and legal possession

in fine
in short

in flagrante
: IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO

in flagrante delicto
1 : in the very act of committing a misdeed : RED-HANDED
2 : in the midst of sexual activity

in foal
PREGNANT 4

in focus
having or giving the proper sharpness of outline due to good focusing

in for
certain to experience <in for a rude awakening>

in force

1 : in great numbers <picnickers were out in force>
2 : VALID, OPERATIVE <the ban remains in force>

in forma pauperis
: as a poor person

in front of
directly before or ahead of

in full

1 : to the requisite or complete amount <paid in full>
2 : to the fullest extent : COMPLETELY <read the book in full>

in futuro
: in the future

in general
for the most part : GENERALLY

in good with
in a favored position with

in half
into two equal or nearly equal parts

in hand

1 : in one's possession or control <had matters well in hand> <with money in hand>
2 : in preparation
3 : under consideration

in hoc signo vinces
: by this sign (the Cross) you will conquer

in itself
in its own nature : INTRINSICALLY <was not in itself bad>

in jig time
in a short time : QUICKLY

in lieu
INSTEAD

in lieu of
in the place of : instead of

in limine
: on the threshold : at the beginning

in line for
due or in a position to receive

in little
on a small scale especially : in miniature

in lockstep
in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison <politicians marching in lockstep with the party line>

in loco parentis
: in the place of a parent <school officials acting in loco parentis>

in loco parentis
: regulation or supervision by an administrative body (as at a university) acting in loco parentis

in love
inspired by affection

in medias res
: in or into the middle of a narrative or plot

in memoriam
: in memory of ― used especially in epitaphs

in microcosm
in a greatly diminished size, form, or scale

in miniature
in a greatly diminished size, form, or scale

in motion
of an offensive football player : running parallel to the line of scrimmage before the snap

in no time
very quickly or soon

in omnia paratus
: ready for all things

in one breath
or in the same breath : almost simultaneously

in one ear and out the other
through one's mind without making an impression <everything you say to him goes in one ear and out the other>

in one's blood
ingrained in one's nature : occurring as an innate or seemingly hereditary principle, inclination, or talent <with two parents who are painters, art is in her blood>

in one's book
in one's own opinion

in one's cups
DRUNK

in one's face
directly and aggressively in one's presence <dunked the ball in his face> ― often used with get to describe aggressively confrontational speech or behavior <his boss got in his face about being late>

in one's favor

1 : in one's good graces
2 : to one's advantage <the odds were in my favor>

in one's good books
in favor with one

in one's hair
persistently and annoyingly in one's presence <can't work with you in my hair all day>

in one's own right
by virtue of one's own qualifications or properties

in one's pocket
in one's control or possession

in one's shirtsleeves
or in shirtsleeves : wearing a shirt but no coat

in one's stocking feet
with the feet in stockings but not shoes

in one's tracks
where one stands or is at the moment : on the spot <was stopped in his tracks>

in one's way
also in the way
1 : in a position to be encountered by one : in or along one's course <an opportunity had been put in my way ― Ellen Glasgow>
2 : in a position to hinder or obstruct

in order
APPROPRIATE, DESIRABLE <an apology is in order>

in order that
: THAT 2A(1)

in order to
for the purpose of

in parallel
in a parallel arrangement

in part
in some degree : PARTIALLY

in partibus infidelium
: in the regions of the infidels ― used of a titular bishop having no diocesan jurisdiction, usually in non-Christian countries

in particular
in distinction from others : SPECIFICALLY

in passing
by the way : INCIDENTALLY

in person
in one's bodily presence <the movie star appeared in person>

in personam
: against a person for the purpose of imposing a liability or obligation ― used especially of legal actions, judgments, or jurisdiction ― compare IN REM

in petto
1 : in private : SECRETLY
2 : in miniature

in phase
in a synchronized or correlated manner

in place

1 also into place a : in an original or proper position b : established, instituted, or operational <systems in place>
2 : in the same spot without forward or backward movement <run in place>

in place of
as a substitute or replacement for : INSTEAD OF

in play
in condition or position to be legitimately played

in pocket

1 : provided with funds
2 : in the position of having made a profit

in point of
with regard to : in the matter of <in point of law> <in point of fact>

in praesenti
: at the present time

in principle
with respect to fundamentals <prepared to accept the proposition in principle>

in print
procurable from the publisher

in private
not openly or in public

in progress
going on : OCCURRING

in proportion
PROPORTIONAL 1

in propria persona
: in one's own person or character : PERSONALLY especially : without the assistance of an attorney

in prospect
possible or likely for the future

in re
: in the matter of : CONCERNING, RE ― often used in the title or name of a law case

in reality
in actual fact

in reason
RIGHTLY, JUSTIFIABLY

in regard to
with respect to : CONCERNING

in rem
: against a thing (as a right, status, or property) ― used especially of legal actions, judgments, or jurisdiction ― compare IN PERSONAM

in reserve
held back for future or special use

in residence
engaged to live and work at a particular place often for a specified time <poet in residence at a university>

in respect of
chiefly British : with respect to : CONCERNING

in respect to
with respect to : CONCERNING

in retrospect
in considering the past or a past event

in return
in reciprocation, compensation, or repayment

in reverse
in an opposite manner or direction

in saecula saeculorum
: for ages of ages : forever and ever

in season

1 : at the right time
2 : at the stage of greatest fitness (as for eating) <peaches are in season>
3 : legally available to be hunted or caught

in secret
in a private place or manner

in series
in a serial or series arrangement

in shape
in an original, normal, or fit condition <exercises to keep in shape>

in short
by way of summary : BRIEFLY

in short order
with dispatch : QUICKLY

in sight
at or within a reasonable distance or time

in situ
: in the natural or original position or place <an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct>

in so many words

1 : in exactly those terms <implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words>
2 : in plain forthright language <in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen ― Jean Stafford>

in spades
to an unusually great degree : in the extreme

in specie
in the same or like form or kind <ready to return insult in specie> also : in coin

in spite of
in defiance or contempt of : without being prevented by <succeeded in spite of their opposition>

in statu quo
: in the former or same state

in statu quo ante bellum
: in the same state as before the war

in step

1 : with each foot moving to the same time as the corresponding foot of others or in time to music
2 : in harmony or agreement

in stitches
in a state of uncontrollable laughter <he had us all in stitches>

in stock
on hand : in the store and ready for delivery

in stone
in or into a permanent and unchangeable state <plans are not set in stone>

in store
in readiness : in preparation <there's a surprise in store for you>

in stride

1 : without interference with regular activities
2 : without emotional reaction <took the news in stride>

in substance
in respect to essentials : FUNDAMENTALLY

in sum
in short : BRIEFLY

in tandem

1 : in a tandem arrangement
2 : in partnership or conjunction

in terms of
with respect to or in relation to <thinks of everything in terms of money>

in the aggregate
considered as a whole : COLLECTIVELY <dividends for the year amounted in the aggregate to 25 million dollars>

in the air
in wide circulation : ABOUT

in the bag

1 : SURE, CERTAIN <her nomination was in the bag> also : assured of a successful conclusion : sewn up <have the game in the bag>
2 slang : DRUNK 1A

in the balance
or in balance : with the fate or outcome about to be determined <our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision>

in the ballpark
approximately correct <my first guess wasn't even in the ballpark>

in the blink of an eye
in an instant

in the bud
in an early stage of development <nipped the rebellion in the bud>

in the can
of a film or videotape : completed and ready for release

in the cards
also on the cards : INEVITABLE <success just wasn't in the cards for her>

in the clear

1 : in inside measurement
2 : free from guilt or suspicion
3 : in plaintext : not in code or cipher <a message sent in the clear>

in the dark

1 : in secrecy <most of his dealings were done in the dark>
2 : in ignorance <kept the public in the dark about the agreement>

in the dock
on trial

in the end
AFTER ALL, ULTIMATELY <will surely succeed in the end>

in the event
chiefly British : as it turns out

in the extreme
to the greatest possible extent

in the face of
also in face of : face-to-face with : DESPITE <fearless in the face of danger>

in the flesh
in person and alive

in the fullness of time
at some point : EVENTUALLY

in the grease
of wool or fur : in the natural uncleaned condition

in the hole

1 : having a score below zero
2 : at a disadvantage

in the know
in possession of exclusive knowledge or information broadly : WELL-INFORMED

in the large
on a large scale : in general

in the light of

1 : from the point of view of
2 or in light of : in view of <in light of their findings, new procedures were established>

in the lurch
in a vulnerable and unsupported position

in the market
in the position of being a potential buyer <in the market for a house>

in the name of

1 : by authority of <open in the name of the law>
2 : for the reason of : using the excuse of <called for reforms in the name of progress>

in the pink
in the best of health or condition

in the raw

1 : in a natural, unrefined, or crude state
2 : NAKED <slept in the raw>

in the round

1 : in full sculptured form unattached to a background
2 : with an inclusive or comprehensive view or representation
3 : with a center stage surrounded by an audience <a play presented in the round>

in the running

1 : competing in a contest
2 : having a chance to win a contest

in the saddle
in control

in the same boat
in the same situation or predicament

in the sun
in the public eye

in the tank
or into the tank : in or into a decline or slump <the sullen student's grades went into the tank>

in the teeth of

1 : in or into direct contact or collision with <sailing in the teeth of a hurricane ― Current Biog.>
2 : in direct opposition to <rule had⋯been imposed by conquest in the teeth of obstinate resistance ― A. J. Toynbee>

in the wake of

1 : close behind and in the same path of travel <missionaries arrived in the wake of conquistadors and soldiers ― Sabine MacCormack>
2 : as a result of : as a consequence of <power vacuums left in the wake of the second world war ― A. M. Schlesinger b1917>

in the wind
about to happen : ASTIR, AFOOT <change is in the wind>

in the wings

1 : out of sight in the stage wings
2 : close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings>

in the woodpile
doing or responsible for covert mischief

in the works
in process of preparation, development, or completion

in the world
among innumerable possibilities : EVER ― used as an intensive <what in the world is it>

in time

1 : sufficiently early
2 : EVENTUALLY
3 : in correct tempo <learn to play in time>

in toto
: TOTALLY, ENTIRELY

in tow

1 : under guidance or protection <taken in tow by a friendly native>
2 : accompanying or following usually as an attending or dependent party <not easy shopping with kids in tow>

in trust
in the care or possession of a trustee

in truth
in accordance with fact : ACTUALLY

in turn
in due order of succession

in unison

1 : in perfect agreement : so as to harmonize exactly <a class reciting in unison>
2 : at the same time : SIMULTANEOUSLY

in usum Delphini
: for the use of the Dauphin : expurgated

in utero
: in the uterus : before birth <a disease acquired in utero> <an in utero diagnosis>

in utrumque paratus
: prepared for either (event)

in vacuo
: in a vacuum

in vain

1 : to no end : without success or result <her efforts were in vain>
2 : in an irreverent or blasphemous manner <you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain ― Deut 5:11 (RSV)>

in view of
in regard to : in consideration of

in vino veritas
: there is truth in wine

in vitro
: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

in vitro fertilization
: fertilization of an egg in a laboratory dish or test tube specifically : fertilization by mixing sperm with eggs surgically removed from an ovary followed by uterine implantation of one or more of the resulting fertilized eggs ― abbreviation IVF

in vivo
: in the living body of a plant or animal

in whole
to the full or entire extent : WHOLLY ― usually used in the phrase in whole or in part

in work

1 : in process of being done
2 of a horse : in training

in-and-in
: in repeated generations of the same or closely related stock <families⋯of one blood through mating or marrying in-and-in ― F. H. Giddings> <in-and-in breeding>

in-between
: INTERMEDIATE

in-box
: a box or tray (as on a desk) for holding incoming interoffice mail also : a computer folder devoted to incoming e-mail

in-depth
: COMPREHENSIVE, THOROUGH <an in-depth study>

in-flight
: made, carried out, or provided for use or enjoyment while in flight <in-flight movies>

in-group
1 : a group with which one feels a sense of solidarity or community of interests ― compare OUT-GROUP
2 : CLIQUE

in-house
: existing, originating, or carried on within a group or organization or its facilities : not outside <an in-house publication> <a company's in-house staff>
–in-house adverb

in-joke
: a joke for or about a select group of people

in-kind
: consisting of something (as goods or commodities) other than money <in-kind relief for the poor>

in-law
: a relative by marriage

in-line
: having the parts or units arranged in a straight line also : being so arranged

in-line engine
: an internal combustion engine in which the cylinders are arranged in one or more straight lines

in-line skate
: a roller skate whose wheels are set in-line for greater speed and maneuverability
–in-line skater noun
–in-line skating noun

in-migrant
: one that in-migrates

in-migrate
: to move into or come to live in a region or community especially as part of a large-scale and continuing movement of population ― compare OUT-MIGRATE
–in-mi·gra·tion \ˌin-mī-'grā-shən\ noun

in-print
: being in print

in-process
: of, relating to, or being goods in manufacture as distinguished from raw materials or from finished products

in-service
1 : going on or continuing while one is fully employed <in-service teacher education workshops>
2 : of, relating to, or being one that is fully employed <in-service police officers>

in-store
: relating to or being an operation or activity located or taking place inside a store <in-store consumer survey>

in-wrought
1 : having decoration worked in : ORNAMENTED especially : decorated with embroidery
2 : worked in especially as decoration

in-your-face
: characterized by or expressive of bold and often defiant aggressiveness <in-your-face basketball> also : aggressively intrusive <in-your-face advertising>

inability
n. : lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity <his inability to do math>

inaccessible
adj. : not accessible <an inaccessible area> <an inaccessible goal>
–in·ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌse-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ac·ces·si·bly \-'se-sə-blē\ adverb

inaccuracy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being inaccurate
2 : MISTAKE, ERROR

inaccurate
adj. : not accurate : FAULTY <inaccurate information>
–in·ac·cu·rate·ly \-kyə-rət-lē, -k(ə-)rət-, -kyərt-\ adverb

inaction
n. : lack of action or activity : IDLENESS

inactivate
v. : to make inactive <chemicals to inactivate viruses>
–in·ac·ti·va·tion \-ˌnak-tə-'vā-shən\ noun

inactive
adj. : not active: as a (1) : SEDENTARY (2) : INDOLENT, SLUGGISH b (1) : being out of use (2) : relating to or being members of the armed forces who are not performing or available for military duties (3) of a disease : QUIESCENT c (1) : chemically inert (2) : optically neutral in polarized light d : biologically inert especially because of the loss of some quality (as infectivity or antigenicity)
–in·ac·tive·ly adverb
–in·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ˌnak-'ti-və-tē\ noun
synonyms INACTIVE, IDLE, INERT, PASSIVE, SUPINE mean not engaged in work or activity. INACTIVE applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work <on inactive status as an astronaut> <inactive accounts>. IDLE applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements <workers were idle in the fields>. INERT as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity <inert ingredients in drugs> <an inert citizenry>. PASSIVE implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control <passive resistance>. SUPINE applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence <a supine willingness to play the fool>.

inadequacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being inadequate
2 : INSUFFICIENCY, DEFICIENCY

inadequate
adj. : not adequate : INSUFFICIENT <inadequate equipment> also : not capable <was inadequate as a leader>
–in·ad·e·quate·ly adverb
–in·ad·e·quate·ness noun

inadmissible
adj. : not admissible <inadmissible evidence>
–in·ad·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ad·mis·si·bly \-'mi-sə-blē\ adverb

inadvertence
n. 1 : the fact or action of being inadvertent
2 : a result of inattention : OVERSIGHT

inadvertency
n. : INADVERTENCE

inadvertent
adj. 1 : not focusing the mind on a matter : INATTENTIVE
2 : UNINTENTIONAL <an inadvertent omission>
–in·ad·ver·tent·ly adverb

inadvisable
adj. : not advisable : not wise or prudent <inadvisable haste>
–in·ad·vis·abil·i·ty \-ˌvī-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

inae
: members of the subfamily of ― in all names of zoological subfamilies in recent classifications <Felinae>

Inagua
two islands in SE Bahamas: Great Inagua (50 mi or 80 km long) & Little Inagua (8 mi or 13 km long)

inalienable
adj. : incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred <inalienable rights>
–in·alien·abil·i·ty \-ˌnāl-yə-nə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌnā-lē-ə-nə-\ noun
–in·alien·ably \-'nāl-yə-nə-blē, -'nā-lē-ə-nə-\ adverb

inalterable
adj. : not alterable : UNALTERABLE
–in·al·ter·abil·i·ty \-ˌnȯl-t(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·al·ter·able·ness \-'nȯl-t(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·al·ter·ably \-blē\ adverb

inamorata
n. : a woman with whom one is in love or has intimate relations

inane
n. 1 : EMPTY, INSUBSTANTIAL
2 : lacking significance, meaning, or point : SILLY <inane comments>
synonyms see INSIPID
–inane·ly adverb
–inane·ness \-'nān-nəs\ noun

inane
n. : void or empty space <a voyage into the limitless inane ― V. G. Childe>

inanimate
adj. 1 : not animate: a : not endowed with life or spirit <an inanimate object> b : lacking consciousness or power of motion <an inanimate body>
2 : not animated or lively : DULL
–in·an·i·mate·ly adverb
–in·an·i·mate·ness noun

inanition
n. : the quality or state of being empty: a : the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water b : the absence or loss of social, moral, or intellectual vitality or vigor

inanity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being inane: as a : lack of substance : EMPTINESS b : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : SHALLOWNESS
2 : something that is inane

inapparent
adj. : not apparent
–in·ap·par·ent·ly adverb

inappeasable
adj. : UNAPPEASABLE

inappetence
n. : loss or lack of appetite

inapplicable
adj. : not applicable : IRRELEVANT
–in·ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌna-pli-kə-'bi-lə-tē also ˌi-nə-ˌpli-kə-\ noun
–in·ap·pli·ca·bly \(ˌ)i-'na-pli-kə-blē also ˌi-nə-'pli-kə-\ adverb

inapposite
adj. : not apposite : not apt or pertinent
–in·ap·po·site·ly adverb
–in·ap·po·site·ness noun

inappreciable
adj. : too small to be perceived <an inappreciable amount>
–in·ap·pre·cia·bly \-blē\ adverb

inappreciative
adj. : not appreciative <inappreciative of their workers>
–in·ap·pre·cia·tive·ly adverb
–in·ap·pre·cia·tive·ness noun

inapproachable
adj. : not approachable : INACCESSIBLE <her boss came across as inapproachable>

inappropriate
adj. : not appropriate : UNSUITABLE
–in·ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adverb
–in·ap·pro·pri·ate·ness noun

inapt
adj. : not apt: a : not suitable <an inapt analogy> b : INEPT
–in·apt·ly \-'nap(t)-lē\ adverb
–in·apt·ness \-nəs\ noun

inaptitude
n. : lack of aptitude

inarguable
adj. : not arguable : not open to doubt or debate <her impact was substantial and inarguable>

inarguably
adv. : it cannot be argued : UNQUESTIONABLY <inarguably, December is the best month for retailers>

inarticulacy
n. : the quality or state of being inarticulate

inarticulate
1 a of a sound : uttered or formed without the definite articulations of intelligible speech b (1) : incapable of speech especially under stress of emotion : MUTE (2) : incapable of being expressed by speech <inarticulate fear> (3) : not voiced or expressed : UNSPOKEN <society functions on many inarticulate premises>
2 : incapable of giving coherent, clear, or effective expression to one's ideas or feelings
3 [New Latin inarticulatus, from Latin in- + New Latin articulatus articulate] : relating to, characteristic of, or being an inarticulate or its shell
–in·ar·tic·u·late·ly adverb
–in·ar·tic·u·late·ness noun

inarticulate
adj. : any of a class (Inarticulata) of brachiopods lacking a hinge connecting the two shell valves

inartistic
adj. 1 : not conforming to the principles of art
2 : not appreciative of art
–in·ar·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

inasmuch as
1 : in the degree that : INSOFAR AS
2 : in view of the fact that : SINCE

inattention
n. : failure to pay attention

inattentive
adj. : not attentive : not paying attention
–in·at·ten·tive·ly adverb
–in·at·ten·tive·ness noun

inaudible
adj. : not audible <inaudible comments>
–in·au·di·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)i-ˌnȯ-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·au·di·bly \(ˌ)i-'nȯ-də-blē\ adverb

inaugural
n. 1 : of or relating to an inauguration
2 : marking a beginning : first in a projected series

inaugural
n. 1 : an inaugural address
2 : INAUGURATION

inaugurate
v. 1 : to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies
2 a : to dedicate ceremoniously : observe formally the beginning of <inaugurate a new school> b : to bring about the beginning of
synonyms see BEGIN
–in·au·gu·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

inauguration
n. : an act of inaugurating especially : a ceremonial induction into office

Inauguration Day
: January 20 following a presidential election on which the president of the U.S. is inaugurated

inauspicious
adj. : not auspicious <an inauspicious start>
–in·aus·pi·cious·ly adverb
–in·aus·pi·cious·ness noun

inauthentic
adj. : not authentic
–in·au·then·tic·i·ty \ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˌthen-'ti-sə-tē, -thən-\ noun

inboard
adj. 1 : inside the line of a ship's bulwarks or hull
2 : toward the center line of a vehicle or craft (as a ship or aircraft)

inboard
adj. 1 : located inboard <an inboard engine> <an inboard spoiler>
2 of a boat : having an inboard engine

inboard
adj. : a boat with an inboard motor

inborn
adj. 1 : present from or as if from birth
2 : HEREDITARY, INHERITED
synonyms see INNATE

inbound
adj. : inward bound <inbound traffic>

inbounds
: involving putting a basketball in play by passing it onto the court from out of bounds

inbounds line
: either of two broken lines running the length of a football field at right angles to the yard lines

inbreathe
v. : to breathe (something) in : INHALE

inbred
adj. 1 : rooted and ingrained in one's nature as deeply as if implanted by heredity <an inbred love of freedom>
2 [from past participle of inbreed] : subjected to or produced by inbreeding
synonyms see INNATE
–in·bred \'in-ˌbred\ noun

inbreed
v. transitive verb : to subject to inbreeding
intransitive verb : to engage in inbreeding

inbreeding
n. 1 : the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock
2 : confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice

inbuilt
adj. chiefly British : BUILT-IN

inc
n. 1 incomplete
2 often capitalized incorporated
3 increase

Inca
n. 1 a : a member of the Quechuan peoples of Peru maintaining an empire until the Spanish conquest b : a king or noble of the Inca empire
2 : a member of any people under Inca influence
–In·ca·ic \in-'kā-ik\ adjective
–In·can \'iŋ-kən\ adjective

incalculable
adj. : not capable of being calculated: as a : very great <did incalculable damage> b : not predictable : UNCERTAIN <an incalculable outcome>
–in·cal·cu·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌkal-kyə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·cal·cu·la·bly \-'kal-kyə-lə-blē\ adverb

incalescence
: a growing warm or ardent
–in·ca·les·cent \-sənt\ adjective

incandesce
v. : to be or become incandescent

incandescence
n. : the quality or state of being incandescent especially : emission by a hot body of radiation that makes it visible

incandescent
adj. 1 a : white, glowing, or luminous with intense heat b : strikingly bright, radiant, or clear c : marked by brilliance especially of expression <incandescent wit> d : characterized by glowing zeal : ARDENT <incandescent affection>
2 a : of, relating to, or being light produced by incandescence b : producing light by incandescence
–in·can·des·cent·ly adverb

incandescent
adj. : LIGHTBULB A

incandescent lamp
: LIGHTBULB A

incant
v. : RECITE, UTTER

incantation
n. : a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic also : a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect
–in·can·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·can·ta·to·ry \in-'kan-tə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective

incapable
adj. 1 : lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view: as a archaic : not able to take in, hold, or keep b archaic : not receptive c : not being in a state or of a kind to admit : INSUSCEPTIBLE d : not able or fit for the doing or performance : INCOMPETENT
2 : lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) : DISQUALIFIED
–in·ca·pa·bil·i·ty \-ˌkā-pə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ca·pa·ble·ness \-'kā-pə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·ca·pa·bly \-blē\ adverb

incapacitate
v. 1 : to make legally incapable or ineligible
2 : to deprive of capacity or natural power : DISABLE
–in·ca·pac·i·ta·tion \-ˌpa-sə-'tā-shən\ noun

incapacity
n. : the quality or state of being incapable especially : lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications

incarcerate
v. 1 : to put in prison
2 : to subject to confinement
–in·car·cer·a·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌkär-sə-'rā-shən\ noun

incardination
: the formal acceptance by a diocese of a clergyman from another diocese

incarnadine
n. 1 : having the pinkish color of flesh
2 : RED especially : BLOODRED

incarnadine
n. : to make incarnadine : REDDEN

incarnate
adj. 1 a : invested with bodily and especially human nature and form b : made manifest or comprehensible : EMBODIED <a fiend incarnate>
2 : INCARNADINE <incarnate clover>

incarnate
adj. : to make incarnate: as a : to give bodily form and substance to <incarnates the devil as a serpent> b (1) : to give a concrete or actual form to : ACTUALIZE (2) : to constitute an embodiment or type of <no one culture incarnates every important human value ― Denis Goulet>

incarnation
n. 1 a (1) : the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form (2) capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ b : a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept especially : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree <she is the incarnation of goodness>
2 : the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate
3 : a particular physical form or state : VERSION <in another incarnation he might be a first vice-president ― Walter Teller> <TV and movie incarnations of the story>
–in·car·na·tion·al \-shə-nəl, -shnəl\ adjective

incaution
n. : lack of caution : HEEDLESSNESS

incautious
adj. : lacking in caution : CARELESS <an incautious remark>
–in·cau·tious·ly adverb
–in·cau·tious·ness noun

incendiarism
n. : incendiary action or behavior

incendiary
n. 1 a : a person who commits arson : ARSONIST b : an incendiary agent (as a bomb)
2 : a person who excites factions, quarrels, or sedition : AGITATOR

incendiary
n. 1 : of, relating to, or involving arson : ARSONOUS
2 : tending to excite or inflame : INFLAMMATORY <incendiary speeches>
3 a : igniting combustible materials spontaneously b : of, relating to, or being a weapon (as a bomb) designed to start fires
4 : extremely hot <incendiary chili peppers>

incense
n. 1 : material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2 : the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned broadly : a pleasing scent
3 : pleasing attention : FLATTERY

incense
n. 1 : to apply or offer incense to
2 : to perfume with incense

incense
n. 1 archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused
2 : to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

incense cedar
: a tall tree (Calocedrus decurrens syn. Libocedrus decurrens) of the cypress family found growing from Oregon to Baja California that has reddish-brown bark, scalelike foliage, and light soft aromatic wood also : its wood

incent
v. : INCENTIVIZE

incenter
n. : the single point in which the three bisectors of the interior angles of a triangle intersect and which is the center of the inscribed circle

incentive
n. : something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action
synonyms see MOTIVE
–incentive adjective

incentivize
v. : to provide with an incentive <would incentivize employees with stock options>

inception
n. : an act, process, or instance of beginning : COMMENCEMENT
synonyms see ORIGIN

inceptive
adj. : an inchoative verb

inceptive
adj. 1 : INCHOATIVE 2
2 : of or relating to a beginning
–in·cep·tive·ly adverb

incertitude
n. : UNCERTAINTY: a : absence of assurance or confidence : DOUBT b : the quality or state of being unstable or insecure

incessancy
: the quality or state of being incessant

incessant
adj. : continuing or following without interruption : UNCEASING
synonyms see CONTINUAL
–in·ces·sant·ly adverb

incest
n. : sexual intercourse between persons so closely related that they are forbidden by law to marry also : the statutory crime of such a relationship

incestuous
adj. 1 : constituting or involving incest
2 : guilty of incest
3 : excessively or improperly intimate or exclusive <mainstream fashion magazines have an incestuous relationship with advertisers ― Guy Trebay>
–in·ces·tu·ous·ly adverb
–in·ces·tu·ous·ness noun

inch
n. 1 : a unit of length equal to 1/36 yard ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a small amount, distance, or degree <is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches ― Milton Friedman>
3 plural : STATURE, HEIGHT
4 a : a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch b : a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer
5 : a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment ― usually used in the phrase give an inch
–every inch : to the utmost degree <looks every inch a winner>
–inch by inch : very gradually or slowly
–within an inch of : almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>

inch
n. : to move by small degrees : progress slowly <the long line of people inching up the stairs>
transitive verb : to cause to move slowly <sooner or later they begin inching prices back up ― Forbes>

inch
n. chiefly Scottish : ISLAND

inch
n. acre inch
within an inch of
inch by inch
every inch

inch by inch
very gradually or slowly

inched
v. : measuring a specified number of inches

incher
: one that has a dimension of a specified number of inches <a four-incher>

inchmeal
adv. : LITTLE BY LITTLE, GRADUALLY

inchoate
adj. : being only partly in existence or operation : INCIPIENT especially : imperfectly formed or formulated : FORMLESS, INCOHERENT <misty, inchoate suspicions that all is not well with the nation ― J. M. Perry>
–in·cho·ate·ly adverb
–in·cho·ate·ness noun

inchoative
n. 1 : INITIAL, FORMATIVE <the inchoative stages>
2 : denoting the beginning of an action, state, or occurrence ― used of verbs
–inchoative noun
–in·cho·a·tive·ly adverb

Inchon
city & port NW S. Korea W of Seoul pop 2,466,338

inchworm
n. : LOOPER 1

incidence
n. 1 a : ANGLE OF INCIDENCE b : the arrival of something (as a projectile or a ray of light) at a surface
2 a : an act or the fact or manner of falling upon or affecting : OCCURRENCE b : rate of occurrence or influence <a high incidence of crime>

incident
n. 1 : something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
2 a : an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : HAPPENING b : an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : CONCOMITANT
3 : an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters <a serious border incident>
synonyms see OCCURRENCE

incident
n. 1 : occurring or likely to occur especially as a minor consequence or accompaniment <the confusion incident to moving day>
2 : dependent on or relating to another thing in law
3 : falling or striking on something <incident light rays>

incidental
n. 1 a : being likely to ensue as a chance or minor consequence <social obligations incidental to the job> b : MINOR 1
2 : occurring merely by chance or without intention or calculation

incidental
n. 1 plural : minor items (as of expense) that are not particularized
2 : something that is incidental

incidental music
: descriptive music played during a play to project a mood or to accompany stage action

incidentally
adv. 1 : in an incidental manner : not intentionally <the arrant nonsense of some of his statements is incidentally hilarious ― John Lahr>
2 : by way of interjection or digression : by the way <fortunate in having a good teacher⋯97still living, incidentally ― John Fischer>

incinerate
v. : to cause to burn to ashes
–in·cin·er·a·tion \-ˌsi-nə-'rā-shən\ noun

incinerator
n. : one that incinerates especially : a furnace or a container for incinerating waste materials

incipience
n. : INCIPIENCY

incipiency
n. : the state or fact of being incipient : BEGINNING

incipient
adj. : beginning to come into being or to become apparent <an incipient solar system> <evidence of incipient racial tension>
–in·cip·i·ent·ly adverb

incipit
n. : the first part : BEGINNING specifically : the opening words of a text of a medieval manuscript or early printed book

incisal
adj. : relating to, involving, or being the cutting edge or surface of a tooth (as an incisor)

incise
v. 1 : to cut into
2 a : to carve figures, letters, or devices into : ENGRAVE b : to carve (as an inscription) into a surface

incised
adj. 1 : cut in : ENGRAVED especially : decorated with incised figures
2 : having a margin that is deeply and sharply notched <an incised leaf>

incision
n. 1 a : CUT, GASH specifically : a wound made especially in surgery by incising the body b : a marginal notch (as in a leaf)
2 : an act of incising something
3 : the quality or state of being incisive

incisive
adj. : impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation) <an incisive analysis> <an incisive unsentimental writer>
–in·ci·sive·ly adverb
–in·ci·sive·ness noun

incisor
n. : a front tooth typically adapted for cutting especially : one of the cutting teeth in mammals located between the canines when canines are present ― see TOOTH illustration

incitation
n. 1 : an act of inciting : STIMULATION
2 : something that incites to action : INCENTIVE

incite
v. : to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on
–in·cit·ant \-'sī-tənt\ noun
–in·cite·ment \-'sīt-mənt\ noun
–in·cit·er noun
synonyms INCITE, INSTIGATE, ABET, FOMENT mean to spur to action. INCITE stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating <inciting a riot>. INSTIGATE definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention <instigated a conspiracy>. ABET implies both assisting and encouraging <aiding and abetting the enemy>. FOMENT implies persistence in goading <fomenting rebellion>.

incivility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being uncivil
2 : a rude or discourteous act

incl
include; included; including; inclusive

inclemency
n. : the quality or state of being inclement

inclement
adj. : lacking mildness: as a archaic : severe in temper or action : UNMERCIFUL b : physically severe : STORMY <inclement weather>
–in·clem·ent·ly adverb

inclinable
adj. 1 : having a tendency or inclination also : disposed to favor or think well of <inclinable to our pleas>
2 : capable of being inclined <an inclinable steering column>

inclination
n. 1 a obsolete : natural disposition : CHARACTER b : a particular disposition of mind or character : PROPENSITY especially : LIKING <had little inclination for housekeeping>
2 : an act or the action of bending or inclining: as a : BOW, NOD b : a tilting of something
3 a : a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal : SLANT also : the degree of such deviation b : an inclined surface : SLOPE c (1) : the angle determined by two lines or planes (2) : the angle made by a line with the x-axis measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of that axis
4 : a tendency to a particular aspect, state, character, or action <the clutch has an inclination to slip>
–in·cli·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

incline
n. intransitive verb
1 : to bend the head or body forward : BOW
2 : to lean, tend, or become drawn toward an opinion or course of conduct
3 : to deviate from a line, direction, or course specifically : to deviate from the vertical or horizontal
transitive verb
1 : to cause to stoop or bow : BEND
2 : to have influence on : PERSUADE <his love of books inclined him toward a literary career>
3 : to give a bend or slant to
–in·clin·er noun
synonyms INCLINE, BIAS, DISPOSE, PREDISPOSE mean to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something. INCLINE implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions <I incline to agree>. BIAS suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice <the experience biased him against foreigners>. DISPOSE suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something <her nature disposes her to trust others>. PREDISPOSE implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself <does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?>.

incline
n. : an inclined plane : GRADE, SLOPE

inclined
adj. 1 : having inclination, disposition, or tendency
2 a : having a leaning or slope b : making an angle with a line or plane

inclined plane
: a plane surface that makes an oblique angle with the plane of the horizon

inclining
adj. 1 : INCLINATION
2 archaic : PARTY, FOLLOWING

inclinometer
n. : an instrument for indicating the inclination to the horizontal of an axis (as of an airplane)

inclip
archaic : CLASP, ENCLOSE

inclose
v. variant of enclose, enclosure

include
v. 1 : to shut up : ENCLOSE
2 : to take in or comprise as a part of a whole or group
3 : to contain between or within <two sides and the included angle>
–in·clud·able or in·clud·ible \-'klü-də-bəl\ adjective
synonyms INCLUDE, COMPREHEND, EMBRACE, INVOLVE mean to contain within as part of the whole. INCLUDE suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole <the price of dinner includes dessert>. COMPREHEND implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition <his system comprehends all history>. EMBRACE implies a gathering of separate items within a whole <her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs>. INVOLVE suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence <the new job involves a lot of detail>.

inclusion
n. 1 : the act of including : the state of being included
2 : something that is included: as a : a gaseous, liquid, or solid foreign body enclosed in a mass (as of a mineral) b : a passive usually temporary product of cell activity (as a starch grain) within the cytoplasm or nucleus
3 : a relation between two classes that exists when all members of the first are also members of the second ― compare MEMBERSHIP 3
4 : the act or practice of including students with disabilities in regular school classes
–in·clu·sion·ary \in-'klü-zhə-ner-ē\ adjective

inclusion body
: an inclusion, abnormal structure, or foreign cell within a cell (as the eosinophilic body formed by a cytomegalovirus or the abnormal filament characteristic of some myopathies)

inclusive
adj. 1 : comprehending stated limits or extremes <from Monday to Friday inclusive>
2 a : broad in orientation or scope b : covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services
–in·clu·sive·ly adverb
–in·clu·sive·ness noun

inclusive
adj. all inclusive
inclusive disjunction
inclusive of
self inclusive
all inclusiveness

inclusive disjunction
: a complex sentence in logic that is true when either or both of its constituent propositions are true ― see TRUTH TABLE table

inclusive of
: including or taking into account <the cost of building inclusive of materials>

inclusivity
n. : the quality or state of being inclusive : INCLUSIVENESS

incoercible
adj. : incapable of being controlled, checked, or confined

incog
incognito

incogitant
: THOUGHTLESS, INCONSIDERATE <incogitant litterbugs>

incognita
n. : INCOGNITO ― used only of a woman
–incognita noun

incognito
n. : with one's identity concealed

incognito
n. 1 : one appearing or living incognito
2 : the state or assumed identity of one living or traveling incognito or incognita

incognizant
adj. : lacking awareness or consciousness <incognizant of the danger>
–in·cog·ni·zance \-zən(t)s\ noun

incoherence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being incoherent
2 : something that is incoherent

incoherent
adj. : lacking coherence: as a : lacking cohesion : LOOSE b : lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : INCONSISTENT <an incoherent essay> c : lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought <incoherent with grief>
–in·co·her·ent·ly adverb

incombustible
adj. : not combustible : incapable of being burned
–in·com·bus·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌbəs-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–incombustible noun

income
n. 1 : a coming in : ENTRANCE, INFLUX <fluctuations in the nutrient income of a body of water>
2 : a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time <has an income of $30,000 a year>

income
n. income account
income statement
income bond
income tax
national income
negative income tax

income account
: a financial statement of a business showing the details of revenues, costs, expenses, losses, and profits for a given period ― called also income statement

income bond
: a bond that pays interest at a rate based on the issuer's earnings

income tax
: a tax on the net income of an individual or a business

incomer
n. chiefly British : one who comes in : IMMIGRANT, NEWCOMER

incoming
n. 1 : the act of coming in : ARRIVAL
2 : INCOME 2 ― usually used in plural

incoming
n. 1 : coming in : ARRIVING <an incoming ship> <incoming mail>
2 : taking a new place or position especially as part of a succession <the incoming president>
3 : just starting or beginning <the incoming year>

incommensurable
: not commensurable broadly : lacking a basis of comparison in respect to a quality normally subject to comparison
–in·com·men·su·ra·bil·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)s-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌmen(t)sh-; -ˌmen(t)-sə-, -shə-\ noun
–incommensurable noun
–in·com·men·su·ra·bly \-'men(t)s-rə-blē, -'men(t)sh-; -'men(t)-sə-, -shə-\ adverb

incommensurate
adj. : not commensurate: as a : INCOMMENSURABLE b : INADEQUATE c : DISPROPORTIONATE <a confidence incommensurate with their ability>

incommode
v. : to give inconvenience or distress to : DISTURB

incommodious
adj. : not commodious : INCONVENIENT <could sleep in the most incommodious places>
–in·com·mo·di·ous·ly adverb
–in·com·mo·di·ous·ness noun

incommodity
: a source of inconvenience : DISADVANTAGE <the incommodities of a single life ― Samuel Johnson>

incommunicable
adj. : not communicable: as a : UNCOMMUNICATIVE b : incapable of being communicated or imparted
–in·com·mu·ni·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌmyü-ni-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·com·mu·ni·ca·bly \-'myü-ni-kə-blē\ adverb

incommunicado
adj. : without means of communication : in a situation or state not allowing communication <a prisoner held incommunicado> <remained incommunicado while working on her book>

incommunicative
adj. : UNCOMMUNICATIVE

incommutable
adj. : not commutable: as a : not interchangeable b : UNCHANGEABLE
–in·com·mut·ably \-blē\ adverb

incomparable
adj. 1 : eminent beyond comparison : MATCHLESS
2 : not suitable for comparison
–in·com·pa·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-p(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē also ˌin-kəm-ˌpa-rə-, -ˌper-ə-\ noun
–in·com·pa·ra·bly \(ˌ)in-'käm-p(ə-)rə-blē also ˌin-kəm-ˌpa-rə-, -ˌper-ə-\ adverb

incompatibility
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being incompatible b : lack of interfertility between two plants
2 plural : mutually antagonistic things or qualities

incompatible
adj. 1 : incapable of being held by one person at one time ― used of offices that make conflicting demands on the holder
2 : not compatible: as a : incapable of association or harmonious coexistence <incompatible colors> b : unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or physiological effects <incompatible drugs> c : not both true <incompatible propositions> d : incapable of blending into a stable homogeneous mixture
–incompatible noun
–in·com·pat·i·bly \-blē\ adverb

incompetence
n. : the state or fact of being incompetent

incompetency
n. : INCOMPETENCE

incompetent
n. 1 : not legally qualified
2 : inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose
3 a : lacking the qualities needed for effective action b : unable to function properly <incompetent heart valves>
–incompetent noun
–in·com·pe·tent·ly adverb

incomplete
adj. 1 : not complete : UNFINISHED: as a : lacking a part especially : lacking one or more sets of floral organs b of insect metamorphosis : characterized by the absence of a pupal stage between the immature stages and the adult of an insect in which the young usually resemble the adult ― compare COMPLETE 5
2 of a football passive : not legally caught
–in·com·plete·ly adverb
–in·com·plete·ness noun

incompliant
adj. : not compliant or pliable

incomprehensible
1 archaic : having or subject to no limits
2 : impossible to comprehend : UNINTELLIGIBLE <incomprehensible instructions>
–in·com·pre·hen·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌhen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·com·pre·hen·si·ble·ness noun
–in·com·pre·hen·si·bly \-'hen(t)-sə-blē\ adverb

incomprehension
n. : lack of comprehension or understanding

incompressible
adj. : incapable of or resistant to compression

incomputable
adj. : not computable : very great
–in·com·put·ably \-blē\ adverb

inconceivable
adj. : not conceivable: as a : impossible to comprehend b : UNBELIEVABLE
–in·con·ceiv·abil·i·ty \-ˌsē-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·con·ceiv·able·ness \-'sē-və-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·con·ceiv·ably \-blē\ adverb

inconcinnity
: lack of suitability or congruity : INELEGANCE

inconclusive
adj. : leading to no conclusion or definite result <inconclusive evidence> <an inconclusive argument>
–in·con·clu·sive·ly adverb
–in·con·clu·sive·ness noun

incondite
adj. : badly put together : CRUDE <incondite prose>

inconformity
: NONCONFORMITY

incongruence
n. : INCONGRUITY

incongruent
adj. : not congruent <incongruent triangles>
–in·con·gru·ent·ly adverb

incongruity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being incongruous
2 : something that is incongruous

incongruous
adj. : lacking congruity: as a : not harmonious : INCOMPATIBLE <incongruous colors> b : not conforming : DISAGREEING <conduct incongruous with principle> c : inconsistent within itself <an incongruous story> d : lacking propriety : UNSUITABLE <incongruous manners>
–in·con·gru·ous·ly adverb
–in·con·gru·ous·ness noun

inconscient
: UNCONSCIOUS, MINDLESS

inconsecutive
adj. : not consecutive <on inconsecutive days>

inconsequence
n. : the quality or state of being inconsequent

inconsequent
adj. 1 a : lacking reasonable sequence : ILLOGICAL b : INCONSECUTIVE
2 : INCONSEQUENTIAL 2
3 : IRRELEVANT
–in·con·se·quent·ly adverb

inconsequential
adj. 1 a : ILLOGICAL b : IRRELEVANT
2 : of no significance : UNIMPORTANT
–in·con·se·quen·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌkwen(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–in·con·se·quen·tial·ly \-'kwen(t)-shlē, -'kwen(t)-shə-lē\ adverb

inconsiderable
adj. : not considerable : SLIGHT, TRIVIAL <the cost was not inconsiderable>
–in·con·sid·er·able·ness noun
–in·con·sid·er·ably \-blē\ adverb

inconsiderate
adj. 1 a : HEEDLESS, THOUGHTLESS b : careless of the rights or feelings of others
2 : not adequately considered : ILL-ADVISED
–in·con·sid·er·ate·ly adverb
–in·con·sid·er·ate·ness noun
–in·con·sid·er·ation \-ˌsi-də-'rā-shən\ noun

inconsistence
n. : INCONSISTENCY

inconsistency
n. 1 : an instance of being inconsistent
2 : the quality or state of being inconsistent

inconsistent
adj. : lacking consistency: as a : not compatible with another fact or claim <inconsistent statements> b : containing incompatible elements <an inconsistent argument> c : incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : CHANGEABLE d : not satisfiable by the same set of values for the unknowns <inconsistent equations> <inconsistent inequalities>
–in·con·sis·tent·ly adverb

inconsolable
adj. : incapable of being consoled : DISCONSOLATE
–in·con·sol·able·ness noun
–in·con·sol·ably \-blē\ adverb

inconsonance
: lack of consonance or harmony : DISAGREEMENT

inconsonant
adj. : not consonant : DISCORDANT

inconspicuous
adj. : not readily noticeable
–in·con·spic·u·ous·ly adverb
–in·con·spic·u·ous·ness noun

inconstancy
n. : the quality or state of being inconstant

inconstant
adj. : likely to change frequently without apparent or cogent reason
–in·con·stant·ly adverb
synonyms INCONSTANT, FICKLE, CAPRICIOUS, MERCURIAL, UNSTABLE mean lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion). INCONSTANT implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change <an inconstant friend>. FICKLE suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness <performers discover how fickle fans can be>. CAPRICIOUS suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability <an utterly capricious critic>. MERCURIAL implies a rapid changeability in mood <made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament>. UNSTABLE implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance <too unstable to hold a job>.

inconsumable
adj. : not capable of being consumed
–in·con·sum·ably \-blē\ adverb

incontestable
adj. : not contestable : INDISPUTABLE <an incontestable fact> <incontestable talent>
–in·con·test·abil·i·ty \-ˌtes-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·con·test·ably \-'tes-tə-blē\ adverb

incontinence
n. : the quality or state of being incontinent: as a : failure to restrain sexual appetite : UNCHASTITY b : inability of the body to control the evacuative functions of urination or defecation

incontinency
n. : INCONTINENCE

incontinent
adj. : not continent: as a (1) : lacking self-restraint (2) : not being under control b : unable to retain urine or feces voluntarily

incontinent
adj. : 1INCONTINENTLY

incontinently
adv. : without delay : IMMEDIATELY

incontinently
adv. : in an incontinent or unrestrained manner: as a : without moral restraint : LEWDLY b : without due or reasonable consideration

incontrollable
adj. : UNCONTROLLABLE

incontrovertible
adj. : not open to question : INDISPUTABLE <incontrovertible facts>
–in·con·tro·vert·ibly \-blē\ adverb

inconvenience
n. 1 : something that is inconvenient
2 : the quality or state of being inconvenient

inconvenience
: to subject to inconvenience : put to trouble <sorry to inconvenience you>

inconveniency
: INCONVENIENCE

inconvenient
adj. : not convenient especially in giving trouble or annoyance : INOPPORTUNE <an inconvenient time>
–in·con·ve·nient·ly adverb

inconvertible
adj. : not convertible: as a of paper money : not exchangeable for coin b of a currency : not exchangeable for a foreign currency
–in·con·vert·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·con·vert·ibly \-'vər-tə-blē\ adverb

inconvincible
adj. : incapable of being convinced

incoordination
n. : lack of coordination especially : ATAXIA

incorporate
transitive verb
1 a : to unite or work into something already existent so as to form an indistinguishable whole b : to blend or combine thoroughly
2 a : to form into a legal corporation b : to admit to membership in a corporate body
3 : to give material form to : EMBODY
intransitive verb
1 : to unite in or as one body
2 : to form or become a corporation
–in·cor·po·ra·ble \-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–in·cor·po·ra·tion \-ˌkȯr-pə-'rā-shən\ noun
–in·cor·po·ra·tive \-'kȯr-pə-ˌrā-tiv, -p(ə-)rə-tiv\ adjective
–in·cor·po·ra·tor \-pə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

incorporate
adj. : INCORPORATED

incorporated
adj. 1 : united in one body
2 : formed into a legal corporation

incorporeal
adj. 1 : not corporeal : having no material body or form
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a right that is based on property (as bonds or patents) which has no intrinsic value
–in·cor·po·re·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

incorporeity
n. : the quality or state of being incorporeal : IMMATERIALITY

incorrect
adj. 1 obsolete : not corrected or chastened
2 a : INACCURATE, FAULTY <an incorrect transcription> b : not true : WRONG <incorrect answers>
3 : UNBECOMING, IMPROPER <incorrect behavior>
–in·cor·rect·ly \-'rek(t)-lē\ adverb
–in·cor·rect·ness \-nəs\ noun

incorrigible
: incapable of being corrected or amended: as a (1) : not reformable : DEPRAVED (2) : DELINQUENT b : not manageable : UNRULY c : UNALTERABLE, INVETERATE
–in·cor·ri·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌkȯr-ə-jə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌkär-\ noun
–incorrigible noun
–in·cor·ri·gi·ble·ness \-'kȯr-ə-jə-bəl-nəs, -'kär-\ noun
–in·cor·ri·gi·bly \-blē\ adverb

incorrupt
adj. : free from corruption: as a obsolete : not affected with decay b : not defiled or depraved : UPRIGHT c : free from error
–in·cor·rupt·ly \-'rəp(t)-lē\ adverb
–in·cor·rupt·ness \-nəs\ noun

incorruptible
adj. : incapable of corruption: as a : not subject to decay or dissolution b : incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted
–in·cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty \-ˌrəp-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–incorruptible noun
–in·cor·rupt·ibly \-'rəp-tə-blē\ adverb

incorruption
n. archaic : the quality or state of being free from physical decay

incr
increase; increased

increase
intransitive verb
1 : to become progressively greater (as in size, amount, number, or intensity)
2 : to multiply by the production of young
transitive verb
1 : to make greater : AUGMENT
2 obsolete : ENRICH
–in·creas·able \-'krē-sə-bəl, -ˌkrē-\ adjective
–in·creas·er noun
synonyms INCREASE, ENLARGE, AUGMENT, MULTIPLY mean to make or become greater. INCREASE used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity <his waistline increased with age>; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition <increased her landholdings>. ENLARGE implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity <enlarged the kitchen>. AUGMENT implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed <the inheritance augmented his fortune>. MULTIPLY implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process <with each attempt the problems multiplied>.

increase
n. 1 : the act or process of increasing: as a : addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity b obsolete : PROPAGATION
2 : something that is added to an original stock or amount by augmentation or growth (as offspring, produce, profit)
–on the increase : becoming greater (as in size, number, or amount) : INCREASING <crime is on the increase>

increased
adj. : made or become greater : AUGMENTED <at increased risk for heart disease>

increasingly
adv. : to an increasing degree <an increasingly dangerous situation>

increate
: UNCREATED

incredible
adj. 1 : too extraordinary and improbable to be believed <making incredible claims>
2 : AMAZING, EXTRAORDINARY <incredible skill> <an incredible appetite> <met an incredible woman>
–in·cred·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌkre-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·cred·i·ble·ness \-'kre-də-bəl-nəs\ noun

incredibly
adv. 1 : in an incredible manner
2 : EXTREMELY <incredibly difficult>

incredulity
n. : the quality or state of being incredulous : DISBELIEF

incredulous
adj. 1 : unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true : not credulous : SKEPTICAL
2 : INCREDIBLE 1
3 : expressing incredulity <an incredulous stare>
–in·cred·u·lous·ly adverb
usage Sense 2 was revived in the 20th century after a couple of centuries of disuse. Although it is a sense with good literary precedent97among others Shakespeare used it97many people think it is a result of confusion with incredible, which is still the usual word in this sense.

increment
n. 1 : the action or process of increasing especially in quantity or value : ENLARGEMENT
2 a : something gained or added b : one of a series of regular consecutive additions c : a minute increase in quantity
3 : the amount or degree by which something changes especially : the amount of positive or negative change in the value of one or more of a set of variables

incremental
adj. : of, relating to, being, or occurring in especially small increments <incremental additions> <incremental change>
–in·cre·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

incremental repetition
: repetition in each stanza (as of a ballad) of part of the preceding stanza usually with a slight change in wording for dramatic effect

incrementalism
n. : a policy or advocacy of a policy of political or social change by degrees : GRADUALISM
–in·cre·men·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun

increscent
adj. : becoming gradually greater : WAXING <the increscent moon>

incriminate
: to charge with or show evidence or proof of involvement in a crime or fault
–in·crim·i·na·tion \-ˌkri-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–in·crim·i·na·to·ry \-'krim-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'kri-mə-\ adjective

incrust
v. variant of encrust

incrustation
n. 1 a : a crust or hard coating b : a growth or accumulation (as of habits, opinions, or customs) resembling a crust
2 : the act of encrusting : the state of being encrusted
3 a : OVERLAY A b : INLAY

incubate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to sit on (eggs) so as to hatch by the warmth of the body b : to maintain (as an embryo or a chemically active system) under conditions favorable for hatching, development, or reaction
2 : to cause or aid the development of <incubate an idea>
intransitive verb
1 : to sit on eggs
2 : to undergo incubation : DEVELOP
–in·cu·ba·tive \-ˌbā-tiv\ adjective
–in·cu·ba·to·ry \-kyə-bə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˌbā-tə-rē\ adjective

incubation
n. 1 : the act or process of incubating
2 : INCUBATION PERIOD

incubation period
: the period between the infection of an individual by a pathogen and the manifestation of the illness or disease it causes

incubator
n. : one that incubates: as a : an apparatus by which eggs are hatched artificially b : an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies c : an organization or place that aids the development of new business ventures especially by providing low-cost commercial space, management assistance, or shared services

incubus
n. 1 : an evil spirit that lies on persons in their sleep especially : one that has sexual intercourse with women while they are sleeping ― compare SUCCUBUS
2 : NIGHTMARE 2
3 : one that oppresses or burdens like a nightmare

inculcate
v. : to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
synonyms see IMPLANT
–in·cul·ca·tion \ˌin-(ˌ)kəl-'kā-shən\ noun
–in·cul·ca·tor \in-'kəl-ˌkā-tər, 'in-(ˌ)\ noun

inculpable
adj. : free from guilt : BLAMELESS

inculpate
v. : INCRIMINATE
–in·cul·pa·tion \ˌin-(ˌ)kəl-'pā-shən\ noun
–in·cul·pa·to·ry \in-'kəl-pə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

incult
: COARSE, UNCULTURED

incumbency
n. 1 : something that is incumbent : DUTY
2 : the quality or state of being incumbent
3 : the sphere of action or period of office of an incumbent

incumbent
n. 1 : the holder of an office or ecclesiastical benefice
2 : one that occupies a particular position or place

incumbent
n. 1 : imposed as a duty : OBLIGATORY <incumbent on us to take action>
2 : having the status of an incumbent <the team's incumbent third baseman> especially : occupying a specified office
3 : lying or resting on something else
4 : bent over so as to rest on or touch an underlying surface

incumber
v. archaic variant of encumber

incunable
: INCUNABULUM

incunabulum
n. 1 : a book printed before 1501
2 : a work of art or of industry of an early period

incur
v. : to become liable or subject to : bring down upon oneself <incur expenses>

incurable
adj. : not curable <an incurable disease> broadly : not likely to be changed or corrected <incurable optimism>
–incurable noun
–in·cur·ably \-blē\ adverb

incurious
adj. : lacking a normal or usual curiosity : UNINTERESTED <a blank incurious stare>
synonyms see INDIFFERENT
–in·cu·ri·os·i·ty \-ˌkyu̇r-ē-'ä-sə-tē\ noun
–in·cu·ri·ous·ly \-'kyu̇r-ē-əs-lē\ adverb
–in·cu·ri·ous·ness noun

incurrence
n. : the act or process of incurring

incurrent
n. : giving passage to a current that flows inward

incursion
n. 1 : a hostile entrance into a territory : RAID
2 : an entering in or into (as an activity or undertaking) <his only incursion into the arts>

incurvate
adj. : to cause to curve inward : BEND
–in·cur·vate \'in-ˌkər-ˌvāt, (ˌ)in-'kər-vət\ adjective
–in·cur·va·tion \ˌin-ˌkər-'vā-shən\ noun
–in·cur·va·ture \(ˌ)in-'kər-və-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\ noun

incurve
v. : to bend so as to curve inward

incus
n. : the middle bone of a chain of three small bones in the ear of a mammal ― called also anvil ― see EAR illustration

incuse
n. : formed by stamping or punching in ― used chiefly of old coins or features of their design

IND
investigational new drug

Ind
1 archaic : India
2 obsolete : Indies

Ind
1 Indian
2 Indiana

ind
1 independent
2 index
3 industrial; industry

ind
1 : indigo <indoxyl>
2 : resembling indigo (as in color) <indophenol>

indaba
n. chiefly South African : CONFERENCE, PARLEY

indagate
: to search into : INVESTIGATE
–in·da·ga·tion \ˌin-də-'gā-shən\ noun
–in·da·ga·tor \'in-də-ˌgā-tər\ noun

IndE
industrial engineer

indebted
adj. 1 : owing gratitude or recognition to another : BEHOLDEN
2 : owing money

indebtedness
n. 1 : the condition of being indebted
2 : something (as an amount of money) that is owed

indecency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being indecent
2 : something (as a word or action) that is indecent

indecent
adj. : not decent: as a : grossly improper or offensive <indecent language> b : UNSEEMLY, INAPPROPRIATE <he took indecent pleasure in her troubles>
–in·de·cent·ly adverb

indecent assault
: an offensive sexual act or series of acts exclusive of rape committed against another person without consent

indecent exposure
: intentional exposure of part of one's body (as the genitals) in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency

indecipherable
adj. : incapable of being deciphered

indecision
n. : a wavering between two or more possible courses of action : IRRESOLUTION

indecisive
adj. 1 : not decisive : INCONCLUSIVE <an indecisive battle>
2 : marked by or prone to indecision : IRRESOLUTE <an indecisive state of mind>
3 : not clearly marked out : INDEFINITE
–in·de·ci·sive·ly adverb
–in·de·ci·sive·ness noun

indeclinable
adj. : having no grammatical inflections

indecomposable
adj. : not capable of being separated into component parts or elements

indecorous
adj. : not decorous : conflicting with accepted standards of good conduct or good taste
–in·de·co·rous·ly adverb
–in·de·co·rous·ness noun
synonyms INDECOROUS, IMPROPER, UNSEEMLY, UNBECOMING, INDELICATE mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste. INDECOROUS suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners <indecorous behavior>. IMPROPER applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method <improper use of campaign contributions>. UNSEEMLY adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste <remarried with unseemly haste>. UNBECOMING suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status <conduct unbecoming to an officer>. INDELICATE implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling <indelicate expressions for bodily functions>.

indecorum
n. 1 : something that is indecorous
2 : lack of decorum : IMPROPRIETY

indeed
adv. 1 : without any question : TRULY, UNDENIABLY ― often used interjectionally to express irony or disbelief or surprise
2 : in reality
3 : all things considered : as a matter of fact

indefatigable
adj. : incapable of being fatigued : UNTIRING <an indefatigable worker>
–in·de·fa·ti·ga·bil·i·ty \-ˌfa-ti-gə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·de·fat·i·ga·ble·ness \-'fa-ti-gə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·de·fat·i·ga·bly \-blē\ adverb

indefeasible
adj. : not capable of being annulled or voided or undone <an indefeasible right>
–in·de·fea·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌfē-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·de·fea·si·bly \-'fē-zə-blē\ adverb

indefectible
adj. 1 : not subject to failure or decay : LASTING
2 : free of faults : FLAWLESS
–in·de·fec·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌfek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·de·fec·ti·bly \-'fek-tə-blē\ adverb

indefensible
adj. 1 a : incapable of being maintained as right or valid : UNTENABLE b : incapable of being justified or excused : INEXCUSABLE <indefensible comments>
2 : incapable of being protected against physical attack
–in·de·fen·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌfen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·de·fen·si·bly \-'fen(t)-sə-blē\ adverb

indefinable
adj. : incapable of being precisely described or analyzed <indefinable feelings> <an indefinable concept>
–in·de·fin·abil·i·ty \-ˌfī-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–indefinable noun
–in·de·fin·able·ness \-'fī-nə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·de·fin·ably \-blē\ adverb

indefinite
adj. : not definite: as a : typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing <the indefinite articles a and an> <indefinite pronouns> b : not precise : VAGUE c : having no exact limits
–indefinite noun
–in·def·i·nite·ly adverb
–in·def·i·nite·ness noun

indefinite integral
: any function whose derivative is a given function

indehiscent
adj. : remaining closed at maturity <indehiscent fruits>
–in·de·his·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun

indelible
adj. 1 a : that cannot be removed, washed away, or erased b : making marks that cannot easily be removed <an indelible pencil>
2 a : LASTING <indelible memories> b : UNFORGETTABLE, MEMORABLE <an indelible performance>
–in·del·i·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌde-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·del·i·bly \in-'de-lə-blē\ adverb

indelicacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being indelicate
2 : something that is indelicate

indelicate
adj. : not delicate: a (1) : lacking in or offending against propriety : IMPROPER (2) : verging on the indecent : COARSE b : marked by a lack of feeling for the sensibilities of others : TACTLESS
synonyms see INDECOROUS
–in·del·i·cate·ly adverb
–in·del·i·cate·ness noun

indemnification
n. 1 a : the action of indemnifying b : the condition of being indemnified
2 : INDEMNITY 2B

indemnify
v. 1 : to secure against hurt, loss, or damage
2 : to make compensation to for incurred hurt, loss, or damage
synonyms see PAY
–in·dem·ni·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

indemnity
n. 1 a : security against hurt, loss, or damage b : exemption from incurred penalties or liabilities
2 a : INDEMNIFICATION 1 b : something that indemnifies
3 : FEE-FOR-SERVICE ― usually used attributively <an indemnity plan>

indemonstrable
adj. : incapable of being demonstrated : not subject to proof
–in·de·mon·stra·bly \-blē\ adverb

indent
n. transitive verb
1 a : to divide (a document) so as to produce sections with irregular edges that can be matched for authentication b : to draw up (as a deed) in two or more exactly corresponding copies
2 : to notch the edge of : make jagged
3 : INDENTURE
4 : to set (as a line of a paragraph) in from the margin
5 chiefly British : to order by an indent
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to make a formal or express agreement
2 : to form an indentation
3 chiefly British : to make out an indent for something
–in·dent·er noun
–indent on
1 chiefly British : to make a requisition on
2 chiefly British : to draw on

indent
n. 1 a : INDENTURE 1 b : a certificate issued by the U.S. at the close of the American Revolution for the principal or interest on the public debt
2 chiefly British a : an official requisition b : a purchase order for goods especially when sent from a foreign country
3 : INDENTION

indent
n. 1 : to force inward so as to form a depression
2 : to form a dent in
–in·dent·er noun

indent
n. : INDENTATION

indent on

1 chiefly British : to make a requisition on
2 chiefly British : to draw on

indentation
n. 1 a : an angular cut in an edge : NOTCH b : a recess in a surface
2 : the action of indenting : the condition of being indented
3 : DENT
4 : INDENTION 2B

indention
n. 1 archaic : INDENTATION 1
2 a : the action of indenting : the condition of being indented b : the blank space produced by indenting

indenture
n. 1 a (1) : a document or a section of a document that is indented (2) : a formal or official document usually executed in two or more copies (3) : a contract binding one person to work for another for a given period of time ― often used in plural b : a formal certificate (as an inventory or voucher) prepared for purposes of control c : a document stating the terms under which a security (as a bond) is issued
2 : INDENTATION 1
3 [3indent] : DENT

indenture
n. : to bind (as an apprentice) by or as if by indentures

indentured servant
: a person who signs and is bound by indentures to work for another for a specified time especially in return for payment of travel expenses and maintenance

Independence
n. city W Mo. E of Kansas City pop 113,288

independence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being independent
2 archaic : COMPETENCE 1

independence
n. Independence Day
linear independence
Texas Independence Day

Independence Day
: a civil holiday for the celebration of the anniversary of the beginnings of national independence specifically : July 4 observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776

independency
n. 1 : INDEPENDENCE 1
2 capitalized : the Independent polity or movement
3 : an independent political unit

independent
n. 1 : not dependent: as a (1) : not subject to control by others : SELF-GOVERNING (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit <an independent bookstore> b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent <an independent conclusion> (2) : not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : not bound by or committed to a political party c (1) : not requiring or relying on others (as for care or livelihood) <independent of her parents> (2) : being enough to free one from the necessity of working for a living <a person of independent means> d : showing a desire for freedom <an independent manner> e (1) : not determined by or capable of being deduced or derived from or expressed in terms of members (as axioms or equations) of the set under consideration especially : having linear independence <an independent set of vectors> (2) : having the property that the joint probability (as of events or samples) or the joint probability density function (as of random variables) equals the product of the probabilities or probability density functions of separate occurrence
2 capitalized : of or relating to the Independents
3 a : MAIN 5 <an independent clause> b : neither deducible from nor incompatible with another statement <independent postulates>
synonyms see FREE
–in·de·pen·dent·ly adverb

independent
n. 1 capitalized : a sectarian of an English religious movement for congregational autonomy originating in the late 16th century, giving rise to Congregationalists, Baptists, and Friends, and forming one of the major political groupings of the period of Cromwell
2 : one that is independent especially often capitalized : one that is not bound by or definitively committed to a political party

independent
n. independent assortment
independent variable
law of independent assortment
linearly independent
semi independent
Commonwealth of Independent States

independent assortment
: formation of random combinations of chromosomes in meiosis and of genes on different pairs of homologous chromosomes by the passage according to the laws of probability of one of each diploid pair of homologous chromosomes into each gamete independently of each other pair

independent variable
: a mathematical variable that is independent of the other variables in an expression or function and whose value determines one or more of the values of the other variables

indescribable
adj. 1 : that cannot be described <an indescribable sensation>
2 : surpassing description <indescribable joy>
–in·de·scrib·able·ness noun
–in·de·scrib·ably \-blē\ adverb

indestructible
: incapable of being destroyed, ruined, or rendered ineffective
–in·de·struc·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌstrək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·de·struc·ti·ble·ness \-'strək-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·de·struc·ti·bly \-blē\ adverb

indeterminable
adj. 1 : incapable of being definitely decided or settled
2 : incapable of being definitely fixed or ascertained
–in·de·ter·min·ably \-blē\ adverb

indeterminacy
n. : the quality or state of being indeterminate

indeterminacy principle
: UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE

indeterminate
adj. 1 a : not definitely or precisely determined or fixed : VAGUE b : not known in advance c : not leading to a definite end or result
2 : having an infinite number of solutions <a system of indeterminate equations>
3 : being one of the seven undefined mathematical expressions 0/0, ∞/∞, ∞·0, 1∞, 0^0, ∞0, ∞-∞
4 : characterized by sequential flowering from the lateral or basal buds to the central or uppermost buds also : characterized by growth in which the main stem continues to elongate indefinitely without being limited by a terminal inflorescence ― compare DETERMINATE 4
–in·de·ter·mi·nate·ly adverb
–in·de·ter·mi·nate·ness noun
–in·de·ter·mi·na·tion \-ˌtər-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

indeterminism
n. 1 a : a theory that the will is free and that deliberate choice and actions are not determined by or predictable from antecedent causes b : a theory that holds that not every event has a cause
2 : the quality or state of being indeterminate especially : UNPREDICTABILITY
–in·de·ter·min·ist \-'tərm-nist, -'tər-mə-\ noun
–in·de·ter·min·is·tic \-ˌtər-mə-'nis-tik\ adjective

index
n. 1 a : a device (as the pointer on a scale or the gnomon of a sundial) that serves to indicate a value or quantity b : something (as a physical feature or a mode of expression) that leads one to a particular fact or conclusion : INDICATION
2 : a list (as of bibliographical information or citations to a body of literature) arranged usually in alphabetical order of some specified datum (as author, subject, or keyword): as a : a list of items (as topics or names) treated in a printed work that gives for each item the page number where it may be found b : THUMB INDEX c : a bibliographical analysis of groups of publications that is usually published periodically d : a list of publicly traded companies and their stock prices
3 : a list of restricted or prohibited material specifically capitalized : a formerly published list of books the reading of which was prohibited or restricted for Roman Catholics by the church authorities
4 plural usually indices : a number or symbol or expression (as an exponent) associated with another to indicate a mathematical operation to be performed or to indicate use or position in an arrangement <3 is the index of the expression ∛5 to indicate the cube root of 5>
5 : a character used to direct attention to a note or paragraph ― called also fist
6 a : a number (as a ratio) derived from a series of observations and used as an indicator or measure specifically : INDEX NUMBER b : the ratio of one dimension of a thing (as an anatomical structure) to another dimension

index
n. 1 a : to provide with an index b : to list in an index <all persons and places mentioned are carefully indexed>
2 : to serve as an index of
3 : to regulate (as wages, prices, or interest rates) by indexation
intransitive verb : to index something
–in·dex·er noun

index
n. windchill index
body mass index
cephalic index
consumer price index
cost of living index
cranial index
cross index
facial index
index finger
index fossil
index number
index of refraction
misery index
price index
refractive index
therapeutic index
thumb index
viscosity index
hand over fist
mailed fist

index finger
: the finger next to the thumb ― called also forefinger

index fossil
: a fossil usually with a narrow time range and wide spatial distribution that is used in the identification of related geologic formations

index number
: a number used to indicate change in magnitude (as of cost or price) as compared with the magnitude at some specified time usually taken as 100

index of refraction

1829
: REFRACTIVE INDEX

indexation
n. : a system of economic control in which certain variables (as wages and interest) are tied to a cost-of-living index so that both rise or fall at the same rate and the detrimental effect of inflation is theoretically eliminated

indexical
adj. 1 : of or relating to an index
2 a : varying in reference with the individual speaker <the indexical words I, here, now> b : associated with or identifying an individual speaker <indexical features of speech>

indexical
adj. : an indexical word, sign, or feature

indexing
n. : INDEXATION

India
n. ― a communications code word for the letter i

India
n. 1 peninsula region (often called a subcontinent) S Asia S of the Himalayas bet. Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea occupied by India, Pakistan, & Bangladesh & formerly often considered to include Burma (but not Ceylon)
2 those parts of India until 1947 under Brit. rule or protection together with Baluchistan & the Andaman & Nicobar islands &, prior to 1937, Burma
3 country comprising major portion of peninsula; a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations; until 1947 a part of the Brit. Empire capital New Delhi area 1,195,063 sq mi (3,095,472 sq km), pop 896,567,000

India
n. india rubber
india ink
India paper
British India
Central India
East India
French India
Portuguese India

india ink
1 : a solid black pigment (as specially prepared lampblack) used in drawing and lettering
2 : a fluid ink consisting usually of a fine suspension of india ink in a liquid

India paper
1 : a thin absorbent paper used especially for proving inked intaglio surfaces (as steel engravings)
2 : a thin tough opaque printing paper

india rubber
: 1RUBBER 2A

Indiaman
n. : a merchant ship formerly used in trade with India especially : a large sailing ship used in this trade

Indian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of India or of the East Indies b : a person of Indian descent
2 a : AMERICAN INDIAN b : one of the native languages of American Indians
–Indian adjective
–In·di·an·ness noun

Indian
n. American Indian
Indian wrestling
Indian agent
Indian club
Indian corn
Indian elephant
Indian file
Indian giver
Indian giving
Indian grass
Indian hemp
Indian licorice
Indian meal
Indian paintbrush
Indian pipe
Indian pudding
Indian red
Indian sign
Indian summer
Indian tobacco
Indian wrestle
Paleo Indian
Red Indian
wooden Indian
British Indian Ocean Territory
East Indian
Great Indian Desert
Indian Ocean
Indian River
Indian States
Indian Territory
West Indian
non Indian

Indian agent
: an official representative of the U.S. federal government to American Indian tribes especially on reservations

Indian club
: a usually wooden club shaped like a large bottle or tenpin that is swung for gymnastic exercise

Indian corn
1 : a tall widely cultivated American cereal grass (Zea mays) bearing seeds on elongated ears
2 : the ears of Indian corn also : its edible seeds

Indian elephant
: ELEPHANT 1B

Indian file
: SINGLE FILE
–Indian file adverb

Indian giver
sometimes offensive : a person who gives something to another and then takes it back or expects an equivalent in return
–Indian giving noun sometimes offensive

Indian grass
: a tall perennial No. American grass (Sorghastrum nutans) with long flat leaves and narrow feathery golden-brown panicles

Indian hemp
1 : a No. American dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) with milky juice, tough fibrous bark, and an emetic and cathartic root
2 : HEMP 1

Indian licorice
: ROSARY PEA 1

Indian meal
: CORNMEAL

Indian Ocean
ocean E of Africa, S of Asia, W of Australia & Tasmania, & N of Antarctica area ab 28,350,500 sq mi (73,427,795 sq km)

Indian paintbrush
1 : any of a genus (Castilleja) of herbaceous plants of the snapdragon family that have brightly colored bracts ― called also painted cup
2 : ORANGE HAWKWEED

Indian pipe
: a waxy white saprophytic herb (Monotropa uniflora of the family Monotropaceae, the Indian-pipe family) of Asia and No. America with leaves reduced to scales and that turns black in drying

Indian pudding
: a baked pudding made chiefly of cornmeal, milk, and molasses

Indian red
1 : any of various usually dark red pigments consisting chiefly of iron oxide
2 : a strong or moderate reddish brown

Indian River
lagoon 165 mi (266 km) long E Fla. bet. mainland & coastal islands

Indian sign
chiefly British : HEX, SPELL

Indian States
former semi-independent states of the Indian Empire ruled by native princes subject to varying degrees of Brit. authority ― see BRITISH INDIA

Indian summer
1 : a period of warm or mild weather in late autumn or early winter
2 : a happy or flourishing period occurring toward the end of something <the crowning performance of the Indian summer of her career ― Octavio Roca>

Indian Territory
former territory S U.S. in present state of Okla.

Indian tobacco
1 : a poisonous No. American annual lobelia (Lobelia inflata) with small blue or white flowers
2 : a wild tobacco (Nicotiana bigelovii syn. N. quadrivalvis) found in dry valleys from southern California to southern Oregon

Indian wrestling
1 : wrestling in which two people lie side by side on their backs in reversed position locking their near arms and raising and locking the corresponding legs and attempt to force each other's leg down and turn the other wrestler facedown
2 : wrestling in which two people stand face to face gripping usually their right hands and setting the outsides of the corresponding feet together and attempt to force each other off balance
3 : ARM WRESTLING

Indian-wrestle
: to engage in Indian wrestling

Indiana
n. state E cen U.S. capital Indianapolis area 36,291 sq mi (94,357 sq km), pop 6,080,485
–In·di·an·an \-'a-nən\ adjective or noun
–In·di·an·i·an \-'a-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Indiana Harbor
harbor district in E. Chicago, Ind., on Lake Michigan

Indianapolis
n. city cen Ind., its capital pop 791,926

Indianism
1 : the qualities or culture distinctive of American Indians
2 : policy designed to further the interests or culture of American Indians
–In·di·an·ist \-nist\ adjective or noun

Indianize
v. 1 : to cause to acquire or conform to the characteristics, culture, or usage of American Indians or of India
2 : to bring (as a region) under the cultural or political influence or control of India
–In·di·an·i·za·tion \ˌin-dē-ə-(ˌ)nī-'zā-shən\ noun

Indic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the subcontinent of India : INDIAN
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages
–Indic noun

indican
n. 1 : an indigo-forming substance C_8H_7NO_4S found as a salt in urine and other animal fluids also : its potassium salt C_8H_6KNO_4S
2 : a glucoside C_14H_17NO_6 occurring especially in the indigo plant and being a source of natural indigo

indicant
n. : something that serves to indicate

indicate
v. 1 a : to point out or point to b : to be a sign, symptom, or index of <the high fever indicates a serious condition> c : to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of <indicated the need for a new school> <the indicated treatment>
2 : to state or express briefly <indicated a desire to cooperate>

indication
n. 1 a : something that serves to indicate b : something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
2 : the action of indicating
–in·di·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

indicative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents the denoted act or state as an objective fact <the indicative mood>
2 : serving to indicate <actions indicative of fear>
–in·dic·a·tive·ly adverb

indicative
adj. 1 : the indicative mood of a language
2 : a form in the indicative mood

indicator
n. 1 : one that indicates: as a : an index hand (as on a dial) : POINTER b (1) : GAUGE 2B, DIAL 4A (2) : an instrument for automatically making a diagram that indicates the pressure in and volume of the working fluid of an engine throughout the cycle
2 a : a substance (as litmus) used to show visually (as by change of color) the condition of a solution with respect to the presence of a particular material (as a free acid or alkali) b : TRACER 4B
3 : an organism or ecological community so strictly associated with particular environmental conditions that its presence is indicative of the existence of these conditions
4 : any of a group of statistical values (as level of employment) that taken together give an indication of the health of the economy
–in·dic·a·to·ry \in-'di-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

indices
n. plural of index

indicia
n. 1 : distinctive marks : INDICATIONS
2 : postal markings often imprinted on mail or on labels to be affixed to mail

indict
v. 1 : to charge with a fault or offense : CRITICIZE, ACCUSE
2 : to charge with a crime by the finding or presentment of a jury (as a grand jury) in due form of law
–in·dict·er or in·dict·or \-'dī-tər\ noun

indictable
adj. 1 : subject to being indicted : liable to indictment
2 : making one liable to indictment <an indictable offense>

indiction
n. : a 15-year cycle used as a chronological unit in several ancient and medieval systems

indictment
n. 1 a : the action or the legal process of indicting b : the state of being indicted
2 : a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a jury (as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense
3 : an expression of strong disapproval <an indictment of government policy on immigrants>

indie
n. 1 : one that is independent especially : an unaffiliated record or motion-picture production company
2 : something (as a record or film) produced by an indie
–indie adjective

indie
n. British West Indies
Danish West Indies
East Indies
French West Indies
Netherlands Indies
West Indies
West Indies Federation

Indies
n. 1 EAST INDIES
2 WEST INDIES

Indies
n. British West Indies
Danish West Indies
East Indies
French West Indies
Netherlands Indies
West Indies
West Indies Federation

indifference
n. 1 : the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
2 a archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things b : absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

indifferency
archaic : INDIFFERENCE

indifferent
adj. 1 : marked by impartiality : UNBIASED
2 a : that does not matter one way or the other b : of no importance or value one way or the other
3 a : marked by no special liking for or dislike of something <indifferent about which task he was given> b : marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something : APATHETIC <indifferent to suffering and poverty>
4 : being neither excessive nor inadequate : MODERATE <hills of indifferent size>
5 a : being neither good nor bad : MEDIOCRE <does indifferent work> b : being neither right nor wrong
6 : characterized by lack of active quality : NEUTRAL <an indifferent chemical>
7 a : not differentiated <indifferent tissues of the human body> b : capable of development in more than one direction especially : not yet embryologically determined
–in·dif·fer·ent·ly adverb
synonyms INDIFFERENT, UNCONCERNED, INCURIOUS, ALOOF, DETACHED, DISINTERESTED mean not showing or feeling interest. INDIFFERENT implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice <indifferent to the dictates of fashion>. UNCONCERNED suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles <unconcerned about the homeless>. INCURIOUS implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness <incurious about the world>. ALOOF suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness <aloof from his coworkers>. DETACHED implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness <observed family gatherings with detached amusement>. DISINTERESTED implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias <judged by a panel of disinterested observers>.

indifferentism
n. : INDIFFERENCE specifically : belief that all religions are equally valid
–in·dif·fer·ent·ist \-fərn-tist, -f(ə-)rən-\ noun

indigence
n. : a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking
synonyms see POVERTY

indigene
n. : NATIVE

indigenize
v. : to cause to have indigenous characteristics or personnel <the former colony began to indigenize its businesses>
–in·dig·e·ni·za·tion \-ˌdi-jə-nə-'zā-shən, -ˌnī-'\ noun

indigenous
adj. 1 : having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment <indigenous plants> <the indigenous culture>
2 : INNATE, INBORN
synonyms see NATIVE
–in·dig·e·nous·ly adverb
–in·dig·e·nous·ness noun

indigent
n. 1 : suffering from indigence : IMPOVERISHED
2 a archaic : DEFICIENT b archaic : totally lacking in something specified
–indigent noun

indigested
adj. : not carefully thought out or arranged : FORMLESS

indigestible
adj. : not digestible : not easily digested
–in·di·gest·ibil·i·ty \-ˌjes-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–indigestible noun

indigestion
n. 1 : inability to digest or difficulty in digesting something
2 : a case or attack of indigestion marked especially by a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen

Indigirka
river over 1000 mi (1609 km) E cen Russia in Asia in NE Sakha Republic flowing N into E. Siberian Sea

indign
1 archaic : UNWORTHY, UNDESERVING
2 obsolete : UNBECOMING, DISGRACEFUL

indignant
adj. : filled with or marked by indignation <became indignant at the accusation>
–in·dig·nant·ly adverb

indignation
n. : anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean
synonyms see ANGER

indignity
n. 1 a : an act that offends against a person's dignity or self-respect : INSULT b : humiliating treatment
2 obsolete : lack or loss of dignity or honor

indigo
n. 1 a : a blue vat dye obtained from plants (as indigo plants) b : the principal coloring matter C_16H_10N_2O_2 of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster
2 : INDIGO PLANT
3 : a deep reddish blue

indigo
n. indigo bunting
indigo plant
indigo snake
wild indigo

indigo bunting
: a small finch (Passerina cyanea of the family Cardinalidae) chiefly of eastern No. America of which the male is largely deep blue in spring and summer

indigo plant
: a plant that yields indigo especially : any of a genus (Indigofera) of leguminous herbs

indigo snake
: a very large blue-black or brownish colubrid snake (Drymarchon corais) of the southeastern U.S. and Texas to Argentina ― called also gopher snake

indigotin
: INDIGO 1B

indinavir
: a protease inhibitor C_36H_47N_5O_4 used in the form of its sulfate in combination with antiretroviral drugs (as AZT) to treat HIV infection

Indio
n. city SE Calif. SE of San Bernardino pop 49,116

indirect
adj. : not direct: as a (1) : deviating from a direct line or course : ROUNDABOUT (2) : not going straight to the point <an indirect accusation> (3) : being or involving proof of a proposition or theorem by demonstration that its negation leads to an absurdity or contradiction b : not straightforward and open : DECEITFUL c : not directly aimed at or achieved <indirect consequences> d : stating what a real or supposed original speaker said with changes in wording that conform the statement grammatically to the sentence in which it is included <indirect discourse> <an indirect question> e : not effected by the action of the people or the electorate <indirect government representation>
–in·di·rect·ly \-'rek(t)-lē\ adverb
–in·di·rect·ness \-nəs\ noun

indirect
adj. indirect cost
indirect evidence
indirect lighting
indirect object

indirect cost
: a cost that is not identifiable with a specific product, function, or activity

indirect evidence
: evidence that establishes immediately collateral facts from which the main fact may be inferred : CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

indirect lighting
: lighting in which the light emitted by a source is diffusely reflected (as by the ceiling)

indirect object
: a grammatical object representing the secondary goal of the action of its verb (as her in “I gave her the book”)

indirection
n. 1 a : indirect action or procedure b : lack of direction : AIMLESSNESS
2 a : lack of straightforwardness and openness : DECEITFULNESS b : something (as an act or statement) marked by lack of straightforwardness <hated diplomatic indirections ― Rev. of Reviews>

indiscernible
adj. : incapable of being discerned : not recognizable as distinct

indisciplinable
: not subject to or capable of being disciplined

indiscipline
n. : lack of discipline
–in·dis·ci·plined \-plənd, -(ˌ)plind\ adjective

indiscoverable
adj. : not discoverable

indiscreet
adj. : not discreet : IMPRUDENT <an indiscreet comment>
–in·dis·creet·ly adverb
–in·dis·creet·ness noun

indiscretion
n. 1 : lack of discretion : IMPRUDENCE <dietary indiscretion>
2 a : something (as an act or remark) marked by lack of discretion b : an act at variance with the accepted morality of a society <resigned because of financial indiscretions>

indiscriminate
adj. 1 a : not marked by careful distinction : deficient in discrimination and discernment <indiscriminate reading habits> <indiscriminate mass destruction> b : HAPHAZARD, RANDOM <indiscriminate application of a law>
2 a : PROMISCUOUS, UNRESTRAINED <indiscriminate sexual behavior> b : HETEROGENEOUS, MOTLEY <an indiscriminate collection>
–in·dis·crim·i·nate·ly adverb
–in·dis·crim·i·nate·ness noun

indiscriminating
adj. : not discriminating
–in·dis·crim·i·nat·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

indiscrimination
n. : lack of discrimination

indispensable
1 : not subject to being set aside or neglected <an indispensable obligation>
2 : absolutely necessary : ESSENTIAL <an indispensable member of the staff>
–in·dis·pens·abil·i·ty \-ˌspen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–indispensable noun
–in·dis·pens·able·ness \-'spen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·dis·pens·ably \-blē\ adverb

indispose
v. 1 a : to make unfit : DISQUALIFY b : to make averse : DISINCLINE
2 archaic : to cause to be in poor physical health

indisposed
adj. 1 : slightly ill
2 : AVERSE

indisposition
n. : the condition of being indisposed: a : DISINCLINATION b : a usually slight illness

indisputable
adj. : not disputable : UNQUESTIONABLE <indisputable proof>
–in·dis·put·able·ness noun
–in·dis·put·ably \-blē\ adverb

indissociable
adj. : not dissociated : INSEPARABLE
–in·dis·so·cia·bly \-blē\ adverb

indissoluble
adj. : not dissoluble especially : incapable of being annulled, undone, or broken : PERMANENT <an indissoluble contract>
–in·dis·sol·u·bil·i·ty \-ˌsäl-yə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·dis·sol·u·ble·ness \-'säl-yə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·dis·sol·u·bly \-blē\ adverb

indistinct
adj. : not distinct: as a : not sharply outlined or separable : BLURRED <indistinct figures in the fog> b : FAINT, DIM <an indistinct light in the distance> c : not clearly recognizable or understandable : UNCERTAIN
–in·dis·tinct·ly \-'stiŋ(k)t-lē, -'stiŋ-klē\ adverb
–in·dis·tinct·ness \-'stiŋ(k)t-nəs, -'stiŋk-nəs\ noun

indistinctive
adj. : lacking distinctive qualities

indistinguishable
: not distinguishable: as a : indeterminate in shape or structure <indistinguishable forms in the mist> b : not clearly recognizable or understandable <indistinguishable differences> c : lacking identifying or individualizing qualities <seemingly indistinguishable alternatives>
–in·dis·tin·guish·abil·i·ty \-ˌstiŋ-gwi-shə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌstiŋ-wi-\ noun
–in·dis·tin·guish·able·ness \-'stiŋ-gwi-shə-bəl-nəs, -'stiŋ-wi-\ noun
–in·dis·tin·guish·ably \-blē\ adverb

indite
v. 1 a : MAKE UP, COMPOSE <indite a poem> b : to give literary or formal expression to c : to put down in writing <indite a message>
2 obsolete : DICTATE
–in·dit·er noun

indium
n. : a silvery malleable fusible chiefly trivalent metallic element that occurs especially in sphalerite ores and is used especially as a plating material, in alloys, and in electronics ― see ELEMENT table

indium antimonide
: a synthetic compound InSb of indium and antimony that is a semiconducting and photosensitive material and is used especially in infrared photodetectors

indiv
individual

individual
n. 1 obsolete : INSEPARABLE
2 a : of, relating to, or distinctively associated with an individual <an individual effort> b : being an individual or existing as an indivisible whole c : intended for one person <an individual serving>
3 : existing as a distinct entity : SEPARATE
4 : having marked individuality <an individual style>
synonyms see SPECIAL, CHARACTERISTIC
–in·di·vid·u·al·ly adverb

individual
n. 1 a : a particular being or thing as distinguished from a class, species, or collection: as (1) : a single human being as contrasted with a social group or institution <a teacher who works with individuals> (2) : a single organism as distinguished from a group b : a particular person <are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?>
2 : an indivisible entity
3 : the reference of a name or variable of the lowest logical type in a calculus

individual medley
: a swimming race in which each contestant swims each part of the course with a different stroke

individual retirement account
: IRA

individualise
v. British variant of individualize

individualism
n. 1 a (1) : a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount also : conduct guided by such a doctrine (2) : the conception that all values, rights, and duties originate in individuals b : a theory maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative, action, and interests also : conduct or practice guided by such a theory
2 a : INDIVIDUALITY b : an individual peculiarity : IDIOSYNCRASY

individualist
n. 1 : one that pursues a markedly independent course in thought or action
2 : one that advocates or practices individualism
–individualist or in·di·vid·u·al·is·tic \-ˌvij-wə-'lis-tik, -ˌvi-jə-wə-, -ˌvi-jə-'lis-\ adjective
–in·di·vid·u·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-'lis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

individuality
n. 1 a : total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others b : PERSONALITY
2 archaic : the quality or state of being indivisible
3 : separate or distinct existence
4 : INDIVIDUAL, PERSON

individualize
v. 1 : to make individual in character
2 : to treat or notice individually : PARTICULARIZE
3 : to adapt to the needs or special circumstances of an individual <individualize teaching according to student ability>
–in·di·vid·u·al·i·za·tion \-ˌvij-wə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌvi-jə-wə-, -ˌvi-jə-lə-\ noun

individuate
v. 1 : to give individuality to
2 : to form into a distinct entity

individuation
n. 1 : the act or process of individuating: as a (1) : the development of the individual from the universal (2) : the determination of the individual in the general b : the process by which individuals in society become differentiated from one another c : regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis
2 : the state of being individuated specifically : INDIVIDUALITY

indivisible
adj. : not divisible
–in·di·vis·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌvi-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–indivisible noun
–in·di·vis·i·bly \-'vi-zə-blē\ adverb

indn
indication

Indo
n. 1 : India or the East Indies <Indo-Pakistani>
2 : Indo-European <Indo-Hittite>

indo
n. ― see IND-

indo
n. Indo Aryan
Indo Chinese
Indo European
Indo Europeanist
Indo European languages
Indo Germanic
Indo Hittite
Indo Iranian
non Indo European

Indo-Aryan
1 : a member of one of the peoples of the Indian subcontinent speaking an Indo-European language
2 : one of the early Indo-European invaders of southern Asia
3 : a branch of the Indo-European language family that includes Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, and other languages spoken primarily in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Indo-Aryan adjective

Indo-Chinese
1 : a native or inhabitant of Indochina
2 : SINO-TIBETAN
–Indo-Chinese adjective

Indo-European
: of, relating to, or constituting the Indo-European languages

Indo-European
1 a : a member of the people speaking an unrecorded prehistoric language from which the Indo-European languages are descended b : this language
2 : INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES

Indo-European languages
: a family of languages comprising those spoken in most of Europe and in the parts of the world colonized by Europeans since 1500 and also in Persia, the subcontinent of India, and some other parts of Asia

see table...

Indo-Europeanist
: a specialist in Indo-European linguistics

Indo-Germanic
: INDO-EUROPEAN
–Indo-Germanic noun

Indo-Hittite
1 : a hypothetical parent language of Indo-European and Anatolian
2 : a language family including Indo-European and Anatolian
–Indo-Hittite adjective

Indo-Iranian
: of, relating to, or constituting a subfamily of the Indo-European languages that consists of the Indo-Aryan and the Iranian branches ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Indo-Iranian noun

Indochina
n. 1 peninsula SE Asia; includes Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, & Vietnam
2 or French Indochina former country SE Asia comprising Annam, Cochin China, & Tonkin (all now part of Vietnam), Cambodia, & Laos capital Hanoi

indocile
adj. : unwilling or indisposed to be taught or disciplined : INTRACTABLE
–in·do·cil·i·ty \ˌin-dä-'si-lə-tē, -dō-\ noun

indoctrinate
1 : to instruct especially in fundamentals or rudiments : TEACH
2 : to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view, or principle
–in·doc·tri·na·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌdäk-trə-'nā-shən\ noun
–in·doc·tri·na·tor \in-'däk-trə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

indoeuro-table

indole
n. : a crystalline alkaloid compound C_8H_7N that is a decomposition product of proteins containing tryptophan, that can be made synthetically, and that is used in perfumes also : a derivative of indole

indoleacetic acid
: a crystalline plant hormone C_10H_9NO_2 that is a naturally occurring auxin promoting growth and rooting of plants

indolebutyric acid
: a crystalline acid C_12H_13NO_2 similar to indoleacetic acid in its effects on plants

indolence
n. : inclination to laziness : SLOTH

indolent
adj. 1 a : causing little or no pain b : slow to develop or heal <indolent tumors> <indolent ulcers>
2 a : averse to activity, effort, or movement : habitually lazy b : conducive to or encouraging laziness <indolent heat> c : exhibiting indolence <an indolent sigh>
synonyms see LAZY
–in·do·lent·ly adverb

Indology
n. : the study of India and its people
–In·dol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

indomethacin
n. : a nonsteroidal drug C_19H_16ClNO_4 with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties used especially to treat painful inflammatory conditions (as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis)

indomitable
adj. : incapable of being subdued : UNCONQUERABLE <indomitable courage>
–in·dom·i·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌdä-mə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·dom·i·ta·ble·ness \in-'dä-mə-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·dom·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

Indon
Indonesia; Indonesian

Indonesia
n. 1 country SE Asia in Malay Archipelago comprising Sumatra, Java, S & E Borneo, Sulawesi, W Timor, W New Guinea, the Moluccas, & many adjacent smaller islands; formerly (as Netherlands Indies) an overseas territory of the Netherlands capital Jakarta area 764,749 sq mi (1,980,700 sq km), pop 187,468,250
2 MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

Indonesian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of the Malay Archipelago
2 a : a native or inhabitant of the Republic of Indonesia b : the language based on Malay that is the national language of the Republic of Indonesia
–Indonesian adjective

indoor
adj. 1 : of or relating to the interior of a building
2 : living, located, or carried on within a building <an indoor sport>

indoors
adv. : in or into a building

indophenol
n. : any of various blue or green dyes

Indore
n. 1 former state cen India in Narmada valley capital Indore; area now in Madhya Pradesh
2 city NW cen India in W Madhya Pradesh pop 1,597,441

indorse
v. variant of endorse, endorsement

indoxyl
: a crystalline compound C_8H_7NO found in plants and animals or synthesized as a step in indigo manufacture

indraft
n. 1 : an inward flow or current (as of air or water)
2 : a drawing or pulling in

indrawn
adj. 1 : ALOOF, RESERVED
2 : drawn in

indri
n. : a large diurnal black-and-white lemur (Indri indri) of Madagascar that is about two feet long with a rudimentary tail

indubitable
adj. : too evident to be doubted : UNQUESTIONABLE
–in·du·bi·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌdü-bə-tə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌdyü-\ noun
–in·du·bi·ta·ble·ness \-'dü-bə-tə-bəl-nəs, -'dyü-\ noun
–in·du·bi·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

induce
v. 1 a : to move by persuasion or influence b : to call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation
2 a : EFFECT, CAUSE b : to cause the formation of c : to produce (as an electric current) by induction
3 : to determine by induction specifically : to infer from particulars

inducement
n. 1 : a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or more effective actions
2 : the act or process of inducing
3 : matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause, plea, or defense
synonyms see MOTIVE

inducer
n. : one that induces especially : a substance that is capable of activating the transcription of a gene by combining with and inactivating a genetic repressor

inducible
adj. : capable of being induced: as a : formed by a cell in response to the presence of its substrate <inducible enzymes> b : activated or undergoing expression only in the presence of a particular molecule <an inducible promoter>
–in·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdü-sə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌdyü-\ noun

induct
v. 1 : to put in formal possession (as of a benefice or office) : INSTALL <was inducted as president of the college>
2 a : to admit as a member <inducted into a scholastic society> b : INTRODUCE, INITIATE c : to enroll for military training or service (as under a selective service act)
3 : LEAD, CONDUCT

inductance
n. 1 a : a property of an electric circuit by which an electromotive force is induced in it by a variation of current either in the circuit itself or in a neighboring circuit b : the measure of this property that is equal to the ratio of the induced electromotive force to the rate of change of the inducing current
2 : a circuit or a device possessing inductance

inductee
n. : one who is inducted

induction
n. 1 a : the act or process of inducting (as into office) b : an initial experience : INITIATION c : the formality by which a civilian is inducted into military service
2 a (1) : inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances ― compare DEDUCTION 2a (2) : a conclusion arrived at by induction b : mathematical demonstration of the validity of a law concerning all the positive integers by proving that it holds for the integer 1 and that if it holds for an arbitrarily chosen positive integer k, it must hold for the integer k + 1 ― called also mathematical induction
3 : a preface, prologue, or introductory scene especially of an early English play
4 a : the act of bringing forward or adducing (as facts or particulars) b : the act of causing or bringing on or about c : the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit d : the inspiration of the fuel-air charge from the carburetor into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine e : the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about

induction
n. mathematical induction
induction coil
induction heating
induction motor
linear induction motor
self induction

induction coil
: an apparatus for obtaining intermittent high voltage that consists of a primary coil through which the direct current flows, an interrupter, and a secondary coil of a larger number of turns in which the high voltage is induced

induction heating
: heating of material by means of an electric current that is caused to flow through the material or its container by electromagnetic induction

induction motor
: an alternating-current motor in which torque is produced by the reaction between a varying magnetic field generated in the stator and the current induced in the coils of the rotor

inductive
adj. 1 : leading on : INDUCING
2 : of, relating to, or employing mathematical or logical induction <inductive reasoning>
3 : of or relating to inductance or electrical induction
4 : INTRODUCTORY
5 : involving the action of an embryological organizer : tending to produce induction
–in·duc·tive·ly adverb

inductor
n. 1 : one that inducts
2 a : a part of an electrical apparatus that acts upon another or is itself acted upon by induction b : REACTOR 2
3 : ORGANIZER 2

indue
v. variant of endue

indulge
v. transitive verb
1 a : to give free rein to b : to take unrestrained pleasure in : GRATIFY
2 a : to yield to the desire of : HUMOR <please indulge me for a moment> b : to treat with excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration
intransitive verb : to indulge oneself
–in·dulg·er noun
synonyms INDULGE, PAMPER, HUMOR, SPOIL, BABY, MOLLYCODDLE mean to show undue favor to a person's desires and feelings. INDULGE implies excessive compliance and weakness in gratifying another's or one's own desires <indulged myself with food at the slightest excuse>. PAMPER implies inordinate gratification of desire for luxury and comfort with consequent enervating effect <pampered by the amenities of modern living>. HUMOR stresses a yielding to a person's moods or whims <humored him by letting him tell the story>. SPOIL stresses the injurious effects on character by indulging or pampering <foolish parents spoil their children>. BABY suggests excessive care, attention, or solicitude <babying students by grading too easily>. MOLLYCODDLE suggests an excessive degree of care and attention to another's health or welfare <refused to mollycoddle her malingering son>.

indulgence
n. 1 : remission of part or all of the temporal and especially purgatorial punishment that according to Roman Catholicism is due for sins whose eternal punishment has been remitted and whose guilt has been pardoned (as through the sacrament of reconciliation)
2 : the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
3 a : an indulgent act b : an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
4 a : the act of indulging in something especially : SELF-INDULGENCE b : something indulged in <walk off gastronomic indulgences ― Barbara L. Michaels>

indulgent
adj. : indulging or characterized by indulgence especially : LENIENT
–in·dul·gent·ly adverb

indult
n. : a special often temporary dispensation granted in the Roman Catholic Church

indurate
v. : physically or morally hardened

indurate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make unfeeling, stubborn, or obdurate
2 : to make hardy : INURE
3 : to make hard <great heat indurates clay>
4 : to establish firmly : CONFIRM
intransitive verb
1 : to grow hard : HARDEN
2 : to become established

indurated
adj. : having become firm or hard especially by increase of fibrous elements <indurated tissue>

induration
n. : the process of or condition produced by growing hard specifically : sclerosis especially when associated with inflammation
–in·du·ra·tive \'in-də-ˌrā-tiv, -dyə-; in-'dür-ə-, -'dyür-\ adjective

Indus
n. river 1800 mi (2897 km) S Asia flowing from Tibet NW & SSW through Pakistan into Arabian Sea

indus
n. industrial; industry

indusium
n. : an investing outgrowth or membrane especially : an outgrowth of a fern frond that covers the sori

industrial
n. 1 : of or relating to industry
2 : derived from human industry <industrial wealth>
3 : engaged in industry <the industrial classes>
4 : used in or developed for use in industry <industrial diamonds> also : HEAVY-DUTY <an industrial zipper>
5 : characterized by highly developed industries <an industrial nation>
–in·dus·tri·al·ly \-trē-ə-lē\ adverb

industrial
n. 1 a : one that is employed in industry b : a company engaged in industrial production or service
2 : a stock or bond issued by an industrial corporation or enterprise

industrial
n. agro industrial
industrial action
industrial archaeology
industrial archaeologist
industrial arts
industrial engineering
industrial engineer
industrial melanism
industrial psychology
industrial psychologist
industrial relations
industrial revolution
industrial school
industrial sociology
industrial strength
industrial union
military industrial complex

industrial action
British : JOB ACTION

industrial archaeology
: the study of the buildings, machinery, and equipment of the industrial revolution
–industrial archaeologist noun

industrial arts
: a subject taught in elementary and secondary schools that aims at developing manual skill and familiarity with tools and machines

industrial engineering
: engineering that deals with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems (as of people, materials, and energy) in industry
–industrial engineer noun

industrial melanism
: genetically determined melanism as a population phenomenon especially in moths in which the proportion of dark individuals tends to increase due to differential predation especially by birds which more easily find and eat lighter-colored individuals in habitats darkened by industrial pollution

industrial psychology
: the application of the findings and methods of experimental, clinical, and social psychology to industrial concerns
–industrial psychologist noun

industrial relations
: the dealings or relationships of a usually large business or industrial enterprise with its own workers, with labor in general, with governmental agencies, or with the public

industrial revolution
: a rapid major change in an economy (as in England in the late 18th century) marked by the general introduction of power-driven machinery or by an important change in the prevailing types and methods of use of such machines

industrial school
: a school specializing in the teaching of industrial arts specifically : one for juvenile delinquents

industrial sociology
: sociological analysis directed at institutions and social relationships within and largely controlled or affected by industry

industrial union
: a labor union open to workers in an industry irrespective of their occupation or craft ― compare CRAFT UNION

industrial-strength
1 : suitable for industrial use
2 : marked by more than usual power, durability, or intensity <industrial-strength boots> <an industrial-strength voice>

industrialise
v. British variant of industrialize

industrialism
n. : social organization in which industries and especially large-scale industries are dominant

industrialist
n. : one owning or engaged in the management of an industry : MANUFACTURER

industrialize
v. transitive verb : to make industrial <industrialize an agricultural region>
intransitive verb : to become industrial
–in·dus·tri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌdəs-trē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

industrious
adj. 1 obsolete : SKILLFUL, INGENIOUS
2 : constantly, regularly, or habitually active or occupied : DILIGENT <an industrious worker>
synonyms see BUSY
–in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb
–in·dus·tri·ous·ness noun

industry
n. 1 : diligence in an employment or pursuit especially : steady or habitual effort
2 a : systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of value b : a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture especially : one that employs a large personnel and capital especially in manufacturing c : a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises <the banking industry> d : manufacturing activity as a whole <the nation's industry>
3 : work devoted to the study of a particular subject or author <the Shakespeare industry>
synonyms see BUSINESS

industry
n. cottage industry
growth industry
multi industry

indwell
v. : to exist as an inner activating spirit, force, or principle
transitive verb : to exist within as an activating spirit, force, or principle
–in·dwell·er noun

indwelling
1 : being an inner activating or guiding force
2 : left within a bodily organ or passage especially to promote drainage ― used of an implanted tube (as a catheter)

Indy car
: a single-seat open-cockpit racing car with the engine in the rear

Indy, d'
(Paul-Marie-Théodore-) Vincent 1851-1931 Fr. composer

ine
1 [French -in, -ine, from Latin -īnus ― more at -EN] : of or relating to <estuarine>
2 [French -in, -ine, from Latin -ĭnus, from Greek -inos ― more at -EN] : made of : like <opaline>

ine
1 : chemical substance: as a : halogen element <chlorine> b : basic or base-containing carbon compound that contains nitrogen <quinine> <cystine> c : mixture of compounds (as of hydrocarbons) <gasoline> d : hydride <arsine>
2 : -IN 1A
3 : commercial product or material <glassine>

inebriant
n. : INTOXICANT

inebriate
1 : to exhilarate or stupefy as if by liquor
2 : to make drunk : INTOXICATE
–in·ebri·a·tion \-ˌnē-brē-'ā-shən\ noun

inebriate
n. 1 : affected by alcohol : DRUNK
2 : addicted to excessive drinking

inebriate
n. : one who is drunk especially : DRUNKARD

inebriated
adj. : exhilarated or confused by or as if by alcohol : INTOXICATED

inebriety
n. : the state of being inebriated : DRUNKENNESS

inedible
adj. : not fit to be eaten

ineducable
adj. : incapable of being educated
–in·ed·u·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-jə-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

ineffable
adj. 1 a : incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE <ineffable joy> b : UNSPEAKABLE <ineffable disgust>
2 : not to be uttered : TABOO <the ineffable name of Jehovah>
–in·ef·fa·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-fə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ef·fa·ble·ness \-'ne-fə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·ef·fa·bly \-blē\ adverb

ineffaceable
adj. : not effaceable : INERADICABLE
–in·ef·face·abil·i·ty \-ˌfā-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ef·face·ably \-'fā-sə-blē\ adverb

ineffective
adj. 1 : not producing an intended effect : INEFFECTUAL <ineffective lighting>
2 : not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : INCAPABLE <an ineffective executive>
–in·ef·fec·tive·ly adverb
–in·ef·fec·tive·ness noun

ineffectual
adj. 1 : not producing the proper or intended effect : FUTILE
2 : INEFFECTIVE 2
–in·ef·fec·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌfek-chə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ef·fec·tu·al·ly \-'fek-chə(-wə)-lē, -'fek-shwə-\ adverb
–in·ef·fec·tu·al·ness noun

inefficacious
adj. : lacking the power to produce a desired effect : INEFFECTIVE
–in·ef·fi·ca·cious·ly adverb
–in·ef·fi·ca·cious·ness noun

inefficacy
n. : lack of power to produce a desired effect

inefficiency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being inefficient
2 : something that is inefficient

inefficient
adj. : not efficient: as a : not producing the effect intended or desired b : wasteful of time or energy <inefficient operating procedures> c : INCAPABLE, INCOMPETENT <an inefficient worker>
–inefficient noun
–in·ef·fi·cient·ly adverb

inegalitarian
adj. : marked by disparity in social and economic standing

inelastic
adj. : not elastic: as a : slow to react or respond to changing conditions b : INFLEXIBLE, UNYIELDING
–in·elas·tic·i·ty \ˌi-ni-ˌlas-'ti-s(ə-)tē, (ˌ)i-ˌnē-ˌlas-\ noun

inelastic collision
: a collision in which part of the kinetic energy of the colliding particles changes into another form of energy (as heat or radiation)

inelastic scattering
: a scattering of particles as the result of inelastic collision in which the total kinetic energy of the colliding particles changes

inelegance
n. : lack of elegance

inelegant
adj. : lacking in refinement, grace, or good taste
–in·el·e·gant·ly adverb

ineligible
n. : not eligible: as a : not qualified for an office or position b : not permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass <an ineligible receiver>
–in·el·i·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-lə-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ineligible noun

ineloquent
adj. : not eloquent : having or showing a lack of eloquence
–in·el·o·quent·ly adverb

ineluctable
adj. : not to be avoided, changed, or resisted : INEVITABLE <an ineluctable fate>
–in·eluc·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌlək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·eluc·ta·bly \-'lək-tə-blē\ adverb

ineludible
: INESCAPABLE

inenarrable
: incapable of being narrated : INDESCRIBABLE

inept
adj. 1 : lacking in fitness or aptitude : UNFIT <inept at sports>
2 : lacking sense or reason : FOOLISH
3 : not suitable to the time, place, or occasion : inappropriate often to an absurd degree <an inept metaphor>
4 : generally incompetent : BUNGLING <inept leadership>
synonyms see AWKWARD
–in·ept·ly \-'nep(t)-lē\ adverb
–in·ept·ness \-nəs\ noun

ineptitude
n. : the quality or state of being inept especially : INCOMPETENCE

inequality
n. 1 : the quality of being unequal or uneven: as a : lack of evenness b : social disparity c : disparity of distribution or opportunity d : the condition of being variable : CHANGEABLENESS
2 : an instance of being unequal
3 : a formal statement of inequality between two quantities usually separated by a sign of inequality (as , >, or ≠ signifying respectively is less than, is greater than, or is not equal to)

inequitable
adj. : not equitable : UNFAIR <an inequitable distribution of funds>
–in·eq·ui·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

inequity
n. 1 : INJUSTICE, UNFAIRNESS
2 : an instance of injustice or unfairness

ineradicable
adj. : incapable of being eradicated
–in·erad·i·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌra-di-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·erad·i·ca·bly \-'ra-di-kə-blē\ adverb

inerrancy
n. : exemption from error : INFALLIBILITY <the question of biblical inerrancy>

inerrant
adj. : free from error

inert
adj. 1 : lacking the power to move
2 : very slow to move or act : SLUGGISH
3 : deficient in active properties especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action
synonyms see INACTIVE
–inert noun
–in·ert·ly adverb
–in·ert·ness noun

inert gas
: NOBLE GAS

inertia
n. 1 a : a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted upon by some external force b : an analogous property of other physical quantities (as electricity)
2 : indisposition to motion, exertion, or change : INERTNESS
–in·er·tial \-shəl\ adjective
–in·er·tial·ly \-'nər-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

inertia
n. moment of inertia
inertial guidance
inertial navigation

inertial guidance
: guidance (as of an aircraft or spacecraft) by means of self-contained automatically controlling devices that respond to inertial forces ― called also inertial navigation

Ines de Castro
― see CASTRO

inescapable
adj. : incapable of being avoided, ignored, or denied : INEVITABLE
–in·es·cap·ably \-blē\ adverb

inessential
adj. 1 : having no essence
2 : not essential : UNESSENTIAL
–inessential noun

inestimable
adj. 1 : incapable of being estimated or computed <storms caused inestimable damage>
2 : too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated <has performed an inestimable service for his country>
–in·es·ti·ma·bly \-blē\ adverb

inevitable
adj. : incapable of being avoided or evaded <an inevitable outcome>
–in·ev·i·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-və-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ev·i·ta·ble·ness \-'ne-və-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun

inevitably
adv. 1 : in an inevitable way
2 : as is to be expected <inevitably, it rained>

inexact
adj. 1 : not precisely correct or true : INACCURATE <an inexact translation>
2 : not rigorous and careful <an inexact thinker>
–in·ex·act·ly \-'zak(t)-lē\ adverb
–in·ex·act·ness \-nəs\ noun

inexactitude
n. 1 : lack of exactitude or precision
2 : an instance of inexactness

inexcusable
adj. : impossible to excuse or justify <inexcusable rudeness>
–in·ex·cus·able·ness noun
–in·ex·cus·ably \-blē\ adverb

inexhaustible
adj. : not exhaustible: as a : incapable of being used up <inexhaustible riches> b : incapable of being wearied or worn out <an inexhaustible hiker>
–in·ex·haust·ibil·i·ty \-ˌzȯ-stə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ex·haust·ible·ness \-'zȯ-stə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·ex·haust·ibly \-blē\ adverb

inexistence
: absence of existence : NONEXISTENCE

inexistent
: not having existence : NONEXISTENT

inexorable
adj. : not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped : RELENTLESS <inexorable progress>
–in·ex·o·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)i-ˌneks-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌnek-sə-, -ˌneg-zə-\ noun
–in·ex·o·ra·ble·ness \-'neks-rə-bəl-nəs, -'nek-sə-, -'neg-zə-\ noun
–in·ex·o·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

inexpedience
n. : INEXPEDIENCY

inexpediency
n. : the quality or fact of being inexpedient

inexpedient
adj. : not expedient : INADVISABLE
–in·ex·pe·di·ent·ly adverb

inexpensive
adj. : reasonable in price : CHEAP
–in·ex·pen·sive·ly adverb
–in·ex·pen·sive·ness noun

inexperience
n. 1 : lack of practical experience
2 : lack of knowledge of the ways of the world
–in·ex·pe·ri·enced \-ən(t)st\ adjective

inexpert
adj. : not expert : UNSKILLED
–in·ex·pert \-'nek-ˌspərt\ noun
–in·ex·pert·ly \-'nek-ˌspərt-lē, ˌi-nik-'\ adverb
–in·ex·pert·ness noun

inexpiable
adj. 1 : not capable of being atoned for
2 obsolete : IMPLACABLE, UNAPPEASABLE
–in·ex·pi·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

inexplainable
: INEXPLICABLE

inexplicable
adj. : incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for <an inexplicable disappearance>
–in·ex·pli·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌi-nik-ˌspli-kə-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)spli-\ noun
–in·ex·pli·ca·ble·ness \ˌi-nik-'spli-kə-bəl-nəs, (ˌ)i-'nek-(ˌ)spli-\ noun
–in·ex·pli·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

inexplicit
adj. : not explicit

inexpressible
adj. : not capable of being expressed : INDESCRIBABLE <inexpressible joy>
–in·ex·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌspre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ex·press·ible·ness \-'spre-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·ex·press·ibly \-blē\ adverb

inexpressive
adj. 1 archaic : INEXPRESSIBLE
2 : lacking expression or meaning <an inexpressive face>
–in·ex·pres·sive·ly adverb
–in·ex·pres·sive·ness noun

inexpugnable
adj. 1 : incapable of being subdued or overthrown : IMPREGNABLE <an inexpugnable position>
2 : STABLE, FIXED <inexpugnable hatred>
–in·ex·pug·na·ble·ness noun
–in·ex·pug·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

inexpungible
: incapable of being obliterated

inextinguishable
adj. : not extinguishable : UNQUENCHABLE <an inextinguishable flame> <an inextinguishable longing>
–in·ex·tin·guish·ably \-blē\ adverb

inextricable
adj. 1 : forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free
2 a : incapable of being disentangled or untied <an inextricable knot> b : not capable of being solved
–in·ex·tri·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌi-nik-ˌstri-kə-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)stri-\ noun
–in·ex·tri·ca·bly \ˌi-nik-'stri-kə-blē, (ˌ)i-'nek-(ˌ)stri-\ adverb

INF
intermediate range nuclear forces

inf
1 infantry
2 infinitive

infallible
adj. 1 : incapable of error : UNERRING <an infallible memory>
2 : not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint : CERTAIN <an infallible remedy>
3 : incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals
–in·fal·li·bil·i·ty \-ˌfa-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·fal·li·bly \-'fa-lə-blē\ adverb

infalling
: moving under the influence of gravity toward a celestial object (as a black hole)
–in·fall \-ˌfȯl\ noun

infamous
adj. 1 : having a reputation of the worst kind : notoriously evil <an infamous traitor>
2 : causing or bringing infamy : DISGRACEFUL <an infamous crime>
3 : convicted of an offense bringing infamy
–in·fa·mous·ly adverb

infamy
n. 1 : evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal
2 a : an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act b : the state of being infamous
synonyms see DISGRACE

infancy
n. 1 : early childhood
2 : a beginning or early period of existence
3 : the legal status of an infant

infant
n. 1 : a child in the first period of life
2 : a person who is not of full age : MINOR

infant
n. 1 : intended for young children
2 : being in an early stage of development
3 : of, relating to, or being in infancy

infant school
British : a school for children aged five to seven or eight

infanta
n. : a daughter of a Spanish or Portuguese monarch

infante
n. : a younger son of a Spanish or Portuguese monarch

infanticide
n. 1 : the killing of an infant
2 [Late Latin infanticida, from Latin infant-, infans + -i- + -cida -cide] : one who kills an infant
–in·fan·ti·ci·dal \-ˌfan-tə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

infantile
adj. 1 : of or relating to infants or infancy
2 : suitable to or characteristic of an infant especially : very immature <infantile humor>
–in·fan·til·i·ty \ˌin-fən-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

infantile paralysis
: POLIOMYELITIS

infantilism
n. 1 : retention of childish physical, mental, or emotional qualities in adult life especially : failure to attain sexual maturity
2 : an act or expression that indicates lack of maturity

infantilize
v. 1 : to make or keep infantile
2 : to treat as if infantile
–in·fan·til·i·za·tion \ˌin-fən-ˌtī-lə-'zā-shən, -fən-tə-, in-ˌfan-tə-\ noun

infantine
adj. : INFANTILE, CHILDISH

infantry
n. 1 a : soldiers trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot b : a branch of an army composed of these soldiers
2 : an infantry regiment or division

infantryman
n. : an infantry soldier

infarct
n. : an area of necrosis in a tissue or organ resulting from obstruction of the local circulation by a thrombus or embolus
–in·farct·ed \in-'färk-təd\ adjective
–in·farc·tion \in-'färk-shən\ noun

infare
chiefly dialect : a reception for a newly married couple

infatuate
v. : being in an infatuated state or condition

infatuate
1 : to cause to be foolish : deprive of sound judgment
2 : to inspire with a foolish or extravagant love or admiration
–in·fat·u·a·tion \-ˌfa-chə-'wā-shən, -chü-'ā-\ noun

infauna
n. : benthic fauna living in the substrate and especially in a soft sea bottom ― compare EPIFAUNA
–in·fau·nal \-ˌfȯ-nəl, -ˌfä-\ adjective

infeasible
adj. : not feasible : IMPRACTICABLE
–in·fea·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌfē-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

infect
v. 1 : to contaminate with a disease-producing substance or agent (as bacteria)
2 a : to communicate a pathogen or a disease to b of a pathogenic organism : to invade (an individual or organ) usually by penetration c of a computer virus : to become transmitted and copied to (as a computer)
3 a : CONTAMINATE, CORRUPT <the inflated writing that infects such stories> b : to work upon or seize upon so as to induce sympathy, belief, or support <trying to infect their salespeople with their enthusiasm>
–in·fec·tor \-'fek-tər\ noun

infection
n. 1 : the act or result of affecting injuriously
2 : an infective agent or material contaminated with an infective agent
3 a : the state produced by the establishment of an infective agent in or on a suitable host b : a disease resulting from infection
4 : an act or process of infecting also : the establishment of a pathogen in its host after invasion
5 : the communication of emotions or qualities through example or contact

infection
n. focal infection
Vincent's infection
yeast infection

infectious
adj. 1 a : capable of causing infection <viruses and other infectious agents> b : communicable by infection <an infectious disease> ― compare CONTAGIOUS
2 : that corrupts or contaminates
3 : spreading or capable of spreading rapidly to others <their enthusiasm was infectious> <an infectious grin>
–in·fec·tious·ly adverb
–in·fec·tious·ness noun

infectious hepatitis
: HEPATITIS A

infectious mononucleosis
: an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and characterized by fever, swelling of lymph nodes, and lymphocytosis

infective
adj. 1 : producing or capable of producing infection
2 : affecting others : INFECTIOUS
–in·fec·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌfek-'ti-və-tē\ noun

infelicitous
adj. : not felicitous: as a : not appropriate or well-timed <an infelicitous remark> b : AWKWARD, UNFORTUNATE <an infelicitous moment>
–in·fe·lic·i·tous·ly adverb

infelicity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being infelicitous
2 : something (as a word or phrase) that is infelicitous <minor infelicities>

infer
v. transitive verb
1 : to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises <we see smoke and infer fire ― L. A. White> ― compare IMPLY
2 : GUESS, SURMISE <your letter⋯allows me to infer that you are as well as ever ― O. W. Holmes †1935>
3 a : to involve as a normal outcome of thought b : to point out : INDICATE <this doth infer the zeal I had to see him ― Shakespeare> <another survey⋯infers that two-thirds of all present computer installations are not paying for themselves ― H. R. Chellman>
4 : SUGGEST, HINT <are you inferring I'm incompetent?>
intransitive verb : to draw inferences <men⋯have observed, inferred, and reasoned⋯to all kinds of results ― John Dewey>
–in·fer·able also in·fer·ri·ble \in-'fər-ə-bəl\ adjective
–in·fer·rer \-'fər-ər\ noun
synonyms INFER, DEDUCE, CONCLUDE, JUDGE, GATHER mean to arrive at a mental conclusion. INFER implies arriving at a conclusion by reasoning from evidence; if the evidence is slight, the term comes close to surmise <from that remark, I inferred that they knew each other>. DEDUCE often adds to INFER the special implication of drawing a particular inference from a generalization <denied we could deduce anything important from human mortality>. CONCLUDE implies arriving at a necessary inference at the end of a chain of reasoning <concluded that only the accused could be guilty>. JUDGE stresses a weighing of the evidence on which a conclusion is based <judge people by their actions>. GATHER suggests an intuitive forming of a conclusion from implications <gathered their desire to be alone without a word>.
usage Sir Thomas More is the first writer known to have used both infer and imply in their approved senses (1528). He is also the first to have used infer in a sense close in meaning to imply (1533). Both of these uses of infer coexisted without comment until some time around the end of World War I. Since then, senses 3 and 4 of infer have been frequently condemned as an undesirable blurring of a useful distinction. The actual blurring has been done by the commentators. Sense 3, descended from More's use of 1533, does not occur with a personal subject. When objections arose, they were to a use with a personal subject (now sense 4). Since dictionaries did not recognize this use specifically, the objectors assumed that sense 3 was the one they found illogical, even though it had been in respectable use for four centuries. The actual usage condemned was a spoken one never used in logical discourse. At present sense 4 is found in print chiefly in letters to the editor and other informal prose, not in serious intellectual writing. The controversy over sense 4 has apparently reduced the frequency of use of sense 3.

inference
n. 1 : the act or process of inferring: as a : the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow from that of the former b : the act of passing from statistical sample data to generalizations (as of the value of population parameters) usually with calculated degrees of certainty
2 : something that is inferred especially : a proposition arrived at by inference
3 : the premises and conclusion of a process of inferring

inferential
adj. 1 : relating to, involving, or resembling inference
2 : deduced or deducible by inference

inferentially
adv. : by way of inference : through inference

inferior
n. 1 : situated lower down : LOWER
2 a : of low or lower degree or rank b : of poor quality : MEDIOCRE
3 : of little or less importance, value, or merit <always felt inferior to his older brother>
4 a : situated below another and especially another similar superior part of an upright body b : situated in a relatively low posterior or ventral position in a quadrupedal body c (1) : situated below another plant part or organ (2) : ABAXIAL
5 : relating to or being a subscript
–inferior noun
–in·fe·ri·or·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌfir-ē-'ȯr-ə-tē, -'är-\ noun
–in·fe·ri·or·ly \in-'fir-ē-ər-lē\ adverb

inferior
n. inferior conjunction
inferior planet
inferiority complex

inferior conjunction
: a conjunction of an inferior planet with the sun in which the planet is aligned between the earth and the sun

inferior planet
: either of the planets Mercury and Venus whose orbits lie within that of the earth

inferiority complex
1 : an acute sense of personal inferiority often resulting either in timidity or through overcompensation in exaggerated aggressiveness
2 : a collective sense of cultural, regional, or national inferiority

infernal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a nether world of the dead
2 a : of or relating to hell b : HELLISH, DIABOLICAL
3 : DAMNABLE <an infernal nuisance>
–in·fer·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

infernal machine
: a machine or apparatus maliciously designed to explode and destroy life or property especially : a concealed or disguised bomb

inferno
n. : a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell <the inferno of war> also : an intense fire : CONFLAGRATION <a raging inferno>

infertile
adj. : not fertile or productive <infertile eggs> <infertile fields> especially : incapable of or unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy <infertile couples>
–in·fer·til·i·ty \ˌin-(ˌ)fər-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

infest
v. 1 : to spread or swarm in or over in a troublesome manner <a slum infested with crime> <shark-infested waters>
2 : to live in or on as a parasite
–in·fes·tant \-'fes-tənt\ noun
–in·fes·ta·tion \ˌin-ˌfes-'tā-shən\ noun
–in·fest·er \in-'fes-tər\ noun

infibulation
n. : extreme female genital mutilation involving complete excision of the clitoris, labia minora, and most of the labia majora followed by stitching to close up most of the vagina

infidel
n. 1 : one who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity
2 a : an unbeliever with respect to a particular religion b : one who acknowledges no religious belief
3 : a disbeliever in something specified or understood
–infidel adjective

infidelity
n. 1 : lack of belief in a religion
2 a : unfaithfulness to a moral obligation : DISLOYALTY b : marital unfaithfulness or an instance of it

infield
n. 1 : a field near a farmhouse
2 a : the area of a baseball field enclosed by the three bases and home plate b : the defensive positions comprising first base, second base, shortstop, and third base also : the players who play these positions
3 : the area enclosed by a racetrack or running track

infield hit
: a base hit on a ball that does not leave the infield

infield out
: a ground ball on which the batter is put out by an infielder

infielder
n. : a baseball player who plays in the infield

infighting
n. 1 : fighting or boxing at close quarters
2 : rough-and-tumble fighting
3 : prolonged and often bitter dissension or rivalry among members of a group or organization <bureaucratic infighting>
–in·fight \'in-ˌfīt\ intransitive verb
–in·fight·er \-ˌfī-tər\ noun

infiltrate
transitive verb
1 : to cause (as a liquid) to permeate something by penetrating its pores or interstices
2 : to pass into or through (a substance) by filtering or permeating
3 : to pass (troops) singly or in small groups through gaps in the enemy line
4 : to enter or become established in gradually or unobtrusively usually for subversive purposes <the intelligence staff had been infiltrated by spies>
intransitive verb : to enter, permeate, or pass through a substance or area by filtering or by insinuating gradually
–infiltrate noun
–in·fil·tra·tion \ˌin-(ˌ)fil-'trā-shən\ noun
–in·fil·tra·tive \'in-(ˌ)fil-ˌtrā-tiv, in-'fil-trə-\ adjective
–in·fil·tra·tor \in-'fil-ˌtrā-tər, 'in-(ˌ)\ noun

infinite
n. 1 : extending indefinitely : ENDLESS <infinite space>
2 : immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive : INEXHAUSTIBLE <infinite patience>
3 : subject to no limitation or external determination
4 a : extending beyond, lying beyond, or being greater than any preassigned finite value however large <infinite number of positive numbers> b : extending to infinity <infinite plane surface> c : characterized by an infinite number of elements or terms <an infinite set> <an infinite series>
–in·fi·nite·ly adverb
–in·fi·nite·ness noun

infinite
n. : something that is infinite (as in extent, duration, or number)

infinitesimal
n. : an infinitesimal quantity or variable

infinitesimal
n. 1 : taking on values arbitrarily close to but greater than zero
2 : immeasurably or incalculably small <an infinitesimal difference>
–in·fin·i·tes·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

infinitesimal calculus
: CALCULUS 1B

infinitival
adj. : relating to the infinitive

infinitive
n. : formed with the infinitive
–in·fin·i·tive·ly adverb

infinitive
n. : a verb form normally identical in English with the first person singular that performs some functions of a noun and at the same time displays some characteristics of a verb and that is used with to (as in “I asked him to go”) except with auxiliary and various other verbs (as in “no one saw him leave”)

infinitude
n. 1 : the quality or state of being infinite : INFINITENESS
2 : something that is infinite especially in extent
3 : an infinite number or quantity

infinity
n. 1 a : the quality of being infinite b : unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity : BOUNDLESSNESS
2 : an indefinitely great number or amount <an infinity of stars>
3 a : the limit of the value of a function or variable when it tends to become numerically larger than any preassigned finite number b : a part of a geometric magnitude that lies beyond any part whose distance from a given reference position is finite <do parallel lines ever meet if they extend to infinity> c : a transfinite number (as aleph-null)
4 : a distance so great that the rays of light from a point source at that distance may be regarded as parallel

infirm
adj. 1 : of poor or deteriorated vitality especially : feeble from age
2 : weak of mind, will, or character : IRRESOLUTE, VACILLATING
3 : not solid or stable : INSECURE
synonyms see WEAK
–in·firm·ly adverb

infirmary
n. : a place where the infirm or sick are lodged for care and treatment

infirmity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being infirm b : the condition of being feeble : FRAILTY
2 : DISEASE, MALADY
3 : a personal failing : FOIBLE <one of the besetting infirmities of living creatures is egotism ― A. J. Toynbee>

infix
n. 1 : to fasten or fix by piercing or thrusting in
2 : to impress firmly in the consciousness or disposition
3 : to insert (as a sound or letter) as an infix
synonyms see IMPLANT
–in·fix·ation \ˌin-(ˌ)fik-'sā-shən\ noun

infix
n. : a derivational or inflectional affix appearing in the body of a word (as Sanskrit -n- in vindami “I know” as contrasted with vid “to know”)

infix
n. : characterized by placement of a binary operator between the operands <a + b is expressed in infix notation> ― compare POSTFIX, PREFIX

infl
influenced

inflame
v. transitive verb
1 a : to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling especially : to make angry b : to make more heated or violent : INTENSIFY <insults served only to inflame the feud>
2 : to set on fire : KINDLE
3 : to cause to redden or grow hot from anger or excitement <a face inflamed with passion>
4 : to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
intransitive verb
1 : to burst into flame
2 : to become excited or angered
3 : to become affected with inflammation
–in·flam·er noun

inflammable
adj. 1 : FLAMMABLE
2 : easily inflamed, excited, or angered : IRASCIBLE
–in·flam·ma·bil·i·ty \-ˌfla-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–inflammable noun
–in·flam·ma·ble·ness \-'fla-mə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·flam·ma·bly \-blē\ adverb

inflammation
n. 1 : a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue
2 : the act of inflaming : the state of being inflamed

inflammatory
adj. 1 : tending to excite anger, disorder, or tumult : SEDITIOUS
2 : tending to inflame or excite the senses
3 : accompanied by or tending to cause inflammation
–in·flam·ma·to·ri·ly \-ˌfla-mə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

inflammatory
adj. anti inflammatory
inflammatory bowel disease
pelvic inflammatory disease

inflammatory bowel disease
: either of two inflammatory diseases of the bowel: a : CROHN'S DISEASE b : ULCERATIVE COLITIS

inflatable
adj. : capable of being inflated <an inflatable boat>
–inflatable noun

inflate
v. transitive verb
1 : to swell or distend with air or gas <inflate a tire>
2 : to puff up : ELATE <inflate one's ego>
3 : to expand or increase abnormally or imprudently
intransitive verb : to become inflated
synonyms see EXPAND
–in·fla·tor or in·flat·er \-'flā-tər\ noun

inflated
adj. 1 : elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means <an inflated style of writing>
2 : distended with air or gas
3 : expanded to an abnormal or unjustifiable volume or level <inflated prices>
4 : being hollow and enlarged or distended

inflation
n. 1 : an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: as a : DISTENSION b : a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang c : empty pretentiousness : POMPOSITY
2 : a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

inflation
n. grade inflation
anti inflation
self inflation

inflationary
adj. : of, characterized by, or productive of inflation <inflationary policies>

inflationary spiral
: a continuous rise in prices that is sustained by the tendency of wage increases and cost increases to react on each other

inflationism
n. : the policy of economic inflation
–in·fla·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

inflect
v. transitive verb
1 : to turn from a direct line or course : CURVE
2 : to vary (a word) by inflection : DECLINE, CONJUGATE
3 : to change or vary the pitch of (as the voice)
4 : to affect or alter noticeably : INFLUENCE <an approach inflected by feminism>
intransitive verb : to become modified by inflection
–in·flect·able \-'flek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–in·flec·tive \-'flek-tiv\ adjective

inflection
n. 1 : the act or result of curving or bending : BEND
2 : change in pitch or loudness of the voice
3 a : the change of form that words undergo to mark such distinctions as those of case, gender, number, tense, person, mood, or voice b : a form, suffix, or element involved in such variation c : ACCIDENCE
4 a : change in curvature of an arc or curve from concave to convex or conversely b : INFLECTION POINT

inflection point
: a point on a curve that separates an arc concave upward from one concave downward and vice versa

inflectional
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by inflection <an inflectional suffix>
–in·flec·tion·al·ly adverb

inflexed
adj. : bent or turned abruptly inward or downward or toward the axis <inflexed petals>

inflexible
adj. 1 : rigidly firm in will or purpose : UNYIELDING
2 : not readily bent : lacking or deficient in suppleness
3 : incapable of change : UNALTERABLE
–in·flex·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌflek-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·flex·i·ble·ness \-'flek-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·flex·i·bly \-blē\ adverb
synonyms INFLEXIBLE, OBDURATE, ADAMANT mean unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose. INFLEXIBLE implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle <inflexible in their demands>. OBDURATE stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace <obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency>. ADAMANT implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty <adamant that the work should continue>. synonym see in addition STIFF

inflexion
n. chiefly British variant of inflection

inflict
v. 1 : AFFLICT
2 a : to give by or as if by striking <inflict pain> b : to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured
–in·flict·er or in·flic·tor \-'flik-tər\ noun
–in·flic·tive \-tiv\ adjective

infliction
n. 1 : the act of inflicting
2 : something (as punishment or suffering) that is inflicted

inflorescence
n. 1 a : the mode of development and arrangement of flowers on an axis b : a floral axis with its appendages also : a flower cluster
2 : the budding and unfolding of blossoms : FLOWERING

inflow
n. : a flowing in <the inflow of air> <an inflow of funds>

influence
n. 1 a : an ethereal fluid held to flow from the stars and to affect the actions of humans b : an emanation of occult power held to derive from stars
2 : an emanation of spiritual or moral force
3 a : the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command b : corrupt interference with authority for personal gain
4 : the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways : SWAY
5 : one that exerts influence
–under the influence : affected by alcohol : DRUNK <was arrested for driving under the influence>
synonyms INFLUENCE, AUTHORITY, PRESTIGE, WEIGHT, CREDIT mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others. INFLUENCE may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously <used her influence to get the bill passed>. AUTHORITY implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief <his opinions lacked authority>. PRESTIGE implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority <the prestige of the newspaper>. WEIGHT implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices <their wishes obviously carried much weight>. CREDIT suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others <his credit with the press>.

influence
n. 1 : to affect or alter by indirect or intangible means : SWAY
2 : to have an effect on the condition or development of : MODIFY
synonyms see AFFECT
–in·flu·ence·able \-ən(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

influent
n. : flowing in

influent
n. 1 : something that flows in: as a : a tributary stream b : fluid input into a reservoir or process
2 : a factor (as a particular animal) modifying the balance and stability of an ecological community

influential
adj. : exerting or possessing influence
–in·flu·en·tial·ly \-'en(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

influential
adj. : one who has great influence

influenza
n. 1 a : an acute highly contagious virus disease that is caused by any of three orthomyxoviruses (Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B, and Influenzavirus C) and that is characterized by sudden onset, fever, prostration, severe aches and pains, and progressive inflammation of the respiratory mucous membrance ― often used with letter A, B, or C to denote disease caused by a specific one of the three genera b : any of various human respiratory infections of undetermined cause ― not used technically
2 : any of numerous febrile usually virus diseases of domestic animals marked by respiratory symptoms, inflammation of mucous membranes, and often systemic involvement
–in·flu·en·zal \-zəl\ adjective

influx
n. : a coming in <an influx of tourists>

info
n. : INFORMATION

infold
v. : ENFOLD, ENVELOP
intransitive verb : to fold inward or toward one another

infomercial
n. : a television program that is an extended advertisement often including a discussion or demonstration

inform
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to give material form to
2 a : to give character or essence to <the principles which inform modern teaching> b : to be the characteristic quality of : ANIMATE <the compassion that informs her work>
3 obsolete : GUIDE, DIRECT
4 obsolete : to make known
5 : to communicate knowledge to <inform a prisoner of his rights>
intransitive verb
1 : to impart information or knowledge
2 : to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority <informed on a member of his own gang>
synonyms INFORM, ACQUAINT, APPRISE, NOTIFY mean to make one aware of something. INFORM implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences <informed us of the crisis>. ACQUAINT lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with <acquaint yourself with the keyboard>. APPRISE implies communicating something of special interest or importance <keep us apprised of the situation>. NOTIFY implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action <notified the witness when to appear>.

informal
adj. 1 : marked by the absence of formality or ceremony <an informal meeting>
2 : characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use <informal English> <informal clothes>
–in·for·mal·i·ty \-(ˌ)fȯr-'ma-lə-tē, -fər-\ noun
–in·for·mal·ly \-'fȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

informant
n. : a person who gives information: as a : INFORMER b : one who supplies cultural or linguistic data in response to interrogation by an investigator

informatics
n. : INFORMATION SCIENCE

information
n. 1 : the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence
2 a (1) : knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction (2) : INTELLIGENCE, NEWS (3) : FACTS, DATA b : the attribute inherent in and communicated by one of two or more alternative sequences or arrangements of something (as nucleotides in DNA or binary digits in a computer program) that produce specific effects c (1) : a signal or character (as in a communication system or computer) representing data (2) : something (as a message, experimental data, or a picture) which justifies change in a construct (as a plan or theory) that represents physical or mental experience or another construct d : a quantitative measure of the content of information specifically : a numerical quantity that measures the uncertainty in the outcome of an experiment to be performed
3 : the act of informing against a person
4 : a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecuting officer as distinguished from an indictment presented by a grand jury
–in·for·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·for·ma·tion·al·ly adverb

information
n. information retrieval
information science
information superhighway
infobahn information highway
information technology
information theory

information retrieval
: the techniques of storing and recovering and often disseminating recorded data especially through the use of a computerized system

information science
: the collection, classification, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of recorded knowledge treated both as a pure and as an applied science

information superhighway
: a telecommunications infrastructure or system (as of television, telephony, or computer networks) used for widespread and usually rapid access to information especially : INTERNET ― called also infobahn, information highway

information technology
: the technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data

information theory
: a theory that deals statistically with information, with the measurement of its content in terms of its distinguishing essential characteristics or by the number of alternatives from which it makes a choice possible, and with the efficiency of processes of communication between humans and machines

informative
adj. : imparting knowledge : INSTRUCTIVE
–in·for·ma·tive·ly adverb
–in·for·ma·tive·ness noun

informatory
adj. : conveying information
–in·for·ma·to·ri·ly \in-ˌfȯr-mə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

informed
adj. 1 a : having information <informed sources> <informed observers> b : based on possession of information <an informed opinion>
2 : EDUCATED, KNOWLEDGEABLE <what the informed person should know>
–in·formed·ly \-'fȯrmd-lē, -'fȯr-məd-lē\ adverb

informed consent
: consent to surgery by a patient or to participation in a medical experiment by a subject after achieving an understanding of what is involved

informer
n. 1 : one that imparts knowledge or news
2 : one that informs against another specifically : one who makes a practice especially for a financial reward of informing against others for violations of penal laws

infotainment
n. : a television program that presents information (as news) in a manner intended to be entertaining

infra
adv. : later in this writing : BELOW <for additional examples see infra>

infra
adv. 1 : below <infrahuman> <infrasonic>
2 : within <infraspecific>
3 : below in a scale or series <infrared>

infra dig
: being beneath one's dignity : UNDIGNIFIED <while his work⋯was financially profitable, it was just a bit infra dig ― John McCarten>

infraction
n. : the act of infringing : VIOLATION
–in·fract \in-'frakt\ transitive verb

infrahuman
: less or lower than human <infrahuman primates>
–infrahuman noun

infrangible
adj. 1 : not capable of being broken or separated into parts <infrangible iron bars>
2 : not to be infringed or violated <infrangible laws>
–in·fran·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌfran-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·fran·gi·bly \-'fran-jə-blē\ adverb

infraorder
n. : a taxonomic category in biological classification ranking above a superfamily and below a suborder

infrared
adj. 1 : situated outside the visible spectrum at its red end ― used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2 : relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation <infrared therapy>
3 : sensitive to infrared radiation <infrared sensors that detect body heat>
–infrared noun

infrasonic
adj. 1 : having or relating to a frequency below the audibility range of the human ear
2 : utilizing or produced by infrasonic waves or vibrations

infraspecific
: occurring within a species <infraspecific variability>

infrastructure
n. 1 : the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)
2 : the permanent installations required for military purposes
3 : the system of public works of a country, state, or region also : the resources (as personnel, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity
–in·fra·struc·tur·al \-ˌstrək-chə-rəl, -ˌstrək-shrəl\ adjective

infrequence
n. : INFREQUENCY

infrequency
n. : rarity of occurrence

infrequent
adj. 1 : seldom happening or occurring : RARE
2 : placed or occurring at wide intervals in space or time <a slope scattered with infrequent pines> <infrequent visits>
–in·fre·quent·ly adverb
synonyms INFREQUENT, UNCOMMON, SCARCE, RARE, SPORADIC mean not common or abundant. INFREQUENT implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time <infrequent family visits>. UNCOMMON suggests a frequency below normal expectation <smallpox is now uncommon in many countries>. SCARCE implies falling short of a standard or required abundance <jobs were scarce during the Depression>. RARE suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value <rare first editions>. SPORADIC implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts <sporadic cases of influenza>.

infringe
v. transitive verb
1 : to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another <infringe a patent>
2 obsolete : DEFEAT, FRUSTRATE
intransitive verb : ENCROACH ― used with on or upon <infringe on our rights>
synonyms see TRESPASS
–in·fring·er noun

infringement
n. 1 : the act of infringing : VIOLATION
2 : an encroachment or trespass on a right or privilege

infundibular
adj. : of, relating to, or having an infundibulum

infundibulum
n. : any of various funnel-shaped organs or parts: as a : the hollow conical process of gray matter connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus b : the calyx of a kidney c : the abdominal opening of a fallopian tube

infuriate
: to make furious
–in·fu·ri·at·ing·ly \-ˌā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–in·fu·ri·a·tion \-ˌfyu̇r-ē-'ā-shən\ noun

infuriate
v. : furiously angry

infuse
v. 1 a : to cause to be permeated with something (as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better <infuse the team with confidence> b : INTRODUCE, INSINUATE <a new spirit was infused into American art ― American Guide Series: N.Y.>
2 : INSPIRE, ANIMATE <the sense of purpose that infuses scientific research>
3 : to steep in liquid (as water) without boiling so as to extract the soluble constituents or principles
4 : to administer or inject by infusion <stem cells were infuseed into the patient>
–in·fus·er noun
synonyms INFUSE, SUFFUSE, IMBUE, INGRAIN, INOCULATE, LEAVEN mean to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout. INFUSE implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance <new members infused enthusiasm into the club>. SUFFUSE implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality <a room suffused with light>. IMBUE implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being <imbue students with intellectual curiosity>. INGRAIN, used only in the passive or past participle, suggests the deep implanting of a quality or trait <clung to ingrained habits>. INOCULATE implies an imbuing or implanting with a germinal idea and often suggests stealth or subtlety <an electorate inoculated with dangerous ideas>. LEAVEN implies introducing something that enlivens, tempers, or markedly alters the total quality <a serious play leavened with comic moments>.

infusible
adj. : incapable of being fused : very difficult to fuse
–in·fus·ibil·i·ty \-ˌfyü-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·fus·ible·ness \-'fyü-zə-bəl-nəs\ noun

infusion
n. 1 : the act or process of infusing <an infusion of new ideas>
2 : a product obtained by infusing <herbal infusions>
3 : the continuous slow introduction of a solution especially into a vein

infusorial earth
: KIESELGUHR

infusorian
n. : any of a heterogeneous group of minute organisms found especially in water with decomposing organic matter especially : a ciliated protozoan
–infusorian adjective

ing
1 : action or process <running> <sleeping> : instance of an action or process <a meeting>
2 a : product or result of an action or process <an engraving> ― often in plural <earnings> b : something used in an action or process <a bed covering> <the lining of a coat>
3 : action or process connected with (a specified thing) <boating>
4 : something connected with, consisting of, or used in making (a specified thing) <scaffolding> <shirting>
5 : something related to (a specified concept) <offing>

ing
: one of a (specified) kind <sweeting>

ing
― used to form the present participle <sailing> and sometimes to form an adjective resembling a present participle but not derived from a verb <swashbuckling>
usage Though the pronunciation of -ing with the consonant \n\, misleadingly referred to as “dropping the g,” is often deprecated, this pronunciation is frequently heard. It is not known for certain why the Middle English present participle ending -ende was replaced by -ing. Analogy with the earlier noun suffix -ing prob. had something to do with it. In early Modern English, present participles were regularly formed with -ing pronounced \iŋg\ (as can still be heard in a few dialects) and later \iŋ\. Evidence also shows that some speakers used \in\ and by the 18th century this pronunciation became widespread. Though teachers (with some success) campaigned against it, \in\ remained a feature of the speech of many of the best speakers in Britain and the U.S. well into the 20th century. It has by now lost its respectability, at least when attention is drawn to it, but throughout the U.S. it persists largely unnoticed and in some dialects it predominates over \iŋ\.

ingather
v. : to gather in
intransitive verb : ASSEMBLE
–in·gath·er·ing \-ˌgath-riŋ, -ˌgeth-; -ˌga-thə-, -ˌge-\ noun

Inge
William 1913-1973 American playwright

Inge
William Ralph 1860-1954 Eng. prelate & author

ingenious
adj. 1 obsolete : showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment
2 : marked by especial aptitude at discovering, inventing, or contriving
3 : marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution <an ingenious contraption>
synonyms see CLEVER
–in·ge·nious·ly adverb
–in·ge·nious·ness noun

ingenue
n. 1 : a naive girl or young woman
2 : the stage role of an ingenue also : an actress playing such a role

ingenuity
n. 1 obsolete : CANDOR, INGENUOUSNESS
2 a : skill or cleverness in devising or combining : INVENTIVENESS b : cleverness or aptness of design or contrivance
3 : an ingenious device or contrivance

ingenuous
adj. obsolete : INGENIOUS

ingenuous
adj. 1 obsolete : NOBLE, HONORABLE
2 a : showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness <her ingenuous thirst for experience ― Christopher Rawson> b : lacking craft or subtlety <ingenuous in their brutality>
synonyms see NATURAL
–in·gen·u·ous·ly adverb
–in·gen·u·ous·ness noun

Ingersoll
Robert Green 1833-1899 American orator

ingest
v. : to take in for or as if for digestion
–in·gest·ible \-'jes-tə-bəl\ adjective
–in·ges·tion \-'jes-chən, -'jesh-\ noun
–in·ges·tive \-'jes-tiv\ adjective

ingesta
n. : material taken into the body by way of the digestive tract

ingle
n. 1 : a fire in a fireplace
2 : FIREPLACE
3 : CORNER, ANGLE

inglenook
n. : a nook by a large open fireplace also : a bench or settle occupying this nook

Inglewood
city SW Calif. SW of Los Angeles pop 112,580

inglorious
adj. 1 : SHAMEFUL, IGNOMINIOUS <an inglorious defeat>
2 : not glorious : lacking fame or honor <made an inglorious comeback>
–in·glo·ri·ous·ly adverb
–in·glo·ri·ous·ness noun

Ingolstadt
city S Germany in cen Bavaria pop 107,375

ingot
n. 1 : a mold in which metal is cast
2 : a mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation to be later processed

ingot iron
: iron containing only small proportions of impurities (as less than 0.05 percent carbon)

ingrain
n. : to work indelibly into the natural texture or mental or moral constitution
synonyms see INFUSE

ingrain
n. 1 a : made of fiber that is dyed before being spun into yarn b : made of yarn that is dyed before being woven or knitted
2 : thoroughly worked in : INNATE

ingrain
n. : innate quality or character

ingrained
adj. 1 : worked into the grain or fiber
2 : forming a part of the essence or inmost being : DEEP-SEATED <ingrained prejudice>
–in·grained·ly also en·grained·ly \'in-ˌgrā-nəd-lē, 'in-ˌgrānd-lē, (ˌ)in-'\ adverb

ingrate
n. : an ungrateful person

ingratiate
v. : to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort ― usually used with with <ingratiate themselves with the community leaders ― William Attwood>
–in·gra·ti·a·tion \-ˌgrā-shē-'ā-shən\ noun
–in·gra·tia·to·ry \-'grā-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

ingratiating
adj. 1 : capable of winning favor : PLEASING <an ingratiating smile>
2 : intended or adopted in order to gain favor : FLATTERING
–in·gra·ti·at·ing·ly \-'grā-shē-ˌā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

ingratitude
n. : forgetfulness of or poor return for kindness received : UNGRATEFULNESS

ingredient
n. : something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : CONSTITUENT
synonyms see ELEMENT
–ingredient adjective

Ingres
Jean-Auguste-Dominique 1780-1867 Fr. painter

ingress
n. 1 : the act of entering : ENTRANCE <the seal prevents ingress of moisture>
2 : the power or liberty of entrance or access <an area with restricted ingress>
–in·gres·sion \in-'gre-shən\ noun

ingressive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving ingress especially : produced by ingress of air into the vocal tract <ingressive sounds>
2 : INCHOATIVE 2
–ingressive noun
–in·gres·sive·ness noun

inground
: built into the ground <an inground pool>

ingrowing
adj. : growing or tending inward

ingrown
adj. 1 : grown in specifically : having the free tip or edge embedded in the flesh <an ingrown toenail>
2 : having the direction of growth or activity or interest inward rather than outward <swarms of ingrown, infighting bureaucracies ― H. R. Cilley>
–in·grown·ness \(ˌ)in-'grōn-nəs\ noun

ingrowth
n. 1 : a growing inward (as to fill a void)
2 : something that grows in or into a space

inguinal
adj. : of, relating to, or situated in the region of the groin or in either of the lowest lateral regions of the abdomen <an inguinal hernia>

ingurgitate
v. : to swallow greedily or in large quantities : GUZZLE
–in·gur·gi·ta·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌgər-jə-'tā-shən\ noun

Ingushetia
autonomous republic S Russia in Europe N of Caucasus Mts. capital Nazran' area 1242 sq mi (3217 sq km), pop 1,234,000

INH
isoniazid

inhabit
v. transitive verb
1 : to occupy as a place of settled residence or habitat : live in <inhabit a small house>
2 : to be present in or occupy in any manner or form <the human beings who inhabit this tale ― Al Newman>
intransitive verb archaic : to have residence in a place : DWELL
–in·hab·it·able \-bə-tə-bəl\ adjective
–in·hab·it·er noun

inhabitancy
n. : INHABITATION

inhabitant
n. : one that occupies a particular place regularly, routinely, or for a period of time <inhabitants of large cities> <the tapeworm is an inhabitant of the intestine>

inhabitation
n. : the act of inhabiting : the state of being inhabited

inhabited
adj. : having inhabitants

inhalant
n. : something (as an allergen or medication) that is inhaled
–inhalant adjective

inhalation
n. 1 : the act or an instance of inhaling
2 : material (as medication) to be taken in by inhaling
–in·ha·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

inhalator
n. : a device providing a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide for breathing that is used especially in conjunction with artificial respiration

inhale
v. transitive verb
1 : to draw in by breathing
2 : to take in eagerly or greedily <inhaled about four meals at once ― Ring Lardner>
intransitive verb : to breathe in
–in·hale \in-', 'in-ˌ\ noun

inhaler
n. 1 : a device by means of which medicinal material is inhaled <an asthma inhaler>
2 : one that inhales

inharmonic
adj. : not harmonic

inharmonious
adj. 1 : not harmonious : DISCORDANT
2 : not fitting or congenial : CONFLICTING <inharmonious personalities>
–in·har·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb
–in·har·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

inharmony
: DISCORD

inhere
v. : to be inherent <does selfishness inhere in each of us?>

inherence
n. : the quality, state, or fact of inhering

inherent
adj. : involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature or habit : INTRINSIC <risks inherent in the venture>
–in·her·ent·ly adverb

inherit
v. transitive verb
1 : to come into possession of or receive especially as a right or divine portion <and every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters⋯for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life ― Mount 19:29 (RSV)>
2 a : to receive from an ancestor as a right or title descendible by law at the ancestor's death b : to receive as a devise or legacy
3 : to receive from a parent or ancestor by genetic transmission <inherit a defective enzyme>
4 : to have in turn or receive as if from an ancestor <inherited the problem from his predecessor>
intransitive verb : to take or hold a possession or rights by inheritance
–in·her·i·tor \-(r)ə-tər\ noun
–in·her·i·tress \-(r)ə-trəs\ or in·her·i·trix \-(r)ə-(ˌ)triks\ noun

inheritable
adj. 1 : capable of being inherited : TRANSMISSIBLE <an inheritable title>
2 : capable of taking by inheritance <the eldest son is inheritable to the crown>
–in·her·it·abil·i·ty \-ˌher-ə-tə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌhe-rə-\ noun
–in·her·it·able·ness \-'her-ə-tə-bəl-nəs, -'he-rə-\ noun

inheritance
n. 1 a : the act of inheriting property b : the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring c : the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations
2 : something that is or may be inherited
3 a : TRADITION b : a valuable possession that is a common heritage from nature
4 obsolete : POSSESSION

inheritance
n. blending inheritance
inheritance tax
Mendelian inheritance
particulate inheritance
quantitative inheritance

inheritance tax
1 : a tax on a decedent's net estate that is levied after the estate is transmitted to the inheritors
2 : DEATH TAX especially : ESTATE TAX

inhibin
: a glycoprotein hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and in the male by the Sertoli cells and in the female by the granulosa cells and that inhibits the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone

inhibit
v. transitive verb
1 : to prohibit from doing something
2 a : to hold in check : RESTRAIN b : to discourage from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints
intransitive verb : to cause inhibition
synonyms see FORBID
–in·hib·i·tive \-bə-tiv\ adjective
–in·hib·i·to·ry \-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

inhibition
n. 1 a : the act of inhibiting : the state of being inhibited b : something that forbids, debars, or restricts
2 : an inner impediment to free activity, expression, or functioning: as a : a mental process imposing restraint upon behavior or another mental process (as a desire) b : a restraining of the function of a bodily organ or an agent (as an enzyme)

inhibitor
n. : one that inhibits: as a : an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical action b : a substance that reduces or suppresses the activity of another substance (as an enzyme)

inhibitor
n. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
ACE inhibitor
COX 2 inhibitor
protease inhibitor
proton pump inhibitor

inholding
n. : privately owned land inside the boundary of a national park

inhomogeneity
n. 1 : the condition or an instance of not being homogeneous
2 : a part that is not homogeneous with the larger uniform mass in which it occurs especially : a localized collection of matter in the universe
–in·ho·mo·ge·neous \-'jē-nē-əs, -nyəs\ adjective

inhospitable
adj. 1 : not showing hospitality : not friendly or receptive
2 : providing no shelter or sustenance <an inhospitable environment>
–in·hos·pi·ta·ble·ness noun
–in·hos·pi·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

inhospitality
n. : the quality or state of being inhospitable

inhuman
adj. 1 a : lacking pity, kindness, or mercy : SAVAGE <an inhuman tyrant> b : COLD, IMPERSONAL <his usual quiet, almost inhuman courtesy ― F. Tennyson Jesse> c : not worthy of or conforming to the needs of human beings <inhuman living conditions>
2 : of or suggesting a nonhuman class of beings
–in·hu·man·ly adverb
–in·hu·man·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun

inhumane
adj. : not humane : INHUMAN 1 <the inhumane treatment of prisoners>
–in·hu·mane·ly adverb

inhumanity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being cruel or barbarous b : a cruel or barbarous act
2 : absence of warmth or geniality : IMPERSONALITY

inhume
v. : BURY, INTER
–in·hu·ma·tion \ˌin-hyü-'mā-shən\ noun

inimical
adj. 1 : being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence <forces inimical to democracy>
2 a : having the disposition of an enemy : HOSTILE <inimical factions> b : reflecting or indicating hostility : UNFRIENDLY <his father's inimical glare>
–in·im·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

inimitable
adj. : not capable of being imitated : MATCHLESS <her own inimitable style>
–in·im·i·ta·ble·ness noun
–in·im·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

inion
n. : the external occipital protuberance of the skull

iniquitous
adj. : characterized by iniquity
synonyms see VICIOUS
–in·iq·ui·tous·ly adverb
–in·iq·ui·tous·ness noun

iniquity
n. 1 : gross injustice : WICKEDNESS
2 : a wicked act or thing : SIN

initial
n. 1 : of or relating to the beginning : INCIPIENT <his initial reaction>
2 : placed at the beginning : FIRST <the initial word of the verse>
–ini·tial·ly \i-'ni-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ini·tial·ness \i-'ni-shəl-nəs\ noun

initial
n. 1 a : the first letter of a name b plural : the first letter of each word in a full name <found that their initials were identical>
2 : a large letter beginning a text or a division or paragraph
3 : ANLAGE, PRECURSOR specifically : a meristematic cell

initial
1 : to affix an initial to
2 : to authenticate or give preliminary approval to by affixing the initials of an authorizing representative

initial rhyme
: ALLITERATION

initial side
: a stationary straight line that contains a point about which another straight line is rotated to form an angle ― compare TERMINAL SIDE

initialism
n. : an abbreviation formed from initial letters

initialize
v. : to set (as a computer program counter) to a starting position, value, or configuration
–ini·tial·i·za·tion \i-ˌni-sh(ə-)lə-'zā-shən\ noun

initiate
n. 1 : to cause or facilitate the beginning of : set going <initiate a program of reform> <enzymes that initiate fermentation>
2 : to induct into membership by or as if by special rites
3 : to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something : INTRODUCE
synonyms see BEGIN
–ini·ti·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

initiate
n. 1 a : initiated or properly admitted (as to membership or an office) b : instructed in some secret knowledge
2 obsolete : relating to an initiate

initiate
n. 1 : a person who is undergoing or has undergone an initiation
2 : a person who is instructed or adept in some special field

initiation
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of initiating b : the process of being initiated c : the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status
2 : the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : KNOWLEDGEABLENESS

initiative
n. : of or relating to initiation : INTRODUCTORY, PRELIMINARY

initiative
n. 1 : an introductory step <took the initiative in attempting to settle the issue>
2 : energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action : ENTERPRISE <showed great initiative>
3 a : the right to initiate legislative action b : a procedure enabling a specified number of voters by petition to propose a law and secure its submission to the electorate or to the legislature for approval ― compare REFERENDUM 1
–on one's own initiative : at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence or control

initiatory
adj. 1 : constituting a beginning <initiatory proceedings>
2 : tending or serving to initiate <initiatory rites>

inject
v. 1 a : to introduce into something forcefully <inject fuel into an engine> b : to force a fluid into (as for medical purposes) <inject a drug into the bloodstream>
2 : to introduce as an element or factor in or into some situation or subject <condemning any attempt to inject religious bigotry into the campaign ― Current Biog.>
–in·ject·able \-'jek-tə-bəl\ adjective or noun
–in·jec·tor \-'jek-tər\ noun

injectant
n. : a substance that is injected into something

injection
n. 1 a : an act or instance of injecting b : the placing of an artificial satellite or a spacecraft into an orbit or on a trajectory also : the time or place at which injection occurs
2 : something (as a medication) that is injected
3 : a mathematical function that is a one-to-one mapping ― compare BIJECTION, SURJECTION

injection
n. fuel injection
hypodermic injection
injection molding
injection molded

injection molding
: a method of forming articles (as of plastic) by heating the molding material until it can flow and injecting it into a mold
–injection-molded adjective

injective
: being a one-to-one mathematical function

injudicious
adj. : not judicious : INDISCREET, UNWISE <injudicious outbursts>
–in·ju·di·cious·ly adverb
–in·ju·di·cious·ness noun

injunction
n. 1 : the act or an instance of enjoining : ORDER, ADMONITION
2 : a writ granted by a court of equity whereby one is required to do or to refrain from doing a specified act
–in·junc·tive \-'jəŋ(k)-tiv\ adjective

injure
v. 1 a : to do an injustice to : WRONG b : to harm, impair, or tarnish the standing of <injured his reputation> c : to give pain to <injure a person's pride>
2 a : to inflict bodily hurt on b : to impair the soundness of <injured her health> c : to inflict material damage or loss on
–in·jur·er \'in-jər-ər\ noun
synonyms INJURE, HARM, HURT, DAMAGE, IMPAIR, MAR mean to affect injuriously. INJURE implies the inflicting of anything detrimental to one's looks, comfort, health, or success <badly injured in an accident>. HARM often stresses the inflicting of pain, suffering, or loss <careful not to harm the animals>. HURT implies inflicting a wound to the body or to the feelings <hurt by their callous remarks>. DAMAGE suggests injury that lowers value or impairs usefulness <a table damaged in shipping>. IMPAIR suggests a making less complete or efficient by deterioration or diminution <years of smoking had impaired his health>. MAR applies to injury that spoils perfection (as of a surface) or causes disfigurement <the text is marred by many typos>.

injurious
adj. 1 : inflicting or tending to inflict injury : DETRIMENTAL <injurious to health>
2 : ABUSIVE, DEFAMATORY <speak not injurious words ― George Washington>
–in·ju·ri·ous·ly adverb
–in·ju·ri·ous·ness noun

injury
n. 1 a : an act that damages or hurts : WRONG b : violation of another's rights for which the law allows an action to recover damages
2 : hurt, damage, or loss sustained
synonyms see INJUSTICE

injury
n. needlestick injury
repetitive strain injury
repetitive stress injury

injustice
n. 1 : absence of justice : violation of right or of the rights of another : UNFAIRNESS
2 : an unjust act : WRONG
synonyms INJUSTICE, INJURY, WRONG, GRIEVANCE mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt. INJUSTICE applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights <the injustices suffered by the lower classes>. INJURY applies in law specif. to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation <libel constitutes a legal injury>. WRONG applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice <determined to right society's wrongs>. GRIEVANCE applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint <a list of employee grievances>.

ink
n. 1 : a colored usually liquid material for writing and printing
2 : the black protective secretion of a cephalopod
3 slang : PUBLICITY 2D
–ink·i·ness \'iŋ-kē-nəs\ noun
–inky \'iŋ-kē\ adjective

ink
n. 1 : to put ink on <ink a pen> also : to draw or write on in ink
2 a : SIGN 2A <inked a new contract> b : SIGN 4

ink
n. india ink
ink jet
ink cap
red ink
inky cap

ink-jet
: of, relating to, or being a printer in which electrically charged droplets of ink are sprayed onto the paper
–ink-jet noun

inkberry
1 a : a holly (Ilex glabra) of eastern No. America with evergreen oblong leathery leaves and small usually black berries b : POKEWEED
2 : the fruit of an inkberry

inkblot test
: any of several psychological tests (as a Rorschach test) based on the interpretation of irregular figures (as blots of ink)

inkhorn
n. : a small portable bottle (as of horn) for holding ink

inkhorn
n. : ostentatiously learned : PEDANTIC <inkhorn terms>

inkle
n. : a colored linen tape or braid woven on a very narrow loom and used for trimming also : the thread used

inkling
n. 1 : a slight indication or suggestion : HINT, CLUE <there was no path97no inkling even of a track ― New Yorker>
2 : a slight knowledge or vague notion <had not the faintest inkling of what it was all about ― H. W. Carter>

inkstand
n. : INKWELL also : a stand with fittings for holding ink and pens

Inkster
village SE Mich. W of Detroit pop 30,115

inkstone
: a stone used in Chinese art and calligraphy on which dry ink and water are mixed

inkwell
n. : a container (as in a desk) for ink

inky cap
: a mushroom (genus Coprinus, especially C. atramentarius) whose pileus deliquesces into an inky fluid after the spores have matured ― called also ink cap

inlaid
adj. 1 a : set into a surface in a decorative design <tables with inlaid marble> b : decorated with a design or material set into a surface <a table with an inlaid top>
2 of linoleum : having a design that goes all the way through to the backing

inland
n. 1 : of or relating to the interior of a country
2 chiefly British : not foreign : DOMESTIC

inland
n. : the interior part of a country

inland
n. : into or toward the interior

Inland Empire
region NW U.S. bet. Cascade Range & Rocky Mountains in E Wash., N Idaho, NW Mont., & NE Oreg.

Inland Sea
inlet of the Pacific 240 mi (386 km) long SW Japan bet. Honshu on E & N, Kyushu on W, & Shikoku on S

inlander
n. : one who lives inland

inlay
n. 1 a : to set into a surface or ground material b : to adorn with insertions c : to insert (as a color plate) into a mat or other reinforcement
2 : to rub, beat, or fuse (as wire) into an incision in metal, wood, or stone
–in·lay·er noun

inlay
n. 1 : inlaid work or a decorative inlaid pattern
2 : a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

inlet
n. 1 a : a bay or recess in the shore of a sea, lake, or river also : CREEK b : a narrow water passage between peninsulas or through a barrier island leading to a bay or lagoon
2 : a way of entering especially : an opening for intake

inlet
n. Absecon Inlet
Admiralty Inlet
Burrard Inlet
Chesterfield Inlet
Cook Inlet
Hamilton Inlet

inlier
n. 1 : a mass of rock whose outcrop is surrounded by rock of younger age
2 : a distinct area or formation completely surrounded by another also : ENCLAVE

inly
adv. 1 : INWARDLY
2 : in a manner suggesting great depth of knowledge or understanding : THOROUGHLY

inmate
n. : any of a group occupying a single place of residence especially : a person confined (as in a prison or hospital)

inmost
adj. : deepest within : farthest from the outside

Inn
n. river 320 mi (515 km) flowing from SE Switzerland NE through Austria into the Danube in SE Germany ― see ENGADINE

inn
n. 1 a : an establishment for the lodging and entertaining of travelers b : TAVERN
2 : a residence formerly provided for British students in London and especially for students of law

inn
n. : to put up at an inn

innards
n. 1 : the internal organs of a human being or animal especially : VISCERA
2 : the internal parts especially of a structure or mechanism

innate
adj. 1 : existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth : NATIVE, INBORN <innate behavior>
2 : belonging to the essential nature of something : INHERENT
3 : originating in or derived from the mind or the constitution of the intellect rather than from experience
–in·nate·ly adverb
–in·nate·ness noun
synonyms INNATE, INBORN, INBRED, CONGENITAL, HEREDITARY mean not acquired after birth. INNATE applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature <an innate sense of fair play>. INBORN suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so <her inborn love of nature>. INBRED suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way <inbred political loyalties>. CONGENITAL and HEREDITARY refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors <a congenital heart murmur> <eye color is hereditary>.

inner
adj. 1 a : situated farther in <the inner bark> b : being near a center especially of influence <the inner circles of political power>
2 a : of or relating to the mind or spirit <the inner life> b : existing as an often repressed part of one's psychological makeup <inner child> <inner artist>
–inner noun
–in·ner·ly adverb

inner
adj. Appenzell Inner Rhoden
inner city
inner directed
inner ear
inner light
inner planet
inner product
inner space
inner tube
Inner Hebrides
Inner Mongolia

inner city
: the usually older, poorer, and more densely populated central section of a city
–inner-city adjective

inner ear
: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Inner Hebrides
― see HEBRIDES

inner light
: a divine presence held (as in Quaker doctrine) to enlighten and guide the soul

Inner Mongolia
region N China in SE Mongolia & W Manchuria capital Hohhot area 454,633 sq mi (1,182,046 sq km), pop 21,456,798

inner planet
: any of the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars whose orbits are within the asteroid belt

inner product
: SCALAR PRODUCT

inner space
1 : space at or near the earth's surface and especially under the sea
2 : one's inner self

inner tube
: an inflatable usually ring-shaped rubber tube designed for use inside a pneumatic tire

inner-directed
: directed in thought and action by one's own scale of values as opposed to external norms

innermost
adj. : farthest inward : INMOST

innermost
adj. : the inmost part

innersole
n. : INSOLE

innerspring
adj. : having coil springs inside a padded casing <innerspring mattress>

innervate
v. : to supply with nerves
–in·ner·va·tion \ˌi-(ˌ)nər-'vā-shən, i-ˌnər-\ noun

Inness
George: father 1825-1894 & son 1854-1926 American painters

Innigkeit
: poignant intimacy of feeling ― used especially of music

inning
n. 1 a plural but singular or plural in construction : a division of a cricket match b : a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team also : a baseball team's turn at bat ending with the third out c : a player's turn (as in horseshoes, pool, or croquet)
2 : a chance or opportunity for action or accomplishment ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction <that momentous innings which was to project him into world politics ― Times Lit. Supp.>

Innisfil
town Canada in SE Ont. pop 28,666

Inniskilling
― see ENNISKILLEN

innkeeper
n. 1 : a proprietor of an inn
2 : HOTELMAN

innocence
n. 1 a : freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : BLAMELESSNESS b : CHASTITY c : freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense d (1) : freedom from guile or cunning : SIMPLICITY (2) : lack of worldly experience or sophistication e : lack of knowledge : IGNORANCE <written in entire innocence of the Italian language ― E. R. Bentley>
2 : one that is innocent
3 : BLUET

innocency
n. : INNOCENCE also : an innocent action or quality

Innocent
n. name of 13 popes: especially II d 1143 (pope 1130-43); III 1160(or 1161)-1216 (pope 1198-1216); IV d 1254 (pope 1243-54); XI 1611-1689 (pope 1676-89)

innocent
n. 1 a : free from guilt or sin especially through lack of knowledge of evil : BLAMELESS <an innocent child> b : harmless in effect or intention <searching for a hidden motive in even the most innocent conversation ― Leonard Wibberley> also : CANDID <gave me an innocent gaze> c : free from legal guilt or fault also : LAWFUL <a wholly innocent transaction>
2 a : lacking or reflecting a lack of sophistication, guile, or self-consciousness : ARTLESS, INGENUOUS b : IGNORANT <almost entirely innocent of Latin ― C. L. Wrenn> also : UNAWARE <perfectly innocent of the confusion he had created ― B. R. Haydon>
3 : lacking or deprived of something <her face innocent of cosmetics ― Marcia Davenport>
–innocent noun
–in·no·cent·ly adverb

innocuous
adj. 1 : producing no injury : HARMLESS
2 : not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility : INOFFENSIVE, INSIPID
–in·noc·u·ous·ly adverb
–in·noc·u·ous·ness noun

innominate
adj. : having no name : UNNAMED also : ANONYMOUS

innominate
adj. innominate artery
innominate vein
innominate bone

innominate artery
: BRACHIOCEPHALIC ARTERY

innominate bone
: HIP BONE

innominate vein
: BRACHIOCEPHALIC VEIN

innovate
v. transitive verb
1 : to introduce as or as if new
2 archaic : to effect a change in <the dictates of my father were⋯not to be altered, innovated, or even discussed ― Sir Walter Scott>
intransitive verb : to make changes : do something in a new way
–in·no·va·tor \-ˌvā-tər\ noun
–in·no·va·to·ry \'i-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē, 'i-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē\ adjective

innovation
n. 1 : the introduction of something new
2 : a new idea, method, or device : NOVELTY
–in·no·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

innovative
adj. : characterized by, tending to, or introducing innovations
–in·no·va·tive·ly adverb
–in·no·va·tive·ness noun

Inns of Court

15th century
1 : the four sets of buildings in London belonging to four societies of students and practitioners of the law
2 : the four societies that alone admit to practice at the English bar

Innsbruck
city W Austria pop 113,392

innuendo
n. 1 a : an oblique allusion : HINT, INSINUATION especially : a veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation b : the use of such allusions <resorting to innuendo>
2 : a parenthetical explanation introduced into the text of a legal document

Innuit
n. variant of inuit

innumerable
adj. : too many to be numbered : COUNTLESS also : very many
–in·nu·mer·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

innumerate
n. : marked by an ignorance of mathematics and the scientific approach
–in·nu·mer·a·cy \-rə-sē\ noun
–innumerate noun

innumerous
: INNUMERABLE

inobservance
n. 1 : lack of attention : HEEDLESSNESS
2 : failure to fulfill : NONOBSERVANCE
–in·ob·ser·vant \-vənt\ adjective

inoculant
n. : INOCULUM

inoculate
v. 1 a : to introduce a microorganism into <inoculate mice with anthrax> <beans inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria> b : to introduce (as a microorganism) into a suitable situation for growth c : to introduce immunologically active material (as an antibody or antigen) into especially in order to treat or prevent a disease <inoculate children against diphtheria>
2 : to introduce something into the mind of
3 : to protect as if by inoculation
synonyms see INFUSE
–in·oc·u·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–in·oc·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

inoculation
n. 1 : the act or process or an instance of inoculating especially : the introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies
2 : INOCULUM

inoculum
n. : material used for inoculation

inoffensive
adj. 1 : causing no harm or injury
2 a : giving no provocation : PEACEABLE b : not objectionable to the senses
–in·of·fen·sive·ly adverb
–in·of·fen·sive·ness noun

Inonu
İs·met \is-'met\ 1884-1973 Turk. statesman; pres. of Turkey (1938-50); premier (1961-65)

inoperable
adj. 1 : not treatable or remediable by surgery <inoperable cancer>
2 : INOPERATIVE

inoperative
adj. : not operative: as a : not functioning <an inoperative clock> b : having no effect or force <an inoperative law>
–in·op·er·a·tive·ness noun

inopportune
adj. : INCONVENIENT, UNSEASONABLE
–in·op·por·tune·ly adverb
–in·op·por·tune·ness \-'t(y)ün-nəs\ noun

inordinate
adj. 1 archaic : DISORDERLY, UNREGULATED
2 : exceeding reasonable limits : IMMODERATE
synonyms see EXCESSIVE
–in·or·di·nate·ly adverb
–in·or·di·nate·ness noun

inorg
inorganic

inorganic
adj. 1 a (1) : being or composed of matter other than plant or animal : MINERAL (2) : forming or belonging to the inanimate world b : of, relating to, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with substances not usually classed as organic
2 : not arising from natural growth : ARTIFICIAL also : lacking structure, character, or vitality <dull inorganic things, without individuality or prestige ― John Buchan>
–in·or·gan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

inosculate
v. : JOIN, UNITE
–in·os·cu·la·tion \(ˌ)i-ˌnäs-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

inosine
n. : a nucleoside C_10H_12N_4O_5 that is composed of hypoxanthine and ribose, that in the form of its monophosphate is a biosynthetic precursor of both AMP and its guanosine analog, and that binds to adenine, cytosine, or uracil especially in some transfer RNAs ― compare POLY I:C

inositol
n. : any of several crystalline stereoisomeric cyclic alcohols C_6H_12O_6 especially : MYOINOSITOL

inotropic
adj. : relating to or influencing the force of muscular contractions

INP
International News Photo

inpatient
n. : a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment ― compare OUTPATIENT

inpouring
n. : INRUSH

input
n. 1 : something that is put in: as a : an amount put in <increased input of fertilizer increases crop yield> b : power or energy put into a machine or system for storage, conversion in kind, or conversion of characteristics usually with the intent of sizable recovery in the form of output c : a component of production (as land, labor, or raw materials) d : information fed into a data processing system or computer e : ADVICE, OPINION, COMMENT f : a stimulus that acts on and is integrated into a bodily system <sensory input>
2 : the means by which or the point at which an input (as of energy, material, or data) is made
3 : the act or process of putting in

input
n. : to enter (as data) into a computer or data processing system

inq
inquire

inquest
n. 1 a : a judicial or official inquiry or examination especially before a jury <a coroner's inquest> b : a body of people (as a jury) assembled to hold such an inquiry c : the finding of the jury upon such inquiry or the document recording it
2 : INQUIRY, INVESTIGATION

inquietude
n. : disturbed state : DISQUIETUDE

inquiline
adj. : an animal that lives habitually in the nest or abode of some other species

inquire
v. transitive verb
1 : to ask about <some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate ― Thomas Gray>
2 : to search into : INVESTIGATE
intransitive verb
1 : to put a question : seek for information by questioning <inquired about the horses>
2 : to make investigation or inquiry ― often used with into
synonyms see ASK
–in·quir·er noun
–in·quir·ing·ly \-'kwī-riŋ-lē\ adverb
–inquire after : to ask about the health of

inquire after
to ask about the health of

inquiry
n. 1 : examination into facts or principles : RESEARCH
2 : a request for information
3 : a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest

inquisition
n. 1 : the act of inquiring : EXAMINATION
2 : a judicial or official inquiry or examination usually before a jury also : the finding of the jury
3 a capitalized : a former Roman Catholic tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heresy b : an investigation conducted with little regard for individual rights c : a severe questioning
–in·qui·si·tion·al \-'zi-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

inquisitive
adj. 1 : given to examination or investigation
2 : inclined to ask questions especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others
synonyms see CURIOUS
–in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
–in·quis·i·tive·ness noun

inquisitor
n. : one who inquires or makes inquisition especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry
–in·quis·i·to·ri·al \-ˌkwi-zə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–in·quis·i·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

INRI
Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews

inro
n. : a small compartmented and usually ornamented container hung from an obi to hold small objects (as medicines)

inroad
n. 1 : a sudden hostile incursion : RAID
2 : an advance or penetration often at the expense of someone or something ― usually used in plural

inrun
: the approach ramp of a ski jump

inrush
n. : a crowding or flooding in

INS
1 Immigration and Naturalization Service
2 inertial navigation system

ins
1 inches
2 insurance

ins and outs
1 : characteristic peculiarities or technicalities : WORKINGS
2 : RAMIFICATIONS

insalubrious
adj. : not conducive to health : UNWHOLESOME <an insalubrious climate>
–in·sa·lu·bri·ty \-brə-tē\ noun

insane
adj. 1 : mentally disordered : exhibiting insanity
2 : used by, typical of, or intended for insane persons <an insane asylum>
3 : ABSURD <an insane scheme for making money>
4 : EXTREME 1
–in·sane·ly adverb
–in·sane·ness \-'sān-nəs\ noun

insanitary
adj. : unclean enough to endanger health : CONTAMINATED
–in·san·i·ta·tion \in-ˌsa-nə-'tā-shən\ noun

insanity
n. 1 : a deranged state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder (as schizophrenia)
2 : such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or as removes one from criminal or civil responsibility
3 a : extreme folly or unreasonableness b : something utterly foolish or unreasonable

insatiable
adj. : incapable of being satisfied : QUENCHLESS <had an insatiable desire for wealth>
–in·sa·tia·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsā-shə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·sa·tia·ble·ness \(ˌ)in-'sā-shə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·sa·tia·bly \-blē\ adverb

insatiate
adj. : INSATIABLE
–in·sa·tiate·ly adverb
–in·sa·tiate·ness noun

inscribe
v. 1 a : to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record b : to enter on a list : ENROLL
2 a : to write, engrave, or print characters upon b : to autograph or address (a book) as a gift
3 : to dedicate to someone
4 : to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible <a regular polygon inscribed in a circle>
5 British : to register the name of the holder of (a security)
–in·scrib·er noun

inscription
n. 1 a : something that is inscribed also : SUPERSCRIPTION b : EPIGRAPH 2 c : the wording on a coin, medal, seal, or currency note
2 : the dedication of a book or work of art
3 a : the act of inscribing b : the entering of a name on or as if on a list : ENROLLMENT
4 British a : the act of inscribing securities b plural : inscribed securities
–in·scrip·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

inscriptive
adj. : relating to or constituting an inscription
–in·scrip·tive·ly adverb

inscroll
archaic : to write on a scroll : RECORD

inscrutable
adj. : not readily investigated, interpreted, or understood : MYSTERIOUS <an inscrutable smile> <inscrutable motives>
–in·scru·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌskrü-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·scru·ta·ble·ness \-'skrü-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·scru·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

insculp
archaic : ENGRAVE, SCULPTURE

inseam
n. : the seam on the inside of the leg of a pair of pants also : the length of this seam

insect
n. 1 a : any of numerous small invertebrate animals (as spiders or centipedes) that are more or less obviously segmented ― not used technically b : any of a class (Insecta) of arthropods (as bugs or bees) with well-defined head, thorax, and abdomen, only three pairs of legs, and typically one or two pairs of wings
2 : a trivial or contemptible person
–insect adjective

insect
n. cochineal insect
scale insect
spittle insect
stick insect

insectary
n. : a place for the keeping or rearing of living insects

insecticidal
adj. 1 : destroying or controlling insects
2 : of or relating to an insecticide
–in·sec·ti·cid·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

insecticide
n. : an agent that destroys insects

insectile
adj. : being or suggestive of an insect

insectivore
n. 1 : any of an order (Insectivora) of small usually nocturnal mammals (as moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that feed mainly on insects
2 : an insectivorous plant or animal

insectivorous
adj. : feeding on insects

insecure
adj. 1 : not confident or sure : UNCERTAIN <feeling somewhat insecure of his reception>
2 : not adequately guarded or sustained : UNSAFE <an insecure investment>
3 : not firmly fastened or fixed : SHAKY <the hinge is loose and insecure>
4 a : not highly stable or well-adjusted <an insecure marriage> b : deficient in assurance : beset by fear and anxiety <always felt insecure in a group of strangers>
–in·se·cure·ly adverb
–in·se·cure·ness noun
–in·se·cu·ri·ty \-'kyu̇r-ə-tē\ noun

inselberg
n. : an isolated mountain

inseminate
v. 1 : SOW
2 : to introduce semen into the genital tract of (a female)
synonyms see IMPLANT
–in·sem·i·na·tion \-ˌse-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

inseminator
n. : one that inseminates cattle artificially

insensate
adj. 1 : lacking sense or understanding also : FOOLISH
2 : lacking animate awareness or sensation
3 : lacking humane feeling : BRUTAL
–in·sen·sate·ly adverb

insensible
adj. 1 : IMPERCEPTIBLE <dampened by an insensible dew> broadly : SLIGHT, GRADUAL <insensible motion>
2 : incapable or bereft of feeling or sensation: as a : not endowed with life or spirit : INSENTIENT <insensible earth> b : UNCONSCIOUS <knocked insensible by a sudden blow> c : lacking sensory perception or ability to react <insensible to pain>
3 a : lacking emotional response : APATHETIC, INDIFFERENT <insensible to fear> b : UNAWARE <insensible of their danger>
4 archaic : STUPID, SENSELESS
5 : not intelligible : MEANINGLESS
6 : lacking delicacy or refinement
–in·sen·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·sen·si·ble·ness \(ˌ)in-'sen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·sen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

insensitive
adj. 1 a : not responsive or susceptible <insensitive to the demands of the public> b : lacking feeling or tact <so insensitive as to laugh at someone in pain>
2 : not physically or chemically sensitive
–in·sen·si·tive·ly adverb
–in·sen·si·tive·ness noun
–in·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

insentient
adj. : lacking perception, consciousness, or animation
–in·sen·tience \-sh(ē-)ən(t)s\ noun

inseparable
n. 1 : incapable of being separated or disjoined <inseparable issues>
2 : seemingly always together : very intimate <inseparable friends>
–in·sep·a·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌse-p(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–inseparable noun
–in·sep·a·ra·ble·ness \(ˌ)in-'se-p(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·sep·a·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

insert
n. transitive verb
1 : to put or thrust in <insert the key in the lock> <insert a spacecraft into orbit>
2 : to put or introduce into the body of something : INTERPOLATE <insert a change in a manuscript>
3 : to set in and make fast especially : to insert by sewing between two cut edges
4 : to place into action (as in a game) <insert a new pitcher>
intransitive verb of a muscle : to be in attachment to the part to be moved
synonyms see INTRODUCE
–in·sert·er noun

insert
n. : something that is inserted or is for insertion especially : written or printed material inserted (as between the leaves of a book)

insertion
n. 1 : something that is inserted: as a : the part of a muscle that inserts b : the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part c : embroidery or needlework inserted as ornament between two pieces of fabric d : a section of genetic material that is inserted into an existing gene sequence
2 a : the act or process of inserting b : the mutational process producing a genetic insertion
–in·ser·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

inset
n. 1 a : a place where something flows in : CHANNEL b : a setting or flowing in
2 : something that is inset: as a : a small graphic representation (as a map or picture) set within a larger one b : a piece of cloth set into a garment (as for decoration) c : a part or section of a utensil that fits into an outer part

inset
n. 1 : SET IN especially : to insert within something else in such a way as to be visible
2 : to provide with an inset

inshallah
n. : if Allah wills : God willing

inshore
adj. 1 : situated, living, or carried on near shore
2 : moving toward shore <an inshore current>

inshore
adj. : to or toward shore <boats driven inshore by the storm>

inside
n. 1 a : an interior or internal part or place : the part within b : inward nature, thoughts, or feeling c : VISCERA, ENTRAILS ― usually used in plural
2 : an inner side or surface
3 a : a position of power, trust, or familiarity <only someone on the inside could have told> b : confidential information <has the inside on what happened at the convention>
4 : the area nearest a specified or implied point of reference: as a : the side of home plate nearest the batter b : the middle portion of a playing area c : the area near or underneath the basket in basketball

inside
n. 1 : on the inner side
2 : in or into the interior <stayed inside during the storm>
3 : to or on the inside
4 : in prison

inside
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being on or near the inside <an inside pitch>
2 a : relating or known to a select group <inside information> b : BEHIND-THE-SCENES

inside
n. 1 a : in or into or as if in or into the interior of <waited inside the church> b : on the inner side of <just inside the door>
2 : WITHIN <inside an hour>

inside
n. inside address
inside of
inside out
inside track
Inside Passage

inside address
: ADDRESS 5C

inside of
: INSIDE

inside out
1 : in such a manner that the inner surface becomes the outer <turned the shirt inside out>
2 : to a thorough degree <knows the subject inside out>
3 : in or into a state of disarray often involving drastic reorganization <turned the business inside out>

Inside Passage
protected shipping route from Puget Sound, Wash., to Skagway, Alaska, following channels bet. mainland & coastal islands

inside track
: an advantageous competitive position <the owner's son has the inside track for the job>

insider
n. : a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, category, or organization: as a : a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information b : one (as an officer or director) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

insider trading
: the illegal use of information available only to insiders in order to make a profit in financial trading

insidious
adj. 1 a : awaiting a chance to entrap : TREACHEROUS b : harmful but enticing : SEDUCTIVE <insidious drugs>
2 a : having a gradual and cumulative effect : SUBTLE <the insidious pressures of modern life> b of a disease : developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent
–in·sid·i·ous·ly adverb
–in·sid·i·ous·ness noun

insight
n. 1 : the power or act of seeing into a situation : PENETRATION
2 : the act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively
synonyms see DISCERNMENT

insightful
adj. : exhibiting or characterized by insight <insightful criticism>
–in·sight·ful·ly adverb

insignia
n. 1 : a badge of authority or honor
2 : a distinguishing mark or sign

insignificance
n. : the quality or state of being insignificant

insignificancy
n. 1 : INSIGNIFICANCE
2 : an insignificant thing or person

insignificant
adj. : not significant: as a : lacking meaning or import : INCONSEQUENTIAL b : not worth considering : UNIMPORTANT c : lacking weight, position, or influence : CONTEMPTIBLE d : small in size, quantity, or number
–in·sig·nif·i·cant·ly adverb

insincere
adj. : not sincere : HYPOCRITICAL
–in·sin·cere·ly adverb
–in·sin·cer·i·ty \-'ser-ə-tē also -'sir-\ noun

insinuate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to introduce (as an idea) gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or covert way <insinuate doubts into a trusting mind> b : to impart or suggest in an artful or indirect way : IMPLY <I resent what you're insinuating>
2 : to introduce (as oneself) by stealthy, smooth, or artful means
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly : CREEP
2 archaic : to ingratiate oneself
synonyms see INTRODUCE, SUGGEST
–in·sin·u·a·tive \-ˌwā-tiv, -ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–in·sin·u·a·tor \-ˌwā-tər, -ˌā-tər\ noun

insinuating
adj. 1 : winning favor and confidence by imperceptible degrees : INGRATIATING
2 : tending gradually to cause doubt, distrust, or change of outlook often in a slyly subtle manner <insinuating remarks>
–in·sin·u·at·ing·ly adverb

insinuation
n. 1 : the act or process of insinuating
2 : something that is insinuated especially : a sly, subtle, and usually derogatory utterance

insipid
adj. 1 : lacking taste or savor : TASTELESS <insipid food>
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : DULL, FLAT <insipid prose>
–in·si·pid·i·ty \ˌin-sə-'pi-də-tē\ noun
–in·sip·id·ly \in-'si-pəd-lē\ adverb
synonyms INSIPID, VAPID, FLAT, JEJUNE, BANAL, INANE mean devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character. INSIPID implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest <an insipid romance with platitudes on every page>. VAPID suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit <an exciting story given a vapid treatment>. FLAT applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest <although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat>. JEJUNE suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance <a jejune and gassy speech>. BANAL stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy <a banal tale of unrequited love>. INANE implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality <an inane interpretation of the play>.

insist
v. intransitive verb
1 : to be emphatic, firm, or resolute about something intended, demanded, or required <they insist on going>
2 archaic : PERSIST
transitive verb : to maintain in a persistent or positive manner <insisted that the story was true>

insistence
n. 1 : the act or an instance of insisting
2 : the quality or state of being insistent : URGENCY

insistency
n. : INSISTENCE

insistent
adj. 1 : disposed to insist : PERSISTENT
2 : compelling attention <the insistent pounding of the waves>
–in·sis·tent·ly adverb

insobriety
n. : lack of sobriety or moderation especially : intemperance in drinking

insociable
: not sociable
–in·so·cia·bil·i·ty \-(ˌ)sō-shə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·so·cia·bly \-'sō-shə-blē\ adverb

insofar
adv. : to such extent or degree

insofar as
: to the extent or degree that <we agree only insofar as the budget is concerned>

insol
insoluble

insolation
n. 1 : exposure to the sun's rays
2 : SUNSTROKE
3 a : solar radiation that has been received b : the rate of delivery of direct solar radiation per unit of horizontal surface broadly : that relating to total solar radiation

insole
n. 1 : an inside sole of a shoe
2 : a loose thin strip placed inside a shoe for warmth or comfort

insolence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being insolent
2 : an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

insolent
adj. 1 : insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct : OVERBEARING
2 : exhibiting boldness or effrontery : IMPUDENT
synonyms see PROUD
–insolent noun
–in·so·lent·ly adverb

insolubilize
v. : to make insoluble
–in·sol·u·bi·li·za·tion \-ˌsäl-yə-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

insoluble
adj. : not soluble: as a archaic : INDISSOLUBLE b : having or admitting of no solution or explanation <an insoluble problem> c : incapable of being dissolved in a liquid and especially water also : soluble only with difficulty or to a slight degree
–in·sol·u·bil·i·ty \-ˌsäl-yə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–insoluble noun
–in·sol·u·ble·ness \-'säl-yə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·sol·u·bly \-blē\ adverb

insolvable
adj. : admitting no solution <an apparently insolvable problem>
–in·solv·ably \-blē\ adverb

insolvency
n. : the fact or state of being insolvent : inability to pay debts

insolvent
adj. 1 a (1) : unable to pay debts as they fall due in the usual course of business (2) : having liabilities in excess of a reasonable market value of assets held b : insufficient to pay all debts <an insolvent estate> c : not up to a normal standard or complement : IMPOVERISHED
2 : relating to or for the relief of insolvents
–insolvent noun

insomnia
n. : prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep
–in·som·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ adjective or noun

insomuch as
: INASMUCH AS

insomuch that
: SO 1

insouciance
n. : lighthearted unconcern : NONCHALANCE
–in·sou·ci·ant \in-'sü-sē-ənt, an-süs-yän\ adjective
–in·sou·ci·ant·ly \in-'sü-sē-ənt-lē\ adverb

insp
inspector

inspan
v. chiefly South African : YOKE, HARNESS

inspect
v. transitive verb
1 : to view closely in critical appraisal : look over
2 : to examine officially <inspects the barracks every Friday>
intransitive verb : to make an inspection
synonyms see SCRUTINIZE
–in·spec·tive \-'spek-tiv\ adjective

inspection
n. 1 a : the act of inspecting b : recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem <solve an equation by inspection>
2 : a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

inspection arms
: a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held at port arms with the chamber open for inspection also : a command to assume this position

inspector
n. 1 : a person employed to inspect something
2 a : a police officer who is in charge of usually several precincts and ranks below a superintendent or deputy superintendent b : a person appointed to oversee a polling place
–in·spec·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

inspector general
: a person who heads an inspectorate or a system of inspection (as of an army)

inspectorate
n. 1 : the office, position, work, or district of an inspector
2 : a body of inspectors

inspiration
n. 1 a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
2 : the act of drawing in specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs
3 a : the quality or state of being inspired b : something that is inspired <a scheme that was pure inspiration>
4 : an inspiring agent or influence
–in·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·spi·ra·tion·al·ly adverb

inspirator
n. : one that inspires <teachers who are inspirators of the young>

inspiratory
adj. : of, relating to, used for, or associated with inspiration

inspire
v. transitive verb
1 a : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b : to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on <was particularly inspired by the Romanticists> c : to spur on : IMPEL, MOTIVATE <threats don't necessarily inspire people to work> d : AFFECT <seeing the old room again inspired him with nostalgia>
2 a archaic : to breathe or blow into or upon b archaic : to infuse (as life) by breathing
3 a : to communicate to an agent supernaturally b : to draw forth or bring out <thoughts inspired by a visit to the cathedral>
4 : INHALE 1
5 a : BRING ABOUT, OCCASION <the book was inspired by his travels in the Far East> b : INCITE
6 : to spread (rumor) by indirect means or through the agency of another
intransitive verb : INHALE
–in·spir·er noun

inspired
adj. : outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine inspiration <gave an inspired performance>

inspiring
adj. : having an animating or exalting effect

inspirit
v. : to fill with spirit
synonyms see ENCOURAGE
–in·spir·it·ing·ly \-ə-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

inspissate
v. : to make thick or thicker
–in·spis·sa·tion \ˌin(t)-spə-'sā-shən, (ˌ)in-ˌspi-'sā-\ noun
–in·spis·sa·tor \in-'spi-ˌsā-tər, 'in(t)-spə-ˌsā-\ noun

inspissated
adj. : thickened in consistency broadly : made or having become thick, heavy, or intense

inst
n. 1 instant
2 institute; institution; institutional

instability
n. : the quality or state of being unstable especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

instable
adj. : UNSTABLE

instal
chiefly British variant of install

install
v. 1 a : to place in an office or dignity by seating in a stall or official seat b : to induct into an office, rank, or order <installed the new president>
2 : to establish in an indicated place, condition, or status <installing herself in front of the fireplace>
3 : to set up for use or service <had an exhaust fan installed in the kitchen> <install software>
–in·stall·er noun

installation
n. 1 : the act of installing : the state of being installed
2 : something that is installed for use
3 : a military camp, fort, or base
4 : a work of art that usually consists of multiple components often in mixed media and that is exhibited in a usually large space in an arrangement specified by the artist

installment
n. : INSTALLATION 1

installment
n. 1 : one of the parts into which a debt is divided when payment is made at intervals
2 a : one of several parts (as of a publication) presented at intervals b : one part of a serial story
–installment adjective

installment plan
: a system of paying for goods by installments

instance
n. 1 a archaic : urgent or earnest solicitation b : INSTIGATION, REQUEST <am writing to you at the instance of my client> c obsolete : an impelling cause or motive
2 a archaic : EXCEPTION b : an individual illustrative of a category or brought forward in support or disproof of a generalization c obsolete : TOKEN, SIGN
3 : the institution and prosecution of a lawsuit : SUIT
4 : a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events <prefers, in this instance, to remain anonymous ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–for instance \fə-'rin(t)-stən(t)s, 'frin(t)-\ : as an instance or example <older people, like my grandmother, for instance>
synonyms INSTANCE, CASE, ILLUSTRATION, EXAMPLE, SAMPLE, SPECIMEN mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category. INSTANCE applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain <an instance of history repeating itself>. CASE is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with <a case of mistaken identity>. ILLUSTRATION applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement <a telling illustration of Murphy's Law>. EXAMPLE applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case <a typical example of bureaucratic waste>. SAMPLE implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities <show us a sample of your work>. SPECIMEN applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available <one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art>.

instance
n. 1 : to illustrate or demonstrate by an instance
2 : to mention as a case or example : CITE

instancy
n. 1 : URGENCY, INSISTENCE
2 : nearness of approach : IMMINENCE
3 : immediacy of occurrence or action : INSTANTANEOUSNESS

instant
n. 1 : an infinitesimal space of time especially : a point in time separating two states <at the instant of death>
2 : the present or current month

instant
n. 1 : IMPORTUNATE, URGENT
2 a : PRESENT, CURRENT <previous felonies not related to the instant crime> b : of or occurring in the present month ― abbreviation inst
3 : IMMEDIATE, DIRECT <the play was an instant success>
4 a (1) : premixed or precooked for easy final preparation <instant pudding> (2) : appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form <instant poetry> b : immediately soluble in water <instant coffee>
5 : produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
–in·stant·ness noun

instant replay
: a video recording of an action (as a play in football) that can be played back (as in slow motion) immediately after the action has been completed also : the playing of such a recording

instantaneous
adj. 1 : done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time <death was instantaneous>
2 : done without any delay being purposely introduced <took instantaneous action to correct the abuse>
3 : occurring or present at a particular instant <instantaneous velocity>
–in·stan·ta·ne·ity \ˌin-ˌstan-tə-'nē-ə-tē, ˌin(t)-stən-tə-'nē-\ noun
–in·stan·ta·neous·ly \ˌin(t)-stən-'tā-nē-əs-lē, -nyəs-lē\ adverb
–in·stan·ta·neous·ness noun

instanter
adv. : at once

instantiate
v. : to represent (an abstraction) by a concrete instance <heroes instantiate ideals ― W. J. Bennett>
–in·stan·ti·a·tion \-ˌstan(t)-shē-'ā-shən\ noun

instantly
adv. 1 : with importunity : URGENTLY
2 : without the least delay : IMMEDIATELY

instantly
adv. : as soon as <he ran across the grass instantly he perceived his mother ― W. M. Thackeray>

instar
n. : a stage in the life of an arthropod (as an insect) between two successive molts also : an individual in a specified instar

instate
v. 1 obsolete a : INVEST, ENDOW b : BESTOW, CONFER
2 : to set or establish in a rank or office : INSTALL

instauration
n. 1 : restoration after decay, lapse, or dilapidation
2 : an act of instituting or establishing something

instead
adv. 1 : as a substitute or equivalent <was going to write but called instead>
2 : as an alternative to something expressed or implied : RATHER <longed instead for a quiet country life>

instead of
: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to <chose tea instead of coffee>

instep
n. 1 : the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint especially : its upper surface
2 : the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

instigate
v. : to goad or urge forward : PROVOKE
synonyms see INCITE
–in·sti·ga·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-'gā-shən\ noun
–in·sti·ga·tive \'in(t)-stə-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
–in·sti·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun

instil
chiefly British variant of instill

instill
v. 1 : to cause to enter drop by drop <instill medication into the infected eye>
2 : to impart gradually <instilling a love of learning in children>
synonyms see IMPLANT
–in·stil·la·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-'lā-shən, -(ˌ)sti-\ noun
–in·still·er \in-'sti-lər\ noun
–in·still·ment \-mənt\ noun

instinct
n. 1 : a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity <had an instinct for the right word>
2 a : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason b : behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
–in·stinc·tu·al \in-'stiŋ(k)-chə-wəl, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective
–in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb

instinct
n. 1 obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency
2 : profoundly imbued : INFUSED <my mood, instinct with romance ― S. J. Perelman>

instinctive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being instinct
2 : prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously <an instinctive fear of innovation ― V. L. Parrington>
synonyms see SPONTANEOUS
–in·stinc·tive·ly adverb

institute
1 : to establish in a position or office
2 a : to originate and get established : ORGANIZE <instituted reading clinics> b : to set going : INAUGURATE <instituting an investigation of the charges>
–in·sti·tut·er or in·sti·tu·tor \-ˌtü-tər, -ˌtyü-\ noun

institute
n. : something that is instituted: as a (1) : an elementary principle recognized as authoritative (2) plural : a collection of such principles and precepts especially : a legal compendium b : an organization for the promotion of a cause : ASSOCIATION <a research institute> <an institute for the blind> c : an educational institution and especially one devoted to technical fields d : a usually brief intensive course of instruction on selected topics relating to a particular field <an urban studies institute>

institution
n. 1 : an act of instituting : ESTABLISHMENT
2 a : a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture <the institution of marriage> also : something or someone firmly associated with a place or thing <she has become an institution in the theater> b : an established organization or corporation (as a bank or university) especially of a public character also : ASYLUM 4

institutional
adj. 1 : of or relating to an institution <institutional knowledge>
2 : characteristic of or appropriate to institutions <bland institutional cooking> <institutional green walls>
–in·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adverb

institutionalise
v. British variant of institutionalize

institutionalism
n. 1 : emphasis on organization (as in religion) at the expense of other factors
2 : public institutional care of disabled, delinquent, or dependent persons
3 : an economic school of thought that emphasizes the role of social institutions in influencing economic behavior
–in·sti·tu·tion·al·ist \-shnə-list, -shə-nə-list\ noun

institutionalize
1 : to make into an institution : give character of an institution to <institutionalized housing> especially : to incorporate into a structured and often highly formalized system <institutionalized values>
2 : to put in the care of an institution <institutionalize alcoholics>
–in·sti·tu·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtü-shnə-lə-'zā-shən, -shə-nə-lə-'zā-\ noun

instr
n. 1 instructor
2 instrument; instrumental

instruct
v. 1 : to give knowledge to : TEACH, TRAIN
2 : to provide with authoritative information or advice <the judge instructed the jury>
3 : to give an order or command to : DIRECT
synonyms see TEACH, COMMAND

instruction
n. 1 a : PRECEPT <prevailing cultural instructions> b : a direction calling for compliance : ORDER ― usually used in plural <had instructions not to admit strangers> c plural : an outline or manual of technical procedure : DIRECTIONS d : a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation
2 : the action, practice, or profession of teaching
–in·struc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

instruction
n. programmed instruction
self instruction
self instructional

instructive
adj. : carrying a lesson : ENLIGHTENING
–in·struc·tive·ly adverb
–in·struc·tive·ness noun

instructor
n. : one that instructs : TEACHER especially : a college teacher below professorial rank
–in·struc·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

instructress
n. : a woman who is an instructor

instrument
n. 1 : a device used to produce music also : a singing voice
2 a : a means whereby something is achieved, performed, or furthered b : one used by another as a means or aid : DUPE, TOOL
3 : IMPLEMENT especially : one designed for precision work
4 : a formal legal document (as a deed, bond, or agreement)
5 a : a measuring device for determining the present value of a quantity under observation b : an electrical or mechanical device used in navigating an airplane especially : such a device used as the sole means of navigating
synonyms see IMPLEMENT

instrument
n. 1 : to address a legal instrument to
2 : to score for musical performance : ORCHESTRATE
3 : to equip with instruments especially for measuring and recording data <an instrumented spacecraft>

instrument
n. brass instrument
instrument flying
instrument landing
instrument panel
percussion instrument
wind instrument

instrument flying
: navigation of an airplane by instruments only

instrument landing
: a landing made with limited visibility by means of instruments and by ground radio direction

instrument panel
: a panel on which instruments are mounted especially : DASHBOARD 2

instrumental
adj. 1 a : serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool <was instrumental in organizing the strike> b : of, relating to, or done with an instrument or tool
2 : relating to, composed for, or performed on a musical instrument
3 : of, relating to, or being a grammatical case or form expressing means or agency
4 : of or relating to instrumentalism
5 : OPERANT 3 <instrumental learning> <instrumental conditioning>
–instrumental noun
–in·stru·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

instrumentalism
n. : a doctrine that ideas are instruments of action and that their usefulness determines their truth

instrumentalist
n. 1 : a player on a musical instrument
2 : an exponent of instrumentalism
–instrumentalist adjective

instrumentality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being instrumental
2 : MEANS, AGENCY

instrumentation
n. 1 : the arrangement or composition of music for instruments especially for a band or orchestra
2 : the use or application of instruments (as for observation, measurement, or control)
3 : instruments for a particular purpose also : a selection or arrangement of instruments

insubordinate
adj. : disobedient to authority
–insubordinate noun
–in·sub·or·di·nate·ly adverb
–in·sub·or·di·na·tion \-ˌbȯr-də-'nā-shən\ noun

insubstantial
adj. : not substantial: as a : lacking substance or material nature b : lacking firmness or solidity : FLIMSY
–in·sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun

insufferable
adj. : not to be endured : INTOLERABLE <an insufferable bore>
–in·suf·fer·able·ness noun
–in·suf·fer·ably \-blē\ adverb

insufficiency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being insufficient: as a : lack of mental or moral fitness : INCOMPETENCE <the insufficiency of this person for public office> b : lack of adequate supply <insufficiency of provisions> c : lack of physical power or capacity especially : inability of an organ or body part to function normally <renal insufficiency>
2 : something that is insufficient or falls short of expectations

insufficient
adj. : not sufficient : INADEQUATE <insufficient funds> especially : lacking adequate power, capacity, or competence <insufficient bandwidth>
–in·suf·fi·cient·ly adverb

insufflation
n. : an act or the action of blowing on, into, or in: as a : a Christian ceremonial rite of exorcism performed by breathing on a person b : the act of blowing something (as a gas, powder, or vapor) into a body cavity
–in·suf·flate \'in(t)-sə-ˌflāt, in-'sə-ˌflāt\ transitive verb
–in·suf·fla·tor \-ˌflā-tər\ noun

insulant
n. chiefly British : INSULATION 2

insular
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting an island b : dwelling or situated on an island <insular residents>
2 : characteristic of an isolated people especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
3 : of or relating to an island of cells or tissue
–in·su·lar·ism \-lə-ˌri-zəm\ noun
–in·su·lar·i·ty \ˌin(t)-su̇-'la-rə-tē, -syu̇-, ˌin-shə-'la-\ noun
–in·su·lar·ly \'in(t)-su̇-lər-lē, -syu̇-, 'in-shə-\ adverb

insulate
v. : to place in a detached situation : ISOLATE especially : to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound

insulation
n. 1 a : the action of insulating b : the state of being insulated
2 : material used in insulating

insulator
n. : one that insulates: as a : a material that is a poor conductor (as of electricity or heat) ― compare SEMICONDUCTOR b : a device made of an electrical insulating material and used for separating or supporting conductors

insulin
n. : a protein pancreatic hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans that is essential especially for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of glucose levels in the blood and that when insufficiently produced results in diabetes mellitus

insulin
n. insulin dependent diabetes
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
insulin like growth factor
insulin resistance
insulin shock
non insulin dependent diabetes
non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

insulin resistance
: reduced sensitivity to insulin by the body's insulin-dependent processes (as glucose uptake and lipolysis) that is typical of type 2 diabetes but often occurs in the absence of diabetes

insulin shock
: severe hypoglycemia that is associated with the presence of excessive insulin in the system and that if left untreated may result in convulsions and progressive development of coma

insulin-dependent diabetes
: TYPE 1 DIABETES

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
: TYPE 1 DIABETES ― abbreviation IDDM

insulin-like growth factor
: either of two polypeptides structurally similar to insulin that are secreted either during fetal development or during childhood and that mediate growth hormone activity

Insull
Samuel 1859-1938 American (Eng.-born) financier

insult
n. intransitive verb archaic : to behave with pride or arrogance : VAUNT
transitive verb : to treat with insolence, indignity, or contempt : AFFRONT also : to affect offensively or damagingly <doggerel that insults the reader's intelligence>
synonyms see OFFEND
–in·sult·er noun
–in·sult·ing·ly \in-'səl-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

insult
n. 1 : a gross indignity
2 : injury to the body or one of its parts also : something that causes or has a potential for causing such insult <pollution and other environmental insults>

insuperable
adj. : incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved <insuperable difficulties>
–in·su·per·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

insupportable
adj. : not supportable: a : more than can be endured <insupportable pain> b : impossible to justify <insupportable charges>
–in·sup·port·ably \-blē\ adverb

insuppressible
adj. : IRREPRESSIBLE

insur
insurance

insurable
adj. : that may be insured
–in·sur·abil·i·ty \-ˌshu̇r-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

insurance
n. 1 a : the business of insuring persons or property b : coverage by contract whereby one party undertakes to indemnify or guarantee another against loss by a specified contingency or peril c : the sum for which something is insured
2 : a means of guaranteeing protection or safety <the contract is your insurance against price changes>

insurance
n. : being a score that adds to a team's lead and makes it impossible for the opposing team to tie the game with its next score <an insurance run>

insurance
n. accident insurance
health insurance
life insurance
property damage insurance
self insurance
social insurance
term insurance
title insurance
unemployment insurance
workmen's compensation insurance

insure
v. transitive verb
1 : to provide or obtain insurance on or for
2 : to make certain especially by taking necessary measures and precautions
intransitive verb : to contract to give or take insurance
synonyms see ENSURE

insured
adj. : a person whose life or property is insured

insurer
n. : one that insures specifically : an insurance underwriter

insurgence
n. : an act or the action of being insurgent : INSURRECTION

insurgency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being insurgent specifically : a condition of revolt against a government that is less than an organized revolution and that is not recognized as belligerency
2 : INSURGENCE

insurgent
n. 1 : a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government especially : a rebel not recognized as a belligerent
2 : one who acts contrary to the policies and decisions of one's own political party

insurgent
n. : rising in opposition to civil authority or established leadership : REBELLIOUS
–in·sur·gent·ly adverb

insurmountable
adj. : incapable of being surmounted : INSUPERABLE <insurmountable problems>
–in·sur·mount·ably \-blē\ adverb

insurrection
n. : an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government
synonyms see REBELLION
–in·sur·rec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·sur·rec·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective or noun
–in·sur·rec·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

insusceptible
adj. : not susceptible <insusceptible to flattery>
–in·sus·cep·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌsep-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·sus·cep·ti·bly \ˌin(t)-sə-'sep-tə-blē\ adverb

int
n. 1 intelligence
2 intercept
3 interest
4 interim
5 interior
6 interjection
7 intermediate
8 internal
9 international
10 interpreter
11 intersection
12 interval
13 interview
14 intransitive

intact
adj. 1 : untouched especially by anything that harms or diminishes : ENTIRE, UNINJURED
2 of a living body or its parts : having no relevant component removed or destroyed: a : physically virginal b : not castrated
synonyms see PERFECT
–in·tact·ness \-'tak(t)-nəs\ noun

intaglio
n. 1 a : an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material depressed below the surface so that an impression from the design yields an image in relief b : the art or process of executing intaglios c : printing (as in die stamping and gravure) done from a plate in which the image is sunk below the surface
2 : something (as a gem) carved in intaglio

intake
n. 1 : an opening through which fluid enters an enclosure
2 a : a taking in b (1) : the amount taken in (2) : something (as energy) taken in : INPUT

intangible
: not tangible : IMPALPABLE <education's intangible benefits>
–in·tan·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌtan-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·tan·gi·ble·ness \-'tan-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·tan·gi·bly \-blē\ adverb

intangible
n. : something intangible: as a : an asset (as goodwill) that is not corporeal b : an abstract quality or attribute (as loyalty or creativity)

intarsia
n. 1 : a mosaic usually of wood fitted into a support also : the art or process of making such a mosaic
2 : a colored design knitted on both sides of a fabric (as in a sweater)

integer
n. 1 : any of the natural numbers, the negatives of these numbers, or zero
2 : a complete entity

integer vitae scelerisque purus
: upright of life and free from wickedness

integrable
adj. : capable of being integrated <integrable functions>
–in·te·gra·bil·i·ty \ˌin-ti-grə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

integral
n. 1 a : essential to completeness : CONSTITUENT <an integral part of the curriculum> b (1) : being, containing, or relating to one or more mathematical integers (2) : relating to or concerned with mathematical integrals or integration c : formed as a unit with another part <a seat with integral headrest>
2 : composed of integral parts
3 : lacking nothing essential : ENTIRE
–in·te·gral·i·ty \ˌin-tə-'gra-lə-tē\ noun
–in·te·gral·ly \'in-ti-grə-lē; in-'te-grə- also -'tē-\ adverb

integral
n. : the result of a mathematical integration ― compare DEFINITE INTEGRAL, INDEFINITE INTEGRAL

integral
n. definite integral
improper integral
indefinite integral
integral calculus
integral domain
Riemann integral

integral calculus
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the theory and applications (as in the determination of lengths, areas, and volumes and in the solution of differential equations) of integrals and integration

integral domain
: a mathematical ring in which multiplication is commutative, which has a multiplicative identity element, and which contains no pair of nonzero elements whose product is zero <the integers under the operations of addition and multiplication form an integral domain>

integrand
n. : a mathematical expression to be integrated

integrate
v. transitive verb
1 : to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole : UNITE
2 : to find the integral of (as a function or equation)
3 a : to unite with something else b : to incorporate into a larger unit
4 a : to end the segregation of and bring into equal membership in society or an organization b : DESEGREGATE <integrate school districts>
intransitive verb : to become integrated

integrate
v. integrated circuit
integrated circuitry
integrated pest management

integrated
adj. 1 : marked by the unified control of all aspects of industrial production from raw materials through distribution of finished products <integrated companies> <integrated production>
2 : characterized by integration and especially racial integration <an integrated society> <integrated schools>

integrated
adj. integrated circuit
integrated circuitry
integrated pest management

integrated circuit
: a tiny complex of electronic components and their connections that is produced in or on a small slice of material (as silicon)
–integrated circuitry noun

integrated pest management
: management of agricultural and horticultural pests that minimizes the use of chemicals and emphasizes natural and low-toxicity methods (as the use of crop rotation and beneficial predatory insects)

integration
n. 1 : the act or process or an instance of integrating: as a : incorporation as equals into society or an organization of individuals of different groups (as races) b : coordination of mental processes into a normal effective personality or with the individual's environment
2 a : the operation of finding a function whose differential is known b : the operation of solving a differential equation

integrationist
n. : a person who believes in, advocates, or practices social integration
–integrationist adjective

integrative
adj. : serving to integrate or favoring integration : directed toward integration <the integrative powers of the human imagination ― J. A. McPherson>

integrator
n. : one that integrates especially : a device or computer unit that totalizes variable quantities in a manner comparable to mathematical integration

integrity
n. 1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 : an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : COMPLETENESS
synonyms see HONESTY

integument
n. : something that covers or encloses especially : an enveloping layer (as a skin, membrane, or cuticle) of an organism or one of its parts
–in·teg·u·men·ta·ry \-'men-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

intel
n. intelligence

intellect
n. 1 a : the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge b : the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed
2 : a person with great intellectual powers

intellection
n. 1 : an act of the intellect : THOUGHT
2 : exercise of the intellect : REASONING

intellective
adj. : having, relating to, or belonging to the intellect : RATIONAL
–in·tel·lec·tive·ly adverb

intellectual
1 a : of or relating to the intellect or its use b : developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience : RATIONAL c : requiring use of the intellect <intellectual games>
2 a : given to study, reflection, and speculation b : engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect <intellectual playwrights>
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌlek-chə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·ly \-'lek-chə-wə-lē, -chə-lē, -shwə-lē, -chü(-ə)-lē\ adverb
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·ness \-'lek-chə-wəl-nəs, -chəl-, -shwəl-, -chü(-ə)l-\ noun

intellectual
n. 1 plural archaic : intellectual powers
2 : an intellectual person

intellectual property
: property (as an idea, invention, or process) that derives from the work of the mind or intellect also : an application, right, or registration relating to this

intellectualism
n. : devotion to the exercise of intellect or to intellectual pursuits
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·is·tic \-ˌlek-chə-wə-'lis-tik, -chə-'lis-, -shwə-'lis-, -chü(-ə)-'lis-\ adjective

intellectualize
: to give rational form or content to
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·za·tion \-ˌlek-chə-wə-lə-'zā-shən, -chə-lə-, -shwə-lə-, -chü(-ə)-lə-\ noun
–in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·er \-'lek-chə-wə-ˌlī-zər, -chə-ˌlī-, -shwə-ˌlī-, -chü(-ə)-ˌlī-\ noun

intelligence
n. 1 a (1) : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : REASON also : the skilled use of reason (2) : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests) b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind c : mental acuteness : SHREWDNESS
2 a : an intelligent entity especially : ANGEL b : intelligent minds or mind <cosmic intelligence>
3 : the act of understanding : COMPREHENSION
4 a : INFORMATION, NEWS b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information
5 : the ability to perform computer functions

intelligence
n. artificial intelligence
intelligence quotient
intelligence test

intelligence quotient
: IQ 1

intelligence test
: a test designed to determine the relative mental capacity of a person

intelligencer
n. 1 : a secret agent : SPY
2 : a bringer of news : REPORTER

intelligent
adj. 1 a : having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity b : revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought : SKILLFUL
2 a : possessing intelligence b : guided or directed by intellect : RATIONAL
3 a : guided or controlled by a computer especially : using a built-in microprocessor for automatic operation, for processing of data, or for achieving greater versatility ― compare DUMB 7 b : able to produce printed material from digital signals <an intelligent copier>
–in·tel·li·gen·tial \-ˌte-lə-'jen(t)-shəl\ adjective
–in·tel·li·gent·ly \-'te-lə-jənt-lē\ adverb
synonyms INTELLIGENT, CLEVER, ALERT, QUICK-WITTED mean mentally keen or quick. INTELLIGENT stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems <an intelligent person could assemble it fast>. CLEVER implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities <clever with words>. ALERT stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding <alert to new technology>. QUICK-WITTED implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge <no match for his quick-witted opponent>.

intelligentsia
n. : intellectuals who form an artistic, social, or political vanguard or elite

intelligible
adj. 1 : apprehensible by the intellect only
2 : capable of being understood or comprehended <jargon intelligible only to the initiated>
–in·tel·li·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌte-lə-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·tel·li·gi·ble·ness \-'te-lə-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·tel·li·gi·bly \-blē\ adverb

intemperance
n. : lack of moderation especially : habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants

intemperate
adj. : not temperate <intemperate criticism> especially : given to excessive use of intoxicating liquors
–in·tem·per·ate·ly adverb
–in·tem·per·ate·ness noun

intend
v. transitive verb
1 : to direct the mind on
2 archaic : to proceed on (a course)
3 a : SIGNIFY, MEAN b : to refer to
4 a : to have in mind as a purpose or goal : PLAN b : to design for a specified use or future
intransitive verb archaic : SET OUT, START
–in·tend·er noun

intendance
n. 1 : MANAGEMENT, SUPERINTENDENCE
2 : an administrative department

intendant
n. : an administrative official (as a governor) especially under the French, Spanish, or Portuguese monarchies

intended
adj. 1 : expected to be such in the future <an intended career> <his intended bride>
2 : INTENTIONAL
–in·tend·ed·ly adverb

intended
adj. : the person to whom another is engaged

intending
v. : PROSPECTIVE, ASPIRING <an intending teacher>

intendment
n. : the true meaning or intention especially of a law

intenerate
: to make tender : SOFTEN
–in·ten·er·a·tion \-ˌte-nə-'rā-shən\ noun

intense
adj. 1 a : existing in an extreme degree <the excitement was intense> <intense pain> b : having or showing a characteristic in extreme degree <intense colors>
2 : marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration <intense effort>
3 a : exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose <an intense student> b : deeply felt
–in·tense·ly adverb
–in·tense·ness noun

intensifier
n. : one that intensifies especially : INTENSIVE

intensify
v. transitive verb
1 : to make intense or more intensive : STRENGTHEN
2 a : to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by chemical treatment b : to make more acute : SHARPEN
intransitive verb : to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
–in·ten·si·fi·ca·tion \-ˌten(t)s-fə-'kā-shən, -ˌten(t)-sə-\ noun

intension
n. 1 : INTENSITY
2 : CONNOTATION 3
–in·ten·sion·al \-'tench-nəl, -'ten(t)-shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·ten·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌten(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ten·sion·al·ly \-'tench-nə-lē, -'ten(t)-shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

intensity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being intense especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2 : the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3 : SATURATION 4A

intensive
n. : of, relating to, or marked by intensity or intensification: as a : highly concentrated <intensive study> b : tending to strengthen or increase especially : tending to give force or emphasis <intensive adverb> c : constituting or relating to a method designed to increase productivity by the expenditure of more capital and labor rather than by increase in scope <intensive farming>
–in·ten·sive·ly adverb
–in·ten·sive·ness noun

intensive
n. : an intensive linguistic element

intensive
n. capital intensive
intensive care
labor intensive

intensive care
1 : continuous monitoring and treatment of seriously ill patients using special medical equipment and services
2 : a unit in a hospital providing intensive care <heart patients in intensive care>

intent
n. 1 a : the act or fact of intending : PURPOSE especially : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act <admitted wounding him with intent> b : the state of mind with which an act is done : VOLITION
2 : a usually clearly formulated or planned intention : AIM <the director's intent>
3 a : MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE b : CONNOTATION 3
synonyms see INTENTION

intent
n. 1 : directed with strained or eager attention : CONCENTRATED
2 : having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose <intent on their work>
–in·tent·ly adverb
–in·tent·ness noun

intention
n. 1 : a determination to act in a certain way : RESOLVE
2 : IMPORT, SIGNIFICANCE
3 a : what one intends to do or bring about b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
5 : CONCEPT especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
6 plural : purpose with respect to marriage
synonyms INTENTION, INTENT, PURPOSE, DESIGN, AIM, END, OBJECT, OBJECTIVE, GOAL mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. INTENTION implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <announced his intention to marry>. INTENT suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <the clear intent of the statute>. PURPOSE suggests a more settled determination <being successful was her purpose in life>. DESIGN implies a more carefully calculated plan <the order of events came by accident, not design>. AIM adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <her aim was to raise film to an art form>. END stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <willing to use any means to achieve his end>. OBJECT may equal END but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <his constant object was the achievement of pleasure>. OBJECTIVE implies something tangible and immediately attainable <their objective is to seize the oil fields>. GOAL suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <worked years to reach her goals>.

intentional
adj. 1 : done by intention or design : INTENDED <intentional damage>
2 a : of or relating to epistemological intention b : having external reference
synonyms see VOLUNTARY
–in·ten·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌten(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ten·tion·al·ly \in-'tench-nə-lē, -'ten(t)-shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

inter
v. : to deposit (a dead body) in the earth or in a tomb

inter
1 : between : among : in the midst <intercrop> <interpenetrate> <interstellar>
2 : reciprocal <interrelation> : reciprocally <intermarry>
3 : located between <interstation>
4 : carried on between <international>
5 : occurring between <interborough> : intervening <interglacial>
6 : shared by, involving, or derived from two or more <interfaith>
7 : between the limits of : within <intertropical>
8 : existing between <intercommunal> <intercompany>
in·ter-Af·ri·can
in·ter·agen·cy
in·ter-Amer·i·can
in·ter·an·i·ma·tion
in·ter·an·nu·al
in·ter·as·so·ci·a·tion
in·ter·atom·ic
in·ter·avail·abil·i·ty
in·ter·bank
in·ter·ba·sin
in·ter·bed
in·ter·bor·ough
in·ter·branch
in·ter·cal·i·bra·tion
in·ter·cam·pus
in·ter·caste
in·ter·cell
in·ter·cel·lu·lar
in·ter·chain
in·ter·chan·nel
in·ter·chro·mo·som·al
in·ter·church
in·ter·city
in·ter·clan
in·ter·class
in·ter·club
in·ter·clus·ter
in·ter·coast·al
in·ter·co·lo·nial
in·ter·com·mu·nal
in·ter·com·mu·ni·ty
in·ter·com·pa·ny
in·ter·com·pare
in·ter·com·par·i·son
in·ter·cor·po·rate
in·ter·cor·re·late
in·ter·cor·re·la·tion
in·ter·coun·try
in·ter·coun·ty
in·ter·cou·ple
in·ter·cra·ter
in·ter·crys·tal·line
in·ter·cul·tur·al
in·ter·cul·tur·al·ly
in·ter·cul·ture
in·ter·deal·er
in·ter·de·nom·i·na·tion·al
in·ter·de·part·men·tal
in·ter·de·part·men·tal·ly
in·ter·de·pend
in·ter·de·pen·dence
in·ter·de·pen·den·cy
in·ter·de·pen·dent
in·ter·de·pen·dent·ly
in·ter·di·a·lec·tal
in·ter·dis·trict
in·ter·di·vi·sion·al
in·ter·do·min·ion
in·ter·elec·trode
in·ter·elec·tron·ic
in·ter·ep·i·dem·ic
in·ter·eth·nic
in·ter·fac·ul·ty
in·ter·fa·mil·ial
in·ter·fam·i·ly
in·ter·fi·ber
in·ter·firm
in·ter·flow
in·ter·flu·vi·al
in·ter·fold
in·ter·fra·ter·ni·ty
in·ter·gang
in·ter·gen·er·a·tion
in·ter·gen·er·a·tion·al
in·ter·ge·ner·ic
in·ter·graft
in·ter·gran·u·lar
in·ter·group
in·ter·hemi·spher·ic
in·ter·hos·pi·tal
in·ter·in·di·vid·u·al
in·ter·in·dus·try
in·ter·in·flu·ence
in·ter·in·sti·tu·tion·al
in·ter·ion·ic
in·ter·is·land
in·ter·ju·ris·dic·tion·al
in·ter·la·cus·trine
in·ter·lam·i·nar
in·ter·lay
in·ter·lay·er
in·ter·league
in·ter·lend
in·ter·li·brary
in·ter·lin·er
in·ter·lob·u·lar
in·ter·lo·cal
in·ter·male
in·ter·mem·brane
in·ter·men·stru·al
in·ter·min·is·te·ri·al
in·ter·mi·tot·ic
in·ter·mo·lec·u·lar
in·ter·mo·lec·u·lar·ly
in·ter·moun·tain
in·ter·nu·cle·ar
in·ter·nu·cle·on
in·ter·nu·cle·o·tide
in·ter·ob·serv·er
in·ter·ocean
in·ter·oce·an·ic
in·ter·of·fice
in·ter·op·er·ate
in·ter·op·er·a·tive
in·ter·or·bit·al
in·ter·or·gan
in·ter·or·ga·ni·za·tion·al
in·ter·pan·dem·ic
in·ter·par·ish
in·ter·pa·ro·chi·al
in·ter·par·ti·cle
in·ter·par·ty
in·ter·pha·lan·ge·al
in·ter·plan·e·tary
in·ter·point
in·ter·pop·u·la·tion
in·ter·pop·u·la·tion·al
in·ter·pro·fes·sion·al
in·ter·pro·vin·cial
in·ter·psy·chic
in·ter·re·gion·al
in·ter·re·li·gious
in·ter·re·nal
in·ter·row
in·ter·school
in·ter·sec·tion·al
in·ter·seg·ment
in·ter·seg·men·tal
in·ter·sen·so·ry
in·ter·so·ci·etal
in·ter·so·ci·ety
in·ter·stage
in·ter·sta·tion
in·ter·stim·u·la·tion
in·ter·stim·u·lus
in·ter·strain
in·ter·strand
in·ter·strat·i·fi·ca·tion
in·ter·strat·i·fied
in·ter·sys·tem
in·ter·term
in·ter·ter·mi·nal
in·ter·ter·ri·to·ri·al
in·ter·trans·lat·able
in·ter·tri·al
in·ter·trib·al
in·ter·troop
in·ter·union
in·ter·unit
in·ter·uni·ver·si·ty
in·ter·ur·ban
in·ter·val·ley
in·ter·ven·tric·u·lar
in·ter·ver·te·bral
in·ter·vil·lage
in·ter·vis·i·bil·i·ty
in·ter·vis·i·ble
in·ter·vis·i·ta·tion
in·ter·war
in·ter·work
in·ter·work·ing
in·ter·zon·al
in·ter·zone

inter
v. inter alia
inter alios
inter se
inter vivos
inter vivos trust
primus inter pares
inter arma silent leges
inter nos
silent leges inter arma
inter American
inter African
intervertebral disk

inter alia
: among other things

inter alios
: among other persons

inter arma silent leges
: in the midst of arms (i.e., in time of war) the laws are silent

inter nos
: between ourselves

inter se
: among or between themselves

inter vivos
: between living persons <transaction inter vivos> especially : from one living person to another <inter vivos gifts> <property transferred inter vivos>

inter vivos trust
: LIVING TRUST

interact
v. : to act upon one another

interactant
n. : one that interacts

interaction
n. : mutual or reciprocal action or influence
–in·ter·ac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

interactive
adj. 1 : mutually or reciprocally active
2 : involving the actions or input of a user especially : of, relating to, or being a two-way electronic communication system (as a telephone, cable television, or a computer) that involves a user's orders (as for information or merchandise) or responses (as to a poll)
–in·ter·ac·tive·ly adverb
–in·ter·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

interallied
adj. : relating to, composed of, or involving allies

interbreed
v. intransitive verb : to breed together: as a : CROSSBREED b : to breed within a closed population
transitive verb : to cause to breed together

intercalary
adj. 1 a : inserted in a calendar <an intercalary day> b of a year : containing an intercalary period (as a day or month)
2 : inserted between other things or parts : INTERPOLATED

intercalate
v. 1 : to insert (as a day) in a calendar
2 : to insert between or among existing elements or layers
synonyms see INTRODUCE
–in·ter·ca·la·tion \-ˌtər-kə-'lā-shən\ noun

intercede
v. : to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences : MEDIATE
synonyms see INTERPOSE
–in·ter·ced·er noun

intercensal
: occurring between censuses <intercensal estimates> <intercensal period>

intercept
v. 1 obsolete : PREVENT, HINDER
2 a : to stop, seize, or interrupt in progress or course or before arrival b : to receive (a communication or signal directed elsewhere) usually secretly
3 obsolete : to interrupt communication or connection with
4 : to include (part of a curve, surface, or solid) between two points, curves, or surfaces <the part of a circumference intercepted between two radii>
5 a : to gain possession of (an opponent's pass) b : to intercept a pass thrown by (an opponent)

intercept
v. 1 : the distance from the origin to a point where a graph crosses a coordinate axis
2 : INTERCEPTION especially : the interception of a missile by an interceptor or of a target by a missile
3 : a message, code, or signal that is intercepted (as by monitoring radio communications)

intercept
v. slope intercept form
x intercept
y intercept

interception
n. 1 a : the action of intercepting b : the state of being intercepted
2 : something that is intercepted especially : an intercepted forward pass

interceptor
n. : one that intercepts specifically : a light high-speed fast-climbing fighter plane or missile designed for defense against raiding bombers or missiles

intercession
n. 1 : the act of interceding
2 : prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
–in·ter·ces·sion·al \-'sesh-nəl, -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·ter·ces·sor \-'se-sər\ noun
–in·ter·ces·so·ry \-'ses-rē, -'se-sə-rē\ adjective

interchange
n. transitive verb
1 : to put each of (two things) in the place of the other
2 : EXCHANGE
intransitive verb : to change places mutually
–in·ter·chang·er noun

interchange
n. 1 : the act, process, or an instance of interchanging : EXCHANGE
2 : a junction of two or more highways by a system of separate levels that permit traffic to pass from one to another without the crossing of traffic streams

interchangeable
: capable of being interchanged especially : permitting mutual substitution <interchangeable parts>
–in·ter·change·abil·i·ty \-ˌchān-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ter·change·able·ness \-'chān-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·ter·change·ably \-blē\ adverb

intercollegiate
adj. : existing, carried on, or participating in activities between colleges <intercollegiate athletics>

intercolumniation
n. 1 : the clear space between the columns of a series
2 : the system of spacing of the columns of a colonnade

intercom
n. : a two-way communication system with a microphone and loudspeaker at each station for localized use

intercommunicate
v. 1 : to exchange communication with one another
2 : to afford passage from one to another
–in·ter·com·mu·ni·ca·tion \-ˌmyü-nə-'kā-shən\ noun

intercommunication system
: INTERCOM

intercommunion
n. : interdenominational participation in communion

interconnect
v. : to connect with one another
intransitive verb : to be or become mutually connected
–in·ter·con·nec·tion \-'nek-shən\ noun
–in·ter·con·nec·tiv·i·ty \-(ˌ)kä-ˌnek-'ti-və-tē, -kə-\ noun

interconnected
adj. 1 : mutually joined or related <interconnected highways> <interconnected political issues>
2 : having internal connections between the parts or elements
–in·ter·con·nec·ted·ness noun

intercontinental
adj. 1 : extending among continents or carried on between continents
2 : capable of traveling between continents <intercontinental ballistic missile>

interconversion
: mutual conversion <interconversion of chemical compounds>
–in·ter·con·vert \-'vərt\ transitive verb
–in·ter·con·vert·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ter·con·vert·ible \-'vər-tə-bəl\ adjective

intercooler
n. : a device for cooling a fluid (as air) between successive heat-generating processes

intercostal
n. : situated or extending between the ribs <intercostal spaces> <intercostal muscles>
–intercostal noun

intercourse
n. 1 : connection or dealings between persons or groups
2 : exchange especially of thoughts or feelings : COMMUNION
3 : physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person <anal intercourse> <oral intercourse> especially : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE 1 <heterosexual intercourse>

intercrop
v. : to grow a crop in between (another)
intransitive verb : to grow two or more crops simultaneously (as in alternate rows) on the same plot
–in·ter·crop \'in-tər-ˌkräp\ noun

intercross
v. : CROSS 8
intransitive verb : INTERBREED, HYBRIDIZE

intercross
v. : an instance or a product of crossbreeding

intercurrent
adj. : occurring during and modifying the course of another disease <an intercurrent infection>

intercut
n. 1 : to insert (a contrasting camera shot) into a take by cutting
2 : to insert a contrasting camera shot into (a take) by cutting
intransitive verb : to alternate contrasting camera shots by cutting

interdental
adj. 1 : situated or intended for use between the teeth
2 : formed with the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower front teeth
–in·ter·den·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

interdict
n. 1 : a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical censure withdrawing most sacraments and Christian burial from a person or district
2 : a prohibitory decree

interdict
1 : to lay under or prohibit by an interdict
2 : to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner
3 a : to destroy, damage, or cut off (as an enemy line of supply) by firepower to stop or hamper an enemy b : INTERCEPT 2A <interdict drug shipments>
synonyms see FORBID
–in·ter·dic·tion \-'dik-shən\ noun
–in·ter·dic·tive \-'dik-tiv\ adjective
–in·ter·dic·tor \-tər\ noun
–in·ter·dic·to·ry \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

interdiffusion
: the process of diffusing and mixing freely so as to approach a homogeneous mixture
–in·ter·dif·fuse \-'fyüz\ intransitive verb

interdigitate
v. : to become interlocked like the fingers of folded hands
–in·ter·dig·i·ta·tion \-ˌdi-jə-'tā-shən\ noun

interdisciplinary
adj. : involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines
–in·ter·dis·ci·plin·ar·i·ty \-ˌdi-sə-plə-'ner-ə-tē, -'na-rə-\ noun

interest
n. 1 a (1) : right, title, or legal share in something (2) : participation in advantage and responsibility b : BUSINESS, COMPANY
2 a : a charge for borrowed money generally a percentage of the amount borrowed b : the profit in goods or money that is made on invested capital c : an excess above what is due or expected <returned the insults with interest>
3 : ADVANTAGE, BENEFIT also : SELF-INTEREST
4 : SPECIAL INTEREST
5 a : a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to an object or class of objects : CONCERN b : something that arouses such attention c : a quality in a thing arousing interest

interest
n. 1 : to induce or persuade to participate or engage
2 : to engage the attention or arouse the interest of

interest
n. compound interest
conflict of interest
controlling interest
interest group
prime interest rate
security interest
simple interest
special interest
vested interest
self interest
self interested

interest group
: a group of persons having a common identifying interest that often provides a basis for action

interested
adj. 1 : having the attention engaged <interested listeners>
2 : being affected or involved <interested parties>
–in·ter·est·ed·ly adverb

interesting
adj. : holding the attention : arousing interest
–in·ter·est·ing·ness noun

interestingly
adv. 1 : in an interesting manner
2 : as a matter of interest

interface
n. 1 : a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases <an oil-water interface>
2 a : the place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on or communicate with each other <the man-machine interface> b : the means by which interaction or communication is achieved at an interface
–in·ter·fa·cial \ˌin-tər-'fā-shəl\ adjective

interface
n. 1 : to connect by means of an interface <interface a machine with a computer>
2 : to serve as an interface for
intransitive verb
1 : to become interfaced
2 : to interact or coordinate harmoniously

interfacing
: fabric sewn between the facing and the outside of a garment (as in a collar or cuff) for stiffening and shape retention

interfaith
adj. : involving persons of different religious faiths

interfere
v. 1 : to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes : come into collision or be in opposition
2 : to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running ― used especially of horses
3 : to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others
4 : to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another ― used of waves
synonyms see INTERPOSE
–in·ter·fer·er noun

interference
n. 1 a : the act or process of interfering b : something that interferes : OBSTRUCTION
2 : the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
3 a : the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier b : the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports
4 : partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
5 a : confusion of a received radio signal due to the presence of noise (as atmospherics) or signals from two or more transmitters on a single frequency b : something that produces such confusion
6 : the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent
–in·ter·fer·en·tial \-fə-'ren(t)-shəl, -ˌfir-'en(t)-\ adjective

interferogram
: a photographic record made by an apparatus for recording optical interference phenomena

interferometer
: an apparatus that utilizes the interference of waves (as of light) for precise determinations (as of distance or wavelength)
–in·ter·fer·o·met·ric \-ˌfir-ə-'me-trik\ adjective
–in·ter·fer·o·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–in·ter·fer·om·e·try \-fə-'rä-mə-trē, -ˌfi-'rä-\ noun

interferon
n. : any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoprotein cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by cells exposed usually to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (as a bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals

interferon
n. alpha interferon
beta interferon
gamma interferon
interferon alpha
interferon beta
interferon gamma

interferon alpha
: ALPHA INTERFERON

interferon beta
: BETA INTERFERON

interferon gamma
: GAMMA INTERFERON

interfertile
adj. : capable of interbreeding
–in·ter·fer·til·i·ty \-(ˌ)fər-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

interfile
v. : to arrange in or add to a file : FILE

interfluve
n. : the area between adjacent streams flowing in the same direction

interfuse
v. transitive verb
1 : to combine by fusing : BLEND
2 : to add as if by fusing : INFUSE
intransitive verb : BLEND, FUSE
–in·ter·fu·sion \-'fyü-zhən\ noun

intergalactic
adj. 1 : situated in or relating to the spaces between galaxies
2 : of, relating to, or occurring in outer space <intergalactic battles>

interglacial
adj. : a warm period between glacial epochs
–interglacial adjective

intergovernmental
adj. : existing or occurring between two or more governments or levels of government

intergradation
n. : the condition of an individual or population that intergrades
–in·ter·gra·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

intergrade
n. : to merge gradually one with another through a continuous series of intermediate forms

intergrade
n. : an intermediate form

intergrowth
n. : a growing between or together also : the product of such growth

interim
n. : an intervening time : INTERVAL

interim
n. : done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

interior
n. 1 : lying, occurring, or functioning within the limiting boundaries : INNER <an interior point of a triangle>
2 : belonging to mental or spiritual life <a simple interior piety>
3 : belonging to the inner constitution or concealed nature of something <interior meaning of a poem>
4 : lying away or remote from the border or shore
–in·te·ri·or·ly \in-'tir-ē-ər-lē\ adverb

interior
n. 1 : the inner or spiritual nature : CHARACTER
2 : the interior part (as of a country or island)
3 : the internal or inner part of a thing : INSIDE
4 : the internal affairs of a state or nation
5 : a representation (as in a play or movie) of the interior of a building

interior
n. interior angle
interior decoration
interior decorator
interior design
interior designer
interior monologue
alternate interior angle

interior angle
1 : the inner of the two angles formed where two sides of a polygon come together
2 : any of the four angles formed in the area between a pair of parallel lines when a third line cuts them

interior decoration
: INTERIOR DESIGN

interior decorator
: INTERIOR DESIGNER, DECORATOR

interior design
: the art or practice of planning and supervising the design and execution of architectural interiors and their furnishings

interior designer
: one who specializes in interior design

interior monologue
: a usually extended representation in monologue of a fictional character's thought and feeling

interiorise
v. British variant of interiorize

interiority
n. 1 : interior quality or character
2 : inner life or substance : psychological existence

interiorize
v. : to make interior especially : to make a part of one's own inner being or mental structure
–in·te·ri·or·i·za·tion \-ˌtir-ē-ə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

interj
interjection

interject
v. : to throw in between or among other things : INTERPOLATE <interject a remark>
synonyms see INTRODUCE
–in·ter·jec·tor \-'jek-tər\ noun
–in·ter·jec·to·ry \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

interjection
n. 1 a : the act of uttering exclamations : EJACULATION b : the act of putting in between : INTERPOSITION
2 : an ejaculatory utterance usually lacking grammatical connection: as a : a word or phrase used in exclamation (as Heavens! Dear me!) b : a cry or inarticulate utterance (as Alas! ouch! phooey! ugh!) expressing an emotion
3 : something that is interjected or that interrupts

interjectional
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting an interjection : EJACULATORY
2 : thrown in between other words : PARENTHETICAL
–in·ter·jec·tion·al·ly adverb

interlace
v. transitive verb
1 : to unite by or as if by lacing together : INTERWEAVE
2 : to vary by alternation or intermixture : INTERSPERSE <narrative interlaced with anecdotes>
intransitive verb : to cross one another as if woven together : INTERTWINE
–in·ter·lace·ment \-mənt\ noun

interlaced
adj. : of, relating to, or using a method of video scanning (as for television or a computer monitor) in which the odd and even horizontal lines of each frame are drawn on alternating passes

Interlaken
commune W cen Switzerland in Bern canton on the Aare bet. Lake of Thun & Lake of Brienz pop 5500

interlard
v. : to vary by intermixture : INTERSPERSE, INTERLACE

interleave
v. : to arrange in or as if in alternate layers

interleukin
n. : any of various cytokines of low molecular weight that are produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes and that function especially in regulation of the immune system and especially cell-mediated immunity

interleukin-1
: an interleukin produced especially by monocytes and macrophages that regulates immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates other biological processes (as the onset of fever) usually associated with infection and inflammation

interleukin-2
: an interleukin produced by antigen-stimulated helper T cells in the presence of interleukin-1 that induces proliferation of immune cells (as T cells and B cells) and is used experimentally especially in treating certain cancers

interline
v. : to insert between lines already written or printed
–in·ter·lin·e·a·tion \-ˌli-nē-'ā-shən\ noun

interline
v. : to provide (a garment) with an interlining

interline
v. : relating to, involving, or carried by two or more transportation lines

interlinear
adj. 1 : inserted between lines already written or printed
2 : written or printed in different languages or texts in alternate lines
–in·ter·lin·ear·ly adverb

interlinear
adj. : a book having interlinear matter especially : a book in a foreign language with interlinear translation

interlingual
adj. : of, relating to, or existing between two or more languages <interlingual dictionaries>

interlining
n. : a lining (as of a coat) sewn between the ordinary lining and the outside fabric

interlink
v. : to link together
–in·ter·link \'in-tər-ˌliŋk\ noun

interlock
n. : to become locked together or interconnected
transitive verb
1 : to lock together : UNITE
2 : to connect so that the motion or operation of any part is constrained by another

interlock
n. 1 : the quality, state, sense, or an instance of being interlocked
2 : an arrangement in which the operation of one part or mechanism automatically brings about or prevents the operation of another <a safety interlock>
3 a : a stretchable fabric made on a circular knitting machine and consisting of two ribbed fabrics joined by interlocking b : a garment made of interlock

interlocutor
n. 1 : one who takes part in dialogue or conversation
2 : a man in the middle of the line in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as leader

interlocutory
adj. : made during the progress of a legal action and not final or definitive <an interlocutory appeal> <an interlocutory decree>

interlope
v. 1 : to encroach on the rights (as in trade) of others
2 : INTRUDE, INTERFERE

interloper
n. : one that interlopes: as a : an illegal or unlicensed trader b : one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity

interlude
n. 1 : a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment
2 : an intervening or interruptive period, space, or event : INTERVAL
3 : a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service

interlunar
adj. : relating to the interval between old and new moon when the moon is invisible

intermarriage
n. 1 : ENDOGAMY
2 : marriage between members of different groups

intermarry
v. 1 a : to marry each other b : to marry within a group
2 : to become connected by intermarriage

intermeddle
v. : to meddle impertinently and officiously and usually so as to interfere
–in·ter·med·dler \-'med-lər, -'me-dəl-ər\ noun

intermediacy
n. 1 : the act or action of intermediating
2 : the quality or state of being intermediate

intermediary
n. 1 : INTERMEDIATE
2 : acting as a mediator <an intermediary agent> <an intermediary particle>

intermediary
n. 1 a : MEDIATOR, GO-BETWEEN b : MEDIUM, MEANS
2 : an intermediate form, product, or stage

intermediate
1 : being or occurring at the middle place, stage, or degree or between extremes
2 : of or relating to an intermediate school <an intermediate curriculum>
–in·ter·me·di·ate·ly adverb
–in·ter·me·di·ate·ness noun

intermediate
n. 1 : one that is intermediate
2 : MEDIATOR, GO-BETWEEN
3 a : a chemical compound synthesized from simpler compounds and usually intended to be used in later syntheses of more complex products b : a usually short-lived chemical species formed in a reaction as an intermediate step between the starting material and the final product
4 : an automobile larger than a compact but smaller than a full-sized automobile

intermediate
n. 1 : INTERVENE, INTERPOSE
2 : to act as an intermediate

intermediate
n. intermediate host
intermediate school
intermediate vector boson
intermediate boson

intermediate host
1 : a host which is normally used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle and in which it may multiply asexually but not sexually ― compare DEFINITIVE HOST
2 a : RESERVOIR 3 b : VECTOR

intermediate school
1 : JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
2 : a school usually comprising grades four to six

intermediate vector boson
: any of three particles that mediate the weak force ― called also intermediate boson ― compare W PARTICLE, Z PARTICLE

intermediation
n. : the act of coming between : INTERVENTION, MEDIATION

intermedin
n. : MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE

interment
n. : the act or ceremony of interring

intermesh
v. : INTERLOCK
transitive verb : to mesh together : INTERLOCK

intermetallic
adj. : composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal especially : being an alloy having a characteristic crystal structure and usually a definite composition <intermetallic compound>
–intermetallic noun

intermezzo
n. 1 : a short light entr'acte
2 a : a movement coming between the major sections of an extended musical work (as an opera) b : a short independent instrumental composition
3 : a usually brief interlude or diversion

interminable
adj. : having or seeming to have no end especially : wearisomely protracted <an interminable sermon>
–in·ter·mi·na·ble·ness noun
–in·ter·mi·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

intermingle
v. : INTERMIX

intermission
n. 1 : the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted
2 : an interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)
–in·ter·mis·sion·less adjective

intermit
v. transitive verb : to cause to cease for a time or at intervals : DISCONTINUE
intransitive verb : to be intermittent
–in·ter·mit·ter noun

intermittence
n. : the quality or state of being intermittent

intermittency
n. : INTERMITTENCE

intermittent
adj. : coming and going at intervals : not continuous <intermittent rain> also : OCCASIONAL <intermittent trips abroad>
–in·ter·mit·tent·ly adverb

intermix
v. transitive verb : to mix together
intransitive verb : to become mixed together
–in·ter·mix·ture \-'miks-chər\ noun

intermodal
adj. 1 : being or involving transportation by more than one form of carrier during a single journey
2 : used for intermodal transport

intermodulation
: the production in an electrical device of currents having frequencies equal to the sums and differences of frequencies supplied to the device or of their harmonics

intermontane
: situated between mountains <an intermontane basin>

intern
n. archaic : INTERNAL

intern
n. : to confine or impound especially during a war <intern enemy aliens>
–in·tern·ee \(ˌ)in-ˌtər-'nē\ noun
–in·tern·ment \in-'tərn-mənt, 'in-ˌ\ noun

intern
n. : an advanced student or graduate usually in a professional field (as medicine or teaching) gaining supervised practical experience (as in a hospital or classroom)
–in·tern·ship \-ˌship\ noun

intern
n. : to work as an intern

internal
n. 1 : existing or situated within the limits or surface of something: as a (1) : situated near the inside of the body (2) : situated on the side toward the median plane of the body b : of, relating to, or occurring on the inside of an organized structure (as a club, company, or state) <internal affairs>
2 : relating or belonging to or existing within the mind
3 : INTRINSIC, INHERENT <internal evidence of forgery in a document>
4 : present or arising within an organism or one of its parts <internal stimulus>
5 : applied or intended for application through the stomach by being swallowed <an internal remedy>
–in·ter·nal·i·ty \ˌin-ˌtər-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ter·nal·ly \in-'tər-nəl-ē\ adverb

internal
n. internal combustion engine
internal medicine
internal respiration
internal rhyme
internal secretion

internal combustion engine
: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

internal medicine
: a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases not requiring surgery

internal respiration
: an exchange of gases between the cells of the body and the blood by way of the fluid bathing the cells ― compare EXTERNAL RESPIRATION

internal rhyme
: rhyme between a word within a line and another either at the end of the same line or within another line

internal secretion
: HORMONE 1

internalise
v. British variant of internalize

internalize
v. : to give a subjective character to specifically : to incorporate (as values or patterns of culture) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization
–in·ter·nal·i·za·tion \-ˌtər-nə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

international
1 : of, relating to, or affecting two or more nations <international trade>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a group or association having members in two or more nations <international movement>
3 : active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries <an international reputation>
–in·ter·na·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌna-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ter·na·tion·al·ly \-'nash-nə-lē, -'na-shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

international
n. : one that is international especially : an organization of international scope

international
n. international date line
international law
International Phonetic Alphabet
international pitch
international relations
International Scientific Vocabulary
International Style
International System of Units
international unit
International Zone
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

international date line
: an arbitrary line approximately along the 180th meridian designated as the place where each calendar day begins

international law
: a body of rules that control or affect the rights of nations in their relations with each other

International Phonetic Alphabet
: IPA

international pitch
: a tuning standard of 440 vibrations per second for A above middle C

international relations
: a branch of political science concerned with relations between nations and primarily with foreign policies

International Scientific Vocabulary
v. : a part of the vocabulary of the sciences and other specialized studies that consists of words or other linguistic forms current in two or more languages and differing from New Latin in being adapted to the structure of the individual languages in which they appear ― abbreviation International Scientific Vocabulary

International Style
1 : a style in European art of the 14th and early 15th centuries marked by sinuous line, rich color, and decorative surface detail
2 : a style in architecture developed in the 1920s that uses modern materials (as steel, glass, and reinforced concrete), expresses structure directly, and eliminates nonstructural ornament

International System of Units
: a system of units based on the metric system and developed and refined by international convention especially for scientific work ― abbreviation SI

international unit
: a quantity of a biologically active substance (as a vitamin) that produces a particular biological effect agreed upon as an international standard

International Zone
― see MOROCCO 1

internationalise
v. British variant of internationalize

internationalism
n. 1 : international character, principles, interests, or outlook
2 a : a policy of cooperation among nations b : an attitude or belief favoring such a policy
–in·ter·na·tion·al·ist \-list, -ist\ noun or adjective

internationalize
v. : to make international also : to place under international control <a proposal to internationalize the city>
–in·ter·na·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌnash-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌna-shə-nə-lə-\ noun

internecine
adj. 1 : marked by slaughter : DEADLY especially : mutually destructive
2 : of, relating to, or involving conflict within a group <bitter internecine feuds>

Internet
n. : an electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world

interneuron
n. : a neuron that conveys impulses from one neuron to another
–in·ter·neu·ro·nal \-'nu̇r-ə-nəl, -'nyu̇r-; -nu̇-'rō-, -nyu̇-'\ adjective

internist
n. : a specialist in internal medicine

internode
n. : an interval or part between two nodes (as of a stem)
–in·ter·nod·al \ˌin-tər-'nō-dəl\ adjective

internuncial
adj. 1 : of or relating to an internuncio
2 : of, relating to, or being interneurons

internuncio
n. 1 : a messenger between two parties : GO-BETWEEN
2 : a papal legate of lower rank than a nuncio

interoceptive
adj. : of, relating to, or being stimuli arising within the body and especially in the viscera

interoceptor
n. : a sensory receptor excited by interoceptive stimuli

interoperability
n. : ability of a system (as a weapons system) to work with or use the parts or equipment of another system
–in·ter·op·er·a·ble \-'ä-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

interpellate
: to question (as a foreign minister) formally concerning an official action or policy or personal conduct
–in·ter·pel·la·tion \ˌin-tər-pə-'lā-shən\ noun
–in·ter·pel·la·tor \ˌin-tər-'pe-ˌlā-tər, in-'tər-pə-ˌlā-\ noun

interpenetrate
v. : to penetrate mutually
transitive verb : to penetrate between, within, or throughout : PERMEATE
–in·ter·pen·e·tra·tion \-ˌpe-nə-'trā-shən\ noun

interpersonal
adj. : being, relating to, or involving relations between persons
–in·ter·per·son·al·ly adverb

interphase
n. : the interval between the end of one mitotic or meiotic division and the beginning of another

interplant
n. : to plant a crop between (plants of another kind) also : to set out young trees among (existing growth)

interplay
n. : INTERACTION <the interplay of opposing forces>
–in·ter·play \ˌin-tər-', 'in-tər-ˌ\ intransitive verb

interplead
v. : to go to trial with each other in order to determine a right on which the action of a third party depends

interpleader
n. : a proceeding to enable a person to compel parties making the same claim against him to litigate the matter between themselves

interpleader
n. : one that interpleads

Interpol
n. International Criminal Police Organization

interpolate
transitive verb
1 a : to alter or corrupt (as a text) by inserting new or foreign matter b : to insert (words) into a text or into a conversation
2 : to insert between other things or parts : INTERCALATE
3 : to estimate values of (data or a function) between two known values
intransitive verb : to make insertions (as of estimated values)
synonyms see INTRODUCE
–in·ter·po·la·tion \-ˌtər-pə-'lā-shən\ noun
–in·ter·po·la·tive \-'tər-pə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–in·ter·po·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

interpose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to place in an intervening position b : to put (oneself) between : INTRUDE
2 : to put forth by way of interference or intervention
3 : to introduce or throw in between the parts of a conversation or argument
intransitive verb
1 : to be or come between
2 : to step in between parties at variance : INTERVENE
3 : INTERRUPT
–in·ter·pos·er noun
synonyms INTERPOSE, INTERFERE, INTERVENE, MEDIATE, INTERCEDE mean to come or go between. INTERPOSE often implies no more than this <interposed herself between him and the door>. INTERFERE implies hindering <noise interfered with my concentration>. INTERVENE may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict <quarreled until the manager intervened>. MEDIATE implies intervening between hostile factions <mediated between the parties>. INTERCEDE implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness <interceded on our behalf>. synonym see in addition INTRODUCE

interposition
n. 1 a : the act of interposing b : the action of a state whereby its sovereignty is placed between its citizens and the federal government
2 : something interposed

interpret
v. transitive verb
1 : to explain or tell the meaning of : present in understandable terms <interpret dreams> <needed help interpreting the results>
2 : to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance : CONSTRUE <interpret a contract>
3 : to represent by means of art : bring to realization by performance or direction <interprets a role>
intransitive verb : to act as an interpreter between speakers of different languages
synonyms see EXPLAIN
–in·ter·pret·abil·i·ty \-ˌtər-prə-tə-'bi-lə-tē, -pə-tə-\ noun
–in·ter·pret·able \-'tər-prə-tə-bəl, -pə-tə-\ adjective

interpretation
1 : the act or the result of interpreting : EXPLANATION
2 : a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3 : a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information <natural history interpretation program>
–in·ter·pre·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·ter·pre·ta·tive \in-'tər-prə-ˌtā-tiv also -prə-tə-tiv\ adjective
–in·ter·pre·ta·tive·ly adverb
–in·ter·pre·tive \-'tər-prə-tiv, -pə-\ adjective
–in·ter·pre·tive·ly adverb

interpreter
n. 1 : one that interprets: as a : one who translates orally for parties conversing in different languages b : one who explains or expounds
2 a : a machine that prints on punch cards the symbols recorded in them by perforations b : a computer program that executes each of a set of high-level instructions before going to the next instruction

interproximal
adj. : situated or used in the areas between adjoining teeth <interproximal space>

interpupillary
adj. : extending between the pupils of the eyes also : extending between the centers of a pair of spectacle lenses <interpupillary distance>

interracial
adj. : of, involving, or designed for members of different races
–in·ter·ra·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

interred
adj. past and past part of inter

interregnum
n. 1 : the time during which a throne is vacant between two successive reigns or regimes
2 : a period during which the normal functions of government or control are suspended
3 : a lapse or pause in a continuous series

interrelate
v. : to bring into mutual relation
intransitive verb : to have mutual relationship
–in·ter·re·la·tion \-'lā-shən\ noun
–in·ter·re·la·tion·ship \-ˌship\ noun

interrelated
adj. : having a mutual or reciprocal relation
–in·ter·re·lat·ed·ly adverb
–in·ter·re·lat·ed·ness noun

interring
v. present part of inter

interrobang
n. : a punctuation mark ‽ designed for use especially at the end of an exclamatory rhetorical question

interrogate
1 : to question formally and systematically
2 : to give or send out a signal to (as a transponder) for triggering an appropriate response
synonyms see ASK
–in·ter·ro·ga·tee \-ˌter-ə-(ˌ)gā-'tē\ noun
–in·ter·ro·ga·tion \-ˌter-ə-'gā-shən\ noun
–in·ter·ro·ga·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

interrogation point
: QUESTION MARK 2

interrogative
n. 1 a : used in a question b : having the form or force of a question
2 : INQUISITIVE, QUESTIONING
–in·ter·rog·a·tive·ly adverb

interrogative
n. 1 : a word (as who, what, which) or a particle (as Latin -ne) used in asking questions
2 : QUESTION 1A

interrogator
n. 1 : one that interrogates
2 : a radio transmitter and receiver for sending out a signal that triggers a transponder and for receiving and displaying the reply

interrogatory
n. : a formal question or inquiry especially : a written question required to be answered under direction of a court

interrogatory
n. : INTERROGATIVE

interrogee
n. : one who is interrogated

interrupt
transitive verb
1 : to stop or hinder by breaking in <interrupted the speaker with frequent questions>
2 : to break the uniformity or continuity of <a hot spell occasionally interrupted by a period of cool weather>
intransitive verb : to break in upon an action especially : to break in with questions or remarks while another is speaking
–in·ter·rupt·ible \-'rəp-tə-bəl\ adjective
–in·ter·rup·tion \-'rəp-shən\ noun
–in·ter·rup·tive \-'rəp-tiv\ adverb

interrupt
n. : a feature of a computer that permits the temporary interruption of one activity (as the execution of a program) in order to perform another also : the interruption itself

interrupter
n. : one that interrupts especially : a device for interrupting an electric current usually automatically

interscholastic
adj. : existing or carried on between schools <interscholastic athletics>

intersect
v. transitive verb : to pierce or divide by passing through or across : CROSS <a comet intersecting earth's orbit> <one line intersects another>
intransitive verb
1 : to meet and cross at a point <lines intersecting at right angles>
2 : to share a common area : OVERLAP <where morality and self-interest intersect>

intersection
n. 1 : the act or process of intersecting
2 : a place or area where two or more things (as streets) intersect
3 a : the set of elements common to two or more sets especially : the set of points common to two geometric configurations b : the operation of finding the intersection of two or more sets

interservice
: existing between or relating to two or more of the armed services <interservice rivalry>

intersession
n. : a period between two academic sessions or terms sometimes utilized for brief concentrated courses

intersex
n. : an intersexual individual

intersexual
adj. 1 : existing between sexes <intersexual hostility>
2 : intermediate in sexual characters between a typical male and a typical female
–in·ter·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–in·ter·sex·u·al·ly \-'sek-shə-wə-lē, -shwə-lē, -shə-lē\ adverb

interspace
n. : an intervening space : INTERVAL

interspace
n. : to occupy or fill the space between

interspecific
adj. : existing, occurring, or arising between species <interspecific hybrid>

intersperse
v. 1 : to place something at intervals in or among <intersperse a book with pictures>
2 : to insert at intervals among other things <interspersing drawings throughout the text>
–in·ter·sper·sion \-'spər-zhən, -shən\ noun

interstadial
: a subdivision within a glacial stage marking a temporary retreat of the ice

interstate
n. : of, connecting, or existing between two or more states especially of the U.S. <interstate commerce>

interstate
n. : any of a system of expressways connecting most major U.S. cities ― called also interstate highway

interstellar
adj. : located, taking place, or traveling among the stars especially of the Milky Way galaxy

interstice
n. 1 a : a space that intervenes between things especially : one between closely spaced things <interstices of a wall> b : a gap or break in something generally continuous <the interstices of society> <passages of genuine literary merit in the interstices of the ludicrous⋯plots ― Joyce Carol Oates>
2 : a short space of time between events

interstitial
n. 1 : relating to or situated in the interstices
2 a : situated within but not restricted to or characteristic of a particular organ or tissue ― used especially of fibrous tissue b : affecting the interstitial tissues of an organ or part
3 : being or relating to a crystalline compound in which usually small atoms or ions of a nonmetal occupy holes between the larger metal atoms or ions in the crystal lattice
–in·ter·sti·tial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

intersubjective
adj. 1 : involving or occurring between separate conscious minds <intersubjective communication>
2 : accessible to or capable of being established for two or more subjects : OBJECTIVE <intersubjective reality of the physical world>
–in·ter·sub·jec·tive·ly adverb
–in·ter·sub·jec·tiv·i·ty \-(ˌ)səb-ˌjek-'ti-və-tē\ noun

intertestamental
: of, relating to, or forming the period of two centuries between the composition of the last book of the Old Testament and the first book of the New Testament

intertextuality
n. : the complex interrelationship between a text and other texts taken as basic to the creation or interpretation of the text
–in·ter·tex·tu·al \-'teks-chə-wəl\ adjective
–in·ter·tex·tu·al·ly adverb

intertidal
adj. : of, relating to, or being the part of the littoral zone above low-tide mark
–in·ter·tid·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

intertie
: an interconnection permitting passage of current between two or more electric utility systems

intertill
v. : to cultivate between the rows of (a crop)
–in·ter·till·age \-'ti-lij\ noun

intertropical
adj. 1 : situated between or within the tropics
2 : relating to regions within the tropics : TROPICAL

intertwine
v. : to unite by twining one with another
intransitive verb : to twine about one another also : to become mutually involved
–in·ter·twine·ment \-mənt\ noun

intertwist
v. : INTERTWINE
–in·ter·twist \'in-tər-ˌtwist\ noun

interval
n. 1 a : a space of time between events or states b British : INTERMISSION
2 a : a space between objects, units, points, or states b : difference in pitch between tones
3 : a set of real numbers between two numbers either including or excluding one or both of them
4 : one of a series of fast-paced exercises interspersed with slower ones or brief rests for training (as of an athlete)
–in·ter·val·lic \ˌin-tər-'va-lik\ adjective

intervale
n. chiefly New England : BOTTOMLAND

intervalometer
n. : a device that operates a control (as for a camera shutter) at regular intervals

intervene
v. 1 : to occur, fall, or come between points of time or events <only six months intervened between their marriage and divorce>
2 : to enter or appear as an irrelevant or extraneous feature or circumstance <it's business as usual until a crisis intervenes>
3 a : to come in or between by way of hindrance or modification <intervene to stop a fight> b : to interfere with the outcome or course especially of a condition or process (as to prevent harm or improve functioning)
4 : to occur or lie between two things
5 a : to become a third party to a legal proceeding begun by others for the protection of an alleged interest b : to interfere usually by force or threat of force in another nation's internal affairs especially to compel or prevent an action
synonyms see INTERPOSE
–in·ter·ven·tion \-'ven(t)-shən\ noun
–in·ter·ven·tion·al \-'vench-nəl, 'ven(t)-shə-nəl\ adjective

intervenor
n. : one who intervenes especially : one who intervenes as a third party in a legal proceeding

interventionism
n. : the theory or practice of intervening specifically : governmental interference in economic affairs at home or in political affairs of another country
–in·ter·ven·tion·ist \-'vench-nist, -'ven(t)-shə-nist\ noun or adjective

intervertebral disk
: any of the tough elastic disks that are interposed between the centra of adjoining vertebrae and that consist of an outer fibrous ring enclosing an inner pulpy nucleus

interview
n. 1 : a formal consultation usually to evaluate qualifications (as of a prospective student or employee)
2 a : a meeting at which information is obtained (as by a reporter, television commentator, or pollster) from a person b : a report or reproduction of information so obtained
3 : INTERVIEWEE
–interview verb
–in·ter·view·er noun

interviewee
n. : one who is interviewed

intervocalic
adj. : immediately preceded and immediately followed by a vowel
–in·ter·vo·cal·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

interweave
transitive verb
1 : to weave together
2 : to mix or blend together <interweaving his own insights⋯with letters and memoirs ― Phoebe Adams>
intransitive verb : INTERTWINE, INTERMINGLE
–in·ter·weave \'in-tər-ˌwēv\ noun
–in·ter·wo·ven \ˌin-tər-'wō-vən\ adjective

intestacy
n. : the quality or state of being or dying intestate

intestate
n. 1 : having made no valid will <died intestate>
2 : not disposed of by will <an intestate estate>

intestate
n. : one who dies intestate

intestinal
adj. 1 : affecting, occurring, or living in the intestine
2 : of, relating to, or being the intestine
–in·tes·ti·nal·ly adverb

intestinal fortitude
: COURAGE, STAMINA

intestine
n. : INTERNAL specifically : of or relating to the internal affairs of a state or country <intestine war>

intestine
n. : the tubular part of the alimentary canal that extends from the stomach to the anus ― compare LARGE INTESTINE, SMALL INTESTINE

inti
: the basic monetary unit of Peru from 1985 to 1990

intifada
n. : UPRISING, REBELLION specifically : an armed uprising of Palestinians against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip

intima
n. : the innermost coat of an organ (as a blood vessel) consisting usually of an endothelial layer backed by connective tissue and elastic tissue
–in·ti·mal \-məl\ adjective

intimacy
n. 1 : the state of being intimate : FAMILIARITY
2 : something of a personal or private nature

intimate
1 : to make known especially publicly or formally : ANNOUNCE
2 : to communicate delicately and indirectly : HINT
synonyms see SUGGEST
–in·ti·mat·er noun
–in·ti·ma·tion \ˌin-tə-'mā-shən\ noun

intimate
n. 1 a : INTRINSIC, ESSENTIAL b : belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature
2 : marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity <intimate knowledge of the law>
3 a : marked by a warm friendship developing through long association <intimate friends> b : suggesting informal warmth or privacy <intimate clubs>
4 : of a very personal or private nature <intimate secrets>
–in·ti·mate·ly adverb
–in·ti·mate·ness noun

intimate
n. : an intimate friend or confidant

intimidate
: to make timid or fearful : FRIGHTEN especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats <tried to intimidate a witness>
–in·tim·i·dat·ing·ly \-ˌdā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–in·tim·i·da·tion \-ˌti-mə-'dā-shən\ noun
–in·tim·i·da·tor \-'ti-mə-ˌdā-tər\ noun
synonyms INTIMIDATE, COW, BULLDOZE, BULLY, BROWBEAT mean to frighten into submission. INTIMIDATE implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another <intimidated by so many other bright freshmen>. COW implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost <not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business>. BULLDOZE implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats <bulldozed the city council into approving the plan>. BULLY implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior <bullied into giving up their lunch money>. BROWBEAT implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment <browbeat the witness into a contradiction>.

intimidatory
adj. : tending or intended to intimidate <intimidatory propaganda>

intinction
n. : the administration of the sacrament of Communion by dipping bread in wine and giving both together to the communicant

intine
: the inner mostly cellulose wall of some spores and especially pollen grains

intitule
v. British : to furnish (as a legislative act) with a title or designation

intl
international

into
prep. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion, superposition, or inclusion <came into the house> <enter into an alliance>
2 a : to the state, condition, or form of <got into trouble> b : to the occupation, action, or possession of <go into farming> c : involved with or interested in <into hard drugs> <into Latin epigrammatists>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate a period of time or an extent of space part of which is passed or occupied <far into the night>
4 : in the direction of <looking into the sun>
5 : to a position of contact with : AGAINST <ran into a wall>
6 ― used as a function word to indicate the dividend in division <dividing 3 into 6 gives 2>

into the act
or in on the act : into an undertaking or situation as an active participant

into the bargain
also in the bargain : BESIDES <tastes good and is good for you, into the bargain>

into the ground
beyond what is necessary or tolerable : to exhaustion <labored an issue into the ground ― Newsweek>

intolerable
adj. 1 : not tolerable : UNBEARABLE <intolerable pain>
2 : EXCESSIVE
–in·tol·er·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌtäl-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌtä-lə-rə-, -ˌtä-lər-\ noun
–in·tol·er·a·ble·ness \-'täl-rə-bəl-nəs, -'tä-lə-rə-, -'tä-lər-bəl-\ noun
–in·tol·er·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

intolerance
n. 1 : the quality or state of being intolerant
2 : exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug) specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance

intolerant
adj. 1 : unable or unwilling to endure
2 a : unwilling to grant equal freedom of expression especially in religious matters b : unwilling to grant or share social, political, or professional rights : BIGOTED
3 : exhibiting physiological intolerance <lactose intolerant>
–in·tol·er·ant·ly adverb
–in·tol·er·ant·ness noun

intonate
v. : INTONE, UTTER

intonation
n. 1 : something that is intoned specifically : the opening tones of a Gregorian chant
2 : the act of intoning and especially of chanting
3 : the ability to play or sing notes in tune
4 : manner of utterance specifically : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech
–in·to·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

intone
v. transitive verb : to utter in musical or prolonged tones : recite in singing tones or in a monotone
intransitive verb : to utter something in singing tones or in monotone
–in·ton·er noun

intoxicant
n. : something that intoxicates especially : an alcoholic drink
–intoxicant adjective

intoxicate
v. archaic : INTOXICATED

intoxicate
v. 1 : POISON
2 a : to excite or stupefy by alcohol or a drug especially to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished b : to excite or elate to the point of enthusiasm or frenzy

intoxicated
adj. : affected by or as if by alcohol : DRUNK
–in·tox·i·cat·ed·ly \-ˌkā-təd-lē\ adverb

intoxication
n. 1 : an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning <carbon monoxide intoxication>
2 a : the condition of being drunk : INEBRIATION b : a strong excitement or elation

intra
pref. 1 a : within <intragalactic> b : during <intraday> c : between layers of <intradermal>
2 : INTRO- <an intramuscular injection>

intra
pref. intra arterial
intra arterially
intra articular
intra muros

intra muros
: within the walls

intra-arterial
: situated or occurring within, administered into, or involving entry by way of an artery <intra-arterial chemotherapy>
–in·tra-ar·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

intra-articular
: situated within, occurring within, or administered by entry into a joint <intra-articular injection>

intracardiac
adj. : situated or occurring within or introduced or involving entry into the heart <an intracardiac shunt>
–in·tra·car·di·al·ly \-dē-ə-lē\ adverb

intracellular
adj. : existing, occurring, or functioning within a cell <intracellular parasites>
–in·tra·cel·lu·lar·ly adverb

intracerebral
adj. : situated or occurring within or introduced or administered into the cerebrum <intracerebral injections> <intracerebral bleeding>
–in·tra·ce·re·bral·ly \-brə-lē\ adverb

intracompany
adj. : occurring within or taking place between branches or employees of a company <intracompany transactions>

intracranial
adj. : existing or occurring within the cranium also : affecting or involving intracranial structures
–in·tra·cra·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

intractable
adj. 1 : not easily governed, managed, or directed <intractable problems>
2 : not easily manipulated or wrought <intractable metal>
3 : not easily relieved or cured <intractable pain>
synonyms see UNRULY
–in·trac·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtrak-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·trac·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

intracutaneous
adj. : INTRADERMAL
–in·tra·cu·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb

intraday
adj. : occurring in the course of a single day <the market showed wide intraday fluctuations>

intradermal
adj. : situated, occurring, or done within or between the layers of the skin also : administered by entering the skin <intradermal injections>
–in·tra·der·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

intradermal test
: a test for immunity or hypersensitivity made by injecting a minute amount of diluted antigen into the skin

intrados
n. : the interior curve of an arch ― see ARCH illustration

intrafallopian
: occurring within a fallopian tube

intrafallopian
zygote intrafallopian transfer
gamete intrafallopian transfer
gamete intrafallopian tube transfer

intragalactic
: situated or occurring within the confines of a single galaxy

intragenic
: being or occurring within a gene <intragenic recombination> <intragenic mutation>

intramolecular
adj. : existing or acting within the molecule also : formed by reaction between different parts of the same molecule
–in·tra·mo·lec·u·lar·ly adverb

intramural
adj. 1 a : being or occurring within the limits usually of a community, organization, or institution <intramural squabbles> b : competed only within the student body <intramural sports>
2 : situated or occurring within the substance of the walls of an organ
–in·tra·mu·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

intramuscular
adj. : situated in, occurring in, or administered by entering a muscle <an intramuscular injection>
–in·tra·mus·cu·lar·ly adverb

intranasal
adj. : lying within or administered by way of the nasal structures
–in·tra·na·sal·ly \-'nāz-lē, -'nā-zə-\ adverb

intranet
n. : a network operating like the World Wide Web but having access restricted to a limited group of authorized users (as employees of a company)

intrans
n. intransitive

intransigeance
: INTRANSIGENCE
–in·tran·si·geant \-jənt\ adjective or noun
–in·tran·si·geant·ly adverb

intransigence
n. : the quality or state of being intransigent

intransigent
n. : characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude : UNCOMPROMISING <intransigent in their opposition> <an intransigent attitude>
–intransigent noun
–in·tran·si·gent·ly adverb

intransitive
n. : not transitive especially : characterized by not having or containing a direct object <an intransitive verb>
–in·tran·si·tive·ly adverb
–in·tran·si·tive·ness noun
–in·tran·si·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtran(t)-sə-'ti-və-tē, -ˌtran-zə-\ noun

intraocular
adj. : implanted in, occurring in, or administered by entering the eyeball <intraocular pressure>
–in·tra·oc·u·lar·ly adverb

intraperitoneal
adj. : existing within or administered by entry into the peritoneum <intraperitoneal chemotherapy>
–in·tra·per·i·to·ne·al·ly \-'nē-ə-lē\ adverb

intrapersonal
adj. : occurring within the individual mind or self <intrapersonal concerns of the aged>

intraplate
: relating to or occurring within the interior of a tectonic plate <an intraplate earthquake>

intrapopulation
: occurring within or taking place between members of a population

intrapreneur
n. : a corporate executive who develops new enterprises within the corporation
–in·tra·pre·neur·ial \-'nər-ē-əl, -'n(y)u̇r-\ adjective

intrapsychic
adj. : being or occurring within the psyche, mind, or personality
–in·tra·psy·chi·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

intraspecies
: INTRASPECIFIC

intraspecific
adj. : occurring within a species or involving members of one species <intraspecific competition>

intrastate
adj. : existing or occurring within a state

intrathecal
adj. : introduced into or occurring in the space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain or spinal cord <intrathecal drugs>
–in·tra·the·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

intrathoracic
adj. : situated or occurring within the thorax <intrathoracic pressure>
–in·tra·tho·rac·i·cal·ly adverb

intrauterine
adj. : situated, used, or occurring within the uterus <intrauterine insemination> also : involving the part of development that takes place in the uterus <intrauterine mortality>

intrauterine device
: a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent effective conception ― called also intrauterine contraceptive device IUD

intravascular
adj. : situated in, occurring in, or administered by entry into a blood vessel <intravascular thrombosis> <an intravascular injection>
–in·tra·vas·cu·lar·ly adverb

intravenous
adj. : situated, performed, or occurring within or entering by way of a vein also : used in or using intravenous procedures
–in·tra·ve·nous·ly adverb

intraventricular
adj. : situated within, occurring within, or administered into a ventricle <intraventricular hemorrhage>
–in·tra·ven·tric·u·lar·ly adverb

intravital
adj. 1 : performed upon or found in a living subject
2 : having or utilizing the property of staining cells within a living body ― compare SUPRAVITAL
–in·tra·vi·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

intravitam
adj. : INTRAVITAL

intrazonal
: of, relating to, or being a soil or a major soil group marked by relatively well-developed characteristics that are determined primarily by essentially local factors (as the parent material) rather than climate and vegetation ― compare AZONAL, ZONAL

intreat
archaic variant of entreat

intrench
v. variant of entrench

intrepid
adj. : characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance <an intrepid explorer>
–in·tre·pid·i·ty \ˌin-trə-'pi-də-tē\ noun
–in·trep·id·ly \in-'tre-pəd-lē\ adverb
–in·trep·id·ness noun

intricacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being intricate
2 : something intricate <the intricacies of a plot>

intricate
adj. 1 : having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : COMPLICATED <intricate machinery> <an intricate plot>
2 : difficult to resolve or analyze
synonyms see COMPLEX
–in·tri·cate·ly adverb
–in·tri·cate·ness noun

intrigant
n. : one that intrigues

intrigue
n. 1 a : a secret scheme : MACHINATION b : the practice of engaging in intrigues
2 : a clandestine love affair
synonyms see PLOT

intrigue
n. transitive verb
1 : CHEAT, TRICK
2 : to accomplish by intrigue <intrigued myself into the club>
3 obsolete : ENTANGLE
4 : to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of <intrigued by the tale>
intransitive verb : to carry on an intrigue especially : PLOT, SCHEME
–in·trigu·er noun

intriguing
adj. : engaging the interest to a marked degree : FASCINATING <an intriguing story>

intriguingly
adv. 1 : in an intriguing manner
2 : as a matter of marked interest

intrinsic
adj. 1 a : belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing <the intrinsic worth of a gem> <the intrinsic brightness of a star> b : being or relating to a semiconductor in which the concentration of charge carriers is characteristic of the material itself instead of the content of any impurities it contains
2 a : originating or due to causes within a body, organ, or part <an intrinsic metabolic disease> b : originating and included wholly within an organ or part <intrinsic muscles> ― compare EXTRINSIC 1b
–in·trin·si·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si-\ adverb

intrinsic factor
: a substance produced by normal gastrointestinal mucosa that facilitates absorption of vitamin B_12

intrinsical
adj. archaic : INTRINSIC

intro
n. : INTRODUCTION

intro
n. 1 : in : into <introjection>
2 : inward : within <introvert> ― compare EXTRO-

introd
introduction

introduce
v. 1 : to lead or bring in especially for the first time <introduce a nonnative species>
2 a : to bring into play b : to bring into practice or use : INSTITUTE
3 : to lead to or make known by a formal act, announcement, or recommendation: as a : to cause to be acquainted b : to present formally at court or into society c : to present or announce formally or officially or by an official reading <introduce legislation> d : to make preliminary explanatory or laudatory remarks about e : to bring (as an actor or singer) before the public for the first time
4 : PLACE, INSERT <introduce foreign genes into crops>
5 : to bring to a knowledge of something <introduced them to new ideas>
–in·tro·duc·er noun
synonyms INTRODUCE, INSERT, INSINUATE, INTERPOLATE, INTERCALATE, INTERPOSE, INTERJECT mean to put between or among others. INTRODUCE is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence <introduced a new topic into the conversation>. INSERT implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among <inserted a clause in the contract>. INSINUATE implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure <insinuated himself into the group>. INTERPOLATE applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious <interpolated her own comments into the report>. INTERCALATE suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence <new chapters intercalated with the old>. INTERPOSE suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay <interpose barriers to communication>. INTERJECT implies an abrupt or forced introduction <interjected a question>.

introduction
n. 1 : something that introduces: as a (1) : a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion (2) : a preliminary treatise or course of study b : a short introductory musical passage
2 : the act or process of introducing : the state of being introduced
3 : a putting in : INSERTION
4 : something introduced specifically : a new or exotic plant or animal

introductory
adj. : of, relating to, or being a first step that sets something going or in proper perspective <an introductory course in calculus>
–in·tro·duc·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

introgression
n. : the entry or introduction of a gene from one gene complex into another (as by hybridization)
–in·tro·gres·sant \-'gre-sənt\ adjective or noun
–in·tro·gres·sive \-'gre-siv\ adjective

introit
n. 1 often capitalized : the first part of the traditional proper of the Mass consisting of an antiphon, verse from a psalm, and the Gloria Patri
2 : a piece of music sung or played at the beginning of a worship service

introject
v. : to incorporate (attitudes or ideas) into one's personality unconsciously
–in·tro·jec·tion \-'jek-shən\ noun

intromission
n. : the act or process of intromitting especially : the insertion or period of insertion of the penis in the vagina in copulation

intromit
v. : to send or put in : INSERT
–in·tro·mit·tent \-'mi-tənt\ adjective
–in·tro·mit·ter \-tər\ noun

intron
n. : a polynucleotide sequence in a nucleic acid that does not code information for protein synthesis and is removed before translation of messenger RNA ― compare EXON

introrse
adj. : facing inward or toward the axis of growth <an introrse anther>

introspection
: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
–in·tro·spect \-'spekt\ verb
–in·tro·spec·tion·al \-'spek-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·tro·spec·tive \-'spek-tiv\ adjective
–in·tro·spec·tive·ly adverb
–in·tro·spec·tive·ness noun

introspectionism
: a doctrine that psychology must be based essentially on data derived from introspection ― compare BEHAVIORISM
–in·tro·spec·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ or in·tro·spec·tion·is·tic \-ˌspek-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective
–introspectionist noun

introversion
n. 1 : the act of introverting : the state of being introverted
2 : the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life
–in·tro·ver·sive \-'vər-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–in·tro·ver·sive·ly adverb

introvert
n. : to turn inward or in upon itself: as a : to concentrate or direct upon oneself b : to produce psychological introversion in

introvert
n. 1 : something (as the retractile proboscis of some worms) that is or can be drawn in especially by invagination
2 : one whose personality is characterized by introversion broadly : a reserved or shy person

intrude
v. intransitive verb
1 : to thrust oneself in without invitation, permission, or welcome
2 : to enter as a geological intrusion
transitive verb
1 : to thrust or force in or upon someone or something especially without permission, welcome, or fitness <intruded himself into their lives>
2 : to cause to enter as if by force
–in·trud·er noun

intrusion
n. 1 : the act of intruding or the state of being intruded especially : the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another
2 : the forcible entry of molten rock or magma into or between other rock formations also : the intruded magma

intrusive
adj. 1 a : characterized by intrusion b : intruding where one is not welcome or invited
2 a : projecting inward <an intrusive arm of the sea> b (1) of a rock : having been forced while in a plastic state into cavities or between layers (2) : PLUTONIC
3 : having nothing that corresponds to a sound or letter in orthography or etymon <intrusive \t\ in \'mints\ for mince>
synonyms see IMPERTINENT
–intrusive noun
–in·tru·sive·ly adverb
–in·tru·sive·ness noun

intrust
v. variant of entrust

intubation
n. : the introduction of a tube into a hollow organ (as the trachea)
–in·tu·bate \'in-(ˌ)tü-ˌbāt, -(ˌ)tyü-, -tə-\ transitive verb

intuit
n. : to know, sense, or understand by intuition
–in·tu·it·able \-ə-tə-bəl\ adjective

intuition
n. 1 : quick and ready insight
2 a : immediate apprehension or cognition b : knowledge or conviction gained by intuition c : the power or faculty of attaining to direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference
–in·tu·i·tion·al \-'ish-nəl, -'i-shə-nəl\ adjective

intuitionism
n. 1 a : a doctrine that objects of perception are intuitively known to be real b : a doctrine that there are basic truths intuitively known
2 : a doctrine that right or wrong or fundamental principles about what is right and wrong can be intuited
3 : a philosophical thesis that human beings have a direct intuitive understanding of mathematics and that rejects the principle that every mathematical statement must be true or false
–in·tu·i·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun

intuitive
adj. 1 a : known or perceived by intuition : directly apprehended <had an intuitive awareness of his sister's feelings> b : knowable by intuition <intuitive truths> c : based on or agreeing with intuition <intuitive responses> <makes intuitive sense> d : readily learned or understood <software with an intuitive interface>
2 : knowing or perceiving by intuition
3 : possessing or given to intuition or insight <an intuitive mind>
–in·tu·i·tive·ly adverb
–in·tu·i·tive·ness noun

intumescence
n. : a swollen or enlarged part of a plant or animal also : the process of swelling up or enlarging

intumescent
adj. of paint : swelling and charring when exposed to flame

intussuscept
v. transitive verb : to take in by or cause to undergo intussusception especially : INVAGINATE
intransitive verb : to undergo intussusception

intussusception
n. : a drawing in of something from without: as a : INVAGINATION especially : the slipping of a length of intestine into an adjacent portion usually producing obstruction b : the assimilation of new material and its dispersal among preexistent matter
–in·tus·sus·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective

Inuit
n. 1 plural Inuit or Inuits also Innuit or Innuits a (1) : the Eskimo people of No. America and Greenland (2) : the Eskimo people of Canada b : a member of such people
2 a : ESKIMO 2 b : the group of Eskimo dialects spoken from northwestern Canada to Greenland

Inuk
n. : a member of the Inuit people

Inuktitut
n. : the group of Eskimo dialects spoken by the Inuit of central and eastern arctic Canada

inulin
n. : a white plant polysaccharide used especially to improve the flavor and texture of low-fat and low-sugar processed foods

inunction
n. : an act of applying oil or ointment : ANOINTING

inundate
v. 1 : to cover with a flood : OVERFLOW
2 : OVERWHELM <was inundated with phone calls>
–in·un·da·tion \ˌi-(ˌ)nən-'dā-shən\ noun
–in·un·da·tor \'i-(ˌ)nən-ˌdā-tər\ noun
–in·un·da·to·ry \i-'nən-də-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Inupiat
n. 1 plural Inupiat or Inupiats also Inupiaq or Inupiaqs : a member of the Eskimo people of northern Alaska
2 : the language of the Inupiat people

inure
v. transitive verb : to accustom to accept something undesirable <children inured to violence>
intransitive verb : to become of advantage <policies that inure to the benefit of employees>
–in·ure·ment \-mənt\ noun

inurn
1 : ENTOMB
2 : to place (as cremated remains) in an urn
–in·urn·ment \-mənt\ noun

inutile
adj. : USELESS, UNUSABLE
–in·util·i·ty \ˌin-yü-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

inv
1 inventor
2 invoice

invade
v. 1 : to enter for conquest or plunder
2 : to encroach upon : INFRINGE
3 a : to spread over or into as if invading : PERMEATE <doubts invade his mind> b : to affect injuriously and progressively <gangrene invades healthy tissue>
synonyms see TRESPASS
–in·vad·er noun

invaginate
v. transitive verb
1 : ENCLOSE, SHEATHE
2 : to fold in so that an outer becomes an inner surface
intransitive verb : to undergo invagination

invagination
n. 1 : an act or process of invaginating specifically : the formation of a gastrula by an infolding of part of the wall of the blastula
2 : an invaginated part

invalid
n. : not valid: a : being without foundation or force in fact, truth, or law <an invalid assumption> <declared the will invalid> b : logically inconsequent
–in·val·id·ly \-lē\ adverb

invalid
n. 1 : suffering from disease or disability : SICKLY
2 : of, relating to, or suited to one that is sick <an invalid chair>

invalid
n. : one who is sickly or disabled

invalid
n. 1 : to remove from active duty by reason of sickness or disability
2 : to make sickly or disabled

invalidate
v. : to make invalid especially : to weaken or destroy the cogency of
synonyms see NULLIFY
–in·val·i·da·tion \-ˌva-lə-'dā-shən\ noun
–in·val·i·da·tor \in-'va-lə-ˌdā-tər\ noun

invalidism
n. : a chronic condition of being an invalid

invalidity
n. 1 : lack of validity or cogency
2 : incapacitating bodily disability also : INVALIDISM

invaluable
adj. : valuable beyond estimation : PRICELESS <providing invaluable assistance>
–in·valu·able·ness noun
–in·valu·ably \-blē\ adverb

invar
n. : an iron-nickel alloy that expands little on heating

invariable
adj. : not changing or capable of change : CONSTANT <an invariable routine>
–in·vari·abil·i·ty \-ˌver-ē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–invariable noun

invariably
adv. : on every occasion : ALWAYS <invariably late>

invariance
n. : the quality or state of being invariant

invariant
n. : CONSTANT, UNCHANGING specifically : unchanged by specified mathematical or physical operations or transformations <invariant factor>
–invariant noun

invasion
n. 1 : an act of invading especially : incursion of an army for conquest or plunder
2 : the incoming or spread of something usually hurtful

invasive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by military aggression
2 : tending to spread especially : tending to invade healthy tissue <invasive cancer cells>
3 : tending to infringe
4 : involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument) <invasive diagnostic techniques>
–in·va·sive·ness noun

invective
n. : of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse
–in·vec·tive·ly adverb
–in·vec·tive·ness noun

invective
n. 1 : an abusive expression or speech
2 : insulting or abusive language : VITUPERATION
synonyms see ABUSE

inveigh
v. : to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently : RAIL
–in·veigh·er noun

inveigle
v. 1 : to win over by wiles : ENTICE
2 : to acquire by ingenuity or flattery : WANGLE <inveigled her way into a promotion>
synonyms see LURE
–in·vei·gle·ment \-gəl-mənt\ noun
–in·vei·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

invenit
: he or she devised it

invent
v. 1 archaic : FIND, DISCOVER
2 : to devise by thinking : FABRICATE
3 : to produce (as something useful) for the first time through the use of the imagination or of ingenious thinking and experiment
–in·ven·tor \-'ven-tər\ noun
–in·ven·tress \-'ven-trəs\ noun

invention
n. 1 : DISCOVERY, FINDING
2 : productive imagination : INVENTIVENESS
3 a : something invented: as (1) : a product of the imagination especially : a false conception (2) : a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment b : a short keyboard composition featuring two- or three-part counterpoint
4 : the act or process of inventing

inventive
adj. 1 : adept or prolific at producing inventions : CREATIVE <an inventive mind>
2 : characterized by invention <an inventive method>
–in·ven·tive·ly adverb
–in·ven·tive·ness noun

inventory
1 a : an itemized list of current assets: as (1) : a catalog of the property of an individual or estate (2) : a list of goods on hand b : a survey of natural resources c : a list of traits, preferences, attitudes, interests, or abilities used to evaluate personal characteristics or skills
2 : SURVEY, SUMMARY
3 : the quantity of goods or materials on hand : STOCK
4 : the act or process of taking an inventory
–in·ven·to·ri·al \ˌin-vən-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–in·ven·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

inventory
n. : to make an inventory of : CATALOG

Inver Grove Heights
city SE Minn. pop 29,751

Invercargill
city New Zealand on S coast of South Is. urban area pop 46,305 ― see BLUFF

Inverclyde
administrative area of W Scotland area 62 sq mi (162 sq km)

Inverness
n. 1 or In·ver·ness-shire \-'nesh-ˌshir, -shər\ former county NW Scotland
2 burgh NW Scotland, formerly capital of Highland region pop 63,090

inverness
n. : a loose belted coat having a cape with a close-fitting round collar

inverse
n. 1 : opposite in order, nature, or effect
2 : being an inverse function <inverse sine>

inverse
n. 1 : something of a contrary nature or quality : OPPOSITE, REVERSE
2 : a proposition or theorem formed by contradicting both the subject and predicate or both the hypothesis and conclusion of a given proposition or theorem <the inverse of “if A then B” is “if not-A then not-B”> ― compare CONTRAPOSITIVE
3 a : INVERSE FUNCTION also : an operation (as subtraction) that undoes the effect of another operation b : a set element that is related to another element in such a way that the result of applying a given binary operation to them is an identity element of the set

inverse
n. additive inverse
inverse function
inverse square law
inverse variation
multiplicative inverse

inverse function
: a function that is derived from a given function by interchanging the two variables <y = ∛x is the inverse function of y = x^3> ― compare LOGARITHMIC FUNCTION

inverse square law
: a statement in physics: a given physical quantity (as illumination) varies with the distance from the source inversely as the square of the distance

inverse variation
1 : mathematical relationship between two variables which can be expressed by an equation in which the product of two variables is equal to a constant
2 : an equation or function expressing inverse variation ― compare DIRECT VARIATION

inversely
adv. 1 : in an inverse order or manner
2 : in the manner of inverse variation <varies inversely>

inversely proportional
: related by inverse variation ― compare DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL

inversion
n. 1 : a reversal of position, order, form, or relationship: as a (1) : a change in normal word order especially : the placement of a verb before its subject (2) : the process or result of changing or reversing the relative positions of the notes of a musical interval, chord, or phrase b : the condition of being turned inward or inside out c : a breaking off of a chromosome section and its subsequent reattachment in inverted position also : a chromosomal section that has undergone this process
2 : the act or process of inverting
3 a : a change in the order of the terms of a mathematical proportion effected by inverting each ratio b : the operation of forming the inverse of a magnitude, a function, an operation, or an element
4 a : the conversion of dextrorotatory sucrose into a levorotatory mixture of glucose and fructose b : a change from one stereochemical figuration at a chiral center in a usually organic molecule to the opposite configuration that is brought about by a reaction in which a substitution of one group is made for a different group
5 : HOMOSEXUALITY
6 : an increase of temperature with height through a layer of air

inversive
adj. : marked by inversion

invert
n. 1 a : to reverse in position, order, or relationship b : to subject to inversion
2 a : to turn inside out or upside down b : to turn inward
3 : to find the mathematical reciprocal of <to divide using fractions, invert the divisor and multiply>
synonyms see REVERSE

invert
n. : one characterized by inversion especially : HOMOSEXUAL

invert sugar
: a mixture of dextrose and levulose found in fruits or produced artificially by the inversion of sucrose

invertase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose

invertebrate
n. 1 : lacking a spinal column also : of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals
2 : lacking in strength or vitality : WEAK
–invertebrate noun

inverted comma
chiefly British : QUOTATION MARK

inverter
n. 1 : one that inverts
2 : a device for converting direct current into alternating current

invertible
adj. : capable of being inverted or subjected to inversion <an invertible matrix>

invest
v. 1 [Medieval Latin investire, from Latin, to clothe] a : to array in the symbols of office or honor b : to furnish with power or authority c : to grant someone control or authority over : VEST
2 : to cover completely : ENVELOP
3 : CLOTHE, ADORN
4 [Middle French investir, from Old Italian investire, from Latin, to surround] : to surround with troops or ships so as to prevent escape or entry
5 : to endow with a quality : INFUSE

invest
v. transitive verb
1 : to commit (money) in order to earn a financial return
2 : to make use of for future benefits or advantages <invested her time wisely>
3 : to involve or engage especially emotionally <were deeply invested in their children's lives>
intransitive verb : to make an investment
–in·vest·able \-'ves-tə-bəl\ adjective
–in·ves·tor \-tər\ noun

investigate
transitive verb : to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
intransitive verb : to make a systematic examination especially : to conduct an official inquiry <investigate a crime>
–in·ves·ti·ga·tion \-ˌves-tə-'gā-shən\ noun
–in·ves·ti·ga·tive \-'ves-tə-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
–in·ves·ti·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun
–in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry \-'ves-ti-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

investigational
adj. 1 : of or relating to investigation <investigational activities>
2 : relating to or being a drug or medical procedure that is not approved for general use but is under investigation in clinical trials regarding its safety and efficacy <an investigational new drug>

investiture
n. 1 : the act of establishing in office or ratifying
2 : something that covers or adorns

investment
n. 1 a archaic : VESTMENT b : an outer layer : ENVELOPE
2 : INVESTITURE 1
3 : BLOCKADE, SIEGE

investment
n. : the outlay of money usually for income or profit : capital outlay also : the sum invested or the property purchased

investment company
: a company whose primary business is holding securities of other companies purely for investment purposes ― compare HOLDING COMPANY

inveteracy
n. : the quality or state of being obstinate or persistent : TENACITY

inveterate
adj. 1 : firmly established by long persistence <the inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious>
2 : confirmed in a habit : HABITUAL <an inveterate liar>
–in·vet·er·ate·ly adverb
synonyms INVETERATE, CONFIRMED, CHRONIC mean firmly established. INVETERATE applies to a habit, attitude or feeling of such long existence as to be practically ineradicable or unalterable <an inveterate smoker>. CONFIRMED implies a growing stronger and firmer with time so as to resist change or reform <a confirmed bachelor>. CHRONIC suggests something that is persistent or endlessly recurrent and troublesome <a chronic complainer>.

inviable
adj. : incapable of surviving especially because of a deleterious genetic constitution
–in·vi·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌvī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

invidious
adj. 1 : tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy <the invidious task of arbitration>
2 : ENVIOUS
3 a : of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : OBNOXIOUS <invidious remarks> b : of a kind to cause harm or resentment <an invidious comparison>
–in·vid·i·ous·ly adverb
–in·vid·i·ous·ness noun

invigilate
v. intransitive verb : to keep watch especially British : to supervise students at an examination
transitive verb : SUPERVISE, MONITOR
–in·vig·i·la·tion \-ˌvi-jə-'lā-shən\ noun
–in·vig·i·la·tor \-'vi-jə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

invigorate
: to give life and energy to : ANIMATE also : STIMULATE 1
–in·vig·o·rat·ing·ly \-ˌrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–in·vig·o·ra·tion \-ˌvi-gə-'rā-shən\ noun
–in·vig·o·ra·tor \-'vi-gə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

invincible
adj. : incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued <a seemingly invincible army>
–in·vin·ci·bil·i·ty \-ˌvin(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·vin·ci·ble·ness \-'vin(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·vin·ci·bly \-blē\ adverb

inviolable
adj. 1 : secure from violation or profanation <an inviolable law>
2 : secure from assault or trespass : UNASSAILABLE <inviolable borders>
–in·vi·o·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌvī-ə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·vi·o·la·ble·ness \-'vī-ə-lə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·vi·o·la·bly \-blē\ adverb

inviolacy
n. : the quality or state of being inviolate

inviolate
adj. : not violated or profaned especially : PURE
–in·vi·o·late·ly adverb
–in·vi·o·late·ness noun

inviscid
1 : having zero viscosity
2 : of or relating to an inviscid fluid <inviscid flow>

invisible
adj. 1 a : incapable by nature of being seen b : inaccessible to view : HIDDEN
2 : IMPERCEPTIBLE, INCONSPICUOUS
3 a : not appearing in published financial statements b : not reflected in statistics
–in·vis·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌvi-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–invisible noun
–in·vis·i·ble·ness \-'vi-zə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–in·vis·i·bly \-blē\ adverb

invisible hand
: a hypothetical economic force that in a freely competitive market works for the benefit of all

invita Minerva
: Minerva being unwilling : without natural talent or inspiration

invitation
n. 1 a : the act of inviting b : an often formal request to be present or participate
2 : INCENTIVE, INDUCEMENT

invitational
adj. 1 : limited to invited participants <an invitational tournament>
2 : prepared or entered in response to a request <an invitational article>
–invitational noun

invitatory
: containing an invitation

invitatory
: an invitatory psalm or antiphon

invite
v. 1 a : to offer an incentive or inducement to : ENTICE b : to increase the likelihood of <invite trouble>
2 a : to request the presence or participation of <invited us to dinner> b : to request formally c : to urge politely : WELCOME <invite comments>
–in·vit·er noun

invite
v. : INVITATION 1

invitee
n. : an invited person

inviting
adj. : ATTRACTIVE, TEMPTING
–in·vit·ing·ly adverb

invocate
archaic : INVOKE

invocation
n. 1 a : the act or process of petitioning for help or support specifically often capitalized : a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship) b : a calling upon for authority or justification
2 : a formula for conjuring : INCANTATION
3 : an act of legal or moral implementation : ENFORCEMENT
–in·vo·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–in·voc·a·to·ry \in-'vä-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

invoice
n. 1 : an itemized list of goods shipped usually specifying the price and the terms of sale : BILL
2 : a consignment of merchandise

invoice
n. : to send an invoice for or to

invoke
v. 1 a : to petition for help or support b : to appeal to or cite as authority
2 : to call forth by incantation : CONJURE
3 : to make an earnest request for : SOLICIT
4 : to put into effect or operation : IMPLEMENT
5 : BRING ABOUT, CAUSE
–in·vok·er noun

involucre
n. : one or more whorls of bracts situated below and close to a flower, flower cluster, or fruit
–in·vo·lu·cral \ˌin-və-'lü-krəl\ adjective
–in·vo·lu·crate \-krət, -ˌkrāt\ adjective

involucrum
n. : a surrounding envelope or sheath

involuntary
adj. 1 : done contrary to or without choice
2 : COMPULSORY
3 : not subject to control of the will : REFLEX
–in·vol·un·tari·ly \-ˌvä-lən-'ter-ə-lē, -'te-rə-\ adverb
–in·vol·un·tari·ness \-'vä-lən-ˌter-ē-nəs, -ˌte-rē-\ noun

involuntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not constituting a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act in a negligent or improper manner

involuntary muscle
: muscle governing reflex functions and not under direct voluntary control especially : SMOOTH MUSCLE

involute
adj. 1 a : curled spirally b (1) : curled or curved inward (2) : having the edges rolled over the upper surface toward the midrib <an involute leaf> c : having the form of an involute <a gear with involute teeth>
2 : INVOLVED, INTRICATE

involute
adj. : a curve traced by a point on a thread kept taut as it is unwound from another curve <involute of a circle>

involute
adj. 1 : to become involute
2 a : to return to a former condition b : to become cleared up : DISAPPEAR

involution
n. 1 a (1) : the act or an instance of enfolding or entangling : INVOLVEMENT (2) : an involved grammatical construction usually characterized by the insertion of clauses between the subject and predicate b : COMPLEXITY, INTRICACY
2 : EXPONENTIATION
3 a : an inward curvature or penetration b : the formation of a gastrula by ingrowth of cells formed at the dorsal lip
4 : a shrinking or return to a former size
5 : the regressive alterations of a body or its parts characteristic of the aging process <skeletal involution due to loss of estrogens at menopause>
–in·vo·lu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

involve
v. 1 archaic : to enfold or envelop so as to encumber
2 a : to engage as a participant <workers involved in building a house> b : to oblige to take part <right of Congress to involve the nation in war> c : to occupy (as oneself) absorbingly especially : to commit (as oneself) emotionally <was involved with a married man>
3 : to surround as if with a wrapping : ENVELOP
4 a archaic : to wind, coil, or wreathe about b : to relate closely : CONNECT
5 a : to have within or as part of itself : INCLUDE b : to require as a necessary accompaniment : ENTAIL c : 3AFFECT <the cancer involved the lymph nodes>
synonyms see INCLUDE
–in·volve·ment \-'välv-mənt, -'vȯlv-\ noun
–in·volv·er noun

involved
adj. 1 : INVOLUTE, TWISTED
2 a : marked by extreme and often needless or excessive complexity b : difficult to deal with because of complexity or disorder
3 : being affected or implicated
synonyms see COMPLEX
–in·volv·ed·ly \-'väl-vəd-lē, -'vȯl- also -'vä-vəd- or -'vȯ-\ adverb

invulnerable
adj. 1 : incapable of being wounded, injured, or harmed
2 : immune to or proof against attack : IMPREGNABLE
–in·vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–in·vul·ner·a·ble·ness \-'vəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, -nər-bəl-\ noun
–in·vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

inward
n. 1 : situated on the inside : INNER
2 a : of or relating to the mind or spirit <inward peace> b : absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : INTROSPECTIVE
3 : marked by close acquaintance : FAMILIAR
4 : directed toward the interior

inward
n. 1 : toward the inside, center, or interior
2 : toward the inner being

inward
n. 1 : something that is inward
2 in·wards \'in-ərdz, -wərdz\ plural : INNARDS

Inward Light
: INNER LIGHT

inwardly
adv. 1 : in the innermost being : MENTALLY, SPIRITUALLY
2 a : beneath the surface : INTERNALLY <bled inwardly> b : to oneself : PRIVATELY <cursed inwardly>

inwardness
n. 1 : internal quality or substance
2 : close acquaintance : FAMILIARITY
3 : fundamental nature : ESSENCE
4 : absorption in one's own mental or spiritual life

inweave
v. : INTERWEAVE, INTERLACE

Io
n. : a maiden loved by Zeus and changed by him into a heifer so that she might escape the jealous rage of Hera

Io moth
: a chiefly No. American saturniid moth (Automeris io) having a large circular eyelike spot on the upper surface of each hind wing and a green larva with stinging spines

Ioannina
city NW Greece in N Epirus pop 56,496

IOC
International Olympic Committee

iod
: iodine <iodize> <iodoform>

iodate
v. : a salt containing the IO_3- ion

iodide
n. : a salt of hydriodic acid also : the monovalent anion I- of such a salt

iodinate
v. : to treat or cause to combine with iodine or a compound of iodine
–io·din·ation \ˌī-ə-də-'nā-shən\ noun

iodine
n. 1 : a nonmetallic halogen element obtained usually as heavy shining blackish-gray crystals and used especially in medicine, photography, and analysis ― see ELEMENT table
2 : a tincture of iodine used especially as a topical antiseptic

iodise
v. British variant of iodize

iodize
v. : to treat with iodine or an iodide <iodized salt>

iodoform
n. : a yellow crystalline volatile compound CHI_3 with a penetrating persistent odor that is used as an antiseptic dressing

iodophor
n. : a complex of iodine and a surface-active agent that releases iodine gradually and serves as a disinfectant

iodopsin
n. : a photosensitive violet pigment in the retinal cones that is similar to rhodopsin but more labile, is formed from vitamin A, and is important in daylight vision

IOM
Isle of Man

Ion
n. Ionic

ion
n. 1 : an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons
2 : a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)

ion
n. 1 a : act or process <validation> b : result of an act or process <regulation>
2 : state or condition <hydration>

ion
n. hydroxide ion
hydrogen ion
ion channel
ion engine
ion exchange
ion exchanger
ion exchange resin

ion channel
: a cell membrane channel that is selectively permeable to certain ions (as of calcium or sodium)

ion engine
: a reaction engine deriving thrust from the ejection of a stream of ionized particles

ion exchange
: a reversible interchange of one kind of ion present on an insoluble solid with another of like charge present in a solution surrounding the solid with the reaction being used especially for softening or demineralizing water, the purification of chemicals, or the separation of substances
–ion exchanger noun

ion exchange resin
: an insoluble material of high molecular weight that contains groups which can be exchanged with ions in a solution with which it is in contact

Iona
island Scotland in S Inner Hebrides off SW tip of Mull Is. area 6 sq mi (16 sq km), pop 120

Ionesco
Eugène 1909-1994 Fr. (Rom.-born) dram.

Ionia
n. ancient region W Asia Minor bordering on the Aegean W of Lydia & Caria
–Io·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Ionian
n. 1 : a member of any of the Greek peoples who settled on the islands of the Aegean Sea and the western shore of Asia Minor toward the end of the second millennium B.C.
2 : a native or inhabitant of Ionia
–Ionian adjective

Ionian Islands
islands W Greece in Ionian Sea pop 191,003

Ionian Sea
arm of the Mediterranean Sea bet. SE Italy & W Greece

Ionic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the ancient Greek architectural order distinguished especially by fluted columns on bases and scroll volutes in its capitals ― see ORDER illustration
2 : of or relating to Ionia or the Ionians

Ionic
adj. : a dialect of ancient Greek spoken especially in Ionia and the Cyclades

ionic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions <ionic gases> <the ionic charge>
2 : based on or functioning by means of ions <ionic conduction>
–ion·ic·i·ty \ˌī-ə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

ionic bond
: a chemical bond formed between oppositely charged species because of their mutual electrostatic attraction

ionise
v. British variant of ionize

ionium
n. : a natural radioactive isotope of thorium having a mass number of 230

ionization chamber
: a partially evacuated tube provided with electrodes so that its conductivity due to the ionization of the residual gas reveals the presence of ionizing radiation

ionize
v. transitive verb : to convert wholly or partly into ions
intransitive verb : to become ionized
–ion·iz·able \-ˌnī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–ion·i·za·tion \ˌī-ə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ion·iz·er \'ī-ə-ˌnī-zər\ noun

ionophore
n. : a compound that facilitates transmission of an ion (as of calcium) across a lipid barrier (as in a cell membrane) by combining with the ion or by increasing the permeability of the barrier to it

ionosphere
n. : the part of the earth's atmosphere in which ionization of atmospheric gases affects the propagation of radio waves, which extends from about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the exosphere, and which is contiguous with the upper portion of the mesosphere and the thermosphere also : a comparable region of charged particles surrounding another celestial body (as Venus)
–ion·o·spher·ic \ˌī-ˌä-nə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective
–ion·o·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

iontophoresis
n. : the introduction of an ionized substance (as a drug) through intact skin by the application of a direct electric current
–ion·to·pho·ret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective
–ion·to·pho·ret·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

IOOF
Independent Order of Odd Fellows

iota
n. 1 : the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : an infinitesimal amount : JOT <did not show an iota of interest>

IOU
n. 1 : a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given as an acknowledgment of debt
2 : DEBT, OBLIGATION

ious
n. : -OUS <edacious>

IOW
Isle of Wight

Iowa
n. 1 river 291 mi (468 km) Iowa flowing SE into Mississippi River
2 state cen U.S. capital Des Moines area 56,275 sq mi (145,752 sq km), pop 2,926,324
–Io·wan \-wən\ adjective or noun

Iowa City
city E Iowa S of Cedar Rapids pop 62,220

IP
1 initial point
2 innings pitched
3 intermediate pressure
4 Internet protocol

IP address
: the numeric address of a computer on the Internet

IPA
: an alphabet designed to represent each human speech sound with a unique symbol

IPA
individual practice association

Ipatieff
Vladimir Nikolayevich 1867-1952 American (Russ.-born) chem.

ipecac
n. 1 : the dried rhizome and roots of either of two tropical American plants (Cephaelis acuminata and C. ipecacuanha) of the madder family used especially as a source of emetine also : either of these plants
2 : an emetic and expectorant drug that contains emetine and is prepared from ipecac especially as a syrup for use in treating accidental poisoning

Iphigenia
: a daughter of Agamemnon nearly sacrificed by him to Artemis but saved by her and made a priestess

IPM
integrated pest management

ipm
inches per minute

IPO
: an initial public offering of a company's stock

Ipoh
city Malaysia capital of Perak pop 125,766

iproniazid
n. : a derivative C_9H_13N_3O of isoniazid that is used as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and was formerly used in treating tuberculosis

ips
inches per second

ipse dixit
: an assertion made but not proved : DICTUM

ipsilateral
adj. : situated or appearing on or affecting the same side of the body
–ip·si·lat·er·al·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

ipsissima verba
: the exact language used by someone quoted

ipso facto
: by that very fact or act : as an inevitable result

Ipswich
1 city E Australia in SE Queensland pop 73,299
2 town SE England capital of Suffolk pop 115,500

IPTS
International Practical Temperature Scale

IQ
n. 1 : a number used to express the apparent relative intelligence of a person: as a : the ratio of the mental age (as reported on a standardized test) to the chronological age multiplied by 100 b : a score determined by one's performance on a standardized intelligence test relative to the average performance of others of the same age
2 : proficiency in or knowledge of a specified subject <nobody questioned his hockey IQ>

iq
n. the same as

Iqaluit
n. town Canada capital of Nunavut on Baffin Is. pop 5236

Iquique
city & port N Chile on the Pacific pop 216,419

Iquitos
city NE Peru on the Amazon pop 269,500

IR
1 information retrieval
2 infrared
3 British inland revenue
4 intelligence ratio
5 internal revenue

Ir
iridium

ir
― see IN-

IRA
: a retirement savings account in which income taxes on certain deposits and on all gains are deferred until withdrawals are made

IRA
Irish Republican Army

ira furor brevis est
: anger is a brief madness

iraimbilanja
― see MONEY table

Iraklion
city & port Greece capital of Crete pop 117,167

Iran
n. country SW Asia bordering in N on Caspian Sea & in S on Persian Gulf & Gulf of Oman; an Islamic republic since 1979, formerly an empire capital Tehran area 635,932 sq mi (1,647,064 sq km), pop 59,570,000
–Irani \-'rä-nē, -'ra-\ adjective or noun

Iranian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Iran
2 : a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes Persian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Iranian adjective

Irapuato
city cen Mexico in Guanajuato pop 412,639

Iraq
n. country SW Asia in Mesopotamia; a republic since 1958, formerly a kingdom capital Baghdad area 168,927 sq mi (437,521 sq km), pop 18,838,000
–Iraqi \-'rä-kē, -'ra-\ adjective or noun

irascible
adj. : marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger
–iras·ci·bil·i·ty \-ˌra-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–iras·ci·ble·ness \i-'ra-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–iras·ci·bly \-blē\ adverb

irate
adj. 1 : roused to ire <an irate taxpayer>
2 : arising from anger <irate words>
–irate·ly adverb
–irate·ness noun

Irbil
― see ARBīL

IRBM
intermediate range ballistic missile

IRD
integrated receiver decoder; integrated receiver descrambler

Ire
n. Ireland

ire
n. : intense and usually openly displayed anger
synonyms see ANGER
–ire transitive verb
–ire·ful \-fəl\ adjective

Iredell
James 1751-1799 American jurist

Ireland
n. 1 or L Hi·ber·nia \hī-'bər-nē-ə\ island W Europe in the Atlantic, one of the British Isles area 32,052 sq mi (83,015 sq km); divided bet. Ireland (republic) & Northern Ireland
2 or Ei·re \'er-ə\ country occupying major portion of the island; a republic since 1949; a division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1801-1921 & (as Irish Free State) a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations 1922-37 capital Dublin area 26,602 sq mi (69,165 sq km), pop 3,917,203
3 ― see NORTHERN IRELAND

Ireland
n. New Ireland
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

irenic
adj. : favoring, conducive to, or operating toward peace, moderation, or conciliation
–ire·ni·cal·ly \-'re-ni-k(ə-)lē, -'rē-\ adverb

Ireton
Henry 1611-1651 Eng. soldier & polit.

Irian Jaya
― see WEST PAPUA

irid
iridescent

irid
1 [Latin irid-, iris] : rainbow <iridescent>
2 [New Latin irid-, iris] : iris of the eye <iridology>

iridescence
n. 1 : a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view changes
2 : a lustrous or attractive quality or effect

iridescent
adj. : having or exhibiting iridescence
–ir·i·des·cent·ly adverb

iridic
adj. : of or relating to the iris of the eye

iridium
n. : a rare silver-white hard brittle very heavy metallic element ― see ELEMENT table

iridology
n. : the study of the iris of the eye for indications of bodily health and disease
–ir·i·dol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

iridosmine
: a mineral that is a native iridium osmium alloy usually containing some rhodium and platinum

Irigoyen
Hi·pó·li·to \ē-'pȯ-lē-ˌtō\ 1852-1933 pres. of Argentina (1916-22; 1928-30)

Iris
n. : the Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods

iris
n. 1 : RAINBOW
2 [New Latin irid-, iris, from Greek] a : the opaque contractile diaphragm perforated by the pupil and forming the colored portion of the eye ― see EYE illustration b : IRIS DIAPHRAGM also : a similar device with a circular opening that can be varied in size
3 also plural iris [New Latin Irid-, Iris, genus name, from L] : any of a large genus (Iris of the family Iridaceae, the iris family) of perennial herbaceous plants with linear usually basal leaves and large showy flowers

iris
n. : to make iridescent

iris
n. bearded iris
iris diaphragm
Japanese iris

iris diaphragm
: an adjustable diaphragm of thin opaque plates that can be turned by a ring so as to change the diameter of a central opening usually to regulate the aperture of a lens

Irish
adj. 1 plural in construction : natives or inhabitants of Ireland or their descendants especially when of Celtic speech or culture
2 a : the Celtic language of Ireland especially as used since the later medieval period b : English spoken by the Irish
3 : IRISH WHISKEY
–Irish adjective

Irish
adj. Irish potato
Irish bull
Irish coffee
Irish confetti
Irish Gaelic
Irish mail
Irish moss
Irish setter
Irish stew
Irish terrier
Irish water spaniel
Irish whiskey
Irish wolfhound
Middle Irish
Old Irish
Scotch Irish
Scots Irish
Irish Sea
anti Irish

Irish bull
: an incongruous statement (as “it was hereditary in his family to have no children”)

Irish coffee
: hot sugared coffee and Irish whiskey topped with whipped cream

Irish confetti
: a rock or brick used as a missile

Irish Gaelic
: IRISH 2A

Irish mail
: a 3- or 4-wheeled toy vehicle activated by a hand lever

Irish moss
1 : the dried and bleached plants of a red alga (esp. Chondrus crispus) used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent and as a source of carrageenan
2 : a red alga that is a source of Irish moss ― called also carrageen

Irish potato
: POTATO 2B

Irish Sea
arm of the Atlantic bet. Great Britain & Ireland

Irish setter
: any of a breed of bird dogs resembling English setters but with a glossy mahogany-red coat

Irish stew
: a stew having as its principal ingredients meat (as lamb), potatoes, and onions in a thick gravy

Irish terrier
: any of a breed of active medium-sized terriers characterized by a dense close usually reddish wiry coat

Irish water spaniel
: any of a breed of medium-sized retrievers characterized by a topknot, a heavy curly coat which is dark liver in color, and a short-haired tail

Irish whiskey
: whiskey made in Ireland chiefly of barley

Irish wolfhound
: any of a breed of very tall heavily built hounds having a rough wiry coat

Irishism
n. 1 : a word, phrase, or expression characteristic of the Irish
2 : IRISH BULL

Irishly
: in a manner characteristic of the Irish

Irishman
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Ireland
2 : a person who is of Irish descent

Irishness
: the fact or quality of being Irish

Irishry
1 : IRISH 1
2 a : Irish quality or character b : an Irish peculiarity or trait

Irishwoman
n. : a woman born in Ireland or of Irish descent

iritis
n. : inflammation of the iris of the eye

irk
v. : to make weary, irritated, or bored
synonyms see ANNOY

irk
v. 1 : the fact of being annoying
2 : a source of annoyance

irksome
adj. : tending to irk : TEDIOUS <an irksome task>
–irk·some·ly adverb
–irk·some·ness noun

Irkutsk
city S Russia in Asia on the Angara near Lake Baikal pop 639,000

iroko
n. : a large tropical western African tree (Chlorophora excelsa) of the mulberry family having strong streaky insect-resistant wood which is often used as a teak substitute also : this wood

iron
n. 1 : a silver-white malleable ductile magnetic heavy metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs native in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most used of metals, and is vital to biological processes ― see ELEMENT table
2 : something made of iron: as a plural : shackles for the hands or legs b : a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing c : a household device usually with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (as cloth) d : STIRRUP ― usually used in plural e : any of a series of numbered golf clubs having relatively thin metal heads ― compare WOOD
3 : great strength, hardness, or determination
–iron in the fire
1 : a matter requiring close attention
2 : a prospective course of action

iron
n. 1 : of, relating to, or made of iron
2 : resembling iron
3 a : strong and healthy : ROBUST <an iron constitution> b : INFLEXIBLE, UNRELENTING <iron determination> c : holding or binding fast <an iron grip>
–iron·ness \'ī(-ə)rn-nəs\ noun

iron
n. 1 : to furnish or cover with iron
2 : to shackle with irons
3 a : to smooth with or as if with a heated iron <iron a shirt> b : to remove (as wrinkles) by ironing
intransitive verb : to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron

iron
n. alpha iron
angle iron
cast iron
climbing iron
curling iron
grappling iron
ingot iron
iron in the fire
Iron Age
iron curtain
iron gray
iron hand
iron horse
iron lung
iron maiden
iron man
iron out
iron oxide
iron pyrites
iron pyrite
iron ration
iron sulfide
pig iron
pump iron
shooting iron
soldering iron
steam iron
waffle iron
wrought iron
Iron Gate
fire irons
ironing board

Iron Age
: the period of human culture characterized by the smelting of iron and its use in industry beginning somewhat before 1000 B.C. in western Asia and Egypt

iron curtain
1 : an impenetrable barrier <the iron curtain between the ego and the unconscious ― C. J. Rolo>
2 : a political, military, and ideological barrier that cuts off and isolates an area specifically often capitalized : one formerly isolating an area under Soviet control

Iron Gate
gorge 2 mi (3.2 km) long in the Danube where it cuts around Transylvanian Alps on border bet. Romania & Serbia

iron gray
: a slightly greenish dark gray

iron hand
: stern or rigorous control <ruled with an iron hand>
–iron·hand·ed \'ī(-ə)rn-'han-dəd\ adjective

iron horse
: LOCOMOTIVE 1 especially : a steam locomotive

iron in the fire

1 : a matter requiring close attention
2 : a prospective course of action

iron lung
: a device for artificial respiration in which rhythmic alternations in the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest force air into and out of the lungs

iron maiden
: a supposed medieval torture device consisting of a hollow iron statue or coffin in the shape of a woman that is lined with spikes which impale the enclosed victim

iron man
: a man of unusual physical endurance

iron out
1 : to make smooth or flat by or as if by pressing
2 : to resolve or work out a solution to <ironed out their differences>

iron oxide
: any of several oxides of iron: as a : FERRIC OXIDE b : the monoxide FeO of iron

iron pyrites
: PYRITE ― called also iron pyrite

iron ration
: an emergency ration

iron sulfide
: any of several sulfides of iron

ironbark
n. : any of several Australian eucalypti having hard gray bark and heavy hard durable wood used especially in heavy construction also : this wood

ironbound
adj. : bound with or as if with iron: as a : HARSH, RUGGED <ironbound coast> b : STERN, RIGOROUS <ironbound traditions>

ironclad
n. 1 : sheathed in iron armor ― used especially of naval vessels
2 : so firm or secure as to be unbreakable: as a : BINDING <an ironclad oath> b : having no obvious weakness <an ironclad case against the defendant>

ironclad
n. : an armored naval vessel especially of the mid to late 19th century

ironer
n. : one that irons specifically : MANGLE

ironfisted
adj. 1 : STINGY, MISERLY
2 : being both harsh and ruthless <ironfisted methods>

ironhearted
: CRUEL, HARD-HEARTED

ironic
adj. 1 : relating to, containing, or constituting irony <an ironic remark> <an ironic coincidence>
2 : given to irony <an ironic sense of humor>
synonyms see SARCASTIC
–iron·i·cal·ness \-ni-kəl-nəs\ noun

ironically
adv. 1 : in an ironic manner
2 : it is ironic, curious, or surprising

ironing
n. 1 : the action or process of smoothing or pressing with or as if with a heated iron
2 : clothes ironed or to be ironed

ironing board
: a flat padded cloth-covered surface on which clothes are ironed

ironist
n. : one who uses irony especially in the development of a literary work or theme

ironize
v. transitive verb : to make ironic in appearance or effect
intransitive verb : to use irony : speak or behave ironically

ironmaster
n. : a manufacturer of iron

ironmonger
n. British : a dealer in iron and hardware

ironmongery
n. : something made of metal especially British : HARDWARE 1

Ironside
n. William Edmund 1880-1959 1st Baron Ironside Brit. field marshal

ironside
n. : a man of great strength or bravery

ironstone
n. 1 : a hard sedimentary rock rich in iron especially : a siderite in a coal region
2 : IRONSTONE CHINA

ironstone china
: a hard heavy durable white pottery developed in England early in the 19th century

ironware
n. : articles made of iron

ironweed
n. : any of a genus (Vernonia) of mostly weedy composite plants usually having alternate leaves and perfect red, purple, or white tubular flowers in terminal cymose heads

ironwood
n. 1 : any of numerous trees and shrubs (as a hornbeam or hop hornbeam) with exceptionally tough or hard wood
2 : the wood of an ironwood

ironwork
n. 1 : work in iron also : something made of iron
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : a mill or building where iron or steel is smelted or heavy iron or steel products are made
–iron·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

irony
n. 1 : a pretense of ignorance and of willingness to learn from another assumed in order to make the other's false conceptions conspicuous by adroit questioning ― called also Socratic irony
2 a : the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning b : a usually humorous or sardonic literary style or form characterized by irony c : an ironic expression or utterance
3 a (1) : incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result (2) : an event or result marked by such incongruity b : incongruity between a situation developed in a drama and the accompanying words or actions that is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play ― called also dramatic irony tragic irony
synonyms see WIT

irony
n. tragic irony
dramatic irony
Socratic irony

Iroquoian
n. 1 : a member of any of the peoples constituting the Iroquois
2 : an American Indian language family of eastern No. America including Cayuga, Cherokee, Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora
–Iroquoian adjective

Iroquois
n. 1 plural : an American Indian confederacy orig. of New York consisting of the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca and later including the Tuscarora
2 : a member of any of the Iroquois peoples

IRQ
interrupt request

irradiance
n. 1 : RADIANCE 1
2 : the density of radiation incident on a given surface usually expressed in watts per square centimeter or square meter

irradiate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cast rays of light upon : ILLUMINATE b : to enlighten intellectually or spiritually c : to affect or treat by radiant energy (as heat) specifically : to treat by irradiation
2 : to emit like rays of light : RADIATE <irradiating strength and comfort>
intransitive verb archaic : to emit rays : SHINE
–ir·ra·di·a·tive \-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–ir·ra·di·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

irradiation
n. 1 : exposure to radiation (as X rays or alpha particles)
2 : the application of radiation (as X rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food) also : partial or complete sterilization by irradiation

irradicable
: impossible to eradicate : DEEP-ROOTED <irradicable hatred>
–ir·rad·i·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

irrational
adj. : not rational: as a (1) : not endowed with reason or understanding (2) : lacking usual or normal mental clarity or coherence b : not governed by or according to reason <irrational fears> c Greek & Latin prosody (1) of a syllable : having a quantity other than that required by the meter (2) of a foot : containing such a syllable d (1) : being an irrational number <an irrational root of an equation> (2) : having a numerical value that is an irrational number <a length that is irrational>
–ir·ra·tio·nal·i·ty \-ˌra-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·ra·tio·nal·ly \-'ra-sh(ə-)nə-lē\ adverb

irrational
adj. 1 : an irrational being
2 : IRRATIONAL NUMBER

irrational number
: a number that can be expressed as an infinite decimal with no set of consecutive digits repeating itself indefinitely and that cannot be expressed as the quotient of two integers

irrationalism
n. 1 : a system emphasizing intuition, instinct, feeling, or faith rather than reason or holding that the universe is governed by irrational forces
2 : the quality or state of being irrational
–ir·ra·tio·nal·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–ir·ra·tio·nal·is·tic \-ˌra-sh(ə-)nə-'lis-tik\ adjective

Irrawaddy
river 1300 mi (2092 km) Myanmar flowing S into Bay of Bengal through several mouths

irreal
: not real

irreality
: UNREALITY

irreclaimable
adj. : incapable of being reclaimed
–ir·re·claim·ably \-blē\ adverb

irreconcilable
: impossible to reconcile <irreconcilable differences>
–ir·rec·on·cil·abil·i·ty \-ˌre-kən-ˌsī-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·rec·on·cil·able·ness \-ˌre-kən-'sī-lə-bəl-nəs, -'re-kən-ˌ\ noun
–ir·rec·on·cil·ably \-blē\ adverb

irreconcilable
n. : one that is irreconcilable especially : a member of a group (as a political party) opposing compromise or collaboration

irrecoverable
adj. : not capable of being recovered or rectified : IRREPARABLE <an irrecoverable loss>
–ir·re·cov·er·able·ness noun
–ir·re·cov·er·ably \-blē\ adverb

irrecusable
adj. : not subject to exception or rejection <irrecusable proof>
–ir·re·cu·sa·bly \-blē\ adverb

irred
irredeemable

irredeemable
adj. 1 : not redeemable: as a : not terminable by payment of the principal <irredeemable bond> b : INCONVERTIBLE A
2 : being beyond remedy : HOPELESS <irredeemable mistakes>
–ir·re·deem·ably \-blē\ adverb

irredenta
n. : a territory historically or ethnically related to one political unit but under the political control of another

irredentism
n. : a political principle or policy directed toward the incorporation of irredentas within the boundaries of their historically or ethnically related political unit
–ir·re·den·tist \-'den-tist\ noun or adjective

irreducible
adj. 1 : impossible to transform into or restore to a desired or simpler condition <an irreducible matrix> specifically : incapable of being factored into polynomials of lower degree with coefficients in some given field (as the rational numbers) or integral domain (as the integers) <an irreducible equation>
2 : impossible to make less or smaller <an irreducible minimum>
–ir·re·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdü-sə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌdyü-\ noun
–ir·re·duc·ibly \-'dü-sə-blē, -'dyü-\ adverb

irreflexive
: being a relation for which the reflexive property does not hold for any element of a given set

irreformable
adj. 1 : incapable of being reformed : INCORRIGIBLE
2 : not subject to revision or alteration <irreformable dogma>
–ir·re·form·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

irrefragable
adj. 1 : impossible to refute <irrefragable arguments>
2 : impossible to break or alter <irrefragable rules>
–ir·re·fra·ga·bil·i·ty \i-ˌre-frə-gə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌi(r)-; ˌir-i-ˌfra-gə-\ noun
–ir·ref·ra·ga·bly \i-'re-frə-gə-blē, ˌi(r)-; ˌir-i-'fra-gə-\ adverb

irrefutable
adj. : impossible to refute : INCONTROVERTIBLE <irrefutable proof>
–ir·re·fut·abil·i·ty \ˌir-i-ˌfyü-tə-'bi-lə-tē; i-ˌre-fyə-tə-, ˌi(r)-\ noun
–ir·re·fut·ably \ˌir-i-'fyü-tə-blē; i-'re-fyə-tə-, ˌi(r)-\ adverb

irreg
irregular

irregardless
adv. nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word.” There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

irregular
n. 1 a : not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom <irregular conduct> b : not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection <irregular verbs> specifically : STRONG 16 c : not following a usual or prescribed procedure especially British : celebrated without either proclamation of the banns or publication of intention to marry <irregular marriage>
2 : not belonging to or a part of a regular organized group specifically : not belonging to a regular army but raised for a special purpose <irregular troops>
3 a : lacking perfect symmetry or evenness <an irregular coastline> b : having one or more floral parts of the same whorl different in size, shape, or arrangement specifically : ZYGOMORPHIC
4 : lacking continuity or regularity especially of occurrence or activity <irregular employment>
–ir·reg·u·lar·ly adverb
synonyms IRREGULAR, ANOMALOUS, UNNATURAL mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom. IRREGULAR implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct <concerned about his irregular behavior>. ANOMALOUS implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence <her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization>. UNNATURAL suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society <prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty>.

irregular
n. : one that is irregular: as a : a soldier who is not a member of a regular military force b plural : merchandise that has minor defects or that falls next below the manufacturer's standard for firsts

irregularity
n. 1 : something that is irregular (as improper or dishonest conduct) <alleged irregularities in the city government>
2 : the quality or state of being irregular
3 : CONSTIPATION

irrelative
adj. : not relative: a : not related b : IRRELEVANT
–ir·rel·a·tive·ly adverb

irrelevance
n. 1 : the quality or state of being irrelevant
2 : something irrelevant

irrelevancy
n. : IRRELEVANCE

irrelevant
adj. : not relevant : INAPPLICABLE <that statement is irrelevant to your argument>
–ir·rel·e·vant·ly adverb

irreligion
n. : the quality or state of being irreligious
–ir·re·li·gion·ist \-'lij-nist, -'li-jə-\ noun

irreligious
adj. 1 : neglectful of religion : lacking religious emotions, doctrines, or practices <so irreligious that they exploit popular religion for professional purposes ― G. B. Shaw>
2 : indicating lack of religion
–ir·re·li·gious·ly adverb

irremeable
adj. : offering no possibility of return <irremeable losses>

irremediable
adj. : not remediable <an irremediable error> also : INCURABLE
–ir·re·me·di·a·ble·ness noun
–ir·re·me·di·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

irremovable
adj. : not removable
–ir·re·mov·abil·i·ty \-ˌmü-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·mov·ably \-'mü-və-blē\ adverb

irreparable
adj. : not reparable : IRREMEDIABLE <irreparable damage>
–ir·rep·a·ra·ble·ness noun
–ir·rep·a·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

irrepealable
adj. : not repealable
–ir·re·peal·abil·i·ty \-ˌpē-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

irreplaceable
adj. : not replaceable <an irreplaceable antique>
–ir·re·place·abil·i·ty \-ˌplā-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·place·able·ness \-'plā-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ir·re·place·ably \-blē\ adverb

irrepressible
adj. : impossible to repress, restrain, or control <irrepressible curiosity>
–ir·re·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·press·ibly \-'pre-sə-blē\ adverb

irreproachable
: not reproachable : BLAMELESS, IMPECCABLE <irreproachable conduct>
–ir·re·proach·abil·i·ty \-ˌprō-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·proach·able·ness \-'prō-chə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ir·re·proach·ably \-blē\ adverb

irreproducible
: not reproducible <irreproducible craftsmanship>
–ir·re·pro·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdü-sə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌdyü-\ noun

irresistible
: impossible to resist <an irresistible attraction>
–ir·re·sist·ibil·i·ty also ir·re·sist·abil·i·ty \-ˌzis-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·sist·ible·ness also ir·re·sist·able·ness \-'zis-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ir·re·sist·ibly also ir·re·sist·ably \-blē\ adverb

irresoluble
1 archaic : INDISSOLUBLE
2 : having or admitting of no solution or explanation <an irresoluble question>

irresolute
adj. : uncertain how to act or proceed : VACILLATING <irresolute legislators>
–ir·res·o·lute·ly \-ˌlüt-lē, -lət-; -ˌre-zə-'lüt-\ adverb
–ir·res·o·lute·ness \-ˌlüt-nəs, -lət-, -'lüt-\ noun
–ir·res·o·lu·tion \-ˌre-zə-'lü-shən\ noun

irresolvable
adj. : incapable of being resolved <an irresolvable conflict> also : not analyzable

irrespective of
: REGARDLESS OF <paid irrespective of how hard they work ― Lee Bowes>

irresponsible
: not responsible: as a : not answerable to higher authority <an irresponsible dictatorship> b : said or done with no sense of responsibility <irresponsible accusations> c : lacking a sense of responsibility d : unable especially mentally or financially to bear responsibility
–ir·re·spon·si·bil·i·ty \ˌir-i-ˌspän(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·spon·si·ble·ness \ˌir-i-'spän(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ir·re·spon·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

irresponsible
adj. : a person who is irresponsible

irresponsive
adj. : not responsive especially : not able, ready, or inclined to respond
–ir·re·spon·sive·ness noun

irretrievable
adj. : not retrievable : impossible to regain or recover
–ir·re·triev·abil·i·ty \-ˌtrē-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·triev·ably \ˌir-i-'trē-və-blē\ adverb

irreverence
n. 1 : lack of reverence
2 : an irreverent act or utterance

irreverent
adj. : lacking proper respect or seriousness also : SATIRIC
–ir·rev·er·ent·ly adverb

irreversible
adj. : not reversible
–ir·re·vers·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ir·re·vers·ibly \-'vər-sə-blē\ adverb

irrevocable
adj. : not possible to revoke : UNALTERABLE <an irrevocable decision>
–ir·rev·o·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌre-və-kə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌir-(r)ə-ˌvō-kə-\ noun
–ir·rev·o·ca·ble·ness \-'re-və-kə-bəl-nəs, ˌir-(r)ə-'vō-kə-\ noun
–ir·rev·o·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

irridenta
variant of irredenta

irrigable
adj. : suitable for irrigation <irrigable land>

irrigate
v. transitive verb
1 : WET, MOISTEN: as a : to supply (as land or crops) with water by artificial means b : to flush (a body part) with a stream of liquid (as in removing a foreign body or medicating)
2 : to refresh as if by watering
intransitive verb : to practice irrigation
–ir·ri·ga·tor \'ir-ə-ˌgā-tər\ noun

irrigation
n. 1 : the therapeutic flushing of a body part with a stream of liquid
2 : the watering of land by artificial means to foster plant growth

irritability
n. 1 : the property of protoplasm and of living organisms that permits them to react to stimuli
2 : the quality or state of being irritable: as a : quick excitability to annoyance, impatience, or anger : PETULANCE b : abnormal or excessive excitability of an organ or part of the body

irritable
adj. : capable of being irritated: as a : easily exasperated or excited <gets irritable when he tires> b : responsive to stimuli
–ir·ri·ta·ble·ness noun
–ir·ri·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

irritable bowel syndrome
: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is characterized especially by constipation or diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and the passage of mucus in the stool ― abbreviation IBS

irritant
n. : causing irritation specifically : tending to produce physical irritation

irritant
n. : something that irritates or excites

irritate
v. transitive verb
1 : to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in : ANNOY
2 : to induce irritability in or of
intransitive verb : to cause or induce displeasure or irritation
–ir·ri·tat·ing·ly \-ˌtā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms IRRITATE, EXASPERATE, NETTLE, PROVOKE, RILE, PEEVE mean to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance. IRRITATE implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage <constant nagging that irritated me greatly>. EXASPERATE suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience <his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions>. NETTLE suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging <your pompous attitude nettled several people>. PROVOKE implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action <remarks made solely to provoke her>. RILE implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation <the new work schedules riled the employees>. PEEVE suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation <a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie>.

irritated
adj. : subjected to irritation especially : roughened, reddened, or inflamed by an irritant <irritated eyes>

irritation
n. 1 a : the act of irritating b : something that irritates c : the state of being irritated
2 : a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

irritative
adj. 1 : serving to excite : IRRITATING
2 : accompanied with or produced by irritation <irritative coughing>

irrotational
1 : not rotating or involving rotation
2 : free of vortices <irrotational flow>

irrupt
v. 1 : to rush in forcibly or violently
2 of a natural population : to undergo a sudden upsurge in numbers especially when natural ecological balances and checks are disturbed
3 : ERUPT 1C <the crowd irrupted in a fervor of patriotism ― Time>
–ir·rup·tion \-'rəp-shən\ noun

irruptive
adj. : irrupting or tending to irrupt <irruptive passions>
–ir·rup·tive·ly adverb

IRS
Internal Revenue Service

Irtysh
river over 2600 mi (4180 km) cen Asia flowing from Altai Mountains in China NW & N through Kazakhstan & into the Ob' in W Russia in Asia

Irun
commune N Spain in Guipúzcoa pop 56,601

Irvine
city SW Calif. SE of Santa Ana pop 143,072

Irving
n. Sir Henry 1838-1905 orig. John Henry Brodribb Eng. actor

Irving
n. Washington 1783-1859 American essayist, nov., & hist.

Irving
n. city NE Tex. W of Dallas pop 191,615

Irwin
n. William Henry 1873-1948 Will Irwin American journalist

IS
information system

is
present 3d singular of be dialect present 1st & 2d singular of be dialect present plural of be

is
island; isle

is
1 : equal : homogeneous : uniform <isentropic>
2 : isomeric <isocyanate>
3 : for or from different individuals of the same species <isoagglutinin>

is
what is it
as is
that is to say
where one is at
who is who
for all one is worth

ISA
Industry Standard Architecture

Isa
Isaiah

Isa
what is it
as is
that is to say
where one is at
who is who
for all one is worth

Isaac
n. : the son of Abraham and father of Jacob according to the account in Genesis

Isaacs
Sir Isaac Alfred 1855-1948 Austral. jurist & statesman; gov.-gen. of Australia (1931-36)

Isaacs
Rufus Daniel ― see Marquis of READING

Isabela
city NW Puerto Rico pop 44,444

Isabela Island
island Ecuador; largest of the Galápagos area 1650 sq mi (4290 sq km), pop 336

Isabella
n. 1451-1504 wife of Ferdinand V of Castile queen of Castile (1474-1504) & of Aragon (1479-1504)

Isaiah
n. 1 : a major Hebrew prophet in Judah about 740 to 701 B.C.
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Isaias
: ISAIAH

isallobar
: an imaginary line or a line on a chart connecting the places of equal change of atmospheric pressure within a specified time
–is·al·lo·bar·ic \ˌī-ˌsa-lə-'bär-ik, -'ber-, -'ba-rik\ adjective

Isar
river 163 mi (262 km) W Europe flowing from Tirol, Austria, through Bavaria, Germany, into the Danube

Isauria
ancient district in E Pisidia S Asia Minor on N slope of W Taurus Mountains
–Isau·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

ISBN
International Standard Book Number

ISC
interstate commerce

ischaemia
n. chiefly British variant of ischemia

ischemia
n. : deficient supply of blood to a body part (as the heart or brain) that is due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood
–is·che·mic \-mik\ adjective

Ischia
n. island Italy in Tyrrhenian Sea WSW of Naples area 18 sq mi (47 sq km)

ischium
n. : the dorsal and posterior of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis
–is·chi·al \-əl\ adjective

ISDN
integrated services digital network

ise
chiefly British : -IZE

Ise Bay
inlet of the Pacific S Japan on S coast of Honshu

isentropic
adj. : of or relating to equal or constant entropy especially : taking place without change of entropy
–is·en·tro·pi·cal·ly \-'trō-pi-k(ə-)lē, -'trä-\ adverb

Iseo, Lake
lake 14 mi (22 km) long N Italy in Lombardy

Isere
river 150 mi (241 km) SE France flowing from Graian Alps WSW into the Rhône

Iserlohn
city W Germany pop 96,976

Iseult
n. : ISOLDE

Isfahan
― see ESFAHāN

ish
1 : of, relating to, or being ― chiefly in adjectives indicating nationality or ethnic group <Finnishish>
2 a : characteristic of <boyish> <Pollyannaish> b : inclined or liable to <bookish> <qualmish>
3 a : having a touch or trace of <purplish> : somewhat <darkish> b : having the approximate age of <fortyish>

Isherwood
Christopher William Bradshaw 1904-1986 American (Brit.-born) writer

Ishii
Viscount Kikujiro 1866-1945 Jp. diplomat

Ishim
river 1330 mi (2140 km) flowing from N Kazakhstan N into the Irtysh in W Russia in Asia

Ishmael
n. 1 : the outcast son of Abraham and Hagar according to the account in Genesis
2 : a social outcast

Ishmaelite
n. 1 : a descendant of Ishmael
2 : ISHMAEL 2
–Ish·ma·el·it·ish \-ˌlī-tish\ adjective
–Ish·ma·el·it·ism \-ˌlī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Isidore of Seville
Saint ca 560-636 L. Isidorus Hispalensis Span. prelate & scholar

isinglass
n. 1 : a semitransparent whitish very pure gelatin prepared from the air bladders of fishes (as sturgeons) and used especially as a clarifying agent and in jellies and glue
2 : mica especially when in thin transparent sheets especially : MUSCOVITE 2

Isis
n. : an Egyptian nature goddess and wife and sister of Osiris

Isis
n. the Thames, England, at & upstream from Oxford

Iskander Bey
― see SKANDERBEG

Iskenderun
city & port S Turkey on Gulf of Iskenderun (inlet of the Mediterranean) pop 154,807

isl
island

Islam
n. 1 : the religious faith of Muslims including belief in Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet
2 a : the civilization erected upon Islamic faith b : the group of modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion
–Is·lam·ic \is-'lä-mik, iz-, -'la-\ adjective
–Is·lam·ics \-miks\ noun plural but singular or plural in construction

Islamabad
n. city capital of Pakistan in NE part of the country NE of Rawalpindi pop 529,180

Islamic calendar
: a lunar calendar reckoned from the Hegira in A.D. 622 and organized in cycles of 30 years ― see MONTH table

Islamic era
: the era used in Muslim countries for numbering Islamic calendar years since the Hegira

Islamism
n. 1 : the faith, doctrine, or cause of Islam
2 : a popular reform movement advocating the reordering of government and society in accordance with laws prescribed by Islam
–Is·lam·ist \-mist\ noun

Islamize
v. : to make Islamic especially : to convert to Islam
–Is·lam·i·za·tion \ˌiz-lə-mə-'zā-shən; is-ˌlä-mə-, iz-, -ˌla-\ noun

Island
n. ― see ICELAND

island
n. 1 : a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
2 : something resembling an island especially in its isolated or surrounded position: as a : a usually raised area within a thoroughfare, parking lot, or driveway used especially to separate or direct traffic b : a superstructure on the deck of a ship (as an aircraft carrier) c : a kitchen counter that is approachable from all sides
3 : an isolated group or area especially : an isolated ethnological group

island
n. 1 a : to make into or as if into an island b : to dot with or as if with islands
2 : ISOLATE

island
n. Ocean Island
Pleasant Island
barrier island
floating island
island hop
island universe
Norfolk Island pine
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island White
sea island cotton
sea island
Thousand Island dressing
traffic island
Admiralty Island
Alexander I Island
Anticosti Island
Aquidneck Island
Rhode Island
Baffin Island
Baker Island
Banks Island
Bathurst Island
Bedloe's Island
Block Island
Blue Island
Bombay Island
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Cape Breton Island
Cape Sable Island
Christmas Island
Conanicut Island
Coney Island
Cordova Island
Devil's Island
Devon Island
Easter Island
Elk Island National Park
Ellesmere Island
Ellis Island
Florida Island
Grand Island
Grand Manan Island
Hatteras Island
Hilton Head Island
Holy Island
Holyhead Island
Isabela Island
Jan Mayen Island
Jupiter Island
Kanton Island
Kent Island
Kuiu Island
Liberty Island
Long Island
Long Island City
Long Island Sound
Lord Howe Island
Lundy Island
Manitoulin Island
Marcus Island
Mare Island
Melville Island
Merritt Island
Mount Desert Island
Norfolk Island
North Island
Ocracoke Island
Padre Island
Parris Island
Pelee Island
Pitcairn Island
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince of Wales Island
Principe Island
Príncipe Island
Revillagigedo Island
Roanoke Island
Rock Island
Sable Island
Saint John Island
Saint Lawrence Island
Saint Simons Island
San Clemente Island
Chatham Island
Sanibel Island
Santa Rosa Island
Somerset Island
Southampton Island
South Island
Staten Island
Stewart Island
Thursday Island
Vancouver Island
Victoria Island
Wake Island
Wallops Island
Whidbey Island
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Sandwich Islands
Hawaiian Islands
Laccadive Minicoy and Amindivi Islands
Maltese Islands
Danger Islands
Navigators Islands
Ellice Islands
Admiralty Islands
Aegates Islands
Aegean Islands
Aleutian Islands
Amindivi Islands
Amirante Islands
Andaman Islands
Andreanof Islands
Aran Islands
Aru Islands
Austral Islands
Babar Islands
Babuyan Islands
Balearic Islands
Banda Islands
Banks Islands
Bonin Islands
Ogasawara Islands
British Solomon Islands
British Virgin Islands
Canary Islands
Cape Verde Islands
Caroline Islands
Cayman Islands
Channel Islands
Santa Barbara Islands
Channel Islands National Park
Chatham Islands
Cocos Islands
Keeling Islands
Commander Islands
Cook Islands
Corn Islands
Crozet Islands
D'Entrecasteaux Islands
Diomede Islands
East Frisian Islands
Egadi Islands
Elizabeth Islands
Faeroe Islands
Faroe Islands
Falkland Islands
Farallon Islands
Farquhar Islands
Fox Islands
Frisian Islands
Futuna Islands
Hoorn Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galápagos Islands
Gambier Islands
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Gilbert Islands
Greater Sunda Islands
Hyeres Islands
Hyères Islands
Ionian Islands
Kerguelen Islands
Kermadec Islands
Komandorski Islands
Kuria Muria Islands
Kuril Islands
Kurile Islands
Laccadive Islands
Cannanore Islands
Ladrone Islands
Leeward Islands
Lesser Sunda Islands
Line Islands
Lipari Islands
Loyalty Islands
Magdalen Islands
Manihiki Islands
Manua Islands
Mariana Islands
Marquesas Islands
Marshall Islands
Mascarene Islands
Near Islands
New Siberian Islands
Nicobar Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Northern Mariana Islands
Orkney Islands
Osumi Islands
Out Islands
Pacific Islands Trust Territory of the
Parry Islands
Pelagie Islands
Philippine Islands
Phoenix Islands
Pontine Islands
Pribilof Islands
Queen Charlotte Islands
Queen Elizabeth Islands
Rat Islands
Ryukyu Islands
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Sakishima Islands
Sangihe Islands
Sangi Islands
San Juan Islands
Santa Cruz Islands
Schouten Islands
Sea Islands
Seven Islands
Shortland Islands
Society Islands
Solomon Islands
South Orkney Islands
South Sandwich Islands
South Shetland Islands
Spratly Islands
Sunda Islands
Sverdrup Islands
Swan Islands
Talaud Islands
Talaur Islands
Tanimbar Islands
Thousand Islands
Tokara Islands
Tokelau Islands
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands of the United States
Visayan Islands
Volcano Islands
Wallis Islands
West Frisian Islands
Windward Islands

island universe
: a galaxy other than the Milky Way

island-hop
: to travel from island to island in a chain

islander
n. : a native or inhabitant of an island

islander
n. Trobriand Islander
Easter Islander
Long Islander
Rhode Islander

Islay
island Scotland in S Inner Hebrides area 234 sq mi (608 sq km), pop 3855

isle
n. : ISLAND especially : ISLET 1

isle
n. 1 : to make an isle of
2 : to place on or as if on an isle

isle
n. Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely
Fair Isle
Avalon Isle of
Belle Isle Strait of
Ely Isle of
Isle of Pines
Isle au Haut
Isle of Avalon
Isle of Ely
Isle of Man
Isle of Wight
Isle Royale
Man Isle of
Meroe Isle of
Meroë Isle of
Pines Isle of
Presque Isle
Purbeck Isle of
Thanet Isle of
Wight Isle of
Youth Isle of
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
British Isles
Scilly Isles of
Western Isles

Isle au Haut
island Maine at entrance to Penobscot Bay ― see ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Isle of Avalon
district, orig. an island, SW England in Somerset including Glastonbury

Isle of Ely
― see ELY (Isle of)

Isle of Man
― see MAN (Isle of)

Isle of Pines
― see YOUTH (Isle of)

Isle of Wight
― see WIGHT (Isle of)

Isle Royale
island Mich. in NW Lake Superior in Isle Royale National Park

islet
n. 1 : a little island
2 : ISLET OF LANGERHANS

islet of Langerhans
: any of the groups of small slightly granular endocrine cells that form anastomosing trabeculae among the tubules and alveoli of the pancreas and secrete insulin and glucagon

Islington
borough of N Greater London, England pop 155,200

ism
n. 1 : a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory
2 : an oppressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief <we all have got to come to grips with our isms ― Jocelyn Elders>

ism
n. 1 a : act : practice : process <criticism> <plagiarism> b : manner of action or behavior characteristic of a (specified) person or thing <animalism> c : prejudice or discrimination on the basis of a (specified) attribute <racism> <sexism>
2 a : state : condition : property <barbarianism> b : abnormal state or condition resulting from excess of a (specified) thing <alcoholism> or marked by resemblance to (such) a person or thing <giantism>
3 a : doctrine : theory : religion <Buddhism> b : adherence to a system or a class of principles <stoicism>
4 : characteristic or peculiar feature or trait <colloquialism>

Isma'il Pasha
1830-1895 viceroy of Egypt (1863-79)

Ismailia
city NE Egypt on the Suez Canal pop 247,000

isn't
v. : is not

ISO
International Organization for Standardization; International Standards Organization

iso
― see IS-

isoalloxazine
n. : a yellow solid C_10H_6N_4O_2 that is the precursor of various flavins (as riboflavin)

isobar
n. 1 : an imaginary line or a line on a map or chart connecting or marking places of equal barometric pressure
2 : one of two or more atoms or elements having the same atomic weights or mass numbers but different atomic numbers

isobaric
adj. 1 : of or relating to an isobar
2 : characterized by constant or equal pressure <an isobaric process>

isobutane
: a gaseous branched-chain hydrocarbon (CH_3)3CH isomeric with normal butane that is used especially as a fuel

isobutylene
n. : a gaseous butylene C_4H_8 used especially in making butyl rubber and gasoline components

isocaloric
: having similar caloric values <isocaloric diets>

isocarboxazid
: an antidepressant drug C_12H_13N_3O_2

isochromosome
n. : a chromosome produced by transverse splitting of the centromere so that both arms are derived from the dyad on one side of the centromere of the parental chromosome and each arm has identical genes arranged in the same order counting away from the centromere

isochron
n. : an imaginary line or a line on a chart connecting points at which an event occurs simultaneously or which represents the same time or time difference

isochronal
adj. : uniform in time : having equal duration : recurring at regular intervals
–iso·chro·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb
–iso·chro·nism \ī-'sä-krə-ˌni-zəm, ˌī-sə-'krō-\ noun

isochronous
adj. : ISOCHRONAL
–iso·chro·nous·ly adverb

isocitric acid
: a crystalline isomer of citric acid that occurs especially as an intermediate stage in the Krebs cycle

Isocrates
436-338 B.C. Athenian orator

isocyanate
: an ester of isomeric cyanic acid used especially in plastics and adhesives

isocyclic
adj. : having or being a ring composed of atoms of only one element especially : CARBOCYCLIC

isodiametric
: having equal diameters

isodose
adj. : of or relating to points or zones in a medium that receive equal doses of radiation

isoelectric
1 : having or representing zero difference of electric potential
2 : being the pH at which the electrolyte will not migrate in an electric field <the isoelectric point of a protein>

isoelectric focusing
: an electrophoretic technique for separating proteins by causing them to migrate under the influence of an electric field through a medium (as a gel) having a pH gradient to locations with pH values corresponding to their isoelectric points

isoelectronic
adj. : having the same number of electrons or valence electrons
–iso·elec·tron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

isoenzyme
n. : any of two or more chemically distinct but functionally similar enzymes
–iso·en·zy·mat·ic \-ˌen-zə-'ma-tik, -zī-\ adjective
–iso·en·zy·mic \-en-'zī-mik\ adjective

isoflavone
: a bioactive ketone C_15H_10O_2 noted for its numerous derivatives that are found in plants (as the soybean) and have antioxidant and estrogenic activity also : any of these derivatives (as daidzein or genistein)

isoform
: any of two or more functionally similar proteins that have a similar but not an identical amino acid sequence

isogamete
n. : a gamete indistinguishable in form or size or behavior from another gamete with which it can unite to form a zygote
–iso·ga·met·ic \-gə-'me-tik\ adjective

isogamous
adj. : having or involving isogametes ― compare HETEROGAMOUS
–isog·a·my \-mē\ noun

isogeneic
adj. : SYNGENEIC <an isogeneic graft>

isogenic
: characterized by essentially identical genes <identical twins are isogenic>

isogloss
n. 1 : a boundary line between places or regions that differ in a particular linguistic feature
2 : a line on a map representing an isogloss
–iso·gloss·al \ˌī-sə-'glä-səl, -'glȯ-\ adjective
–iso·gloss·ic \-'glä-sik, -'glȯ-\ adjective

isogonic
adj. : exhibiting equivalent relative growth of parts such that size relations remain constant
–isog·o·ny \ī-'sä-gə-nē\ noun

isogonic line
: an imaginary line or a line on a map joining points on the earth's surface at which the magnetic declination is the same ― called also isogonal

isograft
n. : a homograft between genetically identical or nearly identical individuals
–isograft transitive verb

isogram
: ISOLINE

isohyet
n. : a line on a map or chart connecting areas of equal rainfall
–iso·hy·et·al \-ə-təl\ adjective

isolable
: capable of being isolated

isolate
v. 1 : to set apart from others also : QUARANTINE
2 : to select from among others especially : to separate from another substance so as to obtain pure or in a free state
3 : INSULATE
–iso·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

isolate
v. : being alone : SOLITARY, ISOLATED

isolate
v. 1 : an individual, population, strain, or culture obtained by or resulting from selection or separation
2 : an individual socially withdrawn or removed from society

isolated
adj. 1 : occurring alone or once : UNIQUE
2 : SPORADIC

isolation
n. : the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated
synonyms see SOLITUDE

isolationism
n. : a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
–iso·la·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

Isolde
n. 1 : an Irish princess married to King Mark of Cornwall and loved by Tristram
2 : the daughter of the King of Brittany and wife of Tristram

Isole Eolie
― see LIPARI ISLANDS

isoleucine
n. : a crystalline essential amino acid C_6H_13NO_2 isomeric with leucine

isoline
: a line on a map or chart along which there is a constant value (as of temperature or rainfall)

isomer
n. 1 : one of two or more compounds, radicals, or ions that contain the same number of atoms of the same elements but differ in structural arrangement and properties
2 : a nuclide isomeric with one or more others

isomerase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of its substrate to an isomeric form

isomeric
adj. : of, relating to, or exhibiting isomerism

isomerism
n. 1 : the relationship of two or more chemical species that are isomers
2 : the relation of two or more nuclides with the same mass numbers and atomic numbers but different energy states and rates of radioactive decay

isomerize
v. intransitive verb : to become changed into an isomeric form
transitive verb : to cause to isomerize
–isom·er·i·za·tion \-ˌsä-mə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

isometric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by equality of measure especially : relating to or being a crystallographic system characterized by three equal axes at right angles
2 : of, relating to, involving, or being muscular contraction (as in isometrics) against resistance, without significant shortening of muscle fibers, and with marked increase in muscle tone ― compare ISOTONIC
–iso·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

isometric line
1 : a line representing changes of pressure or temperature under conditions of constant volume
2 : a line (as a contour line) drawn on a map and indicating a true constant value throughout its extent

isometrics
n. : exercise or a system of exercises in which opposing muscles are so contracted that there is little shortening but a great increase in tone of muscle fibers involved

isometry
n. : a mapping of a metric space onto another or onto itself so that the distance between any two points in the original space is the same as the distance between their images in the second space <rotation and translation are isometries of the plane>

isomorphic
adj. 1 a : being of identical or similar form, shape, or structure <isomorphic crystals> b : having sporophytic and gametophytic generations alike in size and shape
2 : related by an isomorphism <isomorphic mathematical rings>
–iso·mor·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

isomorphism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being isomorphic: as a : similarity in organisms of different ancestry resulting from convergence b : similarity of crystalline form between chemical compounds
2 : a one-to-one correspondence between two mathematical sets especially : a homomorphism that is one-to-one ― compare ENDOMORPHISM

isomorphous
adj. : ISOMORPHIC 1A
–iso·morph \'ī-sə-ˌmȯrf\ noun

isoniazid
n. : a crystalline compound C_6H_7N_3O used in treating tuberculosis

Isonzo
river ab 80 mi (130 km) W Slovenia & NE Italy flowing S into Gulf of Trieste

isooctane
n. : an octane of branched-chain structure or a mixture of such octanes especially : a flammable liquid octane used in determining the octane number of fuels

isopach
: an isoline that connects points of equal thickness of a geological stratum formation or group of formations

isophote
n. : a curve on a chart joining points of equal light intensity from a given source
–iso·phot·al \ˌī-sə-'fō-təl\ adjective

isopiestic
: of, relating to, or marked by equal pressure

isopleth
n. 1 : an isoline on a graph showing the occurrence or frequency of a phenomenon as a function of two variables
2 : a line on a map connecting points at which a given variable has a specified constant value
–iso·pleth·ic \ˌī-sə-'ple-thik\ adjective

isopod
n. : any of a large order (Isopoda) of small sessile-eyed aquatic or terrestrial crustaceans with the body composed of seven free thoracic segments each bearing a pair of similar legs
–isopod adjective

isoprenaline
n. : ISOPROTERENOL

isoprene
n. : a flammable liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon C_5H_8 used especially in synthetic rubber

isoprenoid
adj. : relating to, containing, or being a branched-chain grouping characteristic of isoprene
–isoprenoid noun

isopropyl
adj. : the alkyl radical isomeric with straight-chain propyl ― often used in combination

isopropyl alcohol
: a volatile flammable alcohol C_3H_8O used especially as a solvent and rubbing alcohol

isoproterenol
n. : a sympathomimetic agent C_11H_17NO_3 used in the treatment of asthma

isopycnic
1 : of, relating to, or marked by equal or constant density
2 : being or produced by a technique (as centrifugation) in which the components of a mixture are separated on the basis of differences in density

isosceles
adj. 1 of a triangle : having two equal sides ― see TRIANGLE illustration
2 of a trapezoid : having the two nonparallel sides equal

isosmotic
adj. : of, relating to, or exhibiting equal osmotic pressure <isosmotic solutions>
–is·os·mot·i·cal·ly \-'mä-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

isospin
n. : a quantum characteristic of a group of closely related subatomic particles (as a proton and a neutron) handled mathematically like ordinary spin with the possible orientations in a hypothetical space specifying the number of particles of differing electric charge comprising the group ― called also isotopic spin

isostasy
n. 1 : general equilibrium in the earth's crust maintained by a yielding flow of rock material beneath the surface under gravitative stress
2 : the quality or state of being subjected to equal pressure from every side
–iso·stat·ic \ˌī-sə-'sta-tik\ adjective
–iso·stat·i·cal·ly \-'sta-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

isotactic
: having or relating to a stereochemical regularity of structure in the repeating units of a polymer ― compare ATACTIC

isotherm
n. 1 : a line on a map or chart of the earth's surface connecting points having the same temperature at a given time or the same mean temperature for a given period
2 : a line on a chart representing changes of volume or pressure under conditions of constant temperature

isothermal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by equality of temperature
2 : of, relating to, or marked by changes of volume or pressure under conditions of constant temperature
–iso·ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

isothiocyanate
n. : a compound containing the monovalent group –NCS

isotonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being muscular contraction in the absence of significant resistance, with marked shortening of muscle fibers, and without great increase in muscle tone ― compare ISOMETRIC
2 : ISOSMOTIC ― used of solutions
–iso·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–iso·to·nic·i·ty \-tō-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

isotope
n. 1 : any of two or more species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number and nearly identical chemical behavior but with differing atomic mass or mass number and different physical properties
2 : NUCLIDE
–iso·to·pic \ˌī-sə-'tä-pik, -'tō-\ adjective
–iso·to·pi·cal·ly \-'tä-pi-k(ə-)lē, -'tō-\ adverb

isotopic spin
: ISOSPIN

isotretinoin
: a cis isomer of retinoic acid that is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, inhibits sebaceous gland function and keratinization, and is used in the treatment of severe inflammatory acne

isotropic
adj. : exhibiting properties (as velocity of light transmission) with the same values when measured along axes in all directions <an isotropic crystal>
–isot·ro·py \ī-'sä-trə-pē\ noun

isozyme
n. : ISOENZYME
–iso·zy·mic \ˌī-sə-'zī-mik\ adjective

ISP
Internet service provider

Ispahan
― see ESFAHāN

Isparta
city SW Turkey N of Antalya pop 112,117

Isr
Israel; Israeli

Israel
n. 1 : JACOB 2
2 : the Jewish people
3 : a people chosen by God
–Israel adjective

Israel
n. 1 kingdom in ancient Palestine comprising the lands occupied by the Hebrew people; established ab 1025 B.C.; divided ab 933 B.C. into a S kingdom (Judah) & a N kingdom (Israel)
2 or Northern Kingdom or Ephra·im \'ē-frē-əm\ the N portion of the Hebrew kingdom after the division capital Samaria
3 country SW Asia bordering on the Mediterranean; a republic established 1948 capital Jerusalem area 7993 sq mi (20,782 sq km), pop 4,037,620 ― see PALESTINE

Israel ben Eliezer
ca 1700-1760 Ba'al Shem Tov \'bā(-ə)l-'shem-'tȯv\ Pol.-Jewish religious leader

Israeli
n. : of or relating to the people or the republic of Israel

Israeli
n. : a native or inhabitant of the republic of Israel

Israelite
n. : a descendant of the Hebrew patriarch Jacob specifically : a native or inhabitant of the ancient northern kingdom of Israel

Israelite
n. : of or relating to Israel or to the Israelites

Issachar
: a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

issei
n. : a Japanese immigrant especially to the U.S.

ISSN
International Standard Serial Number

issuable
adj. 1 : open to contest, debate, or litigation
2 : authorized for issue <bonds issuable under the merger terms>
3 : possible as a result or consequence
–is·su·ably \-blē\ adverb

issuance
n. 1 : ISSUE 2
2 : ISSUE 9A

issuant
1 of a heraldic animal : rising with only the upper part visible
2 archaic : coming forth : EMERGING

issue
n. 1 plural : proceeds from a source of revenue (as an estate)
2 : the action of going, coming, or flowing out : EGRESS, EMERGENCE
3 : a means or place of going out : EXIT, OUTLET
4 : OFFSPRING, PROGENY <died without issue>
5 a : a final outcome that usually constitutes a solution (as of a problem) or resolution (as of a difficulty) b obsolete : a final conclusion or decision about something arrived at after consideration c archaic : TERMINATION, END <hope that his enterprise would have a prosperous issue ― T. B. Macaulay>
6 a : a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties b (1) : a vital or unsettled matter <economic issues> (2) : CONCERN, PROBLEM <I have issues with his behavior> c : the point at which an unsettled matter is ready for a decision <brought the matter to an issue>
7 : a discharge (as of blood) from the body
8 a : something coming forth from a specified source <issues of a disordered imagination> b obsolete : DEED
9 a : the act of publishing or officially giving out or making available <the next issue of commemorative stamps> <issue of supplies by the quartermaster> b : the thing or the whole quantity of things given out at one time <read the latest issue>
–is·sue·less \'i-shü-ləs\ adjective
–at issue
1 : in a state of controversy : in disagreement
2 also in issue : under discussion or in dispute

issue
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to go, come, or flow out b : to come forth : EMERGE
2 : ACCRUE <profits issuing from the sale of the stock>
3 archaic : to descend from a specified parent or ancestor
4 : to be a consequence or final outcome : EMANATE, RESULT
5 : to appear or become available through being officially put forth or distributed
6 : EVENTUATE, TERMINATE
transitive verb
1 : to cause to come forth : DISCHARGE, EMIT
2 a : to put forth or distribute usually officially <government issued a new airmail stamp> <issue orders> b : to send out for sale or circulation : PUBLISH c British : PROVIDE 2B, SUPPLY
synonyms see SPRING
–is·su·er noun

issue
n. in issue
at issue
standard issue
take issue
wedge issue

Issus
ancient town S Asia Minor N of modern Iskenderun

Issyk Kul
lake 115 mi (185 km) long in NE Kyrgyzstan area 2355 sq mi (6099 sq km)

ist
1 a : one that performs a (specified) action <cyclist> : one that makes or produces a (specified) thing <novelist> b : one that plays a (specified) musical instrument <harpist> c : one that operates a (specified) mechanical instrument or contrivance <automobilist>
2 : one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill <geologist> <ventriloquist>
3 : one that adheres to or advocates a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior <socialist> <royalist> <hedonist> or that of a (specified) individual <Calvinist> <Darwinist>

ist
: of, relating to, or characteristic of <elitist>

Istanbul
n. city NW Turkey on the Bosporus & Sea of Marmara; former capital of Turkey & earlier capital of Ottoman Empire pop 6,620,241

Ister
― see DANUBE

isth
isthmus

isthmian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of an isthmus
2 capitalized : a native or inhabitant of the Isthmus of Panama

isthmian
n. : of, relating to, or situated in or near an isthmus: as a often capitalized : of or relating to the Isthmus of Corinth in Greece or the games held there in ancient times b often capitalized : of or relating to the Isthmus of Panama connecting the No. American and So. American continents

isthmic
adj. : of or relating to an anatomical isthmus

isthmus
n. 1 : a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas
2 : a narrow anatomical part or passage connecting two larger structures or cavities

isthmus
n. Darien Isthmus of
Karelian Isthmus
Kra Isthmus of
Panama Isthmus of
Isthmus of Darien
Suez Isthmus of
Tehuantepec Isthmus of

istle
: a strong fiber (as for cordage or basketwork) obtained from various tropical American plants (as an agave)

Istria
peninsula in Croatia & Slovenia projecting into the N Adriatic
–Istrian adjective or noun

ISV
International Scientific Vocabulary

IT
pron. information technology

It
pron. Italian; Italy

it
pron. 1 : that one ― used as subject or direct object or indirect object of a verb or object of a preposition usually in reference to a lifeless thing <took a quick look at the house and noticed it was very old>, a plant <there is a rosebush near the fence and it is now blooming>, a person or animal whose sex is unknown or disregarded <don't know who it is>, a group of individuals or things, or an abstract entity <beauty is everywhere and it is a source of joy> ― compare HE, ITS, SHE, THEY
2 ― used as subject of an impersonal verb that expresses a condition or action without reference to an agent <it is raining>
3 a ― used as anticipatory subject or object of a verb <it is necessary to repeat the whole thing> ― often used to shift emphasis to a part of a statement other than the subject <it was in this city that the treaty was signed> b ― used with many verbs as a direct object with little or no meaning <footed it back to camp>
4 ― used to refer to an explicit or implicit state of affairs or circumstances <how is it going>
5 : a crucial or climactic point <this is it>

it
pron. : the player in a game who performs the principal action of the game (as trying to find others in hide-and-seek)

it'd
v. : it had : it would

it'll
v. : it will : it shall

it's
v. : it is : it has

itaconic acid
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C_5H_6O_4 obtained usually by fermentation of sugars with molds (genus Aspergillus) and used as a monomer for polymers and polyesters

Itaipu
dam in Paraná River bet. Brazil & Paraguay

ital
n. italic; italicized

Italian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Italy b : a person of Italian descent
2 : the Romance language of the Italians

Italian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Italy, the Italians, or Italian

Italian
n. Italian dressing
Italian greyhound
Italian parsley
Italian sandwich
Italian sonnet
Italian East Africa
Italian Somaliland
anti Italian

Italian dressing
: a salad dressing flavored especially with garlic and oregano

Italian East Africa
former territory E Africa comprising Eritrea, Ethiopia, & Italian Somaliland

Italian greyhound
: any of a breed of toy dogs resembling the standard greyhound in miniature

Italian parsley
: a flat-leaved parsley

Italian sandwich
: SUBMARINE 2

Italian Somaliland
former Italian colony E Africa bordering on Indian Ocean capital Mogadishu; since 1960 part of Somalia

Italian sonnet
: a sonnet consisting of an octave rhyming abba abba and a sestet rhyming in any of various patterns (as cde cde or cdc dcd) ― called also Petrarchan sonnet

Italianate
adj. : Italian in quality or characteristics

italianate
adj. : ITALIANIZE

italianise
v.

Usage:

often cap

British variant of italianize

Italianism
n. 1 a : a quality characteristic of Italy or the Italian people b : a characteristic feature of Italian occurring in another language
2 a : specialized interest in or emulation of Italian qualities or achievements b : promotion or love of Italian policies or ideals

italianize
v. intransitive verb : to act Italian specifically : to follow the style or technique of recognized Italian painters
transitive verb : to make Italian (as in appearance or behavior)
–Ital·ian·i·za·tion \-ˌtal-yə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

italic
n. 1 a : of or relating to a type style with characters that slant upward to the right (as in “these words are italic”) ― compare ROMAN b : of or relating to a style of slanted cursive handwriting developed in the 15th and 16th centuries
2 capitalized : of or relating to ancient Italy, its peoples, or their Indo-European languages

italic
n. 1 : an italic character or type
2 capitalized : a branch of the Indo-European language family that includes Latin, Oscan, and Umbrian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

italicise
v. British variant of italicize

italicize
v. 1 : to print in italics or underscore with a single line
2 : EMPHASIZE <the microphone italicizes every curdled top note ― P. G. Davis>
–ital·i·ci·za·tion \-ˌta-lə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

Italo
pref. 1 : Italian <Italophile>
2 : Italian and <Italo-Austrian>

Italophile
: friendly to or favoring what is Italian
–Italophile noun

Italy
n. 1 peninsula 760 mi (1223 km) long S Europe projecting into the Mediterranean bet. Adriatic & Tyrrhenian seas
2 country comprising the peninsula of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, & numerous other islands; a republic since 1946, formerly a kingdom capital Rome area 116,313 sq mi (302,251 sq km), pop 57,844,017

Itanagar
town NE India capital of Arunachal Pradesh pop 34,970

Itasca, Lake
lake NW cen Minn.; generally considered as source of Mississippi River

itch
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to have an itch <her arm itched> b : to produce an itchy sensation <long underwear that itches>
2 : to have a restless desire or hankering for something <were itching to go outside>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to itch
2 : VEX, IRRITATE

itch
n. 1 a : an uneasy irritating sensation in the upper surface of the skin usually held to result from mild stimulation of pain receptors b : a skin disorder accompanied by such a sensation especially : a contagious eruption caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows in the skin and causes intense itching
2 a : a restless usually constant often compulsive desire <an itch to travel> b : LUST, PRURIENCE
–itch·i·ness \'i-chē-nəs\ noun
–itchy \'i-chē\ adjective

ite
1 a : native : resident <Brooklynite> b : descendant <Ephraimite> c : adherent : follower <Jacobite> <Puseyite>
2 a (1) : product <metabolite> (2) : commercially manufactured product <ebonite> b : -ITOL <mannite>
3 [New Latin -ites, from L] : fossil <ammonite>
4 : mineral <erythrite> : rock <anorthosite>
5 [French, from Latin -ita, -ites] : segment or constituent part of a body or of a bodily part <somite> <dendrite>

ite
: salt or ester of an acid with a name ending in -ous <nitrite>

item
n. : and in addition : ALSO ― used to introduce each article in a list or enumeration

item
n. 1 obsolete : WARNING, HINT
2 : a distinct part in an enumeration, account, or series : ARTICLE
3 : an object of attention, concern, or interest
4 : a separate piece of news or information
5 : a couple in a romantic or sexual relationship
synonyms ITEM, DETAIL, PARTICULAR mean one of the distinct parts of a whole. ITEM applies to each thing specified separately in a list or in a group of things that might be listed or enumerated <every item on the list>. DETAIL applies to one of the small component parts of a larger whole such as a task, building, painting, narration, or process <leave the details to others>. PARTICULAR stresses the smallness, singleness, and especially the concreteness of a detail or item <a description that included few particulars>.

item
n. 1 archaic : COMPUTE, RECKON
2 archaic : to set down the particular details of

item
n. collector's item
line item
line item veto

itemise
v. British variant of itemize

itemization
n. : the act of itemizing also : an itemized list

itemize
v. : to set down in detail or by particulars : LIST <itemized all expenses>

Itenez
― see GUAPORÉ

iterance
n. : REPETITION 1A

iterant
adj. : marked by repetition, reiteration, or recurrence <iterant echoes>

iterate
v. : to say or do again or again and again : REITERATE

iteration
n. 1 : the action or a process of iterating or repeating: as a : a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result b : the repetition of a sequence of computer instructions a specified number of times or until a condition is met ― compare RECURSION
2 : one execution of a sequence of operations or instructions in an iteration
3 : VERSION, INCARNATION <the latest iteration of the operating system>

iterative
adj. : involving repetition: as a : expressing repetition of a verbal action b : relating to or being iteration of an operation or procedure
–it·er·a·tive·ly adverb

Ithaca
n. 1 city S cen N.Y. on Cayuga Lake pop 29,287
2 or Modern Greek Ithá·ki \ē-'thä-kē\ island W Greece in the Ionian Islands NE of Cephalonia area 37 sq mi (96 sq km)
–Ith·a·can \'i-thi-kən\ adjective or noun

ithyphallic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the phallus carried in procession in ancient festivals of Bacchus
2 a : having an erect penis ― usually used of figures in an art representation b : OBSCENE, LEWD

itinerancy
n. 1 : a system (as in the Methodist Church) of rotating ministers who itinerate
2 a : the act of itinerating b : the state of being itinerant

itinerant
n. : traveling from place to place especially : covering a circuit <itinerant preacher>
–itinerant noun
–itin·er·ant·ly adverb

itinerary
n. 1 : the route of a journey or tour or the proposed outline of one
2 : a travel diary
3 : a traveler's guidebook
–itinerary adjective

itinerate
v. : to travel a preaching or judicial circuit
–itin·er·a·tion \-ˌti-nə-'rā-shən\ noun

itious
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of <excrementitious>

itis
n. 1 : disease or inflammation <bronchitis>
2 plural usually -itises : condition likened to a disease ― chiefly in nonce formations <televisionitis>

ITO
n. International Trade Organization

Ito
n. Prince Hirobumi 1841-1909 Jp. statesman

itol
: polyhydroxy alcohol usually related to a sugar <mannitol>

its
pron. : of or relating to it or itself especially as possessor, agent, or object of an action <going to its kennel> <a child proud of its first drawings> <its final enactment into law>

itself
pron. 1 : that identical one ― compare IT 1 ― used reflexively <watched the cat giving itself a bath>, for emphasis <the letter itself was missing>, or in absolute constructions <itself a splendid specimen of classic art, it has been exhibited throughout the world>
2 : its normal, healthy, or sane condition
–in itself : in its own nature : INTRINSICALLY <was not in itself bad>

Itsukushima
island ab 5 mi (8 km) long Japan in Inland Sea SW of Hiroshima

itty-bitty
: extremely small : TINY

ITU
n. 1 International Telecommunication Union
2 International Typographical Union

Ituraea
country of ancient Palestine S of Damascus
–It·u·rae·an or It·u·re·an \-'rē-ən\ adjective or noun

Iturbi
José 1895-1980 Span.-born pianist & conductor

Iturbide
Agustín de 1783-1824 Mex. soldier; emp. of Mexico (1822-23)

ITV
instructional television

ity
: quality : state : degree <alkalinity> <theatricality>

IU
international unit

IUD
n. : INTRAUTERINE DEVICE

ium
1 [New Latin, from Latin, ending of some neuter nouns] a : a chemical element <sodium> b : cation <tetrazolium>
2 plural -iums or -ia [New Latin, from Latin, from Greek -ion] : small one : mass ― especially in botanical terms <pollinium>

IV
n. : an apparatus used to administer a fluid (as of medication, blood, or nutrients) intravenously also : a fluid administered by IV

IV
n. intravenous; intravenously

IV
n. Charles IV
Louis IV
Aga Khan IV
Ivan IV Vasilyevich

Ivan
n. Va·si·lye·vich \və-'sil-yə-ˌvich\ 1440-1505 the Great grand prince of Russia (1462-1505)

Ivan IV Vasilyevich
v. 1530-1584 the Terrible ruler of Russia (1533-84)

Ivano-Frankivs'k
city SW Ukraine pop 226,000

Ivanovo
v. city cen Russia in Europe WNW of Nizhniy Novgorod pop 480,000

ive
: that performs or tends toward an (indicated) action <amusive>

ivermectin
n. : a drug mixture of two structurally similar semisynthetic lactones that is used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic, acaricide, and insecticide and in human medicine to treat onchocerciasis

Ives
Charles Edward 1874-1954 American composer
–Ives·ian \'īv-zē-ən\ adjective

Ives
James Merritt 1824-1895 American lithographer

IVF
in vitro fertilization

ivied
adj. 1 : overgrown with ivy
2 : ACADEMIC

ivory
n. 1 a : the hard creamy-white modified dentine that composes the tusks of a tusked mammal (as an elephant, walrus, or narwhal) b : a tusk that yields ivory
2 : a variable color averaging a pale yellow
3 slang : TOOTH
4 : something (as a piano key) made of ivory or of a similar substance
–ivory adjective

ivory
n. ivory billed woodpecker
ivory black
ivory nut
ivory tower
ivory towerish
ivory towered
vegetable ivory
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coaster

ivory black
: a fine black pigment made by calcining ivory

Ivory Coast
1 region W Africa bordering on the Atlantic W of the Gold Coast
2 country W Africa including the Ivory Coast & its hinterland; a republic; formerly a territory of French West Africa; official capital Yamoussoukro, seat of government Abidjan area 124,503 sq mi (322,463 sq km), pop 13,459,000
–Ivor·i·an \(ˌ)ī-'vȯr-ē-ən\ adjective or noun
–Ivory Coast·er \'kō-stər\ noun

ivory nut
: the nutlike seed of a So. American palm (Phytelephas macrocarpa) containing a very hard endosperm used for carving and turning ― compare VEGETABLE IVORY

ivory tower
1 : an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems
2 : a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude especially : a place of learning
–ivory-tower adjective
–ivo·ry-tow·er·ish \-'tau̇-(ə-)rish\ adjective

ivory-billed woodpecker
: a very large black-and-white woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) of the southeastern U.S. and Cuba that has a showy red crest in the male and is presumed extinct in the U.S.

ivory-towered
: divorced from reality and practical matters <an ivory-towered recluse>

ivorybill
: IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER

Ivvavik National Park
n. reservation NW Canada in extreme NW Yukon Territory

ivy
n. 1 : a widely cultivated ornamental climbing or prostrate or sometimes shrubby chiefly Eurasian vine (Hedera helix) of the ginseng family with evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers, and black berries
2 : POISON IVY
3 often capitalized : an Ivy League college

ivy
n. 1 : ACADEMIC
2 : IVY LEAGUE

ivy
n. Boston ivy
English ivy
ground ivy
halls of ivy
Ivy League
Ivy Leaguer
poison ivy

Ivy League
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a group of long-established eastern U.S. colleges and universities widely regarded as high in scholastic and social prestige
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the students of Ivy League schools

Ivy Leaguer
: a student at or a graduate of an Ivy League school

IW
1 inside width
2 isotopic weight

Iwaki
city Japan on E coast of Honshu pop 360,138

iwis
archaic : SURELY

Iwo
city SW Nigeria NE of Ibadan pop 319,500

Iwo Jima
island Japan in W Pacific in the Volcano Islands area 8 sq mi (21 sq km)

IWW
Industrial Workers of the World

Ixelles
commune cen Belgium in Brabant, suburb of Brussels pop 74,377

Ixion
: a Thessalian king bound by Zeus to a burning wheel in Tartarus for attempting to seduce Hera

ixodid
n. : of or relating to a family (Ixodidae) of ticks (as the deer tick and American dog tick) having a hard outer shell and feeding on usually three hosts during the life cycle
–ixodid noun

Ixtacihuatl
extinct volcano 17,343 ft (5286 m) S Mexico N of Popocatepetl

Iyar
n. : the eighth month of the civil year or the second month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Iyeyasu
― see TOKUGAWA

Izabal, Lake
lake 25 mi (40 km) long E Guatemala

Izalco
volcano 7828 ft (2386 m) W El Salvador

ization
: action, process, or result of making <socialization>

ize
1 a (1) : cause to be or conform to or resemble <systemize> <Americanize> : cause to be formed into <unionize> (2) : subject to a (specified) action <plagiarize> (3) : impregnate or treat or combine with <aluminize> b : treat like <idolize> c : treat according to the method of <bowdlerize>
2 a : become : become like <crystallize> b : be productive in or of <hypothesize> : engage in a (specified) activity <philosophize> c : adopt or spread the manner of activity or the teaching of <Platonize>
usage The suffix -ize has been productive in English since the time of Thomas Nashe (1567-1601), who claimed credit for introducing it into English to remedy the surplus of monosyllabic words. Almost any noun or adjective can be made into a verb by adding -ize <hospitalize> <familiarize>; many technical terms are coined this way <oxidize> as well as verbs of ethnic derivation <Americanize> and verbs derived from proper names <bowdlerize> <mesmerize>. Nashe noted in 1591 that his -ize coinages were being criticized, and to this day new words ending in -ize <finalize> <prioritize> are sure to draw critical fire.

Izhevsk
city E Russia in Europe capital of Udmurtia pop 651,000

Izmayil
city SW Ukraine on delta of the Danube pop 95,000

Izmir
city & port W Turkey in Asia on Gulf of Izmir (inlet of the Aegean) pop 1,757,414

Izmit
city & port NW Turkey in Asia on Gulf of Izmit (E arm of Sea of Marmara) pop 256,882

Iznik
lake 14 mi (22 km) long NW Turkey in Asia

izzard
chiefly dialect : the letter z

J
n. 1 joule
2 jumper; jump shot

j
n. often attrib

15th century
1 a : the 10th letter of the English alphabet b : a speech counterpart of orthographic j
2 a : a graphic device for reproducing the letter j b : a unit vector parallel to the y-axis
3 : one designated j especially as the 10th in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter J

j
n. 1 jack
2 journal
3 judge; justice

j'accuse
: I accuse : bitter denunciation

j'adoube
interj. : I adjust ― used in chess when touching a piece without intending to move it

j'y suis, j'y reste
: here I am, here I remain

J-bar lift
: a ski lift having a series of J-shaped bars each of which pulls one skier

J/psi particle
: an unstable neutral fundamental particle of the meson group that has a mass about 6000 times the mass of an electron ― called also J particle J/psi psi particle

JA
1 joint account
2 judge advocate

jab
n. transitive verb
1 a : to pierce with or as if with a sharp object : STAB b : to poke quickly or abruptly : THRUST
2 : to strike with a short straight blow
intransitive verb
1 : to make quick or abrupt thrusts with a sharp object
2 : to strike a person with a short straight blow

jab
n. : an act of jabbing especially : a short straight boxing punch delivered with the leading hand

Jabal Katrinah
― see KATHERINA (Gebel)

Jabalpur
city cen India in cen Madhya Pradesh pop 951,469

jabber
n. intransitive verb : to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or unintelligibly
transitive verb : to speak rapidly or indistinctly
–jab·ber·er \'ja-bər-ər\ noun

jabber
n. : GIBBERISH, CHATTER

jabberwocky
n. : meaningless speech or writing

Jabir ibn Hayyan
Abū Mūsā ca 721-ca 851 L. Ge·ber \'ja-ˌbir, 'ga-, 'ge-\ Arab alchemist & mystic

jabiru
n. : a large tropical American stork (Jabiru mycteria) with a massive black bill

jaborandi
n. : the dried leaves of either of two So. American shrubs (Pilocarpus jaborandi and P. microphyllus) of the rue family that are a source of pilocarpine

jabot
n. 1 : a fall of lace or cloth attached to the front of a neckband and worn especially by men in the 18th century
2 : a pleated frill of cloth or lace attached down the center front of a woman's blouse or dress

jaboticaba
: a Brazilian tree (Myrciaria cauliflora) of the myrtle family cultivated in warm regions for its edible usually purplish fruit

jacal
: a hut in Mexico and southwestern U.S. with a thatched roof and walls made of upright poles or sticks covered and chinked with mud or clay

jacamar
n. : any of a family (Galbulidae) of usually iridescent green or bronze insectivorous birds of tropical American forests having a long sharp bill

jacana
n. : any of a family (Jacanidae) of long-legged and long-toed tropical wading birds that frequent coastal freshwater marshes and ponds

jacaranda
n. : any of a genus (Jacaranda) of tropical American trees of the bignonia family with bipinnate leaves and panicles of showy usually blue flowers

jacinth
n. 1 : HYACINTH
2 : a gem more nearly orange in color than a hyacinth

jack
n. 1 a : MAN ― usually used as an intensive in such phrases as every man jack b often capitalized : SAILOR c (1) : SERVANT, LABORER (2) : LUMBERJACK
2 : any of various usually mechanical devices: as a : a device for turning a spit b : a usually portable mechanism or device for exerting pressure or lifting a heavy body a short distance
3 : something that supports or holds in position: as a : an iron bar at a topgallant masthead to support a royal mast and spread the royal shrouds b : a wooden brace fastened behind a scenic unit in a stage set to prop it up
4 a : any of several fishes especially : any of various carangids b : a male donkey c : JACKRABBIT d : any of several birds (as a jackdaw)
5 a : a small white target ball in lawn bowling b : a small national flag flown by a ship c (1) plural but singular in construction : a game played with a set of small objects that are tossed, caught, and moved in various figures (2) : a small 6-pointed metal object used in the game of jacks
6 a : a playing card carrying the figure of a soldier or servant and ranking usually below the queen b : JACKPOT 1A(2)
7 slang : MONEY
8 : a female fitting in an electric circuit used with a plug to make a connection with another circuit
9 a : APPLEJACK b : BRANDY
10 : JACKKNIFE 2
11 : MONTEREY JACK

jack
n. : to hunt or fish at night with a jacklight
transitive verb
1 : to hunt or fish for at night with a jacklight
2 a : to move or lift by or as if by a jack b : to raise the level of ― usually used with up <jack up the price> c : to take to task
–jack·er noun

jack
n. Cousin Jack
Cracker Jack
high low jack
Jack a Lent
jack bean
jack cheese
jack crevalle
Jack Frost
jack in the box
jack in the boxes
jack in the pulpit
jack in the pulpits
jack mackerel
jack of all trades
jack off
jack o' lantern
jack pine
jack plane
Jack Russell terrier
Jack Russell
jack salmon
jack stand
jack tar
jack up
jumping jack
man jack
Monterey Jack
new jack
new jack swing
screw jack
union jack
yellow jack
jacks in the box
jacks in the pulpit
jacks of all trades

jack bean
: a bushy annual tropical American legume (Canavalia ensiformis) grown especially for forage

jack cheese
: MONTEREY JACK

jack crevalle
: a carangid fish (Caranx hippos) that is an important food fish especially along the west coast of Florida

Jack Frost
: frost or frosty weather personified

jack mackerel
: a carangid food fish (Trachurus symmetricus) of the Pacific coast of America that is iridescent green or bluish above and silvery below

jack off
usually vulgar : MASTURBATE

jack pine
: a slender pine (Pinus banksiana) of northern No. America that has two stout needles in each fascicle and wood used especially for pulpwood ― see CONE illustration

jack plane
: a medium-sized general-purpose plane used in carpentry and joinery

Jack Russell terrier
: any of a breed of small terriers having a white coat with brown, black, or brown-and-black markings ― called also Jack Russell

jack salmon
1 : WALLEYE 3
2 : GRILSE

jack stand
: a stand whose height may be adjusted and which is used to support an automobile that has been raised by a jack

Jack-a-Lent
1 : a small stuffed puppet set up to be pelted for fun in Lent
2 : a simple or insignificant person

jack-in-the-box
: a toy consisting of a small box out of which a figure (as of a clown's head) springs when the lid is raised

jack-in-the-pulpit
: a No. American spring-flowering woodland herb (Arisaema triphyllum syn. A. atrorubens) of the arum family having an upright club-shaped spadix arched over by a green and purple spathe

jack-o'-lantern
1 : IGNIS FATUUS
2 : a lantern made of a pumpkin cut to look like a human face
3 : a large orangish gill fungus (Omphalotus olearius syn. Clitocybe illudens) that is poisonous and luminescent

jack-of-all-trades
: a person who can do passable work at various tasks : a handy versatile person

jack-tar
: SAILOR

jack-up
: a drilling rig used in offshore drilling whose drilling platform is a barge from which legs are lowered to the bottom when over the drill site and which is raised above the water and supported on the legs to conduct drilling operations

jackal
n. 1 : any of several small omnivorous canids (as Canis aureus) of Africa and Asia having large ears, long legs, and bushy tails
2 a : a person who performs routine or menial tasks for another b : a person who serves or collaborates with another especially in the commission of base acts

jackanapes
n. 1 : MONKEY, APE
2 a : an impudent or conceited fellow b : a saucy or mischievous child

jackass
n. 1 : DONKEY especially : a male donkey
2 : a stupid person : FOOL

jackboot
n. 1 : a heavy military boot made of glossy black leather extending above the knee and worn especially during the 17th and 18th centuries
2 : the spirit or policy of militarism or totalitarianism
3 : a laceless military boot reaching to the calf

jackbooted
1 : wearing jackboots
2 : ruthlessly and violently oppressive <jackbooted force>

jackdaw
n. 1 : a common black and gray bird (Corvus monedula) of Eurasia and northern Africa that is related to but smaller than the carrion crow
2 : GRACKLE 1

jacket
n. 1 a : a garment for the upper body usually having a front opening, collar, lapels, sleeves, and pockets b : something worn or fastened around the body but not for use as clothing
2 a (1) : the natural covering of an animal (2) : the fur or wool of a mammal b : the skin of a potato
3 : an outer covering or casing: as a (1) : a thermally nonconducting cover (2) : a covering that encloses an intermediate space through which a temperature-controlling fluid circulates (3) : a tough cold-worked metal casing that forms the outer shell of a built-up bullet b (1) : a wrapper or open envelope for a document (2) : an envelope for enclosing registered mail during delivery from one post office to another c (1) : a detachable protective cover for a book (2) : a paper or cardboard envelope for a phonograph record
–jack·et·less \-ləs\ adjective

jacket
n. : to put a jacket on : enclose in or with a jacket

jacket
n. bomber jacket
bush jacket
dinner jacket
donkey jacket
dust jacket
Eton jacket
flak jacket
life jacket
mess jacket
monkey jacket
Norfolk jacket
pea jacket
safari jacket
shell jacket
shirt jacket
smoking jacket
water jacket
yellow jacket
dinner jacketed

jackfruit
n. : a large tropical Asian tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) related to the breadfruit that yields a fine-grained yellow wood and immense fruits which contain an edible pulp and nutritious seeds also : its fruit

jackhammer
n. 1 : a pneumatically operated percussive rock-drilling tool usually held in the hands
2 : a device in which a tool (as a chisel for breaking up pavements) is driven percussively by compressed air
–jackhammer verb

jackknife
n. 1 : a large strong pocketknife
2 : a dive executed headfirst in which the diver bends from the waist and touches the ankles while holding the knees unbent and then straightens out

jackknife
n. 1 : to cut with a jackknife
2 : to cause to double up like a jackknife
intransitive verb
1 : to double up like a jackknife <jackknifed into a seat beside me, folding up his six feet eight ― Lady Bird Johnson>
2 : to turn and form an angle of 90 degrees or less with each other ― used especially of a tractor-trailer combination

jackleg
adj. 1 a : characterized by unscrupulousness, dishonesty, or lack of professional standards <a jackleg lawyer> b : lacking skill or training : AMATEUR <a jackleg carpenter>
2 : designed as a temporary expedient : MAKESHIFT
–jackleg noun

jacklight
n. : a light used especially in hunting or fishing at night

jackpot
n. 1 a (1) : a hand or game of draw poker in which a pair of jacks or better is required to open (2) : a large pot (as in poker) formed by the accumulation of stakes from previous play b (1) : a combination on a slot machine that wins a top prize or all the coins available for paying out (2) : the sum so won c : the top prize in a game or contest (as a lottery) that is typically a large fund of money formed by the accumulation of unwon prizes
2 : an impressive often unexpected success or reward
3 chiefly West : a tight spot : JAM

jackrabbit
n. : any of several large hares (genus Lepus) of western No. America having very long ears and long hind legs

jackscrew
n. : SCREW JACK

jacksmelt
: a large silverside (Atherinopsis californiensis) of the Pacific coast of No. America that is the chief commercial smelt of the California markets

Jackson
n. Andrew 1767-1845 American gen.; 7th pres. of the U.S. (1829-37)
–Jack·son·ian \ˌjak-'sō-nē-ən\ adjective

Jackson
n. Helen (Maria) Hunt 1830-1885 née Fiske American nov.

Jackson
n. Jesse Louis 1941-     American clergyman & polit. activist

Jackson
n. Mahalia 1911-1972 American gospel singer

Jackson
n. Robert H(ough·wout) \'hau̇-ət\ 1892-1954 American jurist

Jackson
n. Thomas Jonathan 1824-1863 Stone·wall \'stōn-ˌwȯl\ Jackson American Confed. gen.

Jackson
n. 1 city S Mich. pop 36,316
2 city capital of Miss. on Pearl River pop 184,256
3 city W Tenn. pop 59,643

Jackson
n. Jackson Day
Jackson Hole
Lake Jackson
Port Jackson

Jackson Day
: January 8 celebrated as a legal holiday in Louisiana to commemorate the successful defense of New Orleans in 1815

Jackson Hole
valley NW Wyo. E of Teton Range containing Jackson Lake (reservoir); partly in Grand Teton National Park

Jacksonville
n. 1 city cen Ark. NE of Little Rock pop 29,916
2 city NE Fla. near mouth of St. Johns River pop 735,617
3 city E N.C. pop 66,715

jackstay
1 : an iron rod, wooden bar, or wire rope along a yard of a ship to which the sails are fastened
2 : a support of wood, iron, or rope running up a mast on which the parrel of a yard travels

jackstraw
n. 1 plural but singular in construction : a game in which a set of straws or thin strips is let fall in a heap with each player in turn trying to remove one at a time without disturbing the rest
2 : one of the pieces used in the game jackstraws

Jacob
n. 1 : a son of Isaac and Rebekah, the twin brother of Esau, and heir of God's promise of blessing to Abraham
2 : the ancient Hebrew nation

Jacob's ladder
1 : any of a genus (Polemonium) of herbs of the phlox family that have pinnate leaves, a bell-shaped corolla, and a several-seeded capsule especially : a perennial herb (P. caeruleum) with bright blue or occas. white flowers
2 : a marine ladder of rope or chain with wooden or iron rungs

Jacobean
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of James I of England or his age
–Jacobean noun

jacobean lily
: a Mexican bulbous herb (Sprekelia formosissima) of the amaryllis family cultivated for its bright red solitary flower

Jacobian
: a determinant which is defined for a finite number of functions of the same number of variables and in which each row consists of the first partial derivatives of the same function with respect to each of the variables

Jacobin
n. 1 : DOMINICAN
2 [French, from Jacobin Dominican; from the group's founding in the Dominican convent in Paris] : a member of an extremist or radical political group especially : a member of such a group advocating egalitarian democracy and engaging in terrorist activities during the French Revolution of 1789
–Jac·o·bin·ic \ˌja-kə-'bi-nik\ or Jac·o·bin·i·cal \-ni-kəl\ adjective
–Jac·o·bin·ism \'ja-kə-bə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Jacobite
n. : a member of any of various Monophysite Eastern churches especially : a member of the Monophysite Syrian church

Jacobite
n. : a partisan of James II of England or of the Stuarts after the revolution of 1688
–Jac·o·bit·i·cal \ˌja-kə-'bi-ti-kəl\ adjective
–Jac·o·bit·ism \'ja-kə-ˌbī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Jacobson's organ
: VOMERONASAL ORGAN

Jacobus
: UNITE

jaconet
n. : a lightweight cotton cloth used for clothing and bandages

Jacopo della Quercia
ca 1374-1438 Ital. sculptor

Jacquard
n. Joseph-Marie 1752-1834 Fr. inventor

jacquard
n. 1 a : the control mechanism of a Jacquard loom b : JACQUARD LOOM
2 : a fabric of intricate variegated weave or pattern

Jacquard loom
: a loom designed to weave fabrics of intricate design whose control mechanism makes use of cards with holes punched in them

jacquerie
n. : a peasants' revolt

Jacques
n. ― see Jean-Jacques DESSALINES

jacta alea est
: the die is cast

jactitation
n. : a tossing to and fro or jerking and twitching of the body

Jacuzzi
n. ― used for a whirlpool bath and a recreational bathing tub or pool

jade
n. 1 : a broken-down, vicious, or worthless horse
2 a : a disreputable woman b : a flirtatious girl

jade
n. transitive verb
1 a : to wear out by overwork or abuse b : to tire or dull through repetition or excess
2 obsolete : to make ridiculous
intransitive verb : to become weary or dulled
synonyms see TIRE

jade
n. 1 : either of two tough compact typically green gemstones that take a high polish: a : JADEITE b : NEPHRITE
2 : a sculpture or artifact of jade
3 : JADE GREEN

jade green
: a light bluish green

jade plant
: any of several succulent plants (genus Crassula) of the orpine family cultivated as foliage plants

jaded
adj. 1 : fatigued by overwork : EXHAUSTED
2 : made dull, apathetic, or cynical by experience or by surfeit <jaded network viewers> <jaded voters>
–jad·ed·ly adverb
–jad·ed·ness noun

jadeite
n. : a usually green monoclinic mineral of the pyroxene group that is a silicate of sodium and aluminum and is a jade
–ja·dit·ic \jā-'di-tik\ adjective

Jadotville
― see LIKASI

jaeger
n. 1 a : HUNTER, HUNTSMAN b : one attending a person of rank or wealth and wearing hunter's costume
2 : any of several large dark-colored birds (genus Stercorarius) of northern seas that are are related to the skua, are strong fliers, and tend to harass weaker birds until they drop or disgorge their prey

Jaen
1 province S Spain in N Andalusia area 5212 sq mi (13,499 sq km), pop 643,820
2 commune, its capital pop 112,590

Jaffa
n. former city W Israel, since 1950 a S section of Tel Aviv

Jaffna
city N Sri Lanka on Jaffna Peninsula pop 129,000

Jaffna Peninsula
peninsula N extremity of Sri Lanka extending into Palk Strait

JAG
n. judge advocate general

jag
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : PRICK, STAB
2 : to cut indentations into also : to form teeth on (a saw) by cutting indentations
intransitive verb
1 : PRICK, THRUST
2 : to move in jerks
–jag·ger noun

jag
n. : a sharp projecting part : BARB

jag
n. 1 : a small load
2 a : a state or feeling of exhilaration or intoxication usually induced by liquor b : SPREE <a crying jag>

jagged
adj. 1 : having a sharply uneven edge or surface <jagged peaks>
2 : having a harsh, rough, or irregular quality <jagged rhythms>
–jag·ged·ly adverb
–jag·ged·ness noun

jaggery
n. : an unrefined brown sugar made from palm sap

jaggy
adj. : JAGGED, NOTCHED

jaguar
n. : a large cat (Panthera onca) chiefly of Central and So. America that is larger and stockier than the leopard and is brownish yellow or buff with black spots

jaguarundi
n. : a slender long-tailed short-legged black, gray, or reddish wildcat (Felis yagouaroundi) chiefly of Central and So. America

Jah
n. : the Supreme Being of Rastafarianism

Jahan-gir
1569-1627 emp. of India (1605-27)

Jahveh
variant of yahweh

jai alai
: a court game somewhat like handball played usually by two or four players with a ball and a long curved wicker basket strapped to the wrist

jail
n. 1 : a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody specifically : such a place under the jurisdiction of a local government (as a county) for the confinement of persons awaiting trial or those convicted of minor crimes ― compare PRISON
2 : confinement in a jail <sentenced to jail>

jail
n. : to confine in or as if in a jail

jailbait
n. : a girl under the age of consent with whom sexual intercourse is unlawful and constitutes statutory rape

jailbird
n. : a person confined in jail especially : a habitual criminal

jailbreak
n. : a forcible escape from jail

jailer
n. 1 : a keeper of a jail
2 : one that restricts another's liberty as if by imprisonment

jailhouse
n. : JAIL 1

jailhouse lawyer
: a prison inmate self-taught in the law who tries to gain release through legal maneuvers or who advises fellow inmates on their legal problems

Jain
n. : an adherent of Jainism

Jainism
n. : a religion of India originating in the sixth century B.C. and teaching liberation of the soul by right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct

Jaintia Hills
hills E India in N cen Assam E of Khasi Hills

Jaipur
1 former state NW India, now part of Rajasthan
2 city, its capital, now capital of Rajasthan pop 2,324,319

Jakarta
n. city & port capital of Indonesia in NW Java pop 6,503,449

jake
n. slang : ALL RIGHT, FINE

jake
n. : a sexually immature male wild turkey under two years old

jake leg
: a paralysis caused by drinking improperly distilled or contaminated liquor

jakes
n. : PRIVY 1

Jalal ad-Din ar-Rumi
ca 1207-1273 Pers. poet

Jalandhar
city NW India in Punjab pop 701,223

jalap
n. 1 a : the dried tuberous root of a Mexican plant (Ipomoea purga syn. Exogonium purga) of the morning-glory family also : a powdered purgative drug prepared from it that contains resinous glycosides b : the root or derived drug of plants related to the one supplying jalap
2 : a plant yielding jalap

Jalapa
n. city E Mexico capital of Veracruz pop 279,451

jalapeno
: a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S. ― called also jalapeño pepper

Jalisco
state W cen Mexico capital Guadalajara area 30,941 sq mi (80,137 sq km), pop 5,302,689

jalopy
n. : a dilapidated old vehicle (as an automobile)

jalousie
n. 1 : a blind with adjustable horizontal slats for admitting light and air while excluding direct sun and rain
2 : a window made of adjustable glass louvers that control ventilation

Jaluit
island (atoll) W Pacific, in Ralik chain of the Marshall Islands

Jam
n. Jamaica

jam
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to become blocked or wedged b : to become unworkable through the jamming of a movable part
2 : to force one's way into a restricted space
3 : to take part in a jam session
4 : DUNK 2
transitive verb
1 a : to press into a close or tight position <jam his hat on> b (1) : to cause to become wedged so as to be unworkable <jam the typewriter keys> (2) : to make unworkable by jamming c : to block passage of : OBSTRUCT d : to fill often to excess : PACK <the crowd jammed the theater>
2 : to push forcibly especially : to apply (brakes) suddenly and forcibly ― used with on
3 : CRUSH, BRUISE
4 a : to make unintelligible by sending out interfering signals or messages b : to make (as a radar apparatus) ineffective by jamming signals or by causing reflection of radar waves
5 : to block, crowd, or bump (a pass receiver) near the line of scrimmage in football
6 : to pitch inside to (a batter)
–jam·mer \'ja-mər\ noun

jam
n. 1 a : an act or instance of jamming b : a crowded mass that impedes or blocks <a traffic jam>
2 a : the quality or state of being jammed b : the pressure or congestion of a crowd : CRUSH
3 : a difficult state of affairs : FIX <got into a jam>
4 : JAM SESSION
5 : DUNK SHOT
6 slang : a musical piece

jam
n. : a food made by boiling fruit and sugar to a thick consistency
–jam·my \'ja-mē\ adjective

jam
n. jam pack
jam session
jam up

jam session
: an often impromptu performance by a group especially of jazz musicians that is characterized by improvisation

jam-pack
: to pack tightly or to excess

jam-up
: JAM 1

Jamaica
n. island West Indies in the Greater Antilles; a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1962; formerly a Brit. colony capital Kingston area 4471 sq mi (11,580 sq km), pop 2,599,334
–Ja·mai·can \-kən\ adjective or noun

Jamaica Bay
inlet of Atlantic SE N.Y. in SW Long Is.

Jamaica rum
: a heavy-bodied rum made by slow fermentation and marked by a pungent bouquet

jamb
n. 1 : an upright piece or surface forming the side of an opening (as for a door, window, or fireplace)
2 : a projecting columnar part or mass

jambalaya
n. 1 : rice cooked usually with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters and seasoned with herbs
2 : a mixture of diverse elements <curious jambalayas of competing elements ― Neil Hickey>

jambeau
: a piece of medieval armor for the leg below the knee ― see ARMOR illustration

Jambi
city & port Indonesia in SE cen Sumatra pop 340,066

jamboree
n. 1 : a noisy or unrestrained carouse
2 a : a large festive gathering b : a national or international camping assembly of Boy Scouts
3 : a long mixed program of entertainment

James
n. 1 : an apostle, son of Zebedee, and brother of the apostle John according to the Gospel accounts
2 : an apostle and son of Alphaeus according to the Gospel accounts ― called also James the Less
3 : a brother of Jesus traditionally held to be the author of the New Testament Epistle of James
4 : a moral lecture addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

James
n. name of 6 kings of Scotland & 2 kings of Great Britain: especially VI 1566-1625 of Scotland (reigned 1567-1603) or I of Great Britain (reigned 1603-25); II 1633-1701 (reigned 1685-88)

James
n. Henry 1811-1882 American philos.

James
n. Henry 1843-1916 son of prec. Brit. (Am.-born) writer
–James·ian \'jām-zē-ən\ adjective

James
n. Jesse Woodson 1847-1882 American outlaw

James
n. P(hyllis) D(orothy) 1920-     Brit. writer

James
n. William 1842-1910 bro. of Henry American psychol. & philos.
–James·ian \'jām-zē-ən\ adjective

James
n. 1 or officially Da·ko·ta \də-'kō-tə\ river 710 mi (1143 km) N.Dak. & S.Dak. flowing S to Missouri River
2 river 340 mi (547 km) Va. flowing E into Chesapeake Bay at Hampton Roads

James
n. James the Less
King James Version
Court of St. James's
Court of St James's
James Edward
James Bay
North Dakota
South Dakota

James Bay
the S extension of Hudson Bay 280 mi (448 km) long & 150 mi (240 km) wide Canada bet. NE Ont. & W Que.

James Edward
1688-1766 James Francis Edward Stuart; the Old Pretender; father of Charles Edward Brit. prince

Jameson
Sir Leander Starr 1853-1917 Doctor Jameson Scot. physician & administrator in So. Africa

Jamestown
n. 1 city SW N.Y. pop 31,730
2 ruined village E Va. SW of Williamsburg on James River; first permanent English settlement in America (1607)

Jami
1414-1492 Pers. poet & mystic

jammies
: PAJAMAS 2

Jammu
city S of Srinagar, winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir pop 378,431

Jammu and Kashmir
disputed territory N India (subcontinent); claimed as a constituent state (summer capital Srinagar, winter capital Jammu area 53,665 sq mi97138,992 sq km97pop 10,069,917) and partly administered by India, but also claimed and partly controlled by Pakistan

Jamnagar
city W India in W Gujarat on Gulf of Kachchh pop 447,734

Jams
n. ― used for knee-length loose-fitting swim trunks

Jamshedpur
city E India in Jharkhand pop 570,349

Jamshid
: an early legendary king of Persia who reigned for 700 years

Jamuna
the lower Brahmaputra

Jan
n. January

Jan Mayen Island
island in Arctic Ocean E of Greenland & NNE of Iceland belonging to Norway area 147 sq mi (382 sq km)

Janacek
Leoš 1854-1928 Czech composer

Jane
n. Jane Doe
Mary Jane
plain Jane
Calamity Jane

Jane Doe
: a woman who is a party to legal proceedings and whose true name is unknown or withheld

Janeite
: an enthusiastic admirer of Jane Austen's writings

Janesville
city S Wis. SE of Madison pop 59,498

jangle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to talk idly
2 : to quarrel verbally
3 : to make a harsh or discordant often ringing sound <keys jangling in my pocket>
transitive verb
1 : to utter or sound in a discordant, babbling, or chattering way
2 a : to cause to sound harshly or inharmoniously b : to excite to tense irritation <jangled nerves>
–jan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

jangle
n. 1 : idle talk
2 : noisy quarreling
3 : a discordant often ringing sound <the jangle of spurs>

jangly
adj. : marked by jangling : having a jangling quality <jangly earrings> <jangly guitar music>

Janiculum
hill in Rome, Italy, on right bank of the Tiber opposite the seven hills on which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE

janissary
n. 1 often capitalized : a soldier of an elite corps of Turkish troops organized in the 14th century and abolished in 1826
2 : a member of a group of loyal or subservient troops, officials, or supporters

janitor
n. 1 : DOORKEEPER
2 : one who keeps the premises of a building (as an apartment or office) clean, tends the heating system, and makes minor repairs
–jan·i·to·ri·al \ˌja-nə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

Jansen
Cor·ne·lis \kȯr-'nā-ləs\ 1585-1638 L. Cornelius Jansenius Du. R.C. theol.

Jansenism
n. 1 : a system of doctrine based on moral determinism, defended by various reformist factions among 17th and 18th century western European Roman Catholic clergy, religious, and scholars, and condemned as heretical by papal authority
2 : a puritanical attitude (as toward sex)
–Jan·sen·ist \-nist\ noun
–Jan·sen·is·tic \ˌjan(t)-sə-'nis-tik\ adjective

January
n. : the first month of the Gregorian calendar

januis clausis
: behind closed doors

Janus
n. : a Roman god that is identified with doors, gates, and all beginnings and that is depicted with two opposite faces

Janus green
: a basic azine dye used especially as a vital biological stain (as for mitochondria)

Janus-faced
: having two contrasting aspects especially : DUPLICITOUS, TWO-FACED

JAP
n. usually disparaging : JEWISH AMERICAN PRINCESS

Jap
n. usually disparaging : JAPANESE

Japan
n. country E Asia comprising Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, & other islands in the W Pacific; a constitutional monarchy capital Tokyo area 143,619 sq mi (371,973 sq km), pop 126,925,843

japan
n. : of, relating to, or originating in Japan : of a kind or style characteristic of Japanese workmanship

japan
n. 1 a : any of several varnishes yielding a hard brilliant finish b : a hard dark coating containing asphalt and a drier that is used especially on metal and fixed by heating ― called also japan black
2 : work (as lacquer ware) finished and decorated in the Japanese manner

japan
n. 1 : to cover with or as if with a coat of japan
2 : to give a high gloss to
–ja·pan·ner noun

japan
n. japan black
Japan wax
Japan Sea of

Japan wax
: a yellowish fat obtained from the berries of several Asian sumacs (as Rhus verniciflua and R. succedanea) and used chiefly in polishes

Japan, Sea of
arm of the W North Pacific W of Japan

Japanese
adj. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Japan b : a person of Japanese descent
2 : the language of the Japanese
–Japanese adjective

Japanese
adj. Japanese lacquer
Japanese andromeda
Japanese beetle
Japanese cedar
Japanese eggplant
Japanese iris
Japanese maple
Japanese millet
Japanese plum
Japanese quail
Japanese quince
Japanese spurge
anti Japanese
non Japanese

Japanese andromeda
: a shrubby evergreen heath (Pieris japonica) of southeastern Asia with glossy leaves and drooping clusters of usually whitish flowers

Japanese beetle
: a small metallic green and brown scarab beetle (Popillia japonica) that has been introduced into eastern No. America from Japan and as a grub feeds on the roots of grasses and decaying vegetation and as an adult eats foliage and fruits

Japanese cedar
: a large Chinese and Japanese evergreen tree (Cryptomeria japonica) of the cypress family grown as an ornamental and for its valuable soft wood

Japanese eggplant
: a long slender eggplant having a dark purple thin skin

Japanese iris
: any of various beardless garden irises (esp. Iris kaempferi) with very large showy flowers

Japanese lacquer
: LACQUER 1B

Japanese maple
: a maple (Acer palmatum) of Japan, China, and Korea with purple flowers and usually deeply parted leaves that is widely cultivated as a shrub or small tree

Japanese millet
: a coarse annual grass (Echinochloa frumentacea) cultivated especially in Asia for its edible seeds

Japanese plum
: a small plum tree (Prunus salicina) native to China and cultivated especially in Japan for its large sweet usually yellow to light red fruit also : its fruit

Japanese quail
: a quail (Coturnix japonica syn. C. coturnix japonica) of eastern Asia that is sometimes raised for its meat or eggs and is used in laboratory research

Japanese quince
: either of two ornamental shrubs (Chaenomeles speciosa syn. C. lagenaria of China and C. japonica of Japan) of the rose family with usually scarlet, pink, or white flowers

Japanese spurge
: a low Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) often used as a ground cover

Japanize
v. 1 : to make Japanese
2 : to bring (as an area or industry) under the influence of Japan
–Jap·a·ni·za·tion \ˌja-pə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

jape
n. intransitive verb : to say or do something jokingly or mockingly
transitive verb : to make mocking fun of
–jap·er \'jā-pər\ noun
–jap·ery \'jā-p(ə-)rē\ noun

jape
n. : something designed to arouse amusement or laughter: as a : an amusing literary or dramatic production <a jape that would be okay as a sophomore class play ― John Simon> b : GIBE

Japheth
n. : a son of Noah held to be the progenitor of the Medes and Greeks

japonaiserie
: a style in art reflecting Japanese qualities or motifs also : an object or decoration in this style

japonica
n. : JAPANESE QUINCE

Japura
river 1750 mi (2816 km) S Colombia & NW Brazil flowing SE into the Amazon

Jaques-Dalcroze
Émile 1865-1950 Swiss composer & creator of eurythmics

jar
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a harsh or discordant sound b : to have a harshly disagreeable or disconcerting effect c : to be out of harmony specifically : BICKER
2 : to undergo severe vibration
transitive verb : to cause to jar: as a : to affect disagreeably : UNSETTLE b : to make unstable or loose : SHAKE <jar the ball free>
–jar·ring·ly \'jär-iŋ-lē\ adverb

jar
n. 1 a : a state or manifestation of discord or conflict b : a harsh grating sound
2 a : a sudden or unexpected shake b : an unsettling shock c : an unpleasant break or conflict in rhythm, flow, or transition

jar
n. 1 : a widemouthed container made typically of earthenware or glass
2 : as much as a jar will hold
–jar·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

jar
n. archaic : the position of being ajar ― usually used in the phrase on the jar

jar
n. bell jar
canopic jar
Leyden jar
mason jar
slop jar

Jarabulus
town N Syria on the Euphrates near Turkish border

jardiniere
n. 1 a : an ornamental stand for plants or flowers b : a large usually ceramic flowerpot holder
2 : a garnish for meat consisting of several cooked vegetables cut into pieces

jargon
n. 1 a : confused unintelligible language b : a strange, outlandish, or barbarous language or dialect c : a hybrid language or dialect simplified in vocabulary and grammar and used for communication between peoples of different speech
2 : the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group
3 : obscure and often pretentious language marked by circumlocutions and long words
–jar·gony \-gə-nē, -ˌgä-nē\ adjective

jargon
n. 1 : TWITTER, WARBLE
2 : JARGONIZE

jargonish
: JARGONISTIC

jargonistic
: characterized by the use of jargon : phrased in jargon

jargonize
v. intransitive verb : to speak or write jargon
transitive verb
1 : to express in jargon
2 : to make into jargon

jargoon
n. : a colorless, pale yellow, or smoky zircon

jarhead
n. slang : MARINE 2

Jarir
ca 650-ca 729 Arab poet

jarl
n. : a Scandinavian noble ranking immediately below the king

jarrah
n. : a tall eucalyptus (Eucalyptus marginata) of western Australia with rough bark, alternate leaves, and durable hard wood also : its wood

Jarrell
Randall 1914-1965 American writer

Jaruzelski
Woj·ciech \'vȯi-ˌcheḵ\ Witold 1923-     gen.; 1st secy. of the Communist party in Poland (1981-89)

Jarvis
island cen Pacific in the Line Islands; claimed by U.S.

Jas
James

jasmine
n. 1 a : any of numerous often climbing shrubs (genus Jasminum) of the olive family that usually have extremely fragrant flowers especially : a tall-climbing semievergreen Asian shrub (J. officinale) with fragrant white flowers from which oil is extracted for use in perfumes b : any of numerous plants having sweet-scented flowers especially : YELLOW JESSAMINE
2 : a light yellow

Jason
n. : a legendary Greek hero distinguished for his successful quest of the Golden Fleece

jasper
n. 1 : an opaque cryptocrystalline quartz of any of several colors especially : green chalcedony
2 : colored stoneware with raised white decoration
3 : a blackish green
–jas·pery \-pə-rē\ adjective

Jasper National Park
n. reservation W Canada in W Alta. on E slopes of the Rockies NW of Banff National Park

Jaspers
n. Karl Theodor 1883-1969 Ger. philos.

jasperware
: JASPER 2

jassid
: any of numerous small leafhoppers that include many economically significant pests of cultivated plants broadly : LEAFHOPPER

Jassy
― see IASI

Jastrzebie-Zdroj
city S Poland pop 102,661

Jat
n. : a member of an Indo-Aryan people of the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh

JATO
n. jet-assisted takeoff

jaunce
archaic : PRANCE

jaundice
n. 1 : yellowish pigmentation of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the deposition of bile pigments
2 : a disease or abnormal condition characterized by jaundice
3 : a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility

jaundiced
adj. 1 : affected with or as if with jaundice
2 : exhibiting or influenced by envy, distaste, or hostility <a jaundiced eye>

jaunt
n. 1 archaic : to trudge about
2 : to make a usually short journey for pleasure

jaunt
n. 1 archaic : a tiring trip
2 : an excursion undertaken especially for pleasure

jaunting car
: a light 2-wheeled open horse-drawn vehicle used especially in Ireland with lengthwise seats placed face-to-face or back to back

jaunty
adj. 1 archaic a : STYLISH b : GENTEEL
2 : sprightly in manner or appearance : LIVELY <sporting a jaunty red beret> <a jaunty stroll>
–jaun·ti·ly \'jȯn-tə-lē, 'jän-\ adverb
–jaun·ti·ness \'jȯn-tē-nəs, 'jän-\ noun

Jauregg
Julius Wagner von ― see WAGNER VON JAUREGG

Jaures
(Auguste-Marie-Joseph-) Jean 1859-1914 Fr. socialist

Jav
Javanese

Java
n. island Indonesia SE of Sumatra; chief city Jakarta area 51,007 sq mi (132,618 sq km), pop 107,581,306

java
n. : COFFEE

java
n. Java man
Java Head
Java Sea

Java Head
cape Indonesia at W end of Java on Sunda Strait

Java man
: a Pleistocene hominid known from fragmentary skeletons found in Trinil and Djetis, Java, and classified with the direct ancestor (Homo erectus) of modern humans

Java Sea
arm of the Pacific bounded on S by Java, on W by Sumatra, on N by Borneo, & on E by Sulawesi

Javanese
adj. 1 : a member of an Indonesian people inhabiting the island of Java
2 : an Austronesian language of the Javanese people
–Javanese adjective

Javari
river ab 600 mi (965 km) NW S. America flowing NE on Peru-Brazil boundary into the Amazon

javelin
n. 1 : a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting
2 : a slender usually metal shaft at least 260 centimeters long that is thrown for distance in a field event

javelina
n. : PECCARY

Javelle water
: an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent

jaw
n. 1 a : either of two complex cartilaginous or bony structures in most vertebrates that border the mouth, support the soft parts enclosing it, usually bear teeth on their oral margin, and are an upper that is more or less firmly fused with the skull and a lower that is hinged, movable, and articulated with the temporal bone of either side ― compare MANDIBLE, MAXILLA b : the parts constituting the walls of the mouth and serving to open and close it ― usually used in plural c : any of various organs of invertebrates that perform the function of the vertebrate jaws
2 : something resembling the jaw of an animal: as a : one of the sides of a narrow pass or channel b : either of two or more opposable parts that open and close for holding or crushing something between them
3 a : a space lying between or as if between open jaws <escaped from out of the jaws of the whale> b : a position or situation in which one is threatened <rode into the jaws of danger>
4 : a friendly chat

jaw
n. : to talk especially abusively, indignantly, or long-windedly <jawing with the referee>
transitive verb : to talk to in a scolding or boring manner

jaw
n. glass jaw
jaw dropping
jaw droppingly
jaw dropper
lantern jaw
lumpy jaw
Moose Jaw
lantern jawed

jaw-dropping
: causing great surprise or astonishment
–jaw-drop·per \-pər\ adjective
–jaw-drop·ping·ly \-piŋ-lē\ adverb

jawbone
n. : JAW 1A especially : MANDIBLE

jawbone
n. : to speak forcefully and persuasively to <jawboned them into accepting the deal>
intransitive verb : to talk especially forcefully and persuasively <jawboning about the tax cuts>

jawboning
n. : the use of public appeals (as by a president) to influence the actions especially of business and labor leaders broadly : the use of spoken persuasion

jawbreaker
n. 1 : a word difficult to pronounce
2 : a round hard candy

jawed
v. : having jaws <jawed fishes> ― usually used in combination <square-jawed> <a three-jawed chuck>

jawless fish
: any of the taxonomic group (Agnatha) of primitive vertebrates without jaws including cyclostomes and extinct related forms ― compare BONY FISH, CARTILAGINOUS FISH

jawline
n. : the outline of the lower jaw

Jaxartes
― see SYR DAR'YA

Jay
n. John 1745-1829 American jurist & statesman; 1st chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1789-95)

jay
n. 1 a : a predominantly fawn-colored Old World bird (Garrulus glandarius) of the crow family with a black-and-white crest and wings marked with black, white, and blue b : any of various usually crested and largely blue chiefly New World birds that are related to the common Old World jay and have roving habits and harsh voices ― compare BLUE JAY
2 a : an impertinent chatterer b : DANDY 1 c : GREENHORN
3 : a moderate blue

jay
n. 1 : the letter j
2 : JOINT 4

jay
n. blue jay
scrub jay
Steller's jay

Jaya
Irian Jaya
Jaya Puncak
Puncak Jaya

Jaya, Puncak
― see PUNCAK JAYA

Jayapura
city & port Indonesia capital of West Papua

jaybird
n. 1 : 1JAY 1
2 : 1JAY 2

Jaycee
n. : a member of a major national and international civic organization

jaygee
: LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE

jayhawker
1 a often capitalized : a member of a band of antislavery guerrillas in Kansas and Missouri before and during the American Civil War b : BANDIT
2 capitalized : a native or resident of Kansas ― used as a nickname

jayvee
n. 1 : JUNIOR VARSITY
2 : a member of a junior varsity team

jaywalk
v. : to cross a street carelessly or in an illegal manner so as to be endangered by traffic
–jay·walk·er noun

Jazirah, Al
― see GEZIRA

jazz
n. 1 a : American music developed especially from ragtime and blues and characterized by propulsive syncopated rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, varying degrees of improvisation, and often deliberate distortions of pitch and timbre b : popular dance music influenced by jazz and played in a loud rhythmic manner
2 : empty talk : HUMBUG <spouted all the scientific jazz ― Pete Martin>
3 : similar but unspecified things : STUFF <that wind, and the waves, and all that jazz ― John Updike>
–jazz·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

jazz
n. 1 a : ENLIVEN ― usually used with up b : ACCELERATE
2 : to play in the manner of jazz
intransitive verb
1 : to go here and there : GAD
2 : to dance to or play jazz

jazz-rock
: a blend of jazz and rock music

jazzman
n. : a jazz musician

jazzy
adj. 1 : having the characteristics of jazz
2 : marked by unrestraint, animation, or flashiness
–jazz·i·ly \'ja-zə-lē\ adverb
–jazz·i·ness \'ja-zē-nəs\ noun

JBS
John Birch Society

JC
junior college

JCAHO
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

JCB
bachelor of canon law

JCD
doctor of canon law

JCL
licentiate in canon law

JCS
joint chiefs of staff

jct
n. junction

JD
1 [New Latin juris doctor] doctor of jurisprudence; doctor of law; [New Latin jurum doctor] doctor of laws
2 justice department
3 juvenile delinquent

je maintiendrai
: I will maintain ― motto of the Netherlands

je ne sais quoi
: something that cannot be adequately described or expressed

jealous
adj. 1 a : intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness b : disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness
2 : hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage
3 : vigilant in guarding a possession <new colonies were jealous of their new independence ― Scott Buchanan>
–jeal·ous·ly adverb
–jeal·ous·ness noun

jealousy
n. 1 : a jealous disposition, attitude, or feeling
2 : zealous vigilance

jean
n. 1 : a durable twilled cotton cloth used especially for sportswear and work clothes
2 : pants usually made of jean or denim ― usually used in plural

jean
n. Molenbeek Saint Jean
Saint Jean Lake
Lac Saint Jean
Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Jean sur Richelieu
blue jeans

Jeanne d'Arc
― see JOAN OF ARC

Jeans
n. Sir James Hopwood 1877-1946 Eng. physicist, astron., & author

Jebb
Sir Richard Claverhouse 1841-1905 Scot. scholar

Jebel
n. Jebel Bahr el
Jebel ed Druz
Jebel Druz
Jebel Musa
Jebel Toubkal
Musa Jebel
Toubkal Jebel

Jebel ed Druz
region S Syria E of Sea of Galilee on border of Jordan

Jebel Musa
― see MUSA (Jebel)

Jebel Toubkal
― see TOUBKAL (Jebel)

Jebel, Bahr el
― see BAHR AL-GHAZAL

Jebus
n. ― see JERUSALEM

Jedburgh
n. royal burgh SE Scotland SE of Edinburgh

Jeep
n. ― used for a civilian automotive vehicle

jeep
n. : a small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase, 1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. Army in World War II also : a similar but larger and more powerful U.S. army vehicle

jeep
n. : to travel by jeep

jeepers
interj. ― used as a mild oath

jeepers creepers
: JEEPERS

jeepney
n. : a Philippine jitney bus converted from a jeep

jeer
n. intransitive verb : to speak or cry out with derision or mockery
transitive verb : to deride with jeers : TAUNT
synonyms see SCOFF
–jeer·er noun
–jeer·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

jeer
n. : a jeering remark or sound : TAUNT

jeez
interj. ― used as a mild oath or introductory expletive (as to express surprise)

jefe
: CHIEF, LEADER

Jeffers
(John) Robinson 1887-1962 American poet

Jefferson
n. Thomas 1743-1826 3d pres. of the U.S. (1801-09)
–Jef·fer·so·nian \ˌje-fər-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Jefferson
n. river over 200 mi (321 km) SW Mont. ― see THREE FORKS

Jefferson
n. Jefferson Davis's Birthday
Jefferson Mount
Jefferson City

Jefferson City
city capital of Mo. on Missouri River pop 39,636

Jefferson Davis's Birthday
: the first Monday in June observed as a legal holiday in many Southern states

Jefferson, Mount
mountain 10,495 ft (3199 m) NW Oreg. in Cascades

Jeffersontown
city N Ky. E of Louisville pop 26,633

Jeffersonville
city S Ind. pop 27,362

Jeffrey
n. Lord Francis 1773-1850 Scot. critic & jurist

Jeffrey pine
: a tall pine (Pinus jeffreyi) of the western U.S. having elongated cones and long needles in groups of three

Jeffreys
George 1645-1689 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem Eng. jurist

jehad
n. variant of jihad

Jehol
― see CHENGDE

Jehoshaphat
: a king of Judah who brought Judah into an alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel in the ninth century B.C.

Jehovah
n. : GOD 1

Jehovah's Witness
: a member of a group that witness by distributing literature and by personal evangelism to beliefs in the theocratic rule of God, the sinfulness of organized religions and governments, and an imminent millennium

jehu
n. 1 capitalized : a king of Israel in the ninth century B.C. who according to the account in II Kings had Jezebel killed in accordance with Elijah's prophecy
2 : a driver of a coach or cab

Jeju
― see CHEJU

jejunal
adj. : of or relating to the jejunum

jejune
adj. 1 : lacking nutritive value <jejune diets>
2 : devoid of significance or interest : DULL <jejune lectures>
3 : JUVENILE, PUERILE <jejune reflections on life and art>
synonyms see INSIPID
–je·june·ly adverb
–je·june·ness \-'jün-nəs\ noun

jejunum
n. : the section of the small intestine that comprises the first two fifths beyond the duodenum and that is larger, thicker-walled, and more vascular and has more circular folds than the ileum

Jekyll and Hyde
: one having a two-sided personality one side of which is good and the other evil

jell
n. intransitive verb
1 : to come to the consistency of jelly : CONGEAL, SET
2 : to take shape and achieve distinctness : become cohesive
transitive verb : to cause to jell

Jell-O
― used for a gelatin dessert usually with the flavor and color of fruit

Jellicoe
1st Earl 1859-1935 John Rushworth Jellicoe Brit. admiral

jellied gasoline
: NAPALM

jelly
n. 1 : a soft somewhat elastic food product made usually with gelatin or pectin especially : a fruit product made by boiling sugar and the juice of fruit
2 : a substance resembling jelly in consistency
3 : a state of fear or irresolution
4 : a shapeless structureless mass : PULP
–jel·ly·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

jelly
n. intransitive verb
1 : JELL
2 : to make jelly
transitive verb : to bring to the consistency of jelly

jelly
n. comb jelly
calf's foot jelly
jelly bean
jelly roll
petroleum jelly
royal jelly
jellied gasoline

jelly bean
: a sugar-glazed bean-shaped candy

jelly roll
: a thin sheet of sponge cake spread with jelly and rolled up

jellyfish
n. 1 a : a free-swimming marine coelenterate that is the sexually reproducing form of a hydrozoan or scyphozoan and has a nearly transparent saucer-shaped body and extensible marginal tentacles studded with stinging cells b : SIPHONOPHORE c : CTENOPHORE
2 : a person lacking backbone or firmness

jelutong
1 : any of several trees (genus Dyera) of the dogbane family
2 : the resinous rubbery latex of a jelutong (esp. Dyera costulata) used especially as a chicle substitute

Jemappes
commune SW Belgium W of Mons

jemmy
n. British : JIMMY

Jena
city E cen Germany E of Erfurt pop 100,967

Jenner
n. Edward 1749-1823 Eng. physician
–Jen·ne·ri·an \je-'nir-ē-ən\ adjective

Jenner
n. Sir William 1815-1898 Eng. physician

jennet
n. 1 : a small Spanish horse
2 a : a female donkey b : HINNY

jenny
n. 1 a : a female bird <a jenny wren> b : a female donkey
2 : SPINNING JENNY

Jenson
Nicolas ca 1420-1480 Fr. printer & engraver in Venice

jeon
n. : the chon of South Korea

Jeonju
― see CHONJU

jeopard
v. : JEOPARDIZE

jeopardise
v. British variant of jeopardize

jeopardize
v. : to expose to danger or risk : IMPERIL

jeopardy
n. 1 : exposure to or imminence of death, loss, or injury : DANGER
2 : the danger that an accused person is subjected to when on trial for a criminal offense

jequirity bean
1 : the poisonous scarlet and black seed of the rosary pea often used for beads
2 : ROSARY PEA 1

Jequitinhonha
river 500 mi (805 km) E Brazil flowing NE into the Atlantic

Jer
Jeremiah; Jeremias

Jerba
n. island SE Tunisia in the Mediterranean at entrance to Gulf of Gabès area 197 sq mi (510 sq km)

jerboa
n. : any of several social nocturnal jumping rodents (family Dipodidae) of arid parts of Asia and northern Africa having a long tail and long hind legs

jeremiad
n. : a prolonged lamentation or complaint also : a cautionary or angry harangue

Jeremiah
n. 1 : a major Hebrew prophet of the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.
2 : person who is pessimistic about the present and foresees a calamitous future
3 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Jeremias
n. : JEREMIAH

Jerez
n. city SW Spain NE of Cádiz pop 183,273

Jericho
n. 1 or Arabic Ari·ha \ä-'rē-hä\ town West Bank 5 mi (8 km) NW of Dead Sea
2 city of ancient Palestine near site of modern Jericho

jerk
n. 1 : a single quick motion of short duration
2 a : jolting, bouncing, or thrusting motions b : a tendency to produce spasmodic motions
3 a : an involuntary spasmodic muscular movement due to reflex action b plural : involuntary twitchings due to nervous excitement
4 a : an annoyingly stupid or foolish person b : an unlikable person especially : one who is cruel, rude, or small-minded
5 : the pushing of a weight from shoulder height to a position overhead in weight lifting

jerk
n. 1 : to give a quick suddenly arrested push, pull, or twist to
2 : to propel or move with or as if with a quick suddenly arrested motion
3 : to mix and serve (as sodas) behind a soda fountain
intransitive verb
1 : to make a sudden spasmodic motion
2 : to move in short abrupt motions or with frequent jolts
–jerk·er noun

jerk
n. : to preserve (meat) in long sun-dried slices

jerk
n. clean and jerk
jerk around
jerk off
knee jerk
soda jerk
tear jerking
soda jerker

jerk around
: to treat badly especially by being underhanded or inconsistent

jerk off
usually vulgar : MASTURBATE

jerkin
n. : a close-fitting hip-length usually sleeveless jacket

jerkwater
adj. 1 : remote and unimportant <jerkwater towns>
2 : TRIVIAL

jerky
n. 1 a : moving along with or marked by fits and starts b : characterized by abrupt transitions
2 : INANE, FOOLISH
–jerk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–jerk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

jerky
n. : jerked meat

Jerne
Niels Kai 1911-1994 Dan. (Eng.-born) immunologist

jeroboam
n. : an oversize wine bottle holding about three liters

Jerome
n. Saint ca 347-419(or 420) L. Eusebius Hi·eron·y·mus \ˌhī-ə-'rä-nə-məs, hi-\ church father

jerrican
n. : a narrow flat-sided container for liquids usually holding about five U.S. gallons (about 19 liters)

Jerry
n. chiefly British : GERMAN

Jerry
n. jerry can
jerry build
jerry builder
jerry built
jerry rigged
Tom and Jerry

jerry-build
: to build cheaply and flimsily
–jer·ry-build·er noun

jerry-built
1 : built cheaply and unsubstantially
2 : carelessly or hastily put together

jerry-rigged
: organized or constructed in a crude or improvised manner <a jerry-rigged plan>

Jersey
n. 1 island English Channel in the Channel Islands capital St. Helier area 45 sq mi (117 sq km)
2 NEW JERSEY
–Jer·sey·an \-ən\ noun
–Jer·sey·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

jersey
n. 1 : a plain weft-knitted fabric made of wool, cotton, nylon, rayon, or silk and used especially for clothing
2 : any of various close-fitting usually circular-knitted garments especially for the upper body
3 capitalized : any of a breed of small short-horned predominantly yellowish brown or fawn dairy cattle noted for their rich milk

jersey
n. Jersey barrier
Jersey pine
New Jersey tea
Jersey City
New Jersey
New Jerseyite
New Jerseyan

Jersey barrier
: a concrete slab 32 inches high with slanted sides that is used in tandem with others to block or reroute traffic or to divide highways

Jersey City
city & port NE N.J. pop 240,055

Jersey pine
: VIRGINIA PINE

Jerusalem
n. city SW Asia NW of Dead Sea; divided 1948-67 bet. Jordan (old city) & Israel (new city); capital of Israel since 1950 & formerly capital of ancient kingdoms of Israel & Judah; old city under Israeli control since 1967 pop 544,200
–Je·ru·sa·lem·ite \-lə-ˌmīt\ noun

Jerusalem
n. Jerusalem artichoke
Jerusalem cherry
Jerusalem cricket
Jerusalem thorn
New Jerusalem

Jerusalem artichoke
: a perennial sunflower (Helianthus tuberosus) of the U.S. and Canada widely cultivated for its tubers that are used as a vegetable and as a livestock feed also : its tubers

Jerusalem cherry
: either of two plants (Solanum pseudocapsicum and S. capsicastrum) of the nightshade family cultivated as ornamental houseplants for their orange to red berries

Jerusalem cricket
: a large-headed burrowing nocturnal orthopteran insect (Stenopelmatus fuscus) of the southwestern U.S.

Jerusalem thorn
: a widely cultivated tropical American spiny shrub or small tree (Parkinsonia aculeata) of the legume family with pinnate leaves and showy racemose yellow flowers

Jervis
John 1735-1823 Earl of St. Vincent Brit. admiral

Jervis Bay
inlet of the Pacific SE Australia on SE coast of New South Wales on which is situated district (area 28 sq mi or 73 sq km) that is part of Australian Capital Territory

Jespersen
n. (Jens) Otto Harry 1860-1943 Dan. philologist

jess
n. : a short strap secured on the leg of a hawk and usually provided with a ring for attaching a leash
–jessed \'jest\ adjective

jessamine
n. variant of jasmine

Jesse
n. : the father of David, king of Israel, according to the account in I Samuel

Jesselton
― see KOTA KINABALU

jest
n. 1 : an utterance (as a jeer or quip) intended to be taken as mockery or humor
2 a : PRANK b : a ludicrous circumstance or incident
3 a : a frivolous mood or manner <spoken in jest> b : gaiety and merriment
4 : LAUGHINGSTOCK
synonyms see FUN
–jest verb

jester
n. 1 : FOOL 2A
2 : one given to jests

Jesuit
n. 1 : a member of the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius Loyola in 1534 and devoted to missionary and educational work
2 : one given to intrigue or equivocation
–je·su·it·i·cal \ˌje-zü-'(w)i-ti-kəl, -zhü-, -zyü-\ also je·su·it·ic \-tik\ adjective often cap
–je·su·it·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb often cap
–je·su·it·ism \'je-zü-ə-ˌti-zəm, -zhü-, -zyü-\ or je·su·it·ry \-ə-trē\ noun often cap

Jesus
n. 1 : the Jewish religious teacher whose life, death, and resurrection as reported by the Evangelists are the basis of the Christian message of salvation ― called also Jesus Christ
2 Christian Science : the highest human corporeal concept of the divine idea rebuking and destroying error and bringing to light man's immortality

Jesus
n. ca 6 B.C.-ca A.D. 30 Jesus of Nazareth; the Son of Mary source of the Christian religion & Savior in the Christian faith

jet
n. 1 : a compact velvet-black coal that takes a good polish and is often used for jewelry
2 : an intense black

jet
n. : of the color jet

jet
n. intransitive verb : to spout forth : GUSH
transitive verb : to emit in a stream : SPOUT

jet
n. 1 a (1) : a usually forceful stream of fluid (as water or gas) discharged from a narrow opening or a nozzle (2) : a narrow stream of material (as plasma) emanating or appearing to emanate from a celestial object (as a radio galaxy) b : a nozzle for a jet of fluid
2 : something issuing as if in a jet <talk poured from her in a brilliant jet ― Time>
3 a : JET ENGINE b : an airplane powered by one or more jet engines
4 : a long narrow current of high-speed winds (as a jet stream)
–jet·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

jet
n. 1 : to travel by jet airplane
2 : to move or progress by or as if by jet propulsion

jet
n. fan jet
ink jet
jet black
jet engine
jet lag
jet lagged
jet propelled
jet propulsion
jet set
jet setting
jet setter
Jet Ski
jet stream
jump jet
plasma jet
pulse jet engine

jet engine
: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid specifically : an airplane engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases ― see AIRPLANE illustration

jet lag
: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and prob. results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body
–jet-lagged \'jet-ˌlagd\ adjective

jet propulsion
: propulsion of a body produced by the forwardly directed forces of the reaction resulting from the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid especially : propulsion of an airplane by jet engines

jet set
: an international social group of wealthy individuals who frequent fashionable resorts
–jet-set adjective
–jet-set·ter \-ˌse-tər\ noun
–jet-set·ting \-ˌse-tiŋ\ adjective

Jet Ski
― used for a small motorized usually recreational watercraft

jet stream
: a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour

jet-black
: black as jet

jet-propelled
1 : moving by jet propulsion
2 : suggestive of the speed and force of a jet airplane

jetbead
: a deciduous ornamental Asian shrub (Rhodotypos scandens) of the rose family that has black shiny fruit

jete
: a springing jump in ballet made from one foot to the other in any direction

jetliner
n. : a jet-propelled airliner

jetport
n. : an airport designed to handle jet airplanes

jetsam
n. 1 : the part of a ship, its equipment, or its cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore
2 : FLOTSAM 2

jettison
n. : a voluntary sacrifice of cargo to lighten a ship's load in time of distress

jettison
n. 1 : to make jettison of
2 : to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : omit or forgo as part of a plan or as the result of some other decision <must be prepared to jettison many romantic notions 97 Christopher Catling>
3 : to drop from an aircraft or spacecraft in flight
–jet·ti·son·able \-sə-nə-bəl, -zə-\ adjective

jetty
n. 1 a : a structure extended into a sea, lake, or river to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbor b : a protecting frame of a pier
2 : a landing wharf

jetty
n. : PROJECT, JUT

jetty
n. : black as jet

Jetway
n. ― used for a telescoping passenger ramp between an aircraft and a terminal building

jeu
jeu d'esprit
jeu de mots
vieux jeu

jeu d'esprit
: a witty comment or composition

jeu de mots
: play on words : pun

jeunesse
jeunesse doree
jeunesse dorée
si jeunesse savait si vieillesse pouvait
si jeunesse savait si vieillesse pouvait!

jeunesse doree
: young people of wealth and fashion

Jevons
William Stanley 1835-1882 Eng. econ.

Jew
n. 1 a : a member of the tribe of Judah b : ISRAELITE
2 : a member of a nation existing in Palestine from the sixth century B.C. to the first century A.D.
3 : a person belonging to a continuation through descent or conversion of the ancient Jewish people
4 : one whose religion is Judaism

Jew
n. Jew's harp
Wandering Jew
non Jew
Jews' harp

Jew's harp
: a small lyre-shaped instrument that when held between the teeth gives tones from a metal tongue struck by the finger

jewel
n. 1 : an ornament of precious metal often set with stones or decorated with enamel and worn as an accessory of dress
2 : one that is highly esteemed <regarded the library as the jewel of the campus>
3 : a precious stone : GEM
4 : a bearing for a pivot (as in a watch) made of crystal, glass, or a gem
–jew·el·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

jewel
n. 1 : to adorn or equip with jewels
2 : to give beauty to as if with jewels : EMBELLISH

jewel
n. crown jewel
jewel box
jewel case
jewel tone
Jewel Cave National Monument
family jewels

jewel box
1 : a small box or case designed to hold jewelry
2 : something (as a theater) of exquisite or ornate design
3 : a thin plastic case for a CD or DVD ― called also jewel case

Jewel Cave National Monument
n. limestone cave SW S.Dak.

jewel tone
: any of various colors (as amethyst, emerald, and ruby) that resemble those of gemstones

jeweler
n. 1 : one who makes or repairs jewelry
2 : one who deals in jewelry, precious stones, watches, and usually silverware and china

jewellery
n. chiefly British variant of jewelry

jewelry
n. : JEWELS especially : objects of precious metal often set with gems and worn for personal adornment

jewelweed
n. : TOUCH-ME-NOT

Jewess
n. sometimes offensive : a Jewish girl or woman

Jewett
Sarah Orne 1849-1909 American writer

jewfish
n. : any of various large groupers (esp. Epinephelus itajara) that are usually dusky green, brown, or blackish, thickheaded, and rough-scaled also : any of various other large fishes (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)

Jewish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Jews also : being a Jew
–Jew·ish·ly adverb
–Jew·ish·ness noun

Jewish
adj. Jewish American Princess
Jewish Princess
Jewish calendar
jewish table
Jewish Autonomous Oblast
anti Jewish
non Jewish

Jewish American Princess
often disparaging : a stereotypical well-to-do or spoiled American Jewish girl or woman ― called also Jewish Princess

Jewish Autonomous Oblast
autonomous oblast E Russia in Asia, bordering on the Amur capital Birobidzhan area 13,900 sq mi (36,001 sq km)

Jewish calendar
: a calendar in use among Jewish peoples that is reckoned from the year 3761 B.C. and dates in its present form from about A.D. 360 ― see MONTH table

see table...

jewish-table

Jewry
n. 1 plural Jewries : a community of Jews
2 : the Jewish people

Jezebel
n. 1 : the Phoenician wife of Ahab who according to the account in I and II Kings pressed the cult of Baal on the Israelite kingdom but was finally killed in accordance with Elijah's prophecy
2 often not capitalized : an impudent, shameless, or morally unrestrained woman

Jezreel
n. town of ancient Palestine in Samaria NW of Mt. Gilboa in Valley of Jezreel; now in N Israel

Jezreel, Valley of
the E end of the Plain of Esdraelon

jg
junior grade

Jhansi
city N India in S Uttar Pradesh pop 383,248

Jharkhand
state NE India capital Ranchi area 28,832 sq mi (74,675 sq km), pop 26,909,428

Jhelum
river 450 mi (724 km) NW India (subcontinent) flowing from Kashmir S & SW into the Chenab

JHVH
variant of yhwh

Jiamusi
city NE China in E Heilongjiang pop 493,409

Jiang Zemin
1926-     gen. secy. of Chin. Communist party (1989-2002); pres. of China (1993-2003)

Jiangsu
province E China bordering on Yellow Sea capital Nanjing area 40,927 sq mi (106,001 sq km), pop 67,056,519

Jiangxi
province SE China capital Nanchang area 63,629 sq mi (165,435 sq km), pop 37,710,281

jiao
n. : a monetary unit of the People's Republic of China equal to 1/10 yuan

Jiaozhou
bay of Yellow Sea E China in E Shandong area 200 sq mi (520 sq km)

jib
n. : a triangular sail set on a stay extending usually from the head of the foremast to the bowsprit or the jibboom also : the small triangular headsail on a sloop ― see SAIL illustration

jib
n. 1 : the projecting arm of a crane
2 : a derrick boom

jib
n. : to refuse to proceed further : BALK
–jib·ber noun

jibboom
n. : a spar that forms an extension of the bowsprit

jibe
v. variant of gibe

jibe
v. intransitive verb
1 : to shift suddenly and forcibly from one side to the other ― used of a fore-and-aft sail
2 : to change a vessel's course when sailing with the wind so that as the stern passes through the eye of the wind the boom swings to the opposite side
transitive verb : to cause to jibe
–jibe also gybe noun

jibe
v. : to be in accord : AGREE

jicama
n. : an edible starchy tuberous root of a tropical American vine (Pachyrhizus erosus) of the legume family that is eaten raw or cooked

Jicarilla
1 : a member of an Apache people orig. of southeastern Colorado, northern New Mexico, and adjacent areas and now living chiefly in northern New Mexico
2 : the language of the Jicarilla people

Jidda
n. city W Saudi Arabia in Hejaz on Red Sea; port for Mecca pop 561,104

jiff
n. : JIFFY

jiffy
n. : MOMENT, INSTANT <ready in a jiffy>

jig
n. 1 a : any of several lively springy dances in triple rhythm b : music to which a jig may be danced
2 : TRICK, GAME ― used chiefly in the phrase the jig is up
3 a : any of several fishing devices that are jerked up and down or drawn through the water b : a device used to maintain mechanically the correct positional relationship between a piece of work and the tool or between parts of work during assembly c : a device in which crushed ore is concentrated or coal is cleaned by agitating in water
–in jig time : in a short time : QUICKLY

jig
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move with rapid jerky motions b : to dance a jig
2 : to fish with a jig
transitive verb
1 : to dance in the rapid lively manner of a jig
2 a : to give a rapid jerky motion to b : to separate (a mineral or ore from waste) with a jig
3 : to catch (a fish) with a jig
4 : to machine by means of a jig-controlled tool operation

jig
n. usually offensive : BLACK 4

jigger
n. 1 : one that jigs or operates a jig
2 : any of several sails
3 : JIG 3A
4 a (1) : a mechanical device usually with a jerky reciprocating motion (2) : a mold or a machine incorporating a revolving mold on which ceramic items (as plates) are formed b : GADGET, DOODAD
5 : a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

jigger
n. : CHIGGER

jigger
n. intransitive verb : to jerk up and down
transitive verb : to alter or rearrange especially by manipulating <jigger an election district>

jiggery-pokery
: underhanded manipulation or dealings : TRICKERY

jiggle
n. transitive verb : to cause to move with quick little jerks or oscillating motions
intransitive verb : to move from or as if from being jiggled
–jiggle noun
–jig·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

jigsaw
n. 1 : SCROLL SAW 2
2 : a light portable electric saw with a vertically reciprocating blade that is used especially for cutting curves
3 : JIGSAW PUZZLE

jigsaw
n. 1 : to cut or form by or as if by a jigsaw
2 : to arrange or place in an intricate or interlocking way

jigsaw
n. : suggesting a jigsaw puzzle or its separate pieces

jigsaw puzzle
: a puzzle consisting of small irregularly cut pieces that are to be fitted together to form a picture also : something suggesting a jigsaw puzzle

Jih-k'a-tse
― see XIGAZÊ

jihad
n. 1 : a holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty also : a personal struggle in devotion to Islam especially involving spiritual discipline
2 : a crusade for a principle or belief

jihadist
n. : a Muslim who advocates or participates in a jihad
–jihadist adjective

Jilin
1 province NE China in E Manchuria capital Changchun area 72,201 sq mi (187,723 sq km), pop 24,658,721
2 or formerly Yung·ki \'yu̇ŋ-'jē\ city NE China in E cen Jilin pop 1,036,858

jillion
n. : ZILLION
–jillion adjective

jilt
n. : to drop (as a lover) capriciously or unfeelingly
–jilt·er noun

jilt
n. : one who jilts a lover

jim
n. jim crow
jim crowism
jim dandy
slim jim

jim crow
1 usually offensive : BLACK 4
2 : ethnic discrimination especially against blacks by legal enforcement or traditional sanctions
–jim crow adjective often cap J&C
–jim crow·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun often cap J&C

jim-dandy
: something excellent of its kind
–jim-dandy adjective

Jimenez
Juan Ramón 1881-1958 Span. poet

Jimenez de Cisneros
Francisco 1436-1517 Span. prelate & statesman

jimjams
n. : JITTERS

jimmies
n. : tiny rod-shaped bits of usually chocolate-flavored candy often sprinkled on ice cream

jimmy
n. : a short crowbar

jimmy
n. : to force open with or as if with a jimmy <the burglar jimmied a window>

jimsonweed
n. : a poisonous tall annual weed (Datura stramonium) of the nightshade family with rank-smelling foliage, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers, and roundish prickly fruits ― called also thorn apple

Jinan
city E China capital of Shandong pop 1,500,000

jingle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a light clinking or tinkling sound
2 : to rhyme or sound in a catchy repetitious manner
transitive verb : to cause to jingle
–jin·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

jingle
n. 1 a : a light clinking or tinkling sound b : a catchy repetition of sounds in a poem
2 a : something that jingles b : a short verse or song marked by catchy repetition
–jin·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

jingo
n. ― used as a mild oath usually in the phrase by jingo

jingo
n. : one characterized by jingoism
–jin·go·ish \-ish\ adjective

jingoism
n. : extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy
–jin·go·ist \-ist\ noun or adjective
–jin·go·is·tic \ˌjiŋ-gō-'is-tik\ adjective
–jin·go·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Jinja
city & port SE Uganda on Lake Victoria pop 60,979

jink
n. : to move quickly or unexpectedly with sudden turns and shifts (as in dodging)

jink
n. 1 : a quick evasive turn : SLIP
2 plural : PRANKS, FROLICS especially : HIGH JINKS

Jinmen
― see QUEMOY

Jinnah
Mohammed Ali 1876-1948 Indian polit.; 1st gov.-gen. of dominion of Pakistan (1947-48)

jinni
n. 1 : one of a class of spirits that according to Muslim demonology inhabit the earth, assume various forms, and exercise supernatural power
2 : GENIE 2

jinricksha
n. : RICKSHAW

jinx
n. : one that brings bad luck also : the state or spell of bad luck brought on by a jinx

jinx
n. : to foredoom to failure or misfortune : bring bad luck to

Jinzhou
city NE China in SW Liaoning pop 400,000

jipijapa
1 : a palmlike Central and So. American plant (Carludovica palmata of the family Cyclanthaceae) with leaves used especially to make Panama hats
2 : PANAMA

JIT
1 job instruction training
2 just in time

jitney
n. 1 slang : NICKEL 2A(1)
2 [from the original 5 century fare] : BUS 1A especially : a small bus that carries passengers over a regular route on a flexible schedule
3 : an unlicensed taxicab

jitter
n. 1 plural : a sense of panic or extreme nervousness <had a bad case of the jitters before his performance>
2 : the state of mind or the movement of one that jitters
3 : irregular random movement (as of a pointer or an image on a television screen) also : vibratory motion

jitter
n. 1 : to be nervous or act in a nervous way
2 : to make continuous fast repetitive movements

jitterbug
n. 1 : a jazz variation of the two-step in which couples swing, balance, and twirl in standardized patterns and often with vigorous acrobatics
2 : one who dances the jitterbug

jitterbug
n. 1 : to dance the jitterbug
2 : to move around or back and forth with quick often jerky movements especially to confuse or disconcert an opponent in sports

jittery
adj. 1 : suffering from the jitters
2 : marked by jittering movements
–jit·ter·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

jiujitsu
n. variant of jujitsu

Jiulong
n. 1 peninsula SE China in Hong Kong opposite Hong Kong Is.
2 city on Jiulong Peninsula

jive
n. 1 : swing music or the dancing performed to it
2 a : glib, deceptive, or foolish talk b : the jargon of hipsters c : a special jargon of difficult or slang terms
–jivey \'jī-vē\ adjective

jive
n. transitive verb
1 : TEASE, CAJOLE
2 : SWING 5
intransitive verb
1 : to talk jive : kid around
2 : to dance to or play jive

jive
n. slang : PHONY

Jizah, Al
― see GIZA

Jn
John

JND
just noticeable difference

jnr
British junior

Jo
n. Joel

jo
n. chiefly Scottish : SWEETHEART, DEAR

Joachim
n. Joseph 1831-1907 Hung. violinist

Joan of Arc
Saint ca 1412-1431 the Maid of Orleans Fr. national heroine

Joannes est nomen eius
: John is his name ― motto of Puerto Rico

Joao Pessoa
city NE Brazil capital of Paraíba pop 597,934

Job
n. 1 : the hero of the book of Job who endures afflictions with fortitude and faith
2 : a narrative and poetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

job
n. 1 a : a piece of work especially : a small miscellaneous piece of work undertaken on order at a stated rate b : the object or material on which work is being done c : something produced by or as if by work <did a nice job> d : an example of a usually specified type : ITEM <the limousine was a long white job>
2 a : something done for private advantage <the whole incident was a put-up job> b : a criminal enterprise specifically : ROBBERY c : a damaging or destructive bit of work <did a job on him>
3 a (1) : something that has to be done : TASK (2) : an undertaking requiring unusual exertion <it was a real job to talk over that noise> b : a specific duty, role, or function c : a regular remunerative position d chiefly British : state of affairs ― usually used with bad or good <it was a good job you didn't hit the old man ― E. L. Thomas>
4 : plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes <a nose job>
synonyms see TASK
–on the job : at work

job
n. intransitive verb
1 : to do odd or occasional pieces of work for hire
2 : to carry on public business for private gain
3 : to carry on the business of a middleman or wholesaler
transitive verb
1 : to buy and sell (as stock) for profit : SPECULATE
2 : to hire or let by the job or for a period of service
3 : to get, deal with, or effect by jobbery
4 : to do or cause to be done by separate portions or lots : SUBCONTRACT ― often used with out
5 : to penalize or deprive unfairly

job
n. 1 British : that is for hire for a given service or period
2 : used in, engaged in, or done as job work <a job shop>
3 : of or relating to a job or to employment <a guarantee of job security>

job
n. blow job
day job
hatchet job
on the job
job action
job hopping
job hopper
job lot
Job's comforter
Job's tears
snow job

job action
: a temporary action (as a slowdown) by workers as a protest and means of forcing compliance with demands

job lot
1 : a miscellaneous collection of goods for sale as a lot usually to a retailer
2 : a miscellaneous and usually inferior collection or group

Job's comforter
: a person who discourages or depresses while seemingly giving comfort and consolation

Job's tears
1 : hard usually pearly white seeds of a tropical southeast Asian grass (Coix lacryma-jobi) often used as beads
2 singular in construction : the grass producing Job's tears

job-hopping
: the practice of moving from job to job
–job-hop·per \-ˌhä-pər\ noun

jobber
n. : one that jobs: as a (1) : WHOLESALER specifically : a wholesaler who operates on a small scale or who sells only to retailers and institutions (2) : STOCKJOBBER A b : a person who works by the job

jobbery
n. : the act or practice of jobbing especially : corruption in public office

jobbing
n. chiefly British : working occasionally at separate short jobs

jobholder
n. : a person having a regular job

jobless
n. 1 : having no job
2 : of or relating to those having no job <jobless benefits>
–job·less·ness noun

Jobs
n. Steven Paul 1955-     American computer entepreneur

Jocasta
n. : a queen of Thebes who marries Oedipus not knowing that he is her son

jock
n. 1 : JOCKEY 1
2 : DISC JOCKEY

jock
n. 1 : ATHLETIC SUPPORTER
2 : ATHLETE especially : a school or college athlete
3 : PILOT especially : a fighter pilot
4 : a person devoted to a single pursuit or interest <computer jocks>

jock itch
: TINEA CRURIS

jockey
n. 1 : a person who rides or drives a horse especially as a professional in a race
2 : a person who operates or works with a specified vehicle, device, object, or material <a bus jockey> <pencil jockeys>

jockey
n. transitive verb
1 : to deal shrewdly or fraudulently with
2 a : to ride or drive (a horse) as a jockey b : DRIVE, OPERATE
3 a : to maneuver or manipulate by adroit or devious means <was jockeyed out of the job> b : to change the position of by a series of movements <jockey a truck into position>
intransitive verb
1 : to act as a jockey
2 : to maneuver for advantage ― often used in the phrase jockey for position

jockey
n. bench jockey
desk jockey
disc jockey
disk jockey
jockey club

jockey club
: an association for the promotion and regulation of horse racing

jockstrap
n. : ATHLETIC SUPPORTER

jocose
adj. 1 : given to joking : MERRY
2 : characterized by joking : HUMOROUS
synonyms see WITTY
–jo·cose·ly adverb
–jo·cose·ness noun
–jo·cos·i·ty \jō-'kä-sə-tē, jə-\ noun

jocular
adj. 1 : given to jesting : habitually jolly or jocund
2 : characterized by jesting : PLAYFUL
synonyms see WITTY
–joc·u·lar·i·ty \ˌjä-kyə-'ler-ə-tē, -'la-rə-\ noun
–joc·u·lar·ly \'jä-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

jocund
adj. : marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness <a poet could not but be gay, in such a jocund company ― William Wordsworth>
synonyms see MERRY
–jo·cun·di·ty \jō-'kən-də-tē, jä-\ noun
–jo·cund·ly \'jä-kənd-lē, 'jō-(ˌ)\ adverb

Jodhpur
n. 1 or Mar·war \'mär-ˌwär\ former state NW India bordering on Thar Desert & Rann of Kachchh, since 1949 part of Rajasthan state
2 city, its capital pop 846,408

jodhpur
n. 1 plural : riding breeches cut full through the hips and close-fitting from knee to ankle
2 : an ankle-high boot fastened with a strap that is buckled at the side ― called also jodhpur boot

Jodl
Alfred 1890-1946 Ger. gen.

Jodrell Bank
locality W England in NE Cheshire near Macclesfield

joe
n. : FELLOW, GUY <an average joe>

joe
n. : COFFEE 1A

joe
n. Holy Joe
joe blow
Joe Blow
joe pye weed
Joe Six Pack
sloppy joe

joe blow
: an average or ordinary man

Joe Six-Pack
: an ordinary man specifically : a blue-collar worker

joe-pye weed
: any of several tall No. American perennial composite herbs (esp. Eupatorium maculatum and E. purpureum) with whorled leaves and corymbose heads of typically purplish tubular flowers

Joel
n. 1 : the traditionally assumed author of the book of Joel
2 : a narrative and apocalyptic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

joey
n. Australian : a baby animal especially : a baby kangaroo

Joffre
Joseph-Jacques-Césaire 1852-1931 Fr. field marshal; marshal of France

jog
n. transitive verb
1 : to give a slight shake or push to : NUDGE
2 : to rouse to alertness <jogged his memory>
3 : to cause (as a horse) to go at a jog
4 : to align the edges of (piled sheets of paper) by hitting or shaking against a flat surface
intransitive verb
1 : to move up and down or about with a short heavy motion <his⋯holster jogging against his hip ― Thomas Williams>
2 a : to run or ride at a slow trot b : to go at a slow, leisurely, or monotonous pace : TRUDGE
–jog·ger \'jä-gər, 'jȯ-\ noun

jog
n. 1 : a slight shake : NUDGE
2 a : a movement, pace, or instance of jogging (as for exercise) b : a horse's slow measured trot

jog
n. 1 a : a projecting or retreating part (as of a line or surface) b : the space in the angle of a jog
2 : a brief abrupt change in direction

jog
n. : to make a jog <the road jogs to the right>

jog trot
1 : 2JOG 2B
2 : a routine habit or course of action

joggle
n. transitive verb : to shake slightly
intransitive verb : to move shakily or jerkily
–jog·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

joggle
n. : 2JOG 2A

joggle
n. 1 : a notch or tooth in a joining surface (as of a piece of building material) to prevent slipping
2 : a dowel for joining two adjacent blocks of masonry

joggle
n. : to join by means of a joggle so as to prevent sliding apart

Jogjakarta
― see YOGYAKARTA

Johannesburg
n. city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng pop 654,232

Johannine
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the apostle John or the New Testament books ascribed to him

Johannisberg Riesling
: a Riesling produced in the U.S. (as in California)

John
n. 1 : a Jewish prophet who according to Gospel accounts foretold Jesus' messianic ministry and baptized him ― called also John the Baptist
2 : an apostle who according to various Christian traditions wrote the fourth Gospel, the three Johannine Epistles, and the Book of Revelation
3 : the fourth Gospel in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table
4 : any of three short didactic letters addressed to early Christians and included in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

John
n. name of 21 popes: especially XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli) 1881-1963 (pope 1958-63)

John
n. 1167-1216 John Lack·land \'lak-ˌland\ king of England (1199-1216)

John
n. 1357-1433 the Great king of Portugal (1385-1433)

John
n. Augustus Edwin 1878-1961 Brit. painter & etcher

john
n. 1 [probably short for johnny, johnny house privy] : TOILET
2 : a prostitute's client

john
n. John the Baptist
John I
John Mark
Dear John
hopping John
hoppin' John
John Barleycorn
John Bull
John Bullism
John Bullishness
John Bullish
John Doe
John Dory
John Dories
John Hancock
John Henry
Saint John's bread
Saint John's wort
Charles XIV John
John of Austria
John of Gaunt
John of Lancaster
John of Leiden
John of Salisbury
John of the Cross
John Paul
John III Sobieski
St. John
John Day
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John o' Groat's
John o' Groat's House
Saint John
Saint John Island
Saint John's
long johns
Saint Johns

John Barleycorn
: alcoholic liquor personified

John Bull
1 : the English nation personified : the English people
2 : a typical Englishman
–John Bull·ish \-'bu̇-lish\ adjective
–John Bull·ish·ness noun
–John Bull·ism \-ˌli-zəm\ noun

John Day
river 281 mi (452 km) N Oreg. flowing W & N into Columbia River

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
n. reservation N cen Oreg.

John Doe
1 : a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown
2 : an average man

John Dory
: a widely distributed marine food fish (Zeus faber of the family Zeidae) that is yellow to olive in color with a dark spot on each side and has an oval compressed body and long dorsal spines

John Hancock
: an autograph signature

John Henry
: an autograph signature

John III Sobieski
1629-1696 king of Poland (1674-96)

John Mark
: MARK 1A

John o' Groat's
locality N Scotland; popularly considered the northernmost point of mainland of Scotland & Great Britain ― see DUNNET HEAD

John of Austria
1547-1578 Don John Span. gen.

John of Gaunt
1340-1399 Duke of Lancaster; son of Edward III of England

John of Lancaster
1389-1435 Duke of Bedford; son of Henry IV of England

John of Leiden
ca 1509-1536 Du. Anabaptist

John of Salisbury
1115(or 1120)-1180 Eng. ecclesiastic

John of the Cross
1542-1591 Juan de Yepes y Álvarez Span. mystic & poet

John Paul
name of 2 popes: especially II (Karol Wojtyla) 1920-     (pope 1978-    )

johnboat
n. : a narrow flat-bottomed square-ended boat usually propelled by a pole or paddle and used on inland waterways

Johne's disease
: a chronic often fatal contagious enteritis of ruminants and especially of cattle that is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium paratuberculosis) and is characterized by persistent diarrhea and gradual emaciation

johnny
n. 1 often capitalized : FELLOW, GUY
2 : a short-sleeved collarless gown that is open in the back and is worn by persons (as hospital patients) undergoing medical examination or treatment

johnny
n. Johnny come lately
Johnny come latelies
Johnny jump up
Johnny on the spot
Johnny Reb
Johnnies come lately

Johnny Reb
: a Confederate soldier

Johnny-come-lately
1 : a late or recent arrival : NEWCOMER
2 : UPSTART <established families tend to hold themselves above the Johnny-come-latelies ― William Zeckendorf †1976>

Johnny-jump-up
1 : a common cultivated European viola (Viola tricolor) which has short-spurred flowers usually blue or purple mixed with white and yellow and from which most of the garden pansies are derived broadly : any of various small-flowered cultivated pansies
2 : any of various American violets

Johnny-on-the-spot
: a person who is on hand and ready to perform a service or respond to an emergency

johnnycake
n. : a bread made with cornmeal

Johns
n. Jasper 1930-     American artist

Johnson
n. Sir William 1715-1774 Brit. administrator in America

Johnson
n. Andrew 1808-1875 17th pres. of the U.S. (1865-69)
–John·so·nian \jän-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Johnson
n. (Jonathan) Eastman 1824-1906 American painter

Johnson
n. James Weldon 1871-1938 American author

Johnson
n. Lyndon Baines 1908-1973 American polit.; 36th pres. of the U.S. (1963-69)
–John·so·nian \jän-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Johnson
n. Magic 1959-     Earvin Johnson American basketball player

Johnson
n. Philip Cortelyou 1906-     American architect

Johnson
n. Richard Mentor 1780-1850 vice pres. of the U.S. (1837-41)

Johnson
n. Samuel 1709-1784 Dr. Johnson Eng. lexicographer & author
–John·so·nian \jän-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

johnson
n. often vulgar : PENIS

Johnson City
city NE Tenn. S of Va. border pop 55,469

Johnsonese
n. : a literary style characterized by balanced phraseology and Latinate diction

johnsongrass
: a tall perennial sorghum (Sorghum halepense) orig. of the Mediterranean region that is widely used for forage in warm areas and often becomes naturalized as a weed

Johnston
Albert Sidney 1803-1862 American Confed. gen.

Johnston
Joseph Eggleston 1807-1891 American Confed. gen.

Johnston
1 island (atoll) cen Pacific SW of Honolulu, Hawaii; belongs to the U.S.
2 town N R.I. SW of Providence pop 28,195

Johnstown
city SW cen Pa. pop 23,906

Johor
state Malaysia in Peninsular Malaysia at S end of Malay Peninsula capital Johor Baharu area 7360 sq mi (19,062 sq km), pop 2,074,297

Johor Baharu
city S Malaysia (federation) capital of Johor on an inlet opposite Singapore Is. pop 135,936

joie de vivre
: keen or buoyant enjoyment of life

join
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put or bring together so as to form a unit <join two blocks of wood with glue> b : to connect (as points) by a line c : ADJOIN
2 : to put or bring into close association or relationship <joined in marriage>
3 : to engage in (battle)
4 a : to come into the company of <joined us for lunch> b : to associate oneself with <joined the church>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come together so as to be connected <nouns join to form compounds> b : ADJOIN <the two estates join>
2 : to come into close association or relationship: as a : to form an alliance b : to become a member of a group c : to take part in a collective activity <join in singing>
–join·able \'jȯi-nə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms JOIN, COMBINE, UNITE, CONNECT, LINK, ASSOCIATE, RELATE mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. JOIN implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness <joined forces in an effort to win>. COMBINE implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit <combined jazz and rock to create a new music>. UNITE implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity <the colonies united to form a republic>. CONNECT suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity <a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations>. LINK may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity <a name forever linked with liberty>. ASSOCIATE stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation <opera is popularly associated with high society>. RELATE suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection <related what he observed to what he already knew>.

join
n. 1 : JOINT
2 : UNION 2D

joinder
n. 1 : CONJUNCTION 1
2 a (1) : a joining of parties as plaintiffs or defendants in a suit (2) : a joining of causes of action or defense b : acceptance of an issue tendered

joiner
n. : one that joins: as a : a person whose occupation is to construct articles by joining pieces of wood b : a gregarious or civic-minded person who joins many organizations

joinery
n. 1 : the art or trade of a joiner
2 : work done by a joiner

joining
n. 1 : the act or an instance of joining one thing to another : JUNCTURE
2 a : the place or manner of being joined together b : something that joins two things together

joint
n. 1 a (1) : the point of contact between elements of an animal skeleton with the parts that surround and support it (2) : NODE 5B b : a part or space included between two articulations, knots, or nodes c : a large piece of meat for roasting
2 a : a place where two things or parts are joined b : a space between the adjacent surfaces of two bodies joined and held together (as by cement or mortar) c : a fracture or crack in rock not accompanied by dislocation d : the flexing part of a cover along either spine edge of a book e : the junction of two or more members of a framed structure f : a union formed by two abutting rails in a track including the elements (as bars and bolts) necessary to hold the abutting rails together g : an area at which two ends, surfaces, or edges are attached
3 a : a shabby or disreputable place of entertainment b : PLACE, ESTABLISHMENT c slang : PRISON 2
4 : a marijuana cigarette
–joint·ed \'jȯin-təd\ adjective
–joint·ed·ly adverb
–joint·ed·ness noun
–out of joint
1 a of a bone : having the head slipped from its socket b : at variance
2 a : DISORDERED 2A b : being out of humor : DISSATISFIED <losing put him out of joint>

joint
n. 1 : UNITED, COMBINED <the joint influences of culture and climate>
2 : common to two or more: as a (1) : involving the united activity of two or more <a joint effort> (2) : constituting an activity, operation, or organization in which elements of more than one armed service participate <joint maneuvers> (3) : constituting an action or expression of two or more governments <joint peace talks> b : shared by or affecting two or more <a joint fine>
3 : united, joined, or sharing with another (as in a right or status) <joint heirs>
4 : being a function of or involving two or more variables and especially random variables
–joint·ly adverb

joint
n. transitive verb
1 : to separate the joints of (as meat)
2 a : to unite by a joint : fit together b : to provide with a joint : ARTICULATE c : to prepare (as a board) for joining by planing the edge
intransitive verb
1 : to fit as if by joints <the stones joint neatly>
2 : to form joints as a stage in growth ― used especially of small grains

joint
n. ball and socket joint
ball joint
butt joint
clip joint
hinge joint
hip joint
out of joint
Joint Chiefs of Staff
joint resolution
joint stock company
juke joint
knuckle joint
lap joint
miter joint
rabbet joint
synovial joint
universal joint
double jointed
lap jointed
loose jointed
loose jointedness

Joint Chiefs of Staff

1943
: a military advisory group composed of the chiefs of staff of the army and air force, the chief of naval operations, and sometimes the commandant of the marine corps

joint resolution
: a resolution passed by both houses of a legislative body that has the force of law when signed by or passed over the veto of the executive

joint-stock company
: a company or association consisting of individuals organized to conduct a business for gain and having a joint stock of capital represented by shares owned individually by the members and transferable without the consent of the group

jointer
n. : one that joints especially : any of various tools used in preparing wood (as for a joint)

jointress
n. : a woman having a legal jointure

jointure
n. 1 a : an act of joining : the state of being joined b : JOINT
2 a : an estate settled on a wife to be taken by her in lieu of dower b : a settlement on the wife of a freehold estate for her lifetime

jointworm
: the larva of any of several small chalcid wasps (genus Harmolita) that attacks the stems of grain and causes swellings like galls at or just above the first joint

Joinvile
city S Brazil NNW of Florianópolis pop 429,604

Joinville
Jean de ca 1224-1317 Fr. chronicler

joist
n. : any of the small timbers or metal beams ranged parallel from wall to wall in a structure to support a floor or ceiling

jojoba
n. : a shrub or small tree (Simmondsia chinensis syn. S. californica) of the box family of southwestern No. America with edible seeds that yield a valuable liquid wax used especially in cosmetics

Jokai
Mór 1825-1904 Hung. nov. & dram.

joke
n. 1 a : something said or done to provoke laughter especially : a brief oral narrative with a climactic humorous twist b (1) : the humorous or ridiculous element in something (2) : an instance of jesting : KIDDING <can't take a joke> c : PRACTICAL JOKE d : LAUGHINGSTOCK
2 : something not to be taken seriously : a trifling matter <consider his skiing a joke ― Harold Callender> ― often used in negative constructions <it is no joke to be lost in the desert>

joke
n. intransitive verb : to make jokes : JEST
transitive verb : to make the object of a joke : KID
–jok·ing·ly \'jō-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

joker
n. 1 a : a person given to joking : WAG b : FELLOW, GUY especially : an insignificant, obnoxious, or incompetent person <a shame to let a joker like this win ― Harold Robbins>
2 : a playing card added to a pack as a wild card or as the highest-ranking card
3 a (1) : an ambiguous or apparently immaterial clause inserted in a legislative bill to make it inoperative or uncertain in some respect (2) : an unsuspected, misleading, or misunderstood clause, phrase, or word in a document that nullifies or greatly alters it b : something (as an expedient or stratagem) held in reserve to gain an end or escape from a predicament c : an unsuspected or not readily apparent fact, factor, or condition that thwarts or nullifies a seeming advantage

jokester
: JOKER 1

jokey
adj. 1 : given to joking
2 : HUMOROUS, COMICAL
3 : amusingly ridiculous : LAUGHABLE
–jok·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–jok·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

jolie laide
: good-looking ugly woman : woman who is attractive though not conventionally pretty

Joliet
city NE Ill. pop 106,221

Joliot-Curie
(Jean-) Frédéric 1900-1958 orig. Joliot Fr. physicist

Joliot-Curie
Irène 1897-1956 formerly Irène Curie-Joliot, dau. of Marie & Pierre Curie & wife of prec. Fr. physicist

Jolliet
Louis 1645-1700 Fr. explorer

jollification
n. : FESTIVITY, MERRYMAKING

jollity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being jolly : MERRIMENT
2 British : a festive gathering

jolly
n. 1 a (1) : full of high spirits : JOYOUS (2) : given to conviviality : JOVIAL b : expressing, suggesting, or inspiring gaiety : CHEERFUL
2 : extremely pleasant or agreeable : SPLENDID
synonyms see MERRY

jolly
n. : VERY <would⋯do as they were jolly well told ― John Stockbridge>

jolly
n. intransitive verb : to engage in good-natured banter
transitive verb : to put or try to put in good humor especially to gain an end

jolly
n. 1 chiefly British : a good time : JOLLIFICATION
2 plural : KICKS <get their jollies by reenacting famous murders ― H. F. Waters>

jolly boat
: a ship's boat of medium size used for general-purpose work

Jolly Roger
: a black flag with a white skull and crossbones formerly used by pirates as their ensign

Jolo
island S Philippines; chief island of Sulu Archipelago area 345 sq mi (897 sq km)

jolt
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion
2 : to give a knock or blow to specifically : to jar with a quick or hard blow
3 a : to disturb the composure of : SHOCK <crudely jolted out of that mood ― Virginia Woolf> b : to interfere with roughly, abruptly, and disconcertingly <determination to pursue his own course was jolted badly ― F. L. Paxson>
intransitive verb : to move with a sudden jerky motion
–jolt·er noun

jolt
n. 1 : an abrupt sharp jerky blow or movement
2 a (1) : a sudden feeling of shock, surprise, or disappointment (2) : an event or development causing such a feeling <the defeat was quite a jolt> b : a serious check or reverse <a severe financial jolt>
3 : a small potent or bracing portion <a jolt of horseradish>
–jolty \'jōl-tē\ adjective

jolt-wagon
Midland : a farm wagon

Jomini
Henri de 1779-1869 Swiss-born soldier & mil. strategist

jomon
: of, relating to, or typical of a Japanese cultural period from about the fifth or fourth millennium B.C. to about 200 B.C. and characterized by elaborately ornamented hand-formed unglazed pottery

Jon
n. Jonah; Jonas

Jonah
n. 1 : an Israelite prophet who according to the account in the book of Jonah resisted a divine call to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, was swallowed and vomited by a great fish, and eventually carried out his mission
2 : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table
3 : one believed to bring bad luck

Jonas
n. : JONAH

Jonathan
n. 1 : a son of Saul and friend of David according to the account in I Samuel
2 : AMERICAN especially : a New Englander
3 : a medium-sized red-skinned apple

Jones
n. Anson 1798-1858 pres. of the Republic of Texas (1844-46)

Jones
n. Daniel 1881-1967 Eng. phonetician

Jones
n. Howard Mumford 1892-1980 American educ. & critic

Jones
n. In·i·go \'i-ni-ˌgō\ 1573-1652 Eng. architect

Jones
n. John Paul 1747-1792 orig. in full John Paul American (Scot.-born) naval officer

Jones
n. Quincy 1933-     American composer, bandleader, & music producer

Jones
n. Thomas Hudson 1892-1969 American sculptor

jones
n. 1 slang : HABIT, ADDICTION especially : addiction to heroin
2 slang : HEROIN
3 slang : an avid desire or appetite for something : CRAVING

jones
n. Bence Jones protein
Davy Jones
Davy Jones's locker
Dow Jones average
Burne Jones

jones
n. slang : to have a strong desire or craving for something <he was jonesing for a drink>

Jonesboro
city NE Ark. pop 55,515

jongleur
n. : an itinerant medieval entertainer proficient in juggling, acrobatics, music, and recitation

Jonkoping
city S Sweden at S end of Vättern Lake pop 118,581

Jonquiere
town Canada in S cen Que. pop 54,842

jonquil
n. : a Mediterranean perennial bulbous herb (Narcissus jonquilla) of the amaryllis family with long linear leaves that is widely cultivated for its yellow or white fragrant short-tubed clustered flowers ― compare DAFFODIL

Jonson
n. Benjamin 1572-1637 Ben Jonson Eng. dram.
–Jon·so·nian \jän-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Joplin
n. Scott 1868-1917 American pianist & composer

Joplin
n. city SW Mo. pop 45,504

Joppa
― see JAFFA

Jordaens
Jacob 1593-1678 Flem. painter

Jordan
n. David Starr 1851-1931 American biol. & educ.

Jordan
n. Michael Jeffrey 1963-     American basketball player

Jordan
n. 1 river cen Utah flowing from Utah Lake N into Great Salt Lake
2 river 200 mi (322 km) SW Asia flowing from Anti-Lebanon Mountains S through Sea of Galilee into Dead Sea
3 or formerly Trans·jor·dan \(ˌ)tran(t)s-, (ˌ)tranz-\ country SW Asia capital Amman area 34,575 sq mi (89,549 sq km), pop 5,182,000
–Jor·da·ni·an \jȯr-'dā-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Jordan
n. Jordan almond
Jordan curve
Jordan curve theorem
South Jordan
West Jordan

Jordan almond
: a large Spanish almond especially when salted or coated with sugar of various colors

Jordan curve
: SIMPLE CLOSED CURVE

Jordan curve theorem
: a fundamental theorem of topology: every simple closed curve divides the plane into two regions for which it is the common boundary

jorum
n. : a large drinking vessel or its contents

Joseph
n. ca 1840-1904 In-mut-too-yah-lat-lat Nez Percé Indian chief

Joseph
n. 1741-1790 Holy Rom. emp. (1765-90)

joseph
n. 1 capitalized a : a son of Jacob who according to the account in Genesis rose to high political office in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers b : the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus according to the Gospel accounts
2 : a long cloak worn especially by women in the 18th century

joseph
n. Joseph II
Joseph of Arimathea
Akiba ben Joseph
Francis Joseph
Francis Joseph I
Saint Joseph

Joseph of Arimathea
: a rich councillor of the Sanhedrin who according to the Gospel accounts placed the body of Jesus in his own tomb and according to medieval legend took the Holy Grail to England

Josephine
n. Empress ― see BEAUHARNAIS

Josephite
: a member of St. Joseph's Society of the Sacred Heart founded in 1871 in Baltimore, Md. and devoted to missionary work among black Americans

Josephson
Brian David 1940-     Brit. physicist

Josephson junction
: an electronic fast-switching device that consists of two layers of superconducting metal separated by a thin layer of insulator through which low current flows but increased current causes the insulator to block the flow

Josephus
n. Flavius ca A.D. 37-ca 100 Jewish hist.

Josh
n. Joshua

josh
n. intransitive verb : to engage in banter : JOKE
transitive verb : to tease good-naturedly : KID
–josh·er noun

josh
n. : a good-humored joke : JEST

Joshua
n. 1 : the divinely commissioned successor of Moses and military leader of the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan according to the account in the book of Joshua
2 : a mainly narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Joshua tree
: a tall branched arborescent yucca (Yucca brevifolia) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. that has clustered greenish-white flowers

Joshua Tree National Park
n. reservation S Calif. N of Salton Sea containing unusual desert flora

Josquin des Prez
ca 1440-1521 Fr. composer

joss
n. : a Chinese idol or cult image

joss house
: a Chinese temple or shrine

joss stick
: a slender stick of incense burned in front of a joss

jostle
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to come in contact or into collision b : to make one's way by pushing and shoving <jostling toward the exit> c : to exist in close proximity
2 : to vie in gaining an objective : CONTEND <jostled to get a glimpse of the celebrity>
transitive verb
1 a : to come in contact or into collision with b : to force by pushing : ELBOW c : to stir up : AGITATE <thunder jostled us awake> d : to exist in close proximity with
2 : to vie with in attaining an objective

jostle
n. 1 : a jostling encounter or experience
2 : the state of being crowded or jostled together

Josue
: JOSHUA

jot
n. : the least bit : IOTA

jot
n. : to write briefly or hurriedly : set down in the form of a note <jot this down>

jotting
n. : a brief note : MEMORANDUM

Jotun
: a member of a race of giants in Norse mythology

Jotunheim
: the home of the Jotuns in Norse mythology

Jotunheim
mountains S cen Norway ― see GLITTERTIND

joual
n. : spoken Canadian French especially : the local forms of the spoken French of Quebec that differ the most from prescribed forms

Joubert
Joseph 1754-1824 Fr. essayist & moralist

Joubert
Petrus Jacobus 1834-1900 known as Piet Joubert Boer gen. & statesman

jouissance
n. : pleasure : sexual pleasure : orgasm

Joule
n. James Prescott 1818-1889 Eng. physicist

joule
n. : a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

jounce
n. intransitive verb : to move in an up-and-down manner : BOUNCE
transitive verb : to cause to jounce

jounce
n. : JOLT

jouncy
adj. : marked by a jouncing motion or effect

jour
n. 1 journal
2 journeyman

jour
n. carte du jour
cartes du jour
du jour
plat du jour
plats du jour
plique a jour
plique à jour
soup du jour
en plein jour

Jourdan
Comte Jean-Baptiste 1762-1833 Fr. soldier; marshal of France

journal
n. 1 a : a record of current transactions especially : a book of original entry in double-entry bookkeeping b : an account of day-to-day events c : a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use d : a record of transactions kept by a deliberative or legislative body e : LOG 3 f : LOG 4
2 a : a daily newspaper b : a periodical dealing especially with matters of current interest
3 : the part of a rotating shaft, axle, roll, or spindle that turns in a bearing

journal box
: a metal housing used to support and protect a journal bearing

journal intime
: intimate journal : private diary

journalese
n. : a style of writing held to be characteristic of newspapers

journalism
n. 1 a : the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media b : the public press c : an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2 a : writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine b : writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation c : writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

journalism
n. advocacy journalism
checkbook journalism
New Journalism
pack journalism

journalist
n. 1 a : a person engaged in journalism especially : a writer or editor for a news medium b : a writer who aims at a mass audience
2 : a person who keeps a journal

journalistic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of journalism or journalists <journalistic principles>
–jour·nal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

journalize
v. transitive verb : to record in a journal
intransitive verb
1 : to keep a journal in accounting
2 : to keep a personal journal
–jour·nal·iz·er noun

journey
n. 1 : an act or instance of traveling from one place to another : TRIP
2 chiefly dialect : a day's travel
3 : something suggesting travel or passage from one place to another <the journey from youth to maturity> <a journey through time>

journey
n. intransitive verb : to go on a journey : TRAVEL
transitive verb : to travel over or through
–jour·ney·er noun

journeyman
n. 1 : a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day
2 : an experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful <a good journeyman trumpeter ― New Yorker> <a journeyman outfielder>

journeywork
n. 1 : work done by a journeyman
2 : HACKWORK

joust
n. 1 a : to fight on horseback as a knight or man-at-arms b : to engage in combat with lances on horseback
2 : to engage in combat or competition as if in a joust <jousting debaters> <jousting bighorn rams>
–joust·er noun

joust
n. 1 a : a combat on horseback between two knights with lances especially as part of a tournament b plural : TOURNAMENT
2 : a personal combat or competition : STRUGGLE

Jove
n. : JUPITER ― often used interjectionally to express surprise or agreement especially in the phrase by Jove

jovial
adj. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Jove
2 : markedly good-humored especially as evidenced by jollity and conviviality
synonyms see MERRY
–jo·vi·al·i·ty \ˌjō-vē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–jo·vial·ly \'jō-vē-ə-lē, -vyə-\ adverb

Jovian
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the god or planet Jupiter

Jovian
adj. ca 331-364 Flavius Jovianus Rom. emp. (363-364)

jow
chiefly Scottish : STROKE, TOLL

jowar
n. : DURRA

Jowett
Benjamin 1817-1893 Eng. Greek scholar

jowl
n. : a cut of fish consisting of the head and usually adjacent parts

jowl
n. : usu. slack flesh (as a dewlap, wattle, or the pendulous part of a double chin) associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat

jowl
n. 1 a : JAW especially : MANDIBLE b : one of the lateral halves of the mandible
2 a : CHEEK 1 b : the cheek meat of a hog

jowly
adj. : having marked jowls : having full or saggy flesh about the lower cheeks and jaw area <elderly man with a disillusioned jowly face ― John Dos Passos>

joy
n. 1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : DELIGHT b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : GAIETY
2 : a state of happiness or felicity : BLISS
3 : a source or cause of delight
–joy·less \-ləs\ adjective
–joy·less·ly adverb
–joy·less·ness noun

joy
n. : to experience great pleasure or delight : REJOICE
transitive verb
1 archaic : GLADDEN
2 archaic : ENJOY

joyance
n. archaic : DELIGHT, ENJOYMENT

Joyce
n. James (Augustine Aloysius) 1882-1941 Irish writer
–Joyc·ean \'jȯi-sē-ən\ adjective

joyful
adj. : experiencing, causing, or showing joy : HAPPY
–joy·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–joy·ful·ness noun

joyous
adj. : JOYFUL
–joy·ous·ly adverb
–joy·ous·ness noun

joypop
v. : to use habit-forming drugs occasionally or irregularly without becoming addicted
–joy·pop·per noun

joyride
n. 1 : a ride taken for pleasure (as in a car or aircraft) especially : an automobile ride marked by reckless driving (as in a stolen car)
2 : conduct or action resembling a joyride especially in disregard of cost or consequences
–joyride intransitive verb
–joy·rid·er \-ˌrī-dər\ noun
–joy·rid·ing noun

joystick
n. 1 : a lever in an airplane that operates the elevators by a fore-and-aft motion and the ailerons by a side-to-side motion
2 : a control for any of various devices (as a computer) that resembles an airplane's joystick especially in being capable of motion in two or more directions

JP
1 jet propulsion
2 justice of the peace

JPEG
n. : a computer file format for the compression and storage of usually high-quality photographic digital images

Jpn
Japan; Japanese

Jr
n. junior

JSD
doctor of science of law

jt
joint

Juan
n. San Juan Capistrano
Don Juan
Juan Carlos
Juan de Fuca Strait of
Juan Fernandez
Juan Fernández
Juan les Pins
San Juan
San Juan Hill
San Juan Islands
San Juan Mountains

Juan Carlos
1938-     king of Spain (1975-    )

Juan de Fuca, Strait of
strait 100 mi (161 km) long bet. Vancouver Is., B.C., & Olympic Peninsula, Wash.

Juan Fernandez
three islands SE Pacific W of Chile belonging to Chile area 70 sq mi (182 sq km)

Juan-les-Pins
town SE France on Cap d'Antibes

Juana Diaz
municipality S Puerto Rico pop 50,531

Juarez
Benito Pablo 1806-1872 Mex. lawyer; pres. of Mexico (1861-65; 1867-72)

Juarez
― see CIUDAD JUÁREZ

Juarez
Ciudad Juarez
Acapulco de Juárez
Ciudad Juárez

juba
: a dance of Southern plantation blacks accompanied by complexly rhythmic hand clapping and slapping of the knees and thighs

Jubal
: a descendant of Cain who according to the account in Genesis is the father of those who play the harp and organ

Jubba
river 1000 mi (1609 km) E Africa flowing from S Ethiopia S through Somalia into Indian Ocean

jubilance
n. : JUBILATION 1

jubilant
adj. : EXULTANT
–ju·bi·lant·ly adverb

jubilarian
: one celebrating a jubilee

Jubilate
v. 1 a : the 100th Psalm in the Authorized Version b not capitalized : a joyous song or outburst
2 : the third Sunday after Easter

jubilate
v. : REJOICE <too dispassionate to jubilate ― Cynthia Ozick>

jubilation
n. 1 : an act of rejoicing : the state of being jubilant
2 : an expression of great joy

jubilee
n. 1 often capitalized : a year of emancipation and restoration provided by ancient Hebrew law to be kept every 50 years by the emancipation of Hebrew slaves, restoration of alienated lands to their former owners, and omission of all cultivation of the land
2 a : a special anniversary especially : a 50th anniversary b : a celebration of such an anniversary
3 a : a period of time proclaimed by the Roman Catholic pope ordinarily every 25 years as a time of special solemnity b : a special plenary indulgence granted during a year of jubilee to Roman Catholics who perform certain specified works of repentance and piety
4 a : JUBILATION b : a season of celebration
5 : a religious song of black Americans usually referring to a time of future happiness

jubilee
n. : FLAMBÉ <cherries jubilee>

Juby, Cape
cape NW Africa on NW coast of Western Sahara

Jucar
river over 300 mi (480 km) E Spain flowing S & E into the Mediterranean S of Valencia

juco
: JUNIOR COLLEGE also : an athlete at a junior college

Jud
Judith

Judaea
n. the S division of ancient Palestine under Persian, Greek, & Roman rule succeeding the kingdom of Judah; bounded on N by Samaria, on E by Jordan River & Dead Sea, on SW by Sinai Peninsula, & on W by the Mediterranean
–Ju·dae·an or Ju·de·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Judah
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Judah
n. kingdom S ancient Palestine capital Jerusalem ― see ISRAEL

Judaic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Jews or Judaism

Judaica
n. : literary or historical materials relating to Jews or Judaism

Judaism
n. 1 : a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions
2 : conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices
3 : the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews
4 : the whole body of Jews : the Jewish people

Judaism
n. Conservative Judaism
Orthodox Judaism
Reform Judaism
anti Judaism

Judaist
n. : one that believes in or practices Judaism
–Ju·da·is·tic \ˌjü-də-'is-tik, ˌjü-dē-, ˌjü-(ˌ)dā-\ adjective

Judaize
v. intransitive verb : to adopt the customs, beliefs, or character of a Jew
transitive verb : to make Jewish
–Ju·da·i·za·tion \ˌjü-dē-ə-'zā-shən, ˌjü-də-ə-, ˌjü-(ˌ)dā-ə-\ noun
–Ju·da·iz·er \'jü-dē-ˌīz-ər, 'jü-də-, 'jü-(ˌ)dā-\ noun

Judas
n. 1 a : the apostle who in the Gospel accounts betrayed Jesus b : a son of James and one of the twelve apostles
2 : TRAITOR especially : one who betrays under the guise of friendship
3 not capitalized : PEEPHOLE ― called also judas hole judas window

Judas
n. judas window
judas hole
Judas Iscariot
Judas tree
Judas Maccabaeus

Judas Iscariot
: JUDAS 1A

Judas Maccabaeus
― see MACCABEES

Judas tree
: any of a genus (Cercis) of leguminous trees and shrubs (as a redbud) often cultivated for their showy flowers especially : a Eurasian tree or shrub (C. siliquastrum) with purplish pink flowers

judder
n. chiefly British : to vibrate with intensity <the engine stalled and kept juddering ― Roy Spicer>

judder
n. chiefly British : the action or sound of juddering

Jude
n. 1 : the author of the New Testament Epistle of Jude
2 : a short hortatory epistle addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Judeo-Christian
: having historical roots in both Judaism and Christianity

Judeo-Spanish
: the Romance language of Sephardic Jews especially in the Balkans and Asia Minor

Judg
Judges

judge
n. transitive verb
1 : to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises
2 : to sit in judgment on : TRY
3 : to determine or pronounce after inquiry and deliberation
4 : GOVERN, RULE ― used of a Hebrew tribal leader
5 : to form an estimate or evaluation of especially : to form a negative opinion about <shouldn't judge him because of his accent>
6 : to hold as an opinion : GUESS, THINK <I judge she knew what she was doing>
intransitive verb
1 : to form an opinion
2 : to decide as a judge
synonyms see INFER
–judg·er noun

judge
n. : one who judges: as a : a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court b often capitalized : a tribal hero exercising leadership among the Hebrews after the death of Joshua c : one appointed to decide in a contest or competition : UMPIRE d : one who gives an authoritative opinion e : CRITIC
–judge·ship \-ˌship\ noun

judge
n. back judge
circuit judge
field judge
judge advocate
judge advocate general
line judge

judge advocate
1 : an officer assigned to the judge advocate general's corps or department
2 : a staff officer serving as legal adviser to a military commander

judge advocate general
: the senior legal officer and chief legal adviser in the army, air force, or navy

Judges
n. : a narrative and historical book of Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

judgmatic
adj. : JUDICIOUS
–judg·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

judgment
n. 1 a : a formal utterance of an authoritative opinion b : an opinion so pronounced
2 a : a formal decision given by a court b (1) : an obligation (as a debt) created by the decree of a court (2) : a certificate evidencing such a decree
3 a capitalized : the final judging of humankind by God b : a divine sentence or decision specifically : a calamity held to be sent by God
4 a : the process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing b : an opinion or estimate so formed
5 a : the capacity for judging : DISCERNMENT b : the exercise of this capacity
6 : a proposition stating something believed or asserted
synonyms see SENSE

judgment
n. judgment call
judgment day
Last Judgment
summary judgment
value judgment

judgment call
: a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion

judgment day
1 capitalized J&D : the day of God's judgment of humankind at the end of the world according to various theologies
2 : a day of final judgment

judgmental
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving judgment
2 : characterized by a tendency to judge harshly <judgmental prigs>
–judg·men·tal·ly \-ē\ adverb

judicatory
n. 1 : JUDICIARY 1A
2 : JUDICATURE 2

judicature
n. 1 : the action of judging : the administration of justice
2 : a court of justice
3 : JUDICIARY 1

judicial
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a judgment, the function of judging, the administration of justice, or the judiciary <judicial processes> b : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with trying all cases that involve the government and with the administration of justice within its jurisdiction ― compare EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE
2 : ordered or enforced by a court <a judicial sale>
3 : of, characterized by, or expressing judgment : CRITICAL 1B
4 : arising from a judgment of God
5 : belonging or appropriate to a judge or the judiciary
–ju·di·cial·ly \-'di-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

judicial
adj. judicial review
quasi judicial
quasi judicially

judicial review
1 : REVIEW 5
2 : a constitutional doctrine that gives to a court system the power to annul legislative or executive acts which the judges declare to be unconstitutional

judiciary
n. 1 a : a system of courts of law b : the judges of these courts
2 : a branch of government in which judicial power is vested
–judiciary adjective

judicious
adj. : having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment : DISCREET
synonyms see WISE
–ju·di·cious·ly adverb
–ju·di·cious·ness noun

Judith
n. 1 : the Jewish heroine who saves the city of Bethulia in the book of Judith
2 : a book of Scripture included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table

judo
n. : a sport developed from jujitsu that emphasizes the use of quick movement and leverage to throw an opponent
–judo·ist \-ˌō-ist\ noun

judoka
n. : one who participates in judo

jug
n. 1 a chiefly British : a small pitcher b (1) : a large deep usually earthenware or glass container with a narrow mouth and a handle (2) : the contents of such a container : JUGFUL
2 : JAIL, PRISON

jug
n. 1 : to stew (as a hare) in an earthenware vessel
2 : JAIL, IMPRISON

jug
n. jug band
jug eared
jug wine
toby jug

jug band
: a band that uses primitive or improvised instruments (as jugs, washboards, and kazoos) to play blues, jazz, and folk music

jug wine
: table wine sold in large bottles

jug-eared
: having protuberant ears

jugful
n. 1 : as much as a jug will hold
2 : a great deal ― used in the phrase not by a jugful

juggernaut
n. 1 chiefly British : a large heavy truck
2 : a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path <an advertising juggernaut> <a political juggernaut>

juggle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to perform the tricks of a juggler
2 : to engage in manipulation especially in order to achieve a desired end
transitive verb
1 a : to practice deceit or trickery on : BEGUILE b : to manipulate or rearrange especially in order to achieve a desired end <juggle an account to hide a loss>
2 a : to toss in the manner of a juggler b : to hold or balance precariously
3 : to handle or deal with usually several things (as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements <juggle the responsibilities of family life and full-time job ― Jane S. Gould>

juggle
n. : an act or instance of juggling: a : a trick of magic b : a show of manual dexterity c : an act of manipulation especially to achieve a desired end

juggler
n. 1 a : one who performs tricks or acts of magic or deftness b : one skilled in keeping several objects in motion in the air at the same time by alternately tossing and catching them
2 : one who manipulates especially in order to achieve a desired end

jugglery
n. 1 : the art or practice of a juggler
2 : manipulation or trickery especially to achieve a desired end

Jugoslavia
n. ― see YUGOSLAVIA
–Ju·go·slav \ˌyü-gō-'släv, -'slav\ or Ju·go·sla·vi·an \-'slä-vē-ən\ adjective or noun

jugular
n. 1 : of or relating to the throat or neck
2 : of or relating to the jugular vein

jugular
n. 1 : JUGULAR VEIN
2 : the most vital or vulnerable part of something <showed an instinct for the jugular in competition>

jugular vein
: any of several veins of each side of the neck that return blood from the head

Jugurtha
ca 160-104 B.C. king of Numidia (118-105 B.C.)

juice
n. 1 : the extractable fluid contents of cells or tissues
2 a plural : the natural fluids of an animal body b : the liquid or moisture contained in something
3 a : the inherent quality of a thing : ESSENCE b : STRENGTH, VIGOR, VITALITY <pioneers⋯full of juice and jests ― Sinclair Lewis>
4 : a medium (as electricity or gasoline) that supplies power
5 slang : LIQUOR
6 slang : exorbitant interest exacted of a borrower under the threat of violence
7 slang : INFLUENCE, CLOUT
8 : a motivating, inspiring, or enabling force or factor <creative juices>
–juice·less \'jüs-ləs\ adjective

juice
n. 1 : to add juice to
2 : to extract the juice of

juice
n. gastric juice
juice up
pancreatic juice
tobacco juice

juice up
: to give life, energy, or spirit to

juiced
adj. 1 : containing juice ― usually used in combination <precious-juiced flowers ― Shakespeare>
2 slang : DRUNK 1A
3 : full of energy and motivation : EXCITED

juicehead
slang : ALCOHOLIC

juicer
n. 1 : an appliance for extracting juice from fruit or vegetables
2 slang : a heavy or habitual drinker

juicy
adj. 1 : having much juice : SUCCULENT
2 : rewarding or profitable especially financially : FAT <juicy contract> <a juicy dramatic role>
3 a : rich in interest : COLORFUL <juicy details> b : SENSATIONAL, RACY <a juicy scandal> c : full of vitality : LUSTY
–juic·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–juic·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

Juiz de Fora
city E Brazil in S Minas Gerais pop 456,796

jujitsu
n. : an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent

juju
n. 1 : a fetish, charm, or amulet of West African peoples
2 : the magic attributed to or associated with jujus

juju
n. : a style of West African music that is characterized by a rapid beat, the use of percussion instruments, and vocal harmonies

jujube
n. 1 a : an edible drupaceous fruit of any of several trees (genus Ziziphus) of the buckthorn family especially : one of an Asian tree (Z. jujuba) b : a tree producing this fruit
2 : a fruit-flavored gumdrop or lozenge

Jujuy
city NW Argentina N of Tucumán pop 44,188

juke
n. transitive verb : to fake out of position (as in football)
intransitive verb : to juke someone

juke joint
: a small inexpensive establishment for eating, drinking, or dancing to the music of a jukebox or a live band

jukebox
n. : a coin-operated phonograph or compact-disc player that automatically plays recordings selected from its list

Jul
n. July

julep
n. 1 : a drink consisting of sweet syrup, flavoring, and water
2 : a drink consisting of a liquor (as bourbon or brandy) and sugar poured over crushed ice and garnished with mint

Julian
adj. ca 331-363 Flavius Claudius Julianus, the Apostate Rom. emp. (361-363)

Julian
adj. Julian calendar
Julian Alps
Julian Venetia

Julian Alps
section of E Alps W Slovenia N of Istrian Peninsula; highest peak Triglav 9395 ft (2864 m)

Julian calendar
: a calendar introduced in Rome in 46 B.C. establishing the 12-month year of 365 days with each fourth year having 366 days and the months each having 31 or 30 days except for February which has 28 or in leap years 29 days ― compare GREGORIAN CALENDAR

Julian Venetia
v. ― see VENEZIA GIULIA

Juliana
n. 1909-     dau. of Wilhelmina queen of the Netherlands (1948-80)

julienne
n. 1 : a consommé containing julienned vegetables
2 a : food (as meat or vegetables) that has been julienned b : a preparation or garnish of julienned food <a julienne of leeks>
–julienne adjective

julienne
n. : to slice into thin strips about the size of matchsticks <wash and julienne the carrots>

Juliet
n. : the heroine of Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet who dies for love of Romeo

Juliett
― a communications code word for the letter j

July
n. : the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar

Jumada
: either of two months of the Islamic year: a : JUMADA AL-AWWAL b : JUMADA AL-THANI

Jumada al-Awwal
: the fifth month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

Jumada al-Thani
: the sixth month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

jumble
n. intransitive verb : to move in a confused or disordered manner
transitive verb : to mix into a confused or disordered mass ― often used with up

jumble
n. 1 a : a mass of things mingled together without order or plan : HODGEPODGE b : a state of confusion
2 British : articles for a rummage sale

jumble
n. : a small thin usually ring-shaped sugared cookie or cake

jumble sale
British : RUMMAGE SALE

jumbo
n. : a very large specimen of its kind
–jumbo adjective

jump
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to spring into the air : LEAP especially : to spring free from the ground or other base by the muscular action of feet and legs b : to move suddenly or involuntarily : START c : to move over a position occupied by an opponent's piece in a board game often thereby capturing the piece d : to undergo a vertical or lateral displacement owing to improper alignment of the film on a projector mechanism e : to start out or forward : BEGIN ― usually used with off <jump off to a big lead> f : to move energetically : HUSTLE g : to go from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to another <jump to a subroutine>
2 : COINCIDE, AGREE
3 a : to move haphazardly or irregularly : shift abruptly <jumped from job to job> b : to change or abandon employment especially in violation of contract c : to rise suddenly in rank or status d : to undergo a sudden sharp change in value <prices jumped> e : to make a jump in bridge f : to make a hurried judgment <jump to conclusions> g : to show eagerness <jumped at the chance> h : to enter eagerly <jump on the bandwagon>
4 : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack <jumped on him for his criticism>
5 : to bustle with activity <the bar was jumping with young people>
transitive verb
1 a : to leap over <jump a hurdle> b : to move over (a piece) in a board game c : to act, move, or begin before (as a signal) <jump the green light> d : to leap aboard <jump a freight>
2 obsolete : RISK, HAZARD
3 a : to escape from : AVOID b : to leave hastily or in violation of contract <jump town without paying their bills ― Hamilton Basso> c : to depart from (a normal course) <jump the track>
4 a : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack on b : to occupy illegally <jump a mining claim>
5 a (1) : to cause to leap (2) : to cause (game) to break cover : START, FLUSH b : to elevate in rank or status c : to raise (a bridge partner's bid) by more than one rank d : to increase suddenly and sharply
–jump bail : to abscond after being released from prison on bail
–jump ship
1 : to leave the company of a ship without authority
2 : to desert a cause or party especially abruptly : DEFECT
–jump the gun
1 : to start in a race before the starting signal
2 : to act, move, or begin something before the proper time
–jump the queue
British : to advance directly to or as if to the head of a line

jump
n. obsolete : EXACTLY, PAT

jump
n. 1 a (1) : an act of jumping : LEAP (2) : any of several sports competitions featuring a leap, spring, or bound (3) : a leap in figure skating in which the skater leaves the ice with both feet and turns in the air (4) : a space cleared or covered by a leap (5) : an obstacle to be jumped over or from b : a sudden involuntary movement : START c : a move made in a board game by jumping d : a transfer from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to a different sequence <conditional jump>
2 obsolete : VENTURE
3 a (1) : a sharp sudden increase (2) : a bid in bridge of more tricks than are necessary to overcall the preceding bid ― compare SHIFT b : an abrupt change or transition c (1) : a quick short journey (2) : one in a series of moves from one place to another d : the portion of a published item (as a newspaper article or story) that comprises the continuation of an item that begins on a preceding page
4 : an advantage at the start <desirous of getting the jump on the competition ― Elmer Davis>
5 : jazz music with a fast tempo

jump
n. broad jump
bungee jump
high jump
hop skip and jump
hop step and jump
Johnny jump up
jump the queue
jump the gun
jump ship
jump bail
jump ball
jump boot
jump cut
jump hook
jump jet
jump off
jump pass
jump rope
jump seat
jump shooter
jump shot
jump start
long jump
quantum jump
ski jump
triple jump
water jump
BASE jumping
jumping bean
jumping jack
jumping mouse
jumping off place
jumping off point
jumping plant louse
jumping spider
Mexican jumping bean
show jumping

jump bail
to abscond after being released from prison on bail

jump ball
: a method of putting a basketball into play by tossing it into the air between two opponents who jump up and attempt to tap the ball to a teammate also : a ball put into play in this manner

jump boot
: a boot worn especially by paratroopers

jump cut
: a sudden often jarring cut from one shot or scene to another without intervening devices (as fade-outs or dissolves) broadly : an abrupt transition (as in a narrative)
–jump-cut \'jəmp-ˌkət\ verb

jump hook
: a hook shot in which the player jumps before releasing the ball

jump jet
: a military jet aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capability

jump pass
: a pass made by a player (as in football or basketball) while jumping

jump rope
: a rope used for exercises and children's games that involve jumping over the usually twirling rope each time it reaches its lowest point also : a game played with a jump rope

jump seat
1 : a movable carriage seat
2 : a folding seat between the front and rear seats of a passenger automobile

jump ship

1 : to leave the company of a ship without authority
2 : to desert a cause or party especially abruptly : DEFECT

jump shooter
: a basketball player who makes jump shots

jump shot
: a shot in basketball made by jumping into the air and releasing the ball with one or both hands at the peak of the jump

jump the gun

1 : to start in a race before the starting signal
2 : to act, move, or begin something before the proper time

jump the queue
British : to advance directly to or as if to the head of a line

jump-off
1 : the start of a race or an attack
2 : a jumping competition to break a tie at the end of regular competition (as in a horse show)

jump-start
1 : to start (an engine or vehicle) by temporary connection to an external power source (as another vehicle's battery)
2 a : to start or restart rapidly or forcefully <advertising can jump-start a political campaign> b : to impart fresh or renewed energy to : ENERGIZE <a plan to jump-start the stagnant economy>
–jump start noun

jumper
n. 1 : a person who jumps
2 a : any of various devices operating with a jumping motion b : any of several sleds c : a connection used to close a break or cut out part of a circuit
3 : any of several jumping animals especially : a saddle horse trained to jump obstacles
4 : JUMP SHOT

jumper
n. 1 : a loose blouse or jacket worn by workmen
2 : a sleeveless one-piece dress worn usually with a blouse
3 : a child's coverall ― usually used in plural
4 chiefly British : SWEATER 2A

jumper
n. BASE jumper
broad jumper
bungee jumper
high jumper
jumper cables
jumper's knee
long jumper
puddle jumper
show jumper
ski jumper
smoke jumper
triple jumper

jumper cables
: a pair of electrical cables with alligator clips used to make a connection for jump-starting a vehicle

jumper's knee
: a painful condition of the knee caused by inflammation or small tears in the tendon of the patella that occurs especially in sports requiring strenuous jumping

jumping bean
: a seed of any of several Mexican shrubs (genera Sebastiania and Sapium) of the spurge family that tumbles about because of the movements of the larva of a small tortricid moth (Cydia saltitans syn. Laspeyresia saltitans) inside it

jumping jack
1 : a toy figure of a man jointed and made to jump or dance by means of strings or a sliding stick
2 : a conditioning exercise performed from a standing position by jumping to a position with legs spread and arms raised and then to the original position

jumping mouse
: any of several small hibernating No. American rodents (family Zapodidae) with long hind legs and tail and no cheek pouches

jumping plant louse
: any of numerous plant lice (family Psyllidae) with the femurs thickened and adapted for leaping

jumping spider
: any of a family (Salticidae) of small spiders that stalk and leap upon their prey

jumping-off place
1 : a remote or isolated place
2 : a place or point from which an enterprise, investigation, or discussion is launched ― called also jumping-off point

jumpmaster
: a person who supervises parachutists

jumpsuit
n. 1 : a coverall worn by parachutists for jumping
2 : a one-piece garment consisting of a blouse or shirt with attached trousers or shorts

jumpy
adj. 1 : characterized by jumps or sudden variations
2 : NERVOUS, JITTERY
–jump·i·ness noun

Jun
n. June

jun
n. : the chon of North Korea

jun
n. junior

junc
junction

junco
n. : any of a genus (Junco of the family Emberizidae) of small widely distributed No. American finches usually having a pink bill, ashy gray head and back, and conspicuous white lateral tail feathers

Juncos
n. city E Puerto Rico pop 36,452

junction
n. 1 : an act of joining : the state of being joined
2 a : a place or point of meeting b : an intersection of roads especially where one terminates c : a point (as in a thermocouple) at which dissimilar metals make contact d : an interface in a semiconductor device between regions with different electrical characteristics
3 : something that joins
–junc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

junction
n. gap junction
Josephson junction
Apache Junction
Grand Junction

junctural
: of or relating to phonetic juncture

juncture
n. 1 a : JOINT, CONNECTION b : the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech
2 : an instance of joining : JUNCTION
3 : a point of time especially : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances
synonyms JUNCTURE, EXIGENCY, EMERGENCY, CONTINGENCY, PINCH, STRAITS, CRISIS mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs. JUNCTURE stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events <an important juncture in our country's history>. EXIGENCY stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation <provide for exigencies>. EMERGENCY applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster <the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies>. CONTINGENCY implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence <contingency plans>. PINCH implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than EXIGENCY or EMERGENCY <come through in a pinch>. STRAITS applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult <in dire straits>. CRISIS applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference <a crisis of confidence>.

June
n. : the sixth month of the Gregorian calendar

june bug
: any of numerous rather large leaf-eating scarab beetles (subfamily Melolonthinae) that fly chiefly in late spring and have larvae that are white grubs which live in soil and feed chiefly on the roots of grasses and other plants ― called also june beetle

Juneau
n. city & port capital of Alaska in SE coastal strip pop 30,711

Juneberry
n. : SERVICEBERRY

Juneteenth
: June 19 celebrated especially in Texas to commemorate the announcement there of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865

Jung
n. Carl Gustav 1875-1961 Swiss psychol.

Jungfrau
n. mountain 13,642 ft (4158 m) SW cen Switzerland in Berner Alpen bet. Bern & Valais cantons

Junggar
region W China in N Xinjiang Uygur N of the Tian Shan

Jungian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of C. G. Jung or his psychological doctrines
–Jungian noun

jungle
n. 1 a : an impenetrable thicket or tangled mass of tropical vegetation b : a tract overgrown with thickets or masses of vegetation
2 : a hobo camp
3 a (1) : a confused or disordered mass of objects : JUMBLE (2) : something that baffles or frustrates by its tangled or complex character : MAZE <the jungle of housing laws ― Bernard Taper> b : a place of ruthless struggle for survival <the city is a jungle where no one is safe after dark ― Stuart Chase>
4 : electronic dance music that combines elements of techno, reggae, and hip-hop and is marked especially by an extremely fast beat
–jun·gle·like \-gə(l)-ˌlīk\ adjective
–jun·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

jungle
n. asphalt jungle
jungle cat
jungle fowl
jungle gym

jungle cat
: a small grayish to tawny cat (Felis chaus) found from northern Africa to Asia and having a black-tipped tail and tufted ears broadly : a wild cat (as a leopard) of tropical regions

jungle fowl
: any of several Asian wild birds (genus Gallus) related to the pheasants especially : a bird (G. gallus) of southeastern Asia from which domestic chickens have prob. descended

jungle gym
: a structure of vertical and horizontal bars for use by children at play

jungled
adj. : abounding in jungle <a jungled island>

Juniata
river 150 mi (241 km) S cen Pa. flowing E into the Susquehanna

Junin
1 city E Argentina W of Buenos Aires pop 62,080
2 town cen Peru at S end of Lake Junín (25 mi or 40 km long)

junior
n. 1 a : less advanced in age : YOUNGER ― used chiefly to distinguish a son with the same given name as his father b (1) : YOUTHFUL (2) : designed for young people and especially adolescents c : of more recent date and therefore inferior or subordinate <a junior lien>
2 a : lower in standing or rank <junior partners> b : duplicating or suggesting on a smaller scale something typically large or powerful <a junior gale>
3 : of or relating to juniors or the class of juniors at an educational institution <the junior prom>

junior
n. 1 a (1) : a person who is younger than another <a man six years my junior> (2) : a male child : SON (3) : a young person b : a clothing size for women and girls with slight figures
2 a : a person holding a lower position in a hierarchy of ranks b : a student in the next-to-the-last year before graduating from an educational institution
3 capitalized : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the third through sixth grades in school

junior
n. junior college
junior high school
junior high
Junior Leaguer
junior miss
junior varsity
lieutenant junior grade
lieutenants junior grade

junior college
: an educational institution that offers two years of studies corresponding to those in the first two years of a four-year college and that often offers technical, vocational, and liberal studies to the adults of a community

junior high school
: a school usually including grades seven to nine ― called also junior high

Junior Leaguer
: a member of a league of young women organized for volunteer service to civic and social organizations

junior miss
1 : an adolescent girl
2 : JUNIOR 1B

junior varsity
: a team composed of members lacking the experience or qualification required for the varsity

juniorate
1 : a course of high school or college study for candidates for the priesthood, brotherhood, or sisterhood specifically : one preparatory to the course in philosophy
2 : a seminary for juniorate training

juniper
n. 1 a : any of numerous shrubs or trees (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family with leaves resembling needles or scales and female cones usually resembling berries b : the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper especially : the bluish one of a common juniper (J. communis) which is used to flavor foods and from which is obtained an acrid essential oil used especially as a flavoring in gin and liqueurs ― called also juniper berry
2 : any of several coniferous trees resembling true junipers

juniper
n. juniper berry
juniper tar
juniper tar oil

juniper tar
: a tarry liquid used topically in treating skin diseases and obtained by distillation from the wood of a Eurasian juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) ― called also cade oil juniper tar oil

Junius
Franciscus 1589-1677 Eng. (Ger.-born) philologist

junk
n. 1 : pieces of old cable or cordage used especially to make gaskets, mats, swabs, or oakum
2 a (1) : old iron, glass, paper, or other waste that may be used again in some form (2) : secondhand, worn, or discarded articles (3) : CLUTTER 1B b : something of poor quality : TRASH c : something of little meaning, worth, or significance
3 slang : NARCOTICS especially : HEROIN
4 : JUNK BOND
5 : baseball pitches that break or are off-speed (as curveballs or changeups)
–junky \'jəŋ-kē\ adjective

junk
n. : to get rid of as worthless : SCRAP
synonyms see DISCARD

junk
n. : any of various ships of Chinese waters with bluff lines, a high poop and overhanging stem, little or no keel, high pole masts, and a deep rudder

junk
n. junk art
junk artist
junk bond
junk DNA
junk e mail
junk food
junk mail
junk sculpture

junk art
: three-dimensional art made from discarded material (as metal, mortar, glass, or wood)
–junk artist noun

junk bond
: a high-risk bond that offers a high yield

junk DNA
: a region of DNA that usually consists of a repeating DNA sequence, does not code for protein, and has no known function

junk e-mail
: SPAM

junk food
1 : food that is high in calories but low in nutritional content
2 : something that is appealing or enjoyable but of little or no real value <the ultimate in junk food for young minds ― Cleveland Amory>

junk mail
: third-class mail (as advertising circulars)

junk sculpture
: JUNK ART

Junker
n. : a member of the Prussian landed aristocracy
–Jun·ker·dom \-kər-dəm\ noun
–Jun·ker·ism \-kə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

junker
n. : something (as an automobile) of such age and condition as to be ready for scrapping

Junkers
n. Hugo 1859-1935 Ger. airplane designer & builder

junket
n. 1 : a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet
2 a : a festive social affair b : TRIP, JOURNEY: as (1) : a trip made by an official at public expense (2) : a promotional trip made at another's expense <a film's press junket>

junket
n. 1 : FEAST, BANQUET
2 : to go on a junket
–jun·ke·teer \ˌjəŋ-kə-'tir\ or jun·ket·er \'jəŋ-kə-tər\ noun

junkie
n. 1 a : a narcotics peddler or addict b : a person who derives inordinate pleasure from or who is dependent on something <sugar junkie> <television news junkie>
2 : a junk dealer

junkyard
n. : a yard used to store sometimes resalable junk

Juno
n. : the wife of Jupiter, queen of heaven, and goddess of light, birth, women, and marriage ― compare HERA

Junoesque
adj. : marked by stately beauty

Junot
Andoche 1771-1813 Duc d'Abran·tès \ˌda-ˌbrän-'tes\ Fr. gen.

junta
n. 1 : a council or committee for political or governmental purposes especially : a group of persons controlling a government especially after a revolutionary seizure of power
2 : JUNTO

junto
n. : a group of persons joined for a common purpose

Jupiter
n. 1 : the chief Roman god, husband of Juno, and god of light, of the sky and weather, and of the state and its welfare and its laws ― compare ZEUS
2 : the largest of the planets and fifth in order from the sun ― see PLANET table

Jupiter
n. town SE Fla. pop 39,328

Jupiter Island
island SE Fla. in the Atlantic

Jura
n. 1 canton W Switzerland area 322 sq mi (834 sq km), pop 69,100
2 mountains France & Switzerland extending ab 145 mi (233 km) along the boundary; highest peak Mount Neige (in France) 5652 ft (1723 m)
3 island 24 mi (39 km) long W Scotland in the Inner Hebrides S of Mull

jural
adj. 1 : of or relating to law
2 : of or relating to rights or obligations
–ju·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

Juramento
― see SALADO 1

Jurassic
adj. : of, relating to, or being the period of the Mesozoic era between the Triassic and the Cretaceous or the corresponding system of rocks marked by the presence of dinosaurs and the first appearance of birds ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Jurassic noun

jurat
n. : a certificate added to an affidavit stating when, before whom, and where it was made

jure
n. de jure
pleno jure
suo jure

jurel
: any of several carangid fishes (as a jack crevalle) of warm seas

juridical
adj. 1 : of or relating to the administration of justice or the office of a judge
2 : of or relating to law or jurisprudence : LEGAL
–ju·rid·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Juris
n. Juris Doctor
sui juris
ignorantia juris neminem excusat

Juris Doctor
: a degree conferred by a law school usually after three years of full-time study

jurisconsult
n. : JURIST especially : one learned in international and public law

jurisdiction
n. 1 : the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
2 a : the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate b : the power or right to exercise authority : CONTROL
3 : the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised
synonyms see POWER
–ju·ris·dic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ju·ris·dic·tion·al·ly adverb

jurisprudence
n. 1 : the science or philosophy of law
2 a : a system or body of law b : the course of court decisions
3 : a department of law <medical jurisprudence>
–ju·ris·pru·den·tial \-prü-'den(t)-shəl\ adjective
–ju·ris·pru·den·tial·ly \-'den(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

jurisprudent
n. : JURIST

jurist
n. : one having a thorough knowledge of law especially : JUDGE

juristic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a jurist or jurisprudence <juristic thought>
2 : of, relating to, or recognized in law <juristic theory>
–ju·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

juror
n. 1 a : a member of a jury b : a person summoned to serve on a jury
2 : a person who takes an oath (as of allegiance)

Jurua
river NW cen S. America flowing from E cen Peru NE into the Solimões in NW Brazil

Juruena
river 600 mi (966 km) W cen Brazil flowing N to unite with the Teles Pires forming the Tapajoz

jury
n. 1 : a body of persons sworn to give a verdict on some matter submitted to them especially : a body of persons legally selected and sworn to inquire into any matter of fact and to give their verdict according to the evidence
2 : a committee for judging and awarding prizes at a contest or exhibition
3 : one (as the public or test results) that will decide ― used especially in the phrase the jury is still out

jury
n. : improvised for temporary use especially in an emergency : MAKESHIFT <a jury mast> <a jury rig>

jury
n. : to select material as appropriate for exhibition in (as an art show) ― used chiefly as a participle <a juried show>

jury
n. grand jury
jury nullification
jury rig
petit jury
traverse jury
trial jury

jury nullification
: the acquitting of a defendant by a jury in disregard of the judge's instructions and contrary to the jury's findings of fact

jury-rig
: to erect, construct, or arrange in a makeshift fashion

jus
n. au jus
jus gentium
jus sanguinis
jus soli
jus divinum

jus divinum
: divine law

jus gentium
: INTERNATIONAL LAW

jus sanguinis
: a rule that a child's citizenship is determined by its parents' citizenship

jus soli
: a rule that the citizenship of a child is determined by the place of its birth

Jusserand
Jean (Adrien-Antoine) Jules 1855-1932 Fr. scholar & diplomat

jussive
n. : a word, form, case, or mood expressing command
–jussive adjective

just
n. archaic variant of joust

just
n. 1 a : having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason : REASONABLE <a just but not a generous decision> b archaic : faithful to an original c : conforming to a standard of correctness : PROPER <just proportions>
2 a (1) : acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good : RIGHTEOUS <a just war> (2) : being what is merited : DESERVED <a just punishment> b : legally correct : LAWFUL <just title to an estate>
synonyms see FAIR, UPRIGHT
–just·ly adverb
–just·ness \'jəs(t)-nəs\ noun

just
n. 1 a : EXACTLY, PRECISELY <just right> b : very recently <the bell just rang>
2 a : by a very small margin : BARELY <just too late> b : IMMEDIATELY, DIRECTLY <just west of here>
3 a : ONLY, SIMPLY <just last year> <just be yourself> b : QUITE, VERY <just wonderful>
4 : PERHAPS, POSSIBLY <it just might work>
–just about : ALMOST <the work is just about done>

just
n. just the same
just about
just folks
just in time
Saint Just

just about
ALMOST <the work is just about done>

just-folks
: marked by the absence of formality or sophistication : UNPRETENTIOUS <her just-folks manner>

just-in-time
: a manufacturing strategy wherein parts are produced or delivered only as needed

justice
n. 1 a : the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments b : JUDGE c : the administration of law especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
2 a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair b (1) : the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action (2) : conformity to this principle or ideal : RIGHTEOUSNESS c : the quality of conforming to law
3 : conformity to truth, fact, or reason : CORRECTNESS

justice
n. chief justice
do justice
justice of the peace
poetic justice

justice of the peace

15th century
: a local magistrate empowered chiefly to administer summary justice in minor cases, to commit for trial, and to administer oaths and perform marriages

justiciable
adj. 1 : liable to trial in a court of justice <a justiciable offense>
2 : capable of being decided by legal principles or by a court of justice
–jus·ti·cia·bil·i·ty \ˌjə-ˌsti-sh(ē-)ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

justiciar
n. : the chief political and judicial officer of the Norman and later kings of England until the 13th century

justifiable
adj. : capable of being justified : EXCUSABLE <justifiable family pride ― Current Biog.>
–jus·ti·fi·abil·i·ty \ˌjəs-tə-ˌfī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–jus·ti·fi·ably \'jəs-tə-ˌfī-ə-blē\ adverb

justification
n. 1 : the act, process, or state of being justified by God
2 a : the act or an instance of justifying : VINDICATION b : something that justifies
3 : the process or result of justifying lines of text

justificative
adj. : JUSTIFICATORY

justificatory
adj. : tending or serving to justify : VINDICATORY

justify
v. transitive verb
1 a : to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable b (1) : to show to have had a sufficient legal reason (2) : to qualify (oneself) as a surety by taking oath to the ownership of sufficient property
2 a archaic : to administer justice to b archaic : ABSOLVE c : to judge, regard, or treat as righteous and worthy of salvation
3 a : to space (as lines of text) so that the lines come out even at the margin b : to make even by justifying <justified margins>
intransitive verb
1 a : to show a sufficient lawful reason for an act done b : to qualify as bail or surety
2 : to justify lines of text
synonyms see MAINTAIN
–jus·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

Justin
n. Saint ca 100-ca 165 Justin (the) Martyr church father

Justinian
n. 483-565 the Great Byzantine emp. (527-565)

justitia omnibus
: justice for all ― motto of the District of Columbia

jut
n. intransitive verb : to extend out, up, or forward : PROJECT <mountains jutting into the sky> <a jutting jaw>
transitive verb : to cause to project

jut
n. : something that juts : PROJECTION

Jute
n. : a member of a Germanic people invading England from the Continent and settling in Kent in the fifth century
–Jut·ish \'jü-tish\ adjective

jute
n. : the glossy fiber of either of two Asian plants (Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis) of the linden family used chiefly for sacking, burlap, and twine also : a plant producing jute

Jutland
n. 1 peninsula N Europe projecting into North Sea & comprising mainland of Denmark & N portion of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
2 the mainland of Denmark

jutty
1 archaic : JETTY
2 : a projecting part of a building

jutty
obsolete : to project beyond

juv
juvenile

Juvenal
A.D. 55 to 60-ca 127 Decimus Junius Juvenalis Rom. poet & satirist
–Ju·ve·na·lian \ˌjü-və-'nāl-yən\ adjective

juvenescence
n. : the state of being youthful or of growing young
–ju·ve·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

juvenile
n. 1 a : physiologically immature or undeveloped : YOUNG b : derived from sources within the earth and coming to the surface for the first time ― used especially of water and gas
2 : of, relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for children or young people <juvenile books>
3 : reflecting psychological or intellectual immaturity : CHILDISH

juvenile
n. 1 a : a young person : YOUTH b : a book for children or young people
2 : a young individual resembling an adult of its kind except in size and reproductive activity: as a : a fledged bird not yet in adult plumage b : a 2-year-old racehorse
3 : an actor or actress who plays youthful parts

juvenile
n. juvenile court
juvenile delinquency
juvenile delinquent
juvenile diabetes
juvenile hormone
juvenile officer
juvenile onset diabetes

juvenile court
: a court that has special jurisdiction over delinquent and dependent children usually up to the age of 18

juvenile delinquency
1 : conduct by a juvenile characterized by antisocial behavior that is beyond parental control and therefore subject to legal action
2 : a violation of the law committed by a juvenile and not punishable by death or life imprisonment
–juvenile delinquent noun

juvenile diabetes
: TYPE 1 DIABETES

juvenile hormone
: an insect hormone that is secreted by the corpora allata, inhibits maturation to the imago, and plays a role in reproduction

juvenile officer
: a police officer charged with the detection, prosecution, and care of juvenile delinquents

juvenile-onset diabetes
: TYPE 1 DIABETES

juvenilia
n. 1 : compositions produced in the artist's or author's youth
2 : artistic or literary compositions suited to or designed for the young

juvenility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being juvenile : YOUTHFULNESS
2 a : immaturity of thought or conduct b : an instance of being juvenile

juxtapose
v. : to place side by side <juxtapose unexpected combinations of colors, shapes and ideas ― J. F. T. Bugental>

juxtaposed
v. : placed side by side : being in juxtaposition
synonyms see ADJACENT

juxtaposition
n. : the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side also : the state of being so placed
–jux·ta·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

JV
junior varsity

Jyvaskyla
city S cen Finland pop 81,110

K
n. 1 Kelvin
2 kilometer

K
n. potassium

k
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 11th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic k
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter k
3 : one designated k especially as the 11th in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter K
5 : a unit vector parallel to the z-axis
6 [kilo-] : THOUSAND <a salary of $24K>
7 [kilo-] : a unit of computer storage capacity equal to 1024 bytes <uses 350K of disk space>
8 capitalized [struck] : STRIKEOUT

k
n. 1 karat
2 kindergarten
3 king
4 kitchen
5 knit
6 knot
7 koruna
8 kosher ― often enclosed in a circle
9 kyat

K of C
Knights of Columbus

K ration
: a lightweight packaged ration of emergency foods developed for the U.S. armed forces in World War II

K'ang-hsi
1654-1722 Chin. emp. (1661-1722)

K'ung
H. H. 1881-1967 orig. K'ung Hsiang-hsi Chin. statesman

K-band
: a segment of the radio spectrum that lies between 10.9 GHz and 36.0 GHz and spans the upper superhigh-frequency and lower extremely-high-frequency bands and that is used especially for police radars, satellite communication, and astronomical observation

K-meson
: KAON

K-T
: of, relating to, or occurring at the K-T boundary <K-T extinctions>

K-T boundary
: the transition between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods of geologic time characterized by a mass extinction of many forms of life including the dinosaurs also : a geologic stratum marking this boundary

K2
mountain 28,250 ft (8611 m) N Kashmir in Karakoram Range; 2d highest in the world

ka
n. cathode

Ka Lae
headland Hawaii; southernmost point of Hawaii (island)

Kaaba
n. : a small stone building in the court of the Great Mosque at Mecca that contains a sacred black stone and is the goal of Islamic pilgrimage and the point toward which Muslims turn in praying

Kaapland
― see CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

Kabalega Falls
waterfall 130 ft (40 m) W Uganda in the Victoria Nile

Kabardino-Balkaria
autonomous republic S Russia in Europe on N slopes of the Caucasus capital Nal'chik area 4826 sq mi (12,499 sq km), pop 784,000
–Kab·ar·din·ian \ˌka-bər-'dē-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

kabbalah
n. 1 : a medieval and modern system of Jewish theosophy, mysticism, and thaumaturgy marked by belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture
2 a : a traditional, esoteric, occult, or secret matter b : esoteric doctrine or mysterious art
–kab·ba·lism \'kä-bə-ˌli-zəm, 'ka-\ noun
–kab·ba·lis·tic \ˌkä-bə-'lis-tik, ˌka-\ adjective

Kabila
Joseph 1971-     pres. of Democratic Republic of Congo (2001-  )

Kabila
Laurent (Désiré) 1938-2001 father of prec. pres. of Democratic Republic of Congo (1997-2001)

kabob
n. variant of kebab

Kabuki
n. : traditional Japanese popular drama performed with highly stylized singing and dancing

Kabul
n. 1 river 435 mi (700 km) Afghanistan & N Pakistan flowing E into the Indus
2 city capital of Afghanistan on Kabul River pop 1,424,400
–Ka·buli \'kä-bə-(ˌ)lē, kə-'bü-lē\ adjective or noun

Kabwe
city cen Zambia pop 166,519

Kabyle
n. 1 : a member of a Berber people living in the mountainous coastal area east of Algiers
2 : the Berber language of the Kabyles

Kabylia
mountainous region N Algeria on coast E of Algiers; comprises: Great Kabylia (to W) & Little Kabylia (to E)

Kachchh
Kachchh Gulf of
Kachchh Rann of
Rann of Kachchh

Kachchh, Gulf of
inlet of Arabian Sea W India N of Kathiawar

Kachchh, Rann of
salt marsh in S Pakistan & W India stretching in an arc from the mouths of the Indus to the head of Gulf of Kachchh

kachina
n. 1 : one of the deified ancestral spirits believed among the Hopi and other Pueblo Indians to visit the pueblos at intervals
2 : one of the elaborately masked kachina impersonators that dance at agricultural ceremonies
3 : a doll representing a kachina

Kadar
János 1912-1989 1st secy. of Hung. Communist party (1956-88)

kaddish
n. : a Jewish prayer recited in the daily ritual of the synagogue and by mourners at public services after the death of a close relative

Kadesh-barnea
town of ancient Palestine SW of Dead Sea; exact location uncertain

Kadikoy
former city Asia on the Bosporus, now a district of Istanbul

Kadiyevka
― see STAKHANOV

Kaerh
― see GAR

Kaesong
city SW N. Korea SE of Pyongyang pop 331,000

kaffeeklatsch
n. : an informal social gathering for coffee and conversation

Kaffeklubben
island in Arctic Ocean off N coast of Greenland; northernmost point of land in the world, at 83°40′N

Kaffir
n. 1 archaic : a member of a group of southern African Bantu-speaking peoples
2 often not capitalized chiefly South African usually disparaging : a black African

Kaffir lime
: a citrus tree (Citrus hystrix) of southeastern Asia having aromatic leaves and roundish thick-rinded green fruits used especially in Thai cooking also : its leaves or fruit

kaffiyeh
n. : an Arab headdress consisting of a square of cloth folded to form a triangle and held on by a cord

Kaffraria
region Republic of South Africa in Eastern Cape province S of Lesotho bordering on Indian Ocean

Kafir
n. : NURISTANI 1

kafir
n. : a grain sorghum with stout short-jointed somewhat juicy stalks and erect heads

Kafiri
: NURISTANI 2

Kafiristan
― see NURISTAN

Kafka
n. Franz 1883-1924 Czech-born author writing in German

Kafkaesque
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of Franz Kafka or his writings especially : having a nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical quality <Kafkaesque bureaucratic delays>

kaftan
n. variant of caftan

Kafue
river 600 mi (965 km) Zambia flowing into the Zambezi

Kagawa
Toyohiko 1888-1960 Jp. social reformer

Kagera
river 430 mi (692 km) Burundi, Rwanda, & NW Tanzania flowing N & E into Lake Victoria on Uganda border

Kagoshima
city & port S Japan in S Kyushu on Kagoshima Bay (inlet of the Pacific) pop 552,098

Kahlo (de Rivera)
Frida 1907-1954 née Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón Mex. painter

Kahneman
Daniel 1934-     Am.-Israeli psychol.

Kahoolawe
island Hawaii SW of Maui area 45 sq mi (117 sq km)

kahuna
n. 1 : a Hawaiian shaman
2 : a preeminent person or thing : BIG GUN <the industry's big kahuna, with⋯57 percent of the market ― A. E. Serwer>

Kaibab Plateau
plateau N Ariz. & SW Utah N of Grand Canyon

Kaieteur Falls
waterfall 741 ft (226 m) high & 350 ft (107 m) wide cen Guyana

Kaifeng
city E cen China in NE Henan pop 318,000

Kailua
city Hawaii in NE Oahu pop 36,513

kainite
n. : a natural salt KMg(SO_4)Cl·3H_2O consisting of a hydrous sulfate and chloride of magnesium and potassium that is used as a fertilizer and as a source of potassium and magnesium compounds

kairomone
: a chemical substance emitted by one species and especially an insect or plant that has an adaptive benefit (as a stimulus for oviposition) to another species

Kairouan
city NE Tunisia pop 54,546

Kaiser
n. Henry John 1882-1967 American industrialist

kaiser
n. : EMPEROR especially : the ruler of Germany from 1871 to 1918
–kai·ser·dom \-zər-dəm\ noun
–kai·ser·ism \-zə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

kaiser roll
: a round crusty roll often used for sandwiches

Kaiser-Wilhelmsland
― see NORTH-EAST NEW GUINEA

kaiserin
: the wife of a kaiser

Kaiserslautern
city SW Germany W of Ludwigshafen pop 100,541

kaka
n. : an olive-brown New Zealand parrot (Nestor meridionalis) with gray and red markings

kakapo
n. : a large chiefly nocturnal burrowing New Zealand parrot (Strigops habroptilus) that has green and brown barred plumage and well-developed wings with little power of flight

kakemono
n. : a vertical Japanese ornamental pictorial or calligraphic scroll ― compare MAKIMONO

kakiemon
: a Japanese porcelain decorated with enamel

Kakinada
city & port E India in NE Andhra Pradesh on Bay of Bengal pop 289,920

kala-azar
: a severe parasitic disease chiefly of tropical areas that is marked by fever, progressive anemia, leukopenia, and enlargement of the spleen and liver and caused by a leishmania (Leishmania donovani) transmitted by the bite of sand flies

Kalaallit Nunaat
n. ― see GREENLAND

Kalaeloa Point
― see BARBERS POINT

Kalahari Desert
desert region S Africa N of Orange River & S of Lake Ngami in Botswana & NW Republic of South Africa

kalamata
: a brine-cured black olive grown in Greece

Kalamazoo
city SW Mich. pop 77,145

kalanchoe
n. : any of a genus (Kalanchoe) of chiefly African tropical succulent herbs or shrubs of the orpine family often cultivated as ornamentals ― called also bryophyllum

Kalashnikov
n. : a Soviet-designed assault rifle especially : AK-47

Kalat
region NW Pakistan including S & cen Baluchistan; a former princely state capital Kalat

Kalb
Johann 1721-1780 Baron de Kalb \di-'kalb\ Ger. gen. in American Revolution

kale
n. 1 a : COLE b : a hardy cabbage (Brassica oleracea acephala) with curled often finely incised leaves that do not form a dense head also : its leaves used as a vegetable
2 slang : MONEY

kaleidoscope
n. 1 : an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns
2 : something resembling a kaleidoscope: as a : a variegated changing pattern or scene <a kaleidoscope of colors> b : a succession of changing phases or actions <a kaleidoscope of changing fashions> c : a diverse collection <a kaleidoscope of topics>
–ka·lei·do·scop·ic \-ˌlī-də-'skä-pik\ adjective
–ka·lei·do·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Kalemie
city & port E Democratic Republic of the Congo on Lake Tanganyika pop 96,212

kalends
n. variant of calends

Kalgan
― see ZHANGJIAKOU

Kalgoorlie-Boulder
town Australia in S cen W. Australia pop 25,016

Kalidasa
5th cent. A.D. Indian dram. & poet

Kalimantan
1 ― see BORNEO
2 the S & E part of Borneo belonging to Indonesia; formerly (as Dutch Borneo) part of Netherlands Indies

Kalinin
Mikhail Ivanovich 1875-1946 Russ. polit.; formal head of Soviet state (1919-46)

Kalinin
― see TVER'

Kaliningrad
city & port W Russia in Europe near Vislinski Zaliv; formerly capital of E. Prussia pop 411,000

Kalisz
commune cen Poland W of Lodz pop 106,087

kallidin
n. : either of two vasodilator kinins formed from blood plasma globulin by the action of kallikrein: a : BRADYKININ b : one with a terminal lysine amino acid residue added to bradykinin

kallikrein
n. : a hypotensive protease that liberates kinins from blood plasma proteins and is used therapeutically for vasodilation

Kalmar
city & port SE Sweden pop 60,066

Kalmuck
n. 1 : a member of a Buddhist Mongol people orig. of Dzungaria living mainly northwest of the Caspian Sea in Russia
2 : the Mongolian language of the Kalmucks

Kalmykia
autonomous republic S Russia in Europe on NW shore of Caspian Sea W of the Volga capital Elista area 29,305 sq mi (75,900 sq km), pop 322,000

Kaluga
city W cen Russia in Europe on Oka River WNW of Tula pop 347,000

Kama
: the Hindu god of love

Kama
river E Russia in Europe flowing SW into the Volga S of Kazan'

kamaaina
: one who has lived in Hawaii for a long time

Kamakura
n. city Japan in SE Honshu on Sagami Sea S of Yokohama pop 167,583

Kamchatka
n. peninsula 750 mi (1207 km) long E Russia in Asia bet. Sea of Okhotsk & Bering Sea

kame
n. : a short ridge, hill, or mound of stratified drift deposited by glacial meltwater

Kamehameha
1758?-1819 the Great king of Hawaii (1795-1819)

Kamehameha Day
: June 11 observed as a holiday in Hawaii in commemoration of the birthday of Kamehameha I

Kamenev
Lev Borisovich 1883-1936 Russ. Communist leader

Kamerlingh Onnes
Heike 1853-1926 Du. physicist

Kamet
mountain 25,447 ft (7756 m) N India in Uttar Pradesh in NW part of the Himalayas

kamikaze
n. 1 : a member of a Japanese air attack corps in World War II assigned to make a suicidal crash on a target (as a ship)
2 : an airplane containing explosives to be flown in a suicide crash on a target

kamikaze
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a kamikaze
2 : having or showing reckless disregard for safety or personal welfare

Kamloops
city Canada in S B.C. pop 77,281

Kampala
n. city capital of Uganda N of Lake Victoria pop 773,463

kampong
n. : a hamlet or village in a Malay-speaking country

Kampuchea
n. ― see CAMBODIA
–Kam·pu·che·an \ˌkam-pu̇-'chē-ən\ adjective

Kan
Kansas

Kan
― see GAN

kana
n. : a Japanese system of syllabic writing having characters that can be used exclusively for writing foreign words or in combination with kanji (as for indicating pronunciations or grammatical inflections) also : a single character belonging to the kana system ― compare HIRAGANA, KATAKANA

Kanak
: a native Melanesian inhabitant of New Caledonia

kanamycin
n. : a broad-spectrum antibiotic from a Japanese soil streptomyces (Streptomyces kanamyceticus)

Kananga
city S cen Democratic Republic of the Congo pop 371,862

Kananur
― see CANNANORE

Kanarese
n. 1 : KANNADA
2 : a member of a Kannada-speaking people of Karnataka, southern India

Kanawha
river 97 mi (156 km) W W.Va. flowing NW into Ohio River

Kanazawa
city & port Japan in W cen Honshu near Sea of Japan pop 456,438

kanban
n. : JUST-IN-TIME

Kanchenjunga
mountain 28,169 ft (8586 m) Nepal & Sikkim, India, in the Himalayas; 3d highest in the world

Kanchipuram
city SE India in N Tamil Nadu SW of Madras pop 152,984

Kandahar
city SE Afghanistan pop 130,212

Kandel
Eric Richard 1929-     American (Austrian-born) neuroscientist

Kandinsky
n. Wassily 1866-1944 Russ. painter

Kandy
city W cen Sri Lanka ENE of Colombo pop 104,000
–Kan·dy·an \-dē-ən\ adjective

Kane
n. Elisha Kent 1820-1857 American arctic explorer

Kane Basin
section of the channel bet. NW Greenland & Ellesmere Is. N of Baffin Bay

Kaneohe
city Hawaii on Kaneohe Bay, Oahu pop 34,970

Kaneohe Bay
inlet Hawaii on E Oahu

kangaroo
n. : any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals (family Macropodidae) of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands with a small head, large ears, long powerful hind legs, a long thick tail used as a support and in balancing, and rather small forelegs not used in locomotion

kangaroo
n. kangaroo court
kangaroo rat
red kangaroo

kangaroo court
1 : a mock court in which the principles of law and justice are disregarded or perverted
2 : a court characterized by irresponsible, unauthorized, or irregular status or procedures
3 : judgment or punishment given outside of legal procedure

kangaroo rat
: any of a genus (Dipodomys) of nocturnal burrowing rodents of arid parts of western No. America that travel by hopping on their long hind legs and have a long tail and fur-lined cheek pouches

kanji
n. : a Japanese system of writing that utilizes characters borrowed or adapted from Chinese writing also : a single character belonging to the kanji system ― compare KANA

Kankakee
1 river 135 mi (217 km) Ind. & Ill. flowing SW & W to unite with Des Plaines River forming Illinois River
2 city NE Ill. on Kankakee River pop 27,491

Kannada
n. : the major Dravidian language of Karnataka, southern India

Kannapolis
town S cen N.C. pop 36,910

Kano
city N cen Nigeria pop 594,800

Kanpur
city N India in S Uttar Pradesh on the Ganges pop 2,532,138

Kansas
n. 1 or Kaw \'kȯ\ river 169 mi (272 km) E Kans. flowing E into Missouri River ― see SMOKY HILL
2 state cen U.S. capital Topeka area 82,277 sq mi (213,097 sq km), pop 2,688,418
–Kan·san \'kan-zən\ adjective or noun

Kansas City
1 city NE Kans. adjacent to Kansas City, Mo. pop 146,866
2 city W Mo. on Missouri River pop 441,545

Kansu
― see GANSU

Kant
n. Immanuel 1724-1804 Ger. philos.
–Kant·ian \'kan-tē-ən, 'kän-\ adjective

kantele
: a traditional Finnish zither orig. having five strings but now having as many as thirty

Kanto Plain
region Japan in E cen Honshu in which Tokyo is situated

Kanton Island
island (atoll) cen Pacific in Phoenix Islands

Kao-hsiung
city & port SW Taiwan pop 1,405,860

kaolin
n. : a fine usually white clay that is used in ceramics and refractories, as a filler or extender, and in medicine especially as an adsorbent in the treatment of diarrhea

kaolinite
n. : a white mineral consisting of a hydrous silicate of aluminum that constitutes the principal mineral in kaolin
–ka·o·lin·it·ic \ˌkā-ə-lə-'ni-tik\ adjective

kaon
n. : an unstable meson that occurs in both charged and neutral forms and is about 970 times more massive than an electron

kapellmeister
n. : the director of a choir or orchestra

kapeyeka
― see rubel at MONEY table

kaph
: the 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

Kapidagi
peninsula NW Turkey in Asia projecting into Sea of Marmara

Kapitsa
Pyotr Leonidovich 1894-1984 Russ. physicist

kapok
n. : a mass of silky fibers that invest the seeds of the ceiba tree and are used especially as a filling for mattresses, life preservers, and sleeping bags and as insulation

Kaposi's sarcoma
: a neoplastic disease that occurs especially in individuals coinfected with HIV and a specific herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 8 of the genus Rhadinovirus), that affects especially the skin and mucous membranes, and that is marked usually by pink to reddish-brown or bluish plaques, macules, papules, or nodules

kappa
n. : the 10th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

kaput
adj. 1 : utterly finished, defeated, or destroyed
2 : unable to function : USELESS <my battery went kaput ― Henry James Jr.>
3 : hopelessly outmoded

Kara
n. Kara Kum
Kara Sea
Kara Su

Kara Sea
arm of Arctic Ocean off coast of Russia E of Novaya Zemlya

Kara Su
the Euphrates above its junction with the Murat in E cen Turkey

Kara-Kum
desert Turkmenistan S of Aral Sea bet. the Caspian Sea & the Amu Dar'ya area 115,830 sq mi (300,000 sq km)

karabiner
n. variant of carabiner

Karachay-Cherkessia
autonomous region SE Russia in Europe in N Caucasus area 5444 sq mi (14,100 sq km), pop 431,000 capital Cherkessk

Karachi
n. city & port S Pakistan capital of Sind pop 9,339,023

Karafuto
― see SAKHALIN

Karaganda
city cen Kazakhstan pop 608,600

Karageorge
1762-1817 orig. George Petrović Karageorge Serbian nationalist & founder of Kar·a·geor·ge·vić \-'jȯr-jə-ˌvich\ dynasty

Karaism
n. : a Jewish doctrine originating in Baghdad in the eighth century that rejects rabbinism and talmudism and bases its tenets on Scripture alone
–Kara·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

Karaj
city N Iran NW of Tehran pop 275,100

Karajan
n. Herbert von 1908-1989 Austrian conductor

Karakalpak
autonomous republic NW Uzbekistan SE of Aral Sea capital Nukus area 63,938 sq mi (165,599 sq km), pop 1,273,800

Karakoram Pass
mountain pass 18,290 ft (5575 m) NE Kashmir through Karakoram Range

Karakoram Range
mountain system S cen Asia in N Kashmir & NW Tibet on Xinjiang Uygur border connecting the Himalayas with the Pamirs; westernmost system of the Himalayan complex ― see K2

Karakorum
ruined city Mongolia on the upper Orhon capital of Mongol Empire

karakul
n. 1 often capitalized : any of a breed of hardy fat-tailed sheep of central Asian origin with a narrow body and coarse wiry fur
2 : the usually curly glossy black coat of a very young karakul lamb valued as fur ― compare BROADTAIL 2 PERSIAN LAMB 1

Karamanlis
Konstantinos 1907-1998 prime min. (1974-80) & pres. (1980-85; 1990-95) of Greece

karaoke
n. : a device that plays instrumental accompaniments for a selection of songs to which the user sings along and that records the user's singing with the music also : a form of entertainment involving the use of a karaoke machine

karat
n. : a unit of fineness for gold equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy

karate
n. : a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent
–ka·ra·te·ist \-tē-ist\ noun

karaya gum
: any of several vegetable gums similar to tragacanth and often used as substitutes for it that are obtained from tropical Asian trees (genera Sterculia of the family Sterculiaceae and Cochlospermum of the family Bixaceae) especially : one derived from an Indian tree (S. urens)

Karbala'
city cen Iraq SSW of Baghdad pop 83,301

Karelia
autonomous republic NW Russia in Europe; formerly (1940-56), as the Ka·re·lo-Finn·ish Republic \kə-'rē-(ˌ)lō-'fi-nish\, constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. capital Petrozadovsk area 66,564 sq mi (172,401 sq km), pop 800,000

Karelian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Karelia
2 : the Finno-Ugric language of the Karelians
–Karelian adjective

Karelian Isthmus
isthmus Russia in Europe bet. Gulf of Finland & Lake Ladoga

Karen
n. 1 : a member of a group of peoples of eastern and southern Myanmar
2 a : a group of languages spoken by the Karen peoples b : a language of this group

Kariba, Lake
lake 175 mi (282 km) long SE Zambia & N Zimbabwe formed in the Zambezi by Kariba Dam

Karikal
1 territory of former French India S of Pondicherry; incorporated 1954 in India area 52 sq mi (135 sq km)
2 or Ka·rai·kal \ˌkä-ri-'käl\ city & port, its capital, on Bay of Bengal pop 22,252

Karkheh
river flowing from W Iran S & W into marshlands E of the Tigris in SE Iraq

Karl-Marx-Stadt
― see CHEMNITZ

Karle
Jerome 1918-     American physical chem.

Karlskrona
city & port SE Sweden on Baltic Sea area pop 60,676

Karlsruhe
city SW Germany in Baden-Württemberg on the Rhine pop 278,579
–Karls·ru·her \-ˌrü-ər\ noun

Karlstad
city SW Sweden pop 80,934

karma
n. 1 often capitalized : the force generated by a person's actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate transmigration and in its ethical consequences to determine the nature of the person's next existence
2 : VIBRATION 4
–kar·mic \-mik\ adjective

Karnak
town S Egypt on the Nile N of Luxor on N part of site of ancient Thebes

Karnataka
n. state SW India capital Bangalore area 74,037 sq mi (191,756 sq km), pop 52,733,958

Karolyi
Count Mihály 1875-1955 Hung. polit.

Karoo
n. plateau region W Republic of South Africa W of Drakensberg Mountains divided into Little Karoo or Southern Karoo (in cen Western Cape province), Great Karoo or Central Karoo (in Western Cape & Eastern Cape provinces), & Northern Karoo or Upper Karoo (in Northern Cape, Free State, & North West provinces)

karoo
n. : a dry tableland of southern Africa

karoo
n. Upper Karoo
Central Karoo
Southern Karoo
Great Karoo
Little Karoo
Northern Karoo

kaross
n. : a simple garment or rug of skins used especially by native tribesmen of southern Africa

Karpathos
island Greece in the S Dodecanese area 118 sq mi (307 sq km), pop 8129

Karrer
Paul 1889-1971 Swiss chem.

Kars
city NE Turkey pop 79,496

Karsavina
Tamara 1885-1978 Russ. dancer

Karst
n. limestone plateau NE of Istrian Peninsula in W Slovenia extending into E Italy

karst
n. : an irregular limestone region with sinkholes, underground streams, and caverns
–karst·ic \'kär-stik\ adjective

kart
n. : GO-KART
–kart·ing noun

Karun
river over 500 mi (800 km) W Iran flowing into Shatt al Arab

Karvina
city E Czech Republic just E of Ostrava pop 277,125

kary
1 : nucleus of a cell <karyokinesis>
2 : nut : kernel <caryopsis>

karyogamy
n. : the fusion of cell nuclei (as in fertilization)

karyokinesis
n. 1 : the nuclear phenomena characteristic of mitosis
2 : the whole process of mitosis
–kar·yo·ki·net·ic \-'ne-tik\ adjective

karyology
n. 1 : the minute cytological characteristics of the cell nucleus especially with regard to the chromosomes
2 : a branch of cytology concerned with the karyology of cell nuclei
–kar·y·o·log·i·cal \-rē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also kar·y·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective

karyosome
n. : a mass of chromatin in a cell nucleus that resembles a nucleolus

karyotype
n. : the chromosomal characteristics of a cell also : the chromosomes themselves or a representation of them
–kar·yo·typ·ic \ˌka-rē-ə-'ti-pik\ adjective
–kar·yo·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

karyotype
n. : to determine or analyze the karyotype of

Karzai
Hamid 1957-     pres. of Afghanistan (2002-  )

Kasai
1 river 1338 mi (2153 km) N Angola & W Democratic Republic of the Congo flowing N & W into Congo River
2 region S cen Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kasbah
n. variant of casbah

kasha
n. 1 : a porridge made usually from buckwheat groats
2 : kasha grain before cooking

Kashan
: an Oriental rug with floral motifs in soft colors

Kashi
city W China in SW Xinjiang Uygur pop 174,570

Kashiwa
city Japan in E Honshu pop 327,851

Kashmir
n. 1 or formerly Cash·mere mountainous region N India (subcontinent) W of Tibet & SW of Xinjiang Uygur; includes valley (Vale of Kashmir) watered by the Jhelum
2 ― see JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Kashmiri
n. 1 : an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Kashmir
2 : a native or inhabitant of Kashmir

kashruth
n. 1 : the Jewish dietary laws
2 : the state of being kosher

Kashubian
: a Slavic language spoken northwest and southwest of Gdansk

Kaskaskia
river 320 mi (515 km) SW Ill. flowing SW into Mississippi River

Kassala
city NE Sudan pop 99,000

Kassel
city cen Germany WNW of Erfurt pop 196,828

Kasserine Pass
mountain pass cen Tunisia

Kastellorizon
island Greece in the E Dodecanese off SW coast of Turkey area 9 sq mi (23 sq km)

Kastrioti
George ― see SKANDERBEG

Kastron
town Greece on Lemnos

kat
variant of khat

kata
n. : a set combination of positions and movements (as in karate) performed as an exercise

katabatic
adj. : relating to or being a wind produced by the flow of cold dense air down a slope (as of a mountain or glacier) in an area subject to radiational cooling

Katahdin, Mount
mountain 5268 ft (1606 m) N cen Maine; highest point in state

katakana
n. : the form of Japanese syllabic writing used especially for scientific terms, official documents, and words adopted from other languages ― compare HIRAGANA

Katanga
― see SHABA
–Ka·tan·gese \kə-täŋ-'gēz, -taŋ-, -'gēs\ adjective

katchina
variant of kachina

Katerini
town N Greece pop 46,304

Katharevousa
n. : modern Greek conforming to classic Greek usage

katharsis
n. archaic variant of catharsis

Katherina, Gebel
mountain 8652 ft (2637 m) NE Egypt on Sinai Peninsula; highest in the Gebel Musa

Kathiawar
peninsula W India in Gujarat bet. Gulf of Kachchh & Gulf of Khambhat

Kathmandu
n. city capital of Nepal metropolitan area pop 671,846

Katmai National Park
n. reservation S Alaska including Mt. Katmai & Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

Katmai, Mount
volcano 6715 ft (2047 m) S Alaska in Aleutian Range at NE end of Alaska Peninsula

Katowice
n. city S Poland in Silesia pop 367,041

Katrine, Loch
lake 9 mi (14 km) long cen Scotland E of Loch Lomond

Katsina
n. city N Nigeria capital of old kingdom of Katsina pop 182,400

katsura tree
: a deciduous tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum of the family Cercidiphyllaceae) of Japan and China sometimes grown as an ornamental for its dark blue-green ovate leaves which turn bright yellow or red in autumn ― called also katsura

Kattegat
arm of North Sea bet. Sweden & Jutland Peninsula of Denmark

katydid
n. : any of various large green American long-horned grasshoppers usually having stridulating organs on the forewings of the males that produce a loud shrill sound

katzenjammer
n. 1 : HANGOVER
2 : DISTRESS 2
3 : a discordant clamor

Kauai
island Hawaii WNW of Oahu area 555 sq mi (1437 sq km)

Kaufman
George S(imon) 1889-1961 American dram.

Kaunas
city cen Lithuania on the Neman; a former (1918-40) capital of Lithuania pop 378,943

Kaunda
n. Kenneth David 1924-     Zambian polit. & pres. (1961-91)

Kaunitz
Wenzel Anton von 1711-1794 Prince von Kaunitz-Rietberg Austrian statesman

kauri
n. 1 : any of various trees (genus Agathis) of the araucaria family especially : a tall timber tree (A. australis) of New Zealand having fine white straight-grained wood ― called also kauri pine
2 : a light-colored to brown resin from the kauri tree found as a fossil in the ground or collected from living trees and used especially in varnishes and linoleum ― called also kauri gum kauri resin

kauri
n. kauri resin
kauri gum
kauri pine

Kautsky
Karl Johann 1854-1938 Ger. socialist writer

kava
n. 1 : an Australasian shrubby pepper (Piper methysticum) from whose crushed root an intoxicating beverage is made also : the beverage made from kava
2 : the dried rhizome and roots of the kava used especially as a dietary supplement chiefly to relieve stress and anxiety

kava kava
: KAVA

Kavala
city & port NE Greece in Macedonia pop 58,576

Kavaratti
town S India capital of Lakshadweep union territory pop 10,113

Kaveri
― see CAUVERY

Kaveri Falls
― see CAUVERY FALLS

Kaw
― see KANSAS 1

Kawabata
Yasunari 1899-1972 Jp. writer

Kawagoe
city Japan in SE cen Honshu pop 330,766

Kawaguchi
city Japan in E Honshu N of Tokyo pop 460,027

Kawartha Lakes
1 group of lakes Canada in SE Ont. E of Lake Simcoe; traversed by Trent Canal system
2 city Canada in SE Ont. NE of Toronto pop 69,179

Kawasaki
n. city Japan in E Honshu on Tokyo Bay, S suburb of Tokyo pop 1,249,905

Kawasaki disease
: an acute illness of unknown cause that chiefly affects infants and children and is characterized especially by fever, rash, conjunctivitis, inflammation of lips and tongue, and swollen lymph nodes of the neck ― called also Kawasaki syndrome

Kay
n. : a boastful overbearing knight of the Round Table who is foster brother and seneschal of King Arthur

kay
n. : the letter k

kayak
n. 1 : an Eskimo canoe made of a frame covered with skins except for a small opening in the center and propelled by a double-bladed paddle
2 : a portable boat styled like an Eskimo kayak
–kayak intransitive verb
–kay·ak·er \-ˌa-kər\ noun
–kay·ak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

Kaye-Smith
Sheila 1887-1956 Eng. nov.

kayo
n. : KNOCKOUT 1

kayo
n. : KNOCK OUT

Kayseri
city cen Turkey in Asia at foot of Erciyas Mt.; chief city of ancient Cappadocia pop 421,362

Kayseri
Caesarea Mazaca
Eusebius of Caesarea
Caesarea Philippi

Kaz Dagi
mountain 5797 ft (1767 m) NW Turkey in Asia SE of ancient Troy

Kazak
: an Oriental rug in bold colors with geometric designs or stylized plant and animal forms

Kazakh
n. 1 : a member of a Turkic people of Kazakhstan and other countries of central Asia
2 : the language of the Kazakhs

Kazakhstan
n. country NW cen Asia extending from Caspian Sea to Altai Mountains; a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. 1936-91 capital Astana area 1,048,300 sq mi (2,715,097 sq km), pop 17,186,000

Kazan
n. river 455 mi (732 km) Canada flowing through a series of lakes into Baker Lake

Kazan Retto
― see VOLCANO ISLANDS

Kazan'
city E cen Russia in Europe capital of Tatarstan pop 1,098,000

Kazantzakis
Nikos 1885-1957 Greek poet, nov., & translator

Kazbek
mountain 16,558 ft (5047 m) bet. Georgia & Russia in Europe in cen Caucasus Mountains

kazillion
n. : ZILLION
–kazillion adjective

kazoo
n. : an instrument that imparts a buzzing quality to the human voice and that usually consists of a small metal or plastic tube with a side hole covered by a thin membrane

kazoo
n. slang : WAZOO

Kazvin
― see QAZVIN

KB
n. kilobyte

kb
n. 1 kilobar
2 kilobase

kbar
kilobar

Kbps
kilobits per second

KC
n. 1 Kansas City
2 King's Counsel
3 Knights of Columbus

kc
n. kilocycle

kc/s
kilocycles per second

kcal
n. kilocalorie

KCB
knight commander of the Order of the Bath

KD
1 kiln-dried
2 knockdown; knocked down

Kea
island Greece in NW Cyclades; chief town Kea area 67 sq mi (174 sq km)

kea
: a large mostly dull green New Zealand parrot (Nestor notabilis) that is normally insectivorous but sometimes destroys sheep by slashing the back to feed on the kidney fat

Kealakekua Bay
inlet of the Pacific Hawaii in W Hawaii (island) on Kona coast W of Mauna Loa

Kean
Edmund 1789-1833 Eng. actor

Kearney
city S cen Nebr. on Platte River pop 27,431

Kearny
Philip 1814-1862 American gen.

Kearny
town NE N.J. N of Newark pop 40,513

Keating
Paul John 1944-     prime min. of Australia (1991-96)

Keats
n. John 1795-1821 Eng. poet
–Keats·ian \'kēt-sē-ən\ adjective

kebab
n. : cubes of meat (as lamb or beef) marinated and cooked with vegetables usually on a skewer

kebbuck
dialect British : a whole wheel or ball of cheese

Keble
John 1792-1866 Eng. clergyman & poet

Kecskemet
city cen Hungary pop 108,000

Kedah
state Malaysia in N Peninsular Malaysia on Strait of Malacca capital Alor Setar area 3660 sq mi (9516 sq km), pop 1,304,800

kedge
n. transitive verb : to move (a ship) by means of a line attached to a small anchor dropped at the distance and in the direction desired
intransitive verb : to move a ship by kedging

kedge
n. : a small anchor used especially in kedging

kedgeree
n. 1 : an Indian dish of seasoned rice, beans, lentils, and sometimes smoked fish
2 : cooked or smoked fish, rice, hard-boiled eggs, and seasoning heated in cream

keek
n. chiefly Scottish : PEEP, LOOK

keek
n. chiefly Scottish : PEEP, LOOK

keel
n. chiefly dialect : COOL

keel
n. : a flat-bottomed barge used especially on the Tyne to carry coal

keel
n. 1 a : the chief structural member of a boat or ship that extends longitudinally along the center of its bottom and that often projects from the bottom also : this projection b : SHIP
2 : a projection suggesting a keel especially : CARINA 1
–keeled \'kēld\ adjective
–keel·less \'kēl-ləs\ adjective

keel
n. 1 : to fall in or as if in a faint ― usually used with over
2 : to heel or lean precariously

keel
n. chiefly dialect : RED OCHER

keel
n. on even keel
bilge keel
on an even keel
even keeled
Keeling Islands

keelboat
n. 1 : a shallow covered keeled riverboat that is usually rowed, poled, or towed and that is used for freight
2 : a keeled sailboat

keelhaul
v. 1 : to haul under the keel of a ship as punishment or torture
2 : to rebuke severely

Keeling Islands
― see COCOS ISLANDS

keelson
n. : a longitudinal structure running above and fastened to the keel of a ship in order to stiffen and strengthen its framework

Keelung
― see CHI-LUNG

keen
n. 1 a : having a fine edge or point : SHARP b : affecting one as if by cutting <keen sarcasm> c : pungent to the sense <a keen scent>
2 a (1) : showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : ENTHUSIASTIC <a keen swimmer> (2) : EAGER <was keen to begin> b of emotion or feeling : INTENSE <the keen delight in the chase ― F. W. Maitland>
3 a : intellectually alert : having or characteristic of a quick penetrating mind <a keen student> <a keen awareness of the problem> also : shrewdly astute b : sharply contested <keen debate> c : extremely sensitive in perception <keen eyes>
4 : WONDERFUL, EXCELLENT
synonyms see SHARP, EAGER
–keen·ly adverb
–keen·ness \'kēn-nəs\ noun
–keen on : very enthusiastic or excited about <wasn't keen on going>

keen
n. : a lamentation for the dead uttered in a loud wailing voice or sometimes in a wordless cry

keen
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to lament with a keen b : to make a sound suggestive of a keen
2 : to lament, mourn, or complain loudly
transitive verb : to utter by keening
–keen·er noun

keen on
very enthusiastic or excited about <wasn't keen on going>

Keene
city SW N.H. pop 22,563

keep
transitive verb
1 : to take notice of by appropriate conduct : FULFILL: as a : to be faithful to <keep a promise> b : to act fittingly in relation to <keep the Sabbath> c : to conform to in habits or conduct <keep late hours> d : to stay in accord with (a beat) <keep time>
2 : PRESERVE, MAINTAIN: as a : to watch over and defend <keep us from harm> b (1) : to take care of : TEND <keep a garden> (2) : SUPPORT (3) : to maintain in a good, fitting, or orderly condition ― usually used with up c : to continue to maintain <keep watch> d (1) : to cause to remain in a given place, situation, or condition <keep him waiting> (2) : to preserve (food) in an unspoiled condition e (1) : to have or maintain in an established position or relationship <keep a mistress> ― often used with on <kept the cook on> (2) : to lodge or feed for pay <keep boarders> f (1) : to maintain a record in <keep a diary> (2) : to enter in a book <keep records> g : to have customarily in stock for sale
3 a : to restrain from departure or removal : DETAIN <keep children after school> b : HOLD BACK, RESTRAIN <keep them from going> <kept him back with difficulty> c : SAVE, RESERVE <keep some for later> <kept some out for a friend> d : to refrain from revealing <keep a secret>
4 a : to retain in one's possession or power <kept the money we found> b : to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing <kept the news back> c : to have in control <keep your temper>
5 : to confine oneself to <keep my room>
6 a : to stay or continue in <keep the path> <keep your seat> b : to stay or remain on or in usually against opposition : HOLD <kept her ground>
7 : CONDUCT, MANAGE <keep a tearoom>
intransitive verb
1 chiefly British : LIVE, LODGE
2 a : to maintain a course, direction, or progress <keep to the right> b : to continue usually without interruption <keep talking> <keep quiet> <keep on smiling> c : to persist in a practice <kept bothering them> <kept on smoking in spite of warnings>
3 : STAY, REMAIN <keep out of the way> <keep off the grass>: as a : to stay even ― usually used with up <keep up with the Joneses> b : to remain in good condition <meat will keep in the freezer> c : to remain secret <the secret would keep> d : to call for no immediate action <the matter will keep until morning>
4 : ABSTAIN, REFRAIN <can't keep from talking>
5 : to be in session <school will keep through the winter ― W. M. Thayer>
6 of a quarterback : to retain possession of a football especially after faking a handoff
–keep an eye on : WATCH
–keep at : to persist in doing or concerning oneself with
–keep company : to go together as frequent companions or in courtship
–keep house : to manage a household
–keep one's distance or keep at a distance : to stay aloof : maintain a reserved attitude
–keep one's eyes open or keep one's eyes peeled : to be on the alert : be watchful
–keep one's hand in : to keep in practice
–keep one's head down : to avoid attracting notice
–keep one's nose clean : to avoid trouble especially through good behavior
–keep pace : to stay even also : KEEP UP 1
–keep step : to keep in step
–keep to
1 a : to stay in b : to limit oneself to
2 : to abide by
–keep to oneself
1 : to keep secret <kept the facts to myself>
2 : to remain solitary or apart from other people
synonyms KEEP, OBSERVE, CELEBRATE, COMMEMORATE mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. KEEP stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating <kept the Sabbath by refraining from work>. OBSERVE suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance <not all holidays are observed nationally>. CELEBRATE suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity <traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner>. COMMEMORATE suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event <commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths>.
synonyms KEEP, RETAIN, DETAIN, WITHHOLD, RESERVE mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. KEEP may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control <keep this while I'm gone>. RETAIN implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. DETAIN suggests a delay in letting go <detained them for questioning>. WITHHOLD implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go <withheld information from the authorities>. RESERVE suggests a keeping in store for future use <reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.

keep
n. 1 a archaic : CUSTODY, CHARGE b : MAINTENANCE
2 : one that keeps or protects: as a : FORTRESS, CASTLE specifically : the strongest and securest part of a medieval castle b : one whose job is to keep or tend c : PRISON, JAIL
3 : the means or provisions by which one is kept <earned his keep>
4 : KEEPER 5
–for keeps
1 a : with the provision that one keep what one has won <played marbles for keeps> b : with deadly seriousness
2 : for an indefinitely long time : PERMANENTLY
3 : with the result of ending the matter

keep
n. keep one's eyes peeled
keep at a distance
keep to oneself
keep to
keep step
keep pace
keep one's nose clean
keep one's head down
keep one's hand in
keep one's eyes open
keep one's distance
keep house
keep company
keep at
keep an eye on
keep away
keep down
keep up
for keeps
keeping room

keep an eye on
WATCH

keep at
to persist in doing or concerning oneself with

keep company
to go together as frequent companions or in courtship

keep down
1 : to keep in control <keep expenses down>
2 : to prevent from growing, advancing, or succeeding

keep house
to manage a household

keep one's distance
or keep at a distance : to stay aloof : maintain a reserved attitude

keep one's eyes open
or keep one's eyes peeled : to be on the alert : be watchful

keep one's hand in
to keep in practice

keep one's head down
to avoid attracting notice

keep one's nose clean
to avoid trouble especially through good behavior

keep pace
to stay even also : KEEP UP 1

keep step
to keep in step

keep to

1 a : to stay in b : to limit oneself to
2 : to abide by

keep to oneself

1 : to keep secret <kept the facts to myself>
2 : to remain solitary or apart from other people

keep up
: to persist or persevere in <kept up the good work> also : MAINTAIN, SUSTAIN <keep standards up>
intransitive verb
1 : to keep adequately informed or up-to-date <keep up on international affairs>
2 : to continue without interruption <rain kept up all night>
3 : to maintain contact or relations with <keep up with old friends>

keep-away
: a game in which two or more players try to keep an object (as a ball) from one or more other players

keeper
n. 1 : one that keeps: as a : PROTECTOR b : GAMEKEEPER c : WARDEN d : CUSTODIAN e chiefly British : CURATOR
2 : any of various devices for keeping something in position
3 a : one suitable for or worth keeping: as (1) : a fruit or vegetable that keeps well (2) : a fish large enough to be legally caught and kept (3) : one having genuine or lasting merit <their new album is a keeper> b : a domestic animal considered with respect to how easy it is to care for <an easy keeper>
4 : GOALKEEPER
5 : an offensive football play in which the quarterback runs with the ball

keeping
n. 1 : the act of one that keeps: as a : CUSTODY, MAINTENANCE b : OBSERVANCE c : a reserving or preserving for future use
2 a : the means by which something is kept : SUPPORT, PROVISION b : the state of being kept or the condition in which something is kept <the house is in good keeping>
3 : CONFORMITY <in keeping with good taste> <out of keeping with the decor>

keeping room
: a common room (as in a colonial house) usually used for multiple purposes

keepsake
n. : something kept or given to be kept as a memento

keeshond
n. : any of a Dutch breed of compact medium-sized dogs that have a dense heavy grayish coat and a foxy head

Keewatin
former district Canada in E Northwest Territories N of Man. & Ont. & including the islands in Hudson Bay, area now part of Nunavut

kef
n. 1 : a state of dreamy tranquillity
2 : a smoking material (as marijuana) that produces kef

Kefallinia
― see CEPHALONIA

Kefauver
(Carey) Estes 1903-1963 American polit.

keffiyeh
n. variant of kaffiyeh

kefir
n. : a beverage of fermented cow's milk

Keflavik
town SW Iceland WSW of Reykjavík pop 7520

keg
n. 1 : a small cask or barrel having a capacity of 30 gallons or less
2 : the contents of a keg

Kegel exercises
: repetitive contractions by a woman of the pelvic muscles that control the flow in urination in order to strengthen these muscles especially to control or prevent incontinence or to enhance sexual responsiveness during intercourse ― called also Kegels

kegger
n. : a party featuring one or more kegs of beer ― called also keg party

kegler
n. : 1BOWLER

kegling
n. : BOWLING

Keighley
town N England in W. Yorkshire, NW of Leeds pop 57,451

keister
n. slang : BUTTOCKS

Keitel
Wilhelm 1882-1946 Ger. field marshal

Keizer
city NW Oreg. N of Salem pop 32,203

Kejimkujik National Park
n. reservation Canada in SW N.S.

Kekkonen
Urho Kaleva 1900-1986 pres. of Finland (1956-81)

Kelantan
state Malaysia in N Peninsular Malaysia on S. China Sea capital Kota Baharu area 5780 sq mi (14,970 sq km), pop 1,181,680

kelim
n. variant of kilim

Keller
n. Helen Adams 1880-1968 American deaf & blind lecturer

Keller
n. city N Texas N of Fort Worth pop 27,345

Kellogg
n. Frank Billings 1856-1937 American statesman

Kelly
n. Ellsworth 1923-     American artist

Kelly
n. Gene 1912-1996 American dancer, actor, & director

Kelly
n. Grace 1929-1982 Princess Grace of Monaco American actress

kelly green
: a strong yellowish green

keloid
n. : a thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue
–keloid adjective
–ke·loi·dal \kē-'lȯi-dəl\ adjective

Kelowna
city Canada in S B.C. pop 96,288

kelp
n. 1 a : any of various large brown seaweeds (order Laminariales) b : a mass of large seaweeds
2 : the ashes of seaweed used especially as a source of iodine

kelp bass
: a mottled sea bass (Paralabrax clathratus) that occurs along the Pacific coast of the U.S. and is an important sport fish

kelpie
n. : a water sprite of Scottish folklore that delights in or brings about the drowning of wayfarers

kelpie
n. : any of a breed of energetic working dogs developed in Australia from British sheepdogs

Keltsy
― see KIELCE

Kelvin
n. : relating to, conforming to, or having a thermometric scale on which the unit of measurement equals the Celsius degree and according to which absolute zero is 0 K, the equivalent of -273.15°C

Kelvin
n. 1st Baron 1824-1907 William Thomson Brit. math. & physicist

kelvin
n. : the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units that is equal to 1/273.16 of the Kelvin scale temperature of the triple point of water

Kemble
Frances Anne 1809-1893 Fanny Eng. actress

Kemble
John Philip 1757-1823 Eng. actor

Kemerovo
city Russia in Asia in Kuznetsk Basin on Tom' River pop 521,000

kemp
n. : a coarse fiber especially of wool that is usually short, wavy, and white, has little affinity for dye, and is used in mixed wools

Kemp's ridley
: a small gray sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) with a wide rounded shell that occurs especially in the Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. Atlantic coast ― called also Kemp's ridley turtle

Kempis
n. Thomas à ― see THOMAS À KEMPIS

Kempis
n. a Kempis
à Kempis
Thomas a Kempis
Thomas à Kempis

kempt
adj. : neatly kept : TRIM

Ken
n. Thomas 1637-1711 Eng. prelate & hymn writer

ken
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : SEE
2 chiefly dialect : RECOGNIZE
3 chiefly Scottish : KNOW
intransitive verb chiefly Scottish : KNOW

ken
n. 1 a : the range of vision b : SIGHT, VIEW <'tis double death to drown in ken of shore ― Shakespeare>
2 : the range of perception, understanding, or knowledge <abstract words that are beyond the ken of young children ― Lois M. Rettie>

kenaf
n. : an African hibiscus (Hibiscus cannabinus) widely cultivated for its fiber also : the fiber used especially for making paper and cordage

Kenai Peninsula
peninsula S Alaska E of Cook Inlet; site of Kenai Fjords National Park (ice field)

Kendal
town NW England in Cumbria pop 23,411

Kendal green
: a green woolen cloth resembling homespun or tweed

Kendall
Edward Calvin 1886-1972 American biochem.

Kendall
Henry Way 1926-1999 American physicist

kendo
n. : a Japanese sport of fencing usually with bamboo swords

Kenilworth
town cen England in Warwickshire pop 19,315

Kenitra
city N Morocco NE of Rabat pop 581,000

Kennan
George Frost 1904-     American hist. & diplomat

Kennebec
river 150 mi (240 km) S Maine flowing S from Moosehead Lake into the Atlantic

Kennedy
n. Anthony M. 1936-     American jurist

Kennedy
n. John Fitzgerald 1917-1963 American polit.; 35th pres. of the U.S. (1961-63)
–Ken·ne·dy·esque \ˌke-nə-dē-'esk\ adjective

Kennedy
n. Joseph Patrick 1888-1969 father of J.F. & R.F. American businessman & diplomat

Kennedy
n. Robert Francis 1925-1968 bro. of J.F. American polit.; atty. gen. (1961-64)

Kennedy
n. Cape Kennedy
Kennedy Cape
Kennedy Mount

Kennedy, Cape
― see CANAVERAL (Cape)

Kennedy, Mount
mountain 13,905 ft (4238 m) NW Canada in Yukon Territory in St. Elias Range near Alaska border

kennel
n. 1 a : a shelter for a dog or cat b : an establishment for the breeding or boarding of dogs or cats
2 : a pack of dogs

kennel
n. intransitive verb : to take shelter in or as if in a kennel
transitive verb : to put or keep in or as if in a kennel

kennel
n. : a gutter in a street

Kennelly
Arthur Edwin 1861-1939 American engineer

Kenner
city SE La. W of New Orleans pop 70,517

Kennesaw Mountain
mountain 1809 ft (551 m) NW Ga. NW of Atlanta

Kennewick
city SE Wash. pop 54,693

kenning
n. chiefly Scottish : a perceptible but small amount

kenning
n. : a metaphorical compound word or phrase (as swan-road for ocean) used especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry

Kenny
n. Elizabeth 1880-1952 Sister Kenny Austral. nurse & physiotherapist

keno
n. : a game resembling bingo

Kenosha
city SE Wis. S of Racine pop 90,352

kenosis
n. : the relinquishment of divine attributes by Jesus Christ in becoming human
–ke·not·ic \-'nä-tik\ adjective

Kensington and Chelsea
royal borough of W Greater London, England pop 127,600; includes former boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea

kenspeckle
adj. chiefly Scottish : CONSPICUOUS

Kent
n. James 1763-1847 American jurist

Kent
n. Rockwell 1882-1971 American painter & illustrator

Kent
n. 1 city NE Ohio SE of Cleveland pop 27,906
2 city W Wash. S of Seattle pop 79,524
3 county SE England bordering on Strait of Dover; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy capital Maidstone area 1493 sq mi (3867 sq km), pop 1,485,100
–Kent·ish \'ken-tish\ adjective

Kent Island
island Md. in Chesapeake Bay 15 mi (25 km) long; largest island in the bay

kente cloth
: colorfully patterned cloth traditionally woven by hand in Ghana ― called also kente

kentledge
n. : pig iron or scrap metal used as ballast

Kentucky
n. 1 river 259 mi (417 km) N cen Ky. flowing NW into Ohio River
2 state E cen U.S. capital Frankfort area 40,395 sq mi (105,027 sq km), pop 4,041,769
–Ken·tucki·an \-kē-ən\ adjective or noun

Kentucky
n. Kentucky bluegrass
Kentucky coffee tree
Kentucky rifle

Kentucky bluegrass
: an Old World pasture and meadow grass (Poa pratensis) naturalized in America ― called also bluegrass

Kentucky coffee tree
: a tall No. American tree (Gymnocladus dioica) of the legume family with bipinnate leaves and large woody brown pods whose seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee

Kentucky rifle
: a muzzle-loading long-barreled flintlock rifle developed in the 18th century in Pennsylvania and used extensively on the American frontier

Kentwood
city SW Mich. pop 45,255

Kenya
n. republic E Africa S of Ethiopia bordering on Indian Ocean; member of the Commonwealth of Nations; formerly a Brit. crown colony & protectorate capital Nairobi area 224,960 sq mi (584,896 sq km), pop 28,662,239
–Ken·yan \-nyən\ adjective or noun

Kenya, Mount
extinct volcano 17,058 ft (5199 m) cen Kenya near the equator

Kenyatta
n. Jomo 1894?-1978 Kenyan polit. & pres. (1964-78)

Kenyon
John Samuel 1874-1959 American phonetician

Keogh plan
: an individual retirement account for the self-employed

Keokuk
1780?-1848 Kiyo'kaga Sauk & Fox tribal leader

kepi
n. : a military cap with a round flat top usually sloping toward the front and a visor

Kepler
n. Johannes 1571-1630 Ger. astron.
–Kep·ler·ian \ke-'plir-ē-ən, -'pler-\ adjective

Keppel
1st Viscount 1725-1786 Augustus Keppel Brit. admiral

kept
past and past part of keep

Ker
William Paton 1855-1923 Brit. scholar

Kerala
n. state SW India bordering on Arabian Sea capital Trivandrum area 15,007 sq mi (38,868 sq km), pop 31,838,619

Kerasun
― see GIRESUN

kerat
n. : cornea <keratitis>

keratectomy
n. : surgical excision of part of the cornea ― compare PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY

keratin
n. : any of various sulfur-containing fibrous proteins that form the chemical basis of horny epidermal tissues (as hair and nails)
–ke·ra·ti·nous \kə-'ra-tə-nəs\ adjective

keratinization
n. : conversion into keratin or keratinous tissue
–ke·ra·ti·nize \'ker-ə-tə-ˌnīz, kə-'ra-tə-ˌnīz\ verb

keratitis
n. : inflammation of the cornea of the eye

keratoconjunctivitis
n. : combined inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva

keratomileusis
: keratoplasty in which a piece of the cornea is removed, frozen, shaped to correct refractive error, and reinserted ― compare LASIK

keratoplasty
n. : plastic surgery on the cornea especially : corneal grafting

keratosis
n. : an area of skin marked by overgrowth of horny tissue
–ker·a·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

kerb
n. British : CURB 5

Kerch
1 peninsula S Ukraine projecting E from Crimea
2 city & port Ukraine in E Crimea on Kerch Strait pop 178,000

Kerch Strait
strait bet. Kerch & Taman' peninsulas connecting Sea of Azov & Black Sea

kerchief
n. 1 : a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck
2 : HANDKERCHIEF 1
–ker·chiefed \-chəft, -ˌchēft\ adjective

Kerensky
Aleksandr Fyodorovich 1881-1970 Russ. revolutionary

Keres
n. 1 : KERESAN 2
2 : the group of dialects spoken by the Keresans

Keresan
1 : a family of American Indian languages of which the Keres dialects comprise the only member
2 : a member of any of the seven Keres-speaking Pueblo Indian communities of central New Mexico

kerf
n. 1 : a slit or notch made by a saw or cutting torch
2 : the width of cut made by a saw or cutting torch

kerflooey
: AWRY, KAPUT <go kerflooey>

kerfuffle
n. chiefly British : DISTURBANCE, FUSS

Kerguelen
island in the Kerguelen Archipelago

Kerguelen Islands
archipelago S Indian Ocean belonging to France area 2394 sq mi (6200 sq km)

Kerinci
volcano 12,484 ft (3805 m) Indonesia in W cen Sumatra; highest peak on the island

Kerkheh
― see KARKHEH

Kerkrade
commune SE Netherlands

Kerkyra
― see CORFU

Kermadec Islands
islands SW Pacific NE of New Zealand, belonging to New Zealand area 13 sq mi (34 sq km), pop 9

Kerman
n. variant of kirman

Kerman
n. 1 or ancient Car·ma·nia \kär-'mā-nē-ə, -nyə\ region SE Iran bordering on Gulf of Oman & Persian Gulf S of ancient Parthia
2 or ancient Car·ma·na \kär-'mā-nə, -'ma-, -'mä-\ city SE cen Iran in NW Kerman region pop 257,284

Kermanshah
― see BāKHTARāN

kermes
n. : the dried bodies of the females of various scale insects (genus Kermes) that are found on a Mediterranean oak (Quercus coccifera) and constitute a red dyestuff also : the dye

kermis
n. 1 : an outdoor festival of the Low Countries
2 : a fair held usually for charitable purposes

Kern
n. Jerome David 1885-1945 American composer

Kern
n. river 150 mi (241 km) S cen Calif. flowing SW into a reservoir

kern
n. 1 : a light-armed foot soldier of medieval Ireland or Scotland
2 : YOKEL

kern
n. : a part of a typeset letter that projects beyond its side bearings

kernel
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a fruit seed
2 : the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
3 : a whole seed of a cereal <a kernel of corn>
4 : a central or essential part : GERM <like many stereotypes⋯this one too contains some kernels of truth ― S. M. Lyman>
5 : a subset of the elements of one set (as a group) that a function (as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set

kernite
: a colorless to white mineral that consists of a hydrous borate of sodium

kerogen
: bituminous material occurring in shale and yielding oil when heated

kerosene
n. : a flammable hydrocarbon oil usually obtained by distillation of petroleum and used for a fuel and as a solvent and thinner

Kerouac
n. Jack 1922-1969 Jean-Louis American writer

kerria
n. : a shrub (Kerria japonica) of the rose family that is native to China and Japan and has solitary yellow and often double flowers

Kerry
n. county SW Ireland in Munster capital Tralee area 1815 sq mi (4719 sq km), pop 132,527

kerry
n. : any of an Irish breed of small hardy black dairy cattle

Kerry blue terrier
: any of an Irish breed of medium-sized terriers with a long squarish head, deep chest, and silky bluish coat

kersey
n. 1 a : a coarse ribbed woolen cloth for hose and work clothes b : a heavy wool or wool and cotton fabric used especially for uniforms and coats
2 : a garment of kersey

kerseymere
n. : a fine woolen fabric with a close nap made in fancy twill weaves

Kertesz
Imre 1929-     Hung. writer

Kerulen
river E Mongolia flowing S & E into the Argun in Manchuria

kerygma
: the apostolic proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ
–ker·yg·mat·ic \ˌker-ig-'ma-tik\ adjective

Kesselring
Albert 1885-1960 Ger. field marshal

Kesteven, Parts of
district & former administrative county E England in SW Lincolnshire capital Sleaford area 734 sq mi (1901 sq km)

kestrel
n. : any of various small chiefly Old World falcons (genus Falco) that usually hover in the air while searching for prey: as a : a common Eurasian falcon (F. tinnunculus) b : an American falcon (F. sparverius) having a reddish-brown back and tail and bluish-gray wings

Keswick
town NW England in Cumbria in Lake District

ket
: ketone <ketosis>

ketamine
n. : a general anesthetic administered intravenously and intramuscularly in the form of its hydrochloride C_13H_16ClNO·HCl ― compare SPECIAL K

ketch
n. : a fore-and-aft rigged vessel similar to a yawl but with a larger mizzen sail and with the mizzenmast stepped farther forward

ketchup
n. : a seasoned pureed condiment usually made from tomatoes

ketene
n. : a colorless poisonous gas C_2H_2O of penetrating odor used especially as an acetylating agent also : any of various derivatives of this compound

keto
adj. : of or relating to a ketone also : containing a ketone group

ketoconazole
: a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent C_26H_28Cl_2N_4O_4 used to treat chronic internal and cutaneous infections

ketogenesis
n. : the production of ketone bodies (as in diabetes)
–ke·to·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective

ketoglutaric acid
: either of two crystalline keto derivatives C_5H_6O_5 of glutaric acid especially : the alpha keto isomer formed in various metabolic processes (as the Krebs cycle)

ketone
n. : any of a class of organic compounds (as acetone) that are characterized by a carbonyl group attached to two carbon atoms
–ke·ton·ic \kē-'tä-nik\ adjective

ketone body
: any of the three compounds acetoacetic acid, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid which are normal intermediates in lipid metabolism and accumulate in the blood and urine in abnormal amounts in conditions of impaired metabolism (as diabetes mellitus)

ketose
n. : a sugar (as fructose) containing in its acyclic form one ketone group per molecule

ketosis
n. : an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the body
–ke·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

ketosteroid
n. : a steroid (as cortisone or estrone) containing a ketone group

Kettering
Charles Franklin 1876-1958 American electrical engineer & inventor

Kettering
city SW Ohio S of Dayton pop 57,502

Ketterle
Wolfgang 1957-     Ger. physicist

kettle
n. 1 : a metallic vessel usually used for boiling liquids especially : TEAKETTLE
2 : KETTLEDRUM
3 a : POTHOLE 1B b : a steep-sided hollow without surface drainage especially in a deposit of glacial drift

kettle of fish

1742
1 : a bad state of affairs : MESS
2 : something to be considered or reckoned with : MATTER <books and discs⋯were two very different kettles of fish ― Roland Gelatt>

kettledrum
n. : a percussion instrument that consists of a hollow brass, copper, or fiberglass hemisphere with a calfskin or plastic head whose tension can be changed to vary the pitch

Keuka Lake
lake 18 mi (29 km) long W cen N.Y.; one of the Finger Lakes

keV
kilo-electron-volt

Kew
n. 1 city SE Australia in S Victoria, NE suburb of Melbourne pop 27,291
2 parish S England in Surrey; now in the Greater London borough of Richmond upon Thames

Keweenaw Peninsula
peninsula NW Mich. projecting from Upper Peninsula into Lake Superior W of Keweenaw Bay

Kewpie
n. ― used for a small chubby doll with a topknot of hair

Key
n. Francis Scott 1779-1843 American lawyer & author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

key
n. 1 a : a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned b : any of various devices having the form or function of such a key
2 a : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control b : an instrumental or deciding factor
3 a : something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution <the key to a riddle> b : a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations c : an aid to interpretation or identification : CLUE d : an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification e : a map legend
4 a (1) : COTTER PIN (2) : COTTER b : a keystone in an arch c : a small piece of wood or metal used as a wedge or for preventing motion between parts
5 a : one of the levers of a keyboard musical instrument that actuates the mechanism and produces the tones b : a lever that controls a vent in the side of a woodwind instrument or a valve in a brass instrument c : a part to be depressed by a finger that serves as one unit of a keyboard
6 : SAMARA
7 : a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic <the key of G major>
8 a : characteristic style or tone b : the tone or pitch of a voice c : the predominant tone of a photograph with respect to its lightness or darkness
9 : a decoration or charm resembling a key
10 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit <a telegraph key>
11 : the set of instructions governing the encipherment and decipherment of messages
12 : a free-throw area in basketball
–keyed \'kēd\ adjective
–key·less \'kē-ləs\ adjective

key
n. 1 : to lock with or as if with a key : FASTEN: as a : to secure (as a pulley on a shaft) by a key b : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone
2 : to regulate the musical pitch of
3 : to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : ATTUNE <remarks keyed to a situation>
4 : to identify (a biological specimen) by a key
5 : to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references <instructions keyed to accompanying drawings ― John Gartner>
6 : to make nervous, tense, or excited ― usually used with up <was keyed up over her impending operation>
7 : KEYBOARD ― often used with in
8 : to be essential to : play the most important part in <defense keyed the victory>
intransitive verb
1 : to use a key
2 : to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play ― usually used with on
3 : KEYBOARD

key
n. : IMPORTANT, FUNDAMENTAL <key issues>

key
n. : a low island or reef specifically : any of the coral islets off the southern coast of Florida

key
n. slang : a kilogram especially of marijuana or heroin

key
n. chroma key
church key
dichotomous key
function key
hot key
key club
key deer
key grip
key light
key lime
key lime pie
key signature
key word
low key
master key
off key
public key
shift key
skeleton key
Key Largo
Key West
Key Wester
Florida Keys
low keyed

key club
: an informal private club serving liquor and providing entertainment

key deer
: a very small rare white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) native to the Florida Keys

key grip
: the technician in charge of moving and setting up camera tracks and scenery in a motion-picture or television production

Key Largo
island S Fla. in the Florida Keys

key light
: the main light illuminating a photographic subject

key lime
: a small aromatic lime

key lime pie
: a usually meringue-topped lime-custard pie traditionally made from key limes

key signature
: the sharps or flats placed after a clef in music to indicate the key

Key West
city SW Fla. on Key West (island) at W end of Florida Keys pop 25,478
–Key West·er \'wes-tər\ noun

key word
: a word that is a key: as a : a word exemplifying the meaning or value of a letter or symbol b usually key·word \-ˌwərd\ : a significant word from a title or document used especially as an index to content

keyboard
n. 1 : a bank of keys on a musical instrument (as a piano) that usually consists of seven white and five raised black keys to the octave
2 : an assemblage of systematically arranged keys by which a machine or device is operated
3 : a board on which keys for locks are hung
4 : a musical instrument that is played by means of a keyboard

keyboard
n. : to capture or set (as data or text) by means of a keyboard
intransitive verb : to operate a machine (as for typesetting) by means of a keyboard
–key·board·er noun

keyboardist
n. : a person who plays a keyboard musical instrument

keybutton
: KEY 5C

keyhole
n. 1 : a hole for receiving a key
2 : KEY 12

keyhole
n. 1 : revealingly intimate <a keyhole report>
2 : intent on revealing intimate details <keyhole columnists>

keyhole saw
: a narrow pointed fine-toothed handsaw used especially for cutting curves of short radius

Keynes
n. John Maynard 1883-1946 1st Baron Keynes of Tilton Eng. econ.

Keynesianism
n. : the economic theories and programs ascribed to John M. Keynes and his followers specifically : the advocacy of monetary and fiscal programs by government to increase employment and spending
–Keynes·ian \'kān-zē-ən\ noun or adjective

keynote
n. 1 : the first and harmonically fundamental tone of a scale
2 : the fundamental or central fact, idea, or mood <sadness is the keynote of this little collection ― Books Abroad>

keynote
n. 1 : to set the keynote of
2 : to deliver the keynote address at
–key·not·er noun

keynote
n. keynote address
keynote speech
keynote speaker

keynote address
: an address designed to present the issues of primary interest to an assembly (as a political convention) and often to arouse unity and enthusiasm ― called also keynote speech

keynote speaker
: one who delivers a keynote address

keypad
n. : a small often handheld keyboard

keypunch
n. : a machine with a keyboard used to cut holes or notches in punch cards

keypunch
n. : to enter (data) on punch cards with a keypunch
–key·punch·er noun

Keyserling
Hermann Alexander 1880-1946 Graf Keyserling Ger. philos. & writer

keystone
n. 1 : the wedge-shaped piece at the crown of an arch that locks the other pieces in place ― see ARCH illustration
2 : something on which associated things depend for support <determination, a keystone of the puritan ethic ― L. S. Lewis>
3 : a species of plant or animal that produces a major impact (as by predation) on its ecosystem and is considered essential to maintaining optimum ecosystem function or structure

keystroke
n. : the act or an instance of depressing a key on a keyboard

keystroke
n. : KEYBOARD

keyway
n. 1 : a groove or channel for a key
2 : the aperture for the key in a lock having a flat metal key

KG
n. knight of the Order of the Garter

kG
n. kilogauss

kg
n. 1 keg
2 kilogram
3 king

KGB
n. (Soviet) State Security Committee

kgps
kilograms per second

Khabarovsk
1 territory E Russia in Asia bordering on Sea of Okhotsk area 318,378 sq mi (824,599 sq km), pop 1,855,000
2 city, its capital, on the Amur pop 615,000

Khachaturian
Aram Ilich 1903-1978 Soviet (Armenian-born) composer

Khadafy
var of GADHAFI

khaddar
n. : homespun cotton cloth of India

Khakassia
autonomous region S Russia in Asia in SW Krasnoyarsk Territory N of the Sayan Mountains capital Abakan area ab 24,000 sq mi (62,400 sq km), pop 581,000

khaki
n. 1 a : a khaki-colored cloth made usually of cotton or wool and used especially for military uniforms b : a garment of this cloth especially : a military uniform ― usually used in plural
2 : a light yellowish brown
–khaki adjective

Khalid
in full Khālid ibn 'Abd al-'Azīz ibn 'Abd ar-Raḥmān al-Sa'ūd 1913-1982 king of Saudi Arabia (1975-82)

Khalkha
n. 1 : a member of a Mongol people of Outer Mongolia
2 : the language of the Khalkha people used as the official language of the country of Mongolia

Khalkidiki
― see CHALCIDICE

Khalkis
city cen Greece capital of Euboea on Evripos Strait pop 51,482

Khambhat
city W India in Gujarat W of Vadodara pop 80,439

Khambhat
Khambhat Gulf of
Cambay Gulf of
Gulf of Cambay

Khambhat, Gulf of
inlet of Arabian Sea in India N of Bombay

Khamenei
Hojatolislam Sayyed Ali 1939-     religious leader of Iran (1989-    )

khamsin
n. : a hot southerly Egyptian wind

khan
n. 1 : a medieval sovereign of China and ruler over the Turkish, Tatar, and Mongol tribes
2 : a local chieftain or man of rank in some countries of central Asia

khan
n. : a caravansary or rest house in some Asian countries

khan
n. Abdorrahman Khan
'Abdorrahman Khan
Aga Khan
Aga Khan III
Aga Khan IV
Genghis Khan
Kublai Khan
Khan Tengri

Khan-Tengri
mountain 22,949 ft (6995 m) on border bet. Kyrgyzstan & Xinjiang Uygur (China) in Tian Shan

khanate
n. : the state or jurisdiction of a khan

Khanka
lake E Asia bet. Maritime Territory, Russia & Heilongjiang, China area 1700 sq mi (4420 sq km)

khapra beetle
: a dermestid beetle (Trogoderma granarium) that is native to the Indian subcontinent and is now a serious pest of stored grain in most parts of the world

Kharkiv
city NE Ukraine, its capital 1921-34, on edge of Donets Basin pop 1,623,000

Khartoum
n. city capital of Sudan at junction of White Nile & Blue Nile pop 1,950,000

Khartoum North
n. city cen Sudan pop 151,000

Khasi Hills
hills E India in NW cen Assam

khat
n. : a shrub (Catha edulis) of the staff-tree family cultivated in the Middle East and Africa for its leaves and buds that are the source of a habituating stimulant when chewed or used as a tea also : its leaves and buds

Khatami
Mohammad 1943-     pres. of Iran (1997-    )

Khatanga
river 800 mi (1287 km) N Russia in Asia, in NE Krasnoyarsk Territory flowing N into Laptev Sea

Khayyam
n. Omar ― see OMAR KHAYYÁM

khedive
n. : a ruler of Egypt from 1867 to 1914 governing as a viceroy of the sultan of Turkey
–khe·div·ial \-'dē-vē-əl\ or khe·div·al \-'dē-vəl\ adjective

Khelat
― see KALAT

Kheraskov
Mikhail Matveyevich 1733-1807 Russ. poet

Kherson
city & port S Ukraine on the Dnieper near its mouth pop 365,000

Khios
― see CHIOS

Khirbat Qumran
locality West Bank on Wadi Qumran near NW shore of Dead Sea; site of an Essene community (ab 100 B.C.-A.D. 68) near a series of caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were found

Khiva
1 or Kho·rezm \kə-'re-zəm\ oasis Uzbekistan on the lower Amu Dar'ya
2 or Khwa·razm \kwə-'ra-zəm, kwä-\ former khanate cen Asia including Khiva oasis
3 town in the oasis, capital of the khanate pop 41,300

Khmer
n. 1 : a member of an aboriginal people of Cambodia
2 : the Mon-Khmer language of the Khmer people that is the official language of Cambodia
–Khmer adjective

Khmer Republic
― see CAMBODIA

Khoikhoi
n. 1 : a member of any of a group of Khoisan-speaking pastoral peoples of southern Africa
2 : the group of Khoisan languages spoken by the Khoikhoi

Khoisan
n. 1 : a group of African peoples speaking Khoisan languages
2 : a family of African languages comprising principally Khoikhoi and the Bushman languages

Khomeini
n. Ayatollah Ruholla Mussaui 1900-1989 religious leader of Iran (1979-89)

Khorasan
region NE Iran; chief city Mashhad

Khorramabad
city W Iran pop 208,592

Khorramshahr
n. city & port W Iran in Khuzistan on Shatt al Arab NNW of Abadan

Khotan
― see HOTAN

khoum
n. ― see ouguiya at MONEY table

Khowar
: an Indo-Aryan language of northwest Pakistan

Khrushchev
n. Ni·ki·ta \nə-'kē-tə\ Sergeyevich 1894-1971 Soviet polit.; premier of Soviet Union (1958-64)
–Khru·shchev·ian \kru̇sh-'chȯ-vē-ən, -'chō- also -'che-; kru̇-'shȯ-, -'shō- also -'she-\ adjective
–Khru·shchev·ite \kru̇sh-'chȯ-ˌvīt, -'che-ˌvīt, 'krüsh-ˌ; kru̇-'shȯ-, -'she-, 'krü-ˌ\ adjective

Khufu
26th cent. B.C. king of Egypt & pyramid builder

Khums, Al
― see AL KHUMS

Khuzistan
region SW Iran bordering on Persian Gulf; chief city Khorramshahr

Khwarizmi, al
ca 780-ca 850 Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī Islamic (Persian-born) math. & astron.

Khyber Pass
mountain pass 33 mi (53 km) long on border bet. Afghanistan & Pakistan in Safed Koh Range WNW of Peshawar

kHz
n. kilohertz

ki
: CHI

KIA
killed in action

Kiamusze
― see JIAMUSI

kiang
n. : an Asian wild ass (Equus kiang syn. E. hemionus kiang) usually with reddish back and sides and white underparts, muzzle, and legs

Kiangsi
― see JIANGXI

Kiangsu
― see JIANGSU

Kiaochow
― see JIAOZHOU

kiaugh
Scottish : TROUBLE, ANXIETY

Kibaki
Mwai 1931-     pres. of Kenya (2002-  )

kibbe
: a Near Eastern dish of ground lamb and bulgur that is eaten cooked or raw

kibble
v. : to grind coarsely <kibbled dog biscuit> <kibbled grain>

kibble
v. : coarsely ground meal or grain (as for animal feed)

kibbutz
n. : a communal farm or settlement in Israel

kibbutznik
n. : a member of a kibbutz

kibe
n. : an ulcerated chilblain especially on the heel also : HEEL

kibitz
v. intransitive verb
1 : to act as a kibitzer
2 : to exchange comments : CHAT
transitive verb : to observe as a kibitzer especially : to be a kibitzer at <kibitz a card game>

kibitzer
n. : one who looks on and often offers unwanted advice or comment <a kibitzer at a card game> broadly : one who offers opinions

Kibo
mountain peak 19,340 ft (5895 m) NE Tanzania; highest peak of Kilimanjaro & highest point in Africa

kibosh
n. : something that serves as a check or stop <put the kibosh on that>
–kibosh transitive verb

kick
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to strike out with the foot or feet b : to make a kick in football
2 a : to show opposition : RESIST, REBEL b : to protest strenuously or urgently : express grave discontent broadly : COMPLAIN
3 : to function with vitality and energy <alive and kicking>
4 of a firearm : to recoil when fired
5 : to go from one place to another as circumstance or whim dictates
6 : to run at a faster speed during the last part of a race
transitive verb
1 a : to strike, thrust, or hit with the foot b : to strike suddenly and forcefully as if with the foot c : to remove by a kicking motion <kicked off her shoes> d : to remove from a position or status <kicked him off the team>
2 : to score by kicking a ball
3 : to heap reproaches upon (oneself) <kicked themselves for not going>
4 : to free oneself of (as a drug habit)
–kick·able \'ki-kə-bəl\ adjective
–kick ass
often vulgar : to kick butt
–kick butt : to use forceful or coercive measures in order to achieve a purpose also : to succeed or win overwhelmingly
–kick over the traces : to cast off restraint, authority, or control
–kick the bucket : DIE
–kick up one's heels
1 : to show sudden delight
2 : to have a lively time
–kick upstairs : to promote to a higher but less desirable position

kick
n. 1 a : a blow or sudden forceful thrust with the foot specifically : a sudden propelling of a ball with the foot b : the power to kick c : a rhythmic motion of the legs used in swimming d : a burst of speed in racing
2 : a sudden forceful jolt or thrust suggesting a kick especially : the recoil of a gun
3 : POCKET, WALLET
4 a : a feeling or expression of opposition or objection <a kick against the administration> b : the grounds for objection
5 a : an effect suggestive of a kick <chili with a kick> b : a stimulating or pleasurable effect or experience <got a big kick out of meeting him> c : pursuit of an absorbing or obsessive new interest <a skiing kick>
6 : KICKER 2

kick
n. corner kick
drop kick
flutter kick
free kick
frog kick
goal kick
kick upstairs
kick up one's heels
kick the bucket
kick over the traces
kick butt
kick ass
kick around
kick back
kick in
kick off
kick out
kick over
kick pleat
kick start
kick starter
kick turn
kick up
onside kick
penalty kick
quick kick
scissors kick
squib kick

kick around
1 : to wander or pass time aimlessly
2 a : to lie about mostly unnoticed or forgotten b : to undergo consideration usually intermittently over a period of time <ideas that have been kicking around for years>
transitive verb
1 : to treat in an inconsiderate or high-handed fashion
2 : to consider, examine, or discuss from various angles

kick ass
often vulgar : to kick butt

kick back
: to assume a relaxed position or attitude also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy <spent the weekend just kicking back>

kick butt
to use forceful or coercive measures in order to achieve a purpose also : to succeed or win overwhelmingly

kick in
: CONTRIBUTE
intransitive verb
1 slang : DIE
2 : to make a contribution
3 : to begin operating or having an effect : get started <waiting for the heater to kick in>

kick off
1 : to start or resume play in football by a placekick
2 a : to initiate proceedings b : to start out : BEGIN <the movie kicks off with a bank robbery>
3 slang : DIE
transitive verb : to mark the beginning of <kick off the campaign>

kick out
: to dismiss or eject forcefully or summarily

kick over
: to begin to fire ― used of an internal combustion engine
transitive verb : TURN OVER 1B

kick over the traces
to cast off restraint, authority, or control

kick pleat
: a short inverted pleat (as at the bottom of a skirt) used to give breadth

kick the bucket
DIE

kick turn
: a standing half turn in skiing made by swinging one ski high with a jerk and planting it in the desired direction and then lifting the other ski into a parallel position

kick up
1 : to cause to rise upward <clouds of dust kicked up by passing cars>
2 : to stir up : PROVOKE <kick up a fuss>
intransitive verb : to give evidence of disorder

kick up one's heels

1 : to show sudden delight
2 : to have a lively time

kick upstairs
to promote to a higher but less desirable position

kick-ass
often vulgar : strikingly or overwhelmingly tough, aggressive, powerful, or effective

kick-start
1 : to start (as a motorcycle) by means of a kick-starter
2 : JUMP-START 2
–kick start noun

kick-starter
: a motor starter (as on a motorcycle) that is activated by a thrust of the foot

kickback
n. 1 : a sharp violent reaction
2 : a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion <every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials ― D. K. Shipler>

kickboard
: a buoyant rectangular board held by a swimmer while developing kicking techniques

kickboxing
n. : boxing in which boxers are permitted to kick with bare feet as in karate
–kick·box \-ˌbäks\ intransitive verb
–kick·box·er \-ˌbäk-sər\ noun

kicker
n. 1 : one that kicks or kicks something
2 : an unexpected and surprising remark, revelation, or set of circumstances

kickoff
n. 1 : a kick that puts the ball into play in a football or soccer game
2 : COMMENCEMENT 1 <the campaign kickoff>

kickshaw
n. 1 : a fancy dish : DELICACY
2 : TRINKET, GEWGAW

kickstand
n. : a swiveling metal bar or rod attached to a 2-wheeled vehicle (as a bicycle) and used to prop up the vehicle when it is not in use

kickup
n. : a noisy quarrel : ROW

kicky
adj. : providing a kick or thrill : EXCITING also : excitingly fashionable

kid
n. 1 a : a young goat b : a young individual of various animals related to the goat
2 a : the flesh, fur, or skin of a kid b : something made of kid
3 : a young person especially : CHILD ― often used as a generalized reference to one especially younger or less experienced <the kid on the pro golf tour> <poor kid>
–kid·dish \'ki-dish\ adjective

kid
n. : to bring forth young ― used of a goat or an antelope

kid
n. : YOUNGER <my kid brother>

kid
n. transitive verb
1 a : to deceive as a joke <it's the truth; I wouldn't kid you> b : to fail to admit the truth to <they're kidding themselves>
2 : to make fun of
intransitive verb : to engage in good-humored fooling or horseplay ― often used with around
–kid·der noun
–kid·ding·ly \'ki-diŋ-lē\ adverb

kid
n. kid glove
kid gloved
with kid gloves
kid leather
kid stuff
latchkey kid
whiz kid
whizz kid

kid glove
: a dress glove made of kid leather
–kid-gloved \'kid-'gləvd\ adjective
–with kid gloves : with special consideration

kid leather
1 : a soft pliable leather made from kidskin
2 : a glove leather made from lambskin or goatskin

kid stuff
1 : something befitting or appropriate only to children
2 : something extremely simple or easy

kid-glove
: marked by extreme care or deference <kid-glove treatment>

Kidd
n. William ca 1645-1701 Captain Kidd Scot. pirate

Kidderminster
n. : an ingrain carpet ― called also Kidderminster carpet

Kidderminster
n. town W cen England SW of Birmingham pop 51,261

kiddie
n. : a small child <a kiddie pool> <kiddie rides>

kiddo
n. 1 ― used as a familiar form of address <you'll be okay, kiddo>
2 : CHILD, KID

kiddush
n. : a ceremonial blessing pronounced over wine or bread in a Jewish home or synagogue on a holy day (as the Sabbath)

kidnap
: to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom
–kid·nap·pee or kid·nap·ee \ˌkid-ˌna-'pē\ noun
–kid·nap·per also kid·nap·er noun

kidney
n. 1 a : one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 41/2 inches (111/2 centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into a main cavity whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder b : any of various excretory organs of invertebrate animals
2 : the kidney of an animal eaten as food
3 : sort or kind especially with regard to temperament <a nice helpful guy, of a different kidney entirely from the⋯Secret Police ― Paula Lecler>

kidney
n. kidney bean
kidney stone
polycystic kidney disease

kidney bean
1 : an edible and nutritious usually kidney-shaped seed of any of various cultivated beans of the common species (Phaseolus vulgaris) especially : a large dark red kidney bean
2 : a plant bearing kidney beans

kidney stone
: a calculus (as of calcium salts) in the kidney

Kidron
n. valley Israel bet. Jerusalem & Mount of Olives; source of stream (Kidron) flowing E to Dead Sea

kidskin
n. : the skin of a young or sometimes a mature goat also : KID LEATHER

Kiel
1 city & port N Germany capital of Schleswig-Holstein on SE coast of Jutland Peninsula pop 247,107
2 or Nord-Ost·see \ˌnȯrt-ˌȯst-'zā\ ship canal 61 mi (98 km) N Germany across base of Jutland Peninsula connecting Baltic Sea & North Sea

kielbasa
n. : a smoked sausage of Polish origin

Kielce
city S Poland S of Warsaw pop 212,901

Kieran
John Francis 1892-1981 American journalist

Kierkegaard
n. Søren Aabye 1813-1855 Dan. philos. & theol.
–Kier·ke·gaard·ian \ˌkir-kə-'gär-dē-ən, -'gȯr-\ adjective

kieselguhr
n. : loose or porous diatomite

kieserite
: a mineral that is a white hydrous magnesium sulfate

Kiesinger
Kurt Georg 1904-1988 chancellor of West Germany (1966-69)

Kiev
n. city capital of Ukraine on the Dnieper pop 2,587,000
–Ki·ev·an \'kē-ˌe-fən, -vən\ adjective or noun

kif
n. variant of kef

Kigali
n. city cen Rwanda, its capital pop 232,733

kike
n. usually offensive : JEW

Kikladhes
― see CYCLADES

Kikongo
n. : KONGO 2

Kikuyu
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Kenya
2 : the Bantu language of the Kikuyu people

Kilauea
volcano 4190 ft (1277 m) with crater 2 mi (3.2 km) wide Hawaii in SE Hawaii (island) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilby
Jack St. Clair 1923-     American electrical engineer

Kildare
county E Ireland in Leinster capital Naas area 654 sq mi (1700 sq km), pop 163,944

kilderkin
n. 1 : an English unit of capacity equal to 1/2 barrel
2 : CASK

kilim
n. : a pileless handwoven reversible rug or covering made in Turkey, Kurdistan, the Caucasus, Iran, and western Turkestan

Kilimanjaro
n. mountain Tanzania on NE mainland near Kenya border ― see KIBO

Kilkenny
1 county SE Ireland in Leinster area 796 sq mi (2070 sq km), pop 80,339
2 town, its capital pop 8513

kill
n. transitive verb
1 a : to deprive of life : cause the death of b (1) : to slaughter (as a hog) for food (2) : to convert a food animal into (a kind of meat) by slaughtering
2 a : to put an end to <kill competition> b : DEFEAT, VETO <killed the amendment> c : to mark for omission also : DELETE d : ANNIHILATE, DESTROY <kill an enemy>
3 a : to destroy the vital or essential quality of <killed the pain with drugs> b : to cause to stop <kill the motor> c : to check the flow of current through
4 : to make a markedly favorable impression on <she killed the audience>
5 : to get through uneventfully <kill time> also : to get through (the time of a penalty) without being scored on <kill a penalty>
6 a : to cause extreme pain to b : to tire almost to the point of collapse
7 : to hit (a shot) so hard in various games that a return is impossible
8 : to consume (as a drink) totally
intransitive verb
1 : to deprive one of life
2 : to make a markedly favorable impression <was dressed to kill>
synonyms KILL, SLAY, MURDER, ASSASSINATE, DISPATCH, EXECUTE mean to deprive of life. KILL merely states the fact of death caused by an agency in any manner <killed in an accident> <frost killed the plants>. SLAY is a chiefly literary term implying deliberateness and violence but not necessarily motive <slew thousands of the Philistines>. MURDER specif. implies stealth and motive and premeditation and therefore full moral responsibility <convicted of murdering a rival>. ASSASSINATE applies to deliberate killing openly or secretly often for political motives <terrorists assassinated the Senator>. DISPATCH stresses quickness and directness in putting to death <dispatched the sentry with one bullet>. EXECUTE stresses putting to death as a legal penalty <executed by lethal gas>.

kill
n. 1 a : an act or instance of killing b : a decisive act that conclusively secures something (as a deal or win)
2 : something killed: as a (1) : an animal shot in a hunt (2) : animals killed in a hunt, season, or particular period of time b : an enemy unit (as an airplane or ship) destroyed by military action c : a return shot in any of various games (as badminton, handball, or table tennis) that is too hard for an opponent to handle

kill
n. : CHANNEL, CREEK ― used chiefly in place names in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York

kill
n. kill the clock
fit to kill
kill off
winter kill
Kill Devil
Kill Van Kull
road killed
killing field
mercy killing

Kill Devil
hill E N.C. near village of Kit·ty Hawk \'ki-tē-ˌhȯk\ on sand barrier opposite Albemarle Sound

kill off
: to destroy in large numbers or totally

kill the clock
or run out the clock : to use up as much as possible of the playing time remaining in a game (as football) while retaining possession of the ball or puck especially to protect a lead

Kill Van Kull
v. channel bet. N.J. & Staten Is., N.Y., connecting Newark Bay & Upper New York Bay

Killarney, Lakes of
three lakes SW Ireland in County Kerry

killdeer
n. : an American plover (Charadrius vociferus) characterized by two black breast bands and a plaintive penetrating cry

killed
adj. : being or containing a virus that has been inactivated (as by chemicals) so that it is no longer infectious <killed vaccines>

Killeen
city cen Tex. N of Austin pop 86,911

killer
n. 1 : one that kills
2 : KILLER WHALE
3 a : one that has a forceful, violent, or striking impact b : one that is extremely difficult to deal with

killer
n. 1 : strikingly impressive or effective <a killer smile> <a killer résumé>
2 : extremely difficult to deal with <a killer fastball> also : causing death or devastation <a killer tornado>

killer
n. killer bee
killer app
killer cell
killer instinct
killer T cell
killer whale
lady killer
natural killer cell
time killer

killer app
: a computer application of such great value or popularity that it assures the success of the technology with which it is associated broadly : a feature or component that in itself makes something worth having or using

killer bee
: AFRICANIZED BEE

killer cell
: a lymphocyte (as a killer T cell or a natural killer cell) with cytotoxic activity

killer instinct
: an aggressive tenacious urge for domination in a struggle to attain a set goal

killer T cell
: a T cell that functions in cell-mediated immunity by destroying a cell (as one infected with a virus) having specific antigenic molecules on its surface ― called also cytotoxic T cell

killer whale
: a small gregarious toothed whale (Orcinus orca of the family Delphinidae) that is black with a white ventral side and white oval-shaped patches behind the eyes and attains a length of 20 to 30 feet (6.1 to 9.1 meters) ― called also orca

Killian
James Rhyne 1904-1988 American educ.

Killiecrankie
mountain pass cen Scotland in the SE Grampians

killifish
n. 1 : any of a family (Cyprinodontidae) of numerous small oviparous fishes much used as bait and in mosquito control
2 : any of various live-bearers (family Poeciliidae)

killing
n. 1 : the act of one that kills
2 : KILL 2A
3 : a sudden notable gain or profit <made a killing in the stock market>

killing
n. 1 : that kills or relates to killing
2 : highly amusing
3 : extremely difficult to deal with <the suspense is killing> also : calling for great strength, stamina, or endurance <a killing schedule>
–kill·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

killing field
: a scene of mass killing (as from a battle or massacre)

killjoy
n. : one who spoils the pleasure of others

Kilmarnock
burgh SW Scotland SW of Glasgow pop 52,080

Kilmer
(Alfred) Joyce 1886-1918 American poet

kiln
n. : an oven, furnace, or heated enclosure used for processing a substance by burning, firing, or drying
–kiln transitive verb

Kilo
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter k

kilo
n. : KILOGRAM

kilo
n. : thousand <kiloton>

kilobar
: a unit of pressure equal to 1000 bars

kilobase
n. : a unit of measure of the length of a nucleic-acid chain that equals one thousand base pairs

kilobit
n. 1 : 1000 bits
2 : 1024 bits

kilobyte
n. : 1024 bytes

kilocalorie
n. 1 : CALORIE 1B
2 : CALORIE 2A

kilocycle
n. : 1000 cycles especially : KILOHERTZ

kilogauss
: 1000 gauss

kilogram
n. 1 : the base unit of mass in the International System of Units that is equal to the mass of a prototype agreed upon by international convention and that is nearly equal to the mass of 1000 cubic centimeters of water at the temperature of its maximum density ― see METRIC SYSTEM table
2 : a unit of force or weight equal to the weight of a kilogram mass under a gravitational attraction equal to that of the earth

kilogram-meter
: the meter-kilogram-second gravitational unit of work and energy equal to the work done by a kilogram force acting through a distance of one meter in the direction of the force : about 7.235 foot-pounds

kilohertz
n. : 1000 hertz

kilojoule
n. : 1000 joules also : a unit in nutrition equivalent to 0.239 calorie

kiloliter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

kilometer
n. : a metric unit or length equal to 1000 meters ― see METRIC SYSTEM table
usage In No. American speech kilometer is most often pronounced with primary stress on the second syllable. This pronunciation is also heard frequently in British speech. Those who object to second syllable stress say that the first syllable should be stressed in accord with the stress patterns of centimeter, millimeter, etc. However, the pronunciation of kilometer does not parallel that of other metric compounds. From 1828 to 1841 Noah Webster indicated only second syllable stress, and his successor added a first syllable stress variant in the first Merriam-Webster dictionary of 1847. Thus, both pronunciations are venerable. Most scientists use second syllable stress, although first syllable stress seems to occur with a higher rate of frequency among scientists than among nonscientists.

kiloparsec
: 1000 parsecs

kilopascal
: 1000 pascals

kilorad
: 1000 rads

kiloton
n. 1 : 1000 tons
2 : an explosive force equivalent to that of 1000 tons of TNT

kilovolt
n. : a unit of potential difference equal to 1000 volts

kilowatt
n. : 1000 watts

kilowatt-hour
: a unit of work or energy equal to that expended by one kilowatt in one hour or to 3.6 million joules

kilt
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to tuck up (as a skirt)
2 : to equip with a kilt
intransitive verb : to move nimbly

kilt
n. 1 : a knee-length pleated skirt usually of tartan worn by men in Scotland and by Scottish regiments in the British armies
2 : a garment that resembles a Scottish kilt

kilter
n. : proper or usual state or condition : ORDER <out of kilter>

kiltie
n. 1 or kilty : one who wears a kilt
2 : a shoe with a long slashed tongue that folds over the instep also : such a tongue

Kim
n. Kim Dae Jung
Kim Il Sung
Kim Jong Il
Kim Young Sam

Kim Dae Jung
1925-     pres. of So. Korea (1998-2003)

Kim Il Sung
1912-1994 No. Korean Communist leader (1948-94) & pres. (1972-94)

Kim Jong Il
1942-     No. Korean Communist leader (1994-    )

Kim Young Sam
1927-     pres. of So. Korea (1993-98)

Kimberley
city Republic of South Africa in E Northern Cape WNW of Bloemfontein pop 105,258

Kimberley Plateau
plateau region N Western Australia N of 19°30′S

kimberlite
n. : an agglomerate biotite-peridotite that occurs in pipes especially in southern Africa and that often contains diamonds

Kimbundu
: a Bantu language of northern Angola

kimchi
n. : a vegetable pickle seasoned with garlic, red pepper, and ginger that is the national dish of Korea

Kimmel
Husband Edward 1882-1968 American admiral

kimono
n. 1 : a long robe with wide sleeves traditionally worn with a broad sash as an outer garment by the Japanese
2 : a loose dressing gown or jacket
–ki·mo·noed \-(ˌ)nōd, -nəd\ adjective

kin
n. 1 : a group of persons of common ancestry : CLAN
2 a : one's relatives : KINDRED b : KINSMAN <he wasn't any kin to you ― Jean Stafford>
3 archaic : KINSHIP

kin
n. : KINDRED, RELATED

kin
n. : little <catkin> <babykins>

kin selection
: a theory of natural selection which states that a usually altruistic behavior or attribute that lowers the fitness of a particular individual is selected for if it increases the probability of survival and reproduction of related kin who possess some or all of the same genes as the altruistic individual

kina
― see MONEY table

Kinabalu
mountain 13,455 ft (4101 m) Malaysia in N cen Sabah; highest in Borneo Is.

kinara
: a candelabra with seven candlesticks used in celebrating Kwanzaa

kinase
n. : any of various enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from a high-energy phosphate-containing molecule (as ATP) to a substrate ― compare PROTEIN KINASE

kinase
n. creatine kinase
protein kinase
protein kinase C

Kincardine
former county E Scotland capital Stonehaven

kind
n. 1 a archaic : NATURE b archaic : FAMILY, LINEAGE
2 archaic : MANNER
3 : fundamental nature or quality : ESSENCE
4 a : a group united by common traits or interests : CATEGORY b : a specific or recognized variety <what kind of car do you drive> c : a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category <a kind of gray>
5 a : goods or commodities as distinguished from money <payment in kind> b : the equivalent of what has been offered or received
synonyms see TYPE
–all kinds of
1 : MANY <likes all kinds of sports>
2 : plenty of <has all kinds of time>

kind
n. 1 chiefly dialect : AFFECTIONATE, LOVING
2 a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature b : of a forbearing nature : GENTLE c : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance <a kind act>
3 : of a kind to give pleasure or relief

kind
n. five of a kind
four of a kind
in kind
kind of
three of a kind
all kinds of
Kinder Kirche Kuche
Kinder Kirche Küche

kind of
1 : to a moderate degree : SOMEWHAT <it's kind of late to begin>
2 : in a way that approximates : MORE OR LESS <kind of sneaked up on us>

Kinder, Kirche, Kuche
: children, church, kitchen

kindergarten
n. : a school or class for children usually from four to six years old

kindergartner
n. 1 : a teacher at a kindergarten
2 : a child attending or of an age to attend kindergarten

kindhearted
adj. : having or showing a sympathetic nature
–kind·heart·ed·ly adverb
–kind·heart·ed·ness noun

Kindi, al
d ca 870 Arab philos.

kindle
v. transitive verb
1 : to start (a fire) burning : LIGHT
2 a : to stir up : AROUSE <kindle interest> b : to bring into being : START
3 : to cause to glow : ILLUMINATE
intransitive verb
1 : to catch fire
2 a : to flare up b : to become animated
3 : to become illuminated
–kin·dler \'kin(d)-lər, 'kin-dəl-ər\ noun

kindle
v. transitive verb : BEAR 2A ― used especially of a rabbit
intransitive verb : to bring forth young ― used especially of a rabbit

kindless
1 obsolete : INHUMAN
2 : DISAGREEABLE, UNCONGENIAL
–kind·less·ly adverb

kindliness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being kindly
2 : a kindly deed

kindling
n. : easily combustible material for starting a fire

kindly
adj. 1 a obsolete : NATURAL b archaic : LAWFUL
2 : of an agreeable or beneficial nature : PLEASANT <a kindly climate>
3 : of a sympathetic or generous nature

kindly
adj. 1 a : in the normal way : NATURALLY <old wounds which had healed kindly ― American Mercury> b : READILY <did not take kindly to suggestions>
2 a : in a kind manner : SYMPATHETICALLY b : as a gesture of goodwill <would take it kindly if you would put in a good word> c : in a gracious manner : COURTEOUSLY <they kindly invited us along> d : as a matter of courtesy : PLEASE <would you kindly order me a cab>
3 chiefly Southern : SOMEWHAT, KIND OF <it's kindly embarrassing ― Walter Davis>

kindness
n. 1 : a kind deed : FAVOR
2 a : the quality or state of being kind b archaic : AFFECTION

kindred
n. 1 a : a group of related individuals b : one's relatives
2 : family relationship : KINSHIP

kindred
n. 1 : of a similar nature or character : LIKE <a kindred spirit>
2 : of the same ancestry

kine
n. archaic plural of cow

kinema
British variant of cinema

kinematics
n. : a branch of dynamics that deals with aspects of motion apart from considerations of mass and force
–ki·ne·mat·ic \-tik\ or ki·ne·mat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–ki·ne·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

kinescope
n. 1 : PICTURE TUBE
2 : a motion picture made from an image on a picture tube

kinescope
n. : to make a kinescope of

Kineshma
city cen Russia in Europe NE of Moscow pop 104,000

kinesics
n. : a systematic study of the relationship between nonlinguistic body motions (as blushes, shrugs, or eye movement) and communication

kinesiology
n. : the study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement
–ki·ne·si·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

kinesis
n. : a movement that lacks directional orientation and depends upon the intensity of stimulation

kinesis
n. 1 : division <karyokinesis>
2 : production of motion <telekinesis>

kinesthesia
: a sense mediated by receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints and stimulated by bodily movements and tensions also : sensory experience derived from this sense
–kin·es·thet·ic \-'the-tik\ adjective
–kin·es·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

kinet
: movement : motion <kinetosome>

kinetic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith
2 a : ACTIVE, LIVELY b : DYNAMIC, ENERGIZING <a kinetic performer>
3 : of or relating to kinetic art
–ki·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

kinetic
adj. kinetic art
kinetic artist
kinetic energy
kinetic theory
kinetic theory of gases
kinetic theory of heat

kinetic art
: art (as sculpture or assemblage) having mechanical parts which can be set in motion
–kinetic artist noun

kinetic energy
: energy associated with motion

kinetic theory
: either of two theories in physics based on the fact that the minute particles of a substance are in vigorous motion: a : a theory that the temperature of a substance increases with an increase in either the average kinetic energy of the particles or the average potential energy of separation (as in fusion) of the particles or in both when heat is added ― called also kinetic theory of heat b : a theory that the particles of a gas move in straight lines with high average velocity, continually encounter one another and thus change their individual velocities and directions, and cause pressure by their impact against the walls of a container ― called also kinetic theory of gases

kineticist
1 : a specialist in kinetics
2 : a person who works in kinetic art : KINETIC ARTIST

kinetics
n. 1 a : a branch of science that deals with the effects of forces upon the motions of material bodies or with changes in a physical or chemical system b : the rate of change in such a system
2 : the mechanism by which a physical or chemical change is effected

kinetin
n. : a cytokinin C_10H_9N_5O used especially to stimulate cell division in plant tissue culture

kinetochore
n. 1 : CENTROMERE
2 : a specialized structure on the centromere to which the microtubular spindle fibers attach during mitosis and meiosis

kinetoplast
n. : a DNA-containing organelle especially of trypanosomes usually found in an elongated mitochondrian located adjacent to the basal body

kinetoscope
n. : a device for viewing through a magnifying lens a sequence of pictures on an endless band of film moved continuously over a light source and a rapidly rotating shutter that creates an illusion of motion

kinetosome
n. : BASAL BODY

kinfolk
n. : RELATIVES

King
n. Ernest Joseph 1878-1956 American admiral

King
n. Martin Luther, Jr. 1929-1968 American clergyman & civil rights leader

King
n. Rufus 1755-1827 American polit. & diplomat

King
n. Stephen Edwin 1947-     American writer

King
n. William Lyon Mackenzie 1874-1950 Canad. statesman; prime min. (1921-26; 1926-30; 1935-48)

King
n. William Rufus de Vane 1786-1853 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1853)

king
n. 1 a : a male monarch of a major territorial unit especially : one whose position is hereditary and who rules for life b : a paramount chief
2 capitalized : GOD, CHRIST
3 : one that holds a preeminent position especially : a chief among competitors
4 : the principal piece of each color in chess having the power to move ordinarily one square in any direction and to capture opposing pieces but being obliged never to enter or remain in check
5 : a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a king
6 : a checker that has been crowned
7 : CHINOOK SALMON

king
n. a la king
à la king
King James Version
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
king salmon
king crab
King Charles spaniel
king cobra
king mackerel
king of arms
king penguin
king post
King's Bench
King's Counsel
King's English
king's evil
king size
king sized
king snake
king's ransom
Martin Luther King Day
sea king
King's Lynn
beauty queen
closet queen
drag queen
Queen Anne
Queen Anne's lace
queen consort
queen mother
queen post
queen regnant
Queen's Bench
Queen's Counsel
queen size
queen substance
Queen Charlotte Islands
Queen Charlotte Sound
Queen Elizabeth Islands
Queen Maud Land
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Mountain
Kings Peak
queens consort
queens regnant

King Charles spaniel
1 British : ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL
2 : CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL ― not used technically

king cobra
: a large cobra (Ophiophagus hannah syn. Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

king crab
1 : HORSESHOE CRAB
2 : any of several very large crabs especially : one (Paralithoides camtschaticus) of the No. Pacific caught commercially for food

King James Version
v. : AUTHORIZED VERSION

king mackerel
: a mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) of the western Atlantic Ocean that is noted especially as a fighting sport fish

king of arms

15th century
: an officer of arms of the highest rank

king penguin
: a large penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) chiefly of subantarctic areas with a yellow patch on the upper breast

king post
: a vertical member connecting the apex of a triangular truss (as of a roof) with the base

king salmon
: CHINOOK SALMON

king snake
: any of numerous brightly marked colubrid snakes (genus Lampropeltis) chiefly of No. and Central America

King's
― see OFFALY

King's Bench
: a division in the English superior courts system that hears civil and criminal cases

King's Counsel
: a barrister selected to serve as counsel to the British crown

King's English
: standard, pure, or correct English speech or usage

king's evil
: SCROFULA

King's Lynn
town E England in Norfolk near The Wash pop 33,340

king's ransom
: a very large sum of money

king-size
1 : longer than the regular or standard size <a king-size cigarette>
2 : unusually large
3 a : having dimensions of approximately 76 by 80 inches (about 1.9 by 2.0 meters) ― used of a bed ― compare FULL-SIZE, QUEEN-SIZE, TWIN-SIZE b : of a size that fits a king-size bed <king-size sheets>

kingbird
n. : any of various American tyrant flycatchers (genus Tyrannus) that are gray above and white, gray, or yellow below

kingbolt
n. : a vertical bolt by which the forward axle and wheels of a vehicle or the trucks of a railroad car are connected with the other parts

kingcraft
n. : the art of governing as a king

kingcup
n. : any of several plants of the buttercup family especially : MARSH MARIGOLD

kingdom
n. 1 archaic : KINGSHIP
2 : a politically organized community or major territorial unit having a monarchical form of government headed by a king or queen
3 often capitalized a : the eternal kingship of God b : the realm in which God's will is fulfilled
4 a : a realm or region in which something is dominant b : an area or sphere in which one holds a preeminent position
5 a : one of the three primary divisions into which natural objects are commonly classified ― compare ANIMAL KINGDOM, MINERAL KINGDOM, PLANT KINGDOM b : a major category (as Plantae or Protista) in biological taxonomy that ranks above the phylum and below the domain

kingdom
n. Northern Kingdom
animal kingdom
kingdom come
mineral kingdom
plant kingdom
Serbs Croats and Slovenes Kingdom of the
United Kingdom
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

kingdom come
: the next world : HEAVEN

kingfish
n. 1 : any of several marine croakers (family Sciaenidae) a : any of three fishes (Menticirrhus americanus, M. littoralis, and M. saxatilis) of shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean b : a small silvery food and sport fish (Genyonemus lineatus) of inshore waters especially of California ― called also white croaker
2 : KING MACKEREL
3 : an undisputed master in an area or group

kingfisher
n. : any of numerous nonpasserine birds (family Alcedinidae) that are usually crested and bright-colored with a short tail and a long stout sharp bill

kinglet
n. 1 : a weak or petty king
2 : any of several small birds (genus Regulus) that are related to the gnatcatchers

kingly
adj. 1 : having royal rank
2 : of, relating to, or befitting a king
3 : MONARCHICAL
–king·li·ness noun
–kingly adverb

kingmaker
n. : one having great influence over the choice of candidates for political office

Kingman
reef cen Pacific at N end of Line Islands

kingpin
n. 1 : any of several bowling pins: as a : HEADPIN b : the pin that stands in the middle of a triangular arrangement of bowling pins
2 : the chief person in a group or undertaking
3 a : KINGBOLT b : a pin connecting the two parts of a knuckle joint (as in an automobile steering linkage)

Kings
n. 1 : either of two narrative and historical books of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table
2 : any of four narrative and historical books in the former Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament

Kings
n. Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Mountain
Kings Peak

Kings Canyon National Park
n. reservation SE cen Calif. in the Sierra Nevada N of Sequoia National Park

Kings Mountain
ridge N.C. & S.C. SW of Gastonia, N.C.

Kings Peak
mountain 13,528 ft (4123 m) NE Utah in Uinta Mountains; highest point in state

kingship
n. 1 : the position, office, or dignity of a king
2 : the personality of a king
3 : government by a king

kingside
n. : the side of a chessboard containing the file on which the king sits at the beginning of the game

Kingsley
Charles 1819-1875 Eng. clergyman & nov.

Kingsport
city NE Tenn. on the Holston pop 44,905

Kingston
n. 1 city SE N.Y. on the Hudson pop 23,456
2 city Canada in SE Ont. on Lake Ontario near head of St. Lawrence River; capital of Canada 1841-44 pop 114,195
3 or in full Kingston upon Thames royal borough of SW Greater London, England capital of Surrey pop 130,600
4 city & port capital of Jamaica on Kingston Harbor (inlet of the Caribbean) pop 103,771

Kingston upon Hull
― see HULL 2

Kingstown
n. 1 town & port capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on St. Vincent Is. at head of Kingstown Bay pop 15,670
2 ― see DUN LAOGHAIRE

Kingsville
city S Tex. pop 25,575

kingwood
: the wood of any of several tropical American leguminous trees (esp. genus Dalbergia) especially : the wood of a Brazilian tree (D. cearensis) used especially for furniture

kinin
n. 1 : any of various polypeptide hormones that are formed locally in the tissues and cause dilation of blood vessels and contraction of smooth muscle
2 : CYTOKININ

kink
n. 1 : a short tight twist or curl caused by a doubling or winding of something upon itself
2 a : a mental or physical peculiarity : ECCENTRICITY, QUIRK b : WHIM
3 : a clever unusual way of doing something
4 : a cramp in some part of the body
5 : an imperfection likely to cause difficulties in the operation of something
6 : unconventional sexual taste or behavior

kink
n. : to form a kink
transitive verb : to make a kink in

Kinkaid
Thomas Cassin 1888-1972 American admiral

kinkajou
n. : a nocturnal arboreal omnivorous mammal (Potos flavus) found from Mexico to So. America that is related to the raccoon and has a long prehensile tail, large eyes, and yellowish brown fur

kinky
adj. 1 : closely twisted or curled
2 : relating to, having, or appealing to unconventional tastes especially in sex also : sexually deviant
3 : OUTLANDISH, FAR-OUT
–kink·i·ly \'kiŋ-kə-lē\ adverb
–kink·i·ness \'kiŋ-kē-nəs\ noun

Kinneret, Yam
― see GALILEE (Sea of)

kinnikinnick
n. 1 : a mixture of dried leaves and bark and sometimes tobacco smoked by the Indians and pioneers especially in the Ohio valley
2 : a plant (as a sumac or dogwood) used in kinnikinnick especially : BEARBERRY

Kinross
former county E cen Scotland capital Kinross

kins
― see -KIN

Kinsey
Alfred Charles 1894-1956 American sexologist

kinsfolk
n. : RELATIVES

Kinshasa
n. city capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo on Congo River at outlet of Pool Malebo pop 3,804,000

kinship
n. : the quality or state of being kin : RELATIONSHIP

kinsman
n. : RELATIVE specifically : a male relative

Kinston
city E N.C. pop 23,688

kinswoman
n. : a female relative

Kintyre
peninsula 40 mi (64 km) long SW Scotland bet. the Atlantic & Firth of Clyde terminating in Mull of Kintyre \'məl\ (cape in N. Channel)

Kioga
― see KYOGA

kiosk
n. 1 : an open summerhouse or pavilion
2 : a small structure with one or more open sides that is used to vend merchandise (as newspapers) or services (as film developing)
3 : a small stand-alone device providing information and services on a computer screen <a museum with interactive kiosks>

Kiowa
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of what are now Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
2 : the language of the Kiowa people

kip
n. : a bundle of undressed hides of young or small animals also : one of the hides

kip
n. 1 : BED <ready for the kip after this screwball day ― K. M. Dodson>
2 chiefly British : SLEEP, NAP <roused the⋯family from their kip ― Sylvia Margolis>

kip
n. British : SLEEP ― sometimes used with down <kip down on a spare bed ― Alice Glenday>

kip
n. : a unit of weight equal to 1000 pounds (454 kilograms) used to express deadweight load

kip
n. ― see MONEY table

Kipling
n. (Joseph) Rud·yard \'rəd-yərd, 'rə-jərd\ 1865-1936 Eng. author
–Kip·ling·esque \ˌkip-liŋ-'esk\ adjective

kipper
n. 1 : a male salmon or sea trout during or after the spawning season
2 : a kippered herring or salmon

kipper
n. : to cure (split dressed fish) by salting and smoking
–kip·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

Kirby-Smith
Edmund 1824-1893 orig. surname Smith American Confed. gen.

Kirchhoff
Gustav Robert 1824-1887 Ger. physicist

Kirchner
Ernst Ludwig 1880-1938 Ger. painter

Kirghiz
n. 1 : a member of a Turkic people of Kyrgyzstan and adjacent areas of central Asia
2 : the language of the Kirghiz

Kirghiz Republic
― see KYRGYZSTAN

Kiribati
n. island nation W Pacific SSE of the Marshalls comprising the Gilbert, Line, & Phoenix groups and Banaba capital on Tarawa area 277 sq mi (717 sq km), pop 78,600

Kirikkale
city cen Turkey E of Ankara pop 185,431

Kirin
― see JILIN

Kiritimati
n. island (atoll) in the Line Islands; largest atoll in the Pacific area 234 sq mi (608 sq km), pop 674

Kiritimati
n. Christmas cactus
Christmas card
Christmas club
Christmas fern
Christmas pudding
Christmas rose
Christmas tree
Father Christmas
Old Christmas
Christmas Island
pre Christmas

Kirjath-arba
― see HEBRON

kirk
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : CHURCH
2 capitalized : the national church of Scotland as distinguished from the Church of England or the Episcopal Church in Scotland

Kirkcaldy
royal burgh & port E Scotland on Firth of Forth N of Edinburgh pop 46,314

Kirkcudbright
former county S Scotland capital Kirkcudbright

Kirkland
city W Wash. NE of Seattle pop 45,054

Kirkpatrick, Mount
mountain 14,856 ft (4528 m) E Antarctica in Queen Alexandra Range S of Ross Sea

Kirkuk
city NE Iraq SE of Mosul pop 175,303

Kirkwall
burgh & port N Scotland capital of Orkney Islands on Mainland Is. pop 5947

Kirkwood
city E Mo. W of St. Louis pop 27,324

Kirlian photography
: a process in which an image is obtained by application of a high-frequency electric field to an object so that it radiates a characteristic pattern of luminescence that is recorded on photographic film
–Kirlian photograph noun

Kirman
: a Persian carpet or rug characterized by elaborate fluid designs and soft colors

Kirov
Sergey Mironovich 1886-1934 Soviet polit.

Kirov
city E cen Russia in Europe pop 493,000

Kirovabad
― see GANCA

Kirovograd
city S cen Ukraine pop 278,000

kirsch
n. : a dry colorless brandy distilled from the fermented juice of the black morello cherry

Kirtland's warbler
: a rare warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) of northeastern No. America that breeds in Michigan and winters in the Bahamas

kirtle
n. 1 : a tunic or coat worn by men especially in the Middle Ages
2 : a long gown or dress worn by women

Kiruna
city N Sweden in Lapland pop 23,555

Kirwan
Richard 1733-1812 Irish chem.

Kisangani
city NE Democratic Republic of the Congo on Congo River pop 373,397

Kish
ancient city of Sumer & Akkad E of site of Babylon

Kishinev
n. ― see CHIşINăU

kishke
n. : beef or fowl casing stuffed (as with meat, flour, and spices) and cooked

Kiska
island SW Alaska; largest & westernmost of Rat Islands in the Aleutians

Kislev
n. : the third month of the civil year or the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Kismaayo
city & port S Somalia pop 30,115

kismet
n. 1 : FATE 1
2 : FATE 2A

kiss
n. transitive verb
1 : to touch with the lips especially as a mark of affection or greeting
2 : to touch gently or lightly <wind gently kissing the trees>
intransitive verb
1 : to salute or caress one another with the lips
2 : to come in gentle contact
–kiss·able \'ki-sə-bəl\ adjective
–kiss ass
usually vulgar : to act obsequiously especially to gain favor
–kiss good-bye
1 : LEAVE
2 : to resign oneself to the loss of
–kiss one's ass
usually vulgar : to act obsequiously toward one especially to gain favor
–kiss up to : to curry favor with

kiss
n. 1 : a caress with the lips
2 : a gentle touch or contact
3 a : a small drop cookie made of meringue b : a bite-size piece of candy often wrapped in paper or foil
4 : an expression of affection <sent him kisses in her letter>

kiss
n. French kiss
kiss up to
kiss one's ass
kiss good bye
kiss ass
kiss and tell
kiss of death
kiss off
kiss of life
kiss of peace
soul kiss
kissing bug
kissing cousin
kissing disease

kiss ass
usually vulgar : to act obsequiously especially to gain favor

kiss good-bye

1 : LEAVE
2 : to resign oneself to the loss of

kiss of death
: something (as an act or association) ultimately causing ruin

kiss of life

1961
chiefly British : artificial respiration by the mouth-to-mouth method

kiss of peace

circa 1898
: a ceremonial kiss, embrace, or handclasp used in Christian liturgies and especially the Eucharist as a sign of fraternal unity

kiss off
: to dismiss usually lightly <kisses the other performers off as mere amateurs>
–kiss-off \'ki-ˌsȯf\ noun

kiss one's ass
usually vulgar : to act obsequiously toward one especially to gain favor

kiss up to
to curry favor with

kiss-and-tell
: telling details of private matters <kiss-and-tell autobiographies>

kisser
n. 1 : one that kisses
2 slang a : MOUTH b : FACE

Kissimmee
1 river 140 mi (225 km) S cen Fla. flowing SSE from Tohopekaliga Lake through Lake Kissimmee (12 mi or 19 km long) into Lake Okeechobee
2 city Fla. on Tohopekaliga Lake pop 47,814

kissing bug
: any of various large bloodsucking bugs and especially some assassin bugs (genus Triatoma) including some capable of inflicting painful bites ― called also conenose

kissing cousin
1 : a person and especially a relative whom one knows well enough to kiss more or less formally upon meeting
2 : one that is closely related in kind to something else

kissing disease
: INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

Kissinger
n. Henry Alfred 1923-     American (Ger.-born) scholar & govt. official; secy. of state (1973-77)
–Kis·sin·ger·ian \ˌki-sən-'jer-ē-ən\ adjective

kist
n. chiefly Scottish & South African : CHEST 1B

Kistna
― see KRISHNA

Kisumu
city W Kenya on Lake Victoria pop 336,632

kit
n. 1 dialect British : a wooden tub
2 a (1) : a collection of articles usually for personal use <a travel kit> (2) : a set of tools or implements <a carpenter's kit> (3) : a set of parts to be assembled or worked up <a model-airplane kit> (4) : a packaged collection of related material <a convention kit> (5) chiefly British : GEAR <run over to my billet and get some overnight kit ― Lionel Shapiro> b : a container for any of such sets or collections
3 : a group of persons or things ― usually used in the phrase the whole kit and caboodle

kit
n. chiefly British : EQUIP, OUTFIT ― often used with up or out

kit
n. : a small narrow violin

kit
n. 1 : KITTEN
2 : a young or undersized fur-bearing animal also : its pelt

kit
n. kitchen

kit
n. kit bag
kit fox
mess kit
press kit

kit bag
1 : KNAPSACK
2 : a suitcase usually with sides that fasten at the top or open to the full width of the bag

kit fox
1 a : SWIFT FOX b : a fox (Vulpes macrotis) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico with exceptionally large ears and a black tip on the tail
2 : the fur or pelt of a kit fox

Kitakyushu
city & port Japan in N Kyushu formed 1963 by amalgamation of former cities of Kokura, Moji, Tobata, Wakamatsu, & Yawata pop 1,011,471

kitchen
n. 1 : a place (as a room) with cooking facilities
2 : the personnel that prepares, cooks, and serves food
3 : CUISINE

kitchen
n. kitchen cabinet
kitchen garden
kitchen midden
kitchen police
kitchen sink
soup kitchen
summer kitchen

kitchen cabinet
1 : an informal group of advisers to one in a position of power (as the head of a government)
2 : a cupboard with drawers and shelves for use in a kitchen

kitchen garden
: a garden in which plants (as vegetables or herbs) for use in the kitchen are cultivated

kitchen midden
: a refuse heap specifically : a mound marking the site of a primitive human habitation

kitchen police
1 : KP
2 : the work of KPs

kitchen-sink
1 chiefly British : portraying or emphasizing the squalid aspects of modern life <the kitchen-sink realism of contemporary British drama ― Current Biog.>
2 : being or made up of a hodgepodge of disparate elements or ingredients

Kitchener
n. H(oratio) H(erbert) 1850-1916 1st Earl Kitchener of Khartoum and of Broome Brit. field marshal

Kitchener
n. city Canada in SE Ont. pop 190,399

kitchenette
n. : a small kitchen or an alcove containing cooking facilities

kitchenware
n. : utensils and appliances for use in a kitchen

kite
n. 1 : any of various usually small hawks (family Accipitridae) with long narrow wings and often a notched or forked tail
2 : a person who preys on others
3 : a light frame covered with paper, cloth, or plastic, often provided with a stabilizing tail, and designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string
4 : a check drawn against uncollected funds in a bank account or fraudulently raised before cashing
5 : a light sail used in a light breeze usually in addition to the regular working sails especially : SPINNAKER
–kite·like adjective

kite
n. transitive verb
1 : to use (a bad check) to get credit or money
2 : to cause to soar <kited the prices they charged wealthy clients>
intransitive verb
1 a : to go in a rapid, carefree, or flighty manner b : to rise rapidly : SOAR <the prices of necessities continue to kite>
2 : to get money or credit by a kite
–kit·er noun

kith
n. : familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives <kith and kin>

Kithairon
― see CITHAERON

kithara
: an ancient Greek stringed instrument similar to but larger than the lyre and having a box-shaped resonator

kithe
v. transitive verb chiefly Scottish : to make known
intransitive verb chiefly Scottish : to become known

Kithira
island W Greece; southernmost of Ionian Islands capital Kíthira area 110 sq mi (286 sq km)

kitsch
n. 1 : something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often of poor quality
2 : a tacky or lowbrow quality or condition <teetering on the brink of kitsch ― Ron Miller>
–kitsch adjective
–kitschy \'ki-chē\ adjective

Kittatinny Mountain
ridge E U.S. in the Appalachians extending from SE N.Y. through NW N.J. into E Pa.

kitten
n. : a young cat also : an immature or young individual of various other small mammals

kitten
n. : to give birth to kittens

kittenish
adj. : resembling a kitten especially : coyly playful
–kit·ten·ish·ly adverb
–kit·ten·ish·ness noun

Kittery Point
cape Maine at S tip

kittiwake
n. : either of two cliff-nesting gulls (Rissa tridactyla and R. brevirostris) that winter on the open ocean

kittle
adj. 1 chiefly Scottish : TICKLE
2 chiefly Scottish : PERPLEX

kittle
adj. chiefly Scottish : TICKLISH, TOUCHY

Kittredge
George Lyman 1860-1941 American educ.

kitty
n. : CAT 1A especially : KITTEN

kitty
n. 1 : a fund in a poker game made up of contributions from each pot
2 : a sum of money or collection of goods often made up of small contributions : POOL

kitty
n. Kitty Hawk
kitty corner
kitty cornered

Kitty Hawk
― see KILL DEVIL

kitty-corner
: in a diagonal or oblique position <the house stood kitty-corner across the square>

Kitzbuhel
resort town W Austria in the Tirol pop 8119

kiva
n. : a Pueblo Indian ceremonial structure that is usually round and partly underground

Kivu, Lake
lake 60 mi (96 km) long & 30 mi (48 km) wide E Democratic Republic of the Congo in Great Rift Valley N of Lake Tanganyika area 1042 sq mi (2699 sq km)

Kiwanian
n. : a member of a major national and international service club

kiwi
n. 1 : any of a small genus (Apteryx) of flightless New Zealand birds with rudimentary wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike plumage
2 capitalized : a native or resident of New Zealand ― used as a nickname
3 : KIWIFRUIT

kiwifruit
: the edible fruit of a Chinese gooseberry having a fuzzy brown skin and slightly acidic typically green flesh

Kizil Irmak
river 715 mi (1150 km) N cen Turkey flowing W & NE into Black Sea

kJ
kilojoule

Kjolen Mountains
mountains on border bet. NE Norway & NW Sweden; highest Kebnekaise (in Sweden) 6965 ft (2123 m)

KJV
King James Version

KKK
n. Ku Klux Klan

kl
n. kiloliter

Klagenfurt
city S Austria capital of Carinthia WSW of Graz pop 90,141

Klaipeda
city & port W Lithuania on the Baltic pop 192,954

Klamath
n. river 250 mi (402 km) S Oreg. & NW Calif. flowing from Upper Klamath Lake SW into the Pacific

Klamath
n. Klamath weed
Klamath Mountains
Lower Klamath Lake
Upper Klamath Lake

Klamath Mountains
mountains S Oreg. & NW Calif. in the Coast Ranges; highest Mt. Eddy (in Calif.) 9038 ft (2755 m)

Klamath weed
: a European yellow-flowered perennial Saint-John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) that is naturalized in No. America especially in rangelands

Klan
n. : an organization of Ku Kluxers also : a subordinate unit of such an organization
–Klan·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun
–Klans·man \'klanz-mən\ noun

klatch
n. 1 : a gathering characterized usually by informal conversation
2 : GROUP 2A <a klatch of friends>

klavern
: a local unit of the Klan

Klaxon
n. ― used for an electrically operated horn or warning signal

klebsiella
n. : any of a genus (Klebsiella) of nonmotile enterobacteria that includes causative agents of respiratory and urogenital infections

Klee
n. Paul 1879-1940 Swiss painter

Kleenex
n. ― used for a cleansing tissue

Klein
n. Lawrence Robert 1920-     American econ.

Klein bottle
: a one-sided surface that is formed by passing the narrow end of a tapered tube through the side of the tube and flaring this end out to join the other end

Kleist
(Bernd) Heinrich Wilhelm von 1777-1811 Ger. dram.

Kleist
(Paul Ludwig) Ewald von 1881-1954 Ger. field marshal

Klemperer
Otto 1885-1973 Ger. conductor

klepht
n. : a Greek belonging to any of several independent guerrilla communities formed after the Turkish conquest of Greece
–kleph·tic \'klef-tik\ adjective often cap

klepto
: KLEPTOMANIAC

klepto
: stealing : theft <kleptomania>

kleptocracy
n. : government by those who seek chiefly status and personal gain at the expense of the governed also : a particular government of this kind
–klep·to·crat \'klep-tə-ˌkrat\ noun
–klep·to·crat·ic \ˌklep-tə-'kra-tik\ adjective

kleptomania
n. : a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive

kleptomaniac
n. : a person evidencing kleptomania

Kleve
city W Germany WSW of Münster pop 46,450

klezmer
n. 1 : a Jewish instrumentalist especially of traditional eastern European music
2 : the music played by klezmorim

klieg light
: a carbon arc lamp used especially in making motion pictures

Klinefelter's syndrome
: an abnormal condition in a male characterized by usually two X and one Y chromosomes, infertility, smallness of the testicles, sparse facial and body hair, and enlarged breasts ― called also Klinefelter syndrome

klister
: a soft wax used on skis

Klitzing
Klaus von 1943-     Ger. physicist

Klondike
n. 1 river 90 mi (145 km) Canada in cen Yukon Territory flowing W into the Yukon
2 the Klondike River valley

kloof
n. South African : a deep glen : RAVINE

Klopstock
Friedrich Gottlieb 1724-1803 Ger. poet

Kluane National Park
n. reservation Canada in SW Yukon Territory

kludge
n. : a system and especially a computer system made up of poorly matched components
–kludgy also kludgey \'klü-jē, US also & Brit esp 'klə-\ adjective

Klug
Aaron 1926-     So. African (Lith.-born) molecular biol.

klutz
n. : a clumsy person
–klutz·i·ness \'klət-sē-nəs\ noun
–klutzy \'klət-sē\ adjective

Klyaz'ma
river ab 390 mi (630 km) cen Russia in Europe flowing E to join the Oka W of Nizhniy Novgorod

klystron
n. : an electron tube in which bunching of electrons is produced by electric fields and which is used for the generation and amplification of ultrahigh-frequency current

km
n. kilometer

kmh
kilometers per hour

kmps
kilometers per second

kn
knot

knack
n. 1 a : a clever trick or stratagem b : a clever way of doing something
2 : a special ready capacity that is hard to analyze or teach
3 archaic : an ingenious device broadly : TOY, KNICKKNACK
synonyms see GIFT

knacker
n. 1 British : a buyer of worn-out domestic animals or their carcasses for use especially as animal food or fertilizer
2 British : a buyer of old structures for their constituent materials

knackered
adj. British : TIRED, EXHAUSTED

knackwurst
n. variant of knockwurst

knap
v. 1 chiefly dialect : a crest of a hill : SUMMIT
2 chiefly dialect : a small hill

knap
v. 1 dialect British : 2RAP 1
2 : to break with a quick blow especially : to shape (as flints) by breaking off pieces
3 dialect British : SNAP, CROP
4 dialect British : CHATTER
–knap·per noun

knapsack
n. : a bag (as of canvas or nylon) strapped on the back and used for carrying supplies or personal belongings
–knap·sacked \-ˌsakt\ adjective

knapweed
n. : any of various weedy centaureas especially : a widely naturalized European perennial (Centaurea nigra) with tough wiry stems and knobby heads of purple flowers

knave
n. 1 archaic a : a boy servant b : a male servant c : a man of humble birth or position
2 : a tricky deceitful fellow
3 : JACK 6A

knavery
n. 1 a : RASCALITY b : a roguish or mischievous act
2 obsolete : roguish mischief

knavish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a knave especially : DISHONEST
–knav·ish·ly adverb

knead
v. 1 a : to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands <kneading dough> b : to manipulate or massage with a kneading motion <kneaded sore neck muscles>
2 : to form or shape by or as if by kneading
–knead·able \'nē-də-bəl\ adjective
–knead·er noun

knee
n. 1 a : a joint in the middle part of the human leg that is the articulation between the femur, tibia, and patella also : the part of the leg that includes this joint b (1) : the joint in the hind leg of a four-footed vertebrate that corresponds to the human knee (2) : the carpal joint of the foreleg of a four-footed vertebrate c : the tarsal joint of a bird d : the joint between the femur and tibia of an insect
2 : something resembling the human knee: as a : a piece of timber naturally or artificially bent for use in supporting structures coming together at an angle (as the deck beams of a ship) b : a rounded or conical process rising from the roots of various swamp-growing trees <cypress knee>
3 : the part of a garment covering the knee
4 : a blow with the bent knee
–kneed \'nēd\ adjective
–to one's knees : into a state of submission or defeat

knee
n. 1 archaic : to bend the knee to
2 : to strike with the knee

knee
n. housemaid's knee
jumper's knee
knee breeches
knee deep
knee high
knee jerk
knee slapper
knock knee
water on the knee
Wounded Knee
bee's knees
to one's knees
knock kneed
weak kneed

knee breeches
: BREECH 1A

knee jerk
: an involuntary forward kick produced by a light blow on the tendon below the patella

knee-deep
1 a : sunk to the knees <knee-deep in mud> b : deeply engaged or occupied <knee-deep in work>
2 : KNEE-HIGH

knee-high
: rising or reaching upward to the knees <knee-high stockings>
–knee-high \-ˌhī\ noun

knee-jerk
: readily predictable : AUTOMATIC <knee-jerk reactions> also : reacting in a readily predictable way <knee-jerk liberals>

knee-slapper
: an extremely funny joke, line, or story

kneecap
n. : PATELLA

kneecapping
n. : the terroristic act or practice of maiming a person's knees (as by gunshot)
–kneecap transitive verb

kneehole
n. : an open space (as under a desk) for the knees

kneel
n. : to bend the knee : fall or rest on the knees

kneeler
n. 1 : one that kneels
2 : something (as a cushion or board) to kneel on

kneepan
n. : PATELLA

kneesock
: a knee-high sock

knell
n. transitive verb : to summon or announce by or as if by a knell
intransitive verb
1 : to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : TOLL
2 : to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect

knell
n. 1 : a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster)
2 : an indication of the end or the failure of something <sounded the death knell for our hopes>

Kneller
Sir Godfrey 1646(or 1649)-1723 orig. Gottfried Kniller Eng. (Ger.-born) painter

knew
past of know

knickerbocker
n. 1 capitalized : a descendant of the early Dutch settlers of New York broadly : a native or resident of the city or state of New York ― used as a nickname
2 plural : KNICKERS

knickers
n. 1 : loose-fitting short pants gathered at the knee
2 chiefly British : UNDERPANTS

knickknack
n. : a small trivial article usually intended for ornament

knife
n. 1 a : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle b : a weapon resembling a knife
2 : a sharp cutting blade or tool in a machine
3 : SURGERY 4 ― usually used in the phrase under the knife
–knife·like \'nīf-ˌlīk\ adjective

knife
n. transitive verb
1 : to use a knife on specifically : to stab, slash, or wound with a knife
2 : to cut, mark, or spread with a knife
3 : to try to defeat by underhanded means
4 : to move like a knife in <birds knifing the autumn sky>
intransitive verb : to cut a way with or as if with a knife blade <the cruiser knifed through the heavy seas>

knife
n. switchblade knife
bowie knife
case knife
clasp knife
flick knife
Gamma Knife
knife edge
palette knife
paper knife
paring knife
putty knife
sheath knife
steak knife
switch knife
utility knife

knife-edge
1 : a sharp wedge of steel or other hard material used as a fulcrum for a lever beam in a precision instrument
2 : a sharp narrow knifelike edge

knifepoint
n. : the point of a knife
–at knifepoint : under a threat of being knifed

knight
n. 1 a (1) : a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior especially : a man ceremonially inducted into special military rank usually after completing service as page and squire (2) : a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet (3) : a person of antiquity equal to a knight in rank b : a man devoted to the service of a lady as her attendant or champion c : a member of an order or society
2 : either of two pieces of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to make an L-shaped move of two squares in one row and one square in a perpendicular row over squares that may be occupied

knight
n. : to make a knight of

knight
n. knight errant
knight errantry
knight errantries
Knight of Columbus
Knight of Pythias
Knight of the Maccabees
Knight Templar
white knight
knights errant
Knights of Columbus
Knights of Pythias
Knights of the Maccabees
Knights Templar
Knights Templars

Knight of Columbus
: a member of a benevolent and fraternal society of Roman Catholic men

Knight of Pythias
: a member of a secret benevolent and fraternal order

Knight of the Maccabees
: a member of a secret benevolent society

Knight Templar
1 : TEMPLAR 1
2 : a member of an order of Freemasonry conferring three orders in the York rite

knight-errant
: a knight traveling in search of adventures in which to exhibit military skill, prowess, and generosity

knight-errantry
1 : the practice or actions of a knight-errant
2 : quixotic conduct

knighthood
n. 1 : the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2 : the qualities befitting a knight : CHIVALRY
3 : knights as a class or body

knightly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a knight <tales of knightly adventures>
2 : made up of knights
–knight·li·ness noun
–knightly adverb

knish
n. : a small round or square of dough stuffed with a filling (as potato) and baked or fried

knit
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to tie together
2 a : to link firmly or closely <knitted my hands> b : to cause to grow together <time and rest will knit a fractured bone> c : to contract into wrinkles <knitted her brow>
3 : to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles
intransitive verb
1 : to make knitted fabrics or objects
2 a : to become compact b : to grow together c : to become drawn together
–knit·ter noun

knit
n. 1 : KNIT STITCH
2 a : a knit fabric b plural : KNITWEAR

knit
n. cable knit
close knit
double knit
knit stitch
tight knit
warp knit
weft knit
well knit
warp knitted
weft knitted
warp knitting
weft knitting

knit stitch
: a basic knitting stitch usually made with the yarn at the back of the work by inserting the right needle into the front part of a loop on the left needle from the left side, catching the yarn with the point of the right needle, and bringing it through the first loop to form a new loop ― compare PURL STITCH

knitting
n. 1 : the action or method of one that knits
2 : work done or being done by one that knits

knitwear
n. : knitted clothing

knob
n. 1 a : a rounded protuberance : LUMP b : a small rounded ornament or handle
2 : a rounded usually isolated hill or mountain
–knobbed \'näbd\ adjective
–knob·by \'nä-bē\ adjective

knobbly
adj. : having very small knobs <a knobbly walking stick>

knobkerrie
n. : a short wooden club with a knob at one end used as a missile or in close attack especially by Zulus of southern Africa

knock
n. intransitive verb
1 : to strike something with a sharp blow
2 : to collide with something
3 a : BUSTLE <heard them knocking around in the kitchen> b : WANDER <knocked about Europe all summer>
4 a : to make a pounding noise b : to have engine knock
5 : to find fault
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to strike sharply (2) : to drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking <was knocked out of the campaign> b : to set forcibly in motion with a blow
2 : to cause to collide
3 : to find fault with <always knocking those in authority>
–knock cold : KNOCK OUT 2A(1)
–knock dead : to move strongly especially to admiration or applause <a comedian who really knocks them dead>
–knock for a loop
1 a : OVERCOME <knocked my opponent for a loop> b : DEMOLISH <knocked our idea for a loop>
2 : DUMBFOUND, AMAZE <the news knocked them for a loop>
–knock one's socks off : to overwhelm or amaze one <a performance that will knock your socks off>
–knock on wood
― used interjectionally to ward off misfortune
–knock together : to make or assemble especially hurriedly or in a makeshift way <knocked together my own bookcase>

knock
n. 1 a : a sharp blow : RAP, HIT <a loud knock on the door> b (1) : a severe misfortune or hardship (2) : SETBACK, REVERSAL
2 a : a pounding noise b : a sharp repetitive metallic noise caused by abnormal ignition in an automobile engine
3 : a harsh and often petty criticism <the knock on him was that he couldn't handle the pressure>

knock
n. knock together
knock on wood
knock one's socks off
knock for a loop
knock dead
knock cold
knock back
knock down
knock knee
knock kneed
knock off
knock out
knock over
knock up
knock down drag out
knock down and drag out
hard knocks

knock back
: DRINK, SWALLOW specifically : to toss down (an alcoholic beverage)

knock cold
KNOCK OUT 2A(1)

knock dead
to move strongly especially to admiration or applause <a comedian who really knocks them dead>

knock down
1 : to strike to the ground with or as if with a sharp blow : FELL
2 : to dispose of (an item) to a bidder at an auction sale
3 : to take apart : DISASSEMBLE
4 : to receive as income or salary : EARN <positions where they were able to knock down good money ― Infantry Jour.>
5 : REDUCE <knocked the price down>

knock for a loop

1 a : OVERCOME <knocked my opponent for a loop> b : DEMOLISH <knocked our idea for a loop>
2 : DUMBFOUND, AMAZE <the news knocked them for a loop>

knock off
: to stop doing something
transitive verb
1 : to do hurriedly or routinely <knocked off one painting after another>
2 : DISCONTINUE, STOP <knocked off work at five>
3 : DEDUCT <knocked off a little to make the price more attractive>
4 a : KILL <knocked off two men⋯on mercenary grounds ― Lewis Baker> b : OVERCOME, DEFEAT <knocked off each center of rebellion>
5 : ROB <knocked off a couple of banks>
6 : to make a knockoff of : COPY, IMITATE <knocks off popular dress designs>

knock on wood
― used interjectionally to ward off misfortune

knock one's socks off
to overwhelm or amaze one <a performance that will knock your socks off>

knock out
1 : to produce roughly or hastily
2 a (1) : to defeat (a boxing opponent) by a knockout (2) : to make unconscious <the drug knocked him out> b : to make inoperative or useless <electricity was knocked out by the storm> c : to get rid of : ELIMINATE <knocked out illegal gambling>
3 : to tire out : EXHAUST <knocked themselves out with work>
4 : to cause (an opposing pitcher) to be removed from a baseball game by a batting rally

knock over
1 a (1) : to strike to the ground : FELL (2) : OVERWHELM <was knocked over by the news> b : ELIMINATE <knocked over every difficulty>
2 a : STEAL especially : HIJACK <knocks over a truckload of merchandise ― J. B. Martin> b : ROB <knocking over a bank>

knock together
to make or assemble especially hurriedly or in a makeshift way <knocked together my own bookcase>

knock up
1 British : ROUSE, SUMMON
2 sometimes vulgar : to make pregnant

knock-down, drag-out
: marked by extreme violence or bitterness and by the showing of no mercy <knock-down, drag-out political debates>
–knock-down-drag-out noun

knock-knee
: a condition in which the legs curve inward at the knees
–knock-kneed \-'nēd\ adjective

knockabout
adj. 1 : suitable for rough use <knockabout clothing>
2 a : being noisy and rough : BOISTEROUS <knockabout games> b : characterized by boisterous antics and often extravagant burlesque <knockabout comedy>
3 of a sailing vessel : having a simplified rig marked by absence of bowsprit and topmast <a knockabout sloop>
–knockabout noun

knockdown
n. 1 : having such force as to strike down or overwhelm <a bewildering assortment of knockdown arguments ― J. W. Krutch>
2 : that can easily be assembled or disassembled <a knockdown table>
3 chiefly British : extremely low : REDUCED <knockdown prices>

knockdown
n. 1 : the action of knocking down
2 : something (as a blow) that strikes down or overwhelms
3 : something (as a piece of furniture) that can be easily assembled or disassembled

knocker
n. 1 : one that knocks: as a : a metal ring, bar, or hammer hinged to a door for use in knocking b : a persistently pessimistic critic
2 often vulgar : BREAST ― usually used in plural

knockoff
: a copy that sells for less than the original broadly : a copy or imitation of someone or something popular

knockout
n. 1 a : the act of knocking out : the condition of being knocked out b (1) : the termination of a boxing match when one boxer has been knocked down and is unable to rise and resume boxing within a specified time (2) : TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT c : a blow that knocks out an opponent
2 : a sensationally striking, appealing, or attractive person or thing

knockout
n. 1 : causing a knockout <a knockout blow>
2 : sensationally striking, appealing, or attractive <a knockout dress>
3 : having all or part of a gene eliminated or inactivated by genetic engineering <knockout mice predisposed to diabetes mellitus>

knockout drops
: drops of a solution of a drug (as chloral hydrate) put into a drink to produce unconsciousness or stupefaction

knockwurst
n. : a short thick heavily seasoned sausage

knoll
n. : a small round hill : MOUND

knoll
n. archaic : KNELL

knop
n. : a usually ornamental knob
–knopped \'näpt\ adjective

Knossos
n. ruined city capital of ancient Crete near N coast SE of modern Iráklion

knot
n. 1 a : an interlacement of the parts of one or more flexible bodies forming a lump or knob (as for fastening or tying together) b : the lump or knob so formed c : a tight constriction or the sense of constriction <my stomach was all in knots>
2 : something hard to solve : PROBLEM <a matter full of legal knots>
3 : a bond of union especially : the marriage bond
4 a : a protuberant lump or swelling in tissue <a knot in a gland> b : the base of a woody branch enclosed in the stem from which it arises also : its section in lumber
5 : a cluster of persons or things : GROUP
6 : an ornamental bow of ribbon : COCKADE
7 a : a division of the log's line serving to measure a ship's speed b (1) : one nautical mile per hour (2) : one nautical mile ― not used technically
8 : a closed curve in three-dimensional space

knot
n. transitive verb
1 : to tie in or with a knot : form knots in
2 : to unite closely or intricately : ENTANGLE
3 : TIE 4B <knotted the score>
intransitive verb : to form knots
–knot·ter noun

knot
n. : either of two sandpipers (Calidris canutus and C. tenuirostris) that breed in the Arctic and winter in temperate or warm parts of the New and Old World

knot
n. Gordian knot
granny knot
half knot
knot garden
knot theory
knot theorist
love knot
overhand knot
reef knot
root knot
root knot nematode
running knot
shoulder knot
single knot
square knot
stevedore knot
stevedore's knot
stopper knot
surgeon's knot
sword knot
tie the knot
true lover's knot
truelove knot
weaver's knot
Windsor knot

knot garden
: an elaborately designed garden especially of flowers or herbs

knot theory
: a branch of topology concerned with the properties and classification of mathematical knots
–knot theorist noun

knotgrass
n. 1 : a cosmopolitan prostrate weed (Polygonum aviculare) of the buckwheat family with jointed stems, prominent sheathing stipules, and minute flowers broadly : any of several congeneric plants
2 : any of several grasses (as Paspalum distichum) with markedly jointed stems

knothole
n. : a hole in a board or tree trunk where a knot or branch has come out

knotted
adj. 1 : tied in or with a knot
2 : full of knots : GNARLED
3 : KNOTTY
4 : ornamented with knots or knobs

knotty
adj. : marked by or full of knots especially : so full of difficulties and complications as to be likely to defy solution <a knotty problem>
synonyms see COMPLEX
–knot·ti·ness noun

knotty pine
: pine wood that has a decorative distribution of knots and is used especially for interior finish

knotweed
n. : any of several herbs (genus Polygonum) of the buckwheat family with leaves and bracts jointed and having a very short petiole broadly : POLYGONUM

knout
n. : a whip used for flogging
–knout transitive verb

know
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2) : to have understanding of <importance of knowing oneself> (3) : to recognize the nature of : DISCERN b (1) : to recognize as being the same as something previously known (2) : to be acquainted or familiar with (3) : to have experience of
2 a : to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of b : to have a practical understanding of <knows how to write>
3 archaic : to have sexual intercourse with
intransitive verb
1 : to have knowledge
2 : to be or become cognizant ― sometimes used interjectionally with you especially as a filler in informal speech
–know·able \'nō-ə-bəl\ adjective
–know·er \'nō-ər\ noun
–know from : to have knowledge of <didn't know from sibling rivalry ― Penny Marshall>

know
n. : KNOWLEDGE
–in the know : in possession of exclusive knowledge or information broadly : WELL-INFORMED

know
n. know from
in the know
know all
know how
know it all
know nothing
know nothingism
self knowing
well known

know from
to have knowledge of <didn't know from sibling rivalry ― Penny Marshall>

know-all
chiefly British : KNOW-IT-ALL

know-how
: knowledge of how to do something smoothly and efficiently : EXPERTISE

know-it-all
: one who claims to know everything also : one who disdains advice
–know-it-all adjective

know-nothing
1 a : IGNORAMUS b : AGNOSTIC
2 capitalized K&N : a member of a 19th century secret American political organization hostile to the political influence of recent immigrants and Roman Catholics
–know-nothing adjective

know-nothingism
1 capitalized K&N : the principles and policies of the Know-Nothings
2 : the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality
3 often capitalized K&N : a mid-20th century political attitude characterized by anti-intellectualism, exaggerated patriotism, and fear of foreign subversive influences

knowing
n. : ACQUAINTANCE, COGNIZANCE

knowing
n. 1 : having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence
2 a : shrewdly and keenly alert : ASTUTE <a knowing observer> b : indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information <a knowing smile>
3 : COGNITIVE
4 : DELIBERATE <knowing interference in the affairs of another>
–know·ing·ly adverb
–know·ing·ness noun

knowledge
n. 1 obsolete : COGNIZANCE
2 a (1) : the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (2) : acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique b (1) : the fact or condition of being aware of something (2) : the range of one's information or understanding <answered to the best of my knowledge> c : the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning : COGNITION d : the fact or condition of having information or of being learned <a person of unusual knowledge>
3 archaic : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
4 a : the sum of what is known : the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind b archaic : a branch of learning
synonyms KNOWLEDGE, LEARNING, ERUDITION, SCHOLARSHIP mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind. KNOWLEDGE applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience <rich in the knowledge of human nature>. LEARNING applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling <a book that demonstrates vast learning>. ERUDITION strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning <an erudition unusual even in a scholar>. SCHOLARSHIP implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation <a work of first-rate literary scholarship>.

knowledge
n. knowledge engineering
knowledge engineer
self knowledge

knowledge engineering
: a branch of artificial intelligence that emphasizes the development and use of expert systems
–knowledge engineer noun

knowledgeable
adj. : having or showing knowledge or intelligence
–knowl·edge·abil·i·ty \ˌnä-li-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–knowl·edge·able·ness noun
–knowl·edge·ably \-blē\ adverb

Knowles
William Standish 1917-     Am. chem.

known
adj. : generally recognized <a known authority on art>

Knox
n. Henry 1750-1806 American gen. in Revolution

Knox
n. John ca 1514-1572 Scot. religious reformer

Knox
n. Philander Chase 1853-1921 American statesman

Knoxville
n. city E Tenn. on Tennessee River pop 173,890

knuckle
n. 1 a : the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint ― used especially of those at the joints of the fingers b : the joint of a knuckle
2 : a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh
3 : something resembling a knuckle: as a (1) : one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes (2) : KNUCKLE JOINT b : the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof) c : a pivotal point
4 plural : a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon ― called also brass knuckles
–knuck·led adjective

knuckle
n. intransitive verb : to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble
transitive verb : to press or rub with the knuckles

knuckle
n. bare knuckle
knuckle down
knuckle duster
knuckle joint
knuckle under
white knuckle
brass knuckles
bare knuckles
bare knuckled
white knuckled

knuckle down
: to apply oneself earnestly

knuckle joint
: a hinge joint in which a projection with an eye on one piece enters a jaw between two corresponding projections with eyes on another piece and is retained by a pin or rivet

knuckle under
: GIVE IN, SUBMIT

knuckle-duster
: KNUCKLE 4

knuckleball
n. : a slow baseball pitch that moves erratically and unpredictably and that is thrown with little spin by gripping the ball with the knuckles or the tips of the fingers pressed against the top
–knuck·le·ball·er \-ˌbȯ-lər\ noun

knucklebone
n. 1 : a bone (as a metatarsus or metacarpus of a sheep) used in games and formerly in divination
2 plural but singular in construction : a game played with knucklebones or jacks

knucklehead
n. : DUMBBELL 2
–knuck·le·head·ed \-ˌhed-əd\ adjective

knuckler
: KNUCKLEBALL

Knud Rasmussen Land
region N & NW Greenland NE of Baffin Bay

Knudsen
William Signius 1879-1948 American (Dan.-born) industrialist & administrator

knur
n. : a hard excrescence (as on a tree trunk) : GNARL

knurl
n. 1 : a small protuberance, excrescence, or knob
2 : one of a series of small ridges or beads on a metal surface to aid in gripping
–knurled \'nər(-ə)ld\ adjective
–knurly \'nər-lē\ adjective

Knut
var of CANUTE

KO
n. : KNOCKOUT

KO
n. : to knock out (as in boxing)

koa
n. 1 : a Hawaiian timber tree (Acacia koa) with crescent-shaped phyllodes and pale yellow flowers borne in small round heads
2 : the fine-grained red wood of the koa used especially for furniture

koala
n. : an Australian arboreal marsupial (Phascolarctos cinereus) that has a broad head, large hairy ears, dense gray fur, and sharp claws and feeds on eucalyptus leaves ― called also koala bear

koan
n. : a paradox to be meditated upon that is used to train Zen Buddhist monks to abandon ultimate dependence on reason and to force them into gaining sudden intuitive enlightenment

Kobarid
village W Slovenia on the Isonzo NE of Udine, Italy

Kobe
n. city & port Japan in S Honshu on Osaka Bay pop 1,493,398

Kobenhavn
― see COPENHAGEN

Koblenz
city W Germany SSE of Cologne at confluence of the Rhine & the Moselle pop 109,046

kobo
n. ― see naira at MONEY table

kobold
n. 1 : a gnome that in German folklore inhabits underground places
2 : an often mischievous domestic spirit of German folklore

Kobuk Valley National Park
n. reservation W Alaska N of the Arctic Circle along Kobuk River

Koca
river ab 75 mi (121 km) S Turkey flowing SW & S into the Mediterranean

Kocabas
river NW Turkey in Asia flowing NE to Sea of Marmara

Koch
n. Robert 1843-1910 Ger. bacteriol.

Kocher
Emil Theodor 1841-1917 Swiss surgeon

Kochi
city & port Japan in S Shikoku pop 330,654

Kock
Charles-Paul de 1793-1871 Fr. nov. & dram.

Kodaly
n. Zol·tán \'zōl-ˌtän\ 1882-1967 Hung. composer

Kodiak
n. island S Alaska in Gulf of Alaska E of Alaska Peninsula

Kodiak bear
: a large brown bear of the southern coast of Alaska and adjacent islands

Kodok
town SE Sudan on White Nile River

Koestler
Arthur 1905-1983 Brit. (Hung.-born) writer

Kohala Mountains
mountains Hawaii in N Hawaii (island); highest ab 5500 ft (1676 m)

Kohima
town NE India capital of Nagaland pop 78,584

Kohl
n. Helmut 1930-     chancellor of West Germany (1982-90) chancellor of Germany (1990-98)

kohl
n. : a preparation used especially in Arabia and Egypt to darken the edges of the eyelids

Kohler
Foy David 1908-1990 American diplomat

Kohler
Georges J. F. 1946-1995 Ger. immunologist

kohlrabi
n. : a cabbage (Brassica oleracea gongylodes) having a greatly enlarged, fleshy, turnip-shaped edible stem also : its stem used as a vegetable

Kohn
n. Walter 1923-     American (Austrian-born) physicist

koi
n. : a carp (Cyprinus carpio) bred especially in Japan for large size and a variety of colors and often stocked in ornamental ponds

Koil
― see ALIGARH

koine
n. 1 capitalized : the Greek language commonly spoken and written in eastern Mediterranean countries in the Hellenistic and Roman periods
2 : a dialect or language of a region that has become the common or standard language of a larger area

Koiso
Kuniaki 1880-1950 Jp. gen.

Koizumi
Junichiro 1942-     prime min. of Japan (2001-  )

kok-saghyz
: a perennial Asian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) cultivated for its fleshy roots that have a high rubber content

Kokand
1 region & former khanate E Uzbekistan
2 city in Kokand region SE of Tashkent pop 175,000

kokanee
n. : a small landlocked sockeye salmon

Kokhba
Bar d A.D. 135 orig. Sim·e·on bar Ko·zi·ba \'si-mē-ən-bär-'kȯ-zē-ˌbä\ Jewish leader in Palestine

Koko Nor
n. ― see QINGHAI

Kokomo
city N cen Ind. pop 46,113

Kokoschka
Oskar 1886-1980 Brit. (Austrian-born) painter

Koksoak
river 85 mi (136 km) Canada N Que. formed by confluence of the Caniapiskau and the Larch and flowing into Ungava Bay

Kol Nidre
n. : a formula for the annulment of private vows chanted in the synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur

kola
n. kola nut
kola tree
Kola Peninsula

kola nut
: the bitter caffeine-containing chestnut-sized seed of a kola tree used especially as a masticatory and in beverages

Kola Peninsula
peninsula 250 mi (402 km) long & 150 mi (241 km) wide NW Russia in Europe bet. Barents & White seas

kola tree
: an African tree (genus Cola, especially C. nitida and C. acuminata of the family Sterculiaceae) cultivated in various tropical areas for its kola nuts

Kolar Gold Fields
city S India in SE Karnataka pop 156,398

Kolchak
Aleksandr Vasilyevich 1873-1920 Russ. admiral & counterrevolutionary

Kolding
city & port Denmark pop 57,128

Kolhapur
city W India in SW Maharashtra SSE of Bombay pop 485,183

kolinsky
n. 1 : any of several Asian weasels (esp. Mustela siberica)
2 : the fur or pelt of a kolinsky

Kolkata
― see CALCUTTA

kolkhoz
n. : a collective farm of the former U.S.S.R.

kolkhoznik
n. : a member of a kolkhoz

Kollontay
Aleksandra Mikhaylovna 1872-1952 Russ. diplomat

Kollwitz
Käthe 1867-1945 née Schmidt Ger. artist

Kolmar
― see COLMAR

Kolmogorov
Andrey Nikolayevich 1903-1987 Soviet math.

Koln
― see COLOGNE

kolo
: a central European folk dance in which dancers form a circle and progress slowly to right or left while one or more dancers perform elaborate steps in the center

Koltsov
Aleksey Vasilyevich 1808-1842 Russ. poet

Kolyma
river 1110 mi (1786 km) NE Russia in Asia flowing from Kolyma Mountains NE into E. Siberian Sea

Kolyma Mountains
mountain range Russia in Asia in NE Khabarovsk Territory parallel to coast of Penzhinskaya Bay

Komandorski Islands
islands E Russia in Asia in Bering Sea E of Kamchatka Peninsula area 850 sq mi (2210 sq km)

Komati
river 500 mi (805 km) S Africa flowing from N Drakensberg Mountains in NE Republic of South Africa E & N into Delagoa Bay in S Mozambique

komatik
n. : an Eskimo sledge with wooden runners and crossbars lashed with rawhide

kombu
: a laminarian kelp used especially in Japanese cooking as a seasoning in soup stock

Komi Republic
autonomous republic NE Russia in Europe W of N Ural Mountains capital Syktyvkar area 160,579 sq mi (415,900 sq km), pop 1,255,000

Komodo
island Indonesia in the Lesser Sundas E of Sumbawa Is. & W of Flores Is. area 185 sq mi (481 sq km)

Komodo dragon
: an Indonesian monitor lizard (Varanus komodoensis) that is the largest of all known lizards and may attain a length of 10 feet (3 meters)

komondor
: any of a breed of large powerful shaggy-coated white dogs of Hungarian origin that are used to guard sheep

Komsomol
n. : a Russian Communist youth organization

Komsomol'sk-na-Amure
city E Russia in Asia in S Khabarovsk Territory on the Amur

Komura
Marquis Jutarō 1855-1911 Jp. diplomat

Kona
coast region Hawaii in W Hawaii (island)

Kondilis
Geórgios 1879-1936 Greek gen. & polit.

Konev
Ivan Stepanovich 1897-1973 Soviet gen.

Kongo
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu people of the lower Congo River
2 : the Bantu language of the Kongo people

Konigsberg
― see KALININGRAD

Koniz
commune W cen Switzerland SW of Bern pop 36,101

Konkan
region W India in W Maharashtra bordering on Arabian Sea & extending from Bombay S to Goa

Konkani
n. : an Indo-Aryan language of the west coast of India

Konoe
Prince Fumimaro 1891-1945 Jp. statesman

Konstanz
― see CONSTANCE

Konya
city SW cen Turkey on edge of cen plateau pop 513,346

Koo
Vi Kyuin Wel·ling·ton \'we-liŋ-tən\ 1888-1985 orig. Ku Wei-chün Chin. statesman & diplomat

koodoo
n. variant of kudu

kook
n. : one whose ideas or actions are eccentric, fantastic, or insane : SCREWBALL

kookaburra
n. : a brownish kingfisher (Dacelo novaeguineae syn. D. gigas) of Australia that is about the size of a crow and has a call resembling loud laughter ― called also laughing jackass

kooky
adj. : having the characteristics of a kook : CRAZY, OFFBEAT
–kook·i·ness noun

Koolau Range
mountains Hawaii in E Oahu

Kootenai
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Rocky Mountains in both the U.S. and Canada
2 : the language of the Kootenai people

Kootenai
river 407 mi (655 km) SW Canada & NW U.S. in B.C., Mont., & Idaho flowing through Kootenay Lake (65 mi or 104 km long, in B.C.) into Columbia River

Kootenay National Park
n. reservation Canada in SE B.C. including section of the upper Kootenay River

kopeck
n. ― see ruble at MONEY table

Koper
town & port SW Slovenia at N end of Istrian Peninsula SSW of Trieste pop 25,272

Kopernik
― see COPERNICUS

Kopeysk
city SW Russia in Asia SE of Chelyabinsk pop 78,300

koph
variant of qoph

kopiyka
n. ― see hryvnia at MONEY table

kopje
n. : a small usually rocky hill especially on the African veld

Kor
Korea; Korean

kor
variant of cor

kora
n. : a 21-stringed African musical instrument resembling a lute

Koran
n. : the book composed of sacred writings accepted by Muslims as revelations made to Muhammad by Allah through the angel Gabriel
–Ko·ran·ic also Qu·ran·ic or Qur·'an·ic \kə-'ra-nik\ adjective

Korat
: any of a breed of short-haired domestic cats originating in Thailand and having a heart-shaped face, a silver-blue coat, and usually green eyes

Kordofan
region cen Sudan W & N of White Nile River; chief city El Obeid

kore
: an ancient Greek statue of a clothed young woman standing with feet together

Korea
n. 1 peninsula 600 mi (966 km) long & 135 mi (217 km) wide E Asia bet. Yellow Sea & Sea of Japan
2 or Japanese Cho·sen \'chō-'sen\ country coextensive with the peninsula; once a kingdom & (1910-45) a Japanese dependency capital Seoul; divided 1948 at 38th parallel into republics of North Korea (capital Pyongyang area 46,609 sq mi or 120,717 sq km, pop 22,646,000) & South Korea (capital Seoul area 38,022 sq mi or 98,477 sq km, pop 45,985,289)

Korea
n. Korea Bay
Korea Strait
North Korea
South Korea

Korea Bay
arm of Yellow Sea bet. Liaodong Peninsula & N. Korea

Korea Strait
strait 120 mi (193 km) wide bet. S S. Korea & SW Japan connecting Sea of Japan & Yellow Sea

Korean
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Korea
2 : the language of the Korean people
–Korean adjective

Korinthos
― see CORINTH

Koriyama
city Japan in N cen Honshu pop 334,824

korma
n. : an Indian dish of usually braised meat or vegetables cooked with spices and often yogurt or cream

Korngold
Erich Wolfgang 1897-1957 American (Austrian-born) composer, conductor, & pianist

Kornilov
Lavr Georgiyevich 1870-1918 Russ. gen. & counterrevolutionary

Korolenko
Vladimir Galaktionovich 1853-1921 Russ. nov.

Kortrijk
commune NW Belgium in W. Flanders on the Leie NNE of Lille pop 74,558

koruna
n. ― see MONEY table

Korzybski
Alfred Habdank Skarbek 1879-1950 American (Pol.-born) scientist & writer

Kos
1 island Greece in the Dodecanese area 111 sq mi (289 sq km)
2 chief town on the island

Kosciusko, Mount
mountain 7310 ft (2228 m) SE Australia in SE New South Wales; highest in Great Dividing Range & in Australia

Kosciuszko
Tadeusz Andrzei Bonawentura 1746-1817 Pol. patriot & soldier in American Revolution

kosher
n. 1 a : sanctioned by Jewish law especially : ritually fit for use <kosher meat> b : selling or serving food ritually fit according to Jewish law <a kosher restaurant>
2 : being proper, acceptable, or satisfactory <made sure the deal was kosher>

kosher
n. : to make kosher

kosher
n. : the observance of kosher practices <keep kosher>

Koshiba
Masatoshi 1926-     Jp. astrophysicist

Koshigaya
city Japan in Honshu N of Tokyo pop 308,307

Kosice
city E Slovakia pop 236,093

Kosovo
n. autonomous province S Serbia and Montenegro in SW Serbia area 4203 sq mi (10,886 sq km), pop 1,954,747
–Ko·so·var \'kȯ-sȯ-ˌvär, 'kä-\ noun or adjective

Kosrae
islands E Carolines; part of Federated States of Micronesia
–Kos·rae·an \ˌkȯs-'rī-ən\ noun

Kossel
Albrecht 1853-1927 Ger. biochem.

Kossuth
La·jos \'lȯi-ˌōsh\ 1802-1894 Hung. patriot & statesman

Kostroma
city cen Russia in Europe on the Volga pop 282,000

Kostunica
Vojislav 1944-     pres. of Yugoslavia (2000-  )

Kosygin
Aleksey Nikolayevich 1904-1980 Soviet polit.; premier of Soviet Union (1964-80)

Koszalin
city NW Poland pop 107,580

Kota Baharu
city Malaysia in N Peninsular Malaysia capital of Kelantan pop 281,161

Kota Kinabalu
city & port Malaysia capital of Sabah pop 112,758

Kotabaru
― see JAYAPURA

koto
n. : a long Japanese zither having 13 strings

Kotor
town & port SW Serbia and Montenegro in Montenegro on an inlet of the Adriatic pop 22,496

Kottbus
― see COTTBUS

Kotte
town W Sri Lanka, a suburb ESE of Colombo pop 109,000

Kotzebue
August (Friedrich Ferdinand) von 1761-1819 Ger. dram.

Kotzebue Sound
arm of Chukchi Sea NW Alaska NE of Bering Strait

Kouchibouguac National Park
n. reservation SE Canada in E N.B.

Koudougou
town cen Burkina Faso pop 106,000

koumiss
n. : a beverage of fermented mare's milk made orig. by the nomadic peoples of central Asia

kouprey
n. : a rare short-haired ox (Bos sauveli) having a large dewlap and found in forests in parts of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam

kouros
n. : an ancient Greek statue of a nude male youth standing with the left leg forward and arms at the sides

Koussevitzky
Serge \'sərj, 'serzh\ 1874-1951 Sergey Aleksandrovich Kusevitsky American (Russ.-born) conductor

Kovno
― see KAUNAS

Kowloon
n. ― see JIULONG

kowtow
n. : an act of kowtowing

kowtow
n. 1 : to show obsequious deference : FAWN <kowtows to the boss>
2 : to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect

Koyukuk
river ab 500 mi (800 km) N cen Alaska flowing from Brooks Range SW into Yukon River

Kozhikode
― see CALICUT

KP
1 : an enlisted man detailed to assist the cooks in a military mess
2 : the work of KPs

kPa
kilopascal

kpc
kiloparsec

kph
kilometers per hour

Kr
krypton

Kra, Isthmus of
isthmus S Thailand in N cen Malay Peninsula; 40 mi (64 km) wide at narrowest part

kraal
n. 1 a : a village of southern African natives b : the native village community
2 : an enclosure for animals especially in southern Africa

kraal
n. : to pen in a kraal

Krafft-Ebing
Richard 1840-1902 Freiherr von Krafft-Ebing Ger. neurologist

kraft
n. : a strong paper or cardboard made from wood pulp produced from wood chips boiled in an alkaline solution containing sodium sulfate

krait
n. : any of a genus (Bungarus) of brightly banded extremely venomous nocturnal elapid snakes of Pakistan, India, southeastern Asia, and adjacent islands

Krakatau
island & volcano Indonesia bet. Sumatra & Java

kraken
n. : a fabulous Scandinavian sea monster

Krakow
n. city S Poland on the Vistula pop 748,356

Kras
― see KARST

Krasner
Lee 1908-1984 orig. Lenore Krassner American painter

Krasnodar
1 territory S Russia in Europe in N Caucasus region area 32,278 sq mi (83,600 sq km), pop 5,004,000
2 or formerly Eka·te·ri·no·dar \i-ˌkä-tə-'rē-nə-ˌdär\ city, its capital, on the Kuban' pop 635,000

Krasnoyarsk
1 territory W cen Russia in Asia extending along valley of the Yenisey from Arctic Ocean to Sayan Mountains area 927,258 sq mi (2,401,598 sq km), pop 3,122,000
2 city, its capital, on the upper Yenisey pop 925,000

krater
: a jar or vase of classical antiquity having a large round body and a wide mouth and used for mixing wine and water

krater
Aniakchak Crater
Chubb Crater
Crater Lake
Haleakala Crater
New Quebec Crater
Sunset Crater
Craters of the Moon National Monument

kraut
n. 1 : SAUERKRAUT
2 often capitalized usually disparaging : GERMAN

Krebs
n. Edwin Gerhard 1918-     American biochem.

Krebs
n. Sir Hans Adolf 1900-1981 Brit. (Ger.-born) biochem.

Krebs cycle
: a sequence of reactions in the living organism in which oxidation of acetic acid or acetyl equivalent provides energy for storage in phosphate bonds (as in ATP) ― called also citric acid cycle tricarboxylic acid cycle

Krefeld
city W Germany on the Rhine WSW of Essen pop 245,772

Kreisky
n. Bruno 1911-1990 chancellor of Austria (1970-83)

Kreisler
Fritz 1875-1962 American (Austrian-born) violinist

kremlin
n. 1 : the citadel of a Russian city
2 capitalized [the Kremlin, citadel of Moscow and seat of government of Russia and formerly of the U.S.S.R.] : the Russian government

kremlinology
n. : the study of the policies and practices of the former Soviet government
–krem·lin·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun often cap

kreplach
n. : square or triangular dumplings filled with ground meat or cheese, boiled or fried, and usually served in soup

kreuzer
: a small coin formerly used in Austria and Germany

krewe
: a private organization staging festivities (as parades) during Mardi Gras in New Orleans

krill
n. : planktonic crustaceans and their larvae (order or suborder Euphausiacea and especially genus Euphausia) that constitute the principal food of baleen whales

Krim
― see CRIMEA

Krio
n. : an English-based creole spoken in Sierra Leone

kris
n. : a Malay or Indonesian dagger with a ridged serpentine blade

Krishna
n. : a deity or deified hero of later Hinduism worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu

Krishna
n. river 800 mi (1287 km) S India flowing from Western Ghats E into Bay of Bengal

Krishnaism
n. : a widespread form of Hindu religion characterized by the worship of Krishna

Kriss Kringle
: SANTA CLAUS

Kristiania
― see OSLO

Kristiansand
city & port SW Norway on the Skagerrak SW of Oslo pop 62,546

Kristiansund
city & port W Norway pop 16,789

Kriti
― see CRETE

Kroemer
Herbert 1928-     American (Ger.-born) electrical engineer

Krogh
(Schack) August Steenberg 1874-1949 Dan. physiol.

krona
n. ― see MONEY table

krona
n. ― see MONEY table

krone
n. ― see MONEY table

krone
n. 1 : the basic monetary unit of Austria from 1892 to 1925
2 : a coin representing one krone

Kronecker delta
: a function of two variables that is 1 when the variables have the same value and is 0 when they have different values

Kronshtadt
city W Russia in Europe on island in E Gulf of Finland W of St. Petersburg pop 45,300

kroon
n. ― see MONEY table

Kropotkin
Pyotr Alekseyevich 1842-1921 Russ. geographer & revolutionary

Kroto
Sir Harold Walter 1939-     Brit. chem.

Kruger
n. Barbara 1945-     American artist

Kruger
n. Paul 1825-1904 Stephanus Johannes Paulus So. African statesman

Kruger National Park
n. game reserve NE Republic of South Africa in E parts of Limpopo & Mpumalanga provinces on Mozambique border

Krugerrand
n. : a one-ounce gold coin of the Republic of So. Africa

Krugersdorp
city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng W of Johannesburg pop 92,725

krummholz
n. : stunted forest characteristic of timberline

krummhorn
n. : a Renaissance double-reed woodwind instrument consisting of a curved boxwood tube and having a pierced cap covering the reed

Krung Thep
― see BANGKOK

Krupp
family of Ger. munition makers: including Friedrich 1787-1826; his son Alfred 1812-1887; Alfred's son Friedrich Alfred 1854-1902; Friedrich Alfred's daughter Bertha 1886-1957; & Bertha's son Alfried 1907-1967

Krupskaya
Nadezhda Konstantinovna 1869-1939 wife of Lenin Russ. revolutionary

Krutch
Joseph Wood 1893-1970 American author & critic

krypton
n. : a colorless relatively inert gaseous element found in air in trace amounts and used especially in electric lamps ― see ELEMENT table

Kryvyy Rih
city SE cen Ukraine NE of Odessa pop 724,000

KS
1 Kansas
2 Kaposi's sarcoma

Kshatriya
n. : a Hindu of an upper caste traditionally assigned to governing and military occupations

KT
kiloton

kt
1 karat
2 knight
3 knot

ktema es aei
: a possession for ever ― applied to a work of art or literature of enduring significance

Ku
Ku Kluxer
Ku Kluxism
Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klansman

Ku Klux Klan
1 : an American post-Civil War secret society advocating white supremacy
2 : a 20th century secret fraternal group held to confine its membership to American-born white Christians

Ku Klux Klansman
: KU KLUXER

Ku Kluxer
: a member of the Ku Klux Klan
–Ku Klux·ism \-'klək-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Kuala Lumpur
city capital of Malaysia in Peninsular Malaysia pop 1,145,075

Kuang-chou
― see GUANGZHOU

Kuban'
river over 550 mi (885 km) S Russia in Europe flowing from the Caucasus N & W into Sea of Azov

Kubitschek de Oliveira
Juscelino 1902-1976 pres. of Brazil (1956-61)

Kublai Khan
1215-1294 founder of Mongol dynasty in China

Kubrick
n. Stanley 1928-1999 American film director, writer, & producer

Kuchean
: TOCHARIAN B

kuchen
n. : any of various coffee cakes made from sweet yeast dough

Kuching
city & port Malaysia capital of Sarawak pop 231,490

kudo
n. 1 : AWARD, HONOR <a score of honorary degrees and⋯other kudos ― Time>
2 : COMPLIMENT, PRAISE <to all three should go some kind of special kudo for refusing to succumb ― Al Hine>
usage Some commentators hold that since kudos is a singular word it cannot be used as a plural and that the word kudo is impossible. But kudo does exist; it is simply one of the most recent words created by back-formation from another word misunderstood as a plural. Kudos was introduced into English in the 19th century; it was used in contexts where a reader unfamiliar with Greek could not be sure whether it was singular or plural. By the 1920s it began to appear as a plural, and about 25 years later kudo began to appear. It may have begun as a misunderstanding, but then so did cherry and pea.

kudos
n. 1 : fame and renown resulting from an act or achievement : PRESTIGE
2 : praise given for achievement

kudu
n. : a large grayish brown African antelope (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) with large annulated spirally twisted horns also : a related antelope (T. imberbis)

Kudus
n. city Indonesia in cen Java NE of Semarang

kudzu
n. : an Asian vine (Pueraria lobata) of the legume family that is used for forage and erosion control and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.

Kuei
― see GUI

Kuei-lin
― see GUILIN

Kuei-yang
― see GUIYANG

kufi
: a close-fitting brimless cylindrical or round hat

Kufra
― see AL KUFRAH

kugel
n. : a baked pudding (as of potatoes or noodles) usually served as a side dish

Kuhn
Richard 1900-1967 Austrian chem.

Kuhn
Thomas Samuel 1922-1996 American philos. & scientist
–Kuhn·ian \'kü-nē-ən\ adjective

Kuiu Island
island SE Alaska in cen Alexander Archipelago

kukri
n. : a curved short sword with a broad blade used especially by Gurkhas

Kula Gulf
body of water 17 mi (27 km) long in the Solomons bet. New Georgia & adjacent islands

kulak
n. 1 : a prosperous or wealthy peasant farmer in 19th century Russia
2 : a farmer characterized by Communists as having excessive wealth

Kuldja
― see YINING

kultur
1 : CULTURE 5
2 : culture emphasizing practical efficiency and individual subordination to the state
3 : German culture held to be superior especially by militant Nazi and Hohenzollern expansionists

Kulturkampf
n. : conflict between civil government and religious authorities especially over control of education and church appointments broadly : a conflict between cultures or value systems

Kum
river 247 mi (398 km) cen S. Korea flowing into Yellow Sea

Kumamoto
city Japan in W Kyushu pop 662,012

Kumasi
city S cen Ghana NW of Accra pop 385,192

Kumgang
― see DIAMOND

Kumilla
― see COMILLA

kumiss
n. variant of koumiss

kummel
n. : a colorless liqueur flavored principally with caraway seeds

kumquat
n. : any of several small yellow to orange citrus fruits with sweet spongy rind and somewhat acid pulp that are used chiefly for preserves also : a tree or shrub (genus Fortunella) of the rue family that bears kumquats

Kun
Bé·la \'bā-lə\ 1885-1937 Hung. Communist

kuna
n. ― see MONEY table

kundalini
n. : the yogic life force that is held to lie coiled at the base of the spine until it is aroused and sent to the head to trigger enlightenment

Kunene
― see CUNENE

Kung
n. 1 : a member of a people of southern Africa ― usually preceded in writing by !
2 : the Khoisan language of the !Kung people ― usually preceded in writing by !

Kung
n. Prince 1833-1898 Manchu statesman

Kung
n. Tzu kung
kung fu
kung pao

kung fu
: any of various Chinese martial arts and related disciplines that are practiced especially for self-defense, exercise, and spiritual growth

kung pao
: being stir-fried or sometimes deep-fried and served in a spicy hot sauce usually with peanuts <kung pao chicken>

Kunlun
mountains W China extending from the Pamirs & Karakoram Range E to SE Qinghai ― see MUZTAG

Kunming
city S China capital of Yunnan pop 1,127,411

Kunsan
city & port W S. Korea on Yellow Sea at mouth of the Kum pop 218,216

kunzite
: a pinkish-lilac variety of spodumene used as a gem

Kuopio
city S cen Finland pop 87,347

Kupreanof
island SE Alaska in E Alexander Archipelago

Kura
river 941 mi (1514 km) W Asia flowing from NE Turkey ESE through Georgia & Azerbaijan into Caspian Sea

Kurashiki
city Japan in SW Honshu pop 430,291

Kurd
n. : a member of a pastoral and agricultural people who inhabit a plateau region in adjoining parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Armenia, and Azerbaijan
–Kurd·ish \'ku̇r-dish, 'kər-\ adjective

Kurdish
adj. : the Iranian language of the Kurds

Kurdistan
n. : an Oriental rug woven by the Kurds and noted for fine colors

Kurdistan
n. region SW Asia chiefly in E Turkey, NW Iran, & N Iraq

Kure Atoll
island cen Pacific in Hawaii; westernmost of the Leewards

Kurg
― see COORG

Kurgan
n. city SW Russia in Asia pop 365,000

kurgan
n. : a burial mound of eastern Europe or Siberia

Kuria Muria Islands
islands Oman in Arabian Sea off SW coast area 28 sq mi (73 sq km), pop 85

Kuril Islands
islands Russia in the Pacific bet. S Kamchatka & NE Hokkaido, Japan; belonged 1875-1945 to Japan area 6023 sq mi (15,600 sq km)

Kurisches Haff
― see COURLAND LAGOON

Kuropatkin
Aleksey Nikolayevich 1848-1921 Russ. gen.

Kurosawa
n. Akira 1910-1998 Jp. filmmaker

kurrajong
n. : any of several Australian trees or shrubs (family Sterculiaceae, especially genus Brachychiton) especially : one (B. populneum) often planted as a shade tree or in windbreaks

Kursk
city SW Russia in Europe on the Seym pop 435,000

kurta
n. : a long loose-fitting collarless shirt of a style originating in India

kurtosis
n. : the peakedness or flatness of the graph of a frequency distribution especially with respect to the concentration of values near the mean as compared with the normal distribution

kuru
n. : a rare progressive fatal spongiform encephalopathy that is caused by a prion, resembles Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and has occurred among tribespeople in eastern New Guinea who engaged in a form of ritual cannibalism

kurus
n. ― see lira at MONEY table

Kusch
Polykarp 1911-1993 American (Ger.-born) physicist

Kush
― see CUSH

Kuskokwim
river ab 600 mi (965 km) SW Alaska flowing SW into Kuskokwim Bay (inlet of Bering Sea)

Kut, Al
― see AL KUT

Kutahya
city W cen Turkey pop 130,944

Kutch
former principality & state W India N of Gulf of Kachchh capital Bhuj, now part of Gujarat

Kutch
Gulf of Kutch
Rann of Kutch
Kutch Gulf of
Kutch Rann of

Kutch, Gulf of
― see KACHCHH (Gulf of)

Kutch, Rann of
― see KACHCHH (Rann of)

Kutenai
variant of Kootenai

Kutuzov
Mikhail Illarionovich 1745-1813 Prince of Smolensk Russ. field marshal

Kuwait
n. 1 country SW Asia in Arabia at head of Persian Gulf; a sheikhdom, before 1961 under Brit. protection area 6880 sq mi (17,819 sq km), pop 1,355,827
2 city & port, its capital pop 181,774
–Ku·waiti \-'wā-tē\ adjective or noun

Kuybyshev
― see SAMARA

Kuznetsk
city SE cen Russia in Europe pop 101,000

Kuznetsk Basin
basin of the Tom' S Russia in Asia extending from Novokuznetsk to Tomsk

kV
kilovolt

kvass
n. : a slightly alcoholic beverage of eastern Europe made from fermented mixed cereals and often flavored

kvell
v. : to be extraordinarily proud : REJOICE

kvetch
n. : to complain habitually : GRIPE
–kvetch·er noun

kvetch
n. 1 : a habitual complainer
2 : COMPLAINT 1
–kvetchy \'kve-chē, 'kfe-\ adjective

kW
n. kilowatt

Kwa
n. : a branch of the Niger-Congo language family that is spoken along the African coast and its hinterland from the Ivory Coast to southwestern Nigeria

kwacha
n. ― see MONEY table

Kwajalein
island (atoll) 78 mi (126 km) long W Pacific in Ralik chain of the Marshalls

Kwakiutl
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Canadian Pacific coast
2 : the language of the Kwakiutl people

Kwando
river ab 500 mi (804 km) S Africa flowing from cen Angola SE & E into the Zambezi just above Victoria Falls

Kwangchowan
former territory SE China in Kwangtung on Leizhou Peninsula; leased 1898-1946 to France capital Fort Bayard area 325 sq mi (845 sq km)

Kwangju
city SW S. Korea pop 1,350,948

Kwangsi Chuang
― see GUANGXI ZHUANGZU

Kwangtung
― see GUANGDONG

Kwantung
former territory NE China in S Manchuria at tip of Liaodong Peninsula; leased to Russia 1898-1905, to Japan 1905-45, & to Russia again 1945-55; included cities of Port Arthur & Dairen

Kwanza
n. ― see CUANZA

kwanza
n. ― see MONEY table

Kwanzaa
n. : an African-American cultural festival held from December 26 to January 1

kwashiorkor
n. : severe malnutrition in infants and children especially of impoverished regions caused by a diet low in protein

Kwathlamba
― see DRAKENSBERG

KwaZulu
former group of noncontiguous black enclaves in E Republic of South Africa; incorporated into KwaZulu-Natal 1994

KwaZulu-Natal
province E Republic of South Africa bet. Drakensberg Mountains & Indian Ocean area 35,591 sq mi (92,180 sq km), pop 8,553,000

Kweichow
― see GUIZHOU

Kweilin
― see GUILIN

kWh
n. kilowatt-hour

KWIC
: a computer-generated index alphabetized on a keyword that appears within a brief context

Ky
n. Kentucky

kyack
: a packsack to be swung on either side of a packsaddle

kyanite
n. : an aluminum silicate mineral Al_2SiO_5 that occurs usually in blue thin-bladed triclinic crystals and crystalline aggregates

kyat
n. ― see MONEY table

kybosh
n. chiefly British variant of kibosh

Kyd
Thomas 1558-1594 Eng. dram.

Kyd
kid glove
kid gloved
with kid gloves
kid leather
kid stuff
latchkey kid
whiz kid
whizz kid

Kyiv
― see KIEV

kymograph
n. : a device which graphically records motion or pressure (as of blood)
–ky·mo·graph·ic \ˌkī-mə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–ky·mog·ra·phy \kī-'mä-grə-fē\ noun

Kymric
variant of cymric

Kynewulf
var of CYNEWULF

Kyoga
lake cen Uganda N of Lake Victoria traversed by the Victoria Nile

Kyoto
n. city Japan in W cen Honshu NNE of Osaka; formerly (794-1869) capital of Japan pop 1,467,785

kyphosis
n. : exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spine resulting in a rounded upper back ― compare LORDOSIS
–ky·phot·ic \-'fä-tik\ adjective

Kyrgyzstan
n. independent country W cen Asia; a constituent republic (Kir·giz Republic or Kir·ghiz Republic \(ˌ)kir-'gēz\) of the U.S.S.R. 1936-91; capital Bishkek area 76,641 sq mi (198,500 sq km), pop 4,526,000

kyrie
n. : a short liturgical prayer that begins with or consists of the words “Lord, have mercy”

kyrie eleison
: KYRIE

kyte
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : BELLY 1
2 chiefly Scottish : BELLY 2

kythe
variant of kithe

Kythera
― see KÍTHIRA

Kyushu
island S Japan S of W end of Honshu area over 16,200 sq mi (41,958 sq km), pop 13,296,054

Kyzyl
town S Russia in Asia capital of Tuva Republic pop 88,000

Kólpos
Amvrakikós Kólpos
Patraïkós Kólpos
Thermaïkós Kólpos
Strimonikós Kólpos

L
n. 1 Lagrangian
2 long
3 loss; losses

l
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 12th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic l
2 : FIFTY ― see NUMBER table
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter l
4 : one designated l especially as the 12th in order or class
5 : something shaped like the letter L specifically : 2ELL 1
6 : 2EL

l
n. 1 lady
2 lake
3 lambert
4 land
5 large
6 late
7 left
8 [Latin libra] pound
9 line
10 liquid
11 lira
12 liter
13 little
14 low

l
n. 1 \ˌlē-(ˌ)vō, ˌel, 'el\ : levorotatory <l-tartaric acid>
2 \ˌel, 'el\ : having a similar configuration at a selected carbon atom to the configuration of levorotatory glyceraldehyde ― usually printed as a small capital <L-fructose>

L'Amour
Louis Dearborn 1908-1988 American writer

L'Aquila
commune cen Italy NE of Rome capital of Abruzzi pop 70,005

L'Enfant
Pierre-Charles 1754-1825 American (Fr.-born) architect & engineer

L'Estrange
Sir Roger 1616-1704 Eng. journalist & translator

l'etat, c'est moi
: the state, it is I

l'etoile du nord
: the star of the north ― motto of Minnesota

L'Hopital's rule
: a theorem in calculus: if at a given point two functions have an infinite limit or zero as a limit and are both differentiable in a neighborhood of this point then the limit of the quotient of the functions is equal to the limit of the quotient of their derivatives provided that this limit exists

l'union fait la force
: union makes strength ― motto of Belgium

L'viv
city W Ukraine pop 802,000

L-asparaginase
: an enzyme that breaks down the physiologically commoner form of asparagine, is obtained especially from bacteria, and is used especially to treat leukemia

L-dopa
: the levorotatory form of dopa that is obtained especially from broad beans or prepared synthetically, is converted to dopamine in the brain, and is used in treating Parkinson's disease ― called also levodopa

L-form
: a variant bacterium formed especially under stressful conditions and usually lacking a cell wall

L-tryptophan
: the levorotatory form of tryptophan that is a precursor of serotonin and was used formerly as a dietary supplement especially to promote sleep and relieve depression

LA
n. 1 law agent
2 legislative assistant
3 Los Angeles
4 Louisiana

La
n. Louisiana

La
n. lanthanum

la
n. chiefly dialect ― used for emphasis or expressing surprise

la
n. : the sixth tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

la
n. Aix la Chapelle
La Camargue
Castilla la Nueva
Castilla la Vieja
La Habana
Jerez de la Frontera
Palos de la Frontera
La Vendée
a la
à la
a la carte
à la carte
a la grecque
à la grecque
a la king
à la king
a la mode
à la mode
creme de la creme
crème de la crème
fa la
la di da
la de da
la dolce vita
la la land
La Nina
La Niñas
La Niña
La Tene
La Tène
Shangri la
a la belle etoile
à la belle étoile
a la bonne heure
à la bonne heure
a la francaise
à la française
a la page
à la page
a la russe
à la russe
avant la lettre
c'est la guerre
c'est la vie
cherchez la femme
gardez la foi
hasta la vista
la belle dame sans merci
la reine le veut
l'union fait la force
nostalgie de la boue
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose
qui va la
vive la difference
vive la différence
vive la reine
vogue la galere
vogue la galère
Calderon de la Barca
Calderón de la Barca
de la Mare
De La Rey
De La Warr
Garcilaso de la Vega
La Bruyere
La Bruyère
La Farge
La Follette
La Fontaine
La Guardia
La Motte Fouque
La Motte Fouqué
La Perouse
La Pérouse
La Rochefoucauld
La Salle
La Tour
La Valliere
La Vallière
La Verendrye
La Vérendrye
Arcos de la Frontera
La Parida
Cache la Poudre
Cap de la Hague
Cap de la Madeleine
Castellon de la Plana
Castellón de la Plana
Coruna La Corunna
Coruña La Corunna
Cumbre La
La Manche
Habana La
Hague Cap de la
La Goulette
Iles de la Societe
Îles de la Société
La Chaux de Fonds
La Coruna
La Coruña
La Crosse
La Florida
La Grange
La Granja
La Guaira
La Habra
La Hogue
La Jolla
La Linea
La Línea
La Louviere
La Louvière
La Mancha
La Mauricie National Park
La Mesa
La Mirada
La Palma
La Paz
La Plata
La Plata Peak
La Porte
La Puente
La Quinta
La Rioja
La Rochelle
La Serena
La Spezia
La Vendee
La Verne
Îles de la Madeleine
Mancha La
Manche La
Parida La
Plata Rio de la
Plata Río de la
Puerto La Cruz
Rio de la Plata
Río de la Plata
Spezia La
La Cumbre
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point

la belle dame sans merci
: the beautiful lady without mercy

La Bruyere
Jean de 1645-1696 Fr. moralist

La Chaux-de-Fonds
commune W Switzerland in Neuchâtel canton in Jura Mountains WNW of Bern pop 36,107

La Coruna
1 province NW Spain in Galicia bordering on the Atlantic area 3041 sq mi (7876 sq km), pop 1,096,027
2 or Co·run·na \kə-'rə-nə\ commune & port, its capital pop 236,379

La Crosse
city W Wis. pop 51,818

la dolce vita
: DOLCE VITA

La Farge
John 1835-1910 American artist

La Farge
Oliver Hazard Perry 1901-1963 American writer & anthropol.

La Florida
city cen Chile; formerly a district of SE Santiago pop 365,674

La Follette
Robert Marion 1855-1925 American polit.

La Fontaine
Jean 1621-1695 Fr. poet

La Goulette
― see HALQ AL-WADI

La Grange
city W Ga. pop 25,998

La Granja
― see SAN ILDEFONSO

La Guaira
city N Venezuela on the Caribbean; port for Caracas pop 20,344

La Guardia
Fi·o·rel·lo \ˌfē-ə-'re-(ˌ)lō\ Henry 1882-1947 American polit.

La Habana
― see HAVANA

La Habra
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 58,974

La Hogue
roadstead NW France in English Channel off E coast of Cotentin Peninsula

La Jolla
a NW section of San Diego, Calif.

La Linea
commune SW Spain on Bay of Algeciras pop 59,437

La Louviere
commune SW Belgium pop 76,535

La Mancha
region S cen Spain in S New Castile
–Man·che·gan \man-'chē-gən, män-'chā-\ adjective or noun

La Mauricie National Park
n. reservation SE Canada in S Quebec

La Mesa
city SW Calif. NE of San Diego pop 54,749

La Mirada
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 46,783

La Motte-Fouque
― see FOUQUÉ

La Nina
n. : an irregularly recurring upwelling of unusually cold water to the ocean surface along the western coast of South America that often occurs following an El Niño and that disrupts typical regional and global weather patterns especially in a manner opposite to that of El Niño

La Palma
island Spain in Canary Islands; chief town Santa Cruz de la Palma area 280 sq mi (728 sq km)

La Paz
1 city, administrative capital of Bolivia E of Lake Titicaca at altitude of 12,001 ft (3658 m), metropolitan area pop 711,036
2 town W Mexico capital of Baja California Sur on La Paz Bay (inlet of Gulf of California) pop 182,418

La Perouse
Comte de 1741-1788 Jean-François de Galoup Fr. navigator & explorer

La Plata
city E Argentina SE of Buenos Aires pop 542,567

La Plata Peak
mountain 14,336 ft (4370 m) cen Colo. in Sawatch Mountains

La Porte
city SE Tex. on Galveston Bay pop 31,880

La Puente
city SW Calif. ESE of Los Angeles pop 41,063

La Quinta
city S Calif. SE of Palm Springs pop 23,694

la reine le veut
: the queen wills it

La Rioja
province N Spain along the upper Ebro capital Logroño area 1944 sq mi (5035 sq km), pop 276,702

La Rochefoucauld
François 1613-1680 Duc de La Rochefoucauld Fr. writer & moralist

La Rochelle
city & port W France pop 76,711

La Salle
Sieur de 1643-1687 René-Robert Cavelier Fr. explorer in America

La Serena
city N cen Chile pop 160,148

La Spezia
city & port NW Italy in Liguria pop 95,091

La Tene
: of or relating to the later period of the Iron Age in Europe assumed to date from 500 B.C. to A.D. 1

La Tour
Georges de 1593-1652 Fr. painter

La Tour
Maurice-Quentin de 1704-1788 Fr. painter

La Valliere
v. Duchesse de 1644-1710 Françoise-Louise de La Baume Le Blanc mistress of Louis XIV of France

La Vendee
v. ― see VENDÉE

La Verendrye
v. Sieur de 1685-1749 Pierre Gaultier de Varennes Canad. explorer in America

La Verne
v. city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 31,638

La'youn
― see AAIÚN (El)

la-di-da
: affectedly refined in manners or tastes : PRETENTIOUS, ELEGANT

la-la land
: a euphoric dreamlike mental state detached from the harsher realities of life

laager
n. 1 South African : CAMP especially : an encampment protected by a circle of wagons or armored vehicles
2 : a defensive position, policy, or attitude
–laager intransitive verb

laari
― see rufiyaa at MONEY table

Laayoune
― see AAIÚN (El)

Lab
n. : LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Lab
n. Labrador

lab
n. : LABORATORY

lab coat
: a loose usually white coat with deep pockets that is worn in a laboratory or medical office

labanotation
: a method of recording bodily movement (as in dance) on a staff by means of symbols (as of direction) that can be aligned with musical accompaniment

labarum
n. : an imperial standard of the later Roman emperors resembling the vexillum especially : the standard bearing the Chi-Rho adopted by Constantine after his conversion to Christianity

labdanum
n. : a soft dark fragrant bitter oleoresin derived from various rockroses (genus Cistus) and used in making perfumes

Labe
― see ELBE

label
n. 1 archaic : BAND, FILLET specifically : one attached to a document to hold an appended seal
2 : a heraldic charge that consists of a narrow horizontal band with usually three pendants
3 a : a slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description b : written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information c : a descriptive or identifying word or phrase: as (1) : EPITHET (2) : a word or phrase used with a dictionary definition to provide additional information d : a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling
4 : an adhesive stamp (as for postage or revenue)
5 a (1) : a brand of commercial recordings issued under a usually trademarked name (2) : a recording so issued (3) : a company issuing such recordings b : the brand name of a retail store selling clothing, a clothing manufacturer, or a fashion designer

label
1 a : to affix a label to b : to describe or designate with or as if with a label
2 a : to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity) b : to distinguish (as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (as a dye or labeled atom)
–la·bel·able \'lā-bə-lə-bəl\ adjective
–la·bel·er \'lā-b(ə-)lər\ noun

label
n. off label
open label
private label
self labeled

labellum
n. 1 : the median and usually most morphologically distinct member of the corolla of an orchid
2 : a terminal part of the labium or labrum of various insects

labia
n. plural of labium

labia majora
: the outer fatty folds of the vulva bounding the vestibule

labia minora
: the inner highly vascular largely connective-tissue folds of the vulva bounding the vestibule

labial
n. 1 : uttered with the participation of one or both lips <the labial sounds \f\, \p\, and \ü\>
2 : of, relating to, or situated near the lips or labia
–la·bi·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

labial
n. : a labial consonant

labialize
v. : to make labial : ROUND 1B(2)
–la·bi·al·i·za·tion \ˌlā-bē-ə-lə-'zā-shən, -byə-lə-\ noun

labiate
n. 1 : having the limb of a tubular corolla or calyx divided into two unequal parts projecting one over the other like lips <mints and the snapdragon are labiate>
2 : of or relating to the mint family

labiate
n. : a plant of the mint family

labile
adj. 1 : readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change or breakdown : UNSTABLE <a labile mineral>
2 : readily open to change
–la·bil·i·ty \lā-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

labio
: labial and <labiodental>

labiodental
n. : uttered with the participation of the lip and teeth <the labiodental sounds \f\ and \v\>
–labiodental noun

labiovelar
n. : both labial and velar <the labiovelar sound \w\>
–labiovelar noun

labium
n. 1 : any of the folds at the margin of the vulva ― compare LABIA MAJORA, LABIA MINORA
2 : the lower lip of a labiate corolla
3 a : a lower mouthpart of an insect that is formed by the second pair of maxillae united in the middle line b : a liplike part of various invertebrates

labor
n. 1 a : expenditure of physical or mental effort especially when difficult or compulsory b (1) : human activity that provides the goods or services in an economy (2) : the services performed by workers for wages as distinguished from those rendered by entrepreneurs for profits c : the physical activities (as dilation of the cervix and contraction of the uterus) involved in giving birth also : the period of such labor
2 : an act or process requiring labor : TASK
3 : a product of labor
4 a : an economic group comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages b (1) : workers employed in an establishment (2) : workers available for employment c : the organizations or officials representing groups of workers
5 usually Labour : the Labour party of the United Kingdom or of another part of the Commonwealth of Nations
synonyms see WORK

labor
n. intransitive verb
1 : to exert one's powers of body or mind especially with painful or strenuous effort : WORK
2 : to move with great effort <the truck labored up the hill>
3 : to be in the labor of giving birth
4 : to suffer from some disadvantage or distress <labor under a delusion>
5 of a ship : to pitch or roll heavily
transitive verb
1 archaic a : to spend labor on or produce by labor b : to strive to effect or achieve
2 : to treat or work out in often laborious detail <labor the obvious>
3 : DISTRESS, BURDEN
4 : to cause to labor

labor
n. 1 : of or relating to labor
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting a political party held to represent the interests of workers or made up largely of organized labor groups

labor
n. division of labor
hard labor
labor camp
Labor Day
labor force
labor intensive
labor union
stoop labor
hoc opus hic labor est
labor omnia vincit

labor camp
1 : a penal colony where forced labor is performed
2 : a camp for migratory laborers

Labor Day
: a day set aside for special recognition of working people: as a : the first Monday in September observed in the U.S. and Canada as a legal holiday b : May 1 in many countries

labor force
: WORKFORCE

labor omnia vincit
: labor conquers all things ― motto of Oklahoma

labor union
: an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions

labor-intensive
: having high labor costs per unit of output especially : requiring greater expenditure on labor than in capital

laborare est orare
: to work is to pray

laboratory
n. 1 a : a place equipped for experimental study in a science or for testing and analysis broadly : a place providing opportunity for experimentation, observation, or practice in a field of study b : a place like a laboratory for testing, experimentation, or practice <the laboratory of the mind>
2 : an academic period set aside for laboratory work

labored
adj. : produced or performed with labor <labored breathing> also : lacking ease of expression <a labored speech>

laborer
n. : one that labors specifically : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

laborious
adj. 1 : devoted to labor : INDUSTRIOUS
2 : involving or characterized by hard or toilsome effort : LABORED
–la·bo·ri·ous·ly adverb
–la·bo·ri·ous·ness noun

laborite
n. 1 : a member of a group favoring the interests of labor
2 capitalized a : a member of a political party devoted chiefly to the interests of labor b usually La·bour·ite : a member of the British Labour party

laborsaving
adj. : adapted to replace or decrease human and especially manual labor <laborsaving machines>

labour
n. chiefly British variant of labor

Labrador
n. 1 peninsula E Canada bet. Hudson Bay & the Atlantic; divided bet. Que. & Nfld. & Lab. area 625,000 sq mi (1,618,750 sq km)
2 the section of the peninsula belonging to Nfld. & Lab. 102,485 sq mi (265,436 sq km)
–Lab·ra·dor·ean or Lab·ra·dor·ian \ˌla-brə-'dȯr-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Labrador
n. Labrador retriever
Labrador tea
Labrador Sea
Newfoundland and Labrador

Labrador retriever
: any of a breed of medium-sized strongly built retrievers largely developed in England from stock originating in Newfoundland and having a short dense black, yellow, or chocolate coat and a thick rounded tail ― called also Lab Labrador

Labrador Sea
arm of the Atlantic bet. Labrador & Greenland

Labrador tea
: a low-growing ericaceous evergreen shrub (Ledum groenlandicum) chiefly of northern No. America with white or creamy bell-shaped flowers and leaves sometimes used in making tea also : a related shrub (L. glandulosum) of western No. America

labradorite
n. : an iridescent feldspar used especially in jewelry

labret
n. : an ornament worn in a perforation of the lip

labrum
n. 1 : an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles
2 : a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the pectoral girdle

Labuan
island Malaysia off W coast of Sabah pop 14,904

laburnum
n. : any of a small genus (Laburnum, especially L. anagyroides) of poisonous leguminous shrubs and trees of Eurasia with pendulous racemes of bright yellow flowers

labyrinth
n. 1 a : a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys b : a maze (as in a garden) formed by paths separated by high hedges
2 : something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character : INTRICACY, PERPLEXITY <a labyrinth of swamps and channels> <guided them through the labyrinths of city life ― Paul Blanshard>
3 : a tortuous anatomical structure especially : the internal ear or its bony or membranous part

labyrinthian
adj. : LABYRINTHINE

labyrinthine
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth : INTRICATE, INVOLVED
2 : of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the internal ear <labyrinthine lesions>

labyrinthodont
: any of a superorder (Labyrinthodontia) of extinct amphibians of the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic typically having bodies resembling salamanders or crocodiles and considered to be the earliest tetrapod vertebrates
–labyrinthodont adjective

lac
n. : a resinous substance secreted by a scale insect (Laccifer lacca) and used chiefly in the form of shellac

lac
n. Fond du Lac
Grand Lac
Lac Mai Ndombe
Mai Ndombe Lac
Lac Saint Jean

Lac Mai-Ndombe
― see MAI-NDOMBE (Lac)

Lacan
n. Jacques-Marie-Émile 1901-1981 Fr. psychoanalyst
–Lacanian adjective

Laccadive Islands
islands India in Arabian Sea N of the Maldives

laccolith
n. : a mass of igneous rock that is intruded between sedimentary beds and produces a domical bulging of the overlying strata
–lac·co·lith·ic \ˌla-kə-'li-thik\ adjective

lace
n. transitive verb
1 : to draw together the edges of by or as if by a lace passed through eyelets <laces her fingers behind her head>
2 : to draw or pass (as a lace) through something (as eyelets)
3 : to confine or compress by tightening laces of a garment
4 a : to adorn with or as if with lace <the surrounding countryside was laced with villages and hamlets ― L. C. Heinemann> b : to mark with streaks of color
5 : BEAT, LASH
6 a : to add a dash of liquor to b : to add something to impart pungency, savor, or zest to <a sauce laced with garlic> <conversation laced with sarcasm> c : to adulterate with a substance <laced a guard's coffee with a sedative>
intransitive verb
1 : to admit of being tied or fastened with a lace
2 : to make a verbal attack ― usually used with into <his boss laced into him for being late>
–lac·er noun

lace
n. 1 : a cord or string used for drawing together two edges (as of a garment or a shoe)
2 : an ornamental braid for trimming coats or uniforms
3 : an openwork usually figured fabric made of thread or yarn and used for trimmings, household coverings, and entire garments
–laced \'lāst\ adjective
–lace·less \'lās-ləs\ adjective
–lace·like \'lās-ˌlīk\ adjective

lace
n. Brussels lace
Chantilly lace
lace curtain
pillow lace
point lace
Queen Anne's lace

lace-curtain
: copying middle-class attributes : aspiring to middle-class standing

Lacedaemon
― see SPARTA
–Lac·e·dae·mo·nian \ˌla-sə-di-'mō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

lacerate
adj. 1 : to tear or rend roughly : wound jaggedly
2 : to cause sharp mental or emotional pain to : DISTRESS
–lac·er·a·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

lacerate
adj. 1 a : torn jaggedly : MANGLED b : extremely harrowed or distracted
2 : having the edges deeply and irregularly cut <a lacerate petal>

laceration
n. 1 : the act of lacerating
2 : a torn and ragged wound

lacewing
n. : any of various neuropterous insects (as genera Chrysopa and Hemerobius) having delicate lacelike wing venation, usually long antennae, and often brilliant eyes ― called also lacewing fly

lacework
n. : objects or patterns consisting of or resembling lace

Lacey
city W Wash. E of Olympia pop 31,226

lacey
variant of lacy

Lachaise
Gaston 1882-1935 American (Fr.-born) sculptor

laches
n. : negligence in the observance of duty or opportunity specifically : undue delay in asserting a legal right or privilege

Lachine
town Canada in S Que. above the Lachine Rapids on St. Lawrence River SW of Montreal pop 40,222

Lachish
city of ancient Palestine W of Hebron

Lachlan
river 800 mi (1287 km) SE Australia in cen New South Wales flowing W into the Murrumbidgee

lachrymal
n. 1 usually lacrimal : of, relating to, or being glands that produce tears
2 : of, relating to, or marked by tears

lachrymose
adj. 1 : given to tears or weeping : TEARFUL
2 : tending to cause tears : MOURNFUL
–lach·ry·mose·ly adverb
–lach·ry·mos·i·ty \ˌla-krə-'mä-sə-tē\ noun

lacing
n. 1 : the action of one that laces
2 : something that laces : LACE
3 : a contrasting marginal band of color (as on a feather)
4 a : a dash of liquor in a food or beverage b : a trace or sprinkling that adds spice or flavor
5 : a decisive defeat

laciniate
adj. : bordered with a fringe especially : cut into deep irregular usually pointed lobes <laciniate leaves>
–la·cin·i·a·tion \-ˌsi-nē-'ā-shən\ noun

lack
n. 1 : to be deficient or missing <time is lacking for a full explanation>
2 : to be short or have need of something <he will not lack for advisers>
transitive verb : to stand in need of : suffer from the absence or deficiency of <lack the necessities of life>

lack
n. 1 : the fact or state of being wanting or deficient <a lack of evidence>
2 : something that is lacking or is needed

lackadaisical
adj. : lacking life, spirit, or zest : LANGUID
synonyms see LANGUID
–lack·a·dai·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lackaday
archaic ― used to express regret or deprecation

lackey
n. 1 a : FOOTMAN 2, SERVANT b : someone who does menial tasks or runs errands for another
2 : a servile follower : TOADY

lackey
n. intransitive verb archaic : to serve as a lackey : TOADY
transitive verb : to wait upon or serve obsequiously

lackluster
n. : lacking in sheen, brilliance, or vitality : DULL, MEDIOCRE
–lackluster noun

lacklustre
adj. chiefly British variant of lackluster

Laconia
n. ancient country S Greece in SE Peloponnese bordering on the Aegean & the Mediterranean capital Sparta
–La·co·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Laconia, Gulf of
inlet of the Mediterranean on S coast of Greece in Peloponnese bet. Capes Taínaron & Malea

laconic
adj. : using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
synonyms see CONCISE
–la·con·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

laconism
n. 1 : brevity or terseness of expression or style <a laconism bordering on curt ― B. S. Shanoff>
2 : a laconic expression

lacquer
n. 1 a : a spirit varnish (as shellac) b : any of various durable natural varnishes especially : a varnish obtained from an Asian sumac (Rhus verniciflua) ― called also Japanese lacquer
2 : any of various clear or colored synthetic organic coatings that typically dry to form a film by evaporation of the solvent especially : a solution of a cellulose derivative (as nitrocellulose)

lacquer
n. 1 : to coat with or as if with lacquer
2 : to give a smooth finish or appearance to : make glossy <lacquered her hair>
–lac·quer·er \-kər-ər\ noun

lacquerware
n. : a decorative article usually made of wood and coated with lacquer also : such articles or ware collectively

lacquerwork
n. : LACQUERWARE

lacrimae
hinc illae lacrimae
lacrimae rerum
sunt lacrimae rerum

lacrimae rerum
: tears for things : pity for misfortune also : tears in things : tragedy of life

lacrimation
n. : the secretion of tears especially when abnormal or excessive

lacrimator
n. : a tear-producing substance (as tear gas)

lacrosse
n. : a goal game in which players use a long-handled stick that has a triangular head with a mesh pouch for catching, carrying, and throwing the ball

lact
1 : milk <lactoglobulin>
2 a : lactic acid <lactate> b : lactose <lactase>

lactalbumin
n. : an albumin that is obtained from whey and is similar to serum albumin

lactase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes beta-galactosides (as lactose) and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts

lactate
n. : a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate
n. : to secrete milk
–lac·ta·tion \lak-'tā-shən\ noun
–lac·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

lactate dehydrogenase
: any of a group of isoenzymes that catalyze reversibly the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid ― called also lactic dehydrogenase

lacteal
n. 1 : relating to, consisting of, producing, or resembling milk
2 a : conveying or containing a milky fluid b : of or relating to the lacteals

lacteal
n. : any of the lymphatic vessels arising from the villi of the small intestine and conveying chyle to the thoracic duct

lactic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to milk b : obtained from sour milk or whey
2 : involving the production of lactic acid

lactic acid
: a hygroscopic organic acid C_3H_6O_3 present normally especially in muscle tissue as a product of anaerobic glycolysis, produced in carbohydrate matter usually by bacterial fermentation, and used especially in food and medicine and in industry

lactiferous
adj. 1 : yielding a milky juice <lactiferous plants>
2 : secreting or conveying milk

lacto
lacto ovo vegetarian
ovo lacto vegetarian
lacto vegetarian

lacto-ovo vegetarian
: a vegetarian whose diet includes dairy products, eggs, vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts ― called also ovo-lacto vegetarian ― compare LACTO-VEGETARIAN

lacto-vegetarian
: a vegetarian whose diet includes dairy products, vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts ― compare LACTO-OVO VEGETARIAN

lactobacillus
n. : any of a genus (Lactobacillus) of bacteria that produce lactic acid

lactogenic
adj. : inducing lactation <lactogenic hormones>

lactoglobulin
n. : a crystalline protein fraction that is obtained from the whey of milk

lactone
n. : any of various cyclic esters formed from hydroxy acids
–lac·ton·ic \lak-'tä-nik\ adjective

lactose
n. : a disaccharide sugar C_12H_22O_11 that is present in milk and yields glucose and galactose upon hydrolysis and yields especially lactic acid upon fermentation

lacuna
n. 1 : a blank space or a missing part : GAP <the evident lacunae in his story ― Shirley Hazzard> also : DEFICIENCY 1 <despite all these lacunae, those reforms were a vast improvement ― New Republic>
2 : a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure
–la·cu·nar \-'kü-nər, -'kyü-\ also la·cu·nate \lə-'kü-nət, -'kyü-, -ˌnāt; 'la-kyə-ˌnāt\ adjective

Lacus
Albanus Lacus
Asphaltites Lacus
Lacus Asphaltites

lacustrine
adj. : of, relating to, formed in, living in, or growing in lakes <lacustrine deposits> <lacustrine faunas>

lacy
adj. : resembling or consisting of lace

lad
n. 1 : a male person of any age between early boyhood and maturity : BOY, YOUTH
2 : FELLOW, CHAP

Ladakh
district N India in E Kashmir on border of Tibet capital Leh area 45,762 sq mi (118,981 sq km)
–La·dakhi \-'dä-kē\ adjective or noun

ladanum
n. variant of labdanum

ladder
n. 1 : a structure for climbing up or down that consists essentially of two long sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces on which one may step
2 : something that resembles or suggests a ladder in form or use especially : RUN 11A
3 : a series of usually ascending steps or stages : SCALE <climbing up the corporate ladder>
–lad·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

ladder
n. accommodation ladder
aerial ladder
fish ladder
hook and ladder truck
ladder truck
hook and ladder
Jacob's ladder
ladder back

ladder truck
: HOOK AND LADDER TRUCK

ladder-back
of furniture : having a back consisting of two upright posts connected by horizontal slats

laddie
n. : a young lad

lade
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put a load or burden on or in : LOAD b : to put or place as a load especially for shipment : SHIP c : to load heavily or oppressively
2 : DIP, LADLE
intransitive verb
1 : to take on cargo : LOAD <a place for ships to lade>
2 : to take up or convey a liquid by dipping

laden
adj. : LADE

laden
adj. : carrying a load or burden

ladies
n. chiefly British : LADIES' ROOM

ladies
n. ladies' man
ladies' room
ladies' tresses
ladies in waiting
quaker ladies

ladies' man
: a man who shows a marked fondness for the company of women or is especially attentive to women

ladies' room
: a room equipped with lavatories and toilets for the use of women

ladies' tresses
: any of a widely distributed genus (Spiranthes) of terrestrial orchids with slender often twisted spikes of white irregular flowers

Ladin
n. 1 a : a Rhaeto-Romance dialect of Alto Adige in northern Italy b : the Rhaeto-Romance dialects of the Engadine Valley in Switzerland
2 : one speaking Ladin as a mother tongue

lading
1 a : LOADING 1 b : an act of bailing, dipping, or ladling
2 : CARGO, FREIGHT

ladino
n. 1 often capitalized [American Spanish] : a westernized Spanish-speaking Latin American especially : MESTIZO
2 capitalized [Judeo-Spanish, from Old Spanish] : JUDEO-SPANISH

ladino clover
: a large nutritious rapidly growing clover that is a variety of white clover and is widely planted especially for forage ― called also ladino

ladle
n. 1 : a deep-bowled long-handled spoon used especially for dipping up and conveying liquids
2 : something resembling a ladle in form or function
–la·dle·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

ladle
n. : to take up and convey in or as if in a ladle

Ladoga, Lake
lake W Russia in Europe near St. Petersburg area 6835 sq mi (17,703 sq km); largest in Europe

Ladrone Islands
― see MARIANA ISLANDS

lady
n. 1 a : a woman having proprietary rights or authority especially as a feudal superior b : a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover
2 capitalized : VIRGIN MARY ― usually used with Our
3 a : a woman of superior social position b : a woman of refinement and gentle manners c : WOMAN, FEMALE ― often used in a courteous reference <show the lady to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>
4 a : WIFE b : GIRLFRIEND, MISTRESS
5 a : any of various titled women in Great Britain ― used as the customary title of (1) a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness or (2) the wife of a knight, baronet, member of the peerage, or one having the courtesy title of lord and used as a courtesy title for the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl b : a woman who is a member of an order of knighthood ― compare DAME

lady
n. lady beetle
Lady of the Lake
bag lady
dragon lady
first lady
lady's man
lady apple
lady chapel
Lady Day
lady in waiting
lady killer
lady of the house
lady's mantle
lady's slipper
lady slipper
lady's smock
lady's thumb
leading lady
old lady
painted lady
pink lady
ladies' man
ladies' room
ladies' tresses
ladies in waiting
quaker ladies

lady apple
: a small red to yellow apple used especially as a garnish

lady chapel
: a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary

Lady Day
: ANNUNCIATION 1

lady of the house

1601
: the chief female in a household

Lady of the Lake

15th century
: VIVIAN

lady's mantle
: any of a genus (Alchemilla) of widely distributed perennial herbaceous plants of the rose family especially : one (A. mollis) cultivated as a garden plant for its large circular grayish-green hairy leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers

lady's slipper
: any of several No. American temperate-zone orchids (as of the genus Cypripedium) having flowers whose shape suggests a slipper ― called also lady slipper

lady's thumb
: a widely distributed weedy annual herb (Polygonum persicaria) of the buckwheat family that has large lanceolate leaves often with a blackish blotch suggesting a thumbprint

lady's-smock
: CUCKOOFLOWER 1

lady-in-waiting
: a lady of a queen's or a princess's household appointed to wait on her

lady-killer
: a man who is extremely attractive to women

ladybug
n. : any of numerous small nearly hemispherical often brightly colored often spotted beetles (family Coccinellidae) of temperate and tropical regions that usually feed both as larvae and adults on other insects (as aphids) ― called also lady beetle ladybird ladybird beetle

ladyfinger
n. : a small finger-shaped sponge cake

ladyfish
1 : BONEFISH 1
2 : a large silvery bony fish (Elops saurus) of the western Atlantic that is related to the tarpon and is often caught for sport

ladylike
adj. 1 : becoming or suitable to a lady
2 : resembling a lady in appearance or manners : WELL-BRED
3 a : feeling or showing too much concern about elegance or propriety <ladylike embarrassment at not being the wife of a real doctor ― Lewis Vogler> b : lacking in strength, force, or virility

ladylove
n. : SWEETHEART, MISTRESS

ladyship
n. : the condition of being a lady : rank of lady ― used as a title for a woman having the rank of lady <her Ladyship is not at home> <if your Ladyship please>

Ladysmith
city E Republic of South Africa in W KwaZulu-Natal pop 28,920

Lae
city Papua New Guinea on Huon Gulf pop 78,692

Laertes
1 : the father of Odysseus in Greek mythology
2 : the son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Laetare Sunday
: the fourth Sunday in Lent

laetrile
n. : a drug derived especially from apricot pits that contains amygdalin and has been used in the treatment of cancer although of unproved effectiveness

Lafayette
n. Marquis de 1757-1834 Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier Fr. gen. & statesman

Lafayette
n. 1 city W Calif. E of Berkeley pop 23,908
2 city N cen Colo. NNW of Denver pop 23,197
3 city W cen Ind. pop 56,397
4 city S La. pop 110,257

Laffite
Jean ca 1780-ca 1826 Fr. pirate in America

LaFontaine
Sir Louis Hippolyte 1807-1864 Canad. polit.

lag
n. 1 : one that lags or is last
2 a : the act or the condition of lagging b : comparative slowness or retardation c (1) : an amount of lagging or the time during which lagging continues (2) : a space of time especially between related events or phenomena : INTERVAL
3 : the action of lagging for opening shot (as in marbles or billiards)
4 : a usually long putt struck with the aim of having the ball stop near the hole

lag
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to stay or fall behind : LINGER, LOITER b : to move, function, or develop with comparative slowness c : to become retarded in attaining maximum value
2 : to slacken or weaken gradually : FLAG
3 : to toss or roll a marble toward a line or a cue ball toward the head cushion to determine order of play
4 : to hit a lag putt
transitive verb
1 : to lag behind <current that lags the voltage>
2 : to pitch or shoot (as a coin or marble) at a mark
3 : to hit (a golf ball or putt) with the aim of having the ball stop near the hole
synonyms see DELAY
–lag·ger noun

lag
n. : LAST, HINDMOST

lag
n. 1 : a barrel stave
2 : a stave, slat, or strip (as of wood or asbestos) forming part of a covering for a cylindrical object

lag
n. : to cover or provide with lags

lag
n. 1 slang chiefly British : to transport or jail for crime
2 slang chiefly British : ARREST

lag
n. 1 slang chiefly British a : a person transported for crime b : CONVICT c : an ex-convict
2 slang chiefly British : a jail sentence : STRETCH

lag
n. jet lag
Lag b'Omer
time lag
jet lagged

Lag b'Omer
: a Jewish holiday falling on the 33d day of the Omer and commemorating the heroism of Bar Kokhba and Akiba ben Joseph

lagan
n. : goods thrown into the sea with a buoy attached so that they may be found again

Lagash
ancient city of Sumer bet. the Euphrates & the Tigris at modern village of Telloh \te-'lō\ in S Iraq

lager
n. : a beer brewed by slow fermentation and matured under refrigeration

Lagerkvist
Pär Fabian 1891-1974 Swed. dram., poet, & nov.

Lagerlof
Selma Ottiliana Lovisa 1858-1940 Swed. nov. & poet

laggard
n. : lagging or tending to lag : DILATORY
–lag·gard·ly adverb or adjective
–lag·gard·ness noun

laggard
n. : one that lags or lingers

lagging
n. : a lag or material used for making lags: as a : material for thermal insulation especially around a cylindrical object b : planking used especially for preventing cave-ins in earthwork or for supporting an arch during construction

lagniappe
n. : a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

Lagoa dos Patos
― see PATOS (Lagoa dos)

lagomorph
n. : any of an order (Lagomorpha) of gnawing herbivorous mammals having two pairs of incisors in the upper jaw one behind the other and comprising the rabbits, hares, and pikas

lagoon
n. 1 : a shallow sound, channel, or pond near or communicating with a larger body of water
2 : a shallow artificial pool or pond (as for the processing of sewage or storage of a liquid)
–la·goon·al \-'gü-nəl\ adjective

Lagos
n. city & port SW Nigeria on an offshore island in Bight of Benin & on mainland opposite the island; its former capital pop 1,340,000

Lagrange
n. Joseph-Louis 1736-1813 Comte de Lagrange Fr. math.

Lagrangian
: a function that describes the state of a dynamic system in terms of position coordinates and their time derivatives and that is equal to the difference between the potential energy and kinetic energy ― compare HAMILTONIAN

Laguna
n. Laguna Beach
Laguna Hills
Laguna Madre
Laguna Niguel
Madre Laguna

Laguna Beach
city SW Calif. SE of Long Beach pop 23,727

Laguna Hills
city S Calif. SE of Santa Ana pop 31,178

Laguna Madre
― see MADRE (Laguna)

Laguna Niguel
n. city S Calif. pop 61,891

lah
n. lah di dah
lah dee dah
lah de dah

lah-de-dah
variant of la-di-da

lahar
n. : a moving fluid mass composed of volcanic debris and water

Lahnda
: an Indo-Aryan dialect group of eastern Pakistan

Lahore
n. city Pakistan in E Punjab province near the Ravi pop 5,143,495

Lahti
city S Finland NNE of Helsinki pop 97,543

laical
adj. : of or relating to the laity : SECULAR
–laic noun
–la·ical·ly \'lā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

laicism
n. : a political system characterized by the exclusion of ecclesiastical control and influence

laicize
v. 1 : to reduce to lay status
2 : to put under the direction of or open to the laity
–la·i·ci·za·tion \ˌlā-ə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

laid
adj. past and past part of lay

laid
adj. cable laid
hawser laid
laid back
laid backness
laid paper
plain laid
twice laid

laid paper
: paper watermarked with fine lines running across the grain ― compare WOVE PAPER

laid-back
: having a relaxed style or character <laid-back music>
–laid-back·ness \-nəs\ noun

lain
past part of lie

Laing
R(onald) D(avid) 1927-1989 Brit. psychiatrist
–Laing·ian \-ē-ən\ adjective

lair
n. 1 dialect British : a resting or sleeping place : BED
2 a : the resting or living place of a wild animal : DEN b : a refuge or place for hiding

lair
n. transitive verb chiefly Scottish : to cause to sink in mire
intransitive verb chiefly Scottish : WALLOW

laird
n. chiefly Scottish : a landed proprietor
–laird·ly \-lē\ adjective

laisser
n. laisser faire
laisser passer
laisser aller

laisser-faire
chiefly British variant of laissez-faire

laisser-passer
chiefly British variant of laissez-passer

laissez
n. laissez faire
laissez passer
laissez aller

laissez-aller
: letting go : lack of restraint

laissez-faire
1 : a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights
2 : a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference especially with individual freedom of choice and action
–laissez-faire adjective

laissez-passer
: PERMIT, PASS

laitance
: an accumulation of fine particles on the surface of fresh concrete due to an upward movement of water (as when excessive mixing water is used)

laity
n. 1 : the people of a religious faith as distinguished from its clergy
2 : the mass of the people as distinguished from those of a particular profession or those specially skilled

Laius
: a king of Thebes slain by his son Oedipus in fulfillment of an oracle

Lajas
city SW Puerto Rico pop 26,261

Lake
n. Simon 1866-1945 American naval architect

lake
n. : a considerable inland body of standing water also : a pool of other liquid (as lava, oil, or pitch)
–lake·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

lake
n. 1 a : a purplish red pigment prepared from lac or cochineal b : any of numerous usually bright translucent organic pigments composed essentially of a soluble dye absorbed on or combined with an inorganic carrier
2 : CARMINE 2
–laky \'lā-kē\ adjective

lake
n. transitive verb : to cause (blood) to undergo a physiological change in which the hemoglobin becomes dissolved in the plasma
intransitive verb of blood : to undergo the process by which hemoglobin becomes dissolved in the plasma

lake
n. Lake Ijssel
Lady of the Lake
lake dwelling
lake dweller
lake effect
lake herring
lake trout
salt lake
Albano Lake
Albert Lake
Lake Aral
Athabasca Lake
Avernus Lake
Baikal Lake
Lake Baykal
Baker Lake
Balaton Lake
Balkhash Lake
Bangweulu Lake
Baykal Lake
Bolsena Lake
Borgne Lake
Bras d'Or Lake
Buenos Aires Lake
Caddo Lake
Chad Lake
Champlain Lake
Chapala Lake
Chelan Lake
Coeur d'Alene Lake
Constance Lake
Crater Lake
Crystal Lake
Dubawnt Lake
Eagle Lake
Edward Lake
Erie Lake
Eyre Lake
Fort Peck Lake
Francis Case Lake
Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake
Gairdner Lake
Garda Lake
Gatun Lake
Geneva Lake
Lake Leman
Gennesaret Lake of
George Lake
Great Bear Lake
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake Desert
Great Slave Lake
Harney Lake
Hopatcong Lake
Humboldt Lake
Huron Lake
Iliamna Lake
Iseo Lake
Itasca Lake
Izabal Lake
Kariba Lake
Keuka Lake
Kivu Lake
Ladoga Lake
Lake Charles
Lake Clark National Park
Lake District
Lake Elsinore
Lake Forest
Lake Havasu City
Lake in the Hills
Lake Jackson
Lake Oswego
Lake Worth
Leman Lake
Leopold II Lake
Lesser Slave Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake
Louise Lake
Lower Klamath Lake
Lucerne Lake of
Lugano Lake
Maggiore Lake
Lake Leopold II
Malawi Lake
Lake Nyasa
Malheur Lake
Managua Lake
Manitoba Lake
Manzala Lake
Maracaibo Lake
Mead Lake
Melville Lake
Memphremagog Lake
Mendota Lake
Michigan Lake
Mirim Lake
Mono Lake
Moosehead Lake
Muskoka Lake
Nasser Lake
Ngami Lake
Nipigon Lake
Nipissing Lake
No Lake
Nyasa Lake
Okeechobee Lake
Onega Lake
Oneida Lake
Ontario Lake
Owasco Lake
Ozarks Lake of the
Pepin Lake
Placid Lake
Pontchartrain Lake
Poopo Lake
Poopó Lake
Powell Lake
Pyramid Lake
Rainy Lake
Red Lake
Reindeer Lake
Round Lake Beach
Rudolf Lake
Saint Clair Lake
Saint Francis Lake
Saint Jean Lake
Saint Lawrence Lake
Saint Louis Lake
Saint Peter Lake
Sakakawea Lake
Salt Lake City
Saratoga Lake
Scutari Lake
Sebago Lake
Seminole Lake
Seneca Lake
Simcoe Lake
Skaneateles Lake
South Lake Tahoe
Superior Lake
Tahoe Lake
Tana Lake
Tanganyika Lake
Tanis Lake
Thun Lake of
Tiberias Lake
Timagami Lake
Titicaca Lake
Tohopekaliga Lake
Torrens Lake
Trasimeno Lake
Traverse Lake
Tulare Lake
Turkana Lake
Lake Rudolf
Upper Klamath Lake
Utah Lake
Victoria Lake
Washington Lake
White Bear Lake
Winnebago Lake
Winnipeg Lake
Winnipegosis Lake
Winnipesaukee Lake
Woods Lake of the
Worth Lake
Zug Lake of
Zurich Lake of
Lake of Gennesaret
Lake Tiberias
Bitter Lakes
Finger Lakes
Great Lakes
Kawartha Lakes
Killarney Lakes of
Lauderdale Lakes
Rangeley Lakes

Lake Charles
city SW La. pop 71,757

Lake Clark National Park
n. reservation S cen Alaska WSW of Anchorage

Lake District
area NW England in S Cumbria & NW Lancashire containing many lakes & peaks

lake dwelling
: a dwelling built on piles in a lake specifically : one built in prehistoric times
–lake dweller noun

lake effect
: a meteorological phenomenon in which warm moist air rising from a body of water mixes with cold dry air overhead resulting in precipitation especially downwind ― usually hyphenated when used attributively <lake-effect snows>

Lake Elsinore
city S Calif. SE of Santa Ana pop 28,928

Lake Forest
city S Calif. SE of Santa Ana pop 58,707

Lake Havasu City
city W Ariz. pop 41,938

lake herring
: a cisco (Coregonus artedii) found from the Mississippi River basin, Great Lakes, and St. Lawrence River northward and important as a commercial food fish

Lake in the Hills
village NE Ill. WNW of Chicago pop 23,152

Lake Jackson
city SE Tex. S of Houston pop 26,386

Lake Oswego
city NW Oreg. S of Portland pop 35,278

lake trout
: any of various trout and salmon found in lakes especially : MACKINAW TROUT

Lake Worth
city SE Fla. on Lake Worth (lagoon) S of W. Palm Beach pop 35,133

lakefront
n. : an area fronting on a lake

Lakeland
n. city cen Fla. E of Tampa pop 78,452

Lakeland terrier
: any of an English breed of rather small harsh-coated terriers

laker
n. : one associated with a lake especially : a fish (as a lake trout) living in or taken from a lake

lakeshore
n. : the shore of a lake also : LAKEFRONT

lakeside
n. : LAKEFRONT

Lakeville
village SE Minn. SE of Minneapolis pop 43,128

Lakewood
1 city SW Calif. NE of Long Beach pop 79,345
2 city N cen Colo. W of Denver pop 144,126
3 city NE Ohio on Lake Erie W of Cleveland pop 56,646
4 city W cen Wash., a suburb of Tacoma pop 58,211

lakh
n. 1 : one hundred thousand <50 lakhs of rupees>
2 : a great number
–lakh adjective

Lakota
n. 1 : a member of a western division of the Dakota peoples
2 : a dialect of Dakota

Lakshadweep
union territory India comprising the Laccadive group capital Kavaratti area 11 sq mi (29 sq km), pop 60,595

lalia
: speech disorder (of a specified type) <echolalia>

lallan
n. Scottish variant of lowland

Lallans
n. : Scots as spoken and written in the lowlands of Scotland

lally column
: a concrete-filled cylindrical steel structural column

lallygag
v. variant of lollygag

Lam
n. Lamentations

lam
n. transitive verb : to beat soundly : THRASH
intransitive verb
1 : STRIKE, THRASH
2 : to flee hastily : SCRAM

lam
n. : sudden or hurried flight especially from the law <on the lam>

lama
n. : a Lamaist monk

lama
n. Dalai Lama
Grand Lama
Panchen Lama

Lamaism
n. : TIBETAN BUDDHISM
–La·ma·ist \-mə-ist\ noun or adjective
–La·ma·is·tic \ˌlä-mə-'is-tik\ adjective

Lamarck
n. Jean-Baptiste de Monet de 1744-1829 Chevalier de Lamarck Fr. naturalist

Lamarckism
n. : a theory of organic evolution asserting that environmental changes cause structural changes in animals and plants that are transmitted to offspring
–La·marck·ian \-kē-ən\ adjective

Lamartine
Alphonse (-Marie-Louis de Prat) de 1790-1869 Fr. poet

Lamas
n. Carlos Saavedra ― see Carlos SAAVEDRA LAMAS

lamasery
n. : a monastery of lamas

Lamaze
n. : relating to or being a method of childbirth that involves psychological and physical preparation by the mother in order to suppress pain and facilitate delivery without drugs

Lamb
n. Charles 1775-1834 pseud. Elia \'e-lē-ə, commonly 'ē-\ Eng. essayist & critic

Lamb
n. William 1779-1848 2d Viscount Melbourne Eng. statesman

Lamb
n. Willis Eugene 1913-     American physicist

lamb
n. 1 a : a young sheep especially : one that is less than one year old or without permanent teeth b : the young of various animals (as the smaller antelopes) other than sheep
2 a : a gentle or weak person b : DEAR, PET c : a person easily cheated or deceived especially in trading securities
3 a : the flesh of a lamb used as food b : LAMBSKIN
–lamb·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–lamby \'la-mē\ adjective

lamb
n. : to bring forth a lamb
transitive verb
1 : to bring forth (a lamb)
2 : to tend (ewes) at lambing time
–lamb·er \'la-mər\ noun

lamb
n. lamb's lettuce
lamb's ears
lamb's quarter
Paschal Lamb
Persian lamb

lamb's ears
: a widely cultivated perennial southwest Asian herb (Stachys byzantina syn. S. olympica) of the mint family having leaves covered with densely matted hairs

lamb's lettuce
: CORN SALAD

lamb's-quarter
1 : a goosefoot (Chenopodium album) having glaucous foliage that is sometimes used as greens ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
2 : any of several oraches ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

Lambarene
city W Gabon pop 17,770

lambaste
v. 1 : to assault violently : BEAT, WHIP
2 : to attack verbally : CENSURE <critics lambasted his performance>

lambda
n. 1 : the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : an uncharged unstable elementary particle that has a mass 2183 times that of an electron and that decays typically into a nucleon and a pion

lambency
n. : the quality, state, or an instance of being lambent

lambent
adj. 1 : playing lightly on or over a surface : FLICKERING
2 : softly bright or radiant
3 : marked by lightness or brilliance especially of expression
–lam·bent·ly adverb

Lambert
n. John 1619-1683 Eng. gen.

lambert
n. : the centimeter-gram-second unit of brightness equal to the brightness of a perfectly diffusing surface that radiates or reflects one lumen per square centimeter

Lambeth
n. borough of S Greater London, England pop 220,100

lambkill
: SHEEP LAUREL

lambrequin
n. 1 : a scarf used to cover a knight's helmet
2 : a short decorative drapery for a shelf edge or for the top of a window casing : VALANCE

Lambrusco
n. : a fruity and fizzy red Italian table wine

lambskin
n. : a lamb's skin or a small fine-grade sheepskin or the leather made from either specifically : such a skin dressed with the wool on and used especially for winter clothing

lame
adj. 1 a : having a body part and especially a limb so disabled as to impair freedom of movement b : marked by stiffness and soreness <a lame shoulder>
2 : lacking needful or desirable substance : WEAK, INEFFECTUAL <a lame excuse>
3 slang : not being in the know : SQUARE
4 a : INFERIOR <a lame school> b : CONTEMPTIBLE, NASTY <lame racist jokes>
–lame·ly adverb
–lame·ness noun

lame
adj. 1 : to make lame : CRIPPLE
2 : to make weak or ineffective : DISABLE

lame
adj. slang : a person who is not in the know : SQUARE

lame
adj. 1 : a thin plate especially of metal : LAMINA
2 plural : small overlapping steel plates joined to slide on one another (as in medieval armor)

lame
adj. : a brocaded clothing fabric made from any of various fibers combined with tinsel filling threads

lame duck
1 : one that is weak or that falls behind in ability or achievement especially chiefly British : an ailing company
2 : an elected official or group continuing to hold political office during the period between the election and the inauguration of a successor
3 : one whose position or term of office will soon end
–lame-duck \'lām-'dək\ adjective

lamebrain
n. : a dull-witted person : DOLT
–lamebrain or lame·brained \-'brānd\ adjective

lamed
v. : the 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

lamella
n. : a thin flat scale, membrane, or layer: as a : one of the thin plates composing the gills of a bivalve mollusk b : a gill of a mushroom

lamellar
adj. 1 : composed of or arranged in lamellae
2 : having the form of a thin plate <lamellar armor>

lamellate
adj. 1 : composed of or furnished with lamellae
2 : LAMELLAR 2
–la·mel·late·ly adverb

lamellibranch
n. : any of a class (Lamellibranchia) of bivalve mollusks (as clams, oysters, and mussels) that have the body bilaterally symmetrical, compressed, and enclosed within the mantle and that build up a shell whose right and left parts are connected by a hinge over the animal's back
–lamellibranch adjective

lament
n. intransitive verb : to mourn aloud : WAIL
transitive verb
1 : to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for often demonstratively : MOURN
2 : to regret strongly
synonyms see DEPLORE

lament
n. 1 : a crying out in grief : WAILING
2 : DIRGE, ELEGY
3 : COMPLAINT

lamentable
adj. 1 : that is to be regretted or lamented : DEPLORABLE
2 : expressing grief : MOURNFUL
–la·men·ta·ble·ness noun
–la·men·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

lamentation
n. : an act or instance of lamenting

Lamentations
n. : a poetic book on the fall of Jerusalem in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

lamented
adj. : mourned for
–la·ment·ed·ly adverb

Lamia
n. city E cen Greece NW of Thermopylae pop 43,898

lamia
n. : a female demon : VAMPIRE

lamin
: lamina <laminar>

lamina
n. 1 : a thin plate or scale : LAYER
2 : the expanded part of a foliage leaf
3 : one of the narrow thin parallel plates of soft vascular sensitive tissue that cover the flesh within the wall of a hoof

lamina propria
: a highly vascular layer of connective tissue under the basement membrane lining a layer of epithelium

laminal
adj. 1 : LAMINAR
2 : produced with the blade of the tongue (as \sh\, \zh\, \ch\, \j\, or \y\) ― compare APICAL

laminar
adj. : arranged in, consisting of, or resembling laminae

laminar flow
: uninterrupted flow in a fluid near a solid boundary in which the direction of flow at every point remains constant ― compare TURBULENT FLOW

laminaria
: any of a genus (Laminaria) of large chiefly perennial kelps with an unbranched cylindrical or flattened stipe and a smooth or convoluted blade broadly : any of various related kelps (order Laminariales)
–lam·i·nar·i·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

laminarin
: a polysaccharide that is found in various brown algae and yields only glucose on hydrolysis

laminate
adj. transitive verb
1 : to roll or compress into a thin plate
2 : to separate into laminae
3 a : to make (as a windshield) by uniting superposed layers of one or more materials b : to unite (layers of material) by an adhesive or other means
intransitive verb : to divide into laminae
–lam·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

laminate
adj. 1 : consisting of laminae
2 : bearing or covered with laminae

laminate
adj. : a product made by laminating

laminated
adj. 1 : LAMINATE 1
2 a : composed of layers of firmly united material b : made by bonding or impregnating superposed layers (as of paper, wood, or fabric) with resin and compressing under heat

lamination
n. 1 : the process of laminating
2 : the state of being laminated
3 : a laminated structure
4 : LAMINA

laminin
: a glycoprotein component of connective tissue basement membrane that promotes cell adhesion

laminitis
n. : inflammation of the laminae especially in the hoof of a horse ― called also founder

Lammas
n. 1 : August 1 orig. celebrated in England as a harvest festival ― called also Lammas Day
2 : the time of the year around Lammas Day

Lammasch
Heinrich 1853-1920 Austrian jurist

Lammastide
: LAMMAS 2

lammergeier
n. : a large Old World vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) that occurs in mountain regions and in flight resembles a huge falcon

Lammermuir
hills SE Scotland ESE of Edinburgh

lamp
n. 1 a : any of various devices for producing light or sometimes heat: as (1) : a vessel with a wick for burning an inflammable liquid (as oil) to produce light (2) : a glass bulb or tube that emits light produced by electricity (as an incandescent lightbulb or fluorescent lamp) b : a decorative appliance housing a lamp that is usually covered by a shade
2 : a celestial body
3 : a source of intellectual or spiritual illumination
4 : EYE 1A ― usually used in plural

lamp
n. incandescent lamp
arc lamp
discharge lamp
floor lamp
fluorescent lamp
glow lamp
mercury vapor lamp
mercury lamp
pilot lamp
quartz iodine lamp
safety lamp
smoking lamp
sodium vapor lamp
student lamp

lampblack
n. : a finely powdered black soot deposited in incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials and used chiefly as a pigment (as in paints, enamels, and printing inks)

lampbrush chromosome
: a greatly enlarged diplotene chromosome that has apparently filamentous granular loops extending from the chromomeres and is characteristic of some animal oocytes

Lampedusa
island Italy in the Pelagie Islands

lamplight
n. : the light of a lamp

lamplighter
n. : one that lights a lamp

lampoon
n. : SATIRE 1 specifically : a harsh satire usually directed against an individual

lampoon
n. : to make the subject of a lampoon : RIDICULE
–lam·poon·er noun
–lam·poon·ery \-'pü-nə-rē, -'pün-rē\ noun

lamppost
n. : a post supporting a usually outdoor lamp or lantern

lamprey
n. : any of a family (Petromyzontidae) of eel-shaped freshwater or anadromous jawless fishes that include those cyclostomes having well-developed eyes and a large disk-shaped suctorial mouth armed with horny teeth ― called also lamprey eel

lampshell
: BRACHIOPOD

lamster
: a fugitive especially from the law

LAN
n. : LOCAL AREA NETWORK

Lan Tau
island Hong Kong, China, W of Hong Kong Is. area 58 sq mi (151 sq km)

Lanai
n. island Hawaii W of Maui area 141 sq mi (367 sq km)

lanai
n. : PORCH, VERANDA

Lanark
1 or Lan·ark·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county S cen Scotland; chief city Glasgow
2 burgh cen Scotland SE of Glasgow pop 9778

Lancashire
n. : a moist crumbly white English cheese that is used especially in cooking

Lancashire
n. county NW England bordering on Irish Sea capital Preston area 1217 sq mi (3152 sq km), pop 1,365,100

Lancaster
n. 1 city SW Calif. NE of Los Angeles pop 118,718
2 city S cen Ohio SE of Columbus pop 35,335
3 city SE Pa. pop 56,348
4 city NE Tex. S of Dallas pop 25,894
5 city NW England in Lancashire pop 125,600
–Lan·cas·tri·an \laŋ-'kas-trē-ən, lan-\ adjective or noun

Lancastrian
n. : of or relating to the English royal house that ruled from 1399 to 1461

lance
n. 1 : a steel-tipped spear carried by mounted knights or light cavalry
2 : any of various sharp objects suggestive of a lance: as a : LANCET b : a spear used for killing whales or fish
3 : LANCER 1B

lance
n. transitive verb
1 a : to pierce with or as if with a lance b : to open with or as if with a lancet <lance a boil>
2 : to throw forward : HURL
intransitive verb : to move forward quickly

lance
n. free lance
fer de lance
lance corporal
sand lance

lance corporal
: an enlisted man in the marine corps ranking above a private first class and below a corporal

lancelet
n. : any of a subphylum (Cephalochordata) of small translucent marine primitive chordate animals that are fishlike in appearance and usually live partially buried on the ocean floor ― called also amphioxus

Lancelot
n. : a knight of the Round Table and lover of Queen Guinevere

lanceolate
adj. : shaped like a lance head specifically : tapering to a point at the apex and sometimes at the base <lanceolate leaves> <lanceolate prisms> ― see LEAF illustration

lancer
n. 1 a : one who carries a lance b : a member of a military unit formerly composed of light cavalry armed with lances
2 plural but singular in construction a : a set of five quadrilles each in a different meter b : the music for such dances

lancet
n. 1 : a sharp-pointed and commonly 2-edged surgical instrument used to make small incisions
2 a : LANCET WINDOW b : LANCET ARCH

lancet arch
: an acutely pointed arch ― see ARCH illustration

lancet window
: a high narrow window with an acutely pointed head and without tracery

lanceted
: having a lancet arch or lancet windows

lancewood
n. : a tough elastic wood used especially for shafts, fishing rods, and bows also : a tropical American tree (Oxandra lanceolata) of the custard-apple family yielding this wood

lancinating
adj. : characterized by piercing or stabbing sensations <lancinating pain>

Lancs
Lancashire

Land
n. Edwin Herbert 1909-1991 American inventor & industrialist

land
n. 1 a : the solid part of the surface of the earth also : a corresponding part of a celestial body (as the moon) b : ground or soil of a specified situation, nature, or quality <dry land> c : the surface of the earth and all its natural resources
2 : a portion of the earth's solid surface distinguishable by boundaries or ownership <bought land in the country>: as a : COUNTRY <the finest cheese in all the land> b : a rural area characterized by farming or ranching also : farming or ranching as a way of life <wanted to move back to the land>
3 : REALM, DOMAIN <in the land of dreams> ― sometimes used in combination <TV-land>
4 : the people of a country <the land rose in rebellion>
5 : an area of a partly machined surface (as the inside of a gun barrel) that is left without machining
–land·less \'land-ləs\ adjective
–land·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

land
n. 1 : to set or put on shore from a ship : DISEMBARK
2 a : to set down after conveying b : to cause to reach or come to rest in a particular place <never landed a punch> c : to bring to a specified condition <his wit landed him in trouble> d : to bring (as an airplane) to a landing e : to complete successfully by landing <the skater landed all her jumps>
3 a : to catch and bring in (as a fish) b : GAIN, SECURE <land a job> <landed the leading role>
intransitive verb
1 a : to go ashore from a ship : DISEMBARK b of a ship or boat : to touch at a place on shore
2 a : to come to the end of a course or to a stage in a journey : ARRIVE <took a wrong turn and landed on a dead-end street> b : to come to be in a condition or situation <landed in jail> c : to strike or meet a surface (as after a fall) <landed on my head> d : to alight on a surface

land
n. land grabber
Van Diemen's Land
belly land
cloud cuckoo land
crash land
crown land
la la land
land bank
land grant
land mine
land office
land office business
land poor
land reform
land yacht
never never land
no man's land
promised land
public land
soft land
Arnhem Land
Coats Land
Ellsworth Land
Franz Josef Land
Graham Land
Holy Land
Knud Rasmussen Land
Land's End
Marie Byrd Land
Palmer Land
Peary Land
Prince Rupert's Land
Queen Maud Land
Rupert's Land
Sugar Land
Victoria Land
Wilkes Land
belly landing
crash landing
dead stick landing
instrument landing
landing craft
landing field
landing gear
landing strip
pancake landing
three point landing

land bank
: a bank that provides financing for land development and for farm mortgages

land grant
: a grant of land made by the government especially for roads, railroads, or agricultural colleges

land mine
1 : a mine usually placed just below the surface of the ground and designed to be exploded usually by the weight of vehicles or troops passing over it
2 : BOOBY TRAP 1

land office
: a government office in which entries upon and sales of public land are registered

land reform
: measures designed to effect a more equitable distribution of agricultural land especially by governmental action also : the resulting redistribution

land yacht
1 : a 3-wheel wind-driven recreation vehicle consisting usually of a bare-frame structure and a single sail and used especially on areas of firmly packed sand
2 : a large motor vehicle

Land's End
cape SW England at SW tip of Cornwall; extreme W point of England, at 5°41′W

land-office business
: extensive and rapid business <money changers⋯did a land-office business on payday ― F. J. Haskin>

land-poor
: owning so much unprofitable or encumbered land as to lack funds to develop the land or pay the charges due on it

Landau
n. Lev Davidovich 1908-1968 Russ. physicist

landau
n. : a four-wheel carriage with a top divided into two sections that can be let down, thrown back, or removed and with a raised seat outside for the driver

landaulet
n. : a small landau

landed
adj. 1 : having an estate in land <landed proprietors>
2 : consisting in or derived from land or real estate <landed wealth>

lander
n. : one that lands especially : a space vehicle that is designed to land on a celestial body (as the moon or a planet)

Landes
coastal region SW France on Bay of Biscay bet. Gironde Estuary & the Adour

landfall
n. 1 : a sighting or making of land after a voyage or flight
2 : the land first sighted on a voyage or flight

landfill
n. 1 : an area built up by landfill
2 : a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth to build up low-lying land ― called also sanitary landfill
–landfill transitive verb

landform
n. : a natural feature of a land surface

landgrab
: a usually swift acquisition of property (as land or patent rights) often by fraud or force
–land-grab·ber \-ˌgra-bər\ noun

landholder
n. : a holder or owner of land

landholding
n. 1 : the state or fact of holding or owning land
2 : property in land
–landholding adjective

landing
n. 1 : an act or process of one that lands especially : a going or bringing to a surface (as land or shore) after a voyage or flight
2 : a place for discharging and taking on passengers and cargo
3 : a level part of a staircase (as at the end of a flight of stairs)
4 plural : the amount of fish or shellfish landed annually in a particular area

landing
n. belly landing
crash landing
dead stick landing
instrument landing
landing craft
landing field
landing gear
landing strip
pancake landing
three point landing

landing craft
: any of numerous naval craft designed for conveying troops and equipment from a transport to a beach in an amphibious assault

landing field
: a field where aircraft may land and take off

landing gear
: the part that supports the weight of an airplane or spacecraft when in contact with the land or water

landing strip
: AIRSTRIP

Landis
Ken·e·saw \'ke-nə-ˌsȯ\ Mountain 1866-1944 American jurist & baseball commissioner

landlady
n. : a woman who is a landlord

landline
n. : a line of communication (as by telephone cable) on land

landlocked
adj. 1 : enclosed or nearly enclosed by land <a landlocked country>
2 : confined to freshwater by some barrier <landlocked salmon>
3 : living or located away from the ocean <a landlocked sailor>

landlord
n. 1 : the owner of property (as land, houses, or apartments) that is leased or rented to another
2 : the master of an inn or lodging house : INNKEEPER

landlordism
n. : an economic system or practice by which ownership of land is vested in one who leases it to cultivators

landlubber
n. : LANDSMAN 2 <clumsy landlubbers learning to sail>
–land·lub·ber·li·ness \-bər-lē-nəs\ noun
–land·lub·ber·ly \-bər-lē\ adjective
–land·lub·bing \-biŋ\ adjective

landmark
n. 1 : an object (as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land
2 a : a conspicuous object on land that marks a locality b : an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures
3 : an event or development that marks a turning point or a stage
4 : a structure (as a building) of unusual historical and usually aesthetic interest especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation

landmass
n. : a large area of land <continental landmasses>

Landon
Alf(red Mossman) 1887-1987 American polit.

Landor
Walter Savage 1775-1864 Eng. author

landowner
n. : an owner of land
–land·own·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun
–land·own·ing \-ˌō-niŋ\ adjective or noun

Landowska
Wanda Louise 1879-1959 Pol. pianist

Landrace
n. : a swine of any of several breeds locally developed in northern Europe

landscape
n. 1 a : a picture representing a view of natural inland scenery b : the art of depicting such scenery
2 a : the landforms of a region in the aggregate b : a portion of territory that can be viewed at one time from one place c : a particular area of activity : SCENE <the political landscape>
3 obsolete : VISTA, PROSPECT

landscape
transitive verb : to modify or ornament (a natural landscape) by altering the plant cover
intransitive verb : to engage in landscape gardening
–land·scap·er noun

landscape
n. : of, relating to, or being a document having the horizontal dimension longer than the vertical dimension

landscape
n. landscape architect
landscape architecture
landscape gardener
landscape gardening

landscape architect
: a person who develops land for human use and enjoyment through effective placement of structures, vehicular and pedestrian ways, and plantings
–landscape architecture noun

landscape gardener
: a person who is engaged in the development and decorative planting of gardens and grounds
–landscape gardening noun

landscapist
n. : a painter of landscapes

Landseer
Sir Edwin Henry 1802-1873 Eng. painter

landslide
n. 1 : the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or artificial fill on a slope also : the mass that moves down
2 a : a great majority of votes for one side b : an overwhelming victory

landslide
n. 1 : to produce a landslide
2 : to win an election by a heavy majority

landslip
n. : LANDSLIDE 1

Landsmal
: NYNORSK

landsman
n. 1 : a fellow countryman
2 : a person who lives on the land especially : one who knows little or nothing of the sea or seamanship

Landsteiner
Karl 1868-1943 American (Austrian-born) pathologist

landward
adj. : to or toward the land

Lane
n. Edward William 1801-1876 Eng. orientalist

lane
n. 1 : a narrow passageway between fences or hedges
2 : a relatively narrow way or track: as a : an ocean route used by or prescribed for ships b : a strip of roadway for a single line of vehicles c : AIR LANE d : any of several parallel courses on a track or swimming pool in which a competitor must stay during a race e : an unmarked lengthwise division of a playing area which defines the playing zone of a particular player f : a narrow hardwood surface having pins at one end and a gutter along each side that is used in bowling g : FREE THROW LANE

lane
n. Scottish variant of lone

lane
n. air lane
fast lane
free throw lane
memory lane
sea lane

laneway
British : LANE

Lanfranc
1005?-1089 Ital.-born prelate in England

Lang
n. Andrew 1844-1912 Scot. scholar & author

Lang
n. Cosmo Gordon 1864-1945 Brit. prelate; archbishop of Canterbury (1928-42)

lang
n. language

lang
n. auld lang syne
lang syne

lang syne
chiefly Scottish : at a distant time in the past

lang syne
chiefly Scottish : times past <should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o' auld lang syne ― Robert Burns>

langbeinite
: a mineral that is a sulfate of potassium and magnesium used in the fertilizer industry

Langdale Pikes
two mountain peaks NW England in Cumbria in Lake District

Lange
n. Christian Louis 1869-1938 Norw. pacifist & hist.

Lange
n. David Russell 1942-     prime min. of New Zealand (1984-89)

Lange
n. Dorothea 1895-1965 American photographer

Langer
Susanne Knauth 1895-1985 American philos. & educ.

Langerhans cell
: a cell found in the epidermis that functions as an antigen-presenting cell which binds antigen entering through the skin

Langland
William ca 1330-ca 1400 Eng. poet

langlauf
n. : cross-country running or racing on skis
–lang·lauf·er \-ˌlau̇-fər\ noun

Langley
n. Samuel Pierpont 1834-1906 American astron. & airplane pioneer

Langley
n. city Canada in B.C. ESE of Vancouver pop 23,643

langley
n. : a unit of solar radiation equivalent to one gram calorie per square centimeter of irradiated surface

Langmuir
Irving 1881-1957 Am. chem.

Langobard
: LOMBARD 1A
–Lan·go·bar·dic \ˌlaŋ-gə-'bär-dik\ adjective

langostino
: any of several edible crustaceans (as of the genus Pleuroncodes) that are or resemble small lobsters or large shrimp specifically : LANGOUSTINE

langouste
n. : SPINY LOBSTER

langoustine
n. : a small edible lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) of European seas having long slender claws ― called also Dublin Bay prawn Norway lobster

Langton
Stephen d 1228 Eng. prelate

Langtry
Lillie 1853-1929 née (Emilie Charlotte) Le Breton; the Jersey Lily Brit. actress

language
n. 1 a : the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community b (1) : audible, articulate, meaningful sound as produced by the action of the vocal organs (2) : a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings (3) : the suggestion by objects, actions, or conditions of associated ideas or feelings <language in their very gesture ― Shakespeare> (4) : the means by which animals communicate (5) : a formal system of signs and symbols (as FORTRAN or a calculus in logic) including rules for the formation and transformation of admissible expressions (6) : MACHINE LANGUAGE 1
2 a : form or manner of verbal expression specifically : STYLE b : the vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or a department of knowledge c : PROFANITY
3 : the study of language especially as a school subject
4 : specific words especially in a law or regulation

language
n. American Sign Language
assembly language
body language
contact language
gesture language
gestural language
hypertext markup language
language arts
machine language
markup language
object language
ordinary language philosophy
sign language
source language
target language
tone language
trade language
whole language
Dravidian languages
Hamitic languages
Indo European languages

language arts
: the subjects (as reading, spelling, literature, and composition) that aim at developing the student's comprehension and capacity for use of written and oral language

langue
n. : language viewed abstractly as a system of forms and conventions used for communication in a community also : COMPETENCE 3 ― compare PAROLE

langue
n. langue d'oc
langue d'oil
langue d'oïl

langue d'oc
: OCCITAN

langue d'oil
: FRENCH 1

Languedoc
n. region & former province S France extending from Auvergne to the Mediterranean

languet
: something resembling the tongue in form or function

languid
adj. 1 : drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion : WEAK
2 : sluggish in character or disposition : LISTLESS
3 : lacking force or quickness of movement : SLOW
–lan·guid·ly adverb
–lan·guid·ness noun
synonyms LANGUID, LANGUOROUS, LACKADAISICAL, LISTLESS, SPIRITLESS mean lacking energy or enthusiasm. LANGUID refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness <was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery>. LANGUOROUS suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity <languorous cats lying in the sun>. LACKADAISICAL implies a carefree indifference marked by halfhearted efforts <lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study>. LISTLESS suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom <listless hospital patients> <listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day>. SPIRITLESS refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life <a spiritless recital of the poem>.

languish
n. 1 a : to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated b : to be or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality
2 a : to become dispirited b : to suffer neglect <the bill languished in the Senate for eight months>
3 : to assume an expression of grief or emotion appealing for sympathy
–lan·guish·er noun
–lan·guish·ing·ly \-gwi-shiŋ-lē\ adverb
–lan·guish·ment \-gwish-mənt\ noun

languor
n. 1 : weakness or weariness of body or mind
2 : listless indolence or inertia
synonyms see LETHARGY

languorous
adj. 1 : producing or tending to produce languor <a languorous climate>
2 : full of or characterized by languor
synonyms see LANGUID
–lan·guor·ous·ly adverb

langur
n. : any of several slender long-tailed Asian monkeys (subfamily Colobinae)

Lanier
Sidney 1842-1881 American poet

lank
adj. 1 : not well filled out : SLENDER, THIN <lank cattle>
2 : insufficient in quantity, degree, or extent <lank grass>
3 : hanging straight and limp without spring or curl <lank hair>
synonyms see LEAN
–lank·ly adverb
–lank·ness noun

Lankester
Sir Edwin Ray 1847-1929 Eng. zool.

lanky
adj. : ungracefully tall and thin
synonyms see LEAN
–lank·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–lank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

lanner
n. : a falcon (Falco biarmicus) of southern Europe, southwestern Asia, and Africa specifically : a female lanner

lanneret
n. : a male lanner

Lannes
Jean 1769-1809 Duc de Montebello Fr. soldier

lanolin
n. : wool grease especially when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics

Lansing
n. Robert 1864-1928 American lawyer & statesman

Lansing
n. 1 village NE Ill. SSE of Chicago pop 28,332
2 city S Mich., its capital pop 119,128

lantana
n. : any of a genus (Lantana) of tropical shrubs or perennial herbs of the vervain family with showy heads of small bright flowers

lantern
n. 1 : a usually portable protective case for a light with transparent openings ― compare CHINESE LANTERN
2 a obsolete : LIGHTHOUSE b : the chamber in a lighthouse containing the light c : a structure with glazed or open sides above an opening in a roof for light or ventilation d : a small tower or cupola or one stage of a cupola
3 : PROJECTOR 2B

lantern
n. Chinese lantern
dark lantern
friar's lantern
jack o' lantern
lantern fish
lantern fly
lantern jaw
lantern jawed
magic lantern

lantern fish
: any of a family (Myctophidae) of small deep-sea bony fishes that have a large mouth, large eyes, and usually numerous photophores

lantern fly
: any of several large brightly marked homopterous insects (family Fulgoridae) having the front of the head prolonged into a hollow structure

lantern jaw
: an undershot jaw
–lan·tern-jawed \'lan-tərn-ˌjȯd\ adjective

lanthanide
n. : any of the series of elements with increasing atomic numbers that begins with lanthanum or cerium and ends with lutetium ― see PERIODIC TABLE table

lanthanum
n. : a white soft malleable metallic element that occurs in rare-earth minerals ― see ELEMENT table

lanthorn
n. chiefly British : LANTERN

lanuginous
: covered with down or fine soft hair : DOWNY

lanugo
n. : a dense cottony or downy growth of hair specifically : the soft woolly hair that covers the fetus of some mammals

Lanus
city E Argentina S of Buenos Aires pop 466,755

lanyard
n. 1 : a piece of rope or line for fastening something in a ship especially : one of the pieces passing through deadeyes to extend shrouds or stays
2 a : a cord or strap to hold something (as a knife or a whistle) and usually worn around the neck b : a cord worn as a symbol of a military citation
3 : a strong line used to activate a system (as in firing a cannon or sounding a whistle)

Lanzhou
city N cen China capital of Gansu pop 1,194,640

Lao
1 : a member of a Buddhist people living in Laos and adjacent parts of northeastern Thailand
2 : the Thai language of the Lao people
–Lao adjective

Lao-tzu
orig. Li Erh \'lē-'er\ 6th cent. B.C. Chin. philos.

Laocoon
n. : a Trojan priest killed with his sons by two sea serpents after warning the Trojans against the wooden horse

Laodicea
1 ancient city W cen Asia Minor in Phrygia
2 ― see LATAKIA 2
–La·od·i·ce·an \-'sē-ən\ adjective or noun

Laodicean
n. : lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics
–Laodicean noun

Laoighis
county cen Ireland in Leinster capital Portlaoighise area 664 sq mi (1726 sq km), pop 58,744

Laon
commune N France NE of Paris pop 26,241

Laos
n. country SE Asia; a republic, until 1975 a kingdom; formerly a state of French Indochina; capital Vientiane area 91,428 sq mi (236,799 sq km), pop 4,533,000

Laotian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Laos also : LAO 1
2 : LAO 2
–Laotian adjective

lap
n. 1 a : a loose overlapping or hanging panel or flap especially of a garment b archaic : the skirt of a coat or dress
2 a : the clothing that lies on the knees, thighs, and lower part of the trunk when one sits b : the front part of the lower trunk and thighs of a seated person
3 : responsible custody : CONTROL <going to drop the whole thing in your lap ― Hamilton Basso>
–lap·ful \'lap-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–the lap of luxury : an environment of great ease, comfort, and wealth <was reared in the lap of luxury>

lap
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fold over or around something : WIND b : to envelop entirely : SWATHE
2 : to fold over especially into layers
3 : to hold protectively in or as if in the lap : CUDDLE
4 a : to place over and cover a part of : OVERLAP <lap shingles on a roof> b : to join (as two boards) by a lap joint
5 a : to dress, smooth, or polish (as a metal surface) to a high degree of refinement or accuracy b : to shape or fit by working two surfaces together with or without abrasives until a very close fit is produced
6 a : to overtake and thereby lead or increase the lead over (another contestant) by a full circuit of a racecourse b : to complete the circuit of (a racecourse)
intransitive verb
1 : FOLD, WIND
2 a : to project beyond or spread over something b : to lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another : OVERLAP
3 : to traverse a course
–lap·per noun

lap
n. 1 a : the amount by which one object overlaps or projects beyond another b : the part of an object that overlaps another
2 : a smoothing and polishing tool usually consisting of a piece of wood, leather, felt, or soft metal in a special shape used with or without an embedded abrasive
3 : a doubling or layering of a flexible substance (as fibers or paper)
4 a : the act or an instance of traversing a course (as a racing track or swimming pool) also : the distance covered b : one segment of a larger unit (as a journey) c : one complete turn (as of a rope around a drum)

lap
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take in food or drink with the tongue
2 a : to make a gentle intermittent splashing sound b : to move in little waves : WASH
transitive verb
1 a : to take in (food or drink) with the tongue b : to take in or absorb eagerly or quickly ― used with up <the crowd lapped up every word he said>
2 : to flow or splash against in little waves
–lap·per noun

lap
n. 1 a : an act or instance of lapping b : the amount that can be carried to the mouth by one lick or scoop of the tongue
2 : a thin or weak beverage or food
3 : a gentle splashing sound

lap
n. gun lap
the lap of luxury
lap belt
lap dancing
lap dancer
lap dance
lap joint
lap jointed
lap robe
pace lap

lap belt
: a seat belt that fastens across the lap

lap dancing
: an activity in which a usually seminude performer sits and gyrates on the lap of a customer
–lap dance noun
–lap dancer noun

lap joint
: a joint made by overlapping two ends or edges and fastening them together
–lap-joint·ed \'lap-ˌjȯin-təd\ adjective

lap robe
: a covering (as a blanket) for the legs, lap, and feet especially of a passenger in a car or carriage

laparo
: abdominal wall <laparotomy>

laparoscope
n. : a fiberoptic instrument inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall and used to examine visually the interior of the peritoneal cavity

laparoscopy
n. 1 : visual examination of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope
2 : an operation (as tubal ligation or gall bladder removal) involving laparoscopy
–lap·a·ro·scop·ic \-rə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–lap·a·ros·co·pist \ˌla-pə-'räs-kə-pist\ noun

laparotomy
n. : surgical incision of the abdominal wall

lapboard
n. : a board used on the lap as a table or desk

lapdog
n. 1 : a small dog that may be held in the lap
2 : a servile dependent or follower

lapel
n. : the part of a garment that is turned back specifically : the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a continuation of the collar
–la·pelled or la·peled adjective

lapidarian
: LAPIDARY 1

lapidary
n. 1 : a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones usually other than diamonds
2 : the art of cutting gems

lapidary
n. 1 : having the elegance and precision associated with inscriptions on monumental stone <a stanza that has a lapidary dignity>
2 a : sculptured in or engraved on stone b : of, relating to, or suggestive of precious stones or the art of cutting them

Lapidus
Morris 1902-2001 American (Russian-born) architect

lapillus
n. : a small stony or glassy fragment of lava ejected in a volcanic eruption

lapin
n. 1 : RABBIT specifically : a castrated male rabbit
2 : rabbit fur usually sheared and dyed

lapis lazuli
: a semiprecious stone that is usually rich azure blue and is essentially a complex silicate often with spangles of pyrites ― called also lapis

Laplace
Pierre-Simon 1749-1827 Marquis de Laplace Fr. astron. & math.

Laplace transform
: a transformation of a function f(x) into the function g(t) = ∫0∞ e-xt f(x) dx that is useful especially in reducing the solution of an ordinary linear differential equation with constant coefficients to the solution of a polynomial equation

Lapland
n. region N Europe above the Arctic Circle in N Norway, N Sweden, N Finland, & Kola Peninsula of Russia
–Lap·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ noun

Lapp
n. sometimes offensive : SAMI
–Lapp·ish adjective or noun

lappet
n. 1 : a fold or flap on a garment or headdress
2 : a flat overlapping or hanging piece

Lapsang souchong
: a souchong tea having a pronounced smoky flavor and aroma

lapse
n. 1 a : a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention <a lapse in table manners> b : a temporary deviation or fall especially from a higher to a lower state <a lapse from grace>
2 : a becoming less : DECLINE
3 a (1) : the termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within some limit of time (2) : termination of coverage for nonpayment of premiums b : INTERRUPTION, DISCONTINUANCE <returned to college after a lapse of several years>
4 : an abandonment of religious faith : APOSTASY
5 : a passage of time also : INTERVAL
synonyms see ERROR

lapse
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to fall from an attained and usually high level (as of morals or manners) to one much lower also : to depart from an accepted pattern or standard b : SINK, SLIP <lapsed into unconsciousness>
2 : to go out of existence : CEASE <after a few polite exchanges, the conversation lapsed>
3 : to pass from one proprietor to another or from an original owner by omission or negligence <allowed the insurance policy to lapse>
4 : to glide along : PASS <time lapses>
transitive verb : to let slip : FORFEIT <all of those who have lapsed their membership ― AAUP Bull.>
–laps·er noun

lapse rate
: the adiabatic rate of decrease of atmospheric temperature with increasing altitude

lapsed
adj. : having ceased to be active in practice, membership, or belief <a lapsed Catholic>

lapstrake
n. : CLINKER-BUILT

lapsus calami
: slip of the pen

lapsus linguae
: slip of the tongue

Laptev Sea
arm of Arctic Ocean Russia bet. Taymyr Peninsula & New Siberian Islands

laptop
n. : of a size and design that makes operation and use on one's lap convenient ― compare DESKTOP

laptop
n. : a portable microcomputer having its main components (as processor, keyboard, and display screen) integrated into a single unit capable of battery-powered operation

Laputan
adj. : an inhabitant of a flying island in Swift's Gulliver's Travels characterized by a neglect of useful occupations and a devotion to visionary projects
–Laputan adjective

lapwing
n. : a crested Old World plover (Vanellus vanellus) noted for its slow irregular flapping flight and shrill wailing cry also : any of several related plovers

Lar
: a tutelary god or spirit associated with Vesta and the Penates as a guardian of the household by the ancient Romans

Laramie
1 river 216 mi (348 km) N Colo. & SE Wyo. flowing N & NE into N. Platte River
2 city SE Wyo. pop 27,204

larboard
n. : 5PORT
–larboard adjective

larcener
n. : LARCENIST

larcenist
n. : a person who commits larceny

larcenous
adj. 1 : having the character of or constituting larceny
2 : committing larceny
–lar·ce·nous·ly adverb

larceny
n. : the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently

larceny
n. grand larceny
petit larceny
petty larceny

Larch
n. river 270 mi (434 km) Canada in W Que. flowing NE to unite with the Caniapiskau forming Koksoak River

larch
n. : any of a genus (Larix) of northern hemisphere trees of the pine family with short fascicled deciduous leaves also : the wood of a larch

lard
n. 1 a : to dress (meat) for cooking by inserting or covering with something (as strips of fat) b : to cover or soil with grease
2 : to augment or intersperse especially with something superfluous or excessive <the book is larded with subplots>
3 obsolete : to make rich with or as if with fat

lard
n. : a soft white solid or semisolid fat obtained by rendering fatty pork
–lardy \'lär-dē\ adjective

larder
n. 1 : a place where food is stored : PANTRY
2 : a supply of food

Lardner
Ring 1885-1933 in full Ringgold Wilmer Lardner American writer

lardoon
n. : a strip (as of salt pork) with which meat is larded

Laredo
city S Tex. on Rio Grande pop 176,576

Laredo
Laredo Bru
Laredo Brú
Nuevo Laredo

Laredo Bru
Federico 1875-1946 Cuban soldier; pres. of Cuba (1936-40)

Lares
n. city W cen Puerto Rico pop 34,415

lares and penates
1 : household gods
2 : personal or household effects

large
n. 1 obsolete : LAVISH
2 obsolete a : AMPLE, ABUNDANT b : EXTENSIVE, BROAD
3 a : having more than usual capacity or scope : COMPREHENSIVE <take the large view> <will take a larger role in the negotiations> b : POWERFUL, FORCEFUL c : very successful or popular <a large rock band>
4 a : exceeding most other things of like kind especially in quantity or size : BIG b : dealing in great numbers or quantities <a large and highly profitable business>
5 obsolete a of language or expression : COARSE, VULGAR b : lax in conduct : LOOSE
6 of a wind : FAVORABLE
7 : EXTRAVAGANT, BOASTFUL <large talk>
–large·ness noun
–larg·ish \'lär-jish\ adjective

large
n. 1 obsolete : in abundance : AMPLY, LIBERALLY
2 : with the wind abaft the beam
3 : in a large manner : EXTRAVAGANTLY <living large>

large
n. 1 obsolete : LIBERALITY, GENEROSITY
2 slang : a thousand dollars
–at large
1 a : free of restraint or confinement <the escaped prisoner is still at large> b : without a specific subject or assignment <critic at large>
2 : at length
3 : in a general way
4 : as a whole <society at large>
5 : as the political representative of or to a whole area rather than of one of its subdivisions ― used in combination with a preceding noun <a congressman-at-large>
–in the large : on a large scale : in general

large
n. large calorie
ambassador at large
ambassadors at large
at large
by and large
in the large
large intestine
large minded
large mindedness
large mindedly
large print
large scale integration
law of large numbers
writ large
larger than life

large calorie
: CALORIE 1B

large intestine
: the more terminal division of the vertebrate intestine that is wider and shorter than the small intestine, typically divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with the resorption of water and the formation of feces

large-minded
: generous or comprehensive in outlook, range, or capacity
–large-mind·ed·ly adverb
–large-mind·ed·ness noun

large-print
: being set in a large size of type (as 14 point or larger) especially for use by the partially sighted <large-print books>

large-scale integration
: the process of placing a large number of circuits on a small chip

largehearted
: having a generous disposition : SYMPATHETIC
–large·heart·ed·ness noun

largely
adv. : in a large manner especially : to a large extent : MOSTLY, PRIMARILY <words largely unknown a decade ago>

largemouth bass
: a large No. American black bass (Micropterus salmoides) that is blackish green above and lighter below and has the maxillary bones of the upper jaw extending to behind the eyes ― called also largemouth largemouth black bass

larger-than-life
: of the sort legends are made of <larger-than-life heroes> broadly : EXTRAORDINARY

largesse
n. 1 : liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior also : something so given
2 : GENEROSITY

larghetto
n. : a movement played larghetto

larghetto
n. : slower than andante but not so slow as largo ― used as a direction in music

Largo
n. town W Fla. S of Clearwater pop 69,371

largo
n. : at a very slow tempo ― used as a direction in music

largo
n. : a largo movement

lari
n. ― see MONEY table

lariat
n. : a long light rope (as of hemp or leather) used with a running noose to catch livestock or with or without the noose to tether grazing animals : LASSO

Larissa
city N cen Greece in E Thessaly pop 113,426

Laristan
region S Iran bordering on Persian Gulf

lark
n. : any of a family (Alaudidae) of chiefly Old World ground-dwelling songbirds that are usually brownish in color especially : SKYLARK ― compare MEADOWLARK

lark
n. : a source of or quest for amusement or adventure <thought life was a lark> <entered the race on a lark>

lark
n. : to engage in harmless fun or mischief ― often used with about
–lark·er noun

larkspur
n. 1 : DELPHINIUM
2 : any of the delphiniums that are annuals, have the upper two petals of the corolla united and the bottom two missing, are now often placed in a separate genus (Consolida), and include several widely cultivated forms

larky
adj. 1 : given to or ready for larking : SPORTIVE
2 : resulting from a lark
–lark·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

Larne
district NE Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 131 sq mi (341 sq km), pop 29,181

Larousse
Pierre (-Athanase) 1817-1875 Fr. grammarian & lexicographer

larrigan
n. : an oil-tanned moccasin with a leg often reaching the knee

larrikin
n. chiefly Australian : HOODLUM, ROWDY
–larrikin adjective

larrup
v. dialect : 5BLOW

larrup
v. 1 dialect : to flog soundly : WHIP
2 dialect : to defeat decisively : TROUNCE
intransitive verb dialect : to move indolently or clumsily

Lartet
Édouard (Armand Isidore Hippolyte) 1801-1871 Fr. archaeol.

larum
archaic : ALARM

larva
n. 1 : the immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding form that hatches from the egg of many insects, alters chiefly in size while passing through several molts, and is finally transformed into a pupa or chrysalis from which the adult emerges
2 : the early form of an animal (as a frog or sea urchin) that at birth or hatching is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose before assuming the adult characters
–lar·val \-vəl\ adjective

larvicide
n. : an agent for killing larval pests
–lar·vi·cid·al \ˌlär-və-'sī-dəl\ adjective

Larvik
town & port SE Norway pop 38,019

laryng
: larynx <laryngitis>

laryngeal
n. 1 : of, relating to, or used on the larynx <a laryngeal obstruction>
2 : produced by or with constriction of the larynx <laryngeal articulation of sounds>

laryngeal
n. 1 : an anatomical part (as a nerve or artery) that supplies or is associated with the larynx
2 a : a laryngeal sound b : any of a set of several conjectured phonemes reconstructed for Proto-Indo-European chiefly on indirect evidence

laryngectomee
n. : a person who has undergone laryngectomy

laryngectomy
n. : surgical removal of all or part of the larynx
–lar·yn·gec·to·mized \-tə-ˌmīzd\ adjective

laryngitis
n. : inflammation of the larynx
–lar·yn·git·ic \-'ji-tik\ adjective

laryngology
n. : a branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the larynx and nasopharynx

laryngoscope
n. : an endoscope for examining the interior of the larynx
–lar·yn·gos·co·py \ˌla-rən-'gäs-kə-pē\ noun

larynx
n. : the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Las
Las Casas
Las Cruces
Las Palmas
Las Piedras
Las Vegas
North Las Vegas

Las Casas
Bartolomé de 1474-1566 Span. Dominican missionary & hist.

Las Cruces
city S N.Mex. pop 74,267

Las Palmas
1 province Spain comprising the E Canary Islands area 1569 sq mi (4064 sq km), pop 887,676
2 city & port, its capital, in NE Grand Canary Is. pop 354,863

Las Piedras
city E Puerto Rico pop 34,485

Las Vegas
v. city SE corner of Nev. pop 478,434

lasagna
n. 1 also la·sa·gne \-yə\ : pasta in the form of broad often ruffled ribbons
2 : a baked dish containing layers of boiled lasagna, and usually cheese, a seasoned sauce of tomatoes, and meat or vegetables

LaSalle
town Canada in S Que. on the St. Lawrence pop 73,983

lascar
n. : an Indian sailor, army servant, or artilleryman

Lascaux
cave SW cen France near town of Montignac

lasciate ogni speranza, voi ch'entrate
: abandon all hope, ye who enter

lascivious
adj. : LEWD, LUSTFUL
–las·civ·i·ous·ly adverb
–las·civ·i·ous·ness noun

lase
v. : to emit coherent light

laser
n. 1 : a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
2 : something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity <threw a laser into the end zone> <a laser stare>

laser
n. excimer laser
free electron laser
laser disc
laser printer

laser disc
: OPTICAL DISK especially : one containing a video recording (as of a motion picture)

laser printer
: a high-resolution printer for computer output that xerographically prints an image formed by a laser

lash
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move violently or suddenly : DASH
2 : to thrash or beat violently <rain lashed at the windowpanes>
3 : to make a verbal attack or retort ― usually used with out
transitive verb
1 a : to whip or fling about violently <the big cat lashed its tail about threateningly> b : to strike or beat with or as if with a whip <waves lashed the shore>
2 a : to assail with stinging words b : DRIVE, WHIP <lashed them into a fury with his fiery speech>
–lash·er noun

lash
n. 1 a (1) : a stroke with or as if with a whip (2) : the flexible part of a whip also : WHIP b : punishment by whipping
2 : a beating, whipping, or driving force
3 : a stinging rebuke
4 : EYELASH
5 : the clearance or play between adjacent movable mechanical parts

lash
n. : to bind with or as if with a line
–lash·er noun

lash
n. lash up
tongue lash
tongue lashing

lash-up
1 : something hastily put together or improvised
2 : OUTFIT 3

lashing
n. : something used for binding, wrapping, or fastening

lashings
n. chiefly British : a great plenty : ABUNDANCE <piles of bread and butter and lashings of tea ― Molly Weir>

LASIK
: a surgical operation to reshape the cornea for correction of myopia, farsightedness, or astigmatism in which the surface layer of the cornea is separated to create a hinged flap providing access to the inner cornea where varying amounts of tissue are removed by an excimer laser

Laski
Harold Joseph 1893-1950 Eng. polit. scientist

lass
n. 1 : a young woman : GIRL
2 : SWEETHEART

Lassa fever
: a disease especially of Africa that is caused by an arenavirus (species Lassa virus of the genus Arenavirus) and is characterized by a high fever, headaches, mouth ulcers, muscle aches, small hemorrhages under the skin, heart and kidney failure, and a high mortality rate

Lassalle
Ferdinand 1825-1864 Ger. socialist

Lassen Peak
volcano 10,457 ft (3187 m) N Calif. at S end of Cascade Range; central feature of Lassen Volcanic National Park

lassie
n. : LASS 1

lassitude
n. 1 : a condition of weariness or debility : FATIGUE
2 : a condition of listlessness : LANGUOR
synonyms see LETHARGY

lasso
n. : to capture with or as if with a lasso : ROPE
–las·so·er noun

lasso
n. : a rope or long thong of leather with a noose used especially for catching horses and cattle : LARIAT

last
n. intransitive verb
1 : to continue in time
2 a : to remain fresh or unimpaired : ENDURE b : to manage to continue (as in a course of action) c : to continue to live
transitive verb
1 : to continue in existence or action as long as or longer than ― often used with out <couldn't last out the training program>
2 : to be enough for the needs of <the supplies will last them a week>
synonyms see CONTINUE
–last·er noun

last
n. : a form (as of metal or plastic) which is shaped like the human foot and over which a shoe is shaped or repaired

last
n. : to shape with a last
–last·er noun

last
n. 1 : after all others : at the end <came last and left first>
2 : most lately <saw him last in Rome>
3 : in conclusion <last, let's consider the social aspect>

last
n. 1 a : following all the rest <he was the last one out> b : being the only remaining <our last dollar>
2 : belonging to the final stage (as of life) <his last hours on earth>
3 a : next before the present : most recent <last week> <his last book was a failure> b : most up-to-date : LATEST <it's the last thing in fashion>
4 a : lowest in rank or standing also : WORST b : farthest from a specified quality, attitude, or likelihood <would be the last person to fall for flattery>
5 a : CONCLUSIVE <there is no last answer to the problem> b : highest in degree : SUPREME, ULTIMATE c : DISTINCT, SEPARATE ― used as an intensive <ate every last piece of food>
–last·ly adverb
synonyms LAST, FINAL, TERMINAL, ULTIMATE mean following all others (as in time, order, or importance). LAST applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped <last page of a book> <last news we had of him>. FINAL applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress <final day of school>. TERMINAL may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development <terminal phase of a disease>. ULTIMATE implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible <the ultimate collapse of the system>.

last
n. : something that is last
–at last or at long last : at the end of a period of time : FINALLY <at last you've come home>

last
n. last the distance
at long last
Fermat's last theorem
at last
last ditch
last gasp
last hurrah
last in first out
Last Judgment
last laugh
last minute
last name
last rites
last straw
Last Supper
last word
on one's last legs
trade last

last ditch
: a place of final defense or resort

last hurrah
: a final often valedictory effort, production, or appearance <his unsuccessful Senate run was his last hurrah ― R. W. Daly>

Last Judgment
: the judgment of humankind before God at the end of the world

last laugh
: the satisfaction of ultimate triumph or success especially after being scorned or regarded as a failure <he got the last laugh on his early critics>

last minute
: the moment just before some climactic, decisive, or disastrous event
–last-minute adjective

last name
: SURNAME 2

last rites
: EXTREME UNCTION

last straw
: the last of a series (as of events or indignities) that brings one beyond the point of endurance

Last Supper
: the supper eaten by Jesus and his disciples on the night of his betrayal

last word
1 : the final remark in a verbal exchange
2 a : the power of final decision b : a definitive statement or treatment <this study will surely be the last word on the subject for many years>
3 : the most advanced, up-to-date, or fashionable exemplar of its kind <the last word in sports cars>

last-ditch
1 : fought or conducted from the last ditch : waged with desperation or unyielding defiance <put up a last-ditch resistance>
2 : made as a final effort especially to avert disaster <a last-ditch attempt to raise the money>

last-gasp
: done or coming at the very end <a last-gasp attempt to score>
–last gasp noun

last-in first-out
: of, relating to, or being a method of inventory accounting that values stock on hand according to costs at the time of acquisition and not according to the cost of replacement

lasting
n. : existing or continuing a long while : ENDURING
–last·ing·ly \'las-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–last·ing·ness noun
synonyms LASTING, PERMANENT, DURABLE, STABLE mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established. LASTING implies a capacity to continue indefinitely <a book that left a lasting impression on me>. PERMANENT adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely <permanent living arrangements>. DURABLE implies power to resist destructive agencies <durable fabrics>. STABLE implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced <a stable government>.

lasting
n. 1 archaic : long life
2 : a sturdy cotton or worsted cloth used especially in shoes and luggage

LAT
n. local apparent time

lat
n. : LATISSIMUS DORSI ― usually used in plural

lat
n. latitude

Latakia
n. 1 region NW Syria bordering on the Mediterranean
2 or ancient La·od·i·cea \(ˌ)lā-ˌä-də-'sē-ə, ˌlā-ə-\ city & port on the Mediterranean; chief town of the region pop 284,000

latakia
n. : a highly aromatic Turkish smoking tobacco

latch
n. 1 : to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms ― used with on or onto
2 : to associate oneself intimately and often artfully ― used with on or onto <latched onto a rich widow>

latch
n. : any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something: a : a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch b : a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole also : NIGHT LATCH

latch
n. : to make fast with or as if with a latch

latchet
n. : a narrow leather strap, thong, or lace that fastens a shoe or sandal on the foot

latchkey
n. : a key to an outside and especially a front door

latchkey child
: a school-aged child of working parents who must spend part of the day unsupervised (as at home) ― called also latchkey kid

latchstring
n. : a string on a latch that may be left hanging outside the door to permit the raising of the latch from the outside or drawn inside to prevent intrusion

late
adj. 1 a (1) : coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time <a late spring> (2) : of, relating to, or imposed because of tardiness b : of or relating to an advanced stage in point of time or development <the late Middle Ages> especially : far advanced toward the close of the day or night <late hours>
2 a : living comparatively recently : now deceased ― used of persons <the late John Doe> and often with reference to a specific relationship or status <his late wife> b : being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now <the late belligerents> c : made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present time especially as the most recent of a succession <our late quarrel>
synonyms see DEAD
–late·ness noun

late
adj. 1 a : after the usual or proper time <got to work late> b : at or to an advanced point of time
2 : not long ago : RECENTLY <a writer late of Chicago>
–of late : in the period shortly or immediately preceding : RECENTLY <has been sick of late>

late
adj. of late
late blight
Late Greek
Late Hebrew
Late Latin
sooner or later

late blight
: a disease of solanaceous plants (as the potato and tomato) that is caused by a fungus (Phytophthora infestans) and is characterized by decay of stems, leaves, and in the potato also of tubers

Late Greek
: the Greek language as used in the third to sixth centuries

Late Hebrew
: the Hebrew language used by writers from about the second century B.C. to the early Middle Ages

Late Latin
: the Latin language used by writers in the third to sixth centuries

latecomer
n. : one that arrives late also : a recent arrival

lated
: BELATED

lateen
adj. : being or relating to a rig used especially on the north coast of Africa and characterized by a triangular sail extended by a long spar slung to a low mast

lateen
adj. 1 also la·teen·er \-'tē-nər\ : a lateen-rigged ship
2 : a lateen sail

lately
adv. : of late : RECENTLY <has been friendlier lately>

laten
intransitive verb : to grow late
transitive verb : to cause to grow late

latency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being latent : DORMANCY
2 : something latent
3 : a stage of psychosexual development following the phallic stage that extends from about the age of five or six to the beginning of puberty and during which sexual urges often appear to lie dormant
4 : LATENT PERIOD 2

latency period
1 : LATENCY 3
2 : LATENT PERIOD

latensification
: intensification of a latent photographic image by chemical treatment or exposure to light of low intensity

latent
adj. : present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, active, or symptomatic <a latent infection>
–la·tent·ly adverb
synonyms LATENT, DORMANT, QUIESCENT, POTENTIAL mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. LATENT applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop <a latent desire for success>. DORMANT suggests the inactivity of something (as a feeling or power) as though sleeping <their passion had lain dormant>. QUIESCENT suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity <the disease was quiescent>. POTENTIAL applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have <a potential disaster>.

latent
adj. : a fingerprint (as at the scene of a crime) that is scarcely visible but can be developed for study ― called also latent fingerprint latent print

latent
adj. latent print
latent fingerprint
latent heat
latent period
latent root

latent heat
: heat given off or absorbed in a process (as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature

latent period
1 : the incubation period of a disease
2 : the interval between stimulation and response

latent root
: an eigenvalue of a matrix

later
adj. : at some time subsequent to a given time : SUBSEQUENTLY, AFTERWARD <one week later> <they later regretted the decision> ― often used with on <experience that will be useful later on>

later
adj. : worshiper <bibliolater>

laterad
adv. : toward the side

lateral
n. 1 : of or relating to the side
2 : situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side
3 : extending from side to side <the lateral axis of an airplane>
4 : produced with passage of breath around the side of a constriction formed with the tongue <\l\ is lateral>
–lat·er·al·ly adverb

lateral
n. 1 : a branch from the main part (as in an irrigation or electrical system)
2 : a pass in football thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or in a direction away from the opponent's goal
3 : a lateral speech sound

lateral
n. : to throw a lateral

lateral
n. lateral bud
lateral line
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

lateral bud
: a bud that develops in the axil between a petiole and a stem

lateral line
: a canal along the side of a fish containing pores that open into tubes supplied with sense organs sensitive to low vibrations also : one of these tubes or sense organs

lateralization
n. : localization of function or activity on one side of the body in preference to the other
–lat·er·al·ize \'la-tə-rə-ˌlīz, 'la-trə-\ transitive verb

laterite
n. : a residual product of rock decay that is red in color and has a high content in the oxides of iron and hydroxide of aluminum
–lat·er·it·ic \ˌla-tə-'ri-tik\ adjective

laterization
: the process of conversion of rock to laterite

latest
adj. 1 archaic : LAST
2 : most recent

latest
adj. 1 : the latest acceptable time ― usually used in the phrase at the latest
2 : something that is the most recent or currently fashionable <the latest in diving techniques>

latewood
: SUMMERWOOD

latex
n. 1 : a milky usually white fluid that is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families) and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata
2 : a water emulsion of a synthetic rubber or plastic obtained by polymerization and used especially in coatings (as paint) and adhesives

lath
n. 1 : a thin narrow strip of wood nailed to rafters, joists, or studding as a groundwork for slates, tiles, or plaster
2 : a building material in sheets used as a base for plaster
3 : a quantity of laths
–lath transitive verb

lathe
n. : a machine in which work is rotated about a horizontal axis and shaped by a fixed tool

lathe
n. : to cut or shape with a lathe

lather
n. 1 a : a foam or froth formed when a detergent (as soap) is agitated in water b : foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse)
2 : an agitated or overwrought state : DITHER <worked himself into a lather>
–lath·ery \-th(ə-)rē\ adjective

lather
n. transitive verb
1 : to spread lather over
2 : to beat severely : FLOG
intransitive verb : to form a lather or a froth like lather
–lath·er·er \-thər-ər\ noun

lathyrism
n. : a diseased condition of humans, domestic animals, and especially horses that results from poisoning by an amino acid found in some legumes (genus Lathyrus and especially L. sativus) and is characterized especially by spastic paralysis of the hind or lower limbs
–lath·y·rit·ic \ˌla-thə-'ri-tik\ adjective

lati
n. plural of lats

latices
n. plural of latex

laticifer
: a plant cell or vessel that contains latex

latifundio
: a latifundium in Spain or Latin America

latifundium
n. : a great landed estate with primitive agriculture and labor often in a state of partial servitude

latigo
chiefly West : a long strap on a saddletree of a western saddle to adjust the cinch

Latimer
Hugh ca 1485-1555 Eng. religious reformer

Latin
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or composed in Latin b : ROMANCE
2 : of or relating to Latium or the Latins
3 : of or relating to the part of the Catholic Church that until recently used a Latin rite and forms the patriarchate of the pope
4 : of or relating to the peoples or countries using Romance languages specifically : of or relating to the peoples or countries of Latin America

Latin
n. 1 : the Italic language of ancient Latium and of Rome and until modern times the dominant language of school, church, and state in western Europe ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
2 : a member of the people of ancient Latium
3 : a Catholic of the Latin rite
4 : a member of one of the Latin peoples specifically : a native or inhabitant of Latin America
5 : LATIN ALPHABET

Latin
n. Late Latin
Latin alphabet
Latin Americanist
Latin cross
Latin square
Low Latin
Medieval Latin
Neo Latin
New Latin
Old Latin
pig latin
Vulgar Latin
au bout de son latin
Latin America
Latin American
Latin Quarter

Latin alphabet
: an alphabet that was used for writing Latin and that has been modified for writing many modern languages

Latin America
1 Spanish America & Brazil
2 all of the Americas S of the U.S.
–Latin-American adjective
–Latin American noun

Latin Americanist
: a specialist in Latin American civilization

Latin cross
: a figure of a cross having a long upright shaft and a shorter crossbar traversing it above the middle ― see CROSS illustration

Latin Quarter
section of Paris, France, S of the Seine frequented by students & artists

Latin square
: a square array which contains n different elements with each element occurring n times but with no element occurring twice in the same column or row and which is used especially in the statistical design of experiments (as in agriculture)

Latina
n. 1 : a woman or girl who is a native or inhabitant of Latin America
2 : a woman or girl of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.
–Latina adjective

Latina
n. commune cen Italy pop 115,019

Latinate
adj. : of, relating to, resembling, or derived from Latin

Latinism
n. 1 a : a characteristic feature of Latin occurring in another language b : a word or phrase derived from Latin
2 : Latin quality or character

Latinist
n. : a specialist in the Latin language or Roman culture

latinity
n. 1 : a manner of speaking or writing Latin
2 : LATINISM 2

latinize
v. transitive verb
1 a obsolete : to translate into Latin b : to give a Latin form to c : to introduce Latinisms into d : ROMANIZE 2
2 : to make Latin or Italian in doctrine, ideas, or traits specifically : to cause to resemble the Roman Catholic Church
intransitive verb
1 : to use Latinisms
2 : to exhibit the influence of the Romans or of the Roman Catholic Church
–lat·in·i·za·tion \ˌla-tə-nə-'zā-shən, ˌlat-nə-\ noun often cap

Latino
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Latin America
2 : a person of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.
–Latino adjective

latish
adj. : somewhat late

latissimus dorsi
: a broad flat superficial muscle chiefly of the middle and lower back that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward

latitude
n. 1 archaic : extent or distance from side to side : WIDTH
2 : angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: as a : angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees b : angular distance of a celestial body from the ecliptic c : a region or locality as marked by its latitude
3 a : SCOPE, RANGE b : the range of exposures within which a film or plate will produce a negative or positive of satisfactory quality
4 : freedom of action or choice <students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses>
–lat·i·tu·di·nal \ˌla-tə-'tüd-nəl, -'tyüd-; -'tü-də-nəl, -'tyü-\ adjective
–lat·i·tu·di·nal·ly adverb

latitudinarian
n. : not insisting on strict conformity to a particular doctrine or standard : TOLERANT specifically : tolerant of variations in religious opinion or doctrine
–latitudinarian noun
–lat·i·tu·di·nar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

latke
n. : POTATO PANCAKE

latosol
: a leached red and yellow tropical soil
–lat·o·sol·ic \ˌla-tə-'sȯ-lik\ adjective

latrine
n. 1 : a receptacle (as a pit in the earth) for use as a toilet
2 : TOILET 3

Latrobe
Benjamin Henry 1764-1820 American (Eng.-born) architect & engineer

latry
: worship <heliolatry>

lats
n. ― see MONEY table

latte
n. : CAFFE LATTE

latten
n. : a yellow alloy identical to or resembling brass typically hammered into thin sheets and formerly much used for church utensils

latter
adj. 1 a : belonging to a subsequent time or period : more recent <the latter stages of growth> b : of or relating to the end <in their latter days> c : RECENT, PRESENT <affected by latter calamities>
2 : of, relating to, or being the second of two groups or things or the last of several groups or things referred to <of ham and beef the latter meat is cheaper today> <of ham and beef the latter is cheaper today>

latter-day
1 : of present or recent times <latter-day prophets>
2 : of a later or subsequent time

Latter-day Saint
: a member of any of several religious bodies tracing their origin to Joseph Smith in 1830 and accepting the Book of Mormon as divine revelation : MORMON

latterly
adv. 1 : LATER
2 : of late : RECENTLY

lattice
n. 1 a : a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips b : a window, door, or gate having a lattice c : a network or design resembling a lattice
2 : a regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space specifically : the arrangement of atoms in a crystal
3 : a mathematical set that has some elements ordered and that is such that for any two elements there exists a greatest element in the subset of all elements less than or equal to both and a least element in the subset of all elements greater than or equal to both
–lattice transitive verb
–lat·ticed \-tist\ adjective

lattice girder
: a girder with top and bottom flanges connected by a latticework web

latticework
n. : a lattice or work made of lattices

Lattimore
Owen 1900-1989 American orientalist

Lattimore
Richmond 1906-1984 American poet & translator

latus rectum
: a chord of a conic section (as an ellipse) that passes through a focus and is parallel to the directrix

Latvia
n. independent country N cen Europe bordering on the Baltic; an independent republic 1918-40, a constituent republic (Lat·vi·an Republic \'lat-vē-ən\) of the U.S.S.R. 1940-91; capital Riga area 24,595 sq mi (63,701 sq km), pop 2,345,768

Latvian
n. 1 : the Baltic language of the Latvian people
2 : a native or inhabitant of Latvia
–Latvian adjective

lauan
n. : the light yellow to reddish-brown or brown wood of any of various tropical southeast Asian trees (as of the genera Shorea and Parashorea) which sometimes enters commerce as Philippine mahogany

Laubach
Frank Charles 1884-1970 American educator & missionary

Laud
n. William 1573-1645 Eng. prelate; archbishop of Canterbury (1633-45)
–Laud·ian \'lȯ-dē-ən\ adjective

laud
n. 1 plural but singular or plural in construction often capitalized : an office of solemn praise to God forming with matins the first of the canonical hours
2 : PRAISE, ACCLAIM

laud
n. : PRAISE, EXTOL

laudable
adj. : worthy of praise : COMMENDABLE
–laud·able·ness \'lȯ-də-bəl-nəs\ noun
–laud·ably \-blē\ adverb

laudanum
n. 1 : any of various formerly used preparations of opium
2 : a tincture of opium

laudation
n. : the act of praising : EULOGY

laudative
adj. : LAUDATORY

laudator temporis acti
: one who praises past times

laudatory
adj. : of, relating to, or expressing praise <laudatory reviews>

laude
cum laude
magna cum laude
summa cum laude

Lauder
n. Sir Harry Maclennan 1870-1950 Scot. singer

Lauderdale
n. Fort Lauderdale
Lauderdale Lakes
North Lauderdale

Lauderdale Lakes
city SE Fla. pop 31,705

Lauderhill
city SE Fla. pop 57,585

Laue
Max von 1879-1960 Ger. physicist

laugh
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to show emotion (as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound b : to find amusement or pleasure in something <laughed at his own clumsiness> c : to become amused or derisive <a very skeptical public laughed at our early efforts ― Graenum Berger>
2 a : to produce the sound or appearance of laughter <a laughing brook> b : to be of a kind that inspires joy
transitive verb
1 : to influence or move by laughter <laughed the bad singer off the stage>
2 : to utter with a laugh
–laugh·ing·ly \'la-fiŋ-lē, 'lä-\ adverb

laugh
n. 1 : the act of laughing
2 a : a cause for derision or merriment : JOKE b : an expression of scorn or mockery : JEER
3 plural : DIVERSION, SPORT <play baseball just for laughs>

laugh
n. belly laugh
last laugh
laugh off
laugh track
laughing jackass
laughing gas
laughing gull
laughing matter

laugh off
: to minimize by treating as amusingly or absurdly trivial

laugh track
: recorded laughter that accompanies dialogue or action (as of a television program)

laughable
adj. : of a kind to provoke laughter or sometimes derision : amusingly ridiculous
–laugh·able·ness noun
–laugh·ably \-blē\ adverb
synonyms LAUGHABLE, LUDICROUS, RIDICULOUS, COMIC, COMICAL mean provoking laughter or mirth. LAUGHABLE applies to anything occasioning laughter <laughable attempts at skating>. LUDICROUS suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn <a thriller with a ludicrous plot>. RIDICULOUS suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility <a ridiculous display of anger>. COMIC applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement <a comic character>. COMICAL applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity <a comical hat>.

laugher
n. 1 : one that laughs
2 : something (as a game) that is easily won or handled

laughing gas
: NITROUS OXIDE

laughing gull
: an American gull (Larus atricilla) having a black head in breeding plumage and black wing tips blending into the gray upper side of the wings

laughing jackass
: KOOKABURRA

laughing matter
: something not to be taken seriously ― usually used in the phrase no laughing matter

laughingstock
n. : an object of ridicule

Laughlin
n. Robert B. 1950-     American physicist

laughter
n. 1 : a sound of or as if of laughing
2 archaic : a cause of merriment

Laughton
Charles 1899-1962 American (Eng.-born) actor

launce
n. : SAND LANCE

Launceston
city & port Australia in N Tasmania pop 62,504

launch
n. transitive verb
1 a : to throw forward : HURL b : to release, catapult, or send off (a self-propelled object) <launch a rocket>
2 a : to set (a boat or ship) afloat b : to give (a person) a start <launched her on a new career> c (1) : to put into operation or set in motion : INITIATE, INTRODUCE (2) : to get off to a good start d : to load into a computer's memory and run <launch a program>
intransitive verb
1 a : to spring forward : TAKE OFF b : to enter energetically <launched into an impromptu speech ― Tim Tucker>
2 a archaic : to slide down the ways b : to make a start

launch
n. : an act or instance of launching

launch
n. 1 : a large boat that operates from a ship
2 : a small motorboat that is open or that has the forepart of the hull covered

launch
n. launch vehicle
launch window
launching pad

launch vehicle
: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

launch window
: WINDOW 8

launcher
n. : one that launches: as a : a device for firing grenades b : a device for launching a missile c : LAUNCH VEHICLE

launching pad
1 : LAUNCHPAD
2 : SPRINGBOARD 2

launchpad
n. : a nonflammable platform from which a rocket, launch vehicle, or guided missile can be launched

launder
n. transitive verb
1 : to wash (as clothes) in water
2 : to make ready for use by washing and ironing <a freshly laundered shirt>
3 : to transfer (as illegally obtained money or investments) through an outside party to conceal the true source
4 : SANITIZE 2 <laundered language>
intransitive verb : to wash or wash and iron clothing or household linens
–laun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

launder
n. : TROUGH especially : a box conduit conveying particulate material suspended in water in ore dressing

launderette
n. : a self-service laundry

laundress
n. : a woman who is a laundry worker

Laundromat
n. ― used for a self-service laundry

laundry
n. 1 a : a room for doing the family wash b : a commercial laundering establishment
2 : clothes or linens that have been or are to be laundered

laundry list
: a usually long list of items <the laundry list of new consumer-protection bills ― N. C. Miller>

laundryman
n. : a man who is a laundry worker

Launfal
: a knight of the Round Table in late Arthurian legend

laura
n. : a monastery of an Eastern church

Laurasia
hypothetical land area believed to have once connected the landmasses of the northern hemisphere except for the Indian subcontinent

laureate
n. : the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science specifically : POET LAUREATE
–laureate adjective
–lau·re·ate·ship \-ˌship\ noun

laureate
n. 1 : to crown with or as if with a laurel wreath for excellence or achievement
2 : to appoint to the office of poet laureate
–lau·re·ation \ˌlȯr-ē-'ā-shən, ˌlär-\ noun

laureate
n. poet laureate
poets laureate
poet laureates

laurel
n. 1 : an evergreen shrub or tree (Laurus nobilis of the family Lauraceae, the laurel family) of southern Europe with small yellow flowers, fruits that are ovoid blackish berries, and evergreen foliage once used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in the Pythian games ― called also bay sweet bay
2 : a tree or shrub that resembles the true laurel especially : MOUNTAIN LAUREL
3 a : a crown of laurel awarded as an honor b : a recognition of achievement : HONOR ― usually used in plural

laurel
n. : to deck or crown with laurel

laurel
n. California laurel
great laurel
mountain laurel
sheep laurel
spurge laurel
Dublin Bay prawn
sweet bay
bay leaf
bay rum
bay scallop
Bay Stater
bay window
Chesapeake Bay retriever
Cleveland bay
red bay
sick bay
Advent Bay
Algoa Bay
Aransas Bay
Baffin Bay
Bantry Bay
Barataria Bay
Barnegat Bay
Bay City
Bengal Bay of
Biscay Bay of
Biscayne Bay
Botafogo Bay
Botany Bay
Bristol Bay
Buzzards Bay
Campeche Bay of
Cam Ranh Bay
Cape Cod Bay
Cardigan Bay
Casco Bay
Chaleur Bay
Chesapeake Bay
Chincoteague Bay
Colwyn Bay
Coos Bay
Delagoa Bay
Delaware Bay
Dingle Bay
Donegal Bay
Dvina Bay
False Bay
Fonseca Bay
Frobisher Bay
Fundy Bay of
Geelvink Bay
Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Glacier Bay
Grand Traverse Bay
Green Bay
Guanabara Bay
Hawke Bay
Hudson Bay
Humboldt Bay
Ise Bay
Jamaica Bay
James Bay
Jervis Bay
Kaneohe Bay
Kealakekua Bay
Korea Bay
Mahone Bay
Massachusetts Bay
Matagorda Bay
Montego Bay
Moreton Bay
Mossel Bay
Mutsu Bay
Narragansett Bay
New York Bay
North Bay
Ormoc Bay
Palm Bay
Passamaquoddy Bay
Pigs Bay of
Placentia Bay
Plenty Bay of
Port Phillip Bay
Prudhoe Bay
Put in Bay
Quinte Bay of
Saginaw Bay
Saldanha Bay
Sarera Bay
Shark Bay
Suisun Bay
Suruga Bay
Table Bay
Thunder Bay
Tillamook Bay
Turtle Bay
Unalaska Bay
Ungava Bay
Walvis Bay
Whales Bay of
Willapa Bay
Winyah Bay
Yakutat Bay

Laurence
n. (Jean) Margaret 1926-1987 née Wemyss Canad. author

Laurencin
Marie 1885-1956 Fr. painter

Laurentian Mountains
range Canada in S Que. N of the St. Lawrence on S edge of Canadian Shield

Laurentian Plateau
― see CANADIAN SHIELD

lauric acid
: a crystalline fatty acid C_12H_24O_2 found especially in coconut oil and used chiefly in making soaps and esters

Laurier
Sir Wilfrid 1841-1919 Canad. statesman

Laurium
mountain SE Greece at SE tip of Attica

lauryl alcohol
: a solid alcohol C_12H_26O

laus Deo
: praise (be) to God

Lausanne
commune W Switzerland capital of Vaud canton on Lake Geneva pop 115,638

Lausitz
― see LUSATIA

lav
n. : LAVATORY

lava
n. : molten rock that issues from a volcano or from a fissure in the surface of a planet (as earth) or moon also : such rock that has cooled and hardened
–la·va·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Lava Beds National Monument
n. reservation N Calif. SE of Lower Klamath Lake

lavabo
n. 1 often capitalized : a ceremony at Mass in which the celebrant washes his hands after offering the oblations and says Psalm 25:6-12 (DV)
2 a : a washbasin and a tank with a spigot that are fastened to a wall b : this combination used as a planter

lavage
n. : WASHING especially : the therapeutic washing out of an organ or part

Laval
Pierre 1883-1945 Fr. polit.

Laval
town Canada in S Que. NW of Montreal pop 343,005

lavalava
: a rectangular cloth of cotton print worn like a kilt or skirt in Polynesia and especially in Samoa

lavalier microphone
: a small microphone hung around the neck of the user

lavaliere
n. : a pendant on a fine chain that is worn as a necklace

lavation
n. : the act or an instance of washing or cleansing

lavatory
n. 1 : a vessel (as a basin) for washing especially : a fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe for washing
2 : a room with conveniences for washing and usually with one or more toilets
3 : TOILET 3B
–lavatory adjective

lave
v. chiefly dialect : something that is left : RESIDUE

lave
v. transitive verb
1 a : WASH, BATHE b : to flow along or against
2 : POUR
intransitive verb archaic : to wash oneself : BATHE

lavender
n. 1 a : a Mediterranean mint (Lavandula angustifolia syn. L. officinalis) widely cultivated for its narrow aromatic leaves and spikes of lilac-purple flowers which are dried and used in sachets and from which is extracted an aromatic oil used chiefly in perfumery b : any of several plants congeneric with true lavender and used similarly but often considered inferior
2 : a pale purple

lavender
n. : to sprinkle or perfume with lavender

laver
n. : a large basin used for ceremonial ablutions in the ancient Jewish Tabernacle and Temple worship

laver
n. : any of several common red algae (genus Porphyra) with fronds used especially for stewing or pickling ― compare NORI

Laveran
(Charles-Louis-) Alphonse 1845-1922 Fr. physiol. & bacteriol.

Lavery
Sir John 1856-1941 Brit. painter

Lavinia
: a daughter of King Latinus in Virgil's Aeneid who is betrothed to Turnus but marries Aeneas

lavish
adj. 1 : expending or bestowing profusely : PRODIGAL
2 a : expended or produced in abundance b : marked by profusion or excess
synonyms see PROFUSE
–lav·ish·ly adverb
–lav·ish·ness noun

lavish
adj. : to expend or bestow with profusion : SQUANDER

Lavoisier
Antoine-Laurent 1743-1794 Fr. chem.

lavrock
chiefly Scottish : LARK

Law
n. (Andrew) Bon·ar \'bä-nər\ 1858-1923 Brit. (Canad.-born) statesman

Law
n. Edward 1750-1818 1st Baron El·len·bor·ough \'e-lən-ˌbər-ə, -ˌbə-rə, -brə\ Eng. jurist

Law
n. John 1671-1729 Scot. financier & speculator

Law
n. William 1686-1761 Eng. writer

law
n. 1 a (1) : a binding custom or practice of a community : a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority (2) : the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules (3) : COMMON LAW b (1) : the control brought about by the existence or enforcement of such law (2) : the action of laws considered as a means of redressing wrongs also : LITIGATION (3) : the agency of or an agent of established law c : a rule or order that it is advisable or obligatory to observe d : something compatible with or enforceable by established law e : CONTROL, AUTHORITY
2 a often capitalized : the revelation of the will of God set forth in the Old Testament b capitalized : the first part of the Jewish scriptures : PENTATEUCH, TORAH ― see BIBLE table
3 : a rule of construction or procedure <the laws of poetry>
4 : the whole body of laws relating to one subject
5 a : the legal profession b : law as a department of knowledge : JURISPRUDENCE c : legal knowledge
6 a : a statement of an order or relation of phenomena that so far as is known is invariable under the given conditions b : a general relation proved or assumed to hold between mathematical or logical expressions
–at law : under or within the provisions of the law <enforceable at law>
synonyms LAW, RULE, REGULATION, PRECEPT, STATUTE, ORDINANCE, CANON mean a principle governing action or procedure. LAW implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority <obey the law>. RULE applies to more restricted or specific situations <the rules of the game>. REGULATION implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system <regulations affecting nuclear power plants>. PRECEPT commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching <the precepts of effective writing>. STATUTE implies a law enacted by a legislative body <a statute requiring the use of seat belts>. ORDINANCE applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality <a city ordinance>. CANON suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide <the canons of good taste>. synonym see in addition HYPOTHESIS

law
n. : LITIGATE
transitive verb chiefly dialect : to sue or prosecute at law

law
n. administrative law
attorney at law
attorneys at law
biogenetic law
blue law
blue sky law
Boyle's law
brother in law
brothers in law
canon law
case law
civil law
common law
common law marriage
Corn Law
Coulomb's law
counselor at law
counselors at law
court of law
criminal law
daughter in law
daughters in law
decree law
dietary law
father in law
fathers in law
fundamental law
Gresham's law
Grimm's law
Hardy Weinberg law
heir at law
higher law
homestead law
Hooke's law
in law
international law
inverse square law
at law
law abiding
law abidingness
law and order
law merchant
law of averages
law of definite proportions
law of dominance
law of independent assortment
law of large numbers
Law of Moses
law of nations
law of parsimony
law of segregation
law of war
leash law
lemon law
lynch law
martial law
Moore's law
mother in law
mothers in law
Murphy's Law
natural law
Ohm's law
Parkinson's Law
parliamentary law
periodic law
poor law
positive law
private law
public law
roman law
Salic law
serjeant at law
serjeants at law
shield law
sister in law
sisters in law
son in law
sons in law
unwritten law
Verner's law
Bonar Law
Mendel's law
laws merchant

law merchant
: the legal rules formerly applied to cases arising in commercial transactions

law of averages

1874
: the commonsense observation that probability influences everyday life so that over the long term the possible outcomes of a repeated event occur with specific frequencies

law of definite proportions

1830
: a statement in chemistry: every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight

law of dominance

1942
: MENDEL'S LAW 3

law of independent assortment

1943
: MENDEL'S LAW 2

law of large numbers

1911
: a theorem in mathematical statistics: the probability that the absolute value of the difference between the mean of a population sample and the mean of the population from which it is drawn is greater than an arbitrarily small amount approaches zero as the size of the sample approaches infinity

Law of Moses

14th century
: PENTATEUCH, TORAH

law of nations

circa 1548
: INTERNATIONAL LAW

law of parsimony

1837
: OCCAM'S RAZOR

law of segregation

1902
: MENDEL'S LAW 1

law of war

1709
: the code that governs or one of the rules that govern the rights and duties of belligerents in international war

law-abiding
: abiding by or obedient to the law <law-abiding citizens>
–law-abid·ing·ness noun

law-and-order
: relating to, characterized by, or advocating strict laws and their enforcement <a law-and-order candidate>

lawbreaker
n. : a person who violates the law
–law·break·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective or noun

Lawes
Henry 1596-1662 Eng. composer

Lawes
Lewis Edward 1883-1947 American penologist

lawful
adj. 1 a : being in harmony with the law <a lawful judgment> b : constituted, authorized, or established by law : RIGHTFUL <lawful institutions>
2 : LAW-ABIDING <lawful citizens>
–law·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–law·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms LAWFUL, LEGAL, LEGITIMATE, LICIT mean being in accordance with law. LAWFUL may apply to conformity with law of any sort (as natural, divine, common, or canon) <the lawful sovereign>. LEGAL applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts <legal residents of the state>. LEGITIMATE may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards <a perfectly legitimate question about taxes>. LICIT applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law <the licit use of drugs by doctors>.

lawgiver
n. 1 : one who gives a code of laws to a people
2 : LEGISLATOR

lawless
adj. 1 : not regulated by or based on law
2 a : not restrained or controlled by law : UNRULY b : ILLEGAL
–law·less·ly adverb
–law·less·ness noun

lawmaker
n. : one who makes laws : LEGISLATOR
–law·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

lawman
n. : a law-enforcement officer (as a sheriff or marshal)

lawn
n. 1 archaic : an open space between woods : GLADE
2 : ground (as around a house or in a garden or park) that is covered with grass and is kept mowed
3 : a relatively even layer of bacteria covering the surface of a culture medium
–lawn or lawny \'lȯ-nē, 'lä-\ adjective

lawn
n. : a fine sheer linen or cotton fabric of plain weave that is thinner than cambric
–lawny adjective

lawn
n. lawn bowling
lawn mower
lawn tennis
Fair Lawn
Oak Lawn

lawn bowling
: a bowling game played on a green with wooden balls which are rolled at a jack

lawn mower
: a machine for cutting grass on lawns

lawn tennis
: TENNIS 2

Lawndale
city SW Calif. SSW of Los Angeles pop 31,711

Lawrence
n. David 1888-1973 American journalist

Lawrence
n. D(avid) H(erbert) 1885-1930 Eng. nov.
–Law·renc·ian \lȯ-'ren(t)-sē-ən\ or Law·ren·tian or Lau·ren·tian \-sh(ē-)ən\ adjective

Lawrence
n. Ernest Orlando 1901-1958 American physicist

Lawrence
n. Gertrude 1898-1952 orig. Gertrud Alexandra Dagmar Lawrence Klasen Eng. actress

Lawrence
n. James 1781-1813 American naval officer

Lawrence
n. Sir Thomas 1769-1830 Eng. painter

Lawrence
n. T(homas) E(dward) 1888-1935 Lawrence of Arabia later surname Shaw Brit. archaeol., soldier, & writer

Lawrence
n. 1 town cen Ind. NE of Indianapolis pop 38,915
2 city NE Kans. WSW of Kansas City pop 80,098
3 city NE corner of Mass. pop 72,043

Lawrence
n. Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park
Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence Lake
Saint Lawrence Island
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Saint Lawrence Seaway
Laurentian Plateau
Laurentian Mountains

lawrencium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

lawsuit
n. : a suit in law : a case before a court

Lawton
city SW Okla. pop 92,757

lawyer
n. : one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters
–law·yer·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–law·yer·ly \-lē\ adjective

lawyer
n. canon lawyer
criminal lawyer
jailhouse lawyer
Philadelphia lawyer
sea lawyer
trial lawyer

lawyering
n. : the profession or work of a lawyer

lax
adj. 1 a of the bowels : LOOSE, OPEN b : having loose bowels
2 : deficient in firmness : not stringent <lax control> <a lax foreman>
3 a : not tense, firm, or rigid : SLACK <a lax rope> b : having an open or loose texture c : having the constituents spread apart <a lax flower cluster>
4 : articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)
synonyms see NEGLIGENT
–lax·a·tion \lak-'sā-shən\ noun
–lax·ly \'laks-lē\ adverb
–lax·ness noun

lax
adj. : LACROSSE

laxative
n. : having a tendency to loosen or relax specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative
n. : a usually mild laxative drug

laxity
n. : the quality or state of being lax

Laxness
n. Halldór Kiljan 1902-1998 Icelandic writer

lay
n. transitive verb
1 : to beat or strike down with force
2 a : to put or set down <lay your books on the table> b : to place for rest or sleep especially : BURY
3 : to bring forth and deposit (an egg)
4 : CALM, ALLAY <lay the dust>
5 : BET, WAGER
6 : to press down giving a smooth and even surface
7 a : to dispose or spread over or on a surface <lay track> <lay plaster> b : to set in order or position <lay a table for dinner> <lay brick> c : to put (strands) in place and twist to form a rope, hawser, or cable also : to make by so doing <lay up rope>
8 a : to impose as a duty, burden, or punishment <lay a tax> b : to put as a burden of reproach <laid the blame on her> c : to advance as an accusation : IMPUTE <the disaster was laid to faulty inspection>
9 : to place (something immaterial) on something <lay stress on grammar>
10 : PREPARE, CONTRIVE <a well-laid plan>
11 a : to bring against or into contact with something : APPLY <laid the watch to his ear> b : to prepare or position for action or operation <lay a fire in the fireplace> also : to adjust (a gun) to the proper direction and elevation
12 : to bring to a specified condition <lay waste the land>
13 a : ASSERT, ALLEGE <lay claim to an estate> b : to submit for examination and judgment <laid her case before the commission>
14 often vulgar : to copulate with
intransitive verb
1 : to produce and deposit eggs
2 nonstandard : 1LIE
3 : WAGER, BET
4 dialect : PLAN, PREPARE
5 a : to apply oneself vigorously <laid to his oars> b : to proceed to a specified place or position on a ship <lay aloft>
–lay an egg : to fail or blunder especially embarrassingly
–lay eyes on : SEE, BEHOLD
–lay into : to attack especially verbally <laid into the referee>
–lay on the table
1 : to remove (a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely
2 British : to put (as legislation) on the agenda
usage LAY has been used intransitively in the sense of “lie” since the 14th century. The practice was unremarked until around 1770; attempts to correct it have been a fixture of schoolbooks ever since. Generations of teachers and critics have succeeded in taming most literary and learned writing, but intransitive lay persists in familiar speech and is a bit more common in general prose than one might suspect. Much of the problem lies in the confusing similarity of the principal parts of the two words. Another influence may be a folk belief that lie is for people and lay is for things. Some commentators are ready to abandon the distinction, suggesting that lay is on the rise socially. But if it does rise to respectability, it is sure to do so slowly: many people have invested effort in learning to keep lie and lay distinct. Remember that even though many people do use lay for lie, others will judge you unfavorably if you do.

lay
n. 1 : COVERT, LAIR
2 : something (as a layer) that lies or is laid
3 a : line of action : PLAN b : line of work : OCCUPATION
4 a : terms of sale or employment : PRICE b : share of profit (as on a whaling voyage) paid in lieu of wages
5 a : the amount of advance of any point in a rope strand for one turn b : the nature of a fiber rope as determined by the amount of twist, the angle of the strands, and the angle of the threads in the strands
6 : the way in which a thing lies or is laid in relation to something else <the lay of the land>
7 : the state of one that lays eggs <hens coming into lay>
8 a usually vulgar : a partner in sexual intercourse b usually vulgar : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

lay
n. past of lie

lay
n. 1 : a simple narrative poem : BALLAD
2 : MELODY, SONG

lay
n. 1 : of or relating to the laity : not ecclesiastical
2 : of or relating to members of a religious house occupied with domestic or manual work <a lay brother>
3 : not of a particular profession <the lay public> also : lacking extensive knowledge of a particular subject

lay
n. lay on the table
lay into
lay eyes on
lay an egg
lay away
lay by
lay day
lay down
lay figure
lay in
lay off
lay on
lay out
lay over
lay reader
lay to
lay up
lay siege to
cable laid
hawser laid
laid back
laid backness
laid paper
plain laid
twice laid
laying on of hands

lay an egg
to fail or blunder especially embarrassingly

lay away
: to put aside for future use or delivery

lay by
1 : to lay aside : DISCARD
2 : to store for future use : SAVE
3 : to cultivate (as corn) for the last time

lay day
1 : one of the days allowed by the charter for loading or unloading a vessel
2 : a day of delay in port

lay down
1 : to give up : SURRENDER <lay down your arms>
2 a : ESTABLISH, PRESCRIBE <lay down a scale for a map> b : to assert or command dogmatically <lay down the law>
3 a : STORE, PRESERVE <laid down a young wine> b : RECORD <laying down songs for their new album>
4 a : to direct toward a target <lay down a barrage> b : to hit along the ground <laid down a sacrifice bunt>
intransitive verb nonstandard : to lie down

lay eyes on
SEE, BEHOLD

lay figure
1 : a jointed model of the human body used by artists to show the disposition of drapery
2 : a person so compliant as to be likened to a puppet

lay in
: LAY BY, SAVE <lays in food for the winter>

lay into
to attack especially verbally <laid into the referee>

lay off
1 : to mark or measure off
2 : to cease to employ (a worker) often temporarily
3 of a bookie : to place all or part of (an accepted bet) with another bookie to reduce the risk
4 a : to leave undisturbed b : AVOID, QUIT <was advised to lay off smoking and alcohol> c : to refrain from swinging at (a pitch)
intransitive verb
1 : to stop doing or taking something
2 : to leave one alone <wish you'd just lay off>

lay on
1 a : to apply by or as if by spreading on a surface <laying it on thick> b : PROVIDE, ARRANGE <food laid on in abundance> c : HAND OUT <laid on awards>
2 chiefly British : HIRE
intransitive verb : ATTACK, BEAT

lay on the table

1 : to remove (a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely
2 British : to put (as legislation) on the agenda

lay out
1 : DISPLAY, EXHIBIT
2 : SPEND
3 a : to prepare (a corpse) for viewing b : to knock flat or unconscious
4 : to plan in detail <lay out a campaign>
5 : ARRANGE, DESIGN
6 : to mark (work) for drilling, machining, or filing

lay over
: POSTPONE
intransitive verb : to make a stopover

lay reader
1 : a layperson authorized to conduct parts of the church services not requiring a priest or minister
2 : LAYMAN 2

lay siege to

1 : to besiege militarily
2 : to pursue diligently or persistently

lay to
: LIE TO
transitive verb : to bring (a ship) into the wind and hold stationary

lay up
1 : to store up : LAY BY
2 : to disable or confine with illness or injury <a knee injury laid him up for a week>
3 : to take out of active service

lay-by
1 British : TURNOUT 4B
2 : the final operation (as a last cultivating) in the growing of a field crop

layabout
n. : a lazy shiftless person : IDLER

Layamon
fl 1200 Eng. poet

Layard
Sir Austen Henry 1817-1894 Eng. archaeol. & diplomat

layaway
n. : a purchasing agreement by which a retailer agrees to hold merchandise secured by a deposit until the price is paid in full by the customer

layer
n. 1 : one that lays (as a worker who lays brick or a hen that lays eggs)
2 a : one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another b : STRATUM c : HORIZON 2
3 a : a branch or shoot of a plant that roots while still attached to the parent plant b : a plant developed by layering
–lay·ered \'lā-ərd, 'lerd\ adjective

layer
n. 1 : to propagate (a plant) by means of layers
2 a : to place as a layer b : to place a layer on top of <pancakes layered with butter and syrup> c : to form or arrange in layers
intransitive verb
1 a : to separate into layers b : to form out of superimposed layers
2 of a plant : to form roots where a stem comes in contact with the ground

layer
n. boundary layer
D layer
E layer
F layer
F1 layer
F2 layer
germ layer
Heaviside layer
Malpighian layer
ozone layer
spongy layer
sporadic E layer
thin layer chromatography
palisade layer

layerage
n. : the practice, art, or process of rooting plants by layering

layette
n. : a complete outfit of clothing and equipment for a newborn infant

layin
: LAYUP 2

laying on of hands

15th century
: the act of laying hands usually on a person's head to confer a spiritual blessing (as in Christian ordination, confirmation, or faith healing)

layman
n. 1 : a person who is not a member of the clergy
2 : a person who does not belong to a particular profession or who is not expert in some field

layoff
n. 1 : a period of inactivity or idleness
2 : the act of laying off an employee or a workforce also : SHUTDOWN

layout
n. 1 : the plan or design or arrangement of something laid out: as a : DUMMY 5B b : final arrangement of matter to be reproduced especially by printing
2 : the act or process of planning or laying out in detail
3 a : something that is laid out <a model train layout> b : land or structures or rooms used for a particular purpose <a cattle-ranching layout> also : PLACE c : a set or outfit especially of tools

layover
n. : STOPOVER

laypeople
n. : LAYPERSONS

layperson
n. : a member of the laity

Laysan
island Hawaii in the Leewards NW of Niihau

Layton
city N Utah N of Salt Lake City pop 58,474

layup
n. 1 : the action of laying up or the condition of being laid up
2 : a shot in basketball made from near the basket usually by playing the ball off the backboard

laywoman
n. : a woman who is a member of the laity

lazar
n. : a person afflicted with a repulsive disease specifically : LEPER

lazaretto
n. 1 usually lazaretto : an institution (as a hospital) for those with contagious diseases
2 : a building or a ship used for detention in quarantine
3 usually lazaret or lazarette : a space in a ship between decks used as a storeroom

Lazarist
: VINCENTIAN 1

Lazarus
n. 1 : a brother of Mary and Martha raised by Jesus from the dead according to the account in John 11
2 : the diseased beggar in the parable of the rich man and the beggar found in Luke 16

laze
n. intransitive verb : to act or lie lazily : IDLE
transitive verb : to pass (time) in idleness or relaxation
synonyms see IDLE
–laze noun

Lazio
n. region cen Italy bordering on Tyrrhenian Sea & traversed by the Tiber capital Rome pop 5,302,302

lazulite
n. : an often crystalline azure-blue mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of aluminum, iron, and magnesium

lazy
adj. 1 a : disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous b : encouraging inactivity or indolence <a lazy summer day>
2 : moving slowly : SLUGGISH
3 : DROOPY, LAX <a rabbit with lazy ears>
4 : placed on its side <lazy E livestock brand>
5 : not rigorous or strict <lazy scholarship>
–la·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–la·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun
–la·zy·ish \-zē-ish\ adjective
synonyms LAZY, INDOLENT, SLOTHFUL mean not easily aroused to activity. LAZY suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble <take-out foods for lazy cooks>. INDOLENT suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity <the heat made us indolent>. SLOTHFUL implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for <fired for being slothful about filling orders>.

lazy
adj. : to move or lie lazily : LAZE

lazy
adj. lazy eye
lazy Susan
lazy tongs

lazy eye
: AMBLYOPIA also : an eye affected with amblyopia

lazy Susan
: a revolving tray used for serving food, condiments, or relishes

lazy tongs
: a series of jointed and pivoted bars capable of great extension used to pick up or handle something at a distance

lazybones
n. : a lazy person

LB
n. Labrador

lb
n. pound

LBO
leveraged buyout

LC
1 landing craft
2 left center
3 letter of credit
4 Library of Congress

lc
lowercase

LCD
n. : an electronic display (as of the time in a digital watch) that consists of segments of a liquid crystal whose reflectivity varies according to the voltage applied to them

LCD
n. least common denominator; lowest common denominator

LCDR
lieutenant commander

LCL
less-than-carload lot

LCM
1 least common multiple; lowest common multiple
2 [New Latin legis comparativae magister] master of comparative law

LCpl
lance corporal

LCS
League Championship Series

LD
n. 1 laser disc
2 learning disabled; learning disability
3 lethal dose
4 line of departure

ld
n. 1 load
2 lord

LD50
: the amount of a toxic agent (as a poison, virus, or radiation) that is sufficient to kill 50 percent of a population of animals usually within a certain time

LDC
least developed country; less developed country

ldg
1 landing
2 loading

LDH
lactate dehydrogenase; lactic dehydrogenase

LDL
: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol and that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis ― called also bad cholesterol ― compare HDL

LDPE
low-density polyethylene

ldr
leader

LDS
Latter-day Saints

LE
n. leading edge

LE
n. Le Calabrie
Choisy le Roi
Le Maine
Le Puglie
Morgan le Fay
aide toi le ciel t'aidera
apres moi le deluge
après nous le déluge
après moi le déluge
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte
epater le bourgeois
épater le bourgeois
la reine le veut
le roi est mort vive le roi
le roi le veut
le roi s'avisera
le style c'est l'homme
plus royaliste que le roi
pour le merite
pour le mérite
tout le monde
vive le roi
Corbusier Le
Le Brun
Le Carre
Le Carré
Le Corbusier
Le Duc Tho
Le Gallienne
Le Moyne
Viollet le Duc
Iles sous le Vent
Îles sous le Vent
Le Bourget
Le Havre
Le Havre de Grâce
Le Mans
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point

Le Bourget
commune N France, NE suburb of Paris pop 12,134

Le Brun
Charles 1619-1690 Fr. painter

Le Carre
John 1931-     pseud. of David Corn·well \'kȯrn-ˌwel\ Eng. nov.

le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
: the heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of

Le Corbusier
― see CORBUSIER

Le Duc Tho
1911-1990 Vietnamese diplomat

Le Gallienne
Eva 1899-1991 American (Eng.-born) actress

Le Gallienne
Richard 1866-1947 Eng. writer

Le Havre
city & port N France on English Channel on N side of Seine estuary pop 190,924

Le Maine
― see MAINE 2

Le Mans
city NW France on the Sarthe pop 146,064

Le Moyne
Pierre ― see IBERVILLE

le roi est mort, vive le roi
: the king is dead, long live the king

le roi le veut
: the king wills it

le roi s'avisera
: the king will consider

le style, c'est l'homme
: the style is the man

lea
n. 1 : GRASSLAND, PASTURE
2 usually ley : arable land used temporarily for hay or grazing

lea
n. leather

leach
n. variant of leech

leach
n. transitive verb
1 : to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid <leach out alkali from ashes>
2 : to subject to the action of percolating liquid (as water) in order to separate the soluble components
3 a : to remove (nutritive or harmful elements) from soil by percolation b : to draw out or remove as if by percolation <all meaning has been leached from my life>
intransitive verb : to pass out or through by percolation
–leach·abil·i·ty \ˌlē-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–leach·able \'lē-chə-bəl\ adjective
–leach·er noun

leachate
n. : a solution or product obtained by leaching

Leacock
Stephen Butler 1869-1944 Canad. econ. & humorist

lead
n. transitive verb
1 a : to guide on a way especially by going in advance b : to direct on a course or in a direction c : to serve as a channel for <a pipe leads water to the house>
2 : to go through : LIVE <lead a quiet life>
3 a (1) : to direct the operations, activity, or performance of <lead an orchestra> (2) : to have charge of <lead a campaign> (3) : to suggest to (a witness) the answer desired by asking leading questions b (1) : to go at the head of <lead a parade> (2) : to be first in or among <lead the league> (3) : to have a margin over <led his opponent>
4 : to bring to some conclusion or condition <led to believe otherwise>
5 : to begin play with <lead trumps>
6 a : to aim in front of (a moving object) <lead a duck> b : to pass a ball or puck just in front of (a moving teammate)
intransitive verb
1 a : to guide someone or something along a way b : to lie, run, or open in a specified place or direction <path leads uphill> c : to guide a dance partner through the steps of a dance
2 a : to be first b (1) : BEGIN, OPEN (2) : to play the first card of a trick, round, or game
3 : to tend toward or have a result <study leading to a degree>
4 : to direct the first of a series of blows at an opponent in boxing
synonyms see GUIDE
–lead one down the garden path also lead one up the garden path : HOODWINK, DECEIVE

lead
n. 1 a (1) : LEADERSHIP (2) : EXAMPLE, PRECEDENT b (1) : position at the front : VANGUARD (2) : INITIATIVE (3) : the act or privilege of leading in cards also : the card or suit led c : a margin or measure of advantage or superiority or position in advance
2 : one that leads: as a : LODE 2 b : a channel of water especially through a field of ice c : INDICATION, CLUE d : a principal role in a dramatic production also : one who plays such a role e : LEASH 1 f (1) : an introductory section of a news story (2) : a news story of chief importance
3 : an insulated electrical conductor connected to an electrical device
4 : the course of a rope from end to end
5 : the amount of axial advance of a point accompanying a complete turn of a thread (as of a screw or worm)
6 : a position taken by a base runner off a base toward the next
7 : the first punch of a series or an exchange of punches in boxing
–lead·less \-ləs\ adjective

lead
n. : acting or serving as a lead or leader <a lead article>

lead
n. 1 : a bluish-white soft malleable ductile plastic but inelastic heavy metallic element found mostly in combination and used especially in pipes, cable sheaths, batteries, solder, and shields against radioactivity ― see ELEMENT table
2 a : a plummet for sounding at sea b plural British : a usually flat lead roof c plural : lead framing for panes in windows d : a thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
3 a : a thin stick of marking substance (as graphite) in or for a pencil b : WHITE LEAD
4 : BULLETS, PROJECTILES
5 : TETRAETHYL LEAD
–lead·less \-ləs\ adjective

lead
n. 1 : to cover, line, or weight with lead
2 : to fix (window glass) in position with leads
3 : to put space between the lines of (typeset matter)
4 : to treat or mix with lead or a lead compound <leaded gasoline>

lead
n. lead one up the garden path
lead one down the garden path
lead acetate
lead arsenate
lead azide
lead carbonate
lead chromate
lead dioxide
lead glass
lead in
lead line
lead monoxide
lead off
lead on
lead oxide
lead pencil
lead pipe
lead poisoning
lead sulfide
lead time
lead up
red lead
tetraethyl lead
white lead
leading edge
leading lady
leading light
leading man
leading tone
leading note

lead acetate
: an acetate of lead especially : a poisonous soluble salt PbC_4H_6O_4·3H_2O

lead arsenate
: an arsenate of lead: as a : an acid salt PbHAsO_4 used especially as an insecticide b : a neutral salt Pb_3(AsO_4)2 used especially as an insecticide

lead azide
: a crystalline explosive compound Pb(N_3)2 used as a detonating agent

lead carbonate
: a carbonate of lead especially : a poisonous basic salt Pb_3(OH)2(CO_3)2 used especially as a white pigment

lead chromate
: a chromate of lead especially : CHROME YELLOW

lead dioxide
: a poisonous compound PbO_2 used especially as an oxidizing agent and as an electrode in batteries

lead glass
: glass containing a high proportion of lead oxide and having extraordinary clarity and brilliance

lead line
: SOUNDING LINE

lead monoxide
: a yellow to brownish-red poisonous compound PbO used in rubber manufacture and glassmaking

lead off
: BEGIN also : to come on or perform first
transitive verb
1 : to make a start on : OPEN
2 : to bat first for a baseball team in (an inning)

lead on
: to entice or induce to adopt or continue in a course or belief especially when unwise or mistaken

lead one down the garden path
also lead one up the garden path : HOODWINK, DECEIVE

lead oxide
: any of several oxides of lead especially : LEAD MONOXIDE

lead pencil
: a pencil using graphite as the marking material

lead poisoning
: chronic intoxication that is produced by the absorption of lead into the system and is characterized especially by fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, and muscular paralysis or weakness of limbs

lead sulfide
: an insoluble black compound PbS that occurs naturally as galena and is used in photoconductive cells

lead time
: the time between the beginning of a process or project and the appearance of its results

lead up
1 : to prepare the way
2 : to make a gradual or indirect approach to a topic

lead-in
: something (as a television show or segment) that leads into something else <a lead-in to the commercial>
–lead-in adjective

lead-pipe
: CERTAIN, GUARANTEED <a lead-pipe cinch>

lead-up
: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

Leadbelly
n. ― see Huddie LEDBETTER

leaden
adj. 1 a : made of lead b : of the color of lead : dull gray
2 a : oppressively heavy b : SLUGGISH c : lacking spirit or animation
–lead·en·ly adverb
–lead·en·ness \-dən-(n)əs\ noun

leader
n. 1 : something that leads: as a : a primary or terminal shoot of a plant b : TENDON, SINEW c plural : dots or hyphens (as in an index) used to lead the eye horizontally : ELLIPSIS 2 d chiefly British : a newspaper editorial e (1) : something for guiding fish into a trap (2) : a short length of material for attaching the end of a fishing line to a lure or hook f : LOSS LEADER g : something that ranks first h : a blank section at the beginning or end of a reel of film or recorded tape
2 : a person who leads: as a : GUIDE, CONDUCTOR b (1) : a person who directs a military force or unit (2) : a person who has commanding authority or influence c (1) : the principal officer of a British political party (2) : a party member chosen to manage party activities in a legislative body (3) : such a party member presiding over the whole legislative body when the party constitutes a majority d (1) : CONDUCTOR C (2) : a first or principal performer of a group
3 : a horse placed in advance of the other horses of a team
–lead·er·less \-ləs\ adjective

leader
n. floor leader
leader of the opposition
loss leader
majority leader
minority leader
squadron leader

leader of the opposition

1771
: the principal member of the opposition party in a British legislative body who is given the status of a salaried government official and an important role in organizing the business of the house

leaderboard
: a large board for displaying the ranking of the leaders in a competitive event (as a golf tournament)

leadership
n. 1 : the office or position of a leader
2 : capacity to lead
3 : the act or an instance of leading
4 : LEADERS <the party leadership>

leading
n. 1 : coming or ranking first : FOREMOST
2 : exercising leadership
3 : providing direction or guidance <a leading question>
4 : given most prominent display <the leading story>

leading
n. leading edge
leading lady
leading light
leading man
leading tone
leading note

leading edge
1 : the forward part of something that moves or seems to move
2 : the foremost edge of an airfoil
3 : CUTTING EDGE
–leading-edge adjective

leading lady
: an actress who plays the leading female role

leading light
: a prominent and influential member (as of a community or church)

leading man
: an actor who plays the leading male role

leading tone
: the seventh tone of a major or minor scale ― called also leading note

leadman
: a worker in charge of other workers

leadoff
n. 1 : a beginning or leading action
2 : one that leads off
–leadoff adjective

leadplant
: a leguminous shrub (Amorpha canescens) of the western U.S. that has hoary pinnate leaves and bears dull-colored racemose flowers

leadscrew
: a threaded rod on which a mechanism travels and can be positioned precisely

leadsman
n. : a man who uses a sounding lead to determine depth of water

leadwork
: articles made of or work done in lead

leady
adj. : containing or resembling lead

leaf
n. 1 a (1) : a lateral outgrowth from a plant stem that is typically a flattened expanded variably shaped greenish organ, constitutes a unit of the foliage, and functions primarily in food manufacture by photosynthesis (2) : a modified leaf (as a bract or sepal) primarily engaged in functions other than food manufacture b (1) : FOLIAGE <trees in full leaf> (2) : the leaves of a plant as an article of commerce
2 : something suggestive of a leaf: as a : a part of a book or folded sheet containing a page on each side b (1) : a part (as of window shutters, folding doors, or gates) that slides or is hinged (2) : the movable parts of a table top c (1) : a thin sheet or plate of any substance : LAMINA (2) : metal (as gold or silver) in sheets usually thinner than foil (3) : one of the plates of a leaf spring
–leaf·less \'lēf-ləs\ adjective
–leaf·like \'lēf-ˌlīk\ adjective

leaf
n. 1 : to shoot out or produce leaves <will leaf out in spring>
2 : to turn over pages especially to browse or skim <leaf through a book>
transitive verb : to turn over the pages of

leaf
n. bay leaf
cereal leaf beetle
corn leaf aphid
drop leaf
elm leaf beetle
fig leaf
gold leaf
leaf bud
leaf butterfly
leaf curl
leaf cutter
leaf cutting ant
leaf fat
leaf lard
leaf miner
leaf mold
leaf roll
leaf roller
leaf rust
leaf scar
leaf scorch
leaf spot
leaf spring
leaf trace
little leaf
loose leaf
oak leaf cluster
peach leaf curl
red leaf
seed leaf
turn over a new leaf
walking leaf
broad leafed

leaf bud
: a bud that develops into a leafy shoot and does not produce flowers

leaf butterfly
: any of a genus (Kallima) of nymphalid butterflies of southern Asia with wings resembling dried or dead leaves

leaf curl
: any of numerous plant diseases caused by ascomycetous fungi (genus Taphrina of the family Taphrinaceae) or viruses (esp. genus Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae) and characterized by curling of leaves especially : PEACH LEAF CURL

leaf fat
: the fat that lines the abdominal cavity and encloses the kidneys especially : that of a hog used in the manufacture of lard

leaf lard
: high-quality lard made from leaf fat

leaf miner
: any of various small insects (as moths or dipteran flies) that in the larval stages burrow in and eat the parenchyma of leaves

leaf mold
1 : a compost or layer composed chiefly of decayed leaves
2 : a mold or mildew that affects foliage

leaf roll
: any of various plant diseases characterized especially by an upward rolling of the leaf margins especially : a disease of the potato caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (species Potato leafroll virus of the genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) transmitted by aphids

leaf roller
: any of various lepidopterans whose larvae make a nest by rolling up plant leaves

leaf rust
: a rust disease of plants and especially of wheat that affects primarily the leaves

leaf scar
: the mark left on a stem after a leaf falls

leaf scorch
: any of various plant diseases or conditions characterized by a burned or scorched appearance of the foliage

leaf spot
: any of various plant diseases characterized by discolored often circular spots on the leaves

leaf spring
: a spring made of superposed strips or leaves

leaf trace
: a trace associated with a leaf

leaf-cutter
: any of various chiefly tropical American ants (genus Atta) that cut and carry off the leaves of plants which they use in culturing fungi for food ― called also leaf-cutting ant

leafage
n. 1 : FOLIAGE 2
2 : the representation of leafage (as in architecture)

leafed
adj. : LEAVED

leafhopper
n. : any of a family (Cicadellidae) of small leaping homopterous insects that suck the juices of plants

leaflet
n. 1 a : one of the divisions of a compound leaf b : a small or young foliage leaf
2 : a leaflike organ or part
3 : a usually folded printed sheet intended for free distribution

leaflet
n. intransitive verb : to hand out leaflets
transitive verb : to hand out leaflets to

leafstalk
n. : PETIOLE

leafy
adj. 1 a : furnished with or abounding in leaves <leafy woodlands> b : having broad-bladed leaves <mosses, grasses, and leafy plants> c : consisting chiefly of leaves <leafy vegetables>
2 : resembling a leaf specifically : LAMINATE

leafy liverwort
: any of an order (Jungermanniales) of usually epiphytic liverworts with a leafy gametophyte that has one ventral and two dorsal rows of leaves on the stem

leafy spurge
: a tall perennial Eurasian herb (Euphorbia esula) naturalized as a weed in the northern U.S. and Canada

league
n. 1 : any of various units of distance from about 2.4 to 4.6 statute miles (3.9 to 7.4 kilometers)
2 : a square league

league
n. 1 a : an association of nations or other political entities for a common purpose b (1) : an association of persons or groups united by common interests or goals (2) : a group of sports teams that regularly play one another c : an informal alliance <in league with her sister>
2 : CLASS, CATEGORY

league
n. transitive verb : to unite in a league
intransitive verb : to form a league

league
n. big league
bush league
Ivy League
Little League
major league
minor league
League City
League of Nations

League City
city SE Tex. NW of Galveston pop 45,444

League of Nations
n. political organization established by the Allied powers at end of World War I; replaced by United Nations 1946

leaguer
n. 1 : a military camp
2 : SIEGE

leaguer
n. archaic : BESIEGE, BELEAGUER

leaguer
n. : a member of a league

leaguer
n. big leaguer
bush leaguer
Ivy Leaguer
Junior Leaguer
Little Leaguer
major leaguer
Texas leaguer

Leahy
William Daniel 1875-1959 American admiral

leak
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to enter or escape through an opening usually by a fault or mistake <fumes leak in> b : to let a substance or light in or out through an opening
2 a : to become known despite efforts at concealment <confidential information leaked out> b : to be the source of an information leak
transitive verb
1 : to permit to enter or escape through or as if through a leak
2 : to give out (information) surreptitiously <leaked the story to the press>
–leak·er \'lē-kər\ noun

leak
n. 1 a : a crack or hole that usually by mistake admits or lets escape b : something that permits the admission or escape of something else usually with prejudicial effect
2 : the act, process, or an instance of leaking
3 sometimes vulgar : an act of urinating ― used especially in the phrase take a leak
–leak·proof \'lēk-ˌprüf\ adjective

leakage
n. 1 a : the act or process or an instance of leaking b : loss of electricity especially due to faulty insulation
2 : something or the amount that leaks

Leakey
n. Louis Seymour Bazett 1903-1972 Brit. paleontologist

Leakey
n. Mary Douglas 1913-1996 née Nicol; wife of prec. Brit. paleontologist

leaky
adj. : permitting fluid to leak in or out
–leak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–leak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

leal
adj. chiefly Scottish : LOYAL, TRUE
–leal·ly \'lē-ə(l)-lē, 'lēl-lē\ adverb

Leamington
1 town Canada in SE Ont. SE of Windsor pop 27,138
2 or Royal Leamington Spa town S cen England in Warwickshire pop 44,989

Lean
n. Sir David 1908-1991 Brit. film director

lean
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to incline, deviate, or bend from a vertical position b : to cast one's weight to one side for support
2 : to rely for support or inspiration
3 : to incline in opinion, taste, or desire <leaning toward a career in chemistry>
transitive verb : to cause to lean : INCLINE
–lean on : to apply pressure to

lean
n. : the act or an instance of leaning : INCLINATION

lean
n. 1 a : lacking or deficient in flesh b : containing little or no fat <lean meat>
2 : lacking richness, sufficiency, or productiveness <lean profits> <the lean years>
3 : deficient in an essential or important quality or ingredient: as a of ore : containing little valuable mineral b : low in combustible component ― used especially of fuel mixtures
4 : characterized by economy (as of style, expression, or operation)
–lean·ly adverb
–lean·ness \'lēn-nəs\ noun
synonyms LEAN, SPARE, LANK, LANKY, GAUNT, RAWBONED, SCRAWNY, SKINNY mean thin because of an absence of excess flesh. LEAN stresses lack of fat and of curving contours <a lean racehorse>. SPARE suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise <the gymnast's spare figure>. LANK implies tallness as well as leanness <the lank legs of the heron>. LANKY suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness <a lanky youth, all arms and legs>. GAUNT implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering <a prisoner's gaunt face>. RAWBONED suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment <a rawboned farmer>. SCRAWNY and SKINNY imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality <a scrawny chicken> <skinny street urchins>.

lean
n. : to make lean

lean
n. : the part of meat that consists principally of lean muscle

lean
n. lean over backward
lean on
lean to
lean tos

lean on
to apply pressure to

lean-to
1 : a wing or extension of a building having a lean-to roof
2 : a rough shed or shelter with a lean-to roof

lean-to
: having only one slope or pitch <a lean-to roof> ― see ROOF illustration

Leander
n. : a youth in Greek mythology who swims the Hellespont nightly to visit Hero and who ultimately drowns in one of the crossings

leaning
n. : a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency ― often used in plural <radical leanings>
synonyms LEANING, PROPENSITY, PROCLIVITY, PENCHANT mean a strong instinct or liking for something. LEANING suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable <a student with artistic leanings>. PROPENSITY implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination <a propensity to offer advice>. PROCLIVITY suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil <a proclivity for violence>. PENCHANT implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object <a penchant for taking risks>.

leant
chiefly British past of lean

leap
n. intransitive verb
1 : to spring free from or as if from the ground : JUMP <leap over a fence> <a fish leaps out of the water>
2 a : to pass abruptly from one state or topic to another b : to act precipitately <leaped at the chance>
transitive verb : to pass over by leaping <leaped the wall>
–leap·er \'lē-pər\ noun

leap
n. 1 a : an act of leaping : SPRING, BOUND b (1) : a place leaped over or from (2) : the distance covered by a leap
2 a : a sudden passage or transition <a great leap forward> b : a choice made in an area of ultimate concern <a leap of faith>
–by leaps and bounds : with extraordinary rapidity <a town growing by leaps and bounds>

leap
n. leap second
leap year
quantum leap
by leaps and bounds

leap second
: an intercalary second added to Coordinated Universal Time to compensate for the slowing of the earth's rotation and keep Coordinated Universal Time in synchrony with solar time

leap year
1 : a year in the Gregorian calendar containing 366 days with February 29 as the extra day
2 : an intercalary year in any calendar

leapfrog
n. : a game in which one player bends down and is vaulted over by another player

leapfrog
n. intransitive verb : to leap or progress in or as if in leapfrog
transitive verb
1 : to go ahead of (each other) in turn specifically : to advance (two military units) by keeping one unit in action while moving the other unit past it to a position farther in front
2 : to evade by or as if by a bypass

Lear
n. : a legendary king of Britain and hero of Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear

Lear
n. Edward 1812-1888 Eng. painter & nonsense poet

learn
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience <learn a trade> (2) : MEMORIZE <learn the lines of a play> b : to come to be able <learn to dance> c : to come to realize <learned that honesty paid>
2 a nonstandard : TEACH b obsolete : to inform of something
3 : to come to know : HEAR <we just learned that he was ill>
intransitive verb : to acquire knowledge or skill or a behavioral tendency
synonyms see DISCOVER
–learn·able \'lər-nə-bəl\ adjective
–learn·er noun
usage Learn in the sense of “teach” dates from the 13th century and was standard until at least the early 19th <made them drunk with true Hollands97and then learned them the art of making bargains ― Washington Irving>. But by Mark Twain's time it was receding to a speech form associated chiefly with the less educated <never done nothing for three months but set in his back yard and learn that frog to jump ― Mark Twain>. The present-day status of learn has not risen. This use persists in speech, but in writing it appears mainly in the representation of such speech or its deliberate imitation for effect.

learn
v. associative learning
higher learning
learning curve
learning disability
learning disabled
paired associate learning

learned
adj. 1 \'lər-nəd\ : characterized by or associated with learning : ERUDITE <a learned scholar>
2 \'lərnd, 'lərnt\ : acquired by learning <learned behavior>
–learn·ed·ly \'lər-nəd-lē\ adverb
–learn·ed·ness \-nəd-nəs\ noun

learning
n. 1 : the act or experience of one that learns
2 : knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study
3 : modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (as exposure to conditioning)
synonyms see KNOWLEDGE

learning
n. associative learning
higher learning
learning curve
learning disability
learning disabled
paired associate learning

learning curve
1 : a curve plotting performance against practice especially : one graphing decline in unit costs with cumulative output
2 : the course of progress made in learning something

learning disability
: any of various conditions (as dyslexia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn and so result in impaired functioning in language, reasoning, or academic skills and that are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information
–learning disabled adjective

learnt
chiefly British past and past part of learn

leary
variant of leery

lease
n. 1 : a contract by which one conveys real estate, equipment, or facilities for a specified term and for a specified rent also : the act of such conveyance or the term for which it is made
2 : a piece of land or property that is leased
3 : a continuance or opportunity for continuance <a new lease on life>

lease
n. 1 : to grant by lease
2 : to hold under a lease
synonyms see HIRE
–leas·able \'lē-sə-bəl\ adjective

leaseback
n. : the sale of property with the understanding that the seller can lease it from the new owner

leasehold
n. 1 : a tenure by lease
2 : property held by lease
–lease·hold·er noun

leash
n. 1 a : a line for leading or restraining an animal b : something that restrains : the state of being restrained <keeping spending on a tight leash>
2 a : a set of three animals (as greyhounds, foxes, bucks, or hares) b : a set of three
–leash transitive verb

leash law
: an ordinance requiring dogs to be restrained when not confined to their owner's property

leasing
n. archaic : the act of lying also : LIE, FALSEHOOD

least
n. 1 : lowest in importance or position
2 a : smallest in size or degree b : being a member of a kind distinguished by diminutive size <the least bittern> c : smallest possible : SLIGHTEST

least
n. : one that is least
–at least
1 : at the minimum <at least once a week>
2 : in any case <at least you have a choice>

least
n. superlative of 2little

13th century
: in the smallest or lowest degree
–least of all : especially not <no one, least of all the children, paid attention>

least
n. at least
least of all
least common denominator
least common multiple
least squares
least tern

least common denominator
: the least common multiple of two or more denominators

least common multiple
1 : the smallest common multiple of two or more numbers
2 : the common multiple of lowest degree of two or more polynomials

least of all
especially not <no one, least of all the children, paid attention>

least squares
: a method of fitting a curve to a set of points representing statistical data in such a way that the sum of the squares of the distances of the points from the curve is a minimum

least tern
: a very small black-capped tern (Sterna antillarum) with a white body and forehead that is found chiefly in coastal areas of eastern No. America and California

leastways
adv. dialect : at least

leastwise
adv. : at least <leastwise, that's what I heard>

leather
n. 1 : animal skin dressed for use
2 : the flap of the ear of a dog ― see DOG illustration
3 : something wholly or partly made of leather
–leather adjective
–leath·er·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

leather
n. 1 : to cover with leather
2 : to beat with a strap : THRASH

leather
n. buff leather
glove leather
hell for leather
kid leather
leather lunged
napa leather
patent leather
Russia leather
saddle leather
shoe leather
stirrup leather

leather-lunged
: having an inordinately loud voice <leather-lunged singers>

leatherback
n. : the largest existing sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) distinguished by its flexible carapace composed of a mosaic of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin

leatherette
n. : imitation leather

leatherleaf
: a temperate-zone bog shrub (Chamaedaphne calyculata) of the heath family with leathery evergreen leaves and small white cylindrical flowers

leathern
adj. : made of, consisting of, or resembling leather

leatherneck
n. : a member of the U.S. Marine Corps

leatherwood
1 : a small eastern No. American tree (Dirca palustris) of the mezereon family with pliant stems and yellow flowers
2 : a small tree or shrub (Cyrilla racemiflora of the family Cyrillaceae) of the southeastern U.S.

leatherwork
n. : work made of leather : leather articles

leathery
adj. : resembling, characteristic of, or suggestive of leather <a leathery face> <a leathery aroma>

leave
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : BEQUEATH, DEVISE <left a fortune to his son> (2) : to have remaining after one's death <leaves a widow and two children> b : to cause to remain as a trace or aftereffect <oil leaves a stain> <the wound left an ugly scar>
2 a : to cause or allow to be or remain in a specified condition <leave the door open> <his manner left me cold> b : to fail to include or take along <left the notes at home> <the movie leaves a lot out> c : to have as a remainder <4 from 7 leaves 3> d : to permit to be or remain subject to another's action or control <just leave everything to me> e : LET f : to cause or allow to be or remain available <leave room for expansion> <left myself an out>
3 a : to go away from : DEPART <leave the room> b : DESERT, ABANDON <left his wife> c : to terminate association with : withdraw from <left school before graduation>
4 : to put, deposit, or deliver before or in the process of departing <I left a package for you> <leave a message>
intransitive verb : SET OUT, DEPART
–leav·er noun
–leave alone : to refrain from bothering, disturbing, or using
usage Leave (sense 2e) with the infinitive but without to <leave it be> is a mostly spoken idiom used in writing especially for humorous effect. It is not often criticized in British English, but American commentators, adhering to an opinion first expressed in 1881, still dislike it.

leave
n. 1 a : permission to do something b : authorized especially extended absence from duty or employment
2 : an act of leaving : DEPARTURE

leave
n. : LEAF

leave
n. absent without leave
by your leave
family leave
French leave
leave alone
leave of absence
leave off
leave taking
sabbatical leave
shore leave
sick leave
terminal leave
ticket of leave
tickets of leave
broad leaved
long leaved pine
left bank
left brain
left brained
left field
left fielder
left hand
left handed
left handedness
left handedly
left hander
left shoulder arms
left wing
left winger
New Left
right and left
stage left
school leaver

leave alone
to refrain from bothering, disturbing, or using

leave of absence

1756
1 : permission to be absent from duty or employment
2 : LEAVE 1B

leave off
: STOP, CEASE <picked up where he had left off>

leave-taking
: DEPARTURE, FAREWELL

leaved
adj. : having leaves ― usually used in combination <palmate-leaved> <a four-leaved clover>

leaven
n. 1 a : a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid especially : SOURDOUGH b : a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter
2 : something that modifies or lightens

leaven
n. 1 : to raise (as bread) with a leaven
2 : to mingle or permeate with some modifying, alleviating, or vivifying element especially : LIGHTEN <a sermon leavened with humor>
synonyms see INFUSE

leavening
n. : a leavening agent : LEAVEN

Leavenworth
city NE Kans. on Missouri River NW of Kansas City pop 35,420

leaves
n. plural of leaf

leavings
n. : REMNANTS, RESIDUE

Leavis
Frank Raymond 1895-1978 Eng. critic
–Lea·vis·ian \lē-'vi-zh(ē-)ən\ adjective
–Lea·vis·ite \'lē-və-ˌsīt\ adjective

Leawood
city E Kans. S of Kansas City pop 27,656

Leb
Lebanese; Lebanon

Lebanon
n. 1 \'le-bə-nən\ city SE cen Pa. E of Harrisburg pop 24,461
2 \-nən, -ˌnän\ country SW Asia bordering on the Mediterranean; a republic since 1944, formerly (1920-44) a French mandate capital Beirut area 4016 sq mi (10,401 sq km), pop 2,909,000
–Leb·a·nese \ˌle-bə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Lebanon
n. cedar of Lebanon
Anti Lebanon
Lebanon Mountains

Lebanon Mountains
mountains Lebanon running parallel to coast W of Bekaa Valley

lebensraum
n. 1 : territory believed especially by Nazis to be necessary for national existence or economic self-sufficiency
2 : space required for life, growth, or activity

Lebenswelt
: life world : world of lived experience

Lebrun
Albert 1871-1950 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1932-40)

Lebrun
Mme. Vigée- ― see VIGÉE-LEBRUN

Lecce
commune SE Italy in Puglia pop 97,458

Lecco
commune N Italy in Lombardy on SE arm (Lake Lecco) of Lake Como

Lech
river Austria & Germany flowing from Vorarlberg N into the Danube

lech
1 : LETCH, LUST
2 : LECHER

lech
: LUST

lecher
n. : a man who engages in lechery

lecherous
adj. : given to or suggestive of lechery
–lech·er·ous·ly adverb
–lech·er·ous·ness noun

lechery
n. : inordinate indulgence in sexual activity : LASCIVIOUSNESS

lechwe
n. : an antelope (Kobus leche) that inhabits wetlands of southern Africa also : a related antelope (K. megaceros) of the Nile Valley in Sudan and Ethiopia

lecithin
n. : any of several waxy hygroscopic phospholipids that are widely distributed in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties also : a mixture of or substance rich in lecithins

lecithinase
n. : PHOSPHOLIPASE

Lecky
William Edward Hartpole 1838-1903 Irish hist.

Leconte de Lisle
Charles-Marie 1818-1894 orig. Leconte Fr. poet

lectern
n. : a stand used to support a book or script in a convenient position for a standing reader or speaker especially : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

lectin
n. : any of a group of proteins especially of plants that are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specif. to carbohydrate-containing receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells)

lection
n. 1 : a liturgical reading for a particular day
2 [New Latin lection-, lectio, from L] : a variant reading of a text

lectionary
n. : a book or list of lections for the church year

lector
n. : a person who assists at a worship service chiefly by reading the lection

lectotype
: a specimen chosen as the type of a species or subspecies if the author of the name fails to designate a type

lecture
n. 1 : a discourse given before an audience or class especially for instruction
2 : a formal reproof
–lec·ture·ship \-ˌship\ noun

lecture
n. intransitive verb : to deliver a lecture or a course of lectures
transitive verb
1 : to deliver a lecture to
2 : to reprove formally
–lec·tur·er \-chər-ər, -shrər\ noun

LED
n. : a semiconductor diode that emits light when a voltage is applied to it and that is used in an electronic display (as for a digital watch)

led
n. past and past part of lead

Leda
n. : the mother of Clytemnestra and Castor by her husband Tyndareus and of Helen and Pollux by Zeus who comes to her in the form of a swan

Ledbetter
Huddie 1888-1949 Lead·bel·ly \'led-ˌbe-lē\ American blues singer

Lederberg
Joshua 1925-     American geneticist

lederhosen
n. : leather shorts often with suspenders worn especially in Bavaria

Lederman
Leon Max 1922-     American physicist

ledge
n. 1 : a raised or projecting edge or molding intended to protect or check <a window ledge>
2 : an underwater ridge or reef especially near the shore
3 a : a narrow flat surface or shelf especially : one that projects from a wall of rock b : rock that is solid or continuous enough to form ledges : BEDROCK <the field was full of ledge>
4 : LODE, VEIN
–ledgy \'le-jē\ adjective

ledger
n. 1 : a book containing accounts to which debits and credits are posted from books of original entry
2 : a horizontal board used for vertical support (as in scaffolding)

ledger line
: a short line added above or below a musical staff to extend its range

Lee
n. Robert E(dward) 1807-1870 American Confed. gen.

Lee
n. Sir Sidney 1859-1926 Eng. editor & scholar

Lee
n. Yuan Tseh 1936-     American (Taiwanese-born) chem.

Lee
n. Ann 1736-1784 American (Eng.-born) Shaker

Lee
n. Charles 1731-1782 American (Eng.-born) gen.

Lee
n. David Morris 1931-     American physicist

Lee
n. Fitzhugh 1835-1905 nephew of R.E. American gen.

Lee
n. Francis Lightfoot 1734-1797 American statesman in Revolution

Lee
n. Henry 1756-1818 Light-Horse Harry; father of R.E. American gen.

Lee
n. Richard Henry 1732-1794 American statesman in Revolution

lee
n. 1 : protecting shelter
2 : the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind

lee
n. Lee's Birthday
lee shore
Fort Lee
Lee's Summit

lee
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind ― compare WEATHER
2 : facing in the direction of motion of an overriding glacier ― used especially of a hillside

lee shore
: a shore lying off a ship's leeward side and constituting a severe danger in storm

Lee's Birthday
: January 19 or the third Monday in January observed as a legal holiday in many southern states

Lee's Summit
city W Mo. SE of Kansas City pop 70,700

leeboard
n. : either of the wood or metal planes attached outside the hull of a sailboat to prevent leeway

leech
n. 1 archaic : PHYSICIAN, SURGEON
2 [from its former use by physicians for bleeding patients] : any of numerous carnivorous or bloodsucking usually freshwater annelid worms (class Hirudinea) that have typically a flattened lanceolate segmented body with a sucker at each end
3 : a hanger-on who seeks advantage or gain
synonyms see PARASITE
–leech·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

leech
n. 1 : to bleed by the use of leeches
2 : to drain the substance of : EXHAUST
intransitive verb : to attach oneself to a person as a leech

leech
n. 1 : either vertical edge of a square sail
2 : the after edge of a fore-and-aft sail

Leeds
n. city N England in W. Yorkshire pop 674,400

leek
n. : a biennial garden herb (Allium ampeloprasum porrum) of the lily family grown for its mildly pungent succulent linear leaves and especially for its thick cylindrical stalk

leer
n. : to cast a sidelong glance especially : to give a leer
–leer·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

leer
n. : a lascivious, knowing, or wanton look

leery
adj. : SUSPICIOUS, WARY ― often used with of <leery of strangers>

lees
n. : the sediment of a liquor (as wine) during fermentation and aging : DREGS

Leesburg
town N Va. near Maryland border pop 28,311

Leeuwarden
commune N Netherlands capital of Friesland pop 90,516

Leeuwenhoek
Antoni van 1632-1723 Du. naturalist

leeward
n. : the lee side

leeward
n. : being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing also : being the side opposite the windward

Leeward Islands
v. 1 island chain cen Pacific extending 1250 mi (2012 km) WNW from main islands of the Hawaiian group; includes Nihoa, Necker, Laysan, Midway, & Kure islands
2 or F Îles sous le Vent \ˌēl-sü-lə-'vän\ islands S. Pacific, W group of the Society Islands pop 22,232
3 islands West Indies in the N Lesser Antilles extending from Virgin Islands (on N) to Dominica (on S)
4 former colony Brit. West Indies in the Leewards including Antigua, St. Kitts-Nevis, & Montserrat

leeway
n. 1 a : off-course lateral movement of a ship when under way b : the angle between the heading and the track of an airplane
2 : an allowable margin of freedom or variation : TOLERANCE

Lefebvre
François-Joseph 1755-1820 Duc de Dantzig Fr. gen.; marshal of France

left
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, situated on, or being the side of the body in which the heart is mostly located b : done with the left hand <a left hook to the jaw> c : located nearer to the left hand than to the right d (1) : located on the left of an observer facing in the same direction as the object specified <stage left> (2) : located on the left when facing downstream <the left bank of a river>
2 often capitalized : of, adhering to, or constituted by the left especially in politics
–left adverb

left
adj. 1 a : the left hand b : the location or direction of the left side c : the part on the left side d : a turn to the left <take a left at the intersection>
2 a : LEFT FIELD b : a blow struck with the left fist
3 often capitalized a : the part of a legislative chamber located to the left of the presiding officer b : the members of a continental European legislative body occupying the left as a result of holding more radical political views than other members
4 often capitalized a : those professing views usually characterized by desire to reform or overthrow the established order especially in politics and usually advocating change in the name of the greater freedom or well-being of the common man b : a radical as distinguished from a conservative position
–left·most \'left-ˌmōst\ noun

left
adj. past and past part of leave

left
adj. left bank
left brain
left brained
left field
left fielder
left hand
left handed
left handedness
left handedly
left hander
left shoulder arms
left wing
left winger
New Left
right and left
stage left

left brain
: the left cerebral hemisphere of the human brain especially when viewed in terms of its predominant thought processes (as analytic and logical thinking)
–left-brained \'left-'brānd\ adjective

left field
1 : the position of the player defending left field
2 : the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from the plate
3 a : a state or position far from the mainstream (as of prevailing opinion) <they were really out in left field with that idea> b : a source of the unexpected or illogical <that question came out of left field>
–left fielder noun

left shoulder arms
: a position in the manual of arms in which the butt of the rifle is held in the left hand with the barrel resting on the left shoulder also : a command to assume this position

left wing
1 : the leftist division of a group (as a political party)
2 : LEFT 4A
–left-wing adjective
–left-wing·er \'left-'wiŋ-ər\ noun

left-bank
: of, relating to, situated in, or characteristic of the bohemian district of Paris on the left bank of the Seine River

left-hand
1 : situated on the left
2 : LEFT-HANDED

left-handed
1 : using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right also : swinging from left to right <a left-handed batter>
2 : relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3 : MORGANATIC
4 a : CLUMSY, AWKWARD b : INSINCERE, BACKHANDED, DUBIOUS <a left-handed compliment>
5 a : having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a watch viewed from in front : COUNTERCLOCKWISE b : having a spiral structure or form that ascends or advances to the left <a left-handed rope>
6 : having or being the L-form molecular structure
–left-handed adverb
–left-hand·ed·ly adverb
–left-hand·ed·ness noun

left-hander
: a left-handed person

leftish
adj. : showing leftist tendencies or a moderately leftist character

leftism
n. 1 : the principles and views of the left also : the movement embodying these principles
2 : advocacy of or adherence to the doctrines of the left
–left·ist \-tist\ noun or adjective

leftover
n. 1 : something that remains unused or unconsumed especially : leftover food served at a later meal ― usually used in plural
2 : an anachronistic survival : VESTIGE

leftover
n. : not consumed or used <leftover food> <leftover space>

leftward
adj. : being at, toward, or to the left

lefty
n. 1 : LEFT-HANDER
2 : an advocate of leftism
–lefty adjective

leg
n. 1 : a limb of an animal used especially for supporting the body and for walking: as a (1) : one of the paired vertebrate limbs that in bipeds extend from the top of the thigh to the foot (2) : the part of such a limb between the knee and foot b : the back half of a hindquarter of a meat animal c : one of the rather generalized segmental appendages of an arthropod used in walking and crawling
2 a : a pole or bar serving as a support or prop <the legs of a tripod> b : a branch of a forked or jointed object <the legs of a compass>
3 a : the part of an article of clothing that covers the leg b : the part of the upper (as of a boot) that extends above the ankle
4 : OBEISANCE, BOW ― used chiefly in the phrase to make a leg
5 : a side of a right triangle that is not the hypotenuse also : a side of an isosceles triangle that is not the base
6 a : the course and distance sailed by a boat on a single tack b : a portion of a trip : STAGE c : one section of a relay race d : one of several events or games necessary to be won to decide a competition <won the first two legs of horse racing's Triple Crown>
7 : a branch or part of an object or system
8 plural : long-term appeal or interest <a news story with legs>
–leg·less \-ləs\ adjective
–a leg to stand on : SUPPORT especially : a basis for one's position in a controversy
–on one's last legs : at or near the end of one's resources : on the verge of failure, exhaustion, or ruin

leg
n. : to use the legs in walking especially : RUN

leg
n. 1 legal
2 legato
3 legislative; legislature

leg
n. arm and a leg
break a leg
jake leg
a leg to stand on
leg of mutton
leg o' mutton
leg out
leg pull
leg up
leg warmer
milk leg
peg leg
pull one's leg
shake a leg
restless leg syndrome
on one's last legs
sea legs
stretch one's legs
restless legs syndrome
restless legs
bandy legged
black legged tick
cross legged
red legged grasshopper
red legged locust
rough legged hawk
spindle legged
three legged
three legged race

leg out
: to make (as a base hit) by fast running

leg up
1 : a helping hand : BOOST
2 : HEAD START

leg warmer
: a usually knitted covering for the leg

leg-of-mutton
: having the approximately triangular shape or outline of a leg of mutton <a leg-of-mutton sleeve> <a leg-of-mutton sail>

leg-pull
: a humorous deception or hoax

legacy
n. 1 : a gift by will especially of money or other personal property : BEQUEST
2 : something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past <the legacy of the ancient philosophers>

legacy
n. : of, relating to, or being a previous or outdated computer system <transfer the legacy data> <a legacy system>

legal
adj. 1 : of or relating to law
2 a : deriving authority from or founded on law : DE JURE b : having a formal status derived from law often without a basis in actual fact : TITULAR <a corporation is a legal but not a real person> c : established by law especially : STATUTORY
3 : conforming to or permitted by law or established rules
4 : recognized or made effective by a court of law as distinguished from a court of equity
5 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the profession of law or of one of its members
6 : created by the constructions of the law <a legal fiction>
synonyms see LAWFUL
–le·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

legal
adj. : one that conforms to rules or the law

legal
adj. legal age
legal aid
legal eagle
legal holiday
legal pad
legal reserve
legal tender

legal age
: the age at which a person enters into full adult legal rights and responsibilities (as of making contracts or wills)

legal aid
: aid provided by an organization established especially to serve the legal needs of the poor

legal eagle
: LAWYER

legal holiday
: a holiday established by legal authority and marked by restrictions on work and transaction of official business

legal pad
: a writing tablet of ruled yellow paper that is usually 8.5 by 14 inches (about 22 by 36 centimeters)

legal reserve
: the minimum amount of bank deposits or life insurance company assets required by law to be kept as reserves

legal tender
: money that is legally valid for the payment of debts and that must be accepted for that purpose when offered

legalese
n. : the specialized language of the legal profession <replaced legalese with plain talk ― Steve Weinberg>

legalise
v. British variant of legalize

legalism
n. 1 : strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code <the institutionalized legalism that restricts free choice>
2 : a legal term or rule

legalist
n. 1 : an advocate or adherent of moral legalism
2 : one that views things from a legal standpoint especially : one that places primary emphasis on legal principles or on the formal structure of governmental institutions
–le·gal·is·tic \ˌlē-gə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–le·gal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

legality
n. 1 : attachment to or observance of law
2 : the quality or state of being legal : LAWFULNESS
3 plural : obligations imposed by law

legalize
v. : to make legal especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
–le·gal·i·za·tion \ˌlē-gə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–le·gal·iz·er \'lē-gə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

Leganes
commune cen Spain S of Madrid pop 173,584

legate
n. : a usually official emissary
–leg·ate·ship \-ˌship\ noun

legate
n. : BEQUEATH 1
–le·ga·tor \-'gā-tər\ noun

legatee
n. : one to whom a legacy is bequeathed or a devise is given

legatine
adj. : of, headed by, or enacted under the authority of a legate

legation
n. 1 : the sending forth of a legate
2 : a body of deputies sent on a mission specifically : a diplomatic mission in a foreign country headed by a minister
3 : the official residence and office of a diplomatic minister in a foreign country

legato
adj. : in a manner that is smooth and connected (as between successive tones) ― used especially as a direction in music

legato
adj. : a smooth and connected manner of performance (as of music) also : a passage of music so performed

legend
n. 1 a : a story coming down from the past especially : one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable b : a body of such stories <a place in the legend of the frontier> c : a popular myth of recent origin d : a person or thing that inspires legends e : the subject of a legend <its violence was legend even in its own time ― William Broyles Jr.>
2 a : an inscription or title on an object (as a coin) b : CAPTION 2B c : an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart

legendary
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of legend or a legend
2 : WELL-KNOWN, FAMOUS
synonyms see FICTITIOUS
–leg·en·dari·ly \ˌle-jən-'der-ə-lē, -'de-rə-\ adverb

Legendre
Adrien-Marie 1752-1833 Fr. math.

legendry
n. : a body of legends

Leger
n. Alexis Saint-Léger 1887-1975 pseud. St. John Perse \san-ˌjȯn-'pers\ Fr. diplomat & poet

Leger
n. Fernand 1881-1955 Fr. painter

leger line
variant of ledger line

legerdemain
n. 1 : SLEIGHT OF HAND
2 : a display of skill or adroitness

legerity
n. : alert facile quickness of mind or body

leges
n. plural of lex

legged
adj. : having a leg or legs especially of a specified kind or number ― often used in combination <a four-legged animal>

legged
adj. bandy legged
black legged tick
cross legged
red legged grasshopper
red legged locust
rough legged hawk
spindle legged
three legged
three legged race

legging
n. : a covering (as of leather or cloth) for the leg ― usually used in plural also : TIGHTS

leggy
adj. 1 : having disproportionately long legs
2 : having long and attractive legs
3 : SPINDLY ― used of a plant
–leg·gi·ness \-nəs\ noun

leghold trap
: a jawed usually steel trap that is used to hold a wild mammal and operates by springing closed and clamping onto the leg of the animal that steps on it

Leghorn
n. commune & port cen Italy in Tuscany on Tyrrhenian Sea pop 171,346

leghorn
n. 1 a : a fine plaited straw made from an Italian wheat b : a hat of this straw
2 : any of a Mediterranean breed of small hardy domestic chickens noted for their large production of white eggs

legible
adj. 1 : capable of being read or deciphered : PLAIN <legible handwriting>
2 : capable of being discovered or understood
–leg·i·bil·i·ty \ˌle-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–leg·i·bly \'le-jə-blē\ adverb

legion
n. 1 : the principal unit of the Roman army comprising 3000 to 6000 foot soldiers with cavalry
2 : a large military force especially : ARMY 1A
3 : a very large number : MULTITUDE
4 : a national association of ex-servicemen

legion
n. : MANY, NUMEROUS <the problems are legion>

Legion of Honor

1827
: a French order conferred as a reward for civil or military merit

Legion of Merit

1943
: a U.S. military decoration awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services

legionary
n. : of, relating to, or constituting a legion

legionary
n. : LEGIONNAIRE

legionnaire
n. : a member of a legion

Legionnaires' disease
: a lobar pneumonia caused by a bacterium (Legionella pneumophila)

legis
n. legislation; legislative; legislature

legislate
v. intransitive verb : to perform the function of legislation specifically : to make or enact laws
transitive verb : to mandate, establish, or regulate by or as if by legislation

legislation
n. 1 : the action of legislating specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules (as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization
2 : the enactments of a legislator or a legislative body
3 : a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body

legislative
n. 1 a : having the power or performing the function of legislating b : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations ― compare EXECUTIVE, JUDICIAL
2 a : of or relating to a legislature <legislative committees> b : composed of members of a legislature <legislative caucus> c : created by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body d : designed to assist a legislature or its members <a legislative research agency>
3 : of, concerned with, or created by legislation <legislative courts>
–leg·is·la·tive·ly adverb

legislative
n. : the body or department exercising the power and function of legislating : LEGISLATURE

legislative
n. legislative assembly
legislative council
quasi legislative

legislative assembly
1 : a bicameral legislature (as in an American state)
2 : the lower house of a bicameral legislature
3 : a unicameral legislature especially : one in a Canadian province

legislative council
1 : a permanent committee chosen from both houses that meets between sessions of a state legislature to study state problems and plan a legislative program
2 : a unicameral legislature (as in a British colony)
3 : the upper house of a British bicameral legislature

legislator
n. : one that makes laws especially for a political unit especially : a member of a legislative body
–leg·is·la·to·ri·al \ˌle-jəs-lə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–leg·is·la·tor·ship \'le-jəs-ˌlā-tər-ˌship\ noun

legislature
n. : a body of persons having the power to legislate specifically : an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political unit

legist
n. : a specialist in law especially : one learned in Roman or civil law

legit
n. slang : LEGITIMATE

legitimacy
n. : the quality or state of being legitimate

legitimate
adj. 1 a : lawfully begotten specifically : born in wedlock b : having full filial rights and obligations by birth <a legitimate child>
2 : being exactly as purposed : neither spurious nor false <a legitimate grievance> <a legitimate practitioner>
3 a : accordant with law or with established legal forms and requirements <a legitimate government> b : ruling by or based on the strict principle of hereditary right <a legitimate king>
4 : conforming to recognized principles or accepted rules and standards <a legitimate advertising expenditure> <a legitimate inference>
5 : relating to plays acted by professional actors but not including revues, burlesque, or some forms of musical comedy <the legitimate theater>
synonyms see LAWFUL
–le·git·i·mate·ly adverb

legitimate
: to make legitimate: a (1) : to give legal status or authorization to (2) : to show or affirm to be justified (3) : to lend authority or respectability to b : to put (a bastard) in the state of a legitimate child before the law by legal means
–le·git·i·ma·tion \-ˌji-tə-'mā-shən\ noun
–le·git·i·mat·or \-'ji-tə-ˌmā-tər\ noun

legitimatize
v. : LEGITIMATE

legitimise
v. British variant of legitimize

legitimism
n. : adherence to the principles of political legitimacy or to a person claiming legitimacy
–le·git·i·mist \-mist\ noun often cap
–legitimist adjective

legitimize
v. : to make legitimate : LEGITIMATE
–le·git·i·mi·za·tion \-ˌji-tə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun
–le·git·i·miz·er \-'ji-tə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

legman
n. 1 : a reporter assigned usually to gather information
2 : an assistant who performs various subordinate tasks (as gathering information or running errands)

Legnica
city SW Poland pop 104,196

legroom
n. : space in which to extend the legs while seated

Leguia y Salcedo
Augusto Bernardino 1863-1932 Peruvian banker; pres. of Peru (1908-12; 1919-30)

legume
n. 1 a : the fruit or seed of plants of the legume family (as peas or beans) used for food b : a vegetable used for food
2 : any of a large family (Leguminosae syn. Fabaceae, the legume family) of dicotyledonous herbs, shrubs, and trees having fruits that are legumes (sense 3) or loments, bearing nodules on the roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and including important food and forage plants (as peas, beans, or clovers)
3 : a dry dehiscent one-celled fruit developed from a simple superior ovary and usually dehiscing into two valves with the seeds attached to the ventral suture : POD

leguminous
adj. 1 : of, resembling, or consisting of legumes (as peas)
2 : of or relating to the legume family

legwork
n. : active physical work (as in gathering information) that forms the basis of more creative or mentally exacting work (as writing a book)

Leh
town India in E Kashmir on the Indus capital of Ladakh

Lehar
Franz 1870-1948 Hung. composer

Lehigh
river 100 mi (161 km) E Pa. flowing SW & SE into Delaware River

Lehman
Herbert Henry 1878-1963 American banker & polit.

Lehman Caves
limestone caverns E Nev. on E slope of Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park

Lehmann
Lot·te \'lȯ-tə\ 1888-1976 Ger. soprano

Lehn
Jean-Marie 1939-     Fr. chem.

lehua
: a common very showy chiefly Polynesian tree (Metrosideros collinus) of the myrtle family having bright red flowers and a hard wood also : its flower

lei
n. : a wreath or necklace usually of flowers or leaves

lei
n. plural of leu

Leibniz
n. Gottfried Wilhelm 1646-1716 Ger. philos. & math.
–Leib·niz·ian \līb-'nit-sē-ən, līp-\ adjective

Leibovitz
Annie 1949-     American photographer

Leicester
n. 1 : an individual of a breed of white-faced long wool sheep having a massive body and heavy fleece that was orig. developed in England and extensively used in the development of numerous modern sheep breeds
2 : a hard usually orange-colored cheese similar to cheddar

Leicester
n. 1st Earl of ― see Robert DUDLEY; ― see also de MONTFORT

Leicester
n. city cen England capital of Leicestershire pop 270,600

Leicestershire
n. county cen England capital Leicester area 1021 sq mi (2644 sq km), pop 860,500

Leics
Leicestershire

Leiden
city W Netherlands in S. Holland on a branch of the lower Rhine pop 117,170

Leie
― see LYS

Leif Eriksson
fl 1000 son of Erik the Red Norw. explorer

Leighton
Frederick 1830-1896 Baron Leighton of Stretton Eng. painter

Leine
river 119 mi (192 km) cen Germany

Leinsdorf
Erich 1912-1993 American (Austrian-born) conductor

Leinster
province E Ireland area 7581 sq mi (19,635 sq km), pop 2,105,579

Leipzig
n. city E Germany in Saxony pop 503,191

leishmania
n. : any of a genus (Leishmania) of flagellate protozoans that are parasitic in the tissues of vertebrates broadly : an organism resembling the leishmanias that is included in the family (Trypanosomatidae) to which they belong
–leish·man·ial \-nē-əl\ adjective

leishmaniasis
n. : infection with or disease caused by leishmanias

leister
n. : a spear armed with three or more barbed prongs for catching fish

leisure
n. 1 : freedom provided by the cessation of activities especially : time free from work or duties
2 : EASE, LEISURELINESS
–leisure adjective
–at leisure or at one's leisure : in one's leisure time : at one's convenience <read the book at her leisure>

leisure
n. at one's leisure
at leisure
leisure suit

leisure suit
: a suit consisting of a shirt jacket and matching trousers for informal wear

leisured
adj. : having leisure : LEISURELY

leisurely
adj. : without haste : DELIBERATELY

leisurely
adj. : characterized by leisure : UNHURRIED <a leisurely pace>
–lei·sure·li·ness noun

Leith
port section of Edinburgh, Scotland, on Firth of Forth

Leitha
river 112 mi (180 km) E Austria & NW Hungary flowing SE into the Raba

leitmotif
n. 1 : an associated melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation especially in a Wagnerian music drama
2 : a dominant recurring theme

Leitrim
county NW Ireland in Connacht capital Carrick on Shannon area 589 sq mi (1531 sq km), pop 25,799

Leix
― see LAOIGHIS

Leixoes
town NW Portugal on the Atlantic; port for Porto

Leizhou
peninsula SE China in Guangdong bet. S. China Sea & Gulf of Tonkin

Lejeune
n. John Archer 1867-1942 American marine-corps gen.

Lek
n. river 40 mi (64 km) Netherlands flowing W into the Atlantic; the N branch of the lower Rhine

lek
n. : an assembly area where animals (as the prairie chicken) carry on display and courtship behavior also : an aggregation of animals assembled on a lek for courtship

lek
n. ― see MONEY table

lekvar
: a prune butter used as a pastry filling

Leland
John 1506?-1552 Eng. antiquarian

Lely
Sir Peter 1618-1680 orig. Pieter Van der Faes Brit. (Westphalian-born) painter

Lelystad
commune cen Netherlands capital of Flevoland pop 66,460

LEM
lunar excursion module; lunar module

Lemaitre
(François-Élie) Jules 1853-1914 Fr. writer

Lemaitre
(Abbé) Georges Henri 1894-1966 Belg. astrophysicist

leman
n. archaic : SWEETHEART, LOVER especially : MISTRESS

Leman, Lake
― see GENEVA (Lake)

Lemberg
― see L'VIV

lemma
n. 1 : an auxiliary proposition used in the demonstration of another proposition
2 : the argument or theme of a composition prefixed as a title or introduction also : the heading or theme of a comment or note on a text
3 : a glossed word or phrase

lemma
n. : the lower of the two bracts enclosing the flower in the spikelet of grasses

lemming
n. : any of various small short-tailed furry-footed rodents (as genera Lemmus and Dicrostonyx) of circumpolar distribution that are notable for population fluctuations and recurrent mass migrations
–lem·ming·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

lemniscate
: a figure-eight shaped curve whose equation in polar coordinates is ρ^2=a^2 cos 2θ or ρ^2=a^2 sin 2θ

lemniscus
n. : a band of fibers and especially nerve fibers
–lem·nis·cal \-kəl\ adjective

Lemnos
island Greece in the Aegean ESE of Chalcidice Peninsula; chief town Kástron area 177 sq mi (458 sq km)

lemon
n. 1 a : an acid fruit that is botanically a many-seeded pale yellow oblong berry produced by a small thorny citrus tree (Citrus limon) and that has a rind from which an aromatic oil is extracted b : a tree that bears lemons
2 : one (as an automobile) that is unsatisfactory or defective

lemon
n. 1 : of the color lemon yellow
2 a : containing lemon b : having the flavor or scent of lemon

lemon
n. lemon balm
lemon curd
lemon law
lemon shark
lemon sole
lemon thyme
lemon verbena
lemon yellow
rough lemon
Lemon Grove

lemon balm
: a bushy perennial European mint (Melissa officinalis) often cultivated for its lemon-scented leaves also : its leaves

lemon curd
: a custard made with lemon juice, butter, sugar, and eggs and used as a spread or filling

Lemon Grove
city S Calif. E of San Diego pop 24,918

lemon law
: a law offering car buyers relief (as by repair, replacement, or refund) for defects detected during a specified period after purchase

lemon shark
: a medium-sized requiem shark (Negaprion brevirostris) of warm waters that is yellowish brown to gray above with yellow or greenish sides

lemon sole
: any of several flatfishes and especially flounders: as a : a bottom-dwelling flounder (Microstomus kitt) of the northeastern Atlantic that is an important food fish b : WINTER FLOUNDER

lemon thyme
: a thyme (Thymus citriodorus) having lemon-scented leaves used as a seasoning also : its leaves

lemon verbena
: a small shrub (Aloysia triphylla) of Chile and Argentina that has narrow lemon-scented leaves

lemon yellow
: a brilliant greenish yellow color

lemonade
n. : a beverage of sweetened lemon juice mixed with water

lemongrass
n. : a grass (Cymbopogon citratus) of robust habit native to southern India and Ceylon that is grown in tropical regions for its lemon-scented foliage used as a seasoning and that is the source of an aromatic essential oil also : its foliage

lemony
adj. : resembling or suggestive of a lemon

lempira
n. ― see MONEY table

lemur
n. : any of various arboreal chiefly nocturnal prosimian primates (superfamily Lemuroidea) that were formerly widespread but are now largely confined to Madagascar and that usually have a longish muzzle, large eyes, very soft woolly fur, and a long furry tail

lemures
: spirits of the unburied dead exorcised from homes in early Roman religious rites

Lena
n. river ab 2700 mi (4345 km) E Russia in Asia flowing from mountains W of Lake Baikal NE & N into Laptev Sea through wide delta

Lenape
: DELAWARE 1

Lenard
Philipp 1862-1947 Ger. physicist

Lenclos
Anne de 1620-1705 Ninon de Lenclos Fr. courtesan

lend
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned <lend me your pen> (2) : to put at another's temporary disposal <lent us their services> b : to let out (money) for temporary use on condition of repayment with interest
2 a : to give the assistance or support of : AFFORD, FURNISH <a dispassionate and scholarly manner which lends great force to his criticisms ― Times Lit. Supp.> b : to adapt or apply (oneself) readily : ACCOMMODATE <a topic that lends itself admirably to class discussion>
intransitive verb : to make a loan
usage see LOAN
–lend·able \'len-də-bəl\ adjective
–lend·er noun

lend
v. lend lease
Jack a Lent
lending library

lend-lease
: the transfer of goods and services to an ally to aid in a common cause with payment made by a return of the original items or their use in the cause or by a similar transfer of other goods and services
–lend-lease transitive verb

lending library
: a library from which materials are lent especially : RENTAL LIBRARY

Lenexa
city E Kans. SW of Kansas City pop 40,238

length
n. 1 a : the longer or longest dimension of an object b : a measured distance or dimension <10 feet in length> ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table c : the quality or state of being long
2 a : duration or extent in time b : relative duration or stress of a sound
3 a : distance or extent in space b : the length of something taken as a unit of measure <his horse led by a length>
4 : the degree to which something (as a course of action or a line of thought) is carried ― often used in plural <went to great lengths to learn the truth>
5 a : a long expanse or stretch b : a piece constituting or usable as part of a whole or of a connected series : SECTION <a length of pipe>
6 : the longer or vertical dimension of a piece of clothing ― often used in combination <elbow-length sleeves>
–at length
1 : FULLY, COMPREHENSIVELY
2 : at last : FINALLY

length
n. arm's length
cable length
floor length
focal length
full length
half length
at length
restriction fragment length polymorphism

lengthen
v. transitive verb : to make longer
intransitive verb : to grow longer
synonyms see EXTEND
–length·en·er \'leŋ(k)th-nər, 'len(t)th-; 'leŋ(k)-thə-, 'len(t)-\ noun

lengthways
adv. : LENGTHWISE

lengthwise
adv. : in the direction of the length : LONGITUDINALLY
–lengthwise adjective

lengthy
adj. 1 : protracted excessively : OVERLONG
2 : EXTENDED, LONG
–length·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–length·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

lenience
n. : LENIENCY

leniency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being lenient
2 : a lenient disposition or practice
synonyms see MERCY

lenient
adj. 1 : exerting a soothing or easing influence : relieving pain or stress
2 : of mild and tolerant disposition especially : INDULGENT
–le·nient·ly adverb

Lenin
n. 1870-1924 orig. Vladimir Ilyich Ul·ya·nov \ül-'yä-nəf, -ˌnȯf, -ˌnȯv\ Russ. Communist leader

Lenin Peak
mountain 23,405 ft (7134 m) on border bet. Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan; highest in Trans Alai Range

Leningrad
n. ― see SAINT PETERSBURG 2
–Len·in·grad·er \'le-nən-ˌgra-dər, -ˌgrä-\ noun

Leninism
n. : the political, economic, and social principles and policies advocated by Lenin especially : the theory and practice of communism developed by or associated with Lenin
–Le·nin·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective
–Le·nin·ite \-ˌnīt\ noun or adjective

lenis
adj. : produced with an articulation that is lax in relation to another speech sound <\t\ in gutter is lenis, \t\ in toe is fortis>

lenition
n. : the change from fortis to lenis articulation

lenitive
n. : alleviating pain or harshness : SOOTHING
–lenitive noun
–len·i·tive·ly adverb

lenity
n. : the quality or state of being lenient : CLEMENCY

Lenni-Lenape
: DELAWARE 1

Lennon
n. John (Winston) 1940-1980 Brit. singer & songwriter

leno
n. 1 : an open weave in which pairs of warp yarns cross one another and thereby lock the filling yarn in position
2 : a fabric made with a leno weave

Lens
n. city N France SW of Lille pop 36,192

lens
n. 1 a : a piece of transparent material (as glass) that has two opposite regular surfaces either both curved or one curved and the other plane and that is used either singly or combined in an optical instrument for forming an image by focusing rays of light b : a combination of two or more simple lenses c : a piece of glass or plastic used (as in safety goggles or sunglasses) to protect the eye
2 : a device for directing or focusing radiation other than light (as sound waves, radio microwaves, or electrons)
3 : something shaped like a biconvex optical lens <lens of sandstone>
4 : a highly transparent biconvex lens-shaped or nearly spherical body in the eye that focuses light rays (as upon the retina) ― see EYE illustration
5 : something that facilitates and influences perception, comprehension, or evaluation <viewing the current legal battle⋯through partisan lenses ― New Republic>
6 : GRAVITATIONAL LENS
–lensed \'lenzd\ adjective
–lens·less \'lenz-ləs\ adjective

lens
n. : to make a motion picture of : FILM

lens
n. achromatic lens
contact lens
converging lens
crystalline lens
eye lens
field lens
Fresnel lens
gravitational lens
hand lens
macro lens
single lens reflex
zoom lens

lensman
n. : PHOTOGRAPHER

Lent
n. : the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting

lentamente
: LENTO

lentando
: becoming slower ― used as a direction in music

Lenten
adj. : of, relating to, or suitable for Lent especially : MEAGER <Lenten fare>

lentic
: of, relating to, or living in still waters (as lakes, ponds, or swamps) ― compare LOTIC

lenticel
n. : a loose aggregation of cells which penetrates the surface (as of a stem) of a woody plant and through which gases are exchanged between the atmosphere and the underlying tissues

lenticular
adj. 1 : having the shape of a double-convex lens
2 : of or relating to a lens
3 : provided with or utilizing lenticules <a lenticular screen>

lenticule
1 : any of the minute lenses on the base side of a film used in stereoscopic or color photography
2 : any of the tiny corrugations or grooves molded or embossed into the surface of a projection screen

lentil
n. 1 : a widely cultivated Eurasian annual leguminous plant (Lens culinaris) with flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as fodder
2 : the seed of the lentil

lentissimo
: at a very slow tempo ― used as a direction in music

lentivirus
n. : any of a genus (Lentivirus) of retroviruses that cause slowly progressive often fatal human and animal diseases (as AIDS)

lento
adj. : at a slow tempo ― used especially as a direction in music

Leo
n. 1 : a northern constellation east of Cancer
2 a : the fifth sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under this sign
–Le·o·nine \'lē-ə-ˌnīn\ adjective

Leo
n. name of 13 popes: especially I Saint d 461 (pope 440-61); III Saint d 816 (pope 795-816); XIII 1810-1903 (pope 1878-1903)

Leominster
city cen Mass. N of Worcester pop 41,303

Leon
n. 1 or León de los Al·da·mas \dā-ˌlȯs-äl-'dä-mäs, thā-\ city cen Mexico in Guanajuato pop 872,453
2 city W Nicaragua pop 90,897
3 region & ancient kingdom NW Spain W of Old Castile
4 province NW Spain in N León region area 5972 sq mi (15,467 sq km), pop 488,751
5 city, its capital pop 130,916

Leon
n. Ponce de Leon
Zedillo Ponce de Leon
Nuevo Leon
León de los Aldamas
Ponce de León
Zedillo Ponce de León
Nuevo León

Leonard
n. William Ellery 1876-1944 American educ. & poet

Leonardo da Vinci
v. 1452-1519 It. painter, sculptor, architect, & engineer
–Le·o·nar·desque \ˌlē-ə-ˌnär-'desk, ˌlā-\ adjective

Leoncavallo
Ruggiero 1858-1919 Ital. composer & librettist

leone
n. ― see MONEY table

Leone, Monte
mountain 11,657 ft (3553 m) on border bet. Switzerland & Italy SW of Simplon Pass; highest in Lepontine Alps

Leonid
n. : any of the meteors in a meteor shower occurring every year about November 14

Leonidas
d 480 B.C. Greek hero; king of Sparta (490?-480)

leonine
adj. : of, relating to, suggestive of, or resembling a lion

leopard
n. 1 : a large strong cat (Panthera pardus) of southern Asia and Africa that is adept at climbing and is usually tawny or buff with black spots arranged in rosettes ― called also panther
2 : a heraldic representation of a lion passant guardant
–leop·ard·ess \-pər-dəs\ noun

leopard
n. clouded leopard
leopard cat
leopard frog
leopard seal
snow leopard
Black Panther
Florida panther

leopard cat
: a small spotted cat (Felis bengalensis) chiefly of southeastern Asia

leopard frog
: a common frog (Rana pipiens) of northern No. America that is bright green or brown with large black white-margined blotches on the back also : a similar frog (R. sphenocephala) chiefly of the southeastern U.S.

leopard seal
: a spotted slate gray seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) especially of antarctic and subantarctic waters that feeds chiefly on krill, other seals, penguins, and fish

Leopardi
Giacomo 1798-1837 Ital. poet

Leopold
n. 1640-1705 king of Hungary (1655-1705) & Holy Rom. emp. (1658-1705)

Leopold
n. 1747-1792 Holy Rom. emp. (1790-92)

Leopold
n. 1790-1865 king of Belgium (1831-65)

Leopold
n. 1835-1909 king of Belgium (1865-1909)

Leopold
n. 1901-1983 king of Belgium (1934-51)

Leopold
n. Leopold I
Leopold II
Leopold III
Leopold II Lake
Lake Leopold II

Leopold II, Lake
― see MAI-NDOMBE (Lac)

Leopoldville
― see KINSHASA

leotard
n. : a close-fitting one-piece garment worn especially by dancers, acrobats, and aerialists also : TIGHTS ― often used in plural
–le·o·tard·ed \-ˌtär-dəd\ adjective

LEP
limited English proficiency; limited English proficient

Lepcha
n. 1 : a member of a people of Sikkim, India
2 : the Tibeto-Burman language of the Lepcha people

leper
n. 1 : a person affected with leprosy
2 : a person shunned for moral or social reasons

lepid
: flake : scale <Lepidoptera>

lepidolite
n. : a variable form of mica used especially in glazes and enamels and as a source of lithium

lepidoptera
n. : insects that are lepidopterans

lepidopteran
adj. : any of a large order (Lepidoptera) of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with minute overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars
–lepidopteran adjective
–lep·i·dop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective

lepidopterist
n. : a specialist in lepidopterology

lepidopterology
: a branch of entomology concerned with lepidopterans
–lep·i·dop·ter·o·log·i·cal \-tə-rə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–lep·i·dop·ter·ol·o·gist \-tə-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

lepidote
: a rhododendron with tiny scales on the undersurface of the leaves

Lepidus
Marcus Aemilius d 13(or 12) B.C. Rom. triumvir

Lepontine Alps
range of cen Alps on border bet. Switzerland & Italy ― see LEONE (Monte)

leprechaun
n. : a mischievous elf of Irish folklore usually believed to reveal the hiding place of treasure if caught
–lep·re·chaun·ish \-ˌkä-nish, -ˌkȯ-\ adjective

lepromatous
adj. : characterized by, exhibiting, or being leprosy with infective superficial granulomatous nodules

leprosarium
n. : a hospital for leprosy patients

leprosy
n. 1 : a chronic infectious disease caused by a mycobacterium (Mycobacterium leprae) affecting especially the skin and peripheral nerves and characterized by the formation of nodules or macules that enlarge and spread accompanied by loss of sensation with eventual paralysis, wasting of muscle, and production of deformities ― called also Hansen's disease
2 : a morally or spiritually harmful influence
–lep·rot·ic \le-'prä-tik\ adjective

leprous
adj. 1 a : infected with leprosy b : of, relating to, or resembling leprosy or a leper
2 : SCALY, SCURFY
–lep·rous·ly adverb

lepsy
: taking : seizure <narcolepsy>

leptin
n. : a peptide hormone that is produced by fat cells and plays a role in body weight regulation by acting on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and burn fat stored in adipose tissue

Leptis Magna
ancient seaport N Africa near present-day Al Khums

leptocephalus
n. : a long thin small-headed transparent pelagic first larva of various eels

lepton
n. : a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 drachma

lepton
n. : any of a family of particles (as electrons, muons, and neutrinos) that have spin quantum number 1/2 and that experience no strong forces
–lep·ton·ic \lep-'tä-nik\ adjective

leptospire
n. : any of a genus (Leptospira) of slender aerobic spiral-shaped spirochetes that are free-living or parasitic in mammals
–lep·to·spir·al \ˌlep-tə-'spī-rəl\ adjective

leptospirosis
n. : any of several diseases of humans and domestic animals that are caused by infection with leptospires

leptotene
n. : a stage of meiotic prophase immediately preceding synapsis in which the chromosomes appear as fine discrete threads
–leptotene adjective

Lerida
1 province NE Spain in NW Catalonia area 4644 sq mi (12,028 sq km), pop 362,206
2 commune, its capital pop 112,199

Lermontov
Mikhail Yuryevich 1814-1841 Russ. poet & nov.

Lerner
Alan Jay 1918-1986 American dram. & librettist

Lerwick
burgh & port N Scotland on Mainland Is. in the Shetlands pop 7223

les
Évian les Bains
épater les bourgeois
ou sont les neiges d'antan
où sont les neiges d'antan?
pour encourager les autres
Aix les Bains
Eyzies Les
Juan les Pins
Les Eyzies
au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois

Les Eyzies
commune SW cen France SE of Périgueux pop 909

Lesage
Alain-René 1668-1747 Fr. nov. & dram.

lesbian
n. 1 often capitalized : of or relating to Lesbos
2 [from the reputed homosexual band associated with Sappho of Lesbos] : of or relating to homosexuality between females

lesbian
n. : a woman who is a homosexual

lesbianism
n. : female homosexuality

Lesbos
n. island Greece in the Aegean off NW Turkey area 630 sq mi (1632 sq km), pop 103,700

Leschetizky
Theodor 1830-1915 Pol. pianist & composer

lese-majeste
1 a : a crime (as treason) committed against a sovereign power b : an offense violating the dignity of a ruler as the representative of a sovereign power
2 : a detraction from or affront to dignity or importance

lesion
n. 1 : INJURY, HARM
2 : an abnormal change in structure of an organ or part due to injury or disease especially : one that is circumscribed and well defined
–le·sioned \-zhənd\ adjective

Lesotho
n. country S Africa surrounded by Republic of South Africa; a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations capital Maseru area 11,716 sq mi (30,462 sq km), pop 1,903,000

lespedeza
: any of a genus (Lespedeza) of herbaceous or shrubby plants of the legume family including some widely used for forage, soil improvement, and hay

less
adj. 1 : constituting a more limited number or amount <less than three> <less than half done>
2 : of lower rank, degree, or importance <no less a person than the president himself>
3 a : of reduced size, extent, or degree b : more limited in quantity <in less time>
–no less
97used to emphasize that something is regarded as impressive or surprising <wants to be driven to the airport, in a limousine no less>
usage The traditional view is that less applies to matters of degree, value, or amount and modifies collective nouns, mass nouns, or nouns denoting an abstract whole while fewer applies to matters of number and modifies plural nouns. Less has been used to modify plural nouns since the days of King Alfred and the usage, though roundly decried, appears to be increasing. Less is more likely than fewer to modify plural nouns when distances, sums of money, and a few fixed phrases are involved <less than 100 miles> <an investment of less than $2000> <in 25 words or less> and as likely as fewer to modify periods of time <in less (or fewer) than four hours>.

less
adj. comparative of 2little

before 12th century
: to a lesser extent or degree
–less and less : to a progressively smaller size or extent
–less than : by no means : not at all <less than honest in his replies>

less
adj. 1 : a smaller portion or quantity
2 : something of less importance

less
adj. : diminished by : MINUS

less
adj. 1 : destitute of : not having <witless> <childless>
2 : unable to be acted on or to act (in a specified way) <dauntless> <fadeless>

less
adj. hull less
James the Less
skill less
care less
no less
less than
less and less
more or less
much less
still less
will less

less and less
to a progressively smaller size or extent

less than
by no means : not at all <less than honest in his replies>

lessee
n. : one that holds real or personal property under a lease

lessen
v. intransitive verb : to shrink in size, number, or degree : DECREASE
transitive verb
1 : to reduce in size, extent, or degree
2 a archaic : to represent as of little value b : to lower in status or dignity : DEGRADE
synonyms see DECREASE

Lesseps
Ferdinand-Marie de 1805-1894 Vicomte de Lesseps Fr. diplomat & promoter of Suez Canal

lesser
adj. comparative of 1little

13th century
: of less size, quality, degree, or significance : of lower status

lesser
adj. : LESS <lesser-known>

lesser
adj. lesser celandine
lesser cornstalk borer
lesser panda
lesser peach tree borer
lesser yellowlegs
Lesser Antilles
Lesser Armenia
Lesser Slave Lake
Lesser Sunda Islands

Lesser Antilles
islands in the W. Indies including the Virgin, Leeward, & Windward Islands, Trinidad, Barbados, Tobago, & islands in the S Caribbean N of Venezuela

Lesser Armenia
― see LITTLE ARMENIA

lesser celandine
: a yellow-flowered Eurasian perennial herb (Ranunculus ficaria) of the buttercup family naturalized in No. America

lesser cornstalk borer
: a pyralid moth (Elasmopalpus lignosellus) having slender greenish larvae that burrow in the stalk especially of Indian corn near ground level

lesser panda
: RED PANDA

lesser peach tree borer
: a clearwing moth (Synanthedon pictipes) whose larva bores into the wood of stone-fruit trees and especially the peach

Lesser Slave Lake
lake Canada in cen Alta. draining through the Lesser Slave River to Athabasca River area 461 sq mi (1199 sq km)

Lesser Sunda Islands
― see SUNDA ISLANDS

lesser yellowlegs
: a common American marsh and shore bird (Tringa flavipes) that closely resembles the greater yellowlegs in color and markings but is smaller with a shorter more slender bill

Lessing
n. Doris (May) 1919-     Doris May Tayler Brit. writer

Lessing
n. Gotthold Ephraim 1729-1781 Ger. critic & dram.

lesson
n. 1 : a passage from sacred writings read in a service of worship
2 a : a piece of instruction b : a reading or exercise to be studied by a pupil c : a division of a course of instruction
3 a : something learned by study or experience <his years of travel had taught him valuable lessons> b : an instructive example <the lessons of history> c : REPRIMAND

lesson
n. 1 : to give a lesson to : INSTRUCT
2 : LECTURE, REBUKE

lessor
n. : one that conveys property by lease

lest
conj. : for fear that ― often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension <worried lest she should be late> <hesitant to speak out lest he be fired>

let
n. archaic : HINDER, PREVENT

let
n. 1 : something that impedes : OBSTRUCTION <ruled his little world without hindrance or let ― B. F. Reilly>
2 : a shot or point in racket games that does not count and must be replayed

let
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to : MAKE <let me know>
2 a chiefly British : to offer or grant for rent or lease <let rooms> b : to assign especially after bids <let a contract>
3 a : to give opportunity to or fail to prevent <live and let live> <a break in the clouds let us see the summit> <let the opportunity slip> b ― used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal <let us pray> c ― used as an auxiliary to express a warning <let him try>
4 : to free from or as if from confinement <let out a scream> <let blood>
5 : to permit to enter, pass, or leave <let them through> <let them off with a warning>
6 : to make an adjustment to <let out the waist>
intransitive verb
1 chiefly British : to become rented or leased
2 : to become awarded to a contractor
synonyms see HIRE
–let alone : to leave undisturbed <let the flowers alone> also : to leave to oneself <wanted to be let alone>
–let fly
1 : to hurl an object
2 : to give unrestrained expression to an emotion or utterance <let fly with some sharp rebukes ― Janice Castro>
–let go
1 : to dismiss from employment <the firm let him go at the end of the month>
2 : to abandon self-restraint : let fly <spoke in clipped sentences, as if fearful of letting go ― David Kline> <there just to party, just to let go ― Philippe Vergne>
3 : to relax or release one's hold ― used with of <let go of stress ― Kathy McCoy> <let go of my arm>
4 : to fail to take care of : NEGLECT <let himself go and got real fat ― Bill Parcells>
–let it all hang out : to reveal one's true feelings : act without dissimulation
–let one have it : to subject to vigorous assault
–let one's hair down : to act without pretense or self-restraint
–let rip
1 : to utter or release without restraint <let 'er rip>
2 : to do or utter something without restraint <let rip at the press>
–let the cat out of the bag : to give away a secret

let
n. 1 : small one <booklet>
2 : article worn on <wristlet>

let
n. let the cat out of the bag
let rip
let one's hair down
let one have it
let it all hang out
let go
let fly
let alone
let down
let on
let out
let up

let alone
to leave undisturbed <let the flowers alone> also : to leave to oneself <wanted to be let alone>

let alone
: to say nothing of : not to mention ― used especially to emphasize the improbability of a contrasting example <he would never walk again let alone play golf ― Sports Illus.> <how many ever see an Ambassador or Minister, let alone a President ― Robert Lacville>

let down
1 : to allow to descend gradually
2 a : to fail to support <felt her parents had let her down> b : DISAPPOINT <the plot lets you down at the end> <afraid of letting his father down>

let fly

1 : to hurl an object
2 : to give unrestrained expression to an emotion or utterance <let fly with some sharp rebukes ― Janice Castro>

let go

1 : to dismiss from employment <the firm let him go at the end of the month>
2 : to abandon self-restraint : let fly <spoke in clipped sentences, as if fearful of letting go ― David Kline> <there just to party, just to let go ― Philippe Vergne>
3 : to relax or release one's hold ― used with of <let go of stress ― Kathy McCoy> <let go of my arm>
4 : to fail to take care of : NEGLECT <let himself go and got real fat ― Bill Parcells>

let it all hang out
to reveal one's true feelings : act without dissimulation

let on
1 : to make acknowledgment : ADMIT <knows more than he lets on>
2 : to reveal a secret <nobody let on about the surprise party>
3 : PRETEND <let on to being a stranger>

let one have it
to subject to vigorous assault

let one's hair down
to act without pretense or self-restraint

let out
: to conclude a session or performance <school let out in June>

let rip

1 : to utter or release without restraint <let 'er rip>
2 : to do or utter something without restraint <let rip at the press>

let the cat out of the bag
to give away a secret

let up
1 a : to diminish or slow down : SLACKEN b : CEASE, STOP
2 : to become less severe ― used with on

let's
v. : let us

letch
n. 1 : CRAVING specifically : sexual desire
2 [by shortening & alteration] : LECHER

letdown
n. 1 a : DISCOURAGEMENT, DISAPPOINTMENT <his latest novel is a letdown> b : a slackening of effort : RELAXATION
2 : the descent of an aircraft or spacecraft to the point at which a landing approach is begun
3 : a physiological response of a lactating mammal to suckling and allied stimuli whereby previously secreted milk from the acini is expelled into ducts and drawn through the nipple

lethal
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or causing death <death by lethal injection> b : capable of causing death <lethal chemicals>
2 : gravely damaging or destructive : DEVASTATING <a lethal attack on his reputation>
3 : very potent or effective <a lethal fastball> also : having a high alcohol content <a lethal rum punch>
synonyms see DEADLY
–le·thal·i·ty \lē-'tha-lə-tē\ noun
–le·thal·ly \'lē-thə-lē\ adverb

lethal
adj. 1 : an abnormality of genetic origin causing the death of the organism possessing it
2 : LETHAL GENE

lethal
adj. lethal gene
lethal mutation
lethal mutant
lethal factor

lethal gene
: a gene that in some (as homozygous) conditions may prevent development or cause the death of an organism or its germ cells ― called also lethal factor lethal mutant lethal mutation

lethargic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by lethargy : SLUGGISH
2 : INDIFFERENT, APATHETIC
–le·thar·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lethargy
n. 1 : abnormal drowsiness
2 : the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent
synonyms LETHARGY, LANGUOR, LASSITUDE, STUPOR, TORPOR mean physical or mental inertness. LETHARGY implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs <months of lethargy followed my accident>. LANGUOR suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love <languor induced by a tropical vacation>. LASSITUDE stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health <a depression marked by lassitude>. STUPOR implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants <lapsed into an alcoholic stupor>. TORPOR implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness <a once alert mind now in a torpor>.

Lethbridge
city Canada in S Alta. pop 67,374

lethe
n. 1 capitalized : a river in Hades whose waters cause drinkers to forget their past
2 : OBLIVION, FORGETFULNESS
–le·the·an \'lē-thē-ən, li-'thē-\ adjective often cap

Leticia
town SE Colombia on the Amazon pop 32,700

Lett
n. : LATVIAN 2

letter
n. 1 : a symbol usually written or printed representing a speech sound and constituting a unit of an alphabet
2 a : a direct or personal written or printed message addressed to a person or organization b : a written communication containing a grant ― usually used in plural
3 plural but singular or plural in construction a : LITERATURE, BELLES LETTRES b : LEARNING
4 : the strict or outward sense or significance <the letter of the law>
5 a : a single piece of type b : a style of type
6 : the initial of a school awarded to a student for achievement usually in athletics

letter
n. 1 : to set down in letters : PRINT
2 : to mark with letters
intransitive verb : to win an athletic letter
–let·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

letter
n. : one that rents or leases

letter
n. air letter
black letter
block letter
chain letter
day letter
dead letter
fan letter
form letter
four letter
four letter word
French letter
letter bomb
letter box
letter carrier
letter of credence
letter of credit
letter of intent
letter perfect
letter sheet
night letter
open letter
red letter
scarlet letter
call letters
letters of credence
letters close
letters of administration
letters of marque
letters patent
man of letters
woman of letters

letter bomb
: an explosive device concealed in an envelope and mailed to the intended victim

letter box
British : MAILBOX 1

letter carrier
: a person who delivers mail

letter of credence

14th century
: a formal document attesting to the power of a diplomatic agent to act for the issuing government ― called also letters of credence

letter of credit

1645
1 : a letter addressed by a banker to a correspondent certifying that a person named therein is entitled to draw on the writer's credit up to a certain sum
2 : a letter addressed by a banker to a person to whom credit is given authorizing drafts on the issuing bank or on a bank in the person's country up to a certain sum and guaranteeing to accept the drafts if duly made

letter of intent

circa 1942
: a written statement of the intention to enter into a formal agreement

letter sheet
: a sheet of stationery that can be folded and sealed with the message inside to form its own envelope

letter-perfect
: correct to the smallest detail especially : VERBATIM

letterboxed
adj. of a video recording : formatted so as to display the full rectangular frame of a wide-screen motion picture
–let·ter·box·ing \-ˌbäk-siŋ\ noun

lettered
adj. 1 a : LEARNED, EDUCATED b : of, relating to, or characterized by learning : CULTURED
2 : inscribed with or as if with letters

letterform
: the shape of a letter of an alphabet especially from the standpoint of design or development

letterhead
n. 1 : stationery printed or engraved usually with the name and address of an organization also : a sheet of such stationery
2 : the heading at the top of a letterhead

lettering
n. : letters used in an inscription

letterman
n. : an athlete who has earned a letter in a school sport

letterpress
n. 1 : the process of printing from an inked raised surface especially when the paper is impressed directly upon the surface
2 chiefly British : text (as of a book) distinct from pictorial illustrations

letters close
: letters issued by a government or sovereign to a private person in a private matter

letters of administration

15th century
: a letter evidencing the right of an administrator to administer the goods or estate of a deceased person

letters of marque
: written authority granted to a private person by a government to seize the subjects of a foreign state or their goods specifically : a license granted to a private person to fit out an armed ship to plunder the enemy

letters patent
: a writing (as from a sovereign) that confers on a designated person a grant in a form open for public inspection

letterspacing
: insertion of space between the letters of a word

Lettish
n. : of or relating to the Latvians or their language

Lettish
n. : LATVIAN 1

lettre de cachet
: a letter bearing an official seal and usually authorizing imprisonment without trial of a named person

lettres
belles lettres
lettres de cachet
homme de lettres

lettuce
n. : any of a genus (Lactuca) of composite plants especially : a common garden vegetable (L. sativa) whose succulent leaves are used especially in salads

lettuce
n. frisée lettuce
cos lettuce
Bibb lettuce
Boston lettuce
butter lettuce
lamb's lettuce
iceberg lettuce
miner's lettuce
sea lettuce

letup
n. : a lessening of effort, activity, or intensity

leu
n. ― see MONEY table

leuc
chiefly British variant of leuk-

leucine
n. : a white crystalline essential amino acid C_6H_13NO_2 obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins

leucite
: a white or gray mineral consisting of a silicate of potassium and aluminum and occurring in igneous rocks
–leu·cit·ic \lü-'si-tik\ adjective

leucocidin
n. : a bacterial substance that destroys white blood cells

leucoplast
n. : a colorless plastid especially in the cytoplasm of interior plant tissues that is potentially capable of developing into a chloroplast

Leuctra
ancient village Greece in Boeotia SW of Thebes

leuk
1 : white : colorless : weakly colored <leukocyte> <leukorrhea>
2 : leukocyte <leukemia>
3 : white matter of the brain <leukotomy>

leukaemia
n. chiefly British variant of leukemia

leukaemogenesis
chiefly British variant of leukemogenesis

leukemia
n. : an acute or chronic disease in humans and other warm-blooded animals characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues and often in the blood
–leu·ke·mic \-mik\ adjective or noun

leukemia
n. hairy cell leukemia
lymphocytic leukemia
lymphatic leukemia
myelogenous leukemia
myeloid leukemia
myelocytic leukemia

leukemogenesis
n. : induction or production of leukemia
–leu·ke·mo·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective

leukemoid
adj. : resembling leukemia but not involving the same changes in the blood-forming organs

leukocyte
n. : WHITE BLOOD CELL
–leu·ko·cyt·ic \ˌlü-kə-'si-tik\ adjective

leukocytosis
n. : an increase in the number of white blood cells in the circulating blood

leukodystrophy
n. : any of several genetically determined diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

leukopenia
n. : a condition in which the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood is abnormally low
–leu·ko·pe·nic \-nik\ adjective

leukoplakia
n. : an abnormal condition in which thickened white patches of epithelium occur on the mucous membranes (as of the mouth or vulva) also : a lesion or lesioned area of leukoplakia
–leu·ko·pla·kic \-'plā-kik\ adjective

leukopoiesis
n. : the formation of white blood cells
–leu·ko·poi·et·ic \-'e-tik\ adjective

leukorrhea
n. : a whitish viscid discharge from the vagina resulting from inflammation or congestion of the mucous membrane
–leu·kor·rhe·al \-'rē-əl\ adjective

leukosis
n. : LEUKEMIA especially : any of various leukemic diseases of poultry

leukotomy
n. : LOBOTOMY

leukotriene
n. : any of a group of eicosanoids that participate in allergic responses (as bronchial constriction)

Leutze
Emanuel 1816-1868 American (Ger.-born) painter

Leuven
― see LOUVAIN

Lev
n. Leviticus

lev
n. ― see MONEY table

lev
n. 1 : levorotatory <levulose>
2 : to the left <levorotatory>

Levallois-Perret
commune N France on the Seine, NW suburb of Paris pop 54,750

Levalloisian
: of or relating to a Middle Paleolithic culture characterized by a technique of manufacturing tools by striking flakes from a flint nodule

levamisole
: an anthelmintic drug C_11H_12N_2S administered in the form of its hydrochloride that also possesses immunomodulatory properties and is used especially in the treatment of colon cancer

Levant
n. the countries bordering on the E Mediterranean
–Le·van·tine \'le-vən-ˌtīn, -ˌtēn, lə-'van-\ adjective or noun

levant
n. chiefly British : to run away from a debt

Levant States
― see SYRIA 2

Levant storax
: STORAX 1A

levanter
n. 1 capitalized : a native or inhabitant of the Levant
2 : a strong easterly Mediterranean wind

levator
n. : a muscle that serves to raise a body part ― compare DEPRESSOR

levee
n. 1 : a reception held by a person of distinction on rising from bed
2 : an afternoon assembly at which the British sovereign or his or her representative receives only men
3 : a reception usually in honor of a particular person

levee
n. 1 a : an embankment for preventing flooding b : a river landing place : PIER
2 : a continuous dike or ridge (as of earth) for confining the irrigation areas of land to be flooded

levee
n. : to provide with a levee

level
n. 1 : a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube
2 : a measurement of the difference of altitude of two points by means of a level
3 : horizontal condition especially : equilibrium of a fluid marked by a horizontal surface of even altitude <water seeks its own level>
4 a : an approximately horizontal line or surface taken as an index of altitude b : a practically horizontal surface or area (as of land)
5 : a position in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, or value) <funded at the national level> <the job appeals to me on many levels>
6 a : a line or surface that cuts perpendicularly all plumb lines that it meets and hence would everywhere coincide with a surface of still water b : the plane of the horizon or a line in it
7 : a horizontal passage in a mine intended for regular working and transportation
8 : a concentration of a constituent especially of a body fluid (as blood)
9 : the magnitude of a quantity considered in relation to an arbitrary reference value broadly : MAGNITUDE, INTENSITY <a high level of hostility>
–on the level : BONA FIDE, HONEST

level
n. transitive verb
1 : to make (a line or surface) horizontal : make flat or level <level a field> <level off a house lot>
2 a : to bring to a horizontal aiming position b : AIM, DIRECT <leveled a charge of fraud>
3 : to bring to a common level or plane : EQUALIZE <love levels all ranks ― W. S. Gilbert>
4 a : to lay level with or as if with the ground : RAZE b : to knock down <leveled him with one punch>
5 : to make (as color) even or uniform
6 : to find the heights of different points in (a piece of land) especially with a surveyor's level
intransitive verb
1 : to attain or come to a level <the plane leveled off at 10,000 feet>
2 : to aim a gun or other weapon horizontally
3 : to bring persons or things to a level
4 : to deal frankly and openly

level
n. 1 a : having no part higher than another : conforming to the curvature of the liquid parts of the earth's surface b : parallel with the plane of the horizon : HORIZONTAL
2 a : even or unvarying in height b : equal in advantage, progression, or standing c : proceeding monotonously or uneventfully d (1) : STEADY, UNWAVERING <gave him a level look> (2) : CALM, UNEXCITED <spoke in level tones>
3 : REASONABLE, BALANCED <arrive at a justly proportional and level judgment on this affair ― Sir Winston Churchill>
4 : distributed evenly <level stress>
5 : being a surface perpendicular to all lines of force in a field of force : EQUIPOTENTIAL
6 : suited to a particular rank or plane of ability or achievement <top-level thinking>
7 : of or relating to the spreading out of a cost or charge in even payments over a period of time
–lev·el·ly \'le-və(l)-lē\ adverb
–lev·el·ness \-vəl-nəs\ noun
–level best : very best
synonyms LEVEL, FLAT, PLANE, EVEN, SMOOTH mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. LEVEL applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon <the vast prairies are nearly level>. FLAT applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions <the work surface must be flat>. PLANE applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface <the plane sides of a crystal>. EVEN applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight <trim the hedge so it is even>. SMOOTH applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities <a smooth skating rink>.

level
n. Advanced level
A level
bi level
dumpy level
energy level
entry level
ground level
high level
on the level
level best
level crossing
level off
level of significance
significance level
low level
O level
Ordinary level
poverty level
Scholarship level
sea level
S level
spirit level
split level
support level
trophic level
water level
leveling rod

level best
very best

level crossing
British : GRADE CROSSING

level of significance

1925
: the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when it is true ― called also significance level

level off
: to approach or reach a steady rate, volume, or amount : STABILIZE <expect prices to level off>

leveler
n. 1 : one that levels
2 a capitalized : one of a group of radicals arising during the English Civil War and advocating equality before the law and religious toleration b : one favoring the removal of political, social, or economic inequalities c : something that tends to reduce or eliminate differences among individuals

levelheaded
adj. : having or showing sound judgment : SENSIBLE
–lev·el·head·ed·ness noun

leveling rod
: a graduated rod used in measuring the vertical distance between a point on the ground and the line of sight of a surveyor's level

Leven, Loch
1 inlet of Loch Linnhe W Scotland
2 lake 4 mi (6.4 km) long E Scotland SSE of Perth

Lever
n. Charles James 1806-1872 Brit. nov.

lever
n. 1 a : a bar used for prying or dislodging something b : an inducing or compelling force : TOOL <use food as a political lever ― Time>
2 a : a rigid piece that transmits and modifies force or motion when forces are applied at two points and it turns about a third specifically : a rigid bar used to exert a pressure or sustain a weight at one point of its length by the application of a force at a second and turning at a third on a fulcrum b : a projecting piece by which a mechanism is operated or adjusted

lever
n. 1 : to pry, raise, or move with or as if with a lever
2 : to operate (a device) in the manner of a lever

leverage
n. 1 : the action of a lever or the mechanical advantage gained by it
2 : POWER, EFFECTIVENESS <trying to gain more political leverage>
3 : the use of credit to enhance one's speculative capacity

leverage
n. 1 : to provide (as a corporation) or supplement (as money) with leverage also : to enhance as if by supplying with financial leverage
2 : to use for gain : EXPLOIT <shamelessly leverage the system to their advantage ― Alexander Wolff>

leveraged
1 : having a high proportion of debt relative to equity
2 of the purchase of a company : made with borrowed money that is secured by the assets of the company bought <a leveraged buyout>

leveret
n. : a hare in its first year

Leverkusen
city W Germany on the Rhine SE of Düsseldorf pop 161,147

Levi
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of the priestly tribe of Levi

Levi's
n. ― used especially for blue denim jeans

Levi-Montalcini
Rita 1909-     American (Ital.-born) neurologist

Levi-Strauss
Claude 1908-     Fr. (Belg.-born) social anthropol.
–Lé·vi-Straus·si·an \-'strau̇-sē-ən\ adjective

leviable
adj. : capable of being levied or levied upon

leviathan
n. 1 a often capitalized : a sea monster defeated by Yahweh in various scriptural accounts b : a large sea animal
2 capitalized : the political state especially : a totalitarian state having a vast bureaucracy
3 : something large or formidable
–leviathan adjective

levigate
adj. 1 : POLISH, SMOOTH
2 a : to grind to a fine smooth powder while in moist condition b : to separate (fine powder) from coarser material by suspending in a liquid
–lev·i·ga·tion \ˌle-və-'gā-shən\ noun

levin
n. archaic : LIGHTNING

levirate
n. : the sometimes compulsory marriage of a widow to a brother of her deceased husband
–le·vi·rat·ic \ˌle-və-'ra-tik, ˌlē-\ adjective

Levis
n. town Canada in S Que. pop 40,926

levitate
v. intransitive verb : to rise or float in or as if in the air especially in seeming defiance of gravitation
transitive verb : to cause to levitate

levitation
n. : the act or process of levitating especially : the rising or lifting of a person or thing by means held to be supernatural
–lev·i·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Levite
n. : a member of the priestly Hebrew tribe of Levi specifically : a Levite of non-Aaronic descent assigned to lesser ceremonial offices under the Levitical priests of the family of Aaron

Levitical
adj. : of or relating to the Levites or to Leviticus

Leviticus
n. : the third book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture consisting mainly of priestly legislation ― see BIBLE table

levity
n. 1 : excessive or unseemly frivolity
2 : lack of steadiness : CHANGEABLENESS

Levkas
island Greece in the Ionians at entrance to Ambracian Gulf area 111 sq mi (289 sq km)

levo
: LEVOROTATORY

levo
― see LEV-

levodopa
n. : L-DOPA

levonorgestrel
n. : the levorotatory form of a synthetic progestin C_21H_28O_2 used especially in oral contraceptives

levorotatory
adj. : turning toward the left or counterclockwise specifically : rotating the plane of polarization of light to the left ― compare DEXTROROTATORY

levulose
n. : FRUCTOSE 2

levy
n. 1 a : the imposition or collection of an assessment b : an amount levied
2 a : the enlistment or conscription of men for military service b : troops raised by levy

levy
n. transitive verb
1 a : to impose or collect by legal authority <levy a tax> b : to require by authority
2 : to enlist or conscript for military service
3 : to carry on (war) : WAGE
intransitive verb : to seize property
–levi·er noun

lewd
adj. 1 obsolete : EVIL, WICKED
2 a : sexually unchaste or licentious b : OBSCENE, VULGAR
–lewd·ly adverb
–lewd·ness noun

Lewes
George Henry 1817-1878 Eng. philos. & critic

Lewes
1 the upper Yukon River S of its junction with the Pelly
2 town S England capital of E. Sussex on Ouse River S of London

Lewis
n. (Harry) Sinclair 1885-1951 American nov.

Lewis
n. (Percy) Wyndham 1882-1957 Brit. painter & author

Lewis
n. Sir (William) Arthur 1915-1991 Brit. econ.

Lewis
n. Cecil Day ― see DAY-LEWIS

Lewis
n. C(live) S(taples) 1898-1963 Eng. nov. & essayist

Lewis
n. Edward B. 1918-     American biol.

Lewis
n. Isaac Newton 1858-1931 American army officer & inventor

Lewis
n. John Llewellyn 1880-1969 American labor leader

Lewis
n. Matthew Gregory 1775-1818 Monk Lewis Eng. author

Lewis
n. Meriwether 1774-1809 American explorer

lewis
n. : an iron dovetailed tenon that is made in sections, can be fitted into a dovetail mortise, and is used in hoisting large stones

lewis
n. Lewis acid
Day Lewis
Lewis and Clark Caverns
Lewis and Clark Lake
Lewis with Harris

Lewis acid
: a substance that is capable of accepting an unshared pair of electrons from a base to form a covalent bond

Lewis and Clark Caverns
caverns cen Mont. WNW of Bozeman

Lewis and Clark Lake
lake 30 mi (48 km) long SE S.Dak. & NE Nebr. formed by Gavins Point Dam

Lewis with Harris
island NW Scotland in the Outer Hebrides, divided administratively into Lewis (in the N; chief town & port Stornoway) & Harris (in the S); largest of the Hebrides area 770 sq mi (2002 sq km)

Lewisham
borough of SE Greater London, England pop 215,300

lewisite
n. : a colorless or brown vesicant liquid C_2H_2AsCl_3 developed as a poison gas for war use

Lewiston
1 city NW Idaho on Wash. border pop 30,904
2 city SW Maine on the Androscoggin opposite Auburn pop 35,690

Lewisville
city N Tex. pop 77,737

lex
n. : LAW

lex
n. de minimis non curat lex
salus populi suprema lex esto
inter arma silent leges
silent leges inter arma

lexeme
n. : a meaningful linguistic unit that is an item in the vocabulary of a language
–lex·em·ic \lek-'sē-mik\ adjective

lexical
adj. 1 : of or relating to words or the vocabulary of a language as distinguished from its grammar and construction
2 : of or relating to a lexicon or to lexicography
–lex·i·cal·i·ty \ˌlek-sə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–lex·i·cal·ly \'lek-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lexical meaning
: the meaning of the base (as the word play) in a paradigm (as plays, played, playing) ― compare GRAMMATICAL MEANING

lexicalisation
British variant of lexicalization

lexicalization
1 : the realization of a meaning in a single word or morpheme rather than in a grammatical construction
2 : the treatment of a formerly freely composed, grammatically regular, and semantically transparent phrase or inflected form as a formally or semantically idiomatic expression
–lex·i·cal·ize \'lek-si-kə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

lexicographer
n. : an author or editor of a dictionary

lexicography
n. 1 : the editing or making of a dictionary
2 : the principles and practices of dictionary making
–lex·i·co·graph·i·cal \ˌlek-si-kō-'gra-fi-kəl\ or lex·i·co·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–lex·i·co·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lexicology
n. : a branch of linguistics concerned with the signification and application of words
–lex·i·co·log·i·cal \-kō-'lä-ji-kəl, -kə-'lä-\ adjective
–lex·i·col·o·gist \-jist\ noun

lexicon
n. 1 : a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : DICTIONARY
2 a : the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject b : the total stock of morphemes in a language
3 : REPERTOIRE, INVENTORY

Lexington
n. 1 city N cen Ky. ESE of Frankfort pop 260,512
2 town NE Mass. NW of Boston pop 30,355

lexis
n. : LEXICON 2A

Ley
n. Robert 1890-1945 Ger. Nazi leader

ley
n. variant of lea

Leyden
n. ― see LEIDEN

Leyden jar
: an electrical capacitor consisting of a glass jar coated inside and outside with metal foil and having the inner coating connected to a conducting rod passed through an insulating stopper

Leyte
n. island Philippines in the Visayan Islands W of Leyte Gulf (inlet of the Pacific); chief town Tacloban area 2785 sq mi (7241 sq km)

Leyton
former municipal borough SE England in Essex, now part of Waltham Forest

LF
low frequency

lf
lightface

lg
1 large
2 long

LH
1 left hand
2 luteinizing hormone

Lhasa
n. city SW China capital of Tibet pop 106,885

Lhasa apso
: any of a Tibetan breed of small dogs that have a dense coat of long hard straight hair, a heavy fall over the eyes, heavy whiskers and beard, and a well-feathered tail curled over the back ― called also Lhasa

LHD
doctor of humane letters; doctor of humanities

Lhotse
mountain 27,923 ft (8511 m) on border bet. Nepal & Tibet in Mt. Everest Massif S of Mt. Everest; 4th highest in the world

LI
n. Long Island

Li
n. lithium

Li
n. Li Hung chang
Li Peng
Li Po
Li Shih min

Li Hung-chang
1823-1901 Chin. statesman

Li Peng
1928-     Chin. prime min. (1987-98)

Li Po
701-762 Chin. poet

Li Shih-min
― see T'ANG T'AI TSUNG

liability
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being liable b : PROBABILITY
2 : something for which one is liable especially : pecuniary obligation : DEBT ― usually used in plural
3 : one that acts as a disadvantage : DRAWBACK

liability
n. limited liability
limited liability partnership
strict liability

liable
adj. 1 a : obligated according to law or equity : RESPONSIBLE b : subject to appropriation or attachment
2 a : being in a position to incur ― used with to <liable to a fine> b : exposed or subject to some usually adverse contingency or action <watch out or you're liable to fall>
synonyms LIABLE, OPEN, EXPOSED, SUBJECT, PRONE, SUSCEPTIBLE, SENSITIVE mean being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse. LIABLE implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation <liable to get lost>. OPEN stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence <a claim open to question>. EXPOSED suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening <exposed to infection>. SUBJECT implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone <all reports are subject to review>. PRONE stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something <prone to delay>. SUSCEPTIBLE implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable <very susceptible to flattery>. SENSITIVE implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli <unduly sensitive to criticism>. synonym see in addition RESPONSIBLE
usage Both liable and apt when followed by an infinitive are used nearly interchangeably with likely. Although conflicting advice has been given over the years, most current commentators accept apt when so used. They generally recommend limiting liable to situations having an undesirable outcome, and our evidence shows that in edited writing it is more often so used than not.

liaise
v. chiefly British
1 : to establish liaison
2 : to act as a liaison officer

liaison
n. 1 : a binding or thickening agent used in cooking
2 a : a close bond or connection : INTERRELATIONSHIP b : an illicit sexual relationship : AFFAIR 3A
3 a : communication for establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and cooperation (as between parts of an armed force) b : one that establishes and maintains liaison
4 : the pronunciation of an otherwise absent consonant sound at the end of the first of two consecutive words the second of which begins with a vowel sound and follows without pause

liana
n. : any of various usually woody vines especially of tropical rain forests that root in the ground

Lianyungang
city E China in N Jiangsu pop 354,139

Liao
river 700 mi (1126 km) NE China flowing into Gulf of Liaodong

Liaodong
peninsula NE China in S Liaoning bet. Korea Bay & Gulf of Liaodong (arm of Bo Hai)

Liaoning
province NE China in S Manchuria capital Shenyang area 58,301 sq mi (151,583 sq km), pop 39,459,697

Liaosi
former province (1948-54) NE China in S Manchuria bordering on Gulf of Liaodong capital Chin-chou (Jinzhou)

Liaoyang
city NE China in cen Liaoning NE of Anshan pop 492,559

Liaoyuan
― see SHUANGLIAO

liar
n. : a person who tells lies

Liard
river 755 mi (1215 km) W Canada flowing from Stikine Ranges in Yukon Territory E & N into Mackenzie River

Lias
n. chiefly British : LIASSIC

Liassic
: of, relating to, or being a subdivision of the European Jurassic

lib
n. : LIBERATION 2

lib
n. 1 liberal
2 librarian, library

Libanus
― see LEBANON MOUNTAINS

libation
n. 1 a : an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity) b : a liquid (as wine) used in a libation
2 a : an act or instance of drinking often ceremoniously b : BEVERAGE especially : a drink containing alcohol
–li·ba·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

libber
n. often disparaging : a person who supports a liberation movement especially for women

Libby
Willard Frank 1908-1980 Am. chem.

libeccio
: a southwest wind in Italy

libel
n. 1 a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone
2 a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel

libel
n. intransitive verb : to make libelous statements
transitive verb : to make or publish a libel against
–li·bel·er \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–li·bel·ist \-bə-list\ noun

libelant
n. : one that institutes a suit by a libel

libelee
n. : one against whom a libel has been filed in a court

libelous
adj. : constituting or including a libel : DEFAMATORY <a libelous statement>

liberal
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts <liberal education> b archaic : of or befitting a man of free birth
2 a : marked by generosity : OPENHANDED <a liberal giver> b : given or provided in a generous and openhanded way <a liberal meal> c : AMPLE, FULL
3 obsolete : lacking moral restraint : LICENTIOUS
4 : not literal or strict : LOOSE <a liberal translation>
5 : BROAD-MINDED especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
6 a : of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism b capitalized : of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives
–lib·er·al·ly \-b(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–lib·er·al·ness noun
synonyms LIBERAL, GENEROUS, BOUNTIFUL, MUNIFICENT mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. LIBERAL suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given <a teacher liberal with her praise>. GENEROUS stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift <a generous offer of help>. BOUNTIFUL suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing <children spoiled by bountiful presents>. MUNIFICENT suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes <a munificent foundation grant>.

liberal
n. : a person who is liberal: as a : one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways b capitalized : a member or supporter of a liberal political party c : an advocate or adherent of liberalism especially in individual rights

liberal arts
1 : the medieval studies comprising the trivium and quadrivium
2 : the studies (as language, philosophy, history, literature, abstract science) in a college or university intended to provide chiefly general knowledge and to develop the general intellectual capacities (as reason and judgment) as opposed to professional or vocational skills

liberalise
v. British variant of liberalize

liberalism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being liberal
2 a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
–lib·er·al·ist \-b(ə-)rə-list\ noun or adjective
–lib·er·al·is·tic \ˌli-b(ə-)rə-'lis-tik\ adjective

liberality
n. : the quality or state of being liberal also : an instance of this

liberalize
v. transitive verb : to make liberal or more liberal
intransitive verb : to become liberal or more liberal
–lib·er·al·i·za·tion \ˌli-b(ə-)rə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–lib·er·al·iz·er \'li-b(ə-)rə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

liberate
v. 1 : to set at liberty : FREE specifically : to free (as a country) from domination by a foreign power
2 : to free from combination <liberate the gas by adding acid>
3 : to take or take over illegally or unjustly <material liberated from a nearby construction site ― Thorne Dreyer>
synonyms see FREE
–lib·er·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun
–lib·er·a·to·ry \'li-b(ə-)rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

liberated
adj. : freed from or opposed to traditional social and sexual attitudes or roles <a liberated woman> <a liberated marriage>

liberation
n. 1 : the act of liberating : the state of being liberated
2 : a movement seeking equal rights and status for a group <women's liberation>
–lib·er·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

liberation theology
: a religious movement especially among Roman Catholic clergy in Latin America that combines political philosophy usually of a Marxist orientation with a theology of salvation as liberation from injustice
–liberation theologian noun

Liberia
n. country W Africa; a republic capital Monrovia area 43,000 sq mi (111,800 sq km), pop 2,101,628
–Li·be·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

libertarian
n. 1 : an advocate of the doctrine of free will
2 a : a person who upholds the principles of individual liberty especially of thought and action b capitalized : a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles
–libertarian adjective
–lib·er·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

libertinage
n. : LIBERTINISM

libertine
n. 1 usually disparaging : a freethinker especially in religious matters
2 : a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality specifically : one leading a dissolute life
–libertine adjective

libertinism
n. : the quality or state of being libertine : the behavior of a libertine

Liberty
n. city NW Mo. NNE of Kansas City pop 26,232

liberty
n. 1 : the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases b : freedom from physical restraint c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e : the power of choice
2 a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : PRIVILEGE b : permission especially to go freely within specified limits
3 : an action going beyond normal limits: as a : a breach of etiquette or propriety : FAMILIARITY b : RISK, CHANCE <took foolish liberties with his health> c : a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice d : a distortion of fact
4 : a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours
synonyms see FREEDOM
–at liberty
1 : FREE
2 : at leisure : UNOCCUPIED

liberty
n. civil liberty
at liberty
liberty cap
liberty pole
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island
Statue of Liberty National Monument

liberty cap
: a close-fitting conical cap used as a symbol of liberty by the French revolutionists and in the U.S. before 1800

Liberty Island
island SE N.Y. in Upper New York Bay; comprises Statue of Liberty National Monument

liberty pole
: a tall flagstaff surmounted by a liberty cap or the flag of a republic and set up as a symbol of liberty

libidinal
adj. : of or relating to the libido <libidinal impulses>
–li·bid·i·nal·ly adverb

libidinous
adj. 1 : having or marked by lustful desires : LASCIVIOUS
2 : LIBIDINAL
–li·bid·i·nous·ly adverb
–li·bid·i·nous·ness noun

libido
n. 1 : instinctual psychic energy that in psychoanalytic theory is derived from primitive biological urges (as for sexual pleasure or self-preservation) and that is expressed in conscious activity
2 : sexual drive

libra
n. 1 capitalized a : a southern zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Scorpio represented by a pair of scales b (1) : the seventh sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table (2) : one born under the sign of Libra
2 a plural li·brae \'lī-ˌbrē, 'lē-ˌbrī\ [L] : an ancient Roman unit of weight equal to 327.45 grams b [Spanish & Portuguese, from L] : any of various Spanish, Portuguese, Colombian, or Venezuelan units of weight

Libran
n. : LIBRA 1B(2)

librarian
n. : a specialist in the care or management of a library
–li·brar·i·an·ship \-ˌship\ noun

library
n. 1 a : a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale b : a collection of such materials
2 a : a collection resembling or suggesting a library <a library of computer programs> <wine library> b : MORGUE 2
3 a : a series of related books issued by a publisher b : a collection of publications on the same subject
4 : a collection of cloned DNA fragments that are maintained in a suitable cellular environment and that usually represent the genetic material of a particular organism or tissue
usage While the pronunciation \'lī-ˌbrer-ē\ is the most frequent variant in the U.S., the other variants are not uncommon. The contraction \'lī-brē\ and the dissimilated form \'lī-ˌber-ē\ result from the relative difficulty of repeating \r\ in the same syllable or successive syllables; our files contain citations for these variants from educated speakers, including college presidents and professors, as well as with somewhat greater frequency from less educated speakers.

library
n. depository library
lending library
library paste
library science
rental library

library paste
: a thick white adhesive made from starch

library science
: the study or the principles and practices of library care and administration

libration
n. : an oscillation in the apparent aspect of a secondary body (as a planet or a satellite) as seen from the primary object around which it revolves
–li·bra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–li·bra·to·ry \'lī-brə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

libration point
: any of five positions in the plane of a celestial system consisting of one massive body orbiting another at which the gravitational influences of the two bodies are approximately equal

librettist
n. : the writer of a libretto

libretto
n. 1 : the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater
2 : the book containing a libretto

Libreville
n. city & port capital of Gabon at mouth of Gabon River pop 419,596

libriform
: resembling phloem fibers

Librium
n. ― used for a preparation of chlordiazepoxide

Libya
n. 1 the part of Africa N of the Sahara bet. Egypt & Syrtis Major (Gulf of Sidra) ― an ancient name
2 N Africa W of Egypt ― an ancient name
3 country N Africa bordering on the Mediterranean; a colony of Italy 1912-43, an independent kingdom 1951-69, a republic since 1969 capital Tripoli area 679,358 sq mi (1,766,331 sq km), pop 4,573,000

Libyan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Libya
2 : a language of ancient No. Africa probably ancestral to Berber dialects
–Libyan adjective

Libyan Desert
desert N Africa W of the Nile in Libya, Egypt, & Sudan

lic
license

lice
n. plural of louse

license
n. 1 a : permission to act b : freedom of action
2 a : a permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful b : a document, plate, or tag evidencing a license granted c : a grant by the holder of a copyright or patent to another of any of the rights embodied in the copyright or patent short of an assignment of all rights
3 a : freedom that allows or is used with irresponsibility b : disregard for standards of personal conduct : LICENTIOUSNESS
4 : deviation from fact, form, or rule by an artist or writer for the sake of the effect gained
synonyms see FREEDOM
–licensed adjective

license
1 a : to issue a license to b : to permit or authorize especially by formal license
2 : to give permission or consent to : ALLOW
–li·cens·able \-sən(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective
–li·cen·sor \-sər, ˌli-sən-'sȯr\ also li·cens·er \-sər\ noun

license
n. driver's license
license plate
poetic license
vanity license plate
licensed practical nurse

license plate
: a plate or tag (as of metal) attesting that a license has been secured and usually bearing a registration number

licensed practical nurse
: a person who has undergone training and obtained a license (as from a state) conferring authorization to provide routine care for the sick

licensee
n. : one that is licensed

licensure
n. : the granting of licenses especially to practice a profession also : the state of being licensed

licente
plural of sente

licentiate
n. 1 : a person who has a license granted especially by a university to practice a profession
2 : an academic degree ranking below that of doctor given by some European universities

licentious
adj. 1 : lacking legal or moral restraints especially : disregarding sexual restraints
2 : marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness
–li·cen·tious·ly adverb
–li·cen·tious·ness noun

lich-gate
variant of lych-gate

lichee
n. variant of lychee

lichen
n. 1 : any of several skin diseases characterized by a papular eruption
2 : any of numerous complex plantlike organisms made up of an alga and a fungus growing in symbiotic association on a solid surface (as a rock)
–li·chened \-kənd\ adjective
–li·chen·ous \-kə-nəs\ adjective

lichenology
: the study of lichens
–li·chen·o·log·i·cal \ˌlī-kə-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–li·chen·ol·o·gist \ˌlī-kə-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Lichfield
city W cen England in Staffordshire pop 90,700

licht
Scottish variant of light

Lichtenstein
Roy 1923-1997 American artist

Licinius
d 325 Valerius Licinianus Licinius Rom. emp. (308-324)

licit
adj. : conforming to the requirements of the law : not forbidden by law : PERMISSIBLE
synonyms see LAWFUL
–lic·it·ly adverb

lick
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to draw the tongue over <lick a stamp> (2) : to flicker over like a tongue b : to take into the mouth with the tongue : LAP
2 a : to strike repeatedly : THRASH b : to get the better of : OVERCOME, DEFEAT <has licked every problem>
intransitive verb
1 : to lap with or as if with the tongue
2 : to dart like a tongue <flames licking out of windows>
–lick into shape : to put into proper form or condition
–lick one's chops : to feel or show eager anticipation
–lick one's wounds : to recover from defeat or disappointment

lick
n. 1 a : an act or instance of licking b : a small amount : BIT <couldn't swim a lick> c : a hasty careless effort
2 a : a sharp hit : BLOW b : a directed effort : CRACK ― usually used in plural ― usually used in the phrase get in one's licks
3 a : a natural salt deposit (as a salt spring) that animals lick b : a block of often medicated saline preparation given to livestock to lick
4 : a musical figure specifically : an interpolated and usually improvised figure or flourish
5 : a critical thrust : DIG, BARB
–lick and a promise : a perfunctory performance of a task

lick
n. lick one's wounds
lick one's chops
lick into shape
lick and a promise
salt lick

lick and a promise
a perfunctory performance of a task

lick into shape
to put into proper form or condition

lick one's chops
to feel or show eager anticipation

lick one's wounds
to recover from defeat or disappointment

lickerish
adj. 1 : GREEDY, DESIROUS
2 obsolete : tempting to the appetite
3 : LECHEROUS
–lick·er·ish·ly adverb
–lick·er·ish·ness noun

lickety-split
: at great speed

Licking
n. river 320 mi (515 km) NE Ky. flowing NW into Ohio River

licking
n. 1 : a sound thrashing : DRUBBING
2 : DEFEAT

lickspittle
n. : a fawning subordinate : TOADY

licorice
n. 1 a : the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery b : a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
2 : a plant yielding licorice also : a related plant

lictor
n. : an ancient Roman officer who bore the fasces as the insignia of his office and whose duties included accompanying the chief magistrates in public appearances

lid
n. 1 : a movable cover for the opening of a hollow container (as a vessel or box)
2 : EYELID
3 : the operculum in mosses
4 slang : HAT
5 : something that confines, limits, or suppresses : CHECK, RESTRAINT
6 : an ounce of marijuana

lid
n. : to cover or supply with a lid

lidar
n. : a device that is similar in operation to radar but emits pulsed laser light instead of microwaves

lidded
adj. 1 : having or covered with a lid <a lidded tureen>
2 : having lids especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <heavy-lidded eyes>

Liddell Hart
Sir Basil Henry 1895-1970 Eng. mil. hist.

Lidice
village W cen Czech Republic in W cen Bohemia

lidless
adj. 1 : having no lid
2 archaic : WATCHFUL

Lido
n. island Italy in the Adriatic separating Lagoon of Venice & Gulf of Venice

lido
n. : a fashionable beach resort

lidocaine
n. : a crystalline compound C_14H_22N_2O that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic and as an antiarrhythmic agent

Lie
n. Jonas 1833-1908 Norw. nov. & dram.

Lie
n. Trygve Halvdan 1896-1968 Norw. lawyer; secy.-gen. of U.N. (1946-52)

lie
n. 1 a : to be or to stay at rest in a horizontal position : be prostrate : REST, RECLINE <lie motionless> <lie asleep> b : to assume a horizontal position ― often used with down c archaic : to reside temporarily : stay for the night : LODGE d : to have sexual intercourse ― used with with e : to remain inactive (as in concealment) <lie in wait>
2 : to be in a helpless or defenseless state <the town lay at the mercy of the invaders>
3 of an inanimate thing : to be or remain in a flat or horizontal position upon a broad support <books lying on the table>
4 : to have direction : EXTEND <the route lay to the west>
5 a : to occupy a certain relative place or position <hills lie behind us> b : to have a place in relation to something else <the real reason lies deeper> c : to have an effect through mere presence, weight, or relative position <remorse lay heavily on him> d : to be sustainable or admissible
6 : to remain at anchor or becalmed
7 a : to have place : EXIST <the choice lay between fighting or surrendering> b : CONSIST, BELONG <the success of the book lies in its direct style> <responsibility lay with the adults>
8 : REMAIN especially : to remain unused, unsought, or uncared for
usage see LAY
–li·er \'lī(-ə)r\ noun
–lie low
1 : to lie prostrate, defeated, or disgraced
2 : to stay in hiding : strive to avoid notice
3 : to bide one's time : remain secretly ready for action

lie
n. 1 chiefly British : LAY 6
2 : the position or situation in which something lies <a golf ball in a difficult lie>
3 : the haunt of an animal (as a fish) : COVERT
4 British : an act or instance of lying or resting

lie
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive
2 : to create a false or misleading impression
transitive verb : to bring about by telling lies <lied his way out of trouble>
synonyms LIE, PREVARICATE, EQUIVOCATE, PALTER, FIB mean to tell an untruth. LIE is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty <lied about where he had been>. PREVARICATE softens the bluntness of LIE by implying quibbling or confusing the issue <during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate>. EQUIVOCATE implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another <equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors>. PALTER implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises <a swindler paltering with his investors>. FIB applies to a telling of a trivial untruth <fibbed about the price of the new suit>.

lie
n. 1 a : an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker to be untrue with intent to deceive b : an untrue or inaccurate statement that may or may not be believed true by the speaker
2 : something that misleads or deceives
3 : a charge of lying

lie
n. big lie
give the lie to
lie low
lie by
lie detector
lie down
lie in
lie off
lie over
lie to
lie up
low lying
lying in
lying ins
lay on the table
lay into
lay eyes on
lay an egg
lay away
lay by
lay day
lay down
lay figure
lay in
lay off
lay on
lay out
lay over
lay reader
lay to
lay up
lay siege to
cable laid
hawser laid
laid back
laid backness
laid paper
plain laid
twice laid
laying on of hands

lie by
: to remain inactive : REST

lie detector
: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying

lie down
1 : to submit meekly or abjectly to defeat, disappointment, or insult <won't take that criticism lying down>
2 : to fail to perform or to neglect one's part deliberately <lying down on the job>

lie low

1 : to lie prostrate, defeated, or disgraced
2 : to stay in hiding : strive to avoid notice
3 : to bide one's time : remain secretly ready for action

lie off
1 : to hold back in the early part of a race
2 : to keep a little away from the shore or another ship
3 : to cease work for a time

lie over
: to await disposal or attention at a later time

lie to
of a ship : to stay stationary with head to windward

lie up
1 : to go into or remain in a dock
2 : to stay in bed or at rest

lie-in
: an act of lying down (as in a public place) in organized protest or as a means of forcing compliance with demands

liebfraumilch
n. : a fruity white Rhine wine

Liebig
Justus von 1803-1873 Freiherr von Liebig Ger. chem.

Liebknecht
Karl 1871-1919 Ger. socialist leader

Liechtenstein
n. country W Europe bet. Switzerland & Austria bordering on the Rhine; a principality capital Vaduz area 62 sq mi (161 sq km), pop 33,525
–Liech·ten·stein·er \-ˌstī-nər, -ˌshtī-\ noun

lied
n. : a German art song especially of the 19th century

Liederkranz
: wreath of songs : German singing society

lief
adv. 1 archaic : DEAR, BELOVED
2 archaic : WILLING, GLAD

lief
adv. : SOON, GLADLY <I'd as lief go as not>

Liege
n. 1 province E Belgium area 1497 sq mi (3877 sq km), pop 1,024,130
2 city, its capital pop 185,131

liege
n. 1 a : having the right to feudal allegiance or service <his liege lord> b : obligated to render feudal allegiance and service
2 : FAITHFUL, LOYAL

liege
n. 1 a : a vassal bound to feudal service and allegiance b : a loyal subject
2 : a feudal superior to whom allegiance and service are due

liege man
1 : VASSAL
2 : a devoted follower

lien
n. 1 : a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law
2 : the security interest created by a mortgage

Liepaja
city & port W Latvia on the Baltic pop 87,505

lierne
n. : a rib in Gothic vaulting that passes from one intersection of the principal ribs to another

lieu
n. archaic : PLACE, STEAD
–in lieu : INSTEAD
–in lieu of : in the place of : instead of

lieut
n. lieutenant

lieutenancy
n. : the office, rank, or commission of a lieutenant

lieutenant
n. 1 a : an official empowered to act for a higher official b : an aide or representative of another in the performance of duty : ASSISTANT
2 a (1) : FIRST LIEUTENANT (2) : SECOND LIEUTENANT b : a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant junior grade and below a lieutenant commander c : a fire or police department officer ranking below a captain

lieutenant
n. first lieutenant
flight lieutenant
lieutenant colonel
lieutenant commander
lieutenant general
lieutenant governor
lieutenant governorship
lieutenant junior grade
second lieutenant
lieutenants junior grade

lieutenant colonel
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a major and below a colonel

lieutenant commander
: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant and below a commander

lieutenant general
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a major general and whose insignia is three stars

lieutenant governor
: a deputy or subordinate governor: as a : an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of an American state b : the formal head of the government of a Canadian province appointed by the federal government as the representative of the crown
–lieutenant governorship noun

lieutenant junior grade
: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above an ensign and below a lieutenant

Lifar
Serge 1905-1986 Fr. (Russ.-born) choreographer & dancer

life
n. 1 a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body b : a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings c : an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2 a : the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b : one or more aspects of the process of living <sex life of the frog>
3 : BIOGRAPHY 1
4 : spiritual existence transcending physical death
5 a : the period from birth to death b : a specific phase of earthly existence <adult life> c : the period from an event until death <a judge appointed for life> d : a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
6 : a way or manner of living
7 : LIVELIHOOD
8 : a vital or living being specifically : PERSON <many lives were lost in the disaster>
9 : an animating and shaping force or principle
10 : SPIRIT, ANIMATION <saw no life in her dancing>
11 : the form or pattern of something existing in reality <painted from life>
12 : the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something <the expected life of the batteries>
13 : the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle) ― compare HALF-LIFE
14 : a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
15 : living beings (as of a particular kind or environment) <forest life>
16 a : human activities b : animate activity and movement <stirrings of life> c : the activities of a given sphere, area, or time <the political life of the country>
17 : one providing interest and vigor <life of the party>
18 : an opportunity for continued viability <gave the patient a new life>
19 capitalized Christian Science : GOD 1B
20 : something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>

life
n. 1 : of or relating to animate being
2 : LIFELONG <a life member>
3 : using a living model <a life class>
4 : of, relating to, or provided by life insurance <a life policy>

life
n. low life
change of life
fact of life
get a life
good life
half life
kiss of life
larger than life
life and death
life or death
life belt
life buoy
life care
life cycle
life expectancy
life force
life form
life giving
life history
life insurance
life jacket
life list
life net
life of Riley
life of Reilly
life peer
life peerage
life preserver
life raft
life ring
life science
life scientist
life size
life sized
life span
life support
life support system
life table
life vest
life zone
philosophy of life
pro life
real life
right to life
shelf life
slice of life
staff of life
still life
tree of life
true life
whole life

life belt
1 chiefly British : a life preserver in the form of a buoyant belt
2 : SAFETY BELT

life buoy
: a ring-shaped life preserver

life cycle
1 : the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage
2 : LIFE HISTORY 2
3 : a series of stages through which something (as an individual, culture, or manufactured product) passes during its lifetime

life expectancy
: the average life span of an individual

life force
: ÉLAN VITAL

life history
1 : a history of the changes through which an organism passes in its development from the primary stage to its natural death
2 : the history of an individual or thing

life insurance
: insurance providing for payment of a stipulated sum to a designated beneficiary upon death of the insured

life jacket
: a life preserver in the form of a buoyant vest

life list
: a record kept of all birds sighted and identified by a birder

life net
: a strong net or sheet (as of canvas) used (as by firefighters) to catch a person jumping from a burning building

life of Riley
: a carefree comfortable way of living

life peer
: a British peer whose title is not hereditary
–life peerage noun

life preserver
1 : a device (as a life jacket or life buoy) designed to save a person from drowning by providing buoyancy in water
2 chiefly British : BLACKJACK 3

life raft
: a raft usually made of wood or an inflatable material and designed for use by people forced into the water

life ring
: LIFE BUOY

life science
: a branch of science (as biology, medicine, and sometimes anthropology or sociology) that deals with living organisms and life processes ― usually used in plural
–life scientist noun

life span
1 : the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
2 : the duration of existence of an individual

life support
: medical life-support equipment <the patient was placed on life support>

life table
: MORTALITY TABLE

life vest
: LIFE JACKET

life zone
: a region characterized by specific plants and animals

life-and-death
: involving or culminating in life or death : vitally important as if involving life or death

life-care
: of, relating to, or being a residential complex for elderly people that provides an apartment, personal and social services, and health care for life

life-form
: the body form that characterizes a kind of organism (as a species) at maturity also : a kind of organism

life-giving
: giving or having power to give life and spirit : INVIGORATING

life-size
: of natural size : of the size of the original <a life-size statue>

life-support
: providing support necessary to sustain life especially : of or relating to a system providing such support <life-support equipment>

life-support system
: an artificial or natural system that provides all or some of the items (as oxygen, food, water, control of temperature and pressure, disposition of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health

lifeblood
n. 1 : blood regarded as the seat of vitality
2 : a vital or life-giving force or component <freedom of inquiry is the lifeblood of a university>

lifeboat
n. : a sturdy buoyant boat (as one carried by a ship) for use in an emergency and especially in saving lives at sea

lifeful
archaic : full of or giving vitality

lifeguard
n. : a usually expert swimmer employed (as at a beach or a pool) to safeguard other swimmers
–lifeguard intransitive verb

lifeless
adj. : having no life: a : DEAD b : INANIMATE c : lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : INSIPID d : destitute of living beings
–life·less·ly adverb
–life·less·ness noun

lifelike
adj. : accurately representing or imitating real life <a lifelike portrait>
–life·like·ness noun

lifeline
n. 1 : a line (as a rope) used for saving or preserving life: as a : a line along the outer edge of the deck of a boat or ship b : a line used to keep contact with a person (as a diver or astronaut) in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation
2 : something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life

lifelong
adj. 1 : lasting or continuing through life
2 : LONG-STANDING

lifemanship
n. : the skill or practice of achieving superiority or an appearance of superiority over others (as in conversation) by perplexing and demoralizing them

lifer
n. 1 : a person sentenced to imprisonment for life
2 : a person who makes a career of one of the armed forces
3 : a person who has made a lifelong commitment (as to a way of life)

lifesaver
n. 1 : one trained to save lives of drowning persons
2 : one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need

lifesaving
n. : designed for or used in saving lives <lifesaving drugs>

lifesaving
n. : the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives especially of drowning persons

lifestyle
n. : the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture

lifestyle
n. : associated with, reflecting, or promoting an enhanced or more desirable lifestyle <lifestyle magazines>

lifetime
n. 1 a : the duration of the existence of a living being (as a person or an animal) or a thing (as a star or a subatomic particle) b : LIFE 12
2 : an amount accumulated or experienced in a lifetime <a lifetime of regrets>

lifetime
n. 1 : LIFELONG
2 : of long duration or continuance <lifetime legislation>
3 : measured or achieved over the span of a career <a baseball player's lifetime batting average>

lifeway
: LIFE 6

lifework
n. : the entire or principal work of one's lifetime also : a work extending over a lifetime

lifeworld
: the sum total of physical surroundings and everyday experiences that make up an individual's world

Liffey
river 50 mi (80 km) E Ireland flowing into Dublin Bay

Lifford
town NW Ireland (republic) in Ulster capital of County Donegal pop 1478

LIFO
n. last in, first out

lift
n. chiefly Scottish : HEAVENS, SKY

lift
n. transitive verb
1 a : to raise from a lower to a higher position : ELEVATE b : to raise in rank or condition c : to raise in rate or amount
2 : to put an end to (a blockade or siege) by withdrawing or causing the withdrawal of investing forces
3 : REVOKE, RESCIND <lift an embargo>
4 a : STEAL <had her purse lifted> b : PLAGIARIZE c : to take out of normal setting <lift a word out of context>
5 : to take up (as a root crop or transplants) from the ground
6 : to pay off (an obligation) <lift a mortgage>
7 : to move from one place to another (as by aircraft) : TRANSPORT
8 : to take up (a fingerprint) from a surface
intransitive verb
1 a : ASCEND, RISE <the rocket lifted off> b : to appear elevated (as above surrounding objects)
2 of inclement weather : to dissipate and clear
–lift·able \'lif-tə-bəl\ adjective
–lift·er noun
synonyms LIFT, RAISE, REAR, ELEVATE, HOIST, HEAVE, BOOST mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position. LIFT usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight <lift the chair while I vacuum>. RAISE carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position <scouts raising a flagpole>. REAR may add an element of suddenness to RAISE <suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs>. ELEVATE may replace LIFT or RAISE especially when exalting or enhancing is implied <elevated the taste of the public>. HOIST implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means <hoisted the cargo on board>. HEAVE implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain <heaved the heavy crate inside>. BOOST suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push <boosted his brother over the fence>.

lift
n. 1 : the amount that may be lifted at one time : LOAD
2 a : the action or an instance of lifting b : the action or an instance of rising c : elevated carriage (as of a body part) d : the lifting up (as of a dancer) usually by a partner
3 : a device (as a handle or latch) for lifting
4 : an act of stealing : THEFT
5 a : ASSISTANCE, HELP b : a ride especially along one's way
6 : a layer in the heel of a shoe
7 : a rise or advance in position or condition
8 : a slight rise or elevation
9 : the distance or extent to which something rises
10 : an apparatus or machine used for hoisting: as a : a set of pumps used in a mine b chiefly British : ELEVATOR 1B c : an apparatus for raising an automobile (as for repair) d : SKI LIFT
11 a : an elevating influence b : an elevation of the spirit
12 a : the component of the total aerodynamic force acting on an airplane or airfoil that is perpendicular to the relative wind and that for an airplane constitutes the upward force that opposes the pull of gravity b : an updraft that can be used to increase altitude (as of a sailplane)
13 : an organized movement of people, equipment, or supplies by some form of transportation especially : AIRLIFT

lift
n. dead lift
eye lift
face lift
J bar lift
lift truck
ski lift
T bar lift
heavy lifting
weight lifting
weight lifter

lift truck
: a small truck for lifting and transporting loads

liftgate
: a rear panel (as on a station wagon) that opens upward

liftman
n. British : an elevator operator

liftoff
n. : a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile

ligament
n. 1 : a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place
2 : a connecting or unifying bond <the law of nations, the great ligament of mankind ― Edmund Burke>
–lig·a·men·tous \-'men-təs\ adjective

ligament
n. anterior cruciate ligament
cruciate ligament
posterior cruciate ligament
suspensory ligament

ligand
n. : a group, ion, or molecule coordinated to a central atom or molecule in a complex

ligase
n. : SYNTHETASE

ligate
v. 1 : to tie with a ligature
2 : to join together (as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process

ligation
n. 1 : an act of ligating
2 : something that binds : LIGATURE

ligature
n. 1 a : something that is used to bind specifically : a filament (as a thread) used in surgery b : something that unites or connects : BOND
2 : the action of binding or tying
3 : a compound note in mensural notation indicating a group of musical notes to be sung to one syllable
4 : a printed or written character (as æ or ) consisting of two or more letters or characters joined together

light
n. 1 a : something that makes vision possible b : the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors c : electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second specifically : such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2 a : DAYLIGHT b : DAWN
3 : a source of light: as a : a celestial body b : CANDLE c : an electric light
4 archaic : SIGHT 4A
5 a : spiritual illumination b : INNER LIGHT c : ENLIGHTENMENT d : TRUTH
6 a : public knowledge <facts brought to light> b : a particular aspect or appearance presented to view <saw the matter in a different light>
7 : a particular illumination
8 : something that enlightens or informs <shed some light on the problem>
9 : a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
10 plural : a set of principles, standards, or opinions <worship according to one's lights ― Adrienne Koch>
11 : a noteworthy person in a particular place or field <a leading light among current writers>
12 : a particular expression of the eye
13 a : LIGHTHOUSE, BEACON b : TRAFFIC LIGHT
14 : the representation of light in art
15 : a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
–in the light of
1 : from the point of view of
2 or in light of : in view of <in light of their findings, new procedures were established>

light
n. 1 : having light : BRIGHT <a light airy room>
2 a : not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : PALE b of colors : medium in saturation and high in lightness <light blue>
3 of coffee : served with extra milk or cream

light
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become light : BRIGHTEN ― usually used with up <her face lit up>
2 : to take fire
3 : to ignite something (as a cigarette) ― often used with up
transitive verb
1 : to set fire to
2 a : to conduct with a light : GUIDE b : ILLUMINATE <rockets light up the sky> c : ANIMATE, BRIGHTEN <a smile lit up her face>

light
n. 1 a : having little weight : not heavy b : designed to carry a comparatively small load <a light truck> c : having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk <aluminum is a light metal> d : containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight <a light coin>
2 a : of little importance : TRIVIAL b : not abundant <light rain> <a light lunch>
3 a : easily disturbed <a light sleeper> b : exerting a minimum of force or pressure : GENTLE <a light touch> c : resulting from a very slight pressure : FAINT <light print>
4 a : easily endurable <a light illness> b : requiring little effort <light work>
5 : capable of moving swiftly or nimbly <light on his feet>
6 a : FRIVOLOUS 1A <light conduct> b : lacking in stability : CHANGEABLE <light opinions> c : sexually promiscuous
7 : free from care : CHEERFUL
8 : less powerful but usually more mobile than usual for its kind <light cavalry> <a light cruiser>
9 a : made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual <light beer> <light salad dressing> b : having a relatively mild flavor
10 a : easily digested <a light soup> b : well leavened <a light crust>
11 : coarse and sandy or easily pulverized <light soil>
12 : DIZZY, GIDDY <felt light in the head>
13 : intended chiefly to entertain <light verse> <light comedy>
14 a : carrying little or no cargo <the ship returned light> b : producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer <light industry>
15 : not bearing a stress or accent <a light syllable>
16 : having a clear soft quality <a light voice>
17 : being in debt to the pot in a poker game <three chips light>
18 : SHORT 5D <light on experience>
19 : CASUAL, OCCASIONAL <a light smoker>
synonyms see EASY
–light·ish \'lī-tish\ adjective

light
n. 1 : LIGHTLY
2 : with little baggage <travel light>

light
n. 1 : DISMOUNT
2 : SETTLE, ALIGHT <a bird lit on the lawn>
3 : to fall unexpectedly ― usually used with on or upon
4 : to arrive by chance : HAPPEN ― usually used with on or upon <lit upon a solution>
–light into : to attack forcefully <I lit into that food until I'd finished off the heel of the loaf ― Helen Eustis>

light
n. in light of
arc light
Bengal light
black light
bring to light
Cerenkov light
green light
half light
idiot light
inner light
Inward Light
key light
klieg light
kleig light
leading light
in the light of
light into
light adaptation
light adapted
light air
light bread
light breeze
light chain
light curve
light emitting diode
light fingered
light fingeredness
light footed
light foot
light guide
light handed
light handedness
light headed
light headedness
light headedly
light heavyweight
light housekeeping
light meter
light minded
light mindedness
light mindedly
light o' love
light of love
light o' loves
light opera
light out
light pen
light pipe
light pollution
light quantum
light rail
light reaction
light show
light table
light therapy
light treatment
light trap
light water
light year
make light of
night light
pilot light
red light
running light
Saint Elmo's light
see the light of day
see the light
sound and light show
speed of light
strobe light
sweetness and light
traffic light
travel light
trip the light fantastic
Very light
vigil light
wax light
zodiacal light
southern lights
northern lights
lights of love
lights out
lighter than air
direct lighting
indirect lighting
track lighting
Lit B
lit crit
Lit D
lit up
wagon lit

light adaptation
: the process including contraction of the pupil and decrease in rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of increased illumination
–light-adapt·ed \'līt-ə-ˌdap-təd\ adjective

light air
: wind having a speed of 1 to 3 miles (about 1 to 5 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

light bread
chiefly Southern & Midland : bread in loaves made from white flour leavened with yeast

light breeze
: wind having a speed of 4 to 7 miles (about 6 to 11 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

light chain
: either of the two smaller of the four polypeptide chains comprising antibodies ― compare HEAVY CHAIN

light curve
: a graph showing the variation in brightness of a celestial object (as a variable star) over a period of time

light guide
: an optical fiber used especially for telecommunication

light heavyweight
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 175 pounds for professionals and 178 pounds for amateurs ― compare HEAVYWEIGHT, MIDDLEWEIGHT

light housekeeping
1 : domestic work restricted to the less laborious duties
2 : housekeeping in quarters with limited facilities for cooking

light into
to attack forcefully <I lit into that food until I'd finished off the heel of the loaf ― Helen Eustis>

light meter
: a small and often portable device for measuring illumination especially : EXPOSURE METER

light opera
: OPERETTA

light out
1 : to leave in a hurry <lit out for home at once>
2 : SET OFF

light pen
: a pen-shaped device for direct interaction with a computer through a cathode-ray tube display

light pipe
: an optical fiber or a solid transparent plastic rod for transmitting light lengthwise

light pollution
: artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes especially with astronomical observations

light quantum
: PHOTON especially : one of luminous radiation

light reaction
: the phase of photosynthesis that requires the presence of light and that involves photophosphorylation

light show
: a kaleidoscopic display of colored lights, slides, and film loops

light table
: a device that projects even light through a flat translucent surface over which films or tracings may be spread out and viewed

light therapy
: the treatment of medical or psychiatric conditions (as seasonal affective disorder) by the controlled application of light ― called also light treatment phototherapy

light trap
1 : a device that allows movement of a sliding part or passage of a person (as into a darkroom) but excludes light
2 : a device for collecting or destroying insects that consists of a bright light in association with a trapping or killing medium

light water
: WATER 1A ― compare HEAVY WATER

light-emitting diode
: LED

light-fingered
1 : showing adroitness in stealing or a tendency to steal especially by picking pockets or shoplifting
2 : having a light and dexterous touch : NIMBLE
–light-fin·gered·ness noun

light-footed
1 : having a light and springy step
2 : moving gracefully and nimbly <light-footed prose>

light-handed
: having a light or delicate touch : FACILE <a light-handed translation>
–light-hand·ed·ness noun

light-headed
1 : mentally disoriented : DIZZY
2 : lacking in maturity or seriousness : FRIVOLOUS
–light-head·ed·ly adverb
–light-head·ed·ness noun

light-minded
: lacking in seriousness : FRIVOLOUS
–light-mind·ed·ly adverb
–light-mind·ed·ness noun

light-o'-love
1 : PROSTITUTE
2 : LOVER, PARAMOUR

light-rail
: a means of urban railway transportation using trolley cars

light-year
1 : a unit of length in astronomy equal to the distance that light travels in one year in a vacuum or about 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers)
2 : an extremely large measure of comparison (as of distance, time, or quality) <seems like light-years ago> <has light-years more talent> <two minutes and yet light-years away from the crowded village ― Suzanne Patterson>

lightbulb
: an electric lamp: as a : one in which a filament gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current ― called also incandescent incandescent lamp b : FLUORESCENT LAMP

lighten
v. transitive verb
1 : to make light or clear : ILLUMINATE
2 archaic : ENLIGHTEN
3 : to make (as a color) lighter
intransitive verb
1 a archaic : to shine brightly b : to grow lighter : BRIGHTEN
2 : to give out flashes of lightning
–light·en·er \'līt-nər, 'lī-tən-ər\ noun

lighten
v. transitive verb
1 a : to relieve of a burden in whole or in part <the news lightened his mind> b : to reduce in weight or quantity : LESSEN <lighten her duties> c : to make less wearisome : ALLEVIATE <lighten our sorrow>
2 : CHEER, GLADDEN
intransitive verb
1 : to become lighter or less burdensome
2 : to become more cheerful
synonyms see RELIEVE
–light·en·er \'līt-nər, 'lī-tən-ər\ noun

lighten up
: to take things less seriously

lighter
n. : a large usually flat-bottomed barge used especially in unloading or loading ships

lighter
n. : to convey by a lighter

lighter
n. 1 : one that lights or sets a fire
2 : a device for lighting a fire especially : a mechanical or electrical device used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

lighter-than-air
: of less weight than the air displaced

lighterage
n. 1 : the loading, unloading, or transportation of goods by means of a lighter
2 : a price paid for lightering

lightface
n. : a typeface having comparatively light thin lines also : printing in lightface
–light·faced \-ˌfāst\ adjective

lightfast
adj. : resistant to light and especially to sunlight especially : colorfast to light
–light·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs\ noun

lighthearted
adj. 1 : free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
2 : cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : EASYGOING
–light·heart·ed·ly adverb
–light·heart·ed·ness noun

lighthouse
n. 1 : a structure (as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators
2 : BEACON 3

lighting
n. 1 a : ILLUMINATION b : IGNITION
2 : an artificial supply of light or the apparatus providing it

lighting
n. direct lighting
indirect lighting
track lighting

lightless
1 : receiving no light : DARK
2 : giving no light

lightly
adv. : in a light manner: as a : with little weight or force : GENTLY b : with indifference or carelessness : UNCONCERNEDLY <the problem should not be passed over lightly ― Shelly Halpern> c : with little difficulty : EASILY d : GAILY, CHEERFULLY e : in an agile manner : NIMBLY, SWIFTLY <the cat leapt lightly onto the table> f : in a small degree or amount <lightly salted food>

lightness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being illuminated : ILLUMINATION
2 : the attribute of object colors by which the object appears to reflect or transmit more or less of the incident light ― compare BRIGHTNESS 2 HUE 2c SATURATION 4

lightness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being light especially in weight
2 : lack of seriousness and stability of character often accompanied by casual heedlessness
3 a : the quality or state of being nimble b : an ease and gaiety of style or manner
4 : a lack of weightiness or force : DELICACY

lightning
n. 1 : the flashing of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity also : the discharge itself
2 : a sudden stroke of fortune

lightning
n. : having or moving with or as if with the speed and suddenness of lightning <a lightning assault>

lightning
n. : to discharge a flash of lightning

lightning
n. ball lightning
heat lightning
lightning arrester
lightning bug
lightning rod
sheet lightning
white lightning

lightning arrester
: a device for protecting an electrical apparatus from damage by lightning

lightning bug
: FIREFLY

lightning rod
1 : a grounded metallic rod set up on a structure (as a building) to protect it from lightning
2 : one that serves to divert attack from another
3 : one that is a frequent target of criticism or focus of controversy <she has become a convenient lightning rod for voters' discontent with law-and-order issues ― Aric Press et al.>

lightplane
: a small and comparatively lightweight airplane especially : a privately owned passenger airplane

lightproof
adj. : impenetrable by light

lights
n. : the lungs especially of a slaughtered animal

lights
n. southern lights
northern lights
lights of love
lights out

lights-out
1 : a command or signal for putting out lights
2 : a prescribed bedtime for persons living under discipline

lightship
n. : a ship equipped with a brilliant light and moored at a place dangerous to navigation

lightsome
adj. 1 : free from care : LIGHTHEARTED
2 : AIRY, NIMBLE
–light·some·ly adverb
–light·some·ness noun

lightsome
adj. 1 : well lighted : BRIGHT
2 : giving light

lighttight
: LIGHTPROOF

lightweight
n. 1 : one of less than average weight specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs ― compare FEATHERWEIGHT, WELTERWEIGHT
2 : one of little consequence or ability <a political lightweight>

lightweight
n. 1 : lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : INCONSEQUENTIAL <a lightweight painter> <a lightweight TV series>
2 : having less than average weight <lightweight fabrics>
3 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight <the lightweight championship>

lightwood
n. chiefly Southern : wood used for kindling especially : coniferous wood abounding in pitch

lign
: wood <lignin> <lignocellulose>

lignan
: any of a class of propyl phenolic dimers including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity

ligneous
adj. : of or resembling wood

lignify
v. transitive verb : to convert into wood or woody tissue
intransitive verb : to become wood or woody
–lig·ni·fi·ca·tion \ˌlig-nə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

lignin
n. : an amorphous polymer related to cellulose that provides rigidity and together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them

lignite
n. : a usually brownish black coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal especially : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct ― called also brown coal
–lig·nit·ic \lig-'ni-tik\ adjective

lignocellulose
n. : any of several closely related substances constituting the essential part of woody cell walls of plants and consisting of cellulose intimately associated with lignin
–lig·no·cel·lu·los·ic \-ˌsel-yə-'lō-sik, -zik\ adjective

lignosulfonate
: any of various compounds produced from the spent sulfite liquor in the pulping of softwood in papermaking and used especially for binders and dispersing agents

lignum vitae
1 : the very hard heavy wood of any of several tropical American guaiacums
2 : a tree yielding lignum vitae

ligula
n. 1 : LIGULE
2 : the distal lobed part of the labium of an insect

ligulate
1 : furnished with ligules, ligulae, or ligulate corollas
2 [Latin ligula] : shaped like a strap <ligulate corolla of a ray flower>

ligule
n. : a scalelike projection especially on a plant: as a : a thin appendage of a foliage leaf and especially of the sheath of a blade of grass b : a ligulate corolla of a ray floret in a composite head

ligure
: a traditional precious stone that is prob. the jacinth

Liguria
region NW Italy bordering on Ligurian Sea capital Genoa pop 1,621,016
–Li·gu·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Ligurian Sea
arm of the Mediterranean N of Corsica

likable
adj. : having qualities that bring about a favorable regard : PLEASANT, AGREEABLE
–lik·abil·i·ty \ˌlī-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–lik·able·ness noun

Likasi
city SE Democratic Republic of the Congo in SE Shaba pop 279,839

like
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to be suitable or agreeable to <I like onions but they don't like me>
2 a : to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in : ENJOY <likes baseball> b : to feel toward : REGARD <how would you like a change>
3 : to wish to have : WANT <would like a drink>
4 : to do well in <this plant likes dry soil> <my car does not like cold weather>
intransitive verb
1 dialect : APPROVE
2 : to feel inclined : CHOOSE, PREFER <leave any time you like>

like
n. flu like
the like of
like as not
mycoplasma like organism
wall like
anything like
like crazy
feel like
like gangbusters
like hotcakes
insulin like growth factor
and the like
as like as not
like minded
like mindedness
like mindedly
like mad
nothing like
pleuropneumonia like organism
like a shot
like wildfire
the likes of

like
n. 1 : LIKING, PREFERENCE
2 : something that one likes

like
n. 1 a : the same or nearly the same (as in appearance, character, or quantity) <suits of like design> ― formerly used with as, unto, of <it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren ― Hebrew 2:17(AV)> b chiefly British : closely resembling the subject or original <the portrait is very like>
2 : LIKELY <the importance of statistics as the one discipline like to give accuracy of mind ― H. J. Laski>

like
n. 1 a : having the characteristics of : similar to <his house is like a barn> <it's like when we were kids> b : typical of <was like him to do that> c : comparable to : APPROXIMATING <costs something like fifty cents>
2 : in the manner of : similarly to <acts like a fool>
3 : as though there would be <looks like rain>
4 : such as <a subject like physics>
5 ― used to form intensive or ironic phrases <fought like hell> <like fun he did> <laughed like anything>

like
n. 1 a : one that is similar : COUNTERPART, EQUAL <have⋯never seen the like before ― Sir Winston Churchill> b : KIND 4A ― usually used with a preceding possessive <put him and his like to some job ― J. R. R. Tolkien>
2 : one of many that are similar to each other ― used chiefly in proverbial expressions <like breeds like>
–and the like : ET CETERA
–the likes of also the like of
1 : such people as : such things as <reads the likes of Austen and Browning>
2 : such a one as and perhaps others similar to ― usually used with disparaging overtones <have no use for the likes of you>
3 : the kind or sort of <a fantastic celebration the likes of which had never been seen before ― Joseph Heller>

like
n. 1 archaic : EQUALLY
2 : LIKELY, PROBABLY <you'll try it, some day, like enough ― Mark Twain>
3 a : to some extent : RATHER, ALTOGETHER <saunter over nonchalantly like ― Walter Karig> b ― used interjectionally in informal speech often to emphasize a word or phrase (as in “He was, like, gorgeous”) or for an apologetic, vague, or unassertive effect (as in “I need to, like, borrow some money”)
4 : NEARLY : APPROXIMATELY <the actual interest is more like 18 percent> ― used interjectionally in informal speech with expressions of measurement <it was, like, five feet longitude> <goes there every day, like>
–as like as not or like as not : PROBABLY

like
n. 1 a : AS IF <middle-aged men who looked like they might be out for their one night of the year ― Norman Mailer> b ― used in intensive phrases <drove like mad> <hurts like crazy>
2 : in the same way that : AS <they raven down scenery like children do sweetmeats ― John Keats>
3 a : in the way or manner that <the violin sounds like an old masterpiece should> <did it like you told me> b ― used interjectionally in informal speech often with the verb be to introduce a quotation, paraphrase, or thought expressed by or imputed to the subject of the verb, or with it's to report a generally held opinion <so I'm like, “Give me a break”> <it's like, “Who cares what he thinks?”>
4 : such as <a bag like a doctor carries> <when your car has trouble 97 like when it won't start> ― used interjectionally in informal speech <often stays up late, until like three in the morning>
usage Like has been used as a conjunction since the 14th century. In the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries it was used in serious literature, but not often; in the 17th and 18th centuries it grew more frequent but less literary. It became markedly more frequent in literary use again in the 19th century. By mid-century it was coming under critical fire, but not from grammarians, oddly enough, who were wrangling over whether it could be called a preposition or not. There is no doubt that, after 600 years of use, conjunctive like is firmly established. It has been used by many prestigious literary figures of the past, though perhaps not in their most elevated works; in modern use it may be found in literature, journalism, and scholarly writing. While the present objection to it is perhaps more heated than rational, someone writing in a formal prose style may well prefer to use as, as if, such as, or an entirely different construction instead.

like
n. chiefly dialect : came near : was near <so loud I like to fell out of bed ― Helen Eustis>

like
n. : resembling or characteristic of <bell-like> <ladylike>

like a shot
very rapidly

like crazy
to an extreme degree <everyone dancing like crazy>

like gangbusters
with great or excessive force or aggressiveness <came on like gangbusters> also : with great speed or success <making money like gangbusters ― Martha Hume>

like hotcakes
at a rapid rate <selling like hotcakes>

like mad
to an extreme degree <spending like mad>

like wildfire
very rapidly <the news spread like wildfire>

like-minded
: having a like disposition or purpose : of the same mind or habit of thought
–like-mind·ed·ly adverb
–like-mind·ed·ness noun

likelihood
n. : PROBABILITY <a strong likelihood that he is correct ― T. D. Anderson>

likely
adj. 1 : having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable <rain is likely today>
2 : apparently qualified : SUITABLE <a likely place>
3 : RELIABLE, CREDIBLE <a likely enough story>
4 : PROMISING <a likely candidate>
5 : ATTRACTIVE <a likely child>

likely
adj. : in all probability : PROBABLY <those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it ― Halton Arp>

liken
v. : COMPARE

likeness
n. 1 : COPY, PORTRAIT
2 : APPEARANCE, SEMBLANCE
3 : the quality or state of being like : RESEMBLANCE
synonyms LIKENESS, SIMILARITY, RESEMBLANCE, SIMILITUDE, ANALOGY mean agreement or correspondence in details. LIKENESS implies a closer correspondence than SIMILARITY which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike <a remarkable likeness to his late father> <some similarity between the two cases>. RESEMBLANCE implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities <statements that bear little resemblance to the truth>. SIMILITUDE applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions <two schools of social thought showing points of similitude>. ANALOGY implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities <pointed out analogies to past wars>.

likewise
adv. 1 : in like manner : SIMILARLY <go and do likewise>
2 : in addition
3 : similarly so with me <answered “likewise” to “Pleased to meet you”>

liking
n. : favorable regard : FONDNESS, TASTE <had a greater liking for law ― E. M. Coulter> <took a liking to the newcomer>

likuta
: a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 zaire

lilac
n. 1 a : a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers b : a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
2 : a variable color averaging a moderate purple

lilangeni
n. ― see MONEY table

lilied
1 archaic : resembling a lily in fairness
2 : full of or covered with lilies

Lilienthal
Otto 1848-1896 Ger. aeronautical engineer

Lilith
n. 1 : a woman who in rabbinic legend is Adam's first wife, is supplanted by Eve, and becomes an evil spirit
2 : a famous witch in medieval demonology

Liliuokalani
1838-1917 Lydia Paki Liliuokalani; Liliu Kamakaeha queen of the Hawaiian Islands (1891-93)

Lille
city N France; medieval capital of Flanders pop 184,647

Lille
Leconte de Lisle
Lisle de
Rouget de Lisle

Lilliput
n. : an island in Swift's Gulliver's Travels where the inhabitants are six inches tall

Lilliputian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput
2 often not capitalized a : SMALL, MINIATURE <a Lilliputian camera> b : PETTY

Lilliputian
n. 1 : an inhabitant of Lilliput
2 often not capitalized : one resembling a Lilliputian especially : an undersized individual

Lillo
George 1693-1739 Eng. dram.

Lilongwe
n. city capital of Malawi pop 498,185

lilt
n. 1 : a spirited and usually cheerful song or tune
2 : a rhythmical swing, flow, or cadence
3 : a springy buoyant movement

lilt
n. transitive verb : to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner
intransitive verb
1 : to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitch
2 : to move in a lively springy manner

lilting
adj. 1 : characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence <a lilting stride>
2 : CHEERFUL, BUOYANT <a lilting comedy>
–lilt·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb
–lilt·ing·ness noun

lily
n. 1 : any of a genus (Lilium of the family Liliaceae, the lily family) of erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs that are native to the temperate northern hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their showy flowers broadly : any of various plants of the lily family or of the related amaryllis or iris families
2 : any of various plants with showy flowers: as a : a scarlet anemone (Anemone coronaria) of the Mediterranean region b : WATER LILY c : CALLA LILY
3 : FLEUR-DE-LIS 2

lily
n. : resembling a lily in fairness, purity, or fragility <my lady's lily hand ― John Keats>

lily
n. foxtail lily
plantain lily
atamasco lily
belladonna lily
calla lily
Easter lily
fawn lily
gild the lily
jacobean lily
lily livered
lily of the valley
lily pad
lily white
Madonna lily
mariposa lily
pond lily
sand lily
sea lily
sego lily
tiger lily
trout lily
water lily

lily of the valley

1563
: a low perennial herb (Convallaria majalis) of the lily family that has usually two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers

lily pad
: a floating leaf of a water lily

lily-livered
: lacking courage : COWARDLY

lily-white
1 : white as a lily
2 : characterized by or favoring the exclusion of blacks especially from politics
3 : IRREPROACHABLE, PURE

lily-white
: a member of a lily-white political organization

Lima
n. ― a communications code word for the letter l

Lima
n. 1 \'lī-mə\ city NW Ohio pop 40,081
2 \'lē-mə\ city capital of Peru on the Rímac pop 5,825,900

lima bean
1 a : a bushy or tall-growing tropical American bean (Phaseolus limensis) that is widely cultivated for its flat edible usually pale green or whitish seeds b : SIEVA BEAN
2 : the seed of a lima bean

limacon
: a plane curve whose equation in polar coordinates has one of the forms ρ = a cos θ ± b or ρ = a sin θ ± b and which reduces to a cardioid when a = b

Limavady
district N Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 226 sq mi (588 sq km), pop 29,201

Limay
river 250 mi (402 km) W Argentina flowing out of Lake Nahuel Huapí & joining the Neuquén forming Negro River

limb
n. 1 a : one of the projecting paired appendages (as wings) of an animal body used especially for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs b : a leg or arm of a human being
2 : a large primary branch of a tree
3 : an active member or agent
4 : EXTENSION, BRANCH
5 : a mischievous child
–limb·less \'lim-ləs\ adjective
–limby \'li-mē\ adjective
–out on a limb : in an exposed or dangerous position with little chance of retreat

limb
n. 1 : DISMEMBER
2 : to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree)

limb
n. 1 : the outer edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body
2 : the expanded portion of an organ or structure especially : the upper spreading portion of a corolla (as of the phlox) whose lower part consists of a tube of fused petals

limb
n. out on a limb
phantom limb
clean limbed

limba
1 : a tall whitish-trunked West African tree (Terminalia superba) with straight-grained wood
2 : the wood of a limba

limbeck
n. : ALEMBIC

limbed
adj. : having limbs especially of a specified kind or number ― usually used in combination <strong-limbed>

limber
n. : a two-wheeled vehicle to which a gun or caisson may be attached

limber
n. 1 : capable of being shaped : FLEXIBLE
2 : having a supple and resilient quality (as of mind or body) : AGILE, NIMBLE
–lim·ber·ly adverb
–lim·ber·ness noun

limber
n. transitive verb : to cause to become limber <limber up his fingers>
intransitive verb : to become limber <limber up by running>

limber pine
: a pine (Pinus flexilis) of the western U.S. and Canada that has flexible branches and needles in bundles of five

limbic
adj. : of, relating to, or being the limbic system of the brain

limbic system
: a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation

limbo
n. 1 often capitalized : an abode of souls that are according to Roman Catholic theology barred from heaven because of not having received Christian baptism
2 a : a place or state of restraint or confinement b : a place or state of neglect or oblivion <proposals kept in limbo> c : an intermediate or transitional place or state d : a state of uncertainty

limbo
n. : a dance or contest that involves bending over backwards and passing under a horizontal pole lowered slightly for each successive pass

Limburg
n. 1 region W Europe E of the Meuse including parts of present Limburg province, Netherlands, & Limburg province, Belgium
2 province NE Belgium capital Hasselt area 935 sq mi (2422 sq km), pop 798,583
3 province SE Netherlands capital Maastricht area 853 sq mi (2209 sq km), pop 1,143,296

Limburger
n. : a pungent semisoft surface-ripened cheese

limbus
n. : the marginal region of the cornea of the eye by which it is continuous with the sclera

lime
n. 1 : BIRDLIME
2 a : a caustic highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesium oxide, that is obtained by calcining forms of calcium carbonate (as shells or limestone), and that is used in building (as in mortar and plaster) and in agriculture ― called also quicklime b : a dry white powder consisting essentially of calcium hydroxide that is made by treating quicklime with water c : CALCIUM <carbonate of lime>

lime
n. 1 : to smear with a sticky substance (as birdlime)
2 : to entangle with or as if with birdlime
3 : to treat or cover with lime <lime the lawn in the spring>

lime
n. : of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone

lime
n. : a linden tree especially : LINDEN 1A

lime
n. 1 : the small globose yellowish green fruit of a widely cultivated spiny tropical Asian citrus tree (Citrus aurantifolia) with a usually acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C
2 : a tree that bears limes

lime
n. chloride of lime
chlorinated lime
Kaffir lime
key lime
key lime pie
lime glass
lime juicer
lime twig
soda lime

lime glass
: glass containing a substantial proportion of lime

lime-juicer
1 slang : ENGLISHMAN
2 slang a : a British ship b : a British sailor

lime-twig
1 : a twig covered with birdlime to catch birds
2 : SNARE

limeade
n. : a beverage of sweetened lime juice mixed with plain or carbonated water

Limehouse
district E London, England, in Tower Hamlets on N bank of Thames River

limekiln
n. : a kiln or furnace for reducing limestone or shells to lime by burning

limelight
n. 1 a : a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam b : the white light produced by such an instrument c British : SPOTLIGHT
2 : the center of public attention

limelight
n. : to center attention on : SPOTLIGHT

limen
n. : THRESHOLD 3A

Limerick
n. 1 county SW Ireland in Munster area 1037 sq mi (2696 sq km), pop 175,304
2 city & port, its capital, on the Shannon pop 54,023

limerick
n. : a light or humorous verse form of five chiefly anapestic verses of which lines 1, 2, and 5 are of three feet and lines 3 and 4 are of two feet with a rhyme scheme of aabba

limestone
n. : a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned

limewater
n. : an alkaline water solution of calcium hydroxide used as an antacid

limey
n. 1 slang : a British sailor
2 slang : ENGLISHMAN

limey
n. variant of limy

liminal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a sensory threshold
2 : barely perceptible
3 : of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition : IN-BETWEEN, TRANSITIONAL <in the liminal state between life and death ― Deborah Jowitt>

limit
n. 1 a : something that bounds, restrains, or confines b : the utmost extent
2 a : a geographic or political boundary b plural : the place enclosed within a boundary : BOUNDS
3 : LIMITATION
4 : a determining feature or differentia in logic
5 : a prescribed maximum or minimum amount, quantity, or number: as a : the maximum quantity of game or fish that may be taken legally in a specified period b : a maximum established for a gambling bet, raise, or payoff
6 a : a number whose numerical difference from a mathematical function is arbitrarily small for all values of the independent variables that are sufficiently close to but not equal to given prescribed numbers or that are sufficiently large positively or negatively b : a number that for an infinite sequence of numbers is such that ultimately each of the remaining terms of the sequence differs from this number by less than any given positive amount
7 : something that is exasperating or intolerable
–lim·it·less \-ləs\ adjective
–lim·it·less·ly adverb
–lim·it·less·ness noun

limit
n. 1 : to assign certain limits to : PRESCRIBE <reserved the right to limit use of the land>
2 a : to restrict the bounds or limits of <the specialist can no longer limit himself to his specialty> b : to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent <we must limit the power of aggressors>
–lim·it·able \-mə-tə-bəl\ adjective
–lim·it·er noun
synonyms LIMIT, RESTRICT, CIRCUMSCRIBE, CONFINE mean to set bounds for. LIMIT implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go <visits are limited to 30 minutes>. RESTRICT suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary <laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press>. CIRCUMSCRIBE stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries <the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed>. CONFINE suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering <our choices were confined by finances>.

limit
n. central limit theorem
elastic limit
limit point
Roche limit
speed limit
three mile limit
confidence limits
off limits
limited access
limited edition
limited liability
limited liability partnership
limited partner
limited partnership
limited war
self limited
sex limited
self limiting

limit point
: a point that is related to a set of points in such a way that every neighborhood of the point no matter how small contains another point belonging to the set ― called also point of accumulation

limitary
adj. 1 archaic : subject to limits
2 a archaic : of or relating to a boundary b : LIMITING, ENCLOSING

limitation
n. 1 : an act or instance of limiting
2 : the quality or state of being limited
3 : something that limits : RESTRAINT
4 : a certain period limited by statute after which actions, suits, or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts
–lim·i·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

limitative
adj. : LIMITING, RESTRICTIVE

limited
adj. 1 a : confined within limits : RESTRICTED <limited success> b of a train : offering faster service especially by making a limited number of stops
2 : characterized by enforceable limitations prescribed (as by a constitution) upon the scope or exercise of powers <a limited monarchy>
3 : lacking breadth and originality <a bit limited; a bit thick in the head ― Virginia Woolf>
–lim·it·ed·ly adverb
–lim·it·ed·ness noun

limited
adj. limited access
limited edition
limited liability
limited liability partnership
limited partner
limited partnership
limited war
self limited
sex limited

limited edition
: an issue of something collectible (as books, prints, or medals) that is advertised to be limited to a relatively small number of copies

limited liability
: liability (as of a stockholder or shipowner) limited by statute or treaty

limited liability partnership
: a partnership in which the partnership is liable as an entity for debts and obligations and the partners are not liable personally

limited partner
: a partner in a venture who has no management authority and whose liability is restricted to the amount of his or her investment ― compare GENERAL PARTNER

limited partnership
: a partnership having one or more general partners and one or more limited partners

limited war
: a war whose objective is less than the total defeat of the enemy

limited-access
of a road : having access restricted to a relatively small number of points

limiting
n. 1 a : functioning as a limit : RESTRICTIVE <limiting value> b : being an environmental factor (as a nutrient) that limits the population size of an organism
2 : serving to specify the application of the modified noun <this in “this book” is a limiting word>
–lim·it·ing·ly adverb

limitrophe
adj. : situated on a border or frontier : ADJACENT <the area limitrophe to the river>

limmer
1 chiefly Scottish : SCOUNDREL
2 chiefly Scottish : PROSTITUTE

limn
v. 1 : to draw or paint on a surface
2 : to outline in clear sharp detail : DELINEATE
3 : DESCRIBE <the novel limns the frontier life of the settlers>
–limn·er \'li-mər, 'lim-nər\ noun

limnetic
adj. : of, relating to, or inhabiting the open water of a body of freshwater <limnetic environment>

limnology
n. : the scientific study of bodies of freshwater (as lakes)
–lim·no·log·i·cal \ˌlim-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also lim·no·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–lim·nol·o·gist \lim-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Limnos
― see LEMNOS

limo
n. : LIMOUSINE

Limoges
: enamelware or porcelain made at Limoges

Limoges
city SW cen France pop 133,924

Limon
n. José Arcadio 1908-1972 American (Mex.-born) dancer & choreographer

Limon
n. city & port E Costa Rica on the Caribbean pop 64,783

limonene
n. : a widely distributed terpene hydrocarbon C_10H_16 that occurs in essential oils (as of oranges or lemons) and has a lemon odor

limonite
n. : a native hydrous ferric oxide of variable composition that is an ore of iron
–li·mo·nit·ic \ˌlī-mə-'ni-tik\ adjective

Limousin
n. : any of a French breed of medium-sized yellowish-red cattle bred especially for meat

Limousin
n. region & former province S cen France W of Auvergne capital Limoges

limousine
n. 1 : a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that usually has a glass partition separating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment
2 : a large vehicle for transporting passengers to and from an airport

limousine liberal
: a wealthy political liberal

limp
n. 1 a : to walk lamely especially : to walk favoring one leg b : to go unsteadily : FALTER
2 : to proceed slowly or with difficulty <the ship limped back to port>
–limp·er noun

limp
n. : a limping movement or gait

limp
n. 1 a : lacking firm texture, substance, or structure <limp curtains> <her hair hung limp about her shoulders> b : not stiff or rigid <a book in a limp binding>
2 a : WEARY, EXHAUSTED <limp with fatigue> b : lacking in strength, vigor, or firmness : SPIRITLESS
–limp·ly adverb
–limp·ness noun

limp-wristed
1 : EFFEMINATE
2 : WEAK

limpa
: rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar

limpet
n. 1 : a marine gastropod mollusk (esp. families Acmaeidae and Patellidae) that has a low conical shell broadly open beneath, browses over rocks or timbers in the littoral area, and clings very tightly when disturbed
2 : one that clings tenaciously to someone or something
3 : an explosive device designed to cling magnetically to a metallic surface (as the hull of a ship)

limpid
adj. 1 a : marked by transparency : PELLUCID <limpid streams> b : clear and simple in style <limpid prose>
2 : absolutely serene and untroubled
synonyms see CLEAR
–lim·pid·i·ty \lim-'pi-də-tē\ noun
–lim·pid·ly \'lim-pəd-lē\ adverb
–lim·pid·ness noun

limpkin
n. : a large brown wading bird (Aramus guarauna) of southern Georgia, Florida, and Central and So. America that resembles a bittern but has a longer slightly curved bill, longer neck and legs, and white stripes on head and neck

Limpopo
1 or Croc·o·dile \'krä-kə-ˌdīl\ river 1000 mi (1609 km) S Africa flowing from Limpopo province, Republic of South Africa, into Indian Ocean in Mozambique
2 or formerly Northern or Noord \'nȯrd, 'nȯrt\ or earlier Northern Transvaal province NE Republic of South Africa area 47,598 sq mi (123,280 sq km), pop 5,013,000

Limpopo
Noord Brabant
Noord Holland
Northern Kingdom
Northern Transvaal
northern pike
Northern Rhodesia
northern lights
great northern bean
northern corn rootworm
Northern Cross
northern harrier
northern hemisphere
northern oriole
northern spotted owl
northern white cedar
Dvina Northern
Northern Cape
Northern Circars
Northern Cook Islands
Northern Ireland
Northern Karoo
Northern Mariana Islands
Northern Sporades
Northern Territories
Northern Territory
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
crocodile bird
crocodile tears

limulus
: HORSESHOE CRAB

limy
adj. 1 : smeared with or consisting of lime : VISCOUS
2 : containing lime or limestone
3 : resembling or having the qualities of lime

Lin
Maya Ying 1959-     American architect & sculptor

lin
lineal; linear

lin
Kuei lin
Chang Tso lin
Lin Yu t'ang
Lin Yü t'ang

Lin Yu-t'ang
1895-1976 Chin. author & philologist

linac
n. : LINEAR ACCELERATOR

Linacre
Thomas ca 1460-1524 Eng. humanist & physician

linage
n. : the number of lines of printed or written matter

linalool
: a fragrant liquid alcohol C_10H_18O that occurs both free and in the form of esters in many essential oils and is used in perfumes, soaps, and flavoring materials

linchpin
n. 1 : a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)
2 : one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit <the linchpin in the defense's case>

Lincoln
n. : any of an English breed of long-wooled mutton-type sheep

Lincoln
n. Abraham 1809-1865 16th pres. of the U.S. (1861-65)
–Lin·coln·esque \ˌliŋ-kə-'nesk\ or Lin·coln·ian \liŋ-'kō-nē-ən\ adjective

Lincoln
n. Benjamin 1733-1810 American gen. in Revolution

Lincoln
n. 1 city SE Nebr., its capital pop 225,581
2 city E England capital of Lincolnshire pop 81,900

Lincoln Park
city SE Mich. SW of Detroit pop 40,008

Lincoln's Birthday
1 : February 12 observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.
2 : the first Monday in February observed as a legal holiday by some states of the U.S.

Lincolniana
: materials relating to Abraham Lincoln

Lincolnshire
n. county E England capital Lincoln area 2354 sq mi (6097 sq km), pop 573,900

lincomycin
n. : an antibiotic C_18H_34N_2O_6S obtained from an actinomycete (Streptomyces lincolnensis) and effective especially against gram-positive bacteria

Lincs
Lincolnshire

Lind
Jenny 1820-1887 orig. Johanna Maria Lind; the Swedish Nightingale Swed. soprano

lindane
n. : a persistent organochlorine insecticide that consists chiefly of the gamma isomer of BHC

Lindbergh
n. Anne Spencer 1906-2001 née Morrow; wife of C.A. American author

Lindbergh
n. Charles Augustus 1902-1974 American aviator

Linden
n. city NE N.J. SSW of Elizabeth pop 39,394

linden
n. 1 : any of a genus (Tilia of the family Tiliaceae, the linden family) of deciduous trees of temperate regions that have cordate leaves and a winglike bract attached to the peduncle of the flower and fruit and that are often planted as ornamental and shade trees: as a : a commonly cultivated European tree (T. europaea syn. T. vulgaris) much used for ornamental planting b : a tree (T. americana) chiefly of the central and eastern U.S. ― called also basswood
2 : the light fine-grained white wood of a linden especially : BASSWOOD 2

Lindenhurst
village SE N.Y. in cen Long Is. pop 27,819

Lindesnes
cape Norway at S tip on North Sea

Lindisfarne
― see HOLY ISLAND 1

Lindley
John 1799-1865 Eng. botanist
–Lind·ley·an \-ən\ adjective

Lindsay
Howard 1889-1968 American dram. & actor

Lindsay
(Nicholas) Va·chel \'vā-chəl, 'va-\ 1879-1931 American poet

Lindsey, Parts of
district & former administrative county E England in N Lincolnshire capital Lincoln area 1520 sq mi (3952 sq km)

Lindy
: a jitterbug dance originating in Harlem and later developing many local variants ― called also Lindy Hop

line
n. 1 a : a length of cord or cord-like material: as (1) : a comparatively strong slender cord (2) : CLOTHESLINE (3) : a rope used on shipboard b (1) : a device for catching fish consisting of a cord with hooks and other fishing gear (2) : scope for activity : ROPE c : a length of material used in measuring and leveling d (1) : piping for conveying a fluid (as steam) (2) : a narrow short synthetic tube that is inserted approximately one inch into a vein (as of the arm) to provide temporary intravenous access for the administration of fluid, medication, or nutrients e (1) : a wire or pair of wires connecting one telegraph or telephone station with another or a whole system of such wires also : any circuit in an electronic communication system (2) : a telephone connection <tried to get a line> also : an individual telephone extension <a call on line 2> (3) : the principal circuits of an electric power system
2 a (1) : a horizontal row of written or printed characters also : a blank row in lieu of such characters (2) : a unit in the rhythmic structure of verse formed by the grouping of a number of the smallest units of the rhythm (as metrical feet) (3) : a distinct segment of a computer program containing a single command or a small number of commands b : a short letter : NOTE c plural : a certificate of marriage d : the words making up a part in a drama ― usually used in plural e : any of the successive horizontal rows of picture elements on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (as a television screen)
3 a : something (as a ridge or seam) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow b : a narrow crease (as on the face) : WRINKLE c : the course or direction of something in motion : ROUTE d (1) : a state of agreement or conformity : ACCORDANCE (2) : a state of order, control, or obedience <wouldn't let them get out of line> e (1) : a boundary of an area <the state line> (2) : DISTINCTION 2 <the fine line between love and hate> f : the track and roadbed of a railway g : an amount of cocaine that is arranged in a line to be inhaled through the nose
4 a : a course of conduct, action, or thought especially : an official or public position <the party line> b : a field of activity or interest c : a glib often persuasive way of talking
5 a : LIMIT, RESTRAINT b archaic : position in life : LOT
6 a (1) : FAMILY, LINEAGE (2) : a strain produced and maintained especially by selective breeding or biological culture (3) : a chronological series b : dispositions made to cover extended military positions and presenting a front to the enemy ― usually used in plural c : a military formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other d : naval ships arranged in a regular order e (1) : the combatant forces of an army distinguished from the staff corps and supply services (2) : the force of a regular navy f (1) : officers of the navy eligible for command at sea distinguished from officers of the staff (2) : officers of the army belonging to a combatant branch g : an arrangement or placement of persons or objects of one kind in an orderly series <a line of trees> <stand on line> <waiting in line> also : the persons or objects so positioned <the line moved slowly at the bank> h (1) : a group of public conveyances plying regularly under one management over a route (2) : a system of transportation together with its equipment, routes, and appurtenances also : the company owning or operating it i : a succession of musical notes especially considered in melodic phrases j (1) : an arrangement of operations in manufacturing permitting sequential occurrence on various stages of production (2) : the personnel of an organization that are responsible for its stated objective k (1) : the seven players including center, two guards, two tackles, and two ends who in offensive football play line up on or within one foot of the line of scrimmage (2) : the players who in defensive play line up within one yard of the line of scrimmage l : a group of three players including a left winger, center, and right winger who play together as a unit in hockey
7 : a narrow elongated mark drawn or projected: as a (1) : a circle of latitude or longitude on a map (2) : EQUATOR b : a mark (as on a map) recording a boundary, division, or contour c : any of the horizontal parallel strokes on a music staff on or between which notes are placed ― compare SPACE d : a mark (as by pencil) that forms part of the formal design of a picture distinguished from the shading or color e : a division on a bridge score dividing the score for bonuses from that for tricks f (1) : a demarcation of a limit with reference to which the playing of some game or sport is regulated ― usually used in combination (2) : a marked or imaginary line across a playing area (as a football field) parallel to the end line (3) : LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
8 : a straight or curved geometric element that is generated by a moving point and that has extension only along the path of the point : CURVE
9 a : a defining outline : CONTOUR b : a general plan : MODEL ― usually used in plural
10 a chiefly British : PICA ― used to indicate the size of large type b : the unit of fineness of halftones expressed as the number of screen lines to the linear inch
11 : merchandise or services of the same general class for sale or regularly available
12 a : a source of information : INSIGHT b : betting odds offered by a bookmaker especially on a sporting event
13 : a complete game of 10 frames in bowling ― called also string
14 : LINE DRIVE
–liny also lin·ey \'lī-nē\ adjective
–between the lines
1 : by implication : in an indirect way
2 : by way of inference
–down the line
1 : all the way : FULLY
2 : in the future
–in line for : due or in a position to receive
–on line : in or into operation
–on the line
1 : at great risk <puts his future on the line by backing that policy>
2 : on the border between two categories

line
n. transitive verb
1 : to mark or cover with a line or lines <lined paper>
2 : to depict with lines : DRAW
3 : to place or form a line along <pedestrians line the walks>
4 : to form into a line or lines : ALIGN <line up troops>
5 : to hit (as a baseball) hard and in a usually straight line
intransitive verb
1 : to hit a line drive in baseball
2 : to come into the correct relative position : ALIGN

line
n. 1 : to cover the inner surface of <line a cloak with silk>
2 : to put something in the inside of : FILL
3 : to serve as the lining of <tapestries lined the walls>
4 obsolete : FORTIFY
–line one's pockets : to take money freely and especially dishonestly

line
n. date line
draw a line
tree line
absorption line
agate line
air line
A line
assembly line
attention line
battle line
blue line
bottom line
bright line
cell line
chow line
color line
conga line
contour line
credit line
digital subscriber line
down the line
draw the line
end line
fall into line
fall line
fault line
finish line
fire line
firing line
first line
flight line
foul line
front line
germ line
goal line
half line
hard line
heroic line
hog line
hold the line
hook line and sinker
inbounds line
in line
in line engine
in line skate
in line skating
in line skater
international date line
isogonic line
isometric line
lateral line
lead line
ledger line
leger line
on the line
on line
in line for
line one's pockets
line dance
line dancing
line dancer
line drawing
line drive
line engraving
line graph
line haul
line item
line item veto
line judge
line of credit
line of duty
line officer
line of force
line of scrimmage
line of sight
line out
line printer
line score
line squall
line storm
line up
load line
lubber line
Maginot Line
main line
morning line
number line
off line
old line
party line
picket line
Plimsoll line
plumb line
poverty line
production line
punch line
receiving line
rhumb line
scrimmage line
second line
service line
ship of the line
short line
Siegfried line
sight line
snow line
soft line
sounding line
spectral line
spring line
static line
story line
straight line
string line
three point line
tie line
time line
toe the line
top of the line
trunk line
Wallace's line
white line
worry line
yard line
Z line
Line Islands
Mason Dixon Line
hard lines
between the lines
read between the lines
skew lines
long lining
silver lining
apron string
cosmic string
first string
G string
pull the string
second string
on the string
string along
string bass
string bean
string bikini
string cheese
string quartet
string theory
string tie
pull strings
purse strings
high strung
strung out

line dance
1 : CONTREDANSE 1
2 : a dance performed by a group usually in single file
3 : a dance in which the dancers stand in ranks while performing a particular set of steps in unison
–line dancer noun
–line dancing noun

line drawing
: a drawing made in solid lines

line drive
: a batted baseball hit in a nearly straight line usually not far above the ground

line engraving
: an engraving cut by hand directly in the plate

line graph
: a graph in which points representing values of a variable for suitable values of an independent variable are connected by a broken line

Line Islands
islands Kiribati in W Pacific S of Hawaii; formerly divided bet. the U.S. (Kingman Reef & Palmyra) & Great Britain (Teraina, Tabuaeran, & Kiritimati) pop 4782

line item
: an appropriation that is itemized on a separate line in a budget
–line-item \'līn-'ī-təm\ adjective

line judge
: a football linesman whose duties include keeping track of the official time for the game

line of credit

1917
: the maximum credit allowed a buyer or borrower also : an agreement providing credit up to a certain amount

line of duty

circa 1918
: all that is authorized, required, or normally associated with some field of responsibility

line of force

1837
: a line in a field of force (as a magnetic or electric field) whose tangent at any point gives the direction of the field at that point

line of scrimmage

circa 1909
: an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down

line of sight

1559
1 : a line from an observer's eye to a distant point
2 : the line between two points specifically : the straight path between a transmitting antenna (as for radio or television signals) and a receiving antenna when unobstructed by the horizon

line officer
: a commissioned officer assigned to the line of the army or navy ― compare STAFF OFFICER

line one's pockets
to take money freely and especially dishonestly

line out
1 : to indicate with or as if with lines : OUTLINE <line out a route>
2 : to arrange in an extended line
3 : BELT 4 <line out a song>
intransitive verb
1 : to move rapidly <lined out for home>
2 : to make an out by hitting a baseball in a line drive that is caught

line printer
: a high-speed printing device (as for a computer) that prints each line as a unit rather than character by character

line score
: a score of a baseball game giving the runs, hits, and errors made by each team ― compare BOX SCORE

line squall
: a squall or thunderstorm occurring along a cold front

line storm
: an equinoctial storm

line up
1 : to assume an orderly linear arrangement <line up for inspection>
2 : to align oneself <he lined up with the liberals against the bill>
transitive verb
1 : to put into alignment
2 : to arrange for <line up support for a candidate>

line-haul
: the transporting of items or persons between terminals

line-item veto
: the power of a government executive to veto specific items in an appropriations bill without vetoing the bill altogether

lineage
n. 1 a : descent in a line from a common progenitor b : DERIVATION
2 : a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor especially : such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder

lineage
n. variant of linage

lineal
adj. 1 : LINEAR
2 : composed of or arranged in lines
3 a : consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry ― compare COLLATERAL 2 b : relating to or derived from ancestors : HEREDITARY c : descended in a direct line
4 a : belonging to one lineage <lineal relatives> b : of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage
–lin·e·al·i·ty \ˌli-nē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–lin·e·al·ly \'li-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

lineament
n. 1 a : an outline, feature, or contour of a body or figure and especially of a face ― usually used in plural b : a linear topographic feature (as of the earth) that reveals a characteristic (as a fault or the subsurface structure)
2 : a distinguishing or characteristic feature ― usually used in plural
–lin·e·a·men·tal \ˌli-nē-ə-'men-təl\ adjective

linear
adj. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : STRAIGHT (2) : involving a single dimension b (1) : of the first degree with respect to one or more variables (2) : of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra c (1) : characterized by an emphasis on line <linear art> (2) : composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation <linear script> d : consisting of a straight chain of atoms
2 : elongated with nearly parallel sides <linear leaf> ― see LEAF illustration
3 : having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4 : of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development <linear thinking> <a linear narrative>
–lin·e·ar·i·ty \ˌli-nē-'er-ə-tē, -'a-rə-\ noun
–lin·e·ar·ly \'li-nē-ər-lē\ adverb

linear
adj. Linear A
linear accelerator
linear algebra
Linear B
linear combination
linear dependence
linear equation
linear function
linear independence
linear interpolation
linear measure
linear motor
linear induction motor
linear perspective
linear programming
linear regression
linear space
linear transformation
linearly dependent
linearly independent

Linear A
: a linear form of writing used in Crete from the 18th to the 15th centuries B.C.

linear accelerator
: a device in which charged particles are accelerated in a straight line by successive impulses from a series of electric fields

linear algebra
: a branch of mathematics that is concerned with mathematical structures closed under the operations of addition and scalar multiplication and that includes the theory of systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, and linear transformations

Linear B
: a linear form of writing employing syllabic characters and used at Knossos on Crete and on the Greek mainland from the 15th to the 12th centuries B.C. for documents in Mycenaean Greek

linear combination
: a mathematical entity (as 4x + 5y + 6z) which is composed of sums and differences of elements (as variables, matrices, or functions) especially when the coefficients are not all zero

linear dependence
: the property of one set (as of matrices or vectors) having at least one linear combination of its elements equal to zero when the coefficients are taken from another given set and at least one of its coefficients is not equal to zero
–linearly dependent adjective

linear equation
: an equation of the first degree in any number of variables

linear function
1 : a mathematical function in which the variables appear only in the first degree, are multiplied by constants, and are combined only by addition and subtraction
2 : LINEAR TRANSFORMATION

linear independence
: the property of a set (as of matrices or vectors) having no linear combination of all its elements equal to zero when coefficients are taken from a given set unless the coefficient of each element is zero
–linearly independent adjective

linear interpolation
: estimation of a function (as a logarithm) by assuming that it is a straight line between known values

linear measure
1 : a measure of length
2 : a system of measures of length

linear motor
: a motor that produces thrust in a straight line by direct induction rather than with the use of gears ― called also linear induction motor

linear perspective
: PERSPECTIVE 1A

linear programming
: a mathematical method of solving practical problems (as the allocation of resources) by means of linear functions where the variables involved are subject to constraints

linear regression
: the process of finding a straight line (as by least squares) that best approximates a set of points on a graph

linear space
: VECTOR SPACE

linear transformation
1 : a transformation in which the new variables are linear functions of the old variables
2 : a function that maps the vectors of one vector space onto the vectors of the same or another vector space with the same field of scalars in such a way that the image of the sum of two vectors equals the sum of their images and the image of the product of a scalar and a vector equals the product of the scalar and the image of the vector

linearise
v. British variant of linearize

linearize
v. : to give a linear form to also : to project in linear form
–lin·e·ar·i·za·tion \ˌli-nē-ə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

lineation
n. 1 a : the action of marking with lines : DELINEATION b : OUTLINE
2 : an arrangement of lines

linebacker
n. : a defensive football player who lines up immediately behind the line of scrimmage to make tackles on running plays through the line or defend against short passes

linebacking
: the action or art of playing linebacker

linebreeding
: the interbreeding of individuals within a particular line of descent usually to perpetuate desirable characters
–line·bred \-ˌbred\ adjective

linecaster
: a machine that casts metal type in lines
–line·cast·ing \-tiŋ\ noun

linecut
: a photoengraving of a line drawing

lineman
n. 1 : one who sets up or repairs electric wire communication or power lines ― called also linesman
2 : a player in the forward line of a team specifically : a football player in the line

linen
n. 1 : made of flax
2 : made of or resembling linen

linen
n. 1 a : cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster b : thread or yarn spun from flax
2 : clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric
3 : paper made from linen fibers or with a linen finish

liner
n. 1 : one that makes, draws, or uses lines
2 a : a ship belonging to a regular line b : an airplane belonging to an airline
3 : LINE DRIVE
4 : something with which lines are made

liner
n. 1 : one that lines or is used to line or back something
2 : JACKET 3C(2)
–lin·er·less \-ləs\ adjective

liner
n. blue liner
bottom liner
hard liner
liner notes
long liner
one liner
party liner
soft liner

liner notes
: comments or explanatory notes about a recording printed on the jacket or an insert

linerboard
: a thin cardboard used for the flat facings of corrugated containerboard

linesman
n. 1 : LINEMAN 1
2 : an official who assists a referee (as in football or hockey) especially in determining if a ball, puck, or player is out-of-bounds or offside

lineup
n. 1 a : a list of players taking part in a game (as of baseball) b : the players on such a list
2 a : an alignment (as in entertainment or politics) of persons or things having a common purpose, distinction, or bond <the show's star-studded lineup> b : LINE 11 c : a television programming schedule
3 : a line of persons arranged especially for inspection or for identification by police

ling
n. 1 : any of various fishes (as a hake or burbot) of the cod family
2 : LINGCOD

ling
n. : a heath plant especially : a common Old World heather (Calluna vulgaris)

ling
n. 1 : one connected with or having the quality of <hireling>
2 : young, small, or inferior one <duckling>

ling
n. : in (such) a direction or manner <sideling> <flatling>

ling
n. ding a ling
Soong Ai ling
Soong Ch'ing ling
Soong Mei ling
Nan Ling

Lingala
n. : a Bantu language widely used in trade and public affairs in the Congo River area

lingam
n. : a stylized phallic symbol that is worshipped in Hinduism as a sign of generative power and that represents the god Shiva ― compare YONI

Lingayat
: a member of a Saiva sect of southern India marked by wearing of the lingam and characterized by denial of caste distinctions

Lingayen Gulf
inlet of S. China Sea Philippines in NW Luzon

lingcod
n. : a large often greenish-fleshed fish (Ophiodon elongatus) of the Pacific coast of No. America that is an important food and sport fish and belongs to the same family as the greenlings

linger
v. intransitive verb
1 : to be slow in parting or in quitting something : TARRY <fans lingered outside the door>
2 a : to remain alive although gradually dying b : to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence <lingering doubts> <lingering odors>
3 : to be slow to act : PROCRASTINATE
4 : to move slowly : SAUNTER
transitive verb
1 obsolete : DELAY
2 : to pass (as a period of time) slowly
–lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun
–lin·ger·ing·ly \-g(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

lingerie
n. 1 archaic : linen articles or garments
2 : women's intimate apparel
–lingerie adjective

lingo
n. : strange or incomprehensible language or speech: as a : a foreign language b : the special vocabulary of a particular field of interest c : language characteristic of an individual

lingonberry
n. : the fruit of the mountain cranberry also : MOUNTAIN CRANBERRY

lingua
n. : a tongue or an organ resembling a tongue

lingua
n. lingua franca
lingua francas
linguae francae
lapsus linguae

lingua franca
1 often capitalized : a common language consisting of Italian mixed with French, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports
2 : any of various languages used as common or commercial tongues among peoples of diverse speech
3 : something resembling a common language <movies are the lingua franca of the twentieth century ― Gore Vidal>

lingual
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling the tongue b : lying near or next to the tongue especially : relating to or being the surface of tooth next to the tongue c : produced by the tongue
2 : LINGUISTIC
–lin·gual·ly adverb

Linguetta, Cape
― see GJUHEZES (Cape)

linguica
: a spicy Portuguese sausage

linguine
n. : narrow flat pasta

linguist
n. 1 : a person accomplished in languages especially : one who speaks several languages
2 : a person who specializes in linguistics

linguistic
adj. : of or relating to language or linguistics
–lin·guis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

linguistic
adj. linguistic atlas
linguistic form
linguistic geography
linguistic geographer

linguistic atlas
: a publication containing a set of maps on which speech variations are recorded ― called also dialect atlas

linguistic form
: a meaningful unit of speech (as a morpheme, word, or sentence) ― called also speech form

linguistic geography
: local or regional variations of a language or dialect studied as a field of knowledge ― called also dialect geography
–linguistic geographer noun

linguistician
n. : LINGUIST 2

linguistics
n. : the study of human speech including the units, nature, structure, and modification of language

liniment
n. : a liquid or semiliquid preparation that is applied to the skin as an anodyne or a counterirritant

lining
n. 1 : material that lines or that is used to line especially the inner surface of something (as a garment)
2 : the act or process of providing something with a lining

link
n. 1 : a connecting structure: as a (1) : a single ring or division of a chain (2) : one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length b : CUFF LINK c : BOND 3C d : an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion especially : a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end e : the fusible member of an electrical fuse
2 : something analogous to a link of chain: as a : a segment of sausage in a chain b : a connecting element or factor <found a link between smoking and cancer> c : a unit in a communication system d : an identifier attached to an element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements especially : one (as a hyperlink) in a computer file

link
n. : to couple or connect by or as if by a link
intransitive verb : to become connected by or as if by a link ― often used with up <the band linked up with a new record label>
synonyms see JOIN
–link·er noun

link
n. : a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets

link
n. Scottish : to skip smartly along

link
n. chain link fence
cross link
cuff link
hot link
missing link
golf links
enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
sex linked
X linked
linking verb

linkage
n. 1 : the manner or style of being united: as a : the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule b : BOND 3C
2 : the quality or state of being linked especially : the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together ― compare MENDEL'S LAW 2
3 : a system of links especially : a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced
4 : LINK 2B
5 : the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

linkage
n. cross linkage
linkage group
peptide linkage
sex linkage

linkage group
: a set of linked genes at different loci on the same chromosome

linkboy
n. : an attendant formerly employed to bear a light for a person on the streets at night

linked
adj. 1 : marked by linkage and especially genetic linkage <linked genes>
2 : having or provided with links <a linked list>

linked
adj. enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
sex linked
X linked

linking verb
: a word or expression (as a form of be, become, feel, or seem) that links a subject with its predicate

Linklater
Eric 1899-1974 Brit. writer

linkman
n. 1 : LINKBOY
2 British : a broadcasting moderator or anchorman

Linkoping
city SE Sweden pop 135,066

links
n. 1 Scottish : sand hills especially along the seashore
2 : GOLF COURSE specifically : a golf course on linksland

linksland
n. : seaside terrain that is characterized by rolling hills of sand and is often used as the site of golf courses

linksman
: one who plays golf

linkup
n. 1 : establishment of contact : MEETING <the linkup of two spacecraft>
2 a : something that serves as a linking device or factor b : a functional whole resulting from the linking up of separate elements <an instructional TV linkup>

Linlithgow
Marquis of ― see HOPE

Linlithgow
1 or Lin·lith·gow·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ ― see WEST LOTHIAN 2
2 burgh SE Scotland W of Edinburgh pop 9524

linn
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : WATERFALL
2 chiefly Scottish : PRECIPICE

Linnaean
adj. : of, relating to, or following the systematic methods of the Swedish botanist Linnaeus who established the system of binomial nomenclature

Linnaeus
Carolus 1707-1778 Sw. Carl von Lin·né \lə-'nā\ Swed. botanist

linnet
n. : a common small brownish Old World finch (Acanthis cannabina) of which the male has red on the breast and crown during breeding season

Linnhe, Loch
inlet of the Atlantic on W coast of Scotland extending NE from head of Firth of Lorn

lino
n. chiefly British : LINOLEUM

linocut
n. : a print made from a design cut into a mounted piece of linoleum

linoleate
n. : a salt or ester of linoleic acid

linoleic acid
: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C_18H_32O_2 found especially in semidrying oils (as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

linolenic acid
: a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C_18H_30O_2 found especially in drying oils (as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals

linoleum
n. 1 : a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usually pigments
2 : a material similar to linoleum

Linotype
n. ― used for a typesetting machine that produces each line of type in the form of a solid metal slug

linsang
n. : either of two small nocturnal chiefly forest-dwelling viverrid Asian mammals (Prionodon pardicolor and P. linsang) having an elongated slender muzzle and long tail also : a related mammal (Poiana richardsoni) of Africa

linseed
n. : FLAXSEED

linseed oil
: a yellowish drying oil obtained from flaxseed and used especially in paint, varnish, printing ink, and linoleum

linsey-woolsey
: a coarse sturdy fabric of wool and linen or cotton

linstock
n. : a staff having a pointed foot (as for sticking into the ground) and a forked tip and formerly used to hold a lighted match for firing cannon

lint
n. 1 a : a soft fleecy material made from linen usually by scraping b : fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric
2 : a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple
–lint·less \-ləs\ adjective
–linty \'lin-tē\ adjective

lintel
n. : a horizontal architectural member spanning and usually carrying the load above an opening

linter
n. 1 : a machine for removing linters
2 plural : the fuzz of short fibers that adheres to cottonseed after ginning

lintwhite
: LINNET

Linz
city N Austria on the Danube pop 183,504

linzer torte
: a baked buttery torte made with chopped almonds, sugar, and spices and filled with jam or preserves

lion
n. 1 a or plural lion : a large heavily built social cat (Panthera leo) of open or rocky areas chiefly of sub-Saharan Africa though once widely distributed throughout Africa and southern Asia that has a tawny body with a tufted tail and a shaggy blackish or dark brown mane in the male b : any of several large wildcats especially : COUGAR c capitalized : LEO
2 a : a person felt to resemble a lion (as in courage or ferocity) b : a person of outstanding interest or importance <a literary lion>
3 capitalized [Lions (club)] : a member of a major national and international service club
–li·on·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

lion
n. mountain lion
ant lion
aphid lion
aphis lion
California sea lion
golden lion tamarin
lion's den
lion's share
sea lion
Coeur de Lion
Lion Gulf of
Golfe du Lion

lion's den
: a place or state of extreme disadvantage, antagonism, or hostility <a young reporter thrown into the lion's den>

lion's share
: the largest portion <received the lion's share of the research money>

Lion, Gulf of
arm of the Mediterranean on S coast of France

lioness
n. : a female lion

lionfish
: any of several scorpaenid fishes (genus Pterois) of the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific that are brilliantly striped and barred with elongated fins and venomous dorsal spines

lionhearted
adj. : COURAGEOUS, BRAVE

lionise
v. British variant of lionize

lionize
v. 1 : to treat as an object of great interest or importance
2 British : to show the sights of a place to
–li·on·i·za·tion \ˌlī-ə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–li·on·iz·er \'lī-ə-ˌnī-zər\ noun

Liotard
Jean-Étienne 1702-1789 Swiss painter

lip
n. 1 : either of two fleshy folds that surround the mouth in humans and many other vertebrates and are organs of human speech essential to certain articulations also : the red or pinkish margin of the human lip
2 slang : BACK TALK
3 a : a fleshy edge or margin (as of a wound) b : LABIUM c : LABELLUM 1 d : a limb of a labiate corolla
4 a : the edge of a hollow vessel or cavity b : a projecting edge: as (1) : the beveled upper edge of the mouth of an organ flue pipe (2) : the sharp cutting edge on the end of a tool (as an auger) (3) : a short spout (as on a pitcher) c : EDGE 2
5 : EMBOUCHURE
–lip·less \-ləs\ adjective
–lip·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

lip
n. 1 : INSINCERE <lip praise>
2 : produced with the participation of the lips : LABIAL <lip consonants>

lip
n. transitive verb
1 : to touch with the lips especially : KISS
2 : UTTER
3 : to lap against : LICK
4 : to hit (a putt) so that the ball hits the edge of the cup but fails to drop in ― usually used with out
intransitive verb : to hit the edge of the cup without dropping in ― used with out <the putt lipped out>

lip
n. : fat : fatty tissue : fatty <lipoid> <lipoprotein>

lip
n. cleft lip
dorsal lip
lip lock
lip read
lip reader
lip service
lip synch
lip syncer
lip sync
lip syncher
stiff upper lip
tight lipped

lip service
: an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds ― usually used with pay

lip-lock
: a long amorous kiss

lip-read
transitive verb : to understand by lipreading
intransitive verb : to use lipreading
–lip-read·er \-ˌrē-dər\ noun

lip-synch
: to pretend to sing or say in synchronization with recorded sound
intransitive verb : to lip-synch something
–lip sync noun
–lip-synch·er or lip-sync·er noun

lipa
n. ― see kuna at MONEY table

Lipari
island, chief of the Lipari Islands

Lipari Islands
islands Italy in SE Tyrrhenian Sea off NE Sicily area ab 45 sq mi (117 sq km) ― see STROMBOLI

lipase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycerides

Lipchitz
Jacques 1891-1973 American (Latvian-born) sculptor

Lipetsk
city SW cen Russia in Europe N of Voronezh pop 464,000

lipid
n. : any of various substances that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents (as chloroform and ether), that are usually insoluble in water, that with proteins and carbohydrates constitute the principal structural components of living cells, and that include fats, waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds
–li·pid·ic \li-'pi-dik\ adjective

Lipitor
― used for a preparation of atorvastatin

Lipizzan
: any of a breed of spirited horses developed from Spanish, Italian, Danish, and Arab stock that are usually born with a dark coat that lightens to white with age

lipogenesis
n. : the formation of fat specifically : the formation of fatty acids from acetyl coenzyme A in the living body and especially in adipose tissue and the liver

lipoic acid
: any of several microbial growth factors especially : a fatty acid C_8H_14O_2S_2 that is essential for the oxidation of alpha-keto acids (as pyruvic acid) in metabolism

lipoid
n. : resembling fat

lipoid
n. : LIPID

lipolysis
n. : the hydrolysis of fat
–li·po·lyt·ic \ˌlī-pə-'li-tik, ˌli-\ adjective

lipoma
n. : a tumor of fatty tissue
–li·po·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

lipophilic
adj. : having an affinity for lipids (as fats) <a lipophilic metabolite>

lipopolysaccharide
n. : a large molecule consisting of lipids and sugars joined by chemical bonds

lipoprotein
n. : a conjugated protein that is a complex of protein and lipid ― compare HDL, LDL, VLDL

lipoprotein
n. high density lipoprotein
low density lipoprotein
very low density lipoprotein

liposome
n. : an artificial vesicle composed of one or more concentric phospholipid bilayers and used especially to deliver microscopic substances (as drugs or DNA) to body cells
–li·po·so·mal \ˌlī-pə-'sō-məl, ˌli-\ adjective

liposuction
n. : surgical removal of local fat deposits (as in the thighs) especially for cosmetic purposes

lipotropic
adj. : promoting the physiological utilization of fat <lipotropic dietary factors>

lipotropin
: either of two protein hormones of the pituitary gland that function in the mobilization of fat reserves

Lippe
1 river ab 150 mi (241 km) W Germany flowing from Teutoburg Forest W into the Rhine
2 former principality & state W Germany bet. Teutoburg Forest & the Weser capital Detmold

lipped
adj. : having a lip or lips especially of a specified kind or number ― often used in combination <tight-lipped>

lippen
intransitive verb chiefly Scottish : TRUST, RELY
transitive verb chiefly Scottish : ENTRUST

Lippes loop
: an S-shaped plastic intrauterine device

Lippi
Fra Filippo ca 1406-1469 Florentine painter

Lippi
Filippo or Filippino ca 1457-1504 son of prec. Florentine painter

lipping
v. 1 : outgrowth of bone in liplike form at a joint margin
2 : a piece of wood set in an archer's bow where a flaw has been cut out
3 : EMBOUCHURE 1

Lippmann
Gabriel 1845-1921 Fr. physicist

Lippmann
Walter 1889-1974 American journalist & author

lippy
n. : given to back talk

lipreading
n. : the interpreting of speech by watching the speaker's lip and facial movements without hearing the voice

lipstick
n. : a waxy solid usually colored cosmetic in stick form for the lips also : a stick of such cosmetic with its case
–lip·sticked adjective

Lipton
Sir Thomas Johnstone 1850-1931 Eng. merchant & yachtsman

liq
1 liquid
2 liquor

liquate
v. : to cause (a more fusible substance) to separate out of a combination or mixture by the application of heat <liquate lead from its ore>
–li·qua·tion \lī-'kwā-shən\ noun

liquefaction
n. 1 : the process of making or becoming liquid
2 : the state of being liquid
3 : conversion of soil into a fluidlike mass during an earthquake or other seismic event

liquefied petroleum gas
: a compressed gas that consists of flammable hydrocarbons (as propane and butane) and is used especially as fuel or as raw material for chemical synthesis

liquefy
v. transitive verb : to reduce to a liquid state
intransitive verb : to become liquid
–liq·ue·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

liquescent
adj. : being or tending to become liquid : MELTING

liqueur
n. : a usually sweetened alcoholic liquor (as brandy) flavored with fruit, spices, nuts, herbs, or seeds

liquid
n. 1 : flowing freely like water
2 : having the properties of a liquid : being neither solid nor gaseous
3 a : shining and clear <large liquid eyes> b : being musical and free of harshness in sound c : smooth and unconstrained in movement d : articulated without friction and capable of being prolonged like a vowel <a liquid consonant>
4 a : consisting of or capable of ready conversion into cash <liquid assets> b : capable of covering current liabilities quickly with current assets
–li·quid·i·ty \li-'kwi-də-tē\ noun
–liq·uid·ly \'li-kwəd-lē\ adverb
–liq·uid·ness noun

liquid
n. 1 : a liquid consonant
2 : a fluid (as water) that has no independent shape but has a definite volume and does not expand indefinitely and that is only slightly compressible

liquid
n. gas liquid chromatography
gas liquid chromatographic
liquid crystal
liquid crystal display
liquid measure

liquid crystal
: an organic liquid whose physical properties resemble those of a crystal in the formation of loosely ordered molecular arrays similar to a regular crystalline lattice and the anisotropic refraction of light

liquid crystal display
: LCD

liquid measure
: a unit or series of units for measuring liquid capacity ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table

liquidambar
n. 1 : STORAX 1B
2 : any of a genus (Liquidambar) of deciduous No. American and Asian trees (as the sweet gum) of the witch-hazel family with monoecious flowers and a spiny globose fruit composed of many woody capsules each having two carpels

liquidate
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to determine by agreement or by litigation the precise amount of (indebtedness, damages, or accounts) (2) : to determine the liabilities and apportion assets toward discharging the indebtedness of b : to settle (a debt) by payment or other settlement
2 archaic : to make clear
3 : to do away with
4 : to convert (assets) into cash
intransitive verb
1 : to liquidate debts, damages, or accounts
2 : to determine liabilities and apportion assets toward discharging indebtedness
–liq·ui·da·tion \ˌli-kwə-'dā-shən\ noun

liquidator
n. : one that liquidates especially : an individual appointed by law to liquidate assets

liquidize
v. : to cause to be liquid

liquor
n. : a liquid substance: as a : a usually distilled rather than fermented alcoholic beverage b : a watery solution of a drug c : BATH 2B(1)

liquor
n. transitive verb
1 : to dress (as leather) with oil or grease
2 : to make drunk with alcoholic liquor ― usually used with up
intransitive verb : to drink alcoholic liquor especially to excess ― usually used with up

liquorice
n. chiefly British variant of licorice

lira
n. : the basic monetary unit of Italy until 2002

lira
n. ― see MONEY table

lira
n. : the former Israeli pound

lira
n. ― see MONEY table

Liri
river 100 mi (161 km) cen Italy flowing into Gulf of Gaeta

liriope
: any of a genus (Liriope) of stemless Asian herbs of the lily family that are widely cultivated as ground cover for their grasslike leaves and small white, blue, or violet flowers

liripipe
: a pendent part of a tippet also : TIPPET, SCARF

Lisbon
n. city & port capital of Portugal on Tagus estuary pop 564,657
–Lis·bo·an \liz-'bō-ən\ noun

Lisburn
district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 171 sq mi (445 sq km), pop 99,162

Lisburne, Cape
cape NW Alaska projecting into Arctic Ocean near W end of Brooks Range

lisente
n. plural of sente

Lisieux
city NW France E of Caen pop 23,171

lisle
n. : a smooth tightly twisted thread usually made of long-staple cotton

lisle
n. Leconte de Lisle
Lisle de
Rouget de Lisle

Lisle, de
― see LECONTE DE LISLE, ROUGET DE LISLE

LISP
n. : a computer programming language that is designed for easy manipulation of data strings and is used extensively for work in artificial intelligence

lisp
n. intransitive verb
1 : to pronounce the sibilants \s\ and \z\ imperfectly especially by turning them into \th\ and \th\
2 : to speak falteringly, childishly, or with a lisp
transitive verb : to utter falteringly or with a lisp
–lisp·er noun

lisp
n. 1 : a speech defect or affectation characterized by lisping
2 : a sound resembling a lisp

lissome
adj. 1 a : easily flexed b : LITHE 2
2 : NIMBLE
–lis·some·ly adverb
–lis·some·ness noun

list
n. transitive verb archaic : PLEASE, SUIT
intransitive verb archaic : WISH, CHOOSE

list
n. pushdown list
A list
B list
dean's list
hit list
laundry list
life list
list price
punch list
shopping list
short list
waiting list
wait list
white list
wish list
enter the lists
white listed

list
n. archaic : INCLINATION, CRAVING

list
n. intransitive verb archaic : LISTEN
transitive verb archaic : to listen to : HEAR

list
n. 1 : a band or strip of material: as a : LISTEL b : SELVAGE c : a narrow strip of wood cut from the edge of a board
2 plural but singular or plural in construction a : an arena for combat (as jousting) b : a field of competition or controversy
3 obsolete : LIMIT, BOUNDARY
4 : STRIPE

list
n. 1 : to cut away a narrow strip from the edge of
2 : to prepare or plant (land) in ridges and furrows with a lister

list
n. : a deviation from the vertical : TILT also : the extent of such a deviation

list
n. : to tilt to one side especially of a boat or ship : to tilt to one side in a state of equilibrium (as from an unbalanced load) ― compare HEEL
transitive verb : to cause to list

list
n. 1 a : a simple series of words or numerals (as the names of persons or objects) <a guest list> b : an official roster : ROLL
2 : CATALOG, CHECKLIST
3 : the total number to be considered or included <a situation that heads their list of troubles>

list
n. 1 a : to make a list of : ENUMERATE b : to include on a list : REGISTER
2 : to place (oneself) in a specified category <lists himself as a political liberal>
3 archaic : RECRUIT
intransitive verb
1 archaic : ENLIST
2 : to become entered in a catalog with a selling price <a car that lists for $12,000>
–list·ee \li-'stē\ noun

list price
: the basic price of an item as published in a catalog, price list, or advertisement before any discounts are taken

listel
: a narrow band in architecture : FILLET

listen
v. transitive verb archaic : to give ear to : HEAR
intransitive verb
1 : to pay attention to sound <listen to music>
2 : to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration <listen to a plea>
3 : to be alert to catch an expected sound <listen for his step>
–lis·ten·er \'lis-nər, 'li-sən-ər\ noun

listen
v. : an act of listening

listen
v. listen in
listening post
listener in

listen in
1 : to tune in to or monitor a broadcast
2 : to listen to a conversation without participating in it especially : EAVESDROP
–lis·ten·er-in \ˌlis-nər-'in, ˌli-sən-ər-\ noun

listenable
adj. : agreeable to listen to

listenership
: the audience for a radio program or recording also : the number or kind of that audience

listening post
: a center for monitoring electronic communications (as of an enemy)

Lister
n. Joseph 1827-1912 1st Baron Lister of Lyme Regis Eng. surgeon

lister
n. : one that lists or catalogs

lister
n. : a double-moldboard plow often equipped with a subsoiling attachment and used mainly where rainfall is limited

listeriosis
n. : a serious encephalitic disease of a wide variety of animals that is caused by a bacterium (Listeria monocytogenes) and that in animals is often fatal but in humans is usually not fatal

listing
n. 1 : an act or instance of making or including in a list
2 : something that is listed

listless
adj. : characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit <a listless melancholy attitude>
synonyms see LANGUID
–list·less·ly adverb
–list·less·ness noun

Listserv
n. ― used for software for managing e-mail transmissions to and from a list of subscribers

Liszt
n. Franz 1811-1886 Hung. pianist & composer
–Liszt·ian \'lis-tē-ən\ adjective

lit
n. past and past part of light

lit
n. : LITERATURE
–lit adjective

lit
n. : affected by alcohol : DRUNK

lit
n. 1 liter
2 literal; literally

lit
n. Lit B
lit crit
Lit D
lit up
wagon lit

Lit B
variant of litt b

lit crit
: literary criticism

Lit D
variant of litt d

lit up
: DRUNK 1A

Litani
n. river 90 mi (144 km) S Lebanon flowing into Mediterranean

litany
n. 1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant <a litany of cheering phrases ― Herman Wouk> b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration <a familiar litany of complaints> c : a sizable series or set <a litany of problems>

litas
n. ― see MONEY table

litchi
n. variant of lychee

lite
adj. 1 : 4LIGHT 9A
2 : diminished or lacking in substance or seriousness <lite news> specifically : being an innocuous or unthreatening version ― often used postpositively <it is film noir lite ― James Greenberg>

lite
adj. : mineral <rhodolite> : rock <aerolite> : fossil <stromatolite>

liter
n. : a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

literacy
n. : the quality or state of being literate

literal
adj. 1 a : according with the letter of the scriptures b : adhering to fact or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term or expression : ACTUAL <liberty in the literal sense is impossible ― B. N. Cardozo> c : free from exaggeration or embellishment <the literal truth> d : characterized by a concern mainly with facts <a very literal man>
2 : of, relating to, or expressed in letters
3 : reproduced word for word : EXACT, VERBATIM <a literal translation>
–lit·er·al·i·ty \ˌli-tə-'ra-lə-tē\ noun
–lit·er·al·ness \'li-t(ə-)rəl-nəs\ noun

literal
adj. : a small error usually of a single letter (as in writing)

literalism
n. 1 : adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression <biblical literalism>
2 : fidelity to observable fact : REALISM
–lit·er·al·ist \-list\ noun
–lit·er·al·is·tic \ˌli-t(ə-)rə-'lis-tik\ adjective

literalize
v. : to make literal
–lit·er·al·i·za·tion \ˌli-t(ə-)rə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

literally
adv. 1 : in a literal sense or manner : ACTUALLY <took the remark literally> <was literally insane>
2 : in effect : VIRTUALLY <will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice ― Norman Cousins>
usage Since some people take sense 2 to be the opposite of sense 1, it has been frequently criticized as a misuse. Instead, the use is pure hyperbole intended to gain emphasis, but it often appears in contexts where no additional emphasis is necessary.

literary
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature b : BOOKISH 2 c : of or relating to books
2 a : WELL-READ b : of or relating to authors or scholars or to their professions
–lit·er·ar·i·ly \ˌli-tə-'rer-ə-lē\ adverb
–lit·er·ar·i·ness \'li-tə-ˌrer-ē-nəs\ noun

literary executor
: a person entrusted with the management of the papers and unpublished works of a deceased author

literate
n. 1 a : EDUCATED, CULTURED b : able to read and write
2 a : versed in literature or creative writing : LITERARY b : LUCID, POLISHED <a literate essay> c : having knowledge or competence <computer-literate> <politically literate>
–lit·er·ate·ly adverb
–lit·er·ate·ness noun

literate
n. 1 : an educated person
2 : a person who can read and write

literati
n. 1 : the educated class also : INTELLIGENTSIA
2 : persons interested in literature or the arts

literatim
adv. : letter for letter <printed literatim from the manuscript ― I. A. Gordon>

literation
: the representation of sound or words by letters

literator
: LITTERATEUR

literature
n. 1 archaic : literary culture
2 : the production of literary work especially as an occupation
3 a (1) : writings in prose or verse especially : writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest (2) : an example of such writings <what came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story ― People> b : the body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age c : the body of writings on a particular subject <scientific literature> d : printed matter (as leaflets or circulars) <campaign literature>
4 : the aggregate of a usually specified type of musical compositions

literatus
: a member of the literati

lith
n. lithographic; lithography

lith
n. : stone <lithology>

lith
n. 1 : structure or implement of stone <megalith> <eolith>
2 : calculus <urolith>
3 : -LITE <laccolith>

litharge
n. : a fused lead monoxide broadly : LEAD MONOXIDE

lithe
adj. 1 : easily bent or flexed <lithe steel> <a lithe vine>
2 : characterized by easy flexibility and grace <a lithe dancer> <treading with a lithe silent step> also : athletically slim <the most lithe and graspable of waists ― R. P. Warren>
–lithe·ly adverb
–lithe·ness noun

lithesome
adj. : LISSOME

lithiasis
n. : the formation of stony concretions in the body (as in the gallbladder)

lithic
adj. 1 : STONY 1
2 : of, relating to, or being a stone tool

lithic
adj. : relating to or characteristic of a (specified) stage in humankind's use of stone as a cultural tool <Neolithic>

lithify
v. transitive verb : to change to stone : PETRIFY especially : to convert (unconsolidated sediment) into solid rock
intransitive verb : to become changed into stone
–lith·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌli-thə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

lithium
n. 1 : a soft silver-white element of the alkali metal group that is the lightest metal known and that is used especially in alloys and glass, in chemical synthesis, and in storage batteries ― see ELEMENT table
2 : a salt of lithium (as lithium carbonate) used in psychiatric medicine

lithium
n. lithium carbonate
lithium fluoride
lithium niobate

lithium carbonate
: a crystalline salt Li_2CO_3 used in the glass and ceramic industries and in medicine especially in the treatment of bipolar disorder

lithium fluoride
: a crystalline salt LiF used especially in making prisms and ceramics and as a flux

lithium niobate
: a crystalline material LiNbO_3 whose physical properties change in response to pressure or the presence of an electric field and which is used in fiber optics and as a synthetic gemstone

litho
n. 1 : LITHOGRAPH
2 : LITHOGRAPHY 1

lithograph
n. : to produce, copy, or portray by lithography
–li·tho·gra·pher \li-'thä-grə-fər, 'li-thə-ˌgra-fər\ noun

lithograph
: a print made by lithography
–lith·o·graph·ic \ˌli-thə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–lith·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lithography
n. 1 : the process of printing from a plane surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent
2 : the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits

lithology
n. 1 : the study of rocks
2 : the character of a rock formation also : a rock formation having a particular set of characteristics
–lith·o·log·ic \ˌli-thə-'lä-jik\ or lith·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–lith·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lithophane
: porcelain impressed with figures that are made distinct by transmitted light also : an object of this material

lithophyte
n. : a plant that grows on rock

lithopone
n. : a white pigment consisting essentially of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate

lithosol
: any of a group of shallow azonal soils consisting of imperfectly weathered rock fragments

lithosphere
n. : the solid part of a celestial body (as the earth) specifically : the outer part of the solid earth composed of rock essentially like that exposed at the surface, consisting of the crust and outermost layer of the mantle, and usually considered to be about 60 miles (100 kilometers) in thickness
–lith·o·spher·ic \ˌli-thə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

lithotomy
n. : surgical incision of the urinary bladder for removal of a stone

lithotripsy
n. : the breaking (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) of a calculus in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out

lithotripter
n. : a device for performing lithotripsy especially : a noninvasive device that pulverizes stones by focusing shock waves on a patient immersed in a water bath

Lithuania
n. country N cen Europe bordering on the Baltic; remnant of a medieval principality extending from Baltic Sea to Black Sea; a republic 1918-40, a constituent republic (Lithuanian Republic) of the U.S.S.R. 1940-91; capital Vilnius area 25,174 sq mi (65,201 sq km), pop 3,483,972

Lithuanian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Lithuania
2 : the Baltic language of the Lithuanian people
–Lithuanian adjective

litigant
n. : one engaged in a lawsuit
–litigant adjective

litigate
v. intransitive verb : to carry on a legal contest by judicial process
transitive verb
1 archaic : DISPUTE
2 : to contest at law <litigate a claim>
–lit·i·ga·ble \'li-ti-gə-bəl\ adjective
–lit·i·ga·tion \ˌli-tə-'gā-shən\ noun
–lit·i·ga·tor \'li-tə-ˌgā-tər\ noun

litigious
adj. 1 a : DISPUTATIOUS, CONTENTIOUS b : prone to engage in lawsuits
2 : subject to litigation
3 : of, relating to, or marked by litigation
–li·ti·gious·ly adverb
–li·ti·gious·ness noun

litmus
n. 1 : a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator
2 : the critical factor in a litmus test also : LITMUS TEST

litmus paper
: unsized paper colored with litmus and used as an indicator

litmus test
: a test in which a single factor (as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive

litotes
n. : understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (as in “not a bad singer” or “not unhappy”)

litre
n. variant of liter

Litt B
bachelor of letters; bachelor of literature

Litt D
doctor of letters; doctor of literature

litten
archaic : being lighted

litter
n. 1 a : a covered and curtained couch provided with shafts and used for carrying a single passenger b : a device (as a stretcher) for carrying a sick or injured person
2 a (1) : material used as bedding for animals (2) : material used to absorb the urine and feces of animals b : the uppermost slightly decayed layer of organic matter on the forest floor
3 : the offspring at one birth of a multiparous animal <a litter of puppies>
4 a : trash, wastepaper, or garbage lying scattered about <trying to clean up the roadside litter> b : an untidy accumulation of objects <a shabby writing-desk covered with a litter of yellowish dusty documents ― Joseph Conrad>
–lit·tery \-tə-rē\ adjective

litter
n. 1 : BED 1A
2 : to give birth to a litter of (young)
3 a : to strew with scattered articles b : to scatter about in disorder c : to lie about in disorder <their upside-down hats littered the top of the bar ― Michael Chabon> d : to mark with objects scattered at random <a book littered with misprints>
intransitive verb
1 : to give birth to a litter
2 : to strew litter

littera scripta manet
: the written letter abides

litterae humaniores
: HUMANITIES

litterateur
n. : a literary person especially : a professional writer

litterbag
n. : a bag used (as in an automobile) for temporary refuse disposal

litterbug
n. : one who litters a public area

litterer
n. : LITTERBUG

littermate
: one of the offspring in a litter in relation to the others

little
1 : not big: as a : small in size or extent : TINY <has little feet> b : YOUNG <was too little to remember> c of a plant or animal : small in comparison with related forms ― used in vernacular names d : having few members or inhabitants <a little group> <little towns> e : small in condition, distinction, or scope <big business trampling on the little fellow> f : NARROW, MEAN <the pettiness of little minds> g : pleasingly small <a cute little thing> h ― used as an intensive <why, you little devil!>
2 : not much: as a : existing only in a small amount or to a slight degree <has little money> b : short in duration : BRIEF c : existing to an appreciable though not extensive degree or amount ― used with a <had a little money in the bank>
3 : small in importance or interest : TRIVIAL
synonyms see SMALL
–lit·tle·ness \'li-təl-nəs\ noun

little
n. 1 a : in only a small quantity or degree : SLIGHTLY <facts that were little known at the time> b : not at all <cared little for their neighbors>
2 : RARELY, INFREQUENTLY

little
n. 1 : a small amount, quantity, or degree also : practically nothing <little has changed>
2 a : a short time b : a short distance
–a little : SOMEWHAT, RATHER <found the play a little dull>
–in little : on a small scale especially : in miniature

little
n. Little Walachia
Chicken Little
in little
a little
Little Bear
little bitty
little bluestem
little brown bat
little by little
Little Dipper
little finger
little guy
Little Hours
Little Ice Age
little leaf
Little League
Little Leaguer
little magazine
little man
Little Office
little people
little slam
little theater
little toe
little woman
Little Abaco
Little Armenia
Little Bighorn
Little Colorado
Little Diomede
Little Inagua
Little Kabylia
Little Karoo
Little Minch
Little Missouri
Little Namaqualand
Little Rock
Little Saint Bernard
North Little Rock
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
at least
least of all
least common denominator
least common multiple
least squares
least tern
lesser celandine
lesser cornstalk borer
lesser panda
lesser peach tree borer
lesser yellowlegs
Lesser Antilles
Lesser Armenia
Lesser Slave Lake
Lesser Sunda Islands
hull less
James the Less
skill less
care less
no less
less than
less and less
more or less
much less
still less
will less

Little Abaco
― see ABACO

Little Armenia
region S Turkey corresponding to ancient Cilicia

Little Bear
: URSA MINOR

Little Bighorn
river 80 mi (129 km) N Wyo. & S Mont. flowing N into Bighorn River

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
site SE Mont. on the Little Bighorn River of battle fought 1876

little bitty
: SMALL, TINY

little bluestem
: a forage grass (Schizachyrium scoparium syn. Andropogon scoparius) of eastern and central No. America

little brown bat
: a small widely distributed insectivorous No. American bat (Myotis lucifugus) with brown fur

little by little
: by small degrees or amounts : GRADUALLY

Little Colorado
river ab 300 mi (483 km) NE Ariz. flowing NW into Colorado River

Little Diomede
― see DIOMEDE ISLANDS

Little Dipper
: the seven principal stars in Ursa Minor

little finger
: the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first

little guy
: LITTLE MAN

Little Hours
: the offices of prime, terce, sext, and none forming part of the canonical hours

Little Ice Age
: an episode of glacial expansion whose maximum extension occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries

Little Inagua
― see INAGUA

Little Kabylia
― see KABYLIA

Little Karoo
― see KAROO

little leaf
: any of various plant disorders characterized by small and often chlorotic and distorted foliage

Little League
: a commercially sponsored baseball league for boys and girls from 8 to 12 years old
–Little Leaguer noun

little magazine
: a literary usually noncommercial magazine that features works especially of writers who are not well-known

little man
: the ordinary individual

Little Minch
― see MINCH

Little Missouri
river 560 mi (901 km) W U.S. flowing from NE Wyo. N into Missouri River in W N.Dak.

Little Namaqualand
n. ― see NAMAQUALAND

Little Office
: an office in honor of the Virgin Mary like but shorter than the Divine Office

little people
1 : tiny imaginary beings (as fairies, elves, and leprechauns) of folklore
2 : CHILDREN
3 : people of unsually small size
4 : common people

Little Rock
city capital of Ark. on Arkansas River pop 183,133

Little Saint Bernard
mountain pass 7178 ft (2188 m) over Savoy Alps bet. France & Italy S of Mont Blanc

little slam
: the winning of all tricks except one in bridge

little theater
: a small theater for low-cost dramatic productions designed for a relatively limited audience

little toe
: the outermost and smallest digit of the foot

Little Walachia
― see OLTENIA

little woman
: WIFE

littleneck
n. : a young quahog suitable to be eaten raw ― called also littleneck clam

Littleton
Sir Thomas 1422-1481 Eng. jurist

Littleton
town N cen Colo. S of Denver pop 40,340

littoral
n. : of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore especially of the sea

littoral
n. : a coastal region especially : the shore zone between high tide and low tide points

Littre
Maximilien-Paul-Émile 1801-1881 Fr. lexicographer

litu
plural of litas

liturgical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of liturgy
2 : using or favoring the use of liturgy <liturgical churches>
–li·tur·gi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

liturgics
: the practice or study of formal public worship

liturgiologist
: LITURGIST 2

liturgiology
: LITURGICS

liturgist
n. 1 : one who adheres to, compiles, or leads a liturgy
2 : a specialist in liturgics

liturgy
n. 1 often capitalized : a eucharistic rite
2 : a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
3 : a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances

Litvinov
Maksim Maksimovich 1876-1951 Soviet diplomat

Litzmannstadt
― see LODZ

Liu Shao-ch'i
1898-1974 Chin. Communist polit.

livability
n. 1 : survival expectancy : VIABILITY ― used especially of poultry and livestock
2 : suitability for human living

livable
adj. 1 : suitable for living in, on, or with <a livable house> <livable wages>
2 : ENDURABLE
–liv·able·ness noun

live
adj. intransitive verb
1 : to be alive : have the life of an animal or plant
2 : to continue alive
3 : to maintain oneself : SUBSIST <lived on rice and peas>
4 a : to occupy a home : DWELL <living in a shabby room> <they had always lived in the country> b : to be located or stored <the silverware lives here>
5 : to attain eternal life <though he die, yet shall he live ― Jn 11:25(RSV)>
6 : to conduct or pass one's life <lived only for his work>
7 : to remain in human memory or record <the past lives in us all ― W. R. Inge>
8 : to have a life rich in experience
9 : COHABIT
transitive verb
1 : to pass through or spend the duration of <lived their lives alone>
2 : ACT OUT, PRACTICE ― often used with out <to live out their fantasies>
3 : to exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm in <lived life to the fullest>
4 a : to experience firsthand <living a dream> b : to be thoroughly absorbed by or involved with <she lives her work>
–live it up : to live with gusto and usually fast and loose <lived it up with wine and song ― Newsweek>
–live up to : to act or be in accordance with <had no intention of living up to his promise>
–live with : to put up with : ACCEPT, TOLERATE <had to live with their decision>

live
adj. 1 a : having life : LIVING <a live lobster> b : existing in fact or reality : ACTUAL <spoke to a real live celebrity>
2 : exerting force or containing energy: as a : AFIRE, GLOWING <live coals> b : connected to electric power c : charged with explosives and containing shot or a bullet <live ammunition> also : armed but not exploded <a live bomb> d : imparting or driven by power <a live axle> e : being in operation <a live microphone>
3 : abounding with life : VIVID
4 : being in a pure native state
5 : of bright vivid color
6 : of continuing or current interest <live issues>
7 a : not yet printed from or plated <live type> b : not yet typeset <live copy>
8 a : of or involving a presentation (as a play or concert) in which both the performers and an audience are physically present <a live record album> <a nightclub with live entertainment> b : broadcast directly at the time of production <a live radio program>
9 : being in play <a live ball>

live
adj. : at the actual time of occurrence : during, from, or at a live production <the program was broadcast live>

live
adj. live with
live up to
live it up
live action
live bearer
live box
live down
live forever
live in
live load
live oak
live steam
live trap
live wire
lived in
long lived
short lived
assisted living
cost of living index
cost of living
free living
living death
living fossil
living room
living space
living standard
living trust
living unit
living wage
living will
standard of living

live down
: to live so as to wipe out the memory or effects of <made a mistake and couldn't live it down>

live in
: to live in one's place of employment : live in another's home

live it up
to live with gusto and usually fast and loose <lived it up with wine and song ― Newsweek>

live load
: the load to which a structure is subjected in addition to its own weight

live oak
: any of several American evergreen oaks: as a : a medium-sized oak (Quercus virginiana) of southeastern No. America often cultivated as a shelter and shade tree and noted for its extremely hard tough durable wood b : any of several oaks of the western U.S. with evergreen foliage and hard durable wood

live steam
: steam direct from a boiler and under full pressure

live trap
: a trap for catching an animal alive and uninjured

live up to
to act or be in accordance with <had no intention of living up to his promise>

live wire
: an alert, active, or aggressive person
–live-wire adjective

live with
to put up with : ACCEPT, TOLERATE <had to live with their decision>

live-action
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation <a live-action film>

live-bearer
: a fish that brings forth living young rather than eggs especially : any of a family (Poeciliidae) of numerous small surface-feeding fishes (as a molly or swordtail)

live-box
: a box or pen suspended in water to keep aquatic animals alive

live-forever
: SEDUM

live-in
1 : living in one's place of employment <a live-in maid>
2 : involving or involved with cohabitation <a live-in relationship> <a live-in partner>
–live-in noun

lived
adj. : having a life of a specified kind or length <long-lived>

lived
adj. lived in
long lived
short lived

lived-in
: of or suggesting long-term human habitation or use <a comfortable lived-in room> also : showing the effects of age or experience <a lived-in voice>

livelihood
n. 1 : means of support or subsistence
2 obsolete : the quality or state of being lively

livelong
adj. : WHOLE, ENTIRE <the livelong day>

lively
adj. 1 obsolete : LIVING
2 : briskly alert and energetic : VIGOROUS, ANIMATED <a lively discussion> <lively children racing for home>
3 : ACTIVE, INTENSE <takes a lively interest in politics>
4 : BRILLIANT, FRESH <a lively wit>
5 : imparting spirit or vivacity : STIMULATING <many a peer of England brews livelier liquor than the Muse ― A. E. Housman>
6 : quick to rebound : RESILIENT
7 : responding readily to the helm <a lively boat>
8 : full of life, movement, or incident <lively streets at carnival time>
–live·li·ly \'līv-lə-lē\ adverb
–live·li·ness \'līv-lē-nəs\ noun
–lively adverb
synonyms LIVELY, ANIMATED, VIVACIOUS, SPRIGHTLY, GAY mean keenly alive and spirited. LIVELY suggests briskness, alertness, or energy <a lively debate on the issues>. ANIMATED applies to what is spirited and active <an animated discussion of current events>. VIVACIOUS suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring <a vivacious party host>. SPRIGHTLY suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit <a tuneful, sprightly musical>. GAY stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits <the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s>.

liven
v. transitive verb : ENLIVEN ― often used with up <he⋯livened up the editorial page ― Current Biog.>
intransitive verb : to become lively

liver
n. 1 a : a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea) b : any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and prob. concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes
2 archaic : a determinant of the quality or temper of a man
3 : the liver of an animal (as a calf or chicken) eaten as food
4 : a grayish reddish brown ― called also liver brown liver maroon

liver
n. 1 : one that lives especially in a specified way <a fast liver>
2 : RESIDENT

liver
n. liver maroon
liver brown
liver spots
chopped liver
cod liver oil
fatty liver
liver fluke
liver sausage
liver pudding

liver fluke
: any of various trematode worms (as Fasciola hepatica) that invade the mammalian liver

liver sausage
: a sausage containing cooked ground liver and pork trimmings ― called also liver pudding

liver spots
: AGE SPOTS

livered
adj. : expressing vigor or courage considered suggestive of one with (such) a liver <chicken-livered> <lily-livered>

livered
adj. chicken livered
lily livered
milk livered
pigeon livered
white livered

liveried
adj. : wearing a livery <a liveried chauffeur>

liverish
adj. 1 : resembling liver especially in color
2 a : suffering from liver disorder : BILIOUS b : PEEVISH, IRASCIBLE
–liv·er·ish·ness noun

Livermore
city W Calif. SE of Oakland pop 73,345

Liverpool
n. city & port NW England in Merseyside on Mersey estuary pop 448,300
–Liv·er·pud·li·an \ˌli-vər-'pəd-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

liverwort
n. 1 : any of a class (Hepaticae) of bryophytic plants characterized by a thalloid gametophyte or sometimes an upright leafy gametophyte that resembles a moss
2 : HEPATICA

liverwurst
n. : LIVER SAUSAGE

livery
n. 1 archaic : the apportioning of provisions especially to servants : ALLOWANCE
2 a : the distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of rank b : a servant's uniform c : distinctive dress : GARB d chiefly British : an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership
3 archaic a : one's retainers or retinue b : the members of a British livery company
4 : the act of delivering legal possession of property
5 a : the feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay b : LIVERY STABLE c : a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent

livery
n. 1 : resembling liver
2 : suggesting liver disorder

livery
n. livery company
livery stable
livery barn

livery company
: any of various London craft or trade associations that are descended from medieval guilds

livery stable
: a stable where horses and vehicles are kept for hire and where stabling is provided ― called also livery barn

liveryman
n. 1 : a freeman of the City of London entitled to wear the livery of the company to which he belongs
2 archaic : a liveried retainer
3 : the keeper of a vehicle-rental service

lives
n. plural of life

livestock
n. : animals kept or raised for use or pleasure especially : farm animals kept for use and profit

livetrap
: to capture (an animal) in a live trap

livid
adj. 1 : discolored by bruising : BLACK-AND-BLUE <the livid traces of the sharp scourges ― Abraham Cowley>
2 : ASHEN, PALLID <this cross, thy livid face, thy pierced hands and feet ― Walt Whitman>
3 : REDDISH <a fan of gladiolas blushed livid under the electric letters ― Truman Capote>
4 : very angry : ENRAGED <was livid at his son's disobedience>
–li·vid·i·ty \li-'vi-də-tē\ noun
–liv·id·ness \'li-vəd-nəs\ noun

living
n. 1 a : having life b : ACTIVE, FUNCTIONING <living languages>
2 a : exhibiting the life or motion of nature : NATURAL <the wilderness is a living museum⋯of natural history ― NEA Jour.> b : 2LIVE 2A
3 a : full of life or vigor b : true to life : VIVID <televised in living color> c : suited for living <the living area>
4 : involving living persons
5 : VERY ― used as an intensive <scared the living daylights out of me>
–liv·ing·ness noun

living
n. 1 : the condition of being alive
2 a : means of subsistence : LIVELIHOOD <earning a living> b archaic : ESTATE, PROPERTY c British : BENEFICE 1
3 : conduct or manner of life <the collegiate way of living ― J. B. Conant>

living
n. assisted living
cost of living index
cost of living
free living
living death
living fossil
living room
living space
living standard
living trust
living unit
living wage
living will
standard of living

living death
: life emptied of joys and satisfactions

living fossil
: an organism (as a horseshoe crab or a ginkgo tree) that has remained essentially unchanged from earlier geologic times and whose close relatives are usually extinct

living room
1 : a room in a residence used for the common social activities of the occupants
2 : LEBENSRAUM ― called also living space

living standard
: STANDARD OF LIVING

living trust
: a trust that becomes effective during the lifetime of the settlor ― called also inter vivos trust

living unit
: an apartment or house for use by one family

living wage
1 : a subsistence wage
2 : a wage sufficient to provide the necessities and comforts essential to an acceptable standard of living

living will
: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery ― compare ADVANCE DIRECTIVE

livingly
: in a vital manner : REALISTICALLY

Livingston
Robert R. 1746-1813 American statesman

Livingstone
n. David 1813-1873 Scot. missionary & explorer in Africa

Livingstone
n. city S Zambia on the Zambezi pop 82,218

Livingstone Falls
rapids in lower Congo River W equatorial Africa below Pool Malebo; a series of cascades dropping nearly 900 ft (273 m) in 220 mi (352 km)

Livonia
1 region cen Europe bordering on the Baltic in Latvia & Estonia
2 city SE Mich. W of Detroit pop 100,545
–Li·vo·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Livorno
― see LEGHORN

livre
1 : an old French monetary unit equal to 20 sols
2 : a coin representing one livre
3 : the pound of Lebanon

Livy
n. 59 B.C.-A.D. 17 Titus Livius Rom. hist.

lixiviate
v. : to extract a soluble constituent from (a solid mixture) by washing or percolation
–lix·iv·i·a·tion \(ˌ)lik-ˌsi-vē-'ā-shən\ noun

lizard
n. 1 : any of a suborder (Lacertilia) of reptiles distinguished from the snakes by a fused inseparable lower jaw, a single temporal opening, two pairs of well differentiated functional limbs which may be lacking in burrowing forms, external ears, and eyes with movable lids broadly : any relatively long-bodied reptile (as a crocodile or dinosaur) with legs and tapering tail
2 : leather made from lizard skin

lizard
n. horned lizard
lizard's tail
lounge lizard
monitor lizard
thunder lizard
Lizard Head
Lizard Point

Lizard Head
headland SW England in S Cornwall at S tip of The Lizard (peninsula projecting into English Channel); extreme S point of Great Britain, at 49°57′30˝N, 5°12′W

lizard's tail
: a perennial herb (Saururus cernuus of the family Saururaceae) of eastern No. American wetlands having spikes of tiny white flowers

Ljubljana
n. city cen Slovenia, its capital pop 323,291

Lk
Luke

LL
1 limited liability
2 lower left

ll
: WILL <you'll be late>

ll
lines

llama
n. : any of a genus (Lama) of wild or domesticated long-necked So. American ruminants related to the camels but smaller and without a hump especially : a domesticated llama (L. glama) descended from the guanaco and used especially in the Andes as a pack animal and a source of wool

Llanberis
village NW Wales near Snowdon at entrance to Pass of Llanberis (1169 ft or 354 m)

Llandrindod Wells
town E Wales; formerly capital of Powys

Llandudno
town NW Wales on coast pop 18,991

Llanelli
town & port S Wales WNW of Swansea pop 73,500

Llangefni
town NW Wales on Anglesey Is. pop 4265

llano
n. : an open grassy plain in Spanish America or the southwestern U.S.

Llano Estacado
plateau region E & SE N.Mex. & W Tex.

LLB
bachelor of laws

LLC
limited liability company

LLD
doctor of laws

LLM
master of laws

Lloyd George
David 1863-1945 1st Earl of Dwy·for \'dü-ē-ˌvȯr\ Brit. statesman; prime min. (1916-22)

LLP
limited liability partnership

Llull
Ramon ca 1235-1316 Raymond Lul·ly \'lu̇-lē\ Catalan mystic & poet

Llullaillaco
volcano 22,057 ft (6723 m) N Chile in Andes on Argentina border SE of Antofagasta

LM
1 Legion of Merit
2 lunar module

lm
lumen

LMG
light machine gun

LMT
local mean time

ln
n. 1 lane
2 natural logarithm

lndg
landing

LNG
liquefied natural gas

LO
interj. liaison officer

lo
interj. ― used to call attention or to express wonder or surprise <lo these many years>

lo
interj. lo and behold
lo fi
lo mein
Yung lo
Saint Lo

lo and behold
― used to express wonder or surprise

lo mein
: a Chinese dish consisting of sliced vegetables, soft noodles, and usually meat or shrimp in bite-size pieces stir-fried in a seasoned sauce

lo-fi
: the production or reproduction of audio characterized by an unpolished or rough sound quality
–lo-fi adjective

LOA
n. length overall

loach
n. : any of a family (Cobitidae) of small Old World freshwater fishes related to the carps

load
n. 1 a : the quantity that can be carried at one time by a specified means especially : a measured quantity of a commodity fixed for each type of carrier ― often used in combination <a boatload of tourists> b : whatever is put on a person or pack animal to be carried : PACK c : whatever is put in a ship or vehicle or airplane for conveyance : CARGO especially : a quantity of material assembled or packed as a shipping unit
2 a : a mass or weight supported by something <branches bent low by their load of fruit> b : the forces to which a structure is subjected due to superposed weight or to wind pressure on the vertical surfaces broadly : the forces to which a given object is subjected
3 a : something that weighs down the mind or spirits <took a load off her mind> b : a burdensome or laborious responsibility <always carried his share of the load>
4 slang : an intoxicating amount of liquor drunk
5 : a large quantity : LOT ― usually used in plural
6 a : a charge for a firearm b : the quantity of material loaded into a device at one time
7 : external resistance overcome by a machine or prime mover
8 a : power output (as of a power plant) or power consumption (as by a device) b : a device to which power is delivered
9 a (1) : the amount of work that a person carries or is expected to carry (2) : the amount of authorized work to be performed by a machine, a group, a department, or a factory b : the demand on the operating resources of a system (as a telephone exchange or a refrigerating apparatus)
10 slang : EYEFUL ― used in the phrase get a load of
11 : the amount of a deleterious microorganism, parasite, growth, or substance present in a human or animal body <measure viral load in the blood> <the worm load in rats> ― called also burden
12 : an amount added (as to the price of a security or the net premium in insurance) to represent selling expense and profit to the distributor
13 : GENETIC LOAD

load
n. 1 a : to put a load in or on <load a truck> b : to place in or on a means of conveyance <load freight>
2 a : to encumber or oppress with something heavy, laborious, or disheartening : BURDEN <a company loaded down with debts> b : to place as a burden or obligation <load more work on him>
3 a : to increase the weight of by adding something heavy b : to add a conditioning substance (as a mineral salt) to for body c : to weight or shape (dice) to fall unfairly d : to pack with one-sided or prejudicial influences : BIAS e : to charge with multiple meanings (as emotional associations or hidden implications) f : to weight (as a test) with factors influencing validity or outcome
4 a : to supply in abundance or excess : HEAP, PACK b : to put runners on (first, second, and third bases) in baseball
5 a : to put a load or charge in (a device or piece of equipment) <load a gun> b : to place or insert especially as a load in a device or piece of equipment <load film in a camera> c : to copy or transfer (as a program or data) into a computer's memory especially from an external source (as a disk drive or the Internet)
6 : to alter (as an alcoholic drink) by adding an adulterant or drug
7 a : to add a load to (an insurance premium) b : to add a sum to after profits and expenses are accounted for <loaded prices>
intransitive verb
1 : to receive a load
2 : to put a load on or in a carrier, device, or container especially : to insert the charge or cartridge in the chamber of a firearm
3 : to go or go in as a load <tourists loading onto a bus>
4 : to become loaded into a computer's memory <the program loads quickly>
–load·er noun
–load up on
1 : to ingest in usually large amounts <senators loading up on fried chicken and champagne ― H. L. Mencken>
2 : to acquire in usually large amounts <loaded up on hot stocks>

load
n. carbo load
dead load
front end load
front load
genetic load
live load
load up on
load factor
load line
no load
off load
spring load
breech loading
self loading
beast of burden
burden of proof
white man's burden
front end loader
front loader
self loader

load factor
: the percentage of available seats paid for and occupied in an aircraft

load line
: the line on a ship indicating the depth to which it sinks in the water when properly loaded ― see PLIMSOLL MARK illustration

load up on

1 : to ingest in usually large amounts <senators loading up on fried chicken and champagne ― H. L. Mencken>
2 : to acquire in usually large amounts <loaded up on hot stocks>

loaded
adj. 1 slang : HIGH 12B
2 : having a large amount of money
3 a : equipped with an abundance of options <bought a fully loaded car> b : staffed with excellent players <a loaded basketball team>

loading
n. 1 : a cargo, weight, or stress placed on something
2 : LOAD 12
3 : material used to load something : FILLER

loadmaster
n. : a crew member of a transport aircraft who is in charge of the cargo

loadstar
n. variant of lodestar

loadstone
n. variant of lodestone

loaf
n. 1 : a shaped or molded mass of bread
2 : a shaped or molded often symmetrical mass of food
3 slang British : HEAD, MIND

loaf
n. : to spend time in idleness
synonyms see IDLE

loafer
n. 1 : one that loafs : IDLER
2 : a low step-in shoe

loam
n. 1 a : a mixture (as for plastering) composed chiefly of moistened clay b : a coarse molding sand used in founding
2 : SOIL specifically : a soil consisting of a friable mixture of varying proportions of clay, silt, and sand
–loamy \'lō-mē, 'lü-, 'lu̇-\ adjective

loan
n. 1 a : money lent at interest b : something lent usually for the borrower's temporary use
2 a : the grant of temporary use b : the temporary duty of a person transferred to another job for a limited time
3 : LOANWORD

loan
n. : LEND
–loan·able \'lō-nə-bəl\ adjective
usage The verb loan is one of the words English settlers brought to America and continued to use after it had died out in Britain. Its use was soon noticed by British visitors and somewhat later by the New England literati, who considered it a bit provincial. It was flatly declared wrong in 1870 by a popular commentator, who based his objection on etymology. A later scholar showed that the commentator was ignorant of Old English and thus unsound in his objection, but by then it was too late, as the condemnation had been picked up by many other commentators. Although a surprising number of critics still voice objections, loan is entirely standard as a verb. You should note that it is used only literally; lend is the verb used for figurative expressions, such as “lending a hand” or “lending enchantment.”

loan
n. bridge loan
call loan
demand loan
loan shark
loan sharking
loan translation
savings and loan association
savings and loan

loan shark
: one who lends money to individuals at exorbitant rates of interest

loan translation
: a compound, derivative, or phrase that is introduced into a language through translation of the constituents of a term in another language (as superman from German Übermensch)

loan-sharking
: the practice of lending money at exorbitant rates of interest

loaner
n. : one (as a car or a watch) that is lent especially as a replacement for something being repaired

Loange
river 425 mi (684 km) NE Angola & SW Republic of the Congo flowing N into Kasai River

loaning
n. 1 dialect British : LANE
2 dialect British : a milking yard

loanword
n. : a word taken from another language and at least partly naturalized

loath
adj. : unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking : RELUCTANT
synonyms see DISINCLINED
–loath·ness noun

loathe
v. : to dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance : DETEST
synonyms see HATE
–loath·er noun

loathing
n. : extreme disgust : DETESTATION

loathly
adv. : LOATHSOME, REPULSIVE

loathly
adv. : not willingly : RELUCTANTLY

loathsome
adj. : giving rise to loathing : DISGUSTING
–loath·some·ly adverb
–loath·some·ness noun

lob
n. dialect British : a dull heavy person : LOUT

lob
n. transitive verb
1 : to let hang heavily : DROOP
2 : to throw, hit, or propel easily or in a high arc
3 : to direct (as a question or comment) so as to elicit a response
intransitive verb
1 a : to move slowly and heavily b : to move in an arc
2 : to hit a tennis ball easily in a high arc

lob
n. : a soft high-arching shot, throw, or kick

lob
n. : lobe <lobar> <lobotomy>

Lobachevsky
Nikolay Ivanovich 1792-1856 Russ. math.

Lobamba
town, legislative capital of Swaziland

lobar
adj. : of or relating to a lobe

lobate
adj. 1 : LOBED
2 : resembling a lobe
–lo·ba·tion \lō-'bā-shən\ noun

lobby
n. 1 : a corridor or hall connected with a larger room or series of rooms and used as a passageway or waiting room: as a : an anteroom of a legislative chamber especially : one of two anterooms of a British parliamentary chamber to which members go to vote during a division b : a large hall serving as a foyer (as of a hotel or theater)
2 : a group of persons engaged in lobbying especially as representatives of a particular interest group

lobby
n. intransitive verb : to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation
transitive verb
1 : to promote (as a project) or secure the passage of (as legislation) by influencing public officials
2 : to attempt to influence or sway (as a public official) toward a desired action
–lob·by·er noun
–lob·by·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun
–lob·by·ist \-ist\ noun

lobbygow
: an errand boy

lobe
n. : a curved or rounded projection or division specifically : a usually somewhat rounded projection or division of a bodily organ or part

lobe
n. lobe fin
frontal lobe
lobe finned
occipital lobe
olfactory lobe
optic lobe
parietal lobe
temporal lobe

lobe-fin
: CROSSOPTERYGIAN
–lobe-finned \-'find\ adjective

lobectomy
n. : surgical removal of a lobe of an organ (as a lung) or gland (as the thyroid)

lobed
adj. : having lobes <palmately lobed leaves>

lobelia
n. 1 : any of a genus (Lobelia of the family Lobeliaceae, the lobelia family) of widely cultivated plants having terminal clusters of showy lipped flowers
2 : the leaves and tops of Indian tobacco

lobeline
n. : a crystalline alkaloid C_22H_27NO_2 that is obtained from Indian tobacco and is used chiefly as a respiratory stimulant and as a smoking deterrent

Lobengula
ca 1836-1894 Zulu king of the Matabele

Lobito
city & port W Angola pop 59,528

loblolly
n. 1 dialect a : a thick gruel b : MIRE, MUDHOLE
2 dialect : LOUT
3 : LOBLOLLY PINE

loblolly pine
: a pine (Pinus taeda) of the southeastern U.S. with flaky bark, long needles in groups of three, and cones having spine-tipped scales also : its coarse-grained wood

lobo
n. : GRAY WOLF

Lobos, Point
1 promontory Calif. in San Francisco on S side of entrance to the Golden Gate
2 promontory Calif. on the Pacific SW of Monterey

lobotomise
v. British variant of lobotomize

lobotomize
v. 1 : to perform a lobotomy on
2 : to deprive of sensitivity, intelligence, or vitality <fear of prosecution was causing the press to lobotomize itself ― Tony Eprile>

lobotomy
n. : surgical severance of nerve fibers connecting the frontal lobes to the thalamus performed especially formerly for the relief of some mental disorders

lobscouse
n. : a sailor's dish of stewed or baked meat with vegetables and hardtack

lobster
n. 1 : any of a family (Nephropidae and especially Homarus americanus) of large edible marine decapod crustaceans that have stalked eyes, a pair of large claws, and a long abdomen and that include species from coasts on both sides of the No. Atlantic and from the Cape of Good Hope
2 : SPINY LOBSTER
–lob·ster·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

lobster
n. Norway lobster
lobster pot
lobster trap
lobster shift
lobster trick
lobster thermidor
rock lobster
spiny lobster

lobster pot
: an oblong case with slat sides and a funnel-shaped net used to trap lobsters ― called also lobster trap

lobster shift
: a work shift (as on a newspaper) that covers the late evening and early morning hours ― called also lobster trick

lobster thermidor
: cooked lobster meat in a rich wine sauce stuffed into a lobster shell and browned

lobstering
: the activity or business of catching lobsters

lobsterman
: one whose business is lobstering

lobular
adj. : of, relating to, affecting, or resembling a lobule

lobulated
adj. : made up of or having lobules <the pancreas is a lobulated organ>
–lob·u·la·tion \ˌlä-byə-'lā-shən\ noun

lobule
n. : a small lobe also : a subdivision of a lobe

loc cit
in the place cited

local
n. 1 : characterized by or relating to position in space : having a definite spatial form or location
2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a particular place : not general or widespread b : of, relating to, or applicable to part of a whole
3 a : primarily serving the needs of a particular limited district b of a public conveyance : making all the stops on a route
4 : involving or affecting only a restricted part of the organism : TOPICAL <a local anesthetic>
5 : of or relating to telephone communication within a specified area

local
n. : a local person or thing: as a : a local public conveyance (as a train or an elevator) b : a local or particular branch, lodge, or chapter of an organization (as a labor union) c British : a nearby or neighborhood pub

local
n. local area network
local color
local government
local option
local time

local area network
: a network of personal computers in a small area (as an office) for sharing resources (as a printer) or exchanging data

local color
: the presentation of the features and peculiarities of a particular locality and its inhabitants in writing

local government
: the government of a specific local area constituting a subdivision of a major political unit (as a nation or state) also : the body of persons constituting such a government

local option
: the power granted by a legislature to a political subdivision to determine by popular vote the local applicability of a law on a controversial issue (as the sale of liquor)

local time
: time based on the meridian through a particular place as contrasted with that of a time zone

locale
n. 1 : a place or locality especially when viewed in relation to a particular event or characteristic
2 : SITE, SCENE <the locale of a story>

localise
v. British variant of localize

localism
n. 1 a : a local idiom b : a local peculiarity of speaking or acting
2 : affection or partiality for a particular place : SECTIONALISM

localite
: a native or resident of the locality under consideration : LOCAL

locality
n. 1 : the fact or condition of having a location in space or time
2 : a particular place, situation, or location

localize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make local : orient locally
2 : to assign to or keep within a definite locality
intransitive verb : to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area <an infection that localizes in the ear>
–lo·cal·iz·abil·i·ty \ˌlō-kə-ˌlī-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–lo·cal·iz·able \'lō-kə-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–lo·cal·i·za·tion \ˌlō-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

locally
adj. 1 : with respect to a particular place or situation
2 : NEARBY
3 : in the region of origin

Locarno
commune SE cen Switzerland pop 14,430

locate
v. intransitive verb : to establish oneself or one's business : SETTLE
transitive verb
1 : to determine or indicate the place, site, or limits of
2 : to set or establish in a particular spot : STATION
3 : to seek out and determine the location of
4 : to find or fix the place of especially in a sequence : CLASSIFY
–lo·cat·able \-ˌkā-tə-bəl, -'kā-\ adjective

location
n. 1 a : a position or site occupied or available for occupancy or marked by some distinguishing feature : SITUATION b (1) : a tract of land designated for a purpose (2) Australian : FARM, STATION c : a place outside a motion-picture studio where a picture or part of it is filmed ― usually used in the phrase on location
2 : the act or process of locating
3 : the placement of baseball pitches in a particular area of the strike zone also : the ability to control the placement of pitches
–lo·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–lo·ca·tion·al·ly adverb

locative
n. : the locative case also : a word in that case

locative
n. : of or being a grammatical case that denotes place or the place where or wherein

locator
n. : one that locates something (as a mining claim or the course of a road)

loch
n. 1 Scottish : LAKE
2 Scottish : a bay or arm of the sea especially when nearly landlocked

loch
n. Achray Loch
Holy Loch
Katrine Loch
Leven Loch
Linnhe Loch
Lomond Loch
Ness Loch
Rannoch Loch

lochan
n. Scottish : a small lake

Lochgilphead
burgh W Scotland at head of arm of Firth of Clyde

loci
n. plural of locus

loci
n. genius loci
loci classici
religio loci

lock
n. 1 a : a tuft, tress, or ringlet of hair b plural : the hair of the head
2 : a cohering bunch (as of wool, cotton, or flax) : TUFT
3 plural : DREADLOCK 2

lock
n. 1 a : a fastening (as for a door) operated by a key or a combination b : the mechanism for exploding the charge or cartridge of a firearm
2 a : an enclosure (as in a canal) with gates at each end used in raising or lowering boats as they pass from level to level b : AIR LOCK
3 a : a locking or fastening together b : an intricate mass of objects impeding each other (as in a traffic jam) c : a hold in wrestling secured on one part of the body broadly : a controlling hold <his paper⋯had a lock on a large part of the state ― John Corry>
4 : one that is assured of success or favorable outcome

lock
n. 1 a : to fasten the lock of b : to make fast with or as if with a lock <lock up the house>
2 a : to fasten in or out or to make secure or inaccessible by or as if by means of locks <locked himself away from the curious world> <locked her husband out> b : to fix in a particular situation or method of operation <a team firmly locked in last place>
3 a : to make fast, motionless, or inflexible especially by the interlacing or interlocking of parts <lock wheels> <lock a knee> b : to hold in a close embrace c : to grapple in combat also : to bind closely <administration and students were locked in conflict>
4 : to invest (capital) without assurance of easy convertibility into money
5 : to move or permit to pass (as a ship) by raising or lowering in a lock
intransitive verb
1 a : to become locked b : to be capable of being locked
2 : INTERLACE, INTERLOCK
3 : to go or pass by means of a lock (as in a canal)
–lock·able \'lä-kə-bəl\ adjective
–lock horns : to come into conflict
–lock on or lock onto : to acquire (as a target or signal) automatically using a sensor (as radar)

lock
n. lock onto
air lock
lip lock
lock on
lock horns
lock out
lock stock and barrel
scalp lock
time lock
vapor lock
wheel lock
locked in
self locking

lock horns
to come into conflict

lock on
or lock onto : to acquire (as a target or signal) automatically using a sensor (as radar)

lock out
: to subject (a body of employees) to a lockout

lock, stock, and barrel
: WHOLLY, COMPLETELY <the only thing which had not been sold lock, stock, and barrel with the⋯house was this piano ― Marcia Davenport>

lockbox
n. : a box (as a post-office box, strongbox, or safe-deposit box) that locks

lockdown
n. : the confinement of prisoners to their cells for all or most of the day as a temporary security measure

Locke
n. John 1632-1704 Eng. philos.
–Lock·ean also Locke·ian \'lä-kē-ən\ adjective

locked-in
1 : not subject to adjustment : FIXED <locked-in interest rates>
2 : unable or unwilling to shift invested funds because of the tax effect of realizing capital gains

locker
n. 1 a : a drawer, cupboard, or compartment that may be closed with a lock especially : one for individual storage use b : a chest or compartment on shipboard for compact stowage of articles c : a refrigerated compartment or room for the storage of fresh or frozen foods <a meat locker>
2 : one that locks

locker room
: a room for changing clothes and for storing clothing and equipment in lockers especially : one for use by sports players

locker-room
: of, relating to, or suitable for use in a locker room especially : of a coarse or sexual nature <locker-room talk>

locket
n. : a small case usually of precious metal that has space for a memento and that is worn typically suspended from a chain or necklace

Lockhart
John Gibson 1794-1854 Scot. nov. & biographer

lockjaw
n. : an early symptom of tetanus characterized by spasm of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws also : TETANUS

lockkeeper
n. : a person in charge of a lock (as on a canal)

locknut
n. 1 : a nut screwed down hard on another to prevent it from slacking back
2 : a nut so constructed that it locks itself when screwed tight against another part

lockout
n. : the withholding of employment by an employer and the whole or partial closing of the business establishment in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees

lockram
: a coarse plain-woven linen formerly used in England

locksmith
n. : a person who makes or repairs locks

locksmithing
: the work or business of a locksmith

lockstep
n. 1 : a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible
2 : a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality
–in lockstep : in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison <politicians marching in lockstep with the party line>

lockstitch
n. : a sewing machine stitch formed by the looping together of two threads one on each side of the material being sewn
–lockstitch verb

lockup
n. 1 : JAIL especially : a local jail where persons are detained prior to court hearing
2 : an act of locking : the state of being locked

Lockyer
Sir Joseph Norman 1836-1920 Eng. astron.

loco
n. : in the register as written ― used as a direction in music

loco
n. 1 : LOCOWEED
2 : LOCOISM

loco
n. 1 : to poison with locoweed
2 : to make frenzied or crazy

loco
n. slang : mentally disordered : CRAZY, FRENZIED

loco
n. in loco parentis
desipere in loco
suo loco

Locofoco
1 : a member of a radical group of New York Democrats organized in 1835 in opposition to the regular party organization
2 : DEMOCRAT 2

locoism
n. : a disease usually of horses, cattle, and sheep that is caused by chronic poisoning with locoweeds

locomote
: to move about

locomotion
n. 1 : an act or the power of moving from place to place
2 : TRAVEL <interest in free locomotion and choice of occupation ― Zechariah Chafee Jr.>

locomotive
n. 1 : LOCOMOTORY
2 : of or relating to travel
3 : of, relating to, or being a machine that moves about by operation of its own mechanism

locomotive
n. 1 : a self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails and is used for moving railroad cars
2 : a school or college cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed

locomotor
n. 1 : of, relating to, or functioning in locomotion
2 : affecting or involving the locomotor organs

locomotor ataxia
: TABES DORSALIS

locomotory
adj. 1 : LOCOMOTOR <locomotory appendages>
2 : capable of moving independently from place to place <locomotory animals>

locoweed
n. : any of several leguminous plants (genera Astragalus and Oxytropis) of western No. America that cause locoism especially in livestock

Locris
region of ancient Greece N of Gulf of Corinth
–Lo·cri·an \-krē-ən\ adjective or noun

locular
adj. : having or composed of loculi ― often used in combination <unilocular>

locule
n. : LOCULUS especially : any of the cells of a compound ovary of a plant
–loc·uled \-(ˌ)kyüld\ adjective

loculicidal
: dehiscing longitudinally so as to bisect each loculus <loculicidal fruit>

loculus
n. : a small chamber or cavity especially in a plant or animal body

locum
n. chiefly British : LOCUM TENENS

locum tenens
: one filling an office for a time or temporarily taking the place of another ― used especially of a doctor or clergyman

locus
n. 1 a : the place where something is situated or occurs : SITE, LOCATION <was the culture of medicine in the beginning dispersed from a single focus or did it arise in several loci? ― S. C. Harvey> b : a center of activity, attention, or concentration <in democracy the locus of power is in the people ― H. G. Rickover>
2 : the set of all points whose location is determined by stated conditions
3 : the position in a chromosome of a particular gene or allele

locus
n. locus classicus
locus coeruleus
locus ceruleus
locus in quo
genius loci
loci classici
religio loci

locus classicus
1 : a passage that has become a standard for the elucidation of a word or subject
2 : a classic case or example

locus coeruleus
: a bluish area of the brain stem with many norepinephrine-containing neurons

locus in quo
: place in which

locust
n. 1 : SHORT-HORNED GRASSHOPPER especially : a migratory grasshopper often traveling in vast swarms and stripping the areas passed of all vegetation
2 : CICADA
3 a : any of various leguminous trees: as (1) : CAROB 1 (2) : BLACK LOCUST (3) : HONEY LOCUST b : the wood of a locust tree

locust
n. black locust
desert locust
honey locust
locust bean
red legged locust
seventeen year locust

locust bean
: CAROB

locution
n. 1 : a particular form of expression or a peculiarity of phrasing especially : a word or expression characteristic of a region, group, or cultural level
2 : style of discourse : PHRASEOLOGY

Lod
n. city cen Israel pop 45,500

lode
n. 1 dialect English : WATERWAY
2 : an ore deposit
3 : something that resembles a lode : an abundant store

loden
n. 1 : a thick woolen cloth used for outer clothing
2 : a variable color averaging a dull grayish green

lodestar
n. 1 archaic : a star that leads or guides especially : NORTH STAR
2 : one that serves as an inspiration, model, or guide

lodestone
n. 1 : magnetite possessing polarity
2 : something that strongly attracts

Lodge
n. Henry Cabot 1850-1924 American statesman & author

Lodge
n. Henry Cabot 1902-1985 grandson of prec. American polit. & diplomat

Lodge
n. Sir Oliver Joseph 1851-1940 Eng. physicist

Lodge
n. Thomas 1558-1625 Eng. poet & dram.

lodge
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to provide temporary quarters for (2) : to rent lodgings to b : to establish or settle in a place
2 : to serve as a receptacle for : CONTAIN
3 : to beat (as a crop) flat to the ground
4 : to bring to an intended or a fixed position (as by throwing or thrusting)
5 : to deposit for safeguard or preservation
6 : to place or vest especially in a source, means, or agent
7 : to lay (as a complaint) before a proper authority : FILE
intransitive verb
1 a : to occupy a place temporarily : SLEEP b (1) : to have a residence : DWELL (2) : to be a lodger
2 : to come to a rest
3 : to fall or lie down ― used especially of hay or grain crops

lodge
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a rude shelter or abode
2 a : a house set apart for residence in a particular season (as the hunting season) b : a resort hotel : INN
3 a : a house on an estate orig. for the use of a gamekeeper, caretaker, or porter b : a shelter for an employee (as a gatekeeper)
4 : a den or lair especially of gregarious animals (as beavers)
5 a : the meeting place of a branch of an organization and especially a fraternal organization b : the body of members of such a branch
6 a : WIGWAM b : a family of No. American Indians

lodge
n. motor lodge
sweat lodge
lodging house

lodgepole pine
: any of several pines of western No. America with needles in pairs and short ovoid usually asymmetric cones: as a : a small chiefly coastal pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) with thick deeply furrowed bark and hard strong coarse-grained medium-light wood b : a tall straight pine (P. contorta var. latifolia) with thin and little furrowed bark and soft weak fine-grained lightweight wood

lodger
n. : ROOMER

lodging
n. 1 a : a place to live : DWELLING b : LODGMENT 3B
2 a (1) : sleeping accommodations <found lodging in the barn> (2) : a temporary place to stay <a lodging for the night> b : a room in the house of another used as a residence ― usually used in plural
3 : the act of lodging

lodging house
: ROOMING HOUSE

lodgment
n. 1 a : a lodging place : SHELTER b : ACCOMMODATIONS, LODGINGS <found lodgment in the city>
2 a : the act, fact, or manner of lodging <a hut for temporary lodgment of cattlemen> b : a placing, depositing, or coming to rest
3 a : an accumulation or collection deposited in a place or remaining at rest b : a place of rest or deposit

Lodi
1 \'lō-ˌdī\ city cen Calif. SSE of Sacramento pop 56,999
2 \'lō-ˌdī\ borough NE N.J. SE of Paterson pop 23,971
3 \'lȯ-(ˌ)dē\ commune N Italy in Lombardy SE of Milan pop 41,319

lodicule
n. : one of usually two delicate membranous hyaline scales at the base of the ovary of a grass that by their swelling assist in anthesis

Lodz
n. city cen Poland WSW of Warsaw pop 851,690

Loeb
Jacques 1859-1924 American (Ger.-born) physiol.

loess
n. : an unstratified usually buff to yellowish brown loamy deposit found in No. America, Europe, and Asia and believed to be chiefly deposited by the wind
–loess·ial \'le-sē-əl, 'lə-, lō-'e-, 'lər-\ adjective

Loewe
Frederick 1901-1988 American (Austrian-born) composer

Loewi
Otto 1873-1961 American (Ger.-born) pharmacologist

Loffler
n. Friedrich August Johannes 1852-1915 Ger. bacteriol.

Lofoten
island group Norway off NW coast SW of Vesterålen area 475 sq mi (1235 sq km)

loft
n. 1 : an upper room or floor : ATTIC
2 a : a gallery in a church or hall b : one of the upper floors of a warehouse or business building especially when not partitioned <living in a converted loft> c : HAYLOFT
3 a : the backward slant of the face of a golf-club head b : the act of lofting
4 : the thickness of a fabric or insulating material (as goose down)
–loft·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

loft
n. 1 : to place, house, or store in a loft
2 : to propel through the air or into space <lofted a long hit to center> <instruments lofted by a powerful rocket>
3 : to lay out a full-sized working drawing of the lines and contours of (as a ship's hull)
intransitive verb
1 : to propel a ball high into the air
2 : to rise high

lofty
adj. 1 a : elevated in character and spirit : NOBLE <lofty ideals> b : elevated in status : SUPERIOR
2 : having a haughty overbearing manner : SUPERCILIOUS
3 a : rising to a great height : impressively high <lofty mountains> b : REMOTE, ESOTERIC
4 : having full-bodied, firm, and resilient textile fibers <lofty flannel>
synonyms see HIGH
–loft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–loft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

log
n. 1 : a usually bulky piece or length of a cut or fallen tree especially : a length of a tree trunk ready for sawing and over six feet (1.8 meters) long
2 : an apparatus for measuring the rate of a ship's motion through the water that consists of a block fastened to a line and run out from a reel
3 a : the record of the rate of a ship's speed or of her daily progress also : the full nautical record of a ship's voyage b : the full record of a flight by an aircraft
4 : a record of performance, events, or day-to-day activities

log
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut (trees) for lumber b : to clear (land) of trees in lumbering ― often used with off
2 : to make a note or record of : enter details of or about in a log
3 a : to move (an indicated distance) or attain (an indicated speed) as noted in a log b (1) : to sail a ship or fly an airplane for (an indicated distance or period of time) (2) : to have (an indicated record) to one's credit : ACHIEVE
intransitive verb : 3LUMBER 1

log
n. : LOGARITHM

log
n. logic

log
n. : word : thought : speech : discourse <logogram> <logorrhea>

log
n. ― see -LOGUE

log
n. peeler log
gas log
log in
log on
Yule log

log in
: LOG ON
–log-in \'lȯg-ˌin, 'läg-\ noun

log on
: to establish communication and initiate interaction with a time-shared computer or network ― often used with to
–log-on \'lȯg-ˌȯn, 'läg-ˌän\ noun

Logan
n. city N Utah pop 42,670

Logan, Mount
mountain 19,524 ft (5951 m) Canada in SW Yukon Territory; highest in St. Elias & Coast ranges & in Canada & 2d highest in N. America

loganberry
n. : a red-fruited upright-growing dewberry (Rubus loganobaccus) usually regarded as a hybrid of a western dewberry and a red raspberry or sometimes as a variety (R. ursinus loganobaccus) of a western dewberry also : its berry

logaoedic
: marked by the mixture of several meters specifically : having a rhythm that uses both dactyls and trochees or anapests and iambs
–logaoedic noun

logarithm
n. : the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number <the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2>
–log·a·rith·mic \ˌlȯ-gə-'rith-mik, ˌlä-\ adjective
–log·a·rith·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

logarithm
n. common logarithm
Napierian logarithm
natural logarithm
logarithmic function

logarithmic function
: a function (as y = loga x or y = ln x) that is the inverse of an exponential function (as y = ax or y = ex) so that the independent variable appears in a logarithm

logbook
n. 1 : LOG 3
2 : LOG 4

loge
n. 1 a : a small compartment : BOOTH b : a box in a theater
2 a : a small partitioned area b : a separate forward section of a theater mezzanine or balcony c : a raised section or level of seats in a sports stadium

logged
1 : HEAVY, SLUGGISH
2 : sodden especially with water

logger
n. : one engaged in logging

loggerhead
n. 1 chiefly dialect a : BLOCKHEAD b : HEAD especially : a disproportionately large head
2 a : a very large chiefly carnivorous sea turtle (Caretta caretta) of subtropical and temperate waters b : ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE
3 : an iron tool consisting of a long handle terminating in a ball or bulb that is heated and used to melt tar or to heat liquids
–at loggerheads : in or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement

loggerhead shrike
: a large-headed gray shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) of No. America with a black mask around the eyes

loggets
: a game formerly played in England in which participants throw pieces of wood at a stake

loggia
n. : a roofed open gallery especially at an upper story overlooking an open court

logic
n. 1 a (1) : a science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration : the science of the formal principles of reasoning (2) : a branch or variety of logic <modal logic> <Boolean logic> (3) : a branch of semiotic especially : SYNTACTICS (4) : the formal principles of a branch of knowledge b (1) : a particular mode of reasoning viewed as valid or faulty (2) : RELEVANCE, PROPRIETY c : interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable d : the arrangement of circuit elements (as in a computer) needed for computation also : the circuits themselves
2 : something that forces a decision apart from or in opposition to reason <the logic of war>
–lo·gi·cian \lō-'ji-shən\ noun

logic
n. chop logic
fuzzy logic
logic bomb
mathematical logic
symbolic logic

logic bomb
: a computer program often hidden within another seemingly innocuous program that is designed to perform usually malicious actions (as deleting files) when certain conditions have been met

logical
adj. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, involving, or being in accordance with logic (2) : skilled in logic b : formally true or valid : ANALYTIC, DEDUCTIVE
2 : capable of reasoning or of using reason in an orderly cogent fashion <a logical thinker>
–log·i·cal·i·ty \ˌlä-jə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–log·i·cal·ly \'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–log·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

logical
adj. logical positivism
logical positivist
logical empiricism

logical positivism
: a 20th century philosophical movement that holds characteristically that all meaningful statements are either analytic or conclusively verifiable or at least confirmable by observation and experiment and that metaphysical theories are therefore strictly meaningless ― called also logical empiricism
–logical positivist noun

logion
n. : SAYING especially : a saying attributed to Jesus

logistic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to symbolic logic b : of or relating to the philosophical attempt to reduce mathematics to logic
2 : of or relating to logistics
3 logistic : of, represented by, or relating to a logistic curve <a logistic process>
–lo·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

logistic
adj. : SYMBOLIC LOGIC

logistic curve
: an S-shaped curve that represents an exponential function and is used in mathematical models of growth processes

logistician
n. : a specialist in logistics

logistics
n. 1 : the aspect of military science dealing with the procurement, maintenance, and transportation of military matériel, facilities, and personnel
2 : the handling of the details of an operation

logjam
n. 1 : a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse
2 a : DEADLOCK, IMPASSE <trying to break the logjam in negotiations> b : BLOCKAGE c : JAM, CROWD
–logjam transitive verb

lognormal
: relating to or being a normal distribution that is the distribution of the logarithm of a random variable also : relating to or being such a random variable
–log·nor·mal·i·ty \-nȯr-'ma-lə-tē\ noun
–log·nor·mal·ly \-'nȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

Logo
n. : a computer programming language that employs simple English commands and is used especially for introducing school children to computers

logo
n. 1 : LOGOTYPE
2 : an identifying statement : MOTTO

logo
n. ― see LOG-

logocentrism
1 : a philosophy holding that all forms of thought are based on an external point of reference which is held to exist and given a certain degree of authority
2 : a philosophy that privileges speech over writing as a form of communication because the former is closer to an originating transcendental source
–logo·cen·tric \-'sen-trik\ adjective

logogram
n. : a letter, symbol, or sign used to represent an entire word <the ampersand and dollar sign are logograms>
–logo·gram·mat·ic \ˌlȯ-gə-grə-'ma-tik, ˌlä-\ adjective

logograph
n. : LOGOGRAM

logographic
: of, relating to, or marked by the use of logographs : consisting of logographs
–logo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

logogriph
: a word puzzle (as an anagram)

logomachy
n. 1 : a dispute over or about words
2 : a controversy marked by verbiage

logorrhea
n. : excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness
–log·or·rhe·ic \-'rē-ik\ adjective

Logos
n. 1 : the divine wisdom manifest in the creation, government, and redemption of the world and often identified with the second person of the Trinity
2 : reason that in ancient Greek philosophy is the controlling principle in the universe

logotype
n. 1 : a single piece of type or a single plate faced with a term (as the name of a newspaper or a trademark)
2 : an identifying symbol (as for use in advertising)

logroll
v. intransitive verb : to take part in logrolling
transitive verb : to promote passage of by logrolling
–log·roll·er noun

logrolling
n. 1 [from a former American custom of neighbors assisting one another in rolling logs into a pile for burning] : the exchanging of assistance or favors specifically : the trading of votes by legislators to secure favorable action on projects of interest to each one
2 : the rolling of logs in water by treading also : a sport in which contestants treading logs try to dislodge one another

Logrono
commune capital of La Rioja province, Spain, on the Ebro pop 133,058

logue
1 : discourse : talk <duologue>
2 : student : specialist <sinologue>

logwood
n. 1 a : a leguminous tree (Haematoxylon campechianum) of Mexico and the West Indies b : the very hard brown or brownish-red heartwood of logwood
2 : a dye extracted from the heartwood of logwood ― compare HEMATOXYLIN

logy
adj. : marked by sluggishness and lack of vitality : GROGGY

logy
adj. 1 : oral or written expression <phraseology>
2 : doctrine : theory : science <ethnology>

Lohengrin
: a son of Parsifal and knight of the Holy Grail in Germanic legend

loin
n. 1 a : the part of a human being or quadruped on each side of the spinal column between the hipbone and the false ribs b : a cut of meat comprising this part of one or both sides of a carcass with the adjoining half of the vertebrae included but without the flank
2 plural a : the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips b (1) : the pubic region (2) : the reproductive organs

loincloth
n. : a cloth worn about the loins often as the sole article of clothing in warm climates

Loire
n. river 634 mi (1020 km) cen France flowing from the Massif Central NW & W into Bay of Biscay

loiter
v. 1 : to delay an activity with idle stops and pauses : DAWDLE
2 a : to remain in an area for no obvious reason b : to lag behind
synonyms see DELAY
–loiter noun
–loi·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

Loiza
city Puerto Rico pop 32,537

Loki
: a Norse god who contrives evil and mischief for his fellow gods

Lolita
n. : a precociously seductive girl

loll
v. intransitive verb
1 : to hang loosely or laxly : DROOP
2 : to act or move in a lax, lazy, or indolent manner : LOUNGE
transitive verb : to let droop or dangle
synonyms see IDLE
–loll·er \'lä-lər\ noun

loll
v. archaic : the act of lolling : a relaxed posture

Lolland
island Denmark in the Baltic S of Sjælland area 477 sq mi (1240 sq km), pop 69,796

lollapalooza
n. : one that is extraordinarily impressive also : an outstanding example

Lollard
n. : one of the followers of Wycliffe who traveled in the 14th and 15th centuries as lay preachers throughout England and Scotland
–Lol·lard·ism \-lər-ˌdi-zəm\ noun
–Lol·lardy \-lər-dē\ noun

lollipop
n. 1 : a piece of hard candy on the end of a stick
2 British : a round stop sign on a pole used to stop traffic (as at a school crossing)

lollop
v. 1 dialect English : LOLL
2 : to proceed with a bounding or bobbing motion

lolly
n. 1 British : a piece of candy especially : HARD CANDY
2 British : MONEY

lollygag
v. : FOOL AROUND 1 : DAWDLE

Lomami
river ab 800 mi (1285 km) cen Democratic Republic of the Congo flowing N into Congo River

Lomas
city E Argentina SW of Buenos Aires pop 572,769

Lomax
John Avery 1867-1948 and his son Alan 1915-2002 American folklorists

Lombard
n. 1 a : a member of a Germanic people that invaded Italy in A.D. 568 and established a kingdom in the Po valley b : a native or inhabitant of Lombardy
2 [from the prominence of Lombards as moneylenders] : BANKER, MONEYLENDER
–Lom·bar·di·an \läm-'bär-dē-ən\ adjective
–Lom·bar·dic \läm-'bär-dik\ adjective

Lombard
n. Peter ― see PETER LOMBARD

Lombard
n. village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 42,322

Lombardy
n. region N Italy chiefly N of the Po capital Milan pop 9,121,714

Lombardy poplar
: a poplar of a staminate variety (Populus nigra italica) of a European poplar having a columnar shape and strongly ascending branches

Lomblen
island Indonesia in the Lesser Sundas E of Flores area 468 sq mi (1217 sq km)

Lombok
island Indonesia in the Lesser Sundas E of Bali; chief town Mataram area 1825 sq mi (4745 sq km), pop 1,300,234

Lombroso
Ce·sa·re \'chā-zä-ˌrā\ 1836-1909 Ital. physician & psychiatrist

Lome
n. city & port capital of Togo pop 229,400

loment
n. : a dry indehiscent fruit (as of tick trefoil) that is a modified legume having constrictions between the seeds and that breaks into one-seeded segments at maturity

Lomond
Ben Lomond
Lomond Ben
Lomond Loch

Lomond, Ben
mountain 3192 ft (973 m) S cen Scotland on E side of Loch Lomond

Lomond, Loch
lake 24 mi (39 km) long S cen Scotland; largest in Scotland

Lompoc
city SW Calif. W of Santa Barbara pop 41,103

Lond
London

London
n. John Griffith 1876-1916 Jack London American writer

London
n. 1 city Canada in SE Ont. on Thames River pop 336,539
2 city & port SE England capital of United Kingdom formerly constituting an administrative county; comprises City of London or The City (approximately coextensive with anc Lon·din·i·um \län-'di-nē-əm, ˌlən-\; pop 4000) & 32 other boroughs, which together are referred to as the metropolitan county of Greater London (area 632 sq mi or 1637 sq km, pop 6,377,900)
–Lon·don·er \-də-nər\ noun

London
n. London broil
London plane
London plane tree
East London
Greater London
New London

London broil
: a boneless cut of beef (as from the shoulder or flank) usually served sliced diagonally across the grain

London plane
: a large pollution-resistant plane (Platanus acerifolia) often planted as a street tree that is a hybrid between an Eurasian plane (P. orientalis) and the American sycamore (P. occidentalis) ― called also London plane tree

Londonderry
n. 1 \'lən-dən-ˌder-ē\ town SE N.H. NE of Nashua pop 23,236
2 ― see DERRY
3 \ˌlən-dən-'der-ē, 'lən-dən-ˌ\ traditional county N Northern Ireland

lone
adj. 1 a : having no company : SOLITARY b : preferring solitude
2 : ONLY, SOLE
3 : situated by itself : ISOLATED
synonyms see ALONE
–lone·ness \'lōn-nəs\ noun

lone
adj. lone ranger
lone star tick
lone wolf

lone ranger
: one who acts alone and without consultation or the approval of others broadly : LONER

lone star tick
: an ixodid tick (Amblyomma americanum) of the southern, central, and eastern U.S. that attacks mammals and birds, is a vector of several diseases (as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis), and in which the adult female has a single white spot on the back

lone wolf
: a person who prefers to work, act, or live alone
–lone-wolf adjective

lonely
adj. 1 a : being without company : LONE b : cut off from others : SOLITARY
2 : not frequented by human beings : DESOLATE
3 : sad from being alone : LONESOME
4 : producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation
synonyms see ALONE
–lone·li·ness \'lōn-lē-nəs\ noun

lonely hearts
: of or relating to lonely persons who are seeking companions or spouses

loner
n. : one that avoids others especially : INDIVIDUALIST

lonesome
adj. 1 a : sad or dejected as a result of lack of companionship or separation from others <don't be lonesome while we are gone> b : causing a feeling of loneliness <the empty house seemed so lonesome>
2 a : REMOTE, UNFREQUENTED <look down, look down that lonesome road ― Gene Austin> b : LONE
synonyms see ALONE
–lone·some·ly adverb
–lone·some·ness noun

lonesome
adj. : SELF <sat all by his lonesome>

Long
n. Crawford Williamson 1815-1878 American surgeon

Long
n. Hu·ey \'hyü-ē\ Pierce 1893-1935 American polit.

Long
n. Stephen Harriman 1784-1864 American army officer & explorer

long
n. 1 a : extending for a considerable distance b : having greater length than usual <a long corridor> c : having greater height than usual : TALL d : having a greater length than breadth : ELONGATED e : having a greater length than desirable or necessary <the column is one line too long> f : FULL-LENGTH <long pants>
2 a : having a specified length <six feet long> b : forming the chief linear dimension <the long side of the room>
3 a : extending over a considerable time <a long friendship> b : having a specified duration <two hours long> c : prolonged beyond the usual time <a long look> d : lasting too long : TEDIOUS <a long explanation>
4 a : containing many items in a series <a long list> b : having a specified number of units <300 pages long> c : consisting of a greater number or amount than usual : LARGE
5 a of a speech sound : having a relatively long duration b : being the member of a pair of similarly spelled vowel or vowel-containing sounds that is descended from a vowel long in duration <long a in fate> <long i in sign> c of a syllable in prosody (1) : of relatively extended duration (2) : bearing a stress or accent
6 : having the capacity to reach, extend, or travel a considerable distance <a long left jab> <tried to hit the long ball>
7 : larger or longer than the standard <a long count by the referee>
8 a : extending far into the future <the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts ― H. W. Longfellow> b : extending beyond what is known <a long guess> c : payable after a considerable period <a long note>
9 : possessing a high degree or a great deal of something specified : STRONG <long on common sense>
10 a : of an unusual degree of difference between the amounts wagered on each side <long odds> b : of or relating to the larger amount wagered <take the long end of the bet>
11 : subject to great odds
12 : owning or accumulating securities or goods especially in anticipation of an advance in prices <they are now long on wheat> <take a long position in steel>
–long·ness \'lȯŋ-nəs\ noun
–long in the tooth : past one's best days : OLD
–not long for : having little time left to do or enjoy something

long
n. at long last
the long and the short
long haired
as long as
before long
hour long
not long for
long in the tooth
so long
the long and short
long ago
long ball
long bone
long chain
long day
long distance
long division
long drawn out
long drawn
long face
long green
long haul
long horned beetle
long horned grasshopper
long horse
long hundredweight
long johns
long jump
long jumper
long leaved pine
long liner
long lining
long lived
long meter
long measure
long playing
long range
long run
long shot
by a long shot
long sighted
long sightedness
long since
long standing
long suffering
long sufferingly
long suit
long tailed duck
long term
long term potentiation
Long Tom
long ton
long view
long winded
long windedness
long windedly
so long as
yard long bean
De Long
Long Beach
Long Branch
Long Island
Long Islander
Long Island City
Long Island Sound
Long Xuyen
Longs Peak

long
n. 1 : for or during a long time <long a popular hangout>
2 : at or to a long distance : FAR <long-traveled>
3 : for the duration of a specified period <month-long> <all summer long>
4 : at a point of time far before or after a specified moment or event <was excited long before the big day>
5 : after or beyond a specified or implied time <didn't stay longer than midnight> <said it was no longer possible>
6 : for a considerable distance <threw the ball long>
7 : in or into a long position (as on a market)
–so long : GOOD-BYE

long
n. 1 : a long period of time
2 : a long syllable
3 : one taking a long position especially in a security or commodity market
4 a plural : long trousers b : a size in clothing for tall men
–the long and short or the long and the short : GIST

long
n. : to feel a strong desire or craving especially for something not likely to be attained <they long for peace> <longing to return home>
–long·er \'lȯŋ-ər\ noun
synonyms LONG, YEARN, HANKER, PINE, HUNGER, THIRST mean to have a strong desire for something. LONG implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain <longed for some rest>. YEARN suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing <yearned for a stage career>. HANKER suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire <always hankering for money>. PINE implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible <pined for a lost love>. HUNGER and THIRST imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need <hungered for a business of his own> <thirsted for power>.

long
n. archaic : to be suitable or fitting

long
n. longitude

long ago
: the distant past

long ball
: HOME RUN

Long Beach
1 city & port SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 461,522
2 city SE N.Y. on island S of Long Is. pop 35,462

long bone
: any of the elongated bones supporting a vertebrate limb and consisting of an essentially cylindrical shaft that contains bone marrow and ends in enlarged heads for articulation with other bones ― compare DIAPHYSIS, EPIPHYSIS

Long Branch
city E cen N.J. on the Atlantic pop 31,340

long distance
1 : communication by long-distance telephone
2 : a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections

long division
: arithmetical division in which the several steps involved in the division are indicated in detail

long face
: a facial expression of sadness or melancholy

long green
slang : MONEY

long haul
1 : a long distance
2 : a considerable period of time especially : LONG RUN
–long-haul adjective

long horse
: VAULTING HORSE

long hundredweight
British : HUNDREDWEIGHT 2

long in the tooth
past one's best days : OLD

Long Island
island 118 mi (190 km) long SE N.Y. S of Conn. area 1723 sq mi (4462 sq km)
–Long Islander noun

Long Island City
section of New York City in NW Queens

Long Island Sound
inlet of the Atlantic bet. Conn. & Long Is.

long johns
: long underwear

long jump
: a track-and-field event in which a jump for distance is made usually from a running start
–long jumper noun

long meter
: a quatrain in iambic tetrameter in which the second and fourth lines and often the first and third lines rhyme ― called also long measure

long run
: a relatively long period of time ― usually used in the phrase in the longitude run
–long-run \'lȯŋ-'rən\ adjective

long shot
1 : a venture involving great risk but promising a great reward if successful also : a venture unlikely to succeed
2 : an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning
3 : a bet in which the chances of winning are slight but the possible winnings great
–by a long shot : by a great deal

long since
1 : long ago <promises long since forgotten>
2 : for a long time <has long since been a devoted friend>

long suit
1 : a holding of more than the average number of cards in a suit
2 : STRONG SUIT, FORTE

Long Tom
1 : a large land gun having a long range
2 : a trough for washing gold-bearing earth

long ton
― see WEIGHT table

long view
: an approach to a problem or situation that emphasizes long-range factors

Long Xuyen
city S Vietnam in SW Cochin China on S side of Mekong Delta pop 128,817

long-ago
: of or relating to the past <long-ago leaders>

long-chain
: having a relatively long chain of atoms and especially carbon atoms in the molecule <long-chain hydrocarbons>

long-day
: responding to or relating to a long photoperiod ― used especially of a plant ― compare DAY-NEUTRAL, SHORT-DAY

long-distance
1 : of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point especially outside a specified area
2 a : situated a long distance away b : going or covering a long distance <long-distance roads> <a long-distance runner> c : conducted or effective over long distance <a long-distance relationship> <long-distance listening devices>

long-distance
1 : by long-distance telephone <called her long-distance>
2 : over or from a long distance

long-drawn-out
: extended to a great length

long-horned beetle
: any of a family (Cerambycidae syn. Longicornia) of beetles usually distinguished by their very long antennae ― called also longhorn beetle

long-horned grasshopper
: any of various grasshoppers (family Tettigoniidae) distinguished by their very long antennae

long-leaved pine
: LONGLEAF PINE

long-liner
: one that fishes with a longline also : a fishing vessel used in long-lining

long-lining
: fishing with a longline

long-lived
1 : having a long life : characterized by long life <a long-lived family>
2 : lasting a long time : ENDURING

long-playing
: designed to be played at 331/3 revolutions per minute ― used of a microgroove record

long-range
1 : relating to or fit for long distances <long-range rockets>
2 : involving or taking into account a long period of time <long-range planning>

long-sighted
chiefly British : FARSIGHTED
–long-sight·ed·ness noun chiefly British

long-standing
: of long duration <a long-standing dispute>

long-suffering
: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
–long-suffering noun
–long-suf·fer·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

long-tailed duck
: OLD-SQUAW

long-term
1 : occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time <seeking long-term solutions>
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a considerable term and especially one of more than 10 years <long-term bonds> b : generated by assets held for longer than six months <a long-term capital gain>

long-term potentiation
: a long-lasting strengthening of the response of a postsynaptic nerve cell to stimulation across the synapse that occurs with repeated stimulation and is thought to be related to learning and long-term memory ― abbreviation LTP

long-winded
1 : tediously long in speaking or writing
2 : not easily subject to loss of breath
–long-wind·ed·ly adverb
–long-wind·ed·ness noun

longan
n. 1 : a pulpy fruit related to the lychee and produced by a southeast Asian evergreen tree (Euphoria longan syn. Dimocarpus longan) of the soapberry family
2 : a tree that bears the longan

longanimity
n. : a disposition to bear injuries patiently : FORBEARANCE

longboat
n. : a large oared boat usually carried by a merchant sailing ship

longbow
n. : a hand-drawn wooden bow held vertically and used especially by medieval English archers

longbowman
: an archer who uses a longbow

longcase clock
: GRANDFATHER CLOCK

longeron
n. : a fore-and-aft framing member of an airplane fuselage

longevity
n. 1 a : a long duration of individual life b : length of life <a study of longevity>
2 : long continuance : PERMANENCE, DURABILITY

longevous
adj. : LONG-LIVED

Longfellow
n. Henry Wads·worth \'wädz-(ˌ)wərth\ 1807-1882 American poet

Longford
1 county E cen Ireland in Leinster area 403 sq mi (1048 sq km), pop 31,068
2 town, its capital pop 6393

longhair
n. 1 : an impractical intellectual
2 : a person of artistic gifts or interests especially : a lover of classical music
3 : a person with long hair especially : HIPPIE
4 : a domestic cat having long outer fur
–long-haired \-'herd\ or longhair adjective

longhand
n. : HANDWRITING: as a : characters or words written out fully by hand b : cursive writing

longheaded
adj. 1 : having unusual foresight
2 : DOLICHOCEPHALIC
–long·head·ed·ness noun

longhorn
n. 1 a : any of the long-horned cattle of Spanish derivation formerly common in southwestern U.S. b : TEXAS LONGHORN 2
2 : a firm-textured usually mild cheese (as cheddar or Colby)

longhouse
n. : a long communal dwelling of some No. American Indians (as the Iroquois)

longicorn
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being long-horned beetles
2 : having long antennae
–longicorn noun

longing
n. : a strong desire especially for something unattainable : CRAVING
–long·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Longinus
1st cent. A.D. Greek critic

longish
adj. : somewhat long : moderately long

longitude
n. 1 a : angular distance measured on a great circle of reference from the intersection of the adopted zero meridian with this reference circle to the similar intersection of the meridian passing through the object b : the arc or portion of the earth's equator intersected between the meridian of a given place and the prime meridian and expressed either in degrees or in time
2 archaic : long duration

longitudinal
adj. 1 : placed or running lengthwise
2 : of or relating to length or the lengthwise dimension
3 : involving the repeated observation or examination of a set of subjects over time with respect to one or more study variables
–lon·gi·tu·di·nal·ly adverb

longitudinal wave
: a wave (as a sound wave) in which the particles of the medium vibrate in the direction of the line of advance of the wave

longleaf pine
: a tall timber pine (Pinus palustris) of the southeastern U.S. with long needles in bundles of three and long cones also : its tough coarse-grained reddish-orange wood consisting mostly of heartwood and used especially for flooring and joinery

longline
n. : a heavy fishing line that may be many miles long and that has baited hooks in series

Longmont
city N Colo. N of Denver pop 71,093

longneck
: beer served in a bottle that has a long neck

Longobard
: LOMBARD 1A
–Lon·go·bar·dic \ˌlȯŋ-gə-'bär-dik, ˌläŋ-\ adjective

Longs Peak
mountain 14,255 ft (4345 m) N cen Colo. in Front Range in Rocky Mountain National Park

longship
n. : a long sail and oar ship used by the Vikings

longshoreman
n. : a person who loads and unloads ships at a seaport

longshoring
: the act or occupation of working as a longshoreman

longsome
: tediously long
–long·some·ly adverb
–long·some·ness noun

longspur
n. : any of several long-clawed finches (esp. genus Calcarius) of the arctic regions and the Great Plains of No. America

Longstreet
James 1821-1904 American Confed. gen.

longtime
adj. : having been so for a long time : LONG-STANDING <a longtime friend> <a longtime friendship>

Longueuil
town Canada in S Que. E of Montreal pop 128,016

longueur
n. : a dull and tedious portion (as of a book) ― usually used in plural

Longview
1 city NE Tex. pop 73,344
2 city SW Wash. on Columbia River pop 34,660

Lonnrot
Elias 1802-1884 Finn. folklorist

Lonsdale
Frederick 1881-1954 Brit. dram.

loo
n. 1 : an old card game in which the winner of each trick or a majority of tricks takes a portion of the pool while losing players are obligated to contribute to the next pool
2 : money staked at loo

loo
n. : to obligate to contribute to a new pool at loo for failing to win a trick

loo
n. chiefly British : TOILET 3

looby
n. : an awkward clumsy fellow : LUBBER

loofah
n. 1 : any of a genus (Luffa) of Old World tropical plants of the gourd family with large fruits also : its fruit
2 : a sponge consisting of the fibrous skeleton of the fruit of a loofah (esp. Luffa aegyptiaca)

look
n. transitive verb
1 : to make sure or take care (that something is done)
2 : to ascertain by the use of one's eyes <look what I brought you>
3 a : to exercise the power of vision upon : EXAMINE b archaic : to search for
4 a : EXPECT, ANTICIPATE <we look to have a good year> b : to have in mind as an end <looking to win back some lost profits>
5 archaic : to bring into a place or condition by the exercise of the power of vision
6 : to express by the eyes or facial expression
7 : to have an appearance that befits or accords with <looks her age>
intransitive verb
1 a : to exercise the power of vision : SEE b : to direct one's attention <look upon the future with hope> <look at the map> c : to direct the eyes <looked up from the newspaper>
2 : to have the appearance or likelihood of being : SEEM <it looks unlikely> <looks to be hard work>
3 : to have a specified outlook <the house looked east>
4 : to gaze in wonder or surprise : STARE
5 : to show a tendency <the evidence looks to acquittal>
synonyms see EXPECT
–look after : to take care of
–look at
1 : CONSIDER 1 <looking at the possibility of relocating>
2 : CONFRONT, FACE <looking at a mandatory fine ― Cindy Kilass>
–look down one's nose : to view something with arrogance, disdain, or disapproval
–look for
1 : to await with hope or anticipation
2 : to search for : SEEK <looking for a new car>
–look forward : to anticipate with pleasure or satisfaction <looking forward to your visit>
–look into : EXPLORE 1A
–look the other way : to direct one's attention away from something unpleasant or troublesome
–look to
1 : to direct one's attention to <looking to the future>
2 : to rely upon <looks to reading for relaxation>

look
n. 1 a : the act of looking b : GLANCE
2 a : the expression of the countenance b : physical appearance especially : attractive physical appearance ― usually used in plural c : a combination of design features giving a unified appearance <a new look in women's fashions>
3 : the state or form in which something appears

look
n. look daggers
look to
look the other way
look into
look forward
look for
look down one's nose
look at
look after
look alike
look down
look in
look on
look out
look over
look see
look up
forward looking
good looking
looking glass
solid looking

look after
to take care of

look at

1 : CONSIDER 1 <looking at the possibility of relocating>
2 : CONFRONT, FACE <looking at a mandatory fine ― Cindy Kilass>

look daggers
or stare daggers : to stare angrily <they looked daggers at each other across the table>

look down
1 : to be in a position that affords a downward view
2 : to regard with contempt : DESPISE ― used with on or upon

look down one's nose
to view something with arrogance, disdain, or disapproval

look for

1 : to await with hope or anticipation
2 : to search for : SEEK <looking for a new car>

look forward
to anticipate with pleasure or satisfaction <looking forward to your visit>

look into
EXPLORE 1A

look on
: WATCH 3B <looked on anxiously from the sidelines>

look out
: to take care or concern oneself ― used with for <looking out for number one>

look over
: to inspect or examine especially in a cursory way

look the other way
to direct one's attention away from something unpleasant or troublesome

look to

1 : to direct one's attention to <looking to the future>
2 : to rely upon <looks to reading for relaxation>

look up
1 : to cheer up <look up97things are not all bad>
2 : to improve in prospects or conditions <business is looking up>
transitive verb
1 : to search for in or as if in a reference work <look up an address>
2 : to seek out especially for a brief visit <look me up when you're here>

look-alike
: one that looks like another : DOUBLE
–look-alike adjective

look-in
1 : a chance of success
2 : a quick pass in football to a receiver running diagonally toward the center of the field

look-see
: a general survey : EVALUATION, INSPECTION

lookdown
: a silvery carangid fish (Selene vomer) chiefly of the Atlantic having a laterally compressed deep body and steeply sloping facial profile

looker
n. 1 : one that looks
2 a : one having an appearance of a specified kind b : one that has an attractive appearance

looker
n. good looker
looker on
lookers on

looker-on
: ONLOOKER

looking glass
: MIRROR

lookism
n. : prejudice or discrimination based on physical appearance and especially physical appearance believed to fall short of societal notions of beauty

lookout
n. 1 : one engaged in keeping watch : WATCHMAN
2 : an elevated place or structure affording a wide view for observation
3 : a careful looking or watching <on the lookout>
4 : VIEW, OUTLOOK
5 : a matter of care or concern

Lookout Mountain
ridge 2126 ft (648 m) SE Tenn., NW Ga., & NE Ala.

Lookout, Cape
cape E N.C. on the Atlantic SW of Cape Hatteras

lookup
n. : the process or an instance of looking something up especially : the process of matching by computer the words of a text with material stored in memory

loom
n. : a frame or machine for interlacing at right angles two or more sets of threads or yarns to form a cloth

loom
n. 1 : to come into sight in enlarged or distorted and indistinct form often as a result of atmospheric conditions
2 a : to appear in an impressively great or exaggerated form <deficits loomed large> b : to take shape as an impending occurrence

loom
n. : the indistinct and exaggerated appearance of something seen on the horizon or through fog or darkness also : a looming shadow or reflection

loon
n. 1 : LOUT, IDLER
2 chiefly Scottish : BOY
3 a : a crazy person b : SIMPLETON

loon
n. : any of several large birds (genus Gavia of the family Gaviidae) of Holarctic regions that feed on fish by diving and have their legs placed far back under the body for optimal locomotion underwater

loonie
n. Canadian : a coin worth one Canadian dollar

loony
n. : CRAZY, FOOLISH
–loo·ni·ness noun
–loony noun

loony
n. loony bin
loony tunes
looney tunes

loony bin
: a psychiatric hospital : MADHOUSE

loony tunes
: LOONY

loop
n. archaic : LOOPHOLE 1A

loop
n. 1 a : a curving or doubling of a line so as to form a closed or partly open curve within itself through which another line can be passed or into which a hook may be hooked b : such a fold of cord or ribbon serving as an ornament
2 a : something shaped like or suggestive of a loop b : a circular airplane maneuver executed in the vertical plane
3 : a ring or curved piece used to form a fastening, handle, or catch
4 : a closed electric circuit
5 a : a piece of film or magnetic tape whose ends are spliced together so as to project or play back the same material continuously b : a continuously repeated segment of music, dialogue, or images <a drum loop>
6 : a series of instructions (as for a computer) that is repeated until a terminating condition is reached
7 : a sports league
8 : a select well-informed inner circle that is influential in decision making <out of the policy loop>
–for a loop : into a state of amazement, confusion, or distress <the news threw us for a loop>

loop
n. 1 : to make or form a loop
2 : to execute a loop in an airplane
3 : to move in loops or in an arc
transitive verb
1 a : to make a loop in, on, or about b : to fasten with a loop
2 : to join (two courses of loops) in knitting
3 : to connect (electric conductors) so as to complete a loop
4 : to cause to move in an arc

loop
n. closed loop
ground loop
Henle's loop
knock for a loop
Lippes loop
for a loop
loop of Henle
open loop
toe loop

loop of Henle
: a U-shaped part of the nephron of birds and mammals that lies between and is continuous with the proximal and distal convoluted tubules and that functions in water resorption

looped
v. 1 : having, formed in, or characterized by loops <looped fabrics>
2 : DRUNK 1A

looper
n. 1 : any of the usually rather small hairless caterpillars that are mostly larvae of moths (families Geometridae and Noctuidae) and move with a looping motion in which the hind prolegs draw the posterior body toward the front followed by forward extension by the anterior legs ― called also inchworm
2 : one that loops

loophole
n. 1 a : a small opening through which small arms may be fired b : a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation
2 : a means of escape especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded

loophole
n. : to make loopholes in

loopy
adj. 1 : having or characterized by loops
2 : CRAZY, BIZARRE
–loop·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–loop·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

loose
adj. 1 a : not rigidly fastened or securely attached b (1) : having worked partly free from attachments <a loose tooth> (2) : having relative freedom of movement c : produced freely and accompanied by raising of mucus <a loose cough> d : not tight-fitting
2 a : free from a state of confinement, restraint, or obligation <a lion loose in the streets> <spend loose funds wisely> b : not brought together in a bundle, container, or binding c archaic : DISCONNECTED, DETACHED
3 a : not dense, close, or compact in structure or arrangement b : not solid : WATERY <loose stools>
4 a : lacking in restraint or power of restraint <a loose tongue> b : lacking moral restraint : UNCHASTE c : OVERACTIVE specifically : marked by frequent voiding especially of watery stools <loose bowels>
5 a : not tightly drawn or stretched : SLACK b : being flexible or relaxed <stay loose>
6 a : lacking in precision, exactness, or care <loose brushwork> <loose usage> b : permitting freedom of interpretation
7 : not in the possession of either of two competing teams <a loose ball> <a loose puck>
–loose·ly adverb
–loose·ness noun

loose
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to let loose : RELEASE b : to free from restraint
2 : to make loose : UNTIE <loose a knot>
3 : to cast loose : DETACH
4 : to let fly : DISCHARGE
5 : to make less rigid, tight, or strict : RELAX
intransitive verb : to let fly a missile (as an arrow) : FIRE

loose
adj. : in a loose manner : LOOSELY

loose
adj. cut loose
fast and loose
hang loose
loose box
loose cannon
loose end
loose jointed
loose jointedness
loose leaf
loose sentence
loose smut
have a screw loose
turn loose

loose box
British : BOX STALL

loose cannon
: a dangerously uncontrollable person or thing

loose end
1 : something left hanging loose
2 : a fragment of unfinished business ― usually used in plural <tying up loose ends>

loose sentence
: a sentence in which the principal clause comes first and subordinate modifiers or trailing elements follow

loose smut
: a smut disease of grains in which the entire head is transformed into a dusty mass of spores

loose-jointed
1 : having joints apparently not closely articulated
2 : characterized by unusually free movements
–loose-joint·ed·ness noun

loose-leaf
1 : having leaves secured in book form in a cover whose spine may be opened for adding, arranging, or removing leaves <loose-leaf notebook>
2 : of, relating to, or used with a loose-leaf binding <loose-leaf paper>

loosen
v. transitive verb
1 : to release from restraint
2 : to make looser <loosened his tie> <loosen a screw>
3 : to relieve (the bowels) of constipation
4 : to cause or permit to become less strict ― often used with up <loosened the rules>
intransitive verb : to become loose or looser

loosen up
: to become less tense : RELAX

loosestrife
n. 1 : any of a genus (Lysimachia) of plants of the primrose family with leafy stems and usually yellow or white flowers
2 : any of a genus (Lythrum, family Lythraceae, the loosestrife family) of herbs having entire leaves and including some with showy spikes of purple flowers especially : PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE

loosey-goosey
: notably loose or relaxed : not tense <a loosey-goosey attitude>

loot
n. 1 : goods usually of considerable value taken in war : SPOILS
2 : something held to resemble goods of value seized in war: as a : something appropriated illegally often by force or violence b : illicit gains by public officials c : MONEY
3 : the action of looting
synonyms see SPOIL

loot
n. 1 a : to plunder or sack in war b : to rob especially on a large scale and usually by violence or corruption
2 : to seize and carry away by force especially in war
intransitive verb : to engage in robbing or plundering especially in war
–loot·er noun

lop
n. : material cut away from a tree especially : parts discarded in lumbering

lop
n. 1 a (1) : to cut off branches or twigs from (2) : to sever from a woody plant b (1) archaic : to cut off the head or limbs of (2) : to cut from a person
2 a : to remove superfluous parts from b : to eliminate as unnecessary or undesirable ― usually used with off

lop
n. : to hang downward : DROOP

lop-eared
: having ears that droop

lope
n. 1 : an easy natural gait of a horse resembling a canter
2 : an easy usually bounding gait capable of being sustained for a long time

lope
n. : to move or ride at a lope
–lop·er noun

Lopez
Carlos Antonio 1790-1862 pres. of Paraguay (1844-62)

Lopez
Francisco Solano 1827-1870 son of prec. pres. of Paraguay (1862-70)

Lopez
Lopez Mateos
Lopez Portillo
Vicente Lopez
López Mateos
López Portillo
Vicente López

Lopez Mateos
Adolfo 1910-1969 pres. of Mexico (1958-64)

Lopez Portillo
José 1920-     pres. of Mexico (1976-82)

lophophore
n. : a circular or horseshoe-shaped organ about the mouth especially of a brachiopod or bryozoan that bears tentacles and functions especially in food-getting

lopper
n. : pruning shears with long handles ― usually used in plural

lopsided
adj. 1 : leaning to one side
2 : lacking in balance, symmetry, or proportion : disproportionately heavy on one side <a lopsided vote of 99-1>
–lop·sid·ed·ly adverb
–lop·sid·ed·ness noun

loq
he speaks; she speaks

loquacious
adj. 1 : full of excessive talk : WORDY
2 : given to fluent or excessive talk : GARRULOUS
synonyms see TALKATIVE
–lo·qua·cious·ly adverb
–lo·qua·cious·ness noun

loquacity
n. : the quality or state of being very talkative

loquat
n. : an Asian evergreen tree (Eriobotrya japonica) of the rose family often cultivated for its fruit also : its small yellow edible fruit used especially for preserves

Lorain
city N Ohio on Lake Erie pop 68,652

loran
n. : a system of long-range navigation in which pulsed signals sent out by two pairs of radio stations are used to determine the location of a ship or airplane

lorazepam
n. : benzodiazepine C_15H_10Cl_2N_2O_2 used especially to relieve anxiety

Lorca
Federico García ― see Federico GARCÍA LORCA

lord
n. 1 : one having power and authority over others: a : a ruler by hereditary right or preeminence to whom service and obedience are due b : one of whom a fee or estate is held in feudal tenure c : an owner of land or other real property d obsolete : the male head of a household e : HUSBAND f : one that has achieved mastery or that exercises leadership or great power in some area <a drug lord>
2 capitalized a : GOD 1 b : JESUS
3 : a man of rank or high position: as a : a feudal tenant whose right or title comes directly from the king b : a British nobleman: as (1) : BARON 2A (2) : a hereditary peer of the rank of marquess, earl, or viscount (3) : the son of a duke or a marquess or the eldest son of an earl (4) : a bishop of the Church of England c plural capitalized : HOUSE OF LORDS
4 ― used as a British title: as a ― used as part of an official title <Lord Advocate> <Lord Mayor> b ― used informally in place of the full title for a marquess, earl, or viscount c ― used for a baron d ― used by courtesy before the name and surname of a younger son of a duke or a marquess
5 : a person chosen to preside over a festival

lord
n. : to act like a lord especially : to put on airs ― usually used with it <lords it over his friends>

lord
n. Lord Protector of the Commonwealth
lord chancellor
lord of misrule
Lord's day
Lord's Prayer
Lord's Supper
Lord's table
mesne lord
Lord Howe Island
House of Lords
lords chancellor

lord chancellor
: a British officer of state who presides over the House of Lords in both its legislative and judicial capacities, serves as the head of the British judiciary, and is usually a leading member of the cabinet

Lord Howe Island
island Australia in Tasman Sea ENE of Sydney belonging to New South Wales area 5 sq mi (13 sq km)

lord of misrule

15th century
: a master of Christmas revels in England especially in the 15th and 16th centuries

Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

circa 1653
: PROTECTOR 2B

Lord's day
: SUNDAY

Lord's Prayer
: the prayer with variant versions in Matthew and Luke that according to the Lucan account Christ taught his disciples

Lord's Supper
: COMMUNION 2A

Lord's table
: ALTAR 2

lording
v. 1 archaic : LORD
2 obsolete : LORDLING

lordling
n. : a little or insignificant lord

lordly
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a lord : DIGNIFIED b : GRAND, NOBLE
2 : exhibiting the pride and assurance associated with one of the highest birth or rank
synonyms see PROUD
–lord·li·ness noun
–lordly adverb

lordosis
n. 1 : abnormally increased inward curvature of the lower region of the spine resulting in a concave back as viewed from the side ― compare KYPHOSIS
2 : a mating posture of some sexually receptive female mammals (as rats) in which the head and rump are raised and the back is arched downward
–lor·dot·ic \-'dä-tik\ adjective

lordship
n. 1 a : the rank or dignity of a lord ― used as a title b : the authority or power of a lord : DOMINION
2 : the territory under the jurisdiction of a lord : SEIGNIORY

Lordy
interj. ― used to express surprise or strength of feeling

lore
n. 1 archaic : something that is taught : LESSON
2 : something that is learned: a : knowledge gained through study or experience b : traditional knowledge or belief
3 : a particular body of knowledge or tradition

lore
n. : the space between the eye and bill in a bird or the corresponding region in a reptile or fish
–lo·re·al \'lȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

Lorelei
n. : a siren of Germanic legend whose singing lures Rhine River boatmen to destruction on a reef

Lorentz
Hendrik Antoon 1853-1928 Du. physicist

Lorenz
n. Konrad 1903-1989 Ger. (Austrian-born) ethologist

Loreto
commune cen Italy in Marche pop 11,372

lorgnette
n. : a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle

lorgnon
: LORGNETTE

lorica
n. 1 : a Roman cuirass of leather or metal
2 [New Latin, from L] : a hard protective case or shell (as of a rotifer)

Lorient
commune & port NW France in Brittany on Bay of Biscay pop 59,224

lorikeet
n. : any of numerous small arboreal chiefly Australasian parrots (family Loriidae) that usually have long slender tongue papillae which form an organ resembling a brush

loris
n. : any of several nocturnal slow-moving tailless arboreal primates (family Lorisidae): as a : a slim-bodied primate (Loris tardigradus) of southern India and Sri Lanka b : either of two larger related primates (Nycticebus pygmaeus or N. coucang) of southeastern Asia that are heavier limbed and slower moving

lorn
adj. : DESOLATE, FORSAKEN

Lorn, Firth of
strait W Scotland bet. E Mull Is. & mainland

Lorrain
Claude ― see CLAUDE LORRAIN

Lorraine
n. region & former duchy NE France around the upper Moselle & the Meuse; remnant (Upper Lorraine) of medieval kingdom of Lo·tha·rin·gia \ˌlō-thə-'rin-j(ē-)ə\ including also territory to N (Lower Lorraine) bet. the Rhine & the Schelde ― see ALSACE-LORRAINE

Lorraine
n. cross of Lorraine
Lorraine cross
quiche lorraine
Alsace Lorraine

Lorraine cross
: CROSS OF LORRAINE

lorry
n. chiefly British : MOTORTRUCK

lory
n. : any of numerous parrots (family Loriidae) of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands related to the lorikeets and usually having the tongue papillose at the tip and the mandibles less toothed than in other parrots

LOS
n. 1 line of scrimmage
2 line of sight

LOS
n. León de los Aldamas
Santiago de los Caballeros
East Los Angeles
Los Altos
Los Angeles
Los Angeleno
Los Banos
Los Gatos

Los Altos
city W Calif. SSE of Palo Alto pop 27,693

Los Angeles
city & port SW Calif. on the Pacific pop 3,694,820
–Los An·ge·le·no \-ˌan-jə-'lē-(ˌ)nō also -ˌaŋ-gə-'lē-\ noun

Los Banos
city W cen Calif. pop 25,869

Los Gatos
city W Calif. S of San José pop 28,592

lose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to bring to destruction ― used chiefly in passive construction <the ship was lost on the reef> b : DAMN <if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul ― Mount 16:26(AV)>
2 : to miss from one's possession or from a customary or supposed place
3 : to suffer deprivation of : part with especially in an unforeseen or accidental manner
4 a : to suffer loss through the death or removal of or final separation from (a person) b : to fail to keep control of or allegiance of <lose votes> <lost his temper>
5 a : to fail to use : let slip by : WASTE <no time to lose> b (1) : to fail to win, gain, or obtain <lose a prize> <lose a contest> (2) : to undergo defeat in <lost every battle> c : to fail to catch with the senses or the mind <lost what she said>
6 : to cause the loss of
7 : to fail to keep, sustain, or maintain <lost my balance>
8 a : to cause to miss one's way or bearings <lost himself in the maze of streets> b : to make (oneself) withdrawn from immediate reality <lost herself in daydreaming>
9 a : to wander or go astray from <lost his way> b : to draw away from : OUTSTRIP <lost his pursuers>
10 : to fail to keep in sight or in mind
11 : to free oneself from : get rid of <dieting to lose weight>
12 slang : REGURGITATE, VOMIT ― often used in such phrases as lose one's lunch
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo deprivation of something of value
2 : to undergo defeat <lose with good grace>
3 of a timepiece : to run slow
–los·able \'lü-zə-bəl\ adjective
–los·able·ness noun
–lose ground : to suffer loss or disadvantage : fail to advance or improve
–lose it
1 : to lose touch with reality also : to go crazy
2 : to become overwhelmed with strong emotion : lose one's composure <so angry I almost lost it>
–lose one's heart : to fall in love

lose
v. lose one's heart
lose it
lose ground
lose lose
lose out
lost wax

lose ground
to suffer loss or disadvantage : fail to advance or improve

lose it

1 : to lose touch with reality also : to go crazy
2 : to become overwhelmed with strong emotion : lose one's composure <so angry I almost lost it>

lose one's heart
to fall in love

lose out
: to fail to win in competition : fail to receive an expected reward or gain

lose-lose
: presenting two options both of which put one at a disadvantage <a lose-lose proposition>

losel
: a worthless person

loser
n. 1 : a person or thing that loses especially consistently
2 : a person who is incompetent or unable to succeed also : something doomed to fail or disappoint

losing
n. 1 : resulting in or likely to result in defeat <a losing battle> <a losing poker hand>
2 : marked by many losses or more losses than wins <a losing streak> <a losing record>

loss
n. 1 : DESTRUCTION, RUIN
2 a : the act of losing possession : DEPRIVATION<loss of sight> b : the harm or privation resulting from loss or separation c : an instance of losing
3 : a person or thing or an amount that is lost: as a plural : killed, wounded, or captured soldiers b : the power diminution of a circuit or circuit element corresponding to conversion of electrical energy into heat by resistance
4 a : failure to gain, win, obtain, or utilize b : an amount by which the cost of something exceeds its selling price
5 : decrease in amount, magnitude, or degree
6 : the amount of an insured's financial detriment by death or damage that the insurer is liable for
–at a loss
1 : uncertain as to how to proceed <was at a loss to explain the discrepancy>
2 : unable to produce what is needed <at a loss for words>
–for a loss : into a state of distress <events had thrown him for a loss>

loss
n. for a loss
at a loss
loss leader
loss ratio
profit and loss

loss leader
: something (as merchandise) sold at a loss in order to draw customers
–loss-leader adjective

loss ratio
: the ratio between insurance losses incurred and premiums earned during a given period

lossless
adj. : done or being without loss (as of power or data) <lossless data compression> <lossless power transmission>

lossy
: causing attenuation or dissipation of electrical energy <a lossy transmission line> <a lossy dielectric>

lost
adj. 1 : not made use of, won, or claimed
2 a : no longer possessed b : no longer known
3 : ruined or destroyed physically or morally : DESPERATE
4 a : taken away or beyond reach or attainment : DENIED <regions lost to the faith> b : INSENSIBLE, HARDENED <lost to shame>
5 a : unable to find the way b : no longer visible c : lacking assurance or self-confidence : HELPLESS
6 : RAPT, ABSORBED <lost in reverie>
7 : not appreciated or understood : WASTED <their jokes were lost on me>
8 : obscured or overlooked during a process or activity <lost in translation>
9 : hopelessly unattainable : FUTILE <a lost cause>
–lost·ness \'lȯs(t)-nəs\ noun

lost wax
: a process used in metal casting that consists of making a wax model, coating it with a refractory to form a mold, heating until the wax melts and runs out of the mold, and then pouring metal into the vacant mold

Lot
n. : a nephew of Abraham who according to the account in Genesis escaped from the doomed city of Sodom with his wife who turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back

Lot
n. river 300 mi (483 km) S France flowing W into the Garonne

lot
n. 1 : an object used as a counter in determining a question by chance
2 a : the use of lots as a means of deciding something b : the resulting choice
3 a : something that comes to one upon whom a lot has fallen : SHARE b : one's way of life or worldly fate : FORTUNE
4 a : a portion of land b : a measured parcel of land having fixed boundaries and designated on a plot or survey c : a motion-picture studio and its adjoining property d : an establishment for the storage or sale of motor vehicles <a used car lot>
5 a : a number of units of an article, a single article, or a parcel of articles offered as one item (as in an auction sale) b : all the members of a present group, kind, or quantity ― usually used with the <sampled the whole lot of desserts>
6 a : a number of associated persons : SET <fell in with a rough lot> b : KIND, SORT
7 : a considerable quantity or extent <a lot of money> <lots of friends>
synonyms see FATE
–all over the lot : covering a wide or varied range <received bids all over the lot>
–a lot
1 : to a considerable degree or extent <this is a lot nicer>
2 : OFTEN, FREQUENTLY <runs a lot every day>
3 : LOTS

lot
n. 1 : ALLOT, APPORTION
2 : to form or divide into lots

lot
n. barn lot
job lot
a lot
all over the lot
odd lot
parking lot
round lot
scot and lot
cast lots

lota
n. : a small usually spherical water vessel of brass or copper used in India

loth
adj. variant of loath

Lothair
795-855 Holy Rom. emp. (840-855)

Lothair
(or III) 1075-1137 king of Germany & Holy Rom. emp. (1125-37)

lothario
n. : a man whose chief interest is seducing women

Loti
n. Pierre 1850-1923 pseud. of Louis-Marie-Julien Viaud Fr. naval officer & nov.

loti
n. ― see MONEY table

lotic
: of, relating to, or living in actively moving water <a lotic habitat> ― compare LENTIC

lotion
n. : a liquid preparation for cosmetic or external medicinal use

lots
n. : MUCH <feeling lots better>

lotte
: MONKFISH

lottery
n. 1 a : a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance b : a drawing of lots used to decide something
2 : an event or affair whose outcome is or seems to be determined by chance

lotto
n. : a game of chance resembling bingo

lotus
n. 1 also lo·tos \'lō-təs\ : a fruit eaten by the lotus-eaters and considered to cause indolence and dreamy contentment also : a tree (as Zizyphus lotus of the buckthorn family) reputed to bear this fruit
2 : any of various water lilies including several represented in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art and religious symbolism
3 [New Latin, from L] a : any of a genus (Lotus) of widely distributed upright herbs or subshrubs of the legume family b : SWEET CLOVER

lotus position
: a cross-legged sitting position used in yoga in which each foot is on the thigh of the opposite leg

lotus-eater
1 : any of a people in Homer's Odyssey subsisting on the lotus and living in the dreamy indolence it induces
2 : an indolent person

lotusland
1 : a place inducing contentment especially through offering an idyllic living situation
2 : a state or an ideal marked by contentment often achieved through self-indulgence

Lou Gehrig's disease
: AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

Louangphrabang
city NW Laos on the Mekong NNW of Vientiane

Loubet
Émile-François 1838-1929 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1899-1906)

louche
: not reputable or decent

loud
adj. 1 a : marked by intensity or volume of sound b : producing a loud sound
2 : CLAMOROUS, NOISY
3 : obtrusive or offensive in appearance or smell : OBNOXIOUS
–loud adverb
–loud·ly adverb
synonyms LOUD, STENTORIAN, EARSPLITTING, RAUCOUS, STRIDENT mean marked by intensity or volume of sound. LOUD applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness <loud shouts of protest>. STENTORIAN implies great power and range <an actor with a stentorian voice>. EARSPLITTING implies loudness that is physically discomforting <the earsplitting sound of a siren>. RAUCOUS implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness <the raucous shouts of drunken revelers>. STRIDENT implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice <the strident voices of hecklers>.

loud-hailer
chiefly British : BULLHORN

louden
intransitive verb : to become loud
transitive verb : to make loud

loudmouth
n. : a loudmouthed person

loudmouthed
adj. : given to loud offensive talk

loudness
n. : the attribute of a sound that determines the magnitude of the auditory sensation produced and that primarily depends on the amplitude of the sound wave involved

Loudoun
4th Earl of ― see John CAMPBELL

loudspeaker
n. : a device that changes electrical signals into sounds loud enough to be heard at a distance

lough
n. 1 chiefly Irish : LAKE
2 chiefly Irish : a bay or inlet of the sea

Loughborough
town cen England in Leicestershire S of Nottingham pop 47,647

Louis
n. name of 18 kings of France: especially I 778-840 (reigned 814-840); V (le Fainéant) 967-987 (reigned97last Carolingian97986-987); IX (Saint) 1214-1270 (reigned 1226-70); XI 1423-1483 (reigned 1461-83); XII 1462-1515 (reigned 1498-1515); XIII 1601-1643 (reigned 1610-43); XIV 1638-1715 (reigned 1643-1715); XV 1710-1774 (reigned 1715-74); XVI 1754-1793 (reigned 1774-92; guillotined); XVII 1785-1795 (nominally reigned 1793-95); XVIII 1755-1824 (reigned 1814-15; 1815-24)

Louis
n. 1283?-1347 Duke of Bavaria king of Germany & Holy Rom. emp. (1314-47)

Louis
n. Joe 1914-1981 orig. Joseph Louis Barrow American boxer

Louis
n. Louis IV
louis d'or
Louis Quatorze
Louis Quinze
Louis Seize
Louis Treize
Saint Louis encephalitis
Louis II de Bourbon
Louis Napoleon
Louis Napoléon
Louis Philippe
East Saint Louis
Port Louis
Saint Louis
Saint Louis Lake
Saint Louis Park

louis d'or
1 : a French gold coin first struck in 1640 and issued up to the French Revolution
2 : the French 20-franc gold piece issued after the French Revolution

Louis II de Bourbon
― see CONDÉ

Louis Philippe
1773-1850 the Citizen King king of the French (1830-48)

Louis Quatorze
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the architecture or furniture of the reign of Louis XIV of France

Louis Quinze
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the architecture or furniture of the reign of Louis XV of France

Louis Seize
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the architecture or furniture of the reign of Louis XVI of France

Louis Treize
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the architecture or furniture of the reign of Louis XIII of France

Louis-Napoleon
― see NAPOLÉON III

Louise, Lake
lake W Canada in SW Alta. in Banff National Park

Louisiade Archipelago
island group in Solomon Sea SE of New Guinea; belongs to Papua New Guinea pop 14,599

Louisiana
n. state S U.S. capital Baton Rouge area 48,523 sq mi (126,160 sq km), pop 4,468,976
–Lou·i·si·an·an \-'a-nən\ adjective or noun
–Lou·i·si·an·i·an \-'a-nē-ən, -'a-nyən\ adjective or noun

Louisiana Purchase
region W cen U.S. bet. Mississippi River & the Rockies purchased 1803 from France area 885,000 sq mi (2,301,000 sq km)

Louisville
n. city N Ky. on Ohio River pop 256,231

louma
variant of luma

lounge
n. intransitive verb : to act or move idly or lazily : LOAF
synonyms see IDLE
transitive verb : to pass (time) idly

lounge
n. 1 : a place for lounging: as a : a room in a private home or public building for leisure activities : LIVING ROOM also : LOBBY b : a room in a usually public building or vehicle often combining lounging, smoking, and toilet facilities
2 : a long couch

lounge
n. chaise lounge
lounge car
cocktail lounge
lounge lizard
lounge suit

lounge car
: CLUB CAR

lounge lizard
1 : LADIES' MAN
2 : FOP
3 : a social parasite

lounge suit
chiefly British : BUSINESS SUIT

lounger
n. 1 : one that lounges especially : IDLER
2 : an article of clothing or furniture designed for comfort and leisure use

loungewear
n. : informal clothing usually designed to be worn at home

Loup
river 290 mi (467 km) E cen Nebr. flowing E into Platte River

loup
chiefly Scottish : LEAP
–loup noun

loup-garou
: WEREWOLF

loupe
n. : a small magnifier used especially by jewelers and watchmakers

lour
v. variant of lower, lowery

Lourdes
commune SW France on the Gave de Pau SSW of Tarbes pop 15,242

Lourenco Marques
― see MAPUTO

louse
n. 1 plural lice \'līs\ a : any of various small wingless usually flattened insects (orders Anoplura and Mallophaga) parasitic on warm-blooded animals b : a small usually sluggish arthropod (as a biting louse) that lives on other animals or on plants and sucks their blood or juices c : any of several small arthropods (as a book louse) that are not parasitic
2 plural lous·es \'lau̇-səz\ : a contemptible person : HEEL

louse
n. : to remove lice from

louse
n. bird louse
biting louse
body louse
book louse
crab louse
head louse
jumping plant louse
louse up
plant louse
short nosed cattle louse
sucking louse
wood louse
beggar's lice
beggar lice

louse up
: FOUL UP, SNARL
intransitive verb : to make a mess

lousewort
n. : any of a genus (Pedicularis) of semiparasitic herbs of the snapdragon family typically having pinnatifid leaves and bilabiate flowers in terminal spikes

lousy
adj. 1 : infested with lice
2 a : totally repulsive : CONTEMPTIBLE b : miserably poor or inferior <got lousy grades> c : somewhat ill <felt lousy after dinner> d : amply supplied : REPLETE <lousy with money>
3 of silk : fuzzy and specked because of splitting of the fiber
–lous·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–lous·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

lout
n. 1 : to bow in respect
2 : SUBMIT, YIELD

lout
n. : an awkward brutish person

lout
n. : to treat as a lout : SCORN

Louth
county E Ireland in Leinster bordering on Irish Sea capital Dundalk area 317 sq mi (824 sq km), pop 101,821

loutish
adj. : resembling or befitting a lout
synonyms see BOORISH
–lout·ish·ly adverb
–lout·ish·ness noun

Louvain
city cen Belgium in Brabant E of Brussels pop 89,152

louver
n. 1 : a roof lantern or turret often with slatted apertures for escape of smoke or admission of light in a medieval building
2 a : an opening provided with one or more slanted fixed or movable fins to allow flow of air but to exclude rain or sun or to provide privacy b : a finned or vaned device for controlling a flow of air or the radiation of light c : a fin or shutter of a louver
–lou·vered also lou·vred \-vərd\ adjective

Louverture
― see TOUSSAINT-LOUVERTURE

Louys
Pierre 1870-1925 Fr. writer

lovable
adj. : having qualities that attract affection
–lov·abil·i·ty \ˌlə-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–lov·able·ness noun
–lov·ably \-blē\ adverb

lovage
n. : any of several aromatic perennial herbs of the carrot family especially : a European herb (Levisticum officinale) sometimes cultivated for use in medicine especially as a diuretic and in cookery usually as a flavoring agent

lovastatin
: a drug C_24H_36O_8 that decreases the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream

lovat
n. : a predominantly dusty color mixture (as of green) in fabrics

love
n. 1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child> (2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates> b : an assurance of love <give her my love>
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>
3 a : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration <baseball was his first love> b (1) : a beloved person : DARLING ― often used as a term of endearment (2) British ― used as an informal term of address
4 a : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others b : a person's adoration of God
5 : a god or personification of love
6 : an amorous episode : LOVE AFFAIR
7 : the sexual embrace : COPULATION
8 : a score of zero (as in tennis)
9 capitalized Christian Science : GOD
–at love : holding one's opponent scoreless in tennis
–in love : inspired by affection

love
n. transitive verb
1 : to hold dear : CHERISH
2 a : to feel a lover's passion, devotion, or tenderness for b (1) : CARESS (2) : to fondle amorously (3) : to copulate with
3 : to like or desire actively : take pleasure in <loved to play the violin>
4 : to thrive in <the rose loves sunlight>
intransitive verb : to feel affection or experience desire

love
n. calf love
courtly love
free love
light o' love
light of love
lights of love
in love
at love
love affair
love apple
love beads
love child
love feast
love grass
love handles
love in
love in a mist
love knot
love nest
love seat
love tap
make love
platonic love
puppy love
self love
tough love
light o' loves
loving cup
loving kindness
self loving

love affair
1 : a romantic attachment or episode between lovers
2 : a lively enthusiasm <America's love affair with baseball>

love apple
: TOMATO

love beads
: beads worn as a symbol of love and peace

love child
: an illegitimate child

love feast
1 : a meal eaten in common by a Christian congregation in token of brotherly love
2 : a gathering held to promote reconciliation and good feeling or show someone affectionate honor

love grass
: any of a genus (Eragrostis) of grasses that resemble the bluegrasses but have flattened spikelets and deciduous lemmas

love handles
: fatty bulges along the sides of the body at the waist

love knot
: a stylized knot sometimes used as an emblem of love

love nest
: a place (as an apartment) used for amorous and often illicit rendezvous

love seat
: a double chair, sofa, or settee for two persons

love tap
: a gentle blow

love-in
: a gathering of people especially for the expression of their mutual love

love-in-a-mist
: an Old World annual herb (Nigella damascena) of the buttercup family having usually blue or white flowers enveloped in numerous finely dissected bracts

lovebird
n. : any of various small usually gray or green parrots (esp. genus Agapornis of Africa) that show great affection for their mates

lovebug
: a small black fly (Plecia nearctica) with a red thorax that swarms along highways in the Gulf states of the U.S.

lovefest
: LOVE FEAST 2 broadly : an expression or exchange of goodwill, praise, or affection

Lovelace
n. Richard 1618-1657 Eng. poet

Loveland
city N Colo. N of Denver pop 50,608

Loveland Pass
mountain pass N cen Colo. in Front Range of Rocky Mountains

loveless
adj. 1 : having no love <a loveless relationship>
2 : not loved
–love·less·ly adverb
–love·less·ness noun

Lovell
Sir (Alfred Charles) Bernard 1913-     Brit. astron.

lovelock
n. : a long lock of hair variously worn (as over the front of the shoulder) especially by men in the 17th and 18th centuries

lovelorn
adj. : bereft of love or of a lover <letters from lovelorn soldiers>
–love·lorn·ness \-ˌlȯrn-nəs\ noun

lovely
n. 1 obsolete : LOVABLE
2 : delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace : ATTRACTIVE
3 : GRAND, SWELL <what a lovely morning>
4 : eliciting love by moral or ideal worth
synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
–love·li·ly \'ləv-lə-lē\ adverb
–love·li·ness \'ləv-lē-nəs\ noun
–lovely adverb

lovely
n. 1 : a beautiful woman
2 : a lovely object

lovemaking
n. 1 : COURTSHIP
2 : sexual activity especially : COPULATION
–love·mak·er \-kər\ noun

Lover
n. Samuel 1797-1868 Irish nov.

lover
n. 1 a : a person in love especially : a man in love with a woman b plural : two persons in love with each other
2 : an affectionate or benevolent friend
3 : DEVOTEE
4 a : PARAMOUR b : a person with whom one has sexual relations

loverly
adv. : resembling or befitting a lover

lovesick
adj. 1 : languishing with love : YEARNING <a lovesick suitor>
2 : expressing a lover's longing
–love·sick·ness noun

lovesome
adj. 1 : WINSOME, LOVELY
2 : AFFECTIONATE, AMOROUS

lovey-dovey
: expressing much love or sentimentality also : MUSHY
–lovey-dovey·ness \-nəs\ noun

loving
adj. 1 : AFFECTIONATE
2 : PAINSTAKING
–lov·ing·ly \-viŋ-lē\ adverb
–lov·ing·ness noun

loving
adj. loving cup
loving kindness
self loving

loving cup
1 : a large ornamental drinking vessel with two or more handles
2 : a loving cup given as a token or trophy

loving-kindness
: tender and benevolent affection

Low
n. Sir David Alexander Cecil 1891-1963 Brit. cartoonist

low
n. : MOO

low
n. : the deep sustained sound characteristic especially of a cow

low
n. 1 a : having a small upward extension or elevation <a low wall> b : situated or passing little above a reference line, point, or plane <low bridges> c (1) : having a low-cut neckline (2) : not extending as high as the ankle <low oxfords>
2 a : situated or passing below the normal level, surface, or base of measurement, or the mean elevation <low ground> b : marking a nadir or bottom <the low point of his career>
3 : DEAD ― used as a predicate adjective with lay <laid the enemy low>
4 a : not loud : SOFT b : FLAT 8A c : characterized by being toward the bottom of the range of pitch attainable (as by an instrument)
5 a : being near the equator <low northern latitudes> b : being near the horizon
6 : socially or economically humble in character or status <a person of low birth>
7 a : lacking strength, health, or vitality : WEAK, PROSTRATE <very low with pneumonia> b : lacking spirit or vivacity : DEPRESSED <a low frame of mind>
8 a : of lesser degree, size, or amount than average or ordinary <low energy> b (1) : small in number or amount (2) : SUBSTANDARD, INADEQUATE <a low level of employment> <a low income group> (3) : CHEAP <low prices> (4) : SHORT, DEPLETED <oil is in low supply> c : of lesser position, rank, or order
9 : falling short of some standard: as a : lacking dignity or elevation <a low style of writing> b : morally reprehensible : BASE <a low trick> c : COARSE, VULGAR <low language>
10 a : not advanced in complexity, development, or elaboration <low organisms> b often capitalized : LOW CHURCH
11 : UNFAVORABLE, DISPARAGING <had a low opinion of him>
12 : designed for slow and usually the slowest speed <low gear>
13 : articulated with a wide opening between the relatively flat tongue and the palate : OPEN <\ä\ is a low vowel>
14 : intended to attract little attention <kept a low profile>
15 : being near the basket or net <a player in the low post>
synonyms see BASE
–low adverb
–low·ness noun

low
n. 1 : something that is low: as a : DEPTH <a new low in advertising> b : a region of low barometric pressure
2 : the transmission gear of an automotive vehicle giving the lowest ratio of driveshaft to crankshaft speed

low
n. chiefly Scottish : FLAME, BLAZE

low
n. Scottish : FLAME, BLAZE

low
n. low life
extremely low frequency
high and low
high low jack
lie low
low beam
low blood pressure
low blow
Low Church
Low Churchman
low comedy
low country
low density lipoprotein
low down
low earth orbit
low end
low frequency
Low German
low grade
low key
low keyed
Low Latin
low level
low lying
low mass
low minded
low mindedness
low mindedly
low pressure
low relief
low rent
low rise
low slung
low spirited
low spiritedness
low spiritedly
Low Sunday
low tech
low tide
low water
Middle Low German
run low on
very low density lipoprotein
very low frequency
Low Countries
lower the boom
lower class
lower criticism
lower fungus
rear admiral lower half
Lower Canada
Lower 48
Lower Klamath Lake
Lower Peninsula
Lower Saxony
lowest common denominator
lowest common multiple
lowest terms

low beam
: a vehicle headlight beam with a short-range focus

low blood pressure
: HYPOTENSION

low blow
: an unprincipled attack <gossip column that landed one low blow after another ― James Fallows>

Low Church
: tending especially in Anglican worship to minimize emphasis on the priesthood, sacraments, and ceremonial in worship and often to emphasize evangelical principles

Low Churchman
: a person holding or advocating Low Church views

low comedy
: comedy employing burlesque, horseplay, or the representation of low life ― compare HIGH COMEDY

Low Countries
region W Europe bordering on North Sea & comprising modern Belgium, Luxembourg, & the Netherlands

low country
: a low-lying country or region especially : the part of a southern state extending from the seacoast inland to the fall line
–low-country adjective often cap L&C

low earth orbit
: a usually circular orbit from about 90 to 600 miles (about 140 to 970 kilometers) above the earth

low frequency
: a radio frequency between medium frequency and very low frequency ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

Low German
1 : the German dialects of northern Germany especially as used since the end of the medieval period : PLATTDEUTSCH
2 : the West Germanic languages other than High German

Low Latin
: postclassical Latin in its later stages

low mass
: a mass that is recited without singing by the celebrant, without a deacon, subdeacon, or choir assisting the celebrant, and without the use of incense

low relief
: BAS-RELIEF

Low Sunday
: the Sunday following Easter

low tide
: the farthest ebb of the tide

low water
: a low stage of the water in a river or lake also : LOW TIDE

low-density lipoprotein
: LDL

low-down
1 : CONTEMPTIBLE, BASE <a low-down dirty liar>
2 : deeply emotional <low-down blues>

low-end
: of, relating to, or being the lowest priced merchandise in a manufacturer's line broadly : INEXPENSIVE

low-grade
1 : of inferior grade or quality
2 : being near that extreme of a specified range which is lowest, least intense, least serious, or least competent <a low-grade fever> <a low-grade infection>

low-key
1 : having or producing dark tones only with little contrast
2 : of low intensity : RESTRAINED

low-level
1 : occurring, done, or placed at a low level
2 : being of low importance or rank
3 : being or relating to nuclear waste containing low concentrations of radioactive components

low-lying
1 : rising relatively little above the base of measurement <low-lying hills>
2 : lying below the normal level, surface, or the base of measurement or mean elevation <low-lying clouds>

low-minded
: inclined to vulgar or unworthy things
–low-mind·ed·ly adverb
–low-mind·ed·ness noun

low-pressure
1 : having, exerting, or operating under a relatively small pressure
2 : EASYGOING

low-rent
: low in character, cost, or prestige <low-rent thugs> <a low-rent movie> <a low-rent literary form>

low-rise
1 : having few stories and not equipped with elevators <a low-rise classroom building>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by low-rise buildings <a low-rise housing development>

low-slung
: relatively low to the ground or floor <a low-slung convertible> <a low-slung modern building> <a low-slung sofa>

low-spirited
: DEJECTED, DEPRESSED
–low-spir·it·ed·ly adverb
–low-spir·it·ed·ness noun

low-tech
: technologically simple or unsophisticated <low-tech industries>

lowball
n. 1 : to give (a customer) a deceptively low price or cost estimate
2 : to give a markedly or unfairly low offer <lowballed him in contract negotiations>
–lowball noun

lowborn
adj. : born in a low condition or rank

lowboy
n. : a chest or side table about three feet (one meter) high with drawers and usually with cabriole legs

lowbred
adj. : RUDE, VULGAR

lowbrow
n. : of, relating to, or suitable for a person with little taste or intellectual interest <a lowbrow horror movie>
–lowbrow noun

lowdown
n. : the inside facts : DOPE <gave us the lowdown on the situation>

Lowell
Amy 1874-1925 American poet & critic

Lowell
James Russell 1819-1891 American poet, essayist, & dram.

Lowell
Percival 1855-1916 bro. of Amy American astron.

Lowell
Robert Traill Spence 1917-1977 American poet

Lowell
city NE Mass. NW of Boston pop 105,167

lower
n. 1 : to look sullen : FROWN
2 : to be or become dark, gloomy, and threatening <an overcast sky lowered over the village>

lower
n. : FROWN

lower
n. 1 : relatively low in position, rank, or order
2 : SOUTHERN <lower New York State>
3 : less advanced in the scale of evolutionary development
4 a : situated or held to be situated beneath the earth's surface b capitalized : being an earlier epoch or series of the period or system named <Lower Cretaceous> <Lower Paleolithic>
5 : constituting the popular and often the larger and more representative branch of a bicameral legislative body <lower house>

lower
n. : to move down : DROP also : DIMINISH
transitive verb
1 a : to let descend : LET DOWN b : to depress as to direction <lower your aim> c : to reduce the height of
2 a : to reduce in value, number, or amount b (1) : to bring down in quality or character : DEGRADE (2) : ABASE, HUMBLE c : to reduce the objective of
–lower the boom : to deal a crushing blow or punishment

lower
n. lower the boom
lower class
lower criticism
lower fungus
rear admiral lower half
Lower Canada
Lower 48
Lower Klamath Lake
Lower Peninsula
Lower Saxony

Lower 48
the continental states of the U.S. excluding Alaska

Lower Canada
the province of Canada 1791-1841 corresponding to modern Que. ― see UPPER CANADA

lower class
: a social class occupying a position below the middle class and having the lowest status in a society

lower criticism
: criticism concerned with the recovery of original texts especially of Scripture through collation of extant manuscripts ― compare HIGHER CRITICISM

lower fungus
: a fungus with hyphae absent or rudimentary and nonseptate

Lower Klamath Lake
lake N Calif. on Oreg. border SSE of Upper Klamath Lake (in Oreg.)

Lower Peninsula
S part of Mich., S of Straits of Mackinac

Lower Saxony
state of Germany & formerly of W. Germany bordering on North Sea capital Hannover area 18,305 sq mi (47,410 sq km), pop 7,387,200 ― see SAXONY

lower the boom
to deal a crushing blow or punishment

lower-class
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the lower class
2 : being an inferior or low-ranking specimen of its kind <a lower-class theater>

lowercase
adj. of a letter : having as its typical form a f g or b n i rather than A F G or B N I
–lowercase noun

lowercase
adj. : to print or set in lowercase letters

lowering
n. : dark and threatening : GLOOMY <rain pouring down from a lowering sky>

lowermost
adj. : LOWEST

lowery
adj. : GLOOMY, LOWERING

Lowes
John Livingston 1867-1945 American educ.

lowest common denominator
1 : LEAST COMMON DENOMINATOR
2 : something of small intellectual content designed to appeal to a lowbrow audience also : such an audience

lowest common multiple
: LEAST COMMON MULTIPLE

lowest terms
: the form of a fraction in which the numerator and denominator have no factor in common except 1 <reduce a fraction to lowest terms>

Lowestoft
port E England in E. Suffolk on North Sea pop 55,231

lowland
n. : low or level country

lowland
n. 1 capitalized : of or relating to the Lowlands of Scotland
2 : of or relating to a lowland

lowland gorilla
: either of two gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla or G. gorilla graueri) that inhabit lowland rainforests of west central Africa

lowlander
n. 1 capitalized : an inhabitant of the Lowlands of Scotland
2 : a native or inhabitant of a lowland region

Lowlands
n. the cen & E part of Scotland lying bet. the Highlands & the Southern Uplands

lowlife
n. 1 : a person of low social status
2 : a person of low moral character
–low-life adjective

lowlight
n. : a particularly bad or unpleasant event, detail, or part

lowlihead
archaic : lowly state

lowly
adj. 1 : in a humble or meek manner
2 : in a low position, manner, or degree
3 : not loudly

lowly
adj. 1 : humble in manner or spirit : free from self-assertive pride
2 : not lofty or sublime : PROSAIC
3 : ranking low in some hierarchy
4 : of or relating to a low social or economic rank
5 : low in the scale of biological or cultural evolution
–low·li·ness noun

lown
dialect : CALM, QUIET

Lowndes
William Thomas 1798-1843 Eng. bibliographer

lowrider
: a customized car with a chassis that has been lowered so that it narrowly clears the ground

Lowry
(Clarence) Malcolm 1909-1957 Brit. writer

lox
n. : liquid oxygen

lox
n. : salmon that has been cured in brine and sometimes smoked

loxodrome
n. : RHUMB LINE

loyal
adj. 1 : unswerving in allegiance: as a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government b : faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
2 : showing loyalty
3 obsolete : LAWFUL, LEGITIMATE
synonyms see FAITHFUL
–loy·al·ly \'lȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

loyalist
n. : one who is or remains loyal especially to a political cause, party, government, or sovereign

loyalty
n. : the quality or state or an instance of being loyal
synonyms see FIDELITY

Loyalty Islands
islands SW Pacific E of New Caledonia; a dependency of New Caledonia area ab 755 sq mi (1955 sq km), pop 17,912

Loyola
n. Saint Ignatius ― see IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

lozenge
n. 1 : a figure with four equal sides and two acute and two obtuse angles : DIAMOND
2 : something shaped like a lozenge
3 : a small usually sweetened and flavored medicated material that is designed to be held in the mouth for slow dissolution especially : one that contains a demulcent <sore throat lozenges> ― called also pastille troche

LP
n. : a microgroove phonograph record designed to be played at 331/3 revolutions per minute

LP
n. low pressure

LPG
liquefied petroleum gas

LPGA
Ladies Professional Golf Association

LPN
: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

LR
1 living room
2 lower right

Lr
lawrencium

LRT
light-rail transit

LRV
light-rail vehicle

LS
1 left side
2 letter signed
3 library science
4 [Latin locus sigilli] place of the seal

LSD
n. : a semisynthetic illicit organic compound C_20H_25N_3O derived from ergot that induces extreme sensory distortions, altered perceptions of reality, and intense emotional states, that may also produce delusions or paranoia, and that may sometimes cause panic reactions in response to the effects experienced ― called also lysergic acid diethylamide

LSI
large-scale integrated circuit; large-scale integration

LSM
letter-sorting machine

LSO
landing signal officer

LSS
1 lifesaving service; lifesaving station
2 life-support system

LST
1 landing ship, tank
2 local sidereal time

LT
n. long ton

Lt
n. lieutenant

lt
n. light

lt
n. Lt Gen
Lt Col
Lt Comdr
lt gov

Lt Col
lieutenant colonel

Lt Comdr
lieutenant commander

lt gov
lieutenant governor

LTC
n. 1 lieutenant colonel
2 long-term care

ltd
limited

LTG
lieutenant general

LTh
licentiate in theology

LTJG
lieutenant junior grade

LTL
less than truckload

LTP
long-term potentiation

ltr
1 letter
2 lighter

LTS
launch telemetry station; launch tracking system

Lu
lutetium

Lu
Lu ta
Wu lu mu ch'i
Lu Hsun
Lu Hsün

Lu Hsun
1881-1936 pseud. of Chou Shu-Jen Chin. writer

Lu-ta
― see DALIAN

Lualaba
river 400 mi (640 km) SE Democratic Republic of the Congo flowing N to join the Lu·a·pu·la \-'pü-lä\ (outlet of Lake Bangweulu) forming Congo River

Luanda
n. city & port capital of Angola pop 1,544,400

Luangue
― see LOANGE

luau
n. : a Hawaiian feast

Lubavitcher
n. : a member of a Hasidic sect founded by Schneour Zalman of Lyady in the late 18th century
–Lubavitcher adjective

lubber
n. 1 : a big clumsy fellow
2 : a clumsy seaman
–lub·ber·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–lub·ber·ly \-lē\ adjective or adverb

lubber line
: a fixed line on the compass of a ship or airplane that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle

lubber's hole
: a hole in a square-rigger's top near the mast through which one may go farther aloft without going over the rim by the futtock shrouds

Lubbock
n. Sir John 1834-1913 1st Baron Ave·bury \'āv-b(ə-)rē, 'ā-\ son of Sir J.W. Eng. financier & author

Lubbock
n. Sir John William 1803-1865 Eng. astron. & math.

Lubbock
n. city NW Tex. pop 199,564

lube
n. 1 : LUBRICANT
2 : an application of a lubricant : LUBRICATION

Lubeck
city & port N Germany NE of Hamburg pop 215,999

Lublin
city E Poland SE of Warsaw pop 349,672

lubric
archaic : LUBRICIOUS
–lu·bri·cal \-bri-kəl\ adjective

lubricant
n. 1 : a substance (as grease) capable of reducing friction, heat, and wear when introduced as a film between solid surfaces
2 : something that lessens or prevents friction or difficulty <a social lubricant>
–lubricant adjective

lubricate
transitive verb
1 : to make smooth or slippery
2 : to apply a lubricant to
intransitive verb : to act as a lubricant
–lu·bri·ca·tion \ˌlü-brə-'kā-shən\ noun
–lu·bri·ca·tive \'lü-brə-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective
–lu·bri·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

lubricious
adj. 1 : marked by wantonness : LECHEROUS also : SALACIOUS
2 [Latin lubricus] : having a smooth or slippery quality <a lubricious skin>
–lu·bri·cious·ly adverb

lubricity
n. : the property or state of being lubricious also : the capacity for reducing friction

Lubumbashi
city SE Democratic Republic of the Congo in SE Shaba pop 739,082

Lucan
n. : of or relating to Luke or the Gospel ascribed to him

Lucan
n. A.D. 39-65 Marcus Annaeus Lucanus Rom. poet

Lucania
― see BASILICATA

Lucania, Mount
mountain 17,147 ft (5226 m) Canada in SW Yukon Territory in St. Elias Range N of Mt. Logan

lucarne
: DORMER

Lucas
n. George Walton, Jr. 1944-     American filmmaker

Lucas
n. Robert Emerson, Jr. 1937-     American econ.

Lucayo
: a member of an Arawakan people of the Bahamas

Lucca
commune cen Italy in Tuscany NW of Florence pop 85,487

Luce
n. Clare 1903-1987 née Boothe \'büth\ wife of H.R. American dram., polit., & diplomat

Luce
n. Henry Robinson 1898-1967 American editor & publisher

lucency
n. : the quality or state of being lucent

lucent
adj. 1 : glowing with light : LUMINOUS
2 : marked by clarity or translucence : CLEAR
–lu·cent·ly adverb

lucern
n. obsolete : LYNX

Lucerne
n. 1 canton cen Switzerland area 577 sq mi (1494 sq km), pop 350,600
2 commune, its capital, on Lake of Lucerne pop 57,374

lucerne
n. chiefly British : ALFALFA

Lucerne, Lake of
lake 24 mi (39 km) long cen Switzerland area 44 sq mi (114 sq km)

Luchow
― see HEFEI

lucid
adj. 1 a : suffused with light : LUMINOUS b : TRANSLUCENT <snorkeling in the lucid sea>
2 : having full use of one's faculties : SANE
3 : clear to the understanding : INTELLIGIBLE
synonyms see CLEAR
–lu·cid·ly adverb
–lu·cid·ness noun

lucidity
n. 1 : clearness of thought or style
2 : a presumed capacity to perceive the truth directly and instantaneously : CLAIRVOYANCE

Lucifer
n. 1 ― used as a name of the devil
2 : the planet Venus when appearing as the morning star
3 not capitalized : a friction match having as active substances antimony sulfide and potassium chlorate
–Lu·ci·fe·ri·an \ˌlü-sə-'fir-ē-ən\ adjective

luciferase
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin

luciferin
: any of various organic substances in luminescent organisms (as fireflies) that upon oxidation produce a virtually heatless light

luciferous
: bringing light or insight : ILLUMINATING <a luciferous performance of the opera>

Lucina
archaic : MIDWIFE

Lucite
n. ― used for an acrylic resin or plastic consisting essentially of polymerized methyl methacrylate

luck
n. 1 a : a force that brings good fortune or adversity b : the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual
2 : favoring chance also : SUCCESS <had great luck growing orchids>
–luck·less \-ləs\ adjective

luck
n. 1 : to prosper or succeed especially through chance or good fortune ― usually used with out <the hero lucks out and is able to escape>
2 : to come upon something desirable by chance ― usually used with out, on, onto, or into <lucked into a wonderful opportunity>

luck
n. down on one's luck
hard luck
push one's luck

luckily
adv. 1 : in a lucky manner
2 : FORTUNATELY 2 <luckily, we were on time>
usage see HOPEFULLY

Lucknow
city N India ESE of Delhi capital of Uttar Pradesh pop 2,207,340

lucky
adj. 1 : having good luck
2 : happening by chance : FORTUITOUS
3 : producing or resulting in good by chance : FAVORABLE
4 : seeming to bring good luck <a lucky rabbit's foot>
–luck·i·ness \'lə-kē-nəs\ noun
synonyms LUCKY, FORTUNATE, HAPPY, PROVIDENTIAL mean meeting with unforeseen success. LUCKY stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result <won because of a lucky bounce>. FORTUNATE suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts <fortunate in my investments>. HAPPY combines the implications of LUCKY and FORTUNATE with stress on being blessed <a series of happy accidents>. PROVIDENTIAL more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power <a providential change in the weather>.

lucky dip
British : GRAB BAG

lucrative
adj. : producing wealth : PROFITABLE
–lu·cra·tive·ly adverb
–lu·cra·tive·ness noun

lucre
n. : monetary gain : PROFIT <wrote almost entirely for lucre> also : MONEY

Lucretius
n. ca 96-ca 55 B.C. Titus Lucretius Carus Rom. poet & philos.
–Lu·cre·tian \-shən\ adjective

lucubration
n. : laborious or intensive study also : the product of such study ― usually used in plural

luculent
adj. : clear in thought or expression : LUCID <the interviewee was luculent and personable>
–lu·cu·lent·ly adverb

Lucullan
adj. : LAVISH, LUXURIOUS <a Lucullan feast>

Lucullus
n. Lucius Licinius ca 117-58(or 56) B.C. Rom. gen. & epicure

Luda
― see DALIAN

Luddite
n. : one of a group of early 19th century English workmen destroying laborsaving machinery as a protest broadly : one who is opposed to especially technological change
–Luddite adjective

lude
: a pill of methaqualone ― usually used in plural

Ludendorff
Erich Friedrich Wilhelm 1865-1937 Ger. gen.

Luderitz
town & port SW Namibia pop 6000

Ludhiana
city NW India in Punjab SE of Amritsar pop 1,395,053

ludic
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by play : PLAYFUL <ludic behavior> <a ludic novel>

ludicrous
adj. 1 : amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or eccentricity
2 : meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish
synonyms see LAUGHABLE
–lu·di·crous·ly adverb
–lu·di·crous·ness noun

Ludwigsburg
city SW Germany in Baden-Württemberg N of Stuttgart pop 83,913

Ludwigshafen am Rhein
city SW Germany on the Rhine opposite Mannheim pop 165,368

lues
n. : SYPHILIS
–lu·et·ic \lü-'e-tik\ adjective

luff
n. 1 : the act of sailing a ship nearer the wind
2 : the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail

luff
n. : to turn the head of a ship toward the wind

luffa
variant of loofah

Lufkin
city E Tex. NNE of Houston pop 32,709

luftmensch
n. : an impractical contemplative person having no definite business or income

lug
n. transitive verb
1 : DRAG, PULL
2 : to carry laboriously <lugged the bags to the car>
3 : to introduce in a forced manner <lugs my name into the argument>
intransitive verb
1 : to pull with effort : TUG
2 : to move heavily or by jerks <the car lugs on hills>
3 of a racehorse : to swerve from the course toward or away from the inside rail

lug
n. 1 archaic a : an act of lugging b : something that is lugged c : a shipping container for produce
2 : LUGSAIL
3 plural : superior airs or affectations <put on lugs>
4 slang : an exaction of money ― used in the phrase put the lug on

lug
n. 1 : something (as a handle) that projects like an ear: as a : a leather loop on a harness saddle through which the shaft passes b : a metal fitting to which electrical wires are soldered or connected
2 chiefly British : EAR
3 : a ridge (as on the bottom of a shoe) to increase traction
4 : a nut used to secure a wheel on an automotive vehicle ― called also lug nut
5 a : a big clumsy fellow b : an ordinary commonplace person

Luganda
n. : the Bantu language of the Ganda people

Lugano
commune S Switzerland in Ticino canton on Lake Lugano pop 26,530

Lugano, Lake
lake on border bet. Switzerland & Italy E of Lake Maggiore area 19 sq mi (49 sq km)

luge
n. : a small sled that is ridden in a supine position and used especially in competition also : the competition itself
–luge intransitive verb
–lug·er \'lü-zhər\ noun

luggage
n. : something that is lugged especially : suitcases for a traveler's belongings : BAGGAGE

lugger
n. : a small fishing or coasting boat that carries one or more lugsails

Lugo
1 province NW Spain in NE Galicia on Bay of Biscay area 3785 sq mi (9803 sq km), pop 357,648
2 commune, its capital pop 88,414

lugsail
n. : a 4-sided sail bent to an obliquely hanging yard that is hoisted and lowered with the sail

lugubrious
adj. 1 : MOURNFUL especially : exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful <dark, dramatic and lugubrious brooding ― V. S. Pritchett>
2 : DISMAL <a lugubrious landscape>
–lu·gu·bri·ous·ly adverb
–lu·gu·bri·ous·ness noun

lugworm
n. : any of a genus (Arenicola) of marine polychaete worms that have a row of tufted gills along each side of the back and are used for bait

Luhans'k
city E Ukraine in Donets Basin pop 504,000

Luichow
― see LEIZHOU

Luigi Amedeo
1873-1933 Duca D'Abruz·zi \dä-'brüt-tsē\ & Prince of Savoy-Aosta Ital. explorer & naval officer

Luik
― see LIÈGE

Luis
n. San Luis
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosí
Sao Luis

Lukan
variant of lucan

Luke
n. 1 : a Gentile physician and companion of the apostle Paul traditionally identified as the author of the third Gospel in the New Testament and of the book of Acts
2 : the third Gospel in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

lukewarm
adj. 1 : moderately warm : TEPID
2 : lacking conviction : HALFHEARTED <gave them only lukewarm support>
–luke·warm·ly adverb
–luke·warm·ness noun

Lulea
city & port N Sweden near head of Gulf of Bothnia pop 72,139

Luleburgaz
city cen Turkey in Europe

lull
n. 1 : to cause to sleep or rest : SOOTHE
2 : to cause to relax vigilance <were lulled into a false sense of security>

lull
n. 1 archaic : something that lulls especially : LULLABY
2 : a temporary pause or decline in activity <the early-morning lull in urban noise>: as a : a temporary calm before or during a storm b : a temporary drop in business activity

lullaby
n. : a soothing refrain specifically : a song to quiet children or lull them to sleep

lullaby
n. : to quiet with or as if with a lullaby

Lully
Jean-Baptiste 1632-1687 Fr. (Ital.-born) composer

Lully
Raymond ― see Ramon LLULL

lulu
n. slang : one that is remarkable or wonderful <a lulu of a performance>

Luluabourg
― see KANANGA

lum
n. chiefly Scottish : CHIMNEY

luma
n. ― see dram at MONEY table

lumbago
n. : acute or chronic pain (as that caused by muscle strain) in the lower back

lumbar
n. : of, relating to, or constituting the loins or the vertebrae between the thoracic vertebrae and sacrum <lumbar region>

lumbar puncture
: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs

lumber
n. 1 : to move ponderously
2 : RUMBLE

lumber
n. 1 : surplus or disused articles (as furniture) that are stored away
2 a : timber or logs especially when dressed for use b : any of various structural materials prepared in a form similar to lumber
–lumber adjective

lumber
n. transitive verb
1 : to clutter with or as if with lumber : ENCUMBER <plan to lumber the tiny town with a giant ski resort ― Marilyn Stasio>
2 : to heap together in disorder
3 : to log and saw the timber of
intransitive verb
1 : to cut logs for lumber
2 : to saw logs into lumber for the market
–lum·ber·er \-bər-ər\ noun

lumber room
: STOREROOM 1

lumberjack
n. : LOGGER

lumberman
n. : a person who is engaged in or oversees the business of cutting, processing, and marketing lumber

lumberyard
n. : a yard where a stock of lumber is kept for sale

lumbosacral
adj. : relating to the lumbar and sacral regions or parts

lumen
n. 1 : the cavity of a tubular organ or part <the lumen of a blood vessel>
2 : the bore of a tube (as of a hollow needle or catheter)
3 : a unit of luminous flux equal to the light emitted in a unit solid angle by a uniform point source of one candle intensity
–lu·mi·nal also lu·men·al \-mə-nəl\ adjective

lumin
: light <luminiferous>

luminaire
n. : a complete lighting unit

luminance
n. 1 : the quality or state of being luminous
2 : the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

luminaria
: a traditional Mexican Christmas lantern orig. consisting of a candle set in sand inside a paper bag

luminary
n. 1 : a person of prominence or brilliant achievement
2 : a body that gives light especially : one of the celestial bodies
–luminary adjective

luminesce
v. : to exhibit luminescence

luminescence
n. : the low-temperature emission of light (as by a chemical or physiological process) also : light produced by luminescence
–lu·mi·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

luminiferous
adj. : transmitting, producing, or yielding light

luminism
: a theory or practice of realist landscape and seascape painting developed in the U.S. in the mid-19th century and concerned with the study and depiction of effects of light and atmosphere
–lu·mi·nist \-nist\ noun or adjective often cap

luminosity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being luminous b : something luminous
2 a : the relative quantity of light b : relative brightness of something
3 : the relative quantity of radiation emitted by a celestial source (as a star)

luminous
adj. 1 a : emitting or reflecting usually steady, suffused, or glowing light b : of or relating to light or to luminous flux
2 : bathed in or exposed to steady light <luminous with sunlight>
3 : CLEAR, ENLIGHTENING
4 : SHINING, ILLUSTRIOUS <a luminous film star> <a luminous performance>
synonyms see BRIGHT
–lu·mi·nous·ly adverb
–lu·mi·nous·ness noun

luminous
adj. luminous energy
luminous flux
luminous paint
self luminous

luminous energy
: energy transferred in the form of visible radiation

luminous flux
: radiant flux in the visible-wavelength range usually expressed in lumens instead of watts

luminous paint
: a paint containing a phosphor (as zinc sulfide activated with copper) and so able to glow in the dark

lummox
n. : a clumsy person

lump
n. 1 : a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape
2 a : AGGREGATE, TOTALITY <taken in the lump> b : MAJORITY
3 : PROTUBERANCE especially : an abnormal swelling
4 : a person who is heavy and awkward also : one who is stupid or dull
5 plural a : BEATINGS, BRUISES <had taken a lot of lumps growing up in the city> b : DEFEAT, LOSS <can cheerfully take his lumps on losers, because the payout is big on the winners ― Martin Mayer>
–lump in one's throat : a constriction of the throat caused by emotion

lump
n. 1 : to group indiscriminately
2 : to make into lumps also : to make lumps on or in
3 : to move noisily and clumsily
intransitive verb
1 : to become formed into lumps
2 : to move oneself noisily and clumsily

lump
n. : not divided into parts : ENTIRE <a lump sum>

lump
n. : to put up with <like it or lump it>

lump in one's throat
a constriction of the throat caused by emotion

lumpectomy
n. : excision of a breast tumor with a limited amount of associated tissue

lumpen
adj. 1 : of or relating to dispossessed and uprooted individuals cut off from the economic and social class with which they might normally be identified <lumpen proletariat> <lumpen intellectuals>
2 : PLEBEIAN 2

lumpen
adj. : a member of the crude and uneducated lowest class of society

lumper
n. 1 : a laborer who handles freight or cargo
2 : one who classifies organisms into large often variable taxonomic groups based on major characters ― compare SPLITTER

lumpfish
n. : a northern Atlantic usually greenish fish (Cyclopterus lumpus of the family Cyclopteridae) having rows of nodules on the body and eggs used as a caviar

lumpish
adj. 1 : DULL, SLUGGISH
2 obsolete : low in spirits
3 : HEAVY, AWKWARD
4 : LUMPY 1A
5 : tediously slow or dull : BORING also : LUMPY 3
–lump·ish·ly adverb
–lump·ish·ness noun

lumpy
adj. 1 a : filled or covered with lumps b : characterized by choppy waves
2 : having a heavy clumsy appearance
3 : uneven and often crude in style
–lump·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–lump·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

lumpy jaw
: ACTINOMYCOSIS especially : actinomycosis of the head in cattle

Lumumba
Patrice (Hemery) 1925-1961 Zaire polit.

luna moth
: a large mostly pale green American saturniid moth (Actias luna) with long tails on the hind wings

lunacy
n. 1 a : INSANITY b : intermittent insanity once believed to be related to phases of the moon
2 : wild foolishness : extravagant folly
3 : a foolish act

lunar
adj. 1 : CRESCENT, LUNATE
2 a : of, relating to, or resembling the moon <lunar craters> <a lunar landscape> b : designed for use on the moon <lunar vehicles>
3 : measured by the moon's revolution <lunar month>

lunar
adj. lunar caustic
lunar eclipse
lunar module
lunar excursion module

lunar caustic
: silver nitrate especially when fused and molded into sticks for use as a caustic

lunar eclipse
: an eclipse in which the full moon passes partially or wholly through the umbra of the earth's shadow

lunar module
: a space vehicle module designed to carry astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back ― called also lunar excursion module

lunate
adj. : shaped like a crescent

lunatic
n. 1 a : affected with lunacy : INSANE b : designed for the care of insane persons <lunatic asylum>
2 : wildly foolish <a lunatic idea>
–lunatic noun

lunatic fringe
: the members of a usually political or social movement espousing extreme, eccentric, or fanatical views

lunation
n. : the period of time averaging 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds elapsing between two successive new moons

lunch
n. 1 : a usually light meal especially : one taken in the middle of the day
2 : the food prepared for a lunch
–out to lunch
slang : out of touch with reality

lunch
n. : to eat lunch
transitive verb : to treat to lunch
–lunch·er noun

lunch
n. box lunch
eat someone's lunch
free lunch
out to lunch
lunch bucket
lunch counter
ploughman's lunch

lunch counter
1 : a long counter at which lunches are sold
2 : LUNCHEONETTE

lunch-bucket
: of, relating to, or possessing working-class values : BLUE-COLLAR <lunch-bucket issues> <a lunch-bucket athlete>

luncheon
n. : LUNCH especially : a formal usually midday meal as part of a meeting or for entertaining a guest

luncheonette
n. : a small restaurant serving light lunches

lunchroom
n. 1 : LUNCHEONETTE
2 : a room (as in a school) where lunches supplied on the premises or brought from home may be eaten

lunchtime
n. : the time at which lunch is usually eaten : NOON

Lund
city SW Sweden NE of Malmö pop 100,402

Lundy Island
island SW England at mouth of Bristol Channel off coast of Devon area 2 sq mi (5.2 sq km)

lune
n. : the part of a plane surface bounded by two intersecting arcs or of a spherical surface bounded by two great circles

Luneburg
city N Germany SE of Hamburg & NE of Lüneburg Heath or G Lü·ne·bur·ger Hei·de \-ˌbu̇r-gər-ˌhī-də\ (tract of moorland ab 55 mi or 88 km long) pop 62,944

Lunen
city W Germany S of Münster pop 88,443

Lunenburg
municipal district Canada in S N.S. pop 25,570

lunes
n. : fits of lunacy

lunette
n. 1 : something that has the shape of a crescent or half-moon: as a : an opening in a vault especially for a window b : the surface at the upper part of a wall that is partly surrounded by a vault which the wall intersects and that is often filled by windows or by mural painting c : a low crescentic mound (as of sand) formed by the wind
2 : the figure or shape of a crescent moon

Luneville
city NE France on the Meurthe SE of Nancy pop 20,188

lung
n. 1 a : one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates b : any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2 a : a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface b : a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : RESPIRATOR ― compare IRON LUNG
–lung·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

lung
n. Hei lung
Aqua Lung
black lung
book lung
brown lung
farmer's lung
heart lung machine
iron lung
small cell lung cancer
Ch'ien lung
Chi lung
Heilong Hei lung

lunge
n. 1 : a quick thrust or jab (as of a sword) usually made by leaning or striding forward
2 : a sudden forward rush or reach <made a lunge to catch the ball>

lunge
n. intransitive verb : to make a lunge : move with or as if with a lunge
transitive verb : to thrust or propel (as a blow) in a lunge

lunged
v. 1 : having lungs : PULMONATE
2 : having a lung or lungs of a specified kind or number ― used in combination <one-lunged>

lunger
n. : one that lunges

lunger
n. : a person suffering from a chronic disease of the lungs especially : one who is tubercular

lungfish
n. : any of an order (Dipnoi) of bony fishes that breathe by a modified swim bladder as well as gills

Lungki
― see ZHANGZHOU

lungworm
n. : any of various nematodes that infest the lungs and air passages of mammals

lungwort
n. : any of several plants (as a mullein) formerly used in the treatment of respiratory disorders especially : a European herb (Pulmonaria officinalis) of the borage family with hispid leaves and usually bluish flowers

lunisolar
adj. : relating or attributed to the moon and the sun

lunker
n. : something large of its kind ― used especially of a game fish

lunkhead
n. : a stupid person : DOLT
–lunk·head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

Lunt
Alfred 1893-1977 husband of Lynn Fontanne American actor

lunule
n. : a crescent-shaped body part or marking (as the whitish mark at the base of a fingernail)

Luoyang
city E China in N Henan in the Huang basin pop 759,752

lupanar
: BORDELLO

Lupercalia
n. : an ancient Roman festival celebrated February 15 to ensure fertility for the people, fields, and flocks
–Lu·per·ca·lian \-'kā-lē-ən, -'kāl-yən\ adjective

lupine
n. : any of a genus (Lupinus) of leguminous herbs including some poisonous forms and others cultivated for their long showy racemes of usually blue, purple, white, or yellow flowers or for green manure, fodder, or their edible seeds also : an edible lupine seed

lupine
n. : WOLFISH

lupus
n. : any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions especially : SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

lupus erythematosus
: a disorder characterized by skin inflammation especially : SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Luray Caverns
caverns N Va. in Blue Ridge Mountains

lurch
n. intransitive verb dialect chiefly English : to loiter about a place furtively : PROWL
transitive verb
1 obsolete : STEAL
2 archaic : CHEAT

lurch
n. : a decisive defeat in which an opponent wins a game by more than double the defeated player's score especially in cribbage
–in the lurch : in a vulnerable and unsupported position

lurch
n. 1 archaic : to leave in the lurch
2 : to defeat by a lurch (as in cribbage)

lurch
n. 1 : a sudden roll of a ship to one side
2 : an abrupt jerking, swaying, or tipping movement <the car moved forward with a lurch> also : STAGGER 2

lurch
n. 1 : to roll or tip abruptly : PITCH
2 : to move with a lurch <suddenly lurched forward> also : STAGGER <has lurched from crisis to crisis ― Jere Longman>

lurcher
n. 1 archaic : a petty thief : PILFERER
2 British : a crossbred dog especially : one that resembles a greyhound
3 archaic : one who lurks also : SPY

lurdane
archaic : a lazy stupid person
–lurdane adjective

lure
n. 1 : an object usually of leather or feathers attached to a long cord and used by a falconer to recall or exercise a hawk
2 a : an inducement to pleasure or gain : ENTICEMENT b : APPEAL, ATTRACTION
3 : a decoy for attracting animals to capture: as a : artificial bait used for catching fish b : an often luminous structure on the head of pediculate fishes that is used to attract prey

lure
n. 1 : to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure
2 : to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain : attract actively and strongly
synonyms LURE, ENTICE, INVEIGLE, DECOY, TEMPT, SEDUCE mean to lead astray from one's true course. LURE implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving <lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes>. ENTICE suggests drawing by artful or adroit means <advertising designed to entice new customers>. INVEIGLE implies enticing by cajoling or flattering <fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni>. DECOY implies a luring into entrapment by artifice <attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush>. TEMPT implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment <tempted by the offer of money>. SEDUCE implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises <seduced by assurances of assistance>.

Lurex
n. ― used for metallic yarn or thread

lurid
adj. 1 a : causing horror or revulsion : GRUESOME b : MELODRAMATIC, SENSATIONAL also : SHOCKING <paperbacks in the usual lurid covers ― T. R. Fyvel>
2 a : wan and ghastly pale in appearance b : of any of several light or medium grayish colors ranging in hue from yellow to orange
3 : shining with the red glow of fire seen through smoke or cloud
synonyms see GHASTLY
–lu·rid·ly adverb
–lu·rid·ness noun

lurk
n. 1 a : to lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose b : to move furtively or inconspicuously c : to persist in staying
2 a : to be concealed but capable of being discovered specifically : to constitute a latent threat b : to lie hidden
3 : to read messages on an Internet discussion forum (as a newsgroup or chat room) without contributing
–lurk·er noun
synonyms LURK, SKULK, SLINK, SNEAK mean to behave so as to escape attention. LURK implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent <suspicious men lurking in alleyways>. SKULK suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent <something skulking in the shadows>. SLINK implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention <slunk around the corner>. SNEAK may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods <sneaked out early>.

Lusaka
n. city capital of Zambia pop 982,362

Lusatia
region E Germany NW of Silesia E of the Elbe

luscious
adj. 1 a : having a delicious taste or smell : SWEET b archaic : excessively sweet : CLOYING
2 : sexually attractive : SEDUCTIVE, SEXY
3 a : richly luxurious or appealing to the senses b : excessively ornate
–lus·cious·ly adverb
–lus·cious·ness noun

lush
n. 1 a : growing vigorously especially with luxuriant foliage <lush grass> b : lavishly productive: as (1) : FERTILE (2) : THRIVING (3) : characterized by abundance : PLENTIFUL (4) : PROSPEROUS, PROFITABLE
2 a : SAVORY, DELICIOUS b : appealing to the senses <the lush sounds of the orchestra> c : OPULENT, SUMPTUOUS <lush accommodations>
synonyms see PROFUSE
–lush·ly adverb
–lush·ness noun

lush
n. 1 slang : intoxicating liquor : DRINK
2 : a habitual heavy drinker : DRUNKARD

lush
n. slang : DRINK

Lushun
port NE China in S Liaoning at tip of Liaodong Peninsula; part of greater Dalian

Lusitania
― see PORTUGAL
–Lu·si·ta·ni·an \ˌlü-sə-'tā-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Luso
: Portuguese and <Luso-Brazilian>

lust
n. 1 obsolete a : PLEASURE, DELIGHT b : personal inclination : WISH
2 : usu. intense or unbridled sexual desire : LASCIVIOUSNESS
3 a : an intense longing : CRAVING <a lust to succeed> b : ENTHUSIASM, EAGERNESS <admired his lust for life>

lust
n. : to have an intense desire or need : CRAVE specifically : to have a sexual urge

luster
n. : a period of five years : LUSTRUM 2

luster
n. 1 : a glow of reflected light : SHEEN specifically : the appearance of the surface of a mineral dependent upon its reflecting qualities
2 a : a glow of light from within : LUMINOSITY b : an inner beauty : RADIANCE
3 : a superficial attractiveness or appearance of excellence
4 a : a glass pendant used especially to ornament a candlestick or chandelier b : a decorative object (as a chandelier) hung with glass pendants
5 chiefly British : a fabric with cotton warp and a filling of wool, mohair, or alpaca
6 : LUSTERWARE
–lus·ter·less \-tər-ləs\ adjective

luster
n. intransitive verb : to have luster : GLEAM
transitive verb
1 : to give luster or distinction to
2 : to coat or treat with a substance that imparts luster

lusterware
n. : pottery with an iridescent metallic sheen in the glaze

lustful
adj. : excited by lust : LECHEROUS
–lust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–lust·ful·ness noun

lustihood
1 : vigor of body or spirit : ROBUSTNESS
2 : sexual inclination or capacity

lustral
adj. : PURIFICATORY

lustrate
v. : to purify ceremonially
–lus·tra·tion \ˌləs-'trā-shən\ noun

lustring
n. archaic : LUTESTRING

lustring
n. : a finishing process (as calendering) for giving a gloss to yarns and cloth

lustrous
adj. 1 : reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle <a lustrous satin> <the lustrous glow of an opal>
2 : radiant in character or reputation : ILLUSTRIOUS
synonyms see BRIGHT
–lus·trous·ly adverb
–lus·trous·ness noun

lustrum
n. 1 : a period of five years
2 a : a purification of the whole Roman people made in ancient times after the census every five years b : the Roman census

lusty
adj. 1 archaic : MERRY, JOYOUS
2 : LUSTFUL <lusty passion>
3 a : full of strength and vitality : HEALTHY, VIGOROUS <a young, lusty, growing country ― Helen Harris> b : HEARTY, ROBUST <a lusty beef stew> c : ENTHUSIASTIC, ROUSING <a lusty rendition of the song>
synonyms see VIGOROUS
–lust·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–lust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

lusus naturae
: freak of nature

lute
n. : a stringed instrument having a large pear-shaped body, a vaulted back, a fretted fingerboard, and a head with tuning pegs which is often angled backward from the neck

lute
n. : to seal or cover (as a joint or surface) with lute

lute
n. : a substance (as cement or clay) for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid

lute
n. : corpus luteum <luteal>

luteal
adj. : of, relating to, or involving the corpus luteum or its formation <the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle>

lutefisk
: dried codfish that has been soaked in a water and lye solution before cooking

lutein
n. : an orange xanthophyll C_40H_56O_2 occurring in plants, animal fat, egg yolk, and the corpus luteum

luteinization
n. : the process of forming corpora lutea
–lu·tein·ize \'lü-tē-ə-ˌnīz, 'lü-ˌtē-ˌnīz\ verb

luteinization
n. luteinizing hormone
luteinizing hormone releasing factor
luteinizing hormone releasing hormone

luteinizing hormone
: a hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that in the female stimulates ovulation and the development of corpora lutea and in the male the development of interstitial tissue in the testis

luteinizing hormone-releasing factor
: GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE

luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone
: GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE

lutenist
n. : a lute player

luteotropic
adj. : acting on the corpora lutea

luteotropic hormone
: PROLACTIN

luteotropin
n. : PROLACTIN

luteous
adj. : yellow tinged with green or brown

lutestring
n. : a plain glossy silk formerly much used for women's dresses and ribbons

Lutetia
n. ― see PARIS 2

lutetium
n. : a metallic element of the rare-earth group ― see ELEMENT table

Luther
n. Martin 1483-1546 Ger. Reformation leader

Lutheran
n. : a member of a Lutheran church

Lutheran
n. 1 : of or relating to religious doctrines (as justification by faith alone) developed by Martin Luther or his followers
2 : of or relating to the Protestant churches adhering to Lutheran doctrines, liturgy, and polity
–Lu·ther·an·ism \-rə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

luthier
n. : one who makes stringed musical instruments (as violins or guitars)

Luthuli
Albert John 1898-1967 So. African reformer

Luton
town SE cen England in SE Bedfordshire pop 167,300

lutz
n. : a backward figure-skating jump with a takeoff from the outside edge of one skate followed by a full turn in the air and a landing on the outside edge of the other skate

Lutzen
town E Germany in Saxony SW of Leipzig

Luwian
: an Anatolian language of the Indo-European language family ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Luwian adjective

lux
n. : a unit of illumination equal to the direct illumination on a surface that is everywhere one meter from a uniform point source of one candle intensity or equal to one lumen per square meter

luxation
n. : dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint or the lens of the eye)

luxe
n. : LUXURIOUS, SUMPTUOUS
–luxe noun

Luxembourg
1 province SE Belgium capital Arlon area 1706 sq mi (4418 sq km), pop 250,406
2 country W Europe bet. Belgium, France, & Germany; a grand duchy area 999 sq mi (2597 sq km), pop 392,000
3 city, its capital pop 75,377
–Lux·em·bourg·er or Lux·em·burg·er \-ˌbər-gər, -ˌbu̇r-\ noun
–Lux·em·bourg·i·an or Lux·em·burg·i·an \ˌlək-səm-'bər-gē-ən, ˌlu̇k-səm-'bu̇r-\ adjective

Luxemburg
n. Rosa 1870-1919 Ger. socialist leader

Luxor
city S Egypt on the Nile on S part of site of ancient Thebes pop 142,000

luxuriance
n. : the quality or state of being luxuriant

luxuriant
adj. 1 a : yielding abundantly : FERTILE, FRUITFUL b : characterized by abundant growth : LUSH <luxuriant vegetation>
2 : abundantly and often extravagantly rich and varied : PROLIFIC
3 : characterized by luxury : LUXURIOUS <a luxuriant fabric>
synonyms see PROFUSE
–lux·u·ri·ant·ly adverb

luxuriate
v. 1 a : to grow profusely : THRIVE b : to develop extensively
2 : to indulge oneself luxuriously : REVEL

luxurious
adj. 1 : LECHEROUS
2 : marked by or given to self-indulgence <luxurious tastes> <luxurious feeling>
3 : of, relating to, or marked by luxury <luxurious accommodations>
4 : of the finest and richest kind <luxurious cashmeres> <a luxurious chocolate sauce>
synonyms see SENSUOUS
–lux·u·ri·ous·ly adverb
–lux·u·ri·ous·ness noun

luxury
n. 1 archaic : LECHERY, LUST
2 : a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment <lived in luxury>
3 a : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary <one of life's luxuries> b : an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease <had the luxury of rejecting a handful of job offers ― Terri Minsky>
–luxury adjective

luxury box
: SKYBOX

Luzon
n. island N Philippines chief island of the group area 41,765 sq mi (108,171 sq km), pop 23,900,796

lv
leave

LVT
landing vehicle, tracked

LW
low water

lwei
n. ― see kwanza at MONEY table

LWM
low-water mark

LWV
League of Women Voters

lx
lux

ly
1 : degrading : reduction <lyase>
2 : dispersed state : dispersion <lyophilic>

ly
1 : like in appearance, manner, or nature : having the characteristics of <queenly> <fatherly>
2 : characterized by regular recurrence in (specified) units of time : every <hourly> <weekly>

ly
1 a : in a (specified) manner <slowly> b : at a (specified) time interval <annually>
2 : from a (specified) point of view <eschatologically>
3 : with respect to <partly>
4 : to a (specified) degree <relatively>
5 : in a (specified) place in a series <secondly>

Lyallpur
― see FAISALABAD

lyam-hound
archaic : BLOODHOUND

lyart
chiefly Scottish : streaked with gray : GRAY

lyase
n. : an enzyme (as a decarboxylase) that forms double bonds by removing groups from a substrate other than by hydrolysis or that adds groups to double bonds

Lyautey
Louis-Hubert-Gonzalve 1854-1934 Fr. soldier & colonial administrator

Lycabettus
mountain 909 ft (277 m) in NE part of Athens, Greece

lycanthropy
n. 1 : a delusion that one has become a wolf
2 : the assumption of the form and characteristics of a wolf held to be possible by witchcraft or magic
–ly·can·throp·ic \ˌlī-kən-'thrä-pik\ adjective

Lycaonia
ancient region & Roman province SE cen Asia Minor N of Cilicia

lycee
n. : a French public secondary school that prepares students for the university

lyceum
n. 1 : a hall for public lectures or discussions
2 : an association providing public lectures, concerts, and entertainments
3 : LYCÉE

lych-gate
: a roofed gate in a churchyard under which a bier rests during the initial part of the burial service

lychee
n. 1 : the oval fruit of a Chinese tree (Litchi chinensis) of the soapberry family having a hard scaly reddish outer covering and sweet whitish edible flesh that surrounds a single large seed ― called also lychee nut
2 : a tree bearing lychees

lychnis
n. : any of a genus (Lychnis) of north-temperate zone herbs of the pink family with terminal cymes of showy mostly red or white flowers having five or rarely four styles

Lycia
ancient region & Roman province SW Asia Minor on coast SE of Caria

Lycian
1 : a native or inhabitant of Lycia
2 : an Anatolian language of the Indo-European language family ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Lycian adjective

lycopene
n. : a carotenoid pigment C_40H_56 that is the red coloring matter of the tomato

lycopod
n. : LYCOPODIUM 1 broadly : CLUB MOSS

lycopodium
n. 1 : any of a large genus (Lycopodium) of erect or creeping club mosses with reduced or scalelike evergreen leaves
2 : a fine yellowish flammable powder composed of lycopodium spores and used especially in pharmacy

Lycra
n. ― used for a spandex synthetic fiber

Lycurgus
9th cent. B.C. Spartan lawgiver

lyddite
n. : a high explosive composed chiefly of picric acid

Lydgate
John ca 1370-ca 1450 Eng. poet

Lydia
n. ancient country W Asia Minor bordering on the Aegean capital Sardis

Lydian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Lydia
2 : an Anatolian language of the Indo-European language family ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Lydian adjective

lye
n. 1 : a strong alkaline liquor rich in potassium carbonate leached from wood ashes and used especially in making soap and for washing broadly : a strong alkaline solution (as of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide)
2 : a solid caustic (as sodium hydroxide)

Lyell
Sir Charles 1797-1875 Brit. geologist

lygus bug
: any of various small sucking bugs (genus Lygus) including some pests of cultivated plants

lying
n. present part of lie

lying
n. : marked by or containing falsehoods : FALSE <a lying account of the accident>

lying
n. low lying
lying in
lying ins

lying-in
: the state attending and consequent to childbirth : CONFINEMENT

Lyly
John 1554?-1606 Eng. author

Lyme
n. Newcastle under Lyme
lyme hound
Lyme disease

Lyme disease
: an acute inflammatory disease that is caused by a spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmitted by ticks (genus Ixodes and especially I. dammini), that is usually characterized initially by a spreading red annular erythematous skin lesion and by fatigue, fever, and chills, and that if left untreated may later manifest itself in joint pain, arthritis, and cardiac and neurological disorders ― called also Lyme

lymph
n. 1 archaic : the sap of plants
2 [New Latin lympha, from Latin, water] : a usually clear coagulable fluid that passes from intercellular spaces of body tissue into the lymphatic vessels, is discharged into the blood by way of the thoracic duct, and resembles blood plasma in containing white blood cells and especially lymphocytes but normally few red blood cells and no platelets

lymph
n. : lymph : lymphatic tissue <lymphogranuloma>

lymph
n. lymph vessel
lymph system
lymph gland
lymph node

lymph gland
: LYMPH NODE

lymph node
: any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along the lymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node

lymphadenitis
n. : inflammation of lymph nodes

lymphadenopathy
n. : abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes

lymphangiography
n. : X-ray depiction of lymph vessels and nodes after use of a radiopaque material ― called also lymphography
–lymph·an·gio·gram \(ˌ)lim-'fan-jē-ə-ˌgram\ noun
–lymph·an·gio·graph·ic \ˌlim-ˌfan-jē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective

lymphatic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or produced by lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes b : conveying lymph
2 : lacking physical or mental energy : SLUGGISH
–lym·phat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lymphatic
adj. : a vessel that contains or conveys lymph ― called also lymph vessel

lymphatic system
: the part of the circulatory system that is concerned especially with scavenging fluids and proteins which have escaped from cells and tissues and returning them to the blood, with the phagocytic removal of cellular debris and foreign material, and with the immune response and that consists especially of lymphoid tissue, lymph, and lymph-transporting vessels ― called also lymph system

lymphedema
n. : edema due to faulty lymphatic drainage

lymphoblast
n. : a lymphocyte that has enlarged following stimulation by an antigen, has the capacity to recognize the stimulating antigen, and is undergoing proliferation and differentiation either to an effector state in which it functions to eliminate the antigen or to a memory state in which it functions to recognize the future reappearance of the antigen
–lym·pho·blas·tic \ˌlim(p)-fə-'blas-tik\ adjective

lymphocyte
n. : any of the colorless weakly motile cells originating from stem cells and differentiating in lymphoid tissue (as of the thymus or bone marrow) that are the typical cellular elements of lymph, include the cellular mediators of immunity, and constitute 20 to 30 percent of the white blood cells of normal human blood ― compare B CELL, T CELL
–lym·pho·cyt·ic \ˌlim(p)-fə-'si-tik\ adjective

lymphocyte
n. B lymphocyte
T lymphocyte
T4 lymphocyte
lymphocytic choriomeningitis
lymphocytic leukemia

lymphocytic choriomeningitis
: an acute disease that is caused by an arenavirus (species Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus of the genus Arenavirus), that is characterized by fever, nausea and vomiting, headache, stiff neck, and slow pulse, that is marked by the presence of numerous lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid, and that is transmitted especially by rodents

lymphocytic leukemia
: leukemia of either of two types marked by an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells (as lymphocytes) which accumulate especially in bone marrow, lymphoid tissue, and circulating blood ― called also lymphatic leukemia

lymphocytosis
n. : an increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood usually associated with chronic infections or inflammations

lymphogranuloma
n. : LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM

lymphogranuloma inguinale
: LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM

lymphogranuloma venereum
: a contagious venereal disease caused by various strains of a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) that is marked by painful swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes especially in the region of the groin

lymphogranulomatosis
n. : the development of benign or malignant nodular swellings of lymph nodes in various parts of the body also : a condition characterized by these

lymphography
n. : LYMPHANGIOGRAPHY
–lym·pho·gram \'lim(p)-fə-ˌgram\ noun
–lym·pho·graph·ic \ˌlim-fə-'gra-fik\ adjective

lymphoid
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being tissue (as of the lymph nodes or thymus) containing lymphocytes
2 : of, relating to, or resembling lymph

lymphokine
n. : any of various substances (as interleukin-2) of low molecular weight that are not antibodies, are secreted by T cells in response to stimulation by antigens, and have a role (as the activation of macrophages or the enhancement or inhibition of antibody production) in cell-mediated immunity

lymphoma
n. : a usually malignant tumor of lymphoid tissue
–lym·pho·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

lymphoma
n. Burkitt's lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma
Hodgkin's Hodgkin's lymphoma
non Hodgkin's lymphoma

lymphomatosis
n. : the presence of multiple lymphomas in the body

lymphosarcoma
n. : a malignant lymphoma that tends to metastasize freely

lynch
n. : to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal sanction
–lynch·er noun

lynch law
: the punishment of presumed crimes or offenses usually by death without due process of law

Lynchburg
city S cen Va. on James River pop 65,269

lynchpin
n. variant of linchpin

Lynd
Robert Staugh·ton \'stȯ-tən\ 1892-1970 & his wife Helen née Merrell 1896-1982 American sociologists

Lynn
1 city NE Mass. NE of Boston pop 89,050
2 or Lynn Regis ― see KING'S LYNN

Lynn
Lynn Regis
King's Lynn
Lynn Canal

Lynn Canal
narrow inlet of the Pacific 80 mi (129 km) long SE Alaska extending N from Juneau

Lynnwood
city W Wash. N of Seattle pop 33,847

Lynwood
city SW Calif. S of Los Angeles pop 69,845

lynx
n. : any of several wildcats with relatively long legs, a short stubby tail, mottled coat, and often tufted ears that are thought to comprise a distinct genus (Lynx) of the cat family or to be part of a genus (Felis) that includes the domestic cat and cougar as a : a lynx (L. lynx) of northern Europe and Asia b : BOBCAT c : a No. American lynx (L. canadensis) distinguished from the bobcat by its larger size, longer tufted ears, and wholly black tail tip ― called also Canadian lynx

lynx
n. Canadian lynx
Canada lynx
lynx eyed

lynx-eyed
: SHARP-SIGHTED

lyo
― see LY-

Lyon
n. Mary 1797-1849 American educ.

Lyon
n. city SE cen France at confluence of the Saône & the Rhône pop 445,274

Lyonnais
former province SE cen France NE of Auvergne & W of the Saône & the Rhône capital Lyon

lyonnaise
adj. : prepared with onions <lyonnaise potatoes>

Lyonnesse
: a country that according to Arthurian legend was contiguous to Cornwall before sinking beneath the sea

Lyons
n. Joseph Aloysius 1879-1939 Austral. statesman; prime min. (1931-39)

lyophile
n. 1 : of or relating to freeze-drying
2 or lyo·philed \-ˌfīld\ : obtained by freeze-drying

lyophilic
adj. : marked by strong affinity between a dispersed phase and the liquid in which it is dispersed <a lyophilic colloid>

lyophilise
v. British variant of lyophilize

lyophilize
v. : FREEZE-DRY
–ly·oph·i·li·za·tion \-ˌä-fə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ly·oph·i·liz·er \-'ä-fə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

Lyra
n. : a northern constellation representing the lyre of Orpheus or Mercury and containing Vega

lyrate
: having or suggesting the shape of a lyre <the lyrate horns of the impala>

lyre
n. 1 : a stringed instrument of the harp class having an approximately U-shaped frame and used by the ancient Greeks especially to accompany song and recitation
2 capitalized : LYRA

lyrebird
n. : either of two Australian passerine birds (genus Menura) distinguished in the male by very long tail feathers displayed in the shape of a lyre during courtship

lyric
n. 1 : a lyric composition specifically : a lyric poem
2 : the words of a song ― often used in plural

lyric
n. 1 a : suitable for singing to the lyre or for being set to music and sung b : of, relating to, or being drama set to music especially : OPERATIC <lyric stage>
2 a : expressing direct usually intense personal emotion especially in a manner suggestive of song <lyric poetry> b : EXUBERANT, RHAPSODIC
3 of an opera singer : having a light voice and a melodic style ― compare DRAMATIC

lyrical
adj. : LYRIC
–lyr·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–lyr·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

lyricism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being lyric : SONGFULNESS
2 a : an intense personal quality expressive of feeling or emotion in an art (as poetry or music) b : EXUBERANCE <the sort of author who inspires lyricism or invective, not judicious interpretation ― Time>

lyricist
n. : a writer of lyrics

lyrism
: LYRICISM

lyrist
n. 1 \'lī(-ə)r-ist\ : a player on the lyre
2 \'lir-ist\ : LYRICIST

Lys
river 120 mi (193 km) France & Belgium flowing NE into the Schelde

lys
: lysis <lysin>

Lysander
n. d 395 B.C. Spartan commander

lysate
n. : a product of lysis

lyse
v. transitive verb : to cause to undergo lysis
intransitive verb : to undergo lysis

lyse
v. chiefly British variant of -lyze

Lysenko
Trofim Denisovich 1898-1976 Soviet biol.

Lysenkoism
: a biological doctrine asserting the fundamental influence of somatic and environmental factors on heredity in contradiction of orthodox genetics

lysergic acid
: a crystalline acid C_16H_16N_2O_2 from ergotic alkaloids also : LSD

lysergic acid diethylamide
: LSD

Lysias
ca 445-after 380 B.C. Athenian orator

Lysimachus
ca 355-ca 281 B.C. Macedonian gen. under Alexander the Great; king of Thrace (306)

lysimeter
: a device for measuring the percolation of water through soils and for determining the soluble constituents removed in the drainage
–ly·si·met·ric \ˌlī-sə-'me-trik\ adjective

lysin
n. : a substance (as an antibody) capable of causing lysis

lysine
n. : a crystalline essential amino acid C_6H_14N_2O_2 obtained from the hydrolysis of various proteins

Lysippus
4th cent. B.C. Greek sculptor

lysis
n. 1 : the gradual decline of a disease process (as fever)
2 : a process of disintegration or dissolution (as of cells)

lysis
n. 1 : decomposition <electrolysis>
2 : disintegration : breaking down <autolysis>

lysogen
n. : a lysogenic bacterium or bacterial strain

lysogenic
adj. 1 : harboring a prophage as hereditary material <lysogenic bacteria>
2 : TEMPERATE 3 <lysogenic viruses>
–ly·so·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

lysogenise
British variant of lysogenize

lysogenize
v. : to render lysogenic
–ly·sog·e·ni·za·tion \-ˌsä-jə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

lysogeny
n. : the state of being lysogenic

lysolecithin
n. : a hydrolytic substance formed by the enzymatic hydrolysis (as by some snake venoms) of a lecithin

lysosome
n. : a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes ― see CELL illustration
–ly·so·som·al \ˌlī-sə-'sō-məl\ adjective

lysozyme
n. : a basic bacteriolytic protein that hydrolyzes peptidoglycan and is present in egg white and in human tears and saliva

lyte
: substance capable of undergoing (such) decomposition <electrolyte>

lytic
adj. : of or relating to lysis or a lysin also : productive of or effecting lysis (as of cells)
–ly·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

lytic
adj. : of, relating to, or effecting (such) decomposition <hydrolytic>

Lyttelton
borough New Zealand on South Is.; port for Christchurch on Port Lyttelton (inlet) pop 3190

Lytton
1st Baron 1803-1873 Edward George Earle Bul·wer-Lytton \'bu̇l-wər-\; bro. of Sir Henry Bulwer Eng. author

Lytton
1st Earl of 1831-1891 (Edward) Robert Bulwer-Lytton; pseud. Owen Meredith; son of prec. Brit. statesman & poet

lyze
: produce or undergo lytic disintegration or dissolution <electrolyze>

LZ
landing zone

M
n. 1 Mach
2 magnitude
3 March
4 May
5 medium
6 mega-
7 million
8 molar; molarity
9 monsieur

m
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 13th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic m
2 : one thousand ― see NUMBER table
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter m
4 : one designated m especially as the 13th in order or class
5 : something shaped like the letter M
6 a : EM 2 b : PICA 2

m
n. 1 male
2 manual
3 married
4 martyr
5 masculine
6 mass
7 measure
8 meridian
9 [Latin meridies] noon
10 meter
11 middle
12 mile
13 [Latin mille] thousand
14 milli-
15 minute
16 molal; molality
17 mole
18 month
19 moon
20 morning
21 muscle

m
n. meta-

m
n. : AM <I'm going>

M phase
: the period in the cell cycle during which cell division takes place ― compare G_1 PHASE_1, G_2 PHASE_2, S PHASE

M&A
mergers and acquisitions

M'Carthy
Justin 1830-1912 Irish writer & polit.

M'Clure Strait
channel N Canada bet. Banks Is. & Melville Is. opening on the W into Arctic Ocean

M-day
: a day on which a military mobilization is to begin

M1 rifle
: a .30 caliber gas-operated clip-fed semiautomatic rifle used by U.S. troops in World War II

M16
: a .223 caliber (5.56 millimeter) gas-operated magazine-fed rifle for semiautomatic or automatic operation used by U.S. troops since the mid 1960s

MA
1 [Medieval Latin magister artium] master of arts
2 Massachusetts
3 mental age
4 Middle Ages

Ma
million years ago

Ma
Yo-Yo 1955-     American (Fr.-born of Chinese parents) cellist

mA
milliampere

ma
: MOTHER

ma
A ni ma ch'ing
MA Ed
ma and pa
ma huang
ma foi

ma foi
: my faith! : indeed

ma huang
1 : any of several eastern Asian ephedras (esp. Ephedra sinica) having stems and roots yielding ephedrine
2 : EPHEDRA 2

ma'am
n. : MADAM

ma-and-pa
: MOM-AND-POP

MAA
master of applied arts

Maarianhamina
― see MARIEHAMN

Maas
n. ― see MEUSE

Maastricht
n. commune SE Netherlands on the Meuse capital of Limburg pop 122,005

Mab
: a queen of fairies in English literature

mabe pearl
: a cultured pearl essentially hemispherical in form ― called also mabe

MAC
n. military airlift command

Mac
n. : FELLOW ― used informally to address a man whose name is not known

Mac
n. Machabees

Mac
n. Maccabees

mac
n. British : MACKINTOSH

Mac-Mahon
Marie-Edme-Patrice-Maurice 1808-1893 Comte de Mac-Mahon; duc de Magenta marshal (1859) & pres. (1873-79) of France

macabre
adj. 1 : having death as a subject : comprising or including a personalized representation of death
2 : dwelling on the gruesome
3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder
synonyms see GHASTLY

macadam
n. : macadamized roadway or pavement especially with a bituminous binder

macadamia nut
: a hard-shelled nut somewhat resembling a filbert and produced by an Australian evergreen tree (Macadamia integrifolia) of the protea family that is cultivated extensively in Hawaii ― called also macadamia

macadamize
v. : to construct or finish (a road) by compacting into a solid mass a layer of small broken stone on a convex well-drained roadbed and using a binder (as cement or asphalt) for the mass

Macao
n. 1 peninsula SE China in Guangdong in Xi delta W of Hong Kong
2 special administrative region SE China comprising Macao Peninsula & two small adjacent islands; formerly a Port. overseas territory with Macao (city) as capital area 10 sq mi (26 sq km), pop 488,000
3 city & port Macao (special administrative region) pop 161,252
–Mac·a·nese \ˌmä-kə-'nēz, -'nēs\ noun

Macapa
city & port N Brazil capital of Amapá pop 283,308

Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria 1947-     pres. of Philippines (2001-  )

macaque
n. : any of a genus (Macaca) of chiefly Asian monkeys typically having a sturdy build and including some short-tailed or tailless forms especially : RHESUS MONKEY

macaque
n. Barbary macaque
rhesus macaque
stump tailed macaque

macaroni
n. 1 : pasta made from semolina and shaped in the form of slender tubes
2 plural macaronis or macaronies [Macaroni Club, a group of such Englishmen] a : a member of a class of traveled young Englishmen of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who affected foreign ways b : an affected young man : FOP
3 : MACARONI PENGUIN

macaroni penguin
: a small penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) that has an orange, yellow, and black crest on the head and a black chin and that breeds on subantarctic islands

macaronic
adj. 1 : characterized by a mixture of vernacular words with Latin words or with non-Latin words having Latin endings
2 : characterized by a mixture of two languages
–macaronic noun

macaroon
n. : a small cookie composed chiefly of egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds or coconut

MacArthur
n. Charles 1895-1956 American dram.

MacArthur
n. Douglas 1880-1964 son of Arthur American gen.

Macassar
n. ― see MAKASSAR 1
–Ma·cas·sar·ese \mə-ˌka-sə-'rēz, -'rēs\ noun

Macaulay
n. Dame Rose 1881-1958 Eng. nov.

Macaulay
n. Thomas Babington 1800-1859 1st Baron Macaulay Eng. hist., author, & statesman

macaw
n. : any of numerous parrots (esp. genus Ara) of South and Central America including some of the largest and showiest of parrots

Macbeth
n. : a Scottish general who is the protagonist of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth

Macbeth
n. d 1057 king of Scotland (1040-57)

MacBride
Seán 1904-1988 Irish statesman

Maccabees
n. 1 : a priestly family leading a Jewish revolt begun in 168 B.C. against Hellenism and Syrian rule and reigning over Palestine from 142 B.C. to 63 B.C.
2 singular in construction : either of two narrative and historical books included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table
–Mac·ca·be·an \ˌma-kə-'bē-ən\ adjective

Maccabees
n. Judas or Judah d 161 B.C. surname Mac·ca·ba·eus \ˌma-kə-'bē-əs\ Jewish patriot

Macclesfield
town W England in E Cheshire SSE of Manchester pop 147,000

MacDiarmid
n. Alan Graham 1927-     American (N.Z.-born) chem.

MacDiarmid
n. Hugh 1892-1978 pseud. of Christopher Murray Grieve \'grēv\ Scot. poet

MacDonald
n. (James) Ramsay 1866-1937 Brit. statesman; prime min. (1924; 1929-31; 1931-35)

Macdonald
n. George 1824-1905 Scot. nov. & poet

Macdonald
n. Sir John Alexander 1815-1891 Canad. statesman; 1st prime min. of Dominion of Canada (1867-73; 1878-91)

Macdonnell Ranges
series of mountain ridges cen Australia in S Northern Territory; highest point Mt. Ziel 5023 ft (1531 m)

Macdonough
Thomas 1783-1825 American naval officer

MacDowell
Edward Alexander 1860-1908 American composer

Mace
n. ― used for a temporarily disabling liquid usually used as a spray

mace
n. : an aromatic spice consisting of the dried external fibrous covering of a nutmeg

mace
n. 1 a : a heavy often spiked staff or club used especially in the Middle Ages for breaking armor b : a club used as a weapon
2 a : an ornamental staff borne as a symbol of authority before a public official or a legislative body b : one who carries a mace

mace
n. : to attack with the liquid Mace

macedoine
n. 1 : a confused mixture : MEDLEY
2 : a mixture of fruits or vegetables served as a salad or cocktail or in a jellied dessert or used in a sauce or as a garnish

Macedonia
n. 1 region S Europe in Balkan Peninsula in NE Greece, the former Yugoslav section of Macedonia, & SW Bulgaria including territory of ancient kingdom of Macedonia (or Mac·e·don \'ma-sə-dən, -ˌdän\ capital Pella)
2 country S cen Balkan Peninsula; a federated republic of Yugoslavia 1946-92 capital Skopje area 9928 sq mi (25,714 sq km), pop 2,038,059

Macedonian
n. 1 : the language of ancient Macedonia of uncertain affinity but generally assumed to be Indo-European
2 : a native or inhabitant of Macedonia
3 : the Slavic language of modern Macedonia

Maceio
city NE Brazil capital of Alagoas pop 797,759

macerate
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to waste away by or as if by excessive fasting
2 : to cause to become soft or separated into constituent elements by or as if by steeping in fluid broadly : STEEP, SOAK
intransitive verb : to soften and wear away especially as a result of being wetted or steeped
–mac·er·a·tion \ˌma-sə-'rā-shən\ noun
–mac·er·a·tor \'ma-sə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

Macgillicuddy's Reeks
mountain range SW Ireland in County Kerry ― see CARRANTUOHILL

MacGuffin
n. : an object, event, or character in a film or story that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance

Mach
n. : a usually high speed expressed by a Mach number <an airplane flying at Mach 2>

Mach
n. Ernst 1838-1916 Austrian physicist & philos.

mach
n. machine; machinery; machinist

Mach number
: a number representing the ratio of the speed of a body (as an aircraft) to the speed of sound in a surrounding medium (as air)

Machabees
: MACCABEES

Machado y Morales
Gerardo 1871-1939 pres. of Cuba (1925-33)

mache
n. : CORN SALAD

machete
n. : a large heavy knife used for cutting sugarcane and underbrush and as a weapon

Machiavelli
n. Niccolò 1469-1527 Ital. polit. philos.

Machiavellian
n. 1 : of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism
2 : suggesting the principles of conduct laid down by Machiavelli specifically : marked by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith
–Machiavellian noun

Machiavellianism
n. : the political theory of Machiavelli especially : the view that politics is amoral and that any means however unscrupulous can justifiably be used in achieving political power

machicolation
n. 1 a : an opening between the corbels of a projecting parapet or in the floor of a gallery or roof of a portal for discharging missiles upon assailants below ― see BATTLEMENT illustration b : a gallery or parapet containing such openings
2 : construction imitating medieval machicolation
–ma·chic·o·lat·ed \mə-'chi-kə-ˌlā-təd\ adjective

Machida
city Japan on Honshu pop 377,494

Machilipatnam
city & port SE India in E Andhra Pradesh SW of Kakinada pop 183,370

Machilipatnam
Bandar Lampung
Bandar Abbas
Bandar e Abbas
Bandar 'Abbas
Bandar e Khomeyni
Bandar Khomeyni
Bandar Seri Begawan

machinate
v. intransitive verb : to plan or plot especially to do harm
transitive verb : to scheme or contrive to bring about : PLOT
–mach·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

machination
n. 1 : an act of machinating
2 : a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end <backstage machinations⋯that have dominated the film industry ― Peter Bogdanovich>
synonyms see PLOT

machine
n. 1 a archaic : a constructed thing whether material or immaterial b : CONVEYANCE, VEHICLE especially : AUTOMOBILE c archaic : a military engine d : any of various apparatuses formerly used to produce stage effects e (1) : an assemblage of parts that transmit forces, motion, and energy one to another in a predetermined manner (2) : an instrument (as a lever) designed to transmit or modify the application of power, force, or motion f : a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task g : a coin-operated device <a cigarette machine> h : MACHINERY ― used with the or in plural
2 a : a living organism or one of its functional systems b : one that resembles a machine (as in being methodical, tireless, or consistently productive) <a gifted publicist and quote machine ― John Lancaster> c (1) : a combination of persons acting together for a common end along with the agencies they use (2) : a highly organized political group under the leadership of a boss or small clique
3 : a literary device or contrivance introduced for dramatic effect

machine
: to process by or as if by machine especially : to reduce or finish by or as if by turning, shaping, planing, or milling by machine-operated tools
–ma·chin·abil·i·ty also ma·chine·abil·i·ty \-ˌshē-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ma·chin·able also ma·chine·able \-'shē-nə-bəl\ adjective

machine
n. sanding machine
answering machine
automated teller machine
automatic teller machine
Browning machine gun
dictating machine
drum machine
flying machine
fruit machine
ground effect machine
heart lung machine
infernal machine
machine gun
machine gunner
machine language
machine code
machine pistol
machine readable
machine shop
machine tool
milling machine
pinball machine
rowing machine
simple machine
slot machine
talking machine
threshing machine
time machine
Turing machine
vending machine
voting machine
washing machine

machine gun
: a gun for sustained rapid fire that uses bullets broadly : an automatic weapon
–machine-gun verb
–machine gun·ner noun

machine language
1 : the set of symbolic instruction codes usually in binary form that is used to represent operations and data in a machine (as a computer) ― called also machine code
2 : ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE

machine pistol
: a small submachine gun with a pistol grip

machine shop
: a workshop in which work is machined to size and assembled

machine tool
: a machine designed for shaping solid work

machine-gun
: characterized by rapidity and sharpness : RAPID-FIRE <a comic's machine-gun delivery>

machine-readable
: directly usable by a computer <machine-readable text>

machinelike
adj. : resembling or suggesting a machine especially in regularity of action or stereotyped uniformity of product

machinery
n. 1 a : machines in general or as a functioning unit b : the working parts of a machine
2 : the means or system by which something is kept in action or a desired result is obtained <the machinery of government> <genetic machinery of cells>

machinist
n. 1 a : a worker who fabricates, assembles, or repairs machinery b : a craftsman skilled in the use of machine tools c : one who operates a machine
2 archaic : a person in charge of the mechanical aspects of a theatrical production
3 : a warrant officer who supervises machinery and engine operation

machismo
n. 1 : a strong sense of masculine pride : an exaggerated masculinity
2 : an exaggerated or exhilarating sense of power or strength

macho
n. : characterized by machismo : aggressively virile

macho
n. 1 : one who exhibits machismo
2 : MACHISMO

Machu Picchu
site SE Peru of ancient Inca city on a mountain NW of Cuzco

Macias Nguema Biyogo
n. ― see BIOKO

mack
variant of mac

MacKaye
Percy 1875-1956 American poet & dram.

Mackensen
August von 1849-1945 Ger. field marshal

Mackenzie
n. Alexander 1822-1892 Canad. (Scot.-born) statesman; prime min. (1873-78)

Mackenzie
n. Sir Compton 1883-1972 Eng. nov.

Mackenzie
n. William Lyon 1795-1861 Canad. (Scot.-born) insurgent leader

Mackenzie
n. 1 river 1120 mi (1802 km) NW Canada in Northwest Territories flowing from Great Slave Lake NW into Beaufort Sea ― sometimes considered to include the Finlay, Peace, & Slave rivers (total length 2635 mi or 4216 km)
2 former district Canada in W Northwest Territories in basin of Mackenzie River; area now split bet. Northwest Territories & the W part of Nunavut

Mackenzie Mountains
mountain range NW Canada in the Rockies in Yukon Territory & W Northwest Territories

mackerel
n. 1 : a scombroid fish (Scomber scombrus of the family Scombridae) of the No. Atlantic that is green above with dark blue bars and silvery below and is a commercially important food fish
2 : any of various fishes (as the wahoo and king mackerel) in the same family as the mackerel especially when distinguished from the related bonito or tuna by a comparatively smaller size

mackerel
n. Atka mackerel
horse mackerel
jack mackerel
king mackerel
mackerel shark
mackerel sky
Spanish mackerel

mackerel shark
: any of a family (Lamnidae) of large pelagic sharks including the great white shark and mako sharks especially : PORBEAGLE

mackerel sky
: a sky covered with rows of altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds resembling the patterns on a mackerel's back

Mackinac
island N Mich. in Straits of Mackinac

Mackinac, Straits of
channel N Mich. connecting Lake Huron & Lake Michigan; 4 mi (6.4 km) wide at narrowest point

mackinaw
n. 1 : a heavy woolen blanket formerly distributed by the U.S. government to the Indians
2 a : a heavy cloth of wool or wool and other fibers often with a plaid design and usually heavily napped and felted b : a short coat of mackinaw or similar heavy fabric
3 : MACKINAW TROUT

mackinaw trout
: a large dark No. American char (Salvelinus namaycush) that is an important commercial food fish in northern lakes ― called also lake trout mackinaw

Mackinder
Sir Halford John 1861-1947 Eng. geographer

mackintosh
n. 1 chiefly British : RAINCOAT
2 : a lightweight waterproof fabric orig. of rubberized cotton

Maclaren
Ian ― see John WATSON

Maclaurin series
: a Taylor's series that is expanded about the reference point zero and that takes the form f(x) = f(0) + (f′(0)/1!)x + (f˝(0)/2!)x^2 + ⋯ + (f[n](0)/n!)xn + ⋯ subject to the conditions holding for a Taylor's series ― called also Maclaurin's series

macle
n. 1 : a twin crystal
2 : a flat often triangular diamond that is usually a twin crystal
–ma·cled \'ma-kəld\ adjective

MacLeish
Archibald 1892-1982 American poet & administrator

MacLennan
(John) Hugh 1907-1990 Canad. nov.

Macleod
n. John James Rickard 1876-1935 Scot. physiol.

MacMillan
n. Donald Baxter 1874-1970 American explorer

Macmillan
n. (Maurice) Harold 1894-1986 Brit. prime min. (1957-63)

MacNeice
n. Louis 1907-1963 Irish poet

Macon
city cen Ga. on the Ocmulgee pop 97,255

Macon
city E cen France pop 34,472

macon
: a dry red or white wine produced in the area around Mâcon, France

Macpherson
n. James 1736-1796 Scot. writer

MacPherson strut
: a component of an automobile suspension consisting of a shock absorber mounted within a coil spring

Macquarie
n. river 590 mi (949 km) SE Australia in E cen New South Wales flowing NNW to Darling River

macr
1 : long <macrobiotic>
2 : large <macromolecule>

macrame
n. : a coarse lace or fringe made by knotting threads or cords in a geometrical pattern also : the art of tying knots in patterns

Macready
William Charles 1793-1873 Eng. actor

macro
n. 1 : being large, thick, or exceptionally prominent
2 a : of, involving, or intended for use with relatively large quantities or on a large scale b : of or relating to macroeconomics
3 : GROSS 1C
4 : of or relating to a macro lens or to close-up photography

macro
n. : a single computer instruction that stands for a sequence of operations

macro lens
: a camera lens designed to focus at very short distances with up to life-size magnification of the image

macroaggregate
: a relatively large particle (as of soil or a protein)
–mac·ro·ag·gre·gat·ed \-ˌgā-təd\ adjective

macrobiotic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a diet based on the Chinese cosmological principles of yin and yang that consists of whole cereals and grains supplemented especially with beans and vegetables and that in its especially former more restrictive forms has been linked to nutritional deficiencies
–macrobiotics noun plural but singular in construction

macrocosm
n. 1 : the great world : UNIVERSE
2 : a complex that is a large-scale reproduction of one of its constituents
–mac·ro·cos·mic \ˌma-krə-'käz-mik\ adjective
–mac·ro·cos·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

macrocyclic
adj. : containing or being a chemical ring that consists usually of 15 or more atoms

macrocyte
n. : an exceptionally large red blood cell occurring chiefly in anemias
–mac·ro·cyt·ic \ˌma-krə-'si-tik\ adjective

macrocytosis
n. : the occurrence of macrocytes in the blood

macroeconomics
n. : a study of economics in terms of whole systems especially with reference to general levels of output and income and to the interrelations among sectors of the economy ― compare MICROECONOMICS
–mac·ro·eco·nom·ic \-mik\ adjective

macroevolution
n. : evolution that results in relatively large and complex changes (as in species formation)
–mac·ro·evo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

macrofossil
: a fossil large enough to be observed by direct inspection

macrogamete
n. : the larger and usually female gamete of a heterogamous organism

macroglobulin
n. : a highly polymerized globulin (as IgM) of high molecular weight

macroglobulinemia
n. : a disorder characterized by increased blood serum viscosity and the presence of macroglobulins in the serum
–mac·ro·glob·u·li·ne·mic \-mik\ adjective

macroinstruction
: MACRO

macrolepidoptera
n. : lepidoptera (as butterflies, skippers, saturniids, and noctuids) that include most of the large forms and none of the minute ones

macromere
n. : a large blastomere ― see BLASTULA illustration

macromolecule
n. : a very large molecule (as of a protein or rubber)
–mac·ro·mo·lec·u·lar \-mə-'le-kyə-lər\ adjective

macron
n. : a mark - placed over a vowel to indicate that the vowel is long or placed over a syllable or used alone to indicate a stressed or long syllable in a metrical foot

macronucleus
n. : a relatively large densely staining nucleus of most ciliate protozoans that is derived from micronuclei and controls various nonreproductive functions
–mac·ro·nu·cle·ar \ˌmak-rō-'nü-klē-ər, -'nyü-, ÷-kyə-lər\ adjective

macronutrient
n. 1 : a chemical element (as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium) of which relatively large quantities are essential to the growth and health of a plant
2 : a substance (as protein or carbohydrate) essential in large amounts to the growth and health of an animal ― compare MICRONUTRIENT 2

macrophage
n. : a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell ― called also histiocyte
–mac·ro·phag·ic \ˌma-krə-'fa-jik\ adjective

macrophotography
n. : the making of photographs in which the object is either unmagnified or slightly magnified up to a limit often of about 10 diameters
–mac·ro·pho·to·graph \-'fō-tə-ˌgraf\ noun

macrophyte
n. : a member of the macroscopic plant life especially of a body of water
–mac·ro·phyt·ic \ˌma-krə-'fi-tik\ adjective

macropterous
: having long or large wings <macropterous insects>

macroscale
: a large often macroscopic scale

macroscopic
adj. 1 : large enough to be observed by the naked eye
2 : considered in terms of large units or elements
–mac·ro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

macrostructure
n. : the structure (as of metal, a body part, or the soil) revealed by visual examination with little or no magnification
–mac·ro·struc·tur·al \ˌma-krō-'strək-chə-rəl, -'strək-shə-rəl\ adjective

Mactan
island S cen Philippines off E coast of Cebu

macula
n. 1 : SPOT, BLOTCH especially : MACULE
2 : an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues especially : MACULA LUTEA
–mac·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

macula
n. macula lutea
maculae luteae
macular degeneration

macula lutea
: a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that constitutes the region of maximum visual acuity ― called also yellow spot

macular degeneration
: a gradual loss of the central part of the field of vision usually affecting both eyes that occurs especially in the elderly and that in a slowly progressing form is marked especially by accumulation of yellow deposits in and thinning of the macula lutea and in a rapidly progressing form by scarring produced by bleeding and fluid leakage below the macula lutea

maculate
v. 1 : marked with spots : BLOTCHED
2 : IMPURE, BESMIRCHED

maculation
n. 1 archaic : the state of being spotted
2 a : a blemish in the form of a discrete spot <acne scars and maculations> b : the arrangement of spots and markings on an animal or plant

macule
n. : a patch of skin that is altered in color but usually not elevated and that is a characteristic feature of various diseases (as smallpox)

macumba
n. : a polytheistic religion of African origin involving syncretistic elements and practiced mainly by Brazilian blacks in urban areas

MAD
adj. mutual assured destruction; mutually assured destruction

mad
adj. 1 : disordered in mind : INSANE
2 a : completely unrestrained by reason and judgment <driven mad by the pain> b : incapable of being explained or accounted for <a mad decision>
3 : carried away by intense anger : FURIOUS <mad at myself> <mad about the delay>
4 : carried away by enthusiasm or desire <mad about horses> <mad for the boy next door>
5 : affected with rabies : RABID
6 : marked by wild gaiety and merriment : HILARIOUS
7 : intensely excited : FRANTIC <mad with jealousy>
8 : marked by intense and often chaotic activity : WILD <a mad scramble>
–mad·dish \'ma-dish\ adjective
–like mad : to an extreme degree <spending like mad>

mad
adj. : MADDEN

mad
adj. 1 : a fit or mood of bad temper
2 : ANGER, FURY

mad
adj. horn mad
like mad
mad brained
mad cow disease
mad money

mad cow disease
: BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY

mad money
: money that a woman carries to pay her fare home in case a date ends in a quarrel also : money set aside for an emergency or personal use

mad-brained
: RASH, HOTHEADED

Madagascar
n. island W Indian Ocean off SE Africa; formerly a French territory; became (1958) a republic of the French Community as the Mal·a·gasy Republic \ˌma-lə-'ga-sē\ or F Ré·pu·blique Mal·gache \rā-p-'blēk-mäl-'gäsh\; name changed to Madagascar 1975 capital Antananarivo area 226,657 sq mi (589,308 sq km), pop 16,694,272
–Mad·a·gas·can \ˌma-də-'gas-kən\ adjective or noun

Madagascar periwinkle
: ROSY PERIWINKLE

madam
n. 1 plural mes·dames \mā-'däm, -'dam\ : LADY ― used without a name as a form of respectful or polite address to a woman
2 : MISTRESS 1 ― used as a title formerly with the given name but now with the surname or especially with a designation of rank or office <Madam Chairman> <Madam President>
3 : the female head of a house of prostitution
4 : the female head of a household : WIFE

madame
n. 1 plural mes·dames \mā-'däm, -'dam\ ― used as a title equivalent to Mrs. for a married woman not of English-speaking nationality
2 plural madames : MADAM 3

Madariaga y Rojo
Salvador de 1886-1978 Span. writer & diplomat

madcap
n. : marked by capriciousness, recklessness, or foolishness
–madcap noun

madden
v. intransitive verb : to become or act as if mad
transitive verb
1 : to drive mad : CRAZE
2 : to make intensely angry : ENRAGE

maddening
adj. 1 : tending to craze
2 a : tending to infuriate b : tending to vex : IRRITATING
–mad·den·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

madder
n. 1 : a Eurasian herb (Rubia tinctorum of the family Rubiaceae, the madder family) with whorled leaves and small yellowish panicled flowers succeeded by dark berries broadly : any of several related herbs (genus Rubia)
2 a : the root of the Eurasian madder used formerly in dyeing also : an alizarin dye prepared from it b : a moderate to strong red

madding
adj. : acting in a frenzied manner ― usually used in the phrase madding crowd to denote especially the crowded world of human activity and strife <built his home far from the madding crowd>

made
adj. 1 a : FICTITIOUS, INVENTED <a made excuse> b : artificially produced c : put together of various ingredients <a made dish>
2 : assured of success <a made man> ― usually used in the phrase have it made

made
adj. custom made
made to measure
made to order
made up
man made
ready made
self made
tailor made

made-to-measure
: fashioned to measurements specifically required : CUSTOM-MADE <a made-to-measure suit>

made-to-order
1 : produced to supply a special or an individual demand : CUSTOM-MADE
2 : ideally suited (as to a particular purpose) <started the double play on a made-to-order grounder>

made-up
1 : fully manufactured
2 : marked by the use of makeup
3 : fancifully conceived or falsely devised

Madeira
n. : an amber-colored fortified wine from Madeira also : a similar wine made elsewhere

Madeira
n. 1 river 2013 mi (3239 km) W Brazil formed at Bolivian border by confluence of the Mamoré & the Beni & flowing NE to the Amazon
2 islands in N. Atlantic N of the Canaries belonging to Portugal capital Funchal area 308 sq mi (798 sq km), pop 245,011
3 island, chief of group area 285 sq mi (741 sq km)
–Ma·dei·ran \-'dir-ən, -'der-\ adjective or noun

madeleine
n. 1 : a small rich shell-shaped cake
2 : one that evokes a memory

mademoiselle
n. 1 : an unmarried French girl or woman ― used as a title equivalent to Miss for an unmarried woman not of English-speaking nationality
2 : a French governess
3 : SILVER PERCH A

Madera
city S cen Calif. NW of Fresno pop 43,207

Madero
Francisco Indalecio 1873-1913 pres. of Mexico (1911-13)

madhouse
n. 1 : a place where insane persons are detained and treated
2 : a place of uproar or confusion

Madhya Bharat
former state cen India; a union of 20 states formed 1948; became part of Madhya Pradesh 1956

Madhya Pradesh
state cen India capital Bhopal area 114,710 sq mi (297,099 sq km), pop 60,385,118 ― see CENTRAL PROVINCES AND BERAR, MADHYA BHARAT

Madinat ash Sha'b
city S Yemen; formerly a capital of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen & (as Al It·ti·had \al-ˌi-tə-'had\) capital of Federation of South Arabia

Madison
n. Dolley 1768-1849 née (Dorothea) Payne; wife of James American socialite

Madison
n. James 1751-1836 4th pres. of the U.S. (1809-17)
–Mad·i·so·nian \ˌma-də-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Madison
n. 1 river 180 mi (290 km) SW Mont. ― see THREE FORKS
2 city N Ala. W of Huntsville pop 29,329
3 city S Wis., its capital pop 208,054

Madison Avenue
: the American advertising industry

Madison Heights
city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 31,101

madly
adv. 1 : in a mad manner
2 : to an extreme or excessive degree <madly in love>

madman
n. : a man who is or acts as if insane

madness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being mad: as a : RAGE b : INSANITY c : extreme folly d : ECSTASY, ENTHUSIASM
2 : any of several ailments of animals marked by frenzied behavior specifically : RABIES

Madonna
n. 1 archaic : LADY ― used as a form of respectful address
2 obsolete : an Italian lady
3 a : VIRGIN MARY b : an artistic depiction (as a painting or statue) of the Virgin Mary
4 : a morally pure and chaste woman

Madonna lily
: a widely cultivated Eurasian lily (Lilium candidum) with bell-shaped to broad funnel-shaped white flowers

Madras
n. 1 ― see TAMIL NADU
2 or Chen·nai \'che-ˌnī\ city & port S India capital of Tamil Nadu pop 4,216,268
–Ma·drasi \-'dra-sē, -'drä-\ noun

madras
n. 1 : a large silk or cotton kerchief usually of bright colors that is often worn as a turban
2 a : a fine plain-woven shirting and dress fabric usually of cotton with varied designs (as plaid) in bright colors or in white b : a light open usually cotton fabric with a heavy design used for curtains

madrassa
: a Muslim school, college, or university that is often part of a mosque

Madre
Laguna Madre
Madre Laguna
Madre de Dios
Sierra Madre del Sur
Sierra Madre Occidental
Sierra Madre Oriental

Madre de Dios
river ab 700 mi (1126 km) rising in SE Peru & flowing E into the Beni in Brazil

Madre, Laguna
inlet of Gulf of Mexico S Tex. bet. Padre Is. & mainland

madrepore
n. : any of various stony reef-building corals (order Madreporaria) of tropical seas that assume a variety of branching, encrusting, or massive forms
–mad·re·po·ri·an \ˌma-drə-'pȯr-ē-ən\ adjective or noun
–mad·re·por·ic \-'pȯr-ik\ adjective

madreporite
n. : a perforated or porous body that is situated at the distal end of the stone canal in echinoderms

Madrid
n. 1 province cen Spain in NW New Castile area 3087 sq mi (7995 sq km), pop 5,423,384
2 city, its capital & capital of Spain pop 2,938,723
–Mad·ri·le·nian \ˌma-drə-'lē-nē-ən, -dri-, -nyən\ adjective or noun
–Ma·dri·le·ño \ˌmä-drə-'lā-(ˌ)nyō, -drē-\ noun

madrigal
n. 1 : a medieval short lyrical poem in a strict poetic form
2 a : a complex polyphonic unaccompanied vocal piece on a secular text developed especially in the 16th and 17th centuries b : PART-SONG especially : GLEE
–mad·ri·gal·ian \ˌma-drə-'ga-lē-ən, -'gā-\ adjective
–mad·ri·gal·ist \'ma-dri-gə-list\ noun

madrilene
n. : a consommé flavored with tomato

madrone
: any of several evergreen trees (genus Arbutus) of the heath family especially : one (A. menziesii) of the Pacific coast of No. America with smooth red bark, thick shining leaves, and edible red berries

Madura
n. island Indonesia off coast of NE Java area (with adjacent islands) 2113 sq mi (5494 sq km), pop 1,858,183
–Mad·u·rese \ˌma-də-'rēz, ˌma-jə-, -'rēs\ adjective or noun

Madurai
n. city S India in S Tamil Nadu pop 922,913

maduro
: a dark-colored relatively strong cigar

madwoman
n. : a woman who is or acts as if insane

madwort
1 : ALYSSUM 1
2 : a low hairy annual European herb (Asperugo procumbens) of the borage family with blue flowers and a root used as a substitute for madder

MAE
n. master of arts in education

Mae West
: an inflatable life jacket in the form of a collar extending down the chest that was worn by fliers in World War II

Maeander
n. ― see MENDERES 1

Maecenas
n. : a generous patron especially of literature or art

Maecenas
n. Gaius ca 70-8 B.C. Rom. statesman & patron of literature

maelstrom
n. 1 : a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius
2 : something resembling a maelstrom in turbulence

maenad
n. 1 : BACCHANTE
2 : an unnaturally excited or distraught woman
–mae·nad·ic \mē-'na-dik\ adjective

Maes
Nicolaes 1634-1693 also called Nicolas Maas Du. painter

maestoso
n. : majestic and stately ― used as a direction in music

maestro
n. : a master usually in an art especially : an eminent composer, conductor, or teacher of music

Maeterlinck
n. Maurice-Polydore-Marie-Bernard 1862-1949 Belg. poet, dram., & essayist
–Mae·ter·linck·ian \ˌmā-tər-'liŋ-kē-ən, ˌme-, ˌma-\ adjective

maffick
v. : to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior

Mafia
n. 1 a : a secret criminal society of Sicily or Italy b : a similarly conceived criminal organization in the U.S. also : a similar organization elsewhere <the Japanese Mafia> c : a criminal organization associated with a particular traffic <the cocaine Mafia>
2 often not capitalized : a group of people likened to the Mafia especially : a group of people of similar interests or backgrounds prominent in a particular field or enterprise : CLIQUE

Mafia
n. island Tanzania in Indian Ocean S of Zanzibar area 170 sq mi (442 sq km), pop 16,748

mafic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a group of usually dark-colored minerals rich in magnesium and iron

Mafikeng
n. town N Republic of South Africa in North West province pop 6515

mafioso
n. : a member of the Mafia or a mafia

mag
n. : MAGAZINE

mag
n. 1 magnesium
2 magnetism
3 magneto
4 magnitude

mag tape
: MAGNETIC TAPE

Magadan
city & port E Russia in Asia on N shore of Sea of Okhotsk pop 152,000

Magadha
n. ancient kingdom India including Bihar S of the Ganges

Magallanes
― see PUNTA ARENAS

magazine
n. 1 : a place where goods or supplies are stored : WAREHOUSE
2 : a room in which powder and other explosives are kept in a fort or a ship
3 : the contents of a magazine: as a : an accumulation of munitions of war b : a stock of provisions or goods
4 a : a periodical containing miscellaneous pieces (as articles, stories, poems) and often illustrated also : such a periodical published online b : a similar section of a newspaper usually appearing on Sunday c : a radio or television program presenting usually several short segments on a variety of topics
5 : a supply chamber: as a : a holder in or on a gun for cartridges to be fed into the gun chamber b : a lightproof chamber for films or plates on a camera or for film on a motion-picture projector

magazinist
: a person who writes for or edits a magazine

Magdala
city of N ancient Palestine on W shore of Sea of Galilee N of Tiberias

magdalen
n. 1 : a reformed prostitute
2 : a house of refuge or reformatory for prostitutes

Magdalen Islands
islands Canada in Que. in Gulf of St. Lawrence bet. Newfoundland & P.E.I. area 102 sq mi (265 sq km)

Magdalena
n. river 956 mi (1538 km) Colombia flowing N into the Caribbean

Magdalenian
adj. : of or relating to an Upper Paleolithic culture characterized by flint, bone, and ivory implements, carving, and paintings

Magdeburg
n. city cen Germany on the Elbe capital of Saxony-Anhalt pop 275,238

mage
n. : MAGUS

Magellan
n. Ferdinand ca 1480-1521 Pg. Fernão de Magalhães Port. navigator & explorer

Magellan, Strait of
strait 350 mi (563 km) long at S end of S. America bet. mainland & Tierra del Fuego (Archipelago)

Magellanic Cloud
: either of the two small galaxies that appear as conspicuous patches of light near the south celestial pole and are companions to the Milky Way galaxy

Magellanic penguin
: a penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) of the southern tip of So. America and surrounding islands that has a pink mark above the eyes and two broad black bands on the neck and upper chest

Magen David
: a hexagram used as a symbol of Judaism

magenta
n. 1 : FUCHSIN
2 : a deep purplish red

Mageroy
island Norway in Arctic Ocean off N coast area 111 sq mi (288 sq km)

Maggiore, Lake
lake 40 mi (64 km) long N Italy & S Switzerland traversed by Ticino River

maggot
n. 1 : a soft-bodied legless grub that is the larva of a dipterous insect (as the housefly)
2 : a fantastic or eccentric idea : WHIM
–mag·goty \-gə-tē\ adjective

Magherafelt
district cen Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 221 sq mi (575 sq km), pop 35,874

Maghreb
1 NW Africa &, at time of the Moorish occupation, Spain ― now considered to include Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, & sometimes Libya
2 or El Ma·ghreb al Aq·sa \el-'mä-grəb-äl-'äk-sä\ MOROCCO
–Ma·ghre·bi or Ma·ghri·bi \'mä-grə-bē\ adjective or noun
–Ma·ghreb·i·an \mə-'gre-bē-ən\ or Ma·ghrib·i·an \-'gri-\ adjective or noun

magi
n. plural of magus

Magian
adj. : MAGUS

Magian
adj. : of or relating to the Magi
–Ma·gi·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

magic
n. 1 a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces b : magic rites or incantations
2 a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source b : something that seems to cast a spell : ENCHANTMENT
3 : the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand

magic
n. 1 : of or relating to magic
2 a : having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers b : giving a feeling of enchantment
–mag·i·cal \'ma-ji-kəl\ adjective
–mag·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

magic
n. : to produce, remove, or influence by magic

magic
n. magic bullet
magic lantern
Magic Marker
magic mushroom
magic realism
magic realist
magic square
sympathetic magic
magical realism

magic bullet
1 : a substance or therapy capable of destroying pathogens (as bacteria or cancer cells) or providing an effective remedy for a disease or condition without deleterious side effects
2 : something providing an effective solution to a difficult or previously unsolvable problem <a magic bullet to stem voter apathy>

magic lantern
: an early form of optical projector of still pictures using a transparent slide

Magic Marker
― used for a felt-tipped pen

magic mushroom
: a fungus (as genus Psilocybe) containing hallucinogenic alkaloids (as psilocybin)

magic realism
1 : painting in a meticulously realistic style of imaginary or fantastic scenes or images
2 : a literary genre or style associated especially with Latin America that incorporates fantastic or mythical elements into otherwise realistic fiction ― called also magical realism
–magic realist noun

magic square
: a square containing a number of integers arranged so that the sum of the numbers is the same in each row, column, and main diagonal and often in some or all of the other diagonals

magician
n. 1 : one skilled in magic especially : SORCERER
2 : one who performs tricks of illusion and sleight of hand

Maginot
André 1877-1932 Fr. polit.

Maginot Line
1 : a line of defensive fortifications built before World War II to protect the eastern border of France but easily outflanked by German invaders
2 : a defensive barrier or strategy that inspires a false sense of security

magisterial
adj. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher : AUTHORITATIVE (2) : marked by an overbearingly dignified or assured manner or aspect b : of, relating to, or required for a master's degree
2 : of or relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's office or duties
synonyms see DICTATORIAL
–mag·is·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

magisterium
n. : teaching authority especially of the Roman Catholic Church

magistracy
n. 1 : the state of being a magistrate
2 : the office, power, or dignity of a magistrate
3 : a body of magistrates
4 : the district under a magistrate

magistral
adj. : MAGISTERIAL 1A
–ma·gis·tral·ly \-ē\ adverb

magistrate
n. : an official entrusted with administration of the laws: as a : a principal official exercising governmental powers over a major political unit (as a nation) b : a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions c : a local judiciary official having limited original jurisdiction especially in criminal cases
–mag·is·trat·i·cal \ˌma-jə-'stra-ti-kəl\ adjective

magistrate's court
1 : POLICE COURT
2 : a court that has minor civil and criminal jurisdiction

magistrature
n. : MAGISTRACY

maglev
n. 1 : the use of the physical properties of magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets to cause an object (as a vehicle) to float above a solid surface
2 : a train utilizing maglev technology

magma
n. 1 archaic : DREGS, SEDIMENT
2 : a thin pasty suspension (as of a precipitate in water)
3 : molten rock material within the earth from which igneous rock results by cooling
–mag·mat·ic \mag-'ma-tik\ adjective

Magna
n. Magna Carta
Magna Charta
magna cum laude
magna est veritas et praevalebit
quorum pars magna fui
Leptis Magna
Magna Graecia

Magna Carta
1 : a charter of liberties to which the English barons forced King John to give his assent in June 1215 at Runnymede
2 : a document constituting a fundamental guarantee of rights and privileges

magna cum laude
: with great distinction <graduated magna cum laude> ― compare CUM LAUDE, SUMMA CUM LAUDE

magna est veritas et praevalebit
: truth is mighty and will prevail

Magna Graecia
the ancient Greek colonies in S Italian Peninsula including Tarentum, Sybaris, Crotona, Heraclea, & Neapolis

magnanimity
n. 1 : the quality of being magnanimous : loftiness of spirit enabling one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity
2 : a magnanimous act

magnanimous
adj. 1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit <the irreproachable lives and magnanimous sufferings of their followers ― Joseph Addison>
2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind <too sincere for dissimulation, too magnanimous for resentment ― Ellen Glasgow>
–mag·nan·i·mous·ly adverb
–mag·nan·i·mous·ness noun

magnate
n. : a person of rank, power, influence, or distinction often in a specified area

Magnesia
n. ― see MANISA

magnesia
n. : MAGNESIUM OXIDE ― compare MILK OF MAGNESIA
–mag·ne·sian \-shən, -zhən\ adjective

magnesite
n. : native magnesium carbonate used especially in making refractories and magnesium oxide

magnesium
n. : a silver-white malleable ductile light metallic element that occurs abundantly in nature and is used in metallurgical and chemical processes, in photography, signaling, and pyrotechnics because of the intense white light it produces on burning, and in construction especially in the form of light alloys ― see ELEMENT table

magnesium
n. magnesium carbonate
magnesium chloride
magnesium hydroxide
magnesium oxide
magnesium sulfate

magnesium carbonate
: a carbonate of magnesium especially : a white crystalline salt MgCO_3 that occurs naturally as dolomite and magnesite

magnesium chloride
: a bitter deliquescent salt MgCl_2 used especially as a source of magnesium metal

magnesium hydroxide
: a slightly alkaline crystalline compound Mg(OH)2 used especially as a laxative and gastric antacid

magnesium oxide
: a white highly infusible compound MgO used especially in refractories, cements, insulation, and fertilizers, in rubber manufacture, and in medicine as an antacid and mild laxative

magnesium sulfate
: a sulfate of magnesium: as a : a white salt MgSO_4 used in medicine and in industry b : EPSOM SALTS

magnet
n. 1 a : LODESTONE b : a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself specifically : a mass of iron, steel, or alloy that has this property artificially imparted
2 : something that attracts <a box-office magnet>

magnet
n. 1 : magnetic force <magnetometer>
2 : magnetism : magnetic <magnetoelectric> <magneton>
3 : magnetoelectric <magnetoresistance>
4 : magnetosphere <magnetopause>

magnet
n. field magnet
magnet school
permanent magnet

magnet school
: a school with superior facilities and staff and often a specialized curriculum designed to attract pupils from throughout a city or school district

magnetic
adj. 1 : possessing an extraordinary power or ability to attract <a magnetic personality>
2 a : of or relating to a magnet or to magnetism b : of, relating to, or characterized by the earth's magnetism c : magnetized or capable of being magnetized d : actuated by magnetic attraction
–mag·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

magnetic
adj. : a magnetic substance

magnetic
adj. magnetic bubble
magnetic disk
magnetic equator
magnetic field
magnetic flux
magnetic levitation
magnetic mirror
magnetic moment
magnetic north
magnetic pole
magnetic quantum number
magnetic recording
magnetic recorder
magnetic resonance
magnetic resonance imaging
magnetic storm
magnetic tape
nuclear magnetic resonance

magnetic bubble
: a tiny movable magnetized cylindrical volume in a thin magnetic material that along with other like volumes can be used to represent a bit of information (as in a computer)

magnetic disk
: DISK 4B

magnetic equator
: an imaginary line roughly parallel to the geographical equator and passing through those points where a magnetic needle has no dip

magnetic field
: the portion of space near a magnetic body or a current-carrying body in which the magnetic forces due to the body or current can be detected

magnetic flux
: a measure of magnetic induction represented by lines of force

magnetic levitation
: MAGLEV 1

magnetic mirror
: a magnetic field that confines a plasma by reflecting ions back toward the main plasma concentration

magnetic moment
: a vector quantity that is a measure of the torque exerted on a magnetic system (as a bar magnet or dipole) when placed in a magnetic field and that for a magnet is the product of the distance between its poles and the strength of either pole

magnetic north
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle

magnetic pole
1 : either of two small regions which are located respectively in the polar areas of the northern and southern hemispheres and toward which a compass needle points from any direction throughout adjacent regions also : either of two comparable regions on a celestial body
2 : either of the poles of a magnet

magnetic quantum number
: an integer that expresses the component of the quantized angular momentum of an electron, atom, or molecule in the direction of an externally applied magnetic field

magnetic recording
: the process of recording sound, data (as for a computer), or a television program by producing varying local magnetization of a moving tape or disc
–magnetic recorder noun

magnetic resonance
: the excitation of particles (as atomic nuclei or electrons) in a magnetic field by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific frequency

magnetic resonance imaging
: a noninvasive diagnostic technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissues and is based on nuclear magnetic resonance of atoms within the body induced by the application of radio waves ― abbreviation MRI

magnetic storm
: a marked temporary disturbance of the earth's magnetic field held to be related to sunspots

magnetic tape
: a thin ribbon (as of plastic) coated with a magnetic material on which information (as sound or television images) may be stored

magnetise
v. British variant of magnetize

magnetism
n. 1 a : a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force b : a science that deals with magnetic phenomena
2 : an ability to attract or charm

magnetite
n. : a black isometric mineral of the spinel group that is an oxide of iron and an important iron ore

magnetization
n. : an instance of magnetizing or the state of being magnetized also : the degree to which a body is magnetized

magnetize
v. 1 : to induce magnetic properties in
2 : to attract like a magnet : CHARM
–mag·ne·tiz·able \-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–mag·ne·tiz·er noun

magneto
n. : a magnetoelectric machine especially : an alternator with permanent magnets used to generate current for the ignition in an internal combustion engine

magneto
n. magneto optic
magneto optical
magneto optics

magneto-optic
: of, relating to, or utilizing the influence of a magnetic field upon light <a magneto-optic disk drive>
–mag·ne·to-op·tics \-tiks\ noun plural but singular or plural in construction

magnetoelectric
: relating to or characterized by electromotive forces developed by magnetic means

magnetoencephalography
: a noninvasive technique that detects and records the magnetic field associated with electrical activity in the brain

magnetofluiddynamics
: the study of magnetohydrodynamic phenomena : MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS

magnetograph
n. : an automatic instrument for recording measurements of a magnetic field (as of the earth or the sun)

magnetohydrodynamic
: of, relating to, or being phenomena arising from the motion of electrically conducting fluids (as plasmas) in the presence of electric and magnetic fields
–mag·ne·to·hy·dro·dy·nam·ics \-miks\ noun plural but singular or plural in construction

magnetometer
n. : an instrument used to detect the presence of a metallic object or to measure the intensity of a magnetic field
–mag·ne·to·met·ric \mag-ˌnē-tə-'me-trik, -ˌne-\ adjective
–mag·ne·tom·e·try \ˌmag-nə-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

magnetomotive force
: a force that is the cause of a flux of magnetic induction

magneton
n. : a unit of the quantized magnetic moment of a particle (as an atom)

magnetopause
n. : the outer boundary of a magnetosphere

magnetoresistance
n. : a change in electrical resistance due to the presence of a magnetic field
–mag·ne·to·re·sis·tive \-'zis-tiv\ adjective

magnetosphere
n. : a region of space surrounding a celestial object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it
–mag·ne·to·spher·ic \-ˌnē-tə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

magnetostatic
: of, relating to, or being a stationary magnetic field

magnetostriction
: the change in the dimensions of a ferromagnetic body caused by a change in its state of magnetization
–mag·ne·to·stric·tive \-'strik-tiv\ adjective
–mag·ne·to·stric·tive·ly adverb

magnetron
n. : a vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons is controlled by an applied magnetic field to generate power at microwave frequencies

magni nominis umbra
: the shadow of a great name

magnific
1 : MAGNIFICENT 2
2 : imposing in size or dignity <a magnific temple>
3 a : SUBLIME, EXALTED b : characterized by grandiloquence : POMPOUS <commenced the conversation in the most magnific style ― S. T. Coleridge>
–mag·nif·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–mag·nif·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

magnificat
n. 1 capitalized a : the canticle of the Virgin Mary in Luke 1:46-55 b : a musical setting for the Magnificat
2 : an utterance of praise

magnification
n. 1 : the act of magnifying
2 a : the state of being magnified b : the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument ― called also power

magnification
n. balance of power
black power
flower power
great power
high power
man power
motive power
police power
power base
power broker
power chord
power dive
power forward
power function
power mower
power of attorney
power pack
power plant
power play
power politics
power series
power shovel
power station
power steering
power strip
power structure
power sweep
power take off
power train
power up
power walk
reserved power
residual power
resolving power
sea power
staying power
war power
will to power
world power
high powered

magnificence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being magnificent
2 : splendor of surroundings

magnificent
adj. 1 : great in deed or exalted in place ― used only of former famous rulers <Lorenzo the Magnificent>
2 : marked by stately grandeur and lavishness <a magnificent way of life>
3 : sumptuous in structure and adornment <a magnificent cathedral> broadly : strikingly beautiful or impressive <a magnificent physique>
4 : impressive to the mind or spirit : SUBLIME <magnificent prose>
5 : exceptionally fine <a magnificent day>
synonyms see GRAND
–mag·nif·i·cent·ly adverb

magnifico
n. 1 : a nobleman of Venice
2 : a person of high position

magnifier
n. : one that magnifies especially : a lens or combination of lenses that makes something appear larger

magnify
v. transitive verb
1 a : EXTOL, LAUD b : to cause to be held in greater esteem or respect
2 a : to increase in significance : INTENSIFY b : EXAGGERATE <magnifies every minor issue to crisis proportions>
3 : to enlarge in fact or in appearance
intransitive verb : to have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they are

magniloquence
n. : the quality or state of being magniloquent

magniloquent
adj. : speaking in or characterized by a high-flown often bombastic style or manner <magniloquent boasts>
–mag·nil·o·quent·ly adverb

Magnitogorsk
n. city W Russia in Asia on Ural River pop 441,000

magnitude
n. 1 a : great size or extent b (1) : spatial quality : SIZE (2) : QUANTITY, NUMBER
2 : the importance, quality, or caliber of something
3 : a number representing the intrinsic or apparent brightness of a celestial body on a logarithmic scale in which an increase of one unit corresponds to a reduction in the brightness of light by a factor of 2.512
4 : a numerical quantitative measure expressed usually as a multiple of a standard unit
5 : the intensity of an earthquake represented by a number on an arbitrary scale <a magnitude six earthquake>

magnitude
n. absolute magnitude
apparent magnitude
order of magnitude

magnolia
n. : any of a genus (Magnolia of the family Magnoliaceae, the magnolia family) of American and Asian shrubs and trees with entire evergreen or deciduous leaves and usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers usually appearing in early spring

Magnum
n. ― used for revolvers

magnum
n. : a large wine bottle holding about 1.5 liters

magnum opus
: a great work especially : the greatest achievement of an artist or writer

magpie
n. 1 : any of various birds (esp. Pica pica) related to the jays but having a long graduated tail and black-and-white or brightly colored plumage
2 : a person who chatters noisily
3 : one who collects indiscriminately

magpie
n. 1 : collected indiscriminately : MISCELLANEOUS <magpie compilations of unrelated tidbits ― Helen R. Cross>
2 : given to indiscriminate collecting : ACQUISITIVE <what possible magpie instinct had impelled me to retain them ― S. J. Perelman>

Magritte
n. René (-François-Ghislain) 1898-1967 Belg. painter

Magsaysay
Ramon 1907-1957 pres. of Philippines (1953-57)

maguey
n. 1 : any of various fleshy-leaved agaves (as the century plant)
2 : any of several hard fibers derived from magueys especially : CANTALA

magus
n. 1 a : a member of a hereditary priestly class among the ancient Medes and Persians b often capitalized : one of the traditionally three wise men from the East paying homage to the infant Jesus
2 : MAGICIAN, SORCERER

Magyar
n. 1 : a member of the dominant people of Hungary
2 : HUNGARIAN 2
–Magyar adjective

Magyarorszag
n. ― see HUNGARY

mah-jongg
: a game of Chinese origin usually played by four persons with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until one player secures a winning hand

Mahajanga
city & port NW Madagascar pop 144,023

Mahalla El Kubra, El
― see EL MAHALLA EL KUBRA

mahalo
: thank you

Mahanadi
river ab 560 mi (900 km) E India flowing into Bay of Bengal in Orissa through several mouths

maharaja
n. : a Hindu prince ranking above a raja

maharani
n. 1 : the wife of a maharaja
2 : a Hindu princess ranking above a rani

Maharashtra
n. 1 region W cen India S of the Narmada; the original home of the Marathas
2 state W India bordering on Arabian Sea, formed 1960 from SE part of former Bombay state capital Bombay area 118,637 sq mi (307,270 sq km), pop 96,752,247

maharishi
n. : a Hindu teacher of mystical knowledge

mahatma
n. 1 : a person to be revered for high-mindedness, wisdom, and selflessness
2 : a person of great prestige in a field of endeavor

Mahayana
n. : a liberal and theistic branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in China and Japan, recognizing a large body of scripture in addition to the Pali canon, and teaching social concern and universal salvation ― compare THERAVADA
–Ma·ha·ya·nist \-'yä-nist\ noun or adjective
–Ma·ha·ya·nis·tic \-yä-'nis-tik\ adjective

Mahdi
n. 1 : the expected messiah of Muslim tradition
2 : a Muslim leader who assumes a messianic role
–Mah·dism \'mä-ˌdi-zəm\ noun
–Mah·dist \'mä-dist\ noun

Mahe
1 island in Indian Ocean, chief of the Seychelles group pop 61,183
2 or formerly May·ya·li \mī-'yä-lē\ town SW India in N Kerala; a settlement of French India until 1954

Mahfouz
n. Naguib 1911-     Egypt. writer

Mahican
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the upper Hudson River valley
2 : the extinct Algonquian language of the Mahican people

Mahilyow
n. city E Belarus on the Dnieper pop 363,000

mahimahi
n. : the flesh of a dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus) used for food also : the fish

Mahler
n. Gustav 1860-1911 Austrian composer
–Mah·ler·ian \mä-'lir-ē-ən, -'ler-\ adjective

mahlstick
n. variant of maulstick

Mahmud
1785-1839 Ottoman sultan (1808-39)

mahoe
n. : either of two tropical hibiscus trees (Hibiscus elatus and H. tiliaceus)

mahogany
n. 1 : the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees (family Meliaceae, the mahogany family): a (1) : the durable yellowish-brown to reddish-brown usually moderately hard and heavy wood of a West Indian tree (Swietenia mahagoni) that is widely used for cabinetwork and fine finish work (2) : a wood similar to mahogany from a congeneric tropical American tree (esp. S. macrophylla) b (1) : the rather hard heavy usually odorless wood of any of several African trees (genus Khaya) (2) : the rather lightweight cedar-scented wood of any of several African trees (genus Entandrophragma) that varies in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown
2 : any of various woods resembling or substituted for mahogany obtained from trees of the mahogany family
3 : a tree that yields mahogany
4 : a moderate reddish brown

mahogany
n. African mahogany
mountain mahogany
Philippine mahogany

Mahon
n. city & port Spain on Minorca Is. pop 23,315

Mahone Bay
inlet of the Atlantic E Canada in S N.S.

mahonia
n. : any of a genus (Mahonia) of American and Asian shrubs (as the Oregon grape) of the barberry family

mahout
n. : a keeper and driver of an elephant

Mahratta
n. variant of maratha

mai
mai tai
mai tais
Chiang Mai
Lac Mai Ndombe
Mai Ndombe Lac

mai tai
: a cocktail made with rum, curaçao, orgeat, lime, and fruit juices

Mai-Ndombe, Lac
lake W Democratic Republic of the Congo

maid
n. 1 : an unmarried girl or woman especially when young : VIRGIN
2 a : MAIDSERVANT b : a woman or girl employed to do domestic work

maid
n. maid in waiting
Maid Marian
maid of honor
meter maid
old maid
sea maid
maids in waiting

Maid Marian
: a companion of Robin Hood in some forms of his legend

maid of honor

circa 1586
1 : an unmarried lady usually of noble birth whose duty it is to attend a queen or a princess
2 : a bride's principal unmarried wedding attendant ― compare MATRON OF HONOR

maid-in-waiting
: a young woman of a queen's or princess's household appointed to attend her

maiden
n. 1 : an unmarried girl or woman : MAID
2 : a former Scottish beheading device resembling the guillotine
3 : a horse that has never won a race

maiden
n. 1 a (1) : not married <a maiden aunt> (2) : VIRGIN b of a female animal (1) : never yet mated (2) : never having borne young
2 : of, relating to, or befitting a maiden
3 : FIRST, EARLIEST <a ship's maiden voyage> <the maiden flight of a spacecraft>

maiden
n. iron maiden
maiden name
sea maiden

maiden name
: the surname of a woman before she marries

maidenhair fern
: any of a genus (Adiantum) of ferns with delicate palmately branched fronds ― called also maidenhair

maidenhair tree
: GINKGO

Maidenhead
n. town S England in Berkshire on Thames River W of London pop 49,038

maidenhead
n. 1 : the quality or state of being a maiden : VIRGINITY
2 : HYMEN

maidenhood
n. : the quality, state, or time of being a maiden

maidenliness
n. : conduct or traits befitting a maiden

maidenly
adj. : of, resembling, or suitable to a maiden

maidhood
n. : MAIDENHOOD

maidservant
n. : a female servant

Maidstone
n. town SE England capital of Kent on the Medway ESE of London pop 133,200

maieutic
adj. : relating to or resembling the Socratic method of eliciting new ideas from another

mail
n. chiefly Scottish : PAYMENT, RENT

mail
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : BAG, WALLET
2 a : material sent or carried in the postal system b : a conveyance that transports mail c : E-MAIL 2A
3 : a nation's postal system ― often used in plural

mail
n. : to send by mail : POST
–mail·abil·i·ty \ˌmā-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–mail·able \'mā-lə-bəl\ adjective

mail
n. 1 : armor made of metal links or sometimes plates
2 : a hard enclosing covering of an animal (as a tortoise)
–mailed \'mā(ə)ld\ adjective

mail
n. certified mail
chain mail
coat of mail
direct mail
electronic mail
e mail
Express Mail
fan mail
Irish mail
junk e mail
junk mail
mail carrier
mail drop
mail order
registered mail
snail mail
voice mail
mailed fist
self mailing

mail carrier
: LETTER CARRIER

mail drop
1 : an address used in transmitting secret communications
2 : a receptacle or a slot for deposit of mail

mail order
: an order for goods that is received and filled by mail
–mail-or·der \-ˌȯr-dər\ adjective

mailbag
n. 1 : a letter carrier's shoulder bag
2 : a pouch used in the shipment of mail

mailbox
n. 1 : a box at or near a dwelling for the occupant's mail
2 : a public box for deposit of outgoing mail
3 : a computer file in which e-mail is collected

maile
: a Pacific island vine (Alyxia oliviformis) of the dogbane family with fragrant leaves and bark that are used for decoration and in Hawaii for leis

mailed fist
: a threat of armed or overbearing force

Mailer
n. Norman 1923-     American author

mailer
n. 1 : one that mails
2 : a container for mailing something
3 : something (as an advertisement) sent by mail

Mailgram
― used for a message sent by wire to a post office that delivers it to the addressee

mailing
n. : mail sent at one time to multiple addressees by a sender (as for promotional purposes)

Maillard reaction
: a nonenzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins that occurs upon heating and that produces browning of some foods (as meat and bread)

Maillol
Aristide 1861-1944 Fr. sculptor

maillot
n. 1 : tights for dancers or gymnasts
2 : JERSEY 2
3 : a woman's one-piece bathing suit

mailman
n. : a man who delivers mail ― called also postman

maim
v. 1 : to commit the felony of mayhem upon
2 : to mutilate, disfigure, or wound seriously
–maim·er noun
synonyms MAIM, CRIPPLE, MUTILATE, BATTER, MANGLE mean to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage. MAIM implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence <maimed by a shark>. CRIPPLE implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg <crippled for life in an accident>. MUTILATE implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function <a tree mutilated by inept pruning>. BATTER implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate <an old ship battered by fierce storms>. MANGLE implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds <a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel>.

maim
v. 1 obsolete : serious physical injury especially : loss of a member of the body
2 obsolete : a serious loss

Maimonides
n. Moses 1135-1204 Heb. Moses ben Maimon Jewish philos., jurist, & physician

Main
n. river 325 mi (523 km) S cen Germany rising in N Bavaria in the Fichtelgebirge & flowing W into the Rhine

main
n. 1 : physical strength : FORCE ― used in the phrase with might and main
2 a : MAINLAND b : HIGH SEA
3 : the chief part : essential point <they are in the main well-trained>
4 : a pipe, duct, or circuit which carries the combined flow of tributary branches of a utility system
5 a : MAINMAST b : MAINSAIL

main
n. 1 : CHIEF, PRINCIPAL <the main idea>
2 : fully exerted : SHEER <main force> <by main strength>
3 obsolete : of or relating to a broad expanse (as of sea)
4 : connected with or located near the mainmast or mainsail
5 : expressing the chief predication in a complex sentence <the main clause>

main
n. Frankfurt am Main
coup de main
coups de main
main chance
main line
main man
main sequence
main stem
Main Street
Main Streeter
main topmast
main yard
water main
Spanish Main

main chance
: the best chance for personal or financial gain <kept an eye on the main chance>

main line
1 : a principal highway or railroad line
2 slang : a principal vein of the circulatory system

main man
1 : best male friend
2 : a man whose character or work is most admired
3 : most significant or important person also : CHIEF 2

main sequence
: the group of stars that on a graph of spectrum versus luminosity forms a band comprising 90 percent of stellar types and that includes stars representative of the stages a normal star passes through during the majority of its lifetime

main stem
: a main trunk or channel: as a : the main course of a river or stream b : the main street of a city or town

Main Street
1 : the principal street of a small town
2 a : the sections of a country centering about its small towns b : a place or environment characterized by materialistic self-complacent provincialism c : MIDDLE AMERICA 3
–Main Street·er \'mān-ˌstrē-tər\ noun

main yard
: the yard of a mainsail

main-topmast
: a mast next above the mainmast

Maine
n. Sir Henry James Sumner 1822-1888 Eng. jurist

Maine
n. 1 state NE U.S. capital Augusta area 33,265 sq mi (86,156 sq km), pop 1,274,923
2 or Le Maine \lə-'mān, -'men\ region & former province NW France S of Normandy capital Le Mans
3 ― see MAYENNE
–Main·er \'mā-nər\ noun

Maine
n. Le Maine
Maine coon
Maine cat

Maine coon
: any of a breed of large long-haired domestic cats that have a very full tapered tail ― called also coon cat Maine cat

mainframe
n. : a computer with its cabinet and internal circuits also : a large fast computer that can handle multiple tasks concurrently

Mainland
n. 1 HONSHU
2 island N Scotland; largest of the Orkneys
3 island N Scotland; largest of the Shetlands

mainland
n. : a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
–main·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ noun

mainline
v. slang : to take by or as if by injecting into a principal vein
intransitive verb slang : to mainline a narcotic drug

mainline
v. : being part of an established group also : being in the mainstream

mainly
adv. 1 obsolete : in a forceful manner
2 : for the most part : CHIEFLY

mainmast
n. : a sailing ship's principal mast

mains
n. British : of or relating to utility distribution mains <mains voltage> <mains water>

mainsail
n. : the principal sail on the mainmast ― see SAIL illustration

mainsheet
n. : a line by which the mainsail is trimmed and secured

mainspring
n. 1 : the chief spring in a mechanism especially of a watch or clock
2 : the chief or most powerful motive, agent, or cause

mainstay
n. 1 : a ship's stay extending from the maintop forward usually to the foot of the foremast
2 : a chief support

mainstream
n. : a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence
–mainstream adjective

mainstream
n. 1 : to place (as a disabled child) in regular school classes
2 : to incorporate in the mainstream

maintain
v. 1 : to keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from failure or decline <maintain machinery>
2 : to sustain against opposition or danger : uphold and defend <maintain a position>
3 : to continue or persevere in : CARRY ON, KEEP UP <couldn't maintain his composure>
4 a : to support or provide for <has a family to maintain> b : SUSTAIN <enough food to maintain life>
5 : to affirm in or as if in argument : ASSERT <maintained that the earth is flat>
–main·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–main·tain·able \-'tā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–main·tain·er noun
synonyms MAINTAIN, ASSERT, DEFEND, VINDICATE, JUSTIFY mean to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable. MAINTAIN stresses firmness of conviction <steadfastly maintained his innocence>. ASSERT suggests determination to make others accept one's claim <asserted her rights>. DEFEND implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism <defended his voting record>. VINDICATE implies successfully defending <his success vindicated our faith in him>. JUSTIFY implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent <the action was used to justify military intervention>.

maintenance
n. 1 : the act of maintaining : the state of being maintained : SUPPORT
2 : something that maintains
3 : the upkeep of property or equipment
4 : an officious or unlawful intermeddling in a legal suit by assisting either party with means to carry it on

Maintenon
n. Marquise de 1635-1719 Françoise d'Aubigné; consort of Louis XIV

maintop
n. : a platform about the head of the mainmast of a square-rigged ship

Mainz
n. city SW cen Germany on the Rhine capital of Rhineland-Palatinate pop 182,867

Maipu
city cen Chile, a SW suburb of Santiago pop 468,390

mair
chiefly Scottish variant of more

maison de sante
: private hospital : asylum

maisonette
n. 1 : a small house
2 : an apartment often on two floors

Maitland
Frederic William 1850-1906 Eng. hist.

Maitland
city SE Australia in E New South Wales pop 46,909

maitre
n. maitre d'
maitre d's
maitre d'hotel
petit maitre
coup de maitre

maitre d'
: MAÎTRE D'HÔTEL, HEADWAITER

maitre d'hotel
1 a : MAJORDOMO b : HEADWAITER
2 : a sauce of butter, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice ― called also maître d'hôtel butter

maize
n. : INDIAN CORN

Maj
n. major

Maj Gen
major general

majestic
adj. : having or exhibiting majesty : STATELY
synonyms see GRAND
–ma·jes·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

majesty
n. 1 : sovereign power, authority, or dignity
2 ― used in addressing or referring to reigning sovereigns and their consorts <Your Majesty> <Her Majesty's Government>
3 a : royal bearing or aspect : GRANDEUR b : greatness or splendor of quality or character

majolica
n. 1 : earthenware covered with an opaque tin glaze and decorated on the glaze before firing especially : an Italian ware of this kind
2 : a 19th century earthenware modeled in naturalistic shapes and glazed in lively colors

Major
n. John 1943-     Brit. prime min. (1990-97)

major
n. 1 : greater in dignity, rank, importance, or interest <one of the major poets>
2 : greater in number, quantity, or extent <the major part of his work>
3 : having attained majority
4 a : notable or conspicuous in effect or scope : CONSIDERABLE <a major improvement> b : prominent or significant in size, amount, or degree <earned some major cash>
5 : involving grave risk : SERIOUS <a major illness>
6 : of or relating to a subject of academic study chosen as a field of specialization
7 a : having half steps between the third and fourth and the seventh and eighth degrees <major scale> b : based on a major scale <major key> c : equivalent to the distance between the keynote and another tone (except the fourth and fifth) of a major scale <major third> d : having a major third above the root <major triad>

major
n. 1 : a person who has attained majority
2 a : one that is superior in rank, importance, size, or performance <economic power of the oil majors> b : a major musical interval, scale, key, or mode
3 : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a captain and below a lieutenant colonel
4 a : an academic subject chosen as a field of specialization b : a student specializing in such a field <a history major>
5 plural : major league baseball ― used with the
6 : any of several high-level tournaments in professional golf

major
n. : to pursue an academic major <majored in English>

major
n. Canis Major
command sergeant major
drum major
major axis
major depression
major depressive disorder
major general
major histocompatibility complex
major league
major leaguer
major medical
major order
major party
major penalty
major premise
major seminary
major suit
major term
sergeant major
sergeants major
sergeant major of the army
sergeant major of the marine corps
staff sergeant major
thalassemia major
Ursa Major
Syrtis Major
sergeant majors

major axis
: the axis passing through the foci of an ellipse

major depression
1 : MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
2 : an episode of depression characteristic of major depressive disorder

major depressive disorder
: a mood disorder having a clinical course involving one or more episodes of serious psychological depression lasting two or more weeks each with no intervening episodes of mania

major general
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a brigadier general and whose insignia is two stars

major histocompatibility complex
: a group of genes in mammals that code for cell-surface polymorphic glycoprotein molecules which display antigenic peptide fragments for T cell recognition and aid in the ability of the immune system to determine self from nonself

major league
1 : a league of highest classification in U.S. professional baseball broadly : a league of major importance in any of various sports
2 : BIG TIME 2
–major-league adjective
–major leaguer noun

major order
: one of the Roman Catholic or Eastern clerical orders that are sacramentally conferred and have a sacred character that implies major religious obligations (as clerical celibacy) ― usually used in plural ― compare MINOR ORDER

major party
: a political party having electoral strength sufficient to permit it to win control of a government usually with comparative regularity and when defeated to constitute the principal opposition to the party in power

major penalty
: a 5-minute suspension of a player in ice hockey or lacrosse

major premise
: the premise of a syllogism containing the major term

major seminary
: a Roman Catholic seminary giving usually the entire six years of senior college and theological training required for major orders

major suit
: either of the suits hearts or spades having superior scoring value in bridge

major term
: the term of a syllogism constituting the predicate of the conclusion

major-medical
: of, relating to, or being a form of insurance designed to pay all or part of the medical bills of major illnesses usually after deduction of a fixed initial sum

Majorca
n. island Spain; largest of the Balearic Islands; chief city Palma area 1405 sq mi (3653 sq km)
–Ma·jor·can \-'jȯr-kən, -'yȯr-\ adjective or noun

majordomo
n. 1 : a head steward of a large household (as a palace)
2 : BUTLER, STEWARD
3 : a person who speaks, makes arrangements, or takes charge for another broadly : the person who runs an enterprise <the majordomo of the fair>

majorette
n. : DRUM MAJORETTE 2

majoritarian
adj. : a person who believes in or advocates majoritarianism
–majoritarian adjective

majoritarianism
: the philosophy or practice according to which decisions of an organized group should be made by a numerical majority of its members

majority
n. 1 obsolete : the quality or state of being greater
2 a : the age at which full civil rights are accorded b : the status of one who has attained this age
3 a : a number or percentage equaling more than half of a total <a majority of voters> <a two-thirds majority> b : the excess of a majority over the remainder of the total : MARGIN <won by a majority of 10 votes> c : the greater quantity or share <the majority of the time>
4 : the group or political party having the greater number of votes (as in a legislature)
5 : the military office, rank, or commission of a major
–majority adjective

majority leader
: a leader of the majority party in a legislative body (as the U.S. Senate)

majority rule
: a political principle providing that a majority usually constituted by fifty percent plus one of an organized group will have the power to make decisions binding upon the whole

majorly
adv. : in a major way a : PRIMARILY 1 <was majorly a poet> b : EXTREMELY 1 <was majorly annoyed>

Majuro
n. island (atoll) W Pacific in SE Marshall Islands; contains capital of the group

majuscule
n. : a large letter (as a capital)
–ma·jus·cu·lar \mə-'jəs-kyə-lər\ adjective
–majuscule adjective

makable
variant of makeable

Makah
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Pacific Northwest
2 : the Wakashan language of the Makah people

Makalu
mountain 27,824 ft (8481 m) in the Himalayas in NE Nepal SE of Mt. Everest; 5th highest in the world

makar
chiefly Scottish : POET

Makassar
n. 1 or Ma·cas·sar strait Indonesia bet. E Borneo & W Sulawesi
2 ― see UJUNG PANDANG
–Ma·kas·sar·ese \mə-ˌka-sə-'rēz, -'rēs\ noun

make
n. transitive verb
1 a obsolete : BEHAVE, ACT b : to begin or seem to begin (an action) <made to go>
2 a : to cause to happen to or be experienced by someone <made trouble for us> b : to cause to exist, occur, or appear : CREATE <make a disturbance> c : to favor the growth or occurrence of <haste makes waste> d : to fit, intend, or destine by or as if by creating <was made to be an actor>
3 a : to bring into being by forming, shaping, or altering material : FASHION <make a dress> b : COMPOSE, WRITE <make verses> c : to lay out and construct <make a road>
4 : to frame or formulate in the mind <make plans>
5 : to put together from components : CONSTITUTE <houses made of stone>
6 a : to compute or estimate to be b : to form and hold in the mind <make no doubt of it>
7 a : to assemble and set alight the materials for (a fire) b : to set in order <make beds> c : PREPARE, FIX <make dinner> d : to shuffle (a deck of cards) in preparation for dealing
8 : to prepare (hay) by cutting, drying, and storing
9 a : to cause to be or become <made them happy> <makes it possible> b : APPOINT <made him bishop>
10 a : ENACT, ESTABLISH <make laws> b : to execute in an appropriate manner <make a will> c : SET, NAME <make a price>
11 a chiefly dialect : SHUT <the doors are made against you ― Shakespeare> b : to cause (an electric circuit) to be completed
12 a : to conclude as to the nature or meaning of something <what do you make of this development?> b : to regard as being <not the fool some make him>
13 a : to carry out (an action indicated or implied by the object) <make war> <make a speech> <make a detour> b : to perform with a bodily movement <make a sweeping gesture>
14 a : to produce as a result of action, effort, or behavior with respect to something <make a mess of the job> <tried to make a thorough job of it> b archaic : to turn into another language by translation
15 : to cause to act in a certain way : COMPEL <make her give it back>
16 : to cause or assure the success or prosperity of <can either make you or break you>
17 a : to amount to in significance <makes a great difference> b : to form the essential being of <clothes make the man> c : to form by an assembling of individuals <make a quorum> d : to count as <that makes the third time you've said it>
18 a : to be or be capable of being changed or fashioned into <rags make the best paper> b : to develop into <she will make a fine judge> c : FORM 6B
19 a : REACH, ATTAIN <made port before the storm> ― often used with it <you'll never make it that far> b : to gain the rank of <make major> c : to gain a place on or in <make the team> <the story made the papers> d : to succeed in providing or obtaining <make bail>
20 : to gain (as money) by working, trading, or dealing <make a living>
21 a : to act so as to earn or acquire <makes friends easily> <makes poor grades> b : to score in a game or sport <make a field goal> <make a birdie> c : to convert (a split) into a spare in bowling d : to succeed in holing <make a putt>
22 a : to fulfill (a contract) in a card game b : to win a trick with (a card)
23 a : to include in a route or itinerary <make New York on the return trip> ― often used with it <make it to the party> b : CATCH 6B <made the bus just in time>
24 : to persuade to consent to sexual intercourse : SEDUCE
25 : to provide the most enjoyable or satisfying experience of <meeting the star of the show really made our day>
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to compose poetry
2 a : BEHAVE, ACT b : to begin or seem to begin a certain action <made as though to hand it to me> c : to act so as to be or to seem to be <make merry> d slang : to play a part ― usually used with like
3 : SET OUT, HEAD <made after the fox> <made straight for home>
4 : to increase in height or size <the tide is making now>
5 : to reach or extend in a certain direction
6 : to have considerable effect <courtesy makes for safer driving>
7 : to undergo manufacture or processing <the silk makes up beautifully>
–make a face or make faces : to distort one's features : GRIMACE
–make a mountain out of a molehill : to treat a trifling matter as of great importance
–make away with
1 : to carry off : STEAL
2 : KILL
–make believe : PRETEND, FEIGN
–make bold : VENTURE, DARE
–make book : to accept bets at calculated odds on all the entrants in a race or contest
–make common cause : to unite to achieve a shared goal
–make do : to get along or manage with the means at hand
–make ends meet : to make one's means adequate to one's needs
–make eyes : OGLE
–make friends with : to establish a friendship or friendly relations with
–make fun of : to make an object of amusement or laughter : RIDICULE, MOCK
–make good
1 or make good on : to make valid or complete: as a : to make up for (a deficiency) b : INDEMNIFY <make good the loss> c : to carry out successfully <made good their escape> <made good on his promise> d : PROVE <made good a charge>
2 : to prove to be capable also : SUCCEED
–make hay : to make use of a situation or circumstance especially in order to gain an advantage
–make head
1 : to make progress especially against resistance
2 : to rise in armed revolt
–make it
1 a : to be successful <trying to make it in the big time as a fashion photographer ― Joe Kane> b : to be satisfactory or pleasing <if it isn't danceable, it doesn't make it for me ― Judy Hyman>
2 : to have sexual intercourse
3 : SURVIVE, LIVE <half the cubs won't make it through their first year>
–make light of : to treat as of little account
–make love
1 : WOO, COURT
2 a : NECK, PET b : to engage in sexual intercourse
–make much of
1 : to treat as of importance
2 : to treat with obvious affection or special consideration
–make nice : to be deliberately and often insincerely polite and agreeable <must make nice to politicians they cannot stand ― Ken Auletta>
–make no bones : to be straightforward, unhesitating, or sure <makes no bones about the seriousness of the matter>
–make one's mark : to achieve success or fame
–make public : DISCLOSE
–make sail
1 : to raise or spread sail
2 : to set out on a voyage
–make shift : to manage with difficulty
–make sport of : RIDICULE, MOCK
–make the grade : to measure up to some standard : be successful
–make the most of : to show or use to the best advantage
–make the scene : to be present at or participate in a usually specified activity or event
–make time
1 : to travel fast
2 : to gain time
3 : to make progress toward winning favor <trying to make time with the waitress>
–make tracks
1 : to proceed at a walk or run
2 : to go in a hurry : RUN AWAY, FLEE
–make use of : to put to use : EMPLOY
–make water
1 of a boat : LEAK
2 : URINATE
–make waves : to create a stir or disturbance
–make way
1 : to give room for passing, entering, or occupying
2 : to make progress
–make with
slang : PRODUCE, PERFORM ― usually used with the

make
n. 1 a : the manner or style in which a thing is constructed b : BRAND 4A
2 : the physical, mental, or moral constitution of a person <men of his make are rare>
3 a : the action of producing or manufacturing b : the actual yield or amount produced over a specified period : OUTPUT
4 : the act of shuffling cards also : turn to shuffle
–on the make
1 : in the process of forming, growing, or improving
2 : in quest of a higher social or financial status
3 : in search of sexual adventure

make
n. make good on
make faces
make ducks and drakes of
make with
make way
make waves
make water
make use of
make tracks
make time
make the scene
make the most of
make the grade
make sport of
make shift
make sail
make public
make one's mark
make no bones
make nice
make much of
make love
make light of
make it
make head
make hay
make good
make fun of
make friends with
make eyes
make ends meet
make do
make common cause
make book
make bold
make believe
make away with
make a mountain out of a molehill
make a face
on the make
make belief
make off
make off with
make or break
make out
make over
make up
make work
put the make on
custom made
made to measure
made to order
made up
man made
ready made
self made
tailor made
slave making ant

make a face
or make faces : to distort one's features : GRIMACE

make a mountain out of a molehill
to treat a trifling matter as of great importance

make away with

1 : to carry off : STEAL
2 : KILL

make believe
PRETEND, FEIGN

make bold
VENTURE, DARE

make book
to accept bets at calculated odds on all the entrants in a race or contest

make common cause
to unite to achieve a shared goal

make do
to get along or manage with the means at hand

make ends meet
to make one's means adequate to one's needs

make eyes
OGLE

make friends with
to establish a friendship or friendly relations with

make fun of
to make an object of amusement or laughter : RIDICULE, MOCK

make good

1 or make good on : to make valid or complete: as a : to make up for (a deficiency) b : INDEMNIFY <make good the loss> c : to carry out successfully <made good their escape> <made good on his promise> d : PROVE <made good a charge>
2 : to prove to be capable also : SUCCEED

make hay
to make use of a situation or circumstance especially in order to gain an advantage

make head

1 : to make progress especially against resistance
2 : to rise in armed revolt

make it

1 a : to be successful <trying to make it in the big time as a fashion photographer ― Joe Kane> b : to be satisfactory or pleasing <if it isn't danceable, it doesn't make it for me ― Judy Hyman>
2 : to have sexual intercourse
3 : SURVIVE, LIVE <half the cubs won't make it through their first year>

make light of
to treat as of little account

make love

1 : WOO, COURT
2 a : NECK, PET b : to engage in sexual intercourse

make much of

1 : to treat as of importance
2 : to treat with obvious affection or special consideration

make nice
to be deliberately and often insincerely polite and agreeable <must make nice to politicians they cannot stand ― Ken Auletta>

make no bones
to be straightforward, unhesitating, or sure <makes no bones about the seriousness of the matter>

make off
: to leave in haste
–make off with : to take away especially : GRAB, STEAL

make off with
to take away especially : GRAB, STEAL

make one's mark
to achieve success or fame

make out
1 : to complete (as a printed form) by supplying required information <make out a check>
2 : to find or grasp the meaning of <tried to make out what had really happened>
3 : to form an opinion or idea about : CONCLUDE <how do you make that out>
4 a : to represent as being <made them out to be losers> b : to pretend to be true <made out that he had never heard of me>
5 : to represent or delineate in detail
6 : to see and identify with difficulty or effort : DISCERN <make out a ship through the fog>
intransitive verb
1 : GET ALONG, FARE <how are you making out with the new job>
2 a : to engage in sexual intercourse b : NECK 1

make over
1 : to transfer the title of (property)
2 a : REMAKE, REMODEL, REDESIGN <made the whole house over> b : REFORM 1

make public
DISCLOSE

make sail

1 : to raise or spread sail
2 : to set out on a voyage

make shift
to manage with difficulty

make sport of
RIDICULE, MOCK

make the grade
to measure up to some standard : be successful

make the most of
to show or use to the best advantage

make the scene
to be present at or participate in a usually specified activity or event

make time

1 : to travel fast
2 : to gain time
3 : to make progress toward winning favor <trying to make time with the waitress>

make tracks

1 : to proceed at a walk or run
2 : to go in a hurry : RUN AWAY, FLEE

make up
1 a : to form by fitting together or assembling <make up a train of cars> b : to arrange typeset matter in (as pages) for printing
2 a : to combine to produce (a sum or whole) b : CONSTITUTE, COMPOSE <10 chapters make up this volume>
3 a : to compensate for (as a deficiency or omission) <make up the difference in lost pay> b : to do or take in order to correct an omission <make up a history exam>
4 : SETTLE, DECIDE <made up my mind to depart>
5 : to wrap or fasten up <make the books up into a parcel>
6 a : to prepare in physical appearance for a role b : to apply cosmetics to
7 a : INVENT, IMPROVISE <make up a story> b : to set in order <rooms are made up daily>
intransitive verb
1 : to become reconciled <quarreled but later made up>
2 a : to act ingratiatingly and flatteringly <made up to his aunt for a new bicycle> b : to make advances : COURT
3 : COMPENSATE <make up for lost time>
4 a : to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play) b : to apply cosmetics

make use of
to put to use : EMPLOY

make water

1 of a boat : LEAK
2 : URINATE

make waves
to create a stir or disturbance

make way

1 : to give room for passing, entering, or occupying
2 : to make progress

make with
slang : PRODUCE, PERFORM ― usually used with the

make-believe
: a pretending that what is not real is real <a fiction writer's childish willingness to immerse himself in make-believe ― John Updike>

make-believe
: IMAGINARY, PRETENDED

make-do
: MAKESHIFT
–make-do noun

make-or-break
: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

make-work
: work assigned or done chiefly to keep one busy

makeable
: capable of being made also : reasonably likely to be made <a makeable putt>

makebate
archaic : one that excites contention and quarrels

makefast
n. : something (as a post or buoy) to which a boat can be fastened

makeover
n. : an act or instance of making over <a makeover of the tax system> especially : a changing of a person's appearance (as by the use of cosmetics or a different hairdo)

maker
n. : one that makes: as a capitalized : GOD 1 b archaic : POET c : a person who borrows money on a promissory note d : MANUFACTURER

makeready
n. : final preparation (as of a form on a printing press) for running

makeshift
n. : a usually crude and temporary expedient : SUBSTITUTE
synonyms see RESOURCE
–makeshift adjective

makeup
n. 1 a : the way in which the parts or ingredients of something are put together : COMPOSITION b : physical, mental, and moral constitution
2 a : the operation of making up especially pages for printing b : design or layout of printed matter
3 a (1) : cosmetics used to color and beautify the face (2) : a cosmetic applied to other parts of the body b : materials (as wigs and cosmetics) used in making up or in special costuming (as for a play)
4 : REPLACEMENT specifically : material added (as in a manufacturing process) to replace material that has been used up <makeup water>
5 : something that makes up for a previous postponement, omission, failure, or deficiency <a makeup exam>

makeweight
n. 1 a : something thrown into a scale to bring the weight to a desired value b : something of little independent value thrown in to fill a gap
2 : COUNTERWEIGHT, COUNTERPOISE

Makgadikgadi Pans
large salt basin NE Botswana

Makhachkala
n. city SE Russia in Europe on the Caspian capital of Dagestan pop 339,000

makimono
: a horizontal Japanese ornamental pictorial or calligraphic scroll ― compare KAKEMONO

making
n. 1 : the act or process of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being <spots problems in the making>
2 : a process or means of advancement or success
3 : something made especially : a quantity produced at one time : BATCH
4 a : POTENTIALITY ― often used in plural <had the makings of a great artist> b plural : the material from which something is to be made especially \usu 'mā-kənz\ : paper and tobacco for rolling cigarettes by hand

Makiyivka
city E Ukraine in Donets Basin NE of Donetsk pop 424,000

mako shark
: either of two relatively slender mackerel sharks (Isurus paucus and I. oxyrinchus) that are dark blue above and white below with long pointed snouts and that are notable sport fish ― called also mako ― see SHARK illustration

makuta
n. plural of likuta

Mal
pref. Malachi

Mal
pref. grand mal
mal de mer
petit mal
bon gre mal gre
bon gré mal gré
de mal en pis
honi soit qui mal y pense
mal de siecle
mal du siècle
mal de siècle
mal vu

mal
pref. 1 a : bad <malpractice> b : badly <malodorous>
2 a : abnormal <malformation> b : abnormally <malformed>
3 a : inadequate <maladjustment> b : inadequately <malnourished>

mal de mer
: SEASICKNESS

mal de siecle
: illness from worldly concerns : world-weariness

mal vu
: badly regarded : disapproved of

mala fide
: with or in bad faith <claimed the government acted mala fide>

Malabar Coast
region SW India on Arabian Sea in Karnataka & Kerala states

Malabo
n. city capital of Equatorial Guinea on Bioko Is. pop 37,237

malabsorption
n. : faulty absorption especially of nutrient materials from the gastrointestinal tract

Malacca
n. ― see MELAKA
–Ma·lac·can \mə-'la-kən, -'lä-\ adjective

malacca
n. : made or consisting of the cane of an Asian rattan palm (Calamus rotang) <an umbrella with a malacca handle>
–malacca noun

Malacca, Strait of
channel 500 mi (805 km) long bet. S Malay Peninsula & island of Sumatra

Malachi
n. 1 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table
2 ― used as the conventional name for the unidentified fifth century B.C. writer of the book of Malachi

Malachias
: MALACHI

malachite
n. : a green mineral that is a basic carbonate of copper used especially for making ornamental objects

malacology
n. : a branch of zoology dealing with mollusks
–mal·a·co·log·i·cal \ˌma-lə-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–mal·a·col·o·gist \ˌma-lə-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

malacostracan
n. : any of a large subclass (Malacostraca) of crustaceans having a thorax consisting of eight segments usually covered by a carapace and including the decapods and isopods
–malacostracan adjective

maladaptation
n. : poor or inadequate adaptation

maladapted
adj. : unsuited or poorly suited (as to a particular use, purpose, or situation)

maladaptive
adj. 1 : marked by poor or inadequate adaptation
2 : not conducive to adaptation

malade imaginaire
: imaginary invalid : hypochondriac

maladjusted
adj. : poorly or inadequately adjusted specifically : lacking harmony with one's environment from failure to adjust one's desires to the conditions of one's life

maladjustive
adj. : not conducive to adjustment

maladjustment
n. : poor, faulty, or inadequate adjustment

maladministration
n. 1 : corrupt or incompetent administration (as of a public office)
2 : incorrect administration (as of a drug)
–mal·ad·min·is·ter \-'mi-nə-stər\ transitive verb

maladroit
adj. : lacking adroitness : INEPT
synonyms see AWKWARD
–mal·adroit·ly adverb
–mal·adroit·ness noun

malady
n. 1 : a disease or disorder of the animal body
2 : an unwholesome or disordered condition

Malaga
n. : a sweet brown fortified wine from Málaga, Spain also : a similar wine made elsewhere

Malaga
n. 1 province S Spain in Andalusia area 2809 sq mi (7275 sq km), pop 1,287,017
2 city & port, its capital, NE of Gibraltar pop 524,414

Malagasy
n. 1 : a member of a people of Indonesian and African origin who inhabit Madagascar
2 : the Austronesian language of the Malagasy people
–Malagasy adjective

Malagasy Republic
― see MADAGASCAR

malaguena
n. 1 : a folk tune native to Málaga that is similar to a fandango
2 : a Spanish dance for couples that is similar to a fandango

malaise
n. 1 : an indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying the onset of an illness
2 : a vague sense of mental or moral ill-being <a malaise of cynicism and despair ― Malcolm Boyd>

Malaita
island SW Pacific in the SE Solomons NE of Guadalcanal

Malamud
n. Bernard 1914-1986 American writer

malamute
n. : a sled dog of northern No. America especially : ALASKAN MALAMUTE

Malan
Daniel François 1874-1959 So. African editor; prime min. (1948-54)

Malang
city Indonesia in E Java S of Surabaya pop 695,618

malanga
n. 1 : TARO
2 : YAUTIA

malapert
adj. : impudently bold : SAUCY

malapportioned
: characterized by an inequitable or unsuitable apportioning of representatives to a legislative body
–mal·ap·por·tion·ment \-shən-mənt\ noun

malaprop
n. : an example of malapropism <was famed for malaprops: he always said “polo bears” and “Remember Pearl Island” and “neon stockings” ― Time>

malaprop
n. : using or marked by the use of malapropisms

malapropism
n. 1 : the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase especially : the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context
2 : MALAPROP
–mal·a·prop·ist \-ˌprä-pist\ noun

malapropos
n. : in an inappropriate or inopportune way
–malapropos adjective

malar
n. : of or relating to the cheek or the side of the head

malar
n. : ZYGOMATIC BONE ― called also malar bone

Malaren
lake SE Sweden extending from Baltic Sea 70 mi (113 km) inland

malaria
n. 1 archaic : air infected with a noxious substance capable of causing disease especially : MIASMA
2 a : a human disease that is caused by sporozoan parasites (genus Plasmodium) in the red blood cells, is transmitted by the bite of anopheline mosquitoes, and is characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever b : any of various diseases of birds and mammals caused by blood protozoans
–ma·lar·i·al \-əl\ adjective
–ma·lar·i·ous \-əs\ adjective

malariology
n. : the scientific study of malaria
–ma·lar·i·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

malarkey
n. : insincere or foolish talk : BUNKUM

malate
n. : a salt or ester of malic acid

malathion
n. : an organophosphate broad-spectrum insecticide C_10H_19O_6PS_2 that is considerably less toxic to mammals than parathion

Malatya
city E Turkey NE of Gaziantep pop 281,776

Malawi
n. country SE Africa bordering on Lake Malawi; formerly a Brit. protectorate; independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1964; a republic since 1966 capital Lilongwe area 45,747 sq mi (118,485 sq km), pop 10,475,257
–Ma·la·wi·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Malawi, Lake
n. lake SE Africa in Great Rift Valley in Malawi, Mozambique, & Tanzania

Malay
n. 1 : a member of a people of the Malay Peninsula, eastern Sumatra, parts of Borneo, and some adjacent islands
2 : the Austronesian language of the Malays
–Malay adjective
–Ma·lay·an \mə-'lā-ən, mā-; 'mā-ˌlā-\ noun or adjective

Malay
n. Federated Malay States
Malay Archipelago
Malay Peninsula
Malay Sea

Malay Archipelago
archipelago SE Asia including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Moluccas, & Timor ― usually considered to include also the Philippines & sometimes New Guinea

Malay Peninsula
peninsula 700 mi (1126 km) long SE Asia divided bet. Thailand & Malaysia

Malay Sea
sea SE Asia surrounding the Malay Archipelago

Malaya
n. 1 MALAY PENINSULA
2 BRITISH MALAYA
3 or Federation of Malaya former country SE Asia; a Brit. dominion 1957-63, since 1963 a territory (now called Peninsular Malaysia) of Malaysia capital Kuala Lumpur area 50,690 sq mi (131,794 sq km)

Malayalam
n. : the Dravidian language of Kerala, southwest India, closely related to Tamil

Malaysia
n. 1 MALAY ARCHIPELAGO
2 or Federation of Malaysia country SE Asia, a union of Malaya, Sabah (N. Borneo), Sarawak, & (until 1965) Singapore; a federal constitutional monarchy in the Commonwealth of Nations capital Kuala Lumpur area 128,727 sq mi (333,403 sq km), pop 19,077,000
–Ma·lay·sian \mə-'lā-zhən, -shən\ adjective or noun

Malaysia
n. Federation of Malaysia
East Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia
West Malaysia

Malcolm
n. 1925-1965 orig. Malcolm Little American civil rights leader

malcontent
n. : a discontented person: a : one who bears a grudge from a sense of grievance or thwarted ambition b : one who is in active opposition to an established order or government : REBEL

malcontent
n. : dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs : DISCONTENTED

malcontented
adj. : MALCONTENT
–mal·con·tent·ed·ly adverb
–mal·con·tent·ed·ness noun

Malden
1 city E Mass. N of Boston pop 56,340
2 island W Pacific, one of the Line Islands

maldistribution
n. : bad or faulty distribution : undesirable inequality or unevenness of placement or apportionment (as of population, resources, or wealth) over an area or among members of a group

Maldives
n. islands in Indian Ocean S of the Laccadives; a sultanate under Brit. protection until 1965; now an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Male area 115 sq mi (299 sq km), pop 270,101
–Mal·div·i·an \mȯl-'di-vē-ən, mal-\ adjective or noun

Male
n. island (atoll), chief of the Maldives pop 74,069; contains the nation's capital

male
n. 1 a : a male person : a man or a boy b : an individual that produces small usually motile gametes (as spermatozoa or spermatozoids) which fertilize the eggs of a female
2 : a staminate plant

male
n. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or being the sex that produces gametes which fertilize the eggs of a female (2) : STAMINATE especially : having only staminate flowers and not producing fruit or seeds <a male holly> b (1) : of, relating to, or characteristic of the male sex <a deep male voice> (2) : made up of usually adult male individuals <a male choir>
2 : MASCULINE 3A
3 : designed with a projecting part for fitting into a corresponding female part <male hose coupling>
–male·ness \-nəs\ noun

male
n. male alto
male fern
male menopause
male pattern baldness
male sterile

male alto
: COUNTERTENOR

male fern
: a fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) producing an oleoresin used in expelling tapeworms

male menopause
: CLIMACTERIC 2B

male-pattern baldness
: typical hereditary baldness in the male characterized by loss of hair on the crown and temples

male-sterile
: having male gametes lacking or nonfunctional <male-sterile plants>

Malea, Cape
cape S Greece at extremity of E peninsula of the Peloponnese

maleate
n. : a salt or ester of maleic acid

Malebo, Pool
expansion of Congo River ab 20 mi (32 km) long 300 mi (483 km) above its mouth bet. Republic of the Congo & Democratic Republic of the Congo

Malebranche
Nicolas de 1638-1715 Fr. philos.

maledict
archaic : ACCURSED

maledict
: CURSE, EXECRATE

malediction
n. : CURSE, EXECRATION
–mal·e·dic·to·ry \-'dik-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

malefaction
n. : an evil deed : CRIME

malefactor
n. 1 : one who commits an offense against the law especially : FELON
2 : one who does ill toward another

malefic
adj. 1 : having malignant influence : BALEFUL
2 : MALICIOUS

maleficence
n. 1 a : the act of committing harm or evil b : a harmful or evil act
2 : the quality or state of being maleficent

maleficent
adj. : working or productive of harm or evil : BALEFUL

maleic
adj. maleic acid
maleic anhydride
maleic hydrazide

maleic acid
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C_4H_4O_4 that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis

maleic anhydride
: a caustic crystalline cyclic anhydride C_4H_2O_3 used especially in making resins

maleic hydrazide
: a crystalline cyclic hydrazide C_4H_4N_2O_2 used to retard plant growth

Malekula
island SW Pacific in Vanuatu area 781 sq mi (2023 sq km), pop 19,289

malemute
n. variant of malamute

Malenkov
n. Georgy Maksimilianovich 1902-1988 Soviet polit.

malevolence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being malevolent
2 : malevolent behavior
synonyms see MALICE

malevolent
adj. 1 : having, showing, or arising from intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred
2 : productive of harm or evil
–ma·lev·o·lent·ly adverb

malfeasance
n. : wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official

malformation
n. : irregular, anomalous, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure

malformed
adj. : characterized by malformation : badly or imperfectly formed : MISSHAPEN

malfunction
n. : to function imperfectly or badly : fail to operate normally
–malfunction noun

Malgache
République Malgache
Malgache Republique
Malgache République

Malgache, Republique
― see MADAGASCAR

malgre
: DESPITE

Malherbe
n. François de 1555-1628 Fr. poet

Malheur Lake
lake SE Oreg. in Harney Basin

Mali
n. 1 federation 1959-60 of Senegal & Sudanese Republic
2 or formerly Sudanese Republic country W Africa in W Sahara & Sudan regions; a republic; before 1958 constituted French Sudan (a territory of France); capital Bamako area 478,652 sq mi (1,239,709 sq km), pop 8,646,000
–Ma·li·an \-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

Maliakos, Gulf of
inlet of Aegean Sea on E coast of Greece

malic
adj. : involved in and especially catalyzing a reaction in which malic acid participates <malic dehydrogenase>

malic acid
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C_4H_6O_5 especially : the levorotatory isomer of malic acid that is found in various fruits (as apples) and is formed as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle

malice
n. 1 : desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another
2 : intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse
synonyms MALICE, MALEVOLENCE, ILL WILL, SPITE, MALIGNITY, SPLEEN, GRUDGE mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress. MALICE implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer <felt no malice toward their former enemies>. MALEVOLENCE suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct <a look of dark malevolence>. ILL WILL implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration <ill will provoked by a careless remark>. SPITE implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments <petty insults inspired by spite>. MALIGNITY implies deep passion and relentlessness <a life consumed by motiveless malignity>. SPLEEN suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice <venting his spleen against politicians>. GRUDGE implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction <never one to harbor a grudge>.

malicious
adj. : given to, marked by, or arising from malice <malicious gossip>
–ma·li·cious·ly adverb
–ma·li·cious·ness noun

malicious mischief
: willful, wanton, or reckless damage to or destruction of another's property

malign
adj. 1 a : evil in nature, influence, or effect : INJURIOUS <the malign effects of illicit drugs> b : MALIGNANT, VIRULENT
2 : having or showing intense often vicious ill will : MALEVOLENT
synonyms see SINISTER
–ma·lign·ly adverb

malign
adj. : to utter injuriously misleading or false reports about : speak evil of
synonyms MALIGN, TRADUCE, ASPERSE, VILIFY, CALUMNIATE, DEFAME, SLANDER mean to injure by speaking ill of. MALIGN suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying <the most maligned monarch in British history>. TRADUCE stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim <so traduced the governor that he was driven from office>. ASPERSE implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction <both candidates aspersed the other's motives>. VILIFY implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse <no criminal was more vilified in the press>. CALUMNIATE imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions <falsely calumniated as a traitor>. DEFAME stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name <sued them for defaming her reputation>. SLANDER stresses the suffering of the victim <town gossips slandered their good name>.

malignance
n. : MALIGNANCY

malignancy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being malignant
2 a : exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : VIRULENCE b : a malignant tumor

malignant
adj. 1 a obsolete : MALCONTENT, DISAFFECTED b : evil in nature, influence, or effect : INJURIOUS c : passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious
2 : tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria> especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <a malignant tumor>
–ma·lig·nant·ly adverb

malignant melanoma
: MELANOMA 2

malignity
n. 1 : MALIGNANCY, MALEVOLENCE
2 : an instance of malignant or malicious behavior or nature
synonyms see MALICE

malihini
: a newcomer or stranger among the people of Hawaii

Malin Head
cape Ireland (republic) in County Donegal; northernmost tip of Ireland (island)

Malines
n. ― see MECHLIN

malines
n. 1 : MECHLIN
2 also ma·line : a fine stiff net with a hexagonal mesh that is usually made of silk or rayon and that is often used for veils

malinger
n. : to pretend or exaggerate incapacity or illness (as to avoid duty or work)
–ma·lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

Malinke
n. 1 : a member of a people of Mandingo affiliation widespread in the western part of Africa
2 : the language of the Malinke people

Malinois
: BELGIAN MALINOIS

Malinovsky
Rodion Yakovlevich 1898-1967 Soviet gen.

Malinowski
n. Bronislaw Kasper 1884-1942 American (Pol.-born) anthropol.

malis avibus
: under evil auspices

malison
n. : CURSE, MALEDICTION

malkin
1 dialect chiefly British : an untidy woman : SLATTERN
2 dialect chiefly British a : CAT b : HARE

mall
n. 1 : an alley used for pall-mall
2 [The Mall, promenade in London, orig. a pall-mall alley] a : a usually public area often set with shade trees and designed as a promenade or as a pedestrian walk b : a usually paved or grassy strip between two roadways
3 a : an urban shopping area featuring a variety of shops surrounding a usually open-air concourse reserved for pedestrian traffic b : a usually large suburban building or group of buildings containing various shops with associated passageways

mall
n. pall mall
shopping mall
strip mall

mallard
n. : a common and widely distributed wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white-ringed neck and which is the source of the domestic ducks

Mallarme
Stéphane 1842-1898 Fr. poet

malleable
adj. 1 : capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer or by the pressure of rollers
2 a : capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influences b : having a capacity for adaptive change
synonyms see PLASTIC
–mal·lea·bil·i·ty \ˌma-lē-ə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌmal-yə-, ˌma-lə-\ noun

mallee
n. 1 : any of various low-growing shrubby Australian eucalypts (as Eucalyptus dumosa and E. oleosa)
2 : a dense thicket or growth of mallees also : land covered by such growth

mallet
n. : a hammer with a typically barrel-shaped head: as a : a tool with a large head for driving another tool or for striking a surface without marring it b : a long-handled wooden implement used for striking a ball (as in polo or croquet) c : a light hammer with a small rounded or spherical usually padded head used in playing certain musical instruments (as a vibraphone)

malleus
n. : the outermost of a chain of three small bones of the mammalian middle ear ― called also hammer ― see EAR illustration

malleus
n. ball peen hammer
claw hammer
drop hammer
under the hammer
hammer and sickle
hammer and tongs
hammer dulcimer
hammer mill
hammer out
hammer price
hammer throw
trip hammer
water hammer
hammered dulcimer

mallow
n. : any of a genus (Malva of the family Malvaceae, the mallow family) of herbs with palmately lobed or dissected leaves, usually showy flowers, and a disk-shaped fruit

Malmedy
commune E Belgium SE of Liège; formerly in Germany, transferred (with Eupen) to Belgium 1919 pop 11,394

Malmo
city & port SW Sweden on Øresund opposite Copenhagen, Denmark pop 265,481

malmsey
n. : the sweetest variety of Madeira wine

malnourished
adj. : UNDERNOURISHED

malnutrition
n. : faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization

malocclusion
n. : improper occlusion especially : abnormality in the coming together of teeth

malodor
n. : an offensive odor

malodorous
adj. 1 : having a bad odor
2 : highly improper <malodorous practices and chicanery in high financial places ― New Republic>
–mal·odor·ous·ly adverb
–mal·odor·ous·ness noun
synonyms MALODOROUS, STINKING, FETID, NOISOME, PUTRID, RANK, FUSTY, MUSTY mean bad-smelling. MALODOROUS may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive <malodorous fertilizers>. STINKING and FETID suggest the foul or disgusting <prisoners were held in stinking cells> <the fetid odor of skunk cabbage>. NOISOME adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive <a stagnant, noisome sewer>. PUTRID implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter <the putrid smell of rotting fish>. RANK suggests a strong unpleasant smell <rank cigar smoke>. FUSTY and MUSTY suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, FUSTY also implying prolonged uncleanliness, MUSTY stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age <a fusty attic> <the musty odor of a damp cellar>.

malolactic
adj. : relating to or involved in the bacterial conversion of malic acid to lactic acid in wine <malolactic fermentation>

Malory
n. Sir Thomas fl 1470 Eng. author

maloti
n. plural of loti

Malpighi
n. Marcello 1628-1694 Ital. anatomist
–Mal·pi·ghi·an \-ən\ adjective

Malpighi
n. Malpighian corpuscle
Malpighian body
Malpighian layer
Malpighian tubule
Malpighian tube

Malpighian corpuscle
: the part of a nephron that consists of a glomerulus and Bowman's capsule ― called also Malpighian body

Malpighian layer
: the deeper part of the epidermis consisting of cells whose protoplasm has not yet changed into horny material

Malpighian tubule
: any of a group of long blind vessels opening into the posterior part of the alimentary canal in most insects and some other arthropods and functioning primarily as excretory organs ― called also Malpighian tube

malposition
n. : wrong or faulty position

malpractice
n. 1 : a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage
2 : an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : MALFEASANCE

malpractitioner
n. : one who engages in or commits malpractice

Malraux
n. André 1901-1976 Fr. writer & art historian

MALS
1 master of arts in liberal studies
2 master of arts in library science

malt
n. 1 : grain (as barley) softened by steeping in water, allowed to germinate, and used especially in brewing and distilling
2 : MALT LIQUOR
3 : MALTED MILK
–malty \'mȯl-tē\ adjective

malt
n. 1 : to convert into malt
2 : to make or treat with malt or malt extract
intransitive verb
1 : to become malt
2 : to make grain into malt

malt
n. malt liquor
malt sugar
malt whiskey
single malt
malted milk

malt liquor
: a fermented liquor (as beer) made with malt

malt sugar
: MALTOSE

malt whiskey
: SCOTCH 3

Malta
n. 1 or Mal·tese Islands \mȯl-'tēz, -'tēs\ group of islands in the Mediterranean S of Sicily; a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1964 capital Valletta area 122 sq mi (317 sq km), pop 397,296
2 island, chief of the group area 95 sq mi (247 sq km)

maltase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose to glucose

malted milk
1 : a soluble powder prepared from dried milk and malted cereals
2 : a beverage made by dissolving malted milk in milk and usually adding ice cream and flavoring ― called also malted

Maltese
adj. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Malta
2 : the Semitic language of the Maltese people
3 : any of a breed of toy dogs with a long silky white coat, a black nose, and very dark eyes
–Maltese adjective

Maltese cross
1 a : a cross formée b : a cross that resembles the cross formée but has the outer face of each arm indented in a V ― see CROSS illustration
2 : a Eurasian herb (Lychnis chalcedonica) of the pink family cultivated for its usually scarlet flowers

Malthus
n. Thomas Robert 1766-1834 Eng. econ.

Malthusian
adj. : of or relating to Malthus or to his theory that population tends to increase at a faster rate than its means of subsistence and that unless it is checked by moral restraint or disaster (as disease, famine, or war) widespread poverty and degradation inevitably result
–Malthusian noun
–Mal·thu·sian·ism \-zhə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

maltodextrin
n. : any of various carbohydrates derived from the partial hydrolysis of starch (as of corn or potatoes) and used in prepared foods especially as a filler and to enhance texture and flavor

maltose
n. : a crystalline dextrorotatory fermentable sugar C_12H_22O_11 formed especially from starch by amylase

maltreat
v. : to treat cruelly or roughly : ABUSE
–mal·treat·er \-'trē-tər\ noun
–mal·treat·ment \-'trēt-mənt\ noun

maltster
n. : a maker of malt

Maluku
n. ― see MOLUCCAS

malvasia
n. : a medium to large cultivated grape of Mediterranean regions that is often blended with other grape varieties to produce aromatic dry or sweet wines

Malvern Hills
hills W England SW of Worcester

malversation
n. 1 : misbehavior and especially corruption in an office, trust, or commission
2 : corrupt administration

Malvinas, Islas
― see FALKLAND ISLANDS

mama
n. 1 : MOTHER
2 slang : WIFE, WOMAN

mama's boy
: a usually polite or timid boy or man who is extremely or excessively close to and solicitous of his mother

mamba
n. : any of several chiefly arboreal venomous green or black elapid snakes (genus Dendroaspis) of sub-Saharan Africa

Mamberamo
river 500 mi (805 km) W New Guinea flowing NW into the Pacific

mambo
n. : a ballroom dance of Cuban origin that resembles the rumba and the cha-cha also : the music for this dance
–mambo intransitive verb

Mamet
n. David Alan 1947-     American dram.

mamey
n. : an evergreen tree (Mammea americana of the family Guttiferae) native to the West Indies and tropical America that has an ovoid fruit with thick russet leathery rind and yellow or reddish juicy sweet flesh also : the fruit

Mamluk
1 : a member of a politically powerful Egyptian military class occupying the sultanate from 1250 to 1517
2 often not capitalized : a white or east Asian slave in Muslim countries

mamma
n. : a mammary gland and its accessory parts

mammal
n. : any of a class (Mammalia) of warm-blooded higher vertebrates (as placentals, marsupials, or monotremes) that nourish their young with milk secreted by mammary glands, have the skin usually more or less covered with hair, and include humans
–mam·ma·li·an \mə-'mā-lē-ən, ma-\ adjective or noun

mammalogy
n. : a branch of zoology dealing with mammals
–mam·mal·o·gist \-jist\ noun

mammary
n. : of, relating to, lying near, or affecting the mammae

mammary gland
: any of the large compound modified sebaceous glands that in female mammals are modified to secrete milk, are situated ventrally in pairs, and usually terminate in a nipple

mammer
obsolete : WAVER, HESITATE

mammillary
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the breasts
2 : studded with breast-shaped protuberances

mammillated
adj. 1 : having nipples or small protuberances
2 : having the form of a bluntly rounded protuberance

mammock
n. chiefly dialect : a broken piece : SCRAP

mammock
n. chiefly dialect : to tear into fragments : MANGLE

mammogram
n. : a photograph of the breasts made by X-rays also : the procedure for producing a mammogram

mammography
n. : X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)
–mam·mo·graph·ic \ˌma-mə-'gra-fik\ adjective

mammon
n. : material wealth or possessions especially as having a debasing influence <you cannot serve God and mammon ― Mount 6:24(RSV)>
–mam·mon·ism \-mə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

mammonist
n. archaic : one devoted to the ideal or pursuit of wealth

mammoth
n. 1 : any of a genus (Mammuthus) of extinct Pleistocene mammals of the elephant family distinguished from recent elephants by highly ridged molars, usually large size, very long tusks that curve upward, and well-developed body hair
2 : something immense of its kind <the company is a mammoth of the industry>

mammoth
n. : of very great size
synonyms see ENORMOUS

Mammoth Cave
limestone caverns SW cen Kentucky in Mammoth Cave National Park

mammy
n. 1 : MAMA
2 : a black woman serving as a nurse to white children especially formerly in the southern U.S.

Mamore
river 1200 mi (1931 km) Bolivia flowing N to unite with the Beni on Brazilian border forming Madeira River

Man
n. Manitoba

man
n. 1 a (1) : an individual human especially : an adult male human (2) : a man belonging to a particular category (as by birth, residence, membership, or occupation) ― usually used in combination <councilman> (3) : HUSBAND (4) : LOVER b : the human race : HUMANKIND c : a bipedal primate mammal (Homo sapiens) that is anatomically related to the great apes but distinguished especially by notable development of the brain with a resultant capacity for articulate speech and abstract reasoning, is usually considered to form a variable number of freely interbreeding races, and is the sole living representative of the hominid family broadly : any living or extinct hominid d (1) : one possessing in high degree the qualities considered distinctive of manhood (2) obsolete : the quality or state of being manly : MANLINESS e : FELLOW, CHAP ― used as mode of familiar address f ― used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling <man, what a game>
2 a : INDIVIDUAL, PERSON <a man could get killed there> b : the individual who can fulfill or who has been chosen to fulfill one's requirements <she's your man>
3 a : a feudal tenant : VASSAL b : an adult male servant c plural : the working force as distinguished from the employer and usually the management
4 a : one of the distinctive objects moved by each player in various board games b : one of the players on a team
5 : an alumnus of or student at a college or university <a Bowdoin man>
6 Christian Science : the compound idea of infinite Spirit : the spiritual image and likeness of God : the full representation of Mind
7 often capitalized : POLICE <when I heard the siren, I knew it was the Man ― American Speech>
8 often capitalized : the white establishment : white society <surprise that any black⋯should take on so about The Man ― Peter Goldman>
9 : one extremely fond of or devoted to something specified <strictly a vanilla ice cream man>
–man·less \'man-ləs\ adjective
–man·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–as one man : with the agreement and consent of all : UNANIMOUSLY
–one's own man : free from interference or control : INDEPENDENT
–to a man : without exception

man
n. 1 a : to supply with people (as for service) <man a fleet> b : to station members of a ship's crew at <man the capstan> c : to serve in the force or complement of <man the ticket booth>
2 : to accustom (as a hawk) to humans and the human environment
3 : to furnish with strength or powers of resistance : BRACE

man
n. manual

man
n. advance man
angry young man
ape man
best man
boss man
button man
company man
cutoff man
dead man's float
detail man
dirty old man
end man
enlisted man
family man
fancy man
fellow man
forgotten man
front man
G man
grand old man
Gtr Man
hatchet man
Heidelberg man
he man
hit man
iron man
Java man
ladies' man
lady's man
leading man
liege man
little man
main man
to a man
one's own man
as one man
man about town
man ape
man at arms
man child
man day
man eater
man eating
man eating shark
man eater shark
man for man
man Friday
man hour
man in the street
man jack
man made
man of God
man of letters
man of straw
man of the house
man of the world
man of war
man o' war
man on horseback
man on the street
man o' war bird
man power
man size
man sized
man's man
man tailored
man to man
man year
medicine man
mountain man
no man's land
odd man out
old man
old man's beard
one man
one man band
Peking man
Piltdown man
point man
red man
remittance man
Renaissance man
rewrite man
Rhodesian man
sandwich man
second story man
son of man
squaw man
straight man
straw man
T man
weight man
white man's burden
wise man
yes man
man spricht Deutsch
Isle of Man
Man Isle of
Neanderthal man
Portuguese man of war
Portuguese man of wars
Hsia men
men about town
men at arms
men children
men o' war
men of war
men's room
Portuguese men of war
Le Mans

man ape
1 : GREAT APE
2 : any of various fossil primates intermediate in characters between recent humans and the great apes

man Friday
: an efficient and devoted aide or employee : a right-hand man

man in the street

1831
: an average or ordinary person

man jack
: individual man <every man jack>

man of God

1670
: CLERGYMAN

man of letters

1645
1 : SCHOLAR
2 : AUTHOR

man of straw

1624
: STRAW MAN

man of the house

1535
: the chief male in a household

man of the world

15th century
: a practical or worldly-wise man of wide experience

man on horseback

1860
1 : a usually military figure whose ambitions and popularity mark him as a potential dictator
2 : DICTATOR

man on the street

1926
: MAN IN THE STREET

man power
1 : power available from or supplied by the physical effort of human beings
2 usually man·pow·er : the total supply of persons available and fitted for service

man spricht Deutsch
: German spoken

man's man
: a man noted or admired for traditionally masculine interests and activities

Man, Isle of
island British Isles in Irish Sea; a possession of the Brit. Crown; has own legislature & laws capital Douglas area 221 sq mi (575 sq km), pop 60,496
–Manx·man \'maŋks-mən\ noun

man-about-town
: a worldly and socially active man

man-at-arms
: SOLDIER especially : a heavily armed and usually mounted soldier

man-child
: a male child : SON

man-day
: a unit of one day's work by one person

man-eater
: one that has or is thought to have an appetite for human flesh: as a : CANNIBAL b : MACKEREL SHARK especially : GREAT WHITE SHARK ― called also man-eater shark man-eating shark c : a large feline (as a lion or tiger) that has acquired the habit of feeding on human flesh
–man-eat·ing \-ˌē-tiŋ\ adjective

man-for-man
: MAN-TO-MAN 2

man-hour
: a unit of one hour's work by one person that is used especially as a basis for cost accounting and wages

man-made
: manufactured, created, or constructed by human beings specifically : SYNTHETIC <man-made fibers>

man-o'-war bird
: FRIGATE BIRD

man-of-war
: a combatant warship of a recognized navy

man-size
1 : suitable for or requiring a man <a man-size job>
2 : larger than others of its kind <constructed a man-size model>

man-tailored
: made with the severe simplicity associated with men's coats and suits

man-to-man
1 : characterized by frankness and honesty <a man-to-man talk>
2 : of, relating to, or being a system of defense (as in football or basketball) in which each defensive player guards a specified opponent
–man-to-man adverb
–man-to-man noun

man-year
: a unit of the work done by one person in a year composed of a standard number of working days

mana
n. 1 : the power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person
2 : moral authority : PRESTIGE

manacle
n. 1 : a shackle for the hand or wrist : HANDCUFF ― usually used in plural
2 : something used as a restraint

manacle
n. 1 : to confine (the hands) with manacles
2 : to make fast or secure : BIND broadly : to restrain from movement, progress, or action
synonyms see HAMPER

Manado
city & port Indonesia on NE Sulawesi Is. on Celebes Sea pop 318,796

manage
v. transitive verb
1 : to handle or direct with a degree of skill: as a : to make and keep compliant <can't manage their child> b : to treat with care : HUSBAND <managed his resources carefully> c : to exercise executive, administrative, and supervisory direction of <manage a business> <manage a bond issue> <manage a baseball team>
2 : to work upon or try to alter for a purpose <manage the press> <manage stress>
3 : to succeed in accomplishing : CONTRIVE <managed to escape from prison>
4 : to direct the professional career of <an agency that manages entertainers>
intransitive verb
1 a : to direct or carry on business or affairs also : to direct a baseball team b : to admit of being carried on
2 : to achieve one's purpose
synonyms see CONDUCT

manage
v. 1 a archaic : the action and paces of a trained riding horse b : the schooling or handling of a horse c : a riding school
2 obsolete : MANAGEMENT

manage
v. stage manage
managed care
managing editor

manageable
adj. : capable of being managed
–man·age·abil·i·ty \ˌma-ni-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–man·age·able·ness \'ma-ni-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–man·age·ably \-blē\ adverb

managed care
: a system of health care (as by an HMO or PPO) that controls costs by placing limits on physicians' fees and by restricting the patient's choice of physicians

management
n. 1 : the act or art of managing : the conducting or supervising of something (as a business)
2 : judicious use of means to accomplish an end
3 : the collective body of those who manage or direct an enterprise
–man·age·men·tal \ˌma-nij-'men-təl\ adjective

management
n. integrated pest management
middle management
stage management
self management

manager
n. : one that manages: as a : a person who conducts business or household affairs b : a person whose work or profession is management c (1) : a person who directs a team or athlete (2) : a student who in scholastic or collegiate sports supervises equipment and records under the direction of a coach
–man·a·ge·ri·al \ˌma-nə-'jir-ē-əl\ adjective
–man·a·ge·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–man·ag·er·ship \'ma-ni-jər-ˌship\ noun

manager
n. city manager
floor manager
middle manager
stage manager
town manager

manageress
n. : a woman who is a manager

managing editor
: an editor in executive and supervisory charge of all editorial activities of a publication (as a newspaper)

Managua
n. city capital of Nicaragua on Lake Managua pop 552,900

Managua, Lake
lake 38 mi (61 km) long W Nicaragua draining S to Lake Nicaragua

Manama
n. city capital of Bahrain pop 136,999

manana
adv. : an indefinite time in the future

manana
adv. : at an indefinite time in the future

Manassas
city NE Va. pop 35,135

Manasseh
n. 1 : a son of Joseph and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel
2 : a king of Judah reigning in the seventh century B.C. and noted for his attempt to establish polytheism

manat
n. ― see MONEY table

manatee
n. : any of a genus (Trichechus of the family Trichechidae) of chiefly tropical aquatic sirenian mammals that differ from the related dugong especially in having the tail rounded

Manati
city N Puerto Rico pop 45,409

Manaus
n. city W Brazil capital of Amazonas on Negro River 12 mi (19 km) from its junction with the Amazon pop 1,405,835

Mancha, La
― see LA MANCHA

Manche, La
― see ENGLISH CHANNEL

Manchester
n. 1 town cen Conn. E of Hartford pop 54,740
2 city S N.H. on the Merrimack pop 107,006
3 city NW England ENE of Liverpool pop 406,900 ― see GREATER MANCHESTER
–Man·cu·ni·an \man-'kyü-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Manchester
n. Manchester terrier
toy Manchester terrier
toy Manchester
Greater Manchester

Manchester terrier
: any of a breed of small short-haired black-and-tan terriers developed in England

manchineel
n. : a poisonous tropical American tree (Hippomane mancinella) of the spurge family having a blistering milky juice and apple-shaped fruit

Manchu
n. 1 : a member of an indigenous people of Manchuria who conquered China and established a dynasty there in 1644
2 : the Tungusic language of the Manchu people
–Manchu adjective

Manchukuo
former country (1931-45) E Asia in Manchuria & E Inner Mongolia capital Changchun

Manchuria
n. region NE China S of the Amur including Heilongjiang, Jilin, & Liaoning provinces & part of Inner Mongolia
–Man·chu·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Mancini
n. Henry 1924-1994 orig. Enrico Nicola Mancini American composer & conductor

manciple
n. : a steward or purveyor especially for a college or monastery

mancy
: divination <oneiromancy>

Mandaean
n. 1 : a member of a Gnostic sect of the lower Tigris and Euphrates regions
2 : a form of Aramaic found in documents written by Mandaeans
–Mandaean adjective

mandala
n. 1 : a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe specifically : a circle enclosing a square with a deity on each side that is used chiefly as an aid to meditation
2 : a graphic and often symbolic pattern usually in the form of a circle divided into four separate sections or bearing a multiple projection of an image
–man·dal·ic \ˌmən-'da-lik\ adjective

Mandalay
n. city cen Myanmar pop 453,000

mandamus
n. : a writ issued by a superior court commanding the performance of a specified official act or duty

Mandan
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Missouri River valley in No. Dakota
2 : the Siouan language of the Mandans

mandarin
n. 1 a : a public official in the Chinese Empire of any of nine superior grades b (1) : a pedantic official (2) : BUREAUCRAT c : a person of position and influence often in intellectual or literary circles especially : an elder and often traditionalist or reactionary member of such a circle
2 capitalized a : a form of spoken Chinese used by the court and the official classes of the Empire b : the group of closely related Chinese dialects that are spoken in about four fifths of the country and have a standard variety centering about Beijing
3 [Swedish mandarin (apelsin) mandarin (orange), ultimately from Portuguese mandarim mandarin; perhaps from the color of a mandarin's robes] a : a small spiny orange tree (Citrus reticulata) of southeastern Asia with yellow to reddish-orange loose-rinded fruits also : a tree (as the satsuma) developed in cultivation from the mandarin by artificial selection or hybridization b : the fruit of a mandarin
–man·da·rin·ic \ˌman-də-'ri-nik\ adjective
–man·da·rin·ism \'man-d(ə-)rə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

mandarin
n. 1 : of, relating to, or typical of a mandarin <mandarin graces>
2 : marked by polished ornate complexity of language <mandarin prose>

mandarin collar
: a narrow stand-up collar usually open in front

mandarin orange
: MANDARIN 3

mandarinate
1 : the office or status of a mandarin
2 : a body of mandarins
3 : rule by mandarins

mandatary
n. : MANDATORY

mandate
n. 1 : an authoritative command especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one
2 : an authorization to act given to a representative <accepted the mandate of the people>
3 a : an order or commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation for the establishment of a responsible government over a former German colony or other conquered territory b : a mandated territory

mandate
n. 1 : to administer or assign (as a territory) under a mandate
2 : to make mandatory : ORDER also : DIRECT, REQUIRE

mandator
n. : one that gives a mandate

mandatory
n. 1 : containing or constituting a command : OBLIGATORY <the mandatory retirement age>
2 : of, by, relating to, or holding a League of Nations mandate
–man·da·tor·i·ly \-ˌtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

mandatory
n. : one given a mandate especially : a nation holding a mandate from the League of Nations

Mande
n. 1 : MANDINGO
2 : a branch of the Niger-Congo language family spoken primarily in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso

Mandel
Georges 1885-1944 orig. Louis-Georges Rothschild Fr. polit.

Mandela
n. Nelson Rolihlahla 1918-     So. African black political leader; pres. of So. Africa (1994-99)

Mandelbrot
n. Benoit 1924-     American (Pol.-born) math. & scientist

Mandelbrot set
: a fractal that when plotted on a computer screen roughly resembles a series of heart-shaped disks to which smaller disks are attached and that consists of a connected set of all points c in the complex plane for which the recursive expression zn+1 = zn^2 + c for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,⋯with the starting value z_0 = 0 remains bounded as n approaches infinity

Mandeville
n. Bernard de 1670-1733 Brit. (Du.-born) satirist & philos.

Mandeville
n. Sir John fl 1356 pseud. of an unidentified travel writer

mandible
n. 1 a : JAW 1A especially : a lower jaw consisting of a single bone or of completely fused bones b : the lower jaw with its investing soft parts c : either the upper or lower segment of the bill of a bird
2 : any of various invertebrate mouthparts serving to hold or bite food materials especially : either member of the anterior pair of mouth appendages of an arthropod often forming strong biting jaws
–man·dib·u·lar \man-'di-byə-lər\ adjective
–man·dib·u·late \-lət\ adjective

Mandingo
n. 1 : a member of a people of western Africa in or near the upper Niger valley
2 : the language of the Mandingo

Mandinka
n. : MALINKE

mandioca
n. variant of manioc

mandola
n. : a 16th and 17th century lute that is the ancestor of the smaller mandolin

mandolin
n. 1 : a musical instrument of the lute family that has a usually pear-shaped body and fretted neck and four to six pairs of strings
2 usually mandoline [French, from Italian mandolino mandolin] : a kitchen utensil with a blade for slicing and shredding
–man·do·lin·ist \ˌman-də-'li-nist\ noun

mandragora
n. : MANDRAKE 1

mandrake
n. 1 a : a Mediterranean herb (Mandragora officinarum) of the nightshade family with large ovate leaves, greenish-yellow or purple flowers, and a large usually forked root resembling a human in form and formerly credited with magical properties b : the root of a mandrake formerly used especially to promote conception, as a cathartic, or as a narcotic and soporific
2 : MAYAPPLE

mandrel
n. 1 a : a usually tapered or cylindrical axle, spindle, or arbor inserted into a hole in a piece of work to support it during machining b : a metal bar that serves as a core around which material (as metal) may be cast, molded, forged, bent, or otherwise shaped
2 : the shaft and bearings on which a tool (as a circular saw) is mounted

mandrill
n. : a large baboon (Mandrillus sphinx syn. Papio sphinx) of central Africa west of the Congo River with the male having a bright red and blue muzzle

mane
n. 1 : long and heavy hair growing about the neck and head of some mammals (as horses and lions)
2 : long heavy hair on a person's head
–maned \'mānd\ adjective

maned wolf
: a yellowish-red wild canid (Chrysocyon brachyurus) of So. American grasslands having black coloration on the nape and lower legs

manege
n. 1 : a school for teaching horsemanship and for training horses
2 : the art of horsemanship or of training horses
3 : the movements or paces of a trained horse

manes
n. 1 often capitalized : the deified spirits of the ancient Roman dead honored with graveside sacrifices
2 : the venerated or appeased spirit of a dead person

Manet
n. Édouard 1832-1883 Fr. painter

maneuver
n. 1 a : a military or naval movement b : an armed forces training exercise especially : an extended and large-scale training exercise involving military and naval units separately or in combination ― often used in plural
2 : a procedure or method of working usually involving expert physical movement
3 a : evasive movement or shift of tactics b : an intended and controlled variation from a straight and level flight path in the operation of an airplane
4 a : an action taken to gain a tactical end b : an adroit and clever management of affairs often using trickery and deception
synonyms see TRICK

maneuver
intransitive verb
1 a : to perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage b : to make a series of changes in direction and position for a specific purpose
2 : to use stratagems : SCHEME
transitive verb
1 : to cause to execute tactical movements
2 : to manage into or out of a position or condition : MANIPULATE
3 a : to guide with adroitness and design b : to bring about or secure as a result of skillful management
–ma·neu·ver·abil·i·ty \-ˌnü-və-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-; -ˌn(y)üv-rə-\ noun
–ma·neu·ver·able \-'nü-və-rə-bəl, -'nyü-; -'n(y)üv-rə-\ adjective
–ma·neu·ver·er \-'nü-vər-ər, -'nyü-\ noun

manful
adj. : having or showing courage and resolution
–man·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–man·ful·ness noun

mangabey
n. : any of a genus (Cercocebus) of slender long-tailed African monkeys

Mangaia
island S. Pacific in SE Cook Islands; completely encircled by reef area 20 sq mi (52 sq km)

Mangalore
city S India in Karnataka on Malabar Coast W of Bangalore pop 398,745

mangan
: manganese <manganate>

manganate
n. 1 : a salt containing manganese in the anion MnO_4
2 : MANGANITE

manganese
n. : a grayish-white usually hard and brittle metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic and is used especially in alloys, batteries, and plant fertilizers ― see ELEMENT table
–man·ga·ne·sian \ˌmaŋ-gə-'nē-zhən, -shən\ adjective

manganese dioxide
: a dark insoluble compound MnO_2 used especially as an oxidizing agent, as a depolarizer of dry cells, and in making glass and ceramics

manganic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from manganese especially : containing this element with a valence of three or six

manganite
n. 1 : a metallic gray to black mineral MnO(OH) that is a hydroxide and minor ore of manganese
2 : any of various unstable salts made by reaction of manganese dioxide with a base

manganous
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from manganese especially : containing this element with a valence of two

Mangareva
island S. Pacific, chief of the Gambier Islands area 7 sq mi (18 sq km)

mange
n. : any of various persistent contagious skin diseases marked especially by eczematous inflammation and loss of hair, affecting domestic animals or sometimes humans, and caused by a minute parasitic mite ― compare SARCOPTIC MANGE

mangel
n. : a large coarse yellow- to reddish-orange beet grown chiefly as food for cattle

mangel-wurzel
: MANGEL

manger
n. : a trough or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock

manger
n. dog in the manger
garde manger
salle a manger
salle à manger
garde mangers

mangle
n. 1 : to injure with deep disfiguring wounds by cutting, tearing, or crushing <people⋯mangled by sharks ― V. G. Heiser>
2 : to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude <a story mangled beyond recognition>
synonyms see MAIM
–man·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

mangle
n. : a machine for ironing laundry by passing it between heated rollers

mangle
n. : to press or smooth (as damp linen) with a mangle
–man·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

mango
n. 1 : a tropical usually large ovoid or oblong fruit with a firm yellowish-red skin, hard central stone, and juicy aromatic pulp also : an evergreen tree (Mangifera indica) of the cashew family that bears mangoes
2 : SWEET PEPPER

mangonel
n. : a military engine formerly used to throw missiles

mangosteen
n. : a dark reddish-purple fruit of southeastern Asia with a thick rind and juicy flesh having a flavor suggestive of both peach and pineapple also : a tree (Garcinia mangostana) of the Saint-John's-wort family that bears mangosteens

mangrove
n. 1 : any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems
2 : any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

mangy
adj. 1 : affected with or resulting from mange
2 a : having many worn or bare spots <a mangy rug> b : SEEDY, SHABBY <a mangy office>
–man·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ noun

manhandle
v. 1 : to handle roughly
2 : to move or manage by human force <manhandled the posts into place>

Manhattan
n. 1 city NE cen Kans. on Kansas River pop 44,831
2 island 13 mi (21 km) long SE N.Y. on New York Bay
3 borough of New York City comprising Manhattan Is., several small adjacent islands, & a small area (Marble Hill) on mainland pop 1,537,195
–Man·hat·tan·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

manhattan
n. : a cocktail consisting of vermouth, whiskey, and sometimes a dash of bitters

Manhattan Beach
city SW Calif. SW of Los Angeles pop 33,852

Manhattan clam chowder
: chowder made with chopped clams, tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings

manhole
n. : a hole through which one may go especially to gain access to an underground or enclosed structure

manhood
n. 1 : the condition of being a human being
2 : qualities associated with men : MANLINESS
3 : the condition of being an adult male as distinguished from a child or female
4 : adult males : MEN
5 : PENIS

manhunt
n. : an organized and usually intensive hunt for a person and especially for one charged with a crime

mania
n. 1 : excitement manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of behavior, and elevation of mood specifically : the manic phase of bipolar disorder
2 a : excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm <a mania for saving things> ― often used in combination b : the object of such enthusiasm

maniac
n. 1 : MADMAN, LUNATIC
2 : a person characterized by an inordinate or ungovernable enthusiasm for something

maniacal
adj. 1 : affected with or suggestive of madness <maniacal laughter>
2 : characterized by ungovernable excitement or frenzy : FRANTIC <a maniacal mob>
–ma·ni·a·cal·ly \mə-'nī-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

manic
adj. : affected with, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from mania
–manic noun
–man·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

manic
adj. manic depressive illness
manic depression
manic depressive

manic depression
: BIPOLAR DISORDER

manic-depressive
: characterized by or affected with either mania or depression or alternating mania and depression (as in bipolar disorder)
–manic-depressive noun

manic-depressive illness
: BIPOLAR DISORDER

Manichaean
1 : a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism originating in Persia in the third century A.D. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism
2 : a believer in religious or philosophical dualism
–Manichaean or Manichean adjective
–Man·i·chae·an·ism or Man·i·che·an·ism \ˌma-nə-'kē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–Man·i·chae·ism or Man·i·che·ism \'ma-nə-(ˌ)kē-ˌi-zəm\ noun

manicotti
n. : tubular pasta shells that may be stuffed with ricotta or a meat mixture also : a dish of stuffed manicotti usually with tomato sauce

manicure
n. 1 : MANICURIST
2 : a treatment for the care of the hands and fingernails

manicure
n. 1 : to do manicure work on especially : to trim and polish the fingernails of
2 a : to trim closely and evenly <manicured lawns> b : GROOM 2 <manicured flower beds>

manicurist
n. : a person who gives manicures

manifest
n. 1 : readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sight
2 : easily understood or recognized by the mind : OBVIOUS
synonyms see EVIDENT
–man·i·fest·ly adverb

manifest
n. : to make evident or certain by showing or displaying
synonyms see SHOW
–man·i·fest·er noun

manifest
n. 1 : MANIFESTATION, INDICATION
2 : MANIFESTO
3 : a list of passengers or an invoice of cargo for a vehicle (as a ship or plane)

manifest destiny
: a future event accepted as inevitable <in the mid-19th century expansion to the Pacific was regarded as the Manifest Destiny of the United States> broadly : an ostensibly benevolent or necessary policy of imperialistic expansion

manifestant
n. : a person who makes or participates in a manifestation

manifestation
n. 1 a : the act, process, or an instance of manifesting b (1) : something that manifests or is manifest (2) : a perceptible, outward, or visible expression c : one of the forms in which an individual is manifested d : an occult phenomenon specifically : MATERIALIZATION
2 : a public demonstration of power and purpose

manifesto
n. : a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer

manifesto
n. : to issue a manifesto

manifold
n. 1 a : marked by diversity or variety b : MANY
2 : comprehending or uniting various features : MULTIFARIOUS
3 : rightfully so-called for many reasons <a manifold liar>
4 : consisting of or operating many of one kind combined <a manifold bellpull>
–man·i·fold·ly \-ˌfōl(d)-lē\ adverb
–man·i·fold·ness \-ˌfōl(d)-nəs\ noun

manifold
n. : many times : a great deal <will increase your blessings manifold>

manifold
n. 1 : to make manifold : MULTIPLY
2 : to make several or many copies of
intransitive verb : to make several or many copies

manifold
n. : something that is manifold: as a : a whole that unites or consists of many diverse elements <the manifold of aspirations, passions, frustrations ― Harry Slochower> b : a pipe fitting with several lateral outlets for connecting one pipe with others also : a fitting on an internal combustion engine that directs a fuel and air mixture to or receives the exhaust gases from several cylinders c : SET 21 d : a topological space in which every point has a neighborhood that is homeomorphic to the interior of a sphere in Euclidean space of the same number of dimensions

Manihiki
island, chief of the Northern Cook Islands; an atoll pop 408

Manihiki Islands
― see NORTHERN COOK ISLANDS

manikin
n. 1 : MANNEQUIN
2 : a little man : DWARF, PYGMY

Manila
n. city & port capital of the Philippines on W coast of Luzon on Manila Bay (inlet of S. China Sea) pop 1,587,000

manila
n. 1 capitalized : made from Manila hemp
2 : made of manila paper
–manila noun

Manila hemp
: ABACA

manila paper
: a strong and durable paper of a brownish or buff color and smooth finish made orig. from Manila hemp

manille
n. : the second highest trump in various card games (as ombre)

manioc
n. : CASSAVA

maniple
n. 1 : a long narrow strip of silk formerly worn at mass over the left arm by clerics of or above the order of subdeacon
2 [Latin manipulus, from manipulus handful] : a subdivision of the Roman legion consisting of either 120 or 60 men

manipulable
adj. : capable of being manipulated
–ma·nip·u·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌni-pyə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

manipular
1 : of or relating to the ancient Roman maniple
2 : of, relating to, or performed by manipulation : MANIPULATIVE

manipulate
1 : to treat or operate with or as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner
2 a : to manage or utilize skillfully b : to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage
3 : to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose : DOCTOR
–ma·nip·u·lat·able \-ˌlā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ma·nip·u·la·tion \-ˌni-pyə-'lā-shən\ noun
–ma·nip·u·la·tive \-'ni-pyə-ˌlā-tiv, -lə-\ adjective
–ma·nip·u·la·tive·ly adverb
–ma·nip·u·la·tive·ness noun
–ma·nip·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–ma·nip·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective

manipulatives
: objects (as blocks) that a student is instructed to use in a way that teaches or reinforces a lesson

Manipur
n. 1 river 210 mi (338 km) NE India & W Myanmar flowing into the Chindwin
2 state NE India bet. Assam & Myanmar capital Imphal area 8628 sq mi (22,433 sq km), pop 2,388,634

Manisa
city W Turkey NE of Izmir pop 158,928

Manitoba
n. province S cen Canada capital Winnipeg area 211,468 sq mi (547,703 sq km), pop 1,150,034
–Man·i·to·ban \-bən\ adjective or noun

Manitoba, Lake
lake over 120 mi (193 km) long Canada in S Man. area 1817 sq mi (4724 sq km)

manitou
n. : a supernatural force that according to an Algonquian conception pervades the natural world

Manitoulin Island
island 80 mi (129 km) long Canada in S Ont. in Lake Huron area 1068 sq mi (2777 sq km)

Manitowoc
city E Wis. pop 34,053

Manizales
city W cen Colombia in Cauca valley pop 327,100

Mankato
city S Minn. pop 32,427

mankind
n. 1 \'man-'kīnd, -ˌkīnd\ : the human race : the totality of human beings
2 \-ˌkīnd\ : men especially as distinguished from women

manly
adj. : in a manly manner

manly
adj. 1 : having qualities generally associated with a man : STRONG, VIRILE
2 : appropriate in character to a man <manly sports>
–man·li·ness noun

Mann
n. Horace 1796-1859 American educ.

Mann
n. Thomas 1875-1955 American (Ger.-born) author

manna
n. 1 a : food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness b : divinely supplied spiritual nourishment c : a usually sudden and unexpected source of gratification, pleasure, or gain
2 a : the sweetish dried exudate of a Eurasian ash (esp. Fraxinus ornus) that contains mannitol and has been used as a laxative and demulcent b : a similar product excreted by a scale insect (Trabutina mannipara) feeding on the tamarisk

manna grass
: any of a genus (Glyceria) of chiefly No. American perennial grasses of wetland or aquatic habitats

mannan
: any of several polysaccharides that are polymers of mannose and occur especially in plant cell walls

Mannar, Gulf of
inlet of Indian Ocean bet. Sri Lanka & S tip of India S of Palk Strait

manned
adj. : carrying or performed by a human being <manned spaceflight>

mannequin
n. 1 : an artist's, tailor's, or dressmaker's lay figure also : a form representing the human figure used especially for displaying clothes
2 : one employed to model clothing

manner
n. 1 a : KIND, SORT <what manner of man is he> b : KINDS, SORTS <all manner of problems>
2 a (1) : a characteristic or customary mode of acting : CUSTOM (2) : a mode of procedure or way of acting : FASHION (3) : method of artistic execution or mode of presentation : STYLE b plural : social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevalent customs <Victorian manners> c : characteristic or distinctive bearing, air, or deportment <his poised gracious manner> d plural (1) : habitual conduct or deportment : BEHAVIOR <mind your manners> (2) : good manners e : a distinguished or stylish air
synonyms see BEARING, METHOD
–man·ner·less \-ləs\ adjective
–to the manner born : fitted by or as if by birth or rearing to a particular position, role, or status

manner
n. bedside manner
grand manner
to the manner born
comedy of manners

mannered
adj. 1 : having manners of a specified kind <well-mannered>
2 a : having or displaying a particular manner b : having an artificial or stilted character <passages⋯so mannered as to be unintelligible ― R. G. G. Price>

Mannerheim
Baron Carl Gustaf Emil von 1867-1951 Finn. gen. & statesman

mannerism
n. 1 a : exaggerated or affected adherence to a particular style or manner : ARTIFICIALITY, PRECIOSITY <refined almost to the point of mannerism ― Winthrop Sargeant> b often capitalized : an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2 : a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
synonyms see POSE
–man·ner·ist \-rist\ noun or adjective
–man·ner·is·tic \ˌma-nə-'ris-tik\ adjective

mannerly
adj. : showing good manners
–man·ner·li·ness noun
–mannerly adverb

Mannheim
n. city SW Germany at confluence of the Rhine & the Neckar pop 314,685

Manning
n. Henry Edward 1808-1892 Eng. cardinal

mannish
adj. 1 : resembling or suggesting a man rather than a woman
2 : generally associated with or characteristic of a man rather than a woman <her mannish clothes>
–man·nish·ly adverb
–man·nish·ness noun

mannite
: MANNITOL

mannitol
n. : a slightly sweet crystalline alcohol C_6H_14O_6 found in many plants and used especially as a diuretic and in testing kidney function

mannose
n. : an aldose C_6H_12O_6 whose dextrorotatory enantiomer occurs especially as a structural unit of mannans from which it can be recovered by hydrolysis

mano
n. : a stone used as the upper millstone for grinding foods (as Indian corn) by hand in a metate

mano a mano
: in direct competition or conflict especially between two people

manoeuvre
n. chiefly British variant of maneuver

manometer
n. 1 : an instrument (as a pressure gauge) for measuring the pressure of gases and vapors
2 : SPHYGMOMANOMETER
–man·o·met·ric \ˌma-nə-'me-trik\ adjective
–man·o·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ma·nom·e·try \mə-'nä-mə-trē\ noun

manor
n. 1 a : the house or hall of an estate : MANSION b : a landed estate
2 a : a unit of English rural territorial organization especially : such a unit in the Middle Ages consisting of an estate under a lord enjoying a variety of rights over land and tenants including the right to hold court b : a tract of land in No. America occupied by tenants who pay a fixed rent in money or kind to the proprietor
–ma·no·ri·al \mə-'nōr-ē-əl, -'nȯr-\ adjective
–ma·no·ri·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–to the manor born : born into circumstances of wealth and privilege

manor house
: the house of the lord of a manor

manpack
: designed to be carried by one person <a manpack communication system>

manque
adj. : short of or frustrated in the fulfillment of one's aspirations or talents ― used postpositively <a poet manque>

manrope
n. : a side rope (as to a ship's gangway or ladder) used as a handrail

mansard
n. : a roof having two slopes on all sides with the lower slope steeper than the upper one ― see ROOF illustration
–man·sard·ed \-ˌsär-dəd, -sər-\ adjective

manse
n. 1 archaic : the dwelling of a householder
2 : the residence of a minister especially : the house of a Presbyterian minister
3 : a large imposing residence

manservant
n. : a male servant

Mansfield
n. Katherine 1888-1923 pseud. of Kathleen Mansfield Beau·champ \'bē-chəm\ Brit. (N.Z.-born) writer

Mansfield
n. 1 city N cen Ohio pop 49,346
2 city N Texas S of Fort Worth pop 28,031
3 town N cen England in Nottinghamshire N of Nottingham pop 98,800

Mansfield, Mount
mountain 4393 ft (1339 m) N Vt.; highest in Green Mountains & in state

manship
1 : art or practice of a competitive nature <brinkmanship>
2 : skilled engagement in a competitive activity <grantsmanship>

mansion
n. 1 a obsolete : the act of remaining or dwelling : STAY b archaic : DWELLING, ABODE
2 a (1) : MANOR HOUSE (2) : a large imposing residence b : a separate apartment or lodging in a large structure
3 a : HOUSE 3B b : one of the 28 parts into which the moon's monthly course through the heavens is divided

manslaughter
n. : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

manslayer
n. : one who commits homicide

Manson
n. Sir Patrick 1844-1922 Brit. parasitologist

Manstein
Fritz Erich von 1887-1973 orig. surname von Lewinski Ger. field marshal

mansuetude
n. : the quality or state of being gentle : MEEKNESS, TAMENESS

Mansur, al
709(to 714)-775 in full Abū Ja'far al-Manșūr or al-Manșūr al-'Abbāsī Arab caliph (754-775) & founder of Baghdad

Mansura, El
― see EL MANSÛRA

manta
n. 1 : a square piece of cloth or blanket used in southwestern U.S. and Latin America usually as a cloak or shawl
2 [American Spanish, from Spanish; from its shape] : MANTA RAY

manta ray
: any of several extremely large rays (genera Manta and Mobula) that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings

manteau
n. : a loose cloak, coat, or robe

Manteca
city cen Calif. S of Stockton pop 49,258

Mantegna
n. Andrea 1431-1506 Ital. painter & engraver

mantel
n. 1 a : a beam, stone, or arch serving as a lintel to support the masonry above a fireplace b : the finish around a fireplace
2 : a shelf above a fireplace

mantelet
n. 1 : a very short cape or cloak
2 or mant·let \'mant-lət\ : a movable shelter formerly used by besiegers as a protection when attacking

mantelpiece
n. 1 : a mantel with its side elements
2 : MANTEL 2

mantelshelf
n. : MANTEL 2

mantic
adj. : of or relating to the faculty of divination : PROPHETIC

manticore
n. : a legendary animal with the head of a man, the body of a lion, and the tail of a dragon or scorpion

mantid
n. : MANTIS

mantilla
n. 1 : a light scarf worn over the head and shoulders especially by Spanish and Latin-American women
2 : a short light cape or cloak

mantis
n. : any of an order or suborder (Mantodea and especially family Mantidae) of large usually green insects that feed on other insects and clasp their prey in forelimbs held up as if in prayer

mantis shrimp
: STOMATOPOD

mantissa
n. : the part of a logarithm to the right of the decimal point

Mantle
n. Mickey (Charles) 1931-1995 American baseball player

mantle
n. 1 a : a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : CLOAK b : a figurative cloak symbolizing preeminence or authority <accepted the mantle of leadership>
2 a : something that covers, enfolds, or envelops b (1) : a fold or lobe or pair of lobes of the body wall of a mollusk or brachiopod that in shell-bearing forms lines the shell and bears shell-secreting glands (2) : the soft external body wall that lines the test or shell of a tunicate or barnacle c : the outer wall and casing of a blast furnace above the hearth broadly : an insulated support or casing in which something is heated
3 : the upper back of a bird
4 : a lacy hood or sheath of some refractory material that gives light by incandescence when placed over a flame
5 a : REGOLITH b : the part of the interior of a terrestrial planet and especially the earth that lies beneath the crust and above the central core
6 : MANTEL

mantle
n. transitive verb : to cover with or as if with a mantle : CLOAK <the encroaching jungle growth that mantled the building ― Sanka Knox>
intransitive verb
1 : to become covered with a coating
2 : to spread over a surface
3 : BLUSH <her rich face mantling with emotion ― Benjamin Disraeli>

Mantoux test
: an intradermal test for hypersensitivity to tuberculin that indicates past or present infection with tubercle bacilli

mantra
n. : a mystical formula of invocation or incantation (as in Hinduism) also : WATCHWORD 2
–man·tric \-trik\ adjective

mantrap
n. : a trap for catching humans : SNARE

Mantua
n. commune N Italy in Lombardy WSW of Venice pop 47,969
–Man·tu·an \'man-chə-wən, 'manch-wən, 'man-tə-wən\ adjective or noun

mantua
n. : a usually loose-fitting gown worn especially in the 17th and 18th centuries

Manu
n. : the progenitor of the human race and giver of the religious laws of Manu according to Hindu mythology

Manua Islands
islands SW Pacific in American Samoa E of Tutuila area 22 sq mi (57 sq km)

manual
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or involving the hands <manual dexterity> b : worked or done by hand and not by machine <a manual transmission> <manual computation> <manual indexing>
2 : requiring or using physical skill and energy <manual labor> <manual workers>
–man·u·al·ly adverb

manual
n. 1 : a book that is conveniently handled especially : HANDBOOK <an instruction manual>
2 : the prescribed movements in the handling of a weapon or other military item during a drill or ceremony <the manual of arms>
3 a : a keyboard for the hands specifically : one of the several keyboards of an organ or harpsichord that controls a separate division of the instrument b : a device or apparatus intended for manual operation

manual alphabet
: an alphabet especially for the deaf in which the letters are represented by finger positions

manubrium
n. : an anatomical process or part shaped like a handle: as a : the uppermost segment of the sternum of humans and many other mammals b : the process that bears the mouth of a hydrozoan : HYPOSTOME

manufactory
n. : FACTORY 2A

manufacture
n. 1 : something made from raw materials by hand or by machinery
2 a : the process of making wares by hand or by machinery especially when carried on systematically with division of labor b : a productive industry using mechanical power and machinery
3 : the act or process of producing something

manufacture
transitive verb
1 : to make into a product suitable for use
2 a : to make from raw materials by hand or by machinery b : to produce according to an organized plan and with division of labor c : PREFABRICATE <a manufactured home>
3 : INVENT, FABRICATE <known to manufacture evidence>
4 : to produce as if by manufacturing : CREATE <writers who manufacture stories for television>
intransitive verb : to engage in manufacture
–man·u·fac·tur·abil·i·ty \-ˌfak-chə-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌfak-shrə-'bi-\ noun
–man·u·fac·tur·able \-'fak-chə-rə-bəl, -'fak-shrə-bəl\ adjective
–manufacturing noun

manufacturer
n. : one that manufactures especially : an employer of workers in manufacturing

manumission
n. : the act or process of manumitting especially : formal emancipation from slavery

manumit
v. : to release from slavery
synonyms see FREE

manure
n. 1 obsolete : CULTIVATE
2 : to enrich (land) by the application of manure
–ma·nur·er noun

manure
n. : material that fertilizes land especially : refuse of stables and barnyards consisting of livestock excreta with or without litter
–ma·nu·ri·al \-'n(y)u̇r-ē-əl\ adjective

Manus
n. island SW Pacific in Admiralty Islands; largest of group area 600 sq mi (1560 sq km)

manus
n. : the distal segment of the vertebrate forelimb from carpus to terminus

manuscript
n. : written by hand or typed <manuscript letters>

manuscript
n. 1 : a written or typewritten composition or document as distinguished from a printed copy also : a document submitted for publication
2 : writing as opposed to print

Manx
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Isle of Man, its people, or the Manx language

Manx
adj. 1 : the Celtic language of the Manx people
2 plural in construction : the people of the Isle of Man
3 : MANX CAT

Manx cat
: any of a breed of short-haired or long-haired tailless domestic cats

many
n. 1 : consisting of or amounting to a large but indefinite number <worked for many years>
2 : being one of a large but indefinite number <many a man> <many another student>
–as many : the same in number <saw three plays in as many days>

many
n. : a large number of persons or things <many are called>

many
n. 1 : a large but indefinite number <a good many of them>
2 : the great majority of people <the many>

many
n. as many
many sided
many sidedness
many valued
so many
in so many words
at the most
make the most of
at most
Most Reverend
for the most part
bite off more than one can chew
more and more
more or less
what's more
more suo
Beloye More
Glen More

many-sided
1 : having many sides or aspects
2 : having many interests or aptitudes
–many-sid·ed·ness noun

many-valued
1 : MULTIPLE-VALUED
2 : possessing more than the customary two truth-values of truth and falsehood

manyfold
adv. : by many times <aid to research has increased manyfold>

Manzala, Lake
lagoon N Egypt in Nile Delta W of N entrance of Suez Canal

Manzanilla
n. : a pale very dry Spanish sherry

Manzanillo
city & port E Cuba on the Caribbean pop 107,650

manzanita
n. : any of various western No. American evergreen shrubs (genus Arctostaphylos) of the heath family with alternate leaves

Manzoni
n. Alessandro Francesco Tommaso Antonio 1785-1873 Ital. nov. & poet

MAO
n. monoamine oxidase

Mao Tse-tung
1893-1976 pinyin Mao Ze-dong Chin. Communist; leader of People's Republic of China (1949-76)

mao-tai
: a strong Chinese liquor made from sorghum

MAOI
monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Maoism
n. : the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China chiefly by Mao Zedong
–Mao·ist \'mau̇-ist\ noun or adjective

Maoke Mountains
mountains West Papua, Indonesia ― see PUNCAK JAYA

Maori
n. 1 : the Polynesian language of the Maori people
2 : a member of a Polynesian people native to New Zealand

MAP
n. modified American plan

Map
n. Walter ca 1140-ca 1209 Eng. writer

map
n. 1 a : a representation usually on a flat surface of the whole or a part of an area b : a representation of the celestial sphere or a part of it
2 : something that represents with a clarity suggestive of a map <the Freudian map of the mind ― Harold Bloom>
3 : the arrangement of genes on a chromosome ― called also genetic map
4 : FUNCTION 5A
–map·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–all over the map : marked by a high degree of variation
–on the map : in a position of prominence or fame <had put the fledgling university on the map ― Lon Tinkle>

map
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make a map of <map the surface of the moon> b : to delineate as if on a map <sorrow was mapped on her face> c : to make a survey of for or as if for the purpose of making a map d : to assign (as a set or element) in a mathematical or exact correspondence <map a set onto itself> <map picture elements to video memory>
2 : to plan in detail ― often used with out <map out a program>
3 : to locate (a gene) on a chromosome
intransitive verb
1 of a gene : to be located
2 : to be assigned in a relation or connection <the major problems confronting humankind⋯do not map well onto the traditional disciplines ― P. W. Porter>
–map·pa·ble \'ma-pə-bəl\ adjective
–map·per noun

map
n. genetic map
contour map
on the map
all over the map
relief map
road map
weather map

maple
n. : any of a genus (Acer of the family Aceraceae, the maple family) of chiefly deciduous trees or shrubs with opposite leaves and a fruit of two united samaras also : the hard light-colored close-grained wood of a maple used especially for flooring and furniture

maple
n. bird's eye maple
hard maple
Japanese maple
maple sugar
maple syrup
Norway maple
red maple
rock maple
silver maple
sugar maple
tiger maple
vine maple
Maple Grove
Maple Heights
Maple Ridge

Maple Grove
city SE cen Minn. pop 50,365

Maple Heights
city NE Ohio SE of Cleveland pop 26,156

Maple Ridge
municipality Canada in SW B.C. E of Vancouver pop 63,169

maple sugar
: sugar made by boiling maple syrup

maple syrup
: syrup made by concentrating the sap of maple trees and especially the sugar maple

Maplewood
village SE Minn. pop 34,947

mapmaker
n. : CARTOGRAPHER
–map·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

mapping
n. 1 : the act or process of making a map
2 : FUNCTION 5A <a one-to-one continuous mapping>

Mapuche
n. 1 : an American Indian people of southern Chile also : a member of this people
2 : the Araucanian language of the Mapuche

Maputo
n. city & port capital of Mozambique on Delagoa Bay pop 966,800

maquette
n. : a usually small preliminary model (as of a sculpture or a building)

maquiladora
n. : a foreign-owned factory in Mexico at which imported parts are assembled by lower-paid workers into products for export

maquillage
n. : MAKEUP 3

maquis
n. 1 : thick scrubby evergreen underbrush of Mediterranean shores also : an area of such underbrush
2 often capitalized a : a guerrilla fighter in the French underground during World War II b : a band of maquis

Maquoketa
river 150 mi (241 km) E Iowa flowing SE into Mississippi River

Mar
n. March

mar
n. 1 : to detract from the perfection or wholeness of : SPOIL
2 archaic a : to inflict serious bodily harm on b : DESTROY
synonyms see INJURE

mar
n. : something that mars : BLEMISH

mar
n. maritime

mar
n. Mar del Plata
Serra do Mar
Vina del Mar
Viña del Mar

Mar del Plata
city & port E Argentina SSE of Buenos Aires pop 407,024

marabou
n. 1 a : a soft feathery fluffy material prepared from turkey feathers or the coverts of marabous and used especially for trimming women's hats or clothes b marabou : a large dark gray African stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) that has a distensible pouch of pink skin at the front of the neck and feeds especially on carrion ― called also marabou stork
2 a : a thrown silk usually dyed in the gum b : a fabric made of this silk

marabout
n. : a dervish in Muslim Africa believed to have supernatural power

maraca
n. : a rattle usually made from a gourd that is used as a percussion instrument

Maracaibo
n. city NW Venezuela on channel bet. Lake Maracaibo & Gulf of Venezuela pop 1,207,513

Maracaibo, Lake
S extension of Gulf of Venezuela in NW Venezuela area over 5000 sq mi (12,950 sq km)

Maracanda
― see SAMARQAND

Maracay
city N Venezuela WSW of Caracas pop 354,428

maraging steel
: a strong tough low-carbon martensitic steel which contains up to 25 percent nickel and in which hardening precipitates are formed by aging

Marais des Cygnes
river 150 mi (241 km) E Kans. & W Mo. flowing into the Osage

Maranhao
state NE Brazil bordering on the Atlantic capital São Luis area 127,242 sq mi (329,557 sq km), pop 5,651,475

Maranon
river N Peru flowing from the Andes NNW & E to join the Ucayali forming the Amazon

maraschino
n. 1 : a sweet liqueur distilled from the fermented juice of a bitter wild cherry
2 : a usually large cherry preserved in true or imitation maraschino

marasmus
n. : a condition of chronic undernourishment occurring especially in children and usually caused by a diet deficient in calories and proteins
–ma·ras·mic \-'raz-mik\ adjective

Marat
n. Jean-Paul 1743-1793 Fr. (Swiss-born) revolutionary

Maratha
n. : a member of a people of the south central part of the subcontinent of India

Marathi
n. : the chief Indo-Aryan language of the state of Maharashtra in India

Marathon
n. 1 plain E Greece in Attica NE of Athens on the Aegean
2 ancient town on the plain

marathon
n. 1 : a long-distance race: a : a footrace run on an open course usually of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers) b : a race other than a footrace marked especially by great length
2 a : an endurance contest b : something (as an event, activity, or session) characterized by great length or concentrated effort

marathoner
n. : one (as a runner) who takes part in a marathon
–mar·a·thon·ing \-niŋ\ noun

maraud
v. intransitive verb : to roam about and raid in search of plunder
transitive verb : RAID, PILLAGE
–ma·raud·er noun

marble
n. 1 a : limestone that is more or less crystallized by metamorphism, that ranges from granular to compact in texture, that is capable of taking a high polish, and that is used especially in architecture and sculpture b : something (as a piece of sculpture) composed of or made from marble c : something suggesting marble (as in hardness, coldness, or smoothness) <a heart of marble>
2 a : a little ball made of a hard substance (as glass) and used in various games b plural but singular in construction : any of several games played with these little balls c plural : the rewards to be won in competition especially for a championship ― used in the phrase all the marbles <a game being played for all the marbles>
3 : MARBLING
4 plural : elements of common sense especially : SANITY <persons who are born without all their marbles ― Arthur Miller>
–marble adjective

marble
n. : to give a veined or mottled appearance to <marble the edges of a book>

marble cake
: a cake made with light and dark batter so as to have a mottled appearance

Marble Canyon
canyon of Colorado River N Ariz. just above the Grand Canyon ― sometimes considered its upper portion

marbled
adj. 1 [1marble] a : made of or covered with marble or marbling b : marked by an extensive use of marble as an architectural or decorative feature <ancient marbled cities>
2 : having markings or coloration suggestive of marble
3 [2marble] : marked by an intermixture of fat and lean <well-marbled beef>

Marblehead
town E Mass. pop 20,377

marbleise
v. British variant of marbleize

marbleize
v. : MARBLE

marbling
n. 1 : the action or process of making like marble especially in coloration
2 : coloration or markings resembling or suggestive of marble
3 : an intermixture of fat and lean especially when evenly distributed in a cut of meat

marbly
: resembling or suggestive of marble

Marburg
n. city W cen Germany in Hesse N of Frankfurt am Main pop 75,331

Marburg virus
: a filovirus (species Marburg virus) that causes an often fatal hemorrhagic fever and was orig. transmitted to humans from green monkeys

MARC
n. machine-readable cataloging

marc
n. 1 : the residue remaining after a fruit has been pressed broadly : the organic residue from an extraction process <the protein-rich cottonseed marc>
2 : brandy made from the residue of wine grapes after pressing

marcasite
n. 1 a : crystallized pyrite b : a pale yellow to white mineral of the same composition and appearance as pyrite but of different crystalline organization and lower specific gravity
2 : a piece of marcasite used in jewelry

marcato
adv. : with strong accentuation ― used as a direction in music

marcel
n. : a deep soft wave made in the hair by the use of a heated curling iron

marcel
n. transitive verb : to make a marcel in
intransitive verb : to make a marcel

Marcellus
Marcus Claudius 268?-208 B.C. Rom. gen.

March
n. : the third month of the Gregorian calendar

March
n. 1st Earl of ― see Roger de MORTIMER

march
n. : a border region : FRONTIER especially : a district orig. set up to defend a boundary ― usually used in plural <the Welsh marches>

march
n. : to have common borders or frontiers <a region that marches with Canada in the north and the Pacific in the west>

march
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move along steadily usually with a rhythmic stride and in step with others
2 a : to move in a direct purposeful manner : PROCEED b : to make steady progress : ADVANCE <time marches on>
3 : to stand in orderly array suggestive of marching
transitive verb
1 : to cause to march <marched the children off to bed>
2 : to cover by marching : TRAVERSE <marched 10 miles>

march
n. 1 : a musical composition that is usually in duple or quadruple time with a strongly accentuated beat and that is designed or suitable to accompany marching
2 a (1) : the action of marching (2) : the distance covered within a specific period of time by marching (3) : a regular measured stride or rhythmic step used in marching b : forward movement : PROGRESS <the march of a movie toward the climax>
3 : an organized procession of demonstrators who are supporting or protesting something
–march·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–on the march : moving steadily : ADVANCING

march
n. dead march
frog march
grand march
on the march
march past
route march
steal a march on
wedding march
marching orders

march-past
: a filing by : PROCESSION

Marche
1 region & former province cen France NW of Auvergne
2 region cen Italy on the Adriatic NW of Abruzzi capital Ancona pop 1,469,195

marchen
: TALE especially : FOLKTALE

marcher
n. : one who inhabits a border region

marcher
n. : one that marches especially : one that marches for a specific cause <a peace marcher>

marchesa
n. : an Italian woman holding the rank of a marchese : MARCHIONESS

marchese
n. : an Italian nobleman next in rank above a count : MARQUESS

marching orders
: authoritative orders or instructions especially to set out on or as if on a march

marchioness
n. 1 : the wife or widow of a marquess
2 : a woman who holds the rank of marquess in her own right

marchpane
n. : MARZIPAN

Marcionism
: the doctrinal system of a sect of the second and third centuries A.D. accepting some parts of the New Testament but denying Christ's corporality and humanity and condemning the Creator God of the Old Testament
–Mar·cion·ite \-ˌnīt\ noun

Marco Polo
― see POLO

Marconi
n. Guglielmo 1874-1937 Ital. physicist & inventor

Marconi rig
: a fore-and-aft rig in which the sails are triangular and are not supported by gaffs

Marcos
Ferdinand Edralin 1917-1989 pres. of the Philippines (1965-86)

Marcus
n. Rudolph Arthur 1923-     American (Canad.-born) chem.

Marcus Aurelius
― see Marcus Aurelius ANTONINUS

Marcus Island
island W Pacific E of the Bonin Islands, belonging to Japan; occupied 1945-68 by U.S. area 1 sq mi (2.6 sq km)

Marcuse
n. Herbert 1898-1979 American (Ger.-born) social & polit. philos.

Marcy, Mount
mountain 5344 ft (1629 m) NE N.Y.; highest in Adirondack Mountains & in state

Mardi Gras
1 a : Shrove Tuesday often observed (as in New Orleans) with parades and festivities b : a carnival period climaxing on Shrove Tuesday
2 : a festive occasion resembling a pre-Lenten Mardi Gras

mare
n. obsolete : an evil preternatural being causing nightmares

mare
n. : a female horse or other equine animal especially when fully mature or of breeding age

mare
n. : any of several mostly flat dark areas of considerable extent on the surface of the moon or Mars

mare
n. flying mare
mare clausum
mare liberum
mare nostrum
mare's nest
mare's nests
mare's tail
mare's tails
shank's mare
de la Mare
Baia Mare
Mare Island
Satu Mare
Weston super Mare
mares' nests
mares' tails
Ave Maria
Black Maria
Maria Theresa dollar
Maria Theresa
Santa Maria

mare clausum
: a navigable body of water (as a sea) that is under the jurisdiction of one nation and is closed to other nations

Mare Island
island W Calif. in San Pablo Bay

mare liberum
1 : a navigable body of water (as a sea) that is open to all nations
2 : FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

mare nostrum
: a navigable body of water (as a sea) that belongs to a single nation or is mutually shared by two or more nations

mare's nest
1 : a false discovery, illusion, or deliberate hoax
2 : a place, condition, or situation of great disorder or confusion <a mare's nest of intrigue and troubles with the money men ― William Cole>

mare's tail
1 a : a common aquatic plant (Hippuris vulgaris of the family Hippuridaceae) with elongated shoots having dense whorls of narrow finely tapered leaves b : HORSEWEED 1
2 : a cirrus cloud that has a long slender flowing appearance

Marek's disease
: a highly contagious virus disease of poultry that is marked especially by proliferation of lymphoid cells and is caused by either of two herpesviruses (species Gallid herpesvirus 2 and Gallid herpesvirus 3)

Maremma
n. low-lying district W Italy on Tyrrhenian coast in SW Tuscany; formerly swampland

Marengo
n. village NW Italy in SE Piedmont

marengo
n. : of, consisting of, or served with a sauce of mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, oil, and wine <veal marengo>

Mareotis
lake N Egypt in Nile Delta; Alexandria is situated bet. it & the Mediterranean

Mareth
town SE Tunisia SSE of Gabès

Marfan syndrome
: a disorder of connective tissue that is inherited as a dominant trait and is characterized by abnormal elongation of the long bones and often by ocular and circulatory defects ― called also Mar·fan's syndrome \'mär-ˌfanz-\

Margaret
n. of Angoulême 1492-1549 queen of Henry of Navarre & writer

Margaret
n. Margaret of Anjou
Margaret of Valois
Margaret of France
Margaret Rose

Margaret of Anjou
1430-1482 queen of Henry VI of England

Margaret of Valois
v. 1553-1615 queen consort of Henry of Navarre

Margaret Rose
1930-2002 princess of Great Britain

margarine
n. : a food product made usually from vegetable oils churned with ripened skim milk to a smooth emulsion and used like butter

Margarita
n. island N Venezuela in the Caribbean, chief of the Nue·va Es·par·ta \'nwā-vä-e-'spär-tä\ group; chief town & port Porlamar area 414 sq mi (1072 sq km)

margarita
n. : a cocktail consisting of tequila, lime or lemon juice, and an orange-flavored liqueur

margarite
archaic : PEARL

Margate
n. 1 city SE Fla. pop 53,909
2 \-ˌgāt, -gət\ borough SE England in Kent on coast of Isle of Thanet pop 53,280

margay
n. : a small American spotted cat (Felis wiedii) resembling the ocelot and ranging from northern Mexico to Argentina

marge
n. archaic : MARGIN

marge
n. British : MARGARINE

margent
archaic : MARGIN

margin
n. 1 : the part of a page or sheet outside the main body of printed or written matter
2 : the outside limit and adjoining surface of something : EDGE <at the margin of the woods> <continental margin>
3 a : a spare amount or measure or degree allowed or given for contingencies or special situations <left no margin for error> b (1) : a bare minimum below which or an extreme limit beyond which something becomes impossible or is no longer desirable <on the margin of good taste> (2) : the limit below which economic activity cannot be continued under normal conditions c : an area, state, or condition excluded from or existing outside the mainstream <the margins of critical discourse ― Barbara L. Packer> <living in society's margins>
4 a : the difference which exists between net sales and the cost of merchandise sold and from which expenses are usually met or profit derived b : the excess market value of collateral over the face of a loan c (1) : cash or collateral that is deposited by a client with a commodity or securities broker to protect the broker from loss on a contract (2) : the client's equity in securities bought with the aid of credit obtained specif. (as from a broker) for that purpose d : a range about a specified figure within which a purchase is to be made
5 : measure or degree of difference <the bill passed by a one-vote margin>
–mar·gined \-jənd\ adjective

margin
n. 1 a : to provide with an edging or border b : to form a margin to : BORDER
2 a : to add margin to <margin up an account> b (1) : to use as margin <margin bonds to buy stock> (2) : to provide margin for <margin a transaction> c : to buy (securities) on margin

marginal
adj. 1 : written or printed in the margin of a page or sheet <marginal notes>
2 a : of, relating to, or situated at a margin or border b : not of central importance <regards violence as a marginal rather than a central problem> also : limited in extent, significance, or stature <had only marginal success with the business> c (1) : occupying the borderland of a relatively stable territorial or cultural area <marginal tribes> (2) : characterized by the incorporation of habits and values from two divergent cultures and by incomplete assimilation in either <the marginal cultural habits of new immigrant groups> (3) : excluded from or existing outside the mainstream of society, a group, or a school of thought <marginal voters>
3 : located at the fringe of consciousness <marginal sensations>
4 a : close to the lower limit of qualification, acceptability, or function : barely exceeding the minimum requirements <a semiliterate person of marginal ability> b (1) : having a character or capacity fitted to yield a supply of goods which when marketed at existing price levels will barely cover the cost of production <marginal land> (2) : of, relating to, or derived from goods produced and marketed with such result <marginal profits>
5 : relating to or being a function of a random variable that is obtained from a function of several random variables by integrating or summing over all possible values of the other variables <a marginal probability function>
–mar·gin·al·i·ty \ˌmär-jə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–mar·gin·al·ly \'märj-nə-lē, 'mär-jə-nəl-ē\ adverb

marginal utility
: the amount of additional utility provided by an additional unit of an economic good or service

marginalia
n. 1 : marginal notes or embellishments (as in a book)
2 : nonessential items <the meat and marginalia of American politics ― Saturday Rev.>

marginalize
v. : to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group
–mar·gin·al·i·za·tion \ˌmärj-nə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌmär-jə-nəl-ə-\ noun

marginate
adj. 1 a : MARGIN 1 b : MARGIN 2A
2 : MARGINALIZE
–mar·gin·ation \ˌmär-jə-'nā-shən\ noun

marginated
adj. : having a distinct margin

margravate
: the territory of a margrave

margrave
n. 1 : the military governor especially of a German border province
2 : a member of the German nobility corresponding in rank to a British marquess
–mar·gra·vi·al \mär-'grā-vē-əl\ adjective

margravine
n. : the wife of a margrave

Margrethe
1940-     queen of Denmark (1972-    )

marguerite
n. 1 : DAISY 1B
2 : any of various single-flowered chrysanthemums especially : one (Chrysanthemum frutescens syn. Argyranthemum frutescens) of the Canary Islands

mari complaisant
: complaisant husband : cuckold who accepts his wife's infidelity

Mari El
autonomous republic E cen Russia in Europe capital Yoshkar-Ola area 8958 sq mi (23,201 sq km), pop 762,000

maria
n. plural of mare

maria
n. Ave Maria
Black Maria
Maria Theresa dollar
Maria Theresa
Santa Maria

Maria Theresa
1717-1780 wife of Holy Rom. Emp. Francis I archduchess of Austria & queen of Hungary & Bohemia

Maria Theresa dollar
: a 1780 silver trade coin used in the Middle East

mariachi
n. 1 : a Mexican street band also : a musician belonging to such a band
2 : the music performed by a mariachi

mariage de convenance
: marriage of convenience

Marian
adj. 1 : of or relating to Mary Tudor or her reign
2 : of or relating to the Virgin Mary

Mariana Islands
islands W Pacific S of Bonin Islands; comprise commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands & Guam

Marianao
city W Cuba, W suburb of Havana pop 133,671

Marianist
: a member of the Roman Catholic Society of Mary of Paris founded by William Joseph Chaminade in France in 1817 and devoted especially to education

Marianske Lazne
town W Czech Republic in NW Bohemia NE of Plzeň pop 15,378

Marias
river 210 mi (338 km) NW Mont. flowing SE to Missouri River

Marias Pass
mountain pass 5215 ft (1590 m) NW Mont. in Lewis Range of the Rocky Mountains at SE corner of Glacier National Park

Maribor
n. city NE Slovenia pop 153,053

mariculture
n. : the cultivation of marine organisms in their natural environment
–mari·cul·tur·ist \ˌmer-ə-'kəl-chə-rist, -'kəlch-rist, ˌma-rə-\ noun

Marie
n. 1875-1938 queen of Romania (1914-27); queen dowager (1927-38)

Marie
n. bain marie
bains marie
Marie Antoinette
Marie Louise
Marie de Medicis
Marie de Médicis
Marie Byrd Land
Marie Galante
Sault Sainte Marie
Sault Sainte Marie Canals

Marie Antoinette
1755-1793 dau. of Maria Theresa & wife of Louis XVI of France

Marie Byrd Land
region W Antarctica E of Ross Ice Shelf & Ross Sea

Marie de Medicis
1573-1642 2d wife of Henry IV of France regent for Louis XIII

Marie Galante
island E W. Indies in the Leewards; a dependency of Guadeloupe area 60 sq mi (156 sq km), pop 13,463

Marie-Louise
1791-1847 dau. of Francis II of Austria & 2d wife of Napoléon I

Mariehamn
seaport SW Finland capital of Åland pop 10,067

Marietta
city NW Ga. NW of Atlanta pop 58,748

marigold
n. 1 : POT MARIGOLD
2 : any of a genus (Tagetes) of composite herbs with showy usually yellow, orange, or maroon flower heads

marigold
n. bur marigold
marsh marigold
pot marigold

marijuana
n. 1 : HEMP 1A C
2 : the dried leaves and flowering tops of the pistillate hemp plant that yield THC and are smoked in cigarettes for their intoxicating effect ― compare BHANG, CANNABIS, HASHISH

marimba
n. : a xylophone of southern Africa and Central America with resonators beneath each bar also : a modern form of this instrument
–ma·rim·bist \-bist\ noun

Marin
John Cheri 1870-1953 American painter

Marina
n. city W Calif. on Monterey Bay pop 25,101

marina
n. : a dock or basin providing secure moorings for pleasure boats and often offering supply, repair, and other facilities

marinade
n. : a savory usually acidic sauce in which meat, fish, or a vegetable is soaked to enrich its flavor or to tenderize it

marinade
n. : MARINATE

marinara
n. : made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices <marinara sauce> also : served with marinara sauce <spaghetti marinara>

marinate
v. transitive verb : to steep (meat, fish, or vegetables) in a marinade
intransitive verb : to become marinated
–mar·i·na·tion \ˌmer-ə-'nā-shən, ˌma-rə-\ noun

Marinduque
island Philippines in Sibuyan Sea S of Luzon; chief town Boac area 355 sq mi (923 sq km), pop 173,715

marine
n. 1 a : of or relating to the sea <marine life> <marine biology> b : of or relating to the navigation of the sea : NAUTICAL <a marine chart> c : of or relating to the commerce of the sea : MARITIME <marine law> d : depicting the sea, seashore, or ships <a marine painter>
2 : of or relating to marines <marine barracks>

marine
n. 1 a : the mercantile and naval shipping of a country b : seagoing ships especially in relation to nationality or class
2 : one of a class of soldiers serving on shipboard or in close association with a naval force specifically : a member of the U.S. Marine Corps
3 : an executive department (as in France) having charge of naval affairs
4 : a marine picture : SEASCAPE

marine
n. marine architect
marine architecture
marine iguana
merchant marine
sergeant major of the marine corps
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park

marine architect
: NAVAL ARCHITECT
–marine architecture noun

marine iguana
: a shore-dwelling seaweed-eating iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) of the Galápagos Islands that often feeds in the sea

mariner
n. : a person who navigates or assists in navigating a ship : SEAMAN, SAILOR

mariner's compass
: a compass used in navigation that consists of parallel magnetic needles or bundles of needles permanently attached to a card marked to indicate direction and degrees of a circle

Marinetti
n. (Emilio) Filippo Tommaso 1876-1944 Ital. poet

Marini
Giambattista 1569-1625 Ital. poet

Mariolatry
n. : excessive veneration of the Virgin Mary
–Mar·i·ol·a·ter \-'ä-lə-tər\ noun

Mariology
n. : study or doctrine relating to the Virgin Mary
–Mar·i·o·log·i·cal \-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

Marion
n. Francis 1732?-1795 the Swamp Fox American gen. in Revolution

Marion
n. 1 city N cen Ind. pop 31,320
2 city E Iowa NE of Cedar Rapids pop 29,172
3 city cen Ohio pop 35,318

marionberry
: the large black juicy fruit of a cultivar of a hybrid blackberry that originated in Oregon and is grown chiefly in the northwestern U.S. also : a bramble bearing marionberries

marionette
n. : a small-scale usually wooden figure (as of a person) with jointed limbs that is moved from above by manipulation of the attached strings or wires

Mariotte
Edme ca 1620-1684 Fr. physicist

mariposa lily
: any of a genus (Calochortus) of western No. American plants of the lily family with showy flowers having three petals and three sepals ― called also mariposa tulip ― compare SEGO LILY

marish
archaic : MARSH

Marist
n. : a member of the Roman Catholic Society of Mary founded by Jean Claude Colin in France in 1816 and devoted to education

Maritain
Jacques 1882-1973 Fr. philos. & diplomat

marital
adj. 1 : of or relating to marriage or the married state <marital vows>
2 : of or relating to a husband and his role in marriage
–mar·i·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

maritime
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or bordering on the sea <a maritime province>
2 : of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea
3 : having the characteristics of a mariner

maritime
adj. Maritime Alps
Maritime Provinces
Maritime Territory

Maritime Alps
section of the W Alps SE France & NW Italy extending to the Mediterranean; highest point Punta Argentera 10,817 ft (3297 m)

Maritime Provinces
the Canadian provinces of N.B., N.S., & P.E.I. ― sometimes thought to include also the province of Newfoundland and Labrador ― see ATLANTIC PROVINCES

Maritime Territory
territory E Russia in Asia bordering on Sea of Japan capital Vladivostok area 64,054 sq mi (165,900 sq km), pop 2,309,000

Maritsa
n. river ab 300 mi (480 km) S Europe flowing from W Rhodope Mountains in S Bulgaria E & S through Thrace into the Aegean

Mariupol'
city E Ukraine pop 417,000

Marius
n. Gaius ca 157-86 B.C. Rom. gen.

Marivaux
Pierre (Carlet de Chamblain de) 1688-1763 Fr. dram. & nov.

marjoram
n. : any of various usually fragrant and aromatic Old World mints (genus Origanum) often used as seasoning

Mark
n. 1 a : an early Jewish Christian traditionally identified as the writer of the Gospel of Mark ― called also John Mark b : the second Gospel in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table
2 : a king of Cornwall, uncle of Tristram, and husband of Isolde

mark
n. 1 : a boundary land
2 a (1) : a conspicuous object serving as a guide for travelers (2) : something (as a line, notch, or fixed object) designed to record position b : one of the bits of leather or colored bunting placed on a sounding line at intervals c : TARGET d : the starting line or position in a track event e (1) : GOAL, OBJECT (2) : an object of attack, ridicule, or abuse specifically : a victim or prospective victim of a swindle (3) : the point under discussion (4) : condition of being correct or accurate <her observations are on the mark> f : a standard of performance, quality, or condition : NORM <not feeling up to the mark lately>
3 a (1) : SIGN, INDICATION <gave her the necklace as a mark of his esteem> (2) : an impression (as a scratch, scar, or stain) made on something (3) : a distinguishing trait or quality : CHARACTERISTIC <the marks of an educated person> b : a symbol used for identification or indication of ownership c : a cross made in place of a signature d (1) : TRADEMARK (2) capitalized ― used with a numeral to designate a particular model of a weapon or machine <Mark II> e : a written or printed symbol (as a comma or colon) f : POSTMARK g : a symbol used to represent a teacher's estimate of a student's work or conduct especially : GRADE h : a figure registering a point or level reached or achieved <the halfway mark in the first period of play> especially : RECORD
4 a : ATTENTION, NOTICE <nothing worthy of mark> b : IMPORTANCE, DISTINCTION <stands out as a person of mark> c : a lasting or strong impression d : an assessment of merits : RATING <got high marks for honesty>
synonyms see SIGN

mark
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to fix or trace out the bounds or limits of (2) : to plot the course of : CHART b : to set apart by or as if by a line or boundary ― usually used with off
2 a (1) : to designate as if by a mark (2) : to make or leave a mark on (3) : to furnish with natural marks <wings marked with white> (4) : to label so as to indicate price or quality (5) : to make notations in or on b (1) : to make note of in writing : JOT <marking the date in his journal> (2) : to indicate by a mark or symbol <mark an accent> (3) : REGISTER, RECORD (4) : to determine the value of by means of marks or symbols : GRADE <mark term papers> c (1) : CHARACTERIZE, DISTINGUISH <the flamboyance that marks her style> (2) : SIGNALIZE <this year marks our 50th anniversary>
3 : to take notice of : OBSERVE <mark my words>
4 : to pick up (one's golf ball) from a putting green and substitute a marker
intransitive verb : to take careful notice
–mark time
1 : to keep the time of a marching step by moving the feet alternately without advancing
2 : to maintain a static state of readiness <the House was marking time while the Senate talked ― F. L. Paxson>

mark
n. 1 : any of various old European units of weight used especially for gold and silver especially : a unit equal to about eight ounces (248 grams)
2 : a unit of value: a : an old English unit equal to 13s 4d b : any one of various old Scandinavian or German units of value specifically : a unit and corresponding silver coin of the 16th century worth 1/2 taler c (1) : DEUTSCHE MARK (2) : the basic monetary unit of East Germany replaced in 1990 by the West German deutsche mark d : MARKKA

mark
n. bench mark
John Mark
toe the mark
accent mark
certification mark
chatter mark
check mark
chop mark
collective mark
deutsche mark
D mark
dollar mark
exclamation mark
hash mark
high water mark
make one's mark
mark time
mark down
mark up
Plimsoll mark
punctuation mark
question mark
quotation mark
reference mark
ripple mark
service mark
space mark
staccato mark
strawberry mark
stress mark
Mark Antony
full marks
stretch marks
chop marked
ripple marked

Mark Antony
― see Marcus ANTONIUS

mark down
: to put a lower price on

mark time

1 : to keep the time of a marching step by moving the feet alternately without advancing
2 : to maintain a static state of readiness <the House was marking time while the Senate talked ― F. L. Paxson>

mark up
: to put a markup on

markdown
n. 1 : a lowering of price
2 : the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

marked
adj. 1 : having an identifying mark
2 \or 'mär-kəd\ : having a distinctive or emphasized character <has a marked drawl>
3 a : enjoying fame or notoriety b : being an object of attack, suspicion, or vengeance
4 : overtly signaled by a linguistic feature <with most English nouns the plural is the marked number>
–mark·ed·ly \'mär-kəd-lē\ adverb
–mark·ed·ness \'mär-kəd-nəs\ noun

marker
n. 1 : one that marks
2 : something used for marking
3 : SCORE 7 specifically : RUN
4 : PROMISSORY NOTE, IOU
5 : something that serves to identify, predict, or characterize: as a : BIOMARKER b : GENETIC MARKER

market
n. 1 a (1) : a meeting together of people for the purpose of trade by private purchase and sale and usually not by auction (2) : the people assembled at such a meeting b (1) : a public place where a market is held especially : a place where provisions are sold at wholesale <a farmers' market> (2) : a retail establishment usually of a specified kind <a fish market>
2 archaic : the act or an instance of buying and selling
3 : the rate or price offered for a commodity or security
4 a (1) : a geographic area of demand for commodities or services (2) : a specified category of potential buyers <the youth market> b : the course of commercial activity by which the exchange of commodities is effected : extent of demand <the market is dull> c (1) : an opportunity for selling <a good market for used cars> (2) : the available supply of or potential demand for specified goods or services <the labor market> d : the area of economic activity in which buyers and sellers come together and the forces of supply and demand affect prices <producing goods for market rather than for consumption>
–in the market : in the position of being a potential buyer <in the market for a house>
–on the market : available for purchase also : up for sale <put their house on the market>

market
n. 1 : to expose for sale in a market
2 : SELL
intransitive verb : to deal in a market

market
n. bear market
black market
bull market
buyer's market
common market
down market
fair market value
flea market
free market
gray market
on the market
in the market
market basket
market capitalization
market economy
market garden
market gardening
market gardener
market maker
market order
market price
market research
market researcher
market share
mass market
meat market
money market
seller's market
stock market
test market
third market
Common Market
direct marketing
marketing research

market basket
: a variety of consumer goods and services used to calculate a consumer price index

market capitalization
: CAPITALIZATION 1D

market economy
: an economy in which most goods and services are produced and distributed through free markets

market garden
British : TRUCK FARM
–market gardener noun British
–market gardening noun British

market maker
: an intermediary in a stock exchange who controls buy and sell orders (as by purchase and resale) for a particular stock or group of stocks

market order
: an order to buy or sell securities or commodities immediately at the best price obtainable in the market

market price
: a price actually given in current market dealings

market research
: research into the size, location, and makeup of a product market
–market researcher noun

market share
: the percentage of the market for a product or service that a company supplies

marketable
adj. 1 a : fit to be offered for sale in a market <food that is not marketable> b : wanted by purchasers or employers : SALABLE <marketable securities> <marketable skills>
2 : of or relating to buying or selling
–mar·ket·abil·i·ty \ˌmär-kə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

marketeer
n. : a specialist in promoting or selling a product or service

marketer
n. : one that deals in a market specifically : one that promotes or sells a product or service

marketing
n. 1 a : the act or process of selling or purchasing in a market b : the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service
2 : an aggregate of functions involved in moving goods from producer to consumer

marketing research
: research into the means of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service

marketization
n. : the act or process of entering into, participating in, or introducing a free market economy

marketplace
n. 1 a : an open square or place in a town where markets or public sales are held b : MARKET <the marketplace is the interpreter of supply and demand>
2 : the world of trade or economic activity : the everyday world <a conviction that religion belongs in the marketplace ― Current Biog.>
3 : a sphere in which intangible values compete for acceptance <the marketplace of ideas>

Markham
Beryl 1902-1986 Brit. aviator

Markham
Edwin 1852-1940 orig. Charles Edward Anson Markham American poet

Markham
1 town Canada in SE Ont. NE of Toronto pop 208,615
2 river 200 mi (322 km) Papua New Guinea flowing S & SE into Solomon Sea

Markham, Mount
mountain 14,275 ft (4351 m) Antarctica W of Ross Ice Shelf

marking
n. 1 : the act, process, or an instance of making or giving a mark
2 a : a mark made b : arrangement, pattern, or disposition of marks

markka
n. : the basic monetary unit of Finland from 1917 to 2001

Markov chain
: a usually discrete stochastic process (as a random walk) in which the probabilities of occurrence of various future states depend only on the present state of the system or on the immediately preceding state and not on the path by which the present state was achieved ― called also Markoff chain

Markov process
: a stochastic process (as Brownian motion) that resembles a Markov chain except that the states are continuous also : MARKOV CHAIN ― called also Markoff process

Markova
n. Dame Ali·cia \ə-'lē-sē-ə\ 1910-     orig. Lilian Alicia Marks Eng. dancer

Markovian
: of, relating to, or resembling a Markov process or Markov chain especially by having probabilities defined in terms of transition from the possible existing states to other states

Markovian
Markoff chain
Markoff process
Markov chain
Markov process

Markowitz
Harry M. 1927-     American econ.

marksman
n. : a person skilled in shooting at a mark or target
–marks·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

markswoman
n. : a woman skilled in shooting at a mark or target

markup
n. 1 : an amount added to the cost price to determine the selling price broadly : PROFIT
2 : a U.S. Congressional committee session at which a bill is put into final form before it is reported out

markup language
: a system (as HTML or SGML) for marking or tagging a document that indicates its logical structure (as paragraphs) and gives instructions for its layout on the page especially for electronic transmission and display

Marl
n. city W Germany in the Ruhr pop 91,864

marl
n. : a loose or crumbling earthy deposit (as of sand, silt, or clay) that contains a substantial amount of calcium carbonate
–marly \'mär-lē\ adjective

Marlborough
n. 1st Duke of ― see John CHURCHILL

Marlborough
n. city E Mass. E of Worcester pop 36,255

marlin
n. : any of several large marine billfishes (genera Makaira and Tetrapturus) that are notable sport fishes

marline
n. : a small usually tarred line of two strands twisted loosely left-handed that is used especially for seizing and as a covering for wire rope

marlinespike
n. : a tool (as of wood or iron) that tapers to a point and is used to separate strands of rope or wire (as in splicing)

Marlowe
n. Christopher 1564-1593 Eng. dram.
–Mar·lo·vi·an \mär-'lō-vē-ən, -vyən\ adjective

Marlowe
n. Julia 1866-1950 orig. Sarah Frances Frost American (Eng.-born) actress

marlstone
: a rock that consists of a mixture of clay materials and calcium carbonate and often contains kerogen

marmalade
n. : a clear sweetened jelly in which pieces of fruit and fruit rind are suspended

Marmara, Sea of
sea NW Turkey connected with Black Sea by the Bosporus & with Aegean Sea by the Dardanelles area 4429 sq mi (11,471 sq km)

Marmite
n. ― used for an edible yeast extract

marmite
n. : a usually tall covered cooking pot

Marmolada
mountain 10,965 ft (3342 m) NE Italy; highest in the Dolomites

Marmont
Auguste-Frédéric-Louis Viesse de 1774-1852 Duc de Raguse Fr. gen.; marshal of France

Marmontel
Jean-François 1723-1799 Fr. author

marmoreal
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of marble or a marble statue especially in coldness or aloofness
–mar·mo·re·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

marmoset
n. : any of numerous small soft-furred So. and Central American monkeys (family Callithricidae) with claws instead of nails on all the digits except the big toe

marmot
n. : any of a genus (Marmota) of stout-bodied short-legged chiefly herbivorous burrowing rodents of the squirrel family that have coarse fur, a short bushy tail, and very small ears and that hibernate during the winter ― compare WOODCHUCK

Marne
n. river 325 mi (523 km) NE France flowing W into the Seine

marocain
n. : a ribbed crepe fabric used in women's clothing

Maroni
river 450 mi (720 km) on border bet. Suriname & French Guiana flowing N into the Atlantic

Maronite
n. : a member of a Uniate church chiefly in Lebanon having a Syriac liturgy and married clergy

maroon
n. 1 capitalized : a fugitive black slave of the West Indies and Guiana in the 17th and 18th centuries also : a descendant of such a slave
2 : a person who is marooned

maroon
n. 1 : to put ashore on a desolate island or coast and leave to one's fate
2 : to place or leave in isolation or without hope of ready escape

maroon
n. : a dark red

Maros
― see MURES

Marot
Clément 1496?-1544 Fr. poet

marplot
n. : one who frustrates or ruins a plan or undertaking by meddling

Marquand
John Phillips 1893-1960 American nov.

marque
n. 1 obsolete : REPRISAL, RETALIATION
2 : LETTERS OF MARQUE

marque
n. : a brand or make of a product (as a sports car)

marque
n. letters of marque
Lourenço Marques
Lourenco Marques

marquee
n. 1 chiefly British : a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition
2 a : a permanent canopy often of metal and glass projecting over an entrance (as of a hotel or theater) b : a sign usually over the entrance of a theater or arena that displays the names of featured attractions and principal performers

marquee
n. : having or associated with the name recognition and attraction of one whose name appears on a marquee : BIG-NAME, STAR <marquee athletes> <marquee events>

Marquesan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of the Marquesas Islands
2 : the Polynesian language of the Marquesans
–Marquesan adjective

Marquesas Islands
islands S. Pacific N of Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia capital Taiohae (on Nuku Hiva) area 480 sq mi (1248 sq km), pop 7358

marquess
1 : a nobleman of hereditary rank in Europe and Japan
2 : a member of the British peerage ranking below a duke and above an earl
–mar·quess·ate \'mär-kwə-sət\ or mar·quis·ate \'mär-kwə-zət, -sət\ noun

marquetry
n. : decorative work in which elaborate patterns are formed by the insertion of pieces of material (as wood, shell, or ivory) into a wood veneer that is then applied to a surface (as of a piece of furniture)

Marquette
n. Jacques 1637-1675 Père \ˌpir, ˌper\ Marquette Fr.-born Jesuit missionary & explorer in America

Marquis
n. Donald Robert Perry 1878-1937 American humorist

marquise
n. 1 : MARCHIONESS
2 : MARQUEE
3 : a gem or a ring setting or bezel usually elliptical in shape but with pointed ends

marquisette
n. : a sheer meshed fabric used for clothing, curtains, and mosquito nets

Marrakech
city cen Morocco in foothills of the Grand Atlas pop 439,728

marram grass
: any of several beach grasses (genus Ammophila and especially A. arenaria)

Marrano
n. : a Christianized Jew of medieval Spain

marriage
n. 1 a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage> b : the mutual relation of married persons : WEDLOCK c : the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2 : an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities
3 : an intimate or close union <the marriage of painting and poetry ― J. T. Shawcross>

marriage
n. Boston marriage
celestial marriage
civil marriage
common law marriage
marriage of convenience
mixed marriage
open marriage
proxy marriage
shotgun marriage

marriage of convenience

1711
: a marriage contracted for social, political, or economic advantage rather than for mutual affection broadly : a union or cooperation formed solely for pragmatic reasons

marriageable
adj. : fit for or capable of marriage <not yet of marriageable age>
–mar·riage·abil·i·ty \ˌmer-i-jə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌma-ri-\ noun

married
adj. 1 a : being in the state of matrimony : WEDDED b : of or relating to marriage : CONNUBIAL
2 : UNITED, JOINED

married
adj. : a married person <young marrieds are paid undue⋯attention ― Paul Goodman>

married name
: a surname acquired by a woman through marriage

marron
n. 1 : SPANISH CHESTNUT 1
2 mar·rons \-'rōn(z)\ plural : chestnuts and especially Spanish chestnuts preserved in vanilla-flavored syrup

marrons glaces
: MARRON 2

marrow
n. 1 a : BONE MARROW b : the substance of the spinal cord
2 a : the choicest of food b : the seat of animal vigor c : the inmost, best, or essential part : CORE <personal liberty is the marrow of the American tradition ― Clinton Rossiter>
3 chiefly British : VEGETABLE MARROW
–mar·rowy \'mar-ə-wē\ adjective

marrow
n. chiefly Scottish : one of a pair

marrow
n. bone marrow
red marrow
vegetable marrow

marrowbone
n. 1 : a bone (as a shinbone) rich in marrow
2 plural : KNEES

marrowfat
n. : any of several wrinkled-seeded garden peas

marry
v. transitive verb
1 a : to join in marriage according to law or custom b : to give in marriage <married his daughter to his partner's son> c : to take as spouse : WED <married the girl next door> d : to perform the ceremony of marriage for <a priest will marry them> e : to obtain by marriage <marry wealth>
2 : to unite in close and usually permanent relation
intransitive verb
1 : to take a spouse : WED
2 : COMBINE, UNITE <seafood marries with other flavors>
–marry into : to become a member of by marriage <married into a prominent family>

marry
v. archaic ― used for emphasis and especially to express amused or surprised agreement

marry into
to become a member of by marriage <married into a prominent family>

Marryat
n. Frederick 1792-1848 Eng. naval commander & nov.

Mars
n. 1 : the Roman god of war ― compare ARES
2 : the planet fourth in order from the sun and conspicuous for its red color ― see PLANET table

Marsa Matruh
― see MATRUH

Marsala
n. city & port Italy on W coast of Sicily S of Trapani pop 80,818

marsala
n. : a fortified Sicilian wine that varies from dry to sweet and is often used in cooking

Marsalis
n. Wynton 1961-     American jazz musician

marse
Southern : MASTER

Marseille
n. city & port SE France on Gulf of Lion pop 797,491
–Mar·seil·lais \ˌmär-sə-'yā, -'yāz; -sə-'lā, -'lāz\ noun

Marseilles
n. : a firm cotton fabric that is similar to piqué

Marsh
n. Dame (Edith) Ngaio \'nī-(ˌ)ō\ 1899-1982 N.Z. writer

marsh
n. : a tract of soft wet land usually characterized by monocotyledons (as grasses or cattails)

marsh
n. Romney Marsh
marsh elder
marsh gas
marsh hawk
marsh hen
marsh marigold
salt marsh
Pripet Marshes
Pontine Marshes

marsh elder
: any of a genus (Iva) of coarse shrubby composite plants of moist areas in eastern and central No. America

marsh gas
: METHANE

marsh hawk
: NORTHERN HARRIER

marsh hen
1 : any of various American rails
2 : BITTERN

marsh marigold
: a swamp herb (Caltha palustris) of the buttercup family that occurs in Europe and No. America and has bright yellow flowers ― called also cowslip kingcup

marshal
n. 1 a : a high official in the household of a medieval king, prince, or noble orig. having charge of the cavalry but later usually in command of the military forces b : a person who arranges and directs the ceremonial aspects of a gathering
2 a : FIELD MARSHAL b : a general officer of the highest military rank
3 a : an officer having charge of prisoners b (1) : a ministerial officer appointed for a judicial district (as of the U.S.) to execute the process of the courts and perform various duties similar to those of a sheriff (2) : a city law officer entrusted with particular duties c : the administrative head of a city police department or fire department
–mar·shal·cy \-sē\ noun
–mar·shal·ship \-ˌship\ noun

marshal
transitive verb
1 : to place in proper rank or position <marshaling the troops>
2 : to bring together and order in an appropriate or effective way <marshal arguments>
3 : to lead ceremoniously or solicitously : USHER <marshaling her little group of children down the street>
intransitive verb : to take form or order <ideas marshaling neatly>
synonyms see ORDER

marshal
n. air chief marshal
air marshal
air vice marshal
earl marshal
field marshal
grand marshal
marshal of the Royal Air Force
provost marshal
sky marshal
Marshall Islands

marshal of the Royal Air Force

1947
: the highest ranking officer in the British air force

Marshall
n. Alfred 1842-1924 Eng. econ.

Marshall
n. George Catlett 1880-1959 American gen. & statesman

Marshall
n. John 1755-1835 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1801-35)

Marshall
n. Thomas Riley 1854-1925 vice pres. of the U.S. (1913-21)

Marshall
n. Thurgood 1908-1993 American jurist

Marshall
n. city NE Tex. pop 23,935

Marshall Islands
islands W Pacific capital Majuro; part of former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; internally self-governing since 1980
–Mar·shall·ese \ˌmär-shə-'lēz, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Marshalltown
city cen Iowa pop 26,009

Marshfield
town E Mass. N of Plymouth pop 24,324

marshland
n. : a marshy tract or area : MARSH

marshmallow
n. 1 : a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has flowers, leaves, and roots used in herbal remedies
2 : a sweet white confection usually in the form of a spread or small spongy cylindrical pieces now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin but formerly from the marshmallow's root also : one of these spongy pieces <toasted marshmallows on sticks over a campfire>
–marsh·mal·lowy \-ˌme-lə-wē, -ˌma-\ adjective

marshy
adj. 1 : resembling or constituting a marsh <marshy ground>
2 : relating to or occurring in marshes <marshy vegetation>
–marsh·i·ness noun

Marsilius
of Padua ca 1280-ca 1343 Ital. scholar

Marston
John 1576-1634 Eng. dram.

Marston Moor
locality N England in N. Yorkshire W of York

marsupial
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a marsupial
2 : of, relating to, or forming a marsupium

marsupial
n. : any of an order (Marsupialia) of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to carry the young

marsupium
n. 1 : an abdominal pouch that is formed of a fold of the skin and encloses the mammary glands of most marsupials
2 : any of several structures in various invertebrates (as a bryozoan or mollusk) for enclosing or carrying eggs or young

mart
n. 1 archaic : a coming together of people to buy and sell : 5FAIR 1
2 obsolete : the activity of buying and selling also : BARGAIN
3 : MARKET

mart
n. : to deal in : SELL

Martaban, Gulf of
arm of Andaman Sea S Myanmar

Martel
n. Charles ― see CHARLES MARTEL

martello tower
: a circular masonry fort or blockhouse

marten
n. 1 : any of several semiarboreal slender-bodied carnivorous mammals (genus Martes) of the weasel family that occur in the northern hemisphere
2 : the fur or pelt of a marten

Martens
n. Fyodor Fyodorovich 1845-1909 Russ. jurist

Martens
n. Wilfried 1936-     prime min. of Belgium (1979-92)

martensite
n. : the hard constituent that is the chief component of quenched steel
–mar·tens·it·ic \ˌmar-tən-'zi-tik, -'si-\ adjective
–mar·tens·it·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Martha
n. : a sister of Lazarus and Mary and friend of Jesus

Martha's Vineyard
v. island 20 mi (32 km) long SE Mass. in the Atlantic off SW coast of Cape Cod WNW of Nantucket
–Vine·yard·er \'vin-yər-dər\ noun

Martial
adj. ca A.D. 40-ca 103 Marcus Valerius Martialis Rom. epigrammatist

martial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior
2 : relating to an army or to military life
3 : experienced in or inclined to war : WARLIKE
–mar·tial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

martial
adj. drumhead court martial
martial art
martial artist
martial law
court martial
courts martial

martial art
: any of several arts of combat and self defense (as karate and judo) that are widely practiced as sport
–martial artist noun

martial law
1 : the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power
2 : the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety

martian
n. : of or relating to the planet Mars or its hypothetical inhabitants
–martian noun often cap

Martin
n. Saint ca 316-397 Martin of Tours patron saint of France

Martin
n. Archer John Porter 1910-2002 Brit. chem.

Martin
n. Glenn Luther 1886-1955 American airplane manuf.

Martin
n. Homer Dodge 1836-1897 American painter

Martin
n. Joseph William 1884-1968 American publisher & polit.

martin
n. 1 : a small Eurasian bird (Delichon urbica) of the swallow family with a forked tail, bluish-black head and back, and white rump and underparts
2 : any of various birds (esp. genus Progne) of the swallow family other than the Eurasian martin ― compare PURPLE MARTIN

martin
n. Martin Luther King Day
purple martin
Saint Martin's summer
Grau San Martin
Martin du Gard
San Martin
General San Martin
Saint Martin

Martin du Gard
Roger 1881-1958 Fr. author

Martin Luther King Day
: the third Monday in January observed as a legal holiday in some states of the U.S.

Martineau
n. Harriet 1802-1876 Eng. nov. & econ.

Martineau
n. James 1805-1900 bro. of Harriet Eng. theol. & philos.

martinet
n. 1 : a strict disciplinarian
2 : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods

Martinez
n. Melquiades Rafael 1946-     U.S. secy. of housing and urban development (2001-  )

Martinez
n. city W Calif. NE of Oakland pop 35,866

martingale
n. 1 : a device for steadying a horse's head or checking its upward movement that typically consists of a strap fastened to the girth, passing between the forelegs, and bifurcating to end in two rings through which the reins pass
2 a : a lower stay of rope or chain for the jibboom used to sustain the strain of the forestays and fastened to or rove through the dolphin striker b : DOLPHIN STRIKER
3 : any of several systems of betting in which a player increases the stake usually by doubling each time a bet is lost

Martini
n. Simone ca 1284-1344 Ital. painter

martini
n. : a cocktail made of gin and dry vermouth also : VODKA MARTINI

Martinique
n. island W. Indies in the Windwards; department of France capital Fort-de-France area 425 sq mi (1101 sq km), pop 377,000
–Mar·ti·ni·can \-'nē-kən\ adjective or noun
–Mar·ti·ni·quais \-ˌtē-ni-'kā\ adjective or noun

Martinmas
n. : November 11 celebrated as the feast of Saint Martin

Martinu
Bohuslav Jan 1890-1959 Czech composer

martlet
n. : MARTIN 1

martyr
n. 1 : a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion
2 : a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle
3 : VICTIM especially : a great or constant sufferer <a martyr to asthma all his life ― A. J. Cronin>
–mar·tyr·i·za·tion \ˌmär-tə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–mar·tyr·ize \'mär-tə-ˌrīz\ transitive verb

martyr
n. 1 : to put to death for adhering to a belief, faith, or profession
2 : to inflict agonizing pain on : TORTURE

martyrdom
n. 1 : the suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause and especially to one's religious faith
2 : AFFLICTION, TORTURE

martyrologist
n. : a writer of or a specialist in martyrology

martyrology
n. 1 : a catalog of Roman Catholic martyrs and saints arranged by the dates of their feasts
2 : ecclesiastical history treating the lives and sufferings of martyrs

martyry
n. : a shrine erected in honor of a martyr

Martín
Grau San Martín
San Martín
General San Martín

marvel
n. 1 : one that causes wonder or astonishment <her talent is a marvel to behold>
2 : intense surprise or interest : ASTONISHMENT

marvel
n. intransitive verb : to become filled with surprise, wonder, or amazed curiosity <marveled at the magician's skill>
transitive verb : to feel astonishment or perplexity at or about <marveled that they had escaped>

Marvell
n. Andrew 1621-1678 Eng. poet & satirist

marvelous
adj. 1 : causing wonder : ASTONISHING
2 : MIRACULOUS, SUPERNATURAL <Gothic tales of marvelous and bizarre happenings>
3 : of the highest kind or quality : notably superior <has a marvelous way with children>
–mar·vel·ous·ly adverb
–mar·vel·ous·ness noun

Marwar
― see JODHPUR

Marx
n. Karl Heinrich 1818-1883 Ger. polit. philos. & socialist

Marxian
n. : of, developed by, or influenced by the doctrines of Marx <Marxian socialism>

Marxism
n. : the political, economic, and social principles and policies advocated by Marx especially : a theory and practice of socialism including the labor theory of value, dialectical materialism, the class struggle, and dictatorship of the proletariat until the establishment of a classless society
–Marx·ist \-sist\ noun or adjective

Marxism
n. Marxism Leninism
Marxist Leninist
non Marxist

Marxism-Leninism
: a theory and practice of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Marx
–Marx·ist-Len·in·ist \'märk-sist-'le-nə-nist\ noun or adjective

Mary
n. 1 : the mother of Jesus
2 : a sister of Lazarus and Martha and a friend of Jesus

Mary
n. 1516-1558 Mary Tudor; Bloody Mary queen of England (1553-58)

Mary
n. 1662-1694 joint Brit. sovereign with William III

Mary
n. Mary I
Mary II
Bloody Mary
Hail Mary
Mary Jane
Mary Magdalene
Typhoid Mary
Virgin Mary
Mary Stuart

Mary Jane
slang : MARIJUANA

Mary Magdalene
: a woman who was healed of evil spirits by Jesus and who saw the risen Christ near his sepulchre

Mary Stuart
1542-1587 Mary, Queen of Scots queen of Scotland (1542-67)

Maryborough
― see PORTLAOIGHISE

Maryknoller
: a member of the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America founded by T. F. Price and J. A. Walsh at Maryknoll, N.Y. in 1911

Maryland
n. state E U.S. capital Annapolis area 10,460 sq mi (27,091 sq km), pop 5,296,486
–Mary·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ noun

Maryland Heights
city E Mo. W of St. Louis pop 25,756

Marys
Bloody Marys
Typhoid Marys
Saint Marys

Marysville
city NW cen Wash. on Puget Sound pop 25,315

Maryut
― see MAREOTIS

Maryville
city E Tenn. pop 23,120

marzipan
n. : a confection of crushed almonds or almond paste, sugar, and egg whites that is often shaped into various forms

masa
: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution also : MASA HARINA

masa harina
: a flour made from dried masa

Masaccio
n. 1401-1428 orig. Tommaso di Giovanni di Simone Guidi Ital. painter

Masada
n. fortress town of ancient Palestine; site in SE Israel W of Dead Sea

Masai
n. 1 : a member of a pastoral and hunting people of Kenya and Tanzania
2 : the Nilotic language of the Masai people

masala
n. : a varying blend of spices used in Indian cooking

Masan
city & port SE S. Korea on an inlet of Korea Strait W of Pusan pop 448,746

Masaryk
Jan \'yän, 'yan\ Gar·rigue \gə-'rēg\ 1886-1948 son of T.G. Czech diplomat & polit.

Masaryk
To·máš \'tȯ-ˌmäsh, 'tä-məs\ Garrigue 1850-1937 Czech philos. & statesman; 1st pres. of Czechoslovakia (1918-35)

Masbate
n. island cen Philippines in the Visayan Islands NE of Panay area 1571 sq mi (4085 sq km)

masc
masculine

Mascagni
n. Pietro 1863-1945 Ital. composer

mascara
n. : a cosmetic especially for making the eyelashes darker and more prominent
–mas·ca·raed \-əd, -rəd\ adjective

Mascarene Islands
islands W Indian Ocean E of Madagascar including Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues

mascarpone
n. : an Italian cream cheese

mascon
n. : any of the high-density regions below the surface of lunar maria that are held to perturb the motion of spacecraft in lunar orbit

mascot
n. : a person, animal, or object adopted by a group as a symbolic figure especially to bring them good luck <the team had a mountain lion as their mascot>

Mascouche
town Canada in S Que. N of Montreal pop 29,556

masculine
n. 1 a : MALE b : having qualities appropriate to or usually associated with a man
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the gender that ordinarily includes most words or grammatical forms referring to males <masculine nouns>
3 a : having or occurring in a stressed final syllable <masculine rhyme> b : having the final chord occurring on a strong beat <masculine cadence>
–mas·cu·line·ly adverb
–mas·cu·lin·i·ty \ˌmas-kyə-'li-nə-tē\ noun

masculine
n. 1 : the masculine gender
2 : a noun, pronoun, adjective, or inflectional form or class of the masculine gender
3 : a male person

masculinise
v. British variant of masculinize

masculinist
n. : an advocate of male superiority or dominance
–masculinist adjective

masculinize
v. : to give a chiefly masculine character to especially : to cause (a female) to take on male characteristics
–mas·cu·lin·i·za·tion \ˌmas-kyə-lə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

Masefield
n. John 1878-1967 Eng. author; poet laureate (1930-67)

maser
n. : a device or object that emits coherent microwave radiation produced by the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels

Maseru
n. city capital of Lesotho pop 71,500

MASH
n. mobile army surgical hospital

mash
n. 1 a : to reduce to a soft pulpy state by beating or pressure b : CRUSH, SMASH <mash a finger>
2 : to subject (as crushed malt) to the action of water with heating and stirring in preparing wort

mash
n. 1 : a mixture of ground feeds for livestock
2 : crushed malt or grain meal steeped and stirred in hot water to produce wort
3 : a soft pulpy mass
4 British : mashed potatoes

mash
n. : CRUSH 4

mash
n. : to flirt with or seek the affection of

mash note
: a usually sentimental or effusive note or letter expressing affection for the recipient

masher
n. : one that mashes <a potato masher>

masher
n. : a man who makes passes at women

Mashhad
n. city NE Iran pop 1,463,508

Masinissa
ca 240-148 B.C. king of Numidia

mask
n. 1 a (1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise (2) : a person wearing a mask : MASKER b (1) : a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice (2) : a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals c : an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone) d : a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold
2 a : something that serves to conceal or disguise : PRETENSE, CLOAK <aware of the masks, facades and defenses people erect to protect themselves ― Kenneth Keniston> b : something that conceals from view c : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph d : a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)
3 a : a protective covering for the face b : GAS MASK c : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalation d : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infective material e : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
4 a : the head or face of an animal (as a fox or dog) b : an area (as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring

mask
n. 1 : to take part in a masquerade
2 a : to assume a mask b : to disguise one's true character or intentions
transitive verb
1 : to provide or conceal with a mask: as a : to conceal from view <mask a gun battery> b : to make indistinct or imperceptible <masks undesirable flavors> c : to cover up <masked his real purpose>
2 : to cover for protection
3 : to modify the size or shape of (as a photograph) by means of an opaque border
synonyms see DISGUISE
–mask·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

mask
n. death mask
face mask
gas mask
oxygen mask
shadow mask
ski mask
masking tape

masked
adj. 1 : marked by the use of masks <a masked ball>
2 : failing to present or produce the usual symptoms : LATENT <a masked infection> <a masked virus>

masker
n. : a person who wears a mask especially : a participant in a masquerade

masking tape
: a tape with adhesive on one side that has a variety of uses (as to cover a surface when painting near it)

masochism
n. 1 : a sexual perversion characterized by pleasure in being subjected to pain or humiliation especially by a love object ― compare SADISM
2 : pleasure in being abused or dominated : a taste for suffering
–mas·och·ist \-kist\ noun
–mas·och·is·tic \ˌma-sə-'kis-tik, ˌma-zə- also ˌmā-\ adjective
–mas·och·is·ti·cal·ly \-'kis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Mason
n. Charles 1728-1786 Eng. astron. & surveyor

Mason
n. George 1725-1792 American statesman in Revolution

mason
n. 1 : a skilled worker who builds by laying units of substantial material (as stone or brick)
2 capitalized : FREEMASON

mason
n. mason jar
mason wasp
Mason City
Mason Dixon Line

Mason City
city N Iowa pop 29,172

mason jar
: a widemouthed jar used especially for home canning

mason wasp
: any of various solitary vespid wasps (subfamily Eumeninae) that construct nests of hardened mud

Mason-Dixon Line
the boundary line from the SW corner of Del. N to Pa. & W to approximately the SW corner of Pa.; often considered the boundary bet. the N & S states

Masonic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Freemasons or Freemasonry

Masonite
n. ― used for fiberboard

masonry
n. 1 a : something constructed of materials used by masons b : the art, trade, or occupation of a mason c : work done by a mason
2 capitalized : FREEMASONRY

Masora
n. : a body of notes on the textual traditions of the Hebrew Scripture compiled by scribes during the first millennium of the Christian era

Masorete
n. : one of the scribes who compiled the Masora
–Mas·o·ret·ic \ˌma-sə-'re-tik\ adjective

Masqat
town & port capital of Oman on Gulf of Oman pop 100,000

masque
n. 1 : MASQUERADE
2 : a short allegorical dramatic entertainment of the 16th and 17th centuries performed by masked actors

masque
n. death mask
face mask
gas mask
oxygen mask
shadow mask
ski mask
masking tape

masquer
n. variant of masker

masquerade
n. 1 a : a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes b : a costume for wear at such a gathering
2 : an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show

masquerade
n. 1 a : to disguise oneself also : to go about disguised b : to take part in a masquerade
2 : to assume the appearance of something one is not
–mas·quer·ad·er noun

Mass
n. Massachusetts

mass
n. 1 capitalized : the liturgy of the Eucharist especially in accordance with the traditional Latin rite
2 often capitalized : a celebration of the Eucharist <Sunday masses held at three different hours>
3 : a musical setting for the ordinary of the Mass

mass
n. 1 a : a quantity or aggregate of matter usually of considerable size b (1) : EXPANSE, BULK (2) : massive quality or effect <impressed me with such mass and such vividness ― F. M. Ford> (3) : the principal part or main body <the great mass of the continent is buried under an ice cap ― Walter Sullivan> (4) : AGGREGATE, WHOLE <men in the mass> c : the property of a body that is a measure of its inertia and that is commonly taken as a measure of the amount of material it contains and causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
2 : a large quantity, amount, or number <a great mass of material>
3 a : a large body of persons in a compact group : a body of persons regarded as an aggregate b : the great body of the people as contrasted with the elite ― often used in plural <the underprivileged and disadvantaged masses ― C. A. Buss>
synonyms see BULK

mass
n. : to form or collect into a mass
intransitive verb : to assemble in a mass <three thousand students had massed in the plaza ― A. E. Neville>

mass
n. 1 a : of or relating to the mass of the people <mass market> <mass education> also : being one of or at one with the mass : AVERAGE, COMMONPLACE <mass man> b : participated in by or affecting a large number of individuals <mass destruction> <mass demonstrations> c : having a large-scale character <mass plantings of tulips>
2 : viewed as a whole : TOTAL <the mass effect of a design>

mass
n. air mass
atomic mass
atomic mass unit
Black Mass
body mass index
center of mass
conservation of mass
critical mass
folk mass
high mass
low mass
mass card
mass driver
mass market
mass medium
mass media
mass noun
mass number
mass produce
mass production
mass spectrograph
mass spectrum
molecular mass
red mass
rest mass
solar mass
solemn mass
sung mass
votive mass
mass spectrometry
mass spectrometer
mass spectrometric
mass spectroscopy

mass card
: a card notifying the recipient (as a bereaved family) that a mass is to be offered for the repose of the soul of a specified deceased person

mass driver
: a large electromagnetic catapult designed to hurl material (as from an asteroid) into space

mass medium
: a medium of communication (as newspapers, radio, or television) that is designed to reach the mass of the people ― usually used in plural

mass noun
: a noun (as sand or water) that characteristically denotes in many languages a homogeneous substance or a concept without subdivisions and that in English is preceded in indefinite singular constructions by some rather than a or an ― compare COUNT NOUN

mass number
: an integer that approximates the mass of an isotope and designates the number of nucleons in the nucleus

mass spectrograph
: an instrument used to separate and often to determine the masses of isotopes

mass spectrometry
: an instrumental method for identifying the chemical constitution of a substance by means of the separation of gaseous ions according to their differing mass and charge ― called also mass spectroscopy
–mass spectrometric adjective
–mass spectrometer noun

mass spectrum
: the spectrum of a stream of gaseous ions separated according to their differing mass and charge

mass-market
1 : sold through such retail outlets as supermarkets and drugstores as well as through bookstores <a mass-market paperback> also : of, relating to, or publishing mass-market materials
2 : appealing or sold to a general audience

mass-produce
: to produce in quantity usually by machinery
–mass production noun

massa
n. Southern : MASTER

Massachusett
1 : a member of an American Indian people of Massachusetts
2 : the extinct Algonquian language of the Massachusett people

Massachusetts
n. state NE U.S. capital Boston area 8284 sq mi (21,456 sq km), pop 6,349,097

Massachusetts Bay
inlet of the Atlantic E Mass.

massacre
n. 1 : the act or an instance of killing a number of usually helpless or unresisting human beings under circumstances of atrocity or cruelty
2 : a cruel or wanton murder
3 : a wholesale slaughter of animals
4 : an act of complete destruction <the author's massacre of traditional federalist presuppositions ― R. G. McCloskey>

massacre
n. 1 : to kill by massacre : SLAUGHTER
2 : MANGLE 2 <words were misspelled and syntax massacred ― Bice Clemow>
–mas·sa·crer \-kər-ər, -krər\ noun

massage
n. : manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes

massage
n. 1 : to subject to massage
2 a : to treat flatteringly : BLANDISH b : MANIPULATE, DOCTOR <massaged the data to help his cause>
–mas·sag·er noun

massage parlor
: an establishment that provides massage treatments also : one offering sexual services in addition to or in lieu of massage

Massanutten Mountain
ridge N Va. in Blue Ridge Mountains

massasauga
n. : a small No. American rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)

Massasoit
d 1661 Wampanoag Indian chief

Massawa
n. city & port Eritrea on an inlet of the Red Sea pop 16,579

masse
n. : a shot in billiards or pool made by hitting the cue ball vertically or nearly vertically on the side to drive it around one ball in order to strike another

Massena
André 1758-1817 Duc de Rivoli; Prince d'Ess·ling \des-lēŋ\ Fr. gen.

Massenet
Jules (-Émile-Frédéric) 1842-1912 Fr. composer

masseter
n. : a large muscle that raises the lower jaw and assists in mastication
–mas·se·ter·ic \ˌma-sə-'ter-ik\ adjective

masseur
n. : a man who practices massage

masseuse
n. : a woman who practices massage

Massey
William Ferguson 1856-1925 N.Z. statesman

massif
n. 1 : a principal mountain mass
2 : a block of the earth's crust bounded by faults or flexures and displaced as a unit without internal change

massif
n. Frejus Massif du
Fréjus Massif du
Massif Central
Vinson Massif

Massif Central
plateau cen France rising sharply just W of the Rhône-Saône valley & sloping N to the Paris basin & W to the basin of Aquitaine

Massillon
city NE Ohio pop 31,325

Massine
n. Léonide 1896-1979 orig. Leonid Fedorovich Miassin American (Russ.-born) dancer & choreographer

Massinger
n. Philip 1583-1640 Eng. dram.

massive
adj. 1 : forming or consisting of a large mass: a : BULKY b : WEIGHTY, HEAVY <massive walls> <a massive volume> c : impressively large or ponderous d : having no regular form but not necessarily lacking crystalline structure <massive sandstone>
2 a : large, solid, or heavy in structure <massive jaw> b : large in scope or degree <the feeling of frustration, of being ineffectual, is massive ― David Halberstam> c (1) : large in comparison to what is typical <a massive dose of penicillin> (2) : being extensive and severe <massive hemorrhage> <massive collapse of a lung> (3) : imposing in excellence or grandeur : MONUMENTAL <massive simplicity>
3 : having mass <a massive boson>
–mas·sive·ly adverb
–mas·sive·ness noun

Massive, Mount
mountain 14,421 ft (4396 m) cen Colo. in Sawatch Range N of Mt. Elbert

massively parallel
: of, relating to, or being a computer system that uses a large number of separate processors simultaneously to increase power and speed

massless
adj. : having no mass <a massless particle>

Masson
n. David 1822-1907 Scot. editor & author

massy
adj. : MASSIVE, WEIGHTY

Massys
Quentin ca 1466-1530 Flem. painter

mast
n. 1 : a long pole or spar rising from the keel or deck of a ship and supporting the yards, booms, and rigging
2 : a slender vertical or nearly vertical structure (as an upright post in various cranes)
3 : a disciplinary proceeding at which the commanding officer of a naval unit hears and disposes of cases against enlisted men ― called also captain's mast
–mast·ed \'mas-təd\ adjective
–before the mast
1 : forward of the foremast
2 : as a common sailor

mast
n. : to furnish with a mast

mast
n. : nuts (as acorns) accumulated on the forest floor and often serving as food for animals

mast
n. captain's mast
half mast
before the mast
mast cell

mast cell
: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions

mastaba
n. : an Egyptian tomb of the time of the Memphite dynasties that is oblong in shape with sloping sides and a flat roof

mastectomy
n. : surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles

master
n. 1 a (1) : a male teacher (2) : a person holding an academic degree higher than a bachelor's but lower than a doctor's b often capitalized : a revered religious leader c : a worker or artisan qualified to teach apprentices d (1) : an artist, performer, or player of consummate skill (2) : a great figure of the past (as in science or art) whose work serves as a model or ideal
2 a : one having authority over another : RULER, GOVERNOR b : one that conquers or masters : VICTOR, SUPERIOR <in the new challenger the champion found his master> c : a person licensed to command a merchant ship d (1) : one having control (2) : an owner especially of a slave or animal e : the employer especially of a servant f (1) dialect : HUSBAND (2) : the male head of a household
3 a (1) archaic : MR. (2) : a youth or boy too young to be called mister ― used as a title b : the eldest son of a Scottish viscount or baron
4 a : a presiding officer in an institution or society (as a college) b : any of several officers of court appointed to assist (as by hearing and reporting) a judge
5 a : a master mechanism or device b : an original from which copies can be made especially : a master recording (as a magnetic tape)
–mas·ter·ship \-ˌship\ noun

master
n. : being or relating to a master: as a : having chief authority : DOMINANT b : SKILLED, PROFICIENT <a prosperous master builder ― Current Biog.> c : PRINCIPAL, PREDOMINANT d : SUPERLATIVE ― often used in combination <a master-liar> e : being a device or mechanism that controls the operation of another mechanism or that establishes a standard (as a dimension or weight) f : being or relating to a master from which duplicates are made

master
n. 1 : to become master of : OVERCOME <mastered his fears>
2 a : to become skilled or proficient in the use of <master a foreign language> b : to gain a thorough understanding of <had mastered every aspect of publishing ― Current Biog.>
3 : to produce a master recording of (as a musical rendition)

master
n. cellar master
chief master sergeant
chief master sergeant of the air force
grand master
master at arms
master bedroom
master chief petty officer
master chief petty officer of the navy
master class
master gunnery sergeant
master key
master of arts
master of ceremonies
master of science
master plan
master race
master sergeant
old master
past master
rattlesnake master
senior master sergeant
special master
wagon master
master chief petty officer of the coast guard
masters at arms
mistress of ceremonies

master bedroom
: a large or principal bedroom

master chief petty officer
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a senior chief petty officer

master chief petty officer of the coast guard

1966
: the ranking petty officer in the coast guard serving as adviser to the commandant

master chief petty officer of the navy

1966
: the ranking petty officer in the navy serving as adviser to the chief of naval operations

master class
: a seminar for advanced music students conducted by a master musician

master gunnery sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer in the marine corps ranking above a master sergeant

master key
: a key designed to open several different locks

master of arts

Usage:

often cap M&A

Date:

15th century

1 : the recipient of a master's degree that usually signifies that the recipient has passed an integrated course of study in one or more of the humanities and sometimes has completed a thesis involving research or a creative project and that typically requires two years of work beyond a bachelor's degree
2 : the degree making one a master of arts ― abbreviation MA, AM

master of ceremonies

circa 1610
1 : a person who determines the forms to be observed on a public occasion
2 : a person who acts as host at a formal event
3 : a person who acts as host for a program of entertainment (as on television)

master of science

Usage:

often cap M&S

Date:

1898

1 : the recipient of a master's degree that usually signifies that the recipient has passed an integrated course of study in one or more of the sciences and sometimes has completed a thesis involving research and that typically requires two years of work beyond a bachelor's degree
2 : the degree making one a master of science ― abbreviation manuscript, MSc

master plan
: a plan giving overall guidance

master race
: a people held to be racially preeminent and hence fitted to rule or enslave other peoples

master sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army above a sergeant first class and below a staff sergeant major, in the air force above a technical sergeant and below a senior master sergeant, and in the marine corps above a gunnery sergeant and below a master gunnery sergeant

master's
: a master's degree

master-at-arms
: a petty officer charged with maintaining discipline aboard ship

masterful
adj. 1 a : inclined and usually competent to act as master b : suggestive of a domineering nature
2 : having or reflecting the power and skill of a master
–mas·ter·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–mas·ter·ful·ness noun
synonyms MASTERFUL, DOMINEERING, IMPERIOUS, PEREMPTORY, IMPERATIVE mean tending to impose one's will on others. MASTERFUL implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively <her masterful personality soon dominated the movement>. DOMINEERING suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will <children controlled by domineering parents>. IMPERIOUS implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance <an imperious executive used to getting his own way>. PEREMPTORY implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent <given a peremptory dismissal>. IMPERATIVE implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate <an imperative appeal for assistance>.
usage Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to sense 1 in order to preserve a distinction between it and masterly. The distinction is a modern one, excogitated by a 20th century pundit in disregard of the history of the word. Both words developed in a parallel manner but the earlier sense of masterly, equivalent to masterful 1, dropped out of use. Since masterly had but one sense, the pundit opined that it would be tidy if masterful were likewise limited to one sense and he forthwith condemned use of masterful 2 as an error. Sense 2 of masterful, which is slightly older than the sense of masterly intended to replace it, has continued in reputable use all along; it cannot rationally be called an error.

masterly
adj. 1 : suitable to or resembling that of a master especially : indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power <a masterly performance>
2 : having the power and skill of a master <she's masterly at description ― Caroline Knapp>
usage see MASTERFUL
–mas·ter·li·ness noun
–masterly adverb

mastermind
n. : a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project

mastermind
n. : to be the mastermind of

masterpiece
n. 1 : a work done with extraordinary skill especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement
2 : a piece of work presented to a medieval guild as evidence of qualification for the rank of master

Masters
n. Edgar Lee 1869-1950 American author

masters
n. : competing in, relating to, or being a competition for athletes over a specified age (as 40) <a masters runner>

mastersinger
n. : MEISTERSINGER

masterstroke
n. : a masterly performance or move

masterwork
n. : MASTERPIECE

mastery
n. 1 a : the authority of a master : DOMINION b : the upper hand in a contest or competition : SUPERIORITY, ASCENDANCY
2 a : possession or display of great skill or technique b : skill or knowledge that makes one master of a subject : COMMAND

masthead
n. 1 : the top of a mast
2 a : the printed matter in a newspaper or periodical that gives the title and details of ownership, advertising rates, and subscription rates b : the name of a publication (as a newspaper) displayed on the top of the first page

mastic
n. 1 : an aromatic resinous exudate from mastic trees used chiefly in varnishes
2 : any of various pasty materials used as protective coatings or cements

mastic tree
: a small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Pistacia lentiscus) of the cashew family that yields mastic

masticate
v. transitive verb
1 : to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth : CHEW
2 : to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading
intransitive verb : CHEW
–mas·ti·ca·tion \ˌmas-tə-'kā-shən\ noun
–mas·ti·ca·tor \'mas-tə-ˌkā-tər\ noun

masticatory
adj. : a substance chewed to increase saliva

masticatory
adj. 1 : used for or adapted to chewing <masticatory limbs of an arthropod>
2 : of, relating to, or involving the organs of mastication <masticatory paralysis>

mastiff
n. : any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs that are apricot, fawn, or brindle and are often used as guard dogs

mastigophoran
n. : any of a subphylum (Mastigophora) of protozoans comprising forms with flagella and including many often treated as algae
–mastigophoran adjective

mastitis
n. : inflammation of the breast or udder usually caused by infection
–mas·tit·ic \-'sti-tik\ adjective

mastodon
n. 1 : any of various extinct mammals (genus Mammut syn. Mastodon) of the elephant family existing from the Miocene through the Pleistocene that are distinguished from the related mammoths chiefly by molar teeth with cone-shaped cusps
2 : one that is unusually large
–mas·to·don·ic \ˌmas-tə-'dä-nik\ adjective
–mas·to·dont \'mas-tə-ˌdänt\ adjective or noun

mastoid
n. 1 : being the process of the temporal bone behind the ear also : being any of several bony elements that occupy a similar position in the skull of lower vertebrates
2 : of, relating to, or occurring in the region of the mastoid process

mastoid
n. : a mastoid bone or process

mastoid cell
: one of the small cavities in the mastoid process that develop after birth and are filled with air

mastoidectomy
n. : surgical removal of part of the mastoid process of the temporal bone

mastoiditis
n. : inflammation of the mastoid and especially of the mastoid cells

masturbate
v. intransitive verb : to practice masturbation
transitive verb : to practice masturbation on
–mas·tur·ba·tor \-ˌbā-tər\ noun

masturbation
n. : erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occas. by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies

masturbatory
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving masturbation <masturbatory fantasies>
2 : excessively self-absorbed or self-indulgent <write tedious, masturbatory books⋯about themselves for people to read⋯with envy ― D. R. Katz>

Masuria
n. region NE Poland SE of Gulf of Gdańsk; formerly in E. Prussia, Germany
–Ma·su·ri·an \mə-'zu̇r-ē-ən, -'su̇r-\ adjective

mat
n. 1 a (1) : a piece of coarse, woven, plaited, or felted fabric used especially as a floor covering or a support (2) : a piece of material placed at a door for wiping soiled shoe soles b : a decorative piece of material used under a small item (as a dish) especially for support or protection c : a large thick pad or cushion used as a surface for wrestling, tumbling, and gymnastics
2 : something made up of densely tangled or adhering filaments or strands especially of organic matter <an algal mat> <a mat of unkempt hair>
3 : a large slab usually of reinforced concrete used as the supporting base of a building

mat
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide with a mat or matting
2 a : to form into a tangled mass <dirt and filth matted her hair> b : to pack down so as to form a dense mass
intransitive verb : to become matted

mat
n. 1 also matte or matt : to make (as a metal, glass, or color) matte
2 : to provide (a picture) with a mat

mat
n. variant of 2matte

mat
n. : a border going around a picture between picture and frame or serving as the frame

mat
n. : MATRIX 2A

mat
n. bath mat
go to the mat
place mat
welcome mat

Matabeleland
n. region SW Zimbabwe bet. the Limpopo & the Zambezi; chief town Bulawayo

Matadi
town & port W Democratic Republic of the Congo pop 172,926

matador
n. : a bullfighter who has the principal role and who kills the bull in a bullfight

Matagorda Bay
inlet of Gulf of Mexico 30 mi (48 km) long SE Tex.

Matamoros
city NE Mexico in Tamaulipas on Rio Grande opposite Brownsville, Tex. pop 363,487

Matanuska
river 90 mi (145 km) S Alaska flowing SW to head of Cook Inlet

Matanzas
city & port W Cuba on Straits of Florida E of Havana pop 113,724

Matapan
― see TAÍNARON

match
n. 1 a : a person or thing equal or similar to another b : one able to cope with another c : an exact counterpart
2 : a pair suitably associated <carpet and curtains are a match>
3 a : a contest between two or more parties <a golf match> <a soccer match> <a shouting match> b : a contest (as in tennis or volleyball) completed when one player or side wins a specified number of sets or games
4 a : a marriage union b : a prospective partner in marriage

match
n. 1 a : to encounter successfully as an antagonist b (1) : to set in competition or opposition (2) : to provide with a worthy competitor c : to set in comparison
2 : to join or give in marriage
3 a (1) : to put in a set possessing equal or harmonizing attributes (2) : to cause to correspond : SUIT <matched programs to local needs> b (1) : to be the counterpart of also : to compare favorably with (2) : to harmonize with <the jacket matched the pants> c : to provide with a counterpart d : to provide funds complementary to <employers may match the employee contribution ― D. J. Miller>
4 : to fit together or make suitable for fitting together
5 a : to flip or toss (coins) and compare exposed faces b : to toss coins with
intransitive verb : to be a counterpart
–match·able \'ma-chə-bəl\ adjective
–match·er noun

match
n. 1 : a chemically prepared wick or cord formerly used in firing firearms or powder
2 : a short slender piece of flammable material (as wood) tipped with a combustible mixture that bursts into flame when slightly heated through friction (as by being scratched against a rough surface)

match
n. book match
match play
match point
safety match
slanging match
slow match
test match

match play
: golf competition in which the winner is the person or team winning the greater number of holes ― compare STROKE PLAY

match point
: a situation (as in tennis) in which one player or side will win the match by winning the next point also : the point itself

matchboard
n. : a board with a groove cut along one edge and a tongue along the other so as to fit snugly with the edges of similarly cut boards

matchbook
n. : a small folder containing rows of paper matches

matchbox
n. : a box for matches

matchless
adj. : having no equal : PEERLESS <a matchless view of the valley>
–match·less·ly adverb

matchlock
n. 1 : a musket equipped with a matchlock
2 : a slow-burning match lowered over a hole in the breech of a musket to ignite the charge

matchmaker
n. : one that arranges a match especially : one who tries to bring two unmarried individuals together in an attempt to promote a marriage
–match·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

matchstick
n. 1 : a slender piece especially of wood from which a match is made
2 : something resembling a matchstick especially in slenderness <cut a carrot into matchsticks>

matchup
n. : 1MATCH

matchwood
n. : small pieces of wood : SPLINTERS

mate
n. : CHECKMATE 2

mate
n. : CHECKMATE 1

mate
n. 1 a (1) : ASSOCIATE, COMPANION (2) chiefly British : an assistant to a more skilled worker : HELPER (3) chiefly British : FRIEND, BUDDY ― often used as a familiar form of address b archaic : MATCH, PEER
2 : a deck officer on a merchant ship ranking below the captain
3 : one of a pair: as a : either member of a couple and especially a married couple b : either member of a breeding pair of animals c : either of two matched objects

mate
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : EQUAL, MATCH
2 : to join or fit together : COUPLE
3 a : to join together as mates b : to provide a mate for
intransitive verb
1 : to become mated <gears that mate well>
2 : COPULATE

mate
n. 1 : a tealike beverage drunk especially in So. America
2 : a So. American shrub or tree (Ilex paraguariensis) of the holly family whose leaves and shoots are used in making maté also : these leaves and shoots

mate
n. aerographer's mate
age mate
running mate
soul mate
yerba mate
yerba maté

matelot
n. British : SAILOR

matelote
n. : a stew made usually of fish in a seasoned wine sauce

mater
n. chiefly British : MOTHER

mater
n. alma mater
dura mater
pia mater
Stabat Mater

materfamilias
n. : a woman who is head of a household

materia medica
1 : substances used in the composition of medical remedies : DRUGS, MEDICINE
2 a : a branch of medical science that deals with the sources, nature, properties, and preparation of drugs b : a treatise on materia medica

material
n. 1 a (1) : relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter especially : PHYSICAL <the material world> (2) : BODILY <material needs> b (1) : of or relating to matter rather than form <material cause> (2) : of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning especially : EMPIRICAL <material knowledge>
2 : having real importance or great consequences <facts material to the investigation>
3 a : being of a physical or worldly nature b : relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things <material progress>
–ma·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–ma·te·ri·al·ness noun
synonyms MATERIAL, PHYSICAL, CORPOREAL, PHENOMENAL, SENSIBLE, OBJECTIVE mean of or belonging to actuality. MATERIAL implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping <material values>. PHYSICAL applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary <the physical benefits of exercise>. CORPOREAL implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force <artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings>. PHENOMENAL applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction <scientists concerned with the phenomenal world>. SENSIBLE stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses <the earth's rotation is not sensible to us>. OBJECTIVE may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it <no objective evidence of damage>. synonym see in addition RELEVANT

material
n. 1 a (1) : the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made (2) : matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized <sticky material> <explosive materials> b (1) : something (as data) that may be worked into a more finished form <material for a biography> (2) : something used for or made the object of study <material for the next semester> (3) : a performer's repertoire <a comedian's material> c : MATTER 3B d : CLOTH e : a person potentially suited to some pursuit <varsity material> <leadership material>
2 a : apparatus necessary for doing or making something <writing materials> b : MATÉRIEL

material
n. raw material
materials science
materials scientist

materialise
v. British variant of materialize

materialism
n. 1 a : a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter b : a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress c : a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused ― compare HISTORICAL MATERIALISM
2 : a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things
–ma·te·ri·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–ma·te·ri·al·is·tic \-ˌtir-ē-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–ma·te·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

materiality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being material
2 : something that is material

materialization
n. 1 : the action of materializing or becoming materialized
2 : something that has been materialized especially : APPARITION

materialize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make material : OBJECTIFY b : to cause to appear in bodily form <materialize the spirits of the dead>
2 : to cause to be materialistic
intransitive verb
1 : to assume bodily form
2 a : to appear especially suddenly b : to come into existence
–ma·te·ri·al·iz·er noun

materials science
: the scientific study of the properties and applications of materials of construction or manufacture (as ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites)
–materials scientist noun

materiel
n. : equipment, apparatus, and supplies used by an organization or institution

maternal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : MOTHERLY
2 a : related through a mother <his maternal aunt> b : inherited or derived from the female parent <maternal genes>
–ma·ter·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

maternity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being a mother : MOTHERHOOD b : the qualities of a mother : MOTHERLINESS
2 : a hospital facility designed for the care of women before and during childbirth and for the care of newborn babies

maternity
n. 1 : designed for wear during pregnancy <a maternity dress>
2 : effective for the period close to and including childbirth <maternity leave>

matey
n. chiefly British : COMPANIONABLE
–mat·ey·ness \-nəs\ noun chiefly British

math
n. : MATHEMATICS

math
n. mathematical; mathematician

mathematical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or according with mathematics
2 a : rigorously exact : PRECISE b : CERTAIN
3 : possible but highly improbable <only a mathematical chance>
–math·e·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mathematical
adj. mathematical induction
mathematical expectation
mathematical logic

mathematical expectation
: EXPECTED VALUE

mathematical induction
: INDUCTION 2B

mathematical logic
: SYMBOLIC LOGIC

mathematician
n. : a specialist or expert in mathematics

mathematics
n. 1 : the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations
2 : a branch of, operation in, or use of mathematics <the mathematics of physical chemistry>

mathematization
: reduction to mathematical form
–math·e·ma·tize \'math-mə-ˌtiz, 'ma-thə-\ verb

Mather
n. Cotton 1663-1728 American clergyman & author

Mather
n. Increase 1639-1723 father of Cotton American clergyman & author; pres. Harvard College (1685-1701)

maths
n. chiefly British : MATHEMATICS

Mathura
city N India in W Uttar Pradesh NW of Agra pop 298,827

matin
n. : of or relating to matins or to early morning

matinal
adj. 1 : of or relating to matins
2 : EARLY

matinee
n. : a musical or dramatic performance or social or public event held in the daytime and especially the afternoon

matinee idol
: a handsome male performer

matins
n. 1 : the night office forming with lauds the first of the canonical hours
2 : MORNING PRAYER

Matisse
n. Henri (-Émile-Benoît) 1869-1954 Fr. painter

Matlock
town N England capital of Derbyshire pop 20,610

Mato
Mato Tepee
Mato Grosso
Mato Grosso do Sul

Mato Grosso
1 state SW Brazil capital Cuiabá area 352,400 sq mi (912,716 sq km), pop 2,504,353
2 plateau region in E cen Mato Grosso state

Mato Grosso do Sul
state SW Brazil capital Campo Grande area 140,219 sq mi (350,548 sq km), pop 2,078,001

Mato Tepee
― see DEVILS TOWER

matr
: mother <matriarch> <matronymic>

matriarch
n. : a woman who rules or dominates a family, group, or state specifically : a mother who is head and ruler of her family and descendants
–ma·tri·ar·chal \ˌmā-trē-'är-kəl\ adjective

matriarchate
n. : MATRIARCHY 1

matriarchy
n. 1 : a family, group, or state governed by a matriarch
2 : a system of social organization in which descent and inheritance are traced through the female line

matricide
n. 1 [Latin matricidium, from matr- + -cidium -cide] : murder of a mother by her son or daughter
2 [Latin matricida, from matr- + -cida -cide] : one that murders his or her mother
–ma·tri·cid·al \ˌma-trə-'sī-dəl, ˌmā-\ adjective

matriculate
v. transitive verb : to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university
intransitive verb : to become matriculated
–ma·tric·u·lant \-lənt\ noun
–ma·tric·u·la·tion \-ˌtri-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

matrilineal
adj. : relating to, based on, or tracing descent through the maternal line <matrilineal society>
–ma·tri·lin·eal·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

matrimonial
adj. : of or relating to marriage, the married state, or married persons
–mat·ri·mo·nial·ly adverb

matrimony
n. : the union of man and woman as husband and wife : MARRIAGE

matrimony vine
: a shrub or vine (genus Lycium) of the nightshade family with often showy flowers and usually red berries

matrix
n. 1 : something within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form
2 a : a mold from which a relief surface (as a piece of type) is made b : DIE 3A(1) c : an engraved or inscribed die or stamp d : an electroformed impression of a phonograph record used for mass-producing duplicates of the original
3 a : the natural material (as soil or rock) in which something (as a fossil or crystal) is embedded b : material in which something is enclosed or embedded (as for protection or study)
4 a : the extracellular substance in which tissue cells (as of connective tissue) are embedded b : the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops
5 a : a rectangular array of mathematical elements (as the coefficients of simultaneous linear equations) that can be combined to form sums and products with similar arrays having an appropriate number of rows and columns b : something resembling a mathematical matrix especially in rectangular arrangement of elements into rows and columns c : an array of circuit elements (as diodes and transistors) for performing a specific function
6 : a main clause that contains a subordinate clause

matrix
n. active matrix
augmented matrix
diagonal matrix
dot matrix
Hermitian matrix
identity matrix
passive matrix
square matrix
symmetric matrix

matron
n. 1 a : a married woman usually marked by dignified maturity or social distinction b : a woman who supervises women or children (as in a school or police station) c : the chief officer in a women's organization
2 : a female animal kept for breeding

matron of honor

1903
: a bride's principal married wedding attendant ― compare MAID OF HONOR

matronly
adv. : having the character of or suitable to a matron

matronymic
adj. : a name derived from that of the mother or a maternal ancestor

Matruh
town NW Egypt

Matsu
island off SE China in Taiwan Strait; administered by Taiwan pop 11,002

Matsudo
city Japan on Honshu, a suburb of Tokyo pop 464,841

Matsuo
Ba·shō \'bä-ˌshō\ 1644-1694 pseud. of Matsuo Munefusa Jp. haiku poet

Matsushima
group of over 200 islets Japan off N Honshu NE of Sendai

matsutake
n. : a large brownish edible Japanese mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) having firm flesh and a spicy aroma also : a large whitish mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelere syn. Armillaria ponderosa) of northern No. America that is similar to the Japanese matsutake

Matsuyama
n. city & port Japan in W Shikoku pop 473,379

Matt
n. Matthew

Mattagami
river 275 mi (442 km) Canada in E Ont.

Mattaponi
river 125 mi (201 km) E Va.

matte
n. variant of 3mat1

matte
n. : lacking or deprived of luster or gloss: as a : having a usually smooth even surface free from shine or highlights <matte metals> <a matte finish> b : having a rough or granular surface

matte
n. 1 : a crude mixture of sulfides formed in smelting sulfide ores of metals (as copper, lead, or nickel)
2 : a motion-picture effect in which part of a scene is blocked out and later replaced by footage containing other material (as a background painting)

matte
n. bath mat
go to the mat
place mat
welcome mat

Matteotti
Giacomo 1885-1924 Ital. socialist

matter
n. 1 a : a subject under consideration b : a subject of disagreement or litigation c plural : the events or circumstances of a particular situation d : the subject or substance of a discourse or writing e : something of an indicated kind or having to do with an indicated field or situation <this is a serious matter> <as a matter of policy> <matters of faith> f : something to be proved in law g obsolete : sensible or serious material as distinguished from nonsense or drollery h (1) obsolete : REASON, CAUSE (2) : a source especially of feeling or emotion i : PROBLEM, DIFFICULTY
2 a : the substance of which a physical object is composed b : material substance that occupies space, has mass, and is composed predominantly of atoms consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons, that constitutes the observable universe, and that is interconvertible with energy c : a material substance of a particular kind or for a particular purpose <vegetable matter> d (1) : material (as feces or urine) discharged from the living body (2) : material discharged by suppuration : PUS
3 a : the indeterminate subject of reality especially : the element in the universe that undergoes formation and alteration b : the formless substratum of all things which exists only potentially and upon which form acts to produce realities
4 : a more or less definite amount or quantity <cooks in a matter of minutes>
5 : something written or printed
6 : MAIL
7 Christian Science : the illusion that the objects perceived by the physical senses have the reality of substance
–as a matter of fact : in fact : ACTUALLY
–for that matter : so far as that is concerned
–no matter : without regard to : irrespective of <points in the same direction no matter how it is tilted>
–no matter what : regardless of the costs, consequences, or results <wants to win, no matter what>
–the matter : WRONG <nothing's the matter with me>

matter
n. 1 : to form or discharge pus : SUPPURATE <mattering wound>
2 : to be of importance : SIGNIFY

matter
n. back matter
conservation of matter
dark matter
front matter
gray matter
laughing matter
the matter
no matter what
no matter
for that matter
as a matter of fact
matter of course
matter of fact
matter of factness
matter of factly
printed matter
subject matter
white matter

matter of course

1739
: something that is to be expected as a natural or logical consequence

matter-of-fact
: adhering to the unembellished facts also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional
–mat·ter-of-fact·ly \-'fak(t)-lē\ adverb
–mat·ter-of-fact·ness \-'fak(t)-nəs\ noun

Matterhorn
n. mountain 14,691 ft (4478 m) in Pennine Alps on border bet. Switzerland & Italy

mattery
adj. : producing or containing pus or material resembling pus <eyes all mattery>

Matthean
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the evangelist Matthew or the gospel ascribed to him

Matthew
n. 1 : an apostle traditionally identified as the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament
2 : the first Gospel in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Matthews
n. (James) Brander 1852-1929 American educ. & author

matting
n. 1 : material for mats
2 : MATS

matting
n. : a dull lusterless surface (as on gilding, metalwork, or satin)

mattins
n.

Usage:

often cap

chiefly British variant of matins

mattock
n. : a digging and grubbing tool with features of an adze and an ax or pick

mattress
n. 1 a : a fabric case filled with resilient material (as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bedstead b : an inflatable airtight sack for use as a mattress
2 : a device (as of interwoven brush and poles) used to protect a shoreline, bank, or streambed from erosion

maturate
v. : MATURE

maturation
n. 1 a : the process of becoming mature b : the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes c : the final stages of differentiation of cells, tissues, or organs
2 a : the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological and structural changes b : SPERMIOGENESIS
–mat·u·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

mature
adj. 1 : based on slow careful consideration <a mature judgment>
2 a (1) : having completed natural growth and development : RIPE (2) : having undergone maturation b : having attained a final or desired state <mature wine> c : having achieved a low but stable growth rate <paper is a mature industry> d : of, relating to, or being an older adult : ELDERLY <airline discounts for mature travelers>
3 a : of or relating to a condition of full development b : characteristic of or suitable to a mature individual <mature outlook> <a show with mature content>
4 : due for payment <a mature loan>
5 : belonging to the middle portion of a cycle of erosion
–ma·ture·ly adverb

mature
adj. transitive verb : to bring to maturity or completion
intransitive verb
1 : to become fully developed or ripe
2 : to become due

Maturin
city NE Venezuela pop 207,382

maturity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being mature especially : full development
2 : termination of the period that an obligation has to run

matutinal
adj. : of, relating to, or occurring in the morning : EARLY
–ma·tu·ti·nal·ly adverb

MATV
master antenna television

matzo
n. 1 : unleavened bread eaten especially at the Passover
2 : a wafer of matzo

matzo ball
: a small ball-shaped dumpling made from matzo meal

mau
mau mau
mau mauing
mau maued
ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono

mau-mau
transitive verb : to intimidate (as an official) by hostile confrontation or threats
intransitive verb : to engage in mau-mauing someone

maudlin
adj. 1 : drunk enough to be emotionally silly
2 : weakly and effusively sentimental

Maugham
n. (William) Somerset 1874-1965 Eng. nov. & dram.

maugre
archaic : in spite of

Maui
n. island Hawaii NW of Hawaii (island) area 728 sq mi (1893 sq km)

maul
n. : a heavy often wooden-headed hammer used especially for driving wedges also : a tool like a sledgehammer with one wedge-shaped end that is used to split wood

maul
n. 1 : BEAT, BRUISE
2 : MANGLE 1
3 : to handle roughly
–maul·er noun

maulstick
n. : a stick used by painters as a rest for the hand while working

Maumee
n. river 175 mi (282 km) NE Ind. & NW Ohio flowing NE into Lake Erie at Toledo

maun
n. chiefly Scottish : MUST

Mauna Kea
extinct volcano 13,796 ft (4205 m) Hawaii in N cen Hawaii (island)

Mauna Loa
volcano 13,680 ft (4170 m) Hawaii in S cen Hawaii (island) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

maunder
v. 1 chiefly British : GRUMBLE
2 : to wander slowly and idly
3 : to speak indistinctly or disconnectedly
–maun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

Maundy Thursday
: the Thursday before Easter observed in commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist

Maupassant
n. (Henri-René-Albert-) Guy de 1850-1893 Fr. writer

Maures, Monts des
mountains SE France at W end of the Riviera

Mauretania
n. ancient country N Africa W of Numidia in modern Morocco & W Algeria
–Mau·re·ta·ni·an or Mau·ri·ta·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Mauriac
n. François 1885-1970 Fr. author

Maurice
n. 1521-1553 elector of Saxony (1547-53) & gen.

Maurice
n. Maurice of Nassau
Saint Maurice
Saint Moritz
Sankt Moritz

Maurice of Nassau
n. 1567-1625 Prince of Orange Du. gen. & statesman

Mauritania
n. country NW Africa bordering on the Atlantic N of Senegal River; a republic within the French Community, formerly a territory capital Nouakchott area 397,955 sq mi (1,030,807 sq km), pop 2,171,000
–Mau·ri·ta·ni·an \ˌmȯr-ə-'tā-nē-ən, ˌmär-, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Mauritius
n. island in Indian Ocean in cen Mascarenes; constitutes with Rodrigues & other dependencies a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Port Louis area 720 sq mi (1872 sq km), pop 1,210,196
–Mau·ri·tian \-'ri-shən\ adjective or noun

Maurois
André 1885-1967 pseud. of Émile-Salomon-Wilhelm Her·zog \er-zȯg\ Fr. writer

Maury
n. Matthew Fontaine 1806-1873 American naval officer & oceanographer

Mauser
n. Peter Paul 1838-1914 & his bro. Wilhelm 1834-1882 Ger. inventors

mausoleum
n. 1 : a large tomb especially : a usually stone building with places for entombment of the dead above ground
2 : a large gloomy building or room

mauvais quart d'heure
: bad quarter hour : an uncomfortable though brief experience

mauvaise honte
: bad shame : bashfulness

mauve
n. 1 a : a moderate purple, violet, or lilac color b : a strong purple
2 : a dyestuff that produces a mauve color
–mauve adjective

maven
n. : one who is experienced or knowledgeable : EXPERT also : FREAK 4A

maverick
n. 1 : an unbranded range animal especially : a motherless calf
2 : an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party

maverick
n. : characteristic of, suggestive of, or inclined to be a maverick

mavis
n. : SONG THRUSH

mavourneen
Irish : my darling

maw
n. 1 : the receptacle into which food is taken by swallowing: a : STOMACH b : CROP
2 a : the throat, gullet, or jaws especially of a voracious animal b : something suggestive of a gaping maw

mawkish
adj. 1 : having an insipid often unpleasant taste
2 : sickly or puerilely sentimental
–mawk·ish·ly adverb
–mawk·ish·ness noun

Mawson
Sir Douglas 1882-1958 Austral. polar explorer

max
adj. 1 : MAXIMUM 1
2 : MAXIMUM 2
–max adjective
–to the max : to the greatest extent possible

max
adj. to the max
max out
VO2 max
VO max

max out
: to reach an upper limit or a peak <the car maxed out at 85 mph>
transitive verb : to push to a limit or an extreme also : to use up all available credit on <maxed out the credit cards>

maxi
n. : a long skirt, dress, or coat

maxi
n. 1 : extra long <maxiskirt>
2 : extra large <maxi-problems>

maxilla
n. 1 a : JAW 1A b (1) : an upper jaw especially of humans and other mammals in which the bony elements are closely fused (2) : either of the two bones that lie with one on each side of the upper jaw lateral to the premaxilla and that in higher vertebrates bear most of the teeth
2 : one of the first or second pair of mouthparts posterior to the mandibles in many arthropods (as insects or crustaceans)
–max·il·lary \'mak-sə-ˌler-ē, chiefly Brit mak-'si-lə-rē\ adjective or noun

maxilliped
n. : any of the crustacean appendages that comprise the first pair or first three pairs situated next behind the maxillae

maxillofacial
adj. : of, relating to, or treating the maxilla and the face <maxillofacial surgeons>

Maxim
n. Sir Hiram Stevens 1840-1916 Brit. (Am.-born) inventor

Maxim
n. Hudson 1853-1927 bro. of Sir Hiram American inventor

maxim
n. 1 : a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct
2 : a proverbial saying

maximal
adj. 1 : being an upper limit : HIGHEST
2 : most comprehensive : COMPLETE
–max·i·mal·ly adverb

maximalist
n. : one who advocates immediate and direct action to secure the whole of a program or set of goals
–maximalist adjective

Maximilian
n. 1832-1867 bro. of Francis Joseph I of Austria emp. of Mexico (1864-67)

Maximilian
n. 1459-1519 Holy Rom. emp. (1493-1519)

Maximilian
n. 1527-1576 Holy Rom. emp. (1564-76)

maximin
n. : the maximum of a set of minima especially : the largest of a set of minimum possible gains each of which occurs in the least advantageous outcome of a strategy followed by a participant in a situation governed by game theory ― compare MINIMAX

maximise
v. British variant of maximize

maximize
v. 1 : to increase to a maximum
2 : to make the most of
3 : to find a maximum value of
–max·i·mi·za·tion \ˌmak-sə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun
–max·i·miz·er \'mak-sə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

maximum
n. 1 a : the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained b : the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2 : an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3 : the largest of a set of numbers specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
–maximum adjective

maximum likelihood
: a statistical method for estimating population parameters (as the mean and variance) from sample data that selects as estimates those parameter values maximizing the probability of obtaining the observed data

maxixe
n. : a ballroom dance of Brazilian origin that resembles the two-step

Maxwell
n. James Clerk \'klärk\ 1831-1879 Scot. physicist
–Max·wel·li·an \maks-'we-lē-ən\ adjective

maxwell
n. : the centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic unit of magnetic flux equal to the flux per square centimeter of normal cross section in a region where the magnetic induction is one gauss : 10-8 weber

May
n. 1 : the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar
2 often not capitalized : the early vigorous blooming part of human life : PRIME
3 : the festivities of May Day
4 not capitalized a : green or flowering branches used for May Day decorations b : a plant that yields may: as (1) : HAWTHORN (2) : a spring-flowering spirea

May
n. Sir Thomas Erskine 1815-1886 1st Baron Farn·bor·ough \'färn-ˌbər-ə, -ˌbə-rə, -b(ə-)rə\ Eng. jurist

may
n. 1 a archaic : have the ability to b : have permission to <you may go now> : be free to <a rug on which children may sprawl ― C. E. Silberman> ― used nearly interchangeably with can c ― used to indicate possibility or probability <you may be right> <things you may need> ― sometimes used interchangeably with can <one of those slipups that may happen from time to time ― Jessica Mitford> ― sometimes used where might would be expected <you may think from a little distance that the country was solid woods ― Robert Frost>
2 ― used in auxiliary function to express a wish or desire especially in prayer, imprecation, or benediction <longitude may he reign> <may the best man win>
3 ― used in auxiliary function expressing purpose or expectation <I laugh that I may not weep> or contingency <she'll do her duty come what may> or concession <he may be slow but he is thorough> or choice <the angler may catch them with a dip net, or he may cast a large, bare treble hook ― Nelson Bryant>
4 : SHALL, MUST ― used in law where the sense, purpose, or policy requires this interpretation
usage see CAN

may
n. archaic : MAIDEN

may
n. devil may care
May Day
May Cape

May Day
: May 1 celebrated as a springtime festival and in some countries as Labor Day

May, Cape
cape S N.J. at entrance to Delaware Bay

Maya
n. 1 a : a Mayan language of the ancient Maya peoples recorded in inscriptions b : YUCATEC especially : the older form of that language known from documents of the Spanish period
2 : a member of a group of Indian peoples chiefly of Yucatán, Belize, and Guatemala whose languages are Mayan

maya
n. : the sense-world of manifold phenomena held in Vedanta to conceal the unity of absolute being broadly : ILLUSION

Mayaguana
island in SE Bahamas NNE of Great Inagua Is. area 110 sq mi (285 sq km)

Mayaguez
city & port W Puerto Rico pop 98,434

Mayakovski
Vladimir Vladimirovich 1893-1930 Russ. poet

Mayan
n. 1 : a member of the peoples speaking Mayan languages
2 : an extensive language family of Central America and Mexico
–Mayan adjective

Mayanist
: a specialist in Mayan civilization and often languages

Mayapan
ruined city capital of the Mayas SE Mexico in Yucatán SSE of Mérida

mayapple
n. : a No. American herb (Podophyllum peltatum) of the barberry family with a poisonous rootstock, one or two large-lobed peltate leaves, and a single large white flower followed by a yellow egg-shaped edible fruit also : its fruit

maybe
adv. : PERHAPS

maybe
adv. : UNCERTAINTY

Mayday
n. ― an international radio-telephone signal word used as a distress call

Mayence
― see MAINZ

Mayenne
river 125 mi (201 km) NW France uniting with the Sarthe to form the Maine \'mān, 'men\ (8 mi or 13 km long, flowing into the Loire)

mayest
v. archaic present 2d singular of may

Mayfair
n. district of W London, England, in Westminster borough

mayflower
n. : any of various spring-blooming plants especially : ARBUTUS 2

mayfly
n. : any of an order (Ephemeroptera) of insects with an aquatic nymph and a short-lived fragile adult having membranous wings and two or three long caudal styles ― called also ephemerid

mayhap
adv. : PERHAPS

mayhem
n. 1 a : willful and permanent deprivation of a bodily member resulting in the impairment of a person's fighting ability b : willful and permanent crippling, mutilation, or disfigurement of any part of the body
2 : needless or willful damage or violence

maying
n. : the celebrating of May Day

Maykop
n. city S Russia in Europe capital of Adygeya pop 163,000

mayn't
v. : may not

Maynooth
n. town E Ireland in County Kildare pop 4768

Mayo
Charles Horace 1865-1939 & his bro. William James 1861-1939 American surgeons

Mayo
1 \'mī-(ˌ)ō\ river 250 mi (402 km) NW Mexico in Sonora flowing SW into Gulf of California
2 \'mā-(ˌ)ō\ county NW Ireland in Connacht capital Castlebar area 2084 sq mi (5418 sq km), pop 117,446

mayo
: MAYONNAISE

Mayon
volcano 8077 ft (2462 m) Philippines in SE Luzon

mayonnaise
n. : a dressing made of egg yolks, vegetable oils, and vinegar or lemon juice

mayor
n. : an official elected or appointed to act as chief executive or nominal head of a city, town, or borough
–may·or·al \'mā-ə-rəl, 'mer-əl; ˌmā-'ȯr-əl\ adjective

mayoralty
n. : the office or term of office of a mayor

mayoress
n. chiefly British
1 : the wife or official hostess of a mayor
2 : a woman holding the office of mayor

Mayotte
n. island of the Comoros; a French dependency area 144 sq mi (374 sq km), pop 90,000 ― see COMOROS

maypole
n. : a tall flower-wreathed pole forming a center for May Day sports and dances

maypop
n. : a climbing perennial passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) of the southern U.S. with a large ovoid yellow edible but insipid berry also : its fruit

Mayr
n. Ernst 1904-     American (Ger.-born) biol.

Maytime
: the month of May

Maywood
1 city SW Calif. SE of downtown Los Angeles pop 28,083
2 village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 26,987

Mayyali
― see MAHÉ 2

Mazaca
― see KAYSERI

mazard
chiefly dialect : HEAD, FACE

Mazarin
n. Jules 1602-1661 Fr. cardinal & statesman

Mazatlan
city & port W Mexico in Sinaloa on the Pacific pop 357,619

maze
n. 1 chiefly dialect : STUPEFY, DAZE
2 : BEWILDER, PERPLEX

maze
n. 1 a : a confusing intricate network of passages b : something confusingly elaborate or complicated <a maze of regulations>
2 chiefly dialect : a state of bewilderment
–maze·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

mazel tov
― used to express congratulations

mazer
n. : a large drinking bowl orig. of a hard wood

Mazowiecki
Tadeusz 1927-     prime min. of Poland (1989-91)

mazurka
n. 1 : a Polish folk dance in moderate triple measure
2 : music for the mazurka or in its rhythm usually in moderate 3/4 or 3/8 time

mazy
adj. : resembling a maze

mazzard
n. : SWEET CHERRY especially : wild or seedling sweet cherry used as a rootstock for grafting

mazzard
n. variant of mazard

Mazzini
n. Giuseppe 1805-1872 Ital. patriot

maître
maître d's
maître d'
maître d'hôtel butter
maître d'hôtel
petit maître
coup de maître

MB
n. 1 bachelor of medicine
2 Manitoba
3 megabyte
4 municipal borough

Mb
n. megabit

mb
n. millibar

MBA
master of business administration

Mbabane
n. town capital of Swaziland pop 57,992

Mbandaka
city W Democratic Republic of the Congo on Congo River pop 165,623

mbaqanga
n. : a South African dance music that combines traditional elements (as chanting and drumming) with elements of modern music (as jazz)

MBD
minimal brain dysfunction

mbd
million barrels per day

MBE
member of the Order of the British Empire

Mbeki
Thabo 1942-     pres. of So. Africa (1999-    )

Mbini
mainland portion of Equatorial Guinea bordering on Gulf of Guinea capital Bata area 10,040 sq mi (26,104 sq km)

mbira
n. : an African musical instrument that consists of a wooden or gourd resonator and a varying number of tuned metal or wooden strips that vibrate when plucked

MBO
management by objective

Mbomou
― see BOMU

Mbps
megabits per second

MBS
Mutual Broadcasting System

Mbuji-Mayi
city S Democratic Republic of the Congo pop 613,027

MC
n. : MASTER OF CEREMONIES

MC
n. member of Congress

Mc
n. ― used to indicate an inexpensive, convenient, or easy but usually low-quality or commercialized version of something specified <McBook> <McDoctor>

mc
n. 1 megacycle
2 millicurie

McAdoo
William Gibbs 1863-1941 American administrator

McAllen
city S Tex. WNW of Brownsville pop 106,414

MCAT
Medical College Admission Test

MCC
mission control center

McCarthy
n. Eugene Joseph 1916-     American polit.

McCarthy
n. Joseph Raymond 1908-1957 American polit.

McCarthy
n. Mary Therese 1912-1989 American writer

McCarthyism
n. : a mid-20th century political attitude characterized chiefly by opposition to elements held to be subversive and by the use of tactics involving personal attacks on individuals by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations especially on the basis of unsubstantiated charges broadly : defamation of character or reputation through McCarthyite tactics
–McCarthyist adjective
–Mc·Car·thy·ite \-ˌīt\ noun or adjective

McClellan
George Brinton 1826-1885 American gen. & polit.

McClintock
Barbara 1902-1992 American botanist

McCloskey
John 1810-1885 1st American cardinal

McCloy
John Jay 1895-1989 American banker & govt. official

McClure
Samuel Sidney 1857-1949 American (Irish-born) editor & publisher

McCormack
John 1884-1945 American (Irish-born) tenor

McCormack
John William 1891-1980 American polit.

McCormick
Cyrus Hall 1809-1884 American inventor

McCormick
Robert Rutherford 1880-1955 American newspaper publisher

McCoy
n. : something that is neither imitation nor substitute ― often used in the phrase the real McCoy

McCullers
n. Carson 1917-1967 née Smith American writer

McDowell
Irvin 1818-1885 American gen.

McFadden
Daniel L. 1937-     American econ.

mcg
microgram

McGill
n. James 1744-1813 Canad. (Scot.-born) businessman & philanthropist

McGovern
George Stanley 1922-     American polit.

McGuffey
William Holmes 1800-1873 American educ.

McGuffin
n. variant of Macguffin

McIntosh
n. : a juicy bright red eating apple with a thin skin, white flesh, and aromatic slightly tart flavor

McJob
n. : a low-paying job that requires little skill and provides little opportunity for advancement

McKeesport
city SW Pa. S of Pittsburgh pop 24,040

McKenna
Sio·bhan \shə-'vȯn\ 1923?-1986 Irish actress

McKim
Charles Follen 1847-1909 American architect

McKinley
n. William 1843-1901 25th pres. of the U.S. (1897-1901)

McKinley, Mount
mountain 20,320 ft (6194 m) cen Alaska in Alaska Range; highest in U.S. & N. America; in Denali National Park

McKinney
city NE Tex. N of Dallas pop 54,369

MCL
Marine Corps League

McLuhan
n. (Herbert) Marshall 1911-1980 Canad. educ.

McMahon
Sir William 1908-1988 prime min. of Australia (1971-72)

McMillan
Edwin Mattison 1907-1991 Am. chem.

McMinnville
city NW Oreg. NW of Salem pop 26,499

McMurdo Sound
inlet of W Ross Sea Antarctica bet. Ross Is. & coast of Victoria Land

McNamara
n. Robert Strange 1916-     U.S. secy. of defense (1961-68)

McNaughton
Andrew George Latta 1887-1966 Canad. gen. & diplomat

MCP
male chauvinist pig

MCPO
master chief petty officer

MD
n. 1 [New Latin medicinae doctor] doctor of medicine
2 [Italian mano destra] right hand
3 Maryland
4 medical department
5 minidisc
6 months after date
7 muscular dystrophy

Md
n. Maryland

Md
n. mendelevium

MDC
more developed country

MDiv
master of divinity

MDMA
: ECSTASY 4

mdse
merchandise

MDT
mountain daylight time

ME
pron. 1 or Me Maine
2 managing editor
3 mechanical engineer
4 medical examiner

Me
pron. methyl

me
pron.
usage Me is used in many constructions where strict grammarians prescribe I. This usage is not so much ungrammatical as indicative of the shrinking range of the nominative form: me began to replace I sometime around the 16th century largely because of the pressure of word order. I is now chiefly used as the subject of an immediately following verb. Me occurs in every other position: absolutely <who, me?>, emphatically <me too>, and after prepositions, conjunctions, and verbs, including be <come with me> <you're as big as me> <it's me>. Almost all usage books recognize the legitimacy of me in these positions, especially in speech; some recommend I in formal and especially written contexts after be and after as and than when the first term of the comparison is the subject of a verb.

me
pron. forget me not
hand me down
so help me
hug me tight
me too
me tooism
me tooer
noli me tangere
pick me up
reach me down
show me
touch me not
homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto
me judice
nemo me impune lacessit
vade retro me Satana
Me Nam

me judice
: I being judge : in my judgment

Me Nam
n. ― see CHAO PHRAYA

me-too
1 : marked by similarity to or by adoption of successful or persuasive policies or practices used or promoted by someone else
2 : similar or identical to an established product (as a drug) with no significant advantage over it
–me-too·er \-ər\ noun
–me-too·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

mea culpa
: a formal acknowledgment of personal fault or error

Mead
n. Margaret 1901-1978 American anthropol.

mead
n. : a fermented beverage made of water and honey, malt, and yeast

mead
n. archaic : MEADOW

Mead, Lake
reservoir NW Ariz. & SE Nev. formed by Hoover Dam in Colorado River

Meade
George Gordon 1815-1872 American gen.

Meade
James Edward 1907-1995 Brit. econ.

meadow
n. : land in or predominantly in grass especially : a tract of moist low-lying usually level grassland
–mead·owy \'me-də-wē\ adjective

meadow
n. meadow beauty
meadow fescue
meadow grass
meadow mushroom
meadow nematode
meadow rue
meadow saffron
meadow spittlebug
meadow vole
meadow mouse
Rolling Meadows

meadow beauty
: any of a genus (Rhexia of the family Melastomaceae, the meadow-beauty family) of perennial No. American herbs with showy solitary or cymose flowers

meadow fescue
: a tall vigorous broad-leaved European fescue grass (Festuca pratensis) cultivated for forage and hay

meadow grass
: any of various grasses (as of the genus Poa) that thrive in the presence of abundant moisture especially : KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS

meadow mushroom
: a common edible brown-spored agaric (Agaricus campestris) that occurs in moist open organically rich soil and is often cultivated

meadow nematode
: any of numerous plant-parasitic nematodes (esp. genus Pratylenchus) that are destructive to plant roots

meadow rue
: any of a genus (Thalictrum) of widely distributed perennial herbs of the buttercup family growing in typically damp areas

meadow saffron
: AUTUMN CROCUS

meadow spittlebug
: a widely distributed spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) that does severe damage especially to grasses

meadow vole
: any of various voles (genus Microtus) that frequent open fields especially : one (M. pennsylvanicus) that is widespread in No. America ― called also meadow mouse

meadowfoam
: any of a genus (Limnanthes of the family Limnanthaceae) of annual herbs of the Pacific coast of No. America having white or yellow flowers and including some (as L. alba) grown for their seeds which yield an oil used chiefly as an industrial lubricant and in cosmetics

meadowland
n. : land that is or is used for meadow

meadowlark
n. : any of several American songbirds (genus Sturnella of the family Icteridae) that are streaked brown above and in northernmost forms have a yellow breast marked with a black crescent

meadowsweet
n. 1 : any of several spireas especially : a No. American native or naturalized spirea (as Spiraea alba and S. latifolia)
2 : any of a genus (Filipendula) of herbs closely related to the spireas

meager
adj. 1 : having little flesh : THIN
2 a : lacking desirable qualities (as richness or strength) <leading a meager life> b : deficient in quality or quantity <a meager diet>
–mea·ger·ly adverb
–mea·ger·ness noun
synonyms MEAGER, SCANTY, SCANT, SKIMPY, SPARE, SPARSE mean falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable. MEAGER implies the absence of elements, qualities, or numbers necessary to a thing's richness, substance, or potency <a meager portion of meat>. SCANTY stresses insufficiency in amount, quantity, or extent <supplies too scanty to last the winter>. SCANT suggests a falling short of what is desired or desirable rather than of what is essential <in January the daylight hours are scant>. SKIMPY usually suggests niggardliness or penury as the cause of the deficiency <tacky housing developments on skimpy lots>. SPARE may suggest a slight falling short of adequacy or merely an absence of superfluity <a spare, concise style of writing>. SPARSE implies a thin scattering of units <a sparse population>.

meal
n. 1 : an act or the time of eating a portion of food to satisfy appetite
2 : the portion of food eaten at a meal

meal
n. 1 : the usually coarsely ground and unbolted seeds of a cereal grass or pulse especially : CORNMEAL
2 : a product resembling seed meal especially in particle size or texture

meal
n. : by a (specified) portion or measure at a time <piecemeal>

meal
n. fish meal
Indian meal
meal ticket
meals on wheels

meal ticket
: one that serves as the ultimate source of one's income <an advanced degree was his meal ticket>

mealie
n. South African : INDIAN CORN also : an ear of Indian corn

meals-on-wheels
: a service that delivers daily hot meals to the homes of elderly or disabled people

mealtime
n. : the usual time for serving a meal

mealworm
n. : the larva of a darkling beetle (esp. genus Tenebrio) that infests grain products but is often raised as food for insectivorous animals, for laboratory use, or as fishing bait

mealy
adj. 1 : containing meal : FARINACEOUS
2 : soft, dry, and friable
3 a : covered with meal or with fine granules b : flecked with another color c : SPOTTY, UNEVEN d : PALLID, BLANCHED <a mealy complexion>
4 : MEALYMOUTHED

mealybug
n. : any of a family (Pseudococcidae) of scale insects that have a white cottony or waxy covering and are destructive pests especially of fruit trees

mealymouthed
adj. : not plain and straightforward : DEVIOUS <a mealymouthed politician>

mean
n. transitive verb
1 a : to have in the mind as a purpose : INTEND <she means to win> ― sometimes used interjectionally with I, chiefly in informal speech for emphasis <he throws, I mean, hard> or to introduce a phrase restating the point of a preceding phrase <we try to answer what we can, but I mean we're not God ― Bobbie Ann Mason> b : to design for or destine to a specified purpose or future <I was meant to teach>
2 : to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate : SIGNIFY <a red sky means rain>
3 : to have importance to the degree of <health means everything>
4 : to direct to a particular individual
intransitive verb : to have an intended purpose <he means well>
–mean·er \'mē-nər\ noun
–mean business : to be in earnest

mean
n. 1 : lacking distinction or eminence : HUMBLE
2 : lacking in mental discrimination : DULL
3 a : of poor shabby inferior quality or status <mean city streets> b : worthy of little regard : CONTEMPTIBLE ― often used in negative constructions as a term of praise <no mean feat>
4 : lacking dignity or honor : BASE
5 a : PENURIOUS, STINGY b : characterized by petty selfishness or malice c : causing trouble or bother : VEXATIOUS d : EXCELLENT, EFFECTIVE <plays a mean trumpet> <a lean, mean athlete>
6 : ASHAMED 1B
–mean·ness \'mēn-nəs\ noun
synonyms MEAN, IGNOBLE, ABJECT, SORDID mean being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity. MEAN suggests having such repellent characteristics as small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity <mean and petty satire>. IGNOBLE suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit <an ignoble scramble after material possessions>. ABJECT may imply degradation, debasement, or servility <abject poverty>. SORDID is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness <a sordid story of murder and revenge>.

mean
n. 1 : occupying a middle position : intermediate in space, order, time, kind, or degree
2 : occupying a position about midway between extremes especially : being the mean of a set of values : AVERAGE <the mean temperature>
3 : serving as a means : INTERMEDIARY
synonyms see AVERAGE

mean
n. 1 a (1) : something intervening or intermediate (2) : a middle point between extremes b : a value that lies within a range of values and is computed according to a prescribed law: as (1) : ARITHMETIC MEAN (2) : EXPECTED VALUE c : either of the middle two terms of a proportion
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : something useful or helpful to a desired end
3 plural : resources available for disposal especially : material resources affording a secure life
–by all means : most assuredly : CERTAINLY
–by means of : through the use of
–by no means : in no way : not at all

mean
n. arithmetic mean
geometric mean
golden mean
Greenwich mean time
harmonic mean
mean business
mean deviation
mean distance
mean free path
mean proportional
mean solar day
mean spirited
mean spiritedness
mean square
mean square deviation
mean sun
mean time
mean solar time
mean value theorem
root mean square
by no means
by means of
by all means
means test
means tested
ways and means
well meant
grammatical meaning
lexical meaning
well meaning

mean business
to be in earnest

mean deviation
: the mean of the absolute values of the numerical differences between the numbers of a set (as statistical data) and their mean or median

mean distance
: the arithmetical mean of the maximum and minimum distances of an orbiting celestial object from its primary

mean free path
: the average distance traversed between collisions by particles (as molecules of a gas or free electrons in metal) in a system of agitated particles

mean proportional
: GEOMETRIC MEAN especially : the square root (as x) of the product of two numbers (as a and b) when expressed as the means of a proportion (as a/x = x/b)

mean solar day
: the interval between successive transits of a given meridian by the mean sun

mean square
: the mean of the squares of a set of values

mean square deviation
1 : VARIANCE 5
2 : STANDARD DEVIATION

mean sun
: a fictitious sun used for timekeeping that moves uniformly along the celestial equator and maintains a constant rate of apparent motion equal to the average rate of apparent motion of the real sun

mean time
: time that is based on the motion of the mean sun ― called also mean solar time

mean value theorem
1 : a theorem in differential calculus: if a function of one variable is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the interval minus its endpoints there is at least one point where the derivative of the function is equal to the slope of the line joining the endpoints of the curve representing the function on the interval
2 : a theorem in integral calculus: if a function of one variable is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the interval minus its endpoints, there is at least one point in the interval where the product of the value of the function and the length of the interval is equal to the integral of the function over the interval

mean-spirited
: exhibiting or characterized by meanness of spirit
–mean-spir·it·ed·ness \-nəs\ noun

meander
v. 1 : a winding path or course especially : LABYRINTH
2 : a turn or winding of a stream
–me·an·drous \-drəs\ adjective

meander
v. 1 : to follow a winding or intricate course
2 : to wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination : RAMBLE
synonyms see WANDER

meanie
n. : a mean or spiteful person

meaning
n. 1 a : the thing one intends to convey especially by language : PURPORT b : the thing that is conveyed especially by language : IMPORT
2 : something meant or intended : AIM <a mischievous meaning was apparent>
3 : significant quality especially : implication of a hidden or special significance <a glance full of meaning>
4 a : the logical connotation of a word or phrase b : the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase
–meaning adjective
–mean·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

meaning
n. grammatical meaning
lexical meaning
well meaning

meaningful
adj. 1 a : having a meaning or purpose b : full of meaning : SIGNIFICANT <a meaningful life>
2 : having an assigned function in a language system <meaningful propositions>
–mean·ing·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–mean·ing·ful·ness noun

meaningless
adj. 1 : having no meaning especially : lacking any significance
2 : having no assigned function in a language system
–mean·ing·less·ly adverb
–mean·ing·less·ness noun

meanly
adv. obsolete : fairly well : MODERATELY

meanly
adv. : in a mean manner: as a : in a lowly manner : HUMBLY b : in an inferior manner : BADLY c : in a base or ungenerous manner

means test
: an examination into the financial state of a person to determine his eligibility for public assistance
–means-test·ed \-ˌtes-təd\ adjective

meantime
n. : the intervening time

meantime
n. : MEANWHILE

meanwhile
adv. : MEANTIME

meanwhile
adv. 1 : during the intervening time
2 : at the same time

Meany
n. George 1894-1980 American labor leader

Mearns, The
― see KINCARDINE

meas
n. measure

measle
n. : a cysticercus tapeworm larva specifically : one found in the muscles of a domesticated mammal

measles
n. 1 a : an acute contagious disease that is caused by a morbillivirus (species Measles virus) and is marked especially by an eruption of distinct red circular spots b : any of various eruptive diseases (as German measles)
2 [Middle English mesel infested with tapeworms, literally, leprous, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin misellus leper, from Latin, wretch, from misellus, diminutive of miser miserable] : infestation with or disease caused by larval tapeworms in the muscles and tissues

measly
adj. 1 : infected with measles
2 a : containing larval tapeworms b : infested with trichinae
3 : contemptibly small

measure
n. 1 a (1) : an adequate or due portion (2) : a moderate degree also : MODERATION, TEMPERANCE (3) : a fixed or suitable limit : BOUNDS <rich beyond measure> b : the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring c : an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation) d (1) : a measured quantity (2) : AMOUNT, DEGREE
2 a : an instrument or utensil for measuring b (1) : a standard or unit of measurement ― see WEIGHT table (2) : a system of standard units of measure <metric measure>
3 : the act or process of measuring
4 a (1) : MELODY, TUNE (2) : DANCE especially : a slow and stately dance b : rhythmic structure or movement : CADENCE: as (1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal quantity or accent specifically : METER (2) : musical time c (1) : a grouping of a specified number of musical beats located between two consecutive vertical lines on a staff (2) : a metrical unit : FOOT
5 : an exact divisor of a number
6 : a basis or standard of comparison <wealth is not a measure of happiness>
7 : a step planned or taken as a means to an end specifically : a proposed legislative act
–for good measure : in addition to the minimum required : as an extra

measure
transitive verb
1 a : to choose or control with cautious restraint : REGULATE <measure his acts> b : to regulate by a standard : GOVERN
2 : to allot or apportion in measured amounts <measure out three cups>
3 : to lay off by making measurements
4 : to ascertain the measurements of
5 : to estimate or appraise by a criterion <measures his skill against his rival>
6 archaic : to travel over : TRAVERSE
7 : to serve as a means of measuring <a thermometer measures temperature>
intransitive verb
1 : to take or make a measurement
2 : to have a specified measurement
–mea·sur·abil·i·ty \ˌme-zhə-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌmā-; ˌmezh-rə-, ˌmāzh-\ noun
–mea·sur·able \'me-zhə-rə-bəl, 'mā-; 'mezh-rə-, 'māzh-\ adjective
–mea·sur·ably \-blē\ adverb
–mea·sur·er \-zhər-ər\ noun

measure
n. apothecaries' measure
apothecary measure
common measure
cubic measure
dry measure
linear measure
liquid measure
long measure
made to measure
for good measure
measure up
poulter's measure
square measure
tape measure
coal measures
measuring worm

measure up
1 : to have necessary or fitting qualifications ― often used with to
2 : to be the equal (as in ability) ― used with to

measured
adj. 1 : marked by due proportion
2 a : marked by rhythm : regularly recurrent <a measured gait> b : METRICAL
3 : DELIBERATE, CALCULATED <a measured response>
–mea·sured·ly adverb

measureless
adj. 1 : having no observable limit : IMMEASURABLE <the measureless universe>
2 : very great <had measureless energy>

measurement
n. 1 : the act or process of measuring
2 : a figure, extent, or amount obtained by measuring : DIMENSION
3 : MEASURE 2B

measurement ton
: TON 1C

measuring worm
: LOOPER 1

meat
n. 1 a : FOOD especially : solid food as distinguished from drink b : the edible part of something as distinguished from its covering (as a husk or shell)
2 : animal tissue considered especially as food: a : FLESH 2B also : flesh of a mammal as opposed to fowl or fish b : FLESH 1A specifically : flesh of domesticated animals
3 archaic : 1MEAL 1 especially : DINNER
4 a : the core of something : HEART b : PITH 2B <a novel with meat>
5 : favorite pursuit or interest
–meat·ed \'mē-təd\ adjective
–meat·less adjective

meat
n. dead meat
meat and potatoes
meat ax
meat loaf
meat market
red meat
variety meat

meat and potatoes
: the most interesting or fundamental part : MEAT 4

meat loaf
: a dish of ground meat seasoned and baked in the form of a loaf

meat market
: a depersonalizing environment in which people are treated as sexual or economic resources

meat-and-potatoes
1 : of fundamental importance : BASIC also : concerned with or emphasizing the basic aspects of something
2 : UNPRETENTIOUS, SIMPLE <a real meat-and-potatoes guy>
3 : providing or preferring simple food (as meat and potatoes)

meat-ax
1 : CLEAVER 1
2 : an extreme or heavy-handed method of cutting or altering something

meatball
n. : a small ball of chopped or ground meat often mixed with bread crumbs and spices

Meath
n. county E Ireland in NE Leinster capital Trim area 903 sq mi (2348 sq km), pop 134,005

meathead
n. : a stupid or bungling person

meatpacking
n. : the wholesale meat industry

meatus
n. : a natural body passage

meaty
adj. 1 a : full of meat b : having the character of meat
2 : rich especially in matter for thought : SUBSTANTIAL <actors looking for meaty roles>
–meat·i·ness noun

Meaux
commune N France ENE of Paris pop 49,348

mecamylamine
n. : a drug that is used orally in the form of its hydrochloride C_11H_21N·HCl as a ganglionic blocking agent to effect a rapid lowering of severely elevated blood pressure

Mecca
n. city Saudi Arabia capital of Hejaz pop 366,801
–Mec·can \-kən\ adjective or noun

mecca
n. : a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest <a vacation mecca> <a mecca for shoppers>

mech
mechanic; mechanical

mechan
: mechanical <mechanoreceptor>

mechanic
n. 1 : of or relating to manual work or skill
2 : MECHANICAL 3A

mechanic
n. 1 : a manual worker : ARTISAN
2 : MACHINIST especially : one who repairs machines

mechanic
n. body mechanics
fluid mechanics
statistical mechanics
wave mechanics
quantum mechanics

mechanical
adj. 1 a (1) : of or relating to machinery or tools <mechanical applications of science> <a mechanical genius> <mechanical aptitude> (2) : produced or operated by a machine or tool <mechanical power> <a mechanical refrigerator> <a mechanical saw> b : of or relating to manual operations
2 : of or relating to artisans or machinists <the mechanical trades>
3 a : done as if by machine : seemingly uninfluenced by the mind or emotions : AUTOMATIC <her singing was cold and mechanical> b : of or relating to technicalities or petty matters
4 a : relating to, governed by, or in accordance with the principles of mechanics <mechanical work> <mechanical energy> b : relating to the quantitative relations of force and matter <mechanical pressure of wind on a tower>
5 : caused by, resulting from, or relating to a process that involves a purely physical as opposed to a chemical or biological change or process <mechanical erosion of rock>
synonyms see SPONTANEOUS
–me·chan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mechanical
adj. 1 obsolete : MECHANIC 1
2 : a piece of finished copy consisting typically of type proofs and artwork positioned and mounted for photomechanical reproduction

mechanical
adj. mechanical advantage
mechanical drawing
mechanical engineering
mechanical engineer
quantum mechanical
quantum mechanically

mechanical advantage
: the advantage gained by the use of a mechanism in transmitting force specifically : the ratio of the force that performs the useful work of a machine to the force that is applied to the machine

mechanical drawing
1 : drawing done with the aid of instruments
2 : a drawing made with instruments

mechanical engineering
: a branch of engineering concerned primarily with the industrial application of mechanics and with the production of tools, machinery, and their products
–mechanical engineer noun

mechanician
n. : MECHANIC, MACHINIST

mechanics
n. 1 : a branch of physical science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies
2 : the practical application of mechanics to the design, construction, or operation of machines or tools
3 : mechanical or functional details or procedure <the mechanics of the brain>

mechanics
n. body mechanics
fluid mechanics
statistical mechanics
wave mechanics
quantum mechanics

mechanism
n. 1 a : a piece of machinery b : a process, technique, or system for achieving a result
2 : mechanical operation or action : WORKING 2
3 : a doctrine that holds natural processes (as of life) to be mechanically determined and capable of complete explanation by the laws of physics and chemistry
4 : the fundamental processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon <mechanisms of organic evolution> ― compare DEFENSE MECHANISM

mechanist
n. 1 archaic : MECHANIC
2 : an adherent of the doctrine of mechanism

mechanistic
adj. 1 : mechanically determined <mechanistic universe>
2 : of or relating to a mechanism or the doctrine of mechanism
3 : MECHANICAL
–mech·a·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mechanize
1 : to make mechanical especially : to make automatic or routine
2 a : to equip with machinery especially to replace human or animal labor b : to equip with armed and armored motor vehicles c : to provide with mechanical power
3 : to produce by or as if by machine
–mech·a·niz·able \-ˌnī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–mech·a·ni·za·tion \ˌme-kə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–mech·a·niz·er \'me-kə-ˌnī-zər\ noun

mechanochemistry
n. : chemistry that deals with the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work (as in the contraction of a muscle)
–mech·a·no·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective

mechanoreceptor
n. : a neural end organ (as a tactile receptor) that responds to a mechanical stimulus (as a change in pressure)
–mech·a·no·re·cep·tion \-'sep-shən\ noun
–mech·a·no·re·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective

Mechlin
n. : a delicate bobbin lace used for dresses and millinery

Mechlin
n. commune N Belgium pop 75,946

Mecklenburg
n. region NE Germany SE of Jutland Peninsula & E of the Elbe; in 18th & 19th centuries divided into duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwe·rin \-shvā-'rēn\ & Mecklenburg-Stre·litz \-'shtrā-ləts, -'strā-\, which became grand duchies 1815 & states of Weimar Republic 1919

Mecklenburg-West Pomerania
state of Germany bordering on Baltic Sea capital Schwerin area 9096 sq mi (23,559 sq km), pop 1,924,000

meclizine
n. : a drug C_25H_27ClN_2 used usually in the form of its hydrochloride to treat vertigo and nausea (as in motion sickness)

meconium
n. : a dark greenish mass that accumulates in the bowel during fetal life and is discharged shortly after birth

MEd
n. master of education

Med
n. Mediterranean

med
n. : MEDICAL <med school>

med
n. : MEDICATION 2 ― usually used in plural <took pain meds>

med
n. 1 medicine
2 medieval
3 medium

medaka
n. : a small Japanese freshwater fish (Oryzias latipes) usually silvery brown in the wild but from pale yellow to deep red in aquarium strains

medal
n. 1 : a small usually metal object bearing a religious emblem or picture
2 : a piece of metal often resembling a coin and having a stamped design that is issued to commemorate a person or event or awarded for excellence or achievement

medal
n. : to win a medal <medaled in figure skating>

medal
n. Air Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Congressional Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Service Medal
Medal for Merit
Medal of Freedom
Medal of Honor
medal play
scapular medal
service medal
Silver Star Medal
soldier's medal

Medal for Merit

1942
: a U.S. decoration awarded to civilians for highly meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services

Medal of Freedom

1945
: a U.S. decoration awarded to civilians for meritorious achievement in any of various fields

Medal of Honor

1861
: a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the Congress for conspicuous intrepidity at the risk of life in action with an enemy

medal play
: STROKE PLAY

medalist
n. 1 : a designer, engraver, or maker of medals
2 : a recipient of a medal as an award

medallic
adj. : of, relating to, or shown on a medal

medallion
n. 1 : a large medal
2 : something resembling a large medal especially : a tablet or panel in a wall or window bearing a figure in relief, a portrait, or an ornament
3 also me·dail·lon \mā-dä-'yōn\ : a small round or oval serving (as of meat)

Medan
n. city Indonesia in NE Sumatra pop 1,730,752

meddle
v. : to interest oneself in what is not one's concern : interfere without right or propriety
–med·dler \'med-lər, 'me-dəl-ər\ noun

meddlesome
adj. : given to meddling
synonyms see IMPERTINENT
–med·dle·some·ness noun

Mede
n. : a native or inhabitant of ancient Media in Persia

Medea
n. : an enchantress noted in Greek mythology for helping Jason gain the Golden Fleece and for repeatedly resorting to murder to gain her ends

Medeiros
Humberto 1915-1983 American (Port.-born) cardinal

Medellin
n. city NW Colombia NW of Bogotá pop 1,581,400

meden agan
: nothing in excess

medevac
n. 1 : emergency evacuation of the sick or wounded (as from a combat area)
2 : a helicopter used for medevac

medevac
: to transport in a medevac helicopter

medfly
n. : MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY

Medford
1 city E Mass. N of Boston pop 55,765
2 city SW Oreg. pop 63,154

Media
n. ancient country & province of Persian Empire SW Asia in NW modern Iran
–Me·di·an \-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

media
n. 1 [Late Latin, from Latin, feminine of medius; from the voiced stops' being regarded as intermediate between the tenues and the aspirates] : a voiced stop
2 [New Latin, from L] : the middle coat of the wall of a blood or lymph vessel consisting chiefly of circular muscle fibers

media
n. 1 : a medium of cultivation, conveyance, or expression especially : MEDIUM 2B
2 a singular or plural in construction : MASS MEDIA b plural : members of the mass media
usage The singular media and its plural medias seem to have originated in the field of advertising over 70 years ago; they are apparently still so used without stigma in that specialized field. In most other applications media is used as a plural of medium. The great popularity of the word in references to the agencies of mass communication is leading to the formation of a mass noun, construed as a singular <there's no basis for it. You know, the news media gets on to something ― Edwin Meese 3d> <the media is less interested in the party's policies ― James Lewis, Guardian Weekly>. This use is not as well established as the mass-noun use of data and is likely to incur criticism especially in writing.

media
n. Media Atropatene
mass media
media event
mixed media
otitis media
via media
in medias res
median nerve
median strip

Media Atropatene
― see AZERBAIJAN 1

media event
: a publicity event staged for coverage by the news media

mediad
adv. : toward the median line or plane of a body or part

mediagenic
adj. : attractive or well-suited to the communications media

medial
n. 1 : MEAN, AVERAGE
2 a : being or occurring in the middle b : extending toward the middle especially : lying or extending toward the median axis of the body
3 : situated between the extremes of initial and final in a word or morpheme
–medial noun
–me·di·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

median
n. 1 : a medial part (as a vein or nerve)
2 a : a value in an ordered set of values below and above which there is an equal number of values or which is the arithmetic mean of the two middle values if there is no one middle number b : a vertical line that divides the histogram of a frequency distribution into two parts of equal area c : a value of a random variable for which all greater values make the cumulative distribution function greater than one half and all lesser values make it less than one half
3 a : a line from a vertex of a triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side b : a line joining the midpoints of the nonparallel sides of a trapezoid
4 : MEDIAN STRIP
synonyms see AVERAGE

median
n. 1 : being in the middle or in an intermediate position : MEDIAL
2 : lying in the plane dividing a bilateral animal into right and left halves
3 : relating to or constituting a statistical median
4 : produced without occlusion along the lengthwise middle line of the tongue
–me·di·an·ly adverb

median nerve
: a nerve that arises by two roots from the brachial plexus and passes down the middle of the front of the arm

median strip
: a paved or planted strip dividing a highway into lanes according to direction of travel

mediant
n. : the third tone of a major or minor scale

mediastinum
n. : the space in the chest between the pleural sacs of the lungs that contains all the tissues and organs of the chest except the lungs and pleurae also : this space with its contents
–me·di·as·ti·nal \-'stī-nəl\ adjective

mediate
adj. 1 : occupying a middle position
2 a : acting through an intervening agency b : exhibiting indirect causation, connection, or relation
–me·di·a·cy \-dē-ə-sē\ noun
–me·di·ate·ly adverb

mediate
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to bring accord out of by action as an intermediary b : to effect by action as an intermediary
2 a : to act as intermediary agent in bringing, effecting, or communicating : CONVEY b : to transmit as intermediate mechanism or agency
intransitive verb
1 : to interpose between parties in order to reconcile them
2 : to reconcile differences
synonyms see INTERPOSE
–me·di·a·tive \-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–me·di·a·to·ry \-ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

mediation
n. : the act or process of mediating especially : intervention between conflicting parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise
–me·di·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

mediator
n. 1 : one that mediates especially : one that mediates between parties at variance
2 : a mediating agent in a physical, chemical, or biological process

mediatrix
n. : a woman who is a mediator

medic
n. : any of a genus (Medicago) of leguminous herbs (as alfalfa)

medic
n. : one engaged in medical work or study especially : CORPSMAN

medicable
adj. : CURABLE, REMEDIABLE

Medicaid
n. : a program of medical aid designed for those unable to afford regular medical service and financed by the state and federal governments

medical
n. 1 : of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine
2 : requiring or devoted to medical treatment
–med·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

medical
n. emergency medical technician
major medical
medical examiner

medical examiner
: a public officer who conducts autopsies on bodies to find the cause of death

medicalize
v. : to view or treat as a medical concern, problem, or disorder <those who seek to dispose of social problems by medicalizing them ― Liam Hudson>
–med·i·cal·i·za·tion \ˌme-di-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

medicament
n. : a substance used in therapy
–me·di·ca·men·tous \mi-ˌdi-kə-'men-təs, ˌme-di-kə-\ adjective

Medicare
n. : a government program of medical care especially for the aged

medicate
v. 1 : to treat medicinally
2 : to impregnate with a medicinal substance <medicated soap>

medication
n. 1 : the act or process of medicating
2 : a medicinal substance : MEDICAMENT

Medici, de'
Catherine ― see CATHERINE DE MÉDICIS

Medici, de'
Cosimo 1389-1464 the Elder Florentine financier & ruler

Medici, de'
Cosimo I 1519-1574 the Great; Duke of Florence; Grand Duke of Tuscany

Medici, de'
Giulio ― see CLEMENT VII

Medici, de'
Lorenzo 1449-1492 the Magnificent Florentine statesman, ruler, & patron

medicinable
adj. : MEDICINAL

medicinal
adj. 1 : tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain
2 : SALUTARY
–medicinal noun
–me·dic·i·nal·ly adverb

medicinal leech
: a large European freshwater leech (Hirudo medicinalis) that is a source of hirudin, is sometimes used to drain blood (as from newly grafted tissue), and was formerly used to bleed patients thought to have excess blood

medicine
n. 1 a : a substance or preparation used in treating disease b : something that affects well-being
2 a : the science and art dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease b : the branch of medicine concerned with the nonsurgical treatment of disease
3 : a substance (as a drug or potion) used to treat something other than disease
4 : an object held in traditional American Indian belief to give control over natural or magical forces also : magical power or a magical rite
–medicine transitive verb

medicine
n. medicine dropper
alternative medicine
complementary medicine
defensive medicine
emergency medicine
family medicine
folk medicine
herbal medicine
internal medicine
medicine ball
medicine man
medicine show
nuclear medicine
patent medicine
physical medicine
socialized medicine
space medicine
sports medicine
Medicine Bow
Medicine Bow Mountains
Medicine Hat

medicine ball
: a heavy stuffed leather-covered ball used for conditioning exercises

Medicine Bow
river 120 mi (193 km) S Wyo. flowing into N. Platte River

Medicine Bow Mountains
mountains N Colo. & S Wyo. in the Rockies; highest Medicine Bow Peak (in Wyo.) 12,013 ft (3662 m)

medicine dropper
: DROPPER 2

Medicine Hat
city Canada in SE Alta. pop 51,249

medicine man
: a priestly healer or sorcerer especially among the American Indians : SHAMAN

medicine show
: a traveling show using entertainers to attract a crowd among which remedies or nostrums are sold

medico
n. : PHYSICIAN 1 also : a medical student

medicolegal
adj. : of or relating to both medicine and law

medieval
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Middle Ages
2 : having a quality (as cruelty) associated with the Middle Ages
3 : extremely outmoded or antiquated
–me·di·e·val·ly adverb

medieval
adj. : a person of the Middle Ages

Medieval Latin
: the Latin used especially for liturgical and literary purposes from the 7th to the 15th centuries inclusive

medievalism
n. 1 : medieval quality, character, or state
2 : devotion to the institutions, arts, and practices of the Middle Ages

medievalist
n. 1 : a specialist in medieval history and culture
2 : a connoisseur or devotee of medieval arts and culture

medigap
: supplemental health insurance that covers costs (as of medical care or a hospital stay) not covered by Medicare

Medina
n. 1 \mə-'dī-nə\ city N Ohio WNW of Akron pop 25,139
2 \mə-'dē-nə\ city W Saudi Arabia pop 198,186

medina
n. : the non-European part of a northern African city

Medina-Sidonia
Duque de d 1619 Alonso Pérez de Guzmán Span. admiral

medio tutissimus ibis
: you will go most safely by the middle course

mediocre
adj. : of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance : ORDINARY, SO-SO

mediocrity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being mediocre b : moderate ability or value
2 : a mediocre person

Mediolanum
― see MILAN

meditate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to engage in contemplation or reflection
2 : to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness
transitive verb
1 : to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over
2 : to plan or project in the mind : INTEND, PURPOSE
synonyms see PONDER
–med·i·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

meditation
n. 1 : a discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation
2 : the act or process of meditating

meditative
adj. 1 : marked by or conducive to meditation
2 : disposed or given to meditation
–med·i·ta·tive·ly adverb
–med·i·ta·tive·ness noun

Mediterranean
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Mediterranean Sea b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the peoples, lands, or cultures bordering the Mediterranean Sea
2 not capitalized [Latin mediterraneus, from medius middle + terra land ― more at TERRACE] : enclosed or nearly enclosed with land
3 : of or relating to a group or physical type of the Caucasian race characterized by medium or short stature, slender build, dolichocephaly, and dark complexion

Mediterranean
adj. Mediterranean flour moth
Mediterranean fruit fly
Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean flour moth
: a small largely gray and black nearly cosmopolitan pyralid moth (Anagasta kuehniella) whose larva destroys processed grain products

Mediterranean fruit fly
: a small widely distributed yellowish-brown dipteran fly (Ceratitis capitata) with a banded abdomen whose larva lives and feeds in ripening fruit ― called also medfly

Mediterranean Sea
sea 2300 mi (3700 km) long bet. Europe & Africa connecting with the Atlantic through Strait of Gibraltar & with Red Sea through Suez Canal

medium
n. 1 a : something in a middle position b : a middle condition or degree : MEAN
2 : a means of effecting or conveying something: as a (1) : a substance regarded as the means of transmission of a force or effect (2) : a surrounding or enveloping substance (3) : the tenuous material (as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations of matter (as stars) <interstellar medium> b plural usually media (1) : a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment ― compare MASS MEDIUM (2) : a publication or broadcast that carries advertising (3) : a mode of artistic expression or communication (4) : something (as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored c : GO-BETWEEN, INTERMEDIARY d plural mediums : an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits e : material or technical means of artistic expression
3 a : a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish b plural media (1) : a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria (2) : a fluid or solid in which organic structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting) c : a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter
usage see MEDIA

medium
n. : intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree

medium
n. mass medium
medium frequency
medium of exchange
Media Atropatene
mass media
media event
mixed media
otitis media
via media

medium frequency
: a radio frequency between high frequency and low frequency ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

medium of exchange

1714
: something commonly accepted in exchange for goods and services and recognized as representing a standard of value

mediumistic
adj. : of, relating to, or having the qualities of a spiritualistic medium

mediumship
: the capacity, function, or profession of a spiritualistic medium

medivac
n. variant of medevac

medlar
n. : a small deciduous Eurasian tree (Mespilus germanica) of the rose family whose fruit resembles a crab apple and is used in preserves also : its fruit

medley
n. 1 archaic : MELEE
2 : a diverse assortment or mixture especially : HODGEPODGE
3 : a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short pieces

medley
n. : MIXED, MOTLEY

medley
n. chance medley
individual medley
medley relay

medley relay
: a relay race in swimming in which each member of a team uses a different stroke

Medoc
: a Bordeaux wine made in the Médoc district of France

Medoc
district SW France N of Bordeaux

medulla
n. 1 plural medullae a : BONE MARROW b : MEDULLA OBLONGATA
2 a : the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure <the adrenal medulla> b : MYELIN SHEATH

medulla
n. medulla oblongata
medulla oblongatas
medullae oblongatae

medulla oblongata
: the part of the vertebrate brain that is continuous posteriorly with the spinal cord and that contains the centers controlling involuntary vital functions ― see BRAIN illustration

medullary
adj. 1 : of or relating to the pith of a plant
2 : of or relating to a medulla and especially the medulla oblongata

medullary ray
1 : a primary tissue composed of radiating bands of parenchyma cells extending between the vascular bundles of herbaceous dicotyledonous stems and connecting the pith with the cortex
2 : VASCULAR RAY

medullary sheath
: MYELIN SHEATH

medullated
adj. 1 : MYELINATED
2 : having a medulla ― used of fibers other than nerve fibers

medulloblastoma
n. : a malignant tumor of the central nervous system arising in the cerebellum especially in children

medusa
n. 1 capitalized [Latin, from Greek Medousa] : a mortal Gorgon who is slain when decapitated by Perseus
2 plural me·du·sae \-ˌsē, -ˌzē, -ˌsī, -ˌzī\ [New Latin, from L] : JELLYFISH 1A
–me·du·san \-sən, -zən\ adjective or noun
–me·du·soid \-ˌsȯid, -ˌzȯid\ adjective or noun

Medway
river 70 mi (113 km) SE England in Kent flowing NE into Thames River

meed
n. 1 archaic : an earned reward or wage
2 : a fitting return or recompense

meek
adj. 1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD
2 : deficient in spirit and courage : SUBMISSIVE
3 : not violent or strong : MODERATE
–meek·ly adverb
–meek·ness noun

Meer van Delft, van der
― see Jan VERMEER

meerkat
n. : any of several African mongooses especially : a burrowing highly social primarily insectivorous mammal (Suricata suricatta) of southern Africa that is chiefly grayish with faint black markings and lives in usually large colonies

meerschaum
n. 1 : a fine light white clayey mineral that is a hydrous magnesium silicate found chiefly in Asia Minor and is used especially for tobacco pipes
2 : a tobacco pipe of meerschaum

Meerut
n. city N India in NW Uttar Pradesh NE of Delhi pop 1,074,229

meet
n. transitive verb
1 a : to come into the presence of : FIND b : to come together with especially at a particular time or place <I'll meet you at the station> c : to come into contact or conjunction with : JOIN d : to appear to the perception of
2 : to encounter as antagonist or foe : OPPOSE
3 : to enter into conference, argument, or personal dealings with
4 : to conform to especially with exactitude and precision <a concept to meet all requirements>
5 : to pay fully : SETTLE
6 : to cope with <was able to meet every social situation>
7 : to provide for <enough money to meet our needs>
8 : to become acquainted with
9 : ENCOUNTER, EXPERIENCE
10 : to receive or greet in an official capacity
intransitive verb
1 a : to come face-to-face b : to come together for a common purpose : ASSEMBLE c : to come together as contestants, opponents, or enemies
2 : to form a junction or confluence <the lines meet in a point>
3 : to occur together
–meet·er noun
–meet halfway : to compromise with
–meet with : to be subjected to : ENCOUNTER <the proposal met with opposition>

meet
n. 1 : the act of assembling for a hunt or for competitive sports
2 : a competition in which individuals match skills

meet
n. : precisely adapted to a particular situation, need, or circumstance : very proper
synonyms see FIT
–meet·ly adverb

meet
n. make ends meet
meet with
meet halfway
meet and greet
swap meet
hail fellow well met
camp meeting
meeting of minds
Monthly Meeting
prayer meeting
protracted meeting
Quarterly Meeting
Sunday go to meeting
town meeting
Yearly Meeting

meet and greet
: a reception at which a public figure (as a politician or rock star) socializes with press members and other guests

meet halfway
to compromise with

meet with
to be subjected to : ENCOUNTER <the proposal met with opposition>

meeting
n. 1 : an act or process of coming together: as a : an assembly for a common purpose (as worship) b : a session of horse or dog racing
2 : a permanent organizational unit of the Society of Friends
3 : INTERSECTION, JUNCTION

meeting
n. camp meeting
meeting of minds
Monthly Meeting
prayer meeting
protracted meeting
Quarterly Meeting
Sunday go to meeting
town meeting
Yearly Meeting

meeting of minds

1883
: AGREEMENT, CONCORD

meetinghouse
n. : a building used for public assembly and especially for Protestant worship

mefenamic acid
: a drug C_15H_15NO_2 used as an anti-inflammatory agent

mefloquine
n. : an antimalarial drug C_17H_16F_6N_2O similar to quinine that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride

MEG
pref. magnetoencephalography

meg
pref. : MEGABYTE

meg
pref. megohm

mega
pref. 1 : VAST <a mega electronics store>
2 : of the highest level of rank, excellence, or importance <a number one hit made her mega>

mega
pref. 1 a : great : large <megaspore> b : greatly surpassing others of its kind <megahit>
2 : million (10^6) <megohm> <megacycle>

megabar
: a unit of pressure equal to one million bars

megabit
n. : one million bits

megabuck
n. : one million dollars also : an indeterminately large sum of money ― usually used in plural

megabyte
n. : 1024 kilobytes or 1,048,576 bytes also : one million bytes

megacity
: MEGALOPOLIS 1

megacorporation
: a huge and powerful corporation

megacycle
n. : one million cycles especially : MEGAHERTZ

megadeal
: a business deal involving a lot of money

megadeath
n. : one million deaths ― usually used as a unit in reference to nuclear warfare

megadose
n. : a large dose (as of a vitamin)

megafauna
n. 1 : animals (as bears, bison, or mammoths) of particularly large size
2 : fauna consisting of individuals large enough to be visible to the naked eye
–mega·fau·nal \-nəl\ adjective

megagamete
n. : MACROGAMETE

megagametophyte
n. : the female gametophyte produced by a megaspore

megahertz
n. : a unit of frequency equal to one million hertz ― abbreviation MHz

megahit
n. : something (as a motion picture) that is extremely successful

megakaryocyte
n. : a large cell that has a lobulated nucleus, is found especially in the bone marrow, and is the source of blood platelets
–mega·kar·yo·cyt·ic \-ˌka-rē-ō-'si-tik\ adjective

megal
: large : of giant size <megalopolis> : grandiose <megalomania>

megalith
n. : a very large usually rough stone used in prehistoric cultures as a monument or building block
–mega·lith·ic \ˌme-gə-'li-thik\ adjective

megaloblast
n. : a large erythroblast that appears in the blood especially in pernicious anemia
–meg·a·lo·blas·tic \ˌme-gə-lō-'blas-tik\ adjective

megalomania
1 : a mania for great or grandiose performance
2 : a delusional mental disorder that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur
–meg·a·lo·ma·ni·ac \-'mā-nē-ˌak\ adjective or noun
–meg·a·lo·ma·ni·a·cal \-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ also meg·a·lo·man·ic \-'ma-nik\ adjective
–meg·a·lo·ma·ni·a·cal·ly \-mə-'nī-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

megalopolis
n. 1 : a very large city
2 : a thickly populated region centering in a metropolis or embracing several metropolises
–meg·a·lo·pol·i·tan \-lō-'pä-lə-tən\ noun or adjective

megaly
: abnormal enlargement <hepatomegaly>

megamerger
n. : a merger of megacorporations

megaparsec
: a unit of measure for distances in intergalactic space equal to one million parsecs

megaphone
n. : a cone-shaped device used to intensify or direct the voice
–mega·phon·ic \ˌme-gə-'fä-nik\ adjective

megaphone
n. : to transmit or address through or as if through a megaphone
intransitive verb : to speak through or as if through a megaphone

megapixel
n. : one million pixels

megaplex
n. : a large multiplex typically housing 16 or more movie theaters

megaproject
: a major project or undertaking (as in business or construction)

Megara
n. city & port Greece on Saronic Gulf W of Athens pop 17,294; chief town of ancient Meg·a·ris \'me-gə-rəs\ (district bet. Saronic Gulf & Gulf of Corinth)
–Me·gar·i·an \mə-'ger-ē-ən, me-\ adjective or noun

Megarian
: of or relating to a Socratic school of philosophy founded by Euclid of Megara and noted for its subtle attention to logic
–Megarian noun

Megaric
: MEGARIAN
–Megaric noun

megascopic
adj. 1 : MACROSCOPIC 1
2 : based on or relating to observations made with the unaided eye
–mega·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

megasporangium
: a sporangium that develops only megaspores

megaspore
n. : a spore in heterosporous plants giving rise to female gametophytes and usually larger than a microspore
–mega·spor·ic \ˌme-gə-'spȯr-ik\ adjective

megasporogenesis
n. : the formation and maturation of a megaspore

megasporophyll
: a sporophyll that develops only megasporangia

megastar
n. : SUPERSTAR
–mega·star·dom \-dəm\ noun

megaton
n. : an explosive force equivalent to that of one million tons of TNT

megatonnage
: the destructive capability especially of a collection of nuclear weapons that is expressed in megatons

megavitamin
n. : relating to or consisting of very large doses of vitamins <megavitamin therapy>

megavitamins
n. : a large quantity of vitamins

megawatt
n. : one million watts

Meghalaya
n. state NE India capital Shillong area 8665 sq mi (22,442 sq km), pop 2,306,069

Meghna
river Bangladesh, the lower course of the Surma

Megiddo
n. city of ancient Palestine N of Samaria

megillah
n. slang : a long involved story or account <the whole megillah>

megilp
n. : a gelatinous preparation commonly of linseed oil and mastic varnish that is used by artists as a vehicle for oil colors

MEGO
my eyes glaze over

megohm
n. : one million ohms

megrim
n. 1 a : MIGRAINE b : VERTIGO, DIZZINESS
2 a : FANCY, WHIM b plural : low spirits

Meighen
Arthur 1874-1960 Canad. statesman; prime min. (1920-21; 1926)

Meiji
n. : the period of the reign (1868-1912) of Emperor Mutsuhito of Japan

meikle
variant of mickle

meiny
1 \'mā-nē\ archaic : RETINUE, COMPANY
2 \'men-yē\ chiefly Scottish : MULTITUDE

meiosis
n. 1 : the presentation of a thing with underemphasis especially in order to achieve a greater effect : UNDERSTATEMENT
2 : the cellular process that results in the number of chromosomes in gamete-producing cells being reduced to one half and that involves a reduction division in which one of each pair of homologous chromosomes passes to each daughter cell and a mitotic division ― compare MITOSIS
–mei·ot·ic \mī-'ä-tik\ adjective
–mei·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Meir
n. Golda 1898-1978 orig. Goldie Mabovitch, later Goldie Myerson prime min. of Israel (1969-74)

Meissen
n. : a ceramic ware made at Meissen near Dresden especially : a European porcelain developed under the patronage of the king of Saxony about 1715 and used for both ornamental and table wares ― called also Meissen china Meissen ware

Meissen
n. city E Germany NW of Dresden pop 33,997

Meissonier
Jean-Louis-Ernest 1815-1891 Fr. painter

meister
n. : one who is knowledgeable about something specified ― often used in combination <puzzle-meister>

Meistersinger
n. : a member of any of various German guilds formed chiefly in the 15th and 16th centuries by workingmen and craftsmen for the cultivation of poetry and music

Meitner
n. Li·se \'lē-zə\ 1878-1968 Ger. physicist

meitnerium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

Mejico
― see MEXICO

MEK
methyl ethyl ketone

Meknes
n. city N Morocco WSW of Fez; former capital of Morocco area pop 229,000

Mekong
n. river 2600 mi (4184 km) SE Asia flowing from Qinghai (China) S & SE into S. China Sea in S Vietnam

Melaka
n. 1 state Malaysia on W coast of Peninsular Malaysia area 640 sq mi (1648 sq km), pop 504,502
2 city, its capital pop 250,635

melaleuca
n. : any of genus (Melaleuca) of Australian and East Indian trees and shrubs of the myrtle family especially : CAJEPUT

melamine
n. 1 : a white crystalline organic base C_3H_6N_6 with a high melting point that is used especially in melamine resins
2 : a melamine resin or a plastic made from such a resin

melamine resin
: a thermosetting resin made from melamine and an aldehyde and used especially in molded or laminated products, adhesives, and coatings

melan
1 : black : dark <melanic> <melanin>
2 : melanin <melanophore>

melancholia
n. : a mental condition and especially a manic-depressive condition characterized by extreme depression, bodily complaints, and often hallucinations and delusions
–mel·an·cho·li·ac \-lē-ˌak\ noun

melancholic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or subject to melancholy : DEPRESSED
2 : of or relating to melancholia
3 : tending to depress the spirits : SADDENING
–melancholic noun

melancholy
n. 1 a : an abnormal state attributed to an excess of black bile and characterized by irascibility or depression b : BLACK BILE c : MELANCHOLIA
2 a : depression of spirits : DEJECTION b : a pensive mood

melancholy
n. 1 a : suggestive or expressive of melancholy <sang in a melancholy voice> b : causing or tending to cause sadness or depression of mind or spirit : DISMAL <a melancholy thought>
2 a : depressed in spirits : DEJECTED, SAD b : PENSIVE

Melanchthon
n. Philipp 1497-1560 orig. surname Schwartzerd Ger. scholar & religious reformer

Melanesia
n. the islands in the Pacific NE of Australia & S of Micronesia including Bismarck Archipelago, the Solomons, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, & the Fijis

Melanesian
n. 1 : a member of the dominant native group of Melanesia
2 : a language group consisting of the Austronesian languages of Melanesia
–Melanesian adjective

melange
n. : a mixture often of incongruous elements

melanic
adj. 1 : MELANOTIC
2 : affected with, causing, or characterized by melanism

melanic
adj. : a melanic individual

melanin
n. : any of various black, dark brown, reddish-brown, or yellow pigments of animal or plant structures (as skin or hair)

melanism
n. 1 : an increased amount of black or nearly black pigmentation (as of skin, feathers, or hair) of an individual or kind of organism ― compare INDUSTRIAL MELANISM
2 : intense human pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair
–mel·a·nis·tic \ˌme-lə-'nis-tik\ adjective

melanite
n. : a black andradite garnet
–mel·a·nit·ic \ˌme-lə-'ni-tik\ adjective

melanize
v. 1 : to convert into or infiltrate with melanin
2 : to make dark or black
–mel·a·ni·za·tion \ˌme-lə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

melanoblast
n. : a cell that is a precursor of a melanocyte or melanophore

melanocyte
n. : an epidermal cell that produces melanin

melanocyte-stimulating hormone
: any of several vertebrate hormones of the pituitary gland that darken the skin by stimulating melanin dispersion in pigment-containing cells

melanogenesis
n. : the formation of melanin

melanoma
n. 1 : a tumor containing dark pigment
2 : a highly malignant tumor that starts in melanocytes of normal skin or moles and metastasizes rapidly and widely

melanophore
n. : a melanin-containing cell especially of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles

melanosome
n. : a melanin-producing granule in a melanocyte

melanotic
adj. : having or characterized by black pigmentation

melatonin
n. : a vertebrate hormone that is derived from serotonin, is secreted by the pineal gland especially in response to darkness, and has been linked to the regulation of circadian rhythms

Melba
n. Dame Nellie 1861-1931 orig. Helen Porter Mitchell Austral. soprano

melba toast
: very thin crisp toast

Melbourne
n. 1 city E Fla. SSW of Cape Canaveral pop 71,382
2 city & port SE Australia capital of Victoria on Port Phillip Bay metropolitan area pop 2,761,995
–Mel·bour·ni·an or Mel·bur·ni·an \mel-'bər-nē-ən\ noun

Melchior
n. Lau·ritz \'lau̇-rəts\ Lebrecht Hommel 1890-1973 American (Dan.-born) tenor

Melchite
1 : an Eastern Christian chiefly of Syria and Egypt adhering to Chalcedonian orthodoxy in preference to Monophysitism
2 : a member of a Uniate body derived from the Melchites

Melchizedek
n. : a priest-king of Jerusalem who prepared a ritual meal for Abraham and received tithes from him

Melchizedek
n. : of or relating to the higher order of the Mormon priesthood

meld
n. transitive verb : to declare or announce (a card or combination of cards) for a score in a card game especially by placing face up on the table
intransitive verb : to declare a card or combination of cards as a meld

meld
n. : a card or combination of cards that is or can be melded in a card game

meld
n. : MERGE, BLEND

meld
n. : BLEND, MIXTURE

melee
n. : a confused struggle especially : a hand-to-hand fight among several people

melic
adj. : of or relating to song : LYRIC especially : of or relating to Greek lyric poetry of the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.

Melilla
n. city & port NE Morocco on coast NE of Fez; a Spanish presidio pop 66,411

melilot
n. : SWEET CLOVER especially : a yellow-flowered sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis)

meliorate
v. : AMELIORATE
–me·lio·ra·tion \ˌmēl-yə-'rā-shən, ˌmē-lē-ə-\ noun
–me·lio·ra·tive \'mēl-yə-ˌrā-tiv, 'mē-lē-ə-\ adjective
–me·lio·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

meliorism
n. : the belief that the world tends to improve and that humans can aid its betterment
–me·lio·rist \-rist\ adjective or noun
–me·lio·ris·tic \ˌmēl-yə-'ris-tik, ˌmē-lē-ə-\ adjective

melisma
n. 1 : a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong
2 : melodic embellishment
3 : CADENZA
–mel·is·mat·ic \ˌme-ləz-'ma-tik\ adjective

Melita
― see MALTA

Melitene
― see MALATYA

Melitopol
city S Ukraine near Sea of Azov pop 177,000

mell
n. : MIX

mellifluent
adj. : MELLIFLUOUS
–mel·lif·lu·ent·ly adverb

mellifluous
adj. 1 : having a smooth rich flow <a mellifluous voice>
2 : filled with something (as honey) that sweetens
–mel·lif·lu·ous·ly adverb
–mel·lif·lu·ous·ness noun

mellitus
diabetes mellitus
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
type 1 diabetes mellitus
type 2 diabetes mellitus

Mellon
n. Andrew William 1855-1937 American financier

mellophone
n. : a valved brass instrument similar in form and range to the French horn

mellotron
n. : an electronic keyboard instrument programmed to produce the tape-recorded sounds usually of orchestral instruments

mellow
adj. 1 a of a fruit : tender and sweet because of ripeness b of a wine : well aged and pleasingly mild
2 a : made gentle by age or experience b : rich and full but free from garishness or stridency c : warmed and relaxed by or as if by liquor d : PLEASANT, AGREEABLE e : LAID-BACK
3 of soil : having a soft and loamy consistency
–mel·low·ly adverb
–mel·low·ness noun

mellow
adj. : to make mellow
intransitive verb : to become mellow ― often used with out

melodeon
n. : a small reed organ in which a suction bellows draws air inward through the reeds

melodious
adj. 1 : having a pleasing melody
2 : of, relating to, or producing melody
–me·lo·di·ous·ly adverb
–me·lo·di·ous·ness noun

melodist
n. 1 : SINGER
2 : a composer of melodies

melodize
v. intransitive verb : to compose a melody
transitive verb : to make melodious : set to melody
–mel·o·diz·er noun

melodrama
n. 1 a : a work (as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization b : the genre of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2 : something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
–melo·dra·ma·tist \ˌme-lə-'dra-mə-tist, -'drä-\ noun

melodramatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of melodrama
2 : appealing to the emotions : SENSATIONAL
synonyms see DRAMATIC
–melo·dra·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

melodramatics
n. : melodramatic conduct or writing

melodramatise
v. British variant of melodramatize

melodramatize
v. 1 : to make melodramatic <melodramatize a situation>
2 : to make a melodrama of (as a novel)
–melo·dra·ma·ti·za·tion \-ˌdra-mə-tə-'zā-shən, -ˌdrä-\ noun

melody
n. 1 : a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds : TUNEFULNESS
2 : a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole
–me·lod·ic \mə-'lä-dik\ adjective
–me·lod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

melon
n. 1 : any of various typically sweet gourds (as a muskmelon or watermelon) usually eaten raw as fruits
2 : something rounded like a melon: as a : the rounded organ in the front of the head of some cetaceans b plural slang : large breasts
3 a : a surplus of profits available for distribution to stockholders b : a financial windfall

melon
n. honeydew melon
melon baller
winter melon

melon baller
: a spoonlike utensil with a sharp edge used especially for cutting ball-shaped pieces from the pulp of a fruit

Melos
n. ― see MÍLOS

melphalan
: an antineoplastic drug C_13H_18Cl_2N_2O_2

Melpomene
n. : the Greek Muse of tragedy

Melrose
city E Mass. N of Boston pop 27,134

Melrose Park
village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 23,171

melt
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become altered from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat
2 a : DISSOLVE, DISINTEGRATE <the sugar melted in the coffee> b : to disappear as if by dissolving <her anger melted at his kind words>
3 obsolete : to become subdued or crushed (as by sorrow)
4 : to become mild, tender, or gentle
5 : to lose outline or distinctness : BLEND
transitive verb
1 : to reduce from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat
2 : to cause to disappear or disperse
3 : to make tender or gentle : SOFTEN
–melt·abil·i·ty \ˌmel-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–melt·able \'mel-tə-bəl\ adjective
–melt·er noun

melt
n. 1 a : material in the molten state b : the mass melted at a single operation or the quantity melted during a specified period
2 a : the action or process of melting or the period during which it occurs <the spring melt> b : the condition of being melted
3 : a sandwich with melted cheese <a tuna melt>

melt
n. : SPLEEN especially : spleen of slaughtered animals for use as feed or food

melt
n. hot melt
melt down
melting point
melting pot
zone melting

melt down
: to suffer a meltdown : COLLAPSE

meltdown
n. 1 : the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2 : a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
3 : a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)

melting
n. : TENDER, DELICATE <a love song's melting lyric>
–melt·ing·ly adverb

melting
n. melting point
melting pot
zone melting

melting point
: the temperature at which a solid melts

melting pot
1 a : a place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole b : the population of such a place
2 : a process of blending that often results in invigoration or novelty
–melting-pot adjective

melton
n. : a heavy smooth woolen fabric with short nap

meltwater
n. : water derived from the melting of ice and snow

Melville
n. Herman 1819-1891 American author
–Mel·vill·ean \ˌmel-'vi-lē-ən\ adjective

Melville
n. Melville Lake
Melville Island
Melville Peninsula

Melville Island
island N Canada in Parry Islands area over 16,250 sq mi (42,085 sq km)

Melville Peninsula
peninsula Canada in Nunavut bet. Foxe Basin & an arm of Gulf of Boothia

Melville, Lake
lake Canada in Nfld.&Lab. in SE Labrador; the inner basin of Hamilton Inlet area 1133 sq mi (2946 sq km)

mem
: the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

mem
1 member
2 memoir
3 memorial

member
n. 1 : a body part or organ: as a : LIMB b : PENIS c : a unit of structure in a plant body
2 : one of the individuals composing a group
3 : a person baptized or enrolled in a church
4 : a part of a whole: as a : a syntactic or rhythmic unit of a sentence : CLAUSE b : one of the propositions of a syllogism c : one of the elements of a set or class d : either of the equated elements in a mathematical equation
synonyms see PART

membered
adj. : made up of or divided into members

membership
n. 1 : the state or status of being a member
2 : the body of members <an organization with a large membership>
3 : the relation between an element of a set or class and the set or class ― compare INCLUSION 3a

membrane
n. 1 : a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin
2 : a piece of parchment forming part of a roll
–mem·braned \'mem-ˌbrānd\ adjective

membrane
n. chorioallantoic membrane
basement membrane
basilar membrane
cell membrane
embryonic membrane
fertilization membrane
mucous membrane
nictitating membrane
nuclear membrane
periodontal membrane
plasma membrane
serous membrane
tympanic membrane
unit membrane
vitelline membrane

membranous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling membrane
2 : thin, pliable, and often somewhat transparent <membranous leaves>
3 : characterized or accompanied by the formation of a usually abnormal membrane or membranous layer <membranous croup>
–mem·bra·nous·ly adverb

membranous labyrinth
: the sensory structures of the inner ear

meme
n. : an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture

meme
n. plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
quand meme
tout de meme

Memel
n. ― see KLAIPEDA

memento
n. : something that serves to warn or remind also : SOUVENIR

memento mori
: a reminder of mortality especially : DEATH'S-HEAD

Memling
Hans ca 1430-1494 Flem. painter

Memnon
n. : an Ethiopian king slain by Achilles at a late stage of the Trojan War

memo
n. : MEMORANDUM

memoir
n. 1 : an official note or report : MEMORANDUM
2 a : a narrative composed from personal experience b : AUTOBIOGRAPHY ― usually used in plural c : BIOGRAPHY
3 a : an account of something noteworthy : REPORT b plural : the record of the proceedings of a learned society
–mem·oir·ist \-ist\ noun

memorabilia
n. 1 : things that are remarkable and worthy of remembrance
2 : things that stir recollection or are valued or collected for their association with a particular field or interest : MEMENTOS <baseball memorabilia>

memorability
n. : the quality or state of being easy to remember or worth remembering

memorable
adj. : worth remembering : NOTABLE <a memorable occasion>
–mem·o·ra·ble·ness noun
–mem·o·ra·bly \-blē\ adverb

memorandum
n. 1 : an informal record also : a written reminder
2 : an informal written note of a transaction or proposed instrument
3 a : an informal diplomatic communication b : a usually brief communication written for interoffice circulation c : a communication that contains directive, advisory, or informative matter
usage Although some commentators warn against the use of memoranda as a singular and condemn the plural memorandas, our evidence indicates that these forms are rarely encountered in print. We have a little evidence of the confusion of forms, including use of memorandum as a plural, in speech (as at congressional hearings). As plurals memoranda and memorandums are about equally frequent.

memorial
n. 1 : serving to preserve remembrance : COMMEMORATIVE
2 : of or relating to memory
–me·mo·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

memorial
n. 1 : something that keeps remembrance alive: as a : MONUMENT b : something (as a speech or ceremony) that commemorates c : KEEPSAKE, MEMENTO
2 a : RECORD, MEMOIR <language and literature⋯the memorials of another age ― J. H. Fisher> b : MEMORANDUM, NOTE specifically : a legal abstract c : a statement of facts addressed to a government and often accompanied by a petition or remonstrance

memorial
n. Confederate Memorial Day
Memorial Day
memorial park

Memorial Day
1 : May 30 formerly observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S. in remembrance of war dead
2 : the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.
3 : CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY

memorial park
: CEMETERY

memorialise
v. British variant of memorialize

memorialist
n. 1 : a person who writes or signs a memorial
2 : a person who writes a memoir

memorialize
v. 1 : to address or petition by a memorial
2 : COMMEMORATE
–me·mo·ri·al·i·za·tion \mə-ˌmȯr-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌlī-'zā-\ noun

memorise
v. British variant of memorize

memoriter
adj. : marked by emphasis on memorization

memorize
v. : to commit to memory : learn by heart
–mem·o·riz·able \ˌme-mə-'rī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–mem·o·ri·za·tion \ˌme-mə-rə-'zā-shən, ˌme-mə-(ˌ)rī-, ˌmem-rə-\ noun
–mem·o·riz·er noun

memory
n. 1 a : the power or process of reproducing or recalling what has been learned and retained especially through associative mechanisms b : the store of things learned and retained from an organism's activity or experience as evidenced by modification of structure or behavior or by recall and recognition
2 a : commemorative remembrance <erected a statue in memory of the hero> b : the fact or condition of being remembered <days of recent memory>
3 a : a particular act of recall or recollection b : an image or impression of one that is remembered <fond memories of her youth> c : the time within which past events can be or are remembered <within the memory of living men>
4 a : a device (as a chip) or a component of a device in which information especially for a computer can be inserted and stored and from which it may be extracted when wanted especially : RAM b : capacity for storing information <512 megabytes of memory>
5 : a capacity for showing effects as the result of past treatment or for returning to a former condition ― used especially of a material (as metal or plastic)
synonyms MEMORY, REMEMBRANCE, RECOLLECTION, REMINISCENCE mean the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered. MEMORY applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered <gifted with a remarkable memory> <that incident was now just a distant memory>. REMEMBRANCE applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered <any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful>. RECOLLECTION adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort <after a moment's recollection he produced the name>. REMINISCENCE suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past <my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood>.

memory
n. cache memory
random access memory
bubble memory
flash memory
memory lane
memory trace
read only memory
recovered memory
screen memory
virtual memory

memory lane
: an imaginary path through the nostalgically remembered past ― usually used in such phrases as a walk down memory lane

memory trace
: ENGRAM

Memphis
n. 1 city SW Tenn. on Mississippi River pop 650,100
2 ancient city N Egypt on the Nile S of modern Cairo; once capital of Egypt
–Mem·phi·an \-fē-ən\ adjective or noun
–Mem·phite \'mem-ˌfīt\ adjective or noun

Memphremagog, Lake
lake 30 mi (48 km) long on border bet. Canada & the U.S. in Que. & Vt.

memsahib
n. : a white foreign woman of high social status living in India especially : the wife of a British official

men
n. plural of man

men
n. : menstruation <menorrhagia>

men
n. Hsia men
men about town
men at arms
men children
men o' war
men of war
men's room
Portuguese men of war

men's room
: a room equipped with one or more sinks, toilets, and usually urinals for the use of men and boys

menace
n. 1 : a show of intention to inflict harm : THREAT
2 a : one that represents a threat : DANGER b : a person who causes annoyance

menace
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a show of intention to harm
2 : to represent or pose a threat to : ENDANGER
intransitive verb : to act in a threatening manner
–men·ac·ing·ly \-nə-siŋ-lē\ adverb

menadione
n. : a yellow crystalline compound C_11H_8O_2 with the biological activity of natural vitamin K

Menado
― see MANADO

menage
n. : a domestic establishment : HOUSEHOLD also : HOUSEKEEPING

menage a trois
: an arrangement in which three persons (as a married pair and the lover of one of the pair) share sexual relations especially while living together

menagerie
n. 1 a : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition b : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition
2 : a varied mixture <a wonderful menagerie of royal hangers-on ― V. S. Pritchett>

Menai Strait
strait 14 mi (22 km) long N Wales bet. Anglesey Is. & mainland

Menander
n. 342-292 B.C. Greek dram.

menarche
n. : the beginning of the menstrual function especially : the first menstrual period of an individual
–men·ar·che·al \ˌme-när-'kē-əl\ adjective

Menchu
Rigoberta 1959-     Guatemalan human rights activist

Mencius
n. ― see MENG-TZU

Mencken
n. H(enry) L(ouis) 1880-1956 American editor
–Menck·e·nian \meŋ-'kē-nē-ən, men-\ adjective

mend
n. transitive verb
1 : to free from faults or defects: as a : to improve in manners or morals : REFORM b : to set right : CORRECT c : to put into good shape or working order again : patch up : REPAIR d : to improve or strengthen (as a relationship) by negotiation or conciliation ― used chiefly in the phrase mend fences <spends the weekend mending political fences ― E. O. Hauser> e : to restore to health : CURE
2 : to make amends or atonement for <least said, soonest mended>
intransitive verb
1 : to improve morally : REFORM
2 : to become corrected or improved
3 : to improve in health also : HEAL
–mend·able \'men-də-bəl\ adjective
–mend·er noun
synonyms MEND, REPAIR, PATCH, REBUILD mean to put into good order something that has been injured, damaged, or defective. MEND implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured <mended the torn dress>. REPAIR applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation <repaired the back steps>. PATCH implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material <patch worn jeans>. REBUILD suggests making like new without completely replacing <a rebuilt automobile engine>.

mend
n. 1 : an act of mending : REPAIR
2 : a mended place
–on the mend : getting better : IMPROVING

mendacious
adj. : given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolute truth <mendacious tales of his adventures>
synonyms see DISHONEST
–men·da·cious·ly adverb
–men·da·cious·ness noun

mendacity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being mendacious
2 : LIE

Mende
n. 1 : a Mande language of southern Sierra Leone and eastern Liberia
2 : a member of a people speaking Mende

Mendel
n. Gregor Johann 1822-1884 Austrian botanist
–Men·del·ian \men-'de-lē-ən, -'dē-\ adjective

Mendel
n. Mendel's law
Mendelian factor
Mendelian inheritance

Mendel's law
1 : a principle in genetics: hereditary units occur in pairs that separate during gamete formation so that every gamete receives but one member of a pair ― called also law of segregation
2 : a principle in genetics limited and modified by the subsequent discovery of the phenomenon of linkage: the different pairs of hereditary units are distributed to the gametes independently of each other, the gametes combine at random, and the various combinations of hereditary pairs occur in the zygotes according to the laws of chance ― called also law of independent assortment
3 : a principle in genetics proved subsequently to be subject to many limitations: because one of each pair of hereditary units dominates the other in expression, characters are inherited alternatively on an all-or-nothing basis ― called also law of dominance

mendelevium
n. : a radioactive metallic element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

Mendeleyev
Dmitry Ivanovich 1834-1907 Russ. chem.

Mendelian
adj. : of, relating to, or according with Mendel's laws or Mendelism
–Mendelian noun

Mendelian factor
: GENE

Mendelian inheritance
: inheritance of characters specif. transmitted by genes in accord with Mendel's law ― called also particulate inheritance

Mendelism
n. : the principles or the operations of Mendel's laws also : MENDELIAN INHERITANCE
–Men·del·ist \-dəl-ist\ adjective or noun

Mendelssohn
n. Moses 1729-1786 Ger. philos.

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
(Jakob Ludwig) Felix 1809-1847 grandson of prec. Ger. composer, pianist, & conductor
–Men·dels·sohn·ian \ˌmen-dəl-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Mendenhall
glacier SE Alaska N of Juneau

Menderes
n. 1 or ancient Mae·an·der \mē-'an-dər\ river 240 mi (386 km) W Turkey in Asia flowing SW & W into the Aegean
2 or ancient Sca·man·der \skə-'man-dər\ river 60 mi (96 km) NW Turkey in Asia flowing from Kaz Dagi W & NW across the plain of ancient Troy into the Dardanelles

Mendes-France
Pierre 1907-1982 Fr. statesman

mendicancy
n. 1 : the condition of being a beggar
2 : the practice of begging

mendicant
n. 1 : BEGGAR 1
2 often capitalized : a member of a religious order (as the Franciscans) combining monastic life and outside religious activity and orig. owning neither personal nor community property : FRIAR
–mendicant adjective

mendicity
n. : MENDICANCY

Mendip
hills SW England in NE Somerset; highest Blackdown 1068 ft (326 m)

Mendocino, Cape
headland NW Calif. SSW of Eureka; extreme W point of Calif., at 124°8′W

Mendota, Lake
lake 6 mi (9.6 km) long S Wis. NW of Madison

Mendoza
n. Antonio de ca 1490-1552 Span. colonial gov.

Mendoza
n. city W Argentina pop 121,696

Menelaus
n. : a king of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon, and husband of the abducted Helen of Troy

Menelik
1844-1913 emp. of Ethiopia (1889-1913)

Menem
n. Carlos Saúl 1930-     pres. of Argentina (1989-99)

Menendez de Aviles
Pedro 1519-1574 Span. navigator & explorer

Menes
n. fl ca 3100 B.C. king of Egypt

menfolk
n. 1 : men in general
2 : the men of a family or community

MEng
master of engineering

Meng-tzu
ca 371-ca 289 B.C. orig. Meng K'o L. Men·cius \'men-ch(ē-)əs\ Chin. philos.

Mengs
Anton Raphael 1728-1779 Ger. painter

menhaden
n. : a marine fish (Brevoortia tyrannus) of the herring family abundant along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. where it is used for bait or converted into oil and fertilizer also : any of several congeneric fishes

menhir
n. : a single upright rough monolith usually of prehistoric origin

menial
n. : a person doing menial work specifically : a domestic servant or retainer

menial
n. 1 : of or relating to servants : LOWLY
2 a : appropriate to a servant : HUMBLE, SERVILE <answered in menial tones> b : lacking interest or dignity <a menial task>
–me·nial·ly adverb

Meniere's disease
: a disorder of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear that is marked by recurrent attacks of dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss ― called also Ménière's syndrome

mening
1 : meninges <meningococcus> <meningitis>
2 : meninges and <meningoencephalitis>

meningeal
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the meninges

meninges
n. plural of meninx

meningioma
n. : a slow-growing encapsulated typically benign tumor arising from the meninges and often causing damage by pressing upon the brain and adjacent parts

meningitis
n. 1 : inflammation of the meninges and especially of the pia mater and the arachnoid
2 : a disease marked by inflammation of the meninges that may be either a relatively mild illness caused by a virus (as the Coxsackie virus) or a more severe life-threatening illness caused by a bacterium (as the meningococcus)
–men·in·git·ic \-'ji-tik\ adjective

meningococcus
n. : the bacterium (Neisseria meningitidis) that causes cerebrospinal meningitis
–me·nin·go·coc·cal \-'kä-kəl\ also me·nin·go·coc·cic \-'käk-sik, -'kä-kik\ adjective

meningoencephalitis
: inflammation of the brain and meninges
–me·nin·go·en·ceph·a·lit·ic \-'li-tik\ adjective

meninx
n. : any of the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord

meniscus
n. 1 : a crescent or crescent-shaped body
2 : a concavo-convex lens
3 : the curved upper surface of a column of liquid
4 : a fibrous cartilage within a joint especially of the knee

Menlo Park
city W Calif. SE of San Francisco pop 30,785

Menninger
Karl Augustus 1893-1990 American psychiatrist

Menno Simons
1469-1561 Du. religious reformer

Mennonite
n. : a member of any of various Protestant groups derived from the Anabaptist movement in Holland and characterized by congregational autonomy and rejection of military service

meno
adv. ― see MEN-

meno mosso
: less rapid ― used as a direction in music

Menominee
n. river 125 mi (201 km) NE Wis. flowing SE on Mich.-Wis. border into Green Bay

Menominee Range
iron-rich mountain range NE Wis. & NW Mich. in Upper Peninsula

Menomonee Falls
village SE Wis. pop 32,647

menopause
n. : the natural cessation of menstruation that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 also : the period during which such cessation occurs ― called also climacteric ― compare PERIMENOPAUSE
–men·o·paus·al \ˌme-nə-'pȯ-zəl, ˌmē-\ adjective

menorah
n. : a candelabra with seven or nine lights that is used in Jewish worship

Menorca
n. ― see MINORCA

menorrhagia
n. : abnormally profuse menstrual flow

Menotti
Gian Carlo 1911-     American (Ital.-born) composer

mens rea
: criminal intent

mens sana in corpore sano
: a sound mind in a sound body

mensal
: of, relating to, or done at the table

mensch
n. : a person of integrity and honor
–menschy \'men(t)-shē\ adjective

mense
chiefly Scottish : PROPRIETY
–mense·less \-ləs\ adjective chiefly Scottish

menses
n. : the menstrual flow

Menshevik
n. : a member of a wing of the Russian Social Democratic party before and during the Russian Revolution believing in the gradual achievement of socialism by parliamentary methods in opposition to the Bolsheviks
–Men·she·vism \'men(t)-shə-ˌvi-zəm\ noun
–Men·she·vist \-vist\ noun or adjective

menstrual
adj. : of or relating to menstruation
–men·stru·al·ly adverb

menstrual cycle
: the cycle of physiological changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next

menstruate
v. : to undergo menstruation

menstruation
n. : a discharging of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus that recurs in nonpregnant breeding-age primate females at approximately monthly intervals and that is considered to represent a readjustment of the uterus to the nonpregnant state following proliferative changes accompanying the preceding ovulation also : PERIOD 6C

menstruum
n. : a substance that dissolves a solid or holds it in suspension : SOLVENT

mensurable
adj. 1 : capable of being measured : MEASURABLE
2 : MENSURAL 1
–men·sur·abil·i·ty \ˌmen(t)s-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌmen(t)sh-; ˌmen(t)-sə-rə-, -shə-\ noun

mensural
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being polyphonic music originating in the 13th century with each note having a definite and exact time value
2 : of or relating to measure

mensuration
n. 1 : the act of measuring : MEASUREMENT
2 : geometry applied to the computation of lengths, areas, or volumes from given dimensions or angles

menswear
n. : clothing for men

ment
1 a : concrete result, object, or agent of a (specified) action <embankment> <entanglement> b : concrete means or instrument of a (specified) action <entertainment>
2 a : action : process <encirclement> <development> b : place of a (specified) action <encampment>
3 : state or condition resulting from a (specified) action <amazement>

mental
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the mind specifically : of or relating to the total emotional and intellectual response of an individual to external reality <mental health> b : of or relating to intellectual as contrasted with emotional activity c : of, relating to, or being intellectual as contrasted with overt physical activity d : occurring or experienced in the mind : INNER <mental anguish> e : relating to the mind, its activity, or its products as an object of study : IDEOLOGICAL f : relating to spirit or idea as opposed to matter
2 a (1) : of, relating to, or affected by a psychiatric disorder <a mental patient> (2) : mentally disordered : MAD, CRAZY b : intended for the care or treatment of persons affected by psychiatric disorders <mental hospitals>
3 : of or relating to telepathic or mind-reading powers
–men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

mental
adj. : of or relating to the chin : GENIAL

mental
adj. mental age
mental deficiency
mental retardation
mentally retarded

mental age
: a measure used in psychological testing that expresses an individual's mental attainment in terms of the number of years it takes an average child to reach the same level

mental deficiency
: MENTAL RETARDATION

mental retardation
: subaverage intellectual ability equivalent to or less than an IQ of 70 that is accompanied by significant deficits in abilities (as in communication or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning, is present from birth or infancy, and is manifested especially by delayed or abnormal development, by learning difficulties, and by problems in social adjustment
–mentally retarded adjective

mentalist
n. : MIND READER

mentalistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to any school of psychology or psychiatry that in contrast to behaviorism values subjective data (as those gained by introspection) in the study and explanation of behavior
2 : of or relating to mental phenomena
–men·tal·ism \'men-tə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

mentalite
: outlook : set of thought processes, values, and beliefs shared by members of a community

mentality
n. 1 : mental power or capacity : INTELLIGENCE
2 : mode or way of thought : OUTLOOK <the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century ― John Davies>

mentation
n. : mental activity

mentee
: one who is being mentored : PROTÉGÉ

menthol
n. 1 : a crystalline alcohol C_10H_20O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint
2 plural : mentholated cigarettes

mentholated
adj. : containing or impregnated with menthol <a mentholated salve>

mention
n. 1 : the act or an instance of citing or calling attention to someone or something especially in a casual or incidental manner
2 : formal citation for outstanding achievement

mention
: to make mention of : refer to also : to cite for outstanding achievement
–men·tion·able \'men(t)-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective
–men·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun
–not to mention : not even yet counting or considering : and notably in addition <a proposal that's risky and expensive, not to mention unethical>

Menton
n. city SE France on the Mediterranean ENE of Nice pop 28,792

Mentor
n. city NE Ohio NE of Cleveland pop 50,278

mentor
n. 1 capitalized : a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus' son Telemachus
2 a : a trusted counselor or guide b : TUTOR, COACH
–men·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

mentor
n. : to serve as a mentor for : TUTOR

mentum
n. : a median plate of the labium of an insect

menu
n. 1 a : a list of the dishes that may be ordered (as in a restaurant) or that are to be served (as at a banquet) b (1) : a comparable list or assortment of offerings <a menu of television programs> (2) : a list shown on the display of a computer from which a user can select the operation the computer is to perform
2 : the dishes available for or served at a meal also : the meal itself

menu-driven
: relating to or being a computer program in which options are offered to the user via menus

menudo
n. : a tripe stew seasoned with chili peppers

Menuhin
n. Ye·hu·di \yə-'hü-dē\ 1916-1999 American violinist

Menzel Bourguiba
city N Tunisia on Lake Bizerte pop 42,111

Menzies
n. Sir Robert Gordon 1894-1978 Austral. statesman; prime min. (1939-41; 1949-66)

meow
n. 1 : the cry of a cat
2 : a spiteful or malicious remark
–meow intransitive verb

MEP
member of the European Parliament

meperidine
n. : a synthetic narcotic drug C_15H_21NO_2 used in the form of its hydrochloride as an analgesic, sedative, and antispasmodic

Mephistopheles
n. : a chief devil in the Faust legend
–Me·phis·to·phe·lian \ˌme-fə-stə-'fēl-yən, mə-ˌfis-tə-\ or Me·phis·to·phe·lean \same, or ˌme-fə-ˌstä-fə-'lē-ən\ adjective

mephitic
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling mephitis : foul-smelling <mephitic vapors>

mephitis
n. : a noxious, pestilential, or foul exhalation from the earth also : STENCH

meprobamate
n. : a bitter carbamate C_9H_18N_2O_4 used as a tranquilizer

mer
meridian

mer
: member of a (specified) class <monomer>

mer
Boulogne sur Mer
Rochefort sur Mer
bêche de mer
Trouville sur Mer
Villefranche sur Mer
beche de mer
bêches de mer
mal de mer
outre mer

Merano
commune N Italy in Trentino-Alto Adige NW of Bolzano pop 34,236

merbromin
n. : a green crystalline mercurial compound C_20H_8Br_2HgNa_2O_6 used as a topical antiseptic and germicide in the form of its red solution

merc
n. : MERCENARY

Mercalli scale
: a scale of earthquake intensity ranging from I for an earthquake detected only by seismographs to XII for one causing total destruction of all buildings

mercantile
adj. 1 : of or relating to merchants or trading
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of mercantilism <mercantile system>

mercantilism
n. 1 : the theory or practice of mercantile pursuits : COMMERCIALISM
2 : an economic system developing during the decay of feudalism to unify and increase the power and especially the monetary wealth of a nation by a strict governmental regulation of the entire national economy usually through policies designed to secure an accumulation of bullion, a favorable balance of trade, the development of agriculture and manufactures, and the establishment of foreign trading monopolies
–mer·can·til·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–mer·can·til·is·tic \ˌmər-kən-ˌtē-'lis-tik, -ˌtī-, -tə-\ adjective

mercaptan
n. : THIOL 1

mercaptopurine
n. : an antimetabolite C_5H_4N_4S that interferes especially with the metabolism of purine bases and the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and that is sometimes used in the treatment of acute leukemia

Mercator
n. : of, relating to, or drawn on the Mercator projection

Mercator
n. Gerardus 1512-1594 Gerhard Kremer Flem. cartographer

Mercator projection
: a conformal map projection of which the meridians are usually drawn parallel to each other and the parallels of latitude are straight lines whose distance from each other increases with their distance from the equator

Merced
1 river 150 mi (241 km) cen Calif. flowing W through Yosemite Valley into the San Joaquin
2 city cen Calif. in San Joaquin valley pop 63,893

mercenary
n. : one that serves merely for wages especially : a soldier hired into foreign service

mercenary
n. 1 : serving merely for pay or sordid advantage : VENAL also : GREEDY
2 : hired for service in the army of a foreign country
–mer·ce·nar·i·ly \ˌmər-sə-'ner-ə-lē, -'ne-rə-\ adverb
–mer·ce·nar·i·ness \'mər-sə-ˌner-ē-nəs, -ˌne-rē-\ noun

mercer
n. British : a dealer in usually expensive fabrics

mercerise
v. British variant of mercerize

mercerize
v. : to give (as cotton yarn) luster, strength, and receptiveness to dyes by treatment under tension with caustic soda
–mer·cer·i·za·tion \ˌmərs-rə-'zā-shən, ˌmər-sə-\ noun

mercery
n. British : a mercer's wares, shop, or occupation

merch
: MERCHANDISE 2

merchandise
n. 1 archaic : the occupation of a merchant : TRADE
2 : the commodities or goods that are bought and sold in business : WARES

merchandise
intransitive verb archaic : to carry on commerce : TRADE
transitive verb
1 : to buy and sell in business
2 : to promote for or as if for sale <merchandise a movie star>
–mer·chan·dis·er noun

merchandising
n. : sales promotion as a comprehensive function including market research, development of new products, coordination of manufacture and marketing, and effective advertising and selling

merchant
n. 1 : a buyer and seller of commodities for profit : TRADER
2 : the operator of a retail business : STOREKEEPER
3 : one that is noted for a particular quality or activity : SPECIALIST <a speed merchant on the base paths>
–merchant adjective

merchant
n. archaic : to deal or trade as a merchant
transitive verb : to deal or trade in

merchant
n. commission merchant
law merchant
laws merchant
merchant bank
merchant banking
merchant banker
merchant marine
merchant mariner
merchant ship

merchant bank
chiefly British : a bank that specializes in bankers' acceptances and in underwriting or syndicating equity or bond issues
–merchant banker noun
–merchant banking noun

merchant marine
1 : the privately or publicly owned commercial ships of a nation
2 : the personnel of a merchant marine specifically : a member of a merchant marine
–merchant mariner noun

merchant ship
: MERCHANTMAN 2

merchantable
adj. : of commercially acceptable quality : SALABLE
–mer·chant·abil·i·ty \ˌmər-chən-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

merchantman
n. 1 archaic : MERCHANT
2 : a ship used in commerce

Mercia
n. ancient Anglian kingdom cen England; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy

Mercian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Mercia
2 : the Old English dialect of Mercia
–Mercian adjective

Mercier
Désiré-Joseph 1851-1926 Belg. cardinal & philos.

merciful
adj. : full of mercy : COMPASSIONATE <a merciful ruler> also : providing relief <a merciful end>
–mer·ci·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

mercifully
adv. 1 : in a merciful manner
2 : FORTUNATELY 2 <mercifully we didn't have to attend the meeting>

merciless
adj. : having or showing no mercy : PITILESS
–mer·ci·less·ly adverb
–mer·ci·less·ness noun

mercurial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or born under the planet Mercury
2 : having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity, or thievishness attributed to the god Mercury or to the influence of the planet Mercury
3 : characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood <a mercurial temper>
4 : of, relating to, containing, or caused by mercury
synonyms see INCONSTANT
–mer·cu·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–mer·cu·ri·al·ness noun

mercurial
adj. : a pharmaceutical or chemical containing mercury

mercuric
adj. : of, relating to, or containing mercury especially : containing mercury with a valence of two

mercuric chloride
: a heavy crystalline poisonous compound HgCl_2 used as a disinfectant and fungicide and in photography

Mercurochrome
n. ― used for merbromin

mercurous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing mercury especially : containing mercury with a valence of one

mercurous chloride
: CALOMEL

mercury
n. 1 a capitalized : a Roman god of commerce, eloquence, travel, cunning, and theft who serves as messenger to the other gods ― compare HERMES b often capitalized archaic : a bearer of messages or news or a conductor of travelers
2 [Middle English mercurie, from Medieval Latin mercurius, from Latin, the god] a : a silver-white poisonous heavy metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures and is used especially in batteries, in dental amalgam, and in scientific instruments ― called also quicksilver ― see ELEMENT table b : the column of mercury in a thermometer or barometer also : TEMPERATURE <the mercury rose above 70 degrees>
3 capitalized : the planet nearest the sun ― see PLANET table

mercury
n. bichloride of mercury
mercury chloride
mercury vapor lamp
mercury lamp

mercury chloride
: a chloride of mercury: as a : CALOMEL b : MERCURIC CHLORIDE

mercury-vapor lamp
: an electric lamp in which the discharge takes place through mercury vapor ― called also mercury lamp

mercy
n. 1 a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power also : lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy> b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b : a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy they found her before she froze>
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress <works of mercy among the poor>
–mercy adjective
–at the mercy of : wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against
synonyms MERCY, CHARITY, CLEMENCY, GRACE, LENIENCY mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. MERCY implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it <threw himself on the mercy of the court>. CHARITY stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others <show a little charity for the less fortunate>. CLEMENCY implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing <the judge refused to show clemency>. GRACE implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions <by the grace of God>. LENIENCY implies lack of severity in punishing <criticized the courts for excessive leniency>.

mercy killing
: EUTHANASIA

merde
n. sometimes vulgar : 2CRAP 1A 2

mere
n. chiefly British : an expanse of standing water : LAKE, POOL

mere
n. : BOUNDARY also : LANDMARK

mere
n. 1 : having no admixture : PURE
2 obsolete : being nothing less than : ABSOLUTE
3 : being nothing more than <a mere mortal> <a mere hint of spice>
–mere·ly adverb

mere
n. : part : segment <metamere>

Meredith
n. George 1828-1909 Eng. nov. & poet

Meredith
n. Owen ― see E. R. Bulwer-LYTTON

merengue
n. : a ballroom dance of Haitian and Dominican origin in 2/4 time in which one foot is dragged on every step also : the music for a merengue

meretricious
adj. 1 : of or relating to a prostitute : having the nature of prostitution <meretricious relationships>
2 a : tawdrily and falsely attractive <the paradise they found was a piece of meretricious trash ― Carolyn See> b : superficially significant : PRETENTIOUS <scholarly names to provide fig-leaves of respectability for meretricious but stylish books ― Times Lit. Supp.>
synonyms see GAUDY
–mer·e·tri·cious·ly adverb
–mer·e·tri·cious·ness noun

merganser
n. : any of various fish-eating diving ducks (esp. genus Mergus) with a slender bill hooked at the end and serrated along the margins and usually a crested head

merge
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to plunge or engulf in something : IMMERSE
2 : to cause to combine, unite, or coalesce
3 : to blend gradually by stages that blur distinctions
intransitive verb
1 : to become combined into one
2 : to blend or come together without abrupt change <merging traffic>
synonyms see MIX
–mer·gence \'mər-jən(t)s\ noun

Mergenthaler
Ottmar 1854-1899 American (Ger.-born) inventor

Mergentheim
town S Germany in Baden-Württemberg NNE of Stuttgart

merger
n. 1 law : the absorption of an estate, a contract, or an interest in another, of a minor offense in a greater, or of a cause of action into a judgment
2 a : the act or process of merging b : absorption by a corporation of one or more others also : any of various methods of combining two or more organizations (as business concerns)

Meric
― see MARITSA

Merida
1 city SE Mexico capital of Yucatán pop 557,340
2 city W Venezuela S of Lake Maracaibo pop 167,992

Merida
Cordillera de Merida
Sierra Nevada de Merida
Sierra Nevada de Mérida
Cordillera de Mérida

Meriden
city S cen Conn. S of Hartford pop 58,244

Meridian
n. 1 city SW Idaho W of Boise pop 34,919
2 city E cen Miss. pop 39,968

meridian
n. 1 archaic : the hour of noon : MIDDAY
2 : a great circle of the celestial sphere passing through its poles and the zenith of a given place ― see AZIMUTH illustration
3 : a high point
4 a (1) : a great circle on the surface of the earth passing through the poles (2) : the half of such a circle included between the poles b : a representation of such a circle or half circle numbered for longitude on a map or globe ― see LONGITUDE illustration
5 : any of the pathways along which the body's vital energy flows according to the theory behind acupuncture
–meridian adjective

meridional
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or situated in the south : SOUTHERN
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of people living in the south especially of France
3 : of, relating to, or situated on or along a meridian
–me·rid·i·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

meridional
adj. : a native or inhabitant of southern Europe and especially southern France

Merimee
Prosper 1803-1870 Fr. writer

Merin
― see MIRIM (Lake)

meringue
n. 1 : a dessert topping consisting of a baked mixture of stiffly beaten egg whites and sugar
2 : a shell made of meringue and filled with fruit or ice cream

merino
n. 1 : any of a breed of fine-wooled white sheep originating in Spain and producing a heavy fleece of exceptional quality
2 : a soft wool or wool and cotton clothing fabric resembling cashmere
3 : a fine wool and cotton yarn used for hosiery and knitwear
–merino adjective

Merioneth
former county NW Wales capital Dolgellau

merism
: possession of (such) an arrangement of or relation among constituent chemical units <tautomerism>

meristem
n. : a formative plant tissue usually made up of small cells capable of dividing indefinitely and giving rise to similar cells or to cells that differentiate to produce the definitive tissues and organs
–mer·i·ste·mat·ic \ˌmer-əs-tə-'ma-tik\ adjective
–mer·i·ste·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

meristem
n. apical meristem
ground meristem
primary meristem

meristic
adj. 1 : SEGMENTAL
2 : involving modification in number or in geometrical relation of body parts <meristic variation in petals>
–me·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

merit
n. 1 a obsolete : reward or punishment due b : the qualities or actions that constitute the basis of one's deserts c : a praiseworthy quality : VIRTUE d : character or conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem also : ACHIEVEMENT
2 : spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits
3 a plural : the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form b : individual significance or justification
–mer·it·less \-ləs\ adjective

merit
n. : to be worthy of or entitled or liable to : EARN
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to be entitled to reward or honor
2 : DESERVE

merit
n. figure of merit
Legion of Merit
Medal for Merit
merit system
treasury of merits

merit system
: a system by which appointments and promotions in the civil service are based on competence rather than political favoritism

meritocracy
n. 1 : a system in which the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement
2 : leadership selected on the basis of intellectual criteria
–mer·it·o·crat·ic \ˌmer-ə-tə-'kra-tik\ adjective

meritocrat
n. chiefly British : a person who advances through a meritocratic system

meritorious
adj. : deserving of honor or esteem
–mer·i·to·ri·ous·ly adverb
–mer·i·to·ri·ous·ness noun

merle
n. : BLACKBIRD 1A

merle
n. : a bluish or reddish gray mixed with splotches of black that is the color of the coats of some dogs

Merlin
n. : a prophet and magician in Arthurian legend

merlin
n. : a small compact falcon (Falco columbarius) of the northern hemisphere having a broad dark terminal band on the tail and upperparts that are slate blue in males and brown in females

merlon
n. : any of the solid intervals between crenellations of a battlement ― see BATTLEMENT illustration

merlot
n. : a dry red wine made from a widely grown grape orig. used in the Bordeaux region of France for blending also : the grape itself

mermaid
n. : a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish

merman
n. : a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a man and the tail of a fish

mero
: part : partial <meroblastic>

meroblastic
adj. : characterized by incomplete cleavage as a result of the presence of a mass of yolk material ― compare HOLOBLASTIC
–mer·o·blas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

merocrine
adj. : producing a secretion that is discharged without major damage to the secretory cells also : produced by a merocrine gland

Meroe
n. ancient city NE Africa on the Nile; site in N cen Sudan
–Mero·ite \'mer-ō-ˌīt\ noun
–Mero·it·ic \ˌmer-ō-'i-tik\ adjective

Meroe, Isle of
ancient region E Sudan bet. the Nile & Blue Nile rivers & the Atbara

meromorphic
: relating to or being a function of a complex variable that is analytic everywhere in a region except for singularities at each of which infinity is the limit and each of which is contained in a neighborhood where the function is analytic except for the singular point itself

meromyosin
n. : either of two structural subunits of myosin that are obtained especially by tryptic digestion

merous
: having (such or so many) parts <dimerous>

Merovingian
n. : of or relating to the first Frankish dynasty reigning from about A.D. 500 to 751
–Merovingian noun

merozoite
n. : a sporozoan trophozoite produced by schizogony that is capable of initiating a new sexual or asexual cycle of development

Merrifield
Robert Bruce 1921-     American biochem.

Merrill
n. James Ingram 1926-1995 American poet

Merrillville
town NW Ind. pop 30,560

Merrimack
1 river 110 mi (177 km) S N.H. & NE Mass. flowing S & NE into the Atlantic
2 town S N.H. pop 25,119

merriment
n. 1 : lighthearted gaiety or fun-making : HILARITY
2 : a lively celebration or party : FESTIVITY

Merritt Island
island 40 mi (64 km) long E Fla. W of Canaveral Peninsula bet. Indian River & Banana River

merry
adj. 1 archaic : giving pleasure : DELIGHTFUL
2 : full of gaiety or high spirits : MIRTHFUL
3 : marked by festivity or gaiety
4 : QUICK, BRISK <a merry pace>
–mer·ri·ly \'mer-ə-lē, 'me-rə-\ adverb
–mer·ri·ness \'mer-ē-nəs, 'me-rē-\ noun
synonyms MERRY, BLITHE, JOCUND, JOVIAL, JOLLY mean showing high spirits or lightheartedness. MERRY suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity <a merry group of revelers>. BLITHE suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety <arrived late in his usual blithe way>. JOCUND stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits <singing, dancing, and jocund feasting>. JOVIAL suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship <dinner put them in a jovial mood>. JOLLY suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting <our jolly host enlivened the party>.

merry
adj. merry andrew
merry go round
merry widow

merry widow
: a strapless corset or bustier usually having garters attached

merry-andrew
: a person who clowns publicly

merry-go-round
1 : an amusement park ride with seats often in the form of animals (as horses) revolving about a fixed center
2 : a cycle of activity that is complex, fast-paced, or difficult to break out of <the corporate merry-go-round>

merrymaker
n. : REVELER

merrymaking
n. 1 : gay or festive activity : CONVIVIALITY
2 : a convivial occasion : FESTIVITY

merrythought
n. chiefly British : WISHBONE

Mersey
n. river 70 mi (113 km) NW England flowing NW & W into Irish Sea through a large estuary

Merseyside
metropolitan county NW England capital Liverpool area 261 sq mi (676 sq km), pop 1,376,800

Mersin
n. city & port S Turkey on the Mediterranean WSW of Adana pop 422,357

Merthiolate
― used for thimerosal

Merthyr Tydfil
1 administrative area of S Wales area 43 sq mi (111 sq km)
2 town S Wales NNW of Cardiff pop 59,300

Merton
Robert C. 1944-     American econ.

Merton
Thomas 1915-1968 American religious & author

Merton
borough of SW Greater London, England pop 161,800

Meru, Mount
mountain 14,979 ft (4566 m) NE Tanzania

mes
1 : mid : in the middle <mesocarp>
2 : intermediate (as in size or type) <mesomorph> <meson>

Mesa
n. city SW cen Ariz. E of Phoenix pop 396,375

mesa
n. : an isolated relatively flat-topped natural elevation usually more extensive than a butte and less extensive than a plateau also : a broad terrace with an abrupt slope on one side : BENCH

mesa
n. Costa Mesa
Enchanted Mesa
La Mesa
Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park
n. reservation SW Colo. containing prehistoric cliff dwellings

Mesabi Range
range of hills NE Minn. NW of Duluth containing large deposits of iron

mesalliance
n. : a marriage with a person of inferior social position

mesarch
: having metaxylem developed both internal and external to the protoxylem

mescal
n. 1 : PEYOTE 2
2 a : a usually colorless Mexican liquor distilled especially from the central leaves of maguey plants b : a plant from which mescal is produced especially : MAGUEY

mescal button
: PEYOTE BUTTON

Mescalero
: a member of an Apache people of Texas and New Mexico

mescaline
n. : a hallucinatory crystalline alkaloid C_11H_17NO_3 that is the chief active principle in peyote buttons

mesclun
n. : a mixture of young tender greens (as lettuces, arugula, and chicory) also : a salad made with mesclun

mesdames
n. plural of madam or of madame or of mrs.

mesdemoiselles
n. plural of mademoiselle

meseems
v. archaic : it seems to me

mesembryanthemum
n. : any of a genus (Mesembryanthemum) of chiefly southern African fleshy-leaved herbs or subshrubs of the carpetweed family

mesencephalon
n. : MIDBRAIN
–mes·en·ce·phal·ic \-ˌzen(t)-sə-'fa-lik, -zən(t)-, -ˌsen(t)-, -sən(t)-\ adjective

mesenchymal
adj. : of, resembling, or being mesenchyme

mesenchyme
n. : loosely organized undifferentiated mostly mesodermal cells that give rise to such structures as connective tissues, blood, lymphatics, bone, and cartilage

mesenteron
n. : the part of the alimentary canal that is developed from the archenteron and is lined with hypoblast

mesentery
n. 1 a : one or more vertebrate membranes that consist of a double fold of the peritoneum and invest the intestines and their appendages and connect them with the dorsal wall of the abdominal cavity b : a fold of membrane comparable to a mesentery and supporting a viscus (as the heart) that is not a part of the digestive tract
2 : a support or partition in an invertebrate like the vertebrate mesentery
–mes·en·ter·ic \ˌme-zən-'ter-ik, -sən-\ adjective

Meseta
the central plateau of Spain

mesh
n. 1 : one of the openings between the threads or cords of a net also : one of the similar spaces in a network ― often used to designate screen size as the number of openings per linear inch
2 a : the fabric of a net b : a woven, knit, or knotted material of open texture with evenly spaced holes c : an arrangement of interlocking metal links used especially for jewelry
3 a : a weblike pattern or construction b : WEB, SNARE ― usually used in plural
4 : working contact (as of the teeth of gears) <in mesh>
–meshed \'mesht\ adjective

mesh
n. 1 a : ENMESH, ENTANGLE b : to catch in the openings of a net
2 : to cause to resemble network
3 a : to cause (as gears) to engage b : to coordinate closely : INTERLOCK
intransitive verb
1 : to become entangled in or as if in meshes
2 : to be in or come into mesh ― used especially of gears
3 : to fit or work together properly

meshuga
n. : CRAZY, FOOLISH

meshuggener
n. : a foolish or crazy person

meshwork
n. : NETWORK 2 <a vascular meshwork>

mesial
adj. 1 : MIDDLE, MEDIAN
2 : of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the tooth in front of it or that is closest to the middle of the front of the jaw ― compare DISTAL 2
–me·si·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

mesic
adj. : characterized by, relating to, or requiring a moderate amount of moisture <a mesic habitat> <a mesic plant> ― compare HYDRIC, XERIC

mesic
adj. : of or relating to a meson

Mesmer
n. Franz or Friedrich Anton 1734-1815 Ger. physician

mesmeric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or induced by mesmerism
2 : FASCINATING, IRRESISTIBLE
–mes·mer·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mesmerise
v. British variant of mesmerize

mesmerism
n. 1 : hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism broadly : HYPNOTISM
2 : hypnotic appeal
–mes·mer·ist \-rist\ noun

mesmerize
v. 1 : to subject to mesmerism also : HYPNOTIZE
2 : SPELLBIND
–mes·mer·iz·er noun

mesne
adj. : INTERMEDIATE, INTERVENING ― used in law

mesne lord
: a feudal lord who holds land as tenant of a superior (as a king) but who is lord to his own tenant

meso
― see MES-

Mesoamerica
region of S N. America that was occupied during pre-Columbian times by peoples (as the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs) with shared cultural features
–Me·so·amer·i·can \-kən\ adjective

mesocarp
n. : the middle layer of a pericarp ― see ENDOCARP illustration

mesocyclone
: a rapidly rotating air mass within a thunderstorm that often gives rise to a tornado

mesoderm
n. : the middle of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of many bodily tissues and structures (as bone, muscle, connective tissue, and dermis) broadly : tissue derived from this germ layer
–me·so·der·mal \ˌme-zə-'dər-məl, ˌmē-, -sə-\ adjective

mesoglea
: a gelatinous substance between the endoderm and ectoderm of sponges or coelenterates

Mesolithic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a transitional period of the Stone Age between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic

mesomere
n. : a blastomere of medium size also : an intermediate part of the mesoderm

mesomorph
n. : a mesomorphic body or person

mesomorphic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures especially the degree of muscularity and bone development
2 : having a husky muscular body build
–me·so·mor·phy \'me-zə-ˌmȯr-fē, -sə-\ noun

meson
n. : any of a group of fundamental particles (as the pion and kaon) made up of a quark and an antiquark that are subject to the strong force and have zero or an integer number of quantum units of spin
–me·son·ic \me-'zä-nik, mā-, mē-, -'sä-\ adjective

meson
n. omega meson
K meson
pi meson

mesonephros
n. : either member of the second and midmost of the three paired vertebrate renal organs that functions in adult fishes and amphibians but functions only in the embryo of reptiles, birds, and mammals in which it is replaced by a metanephros in the adult ― compare METANEPHROS, PRONEPHROS
–me·so·neph·ric \-frik\ adjective

mesopause
n. : the upper boundary of the mesosphere where the temperature of the atmosphere reaches its lowest point

mesopelagic
adj. : of or relating to oceanic depths from about 600 feet to 3000 feet (200 to 1000 meters)

mesophyll
n. : the parenchyma between the epidermal layers of a foliage leaf
–me·so·phyl·lic \ˌme-zə-'fi-lik, ˌmē-, -sə-\ or me·so·phyl·lous \-ləs\ adjective

mesophyte
n. : a plant that grows under medium conditions of moisture
–me·so·phyt·ic \ˌme-zə-'fi-tik, ˌmē-, -sə-\ adjective

Mesopotamia
n. 1 region SW Asia bet. the Tigris & the Euphrates extending from the mountains of E Asia Minor to the Persian Gulf
2 the entire Tigris-Euphrates valley
–Mes·o·po·ta·mian \-mē-ən, -myən\ adjective or noun

mesoscale
adj. : of intermediate size especially : of or relating to a meteorological phenomenon approximately 10 to 1000 kilometers in horizontal extent <mesoscale cloud pattern>

mesosome
: an organelle of bacteria that appears as an invagination of the plasma membrane and functions either in DNA replication and cell division or excretion of exoenzymes

mesosphere
n. : the part of the earth's atmosphere between the stratosphere and the thermosphere in which temperature decreases with altitude to the atmosphere's absolute minimum
–me·so·spher·ic \ˌme-zə-'sfir-ik, ˌmē-, -sə-, -'sfer-\ adjective

mesothelioma
n. : a usually malignant tumor derived from mesothelial tissue (as that lining the peritoneum or pleura)

mesothelium
n. : epithelium derived from mesoderm that lines the body cavity of a vertebrate embryo and gives rise to epithelia (as of the peritoneum, pericardium, and pleura), striated muscle, heart muscle, and several minor structures
–me·so·the·li·al \-lē-əl\ adjective

mesothoracic
: of or relating to the mesothorax

mesothorax
n. : the middle of the three segments of the thorax of an insect ― see INSECT illustration

mesotrophic
of a body of water : having a moderate amount of dissolved nutrients ― compare EUTROPHIC, OLIGOTROPHIC

Mesozoic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an era of geological history comprising the interval between the Permian and the Tertiary or the corresponding system of rocks that was marked by the presence of dinosaurs, marine and flying reptiles, ammonites, ferns, and gymnosperms and the appearance of angiosperms, mammals, and birds ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Mesozoic noun

Mesquite
n. city NE Tex. E of Dallas pop 124,523

mesquite
n. : any of several spiny leguminous trees or shrubs (genus Prosopis and especially P. glandulosa) chiefly of the southwestern U.S. that often form extensive thickets and have sweet pods eaten by livestock also : the wood of the mesquite used especially in grilling food

mess
n. 1 : a quantity of food: a archaic : food set on a table at one time b : a prepared dish of soft food also : a mixture of ingredients cooked or eaten together c : enough food of a specified kind for a dish or a meal <picked a mess of peas for dinner>
2 a : a group of persons who regularly take their meals together also : a meal so taken b : a place where meals are regularly served to a group : MESS HALL
3 a : a disordered, untidy, offensive, or unpleasant state or condition <your room is in a mess> b : one that is disordered, untidy, offensive, or unpleasant usually because of blundering, laxity, or misconduct <[the movie] is a mess, as sloppy in concept as it is in execution ― Judith Crist> <made a mess of his life>
4 : a large quantity or number <a mess of problems>

mess
n. 1 : to provide with meals at a mess
2 a : to make dirty or untidy : DISARRANGE ― often used with up <don't mess up your room> b : to mix up : BUNGLE ― often used with up <really messed up my life>
3 : to interfere with ― often used with up <magnetic storms that mess up communications ― Time>
4 : to rough up : MANHANDLE ― often used with up <mess him up good so he won't cheat us again>
intransitive verb
1 : to take meals with a mess
2 : to make a mess
3 a : PUTTER, TRIFLE <children like to mess around with paints> b : to handle or play with something especially carelessly <don't mess with my camera> ― often used with around c : to take an active interest in something or someone <messing around with new video techniques> also : INTERFERE, MEDDLE <messing in other people's affairs> <you'd better not mess with me>
4 : to become confused or make an error ― usually used with up <got another chance and messed up again>

mess
n. mess around
mess hall
mess jacket
mess kit
mess over

mess around
1 : to waste time : DAWDLE, IDLE
2 a : ASSOCIATE <don't mess around with admirals much ― K. M. Dodson> b : FLIRT, PHILANDER <caught him messing around with my wife>

mess hall
: a hall or building (as on an army post) in which mess is served

mess jacket
: a fitted waist-length man's jacket worn especially as part of a dress uniform

mess kit
: a compact kit of nested cooking and eating utensils for use by soldiers and campers

mess over
slang : to treat harshly or unfairly : ABUSE

message
n. 1 : a communication in writing, in speech, or by signals
2 : a messenger's errand or function
3 : an underlying theme or idea

message
n. transitive verb
1 : to send as a message or by messenger
2 : to send a message to
intransitive verb : to communicate by message

message board
: BULLETIN BOARD 2

Messala
(or Mes·sal·la) Cor·vi·nus \mə-'sä-lə-ˌkȯr-'vī-nəs\ Marcus Valerius ca 64 B.C.-A.D. 8 Rom. gen. & statesman

Messalina
n. Valeria ca A.D. 22-48 3d wife of Emp. Claudius

messaline
: a soft lightweight silk dress fabric with a satin weave

messan
chiefly Scottish : LAPDOG 1

messeigneurs
n. plural of monseigneur

Messene
town S Greece in SW Peloponnese; ancient capital of Messenia

messenger
n. 1 : one who bears a message or does an errand: as a archaic : FORERUNNER, HERALD b : a dispatch bearer in government or military service c : an employee who carries messages
2 : a light line used in hauling a heavier line (as between ships)
3 : a substance (as a hormone) that mediates a biological effect
4 : MESSENGER RNA

messenger RNA
: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein ― compare TRANSFER RNA

Messenia
region S Greece in SW Peloponnese bordering on Ionian Sea

Messenia, Gulf of
inlet of the Mediterranean S Greece on S coast of Peloponnese

Messerschmitt
Willy 1898-1978 Ger. aircraft designer & manuf.

messiah
n. 1 capitalized a : the expected king and deliverer of the Jews b : JESUS 1
2 : a professed or accepted leader of some hope or cause
–mes·si·ah·ship \-ˌship\ noun

messianic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a messiah
2 : marked by idealism and an aggressive crusading spirit <messianic zeal>

messianism
n. 1 : belief in a messiah as the savior of humankind
2 : religious devotion to an ideal or cause

Messias
: MESSIAH 1

Messier
adj. Charles 1730-1817 Fr. astron.

messieurs
n. plural of monsieur

Messina
n. city & port Italy in NE Sicily pop 257,302

Messina, Strait of
channel bet. S mainland part of Italy & NE Sicily

messmate
n. : a person with whom one regularly takes mess (as on a ship)

Messrs.
n. plural of mr.

<Messrs. Jones, Brown, and Robinson>

messuage
n. : PREMISE 3B

messy
adj. 1 : marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : UNTIDY <a messy room>
2 : lacking neatness or precision : CARELESS, SLOVENLY <messy thinking>
3 : extremely unpleasant or trying <messy lawsuits>
–mess·i·ly \'me-sə-lē\ adverb
–mess·i·ness \'me-sē-nəs\ noun

Mesta
river 150 mi (240 km) SW Bulgaria & NE Greece flowing from W end of Rhodope Mountains SE into the Aegean

mestiza
n. : a woman who is a mestizo

mestizo
n. : a person of mixed blood specifically : a person of mixed European and American Indian ancestry

mestranol
n. : a synthetic estrogen C_21H_26O_2 used in oral contraceptives

Mestrovic
Ivan 1883-1962 American (Yugoslavian-born) sculptor

met
past and past part of meet

met
1 meteorological; meteorology
2 metropolitan

Meta
pref. river over 620 mi (995 km) NE Colombia flowing into the Orinoco on Venezuela-Colombia boundary

meta
pref. 1 a : occurring later than or in succession to : after <metestrus> b : situated behind or beyond <metencephalon> <metacarpus> c : later or more highly organized or specialized form of <metaxylem>
2 : change : transformation <metaplasia>
3 [metaphysics] : more comprehensive : transcending <metapsychological> ― usually used with the name of a discipline to designate a new but related discipline designed to deal critically with the original one <metamathematics>
4 a : involving substitution at or characterized by two positions in the benzene ring that are separated by one carbon atom <meta-xylene> b : derived from by loss of water <metaphosphoric acid>

meta-analysis
: a quantitative statistical analysis of several separate but similar experiments or studies in order to test the pooled data for statistical significance

metabolic
adj. : of, relating to, or based on metabolism
–met·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metabolism
n. 1 a : the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated b : the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body c : the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment <the metabolism of a lake>
2 : METAMORPHOSIS 2 ― usually used in combination <holometabolism>

metabolite
n. 1 : a product of metabolism
2 : a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

metabolize
v. transitive verb : to subject to metabolism
intransitive verb : to perform metabolism
–me·tab·o·liz·able \mə-ˌta-bə-'lī-zə-bəl\ adjective

metacarpal
adj. : of, relating to, or being the metacarpus or a metacarpal

metacarpal
adj. : a bone of the part of the hand or forefoot between the carpus and the phalanges that typically contains five more or less elongated bones when all the digits are present

metacarpus
n. : the part of the hand or forefoot that contains the metacarpals

metacenter
n. : the point of intersection of the vertical through the center of buoyancy of a floating body with the vertical through the new center of buoyancy when the body is displaced

metacentric
adj. 1 : of or relating to a metacenter
2 : having the centromere medially situated so that the two chromosomal arms are of roughly equal length
–metacentric noun

metacercaria
n. : a tailless encysted late larva of a digenetic trematode that is usually the form which is infective for the definitive host
–meta·cer·car·i·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

metachromatic
adj. 1 : staining or characterized by staining in a different color or shade from what is typical <metachromatic granules in a bacterium>
2 : having the capacity to stain different elements of a cell or tissue in different colors or shades <metachromatic stains>

metacognition
n. : awareness or analysis of one's own learning or thinking processes

metadata
n. : data that provides information about other data

metaethics
: the study of the meanings of ethical terms, the nature of ethical judgments, and the types of ethical arguments
–meta·eth·i·cal \-thi-kəl\ adjective

metafiction
n. : fiction which refers to or takes as its subject fictional writing and its conventions
–meta·fic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–meta·fic·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

metagalaxy
n. : the entire system of galaxies : UNIVERSE
–meta·ga·lac·tic \-gə-'lak-tik\ adjective

metagenesis
n. : alternation of generations in animals especially : regular alternation of a sexual and an asexual generation
–meta·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

Metairie
population center SE La. pop 146,136

metal
n. 1 : any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides especially : one that is a chemical element as distinguished from an alloy
2 a : METTLE 1A b : the substance out of which a person or thing is made
3 : glass in its molten state
4 a : printing type metal b : matter set in metal type
5 : ROAD METAL
6 : HEAVY METAL

metal
n. : to cover or furnish with metal

metal
n. alkali metal
alkaline earth metal
bell metal
Britannia metal
death metal
expanded metal
heavy metal
hot metal
misch metal
rare earth metal
road metal
sheet metal
transition metal
white metal

metalanguage
n. : a language used to talk about language

metaldehyde
n. : a crystalline compound (CH_3CH0)4 that is a polymer of acetaldehyde and is used as a lure and poison for snails and slugs

metalhead
n. : a fan or performer of heavy metal

metalinguistic
adj. : of or relating to a metalanguage or to metalinguistics

metalinguistics
n. : a branch of linguistics that deals with the relation between language and other cultural factors in a society

metall
: metal <metallophone>

metallic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or being a metal b : made of or containing a metal c : having properties of a metal
2 : yielding metal
3 : resembling metal: as a : having iridescent and reflective properties <metallic paint> b : having an acrid quality like that of metal <the tea has a metallic taste>
4 a : having a harsh resonance : GRATING <a metallic voice> b : having an impersonal or mechanical quality <a metallic smile>
–me·tal·li·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metalliferous
adj. : yielding or containing metal

metallize
: to coat, treat, or combine with a metal
–met·al·li·za·tion \ˌme-təl-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

metallography
n. : a study of the structure of metals especially with the microscope
–met·al·log·ra·pher \ˌme-təl-'ä-grə-fər\ noun
–me·tal·lo·graph·ic \mə-ˌta-lə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–me·tal·lo·graph·i·cal·ly \-'gra-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metalloid
n. 1 : an element intermediate in properties between the typical metals and nonmetals
2 : a nonmetal that can combine with a metal to form an alloy

metalloid
n. 1 : resembling a metal
2 : of, relating to, or being a metalloid

metallophone
n. : a percussion musical instrument consisting of a series of metal bars of varying pitch struck with hammers

metallurgy
n. : the science and technology of metals
–met·al·lur·gi·cal \ˌme-təl-'ər-ji-kəl\ adjective
–met·al·lur·gi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–met·al·lur·gist \'me-təl-ˌər-jist, esp Brit mə-'ta-lər-\ noun

metalmark
n. : any of a family (Riodinidae) of small or medium-sized usually brightly colored chiefly tropical butterflies that often have metallic coloration on the wings

metalsmith
: a person skilled in metalworking

metalware
n. : ware made of metal especially : metal utensils for household use

metalwork
n. : the product of metalworking especially : a metal object of artistic merit
–met·al·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

metalworking
n. : the act or process of shaping things out of metal

metamathematics
n. : a field of study concerned with the formal structure and properties (as the consistency and completeness of axioms) of mathematical systems
–meta·math·e·mat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

metamere
n. : any of a linear series of primitively similar segments into which the body of a higher invertebrate or vertebrate is divisible
–meta·mer·ic \ˌme-tə-'mer-ik, -'mir-\ adjective
–meta·mer·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metamerism
n. : the condition of having or the stage of evolutionary development characterized by a body made up of metameres

metamorphic
adj. 1 : of or relating to metamorphosis
2 of a rock : of, relating to, or produced by metamorphism
–meta·mor·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metamorphism
n. : a change in the constitution of rock specifically : a pronounced change effected by pressure, heat, and water that results in a more compact and more highly crystalline condition

metamorphose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to change into a different physical form especially by supernatural means b : to change strikingly the appearance or character of : TRANSFORM <you are so metamorphosed I can hardly think you my master ― Shakespeare>
2 : to cause (rock) to undergo metamorphism
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo metamorphosis
2 : to become transformed
synonyms see TRANSFORM

metamorphosis
n. 1 a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances
2 : a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching

metanalysis
n. : a reanalysis of the division between sounds or words resulting in different constituents (as in the development of an apron from a napron)

metanephros
n. : either member of the final and most caudal pair of the three successive pairs of vertebrate renal organs that functions as a permanent adult kidney in reptiles, birds, and mammals but is not present at all in lower forms ― compare MESONEPHROS, PRONEPHROS
–meta·neph·ric \-frik\ adjective

metaphase
n. : the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes become arranged in the equatorial plane of the spindle

metaphase plate
: a section in the equatorial plane of the metaphase spindle having the chromosomes oriented upon it

metaphor
n. 1 : a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money) broadly : figurative language ― compare SIMILE
2 : an object, activity, or idea treated as a metaphor : SYMBOL 2
–met·a·phor·ic \ˌme-tə-'fȯr-ik, -'fär-\ or met·a·phor·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adjective
–met·a·phor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metaphosphate
: a salt or ester of a metaphosphoric acid

metaphosphoric acid
: a glassy solid acid HPO_3 or (HPO_3)n formed by heating orthophosphoric acid

metaphrase
n. : a literal translation

metaphysic
adj. 1 a : METAPHYSICS b : a particular system of metaphysics
2 : the system of principles underlying a particular study or subject : PHILOSOPHY 3B
–metaphysic adjective

Metaphysical
adj. : a metaphysical poet of the 17th century

metaphysical
adj. 1 : of or relating to metaphysics
2 a : of or relating to the transcendent or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses b : SUPERNATURAL
3 : highly abstract or abstruse also : THEORETICAL
4 often capitalized : of or relating to poetry especially of the early 17th century that is highly intellectual and philosophical and marked by unconventional imagery
–meta·phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metaphysician
n. : a student of or specialist in metaphysics

metaphysics
n. 1 a (1) : a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often epistemology (2) : ONTOLOGY 2 b : abstract philosophical studies : a study of what is outside objective experience
2 : METAPHYSIC 2

metaplasia
n. 1 : transformation of one tissue into another
2 : abnormal replacement of cells of one type by cells of another
–meta·plas·tic \-'plas-tik\ adjective

metapsychology
n. : speculative psychology concerned with postulating the structure (as the ego and id) and processes (as cathexis) of the mind which usually cannot be demonstrated objectively
–meta·psy·cho·log·i·cal \-ˌsī-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

metasequoia
n. : any of a genus (Metasequoia) of deciduous coniferous trees of the bald cypress family comprising one extant and various fossil forms having leaves, buds, and branches arranged oppositely and flat leaves resembling needles

metasomatism
n. : metamorphism that involves changes in the chemical composition as well as in the texture of rock
–meta·so·mat·ic \-sō-'ma-tik\ adjective

metastable
adj. : having or characterized by only a slight margin of stability <a metastable compound>
–meta·sta·bil·i·ty \-stə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–meta·sta·bly \-'stā-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

metastasis
n. 1 a : change of position, state, or form b : the spread of a disease-producing agency (as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body also : the process by which such spreading occurs
2 : a secondary malignant tumor resulting from metastasis
–met·a·stat·ic \ˌme-tə-'sta-tik\ adjective
–met·a·stat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metastasize
v. : to spread or grow by or as if by metastasis

metatarsal
adj. : of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal
adj. : a metatarsal bone

metatarsus
n. : the metatarsal part of a human foot or of a hind foot in quadrupeds

metate
n. : a stone with a concave upper surface used as the lower millstone for grinding grains and especially Indian corn

metathesis
n. : a change of place or condition: as a : transposition of two phonemes in a word (as in the development of crud from curd or the pronunciation \'pər-tē\ for pretty) b : a chemical reaction in which different kinds of molecules exchange parts to form other kinds of molecules
–met·a·thet·i·cal \ˌme-tə-'the-ti-kəl\ or met·a·thet·ic \-tik\ adjective
–met·a·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metathorax
n. : the posterior segment of the thorax of an insect ― see INSECT illustration
–meta·tho·rac·ic \ˌme-tə-thə-'ra-sik\ adjective

Metauro
river 70 mi (113 km) E cen Italy flowing E into the Adriatic

Metaxas
Ioannis 1871-1941 Greek gen. & dictator

metaxylem
: the part of the primary xylem that differentiates after the protoxylem and that is distinguished typically by broader tracheids and vessels with pitted or reticulate walls

metazoal
: of or relating to the metazoans

metazoan
n. : any of a group (Metazoa) that comprises all animals having the body composed of cells differentiated into tissues and organs and usually a digestive cavity lined with specialized cells
–metazoan adjective

Metchnikoff
Élie 1845-1916 orig. Ilya Ilich Mech·ni·kov \'myāch-nyi-ˌkȯf\ Fr. (Russ.-born) zool. & bacteriol.

mete
n. 1 archaic : MEASURE
2 : to give out by measure : DOLE ― usually used with out <mete out punishment>

mete
n. : BOUNDARY <metes and bounds>

metempsychosis
n. : the passing of the soul at death into another body either human or animal

metencephalon
n. : the anterior segment of the developing vertebrate hindbrain or the corresponding part of the adult brain composed of the cerebellum and pons
–met·en·ce·phal·ic \-ˌen(t)-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

meteor
n. 1 : an atmospheric phenomenon (as lightning or a snowfall)
2 a : any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere b : the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor

meteoric
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a meteor b : resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance <a meteoric rise to fame>
2 : of, relating to, or derived from the earth's atmosphere <meteoric water>
–me·te·or·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

meteorite
n. : a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized
–me·te·or·it·ic \ˌmē-tē-ə-'ri-tik\ also me·te·or·it·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

meteoritics
: a science that deals with meteors
–me·te·or·it·i·cist \-'ri-tə-sist\ noun

meteoroid
n. 1 : a meteor particle itself without relation to the phenomena it produces when entering the earth's atmosphere
2 : a meteor in orbit around the sun
–me·te·or·oi·dal \ˌmē-tē-ə-'rȯi-dəl\ adjective

meteorology
1 : a science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting
2 : the atmospheric phenomena and weather of a region
–me·te·o·ro·log·ic \-rə-'lä-jik\ or me·te·o·ro·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–me·te·o·ro·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–me·te·o·rol·o·gist \-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

meter
n. 1 a : systematically arranged and measured rhythm in verse: (1) : rhythm that continuously repeats a single basic pattern <iambic meter> (2) : rhythm characterized by regular recurrence of a systematic arrangement of basic patterns in larger figures <ballad meter> b : a measure or unit of metrical verse ― usually used in combination <pentameter> ― compare FOOT 4 c : a fixed metrical pattern : verse form
2 : the basic recurrent rhythmical pattern of note values, accents, and beats per measure in music

meter
n. : one that measures especially : an official measurer of commodities

meter
n. : the base unit of length in the International System of Units that is equal to the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 second or to about 39.37 inches ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

meter
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring and sometimes recording the time or amount of something <a parking meter> <a gas meter>
2 : POSTAGE METER also : a marking printed by a postage meter

meter
n. 1 : to measure by means of a meter
2 : to supply in a measured or regulated amount
3 : to print postal indicia on by means of a postage meter

meter
n. : instrument or means for measuring <barometer>

meter
n. common meter
exposure meter
heroic meter
kilogram meter
light meter
long meter
meter kilogram second
meter maid
parking meter
peak flow meter
pH meter
postage meter
water meter

meter maid
: a woman assigned by a police or traffic department to write tickets for parking violations

meter-kilogram-second
: of, relating to, or being a system of units using the meter, kilogram, and second as its base units ― abbreviation mks

meterstick
: a measuring stick one meter long that is marked off in centimeters and usually millimeters

metestrus
n. : the period of regression that follows estrus

metformin
: a drug C_4C_11N_5 used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat type 2 diabetes

meth
n. : METHAMPHETAMINE

meth
n. : methyl <methacrylic>

methacrylate
n. 1 : a salt or ester of methacrylic acid
2 : an acrylic resin or plastic made from a derivative of methacrylic acid

methacrylic acid
: an acid C_4H_6O_2 used especially in making acrylic resins or plastics

methadone
n. : a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C_21H_27NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

methamphetamine
n. : an amine C_10H_15N used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride especially in the treatment of obesity and often used illicitly as a stimulant ― called also methedrine ― compare ICE 7

methanation
: the production of methane especially from carbon monoxide and hydrogen

methane
n. : a colorless odorless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon CH_4 that is a product of decomposition of organic matter and of the carbonization of coal, is used as a fuel and as a starting material in chemical synthesis, and is the simplest of the alkanes

methanol
n. : a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH_3OH used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethyl alcohol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

methaqualone
n. : a sedative and hypnotic nonbarbiturate drug C_16H_14N_2O that is habit-forming ― compare QUAALUDE

methedrine
n. : METHAMPHETAMINE

metheglin
n. : 1MEAD

methemoglobin
n. : a soluble brown crystalline basic blood pigment that differs from hemoglobin in containing ferric iron and in being unable to combine reversibly with molecular oxygen

methemoglobinemia
n. : the presence of methemoglobin in the blood

methenamine
n. : hexamethylenetetramine especially when used in the form of an organic salt to treat urinary tract infections

methicillin
n. : a semisynthetic penicillin C_17H_19N_2O_6NaS used especially in the form of its sodium salt against beta-lactamase-producing staphylococci

methinks
v. archaic : it seems to me

methionine
n. : a crystalline sulfur-containing essential amino acid C_5H_11NO_2S that occurs in the levorotatory form as a constituent of many proteins

method
n. 1 : a procedure or process for attaining an object: as a (1) : a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art (2) : a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction b (1) : a way, technique, or process of or for doing something (2) : a body of skills or techniques
2 : a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry
3 a : orderly arrangement, development, or classification : PLAN b : the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity
4 capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed
synonyms METHOD, MODE, MANNER, WAY, FASHION, SYSTEM mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. METHOD implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps <effective teaching methods>. MODE implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference <the preferred mode of transportation>. MANNER is close to MODE but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive <an odd manner of conducting>. WAY is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words <has her own way of doing things>. FASHION may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something <rushing about in his typical fashion>. SYSTEM suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness <a filing system>.

method
n. case method
Gram's method
method of fluxions
rhythm method
scientific method
Stanislavski method

method of fluxions

circa 1719
: DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

methodical
adj. 1 : arranged, characterized by, or performed with method or order <a methodical treatment of the subject>
2 : habitually proceeding according to method : SYSTEMATIC <methodical in his daily routine>
–me·thod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–me·thod·i·cal·ness \-di-kəl-nəs\ noun

methodise
v. British variant of methodize

methodism
n. 1 capitalized a : the doctrines and practice of Methodists b : the Methodist churches
2 : methodical procedure

methodist
n. 1 : a person devoted to or laying great stress on method
2 capitalized : a member of one of the denominations deriving from the Wesleyan revival in the Church of England, having Arminian doctrine and in the U.S. modified episcopal polity, and stressing personal and social morality
–methodist adjective often cap
–meth·od·is·tic \ˌme-thə-'dis-tik\ adjective

methodize
v. : to reduce to method : SYSTEMATIZE
synonyms see ORDER

methodological
adj. : of or relating to method or methodology
–meth·od·o·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

methodologist
n. : a student of methodology

methodology
n. 1 : a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
2 : the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field

methotrexate
n. : a toxic folic acid analog C_20H_22N_8O_5 that is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

methoxychlor
n. : relatively nontoxic organochlorine insecticide C_16H_15Cl_3O_2

methoxyflurane
n. : a potent nonexplosive inhalational general anesthetic C_3H_4Cl_2F_2O administered as a vapor

Methuen
town NE Mass. pop 43,789

Methuselah
n. 1 : an ancestor of Noah held to have lived 969 years
2 : an oversize wine bottle holding about six liters

methyl
pref. : an alkyl radical CH_3 derived from methane
–me·thyl·ic \mə-'thi-lik\ adjective

methyl
pref. methyl acetate
methyl alcohol
methyl bromide
methyl chloroform
methyl ethyl ketone
methyl isocyanate
methyl methacrylate
methyl orange
methyl parathion

methyl acetate
: a flammable fragrant liquid C_3H_6O_2 used as a solvent and paint remover and in organic synthesis

methyl alcohol
: METHANOL

methyl bromide
: a poisonous gaseous compound CH_3Br used chiefly as a fumigant against rodents, worms, and insects

methyl chloroform
: a methylated derivative CH_3CCl_3 of chloroform used especially as an industrial solvent

methyl ethyl ketone
: a flammable liquid compound C_4H_8O similar to acetone and used chiefly as a solvent ― abbreviation MEK

methyl isocyanate
: an extremely toxic chemical CH_3NCO used especially in the manufacture of pesticides ― abbreviation MIC

methyl methacrylate
: a volatile flammable liquid C_5H_8O_2 that polymerizes readily and is used especially as a monomer for resins

methyl orange
: an alkaline dye used as a chemical indicator

methyl parathion
: a potent synthetic organophosphate insecticide C_8H_10NO_5PS that is more toxic than parathion

methylamine
n. : a flammable explosive gas CH_3NH_2 with a strong ammoniacal odor used especially in organic synthesis (as of dyes and insecticides)

methylase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes methylation (as of RNA or DNA)

methylate
n. : to introduce the methyl radical into
–meth·yl·a·tion \ˌme-thə-'lā-shən\ noun
–meth·yl·a·tor \'me-thə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

methylcellulose
: any of various gummy products of cellulose methylation that swell in water and are used especially as emulsifiers, adhesives, thickeners, and bulk laxatives

methylcholanthrene
: a potent carcinogenic hydrocarbon C_21H_16

methyldopa
n. : a drug C_10H_13NO_4 used to lower blood pressure

methylene
n. : a divalent hydrocarbon group CH_2 derived from methane

methylene blue
: a basic thiazine dye C_16H_18ClN_3S·3H_2O used especially as a biological stain, an antidote in cyanide poisoning, and an oxidation-reduction indicator

methylene chloride
: a toxic nonflammable liquid CH_2Cl_2 used especially as a solvent, paint remover, and aerosol propellant

methylmercury
: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH_3Hg– that often occur as pollutants which accumulate in living organisms (as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain

methylnaphthalene
: either of two isomeric hydrocarbons C_11H_10 especially : an oily liquid used in determining cetane numbers

methylphenidate
n. : a mild stimulant C_14H_19NO_2 of the central nervous system used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat narcolepsy and hyperactivity disorders (as attention deficit disorder) in children

methylprednisolone
n. : a glucocorticoid C_22H_30O_5 that is a derivative of prednisolone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent also : any of several of its salts (as an acetate) used similarly

methylxanthine
: a methylated xanthine derivative (as caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline)

methysergide
: a serotonin antagonist C_21H_27N_3O_2 used in the form of its maleate especially in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches

metical
n. ― see MONEY table

meticulous
adj. : marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details <a meticulous researcher>
synonyms see CAREFUL
–me·tic·u·los·i·ty \-ˌti-kyə-'lä-sə-tē\ noun
–me·tic·u·lous·ly \-'ti-kyə-ləs-lē\ adverb
–me·tic·u·lous·ness \-nəs\ noun

metier
n. 1 : VOCATION, TRADE
2 : an area of activity in which one excels : FORTE
synonyms see WORK

metis
n. : a person of mixed blood especially often capitalized : the offspring of an American Indian and a person of European ancestry

Metohija
district SW Serbia in Kosovo

metonym
n. : a word used in metonymy

metonymy
n. : a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated (as “crown” in “lands belonging to the crown”)
–met·o·nym·ic \ˌme-tə-'ni-mik\ or met·o·nym·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective

metope
n. : the space between two triglyphs of a Doric frieze often adorned with carved work

metoprolol
n. : a beta-blocker C_15H_25NO_3 used in the form of its succinate and tartrate especially to treat hypertension and angina pectoris

metre
n. chiefly British variant of meter

metric
adj. 1 plural : a part of prosody that deals with metrical structure
2 : a standard of measurement <no metric exists that can be applied directly to happiness ― Scientific Monthly>
3 : a mathematical function that associates a real nonnegative number analogous to distance with each pair of elements in a set such that the number is zero only if the two elements are identical, the number is the same regardless of the order in which the two elements are taken, and the number associated with one pair of elements plus that associated with one member of the pair and a third element is equal to or greater than the number associated with the other member of the pair and the third element

metric
adj. : of, relating to, or using the metric system <a metric study>
–met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metric
adj. 1 : of, employing, or obtained by (such) a meter <galvanometric>
2 : of or relating to (such) an art, process, or science of measuring <geometrical>

metric
adj. metric space
metric system
metric ton

metric space
: a mathematical set for which a metric is defined for any pair of elements

metric system
: a decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter and on the kilogram

see table...

metric ton
― see METRIC SYSTEM table

metrical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or composed in meter
2 : of or relating to measurement
–met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

metrical
adj. metric space
metric system
metric ton

metrication
n. : the act or process of metricizing specifically : conversion of an existent system of units into the metric system

metricize
v. : to change into or express in the metric system

metricsy-table

metrist
1 : a maker of verses
2 : one skillful in handling meter
3 : a student of meter or metrics

metro
n. : SUBWAY B

metro
n. : METROPOLITAN 2

metrology
n. 1 : the science of weights and measures or of measurement
2 : a system of weights and measures
–met·ro·log·i·cal \ˌme-trə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–me·trol·o·gist \me-'trä-lə-jist\ noun

metronidazole
n. : a drug C_6H_9N_3O_3 used especially to treat vaginal trichomoniasis, amebiasis, and infections by anaerobic bacteria

metronome
n. : an instrument designed to mark exact time by a regularly repeated tick

metronomic
adj. : mechanically regular (as in action or tempo)
–met·ro·nom·i·cal·ly \-mik(ə-)lē\ adverb

metropolis
n. 1 : the chief or capital city of a country, state, or region
2 : the city or state of origin of a colony (as of ancient Greece)
3 a : a city regarded as a center of a specified activity <a great business metropolis> b : a large important city <the world's great metropolises ― P. E. James>

metropolitan
n. 1 : the primate of an ecclesiastical province
2 : one who lives in a metropolis or displays metropolitan manners or customs

metropolitan
n. 1 : of or constituting a metropolitan or his see
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a metropolis and sometimes including its suburbs
3 : of, relating to, or constituting a mother country as distinguished from a colony

metrorrhagia
n. : irregular uterine bleeding especially between menstrual periods

metry
: art, process, or science of measuring <chronometry> <photometry>

Metternich
n. Klemens Wenzel Nepomuk Lothar 1773-1859 Fürst von Metternich Austrian statesman
–Met·ter·nich·ian \ˌme-tər-'ni-kē-ən, -ḵē-ən\ adjective

metteur en scene
: one who puts on the stage : director of a play or film

mettle
n. 1 a : vigor and strength of spirit or temperament <suspected to have more tongue in his head than mettle in his bosom ― Sir Walter Scott> b : staying quality : STAMINA <trucks had proved their mettle in army transport ― Pioneer & Pacemaker>
2 : quality of temperament or disposition <gentlemen of brave mettle ― Shakespeare>
synonyms see COURAGE
–met·tled \-təld\ adjective
–on one's mettle : aroused to do one's best

mettlesome
adj. : full of mettle : SPIRITED

Metz
n. city NE France on the Moselle pop 123,704

meum et tuum
: mine and thine : distinction of private property

meuniere
: rolled lightly in flour and sautéed in butter <sole meuniere>

Meursault
n. : a dry white burgundy wine

Meurthe
river ab 100 mi (161 km) NE France flowing NW from Vosges Mountains to the Moselle

Meuse
n. river ab 580 mi (933 km) W Europe flowing from NE France through S Belgium into North Sea in the Netherlands

MeV
million electron volts

mew
n. : GULL especially : a small gull (Larus canus) of Eurasia and western No. America

mew
n. intransitive verb : to utter a mew or similar sound <gulls mewed over the bay>
transitive verb : to utter by mewing : MEOW

mew
n. : MEOW

mew
n. 1 : an enclosure for trained hawks ― usually used in plural
2 : a place for hiding or retirement
3 plural but singular or plural in construction chiefly British a (1) : stables usually with living quarters built around a court (2) : living quarters adapted from such stables b : back street : ALLEY

mew
n. : to shut up : CONFINE ― often used with up

Mewar
― see UDAIPUR

mewl
n. : to cry weakly : WHIMPER

Mexicali
n. city NW Mexico capital of Baja California state on Mexico-Calif. border pop 696,034

Mexican
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Mexico b : a person of Mexican descent c Southwest : a person of mixed Spanish and Indian descent
2 : NAHUATL
–Mexican adjective

Mexican
n. Mexican bean beetle
Mexican jumping bean
Mexican Spanish
Mexican standoff
New Mexican

Mexican bean beetle
: a spotted ladybug (Epilachna varivestis) that feeds on the leaves of beans

Mexican jumping bean
: JUMPING BEAN

Mexican Spanish
: the Spanish used in Mexico

Mexican standoff
: a situation in which no one emerges a clear winner also : DEADLOCK

Mexico
n. 1 country S N. America S of the U.S.; a republic capital Mexico area 759,530 sq mi (1,972,544 sq km), pop 89,995,000
2 state S cen Mexico capital Toluca area 8286 sq mi (21,461 sq km), pop 9,815,795
3 or Mexico City city capital of Mexico (republic) in Federal District (area surrounded on three sides by state of Mexico) ― see TENOCHTITLÁN

Mexico
n. Mexico City
Mexico Gulf of
New Mexico

Mexico, Gulf of
inlet of the Atlantic on SE coast of N. America

Meyer
Annie 1867-1951 née Nathan American educ. & writer

Meyerbeer
Giacomo 1791-1864 orig. Jakob Liebmann Beer Ger. composer

Meyerhof
n. Otto 1884-1951 Ger. biochem.

meze
n. : an appetizer in Greek or Middle Eastern cuisine often served with an aperitif

Mezenc, Mount
volcanic mountain 5755 ft (1754 m) S France; highest in the Cévennes

mezereon
n. : a small Eurasian shrub (Daphne mezereum of the family Thymelaeaceae, the mezereon family) with purple flowers and poisonous emetic leaves, fruit, and bark

mezuzah
n. : a small parchment scroll inscribed with Deut 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 and the name Shaddai and placed in a case fixed to the doorpost by some Jewish families as a sign and reminder of their faith also : such a scroll and its case

mezza voce
: with medium or half volume ― used as a direction in music

mezzanine
n. 1 : a low-ceilinged story between two main stories of a building especially : an intermediate story that projects in the form of a balcony
2 a : the lowest balcony in a theater b : the first few rows of such a balcony

mezzo
n. : MEZZO-SOPRANO

mezzo
n. mezzo forte
mezzo piano
mezzo relievo
mezzo rilievo
mezzo relievos
mezzo soprano

mezzo forte
: moderately loud ― used as a direction in music

mezzo piano
: moderately soft ― used as a direction in music

mezzo-relievo
: sculptural relief intermediate between bas-relief and high relief

mezzo-soprano
: a woman's voice with a range between soprano and contralto also : a singer having this voice

Mezzogiorno
n. the Italian peninsula S of ab the latitude of Rome

mezzotint
n. 1 : a manner of engraving on copper or steel by scraping or burnishing a roughened surface to produce light and shade
2 : an engraving produced by mezzotint

MF
1 medium frequency
2 microfiche

mf
mezzo forte

MFA
n. master of fine arts

mfd
manufactured

mfg
n. manufacturing

MFH
master of foxhounds

MFN
most favored nation

mfr
n. manufacture; manufacturer

Mfume
Kwei·si \kwä-'ē-sē\ 1948-     American civil rights leader

MG
n. 1 machine gun
2 major general
3 military government

Mg
n. magnesium

mG
n. milligauss

mg
n. milligram

mgal
milligal

mgd
million gallons per day

mgmt
management

mgr
n. 1 manager
2 monseigneur
3 monsignor

MGy Sgt
master gunnery sergeant

MH
1 medal of honor
2 mental health

MHC
major histocompatibility complex

MHD
magnetohydrodynamic; magnetohydrodynamics

mho
n. : a unit of conductance equal to the reciprocal of the ohm : SIEMENS

MHW
mean high water

MHz
n. megahertz

MI
n. 1 Michigan
2 military intelligence
3 myocardial infarction

mi
n. : the 3d tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

mi
n. 1 mile; miles
2 mill

MIA
n. : a member of the armed forces whose whereabouts following a combat mission are unknown and whose death cannot be established beyond reasonable doubt

Miami
n. : a member of an American Indian people orig. of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana

Miami
n. city & port SE Fla. on Biscayne Bay pop 362,470
–Mi·ami·an \-mē-ən\ noun

Miami
n. Miami Beach
North Miami
North Miami Beach

Miami Beach
city SE Fla. pop 87,933

miaow
n. variant of meow

miasma
n. 1 : a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease also : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere <a miasma of tobacco smoke>
2 : an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt <freed from the miasma of poverty ― Sir Arthur Bryant> also : an atmosphere that obscures : FOG
–mi·as·mal \-məl\ adjective
–mi·as·mat·ic \ˌmī-əz-'ma-tik\ adjective
–mi·as·mic \mī-'az-mik, mē-\ adjective
–mi·as·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

MIC
n. methyl isocyanate

Mic
n. Micah

mic
n. : MICROPHONE

mica
n. : any of various colored or transparent mineral silicates crystallizing in monoclinic forms that readily separate into very thin leaves
–mi·ca·ceous \mī-'kā-shəs\ adjective

Micah
n. 1 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table
2 : a Hebrew prophet of the eighth century B.C.

Micawber
n. : one who is poor but lives in optimistic expectation of better fortune
–Mi·caw·ber·ish \-bə-rish\ adjective

mice
n. plural of mouse

micelle
n. : a unit of structure built up from polymeric molecules or ions: as a : an ordered region in a fiber (as of cellulose or rayon) b : a molecular aggregate that constitutes a colloidal particle
–mi·cel·lar \-'se-lər\ adjective

Mich
n. Michigan

Michael
n. : one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition

Michael
n. 1921-     Michael Hohenzollern king of Romania (1927-30; 1940-47)

Michaelis constant
: a constant that is a measure of the kinetics of an enzyme reaction and that is equivalent to the concentration of substrate at which the reaction takes place at one half its maximum rate

Michaelmas
n. : September 29 celebrated as the feast of St. Michael the Archangel

Michaelmas daisy
: a wild aster especially : one blooming about Michaelmas

Micheas
: MICAH

Michel
n. Hartmut 1948-     Ger. biochem.

Michelangelo
n. 1475-1564 Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni Ital. sculptor, painter, architect, & poet
–Mi·chel·an·ge·lesque \-ˌlan-jə-'lesk\ adjective

Michelet
Jules 1798-1874 Fr. hist.

Michelson
n. Albert Abraham 1852-1931 American (Ger.-born) physicist

Michener
James Albert 1907-1997 American author

Michigan
n. state N U.S. in Great Lakes region including an upper (NW) & a lower (SE) peninsula capital Lansing area 58,527 sq mi (151,585 sq km), pop 9,938,444
–Mich·i·gan·der \ˌmi-shi-'gan-dər\ noun
–Mich·i·ga·ni·an \ˌmi-shə-'gā-nē-ən, -'ga-\ noun
–Mich·i·gan·ite \'mi-shi-gə-ˌnīt\ noun

Michigan City
city N Ind. on Lake Michigan pop 32,900

Michigan, Lake
lake N cen U.S.; one of the Great Lakes area 22,400 sq mi (58,240 sq km)

Michilimackinac
― see MACKINAC

Michoacan
n. state SW Mexico bordering on the Pacific capital Morelia area 23,114 sq mi (59,865 sq km), pop 3,548,199

Michurin
Ivan Vladimirovich 1855-1935 Soviet horticulturist

mick
n. often offensive : IRISHMAN

Mickey
n. Mickey Finn
Mickey Mouse
take the mickey out of
take the mickey

Mickey Finn
: a drink of liquor doctored with a purgative or a drug

Mickey Mouse
1 : not to be taken seriously <switch to Mickey Mouse courses, where you don't work too hard ― Willie Cager> also : not effectual : WORTHLESS <a Mickey Mouse lock>
2 : being or performing insipid or corny popular music
3 : of little importance : TRIFLING <Mickey Mouse regulations>

Mickiewicz
Adam 1798-1855 Pol. poet

mickle
n. chiefly Scottish : GREAT, MUCH
–mickle adverb chiefly Scottish

Micmac
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of eastern Canada
2 : the Algonquian language of the Micmac people

miconazole
: an antifungal agent C_18H_14Cl_4N_2O administered especially in the form of its nitrate

MICR
magnetic ink character recognition

micr
1 a : small : minute <microcapsule> b : used for or involving minute quantities or variations <microbarograph>
2 : one millionth (10-6) part of <microgram>
3 a : using microscopy <microdissection> : used in microscopy b : revealed by or having the structure discernible only by microscopic examination <microorganism>
4 : abnormally small <microcyte>
5 : of or relating to a small area <microclimate>
6 : employed in or connected with microphotographing or microfilming <microcopy>

micro
n. 1 : very small especially : MICROSCOPIC
2 : involving minute quantities or variations

micro
n. 1 : MICROCOMPUTER
2 : MICROPROCESSOR

microampere
: a unit of current equal to one millionth of an ampere

microanalysis
n. : chemical analysis on a small or minute scale that usually requires special, very sensitive, or small-scale apparatus
–mi·cro·an·a·lyst \-'a-nə-list\ noun
–mi·cro·an·a·lyt·i·cal \-'li-ti-kəl\ also mi·cro·an·a·lyt·ic \-ˌa-nə-'li-tik\ adjective

microanatomy
n. : HISTOLOGY
–mi·cro·an·a·tom·i·cal \-ˌa-nə-'tä-mi-kəl\ adjective

microarray
: a supporting material (as a glass or plastic slide) onto which numerous molecules or fragments usually of DNA or protein are attached in a regular pattern for use in biochemical or genetic analysis

microbalance
n. : a balance designed to measure very small weights

microbarograph
: a barograph for recording small and rapid changes

microbe
n. : MICROORGANISM, GERM
–mi·cro·bi·al \mī-'krō-bē-əl\ also mi·cro·bic \-bik\ adjective

microbeam
: a beam of radiation of small cross section <a focused laser microbeam> <a microbeam of electrons>

microbicide
n. : an agent that destroys microbes
–mi·cro·bi·ci·dal \mī-ˌkrō-bə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

microbiology
: a branch of biology dealing especially with microscopic forms of life
–mi·cro·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also mi·cro·bi·o·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–mi·cro·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mi·cro·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

microbrew
n. : a beer produced by a microbrewery
–mi·cro·brewed \-ˌbrüd\ adjective
–mi·cro·brew·ing \-ˌbrü-iŋ\ noun

microbrewery
n. : a small brewery making specialty beer in limited quantities
–mi·cro·brew·er \'mī-krō-ˌbrü-ər, -ˌbru̇r\ noun

microburst
n. : a violent short-lived localized downdraft that creates extreme wind shears at low altitudes and is usually associated with thunderstorms

microbus
n. : a station wagon shaped like a bus

microcalorimeter
n. : an instrument for measuring very small quantities of heat
–mi·cro·ca·lo·ri·met·ric \-ˌka-lə-rə-'me-trik; -kə-ˌlȯr-ə-, -ˌlär-\ adjective
–mi·cro·cal·o·rim·e·try \-ˌka-lə-'ri-mə-trē\ noun

microcapsule
n. : a tiny capsule containing material (as an adhesive or a medicine) that is released when the capsule is broken, melted, or dissolved

microcassette
: a small cassette of magnetic tape

microcephalic
adj. : having a small head specifically : having an abnormally small head

microcephalic
adj. : one that is microcephalic

microcephaly
n. : a condition of abnormal smallness of the head usually associated with mental defects

microchip
n. : INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

microcircuit
n. : a compact electronic circuit : INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
–mi·cro·cir·cuit·ry \ˌmī-krō-'sər-kə-trē\ noun

microcirculation
n. : blood circulation in the microvascular system also : the microvascular system itself
–mi·cro·cir·cu·la·to·ry \-'sər-kyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

microclimate
n. : the essentially uniform local climate of a usually small site or habitat
–mi·cro·cli·mat·ic \ˌmī-krō-klī-'ma-tik\ adjective

microcline
n. : a triclinic mineral of the feldspar group that is like orthoclase in composition

micrococcus
n. : a small spherical bacterium especially : any of a genus (Micrococcus) of gram-positive chiefly harmless bacteria that typically occur in irregular clusters
–mi·cro·coc·cal \-'kä-kəl\ adjective

microcode
n. : the microinstructions especially of a microprocessor

microcomputer
n. 1 : a small computer usually equipped with a microprocessor especially : PERSONAL COMPUTER
2 : MICROPROCESSOR

microcontroller
n. : a microprocessor that controls some or all of the functions of an electronic device (as a home appliance) or system

microcosm
n. 1 : a little world especially : the human race or human nature seen as an epitome of the world or the universe
2 : a community or other unity that is an epitome of a larger unity
–mi·cro·cos·mic \ˌmī-krə-'käz-mik\ adjective
–mi·cro·cos·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–in microcosm : in a greatly diminished size, form, or scale

microcosmos
1 : MICROCOSM
2 : the microscopic or submicroscopic world

microcrystal
: a microscopic crystal
–mi·cro·crys·tal·line \ˌmī-krō-'kris-tə-lən also -ˌlīn or -ˌlēn\ adjective
–mi·cro·crys·tal·lin·i·ty \-ˌkris-tə-'li-nə-tē\ noun

microculture
n. 1 : a microscopic culture of cells or organisms
2 : the culture of a small group of human beings with limited perspective
–mi·cro·cul·tur·al \ˌmī-krō-'kəlch-rəl, -'kəl-chə-\ adjective

microcurie
n. : a unit of quantity or of radioactivity equal to one millionth of a curie

microcyte
n. : a small red blood cell present especially in some anemias
–mi·cro·cyt·ic \ˌmī-krə-'si-tik\ adjective

microdensitometer
n. : a densitometer for measuring the densities of microscopic areas
–mi·cro·den·si·to·met·ric \-sə-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–mi·cro·den·si·tom·e·try \-sə-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

microdissection
n. : dissection under the microscope specifically : dissection of cells and tissues by means of fine needles that are precisely manipulated by levers

microdot
n. : a photographic reproduction of printed matter reduced to the size of a dot for ease or security of transmittal

microearthquake
: an earthquake of low intensity

microeconomics
n. : a study of economics in terms of individual areas of activity (as a firm, household, or prices) ― compare MACROECONOMICS
–mi·cro·eco·nom·ic \-'nä-mik\ adjective
–mi·cro·econ·o·mist \-i-'kä-nə-mist\ noun

microelectrode
: a minute electrode especially : one that is inserted in a living biological cell or tissue in studying its electrical characteristics

microelectronics
n. 1 singular in construction : a branch of electronics that deals with the miniaturization of electronic circuits and components
2 : devices, equipment, or circuits produced using the methods of microelectronics
–mi·cro·elec·tron·ic \-nik\ adjective
–mi·cro·elec·tron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

microelectrophoresis
: electrophoresis in which the movement of single particles is observed in a microscope also : electrophoresis in which micromethods are used
–mi·cro·elec·tro·pho·ret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective
–mi·cro·elec·tro·pho·ret·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

microelement
n. : TRACE ELEMENT

microencapsulate
v. : to enclose in a microcapsule <microencapsulated aspirin>
–mi·cro·en·cap·su·la·tion \-in-ˌkap-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

microenterprise
: a very small business

microenvironment
: a small or relatively small usually distinctly specialized and effectively isolated habitat (as a forest canopy) or environment (as of a neuron)
–mi·cro·en·vi·ron·men·tal \-ˌvī-rən-'men-təl\ adjective

microevolution
n. : comparatively minor evolutionary change involving the accumulation of variations in populations usually below the species level
–mi·cro·evo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

microfarad
n. : a unit of capacitance equal to one millionth of a farad

microfauna
n. 1 : minute animals especially : those invisible to the naked eye <the soil microfauna>
2 : a small or strictly localized fauna (as of a microenvironment)
–mi·cro·fau·nal \-'fȯ-nəl, -'fä-\ adjective

microfiber
n. : a fine usually soft polyester fiber also : a fabric made from such fibers

microfibril
n. : a fine fibril especially : one of the submicroscopic elongated bundles of cellulose of a plant cell wall
–mi·cro·fi·bril·lar \-brə-lər\ adjective

microfiche
n. : a sheet of microfilm containing rows of images of pages of printed matter

microfilament
n. : any of the minute actin-containing protein filaments of eukaryotic cytoplasm that function in maintaining structure and in intracellular movement

microfilaria
n. : a minute larval filaria
–mi·cro·fi·lar·i·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

microfilm
n. : a film bearing a photographic record on a reduced scale of printed or other graphic matter

microfilm
n. : to reproduce on microfilm
intransitive verb : to make microfilms
–mi·cro·film·able \ˌmī-krə-'fil-mə-bəl\ adjective
–mi·cro·film·er \'mī-krə-ˌfil-mər\ noun

microflora
n. 1 : microscopic flora
2 : a small or strictly localized flora (as of a microenvironment)
–mi·cro·flo·ral \-əl\ adjective

microform
n. 1 : a process for reproducing printed matter in a much reduced size <documents in microform>
2 : matter reproduced by microform

microfossil
n. : a fossil that can be studied only microscopically and that may be either a fragment of a larger organism or an entire minute organism

microfungus
n. : a fungus (as a mold) with a microscopic fruiting body

microgamete
n. : the smaller and usually male gamete of a heterogamous organism

microgametocyte
: a gametocyte producing microgametes

microgram
n. : one millionth of a gram ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

micrograph
n. : a graphic reproduction of the image of an object formed by a microscope
–micrograph transitive verb

micrographics
: the industry concerned with the manufacture and sale of graphic material in microform also : the production of such material
–mi·cro·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–mi·cro·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

microgravity
n. : a condition in space in which only minuscule forces are experienced : virtual absence of gravity broadly : a condition of weightlessness

microgroove
n. : a narrow continuous V-shaped spiral track that has closely spaced turns and that is used on long-playing records

microhabitat
n. : the microenvironment in which an organism lives <decaying wood creates a microhabitat for insects>

microimage
: an image (as on a microfilm) that is greatly reduced in size

microinch
n. : one millionth of an inch

microinjection
n. : injection under the microscope specifically : injection by means of a micropipette into a tissue or a single cell
–mi·cro·in·ject \-'jekt\ transitive verb

microinstruction
n. : a computer instruction that activates the circuits necessary to perform a single machine operation usually as part of the execution of a machine-language instruction

microlepidoptera
n. : lepidopterous insects (as tortricids) that belong to families of minute or medium-sized moths
–mi·cro·lep·i·dop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective

microliter
n. : a unit of capacity equal to one millionth of a liter ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

microlith
n. : a tiny blade tool especially of the Mesolithic usually in a geometric shape (as that of a triangle) and often set in a bone or wooden haft
–mi·cro·lith·ic \ˌmī-krə-'li-thik\ adjective

micromanage
v. : to manage especially with excessive control or attention to details
intransitive verb : to direct or conduct the activities of a group or an enterprise by micromanaging them
–mi·cro·man·age·ment \-mənt\ noun
–mi·cro·man·ag·er \-'ma-ni-jər\ noun

micromanipulation
n. : the technique or practice of manipulating cells or tissues (as by microdissection or microinjection)

micromanipulator
n. : an instrument for micromanipulation

micromere
: a small blastomere ― see BLASTULA illustration

micrometeorite
n. 1 : a meteorite so small that it can pass through the earth's atmosphere without becoming intensely heated
2 : a very small particle in interplanetary space
–mi·cro·me·te·or·it·ic \-ˌmē-tē-ə-'ri-tik\ adjective

micrometeoroid
n. : MICROMETEORITE 2

micrometeorology
n. : meteorology that deals with small-scale weather systems ranging up to several kilometers in diameter and confined to the lower troposphere
–mi·cro·me·te·o·ro·log·i·cal \-ˌmē-tē-ˌȯr-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌär-ə-, -ə-rə-\ adjective
–mi·cro·me·te·o·rol·o·gist \-ˌmē-tē-ə-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

micrometer
n. 1 : an instrument used with a telescope or microscope for measuring minute distances
2 : a caliper for making precise measurements that has a spindle moved by a finely threaded screw

micrometer
n. : a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter ― called also micron ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

micromethod
n. : a method (as of microanalysis) that requires only very small quantities of material or that involves the use of the microscope

micromini
: a very short miniskirt

microminiature
adj. 1 : MICROMINIATURIZED
2 : suitable for use with microminiaturized parts

microminiaturization
n. : the process of producing microminiaturized things

microminiaturized
adj. : reduced to or produced in a very small size and especially in a size smaller than one considered miniature

micromole
: one millionth of a mole
–mi·cro·mo·lar \ˌmī-krə-'mō-lər\ adjective

micromorphology
n. : MICROSTRUCTURE
–mi·cro·mor·pho·log·i·cal \-fə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

micron
n. : 2MICROMETER

Micronesia
n. the islands of the W Pacific E of the Philippines & N of Melanesia including the Caroline, Kiribati, Mariana, & Marshall groups

Micronesia, Federated States of
islands W Pacific in the Carolines comprising Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, & Yap; part of former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; internally self-governing since 1986

Micronesian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Micronesia
2 : a group of Austronesian languages spoken in the Micronesian islands
–Micronesian adjective

micronize
v. : to pulverize especially into particles a few micrometers in diameter

micronucleus
n. : a minute nucleus specifically : one that is primarily concerned with reproductive and genetic functions in most ciliated protozoans

micronutrient
n. 1 : TRACE ELEMENT
2 : an organic compound (as a vitamin) essential in minute amounts to the growth and health of an animal

microorganism
n. : an organism (as a bacterium or protozoan) of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size

micropaleontology
: the study of microscopic fossils
–mi·cro·pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal \-ˌän-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also mi·cro·pa·le·on·to·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–mi·cro·pa·le·on·tol·o·gist \-ˌän-'tä-lə-jist, -ən-\ noun

microparticle
: a very small particle especially : one that is microscopic in size

microphage
n. : a small phagocyte

microphone
n. : an instrument whereby sound waves are caused to generate or modulate an electric current usually for the purpose of transmitting or recording sound (as speech or music)
–mi·cro·phon·ic \ˌmī-krə-'fä-nik\ adjective

microphonics
: noises in a loudspeaker caused by mechanical shock or vibration of the electronic components

microphotograph
1 : a small photograph that is normally magnified for viewing
2 : PHOTOMICROGRAPH
–microphotograph transitive verb
–mi·cro·pho·tog·ra·pher \-fə-'tä-grə-fər\ noun
–mi·cro·pho·to·graph·ic \-ˌfō-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–mi·cro·pho·tog·ra·phy \-fə-'tä-grə-fē\ noun

microphotometer
: an instrument for measuring the amount of light transmitted or reflected by small areas or for measuring the relative densities of spectral lines on a photographic film or plate
–mi·cro·pho·to·met·ric \-ˌfō-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–mi·cro·pho·to·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mi·cro·pho·tom·e·try \-fō-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

microphyll
n. 1 : a leaf (as of a club moss) with single unbranched veins and no demonstrable gap around the leaf trace
2 : a small leaf
–mi·cro·phyl·lous \ˌmī-krə-'fi-ləs\ adjective

microphysics
n. : the physics of molecules, atoms, and elementary particles
–mi·cro·phys·i·cal \-'fi-zi-kəl\ adjective
–mi·cro·phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

micropipette
n. 1 : a pipette for the measurement of minute volumes
2 : a small and extremely fine-pointed pipette used in making microinjections

microplankton
: microscopic plankton

micropore
n. : a very fine pore
–mi·cro·po·ros·i·ty \-pə-'rä-sə-tē, -pȯ-\ noun
–mi·cro·po·rous \ˌmī-krə-'pȯr-əs\ adjective

microprism
n. : a usually circular area on the focusing screen of a camera that is made up of tiny prisms and that causes the image in the viewfinder to blur if the subject is not in focus

microprobe
n. : a device for microanalysis that operates by exciting radiation in a minute area of material so that the composition may be determined from the emission spectrum

microprocessor
n. : a computer processor contained on an integrated-circuit chip also : such a processor with memory and associated circuits

microprogram
n. : a routine composed of microinstructions used in microprogramming

microprogramming
n. : the use of routines stored in memory rather than specialized circuits to control a device (as a computer)

microprojector
: a projector utilizing a compound microscope for projecting on a screen a greatly enlarged image of a microscopic object
–mi·cro·pro·jec·tion \-'jek-shən\ noun

micropublishing
: publishing in microform
–mi·cro·pub·lish·er \-bli-shər\ noun

micropulsation
: a pulsation having a short period <a micropulsation of the earth's magnetic field with a period in the range from a fraction of a second to several hundred seconds>

micropuncture
n. : an extremely small puncture (as of a nephron) also : an act of making a micropuncture

micropyle
n. 1 : a minute opening in the integument of an ovule of a seed plant
2 : a differentiated area of surface in an egg through which a sperm enters
–mi·cro·py·lar \ˌmī-krə-'pī-lər\ adjective

microquake
: MICROEARTHQUAKE

microradiography
n. : radiography in which an X-ray photograph is prepared showing minute internal structure
–mi·cro·ra·dio·graph \-'rā-dē-ə-ˌgraf\ noun
–mi·cro·ra·dio·graph·ic \-ˌrā-dē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective

microsatellite
: any of numerous short segments of DNA that are distributed throughout the genome, that consist of repeated sequences of usually two to five nucleotides, and that tend to vary from one individual to another

microscale
: a very small scale

microscope
n. 1 : an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects especially : COMPOUND MICROSCOPE
2 : a non-optical instrument (as one using radiations other than light or using vibrations) for making enlarged images of minute objects <an acoustic microscope>

microscope
n. compound microscope
dark field microscope
dissecting microscope
phase contrast microscope
phase microscope
electron microscope
scanning electron microscope
scanning microscope
scanning tunneling microscope

microscopic
adj. 1 : resembling a microscope especially in perception
2 a : invisible or indistinguishable without the use of a microscope b : very small or fine or precise
3 : of, relating to, or conducted with the microscope or microscopy
–mi·cro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

microscopy
n. : the use of or investigation with a microscope
–mi·cros·co·pist \-pist\ noun

microscopy
n. electron microscopy
scanning electron microscopy
scanning tunneling microscopy
electron microscopist

microsecond
n. : one millionth of a second

microseism
n. : a feeble rhythmically and persistently recurring earth tremor
–mi·cro·seis·mic \ˌmī-krə-'sīz-mik, -'sīs-\ adjective
–mi·cro·seis·mic·i·ty \-sīz-'mi-sə-tē, -sīs-\ noun

microsensor
: a miniature sensor

microsome
n. 1 : any of various minute cellular structures (as a ribosome)
2 : a particle in a particulate fraction that is obtained by heavy centrifugation of broken cells and consists of various amounts of ribosomes, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial cristae
–mi·cro·som·al \ˌmī-krə-'sō-məl\ adjective

microspectrophotometer
: a spectrophotometer adapted to the examination of light transmitted by a very small specimen (as a single biological cell)
–mi·cro·spec·tro·pho·to·met·ric \-ˌfō-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–mi·cro·spec·tro·pho·tom·e·try \-fō-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

microsphere
n. : a minute sphere
–mi·cro·spher·i·cal \ˌmī-krə-'sfir-i-kəl, -'sfer-\ adjective

microsporangium
n. : a sporangium that develops only microspores
–mi·cro·spo·ran·gi·ate \-jē-ət\ adjective

microspore
n. : any of the spores in heterosporous plants that give rise to male gametophytes and are generally smaller than the megaspore
–mi·cro·spo·rous \ˌmī-krə-'spȯr-əs, mī-'kräs-pə-rəs\ adjective

microsporocyte
: a microspore mother cell

microsporogenesis
: the formation and maturation of microspores

microsporophyll
: a sporophyll that develops only microsporangia

microstate
n. : a nation that is extremely small in area and population

microstructure
n. : the microscopic structure of a material (as a mineral or a biological cell)
–mi·cro·struc·tur·al \ˌmī-krō-'strək-chə-rəl, -'strək-shrəl\ adjective

microsurgery
n. : minute dissection or manipulation (as by a micromanipulator or laser beam) of living structures or tissue
–mi·cro·sur·gi·cal \-'sər-ji-kəl\ adjective

microswitch
n. : a very small switch that is sensitive to minute motions and is used especially in automatic devices

microtechnique
: any of various methods of handling and preparing material for microscopic observation and study

microtechnology
n. : technology on a small or microscopic scale

microtiter
: a titer determined by microanalytical titration ― usually used attributively <a microtiter assay>

microtome
n. : an instrument for cutting sections (as of biological tissues) for microscopic examination

microtone
n. : a musical interval smaller than a halftone
–mi·cro·ton·al \ˌmī-krə-'tō-nəl\ adjective
–mi·cro·to·nal·i·ty \-tō-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–mi·cro·ton·al·ly \-'tō-nəl-ē\ adverb

microtubule
n. : any of the minute tubules in eukaryotic cytoplasm that are composed of the protein tubulin and form an important component of the cytoskeleton, mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella
–mi·cro·tu·bu·lar \-byə-lər\ adjective

microvascular
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting the part of the circulatory system made up of minute vessels (as venules or capillaries) that average less than 0.3 millimeters in diameter
–mi·cro·vas·cu·la·ture \-lə-ˌchu̇r, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\ noun

microvillus
n. : a microscopic projection of a tissue, cell, or cell organelle especially : any of the fingerlike outward projections of some cell surfaces
–mi·cro·vil·lar \-'vi-lər\ adjective
–mi·cro·vil·lous \-'vi-ləs\ adjective

microvolt
n. : one millionth of a volt

microwatt
n. : one millionth of a watt

microwave
n. 1 : a comparatively short electromagnetic wave especially : one between about one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2 : MICROWAVE OVEN

microwave
n. : to cook or heat in a microwave oven
–mi·cro·wav·able or mi·cro·wave·able \ˌmī-krə-'wā-və-bəl\ adjective

microwave oven
: an oven in which food is cooked by the heat produced by the absorption of microwave energy by water molecules in the food

microworld
: a small universe specifically : the natural universe observed at the microscopic or submicroscopic level

micturate
v. : URINATE
–mic·tu·ri·tion \ˌmik-chə-'ri-shən, ˌmik-tə-\ noun

mid
adj. 1 : being the part in the middle or midst <in mid ocean> ― often used in combination <mid-August>
2 : occupying a middle position <the mid finger>
3 of a vowel : articulated with the arch of the tongue midway between its highest and its lowest elevation
–mid adverb

mid
adj. : AMID

mid-ocean ridge
: an elevated region with a central valley on an ocean floor at the boundary between two diverging tectonic plates where new crust forms from upwelling magma

mid-rise
: being approximately 5 to 10 stories high <mid-rise condominiums>

midair
n. : a point or region in the air not immediately adjacent to the ground <the planes collided in midair>

Midas
n. : a legendary Phrygian king who is given the power of turning everything he touches to gold

Midas touch
: an uncanny ability for making money in every venture

midbrain
n. : the middle of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain between the forebrain and hindbrain that includes the tectum, tegmentum, and substantia nigra ― called also mesencephalon ― see BRAIN illustration

midcourse
n. : being or occurring in the middle part of a course (as of a spacecraft) <a midcourse correction>

midday
n. : the middle of the day

Middelburg
city SW Netherlands capital of Zeeland

midden
n. 1 : DUNGHILL
2 a : a refuse heap especially : KITCHEN MIDDEN b : a small pile (as of seeds, bones, or leaves) gathered by a rodent (as a pack rat)

middle
n. 1 : equally distant from the extremes : MEDIAL, CENTRAL <the middle house in the row>
2 : being at neither extreme : INTERMEDIATE
3 capitalized a : constituting a division intermediate between those prior and later or upper and lower <Middle Paleozoic> b : constituting a period of a language or literature intermediate between one called Old and one called New or Modern <Middle Dutch>
4 of a verb form or voice : typically asserting that a person or thing both performs and is affected by the action represented

middle
n. 1 : a middle part, point, or position
2 : the central portion of the human body : WAIST
3 : the position of being among or in the midst of something <in the middle of the crowd>
4 : something intermediate between extremes : MEAN
5 : the center of an offensive or defensive formation especially : the area between the second baseman and the shortstop
–middle of nowhere : an extremely remote and isolated place <ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere>

middle
n. middle of nowhere
middle age
middle ager
middle aged
Middle Ages
Middle America
Middle American
middle American
middle C
middle class
middle classness
middle distance
Middle Dutch
middle ear
Middle English
middle finger
Middle French
middle game
Middle Greek
middle ground
Middle High German
Middle Irish
middle lamella
Middle Low German
middle management
middle manager
middle name
middle of the road
Middle Passage
Middle Persian
middle school
middle schooler
Middle Scots
middle term
Middle Welsh
play both ends against the middle
Middle Congo
Middle East
Middle Easterner
Middle Eastern
middle of the roadism
middle of the roader
Middle Westerner
Middle Western
Middle West

middle age
: the period of life from about 45 to about 64
–mid·dle-aged \ˌmi-dəl-'ājd\ adjective
–mid·dle-ag·er \-'ā-jər\ noun

Middle Ages
: the period of European history from about A.D. 500 to about 1500

Middle America
1 : the region of the western hemisphere including Mexico, Central America, often the West Indies, and sometimes Colombia and Venezuela
2 : the midwestern section of the U.S.
3 : the middle-class segment of the U.S. population especially : the traditional or conservative element of the middle class
–middle-American adjective
–Middle American noun

middle C
: the note designated by the first ledger line below the treble staff and the first above the bass staff

middle class
: a class occupying a position between the upper class and the lower class especially : a fluid heterogeneous socioeconomic grouping composed principally of business and professional people, bureaucrats, and some farmers and skilled workers sharing common social characteristics and values

Middle Congo
former French territory W cen Africa ― see CONGO 3 FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA

middle distance
1 : a part of a pictorial representation or scene between the foreground and the background
2 : any footrace distance usually from 800 to 1500 meters or from 880 yards to one mile

Middle Dutch
: the Dutch language in use from about 1100 to about 1500 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

middle ear
: a small membrane-lined cavity that is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and that transmits sound waves from the eardrum to the partition between the middle and inner ears through a chain of tiny bones

Middle East
the countries of SW Asia & N Africa ― usually considered to include the countries extending from Libya on the W to Afghanistan on the E
–Middle Eastern or Mid·east·ern \ˌmid-'ē-stərn\ adjective
–Middle Easterner noun

Middle English
: the English in use from the 12th to 15th centuries ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

middle finger
: the midmost of the five digits of the hand

Middle French
: the French in use from the 14th to 16th centuries ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

middle game
: the middle phase of a board game specifically : the part of a chess game after the pieces have been developed when players attempt to gain and exploit positional and material superiority ― compare ENDGAME, OPENING

Middle Greek
: the Greek language used in the 7th to 15th centuries

middle ground
1 : a standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions, options, or objectives
2 : MIDDLE DISTANCE 1

Middle High German
: the High German in use from about 1100 to 1500 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Middle Irish
: the Irish in use between the 10th and 13th centuries ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

middle lamella
: a layer of pectinaceous intercellular material lying between the walls of adjacent plant cells ― see CELL illustration

Middle Low German
: the Low German in use from about 1100 to 1500 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

middle management
: management personnel intermediate between operational supervisors and policy-making administrators
–middle manager noun

middle name
1 : a name between one's first name and surname
2 : a term that is particularly apt to denote a person's qualities or affinities <patience is her middle name>

middle of nowhere
an extremely remote and isolated place <ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere>

middle of the road

1891
: a course of action or a standpoint midway between extremes

Middle Passage
: the forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas

Middle Persian
: any of the varieties of Persian in use from about 200 B.C. to about A.D. 1000

middle school
: a school usually including grades five to eight or six to eight
–middle school·er \-ˌskü-lər\ noun

Middle Scots
: the Scots language in use between the latter half of the 15th and the early decades of the 17th centuries

middle term
: the term of a syllogism that occurs in both premises

Middle Welsh
: the Welsh in use from about 1150 to 1500 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

middle-class
: of or relating to the middle class especially : characterized by a high material standard of living, sexual morality, and respect for property
–mid·dle-class·ness \-nəs\ noun

middle-of-the-road
: standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes especially : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics
–mid·dle-of-the-road·er \-'rō-dər\ noun
–mid·dle-of-the-road·ism \-'rō-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

middlebrow
n. : a person who is moderately but not highly cultivated
–middlebrow adjective

middleman
n. : an intermediary or agent between two parties especially : a dealer, agent, or company intermediate between the producer of goods and the retailer or consumer

middler
: one belonging to an intermediate group, division, or class: as a : a student in the second-year class of a three-year program (as at a seminary or law school) b : a student in the second- or third-year class in some private secondary schools having a four-year course c : a student in a division in some private schools that corresponds approximately to junior high school

Middlesbrough
n. town N England on Tees River pop 141,100

Middlesex
n. former county SE England, now absorbed in Greater London

Middleton
n. Thomas 1570?-1627 Eng. dram.

Middletown
1 city cen Conn. S of Hartford pop 43,167
2 city SE N.Y. pop 25,388
3 city SW Ohio SW of Dayton pop 51,605
4 town S R.I. N of Newport pop 17,334

middleweight
n. : one of average weight specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 160 pounds for professionals and 165 pounds for amateurs ― compare LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT, WELTERWEIGHT

middling
adj. 1 : of middle, medium, or moderate size, degree, or quality
2 : MEDIOCRE, SECOND-RATE
3 : of, relating to, or being a middle class
–middling adverb
–mid·dling·ly \-lē\ adverb

middling
adj. 1 : any of various commodities of intermediate size, quality, or position
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : a granular product of grain milling especially : a wheat milling by-product used in animal feeds

middorsal
adj. : of, relating to, or situated in the middle part or median line of the back

middy
n. 1 : MIDSHIPMAN
2 : a loosely fitting blouse with a sailor collar worn by women and children

midfield
n. 1 : the middle portion of a field especially : the portion of a playing field (as in football) that is midway between goals
2 : the players on a team (as in lacrosse or soccer) that normally play in the midfield

midfielder
n. : a member of a midfield

Midgard
n. : the abode of human beings in Norse mythology

midge
n. : a tiny dipteran fly (as a chironomid)

midget
n. 1 : something (as an animal) much smaller than usual
2 sometimes offensive : a very small person specifically : a person of unusually small size who is physically well-proportioned
3 : a front-engine, single-seat, open-wheel racing car smaller and of less engine displacement than standard cars of the type

midgut
n. : the middle part of an alimentary canal

MIDI
n. : an electronic standard used for the transmission of digitally encoded music

Midi
n. the south of France

midi
n. : a dress, skirt, or coat that usually extends to the mid-calf

Midian
ancient region NW Arabia E of Gulf of Aqaba

Midianite
: a member of an ancient northern Arabian people

Midland
n. 1 city cen Mich. NW of Saginaw pop 41,685
2 city W Tex. NE of Odessa pop 94,996

midland
n. 1 : the interior or central region of a country
2 capitalized a : the dialect of English spoken in the midland counties of England b : the dialect of English spoken in an area of the east central U.S. often divided into north Midland extending westward from an area including southern New Jersey; northern Delaware and Maryland; central and southern Pennsylvania; and central Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois and south Midland extending westward and southwestward from an area including the Appalachian regions of Virginia, No. Carolina, So. Carolina, and Georgia; Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia; and southern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois
–midland adjective often cap
–Mid·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ noun

Midlands
n. the central counties of England ― usually considered to comprise Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, W. Midlands, & part of the former county of Hereford and Worcester

midlatitudes
: latitudes of the temperate zones or from about 30 to 60 degrees north or south of the equator
–mid·lat·i·tude \-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\ adjective

midlife
n. : MIDDLE AGE
–midlife adjective

midlife crisis
: a period of emotional turmoil in middle age characterized especially by a strong desire for change

midline
n. : a median line especially : the median line or median plane of the body or some part of the body

Midlothian
n. administrative area of SE Scotland area 137 sq mi (356 sq km)

midmost
adj. 1 : being in or near the exact middle
2 : most intimate : INNERMOST
–midmost adverb or noun

Midn
midshipman

midnight
n. 1 : the middle of the night specifically : 12 o'clock at night
2 : deep or extended darkness or gloom
–midnight adjective
–mid·night·ly adverb or adjective

midnight
n. burn the midnight oil
midnight blue
midnight sun

midnight blue
: a deep blackish blue

midnight sun
: the sun above the horizon at midnight in the arctic or antarctic summer

midpoint
n. : a point at or near the center or middle

midrash
n. 1 : a haggadic or halakic exposition of the underlying significance of a Bible text
2 : a collection of midrashim
3 capitalized : the midrashic literature written during the first Christian millennium
–mid·rash·ic \mi-'drä-shik\ adjective often cap

midrib
n. : the central vein of a leaf

midriff
n. 1 : DIAPHRAGM 1
2 : the mid-region of the human torso
3 a : a section of a woman's garment that covers the midriff b : a woman's garment that exposes the midriff

midsagittal
adj. : median and sagittal

midsection
n. : a section midway between the extremes especially : MIDRIFF 2

midshipman
n. : a person in training for a naval commission especially : a student in a naval academy

midships
n. : AMIDSHIPS

midsize
adj. : of intermediate size <a midsize car>

midsole
n. : a layer (as of leather or rubber) between the insole and the outsole of a shoe

midst
n. 1 : the interior or central part or point : MIDDLE <in the midst of the forest>
2 : a position of proximity to the members of a group <a traitor in our midst>
3 : the condition of being surrounded or beset <in the midst of his troubles>
4 : a period of time about the middle of a continuing act or condition <in the midst of a meal>
–midst preposition

midstream
n. 1 : the middle of a stream
2 : an intermediate stage in an act or process <the tone changes in midstream>

midsummer
n. 1 : the middle of summer
2 : the summer solstice
–midsummer adjective

Midsummer Day
: June 24 celebrated as the feast of the nativity of John the Baptist

midterm
n. 1 a : the middle of an academic term b : an examination at midterm
2 : the approximate middle of a term of office

midtown
n. : a central section of a city especially : one situated between sections conventionally called downtown and uptown
–midtown adjective

Midvale
city N cen Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 27,029

Midway
n. islands (atoll) cen Pacific 1300 mi (2092 km) WNW of Honolulu, Hawaii, belonging to the U.S., in Hawaiian group but not incorporated in state of Hawaii area 2 sq mi (5.2 sq km)

midway
n. : in the middle of the way or distance : HALFWAY

midway
n. : an avenue at a fair, carnival, or amusement park for concessions and amusements

midweek
n. : the middle of the week
–midweek adjective or adverb
–mid·week·ly \-ˌwē-klē, -'wē-\ adjective or adverb

Midwest
region N cen U.S. including area around Great Lakes & in upper Mississippi River valley from Ohio ― sometimes considered to include Ky. on the E to N.Dak., S.Dak., Nebr., & Kans. on the W
–Mid·west·ern \ˌmid-'wes-tərn\ or Middle Western adjective
–Mid·west·ern·er \ˌmid-'wes-tə(r)-nər\ or Middle Westerner noun

Midwest City
city cen Okla. E of Oklahoma City pop 54,088

midwife
n. 1 : a person who assists women in childbirth ― compare NURSE-MIDWIFE
2 : one that helps to produce or bring forth something

midwife
n. : to assist in producing, bringing forth, or bringing about

midwifery
n. 1 : the art or act of assisting at childbirth also : OBSTETRICS
2 : the art, act, or process of producing, bringing forth, or bringing about

midwinter
n. 1 : the winter solstice
2 : the middle of winter
–midwinter adjective

midyear
n. 1 a : an examination at the middle of an academic year b plural : the set of examinations at the middle of an academic year also : the period of such examinations
2 a : the middle or middle portion of a calendar year b : the middle of an academic year
–midyear adjective

mien
n. 1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : DEMEANOR <of aristocratic mien>
2 : APPEARANCE, ASPECT <dresses of formal mien>
synonyms see BEARING

Mies van der Rohe
Ludwig 1886-1969 American (Ger.-born) architect
–Mies·ian \'mē-sē-ən, 'mē-shən\ adjective

mieux
faute de mieux
au mieux
reculer pour mieux sauter
tant mieux

mifepristone
n. : RU-486

miff
n. 1 : a fit of ill humor
2 : a trivial quarrel

miff
n. : to put into an ill humor : OFFEND

Mifflin
Thomas 1744-1800 American gen. in Revolution

might
n. ― used in auxiliary function to express permission, liberty, probability, possibility in the past <the president might do nothing without the board's consent> or a present condition contrary to fact <if you were older you might understand> or less probability or possibility than may <might get there before it rains> or as a polite alternative to may <might I ask who is calling> or to ought or should <you might at least apologize>

might
n. 1 a : the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group) b (1) : bodily strength (2) : the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable <striving with might and main>
2 dialect : a great deal
synonyms see POWER

mightily
adv. 1 : in a mighty manner : VIGOROUSLY <applauded mightily>
2 : very much <depressed me mightily>

mightiness
n. : the quality or state of being mighty

mightn't
: might not

mighty
adj. 1 : possessing might : POWERFUL
2 : accomplished or characterized by might <a mighty thrust>
3 : great or imposing in size or extent : EXTRAORDINARY

mighty
adj. : EXTREMELY, VERY <a mighty handy gadget>
usage Mighty used as an intensive usually conveys a folksy down-home feeling <plain and simple fare⋯but mighty filling and mighty satisfying ― Asheville (N.C.) Citizen-Times>. It is used especially to create a chatty style <turnip greens, corn bread and biscuits. That sounds mighty good to me ― Julia Child> or to stress a rural atmosphere <a man must be mighty serious about his squirrel hunting ― Stuart Williams, Field & Stream>. In a more formal context, mighty is used to create emphasis by drawing attention to itself <the chairman made sure that there were mighty few of them ― Mollie Panter-Downes>.

mignon
adj. : FILET MIGNON

mignonette
n. 1 : any of a genus (Reseda of the family Resedaceae, the mignonette family) of herbs especially : a garden annual (R. odorata) bearing racemes of fragrant whitish flowers
2 : a sauce made typically with vinegar, pepper, and herbs and served especially with oysters

migraine
n. 1 : a condition marked by recurrent severe headache often with nausea and vomiting
2 : an episode or attack of migraine
–mi·grain·ous \-ˌgrā-nəs\ adjective

migraineur
: an individual who experiences migraines

migrant
n. : one that migrates: as a : a person who moves regularly in order to find work especially in harvesting crops b : an animal that shifts from one habitat to another
–migrant adjective

migrate
v. 1 : to move from one country, place, or locality to another
2 : to pass usually periodically from one region or climate to another for feeding or breeding
3 : to change position in an organism or substance <filarial worms migrate within the human body>
–mi·gra·tion \mī-'grā-shən\ noun
–mi·gra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–mi·gra·tor \'mī-ˌgrā-tər, mī-'\ noun

migrate
v. in migrate
out migrate
in migration
out migration

migratory
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by migration
2 : WANDERING, ROVING

Miguel
n. San Miguel de Tucuman
San Miguel de Tucumán
Sao Miguel
São Miguel

Mihajlovic
Dragoljub 1893-1946 Draža \'drä-zhə\ Yugoslav gen.

mihrab
n. : a niche or chamber in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca

mikado
n. : an emperor of Japan

Mike
n. ― a communications code word for the letter m

mike
n. : MICROPHONE

mike
n. : to supply with a microphone

Mikonos
n. ― see MYKONOS

Mikoyan
n. Ana·stas \ˌä-nə-'stäs\ Ivanovich 1895-1978 Soviet polit.; head of Presidium (1964-65)

mil
n. 1 : THOUSAND <found a salinity of 38.4 per mil>
2 : a monetary unit formerly used in Cyprus equal to 1/1000 pound
3 : a unit of length equal to 1/1000 inch used especially in measuring thickness (as of plastic films)
4 : a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/6400 of 360 degrees and used especially in artillery

mil
n. slang : a million dollars

mil
n. military

mil
n. ball mill
coffee mill
diploma mill
gin mill
hammer mill
mill wheel
pepper mill
per mill
pug mill
puppy mill
rolling mill
run of the mill
stamp mill
water mill
milling cutter
milling machine

milady
n. 1 : an Englishwoman of noble or gentle birth
2 : a woman of fashion

Milan
n. commune N Italy capital of Lombardy pop 1,449,403
–Mil·a·nese \ˌmi-lə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Milazzo
city & port Italy in NE Sicily W of Messina pop 32,586

milch
adj. : MILK

milchig
: made of or derived from milk or dairy products ― compare FLEISHIG, PAREVE

mild
adj. 1 : gentle in nature or behavior <has a mild disposition>
2 a (1) : moderate in action or effect <a mild sedative> (2) : not sharp, spicy, or bitter <mild cheese> <mild ale> b : not being or involving what is extreme <an analysis under mild conditions>
3 : not severe : TEMPERATE <a mild climate> <mild symptoms of disease>
–mild·ly \mī(-ə)l(d)-lē\ adverb
–mild·ness \'mī(-ə)l(d)-nəs\ noun

mild steel
: a low-carbon structural steel that is easily worked

mildew
n. 1 a : a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi (as of the families Erysiphaceae and Peronosporaceae) b : a fungus producing mildew
2 : a discoloration caused by fungi
–mil·dewy \-ē\ adjective

mildew
n. : to affect with or as if with mildew
intransitive verb : to become affected with mildew

mildewcide
: an agent that destroys mildew

mile
n. 1 : any of various units of distance: as a : a unit equal to 5280 feet ― see WEIGHT table b : NAUTICAL MILE
2 : a race of a mile
3 : a relatively great distance, degree, or interval ― used chiefly adverbially in plural <was miles ahead of them in education>
–a mile a minute : with great speed <talking a mile a minute>

mile
n. air mile
country mile
a mile a minute
nautical mile
pound mile
sea mile
statute mile
three mile limit
miles gloriosus
miles from nowhere

mileage
n. 1 : an allowance for traveling expenses at a certain rate per mile
2 : aggregate length or distance in miles: as a : the total miles traveled especially in a given period of time b : the amount of service that something will yield especially as expressed in terms of miles of travel c : the average number of miles a motor vehicle will travel on a gallon of gasoline that is used as a measure of fuel economy <gets good mileage>
3 a : USEFULNESS <got a lot of mileage left in it> b : benefit derived from something <got good political mileage from the debates>

milepost
n. 1 : a post indicating the distance in miles from or to a given point also : a post placed a mile from a similar post
2 : MILESTONE 2

miler
n. 1 : one that is a specified number of miles in length ― used in combination <a 15-miler>
2 : one that competes in mile races ― often qualified in combination <a quarter-miler>

miles from nowhere
in an extremely remote place

miles gloriosus
: a boastful soldier especially : a stock character of this type in comedy

milestone
n. 1 : a stone serving as a milepost
2 : a significant point in development

Miletus
n. ancient city on W coast of Asia Minor in Caria near mouth of Maeander River

milfoil
n. 1 : YARROW
2 : WATER MILFOIL

Milford
1 town S Conn. on Long Island Sound pop 52,305
2 town E Mass. SE of Worcester pop 26,799

Milford Haven
town & port SW Wales on Milford Haven (inlet of St. George's Channel) pop 13,934

Milhaud
n. Darius 1892-1974 Fr. composer

miliaria
n. : an inflammatory disorder of the skin that is characterized by redness, eruptions (as of vesicles), and burning or itching due to blockage of sweat gland ducts especially : PRICKLY HEAT
–mil·i·ar·i·al \-əl\ adjective

miliary
adj. : having or made up of many small projections or lesions <miliary tubercles>

milieu
n. : the physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops : ENVIRONMENT
synonyms see BACKGROUND

Mililani Town
town Hawaii on cen Oahu pop 28,608

militance
: MILITANCY

militancy
n. : the quality or state of being militant

militant
n. 1 : engaged in warfare or combat : FIGHTING
2 : aggressively active (as in a cause) : COMBATIVE <militant conservationists> <a militant attitude>
synonyms see AGGRESSIVE
–militant noun
–mil·i·tant·ly adverb
–mil·i·tant·ness noun

militaria
n. : military objects (as firearms and uniforms) of historical value or interest

militarily
adv. 1 : in a military manner
2 : from a military standpoint

militarise
v. British variant of militarize

militarism
n. 1 a : predominance of the military class or its ideals b : exaltation of military virtues and ideals
2 : a policy of aggressive military preparedness
–mil·i·ta·rist \-rist\ noun or adjective
–mil·i·ta·ris·tic \ˌmi-lə-tə-'ris-tik\ adjective
–mil·i·ta·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

militarize
v. 1 : to give a military character to
2 : to equip with military forces and defenses
3 : to adapt for military use
–mil·i·ta·ri·za·tion \ˌmi-lə-t(ə-)rə-'zā-shən\ noun

military
n. 1 a : of or relating to soldiers, arms, or war b : of or relating to armed forces especially : of or relating to ground or sometimes ground and air forces as opposed to naval forces
2 a : performed or made by armed forces b : supported by armed force
3 : of or relating to the army

military
n. 1 : military persons especially : army officers
2 : ARMED FORCES

military
n. military industrial complex
military police
military press
military science
military time

military police
: a branch of an army that exercises guard and police functions

military press
: 1PRESS 9

military science
: the principles of military conflict

military time
: time measured in hours numbered to twenty-four (as 0100 or 2300) from one midnight to the next

military-industrial complex
: an informal alliance of the military and related government departments with defense industries that is held to influence government policy

militate
v. : to have weight or effect <his boyish appearance militated against his getting an early promotion>
usage see MITIGATE

militia
n. 1 a : a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency b : a body of citizens organized for military service
2 : the whole body of able-bodied male citizens declared by law as being subject to call to military service

militiaman
n. : a member of a militia

milium
n. : WHITEHEAD

Milk
n. river 625 mi (1006 km) Canada & U.S. in Alta. & Mont. flowing SE into Missouri River

milk
n. 1 a : a fluid secreted by the mammary glands of females for the nourishment of their young especially : cow's milk used as a food by humans b : LACTATION <cows in milk>
2 : a liquid resembling milk in appearance: as a : the latex of a plant b : the juice of a coconut composed of liquid endosperm c : the contents of an unripe kernel of grain

milk
n. 1 a (1) : to draw milk from the breasts or udder of (2) obsolete : SUCKLE 2 b : to draw (milk) from the breast or udder c : SUCKLE 1 ― used of domestic animals
2 : to draw something from as if by milking: as a : to induce (a snake) to eject venom b : to draw or coerce profit or advantage from illicitly or to an extreme degree : EXPLOIT <milk the joke for all it's worth>
intransitive verb : to draw or yield milk

milk
n. : giving milk specifically : bred or suitable primarily for milk production <milk cows>

milk
n. certified milk
condensed milk
cry over spilled milk
evaporated milk
ice milk
malted milk
milk and water
milk chocolate
milk fat
milk fever
milk glass
milk house
milk leg
milk livered
milk of magnesia
milk punch
milk run
milk shake
milk sickness
milk snake
milk sugar
milk thistle
milk tooth
milk vein
milk vetch
skim milk
skimmed milk
top milk

milk chocolate
: chocolate made with milk solids

milk fat
: BUTTERFAT

milk fever
1 : a febrile disorder following parturition
2 : a disease of fresh cows, sheep, or goats that is caused by excessive drain on the body mineral reserves during the establishment of the milk flow

milk glass
: an opaque and typically milky white glass used especially for novelty and ornamental objects

milk house
: a building for the cooling, handling, or bottling of milk

milk leg
: a painful swelling of the leg caused by inflammation and clotting in the veins and affecting some postpartum women

milk of magnesia

1880
: a milky white suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water used as an antacid and laxative

milk punch
: a mixed drink of alcoholic liquor, milk, and sugar

milk run
: a short, routine, or uneventful flight

milk shake
: a thoroughly shaken or blended drink made of milk, a flavoring syrup, and often ice cream

milk sickness
1 : an acute disease characterized by weakness, vomiting, and constipation and caused by eating dairy products or meat from cattle poisoned by various plants
2 : TREMBLE 2

milk snake
: a common harmless grayish or tan American colubrid snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) having an arrow-shaped occipital marking and brown blotches on the body bordered with black or rings usually of black, red, and yellow broadly : KING SNAKE

milk sugar
: LACTOSE

milk thistle
: a tall thistle (Silybum marianum) having white-veined dark green leaves and large purple flower heads that is native to the Mediterranean region but has become naturalized elsewhere including the U.S. also : an extract of milk thistle and especially its seeds that is held to protect the liver from damage or disease

milk tooth
: a temporary tooth of a young mammal especially : one of the human dentition including four incisors, two canines, and four molars in each jaw ― called also baby tooth deciduous tooth

milk vein
: a large subcutaneous vein that extends along the lower side of the abdomen of a cow and returns blood from the udder ― see COW illustration

milk vetch
: any of a genus (Astragalus) of annual or perennial leguminous herbs of north temperate regions

milk-and-water
: WEAK, INSIPID

milk-livered
archaic : COWARDLY, TIMOROUS

milker
n. 1 : one that milks an animal
2 : one that yields milk

milkfish
n. : a large fork-tailed silvery herbivorous food fish (Chanos chanos) of warm parts of the Pacific and Indian oceans that is the sole living representative of its family (Chanidae)

milkmaid
n. : DAIRYMAID

milkman
n. : a person who sells or delivers milk and milk products

milksop
n. : an unmanly man : MOLLYCODDLE

milkweed
n. : any of various plants that secrete latex especially : any of a genus (Asclepias of the family Asclepiadaceae, the milkweed family) of erect chiefly perennial herbs with milky juice and umbellate flowers

milkweed bug
: a large black and reddish-orange bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) that feeds chiefly on milkweed

milkweed butterfly
: any of a family (Danaidae) or nymphalid subfamily (Danaine) of large butterflies feeding on plants of the milkweed family as larvae especially : MONARCH BUTTERFLY

milkwort
n. : any of a genus (Polygala of the family Polygalaceae, the milkwort family) of herbs and shrubs often having showy flowers with three sometimes crested petals united below into a tube and an irregular calyx with two petaloid sepals

milky
adj. 1 : resembling milk in color or consistency
2 : MILD, TIMOROUS
3 a : consisting of, containing, or abounding in milk b : yielding milk specifically : having the characteristics of a good milk producer
–milk·i·ness noun

milky
adj. milky disease
milky spore disease
Milky Way
Milky Way galaxy

milky disease
: a destructive disease of scarab beetle grubs and especially Japanese beetle larvae that is caused by a bacterium (Bacillus popilliae) and is sometimes used in biological control ― called also milky spore disease

Milky Way
1 : a broad luminous irregular band of light that stretches completely around the celestial sphere and is caused by the light of myriads of faint stars
2 : MILKY WAY GALAXY

Milky Way galaxy
: the galaxy of which the sun and the solar system are a part and which contains the myriads of stars that create the light of the Milky Way

Mill
n. James 1773-1836 Scot. philos., hist., & econ.

Mill
n. John Stuart 1806-1873 son of James Eng. philos. & econ.

mill
n. 1 : a building provided with machinery for grinding grain into flour
2 a : a machine or apparatus (as a quern) for grinding grain b : a machine for crushing or comminuting
3 : a machine that manufactures by the continuous repetition of some simple action
4 : a building or collection of buildings with machinery for manufacturing
5 a : a machine formerly used for stamping coins b : a machine for expelling juice from vegetable tissues by pressure or grinding
6 : MILLING MACHINE, MILLING CUTTER
7 a : a slow, laborious, or mechanical process or routine b : one that produces or processes people or things mechanically or in large numbers <a diploma mill> <a rumor mill>
8 : a difficult and often educational experience ― used in the phrase through the mill
9 : the engine of an automobile or boat

mill
n. 1 : to subject to an operation or process in a mill: as a : to grind into flour, meal, or powder b : to shape or dress by means of a rotary cutter c : to mix and condition (as rubber) by passing between rotating rolls
2 : to give a raised rim or a ridged or corrugated edge to (a coin)
3 : to cut grooves in the metal surface of (as a knob)
intransitive verb
1 : to hit out with the fists
2 : to move in a circle or in an eddying mass also : WANDER
3 : to undergo milling

mill
n. : a money of account equal to 1/10 cent

mill
n. variant of 2mil

mill
n. ball mill
coffee mill
diploma mill
gin mill
hammer mill
mill wheel
pepper mill
per mill
pug mill
puppy mill
rolling mill
run of the mill
stamp mill
water mill
milling cutter
milling machine

mill wheel
: a waterwheel that drives a mill

millage
n. : a rate (as of taxation) expressed in mills per dollar

Millais
n. Sir John Everett 1829-1896 Eng. painter

Millay
Edna St. Vincent 1892-1950 American poet

milldam
n. : a dam to make a millpond also : MILLPOND

mille
n. : THOUSAND

mille
n. mille feuille
de Mille
Mille Lacs

Mille Lacs
lake 20 mi (32 km) long E cen Minn.

mille-feuille
: a dish composed of puff pastry layered with a filling (as salmon or cream)

millefiori
n. : ornamental glass produced by cutting cross sections of fused bundles of glass rods of various colors and sizes

millefleur
: having an allover pattern of small flowers and plants <millefleur tapestry>

millenarian
n. 1 a : of or relating to belief in a millennium b : APOCALYPTIC 2
2 : of or relating to 1000 years

millenarian
n. : one that believes in a millennium

millenarianism
n. 1 : belief in the millennium of Christian prophecy
2 : belief in a coming ideal society and especially one created by revolutionary action

millenary
n. 1 a : a group of 1000 units or things b : 1000 years : MILLENNIUM
2 : MILLENARIAN

millenary
n. 1 : suggesting a millennium
2 : relating to or consisting of 1000

millennial
adj. : of or relating to a millennium

millennialism
n. : MILLENARIANISM

millennialist
n. : MILLENARIAN

millennium
n. 1 a : the thousand years mentioned in Revelation 20 during which holiness is to prevail and Christ is to reign on earth b : a period of great happiness or human perfection
2 a : a period of 1000 years especially : one reckoned from the beginning of the Christian era <at the start of the third millennium> b : a 1000th anniversary or its celebration

Miller
n. Arthur 1915-     American dram. & nov.

Miller
n. Henry 1891-1980 American writer

Miller
n. Joa·quin \wä-'kēn, wȯ-\ 1837-1913 pseud. of Cincinnatus Hiner Miller American poet

Miller
n. Merton Howard 1923-2000 American econ.

Miller
n. Perry Gilbert Eddy 1905-1963 American lit. critic & scholar

Miller
n. William 1782-1849 American religious leader

miller
n. 1 : one that operates a mill specifically : one that grinds grain into flour
2 : any of various moths having powdery wings
3 a : MILLING MACHINE b : a tool for use in a milling machine

miller's-thumb
: any of several small freshwater spiny-finned sculpins (genus Cottus) of Europe and No. America

Millerand
Alexandre 1859-1943 Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1920-24)

millerite
n. : sulfide of nickel NiS usually occurring as a mineral in capillary yellow crystals

Milles
Carl 1875-1955 American (Swed.-born) sculptor

millesimal
n. : the quotient of a unit divided by 1000 : one of 1000 equal parts
–millesimal adjective
–mil·les·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

Millet
n. Jean-François 1814-1875 Fr. painter

millet
n. 1 : any of various small-seeded annual cereal and forage grasses: a : a Eurasian grass (Panicum miliaceum) cultivated for its grain which is used for food b : any of several grasses related to common millet
2 : the seed of a millet

millet
n. foxtail millet
Japanese millet
pearl millet

milli
pref. : one thousandth part of <milliampere>

milliampere
n. : one thousandth of an ampere ― called also mil·li·amp \'mi-lē-ˌamp\

milliard
n. British : a thousand millions ― see NUMBER table

milliary
: marking the distance of a Roman mile

millibar
n. : a unit of atmospheric pressure equal to 1/1000 bar or 100 pascals

millicurie
n. : one thousandth of a curie

millidegree
n. : one thousandth of a degree

millieme
n. : a unit of value of Egypt and Sudan equal to 1/1000 pound

milligal
: a unit of acceleration equivalent to 1/1000 gal

milligauss
: one thousandth of a gauss

milligram
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

millihenry
: one thousandth of a henry

Millikan
n. Robert Andrews 1868-1953 American physicist

millilambert
: one thousandth of a lambert

milliliter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

millime
― see dinar at MONEY table

millimeter
n. ― see METRIC SYSTEM table

millimicron
n. : NANOMETER

millimole
n. : one thousandth of a mole (as of a substance)
–mil·li·mo·lar \-ˌmō-lər\ adjective

milliner
n. : a person who designs, makes, trims, or sells women's hats

millinery
n. 1 : women's apparel for the head
2 : the business or work of a milliner

milling
n. : a corrugated edge on a coin

milling cutter
: a rotary tool-steel cutter used in a milling machine for shaping and dressing metal surfaces

milling machine
: a machine tool on which work usually of metal secured to a carriage is shaped by rotating milling cutters

million
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a very large number <millions of cars on the road>
3 : the mass of common people <someone who writes for the millions ― Bergen Evans>
–million adjective
–mil·lion·fold \-ˌfōld\ adverb or adjective
–mil·lionth \'mi(l)-yən(t)th\ adjective or noun

millionaire
n. : a person whose wealth is estimated at a million or more (as of dollars or pounds)

millionairess
n. 1 : a woman who is a millionaire
2 : the wife of a millionaire

milliosmol
: one thousandth of an osmol

millipede
n. : any of a class (Diplopoda) of myriapod arthropods having usually a cylindrical segmented body covered with hard integument, two pairs of legs on most apparent segments, and unlike centipedes no poison fangs

milliradian
: one thousandth of a radian

millirem
: one thousandth of a rem

milliroentgen
n. : one thousandth of a roentgen

millisecond
n. : one thousandth of a second

millivolt
n. : one thousandth of a volt

milliwatt
n. : one thousandth of a watt

millpond
n. : a pond created by damming a stream to produce a head of water for operating a mill

millrace
n. : a canal in which water flows to and from a mill wheel also : the current that drives the wheel

millstone
n. 1 : either of two circular stones used for grinding (as grain)
2 a : something that grinds or crushes b : a heavy burden

millstream
n. 1 : a stream whose flow is utilized to run a mill
2 : MILLRACE

Millville
city S N.J. pop 26,847

millwork
n. : woodwork (as doors, sashes, or trim) manufactured at a mill

millwright
n. 1 : a person whose occupation is planning and building mills or setting up their machinery
2 : a person who maintains and cares for mechanical equipment (as of a mill or factory)

Milne
n. A(lan) A(lexander) 1882-1956 Eng. poet & dram.

milo
n. : a small usually early and drought-resistant grain sorghum with compact bearded heads of large yellow or whitish seeds

milord
n. : an Englishman of noble or gentle birth

Milos
n. island Greece in SW Cyclades area 57 sq mi (148 sq km)

Milosevic
n. Slobodan 1941-     pres. of Serbia (1989-97); pres. of Yugoslavia (1997-2000)

Milosz
Czeslaw 1911-     Pol. writer

milpa
1 a : a small field in Mexico or Central America that is cleared from the forest, cropped for a few seasons, and abandoned for a fresh clearing b : a maize field in Mexico or Central America
2 : the maize plant

Milpitas
city W Calif. N of San Jose pop 62,698

Milquetoast
n. : a timid, meek, or unassertive person

milreis
n. 1 : a Portuguese unit of value equal before 1911 to 1000 reis
2 : the basic monetary unit of Brazil until 1942
3 : a coin representing one milreis

Milstein
César 1927-2002 Brit. (Argentine-born) immunologist

milt
n. : the sperm-containing fluid of a male fish

Miltiades
ca 554-?489 B.C. the Younger Athenian gen.

Milton
n. John 1608-1674 Eng. poet
–Mil·to·nian \mil-'tō-nē-ən, -nyən\ or Mil·ton·ic \-'tä-nik\ adjective

Milton
n. 1 town E Mass. S of Boston pop 26,062
2 town Canada in SE Ont. SW of Toronto pop 31,471

Milwaukee
n. city & port SE Wis. on Lake Michigan pop 596,974
–Mil·wau·kee·an \-kē-ən\ noun

Milyukov
Pavel Nikolayevich 1859-1943 Russ. polit. & hist.

mim
adj. dialect : affectedly shy or modest

MIME
n. multipurpose Internet mail extensions

mime
n. 1 : an ancient dramatic entertainment representing scenes from life usually in a ridiculous manner
2 a : an actor in a mime b : one that practices mime
3 : MIMIC 2
4 : PANTOMIME 3

mime
n. intransitive verb : to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words
transitive verb
1 : MIMIC
2 : to act out in the manner of a mime
–mim·er noun

mimeograph
n. : a duplicator for making many copies that utilizes a stencil through which ink is pressed
–mimeograph transitive verb

mimesis
n. : IMITATION, MIMICRY

mimetic
adj. 1 : IMITATIVE
2 : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting mimicry <mimetic coloring of a butterfly>
–mi·met·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mimic
n. 1 : MIME 2
2 : one that mimics

mimic
n. 1 a : IMITATIVE b : IMITATION, MOCK <a mimic battle>
2 : of or relating to mime or mimicry

mimic
n. 1 : to imitate closely : APE
2 : to ridicule by imitation
3 : SIMULATE
4 : to resemble by biological mimicry
synonyms see COPY

mimicry
n. 1 a : an instance of mimicking b : the action, practice, or art of mimicking
2 : a superficial resemblance of one organism to another or to natural objects among which it lives that secures it a selective advantage (as protection from predation)

mimosa
n. 1 : any of a genus (Mimosa) of trees, shrubs, and herbs of the legume family that occur in tropical and warm regions and have usually bipinnate often prickly leaves and globular heads of small white or pink flowers
2 : SILK TREE
3 : a mixed drink consisting of champagne and orange juice

Min
n. 1 river 350 mi (563 km) cen China in Sichuan flowing SE into the Chang
2 river 250 mi (402 km) SE China in Fujian flowing SE into E. China Sea

min
n. 1 minim
2 minimum
3 mining
4 minister
5 minor
6 minute; minutes

mina
n. : an ancient unit of weight and value equal to 1/60 talent

minable
adj. : capable of being mined

minaret
n. : a tall slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin

Minas Basin
landlocked bay E Canada in cen N.S.; the NE extension of Bay of Fundy; connected with it by Minas Channel

Minas Gerais
state E Brazil capital Belo Horizonte area 226,707 sq mi (587,171 sq km), pop 17,891,494

minatory
adj. : having a menacing quality : THREATENING

minaudiere
: a small decorative case for carrying small articles (as cosmetics or jewelry)

mince
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut or chop into very small pieces b : to subdivide minutely especially : to damage by cutting up
2 : to utter or pronounce with affectation
3 a archaic : MINIMIZE b : to restrain (words) within the bounds of decorum
intransitive verb : to walk with short steps in a prim affected manner
–minc·er noun

mince
n. 1 : small chopped bits (as of food) specifically : MINCEMEAT
2 British : HAMBURGER 1A

mincemeat
n. 1 : minced meat
2 : a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) sometimes with meat that is often used as pie filling
3 : a state of destruction or annihilation ― used in the phrase make mincemeat of

Minch
n. channel NW Scotland comprising North Minch & Little Minch bet. Outer Hebrides & NW coast of Scotland

mincing
n. : affectedly dainty or delicate <taking mincing steps>
–minc·ing·ly \'min(t)-siŋ-lē\ adverb

Mincio
river 115 mi (185 km) N Italy issuing from Lake Garda & emptying into the Po

mind
n. 1 : RECOLLECTION, MEMORY <keep that in mind> <time out of mind>
2 a : the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons b : the conscious mental events and capabilities in an organism c : the organized conscious and unconscious adaptive mental activity of an organism
3 : INTENTION, DESIRE <I changed my mind>
4 : the normal or healthy condition of the mental faculties
5 : OPINION, VIEW
6 : DISPOSITION, MOOD
7 a : a person or group embodying mental qualities <the public mind> b : intellectual ability
8 capitalized Christian Science : GOD 1B
9 : a conscious substratum or factor in the universe
10 : ATTENTION <pay him no mind>

mind
n. 1 chiefly dialect : REMIND
2 chiefly dialect : REMEMBER
3 : to attend to closely
4 a (1) : to become aware of : NOTICE (2) : to regard with attention : consider important ― often used in the imperative with following you for emphasis <I'm not against inspiration, mind you; I simply refuse to sit and stare at a blank page waiting for it ― Dennis Whitcomb> b chiefly dialect : INTEND, PURPOSE
5 a : to give heed to attentively in order to obey b : to follow the orders or instructions of
6 a : to be concerned about b : DISLIKE <I don't mind going>
7 a : to be careful : SEE <mind you finish it> b : to be cautious about <mind the broken rung>
8 : to give protective care to : TEND
intransitive verb
1 : to be attentive or wary
2 : to become concerned : CARE
3 : to pay obedient heed or attention
–mind·er noun

mind
n. back of one's mind
bear in mind
blow one's mind
bring to mind
frame of mind
mind altering
mind bending
mind bendingly
mind blowing
mind blowingly
mind boggling
mind bogglingly
mind expanding
mind game
mind numbing
mind numbingly
mind reader
mind reading
mind set
mind's eye
month's mind
mortal mind
never mind
piece of one's mind
presence of mind
put in mind
time out of mind
meeting of minds
air minded
bloody minded
broad minded
civic minded
evil minded
fair minded
high minded
large minded
light minded
like minded
low minded
narrow minded
open minded
right minded
serious minded
single minded
small minded
social minded
strong minded
tender minded
tough minded
weak minded
worldly minded

mind game
: a psychological tactic used to manipulate or intimidate ― usually used in plural <played mind games with his opponent>

mind reader
: one that professes or is held to be able to perceive another's thought without normal means of communication
–mind reading noun

mind's eye
: the mental faculty of conceiving imaginary or recollected scenes also : the mental picture so conceived <in the mind's eye one sees dinosaurs, mammoths, and sabertoothed tigers ― F. P. Brooks Jr.>

mind-altering
: PSYCHOACTIVE

mind-bending
: MIND-BLOWING
–mind-bend·ing·ly adverb

mind-blowing
1 : PSYCHEDELIC 1A
2 : MIND-BOGGLING
–mind·blow·er \-ˌblō-ər\ noun
–mind-blow·ing·ly adverb

mind-boggling
: mentally or emotionally exciting or overwhelming
–mind-bog·gling·ly \-lē\ adverb

mind-expanding
: PSYCHEDELIC 1A

mind-numbing
: relentlessly tedious : DULL
–mind-numb·ing·ly adverb

mind-set
1 : a mental attitude or inclination
2 : a fixed state of mind

Mindanao
n. island S Philippines area (including adjacent islands) 38,254 sq mi (99,078 sq km), pop 13,966,000

Mindanao Sea
― see BOHOL SEA

minded
adj. 1 : INCLINED, DISPOSED
2 : having a mind especially of a specified kind or concerned with a specified thing ― usually used in combination <narrow-minded> <health-minded>
–mind·ed·ness \-dəd-nəs\ noun

minded
adj. air minded
bloody minded
broad minded
civic minded
evil minded
fair minded
high minded
large minded
light minded
like minded
low minded
narrow minded
open minded
right minded
serious minded
single minded
small minded
social minded
strong minded
tender minded
tough minded
weak minded
worldly minded
air mindedness
bloody mindedness
broad mindedness
civic mindedness
evil mindedness
fair mindedness
high mindedness
large mindedness
light mindedness
like mindedness
low mindedness
narrow mindedness
open mindedness
right mindedness
serious mindedness
single mindedness
small mindedness
strong mindedness
tough mindedness
weak mindedness
worldly mindedness

mindedly
adv. broad mindedly
evil mindedly
high mindedly
large mindedly
light mindedly
like mindedly
low mindedly
narrow mindedly
open mindedly
serious mindedly
single mindedly
small mindedly
strong mindedly

mindful
adj. 1 : bearing in mind : AWARE
2 : inclined to be aware
–mind·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–mind·ful·ness noun

mindless
adj. 1 a : marked by a lack of mind or consciousness <a mindless sleep> b (1) : marked by or displaying no use of the powers of the intellect <mindless violence> (2) : requiring little attention or thought especially : not intellectually challenging or stimulating <mindless work> <a mindless movie>
2 : not mindful : HEEDLESS <mindless of the consequences>
–mind·less·ly adverb
–mind·less·ness noun

Mindoro
n. island cen Philippines SW of Luzon area 3759 sq mi (9773 sq km), pop 473,940

mine
n. : MY ― used before a word beginning with a vowel or h <this treasure in mine arms ― Shakespeare> or sometimes as a modifier of a preceding noun ― archaic except in an elevated style

mine
n. : that which belongs to me ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective my

mine
n. 1 a : a pit or excavation in the earth from which mineral substances are taken b : an ore deposit
2 : a subterranean passage under an enemy position
3 : an encased explosive that is placed in the ground or in water and set to explode when disturbed
4 : a rich source of supply

mine
n. transitive verb
1 a : to dig under to gain access or cause the collapse of (an enemy position) b : UNDERMINE
2 a : to get (as ore) from the earth b : to extract from a source <information mined from the files>
3 : to burrow beneath the surface of <larva that mines leaves>
4 : to place military mines in, on, or under <mine a harbor>
5 a : to dig into for ore or metal b : to process for obtaining a natural constituent <mine the air for nitrogen> c : to seek valuable material in
intransitive verb : to dig a mine
–min·er noun

mine
n. claymore mine
gold mine
land mine
run of the mine
run of mine
strip mine
leaf miner
miner's lettuce
strip miner

minefield
n. 1 : an area (as of water or land) set with mines
2 : something resembling a minefield especially in having many dangers or requiring extreme caution <a political minefield>

minelayer
n. : a naval vessel for laying underwater mines

miner's lettuce
: a glossy green herb (Montia perfoliata syn. Claytonia perfoliata) of the purslane family especially of western No. America that produces racemes of pink to white flowers subtended by a disk of two leaves united around the stem and is used as a salad green

mineral
n. 1 : ORE
2 : an inorganic substance (as in the ash of calcined tissue)
3 obsolete : MINE
4 : something neither animal nor vegetable
5 a : a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature broadly : any of various naturally occurring homogeneous substances (as stone, coal, salt, sulfur, sand, petroleum, water, or natural gas) obtained usually from the ground b : a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and properties of a naturally occurring mineral
6 plural British : MINERAL WATER

mineral
n. 1 : of or relating to minerals also : INORGANIC
2 : impregnated with mineral substances

mineral
n. clay mineral
mineral kingdom
mineral oil
mineral spirits
mineral water
mineral wax
mineral wool

mineral kingdom
: a basic group of natural objects that includes inorganic objects ― compare ANIMAL KINGDOM, PLANT KINGDOM

mineral oil
: an oil of mineral origin especially : a refined petroleum oil used especially as a laxative

mineral spirits
: a petroleum distillate that is used especially as a paint or varnish thinner

mineral water
: water naturally or artificially infused with mineral salts or gases (as carbon dioxide)

mineral wax
: a wax of mineral origin especially : OZOKERITE

mineral wool
: any of various lightweight vitreous fibrous materials used especially in heat and sound insulation

mineralise
v. British variant of mineralize

mineralize
1 : to transform (a metal) into an ore
2 a : to impregnate or supply with minerals or an inorganic compound b : to convert into mineral or inorganic form
3 : PETRIFY
–min·er·al·iz·able \ˌmin-rə-'lī-zə-bəl, ˌmi-nə-\ adjective
–min·er·al·i·za·tion \-rə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–min·er·al·iz·er \'min-rə-ˌlī-zər, 'mi-nə-\ noun

mineralocorticoid
adj. : a corticosteroid (as aldosterone) that affects chiefly the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body ― compare GLUCOCORTICOID

mineralogy
n. 1 : a science dealing with minerals, their crystallography, properties, classification, and the ways of distinguishing them
2 : the mineralogical characteristics of an area, a rock, or a rock formation
–min·er·al·og·i·cal \ˌmi-nə-rə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌmin-rə-\ also min·er·al·og·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–min·er·al·og·i·cal·ly \-'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–min·er·al·o·gist \ˌmi-nə-'rä-lə-jist, -'ra-\ noun

Minerva
n. : the Roman goddess of wisdom ― compare ATHENA

minestrone
n. : a rich thick vegetable soup usually with dried beans and pasta (as macaroni or vermicelli)

minesweeper
n. : a warship for removing or neutralizing mines by dragging
–mine·sweep·ing \-piŋ\ noun

Mineta
Norman Yoshio 1931-     U.S. secy. of commerce (2000-01); secy. of transportation (2001-  )

Ming
n. : a Chinese dynasty dated 1368-1644 and marked by restoration of earlier traditions and in the arts by perfection of established techniques

ming tree
: a dwarfed evergreen conifer grown as bonsai also : an artificial plant resembling this

Mingan Archipelago National Park
n. reservation E Canada bet. Anticosti Is. & Quebec mainland

mingle
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring or mix together or with something else usually without fundamental loss of identity : INTERMIX
2 archaic : to prepare by mixing : CONCOCT
intransitive verb
1 : to become mingled
2 a : to come into contact : ASSOCIATE b : to move about (as in a group) <mingled with the guests>
synonyms see MIX

mingy
adj. : MEAN, STINGY

Minhow
― see FUZHOU

mini
n. : something small of its kind: as a : MINICAR b : MINISKIRT c : MINICOMPUTER

mini
n. 1 : small in relation to others of the same kind
2 : of short length or duration : BRIEF

mini
n. : smaller or briefer than usual, normal, or standard <minicourse> <minibus>

mini-mart
: CONVENIENCE STORE

miniature
n. 1 a : a copy on a much reduced scale b : something small of its kind
2 : a painting in an illuminated book or manuscript
3 : the art of painting miniatures
4 : a very small portrait or other painting (as on ivory or metal)
–min·i·a·tur·ist \-ˌchu̇r-ist, -chər-, -ˌtyu̇r-, -ˌtu̇r-\ noun
–min·i·a·tur·is·tic \ˌmi-nē-ə-chə-'ris-tik, ˌmi-ni-, ˌmin-yə-, -ˌtyu̇-, -ˌtu̇-\ adjective
–in miniature : in a greatly diminished size, form, or scale

miniature
n. : being or represented on a small scale
synonyms see SMALL

miniature
n. in miniature
miniature golf
miniature pinscher
miniature schnauzer

miniature golf
: a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course usually having tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles

miniature pinscher
: any of a breed of toy dogs that suggest a small Doberman pinscher and are 10 to 121/2 inches (25 to 32 centimeters) in height at the withers

miniature schnauzer
: any of a breed of schnauzers that are 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 centimeters) in height at the withers and are classified as terriers

miniaturize
v. : to design or construct in small size
–min·i·a·tur·i·za·tion \ˌmi-nē-ə-ˌchu̇r-ə-'zā-shən, ˌmi-ni-, ˌmin-yə-, -chər-, -ˌtyu̇r-, -ˌtu̇r-\ noun

minibar
n. : a small refrigerator in a hotel room that is stocked with especially alcoholic beverages and snacks for guests

minibike
n. : a small one-passenger motorcycle with a low frame and raised handlebars
–mini·bik·er noun

minibus
n. : a small bus or van

Minicam
n. ― used for a portable television camera

minicamp
: a special abbreviated training camp for football players held usually in the spring or early summer

minicar
n. : a very small automobile especially : SUBCOMPACT

minicomputer
n. : a small computer that is intermediate between a microcomputer and a mainframe in size, speed, and capacity, that can support time-sharing, and that is often dedicated to a single application

minicourse
: a brief course of study usually lasting less than a semester

Minicoy
island India, southernmost of the Laccadives

minidisc
n. : a miniature optical disk

minidress
n. : a short close-fitting dress

minie ball
: a rifle bullet with a conical head used in muzzle-loading firearms

minify
v. : LESSEN

minikin
n. : a small or dainty creature
–minikin adjective

minilab
: a retail outlet offering rapid on-site film development and printing

minim
n. 1 : HALF NOTE
2 : something very minute
3 ― see WEIGHT table
–minim adjective

minimal
adj. 1 : relating to or being a minimum: as a : the least possible <a victory won with minimal loss of life> b : barely adequate <a minimal standard of living> c : very small or slight <a minimal interest in art>
2 often capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
–min·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

minimal
adj. minimal art
minimal brain dysfunction
minimal pair

minimal art
: abstract art consisting primarily of simple geometric forms executed in an impersonal style

minimal brain dysfunction
: ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

minimal pair
: two linguistic units that differ in a single distinctive feature or constituent (as voice in the initial consonants of bat and pat)

minimalism
n. 1 : a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity
2 : MINIMAL ART

minimalist
n. 1 : one who favors restricting the functions and powers of a political organization or the achievement of a set of goals to a minimum
2 a : a minimal artist b : an adherent of minimalism

minimalist
n. : of, relating to, or done in the style of minimalism

minimax
adj. : the minimum of a set of maxima especially : the smallest of a set of maximum possible losses each of which occurs in the most unfavorable outcome of a strategy followed by a participant in a situation governed by game theory ― compare MAXIMIN

minimill
: a relatively small-scale steel mill that uses scrap metal as starting material

minimise
v. British variant of minimize

minimize
v. 1 : to reduce or keep to a minimum
2 : to underestimate intentionally : PLAY DOWN, SOFT-PEDAL <minimizing losses in our own forces while maximizing those of the enemy>
–min·i·mi·za·tion \ˌmi-nə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun
–min·i·miz·er \'mi-nə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

minimum
n. 1 : the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible
2 : the least of a set of numbers specifically : the smallest value assumed by a continuous function defined on a closed interval
3 a : the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded b : the lowest speed allowed on a highway
–minimum adjective

minimum wage
1 : LIVING WAGE
2 : the lowest wage paid or permitted to be paid specifically : a wage fixed by legal authority or by contract as the least that may be paid either to employed persons generally or to a particular category of employed persons

mining
n. : the process or business of working mines

minion
n. 1 : a servile dependent, follower, or underling
2 : one highly favored : IDOL
3 : a subordinate or petty official

minipark
: a small city park

minipill
n. : a birth control pill that contains a very low dose of progesterone but no estrogen, is taken daily, and is intended to minimize side effects

minischool
: an experimental school offering specialized or individual instruction to its students

miniscule
adj. variant of minuscule
usage The adjective minuscule is etymologically related to minus, but associations with mini- have produced the spelling variant miniscule. This variant dates to the end of the 19th century, and it now occurs commonly in published writing, but it continues to be widely regarded as an error.

miniseries
n. : a television production of a story presented in sequential episodes

miniskirt
n. : a woman's short skirt with the hemline several inches above the knee
–mini·skirt·ed adjective

ministate
n. : a small independent nation

minister
n. 1 : AGENT
2 a : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion
3 a : the superior of one of several religious orders ― called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house
4 : a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities
5 a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador

minister
n. 1 : to function as a minister of religion
2 : to give aid or service <minister to the sick>

minister
n. minister general
foreign minister
minister plenipotentiary
minister resident
prime minister
council of ministers
ministers plenipotentiary
ministers resident

minister plenipotentiary
: a diplomatic agent ranking below an ambassador but possessing full power and authority

minister resident
: a diplomatic agent resident at a foreign court or seat of government and ranking below a minister plenipotentiary

ministerial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a minister or the ministry
2 a : being or having the characteristics of an act or duty prescribed by law as part of the duties of an administrative office b : relating to or being an act done after ascertaining the existence of a specified state of facts in obedience to a legal order without exercise of personal judgment or discretion
3 : acting or active as an agent
–min·is·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

ministrant
n. archaic : performing service in attendance on someone

ministrant
n. : one that ministers

ministration
n. : the act or process of ministering

ministroke
: TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK

ministry
n. 1 : MINISTRATION
2 : the office, duties, or functions of a minister
3 : the body of ministers of religion : CLERGY
4 : a person or thing through which something is accomplished : AGENCY, INSTRUMENTALITY
5 : the period of service or office of a minister or ministry
6 often capitalized a : the body of ministers governing a nation or state from which a smaller cabinet is sometimes selected b : the group of ministers constituting a cabinet
7 a : a government department presided over by a minister b : the building in which the business of a ministry is transacted

minitower
n. : a midsize personal computer case that usually stands upright

minivan
n. : a small passenger van

miniver
n. : a white fur worn orig. by medieval nobles and used chiefly for robes of state

mink
n. 1 : soft fur or pelt of the mink varying in color from white to dark brown
2 : either of two slender-bodied semiaquatic carnivorous mammals (Mustela vison of No. America and M. lutreola of Eurasia) of the weasel family that have partially webbed feet, a rather short bushy tail, and a soft thick coat

minke whale
: a small grayish baleen whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) with a whitish underside ― called also minke

Minn
n. Minnesota

Minneapolis
n. city SE Minn. on Mississippi River pop 382,618
–Min·ne·a·pol·i·tan \-nē-ə-'pä-lə-tən\ noun

minnesinger
n. : any of a class of German poets and musicians of the 12th to the 14th centuries

Minnesota
n. 1 river 332 mi (534 km) S Minn. flowing from Big Stone Lake to Mississippi River
2 state N U.S. capital St. Paul area 84,068 sq mi (218,577 sq km), pop 4,919,479
–Min·ne·so·tan \-'sō-tən\ adjective or noun

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
: a test of personal and social adjustment based on a complex scaling of the answers to an elaborate true or false test

Minnetonka
city SE Minn. E of Lake Minnetonka (12 mi or 19 km long) pop 51,301

Minni
― see ARMENIA 1

minnow
n. 1 a : a small cyprinid, killifish, or topminnow b : any of various small fish that are less than a designated size and are not game fish
2 : a live or artificial minnow used as bait

Minoan
adj. : of or relating to a Bronze Age culture of Crete that flourished about 3000 B.C.-1100 B.C.

Minoan
adj. : a native or inhabitant of ancient Crete

minor
n. 1 : inferior in importance, size, or degree : comparatively unimportant
2 : not having reached majority
3 a : having half steps between the second and third, the fifth and sixth, and sometimes the seventh and eighth degrees <minor scale> b : based on a minor scale <minor key> c : less by a semitone than the corresponding major interval <minor third> d : having a minor third above the root <minor triad>
4 : not serious or involving risk to life <minor illness>
5 : of or relating to an academic subject requiring fewer courses than a major

minor
n. 1 : a person who has not attained majority
2 : a minor musical interval, scale, key, or mode
3 a : a minor academic subject b : a student taking a specified minor
4 : a determinant or matrix obtained from a given determinant or matrix by eliminating the row and column in which a given element lies
5 plural : minor league baseball ― used with the

minor
n. : to take courses in a minor subject

minor
n. Syrtis Minor
Canis Minor
minor axis
minor element
minor league
minor order
minor party
minor penalty
minor planet
minor premise
minor seminary
minor suit
minor term
thalassemia minor
Ursa Minor
Asia Minor

minor axis
: the chord of an ellipse passing through the center and perpendicular to the major axis

minor element
: TRACE ELEMENT

minor league
: a league of professional clubs in a sport other than the recognized major leagues
–minor-league adjective

minor order
: one of the Roman Catholic or Eastern clerical orders that are lower in rank and less sacred in character than major orders ― usually used in plural

minor party
: a political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances

minor penalty
: a 2-minute suspension of a player in ice hockey with no substitute allowed

minor planet
: ASTEROID

minor premise
: the premise of a syllogism that contains the minor term

minor seminary
: a Roman Catholic seminary giving all or part of high school and junior college training with emphasis on preparing candidates for a major seminary

minor suit
: either of the suits diamonds or clubs having inferior scoring value in bridge

minor term
: the term of a syllogism that forms the subject of the conclusion

Minorca
n. island Spain in the Balearic Islands ENE of Majorca; chief city Mahón
–Mi·nor·can \mə-'nȯr-kən\ adjective or noun

Minorite
n. : FRANCISCAN

minority
n. 1 a : the period before attainment of majority b : the state of being a legal minor
2 : the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole specifically : a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control
3 a : a part of a population differing from others in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment b : a member of a minority group <an effort to hire more minorities>

minority leader
: the leader of the minority party in a legislative body

Minos
n. : a son of Zeus and Europa and king of Crete who for his just rule is made supreme judge in the underworld after his death

Minot
George Richards 1885-1950 American physician

Minot
city NW cen N.Dak. pop 36,567

Minotaur
n. : a monster shaped half like a man and half like a bull, confined in the labyrinth built by Daedalus for Minos, and given a periodic tribute of youths and maidens as food until slain by Theseus

minoxidil
n. : a peripheral vasodilator C_9H_15N_5O used orally to treat hypertension and topically in a propylene glycol solution to promote hair regrowth in male-pattern baldness

Minsk
n. city capital of Belarus pop 1,589,000

minster
n. : a large or important church often having cathedral status

minstrel
n. 1 : one of a class of medieval musical entertainers especially : a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp
2 a : MUSICIAN b : POET
3 a : any of a troupe of performers typically giving a program of black American melodies, jokes, and impersonations and usually wearing blackface b : a performance by a troupe of minstrels

minstrelsy
n. 1 : the singing and playing of a minstrel
2 : a body of minstrels
3 : a group of songs or verse

mint
n. 1 : any of a family (Labiatae, the mint family) of aromatic plants with a square stem and a 4-lobed ovary which produces four one-seeded nutlets in fruit especially : any of a genus (Mentha) of mints that have white, purple, or pink verticillate flowers with a nearly regular corolla and four equal stamens and that include some used in flavoring and cookery
2 : a confection flavored with mint
–minty \'min-tē\ adjective

mint
n. 1 : a place where coins, medals, or tokens are made
2 : a place where something is manufactured
3 : a vast sum or amount <worth a mint>

mint
n. 1 : to make (as coins) out of metal : COIN
2 : CREATE, PRODUCE
3 : to cause to attain an indicated status <newly minted doctors>
–mint·er noun

mint
n. : unmarred as if fresh from a mint <in mint condition>

mint julep
: JULEP 2

mintage
n. 1 : the action or process of minting coins
2 : an impression placed upon a coin
3 : coins produced by minting or in a single period of minting

Minton
n. Sherman 1890-1965 American jurist

minuend
n. : a number from which the subtrahend is to be subtracted

minuet
n. 1 : a slow graceful dance in 3/4 time characterized by forward balancing, bowing, and toe pointing
2 : music for or in the rhythm of a minuet

Minuit
Peter 1580-1638 Du. colonial administrator in America

minus
n. 1 : diminished by : LESS <seven minus four is three>
2 : deprived of : WITHOUT <minus his hat>

minus
n. 1 : a negative quantity
2 : a negative quality especially : DRAWBACK

minus
n. 1 : algebraically negative <a minus quantity> <minus ten degrees>
2 : having a negative quality
3 : relating to or being a particular one of the two mating types that are required for successful fertilization in sexual reproduction in some lower plants (as a fungus)
4 : falling low in a specified range <B minus>

minus
n. omega minus
minus sign
plus or minus

minus sign
: a sign - used in mathematics to indicate subtraction (as in 8-6=2) or a negative quantity (as in -10°)

minuscule
n. 1 : a lowercase letter
2 a : one of several ancient and medieval writing styles developed from cursive and having simplified and small forms b : a letter in this style

minuscule
n. 1 : written in or in the size or style of minuscules
2 : very small <minuscule amounts>

minute
n. 1 a : the 60th part of an hour of time : 60 seconds b : the 60th part of a degree of angular measure
2 : the distance one can traverse in a minute
3 : a short space of time : MOMENT
4 a : a brief note (as of summary or recommendation) b : MEMORANDUM, DRAFT c plural : the official record of the proceedings of a meeting

minute
n. : to make notes or a brief summary of

minute
n. 1 : very small : INFINITESIMAL
2 : of small importance : TRIFLING
3 : marked by close attention to details
synonyms see SMALL, CIRCUMSTANTIAL
–mi·nute·ness noun

minute
n. arc minute
last minute
a mile a minute
minute hand
minute steak
New York minute
sidereal minute
up to the minute

minute hand
: the long hand that marks the minutes on the face of a watch or clock

minute steak
: a small thin steak that can be quickly cooked

minutely
adv. 1 : into very small pieces
2 : in a minute manner or degree <a minutely detailed analysis>

minutely
adv. archaic : minute by minute

minuteman
n. : a member of a group of men pledged to take up arms at a minute's notice during and immediately before the American Revolution

minutia
n. : a minute or minor detail ― usually used in plural

minx
n. 1 : a pert girl
2 : a wanton woman

Minya
n. Al Minya
El Minya
Minya Konka
Minya Al
Minya El

Minya Konka
― see GONGGA SHAN

Minya, Al
― see EL MINYA

minyan
n. : the quorum required for Jewish communal worship that consists of ten male adults in Orthodox Judaism and usually ten adults of either sex in Conservative and Reform Judaism

Miocene
adj. : of, relating to, or being an epoch of the Tertiary between the Pliocene and the Oligocene or the corresponding series of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Miocene noun

miosis
n. : excessive smallness or contraction of the pupil of the eye

miotic
adj. : an agent that causes miosis

miotic
adj. : relating to or characterized by miosis

MIPS
n. million instructions per second

miquelet
: a Spanish or French irregular soldier during the Peninsular War

Miquelon
n. island off S coast of Newfoundland, Canada, belonging to France ― see SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON

mir
n. : a village community in czarist Russia in which land was owned jointly but cultivated by individual families

Mirabeau
n. Comte de 1749-1791 Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti Fr. orator & revolutionary

Mirabel
n. city Canada in S Que. pop 27,330

mirabile dictu
: wonderful to relate

mirabile visu
: wonderful to behold

mirabilia
n. : wonders : miracles

miracidium
n. : the free-swimming ciliated first larva of a digenetic trematode that seeks out and penetrates a suitable snail intermediate host in which it develops into a sporocyst
–mi·ra·cid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

miracle
n. 1 : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs
2 : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
3 Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

miracle
n. miracle drug
miracle fruit
miracle play

miracle drug
: a drug usually newly discovered that elicits a dramatic response in a patient's condition ― called also wonder drug

miracle fruit
: a tropical African shrub (Synsepalum dulcificum) of the sapodilla family whose small red fruit contains a glycoprotein that when applied to the tongue causes sour substances to taste sweet also : its fruit

miracle play
1 : a medieval drama based on episodes from the life of a saint or martyr
2 : MYSTERY PLAY

miraculous
adj. 1 : of the nature of a miracle : SUPERNATURAL <a miraculous event>
2 : suggesting a miracle : MARVELOUS <proof of a miraculous memory ― Time>
3 : working or able to work miracles <miraculous power>
–mi·rac·u·lous·ly adverb
–mi·rac·u·lous·ness noun

mirador
n. : a turret, window, or balcony designed to command an extensive outlook

mirage
n. 1 : an optical effect that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over a hot pavement, that may have the appearance of a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted, and that is caused by the bending or reflection of rays of light by a layer of heated air of varying density
2 : something illusory and unattainable like a mirage
synonyms see DELUSION

Miramar
city SE Fla. pop 72,739

Miranda
n. : of, relating to, or being the legal rights of an arrested person to have an attorney and to remain silent so as to avoid self-incrimination <Miranda warnings>

Mirandize
v. : to recite the Miranda warnings to (a person under arrest)

mire
n. 1 : wet spongy earth (as of a bog or marsh)
2 : heavy often deep mud or slush
3 : a troublesome or intractable situation <found themselves in a mire of debt>
–miry \'mīr-ē\ adjective

mire
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to stick fast in or as if in mire b : to hamper or hold back as if by mire : ENTANGLE
2 : to cover or soil with mire
intransitive verb : to stick or sink in mire

mirepoix
n. : a sautéed mixture of diced vegetables (as carrots, celery, and onions), herbs, and sometimes ham or bacon used especially as a basis for soups, stews, and sauces

mirex
n. : an organochlorine insecticide C_10Cl_12 formerly used especially against ants

Mirim, Lake
lake 108 mi (174 km) long on boundary bet. Brazil & Uruguay near Atlantic coast

mirin
n. : a sweet Japanese cooking wine made from fermented rice

mirliton
n. : CHAYOTE

Miro
n. Joan \zhu̇-'än\ 1893-1983 Span. painter

Mirrlees
James Alexander 1936-     Brit. econ.

mirror
n. 1 : a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection
2 a : something that gives a true representation b : an exemplary model
–mir·rored \-(r)ə(r)d\ adjective
–mir·ror·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

mirror
n. 1 : to reflect in or as if in a mirror
2 : RESEMBLE

mirror
n. magnetic mirror
mirror image
pier mirror
rearview mirror
smoke and mirrors

mirror image
1 a : something that has its parts reversely arranged in comparison with another similar thing or that is reversed with reference to an intervening axis or plane b : the direct opposite
2 : IMAGE 3

mirth
n. : gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter
–mirth·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–mirth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–mirth·ful·ness noun
–mirth·less \-ləs\ adjective
–mirth·less·ly \-lē\ adverb

MIRV
n. : a missile with two or more warheads designed to strike separate enemy targets also : any of the warheads of such a missile

MIRV
n. transitive verb : to equip with MIRV warheads
intransitive verb : to arm one's forces with MIRVs

Mirzapur
city N India in SE Uttar Pradesh on the Ganges SW of Varanasi pop 205,264

MIS
management information systems

mis
1 a : badly : wrongly <misjudge> b : unfavorably <misesteem> c : in a suspicious manner <misdoubt>
2 : bad : wrong <misdeed>
3 : opposite or lack of <mistrust>
4 : not <misknow>
mis·act
mis·ad·dress
mis·ad·just
mis·ad·min·is·tra·tion
mis·ad·vise
mis·aim
mis·align
mis·align·ment
mis·al·lo·cate
mis·al·lo·ca·tion
mis·anal·y·sis
mis·ap·pli·ca·tion
mis·ap·ply
mis·ap·prais·al
mis·ar·tic·u·late
mis·as·sem·ble
mis·as·sump·tion
mis·at·trib·ute
mis·at·tri·bu·tion
mis·bal·ance
mis·be·have
mis·be·hav·er
mis·be·hav·ior
mis·bound
mis·but·ton
mis·cal·cu·late
mis·cal·cu·la·tion
mis·cap·tion
mis·cat·a·log
mis·chan·nel
mis·char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
mis·char·ac·ter·ize
mis·charge
mis·choice
mis·ci·ta·tion
mis·clas·si·fi·ca·tion
mis·clas·si·fy
mis·code
mis·com·pre·hen·sion
mis·com·pu·ta·tion
mis·com·pute
mis·con·ceive
mis·con·ceiv·er
mis·con·cep·tion
mis·con·nect
mis·con·nec·tion
mis·con·struc·tion
mis·con·strue
mis·copy
mis·cor·re·la·tion
mis·count
mis·cre·ate
mis·cre·a·tion
mis·cut
mis·date
mis·deem
mis·de·fine
mis·de·scribe
mis·de·scrip·tion
mis·de·vel·op
mis·di·ag·nose
mis·di·ag·no·sis
mis·dial
mis·dis·tri·bu·tion
mis·di·vi·sion
mis·draw
mis·ed·u·cate
mis·ed·u·ca·tion
mis·em·pha·sis
mis·em·pha·size
mis·em·ploy
mis·em·ploy·ment
mis·es·ti·mate
mis·es·ti·ma·tion
mis·eval·u·ate
mis·eval·u·a·tion
mis·feed
mis·field
mis·file
mis·fo·cus
mis·func·tion
mis·gauge
mis·gov·ern
mis·gov·ern·ment
mis·grade
mis·iden·ti·fi·ca·tion
mis·iden·ti·fy
mis·in·form
mis·in·for·ma·tion
mis·kick
mis·la·bel
mis·learn
mis·lo·cate
mis·lo·ca·tion
mis·man·age
mis·man·age·ment
mis·mark
mis·mar·riage
mis·match
mis·mate
mis·mea·sure
mis·mea·sure·ment
mis·or·der
mis·ori·ent
mis·ori·en·ta·tion
mis·pack·age
mis·per·ceive
mis·per·cep·tion
mis·plan
mis·po·si·tion
mis·print
mis·pro·gram
mis·quo·ta·tion
mis·quote
mis·reck·on
mis·rec·ol·lec·tion
mis·re·cord
mis·ref·er·ence
mis·reg·is·ter
mis·reg·is·tra·tion
mis·re·late
mis·re·mem·ber
mis·ren·der
mis·re·port
mis·route
mis·set
mis·shape
mis·shap·en
mis·shap·en·ly
mis·sort
mis·strike
mis·throw
mis·time
mis·ti·tle
mis·train
mis·tran·scribe
mis·tran·scrip·tion
mis·trans·late
mis·trans·la·tion
mis·truth
mis·tune
mis·type
mis·uti·li·za·tion
mis·vo·cal·i·za·tion
mis·write

misadventure
n. : MISFORTUNE, MISHAP

misalliance
n. 1 : an improper alliance
2 a : MÉSALLIANCE b : a marriage between persons unsuited to each other

misandry
n. : a hatred of men
–mis·an·drist \-drist\ noun or adjective

misanthrope
n. : a person who hates or distrusts humankind

misanthropic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a misanthrope
2 : marked by a hatred or contempt for humankind
synonyms see CYNICAL
–mis·an·throp·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

misanthropy
n. : a hatred or distrust of humankind

misapprehend
v. : to apprehend wrongly : MISUNDERSTAND
–mis·ap·pre·hen·sion \-'hen(t)-shən\ noun

misappropriate
v. : to appropriate wrongly (as by theft or embezzlement)
–mis·ap·pro·pri·a·tion \-ˌprō-prē-'ā-shən\ noun

misbecome
v. : to be inappropriate or unbecoming to

misbegotten
adj. 1 : unlawfully conceived : ILLEGITIMATE <a misbegotten child>
2 a : having a disreputable or improper origin : ill-conceived <antiquated and misbegotten tax laws ― R. M. Blough> b : CONTEMPTIBLE, DEFORMED <a misbegotten scoundrel>

misbelief
n. : erroneous or false belief : HERESY

misbelieve
v. obsolete : to hold a false or unorthodox belief

misbeliever
n. : HERETIC, INFIDEL

misbrand
v. : to brand falsely or in a misleading way specifically : to label in violation of statutory requirements

misc
n. miscellaneous

miscall
v. : to call by a wrong name : MISNAME

miscarriage
n. 1 : corrupt or incompetent management especially : a failure in the administration of justice
2 : spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation

miscarry
v. 1 obsolete : to come to harm
2 : to suffer miscarriage of a fetus
3 : to fail to achieve the intended purpose : go wrong or amiss <the plan miscarried>
4 : to fail to reach the intended destination <the letter has miscarried>

miscast
v. : to cast in an unsuitable role <life had miscast her in the role of wife and mother ― Edna Ferber>

miscegenation
n. : a mixture of races especially : marriage, cohabitation, or sexual intercourse between a white person and a member of another race
–mis·ce·ge·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

miscellanea
n. : a collection of miscellaneous objects or writings

miscellaneous
n. 1 : consisting of diverse things or members : HETEROGENEOUS
2 a : having various traits b : dealing with or interested in diverse subjects <as a writer I was too miscellaneous ― George Santayana>
–mis·cel·la·neous·ly adverb
–mis·cel·la·neous·ness noun

miscellany
n. 1 a plural : separate writings collected in one volume b : a collection of writings on various subjects
2 : a mixture of various things

misch metal
: a complex alloy of rare earth metals used especially in tracer bullets and as a flint in lighters

mischance
n. 1 : bad luck
2 : a piece of bad luck : MISHAP
synonyms see MISFORTUNE

mischief
n. 1 : a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
2 : a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation especially : a person who causes mischief
3 a : action that annoys or irritates b : the quality or state of being mischievous : MISCHIEVOUSNESS <had mischief in his eyes>

mischievous
adj. 1 : HARMFUL, INJURIOUS <mischievous gossip>
2 a : able or tending to cause annoyance, trouble, or minor injury b : irresponsibly playful <mischievous behavior>
–mis·chie·vous·ly adverb
–mis·chie·vous·ness noun
usage A pronunciation \mis-'chē-vē-əs\ and a consequent spelling mischievious are of long standing: evidence for the spelling goes back to the 16th century. Our pronunciation files contain modern attestations ranging from dialect speakers to Herbert Hoover. But both the pronunciation and the spelling are still considered nonstandard.

miscible
adj. : capable of being mixed specifically : capable of mixing in any ratio without separation of two phases <miscible liquids>
–mis·ci·bil·i·ty \ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

miscommunication
n. : failure to communicate clearly

misconduct
n. 1 : mismanagement especially of governmental or military responsibilities
2 : intentional wrongdoing specifically : deliberate violation of a law or standard especially by a government official : MALFEASANCE
3 a : improper behavior b : ADULTERY
4 : a penalty (as in ice hockey) for improper behavior or abusive language (as toward an official)
–mis·con·duct \-kən-'dəkt\ transitive verb

miscreant
n. 1 : UNBELIEVING, HERETICAL
2 : DEPRAVED, VILLAINOUS <miscreant behavior>

miscreant
n. 1 : INFIDEL, HERETIC
2 : one who behaves criminally or viciously

miscue
n. 1 : a faulty stroke in billiards in which the cue slips
2 : MISTAKE, SLIP

miscue
n. : to make a miscue

misdeal
n. intransitive verb : to deal cards incorrectly
transitive verb : to deal incorrectly
–misdeal noun

misdeed
n. : a wrong deed : OFFENSE

misdemeanant
n. : a person convicted of a misdemeanor

misdemeanor
n. 1 : a crime less serious than a felony
2 : MISDEED

misdemeanour
n. chiefly British variant of misdemeanor

misdirect
v. 1 : to give a wrong direction to
2 : to direct wrongly <misdirected their energies>

misdirection
n. 1 : a wrong direction
2 a : the act or an instance of misdirecting or diverting b : the state of being misdirected

misdo
v. intransitive verb obsolete : to act wrongly : transgress the laws of God <the erring soul not wilfully misdoing ― John Milton>
transitive verb : to do (something) incorrectly or poorly
–mis·do·er \-'dü-ər\ noun

misdoing
n. : the act or an instance of misbehaving : MISCONDUCT

misdoubt
v. 1 : DOUBT
2 : SUSPECT, FEAR
–misdoubt noun

mise
n. mise en scene
mise en scènes
mise en scène
mise en abyme
mise en abîme
mise en page

mise en abyme
: placement at the center of an escutcheon of a smaller copy of the same escutcheon : containment of an entity within another identical entity : image of an image

mise-en-page
: placement on a page : design of a printed or manuscript page

mise-en-scene
1 a : the arrangement of actors and scenery on a stage for a theatrical production b : stage setting
2 a : the physical setting of an action (as of a narrative or a motion picture) : CONTEXT b : ENVIRONMENT, MILIEU
synonyms see BACKGROUND

Misenum
ancient port & naval station S Italy at NW corner of Bay of Naples

miser
n. : a mean grasping person especially : one who is extremely stingy with money

miserable
n. 1 : being in a pitiable state of distress or unhappiness (as from want or shame) <miserable refugees>
2 a : wretchedly inadequate or meager <a miserable hovel> b : causing extreme discomfort or unhappiness <a miserable situation>
3 : being likely to discredit or shame <his miserable neglect of his wife> <it was miserable of you to make fun of him>
–miserable noun
–mis·er·a·ble·ness noun
–mis·er·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

miserere
n. 1 capitalized : the 50th Psalm in the Vulgate
2 : MISERICORD
3 : a vocal complaint or lament

misericord
n. : a small projection on the bottom of a hinged church seat that gives support to a standing worshiper when the seat is turned up

miserly
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a miser especially : marked by grasping meanness and penuriousness
synonyms see STINGY
–mi·ser·li·ness noun

misery
n. 1 : a state of suffering and want that is the result of poverty or affliction
2 : a circumstance, thing, or place that causes suffering or discomfort
3 : a state of great unhappiness and emotional distress
synonyms see DISTRESS

misery index
: the sum of the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation used as an economic indicator

misesteem
: to esteem wrongly especially : to hold in too little regard

misfeasance
n. : TRESPASS specifically : the performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner
–mis·fea·sor \-'fē-zər, -ˌzȯr\ noun

misfire
n. 1 : to have the explosive or propulsive charge fail to ignite at the proper time <the engine misfired>
2 : to fail to fire <the gun misfired>
3 : to miss an intended effect or objective <the new ad campaign misfired>

misfire
n. 1 : a failure (as of a cartridge or firearm) to fire
2 : something that misfires

misfit
n. 1 : something that fits badly
2 : a person who is poorly adapted to a situation or environment <social misfits>

misfortune
n. 1 a : an event or conjunction of events that causes an unfortunate or distressing result : bad luck <by misfortune he fell into bad company> <had the misfortune to break his leg> b : an unhappy situation <always ready to help people in misfortune>
2 : a distressing or unfortunate incident or event <misfortunes never come singly>
synonyms MISFORTUNE, MISCHANCE, ADVERSITY, MISHAP mean adverse fortune or an instance of this. MISFORTUNE may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress <never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune>. MISCHANCE applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance <took the wrong road by mischance>. ADVERSITY applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune <had never experienced great adversity>. MISHAP applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck <the usual mishaps of a family vacation>.

misgive
v. transitive verb : to suggest doubt or fear to
intransitive verb : to be fearful or apprehensive

misgiving
n. : a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event

misguidance
n. : MISDIRECTION

misguide
v. : to lead astray : MISDIRECT <prejudice misguides our minds>
–mis·guid·er noun

misguided
adj. : led or prompted by wrong or inappropriate motives or ideals <well-meaning but misguided do-gooders>
–mis·guid·ed·ly \-lē\ adverb
–mis·guid·ed·ness \-nəs\ noun

mishandle
v. 1 : to treat roughly : MALTREAT
2 : to deal with or manage wrongly or ignorantly

mishap
n. 1 : an unfortunate accident
2 : bad luck : MISFORTUNE
synonyms see MISFORTUNE

Mishawaka
city N Ind. pop 46,557

mishear
v. transitive verb : to hear wrongly
intransitive verb : to misunderstand what is heard

Mishima
n. Yukio 1925-1970 pseud. of Hiracka Kimitake Jp. writer

mishit
n. : to hit in a faulty manner
–mis·hit \ˌmis-'hit, 'mis-ˌ\ noun

mishmash
n. : HODGEPODGE, JUMBLE

Mishnah
n. : the collection of mostly halakic Jewish traditions compiled about A.D. 200 and made the basic part of the Talmud
–Mish·na·ic \mish-'nā-ik\ adjective

misimpression
: a mistaken impression

misinterpret
v. 1 : to explain wrongly
2 : to understand wrongly
–mis·in·ter·pre·ta·tion \-ˌtər-prə-'tā-shən, -pə-\ noun

misjoinder
n. : an improper union of parties or of causes of action in a single legal proceeding

misjudge
v. : to be mistaken in judgment
transitive verb
1 : to estimate wrongly
2 : to have an unjust opinion of
–mis·judg·ment \-'jəj-mənt\ noun

Miskito
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua and Honduras
2 : the language of the Miskito people

Miskito Coast
― see MOSQUITO COAST

misknow
: MISUNDERSTAND
–mis·knowl·edge \-'nä-lij\ noun

Miskolc
n. city NE Hungary NE of Budapest pop 207,300

mislay
v. : to put in an unremembered place : LOSE <he mislaid his car keys>

mislead
v. transitive verb : to lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit
intransitive verb : to lead astray : give a wrong impression
synonyms see DECEIVE
–mis·lead·er noun
–mis·lead·ing·ly \-'lē-diŋ-lē\ adverb

misleared
chiefly Scottish : UNMANNERLY, ILL-BRED

mislike
v. 1 archaic : DISPLEASE
2 : DISLIKE
–mislike noun

misname
v. : to name incorrectly : MISCALL

misnomer
n. 1 : the misnaming of a person in a legal instrument
2 a : a use of a wrong or inappropriate name b : a wrong name or inappropriate designation
–mis·no·mered \-mərd\ adjective

miso
n. : a high-protein fermented food paste consisting chiefly of soybeans, salt, and usually grain (as barley or rice) and ranging in taste from very salty to very sweet

misogamy
n. : a hatred of marriage
–mi·sog·a·mist \-mist\ noun

misogyny
n. : a hatred of women
–miso·gy·nic \ˌmi-sə-'ji-nik, -'gī-\ adjective
–mi·sog·y·nist \mə-'sä-jə-nist\ noun or adjective
–mi·sog·y·nis·tic \mə-ˌsä-jə-'nis-tik\ adjective

misology
n. : a hatred of argument, reasoning, or enlightenment

misoneism
n. : a hatred, fear, or intolerance of innovation or change

misoprostol
: a synthetic prostaglandin analog C_22H_38O_5 used to prevent stomach ulcers associated with NSAID use and to induce abortion in conjunction with RU-486

misplace
v. 1 a : to put in a wrong or inappropriate place <misplace a comma> b : MISLAY <misplaced the keys>
2 : to set on a wrong object or eventuality <his trust had been misplaced>
–mis·place·ment \-'plās-mənt\ noun

misplay
n. : a wrong or unskillful play : ERROR
–mis·play \ˌmis-'plā, 'mis-ˌ\ transitive verb

misprision
n. 1 a : neglect or wrong performance of official duty b : concealment of treason or felony by one who is not a participant in the treason or felony c : seditious conduct against the government or the courts
2 : MISUNDERSTANDING, MISINTERPRETATION

misprision
n. : CONTEMPT, SCORN

misprize
v. 1 : to hold in contempt : DESPISE
2 : UNDERVALUE

mispronounce
v. : to pronounce incorrectly or in a way regarded as incorrect

mispronunciation
n. : the act or an instance of mispronouncing

Misr
― see EGYPT

misread
v. 1 : to read incorrectly
2 : to misinterpret in or as if in reading <totally misread the lesson of history ― Christopher Hollis>

misrepresent
v. 1 : to give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent to deceive or be unfair <misrepresented the facts>
2 : to serve badly or improperly as a representative of
–mis·rep·re·sen·ta·tion \(ˌ)mis-ˌre-pri-ˌzen-'tā-shən, -zən-\ noun
–mis·rep·re·sen·ta·tive \-'zen-tə-tiv\ adjective

misrule
n. : to rule incompetently : MISGOVERN

misrule
n. 1 : the action of misruling : the condition of being misruled
2 : DISORDER, ANARCHY

Miss
n. Mississippi

miss
n. transitive verb
1 : to fail to hit, reach, or contact <miss the target>
2 : to discover or feel the absence of
3 : to fail to obtain
4 : ESCAPE, AVOID <just missed hitting the other car>
5 : to leave out : OMIT
6 : to fail to comprehend, sense, or experience <missed the point of the speech>
7 : to fail to perform or attend <had to miss school for a week>
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to fail to get, reach, or do something
2 : to fail to hit something
3 a : to be unsuccessful b : MISFIRE <the engine missed>
–miss·able \'mi-sə-bəl\ adjective
–miss a beat : to deviate from regular smooth performance <the company changed ownership without missing a beat>
–miss out on : to lose a good opportunity for <missed out on a better job>
–miss the boat : to fail to take advantage of an opportunity

miss
n. 1 chiefly dialect : disadvantage or regret resulting from loss <we know the miss of you, and even hunger⋯to see you ― Samuel Richardson>
2 a : a failure to hit b : a failure to attain a desired result
3 : MISFIRE

miss
n. 1 capitalized a ― used as a title prefixed to the name of an unmarried woman or girl b ― used before the name of a place or of a line of activity or before some epithet to form a title for a usually young unmarried female who is representative of the thing indicated <Miss America>
2 : young lady ― used without a name as a conventional term of address to a young woman
3 : a young unmarried woman or girl
4 plural : a clothing size for women of average height and build

miss
n. can't miss
hit and miss
hit or miss
junior miss
miss the boat
miss out on
miss a beat
miss out
near miss
go missing
missing link

miss a beat
to deviate from regular smooth performance <the company changed ownership without missing a beat>

miss out
British : to leave out : OMIT

miss out on
to lose a good opportunity for <missed out on a better job>

miss the boat
to fail to take advantage of an opportunity

missa cantata
: HIGH MASS

missal
n. : a book containing all that is said or sung at mass during the entire year

missend
v. : to send incorrectly (as to a wrong destination) <missent mail>

missense
n. : relating to or being a genetic mutation involving alteration of one or more codons so that different amino acids are determined ― compare ANTISENSE, NONSENSE

missile
n. 1 : capable of being thrown or projected to strike a distant object
2 : adapted for throwing or hurling missiles

missile
n. : an object (as a weapon) thrown or projected usually so as to strike something at a distance <stones, artillery shells, bullets, and rockets are missiles> : as a : GUIDED MISSILE b : BALLISTIC MISSILE

missile
n. antiballistic missile
ballistic missile
cruise missile
guided missile

missileer
: MISSILEMAN

missileman
: one engaged in designing, building, or operating guided missiles

missilery
n. : MISSILES especially : GUIDED MISSILES

missing
n. : ABSENT also : LOST <missing in action>

missing link
1 : an absent member needed to complete a series or resolve a problem
2 a : a hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form between humans and their presumed simian progenitors b : a hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form between one animal species or group and its presumed ancestors <a missing link between reptiles and birds>

missiology
n. : the study of the church's mission especially with respect to missionary activity

Mission
n. 1 city S Tex. near the Rio Grande pop 45,408
2 municipality Canada in SW B.C. pop 31,272

mission
n. 1 obsolete : the act or an instance of sending
2 a : a ministry commissioned by a religious organization to propagate its faith or carry on humanitarian work b : assignment to or work in a field of missionary enterprise c (1) : a mission establishment (2) : a local church or parish dependent on a larger religious organization for direction or financial support d plural : organized missionary work e : a course of sermons and services given to convert the unchurched or quicken Christian faith
3 : a body of persons sent to perform a service or carry on an activity: as a : a group sent to a foreign country to conduct diplomatic or political negotiations b : a permanent embassy or legation c : a team of specialists or cultural leaders sent to a foreign country
4 a : a specific task with which a person or a group is charged b (1) : a definite military, naval, or aerospace task <a bombing mission> <a space mission> (2) : a flight operation of an aircraft or spacecraft in the performance of a mission <a mission to Mars> c : a preestablished and often self-imposed objective or purpose <statement of the company's mission>
5 : CALLING, VOCATION

mission
n. 1 : to send on or entrust with a mission
2 : to carry on a religious mission among or in

mission
n. 1 : of or relating to a style used in the early Spanish missions of the southwestern U.S. <mission architecture>
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristic of a style of plain heavy usually oak furniture originating in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century

mission
n. rescue mission
Mission Viejo
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Mission Viejo
v. city SW Calif. SE of Santa Ana pop 93,102

missionary
n. : a person undertaking a mission and especially a religious mission

missionary
n. 1 : relating to, engaged in, or devoted to missions
2 : characteristic of a missionary

missionary position
: a coital position in which the female lies on her back with the male on top and with his face opposite hers

Missionary Ridge
mountain SE Tenn. & NW Ga. SE of Chattanooga

missioner
n. : MISSIONARY

missionize
intransitive verb : to carry on missionary work
transitive verb : to do missionary work among
–mis·sion·i·za·tion \ˌmi-shə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–mis·sion·iz·er \'mi-shə-ˌnī-zər\ noun

Mississauga
n. city Canada in S Ont. SW of Toronto pop 612,925

Mississippi
n. 1 river 2340 mi (3765 km) cen U.S. flowing from N cen Minn. to Gulf of Mexico ― see ITASCA (Lake)
2 river 105 mi (169 km) Canada in SE Ont. flowing NE & N into Ottawa River
3 state S U.S. capital Jackson area 47,689 sq mi (123,514 sq km), pop 2,844,658

Mississippi Sound
inlet of Gulf of Mexico E of Lake Pontchartrain

Mississippian
n. 1 : of or relating to Mississippi, its people, or the Mississippi River
2 : of, relating to, or being the period of the Paleozoic era in No. America following the Devonian and preceding the Pennsylvanian or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Mississippian noun

missive
n. : a written communication : LETTER

Missoula
n. city W Mont. pop 57,053

Missouri
n. 1 river 2466 mi (3968 km) W U.S. flowing from SW Mont. into Mississippi River in E Mo. ― see THREE FORKS
2 state cen U.S. capital Jefferson City area 69,697 sq mi (180,515 sq km), pop 5,595,211
–Mis·sou·ri·an \-'zu̇r-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Missouri City
city SE Tex. SW of Houston pop 52,913

missout
: a throw of dice that loses the main bet

misspeak
v. transitive verb
1 : to speak (as a word) incorrectly
2 : to express (oneself) imperfectly or incorrectly <claims now that he misspoke himself>
intransitive verb : to speak incorrectly : misspeak oneself

misspell
v. : to spell incorrectly

misspelling
n. : an incorrect spelling

misspend
v. : to spend wrongly : SQUANDER <a misspent life>

misstate
v. : to state incorrectly : give a false account of
–mis·state·ment \-mənt\ noun

misstep
n. 1 : a mistake in judgment or action : BLUNDER
2 : a wrong step

missus
n. 1 dialect : MISTRESS 1A
2 : WIFE <men spend money on themselves, but argue over every dime the missus wants ― W. A. Lydgate>

missy
n. : a young girl : MISS

mist
n. 1 : water in the form of particles floating or falling in the atmosphere at or near the surface of the earth and approaching the form of rain
2 : something that obscures understanding <mists of antiquity>
3 : a film before the eyes
4 a : a cloud of small particles or objects suggestive of a mist b : a suspension of a finely divided liquid in a gas c : a fine spray
5 : a drink of liquor served over cracked ice

mist
n. 1 : to be or become misty
2 : to become moist or blurred
transitive verb : to cover or spray with or convert to mist

mist net
: a finely woven large mesh net erected to entangle and capture birds or bats in flight

mistakable
adj. : capable of being misunderstood or mistaken

mistake
transitive verb
1 : to blunder in the choice of <mistook her way in the dark>
2 a : to misunderstand the meaning or intention of : MISINTERPRET <don't mistake me, I mean exactly what I said> b : to make a wrong judgment of the character or ability of
3 : to identify wrongly : confuse with another <I mistook him for his brother>
intransitive verb : to be wrong <you mistook when you thought I laughed at you ― Thomas Hardy>
–mis·tak·en·ly adverb
–mis·tak·er noun

mistake
n. 1 : a wrong judgment : MISUNDERSTANDING
2 : a wrong action or statement proceeding from faulty judgment, inadequate knowledge, or inattention
synonyms see ERROR

Mistassini
1 lake Canada in S cen Que. draining W to James Bay area 840 sq mi (2184 sq km)
2 river 185 mi (298 km) Canada in S Que. flowing S into Lake Saint-Jean

mister
n. 1 capitalized : MR. ― used sometimes in writing instead of Mr.
2 : SIR ― used without a name as a generalized term of direct address of a man who is a stranger <hey, mister, do you want to buy a paper>
3 : a man not entitled to a title of rank or an honorific or professional title <though he was only a mister, he was a greater scholar in his field than any PhD>
4 : HUSBAND

mister
n. : a device for spraying a mist

misthink
intransitive verb archaic : to think mistakenly or unfavorably
transitive verb archaic : to think badly or unfavorably of

Misti, El
dormant volcano 19,101 ft (5822 m) S Peru

mistletoe
n. : a European semiparasitic green shrub (Viscum album of the family Loranthaceae, the mistletoe family) with thick leaves, small yellowish flowers, and waxy-white glutinous berries broadly : any of various plants of the mistletoe family (as of an American genus Phoradendron) resembling the true mistletoe

Mistral
n. Frédéric 1830-1914 Provençal poet

Mistral
n. Gabriela 1889-1957 orig. Lucila Godoy Alcayaga Chilean poet & educ.

mistral
n. : a strong cold dry northerly wind of southern France

mistreat
v. : to treat badly : ABUSE
–mis·treat·ment \-mənt\ noun

mistress
n. 1 : a woman who has power, authority, or ownership: as a : the female head of a household b : a woman who employs or supervises servants c : a woman who is in charge of a school or other establishment d : a woman of the Scottish nobility having a status comparable to that of a master
2 a chiefly British : a female teacher or tutor b : a woman who has achieved mastery in some field
3 : something personified as female that rules, directs, or dominates <when Rome was mistress of the world>
4 a : a woman other than his wife with whom a married man has a continuing sexual relationship b archaic : SWEETHEART
5 a ― used archaically as a title prefixed to the name of a married or unmarried woman b chiefly Southern & Midland : MRS. 1A

mistress of ceremonies

1952
: a woman who presides at a public ceremony or who acts as hostess of a stage, radio, or television show

mistrial
n. : a trial that has no legal effect by reason of some error or serious prejudicial misconduct in the proceedings

mistrust
: a lack of confidence : DISTRUST
synonyms see UNCERTAINTY
–mis·trust·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–mis·trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–mis·trust·ful·ness noun

mistrust
n. 1 : to have no trust or confidence in : SUSPECT <mistrusted his neighbors>
2 : to doubt the truth, validity, or effectiveness of <mistrusted his own judgment>
3 : SURMISE <your mind mistrusted there was something wrong ― Robert Frost>
intransitive verb : to be suspicious

misty
adj. 1 a : obscured by mist b : consisting of or marked by mist
2 a : INDISTINCT <a misty recollection of the event> b : VAGUE, CONFUSED <avoided the large, vague, misty issues ― Reuben Abel>
3 : TEARFUL
–mist·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–mist·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

misty-eyed
1 : having tearful eyes
2 : DREAMY, SENTIMENTAL <misty-eyed recollections>

misunderstand
v. 1 : to fail to understand
2 : to interpret incorrectly

misunderstanding
n. 1 : a failure to understand : MISINTERPRETATION
2 : QUARREL, DISAGREEMENT

misusage
n. 1 : bad treatment : ABUSE
2 : wrong or improper use (as of words)

misuse
n. 1 : to use incorrectly : MISAPPLY <misused his talents>
2 : ABUSE, MISTREAT <misused his servants>
–mis·us·er noun

misuse
n. : incorrect or improper use : MISAPPLICATION

Mitcham
former municipal borough S England in Surrey, now part of Merton

Mitchell
n. Joni 1943-     orig. Roberta Joan Anderson Canad. singer & songwriter

Mitchell
n. Margaret Munnerlyn 1900-1949 American nov.

Mitchell
n. Maria 1818-1889 American astron.

Mitchell
n. Peter Dennis 1920-     Brit. chem.

Mitchell
n. William 1879-1936 Billy Mitchell American gen.

Mitchell, Mount
mountain 6684 ft (2037 m) W N.C. in Black Mountains of the Blue Ridge; highest point in U.S. E of Mississippi River

mite
n. : any of numerous small acarid arachnids that often infest animals, plants, and stored foods and include important disease vectors

mite
n. 1 : a small coin or sum of money
2 a : a very little : BIT b : a very small object or creature
–a mite : SOMEWHAT, RATHER <could be that I am a mite prejudiced ― John Fischer>

mite
n. citrus red mite
dust mite
European red mite
follicle mite
gall mite
harvest mite
house dust mite
a mite
red mite
rust mite
spider mite
two spotted spider mite
two spotted mite
varroa mite

miter
n. 1 : a liturgical headdress worn by bishops and abbots
2 [perhaps from miter headdress] a : a surface forming the beveled end or edge of a piece where a joint is made by cutting two pieces at an angle and fitting them together b : MITER JOINT

miter
n. 1 : to confer a miter on
2 a : to match or fit together in a miter joint b : to bevel the ends of for making a miter joint
–mi·ter·er \'mī-tər-ər\ noun

miter
n. miter box
miter joint
miter square

miter box
: a device for guiding a handsaw at the proper angle in making a miter joint in wood

miter joint
: a usually perpendicular joint made by fastening together parts with the ends cut at an angle

miter square
: a bevel with an immovable arm at an angle of 45 degrees for striking marking lines also : a square with an arm adjustable to any angle

Mitford
n. Mary Russell 1787-1855 Eng. nov. & dram.

Mithradates VI Eupator
v. d 63 B.C. the Great king of Pontus (120-63)

Mithraic
: of or relating to a mystery cult for men of Iranian origin that flourished in the late Roman empire
–Mith·ra·ism \'mith-rə-ˌi-zəm, -(ˌ)rā-\ noun
–Mith·ra·ist \mi-'thrā-ist\ noun or adjective

mithridate
n. : an antidote against poison especially : a confection held to be effective against poison

miticide
n. : an agent used to kill mites
–mi·ti·cid·al \ˌmī-tə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

mitigate
1 : to cause to become less harsh or hostile : MOLLIFY <aggressiveness may be mitigated or⋯channeled ― Ashley Montagu>
2 a : to make less severe or painful : ALLEVIATE b : EXTENUATE
synonyms see RELIEVE
–mit·i·ga·tion \ˌmi-tə-'gā-shən\ noun
–mit·i·ga·tive \'mi-tə-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
–mit·i·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun
–mit·i·ga·to·ry \'mi-ti-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
usage Mitigate is sometimes used as an intransitive (followed by against) where militate might be expected. Even though Faulkner used it <some intangible and invisible social force that mitigates against him ― William Faulkner> and one critic thinks it should be called an American idiom, it is usually considered a mistake.

mitochondrial DNA
: an extranuclear double-stranded DNA found exclusively in mitochondria that in most eukaryotes is a circular molecule and is maternally inherited ― abbreviation mtDNA

mitochondrion
n. : any of various round or long cellular organelles of most eukaryotes that are found outside the nucleus, produce energy for the cell through cellular respiration, and are rich in fats, proteins, and enzymes ― see CELL illustration
–mi·to·chon·dri·al \-drē-əl\ adjective

mitogen
n. : a substance that induces mitosis
–mi·to·gen·ic \ˌmi-tə-'je-nik\ adjective
–mi·to·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

mitomycin
n. : a complex of antibiotic substances that is produced by a Japanese streptomyces (Streptomyces caespitosus) especially : one form C_15H_18N_4O_5 that inhibits DNA synthesis and is used as an antineoplastic agent

mitosis
n. 1 : a process that takes place in the nucleus of a dividing cell, involves typically a series of steps consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and results in the formation of two new nuclei each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus ― compare MEIOSIS
2 : cell division in which mitosis occurs
–mi·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective
–mi·tot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mitral
adj. 1 : resembling a miter
2 : of, relating to, being, or adjoining a mitral valve or orifice

mitral valve
: a cardiac valve consisting of two triangular flaps which allow only unidirectional blood flow from the left atrium to the ventricle ― called also bicuspid valve

mitrewort
: any of a genus (Mitella) of rhizomatous perennial herbs of the saxifrage family that bear a capsule resembling a bishop's miter

Mitropoulos
Di·mi·tri \də-'mē-trē\ 1896-1960 American (Greek-born) conductor

Mits'iwa
― see MASSAWA

mitt
n. 1 a : a woman's glove that leaves the fingers uncovered b : MITTEN 1 c : a baseball catcher's or first baseman's glove made in the style of a mitten
2 slang : HAND

mitten
n. 1 : a covering for the hand and wrist having a separate section for the thumb only
2 : MITT 1A
–mit·tened \-tənd\ adjective

Mitterrand
n. François (-Maurice) 1916-1996 pres. of France (1981-95)

mittimus
n. : a warrant of commitment to prison

mitzvah
n. 1 : a commandment of the Jewish law
2 : a meritorious or charitable act

mitzvah
n. bar mitzvah
bas mitzvah
bat mitzvah

mitzvahed
bar mitzvahed
bas mitzvahed
bat mitzvahed

mitzvahing
bar mitzvahing
bas mitzvahing
bat mitzvahing

mix
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to combine or blend into one mass (2) : to combine with another b : to bring into close association <mix business with pleasure>
2 a : to form by mixing components <mix a drink at the bar> b : to produce (a sound recording) by electronically combining or adjusting sounds from more than one source
3 : CONFUSE ― often used with up <mixes things up in his eagerness to speak out ― Irving Howe>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become mixed b : to be capable of mixing
2 : to enter into relations : ASSOCIATE
3 : CROSSBREED
4 : to become involved : PARTICIPATE <decided not to mix in politics>
–mix·able \'mik-sə-bəl\ adjective
–mix it up : to engage in a fight, contest, or dispute
synonyms MIX, MINGLE, COMMINGLE, BLEND, MERGE, COALESCE, AMALGAMATE, FUSE mean to combine into a more or less uniform whole. MIX may or may not imply loss of each element's identity <mix the salad greens> <mix a drink>. MINGLE usually suggests that the elements are still somewhat distinguishable or separately active <fear mingled with anticipation in my mind>. COMMINGLE implies a closer or more thorough mingling <a sense of duty commingled with a fierce pride drove her>. BLEND implies that the elements as such disappear in the resulting mixture <blended several teas to create a balanced flavor>. MERGE suggests a combining in which one or more elements are lost in the whole <in his mind reality and fantasy merged>. COALESCE implies an affinity in the merging elements and usually a resulting organic unity <telling details that coalesce into a striking portrait>. AMALGAMATE implies the forming of a close union without complete loss of individual identities <refugees who were readily amalgamated into the community>. FUSE stresses oneness and indissolubility of the resulting product <a building in which modernism and classicism are fused>.

mix
n. 1 : an act or process of mixing
2 : a product of mixing: as a : a commercially prepared mixture of food ingredients <a cake mix> b : a combination of different kinds <the right mix of jobs, people and amenities ― London Times>
3 : MIXER 2B

mix
n. mix it up
mix up
trail mix
mixed alphabet
mixed bag
mixed bud
mixed drink
mixed farming
mixed grill
mixed marriage
mixed media
mixed metaphor
mixed nerve
mixed number
mixed up
mixed use

mix it up
to engage in a fight, contest, or dispute

mix-up
1 : a state or instance of confusion
2 : MIXTURE
3 : CONFLICT, FIGHT

Mixco
city S cen Guatemala, a suburb of Guatemala City pop 277,400

mixed
adj. 1 : combining characteristics of more than one kind specifically : combining features of two or more systems of government <a mixed constitution>
2 : made up of or involving individuals or items of more than one kind: as a : made up of or involving persons differing in race, national origin, religion, or class b : made up of or involving individuals of both sexes <mixed company> <a mixed school>
3 : including or accompanied by inconsistent, incompatible, or contrary elements <mixed emotions> <received mixed reviews> <a mixed blessing>
4 : deriving from two or more races or breeds <a stallion of mixed blood>

mixed
adj. mixed alphabet
mixed bag
mixed bud
mixed drink
mixed farming
mixed grill
mixed marriage
mixed media
mixed metaphor
mixed nerve
mixed number
mixed up
mixed use

mixed alphabet
: an alphabet (as in a cryptographic system) that has been rearranged or disordered systematically or randomly

mixed bag
1 : a miscellaneous collection : ASSORTMENT
2 : one having both positive and negative qualities or aspects <his performance was a mixed bag>

mixed bud
: a bud that produces a branch and leaves as well as flowers

mixed drink
: an alcoholic beverage prepared from two or more ingredients

mixed farming
: the growing of food or cash crops, feed crops, and livestock on the same farm

mixed grill
: meats (as lamb chop, kidney, and bacon) and vegetables broiled together and served on one plate

mixed marriage
: a marriage between persons of different races or religions

mixed metaphor
: a figure of speech combining inconsistent or incongruous metaphors

mixed nerve
: a nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers

mixed number
: a number (as 52/3) composed of an integer and a fraction

mixed-media
: MULTIMEDIA

mixed-up
: marked by bewilderment, perplexity, or disorder : CONFUSED

mixed-use
: used or suitable for several different functions <a mixed-use building>

mixer
n. 1 : one that mixes: as a (1) : one whose work is mixing the ingredients of a product (2) : one who balances and controls the dialogue, music, and sound effects to be recorded for or with a motion picture or television b : a container, device, or machine for mixing c : a game, stunt, or dance used at a get-together to give members of the group an opportunity to meet one another in a friendly and informal atmosphere also : the get-together itself
2 : one that mixes with others: as a : a person considered in regard to casual sociability <was shy and a poor mixer> b : a nonalcoholic beverage (as ginger ale) used in a mixed drink

mixology
n. : the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks
–mix·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Mixtec
n. 1 : the language of the Mixtec people
2 : a member of an American Indian people of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico

mixture
n. 1 a : the act, the process, or an instance of mixing b (1) : the state of being mixed (2) : the relative proportions of constituents especially : the proportion of fuel to air produced in a carburetor
2 : a product of mixing : COMBINATION: as a : a portion of matter consisting of two or more components in varying proportions that retain their own properties b : a fabric woven of variously colored threads c : a combination of several different kinds

Miyazaki
city & port Japan in Kyushu on SE coast pop 305,755

Mizoram
n. state NE India capital Aizawl area 8142 sq mi (21,169 sq km), pop 689,756

mizuna
n. : a Japanese mustard (Brassica rapa nipposinica syn. B. rapa japonica) having mild tasting deeply dissected leaves used especially in salads also : its leaves

mizzen
n. 1 : a fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast
2 : MIZZENMAST

mizzen
n. : of or relating to the mizzenmast

mizzenmast
n. : the mast aft or next aft of the mainmast in a ship

mizzle
n. : to rain in very fine drops : DRIZZLE
–mizzle noun
–miz·zly \'mi-zə-lē, 'miz-lē\ adjective

mizzle
n. chiefly British : to depart suddenly

Mk
n. Mark

MKS
n. meter-kilogram-second

mkt
n. market

mktg
marketing

mL
n. 1 millilambert
2 milliliter

ml
n. milliliter

MLA
n. 1 Member of the Legislative Assembly
2 Modern Language Association

MLB
Major League Baseball

MLD
minimum lethal dose

MLF
multilateral force

mligurs
: mores : attitudes, customs, and manners of a society

Mlle
n. mademoiselle

Mlles
mesdemoiselles

MLS
1 Major League Soccer
2 master of library science

MLW
mean low water

MM
n. messieurs

mm
n. 1 measures
2 millimeter

Mmabatho
n. town N Republic of South Africa near Botswana border; formerly capital of Bophuthatswana

Mme
n. madame

Mmes
n. mesdames

mmf
magnetomotive force

MMPI
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

MMR
measles-mumps-rubella (vaccine)

MN
n. 1 magnetic north
2 Minnesota

Mn
n. manganese

MNC
multinational company; multinational corporation

mnemonic
n. 1 : assisting or intended to assist memory also : of or relating to mnemonics
2 : of or relating to memory
–mne·mon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mnemonic
n. : a mnemonic device or code

mnemonics
n. : a technique of improving the memory

Mnemosyne
n. : the Greek goddess of memory and mother of the Muses by Zeus

MO
n. : MODUS OPERANDI

MO
n. 1 mail order
2 medical officer
3 Missouri
4 money order

Mo
n. 1 Missouri
2 Monday

Mo
n. molybdenum

mo
n. month

mo
n. ― after numerals or their names to indicate the number of leaves made by folding a sheet of paper <sixteenmo> <16mo>

mo
n. slo mo
Mo Ti
Mo tzu

Mo Ti
― see MO-TZU

Mo-tzu
470?-?391 B.C. orig. Mo Ti \'mō-'dē\ L. Mi·cius \'mē-sh(ē-)əs\ Chin. philos.

moa
n. : any of various usually very large extinct flightless birds of New Zealand of a ratite order (Dinornithiformes) including one (Dinornis giganteus of the family Dinornithidae) nearly 12 feet (3.7 meters) in height

Moab
n. region Jordan E of Dead Sea; in biblical times a kingdom bet. Edom & the country of the Amorites

Moabite
n. : a member of an ancient Semitic people related to the Hebrews
–Moabite or Mo·ab·it·ish \-ˌbī-tish\ adjective

moan
n. 1 : LAMENTATION, COMPLAINT
2 : a low prolonged sound of pain or of grief

moan
n. 1 : to bewail audibly : LAMENT
2 : to utter with moans
intransitive verb
1 : LAMENT, COMPLAIN
2 a : to make a moan : GROAN b : to emit a sound resembling a moan <the wind moaned in the trees>
–moan·er \'mō-nər\ noun

moat
n. 1 : a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (as a castle) that is usually filled with water
2 : a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)
–moat·ed \'mō-təd\ adjective
–moat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

mob
n. 1 : a large or disorderly crowd especially : one bent on riotous or destructive action
2 : the lower classes of a community : MASSES, RABBLE
3 chiefly Australian : a flock, drove, or herd of animals
4 : a criminal set : GANG especially often capitalized : MAFIA 1
5 chiefly British : a group of people : CROWD
synonyms see CROWD
–mob·bish \'mä-bish\ adjective

mob
n. 1 : to crowd about and attack or annoy <mobbed by autograph hunters> <a crow mobbed by songbirds>
2 : to crowd into or around <customers mob the stores on sale days>

mobcap
n. : a woman's fancy indoor cap made with a high full crown and often tied under the chin

mobe pearl
: MABE

Mobile
n. 1 river 38 mi (61 km) long SW Ala. formed by Alabama & Tombigbee rivers & flowing S into Mobile Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico)
2 city & port SW Ala. pop 198,915

mobile
n. 1 : capable of moving or being moved : MOVABLE <a mobile missile launcher>
2 a : changeable in appearance, mood, or purpose <mobile face> b : ADAPTABLE, VERSATILE
3 : MIGRATORY
4 a : characterized by the mixing of social groups b : having the opportunity for or undergoing a shift in status within the hierarchical social levels of a society <socially mobile workers>
5 : marked by the use of vehicles for transportation <mobile warfare>
6 : of or relating to a mobile
7 : CELLULAR 3 <a mobile phone>
–mo·bil·i·ty \mō-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

mobile
n. : a construction or sculpture frequently of wire and sheet metal shapes with parts that can be set in motion by air currents also : a similar structure (as of paper or plastic) suspended so that it moves in a current of air

mobile
n. 1 : motorized vehicle <snowmobile>
2 : automotive vehicle bringing services to the public <bloodmobile> <bookmobile>

mobile
n. mobile home
primum mobile
upwardly mobile
primum mobiles
upward mobility

mobile home
: a dwelling structure built on a steel chassis and fitted with wheels that is intended to be hauled to a usually permanent site ― compare MOTOR HOME

mobilise
v. chiefly British variant of mobilize

mobilization
n. 1 : the act of mobilizing
2 : the state of being mobilized

mobilize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put into movement or circulation <mobilize financial assets> b : to release (something stored in the organism) for bodily use
2 a : to assemble and make ready for war duty b : to marshal (as resources) for action <mobilize support for a proposal>
intransitive verb : to undergo mobilization

Mobius strip
: a one-sided surface that is constructed from a rectangle by holding one end fixed, rotating the opposite end through 180 degrees, and joining it to the first end

mobled
: being wrapped or muffled in or as if in a hood

mobocracy
n. 1 : rule by the mob
2 : the mob as a ruling class
–mob·o·crat \'mä-bə-ˌkrat\ noun
–mob·o·crat·ic \ˌmä-bə-'kra-tik\ adjective

mobster
n. : a member of a criminal gang

Mobutu Sese Seko
1930-1997 orig. Joseph-Désiré Mobutu pres. of Zaire (1965-97)

moc
n. : MOCCASIN 1

Moca
city NW Puerto Rico pop 39,697

Mocambique
― see MOZAMBIQUE

Mocamedes
― see NAMIBE

moccasin
n. 1 a : a soft leather heelless shoe or boot with the sole brought up the sides of the foot and over the toes where it is joined with a puckered seam to a U-shaped piece lying on top of the foot b : a regular shoe having a seam on the forepart of the vamp imitating the seam of a moccasin
2 a : WATER MOCCASIN b : a snake (as of the genus Natrix) resembling a water moccasin

moccasin
n. cottonmouth moccasin
moccasin flower
water moccasin

moccasin flower
: any of several lady's slippers (genus Cypripedium) especially : a once common woodland orchid (C. acaule) of eastern No. America with pink or white moccasin-shaped flowers

Mocha
n. town & port SW Yemen on the Red Sea

mocha
n. 1 a (1) : a superior Arabian coffee consisting of small green or yellowish beans (2) : a coffee of superior quality b : a flavoring made of a strong coffee infusion or of a mixture of cocoa or chocolate with coffee
2 : a pliable suede-finished glove leather from African sheepskins
3 : a dark chocolate-brown color

mock
n. transitive verb
1 : to treat with contempt or ridicule : DERIDE
2 : to disappoint the hopes of
3 : DEFY, CHALLENGE
4 a : to imitate (as a mannerism) closely : MIMIC b : to mimic in sport or derision
intransitive verb : JEER, SCOFF
synonyms see RIDICULE, COPY
–mock·er noun
–mock·ing·ly \'mä-kiŋ-lē, 'mȯ-\ adverb

mock
n. 1 : an act of ridicule or derision : JEER
2 : one that is an object of derision or scorn
3 : MOCKERY
4 a : an act of imitation b : something made as an imitation

mock
n. : of, relating to, or having the character of an imitation : SIMULATED, FEIGNED <the mock solemnity of the parody>

mock
n. : in an insincere or counterfeit manner ― usually used in combination <mock-serious>

mock
n. mock heroic
mock heroically
mock epic
mock orange
mock turtleneck
mock turtle soup
mock up
self mocking

mock orange
1 : any of a genus (Philadelphus) of ornamental shrubs of which several are widely grown for their showy white flowers and that is either placed in the saxifrage or hydrangea families or in a family (Philadelphaceae) of its own ― called also philadelphus syringa
2 : any of several usually shrubby plants considered to resemble the orange

mock turtle soup
: a soup made of meat (as calf's head or veal), wine, and spices in imitation of green turtle soup

mock turtleneck
1 : a collar that is lower and usually looser than a turtleneck and is not turned over
2 : a garment with a mock turtleneck

mock-heroic
: ridiculing or burlesquing heroic style, character, or action <a mock-heroic poem>
–mock-he·ro·ical·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mock-heroic
: a mock-heroic composition ― called also mock-epic

mock-up
1 : a full-sized structural model built to scale chiefly for study, testing, or display
2 : a working sample (as of a magazine) for reviewing format, layout, or content

mockery
n. 1 : insulting or contemptuous action or speech : DERISION
2 : a subject of laughter, derision, or sport
3 a : a counterfeit appearance : IMITATION b : an insincere, contemptible, or impertinent imitation <makes a mockery of justice>
4 : something ridiculously or impudently unsuitable

mockingbird
n. : a common grayish No. American bird (Mimus polyglottos) related to the thrashers that is remarkable for its exact imitations of the notes of other birds

mockumentary
n. : a facetious or satirical work (as a film) presented in the style of a documentary

mod
n. : one who wears mod clothes

mod
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being the characteristic style of 1960s British youth culture
2 : HIP, TRENDY

mod
n. 1 moderate
2 modification; modified
3 modulo; modulus

mod con
chiefly British : a modern convenience ― usually used in plural

modacrylic fiber
: any of various synthetic textile fibers that are long-chain polymers composed of 35 to 85 percent by weight of acrylonitrile units

modal
adj. 1 : of or relating to modality in logic
2 : containing provisions as to the mode of procedure or the manner of taking effect ― used of a contract or legacy
3 : of or relating to a musical mode
4 : of or relating to structure as opposed to substance
5 : of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical form or category characteristically indicating predication of an action or state in some manner other than as a simple fact
6 : of or relating to a statistical mode
–mod·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

modal auxiliary
: an auxiliary verb (as can, must, might, may) that is characteristically used with a verb of predication and expresses a modal modification and that in English differs formally from other verbs in lacking -s and -ing forms

modality
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being modal b : a modal quality or attribute : FORM
2 : the classification of logical propositions according to their asserting or denying the possibility, impossibility, contingency, or necessity of their content
3 : one of the main avenues of sensation (as vision)
4 : a usually physical therapeutic agency

Modder
river 180 mi (290 km) Republic of South Africa in Free State; a tributary of the Vaal

mode
n. 1 a : an arrangement of the eight diatonic notes or tones of an octave according to one of several fixed schemes of their intervals b : a rhythmical scheme (as in 13th and 14th century music)
2 : 2MOOD 2
3 [Late Latin modus, from L] a : 2MOOD 1 b : the modal form of the assertion or denial of a logical proposition
4 a : a particular form or variety of something <flying and other modes of transport> b : a form or manner of expression : STYLE
5 : a possible, customary, or preferred way of doing something <explained in the usual solemn mode>
6 a : a manifestation, form, or arrangement of being specifically : a particular form or manifestation of an underlying substance b : a particular functioning arrangement or condition : STATUS <a spacecraft in reentry mode> <a computer operating in parallel mode>
7 a : the most frequent value of a set of data b : a value of a random variable for which a function of probabilities defined on it achieves a relative maximum
8 : any of various stationary vibration patterns of which an elastic body or oscillatory system is capable <the vibration mode of an airplane propeller blade> <the vibrational modes of a molecule>
synonyms see METHOD

mode
n. : a prevailing fashion or style (as of dress or behavior)
synonyms see FASHION

mode
n. a la mode
à la mode
church mode

model
n. 1 obsolete : a set of plans for a building
2 dialect British : COPY, IMAGE
3 : structural design <a home on the model of an old farmhouse>
4 : a usually miniature representation of something also : a pattern of something to be made
5 : an example for imitation or emulation
6 : a person or thing that serves as a pattern for an artist especially : one who poses for an artist
7 : ARCHETYPE
8 : an organism whose appearance a mimic imitates
9 : one who is employed to display clothes or other merchandise
10 a : a type or design of clothing b : a type or design of product (as a car)
11 : a description or analogy used to help visualize something (as an atom) that cannot be directly observed
12 : a system of postulates, data, and inferences presented as a mathematical description of an entity or state of affairs also : a computer simulation based on such a system <climate models>
13 : VERSION 3
14 : ANIMAL MODEL
synonyms MODEL, EXAMPLE, PATTERN, EXEMPLAR, IDEAL mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. MODEL applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation <a decor that is a model of good taste>. EXAMPLE applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning <children tend to follow the example of their parents>. PATTERN suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype <American industry set a pattern for others to follow>. EXEMPLAR suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification <cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage>. IDEAL implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception <never found a job that matched his ideal>.

model
n. transitive verb
1 : to plan or form after a pattern : SHAPE
2 archaic : to make into an organization (as an army, government, or parish)
3 a : to shape or fashion in a plastic material b : to produce a representation or simulation of <using a computer to model a problem>
4 : to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model <modeled its constitution on that of the U.S.>
5 : to display by wearing, using, or posing with <modeled gowns>
intransitive verb
1 : to design or imitate forms : make a pattern <enjoys modeling in clay>
2 : to work or act as a fashion or art model
–mod·el·er also mod·el·ler \'mäd-lər, 'mä-dəl-ər\ noun

model
n. 1 : serving as or capable of serving as a pattern <a model student>
2 : being a usually miniature representation of something <a model airplane>

model
n. animal model
role model
Watson Crick model

modem
n. : a device that converts signals produced by one type of device (as a computer) to a form compatible with another (as a telephone)

modem
n. : to send (as data) via a modem

Modena
n. commune N Italy in Emilia SW of Venice pop 176,965
–Mod·e·nese \ˌmō-də-'nēz, ˌmȯ-, -'nēs\ noun

moderate
n. 1 a : avoiding extremes of behavior or expression : observing reasonable limits <a moderate drinker> b : CALM, TEMPERATE
2 a : tending toward the mean or average amount or dimension b : having average or less than average quality : MEDIOCRE
3 : professing or characterized by political or social beliefs that are not extreme
4 : limited in scope or effect
5 : not expensive : reasonable or low in price
6 of a color : of medium lightness and medium chroma
–mod·er·ate·ly adverb
–mod·er·ate·ness noun

moderate
n. transitive verb
1 : to lessen the intensity or extremeness of <the sun moderated the chill>
2 : to preside over or act as chairman of
intransitive verb
1 : to act as a moderator
2 : to become less violent, severe, or intense <the wind began to moderate>
–mod·er·a·tion \ˌmä-də-'rā-shən\ noun

moderate
n. : one who holds moderate views or who belongs to a group favoring a moderate course or program

moderate breeze
: wind having a speed of about 13 to 18 miles (20 to 29 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

moderate gale
: wind having a speed of 32 to 38 miles (51 to 61 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

moderato
adv. : MODERATE ― used as a direction in music to indicate tempo

moderator
n. 1 : one who arbitrates : MEDIATOR
2 : one who presides over an assembly, meeting, or discussion: as a : the presiding officer of a Presbyterian governing body b : the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting c : the chairman of a discussion group
3 : a substance (as graphite) used for slowing neutrons in a nuclear reactor
–mod·er·a·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

modern
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past : CONTEMPORARY b : of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time
2 : involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : UP-TO-DATE
3 capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the present or most recent period of development of a language
4 : of or relating to modernism : MODERNIST
–mo·der·ni·ty \mə-'dər-nə-tē, mä-, -'der-\ noun
–mod·ern·ly \'mä-dərn-lē\ adverb
–mod·ern·ness \-dərn-nəs\ noun

modern
n. 1 a : a person of modern times or views b : an adherent of modernism : MODERNIST
2 : a style of printing type distinguished by regularity of shape, precise curves, straight hairline serifs, and heavy downstrokes

modern
n. Modern Greek
Modern Hebrew
modern pentathlon

Modern Greek
: Greek as used by the Greeks since the end of the medieval period

Modern Hebrew
: the Hebrew language in use in present-day Israel

modern pentathlon
: a composite contest in which all contestants compete in a 300-meter freestyle swim, a 4000-meter cross-country run, a 5000-meter 30-jump equestrian steeplechase, épée fencing, and target shooting at 25 meters

moderne
adj. : ART DECO
–moderne adjective

modernisation
British variant of modernization, modernize

modernism
n. 1 : a practice, usage, or expression peculiar to modern times
2 often capitalized : a tendency in theology to accommodate traditional religious teaching to contemporary thought and especially to devalue supernatural elements
3 : modern artistic or literary philosophy and practice especially : a self-conscious break with the past and a search for new forms of expression
–mod·ern·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective
–mod·ern·is·tic \ˌmä-dər-'nis-tik\ adjective

modernization
n. 1 : the act of modernizing : the state of being modernized
2 : something modernized : a modernized version

modernize
v. transitive verb : to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)
intransitive verb : to adopt modern ways
–mod·ern·iz·er noun

modest
adj. 1 a : placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth b : neither bold nor self-assertive : tending toward diffidence
2 : arising from or characteristic of a modest nature
3 : observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : DECENT
4 a : limited in size, amount, or scope <a family of modest means> b : UNPRETENTIOUS <a modest home>
synonyms see SHY, CHASTE
–mod·est·ly adverb

Modesto
city cen Calif. on the Tuolumne pop 188,856

modesty
n. 1 : freedom from conceit or vanity
2 : propriety in dress, speech, or conduct

modicum
n. : a small portion : a limited quantity

modification
n. 1 : the limiting of a statement : QUALIFICATION
2 : 1MODE 6A
3 a : the making of a limited change in something also : the result of such a change b : a change in an organism caused by environmental factors
4 : a limitation or qualification of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

modifier
n. 1 : one that modifies
2 : a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase
3 : a gene that modifies the effect of another

modify
v. transitive verb
1 : to make less extreme : MODERATE
2 a : to limit or restrict the meaning of especially in a grammatical construction b : to change (a vowel) by umlaut
3 a : to make minor changes in b : to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end <the wing of a bird is an arm modified for flying>
intransitive verb : to undergo change
synonyms see CHANGE
–mod·i·fi·abil·i·ty \ˌmä-də-ˌfī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–mod·i·fi·able \'mä-də-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adjective

Modigliani
n. Amedeo 1884-1920 Ital. painter

Modigliani
n. Franco 1918-2003 American (Ital.-born) econ.

modillion
n. : an ornamental block or bracket under the corona of the cornice (as in the Corinthian order)

modish
adj. : FASHIONABLE, STYLISH <a modish hat> <a modish writer>
–mod·ish·ly adverb
–mod·ish·ness noun

modiste
n. : one who makes and sells fashionable dresses and hats for women

Modjeska
Helena 1840-1909 American (Pol.-born) actress

Modred
: a knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur

modulability
: the capability of being modulated

modular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or based on a module or a modulus
2 : constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use <modular furniture>
–mod·u·lar·i·ty \ˌmä-jə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–mod·u·lar·ly \'mä-jə-lər-lē\ adverb

modular arithmetic
: arithmetic that deals with whole numbers where the numbers are replaced by their remainders after division by a fixed number <in a modular arithmetic with modulus 5, 3 multiplied by 4 is 2>

modularized
v. 1 : containing or consisting of modules
2 : produced in the form of modules

modulate
v. transitive verb
1 : to tune to a key or pitch
2 : to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : TEMPER
3 : to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio) also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam
intransitive verb
1 : to play or sing with modulation
2 : to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys
3 : to pass gradually from one state to another
–mod·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–mod·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective

modulation
n. 1 : an inflection of the tone or pitch of the voice specifically : the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning
2 : a regulating according to measure or proportion : TEMPERING
3 : a change from one musical key to another by modulating
4 : the process of modulating a carrier or signal (as in radio) also : the result of this process

modulation
n. amplitude modulation
frequency modulation
phase modulation

module
n. 1 : a standard or unit of measurement
2 : the size of some one part taken as a unit of measure by which the proportions of an architectural composition are regulated
3 a : any in a series of standardized units for use together: as (1) : a unit of furniture or architecture (2) : an educational unit which covers a single subject or topic b : a usually packaged functional assembly of electronic components for use with other such assemblies
4 : an independently operable unit that is a part of the total structure of a space vehicle
5 a : a subset of an additive group that is also a group under addition b : a mathematical set that is a commutative group under addition and that is closed under multiplication which is distributive from the left or right or both by elements of a ring and for which a(bx) = (ab)x or (xb)a = x(ba) or both where a and b are elements of the ring and x belongs to the set

module
n. command module
lunar module
lunar excursion module
service module

modulo
adv. : with respect to a modulus of <19 and 54 are congruent modulo 7>

modulus
n. 1 a : the factor by which a logarithm of a number to one base is multiplied to obtain the logarithm of the number to a new base b : ABSOLUTE VALUE 2 c (1) : the number (as a positive integer) or other mathematical entity (as a polynomial) in a congruence that divides the difference of the two congruent members without leaving a remainder ― compare RESIDUE b (2) : the number of different numbers used in a system of modular arithmetic
2 : a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a body or substance possesses a particular property (as elasticity)

modus
n. modus operandi
modus vivendi
est modus in rebus

modus operandi
: a method of procedure especially : a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

modus vivendi
1 : a feasible arrangement or practical compromise especially : one that bypasses difficulties
2 : a manner of living : a way of life

Moesia
n. ancient country & Roman province SE Europe in modern Serbia & Bulgaria S of the Danube from the Drina to the Black Sea

Mogadishu
n. city & port capital of Somalia on Indian Ocean pop 349,245

Mogador
― see ESSAOUIRA

Mogen David
variant of magen david

moggy
n. British : CAT

Mogilev
― see MAHILYOW

Mogollon
: a prehistoric American Indian people inhabiting the mountains of eastern Arizona and western New Mexico

Mogollon Mountains
mountains SW N.Mex.; highest peak Whitewater Baldy 10,895 ft (3320 m)

mogul
n. 1 also mo·ghul or mu·ghal \'mü-\ capitalized : an Indian Muslim of or descended from one of several conquering groups of Mongol, Turkish, and Persian origin especially : GREAT MOGUL
2 : a great personage : MAGNATE
–mogul also moghul or mughal adjective often cap

mogul
n. : a bump in a ski run

Mohacs
town S Hungary pop 20,700

mohair
n. : a fabric or yarn made wholly or in part of the long silky hair of the Angora goat also : this hair

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
1919-1980 shah of Iran (1941-79)

Mohammed
n. var of MUHAMMAD

Mohammedan
: of or relating to Muhammad or Islam
–Mohammedan also Muhammadan noun
–Mo·ham·med·an·ism also Mu·ham·mad·an·ism \-də-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Mohawk
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Mohawk River valley, New York
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Mohawk people
3 : a hairstyle with a narrow center strip of usually upright hair and the sides of the head shaved

Mohawk
n. river 148 mi (238 km) E cen N.Y. flowing E into Hudson River

Mohegan
n. : a member of an American Indian people of southeastern Connecticut

mohel
n. : a person who performs ritual Jewish circumcisions

Mohenjo Daro
prehistoric city Pakistan in Indus valley NE of modern Karachi

Mohican
n. variant of mahican

Moho
n. : the boundary layer between the earth's crust and mantle whose depth varies from about 3 miles (5 kilometers) beneath the ocean floor to about 25 miles (40 kilometers) beneath the continents

Mohock
n. : one of a gang of aristocratic ruffians who assaulted and otherwise maltreated people in London streets in the early 18th century
–Mo·hock·ism \-ˌhä-ˌki-zəm\ noun

Mohorovicic discontinuity
: MOHO

Mohs' scale
: a scale of hardness for minerals that ranges from a value of 1 for talc to 10 for diamond

mohur
: a former gold coin of India and Persia equal to 15 rupees

Moi
n. Daniel arap 1924-     pres. of Kenya (1978-2002)

Moi
n. apres moi le deluge
après moi le déluge
l'etat c'est moi
l'état c'est moi

moiety
n. 1 a : one of two equal parts : HALF b : one of two approximately equal parts
2 : one of the portions into which something is divided : COMPONENT, PART <an ether molecule with a benzene moiety>
3 : one of two basic complementary tribal subdivisions

moil
n. transitive verb chiefly dialect : to make wet or dirty
intransitive verb
1 : to work hard : DRUDGE
2 : to be in continuous agitation : CHURN, SWIRL
–moil·er noun

moil
n. 1 : hard work : DRUDGERY
2 : CONFUSION, TURMOIL

moiling
v. 1 a : requiring hard work b : INDUSTRIOUS <moiling workers>
2 : violently agitated : TURBULENT
–moil·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

Moirai
n. : FATE 4

moire
n. archaic : a watered mohair

moire
n. 1 a : an irregular wavy finish on a fabric b : a ripple pattern on a stamp
2 : a fabric having a wavy watered appearance
3 : an independent usually shimmering pattern seen when two geometrically regular patterns (as two sets of parallel lines or two halftone screens) are superimposed especially at an acute angle
–moiré or moire adjective

Moissan
n. Henri 1852-1907 Fr. chem.

moist
adj. 1 : slightly or moderately wet : DAMP
2 : TEARFUL
3 : characterized by high humidity
synonyms see WET
–moist·ly adverb
–moist·ness \'mȯis(t)-nəs\ noun

moisten
v. transitive verb : to make moist
intransitive verb : to become moist
–moist·en·er \'mȯis-nər, 'mȯi-sən-ər\ noun

moisture
n. : liquid diffused or condensed in relatively small quantity

moisturise
v. British variant of moisturize

moisturize
v. : to add moisture to <moisturize the air> <a cream that moisturizes the skin>
–mois·tur·iz·er noun

Mojave Desert
desert S Calif. SE of S end of the Sierra Nevada

Moji
former city Japan in N Kyushu on Shimonoseki Strait ― see KITAKYUSHU

mojo
n. : a magic spell, hex, or charm broadly : magical power <works his mojo on the tennis court>

moke
n. 1 slang British : DONKEY
2 slang Australian : 1NAG

Mokpo
city & port SW S. Korea on Yellow Sea SW of Kwangju pop 236,085

MOL
adj. manned orbiting (or orbital) laboratory

mol
adj. variant of 5mole

mol
adj. molecular; molecule

mol wt
molecular weight

molal
adj. : of, relating to, or containing a mole of solute per 1000 grams of solvent
–mo·lal·i·ty \mō-'la-lə-tē\ noun

molar
n. : a tooth with a rounded or flattened surface adapted for grinding specifically : one of the cheek teeth in mammals behind the incisors and canines ― see TOOTH illustration

molar
n. 1 : pulverizing by friction : GRINDING
2 : of, relating to, or located near the molar teeth

molar
n. 1 : of or relating to a mole of a substance <the molar volume of a gas>
2 : containing one mole of solute in one liter of solution
–mo·lar·i·ty \mō-'la-rə-tē\ noun

molasses
n. 1 : the thick dark to light brown syrup that is separated from raw sugar in sugar manufacture
2 : a syrup made from boiling down sweet vegetable or fruit juice <citrus molasses>

Mold
n. town NE Wales SSW of Liverpool, England

mold
n. 1 : crumbling soft friable earth suited to plant growth : SOIL especially : soil rich in humus ― compare LEAF MOLD
2 dialect British a : the surface of the earth : GROUND b : the earth of the burying ground
3 archaic : earth that is the substance of the human body <be merciful great Duke to men of mold ― Shakespeare>

mold
n. 1 : distinctive nature or character : TYPE
2 : the frame on or around which an object is constructed
3 a : a cavity in which a substance is shaped: as (1) : a matrix for casting metal <a bullet mold> (2) : a form in which food is given a decorative shape b : a molded object
4 : MOLDING
5 a obsolete : an example to be followed b : PROTOTYPE c : a fixed pattern : DESIGN

mold
n. 1 archaic : to knead (dough) into a desired consistency or shape
2 : to give shape to <the wind molds the waves>
3 : to form in a mold <mold candles>
4 : to determine or influence the quality or nature of <mold public opinion>
5 : to fit the contours of <fitted skirts that mold the hips>
6 : to ornament with molding or carving <molded picture frames>
–mold·able \'mōl-də-bəl\ adjective
–mold·er noun

mold
n. 1 : a superficial often woolly growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms by a fungus (as of the order Mucorales)
2 : a fungus that produces mold

mold
n. : to become moldy

mold
n. blue mold
bread mold
green mold
leaf mold
slime mold
sooty mold
water mold
injection molded
bed molding
crown molding
injection molding

Moldavia
n. 1 region Europe in NE Romania & Moldova bet. the Carpathians & Transylvanian Alps on the W & the Dniester on the E
2 ― see MOLDOVA
–Mol·da·vian \-vē-ən, -vyən\ adjective or noun

moldboard
n. 1 : a curved iron plate attached above a plowshare to lift and turn the soil
2 : the flat or curved blade (as of a bulldozer) that pushes material to one side as the machine advances

molder
n. : to crumble into particles : DISINTEGRATE, DECAY

molding
n. 1 : an object produced by molding
2 a : a decorative recessed or relieved surface b : a decorative plane or curved strip used for ornamentation or finishing

molding
n. bed molding
crown molding
injection molding

Moldova
n. country in E Moldavia region; formerly (as Moldavian Republic or Moldavia) a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R.; capital Chişinău area 13,012 sq mi (33,701 sq km), pop 4,362,000
–Mol·do·van \-vən\ noun or adjective

moldy
adj. 1 : of, resembling, or covered with mold
2 a : being old and moldering : CRUMBLING b : ANTIQUATED, FUSTY <moldy tradition>
–mold·i·ness noun

mole
n. : a pigmented spot, mark, or small permanent protuberance on the human body especially : NEVUS

mole
n. 1 : any of numerous burrowing insectivores (esp. family Talpidae) with tiny eyes, concealed ears, and soft fur
2 : one who works in the dark
3 : a machine for tunneling
4 : a spy (as a double agent) who establishes a cover long before beginning espionage broadly : one within an organization who passes on information

mole
n. : an abnormal mass in the uterus especially when containing fetal tissues

mole
n. 1 : a massive work formed of masonry and large stones or earth laid in the sea as a pier or breakwater
2 : the harbor formed by a mole

mole
n. : the base unit of amount of pure substance in the International System of Units that contains the same number of elementary entities as there are atoms in exactly 12 grams of the isotope carbon 12

mole
n. : a spicy sauce made with chilies and usually chocolate and served with meat

mole
n. mole cricket
mole rat
naked mole rat
star nosed mole
mole ruit sua
mol wt

mole cricket
: any of a family (Gryllotalpidae) of widely distributed orthopteran insects that have broad front legs adapted for digging in moist soil and that feed largely on the roots of plants

mole rat
: any of various burrowing Old World rodents (as of the families Bathyergidae and Muridae) that generally resemble moles in appearance and have large often protruding incisors used for digging ― compare NAKED MOLE RAT

mole ruit sua
: it collapses from its own bigness

molecular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, consisting of, or produced by molecules <molecular oxygen>
2 : of or relating to individual or small components <a molecular view of the American Civil War>
–mo·lec·u·lar·ly \-lē\ adverb

molecular
adj. molecular chaperone
gram molecular weight
molecular biology
molecular biologist
molecular formula
molecular genetics
molecular mass
molecular orbital
molecular sieve
molecular weight

molecular biology
: a branch of biology dealing with the ultimate physicochemical organization of living matter and especially with the molecular basis of inheritance and protein synthesis
–molecular biologist noun

molecular chaperone
: CHAPERONE 3

molecular formula
: a chemical formula that gives the total number of atoms of each element in each molecule of a substance ― compare STRUCTURAL FORMULA

molecular genetics
: a branch of genetics dealing with the structure and activity of genetic material at the molecular level

molecular mass
: the mass of a molecule that is equal to the sum of the masses of all the atoms contained in the molecule

molecular orbital
: a solution of the Schrödinger equation that describes the probable location of an electron relative to the nuclei in a molecule and so indicates the nature of any bond in which the electron is involved

molecular sieve
: a crystalline substance (as a zeolite) characterized by uniformly sized pores of molecular dimension that can adsorb small molecules and is used especially in separations

molecular weight
: the average mass of a molecule of a compound compared to 1/12 the mass of carbon 12 and calculated as the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms

molecule
n. 1 : the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms
2 : a tiny bit : PARTICLE

molehill
n. : a little mound or ridge of earth pushed up by a mole

Molenbeek
commune cen Belgium in Brabant W of Brussels pop 74,662

moleskin
n. 1 : the skin of the mole used as fur
2 a : a heavy durable cotton fabric with a short thick velvety nap on one side b : a garment made of moleskin ― usually used in plural c : adhesive padding (as for blisters) made of moleskin

molest
v. 1 : to annoy, disturb, or persecute especially with hostile intent or injurious effect
2 : to make annoying sexual advances to especially : to force physical and usually sexual contact on
–mo·les·ta·tion \ˌmō-ˌles-'tā-shən, ˌmä-, -ləs-\ noun
–mo·lest·er \mə-'les-tər\ noun

Moley
Raymond Charles 1886-1975 American journalist

Moliere
n. 1622-1673 orig. Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Fr. actor & dram.

Molina
n. Mario José 1943-     American (Mex.-born) chem.

Molina
n. Tirso de ― see TIRSO DE MOLINA

Molina
n. Quezon y Molina
Tirso de Molina
Trujillo Molina

Moline
adj. city NW Ill. on Mississippi River pop 43,768

moline
adj. of a heraldic cross : having the end of each arm forked and recurved ― see CROSS illustration

Molise
n. region cen Italy bet. the Apennines & the Adriatic S of Abruzzi capital Campobasso pop 327,177 ― see ABRUZZI

moll
n. 1 : PROSTITUTE
2 a : DOLL 2 b : a gangster's girlfriend

mollify
v. transitive verb
1 : to soothe in temper or disposition : APPEASE <mollified the staff with a raise>
2 : to reduce the rigidity of : SOFTEN
3 : to reduce in intensity : ASSUAGE, TEMPER
intransitive verb archaic : SOFTEN, RELENT
synonyms see PACIFY
–mol·li·fi·ca·tion \ˌmä-lə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

molluscicide
: an agent for destroying mollusks (as snails)
–mol·lus·ci·cid·al \-ˌləs-kə-'sī-dəl, -ˌlə-sə-\ adjective

mollusk
n. : any of a large phylum (Mollusca) of invertebrate animals (as snails, clams, or squids) with a soft unsegmented body usually enclosed in a calcareous shell broadly : SHELLFISH
–mol·lus·can also mol·lus·kan \mə-'ləs-kən, mä-\ adjective

molly
n. : any of several brightly colored tropical live-bearers (genus Poecilia) highly valued as aquarium fishes

mollycoddle
n. : a pampered or effeminate man or boy

mollycoddle
: to treat with an excessive or absurd degree of indulgence and attention
synonyms see INDULGE
–mol·ly·cod·dler \-ˌkäd-lər, -ˌkä-dəl-ər\ noun

Molnar
Fe·renc \'fer-ən(t)s\ 1878-1952 Hung. author

Moloch
n. : a Semitic god to whom children were sacrificed

Molokai
island cen Hawaii area 259 sq mi (673 sq km)

Molopo
river 600 mi (966 km) S Africa flowing W along border bet. Botswana & Republic of South Africa & thence S into Orange River; now usually dry

Molotov
n. Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich 1890-1986 orig. surname Skryabin Soviet statesman

Molotov
n. ― see PERM'

Molotov cocktail
: a crude bomb made of a bottle filled with a flammable liquid (as gasoline) and usually fitted with a wick (as a saturated rag) that is ignited just before the bottle is hurled

molt
n. intransitive verb : to shed hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer periodically
transitive verb : to cast off (an outer covering) periodically specifically : to throw off (the old cuticle) ― used of arthropods
–molt·er noun

molt
n. : the act or process of molting specifically : ECDYSIS

molten
adj. 1 obsolete : made by melting and casting
2 : fused or liquefied by heat : MELTED <molten lava>
3 : having warmth or brilliance : GLOWING <the molten sunlight of warm skies ― T. B. Costain>

Moltke
Helmuth Karl Bernhard 1800-1891 Graf von Moltke Pruss. field marshal

molto
adv. : MUCH, VERY ― used in music directions <molto vivace>

Moluccas
islands Indonesia in Malay Archipelago bet. Sulawesi & New Guinea area 32,307 sq mi (83,675 sq km), pop 1,857,790 ― see HALMAHERA
–Mo·luc·ca \mə-'lə-kə\ or Mo·luc·can \-kən\ adjective

moly
n. : a mythical herb with a black root, white blossoms, and magical powers

molybdate
n. : a salt of molybdenum containing the group MoO_4 or Mo_2O_7

molybdenite
n. : a metallic gray usually foliated mineral consisting of molybdenum disulfide that is a major ore of molybdenum

molybdenum
n. : a metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in many properties, is used especially in strengthening and hardening steel, and is a trace element in plant and animal metabolism ― see ELEMENT table

molybdenum disulfide
: a compound MoS_2 used especially as a lubricant in grease

MOM
n. middle of month

mom
n. : MOTHER 1A

mom-and-pop
1 : being or relating to a small owner-operated business <a mom-and-pop grocery>
2 : SMALL-SCALE

Mombasa
n. 1 island Kenya on coast N of Pemba
2 city & port on Mombasa Is. & adjacent mainland pop 643,168

mome
archaic : BLOCKHEAD, FOOL

moment
n. 1 a : a minute portion or point of time : INSTANT b : a comparatively brief period of time
2 a : present time <at the moment she is working on a novel> b : a time of excellence or conspicuousness <he has his moments>
3 : importance in influence or effect <a matter of great moment>
4 obsolete : a cause or motive of action
5 : a stage in historical or logical development
6 a : tendency or measure of tendency to produce motion especially about a point or axis b : the product of quantity (as a force) and the distance to a particular axis or point
7 a : the mean of the nth powers of the deviations of the observed values in a set of statistical data from a fixed value b : the expected value of a power of the deviation of a random variable from a fixed value
synonyms see IMPORTANCE

moment
n. dipole moment
magnetic moment
moment of inertia
moment of truth
psychological moment
on the spur of the moment
spur of the moment

moment of inertia

1830
: a measure of the resistance of a body to angular acceleration about a given axis that is equal to the sum of the products of each element of mass in the body and the square of the element's distance from the axis

moment of truth

1932
1 : the final sword thrust in a bullfight
2 : a moment of crisis on whose outcome much or everything depends

momentarily
adv. 1 : for a moment <was momentarily delayed>
2 archaic : INSTANTLY
3 : at any moment : in a moment <will be leaving momentarily>

momentary
adj. 1 a : continuing only a moment : FLEETING b : having a very brief life
2 : operative or recurring at every moment
synonyms see TRANSIENT
–mo·men·tar·i·ness noun

momently
adv. 1 : from moment to moment
2 : at any moment
3 : for a moment

momentous
adj. : IMPORTANT, CONSEQUENTIAL
–mo·men·tous·ly adverb
–mo·men·tous·ness noun

momentum
n. 1 : a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment
2 : strength or force gained by motion or through the development of events : IMPETUS <the campaign gained momentum>

momma
n. variant of mama

Mommsen
n. Theodor 1817-1903 Ger. scholar & hist.

mommy
n. : MOTHER 1A

mommy track
: a career path that allows a mother flexible or reduced work hours but tends to slow or block advancement

Momus
: the Greek god of censure and mockery

Mon
n. 1 : a member of the dominant native people of Pegu division, Myanmar (Burma)
2 : the Mon-Khmer language of the Mon people

Mon
n. Monday

mon
n. dialect chiefly British variant of man

mon
n. monetary

mon
n. 1 : one : single : alone <monoplane> <monodrama>
2 a : containing one (usu. specified) atom, radical, or group <monohydroxy> b : monomolecular <monolayer>

mon
n. Mon Khmer
Dieu et mon droit
mons pubis
mons veneris
Albanus Mons

Mon-Khmer
: a language family containing Mon, Khmer, and a number of other languages of southeast Asia

Mona
n. 1 ― see ANGLESEY 1
2 or Monapia ― see MAN (Isle of)

Mona Passage
strait West Indies bet. Hispaniola & Puerto Rico connecting the Caribbean & the Atlantic

monachal
adj. : MONASTIC
–mon·a·chism \'mä-nə-ˌki-zəm\ noun

Monaco
n. 1 country S Europe on the Mediterranean coast of France; a principality area 480 acres (194 hectares), pop 30,500
2 commune, its capital
–Mo·na·can \'mä-nə-kən, mə-'nä-kən\ adjective or noun
–Mon·e·gasque \ˌmä-ni-'gask\ adjective or noun

monad
n. 1 a : UNIT, ONE b : ATOM 1 c : an elementary individual substance which reflects the order of the world and from which material properties are derived
2 : a flagellated protozoan (as of the genus Monas)
–mo·nad·ic \mō-'na-dik, mə-\ adjective
–mo·nad·ism \'mō-ˌna-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

monadelphous
adj. of stamens : united by the filaments into one group usually forming a tube around the gynoecium

monadnock
n. : INSELBERG

Monadnock, Mount
mountain 3165 ft (965 m) SW N.H.

Monaghan
n. 1 county NE Ireland (republic) in Ulster area 498 sq mi (1290 sq km), pop 52,593
2 town, its capital pop 5754

monandry
n. : a marriage form or custom in which a woman has only one husband at a time

monarch
n. 1 : a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: as a : a sovereign ruler b : a constitutional king or queen
2 : one that holds preeminent position or power
3 : MONARCH BUTTERFLY
–mo·nar·chal \mə-'när-kəl, mä-\ or mo·nar·chi·al \-kē-əl\ adjective

monarch butterfly
: a large migratory American butterfly (Danaus plexippus) that has orange-brown wings with black veins and borders and a larva that feeds on milkweed

Monarchian
n. : an adherent of one of two anti-Trinitarian groups of the second and third centuries A.D. teaching that God is one person as well as one being
–Mo·nar·chi·an·ism \-kē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

monarchical
adj. : of, relating to, suggestive of, or characteristic of a monarch or monarchy
–mo·nar·chi·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monarchism
n. : monarchical government or principles
–mon·ar·chist \-kist\ noun or adjective

monarchy
n. 1 : undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person
2 : a nation or state having a monarchical government
3 : a government having a hereditary chief of state with life tenure and powers varying from nominal to absolute

monarda
: any of a genus (Monarda) of coarse annual or perennial No. American mints with a tubular calyx and whorls of showy flowers

monastery
n. : a house for persons under religious vows especially : an establishment for monks

monastic
n. 1 : of or relating to monasteries or to monks or nuns
2 : resembling (as in seclusion or ascetic simplicity) life in a monastery
–monastic noun
–mo·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mo·nas·ti·cism \-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Monastir
― see BITOLA

monatomic
adj. : consisting of one atom especially : having but one atom in the molecule

monaural
adj. : MONOPHONIC 2
–mon·au·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

monazite
n. : a yellow to red or brown mineral that is a phosphate of thorium and various rare earth elements and occurs especially in sand and gravel deposits

Monchengladbach
city W Germany W of Düsseldorf pop 262,581

Monck
n. George 1608-1670 1st Duke of Al·be·marle \'al-bə-ˌmärl\ Eng. gen.

Monck
n. monk parakeet
monk's cloth
monk seal

Moncton
city Canada in E N.B. pop 61,046

Mondale
Walter Frederick 1928-     American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1977-81)

Monday
n. : the second day of the week
–Mon·days \-(ˌ)dāz, -dēz\ adverb

Monday
n. Easter Monday
Monday morning quarterback
Monday morning quarterbacking

Monday-morning quarterback
: one who second-guesses
–Monday-morning quarterbacking noun

monde
n. : world : fashionable world : society

monde
n. beau monde
haut monde
haute monde
gens du monde
grand monde
tout le monde

Mondrian
n. Piet 1872-1944 Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan Du. painter

monecious
variant of monoecious

moneran
: PROKARYOTE
–moneran adjective

monestrous
: experiencing estrus once each year or breeding season

Monet
n. Claude 1840-1926 Fr. painter

monetarism
n. : a theory in economics that stable economic growth can be assured only by control of the rate of increase of the money supply to match the capacity for growth of real productivity
–mon·e·tar·ist \-rist\ noun or adjective

monetary
adj. : of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy
–mon·e·tar·i·ly \ˌmä-nə-'ter-ə-lē also ˌmə-\ adverb

monetary aggregate
: one of the formal categories of money (as cash and demand deposits or bank credits) in a national economy that is used as a measure in predictions of economic growth

monetary unit
: the standard unit of value of a currency

monetize
v. 1 : to coin into money also : to establish as legal tender
2 : to purchase (public or private debt) and thereby free for other uses moneys that would have been devoted to debt service
–mon·e·ti·za·tion \ˌmä-nə-tə-'zā-shən also ˌmə-\ noun

money
n. 1 : something generally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment: as a : officially coined or stamped metal currency b : MONEY OF ACCOUNT c : PAPER MONEY
2 a : wealth reckoned in terms of money b : an amount of money c plural : sums of money : FUNDS
3 : a form or denomination of coin or paper money
4 a : the first, second, and third place winners (as in a horse or dog race) ― usually used in the phrases in the money or out of the money b : prize money <his horse took third money>
5 a : persons or interests possessing or controlling great wealth b : a position of wealth <born into money>
–for one's money : according to one's preference or opinion
–on the money : exactly right or accurate <her intuition was right on the money>

see table...

money
n. : involving or reliable in a crucial situation <a money player> <a money pitch>

money
n. plastic money
bank money
blood money
coin money
conscience money
even money
fiat money
folding money
front money
funny money
hot money
mad money
money table
on the money
for one's money
money back
money changer
money grubber
money market
money of account
money order
money plant
money spinner
money spinning
money supply
near money
paper money
pin money
pocket money
prize money
run for one's money
seed money
smart money
spending money
throw money at
token money

money changer
1 : one whose business is the exchanging of kinds or denominations of currency
2 : a device for holding and dispensing sorted change

money market
: the trade in short-term negotiable instruments (as certificates of deposit or U.S. Treasury securities)

money of account

1691
: a denominator of value or basis of exchange which is used in keeping accounts and for which there may or may not be an equivalent coin or denomination of paper money

money order
: an order issued by a post office, bank, or telegraph office for payment of a specified sum of money usually at any branch of the organization

money plant
: HONESTY 3 especially : a biennial herb (Lunaria annua) grown especially for its ornamental seed pods that are silvery white when dried

money supply
: the total amount of money available in an economy for spending as calculated by any of various methods (as by adding total currency to funds available in private checking accounts)

money-back
: providing that the purchaser is entitled to a refund if the product is unsatisfactory <a money-back guarantee>

money-grubber
: a person bent on accumulating money
–mon·ey·grub·bing \-biŋ\ adjective or noun

money-spinner
chiefly British : MONEYMAKER
–mon·ey-spin·ning \-niŋ\ adjective or noun chiefly British

money-table

MONEY

NAME
SYMBOL
SUBDIVISION
COUNTRY

afghani
Af
100 puls
Afghanistan

baht or tical
B
100 satang
Thailand

balboa
-
100 centesimos
Panama

birr
-
100 cents
Ethiopia

bolivar
B
100 centimos
Venezuela

boliviano
$b
100 centavos
Bolivia

cedi
¢
100 pesewas
Ghana

colón
C or ¢
100 centimos
Costa Rica

colón
¢
100 centavos
El Salvador

cordoba
C$
100 centavos
Nicaragua

dalasi
-
100 bututs
Gambia

denar
-
100 deni^1
Republic of Macedonia

deutsche mark
DM
100 pfennig
Germany

dinar
DA
100 centimes
Algeria

dinar
BD
1000 fils
Bahrain

dinar
ID
1000 fils
Iraq

dinar
JD
1000 fils
Jordan

dinar
KD
1000 fils
Kuwait

dinar
LD
1000 dirhams
Libya

dinar
-
-
Sudan

dinar
D
1000 millimes
Tunisia

dinar
-
100 paras
Yugoslavia

dirham
DH
100 centimes
Morocco

dirham
-
100 fils
United Arab Emirates

dobra
Db
100 centimos
Sao Tome and Principe

dollar
EC$2 or $
100 cents
Antigua and Barbuda,
Dominica, Grenada,
St. Kitts-Nevis,
St. Lucia, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines

dollar
$A or $
100 cents
Australia

dollar
$ or B$
100 cents
Bahamas

dollar
$ or Bds$
100 cents
Barbados

dollar
$
100 cents
Belize

dollar
$
100 cents
Bermuda

dollar
B$
100 sen
or cents
Brunei

dollar
$
100 cents
Canada

dollar
$ or F$
100 cents
Fiji

dollar
$ or G$
100 cents
Guyana

dollar
$ or HK$
100 cents
Hong Kong

dollar
$ or J$
100 cents
Jamaica

dollar
L$
100 cents
Liberia

dollar
N$
100 cents
Namibia

dollar
NZ$
100 cents
New Zealand

dollar
$ or S$
100 cents
Singapore

dollar or yuan
NT$
100 cents
Taiwan

dollar
$ or TT$
100 cents
Trinidad and Tobago

dollar
$
100 cents
United States

dollar
$ or Z$
100 cents
Zimbabwe

dollar - see RINGGIT, below

dong
-
100 xu
Vietnam

drachma
Dr
100 lepta
Greece

dram
-
100 louma
Armenia

escudo
-
100 centavos
Cape Verde

escudo
$ or Esc
100 centavos
Portugal

florin - see GULDEN, below

forint
Ft
100 filler
Hungary

franc
BF or F or FR
100 centimes
Belgium

franc
Fr or FR or F
or CFA^3
100 centimes
Benin, Burkina
Faso, Cameroon,
Central African
Republic, Chad,
Congo, Equatorial
Guinea, Gabon, Ivory
Coast, Mali, Niger,
Senegal, Togo

franc
F or FBu
100 centimes
Burundi

franc
Fr or F
100 centimes
Djibouti

franc
Fr or F
100 centimes
France

franc
GF
100 centimes
Guinea

franc
F or Flux
100 centimes
Luxembourg

franc
FMG
100 centimes
Madagascar

franc
FR or RF
100 centimes^1
Rwanda

franc
Fr or FR
100 centimes
or rappen
Switzerland

gourde
G
100 centimes
Haiti

guarani
G
100 centimos
Paraguay

gulden or
guilder or florin
f or FL or G
100 cents
Netherlands

gulden or
guilder or florin
Sf
100 cents
Suriname

hryvnia
-
100 kopiykas
Ukraine

kina
K
100 toea
Papua New Guinea

kip
K
100 at
Laos

koruna
Kcs
100 haleru
Czech Republic

koruna
Kcs
100 haleru
Slovakia

krona
KR
100 aurar
(singular eyrir)
Iceland

krona
SKr or KR
100 ore
Sweden

krone
DKr
100 ore
Denmark

krone
KR or NKr
100 ore
Norway

kroon
EEK
100 senti
Estonia

kuna
-
100 lipa
Croatia

kwacha
K
100 tambala
Malawi

kwacha
K
100 ngwee
Zambia

kwanza
-
100 lwei
Angola

kyat
K
100 pyas
Myanmar

lari
-
100 tetri
Republic of Georgia

lats (plural lati or latu)
-
100 santimi or santimu
(singular santims)
Latvia

lek
-
100 qindarka
Albania

lempira
L
100 centavos
Honduras

leone
Le
100 cents
Sierra Leone

leu
-
100 bani
(singular ban)
Moldova

leu
-
100 bani
(singular ban)
Romania

lev
-
100 stotinki
Bulgaria

lilangeni
(plural emalangeni)
E
100 cents
Swaziland

lira
L or Lit
100 centesimi^1
Italy

lira or pound
£ or £M or Lm
100 cents
Malta

lira
TL
100 kurus
Turkey

litas
-
100 centai or centu
(singular centas)
Lithuania

livre - see POUND, below

loti (plural maloti)
-
100 licente or lisente
(singular sente)
Lesotho

manat
-
100 gopik
Azerbaijan

mark - see DEUTSCHE MARK, above

markka
Fmk
100 pennia
Finland

metical
-
100 centavos
Mozambique

naira

100 kobo
Nigeria

ngultrum
Nu
100 chetrums
Bhutan

ouguiya
-
5 khoums
Mauritania

pa'anga
T$
100 seniti
Tonga

pataca
-
100 avos
Macao

peseta
PTA
100 centimos^1
Spain

peso
-
100 centavos
Argentina

peso
-
100 centavos
Chile

peso
-
100 centavos
Colombia

peso
-
100 centavos
Cuba

peso
RD$
100 centavos
Dominican Republic

peso
-
100 centavos
Guinea-Bissau

peso
$
100 centavos
Mexico

peso or piso
P
100 sentimos or
centavos
Philippines

peso
$
100 centesimos
Uruguay

pound
£
100 cents
Cyprus

pound
£E
100 piastres
Egypt

pound
£
100 pence
(singular penny)
Ireland

pound or livre
L
100 piastres
Lebanon

pound
-
100 piastres
Syria

pound
£
100 pence
(singular penny)
United Kingdom

pound - see LIRA, above

pula
P
100 thebe
Botswana

quetzal
Q
100 centavos
Guatemala

rand
R
100 cents
South Africa

real
-
100 centavos
Brazil

rial
R or Rl
100 dinars
Iran

rial
RO
1000 baiza
Oman

rial also riyal
YR or R
100 fils
Yemen

rial - see RIYAL, below

riel
-
100 sen
Cambodia

ringgit or dollar
$ or M$
100 sen
Malaysia

riyal
QR
100 dirhams
Qatar

riyal also rial
-
100 halala
Saudi Arabia

riyal - see RIAL, above

ruble
-
100 kopecks
Russia

ruble
-
100 tanga
Tajikistan

rufiyaa
Rf
100 laari
Maldives

rupee
Re (plural Rs)
100 paise
India

rupee
Re (plural Rs)
100 cents
Mauritius

rupee
Re (plural Rs)
100 paisa
Nepal

rupee
Re (plural Rs)
100 paisa
Pakistan

rupee
SR
100 cents
Seychelles

rupee
Re (plural Rs)
100 cents
Sri Lanka

rupiah
Rp
100 sen
Indonesia

schilling
S or Sch
100 groschen
Austria

shekel or
sheqel
IS
100 agorot
Israel

shilling
S or KSh
100 cents
Kenya

shilling
-
100 cents
Somalia

shilling
TSh
100 cents
Tanzania

shilling
-
100 cents
Uganda

sol
-
100 centavos
Peru

som
-
100 tyiyn
Kyrgyzstan

sucre
-
100 centavos
Ecuador

taka
Tk
100 paisa or
poisha
Bangladesh

tala
$
100 sene
Samoa

tenge
-
100 tyin
Kazakstan

tical - see BAHT, above

tolar
-
100 stotinov
Slovenia

tugrik
-
100 mongo
Mongolia

vatu
-
-
Vanuatu

won
-
100 chon
North Korea

won
-
100 chon
South Korea

yen
¥
100 sen^1
Japan

yuan
-
100 fen
China (mainland)

yuan - see DOLLAR, above

zaire
Z
100 makuta
(singular likuta)
Democratic Republic of the Congo

zloty
Zl
100 groszy
Poland

1Now a subdivision in name only.
2Dollars issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, established to promote economic cooperation among the member nations.
3Francs issued by the African Financial Community (Communauté Financière Africaine), established to promote economic cooperation among the member nations.

moneybags
n. 1 : WEALTH
2 : a wealthy person

moneyed
adj. 1 : having money : WEALTHY
2 : consisting in or derived from money

moneyer
n. : an authorized coiner of money : MINTER

moneylender
n. : one whose business is lending money specifically : PAWNBROKER

moneymaker
n. 1 : one that accumulates wealth
2 : one (as a plan or product) that produces profit
–mon·ey·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective or noun

moneyman
n. : FINANCIER

moneywort
n. : a trailing perennial herb (Lysimachia nummularia) of the primrose family with rounded opposite leaves and solitary yellow flowers in their axils

monger
n. 1 : BROKER, DEALER ― usually used in combination <alemonger>
2 : a person who attempts to stir up or spread something that is usually petty or discreditable ― usually used in combination <warmonger>

monger
n. : PEDDLE

mongo
n. ― see tugrik at MONEY table

Mongol
n. 1 : a member of any of a group of traditionally pastoral peoples of Mongolia
2 : MONGOLIAN 1
3 : a person of Mongoloid racial stock
4 often not capitalized sometimes offensive : one affected with Down syndrome
–Mongol adjective

Mongolia
n. 1 region E Asia E of Altai Mountains; includes Gobi Desert
2 or Outer Mongolia country E Asia comprising major portion of Mongolia region; a republic capital Ulaanbaatar area 604,247 sq mi (1,565,000 sq km), pop 2,182,000
3 INNER MONGOLIA

Mongolian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting Mongolia, the Mongolian People's Republic, the Mongols, or Mongolian
2 sometimes offensive : of, relating to, or affected with Down syndrome

Mongolian
n. 1 a : the language of the Mongol people b : a family of Altaic languages that includes the languages of the Mongols and the Kalmucks
2 a : MONGOL 1 b : a person of Mongoloid racial stock c : a native or inhabitant of Mongolia

Mongolian gerbil
: a gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) of Mongolia and northern China that has an external resemblance to a rat, has a high capacity for temperature regulation, and is often kept as a pet or used as an experimental laboratory animal

Mongolic
adj. : MONGOLOID 1

mongolism
n. sometimes offensive : DOWN SYNDROME

Mongoloid
n. 1 : of, constituting, or characteristic of a race of humankind native to Asia and classified according to physical features (as the presence of an epicanthic fold)
2 often not capitalized sometimes offensive : of, relating to, or affected with Down syndrome
–Mongoloid noun

mongoose
n. : any of numerous carnivorous mammals (family Herpestidae) that are agile usually ferret-sized mammals sometimes with bands or stripes, feed chiefly on small animals and fruits, and are sometimes grouped with the viverrids in two subfamilies (Herpestinae and Galidiinae)

mongrel
n. 1 : an individual resulting from the interbreeding of diverse breeds or strains especially : one of unknown ancestry
2 : a cross between types of persons or things
–mongrel adjective
–mon·grel·i·za·tion \ˌmäŋ-grə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌməŋ-\ noun
–mon·grel·ize \'mäŋ-grə-ˌlīz, 'məŋ-\ transitive verb

Monhegan
island Maine E of Portland

monied
variant of moneyed

monies
n. plural of money

moniker
n. : NAME, NICKNAME

moniliasis
n. : CANDIDIASIS

moniliform
adj. : jointed or constricted at regular intervals so as to resemble a string of beads <a moniliform root> <moniliform insect antennae>

monish
v. archaic : WARN

monism
n. 1 a : a view that there is only one kind of ultimate substance b : the view that reality is one unitary organic whole with no independent parts
2 : MONOGENESIS
3 : a viewpoint or theory that reduces all phenomena to one principle
–mo·nist \'mō-nist, 'mä-\ noun
–mo·nis·tic \mō-'nis-tik, mä-\ adjective

monition
n. 1 : WARNING, CAUTION
2 : an intimation of danger

monitor
n. 1 a : a student appointed to assist a teacher b : one that warns or instructs c : one that monitors or is used in monitoring: as (1) : a cathode-ray tube used for display (as of television pictures or computer information) (2) : a device for observing a biological condition or function
2 : MONITOR LIZARD
3 [Monitor, first ship of the type] a : a heavily armored warship formerly used in coastal operations having a very low freeboard and one or more revolving gun turrets b : a small modern warship with shallow draft for coastal bombardment
4 : a raised central portion of a roof having low windows or louvers for providing light and air
–mon·i·to·ri·al \ˌmä-nə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–mon·i·tor·ship \'mä-nə-tər-ˌship\ noun

monitor
n. : to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose

monitor lizard
: any of various large tropical carnivorous lizards (genus Varanus of the family Varanidae) of Australia, Asia, and Africa

monitory
n. : giving admonition : WARNING

monitory
n. : a letter containing an admonition or warning

Moniz
Antonio Egas ― see EGAS MONIZ

Monk
n. Thelonious Sphere 1920-1982 American jazz musician

monk
n. : a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery also : FRIAR

monk
n. : MONKEY

monk
n. monk parakeet
monk's cloth
monk seal

monk parakeet
: a So. American green and gray parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) that is kept as a cage bird and has become established in several wild breeding populations in the U.S. from escaped stock

monk seal
: any of a genus (Monachus) of hair seals of Hawaii, the Mediterranean Sea, and formerly the Caribbean Sea

monk's cloth
: a coarse heavy fabric in basket weave made orig. of worsted and used for monk's habits but now chiefly of cotton or linen and used for draperies

monkery
n. 1 : monastic life or practice : MONASTICISM
2 : a monastic house : MONASTERY

monkey
n. 1 : a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usually of the lemurs and tarsiers especially : any of the smaller longer-tailed catarrhine or platyrrhine primates as contrasted with the apes
2 a : a person resembling a monkey b : a ludicrous figure : DUPE
3 : any of various machines, implements, or vessels especially : the falling weight of a pile driver
4 : a desperate desire for or addiction to drugs ― often used in the phrase monkey on one's back broadly : a persistent or annoying encumbrance or problem

monkey
n. transitive verb : MIMIC, MOCK
intransitive verb
1 : to act in a grotesque or mischievous manner
2 a : FOOL, TRIFLE ― often used with around b : TAMPER ― usually used with with

monkey
n. colobus monkey
cynomolgus monkey
grease monkey
green monkey
howler monkey
monkey bars
monkey business
monkey jacket
monkey puzzle
monkey puzzle tree
monkey wrench
owl monkey
powder monkey
proboscis monkey
rhesus monkey
sea monkey
spider monkey
squirrel monkey
stump tailed monkey
woolly monkey
woolly spider monkey

monkey bars
: a three-dimensional framework of horizontal and vertical bars from which children can hang and swing

monkey business
: SHENANIGAN 2

monkey jacket
: MESS JACKET

monkey puzzle
: a tall araucaria (Araucaria araucana) that is native to Chile and western Argentina but widely grown elsewhere ― called also monkey puzzle tree

monkey wrench
1 : a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2 : something that disrupts <threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations>

monkeypod
1 : an ornamental tropical leguminous tree (Samanea saman syn. Albizia saman) that has bipinnate leaves, globose clusters of flowers with crimson stamens, sweet-pulp pods eaten by cattle, and wood used in carving ― called also rain tree
2 : the wood of a monkeypod

monkeyshine
n. : PRANK ― usually used in plural

monkfish
n. : either of two goosefishes (Lophius americanus of America and L. piscatorius of Europe) used for food

monkhood
n. 1 : the character, condition, or profession of a monk : MONASTICISM
2 : monks as a class

monkish
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a monk also : resembling that of a monk
2 : inclined to disciplinary self-denial

monkshood
n. : any of a genus (Aconitum) of usually bluish flowered poisonous herbs of the buttercup family especially : a poisonous Eurasian herb (A. napellus) often cultivated for its showy terminal racemes of white or purplish flowers ― compare WOLFSBANE

Monmouth
n. Duke of 1649-1685 James Scott, son of Charles II of England Eng. rebel & claimant to the throne

Monmouth
n. administrative area of SE Wales, often regarded as part of England area 328 sq mi (850 sq km)

Monnet
Jean (-Omer-Marie-Gabriel) 1888-1979 Fr. econ. & diplomat

mono
n. : monophonic reproduction

mono
n. : MONOPHONIC 2

mono
n. : INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

mono
n. ― see MON-

Mono Lake
saline lake 14 mi (22 km) long E Calif.

monoamine
n. : an amine RNH_2 that has one organic substituent attached to the nitrogen atom especially : one (as serotonin) that is functionally important in neural transmission

monoamine oxidase
: an enzyme that deaminates monoamines oxidatively and that functions in the nervous system by breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters

monoaminergic
adj. : liberating or involving monoamines (as serotonin or norepinephrine) in neural transmission <monoaminergic neurons> <monoaminergic mechanisms>

monobasic
adj. of an acid : having only one replaceable hydrogen atom

Monocacy
river 60 mi (96 km) S Pa. & N Md. flowing S into the Potomac

monocarboxylic
: containing one carboxyl group <acetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid>

monocarpic
adj. : bearing fruit but once and then dying

monochasium
n. : a cymose inflorescence that produces only one main axis
–mono·cha·sial \-zē-əl, -zhē-\ adjective

monochord
n. : an instrument of ancient origin for measuring and demonstrating the mathematical relations of musical tones and that consists of a single string stretched over a sound box and a movable bridge set on a graduated scale

monochromat
n. : a completely color-blind individual

monochromatic
adj. 1 a : having or consisting of one color or hue b : MONOCHROME 2
2 : consisting of radiation of a single wavelength or of a very small range of wavelengths
3 : of, relating to, or exhibiting monochromatism
4 : lacking variety, creativity, or excitement : COLORLESS
–mono·chro·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mono·chro·ma·tic·i·ty \-ˌkrō-mə-'ti-sə-tē\ noun

monochromatism
n. : complete color blindness in which all colors appear as shades of gray

monochromator
n. : a device for isolating a narrow portion of a spectrum

monochrome
n. : a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single hue
–mono·chro·mic \ˌmä-nə-'krō-mik\ adjective
–mono·chrom·ist \'mä-nə-ˌkrō-mist\ noun

monochrome
n. 1 : of, relating to, or made with a single color or hue
2 : involving or producing visual images in a single color or in varying tones of a single color (as gray) <monochrome film> <monochrome television monitor>

monocle
n. : an eyeglass for one eye
–mon·o·cled \-kəld\ adjective

monocline
n. : an oblique geologic fold

monoclinic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a system of crystallization characterized by three unequal axes with one oblique intersection

monoclonal
adj. : produced by, being, or composed of cells derived from a single cell <monoclonal antibodies> <a monoclonal tumor>
–monoclonal noun

monocoque
n. 1 : a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses
2 : a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis

monocot
n. : MONOCOTYLEDON

monocotyledon
n. : any of a class or subclass (Liliopsida or Monocotyledoneae) of chiefly herbaceous angiospermous plants having an embryo with a single cotyledon, usually parallel-veined leaves, and floral organs arranged in cycles of three ― compare DICOTYLEDON
–mono·cot·y·le·don·ous \-dən-əs\ adjective

monocracy
n. : government by a single person
–mono·crat \'mä-nə-ˌkrat\ noun
–mono·crat·ic \ˌmä-nə-'kra-tik\ adjective

monocrystal
: a single crystal
–monocrystal adjective
–mono·crys·tal·line \ˌmä-nə-'kris-tə-lən also -ˌlīn, -ˌlēn\ adjective

monocular
adj. 1 : of, involving, or affecting a single eye
2 : suitable for use with only one eye
–mon·oc·u·lar·ly adverb

monocular
adj. : a monocular device

monoculture
n. 1 : the cultivation or growth of a single crop or organism especially on agricultural or forest land
2 : a crop or a population of a single kind of organism grown on land in monoculture
3 : a culture dominated by a single element : a prevailing culture marked by homogeneity <a high-tech monoculture that we will all⋯embrace, whether we like it or not ― Jackson Lears>
–mono·cul·tur·al \ˌmä-nə-'kəlch-rəl, -'kəl-chə-\ adjective

monocyclic
adj. : containing one ring in the molecular structure

monocyte
n. : a large white blood cell with finely granulated chromatin dispersed throughout the nucleus that is formed in the bone marrow, enters the blood, and migrates into the connective tissue where it differentiates into a macrophage
–mono·cyt·ic \ˌmä-nə-'si-tik\ adjective

monodisperse
adj. : characterized by particles of uniform size in a dispersed phase

monodist
n. : a writer, singer, or composer of monody

monodrama
n. : a drama acted or designed to be acted by a single person
–mono·dra·mat·ic \ˌmä-nə-drə-'ma-tik\ adjective

monody
n. 1 : an ode sung by one voice (as in a Greek tragedy)
2 : an elegy or dirge performed by one person
3 a : a monophonic vocal piece b : the monophonic style of 17th century opera
–mo·nod·ic \mə-'nä-dik\ or mo·nod·i·cal \-di-kəl\ adjective

monoecious
adj. 1 : having pistillate and staminate flowers on the same plant
2 : having male and female sex organs in the same individual : HERMAPHRODITIC

monoecism
: the condition of being monoecious

monoester
n. : an ester (as of a dibasic acid) that contains only one ester group

monofilament
n. : a single untwisted synthetic filament (as of nylon)

monogamist
n. : one who practices or upholds monogamy

monogamy
n. 1 archaic : the practice of marrying only once during a lifetime
2 : the state or custom of being married to one person at a time
3 : the condition or practice of having a single mate during a period of time <monogamy is common among birds>
–mo·nog·a·mous \mə-'nä-gə-məs\ also mono·gam·ic \ˌmä-nə-'ga-mik\ adjective
–mo·nog·a·mous·ly adverb

monogastric
adj. : having a stomach with only a single compartment <swine, chicks, and human beings are monogastric>

monogenean
adj. : a monogenetic flatworm
–monogenean adjective

monogenesis
n. : origin of diverse individuals or kinds (as of language) by descent from a single ancestral individual or kind

monogenetic
adj. 1 : relating to or involving monogenesis
2 : of, relating to, or being any of a class (Monogenea) of flatworms that ordinarily live as ectoparasites on a single host (as a fish or amphibian) throughout their entire life cycle

monogenic
adj. : of, relating to, or controlled by a single gene and especially by either of an allelic pair
–mono·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monogerm
: producing or being a fruit that gives rise to a single plant <a monogerm sugar beet>

monoglot
n. : MONOLINGUAL
–monoglot noun

monoglyceride
: any of various esters of glycerol in which only one of the three hydroxyl groups is esterified and which are often used as emulsifiers

monogram
n. : a sign of identity usually formed of the combined initials of a name
–mono·gram·mat·ic \ˌmä-nə-grə-'ma-tik\ adjective

monogram
n. : to mark with a monogram
–mono·gram·mer \-ˌgra-mər\ noun

monograph
n. : a learned treatise on a small area of learning also : a written account of a single thing
–mono·graph·ic \ˌmä-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective

monograph
n. : to write a monograph on

monogynous
adj. : of, relating to, or living in monogyny

monogyny
n. : the state or custom of having only one wife at a time

monohull
n. : a vessel (as a sailboat) with a single hull ― compare MULTIHULL
–mono·hulled \-ˌhəld\ adjective

monohybrid
n. : an individual or strain heterozygous for one specified gene
–monohybrid adjective

monohydric
adj. : MONOHYDROXY

monohydroxy
: containing one hydroxyl group in the molecule

monolayer
n. : a single continuous layer or film that is one cell, molecule, or atom in thickness

monolingual
adj. : having or using only one language
–monolingual noun

monolith
n. 1 : a single great stone often in the form of an obelisk or column
2 : a massive structure
3 : an organized whole that acts as a single unified powerful or influential force

monolithic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling a monolith : HUGE, MASSIVE b (1) : formed from a single crystal <a monolithic silicon chip> (2) : produced in or on a monolithic chip <a monolithic circuit>
2 a : cast as a single piece <a monolithic concrete wall> b : formed or composed of material without joints or seams <a monolithic floor covering> c : consisting of or constituting a single unit
3 a : constituting a massive undifferentiated and often rigid whole <a monolithic society> b : exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity <monolithic party unity>
–mono·lith·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monologue
n. 1 a : SOLILOQUY 2 b : a dramatic sketch performed by one actor c : the routine of a stand-up comic
2 : a literary composition written in the form of a soliloquy
3 : a long speech monopolizing conversation
–mono·logu·ist \-ˌlȯ-gist, -ˌlä-\ or mo·no·lo·gist \same or mə-'nä-lə-jist, -gist\ noun

monomania
n. 1 : mental illness especially when limited in expression to one idea or area of thought
2 : excessive concentration on a single object or idea
–mono·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun or adjective
–mono·ma·ni·a·cal \-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ adjective
–mono·ma·ni·a·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monomer
n. : a chemical compound that can undergo polymerization
–mo·no·mer·ic \ˌmä-nə-'mer-ik, ˌmō-\ adjective

monometallic
adj. 1 : of or relating to monometallism
2 : consisting of or employing one metal

monometallism
n. : the adoption of one metal only in a currency
–mono·met·al·list \-təl-ist\ noun

monometer
n. : a line of verse consisting of a single metrical foot or dipody

monomial
n. 1 : a mathematical expression consisting of a single term
2 : a taxonomic name consisting of a single word or term
–monomial adjective

monomolecular
adj. : being only one molecule thick <a monomolecular film>
–mono·mo·lec·u·lar·ly adverb

monomorphemic
adj. : consisting of only one morpheme <the word talk is monomorphemic but talked is not>

monomorphic
adj. : having but a single form, structural pattern, or genotype <a monomorphic species of insect>
–mono·mor·phism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun

Monongahela
river 128 mi (206 km) N W.Va. & SW Pa. flowing N to unite with Allegheny River at Pittsburgh forming Ohio River

mononuclear
adj. : having only one nucleus <a mononuclear cell>
–mononuclear noun

mononuclear phagocyte system
: a system of cells comprising all free and fixed phagocytes together with their ancestral cells including monocytes and their precursors in the bone marrow ― called also reticuloendothelial system

mononucleated
: MONONUCLEAR

mononucleosis
n. : an abnormal increase of mononuclear white blood cells in the blood specifically : INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

mononucleotide
n. : a nucleotide that is derived from one molecule each of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphoric acid

monophagous
adj. : feeding on or utilizing a single kind of food especially : feeding on a single kind of plant or animal
–mo·noph·a·gy \-fə-jē\ noun

monophonic
adj. 1 : having a single unaccompanied melodic line
2 : of or relating to sound transmission, recording, or reproduction involving a single transmission path
–mono·pho·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monophony
n. : monophonic music

monophosphate
n. adenosine monophosphate
adenosine 3p5p monophosphate
adenosine 3'5' monophosphate

monophthong
n. : a vowel sound that throughout its duration has a single constant articulatory position
–mon·oph·thon·gal \ˌmä-nə(f)-'thȯŋ-(g)əl\ adjective

monophyletic
adj. : of or relating to a single stock specifically : developed from a single common ancestral form
–mono·phy·ly \'mä-nə-ˌfī-lē\ noun

Monophysite
n. : one holding the doctrine that Christ has a single inseparable nature that is at once divine and human rather than having two distinct but unified natures
–Monophysite or Mo·noph·y·sit·ic \-ˌnä-fə-'si-tik\ adjective
–Mo·noph·y·sit·ism \-'nä-fə-ˌsī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

monoplane
n. : an airplane with only one main supporting surface

monoploid
adj. 1 : HAPLOID
2 : having or being the basic haploid number of chromosomes in a polyploid series of organisms

monoploid
adj. : a monoploid individual or organism

monopod
n. : a one-legged support (as for a camera)

monopodial
: growing upward with a single main stem or axis that produces leaves and flowers <monopodial orchids>

monopole
n. 1 : a single positive or negative electric charge also : a hypothetical north or south magnetic pole existing alone
2 : a radio antenna consisting of a single often straight element

monopolise
v. British variant of monopolize

monopolist
n. : a person who monopolizes
–mo·nop·o·lis·tic \-ˌnä-pə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–mo·nop·o·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monopolize
v. : to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of <monopolize a conversation>
–mo·nop·o·li·za·tion \-ˌnä-pə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–mo·nop·o·liz·er \-'nä-pə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

monopoly
n. 1 : exclusive ownership through legal privilege, command of supply, or concerted action
2 : exclusive possession or control
3 : a commodity controlled by one party
4 : one that has a monopoly

monopropellant
n. : a rocket propellant containing both the fuel and the oxidizer in a single substance

monopsony
n. : an oligopsony limited to one buyer
–mo·nop·so·nis·tic \-ˌnäp-sə-'nis-tik\ adjective

monorail
n. : a single rail serving as a track for a wheeled vehicle also : a vehicle traveling on such a track

monorchid
adj. : an individual who has only one testis or only one descended into the scrotum
–monorchid adjective
–mon·or·chi·dism \-kə-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

monorhyme
: a strophe or poem in which all the lines have the same end rhyme
–mono·rhymed \-ˌrīmd\ adjective

monosaccharide
n. : a sugar that is not decomposable into simpler sugars by hydrolysis, is classed as either an aldose or ketose, and contains one or more hydroxyl groups per molecule ― called also simple sugar

monosodium glutamate
: a crystalline sodium salt C_5H_8NO_4Na derived from glutamic acid and used to enhance the flavor of food ― abbreviation MSG

monosome
n. 1 : a chromosome lacking a synaptic mate especially : an unpaired X chromosome
2 : a single ribosome

monosomic
adj. : having one less than the diploid number of chromosomes
–monosomic noun
–mono·so·my \'mä-nə-ˌsō-mē\ noun

monospecific
adj. : specific for a single antigen or receptor site on an antigen
–mono·spec·i·fic·i·ty \-ˌspe-sə-'fi-sə-tē\ noun

monosyllabic
adj. 1 : consisting of one syllable or of monosyllables
2 : using or speaking only monosyllables
3 : conspicuously brief in answering or commenting : TERSE
–mono·syl·lab·i·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mono·syl·la·bic·i·ty \-ˌsi-lə-'bi-sə-tē\ noun

monosyllable
n. : a word of one syllable

monosynaptic
adj. : having or involving a single neural synapse
–mono·syn·ap·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monoterpene
: any of a class of terpenes C_10H_16 containing two isoprene units per molecule also : a derivative of a monoterpene

monotheism
n. : the doctrine or belief that there is but one God
–mono·the·ist \-ˌthē-ist\ noun
–mono·the·is·tic \ˌmä-nə-thē-'is-tik\ also mono·the·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–mono·the·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

monotone
n. 1 : a succession of syllables, words, or sentences in one unvaried key or pitch
2 : a single unvaried musical tone
3 : a tedious sameness or reiteration
4 : a person unable to produce or to distinguish between musical intervals

monotone
n. 1 : MONOTONIC 2
2 : having a uniform color

monotonic
adj. 1 : characterized by the use of or uttered in a monotone
2 : having the property either of never increasing or of never decreasing as the values of the independent variable or the subscripts of the terms increase
–mono·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mono·to·nic·i·ty \ˌmä-nə-tō-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

monotonous
adj. 1 : uttered or sounded in one unvarying tone : marked by a sameness of pitch and intensity
2 : tediously uniform or unvarying
–mo·not·o·nous·ly adverb
–mo·not·o·nous·ness noun

monotony
n. 1 : tedious sameness
2 : sameness of tone or sound

monotreme
n. : any of an order (Monotremata) of egg-laying mammals comprising the platypuses and echidnas

Monotype
n. ― used for a keyboard typesetting machine that casts and sets type in separate characters

monotype
n. : an impression on paper of a design painted usually with the finger or a brush on a surface (as glass)

monotypic
adj. : including a single representative ― used especially of a genus with only one species

monounsaturated
adj. : containing one double or triple bond per molecule ― used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid ― compare POLYUNSATURATED
–mono·un·sat·u·rate \-rət\ noun

monovalent
adj. 1 : having a valence of one
2 : having specific immunologic activity against a single antigen, microorganism, or disease <a monovalent vaccine>

monovular
adj. : MONOZYGOTIC

monoxide
n. : an oxide containing one atom of oxygen in a molecule

monoxide
n. carbon monoxide
chlorine monoxide
lead monoxide

monozygotic
adj. : derived from a single egg <monozygotic twins>

Monroe
n. James 1758-1831 5th pres. of U.S. (1817-25)

Monroe
n. Marilyn 1926-1962 orig. Norma Jean Mor·ten·son \'mȯr-tən-sən\ American actress

Monroe
n. 1 city N La. pop 53,107
2 city N.C. SE of Charlotte pop 26,228

Monroe Doctrine
: a statement of U.S. foreign policy expressing opposition to extension of European control or influence in the western hemisphere

Monroeville
borough SW Pa. E of Pittsburgh pop 29,349

Monrovia
n. 1 city SW Calif. E of Pasadena pop 36,929
2 city & port capital of Liberia on the Atlantic pop 243,243

Mons
n. commune SW Belgium capital of Hainaut pop 90,955

Mons
n. mons pubis
mons veneris
Albanus Mons
Bergen Belsen

mons pubis
: a rounded eminence of fatty tissue on the pubic symphysis especially of the human female

mons veneris
: MONS PUBIS

monseigneur
n. : a French dignitary (as a prince or prelate) ― used as a title preceding a title of office or rank

monsieur
n. : a Frenchman of high rank or station ― used as a title equivalent to Mister and prefixed to the name of a Frenchman

monsignor
n. : a Roman Catholic prelate having a dignity or titular distinction (as of domestic prelate or protonotary apostolic) usually conferred by the pope ― used as a title prefixed to the surname or to the given name and surname
–mon·si·gno·ri·al \ˌmän-ˌsēn-'yȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

monsoon
n. 1 : a periodic wind especially in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia
2 : the season of the southwest monsoon in India and adjacent areas that is characterized by very heavy rainfall
3 : rainfall that is associated with the monsoon
–mon·soon·al \-'sü-nəl, -ˌsü-\ adjective

monster
n. 1 a : an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure b : one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior or character
2 : a threatening force
3 a : an animal of strange or terrifying shape b : one unusually large for its kind
4 : something monstrous especially : a person of unnatural or extreme ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty
5 : one that is highly successful

monster
n. : enormous or impressive especially in size, extent, or numbers

monstrance
n. : a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful

monstrosity
n. 1 a : a malformation of a plant or animal b : something deviating from the normal : FREAK
2 : the quality or state of being monstrous
3 a : an object of great and often frightening size, force, or complexity b : an excessively bad or shocking example

monstrous
adj. 1 obsolete : STRANGE, UNNATURAL
2 : having extraordinary often overwhelming size : GIGANTIC
3 a : having the qualities or appearance of a monster b obsolete : teeming with monsters
4 a : extraordinarily ugly or vicious : HORRIBLE b : shockingly wrong or ridiculous
5 : deviating greatly from the natural form or character : ABNORMAL
6 : very great ― used as an intensive
–mon·strous·ly adverb
–mon·strous·ness noun
synonyms MONSTROUS, PRODIGIOUS, TREMENDOUS, STUPENDOUS mean extremely impressive. MONSTROUS implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness <the monstrous waste of the project>. PRODIGIOUS suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size) <made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside>. TREMENDOUS may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe <the tremendous roar of the cataract>. STUPENDOUS implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description <a stupendous volcanic eruption>.

monstrous
adj. chiefly dialect : VERY, EXTREMELY <a monstrous long raft ― Mark Twain>

Mont
n. Chamonix Mont Blanc
Mont Cervin
Aux Sources Mont
Blanc Mont
Cenis Mont
Cervin Mont
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc Tunnel
Mont Royal
Mont Saint Michel

Mont Blanc
mountain peak 15,771 ft (4807 m) on border of France, Italy, and Switzerland in Savoy Alps; highest of the Alps

Mont Blanc Tunnel
tunnel 71/2 mi (12 km) long France & Italy under Mont Blanc

Mont-Royal
height 769 ft (234 m) in Montreal, Que.

Mont-Saint-Michel
small island NW France in Gulf of St.-Malo

montadale
: any of an American breed of white-faced hornless sheep noted for heavy fleece and good meat conformation

montage
n. 1 : the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to illustrate an association of ideas
2 a : a literary, musical, or artistic composite of juxtaposed more or less heterogeneous elements b : a composite picture made by combining several separate pictures
3 : a heterogeneous mixture : JUMBLE <a montage of emotions>

montage
n. : to combine into or depict in a montage

Montagna
n. Bartolommeo ca 1450-1523 Ital. painter

montagnard
n. : a member of any of various peoples inhabiting the highlands of central and southern Vietnam
–montagnard adjective often cap

Montagu
n. Lady Mary Wortley 1689-1762 Eng. letter writer & poet

Montague
n. : the family of Romeo in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Montaigne
n. Michel (Eyquem) de 1533-1592 Fr. essayist

Montale
Eugenio 1896-1981 Ital. poet

montan wax
: a hard brittle mineral wax obtained usually from lignites by extraction and used especially in polishes, carbon paper, and insulating compositions

Montana
n. state NW U.S. capital Helena area 147,046 sq mi (380,849 sq km), pop 902,195
–Mon·tan·an \-nən\ adjective or noun

montane
adj. 1 : of, relating to, growing in, or being the biogeographic zone of relatively moist cool upland slopes below timberline dominated by large coniferous trees
2 : of, relating to, or made up of montane plants or animals

montani semper liberi
: mountaineers are always free ― motto of West Virginia

Montanist
n. : an adherent of a Christian sect arising in the late second century and stressing apocalyptic expectations, the continuing prophetic gifts of the Spirit, and strict ascetic discipline
–Mon·ta·nism \-tə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Montauban
city SW France on the Tarn N of Toulouse pop 51,889

Montauk Point
headland SE N.Y. at E tip of Long Is.

Montcalm de Saint-Veran
Marquis de 1712-1759 Louis-Joseph de Montcalm-Grozon Fr. field marshal

Montclair
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 33,049

monte
n. 1 : a card game in which players select any two of four cards turned face up in a layout and bet that one of them will be matched before the other as cards are dealt one at a time from the pack ― called also monte bank
2 : THREE-CARD MONTE

monte
n. monte bank
Monte Carlo
three card monte
Coglians Monte
Corno Monte
El Monte
Leone Monte
Monte Alban
Monte Albán
Rosa Monte
montes pubis
montes veneris
parturiunt montes nascetur ridiculus mus

Monte Alban
ruined city of the Zapotecs S Mexico in Oaxaca state SW of Oaxaca

Monte Carlo
: of, relating to, or involving the use of random sampling techniques and often the use of computer simulation to obtain approximate solutions to mathematical or physical problems especially in terms of a range of values each of which has a calculated probability of being the solution <Monte Carlo calculations>

Monte Carlo
commune Monaco pop 14,702

Montebello
city SW Calif. pop 62,150

Montego Bay
city & port NW Jamaica on Montego Bay (inlet of the Caribbean) pop 83,446

monteith
: a large silver punch bowl with scalloped rim

Montenegro
n. federated republic S Serbia and Montenegro on the Adriatic; formerly a federated republic of Yugoslavia and earlier a kingdom (capital Cetinje) capital Podgorica area 5333 sq mi (13,812 sq km), pop 616,327
–Mon·te·ne·grin \-grən\ adjective or noun

Monterey
n. city W Calif. on peninsula at S end of Monterey Bay (inlet of the Pacific) pop 29,674

Monterey
n. Monterey cypress
Monterey Jack
Monterey pine
Monterey Park

Monterey cypress
: a California cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) that is endemic to the Monterey and Carmel seacoast and is often planted for ornament or in a windbreak

Monterey Jack
: a semisoft whole-milk cheese with high moisture content

Monterey Park
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 60,051

Monterey pine
: a pine (Pinus radiata) native to coastal California but widely grown especially in the southern hemisphere for its wood

montero
n. : a round hunter's cap with ear flaps

Monterrey
n. city NE Mexico capital of Nuevo León pop 1,064,197

Montespan
n. Marquise de 1641-1707 née (Françoise-Athénaïs) Rochechouart de Mortemart mistress of Louis XIV

Montesquieu
n. Baron de La Brède et de 1689-1755 Charles-Louis de Secondat Fr. lawyer & polit. philos.

Montessori
n. Maria 1870-1952 Ital. physician & educ.

Monteux
Pierre 1875-1964 American (Fr.-born) conductor

Monteverdi
n. Claudio 1567-1643 Ital. composer

Montevideo
n. city & port capital of Uruguay on N shore of Río de la Plata pop 1,260,753

Montezuma
n. 1466-1520 last Aztec emp. of Mexico (1502-20)

Montezuma
n. Montezuma II
Montezuma's revenge
Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument
n. reservation cen Ariz. containing prehistoric cliff dwellings

Montezuma's revenge
: traveler's diarrhea especially when contracted in Mexico

Montfort
n. Simon de 1165?-1218 Simon IV de Montfort l'Amaury Fr. soldier

Montfort
n. Simon de ca 1208-1265 Earl of Leicester; son of prec. Eng. soldier & statesman

Montgolfier
n. Joseph-Michel 1740-1810 & his bro. Jacques-Étienne 1745-1799 Fr. inventors & balloonists

Montgomery
n. Bernard Law 1887-1976 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein Brit. field marshal

Montgomery
n. Lucy Maud 1874-1942 Canad. nov.

Montgomery
n. 1 city capital of Ala. on Alabama River pop 201,568
2 or Mont·gom·ery·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county E Wales capital Welshpool

month
n. 1 : a measure of time corresponding nearly to the period of the moon's revolution and amounting to approximately 4 weeks or 30 days or 1/12 of a year
2 plural : an indefinite usually extended period of time <he has been gone for months>
3 : one ninth of the typical duration of human pregnancy <she was in her eighth month>

see table...

month
n. month table
month's mind
sidereal month
synodic month

month's mind
: a Roman Catholic requiem mass held a month after a person's death

month-table

monthlong
: lasting a month

monthly
n. : once a month : by the month

monthly
n. 1 a : of or relating to a month b : payable or reckoned by the month
2 : lasting a month
3 : occurring or appearing every month

monthly
n. 1 : a monthly periodical
2 plural : a menstrual period

Monthly Meeting
: a district unit of an organization of Friends

Montmartre
n. section of Paris, France, on a hill in N cen part of the city

Montmorency
: a cherry that is grown commercially for its bright red sour fruit also : the fruit

Montmorency
Anne 1493-1567 1st duc de Montmorency Fr. soldier; constable (1537)

Montmorency
commune N France, N suburb of Paris pop 20,576

Montmorency Falls
waterfall over 270 ft (82 m) Canada in S Que. NE of Quebec (city) in Montmorency River (60 mi or 96 km flowing S into St. Lawrence River)

montmorillonite
n. : a soft clayey water-absorbent mineral that is a hydrous aluminum silicate
–mont·mo·ril·lon·it·ic \-ˌri-lə-'ni-tik, -ˌrē-ə-'ni-\ adjective

Montparnasse
n. section of Paris, France, in S cen part of the city
–Mont·par·nas·sian \-'na-shən, -'na-sē-ən\ adjective

Montpelier
n. city N cen Vt., its capital pop 8035

Montpellier
n. city S France WNW of Marseille pop 225,511

Montrachet
n. 1 : a dry white burgundy wine
2 : a soft goat cheese from the Burgundy region of France

Montreal
n. city & port Canada in S Que. on Montreal Island (32 mi or 51 km long, in St. Lawrence River) pop 1,039,534
–Mon·tre·al·er \ˌmän-trē-'ȯ-lər, ˌmən-\ noun

Montreal North
n. town Canada in S Que. on Montreal Is. pop 83,600

Montreuil
commune N France, E suburb of Paris pop 90,735

Montrose
n. 1st Marquess of 1612-1650 James Graham Scot. Royalist

Montserrat
n. island Brit. West Indies in the Leewards SW of Antigua capital Plymouth area 40 sq mi (104 sq km), pop 12,100
–Mont·ser·ra·tian \ˌmän(t)-sə-'rā-shən\ noun

monument
n. 1 obsolete : a burial vault : SEPULCHRE
2 : a written legal document or record : TREATISE
3 a (1) : a lasting evidence, reminder, or example of someone or something notable or great (2) : a distinguished person b : a memorial stone or a building erected in remembrance of a person or event
4 archaic : an identifying mark : EVIDENCE also : PORTENT, SIGN
5 obsolete : a carved statue : EFFIGY
6 : a boundary or position marker (as a stone)
7 : NATIONAL MONUMENT
8 : a written tribute

monument
n. national monument
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Bandelier National Monument
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Castle Clinton National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument
Colorado National Monument
Congaree Swamp National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument
El Malpais National Monument
El Morro National Monument
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort McHenry National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Stanwix National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Union National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Grand Portage National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Hohokam Pima National Monument
Homestead National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument
Jewel Cave National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Monument Valley
Muir Woods National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument
Navajo National Monument
Ocmulgee National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Pecos National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipestone National Monument
Poverty Point National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Russell Cave National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Statue of Liberty National Monument
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Tonto National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
White Sands National Monument
Wupatki National Monument
Yucca House National Monument
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument
Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Monument Valley
v. region NE Ariz. & SE Utah containing red sandstone buttes, mesas, & arches

monumental
adj. 1 : of or relating to a monument
2 : serving as or resembling a monument : MASSIVE also : highly significant : OUTSTANDING
3 : very great <a monumental misunderstanding>
–mon·u·men·tal·i·ty \-mən-'ta-lə-tē, -ˌmen-\ noun
–mon·u·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

monumentalize
v. : to record or memorialize lastingly by a monument

monumentum aere perennius
: a monument more lasting than bronze ― used of an immortal work of art or literature

monuron
: a persistent herbicide C_9H_11ClN_2O used especially to control broad-leaved weeds

Monza
commune N Italy in Lombardy SE of Milan pop 120,900

monzonite
n. : a granular igneous rock composed of plagioclase and orthoclase in about equal quantities usually together with augite and biotite

moo
n. : to make the throat noise of a cow
–moo noun

mooch
v. intransitive verb
1 : to wander aimlessly : AMBLE also : SNEAK
2 : BEG, SPONGE
transitive verb
1 : to take surreptitiously : STEAL
2 : BEG, SPONGE
–mooch·er noun

mood
n. 1 : a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion : FEELING also : the expression of mood especially in art or literature
2 archaic : a fit of anger : RAGE
3 a : a prevailing attitude : DISPOSITION b : a receptive state of mind predisposing to action c : a distinctive atmosphere or context : AURA

mood
n. 1 : the form of a syllogism as determined by the quantity and quality of its constituent propositions
2 : distinction of form or a particular set of inflectional forms of a verb to express whether the action or state it denotes is conceived as fact or in some other manner (as command, possibility, or wish)
3 : MODE 1B

mood disorder
: any of several psychological disorders (as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) characterized by abnormalities of emotional state ― called also affective disorder

Moody
adj. Dwight Lyman 1837-1899 American evangelist

moody
adj. 1 : subject to depression : GLOOMY
2 : subject to moods : TEMPERAMENTAL
3 : expressive of a mood
–mood·i·ly \'mü-də-lē\ adverb
–mood·i·ness \'mü-dē-nəs\ noun

moola
n. slang : MONEY

moon
n. 1 a often capitalized : the earth's natural satellite that shines by the sun's reflected light, revolves about the earth from west to east in about 291/2 days with reference to the sun or about 271/3 days with reference to the stars, and has a diameter of 2160 miles (3475 kilometers), a mean distance from the earth of about 238,900 miles (384,400 kilometers), and a mass about one eightieth that of the earth ― usually used with the b : one complete moon cycle consisting of four phases c : SATELLITE 2 specifically : a natural satellite of a planet
2 : an indefinite usually extended period of time <a labor of many moons>
3 : MOONLIGHT
4 : something that resembles a moon: as a : a highly translucent spot on old porcelain b : LUNULE c slang : naked buttocks
5 : something impossible or inaccessible <reach for the moon>
–moon·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–over the moon : very pleased : in high spirits

moon
n. 1 : to spend in idle reverie : DREAM ― used with away
2 slang : to expose one's naked buttocks to
intransitive verb : to spend time in idle reverie : behave abstractedly

moon
n. blue moon
full moon
half moon
harvest moon
over the moon
moon blindness
moon eyed
moon shell
moon shot
moon snail
moon suit
new moon
paschal full moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument

moon blindness
: a recurrent inflammation of the eye of the horse

moon shell
: MOON SNAIL

moon shot
1 : a spacecraft mission to the moon
2 : a hit or thrown ball with a very high trajectory

moon snail
: any of a cosmopolitan family (Naticidae) of carnivorous marine snails having smooth globular shells

moon suit
: a sealed garment worn especially for protection from hazardous material (as toxic waste or infectious disease)

moon-eyed
: having the eyes wide open

moonbeam
n. : a ray of light from the moon

mooncalf
n. : a foolish or absentminded person : SIMPLETON

moondust
: fine dry particles of the moon's soil

mooneye
n. : a silvery No. American freshwater bony fish (Hiodon tergisus of the family Hiodontidae)

moonfaced
adj. : having a round face

moonfish
n. : any of various compressed often short deep-bodied silvery or yellowish marine fishes: as a : OPAH b : PLATY

moonflower
n. : a tropical American morning glory (Ipomoea alba syn. Calonyction aculeatum) with fragrant flowers also : any of several related plants

Moonie
n. : a member of the Unification Church founded by Sun Myung Moon

moonish
: influenced by the moon also : CAPRICIOUS
–moon·ish·ly adverb

moonless
adj. : lacking the light of the moon

moonlet
n. : a small natural or artificial satellite

moonlight
n. : the light of the moon

moonlight
: to hold a second job in addition to a regular one
–moon·light·er noun

moonlit
adj. : lighted by the moon

moonquake
n. : a seismic event on the moon

moonrise
n. 1 : the rising of the moon above the horizon
2 : the time of the moon's rising

moonroof
: a glass sunroof

moonscape
n. : the surface of the moon as seen or as depicted also : a landscape resembling this surface

moonseed
n. : a twining plant (Menispermum canadense of the family Menispermaceae, the moonseed family) of eastern No. America that has crescent-shaped seeds and black fruits

moonset
n. 1 : the descent of the moon below the horizon
2 : the time of the moon's setting

moonshine
n. 1 : MOONLIGHT
2 : empty talk : NONSENSE
3 : intoxicating liquor especially : illegally distilled corn whiskey

moonshiner
n. : a maker or seller of illicit whiskey

moonstone
n. : a transparent or translucent feldspar of pearly or opaline luster used as a gem

moonstruck
adj. : affected by or as if by the moon: as a : mentally unbalanced b : romantically sentimental c : lost in fantasy or reverie

moonwalk
n. : to dance by gliding backwards while appearing to make forward walking motions
–moonwalk noun

moonward
: toward the moon

moony
adj. 1 : of or relating to the moon
2 a : crescent-shaped b : resembling the full moon : ROUND
3 : MOONLIT
4 : DREAMY, MOONSTRUCK

Moor
n. 1 : one of the Arab and Berber conquerors of Spain
2 : BERBER
–Moor·ish \-ish\ adjective

moor
n. 1 chiefly British : an expanse of open rolling infertile land
2 : a boggy area especially : one that is peaty and dominated by grasses and sedges

moor
n. transitive verb : to make fast with or as if with cables, lines, or anchors : ANCHOR
intransitive verb
1 : to secure a boat by mooring : ANCHOR
2 : to be made fast

moorage
n. 1 : an act of mooring
2 : a place to moor

Moore
n. George 1852-1933 Irish author

Moore
n. George Edward 1873-1958 Eng. philos.

Moore
n. Henry 1898-1986 Brit. sculptor

Moore
n. John Bassett 1860-1947 American jurist

Moore
n. Marianne Craig 1887-1972 American poet

Moore
n. Thomas 1779-1852 Irish poet

Moore
n. city cen Okla. S of Oklahoma City pop 41,138

Moore's law
: an axiom of microprocessor development usually holding that processing power doubles about every 18 months especially relative to cost or size

Moorea
island S. Pacific in Society Islands NW of Tahiti area over 50 sq mi (130 sq km)

Moorhead
city W Minn. on Red River opposite Fargo, N.Dak. pop 32,177

moorhen
n. : an aquatic bird (Gallinula chloropus) of the rail family that is widespread in the New World, Eurasia, and Africa and that has a red bill, red frontal area on the head, and a white band on the flanks ― called also gallinule

mooring
n. 1 : an act of making fast a boat or aircraft with lines or anchors
2 a : a place where or an object to which something (as a craft) can be moored b : a device (as a line or chain) by which an object is secured in place
3 : an established practice or stabilizing influence : ANCHORAGE 2 ― usually used in plural

moorland
n. : land consisting of moors : a stretch of moor

Moorpark
n. city SW Calif. W of Los Angeles pop 31,415

Moose
n. river 50 mi (80 km) Canada in NE Ont. flowing NE into James Bay; estuary of Abitibi, Mattagami, & other rivers

moose
n. 1 : a ruminant mammal (Alces alces) with humped shoulders, long legs, and broadly palmated antlers that is the largest existing member of the deer family and inhabits forested areas of Canada, the northern U.S., Europe, and Asia
2 capitalized [Loyal Order of Moose] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

Moose Jaw
city Canada in S Sask. W of Regina pop 32,131

Moosehead Lake
lake 35 mi (56 km) long NW cen Maine

moot
n. 1 : a deliberative assembly primarily for the administration of justice especially : one held by the freemen of an Anglo-Saxon community
2 obsolete : ARGUMENT, DISCUSSION

moot
n. 1 archaic : to discuss from a legal standpoint : ARGUE
2 a : to bring up for discussion : BROACH b : DEBATE

moot
n. 1 a : open to question : DEBATABLE b : subjected to discussion : DISPUTED
2 : deprived of practical significance : made abstract or purely academic

moot court
: a mock court in which law students argue hypothetical cases for practice

mop
n. 1 : an implement made of absorbent material fastened to a handle and used especially for cleaning floors
2 : something that resembles a mop especially : a thick mass of hair

mop
n. transitive verb
1 : to use a mop on specifically : to clean or clear away by mopping <mop the floors> ― often used with up <mop up the spillage>
2 : to wipe as if with a mop <mopped his brow with a handkerchief>
intransitive verb : to clean a surface (as a floor) with a mop
–mop·per noun

mop
n. dry mop
dust mop
mop up

mop up
1 British : to consume eagerly
2 : to gather as if by absorbing also : GARNER <mopped up all the awards>
3 : to overcome decisively : TROUNCE
4 : to clear (an area) of remaining pockets of resistance in the wake of a military offensive
intransitive verb : to complete a project, transaction, or task

mop-up
: a concluding action or phase

mopboard
n. : BASEBOARD

mope
n. 1 archaic : to act in a dazed or stupid manner
2 : to give oneself up to brooding : become listless or dejected
3 : to move slowly or aimlessly : DAWDLE
–mop·er noun
–mop·ey \'mō-pē\ adjective

mope
n. 1 : one that mopes
2 plural : BLUES 1

moped
n. : a lightweight low-powered motorbike that can be pedaled

moppet
n. 1 archaic : BABY, DARLING
2 : CHILD

moquette
n. : a carpet or upholstery fabric having a velvety pile

MOR
n. middle of the road

mor
n. : forest humus that forms a layer of largely organic matter distinct from the mineral soil beneath

mora
n. : the minimal unit of measure in quantitative verse equivalent to the time of an average short syllable

Moradabad
n. city N India in NW Uttar Pradesh ENE of Delhi pop 641,240

moraine
n. : an accumulation of earth and stones carried and finally deposited by a glacier
–mo·rain·al \-'rā-nəl\ adjective
–mo·rain·ic \-'rā-nik\ adjective

moral
n. 1 a : of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior : ETHICAL <moral judgments> b : expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior <a moral poem> c : conforming to a standard of right behavior d : sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment <a moral obligation> e : capable of right and wrong action <a moral agent>
2 : probable though not proved : VIRTUAL <a moral certainty>
3 : perceptual or psychological rather than tangible or practical in nature or effect <a moral victory> <moral support>
–mor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb
synonyms MORAL, ETHICAL, VIRTUOUS, RIGHTEOUS, NOBLE mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good. MORAL implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong <the basic moral values of a community>. ETHICAL may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity <committed to the highest ethical principles>. VIRTUOUS implies moral excellence in character <not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless>. RIGHTEOUS stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious <wished to be righteous before God and the world>. NOBLE implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character <had the noblest of reasons for seeking office>.

moral
n. 1 a : the moral significance or practical lesson (as of a story) b : a passage pointing out usually in conclusion the lesson to be drawn from a story
2 plural a : moral practices or teachings : modes of conduct b : ETHICS
3 : MORALE

moral
n. moral hazard
moral philosophy
Zorrilla y Moral

moral hazard
: the possibility of loss to an insurance company arising from the character or circumstances of the insured

moral philosophy
: ETHICS also : the study of human conduct and values

morale
n. 1 : moral principles, teachings, or conduct
2 a : the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence, or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or tasks at hand b : a sense of common purpose with respect to a group : ESPRIT DE CORPS
3 : the level of individual psychological well-being based on such factors as a sense of purpose and confidence in the future

moralise
v. British variant of moralize

moralism
n. 1 a : the habit or practice of moralizing b : a conventional moral attitude or saying
2 : an often exaggerated emphasis on morality (as in politics)

moralist
n. 1 : one who leads a moral life
2 : a philosopher or writer concerned with moral principles and problems
3 : one concerned with regulating the morals of others

moralistic
adj. 1 : characterized by or expressive of a concern with morality
2 : characterized by or expressive of a narrow moral attitude
–mor·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

morality
n. 1 a : a moral discourse, statement, or lesson b : a literary or other imaginative work teaching a moral lesson
2 a : a doctrine or system of moral conduct b plural : particular moral principles or rules of conduct
3 : conformity to ideals of right human conduct
4 : moral conduct : VIRTUE

morality play
1 : an allegorical play popular especially in the 15th and 16th centuries in which the characters personify abstract qualities or concepts (as virtues, vices, or death)
2 : something (as a court trial) which involves a direct conflict between right and wrong or good and evil and from which a moral lesson may be drawn

moralize
v. transitive verb
1 : to explain or interpret morally
2 a : to give a moral quality or direction to b : to improve the morals of
intransitive verb : to make moral reflections
–mor·al·i·za·tion \ˌmȯr-ə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌmär-\ noun
–mor·al·iz·er \'mȯr-ə-ˌlī-zər, 'mär-\ noun

morass
n. 1 : MARSH, SWAMP
2 a : a situation that traps, confuses, or impedes <a legal morass> b : an overwhelming or confusing mass or mixture <a morass of traffic jams ― Mary Roach>
–mo·rassy \-'ra-sē\ adjective

moratorium
n. 1 a : a legally authorized period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the payment of a debt b : a waiting period set by an authority
2 : a suspension of activity

Moratuwa
city W Sri Lanka on Indian Ocean S of Colombo pop 170,000

Morava
1 river ab 220 mi (354 km) cen Europe flowing S from E Czech Republic & forming part of the borders bet. the Czech Republic & Slovakia and Austria & Slovakia before entering the Danube
2 river 134 mi (216 km) Serbia flowing N into the Danube

Moravia
n. Alberto 1907-1990 pseud. of Alberto Pincherle Ital. writer

Moravia
n. region E Czech Republic S of Silesia traversed by Morava River; once an independent kingdom, later under shifting jurisdictions; chief city Brno

Moravian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Moravia b : the group of Czech dialects spoken in Moravia
2 : a member of a Protestant denomination arising from a 15th century religious reform movement in Bohemia and Moravia
–Moravian adjective

Moravian Gate
mountain pass cen Europe bet. Sudety & Carpathian mountains

Moravska Ostrava
― see OSTRAVA

Moray
n. 1 administrative area of NE Scotland bordering on North Sea area 864 sq mi (2238 sq km)
2 or Mor·ay·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ or Elgin \'el-gən\ or El·gin·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county NE Scotland bordering on North Sea capital Elgin

moray eel
: any of numerous often brightly colored eels (family Muraenidae) that have sharp teeth capable of inflicting a severe bite, that occur in warm seas, and that include a chiefly Mediterranean eel (Muraena helena) sometimes used for food ― called also moray

Moray Firth
inlet of North Sea N Scotland

morbid
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of disease <morbid anatomy> b : affected with or induced by disease <a morbid condition> c : productive of disease <morbid substances>
2 : abnormally susceptible to or characterized by gloomy or unwholesome feelings
3 : GRISLY, GRUESOME <morbid details> <morbid curiosity>
–mor·bid·ly adverb
–mor·bid·ness noun

morbidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being morbid
2 : the relative incidence of disease

morbillivirus
n. : any of a genus (Morbillivirus) of paramyxoviruses that include the causative agents of measles and canine distemper

morceau
n. : a short literary or musical piece

mordancy
n. 1 : a biting and caustic quality of style : INCISIVENESS
2 : a sharply critical or bitter quality of thought or feeling : HARSHNESS

mordant
n. 1 : biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : INCISIVE <a mordant wit>
2 : acting as a mordant
3 : BURNING, PUNGENT
synonyms see CAUSTIC
–mor·dant·ly adverb

mordant
n. 1 : a chemical that fixes a dye in or on a substance by combining with the dye to form an insoluble compound
2 : a corroding substance used in etching

mordant
n. : to treat with a mordant

Mordecai
: a relative of Esther who gave advice on saving the Jews from the destruction planned by Haman

mordent
n. : a musical ornament made by a quick alternation of a principal tone with the tone immediately below it

Mordvinia
n. autonomous republic cen Russia in Europe S & W of the middle Volga capital Saransk area 10,116 sq mi (26,200 sq km), pop 964,000
–Mordvinian noun

More
adj. Hannah 1745-1833 Eng. religious writer

More
adj. Henry 1614-1687 Eng. philos.

More
adj. Paul Elmer 1864-1937 American essayist & critic

More
adj. Sir Thomas 1478-1535 Saint Eng. statesman & author

more
adj. 1 : GREATER <something more than she expected>
2 : ADDITIONAL, FURTHER <more guests arrived>

more
adj. 1 a : in addition <a couple of times more> b : MOREOVER
2 : to a greater or higher degree ― often used with an adjective or adverb to form the comparative <more evenly matched>

more
adj. 1 : a greater quantity, number, or amount <liked the idea better the more I thought about it>
2 : something additional : an additional amount
3 obsolete : persons of higher rank

more
adj. : additional persons or things or a greater amount <more will arrive shortly> <more was spilled>

more
adj. bite off more than one can chew
more and more
more or less
what's more
more suo
Beloye More
Glen More

more and more
: to a progressively increasing extent

more or less
1 : to a varying or undetermined extent or degree : SOMEWHAT <they were more or less willing to help>
2 : with small variations : APPROXIMATELY <contains 16 acres more or less>

more suo
: in his (or her) own manner

Moreau
n. (Jean-) Victor-Marie 1763-1813 Fr. gen.

Moreau
n. river 290 mi (467 km) NW S.Dak. flowing E into Missouri River

Morecambe and Heysham
town NW England in N Lancashire on Morecambe Bay (inlet of Irish Sea) pop 41,187

moreen
n. : a strong fabric of wool, wool and cotton, or cotton with a plain glossy or moiré finish

morel
n. : any of several edible fungi (genus Morchella, especially M. esculenta) having a conical cap with a highly pitted surface ― called also morel mushroom

Morelia
n. city SW Mexico capital of Michoacán pop 489,756

morello
n. : a cultivated sour cherry (as the Montmorency) having a dark-colored skin and juice ― called also morello cherry

Morelos
n. state S cen Mexico capital Cuernavaca area 1908 sq mi (4942 sq km), pop 1,195,059

Moreno
Garcia Moreno
García Moreno
Moreno Valley

Moreno Valley
v. city S Calif. E of Riverside pop 142,381

moreover
adv. : in addition to what has been said : BESIDES

mores
n. 1 : the fixed morally binding customs of a particular group
2 : moral attitudes
3 : HABITS, MANNERS

mores
n. abeunt studia in mores
o tempora! o mores
o tempora! o mores!

moresque
n. : having the characteristics of Moorish art or architecture

moresque
n. : an ornament or decorative motif in Moorish style

Moreton Bay
inlet of the Pacific Australia in SE Queensland at mouth of Brisbane River

Morgan
n. : any of an American breed of light strong horses originated in Vermont from the progeny of one prepotent stallion of uncertain ancestry

Morgan
n. Daniel 1736-1802 American gen. in Revolution

Morgan
n. Sir Henry 1635-1688 Eng. buccaneer

Morgan
n. John Hunt 1825-1864 American Confed. cavalry officer

Morgan
n. J(ohn) P(ier·pont) \'pir-ˌpänt\ 1837-1913 American financier

Morgan
n. J(ohn) P(ierpont) Jr. 1867-1943 son of J.P. American financier

Morgan
n. Thomas Hunt 1866-1945 American geneticist

Morgan
n. William Wilson 1906-1994 American astron.

morgan
n. 1 : a unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome that is used in constructing genetic maps and is equal to the distance for which the frequency of crossing over between specific pairs of genes is 100 percent
2 : CENTIMORGAN

morgan
n. Morgan le Fay
De Morgan
Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill
city W Calif. SE of San Jose pop 33,556

Morgan le Fay
: a sorceress and sister of King Arthur

morganatic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a marriage between a member of a royal or noble family and a person of inferior rank in which the rank of the inferior partner remains unchanged and the children of the marriage do not succeed to the titles, fiefs, or entailed property of the parent of higher rank
–mor·ga·nat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

morganite
n. : a rose-colored gem variety of beryl

Morgantown
city N W.Va. pop 26,809

morgen
n. : a Dutch and southern African unit of land area equal to 2.116 acres (0.856 hectare)

Morgenthau
Henry 1891-1967 U.S. secy. of the treasury (1934-45)

morgue
n. 1 : a place where the bodies of dead persons are kept temporarily pending identification or release for burial or autopsy
2 : a collection of reference works and files of reference material in a newspaper or news periodical office

mori
memento mori
aut vincere aut mori
dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
vedi Napoli e poi mori

Moriah
n. hill in E part of Jerusalem

moribund
adj. 1 : being in the state of dying : approaching death
2 : being in a state of inactivity or obsolescence
–mor·i·bun·di·ty \ˌmȯr-ə-'bən-də-tē, ˌmär-\ noun

morion
n. : a high-crested helmet with no visor

morion
n. : a nearly black variety of smoky quartz

Morisco
n. : MOOR especially : a Spanish Moor converted to Christianity
–Morisco adjective

Morison
Samuel Eliot 1887-1976 American hist.

Morison
Stanley 1889-1968 Eng. type designer

Morisot
n. Berthe 1841-1895 Fr. painter

morituri te salutamus
: we (or those) who are about to die salute thee

Morley
n. Christopher Darlington 1890-1957 American writer

Morley
n. John 1838-1923 Viscount Morley Eng. statesman & writer

Mormon
n. 1 : the ancient redactor and compiler of the Book of Mormon presented as divine revelation by Joseph Smith
2 : LATTER-DAY SAINT especially : a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
–Mor·mon·ism \-mə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Mormon cricket
: a large dark wingless migratory katydid (Anabrus simplex) that resembles a cricket and is found in the western U.S. where it is occas. an abundant pest of crops and forage plants

Mormon tea
: any of various ephedras of the arid southwestern U.S. having jointed stems used especially formerly to make a tea

morn
n. 1 : DAWN
2 : MORNING

Mornay
adj. Philippe de 1549-1623 Seigneur du Plessis-Marly; usually called Du·ples·sis-Mor·nay \d-plā-sē-mȯr-'ne\ Fr. Huguenot

Mornay sauce
: a cheese-flavored cream sauce

morning
n. 1 a : DAWN b : the time from sunrise to noon c : the time from midnight to noon
2 : a period of first development : BEGINNING

morning
n. morning after pill
morning breath
morning coat
morning glory
morning line
Morning Prayer
morning sickness
morning star
Monday morning quarterback
Monday morning quarterbacking

morning breath
: halitosis upon awakening from sleep that is caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth from decreased saliva production

morning coat
: CUTAWAY 1

morning glory
: any of various usually twining plants (genus Ipomoea of the family Convolvulaceae, the morning-glory family) with showy trumpet-shaped flowers broadly : an herb, shrub, or tree of the morning-glory family

morning line
: a bookmaker's list of entries for a race meet and the probable odds on each that is printed or posted before the betting begins

Morning Prayer
: a service of liturgical prayer used for regular morning worship in churches of the Anglican communion

morning sickness
: nausea and vomiting that occurs typically in the morning especially during the earlier months of pregnancy

morning star
: a bright planet (as Venus) seen in the eastern sky before or at sunrise

morning-after pill
: an oral drug usually containing high doses of estrogen taken up to usually three days after unprotected sexual intercourse that interferes with pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation or by blocking implantation of a fertilized egg in the human uterus

mornings
n. : in the morning repeatedly : on any morning

Moro
n. 1 : a member of any of several Muslim peoples of the southern Philippines
2 : any of the Austronesian languages of the Moros

Moro Gulf
arm of Celebes Sea S Philippines off SW coast of Mindanao

Morocco
n. 1 country NW Africa bordering on the Atlantic & the Mediterranean; a kingdom capital Rabat, summer capital Tangier area 172,413 sq mi (446,550 sq km), pop 29,631,000; formerly (1911-56) divided into French Morocco (protectorate capital Rabat), Spanish Morocco (protectorate capital Tetuán), & the International Zone of Tangier
2 ― see MARRAKECH
–Mo·roc·can \-kən\ adjective or noun

morocco
n. : a fine leather from goatskin tanned with sumac

moron
n. 1 usually offensive : a mildly mentally retarded person
2 : a very stupid person
–mo·ron·ic \mə-'rä-nik, mȯ-\ adjective
–mo·ron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mo·ron·ism \'mȯr-ˌä-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–mo·ron·i·ty \mə-'rä-nə-tē, mȯ-\ noun

Moroni
n. city capital of Comoros pop 23,432

morose
adj. 1 : having a sullen and gloomy disposition
2 : marked by or expressive of gloom
synonyms see SULLEN
–mo·rose·ly adverb
–mo·rose·ness noun
–mo·ros·i·ty \-'rä-sə-tē\ noun

Morovis
city cen Puerto Rico pop 29,965

morph
n. 1 a : ALLOMORPH b : a distinctive collocation of phones (as a portmanteau form) that serves as the realization of more than one morpheme in a context (as the French du for the sequence of de and le)
2 a : a local population of a species that consists of interbreeding organisms and is distinguishable from other populations by morphology or behavior though capable of interbreeding with them b : a phenotypic variant of a species

morph
n. intransitive verb : to undergo transformation especially : to undergo transformation from an image of one object into that of another especially by means of computer-generated animation
transitive verb : to change the form or character of : TRANSFORM

morph
n. morphology

morph
n. 1 : form <morphogenesis>
2 : morpheme <morphophonemics>

morph
n. : one having (such) a form <isomorph>

morphactin
: any of several synthetic fluorine-containing compounds that tend to produce morphological changes and suppress growth in plants

morphallaxis
n. : regeneration of a part or organism from a fragment by reorganization without cell proliferation

morpheme
n. : a distinctive collocation of phonemes (as the free form pin or the bound form -s of pins) having no smaller meaningful parts
–mor·phe·mic \mȯr-'fē-mik\ adjective
–mor·phe·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

morphemics
n. 1 : a branch of linguistic analysis that consists of the study of morphemes
2 : the structure of a language in terms of morphemes

Morpheus
n. : the Greek god of dreams

morphia
n. : MORPHINE

morphic
: having (such) a form <endomorphic>

morphine
n. : a bitter crystalline addictive narcotic base C_17H_19NO_3 that is the principal alkaloid of opium and is used in the form of a soluble salt (as a hydrochloride or a sulfate) as an analgesic and sedative

morphinism
n. : a disordered condition of health produced by habitual use of morphine

morphism
: quality or state of having (such) a form <heteromorphism>

morpho
n. : any of a genus (Morpho of the family Morphoidae) of large showy tropical American butterflies that typically have a brilliant blue metallic luster on the upper surface of the wings

morphogen
n. : a diffusible chemical substance that exerts control over morphogenesis especially by forming a gradient in concentration

morphogenesis
n. : the formation and differentiation of tissues and organs ― compare ORGANOGENESIS

morphogenetic
adj. : relating to or concerned with the development of normal organic form <morphogenetic movements of early embryonic cells>
–mor·pho·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

morphogenic
adj. : MORPHOGENETIC

morphology
n. 1 a : a branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of animals and plants b : the form and structure of an organism or any of its parts
2 a : a study and description of word formation (as inflection, derivation, and compounding) in language b : the system of word-forming elements and processes in a language
3 a : a study of structure or form b : STRUCTURE, FORM
4 : the external structure of rocks in relation to the development of erosional forms or topographic features
–mor·pho·log·i·cal \ˌmȯr-fə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also mor·pho·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–mor·pho·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–mor·phol·o·gist \mȯr-'fä-lə-jist\ noun

morphometry
n. : measurement of external form
–mor·pho·met·ric \ˌmȯr-fə-'me-trik\ adjective
–mor·pho·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

morphophonemics
n. 1 : a study of the phonemic differences between allomorphs of the same morpheme
2 : the distribution of allomorphs in one morpheme
3 : the structure of a language in terms of morphophonemics

morphous
: having (such) a form <isomorphous>

morphy
: quality or state of having (such) a form <endomorphy>

Morris
n. Gou·ver·neur \ˌgə-və(r)-'nir\ 1752-1816 American statesman & diplomat

Morris
n. Robert 1734-1806 American financier & statesman

Morris
n. William 1834-1896 Eng. poet, artist, & socialist

morris
n. : a vigorous English dance traditionally performed by men wearing costumes and bells

morris chair
: an easy chair with an adjustable back and removable cushions

Morris Jesup, Cape
headland N Greenland in Peary Land on Arctic Ocean; world's northernmost dry land

Morrison
n. Herbert Stanley 1888-1965 Baron Morrison of Lambeth Eng. polit.

Morrison
n. Robert 1782-1834 Scot. missionary

Morrison
n. Toni 1931-     orig. Chloe Anthony Wofford American nov.

Morrison
n. Morrison Cave
Morrison Mount
Mount Morrison

Morrison Cave
― see LEWIS AND CLARK CAVERN

Morrison, Mount
― see YÜ SHAN

Morristown
city E Tenn. ENE of Knoxville pop 24,965

morrow
n. 1 archaic : MORNING
2 : the next day
3 : the time immediately after a specified event

Morse
n. Samuel Finley Breese 1791-1872 American artist & inventor

Morse code
: either of two codes consisting of variously spaced dots and dashes or long and short sounds used for transmitting messages by audible or visual signals

see table...

morsecod-table

morsel
n. 1 : a small piece of food : BITE
2 : a small quantity : FRAGMENT
3 a : a tasty dish b : something delectable and pleasing
4 : a negligible person

morsel
n. : to divide into or distribute in small pieces

mort
n. 1 : a note sounded on a hunting horn when a deer is killed
2 : KILLING 1

mort
n. : a great quantity or number

mortadella
n. : a large smoked sausage made of beef, pork, and pork fat and seasoned with pepper and garlic

mortal
n. 1 : causing or having caused death : FATAL <a mortal injury>
2 a : subject to death <mortal man> b : POSSIBLE, CONCEIVABLE <have done every mortal thing> c : DEADLY 3 <waited three mortal hours>
3 : marked by unrelenting hostility <a mortal enemy>
4 : marked by great intensity or severity <mortal fear>
5 : HUMAN <mortal limits>
6 : of, relating to, or connected with death <mortal agony>
synonyms see DEADLY

mortal
n. chiefly dialect : MORTALLY

mortal
n. : a human being

mortal mind
Christian Science : a belief that life, substance, and intelligence are in and of matter : ILLUSION

mortal sin
: a sin (as murder) that is deliberately committed and is of such serious consequence according to Thomist theology that it deprives the soul of sanctifying grace ― compare VENIAL SIN 1

mortality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being mortal
2 : the death of large numbers (as of people or animals)
3 archaic : DEATH
4 : the human race
5 a : the number of deaths in a given time or place b : the proportion of deaths to population c : the number lost or the rate of loss or failure

mortality table
: an actuarial table based on mortality statistics over a number of years

mortally
adv. 1 : in a deadly or fatal manner : to death <mortally wounded>
2 : to an extreme degree : INTENSELY <mortally afraid>

mortar
n. 1 : a sturdy vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle
2 [Middle French mortier] a : a muzzle-loading cannon having a tube short in relation to its caliber that is used to throw projectiles at high angles b : any of several similar firing devices

mortar
n. : a plastic building material (as a mixture of cement, lime, or gypsum plaster with sand and water) that hardens and is used in masonry or plastering
–mor·tar·less adjective

mortar
n. : to plaster or make fast with mortar

mortarboard
n. 1 : an academic cap consisting of a closely fitting headpiece with a broad flat projecting square top
2 a : HAWK 2 b : a board or platform about three feet (one meter) square for holding mortar

mortarman
: a soldier who operates a mortar

mortgage
n. 1 : a conveyance of or lien against property (as for securing a loan) that becomes void upon payment or performance according to stipulated terms
2 a : the instrument evidencing the mortgage b : the state of the property so mortgaged c : the interest of the mortgagee in such property

mortgage
n. 1 : to grant or convey by a mortgage
2 : to subject to a claim or obligation : PLEDGE

mortgage
n. adjustable rate mortgage
first mortgage
reverse mortgage
second mortgage
variable rate mortgage

mortgagee
n. : a person to whom property is mortgaged

mortgagor
n. : a person who mortgages property

mortician
n. : UNDERTAKER 2

mortification
n. 1 : the subjection and denial of bodily passions and appetites by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort
2 : NECROSIS, GANGRENE
3 a : a sense of humiliation and shame caused by something that wounds one's pride or self-respect b : the cause of such humiliation or shame

mortify
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to destroy the strength, vitality, or functioning of
2 : to subdue or deaden (as the body or bodily appetites) especially by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort
3 : to subject to severe and vexing embarrassment : SHAME
intransitive verb
1 : to practice mortification
2 : to become necrotic or gangrenous

Mortimer
n. Roger de 1287-1330 1st Earl of March & 8th Baron of Wigmore Welsh rebel

mortise
n. : a hole, groove, or slot into or through which some other part of an arrangement of parts fits or passes especially : a cavity cut into a piece of material (as timber) to receive a tenon ― see DOVETAIL illustration

mortise
1 : to join or fasten securely specifically : to join or fasten by a tenon and mortise
2 : to cut or make a mortise in

mortmain
n. 1 a : an inalienable possession of lands or buildings by an ecclesiastical or other corporation b : the condition of property or other gifts left to a corporation in perpetuity especially for religious, charitable, or public purposes
2 : the influence of the past regarded as controlling the present

Morton
n. Jelly Roll 1890-1941 orig. Ferdinand Joseph Lamothe American jazz composer & musician

Morton
n. Levi Parsons 1824-1920 American banker & polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1889-93)

Morton
n. William Thomas Green 1819-1868 American dentist

mortuary
n. 1 : of or relating to the burial of the dead
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of death

mortuary
n. : a place in which dead bodies are kept until burial especially : FUNERAL HOME

morula
n. : a globular solid mass of blastomeres formed by cleavage of a zygote that typically precedes the blastula
–mor·u·lar \-lər\ adjective
–mor·u·la·tion \ˌmȯr-(y)ə-'lā-shən, ˌmär-\ noun

MOS
1 metal-oxide semiconductor
2 military occupational specialty

mos
months

Mosaic
n. : of or relating to Moses or the institutions or writings attributed to him

mosaic
n. 1 : a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material to form pictures or patterns also : the process of making it
2 : a picture or design made in mosaic
3 : something resembling a mosaic <a mosaic of visions and daydreams and memories ― Lawrence Shainberg>
4 : an organism or one of its parts composed of cells of more than one genotype : CHIMERA 3
5 : any of numerous virus diseases of plants characterized by diffuse light and dark green or yellow and green mottling of the foliage ― compare TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS
6 : a composite map made of photographs taken by an aircraft or spacecraft
7 : the part of a television camera tube consisting of many minute photoelectric particles that convert light to an electric charge
–mo·sa·ic·like \-'zā-ik-ˌlīk\ adjective

mosaic
n. 1 : of, relating to, produced by, or resembling a mosaic
2 : exhibiting mosaicism
3 : DETERMINATE 5
–mo·sa·i·cal·ly \-'zā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mosaic
n. 1 : to decorate with mosaics
2 : to form into a mosaic

mosaicism
n. : the condition of possessing cells of two or more different genetic constitutions

mosaicist
n. 1 a : a designer of mosaics b : a worker who makes mosaics
2 : a dealer in mosaics

mosasaur
n. : any of a family (Mosasauridae) of very large extinct marine fish-eating lizards of the Upper Cretaceous with limbs modified into paddles that are related to the recent monitor lizards

Mosby
John Singleton 1833-1916 American Confed. cavalry officer

Moscicki
Ignacy 1867-1946 Pol. chem.; pres. of Poland (1926-39)

Moscow
n. 1 river 315 mi (507 km) W cen Russia in Europe flowing E into Oka River
2 city capital of Russia & formerly of U.S.S.R. & of Soviet Russia on Moscow River pop 8,769,000 ― see MUSCOVY

Moselle
n. : a white wine from the Moselle valley

Moselle
n. river ab 340 mi (545 km) E France & W Germany flowing from Vosges Mountains into the Rhine at Koblenz

Moses
n. : a Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and at Mt. Sinai delivered the Law establishing God's covenant with them

Moses
n. Anna Mary 1860-1961 née Robertson; Grandma Moses American painter

mosey
v. 1 : to hurry away
2 : to move in a leisurely or aimless manner : SAUNTER <moseyed around the general store ― Eric Sevareid>

MOSFET
metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor

mosh
v. : to engage in uninhibited often frenzied activities (as intentional collision) with others near the stage at a rock concert
–mosh·er noun

mosh pit
: an area in front of a stage where very physical and rough dancing takes place at a rock concert

moshav
n. : a cooperative settlement of small individual farms in Israel ― compare KIBBUTZ

Moslem
n. variant of muslim

Mosley
n. Sir Oswald Er·nald \'ər-nəld\ 1896-1980 Eng. polit.

Mosotho
n. : a member of the Basotho people

mosque
n. : a building used for public worship by Muslims

mosquito
n. : any of a family (Culicidae) of dipteran flies with females that have a set of slender organs in the proboscis adapted to puncture the skin of animals and to suck their blood and that are in some cases vectors of serious diseases
–mos·qui·to·ey \-'skē-tə-wē\ adjective

mosquito
n. Asian tiger mosquito
mosquito fish
mosquito hawk
mosquito net
tiger mosquito
yellow fever mosquito
Mosquito Coast

Mosquito Coast
region Central America bordering on the Caribbean in E Honduras & E Nicaragua

mosquito fish
: any of three No. American live-bearers (Gambusia affinis, G. holbrooki, and Heterandria formosa of the family Poeciliidae) used especially to control mosquito larvae

mosquito hawk
1 chiefly Southern : DRAGONFLY
2 dialect : CRANE FLY

mosquito net
: a net or screen for keeping out mosquitoes

moss
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : BOG, SWAMP especially : a peat bog
2 a : any of a class (Musci) of bryophytic plants characterized by a gametophyte having a small leafy often tufted stem bearing sex organs at its tip also : a clump or sward of these plants b : any of various plants resembling moss in appearance or habit of growth
3 : a mossy covering
–moss·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

moss
n. : to cover or overgrow with moss

moss
n. club moss
Iceland moss
Irish moss
moss agate
moss animal
moss green
moss grown
moss pink
moss rose
moss trooper
moss trooping
peat moss
reindeer moss
Spanish moss

moss agate
: an agate mineral containing brown, black, or green mosslike or dendritic markings

moss animal
: BRYOZOAN

moss green
: a variable color averaging a moderate yellow-green

moss pink
: a low-growing perennial phlox (Phlox subulata) widely cultivated for its abundant usually pink or white flowers

moss rose
1 : an old-fashioned garden rose (Rosa centifolia mucosa) that has a glandular mossy calyx and flower stalk
2 : a So. American portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) grown for its showy flowers

moss-grown
1 : overgrown with moss
2 : ANTIQUATED

moss-trooper
1 : one of a class of 17th century raiders in the marshy border country between England and Scotland
2 : PIRATE
–moss-troop·ing \-piŋ\ adjective

mossback
n. 1 : a large sluggish fish (as a largemouth bass)
2 : an extremely old-fashioned or reactionary person : FOGY
–moss·backed \-ˌbakt\ adjective

Mossbauer
Rudolf Ludwig 1929-     Ger. physicist

Mossel Bay
city & port S Republic of South Africa in S Western Cape on Mossel Bay (inlet of Indian Ocean) pop 17,574

mossy
adj. 1 : resembling moss
2 : covered with moss or something like moss
3 : ANTIQUATED <the mossy precepts of the⋯prescriptive grammarians ― Thomas Pyles>

mossy zinc
: a granulated form of zinc made by pouring melted zinc into water

most
n. 1 : greatest in quantity, extent, or degree <the most ability>
2 : the majority of <most people>

most
n. 1 : to the greatest or highest degree ― often used with an adjective or adverb to form the superlative <the most challenging job he ever had>
2 : to a very great degree <was most persuasive>

most
n. : the greatest amount <it's the most I can do>
–at most or at the most : as an extreme limit <took him an hour at most>

most
n. : the greatest number or part <most become discouraged and quit>

most
n. : ALMOST <we'll be crossing the river most any time now ― Hamilton Basso>
usage Although considered by some to be unacceptable in all cases, most is often used to mean “almost” in both spoken and, to a lesser extent, written English to modify the adjectives all, every, and any; the pronouns all, everyone, everything, everybody, anyone, anything, and anybody; and the adverbs everywhere, anywhere, and always. Other uses of this sense of most are dialectal.

most
n. : most <innermost> : most toward <headmost>

most
n. at the most
make the most of
at most
Most Reverend
for the most part

Most Reverend

15th century
― used as a title for an archbishop or a Roman Catholic bishop

Mostaganem
city & port NW Algeria pop 114,534

mostly
adv. : for the greatest part : MAINLY

Mostoles
commune cen Spain, SW of Madrid pop 196,524

Mosul
n. city N Iraq on the Tigris pop 264,146

mot
n. : a pithy or witty saying

mot
n. bon mot
mot juste
bon mots
bons mots
mots justes
jeu de mots

mot juste
: the exactly right word or phrasing

mote
n. archaic : MAY, MIGHT

mote
n. : a small particle : SPECK

motel
n. : an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area

motet
n. : a polyphonic choral composition on a sacred text usually without instrumental accompaniment

moth
n. 1 : CLOTHES MOTH
2 : any of various usually nocturnal lepidopteran insects with antennae that are often feathery, with a stouter body, duller coloring, and proportionately smaller wings than the butterflies, and with larvae that are plant-eating caterpillars
–moth·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–mothy \'mȯ-thē\ adjective

moth
n. hawk moth
underwing moth
brown tail moth
cecropia moth
cinnabar moth
clothes moth
codling moth
death's head moth
death's head hawk moth
diamondback moth
gypsy moth
imperial moth
Io moth
luna moth
Mediterranean flour moth
moth bean
moth eaten
oriental fruit moth
oriental peach moth
peppered moth
silk moth
sphinx moth
tiger moth
tussock moth
wax moth

moth bean
: a legume (Vigna acontifolia syn. Phaseolus aconitifolius) cultivated especially in India for its edible cylindrical pods and small seeds

moth-eaten
1 : eaten into by moth larvae <moth-eaten clothes>
2 a : DILAPIDATED b : ANTIQUATED, OUTMODED

mothball
n. 1 : a ball made formerly of camphor but now often of naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene and used to keep moths from clothing
2 plural : a condition of protective storage <put the ships in mothballs after the war> also : a state of having been rejected for further use or dismissed from further consideration <put that idea in mothballs>

mothball
n. 1 : to deactivate (as a ship) and prevent deterioration chiefly by dehumidification
2 : to withdraw from use or service and keep in reserve : put aside

mother
n. 1 a : a female parent b (1) : a woman in authority specifically : the superior of a religious community of women (2) : an old or elderly woman
2 : SOURCE, ORIGIN <necessity is the mother of invention>
3 : maternal tenderness or affection
4 [short for motherfucker] sometimes vulgar : MOTHERFUCKER
5 : something that is an extreme or ultimate example of its kind especially in terms of scale <the mother of all construction projects>
–moth·er·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–moth·er·less \-ləs\ adjective
–moth·er·less·ness noun

mother
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or being a mother b : bearing the relation of a mother
2 : derived from or as if from one's mother
3 : acting as or providing parental stock ― used without reference to sex

mother
n. 1 a : to give birth to b : to give rise to : PRODUCE
2 : to care for or protect like a mother

mother
n. : MOTHER OF VINEGAR

mother
n. den mother
earth mother
Mother Carey's chicken
mother cell
mother country
Mother Goose
mother hen
Mother Hubbard
mother in law
mother lode
mother naked
Mother Nature
mother of pearl
mother of vinegar
Mother's Day
mother ship
mother tongue
mother wit
pollen mother cell
queen mother
surrogate mother
mothers in law
surrogate motherhood

Mother Carey's chicken
: STORM PETREL

mother cell
: a cell that gives rise to other cells usually of a different sort

mother country
1 : the country from which the people of a colony or former colony derive their origin
2 : the country of one's parents or ancestors also : FATHERLAND
3 : a country that is the origin of something

Mother Goose
: the legendary author of a collection of nursery rhymes first published in London about 1760

mother hen
: a person who assumes an overly protective maternal attitude

Mother Hubbard
: a loose usually shapeless dress

mother lode
1 : the principal vein or lode of a region
2 : a principal source or supply

Mother Nature
n. : nature personified as a woman considered as the source and guiding force of creation

mother of vinegar

1601
: a slimy membrane composed of yeast and bacterial cells that develops on the surface of alcoholic liquids undergoing acetous fermentation and is added to wine or cider to produce vinegar ― called also mother

mother ship
: a ship serving smaller craft

mother tongue
1 : one's native language
2 : a language from which another language derives

mother wit
: natural wit or intelligence

Mother's Day
: the second Sunday in May appointed for the honoring of mothers

mother-in-law
1 : the mother of one's spouse
2 archaic : STEPMOTHER

mother-naked
: stark naked

mother-of-pearl
: the hard pearly iridescent substance forming the inner layer of a mollusk shell

motherboard
n. : the main circuit board especially of a microcomputer

motherfucker
n. 1 usually obscene : one that is formidable, contemptible, or offensive 97 usually used as a generalized term of abuse
2 usually obscene : PERSON, FELLOW <he was a hilarious motherfucker ― Wayne Kramer>
–moth·er·fuck·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective usually obscene

motherhouse
1 : the convent in which the superior of a religious community resides
2 : the original convent of a religious community

motherland
n. 1 : a country regarded as a place of origin (as of an idea or a movement)
2 : MOTHER COUNTRY 2

motherly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother <motherly advice>
2 : resembling a mother : MATERNAL
–moth·er·li·ness noun

Motherwell
Robert 1915-1991 American artist

mothproof
adj. : impervious to penetration by moths <mothproof wool>

mothproof
adj. : to make mothproof
–moth·proof·er noun

motif
n. 1 : a usually recurring salient thematic element (as in the arts) especially : a dominant idea or central theme
2 : a single or repeated design or color
–mo·tif·ic \-'tē-fik, -'ti-\ adjective

motile
n. : exhibiting or capable of movement
–mo·til·i·ty \mō-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

motile
n. : a person whose prevailing mental imagery takes the form of inner feelings of action

motion
1 a : an act, process, or instance of changing place : MOVEMENT b : an active or functioning state or condition <set the divorce proceedings in motion>
2 : an impulse or inclination of the mind or will
3 a : a proposal for action especially : a formal proposal made in a deliberative assembly b : an application made to a court or judge to obtain an order, ruling, or direction
4 obsolete a : a puppet show b : PUPPET
5 : MECHANISM
6 a : an act or instance of moving the body or its parts : GESTURE b plural : ACTIVITIES, MOVEMENTS
7 : melodic change of pitch
–mo·tion·al \'mō-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–mo·tion·less \'mō-shən-ləs\ adjective
–mo·tion·less·ly adverb
–mo·tion·less·ness noun
–in motion
of an offensive football player : running parallel to the line of scrimmage before the snap

motion
n. intransitive verb : to signal by a movement or gesture <the pitcher motioned to the catcher>
transitive verb : to direct by a motion <motioned me to the seat>

motion
n. Brownian motion
harmonic motion
in motion
motion picture
motion sickness
set in motion
slow motion
stop motion

motion picture
1 : a series of pictures projected on a screen in rapid succession with objects shown in successive positions slightly changed so as to produce the optical effect of a continuous picture in which the objects move
2 : a representation (as of a story) by means of motion pictures : MOVIE

motion sickness
: sickness induced by motion (as in travel by air, car, or ship) and characterized by nausea

motivate
v. : to provide with a motive : IMPEL <questions that excite and motivate youth>
–mo·ti·va·tive \-ˌvā-tiv\ adjective
–mo·ti·va·tor \-ˌvā-tər\ noun

motivation
n. 1 a : the act or process of motivating b : the condition of being motivated
2 : a motivating force, stimulus, or influence : INCENTIVE, DRIVE
–mo·ti·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–mo·ti·va·tion·al·ly adverb

motive
n. 1 : something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
2 : a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition
3 : MOTIF
–mo·tive·less \-ləs\ adjective
–mo·tive·less·ly adverb
–mo·ti·vic \mō-'tē-vik\ adjective
synonyms MOTIVE, IMPULSE, INCENTIVE, INDUCEMENT, SPUR, GOAD mean a stimulus to action. MOTIVE implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act <a motive for the crime>. IMPULSE suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution <buying on impulse>. INCENTIVE applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) inciting to action <a bonus was offered as an incentive>. INDUCEMENT suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another <offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe>. SPUR applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor <fear was a spur to action>. GOAD suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire <thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency>.

motive
n. 1 : moving or tending to move to action
2 : of or relating to motion or the causing of motion <motive energy>

motive
n. : MOTIVATE

motive power
1 : an agency (as water or steam) used to impart motion especially to machinery
2 : something (as a locomotive or a motor) that provides motive power to a system

motivity
n. : the power of moving or producing motion

Motley
adj. John Lothrop 1814-1877 American hist.

motley
adj. 1 : variegated in color <a motley coat>
2 : composed of diverse often incongruous elements <a motley crowd>

motley
adj. 1 : a woolen fabric of mixed colors made in England between the 14th and 17th centuries
2 : a garment made of motley especially : the characteristic dress of the professional fool
3 : JESTER, FOOL
4 : a mixture especially of incongruous elements

motmot
n. : any of a family (Momotidae) of long-tailed mostly green nonpasserine birds of Central and So. American tropical forests

motocross
n. : a closed-course motorcycle race over natural or simulated rough terrain (as with steep inclines, hairpin turns, and mud) also : the sport of engaging in motocross races

Moton
Robert Russa 1867-1940 American educ.

motoneuron
n. : MOTOR NEURON
–mo·to·neu·ro·nal \-'nu̇r-ə-nəl, -'nyu̇r-; -nu̇-'rō-nəl, -nyu̇-\ adjective

motor
n. 1 : one that imparts motion specifically : PRIME MOVER
2 : any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: as a : a small compact engine b : INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE especially : a gasoline engine c : a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy
3 : MOTOR VEHICLE especially : AUTOMOBILE
–mo·tor·dom \-dəm\ noun
–mo·tor·less \-ləs\ adjective

motor
n. 1 a : causing or imparting motion b : of, relating to, or being a motor neuron or a nerve containing motor neurons <motor fiber> c : of, relating to, concerned with, or involving muscular movement <motor areas of the brain>
2 a : equipped with or driven by a motor b : of, relating to, or involving an automobile c : designed for motor vehicles or motorists

motor
n. 1 : to travel by automobile : DRIVE
2 : to move or proceed at a vigorous steady pace <motored down the field for a touchdown>
transitive verb : to transport by automobile

motor
n. motor car
induction motor
linear motor
linear induction motor
motor bus
motor coach
motor court
motor home
motor inn
motor hotel
motor lodge
motor neuron
motor pool
motor sailer
motor scooter
motor ship
motor torpedo boat
motor unit
motor vehicle
outboard motor
stepper motor
stepping motor
synchronous motor
universal motor

motor bus
: BUS 1A ― called also motor coach

motor court
: MOTEL

motor home
: a large motor vehicle equipped as living quarters ― compare MOBILE HOME

motor inn
: MOTEL especially : a large multistory motel ― called also motor hotel

motor lodge
: MOTEL

motor neuron
: a neuron that passes from the central nervous system or a ganglion toward a muscle and conducts an impulse that causes movement ― called also motoneuron

motor pool
: a group of motor vehicles centrally controlled (as by a governmental agency) and dispatched for use as needed

motor sailer
: a motorboat with sailing equipment

motor scooter
: a low 2- or 3-wheeled automotive vehicle resembling a child's scooter and having a seat so that the rider does not straddle the engine

motor ship
: a seagoing ship propelled by an internal combustion engine

motor torpedo boat
: PT BOAT

motor unit
: a motor neuron together with the muscle fibers on which it acts

motor vehicle
: an automotive vehicle not operated on rails especially : one with rubber tires for use on highways

motorbike
n. : a small usually lightweight motorcycle
–motorbike intransitive verb

motorboat
n. : a boat propelled usually by an internal combustion engine
–mo·tor·boat·er \-ˌbō-tər\ noun
–mo·tor·boat·ing \-tiŋ\ noun

motorcade
n. : a procession of motor vehicles
–motorcade intransitive verb

motorcar
n. 1 : AUTOMOBILE
2 usually motor car : a railroad car containing motors for propulsion

motorcycle
n. : a 2-wheeled automotive vehicle for one or two people
–motorcycle intransitive verb
–mo·tor·cy·clist \-k(ə-)list\ noun

motoric
adj. : MOTOR 1C
–mo·tor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

motorise
v. British variant of motorize

motorist
n. : a person who travels by automobile

motorize
v. 1 : to equip with a motor
2 : to equip with motor vehicles
–mo·tor·i·za·tion \ˌmō-tə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

motorman
n. : an operator of a motor-driven vehicle (as a streetcar or subway train)

motormouth
n. : a person who talks excessively
–mo·tor·mouthed \-ˌmau̇thd, -ˌmau̇tht\ adjective

motortruck
n. : an automotive truck used especially for transporting freight

motorway
n. chiefly British : SUPERHIGHWAY 1

Mott
Lucretia 1793-1880 née Coffin American social reformer

Mott
Sir Nevill Francis 1905-1996 Brit. physicist

motte
n. : MOUND, HILL especially : a hill serving as a site for a Norman castle in Britain

motte
n. motte and bailey
La Motte Fouque
La Motte Fouqué

motte and bailey
: a medieval Norman castle consisting of two connecting ditched stockaded mounds with the higher mound surmounted by the keep and the lower one containing barracks and other buildings

Mottelson
Ben Roy 1926-     Dan. (Am.-born) physicist

mottle
v. 1 : a colored spot
2 a : a surface having colored spots or blotches b : the arrangement of such spots or blotches on a surface
3 : MOSAIC 5
–mot·tled \-təld\ adjective

mottle
v. : to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained
–mot·tler \'mät-lər, 'mä-təl-ər\ noun

mottled enamel
: spotted tooth enamel caused by drinking water containing excessive fluorides during the time the teeth are calcifying

motto
n. 1 : a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use
2 : a short expression of a guiding principle

moue
n. : a little grimace : POUT

mouflon
n. : either of two wild sheep (Ovis orientalis and O. musimon) of the mountains of Sardinia, Corsica and western Asia that have large curling horns in the males and are sometimes included in a single species

moujik
n. variant of muzhik

moulage
n. 1 : an impression or cast made for use especially as evidence in a criminal investigation
2 : the taking of an impression for use as evidence in a criminal investigation

mould
n. chiefly British variant of mold

moulding
n. chiefly British variant of molding

Moulmein
n. city S Myanmar on Gulf of Martaban at mouth of the Salween pop 171,977

moult
n. chiefly British variant of molt

Moulton
Forest Ray 1872-1952 American astron.

Moultrie
William 1730-1805 American gen. in Revolution

mound
n. 1 archaic : to enclose or fortify with a fence or a ridge of earth
2 : to form into a mound

mound
n. 1 archaic : HEDGE, FENCE
2 a (1) : an artificial bank or hill of earth or stones especially : one constructed over a burial or ceremonial site (2) : the slightly elevated ground on which a baseball pitcher stands b : a rounded hill or natural formation
3 a : HEAP, PILE <mounds of work> b : a small rounded mass <a mound of mashed potatoes>

mound
n. Mound Builder
Flower Mound
Cahokia Mounds
Effigy Mounds National Monument

Mound Builder
: a member of a prehistoric American Indian people whose extensive earthworks are found from the Great Lakes down the Mississippi River valley to the Gulf of Mexico

mount
n. 1 : a high hill : MOUNTAIN ― used especially before an identifying name <Mount Everest>
2 archaic : EARTHWORK 1
3 : MOUND 2A(1)

mount
n. intransitive verb
1 : RISE, ASCEND
2 : to increase in amount or extent <expenses began to mount>
3 : to get up on something above the level of the ground especially : to seat oneself (as on a horse) for riding
transitive verb
1 a : to go up : CLIMB b (1) : to seat or place oneself on (2) : to climb on top of for copulation
2 a : to lift up : RAISE b (1) : to put or have (as artillery) in position (2) : to have as equipment c (1) : to organize and equip (an attacking force) <mount an army> (2) : to launch and carry out (as an assault or a campaign)
3 : to set on something that elevates
4 a : to cause to get on a means of conveyance b : to furnish with animals for riding
5 : to post or set up for defense or observation <mounted some guards>
6 a : to attach to a support b : to arrange or assemble for use or display
7 a : to prepare (as a specimen) for examination or display b : to prepare and supply with materials needed for performance or execution <mount an opera>
–mount·able \'mau̇n-tə-bəl\ adjective
–mount·er noun

mount
n. 1 : an act or instance of mounting specifically : an opportunity to ride a horse in a race
2 : FRAME, SUPPORT: as a : the material (as cardboard) on which a picture is mounted b : a jewelry setting c (1) : an undercarriage or part on which a device (as a motor or an artillery piece) rests in service (2) : an attachment for an accessory d : a hinge, card, or acetate envelope for mounting a stamp e : a glass slide with its accessories on which objects are placed for examination with a microscope
3 : a means of conveyance especially : SADDLE HORSE

mount
n. Mount Ephraim
Mount Sion
Mount Zion
Sermon on the Mount
Adams Mount
Apo Mount
Ascutney Mount
Aso Mount
Assiniboine Mount
Athos Mount
Baker Mount
Banahao Mount
Blackburn Mount
Bona Mount
Capulin Mount
Carmel Mount
Carstensz Mount
Catherine Mount
Cleveland Mount
Cook Mount
Dehiwala Mount Lavinia
Dhaulagiri Mount
Diablo Mount
Edith Cavell Mount
Egmont Mount
Elbert Mount
Elgon Mount
Erebus Mount
Etna Mount
Evans Mount
Everest Mount
Fairweather Mount
Foraker Mount
Fuji Mount
Gilboa Mount
Greylock Mount
Hamilton Mount
Harvard Mount
Hermon Mount
Holy Cross Mount of the
Hood Mount
Horeb Mount
Mount Sinai
Ida Mount
Jefferson Mount
Katahdin Mount
Mount Catherine
Katmai Mount
Mount Ida
Kennedy Mount
Kenya Mount
Kirkpatrick Mount
Kosciusko Mount
Logan Mount
Lucania Mount
Mansfield Mount
Marcy Mount
Markham Mount
Massive Mount
McKinley Mount
Meru Mount
Mezenc Mount
Mézenc Mount
Mitchell Mount
Monadnock Mount
Mount Royal
Morrison Mount
Mount Desert Island
Mount Pearl
Mount Pleasant
Mount Prospect
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Mount Vernon
Nebo Mount
Neige Mount
Ngaliema Mount
Olives Mount of
Olympus Mount
Ossa Mount
Palomar Mount
Pelee Mount
Pelée Mount
Pinatubo Mount
Pisgah Mount
Pulog Mount
Mount Carstensz
Rainier Mount
Mount Tacoma
Robson Mount
Rocky Mount
Rose Mount
Ruapehu Mount
Rushmore Mount
Saint Elias Mount
Saint Helens Mount
Sanford Mount
Scopus Mount
Shasta Mount
Sinai Mount
Stanley Mount
Mount Ngaliema
Stromlo Mount
Suribachi Mount
Tabor Mount
Tacoma Mount
Tamalpais Mount
Tasman Mount
Timpanogos Mount
Tyndall Mount
Tyree Mount
Mount Olympus
Vancouver Mount
Waddington Mount
Waialeale Mount
Washington Mount
Whitney Mount
Williamson Mount
Wilson Mount
Wrangell Mount
Mount Morrison
Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount Desert Island
island S Maine in the Atlantic E of Penobscot Bay area 100 sq mi (260 sq km) ― see ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Mount Pearl
town Canada in Nfld.&Lab. SW of St. John's pop 24,964

Mount Pleasant
1 city cen Mich. NW of Saginaw pop 25,946
2 town SE S.C. on the coast pop 47,609
3 town SE Wis. pop 23,142

Mount Prospect
village NE Ill. pop 56,265

Mount Rainier National Park
n. ― see RAINIER (Mount)

Mount Revelstoke National Park
n. reservation Canada in SE B.C. on a plateau including Mt. Revelstoke W of Selkirk Mountains

Mount Royal
― see MONT-ROYAL

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
― see SAINT HELENS (Mount)

Mount Vernon
v. 1 city SE N.Y. N of the Bronx pop 68,381
2 city NW Wash. pop 26,232

mountain
n. 1 a : a landmass that projects conspicuously above its surroundings and is higher than a hill b : an elongated ridge
2 a : a great mass b : a vast number or quantity

mountain
n. mountain lion
Bernese mountain dog
cat a mountain
make a mountain out of a molehill
mountain ash
mountain bike
mountain biker
mountain bluebird
mountain cranberry
mountain dew
mountain goat
mountain gorilla
mountain laurel
mountain mahogany
mountain man
mountain sheep
mountain sickness
mountain time
Rocky Mountain sheep
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
snow on the mountain
Welsh mountain pony
Devil Mountain
Bear Mountain
Catoctin Mountain
Fairweather Mountain
Garfield Mountain
Kennesaw Mountain
Kings Mountain
Kittatinny Mountain
Lookout Mountain
Massanutten Mountain
Mountain View
Palomar Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain
Riding Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Slide Mountain
South Mountain
Steens Mountain
Stone Mountain
Table Mountain
Adirondack Mountains
Ahaggar Mountains
Hoggar Mountains
Allegheny Mountains
Appalachian Mountains
Arbuckle Mountains
Atlas Mountains
Auvergne Mountains
Balkan Mountains
Beaverhead Mountains
Bighorn Mountains
Black Mountains
Blue Mountains
Boston Mountains
Cairngorm Mountains
Cambrian Mountains
Cantabrian Mountains
Cariboo Mountains
Carpathian Mountains
Catskill Mountains
Caucasus Mountains
Chugach Mountains
Clearwater Mountains
Coast Mountains
Cumbrian Mountains
Davis Mountains
Elburz Mountains
Ellsworth Mountains
Endicott Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains
Green Mountains
Guadalupe Mountains
Hoosac Mountains
Kjolen Mountains
Kjölen Mountains
Klamath Mountains
Kohala Mountains
Kolyma Mountains
Kolima Mountains
Laurentian Mountains
Lebanon Mountains
Mackenzie Mountains
Maoke Mountains
Snow Mountains
Medicine Bow Mountains
Mogollon Mountains
Mourne Mountains
Olympic Mountains
Oquirrh Mountains
Ouachita Mountains
Ozark Mountains
Pacaraima Mountains
Panamint Mountains
Pindus Mountains
Pocono Mountains
Ramapo Mountains
Rocky Mountains
Sacramento Mountains
Saint Elias Mountains
Salmon River Mountains
San Bernardino Mountains
Sandia Mountains
San Gabriel Mountains
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
San Juan Mountains
Sayan Mountains
Selkirk Mountains
Shawangunk Mountains
Siskiyou Mountains
Snowy Mountains
Spring Mountains
Superstition Mountains
Tehachapi Mountains
Tibesti Mountains
Tumuc Humac Mountains
Uinta Mountains
Ural Mountains
Vindhya Mountains
Wallowa Mountains
White Mountains
Wichita Mountains
Wicklow Mountains
Wrangell Mountains
Yablonovy Mountains
Yablonovyy Mountains
Zagros Mountains

mountain ash
: any of various trees or shrubs (genus Sorbus) of the rose family with pinnate leaves and red or orange-red fruits

mountain bike
: an all-terrain bicycle with wide knobby tires, straight handlebars, and typically 18 to 21 gears
–mountain bike intransitive verb
–mountain biker noun

mountain bluebird
: a bluebird (Sialia currucoides) of western No. America having a blue-breasted rather than red-breasted male

mountain cranberry
: a low evergreen shrub (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) of the heath family that is native to north temperate uplands and has red edible berries ― called also lingonberry

mountain dew
: MOONSHINE 3

mountain goat
: a ruminant mammal (Oreamnos americanus) of mountainous northwestern No. America that has a thick yellowish-white coat and slightly curved horns and resembles a goat

mountain gorilla
: a gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) inhabiting the Virunga mountain range

mountain laurel
: a No. American evergreen shrub or small tree (Kalmia latifolia) of the heath family with glossy leaves and umbels of rose-colored or white flowers

mountain lion
: COUGAR

mountain mahogany
: any of a genus (Cercocarpus) of western No. American evergreen shrubs or small trees of the rose family

mountain man
: an American frontiersman (as a trapper) at home in the wilderness

mountain sheep
: any of various wild sheep (as bighorn, argali, or Dall sheep) inhabiting high mountains

mountain sickness
: altitude sickness experienced especially above 10,000 feet (about 3000 meters) and caused by insufficient oxygen in the air

mountain time
: the time of the seventh time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Rocky Mountain states of the U.S. ― see TIME ZONE illustration

Mountain View
v. city W Calif. NW of San Jose pop 70,708

mountaineer
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of a mountainous region
2 : a person who climbs mountains for sport

mountaineering
n. : the sport or technique of scaling mountains

mountainous
adj. 1 : containing many mountains
2 : resembling a mountain : HUGE
–moun·tain·ous·ly adverb
–moun·tain·ous·ness noun

mountainside
n. : the side of a mountain

mountaintop
n. : the summit of a mountain

mountainy
1 : MOUNTAINOUS
2 : of, relating to, or living in mountains

Mountbatten
n. Louis 1900-1979 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma Brit. admiral; 1st gov.-gen. of India (1947-48); chief of defense staff (1959-65)

Mountbatten
n. Philip, Duke of Edinburgh ― see Prince PHILIP

mountebank
n. 1 : a person who sells quack medicines from a platform
2 : a boastful unscrupulous pretender : CHARLATAN
–moun·te·bank·ery \-ˌbaŋ-k(ə-)rē\ noun

mountebank
n. obsolete : to beguile or transform by trickery <I'll mountebank their loves ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb : to play the mountebank

Mountie
n. : a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

mounting
n. : 3MOUNT 2

mourn
v. intransitive verb
1 : to feel or express grief or sorrow
2 : to show the customary signs of grief for a death especially : to wear mourning
3 : to murmur mournfully ― used especially of doves
transitive verb
1 : to feel or express grief or sorrow for
2 : to utter mournfully
–mourn·er noun
–mourn·ing·ly \'mȯr-niŋ-lē\ adverb

Mourne Mountains
mountains SE Northern Ireland

mournful
adj. 1 : expressing sorrow : SORROWFUL
2 : full of sorrow : SAD
3 : causing sorrow or melancholy : GLOOMY
–mourn·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–mourn·ful·ness noun

mourning
n. 1 : the act of sorrowing
2 a : an outward sign (as black clothes or an armband) of grief for a person's death b : a period of time during which signs of grief are shown

mourning cloak
: a blackish-brown nymphalid butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) that has a broad yellow border on the wings and is found in temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and No. America

mourning dove
: an American dove (Zenaida macroura) with a pointed tail and a plaintive coo

mouse
n. 1 : any of numerous small rodents (as of the genus Mus) with pointed snout, rather small ears, elongated body, and slender tail
2 : a timid person
3 : a dark-colored swelling caused by a blow specifically : BLACK EYE
4 plural also mous·es : a small mobile manual device that controls movement of the cursor and selection of functions on a computer display

mouse
n. intransitive verb
1 : to hunt for mice
2 : to search or move stealthily or slowly
transitive verb
1 obsolete a : BITE, GNAW b : to toy with roughly
2 : to search for carefully ― usually used with out

mouse
n. cat and mouse
deer mouse
field mouse
house mouse
jumping mouse
meadow mouse
Mickey Mouse
mouse ear
mouse ear chickweed
mouse pad
pocket mouse
sea mouse
white footed mouse

mouse pad
: a thin flat pad (as of rubber) on which a computer mouse is used

mouse-ear
1 : a Eurasian hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella) introduced into No. America that has soft hairy leaves and yellow flowers
2 : any of several plants other than mouse-ear that have soft hairy leaves

mouse-ear chickweed
: any of several hairy chickweeds (genus Cerastium and especially C. fontanum)

mouser
n. : a catcher of mice and rats especially : a cat proficient at mousing

mousetrap
n. 1 : a trap for mice
2 : a stratagem that lures one to defeat or destruction
3 : TRAP 2B

mousetrap
n. : to snare in or as if in a mousetrap

Mousquetaire
: a French musketeer especially : one of the royal musketeers of the 17th and 18th centuries conspicuous for their daring and their flamboyant dress

moussaka
n. : a Middle Eastern dish of ground meat (as lamb or beef) and sliced eggplant often topped with a seasoned sauce

mousse
n. 1 : a light spongy food usually containing cream or gelatin
2 : a molded chilled dessert made with sweetened and flavored whipped cream or egg whites and gelatin <chocolate mousse>
3 : a foamy preparation used in styling hair

mousse
n. : to style (hair) with mousse

mousseline
n. 1 : a fine sheer fabric (as of rayon) that resembles muslin
2 a : a sauce (as hollandaise) to which whipped cream or beaten egg whites have been added b : MOUSSE 1 <salmon mousseline>

mousseline de soie
: a silk muslin having a crisp finish

moustache
n. variant of mustache

moustachio
variant of mustachio

Mousterian
n. : of or relating to a Middle Paleolithic culture that is characterized by well-made flake tools often considered the work of Neanderthal man

mousy
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a mouse: as a : QUIET, STEALTHY b : TIMID, RETIRING c : grayish brown
–mous·i·ly \-sə-lē, -zə-\ adverb
–mous·i·ness \-sē-nəs, -zē-\ noun

mouth
n. 1 a : the natural opening through which food passes into the body of an animal and which in vertebrates is typically bounded externally by the lips and internally by the pharynx and encloses the tongue, gums, and teeth b : GRIMACE <made a mouth> c : an individual requiring food <had too many mouths to feed>
2 a : VOICE, SPEECH <finally gave mouth to her feelings> b : MOUTHPIECE 3A c (1) : a tendency to excessive talk (2) : saucy or disrespectful language : IMPUDENCE
3 : something that resembles a mouth especially in affording entrance or exit: as a : the place where a stream enters a larger body of water b : the surface opening of an underground cavity c : the opening of a container d : an opening in the side of an organ flue pipe
–mouth·like \'mau̇th-ˌlīk\ adjective
–down in the mouth : DEJECTED, SULKY

mouth
n. 1 a : SPEAK, PRONOUNCE b : to utter bombastically : DECLAIM c : to repeat without comprehension or sincerity <always mouthing platitudes> d : to form soundlessly with the lips <the librarian mouthed the word “quiet”> e : to utter indistinctly : MUMBLE <mouthed his words>
2 : to take into the mouth especially : EAT
intransitive verb
1 a : to talk pompously : RANT ― often used with off b : to talk insolently or impudently ― usually used with off
2 : to move the mouth especially so as to make faces
–mouth·er noun

mouth
n. bad mouth
down in the mouth
hand foot and mouth disease
hand to mouth
hoof and mouth disease
from the horse's mouth
mouth harp
mouth hook
mouth organ
mouth to mouth
poor mouth
potty mouth
put one's foot in one's mouth
run one's mouth
trench mouth
word of mouth
foot and mouth disease
foot and mouth
potty mouthed
smart mouthed
tight mouthed

mouth harp
: HARMONICA 2

mouth hook
: one of a pair of hooked larval mouthparts of some dipteran flies that function as jaws

mouth organ
: HARMONICA 2

mouth-to-mouth
: of, relating to, or being a method of artificial respiration in which the rescuer's mouth is placed tightly over the victim's mouth in order to force air into the victim's lungs by blowing forcefully enough every few seconds to inflate them

mouthbreeder
: any of several fishes that carry their eggs and young in the mouth especially : a No. African cichlid fish (Haplochromis multicolor) often kept in aquariums

mouthed
adj. : having a mouth especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <a soft-mouthed fish>

mouthed
adj. potty mouthed
smart mouthed
tight mouthed

mouthfeel
: the sensation created by food or drink in the mouth

mouthful
n. 1 a : as much as a mouth will hold b : the quantity usually taken into the mouth at one time
2 : a small quantity
3 a : a very long word or phrase b : a comment or a statement rich in meaning or substance

mouthpart
n. : a structure or appendage near the mouth (as of an insect) especially when adapted for use in gathering or eating food

mouthpiece
n. 1 : something placed at or forming a mouth
2 : a part (as of an instrument) that goes in the mouth or to which the mouth is applied
3 a : one that expresses or interprets another's views : SPOKESMAN b slang : a criminal lawyer

mouthwash
n. : a usually antiseptic liquid preparation for cleaning the mouth and teeth or freshening the breath

mouthwatering
: arousing the appetite : tantalizingly delicious or appealing <a mouthwatering aroma>
–mouth·wa·ter·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

mouthy
adj. 1 : marked by bombast or back talk
2 : excessively talkative : GARRULOUS

mouton
n. : processed sheepskin that has been sheared and dyed to resemble beaver or seal

movable
adj. 1 : capable of being moved
2 : changing date from year to year <movable holidays>
–mov·abil·i·ty \ˌmü-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–mov·able·ness \'mü-və-bəl-nəs\ noun
–mov·ably \-blē\ adverb

movable
adj. : something (as an article of furniture) that can be removed or displaced

move
n. intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to go or pass to another place or in a certain direction with a continuous motion <moved into the shade> (2) : to proceed toward a certain state or condition <moving up the executive ladder> <moved into second place> (3) : to become transferred during play <checkers move along diagonally adjacent squares> (4) : to keep pace <moving with the times> b : to start away from some point or place : DEPART c : to change one's residence or location
2 : to carry on one's life or activities in a specified environment <moves in the best circles>
3 : to change position or posture : STIR <ordered him not to move>
4 : to take action : ACT
5 a : to begin operating or functioning or working in a usual way b : to show marked activity <after a lull things really began to move> c : to move a piece (as in chess or checkers) during one's turn
6 : to make a formal request, application, or appeal
7 : to change hands by being sold or rented <goods that moved slowly>
8 of the bowels : EVACUATE
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to change the place or position of (2) : to dislodge or displace from a fixed position : BUDGE b : to transfer (as a piece in chess) from one position to another
2 a (1) : to cause to go or pass from one place to another with a continuous motion <move the flag slowly up and down> (2) : to cause to advance b : to cause to operate or function : ACTUATE <this button moves the whole machine> c : to put into activity or rouse up from inactivity
3 : to cause to change position or posture
4 : to prompt or rouse to the doing of something : PERSUADE <the report moved us to take action>
5 a : to stir the emotions, feelings, or passions of <deeply moved by such kindness> b : to affect in such a way as to lead to an indicated show of emotion <the story moved her to tears>
6 a obsolete : BEG b : to make a formal application to
7 : to propose formally in a deliberative assembly <moved the adjournment motion>
8 : to cause (the bowels) to void
9 : to cause to change hands through sale or rent
–move house
British : to change one's residence
synonyms MOVE, ACTUATE, DRIVE, IMPEL mean to set or keep in motion. MOVE is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position <moved the furniture>. ACTUATE stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion <turbines actuated by waterpower>. DRIVE implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus <a ship driven aground by hurricane winds>. IMPEL is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus <a candidate impelled by ambition>.

move
n. 1 a : the act of moving a piece (as in chess) b : the turn of a player to move
2 a : a step taken especially to gain an objective : MANEUVER <a move to end the dispute> <retiring early was a smart move> b : the action of moving from a motionless position c : one of a pattern of dance steps d : a change of residence or location e : an agile or deceptive action especially in sports
–on the move
1 : in a state of moving about from place to place <a salesman is constantly on the move>
2 : in a state of moving ahead or making progress <said that civilization is always on the move>

move
n. get a move on
move house
on the move
move in
move in on
self moved
moving picture

move house
British : to change one's residence

move in
: to occupy a dwelling or place of work
–move in on : to make advances or aggressive movements toward

move in on
to make advances or aggressive movements toward

moveless
adj. : being without movement : FIXED, IMMOBILE
–move·less·ly adverb
–move·less·ness noun

movement
n. 1 a (1) : the act or process of moving especially : change of place or position or posture (2) : a particular instance or manner of moving b (1) : a tactical or strategic shifting of a military unit : MANEUVER (2) : the advance of a military unit c : ACTION, ACTIVITY ― usually used in plural
2 a : TENDENCY, TREND <detected a movement toward fairer pricing> b : a series of organized activities working toward an objective also : an organized effort to promote or attain an end <the civil rights movement>
3 : the moving parts of a mechanism that transmit a definite motion
4 a : MOTION 7 b : the rhythmic character or quality of a musical composition c : a distinct structural unit or division having its own key, rhythmic structure, and themes and forming part of an extended musical composition d : particular rhythmic flow of language : CADENCE
5 a : the quality (as in a painting or sculpture) of representing or suggesting motion b : the vibrant quality in literature that comes from elements that constantly hold a reader's interest (as a quickly moving action-filled plot)
6 a : an act of voiding the bowels b : matter expelled from the bowels at one passage

movement
n. Brownian movement
euglenoid movement
Oxford movement
pincer movement
rapid eye movement
rapid eye movement sleep

mover
n. : one that moves or sets something in motion especially : one whose business or occupation is the moving of household goods from one residence to another

mover
n. mover and shaker
people mover
prime mover
movers and shakers

mover and shaker
: a person who is active or influential in some field of endeavor

movie
n. 1 : MOTION PICTURE
2 plural : a showing of a motion picture
3 plural : the motion-picture medium or industry

moviedom
n. : FILMDOM

moviegoer
n. : FILMGOER
–mov·ie·going \-ˌgō-iŋ, -ˌgȯ(-)iŋ\ noun, often attributive

moviemaker
n. : one who makes movies
–mov·ie·mak·ing \-ˌmā-kiŋ\ noun

moving
n. 1 a : marked by or capable of movement b : of or relating to a change of residence <moving expenses> c : used for transferring furnishings from one residence to another <a moving van> d : involving a motor vehicle that is in motion <a moving violation>
2 a : producing or transferring motion or action b : stirring deeply in a way that evokes a strong emotional response
–mov·ing·ly \'mü-viŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms MOVING, IMPRESSIVE, POIGNANT, AFFECTING, TOUCHING, PATHETIC mean having the power to produce deep emotion. MOVING may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy <a moving appeal for contributions>. IMPRESSIVE implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction <an impressive list of achievements>. POIGNANT applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities <a poignant documentary on the homeless>. AFFECTING is close to MOVING but most often suggests pathos <an affecting deathbed reunion>. TOUCHING implies arousing tenderness or compassion <the touching innocence in a child's eyes>. PATHETIC implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt <pathetic attempts to justify misconduct>.

moving picture
: MOTION PICTURE

Moviola
n. ― used for a device for editing motion-picture film and synchronizing the sound

mow
n. 1 : a piled-up stack (as of hay or fodder) also : a pile of hay or grain in a barn
2 : the part of a barn where hay or straw is stored

mow
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cut down with a scythe or sickle or machine b : to cut the standing herbage (as grass) of
2 a (1) : to kill or destroy in great numbers or mercilessly <machine guns mowed down the enemy> (2) : to cause to fall : KNOCK DOWN b : to overcome swiftly and decisively : ROUT <mowed down the opposing team>
intransitive verb : to cut down standing herbage (as grass)
–mow·er \'mō(-ə)r\ noun

mow
n. : GRIMACE

mow
n. : to make grimaces

Mowat
Farley McGill 1921-     Canad. writer

moxa
n. : a soft woolly mass prepared from the ground young leaves of a Eurasian artemisia (esp. Artemisia vulgaris) that is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine typically in the form of sticks or cones which are ignited and placed on or close to the skin or used to heat acupuncture needles

moxibustion
n. : the therapeutic use of moxa

moxie
n. 1 : ENERGY, PEP
2 : COURAGE, DETERMINATION
3 : KNOW-HOW

moyen
moyen age
moyen âge
homme moyen sensuel

moyen-age
: of or relating to medieval times

Moyle
district N Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 191 sq mi (497 sq km), pop 14,617

Mozambique
n. 1 channel 950 mi (1529 km) long SE Africa bet. Madagascar & Mozambique
2 or formerly Portuguese East Africa country SE Africa bordering on Mozambique Channel; a republic, until 1975 a dependency of Portugal capital Maputo area 297,846 sq mi (771,421 sq km), pop 16,099,246
–Mo·zam·bi·can \ˌmō-zəm-'bē-kən\ adjective or noun

Mozart
n. Wolfgang Amadeus 1756-1791 Austrian composer
–Mo·zart·ean or Mo·zart·ian \mōt-'sär-tē-ən\ adjective

mozzarella
n. : a moist white unsalted unripened cheese of mild flavor and a smooth rubbery texture

mozzetta
n. : a short cape with a small ornamental hood worn over the rochet by Roman Catholic prelates

MP
1 [military police] : a member of the military police
2 [member of Parliament] : an elected member of a parliament

MP
1 melting point
2 metropolitan police
3 milepost

MP3
n. 1 : a computer file format for the compression and storage of digital audio data
2 : a computer file (as of a song) in the MP3 format

MPA
master of public administration

MPAA
Motion Picture Association of America

MPEG
n. 1 : any of a group of computer file formats for the compression and storage of digital video and audio data
2 : a computer file (as of a movie) in an MPEG format

mpg
n. miles per gallon

MPH
n. master of public health

mph
n. miles per hour

MPhil
master of philosophy

mps
meters per second

Mpumalanga
n. province NE Republic of South Africa area 30,259 sq mi (78,370 sq km), pop 2,911,000

MPV
multipurpose vehicle

MPX
multiplex

Mr
n. 1 ― used as a conventional title of courtesy except when usage requires the substitution of a title of rank or an honorific or professional title before a man's surname <spoke to Mr. Doe>
2 ― used in direct address as a conventional title of respect before a man's title of office <may I ask one more question, Mr. President>
3 ― used before the name of a place (as a country or city) or of a profession or activity (as a sport) or before some epithet (as clever) to form a title applied to a male viewed or recognized as representative of the thing indicated <Mr. Baseball>

mR
n. milliroentgen

Mr. Charlie
usually disparaging : a white man : white people

Mr. Right
: a man who would make the perfect husband

MRE
meals ready to eat

MRI
: MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING also : the procedure in which magnetic resonance imaging is used

mridanga
: a drum of India that is shaped like an elongated barrel and has tuned heads of different diameters

mRNA
n. messenger RNA

Mrs
n. 1 a ― used as a conventional title of courtesy except when usage requires the substitution of a title of rank or an honorific or professional title before a married woman's surname <spoke to Mrs. Doe> b ― used before the name of a place (as a country or city) or of a profession or activity (as a sport) or before some epithet (as clever) to form a title applied to a married woman viewed or recognized as representative of the thing indicated <Mrs. Golf>
2 : WIFE <left with the Mrs.>

Mrs. Grundy
: one marked by prudish conventionality in personal conduct

MS
n. 1 [Italian mano sinistra] left hand
2 manuscript
3 master of science
4 military science
5 Mississippi
6 motor ship
7 multiple sclerosis

ms
n. millisecond

Ms.
n. ― used instead of Miss or Mrs. (as when the marital status of a woman is unknown or irrelevant) <Ms. Mary Smith>

MSc
master of science

msec
n. millisecond

MSG
n. 1 master sergeant
2 monosodium glutamate

msg
n. message

Msgr
n. monsignor

MSgt
master sergeant

MSH
melanocyte-stimulating hormone

MSL
mean sea level

MSN
n. master of science in nursing

MSS
manuscripts

MST
n. mountain standard time

MSW
master of social welfare; master of social work

MT
n. 1 machine translation
2 metric ton
3 Montana
4 mountain time

Mt
n. Matthew

Mt
n. meitnerium

mt
n. mount; mountain

mtDNA
mitochondrial DNA

mtg
meeting

mtge
mortgage

mtn
mountain

MTO
Mediterranean theater of operations

Mtwara
city & port Tanzania in SE mainland

mu
n. : the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

mu
n. Chia mu ssu
Mu tan chiang
Wu lu mu ch'i

Mubarak
n. (Muhammad) Hosni 1929-     pres. of Egypt (1981-    )

muc
1 : mucus <mucoprotein>
2 : mucous and <mucocutaneous>

much
n. 1 a : great in quantity, amount, extent, or degree <there is much truth in what you say> <taken too much time> b : great in importance or significance <nothing much happened>
2 obsolete : many in number
3 : more than is expected or acceptable : more than enough <the large pizza is a bit much for one person>
–too much
1 : WONDERFUL, EXCITING
2 : TERRIBLE, AWFUL

much
n. 1 a (1) : to a great degree or extent : CONSIDERABLY <much happier> (2) : VERY <much gratified> b (1) : FREQUENTLY, OFTEN <much away from home> (2) : by or for a long time <didn't get to work much before noon> c : by far <was much the brightest student>
2 : NEARLY, APPROXIMATELY <looks much the way his father did>
–as much
1 : the same in quantity <not quite as much money>
2 : to the same degree <likes baseball almost as much as he likes golf>

much
n. 1 : a great quantity, amount, extent, or degree <gave away much>
2 : something considerable or impressive

much
n. a bit much
make much of
too much
as much
much as
much less
much of a muchness
pretty much
so much
so much as
think much of
at the most
make the most of
at most
Most Reverend
for the most part
bite off more than one can chew
more and more
more or less
what's more
more suo
Beloye More
Glen More

much as
: however much : even though

much less
: not to mention ― used especially in negative contexts to add to one item another denoting something less likely <can hardly grow, much less ripen, till the stock is in the earth ― Jonathan Swift>

much of a muchness
very much the same

muchacho
n. 1 chiefly Southwest : a male servant
2 chiefly Southwest : a young man

muchness
n. : the quality or state of being great in quantity, extent, or degree
–much of a muchness : very much the same

mucilage
n. 1 : a gelatinous substance of various plants (as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums
2 : an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used especially as an adhesive

mucilaginous
adj. 1 : STICKY, VISCID
2 : of, relating to, full of, or secreting mucilage
–mu·ci·lag·i·nous·ly adverb

mucin
n. : any of various mucoproteins that occur especially in secretions of mucous membranes
–mu·cin·ous \-sən-əs, 'myüs-nəs\ adjective

muck
n. 1 : soft moist farmyard manure
2 : slimy dirt or filth
3 a : defamatory remarks or writings b : RUBBISH, NONSENSE <mindless muck>
4 a (1) : dark highly organic soil (2) : MIRE, MUD b : something resembling muck : GUNK
5 : material removed in the process of excavating or mining
–mucky \'mə-kē\ adjective

muck
n. 1 a : to clean up especially : to clear of manure or filth ― usually used with out b : to clear of muck
2 : to dress (as soil) with muck
3 : to dirty with or as if with muck : SOIL
intransitive verb
1 : to move or load muck (as in a mine)
2 a : to engage in aimless activity ― usually used with about or around b : PUTTER, TINKER ― usually used with about or around <mucking around with his computer> c : INTERFERE, MEDDLE ― usually used with about or around
–muck·er noun

muck
n. high muck a muck
high muckety muck
muckety muck
mucky muck
muck a muck
muck up

muck up
: to make a mess of : BUNGLE, SPOIL

muckety-muck
: an important and often arrogant person

muckrake
v. : to search out and publicly expose real or apparent misconduct of a prominent individual or business
–muck·rak·er noun

mucocutaneous
adj. : made up of or involving both typical skin and mucous membrane

mucoid
adj. : resembling mucus

mucoid
adj. : MUCOPROTEIN

mucolytic
adj. : hydrolyzing glycosaminoglycans : tending to break down or lower the viscosity of mucin-containing body secretions or components <mucolytic enzymes>

mucopeptide
: PEPTIDOGLYCAN

mucopolysaccharide
n. : GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN

mucoprotein
n. : any of various complex conjugated proteins (as mucins) that contain polysaccharides and occur in body fluids and tissues

mucosa
n. : MUCOUS MEMBRANE
–mu·co·sal \-zəl\ adjective

mucous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling mucus
2 : secreting or containing mucus
3 : covered with or as if with mucus : SLIMY

mucous membrane
: a membrane rich in mucous glands specifically : one that lines body passages and cavities which communicate directly or indirectly with the exterior

mucro
n. : an abrupt sharp terminal point or tip or process (as of a leaf)
–mu·cro·nate \'myü-krə-ˌnāt\ adjective

mucus
n. : a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

mud
1 : a slimy sticky mixture of solid material with a liquid and especially water especially : soft wet earth
2 : abusive and malicious remarks or charges <political campaigners slinging mud at each other>
3 : ANATHEMA 1B ― usually used in the phrase one's name is mud
4 : a mixture of water, clay, and chemicals used in oil-well drilling and having various functions (as lubrication and cooling of the bit and flushing of rock particles to the surface)

mud
1 : to make muddy or turbid
2 : to treat or plaster with mud

mud
mud dauber
mud flap
mud puppy
mud turtle
stick in the mud

mud dauber
: any of various wasps (esp. family Sphecidae) that construct mud cells in which the female places an egg with spiders or insects paralyzed by a sting to serve as food for the larva

mud flap
: SPLASH GUARD

mud puppy
: a large No. American salamander (Necturus maculosus) that has external gills and is gray to rusty brown usually with bluish-black spots

mud turtle
: any of a genus (Kinosternon) of American bottom-dwelling freshwater turtles with two transverse hinges on the plastron

Mudanjiang
city NE China in S Heilongjiang on the Mudan River (310 mi or 496 km flowing NE into Songhua River) pop 571,705

mudbug
n. : CRAYFISH 1

muddle
n. transitive verb
1 : to make turbid or muddy
2 : to befog or stupefy especially with liquor
3 : to mix confusedly
4 : to make a mess of : BUNGLE
intransitive verb : to think or act in a confused aimless way
–mud·dler \'məd-lər, 'mə-dəl-ər\ noun

muddle
n. 1 : a state of especially mental confusion
2 : a confused mess
–mud·dly \'məd-lē, 'mə-dəl-ē\ adjective

muddle through
: to achieve a degree of success without much planning or effort

muddleheaded
adj. 1 : mentally confused
2 : INEPT, BUNGLING
–mud·dle·head·ed·ly adverb
–mud·dle·head·ed·ness noun

muddy
adj. 1 : morally impure : BASE
2 a : full of or covered with mud b : characteristic or suggestive of mud <a muddy flavor> <muddy colors> c : turbid with sediment
3 a : lacking in clarity or brightness : CLOUDY, DULL <a muddy recording> <eyes muddy with sleep> b : obscure in meaning : MUDDLED, CONFUSED <muddy thinking>
–mud·di·ly \'mə-də-lē\ adverb
–mud·di·ness \'mə-dē-nəs\ noun

muddy
adj. 1 : to soil or stain with or as if with mud
2 : to make turbid
3 : to make cloudy or dull
4 : CONFUSE
–muddy the waters : to make a situation more confusing or difficult

muddy the waters
to make a situation more confusing or difficult

Mudejar
n. : a Muslim living under a Christian king especially during the 8th to 11th centuries
–Mudejar adjective

mudflat
n. : a level tract lying at little depth below the surface of water or alternately covered and left bare by the tide

mudflow
n. : a moving mass of soil made fluid by rain or melting snow also : LAHAR

mudguard
n. 1 a : FENDER D b : SPLASH GUARD
2 : a strip of material applied to a shoe upper just above the sole for protection against dampness or as an ornament

mudra
n. : one of the symbolic hand gestures used in religious ceremonies and dances of India and in yoga

mudroom
n. : a room in a house designed especially for the shedding of dirty or wet footwear and clothing and located typically off the kitchen or in the basement

mudsill
n. 1 : a supporting sill (as of a building or bridge) resting directly on a base and especially the earth
2 : a person of the lowest social level

mudskipper
n. : any of several Asian and African gobies (genera Periophthalmus and Boleophthalmus) that are able to skip about actively over wet mud and sand

mudslinger
n. : one that uses offensive epithets and invective especially against a political opponent
–mud·sling·ing \-ˌsliŋ-iŋ\ noun

mudstone
n. : an indurated shale produced by the consolidation of mud

Muenster
n. : a semisoft cheese that may be bland or sharp in flavor

muesli
n. : a breakfast cereal of Swiss origin consisting of rolled oats, nuts, and fruit

muezzin
n. : a Muslim crier who calls the hour of daily prayers

muff
n. : a warm tubular covering for the hands

muff
n. transitive verb
1 : to handle awkwardly : BUNGLE
2 : to fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch
intransitive verb
1 : to act or do something stupidly or clumsily
2 : to muff a ball ― compare FUMBLE

muff
n. 1 : a bungling performance
2 : a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch

muffin
n. : a quick bread made of batter containing egg and baked in a pan having cuplike molds

muffle
n. 1 : to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : ENVELOP
2 obsolete : BLINDFOLD
3 a : to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound <muffle the oarlocks> b : to deaden the sound of
4 : KEEP DOWN, SUPPRESS <muffled her anger>

muffler
n. 1 a : a scarf worn around the neck b : something that hides or disguises
2 : a device to deaden noise especially : one forming part of the exhaust system of an automotive vehicle
–muf·flered adjective

muffuletta
: a sandwich made with round Italian bread and filled usually with cold cuts, cheese, and olive salad

mufti
n. : a professional jurist who interprets Muslim law

mufti
n. : ordinary dress as distinguished from that denoting an occupation or station <a priest in mufti> especially : civilian clothes when worn by a person in the armed forces

mug
n. 1 : a cylindrical drinking cup
2 a : the face or mouth of a person b : GRIMACE c : MUG SHOT
3 a chiefly British (1) : FOOL, BLOCKHEAD (2) : a person easily deceived b : PUNK, THUG
–mug·ful noun

mug
n. intransitive verb : to pose or make faces especially to attract attention or for a camera
transitive verb : PHOTOGRAPH

mug
n. 1 : to assault usually with intent to rob
2 : to attack suddenly : BUSHWHACK <got mugged in the press by his colleagues>
–mug·gee \ˌmə-'gē\ noun

mug
n. mug's game
mug shot
mug up

mug shot
: a photograph of usually a person's head and especially face specifically : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

mug up
British : to study intensively (as for an examination)
transitive verb : to work up by study

mug's game
: a profitless or futile activity

Mugabe
n. Robert Gabriel 1924-     prime min. of Zimbabwe (1980-87); executive pres. (1987-    )

mugger
n. : a usually harmless freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) of the Indian subcontinent with a broad heavy snout

mugger
n. : one who attacks with intent to rob

mugger
n. : one that grimaces especially before an audience

Muggeridge
Malcolm Thomas 1903-1990 Brit. writer & social critic

muggy
adj. : being warm, damp, and close
–mug·gi·ness \'mə-gē-nəs\ noun

Mughal
n. variant of mogul

mugho pine
: a shrubby spreading European pine (Pinus mugo) widely cultivated as an ornamental ― called also mugo pine

Mugu, Point
cape SW Calif. W of Los Angeles

mugwort
n. 1 : any of several artemisias especially : a Eurasian perennial herb (Artemisia vulgaris) that is naturalized in No. America and has aromatic leaves used in folk medicine and to flavor beverages
2 : the leaves of a mugwort ― compare moxa

mugwump
n. 1 : a bolter from the Republican party in 1884
2 : a person who is independent (as in politics) or who remains undecided or neutral

Muhammad
n. ca 570-632 Abū al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn 'Abd Allāh ibn 'Abd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim Arab prophet & founder of Islam

Muhammad
n. Elijah 1897-1975 orig. surname Poole American religious leader

Muhammad
n. d 1527 Abū 'Abd Allāh Muḥammad Sp. Bo·ab·dil \bō-äv-'dēl\ last sultan of Granada

Muhammadan
n. : of or relating to Muhammad or Islam
–Muhammadan noun
–Mu·ham·mad·an·ism \-də-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Muhammadan calendar
: ISLAMIC CALENDAR

Muhammadan era
: ISLAMIC ERA

Muharram
n. 1 : the first month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table
2 : a Muslim festival held during Muharram

Muhlenberg
Henry Melchior 1711-1787 American (Ger.-born) Lutheran clergyman

Muir
n. John 1838-1914 American (Scot.-born) naturalist

Muir Woods National Monument
n. reservation N Calif. NW of San Francisco containing a redwood grove

Muizenberg
town Republic of South Africa on False Bay, SSE suburb of Cape Town

mujahideen
: Islamic guerrilla fighters especially in the Middle East

mujik
variant of muzhik

Mukalla
― see AL MUKALLA

Mukden
n. ― see SHENYANG

Mukha, Al
― see MOCHA

mukluk
n. 1 : a sealskin or reindeer-skin boot worn by Eskimos
2 : a boot often of duck with a soft leather sole and worn over several pairs of socks

muktuk
n. : whale skin used for food

mulatto
n. 1 : the first-generation offspring of a black person and a white person
2 : a person of mixed white and black ancestry

mulberry
n. 1 : any of a genus (Morus of the family Moraceae, the mulberry family) of trees with an edible usually purple multiple fruit that is an aggregate of juicy one-seeded drupes also : the fruit
2 : a dark purple or purplish black

mulch
n. : a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean
–mulch transitive verb

mulct
n. : FINE, PENALTY

mulct
n. 1 : to punish by a fine
2 a : to defraud especially of money : SWINDLE b : to obtain by fraud, duress, or theft

mule
n. 1 a : a hybrid between a horse and a donkey especially : the offspring of a male donkey and a mare b : a self-sterile plant whether hybrid or not c : a usually sterile hybrid
2 : a very stubborn person
3 : a machine for simultaneously drawing and twisting fiber into yarn or thread and winding it into cops
4 slang : a person who smuggles or delivers illicit substances (as drugs)

mule
n. : a shoe or slipper without quarter or heel strap ― compare SCUFF

mule deer
: a long-eared deer (Odocoileus hemionus) of western No. America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

mule skinner
: MULETEER

muleta
n. : a small cloth attached to a short tapered stick and used by a matador in place of the large cape during the final stage of a bullfight

muleteer
n. : one who drives mules

muley
adj. : POLLED, HORNLESS especially : naturally hornless

Mulheim
city W Germany on Ruhr River pop 177,042

Mulhouse
n. commune NE France in Alsace pop 110,141

muliebrity
n. : FEMININITY

mulish
adj. : unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate
synonyms see OBSTINATE
–mul·ish·ly adverb
–mul·ish·ness noun

Mull
n. island W Scotland in the Inner Hebrides area 351 sq mi (913 sq km), pop 1499

mull
n. transitive verb
1 : to grind or mix thoroughly : PULVERIZE
2 : to consider at length : PONDER ― often used with over
intransitive verb : MEDITATE, PONDER

mull
n. : to heat, sweeten, and flavor (as wine or cider) with spices

mull
n. : a soft fine sheer fabric of cotton, silk, or rayon

mull
n. 1 : friable forest humus that forms a layer of mixed organic matter and mineral soil and merges gradually into the mineral soil beneath
2 : a finely powdered solid especially in a suspension

mullah
n. : an educated Muslim trained in traditional religious law and doctrine and usually holding an official post
–mul·lah·ism \-lə-ˌi-zəm\ noun

mullein
n. : any of a genus (Verbascum) of usually woolly-leaved Eurasian herbs of the snapdragon family including some that are naturalized in No. America

mullein pink
: an Old World herb (Lychnis coronaria) of the pink family cultivated chiefly for its woolly herbage and crimson flowers

Muller
n. Hermann Joseph 1890-1967 American geneticist

Muller
n. (Friedrich) Max 1823-1900 Brit. (Ger.-born) philologist

Muller
n. Johann 1436-1476 Regiomontanus Ger. astron.

Muller
n. Karl Alexander 1927-     Swiss physicist

Muller
n. Paul Hermann 1899-1965 Swiss chem.

muller
n. : a stone or piece of wood, metal, or glass used as a pestle for pounding or grinding

Mullerian
: of, relating to, or being mimicry that exists between two or more inedible or dangerous species (as of butterflies) and that is considered in evolutionary theory to be a mechanism reducing loss to predation by simplification of the recognition process by predators

mullet
n. : any of a family (Mugilidae) of chiefly marine bony fishes with an elongate rather stout body ― compare GOATFISH, RED MULLET

mulligan
n. : a free shot sometimes given a golfer in informal play when the previous shot was poorly played

mulligan stew
: a stew made from whatever ingredients are available

mulligatawny
n. : a rich soup usually of chicken stock seasoned with curry

Mulliken
Robert Sanderson 1896-1986 Am. chem. & physicist

Mullingar
n. town N cen Ireland capital of Westmeath pop 8077

mullion
n. : a slender vertical member that forms a division between units of a window, door, or screen or is used decoratively
–mullion transitive verb

Mullis
Kary Banks 1944-     American biochem.

mullite
: a mineral that is an orthorhombic silicate of aluminum which is resistant to corrosion and heat and is used as a refractory

Mulroney
n. (Martin) Brian 1939-     Canad. polit.; prime min. (1984-93)

Multan
n. city NE Pakistan SW of Lahore pop 1,197,384

multi
1 a : many : multiple : much <multivalent> b : more than two <multilateral> c : more than one <multiparous> <multibillion>
2 : many times over <multimillionaire>
mul·ti·age
mul·ti·agen·cy
mul·ti·armed
mul·ti·at·om
mul·ti·au·thor
mul·ti·au·thored
mul·ti·ax·i·al
mul·ti·band
mul·ti·bank
mul·ti·bar·rel
mul·ti·bar·reled
mul·ti·bil·lion
mul·ti·bil·lion·aire
mul·ti·blad·ed
mul·ti·branched
mul·ti·build·ing
mul·ti·but·ton
mul·ti·cam·pus
mul·ti·can·di·date
mul·ti·car
mul·ti·car·bon
mul·ti·caus·al
mul·ti·cell
mul·ti·celled
mul·ti·cel·lu·lar
mul·ti·cel·lu·lar·i·ty
mul·ti·chain
mul·ti·cham·bered
mul·ti·chan·nel
mul·ti·char·ac·ter
mul·ti·city
mul·ti·cli·ent
mul·ti·coat·ed
mul·ti·col·or
mul·ti·col·ored
mul·ti·col·umn
mul·ti·com·po·nent
mul·ti·con·duc·tor
mul·ti·coun·ty
mul·ti·course
mul·ti·cur·ren·cy
mul·ti·day
mul·ti·de·nom·i·na·tion·al
mul·ti·di·a·lec·tal
mul·ti·di·men·sion·al
mul·ti·di·men·sion·al·i·ty
mul·ti·di·rec·tion·al
mul·ti·disc
mul·ti·dis·ci·plin·ary
mul·ti·dis·ci·pline
mul·ti·di·vi·sion·al
mul·ti·drug
mul·ti·elec·trode
mul·ti·el·e·ment
mul·ti·em·ploy·er
mul·ti·en·gine
mul·ti·fam·i·ly
mul·ti·fea·tured
mul·ti·fil·a·ment
mul·ti·flash
mul·ti·fo·cal
mul·ti·fre·quen·cy
mul·ti·front
mul·ti·func·tion
mul·ti·func·tion·al
mul·ti·gen·er·a·tion·al
mul·ti·gen·ic
mul·ti·grade
mul·ti·grain
mul·ti·grid
mul·ti·group
mul·ti·hand·i·capped
mul·ti·head·ed
mul·ti·hom·er
mul·ti·hos·pi·tal
mul·ti·hued
mul·ti-in·dus·try
mul·ti-in·sti·tu·tion·al
mul·ti·lane
mul·ti·lev·el
mul·ti·lev·eled
mul·ti·line
mul·ti·lobed
mul·ti·lo·ca·tion
mul·ti·mega·ton
mul·ti·mega·watt
mul·ti·mem·ber
mul·ti·me·tal·lic
mul·ti·mil·len·ni·al
mul·ti·mil·lion
mul·ti·mil·lion·aire
mul·ti·mil·lion·air·ess
mul·ti·mode
mul·ti·mo·lec·u·lar
mul·ti·na·tion
mul·ti·nu·cle·ar
mul·ti·nu·cle·ate
mul·ti·nu·cle·at·ed
mul·ti·or·gas·mic
mul·ti·page
mul·ti·paned
mul·ti·pa·ram·e·ter
mul·ti·part
mul·ti·par·ti·cle
mul·ti·par·ty
mul·ti·path
mul·ti·phase
mul·ti·phasic
mul·ti·pho·ton
mul·ti·pic·ture
mul·ti·piece
mul·ti·plant
mul·ti·play·er
mul·ti·pole
mul·ti·pow·er
mul·ti·prob·lem
mul·ti·prod·uct
mul·ti·pur·pose
mul·ti·range
mul·ti·re·gion·al
mul·ti·re·li·gious
mul·ti·room
mul·ti·screen
mul·ti·ser·vice
mul·ti·sid·ed
mul·ti·site
mul·ti·size
mul·ti·skilled
mul·ti·source
mul·ti·spe·cies
mul·ti·speed
mul·ti·sport
mul·ti·stemmed
mul·ti·step
mul·ti·sto·ried
mul·ti·sto·ry
mul·ti·strand·ed
mul·ti·syl·lab·ic
mul·ti·sys·tem
mul·ti·tal·ent·ed
mul·ti·ter·mi·nal
mul·ti·tiered
mul·ti·ton
mul·ti·tone
mul·ti·tow·ered
mul·ti·track
mul·ti·tril·lion
mul·ti·union
mul·ti·unit
mul·ti·use
mul·ti·valve
mul·ti·voiced
mul·ti·vol·ume
mul·ti·wall
mul·ti·war·head
mul·ti·wave·length
mul·ti·year

multi
adj. multi instrumentalist
multi ply
multi institutional
multi industry
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

multi-instrumentalist
: a musician who plays two or more instruments

multi-ply
: composed of several plies

multicenter
: involving more than one medical or research institution <a multicenter clinical study>
–mul·ti·cen·tered \-tərd\ adjective

multiculti
: MULTICULTURAL

multicultural
adj. : of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures <a multicultural society> <multicultural education> <a multicultural menu>
–mul·ti·cul·tur·al·ism \-rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–mul·ti·cul·tur·al·ist \-rə-list\ noun or adjective
–mul·ti·cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

multienzyme
: composed of or involving two or more enzymes that function in a biosynthetic pathway <multienzyme complex>

multiethnic
adj. : made up of people of various ethnicities <a multiethnic country> also : of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse ethnicities <multiethnic literature>
–mul·ti·eth·nic·i·ty \-ˌeth-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

multifaceted
adj. : having many facets or aspects

multifactorial
adj. 1 : having characters or a mode of inheritance dependent on a number of genes at different loci
2 or mul·ti·fac·tor \-'fak-tər\ : having, involving, or produced by a variety of elements or causes
–mul·ti·fac·to·ri·al·ly \-fak-'tȯr-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

multifarious
adj. : having or occurring in great variety : DIVERSE
–mul·ti·far·i·ous·ness noun

multiflora rose
: a vigorous thorny rose (Rosa multiflora) with clusters of small flowers

multifold
adj. : MANY, NUMEROUS

multiform
adj. : having many forms or appearances
–mul·ti·for·mi·ty \ˌməl-ti-'fȯr-mə-tē\ noun

multigerm
: producing or being a fruit cluster capable of giving rise to several plants <a multigerm variety of sugar beet>

multihull
n. : a vessel (as a catamaran or trimaran) with multiple side-by-side hulls ― compare MONOHULL
–mul·ti·hulled \-ˌhəld\ adjective

multilateral
adj. 1 : having many sides
2 : involving or participated in by more than two nations or parties <multilateral agreements>
–mul·ti·lat·er·al·ism \-'la-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–mul·ti·lat·er·al·ist \-list\ noun
–mul·ti·lat·er·al·ly adverb

multilayered
adj. : having or involving several distinct layers, strata, or levels

multilingual
adj. 1 : of, having, or expressed in several languages <a multilingual sign> <multilingual dictionaries>
2 : using or able to use several languages especially with equal fluency <multilingual translators>
–mul·ti·lin·gual·ism \-gwə-ˌli-zəm, -gyə-wə-\ noun
–mul·ti·lin·gual·ly \-gwə-lē, -gyə-wə-lē\ adverb

multimedia
n. : using, involving, or encompassing several media <a multimedia approach to learning>

multimedia
n. : a technique (as the combining of sound, video, and text) for expressing ideas (as in communication, entertainment, or art) in which several media are employed also : something (as software) using or facilitating such a technique

multimodal
: having or involving several modes, modalities, or maxima <multimodal distributions> <multimodal therapy>

multinational
n. 1 : of or relating to more than two nationalities <a multinational society>
2 a : of, relating to, or involving more than two nations <a multinational alliance> b : having divisions in more than two countries <a multinational corporation>
–multinational noun

multinomial
n. : a mathematical expression that consists of the sum of several terms : POLYNOMIAL
–multinomial adjective

multipack
n. : a package of several individually packed items sold as a unit

multiparous
adj. 1 : producing many or more than one at a birth
2 : having experienced one or more previous parturitions

multipartite
adj. 1 : divided into several or many parts
2 : having numerous members or signatories <a multipartite treaty>

multiplatinum
: having sold two million or more copies of an album

multiple
n. 1 : consisting of, including, or involving more than one <multiple births>
2 : MANY, MANIFOLD <multiple achievements>
3 : shared by many <multiple ownership>
4 : having numerous aspects or functions : VARIOUS
5 : being a group of terminals which make a circuit available at a number of points
6 : formed by coalescence of the ripening ovaries of several flowers <a multiple fruit>

multiple
n. 1 a : the product of a quantity by an integer <35 is a multiple of 7> b : something in units of more than one or two
2 : PARALLEL 4B
3 chiefly British : CHAIN STORE

multiple
n. common multiple
least common multiple
lowest common multiple
multiple allele
multiple choice
multiple factor
multiple myeloma
multiple regression
multiple sclerosis
multiple star
multiple store
multiple valued
multiple chemical sensitivity
multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome
multiple personality disorder
multiple personality

multiple allele
: an allele of a genetic locus having more than two allelic forms within a population

multiple chemical sensitivity
: a variable group of symptoms (as tachycardia, sweating, fatigue, nausea, trembling, and difficulty concentrating) that typically occur in susceptible individuals upon exposure to low concentrations of usually harmless chemicals ― called also multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome ― compare SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

multiple factor
: one of a group of nonallelic genes that according to the multiple-factor hypothesis control various quantitative hereditary characters

multiple myeloma
: a disease of bone marrow that is characterized by the presence of numerous myelomas in various bones of the body

multiple personality disorder
: a hysterical neurosis in which the personality becomes dissociated into two or more distinct but complex and socially and behaviorally integrated parts each of which becomes dominant and controls behavior from time to time to the exclusion of the others ― called also multiple personality ― compare SCHIZOPHRENIA, SPLIT PERSONALITY

multiple regression
: regression in which one variable is estimated by the use of more than one other variable

multiple sclerosis
: a demyelinating disease marked by patches of hardened tissue in the brain or the spinal cord and associated especially with partial or complete paralysis and jerking muscle tremor

multiple star
: several stars in close proximity that appear to form a single system

multiple store
chiefly British : CHAIN STORE

multiple-choice
1 : having several answers from which one is to be chosen <a multiple-choice question>
2 : composed of multiple-choice questions <a multiple-choice test>

multiple-valued
: having at least one and sometimes more of the values of the range associated with each value of the domain <a multiple-valued function> ― compare SINGLE-VALUED

multiplet
n. 1 : a spectrum line having several components
2 : a group of elementary particles that are different in charge but similar in other properties (as mass)

multiplex
n. 1 : MANY, MULTIPLE
2 : being or relating to a system of transmitting several messages or signals simultaneously on the same circuit or channel

multiplex
n. : to send (messages or signals) by a multiplex system
intransitive verb : to multiplex messages or signals
–mul·ti·plex·er also mul·ti·plex·or \-ˌplek-sər\ noun

multiplex
n. : a complex that houses several movie theaters

multiplicand
n. : the number that is to be multiplied by another

multiplication
n. 1 : the act or process of multiplying : the state of being multiplied
2 a : a mathematical operation that at its simplest is an abbreviated process of adding an integer to itself a specified number of times and that is extended to other numbers in accordance with laws that are valid for integers b : any of various mathematical operations that are analogous in some way to multiplication of the real numbers but are defined for other or larger sets of elements (as complex numbers, vectors, matrices, or functions)

multiplication sign
: a symbol used to indicate multiplication: a : TIMES SIGN b : DOT 2B

multiplicative
adj. 1 : tending or having the power to multiply
2 : of, relating to, or associated with a mathematical operation of multiplication <the multiplicative property of 0 requires that a·0 = 0 and 0·a = 0>
–mul·ti·pli·ca·tive·ly adverb

multiplicative identity
: an identity element (as 1 in the group of rational numbers without 0) that in a given mathematical system leaves unchanged any element by which it is multiplied

multiplicative inverse
: an element of a mathematical set that when multiplied by a given element yields the identity element ― called also reciprocal

multiplicity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being multiple or various b : the number of components in a system (as a multiplet or a group of energy levels)
2 : a great number
3 : the number of times a root of an equation or zero of a function occurs when there is more than one root or zero <the multiplicity of x = 2 for the equation (x - 2)3 = 0 is 3>

multiplier
n. : one that multiplies: as a : a number by which another number is multiplied b : an instrument or device for multiplying or intensifying some effect c : a machine, mechanism, or circuit that multiplies figures

multiply
v. transitive verb
1 : to increase in number especially greatly or in multiples : AUGMENT
2 a : to find the product of by multiplication <multiply 7 and 8> b : to use as a multiplicand in multiplication with another number <multiply 7 by 8>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become greater in number : SPREAD b : BREED, PROPAGATE
2 : to perform multiplication
synonyms see INCREASE

multiply
v. : in a multiple manner : in several ways <multiply talented children>

multipolar
adj. 1 : having several poles <a multipolar generator> <multipolar mitoses>
2 : having several dendrites <multipolar neurons>
3 : characterized by more than two centers of power or interest <a multipolar world>
–mul·ti·po·lar·i·ty \-pō-'la-rə-tē\ noun

multipotential
: having the potential of becoming any of several mature cell types <multipotential stem cell>

multiprocessing
n. : the processing of several computer programs at the same time especially by a computer system with two or more processors sharing a single memory
–mul·ti·pro·ces·sor \-sər\ noun

multiprogramming
n. : the technique of utilizing several interleaved programs concurrently in a single computer system

multipronged
1 : having several prongs <multipronged fishing spears>
2 : having several distinct aspects or elements <a multipronged attack on the problem>

multiracial
adj. : composed of, involving, or representing various races
–mul·ti·ra·cial·ism \-shə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

multisense
adj. : having several meanings <multisense words>

multisensory
adj. : relating to or involving several physiological senses <multisensory experiences>

multispectral
n. : of or relating to two or more ranges of frequencies or wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum

multistage
adj. 1 : having successive operating stages especially : having propulsion units that operate in turn <multistage rockets>
2 : conducted by or occurring in stages <a multistage investigation>

multistate
adj. 1 : having divisions in several states <multistate enterprises>
2 : of, relating to, or involving several states

multitasking
n. 1 : the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer
2 : the performance of multiple tasks at one time
–mul·ti·task \-ˌtask\ intransitive verb
–mul·ti·task·er \-ˌtas-kər\ noun

multituberculate
n. : any of an order (Multituberculata) of relatively small extinct mammals of the Mesozoic and early Cenozoic that typically resembled rodents, had many-cusped molars, and have no known living descendants

multitude
n. 1 : the state of being many
2 : a great number : HOST
3 : a great number of people
4 : POPULACE, PUBLIC

multitudinous
adj. 1 : including a multitude of individuals : POPULOUS <the multitudinous city>
2 : existing in a great multitude <multitudinous opportunities>
3 : existing in or consisting of innumerable elements or aspects <multitudinous applause>
–mul·ti·tu·di·nous·ly adverb
–mul·ti·tu·di·nous·ness noun

multiuser
adj. : able to be used by more than one person simultaneously

multivalence
n. : the quality or state of having many values, meanings, or appeals

multivalent
adj. 1 : POLYVALENT
2 : represented more than twice in the somatic chromosome number <multivalent chromosomes>
3 : having many values, meanings, or appeals
–multivalent noun

multivariable
: MULTIVARIATE

multivariate
adj. : having or involving a number of independent mathematical or statistical variables <multivariate calculus> <multivariate data analysis>

multiversity
n. : a very large university with many component schools, colleges, or divisions and widely diverse functions

multivitamin
n. : containing several vitamins and especially all known to be essential to health <a multivitamin pill>

multivitamin
n. : a multivitamin preparation

multivoltine
: having several broods in a season <multivoltine insects>

Multnomah Falls
waterfall 620 ft (189 m) NW Oreg. E of Portland in a tributary of Columbia River

multum in parvo
: much in little

multure
n. chiefly Scottish : a fee for grinding grain at a mill

mum
n. : SILENT <keep mum>

mum
n. 1 : to perform in a pantomime
2 : to go about merrymaking in disguise during festivals

mum
n. : a strong ale or beer

mum
n. chiefly British variant of mom

mum
n. : CHRYSANTHEMUM

Mumbai
n. ― see BOMBAY 2

mumble
v. intransitive verb : to utter words in a low confused indistinct manner : MUTTER
transitive verb
1 : to utter with a low inarticulate voice
2 : to chew or bite with or as if with toothless gums
–mumble noun
–mum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–mum·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

mumblety-peg
: a game in which the players try to flip a knife from various positions so that the blade will stick into the ground

mumbo jumbo
1 : an object of superstitious homage and fear
2 a : a complicated often ritualistic observance with elaborate trappings b : complicated activity or language usually intended to obscure and confuse
3 : unnecessarily involved and incomprehensible language : GIBBERISH
4 : language, behavior, or beliefs based on superstition

Mumford
Lewis 1895-1990 American writer

mummer
n. 1 : a performer in a pantomime broadly : ACTOR
2 : one who goes merrymaking in disguise during festivals

mummery
n. 1 : a performance by mummers
2 : a ridiculous, hypocritical, or pretentious ceremony or performance

mummichog
n. : a common killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus of the family Cyprinodontidae) of eastern No. America

mummify
v. transitive verb
1 : to embalm and dry as or as if a mummy
2 a : to make into or like a mummy b : to cause to dry up and shrivel
intransitive verb : to dry up and shrivel like a mummy
–mum·mi·fi·ca·tion \ˌmə-mi-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

mummy
n. 1 a : a body embalmed or treated for burial with preservatives in the manner of the ancient Egyptians b : a body unusually well preserved
2 : one resembling a mummy

mummy
n. chiefly British variant of mommy

mumps
n. : an acute contagious virus disease caused by a paramyxovirus (species Mumps virus of the genus Rubulavirus) and marked by fever and by swelling especially of the parotid gland

mun
v. municipal

Munch
n. Charles 1891-1968 Alsatian-born conductor

Munch
n. Edvard 1863-1944 Norw. painter

munch
n. transitive verb : to eat with a chewing action <many a mouthful is munched in private ― Washington Irving> also : to snack on <drank coffee and munched homemade cookies ― Lady Bird Johnson>
intransitive verb : to eat or chew something also : SNACK ― usually used with on
–munch·er noun

Munchausen
n. Munchausen syndrome
Munchausen's syndrome
Munchausen syndrome by proxy
Munchausen's syndrome by proxy

Munchausen syndrome
: a psychological disorder characterized by the feigning of the symptoms of a disease or injury in order to undergo diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or medical or surgical treatment ― called also Munchausen's syndrome

Munchausen syndrome by proxy
: a psychological disorder in which a parent and typically a mother harms her child (as by poisoning), falsifies the child's medical history, or tampers with the child's medical specimens in order to create a situation that requires or seems to require medical attention ― called also Munchausen's syndrome by proxy

Munchen-Gladbach
― see MÖNCHENGLADBACH

Munchhausen
Karl Friedrich Hieronymus von 1720-1797 Baron Mun·chau·sen \'mən-ˌchau̇-zən, 'mu̇n-\ Ger. hunter, soldier, & raconteur

munchies
n. 1 : hunger pangs
2 : light snack foods

munchkin
n. : a person who is notably small and often endearing

Muncie
city E cen Ind. pop 67,430

Munda
n. : a branch of the Austroasiatic language family spoken by tribal peoples of central and eastern India

mundane
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the world
2 : characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary : COMMONPLACE <the mundane concerns of day-to-day life>
synonyms see EARTHLY
–mun·dane·ly adverb
–mun·dane·ness \-'dān-nəs, -ˌdān-\ noun
–mun·dan·i·ty \ˌmən-'dā-nə-tē\ noun

Mundelein
village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 30,935

Mundell
Robert A. 1932-     American (Canad.-born) econ.

mundi
anno mundi
axis mundi
contemptus mundi
sic transit gloria mundi

mundungus
archaic : foul-smelling tobacco

mung bean
: an erect bushy annual bean (Vigna radiata syn. Phaseolus aureus) that is widely cultivated in warm regions for its edible usually green or yellow seeds, for forage, and as the chief source of bean sprouts also : its seed

mungo
n. : reclaimed wool of poor quality and very short staple

muni
: MUNICIPAL

Munich
n. city S Germany capital of Bavaria on the Isar pop 1,229,052

municipal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the internal affairs of a major political unit (as a nation)
2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a municipality b : having local self-government
3 : restricted to one locality

municipal
adj. : a security issued by a state or local government or by an authority set up by such a government ― usually used in plural

municipal court
1 : a court that sits in some cities and larger towns and that usually has civil and criminal jurisdiction over cases arising within the municipality
2 : POLICE COURT

municipality
n. 1 : a primarily urban political unit having corporate status and usually powers of self-government
2 : the governing body of a municipality

municipalize
v. : to bring under municipal ownership or supervision <a plan to municipalize utilities>
–mu·nic·i·pal·i·za·tion \-ˌni-s(ə-)pə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

municipally
adv. : by or in terms of a municipality <municipally owned property>

munificent
adj. 1 : very liberal in giving or bestowing : LAVISH
2 : characterized by great liberality or generosity
synonyms see LIBERAL
–mu·nif·i·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun
–mu·nif·i·cent·ly adverb

muniment
n. 1 : the evidence (as documents) that enables one to defend the title to an estate or a claim to rights and privileges ― usually used in plural
2 archaic : a means of defense

munition
n. 1 archaic : RAMPART, DEFENSE
2 : ARMAMENT, AMMUNITION
–munition transitive verb

Munoz Marin
Luis 1898-1980 Puerto Rican polit.

Munro
n. Alice 1931-     née Laidlaw Canad. writer

Munro
n. Hector Hugh 1870-1916 pseud. Saki Scot. writer

Munster
n. variant of muenster

Munster
n. province S Ireland area 9316 sq mi (24,168 sq km), pop 1,100,614

Munster
n. city W Germany; formerly capital of Westphalia pop 264,181

Munsterberg
Hugo 1863-1916 American (Ger.-born) psychol.

Muntenia
region SE Romania in E part of Walachia

muntin
n. : a strip separating panes of glass in a sash

muntjac
n. : any of a genus (Muntiacus) of small deer of southeastern Asia with a cry similar to the bark of a dog and having in the male upper canine teeth elongated into small tusks ― called also barking deer

muon
n. : an unstable lepton that is common in the cosmic radiation near the earth's surface, has a mass about 207 times the mass of the electron, and exists in negative and positive forms
–mu·on·ic \myü-'ä-nik\ adjective

muonium
: a short-lived quasi-atom consisting of an electron and a positive muon

Mur
river 279 mi (449 km) Austria, NE Slovenia, & N tip of Croatia flowing into the Drava

Murad
Ferid 1936-     American pharmacologist

mural
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a wall
2 : applied to and made integral with a wall or ceiling surface

mural
n. : a mural work of art (as a painting)
–mu·ral·ist \-ə-list\ noun

muramic acid
: an amino sugar C_9H_17NO_7 that is a lactic acid derivative of glucosamine and is found especially in bacterial cell walls

Murasaki
Shikibu 978?-?1026 Jp. court lady & nov.

Murat
n. Joachim 1767-1815 Fr. gen.; marshal of France; king of Naples (1808-15)

Murat
n. river 380 mi (612 km) E Turkey flowing WSW into the Euphrates

Murchison
river 440 mi (708 km) Australia in W Western Australia flowing W into Indian Ocean

Murchison Falls
― see KABALEGA FALLS

Murcia
n. 1 region & ancient kingdom SE Spain bordering on the Mediterranean
2 province SE Spain bordering on the Mediterranean area 4369 sq mi (11,316 sq km), pop 1,197,646
3 commune, its capital & capital of ancient kingdom of Murcia pop 370,745

murder
n. 1 : the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought
2 a : something very difficult or dangerous <the traffic was murder> b : something outrageous or blameworthy <getting away with murder>

murder
n. transitive verb
1 : to kill (a human being) unlawfully and with premeditated malice
2 : to slaughter wantonly : SLAY
3 a : to put an end to b : TEASE, TORMENT c : MUTILATE, MANGLE <murders French> d : to defeat badly
intransitive verb : to commit murder
synonyms see KILL

murderee
n. : an actual or potential victim of a murder

murderer
n. : one who murders especially : one who commits the crime of murder

murderess
n. : a woman who murders

murderous
adj. 1 a : having the purpose or capability of murder b : characterized by or causing murder or bloodshed
2 : having the ability or power to overwhelm : DEVASTATING <murderous heat>
–mur·der·ous·ly adverb
–mur·der·ous·ness noun

Murdoch
n. Dame (Jean) Iris 1919-1999 Brit. (Irish-born) writer

Murdoch
n. (Keith) Rupert 1931-     American (Austral.-born) newspaper publisher & media entrepreneur

murein
n. : PEPTIDOGLYCAN

Mures
n. river 450 mi (725 km) cen Romania & E Hungary flowing W into the Tisza

murex
n. : any of a genus (Murex of the family Muricidae) of marine gastropod mollusks having a rough and often spiny shell, abounding in tropical seas, and yielding a purple dye

Murfreesboro
city cen Tenn. pop 68,816

muriate
n. : CHLORIDE

muriatic acid
: HYDROCHLORIC ACID

murid
n. : of or relating to a family (Muridae) comprising the typical mice and rats and often those rodents classified as cricetids
–murid noun

Murillo
n. Bartolomé Esteban 1617-1682 Span. painter

murine
n. : of or relating to a murid genus (Mus) or its subfamily (Murinae) which includes the common household rats and mice also : of, relating to, or involving these rodents and especially the house mouse
–murine noun

murine typhus
: a mild disease that is marked especially by fever, headache, and rash, is caused by a rickettsia (Rickettsia typhi syn. R. mooseri), is widespread in nature in rodents, and is transmitted to humans by a flea

murk
n. : GLOOM, DARKNESS also : FOG
–murk adjective archaic

murky
adj. 1 : characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke
2 : characterized by thickness and heaviness of air : FOGGY, MISTY
3 : darkly vague or obscure <murky official rhetoric>
–murk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–murk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

Murmansk
n. city & port NW Russia in Europe on an inlet of Barents Sea pop 468,000

murmur
n. 1 : a half-suppressed or muttered complaint : GRUMBLING
2 a : a low indistinct but often continuous sound b : a soft or gentle utterance
3 : an atypical sound of the heart typically indicating a functional or structural abnormality

murmur
n. 1 : to make a murmur <the breeze murmured in the pines>
2 : COMPLAIN, GRUMBLE
transitive verb : to say in a murmur
–mur·mur·er noun

murmurous
adj. : filled with or characterized by murmurs : low and indistinct
–mur·mur·ous·ly adverb

Murphy
n. : any of various confidence games especially : one in which the victim believes he is paying for sex

Murphy
n. Frank 1890-1949 American jurist

Murphy
n. William Parry 1892-1987 American physician

Murphy bed
: a bed that may be folded or swung into a closet

Murphy's Law
: an observation: anything that can go wrong will go wrong

murrain
n. : a pestilence or plague especially affecting domestic animals

Murray
n. (George) Gilbert Aimé 1866-1957 Brit. classical scholar

Murray
n. Sir James Augustus Henry 1837-1915 Brit. lexicographer

Murray
n. Joseph Edward 1919-     American surgeon

Murray
n. Lindley 1745-1826 American grammarian

Murray
n. Philip 1886-1952 American labor leader

Murray
n. 1 city N Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 34,024
2 river 1609 mi (2589 km) SE Australia flowing from near Mt. Kosciusko in E Victoria W into Indian Ocean in SE S. Australia

murre
n. : any of a genus (Uria) of black-and-white alcids especially : a common seabird (U. aalge) of northern seas

murrelet
n. : any of several small alcids of No. Pacific islands and coasts

murrey
n. : a purplish black : MULBERRY

Murrieta
city S Calif. pop 44,282

Murrow
Edward Roscoe 1908-1965 American journalist

Murrumbidgee
n. river almost 1000 mi (1610 km) SE Australia in New South Wales flowing W into Murray River

murther
n. chiefly dialect variant of murder

Murviedro
― see SAGUNTO

mus
1 museum
2 music; musical; musician

Musa
Gebel Musa
Jebel Musa
Musa Gebel
Musa Jebel

Musa, Gebel
mountain group NE Egypt in S Sinai Peninsula ― see HOREB (Mount) KATHERINA (Gebel)

Musa, Jebel
mountain 2775 ft (846 m) N Morocco opposite Rock of Gibraltar ― see PILLARS OF HERCULES

muscadet
n. : a dry white wine from the Loire valley of France

muscadine
n. : a grape (Vitis rotundifolia) of the southern U.S. with musky fruits borne in small clusters also : the fruit

muscae volitantes
: FLOATER 6

muscarine
n. : a toxic alkaloid base [C_9H_20NO_2]+ that is biochemically related to acetylcholine, is found especially in fly agaric, and acts directly on smooth muscle

muscarinic
adj. : of, relating to, resembling, producing, or mediating the parasympathetic effects (as a slowed heart rate and increased activity of smooth muscle) produced by muscarine <muscarinic receptors> ― compare NICOTINIC

Muscat
n. ― see MASQAT

muscat
n. 1 : MUSCATEL
2 : any of several cultivated grapes used in making wine and raisins

Muscat and Oman
― see OMAN

muscatel
n. 1 : a sweet fortified wine from muscat grapes
2 : a raisin from muscat grapes

Muscatine
city E Iowa on the Mississippi pop 22,697

muscle
n. 1 a : a body tissue consisting of long cells that contract when stimulated and produce motion b : an organ that is essentially a mass of muscle tissue attached at either end to a fixed point and that by contracting moves or checks the movement of a body part
2 a : muscular strength : BRAWN b : effective strength : POWER <political muscle>

muscle
n. transitive verb : to move or force by or as if by muscular effort <muscled him out of office>
intransitive verb : to make one's way by brute strength or by force

muscle
n. antagonistic muscle
cardiac muscle
extraocular muscle
involuntary muscle
muscle bound
muscle car
muscle spindle
pectoral muscle
skeletal muscle
smooth muscle
striated muscle
voluntary muscle
flex one's muscles

muscle car
: any of a group of American-made 2-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving

muscle spindle
: a sensory end organ in a muscle that is sensitive to stretch in the muscle, consists of small striated muscle fibers richly supplied with nerve fibers, and is enclosed in a connective tissue sheath ― called also stretch receptor

muscle-bound
1 : having some of the muscles tense and enlarged and of impaired elasticity sometimes as a result of excessive exercise
2 : lacking in flexibility : RIGID

muscled
adj. : having muscles especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <hard-muscled arms>

muscleman
n. 1 : a man with a muscular physique
2 : BULLY 3

muscovite
n. 1 capitalized a : a native or resident of the ancient principality of Moscow or of the city of Moscow b : RUSSIAN
2 [muscovy (glass)] : a colorless to pale brown form of mica consisting of a silicate of aluminum and potassium
–Muscovite adjective

Muscovy
n. 1 the principality of Moscow (founded 1295) which in 15th century came to dominate Russia
2 ― see RUSSIA 1

Muscovy duck
: a large dark crested duck (Cairina moschata) of Central and So. America that is widely kept in domestication

muscul
1 : muscle <muscular>
2 : muscular and <musculoskeletal>

muscular
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting muscle b : of, relating to, or performed by the muscles
2 : having well-developed musculature
3 a : of or relating to physical strength : BRAWNY b : having strength of expression or character : VIGOROUS <muscular prose> c : characterized by forcefulness or resolve <muscular foreign policy> d : FULL-BODIED <muscular wines>
–mus·cu·lar·i·ty \ˌməs-kyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–mus·cu·lar·ly \'məs-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

muscular
adj. muscular dystrophy
Becker muscular dystrophy
Beck·er's muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

muscular dystrophy
: any of a group of hereditary diseases characterized by progressive wasting of muscles ― compare BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

musculature
n. : the muscles of all or a part of the animal body

musculoskeletal
adj. : of, relating to, or involving both musculature and skeleton

muse
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become absorbed in thought especially : to turn something over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively
2 archaic : WONDER, MARVEL
transitive verb : to think or say reflectively
synonyms see PONDER
–mus·er noun

muse
n. : a state of deep thought or dreamy abstraction

muse
n. 1 capitalized : any of the nine sister goddesses in Greek mythology presiding over song and poetry and the arts and sciences
2 : a source of inspiration especially : a guiding genius
3 : POET

musee imaginaire
: imaginary museum

museology
n. : the science or profession of museum organization and management
–mu·seo·log·i·cal \-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–mu·se·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

musette
n. 1 : a bellows-blown bagpipe popular in France in the 17th and 18th centuries
2 : a small knapsack also : a similar bag with one shoulder strap ― called also musette bag

museum
n. : an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value also : a place where objects are exhibited

museum piece
1 : something preserved in or suitable for a museum
2 : one that is out-of-date : a thing of the past

museumgoer
: a person who frequently goes to museums

mush
n. 1 : a thick porridge made with cornmeal boiled in water or milk
2 : something soft and spongy or shapeless
3 a : weak sentimentality : DRIVEL b : mawkish amorousness

mush
n. chiefly dialect : to reduce to a crumbly mass
intransitive verb of an airplane : to fly in a partly or nearly stalled condition
–mush·er noun

mush
n. : to travel especially over snow with a sled drawn by dogs ― often used as a command to a dog team
–mush·er noun

mush
n. : a trip especially across snow with a dog team

Musharraf
Pervez 1943-     Pakistani gen.; pres. of Pakistan (2001-  )

mushroom
n. 1 a : an enlarged complex aboveground fleshy fruiting body of a fungus (as a basidiomycete) that consists typically of a stem bearing a pileus especially : one that is edible b : FUNGUS
2 : UPSTART
3 : something resembling a mushroom

mushroom
n. 1 a : to well up and spread out laterally from a central source b : to become enlarged or extended : GROW
2 : to collect wild mushrooms
3 : to spring up suddenly or multiply rapidly

mushroom
n. morel mushroom
button mushroom
enoki mushroom
field mushroom
magic mushroom
meadow mushroom
mushroom cloud
oyster mushroom
sacred mushroom
straw mushroom

mushroom cloud
: a mushroom-shaped cloud specifically : one caused by the explosion of a nuclear weapon

mushy
adj. 1 a : having the consistency of mush : SOFT b : lacking in definition or precision
2 : excessively tender or emotional especially : mawkishly amorous
–mush·i·ly \'mə-shə-lē, 'mu̇-\ adverb
–mush·i·ness \'mə-shē-nəs, 'mu̇-\ noun

music
n. 1 a : the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity b : vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony
2 a : an agreeable sound : EUPHONY <her voice was music to my ears> b : musical quality <the music of verse>
3 : a musical accompaniment <a play set to music>
4 : the score of a musical composition set down on paper
5 : a distinctive type or category of music <there is a music for everybody ― Eric Salzman>

music
n. background music
chamber music
chin music
concrete music
country music
elevator music
face the music
hillbilly music
incidental music
music box
music drama
music hall
music of the spheres
program music
set to music
sheet music
soul music
world music

music box
: a container enclosing an apparatus that reproduces music mechanically when activated by a clockwork

music drama
: an opera in which the action is not interrupted by formal song divisions (as recitatives or arias) and the music is determined solely by dramatic appropriateness

music hall
: a vaudeville theater also : VAUDEVILLE

music of the spheres

1609
: an ethereal harmony thought by the Pythagoreans to be produced by the vibration of the celestial spheres

musical
n. 1 a : of or relating to music b : having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music : MELODIOUS
2 : having an interest in or talent for music
3 : set to or accompanied by music
4 : of or relating to musicians or music lovers
–mu·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

musical
n. 1 archaic : MUSICALE
2 : a film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot

musical
n. musical box
musical chairs
musical comedy
musical saw

musical box
chiefly British : MUSIC BOX

musical chairs
: a game in which players march to music around a row of chairs numbering one less than the players and scramble for seats when the music stops also : a situation or series of events suggesting the game of musical chairs (as in rapid change or confusing activity)

musical comedy
: MUSICAL 2

musical saw
: a handsaw made to produce melody by bending the blade while sounding it with a hammer or violin bow

musicale
n. : a social entertainment with music as the leading feature

musicalise
v. British variant of musicalize

musicality
n. 1 : sensitivity to, knowledge of, or talent for music
2 : the quality or state of being musical : MELODIOUSNESS

musicalize
v. : to set to music
–mu·si·cal·i·za·tion \ˌmyü-zi-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

musician
n. : a composer, conductor, or performer of music especially : INSTRUMENTALIST
–mu·si·cian·ly \-lē\ adjective
–mu·si·cian·ship \-ˌship\ noun

musicology
n. : the study of music as a branch of knowledge or field of research as distinct from composition or performance
–mu·si·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–mu·si·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

musing
n. : MEDITATION

musing
n. : thoughtfully abstracted : MEDITATIVE
–mus·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

musique concrete
: a recorded montage of natural sounds often electronically modified and presented as a musical composition

musk
n. 1 a : a substance with a penetrating persistent odor obtained from a sac beneath the abdominal skin of the male musk deer and used as a perfume fixative also : a similar substance from another animal or a synthetic substitute b : the odor of musk also : an odor resembling musk especially in heaviness or persistence
2 : any of various plants with musky odors especially : MUSK PLANT

musk
n. musk deer
musk ox
musk plant
musk rose
musk thistle
musk turtle

musk deer
: any of a genus (Moschus) of small heavy-limbed hornless deer of central Asian uplands with tusked musk-producing males

musk ox
: a heavyset shaggy-coated wild ox (Ovibos moschatus) of tundra regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska with the males producing a strong musky odor from glands beneath the eyes

musk plant
: a yellow-flowered perennial No. American herb (Mimulus moschatus) of the snapdragon family that has hairy foliage and sometimes a musky odor

musk rose
: a rose (Rosa moschata) of the Mediterranean region with white flowers having a musky odor

musk thistle
: a Eurasian thistle (Carduus nutans) that has nodding musky flower heads and is naturalized in eastern No. America

musk turtle
: any of various small American freshwater turtles (esp. genus Sternotherus) that have musk glands especially : a small dark turtle (S. odoratus) capable of producing a foul odor

muskeg
n. 1 : BOG especially : a sphagnum bog of northern No. America often with tussocks
2 : a usually thick deposit of partially decayed vegetable matter of wet boreal regions

Muskegon
1 river 200 mi (322 km) W cen Mich. flowing SW into Lake Michigan
2 city & port SW Mich. pop 40,105

muskellunge
n. : a large No. American pike (Esox masquinongy) that has dark markings, may weigh over 60 pounds (27 kilograms), and is a valuable sport fish

musket
n. : a heavy large-caliber muzzle-loading usually smoothbore shoulder firearm broadly : a shoulder gun carried by infantry

musketeer
n. 1 : a soldier armed with a musket
2 [from the musketeers' friendship in the novel Les Trois Mousquetaires (1844) by Alexandre Dumas] : a good friend : BUDDY

musketry
n. 1 : MUSKETS
2 : MUSKETEERS
3 a : musket fire b : the art or science of using small arms especially in battle

muskie
: MUSKELLUNGE

Muskingum
river 120 mi (193 km) E Ohio flowing SSE into Ohio River

muskmelon
n. : a usually sweet edible melon that is the fruit of an annual trailing or climbing Asian vine (Cucumis melo) of the gourd family: as a : any of various melons (C. melo reticulatus) with netted skin and musky odor that include most of the muskmelons cultivated in No. America especially : CANTALOUPE 1 b : WINTER MELON 1

Muskogean
n. : a language family of southeastern U.S. that includes Muskogee

Muskogee
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Georgia and eastern Alabama constituting the nucleus of the Creek confederacy
2 : the language of the Muskogees and of some of the Seminoles

Muskogee
n. city E Okla. pop 38,310

Muskoka, Lake
lake Canada in SE Ont. E of Georgian Bay & N of Lake Simcoe area 54 sq mi (140 sq km)

muskrat
n. : an aquatic rodent (Ondatra zibethica) of the U.S. and Canada with a long scaly laterally compressed tail, webbed hind feet, and dark glossy brown fur also : its fur or pelt

musky
adj. : having an odor of or resembling musk
–musk·i·ness noun

Muslim
n. 1 : an adherent of Islam
2 : BLACK MUSLIM
–Muslim adjective

Muslim
n. Black Muslim
Muslim era
non Muslim

Muslim era
: ISLAMIC ERA

muslin
n. : a plain-woven sheer to coarse cotton fabric

musquash
n. : MUSKRAT

muss
n. 1 obsolete a : a game in which players scramble for small objects thrown to the ground b : SCRAMBLE
2 slang : a confused conflict : ROW
3 : a state of disorder : MESS

muss
n. : to make untidy : DISARRANGE

mussel
n. 1 : a marine bivalve mollusk (esp. genus Mytilus) usually having a dark elongated shell
2 : a freshwater bivalve mollusk (as of Unio, Anodonta, or related genera) that is especially abundant in rivers of the central U.S. and has a shell with a lustrous nacreous lining

Musselshell
river 300 mi (483 km) cen Mont. flowing E & N into Missouri River

Musset
(Louis-Charles-) Alfred de 1810-1857 Fr. poet

Mussolini
n. Be·ni·to \bə-'nē-(ˌ)tō\ 1883-1945 Il Du·ce \ēl-'dü-(ˌ)chā\ Ital. Fascist premier (1922-43)

Mussorgsky
n. Mo·dest \mō-'dest\ Petrovich 1839-1881 Russ. composer

Mussulman
n. : MUSLIM

mussy
adj. : characterized by clutter or muss : MESSY
–muss·i·ly \'mə-sə-lē\ adverb
–muss·i·ness \'mə-sē-nəs\ noun

must
n. verbal auxiliary
1 a : be commanded or requested to <you must stop> b : be urged to : ought by all means to <you must read that book>
2 : be compelled by physical necessity to <one must eat to live> : be required by immediate or future need or purpose to <we must hurry to catch the bus>
3 a : be obliged to : be compelled by social considerations to <I must say you're looking well> b : be required by law, custom, or moral conscience to <we must obey the rules> c : be determined to <if you must go at least wait for me> d : be unreasonably or perversely compelled to <why must you argue>
4 : be logically inferred or supposed to <it must be time>
5 : be compelled by fate or by natural law to <what must be will be>
6 : was or were presumably certain to : was or were bound to <if he did it she must have known>
7 dialect : MAY, SHALL ― used chiefly in questions
intransitive verb archaic : to be obliged to go <I must to Coventry ― Shakespeare>

must
n. 1 : an imperative need or duty : REQUIREMENT
2 : an indispensable item : ESSENTIAL <exercise is a must>

must
n. : the expressed juice of fruit and especially grapes before and during fermentation also : the pulp and skins of the crushed grapes

must
n. 1 : MUSK
2 : MOLD, MUSTINESS

must-have
: something that is essential to have or obtain
–must-have adjective

must-see
: something (as a film) that must or should be seen
–must-see adjective

mustache
n. 1 : the hair growing on the human upper lip especially : such hair grown and often trimmed in a particular style
2 : hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal
–mus·tached also mous·tached adjective

mustachio
n. : MUSTACHE especially : a large mustache
–mus·ta·chioed also mous·ta·chioed \-shē-ˌōd, -shōd\ adjective

Mustafa Kemal
― see ATATÜRK

mustang
n. 1 : a small hardy naturalized horse of U.S. western plains directly descended from horses brought in by the Spaniards also : BRONC
2 slang : a commissioned officer (as in the U.S. Navy) who has risen from the ranks

mustard
n. 1 a : a pungent yellow powder of the seeds of any of several common mustards (Brassica hirta, B. nigra, or B. juncea) used as a condiment or in medicine as a stimulant and diuretic, an emetic, or a counterirritant b slang : ZEST
2 : any of several herbs (genus Brassica of the family Cruciferae syn. Brassicaceae, the mustard family) with lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and linear beaked pods
3 : a dark to moderate yellow
–mus·tardy \-tər-dē\ adjective

mustard
n. wild mustard
cut the mustard
Dijon mustard
mustard gas
mustard plaster
nitrogen mustard
white mustard

mustard gas
: an irritant vesicant oily liquid C_4H_8Cl_2S used especially as a chemical weapon

mustard plaster
: a counterirritant and rubefacient plaster containing powdered mustard

muster
n. 1 : a representative specimen : SAMPLE
2 a : an act of assembling specifically : formal military inspection b : critical examination c : an assembled group : COLLECTION d : INVENTORY

muster
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to gather : CONVENE b : to enroll formally ― usually used with in or into <was mustered into the army> c : to call the roll of
2 a : to bring together : COLLECT b : to call forth : ROUSE
3 : to amount to : COMPRISE
intransitive verb : to come together : CONGREGATE
synonyms see SUMMON

muster
n. muster out
muster roll
pass muster

muster out
: to discharge from service

muster roll
: INVENTORY, ROSTER specifically : a register of the officers and men in a military unit or ship's company

musth
n. : a periodic state of the bull elephant characterized especially by aggressive behavior and usually connected with the rutting season

mustn't
v. : must not

musty
adj. 1 a : impaired by damp or mildew : MOLDY b : tasting of mold c : smelling of damp and decay : FUSTY
2 a : TRITE, STALE <musty prose> b (1) : ANTIQUATED <musty customs> (2) : SUPERANNUATED
synonyms see MALODOROUS
–must·i·ly \'məs-tə-lē\ adverb
–must·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

mutable
adj. 1 : prone to change : INCONSTANT
2 a : capable of change or of being changed b : capable of or liable to mutation
–mu·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌmyü-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–mu·ta·bly \'myü-tə-blē\ adverb

mutagen
n. : an agent (as a chemical or various radiations) that tends to increase the frequency or extent of mutation
–mu·ta·gen·ic \ˌmyü-tə-'je-nik\ adjective
–mu·ta·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mutagenesis
n. : the occurrence or induction of mutation

mutagenicity
n. : the capacity to induce mutations

mutant
n. : of, relating to, or produced by mutation
–mutant noun

mutase
n. : any of various enzymes that catalyze molecular rearrangements and especially those involving the transfer of phosphate from one hydroxyl group to another in the same molecule

mutate
v. intransitive verb : to undergo mutation
transitive verb : to cause to undergo mutation
–mu·ta·tive \'myü-ˌtā-tiv, -tə-tiv\ adjective

mutation
n. 1 : a significant and basic alteration : CHANGE
2 : UMLAUT
3 a : a relatively permanent change in hereditary material involving either a physical change in chromosome relations or a biochemical change in the codons that make up genes also : the process of producing a mutation b : an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation
–mu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–mu·ta·tion·al·ly adverb

mutation
n. back mutation
gene mutation
lethal mutation
point mutation

mutatis mutandis
1 : with the necessary changes having been made
2 : with the respective differences having been considered

mutato nomine de te fabula narratur
: with the name changed the story applies to you(mu00B7;ta00B7;to no00B7;mi00B7;ne de te fa00B7;bu00B7;la nar00B7;ra00B7;tur

mutchkin
n. : a Scottish unit of liquid capacity equal to 0.90 pint (0.42 liter)

mute
n. 1 : unable to speak : lacking the power of speech
2 : characterized by absence of speech: as a : felt or experienced but not expressed <touched her hand in mute sympathy> b : refusing to plead directly or stand trial <the prisoner stands mute>
3 : remaining silent, undiscovered, or unrecognized
4 a : contributing nothing to the pronunciation of a word <the b in plumb is mute> b : contributing to the pronunciation of a word but not representing the nucleus of a syllable <the e in mate is mute>
–mute·ly adverb
–mute·ness noun

mute
n. 1 : STOP 9
2 : a person who cannot or does not speak
3 : a device attached to or inserted into a musical instrument to soften or alter its tone

mute
n. 1 : to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of
2 : to tone down : SOFTEN, SUBDUE <mute a color>

mute
n. of a bird : to evacuate the cloaca

mute swan
: a common white swan (Cygnus olor) that produces no loud notes, is native to Europe and western Asia, and has been introduced into parts of the U.S.

muted
adj. 1 a : being mute : SILENT b : toned down : LOW-KEY, SUBDUED
2 : provided with or produced or modified by the use of a mute
–mut·ed·ly adverb

mutilate
v. 1 : to cut up or alter radically so as to make imperfect <the child mutilated the book with his scissors>
2 : to cut off or permanently destroy a limb or essential part of : CRIPPLE
synonyms see MAIM
–mu·ti·la·tion \ˌmyü-tə-'lā-shən\ noun
–mu·ti·la·tor \'myü-tə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

mutilate
v. self mutilating
female genital mutilation
self mutilation

Mutina
― see MODENA

mutine
obsolete : REBEL, MUTINY

mutineer
n. : one that mutinies

mutinous
adj. 1 a : disposed to or being in a state of mutiny : REBELLIOUS <a mutinous crew> b : TURBULENT, UNRULY
2 : of, relating to, or constituting mutiny <mutinous threats>
–mu·ti·nous·ly adverb
–mu·ti·nous·ness noun

mutiny
n. 1 obsolete : TUMULT, STRIFE
2 : forcible or passive resistance to lawful authority especially : concerted revolt (as of a naval crew) against discipline or a superior officer
synonyms see REBELLION
–mutiny intransitive verb

mutism
n. : the condition of being mute

Mutsu Bay
inlet N Japan in NE Honshu on Tsugaru Strait

Mutsuhito
n. 1852-1912 Mei·ji \'mā-(ˌ)jē\ emp. of Japan (1867-1912)

mutt
n. 1 : a stupid or insignificant person : FOOL
2 : a mongrel dog : CUR

mutter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter sounds or words indistinctly or with a low voice and with the lips partly closed
2 : to murmur complainingly or angrily : GRUMBLE
transitive verb : to utter especially in a low or imperfectly articulated manner
–mutter noun
–mut·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

mutton
n. : the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
–mut·tony \'mə-tən-ē, 'mət-nē\ adjective

mutton
n. mutton snapper
leg of mutton
leg o' mutton

muttonchops
n. : side-whiskers that are narrow at the temple and broad and round by the lower jaws ― called also muttonchop whiskers

muttonfish
: a common snapper (Lutjanus analis) of the warmer parts of the western Atlantic that is usually olive green and sometimes nearly white or tinged with rosy red and that is an important food and sport fish ― called also mutton snapper

Muttra
― see MATHURA

mutual
adj. 1 a : directed by each toward the other or the others <mutual affection> b : having the same feelings one for the other <they had long been mutual enemies> c : shared in common <enjoying their mutual hobby> d : JOINT
2 : characterized by intimacy
3 : of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses specifically : of, relating to, or taking the form of an insurance method in which the policyholders constitute the members of the insuring company
–mu·tu·al·ly adverb

mutual fund
: an open-end investment company that invests money of its shareholders in a usually diversified group of securities of other corporations

mutualism
n. 1 : the doctrine or practice of mutual dependence as the condition of individual and social welfare
2 : mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
–mu·tu·al·ist \-list\ noun
–mu·tu·al·is·tic \ˌmyü-chə-wə-'lis-tik, ˌmyü-chə-'lis-, ˌmyüch-wə-'lis-\ adjective

mutuality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being mutual
2 : a sharing of sentiments : INTIMACY

mutualize
v. : to make mutual
–mu·tu·al·i·za·tion \ˌmyü-chə-wə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌmyü-chə-lə-, ˌmyüch-wə-lə-\ noun

mutually exclusive
: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other <mutually exclusive events> also : INCOMPATIBLE <their outlooks were not mutually exclusive>

mutuel
n. : PARI-MUTUEL

muumuu
n. : a loose often long dress having bright colors and patterns and adapted from the dresses orig. distributed by missionaries to the native women of Hawaii

Muzak
n. ― used for recorded background music

muzhik
n. : a Russian peasant

Muzorewa
Abel Tendekayi 1925-     prime min. of Zimbabwe Rhodesia (1979-80)

Muztag
n. mountain 25,340 ft (7724 m) W China in S Xinjiang Uygur; highest in Kunlun Mountains

muzzle
n. 1 : the projecting jaws and nose of an animal : SNOUT
2 a : a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting b : something (as censorship) that restrains normal expression
3 : the open end of an implement especially : the discharging end of a weapon

muzzle
n. 1 : to fit with a muzzle
2 a : GAG <muzzled the regime's critics> b : RESTRAIN, RESTRICT <the Pentagon's efforts to muzzle press access ― Joe Strupp> <the low prices muzzled competition>
–muz·zler \-lər\ noun

muzzy
adj. 1 a : deficient in brightness : DULL, GLOOMY <a muzzy day> b : lacking in clarity and precision <his conclusions can be muzzy and naive ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : muddled or confused in mind
–muz·zi·ly \'mə-zə-lē\ adverb
–muz·zi·ness \'mə-zē-nəs\ noun

MV
1 main verb
2 mean variation
3 motor vessel

mv
millivolt

MVD
Ministry of Internal Affairs

MVP
most valuable player

MW
megawatt

mW
milliwatt

MWe
megawatts electric

Mweru
lake 76 mi (122 km) long on border bet. Democratic Republic of the Congo & Zambia SW of Lake Tanganyika

MX
n. : a mobile ICBM having up to 10 independently targeted nuclear warheads

my
interj. 1 : of or relating to me or myself especially as possessor, agent, object of an action, or familiar person <my car> <my injuries> <my man>
2 ― used interjectionally to express surprise and sometimes reduplicated <my oh my> ― used also interjectionally with names of various parts of the body to express doubt or disapproval <my foot>

my
interj. million years

my
interj. : muscle <myoglobin> : muscle and <myoneural>

my eye
― used to express mild disagreement or sometimes surprise <a diamond, my eye! That's glass>

my word
― used to express surprise or astonishment

mya
million years ago

myalgia
n. : pain in one or more muscles
–my·al·gic \-jik\ adjective

Myanmar
n. country SE Asia on Bay of Bengal; a federal republic capital Yangon area 261,789 sq mi (680,651 sq km), pop 45,573,000

myasthenia
n. : muscular debility also : MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
–my·as·then·ic \-'the-nik\ adjective or noun

myasthenia gravis
: a disease characterized by progressive weakness and exhaustibility of voluntary muscles without atrophy or sensory disturbance and caused by an autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction

myc
: fungus <mycology> <mycosis>

Mycale
promontory W Turkey opposite Samos Is.

mycelium
n. : the mass of interwoven filamentous hyphae that forms especially the vegetative portion of the thallus of a fungus and is often submerged in another body (as of soil or organic matter or the tissues of a host) also : a similar mass of filaments formed by some bacteria (as streptomyces)
–my·ce·li·al \-əl\ adjective

Mycenae
n. ancient city S Greece in NE Peloponnese

Mycenaean
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Mycenae, its people, or the period (1400 to 1100 B.C.) of Mycenae's political ascendancy
2 : characteristic of the Bronze Age Mycenaean culture of the eastern Mediterranean area
–Mycenaean noun

mycetoma
n. : a condition marked by invasion of the deep subcutaneous tissues with fungi or actinomycetes also : a tumorous mass occurring in mycetoma
–my·ce·to·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

mycetozoan
n. : SLIME MOLD
–mycetozoan adjective

mycin
: substance obtained from a fungus-like bacterium <erythromycin>

mycobacterium
n. : any of a genus (Mycobacterium) of nonmotile aerobic acid-fast bacteria that include numerous saprophytes and the pathogens causing tuberculosis and leprosy
–my·co·bac·te·ri·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

mycoflora
: the fungi characteristic of a region or special environment

mycol
mycology

mycology
n. 1 : a branch of biology dealing with fungi
2 : fungal life
–my·co·log·i·cal \ˌmī-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–my·co·log·i·cal·ly \ˌmī-kə-'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–my·col·o·gist \mī-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

mycophagist
: one that eats fungi (as mushrooms)
–my·coph·a·gy \-jē\ noun

mycophagous
adj. : feeding on fungi

mycophile
: a devotee of mushrooms especially : one whose hobby is hunting wild edible mushrooms

mycoplasma
: any of a genus (Mycoplasma of the family Mycoplasmataceae) of pleomorphic gram-negative chiefly nonmotile bacteria that lack a cell wall and are mostly parasitic usually in mammals ― called also pleuropneumonia-like organism
–my·co·plas·mal \-məl\ adjective

mycoplasma-like organism
: PHYTOPLASMA

mycorrhiza
n. : the symbiotic association of the mycelium of a fungus with the roots of a seed plant
–my·cor·rhi·zal \-zəl\ adjective

mycosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by a fungus
–my·cot·ic \-'kä-tik\ adjective

mycotoxin
n. : a toxic substance produced by a fungus and especially a mold

mydriasis
n. : excessive or prolonged dilatation of the pupil of the eye
–myd·ri·at·ic \ˌmi-drē-'a-tik\ adjective or noun

myel
: bone marrow : spinal cord <myelencephalon>

myelencephalon
n. : the posterior part of the developing vertebrate hindbrain or the corresponding part of the adult brain composed of the medulla oblongata
–my·e·len·ce·phal·ic \-ˌlen(t)-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

myelin
n. : a soft white somewhat fatty material that forms a thick myelin sheath about the protoplasmic core of a myelinated nerve fiber
–my·e·lin·ic \ˌmī-ə-'li-nik\ adjective

myelin sheath
: a layer of myelin surrounding some nerve fibers ― called also medullary sheath

myelinated
adj. : having a myelin sheath <myelinated nerve fibers>

myelitis
n. : inflammation of the spinal cord or of the bone marrow

myeloblast
n. : a large mononuclear nongranular bone-marrow cell especially : one that is a precursor of a myelocyte
–my·e·lo·blas·tic \ˌmī-ə-lə-'blas-tik\ adjective

myelocyte
n. : a bone-marrow cell especially : a motile cell with cytoplasmic granules that gives rise to the granulocytes of the blood and occurs abnormally in the circulating blood
–my·e·lo·cyt·ic \ˌmī-ə-lə-'si-tik\ adjective

myelofibrosis
n. : an anemic condition in which bone marrow becomes fibrotic and the liver and spleen usually exhibit a development of blood-cell precursors
–my·e·lo·fi·brot·ic \-'brä-tik\ adjective

myelogenous
adj. : of, relating to, originating in, or produced by the bone marrow <myelogenous sarcoma>

myelogenous leukemia
: leukemia characterized by proliferation of myeloid tissue (as of the bone marrow and spleen) and an abnormal increase in the number of granulocytes, myelocytes, and myeloblasts in the circulating blood ― called also myelocytic leukemia myeloid leukemia

myeloid
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling bone marrow

myeloma
n. : a primary tumor of the bone marrow
–my·e·lo·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

myelopathy
n. : a disease or disorder of the spinal cord or bone marrow
–my·e·lo·path·ic \ˌmī-ə-lō-'pa-thik\ adjective

myeloproliferative
adj. : of, relating to, or being a disorder (as leukemia) marked by excessive proliferation of bone marrow elements and especially blood cell precursors

myiasis
n. : infestation with fly maggots

Mykolayiv
n. city & port S Ukraine

Mykonos
n. island Greece in the Aegean in NE Cyclades area 35 sq mi (91 sq km)

Mylae
― see MILAZZO

Mylar
n. ― used for a polyester film

Mymensingh
n. city N Bangladesh pop 198,662

mynah
n. : any of various Asian starlings (esp. genera Acridotheres, Gracula, and Sturnus) especially : a dark brown slightly crested bird (A. tristis) of southeastern Asia with a white tail tip and wing markings and bright yellow bill and feet ― compare HILL MYNAH

mynheer
n. : a male Netherlander ― used as a title equivalent to Mr.

myo
― see MY-

myoblast
n. : an undifferentiated cell capable of giving rise to muscle cells

myocardial infarction
: HEART ATTACK

myocarditis
n. : inflammation of the myocardium

myocardium
n. : the middle muscular layer of the heart wall
–myo·car·di·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

myoclonus
n. : irregular involuntary contraction of a muscle usually resulting from functional disorder of controlling motor neurons also : a condition characterized by myoclonus
–myo·clon·ic \ˌmī-ə-'klä-nik\ adjective

myoelectric
adj. : of, relating to, or utilizing electricity generated by muscle

myofibril
n. : any of the longitudinal parallel contractile elements of a muscle cell that are composed of myosin and actin
–myo·fi·bril·lar \-brə-lər\ adjective

myofilament
n. : one of the individual filaments of actin or myosin that make up a myofibril

myogenic
adj. : taking place or functioning in ordered rhythmic fashion because of the inherent properties of cardiac muscle rather than specific neural stimuli <a myogenic heartbeat>

myoglobin
n. : a red iron-containing protein pigment in muscles that is similar to hemoglobin

myoinositol
: a biologically active inositol that is a component of many phospholipids and occurs widely in plants, animals, and microorganisms

myology
n. : the scientific study of muscles

myoma
n. : a tumor consisting of muscle tissue
–my·o·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

myomectomy
n. : surgical removal of a myoma or fibroid

myoneural
adj. : of, relating to, or connecting muscles and nerves <myoneural junctions>

myopathy
n. : a disorder of muscle tissue or muscles
–myo·path·ic \ˌmī-ə-'pa-thik\ adjective

myope
n. : a myopic person

myopia
n. 1 : a condition in which the visual images come to a focus in front of the retina of the eye resulting especially in defective vision of distant objects
2 : a lack of foresight or discernment : a narrow view of something
–my·o·pic \-'ō-pik, -'ä-\ adjective
–my·o·pi·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

myosin
n. : a fibrous globulin of muscle that can split ATP and that reacts with actin in muscle contraction to form actomyosin

myosis
n. variant of miosis, miotic

myositis
n. : soreness of voluntary muscle due to inflammation

myotome
n. : the portion of an embryonic somite from which skeletal musculature is produced

myotonia
n. : tonic spasm of one or more muscles also : a condition characterized by such spasms
–myo·ton·ic \-'tä-nik\ adjective

myotonic dystrophy
: a muscular disorder that is characterized by dystrophic muscle weakness and myotonia affecting multiple bodily systems and that is caused by an abnormally high number of repeats of a codon in the genetic material

Myr
million years

Myra
n. ancient city S Asia Minor on coast of Lycia

Myrdal
Alva 1902-1986 Swed. sociologist & diplomat

Myrdal
(Karl) Gunnar 1898-1987 Swed. econ.

myriad
n. 1 : ten thousand
2 : a great number <a myriad of ideas>
usage Recent criticism of the use of myriad as a noun, both in the plural form myriads and in the phrase a myriad of, seems to reflect a mistaken belief that the word was originally and is still properly only an adjective. As the entries here show, however, the noun is in fact the older form, dating to the 16th century. The noun myriad has appeared in the works of such writers as Milton (plural myriads) and Thoreau (a myriad of), and it continues to occur frequently in reputable English. There is no reason to avoid it.

myriad
n. 1 : INNUMERABLE <those myriad problems> also : both numerous and diverse <myriad topics>
2 : having innumerable aspects or elements <the myriad activity of the new land ― Meridel Le Sueur>

myriapod
n. : any of a group (Myriapoda) of arthropods having the body made up of numerous similar segments nearly all of which bear true jointed legs and including the millipedes and centipedes
–myriapod also myriopod adjective

myristic acid
: a crystalline fatty acid C_14H_28O_2 occurring especially in the form of glycerides in most fats

myrmeco
: ant <myrmecophilous>

myrmecology
n. : the scientific study of ants
–myr·me·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–myr·me·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

myrmecophile
n. : an organism that habitually shares an ant nest

myrmecophilous
: fond of, associated with, or benefited by ants

myrmidon
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a legendary Thessalian people who accompanied their king Achilles in the Trojan War
2 : a loyal follower especially : a subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly or unscrupulously

Myron
n. fl ca 480-440 B.C. Greek sculptor

myrrh
n. : a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (esp. Commiphora abyssinica of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia also : a mixture of myrrh and labdanum

myrtle
n. 1 a : a common evergreen bushy shrub (Myrtus communis of the family Myrtaceae, the myrtle family) of southern Europe with oval to lance-shaped shiny leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries b : any of the chiefly tropical shrubs or trees comprising the myrtle family
2 a : 1PERIWINKLE 1A b : CALIFORNIA LAUREL

myrtle
n. crape myrtle
crepe myrtle
crêpe myrtle
sand myrtle
wax myrtle
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach
city E S.C. on the Atlantic pop 22,759

myself
pron. 1 : that identical one that is I ― used reflexively <I'm going to get myself a new suit>, for emphasis <I myself will go>, or in absolute constructions <myself a tourist, I nevertheless avoided other tourists>
2 : my normal, healthy, or sane condition <didn't feel myself yesterday>
usage Myself is often used where I or me might be expected: as subject <to wonder what myself will say ― Emily Dickinson> <others and myself continued to press for the legislation>, after as, than, or like <an aversion to paying such people as myself to tutor> <was enough to make a better man than myself quail> <old-timers like myself>, and as object <now here you see myself with the diver> <for my wife and myself it was a happy time>. Such uses almost always occur when the speaker or writer is referring to himself or herself as an object of discourse rather than as a participant in discourse. The other reflexive personal pronouns are similarly but less frequently used in the same circumstances. Critics have frowned on these uses since about the turn of the century, prob. unaware that they serve a definite purpose. Users themselves are as unaware as the critics97they simply follow their instincts. These uses are standard.

Mysia
n. ancient country NW Asia Minor bordering on the Propontis
–My·sian \-sh(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

Mysore
n. 1 ― see KARNATAKA
2 city S India in S Karnataka pop 742,261

mystagogue
n. 1 : one who initiates another into a mystery cult
2 : one who understands or teaches mystical doctrines
–mys·ta·go·gy \-ˌgä-jē, -ˌgō-\ noun

mysterious
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting mystery <the mysterious ways of God> b : exciting wonder, curiosity, or surprise while baffling efforts to comprehend or identify : MYSTIFYING <heard a mysterious noise> <a mysterious stranger>
2 : stirred by or attracted to the inexplicable
–mys·te·ri·ous·ly adverb
–mys·te·ri·ous·ness noun

mysterium tremendum
: overwhelming mystery

mystery
n. 1 a : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand b (1) : any of the 15 events (as the Nativity, the Crucifixion, or the Assumption) serving as a subject for meditation during the saying of the rosary (2) capitalized : a Christian sacrament specifically : EUCHARIST c (1) : a secret religious rite believed (as in Eleusinian and Mithraic cults) to impart enduring bliss to the initiate (2) : a cult devoted to such rites
2 a : something not understood or beyond understanding : ENIGMA b obsolete : a private secret c : the secret or specialized practices or ritual peculiar to an occupation or a body of people <the mysteries of the tailor's craft> d : a piece of fiction dealing usually with the solution of a mysterious crime
3 : profound, inexplicable, or secretive quality or character <the mystery of her smile>
synonyms MYSTERY, PROBLEM, ENIGMA, RIDDLE, PUZZLE mean something which baffles or perplexes. MYSTERY applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation <the mystery of the stone monoliths>. PROBLEM applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern <problems created by high technology>. ENIGMA applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret <his suicide remains an enigma>. RIDDLE suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction <the riddle of the reclusive pop star>. PUZZLE applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution <the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police>.

mystery
n. 1 archaic : TRADE, CRAFT
2 archaic : a body of persons engaged in a particular trade, business, or profession : GUILD
3 : MYSTERY PLAY

mystery play
: a medieval drama based on scriptural incidents (as the creation of the world, the Flood, or the life, death, and resurrection of Christ) ― compare MIRACLE PLAY

Mystic
n. river E Mass. flowing SE into Boston harbor

mystic
n. 1 : MYSTICAL 1A
2 : of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites : OCCULT
3 : of or relating to mysticism or mystics
4 a : MYSTERIOUS b : OBSCURE, ENIGMATIC c : inducing a feeling of awe or wonder d : having magical properties

mystic
n. 1 : a follower of a mystical way of life
2 : an advocate of a theory of mysticism

mystical
adj. 1 a : having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence <the mystical food of the sacrament> b : involving or having the nature of an individual's direct subjective communion with God or ultimate reality <the mystical experience of the Inner Light>
2 : MYSTERIOUS, UNINTELLIGIBLE
3 a : MYSTIC 2 b : MYSTIC 3
–mys·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mysticism
n. 1 : the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics
2 : the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (as intuition or insight)
3 a : vague speculation : a belief without sound basis b : a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

mystification
n. 1 a : an act or instance of mystifying b : an obscuring especially of capitalist or social dynamics (as by making them equivalent to natural laws) that is seen in Marxist thought as an impediment to critical consciousness <the mystification of the sources of wealth ― Henry Staten>
2 : the quality or state of being mystified
3 : something designed to mystify

mystify
v. 1 : to perplex the mind of : BEWILDER
2 : to make mysterious or obscure <mystify an interpretation of a prophecy>
–mys·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun
–mys·ti·fy·ing·ly \-ˌfī-iŋ-lē\ adverb

mystique
n. 1 : an air or attitude of mystery and reverence developing around something or someone
2 : the special esoteric skill essential in a calling or activity

myth
n. 1 a : a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon b : PARABLE, ALLEGORY
2 a : a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society <seduced by the American myth of individualism ― Orde Coombs> b : an unfounded or false notion
3 : a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence
4 : the whole body of myths

mythical
adj. 1 : based on or described in a myth especially as contrasted with history
2 usually mythical : existing only in the imagination : FICTITIOUS, IMAGINARY <constructed a mythical all-star team>
3 usually mythic : having qualities suitable to myth : LEGENDARY <the twilight of a mythic professional career ― Clayton Riley>
synonyms see FICTITIOUS
–myth·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mythicize
v. 1 : to turn into or envelop in myth
2 : to treat as myth
–myth·i·ciz·er noun

mythmaker
: a creator of myths or of mythical situations or lore
–myth·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

mythography
n. 1 : the representation of mythical subjects in art
2 : a critical compilation of myths
–my·thog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

mythological
adj. 1 : of or relating to mythology or myths : dealt with in mythology
2 : lacking factual basis or historical validity : MYTHICAL, FABULOUS
–myth·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

mythologize
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to explain the mythological significance of
2 : to build a myth around : MYTHICIZE
intransitive verb
1 : to relate, classify, and explain myths
2 : to create or perpetuate myths
–my·thol·o·giz·er noun

mythology
n. 1 : an allegorical narrative
2 : a body of myths: as a : the myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people b : MYTHOS 2 <cold war mythology>
3 : a branch of knowledge that deals with myth
4 : a popular belief or assumption that has grown up around someone or something : MYTH 2A <defective mythologies that ignore masculine depth of feeling ― Robert Bly>
–my·thol·o·ger \-jər\ noun
–my·thol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

mythomania
n. : an excessive or abnormal propensity for lying and exaggerating
–mytho·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun or adjective

mythopoeia
n. : a creating of myth : a giving rise to myths
–mytho·poe·ic \-'pē-ik\ also mytho·po·et·ic \-pō-'e-tik\ or mytho·po·et·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

mythos
n. 1 a : MYTH 1A b : MYTHOLOGY 2A
2 : a pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture
3 : THEME, PLOT <the starving artist mythos>

mythy
: resembling, concerned with, or of a subject for myth <a mythy theme>

Mytilene
n. ― see LESBOS

myxedema
n. : severe hypothyroidism characterized by firm inelastic edema, dry skin and hair, and loss of mental and physical vigor
–myx·ede·ma·tous \-'de-mə-təs, -'dē-\ adjective

myxoma
n. : a soft tumor made up of gelatinous connective tissue like that of the umbilical cord
–myx·o·ma·tous \-mə-təs\ adjective

myxomatosis
n. : a condition characterized by the presence of myxomas in the body specifically : a severe virus disease of rabbits that is caused by a poxvirus (species Myxoma virus of the genus Leporipoxvirus) transmitted by mosquitoes and that has been used in the biological control of rabbits especially in Australia

myxomycete
n. : SLIME MOLD

myxovirus
n. : any of a former family (Myxoviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that included the paramyxoviruses and the orthomyxoviruses
–myxo·vi·ral \ˌmik-sə-'vī-rəl\ adjective

même
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose
quand même
tout de même

N
n. newton

N
n. nitrogen

n
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 14th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic n
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter n
3 a : one designated n especially as the 14th in order or class b : an indefinite number especially : a constant integer or a variable taking on integral values
4 : something shaped like the letter N
5 : the haploid or gametic number of chromosomes
6 : EN 2

n
n. 1 name
2 nano-
3 navy
4 net
5 neuter
6 usually italic neutron
7 noon
8 normal
9 north; northern
10 note
11 noun
12 number

n
n. ― see -EN

n
n. : THAN

N Dak
North Dakota

N Mex
New Mexico

n'
: AND <fish 'n' chips>

N'Djamena
n. city on the Chari capital of Chad pop 687,800

n'est
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte
n'est ce pas
n'est ce pas?

n'est-ce pas
: isn't it so?

n'importe
: it's no matter

n't
: not <isn't>

n-type
: relating to or being a semiconductor in which charge is carried by electrons ― compare P-TYPE

NA
n. 1 national association
2 no account
3 North America
4 not applicable
5 not available

Na
n. sodium

Na
n. Na Dene
Komsomol'sk na Amure
Rostov na Donu

Na-Dene
: a hypothetically related group of American Indian languages that includes the Athabascan family, Tlingit, and Haida

NAACP
n. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

naan
n. : a round flat leavened bread especially of the Indian subcontinent

Naas
town E Ireland in Leinster capital of Kildare pop 11,140

nab
v. 1 : to catch or seize in arrest : APPREHEND
2 : to seize suddenly

Nabataea
n. ancient Arab kingdom SE of Palestine
–Nab·a·tae·an or Nab·a·te·an \-'tē-ən\ adjective or noun

nabe
1 : a neighborhood theater ― usually used in plural with the
2 : NEIGHBORHOOD 4

Naberezhnye Chelny
city E Russia in Europe in Tatarstan pop 514,000

Nablus
n. city of ancient Palestine in Samaria; now in N cen West Bank pop 106,944

nabob
n. 1 : a provincial governor of the Mogul empire in India
2 : a person of great wealth or prominence

Nabokov
Vladimir Vladimirovich 1899-1977 American (Russ.-born) nov. & poet
–Na·bo·ko·vi·an \ˌna-bə-'kō-vē-ən\ adjective

nacelle
n. : a streamlined enclosure (as for an engine) on an aircraft

nacho
n. : a tortilla chip topped with melted cheese and often additional savory toppings (as hot peppers or refried beans)

Nacogdoches
city E Tex. pop 29,914

nacre
n. : MOTHER-OF-PEARL

nacreous
adj. : possessing the qualities of, consisting of, or abounding in nacre also : IRIDESCENT

NAD
n. : a coenzyme C_21H_27N_7O_14P_2 of numerous dehydrogenases that occurs in most cells and plays an important role in all phases of intermediary metabolism as an oxidizing agent or when in the reduced form as a reducing agent for various metabolites ― called also nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diphosphopyridine nucleotide DPN

nada
n. : NOTHING

Nader
n. Ralph 1934-     American consumer advocate

NADH
: the reduced form of NAD

nadir
n. 1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the zenith and vertically downward from the observer
2 : the lowest point

NADP
: a coenzyme C_21H_28N_7O_17P_3 of numerous dehydrogenases (as that acting on glucose-6-phosphate) that occurs especially in red blood cells and plays a role in intermediary metabolism similar to NAD but acting often on different metabolites ― called also nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate TPN triphosphopyridine nucleotide

NADPH
: the reduced form of NADP

NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement

Nafud
n. ― see AN NAFūD

nag
n. : HORSE especially : one that is old or in poor condition

nag
n. intransitive verb
1 : to find fault incessantly : COMPLAIN
2 : to be a persistent source of annoyance or distraction
transitive verb
1 : to irritate by constant scolding or urging
2 : BADGER, WORRY
–nag·ger noun
–nagging adjective
–nag·ging·ly \'na-giŋ-lē\ adverb

nag
n. : one who nags habitually

Naga Hills
hills E India & N Myanmar SE of the Brahmaputra; highest Saramati 12,553 ft (3826 m)

Nagaland
state E India N of Manipur in Naga Hills capital Kohima area 6366 sq mi (16,488 sq km), pop 1,988,636

nagana
n. : trypanosomiasis (esp. when caused by Trypanosoma brucei) of domestic animals

Nagano
city Japan in cen Honshu pop 360,112

Nagasaki
n. city & port Japan in W Kyushu on E. China Sea pop 423,167

Nagorno-Karabakh
region SW Azerbaijan area 1700 sq mi (4420 sq km), pop 193,300

Nagoya
city Japan in S cen Honshu pop 2,171,557

Nagpur
city cen India in NE Maharashtra pop 2,051,320

Naguabo
city E Puerto Rico pop 23,753

Nah
Nahum

nah
: not so : NO

Naha
city & port Ryukyu Islands in SW Okinawa Is. capital of Okinawa pop 301,032

Nahanni National Park
n. reservation W Canada in SW Northwest Territories

Nahuatl
n. : a group of closely related Uto-Aztecan languages that includes the speech of several peoples (as the Aztecs) of central and southern Mexico and Central America
–Na·huat·lan \nä-'wät-lən\ adjective or noun

Nahuel Huapi
lake SW Argentina in the Andes in Nahuel Huapí National Park

Nahum
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet of the seventh century B.C.
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

NAIA
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes

naiad
n. 1 : any of the nymphs in classical mythology living in and giving life to lakes, rivers, springs, and fountains
2 : an aquatic insect nymph (as of a mayfly, dragonfly, damselfly, or stone fly)
3 : any of a genus (Najas of the family Najadaceae) of submerged aquatic plants

Naidu
Sarojini 1879-1949 Indian poet & reformer

naif
: NAIVE

naif
: a naive person

nail
n. 1 a : a horny sheath protecting the upper end of each finger and toe of humans and most other primates b : a structure (as a claw) that terminates a digit and corresponds to a nail
2 : a slender usually pointed and headed fastener designed to be pounded in

nail
n. 1 : to fasten with or as if with a nail
2 : to fix in steady attention <nailed his eye on the crack>
3 a : CATCH, TRAP b : to expose usually so as to discredit <nailed the impostor> c : to arrest or punish for an offense
4 a : STRIKE, HIT b : to put out (a runner) in baseball
5 : to perform or complete perfectly or impressively <nailed a jump shot>
6 : to gain or win decisively ― often used with down <nail down their consent>
7 : to settle, establish, or represent clearly and unmistakably ― often used with down <have nailed down the artist's technique>
8 usually vulgar : to copulate with
–nail·er noun

nail
n. coffin nail
eightpenny nail
hit the nail on the head
nail bed
nail biter
nail biting
nail file
sixpenny nail
tenpenny nail
tooth and nail

nail bed
: the vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests that has a longitudinally-ridged surface often visible through the nail

nail file
: a small narrow instrument (as of metal or cardboard) with a rough or emery surface that is used for shaping fingernails

nail-biter
: something (as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety <lost a tough, 14-inning nail-biter ― Steve Pate>
–nail-bit·ing \-tiŋ\ adjective

nailbrush
n. : a small firm-bristled brush for cleaning the hands and especially the fingernails

nainsook
n. : a soft lightweight muslin

Naipaul
Sir V(idiadhar) S(urajprasad) 1932-     Brit. (Trinidadian-born of Indian parents) writer

naira
n. ― see MONEY table

Nairn
1 or Nairn·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county NE Scotland
2 burgh, its capital, on Moray Firth pop 10,420

Nairobi
n. city S cen Kenya, its capital pop 2,083,509

naive
adj. 1 : marked by unaffected simplicity : ARTLESS, INGENUOUS
2 a : deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment especially : CREDULOUS b : not previously subjected to experimentation or a particular experimental situation <made the test with naive rats> also : not having previously used a particular drug (as marijuana) c : not having been exposed previously to an antigen <naive T cells>
3 a : SELF-TAUGHT, PRIMITIVE b : produced by or as if by a self-taught artist <naive murals>
synonyms see NATURAL
–na·ive·ly or na·ïve·ly adverb
–na·ive·ness noun

naivete
n. 1 : a naive remark or action
2 : the quality or state of being naive

naivety
n. chiefly British : NAÏVETÉ

Najd
― see NEJD
–Naj·di \'naj-dē, 'nazh-\ adjective or noun

Nakasone
Yasuhiro 1918-     prime min. of Japan (1982-87)

naked
adj. 1 : not covered by clothing : NUDE
2 : devoid of customary or natural covering : BARE: as a : not enclosed in a sheath or scabbard <a naked sword> b : not provided with a shade <a naked lightbulb> c of a plant or one of its parts : lacking pubescence or enveloping or subtending parts d : lacking foliage or vegetation e of an animal or one of its parts : lacking an external covering (as of hair, feathers, or shell)
3 a : scantily supplied or furnished b : lacking embellishment : UNADORNED
4 : UNARMED, DEFENSELESS
5 : lacking confirmation or support
6 : devoid of concealment or disguise
7 : unaided by any optical device or instrument <visible to the naked eye>
8 : not backed by the writer's ownership of the commodity contract or security
synonyms see BARE
–na·ked·ly adverb
–na·ked·ness noun

naked mole rat
: a mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber of the family Bathyergidae) found in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya that has nearly hairless wrinkled skin and is practically blind

nakfa
n. ― see MONEY table

Nal'chik
town S Russia in Europe capital of Kabardino-Balkaria pop 242,000

naled
: a nonpersistent organophosphate insecticide C_4H_7Br_2Cl_2O_4P used especially to control crop pests and mosquitoes

nalidixic acid
: an antibacterial agent C_12H_12N_2O_3 that is used especially in the treatment of genitourinary infections

nalorphine
n. : a white crystalline compound C_19H_21NO_3 that is derived from morphine and is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a respiratory stimulant to counteract poisoning by morphine and similar narcotic drugs

naloxone
n. : a synthetic potent antagonist C_19H_21NO_4 of narcotic drugs and especially morphine that is administered especially in the form of its hydrochloride

naltrexone
n. : a synthetic opiate antagonist C_20H_23NO_4 administered in the form of its hydrochloride

Namaqualand
region SW Africa; divided by Orange River into Great Namaqualand (in Namibia) & Little Namaqualand (in Northern Cape province, Republic of South Africa)

namby-pamby
1 : lacking in character or substance : INSIPID
2 : WEAK, INDECISIVE
–namby-pamby noun

name
n. 1 a : a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing b : a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
2 : a descriptive often disparaging epithet <called him names>
3 a : REPUTATION <gave the town a bad name> b : an illustrious record : FAME <made a name for himself in golf> c : a person or thing with a reputation
4 : FAMILY, CLAN
5 : appearance as opposed to reality <a friend in name only>
6 : one referred to by a name <praise his holy name>
–in the name of
1 : by authority of <open in the name of the law>
2 : for the reason of : using the excuse of <called for reforms in the name of progress>

name
n. 1 : to give a name to : CALL
2 a : to mention or identify by name <refused to name a suspect> b : to accuse by name
3 : to nominate for office : APPOINT
4 : to decide on : CHOOSE <name the day of the wedding>
5 : to mention explicitly : SPECIFY <unwilling to name a price>
–nam·er noun

name
n. 1 : of, relating to, or bearing a name <name tags>
2 : appearing in the name of a literary or theatrical production
3 a : having an established reputation b : featuring celebrities

name
n. baptismal name
big name
brand name
Christian name
code name
domain name
family name
first name
given name
last name
maiden name
married name
middle name
in the name of
name calling
name day
name dropping
name dropper
name drop
name of the game
no name
pen name
place name
proper name
trade name
trivial name
call names

name day
: the feast day of the saint after whom one is named

name of the game

1966
1 : the essential quality or matter <patience is the name of the game in coastal duck hunting ― Dick Beals>
2 : the fundamental goal of an activity

name-calling
: the use of offensive names especially to win an argument or to induce rejection or condemnation (as of a person or project) without objective consideration of the facts

name-dropping
: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others
–name-drop \-ˌdräp\ intransitive verb
–name-drop·per \ˌdrä-pər\ noun

nameable
adj. 1 : worthy of being named : MEMORABLE
2 : capable of being named : IDENTIFIABLE

nameless
adj. 1 : OBSCURE, UNDISTINGUISHED
2 : not known by name : ANONYMOUS
3 : having no legal right to a name : ILLEGITIMATE
4 : not having been given a name : UNNAMED
5 : not marked with a name <a nameless grave>
6 a : incapable of precise description : INDEFINABLE b : too repulsive or distressing to describe
–name·less·ly adverb
–name·less·ness noun

namely
adv. : that is to say : TO WIT

nameplate
n. : something (as a plate or plaque) bearing a name (as of a resident or manufacturer)

namesake
n. : one that has the same name as another especially : one who is named after another or for whom another is named

Namib
desert along entire length of coast of Namibia ab 800 mi (1287 km) long by 30-100 mi (48-161 km) wide

Namibe
town & port SW Angola

Namibia
n. country SW Africa on the Atlantic; until 1990 a territory administered by South Africa which captured it from Germany in World War I capital Windhoek area 318,321 sq mi (824,451 sq km), pop 1,511,600
–Na·mib·ian \-bē-ən, -byən\ adjective or noun

Namier
Sir Lewis Bernstein 1888-1960 Brit. hist.

Nampa
city SW Idaho W of Boise pop 51,867

Nampo
city & port SW N. Korea SW of Pyongyang pop 130,000

Namur
1 province S Belgium area 1413 sq mi (3674 sq km), pop 447,775
2 commune, its capital pop 105,393

Nan
n. river 390 mi (628 km) N Thailand flowing S to join the Ping forming the Chao Phraya

nan
n. variant of naan

Nan Ling
mountain system SE China roughly separating Guangdong & Guangxi Zhuangzu from Hunan & Guizhou

nana
n. : GRANDMOTHER

Nanaimo
city Canada in B.C. on SE Vancouver Is. pop 73,000

Nanak
1469-1539 founder of the Sikh faith in India

nance
n. 1 often disparaging : an effeminate male
2 often disparaging : HOMOSEXUAL

Nanchang
city SE China capital of Jiangxi on the Gan SW of Poyang Lake pop 1,086,124

Nancy
n. city NE France on the Meurthe pop 103,552

NAND
: a computer logic circuit that produces an output which is the inverse of that of an AND circuit

Nanda Devi
mountain 25,645 ft (7816 m) N India in the Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh

Nandi
village Fiji on W Viti Levu Is.

nandina
: a widely cultivated Asian evergreen shrub (Nandina domestica) of the barberry family having red berries

nandrolone
n. : a semisynthetic anabolic steroid C_18H_26O_2 derived from testosterone and used chiefly in the form of various ester derivatives

Nanga Parbat
mountain 26,660 ft (8126 m) in W Himalayas in region of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani control

Nanjing
n. city E China on the Chang capital of Jiangsu & (1928-37 & 1946-49) capital of China pop 2,090,204

nankeen
n. 1 : a durable brownish yellow cotton fabric orig. loomed by hand in China
2 plural : trousers made of nankeen

Nankin
n. : Chinese porcelain decorated in blue on a white ground

Nanning
city S China capital of Guangxi Zhuangzu pop 721,877

nannoplankton
: the smallest plankton that consists of those organisms (as bacteria) passing through nets of very fine mesh silk cloth

nanny
n. : a child's nurse or caregiver

nanny goat
: a female goat

nano
pref. 1 : one billionth (10-9) part of <nanosecond>
2 : nanotechnology <nanomachine>
3 : nanoscale <nanoparticle> <nanotube>

nanocrystal
: a nanoscale crystal
–nano·crys·tal·line \-'kris-tə-lən also -ˌlīn, -ˌlēn\ adjective

nanogram
n. : one billionth of a gram

nanomachine
: a microscopic machine constructed by the use of nanotechnology

nanometer
n. : one billionth of a meter

nanoparticle
: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers

nanoscale
: having dimensions measured in nanometers

nanosecond
n. 1 : one billionth of a second
2 : a very brief moment

nanostructure
: a nanoscale structure especially : an arrangement, structure, or part of something of molecular dimensions
–nano·struc·tured \-chərd\ adjective

nanotech
: NANOTECHNOLOGY

nanotechnology
n. : the art of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices (as robots)
–nano·tech·no·log·i·cal \-ˌtek-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–nano·tech·nol·o·gist \-tek-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

nanotesla
: a unit of magnetic flux density equal to 10-9 tesla

nanotube
n. : a microscopic tube whose diameter is measured in nanometers especially : one of pure carbon : BUCKYTUBE

Nansen
Frid·tjof \'fri-ˌchȯf\ 1861-1930 Norw. arctic explorer, zool., & statesman

Nanterre
commune N France W of Paris pop 84,270

Nantes
city NW France on the Loire pop 270,343

Nantong
city & port E China in SE Jiangsu on Chang estuary NW of Shanghai pop 343,341

Nantua sauce
: a cream sauce flavored with shellfish (as lobster)

Nantucket
island Mass. S of Cape Cod on Nantucket Sound (inlet of the Atlantic) pop 6012
–Nan·tuck·et·er \-kə-tər\ noun

Naomi
n. : the mother-in-law of the Old Testament heroine Ruth

nap
n. 1 : to sleep briefly especially during the day : DOZE
2 : to be off guard

nap
n. : a short sleep especially during the day : SNOOZE

nap
n. : a hairy or downy surface (as on a fabric)
–nap·less \-ləs\ adjective
–napped \'napt\ adjective

nap
n. : to raise a nap on (fabric or leather)

nap
n. British : a pick or recommendation as a good bet to win a contest (as a horse race) also : one named in a nap

nap
n. British : to pick or single out in a nap

Napa
n. city W Calif. N of Vallejo pop 72,585

napa cabbage
: CHINESE CABBAGE B

napa leather
: a glove leather made by tawing sheepskins with a soap-and-oil mixture also : a similar soft leather

napalm
n. 1 : a thickener consisting of a mixture of aluminum soaps used in jelling gasoline (as for incendiary bombs)
2 : fuel jelled with napalm

napalm
n. : to assault with napalm

nape
n. : the back of the neck

Naperville
city NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 128,358

napery
n. : household linen especially : TABLE LINEN

Naphtali
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

naphtha
n. 1 : any of various volatile often flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures used chiefly as solvents and diluents
2 : PETROLEUM

naphthalene
n. : a crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon C_10H_8 usually obtained by distillation of coal tar and used especially in organic synthesis

naphthene
n. : CYCLOPARAFFIN
–naph·then·ic \ˌnaf-'thē-nik, ÷ˌnap-, -'the-\ adjective

naphthol
n. 1 : either of two isomeric derivatives C_10H_8O of naphthalene used as antiseptics and in the manufacture of dyes
2 : any of various hydroxy derivatives of naphthalene that resemble the simpler phenols

naphthylamine
: either of two isomeric crystalline bases C_10H_9N used especially as dye intermediates

Napier
Sir Charles James 1782-1853 Brit. gen.

Napier
John 1550-1617 Laird of Mer·chis·ton \'mər-kə-stən\ Scot. math.

Napier
Robert Cornelis 1810-1890 1st Baron Napier of Mag·da·la \'mag-də-lə\ Brit. field marshal

Napier
city New Zealand in E North Is. on Hawke Bay urban area pop 113,673

napier grass
: a tall stout African perennial grass (Pennisetum purpureum) that resembles sugarcane and is widely grown for forage ― called also elephant grass

Napier's bones
: a set of graduated rods (as of wood or bone) invented by John Napier and used for multiplication and division based on the principles of logarithms

Napierian logarithm
: NATURAL LOGARITHM

napiform
adj. : globular at the top and tapering off abruptly <a napiform root>

napkin
n. 1 : a piece of material (as cloth or paper) used at table to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes
2 : a small cloth or towel: as a dialect British : HANDKERCHIEF b chiefly Scottish : KERCHIEF c chiefly British : DIAPER 3
3 : SANITARY NAPKIN

Naples
n. city & port S Italy on Bay of Naples (inlet of Tyrrhenian Sea) capital of Campania pop 1,000,470

Napo
river 550 mi (885 km) NW S. America rising near Mt. Cotopaxi in cen Ecuador & flowing E & SE into the Amazon

Napoleon
n. 1769-1821 emp. of the French (1804-15)
–Na·po·le·on·ic \nə-ˌpō-lē-'ä-nik\ adjective

Napoleon
n. 1811-1832 Duc de Reichstadt; son of Napoléon I & Marie Louise

Napoleon
n. 1808-1873 Louis-Napoléon; son of Louis Bonaparte & nephew of Napoléon I emp. of the French (1852-71)

napoleon
n. 1 : a former French 20-franc gold coin
2 : an oblong pastry with a filling of cream, custard, or jelly
3 capitalized : one like Napoleon I (as in ambition)

napoleon
n. Napoleon I
Napoleon II
Napoleon III
Louis Napoleon

Napoléon
Napoléon Bonaparte
Napoléon I
Napoléon II
Napoléon III
Louis Napoléon

nappe
n. 1 : SHEET 6
2 : a large mass of rock thrust over other rocks
3 : one of the two sheets that lie on opposite sides of the vertex and together make up a cone

nappy
n. chiefly Scottish : LIQUOR specifically : ALE

nappy
n. : a rimless shallow open serving dish

nappy
n. chiefly British : DIAPER 3

nappy
n. : KINKY 1

naprapathy
n. : a system of treatment by manipulation of connective tissue and adjoining structures and by dietary measures that is held to facilitate the recuperative and regenerative processes of the body

Nara
city Japan in W cen Honshu E of Osaka; an early capital of Japan pop 366,185

Naranjito
city cen Puerto Rico pop 29,709

Narbonne
city S France pop 46,506

narc
n. slang : a person (as a government agent) who investigates narcotics violations

narc
n. 1 [GK narkē] : deep sleep <narcolepsy>
2 [narcotic] : illegal narcotics <narco-terrorism>

narcissism
n. 1 : EGOISM, EGOCENTRISM
2 : love of or sexual desire for one's own body
–nar·cis·sist \'när-sə-sist\ noun or adjective
–nar·cis·sis·tic \ˌnär-sə-'sis-tik\ adjective

narcissus
n. 1 capitalized : a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who pines away for love of his own reflection and is then turned into the narcissus flower
2 plural nar·cis·si \-'si-ˌsī, -(ˌ)sē\ or nar·cis·sus·es or narcissus [New Latin, genus name, from Latin, narcissus, from Greek narkissos] : DAFFODIL especially : one whose flowers have a short corona and are usually borne separately

narco
n. slang : NARC

narco-terrorism
: terrorism financed by profits from illegal drug trafficking
–nar·co-ter·ror·ist \-ist\ noun

narcolepsy
n. : a condition characterized by brief attacks of deep sleep often occurring with cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations
–nar·co·lep·tic \ˌnär-kə-'lep-tik\ adjective

narcoleptic
n. : a person who is subject to attacks of narcolepsy

narcosis
n. : a state of stupor, unconsciousness, or arrested activity produced by the influence of narcotics or other chemical or physical agents ― compare NITROGEN NARCOSIS

narcotic
n. 1 a : a drug (as opium or morphine) that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions b : a drug (as marijuana or LSD) subject to restriction similar to that of addictive narcotics whether physiologically addictive and narcotic or not
2 : something that soothes, relieves, or lulls

narcotic
n. 1 a : having the properties of or yielding a narcotic b : inducing mental lethargy
2 : of, induced by, or concerned with narcotics
3 : of, involving, or intended for narcotic addicts
–nar·cot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

narcotize
v. transitive verb
1 a : to treat with or subject to a narcotic b : to put into narcosis
2 : to soothe to unconsciousness or unawareness
intransitive verb : to act as a narcotic

nard
n. : SPIKENARD 1B

nares
n. : the pair of openings of the nose or nasal cavity

Narew
river NE Poland flowing W & SW into Bug River

narghile
n. : a water pipe for smoking that originated in the Near East

nark
n. British : STOOL PIGEON 1

nark
n. variant of narc

nark
n. British : IRRITATE, ANNOY

Narmada
river 800 mi (1287 km) cen India flowing W bet. Vindhya Mountains & Satpura Range into Gulf of Khambhat

Narragansett
1 : a member of an American Indian people of Rhode Island
2 : the Algonquian language of the Narragansett people

Narragansett Bay
inlet of the Atlantic SE R.I.

narrate
v. : to tell (as a story) in detail also : to provide spoken commentary for (as a movie or television show)
–nar·ra·tor \'ner-ˌā-tər, 'na-ˌrā-, na-'rā-, nə-; 'ner-ə-, 'na-rə-\ noun

narration
n. 1 : the act or process or an instance of narrating
2 : STORY, NARRATIVE
–nar·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

narrative
n. 1 : something that is narrated : STORY, ACCOUNT
2 : the art or practice of narration
3 : the representation in art of an event or story also : an example of such a representation
–narrative adjective
–nar·ra·tive·ly adverb

narratology
n. : the study of structure in narratives
–nar·ra·to·log·i·cal \-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–nar·ra·tol·o·gist \-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

narrow
n. 1 a : of slender width <a long and narrow room> b : of less than standard or usual width <a narrow sidewalk> c of a textile : woven in widths usually less than 18 inches (46 centimeters)
2 : limited in size or scope <a narrow interpretation>
3 a : illiberal in views or disposition : PREJUDICED b chiefly dialect : STINGY, NIGGARDLY
4 a : barely sufficient : CLOSE <won by a narrow margin> b : barely successful <a narrow escape>
5 : minutely precise : METICULOUS <a narrow inspection>
6 of an animal ration : relatively rich in protein as compared with carbohydrate and fat
7 : TENSE 3
–nar·row·ly adverb
–nar·row·ness noun

narrow
n. 1 : to decrease the breadth or extent of : CONTRACT ― often used with down
2 : to decrease the scope or sphere of : LIMIT ― often used with down <narrow down the choices>
intransitive verb : to lessen in width or extent : CONTRACT ― often used with down

narrow
n. : a narrow part or passage specifically : a strait connecting two bodies of water ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

narrow
n. narrow boat
narrow minded
narrow mindedness
narrow mindedly
straight and narrow

narrow boat
British : a barge with a beam of less than seven feet (2.1 meters)

narrow-minded
: lacking in tolerance or breadth of vision : PETTY
–nar·row-mind·ed·ly adverb
–nar·row-mind·ed·ness noun

narrowband
adj. : operating at, responsive to, or including a narrow range of frequencies

narrowcasting
n. : radio or television transmission aimed at a narrowly defined area or audience (as paying subscribers)

narthex
n. 1 : the portico of an ancient church
2 : a vestibule leading to the nave of a church

Narvaez
Pánfilo de ca 1480-1528 Span. soldier

Narvik
town & port N Norway pop 18,736

narwhal
n. : an arctic cetacean (Monodon monoceros) about 20 feet (6 meters) long with the male having a long twisted ivory tusk

nary
adv. dialect : not any : not one <I must have it back as I have nary other copy ― Flannery O'Connor>
–nary a or nary an : not a single <survived the accident with nary a scratch>

nary a
or nary an : not a single <survived the accident with nary a scratch>

NAS
1 National Academy of Sciences
2 naval air station

NASA
n. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

nasal
n. 1 : the nosepiece of a helmet
2 : a nasal part
3 : a nasal consonant

nasal
n. 1 : of or relating to the nose
2 a : uttered with the soft palate lowered and with passage of air through the nose (as with \m\, \n\, \ŋ\, \ōn\, or \an\) b : characterized by resonance produced through the nose
3 of a musical tone : SHARP, PENETRATING
–na·sal·i·ty \nā-'za-lə-tē\ noun
–na·sal·ly \'nā-zə-lē, 'nāz-lē\ adverb

nasalize
v. transitive verb : to make nasal or pronounce as a nasal sound
–na·sal·i·za·tion \ˌnā-zə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

NASCAR
n. National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing

nascence
n. : NASCENCY

nascency
n. : BIRTH, ORIGIN

nascent
adj. : coming or having recently come into existence <a nascent middle class> <her nascent singing career>

NASD
National Association of Securities Dealers

Nash
n. John Forbes, Jr. 1928-     American math.

Nash
n. Ogden 1902-1971 American poet

Nash
n. Thomas 1567-1601 Eng. satirist & dram.

Nash
n. Walter 1882-1968 prime min. of New Zealand (1957-60)

Nashik
town W India in Maharashtra pop 1,076,967

Nashua
city S N.H. pop 86,605

Nashville
n. city N cen Tenn., its capital pop 569,891
–Nash·vil·lian \nash-'vil-yən\ noun

Nasmyth
n. Alexander 1758-1840 Scot. painter

naso
1 : nose and <nasopharynx>
2 : nasal <nasogastric>

nasogastric
adj. : being or performed by intubation of the stomach through the nasal passages <a nasogastric tube>

nasopharyngeal
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the nose and pharynx or the nasopharynx

nasopharynx
n. : the upper part of the pharynx continuous with the nasal passages

Nassau
n. 1 \'na-ˌsȯ\ city & port capital of Bahamas on New Providence Is. pop 172,196
2 \'na-ˌsȯ, G 'nä-ˌsau̇\ region Germany N & E of the Rhine; chief city Wiesbaden

Nassau Range
― see SUDIRMAN RANGE

Nasser
n. Ga·mal \gə-'mäl\ Ab·del \'äb-dəl\ 1918-1970 Egypt. polit.; pres. of Egypt (1956-70)

Nasser, Lake
n. ― see ASWÂN

Nast
Thomas 1840-1902 American (Ger.-born) cartoonist

nastic
: of, relating to, or constituting a movement of a plant part caused by disproportionate growth or increase of turgor in one surface

nasturtium
n. : any of a genus (Tropaeolum of the family Tropaeolaceae, the nasturtium family) of herbs of Central and So. America with showy spurred flowers and pungent edible seeds and leaves especially : either of two widely cultivated ornamentals (T. majus and T. minus)

nasty
n. 1 a : disgustingly filthy b : physically repugnant
2 : INDECENT, OBSCENE
3 : MEAN, TAWDRY
4 a : extremely hazardous or harmful <a nasty undertow> b : causing severe pain or suffering <a nasty wound> <a nasty fall> c : sharply unpleasant : DISAGREEABLE <nasty weather>
5 a : difficult to understand or deal with <a nasty problem> <a nasty curveball> b : psychologically unsettling : TRYING <a nasty fear that she was lost>
6 : lacking in courtesy or sportsmanship <a nasty trick>
synonyms see DIRTY
–nas·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–nas·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun
–nasty noun

NASW
National Association of Social Workers

nat
1 national
2 native
3 natural

Natal
adj. 1 city & port NE Brazil capital of Rio Grande do Norte pop 712,317
2 former province E Republic of South Africa bet. Drakensberg Mountains & Indian Ocean; now part of KwaZulu-Natal

natal
adj. 1 : NATIVE
2 : of, relating to, or present at birth especially : associated with one's birth <a natal star>

natality
n. : BIRTHRATE

natant
adj. : swimming or floating in water <natant decapods>

natation
n. : the action or art of swimming

natatorial
adj. 1 : of or relating to swimming
2 : adapted to or characterized by swimming <a natatorial leg of an aquatic insect>

natatorium
n. : an indoor swimming pool

natch
adv. slang : of course : NATURALLY

Natchez
1 : a member of an American Indian people of southwestern Mississippi
2 : the language of the Natchez people

Natchez
city SW Miss. on Mississippi River pop 18,464

Natchez Trace
pioneer road bet. Nashville, Tenn., & Natchez, Miss.; constructed in the early 19th century

nates
n. : BUTTOCKS

Nathan
n. George Jean 1882-1958 American editor & drama critic

Nathans
Daniel 1928-     American microbiologist

natheless
adv. archaic : NEVERTHELESS, NOTWITHSTANDING

Natick
town E Mass. W of Boston pop 32,170

Nation
n. Car·ry \'ka-rē\ Amelia 1846-1911 née Moore American temperance agitator

nation
n. 1 a (1) : NATIONALITY 5A (2) : a politically organized nationality (3) : a non-Jewish nationality <why do the nations conspire ― Ps 2:1 (RSV)> b : a community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government c : a territorial division containing a body of people of one or more nationalities and usually characterized by relatively large size and independent status
2 archaic : GROUP, AGGREGATION
3 : a tribe or federation of tribes (as of American Indians)

nation
n. nation state
comity of nations
law of nations
United Nations Day
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
League of Nations
United Nations
Commonwealth of Nations

nation-state
: a form of political organization under which a relatively homogeneous people inhabits a sovereign state especially : a state containing one as opposed to several nationalities

national
n. 1 : of or relating to a nation
2 : NATIONALIST
3 : comprising or characteristic of a nationality
4 : belonging to or maintained by the federal government
5 : of, relating to, or being a coalition government formed by most or all major political parties usually in a crisis
–na·tion·al·ly adverb

national
n. 1 : one that owes allegiance to or is under the protection of a nation without regard to the more formal status of citizen or subject
2 : a competition that is national in scope ― usually used in plural
synonyms see CITIZEN

national
n. cross national
gross national product
national bank
national forest
national guard
national guardsman
national income
national monument
national park
national seashore
national socialism
national socialist
Acadia National Park
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
American Samoa National Park
Arches National Park
Aulavik National Park
Auyuittuq National Park
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Badlands National Park
Bandelier National Monument
Banff National Park
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyonlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Capitol Reef National Park
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Castle Clinton National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Channel Islands National Park
Chiricahua National Monument
Colorado National Monument
Congaree Swamp National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Denali Denali National Park
Dinosaur National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Elk Island National Park
El Malpais National Monument
El Morro National Monument
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Forillon National Park
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort McHenry National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Stanwix National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Union National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument
Fundy National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Glacier National Park
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Teton National Park
Grasslands National Park
Great Basin National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Gros Morne National Park
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hohokam Pima National Monument
Homestead National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument
Ivvavik National Park
Jasper National Park
Jewel Cave National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Joshua Tree National Park
Katmai National Park
Kejimkujik National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kluane National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kootenay National Park
Kouchibouguac National Park
Kruger National Park
Lake Clark National Park
La Mauricie National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park
Mingan Archipelago National Park
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Muir Woods National Monument
Nahanni National Park
National City
Natural Bridges National Monument
Navajo National Monument
North Cascades National Park
Ocmulgee National Monument
Olympic National Park
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Pacific Rim National Park
Pecos National Monument
Petrified Forest National Park
Petroglyph National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipestone National Monument
Point Pelee National Park
Poverty Point National Monument
Prince Albert National Park
Prince Edward Island National Park
Pukaskwa National Park
Quttinirpaaq National Park
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Redwood National Park
Riding Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Russell Cave National Monument
Saguaro National Park
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Sequoia National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Sirmilik National Park
South Moresby National Park
Statue of Liberty National Monument
Terra Nova National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Tonto National Monument
Tuktut Nogait National Park
Tuzigoot National Monument
Virgin Islands National Park
Voyageurs National Park
Vuntut National Park
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Wapusk National Park
White Sands National Monument
Wood Buffalo National Park
Wrangell Saint Elias National Park
Wupatki National Monument
Yellowstone National Park
Yoho National Park
Yucca House National Monument
Zion National Park
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument
Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

national bank
1 : CENTRAL BANK
2 : a bank operating under federal charter and supervision

National City
city SW Calif. S of San Diego pop 54,260

national forest
: a usually forested area of considerable extent that is preserved by government decree from private exploitation and is harvested only under supervision

national guard
1 : a military establishment serving as a national constabulary and defense force
2 capitalized : a militia force recruited by each state of the U.S., equipped by the federal government, and jointly maintained subject to the call of either

national guardsman
: a member of a national guard

national income
: the aggregate of earnings from a nation's current production including compensation of employees, interest, rental income, and profits of business after taxes

national monument
: a place of historic, scenic, or scientific interest set aside for preservation usually by presidential proclamation

national park
: an area of special scenic, historical, or scientific importance set aside and maintained by a national government and in the U.S. by an act of Congress

national seashore
: a recreational area adjacent to a seacoast and maintained by the federal government

national socialism
: NAZISM
–national socialist adjective often cap N&S

nationalise
v. chiefly British variant of nationalize

nationalism
n. 1 : loyalty and devotion to a nation especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups
2 : a nationalist movement or government

nationalist
n. 1 : an advocate of or believer in nationalism
2 : a member of a political party or group advocating national independence or strong national government

nationalist
n. 1 : of, relating to, or advocating nationalism
2 : of, relating to, or being a political group advocating or associated with nationalism

nationalistic
adj. 1 : of, favoring, or characterized by nationalism <nationalistic election speeches>
2 : NATIONAL 1
–na·tion·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

nationality
n. 1 : national character
2 : NATIONALISM 1
3 a : national status specifically : a legal relationship involving allegiance on the part of an individual and usually protection on the part of the state b : membership in a particular nation
4 : political independence or existence as a separate nation
5 a : a people having a common origin, tradition, and language and capable of forming or actually constituting a nation-state b : an ethnic group constituting one element of a larger unit (as a nation)

nationalize
v. 1 : to give a national character to
2 : to invest control or ownership of in the national government
–na·tion·al·i·za·tion \ˌnash-nə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌna-shə-nə-lə-\ noun
–na·tion·al·iz·er \'nash-nə-ˌlī-zər, ˌna-shə-nə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

nationhood
n. 1 : NATIONALITY 1
2 : NATIONALITY 3A
3 : NATIONALITY 4

nationwide
adj. : extending throughout a nation

nationwide
adj. : throughout the nation

native
n. 1 : INBORN, INNATE <native talents>
2 : belonging to a particular place by birth <native to Wisconsin>
3 archaic : closely related
4 : belonging to or associated with one by birth
5 : NATURAL, NORMAL
6 a : grown, produced, or originating in a particular place or in the vicinity : LOCAL b : living or growing naturally in a particular region : INDIGENOUS
7 : SIMPLE, UNAFFECTED
8 a : constituting the original substance or source b : found in nature especially in an unadulterated form <mining native silver>
9 chiefly Australian : having a usually superficial resemblance to a specified English plant or animal
10 capitalized : of, relating to, or being a member of an aboriginal people of No. or So. America : NATIVE AMERICAN
–na·tive·ly adverb
–na·tive·ness noun
synonyms NATIVE, INDIGENOUS, ENDEMIC, ABORIGINAL mean belonging to a locality. NATIVE implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it <native tribal customs>. INDIGENOUS applies to species or races and adds to NATIVE the implication of not having been introduced from elsewhere <maize is indigenous to America>. ENDEMIC implies being peculiar to a region <edelweiss is endemic in the Alps>. ABORIGINAL implies having no known race preceding in occupancy of the region <the aboriginal peoples of Australia>.

native
n. 1 : one born or reared in a particular place
2 a : an original or indigenous inhabitant b : something indigenous to a particular locality
3 : a local resident especially : a person who has always lived in a place as distinguished from a visitor or a temporary resident

Native American
: a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the western hemisphere especially : a Native American of No. America and especially the U.S. ― compare AMERICAN INDIAN
–Native American adjective

nativism
n. 1 : a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants
2 : the revival or perpetuation of an indigenous culture especially in opposition to acculturation
–na·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective
–na·tiv·is·tic \ˌnā-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective

nativity
n. 1 : the process or circumstances of being born : BIRTH especially capitalized : the birth of Jesus
2 : a horoscope at or of the time of one's birth
3 : the place of origin

natl
adj. national

NATO
n. North Atlantic Treaty Organization

natriuresis
n. : excessive loss of sodium in the urine
–na·tri·uret·ic \-'re-tik\ adjective or noun

natrolite
: a hydrous silicate of sodium and aluminum that is related to zeolite

natron
n. : a hydrous native sodium carbonate used in ancient times in embalming, in ceramic pastes, and as a cleansing agent

natter
n. : CHATTER 2

natter
n. chiefly British : idle talk or conversation : CHAT

natty
adj. : trimly neat and tidy : SMART <natty clothes> <a natty dresser>
–nat·ti·ly \'na-tə-lē\ adverb
–nat·ti·ness \'na-tē-nəs\ noun

natura non facit saltum
: nature makes no leap

naturae
n. ferae naturae
lusus naturae
vis medicatrix naturae

natural
n. 1 : based on an inherent sense of right and wrong <natural justice>
2 a : being in accordance with or determined by nature b : having or constituting a classification based on features existing in nature
3 a (1) : begotten as distinguished from adopted also : LEGITIMATE (2) : being a relation by actual consanguinity as distinguished from adoption <natural parents> b : ILLEGITIMATE <a natural child>
4 : having an essential relation with someone or something : following from the nature of the one in question <his guilt is a natural deduction from the evidence>
5 : implanted or being as if implanted by nature : seemingly inborn <a natural talent for art>
6 : of or relating to nature as an object of study and research
7 : having a specified character by nature <a natural athlete>
8 a : occurring in conformity with the ordinary course of nature : not marvelous or supernatural <natural causes> b : formulated by human reason alone rather than revelation <natural religion> <natural rights> c : having a normal or usual character <events followed their natural course>
9 : possessing or exhibiting the higher qualities (as kindliness and affection) of human nature <a noble⋯brother⋯ever most kind and natural ― Shakespeare>
10 a : growing without human care also : not cultivated <natural prairie unbroken by the plow> b : existing in or produced by nature : not artificial <natural turf> <natural curiosities> c : relating to or being natural food
11 a : being in a state of nature without spiritual enlightenment : UNREGENERATE <natural man> b : living in or as if in a state of nature untouched by the influences of civilization and society
12 a : having a physical or real existence as contrasted with one that is spiritual, intellectual, or fictitious <a corporation is a legal but not a natural person> b : of, relating to, or operating in the physical as opposed to the spiritual world <natural laws describe phenomena of the physical universe>
13 a : closely resembling an original : true to nature b : marked by easy simplicity and freedom from artificiality, affectation, or constraint c : having a form or appearance found in nature
14 a : having neither flats nor sharps <the natural scale of C major> b : being neither sharp nor flat c : having the pitch modified by the natural sign
15 : of an off-white or beige color
–nat·u·ral·ness \-nəs\ noun
synonyms NATURAL, INGENUOUS, NAIVE, UNSOPHISTICATED, ARTLESS mean free from pretension or calculation. NATURAL implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world <her unaffected, natural manner>. INGENUOUS implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions <the ingenuous enthusiasm of children>. NAIVE suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence <politically naive>. UNSOPHISTICATED implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness <unsophisticated adolescents>. ARTLESS suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others <artless charm>. synonym see in addition REGULAR

natural
n. 1 : one born without the usual powers of reason and understanding
2 a : a sign ♮ placed on any degree of the musical staff to nullify the effect of a preceding sharp or flat b : a note or tone affected by the natural sign
3 : a result or combination that immediately wins the stake in a game specifically : a throw of 7 or 11 on the first cast in craps
4 a : one having natural skills, talents, or abilities b : something that is likely to become an immediate success c : one that is obviously suitable for a specific purpose
5 : AFRO

natural
n. natural childbirth
natural family planning
natural food
natural gas
natural history
natural killer cell
natural law
natural logarithm
natural number
natural philosophy
natural philosopher
natural resource
natural science
natural scientist
natural selection
natural theology
Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument
n. reservation SE Utah

natural childbirth
: a system of managing childbirth in which the mother receives preparatory education in order to remain conscious during and assist in delivery with minimal or no use of drugs or anesthetics

natural family planning
: a method of birth control that involves abstention from sexual intercourse during the period of ovulation which is determined through observation and measurement of bodily symptoms

natural food
: food that has undergone minimal processing and contains no preservatives or artificial additives

natural gas
1 : gas issuing from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells especially : a combustible mixture of methane and other hydrocarbons used chiefly as a fuel and raw material
2 : gas manufactured from organic matter (as coal)

natural history
1 : a treatise on some aspect of nature
2 : the natural development of something (as an organism or disease) over a period of time
3 : the study of natural objects especially in the field from an amateur or popular point of view

natural killer cell
: a large granular lymphocyte capable of killing a tumor or microbial cell without prior exposure to the target cell and without having it presented with or marked by a histocompatibility antigen ― called also NK cell

natural law
: a body of law or a specific principle held to be derived from nature and binding upon human society in the absence of or in addition to positive law

natural logarithm
: a logarithm with e as a base

natural number
: the number 1 or any number (as 3, 12, 432) obtained by adding 1 to it one or more times : a positive integer

natural philosophy
: NATURAL SCIENCE especially : PHYSICAL SCIENCE
–natural philosopher noun

natural resource
1 plural : industrial materials and capacities (as mineral deposits and waterpower) supplied by nature
2 : RESOURCE 1B C

natural science
: any of the sciences (as physics, chemistry, or biology) that deal with matter, energy, and their interrelations and transformations or with objectively measurable phenomena
–natural scientist noun

natural selection
: a natural process that results in the survival and reproductive success of individuals or groups best adjusted to their environment and that leads to the perpetuation of genetic qualities best suited to that particular environment

natural theology
: theology deriving its knowledge of God from the study of nature independent of special revelation

naturalise
v. British variant of naturalize

naturalism
n. 1 : action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts
2 : a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance specifically : the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena
3 : realism in art or literature specifically : a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

naturalist
n. 1 : one that advocates or practices naturalism
2 : a student of natural history especially : a field biologist

naturalistic
adj. : of, characterized by, or according with naturalism
–nat·u·ral·is·ti·cal·ly \ˌna-chə-rə-'lis-ti-k(ə-)lē, ˌnach-rə-\ adverb

naturalize
v. transitive verb
1 : to confer the rights of a national on especially : to admit to citizenship
2 : to introduce into common use or into the vernacular
3 : to bring into conformity with nature
4 : to cause (as a plant) to become established as if native
intransitive verb : to become established as if native
–nat·u·ral·i·za·tion \ˌna-chə-rə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌnach-rə-\ noun

naturally
adv. 1 : by nature : by natural character or ability <naturally timid>
2 : according to the usual course of things : as might be expected <we naturally dislike being hurt>
3 a : without artificial aid <hair that curls naturally> b : without affectation <speak naturally>
4 : with truth to nature : REALISTICALLY

naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurret
: you may drive nature out with a pitchfork, but she will keep coming back((na00B7;tu00B7;ram ex00B7;pel00B7;las fur00B7;ca, ta00B7;men us00B7;que re00B7;cur00B7;ret

nature
n. 1 a : the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing : ESSENCE b : DISPOSITION, TEMPERAMENT
2 a : a creative and controlling force in the universe b : an inner force or the sum of such forces in an individual
3 : a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics <documents of a confidential nature> <acts of a ceremonial nature>
4 : the physical constitution or drives of an organism especially : an excretory organ or function ― used in phrases like the call of nature
5 : a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)
6 : the external world in its entirety
7 a : humankind's original or natural condition b : a simplified mode of life resembling this condition
8 : the genetically controlled qualities of an organism
9 : natural scenery
synonyms see TYPE

nature
n. call of nature
crime against nature
force of nature
freak of nature
human nature
Mother Nature
second nature

naturism
n. 1 a : NATURALISM 1 b : NATURALISM 2
2 : the worship of the forces of nature
3 : NUDISM
–na·tur·ist \-rist\ noun

naturopathy
n. : a system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery and emphasizes the use of natural agents (as air, water, and herbs) and physical means (as tissue manipulation and electrotherapy)
–na·tu·ro·path \'nā-chər-ə-ˌpath, 'na-\ noun
–na·tu·ro·path·ic \ˌnā-chər-ə-'pa-thik, ˌna-; nə-ˌtyu̇r-ə-, -ˌtu̇r-\ adjective

Naucratis
ancient Greek city N Egypt in Nile Delta

Naugahyde
n. ― used for vinyl-coated fabrics

Naugatuck
town SW cen Conn. pop 30,989

naught
n. : NOTHING <efforts came to naught>

naught
n. 1 : NOTHINGNESS, NONEXISTENCE
2 : the arithmetical symbol 0 : ZERO, CIPHER

naughty
adj. 1 a archaic : vicious in moral character : WICKED b : guilty of disobedience or misbehavior
2 : lacking in taste or propriety
–naugh·ti·ly \'nȯ-tə-lē, 'nä-\ adverb
–naugh·ti·ness \'nȯ-tē-nəs, 'nä-\ noun

naumachia
1 : an ancient Roman spectacle representing a naval battle
2 : a place for naumachiae

Nauplia
town & port S Greece in E Peloponnese near head of Gulf of Argolis pop 11,453

nauplius
n. : a crustacean larva in usually the first stage after leaving the egg and with three pairs of appendages, a median eye, and little or no segmentation

Nauru
n. island (atoll) W Pacific 26 mi (42 km) S of the equator; formerly a joint Brit., New Zealand, & Australian trust territory; since 1968 an independent republic area 8 sq mi (21 sq km), pop 10,000
–Na·u·ru·an \-'ü-rə-wən\ adjective or noun

nausea
n. 1 : a stomach distress with distaste for food and an urge to vomit
2 : extreme disgust
–nau·se·ant \-zhē-ənt, -shē-, -zē-, -sē-\ noun or adjective

nauseate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to become affected with nausea
2 : to feel disgust
transitive verb : to affect with nausea or disgust

nauseating
adj. : causing nausea or especially disgust
usage see NAUSEOUS
–nau·se·at·ing·ly adverb

nauseous
adj. 1 : causing nausea or disgust : NAUSEATING
2 : affected with nausea or disgust
–nau·seous·ly adverb
–nau·seous·ness noun
usage Those who insist that nauseous can properly be used only in sense 1 and that in sense 2 it is an error for nauseated are mistaken. Current evidence shows these facts: nauseous is most frequently used to mean physically affected with nausea, usually after a linking verb such as feel or become; figurative use is quite a bit less frequent. Use of nauseous in sense 1 is much more often figurative than literal, and this use appears to be losing ground to nauseating. Nauseated is used more widely than nauseous in sense 2.

naut
nautical

nautch
n. : an entertainment in India consisting chiefly of dancing by professional dancing girls

nautical
adj. : of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships
–nau·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

nautical mile
: any of various units of distance used for sea and air navigation based on the length of a minute of arc of a great circle of the earth and differing because the earth is not a perfect sphere: as a : a British unit equal to 6080 feet (1853.2 meters) b : an international unit equal to exactly 1852 meters (6076.115 feet or 1.15 statute miles) used officially in the U.S. since July 1, 1954

nautiloid
: any of a subclass (Nautiloidea) of cephalopods bearing an external straight, curved, or spiral shell that were abundant chiefly in the Paleozoic but are represented in the recent fauna only by the nautiluses
–nautiloid adjective

nautilus
n. 1 : any of a genus (Nautilus) of cephalopod mollusks of the So. Pacific and Indian oceans with a spiral chambered shell that is pearly on the inside ― called also chambered nautilus
2 : PAPER NAUTILUS

nautilus
n. chambered nautilus
paper nautilus
pearly nautilus

nav
1 naval
2 navigable; navigation

navaid
n. : a device or system (as a radar beacon) that provides a navigator with navigational data

Navajo
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of northern New Mexico and Arizona
2 : the language of the Navajo people

Navajo National Monument
n. reservation N Ariz. SW of Monument Valley near Utah boundary containing cliff dwellings

naval
adj. 1 obsolete : of or relating to ships or shipping
2 a : of or relating to a navy b : consisting of or involving warships

naval
adj. chief of naval operations
naval architect
naval stores

naval architect
: one who designs ships

naval stores
: products (as turpentine, pitch, and rosin) obtained from resinous conifers and especially pines

Navarre
n. 1 region & former kingdom N Spain & SW France in W Pyrenees
2 province N Spain capital Pamplona area 4024 sq mi (10,422 sq km), pop 555,829

nave
n. : the hub of a wheel

nave
n. : the main part of the interior of a church especially : the long narrow central hall in a cruciform church that rises higher than the aisles flanking it to form a clerestory

navel
n. 1 : a depression in the middle of the abdomen that marks the point of former attachment of the umbilical cord or yolk stalk
2 : the central point : MIDDLE

navel orange
: a seedless orange having a pit at the apex where the fruit encloses a small secondary fruit ― called also navel

navel-gazing
: useless or excessive self-contemplation

Navesink
Highlands of Navesink
Navesink Highlands of
Navesink Highlands

Navesink, Highlands of
range of hills E N.J. from near Sandy Hook to Raritan Bay

navicular
n. 1 : shaped like a boat <a navicular bone>
2 : of, relating to, or involving a navicular bone <navicular disease>

navicular
n. : a navicular bone: a : one situated on the big-toe side of the tarsus in humans ― called also scaphoid b : SCAPHOID 2 c : one situated in the hoof of a horse behind the coffin bone

navigable
adj. 1 a : deep enough and wide enough to afford passage to ships <navigable waterways> b : capable of being navigated <navigable terrain>
2 : capable of being steered
–nav·i·ga·bil·i·ty \ˌna-vi-gə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–nav·i·ga·bly \'na-vi-gə-blē\ adverb

navigate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to travel by water : SAIL
2 : to steer a course through a medium specifically : to operate an airplane
3 : GET AROUND, MOVE
transitive verb
1 a : to sail over, on, or through b : to make one's way over or through : TRAVERSE
2 a : to steer or manage (a boat) in sailing b : to operate or control the course of (as an airplane)

navigation
n. 1 : the act or practice of navigating
2 : the science of getting ships, aircraft, or spacecraft from place to place especially : the method of determining position, course, and distance traveled
3 : ship traffic or commerce
–nav·i·ga·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–nav·i·ga·tion·al·ly adverb

navigator
n. : one that navigates or is qualified to navigate

Navigators Islands
― see SAMOA 1

Navpaktos
town & port Greece on N shore of strait connecting Gulf of Corinth & Gulf of Patras

navvy
n. chiefly British : an unskilled laborer

navy
n. 1 : a group of ships : FLEET
2 : a nation's ships of war and of logistic support
3 often capitalized : the complete naval establishment of a nation including yards, stations, ships, and personnel
4 : a dark grayish purplish blue

navy
n. master chief petty officer of the navy
navy bean
Navy Cross
navy yard

navy bean
: a white-seeded kidney bean grown especially for its nutritious seeds also : its seed

Navy Cross
: a U.S. Navy decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism in operations against an armed enemy

navy yard
: a yard where naval vessels are built or repaired

nawab
n. : NABOB

Naxcivan
1 exclave of Azerbaijan separated from the rest of the country by Armenia area 2124 sq mi (5501 sq km), pop 305,700
2 city, its capital, on the Araks pop 61,700

Naxos
1 or Modern Greek Ná·xos \'näk-ˌsȯs\ island Greece, largest of the Cyclades area 165 sq mi (427 sq km)
2 oldest Greek colony in Sicily; ruins SW of Taormina

nay
n. : NO

nay
n. 1 : DENIAL, REFUSAL
2 a : a negative reply or vote b : one who votes no

nay
n. : not merely this but also : not only so but <the letter made him happy, nay, ecstatic>

Nayarit
state W Mexico bordering on the Pacific capital Tepic area 10,664 sq mi (27,620 sq km), pop 824,543

naysayer
n. : one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something
–nay-say·ing \-ˌsā-iŋ\ noun

Nazarene
n. 1 : a native or resident of Nazareth
2 a : CHRISTIAN 1A b : a member of the Church of the Nazarene that is a Protestant denomination deriving from the merging of three holiness groups, stressing sanctification, and following Methodist polity
–Nazarene adjective

Nazareth
n. city N Israel in Galilee SE of Haifa pop 49,800

Naze, The
n. headland SE England on E coast of Essex

Nazi
n. 1 : a member of a German fascist party controlling Germany from 1933 to 1945 under Adolf Hitler
2 often not capitalized a : one who espouses the beliefs and policies of the German Nazis : FASCIST b : one who is likened to a German Nazi : a harshly domineering, dictatorial, or intolerant person
–nazi adjective often cap
–na·zi·fi·ca·tion \ˌnät-si-fə-'kā-shən, ˌnat-\ noun often cap
–na·zi·fy \'nät-si-ˌfī, 'nat-\ transitive verb often cap

Nazilli
city SW Turkey SE of Izmir pop 105,665

Nazirite
n. : a Jew of biblical times consecrated to God by a vow to avoid drinking wine, cutting the hair, and being defiled by the presence of a corpse
–Naz·i·rit·ism \-ˌrī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Nazism
n. : the body of political and economic doctrines held and put into effect by the Nazis in Germany from 1933 to 1945 including the totalitarian principle of government, predominance of especially Germanic groups assumed to be racially superior, and supremacy of the führer

Nazran'
town S Russia in Europe capital of Ingushetia

NB
n. 1 New Brunswick
2 northbound
3 nota bene ― often not capitalized

Nb
n. niobium

NBA
n. 1 National Basketball Association
2 National Boxing Association

NBC
n. 1 National Broadcasting Company
2 nuclear, biological, and chemical

NBS
National Bureau of Standards

NC
n. 1 no charge
2 no credit
3 North Carolina
4 nurse corps

NC-17
― used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that no one under the age of 17 can be admitted ― compare G, PG, PG-13, R

NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCO
n. : NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

ND
n. 1 doctor of naturopathy
2 North Dakota

Nd
n. neodymium

nd
n. no date

nd
n. ― used after the figure 2 to indicate the ordinal number second <2nd> <72nd>

NDE
near-death experience

NDP
New Democratic Party (Canad)

NE
n. 1 Nebraska
2 New England
3 no effects
4 northeast

Ne
n. neon

Ne
n. je ne sais quoi
ne plus ultra
ils ne passeront pas
ne cede malis
ne quid nimis
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point

ne
n. 1 ― used to indicate the original, former, or legal name of a man <Robert Roe, ne John Doe>
2 : originally or formerly called

ne
n. 1 a : new : recent <Neogene> b : new and different period or form of <Neoplatonism> : in a new and different form or manner <Neoplatonic> c : New World <Neotropical> d : new and abnormal <neoplasm>
2 : new chemical compound isomeric with or otherwise related to (such) a compound <neostigmine>

ne cede malis
: yield not to misfortunes

ne plus ultra
1 : the highest point capable of being attained : ACME
2 : the most profound degree of a quality or state

ne quid nimis
: not anything in excess

ne'er
adv. : NEVER

ne'er-do-well
: an idle worthless person
–ne'er-do-well adjective

NEA
n. 1 National Education Association
2 National Endowment for the Arts

Neagh, Lough
n. lake cen Northern Ireland area 153 sq mi (398 sq km); largest in British Isles

Neanderthal
1 or Ne·an·der·tal \-ˌtȯl, -ˌtäl\ : a hominid (Homo neanderthalensis syn H. sapiens neanderthalensis) known from skeletal remains in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia that lived from about 30,000 to 200,000 years ago ― called also Neanderthal man
2 : one who suggests a caveman in appearance, mentality, or behavior
–Neanderthal or Neandertal adjective
–Ne·an·der·thal·oid \-ˌtȯ-ˌlȯid, -ˌthȯ-, -ˌtä-\ adjective or noun

neap
n. : of, relating to, or constituting a neap tide

neap
n. : NEAP TIDE

neap tide
: a tide of minimum range occurring at the first and the third quarters of the moon

Neapolis
1 ― see NABLUS
2 ― see NAPLES

Neapolitan
n. : a native or inhabitant of Naples, Italy
–Neapolitan adjective

Neapolitan ice cream
: a brick of from two to four layers of ice cream of different flavors

near
adj. 1 : at, within, or to a short distance or time <sunset was drawing near>
2 : ALMOST, NEARLY <was near dead>
3 : in a close or intimate manner : CLOSELY <near related>
4 archaic : in a frugal manner

near
adj. : close to <beaches near the city> <seemed to be near death>

near
adj. 1 a : not far distant in time, place, or degree <in the near future> b : almost happening : narrowly missed or avoided <a near win in the primary> <a near midair collision> c : nearly not happening <a near escape>
2 : closely related or intimately associated <her nearest and dearest friend>
3 a : being the closer of two <the near side> b : being the left-hand one of a pair <the near wheel of a cart>
4 : DIRECT, SHORT <the nearest road>
5 : STINGY, CLOSEFISTED
6 a : closely resembling the standard or typical <a near desert> b : approximating the genuine <near silk>
–near·ness noun

near
adj. : APPROACH

near
adj. near beer
near gale
near infrared
near miss
near money
near point
near ultraviolet
near the wind
Near East
Near Eastern
Near Islands

near beer
: any of various malt liquors considered nonalcoholic because they contain less than a specified percentage of alcohol

Near East
the countries of SW Asia & NE Africa ― sometimes used interchangeably with Middle East, which has become the more common term
–Near Eastern adjective

near gale
: MODERATE GALE ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

Near Islands
islands SW Alaska at W end of the Aleutians ― see ATTU

near miss
1 a : a miss (as with a bomb) close enough to cause damage b : something that falls just short of success
2 a : a near collision (as between aircraft) b : CLOSE CALL

near money
: assets (as savings accounts or government bonds) quickly and easily converted to cash

near point
: the point nearest the eye at which an object is accurately focused on the retina at full accommodation

near the wind

1 : close to the wind
2 : close to a point of danger : near the permissible limit

near-infrared
: of or relating to the shorter wavelengths of radiation in the infrared spectrum and especially to those between 0.7 and 2.5 micrometers

near-ultraviolet
: of, relating to, or being the longest wavelengths of radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum especially between 300 and 400 nanometers

nearby
adj. : close at hand

Nearctic
adj. : of, relating to, or being the biogeographic subregion that includes Greenland and No. America north of tropical Mexico

nearly
adv. 1 : in a close manner or relationship <nearly related>
2 a : almost but not quite <nearly identical> <nearly a year later> b : to the least extent <not nearly as good as we expected>

nearshore
: extending outward an indefinite but usually short distance from shore <nearshore sediments>

nearside
n. British : LEFT-HAND 1
–nearside noun

nearsighted
adj. : able to see near things more clearly than distant ones : MYOPIC
–near·sight·ed·ly adverb

nearsightedness
n. : MYOPIA

neat
adj. : the common domestic bovine (Bos taurus)

neat
adj. 1 : free from dirt and disorder : habitually clean and orderly
2 a : free from admixture or dilution : STRAIGHT <neat brandy> <neat cement> b : free from irregularity : SMOOTH <neat silk>
3 : marked by tasteful simplicity <a neat outfit>
4 a : PRECISE, SYSTEMATIC b : marked by skill or ingenuity : ADROIT
5 : NET <neat profit>
6 : FINE, ADMIRABLE
–neat·ly adverb
–neat·ness noun

neat
adj. 1 : in a neat manner <his hair combed back neat ― J. M. Cain>
2 : without admixture or dilution : STRAIGHT

neat's-foot oil
: a pale yellow fatty oil made especially from the bones of cattle and used chiefly as a leather dressing

neaten
v. 1 : to set in order : make neat
2 : to finish (as a piece of sewing) carefully

neath
prep. dialect : BENEATH

Neath and Port Talbot
administrative area of S Wales area 170 sq mi (440 sq km)

neatherd
n. : HERDSMAN

neatnik
: a person who is compulsively neat

NEB
n. New English Bible

Neb
n. Nebraska

neb
n. 1 a : the beak of a bird or tortoise : BILL b chiefly dialect : a person's mouth c : NOSE 1, SNOUT
2 : NIB, TIP

nebbish
n. : a timid, meek, or ineffectual person
–neb·bishy \-bi-shē\ adjective

nebenkern
n. : a 2-stranded helical structure of the proximal tail region of a spermatozoon that is derived from mitochondria

Nebo, Mount
n. ― see PISGAH (Mount)

Nebraska
n. state cen U.S. capital Lincoln area 77,355 sq mi (200,349 sq km), pop 1,711,263
–Ne·bras·kan \-kən\ adjective or noun

Nebuchadrezzar
ca 630-562 B.C. Chaldean king of Babylon (605-562)

nebula
n. 1 : any of numerous clouds of gas or dust in interstellar space
2 : GALAXY 1B especially : a galaxy other than the Milky Way galaxy ― not used technically
–neb·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

nebula
n. planetary nebula
spiral nebula
nebular hypothesis

nebular hypothesis
: a hypothesis in astronomy: the solar system has evolved from a hot gaseous nebula

nebulize
v. : to reduce to a fine spray
–neb·u·li·za·tion \ˌne-byə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–neb·u·liz·er \'ne-byə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

nebulosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being nebulous
2 : nebulous matter also : NEBULA 1

nebulous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula : NEBULAR
2 : INDISTINCT, VAGUE
–neb·u·lous·ly adverb
–neb·u·lous·ness noun

necessarily
adv. 1 : of necessity : UNAVOIDABLY
2 : as a logical result or consequence

necessary
n. 1 a : of an inevitable nature : INESCAPABLE b (1) : logically unavoidable (2) : that cannot be denied without contradiction c : determined or produced by the previous condition of things d : COMPULSORY
2 : absolutely needed : REQUIRED

necessary
n. : an indispensable item : ESSENTIAL

necessary condition
1 : a state of affairs that must prevail if another is to occur : PREREQUISITE
2 : a proposition whose falsity assures the falsity of another

necessitarianism
n. : the theory that results follow by invariable sequence from causes
–ne·ces·si·tar·i·an \-'ter-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

necessitate
v. 1 : to make necessary : REQUIRE
2 : FORCE, COMPEL
–ne·ces·si·ta·tion \-ˌse-sə-'tā-shən\ noun

necessitous
adj. 1 : NEEDY, IMPOVERISHED
2 : URGENT, PRESSING
3 : NECESSARY
–ne·ces·si·tous·ly adverb
–ne·ces·si·tous·ness noun

necessity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being necessary
2 a : pressure of circumstance b : physical or moral compulsion c : impossibility of a contrary order or condition
3 : the quality or state of being in need especially : POVERTY
4 a : something that is necessary : REQUIREMENT b : an urgent need or desire
–of necessity : in such a way that it cannot be otherwise also : as a necessary consequence <further changes will occur of necessity>

Nechako
river 287 mi (462 km) Canada in cen B.C. flowing N & E into the Fraser

Neches
river E Tex. flowing S & SE into Sabine Lake

neck
n. 1 a (1) : the part of an animal that connects the head with the body (2) : the siphon of a bivalve mollusk (as a clam) b : the part of a garment that covers or is next to the neck
2 : a relatively narrow part suggestive of a neck: as a (1) : the constricted end of a bottle (2) : the slender proximal end of a fruit b : CERVIX 2 c : the part of a stringed musical instrument extending from the body and supporting the fingerboard and strings d : a narrow stretch of land e : STRAIT 1B f : the part of a tooth between the crown and the root ― see TOOTH illustration g : a column of solidified magma of a volcanic pipe or laccolith
3 : a narrow margin <won by a neck>
4 : REGION, PART <my neck of the woods>

neck
n. 1 : to kiss and caress amorously
2 : to reduce in diameter
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in amorous kissing and caressing
2 : to become constricted : NARROW

neck
n. scoop neck
breathe down one's neck
bull neck
cowl neck
crew neck
ewe neck
neck and neck
neck rein
polo neck
ring neck
roll neck
stick one's neck out
V neck
cowl necked
ewe necked
ring necked
ring necked duck
ring necked pheasant
roll necked
stiff necked
V necked

neck and neck
: very close (as in a race)

neck-rein
of a saddle horse : to respond to the pressure of a rein on one side of the neck by turning in the opposite direction
transitive verb : to direct (a horse) by pressures of the rein on the neck

Neckar
river 228 mi (367 km) SW Germany rising in the Black Forest & flowing N & W into the Rhine

necked
adj. : having a neck especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <long-necked>

necked
adj. cowl necked
ewe necked
ring necked
ring necked duck
ring necked pheasant
roll necked
stiff necked
V necked

Necker
n. Jacques 1732-1804 father of Mme. de Staël Fr. (Swiss-born) financier & statesman

Necker
n. island Hawaii in Leewards NW of Niihau Is.

neckerchief
n. : a kerchief for the neck

necking
n. 1 : a narrow molding near the top of a column or pilaster
2 : the act or practice of kissing and caressing amorously

necklace
n. 1 : an ornament worn around the neck
2 : something likened to a necklace especially in forming a linked series or a circular pattern <a necklace of islands>

neckline
n. : the line of the neck opening of a garment

necktie
n. : a narrow length of material worn about the neck and tied in front especially : FOUR-IN-HAND

neckwear
n. : articles of clothing (as ties and scarves) worn about the neck

necr
1 : those that are dead <necrophilia>
2 : one that is dead <necropsy>

necrology
n. 1 : OBITUARY
2 : a list of the recently dead
–nec·ro·log·i·cal \ˌne-krə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ne·crol·o·gist \nə-'krä-lə-jist, ne-\ noun

necromancy
n. 1 : conjuration of the spirits of the dead for purposes of magically revealing the future or influencing the course of events
2 : MAGIC, SORCERY
–nec·ro·man·cer \-sər\ noun
–nec·ro·man·tic \ˌne-krə-'man-tik\ adjective
–nec·ro·man·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

necrophagous
adj. : feeding on corpses or carrion <necrophagous insects>

necrophilia
n. : obsession with and usually erotic interest in or stimulation by corpses
–nec·ro·phil·i·ac \-'fi-lē-ˌak\ adjective or noun
–nec·ro·phil·ic \-'fi-lik\ adjective

necrophilism
n. : NECROPHILIA

necropolis
n. : CEMETERY especially : a large elaborate cemetery of an ancient city

necropsy
n. : AUTOPSY 1 especially : an autopsy performed on an animal

necropsy
n. : to perform an autopsy on

necrosis
n. : usu. localized death of living tissue
–ne·crot·ic \-'krä-tik\ adjective

necrosis
n. avascular necrosis
phloem necrosis
tumor necrosis factor

necrotizing
adj. : causing or undergoing necrosis <necrotizing infections> <necrotizing tissue>

necrotizing fasciitis
: a severe soft tissue infection by bacteria (as Group A streptococci) that is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissues with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

nectar
n. 1 a : the drink of the Greek and Roman gods b : something delicious to drink c : a beverage of fruit juice and pulp <apricot nectar>
2 : a sweet liquid that is secreted by the nectaries of a plant and is the chief raw material of honey
–nec·tar·ous \-t(ə-)rəs\ adjective

nectarine
n. : a peach with a smooth-skinned fruit that is a frequent somatic mutation of the normal peach also : its fruit

nectary
n. : a plant gland that secretes nectar

nee
adj. 1 ― used to identify a woman by her maiden family name
2 : originally or formerly called <the Brewers nee Pilots who also are in their third year ― Fred Ciampa>

need
n. 1 : necessary duty : OBLIGATION
2 a : a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful b : a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
3 : a condition requiring supply or relief
4 : lack of the means of subsistence : POVERTY

need
n. intransitive verb
1 : to be needful or necessary
2 : to be in want
transitive verb : to be in need of : REQUIRE
verbal auxiliary : be under necessity or obligation to <you need not answer> <she need only wait>

needful
adj. 1 : being in need
2 : NECESSARY, REQUISITE
–need·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–need·ful·ness noun

needful
adj. 1 : something needed or requisite
2 : MONEY

Needham
town E Mass. WSW of Boston pop 28,911

needle
n. 1 a : a small slender usually steel instrument that has an eye for thread or surgical sutures at one end and that is used for sewing b : any of various devices for carrying thread and making stitches (as in crocheting or knitting) c (1) : a slender hollow instrument for introducing material into or removing material from the body (as by insertion under the skin) (2) : any of various slender hollow devices used to introduce matter (as air) into or remove it from an object (as a ball)
2 a : a slender bar of magnetized steel that when allowed to turn freely (as in a compass) indicates the direction of a magnetic field (as of the earth) b : a slender usually sharp-pointed indicator on a dial
3 a : a slender pointed object resembling a needle: as (1) : a pointed crystal (2) : a sharp rock (3) : OBELISK b : a needle-shaped leaf (as of a conifer) c : a slender rod (as of jewel or steel) with a rounded tip used in a phonograph to transmit vibrations from a record : STYLUS d : a slender pointed rod controlling a fine inlet or outlet (as in a valve)
4 : a teasing or gibing remark
–nee·dle·like \'nē-dəl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective

needle
n. transitive verb
1 : to sew or pierce with or as if with a needle
2 a : TEASE, TORMENT b : to incite to action by repeated gibes <needled the boy into a fight>
intransitive verb : SEW, EMBROIDER
–nee·dler \'nēd-lər, 'nē-dəl-ər\ noun

needle
n. Adam's needle
darning needle
devil's darning needle
hypodermic needle
needle nose pliers
pins and needles
on pins and needles
Spanish needles

needle-nose pliers
: pliers with long slender jaws used for grasping small or thin objects

needlefish
n. 1 : any of a family (Belonidae) of elongate carnivorous chiefly marine bony fishes that are silvery with blue or green backs and have long slender jaws and sharp teeth
2 : PIPEFISH

needlepoint
n. 1 : lace worked with a needle over a paper pattern
2 : embroidery done on canvas usually in simple even stitches across counted threads
–needlepoint adjective

needless
adj. : not needed : UNNECESSARY <needless waste>
–need·less·ly adverb
–need·less·ness noun
–needless to say : as is self-evident or to be expected

needless to say
as is self-evident or to be expected

needlestick
: an accidental puncture of the skin with an unsterilized instrument (as a syringe) ― called also needlestick injury

needlewoman
n. : a woman who does needlework especially : SEAMSTRESS

needlework
n. 1 : work done with a needle especially : work (as embroidery) other than plain sewing
2 : the occupation of one who does needlework
–nee·dle·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

needn't
n. : need not

needs
n. : of necessity : NECESSARILY <must needs be recognized>

needy
adj. 1 : being in want : POVERTY-STRICKEN <needy families>
2 : marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support <emotionally needy>
–need·i·ness noun

neem
n. : a large tropical Asian tree (Azadirachta indica) of the mahogany family having a bitter bark used as a tonic and leaves and seeds that have insecticidal and antiseptic properties and yield a medicinal aromatic oil

Neenah
city E Wis. on Lake Winnebago pop 24,507

neep
n. chiefly Scottish : TURNIP

nefarious
adj. : flagrantly wicked or impious : EVIL
synonyms see VICIOUS
–ne·far·i·ous·ly adverb

neg
1 negative
2 negotiable

negate
v. 1 : to deny the existence or truth of
2 : to cause to be ineffective or invalid
synonyms see NULLIFY
–negate noun
–ne·ga·tor \-'gā-tər\ noun

negation
n. 1 a : the action or logical operation of negating or making negative b : a negative statement, judgment, or doctrine especially : a logical proposition formed by asserting the falsity of a given proposition ― see TRUTH TABLE table
2 a : something that is the absence of something actual : NONENTITY b : something considered the opposite of something regarded as positive
–ne·ga·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

negative
n. 1 a : marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal <received a negative answer> also : marked by absence, withholding, or removal of something positive <the negative motivation of shame ― Garrett Hardin> b (1) : denying a predicate of a subject or a part of a subject <“no A is B” is a negative proposition> (2) : denoting the absence or the contradictory of something <nontoxic is a negative term> (3) : expressing negation <negative particles such as no and not> c : ADVERSE, UNFAVORABLE <the reviews were mostly negative>
2 a : lacking positive qualities especially : DISAGREEABLE b : marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development <a negative outlook> <negative criticism> c : promoting a person or cause by criticizing or attacking the competition <ran a negative campaign> <negative advertising>
3 a (1) : less than zero and opposite in sign to a positive number that when added to the given number yields zero <-2 is a negative number> (2) : having more outgo than income : constituting a loss <negative cash flow> <negative worth> b : extending or generated in a direction opposite to an arbitrarily chosen regular direction or position <negative angle>
4 a : being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the electron is the elementary unit b : having more electrons than protons <a negative ion> c (1) : having lower electric potential and constituting the part toward which the current flows from the external circuit <the negative pole> (2) : being the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
5 a : not affirming the presence of a condition, substance, or organism suspected to be present also : having a test result indicating the absence especially of a condition, substance, or organism <she is HIV negative> b : directed or moving away from a source of stimulation <negative tropism> c : less than the pressure of the atmosphere <negative pressure>
6 : having the light and dark parts in approximately inverse relation to those of the original photographic subject
7 of a lens : diverging light rays and forming a virtual inverted image
–neg·a·tive·ly adverb
–neg·a·tive·ness noun
–neg·a·tiv·i·ty \ˌne-gə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

negative
n. 1 a (1) : a reply that indicates the withholding of assent : REFUSAL (2) archaic : a right of veto (3) obsolete : an adverse vote : VETO b : a proposition which denies or contradicts another especially : the one of a pair of propositions in which negation is expressed
2 a : something that is the opposite or negation of something else b : DRAWBACK, LIABILITY
3 a : an expression (as the word no) of negation or denial b : a negative number
4 : the side that upholds the contradictory proposition in a debate
5 : a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures also : the material that carries such an image
6 : a reverse impression taken from a piece of sculpture or ceramics
7 : a negative result (as of a test) <a high rate of false negatives> also : a test yielding such a result

negative
n. 1 a : to refuse assent to b : to reject by or as if by a vote
2 : to demonstrate the falsity of
3 : to deny the truth, reality, or validity of
4 : NEUTRALIZE, COUNTERACT

negative
n. double negative
gram negative
negative feedback
negative income tax
negative transfer
Rh negative

negative feedback
: feedback that tends to dampen a process by applying the output against the initial conditions

negative income tax
: a system of federal subsidy payments to families with incomes below a stipulated level

negative transfer
: the impeding of learning or performance in a situation by learned responses carried over from another situation

negativism
n. 1 : an attitude of mind marked by skepticism especially about nearly everything affirmed by others
2 : a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked
–neg·a·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective
–neg·a·tiv·is·tic \ˌne-gə-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective

Negeri Sembilan
state Malaysia in Peninsular Malaysia on Strait of Malacca capital Seremban area 2590 sq mi (6708 sq km), pop 691,200

Negev
n. region S Israel; a triangular wedge of desert touching Gulf of Aqaba in S

neglect
n. 1 : to give little attention or respect to : DISREGARD
2 : to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness
–ne·glect·er noun
synonyms NEGLECT, DISREGARD, IGNORE, OVERLOOK, SLIGHT, FORGET mean to pass over without giving due attention. NEGLECT implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention <habitually neglected his studies>. DISREGARD suggests voluntary inattention <disregarded the wishes of his family>. IGNORE implies a failure to regard something obvious <ignored the snide remark>. OVERLOOK suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care <in my rush I overlooked a key example>. SLIGHT implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting <slighted several major authors in her survey>. FORGET may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind <forget what others say>.

neglect
n. 1 : an act or instance of neglecting something
2 : the condition of being neglected

neglectful
adj. : given to neglecting : CARELESS, HEEDLESS
synonyms see NEGLIGENT
–ne·glect·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–ne·glect·ful·ness noun

negligee
n. 1 : a woman's long flowing usually sheer dressing gown
2 : carelessly informal or incomplete attire

negligence
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being negligent b : failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in like circumstances
2 : an act or instance of being negligent

negligent
adj. 1 a : marked by or given to neglect especially habitually or culpably b : failing to exercise the care expected of a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances
2 : marked by a carelessly easy manner
–neg·li·gent·ly adverb
synonyms NEGLIGENT, NEGLECTFUL, LAX, SLACK, REMISS mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness. NEGLIGENT implies inattention to one's duty or business <negligent about writing a note of thanks>. NEGLECTFUL adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention <a society callously neglectful of the poor>. LAX implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision <a reporter lax about accurate quotation>. SLACK implies want of due or necessary diligence or care <slack workmanship>. REMISS implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect <had been remiss in their familial duties>.

negligible
adj. : so small or unimportant or of so little consequence as to warrant little or no attention : TRIFLING <a negligible error>
–neg·li·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌne-gli-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–neg·li·gi·bly \'ne-gli-jə-blē\ adverb

negotiable
adj. : capable of being negotiated: as a : transferable from one person to another by being delivered with or without endorsement so that the title passes to the transferee <negotiable securities> b : capable of being traversed, dealt with, or accomplished <a difficult but negotiable road> <negotiable demands> c : open to discussion or dispute
–ne·go·tia·bil·i·ty \-ˌgō-sh(ē-)ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

negotiant
n. : one that negotiates

negotiate
v. intransitive verb : to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter
transitive verb
1 a : to deal with (some matter or affair that requires ability for its successful handling) : MANAGE b : to arrange for or bring about through conference, discussion, and compromise <negotiate a treaty>
2 a : to transfer (as a bill of exchange) to another by delivery or endorsement b : to convert into cash or the equivalent value <negotiate a check>
3 a : to successfully travel along or over <negotiate a turn> b : COMPLETE, ACCOMPLISH <negotiate the trip in two hours>
–ne·go·ti·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun
–ne·go·ti·a·to·ry \-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē, ÷-sē-\ adjective

negotiation
n. : the action or process of negotiating or being negotiated ― often used in plural

Negress
n. sometimes offensive : a black woman or girl

Negrillo
n. : a member of a people (as Pygmies) belonging to a group of dark-skinned peoples of small stature that live in Africa

Negrito
n. : a member of a people (as the Andamanese) belonging to a group of dark-skinned peoples of small stature that live in Oceania and the southeastern part of Asia

negritude
n. 1 : a consciousness of and pride in the cultural and physical aspects of the African heritage
2 : the state or condition of being black

Negro
n. sometimes offensive : a member of a race of humankind native to Africa and classified according to physical features (as dark skin pigmentation)
–Negro adjective sometimes offensive
–ne·groid \'nē-ˌgrȯid\ adjective or noun often cap sometimes offensive
–Ne·gro·ness \-grō-nəs\ noun sometimes offensive

Negro
n. 1 river 400 mi (640 km) S cen Argentina flowing E into the Atlantic
2 river 1400 mi (2253 km) E Colombia & N Brazil flowing into the Amazon
3 river 434 mi (698 km) cen Uruguay flowing SW into Uruguay River

negrophobe
n. : one who strongly dislikes or fears black people
–ne·gro·pho·bia \ˌnē-grə-'fō-bē-ə\ noun often cap

Negros
n. island S cen Philippines in the Visayan Islands SE of Panay Is. area 4905 sq mi (12,753 sq km)

negus
n. : KING ― used as a title of the sovereign of Ethiopia

negus
n. : a beverage of wine, hot water, sugar, lemon juice, and spices

NEH
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh
Nehemiah

Nehemiah
n. 1 : a Jewish leader of the fifth century B.C. who supervised the rebuilding of the Jerusalem city walls and instituted religious reforms in the city
2 : a narrative and historical book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Nehemias
: NEHEMIAH

Neher
Erwin 1944-     Ger. biochem.

Nehru
n. Ja·wa·har·lal \jə-'wä-hər-ˌläl\ 1889-1964 son of Motilal Indian nationalist; prime min. (1947-64)

Nehru
n. Pan·dit \'pən-dət\ Mo·ti·lal \'mō-tə-ˌläl\ 1861-1931 Indian nationalist

NEI
not elsewhere included

Nei Monggol
― see INNER MONGOLIA

Neige, Mount
n. ― see JURA 2

neigh
n. : to make the prolonged cry of a horse
–neigh noun

neighbor
n. 1 : one living or located near another
2 : FELLOW MAN

neighbor
n. : being immediately adjoining or relatively near

neighbor
n. transitive verb : to adjoin immediately or lie relatively near to
intransitive verb
1 : to live or be located as a neighbor
2 : to associate in a neighborly way

neighborhood
n. 1 : neighborly relationship
2 : the quality or state of being neighbors : PROXIMITY
3 a : a place or region near : VICINITY b : an approximate amount, extent, or degree <cost in the neighborhood of $100>
4 a : the people living near one another b : a section lived in by neighbors and usually having distinguishing characteristics
5 : the set of all points belonging to a given set whose distances from a given point are less than a given positive number broadly : a set that contains a neighborhood

neighborly
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of congenial neighbors especially : FRIENDLY <a neighborly welcome>
synonyms see AMICABLE
–neigh·bor·li·ness noun

neighbour
n. chiefly British variant of neighbor

Neijiang
city cen China in S cen Sichuan SE of Chengdu pop 256,012

Neilson
William Allan 1869-1946 American (Scot.-born) educ.; pres. Smith College (1917-39)

Neisse
1 river 159 mi (256 km) W Europe flowing from N Czech Republic N into the Oder
2 ― see NYSA

neither
adj. 1 : not either <neither black nor white>
2 : also not <neither did I>
usage Although use with or is neither archaic nor wrong, neither is usually followed by nor. A few commentators think that neither must be limited in reference to two, but reference to more than two has been quite common since the 17th century <rigid enforcement of antique decorum will help neither language, literature, nor literati ― James Sledd>.

neither
adj. : not the one or the other of two or more
usage Some commentators insist that neither must be used with a singular verb. It generally is, but especially when a prepositional phrase intervenes between it and the verb, a plural verb is quite common <neither of those ideal solutions are in sight ― C. P. Snow>.

neither
adj. : not either <neither hand>

neither
adj. 1 chiefly dialect : EITHER
2 : similarly not : also not <just as the serf was not permitted to leave the land, so neither was his offspring ― G. G. Coulton>

neither fish nor fowl
one that does not belong to a particular class or category

neither here nor there
having no interest or relevance : of no consequence <comfort is neither here nor there to a real sailor>

Nejd
region cen & E Saudi Arabia; area 447,000 sq mi (1,162,200 sq km), pop 1,200,000
–Nej·di \'nej-dē, 'nezh-\ adjective or noun

nekton
n. : free-swimming aquatic animals essentially independent of wave and current action
–nek·ton·ic \nek-'tä-nik\ adjective

Nelson
n. Horatio 1758-1805 Viscount Nelson Brit. admiral

Nelson
n. 1 river 400 mi (644 km) Canada in Man. flowing from N end of Lake Winnipeg to Hudson Bay
2 city & port New Zealand on N coast of South Is. pop 37,943

nelson
n. : a wrestling hold marked by the application of leverage against an opponent's arm, neck, and head ― compare FULL NELSON, HALF NELSON

nelson
n. full nelson
half nelson
Fort Nelson
Nelson Mandela Metropole

Nelson Mandela Metropole
― see PORT ELIZABETH

nem con
no one contradicting

Neman
river 582 mi (936 km) cen Europe flowing from cen Belarus N & W through Lithuania & along border with exclave of Russia into Courland Lagoon

nemat
1 : thread <nematocyst>
2 : nematode <nematology>

nematic
: of, relating to, or being the phase of a liquid crystal characterized by arrangement of the long axes of the molecules in parallel lines but not layers ― compare CHOLESTERIC, SMECTIC

nematicide
: a substance or preparation used to destroy nematodes
–nem·a·ti·ci·dal or nem·a·to·ci·dal \ˌne-mə-tə-'sī-dəl, ni-ˌma-tə-\ adjective

nematocyst
n. : one of the stinging organelles of coelenterates used in catching prey

nematode
n. : any of a phylum (Nematoda or Nemata) of elongated cylindrical worms parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in soil or water ― called also roundworm

nematode
n. golden nematode
meadow nematode
root knot nematode

nematology
n. : a branch of zoology that deals with nematodes
–nem·a·to·log·i·cal \ˌne-mə-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–nem·a·tol·o·gist \ˌne-mə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

Nembutal
n. ― used for the sodium salt of pentobarbital

Nemea
valley & town Greece in NE Peloponnese W of Corinth
–Ne·me·an \'nē-mē-ən, ni-'mē-\ adjective

Nemerov
Howard 1920-1991 American writer; poet laureate (1988-90)

nemertean
n. : any of a phylum (Nemertea syn. Rhynchocoela) of often vividly colored usually long dorsoventrally flattened marine worms that typically burrow in the mud or sand along seacoasts ― called also ribbon worm
–nem·er·tine \'ne-mər-ˌtīn\ adjective or noun

nemesis
n. 1 capitalized : the Greek goddess of retributive justice
2 plural -e·ses \-ˌsēz\ a : one that inflicts retribution or vengeance b : a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent
3 plural -eses a : an act or effect of retribution b : BANE 2

nemo me impune lacessit
: no one attacks me with impunity ― motto of Scotland and of the Order of the Thistle

nemophila
: any of a genus (Nemophila) of annual herbs of the waterleaf family chiefly of western No. America that are cultivated for their showy blue or white sometimes spotted flowers

nene
n. : an endangered goose (Branta sandvicensis syn. Nesochen sandvicensis) of the Hawaiian Islands that usually inhabits waterless uplands and feeds on berries and vegetation

neo
pref. ― see NE-

neo
pref. neo Darwinian
neo Darwinism
neo Darwinist
neo Expressionism
neo Expressionist
neo Freudian
neo Gothic
neo impressionism
neo impressionist
Neo Latin
neo Malthusian
neo Malthusianism
neo Nazi
neo Nazism
neo pagan
neo paganism
neo scholasticism

neo-Darwinian
: of or relating to neo-Darwinism
–neo-Darwinian noun

neo-Darwinism
: a theory of evolution that is a synthesis of Darwin's theory in terms of natural selection and modern population genetics
–neo-Dar·win·ist \-'där-wə-nist\ noun

neo-Expressionism
: a revival of expressionism in art characterized by intense colors, dramatic usually figural forms, and emotive subject matter
–neo-Ex·pres·sion·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective often cap N

neo-Freudian
: of or relating to a school of psychoanalysis that differs from Freudian orthodoxy in emphasizing the importance of social and cultural factors in the development of an individual's personality
–neo-Freudian noun often cap N

neo-Gothic
: of, relating to, or constituting a revival or adaptation of the Gothic especially in literature or architecture

neo-impressionism
: a late 19th century French art theory and practice characterized by an attempt to make impressionism more precise in form and the use of a pointillist painting technique
–neo-im·pres·sion·ist \-'pre-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun often cap N&I

Neo-Latin
1 : NEW LATIN
2 : ROMANCE 5

neo-Malthusian
: advocating control of population growth (as by contraception)
–neo-Malthusian noun
–neo-Mal·thu·sian·ism \-zhə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

neo-Nazi
: a member of a group espousing the programs and policies of Hitler's Nazis
–neo-Nazi adjective
–neo-Na·zism \-'nät-ˌsi-zəm, -'nat-\ noun

neo-pagan
: a person who practices a contemporary form of paganism (as Wicca)
–neo-pagan adjective
–neo-pa·gan·ism \-'pā-gə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

neo-scholasticism
: a movement among Catholic scholars aiming to restate medieval Scholasticism in a manner suited to present intellectual needs
–neo·scho·las·tic \-'las-tik\ adjective

neoclassic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a revival or adaptation of the classical especially in literature, music, art, or architecture
–neo·clas·si·cism \-'kla-sə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun
–neo·clas·si·cist \-sist\ noun or adjective

neocolonialism
n. : the economic and political policies by which a great power indirectly maintains or extends its influence over other areas or people
–neo·co·lo·nial \-'lōn-yəl, -'lō-nē-əl\ adjective
–neo·co·lo·nial·ist \-yə-list, -ə-list\ noun or adjective

neocon
n. : NEOCONSERVATIVE

neoconservative
n. 1 : a former liberal espousing political conservatism
2 : a conservative who advocates the assertive promotion of democracy and U.S. national interest in international affairs including through military means
–neo·con·ser·va·tism \-və-ˌti-zəm\ noun
–neoconservative adjective

neocortex
n. : the large 6-layered dorsal region of the cerebral cortex that is unique to mammals broadly : the mammalian cerebral cortex

neocortical
adj. : of or relating to the neocortex

neodymium
n. : a silver-white to yellow metallic element of the rare-earth group that is used especially in magnets and lasers ― see ELEMENT table

Neogene
adj. : of, relating to, or being the later portion of the Tertiary including the Miocene and Pliocene or the corresponding system of rocks
–Neogene noun

neoliberal
n. : a liberal who de-emphasizes traditional liberal doctrines in order to seek progress by more pragmatic methods
–neoliberal adjective
–neo·lib·er·al·ism \-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

neolith
n. : a Neolithic stone implement

neolithic
adj. 1 capitalized : of or relating to the latest period of the Stone Age characterized by polished stone implements
2 : belonging to an earlier age and now outmoded

neologism
n. 1 : a new word, usage, or expression
2 : a meaningless word coined by a psychotic
–ne·ol·o·gis·tic \-ˌä-lə-'jis-tik\ adjective

neomycin
n. : a broad-spectrum highly toxic antibiotic or mixture of antibiotics produced by a streptomyces (Streptomyces fradiae) and used medically especially to treat local infections

neon
n. 1 : a colorless odorless mostly inert gaseous element that is found in minute amounts in air and is used in electric lamps ― see ELEMENT table
2 a : a discharge lamp in which the gas contains a large proportion of neon b : a sign composed of such lamps c : the illumination provided by such lamps or signs
–ne·oned \-ˌänd\ adjective

neon
n. 1 : of, relating to, or using neon
2 : extremely bright : FLUORESCENT <neon yellow>

neonatal
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the newborn and especially the human infant during the first month after birth <neonatal mortality>
–neo·na·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

neonate
n. : a newborn child especially : a child less than a month old

neonatology
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with the care, development, and diseases of newborn infants
–neo·na·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

neoorthodox
: of or relating to a 20th century movement in Protestant theology characterized by a reaction against liberalism and emphasis on various scripturally based Reformation doctrines
–neo·or·tho·doxy \-ˌdäk-sē\ noun

neophilia
n. : love of or enthusiasm for what is new or novel
–neo·phil·i·ac \-lē-ˌak\ noun

neophyte
n. 1 : a new convert : PROSELYTE
2 : NOVICE 1
3 : TYRO, BEGINNER

neoplasia
n. 1 : the formation of tumors
2 : a tumorous condition

neoplasm
n. : TUMOR 2

neoplastic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a tumor or neoplasia
2 : of or relating to de stijl

neoplasticism
n. : DE STIJL
–neo·plas·ti·cist \-sist\ noun

Neoplatonism
n. 1 : Platonism modified in later antiquity to accord with Aristotelian, post-Aristotelian, and eastern conceptions that conceives of the world as an emanation from an ultimate indivisible being with whom the soul is capable of being reunited in trance or ecstasy
2 : a doctrine similar to ancient Neoplatonism
–Neo·pla·ton·ic \-plə-'tä-nik, -plā-\ adjective
–Neo·pla·to·nist \-'plā-tə-nist\ noun

neoprene
n. : a synthetic rubber made by the polymerization of chloroprene, characterized by superior resistance (as to oils), and used especially for special-purpose clothing (as gloves and wet suits)

neorealism
n. : a movement especially in Italian filmmaking characterized by the simple direct depiction of lower-class life
–neo·re·al·ist \-list\ adjective or noun
–neo·re·al·is·tic \-ˌrē-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective

Neosho
river 460 mi (740 km) SE Kans. & NE Okla. flowing SE & S into Arkansas River; now largely submerged in dam-created lakes and reservoirs in its lower course

Neosho
baby grand
concert grand
grand duchess
grand duchy
grand duke
grand finale
grand fir
Grand Guignol
grand jury
grand juror
Grand Lama
grand larceny
grand mal
grand manner
grand march
grand marshal
grand master
grand old man
grand opera
grand piano
grand prix
grand slam
grand theft
grand tour
grand touring car
grand unified theory
grand unification theory
parlor grand
au grand serieux
au grand sérieux
grand monde
Grand Falls
Grand Atlas
Grand Bahama
Grand Banks
Grand Canal
Grand Canary
Grand Canyon
Grand Cayman
Grand Coulee
Grand Coulee Dam
Grand Forks
Grand Island
Grand Junction
Grand Lac
Grand Manan Island
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Prairie
Grand Rapids
Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Turk
Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
grands prix
a grands frais
à grands frais

neostigmine
n. : a cholinergic drug used in the form of its bromide C_12H_19BrN_2O_2 or a methyl sulfate derivative C_13H_22N_2O_6S especially in the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis and in the treatment of urinary bladder or bowel atony

neoteny
n. 1 : retention of some larval or immature characters in adulthood
2 : attainment of sexual maturity during the larval stage
–ne·o·ten·ic \ˌnē-ə-'te-nik\ adjective

neoteric
adj. : recent in origin : MODERN

neotropical
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting the tropical New World biogeographic region that extends south, east, and west from the central plateau of Mexico

neotropics
n. : the neotropical region

neotype
: a type specimen that is selected subsequent to the description of a species to replace a preexisting type that has been lost or destroyed

NEP
New Economic Policy

Nepal
n. country Asia on NE border of India in the Himalayas; a kingdom capital Kathmandu area 54,362 sq mi (140,798 sq km), pop 23,151,423
–Nep·a·lese \ˌne-pə-'lēz, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Nepali
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Nepal
2 : an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Nepal
–Nepali adjective

Nepean
former city Canada in SE Ont.; now part of Ottawa

nepenthe
n. 1 : a potion used by the ancients to induce forgetfulness of pain or sorrow
2 : something capable of causing oblivion of grief or suffering
–ne·pen·the·an \-thē-ən\ adjective

nepeta
n. : CATMINT

nepheline
n. : a hexagonal mineral that is a usually glassy crystalline silicate of sodium, potassium, and aluminum common in igneous rocks
–neph·e·lin·ic \ˌne-fə-'li-nik\ adjective

nephelinite
: a silica-deficient igneous rock having nepheline as the predominant mineral
–neph·e·lin·it·ic \ˌne-fə-lə-'ni-tik\ adjective

nephelometer
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring the extent or degree of cloudiness
2 : an instrument for determining the concentration or particle size of suspensions by means of transmitted or reflected light
–neph·e·lo·met·ric \ˌne-fə-lō-'me-trik\ adjective
–neph·e·lo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–neph·e·lom·e·try \-'lä-mə-trē\ noun

nephew
n. 1 a : a son of one's brother or sister or of one's brother-in-law or sister-in-law b : an illegitimate son of an ecclesiastic
2 obsolete : a lineal descendant especially : GRANDSON

nephr
: kidney <nephric> <nephrology>

nephrectomy
n. : the surgical removal of a kidney
–ne·phrec·to·mize \-ˌmīz\ transitive verb

nephric
adj. : RENAL

nephridium
n. : a tubular glandular excretory organ characteristic of various invertebrates
–ne·phrid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

nephrite
n. : a compact tremolite or actinolite that is the commoner and less valuable kind of jade and that varies in color from white to dark green or black

nephritic
n. 1 : RENAL
2 : of, relating to, or affected with nephritis

nephritis
n. : acute or chronic inflammation of the kidney caused by infection, degenerative process, or vascular disease

nephrology
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with the kidneys
–ne·phrol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

nephron
n. : a single excretory unit of the vertebrate kidney

nephropathy
n. : an abnormal state of the kidney especially : one associated with or secondary to some other pathological process
–neph·ro·path·ic \ˌne-frə-'pa-thik\ adjective

nephrosis
n. : a noninflammatory disease of the kidneys chiefly affecting function of the nephrons also : NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
–ne·phrot·ic \-'frä-tik\ adjective or noun

nephrostome
n. : the ciliated funnel-shaped coelomic opening of a typical nephridium

nephrotic syndrome
: an abnormal condition that is marked by deficiency of albumin in the blood and its excretion in the urine due to altered permeability of the glomerular basement membranes

nephrotoxic
adj. : poisonous to the kidney <nephrotoxic drugs> also : resulting from or marked by poisoning of the kidney <nephrotoxic effects>
–neph·ro·tox·i·ci·ty \-täk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

Nepos
n. Cornelius ca 100-ca 25 B.C. Rom. hist.

nepotism
n. : favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship
–nep·o·tis·tic \ˌne-pə-'tis-tik\ adjective

Neptune
n. 1 a : the Roman god of the sea ― compare POSEIDON b : OCEAN
2 : the planet eighth in order from the sun ― see PLANET table
–Nep·tu·ni·an \nep-'tü-nē-ən, -'tyü-\ adjective

neptunium
n. : a radioactive metallic element that is chemically similar to uranium and is obtained in nuclear reactors especially as a by-product in the production of plutonium ― see ELEMENT table

nerd
n. : an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person especially : one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits <computer nerds>
–nerd·i·ness \'nər-dē-nəs\ noun
–nerd·ish \'nər-dish\ adjective
–nerdy \-dē\ adjective

Nereid
n. : any of the sea nymphs fathered by Nereus

nereid
n. : any of a family (Nereidae) of chiefly marine polychaete worms especially : any of a genus (Nereis) of usually large often greenish worms
–nereid adjective

Nereus
n. : a sea-god in Greek mythology

Neri
Saint Philip 1515-1595 It. Filippo Neri Ital. founder (1564) of “Fathers of the Oratory”

neritic
adj. : of, relating to, inhabiting, or constituting the belt or region of shallow water adjoining the seacoast

Nernst
Walther Hermann 1864-1941 Ger. physicist & chem.

Nero
n. A.D. 37-68 Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus orig. Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus Rom. emp. 54-68
–Ne·ro·ni·an \ni-'rō-nē-ən\ or Ne·ron·ic \-'rä-nik\ adjective

nerol
: a liquid alcohol C_10H_18O that has a rose scent and is used in perfumery

neroli oil
: a fragrant pale yellow essential oil obtained from flowers chiefly of the sour orange and used especially in cologne and as a flavoring

nerts
slang : NONSENSE, NUTS ― often used interjectionally

Neruda
Pablo 1904-1973 Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto Chilean poet & diplomat

Nerva
Marcus Cocceius ca A.D. 30-98 Rom. emp. (96-98)

nervation
n. : an arrangement or system of nerves also : VENATION

nerve
n. 1 : SINEW, TENDON <strain every nerve>
2 : any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nervous impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures
3 a : power of endurance or control : FORTITUDE, STRENGTH b : ASSURANCE, BOLDNESS also : presumptuous audacity : GALL
4 a : a sore or sensitive point <her remark touched a nerve> b plural : nervous agitation or irritability : NERVOUSNESS <a case of nerves>
5 : VEIN 3
6 : the sensitive pulp of a tooth
synonyms see TEMERITY

nerve
n. : to give strength or courage to : supply with physical or moral force

nerve
n. abducens nerve
abducent nerve
accessory nerve
auditory nerve
cranial nerve
facial nerve
glossopharyngeal nerve
hypoglossal nerve
median nerve
mixed nerve
nerve cell
nerve center
nerve cord
nerve ending
nerve fiber
nerve gas
nerve growth factor
nerve impulse
nerve net
nerve racking
nerve wracking
nerve trunk
ninth cranial nerve
oculomotor nerve
olfactory nerve
optic nerve
sciatic nerve
spinal nerve
trigeminal nerve
trochlear nerve
vagus nerve
vestibulocochlear nerve
war of nerves

nerve cell
: NEURON also : CELL BODY

nerve center
1 : CENTER 2C
2 : a source of leadership, organization, control, or energy <the financial nerve center of the nation>

nerve cord
1 : the pair of closely united ventral longitudinal nerves with their segmental ganglia that is characteristic of many elongate invertebrates (as earthworms)
2 : the dorsal tubular cord of nervous tissue above the notochord of a chordate that comprises or develops into the central nervous system

nerve ending
: a structure forming the distal end of a nerve axon ― see NEURON illustration

nerve fiber
: any of the processes (as axons or dendrites) of a neuron

nerve gas
: an organophosphate chemical weapon that interferes with normal nerve transmission and induces intense bronchial spasm with resulting inhibition of respiration

nerve growth factor
: a protein that promotes development of the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems and is required for maintenance of sympathetic neurons

nerve impulse
: the progressive physicochemical change in the membrane of a nerve fiber that follows stimulation and serves to transmit a record of sensation from a receptor or an instruction to act to an effector ― called also nervous impulse

nerve net
: a network of neurons apparently continuous with one another and conducting impulses in all directions also : a primitive nervous system (as in a jellyfish) consisting of such a network

nerve trunk
: a bundle of nerve fibers enclosed in a connective tissue sheath

nerve-racking
: extremely trying on the nerves <a nerve-racking ordeal>

nerved
v. 1 a : VEINED <a nerved wing> b : having veins or nerves especially of a specified kind or number ― used in combination <fan-nerved leaves>
2 : showing courage or strength

nerveless
adj. 1 : lacking strength or courage : FEEBLE
2 : exhibiting control or balance : POISED, COOL
–nerve·less·ly adverb
–nerve·less·ness noun

Nervi
n. Pier Luigi 1891-1979 Ital. engineer & architect

nervosity
n. : the quality or state of being nervous

nervous
adj. 1 archaic : SINEWY, STRONG
2 : marked by strength of thought, feeling, or style : SPIRITED <a vibrant tight-packed nervous style of writing>
3 : of, relating to, or composed of neurons
4 a : of or relating to the nerves also : originating in or affected by the nerves <nervous energy> b : easily excited or irritated : JUMPY c : TIMID, APPREHENSIVE <a nervous smile> <nervous of strangers>
5 a : tending to produce nervousness or agitation : UNEASY <a nervous situation> b : appearing or acting unsteady, erratic, or irregular ― used of inanimate things
synonyms see VIGOROUS
–ner·vous·ly adverb
–ner·vous·ness noun

nervous
adj. autonomic nervous system
central nervous system
nervous impulse
nervous breakdown
nervous Nellie
nervous Nelly
nervous Nellies
nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
peripheral nervous system
sympathetic nervous system

nervous breakdown
: an attack of mental or emotional disorder especially when of sufficient severity to require hospitalization

nervous Nellie
n. : a timid or worrisome person

nervous system
: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs ― compare CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ― AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM, PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

nervure
n. : VEIN 3

nervy
adj. 1 archaic : SINEWY, STRONG
2 a : showing or expressive of calm courage : BOLD b : marked by effrontery or presumption : BRASH
3 : EXCITABLE, NERVOUS
–nerv·i·ly \-və-lē\ adverb
–nerv·i·ness \-vē-nəs\ noun

NES
not elsewhere specified

nescience
n. : lack of knowledge or awareness : IGNORANCE
–ne·scient \-sh(ē-)ənt, -sē-ənt\ adjective

ness
n. : CAPE, PROMONTORY

ness
n. : state : condition : quality : degree <goodness>

Ness, Loch
n. lake 23 mi (37 km) long NW Scotland in NW Highlands

Nesselrode
: a mixture of candied fruits, nuts, and maraschino used in puddings, pies, and ice cream

Nessus
: a centaur slain by Hercules for trying to carry away Hercules' wife but avenged by means of a poisoned garment that causes Hercules to die in torment

nest
n. 1 a : a bed or receptacle prepared by an animal and especially a bird for its eggs and young b : a place or specially modified structure serving as an abode of animals and especially of their immature stages <an ants' nest> c : a receptacle resembling a bird's nest
2 a : a place of rest, retreat, or lodging : HOME <grown children who have left the nest> b : DEN, HANGOUT
3 : the occupants or frequenters of a nest
4 a : a group of similar things <a nest of giant mountains ― Helen MacInnes> b : HOTBED 2 <a nest of rebellion>
5 : a group of objects made to fit close together or one within another
6 : an emplaced group of weapons

nest
n. 1 : to build or occupy a nest : settle in or as if in a nest
2 : to fit compactly together or within one another : EMBED
transitive verb
1 : to form a nest for
2 : to pack compactly together
3 : to form a hierarchy, series, or sequence of with each member, element, or set contained in or containing the next <nested subroutines>

nest
n. bird's nest fern
bird's nest soup
crow's nest
empty nest syndrome
feather one's nest
hornet's nest
love nest
mare's nest
nest egg
mares' nests
mare's nests

nest egg
1 : a natural or artificial egg left in a nest especially to induce a hen to continue to lay there
2 : a fund of money accumulated as a reserve

nester
n. 1 West : a homesteader or squatter who takes up land on open range for a farm
2 : one that nests

nestle
n. intransitive verb
1 archaic : NEST 1
2 : to settle snugly or comfortably
3 : to lie in an inconspicuous or sheltered manner
transitive verb
1 : to settle, shelter, or house in or as if in a nest <the children were nestled all snug in their beds ― Clement Moore>
2 : to press closely and affectionately <nestles a kitten in her arms>
–nes·tler \-s(ə-)lər\ noun

nestling
n. : a young bird that has not abandoned the nest

Nestor
n. 1 : a king of Pylos who serves in his old age as a counselor to the Greeks at Troy
2 often not capitalized : one who is a patriarch or leader in a field

Nestorian
adj. 1 : of or relating to the doctrine ascribed to Nestorius and ecclesiastically condemned in 431 that divine and human persons remained separate in the incarnate Christ
2 : of or relating to a church separating from Byzantine Christianity after 431, centering in Persia, and surviving chiefly in Asia Minor
–Nestorian noun
–Nes·to·ri·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Nestorius
d ca 451 patriarch of Constantinople (428-431)

Nestos
― see MESTA

net
n. 1 a : an open-meshed fabric twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular intervals b : something made of net: as (1) : a device for catching fish, birds, or insects (2) : a fabric barricade which divides a court in half (as in tennis or volleyball) and over which a ball or shuttlecock must be hit to be in play (3) : the fabric that encloses the sides and back of the goal in various games (as soccer or hockey)
2 : an entrapping device or situation <caught in the net of suspicious circumstances>
3 : something resembling a net in reticulation (as of lines, fibers, or figures)
4 a : a group of communications stations operating under unified control b : NETWORK 4
5 often capitalized : INTERNET
–net·less \-ləs\ adjective
–net·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–net·ty \'ne-tē\ adjective

net
n. 1 : to cover or enclose with or as if with a net
2 : to catch in or as if in a net
3 : to cover with or as if with a network
4 a : to hit (a ball) into the net for the loss of a point in a racket game b : to hit (a ball or puck) into the goal for a score (as in hockey or soccer) also : to score (a point or goal) by netting a ball or puck
–net·ter noun

net
n. 1 : free from all charges or deductions: as a : remaining after the deduction of all charges, outlay, or loss <net earnings> <net worth> ― compare GROSS b : excluding all tare <net weight>
2 : excluding all nonessential considerations : BASIC, FINAL <the net result> <net effect>

net
n. 1 a : to receive by way of profit : CLEAR b : to produce by way of profit : YIELD
2 : to get possession of : GAIN

net
n. 1 : a net amount, profit, weight, or price
2 : the score of a golfer in a handicap match after deducting his or her handicap from the gross score
3 : ESSENCE, GIST

net
n. dip net
drift net
fly net
gill net
life net
mist net
mosquito net
nerve net
net veined
net venation
net winged
neural net
pound net
safety net
wire netting

net-veined
: having veins arranged in a fine network <a net-veined leaf> ― see VENATION illustration ― compare PARALLEL-VEINED
–net venation noun

net-winged
: having wings with a fine network of veins

Netanyahu
n. Benjamin 1949-     Israeli diplomat & polit.; prime min. of Israel (1996-99)

Neth
Netherlands

nether
adj. 1 : situated down or below : LOWER <the nether side>
2 : situated or believed to be situated beneath the earth's surface <the nether regions>

Netherlands
1 LOW COUNTRIES ― a historical usage
2 or the Netherlands or Hol·land \'hä-lənd\ or D Ne·der·land \'nā-dər-ˌlänt\ country NW Europe on North Sea; a kingdom, official capital Amsterdam, de facto capital The Hague area 16,033 sq mi (41,525 sq km), pop 15,009,000
–Neth·er·land \'ne-thər-lənd\ adjective
–Neth·er·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ noun
–Neth·er·land·ic \-ˌlan-dik\ adjective
–Neth·er·land·ish \-ˌlan-dish, -lən-\ adjective

Netherlands
n. Netherlands Guiana
Netherlands Antilles
Netherlands Indies
Netherlands New Guinea
Netherlands Timor
the Netherlands
Holland gin
Holland Parts of
Hook of Holland
North Holland
Noord Holland
South Holland
Zuid Holland
New Netherland

Netherlands Antilles
Dutch overseas territory W. Indies comprising Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, & S part of St. Martin capital Willemstad (on Curaçao) area over 370 sq mi (958 sq km), pop 190,566

Netherlands Guiana
― see SURINAME 1

Netherlands Indies
― see INDONESIA 1

Netherlands New Guinea
n. ― see WEST PAPUA

Netherlands Timor
― see TIMOR 1

nethermost
adj. : farthest down : LOWEST

netherworld
n. 1 : the world of the dead
2 : UNDERWORLD 4 <the netherworld of deceit⋯and espionage ― R. M. Nixon>
3 : NO-MAN'S-LAND 2 <that lame-duck netherworld so feared by elected officials ― Danish Barry>

Nethou, Pic de
n. ― see ANETO (Pico de)

netiquette
n. : etiquette governing communication on the Internet

netizen
n. : an active participant in the online community of the Internet

netminder
: GOALKEEPER

netsuke
n. : a small and often intricately carved toggle (as of wood, ivory, or metal) used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash

nett
n. British variant of net

netting
n. 1 : NETWORK 1
2 : the act or process of making a net or network
3 : the act, process, or right of fishing with a net

nettle
n. 1 : any of a genus (Urtica of the family Urticaceae, the nettle family) of chiefly coarse herbs armed with stinging hairs
2 : any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles (genus Urtica)

nettle
n. 1 : to strike or sting with or as if with nettles
2 : to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger
synonyms see IRRITATE

nettle
n. grasp the nettle
hemp nettle
horse nettle
nettle rash
sea nettle
stinging nettle

nettle rash
: HIVES

nettlesome
adj. : causing vexation : IRRITATING

Nettuno
commune Italy on Tyrrhenian Sea SSE of Rome adjoining Anzio pop 39,290

network
n. 1 : a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings
2 : a system of lines or channels resembling a network
3 a : an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system <a network of hotels> b : a system of computers, peripherals, terminals, and databases connected by communications lines
4 a : a group of radio or television stations linked by wire or radio relay b : a radio or television company that produces programs for broadcast over such a network
5 : a usually informally interconnected group or association of persons (as friends or professional colleagues)

network
n. 1 : to cover with or as if with a network <a continent⋯so networked with navigable rivers and canals ― Lamp>
2 chiefly British : to distribute for broadcast on a television network also : BROADCAST 3
3 : to join (as computers) in a network
intransitive verb : to engage in networking
–net·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

network
n. local area network
neural network
wide area network

networking
n. 1 : the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business
2 : the establishment or use of a computer network

Neuchatel
1 canton W Switzerland in Jura Mountains area 308 sq mi (798 sq km), pop 166,500
2 commune, its capital, on Lake of Neuchâtel (area 84 sq mi or 218 sq km), pop 31,739

Neufchatel
: a soft unripened cheese similar to cream cheese but containing less fat and more moisture

Neuilly-sur-Seine
commune N France NW of Paris near the Bois de Boulogne pop 59,874

Neumann
n. John von 1903-1957 American math.

neume
n. : any of various symbols used in the notation of Gregorian chant
–neu·mat·ic \nu̇-'ma-tik, nyu̇-\ adjective

Neumunster
city N Germany SSW of Kiel pop 81,175

Neuquen
river 320 mi (515 km) W Argentina flowing from the Andes E to join the Limay forming Negro River

neur
1 : nerve <neural> <neurology>
2 : neural : neural and <neuromuscular>

neural
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system
2 : situated in the region of or on the same side of the body as the brain and spinal cord : DORSAL
–neu·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

neural
adj. neural arch
neural crest
neural network
neural net
neural plate
neural tube

neural arch
: the cartilaginous or bony arch enclosing the spinal cord on the dorsal side of a vertebra

neural crest
: the ridge of one of the folds forming the neural tube that gives rise to the spinal ganglia and various structures of the autonomic nervous system

neural network
: a computer architecture in which a number of processors are interconnected in a manner suggestive of the connections between neurons in a human brain and which is able to learn by a process of trial and error ― called also neural net

neural plate
: a thickened plate of ectoderm along the dorsal midline of the early vertebrate embryo that gives rise to the neural tube and neural crests

neural tube
: the hollow longitudinal dorsal tube formed by infolding and subsequent fusion of the opposite ectodermal folds in the vertebrate embryo that gives rise to the brain and spinal cord

neuralgia
n. : acute paroxysmal pain radiating along the course of one or more nerves usually without demonstrable changes in the nerve structure
–neu·ral·gic \-jik\ adjective

neuraminidase
n. : a hydrolytic enzyme that occurs on the surface of the pneumococcus, influenza-causing viruses, and some paramyxoviruses as an antigen and that splits mucoproteins by breaking a glucoside link

neurasthenia
n. : a psychological disorder marked especially by easy fatigability and often by lack of motivation, feelings of inadequacy, and psychosomatic symptoms ― compare CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
–neur·as·then·ic \-'the-nik, -'thē-\ adjective or noun
–neur·as·then·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Neurath
Konstantin 1873-1956 Freiherr von Neurath Ger. diplomat

neurilemma
n. : the plasma membrane surrounding a Schwann cell of a myelinated nerve fiber and separating layers of myelin
–neu·ri·lem·mal \-'le-məl\ adjective

neuritis
n. : an inflammatory or degenerative lesion of a nerve marked especially by pain, sensory disturbances, and impaired or lost reflexes
–neu·rit·ic \-'ri-tik\ adjective or noun

neuroactive
adj. : stimulating neural tissue

neuroanatomy
n. : the anatomy of nervous tissue and the nervous system
–neu·ro·an·a·tom·i·cal \-ˌa-nə-'tä-mi-kəl\ also neu·ro·an·a·tom·ic \-mik\ adjective
–neu·ro·anat·o·mist \-ə-'na-tə-mist\ noun

neurobiology
n. : a branch of the life sciences that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system
–neu·ro·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–neu·ro·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

neuroblastoma
n. : a malignant tumor formed of embryonic ganglion cells

neurochemistry
n. 1 : the study of the chemical makeup and activities of nervous tissue
2 : chemical processes and phenomena related to the nervous system
–neu·ro·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective or noun
–neu·ro·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

neurodegenerative
: relating to or marked by degeneration of nervous tissue

neuroendocrine
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a hormonal substance that influences the activity of nerves
2 : of, relating to, or functioning in neurosecretion

neuroendocrinology
: a branch of the life sciences dealing with neurosecretion and the physiological interaction between the central nervous system and the endocrine system
–neu·ro·en·do·cri·no·log·i·cal \-ˌkri-nə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌkrī-, -ˌkrē-\ adjective
–neu·ro·en·do·cri·nol·o·gist \-kri-'nä-lə-jist, -(ˌ)krī-\ noun

neurofibril
n. : a fine proteinaceous fibril that is found in cytoplasm (as of a neuron or a paramecium) and is capable of conducting excitation
–neu·ro·fi·bril·lary \-brə-ˌler-ē\ adjective

neurofibrillary tangle
: a pathological accumulation of paired helical filaments composed of abnormally formed tau protein that is found chiefly in the cytoplasm of neurons of the brain and especially the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and that occurs typically in Alzheimer's disease

neurofibroma
n. : a fibroma composed of nervous and connective tissue and produced by proliferation of Schwann cells

neurofibromatosis
n. : a disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant and characterized especially by brown spots on the skin, neurofibromas of peripheral nerves, and deformities of subcutaneous tissue and bone

neurogenic
adj. 1 : forming, originating in, or controlled by nervous tissue <neurogenic heartbeat>
2 : induced or modified by nervous factors especially : disordered because of abnormally altered neural relations
–neu·ro·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

neuroglia
n. : GLIA
–neu·ro·gli·al \-əl\ adjective

neurohormonal
adj. 1 : involving both neural and hormonal mechanisms
2 : of, relating to, or being a neurohormone

neurohormone
n. : a hormone (as acetylcholine or norepinephrine) produced by or acting on nervous tissue

neurohumor
n. : NEUROHORMONE especially : NEUROTRANSMITTER
–neu·ro·hu·mor·al \-mə-rəl\ adjective

neurohypophysis
n. : the portion of the pituitary gland that is composed of the infundibulum and posterior lobe and is concerned with the secretion of various hormones
–neu·ro·hy·po·phy·se·al or neu·ro·hy·po·phy·si·al \-(ˌ)hī-ˌpä-fə-'sē-əl, -ˌhī-pə-fə-, -'zē-, -ˌhī-pə-'fi-zē-\ adjective

neuroimaging
: a clinical specialty concerned with producing images of the brain by noninvasive techniques (as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) also : imaging of the brain by these techniques

neurol
neurological; neurology

neuroleptic
adj. : ANTIPSYCHOTIC
–neuroleptic adjective

neurologist
n. : one specializing in neurology especially : a physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the nervous system

neurology
n. : the scientific study of the nervous system especially in respect to its structure, functions, and abnormalities
–neu·ro·log·i·cal \ˌnu̇r-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌnyu̇r-\ or neu·ro·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–neu·ro·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

neuroma
n. : a tumor or mass growing from a nerve and usually consisting of nerve fibers

neuromuscular
adj. : of or relating to nerves and muscles especially : jointly involving or affecting nervous and muscular elements <a neuromuscular junction> <a neuromuscular disease>

neuron
n. : a grayish or reddish granular cell with specialized processes that is the fundamental functional unit of nervous tissue
–neu·ro·nal \'nu̇r-ə-nəl, 'nyu̇r-; nu̇-'rō-nəl, nyu̇-\ also neu·ron·ic \nu̇-'rä-nik, nyu̇-\ adjective

neurone
n. chiefly British variant of neuron

neuropathology
: pathology of the nervous system
–neu·ro·path·o·log·ic \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-jik\ or neu·ro·path·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–neu·ro·pa·thol·o·gist \-pə-'thä-lə-jist, -pa-\ noun

neuropathy
n. : an abnormal and usually degenerative state of the nervous system or nerves also : a systemic condition that stems from a neuropathy
–neu·ro·path·ic \ˌnu̇r-ə-'pa-thik, ˌnyu̇r-\ adjective
–neu·ro·path·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

neuropeptide
n. : an endogenous peptide that influences neural activity or functioning

neuropharmacology
1 : a branch of medical science dealing with the action of drugs on and in the nervous system
2 : the properties and reactions of a drug on and in the nervous system
–neu·ro·phar·ma·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also neu·ro·phar·ma·co·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–neu·ro·phar·ma·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

neurophysiology
: physiology of the nervous system
–neu·ro·phys·i·o·log·i·cal \-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also neu·ro·phys·i·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–neu·ro·phys·i·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–neu·ro·phys·i·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

neuropsychiatry
: a branch of medicine concerned with both neurology and psychiatry
–neu·ro·psy·chi·at·ric \-ˌsī-kē-'a-trik\ adjective
–neu·ro·psy·chi·at·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–neu·ro·psy·chi·a·trist \-sə-'kī-ə-trist, -sī-\ noun

neuropsychology
n. : a science concerned with the integration of psychological observations on behavior and the mind with neurological observations on the brain and nervous system
–neu·ro·psy·cho·log·i·cal \-ˌsī-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–neu·ro·psy·chol·o·gist \-sī-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

neuropteran
n. : any of an order (Neuroptera) of usually net-winged insects that include the lacewings and ant lions
–neuropteran adjective
–neu·rop·ter·ous \-rəs\ adjective

neuroradiology
: radiology of the nervous system
–neu·ro·ra·dio·log·i·cal \-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–neu·ro·ra·di·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

neuroscience
n. : a branch (as neurophysiology) of the life sciences that deals with the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology of nerves and nervous tissue and especially with their relation to behavior and learning
–neu·ro·sci·en·tif·ic \-ˌsī-ən-'ti-fik\ adjective
–neu·ro·sci·en·tist \-'sī-ən-tist\ noun

neurosecretion
n. 1 : the process of producing a secretion by neurons
2 : a secretion produced by neurosecretion
–neu·ro·se·cre·to·ry \-'krē-tə-rē\ adjective

neurosensory
adj. : of or relating to afferent nerves

neurosis
n. : a mental and emotional disorder that affects only part of the personality, is accompanied by a less distorted perception of reality than in a psychosis, does not result in disturbance of the use of language, and is accompanied by various physical, physiological, and mental disturbances (as visceral symptoms, anxieties, or phobias)

neurospora
n. : any of a genus (Neurospora of the family Sordariaceae) of ascomycetous fungi which are used extensively in genetic research and have black perithecia and persistent asci and some of which have salmon-pink or orange spore masses and are severe pests in bakeries

neurosurgery
n. : surgery of nervous structures (as nerves, the brain, or the spinal cord)
–neu·ro·sur·geon \-'sər-jən\ noun
–neu·ro·sur·gi·cal \-'sər-ji-kəl\ adjective

neurotic
n. : of, relating to, constituting, or affected with neurosis
–neu·rot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

neurotic
n. 1 : one affected with a neurosis
2 : an emotionally unstable individual

neuroticism
n. : a neurotic character, condition, or trait

neurotoxic
adj. : toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue
–neu·ro·tox·ic·i·ty \-ˌtäk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

neurotoxin
n. : a poisonous complex especially of protein that acts on the nervous system

neurotransmission
n. : the transmission of nerve impulses across a synapse

neurotransmitter
n. : a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse

neurotropic
adj. : having an affinity for or localizing selectively in nerve tissue <the neurotropic rabies virus>

neurula
n. : an early vertebrate embryo which follows the gastrula and in which nervous tissue begins to differentiate and the basic pattern of the vertebrate begins to emerge
–neu·ru·la·tion \ˌnu̇r-ə-'lā-shən, ˌnyu̇r-, -yə-\ noun

Neuse
river E cen N.C. flowing SE into Pamlico Sound

Neuss
city W Germany W of Düsseldorf pop 147,663

neuston
n. : minute organisms that float in the surface film of water

Neustria
1 the western part of the dominions of the Franks after the conquest by Clovis in 6th century, comprising the NW part of modern France bet. the Meuse, the Loire, & the Atlantic
2 NORMANDY ― so called about 11th century
–Neus·tri·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

neuter
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting the gender that ordinarily includes most words or grammatical forms referring to things classed as neither masculine nor feminine b : neither active nor passive : INTRANSITIVE
2 : taking no side : NEUTRAL
3 : lacking or having imperfectly developed or nonfunctional generative organs <the worker bee is neuter>

neuter
n. 1 a : a noun, pronoun, adjective, or inflectional form or class of the neuter gender b : the neuter gender
2 : one that is neutral
3 a : WORKER 2 b : a spayed or castrated animal

neuter
n. 1 : CASTRATE, ALTER
2 : to remove the force or effectiveness of

neutral
n. 1 : one that is neutral
2 : a neutral color
3 : a position of disengagement (as of gears)

neutral
n. 1 : not engaged on either side specifically : not aligned with a political or ideological grouping <a neutral nation>
2 : of or relating to a neutral state or power <neutral territory>
3 a : not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : INDIFFERENT b (1) : ACHROMATIC (2) : nearly achromatic c (1) : NEUTER 3 (2) : lacking stamens or pistils d : neither acid nor basic e : not electrically charged
4 : produced with the tongue in the position it has when at rest <the neutral vowels of \ə-'bəv\ above>
–neu·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb
–neu·tral·ness noun

neutral
n. day neutral
neutral red
neutral spirits
neutral zone

neutral red
: a basic dye used chiefly as a biological stain and acid-base indicator

neutral spirits
: ethyl alcohol of 190 or higher proof used especially for blending other alcoholic liquors

neutral zone
: the portion of an ice hockey rink between the attacking and defensive zones

neutralise
v. British variant of neutralize

neutralism
n. 1 : NEUTRALITY
2 : a policy or the advocacy of neutrality especially in international affairs
–neu·tral·ist \-list\ noun
–neu·tral·is·tic \ˌnü-trə-'lis-tik, ˌnyü-\ adjective

neutrality
n. : the quality or state of being neutral especially : refusal to take part in a war between other powers

neutralization
n. 1 : an act or process of neutralizing
2 : the quality or state of being neutralized

neutralize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make chemically neutral
2 a : to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective <propaganda that is difficult to neutralize> b : KILL, DESTROY
3 : to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4 : to invest (as a territory or a nation) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war
5 : to make neutral by blending with the complementary color
6 : to give (as a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation <\t\ and \d\ are neutralized when pronounced as flaps>
intransitive verb : to undergo neutralization
–neu·tral·iz·er noun

neutrino
n. : an uncharged elementary particle that is believed to have a very small mass, that has any of three forms, and that interacts only rarely with other particles
–neu·tri·no·less \-ləs\ adjective

neutron
n. : an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
–neu·tron·ic \nü-'trä-nik, nyü-\ adjective

neutron
n. neutron activation analysis
neutron activation
neutron bomb
neutron star

neutron activation analysis
: an analytical method used to determine the chemical elements comprising a material by bombarding it with neutrons to produce radioactive atoms whose emissions are indicative of the elements present ― called also neutron activation

neutron bomb
: a nuclear bomb designed to produce lethal neutrons but less blast and fire damage than other nuclear bombs

neutron star
: a dense celestial object that consists primarily of closely packed neutrons and that results from the collapse of a much larger stellar body

neutropenia
n. : leukopenia in which the decrease in white blood cells is chiefly in neutrophils
–neu·tro·pe·nic \-'pē-nik\ adjective

neutrophil
n. : staining to the same degree with acid or basic dyes <neutrophil granulocytes>

neutrophil
n. : a granulocyte that is the chief phagocytic white blood cell of the blood

Nev
n. Nevada

Neva
n. river 40 mi (64 km) W Russia in Europe flowing from Lake Ladoga to Gulf of Finland at St. Petersburg

Nevada
n. state W U.S. capital Carson City area 110,561 sq mi (286,353 sq km), pop 1,998,257
–Ne·va·dan \-'va-dən, -'vä-\ or Ne·va·di·an \-'va-dē-ən, -'vä-\ adjective or noun

Nevada
n. Sierra Nevada de Mérida
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada de Merida
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

neve
: the partially compacted granular snow that forms the surface part of the upper end of a glacier broadly : a field of granular snow

Nevelson
Louise 1900-1988 American (Russ.-born) sculptor

never
adv. 1 : not ever : at no time <I never met her>
2 : not in any degree : not under any condition <never the wiser for his experience>

never mind
: MUCH LESS, LET ALONE ― used especially in negative contexts to add to one term another denoting something less likely <with this knee I can hardly walk, never mind run>

never-never land
: an ideal or imaginary place

nevermore
adv. : never again

Nevers
city cen France SE of Orléans pop 40,934

nevertheless
adv. : in spite of that : HOWEVER <her childish but nevertheless real delight ― Richard Corbin>

Neville
n. Richard ― see Earl of WARWICK

Nevins
Allan 1890-1971 American hist.

nevirapine
: an antiretroviral drug C_15H_14N_4O that inhibits reverse transcriptase and is administered orally in combination with at least one other antiretroviral in the treatment of infection by HIV-1 and AIDS

Nevis
island E West Indies, part of St. Kitts-Nevis in the Leewards; chief town Charlestown area 36 sq mi (93 sq km) pop 11,181
–Ne·vis·ian \nə-'vi-zh(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

nevus
n. : a congenital or acquired usually highly pigmented area on the skin that is either flat or raised : MOLE

new
adj. 1 : having recently come into existence : RECENT, MODERN
2 a (1) : having been seen, used, or known for a short time : NOVEL <rice was a new crop for the area> (2) : UNFAMILIAR <visit new places> b : being other than the former or old <a steady flow of new money>
3 : having been in a relationship or condition but a short time <new to the job> <a new wife>
4 a : beginning as the resumption or repetition of a previous act or thing <a new day> <the new edition> b : made or become fresh <awoke a new person> c : relating to or being a new moon
5 : different from one of the same category that has existed previously <new realism>
6 : of dissimilar origin and usually of superior quality <a new strain of hybrid corn>
7 capitalized : MODERN 3 especially : having been in use after medieval times
–new·ish \'nü-ish, 'nyü-\ adjective
–new·ness noun
synonyms NEW, NOVEL, ORIGINAL, FRESH mean having recently come into existence or use. NEW may apply to what is freshly made and unused <new brick> or has not been known before <new designs> or not experienced before <starts the new job>. NOVEL applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented <a novel approach to the problem>. ORIGINAL applies to what is the first of its kind to exist <a man without one original idea>. FRESH applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness <a fresh start>.

new
adj. : NEWLY, RECENTLY ― usually used in combination

new
adj. New Hebrides
New Windsor
brand new
brave new world
break new ground
new age
New Agey
New Ager
new blood
New Criticism
New Critical
New Critic
New Deal
New Dealism
New Dealish
New Dealer
new drug
new economics
New English Bible
new fashioned
New Historicism
New Historicist
new jack
new jack swing
New Jersey tea
New Jerusalem
New Journalism
New Journalist
New Latin
New Left
new leftist
new math
new mathematics
new moon
new potato
New Right
New South
New Style
New Testament
new town
new wave
new waver
New World
New Year
New Year's
New Year's Day
New Yorkese
New York minute
span new
turn over a new leaf
Netherlands New Guinea
New Albany
New Amsterdam
New Bedford
New Berlin
New Bern
New Braunfels
New Britain
New Brunswick
New Caledonia
New Castile
New Castle
New Delhi
New England
New Englandy
New Englander
New Forest
New France
New Georgia
New Granada
New Guinea
New Guinean
New Hampshire
New Hampshirite
New Hampshireman
New Haven
New Havener
New Iberia
New Ireland
New Jersey
New Jerseyite
New Jerseyan
New London
New Mexico
New Mexican
New Milford
New Netherland
New Orleans
New Orleanian
New Providence
New Quebec
New Quebec Crater
New Rochelle
New Siberian Islands
New South Wales
New Spain
New Sweden
New Tecumseth
New Territories
New Westminster
New York
New York City
New Yorker
New York Bay
New York State Barge Canal
New Zealand
New Zealander
North East New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinean
West New York

new age
1 : of, relating to, or being New Age
2 : CONTEMPORARY, MODERN <happy new age dads expertly diapering their always cheerful babies ― Amy Saltzman et al.>

new age
1 capitalized : an eclectic group of cultural attitudes arising in late 20th century Western society that are adapted from those of a variety of ancient and modern cultures, that emphasize beliefs (as reincarnation, holism, pantheism, and occultism) outside the mainstream, and that advance alternative approaches to spirituality, right living, and health
2 : a soft soothing form of instrumental music often used to promote relaxation
–New Ager noun
–New Agey \-'ā-jē\ adjective

New Albany
city S Ind. on Ohio River pop 37,603

New Amsterdam
town founded ab 1625 on Manhattan Is. by the Dutch; renamed New York 1664 by the British

New Bedford
city & port SE Mass. on W side of Buzzards Bay pop 93,768

New Berlin
city SE Wis. W of Milwaukee pop 38,220

New Bern
city E N.C. pop 23,128

new blood
: persons who are accepted into a group or organization and are expected to provide fresh ideas and vitality

New Braunfels
city SE cen Tex. pop 36,494

New Britain
1 city cen Conn. pop 71,538
2 island Bismarck Archipelago; largest of group area 14,160 sq mi (36,674 sq km), pop 263,500

New Brunswick
1 city N cen N.J. pop 48,573
2 province SE Canada bordering on Gulf of Saint Lawrence & Bay of Fundy capital Fredericton area 27,633 sq mi (71,569 sq km), pop 757,077

New Caledonia
island SW Pacific SW of Vanuatu; with nearby islands, constitutes an overseas department of France capital Nouméa area 7367 sq mi (19,081 sq km), pop 183,100

New Castile
― see CASTILE

New Castle
city W Pa. ESE of Youngstown, Ohio pop 26,309

New Criticism
: an analytic literary criticism that is marked by concentration on the language, imagery, and emotional or intellectual tensions in literary works
–New Critic noun
–New Critical adjective

New Deal
: the legislative and administrative program of President F. D. Roosevelt designed to promote economic recovery and social reform during the 1930s also : the period of this program
–New Dealer noun
–New Deal·ish \-'dē-lish\ adjective
–New Deal·ism \-'dē(ə)-ˌli-zəm\ noun

New Delhi
city capital of India in Delhi Territory S of city of (old) Delhi pop 294,783

new drug
: a drug that has not been declared safe and effective by qualified experts under the conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the label and that may be a new chemical formula or an established drug prescribed for use in a new way

new economics
: an economic concept that is a logical extension of Keynesianism and that holds that appropriate fiscal and monetary maneuvering can maintain healthy economic growth and prosperity indefinitely

New England
1 the NE U.S. comprising the states of Maine, N.H., Vt., Mass., R.I., & Conn.
2 region SE Australia in NE New South Wales; in area of New England Range (part of Great Dividing Range)
–New En·gland·er \'iŋ-glən-dər also 'iŋ-lən-\ noun
–New En·glandy \-dē\ adjective

New English Bible
: a translation of the Bible by a British interdenominational committee first published in its entirety in 1970

New Forest
forested area S England in Hampshire bet. the Avon & Southampton Water; once a royal hunting ground

New France
the possessions of France in N. America before 1763

New Georgia
1 island group W Pacific in cen Solomon Islands
2 island 50 mi (80 km) long; chief island of the group

New Granada
Spanish viceroyalty in NW S. America 1717-1819 comprising area included in modern Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, & Ecuador

New Guinea
1 or Papua island in Malay Archipelago N of E Australia divided bet. Indonesia on W & Papua New Guinea on E area over 305,000 sq mi (789,950 sq km)
2 the NE portion of the island of New Guinea; formerly a territory; now part of Papua New Guinea ― see NORTH-EAST NEW GUINEA
–New Guin·ean \'gi-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

New Hampshire
state NE U.S. capital Concord area 9279 sq mi (24,033 sq km), pop 1,235,786
–New Hamp·shire·man \-mən\ noun
–New Hamp·shir·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

New Haven
city & port S Conn. pop 123,626
–New Ha·ven·er \'hā-və-nər\ noun

New Hebrides
― see VANUATU

New Historicism
: a method of literary criticism that emphasizes the historicity of a text by relating it to the configurations of power, society, or ideology in a given time
–New Historicist adjective or noun

New Iberia
city S La. SE of Lafayette pop 32,623

New Ireland
island W Pacific in Bismarck Archipelago N of New Britain area 3340 sq mi (8684 sq km), pop (with adjacent islands) 48,774

new jack
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of new jack swing <new jack grooves>
2 : of, relating to, or being urban, hip, and usually black <the new jack generation>

new jack swing
: pop music usually performed by black musicians that combines elements of jazz, funk, rap, and rhythm and blues

New Jersey
state E U.S. capital Trenton area 7787 sq mi (20,168 sq km), pop 8,414,350
–New Jer·sey·an \-ən\ noun
–New Jer·sey·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

New Jersey tea
: a low deciduous shrub (Ceanothus americanus) of the buckthorn family that is found in the eastern U.S. and has dull green leaves and small white flowers borne in large terminal panicles

New Jerusalem
1 : the final abode of souls redeemed by Christ
2 : an ideal earthly community

New Journalism
: journalism that features the author's subjective responses to people and events and that often includes fictional techniques meant to illuminate and dramatize those responses
–New Journalist noun

New Latin
: Latin as used since the end of the medieval period especially in scientific description and classification

New Left
: a political movement originating especially among students in the 1960s, favoring confrontational tactics, often breaking with older leftist ideologies, and concerned especially with antiwar, antinuclear, feminist, and ecological issues
–new leftist noun often cap N&L

New London
city & port SE Conn. on Long Island Sound at mouth of Thames River pop 25,671

new math
: basic mathematics taught with emphasis on abstraction and the principles of set theory ― called also new mathematics

New Mexico
state SW U.S. capital Santa Fe area 121,593 sq mi (314,926 sq km), pop 1,819,046
–New Mex·i·can \-si-kən\ adjective or noun

New Milford
city W Conn. pop 27,121

new moon
1 : the moon's phase when it is in conjunction with the sun so that its dark side is toward the earth also : the thin crescent moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase
2 : the first day of each Jewish month marked by a special liturgy

New Netherland
n. Dutch colony in N. America 1613-64 occupying lands bordering on Hudson River & later also on lower Delaware River capital New Amsterdam

New Orleans
city & port SE La. bet. Lake Pontchartrain & Mississippi River pop 484,674
–New Or·lea·nian \(ˌ)ȯr-'lē-nyən, -nē-ən\ noun

new potato
: a small moist tender thin-skinned potato harvested early in the growing season

New Providence
island in NW cen Bahamas E of Andros 80 sq mi (207 sq km), pop 210,832; site of Nassau

New Quebec
region Canada in N Que. N of the Eastmain bet. Hudson Bay & Labrador ― see UNGAVA

New Quebec Crater
lake-filled meteoric crater Canada in N Que., in N Ungava Peninsula

New Right
: a political movement made up especially of Protestants, opposed especially to secular humanism, and concerned with issues especially of church and state, patriotism, laissez-faire economics, pornography, and abortion

New Rochelle
city SE N.Y. on Long Island Sound E of Mount Vernon pop 72,182

New Siberian Islands
islands NE Russia in Asia in Arctic Ocean bet. Laptev & E. Siberian seas area 11,000 sq mi (28,600 sq km)

New South
: the southern U.S. in the years since the American Civil War

New South Wales
state SE Australia bordering on the Pacific capital Sydney area 309,433 sq mi (801,431 sq km), pop 5,732,032

New Spain
Spanish viceroyalty 1535-1821 including territory now in SW U.S., Mexico, Central America N of Panama, much of the West Indies, & the Philippines capital Mexico City

New Style
: using or according to the Gregorian calendar

New Sweden
Swedish colony in N. America 1638-55 mostly on W side of Delaware River from modern Trenton, N.J., to its mouth

New Tecumseth
town Canada in SE Ont. pop 26,141

New Territories
Hong Kong exclusive of Hong Kong Is. & Jiulong Peninsula comprising that part of Hong Kong leased to Great Britain by China 1898-1997

New Testament
: the second part of the Christian Bible comprising the canonical Gospels and Epistles and also the book of Acts and book of Revelation ― see BIBLE table

new town
: an urban development comprising a small to medium-sized city with a broad range of housing and planned industrial, commercial, and recreational facilities

new wave
1 : a cinematic movement that is characterized by improvisation, abstraction, and subjective symbolism and that often makes use of experimental photographic techniques
2 : a new movement in a particular field
3 : popular music less raw than punk rock and typically including unconventional melodies, exaggerated beats, and quirky lyrics
4 : DERNIER CRI especially : fashion that is strikingly outrageous
–new-wave \'nü-'wāv, 'nyü-, -ˌwāv\ adjective
–new wav·er \-'wā-vər\ noun

New Westminster
city Canada in SW B.C. on the Fraser ESE of Vancouver pop 54,656

New Windsor
― see WINDSOR

New World
: WESTERN HEMISPHERE especially : the continental landmass of No. and So. America

New Year
1 : the calendar year about to start or recently started
2 a usually New Year's : NEW YEAR'S DAY b : the first days of a calendar year
3 : ROSH HASHANAH

New Year's Day
: the first day of the calendar year observed as a legal holiday in many countries

New York
1 state NE U.S. capital Albany area 49,576 sq mi (121,898 sq km), pop 18,976,457
2 or New York City city & port SE N.Y. at mouth of Hudson River; includes boroughs of Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, & Staten Is. pop 8,008,278
3 the borough of Manhattan in New York City pop 1,537,195
–New York·er \'yȯr-kər\ noun

New York Bay
inlet of the Atlantic SE N.Y. & NE N.J. at mouth of Hudson River forming harbor of metropolitan New York & consisting of Upper New York Bay & Lower New York Bay connected by the Narrows (strait separating Staten Is. & Long Is.)

New York minute
: INSTANT, FLASH

New York State Barge Canal
― see ERIE CANAL

New Yorkese
: American English as spoken in New York City and surrounding areas

New Zealand
country SW Pacific ESE of Australia comprising chiefly North Is. & South Is.; a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Wellington area 103,736 sq mi (269,714 sq km), pop 3,737,277
–New Zea·land·er \-lən-dər\ noun

new-fashioned
1 : made in a new fashion or form
2 : UP-TO-DATE

Newark
n. 1 city W Calif. SE of San Francisco pop 42,471
2 city NE Del. W of Wilmington pop 28,547
3 city & port NE N.J. on Newark Bay (W extension of Upper New York Bay) pop 273,546
4 city cen Ohio pop 46,279

newbie
n. : NEWCOMER especially : a newcomer to cyberspace

Newbolt
Sir Henry John 1862-1938 Eng. author

newborn
n. 1 : recently born
2 : born anew

newborn
n. : a newborn individual

Newburg
: served with a sauce made of cream, butter, sherry, and egg yolks <lobster Newburg> <shrimp Newburg>

Newburgh
city SE N.Y. on Hudson River S of Poughkeepsie pop 28,259

Newcastle
n. 1 city & port SE Australia in E New South Wales at mouth of Hunter River metropolitan area pop 262,331
2 or in full Newcastle upon Tyne \'tīn\ city & port N England capital of Tyne and Wear pop 263,000
3 or in full Newcastle-under-Lyme \-'līm\ town W cen England in Staffordshire pop 117,400

Newcastle
n. Newcastle under Lyme
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle disease

Newcastle disease
: a contagious often fatal virus disease of birds and especially the domestic chicken that is caused by a paramyxovirus (species Newcastle disease virus of the genus Rubulavirus) and that is marked by respiratory and nervous symptoms

Newcomb
Simon 1835-1909 American (Canad.-born) astron.

newcomer
n. 1 : one recently arrived
2 : BEGINNER, ROOKIE

newel
n. 1 : an upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind
2 : a post at the foot of a straight stairway or one at a landing

newfangled
adj. 1 : attracted to novelty
2 : of the newest style or kind <had many newfangled gadgets in the kitchen>
–new·fan·gled·ness noun

newfound
adj. : newly found <a newfound friend>

Newfoundland
n. : any of a breed of very large heavy highly intelligent black, black-and-white, brown, or gray dogs having a thick coat and prob. developed in Newfoundland

Newfoundland
n. island Canada in the Atlantic E of Gulf of St. Lawrence area 43,359 sq mi (112,300 sq km)
–New·found·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-; -'lan-dər\ noun

Newfoundland and Labrador
province E Canada comprising Newfoundland & part of Labrador capital St. John's area 143,488 sq mi (371,634 sq km), pop 533,761

Newgate
n. : a London prison razed in 1902

Newham
borough of E Greater London, England pop 200,200

newie
n. : something new

Newington
town cen Conn. SW of Hartford pop 29,306

newly
adv. 1 : LATELY, RECENTLY <a newly married couple> <newly affluent>
2 : ANEW, AFRESH <newly painted> <jurors newly selected for each case>

newlywed
n. : a person recently married

Newman
n. Barnett 1905-1970 orig. Baruch Newman American painter

Newman
n. John Henry 1801-1890 Eng. cardinal & writer

Newman
n. Paul 1925-     American actor

Newmarket
n. 1 town Canada in SE Ont. N of Toronto pop 65,788
2 town E England in Suffolk pop 16,129

newmarket
n. : a long close-fitting coat worn in the 19th century

Newport
n. 1 city & port SE R.I. on Narragansett Bay pop 26,475
2 town S England capital of Isle of Wight pop 23,570
3 administrative area of SE Wales area 73 sq mi (189 sq km)
4 city SE Wales WNW of Bristol pop 129,900
–New·port·er \-ˌpȯr-tər\ noun

Newport Beach
city SW Calif. SE of Long Beach pop 70,032

Newport News
n. city & port SE Va. on James River & Hampton Roads pop 180,150

Newry and Mourne
district S Northern Ireland area 345 sq mi (894 sq km), pop 82,288

news
n. 1 a : a report of recent events b : previously unknown information <I've got news for you> c : something having a specified influence or effect <the rain was good news for lawns and gardens ― Garrison Keillor> <the virus was bad news>
2 a : material reported in a newspaper or news periodical or on a newscast b : matter that is newsworthy
3 : NEWSCAST
–news·less \-ləs\ adjective

news
n. bad news
news agency
news conference
Newport News

news agency
: an organization that supplies news to subscribing newspapers, periodicals, and newscasters

news conference
: PRESS CONFERENCE

newsagent
n. chiefly British : NEWSDEALER

newsboy
n. : one who delivers or sells newspapers

newsbreak
n. : a newsworthy event

newscast
n. : a radio or television broadcast of news
–news·cast·er \-ˌkas-tər\ noun

newsdealer
n. : a dealer in newspapers, magazines, and often paperback books

newsgroup
n. : an electronic bulletin board on the Internet that is devoted to a particular topic

newshound
n. : an aggressive journalist

newsie
n. : a person who works in the news industry especially : REPORTER

newsletter
n. : a small publication (as a leaflet or newspaper) containing news of interest chiefly to a special group

newsmagazine
n. 1 : a usually weekly magazine devoted chiefly to summarizing and analyzing news
2 : MAGAZINE 4C

newsman
n. : a person who gathers, reports, or comments on the news : REPORTER, CORRESPONDENT

newsmonger
n. : a person who is active in gathering and repeating news especially : GOSSIP

newspaper
n. 1 : a paper that is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly and that contains news, articles of opinion, features, and advertising
2 : an organization that publishes a newspaper
3 : the paper of a newspaper : NEWSPRINT

newspaper
n. : to do newspaper work

newspaperman
n. : a person who owns or is employed by a newspaper

newspaperwoman
n. : a woman who owns or is employed by a newspaper

newspeak
n. : propagandistic language marked by euphemism, circumlocution, and the inversion of customary meanings

newspeople
n. : REPORTERS

newsperson
n. : REPORTER

newsprint
n. : paper made chiefly from groundwood pulp and used mostly for newspapers

newsreader
n. chiefly British : a news broadcaster

newsreel
n. : a short movie dealing with current events

newsroom
n. 1 : a place (as an office) where news is prepared for publication or broadcast
2 : NEWSSTAND

newsstand
n. : a place (as an outdoor stall) where newspapers and periodicals are sold

newsweekly
n. : a weekly newspaper or newsmagazine

newswire
n. : WIRE SERVICE

newswoman
n. : a woman who is a reporter

newsworthy
adj. : interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting
–news·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

newswriting
: JOURNALISM 1A

newsy
adj. 1 : containing or filled with news <newsy letters>
2 : NEWSWORTHY
–news·i·ness noun

newt
n. : any of various small salamanders (family Salamandridae) that are usually semiaquatic as adults

Newton
n. Sir Isaac 1642-1727 Eng. math. & physicist

Newton
n. city E Mass. W of Boston pop 83,829

newton
n. : the unit of force in the meter-kilogram-second system equal to the force required to impart an acceleration of one meter per second per second to a mass of one kilogram

Newtonian
adj. 1 : of or relating to Sir Isaac Newton or his doctrines
2 : CLASSICAL 4B(2)

Newtown
town SW Conn. E of Danbury pop 25,031

Newtown Saint Boswells
village S Scotland SE of Edinburgh

Newtownabbey
district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 58 sq mi (150 sq km), pop 73,832

next
adj. 1 : immediately adjacent (as in place, rank, or time)
2 : any other considered hypothetically <knew it as well as the next man>

next
adj. : nearest or adjacent to

next
adj. 1 : in the time, place, or order nearest or immediately succeeding <next we drove home> <the next closest school>
2 : on the first occasion to come <when next we meet>

next
adj. : one that is next <from one day to the next>

next
adj. next door
next door to
next friend
next of kin
next to

next door
: in or to the next building, house, apartment, or room <lives next door> broadly : in or at an adjacent place
–next door to : NEXT TO

next door to
NEXT TO

next friend
: a person admitted to or appointed by a court to act for the benefit of a person (as an infant) lacking full legal capacity

next of kin

circa 1548
: one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person

next to
1 : immediately following or adjacent to
2 : in comparison to <next to you I'm wealthy>

next to
: very nearly : ALMOST <it was next to impossible to see in the fog>

next-door
: located or living in the next building, house, apartment, or room broadly : NEARBY, ADJACENT

nexus
n. 1 : CONNECTION, LINK also : a causal link
2 : a connected group or series
3 : CENTER, FOCUS

Ney
Michel 1769-1815 Duc d'Elchingen; Prince de la Moskova Fr. soldier; marshal of France

Nez
n. Nez Perce
Nez Perces
Nez Percés
Nez Percé
pince nez
Gris Nez Cape

Nez Perce
1 : a member of an American Indian people of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon
2 : the language of the Nez Percé people

NF
1 Newfoundland
2 no funds

NFC
National Football Conference

NFL
National Football League

Nfld
Newfoundland

NFP
natural family planning

NFS
n. not for sale

NG
1 national guard
2 no good

ng
nanogram

Ngaliema, Mount
n. ― see STANLEY (Mount)

Ngami, Lake
n. marshy depression NW Botswana N of Kalahari Desert; formerly a large lake

Ngauruhoe
volcano 7515 ft (2291 m) New Zealand in cen North Is. in Tongariro National Park

NGF
nerve growth factor

NGO
nongovernmental organization

NGU
nongonococcal urethritis

ngultrum
n. ― see MONEY table

ngwee
n. ― see kwacha at MONEY table

NH
1 never hinged
2 New Hampshire

NHL
National Hockey League

Ni
n. nickel

niacin
n. : an acid C_6H_5NO_2 of the vitamin B complex found widely in animals and plants and used especially against pellagra also : NICOTINAMIDE ― called also nicotinic acid

niacinamide
n. : a compound C_6H_6N_2O of the vitamin B complex found especially as a constituent of coenzymes and used similarly to niacin ― called also nicotinamide

Niagara
n. : an overwhelming flood : TORRENT <a Niagara of protests>

Niagara Falls
1 waterfalls on border bet. N.Y. & Ont. in the Niagara River (36 mi or 58 km flowing from Lake Erie N into Lake Ontario); divided by Goat Is. into Horseshoe, or Canadian, Falls (158 ft or 48 m high) & American Falls (167 ft or 51 m high)
2 city W N.Y. at the falls pop 55,593
3 city Canada in SE Ont. pop 78,815

nialamide
n. : a synthetic antidepressant drug C_16H_18N_4O_2 that is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase

Niamey
n. city capital of Niger pop 392,165

Nias
island Indonesia in Indian Ocean off W coast of Sumatra area 1569 sq mi (4064 sq km), pop 314,829
–Ni·as·san \'nē-ə-sən\ noun

nib
n. 1 : BILL, BEAK
2 a : the sharpened point of a quill pen b : PEN POINT also : each of the two divisions of a pen point
3 : a small pointed or projecting part

nibble
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bite gently b : to eat or chew in small bits
2 : to take away bit by bit <waves nibbling the shore>
intransitive verb
1 : to take gentle, small, or cautious bites also : SNACK
2 : to deal with something as if by nibbling
–nib·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

nibble
n. 1 : an act of nibbling
2 : a very small quantity or portion (as of food) also : SNACK
3 : a tentative expression of interest

Nibelung
1 : a member of a race of dwarfs in Germanic legend
2 : any of the followers of Siegfried
3 : any of the Burgundian kings in the medieval German Nibelungenlied

nibs
n. : an important or self-important person ― usually used in the phrases his nibs or her nibs as if a title of honor

NIC
1 network interface card
2 newly industrialized country; newly industrializing country

nicad
n. : a rechargeable storage battery that has a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode

Nicaea
n. ancient city of Byzantine Empire; site at modern village of Iznik in NW Turkey in Asia at E end of Iznik Lake
–Ni·cae·an \nī-'sē-ən\ adjective

Nicaea
n. make nice
nice nelly
nice nellyism

Nicaragua
n. 1 lake ab 100 mi (160 km) long S Nicaragua
2 country Central America bordering on the Pacific & the Caribbean; a republic capital Managua area 49,579 sq mi (128,410 sq km), pop 4,265,000
–Nic·a·ra·guan \-'rä-gwən\ adjective or noun

Nice
adj. city & port SE France on the Mediterranean pop 343,123

nice
adj. 1 obsolete a : WANTON, DISSOLUTE b : COY, RETICENT
2 a : showing fastidious or finicky tastes : PARTICULAR <too nice a palate to enjoy junk food> b : exacting in requirements or standards : PUNCTILIOUS <a nice code of honor>
3 : possessing, marked by, or demanding great or excessive precision and delicacy <nice measurements>
4 obsolete : TRIVIAL
5 a : PLEASING, AGREEABLE <a nice time> <a nice person> b : well-executed <nice shot> c : APPROPRIATE, FITTING <not a nice word for a formal occasion>
6 a : socially acceptable : WELL-BRED <from a nice family> b : VIRTUOUS, RESPECTABLE <was taught that nice girls don't do that>
7 : POLITE, KIND <that's nice of you to say>
synonyms see CORRECT
–nice adverb
–nice·ly adverb
–nice·ness noun

nice
adj. make nice
nice nelly
nice nellyism

nice-nelly
1 : marked by euphemism
2 : PRUDISH
–nice nelly noun often cap 2d N
–nice-nel·ly·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun often cap 2d N

Nicene
n. 1 : of or relating to Nicaea or the Nicaeans
2 : of or relating to the ecumenical church council held in Nicaea in A.D. 325 or to the Nicene Creed

Nicene Creed
: a Christian creed expanded from a creed issued by the first Nicene Council, beginning “I believe in one God,” and used in liturgical worship

nicety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being nice
2 : an elegant, delicate, or civilized feature <enjoy the niceties of life>
3 : a fine point or distinction : SUBTLETY <the niceties of table manners>
4 : careful attention to details : delicate exactness : PRECISION
5 : delicacy of taste or feeling : FASTIDIOUSNESS

niche
n. 1 a : a recess in a wall especially for a statue b : something that resembles a niche
2 a : a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted <finally found her niche> b : a habitat supplying the factors necessary for the existence of an organism or species c : the ecological role of an organism in a community especially in regard to food consumption d : a specialized market

niche
n. : to place in or as if in a niche

Nicholas
n. Saint 4th cent. Christian prelate

Nicholas
n. name of 2 emps. of Russia: I 1796-1855 (reigned 1825-55); II 1868-1918 (reigned 1894-1917)

Nicholas
n. 1856-1929 Russ. grand duke & army officer

Nicholas of Cusa
1401-1464 Ger. cardinal, math., & philos.

Nicholson
n. Ben 1894-1982 Brit. painter

Nichrome
n. ― used for an alloy of nickel, chromium, and iron

nicht wahr
: not true? : isn't it so?

Nicias
d 413 B.C. Athenian gen. & statesman

nick
n. 1 a : a small notch, groove, or chip b : a small cut or wound c : a break in one strand of two-stranded DNA caused by a missing phosphodiester bond
2 : a final critical moment <in the nick of time>
3 slang British : PRISON also : POLICE STATION
4 British : CONDITION <in good nick>

nick
n. 1 : to jot down : RECORD
2 a : to make a nick in : NOTCH, CHIP b : to cut into or wound slightly <nicked himself shaving>
3 : to cut short <cold weather, which nicked steel and automobile output ― Time>
4 : to catch at the right point or time
5 : CHEAT, OVERCHARGE
6 a slang British : ARREST b slang British : STEAL
intransitive verb
1 : to make petty attacks : SNIPE
2 : to complement one another genetically and produce superior offspring

nickel
n. 1 : a silver-white hard malleable ductile metallic element capable of a high polish and resistant to corrosion that is used chiefly in alloys and as a catalyst ― see ELEMENT table
2 a (1) : the U.S. 5-cent piece regularly containing 25 percent nickel and 75 percent copper (2) : the Canadian 5-cent piece b : five cents
3 slang : a packet containing five dollars worth of an illicit drug (as marijuana) ― called also nickel bag
4 : a pass defense in football that employs five defensive backs

nickel
n. nickel bag
nickel and dime
nickel silver
nickel and diming
nickel and dimed

nickel silver
: GERMAN SILVER

nickel-and-dime
1 : involving or offering only a small amount of money
2 : SMALL-TIME

nickel-and-dime
1 : to impair, weaken, or defeat piecemeal (as through a series of small incursions or excessive attention to minor details)
2 : to treat (as a person or situation) by paying excessive attention to small amounts of money often with a detrimental effect

nickeliferous
: containing nickel

nickelodeon
n. 1 : an early movie theater to which admission usually cost five cents
2 : JUKEBOX

nicker
n. : NEIGH, WHINNY
–nicker noun

nicker
n. slang British : 1POUND 2A

Nicklaus
n. Jack (William) 1940-     American golfer

nicknack
n. variant of knickknack

nickname
n. 1 : a usually descriptive name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to a person, place, or thing
2 : a familiar form of a proper name (as of a person or a city)

nickname
n. 1 : MISNAME, MISCALL
2 : to give a nickname to
–nick·nam·er noun

Nicobar Islands
islands India in Indian Ocean S of Andaman Islands area 740 sq mi (1917 sq km), pop 14,563 ― see ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR

Nicolet
Jean 1598-1642 Fr. explorer in No. America

Nicolle
Charles-Jean-Henri 1866-1936 Fr. physician & bacteriol.

Nicolson
Sir Harold George 1886-1968 Eng. biographer & diplomat

Nicomedia
― see IZMIT

Nicopolis
ancient city NW Greece in Epirus

Nicosia
n. city cen Cyprus, its capital pop 206,200

nicotiana
n. : any of several tobaccos (as Nicotiana alata) grown for their showy flowers

nicotinamide
n. : NIACINAMIDE

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
: NAD

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
: NADP

nicotine
n. : a poisonous alkaloid C_10H_14N_2 that is the chief active principle of tobacco and is used as an insecticide

nicotinic
adj. : relating to, resembling, producing, or mediating the effects produced by nicotine on nerve fibers at autonomic ganglia and at the neuromuscular junctions of voluntary muscle which increases activity in small doses and inhibits it in larger doses <nicotinic receptors> ― compare MUSCARINIC

nicotinic acid
: NIACIN

nictitate
v. : WINK

nictitating membrane
: a thin membrane found in many vertebrates at the inner angle or beneath the lower lid of the eye and capable of extending across the eyeball

NICU
neonatal intensive care unit

NIDDM
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

nidicolous
1 : reared for a time in a nest
2 : living in a nest especially : sharing the nest of another kind of animal

nidification
n. : the act, process, or technique of building a nest

nidifugous
: leaving the nest soon after hatching

nidus
n. 1 : a nest or breeding place especially : a place or substance in an animal or plant where bacteria or other organisms lodge and multiply
2 : a place where something originates, develops, or is located

Nidwald, Nidwalden
― see UNTERWALDEN

Niebuhr
Barthold Georg 1776-1831 Ger. hist., statesman, & philologist

Niebuhr
Rein·hold \'rīn-ˌhōld\ 1892-1971 American theol.
–Nie·buhr·ian \nē-'bu̇r-ē-ən\ adjective

niece
n. 1 : a daughter of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law
2 : an illegitimate daughter of an ecclesiastic

Niedersachsen
― see LOWER SAXONY

niello
n. 1 : any of several black enamel-like alloys usually of sulfur with silver, copper, and lead
2 : the art or process of decorating metal with incised designs filled with niello
3 : a piece of metal or an object decorated with niello

niello
n. : to inlay or ornament with niello

Nielsen
n. Carl August 1865-1931 Dan. composer

Niemcewicz
Julian Ursyn 1758-1841 Pol. patriot & writer

Niemeyer
Oscar 1907-     in full Oscar Niemeyer Soares Filho Braz. architect

Niemoller
(Friedrich Gustav Emil) Martin 1892-1984 Ger. Protestant theol.

Nietzsche
n. Friedrich Wilhelm 1844-1900 Ger. philos.
–Nietz·sche·an \-chē-ən\ adjective

Nieuwpoort
commune NW Belgium in W. Flanders on the Yser pop 10,468

nifedipine
n. : a calcium channel blocker C_17H_18N_2O_6 that is a coronary vasodilator used especially in the treatment of angina pectoris

Niflheim
: the abode of the dead in Norse mythology

nifty
adj. : very good : very attractive : FINE <nifty clothes>
–nif·ti·ly \'nif-tə-lē\ adverb

nifty
adj. : something that is nifty especially : a clever or neatly turned phrase or joke

nigella
n. : any of a genus (Nigella) of erect annual herbs of the buttercup family having dissected threadlike leaves and usually blue or white flowers especially : LOVE-IN-A-MIST

Niger
n. 1 river 2600 mi (4184 km) W Africa flowing from Fouta Djallon NE, SE, & S into Gulf of Guinea
2 country W Africa; a republic, until 1958 a territory of French West Africa capital Niamey area 459,073 sq mi (1,188,999 sq km), pop 8,516,000
–Ni·ger·ien \ˌnī-ˌjir-ē-'en, nē-'zher-ē-ən\ adjective or noun
–Ni·ger·ois \ˌnē-zhər-'wä, -zher-\ noun

Niger-Congo
: a language family that includes the Mande and Kwa branches and that is spoken by most of the indigenous peoples of west, central, and south Africa

Nigeria
n. country W Africa bordering on Gulf of Guinea; a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, formerly a colony & protectorate capital Abuja area 356,669 sq mi (927,339 sq km), pop 88,514,501
–Ni·ge·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

niggard
n. : a meanly covetous and stingy person : MISER
–niggard adjective

niggard
n. obsolete : to act niggardly
transitive verb obsolete : to treat in a niggardly manner

niggardly
adv. 1 : grudgingly mean about spending or granting : BEGRUDGING
2 : provided in meanly limited supply
synonyms see STINGY
–nig·gard·li·ness noun
–niggardly adverb

nigger
n. 1 usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : a black person
2 usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : a member of any dark-skinned race
3 : a member of a socially disadvantaged class of persons <it's time for somebody to lead all of America's niggers⋯all the people who feel left out of the political process ― Ron Dellums>
usage Nigger in senses 1 and 2 can be found in the works of such writers of the past as Joseph Conrad, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens, but it now ranks as perhaps the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in English. Its use by and among blacks is not always intended or taken as offensive, but, except in sense 3, it is otherwise a word expressive of racial hatred and bigotry.

niggle
v. intransitive verb
1 a : TRIFLE b : to spend too much effort on minor details
2 : to find fault constantly in a petty way : CARP <she haggles, she niggles, she wears out our patience ― Virginia Woolf>
3 : GNAW
transitive verb : to give stingily or in tiny portions
–nig·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

niggle
v. chiefly British : a trifling doubt, objection, or complaint

niggling
adj. : PETTY also : bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way <niggling injuries>
–niggling noun
–nig·gling·ly \-lē\ adverb

nigh
adj. 1 : near in place, time, or relationship ― often used with on, onto, or unto
2 : NEARLY, ALMOST

nigh
adj. 1 : CLOSE, NEAR
2 chiefly dialect : DIRECT, SHORT
3 : being on the left side <the nigh horse>

nigh
adj. : NEAR

nigh
adj. : to draw or come near to : APPROACH
intransitive verb : to draw near

night
n. 1 : the time from dusk to dawn when no sunlight is visible
2 a : an evening or night taken as an occasion or point of time <the opening night> b : an evening set aside for a particular purpose
3 a : the quality or state of being dark b : a condition or period felt to resemble the darkness of night: as (1) : a period of dreary inactivity or affliction (2) : absence of moral values c : the beginning of darkness : NIGHTFALL
–night·less \-ləs\ adjective

night
n. 1 : of, relating to, or associated with the night <night air>
2 : intended for use at night <a night lamp>
3 a : existing, occurring, or functioning at night <night baseball> <a night nurse> b : active or functioning best at night <night people>

night
n. all night
black crowned night heron
first night
fly by night
night and day
night blindness
night blind
night blooming cereus
night court
night crawler
night heron
night latch
night letter
night light
night owl
night rail
night raven
night rider
night soil
night sweats
night table
night terror
one night stand
Saturday night special
Twelfth Night
twi night
Walpurgis Night
watch night

night and day
: all the time : CONTINUALLY

night blindness
: reduced visual capacity in faint light (as at night)
–night-blind \'nīt-ˌblīnd\ adjective

night court
: a criminal court in a large city that sits at night (as for rapid disposition of criminal charges and the granting of bail)

night crawler
: EARTHWORM especially : a large earthworm found on the soil surface at night and used for fish bait

night heron
: any of various widely distributed nocturnal or crepuscular herons (esp. genus Nycticorax)

night latch
: a door lock having a spring bolt operated from the outside by a key and from the inside by a knob

night letter
: a telegram sent at night at a reduced rate for delivery the following morning

night owl
: a person who keeps late hours at night

night rail
archaic : NIGHTGOWN

night raven
: a bird that cries at night

night rider
: a member of a secret band who ride masked at night doing acts of violence for the purpose of punishing or terrorizing

night soil
: human feces used especially for fertilizing the soil

night sweats
: profuse sweating during sleep that is sometimes a symptom of febrile disease

night table
: a small bedside table or stand

night terror
: a sudden awakening in dazed terror that occurs in children during slow-wave sleep, is often preceded by a sudden shrill cry uttered in sleep, and is not remembered when the child awakes ― usually used in plural

night-blooming cereus
: any of several night-blooming cacti especially : a slender sprawling or climbing cactus (Selenicereus grandiflorus) often cultivated for its large showy fragrant white flowers

night-light
: a light kept burning throughout the night

nightcap
n. 1 : a cloth cap worn with nightclothes
2 : a usually alcoholic drink taken at the end of the day
3 : the final race or contest of a day's sports especially : the second game of a baseball doubleheader

nightclothes
n. : garments for wear in bed

nightclub
n. : a place of entertainment open at night usually serving food and liquor and providing music and space for dancing and often having a floor show

nightclub
n. : to patronize nightclubs
–night·club·ber noun

nightdress
n. 1 : NIGHTGOWN
2 : NIGHTCLOTHES

nighter
n. all nighter
first nighter
fly by nighter
one nighter

nightfall
n. : the close of the day : DUSK

nightglow
: airglow seen during the night

nightgown
n. 1 archaic : DRESSING GOWN
2 : a loose garment for wear in bed

nighthawk
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Chordeiles) of American nightjars related to the whip-poor-will b : a common European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
2 : a person who habitually is active late at night

nightie
n. : a nightgown for a woman or child

Nightingale
n. Florence 1820-1910 Eng. nurse & philanthropist

nightingale
n. : an Old World thrush (Luscinia megarhynchos syn. Erithacus megarhynchos) noted for the sweet usually nocturnal song of the male also : any of various other birds noted for their sweet song or for singing at night

nightjar
n. : any of a family (Caprimulgidae) of medium-sized long-winged crepuscular or nocturnal birds (as the whip-poor-wills and nighthawks) having a short bill, short legs, and soft mottled plumage and feeding on insects which they catch on the wing ― called also goatsucker

nightlife
n. : the activity of or entertainment provided for pleasure-seekers at night (as in nightclubs) also : establishments providing nightlife

nightlong
adj. : lasting the whole night <nightlong festivities>

nightlong
adj. : through the whole night

nightly
adj. 1 : happening, done, or used by night or every night
2 : of or relating to the night or every night

nightly
adj. : every night also : at or by night

nightmare
n. 1 : an evil spirit formerly thought to oppress people during sleep
2 : a frightening dream that usually awakens the sleeper
3 : something (as an experience, situation, or object) having the monstrous character of a nightmare or producing a feeling of anxiety or terror
–nightmare adjective
–night·mar·ish \-ˌmer-ish\ adjective
–night·mar·ish·ly adverb

nights
n. : in the nighttime repeatedly : on any night <works nights>

nightscope
: an optical device usually using infrared radiation that enables a person to see objects in the dark better

nightshade
n. 1 : any of a genus (Solanum of the family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) of herbs, shrubs, and trees having alternate leaves, cymose flowers, and fruits that are berries and including some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals, and important crop plants (as the potato and eggplant)
2 : BELLADONNA 1

nightshirt
n. : a nightgown resembling a shirt

nightside
n. : the side of a celestial body (as the earth, the moon, or a planet) not in daylight

nightspot
n. : NIGHTCLUB

nightstand
n. : NIGHT TABLE

nightstick
n. : a police officer's club

nighttime
n. : the time from dusk to dawn

nightwalker
n. 1 : a person who roams about at night especially with criminal intent
2 : PROSTITUTE, STREETWALKER

NIH
1 National Institutes of Health
2 not invented here

nihil
n. aut Caesar aut nihil
ex nihilo nihil fit
vox et praeterea nihil

nihilism
n. 1 a : a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless b : a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths
2 a : a doctrine or belief that conditions in the social organization are so bad as to make destruction desirable for its own sake independent of any constructive program or possibility b capitalized : the program of a 19th century Russian party advocating revolutionary reform and using terrorism and assassination
–ni·hil·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–ni·hil·is·tic \ˌnī-(h)ə-'lis-tik, ˌnē-\ adjective

Niigata
city & port Japan in N Honshu on Sea of Japan pop 501,431

Niihau
island Hawaii WSW of Kauai area 72 sq mi (187 sq km)

Nijinska
Bro·ni·sła·wa \ˌbrä-nə-'slä-və\ 1891-1972 sister of following Russ. (Pol.-born) dancer & choreographer

Nijinsky
n. Vas·lav \'vät-släf\ Fomich 1890-1950 Russ. dancer

Nijmegen
commune E Netherlands in Gelderland on the Waal S of Arnhem pop 154,616

nik
: one connected with or characterized by being <beatnik>

Nikaria
― see IKARIA

Nike
n. : the Greek goddess of victory

Nikolayev
n. ― see MYKOLAYIV

Nikopol
city E cen Ukraine on the Dnieper pop 159,000

nil
n. : NOTHING, ZERO
–nil adjective

nil
n. de mortuis nil nisi bonum
homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto
nil admirari
nil desperandum
nil sine numine

nil admirari
: to be excited by nothing : equanimity

nil desperandum
: never despair

nil sine numine
: nothing without the divine will ― motto of Colorado

Nile
n. river 4160 mi (6693 km) E Africa flowing from Lake Victoria in Uganda N into the Mediterranean in Egypt; in various sections called specifically: Vic·to·ria Nile \vik-'tȯr-ē-ə\ or Som·er·set Nile \'sə-mər-sət, -ˌset\ bet. Lake Victoria & Lake Albert; Al·bert Nile \'al-bərt\ bet. Lake Albert & Lake No; & White Nile from Lake No to Khartoum ― see BLUE NILE

Nile
n. Somerset Nile
nile green
Nile perch
West Nile encephalitis
West Nile fever
West Nile virus
Albert Nile
Blue Nile
Victoria Nile
White Nile

nile green
: a pale yellow green

Nile perch
: a large predaceous food fish (Lates niloticus) of the rivers and lakes of northern and central Africa that may exceed 200 pounds (91 kilograms) in weight

Niles
n. village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 30,068

nilgai
n. : a large bluish-gray antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of India and eastern Pakistan with the male having short horns, a black mane, and tuft of long hair on the throat

Nilgiri Hills
hills S India in W Tamil Nadu; highest point Mt. Dodabetta 8640 ft (2633 m)

nill
intransitive verb archaic : to be unwilling : will not <will you nill you, I will marry you ― Shakespeare>
transitive verb archaic : REFUSE

Nilotic
n. 1 : of or relating to the Nile or the peoples of the Nile basin
2 : of, relating to, or being the languages of the Nilotic people

nilpotent
adj. : equal to zero when raised to some power <nilpotent matrices>

Nilsson
n. Birgit 1918-     Swed. soprano

nim
n. transitive verb archaic : STEAL, FILCH
intransitive verb archaic : THIEVE

nim
n. : any of various games in which counters are laid out in one or more piles and each player in turn draws one or more counters with the object of taking the last counter, forcing the opponent to take it, or taking the most or fewest counters

nimble
adj. 1 : quick and light in motion : AGILE <nimble fingers>
2 a : marked by quick, alert, clever conception, comprehension, or resourcefulness <a nimble mind> b : RESPONSIVE, SENSITIVE <a nimble listener>
–nim·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
–nim·bly \-blē\ adverb

nimbostratus
n. : a low dark layer of gray cloud usually producing light continuous rain or snow ― see CLOUD illustration

nimbus
n. 1 a : a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earth b : a cloud or atmosphere (as of romance) about a person or thing
2 : an indication (as a circle) of radiant light or glory about the head of a drawn or sculptured divinity, saint, or sovereign
3 a : a rain cloud b : THUNDERHEAD also : CUMULUS 2

NIMBY
n. : opposition to the locating of something considered undesirable (as a prison or incinerator) in one's neighborhood
–NIMBY·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Nimes
city S France NE of Montpellier pop 133,406

NIMH
National Institute of Mental Health

nimiety
n. : EXCESS, REDUNDANCY

niminy-piminy
: affectedly refined : FINICKY

Nimitz
Chester William 1885-1966 American admiral

Nimrod
n. 1 : a descendant of Ham represented in Genesis as a mighty hunter and a king of Shinar
2 not capitalized : HUNTER
3 not capitalized slang : IDIOT, JERK

Nimrud
― see CALAH

Nin
Anaïs 1903-1977 American (Fr.-born) author

nincompoop
n. : FOOL, SIMPLETON
–nin·com·poop·ery \-ˌpü-pə-rē\ noun

nine
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the ninth in a set or series <wears a nine>
3 : something having nine units or members: as a capitalized : the nine Muses b : a baseball team c : the first or last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course
–nine adjective
–nine pronoun, plural in construction
–to the nines
1 : to perfection
2 : in a highly elaborate or showy manner <dressed to the nines>

nine
n. cat o' nine tails
cloud nine
nine days' wonder
nine day wonder
nine to fiver
sixty nine
the whole nine yards
to the nines

nine days' wonder
: something or someone that creates a short-lived sensation ― called also nine day wonder

nine-to-fiver
: one who works at a job with regular daytime hours

ninefold
adj. 1 : being nine times as great or as many
2 : having nine units or members
–nine·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

ninepin
n. 1 plural but singular in construction : a bowling game resembling tenpins played without the headpin or having the nine pins in a diamond-shaped configuration with one pin in the center
2 : a pin used in ninepins

nineteen
n. ― see NUMBER table
–nineteen adjective
–nineteen pronoun, plural in construction
–nine·teenth \-'tēn(t)th, -ˌtēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

ninety
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 90 to 99 specifically : the years 90 to 99 in a lifetime or century
–nine·ti·eth \-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–ninety adjective
–ninety pronoun, plural in construction

Nineveh
n. ancient city capital of Assyria; ruins in Iraq on the Tigris opposite Mosul

Ning
Ning po
Hsi Ning
Hsi ning

Ningbo
city E China in N Zhejiang ESE of Hangzhou pop 552,540

Ninghsia, Ningsia
― see YINCHUAN

Ningxia Huizu
region N China; formerly a province capital Yinchuan area 30,039 sq mi (78,101 sq km), pop 4,655,451

ninhydrin
n. : a poisonous crystalline oxidizing agent C_9H_6O_4 used especially as an analytical reagent

ninja
n. : a person trained in ancient Japanese martial arts and employed especially for espionage and assassinations

ninny
n. : FOOL, SIMPLETON

ninnyhammer
: NINNY

ninon
n. : a smooth sheer fabric

ninth
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 a : a musical interval embracing an octave and a second b : the tone at this interval c : a chord containing a ninth
–ninth adjective or adverb

ninth cranial nerve
: GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NERVE

niobate
: a salt containing an anionic grouping of niobium and oxygen

Niobe
n. : a daughter of Tantalus and wife of Amphion who while weeping for her slain children is turned into a stone from which her tears continue to flow

niobium
n. : a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys ― see ELEMENT table

Niobrara
river 431 mi (694 km) E Wyo. & N Nebr. flowing E into Missouri River

Niort
city W France ENE of La Rochelle pop 56,661

nip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to catch hold of and squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points : PINCH, BITE <the dog nipped his ankle> b : to pinch in (as a garment) <a dress nipped at the waist>
2 a : to sever by or as if by pinching sharply b : to destroy the growth, progress, or fulfillment of <nipped in the bud>
3 : to injure or make numb with cold : CHILL
4 : SNATCH, STEAL
5 : to defeat by a small margin
intransitive verb
1 : to move briskly, nimbly, or quickly
2 chiefly British : to make a quick trip

nip
n. 1 : something that nips: as a archaic : a sharp biting comment b : a sharp stinging cold <a nip in the air> c : a biting or pungent flavor : TANG <cheese with a nip>
2 : the act of nipping : PINCH, BITE
3 : the region of a squeezing or crushing device (as a calender) where the rolls or jaws are closest together
4 : a small portion

nip
n. : a small quantity of liquor : SIP also : a very small bottle of liquor

nip
n. : to take liquor in nips : TIPPLE

nip and tuck
: being so close that the lead or advantage shifts rapidly from one opponent to another

nip-up
: a spring from a supine position to a standing position

nipa
n. : thatch made of leaves of the nipa palm

nipa palm
: a southeast Asian palm (Nipa fruticans) growing chiefly along rivers and estuaries and having a short underground trunk and large erect pinnate leaves

Nipigon, Lake
n. lake Canada in W Ont. N of Lake Superior area 1870 sq mi (4862 sq km)

Nipissing, Lake
lake Canada in SE Ont. NE of Georgian Bay area over 320 sq mi (829 sq km)

nipper
n. 1 : any of various devices (as pincers) for nipping ― usually used in plural
2 a chiefly British : a boy employed as a helper (as of a carter or hawker) b : CHILD especially : a small boy

nipping
n. : SHARP, CHILLING <a nipping wind>
–nip·ping·ly \-lē\ adverb

nipple
n. 1 : the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn
2 a : an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses b : a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated
3 a : a protuberance resembling or suggesting the nipple of a breast b : a small projection through which oil or grease is injected into machinery
4 : a pipe coupling consisting of a short piece of threaded tubing
–nip·pled \-pəld\ adjective

Nippon
n. ― see JAPAN

Nipponese
adj. : JAPANESE
–Nipponese noun

Nippur
ancient city of Sumer SSE of Babylon

nippy
adj. 1 : marked by a tendency to nip <a nippy dog>
2 : brisk, quick, or nimble in movement : SNAPPY
3 : PUNGENT, SHARP
4 : CHILLY, CHILLING <a nippy day>
–nip·pi·ly \'ni-pə-lē\ adverb
–nip·pi·ness \'ni-pē-nəs\ noun

nirvana
n. 1 : the final beatitude that transcends suffering, karma, and samsara and is sought especially in Buddhism through the extinction of desire and individual consciousness
2 a : a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality also : BLISS, HEAVEN b : a goal hoped for but apparently unattainable : DREAM
–nir·van·ic \-'vä-nik, -'va-\ adjective

Nis
n. city E Serbia and Montenegro in E Serbia pop 247,898

Nisan
n. : the seventh month of the civil year or the first month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

nisei
n. : a son or daughter of Japanese immigrants who is born and educated in America and especially in the U.S.

Nishinomiya
city Japan in W Honshu on Osaka Bay E of Kobe pop 438,105

nisi
conj. : taking effect at a specified time unless previously modified or avoided by cause shown, further proceedings, or a condition fulfilled <a decree nisi>

Nissen hut
: a prefabricated shelter with a semicircular arching roof of corrugated iron sheeting and a concrete floor

NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology

nisus
n. : a mental or physical effort to attain an end : a perfective urge or endeavor

NIT
n. National Invitational Tournament

nit
n. 1 : the egg of a louse or other parasitic insect also : the insect itself when young
2 : a minor shortcoming

nit
n. chiefly British : NITWIT

nit-picking
: minute and usually unjustified criticism

nite
n. variant of night

niter
n. 1 : POTASSIUM NITRATE
2 archaic : CHILE SALTPETER

Niteroi
city SE Brazil on Guanabara Bay opposite Rio de Janeiro pop 459,451

nitery
n. : NIGHTCLUB

nitid
: BRIGHT, LUSTROUS

nitinol
n. : a nonmagnetic alloy of titanium and nickel that after being deformed returns to its original shape upon being reheated

nitpick
v. intransitive verb : to engage in nit-picking
transitive verb : to criticize by nit-picking
–nitpick noun
–nit·pick·er noun
–nit·picky \-ˌpi-kē\ adjective

nitr
1 : nitrogen <nitride>
2 usually nitro- : containing the monovalent group NO_2 <nitrobenzene>

Nitra
city W Slovakia pop 163,540

nitrate
n. 1 : a salt or ester of nitric acid
2 : sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate used as a fertilizer

nitrate
n. ammonium nitrate
amyl nitrate
cellulose nitrate
nitrate of soda
peroxyacetyl nitrate
potassium nitrate
silver nitrate
sodium nitrate

nitrate of soda

1841
: sodium nitrate used as a fertilizer

nitration
n. : the process of adding a nitro group to an organic compound
–ni·trate \'nī-ˌtrāt\ transitive verb
–ni·tra·tor \-ˌtrā-tər\ noun

nitration
n. ammonium nitrate
amyl nitrate
cellulose nitrate
nitrate of soda
peroxyacetyl nitrate
potassium nitrate
silver nitrate
sodium nitrate

nitre
n. chiefly British variant of niter

nitric acid
: a corrosive liquid inorganic acid HNO_3 used especially as an oxidizing agent, in nitrations, and in making organic compounds (as fertilizers, explosives, and dyes)

nitric oxide
: a colorless poisonous gas NO formed by oxidation of nitrogen or ammonia that is present in the atmosphere and also in mammals where it is synthesized from arginine and oxygen and acts as a vasodilator and as a mediator of cell-to-cell communication

nitride
n. : a binary compound of nitrogen with a more electropositive element

nitride
n. : to case-harden (as steel) by causing the surface to absorb nitrogen

nitrification
n. : the oxidation (as by bacteria) of ammonium salts to nitrites and the further oxidation of nitrites to nitrates

nitrifier
n. : any of the nitrifying bacteria

nitrifying
adj. : active in or relating to nitrification <nitrifying organisms>

nitrifying bacteria
: bacteria of a family (Nitrobacteraceae) comprising gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the soil and obtaining energy through the process of nitrification

nitrile
n. : an organic cyanide containing the group CN which on hydrolysis yields an acid with elimination of ammonia

nitrite
n. : a salt or ester of nitrous acid

nitrite
n. amyl nitrite
butyl nitrite
sodium nitrite

nitro
pref. : containing or being the monovalent group NO_2 united through nitrogen

nitro
pref. : any of various nitrated products specifically : NITROGLYCERIN

nitrobenzene
n. : a poisonous yellow oily liquid C_6H_5NO_2 with an almond odor that is used especially in chemical synthesis (as of aniline)

nitrocellulose
n. : any of several nitric-acid esters of cellulose used especially for making explosives, plastics, and varnishes

nitrofuran
n. : any of several nitro derivatives of furan used as bacteria-inhibiting agents

nitrogen
n. : a colorless tasteless odorless element that as a diatomic gas is relatively inert and constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere and that is a constituent of organic compounds found in all living tissues ― see ELEMENT table
–ni·trog·e·nous \nī-'trä-jə-nəs\ adjective

nitrogen
n. nitrogen balance
nitrogen cycle
nitrogen dioxide
nitrogen fixation
nitrogen fixer
nitrogen fixing
nitrogen mustard
nitrogen narcosis
nitrogen oxide
nitrogen tetroxide

nitrogen balance
: the difference between nitrogen intake and nitrogen loss in the body or the soil

nitrogen cycle
: a continuous series of natural processes by which nitrogen passes successively from air to soil to organisms and back to air or soil involving principally nitrogen fixation, nitrification, decay, and denitrification

nitrogen dioxide
: a toxic reddish brown gas NO_2 that is a strong oxidizing agent, is produced by combustion (as of fossil fuels), and is an atmospheric pollutant (as in smog)

nitrogen fixation
: the metabolic assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia by soil microorganisms and especially rhizobia

nitrogen mustard
: any of various toxic blistering compounds analogous to mustard gas but containing nitrogen instead of sulfur

nitrogen narcosis
: a state of euphoria and confusion similar to that of alcohol intoxication which occurs when nitrogen in normal air enters the bloodstream at increased pressure (as in deep-water diving) ― called also rapture of the deep

nitrogen oxide
: any of several oxides of nitrogen most of which are produced in combustion and are considered to be atmospheric pollutants: as a : NITRIC OXIDE b : NITROGEN DIOXIDE c : NITROUS OXIDE

nitrogen tetroxide
: a colorless toxic gas N_2O_4 that is a dimer of nitrogen dioxide and that in liquid form is used as an oxidizer in rocket engines

nitrogen-fixer
: any of various soil microorganisms that are involved in nitrogen fixation

nitrogen-fixing
: capable of nitrogen fixation <nitrogen-fixing bacteria>

nitrogenase
n. : an enzyme of various nitrogen-fixing bacteria that catalyzes the reduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonia

nitroglycerin
n. : an oily explosive poisonous liquid C_3H_5N_3O_9 used chiefly in making dynamite and in medicine as a vasodilator

nitromethane
n. : a liquid nitroparaffin CH_3NO_2 that is used as an industrial solvent, in chemical synthesis, and as a fuel for rockets and high-performance engines

nitroparaffin
: any of various nitro derivatives of alkanes

nitros
: containing the group NO <nitrosamine>

nitrosamine
n. : any of various organic compounds which are characterized by the grouping NNO and some of which are powerful carcinogens

nitrous
adj. archaic : of, relating to, or containing niter

nitrous acid
: an unstable acid HNO_2 known only in solution or in the form of its salts or esters

nitrous oxide
: a colorless gas N_2O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter, that is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry and as a fuel, and that is an atmospheric pollutant and greenhouse gas produced by combustion ― called also laughing gas

Nitti
Francesco Saverio 1868-1953 Ital. econ. & polit.

nitty-gritty
: what is essential and basic : specific practical details <get down to the nitty-gritty of the problem>
–nitty-gritty adjective

nitwit
n. : a scatterbrained or stupid person

NIU
network interface unit

Niuafo'ou
island SW cen Pacific in the N Tongas pop 763

Niue
n. island S cen Pacific; a self-governing territory of New Zealand area 100 sq mi (260 sq km), pop 2244
–Ni·ue·an \nyü-'wā-ən, 'nyü-ˌwā-\ noun

Nivelles
commune cen Belgium pop 23,944

Nivernais
region & former province cen France E of the upper Loire capital Nevers

nix
n. : NOTHING

nix
n. : VETO, REJECT <the court nixed the merger>

nix
n. : NO ― used to express disagreement or the withholding of permission ― often used with on <they said nix on our plan>

nix
n. : a water sprite of Germanic folklore

nixie
n. : 4NIX

Nixon
n. Richard Milhous 1913-1994 American polit.; 37th pres. of the U.S. (1969-74)
–Nix·on·esque \ˌnik-sə-'nesk\ or Nix·o·ni·an \nik-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

nizam
n. : one of a line of sovereigns of Hyderabad, India, reigning from 1713 to 1950
–ni·zam·ate \ni-'zä-ˌmāt, nī-'za-\ noun

Nizhniy Novgorod
n. city cen Russia in Europe at confluence of Oka & Volga rivers pop 1,433,000

Nizhniy Tagil
city W Russia in Asia on E slope of the Urals pop 437,000

NJ
n. New Jersey

NK cell
: NATURAL KILLER CELL

Nkrumah
Kwa·me \'kwä-mē\ 1909-1972 prime min. (1952-60) & 1st pres. (1960-66) of Ghana

NKVD
People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs

NL
1 National League
2 Newfoundland and Labrador

NLCS
National League Championship Series

NLF
National Liberation Front

NLRB
National Labor Relations Board

NM
n. New Mexico

nm
n. 1 nanometer
2 nautical mile

NMDA
: a synthetic amino acid C_5H_9NO_4 that binds selectively to a subset of glutamate receptors on neurons where the binding of glutamate results in the opening of calcium channels

NMHA
National Mental Health Association

NMI
no middle initial

NMR
nuclear magnetic resonance

NNE
n. north-northeast

NNW
n. north-northwest

No
n. variant of noh

No
n. nobelium

no
n. 1 a chiefly Scottish : NOT b ― used as a function word to express the negative of an alternative choice or possibility <shall we go out to dinner or no>
2 : in no respect or degree ― used in comparisons <you're no better than the rest of us>
3 : not so ― used to express negation, dissent, denial, or refusal <no, I'm not going>
4 ― used with a following adjective to imply a meaning expressed by the opposite positive statement <in no uncertain terms>
5 ― used as a function word to emphasize a following negative or to introduce a more emphatic, explicit, or comprehensive statement <it's big, no, it's gigantic>
6 ― used as an interjection to express surprise, doubt, or incredulity
7 ― used in combination with a verb to form a compound adjective <no-bake pie>
8 : in negation <shook his head no>

no
n. 1 a : not any <no parking> <no disputing the decision> b : hardly any : very little <finished in no time>
2 : not a : quite other than a <he's no expert>
3 ― used in combination with a noun to form a compound adjective <a no-nonsense realist>

no
n. 1 : an act or instance of refusing or denying by the use of the word no : DENIAL <received a firm no in reply>
2 a : a negative vote or decision b plural : persons voting in the negative

no
n. 1 north; northern
2 [Latin numero, ablative of numerus] number

no
n. no way
on no account
at no
no dice
no doubt
no end
no fair
no go
go no go
no less
make no bones
no matter what
no matter
by no means
no account
no brainer
no contest
no fault
no frills
no good
no goodnik
no hit
no hitter
no holds barred
no hoper
no load
no man's land
no name
no no
no nos
no no's
no nonsense
no one
no par
no par value
no see um
no show
no till
no tillage
no trump
no win
point of no return
no sweat
take no prisoners
no thanks to
in no time
whether or no
No Lake
de nos jours
Domine dirige nos
inter nos
omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
revenons a nos moutons
revenons à nos moutons
scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos
tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

no contest
: NOLO CONTENDERE

no dice

1 : of no avail : no use : FUTILE
2 : 1NO 3 <said no dice to my request>

no doubt
1DOUBTLESS

no end
EXCEEDINGLY <it pleases us no end>

no fair
something that is not according to the rules <that's no fair>

no go
to no avail : USELESS

no less
97used to emphasize that something is regarded as impressive or surprising <wants to be driven to the airport, in a limousine no less>

no matter
without regard to : irrespective of <points in the same direction no matter how it is tilted>

no matter what
regardless of the costs, consequences, or results <wants to win, no matter what>

no one
: no person : NOBODY

no sweat
slang : with little or no difficulty : EASILY also : EASY ― often used interjectionally

no thanks to
not as a result of any benefit conferred by <he feels better now, no thanks to you>

No, Lake
n. lake S cen Sudan where Bahr el Jebel & Bahr el Ghazal join to form the White Nile area 40 sq mi (104 sq km)

no-account
1 : of no importance : TRIFLING
2 : not amounting to anything : SHIFTLESS <her no-account relatives>
–no-account noun

no-brainer
: something that requires a minimum of thought

no-fault
1 : of, relating to, or being a motor vehicle insurance plan under which someone involved in an accident is compensated usually up to a stipulated limit for actual losses (as for property damage, medical bills, and lost wages) by that person's own insurance company regardless of who is responsible for the accident
2 : of, relating to, or being a divorce law under which neither party is held responsible for the breakup of the marriage
3 : characterized by the absence of a prevailing sense of individual responsibility (as for behavior) <a no-fault society>

no-frills
: offering or providing only the essentials : not fancy, elaborate, or luxurious <a no-frills airline>

no-go
: being an area into which entry is forbidden or dangerous <no-go tourist areas>

no-good
: having no worth, virtue, use, or chance of success <a no-good scoundrel>

no-good
: a no-good person or thing

no-goodnik
: NO-GOOD, LOWLIFE

no-hit
: of, relating to, or being a baseball game or a part of a game in which a pitcher allows the opposition no base hits

no-hit
: to give up no base hits to <no-hit them for five innings>

no-hitter
: a no-hit game in baseball

no-holds-barred
: free of restrictions or hampering conventions <a no-holds-barred contest>

no-hoper
chiefly British : one that has no chance of success

no-load
: charging no sales commission <a no-load mutual fund>
–no-load \'nō-ˌlōd\ noun

no-man's-land
1 a : an area of unowned, unclaimed, or uninhabited land b : an unoccupied area between opposing armies c : an area not suitable or used for occupation or habitation <downtown was a retailing no-man's-land>
2 : an anomalous, ambiguous, or indefinite area especially of operation, application, or jurisdiction <the no-man's-land between art and science>

no-name
: having a name that is not readily recognized by the public <a no-name product> <a no-name baseball team>
–no-name noun

no-no
1 : something unacceptable or forbidden
2 : NO-HITTER

no-nonsense
: tolerating no nonsense : SERIOUS, BUSINESSLIKE <a no-nonsense manager>

no-par
: having no nominal value <no-par stocks>

no-see-um
: BITING MIDGE

no-show
1 : a person who reserves space (as on an airplane) but neither uses nor cancels the reservation
2 : a person who buys a ticket (as to a sporting event) but does not attend broadly : a person who is expected but who does not show up
3 : failure to show up

no-show
: of, relating to, or being a job for which the holder is paid although performing few duties or rarely being present for work

no-till
: NO-TILLAGE

no-tillage
: a system of farming that consists of planting a narrow slit trench without tillage and with the use of herbicides to suppress weeds

no-trump
: being a bid, contract, or hand suitable to play without any suit being trumps
–no-trump noun

no-win
: not likely to give victory, success, or satisfaction : that cannot be won <a no-win situation> <a no-win war>

NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Noachian
n. 1 : of or relating to the patriarch Noah or his time
2 : ANCIENT, ANTIQUATED

Noah
n. : an Old Testament patriarch who built the ark in which he, his family, and living creatures of every kind survived the Flood

nob
n. 1 : HEAD 1
2 : a jack of the same suit as the starter in cribbage that scores one point for the holder ― usually used in the phrases his nob or his nobs

nob
n. chiefly British : one in a superior position in life

nobble
v. 1 British : to incapacitate (a racehorse) especially by drugging
2 slang British a : to win over to one's side b : STEAL c : SWINDLE, CHEAT d : to get hold of : CATCH
–nob·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

nobby
adj. : CHIC, SMART

Nobel
n. Alfred Bernhard 1833-1896 Swed. manuf., inventor, & philanthropist

Nobel Prize
: any of various annual prizes (as in peace, literature, medicine) established by the will of Alfred Nobel for the encouragement of persons who work for the interests of humanity ― called also Nobel

Nobelist
n. : a winner of a Nobel Prize

nobelium
n. : a radioactive metallic element produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

Nobile
n. Umberto 1885-1978 Ital. arctic explorer & aeronautical engineer

nobility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being noble in character, quality, or rank
2 : the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state : ARISTOCRACY

noble
n. 1 a : possessing outstanding qualities : ILLUSTRIOUS b : FAMOUS, NOTABLE <noble deeds>
2 : of high birth or exalted rank : ARISTOCRATIC
3 a : possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties <noble wine> b : very good or excellent
4 : grand or impressive especially in appearance <noble edifice>
5 : possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals : LOFTY <a noble ambition>
6 : chemically inert or inactive especially toward oxygen <a noble metal such as platinum> ― compare BASE 6a
synonyms see MORAL
–no·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
–no·bly \-blē also -bə-lē\ adverb

noble
n. 1 : a person of noble rank or birth
2 : an old English gold coin equivalent to 6s 8d

noble
n. noble gas
noble rot
noble savage

noble gas
: any of a group of rare gases that include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and usually radon and that exhibit great stability and extremely low reaction rates ― called also inert gas

noble rot
: a botrytis fungus (Botrytis cinerea) that infects various usually overripe wine grapes causing shriveling which results in increased sugar and flavor content and is responsible for the characteristic flavor of sauternes and related wines

noble savage
: a mythic conception of people belonging to non-European cultures as having innate natural simplicity and virtue uncorrupted by European civilization also : a person exemplifying this conception

nobleman
n. : a man of noble rank : PEER

noblesse
n. 1 : noble birth or condition
2 : the members especially of the French nobility

noblesse oblige
: the obligation of honorable, generous, and responsible behavior associated with high rank or birth

Noblesville
city cen Ind. N of Indianapolis pop 28,590

noblewoman
n. : a woman of noble rank : PEERESS

nobody
n. : no person : not anybody

nobody
n. : a person of no influence or consequence

nocent
n. : HARMFUL

nociceptive
adj. 1 of a stimulus : PAINFUL, INJURIOUS
2 : of, induced by, or responding to a nociceptive stimulus <nociceptive pain> <a nociceptive nerve pathway>

nociceptor
n. : a receptor (as in the skin) for nociceptive stimuli : a pain sense organ

nock
n. 1 : one of the notches cut in either of two tips of horn fastened on the ends of a bow or in the bow itself for holding the string
2 a : the part of an arrow having a notch for the bowstring b : the notch itself

nock
n. 1 : to make a nock in (a bow or arrow)
2 : to fit (an arrow) against the bowstring

noctambulist
n. : a person who walks while asleep : SLEEPWALKER

noctilucent cloud
: a luminous thin usually colored cloud seen especially at twilight at a height of about 50 miles (80 kilometers)

noctuid
n. : any of a large family (Noctuidae) of medium-sized often dull-colored moths with larvae (as cutworms and armyworms) that are often destructive agricultural pests
–noctuid adjective

nocturn
n. : a principal division of the office of matins

nocturnal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the night <a nocturnal journey>
2 : active at night <a nocturnal predator>
–noc·tur·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

nocturne
n. : a work of art dealing with evening or night especially : a dreamy pensive composition for the piano ― compare AUBADE 3

nocuous
adj. : HARMFUL
–noc·u·ous·ly adverb

nod
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a quick downward motion of the head whether deliberately (as in expressing assent or salutation) or involuntarily (as from drowsiness)
2 : to incline or sway from the vertical as though ready to fall
3 : to bend or sway the upper part gently downward or forward : bob gently
4 : to make a slip or error in a moment of abstraction
transitive verb
1 : to incline (as the head) downward or forward
2 : to bring, invite, or send by a nod <nodded us in>
3 : to signify by a nod <nodded their approval>
–nod·der noun

nod
n. 1 : the act or an instance of nodding <gave a nod of greeting>
2 : an indication especially of approval or recognition <received the party's nod as candidate for governor>

nod off
: to fall asleep

nodal
adj. : being, relating to, or located at or near a node
–no·dal·i·ty \nō-'da-lə-tē\ noun
–nod·al·ly \'nō-dəl-ē\ adverb

nodding
1 : bending downward or forward : PENDULOUS, DROOPING <a plant with nodding flowers>
2 : SLIGHT, SUPERFICIAL <a nodding acquaintance>

noddle
n. : HEAD, PATE

noddy
n. 1 : a stupid person
2 : any of several stout-bodied terns (esp. genus Anous) of warm seas

node
n. 1 a : a pathological swelling or enlargement (as of a rheumatic joint) b : a discrete mass of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind
2 : an entangling complication (as in a drama) : PREDICAMENT
3 : either of the two points where the orbit of a planet or comet intersects the ecliptic also : either of the points at which the orbit of an earth satellite crosses the plane of the equator
4 a : a point, line, or surface of a vibrating body or system that is free or relatively free from vibratory motion b : a point at which a wave has an amplitude of zero
5 a : a point at which subsidiary parts originate or center b : a point on a stem at which a leaf or leaves are inserted c : a point at which a curve intersects itself in such a manner that the branches have different tangents d : VERTEX 1B

node
n. atrioventricular node
A V node
lymph node
node of Ranvier
sinoatrial node
sinus node

node of Ranvier
: a small gap in the myelin sheath of a myelinated nerve fiber

nodose
adj. : having numerous or conspicuous protuberances
–no·dos·i·ty \nō-'dä-sə-tē\ noun

nodular
adj. : of, relating to, characterized by, or occurring in the form of nodules <nodular lesions>

nodulation
n. 1 : the process of forming nodules and especially root nodules containing symbiotic bacteria
2 : NODULE

nodule
n. : a small mass of rounded or irregular shape: as a : a small rounded lump of a mineral or mineral aggregate b : a swelling on a leguminous root that contains symbiotic bacteria c : a small abnormal knobby bodily protuberance (as a tumorous growth or a calcification near an arthritic joint)

nodus
n. : COMPLICATION, DIFFICULTY

noel
n. 1 : a Christmas carol
2 capitalized : CHRISTMAS

Noel-Baker
Philip John 1889-1982 Brit. polit.

noes
n. plural of no

noetic
adj. : of, relating to, or based on the intellect

nog
n. 1 : a strong ale formerly brewed in Norfolk, England
2 [by shortening] : EGGNOG

Nogales
city NW Mexico in Sonora pop 133,491

noggin
n. 1 : a small mug or cup
2 : a small quantity (as a gill) of drink
3 : a person's head

nogging
n. : rough brick masonry used to fill in the open spaces of a wooden frame

Noguchi
Hideyo 1876-1928 American (Jp.-born) bacteriol.

Noguchi
Isamu 1904-1988 American sculptor

Noh
n. : classic Japanese dance-drama having a heroic theme, a chorus, and highly stylized action, costuming, and scenery

Noh
n. no way
on no account
at no
no dice
no doubt
no end
no fair
no go
go no go
no less
make no bones
no matter what
no matter
by no means
no account
no brainer
no contest
no fault
no frills
no good
no goodnik
no hit
no hitter
no holds barred
no hoper
no load
no man's land
no name
no no
no nos
no no's
no nonsense
no one
no par
no par value
no see um
no show
no till
no tillage
no trump
no win
point of no return
no sweat
take no prisoners
no thanks to
in no time
whether or no
No Lake
de nos jours
Domine dirige nos
inter nos
omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
revenons a nos moutons
revenons à nos moutons
scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos
tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

nohow
adv. 1 : in no manner or way : not at all <was nohow equal to the task>
2 dialect : ANYHOW

noil
n. : short fiber removed during the combing of a textile fiber and often separately spun into yarn

noir
adj. 1 : crime fiction featuring hard-boiled cynical characters and bleak sleazy settings
2 : FILM NOIR
–noir adjective
–noir·ish \-ish\ adjective

noir
adj. beurre noir
cafe noir
café noir
film noir
films noir
pinot noir

noire
adj. bete noire
bête noire
Pointe Noire

noise
n. 1 : loud, confused, or senseless shouting or outcry
2 a : SOUND especially : one that lacks agreeable musical quality or is noticeably unpleasant b : any sound that is undesired or interferes with one's hearing of something c : an unwanted signal or a disturbance (as static or a variation of voltage) in an electronic device or instrument (as radio or television) broadly : a disturbance interfering with the operation of a usually mechanical device or system d : electromagnetic radiation (as light or radio waves) that is composed of several frequencies and that involves random changes in frequency or amplitude e : irrelevant or meaningless data or output occurring along with desired information
3 : common talk : RUMOR especially : SLANDER
4 : something that attracts attention <the play⋯will make little noise in the world ― Brendan Gill>
5 : something spoken or uttered
6 : a style of rock music that is loud, often discordant, and usually uses electronic noise (as feedback)
–noise·less \-ləs\ adjective
–noise·less·ly adverb

noise
n. intransitive verb
1 : to talk much or loudly
2 : to make a noise
transitive verb : to spread by rumor or report ― usually used with about or abroad <the scandal was quickly noised about>

noise
n. cosmic noise
noise pollution
pink noise
white noise

noise pollution
: annoying or harmful noise (as of automobiles or jet airplanes) in an environment

noisemaker
n. : one that makes noise especially : a device (as a horn or rattle) used to make noise at parties
–noise·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun or adjective

noisette
n. : a small piece of lean meat

noisome
adj. 1 : NOXIOUS, HARMFUL
2 a : offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell <noisome garbage> b : highly obnoxious or objectionable <noisome habits>
synonyms see MALODOROUS
–noi·some·ly adverb
–noi·some·ness noun

noisy
adj. 1 : making noise
2 : full of or characterized by noise or clamor <a noisy office>
3 : noticeably showy, gaudy, or bright : CONSPICUOUS
–nois·i·ly \'nȯi-zə-lē\ adverb
–nois·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

nol
nol pros
nol prossing
nol prossed

nol-pros
: to discontinue by entering a nolle prosequi

nolens volens
: unwilling (or) willing : willy-nilly

noli me tangere
: a warning against touching or interference

nolle prosequi
: an entry on the record of a legal action denoting that the prosecutor or plaintiff will proceed no further in an action or suit either as a whole or as to some count or as to one or more of several defendants

nolo
: NOLO CONTENDERE

nolo contendere
: a plea in a criminal prosecution that without admitting guilt subjects the defendant to conviction but does not preclude denying the truth of the charges in a collateral proceeding

nom de guerre
: PSEUDONYM

nom de plume
: PSEUDONYM, PEN NAME

noma
n. : a spreading invasive gangrene chiefly of the lining of the cheek and lips that is usually fatal and occurs most often in persons severely debilitated by disease or profound nutritional deficiency

nomad
n. 1 : a member of a people who have no fixed residence but move from place to place usually seasonally and within a well-defined territory
2 : an individual who roams about
–nomad adjective
–no·mad·ism \'nō-ˌma-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

nomadic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of nomads <a nomadic tribe>
2 : roaming about from place to place aimlessly, frequently, or without a fixed pattern of movement

nombril
n. : the center point of the lower half of an armorial escutcheon

nome
n. : a province of ancient Egypt

Nome, Cape
n. cape W Alaska on S side of Seward Peninsula

nomen
n. : the second of the three usual names of an ancient Roman male ― compare COGNOMEN, PRAENOMEN

nomen
n. nomen conservandum
nomen dubium
nomen nudum
Joannes est nomen eius
nomina conservanda
nomina dubia
nomina nuda

nomen conservandum
: a biological taxonomic name that is preserved by special sanction in exception to the usual rules

nomen dubium
: a taxonomic name that cannot be assigned with certainty to any taxonomic group because the description is insufficient for identification and the original specimens no longer exist

nomen nudum
: a proposed taxonomic name that is invalid because the group designated is not described or illustrated sufficiently for recognition, that has no nomenclatural status, and that consequently can be used as though never previously proposed

nomenclator
n. 1 : a book containing collections or lists of words
2 archaic : one who announces the names of guests or of persons generally
3 : one who gives names to or invents names for things

nomenclatorial
: relating to or connected with nomenclature

nomenclature
n. 1 : NAME, DESIGNATION
2 : the act or process or an instance of naming
3 a : a system or set of terms or symbols especially in a particular science, discipline, or art b : an international system of standardized New Latin names used in biology for kinds and groups of kinds of animals and plants
–no·men·cla·tur·al \ˌnō-mən-'klāch-rəl, -'klā-chə-\ adjective

nominal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a noun or a word or expression taking a noun construction
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting a name b : bearing the name of a person
3 a : existing or being something in name or form only <nominal head of his party> b : of, being, or relating to a designated or theoretical size that may vary from the actual : APPROXIMATE <the pipe's nominal size> c : TRIFLING, INSIGNIFICANT <his involvement was nominal> <charged only nominal rent>
4 of a rate of interest a : equal to the annual rate of simple interest that would obtain if interest were not compounded when in fact it is compounded and paid for periods of less than a year b : equal to the percentage by which a repaid loan exceeds the principal borrowed with no adjustment made for inflation
5 : being according to plan : SATISFACTORY <everything was nominal during the launch>
–nom·i·nal·ly adverb

nominal
adj. : a word or word group functioning as a noun

nominal value
: PAR 1B

nominal wages
: wages measured in money as distinct from actual purchasing power

nominalism
n. 1 : a theory that there are no universal essences in reality and that the mind can frame no single concept or image corresponding to any universal or general term
2 : the theory that only individuals and no abstract entities (as essences, classes, or propositions) exist ― compare ESSENTIALISM, REALISM
–nom·i·nal·ist \-ist, -list\ noun
–nominalist or nom·i·nal·is·tic \ˌnä-mə-nə-'lis-tik, ˌnäm-nə-'lis-\ adjective

nominate
v. 1 : DESIGNATE, NAME
2 a : to appoint or propose for appointment to an office or place b : to propose as a candidate for election to office c : to propose for an honor <nominate her for player of the year>
3 : to enter (a horse) in a race
–nom·i·nat·able \-ˌnā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–nom·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun
–nom·i·nee \ˌnä-mə-'nē\ noun

nomination
n. 1 : the act, process, or an instance of nominating
2 : the state of being nominated

nominative
n. 1 a : marking typically the subject of a verb especially in languages that have relatively full inflection <nominative case> b : of or relating to the nominative case <a nominative ending>
2 : nominated or appointed by nomination
3 : bearing a person's name
–nominative noun

nomogram
n. : a graphic representation that consists of several lines marked off to scale and arranged in such a way that by using a straightedge to connect known values on two lines an unknown value can be read at the point of intersection with another line

nomograph
n. : NOMOGRAM
–no·mo·graph·ic \ˌnä-mə-'gra-fik, ˌnō-\ adjective
–no·mog·ra·phy \nō-'mä-grə-fē\ noun

nomological
adj. : relating to or expressing basic physical laws or rules of reasoning <nomological universals>

nomothetic
adj. : relating to, involving, or dealing with abstract, general, or universal statements or laws

nomy
: system of laws governing or sum of knowledge regarding a (specified) field <agronomy>

non
1 : not : other than : reverse of : absence of <nontoxic> <nonlinear>
2 : of little or no consequence : unimportant : worthless <nonissues> <nonsystem>
3 : lacking the usual especially positive characteristics of the thing specified <noncelebration> <nonart>
non·abra·sive
non·ab·sorb·able
non·ab·sor·bent
non·ab·sorp·tive
non·ab·stract
non·ac·a·dem·ic
non·ac·cep·tance
non·ac·count·able
non·ac·cred·it·ed
non·ac·cru·al
non·achieve·ment
non·ac·id
non·acid·ic
non·ac·quis·i·tive
non·act·ing
non·ac·tion
non·ac·ti·vat·ed
non·ac·tor
non·adap·tive
non·ad·dict
non·ad·dic·tive
non·ad·he·sive
non·adi·a·bat·ic
non·ad·ja·cent
non·ad·mir·er
non·ad·mis·sion
non·aero·sol
non·aes·thet·ic
non·af·fil·i·at·ed
non·af·flu·ent
non-Af·ri·can
non·ag·gres·sion
non·ag·gres·sive
non·ag·ri·cul·tur·al
non·al·co·hol·ic
non·al·ler·gen·ic
non·al·ler·gic
non·al·pha·bet·ic
non·alu·mi·num
non·am·big·u·ous
non-Amer·i·can
non·an·a·lyt·ic
non·an·a·tom·ic
non·an·i·mal
non·an·swer
non·an·tag·o·nis·tic
non·an·thro·po·log·i·cal
non·an·thro·pol·o·gist
non·an·ti·bi·ot·ic
non·an·ti·gen·ic
non·ap·pear·ance
non·aquat·ic
non·aque·ous
non·ar·a·ble
non·ar·bi·trar·i·ness
non·ar·bi·trary
non·ar·chi·tect
non·ar·chi·tec·ture
non·ar·gu·ment
non·aris·to·crat·ic
non·ar·o·mat·ic
non·art
non·art·ist
non·ar·tis·tic
non·as·cet·ic
non·as·pi·rin
non·as·ser·tive
non·as·so·ci·at·ed
non·as·tro·nom·i·cal
non·ath·lete
non·ath·let·ic
non·atom·ic
non·at·tached
non·at·tach·ment
non·at·ten·dance
non·at·tend·er
non·au·di·to·ry
non·au·thor
non·au·thor·i·tar·i·an
non·au·to·mat·ed
non·au·to·mat·ic
non·au·to·mo·tive
non·au·ton·o·mous
non·avail·abil·i·ty
non·bac·te·ri·al
non·bar·bi·tu·rate
non·bary·on·ic
non·ba·sic
non·bear·ing
non·be·hav·ior·al
non·be·ing
non·be·lief
non·be·liev·er
non·bel·lig·er·en·cy
non·bel·lig·er·ent
non·bet·ting
non·bib·li·cal
non·bib·lio·graph·ic
non·bi·na·ry
non·bind·ing
non·bio·de·grad·able
non·bio·graph·i·cal
non·bi·o·log·i·cal
non·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly
non·bi·ol·o·gist
non·bit·ing
non·black
non·body
non·bond·ed
non·bot·a·nist
non·brand
non·break·able
non·breath·ing
non·breed·er
non·breed·ing
non·broad·cast
non·build·ing
non·burn·able
non·buy·ing
non·cab·i·net
non·cak·ing
non·call·able
non·cam·pus
non·can·cel·able
non·can·cer·ous
non·can·ni·bal·is·tic
non·ca·non·i·cal
non·cap·i·tal
non·cap·i·tal·ist
non·car·cin·o·gen
non·car·ci·no·gen·ic
non·car·di·ac
non·ca·reer
non·car·ri·er
non·cash
non·ca·su·al
non-Cath·o·lic
non·caus·al
non·cel·e·bra·tion
non·ce·leb·ri·ty
non·cel·lu·lar
non·cel·lu·los·ic
non-Celt·ic
non·cen·tral
non·cer·tif·i·cat·ed
non·cer·ti·fied
non·char·ac·ter
non·char·is·mat·ic
non·chau·vin·ist
non·chem·i·cal
non-Chris·tian
non·chro·no·log·i·cal
non·church
non·church·go·er
non·cir·cu·lar
non·cir·cu·lat·ing
non·cit·i·zen
non·clan·des·tine
non·class
non·clas·si·cal
non·clas·si·fied
non·class·room
non·cler·i·cal
non·cling
non·clin·i·cal
non·clog·ging
non·co·er·cive
non·cog·ni·tive
non·co·her·ent
non·co·in·ci·dence
non·co·i·tal
non·cok·ing
non·co·la
non·col·lec·tor
non·col·lege
non·col·le·giate
non·col·lin·ear
non·col·or
non·col·ored
non·col·or·fast
non·com·bat
non·com·bat·ive
non·com·bus·ti·ble
non·com·mer·cial
non·com·mit·ment
non·com·mit·ted
non·com·mu·ni·cat·ing
non·com·mu·ni·ca·tion
non·com·mu·ni·ca·tive
non·com·mu·nist
non·com·mu·ni·ty
non·com·mu·ta·tive
non·com·mu·ta·tiv·i·ty
non·com·pa·ra·bil·i·ty
non·com·pa·ra·ble
non·com·pat·i·ble
non·com·pe·ti·tion
non·com·pet·i·tive
non·com·pet·i·tor
non·com·ple·men·ta·ry
non·com·plex
non·com·pli·ance
non·com·pli·ant
non·com·pli·cat·ed
non·com·ply·ing
non·com·pos·er
non·com·pound
non·com·pre·hen·sion
non·com·press·ible
non·com·put·er
non·com·put·er·ized
non·con·cep·tu·al
non·con·cern
non·con·clu·sion
non·con·cur·rent
non·con·dens·able
non·con·di·tioned
non·con·duct·ing
non·con·duc·tion
non·con·duc·tive
non·con·fer·ence
non·con·fi·dence
non·con·fi·den·tial
non·con·flict·ing
non·con·fron·ta·tion
non·con·fron·ta·tion·al
non·con·gru·ent
non·con·ju·gat·ed
non·con·nec·tion
non·con·scious
non·con·sec·u·tive
non·con·sen·su·al
non·con·ser·va·tion
non·con·ser·va·tive
non·con·sol·i·dat·ed
non·con·stant
non·con·sti·tu·tion·al
non·con·struc·tion

non- (see more...)

non
pref. non A non B hepatitis
non compos mentis
non euclidean
non grata
non Hodgkin's lymphoma
non insulin dependent diabetes
non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
non obstante
non oil
non placet
non possumus
non prosequitur
non sequitur
non troppo
non U
non Western
persona non grata
sine qua non
sine quibus non
abusus non tollit usum
causa sine qua non
damnant quod non intelligunt
de gustibus non est disputandum
de minimis non curat lex
natura non facit saltum
non omnia possumus omnes
non omnis moriar
non sans droict
non sum qualis eram
poeta nascitur non fit
primum non nocere
se non e vero e ben trovato
se non è vero è ben trovato
non self governing
non Russian
non Muslim
non Marxist
non Jewish
non Jew
non Japanese
non Indo European
non Indian
non Hispanic
non European
non Darwinian
non Christian
non Celtic
non Catholic
non American
non African
exceptio probat regulam de rebus non exceptis
nonspecific vaginitis

non compos mentis
: not of sound mind

non grata
: not approved : UNWELCOME

non obstante
: NOTWITHSTANDING

non omnia possumus omnes
: we can't all (do) all things

non omnis moriar
: I shall not wholly die

non placet
: a negative vote

non possumus
: a statement expressing inability to do something

non prosequitur
: a judgment entered against a plaintiff for failure to appear to prosecute a suit

non sans droict
: not without right ― motto on Shakespeare's coat of arms

non sequitur
1 : an inference that does not follow from the premises specifically : a fallacy resulting from a simple conversion of a universal affirmative proposition or from the transposition of a condition and its consequent
2 : a statement (as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said

non sum qualis eram
: I am not what I used to be

non troppo
: without excess ― used to qualify a direction in music

non- (continued)-1

non·con·struc·tive
non·con·sum·er
non·con·sum·ing
non·con·sump·tion
non·con·sump·tive
non·con·tact
non·con·ta·gious
non·con·tem·po·rary
non·con·tig·u·ous
non·con·tin·gent
non·con·tin·u·ous
non·con·tract
non·con·trac·tu·al
non·con·tra·dic·tion
non·con·tra·dic·to·ry
non·con·trib·u·to·ry
non·con·trol·la·ble
non·con·trolled
non·con·trol·ling
non·con·tro·ver·sial
non·con·ven·tion·al
non·con·vert·ible
non·co·pla·nar
non·core
non·cor·po·rate
non·cor·re·la·tion
non·cor·rod·ible
non·cor·rod·ing
non·cor·ro·sive
non·coun·try
non·coun·ty
non·cov·er·age
non·cre·a·tive
non·cre·a·tiv·i·ty
non·cre·den·tialed
non·crime
non·crim·i·nal
non·cri·sis
non·crit·i·cal
non·crush·able
non·crys·tal·line
non·cu·li·nary
non·cul·ti·vat·ed
non·cul·ti·va·tion
non·cul·tur·al
non·cu·mu·la·tive
non·cur·rent
non·cus·tom·er
non·cy·clic
non·cy·cli·cal
non·dance
non·danc·er
non-Dar·win·i·an
non·de·cep·tive
non·de·ci·sion
non·de·creas·ing
non·de·duc·tive
non·de·fense
non·de·fer·ra·ble
non·de·form·ing
non·de·gen·er·ate
non·de·grad·able
non·de·gree
non·del·e·gate
non·de·lib·er·ate
non·de·lin·quent
non·de·liv·ery
non·de·mand·ing
non·dem·o·crat·ic
non·de·nom·i·na·tion·al
non·de·nom·i·na·tion·al·ism
non·de·part·men·tal
non·de·pen·dent
non·de·plet·able
non·de·plet·ing
non·de·po·si·tion
non·de·pressed
non·de·riv·a·tive
non·de·scrip·tive
non·de·sert
non·de·tach·able
non·de·ter·min·is·tic
non·de·vel·op·ment
non·de·vi·ant
non·di·a·bet·ic
non·di·a·lyz·able
non·di·dac·tic
non·dif·fus·ible
non·di·men·sion·al
non·dip·lo·mat·ic
non·di·rect·ed
non·di·rec·tion·al
non·dis·abled
non·dis·clo·sure
non·dis·count
non·dis·cre·tion·ary
non·dis·crim·i·na·tion
non·dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
non·dis·cur·sive
non·dis·per·sive
non·dis·rup·tive
non·di·ver·si·fied
non·doc·tor
non·doc·tri·naire
non·doc·u·men·ta·ry
non·dog·mat·ic
non·dol·lar
non·do·mes·tic
non·dom·i·nant
non·dra·mat·ic
non·driv·er
non·drug
non·du·ra·ble
non·earn·ing
non·ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal
non·econ·o·mist
non·ed·i·ble
non·ed·i·to·ri·al
non·ed·u·ca·tion
non·ed·u·ca·tion·al
non·ef·fec·tive
non·elas·tic
non·elect·ed
non·elec·tion
non·elec·tive
non·elec·tric
non·elec·tri·cal
non·elec·tron·ic
non·el·e·men·ta·ry
non·elite
non·emer·gen·cy
non·emo·tion·al
non·em·phat·ic
non·em·pir·i·cal
non·em·ploy·ee
non·em·ploy·ment
non·emp·ty
non·en·cap·su·lat·ed
non·end·ing
non·en·er·gy
non·en·force·abil·i·ty
non·en·force·ment
non·en·gage·ment
non·en·gi·neer·ing
non·en·ter·tain·ment
non·en·zy·mat·ic
non·en·zy·mic
non·equi·lib·ri·um
non·equiv·a·lence
non·equiv·a·lent
non·erot·ic
non·es·tab·lished
non·es·tab·lish·ment
non·es·ter·i·fied
non·eth·i·cal
non·eth·nic
non-Eu·ro·pe·an
non·eval·u·a·tive
non·ev·i·dence
non·ex·clu·sive
non·ex·ec·u·tive
non·ex·empt
non·ex·is·ten·tial
non·ex·ot·ic
non·ex·pend·able
non·ex·per·i·men·tal
non·ex·pert
non·ex·plan·a·to·ry
non·ex·ploi·ta·tion
non·ex·ploit·a·tive
non·ex·ploit·ive
non·ex·plo·sive
non·ex·posed
non·ex·tant
non·fact
non·fac·tor
non·fac·tu·al
non·fac·ul·ty
non·fad·ing
non·fa·mil·ial
non·fam·i·ly
non·fan
non·farm
non·farm·er
non·fa·tal
non·fat·ten·ing
non·fat·ty
non·fed·er·al
non·fed·er·at·ed
non·fem·i·nist
non·fil·a·men·tous
non·fil·ter·able
non·fi·nal
non·fi·nan·cial
non·fi·nite
non·fis·sion·able
non·flu·o·res·cent
non·fly·ing
non·food
non·for·feit·able
non·for·fei·ture
non·for·mal
non·fos·sil
non·frat·er·ni·za·tion
non·freez·ing
non·friv·o·lous
non·fro·zen
non·fuel
non·ful·fill·ment
non·func·tion·al
non·func·tion·ing
non·game
non·gas·eous
non·gay
non·ge·net·ic
non·gen·i·tal
non·geo·met·ri·cal
non·ghet·to
non·glam·or·ous
non·glare
non·golf·er
non·gov·ern·ment
non·gov·ern·men·tal
non·grad·ed
non·grad·u·ate
non·gram·mat·i·cal
non·gran·u·lar
non·grav·i·ta·tion·al
non·greasy
non·gre·gar·i·ous
non·grow·ing
non·growth
non·guest
non·ha·lo·ge·nat·ed
non·hand·i·capped
non·hap·pen·ing
non·har·dy
non·har·mon·ic
non·haz·ard·ous
non·heme
non·he·mo·lyt·ic
non·he·red·i·tary
non·het·ero·sex·u·al
non·hi·er·ar·chi·cal
non-His·pan·ic
non·his·tor·i·cal
non·home
non·ho·mo·ge·neous
non·ho·mol·o·gous
non·ho·mo·sex·u·al
non·hor·mon·al
non·hos·pi·tal
non·hos·pi·tal·ized
non·hos·tile
non·hous·ing
non·hu·man
non·hunt·er
non·hunt·ing
non·hy·gro·scop·ic
non·hys·ter·i·cal
non·ide·al
non·iden·ti·ty

non- (see more...)

non- (continued)-1-2

non·ideo·log·i·cal
non·im·age
non·im·i·ta·tive
non·im·mi·grant
non·im·mune
non·im·pact
non·im·pli·ca·tion
non·im·por·ta·tion
non·in·clu·sion
non·in·creas·ing
non·in·cum·bent
non·in·de·pen·dence
non-In·di·an
non·in·dig·e·nous
non·in·di·vid·u·al
non-In·do-Eu·ro·pe·an
non·in·dus·tri·al
non·in·dus·tri·al·ized
non·in·dus·try
non·in·fect·ed
non·in·fec·tious
non·in·fec·tive
non·in·fest·ed
non·in·flam·ma·ble
non·in·flam·ma·to·ry
non·in·fla·tion·ary
non·in·flec·tion·al
non·in·flu·ence
non·in·for·ma·tion
non·in·fringe·ment
non·ini·tial
non·ini·ti·ate
non·in·ju·ry
non·in·sect
non·in·sec·ti·cid·al
non·in·stall·ment
non·in·sti·tu·tion·al
non·in·sti·tu·tion·al·ized
non·in·struc·tion·al
non·in·stru·men·tal
non·in·sur·ance
non·in·sured
non·in·te·gral
non·in·te·grat·ed
non·in·tel·lec·tu·al
non·in·ter·act·ing
non·in·ter·ac·tive
non·in·ter·change·able
non·in·ter·course
non·in·ter·est
non·in·ter·fer·ence
non·in·ter·sect·ing
non·in·tim·i·dat·ing
non·in·tox·i·cant
non·in·tox·i·cat·ing
non·in·tru·sive
non·in·tu·i·tive
non·ion·iz·ing
non·ir·ra·di·at·ed
non·ir·ri·gat·ed
non·ir·ri·tant
non·ir·ri·tat·ing
non-Jap·a·nese
non-Jew
non-Jew·ish
non·join·er
non·ju·di·cial
non·ju·ry
non·jus·ti·cia·ble
non·ko·sher
non·la·bor
non·land·own·er
non·lan·guage
non·law·yer
non·lead·ed
non·league
non·le·gal
non·le·gume
non·le·gu·mi·nous
non·le·thal
non·lex·i·cal
non·li·brar·i·an
non·li·brary
non·life
non·lin·e·al
non·lin·e·ar
non·lin·e·ar·i·ty
non·lin·guis·tic
non·liq·uid
non·lit·er·al
non·lit·er·ary
non·liv·ing
non·lo·cal
non·log·i·cal
non·lu·mi·nous
non·mag·net·ic
non·main·stream
non·ma·jor
non·ma·lig·nant
non·mal·lea·ble
non·mam·ma·li·an
non·man·age·ment
non·man·a·ge·ri·al
non·man·u·al
non·man·u·fac·tur·ing
non·mar·i·tal
non·mar·ket
non-Marx·ist
non·ma·te·ri·al
non·ma·te·ri·al·is·tic
non·math·e·mat·i·cal
non·math·e·ma·ti·cian
non·ma·tric·u·lat·ed
non·mean·ing·ful
non·mea·sur·able
non·meat
non·me·chan·i·cal
non·mech·a·nis·tic
non·med·i·cal
non·meet·ing
non·mem·ber
non·mem·ber·ship
non·men·tal
non·mer·cu·ri·al
non·meta·mer·ic
non·met·a·phor·i·cal
non·met·ric
non·met·ri·cal
non·met·ro
non·met·ro·pol·i·tan
non·mi·cro·bi·al
non·mi·grant
non·mi·gra·to·ry
non·mil·i·tant
non·mil·i·tary
non·mi·met·ic
non·mi·nor·i·ty
non·mo·bile
non·mo·lec·u·lar
non·mon·e·tar·ist
non·mon·e·tary
non·mon·ey
non·mo·nog·a·mous
non·mo·tile
non·mo·tor·ized
non·mov·ing
non·mu·nic·i·pal
non·mu·sic
non·mu·si·cal
non·mu·si·cian
non-Mus·lim
non·mu·tant
non·my·e·lin·at·ed
non·mys·ti·cal
non·nar·ra·tive
non·na·tion·al
non·na·tive
non·nat·u·ral
non·ne·ces·si·ty
non·neg·li·gent
non·ne·go·tia·ble
non·net·work
non·neu·ral
non·news
non·ni·trog·e·nous
non·nor·ma·tive
non·nov·el
non·nu·cle·at·ed
non·nu·mer·i·cal
non·nu·tri·tious
non·nu·tri·tive
non·ob·scene
non·ob·ser·vance
non·ob·ser·vant
non·ob·vi·ous
non·oc·cu·pa·tion·al
non·oc·cur·rence
non·of·fi·cial
non·ohm·ic
non·oily
non·op·er·at·ic
non·op·er·at·ing
non·op·er·a·tion·al
non·op·er·a·tive
non·op·ti·mal
non·or·gan·ic
non·or·tho·dox
non·over·lap·ping
non·own·er
non·ox·i·diz·ing
non·paid
non·par·al·lel
non·par·a·sit·ic
non·par·ent
non·par·tic·i·pant
non·par·tic·i·pat·ing
non·par·tic·i·pa·tion
non·par·tic·i·pa·to·ry
non·par·ty
non·pas·sive
non·past
non·pay·ing
non·pay·ment
non·per·for·mance
non·per·form·er
non·per·ish·able
non·per·mis·sive
non·per·son·al
non·pe·tro·leum
non·phi·los·o·pher
non·phil·o·soph·i·cal
non·pho·ne·mic
non·pho·net·ic
non·phos·phate
non·pho·to·graph·ic
non·phys·i·cal
non·phy·si·cian
non·pla·nar
non·plas·tic
non·play
non·play·ing
non·po·et·ic
non·poi·son·ous
non·po·lar·iz·able
non·po·lice
non·po·lit·i·cal
non·po·lit·i·cal·ly
non·pol·i·ti·cian
non·pol·lut·ing
non·poor
non·po·rous
non·pos·ses·sion
non·prac·ti·cal
non·prac·tic·ing
non·preg·nant
non·print
non·prob·lem
non·pro·duc·ing
non·pro·fes·sion·al
non·pro·fes·sion·al·ly
non·pro·fes·so·ri·al
non·pro·gram
non·pro·gram·mer
non·pro·gres·sive
non·pro·pri·etary
non·psy·chi·at·ric
non·psy·chi·a·trist
non·psy·cho·log·i·cal
non·psy·chot·ic
non·pub·lic
non·pu·ni·tive
non·pur·po·sive
non·quan·ti·fi·able
non·quan·ti·ta·tive
non·ra·cial
non·ra·cial·ly

non- (see more...)

non- (continued)-1-3

non·ra·dio·ac·tive
non·rail·road
non·ran·dom
non·ran·dom·ness
non·rat·ed
non·ra·tio·nal
non·re·ac·tive
non·re·ac·tor
non·re·al·is·tic
non·re·ap·point·ment
non·re·ceipt
non·re·cip·ro·cal
non·rec·og·ni·tion
non·re·cy·cla·ble
non·re·duc·ing
non·re·dun·dant
non·re·fill·able
non·re·flect·ing
non·reg·u·lat·ed
non·reg·u·la·tion
non·rel·a·tive
non·rel·e·vant
non·re·li·gious
non·re·new·able
non·re·new·al
non·re·pay·able
non·rep·re·sen·ta·tive
non·re·pro·duc·tive
non·res·i·den·tial
non·res·o·nant
non·re·spon·dent
non·re·spond·er
non·re·sponse
non·re·spon·sive
non·re·strict·ed
non·re·trac·tile
non·ret·ro·ac·tive
non·re·us·able
non·re·vers·ible
non·rev·o·lu·tion·ary
non·rig·id
non·ri·ot·er
non·ri·ot·ing
non·ro·tat·ing
non·rou·tine
non·roy·al
non·rub·ber
non·rul·ing
non·ru·mi·nant
non-Rus·sian
non·sal·able
non·sa·line
non·sa·pon·i·fi·able
non·schiz·o·phren·ic
non·school
non·sci·en·tif·ic
non·sci·en·tist
non·sea·son·al
non·sec·re·tory
non·se·cure
non·sed·i·ment·able
non·seg·re·gat·ed
non·seg·re·ga·tion
non·se·lect·ed
non·se·lec·tive
non-self-gov·ern·ing
non·sen·sa·tion·al
non·sen·si·tive
non·sen·su·ous
non·sen·tence
non·sep·tate
non·se·quen·tial
non·se·quen·tial·ly
non·se·ri·ous
non·sex·ist
non·sex·u·al
non·shrink
non·shrink·able
non·sign·er
non·si·mul·ta·neous
non·sink·able
non·skat·er
non·skel·e·tal
non·ski·er
non·smok·er
non·smok·ing
non·so·cial·ist
non·so·lar
non·so·lu·tion
non·spa·tial
non·speak·er
non·speak·ing
non·spe·cial·ist
non·spe·cif·ic
non·spe·cif·i·cal·ly
non·spec·tac·u·lar
non·spec·u·la·tive
non·speech
non·spher·i·cal
non·sta·tion·ary
non·sta·tis·ti·cal
non·steady
non·sto·ry
non·stra·te·gic
non·struc·tur·al
non·struc·tured
non·stu·dent
non·style
non·sub·ject
non·sub·jec·tive
non·sub·si·dized
non·suc·cess
non·sug·ar
non·su·per·im·pos·able
non·su·per·vi·so·ry
non·sur·gi·cal
non·swim·mer
non·sym·bol·ic
non·sym·met·ric
non·sym·met·ri·cal
non·syn·chro·nous
non·sys·tem·at·ic
non·sys·tem·ic
non·tar·iff
non·tax·able
non·teach·ing
non·tech·ni·cal
non·tem·po·ral
non·ten·ured
non·ter·mi·nal
non·the·at·ri·cal
non·the·ist
non·the·is·tic
non·theo·log·i·cal
non·the·o·ret·i·cal
non·ther·a·peu·tic
non·think·ing
non·tid·al
non·to·bac·co
non·ton·al
non·to·tal·i·tar·i·an
non·tox·ic
non·tra·di·tion·al
non·trans·fer·able
non·treat·ment
non·triv·i·al
non·trop·i·cal
non·tur·bu·lent
non·typ·i·cal
non·unan·i·mous
non·uni·form
non·uni·for·mi·ty
non·union·ized
non·unique
non·unique·ness
non·uni·ver·sal
non·uni·ver·si·ty
non·ur·ban
non·ur·gent
non·util·i·tar·i·an
non·util·i·ty
non·uto·pi·an
non·val·id
non·va·lid·i·ty
non·vas·cu·lar
non·veg·e·tar·i·an
non·ven·om·ous
non·vet·er·an
non·vi·a·ble
non·view·er
non·vi·ral
non·vir·gin
non·vis·cous
non·vi·su·al
non·vo·cal
non·vo·ca·tion·al
non·vol·ca·nic
non·vol·un·tary
non·vot·er
non·vot·ing
non·wage
non·war
non·win·ning
non·woody
non·work
non·work·er
non·work·ing
non·writ·er
non·yel·low·ing

non-A, non-B hepatitis
: hepatitis clinically similar to hepatitis A and hepatitis B but caused by a different virus especially : HEPATITIS C

non-euclidean
: not assuming or in accordance with all the postulates of Euclid's Elements <non-euclidean geometry>

non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
: any of the numerous malignant lymphomas (as Burkitt's lymphoma) that are not classified as Hodgkin's disease

non-insulin-dependent diabetes
: TYPE 2 DIABETES

non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
: TYPE 2 DIABETES ― abbreviation NIDDM

non-oil
1 : not relating to, containing, or derived from oil
2 : being a net importer of petroleum or petroleum products <non-oil nations>

non-U
: not characteristic of the upper classes

non-Western
1 : not being part of the western tradition <non-Western countries>
2 : of or relating to non-Western societies <non-Western values>

nonadditive
adj. 1 : not having a numerical value equal to the sum of values for the component parts
2 : of, relating to, or being a genic effect that is not additive
–non·ad·di·tiv·i·ty \ˌnän-ˌa-də-'ti-və-tē\ noun

nonage
n. 1 : MINORITY 1
2 a : a period of youth b : lack of maturity

nonagenarian
n. : a person whose age is in the nineties
–nonagenarian adjective

nonagon
n. : a polygon of nine angles and nine sides

nonaligned
adj. : not allied with other nations and especially with either the Communist or the non-Communist blocs
–non·align·ment \-mənt\ noun

nonallelic
adj. : not behaving as alleles toward one another <nonallelic genes>

nonbank
adj. : a business that is not an officially established bank but offers many similar services
–non·bank·ing \-'baŋ-kiŋ\ adjective

nonbonding
: relating to, being, or occupying a molecular orbital that neither promotes nor inhibits bond formation between atoms <a nonbonding electron>

nonbook
n. : being something other than a book especially : being a library holding (as a microfilm) that is not a book

nonbook
n. : a book of little literary merit which is often a compilation (as of pictures, press clippings, or speeches)

nonbusiness
adj. : not related to business especially : not related to one's primary business

noncaloric
adj. : free from or very low in calories <a noncaloric drink>

noncandidate
n. : a person who is not a candidate especially : one who has refused to be a candidate for a particular political office
–non·can·di·da·cy \-də-sē\ noun

nonce
n. 1 : the one, particular, or present occasion, purpose, or use <for the nonce>
2 : the time being

nonce
n. : occurring, used, or made only once or for a special occasion <a nonce word>

nonchalance
n. : the quality or state of being nonchalant

nonchalant
adj. : having an air of easy unconcern or indifference
synonyms see COOL
–non·cha·lant·ly adverb

nonchromosomal
adj. 1 : not situated on a chromosome
2 : not involving chromosomes

noncoding
: not specifying the genetic code <a noncoding DNA sequence>

noncom
n. : NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

noncombatant
n. : one that does not engage in combat: as a : a member (as a chaplain) of the armed forces whose duties do not include fighting b : CIVILIAN
–noncombatant adjective

noncomedogenic
: not tending to clog pores (as by the formation of blackheads) <a noncomedogenic cosmetic>

noncommissioned officer
: a subordinate officer (as a sergeant) in the army, air force, or marine corps appointed from among enlisted personnel

noncommittal
adj. 1 : giving no clear indication of attitude or feeling <a noncommittal reply>
2 : having no clear or distinctive character
–non·com·mit·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

nonconcur
v. : to refuse or fail to concur
–non·con·cur·rence \-'kər-ən(t)s, -'kə-rən(t)s\ noun

nonconductor
n. : a substance that conducts heat, electricity, or sound only in very small degree

nonconform
: to fail to conform
–non·con·form·er noun

nonconformance
n. : failure to conform

nonconformism
n. : NONCONFORMITY

nonconformist
n. 1 often capitalized : a person who does not conform to an established church especially : one who does not conform to the Church of England
2 : a person who does not conform to a generally accepted pattern of thought or action
–nonconformist adjective often cap

nonconformity
n. 1 a : failure or refusal to conform to an established church b often capitalized : the movement or principles of English Protestant dissent c often capitalized : the body of English Nonconformists
2 : refusal to conform to an established or conventional creed, rule, or practice
3 : absence of agreement or correspondence

noncooperation
n. : failure or refusal to cooperate specifically : refusal through civil disobedience of a people to cooperate with the government of a country
–non·co·op·er·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun
–non·co·op·er·a·tor \-'ä-pə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

noncooperative
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by noncooperation

noncredit
adj. : not offering credit toward a degree <noncredit courses>

noncrossover
adj. : having or being chromosomes that have not participated in genetic crossing-over

noncustodial
adj. : of or being a parent who does not have sole custody of a child or who has custody a smaller portion of the time

nondairy
adj. : containing no milk or milk products <nondairy whipped topping>

nondeductible
adj. : not deductible especially : not deductible for income tax purposes <a nondeductible contribution>
–non·de·duct·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdək-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

nondefense
: not used or intended for or associated with the military <nondefense spending>

nondescript
n. 1 : belonging or appearing to belong to no particular class or kind : not easily described
2 : lacking distinctive or interesting qualities : DULL, DRAB
–nondescript noun

nondestructive
adj. : not destructive specifically : not causing destruction of material being investigated or treated <nondestructive testing of metal>
–non·de·struc·tive·ly adverb
–non·de·struc·tive·ness noun

nondiapausing
1 : not having a diapause
2 : not being in a state of diapause

nondirective
adj. : of, relating to, or being psychotherapy, counseling, or interviewing in which the counselor refrains from interpretation or explanation but encourages the client (as by repeating phrases) to talk freely

nondisjunction
n. : failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate subsequent to metaphase in meiosis or mitosis so that one daughter cell has both and the other neither of the chromosomes
–non·dis·junc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

nondistinctive
adj. of a speech sound : having no signaling value

nondividing
adj. : not undergoing cell division

nondormant
1 : being in such a condition that germination is possible <nondormant seeds>
2 : being in active vegetative growth <nondormant plants>

nondrinker
n. : a person who abstains from alcoholic beverages
–non·drink·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective

nondrying oil
: a highly saturated oil (as olive oil) that is unable to solidify when exposed in a thin film to air

none
adv. 1 : not any
2 : not one : NOBODY
3 : not any such thing or person
4 : no part : NOTHING

none
adv. archaic : not any : NO

none
adv. 1 : by no means : not at all <none too soon to begin>
2 : in no way : to no extent <none the worse for wear>

none
adv. : the fifth of the canonical hours

noneconomic
adj. : not economic especially : having no economic importance or implication

nonelectrolyte
n. : a substance that does not readily ionize when dissolved or melted and is a poor conductor of electricity

nonentity
n. 1 : something that does not exist or exists only in the imagination
2 : NONEXISTENCE
3 : a person or thing of little consequence or significance

nones
n. 1 : the ninth day before the ides according to ancient Roman reckoning
2 often capitalized : 4NONE

nonessential
n. 1 : not essential
2 : being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity to satisfy dietary needs <nonessential amino acids> ― compare ESSENTIAL 2b
–nonessential noun

nonesuch
n. : a person or thing without an equal
–nonesuch adjective

nonet
n. : a combination of nine instruments or voices also : a musical composition for such a combination

nonetheless
adv. : NEVERTHELESS

nonevent
n. 1 a : an expected event that fails to take place or to satisfy expectations b : an often highly publicized event of little intrinsic interest or significance
2 : an occurrence that is officially ignored

nonexistence
n. : absence of existence : the negation of being
–non·ex·is·tent \-tənt\ adjective

nonfat
adj. : lacking fat solids : having fat solids removed <nonfat milk>

nonfeasance
adj. : failure to act especially : failure to do what ought to be done

nonferrous
adj. 1 : not containing, including, or relating to iron
2 : of or relating to metals other than iron

nonfiction
n. : literature or cinema that is not fictional
–non·fic·tion·al \ˌnän-'fik-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

nonfigurative
adj. : NONOBJECTIVE 2

nonflammable
adj. : not flammable specifically : not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if ignited
–non·flam·ma·bil·i·ty \ˌnän-ˌfla-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

nonflowering
adj. : producing no flowers specifically : lacking a flowering stage in the life cycle

nonfluency
1 : lack of fluency
2 : an instance of nonfluency

nongonococcal
: not caused by a gonococcus <sexually transmitted nongonococcal urethritis>

nongreen
: not green specifically : containing no chlorophyll <nongreen saprophytes>

nonhero
n. : ANTIHERO

nonhistone
adj. : relating to or being any of the eukaryotic proteins (as DNA polymerase) that form complexes with DNA but are not considered histones

nonidentical
adj. 1 : DIFFERENT
2 : FRATERNAL 2 <nonidentical twins>

nonillion
n. ― see NUMBER table

noninductive
adj. : not inductive especially : having negligible inductance

noninterlaced
: not interlaced specifically : of, relating to, or using a method of video scanning (as for a television or computer screen) in which the horizontal lines of each frame are drawn consecutively in a single pass

nonintervention
n. : the state or policy of not intervening <nonintervention in the affairs of other countries>
–non·in·ter·ven·tion·ist \-'ven(t)-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

noninvasive
1 : not tending to spread specifically : not tending to infiltrate and destroy healthy tissue <noninvasive cancer of the bladder>
2 : not being or involving an invasive medical procedure <noninvasive imaging techniques>
–non·in·va·sive·ly adverb

noninvolvement
n. : absence of involvement or emotional attachment
–non·in·volved \-'vä(l)vd, -'vȯ(l)vd\ adjective

nonionic
: not ionic especially : not dependent on a surface-active anion for effect <nonionic surfactants>

nonissue
: an issue of little importance, validity, or concern

nonjoinder
n. : failure to include a necessary party to a suit at law

nonjudgmental
adj. : avoiding judgments based on one's personal and especially moral standards
–non·judg·men·tal·ly adverb

nonjuring
: not swearing allegiance ― used especially of a member of a party in Great Britain that would not swear allegiance to William and Mary or to their successors

nonjuror
n. : a person refusing to take an oath especially of allegiance, supremacy, or abjuration specifically : one of the beneficed clergy in England and Scotland refusing to take an oath of allegiance to William and Mary or to their successors after the revolution of 1688

nonliterate
1 : not literate
2 : having no written language
–nonliterate noun

nonmetal
n. : a chemical element (as boron, carbon, or nitrogen) that lacks the characteristics of a metal

nonmetallic
adj. 1 : not metallic
2 : of, relating to, or being a nonmetal

nonmoral
adj. : not falling into or existing in the sphere of morals or ethics

nonnegative
adj. : not negative: as a : being either positive or zero b : taking on nonnegative values <a nonnegative function>

nonnuclear
adj. 1 : not nuclear: as a : being a weapon whose destructive power is not derived from a nuclear reaction b : not operated by, using, or produced by nuclear energy c : not using or involving nuclear weapons
2 : not having nuclear weapons <a nonnuclear country>

nonobjective
adj. 1 : not objective
2 : representing or intended to represent no natural or actual object, figure, or scene <nonobjective art>
–non·ob·jec·tiv·ism \-ti-ˌvi-zəm\ noun
–non·ob·jec·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun
–non·ob·jec·tiv·i·ty \-ˌäb-ˌjek-'ti-və-tē, -əb-\ noun

nonorgasmic
: not capable of experiencing orgasm

nonoxynol-9
: a spermicide used in contraceptive products

nonparametric
: not involving the estimation of parameters of a statistical function <nonparametric statistical tests>

nonpareil
n. : having no equal

nonpareil
n. 1 : an individual of unequaled excellence : PARAGON
2 a : a small flat disk of chocolate covered with white sugar pellets b : sugar in small pellets of various colors

nonpartisan
n. : not partisan especially : free from party affiliation, bias, or designation <nonpartisan ballot> <a nonpartisan board>
–non·par·ti·san·ship \-ˌship\ noun

nonpasserine
adj. : not passerine especially : of, relating to, or being any of various arboreal birds (as pigeons, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and kingfishers) that are not passerines

nonpathogenic
adj. : not capable of inducing disease ― compare AVIRULENT

nonpeak
: OFF-PEAK

nonperforming
: not producing the expected return <nonperforming loans> <nonperforming assets>

nonpersistent
adj. : not persistent: as a : decomposed rapidly by environmental action <nonpersistent insecticides> b : capable of being transmitted by a vector for only a relatively short time <nonpersistent viruses>

nonperson
n. : a person who is regarded as nonexistent: as a : UNPERSON b : one having no social or legal status

nonplus
v. : a state of bafflement or perplexity : QUANDARY

nonplus
v. : to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : PERPLEX
synonyms see PUZZLE

nonpoint
: being a source of pollution (as runoff from farmland) that is not a point source also : being pollution or a pollutant that does not arise from a single indentifiable source

nonpolar
: not polar especially : consisting of molecules not having a dipole <a nonpolar solvent>

nonprescription
adj. : capable of being bought without a doctor's prescription <nonprescription drugs>

nonproductive
adj. : not productive: as a : failing to produce or yield : UNPRODUCTIVE <a nonproductive oil well> b : not directly concerned with production <the nonproductive labor of clerks and inspectors> c of a cough : DRY 3A
–non·pro·duc·tive·ness noun

nonprofit
adj. : not conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit <a nonprofit organization>
–nonprofit noun

nonproliferation
n. : providing for the stoppage of proliferation (as of nuclear arms) <nonproliferation treaty>
–nonproliferation noun

nonpros
n. : to enter a non prosequitur against

nonprotein
n. : not being or derived from protein <the nonprotein part of an enzyme> <nonprotein nitrogen>

nonreader
n. 1 : one who does not or cannot read
2 : a child who is slow in learning to read
–non·read·ing \-diŋ\ adjective

nonrecombinant
adj. : not exhibiting the results of genetic recombination
–nonrecombinant noun

nonrecourse
adj. : being or based on an agreement in which the lender has no right of recourse to the borrower's assets beyond stated limits <a nonrecourse note> <a nonrecourse loan>

nonrecurrent
adj. : not recurring

nonrecurring
adj. : NONRECURRENT specifically : unlikely to happen again ― used of financial transactions that affect a profit and loss statement abnormally

nonrefundable
adj. : not subject to refunding or being refunded <a nonrefundable bond> <a nonrefundable fee>

nonrelativistic
1 : not based on or involving the theory of relativity <nonrelativistic equations> <nonrelativistic kinematics>
2 : of, relating to, or being a body moving at less than a relativistic velocity
–non·rel·a·tiv·is·ti·cal·ly \-'vis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

nonrepresentational
adj. : NONOBJECTIVE 2 <a nonrepresentational sculpture>
–non·rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al·ism \-shnə-ˌli-zəm, -shə-nəl-ˌi-zəm\ noun

nonresidence
n. : the state or fact of being nonresident

nonresidency
: NONRESIDENCE

nonresident
n. : not residing in a particular place
–nonresident noun

nonresistance
n. : the principles or practice of passive submission to constituted authority even when unjust or oppressive also : the principle or practice of not resisting violence by force

nonresistant
n. : not resistant specifically : susceptible to the effects of a deleterious agent (as an insecticide, a pathogen, or an extreme environmental condition)
–nonresistant noun

nonrestrictive
adj. : not restrictive specifically : not limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase

nonrestrictive clause
: a descriptive clause that is not essential to the definiteness of the meaning of the word it modifies (as who is retired in “my father, who is retired, does volunteer work”)

nonreturnable
adj. : not returnable specifically : not returnable to a dealer in exchange for a deposit <nonreturnable bottles>
–nonreturnable noun

nonscheduled
adj. : licensed to transport by air without a regular schedule <nonscheduled airlines>

nonscience
: something (as a discipline) that is not a science

nonscience
: of or relating to fields other than science

nonsecretor
n. : an individual of blood group A, B, or AB who does not secrete the antigens characteristic of these blood groups in bodily fluids (as saliva)

nonsectarian
adj. : not having a sectarian character : not affiliated with or restricted to a particular religious group

nonself
n. : material that is foreign to the body of an organism

nonsense
1 a : words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas b (1) : language, conduct, or an idea that is absurd or contrary to good sense (2) : an instance of absurd action
2 a : things of no importance or value : TRIFLES b : affected or impudent conduct <took no nonsense from subordinates>
3 : genetic information consisting of one or more codons that do not code for any amino acid and usually cause termination of the molecular chain in protein synthesis
–non·sen·si·cal \ˌnän-'sen(t)-si-kəl\ adjective
–non·sen·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–non·sen·si·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

nonsense
n. 1 : consisting of an arbitrary grouping of speech sounds or symbols <\'shrȯg-ˌthī-əmpth\ is a nonsense word> <a nonsense syllable>
2 : consisting of one or more codons that are genetic nonsense ― compare ANTISENSE, MISSENSE

nonsense verse
: humorous or whimsical verse that features absurd characters and actions and often contains evocative but meaningless nonce words

nonsignificant
adj. : not significant: as a : INSIGNIFICANT b : MEANINGLESS c : having or yielding a value lying within limits between which variation is attributed to chance <a nonsignificant statistical test>
–non·sig·nif·i·cant·ly adverb

nonskid
adj. : designed or equipped to prevent skidding

nonslip
adj. : designed to reduce or prevent slipping

nonsocial
adj. : not socially oriented : lacking a social component

nonsporting
adj. : lacking the qualities characteristic of a hunting dog

nonstandard
adj. 1 : not standard
2 : not conforming in pronunciation, grammatical construction, idiom, or word choice to the usage generally characteristic of educated native speakers of a language ― compare SUBSTANDARD

nonstarter
n. 1 : one that does not start
2 : someone or something that is not productive or effective <his son has been, in politics a nonstarter ― Anthony Lejeune>

nonsteroidal
adj. : of, relating to, or being a compound and especially a drug that is not a steroid <a nonsteroidal painkiller>
–nonsteroid noun

nonstick
adj. 1 : allowing easy removal of cooked food particles <a nonstick coating in a frying pan>
2 : having a nonstick surface <a nonstick frying pan>

nonstop
adj. : done, made, or held without a stop : not easing or letting up
–nonstop adverb

nonstop
adj. : a nonstop airplane flight

nonsuit
n. : a judgment against a plaintiff for failure to prosecute a case or inability to establish a prima facie case
–nonsuit transitive verb

nonsupport
n. : failure to support specifically : failure (as of a parent) to honor a statutory or contractual obligation to provide maintenance

nonsystem
: a system that lacks effective organization

nontarget
adj. : not being the intended object of action by a particular agent <effect of insecticides on nontarget organisms>

nonterminating
: not terminating or ending especially : being a decimal for which there is no place to the right of the decimal point such that all places farther to the right contain the entry 0 <1/3 gives the nonterminating decimal .33333⋯>

nonthermal
: not produced by heat specifically : of, relating to, or being radiation having a spectrum that is not the spectrum of a blackbody

nonthreatening
1 : not constituting a threat <a nonthreatening illness>
2 : not likely to cause anxiety <a nonthreatening environment> also : INNOCUOUS 2

nontitle
adj. : of, relating to, or being an athletic contest in which a title is not at stake

nonunion
n. 1 : not belonging to or connected with a trade union <nonunion carpenters>
2 : not recognizing or favoring trade unions or their members
3 : not produced or worked on by members of a trade union <nonunion lettuce>

nonuse
n. 1 : failure to use <nonuse of available material>
2 : the fact or condition of not being used

nonuser
n. : one who does not make use of something (as an available public facility or a harmful drug)

nonvanishing
: not zero or becoming zero

nonvector
n. : an organism (as an insect) that does not transmit a particular pathogen (as a virus)

nonverbal
adj. : not verbal: as a : being other than verbal <nonverbal factors> b : involving minimal use of language <nonverbal tests> c : ranking low in verbal skill <a nonverbal child>
–non·ver·bal·ly \-bə-lē\ adverb

nonvintage
: undated and usually blended to approximate a standard <a nonvintage wine>

nonviolence
n. 1 : abstention from violence as a matter of principle also : the principle of such abstention
2 a : the quality or state of being nonviolent : avoidance of violence b : nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of securing political ends

nonviolent
adj. : abstaining or free from violence
–non·vi·o·lent·ly adverb

nonvolatile
adj. : not volatile: as a : not vaporizing readily <a nonvolatile solvent> b of a computer memory : retaining data when power is shut off

nonwhite
n. : a person whose features and especially whose skin color are distinctively different from those of peoples of northwestern Europe especially : one who has black African ancestors
–nonwhite adjective

nonword
: a word that has no meaning, is not known to exist, or is disapproved

nonwoven
adj. 1 : made of fibers held together by interlocking or bonding (as by chemical or thermal means) : not woven, knitted, or felted <nonwoven fabric>
2 : made of nonwoven fabric <a nonwoven dress>
–nonwoven noun

nonzero
adj. 1 : being, having, or involving a value other than zero
2 : having phonetic content <nonzero affixes>

noodle
n. 1 : a stupid person : SIMPLETON
2 : HEAD, NOGGIN

noodle
n. : a food paste made usually with egg and shaped typically in ribbon form

noodle
n. : to improvise on an instrument in an informal or desultory manner

noogie
n. : the act of rubbing one's knuckles on a person's head so as to produce a mildly painful sensation

nook
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a right-angled corner
2 a : an interior angle formed by two meeting walls b : a secluded or sheltered place or part <searched every nook and cranny> c : a small often recessed section of a larger room <a breakfast nook>

nooky
n. 1 often vulgar : the female partner in sexual intercourse
2 often vulgar : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

noon
n. 1 : MIDDAY specifically : 12 o'clock at midday
2 archaic : MIDNIGHT ― used chiefly in the phrase noon of night
3 : the highest point

noonday
n. : MIDDAY

nooning
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a meal eaten at noon
2 chiefly dialect : a period at noon for eating or resting

noontide
n. 1 : NOONTIME
2 : the culminating point

noontime
n. : the time of noon : MIDDAY

Noord
― see LIMPOPO 2

Noordwes
― see NORTH WEST

noose
n. 1 : a loop with a slipknot that binds closer the more it is drawn
2 : something that snares like a noose

noose
n. 1 : to secure by a noose
2 : to make a noose in or of

noosphere
: the sphere of human consciousness and mental activity especially in regard to its influence on the biosphere and in relation to evolution

Nootka
n. 1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples inhabiting the west coast of Vancouver Island
2 : the Wakashan language of the Nootka people

Nootka Sound
inlet of the Pacific Canada in SW B.C. on W coast of Vancouver Is.

nootropic
adj. : a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning
–nootropic adjective

nopal
n. 1 : any of a genus (Nopalea) of cacti of Mexico and Central America that differ from the prickly pears in having erect petals and scarlet flowers with the stamens much longer than the petals broadly : PRICKLY PEAR
2 : a fleshy young tender stem segment of the prickly pear cactus (esp. Opuntia ficus-indica) or the nopal cactus used as food

nopalito
: NOPAL 2

nope
interj. : NO

NOR
conj. : a computer logic circuit that produces an output that is the inverse of that of an OR circuit

nor
conj. 1 ― used as a function word to introduce the second or last member or the second and each following member of a series of items each of which is negated <neither here nor there> <not done by you nor me nor anyone>
2 ― used as a function word to introduce and negate a following clause or phrase
3 chiefly British : NEITHER

nor
conj. dialect : THAN

nor
conj. : homologue containing one less methyl group <norepinephrine>

nor
conj. hide nor hair
Koko Nor
neither fish nor fowl
neither here nor there

nor'easter
variant of northeaster2

NORAD
North American Air Defense Command

noradrenaline
n. : NOREPINEPHRINE

noradrenergic
: liberating, activated by, or involving norepinephrine in the transmission of nerve impulses <noradrenergic nerve endings> <noradrenergic nerve fibers>

Norco
city SE Calif. W of Palm Springs pop 24,157

Nord
Nord Ostsee
l'etoile du nord
l'étoile du nord
Montréal Nord

Nord-Ostsee
― see KIEL 2

Nordau
n. Max Simon 1849-1923 orig. surname Süd·feld \'zt-ˌfelt\ Ger. (Hung.-born) physician, author, & Zionist

Nordenskiold
Baron (Nils) Adolf Erik 1832-1901 Swed. arctic explorer

Nordenskjold Sea
― see LAPTEV SEA

Nordic
n. 1 : of or relating to the Germanic peoples of northern Europe and especially of Scandinavia
2 : of or relating to a group or physical type of the Caucasian race characterized by tall stature, long head, light skin and hair, and blue eyes
3 a : of or relating to competitive ski events involving cross-country racing, ski jumping, or biathlon ― compare ALPINE b : of, relating to, or being cross-country skiing

Nordic
n. 1 : a native of northern Europe
2 : a person of Nordic physical type
3 : a member of the peoples of Scandinavia

Nordkyn
headland NE Norway on Barents Sea; northernmost point of European mainland, at 71°8′N

norepinephrine
n. : a monoamine C_8H_11NO_3 that is a neurotransmitter in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

norethindrone
n. : a synthetic progestational hormone C_20H_26O_2 used in birth control pills often in the form of its acetate

Norfolk
n. 1 city NE Nebr. pop 23,516
2 city & port SE Va. on Elizabeth River S of Hampton Roads pop 234,403
3 county E England bordering on North Sea capital Norwich area 2152 sq mi (5574 sq km), pop 736,400

Norfolk
n. Norfolk Island pine
Norfolk pine
Norfolk jacket
Norfolk terrier
Norfolk Broads
Norfolk Island

Norfolk Broads
― see BROADS

Norfolk Island
island S. Pacific bet. New Caledonia & New Zealand; administered by Australia area 13 sq mi (34 sq km), pop 1912

Norfolk Island pine
: an evergreen tree (Araucaria heterophylla syn. A. excelsa) of the araucaria family that is native to Australia and Norfolk Island and that is often grown as a houseplant ― called also Norfolk pine

Norfolk jacket
: a loose-fitting belted single-breasted jacket with box pleats

Norfolk terrier
: any of a breed of dogs developed in England and resembling the Norwich terrier but having folded-over ears

Norge
― see NORWAY

nori
n. : dried laver seaweed pressed into thin sheets and used especially as a seasoning or as a wrapper for sushi

Noricum
ancient country & Roman province W cen Europe S of the Danube in modern Austria & S Germany

Noril'sk
city N Russia in Asia, N of arctic circle near mouth of the Yenisey pop 165,000

norland
n. chiefly dialect : NORTHLAND

norm
n. 1 : an authoritative standard : MODEL
2 : a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior
3 : AVERAGE: as a : a set standard of development or achievement usually derived from the average or median achievement of a large group b : a pattern or trait taken to be typical in the behavior of a social group c : a widespread or usual practice, procedure, or custom : RULE <standing ovations became the norm>
4 a : a real-valued nonnegative function defined on a vector space with value analagous to length and satisfying the conditions that the function is zero if and only if the vector is zero, the function of the product of a scalar and a vector is equal to the product of the absolute value of the scalar and the function of the vector, and the function of the sum of two vectors is less than or equal to the sum of the functions of the two vectors specifically : the square root of the sum of the squares of the absolute values of the elements of a matrix or of the components of a vector b : the greatest distance between two successive points of a set of points that partition an interval into smaller intervals
synonyms see AVERAGE

Normal
n. town cen Ill. N of Bloomington pop 45,386

normal
n. 1 : PERPENDICULAR especially : perpendicular to a tangent at a point of tangency
2 a : according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle b : conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern
3 : occurring naturally <normal immunity>
4 a : of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development b : free from mental disorder : SANE
5 a of a solution : having a concentration of one gram equivalent of solute per liter b : containing neither basic hydroxyl nor acid hydrogen <normal silver phosphate> c : not associated <normal molecules> d : having a straight-chain structure <normal pentane> <normal butyl alcohol>
6 of a subgroup : having the property that every coset produced by operating on the left by a given element is equal to the coset produced by operating on the right by the same element
7 : relating to, involving, or being a normal curve or normal distribution <normal approximation to the binomial distribution>
8 of a matrix : having the property of commutativity under multiplication by the transpose of the matrix each of whose elements is a conjugate complex number with respect to the corresponding element of the given matrix
synonyms see REGULAR
–nor·mal·i·ty \nȯr-'ma-lə-tē\ noun
–nor·mal·ly \'nȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

normal
n. 1 a : a normal line b : the portion of a normal line to a plane curve between the curve and the x-axis
2 : one that is normal
3 : a form or state regarded as the norm : STANDARD

normal
n. normal curve
normal distribution
normal school

normal curve
: the symmetrical bell-shaped curve of a normal distribution

normal distribution
: a probability density function that approximates the distribution of many random variables (as the proportion of outcomes of a particular sort in a large number of independent repetitions of an experiment in which the probabilities remain constant from trial to trial) and that has the form f(x) = (1/(σ√2π))e(-1/2[(x-µ)/σ]2) where µ is the mean and σ is the standard deviation ― compare NORMAL CURVE

normal school
: a usually 2-year school for training chiefly elementary teachers

normalcy
n. : the state or fact of being normal

normalise
v. British variant of normalize

normalize
v. 1 : to make conform to or reduce to a norm or standard
2 : to make normal (as by a transformation of variables)
3 : to bring or restore (as relations between countries) to a normal condition
–nor·mal·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–nor·mal·i·za·tion \ˌnȯr-mə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

normalizer
n. 1 : one that normalizes
2 a : a subgroup consisting of those elements of a group for which the group operation with regard to a given element is commutative b : the set of elements of a group for which the group operation with regard to every element of a given subgroup is commutative

Norman
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Normandy: a : one of the Scandinavian conquerors of Normandy in the 10th century b : one of the Norman-French conquerors of England in 1066
2 : NORMAN-FRENCH
–Norman adjective

Norman
n. Jessye 1945-     American soprano

Norman
n. city cen Okla. on Canadian River pop 95,694

Norman
n. Anglo Norman
Norman architecture
Norman French

Norman architecture
: a Romanesque style first appearing in and near Normandy about A.D. 950 also : architecture resembling or imitating this style

Norman-French
1 : the French language of the medieval Normans
2 : the modern dialect of Normandy

normande
: prepared with any of several foods traditionally associated with Normandy (as cream, apples, cider, or calvados) <veal normande>

Normandy
n. region & former province NW France NE of Brittany capital Rouen

normative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or determining norms or standards <normative tests>
2 : conforming to or based on norms <normative behavior> <normative judgments>
3 : prescribing norms <normative rules of ethics> <normative grammar>
–nor·ma·tive·ly adverb
–nor·ma·tive·ness noun

normed
: being a mathematical entity upon which a norm is defined <a normed vector space>

normotensive
adj. : having normal blood pressure
–normotensive noun

normothermia
n. : normal body temperature
–nor·mo·ther·mic \-mik\ adjective

Norn
n. : any of the three Norse goddesses of fate

Norris
Benjamin Franklin 1870-1902 Frank Norris American nov.

Norris
George William 1861-1944 American statesman

Norristown
borough SE Pa. pop 31,282

Norrkoping
city & port SE Sweden SW of Stockholm at head of an inlet of the Baltic pop 123,303

Norse
adj. 1 a : NORWEGIAN 2 b : any of the western Scandinavian dialects or languages c : the Scandinavian group of Germanic languages
2 plural a : SCANDINAVIANS b : NORWEGIANS

Norse
adj. 1 : of or relating to ancient Scandinavia or the language of its inhabitants
2 : NORWEGIAN

Norseman
n. : any of the ancient Scandinavians

North
n. Christopher ― see John WILSON

North
n. Douglass Cecil 1920-     American econ.

North
n. Frederick 1732-1792 Lord North Eng. statesman; prime min. (1770-82)

North
n. Sir Thomas 1535-?1603 Eng. translator

north
n. : to, toward, or in the north

north
n. 1 : situated toward or at the north <the north entrance>
2 : coming from the north <a north wind>

north
n. 1 a : the direction of the north terrestrial pole : the direction to the left of one facing east b : the compass point directly opposite to south
2 capitalized a : regions or countries lying to the north of a specified or implied point of orientation b : the industrially and economically developed nations of the world ― compare SOUTH 5
3 often capitalized a : the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the north or at the top of a diagram b : a person occupying this position in the course of a specified activity (as the game of bridge)

north
n. North Ossetia
North Cape
North Borneo
east by north
magnetic north
north by east
north by west
northeast by north
North Germanic
north northeast
north northwest
north pole
north seeking pole
North Star
northwest by north
west by north
North East Frontier Agency
British North America
Khartoum North
North Khartoum
Montreal North
North America
North American
North Andover
North Atlantic
North Attleborough
North Attleboro
North Ayrshire
North Bay
North Brabant
North Canadian
North Carolina
North Carolinian
North Cascades National Park
North Channel
North Charleston
North Chicago
North Cowichan
North Dakota
North Dakotan
North Down
North Downs
North East New Guinea
North Frisian
North Haven
North Holland
North Island
North Kingstown
North Korea
North Korean
North Lanarkshire
North Las Vegas
North Lauderdale
North Little Rock
North Miami
North Miami Beach
North Minch
North Olmsted
North Pacific
North Platte
North Port
North Providence
North Rhine Westphalia
North Richland Hills
North Riding
North River
North Royalton
North Saskatchewan
North Sea
North Slope
North Thompson
North Tonawanda
North Truchas Peak
North Vancouver
North Vietnam
North West
North West Frontier Province
North York
North Yorkshire
Palmerston North

North America
continent of the western hemisphere NW of S. America bounded by Atlantic, Arctic, & Pacific oceans area 9,361,791 sq mi (24,247,039 sq km)
–North American adjective or noun

North Andover
town NE Mass. E of Lawrence pop 27,202

North Atlantic
― see ATLANTIC OCEAN

North Attleborough
town SE Mass. pop 27,143

North Ayrshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 341 sq mi (884 sq km)

North Bay
city Canada in SE Ont. pop 52,771

North Borneo
― see SABAH

North Brabant
province S Netherlands capital 's Hertogenbosch area 1971 sq mi (5105 sq km), pop 2,391,123

north by east

1720
: a compass point that is one point east of due north : N11°15′E

north by west

1698
: a compass point that is one point west of due north : N11°15′W

North Canadian
river ab 800 mi (1287 km) S cen U.S. flowing ESE from NE N.Mex. into Canadian River in E Okla. ― see BEAVER

North Cape
1 cape New Zealand at N tip of North Is.
2 cape NE Norway on Mageröy Is. at 71°10′20˝N
3 ― see HORN

North Carolina
state E U.S. capital Raleigh area 52,669 sq mi (136,413 sq km), pop 8,049,313
–North Car·o·lin·ian \-'li-nē-ən, -'li-nyən\ adjective or noun

North Cascades National Park
n. reservation N cen Wash. on Canadian border

North Channel
strait bet. NE Ireland & SW Scotland connecting Irish Sea & the Atlantic

North Charleston
city SE S.C. pop 79,641

North Chicago
city NE Ill. S of Waukegan pop 35,918

North Cowichan
municipality Canada in B.C. on E Vancouver Is. pop 26,148

North Dakota
state NW cen U.S. capital Bismarck area 70,665 sq mi (183,729 sq km), pop 642,200
–North Da·ko·tan \-'kō-tən\ adjective or noun

North Down
district E Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 28 sq mi (73 sq km), pop 70,308

North Downs
hills S England chiefly in Kent & Surrey

North East Frontier Agency
― see ARUNACHAL PRADESH

North Frisian
― see FRISIAN ISLANDS

North Germanic
: a subdivision of the Germanic languages including Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

North Haven
town S Conn. pop 23,035

North Holland
province NW Netherlands capital Haarlem area 1124 sq mi (2911 sq km), pop 2,559,477

North Island
island N New Zealand area 44,297 sq mi (114,729 sq km), pop 2,829,798

North Khartoum
― see KHARTOUM NORTH

North Kingstown
town S R.I. pop 26,326

North Korea
― see KOREA
–North Korean adjective or noun

North Lanarkshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 183 sq mi (484 sq km)

North Las Vegas
v. city SE Nev. pop 115,488

North Lauderdale
city SE Fla. pop 32,264

North Little Rock
city cen Ark. pop 60,433

North Miami
city SE Fla. pop 59,880

North Miami Beach
city SE Fla. pop 40,786

North Minch
― see MINCH

North Olmsted
city NE Ohio pop 34,113

North Ossetia
― see ALANIA

North Pacific
― see PACIFIC OCEAN

North Platte
1 river 680 mi (1094 km) W U.S. flowing from N Colo. N & E through Wyo. into Nebr. to unite with the S. Platte forming Platte River
2 city SW cen Nebr. pop 23,878

north pole
1 a often capitalized N&P : the northernmost point of the earth broadly : the corresponding point of a celestial body (as a planet) b : the zenith of the heavens as viewed from the north terrestrial pole
2 of a magnet : the pole that points toward the north when the magnet is freely suspended

North Port
city SW Fla. pop 22,797

North Providence
town NE R.I. pop 32,411

North Rhine-Westphalia
state of Germany & formerly of W. Germany formed 1946 by union of former Westphalia province, Lippe state, & N Rhine Province capital Düsseldorf area 13,142 sq mi (34,038 sq km), pop 17,349,700

North Richland Hills
town N Tex. pop 55,635

North Riding
― see YORK

North River
estuary of Hudson River bet. SE N.Y. & NE N.J.

North Royalton
city N Ohio pop 28,648

North Saskatchewan
― see SASKATCHEWAN

North Sea
arm of the Atlantic 600 mi (966 km) long & 350 mi (563 km) wide E of Great Britain

North Slope
region N Alaska bet. Brooks Range & Arctic Ocean

North Star
: the star of the northern hemisphere toward which the axis of the earth points ― called also polestar

North Thompson
― see THOMPSON

North Tonawanda
city W N.Y. N of Buffalo pop 33,262

North Truchas Peak
― see TRUCHAS PEAK

North Vancouver
v. city Canada in SW B.C. pop 44,303

North Vietnam
v. ― see VIETNAM

North West
province N Republic of South Africa area 44,861 sq mi (116,190 sq km), pop 3,349,000

North York
former city Canada in SE Ont., now part of Toronto

North Yorkshire
county N England capital Northallerton area 3327 sq mi (8617 sq km), pop 698,700

North-East New Guinea
n. the NE part of mainland Papua New Guinea ― a historical usage

north-northeast
: a compass point that is two points east of due north : N22°30′E

north-northwest
: a compass point that is two points west of due north : N22°30′W

north-seeking pole
: NORTH POLE 2

North-West Frontier Province
province of Pakistan & formerly of Brit. India on Afghanistan border capital Peshawar pop 11,658,000

Northallerton
town N England capital of N. Yorkshire pop 9556

Northampton
1 city W cen Mass. on Connecticut River N of Holyoke pop 28,978
2 town cen England capital of Northamptonshire pop 145,421

Northamptonshire
n. county cen England capital Northampton area 947 sq mi (2453 sq km), pop 572,900

Northants
Northamptonshire

northbound
adj. : traveling or headed north

Northbrook
village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 33,435

Northcliffe
Viscount ― see Alfred C. W. HARMSWORTH

northeast
n. : to, toward, or in the northeast

northeast
n. 1 : coming from the northeast <a northeast wind>
2 : situated toward or at the northeast <the northeast corner>

northeast
n. 1 a : the general direction between north and east b : the point midway between the north and east compass points
2 capitalized : regions or countries lying to the northeast of a specified or implied point of orientation

northeast
n. east northeast
northeast by east
northeast by north
north northeast

northeast by east

circa 1771
: a compass point that is one point east of due northeast : N56°15′E

northeast by north

1725
: a compass point that is one point north of due northeast : N33°45′E

northeaster
n. 1 : a strong northeast wind
2 or nor'·east·er \nȯr-'ē-\ : a storm with northeast winds

northeasterly
adj. 1 : from the northeast
2 : toward the northeast

northeastern
adj. 1 often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Northeast
2 : lying toward or coming from the northeast
–north·east·ern·most \-stərn-ˌmōst\ adjective

Northeasterner
n. : a native or inhabitant of a northeastern region (as of the U.S.)

northeastward
adv. : toward the northeast
–north·east·wards \-twərdz\ adverb

northeastward
adv. : NORTHEAST

norther
n. 1 : a strong north wind
2 : a storm with north winds

northerly
adj. 1 : situated toward or belonging to the north <the northerly border>
2 : coming from the north <a northerly wind>

northerly
adj. : a wind from the north

Northern
adj. ― see LIMPOPO 2

northern
adj. 1 capitalized a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated North b : of, relating to, or constituting the northern dialect
2 a : lying toward the north b : coming from the north <a northern storm>
–north·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective

northern
adj. 1 capitalized : the dialect of English spoken in the part of the U.S. north of a line running northwest through central New Jersey, below the northern tier of counties in Pennsylvania, through northern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, across central Iowa, and through the northwest corner of So. Dakota
2 : 3PIKE 1A

northern
adj. Northern Kingdom
Northern Transvaal
northern pike
Northern Rhodesia
northern lights
great northern bean
northern corn rootworm
Northern Cross
northern harrier
northern hemisphere
northern oriole
northern spotted owl
northern white cedar
Dvina Northern
Northern Cape
Northern Circars
Northern Cook Islands
Northern Ireland
Northern Karoo
Northern Mariana Islands
Northern Sporades
Northern Territories
Northern Territory
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Northern Cape
province W Republic of South Africa area 139,691 sq mi (361,800 sq km), pop 749,000

Northern Circars
the coast region of E India now in E Andhra Pradesh ― a historical usage

Northern Cook Islands
islands S cen Pacific N of Cook Islands; belong to New Zealand

northern corn rootworm
: a corn rootworm (Diabrotica barberi syn. D. longicornis) often destructive to Indian corn in the northern parts of the central and eastern U.S.

Northern Cross
: a cross formed by six stars in Cygnus

northern harrier
: a widely distributed brown or grayish hawk (Circus cyaneus) that inhabits open and marshy regions and has a conspicuous white patch on the rump ― called also marsh hawk

northern hemisphere
: the half of the earth that lies north of the equator

Northern Ireland
country NE Ireland; a division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland capital Belfast area 5452 sq mi (14,121 sq km), pop 1,685,267 ― see ULSTER

Northern Karoo
― see KAROO

Northern Kingdom
― see ISRAEL

northern lights
: AURORA BOREALIS

Northern Mariana Islands
islands W Pacific; in Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 1947-76 & a U.S. commonwealth since 1986; area 184 sq mi (478 sq km), pop 69,221

northern oriole
: an American oriole (Icterus galbula) that includes the Baltimore oriole and the Bullock's oriole when they are considered subspecies rather than separate species

northern pike
: 3PIKE 1A

Northern Rhodesia
― see ZAMBIA

Northern Sporades
― see SPORADES

northern spotted owl
: a rare spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) of old forests on the Pacific coast of No. America from northern California to southern British Columbia

Northern Territories
former Brit. protectorate W Africa; now part of Ghana

Northern Territory
territory cen & N Australia bordering on Arafura Sea capital Darwin area 520,280 sq mi (1,347,525 sq km), pop 169,300

northern white cedar
: an arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) of eastern No. America that has branchlets in horizontal planes also : its wood ― called also white cedar

Northerner
n. : a native or inhabitant of the North especially : a native or resident of the northern part of the U.S.

Northglenn
city N cen Colo. NE of Denver pop 31,575

northing
n. 1 : difference in latitude to the north from the last preceding point of reckoning
2 : northerly progress

northland
n. : land in the north : the north of a country

Northman
n. : NORSEMAN

Northrop
John Howard 1891-1987 American biochem.

Northumberland
n. county N England capital Newcastle upon Tyne area 2013 sq mi (5214 sq km), pop 300,600

Northumberland Strait
strait 180 mi (290 km) long Canada in Gulf of St. Lawrence bet. P.E.I. & the mainland

Northumbria
ancient country Great Britain bet. the Humber & Firth of Forth; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy

Northumbrian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Northumbria, its people, or its language
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Northumberland, its people, or its language

Northumbrian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Northumbria
2 : a native or inhabitant of Northumberland
3 a : the Old English dialect of Northumbria b : the Modern English dialect of Northumberland

northward
adj. : toward the north
–north·wards \-wərdz\ adverb

northward
adj. : northward direction or part <sail to the northward>

northwest
n. : to, toward, or in the northwest

northwest
n. 1 : coming from the northwest <a northwest wind>
2 : situated toward or at the northwest <the northwest corner>

northwest
n. 1 a : the general direction between north and west b : the point midway between the north and west compass points
2 capitalized : regions or countries lying to the northwest of a specified or implied point of orientation

northwest
n. north northwest
northwest by north
northwest by west
west northwest
Northwest Passage
Northwest Territories
Pacific Northwest

northwest by north

circa 1771
: a compass point that is one point north of due northwest : N33°45′W

northwest by west

1725
: a compass point that is one point west of due northwest : N56°15′W

Northwest Passage
a passage by sea bet. the Atlantic & the Pacific along the N coast of N. America

Northwest Territories
territory NW Canada comprising that area of the mainland N of 60°N bet. Yukon Territory to the W & Nunavut to the E capital Yellowknife area 456,790 sq mi (1,183,085 sq km), pop 40,860

northwester
n. : a strong northwest wind

northwesterly
adj. 1 : from the northwest
2 : toward the northwest

northwestern
adj. 1 often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Northwest
2 : lying toward or coming from the northwest
–north·west·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective

Northwesterner
: a native or inhabitant of the Northwest and especially of the northwestern part of the U.S.

northwestward
adv. : toward the northwest
–north·west·wards \-twərdz\ adverb

northwestward
adv. : NORTHWEST

Norton
n. Charles Eliot 1827-1908 American author & educ.

Norton
n. Gale Ann 1954-     U.S. secy. of interior (2001-  )

Norton
n. Thomas 1532-1584 Eng. lawyer & poet

Norton Shores
city W Mich. S of Muskegon pop 22,527

Norton Sound
arm of Bering Sea W Alaska bet. Seward Peninsula & the mouths of Yukon River

nortriptyline
n. : a tricyclic antidepressant C_19H_21N used in the form of its hydrochloride

Norwalk
1 city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 103,298
2 city SW Conn. on Long Island Sound pop 82,951

Norway
n. country N Europe in Scandinavia bordering on Atlantic & Arctic oceans; a kingdom capital Oslo area 154,790 sq mi (400,906 sq km), pop 4,552,200

Norway
n. Norway lobster
Norway rat
Norway maple
Norway spruce

Norway lobster
: LANGOUSTINE

Norway maple
: a Eurasian maple (Acer platanoides) with dark green or often reddish or red veined leaves that is much planted for shade in the U.S.

Norway rat
: BROWN RAT

Norway spruce
: a widely cultivated spruce (Picea abies) of northern Europe that has a pyramidal shape, spreading branches and pendulous branchlets, dark foliage, and long pendulous cones

Norwegian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Norway b : a person of Norwegian descent
2 : the Germanic language of the Norwegian people
–Norwegian adjective

Norwegian elkhound
: any of a Norwegian breed of hardy short-bodied medium-sized dogs with erect ears and a very heavy coat of gray hairs with black tips

Norwegian Sea
arm of the N. Atlantic W of Norway

Norwich
1 \'nȯr-(ˌ)wich; 'nȯr-ich, 'när-\ city SE Conn. pop 36,117
2 \'när-ij, -ich\ city E England capital of Norfolk pop 120,700

Norwich terrier
: any of an English breed of small active low-set terriers that have a long straight wiry coat and erect ears

Norwood
town E Mass. SW of Boston pop 28,587

NOS
n. not otherwise specified

nos
n. numbers

nos
n. no nos
de nos jours
Domine dirige nos
inter nos
omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
revenons a nos moutons
revenons à nos moutons
scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos
tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

nosce te ipsum
: know thyself

nose
n. 1 a : the part of the face that bears the nostrils and covers the anterior part of the nasal cavity broadly : this part together with the nasal cavity b : the anterior part of the head at the top or end of the muzzle : SNOUT, PROBOSCIS
2 a : the sense of smell : OLFACTION b : AROMA, BOUQUET
3 : the vertebrate olfactory organ
4 a : the forward end or projection of something b : the projecting or working end of a tool
5 : the stem of a boat or its protective metal covering
6 a : the nose as a symbol of prying or meddling curiosity or interference b : a knack for discovery or understanding <a keen nose for absurdity>
–on the nose
1 a : at or to a target point <the bombs landed right on the nose> b (1) : on target : ACCURATE (2) : ACCURATELY
2 : to win ― used of horse or dog racing bets
–under one's nose : extremely near to one <the answer was right under our noses> also : brazenly in or as if in one's presence <embezzling funds right under his nose>

nose
n. transitive verb
1 : to detect by or as if by smell : SCENT
2 a : to push or move with the nose b : to move (as a vehicle) ahead slowly or cautiously <nosed my car into the parking space>
3 : to touch or rub with the nose : NUZZLE
intransitive verb
1 : to use the nose in examining, smelling, or showing affection
2 a : to search impertinently : PRY b : POKE 2A
3 : to move ahead slowly or cautiously <the boat nosed around the bend>
4 : to move the forward end in a specified direction <the plane nosed up>
5 : to advance into a slight lead <the car nosed ahead on the final stretch>

nose
n. nose dive
follow one's nose
keep one's nose clean
look down one's nose
needle nose pliers
under one's nose
on the nose
nose cone
nose out
nose tackle
pay through the nose
pug nose
rub one's nose in
thumb one's nose
turn up one's nose
count noses
bottle nosed dolphin
hard nosed
hog nosed snake
pug nosed
sharp nosed
short nosed cattle louse
shovel nosed
snub nosed
star nosed mole
toffee nosed

nose cone
: a protective cone constituting the forward end of an aerospace vehicle

nose out
1 : to discover often by prying
2 : to defeat or surpass by a narrow margin

nose tackle
: NOSEGUARD

noseband
n. : the part of a headstall that passes over a horse's nose

nosebleed
n. : an attack of bleeding from the nose

nosebleed
n. : extremely or excessively high <seats in the nosebleed section> <nosebleed stock prices>

nosed
adj. : having a nose especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <snub-nosed>

nosed
adj. bottle nosed dolphin
hard nosed
hog nosed snake
pug nosed
sharp nosed
short nosed cattle louse
shovel nosed
snub nosed
star nosed mole
toffee nosed

nosedive
n. 1 : a downward nose-first plunge of a flying object (as an airplane)
2 : a sudden extreme drop <stock prices took a nosedive>
–nose-dive intransitive verb

nosegay
n. : a small bunch of flowers : POSY

noseguard
: a defensive lineman in football who plays opposite the offensive center

nosepiece
n. 1 : a piece of armor for protecting the nose
2 : the end piece of a microscope body to which an objective is attached
3 : the bridge of a pair of eyeglasses

nosewheel
: a landing-gear wheel under the nose of an airplane

nosey parker
chiefly British : BUSYBODY

nosh
n. : to eat a snack : MUNCH <noshing on pizza>
–nosh·er noun

nosh
n. : a light meal : SNACK

nosing
n. : the usually rounded edge of a stair tread that projects over the riser also : a similar rounded projection

nosocomial
adj. : acquired or occurring in a hospital <nosocomial infection>

nosology
n. 1 : a classification or list of diseases
2 : a branch of medical science that deals with classification of diseases
–no·so·log·i·cal \ˌnō-sə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or no·so·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–no·so·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

nostalgia
n. 1 : the state of being homesick : HOMESICKNESS
2 : a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition also : something that evokes nostalgia
–nos·tal·gic \-jik\ adjective or noun
–nos·tal·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–nos·tal·gist \-jist\ noun

nostalgie de la boue
: yearning for the mud : attraction to what is unworthy, crude, or degrading

nostoc
n. : any of a genus (Nostoc) of usually filamentous cyanobacteria that fix nitrogen

Nostradamus
1503-1566 Michel de Notredame or Nostredame Fr. physician & astrologer

nostril
n. 1 : either of the external nares broadly : either of the nares with the adjoining passage on the same side of the septum
2 : either fleshy lateral wall of the nose

nostrum
n. 1 : a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without scientific proof of its effectiveness
2 : a usually questionable remedy or scheme : PANACEA <an audience eager to believe he had found the nostrum for all of society's ills ― Warren Sloat>

nosy
adj. : of prying or inquisitive disposition or quality : INTRUSIVE
–nos·i·ly \'nō-zə-lē\ adverb
–nos·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

NOT
adv. : a logical operator that produces a statement that is the inverse of an input statement

not
adv. 1 ― used as a function word to make negative a group of words or a word
2 ― used as a function word to stand for the negative of a preceding group of words <is sometimes hard to see and sometimes not>

not
adv. like as not
whether or not
not believe
forget me not
have not
as like as not
not long for
not to mention
not for profit
touch me not

not believe
to be astounded at <I couldn't believe my luck>

not long for
having little time left to do or enjoy something

not to mention
not even yet counting or considering : and notably in addition <a proposal that's risky and expensive, not to mention unethical>

not-for-profit
: NONPROFIT

nota
n. plural of notum

nota bene
― used to call attention to something important

notability
n. : a notable or prominent person

notable
n. 1 a : worthy of note : REMARKABLE b : DISTINGUISHED, PROMINENT
2 archaic : efficient or capable in performance of housewifely duties
–no·ta·ble·ness noun

notable
n. 1 : a person of note : NOTABILITY
2 plural often capitalized : a group of persons summoned especially in monarchical France to act as a deliberative body

notably
adv. 1 : in a notable manner : to a high degree <was notably impressed>
2 : ESPECIALLY, PARTICULARLY <other powers, notably Britain and the United States ― C. A. Fisher>

notarial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a notary public
2 : done or executed by a notary public
–no·tar·i·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

notarization
n. 1 : the act, process, or an instance of notarizing
2 : the notarial certificate appended to a document

notarize
v. : to acknowledge or attest as a notary public

notary public
: a public officer who attests or certifies writings (as a deed) to make them authentic and takes affidavits, depositions, and protests of negotiable paper ― called also notary

notate
v. : to put into notation

notation
n. 1 : ANNOTATION, NOTE
2 a : the act, process, method, or an instance of representing by a system or set of marks, signs, figures, or characters b : a system of characters, symbols, or abbreviated expressions used in an art or science or in mathematics or logic to express technical facts or quantities
–no·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

notation
n. positional notation
postfix notation
reverse Polish notation
scientific notation

notch
n. 1 a : a V-shaped indentation b : a slit made to serve as a record c : a rounded indentation cut into the pages of a book on the edge opposite the spine
2 : a deep close pass : GAP
3 : DEGREE, STEP
–notched \'nächt\ adjective

notch
n. 1 : to cut or make a notch in
2 a : to mark or record by a notch b : SCORE, ACHIEVE ― sometimes used with up

notchback
n. : an automobile with a trunk whose lid forms a distinct deck also : the back of such an automobile

note
n. 1 a : to notice or observe with care b : to record or preserve in writing
2 a : to make special mention of or remark on b : INDICATE, SHOW
–not·er noun

note
n. 1 a (1) obsolete : MELODY, SONG (2) : TONE 2A (3) : CALL, SOUND especially : the musical call of a bird b : a written symbol used to indicate duration and pitch of a tone by its shape and position on the staff
2 a : a characteristic feature (as of odor or flavor) b : something (as an emotion or disposition) like a note in tone or resonance <a note of sadness> <end on a high note>
3 a (1) : MEMORANDUM (2) : a condensed or informal record b (1) : a brief comment or explanation (2) : a printed comment or reference set apart from the text c (1) : a written promise to pay a debt (2) : a piece of paper money (3) : a government or corporate bond usually with a maturity of between two and ten years d (1) : a short informal letter (2) : a formal diplomatic communication e : a scholarly or technical essay shorter than an article and restricted in scope f : a sheet of notepaper
4 a : DISTINCTION, REPUTATION <a figure of international note> b : OBSERVATION, NOTICE <took full note of the proceedings> c : KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION
synonyms see SIGN

note
n. blue note
C note
demand note
eighth note
grace note
half note
leading note
mash note
note of hand
one note
passing note
pedal note
promissory note
quarter note
shape note
sixteenth note
sixty fourth note
sticky note
thirty second note
treasury note
whole note
liner notes

note of hand

circa 1738
: PROMISSORY NOTE

notebook
n. 1 : a book for notes or memoranda
2 : a portable microcomputer that is similar to but usually smaller than a laptop computer

notecase
n. British : WALLET 2A

noted
adj. : well-known by reputation : EMINENT, CELEBRATED
synonyms see FAMOUS
–not·ed·ly adverb
–not·ed·ness noun

noteless
adj. : not noticed : UNDISTINGUISHED

notepad
n. : 3PAD 4

notepaper
n. : writing paper suitable for notes

noteworthy
adj. : worthy of or attracting attention especially because of some special excellence <a noteworthy contribution>
–note·wor·thi·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–note·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

nother
: OTHER ― used especially in the phrase a whole nother ― used chiefly in speech or informal prose

nothing
n. 1 : not any thing : no thing <leaves nothing to the imagination>
2 : no part
3 : one of no interest, value, or consequence <they mean nothing to me>
–nothing doing : by no means : definitely no
–nothing for it : no alternative <nothing for it but to start over>

nothing
n. : not at all : in no degree
–nothing like : not nearly <it's nothing like thorough enough>

nothing
n. 1 a : something that does not exist b : the absence of all magnitude or quantity also : ZERO 1A c : NOTHINGNESS, NONEXISTENCE
2 : someone or something of no or slight value or size
3 : a light, playful, or frivolous remark ― usually used in plural <whispered sweet nothings>
–for nothing
1 : without reason
2 : at no charge

nothing
n. : of no account : WORTHLESS

nothing
n. all or nothing
do nothing
good for nothing
know nothing
nothing for it
nothing doing
nothing like
for nothing
to say nothing of

nothing doing
by no means : definitely no

nothing for it
no alternative <nothing for it but to start over>

nothing like
not nearly <it's nothing like thorough enough>

nothingness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being nothing: as a : NONEXISTENCE b : utter insignificance c : DEATH
2 : something insignificant or valueless
3 : VOID, EMPTINESS

notice
n. 1 a (1) : warning or intimation of something : ANNOUNCEMENT (2) : the announcement of a party's intention to quit an agreement or relation at a specified time (3) : the condition of being warned or notified ― usually used in the phrase on notice b : INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE
2 a : ATTENTION, HEED b : polite or favorable attention : CIVILITY
3 : a written or printed announcement
4 : a short critical account or review

notice
n. 1 : to give notice of
2 a : to comment upon b : REVIEW
3 a : to treat with attention or civility b : to take notice of : MARK
4 : to give a formal notice to
–no·tic·er noun

notice board
chiefly British : a board bearing a notice or on which notices may be posted especially : BULLETIN BOARD

noticeable
adj. 1 : worthy of notice
2 : likely to be noticed
–no·tice·ably \-blē\ adverb
synonyms NOTICEABLE, REMARKABLE, PROMINENT, OUTSTANDING, CONSPICUOUS, SALIENT, STRIKING mean attracting notice or attention. NOTICEABLE applies to something unlikely to escape observation <a piano recital with no noticeable errors>. REMARKABLE applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment <a film of remarkable intelligence and wit>. PROMINENT applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background <a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town>. OUTSTANDING applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind <honored for her outstanding contributions to science>. CONSPICUOUS applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind <conspicuous bureaucratic waste>. SALIENT applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it <the salient points of the speech>. STRIKING applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision <the region's striking poverty>.

notifiable
adj. : required by law to be reported to official health authorities <a notifiable disease>

notification
n. 1 : the act or an instance of notifying
2 : a written or printed matter that gives notice

notify
v. 1 obsolete : to point out
2 : to give notice of or report the occurrence of <he notified his intention to sue>
3 : to give formal notice to <notify a family of the death of a relation>
synonyms see INFORM
–no·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

notion
n. 1 a (1) : an individual's conception or impression of something known, experienced, or imagined (2) : an inclusive general concept (3) : a theory or belief held by a person or group b : a personal inclination : WHIM
2 obsolete : MIND, INTELLECT
3 plural : small useful items : SUNDRIES
synonyms see IDEA

notional
adj. 1 : THEORETICAL, SPECULATIVE
2 : existing in the mind only : IMAGINARY
3 : given to foolish or fanciful moods or ideas
4 a : of, relating to, or being a notion or idea : CONCEPTUAL b (1) : presenting an idea of a thing, action, or quality <has is notional in he has luck, relational in he has gone> (2) : of or representing what exists or occurs in the world of things as distinguished from syntactic categories
–no·tion·al·i·ty \ˌnō-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–no·tion·al·ly \'nō-shnə-lē, -shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

notochord
n. : a longitudinal flexible rod of cells that in the lowest chordates (as a lancelet or a lamprey) and in the embryos of the higher vertebrates forms the supporting axis of the body
–no·to·chord·al \ˌnō-tə-'kȯr-dəl\ adjective

notoriety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being notorious
2 : a notorious person

notorious
adj. : generally known and talked of especially : widely and unfavorably known
synonyms see FAMOUS

notoriously
adv. 1 : in a notorious manner
2 : as is notorious : as is very well known <notoriously, they never got along>

Nottaway
river 400 mi (644 km) Canada in SW Que. flowing NW into James Bay

Nottingham
n. city N cen England capital of Nottinghamshire pop 261,500

Nottinghamshire
n. county N cen England capital Nottingham area 866 sq mi (2243 sq km), pop 980,600

Notts
Nottinghamshire

notum
: the dorsal surface of a thoracic segment of an insect

notwithstanding
adv. : DESPITE <notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success> ― often used after its object <the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding>

notwithstanding
adv. : NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER

notwithstanding
adv. : ALTHOUGH

Nouakchott
n. city SW Mauritania, its capital pop 393,325

nougat
n. : a confection of nuts or fruit pieces in a sugar paste

nought
n. variant of naught

Noumea
city & port capital of New Caledonia pop 65,110

noumenon
n. : a posited object or event as it appears in itself independent of perception by the senses
–nou·men·al \-mə-nəl\ adjective

noun
n. : any member of a class of words that typically can be combined with determiners to serve as the subject of a verb, can be interpreted as singular or plural, can be replaced with a pronoun, and refer to an entity, quality, state, action, or concept

noun
n. common noun
count noun
mass noun
noun phrase
proper noun
verbal noun

noun phrase
: a phrase formed by a noun and all its modifiers and determiners broadly : any syntactic element (as a clause, clitic, pronoun, or zero element) with a noun's function (as the subject of a verb or the object of a verb or preposition) ― abbreviation NP

nourish
v. 1 : NURTURE, REAR
2 : to promote the growth of <no occasions to exercise the feelings nor nourish passion ― L. O. Coxe>
3 a : to furnish or sustain with nutriment : FEED b : MAINTAIN, SUPPORT <their profits⋯nourish other criminal activities ― Beverly Smith>
–nour·ish·er noun

nourishing
adj. : giving nourishment : NUTRITIOUS

nourishment
n. 1 a : FOOD, NUTRIMENT b : SUSTENANCE 3 <books for intellectual nourishment>
2 : the act of nourishing : the state of being nourished

nous
n. 1 \'nüs also 'nau̇s\ : MIND, REASON: as a : an intelligent purposive principle of the world b : the divine reason regarded in Neoplatonism as the first emanation of God
2 \'nau̇s\ chiefly British : COMMON SENSE, ALERTNESS

nous
n. après nous le déluge
nous avons change tout cela
nous avons changé tout cela
nous verrons ce que nous verrons

nous avons change tout cela
: we have changed all that

nous verrons ce que nous verrons
: we shall see what we shall see

nouveau
adj. : newly arrived or developed

nouveau
adj. art nouveau
Beaujolais nouveau
nouveau riche

nouveau riche
: a person newly rich : PARVENU

nouvelle
n. 1 : of or relating to nouvelle cuisine <a nouvelle restaurant>
2 : TRENDY, NOVEL

nouvelle cuisine
: a form of French cuisine that uses little flour or fat and stresses light sauces and the use of fresh seasonal produce also : a national or regional cuisine that stresses lightness and freshness in preparation <American nouvelle cuisine>

nouvelle vague
1 : NEW WAVE 1
2 : NEW WAVE 2

Nov
n. November

nova
n. : a star that suddenly increases its light output tremendously and then fades away to its former obscurity in a few months or years
–no·va·like \-və-ˌlīk\ adjective

nova
n. : cured and smoked salmon especially : salmon that has been cured in a mixture of salt and sugar and smoked at a low temperature

nova
n. Nova Lisboa
bossa nova
Nova Iguacu
Nova Iguaçu
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotian
Terra Nova National Park
Vila Nova de Gaia

Nova Iguacu
city SE Brazil in Rio de Janeiro state NW of Rio de Janeiro pop 920,599

Nova Lisboa
― see HUAMBO

Nova Scotia
province SE Canada comprising a peninsula (375 mi or 600 km long) & Cape Breton Is. capital Halifax area 20,402 sq mi (52,840 sq km), pop 942,691 ― see ACADIA
–No·va Sco·tian \-shən\ adjective or noun

novaculite
n. : a very hard fine-grained siliceous rock used for whetstones and possibly of sedimentary origin

Novara
commune NW Italy in Piedmont pop 102,243

novation
n. : the substitution of a new legal obligation for an old one

Novato
city W Calif. N of San Francisco pop 47,630

Novaya Zemlya
two islands NE Russia in Europe in Arctic Ocean bet. Barents Sea & Kara Sea area 31,382 sq mi (81,279 sq km), pop 400

novel
n. 1 : new and not resembling something formerly known or used
2 : original or striking especially in conception or style <a novel scheme to collect money>
synonyms see NEW

novel
n. 1 : an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with human experience through a usually connected sequence of events
2 : the literary genre consisting of novels
–nov·el·is·tic \ˌnä-və-'lis-tik\ adjective
–nov·el·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

novel
n. dime novel
graphic novel
saga novel

novelette
n. : NOVELLA 2

novelettish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a novelette especially : SENTIMENTAL

novelist
n. : a writer of novels

novelize
v. : to convert into the form of a novel <novelize a play>
–nov·el·i·za·tion \ˌnä-və-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

novella
n. 1 plural novelle : a story with a compact and pointed plot
2 plural usually novellas : a work of fiction intermediate in length and complexity between a short story and a novel

novelty
n. 1 : something new or unusual
2 : the quality or state of being novel : NEWNESS
3 : a small manufactured article intended mainly for personal or household adornment ― usually used in plural
4 : something (as a song or food item) that provides often fleeting amusement and is often based on a theme ― often used attributively

November
n. : the 11th month of the Gregorian calendar

November
n.
1956
― a communications code word for the letter noun

novemdecillion
― see NUMBER table

novena
n. : a Roman Catholic period of prayer lasting nine consecutive days

Novgorod
n. 1 medieval principality E Europe extending from Lake Peipus & Lithuania to the Urals
2 city W Russia in Europe pop 235,000

Novi
city SE Mich. NW of Detroit pop 47,386

Novi Sad
city N Serbia and Montenegro on the Danube; chief city of Vojvodina pop 264,533

novice
n. 1 : a person admitted to probationary membership in a religious community
2 : BEGINNER, TYRO

novitiate
n. 1 : the period or state of being a novice
2 : a house where novices are trained
3 : NOVICE

novobiocin
n. : a weak dibasic acid C_31H_36N_2O_11 that is highly toxic to humans and is sometimes used as an antimicrobial drug in some serious cases of staphylococcic and urinary tract infection

Novocain
n. ― used for a preparation containing the hydrochloride of procaine

novocaine
n. : procaine in the form of its hydrochloride broadly : a local anesthetic

Novokuznetsk
city S Russia in Asia at S end of Kuznetsk Basin pop 600,000

Novosibirsk
city S Russia in Asia on the Ob' pop 1,442,000

novus homo
: new man : man newly ennobled : upstart

novus ordo seclorum
: a new cycle of the ages ― motto on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States

NOW
n. National Organization for Women

now
n. 1 a : at the present time or moment b : in the time immediately before the present <thought of them just now> c : in the time immediately to follow : FORTHWITH <come in now>
2 ― used with the sense of present time weakened or lost to express command, request, or admonition <now hear this> <now you be sure to write>
3 ― used with the sense of present time weakened or lost to introduce an important point or indicate a transition (as of ideas) <now, this may seem reasonable at first>
4 : SOMETIMES <now one and now another>
5 : under the present circumstances
6 : at the time referred to <now the trouble began>
7 : by this time <has been teaching now for twenty years>

now
n. : in view of the fact that : SINCE ― often followed by that <now that we are here>

now
n. : the present time or moment <been ill up to now>

now
n. 1 : of or relating to the present time : EXISTING <the now president>
2 a : excitingly new <now clothes> b : constantly aware of what is new <now people> <the now generation>

now
n. every now and again
every now and then
here and now
now and then
right now

now and then
: from time to time : OCCASIONALLY <now and then we go off to the country>

nowadays
adv. : at the present time

noway
adv. 1 \'nō-ˌwā\ or no·ways \-ˌwāz\ : NOWISE
2 usually no way \-'wā\ : not so : NO ― used emphatically

nowhere
n. 1 : not in or at any place
2 : to no place
3 : not at all : not to the least extent ― usually used with near <nowhere near as serious> <nowhere near enough>

nowhere
n. 1 : a nonexistent place
2 : an unknown, distant, or obscure place or state <rose to fame out of nowhere>
–miles from nowhere : in an extremely remote place

nowhere
n. : of or relating to a remote or relatively unknown location <a nowhere town>

nowheres
n. chiefly dialect : NOWHERE

nowheresville
n. : NOWHERE: as a : a location lacking identifying or individualizing qualities b : a place or state denoting failure or relative obscurity <a career heading towards nowheresville>

nowhither
: to or toward no place

nowise
adv. : not at all

nowness
: the quality or state of existing or occurring in or belonging to the present time

nowt
n. dialect English variant of nought

NOx
nitrogen oxide

NOx
no way
on no account
at no
no dice
no doubt
no end
no fair
no go
go no go
no less
make no bones
no matter what
no matter
by no means
no account
no brainer
no contest
no fault
no frills
no good
no goodnik
no hit
no hitter
no holds barred
no hoper
no load
no man's land
no name
no no
no nos
no no's
no nonsense
no one
no par
no par value
no see um
no show
no till
no tillage
no trump
no win
point of no return
no sweat
take no prisoners
no thanks to
in no time
whether or no
No Lake
de nos jours
Domine dirige nos
inter nos
omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
revenons a nos moutons
revenons à nos moutons
scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos
tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

noxious
adj. 1 a : physically harmful or destructive to living beings <noxious waste> b : constituting a harmful influence on mind or behavior especially : morally corrupting <noxious doctrines>
2 : DISAGREEABLE, OBNOXIOUS
synonyms see PERNICIOUS
–nox·ious·ly adverb
–nox·ious·ness noun

Noyes
Alfred 1880-1958 Eng. poet

Noyori
Ryoji 1938-     Jp. chem.

nozzle
n. 1 a : a projecting vent of something b : a short tube with a taper or constriction used (as on a hose) to speed up or direct a flow of fluid c : a part in a rocket engine that accelerates the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to a high velocity
2 slang : NOSE

NP
1 neuropsychiatric; neuropsychiatry
2 no protest
3 notary public
4 noun phrase
5 nurse-practioner

Np
neptunium

np
1 no pagination
2 no place (of publication)

NPN
nonprotein nitrogen

NPR
National Public Radio

NPS
National Park Service

NR
not rated

nr
near

NRA
n. 1 National Recovery Administration
2 National Rifle Association

NRC
1 National Research Council
2 Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NS
n. 1 new series
2 New Style
3 not specified
4 not sufficient
5 Nova Scotia

Ns
n. nimbostratus

ns
n. nanosecond

NSA
n. National Security Agency

NSAID
: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (as aspirin and ibuprofen)

NSC
National Security Council

NSF
adj. 1 National Science Foundation
2 not sufficient funds

NSW
New South Wales

NT
1 New Territories
2 New Testament
3 Northern Territory
4 Northwest Territories

nth
adj. 1 : numbered with an unspecified or indefinitely large ordinal number <for the nth time>
2 : EXTREME, UTMOST <to the nth degree>

NTP
normal temperature and pressure

NTSB
National Transportation Safety Board

NTSC
1 National Television Standards Committee
2 National Television Systems Committee

NU
interj. 1 name unknown
2 Nunavut

nu
interj. : the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

nuance
n. 1 : a subtle distinction or variation
2 : a subtle quality : NICETY
3 : sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value)
–nu·anced \-ˌän(t)st, -'än(t)st\ adjective

nub
n. 1 : KNOB, LUMP
2 : NUBBIN
3 : GIST, POINT <the nub of the problem>

nubbin
n. 1 : something (as an ear of Indian corn) that is small for its kind, stunted, undeveloped, or imperfect
2 : a small usually projecting part or bit
3 : NUB 3

nubble
n. : a small knob or lump
–nub·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

nubby
adj. 1 : having or being like nubbles
2 : having nubs <a nubby knit fabric>

Nubia
n. region & ancient kingdom NE Africa along the Nile in S Egypt & N Sudan

Nubian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Nubia b : a member of one of the group of dark-skinned peoples that formed a powerful empire between Egypt and Ethiopia from the 6th to the 14th centuries
2 : any of several languages spoken in central and northern Sudan
–Nubian adjective

Nubian Desert
desert NE Sudan E of the Nile

nubile
adj. 1 : of marriageable condition or age
2 : sexually attractive ― used of a young woman
–nu·bil·i·ty \nü-'bi-lə-tē, nyü-\ noun

nubuck
n. : a soft sueded leather

nucellus
n. : the central and chief part of a plant ovule that encloses the female gametophyte
–nu·cel·lar \-'se-lər\ adjective

nuchal
adj. : of, relating to, or lying in the region of the nape

nucle
1 : nucleus <nucleoplasm>
2 : nucleic acid <nucleoprotein>

nuclear
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus
2 a : of or relating to the atomic nucleus <nuclear reaction> <nuclear physics> b : used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (as fission) <nuclear fuel> <nuclear waste> <nuclear energy> c (1) : being a weapon whose destructive power derives from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction (2) : of, produced by, or involving nuclear weapons <the nuclear age> <nuclear war> (3) : armed with nuclear weapons <nuclear powers> d : of, relating to, or powered by nuclear energy <a nuclear submarine> <the nuclear debate> <a nuclear plant>
3 : CRAZY, BERSERK ― usually used in the phrase go nuclear
usage Though disapproved of by many, pronunciations ending in \-kyə-lər\ have been found in widespread use among educated speakers including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen, U.S. cabinet members, and at least two U.S. presidents and one vice president. While most common in the U.S., these pronunciations have also been heard from British and Canadian speakers.

nuclear
adj. nuclear family
nuclear magnetic resonance
nuclear medicine
nuclear membrane
nuclear envelope
nuclear sap
nuclear winter
strong nuclear force
weak nuclear force

nuclear family
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children

nuclear magnetic resonance
: the magnetic resonance of an atomic nucleus also : chemical analysis that uses such resonance especially to study molecular structure

nuclear medicine
: a branch of medicine dealing with the use of radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of disease

nuclear membrane
: a double membrane enclosing a cell nucleus and having its outer part continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum ― called also nuclear envelope ― see CELL illustration

nuclear sap
: the clear homogeneous ground substance of a cell nucleus

nuclear winter
: the chilling of climate that is hypothesized to be a consequence of nuclear war and to result from the prolonged blockage of sunlight by high-altitude dust clouds produced by nuclear explosions

nuclease
n. : any of various enzymes that promote hydrolysis of nucleic acids

nucleate
v. transitive verb
1 : to form into a nucleus : CLUSTER
2 : to act as a nucleus for
3 : to supply nuclei to
intransitive verb
1 : to form a nucleus
2 : to act as a nucleus
3 : to begin to form
–nu·cle·ation \ˌnü-klē-'ā-shən, ˌnyü-\ noun
–nu·cle·a·tor \'nü-klē-ˌā-tər, 'nyü-\ noun

nucleated
adj. 1 : having a nucleus or nuclei <nucleated cells>
2 usually nucleate : originating or occurring at nuclei <nucleate boiling>

nucleic acid
: any of various complex organic acids (as DNA or RNA) that are composed of nucleotide chains

nuclein
n. 1 : NUCLEOPROTEIN
2 : NUCLEIC ACID

nucleocapsid
n. : the nucleic acid and surrounding protein coat in a virus

nucleoid
adj. : the DNA-containing area of a prokaryotic cell (as a bacterium)

nucleolus
n. : a spherical body of the nucleus of most eukaryotes that becomes enlarged during protein synthesis, is associated with a nucleolus organizer, and contains the DNA templates for ribosomal RNA ― see CELL illustration
–nu·cle·o·lar \-lər\ adjective

nucleolus organizer
: the specific part of a chromosome with which a nucleolus is associated especially during its reorganization after nuclear division ― called also nucleolar organizer

nucleon
n. 1 : a proton or neutron especially in the atomic nucleus
2 : a hypothetical single entity with one-half unit of isospin that can manifest itself as either a proton or a neutron
–nu·cle·on·ic \ˌnü-klē-'ä-nik, ˌnyü-\ adjective

nucleonics
n. : a branch of physical science that deals with nucleons or with all phenomena of the atomic nucleus

nucleophile
: a nucleophilic substance (as an electron-donating reagent)

nucleophilic
adj. 1 of an atom, ion, or molecule : having an affinity for atomic nuclei : being an electron donor
2 : involving a nucleophilic species <a nucleophilic reaction> ― compare ELECTROPHILIC
–nu·cle·o·phil·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–nu·cle·o·phi·lic·i·ty \-klē-ō-fi-'li-sə-tē\ noun

nucleoplasm
n. : the protoplasm of a nucleus
–nu·cle·o·plas·mic \-klē-ə-'plaz-mik\ adjective

nucleoprotein
n. : a compound that consists of a protein (as a histone) conjugated with a nucleic acid (as a DNA) and that is the principal constituent of the hereditary material in chromosomes

nucleoside
n. : a compound (as guanosine or adenosine) that consists of a purine or pyrimidine base combined with deoxyribose or ribose and is found especially in DNA or RNA

nucleosome
: any of the repeating globular subunits of chromatin that consist of a complex of DNA and histone
–nu·cle·o·so·mal \ˌnü-klē-ə-'sō-məl, ˌnyü-\ adjective

nucleosynthesis
n. : the production of a chemical element from simpler nuclei (as of hydrogen) especially in a star
–nu·cle·o·syn·thet·ic \-sin-'the-tik\ adjective

nucleotidase
n. : a phosphatase that promotes hydrolysis of a nucleotide (as into a nucleoside and phosphoric acid)

nucleotide
n. : any of several compounds that consist of a ribose or deoxyribose sugar joined to a purine or pyrimidine base and to a phosphate group and that are the basic structural units of nucleic acids (as RNA and DNA) ― compare NUCLEOSIDE

nucleus
n. 1 a : the small bright body in the head of a comet b : the small brighter and denser portion of a galaxy
2 : a central point, group, or mass about which gathering, concentration, or accretion takes place: as a : a cellular organelle of eukaryotes that is essential to cell functions (as reproduction and protein synthesis), is composed of nucleoplasm and a nucleoprotein-rich network from which chromosomes and nucleoli arise, and is enclosed in a definite membrane ― see CELL illustration b : a mass of gray matter or group of cell bodies of neurons in the central nervous system c : a characteristic and stable complex of atoms or groups in a molecule especially : RING <the naphthalene nucleus> d : the positively charged central portion of an atom that comprises nearly all of the atomic mass and that consists of protons and usually neutrons
3 : the peak of sonority in the utterance of a syllable
4 : a basic or essential part : CORE <players who are the nucleus of the team>

nucleus
n. amygdaloid nucleus
basal nucleus
caudate nucleus
endosperm nucleus
generative nucleus
polar nucleus
sperm nucleus
suprachiasmatic nucleus
tube nucleus

nuclide
n. : a species of atom characterized by the constitution of its nucleus and hence by the number of protons, the number of neutrons, and the energy content
–nu·clid·ic \nü-'kli-dik, nyü-\ adjective

nude
n. 1 : lacking something essential especially to legal validity <a nude contract>
2 a : devoid of a natural or conventional covering especially : not covered by clothing or a drape b (1) : of the color of a white person's flesh (2) : giving the appearance of nudity <a nude dress> c : featuring nudes <a nude movie> d : frequented by naked people <a nude beach>
synonyms see BARE
–nude adverb
–nude·ly adverb
–nude·ness noun
–nu·di·ty \'nü-də-tē, 'nyü-\ noun

nude
n. 1 a : a representation of a nude human figure b : a nude person
2 : the condition of being nude <in the nude>

nudge
n. transitive verb
1 : to touch or push gently especially : to seek the attention of by a push of the elbow
2 : to prod lightly : urge into action
3 : APPROACH <its circulation is nudging the four million mark ― Bennett Cerf>
intransitive verb : to give a nudge
–nudge noun
–nudg·er noun

nudibranch
n. : any of an order (Nudibranchia) of marine opisthobranch mollusks without a shell in the adult state and without true gills
–nudibranch adjective

nudism
n. : the practice of going nude especially in sexually mixed groups and during periods of time spent at specially secluded places
–nud·ist \'nü-dist, 'nyü-\ adjective or noun

nudnik
n. : a person who is a bore or nuisance

Nueces
river over 300 mi (483 km) S Tex. flowing S & SE into Nueces Bay at head of Corpus Christi Bay

Nuer
n. 1 : a member of a Nilotic people of southern Sudan
2 : the language of the Nuer people

Nueva Esparta
― see MARGARITA

Nuevo
Nuevo Laredo
Nuevo Leon
Nuevo León

Nuevo Laredo
city N Mexico in Tamaulipas on Rio Grande opposite Laredo, Tex. pop 275,060

Nuevo Leon
state N Mexico in the Sierra Madre Oriental capital Monterrey area 24,925 sq mi (64,556 sq km), pop 3,098,736

nugae
: trifles

nugatory
adj. 1 : of little or no consequence : TRIFLING, INCONSEQUENTIAL
2 : having no force : INOPERATIVE
synonyms see VAIN

nugget
n. 1 : a solid lump especially : a native lump of precious metal
2 : TIDBIT 2 <nuggets of wisdom>
3 : a small usually rounded piece of food <chicken nuggets>

nuisance
n. 1 : HARM, INJURY
2 : one that is annoying, unpleasant, or obnoxious : PEST

nuisance tax
: an excise tax collected in small amounts on a wide range of commodities directly from the consumer

nuit blanche
: white night : a sleepless night

nuke
n. 1 : a nuclear weapon
2 : a nuclear-powered electric generating station

nuke
n. 1 : to attack or destroy with or as if with nuclear bombs
2 : MICROWAVE

Nuku Hiva
island S. Pacific in the Marquesas; largest in group area ab 60 sq mi (155 sq km), pop 2100; chief town Taiohae

Nuku'alofa
town capital of Tonga on Tongatapu Is. pop 22,400

null
adj. 1 : having no legal or binding force : INVALID
2 : amounting to nothing : NIL
3 : having no value : INSIGNIFICANT
4 a : having no elements <null set> b : having zero as a limit <null sequence> c of a matrix : having all elements equal to zero
5 a : indicating usually by a zero reading on a scale when a given quantity (as current or voltage) is zero or when two quantities are equal ― used of an instrument b : being or relating to a method of measurement in which an unknown quantity (as of electric current) is compared with a known quantity of the same kind and found equal by a null detector
6 : of, being, or relating to zero
7 : ZERO 1C

null
adj. 1 : ZERO 3A(1)
2 a : a condition of a radio receiver when minimum or zero signal is received b : a minimum or zero value of an electric current or of a radio signal

null
adj. : to make null

null
adj. aleph null
null and void
null hypothesis
null space

null and void
: having no force, binding power, or validity

null hypothesis
: a statistical hypothesis to be tested and accepted or rejected in favor of an alternative specifically : the hypothesis that an observed difference (as between the means of two samples) is due to chance alone and not due to a systematic cause

null-space
: a subspace of a vector space consisting of vectors that under a given linear transformation are mapped onto zero

nullah
n. : GULLY, RAVINE

Nullarbor Plain
treeless plain SW Australia in Western Australia & S. Australia bordering on Great Australian Bight

nullification
n. 1 : the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified
2 : the action of a state impeding or attempting to prevent the operation and enforcement within its territory of a law of the U.S.
3 : JURY NULLIFICATION
–nul·li·fi·ca·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

nullifier
n. : one that nullifies specifically : one maintaining the right of nullification against the U.S. government

nullify
v. 1 : to make null especially : to make legally null and void
2 : to make of no value or consequence
synonyms NULLIFY, NEGATE, ANNUL, ABROGATE, INVALIDATE mean to deprive of effective or continued existence. NULLIFY implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something <a penalty nullified the touchdown>. NEGATE implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other <the arguments negate each other>. ANNUL suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action <the treaty annuls all previous agreements>. ABROGATE is like ANNUL but more definitely implies a legal or official act <a law to abrogate trading privileges>. INVALIDATE implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness <the court invalidated the statute>.

nulliparous
adj. : of, relating to, or being a female that has not borne offspring

nullity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being null especially : legal invalidity b (1) : NOTHINGNESS also : INSIGNIFICANCE (2) : a mere nothing : NONENTITY
2 : one that is null specifically : an act void of legal effect
3 : the number of elements in a basis of a null-space

Num
Numbers

num
numeral

num
mind numbing
algebraic number
atomic number
Avogadro's number
Avogadro number
Brinell hardness number
Brinell number
call number
cardinal number
cetane number
chromosome number
complex number
compound number
conjugate complex number
coordination number
counting number
denominate number
do a number on
800 number
Fibonacci number
f number
imaginary number
index number
irrational number
Mach number
magnetic quantum number
mass number
mixed number
natural number
number table
number cruncher
number crunching
number line
number one
number plate
number theory
number theorist
number theoretic
octane number
opposite number
ordinal number
oxidation number
perfect number
prime number
quantum number
rational number
real number
Reynolds number
serial number
telephone number
triangular number
wave number
whole number

numb
adj. 1 : devoid of sensation especially as a result of cold or anesthesia
2 : devoid of emotion : INDIFFERENT
–numb transitive verb
–numb·ly \'nəm-lē\ adverb
–numb·ness noun

number
n. 1 a (1) : a sum of units : TOTAL (2) : COMPLEMENT 1B (3) : an indefinite usually large total <a number of members were absent> <the number of elderly is rising> (4) plural : a numerous group : MANY (5) : a numerical preponderance b (1) : the characteristic of an individual by which it is treated as a unit or of a collection by which it is treated in terms of units (2) : an ascertainable total <bugs beyond number> c (1) : a unit belonging to an abstract mathematical system and subject to specified laws of succession, addition, and multiplication especially : NATURAL NUMBER (2) : an element (as π) of any of many mathematical systems obtained by extension of or analogy with the natural number system (3) plural : ARITHMETIC
2 : a distinction of word form to denote reference to one or more than one also : a form or group of forms so distinguished
3 plural a (1) : metrical structure : METER (2) : metrical lines : VERSES b archaic : musical sounds : NOTES
4 a : a word, symbol, letter, or combination of symbols representing a number b : a numeral or combination of numerals or other symbols used to identify or designate <dialed the wrong number> c (1) : a member of a sequence or collection designated by especially consecutive numbers (as an issue of a periodical) (2) : a position in a numbered sequence d : a group of one kind <not of their number>
5 : one singled out from a group : INDIVIDUAL: as a : GIRL, WOMAN <met an attractive number at the dance> b (1) : a musical, theatrical, or literary selection or production (2) : ROUTINE, ACT c : STUNT, TRICK d : an act of transforming or impairing <tripped and did a number on her knee> e : an item of merchandise and especially clothing
6 : insight into a person's ability or character <had my number>
7 plural but singular or plural in construction a : a form of lottery in which an individual wagers on the appearance of a certain combination of digits (as in regularly published numbers) ― called also numbers game b : 2POLICY 2A
8 plural a : figures representing amounts of money usually in dollars spent, earned, or involved b (1) : STATISTICS 2 especially : individual statistics (as of an athlete) (2) : RATING 3C
9 : a person represented by a number or considered without regard to individuality <at the university I was just a number>
10 : LIFETIME 1A ― used with up <the old feeling that comes to men in combat⋯that your number was up ― Geoffrey Norman>
usage see AMOUNT
–by the numbers
1 : in unison to a specific count or cadence
2 : in a systematic, routine, or mechanical manner

see table...

number
n. transitive verb
1 : COUNT, ENUMERATE
2 : to claim as part of a total : INCLUDE
3 : to restrict to a definite number <your days are numbered>
4 : to assign a number to <number the pages>
5 : to amount to in number : TOTAL <the crew numbers 100>
intransitive verb
1 : to reach a total number
2 : to call off numbers in sequence
–num·ber·able \-b(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–num·ber·er \-bər-ər\ noun

number
n. algebraic number
atomic number
Avogadro's number
Avogadro number
Brinell hardness number
Brinell number
call number
cardinal number
cetane number
chromosome number
complex number
compound number
conjugate complex number
coordination number
counting number
denominate number
do a number on
800 number
Fibonacci number
f number
imaginary number
index number
irrational number
Mach number
magnetic quantum number
mass number
mixed number
natural number
number table
number cruncher
number crunching
number line
number one
number plate
number theory
number theorist
number theoretic
octane number
opposite number
ordinal number
oxidation number
perfect number
prime number
quantum number
rational number
real number
Reynolds number
serial number
telephone number
triangular number
wave number
whole number
numbers game
law of large numbers
by the numbers
run the numbers
theory of numbers

number cruncher
1 : a computer that performs fast numerical calculations especially on large amounts of data
2 : a person concerned with numerical data (as statistics)
–number crunching noun

number line
: a line of infinite extent whose points correspond to the real numbers according to their distance in a positive or negative direction from a point arbitrarily taken as zero

number one
1 : one's own interests or welfare : ONESELF <looking out for number one> ― often written North 1
2 : one that is first in rank, importance, or influence ― often written North 1

number one
1 : first in rank, importance, or influence : FOREMOST <cancer is the country's number one killer> ― often written North 1
2 : of highest or of high quality

number plate
chiefly British : LICENSE PLATE

number theory
: the study of the properties of integers
–number theoretic adjective
–number theorist noun

number-table

numberless
adj. : INNUMERABLE, COUNTLESS

Numbers
n. : the mainly narrative fourth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Numbers
n. numbers game
law of large numbers
by the numbers
run the numbers
theory of numbers

numbing
n. : tending or serving to make numb or spiritless <losing by a numbing margin> <a numbing lecture>
–numb·ing·ly adverb

numbskull
n. variant of numskull

numen
n. : a spiritual force or influence often identified with a natural object, phenomenon, or place

numerable
adj. : capable of being counted

numeracy
n. : the capacity for quantitative thought and expression
–nu·mer·ate \'nüm-rət, 'nü-mə-; 'nyüm-, 'nyü-mə-\ adjective

numeral
n. 1 : of, relating to, or expressing numbers
2 : consisting of numbers or numerals
–nu·mer·al·ly adverb

numeral
n. 1 : a conventional symbol that represents a number
2 plural : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction in an extracurricular activity

numerate
adj. : ENUMERATE

numeration
n. 1 a : the act or process or an instance of counting or numbering also : a system of counting or numbering b : an act or instance of designating by a number
2 : the art of reading in words numbers expressed by numerals

numerator
n. 1 : the part of a fraction that is above the line and signifies the number to be divided by the denominator
2 : one that numbers

numeric
adj. : NUMERICAL especially : denoting a number or a system of numbers <a numeric code> <a numeric sign>

numeric
adj. : NUMBER, NUMERAL

numerical
adj. 1 : of or relating to numbers <the numerical superiority of the enemy>
2 : expressed in or involving numbers or a number system <numerical standing in a class> <a numerical code>
–nu·mer·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

numerical
adj. numerical analysis
numerical taxonomy
numerical taxonomist
numerical taxonomic

numerical analysis
: the study of quantitative approximations to the solutions of mathematical problems including consideration of and bounds to the errors involved

numerical taxonomy
: taxonomy in which many quantitatively measured characters are given equal weight in the determination of taxa and the construction of diagrams indicating systematic relationships
–numerical taxonomic adjective
–numerical taxonomist noun

numero uno
: NUMBER ONE
–numero uno adjective

numerology
n. : the study of the occult significance of numbers
–nu·mer·o·log·i·cal \-mə-rə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–nu·mer·ol·o·gist \-mə-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

numerous
adj. : consisting of great numbers of units or individuals <born into a numerous family> also : MANY <received numerous complaints>
–nu·mer·ous·ly adverb
–nu·mer·ous·ness noun

Numfoor
island West Papua, Indonesia in W Schouten Islands area 28 sq mi (73 sq km)

Numidia
ancient country N Africa E of Mauretania in modern Algeria; chief city Hippo
–Nu·mid·i·an \-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

numinous
adj. 1 : SUPERNATURAL, MYSTERIOUS
2 : filled with a sense of the presence of divinity : HOLY
3 : appealing to the higher emotions or to the aesthetic sense : SPIRITUAL
–nu·mi·nous·ness \-nəs\ noun

numismatic
adj. 1 : of or relating to numismatics
2 : of or relating to currency : MONETARY
–nu·mis·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

numismatics
n. : the study or collection of coins, tokens, and paper money and sometimes related objects (as medals)
–nu·mis·ma·tist \nü-'miz-mə-tist, nyü-\ noun

nummular
adj. : characterized by circular or oval lesions or drops <nummular dermatitis>

nummulitic limestone
: the most widely distributed and distinctive formation of the Eocene in Europe, Asia, and northern Africa

numskull
n. 1 : a thick or muddled head
2 : a dull or stupid person : DUNCE

nun
n. : a woman belonging to a religious order especially : one under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
–nun·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

nun
n. : the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

nunatak
n. : a hill or mountain completely surrounded by glacial ice

Nunavut
n. semiautonomous territory NE Canada, created 1999 from E two-thirds of Northwest Territories capital Iqaluit area 747,534 sq mi (1,936,113 sq km), pop 28,159

Nunc Dimittis
: the prayer of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32 used as a canticle

nunchaku
n. : a weapon that consists of two hardwood sticks joined at their ends by a short length of rawhide, cord, or chain

nunciature
n. 1 : a papal diplomatic mission headed by a nuncio
2 : the office or period of office of a nuncio

nuncio
n. : a papal legate of the highest rank permanently accredited to a civil government

nuncle
n. chiefly dialect : UNCLE

nuncupative
adj. : not written : ORAL <a nuncupative will>

Nuneaton
town cen England in Warwickshire E of Birmingham pop 71,530

Nunivak
island 50 mi (80 km) long W Alaska in Bering Sea

nunnery
n. : a convent of nuns

nuoc mam
: a sauce made of fish (as anchovies) fermented in brine

Nupe
: a member of a people of west central Nigeria also : the language of the Nupe people

nuptial
adj. 1 : of or relating to marriage or the marriage ceremony
2 : characteristic of or occurring in the breeding season <nuptial flight>

nuptial
adj. : MARRIAGE, WEDDING ― usually used in plural

nuptiality
n. : the marriage rate

Nuremberg
n. city S Germany in N cen Bavaria pop 497,496

Nureyev
n. Rudolf Hametovich 1938-1993 Russ.-born ballet dancer

Nuristan
mountainous area E Afghanistan S of the Hindu Kush

Nuristani
1 : a member of a group of peoples of the Hindu Kush in northeastern Afghanistan
2 : the family of languages spoken by the Nuristanis that constitutes a distinct branch of Indo-Iranian

Nurse
n. Sir Paul Maxime 1949-     Brit. geneticist

nurse
n. 1 a : a woman who suckles an infant not her own : WET NURSE b : a woman who takes care of a young child : DRY NURSE
2 : one that looks after, fosters, or advises
3 : a person who cares for the sick or infirm specifically : a licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health ― compare LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE, REGISTERED NURSE
4 a : a worker form of a social insect (as an ant or a bee) that cares for the young b : a female mammal used to suckle the young of another

nurse
n. transitive verb
1 a : to nourish at the breast : SUCKLE b : to take nourishment from the breast of
2 : REAR, EDUCATE
3 a : to promote the development or progress of b : to manage with care or economy <nursed the business through hard times> <nursed a 1-0 lead> c : to take charge of and watch over
4 a : to care for and wait on (as a sick person) b : to attempt to cure by care and treatment
5 : to hold in one's memory or consideration <nurse a grievance>
6 a : to use, handle, or operate carefully so as to conserve energy or avoid injury or pain <nurse a sprained ankle> b : to use sparingly c : to consume slowly or over a long period <nurse a cup of coffee>
intransitive verb
1 a : to feed an offspring from the breast b : to feed at the breast : SUCK
2 : to act or serve as a nurse
–nurs·er noun

nurse
n. dry nurse
licensed practical nurse
nurse midwife
nurse midwifery
nurse practitioner
nurse's aide
nurse shark
practical nurse
registered nurse
scrub nurse
visiting nurse
wet nurse
nursing home

nurse shark
: any of various sharks (as family Ginglymostomatidae) especially : a shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) of warm waters

nurse's aide
: a worker who assists trained nurses in a hospital by performing unspecialized services (as giving baths)

nurse-midwife
: a registered nurse with additional training as a midwife who delivers infants and provides prenatal and postpartum care, newborn care, and some routine care (as gynecological exams) of women
–nurse-mid·wife·ry \-ˌmid-'wi-f(ə-)rē, -'wī-; -'mid-ˌwī-\ noun

nurse-practitioner
: a registered nurse who is qualified through advanced training to assume some of the duties and responsibilities formerly assumed only by a physician

nursemaid
n. : a girl or woman who is regularly employed to look after children

nursery
n. 1 obsolete : attentive care : FOSTERAGE
2 a : a child's bedroom b : a place where children are temporarily cared for in their parents' absence c : DAY NURSERY
3 a : something that fosters, develops, or promotes b : a place in which persons are trained or educated
4 : an area where plants are grown for transplanting, for use as stocks for budding and grafting, or for sale
5 : a place where young animals grow or are cared for

nursery
n. day nursery
nursery rhyme
nursery school

nursery rhyme
: a short rhyme for children that often tells a story

nursery school
: a school for children usually under five years

nurseryman
n. : one whose occupation is the cultivation of plants (as trees and shrubs) especially for sale

nursing
n. 1 : the profession of a nurse <schools of nursing>
2 : the duties of a nurse <proper nursing is difficult work>

nursing home
: a privately operated establishment providing maintenance and personal or nursing care for persons (as the aged or the chronically ill) who are unable to care for themselves properly

nursling
n. 1 : one that is solicitously cared for
2 : a nursing child

nurturance
n. : affectionate care and attention
–nur·tur·ant \-rənt\ adjective

nurture
n. 1 : TRAINING, UPBRINGING
2 : something that nourishes : FOOD
3 : the sum of the environmental factors influencing the behavior and traits expressed by an organism

nurture
n. 1 : to supply with nourishment
2 : EDUCATE
3 : to further the development of : FOSTER
–nur·tur·er \'nər-chər-ər\ noun

Nusslein-Volhard
Christiane 1942-     Ger. biol.

nut
n. 1 a (1) : a hard-shelled dry fruit or seed with a separable rind or shell and interior kernel (2) : the kernel of a nut b : a dry indehiscent one-seeded fruit with a woody pericarp
2 a : a hard problem or undertaking b : CORE, HEART
3 : a perforated block usually of metal that has an internal screw thread and is used on a bolt or screw for tightening or holding something
4 : the ridge in a stringed instrument (as a violin) over which the strings pass on the upper end of the fingerboard
5 : a small lump (as of butter)
6 a : a foolish, eccentric, or crazy person b : ENTHUSIAST <a movie nut>
7 plural : NONSENSE ― often used interjectionally
8 slang : a person's head
9 usually vulgar : TESTIS
10 : the amount of money that must be earned in order to break even
11 : EN 1
–nut·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

nut
n. : to gather or seek nuts

nut
n. lug nut
lychee nut
betel nut
Brazil nut
cashew nut
cola nut
ginger nut
ivory nut
kola nut
macadamia nut
nut brown
nut grass
pine nut
shea nut
wing nut
nuts and bolts

nut grass
: a perennial sedge (Cyperus rotundus) of wide distribution that has slender rootstocks bearing small edible tubers resembling nuts also : a related sedge (C. esculentus)

nut-brown
: of the color of a brown nut

nutate
v. : to exhibit or undergo nutation

nutation
n. 1 archaic : the act of nodding the head
2 : oscillatory movement of the axis of a rotating body (as the earth) : WOBBLE
3 : a spontaneous usually spiral movement of a growing plant part
–nu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

nutcase
n. : NUT 6A

nutcracker
n. : an implement for cracking nuts

nutgall
n. : a gall that resembles a nut especially : such a gall produced on oaks

nuthatch
n. : any of various small tree-climbing chiefly insectivorous birds (family Sittidae and especially genus Sitta) that have a compact body, a narrow bill, a short tail, and sometimes a black cap

nuthouse
n. slang : a mental hospital

nutlet
n. 1 a : a small nut b : a small fruit similar to a nut
2 : the stone of a drupelet

nutmeg
n. 1 : an aromatic seed produced by an evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans of the family Myristicaceae, the nutmeg family) native to the Moluccas also : the ground seed used as a spice ― compare MACE 2
2 : a tree yielding nutmeg

nutpick
n. : a small sharp-pointed implement for extracting the kernels from nuts

nutraceutical
n. : a foodstuff (as a fortified food or dietary supplement) that provides health benefits in addition to its basic nutritional value

nutria
n. 1 : the durable usually light brown fur of a nutria
2 : a large So. American semiaquatic rodent (Myocastor coypus) with webbed hind feet and a round nearly hairless tail that has been introduced into parts of Europe, Asia, and No. America

nutrient
n. : furnishing nourishment

nutrient
n. : a nutritive substance or ingredient

nutriment
n. : something that nourishes or promotes growth, provides energy, repairs body tissues, and maintains life

nutrition
n. 1 : the act or process of nourishing or being nourished specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances
2 : NOURISHMENT 1
–nu·tri·tion·al \-'trish-nəl, -'tri-shə-nəl\ adjective
–nu·tri·tion·al·ly adverb

nutritionist
n. : a specialist in the study of nutrition

nutritious
adj. : NOURISHING
–nu·tri·tious·ly adverb
–nu·tri·tious·ness noun

nutritive
adj. 1 : of or relating to nutrition
2 : NOURISHING
–nu·tri·tive·ly adverb

nutritive ratio
: the ratio of digestible protein to other nutrients in a foodstuff or ration

nuts
n. 1 : ENTHUSIASTIC, KEEN <nuts for animals and children ― Rick Reilly>
2 : INSANE, CRAZY <said that it was a novel and all the people who said otherwise were nuts ― Flannery O'Connor>

nuts and bolts
1 : the working parts or elements
2 : the practical workings of a machine or enterprise as opposed to theoretical considerations or speculative possibilities
–nuts-and-bolts adjective

nutsedge
: NUT GRASS

nutshell
n. 1 : the hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is enclosed
2 : something of small size, amount, or scope
–in a nutshell : in a very brief statement

nutter
n. slang British : NUT 6A

Nutting
n. Wallace 1861-1941 American antiquarian

nutty
adj. 1 : having or producing nuts
2 : having a flavor like that of nuts
3 : ECCENTRIC, SILLY also : mentally unbalanced
–nut·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–nut·ti·ness noun

Nuu-Chah-Nulth
n. : NOOTKA

Nuuk
town capital of Greenland on SW coast pop 12,181

nux vomica
1 : the poisonous disk-shaped seed of a tree (Strychnos nux-vomica of the family Loganiaceae) of southern Asia that contains several alkaloids and especially strychnine and brucine also : the tree yielding nux vomica
2 : a drug containing nux vomica

Nuyorican
: a person of Puerto Rican birth or descent who is a current or former resident of New York City
–Nuyorican adjective

nuzzle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to work with or as if with the nose especially : to root, rub, or snuff something
2 : to lie close or snug
transitive verb
1 : to root, rub, or touch with or as if with the nose
2 : to rub or push gently (as one's face) against something

NV
1 Nevada
2 nonvoting

NW
n. northwest

NWS
National Weather Service

NWT
Northwest Territories

NY
n. New York

nyala
n. : an antelope (Tragelaphus angasii) of southeastern Africa with vertical white stripes on the sides of the body, a dorsal crest of hair from the neck to the base of the tail, and in the male shaggy black hair along the underside also : a related antelope (T. buxtoni) of Ethiopia

Nyasa, Lake
n. ― see MALAWI (Lake)

Nyasaland
n. ― see MALAWI

NYC
n. New York City

nyctalopia
n. : NIGHT BLINDNESS

Nye
Edgar Wilson 1850-1896 Bill Nye American humorist

Nyerere
Julius Kambarage 1922-1999 African polit.; pres. of Tanzania (1964-1985)

nyet
: no

Nyiragongo
volcano ab 11,400 ft (3475 m) E Democratic Republic of the Congo in Virunga Mountains NE of Lake Kivu

Nyiregyhaza
city NE Hungary pop 120,600

nylon
n. 1 : any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, bristles, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics
2 plural : stockings made of nylon

nymph
n. 1 : any of the minor divinities of nature in classical mythology represented as beautiful maidens dwelling in the mountains, forests, trees, and waters
2 : GIRL
3 : any of various immature insects especially : a larva of an insect (as a grasshopper, true bug, or mayfly) with incomplete metamorphosis that differs from the imago especially in size and in its incompletely developed wings and genitalia
–nymph·al \'nim(p)-fəl\ adjective

nymphalid
: any of a family (Nymphalidae) of butterflies (as a mourning cloak or fritillary) with the first pair of legs being hairy, reduced in size, and useless for walking
–nymphalid adjective

nymphet
n. : a sexually precocious girl barely in her teens also : a sexually attractive young woman

nympho
n. : a person affected by nymphomania : NYMPHOMANIAC

nympholepsy
n. 1 : a demonic enthusiasm held by the ancients to seize one bewitched by a nymph
2 : a frenzy of emotion
–nym·pho·lept \-ˌlept\ noun
–nym·pho·lep·tic \ˌnim(p)-fə-'lep-tik\ adjective

nymphomania
n. : excessive sexual desire by a female
–nym·pho·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun or adjective
–nym·pho·ma·ni·a·cal \-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ adjective

Nynorsk
n. : a literary form of Norwegian based on the spoken dialects of Norway ― compare BOKMÅL

Nysa
river 120 mi (193 km) SW Poland flowing NE into the Oder

nystagmus
n. : a rapid involuntary oscillation of the eyeballs
–nys·tag·mic \-mik\ adjective

nystatin
n. : an antifungal antibiotic that is derived from a soil actinomycete (Streptomyces noursei) and is used especially to treat candidiasis

NZ
New Zealand

O
n. variant of oh

O
n. : the one of the four ABO blood groups characterized by the absence of antigens designated by the letters A and B and by the presence of antibodies against these antigens

O
n. 1 offense
2 Ohio
3 [New Latin octarius] pint

O
n. oxygen

o
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 15th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic o
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter o
3 : one designated o especially as the 15th in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter O especially : ZERO

o
n. : one that is, has the qualities of, or is associated with <bucko>

o
n. ― in interjections formed from other parts of speech <cheerio> <righto>

o
n. 1 ocean
2 ohm
3 old
4 order
5 over

o
n. : egg <oology> specifically : ovum <oogonium>

o
n. orth- or ortho-

o
n. ― used as a connective vowel orig. to join word elements of Greek origin and now also to join word elements of Latin or other origin <speedometer> <elastomer>

O altitudo
: O (the) height : feeling of spiritual exaltation

O level
1 : the lowest of three levels of standardized British examinations in a secondary school subject also : successful completion of an O-level examination in a particular subject ― called also Ordinary level ― compare A LEVEL, S LEVEL
2 a : the level of education required to pass an O-level examination b : a course leading to an O-level examination

o tempora! o mores
: oh the times! oh the manners!

o'
1 chiefly dialect : ON
2 : OF <one o'clock>

O'Boyle
Patrick Aloysius 1896-1987 American cardinal

O'Brian
Patrick 1914-2000 orig. Richard Patrick Russ Brit. nov.

O'Casey
Sean \'shȯn\ 1880-1964 orig. John Casey Irish dram.

o'clock
adv. 1 : according to the clock <the time is three o'clock>
2 ― used for indicating position or direction as if on a clock dialect that is oriented vertically or horizontally <an airplane approaching at six o'clock>

O'Connell
Daniel 1775-1847 Irish nationalist

O'Connell
William Henry 1859-1944 American cardinal

O'Connor
(Mary) Flannery 1925-1964 American writer

O'Connor
Frank 1903-1966 pseud. of Michael John O'Donovan Irish author

O'Connor
Sandra Day 1930-     American jurist

O'Connor
Thomas Power 1848-1929 Tay Pay \'tā-'pā\ Irish journalist

o'er
adv. : OVER

o'er
adv. : OVER

O'Fallon
city E Mo. WNW of St. Louis pop 46,169

O'Faolain
Seán \'shȯn\ 1900-1991 Irish author

O'Flaherty
Li·am \'lē-əm\ 1896-1984 Irish nov.

O'Hara
n. John Henry 1905-1970 American author

O'Higgins
Bernardo 1778-1842 Liberator of Chile Chilean soldier & statesman

O'Keeffe
Georgia 1887-1986 American painter

O'Kelly
Seán \'shȯn\ Thomas 1883-1966 Irish journalist; pres. of Republic of Ireland (1945-59)

O'Kelly
Seu·mas \'shā-məs\ 1881-1918 Irish writer

O'Neill
n. Eugene Gladstone 1888-1953 American dram.

O'Neill
n. Paul Henry 1935-     U.S. secy. of treasury (2001-02)

O'odham
1 a : TOHONO O'ODHAM b : a member of either the Pima or Tohono O'odham peoples
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Pimas and Tohono O'odhams

O-ring
: a ring (as of synthetic rubber) used as a gasket

o/a
prep. on or about

oaf
n. 1 : a stupid person : BOOB
2 : a big clumsy slow-witted person
–oaf·ish \'ō-fish\ adjective
–oaf·ish·ly adverb
–oaf·ish·ness noun

Oahe Reservoir
reservoir ab 225 mi (362 km) long N S.Dak. & S N.Dak. formed in Missouri River by Oahe Dam

Oahu
n. island Hawaii; site of Honolulu area 589 sq mi (1531 sq km)

oak
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Quercus) of trees or shrubs of the beech family that produce acorns also : any of various plants related to or resembling the oaks b : the tough hard durable wood of an oak tree
2 : the leaves of an oak used as decoration
–oak·en \'ō-kən\ adjective

oak
n. blackjack oak
bur oak
chestnut oak
chinquapin oak
cork oak
durmast oak
evergreen oak
holm oak
live oak
oak apple
oak leaf cluster
oak wilt
pin oak
poison oak
post oak
red oak
scrub oak
she oak
silk oak
silky oak
tan oak
turkey oak
water oak
white oak
Oak Creek
Oak Forest
Oak Lawn
Oak Park
Oak Ridge
Royal Oak
Thousand Oaks

oak apple
: a large round gall produced on oak leaves and twigs by a gall wasp (esp. Amphibolips confluenta)

Oak Creek
city SE Wis. pop 28,456

Oak Forest
village NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 28,051

Oak Lawn
village NE Ill. SW of Chicago pop 55,245

Oak Park
1 village NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 52,524
2 city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 29,793

Oak Ridge
city E Tenn. W of Knoxville pop 27,387

oak wilt
: a destructive disease of oak trees that is caused by a fungus (Ceratocystis fagacearum) and is characterized by wilting, discoloration, and defoliation

oak-leaf cluster
: a bronze or silver cluster of oak leaves and acorns added to various military decorations to signify a second or subsequent award of the basic decoration

Oakdale
city E Minn. ENE of St. Paul pop 26,653

Oakham
town E cen England in E Leicestershire; capital of former county of Rutlandshire pop 7996

Oakland
n. city & port W Calif. on San Francisco Bay opposite San Francisco pop 399,484

Oakland Park
city SE Fla. N of Fort Lauderdale pop 30,966

Oakley
city Calif. NE of Oakland pop 25,619

oakmoss
: any of several lichens (as Evernia prunastri) that grow on oak trees and yield a resin used in perfumery

oakum
n. : loosely twisted hemp or jute fiber impregnated with tar or a tar derivative and used in caulking seams and packing joints

Oakville
town Canada in SE Ont. SW of Toronto pop 144,738

oar
n. 1 : a long pole with a broad blade at one end used for propelling or steering a boat
2 : OARSMAN
–oared \'ōrd, 'ȯrd\ adjective

oar
n. : to propel with or as if with oars : ROW
intransitive verb : to progress by or as if by using oars

oarfish
n. : a marine bony fish (Regalecus glesne) of subtropical waters with a narrow soft body from 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) long, a red dorsal fin running the entire length of the body, and red-tipped anterior rays rising above the head

oarlock
n. : a usually U-shaped device for holding an oar in place

oarsman
n. : one who rows especially in a racing crew
–oars·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

oarswoman
n. : a woman who is an oarsman

OAS
Organization of American States

OASDI
Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance

oasis
n. 1 : a fertile or green area in an arid region (as a desert)
2 : something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast

oast
n. : a usually conical kiln used for drying hops, malt, or tobacco ― called also oast·house \-ˌhau̇s\

oat
n. 1 a : any of several grasses (genus Avena) especially : a widely cultivated cereal grass (A. sativa) b : a crop or plot of the oat also : the seed of an oat ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
2 archaic : a reed instrument made of an oat straw
–feel one's oats : to act in a newly self-confident and often self-important manner

oat
n. oat cell
oat grass
wild oat
feel one's oats
sea oats

oat cell
: any of the small round or oval cells with a high ratio of nuclear protoplasm to cytoplasm that resemble oat grains and are characteristic of a small-cell lung cancer

oat grass
: WILD OAT 1A broadly : any of several grasses resembling the oat

oatcake
n. : a thin flat oatmeal cake

oaten
adj. : of or relating to oats, oat straw, or oatmeal

oater
n. : WESTERN 2

Oates
Joyce Carol 1938-     American writer

Oates
Titus 1649-1705 Brit. fabricator of the Popish Plot

oath
n. 1 a (1) : a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says (2) : a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words b : something (as a promise) corroborated by an oath
2 : an irreverent or careless use of a sacred name broadly : SWEARWORD

oatmeal
n. 1 a : meal made from oats b : rolled oats
2 : porridge made from ground or rolled oats

OAU
Organization of African Unity

Oaxaca
1 state SE Mexico bordering on the Pacific area 36,820 sq mi (95,364 sq km), pop 3,019,560
2 city, its capital pop 212,943
–Oa·xa·can \-kən\ adjective

OB
obstetric; obstetrician; obstetrics

Ob
Obadiah

ob
1 [Latin obiit] he died; she died
2 observation

ob
: inversely <obovate>

ob
ob gyn
ob gyns
OB GYN

Ob'
river over 2250 mi (3620 km) W Russia in Asia flowing NW & N into Gulf of Ob' (inlet of Arctic Ocean 500 mi or 800 km long)

OB-GYN
obstetrics-gynecology

ob-gyn
: a physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology

Obadiah
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

obbligato
n. : not to be omitted : OBLIGATORY ― used as a direction in music ― compare AD LIBITUM

obbligato
n. 1 : an elaborate especially melodic part accompanying a solo or principal melody and usually played by a single instrument <a song with violin obbligato>
2 : ACCOMPANIMENT 2B especially : an attendant background sound

obcordate
adj. : heart-shaped with the notch apical <obcordate leaf>

obduracy
n. : the quality or state of being obdurate

obdurate
adj. 1 a : stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing b : hardened in feelings
2 : resistant to persuasion or softening influences
synonyms see INFLEXIBLE
–ob·du·rate·ly adverb
–ob·du·rate·ness noun

OBE
1 officer of the Order of the British Empire
2 out-of-body experience

obeah
n. : a system of belief among blacks chiefly of the British West Indies and the Guianas that is characterized by the use of magic ritual to ward off misfortune or to cause harm

obedience
n. 1 a : an act or instance of obeying b : the quality or state of being obedient
2 : a sphere of jurisdiction especially : an ecclesiastical or sometimes secular dominion

obedient
adj. : submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey
–obe·di·ent·ly adverb
synonyms OBEDIENT, DOCILE, TRACTABLE, AMENABLE mean submissive to the will of another. OBEDIENT implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority <obedient to the government>. DOCILE implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance <a docile child>. TRACTABLE suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing <tractable animals>. AMENABLE suggests a willingness to yield or to cooperate either because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness <amenable to new ideas>.

obeisance
n. 1 : a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : BOW
2 : acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance : HOMAGE <makes obeisance to her mentors>
–obei·sant \-sənt\ adjective
–obei·sant·ly adverb

obelia
n. : any of a genus (Obelia) of small colonial marine hydroids with colonies branched like trees

obelisk
n. 1 : an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid
2 a : OBELUS b : DAGGER 2B

obelize
v. : to designate or annotate with an obelus

obelus
n. 1 : a symbol - or ÷ used in ancient manuscripts to mark a questionable passage
2 : the symbol ÷

Oberammergau
town S Germany in Bavaria SSW of Munich pop 4906

Oberhausen
city W Germany in the Ruhr WNW of Essen pop 224,559

Oberland
― see BERNER ALPEN

Oberon
n. : the king of the fairies in medieval folklore

obese
adj. : having excessive body fat

obesity
n. : a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body

obey
v. transitive verb
1 : to follow the commands or guidance of
2 : to conform to or comply with <obey an order> <falling objects obey the laws of physics>
intransitive verb : to behave obediently
–obey·er noun

obfuscate
v. transitive verb
1 a : DARKEN b : to make obscure <obfuscate the issue>
2 : CONFUSE <obfuscate the reader>
intransitive verb : to be evasive, unclear, or confusing
–ob·fus·ca·tion \ˌäb-(ˌ)fəs-'kā-shən\ noun
–ob·fus·ca·to·ry \äb-'fəs-kə-ˌtȯr-ē, əb-\ adjective

obi
n. : a broad sash worn especially with a Japanese kimono

Obie
: an award presented annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in plays performed off-Broadway

obiit
: he or she died

obit
n. : OBITUARY

obiter dictum
1 : an incidental and collateral opinion that is uttered by a judge but is not binding
2 : an incidental remark or observation

obituary
n. : a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account
–obit·u·ar·ist \-'bi-chə-ˌwər-ist, -'bi-chə-rist\ noun
–obituary adjective

obj
object; objective

object
n. 1 a : something material that may be perceived by the senses <I see an object in the distance> b : something that when viewed stirs a particular emotion (as pity) <look to the tragic loading of this bed⋯the object poisons sight; let it be hid ― Shakespeare>
2 a : something mental or physical toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed <an object for study> <the object of my affection> <delicately carved art objects> b : something physical that is perceived by an individual and becomes an agent for psychological identification <the mother is the primary object of the child>
3 a : the goal or end of an effort or activity : PURPOSE, OBJECTIVE <their object is to investigate the matter thoroughly> b : a cause for attention or concern <money is no object>
4 : a thing that forms an element of or constitutes the subject matter of an investigation or science
5 a : a noun or noun equivalent (as a pronoun, gerund, or clause) denoting the goal or result of the action of a verb b : a noun or noun equivalent in a prepositional phrase
6 a : a data structure in object-oriented programming that can contain functions as well as data, variables, and other data structures b : a discrete entity (as a window or icon) in computer graphics that can be manipulated independently of other such entities
synonyms see INTENTION
–ob·ject·less \-ləs\ adjective
–ob·ject·less·ness noun

object
n. transitive verb : to put forth in opposition or as an objection <objected that the statement was misleading>
intransitive verb
1 : to oppose something firmly and usually with words or arguments
2 : to feel distaste for something
–ob·jec·tor \-'jek-tər\ noun

object
n. : of, relating to, or being object code <an object file>

object
n. direct object
found object
indirect object
object ball
object code
object language
object lesson
object oriented
object oriented programming
quasi stellar object
retained object
sex object
conscientious objector

object ball
: the ball first struck by the cue ball in pool or billiards also : a ball hit by the cue ball

object code
: a computer program after translation from source code usually into machine language by a compiler

object language
: TARGET LANGUAGE

object lesson
: something that serves as a practical example of a principle or abstract idea

object-oriented
: relating to, used in, or implemented by object-oriented programming <an object-oriented language>

object-oriented programming
: computer programming in which programming objects are used to form additional objects and are arranged into hierarchies and in which a single object member (as a variable or function) may be used in several different but related ways

objectify
v. 1 : to treat as an object or cause to have objective reality
2 : to give expression to (as an abstract notion, feeling, or ideal) in a form that can be experienced by others <it is the essence of the fairy tale to objectify differing facets of the child's emotional experience ― John Updike>
–ob·jec·ti·fi·ca·tion \-ˌjek-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

objection
n. 1 : an act of objecting
2 a : a reason or argument presented in opposition b : a feeling or expression of disapproval

objectionable
adj. : UNDESIRABLE, OFFENSIVE
–ob·jec·tion·able·ness noun
–ob·jec·tion·ably \-blē\ adverb

objective
1 a : relating to or existing as an object of thought without consideration of independent existence ― used chiefly in medieval philosophy b : of, relating to, or being an object, phenomenon, or condition in the realm of sensible experience independent of individual thought and perceptible by all observers : having reality independent of the mind <objective reality> <our reveries⋯are significantly and repeatedly shaped by our transactions with the objective world ― Marvin Reznikoff> ― compare SUBJECTIVE 3a c of a symptom of disease : perceptible to persons other than the affected individual ― compare SUBJECTIVE 4c d : involving or deriving from sense perception or experience with actual objects, conditions, or phenomena <objective awareness> <objective data>
2 : relating to, characteristic of, or constituting the case of words that follow prepositions or transitive verbs
3 a : expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations <objective art> <an objective history of the war> <an objective judgment> b of a test : limited to choices of fixed alternatives and reducing subjective factors to a minimum
synonyms see MATERIAL, FAIR
–ob·jec·tive·ly adverb
–ob·jec·tive·ness noun
–ob·jec·tiv·i·ty \ˌäb-ˌjek-'ti-və-tē, əb-\ noun

objective
n. 1 : a lens or system of lenses that forms an image of an object
2 a : something toward which effort is directed : an aim, goal, or end of action b : a strategic position to be attained or a purpose to be achieved by a military operation
synonyms see INTENTION

objective complement
: a noun, adjective, or pronoun used in the predicate as complement to a verb and as qualifier of its direct object (as chairman in “we elected him chairman”)

objective correlative
: something (as a situation or chain of events) that symbolizes or objectifies a particular emotion and that may be used in creative writing to evoke a desired emotional response in the reader

objectivism
n. 1 : any of various theories asserting the validity of objective phenomena over subjective experience especially : REALISM 2A
2 : an ethical theory that moral good is objectively real or that moral precepts are objectively valid
3 : a 20th century movement in poetry growing out of imagism and putting stress on form
–ob·jec·tiv·ist \-vist\ adjective or noun
–ob·jec·tiv·is·tic \-ˌjek-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective

objet
objet d'art
objet trouve
objet trouvé

objet d'art
1 : an article of some artistic value
2 : CURIO ― called also objet

objet trouve
: a natural or discarded object found by chance and held to have aesthetic value

objurgation
n. : a harsh rebuke
–ob·jur·gate \'äb-jər-ˌgāt\ transitive verb
–ob·jur·ga·to·ry \əb-'jər-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

obl
1 oblique
2 oblong

oblanceolate
: inversely lanceolate <an oblanceolate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration

oblast
n. : a political subdivision of Imperial Russia or a republic of the U.S.S.R. or of the Russian Federation

oblate
n. : flattened or depressed at the poles <an oblate spheroid>
–ob·late·ness noun

oblate
n. 1 : a layman living in a monastery under a modified rule and without vows
2 : a member of one of several Roman Catholic communities of men or women

oblation
n. 1 : the act of making a religious offering specifically capitalized : the act of offering the eucharistic elements to God
2 : something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine

obligate
v. 1 : to bind legally or morally : CONSTRAIN
2 : to commit (as funds) to meet an obligation

obligate
v. 1 : restricted to one particularly characteristic mode of life <an obligate parasite>
2 : biologically essential for survival <obligate mutualism>
–ob·li·gate·ly adverb

obligation
n. 1 : the action of obligating oneself to a course of action (as by a promise or vow)
2 a : something (as a formal contract, a promise, or the demands of conscience or custom) that obligates one to a course of action b : a debt security (as a mortgage or corporate bond) c : a commitment (as by a government) to pay a particular sum of money also : an amount owed under such an obligation <unable to meet its obligations, the company went into bankruptcy>
3 a : a condition or feeling of being obligated b : a debt of gratitude
4 : something one is bound to do : DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY

obligatory
adj. 1 : binding in law or conscience
2 : relating to or enforcing an obligation <a writ obligatory>
3 : MANDATORY, REQUIRED <obligatory military service> also : so commonplace as to be a convention, fashion, or cliché <the obligatory death scene in opera>
4 : OBLIGATE 1
–oblig·a·to·ri·ly \ə-ˌbli-gə-'tȯr-ə-lē, ä- also ˌä-bli-gə-\ adverb

oblige
v. transitive verb
1 : to constrain by physical, moral, or legal force or by the exigencies of circumstance <obliged to find a job>
2 a : to put in one's debt by a favor or service <we are much obliged for your help> b : to do a favor for <always ready to oblige a friend>
intransitive verb : to do something as or as if as a favor
synonyms see FORCE
–oblig·er noun

obligee
n. : one to whom another is obligated (as by a contract) specifically : one who is protected by a surety bond

obliging
adj. : willing to do favors : HELPFUL
synonyms see AMIABLE
–oblig·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb
–oblig·ing·ness noun

obligor
n. : one who is bound by a legal obligation

oblique
n. 1 a : neither perpendicular nor parallel : INCLINED b : having the axis not perpendicular to the base <an oblique cone> c : having no right angle <an oblique triangle>
2 a : not straightforward : INDIRECT also : OBSCURE b : DEVIOUS, UNDERHANDED
3 : situated obliquely and having one end not inserted on bone <oblique muscles>
4 : taken from an airplane with the camera directed horizontally or diagonally downward <an oblique photograph>
–oblique·ly adverb
–oblique·ness noun

oblique
n. 1 : something (as a line) that is oblique
2 : any of several oblique muscles especially : any of the thin flat muscles forming the middle and outer layers of the lateral walls of the abdomen

oblique
n. : at a 45 degree angle <to the right oblique, march>

oblique angle
: an acute or obtuse angle

oblique case
: a grammatical case other than the nominative or vocative

obliquity
n. 1 : deviation from moral rectitude or sound thinking
2 a : deviation from parallelism or perpendicularity also : the amount of such deviation b : the angle between the planes of the earth's equator and orbit having a value of about 23°27′ <obliquity of the ecliptic>
3 a : indirectness or deliberate obscurity of speech or conduct b : an obscure or confusing statement

obliterate
v. 1 a : to remove utterly from recognition or memory b : to remove from existence : destroy utterly all trace, indication, or significance of c : to cause to disappear (as a bodily part or a scar) or collapse (as a duct conveying body fluid) : REMOVE 4 <a blood vessel obliterated by inflammation>
2 : to make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or wearing away
3 : CANCEL 4
–oblit·er·a·tion \-ˌbli-tə-'rā-shən\ noun
–oblit·er·a·tor \-'bli-tə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

obliterative
adj. : inducing or characterized by obliteration: as a : causing or accompanied by closure or collapse of a lumen <obliterative arterial disease> b : tending to make inconspicuous <obliterative behavior>

oblivion
n. 1 : the fact or condition of forgetting or having forgotten especially : the condition of being oblivious
2 : the condition or state of being forgotten or unknown

oblivious
adj. 1 : lacking remembrance, memory, or mindful attention
2 : lacking active conscious knowledge or awareness ― usually used with of or to
–obliv·i·ous·ly adverb
–obliv·i·ous·ness noun

oblong
n. : deviating from a square, circular, or spherical form by elongation in one dimension <an oblong piece of paper> <an oblong melon>
–oblong noun

obloquy
n. 1 : a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language
2 : the condition of one that is discredited : bad repute
synonyms see ABUSE

obnoxious
adj. 1 archaic : exposed to something unpleasant or harmful ― used with to
2 archaic : deserving of censure
3 : odiously or disgustingly objectionable : highly offensive
–ob·nox·ious·ly adverb
–ob·nox·ious·ness noun

obnubilate
v. : BECLOUD, OBSCURE
–ob·nu·bi·la·tion \-ˌnü-bə-'lā-shən, -ˌnyü-\ noun

OBO
or best offer

oboe
n. : a double-reed woodwind instrument having a conical tube, a brilliant penetrating tone, and a usual range from B flat below middle C upward for over 21/2 octaves
–obo·ist \'ō-(ˌ)bō-ist\ noun

obol
n. : an ancient Greek coin or weight equal to 1/6 drachma

obovate
adj. : ovate with the narrower end basal <obovate leaves> ― see LEAF illustration

obovoid
: ovoid with the broad end toward the apex <an obovoid fruit>

Obrenovic
Alexander I ― see ALEXANDER

obscene
adj. 1 : disgusting to the senses : REPULSIVE
2 a : abhorrent to morality or virtue specifically : designed to incite to lust or depravity b : containing or being language regarded as taboo in polite usage <obscene lyrics> c : repulsive by reason of crass disregard of moral or ethical principles <an obscene misuse of power> d : so excessive as to be offensive <obscene wealth> <obscene waste>
synonyms see COARSE
–ob·scene·ly adverb

obscenity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being obscene
2 : something (as an utterance or act) that is obscene

obscurant
n. : tending to make obscure <obscurant language>
–obscurant noun

obscurantism
n. 1 : opposition to the spread of knowledge : a policy of withholding knowledge from the general public
2 a : a style (as in literature or art) characterized by deliberate vagueness or abstruseness b : an act or instance of obscurantism
–ob·scu·ran·tist \-ən-tist, -'ran-tist\ noun or adjective

obscure
adj. 1 a : DARK, DIM b : shrouded in or hidden by darkness c : not clearly seen or easily distinguished : FAINT <obscure markings>
2 : not readily understood or clearly expressed also : MYSTERIOUS
3 : relatively unknown: as a : REMOTE, SECLUDED <an obscure village> b : not prominent or famous <an obscure poet>
4 : constituting the unstressed vowel \ə\ or having unstressed \ə\ as its value
–ob·scure·ly adverb
–ob·scure·ness noun
synonyms OBSCURE, DARK, VAGUE, ENIGMATIC, CRYPTIC, AMBIGUOUS, EQUIVOCAL mean not clearly understandable. OBSCURE implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge <obscure poems>. DARK implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion <muttered dark hints of revenge>. VAGUE implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration <a vague sense of obligation>. ENIGMATIC stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality <enigmatic occult writings>. CRYPTIC implies a purposely concealed meaning <cryptic hints of hidden treasure>. AMBIGUOUS applies to language capable of more than one interpretation <an ambiguous directive>. EQUIVOCAL applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading <moral precepts with equivocal phrasing>.

obscure
adj. 1 : to make dark, dim, or indistinct
2 : to conceal or hide by or as if by covering
3 : to reduce (a vowel) to the value \ə\
–ob·scu·ra·tion \ˌäb-skyu̇-'rā-shən\ noun

obscure
adj. : OBSCURITY

obscurity
n. 1 : one that is obscure
2 : the quality or state of being obscure

obscurum per obscurius
: (explaining) the obscure by means of the more obscure

obsequious
adj. : marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
synonyms see SUBSERVIENT
–ob·se·qui·ous·ly adverb
–ob·se·qui·ous·ness noun

obsequy
n. : a funeral or burial rite ― usually used in plural

observable
adj. 1 : NOTEWORTHY
2 : capable of being observed : DISCERNIBLE
–ob·serv·abil·i·ty \-ˌzər-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–observable noun
–ob·serv·ably \-'zər-və-blē\ adverb

observance
n. 1 a : a customary practice, rite, or ceremony <Sabbath observances> b : a rule governing members of a religious order
2 : an act or instance of following a custom, rule, or law <observance of the speed limits>
3 : an act or instance of watching

observant
adj. 1 a : paying strict attention : WATCHFUL <an observant spectator> b : KEEN, PERCEPTIVE
2 : careful in observing (as rites, laws, or customs) : MINDFUL <pious and religiously observant families ― Sidney Hook> <always observant of the amenities>
–ob·ser·vant·ly adverb

observant
adj. obsolete : an assiduous or obsequious servant or attendant

observation
1 a : an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law b : OBSERVANCE 3
2 a : an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments <weather observations> b : a record or description so obtained
3 : a judgment on or inference from what one has observed broadly : REMARK, STATEMENT
4 obsolete : attentive care : HEED
5 : the condition of one that is observed <under observation at the hospital>
–ob·ser·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ob·ser·va·tion·al·ly adverb

observation
n. : designed for use in viewing something (as scenery) or in making observations <an observation tower> <the observation platform>

observatory
n. 1 : a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy) also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations
2 : a situation or structure commanding a wide view

observe
v. transitive verb
1 : to conform one's action or practice to (as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with
2 : to inspect or take note of as an augury, omen, or presage
3 : to celebrate or solemnize (as a ceremony or festival) in a customary or accepted way
4 a : to watch carefully especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment b : to make a scientific observation on or of
5 : to come to realize or know especially through consideration of noted facts
6 : to utter as a remark
intransitive verb
1 a : to take notice b : to make observations : WATCH
2 : REMARK, COMMENT
synonyms see KEEP
–ob·serv·ing·ly \-'zər-viŋ-lē\ adverb

observer
n. : one that observes: as a : a representative sent to observe but not participate officially in an activity (as a meeting or war) b : an expert analyst and commentator in a particular field <political observers>

obsess
v. transitive verb : to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of <was obsessed with the idea>
intransitive verb : to engage in obsessive thinking : become obsessed with an idea

obsession
n. 1 : a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling broadly : compelling motivation <an obsession with profits>
2 : something that causes an obsession
–ob·ses·sion·al \-'sesh-nəl, -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective
–ob·ses·sion·al·ly adverb

obsessive
adj. 1 a : tending to cause obsession b : excessive often to an unreasonable degree
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
–obsessive noun
–ob·ses·sive·ly adverb
–ob·ses·sive·ness noun

obsessive-compulsive
: relating to, characterized by, or affected with recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of a neurotic state <obsessive-compulsive disorder>
–obsessive-compulsive noun

obsidian
n. : a dark natural glass formed by the cooling of molten lava

obsolesce
intransitive verb : to be or become obsolescent
transitive verb : to make obsolescent

obsolescence
n. : the process of becoming obsolete or the condition of being nearly obsolete <the gradual obsolescence of machinery> <reduced to obsolescence>

obsolescent
adj. : going out of use : becoming obsolete
–ob·so·les·cent·ly adverb

obsolete
adj. 1 a : no longer in use or no longer useful <an obsolete word> b : of a kind or style no longer current : OLD-FASHIONED <an obsolete technology>
2 of a plant or animal part : indistinct or imperfect as compared with a corresponding part in related organisms : VESTIGIAL
synonyms see OLD
–ob·so·lete·ly adverb
–ob·so·lete·ness noun

obsolete
adj. : to make obsolete

obstacle
n. : something that impedes progress or achievement

obstacle course
: a military training course filled with obstacles (as hurdles, fences, walls, and ditches) that must be negotiated broadly : a series of obstacles that must be overcome

obstetric
adj. : of, relating to, or associated with childbirth or obstetrics
–ob·stet·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

obstetrician
n. : a physician specializing in obstetrics

obstetrics
n. : a branch of medical science that deals with birth and with its antecedents and sequels

obstinacy
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being obstinate : STUBBORNNESS b : the quality or state of being difficult to remedy, relieve, or subdue <the obstinacy of tuberculosis>
2 : an instance of being obstinate

obstinate
adj. 1 : perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion <obstinate resistance to change>
2 : not easily subdued, remedied, or removed <obstinate fever>
–ob·sti·nate·ly adverb
–ob·sti·nate·ness noun
synonyms OBSTINATE, DOGGED, STUBBORN, PERTINACIOUS, MULISH mean fixed and unyielding in course or purpose. OBSTINATE implies usually an unreasonable persistence <an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories>. DOGGED suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence <pursued the story with dogged perseverance>. STUBBORN implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable <a person too stubborn to admit error>. PERTINACIOUS suggests an annoying or irksome persistence <a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer>. MULISH implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy <a mulish determination to have his own way>.

obstreperous
adj. 1 : marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness : CLAMOROUS <obstreperous merriment>
2 : stubbornly resistant to control : UNRULY
synonyms see VOCIFEROUS
–ob·strep·er·ous·ly adverb
–ob·strep·er·ous·ness noun

obstruct
v. 1 : to block or close up by an obstacle
2 : to hinder from passage, action, or operation : IMPEDE
3 : to cut off from sight <a wall obstructs the view>
synonyms see HINDER
–ob·struc·tive \-'strək-tiv\ adjective or noun
–ob·struc·tive·ness noun
–ob·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

obstruction
n. 1 a : the state of being obstructed especially : a condition of being clogged or blocked b : an act of obstructing
2 : something that obstructs

obstructionism
n. : deliberate interference with the progress or business especially of a legislative body
–ob·struc·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective
–ob·struc·tion·is·tic \-ˌstrək-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

obtain
v. transitive verb : to gain or attain usually by planned action or effort
intransitive verb
1 archaic : SUCCEED
2 : to be generally recognized or established : PREVAIL
–ob·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ob·tain·able \-'tā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–ob·tain·er noun
–ob·tain·ment \-'tān-mənt\ noun

obtect
of a pupa : enclosed in a firm case or covering with the appendages held tightly against the body

obtrude
v. transitive verb
1 : to thrust out : EXTRUDE
2 : to force or impose (as oneself or one's ideas) without warrant or request
intransitive verb : to become unduly prominent or interfering : INTRUDE
–ob·trud·er noun

obtrusion
n. 1 : an act of obtruding
2 : something that is obtruded

obtrusive
adj. 1 a : forward in manner or conduct <obtrusive behavior> b : undesirably prominent
2 : thrust out : PROTRUDING <a sharp obtrusive edge>
synonyms see IMPERTINENT
–ob·tru·sive·ly adverb
–ob·tru·sive·ness noun

obtund
v. : to reduce the edge or violence of : DULL <obtunded reflexes>

obturation
n. : OBSTRUCTION, CLOSURE
–ob·tu·rate \'äb-tyə-ˌrāt, -tə-\ transitive verb

obturator
n. : one (as a prosthetic device) that closes or blocks up an opening (as a fissure in the palate)

obtuse
adj. 1 a : not pointed or acute : BLUNT b (1) of an angle : exceeding 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees (2) : having an obtuse angle <an obtuse triangle> ― see TRIANGLE illustration c of a leaf : rounded at the free end
2 a : lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect : INSENSITIVE, STUPID b : difficult to comprehend : not clear or precise in thought or expression
synonyms see DULL
–ob·tuse·ly adverb
–ob·tuse·ness noun

Obuchi
Keizo 1937-2000 prime min. of Japan (1998-2000)

obv
obverse

obverse
n. 1 : facing the observer or opponent
2 : having the base narrower than the top <an obverse leaf>
3 : constituting the obverse of something : OPPOSITE
–ob·verse·ly adverb

obverse
n. 1 : the side of a coin or currency note bearing the chief device and lettering broadly : a front or principal surface
2 : a counterpart having the opposite orientation or force <their rise was merely the obverse of the Empire's fall ― A. J. Toynbee> also : OPPOSITE 1 <joy and its obverse, sorrow>
3 : a proposition inferred immediately from another by denying the opposite of what the given proposition affirms <the obverse of “all A is B” is “no A is not B” >

obviate
v. : to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action)
–ob·vi·a·tion \ˌäb-vē-'ā-shən\ noun

obvious
adj. 1 archaic : being in the way or in front
2 : easily discovered, seen, or understood
synonyms see EVIDENT
–ob·vi·ous·ness noun

obviously
adv. 1 : in an obvious manner <showed his anger obviously>
2 : as is plainly evident <obviously, something is wrong>

Obwald
― see UNTERWALDEN

OC
1 off center
2 officer candidate
3 on center
4 on course
5 over-the-counter

oca
n. : either of two So. American wood sorrels (Oxalis crenata and O. tuberosa) cultivated for their edible tubers also : the tuber of an oca

Ocala
city N cen Fla. S of Gainesville pop 45,943

ocarina
n. : a simple wind instrument typically having an oval body with finger holes and a projecting mouthpiece

Occam's razor
: a scientific and philosophic rule that entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily which is interpreted as requiring that the simplest of competing theories be preferred to the more complex or that explanations of unknown phenomena be sought first in terms of known quantities

occasion
n. 1 : a favorable opportunity or circumstance <did not have occasion to talk with them>
2 a : a state of affairs that provides a ground or reason <the occasion of the discord was their mutual intolerance> b : an occurrence or condition that brings something about especially : the immediate inciting circumstance as distinguished from the fundamental cause <his insulting remark was the occasion of a bitter quarrel>
3 a : HAPPENING, INCIDENT b : a time at which something happens : INSTANCE
4 a : a need arising from a particular circumstance b archaic : a personal want or need ― usually used in plural
5 plural : AFFAIRS, BUSINESS
6 : a special event or ceremony : CELEBRATION
–on occasion : from time to time

occasion
n. : BRING ABOUT, CAUSE

occasional
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a particular occasion <a budget able to meet occasional demands as well as regular ones> b : created for a particular occasion <occasional verse>
2 : acting as the occasion or contributing cause of something
3 : encountered, occurring, appearing, or taken at irregular or infrequent intervals <occasional visitors> <an occasional vacation>
4 : acting in a specified capacity from time to time <an occasional lecturer>
5 : designed or constructed to be used as the occasion demands <occasional furniture>

occasionally
adv. : on occasion : NOW AND THEN <dines out occasionally>

Occident
n. : WEST 2A

Occidental
n. : a member of one of the occidental peoples especially : a person of European ancestry

occidental
n. 1 : of, relating to, or situated in the Occident : WESTERN
2 : of or relating to Occidentals
–oc·ci·den·tal·ly adverb

Occidentalism
n. : the characteristic features of occidental peoples or culture

occidentalize
v. : to make occidental (as in culture)

occipital
n. : of, relating to, or located within or near the occiput or the occipital bone
–occipital noun
–oc·cip·i·tal·ly adverb

occipital
n. occipital bone
occipital condyle
occipital lobe

occipital bone
: a compound bone that forms the posterior part of the skull and bears a condyle by which the skull articulates with the atlas

occipital condyle
: an articular surface on the occipital bone by which the skull articulates with the atlas

occipital lobe
: the posterior lobe of each cerebral hemisphere that bears the visual cortex and has the form of a 3-sided pyramid

occiput
n. : the back part of the head or skull

Occitan
n. : a Romance language spoken in southern France
–Occitan adjective

Occleve
― see Thomas HOCCLEVE

occlude
v. transitive verb
1 : to close up or block off : OBSTRUCT <a thrombus occluding a coronary artery> also : CONCEAL
2 : SORB
intransitive verb
1 : to come into contact with cusps of the opposing teeth fitting together <his teeth do not occlude properly>
2 : to become occluded

occluded front
: OCCLUSION 2

occlusal
adj. : of or relating to the grinding or biting surface of a tooth or to occlusion of the teeth

occlusion
n. 1 : the act of occluding : the state of being occluded: as a : the complete obstruction of the breath passage in the articulation of a speech sound b : the bringing of the opposing surfaces of the teeth of the two jaws into contact also : the relation between the surfaces when in contact c : the inclusion or sorption of gas trapped during solidification of a material
2 : the front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm front and lifting the warm air above the earth's surface

occlusive
adj. 1 : serving to occlude
2 : characterized by occlusion

occult
n. : to shut off from view or exposure : COVER, ECLIPSE
–oc·cult·er noun

occult
n. 1 : not revealed : SECRET
2 : not easily apprehended or understood : ABSTRUSE, MYSTERIOUS
3 : hidden from view : CONCEALED
4 : of or relating to the occult
5 : not manifest or detectable by clinical methods alone <occult carcinoma> also : not present in macroscopic amounts <occult blood in a stool>
–oc·cult·ly adverb

occult
n. : matters regarded as involving the action or influence of supernatural or supernormal powers or some secret knowledge of them ― used with the

occultation
n. 1 : the state of being hidden from view or lost to notice
2 : the interruption of the light from a celestial body or of the signals from a spacecraft by the intervention of a celestial body especially : an eclipse of a star or planet by the moon

occultism
n. : occult theory or practice : belief in or study of the action or influence of supernatural or supernormal powers
–oc·cult·ist \-tist\ noun

occupancy
n. 1 : the fact or condition of holding, possessing, or residing in or on something <occupancy of the estate>
2 : the act or fact of taking or having possession (as of unowned land) to acquire ownership
3 : the fact or condition of being occupied <occupancy by more than 400 persons is unlawful>
4 : the use to which a property is put <industrial occupancy>
5 : a building or part of a building intended to be occupied (as by a tenant)

occupant
n. 1 : one who acquires title by occupancy
2 : one who occupies a particular place especially : RESIDENT

occupation
n. 1 a : an activity in which one engages <pursuing pleasure has been his major occupation> b : the principal business of one's life : VOCATION
2 a : the possession, use, or settlement of land : OCCUPANCY b : the holding of an office or position
3 a : the act or process of taking possession of a place or area : SEIZURE b : the holding and control of an area by a foreign military force c : the military force occupying a country or the policies carried out by it
synonyms see WORK
–oc·cu·pa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–oc·cu·pa·tion·al·ly adverb

occupational therapy
: therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life (as self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning
–occupational therapist noun

occupy
v. 1 : to engage the attention or energies of
2 a : to take up (a place or extent in space) <this chair is occupied> <the fireplace will occupy this corner of the room> b : to take or fill (an extent in time) <the hobby occupies all of my free time>
3 a : to take or hold possession or control of <enemy troops occupied the ridge> b : to fill or perform the functions of (an office or position)
4 : to reside in as an owner or tenant
–oc·cu·pi·er \-ˌpī(-ə)r\ noun

occur
v. 1 : to be found or met with : APPEAR
2 : to come into existence : HAPPEN
3 : to come to mind <an idea that has occurred to me>

occurrence
n. 1 : something that occurs <a startling occurrence>
2 : the action or instance of occurring <the repeated occurrence of petty theft in the locker room>
synonyms OCCURRENCE, EVENT, INCIDENT, EPISODE, CIRCUMSTANCE mean something that happens or takes place. OCCURRENCE may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan <an encounter that was a chance occurrence>. EVENT usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause <the events following the assassination>. INCIDENT suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance <a minor wartime incident>. EPISODE stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident <a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work>. CIRCUMSTANCE implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background <couldn't recall the exact circumstances>.

occurrent
n. 1 : occurring at a particular time or place : CURRENT
2 : INCIDENTAL

occurrent
n. : something that occurs as distinguished from something that continues to exist

OCD
obsessive-compulsive disorder

ocean
n. 1 a : the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth b : any of the large bodies of water (as the Atlantic Ocean) into which the great ocean is divided
2 : a very large or unlimited space or quantity

ocean
n. Ocean Island
mid ocean ridge
ocean perch
ocean sunfish
Antarctic Ocean
Arctic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
British Indian Ocean Territory
Indian Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Southern Ocean

Ocean Island
1 ― see BANABA
2 ― see KURE ATOLL

ocean perch
: any of several marine scorpaenid food fishes (genus Sebastes): a : REDFISH A also : a related food fish (S. fasciatus) b : one (S. alutus) abundant in the northeastern Pacific from Japan to the Bering Sea to southern California

ocean sunfish
: a large bony fish (Mola mola of the family Molidae, order Tetraodontiformes) having high dorsal and anal fins and a body nearly oval in outline and attaining a length of 10 feet (3 meters) and a weight in excess of 2 tons (1.8 metric tons)

oceanarium
n. : a large marine aquarium

oceanfront
n. : a shore area on the ocean

oceangoing
adj. : of, relating to, or designed for travel on the ocean

Oceania
n. the lands of the cen & S Pacific including Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia (including New Zealand), often Australia, & sometimes the Malay Archipelago
–Oce·a·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

oceanic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the ocean b : occurring in or frequenting the ocean and especially the open sea as distinguished from littoral or neritic waters
2 : VAST, GREAT

Oceanid
n. : any of the ocean nymphs that are daughters of Oceanus and Tethys in Greek mythology

oceanography
: a science that deals with the oceans and includes the delimitation of their extent and depth, the physics and chemistry of their waters, marine biology, and the exploitation of their resources
–ocean·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–ocean·o·graph·ic \-nə-'gra-fik\ also ocean·o·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–ocean·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

oceanology
n. : OCEANOGRAPHY specifically : the science of marine resources and technology
–ocean·ol·o·gist \-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Oceanside
adj. city SW Calif. NNW of San Diego pop 161,029

Oceanus
n. : a Titan who rules over a great river encircling the earth in Greek mythology

ocellus
n. 1 : a minute simple eye or eyespot of an invertebrate
2 : an eyelike colored spot (as on a peacock feather or the wings of some butterflies)
–ocel·lar \ō-'se-lər\ adjective

ocelot
n. : a medium-sized American wildcat (Felis pardalis) that ranges from Texas to northern Argentina and has a tawny-yellow or grayish coat dotted and striped with black

ocher
n. 1 : an earthy usually red or yellow and often impure iron ore used as a pigment
2 : the color of ocher especially : the color of yellow ocher
–ocher·ous \'ō-k(ə-)rəs\ or ochre·ous \'ō-k(ə-)rəs, -krē-əs\ adjective

ochlocracy
n. : government by the mob : mob rule
–och·lo·crat \'ä-klə-ˌkrat\ noun
–och·lo·crat·ic \ˌä-klə-'kra-tik\ or och·lo·crat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

Ochs
Adolph Simon 1858-1935 American newspaper publisher

ocicat
: any of a breed of domestic cats developed by crossing Siamese, American shorthair, and Abyssinian cats and having a short spotted coat

ock
: small one <hillock>

Ockham
William of ca 1285-?1349 Eng. philos.
–Ock·ham·is·tic or Oc·cam·is·tic \ˌä-kə-'mis-tik\ adjective

Ockham's razor
variant of occam's razor

Ocmulgee
river 255 mi (410 km) cen Ga. flowing SE to join the Oco·nee \ō-'kō-nē\ (250 mi or 402 km) forming the Altamaha

Ocmulgee National Monument
n. reservation cen Ga. at Macon containing American Indian mounds & other remains

Ocoee
city cen Fla. W of Orlando pop 24,391

ocotillo
n. : a thorny scarlet-flowered candlewood (Fouquieria splendens of the family Fouquieriaceae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico

OCR
n. optical character reader; optical character recognition

Ocracoke Island
island off cen N.C. coast bet. Pamlico Sound & the Atlantic ― see CROATAN

OCS
1 officer candidate school
2 Old Church Slavic; Old Church Slavonic

Oct
n. October

octa
pref. : eight <octane> <octoroon>

octagon
n. : a polygon of eight angles and eight sides
–oc·tag·o·nal \äk-'ta-gə-nəl\ adjective
–oc·tag·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

octahedral
adj. 1 : having eight plane faces
2 : of, relating to, or formed in octahedrons
–oc·ta·he·dral·ly \-drə-lē\ adverb

octahedron
n. : a solid bounded by eight plane faces

octal
adj. : of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of eight

octameter
n. : a line of verse consisting of eight metrical feet

octane
n. 1 : any of several isomeric liquid alkanes C_8H_18
2 : OCTANE NUMBER

octane
n. high octane
octane number
octane rating

octane number
: a number that is used to measure the antiknock properties of a liquid motor fuel (as gasoline) with a higher number indicating a smaller likelihood of knocking ― called also octane rating ― compare CETANE NUMBER

octant
n. 1 : an instrument for observing altitudes of a celestial body from a moving ship or aircraft
2 : any of the eight parts into which a space is divided by three coordinate planes

octapeptide
n. : a protein fragment or molecule (as oxytocin or vasopressin) that consists of eight amino acids linked in a polypeptide chain

octave
n. 1 : an 8-day period of observances beginning with a festival day
2 a : a stanza of eight lines : OTTAVA RIMA b : the first eight lines of an Italian sonnet
3 a : a musical interval embracing eight diatonic degrees b : a tone or note at this interval c : the harmonic combination of two tones an octave apart d : the whole series of notes, tones, or digitals comprised within this interval and forming the unit of the modern scale e : an organ stop giving tones an octave above those corresponding to the digitals
4 : the interval between two frequencies (as in an electromagnetic spectrum) having a ratio of 2 to 1
5 : a group of eight

Octavius
n. ― see AUGUSTUS

octavo
n. : the size of a piece of paper cut eight from a sheet also : a book, a page, or paper of this size

octet
n. 1 : a musical composition for eight instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of eight: as a : OCTAVE 2B b : the performers of an octet

octillion
n. ― see NUMBER table

October
n. : the 10th month of the Gregorian calendar

octodecillion
― see NUMBER table

octogenarian
n. : a person whose age is in the eighties
–octogenarian adjective

octoploid
: having a chromosome number eight times the basic haploid chromosome number
–octoploid noun

octopod
n. : any of an order (Octopoda) of cephalopod mollusks (as an octopus or argonaut) that have eight arms bearing sessile suckers
–octopod adjective

octopus
n. 1 : any of a genus (Octopus) of cephalopod mollusks that have eight muscular arms equipped with two rows of suckers broadly : any octopod excepting the paper nautilus
2 : something that resembles an octopus especially in having many centrally directed branches

octoroon
n. : a person of one-eighth black ancestry

octosyllabic
n. 1 : consisting of eight syllables
2 : composed of verses of eight syllables
–octosyllabic noun

octosyllable
n. : a word or line of eight syllables

octothorpe
n. : the symbol #

ocular
n. 1 a : done or perceived by the eye <ocular inspection> b : based on what has been seen <ocular testimony>
2 a : of or relating to the eye <ocular muscles> b : resembling an eye in form or function

ocular
n. : EYEPIECE

ocularist
n. : a person who makes and fits artificial eyes

oculist
n. 1 : OPHTHALMOLOGIST
2 : OPTOMETRIST

oculomotor
n. 1 : moving or tending to move the eyeball
2 : of or relating to the oculomotor nerve

oculomotor nerve
: either of the pair of chiefly motor nerves that comprise the third pair of cranial nerves, arise from the midbrain, and supply four muscles of the eye

oculus
n. 1 : a circular or oval window
2 : a circular opening at the top of a dome

OD
n. 1 : an overdose of a narcotic
2 : one who has taken an OD

OD
n. 1 : to become ill or die of an OD
2 : to have or experience too much of something ― usually used with on <OD on television>

OD
n. 1 doctor of optometry
2 [Latin oculus dexter] right eye
3 officer of the day
4 olive drab
5 on demand
6 outside diameter; outside dimension
7 overdraft; overdrawn

od
n. archaic ― used as a mild oath

od
n. Odd Fellow
odd lot
odd man out
odd permutation
odd pinnate
odd pinnately
odd trick

odalisque
n. 1 : a female slave
2 : a concubine in a harem

odd
adj. 1 a : being without a corresponding mate <an odd shoe> b (1) : left over after others are paired or grouped (2) : separated from a set or series
2 a : somewhat more than the indicated approximate quantity, extent, or degree ― usually used in combination <300-odd pages> b (1) : left over as a remainder <had a few odd dollars left after paying his bills> (2) : constituting a small amount <had some odd change in her pocket>
3 a : being any of the integers (as -3, -1, +1, and +3) that are not exactly divisible by two b : marked by an odd number of units c : being a function such that f (-x) = -f (x) where the sign is reversed but the absolute value remains the same if the sign of the independent variable is reversed
4 a : not regular, expected, or planned <worked at odd jobs> b : encountered or experienced from time to time : OCCASIONAL
5 : having an out-of-the-way location : REMOTE
6 : differing markedly from the usual or ordinary or accepted : PECULIAR
synonyms see STRANGE
–odd·ness noun

odd
adj. Odd Fellow
odd lot
odd man out
odd permutation
odd pinnate
odd pinnately
odd trick

Odd Fellow
: a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

odd lot
: a number or quantity other than the usual unit in transactions especially : a quantity of less than 100 shares of stock

odd man out
: a person who differs from the other members of a group

odd permutation
: a permutation that is produced by the successive application of an odd number of interchanges of pairs of elements

odd trick
: each trick in excess of six won by declarer's side at bridge ― compare BOOK 9

odd-pinnate
: having leaflets on each side of the petiole and having a single leaflet at the tip of the petiole ― see LEAF illustration
–odd-pin·nate·ly adverb

oddball
n. : one that is eccentric
–oddball adjective

oddity
n. 1 : an odd person, thing, event, or trait
2 : the quality or state of being odd

oddly
adv. 1 : in an odd manner
2 : as is odd <was quite happy, oddly enough>

oddment
n. 1 a : something left over : REMNANT b plural : ODDS AND ENDS
2 : something odd : ODDITY

odds
n. 1 a archaic : INEQUALITIES b obsolete : degree of unlikeness
2 a : an amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another <won the election by considerable odds> b (1) : a difference favoring one of two opposed things <overwhelming odds> (2) : a difference in terms of advantage or disadvantage <what's the odds, if thinking so makes them happy ― Flora Thompson> c (1) : the probability that one thing is so or will happen rather than another : CHANCES <the odds are against it> (2) : the ratio of the probability of one event to that of an alternative event
3 : DISAGREEMENT, VARIANCE ― usually used with at <faculty and administration often are at odds on everything ― W. E. Brock b1930>
4 a : special favor : PARTIALITY b : an allowance granted by one making a bet to one accepting the bet and designed to equalize the chances favoring one of the bettors c : the ratio between the amount to be paid off for a winning bet and the amount of the bet
–by all odds : in every way : without question <by all odds the best book of the year>

odds
n. by all odds
odds and ends
odds on

odds and ends
1 a : miscellaneous articles b : miscellaneous small matters (as of business) to be attended to
2 : miscellaneous remnants or leftovers <odds and ends of food>

odds-on
1 : having or viewed as having a better than even chance to win <the odds-on favorite>
2 : not involving much risk : pretty sure <an odds-on bet>

oddsmaker
: one who figures betting odds

ode
n. : a lyric poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style, varying length of line, and complexity of stanza forms
–od·ist \-ist\ noun

ode
n. 1 : way : path <electrode>
2 : electrode <diode>

Odense
city Denmark in N Fyn Is. pop 184,308

Oder
n. river ab 565 mi (909 km) cen Europe rising in the mountains of Silesia, Czech Republic & flowing N to join Neisse River & thence N into the Baltic Sea

oderint dum metuant
: let them hate, so long as they fear

Odessa
n. 1 city W Tex. pop 90,943
2 or Ukrainian Odesa city & port S Ukraine on Black Sea pop 1,101,000

Odets
Clifford 1906-1963 American dram.

odeum
n. 1 : a small roofed theater of ancient Greece and Rome used chiefly for competitions in music and poetry
2 : a theater or concert hall

odi et amo
: I hate and I love

odic
adj. : of, relating to, or forming an ode

odiferous
adj. : ODORIFEROUS

Odin
n. : the supreme god and creator in Norse mythology

odious
adj. : arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance : HATEFUL <an odious crime> <a false and odious comparison>
–odi·ous·ly adverb
–odi·ous·ness noun

odium
n. 1 : the state or fact of being subjected to hatred and contempt as a result of a despicable act or blameworthy circumstance
2 : hatred and condemnation accompanied by loathing or contempt : DETESTATION
3 : disrepute or infamy attached to something : OPPROBRIUM

Odoacer
433-493 1st barbarian ruler of Italy (476-493)

odometer
n. : an instrument for measuring the distance traveled (as by a vehicle)

odonate
n. : any of an order (Odonata) of predaceous insects comprising the dragonflies and damselflies
–odonate adjective

odont
: tooth <odontoblast>

odont
: having teeth of a (specified) nature <acrodont>

odontia
: form, condition, or mode of treatment of the teeth <orthodontia>

odontoblast
n. : any of the elongated radially arranged cells on the surface of the dental pulp that secrete dentin
–odon·to·blas·tic \-ˌdän-tə-'blas-tik\ adjective

odontoglossum
n. : any of a genus (Odontoglossum) of widely cultivated tropical American orchids

odontoid process
: a toothlike process projecting from the anterior end of the centrum of the axis vertebra on which the atlas vertebra rotates

odor
n. 1 a : a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ : SCENT b : a sensation resulting from adequate stimulation of the olfactory organ : SMELL
2 a : a characteristic or predominant quality : FLAVOR <the odor of sanctity> b : REPUTE, ESTIMATION <in bad odor>
3 archaic : something that emits a sweet or pleasing scent : PERFUME
synonyms see SMELL
–odored \'ō-dərd\ adjective
–odor·less \-dər-ləs\ adjective

odorant
adj. : an odorous substance especially : one added to a dangerous odorless substance to warn of its presence

odoriferous
adj. 1 : yielding an odor : ODOROUS
2 : morally offensive <odoriferous legislation>
–odor·if·er·ous·ly adverb
–odor·if·er·ous·ness noun

odorize
v. : to make odorous : SCENT

odorous
adj. : having an odor: as a : FRAGRANT b : MALODOROUS
–odor·ous·ly adverb
–odor·ous·ness noun
synonyms ODOROUS, FRAGRANT, REDOLENT, AROMATIC mean emitting and diffusing scent. ODOROUS applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant <odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped>. FRAGRANT applies to things (as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors <a fragrant rose>. REDOLENT applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors <the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes>. AROMATIC applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors <an aromatic blend of tobaccos>.

odour
n. chiefly British variant of odor

Odyssean
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Odysseus or his journey

Odysseus
n. : a king of Ithaca and Greek leader in the Trojan War who after the war wanders 10 years before reaching home

odyssey
n. 1 : a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune
2 : an intellectual or spiritual wandering or quest

Oe
n. oersted

Oe
n. Kenzaburo 1935-     Jp. writer

Oea
― see TRIPOLI 2

OECD
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

oecumenical
adj. chiefly British variant of ecumenical

OED
Oxford English Dictionary

oedema
n. chiefly British variant of edema

oedipal
adj. : of, relating to, or resulting from the Oedipus complex
–oe·di·pal·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb often cap

Oedipus
n. : the son of Laius and Jocasta who in fulfillment of an oracle unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother

Oedipus
n. : OEDIPAL

Oedipus complex
: the positive libidinal feelings of a child toward the parent of the opposite sex and hostile or jealous feelings toward the parent of the same sex that may be a source of adult personality disorder when unresolved

Oehlenschlager
Adam Gottlob 1779-1850 Dan. poet & dram.

oeil-de-boeuf
: OCULUS 1

oeillade
: a glance of the eye especially : OGLE

OEM
n. : one that produces complex equipment (as a computer system) from components usually bought from other manufacturers

oenology
n. variant of enology

Oenone
: a nymph who is abandoned by her husband Paris for Helen of Troy

oenophile
n. : a lover or connoisseur of wine

OEO
Office of Economic Opportunity

OER
officer efficiency report

oersted
n. : the unit of magnetic field strength in the centimeter-gram-second system

oesophagus
n. chiefly British variant of esophagus

oestr
chiefly British variant of estr-

Oeta
mountains cen Greece, E spur of Pindus Mountains; highest point 7060 ft (2152 m)

oeuvre
n. : a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer

OF
prep. outfield

of
prep. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate a point of reckoning <north of the lake>
2 a ― used as a function word to indicate origin or derivation <a man of noble birth> b ― used as a function word to indicate the cause, motive, or reason <died of flu> c : BY <plays of Shakespeare> d : on the part of <very kind of you> e : occurring in <a fish of the western Atlantic>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate the component material, parts, or elements or the contents <throne of gold> <cup of water>
4 a ― used as a function word to indicate the whole that includes the part denoted by the preceding word <most of the army> b ― used as a function word to indicate a whole or quantity from which a part is removed or expended <gave of his time>
5 a : relating to : ABOUT <stories of her travels> b : in respect to <slow of speech>
6 a ― used as a function word to indicate belonging or a possessive relationship <king of England> b ― used as a function word to indicate relationship between a result determined by a function or operation and a basic entity (as an independent variable) <a function of x> <the product of two numbers>
7 ― used as a function word to indicate something from which a person or thing is delivered <eased of her pain> or with respect to which someone or something is made destitute <robbed of all their belongings>
8 a ― used as a function word to indicate a particular example belonging to the class denoted by the preceding noun <the city of Rome> b ― used as a function word to indicate apposition <that fool of a husband>
9 a ― used as a function word to indicate the object of an action denoted or implied by the preceding noun <love of nature> b ― used as a function word to indicate the application of a verb <cheats him of a dollar> or of an adjective <fond of candy>
10 ― used as a function word to indicate a characteristic or distinctive quality or possession <a woman of courage>
11 a ― used as a function word to indicate the position in time of an action or occurrence <died of a Monday> b : BEFORE <quarter of ten>
12 archaic : ON <a plague of all cowards ― Shakespeare>

of
prep. nonstandard : HAVE ― used in place of the contraction 've often in representations of uneducated speech <I could of beat them easy ― Ring Lardner>

of a certain age
of a somewhat advanced age : no longer young <remembered by people of a certain age>

of a piece
ALIKE, CONSISTENT

of choice
to be preferred

of course

1 : following the ordinary way or procedure <will be done as a matter of course>
2 : as might be expected <of course we will go>

of few words
not inclined to say more than is necessary : LACONIC <a man of few words>

of late
in the period shortly or immediately preceding : RECENTLY <has been sick of late>

of necessity
in such a way that it cannot be otherwise also : as a necessary consequence <further changes will occur of necessity>

of one's word
that can be relied on to keep a promise ― used only after man or woman <a man of his word>

of record

1 : being documented or attested <a partner of record in several firms>
2 : being authoritative or sanctioned <a newspaper of record>

of right

1 : as an absolute right
2 : legally or morally exactable

of sorts
or of a sort : in some respects but not entirely or truly <a vacation of sorts>

of the essence
of the utmost importance <time is of the essence>

ofay
n. usually disparaging : a white person

off
adj. 1 a (1) : from a place or position <march off> specifically : away from land <ship stood off to sea> (2) : at a distance in space or time <stood 10 paces off> <a long way off> b : from a course : ASIDE <turned off into a bypath> specifically : away from the wind c : into an unconscious state <dozed off>
2 a : so as to be separated from support <rolled to the edge of the table and off> or close contact <blew the lid off> <the handle came off> b : so as to be divided <surface marked off into squares>
3 a : to a state of discontinuance or suspension <shut off an engine> b ― used as an intensifier <drink off a glass> <finish it off>
4 : in absence from or suspension of regular work or service <take time off for lunch>
5 : OFFSTAGE

off
adj. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate physical separation or distance from a position of rest, attachment, or union <take it off the table> <a path off the main walk> <a shop just off the main street> b : to seaward of <two miles off shore>
2 : from the possession or charge of <had his wallet stolen off him>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate the object of an action <borrowed a dollar off him> <dined off oysters>
4 a ― used as a function word to indicate the suspension of an occupation or activity <off duty> <off liquor> b : below the usual standard or level of <off his game>

off
adj. 1 a : SEAWARD b : RIGHT c : more removed or distant <the off side of the building>
2 a : started on the way <off on a spree> b : not taking place or staying in effect : CANCELED <the deal was off> c : not operating d : not placed so as to permit operation
3 a : not corresponding to fact : INCORRECT <off in his reckoning> b : POOR, SUBNORMAL c : not entirely sane : ECCENTRIC d : REMOTE, SLIGHT <an off chance>
4 a : spent off duty <reading on his off days> b : marked by a periodic decline in activity or business <traveled in the off season for lower prices>
5 a : OFF-COLOR b : INFERIOR <off grade of oil> also : affected with putrefaction c : DOWN <stocks were off>
6 : CIRCUMSTANCED <worse off>

off
adj. : to go away : DEPART ― used chiefly as an imperative <off, or I'll shoot>
transitive verb slang : KILL, MURDER

off
adj. office; officer; official

off
adj. off one's gourd
off plumb
back off
off base
off the bat
off one's own bat
beat the pants off
beat off
beg off
better off
bind off
bite off more than one can chew
blast off
blow off steam
blow off
book off
break off
bring off
brush off
bugger off
bug off
bump off
burn off
buy off
call off
off camera
carry off
cast off
change off
charge off
check off
cheesed off
chip off the old block
choke off
clear off
come off it
come off
cook off
cooling off
cry off
off the cuff
cut off
damping off
die off
draw off
drop off
dust off
off duty
face off
fall off
far off
fire off
first off
flip off
fob off
off one's feet
fuck off
get off
give off
go off
go off the deep end
goof off
off the ground
off guard
off the handle
hand off
hands off
hang off
haul off
off one's head
head off
hit it off
hive off
hold off
off the hook
jack off
jerk off
jumping off place
jumping off point
jump off
kick off
kill off
kiss off
knock one's socks off
knock off
laugh off
lay off
lead off
leave off
level off
lie off
make off
make off with
nod off
off and on
off brand
off Broadway
off color
off colored
off gassing
off hour
off key
off kilter
off label
off limits
off line
off load
off of
off off Broadway
off peak
off price
off putting
off puttingly
off ramp
off road
off roader
off season
off site
off speed
off the books
off the peg
off the rack
off the record
off the shelf
off the wall
off white
off year
on again off again
on and off
one off
palm off
pass off
pawn off
pay off
peel off
pick off
piss off
play off
polish off
pop off
power take off
pull off
push off
put off
rake off
reel off
right off
ring off the hook
ring off
rip off
off one's rocker
roll off
rub off
run off
run off with
sawed off
seal off
sell off
send off
set off
show off
shrug off
shut off
sign off
sod off
sound off
spin off
square off
squeeze off
stand off
stave off
straight off
strike off
sugaring off
sugar off
swear off
sweep one off one's feet
take off
taper off
tap off
off target
teed off
tee off
tell off
throw off
tick off
tip off
off the top of one's head
touch off
trade off
turn off
off the wagon
walk off with
well off
whack off
off the wind
work off
write off

off and on
: with periodic cessation : INTERMITTENTLY <rained off and on all day>

off base

1 : WRONG, MISTAKEN <estimates were way off base>
2 : UNAWARES <caught off base by the charges>

off Broadway
: a part of the New York professional theater stressing fundamental and artistic values and formerly engaging in experimentation
–off-Broadway adjective or adverb often cap O

off camera

1 : while not being filmed by a television or movie camera <he's a different person off camera>
2 : outside the scope of a television or movie camera <sounds of gunfire taking place off camera>

off duty
free from assignment or responsibility

off guard
in an unprepared or unsuspecting state

off of
: OFF
usage The of is often criticized as superfluous, a comment that is irrelevant because off of is an idiom. It is much more common in speech than in edited writing and is more common in American English than in British.

off one's feet
in a sitting or lying position

off one's head
CRAZY, DISTRACTED

off one's own bat
chiefly British : through one's own efforts

off one's rocker
in a state of extreme confusion or insanity <went off her rocker, and had to be put away ― Mervyn Wall>

off target
not valid : INACCURATE

off the bat
without delay : IMMEDIATELY <recognized him right off the bat>

off the cuff
without preparation : AD LIB <speaking off the cuff>

off the ground
in or as if in flight : off to a good start <the program never got off the ground>

off the handle
into a state of sudden and violent anger ― usually used with fly

off the hook

1 : out of trouble
2 : free of responsibility or accountability

off the record
not for publication <spoke off the record> <remarks that were off the record>

off the shelf
available from stock : not made to order <off the shelf equipment>

off the top of one's head
in an impromptu manner <sat down and wrote the⋯story off the top of his head ― Jerome Beatty, Jr.>

off the wagon
in or into a state of no longer abstaining from alcoholic beverages <fell off the wagon>

off the wall
slang : CRAZY <the plan was off the wall>

off the wind
away from the direction from which the wind is blowing

off year
1 : a year in which no major election is held
2 : a year of diminished activity or production <an off year for auto sales>

off-brand
: not identified with a major brand name <off-brand sneakers>

off-color
1 a : not having the right or standard color b : being out of sorts
2 a : of doubtful propriety : DUBIOUS b : verging on the indecent <off-color remarks>

off-gassing
: the emission of especially noxious gases (as from a building material)

off-hour
1 : a period of time other than a rush hour
2 : a period of time other than regular business hours

off-key
1 : varying in pitch from the proper tone of a melody
2 : IRREGULAR, ANOMALOUS

off-kilter
1 : not in perfect balance : a bit askew
2 : ECCENTRIC, UNCONVENTIONAL <off-kilter characters> <an off-kilter approach>

off-label
: of, relating to, or being a drug used to treat a condition for which it has not been officially approved

off-limits
: not to be entered or patronized by a designated class (as military personnel) also : not to be interfered with, considered, or spoken of <the subject of sex was off-limits in her family>

off-line
: not connected to or served by a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system also : done independently of such a system <off-line activities>
–off-line adverb

off-load
: UNLOAD

off-off-Broadway
: an avant-garde theatrical movement in New York
–off-off-Broadway adjective or adverb often cap both Os

off-peak
: not being in the period of maximum use or business : not peak <telephone rates during off-peak hours>

off-price
: of, relating to, selling, or being discounted merchandise <an off-price store> <off-price apparel>

off-putting
: that puts one off : REPELLENT, DISCONCERTING <an off-putting attitude>
–off-put·ting·ly \-lē\ adverb

off-ramp
: a ramp by which one leaves a limited-access highway

off-road
: of, relating to, done with, or being a vehicle designed especially to operate away from public roads

off-roader
1 : a driver of an off-road vehicle
2 : an off-road vehicle

off-season
: a time of suspended or reduced activity especially : the time during which an athlete is not training or competing

off-site
: not located or occurring at the site of a particular activity

off-speed
: being slower than usual or expected <throwing off-speed pitches>

off-the-books
: not reported or recorded <off-the-books transactions> <off-the-books covert operations>
–off the books adverb

off-the-cuff
: not prepared in advance : SPONTANEOUS, INFORMAL <off-the-cuff remarks>
–off-the-cuff adverb

off-the-peg
chiefly British : READY-MADE 1

off-the-rack
: READY-MADE 1 <off-the-rack suits>

off-the-record
: given or made in confidence and not for publication <off-the-record comments>

off-the-shelf
: available as a stock item : not specially designed or custom-made <off-the-shelf software>

off-the-wall
: highly unusual : BIZARRE <an off-the-wall sense of humor>

off-white
: a yellowish or grayish white

offal
n. 1 : the waste or by-product of a process: as a : trimmings of a hide b : the by-products of milling used especially for stock feeds c : the viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal removed in dressing : VARIETY MEAT
2 : RUBBISH

Offaly
county cen Ireland in Leinster capital Tullamore area 771 sq mi (2005 sq km), pop 63,663

offbeat
adj. : an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure

offbeat
adj. : ECCENTRIC, UNCONVENTIONAL

offcast
adj. : cast off : DISCARDED
–offcast noun

offcut
n. chiefly British : something that is cut off (as a waste piece of lumber)

Offenbach
Jacques 1819-1880 Fr. composer

Offenbach
city SW cen Germany on Main River E of Frankfurt am Main pop 115,790

offend
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to transgress the moral or divine law : SIN <if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive ― Shakespeare> b : to violate a law or rule : do wrong <offend against the law>
2 a : to cause difficulty, discomfort, or injury <took off his shoe and removed the offending pebble> b : to cause dislike, anger, or vexation <thoughtless words that offend needlessly>
transitive verb
1 a : VIOLATE, TRANSGRESS b : to cause pain to : HURT
2 obsolete : to cause to sin or fall
3 : to cause to feel vexation or resentment usually by violation of what is proper or fitting <was offended by their language>
–of·fend·er noun
synonyms OFFEND, OUTRAGE, AFFRONT, INSULT mean to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment. OFFEND need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting <hoped that my remarks had not offended her>. OUTRAGE implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings <outraged by their accusations>. AFFRONT implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy <deeply affronted by his callousness>. INSULT suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame <insulted every guest at the party>.

offense
n. 1 a obsolete : an act of stumbling b archaic : a cause or occasion of sin : STUMBLING BLOCK
2 : something that outrages the moral or physical senses
3 a : the act of attacking : ASSAULT b : the means or method of attacking or of attempting to score c : the offensive team or members of a team playing offensive positions d : scoring ability
4 a : the act of displeasing or affronting b : the state of being insulted or morally outraged <takes offense at the slightest criticism>
5 a : a breach of a moral or social code : SIN, MISDEED b : an infraction of law especially : MISDEMEANOR
–of·fense·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms OFFENSE, RESENTMENT, UMBRAGE, PIQUE, DUDGEON, HUFF mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. OFFENSE implies hurt displeasure <takes deep offense at racial slurs>. RESENTMENT suggests lasting indignation or ill will <harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother>. UMBRAGE may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives <took umbrage at the offer of advice>. PIQUE applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity <in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation>. DUDGEON suggests an angry fit of indignation <stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon>. HUFF implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause <in a huff he slammed the door>.
synonyms OFFENSE, SIN, VICE, CRIME, SCANDAL mean a transgression of law. OFFENSE applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code <at that school no offense went unpunished>. SIN implies an offense against moral or religious law <the sin of blasphemy>. VICE applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts <regarded gambling as a vice>. CRIME implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <the crime of murder>. SCANDAL applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience <a career ruined by a sex scandal>.

offensive
n. 1 a : making attack : AGGRESSIVE b : of, relating to, or designed for attack <offensive weapons> c : of or relating to an attempt to score in a game or contest also : of or relating to a team in possession of the ball or puck
2 : giving painful or unpleasant sensations : NAUSEOUS, OBNOXIOUS <an offensive odor>
3 : causing displeasure or resentment <offensive remarks>
–of·fen·sive·ly adverb
–of·fen·sive·ness noun

offensive
n. 1 : the act of an attacking party
2 : ATTACK

offer
n. transitive verb
1 a : to present as an act of worship or devotion : SACRIFICE b : to utter (as a prayer) in devotion
2 a : to present for acceptance or rejection : TENDER <was offered a job> b : to present in order to satisfy a requirement <candidates for degrees may offer French as one of their foreign languages>
3 a : PROPOSE, SUGGEST <offer a solution to a problem> b : to declare one's readiness or willingness <offered to help me>
4 a : to try or begin to exert : PUT UP <offered stubborn resistance> b : THREATEN <offered to strike him with his cane>
5 : to make available : AFFORD especially : to place (merchandise) on sale
6 : to present in performance or exhibition
7 : to propose as payment : BID
intransitive verb
1 : to present something as an act of worship or devotion : SACRIFICE
2 archaic : to make an attempt
3 : to present itself
4 : to make a proposal (as of marriage)

offer
n. 1 a : a presenting of something for acceptance <considering job offers from several firms> <an offer of marriage> b : an undertaking to do an act or give something on condition that the party to whom the proposal is made do some specified act or make a return promise
2 obsolete : OFFERING
3 : a price named by one proposing to buy : BID
4 a : ATTEMPT, TRY b : an action or movement indicating a purpose or intention
–on offer
chiefly British : being offered especially for sale

offer
n. on offer
tender offer
peace offering

offering
n. 1 a : the act of one who offers b : something offered especially : a sacrifice ceremonially offered as a part of worship c : a contribution to the support of a church
2 : something offered for sale or patronage <latest offerings of the leading novelists>
3 : a course of instruction or study

offertory
n. 1 often capitalized a : the eucharistic offering of bread and wine to God before they are consecrated b : a verse from a Psalm said or sung at the beginning of the offertory
2 a : the period of collection and presentation of the offerings of the congregation at public worship b : a musical composition played or sung during an offertory

offhand
adj. : without premeditation or preparation : EXTEMPORE <couldn't give the figures offhand>

offhand
adj. 1 : CASUAL, INFORMAL <a relaxed, offhand manner>
2 : done or made offhand <offhand excuses>

offhanded
adj. : OFFHAND
–off·hand·ed·ly adverb
–off·hand·ed·ness noun

office
n. 1 a : a special duty, charge, or position conferred by an exercise of governmental authority and for a public purpose : a position of authority to exercise a public function and to receive whatever emoluments may belong to it b : a position of responsibility or some degree of executive authority
2 [Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin officium, from L] : a prescribed form or service of worship specifically capitalized : DIVINE OFFICE
3 : a religious or social ceremonial observance : RITE
4 a : something that one ought to do or must do : an assigned or assumed duty, task, or role b : the proper or customary action of something : FUNCTION c : something done for another : SERVICE
5 : a place where a particular kind of business is transacted or a service is supplied: as a : a place in which the functions of a public officer are performed b : the directing headquarters of an enterprise or organization c : the place in which a professional person conducts business
6 plural chiefly British : the apartments, attached buildings, or outhouses in which the activities attached to the service of a house are carried on
7 a : a major administrative unit in some governments <British Foreign Office> b : a subdivision of some government departments <Patent Office>
synonyms see FUNCTION

office
n. back office
booking office
box office
Divine Office
foreign office
front office
Holy Office
land office
land office business
Little Office
office boy
Oval Office
patent office
post office
printing office
ticket office
good offices

office boy
: a boy or man employed for odd jobs in a business office

officeholder
n. : one holding a public office

officer
n. 1 a obsolete : AGENT b : one charged with police duties
2 : one who holds an office of trust, authority, or command <the officers of the bank> <chief executive officer>
3 a : one who holds a position of authority or command in the armed forces specifically : COMMISSIONED OFFICER b : the master or any of the mates of a merchant or passenger ship

officer
n. 1 : to furnish with officers
2 : to command or direct as an officer

officer
n. attendance officer
chief petty officer
chief warrant officer
commanding officer
commissioned officer
company officer
company grade officer
executive officer
field officer
flag officer
flying officer
general officer
juvenile officer
line officer
master chief petty officer
master chief petty officer of the navy
noncommissioned officer
officer of arms
peace officer
petty officer
petty officer first class
petty officer second class
petty officer third class
pilot officer
police officer
probation officer
public officer
senior chief petty officer
staff officer
truant officer
truancy officer
warrant officer
master chief petty officer of the coast guard

officer of arms

circa 1500
: any of the officers (as king of arms, herald, or pursuivant) of a monarch or government responsible for devising and granting armorial bearings

official
n. 1 : one who holds or is invested with an office : OFFICER <government officials>
2 : one who administers the rules of a game or sport especially as a referee or umpire

official
n. 1 : of or relating to an office, position, or trust <official duties>
2 : holding an office
3 a : AUTHORITATIVE, AUTHORIZED <official statement> b : prescribed or recognized as authorized <an official language> c : described by the U.S. Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary
4 : befitting or characteristic of a person in office <extended an official greeting>
–of·fi·cial·ly \-'fi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

officialdom
n. : officials as a class

officialese
n. : the characteristic language of official statements : wordy, pompous, or obscure language

officialism
n. : lack of flexibility and initiative combined with excessive adherence to regulations in the behavior of usually government officials

officiant
n. : one (as a priest) that officiates at a religious rite

officiary
adj. 1 : OFFICER, OFFICIAL
2 : a body of officers or officials

officiary
adj. : connected with, derived from, or having a title or rank by virtue of holding an office <officiary earl>

officiate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to perform a ceremony, function, or duty <officiate at a wedding>
2 : to act in an official capacity : act as an official (as at a sports contest)
transitive verb
1 : to carry out (an official duty or function)
2 : to serve as a leader or celebrant of (a ceremony)
3 : to administer the rules of (a game or sport) especially as a referee or umpire
–of·fi·ci·a·tion \-ˌfi-shē-'ā-shən\ noun

officinal
adj. : MEDICINAL <a monograph on officinal flora>

officious
adj. 1 archaic a : KIND, OBLIGING b : DUTIFUL
2 : volunteering one's services where they are neither asked nor needed : MEDDLESOME
3 : INFORMAL, UNOFFICIAL
synonyms see IMPERTINENT
–of·fi·cious·ly adverb
–of·fi·cious·ness noun

offing
n. 1 : the part of the deep sea seen from the shore
2 : the near or foreseeable future <in the offing>

offish
adj. : STANDOFFISH
–off·ish·ness noun

offprint
n. : a separately printed excerpt (as a magazine article)
–offprint transitive verb

offscouring
n. 1 : someone rejected by society : OUTCAST
2 : something that is scoured off : REFUSE

offscreen
adj. 1 : out of sight of the motion picture or television viewer
2 : in private life

offset
n. 1 a archaic : OUTSET, START b : CESSATION
2 a (1) : a short prostrate lateral shoot arising from the base of a plant (2) : a small bulb arising from the base of another bulb b : a lateral or collateral branch (as of a family or race) : OFFSHOOT c : a spur from a range of hills
3 a : a horizontal ledge on the face of a wall formed by a diminution of its thickness above b : DISPLACEMENT c : an abrupt change in the dimension or profile of an object or the part set off by such change
4 : something that sets off to advantage or embellishes something else : FOIL
5 : an abrupt bend in an object by which one part is turned aside out of line
6 : something that serves to counterbalance or to compensate for something else especially : either of two balancing ledger items
7 a : unintentional transfer of ink (as from a freshly printed sheet) b : a printing process in which an inked impression from a plate is first made on a rubber-blanketed cylinder and then transferred to the paper being printed
–offset adjective or adverb

offset
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place over against something : BALANCE <credits offset debits> b : to serve as a counterbalance for : COMPENSATE <his speed offset his opponent's greater weight>
2 : to form an offset in <offset a wall>
intransitive verb : to become marked by offset

offshoot
n. 1 a : a collateral or derived branch, descendant, or member : OUTGROWTH b : a lateral branch (as of a mountain range)
2 : a branch of a main stem especially of a plant

offshore
adj. 1 : from the shore : SEAWARD also : at a distance from the shore
2 : outside the country : ABROAD

offshore
adj. 1 : coming or moving away from the shore toward the water <an offshore breeze>
2 a : situated off the shore but within waters under a country's control <offshore fisheries> b : distant from the shore ― compare INSHORE
3 : situated or operating in a foreign country <offshore mutual funds> <offshore banking>

offshore
adj. : off the shore of

offside
adj. : illegally in advance of the ball or puck

offspring
n. 1 a : the product of the reproductive processes of an animal or plant : YOUNG, PROGENY b : CHILD
2 a : PRODUCT, RESULT <scholarly manuscripts97the labored offsprings of PhDs ― Donna Martin> b : OFFSHOOT 1A

offstage
adj. 1 : on a part of the stage not visible to the audience
2 : in private life <known offstage as a kindly person>
3 : behind the scenes : out of the public view <much of the important work of the conference was done offstage>

offtrack
adv. : away from a racetrack <betting offtrack> <offtrack bookies>

oft
adv. : OFTEN

often
adv. : many times : FREQUENTLY

oftentimes
adv. : OFTEN, REPEATEDLY

Ogaden
plateau region SE Ethiopia

Ogasawara Islands
― see BONIN ISLANDS

Ogbomosho
city W Nigeria pop 644,200

Ogden
Charles Kay 1889-1957 Brit. psychol.

Ogden
city N Utah pop 77,226

ogee
n. 1 : a molding with an S-shaped profile
2 : a pointed arch having on each side a reversed curve near the apex ― see ARCH illustration

Ogeechee
river 250 mi (402 km) E Ga. flowing SE into the Atlantic

ogham
n. : the alphabetic system of fifth and sixth century Irish in which an alphabet of 20 letters is represented by notches for vowels and lines for consonants and which is known principally from inscriptions cut on the edges of rough standing tombstones
–ogham·ic \ä-'gä-mik, ō-; 'ō-(ə-)mik\ adjective
–ogham·ist \'ä-gə-mist, 'ō-; 'ō-(ə-)mist\ noun

ogival
: of, relating to, or having the form of an ogive or an ogee

ogive
n. 1 a : a diagonal arch or rib across a Gothic vault b : a pointed arch
2 : a graph of a cumulative distribution function or a cumulative frequency distribution
3 : OGEE 1

ogle
n. intransitive verb : to glance with amorous invitation or challenge
transitive verb
1 : to eye amorously or provocatively
2 : to look at especially with greedy or interested attention
–ogler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

ogle
n. : an amorous or coquettish glance

Oglethorpe
James Edward 1696-1785 Eng. philanthropist, gen., & founder of Georgia

Ogodei
1185-1241 Mongol Khan (1229-41)

ogre
n. 1 : a hideous giant of fairy tales and folklore that feeds on human beings : MONSTER
2 : a dreaded person or object
–ogre·ish \'ō-g(ə-)rish\ adjective

ogress
n. : a female ogre

OH
n. Ohio

oh
n. 1 ― used to express an emotion (as surprise or desire) or in response to physical stimuli
2 ― used in direct address <oh, waiter! Will you come here, please?>
3 ― used to express acknowledgment or understanding of a statement
4 ― used to introduce an example or approximation

oh
n. : ZERO

ohia
: LEHUA

ohia lehua
: LEHUA

Ohio
n. 1 river ab 975 mi (1569 km) E U.S. flowing from junction of Allegheny & Monongahela rivers in W Pa. into Mississippi River
2 state NE cen U.S. capital Columbus area 41,222 sq mi (106,765 sq km), pop 11,353,140
–Ohio·an \-'hī-ō-ən\ noun

Ohlin
Bertil Gotthard 1899-1979 Swed. econ.

Ohm
n. Georg Simon 1787-1854 Ger. physicist

ohm
n. : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electric resistance equal to the resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere
–ohm·ic \'ō-mik\ adjective
–ohm·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Ohm's law
: a law in electricity: the strength of a direct current is directly proportional to the potential difference and inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit

ohmmeter
n. : an instrument for indicating resistance in ohms directly

OHMS
n. on Her Majesty's service; on His Majesty's service

oholic
variant of -aholic

Ohre
― see EGER

oic
: containing carboxyl or a derivative <benzoic acid>

oid
: something resembling a (specified) object or having a (specified) quality <globoid>

oid
: resembling : having the form or appearance of <petaloid>

oidium
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Oidium of the family Moniliaceae) of imperfect fungi many of which are now considered to be conidial stages of various powdery mildews b : one of the small conidia borne in chains by various fungi (as an oidium) ― called also arthrospore
2 : a powdery mildew especially of grapes caused by an oidium

oil
n. 1 a : any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth b (1) : PETROLEUM (2) : the petroleum industry
2 : a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency <bath oil>
3 a : an oil color used by an artist b : a painting done in oil colors
4 : unctuous or flattering speech

oil
n. : to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil
intransitive verb : to take on fuel oil
–oil the hand or oil the palm : BRIBE, TIP

oil
n. oil the palm
banana oil
arachis oil
baby oil
burn the midnight oil
cade oil
canola oil
castor oil
castor oil plant
coal oil
coconut oil
cod liver oil
corn oil
cottonseed oil
croton oil
drying oil
essential oil
fish oil
fixed oil
fuel oil
fusel oil
gas oil
holy oil
juniper tar oil
linseed oil
mineral oil
neat's foot oil
neroli oil
nondrying oil
non oil
oil the hand
oil beetle
oil cake
oil color
oil field
oil gland
oil of vitriol
oil of wintergreen
oil paint
oil painting
oil palm
oil pan
oil patch
oil shale
oil slick
oil well
olive oil
palm oil
peanut oil
rapeseed oil
rape oil
residual oil
rock oil
rose oil
safflower oil
salad oil
sandalwood oil
sesame oil
shale oil
snake oil
soybean oil
soya oil
sperm oil
stand oil
tall oil
train oil
tropical oil
tung oil
vegetable oil
volatile oil
white oil
well oiled

oil beetle
: any of various blister beetles (genus Meloe or a related genus) that emit a yellowish liquid from the leg joints when disturbed

oil cake
: the solid residue after extracting the oil from seeds (as of cotton)

oil color
1 : a pigment used for oil paint
2 : OIL PAINT

oil field
: a region rich in petroleum deposits especially : one that has been brought into production

oil gland
: a gland (as of the skin) that produces an oily secretion: as a : a sebaceous gland b : UROPYGIAL GLAND

oil of vitriol

1580
: concentrated sulfuric acid

oil of wintergreen

1857
: the methyl ester of salicylic acid that is used as a flavoring and as a counterirritant

oil paint
: paint in which a drying oil is the vehicle

oil painting
1 a : the act or art of painting in oil colors b : a picture painted in oils
2 : painting that uses pigments orig. ground in oil

oil palm
: an African pinnate-leaved palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivated for its clustered fruit whose flesh and seeds yield oil

oil pan
: the lower section of the crankcase used as a lubricating-oil reservoir on an internal combustion engine

oil patch
1 : OIL FIELD
2 : the petroleum industry

oil shale
: a rock (as shale) from which oil can be recovered by distillation

oil slick
: a film of oil floating on water

oil the hand
or oil the palm : BRIBE, TIP

oil well
: a well from which petroleum is obtained

oilbird
n. : a nocturnal bird (Steatornis caripensis) of northern So. America and Trinidad that is related to the nightjars, feeds chiefly on the fatty fruits of various palms, and has fatty young from which an oil used especially in cooking is extracted ― called also guacharo

oilcan
n. : a can for oil especially : a spouted can designed to release oil drop by drop (as for lubricating machinery)

oilcloth
n. : cloth treated with oil or paint and used for table and shelf coverings

oiled
adj. 1 : lubricated, treated, or covered with or as if with oil <oiled paper>
2 slang : DRUNK 1A

oiler
n. 1 : a person who oils something
2 : a receptacle or device for applying oil
3 plural : OILSKIN 3
4 : an auxiliary naval vessel used for refueling at sea

oilman
n. 1 : an oil company executive
2 : an oil field worker

oilseed
n. : a seed or crop (as flaxseed) grown mainly for oil

oilskin
n. 1 : an oiled waterproof cloth used for coverings and garments
2 : an oilskin raincoat
3 plural : an oilskin suit of coat and trousers

oilstone
n. : a whetstone for use with oil

oily
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2 a : covered or impregnated with oil <oily rags> b : relatively high in naturally secreted oils <oily skin> <oily hair>
3 : excessively smooth or suave in manner
–oil·i·ly \'ȯi-lə-lē\ adverb
–oil·i·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

oink
n. : the natural noise of a hog
–oink intransitive verb

ointment
n. : a salve or unguent for application to the skin

Oise
river 188 mi (302 km) N France flowing SW into the Seine

Oistrakh
David Fyodorovich 1908-1974 Russ. violinist

Oita
city & port Japan in NE Kyushu pop 436,470

oiticica
: any of several So. American trees especially : a Brazilian tree (Licania rigida) with seeds that yield a drying oil similar to tung oil

OJ
orange juice

Ojibwa
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of the region around Lake Superior and westward
2 : an Algonquian language of the Ojibwa people

Ojos del Salado
mountain 22,664 ft (6908 m) NW Argentina in the Andes W of Tucumán

OJT
on-the-job training

OK
n. : ALL RIGHT

OK
n. : APPROVAL, ENDORSEMENT

OK
n. : APPROVE, AUTHORIZE

OK
n. Oklahoma

Oka
1 river 530 mi (853 km) S cen Russia in Asia flowing N from the Sayan Mountains into the Angara
2 river 919 mi (1479 km) cen Russia in Europe flowing into the Volga

oka
variant of oca

Okanogan
river 300 mi (483 km) U.S. & Canada flowing from Okanagan Lake (in SE B.C.) into Columbia River in NE Wash.

okapi
n. : an African ungulate mammal (Okapia johnstoni) that is closely related to the giraffe but has a relatively short neck, a coat typically of solid reddish chestnut on the trunk, yellowish white on the cheeks, and purplish-black and cream rings on the upper parts of the legs

Okavango
river 1000 mi (1609 km) SW cen Africa rising in cen Angola & flowing S & E to empty into Okavango Swamps or Okavango Delta (great marsh area N of Lake Ngami in NW Botswana)

Okayama
city & port Japan in W Honshu on Inland Sea pop 626,642

Okazaki
city Japan in S cen Honshu SE of Nagoya pop 336,583

Okeechobee, Lake
lake 37 mi (60 km) long S cen Fla.

Okefenokee
swamp over 600 sq mi (1554 sq km) SE Ga. & NE Fla.

okeydoke
interj. ― used to express assent

Okhotsk, Sea of
inlet of the Pacific E Russia in Asia W of Kamchatka Peninsula & Kuril Islands

Oki Archipelago
archipelago Japan in Sea of Japan off SW Honshu

Okie
n. sometimes disparaging : a migrant agricultural worker especially : one from Oklahoma in the 1930s

Okinawa
n. 1 island group Japan in cen Ryukyu Islands; largest city Naha; occupied by the U.S. 1945-1972
2 island in the group; largest in the Ryukyus area 454 sq mi (1176 sq km)
–Oki·na·wan \-'nä-wən, -'nau̇-ən\ adjective or noun

Okla
n. Oklahoma

Oklahoma
n. state S cen U.S. capital Oklahoma City area 69,956 sq mi (181,186 sq km), pop 3,450,654
–Okla·ho·man \-mən\ adjective or noun

Oklahoma City
city capital of Okla. on the N. Canadian pop 506,132

okra
n. 1 : a tall annual herb (Abelmoschus esculentus) of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews also : the pods of this plant
2 : 1GUMBO 1

ol
: chemical compound (as an alcohol or phenol) containing hydroxyl <glycerol> <cresol>

ol
― see -OLE

ol
: hydrocarbon chemically related to benzene <xylol>

Olaf
name of 5 kings of Norway: especially Olaf I Trygg·va·son \'trig-və-sən\ ca 964-1000 (reigned 995-1000); Olaf II Har·alds·son \'ha-rəl(d)-sən\ Saint Olaf 995?-1030 (reigned 1016-28); Olaf V 1903-1991 (reigned 1957-91)

Olah
George Andrew 1927-     American (Hung.-born) chem.

olallieberry
: a blackish berry that is a hybrid of a loganberry and youngberry, resembles an elongated blackberry, and is grown chiefly along the western U.S. coast

Oland
island Sweden in Baltic Sea off SE coast; chief town Borgholm area 519 sq mi (1349 sq km), pop 25,382

Olathe
city NE Kans. SW of Kansas City pop 92,962

old
n. 1 a : dating from the remote past : ANCIENT <old traditions> b : persisting from an earlier time <an old ailment> <they brought up the same old argument> c : of long standing <an old friend>
2 a : distinguished from an object of the same kind by being of an earlier date <many still used the old name> b capitalized : belonging to an early period in the development of a language or literature <Old Persian>
3 : having existed for a specified period of time <a child three years old>
4 : of, relating to, or originating in a past era <old chronicles record the event>
5 a : advanced in years or age <an old person> b : showing the characteristics of age <looked old at 20>
6 : EXPERIENCED <an old trooper speaking of the last war>
7 : FORMER <his old students>
8 a : showing the effects of time or use : WORN, AGED <old shoes> b : no longer in use : DISCARDED <old rags> c : of a grayish or dusty color <old mauve> d : TIRESOME <gets old fast>
9 a : long familiar <same old story> <good old Joe> b ― used as an intensive <a high old time> c ― used to express an attitude of affection or amusement <a big old dog> <flex the old biceps> <any old time>
synonyms OLD, ANCIENT, VENERABLE, ANTIQUE, ANTIQUATED, ARCHAIC, OBSOLETE mean having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past. OLD may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence <old houses> <an old sweater of mine>. ANCIENT applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past <ancient accounts of dragons>. VENERABLE stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age <the family's venerable patriarch>. ANTIQUE applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time <collected antique Chippendale furniture>. ANTIQUATED implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time <antiquated teaching methods>. ARCHAIC implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time <the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period>. OBSOLETE may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence <a computer that makes earlier models obsolete>.

old
n. 1 : one of a specified age ― usually used in combination <a 3-year-old>
2 : old or earlier time ― used in the phrase of old <the cavalry of old>

old
n. age old
chip off the old block
dirty old man
good old boy
grand old man
old boy
Old Bulgarian
Old Catholic
Old Christmas
Old Church Slavic
Old Church Slavonic
old country
Old English
Old English sheepdog
old fashioned
Old French
Old Glory
old gold
old growth
old guard
old hand
old hat
Old High German
Old Ionic
Old Iranian
Old Irish
old lady
Old Latin
old line
old maid
old maidishness
old maidish
old man
old man's beard
old master
Old Nick
Old Norse
Old Occitan
Old Persian
Old Prussian
old rose
Old Saxon
old school
old school tie
old shoe
old sledge
old squaw
old style
Old Style
Old Swedish
Old Testament
old time
old timer
old timey
Old Welsh
old wives' tale
old world
Old World
Old Castile
Old Faithful
Old Point Comfort
Old Sarum
old fashionedness
old fashionedly
box elder
elder statesman
marsh elder
eldest hand

old boy
1 often capitalized O&B British : an alumnus especially of a boys' school
2 : a man who is a member of a long-standing and usually influential clique especially in a professional, business, or social sphere

Old Bulgarian
: OLD CHURCH SLAVIC

Old Castile
― see CASTILE

Old Catholic
: a member of one of various hierarchical and liturgical churches separating from the Roman Catholic Church at various times since the 18th century

Old Christmas
chiefly Midland : EPIPHANY 1

Old Church Slavic
: the Slavic language used in the liturgical and Biblical translations of Cyril and Methodius as attested in manuscripts of the 10th and 11th centuries ― called also Old Church Slavonic ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

old country
: an emigrant's country of origin especially : one in Europe ― usually used with the

Old English
1 a : the language of the English people from the time of the earliest documents in the seventh century to about 1100 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table b : English of any period before Modern English
2 : BLACK LETTER

Old English sheepdog
: any of a breed of tailless dogs developed in England and having a profuse blue-gray and white coat

Old Faithful
geyser Yellowstone National Park NW Wyo.; erupts at regular intervals

Old French
: the French language from the 9th to the 16th century especially : French from the 9th to the 13th century ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Old Glory
: the flag of the U.S.

old gold
: a dark yellow

old guard
1 : the conservative and especially older members of an organization (as a political party)
2 : a group of established prestige and influence

old hand
: HAND 10E

old hat
1 : OLD-FASHIONED
2 : lacking in freshness : TRITE

Old High German
: High German exemplified in documents prior to ca. 1150 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Old Ionic
: the Greek dialect of the Homeric epics

Old Iranian
: any Iranian language in use in the period B.C.

Old Irish
: the Irish in use from the seventh century to about 950 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

old lady
1 : WIFE
2 : MOTHER
3 : GIRLFRIEND especially : one with whom a man cohabits

Old Latin
: Latin used in the early inscriptions and in literature prior to the classical period

old maid
1 : SPINSTER 3
2 : a prim fussy person <he was a real old maid about burning rubbish ― R. C. Ruark>
3 : a simple card game in which cards are matched in pairs and the player holding the unmatched card at the end loses
–old-maid·ish \'ōl(d)-'mā-dish\ adjective
–old-maid·ish·ness \-nəs\ noun

old man
1 a : HUSBAND b : FATHER
2 capitalized : one in authority especially : COMMANDING OFFICER
3 : BOYFRIEND especially : one with whom a woman cohabits

old master
: a work of art by an established master and especially by any of the distinguished painters of the 16th, 17th, or early 18th century also : such an artist

Old Nick
n. ― used as a name of the devil

Old Norse
n. : the North Germanic language of the Scandinavian peoples prior to about 1350 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Old Occitan
: the Occitan language as attested in documents from about 1100 to 1500

Old Persian
: an ancient Iranian language known from cuneiform inscriptions from the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Old Point Comfort
cape SE Va. on N shore of Hampton Roads

Old Prussian
: a Baltic language used in East Prussia until the 17th century ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

old rose
: a variable color averaging a grayish red

Old Sarum
ancient city S England in Wiltshire N of Salisbury

Old Saxon
: the language of the Saxons of northwest Germany until about the 12th century ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

old school
: adherents of traditional policies and practices

old school tie
1 a : an attitude of conservatism, aplomb, and upper-class solidarity associated with English public school graduates b : a necktie displaying the colors of an English public school
2 : clannishness among members of an established clique

old sledge
: SEVEN-UP

Old Style
: using or according to the Julian calendar

old style
1 capitalized O&S : a style of reckoning time used before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar
2 : a style of type distinguished by graceful irregularity among individual letters, bracketed serifs, and but slight contrast between light and heavy strokes

Old Swedish
: the Swedish language as exemplified in documents prior to about 1350

Old Testament
: the first part of the Christian Bible containing the books of the Jewish canon of Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Old Welsh
: the Welsh language exemplified in documents prior to about 1150 ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

old wives' tale
: an often traditional belief that is not based on fact : SUPERSTITION

Old World
: the eastern hemisphere exclusive of Australia specifically : the continent of Europe

old-fashioned
1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a past era <wears an old-fashioned black bow tie ― Green Peyton> b : adhering to customs of a past era
2 : OUTMODED
–old-fash·ioned·ly \-shən(d)-lē\ adverb
–old-fash·ioned·ness \-nəs\ noun

old-fashioned
: a cocktail usually made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, a twist of lemon peel, and a small amount of water or soda

old-growth
: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, numerous snags and woody debris, and a multilayered canopy and that is usually in a late stage of ecological succession
–old growth noun

old-line
1 a : having a reputation or authority based on length or proven quality of service <an old-line firm> b : of established prestige and influence <old-line families>
2 : adhering to traditional policies or practices : CONSERVATIVE

old-man's beard
1 : any of several clematises (esp. Clematis vitalba) having plumose styles
2 : a greenish-gray pendulous lichen (Usnea barbata) growing on trees

old-school
1 : adhering to traditional policies or practices <an old-school coach>
2 : characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form <old-school music>

old-shoe
: characterized by familiarity or freedom from restraint : COMFORTABLE, UNPRETENTIOUS

old-squaw
: a common sea duck (Clangula hyemalis) of the more northern parts of the northern hemisphere ― called also long-tailed duck

old-time
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier period <old-time songs>
2 : of long standing <old-time residents>

old-timer
1 a : VETERAN b : OLDSTER
2 : something that is old-fashioned : ANTIQUE

old-timey
: of a kind or style prevalent in or reminiscent of an earlier time <old-timey music>

old-world
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Old World especially : having the charm or picturesque qualities of the Old World <narrow old-world streets>

Oldcastle
Sir John 1377?-1417 Baron Cob·ham \-'kä-bəm\ Eng. Lollard leader

olden
adj. : of or relating to a bygone era

Oldenbarnevelt
Johan van 1547-1619 Du. statesman

Oldenburg
Claes Thure 1929-     American (Swed.-born) sculptor

Oldenburg
1 former state NW Germany bordering on North Sea
2 city NW Germany W of Bremen pop 145,161

oldfangled
: OLD-FASHIONED

Oldham
city NW England in Greater Manchester pop 211,400

oldie
n. : one that is old especially : a popular song of an earlier day

oldish
adj. : somewhat old or elderly

oldster
n. : an old or elderly person

Olduvai Gorge
canyon Tanzania in N mainland SE of Serengeti Plain; contains fossil beds

oldwife
1 : any of several marine fishes (as an alewife, menhaden, or triggerfish)
2 : OLD-SQUAW

ole
n. : OLD

ole
n. : oil <oleograph>

ole
n. 1 : chemical compound containing a 5-membered usually heterocyclic ring <pyrrole>
2 : chemical compound not containing hydroxyl <eucalyptol> ― especially in names of ethers <safrole>

ole
n. : 2BRAVO

oleaginous
adj. 1 : resembling or having the properties of oil : OILY also : containing or producing oil
2 : marked by an offensively ingratiating manner or quality
–ole·ag·i·nous·ly adverb
–ole·ag·i·nous·ness noun

oleander
n. : a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family with clusters of fragrant white to red flowers

oleandomycin
n. : an antibiotic C_35H_61NO_12 produced by a streptomyces (Streptomyces antibioticus)

oleaster
n. : any of several plants (genus Elaeagnus of the family Elaeagnaceae, the oleaster family) having alternate leaves and small often fragrant flowers with four stamens especially : RUSSIAN OLIVE

oleate
n. : a salt or ester of oleic acid

olecranon
n. : the process of the ulna projecting behind the elbow joint

olefin
n. 1 : ALKENE
2 : a synthetic fiber (as polypropylene) derived from an alkene
–ole·fin·ic \ˌō-lə-'fi-nik\ adjective

oleic acid
: a monounsaturated fatty acid C_18H_34O_2 obtained from natural fats and oils

olein
n. 1 : an ester of glycerol and oleic acid
2 : the liquid portion of a fat

Olekma
river 794 mi (1278 km) cen Russia in Asia rising in Yablonovy Mountains & flowing N into the Lena

Olenek
river N Russia in Asia flowing NE into Laptev Sea W of the Lena

oleo
pref. : MARGARINE

oleograph
n. : a chromolithograph printed on cloth to imitate an oil painting

oleomargarine
n. : MARGARINE

oleoresin
n. 1 : a natural plant product (as copaiba) containing chiefly essential oil and resin especially : TURPENTINE 1B
2 : a preparation consisting essentially of oil holding resin in solution
–oleo·res·in·ous \-'re-zən-əs, -'rez-nəs\ adjective

olestra
n. : a noncaloric fat substitute consisting of a series of compounds that are sucrose esters of six to eight fatty acids resistant to absorption by the digestive system because of their large size

oleum
n. 1 plural olea \-lē-ə\ : OIL
2 plural oleums : a heavy oily strongly corrosive solution of sulfur trioxide in anhydrous sulfuric acid

olfaction
n. 1 : the sense of smell
2 : the act or process of smelling

olfactometer
n. : an instrument for measuring the sensitivity of the sense of smell especially in regard to intensity, concentration, or quality of an odor

olfactory
n. : of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell
–ol·fac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

olfactory
n. olfactory bulb
olfactory lobe
olfactory nerve

olfactory bulb
: a bulbous anterior projection of the olfactory lobe that is the place of termination of the olfactory nerves and is especially well developed in lower vertebrates (as fishes)

olfactory lobe
: an anterior projection of each cerebral hemisphere that is continuous anteriorly with the olfactory nerve

olfactory nerve
: either of the pair of nerves that are the first cranial nerves and that arise in the olfactory neurosensory cells of the nasal mucous membrane and pass to the anterior part of the cerebrum

Olifants
river 350 mi (563 km) S Africa in Republic of South Africa & Mozambique flowing into the Limpopo

olig
: few <oligophagous>

oligarch
n. : a member or supporter of an oligarchy

oligarchic
adj. : of, relating to, or based on an oligarchy

oligarchy
n. 1 : government by the few
2 : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes also : a group exercising such control
3 : an organization under oligarchic control

Oligocene
adj. : of, relating to, or being an epoch of the Tertiary between the Eocene and Miocene or the corresponding series of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Oligocene noun

oligochaete
n. : any of a class or order (Oligochaeta) of hermaphroditic terrestrial or aquatic annelids (as an earthworm) that lack a specialized head
–oligochaete adjective

oligoclase
n. : a mineral of the plagioclase series

oligodendrocyte
n. : a glial cell resembling an astrocyte but smaller with few and slender processes having few branches

oligodendroglia
n. : glia made up of oligodendrocytes that forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system
–ol·i·go·den·drog·li·al \-glē-əl\ adjective

oligomer
n. : a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units
–olig·o·mer·ic \-ˌli-gə-'mer-ik\ adjective
–olig·o·mer·i·za·tion \-mə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

oligonucleotide
n. : a relatively short nucleic-acid chain usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides

oligophagous
: eating only a few specific kinds of food
–ol·i·goph·a·gy \-'gä-fə-jē\ noun

oligopoly
n. : a market situation in which each of a few producers affects but does not control the market
–ol·i·gop·o·list \-list\ noun
–ol·i·gop·o·lis·tic \-ˌgä-pə-'lis-tik\ adjective

oligopsony
n. : a market situation in which each of a few buyers exerts a disproportionate influence on the market
–ol·i·gop·so·nis·tic \-ˌgäp-sə-'nis-tik\ adjective

oligosaccharide
n. : a saccharide (as a disaccharide) that contains a known small number of monosaccharide units

oligotrophic
adj. : having a deficiency of plant nutrients that is usually accompanied by an abundance of dissolved oxygen <clear oligotrophic lakes>

olio
n. 1 : OLLA PODRIDA 1
2 a : a miscellaneous mixture : HODGEPODGE b : a miscellaneous collection (as of literary or musical selections)

olivaceous
adj. : OLIVE 1

olive
n. 1 a : a Mediterranean evergreen tree (Olea europaea of the family Oleaceae, the olive family) cultivated for its drupaceous fruit that is an important food and source of oil also : the fruit b : any of various shrubs and trees resembling the olive
2 : any of several colors resembling that of the unripe fruit of the olive tree that are yellowish green
3 : an oval eminence on each ventrolateral aspect of the medulla oblongata

olive
n. 1 : of the color olive or olive green
2 : approaching olive in color or complexion

olive
n. olive branch
olive drab
olive green
olive oil
olive ridley
olive ridley turtle
Russian olive
Olives Mount of

olive branch
1 : a branch of the olive tree especially when used as a symbol of peace
2 : an offer or gesture of conciliation or goodwill

olive drab
1 : a grayish olive
2 a : a wool or cotton fabric of an olive drab color b : a uniform of this fabric

olive green
: a greenish olive

olive oil
: a pale yellow to yellowish-green nondrying oil obtained from olives and used chiefly as a salad oil and in cooking

olive ridley
: a relatively small sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) that has a uniformly olive-colored carapace and is found along coasts and in the open sea of the tropical parts of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans ― called also olive ridley turtle

Oliver
n. : the close friend of Roland in the Charlemagne legends

Olives, Mount of
mountain ridge 2680 ft (817 m) West Bank running N & S on E side of Jerusalem

Olivier
n. Laurence Kerr 1907-1989 Baron Olivier of Brighton Eng. actor

olivine
n. : a usually greenish mineral that is a complex silicate of magnesium and iron used especially in refractories ― compare PERIDOT
–ol·iv·in·ic \ˌä-lə-'vi-nik\ or ol·iv·in·it·ic \-və-'ni-tik\ adjective

olla
: a large bulging widemouthed earthenware vessel sometimes with looped handles used (as by Pueblo Indians) for storage, cooking, or as a container for water

olla podrida
1 : a rich highly seasoned stew of meat and vegetables usually including sausage and chick-peas that is slowly simmered and is a traditional Spanish and Latin-American dish
2 : HODGEPODGE <an olla podrida of ideas>

Olmec
n. : an ancient people of the southern east coast of Mexico who flourished about 1200 to 400 B.C.

Olmsted
Frederick Law 1822-1903 American landscape architect

ololiuqui
n. : a woody-stemmed Mexican vine (Rivea corymbosa syn. Turbina corymbosa) of the morning glory family having small fleshy fruits with single seeds that are used especially by the native Indians for medicinal, narcotic, and religious purposes

Olomouc
city E Czech Republic in cen Moravia pop 223,982

oloroso
n. : a dry full-bodied Spanish sherry

Olsztyn
city N Poland NNW of Warsaw pop 161,238

Olt
river 308 mi (496 km) S Romania flowing S through the Transylvanian Alps into the Danube

Oltenia
region S Romania W of the Olt; the W division of Walachia

Olympia
n. 1 city capital of Wash. on Puget Sound pop 42,514
2 plain S Greece in NW Peloponnese along the Alpheus
–Olym·pi·an \-pē-ən\ adjective or noun
–Olym·pic \-pik\ adjective

Olympia
n. Olympia oyster
Olympic Games
Olympic Mountains
Olympic National Park
Olympic Peninsula
Olympian Games

Olympia oyster
: a small flavorful native oyster (Ostrea lurida) of the Puget Sound area of the Pacific coast of No. America ― called also Olympia

olympiad
n. 1 : one of the 4-year intervals between Olympic Games by which time was reckoned in ancient Greece
2 : a quadrennial celebration of the modern Olympic Games also : a competition or series of competitions resembling an olympiad especially in variety or challenge <the mathematics olympiad>

Olympian
n. 1 : of or relating to Mount Olympus in Thessaly
2 : befitting or characteristic of an Olympian especially : LOFTY <his⋯formula of glib simplicity and Olympian arrogance ― Richard Pollak>

Olympian
n. 1 : of or relating to the ancient Greek region of Olympia
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the Olympic Games

Olympian
n. : a participant in Olympic Games

Olympian
n. 1 : one of the ancient Greek deities dwelling on Olympus
2 : a being of lofty detachment or superior attainments

Olympian Games
: OLYMPIC GAMES 1

Olympic
adj. 1 : 1OLYMPIAN
2 : of or relating to the Olympic Games

Olympic
adj. Olympic Games
Olympic Mountains
Olympic National Park
Olympic Peninsula

Olympic Games
1 : an ancient Panhellenic festival held every fourth year and made up of contests of sports, music, and literature with the victor's prize a crown of wild olive
2 : a modified revival of the ancient Olympic Games consisting of international athletic contests that are held at separate winter and summer gatherings at four year intervals ― called also Olympics

Olympic Mountains
mountains NW Wash. in cen Olympic Peninsula ― see OLYMPUS (Mount)

Olympic National Park
n. reservation NW Wash. including part of Olympic Mountains & strip of land along coast to W

Olympic Peninsula
peninsula NW Wash. W of Puget Sound

Olympus
n. : a mountain in Thessaly that in Greek mythology is the abode of the gods

Olympus, Mount
1 mountain 7965 ft (2428 m) NW Wash.; highest in Olympic Mountains
2 or Olympus massif NE Greece in Thessaly near coast of Gulf of Salonika; highest point 9570 ft (2917 m)
3 ― see ULU DAG

Olynthus
ancient city NE Greece in Macedonia on Chalcidice Peninsula

OM
order of merit

om
: a mantra consisting of the sound \'ōm\ and used in contemplation of ultimate reality

Om'
river 450 mi (724 km) SW Russia in Asia flowing into the Irtysh

oma
: tumor <adenoma> <fibroma>

Omagh
1 district W Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 436 sq mi (1134 sq km), pop 45,343
2 town W Northern Ireland in cen Omagh district pop 17,280

Omaha
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of northeastern Nebraska
2 : the Siouan language of the Omaha

Omaha
n. city E Nebr. on Missouri River pop 390,007

Omaha Beach
W cen part of Normandy beaches NW France NW of Bayeux; in World War II landing place of American army during invasion of France June 6, 1944

Oman
n. country SW Asia in SE Arabia bordering on Arabian Sea; a sultanate capital Muscat area 82,000 sq mi (213,200 sq km), pop 2,477,687
–Omani \ō-'mä-nē, -'ma-\ adjective or noun

Oman
n. Muscat and Oman
Oman Gulf of
Trucial Oman Trucial States
Trucial Oman

Oman, Gulf of
arm of Arabian Sea bet. Oman & SE Iran

Omar Khayyam
1048?-1122 Pers. poet & astron.

omasum
n. : the third chamber of the ruminant stomach that is situated between the reticulum and the abomasum ― compare RUMEN

OMB
Office of Management and Budget

ombre
n. : an old three-handed card game popular in Europe especially in the 17th and 18th centuries

ombre
n. : having colors or tones that shade into each other ― used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark
–ombré noun

ombudsman
n. 1 : a government official (as in Sweden or New Zealand) appointed to receive and investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials
2 : one that investigates reported complaints (as from students or consumers), reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements
–om·buds·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

ombudsperson
n. : OMBUDSMAN 2

Omdurman
city cen Sudan on the Nile opposite Khartoum & Khartoum North pop 526,287

ome
: mass <phyllome>

omega
n. 1 : the 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : the extreme or final part : END <reached the omega of his career>
3 a : a negatively charged elementary particle that has a mass 3270 times the mass of an electron ― called also omega minus b : a very short-lived unstable meson with mass 1532 times the mass of an electron ― called also omega meson

omega
n. omega meson
omega minus
alpha and omega
omega 3

omega-3
: being or composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have the final double bond in the hydrocarbon chain between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the molecule opposite that of the carboxyl group and that are found especially in fish, fish oils, green leafy vegetables, and some nuts and vegetable oils

omelet
n. : beaten eggs cooked without stirring until set and served folded in half

omelet
n. Denver omelet
Spanish omelet
western omelet

omen
n. : an occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend a future event : AUGURY

omentum
n. : a fold of peritoneum connecting or supporting abdominal structures (as the stomach and liver) also : a fold of peritoneum free at one end
–omen·tal \-'men-təl\ adjective

omeprazole
: a benzimidazole derivative C_17H_19N_3O_3S that inhibits gastric acid secretion

omer
n. 1 : an ancient Hebrew unit of dry capacity equal to 1/10 ephah
2 a often capitalized : the sheaf of barley traditionally offered in Jewish Temple worship on the second day of the Passover b capitalized : a 7-week liturgical period of anticipation for Shabuoth beginning with the second day of the Passover

omerta
n. : conspiracy of silence

omicron
n. : the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

ominous
adj. : being or exhibiting an omen : PORTENTOUS especially : foreboding or foreshadowing evil : INAUSPICIOUS
–om·i·nous·ly adverb
–om·i·nous·ness noun
synonyms OMINOUS, PORTENTOUS, FATEFUL mean having a menacing or threatening aspect. OMINOUS implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster <ominous rumblings from the volcano>. PORTENTOUS suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity <an eerie and portentous stillness>. FATEFUL suggests being of momentous or decisive importance <the fateful conference that led to war>.

omissible
adj. : that may be omitted

omission
n. 1 a : something neglected or left undone b : apathy toward or neglect of duty
2 : the act of omitting : the state of being omitted

omit
v. 1 : to leave out or leave unmentioned <omits one important detail>
2 : to leave undone : FAIL
3 obsolete : DISREGARD
4 obsolete : GIVE UP

Omiya
city Japan on Honshu, a suburb of Tokyo pop 456,271

ommatidium
n. : one of the elements corresponding to a small simple eye that make up the compound eye of an arthropod
–om·ma·tid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

omne
et hoc genus omne
et id genus omne
omne ignotum pro magnifico

omne ignotum pro magnifico
: everything unknown (is taken) as grand : the unknown tends to be exaggerated in importance or difficulty

omnes
ab uno disce omnes
bellum omnium contra omnes
non omnia possumus omnes

omni
pref. : all : universally <omnidirectional>

omnia
n. amor vincit omnia
in omnia paratus
labor omnia vincit
non omnia possumus omnes
omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
omnia vincit amor
vincit omnia veritas

omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis
: all things are changing, and we are changing with them

omnia vincit amor
: love conquers all

omnibus
n. 1 : a usually automotive public vehicle designed to carry a large number of passengers : BUS
2 : a book containing reprints of a number of works

omnibus
n. 1 : of, relating to, or providing for many things at once
2 : containing or including many items <an omnibus bill>

omnicompetent
adj. : able to handle any situation especially : having the authority or legal capacity to act in all matters
–om·ni·com·pe·tence \-tən(t)s\ noun

omnidirectional
adj. : being in or involving all directions especially : receiving or sending radio waves equally well in all directions <omnidirectional antenna>

omnifarious
adj. : of all varieties, forms, or kinds <omnifarious interests>

omnificent
: unlimited in creative power

omnipotence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being omnipotent
2 : an agency or force of unlimited power

omnipotent
adj. 1 often capitalized : ALMIGHTY 1
2 : having virtually unlimited authority or influence <an omnipotent ruler>
3 obsolete : ARRANT
–om·nip·o·tent·ly adverb

omnipotent
adj. 1 : one who is omnipotent
2 capitalized : GOD 1

omnipresence
n. : the quality or state of being omnipresent : UBIQUITY

omnipresent
adj. : present in all places at all times

omnirange
n. : a system of radio navigation in which any bearing relative to a special radio transmitter on the ground may be chosen and flown by an airplane pilot ― called also omnidirectional range

omniscience
n. : the quality or state of being omniscient

omniscient
adj. 1 : having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight
2 : possessed of universal or complete knowledge
–om·ni·scient·ly adverb

omnium
n. omnium gatherum
omnium gatherums
bellum omnium contra omnes

omnium-gatherum
: a miscellaneous collection (as of things or persons)

omnivore
n. : one that is omnivorous

omnivorous
adj. 1 : feeding on both animal and vegetable substances
2 : avidly taking in everything as if devouring or consuming <an omnivorous reader>
–om·niv·o·rous·ly adverb

Omolon
river 715 mi (1150 km) E Russia in Asia flowing from the Kolyma Range N into Kolyma River

omphalos
n. : a central point : HUB, FOCAL POINT

omphaloskepsis
n. : contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation also : INERTIA 2

Omsk
city SW Russia in Asia at confluence of the Irtysh & the Om' pop 1,169,000

Omura
city & port Japan in NW Kyushu on Ōmura Bay (inlet of E. China Sea) NNE of Nagasaki

ON
adj. Ontario

on
adj. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate position in contact with and supported by the top surface of <the book is lying on the table> b ― used as a function word to indicate position in or in contact with an outer surface <the fly landed on the ceiling> <I have a cut on my finger> <paint on the wall> c ― used as a function word to indicate position in close proximity with <a village on the sea> <stay on your opponent> d ― used as a function word to indicate the location of something <on the left> <on the south side of the house> <on the farm>
2 a ― used as a function word to indicate a source of attachment or support <on a string> <stand on one foot> <hang it on a nail> b ― used as a function word to indicate a source of dependence <you can rely on me> <feeds on insects> <lives on a pension> c ― used as a function word to indicate means of conveyance <on the bus> d ― used as a function word to indicate presence in the possession of <had a knife on him>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate a time frame during which something takes place <a parade on Sunday> or an instant, action, or occurrence when something begins or is done <on cue> <on arriving home, I found your letter> <news on the hour> <cash on delivery>
4 archaic : OF
5 a ― used as a function word to indicate manner of doing something ― often used with the <on the sly> <keep everything on the up-and-up> b ― used as a function word to indicate means or agency <cut myself on a knife> <talk on the telephone> c ― used as a function word to indicate a medium of expression <on stage> <best show on television>
6 a (1) ― used as a function word to indicate active involvement in a condition or status <on the increase> <on the lookout> (2) : regularly using or showing the effects of using <on drugs> b ― used as a function word to indicate involvement or participation <on tour> <on the team> <on duty> c ― used as a function word to indicate inclusion <put it on the agenda> d ― used as a function word to indicate position or status in proper relationship with a standard or objective <on schedule>
7 a ― used as a function word to indicate reason, ground, or basis (as for an action, opinion, or computation) <I have it on good authority> <on one condition> <the interest will be 10 cents on the dollar> b ― used as a function word to indicate the cause or source <profited on the sale of stock> c ― used as a function word to indicate the focus of obligation or responsibility <drinks are on the house> <put the blame on me>
8 a ― used as a function word to indicate the object of collision, opposition, or hostile action <bumped my head on a limb> <an attack on religion> <pulled a gun on me> b ― used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some disadvantage, handicap, or detriment <has three inches in height on me> <a 3-game lead on the second-place team> <the joke's on me>
9 a ― used as a function word to indicate destination or the focus of some action, movement, or directed effort <crept up on him> <feast your eyes on this> <working on my skiing> <made a payment on the loan> b ― used as a function word to indicate the focus of feelings, determination, or will <have pity on me> <keen on sports> <a curse on you> c ― used as a function word to indicate the object with respect to some misfortune or disadvantageous event <the crops died on them> d ― used as a function word to indicate the subject of study, discussion, or consideration <a book on insects> <reflect on that a moment> <agree on price> e : with respect to <go light on the salt> <short on cash>
10 ― used as a function word to indicate reduplication or succession in a series <loss on loss>

on
adj. 1 a : in or into a position of contact with an upper surface especially so as to be positioned for use or operation <put the plates on> b : in or into a position of being attached to or covering a surface especially : in or into the condition of being worn <put his new shoes on>
2 a : forward or at a more advanced point in space or time <went on home> <later on> b : in continuance or succession <rambled on> <and so on>
3 : into operation or a position permitting operation <switched the light on>

on
adj. 1 : engaged in an activity or function (as a dramatic role)
2 a (1) : being in operation <the radio is on> (2) : placed so as to permit operation <the switch is on> b : taking place or being broadcast <the game is on>
3 : aware of something ― usually used with to <my boss was on to me>
4 : INTENDED, PLANNED <has nothing on for tonight>
5 British : talking or harping incessantly ― used with about
6 chiefly British : regarded as possible or feasible ― usually used in negative constructions
7 a : engaged in or as if in a performance <the comedian was always on> b : being at a high level of performance

on
adj. : chemical compound not a ketone or other oxo compound <parathion>

on
adj. 1 : subatomic particle <nucleon>
2 a : unit : quantum <photon> <magneton> b : basic hereditary component <cistron> <operon>

on
adj. : noble gas <radon>

on a dime

1 : in a very small area <these cars can turn on a dime>
2 : INSTANTLY

on a plate
without having been earned : as a gift <goals were handed to them on a plate>

on a platter
without effort : very easily <can have the presidency on a platter ― Jonathan Daniels>

on a roll
in the midst of a series of successes : on a hot streak ― sometimes used with a modifier <has been on a brilliant roll>

on account
with the price charged to one's account

on account of
for the sake of : by reason of

on all cylinders
with maximum effort or intensity : at full capacity or speed <the economy is running on all cylinders>

on all hands
or on every hand : EVERYWHERE

on an even keel
also on even keel : in a sound or stable condition

on and off
: OFF AND ON
–on-and-off adjective

on approval
subject to a prospective buyer's acceptance or refusal <stamps sent to collectors on approval>

on average
or on the average : taking the typical example of the group under consideration <prices have increased on average by five percent>

on background
with the understanding that information offered for publication will not be attributed to a specific source <an official speaking on background>

on balance
with all things considered <the meeting went well on balance>

on behalf of
or in behalf of : in the interest of also : as a representative of

on board

1 : ABOARD
2 : in support of a particular objective <needed to get more senators on board for the bill to pass>

on camera

1 : before a live television camera <go on camera> also : while being filmed by a television or movie camera <looked relaxed on camera>
2 : within the scope of a television or movie camera <you can hear a dog but he never appears on camera>

on commission
with commission serving as partial or full pay for work done

on consignment
shipped to a dealer who pays only for what is sold and who may return what is unsold <goods shipped on consignment>

on deadline
or under deadline : with the requirement of meeting a deadline <working on deadline>

on deck

1 : ready for duty
2 : next in line : next in turn

on demand
upon presentation and request for payment also : when requested or needed <video on demand>

on draft
ready to be drawn from a receptacle <beer on draft>

on duty
engaged in or responsible for an assigned task or duty

on earth
― used as an intensive <to find out what on earth he was up to ― Michael Holroyd>

on edge
ANXIOUS, NERVOUS

on end
without a stop or letup <it rained for days on end>

on faith
without question <took everything he said on faith>

on file
in or as if in a file for ready reference

on fire

1 : being consumed by fire : AFLAME
2 : EAGER, BURNING

on foot
by walking or running <tour the campus on foot>

on fumes
with little of the original strength or energy remaining <tired ballplayers running on fumes>

on guard
defensively watchful : ALERT

on hand

1 : in present possession or readily available <kept supplies on hand>
2 : about to appear : PENDING
3 : in attendance : PRESENT

on her beam-ends
inclined so much on one side that the beams approach a vertical position

on hold

1 : in a state of interruption during a telephone call when one party switches to another line without totally disconnecting the other party
2 : in a state or period of indefinite suspension <put our plans on hold>

on ice

1 : with every likelihood of being won or accomplished
2 : in reserve or safekeeping

on line
in or into operation

on no account
under no circumstances

on occasion
from time to time

on offer
chiefly British : being offered especially for sale

on one's deathbed
near the point of death

on one's doorstep
close at hand especially : too close to be overlooked

on one's ear
in or into a state of irritation, shock, or discord <set the racing world on its ear by breaking the record>

on one's feet

1 : in a standing position
2 : in an established position or state
3 : in a recovered condition (as from illness) <back on my feet>
4 : in an extemporaneous manner : while in action <good debaters can think on their feet>

on one's hands
in one's possession or care <too much time on my hands>

on one's haunches
in a squatting position

on one's last legs
at or near the end of one's resources : on the verge of failure, exhaustion, or ruin

on one's mettle
aroused to do one's best

on one's own

1 : for or by oneself : independently of assistance or control <made the decision on his own>
2 : left to rely entirely on one's own resources <if you mess up, you're on your own>

on one's own account

1 : on one's own behalf
2 : at one's own risk
3 : by oneself : on one's own

on one's own hook
by oneself : INDEPENDENTLY

on one's own initiative
at one's own discretion : independently of outside influence or control

on one's own terms
in accordance with one's wishes : in one's own way <prefers to live on his own terms>

on one's part
or on the part of one : with regard to the one specified

on one's sleeve
in an honest and open manner ― used with wear <wears his emotions on his sleeve>

on one's toes
ALERT 1

on one's uppers
in straitened circumstances : DESTITUTE

on order
in the process of being ordered

on pain of
or under pain of : subject to penalty or punishment of <made to leave the country on pain of death>

on paper

1 : in writing <wants these promises on paper>
2 : in theory <the plan looks good on paper>
3 : figured at face value <on paper the stock was worth nearly a million dollars>

on pins and needles
in a nervous or jumpy state of anticipation

on purpose
by intent : INTENTIONALLY

on record

1 : in the position of having publicly declared oneself <went on record as opposed to higher taxes>
2 : being known, published, or documented <the judge's opinion is on record>

on report
subject to disciplinary action <was put on report for the violation>

on sale

1 : for sale
2 : available for purchase at a reduced price

on sight
as soon as seen <ordered to shoot on sight>

on standby
ready or available for immediate action or use

on tap

1 : ready to be drawn from a large container (as a cask or keg) <ale on tap>
2 : broached or furnished with a tap
3 : on hand : AVAILABLE <services instantly on tap ― Hugh Dwan>
4 : coming up <other matches on tap ― H. W. Wind>

on target
precisely correct or valid especially in interpreting or addressing a problem or vital issue

on tenterhooks
in a state of uneasiness, strain, or suspense <the waiting kept us on tenterhooks>

on the ball

1 : COMPETENT, KNOWLEDGEABLE, ALERT <the other introductory essay⋯is much more on the ball ― Times Lit. Supp.> <keep on the ball>
2 : of ability or competence <if the teacher has something on the ball, the pupils won't squirm much ― New Yorker>

on the barrel
asking for or granting no credit

on the barrelhead
asking for or granting no credit <paid cash on the barrelhead>

on the beam

1 : following a guiding beam
2 : proceeding or operating correctly

on the bias
ASKEW, OBLIQUELY

on the blink
in or into a disabled or useless condition <the TV is on the blink>

on the block
for sale

on the books
on the records

on the bum
with no settled residence or means of support

on the button
EXACTLY <arrived at noon on the button> also : exactly on target : on the nose <the estimate was right on the button>

on the carpet
before an authority for censure or reproof <got called on the carpet by his boss>

on the cheap
at minimum expense : CHEAPLY <did the job on the cheap>

on the contrary
just the opposite

on the couch
receiving psychiatric treatment

on the cuff
on credit <transacting business on the cuff>

on the defensive
in the state or condition of being prepared or required to defend against attack or criticism <keeping his political rivals on the defensive>

on the diagonal
in an oblique direction : DIAGONALLY

on the double
very quickly : RIGHT AWAY

on the far side of
BEYOND <just on the far side of 40>

on the fence
in a position of neutrality or indecision

on the fly

1 : in motion : BUSY
2 : while still in the air : without the ball bouncing <the home run carried 450 feet on the fly>
3 : in a hurry and often without preparation : HASTILY, SPONTANEOUSLY <making decisions on the fly>
4 : simultaneously with another task <software that handles formatting on the fly>

on the go
constantly or restlessly active

on the ground
at the scene of action

on the half shell
served in a half shell <oysters on the half shell>

on the heels of
immediately following

on the hoof
of a meat animal : before butchering : LIVING <90¢ a pound on the hoof>

on the house
without charge : FREE

on the increase
becoming greater (as in size, number, or amount) : INCREASING <crime is on the increase>

on the job
at work

on the level
BONA FIDE, HONEST

on the line

1 : at great risk <puts his future on the line by backing that policy>
2 : on the border between two categories

on the make

1 : in the process of forming, growing, or improving
2 : in quest of a higher social or financial status
3 : in search of sexual adventure

on the map
in a position of prominence or fame <had put the fledgling university on the map ― Lon Tinkle>

on the march
moving steadily : ADVANCING

on the market
available for purchase also : up for sale <put their house on the market>

on the mend
getting better : IMPROVING

on the money
exactly right or accurate <her intuition was right on the money>

on the move

1 : in a state of moving about from place to place <a salesman is constantly on the move>
2 : in a state of moving ahead or making progress <said that civilization is always on the move>

on the nose

1 a : at or to a target point <the bombs landed right on the nose> b (1) : on target : ACCURATE (2) : ACCURATELY
2 : to win ― used of horse or dog racing bets

on the order of

1 : after the fashion of : LIKE <a genius on the order of Newton ― D. B. Botkin>
2 : ABOUT, APPROXIMATELY <spent on the order of two million dollars>

on the outs
on unfriendly terms : at variance

on the prowl
in the act of prowling also : in search of something <his fourth wife had just left him, and he was on the prowl again ― Mary McCarthy>

on the quiet
in a secretive manner : in secret

on the rack
under great emotional stress

on the record
for publication

on the rocks

1 : in or into a state of destruction or wreckage <their marriage is on the rocks>
2 : on ice cubes <bourbon on the rocks>

on the ropes
in a defensive and often helpless position

on the run

1 : in haste : without pausing <ate lunch on the run>
2 : in retreat : in flight (as from the law) <an escaped convict on the run>

on the shelf
in a state of inactivity or uselessness

on the side

1 : in addition to the main portion
2 : in addition to a principal occupation
3 : secretly outside of one's marriage or romantic relationship <seeing another woman on the side>

on the sly
in a manner intended to avoid notice

on the spot

1 : at once : IMMEDIATELY
2 : at the place of action
3 a : in a responsible or accountable position b : in a difficult or trying situation

on the spur of the moment
on impulse : SUDDENLY

on the square

1 : at right angles
2 : in a fair open manner : HONESTLY

on the stage
in or into the acting profession

on the street
or in the street
1 : idle, homeless, or out of a job
2 : out of prison : at liberty

on the string
subject to one's influences

on the surface
to all outward appearances

on the table
up for consideration or negotiation <the subject is not on the table>

on the take
illegally paid for favors

on the tapis
under consideration

on the tiles
British : engaged in late-night carousing

on the tip of one's tongue

1 : about to be uttered <it was on the tip of my tongue to say exactly what I thought>
2 : just eluding recall

on the town
in usually carefree pursuit of entertainment or amusement (as city nightlife) especially as a relief from routine

on the turn
at the point of turning <tide is on the turn>

on the wagon
in or into a state of abstaining from alcoholic beverages

on the water wagon
abstaining from alcoholic beverages : on the wagon

on the way
or on one's way : moving along in one's course : in progress

on the whole

1 : in view of all the circumstances or conditions : all things considered
2 : in general : in most instances : TYPICALLY

on the wind
toward the direction from which the wind is blowing

on the wing

1 : in flight : FLYING
2 : in motion

on thin ice
in a precarious or risky situation

on time

1 a : at the appointed time b : on schedule
2 : on the installment plan

on tiptoe
ALERT, AROUSED <the contest of skill that puts one on tiptoe to win ― Deerfield (Wisc.) Independent>

on top of

1 a : in control of <acted like a man on top of his job ― Newsweek> b : informed about <tried to keep on top of new developments>
2 : in sudden and unexpected proximity to <the deadline was on top of them>
3 : in addition to

on top of the world
in a position of eminent success, happiness, or fame

on track
achieving or doing what is necessary or expected

on view
open to public inspection : on exhibition

on-again, off-again
: existing briefly and in an intermittent unpredictable way <on-again, off-again fads>

on-ramp
: a ramp by which one enters a limited-access highway

on-screen
1 : in a motion picture or a television program
2 : on a computer or television screen

on-site
: at a particular place especially of business <printed on-site> <on-site day care>

on-target
: exactly appropriate : ACCURATE <on-target advice>

on-the-job
: of, relating to, or being something (as training or experience) learned, gained, or done while working at a job

onager
n. 1 : an Asian wild ass (Equus hemionus onager syn. E. onager) that usually has a broad dorsal stripe and is related to the kiang
2 [Late Latin, from L] : a heavy catapult used in ancient and medieval times

onanism
n. 1 : MASTURBATION
2 : COITUS INTERRUPTUS
3 : SELF-GRATIFICATION
–onan·is·tic \ˌō-nə-'nis-tik\ adjective

onboard
adj. : carried within or occurring aboard a vehicle (as a satellite or an automobile) <an onboard computer>

once
adv. 1 : one time and no more <rode a horse only once>
2 : at any one time : under any circumstances : EVER <didn't once thank me>
3 : at some indefinite time in the past : FORMERLY <was once a booming mining town>
4 : by one degree of relationship <first cousin once removed>
–once and for all
1 : with finality : DEFINITIVELY
2 : for the last time
–once in a while : NOW AND THEN

once
adv. : one single time : one time at least <please be on time this once>
–at once
1 : at the same time : SIMULTANEOUSLY
2 : IMMEDIATELY
3 : 2BOTH <at once funny and sad>

once
adv. : that once was : FORMER <a once successful actor>

once
adv. : at the moment when : AS SOON AS <once she spoke, I recognized her>

once
adv. once in a while
once and for all
at once
once over
once that

once and for all

1 : with finality : DEFINITIVELY
2 : for the last time

once in a while
NOW AND THEN

once that
: ONCE

once-over
: a swift examination or survey especially : a swift comprehensive appraising glance <gave me the once-over>

onchocerciasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by filarial worms (genus Onchocerca) especially : a human disease marked by subcutaneous nodules, dermatitis, and visual impairment and caused by a worm (O. volvulus) found in Africa and tropical America which is transmitted by the bite of a female blackfly ― called also river blindness

oncidium
: any of a genus (Oncidium) of showy tropical American chiefly epiphytic orchids

onco
: tumor <oncology>

oncogene
n. : a gene having the potential to cause a normal cell to become cancerous

oncogenesis
n. : the induction or formation of tumors

oncogenic
adj. 1 : relating to tumor formation
2 : tending to cause tumors
–on·co·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

oncology
n. : the study of tumors
–on·co·log·i·cal \ˌäŋ-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also on·co·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–on·col·o·gist \än-'kä-lə-jist, äŋ-\ noun

oncoming
n. 1 a : coming nearer in time or space <the oncoming year> <an oncoming car> b : FUTURE <looked forward to his oncoming visit>
2 : EMERGENT, RISING <the oncoming generation>

one
n. 1 : being a single unit or thing <one day at a time>
2 a : being one in particular <early one morning> b : being preeminently what is indicated <one fine person>
3 a : being the same in kind or quality <both of one species> b (1) : constituting a unified entity of two or more components <the combined elements form one substance> (2) : being in agreement or union <am one with you on this>
4 a : SOME 1 <will see you again one day> b : being a certain individual specified by name <one John Doe made a speech>
5 : ONLY 2A <the one person she wanted to marry>

one
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the number denoting unity
3 a : the first in a set or series ― often used with an attributive noun <day one> b : an article of clothing of a size designated one <wears a one>
4 : a single person or thing <has the one but needs the other>
5 : a one-dollar bill
–at one : at harmony : in a state of agreement
–for one : as one example <I for one disagree>

one
n. 1 : a certain indefinitely indicated person or thing <saw one of his friends>
2 a : an individual of a vaguely indicated group : anyone at all <one never knows> b ― used as a third person substitute for a first person pronoun <I'd like to read more but one doesn't have the time>
3 : a single instance of a specified action <felt like belting him one ― John Casey>
usage Sense 2a is usually a sign of a formal style. A formal style excludes the participation of the reader or hearer; thus one is used where a less formal style might address the reader directly <for the consequences of such choices, one has only oneself to thank ― Walker Gibson>. This generic one has never been common in informal use in either British or American English, and people who start sentences with one often shift to another pronoun more natural to casual discourse <when one is learning the river, he is not allowed to do or think about anything else ― Mark Twain>. Use of one to replace a first-person pronoun97sense 2b97has occas. been criticized. It is more common in British English than in American <I'm watching this pretty carefully and I hope that the issue will come up in the Lords and one may be able to speak about it ― Donald Coggan>.

one
n. : ketone or related or analogous compound or class of compounds <lactone> <quinone>

one another
: EACH OTHER
usage see EACH OTHER

one for the book
an act or occurrence worth noting

one up
: being in a position of advantage ― usually used with on

one's own man
free from interference or control : INDEPENDENT

one-armed bandit
: SLOT MACHINE 2

one-bagger
: SINGLE 2

one-dimensional
1 : having one dimension
2 : lacking depth : SUPERFICIAL <one-dimensional characters>
–one-dimensionality noun

one-handed
1 : having or using only one hand <could beat him up one-handed>
2 a : designed for or requiring the use of only one hand b : effected by the use of only one hand

one-horse
1 : drawn or operated by one horse
2 : SMALL, SMALL-TIME <a one-horse town>

one-liner
1 : a very succinct joke or witticism
2 : a succinct or meaningful and especially accurate statement

one-man
: of or relating to just one individual: as a : consisting of only one individual <a one-man committee> b (1) : done, presented, or produced by only one individual <a one-man stage play> (2) : featuring the work of a single artist (as a painter) <a one-man show of oils> c : designed for or limited to one individual

one-man band
1 : a musician who plays several instruments during a solo performance
2 : a person who alone undertakes or is responsible for several tasks

one-night stand
1 : a performance (as of a play or concert) given (as by a traveling group of actors or musicians) only once in each of a series of localities
2 a : a locality used for one-night stands b : a stopover for a one-night stand
3 : a sexual encounter limited to a single occasion also : a partner in such an encounter

one-nighter
: ONE-NIGHT STAND

one-note
: unvarying in tone or emphasis : MONOTONOUS <a one-note campaigner>

one-off
1 : limited to a single time, occasion, or instance : ONE-SHOT <one-off gigs>
2 : SINGULAR, UNIQUE <a one-off design>
–one-off noun

one-on-one
1 : playing directly against a single opposing player
2 : involving a direct encounter between one person and another

one-piece
: consisting of or made in a single undivided piece <a one-piece bathing suit>
–one-piece noun
–one-piec·er \'wən-'pē-sər\ noun

one-shot
1 : that is complete or effective through being done or used or applied only once <there is no easy one-shot answer to the problem>
2 : that is not followed by something else of the same kind <a one-shot tax cut>
–one-shot noun

one-sided
1 a (1) : having one side prominent : LOPSIDED (2) : having or occurring on one side only b : limited to one side : PARTIAL <a one-sided interpretation>
2 : UNILATERAL <a one-sided decision>
–one-sid·ed·ly adverb
–one-sid·ed·ness noun

one-step
1 : a ballroom dance in 2/4 time marked by quick walking steps backward and forward
2 : music used for the one-step
–one-step intransitive verb

one-stop
: providing or offering a comprehensive range of goods or services at one location also : provided or offered at such a location <one-stop shopping>

one-tailed
: being a statistical test for which the critical region consists of all values of the test statistic greater than a given value or less than a given value but not both ― compare TWO-TAILED

one-to-one
1 : pairing each element of a set uniquely with an element of another set
2 : ONE-ON-ONE 2

one-track
: marked by often narrowly restricted attention to or absorption in just one thing <a one-track mind>

one-trick pony
: one that is skilled in only one area also : one that has success only once

one-two
1 : a combination of two quick blows in rapid succession in boxing especially : a left jab followed at once by a hard blow with the right hand
2 or one-two punch : two forces combining to produce a marked effect

one-up
: to practice one-upmanship on

one-upmanship
: the art or practice of outdoing or keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor <engaged in a round of verbal one-upmanship>

one-way
1 : that moves in or allows movement in only one direction <a one-way street>
2 : ONE-SIDED, UNILATERAL <a one-way conversation>
3 : that functions in only one of two or more ways

onefold
adj. : constituting a single undivided whole

Onega, Lake
lake NW Russia in Europe in S Karelia area over 3700 sq mi (9583 sq km)

Oneida
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of New York
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Oneida people

Oneida Lake
lake ab 22 mi (35 km) long cen N.Y. NE of Syracuse

oneiric
adj. : of or relating to dreams : DREAMY
–onei·ri·cal·ly \-ri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

oneiromancy
n. : divination by means of dreams

oneness
n. : the quality or state or fact of being one: as a : SINGLENESS b : INTEGRITY, WHOLENESS c : HARMONY d : SAMENESS, IDENTITY e : UNITY, UNION

onerous
adj. 1 : involving, imposing, or constituting a burden : TROUBLESOME <an onerous task>
2 : having legal obligations that outweigh the advantages <an onerous contract>
–oner·ous·ly adverb
–oner·ous·ness noun
synonyms ONEROUS, BURDENSOME, OPPRESSIVE, EXACTING mean imposing hardship. ONEROUS stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful <the onerous task of cleaning up the mess>. BURDENSOME suggests causing mental as well as physical strain <burdensome responsibilities>. OPPRESSIVE implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed <the oppressive tyranny of a police state>. EXACTING implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding <an exacting employer>.

ones place
: UNITS PLACE

oneself
pron. 1 : a person's self : one's own self ― used reflexively as object of a preposition or verb or for emphasis in various constructions
2 : one's normal, healthy, or sane condition or self
–be oneself : to conduct oneself in a usual or fitting manner

oneself
pron. assert oneself
avail oneself of
beside oneself
come to oneself
enjoy oneself
explain oneself
fall all over oneself
fall over oneself
forget oneself
keep to oneself
be oneself
play with oneself
pull oneself together
shoot oneself in the foot

onetime
adj. 1 : FORMER, SOMETIME <a onetime actor>
2 : occurring only once : ONE-SHOT

onetime
adj. : FORMERLY

ongoing
n. 1 a : being actually in process b : CONTINUING
2 : continuously moving forward : GROWING
–on·go·ing·ness \-nəs\ noun

onion
n. 1 : a widely cultivated Asian herb (Allium cepa) of the lily family with pungent edible bulbs also : its bulb
2 : any of various plants of the same genus as the onion
–on·iony \-yə-nē\ adjective

onion
n. sea onion
Bermuda onion
green onion
onion dome
onion domed
onion ring
pearl onion
Spanish onion
spring onion

onion dome
: a dome (as of a church) having the general shape of an onion
–onion-domed adjective

onion ring
: a ring of sliced onion coated with batter or crumbs and fried

Onions
n. Charles Talbut 1873-1965 Eng. lexicographer

onionskin
n. : a thin strong translucent paper of very light weight

onium
n. : being or characterized by a usually complex cation

onium
n. : an ion having a positive charge <hydronium> ― compare -IUM 1b

online
adj. : connected to, served by, or available through a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system (as the Internet) <an online database> also : done while connected to such a system <online shopping>
–online adverb

onlooker
n. : one that looks on especially : a passive spectator
–on·look·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective

only
adj. 1 : unquestionably the best : PEERLESS
2 a : alone in a class or category : SOLE <the only one left> <the only known species> b : having no brother or sister <an only child>
3 : FEW <one of the only areas not yet explored>

only
adj. 1 a : as a single fact or instance and nothing more or different : MERELY <has only lost one election ― George Orwell> b : SOLELY, EXCLUSIVELY <known only to him>
2 : at the very least <it was only too true>
3 a : in the final outcome <will only make you sick> b : with nevertheless the final result <won the battles, only to lose the war>
4 a : as recently as : not before <only last week> <only in the last year did she get recognition> b : in the immediate past <only just talked to her>
usage The placement of only in a sentence has been a source of studious commentary since the 18th century, most of it intended to prove by force of argument that prevailing standard usage is wrong. After 200 years of preachment the following observations may be made: the position of only in standard spoken English is not fixed, since ambiguity is avoided through sentence stress; in casual prose that keeps close to the rhythms of speech only is often placed where it would be in speech; and in edited and more formal prose only tends to be placed immediately before the word or words it modifies.

only
adj. 1 a : with the restriction that : BUT <you may go, only come back early> b : and yet : HOWEVER <they look very nice, only we can't use them>
2 : were it not that : EXCEPT <I'd introduce you to her, only you'd win her ― Jack London>

ono
: 3WAHOO

onomastic
adj. : of, relating to, or consisting of a name or names
–on·o·mas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

onomastics
n. 1 a : the science or study of the origins and forms of words especially as used in a specialized field b : the science or study of the origin and forms of proper names of persons or places
2 : the system underlying the formation and use of words especially for proper names or of words used in a specialized field
–on·o·mas·ti·cian \ˌä-nə-mas-'ti-shən\ noun

onomatology
n. : ONOMASTICS
–on·o·ma·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

onomatopoeia
1 : the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss)
2 : the use of words whose sound suggests the sense
–on·o·mato·poe·ic \-'pē-ik\ or on·o·mato·po·et·ic \-pō-'e-tik\ adjective
–on·o·mato·poe·i·cal·ly \-'pē-ə-k(ə-)lē\ or on·o·mato·po·et·i·cal·ly \-pō-'e-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Onondaga
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of New York and Canada
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Onondaga people

onrush
n. 1 : a rushing forward or onward
2 : ONSET
–on·rush·ing \-ˌrə-shiŋ\ adjective

Onsager
Lars 1903-1976 American (Norw.-born) chem.

onset
n. 1 : ATTACK, ASSAULT <withstand the onset of the army>
2 : BEGINNING, COMMENCEMENT <the onset of winter>

onshore
adv. 1 : coming or moving from the water toward or onto the shore <an onshore wind>
2 a : situated on or near the shore as distinguished from being in deep or open water b : situated on land
3 : DOMESTIC 2 <onshore markets>
–on·shore \'ȯn-', 'än-'\ adverb

onside
adj. : not offside : in a position legally to play or receive the ball or puck

onside kick
: a kickoff in football in which the ball travels just far enough to be legally recoverable by the kicking team

onslaught
n. : an especially fierce attack also : something resembling such an attack <an onslaught of technological changes>

onstage
adj. : on or onto a stage : on a part of the stage visible to the audience

onstream
adv. : in or into production <plants scheduled to come onstream>

ont
n. 1 : being : existence <ontology>
2 : organism <ontogeny>

ont
n. : cell : organism <diplont>

Ontario
n. 1 city SW Calif. NW of Riverside pop 158,007
2 province E Canada bet. Great Lakes & Hudson Bay capital Toronto area 415,596 sq mi (1,076,395 sq km), pop 11,874,436
–On·tar·i·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Ontario, Lake
lake U.S. & Canada in N.Y. & Ont.; easternmost of the Great Lakes area ab 7600 sq mi (19,684 sq km)

ontic
adj. : of, relating to, or having real being
–on·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

onto
prep. 1 : to a position on
2 : in or into a state of awareness about <put me onto your methods>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate a set each element of which is the image of at least one element of another set <a function mapping the set S onto the set T>

onto
prep. : mapping elements in such a way that every element in one set is the image of at least one element in another set <a function that is one-to-one and onto>

ontogenesis
n. : ONTOGENY

ontogenetic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or appearing in the course of ontogeny
2 : based on visible morphological characters
–on·to·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ontogeny
n. : the development or course of development especially of an individual organism

ontological
adj. 1 : of or relating to ontology
2 : relating to or based upon being or existence
–on·to·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ontological argument
: an argument for the existence of God based upon the meaning of the term God

ontology
n. 1 : a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being
2 : a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence
–on·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

onus
n. 1 [Latin ― more at ONEROUS] a : BURDEN b : a disagreeable necessity : OBLIGATION c : BLAME d : STIGMA
2 [New Latin onus (probandi), literally, burden of proving] : BURDEN OF PROOF

onus probandi
: burden of proof

onward
adj. : toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : FORWARD

onward
adj. : directed or moving onward : FORWARD

onychophoran
n. : PERIPATUS
–onychophoran adjective

onym
: name : word <antonym>

onyx
n. : a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

oo
pref. ― see O-

oocyst
n. : ZYGOTE specifically : a sporozoan zygote undergoing sporogenous development

oocyte
n. : an egg before maturation : a female gametocyte

OOD
officer of the deck

oodles
n. : a great quantity : LOT

oogamous
adj. : having or involving a small motile male gamete and a large immobile female gamete
–oog·a·my \-mē\ noun

oogenesis
n. : formation and maturation of the egg
–oo·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

oogonium
n. 1 : a female sexual organ in various algae and fungi that corresponds to the archegonium of ferns and mosses
2 : a descendant of a primordial germ cell that gives rise to oocytes
–oo·go·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

ooh
interj. ― used to express amazement, joy, or surprise

ooh
interj. : to exclaim in amazement, joy, or surprise <oohing and aahing over the new automobiles>
–ooh noun

oolite
n. : a rock consisting of small round grains usually of calcium carbonate cemented together
–oo·lit·ic \ˌō-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

oologist
n. 1 : a person specializing in the study of birds' eggs
2 : a collector of birds' eggs
–ool·o·gy \-jē\ noun

oolong
n. : tea made from leaves that have been partially fermented before firing

oompah
n. : a repeated rhythmic bass accompaniment especially in a band also : music featuring such accompaniment
–oompah verb

oomph
n. 1 : personal charm or magnetism : GLAMOUR
2 : SEX APPEAL
3 : PUNCH, VITALITY

oophorectomy
n. : the surgical removal of an ovary ― called also ovariectomy

oops
interj. ― used typically to express mild apology, surprise, or dismay

Oort cloud
: a spherical shell of cometary bodies believed to surround the sun far beyond the orbit of Pluto and from which some are dislodged when perturbed (as by a passing star) to fall toward the sun

Oos Kaap
― see EASTERN CAPE

oospore
n. : a spore (as of a fungus) produced by heterogamous fertilization

ootheca
n. : a firm-walled and distinctive egg case (as of a cockroach)
–oo·the·cal \-'thē-kəl\ adjective

ootid
n. : an egg cell after meiosis

ooze
n. 1 : a soft deposit (as of mud, slime, or shells) on the bottom of a body of water
2 : a piece of soft wet plastic ground

ooze
n. intransitive verb
1 : to pass or flow slowly through or as if through small openings or interstices
2 : to move slowly or imperceptibly <the crowd began to ooze forward ― Bruce Marshall>
3 a : to exude moisture b : to exude something often in a faintly repellent manner <ooze with sympathy>
transitive verb
1 : to emit slowly
2 : EXUDE 2 <ooze confidence>

ooze
n. 1 : a decoction of vegetable material used for tanning leather
2 : the act of oozing
3 : something that oozes

oozy
adj. 1 : containing or composed of ooze : resembling ooze
2 : exuding moisture : SLIMY

OP
n. 1 observation post
2 out of print

op
n. : OPTICAL ART

op
n. 1 operation; operative; operator
2 opportunity
3 opus

op
n. coin op
co op
op art
op artist
op cit
op ed
photo op
post op
pre op

op art
: OPTICAL ART
–op artist noun

op cit
in the work cited

op-ed
: a page of special features usually opposite the editorial page of a newspaper also : a feature on such a page

opacity
n. 1 a : obscurity of sense : UNINTELLIGIBLENESS b : the quality or state of being mentally obtuse : DULLNESS
2 : the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light broadly : the relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy
3 : an opaque spot in a normally transparent structure (as the lens of the eye)

opah
n. : a large elliptical laterally compressed marine bony fish (Lampris guttatus of the family Lampridae) with brilliant colors

opal
n. : a usually amorphous mineral that is a hydrated silica softer and less dense than quartz and typically with definite and often marked iridescent play of colors and is used especially as a gem

opalescent
adj. : reflecting an iridescent light
–opal·es·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun
–opal·es·cent·ly \-sənt-lē\ adverb

opaline
n. : resembling opal

opaque
n. 1 : exhibiting opacity : blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially light
2 a : hard to understand or explain <opaque prose> b : OBTUSE, THICKHEADED
–opaque noun
–opaque·ly adverb
–opaque·ness noun

opaque projector
: a projector using reflected light for projecting an image of an opaque object or matter on an opaque support (as a photograph)

ope
v. archaic : OPEN

OPEC
n. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

Opelika
city E Alabama pop 23,498

Opelousas
city S cen La. N of Lafayette pop 22,860

open
n. 1 : having no enclosing or confining barrier : accessible on all or nearly all sides <cattle grazing on an open range>
2 a (1) : being in a position or adjustment to permit passage : not shut or locked <an open door> (2) : having a barrier (as a door) so adjusted as to allow passage <the house was open> b : having the lips parted <stood there with his mouth wide open> c : not buttoned or zipped <an open shirt>
3 a : completely free from concealment : exposed to general view or knowledge <their hostilities eventually erupted with open war> b : exposed or vulnerable to attack or question : SUBJECT <open to doubt> c : being an operation or surgical procedure in which an incision is made such that the tissues are fully exposed
4 a : not covered with a top, roof, or lid <an open car> <her eyes were open> b : having no protective covering <open wiring> <an open wound>
5 : not restricted to a particular group or category of participants <open to the public> <open housing>: as a : enterable by both amateur and professional contestants <an open tournament> b : enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation <an open primary>
6 : fit to be traveled over : presenting no obstacle to passage or view <the open road> <open country>
7 : having the parts or surfaces laid out in an expanded position : spread out : UNFOLDED <an open book>
8 a (1) : LOW 13 (2) : formed with the tongue in a lower position <Italian has an open and a close e> b (1) : having clarity and resonance unimpaired by undue tension or constriction of the throat <an open vocal tone> (2) of a tone : produced by an open string or on a wind instrument by the lip without the use of slides, valves, or keys
9 a : available to follow or make use of <the only course open to us> b : not taken up with duties or engagements <keep an hour open on Friday> c : not finally decided : subject to further consideration <the salary is open> <an open question> d : available for a qualified applicant : VACANT <the job is still open> e : remaining available for use or filling until canceled <an open order for more items> f : available for future purchase <these items are in open stock> g : available for breeding : not now pregnant <an open heifer> h : not proprietary : available to third party developers <open source code>
10 a : characterized by ready accessibility and usually generous attitude: as (1) : generous in giving (2) : willing to hear and consider or to accept and deal with : RESPONSIVE (3) : free from reserve or pretense : FRANK b : accessible to the influx of new factors (as foreign goods) <an open market>
11 a : having openings, interruptions, or spaces <open mesh>: as (1) : being porous and friable <open soil> (2) : sparsely distributed : SCATTERED <open population> (3) of a compound : having components separated by a space in writing or printing (as opaque projector) b : not made up of a continuous closed circuit of channels <the insect circulatory system is open>
12 a of an organ pipe : not stopped at the top b of a string on a musical instrument : not stopped by the finger
13 : being in operation <an open microphone> especially : ready for business, patronage, or use <the store is open from 9 to 5> <the new highway will be open next week>
14 a (1) : characterized by lack of effective regulation of various commercial enterprises <an open town> (2) : not repressed by legal controls <open gambling> b : free from checking or hampering restraints <an open economy> c : relatively unguarded by opponents <passed to an open teammate>
15 : having been opened by a first ante, bet, or bid <the bidding is open>
16 of punctuation : characterized by sparing use especially of the comma
17 a : containing none of its endpoints <an open interval> b : being a set or composed of sets each point of which has a neighborhood all of whose points are contained in the set <the interior of a sphere is an open set>
18 a : being an incomplete electrical circuit b : not allowing the flow of electricity <an open switch>
19 of a universe : having insufficient mass to halt expansion gravitationally
synonyms see FRANK, LIABLE
–open adverb
–open·ly \'ō-pən-lē\ adverb
–open·ness \-pə(n)-nəs\ noun

open
n. transitive verb
1 a : to move (as a door) from a closed position b : to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) or removing (as a cover or an obstruction)
2 a : to make available for or active in a regular function <open a new store> b : to make accessible for a particular purpose <opened new land for settlement> <open the way for changes> c : to initiate access to (a computer file) prior to use
3 a : to disclose or expose to view : REVEAL b : to make more discerning or responsive : ENLIGHTEN <must open our minds to the problems> c : to bring into view or come in sight of by changing position
4 a : to make an opening in <opened the boil> b : to loosen and make less compact <open the soil>
5 : to spread out : UNFOLD <opened the book>
6 a : to enter upon : BEGIN <opened the meeting> b : to commence action in a card game by making (a first bid), putting a first bet in (the pot), or playing (a card or suit) as first lead
7 : to restore or recall (as an order) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or oppose
intransitive verb
1 : to become open <the office opened early>
2 a : to spread out : EXPAND <the wound opened under the strain> b : to become disclosed <a beautiful vista opened before us>
3 : to become enlightened or responsive
4 : to give access <the rooms open onto a hall>
5 : SPEAK OUT 2 <finally he opened freely on the subject>
6 a : to begin a course or activity <the play opens on Tuesday> b : to make a bet, bid, or lead in commencing a round or hand of a card game
7 : to provide the opening performance of a show before the main event
–open·abil·i·ty \ˌōp-nə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌō-pə-\ noun
–open·able \'ōp-nə-bəl, 'ō-pə-\ adjective

open
n. 1 : OPENING
2 : open and unobstructed space: as a : OPEN AIR b : open water
3 : an open contest, competition, or tournament
4 : a public or unconcealed state or position

open
n. open worked
keep one's eyes open
open admission
open adoption
open air
open and shut
open arms
open bar
open chain
open city
open dating
open door
open end
open ended
open endedness
open enrollment
open eyed
open faced
open face
open heart
open hearth
open hearth process
open house
open label
open letter
open loop
open marriage
open mike
open minded
open mindedness
open mindedly
open pollinated
open season
open secret
open sentence
open sesame
open shop
open sight
open stance
open syllable
open up
wide open
eye opening
eye opener
for openers

open admission
: OPEN ENROLLMENT 2

open adoption
: an adoption that involves contact between biological and adoptive parents and sometimes between biological parents and the adopted child

open air
: the space where air is unconfined especially : OUTDOORS

open arms
: an eager or warm welcome <greeted them with open arms>

open bar
: a bar (as at a wedding reception) at which drinks are served free ― compare CASH BAR

open chain
: an arrangement of atoms represented in a structural formula by a chain whose ends are not joined so as to form a ring

open city
: a city that is not occupied or defended by military forces and that is not allowed to be bombed under international law

open dating
: the marking of perishable food products with a clearly readable date indicating when the food was packaged or the last date on which it should be sold or used

open door
1 : a recognized right of admittance : freedom of access also : a policy providing such freedom
2 : a policy giving opportunity for commercial relations with a country to all nations on equal terms
–open-door adjective

open enrollment
1 : the voluntary enrollment of a student in a public school other than the one assigned on the basis of residence
2 : enrollment on demand as a student in an institution of higher learning irrespective of formal qualifications

open house
1 : ready and usually informal hospitality or entertainment for all comers
2 : a house or apartment open for inspection especially by prospective buyers or tenants

open letter
: a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual but intended for the general public

open loop
: a control system for an operation or process in which there is no self-correcting action as there is in a closed loop

open marriage
: a marriage in which the partners agree to let each other have sexual partners outside the marriage

open mike
: an event in which amateurs may perform (as at a coffeehouse) usually without auditioning first

open season
1 : a period when it is legal to kill or catch game or fish protected at other times by law
2 : a time during which someone or something is the object of sustained attack or criticism

open secret
: a supposedly secret but generally known matter

open sentence
: a statement (as in mathematics) that contains at least one blank or unknown and that becomes true or false when the blank is filled or a quantity is substituted for the unknown

open sesame
: something that unfailingly brings about a desired end

open shop
: an establishment in which eligibility for employment and retention on the payroll are not determined by membership or nonmembership in a labor union though there may be an agreement by which a union is recognized as sole bargaining agent

open sight
: a firearm rear sight having an open notch

open stance
: a stance (as in golf) in which the forward foot is farther from the line of play than the back foot ― compare CLOSED STANCE

open syllable
: a syllable ended by a vowel or diphthong

open up
1 : to make available
2 : to make plain or visible : DISCLOSE
3 : to open by cutting into
intransitive verb
1 : to spread out or come into view <the road opens up ahead>
2 : to commence firing
3 : to become communicative <tried to get the patient to open up>

open-air
: OUTDOOR

open-and-shut
1 : perfectly simple : OBVIOUS
2 : easily settled <an open-and-shut case of grand larceny>

open-end
: organized to allow for contingencies: as a : permitting additional debt to be incurred under the original indenture subject to specified conditions <an open-end mortgage> b : having a fluctuating capitalization of shares that are issued or redeemed at the current net asset value or at a figure in fixed ratio to this <an open-end investment company> ― compare CLOSED-END

open-ended
: not rigorously fixed: as a : adaptable to the developing needs of a situation b : permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses
–open-end·ed·ness noun

open-eyed
1 : having the eyes open
2 : carefully observant : DISCERNING

open-faced
: served without a covering layer (as of bread or pastry) <an open-faced sandwich>

open-heart
: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage <open-heart surgery>

open-hearth
: of, relating to, involving, or produced in the open-hearth process <open-hearth steel>

open-hearth process
: a process of making steel from pig iron in a reverberatory furnace equipped with a regenerator

open-label
: being or relating to a clinical trial in which the treatment given to each subject is not concealed from either the experimenters or the subject <an open-label multicenter study> ― compare DOUBLE-BLIND, SINGLE-BLIND

open-minded
: receptive to arguments or ideas
–open-mind·ed·ly adverb
–open-mind·ed·ness noun

open-pollinated
: pollinated by natural agencies (as wind or insects) without human intervention

opencast
adj. chiefly British : worked from a surface open to the air <an opencast mine> <opencast mining>

opener
n. : one that opens <a bottle opener>: as a plural : cards of sufficient value for a player to open the betting in a poker game b : the first item, contest, or event of a series
–for openers : to begin with

openhanded
adj. : GENEROUS, MUNIFICENT
–open·hand·ed·ly adverb
–open·hand·ed·ness noun

openhearted
adj. 1 : candidly straightforward : FRANK
2 : responsive to emotional appeal
–open·heart·ed·ly adverb
–open·heart·ed·ness noun

opening
n. 1 a : an act or instance of making or becoming open b : an act or instance of beginning : COMMENCEMENT especially : a formal and usually public event by which something new is put officially into operation
2 : something that is open: as a (1) : BREACH, APERTURE (2) : an open width : SPAN b : an area without trees or with scattered usually mature trees that occurs as a break in a forest c : two pages that face one another in a book
3 : something that constitutes a beginning: as a : a usually planned series of moves made at the beginning of a game of chess or checkers ― compare ENDGAME, MIDDLE GAME b : a first performance
4 a : OCCASION, CHANCE b : an opportunity for employment

openmouthed
adj. 1 : CLAMOROUS, VOCIFEROUS
2 : having the mouth wide open
3 : struck with amazement or wonder
–open·mouth·ed·ly \-'mau̇-thəd-lē, -thəd-\ adverb
–open·mouth·ed·ness \-'mau̇-thəd-nəs, -thəd-\ noun

openwork
n. : work constructed so as to show openings through its substance : work that is perforated or pierced <wrought-iron openwork>
–open-worked \-ˌwərkt\ adjective

opera
n. plural of opus

opera
n. 1 : a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures and interludes specifically : GRAND OPERA
2 : the score of a musical drama
3 : the performance of an opera also : a house where operas are performed

opera
n. comic opera
grand opera
horse opera
light opera
opera bouffe
opera buffa
opera comique
opera glass
opera hat
opera house
opera seria
soap opera
space opera

opera bouffe
: satirical comic opera

opera buffa
: an 18th century farcical comic opera with dialogue in recitative

opera comique
: an opera characterized by spoken dialogue interspersed between the arias and ensemble numbers ― compare GRAND OPERA

opera glass
: a small low-power binocular without prisms for use at the opera or theater ― often used in plural

opera hat
: a man's collapsible top hat

opera house
: a theater devoted principally to the performance of operas broadly : THEATER

opera seria
: an 18th century opera with a heroic or legendary subject

operable
adj. 1 : fit, possible, or desirable to use : PRACTICABLE
2 : likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment <an operable cancer>
–op·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌä-p(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–op·er·a·bly \'ä-pə-rə-blē\ adverb

operagoer
n. : a person who frequently goes to operas
–op·era·go·ing \-ˌgō-iŋ, -ˌgȯ(-)iŋ\ noun

operand
n. : something (as a quantity or data) that is operated on (as in a mathematical operation) also : the address in a computer instruction of data to be operated on

operant
n. 1 : functioning or tending to produce effects : EFFECTIVE <an operant conscience>
2 : of or relating to the observable or measurable
3 : of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning <operant behavior>
–op·er·ant·ly adverb

operant
n. : behavior (as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects

operant conditioning
: conditioning in which the desired behavior or increasingly closer approximations to it are followed by a rewarding or reinforcing stimulus ― compare CLASSICAL CONDITIONING

operate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to perform a function : exert power or influence <factors operating against our success>
2 : to produce an appropriate effect <the drug operated quickly>
3 a : to perform an operation or a series of operations b : to perform surgery c : to carry on a military or naval action or mission
4 : to follow a course of conduct that is often irregular <crooked gamblers operating in the club>
transitive verb
1 : BRING ABOUT, EFFECT
2 a : to cause to function : WORK b : to put or keep in operation
3 : to perform an operation on especially : to perform surgery on

operate
v. gas operated
recoil operated
operating system
self operating
standard operating procedure
standing operating procedure

operatic
adj. 1 : of or relating to opera
2 : grand, dramatic, or romantic in style or effect
–op·er·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

operating
n. : of, relating to, or used for or in operations <operating expenses> <a hospital operating room>

operating
n. operating system
self operating
standard operating procedure
standing operating procedure

operating system
: software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of programs (as by assigning storage space in memory and controlling input and output functions)

operation
n. 1 : performance of a practical work or of something involving the practical application of principles or processes
2 a : an exertion of power or influence <the operation of a drug> b : the quality or state of being functional or operative <the plant is now in operation> c : a method or manner of functioning <a machine of very simple operation>
3 : EFFICACY, POTENCY ― archaic except in legal usage
4 : a procedure performed on a living body usually with instruments especially for the repair of damage or the restoration of health
5 : any of various mathematical or logical processes (as addition) of deriving one entity from others according to a rule
6 a : a usually military action, mission, or maneuver including its planning and execution b plural : the office on the flight line of an airfield where pilots file clearance for flights and where flying from the field is controlled c plural : the agency of an organization charged with carrying on the principal planning and operating functions of a headquarters and its subordinate units
7 : a business transaction especially when speculative
8 : a single step performed by a computer in the execution of a program
9 : a usually small business or establishment <ran a struggling operation>

operation
n. chief of naval operations
operations research
theater of operations

operational
adj. 1 : of or relating to operation or to an operation <the operational gap between planning and production>
2 : of, relating to, or based on operations
3 a : of, engaged in, or connected with execution of military or naval operations in campaign or battle b : ready for or in condition to undertake a destined function
–op·er·a·tion·al·ly adverb

operationalism
n. : a view that the concepts or terms used in nonanalytic scientific statements must be definable in terms of identifiable and repeatable operations
–op·er·a·tion·al·ist \-list, -ist\ noun
–op·er·a·tion·al·is·tic \-ˌrā-shnə-'lis-tik, -shə-nə-'lis-tik\ adjective

operationism
: OPERATIONALISM
–op·er·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

operations research
: the application of scientific and especially mathematical methods to the study and analysis of problems involving complex systems ― called also operational research

operative
n. 1 a : producing an appropriate effect : EFFICACIOUS b : most significant or essential <the operative word in a phrase>
2 : exerting force or influence : OPERATING
3 a : having to do with physical operations (as of machines) b : WORKING <an operative craftsman>
4 : based on or consisting of an operation <operative dentistry>
–op·er·a·tive·ly adverb
–op·er·a·tive·ness noun

operative
n. : OPERATOR: as a : ARTISAN, MECHANIC b : a secret agent c : PRIVATE DETECTIVE d : a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest <political operatives>

operator
n. 1 : one that operates: as a : one that operates a machine or device b : one that operates a business c : one that performs surgical operations d : one that deals in stocks or commodities
2 a : MOUNTEBANK, FRAUD b : a shrewd and skillful person who knows how to circumvent restrictions or difficulties
3 a : something and especially a symbol that denotes or performs a mathematical or logical operation b : a mathematical function
4 : a binding site in a DNA chain at which a genetic repressor binds to inhibit the initiation of transcription of messenger RNA by one or more nearby structural genes ― called also operator gene ― compare OPERON
–op·er·a·tor·less adjective

opercular
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting an operculum

opercular
adj. : an opercular part (as a bone or scale)

operculate
adj. : having an operculum

operculum
n. 1 : a body process or part that suggests a lid: as a : a horny or shelly plate on the posterior dorsal surface of the foot in many gastropod mollusks that closes the shell when the animal is retracted b : the covering of the gills of a fish ― see FISH illustration
2 : a lid or covering flap (as of a moss capsule)

operetta
n. : a usually romantic comic opera that includes songs and dancing
–op·er·et·tist \-'re-tist\ noun

operon
n. : a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (as an operator and promoter)

operose
adj. : TEDIOUS, WEARISOME
–op·er·ose·ly adverb
–op·er·ose·ness noun

Ophelia
n. : the daughter of Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet

ophidian
n. : of, relating to, or resembling snakes
–ophidian noun

Ophir
: a biblical land of uncertain location but reputedly rich in gold

ophitic
: having or being a rock fabric in which lath-shaped plagioclase crystals are enclosed in later formed augite

ophiuroid
n. : BRITTLE STAR
–ophiuroid adjective

ophthalm
: eye <ophthalmology>

ophthalmia
n. : inflammation of the conjunctiva or the eyeball

ophthalmic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or situated near the eye
2 : supplying or draining the eye or structures in the region of the eye <ophthalmic artery>

ophthalmologist
n. : a physician who specializes in ophthalmology ― compare OPTICIAN, OPTOMETRIST

ophthalmology
n. : a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye
–oph·thal·mo·log·ic \-mə-'lä-jik\ or oph·thal·mo·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–oph·thal·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ophthalmoscope
n. : an instrument for use in viewing the interior of the eye and especially the retina
–oph·thal·mo·scop·ic \(ˌ)äf-ˌthal-mə-'skä-pik, (ˌ)äp-\ adjective
–oph·thal·mos·co·py \ˌäf-thəl-'mäs-kə-pē, ˌäp-, -ˌthal-\ noun

opia
1 : condition of having (such) vision <diplopia>
2 : condition of having (such) a visual defect <hyperopia>

opiate
n. 1 a : a drug (as morphine or codeine) containing or derived from opium and tending to induce sleep and alleviate pain broadly : NARCOTIC 1A b : OPIOID 1
2 : something that induces rest or inaction or quiets uneasiness

opiate
n. 1 a : containing or mixed with opium b : of, relating to, binding, or being an opiate <opiate receptors>
2 a : inducing sleep : NARCOTIC b : causing dullness or inaction

opine
v. intransitive verb : to express opinions
transitive verb : to state as an opinion

opinion
n. 1 a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter b : APPROVAL, ESTEEM
2 a : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge b : a generally held view
3 a : a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert b : the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based
–opin·ioned \-yənd\ adjective
synonyms OPINION, VIEW, BELIEF, CONVICTION, PERSUASION, SENTIMENT mean a judgment one holds as true. OPINION implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute <each expert seemed to have a different opinion>. VIEW suggests a subjective opinion <very assertive in stating his views>. BELIEF implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent <a firm belief in her party's platform>. CONVICTION applies to a firmly and seriously held belief <the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human>. PERSUASION suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth <was of the persuasion that everything changes>. SENTIMENT suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings <her feminist sentiments are well-known>.

opinionated
adj. : unduly adhering to one's own opinion or to preconceived notions
–opin·ion·at·ed·ly adverb
–opin·ion·at·ed·ness noun

opinionative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of opinion : DOCTRINAL
2 : OPINIONATED
–opin·ion·a·tive·ly adverb
–opin·ion·a·tive·ness noun

opioid
n. 1 : possessing some properties characteristic of opiate narcotics but not derived from opium
2 : of, involving, or induced by an opioid

opioid
n. 1 : any of a group of endogenous neural polypeptides (as an endorphin or enkephalin) that bind especially to opiate receptors and mimic some of the pharmacological properties of opiates ― called also opioid peptide
2 : a synthetic drug possessing narcotic properties similar to opiates but not derived from opium broadly : OPIATE 1A

opisthobranch
: any of a subclass (Opisthobranchia) of marine gastropod mollusks that have the gills when present posterior to the heart and often lack a shell
–opisthobranch adjective

opium
n. 1 : a bitter brownish addictive narcotic drug that consists of the dried latex obtained from immature seed capsules of the opium poppy
2 : something having an effect like that of opium

opium poppy
: an annual Eurasian poppy (Papaver somniferum) cultivated since antiquity as the source of opium, for its edible oily seeds, or for its showy flowers

Opole
city SW Poland on the Oder pop 127,653

Oporto
― see PORTO

opossum
n. 1 : any of a family (Didelphidae) of American marsupials that usually have a pointed snout and prehensile tail especially : a common omnivorous largely nocturnal mammal (Didelphis virginiana) of No. America that has grayish to blackish fur with white on the cheeks and is an expert climber
2 : any of several Australian phalangers

opp
opposite

Oppenheim
Edward Phillips 1866-1946 Eng. nov.

Oppenheimer
(Julius) Robert 1904-1967 American physicist

opponent
n. 1 : one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict)
2 : a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another

opponent
n. 1 : ANTAGONISTIC, OPPOSING
2 : situated in front

opportune
adj. 1 : suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence <an opportune moment>
2 : occurring at an appropriate time <an opportune offer of assistance>
–op·por·tune·ly adverb
–op·por·tune·ness \-'t(y)ün-nəs\ noun

opportunism
n. : the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences

opportunist
n. : one that is opportunistic or that practices opportunism
–opportunist adjective

opportunistic
adj. : taking advantage of opportunities as they arise: as a : exploiting opportunities with little regard to principle or consequences <a politician considered opportunistic> b : feeding on whatever food is available <opportunistic feeders> c : being or caused by a usually harmless microorganism that can become pathogenic when the host's resistance is impaired <opportunistic infections>
–op·por·tu·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

opportunity
n. 1 : a favorable juncture of circumstances <the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment>
2 : a good chance for advancement or progress

opportunity
n. equal opportunity employer
opportunity cost
photo opportunity

opportunity cost
: the added cost of using resources (as for production or speculative investment) that is the difference between the actual value resulting from such use and that of an alternative (as another use of the same resources or an investment of equal risk but greater return)

opposable
adj. 1 : capable of being opposed or resisted
2 : capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot <the opposable human thumb>
–op·pos·abil·i·ty \-ˌpō-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

oppose
v. 1 : to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast
2 : to place opposite or against something
3 : to offer resistance to
–op·pos·er noun
synonyms OPPOSE, COMBAT, RESIST, WITHSTAND mean to set oneself against someone or something. OPPOSE can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare <opposed the plan>. COMBAT stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something <combat disease>. RESIST implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it <resisting temptation>. WITHSTAND suggests a more passive resistance <trying to withstand peer pressure>.

opposed
adj. : set or placed in opposition : CONTRARY <with politicians, as opposed to soap, you cannot return what you have bought ― Felix G. Rohatyn>

opposeless
archaic : IRRESISTIBLE

opposite
n. 1 a : set over against something that is at the other end or side of an intervening line or space <opposite interior angles> <opposite ends of a diameter> b : situated in pairs on an axis with each member being separated from the other by half the circumference of the axis <opposite leaves> ― compare ALTERNATE
2 a : occupying an opposing and often antagonistic position <opposite sides of the question> b : diametrically different (as in nature or character) <opposite meanings>
3 : contrary to one another or to a thing specified : REVERSE <gave them opposite directions>
4 : being the other of a pair that are corresponding or complementary in position, function, or nature <members of the opposite sex>
5 : of, relating to, or being the side of a baseball field that is near the first base line for a right-handed batter and near the third base line for a left-handed batter
–op·po·site·ly adverb
–op·po·site·ness noun
synonyms OPPOSITE, CONTRADICTORY, CONTRARY, ANTITHETICAL mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. OPPOSITE applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict <opposite views on foreign aid>. CONTRADICTORY applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid <made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall>. CONTRARY implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition <contrary assessments of the war situation>. ANTITHETICAL stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition <a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy>.

opposite
n. 1 : something that is opposed to some other often specified thing
2 : ANTONYM
3 : ADDITIVE INVERSE especially : the additive inverse of a real number

opposite
n. : on or to an opposite side

opposite
n. 1 : across from and usually facing or on the same level with <sat opposite each other>
2 : in a role complementary to <played opposite the leading man in the comedy>

opposite number
: a member of a system or class who holds relatively the same position as a particular member in a corresponding system or class : COUNTERPART

opposition
n. 1 : a configuration in which one celestial body is opposite another (as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation is near or equal to 180 degrees
2 : the relation between two propositions having the same subject and predicate but differing in quantity or quality or both
3 : an act of setting opposite or over against : the condition of being so set
4 : hostile or contrary action or condition
5 a : something that opposes specifically : a body of persons opposing something b often capitalized : a political party opposing and prepared to replace the party in power
–op·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

oppositionist
n. : a member of an opposition
–oppositionist adjective

oppress
v. 1 a archaic : SUPPRESS b : to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority
2 : to burden spiritually or mentally : weigh heavily upon
synonyms see WRONG
–op·pres·sor \-'pre-sər\ noun

oppression
n. 1 a : unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power b : something that oppresses especially in being an unjust or excessive exercise of power
2 : a sense of being weighed down in body or mind : DEPRESSION

oppressive
adj. 1 : unreasonably burdensome or severe <oppressive legislation>
2 : TYRANNICAL
3 : overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses <an oppressive climate>
synonyms see ONEROUS
–op·pres·sive·ly adverb
–op·pres·sive·ness noun

opprobrious
adj. 1 : expressive of opprobrium : SCURRILOUS <opprobrious language>
2 : deserving of opprobrium : INFAMOUS
–op·pro·bri·ous·ly adverb
–op·pro·bri·ous·ness noun

opprobrium
n. 1 : something that brings disgrace
2 a : public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious b : CONTEMPT, REPROACH

oppugn
v. 1 : to fight against
2 : to call in question
–op·pugn·er noun

Ops
n. : the Roman goddess of abundance and the wife of Saturn

opsin
n. : any of various colorless proteins that in combination with retinal or a related prosthetic group form a visual pigment (as rhodopsin) in a reaction reversible by light

opsis
: structure resembling a (specified) thing <caryopsis>

opsonic
adj. : of, relating to, or involving opsonin

opsonin
n. : any of various proteins (as antibodies or complement) that bind to foreign particles and cells (as bacteria) making them more susceptible to the action of phagocytes

opsy
: examination <necropsy>

opt
v. : to make a choice especially : to decide in favor of something <opted for a tax increase ― Tom Wicker>

opt
v. 1 optical; optician; optics
2 option; optional

opt out
: to choose not to participate in something ― often used with of <opted out of the project>

optative
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting a verbal mood that is expressive of wish or desire b : of, relating to, or constituting a sentence that is expressive of wish or hope
2 : expressing desire or wish
–optative noun
–op·ta·tive·ly adverb

optic
adj. : of or relating to vision or the eye

optic
adj. 1 : EYE
2 a : any of the elements (as lenses, mirrors, or light guides) of an optical instrument or system ― usually used in plural b : an optical instrument

optic
adj. optic disk
electro optic
fiber optic
magneto optic
optic axis
optic chiasma
optic chiasm
optic cup
optic lobe
optic nerve
optic vesicle

optic axis
: a line in a doubly refracting medium that is parallel to the direction in which all components of plane-polarized light travel with the same speed

optic chiasma
: the X-shaped partial decussation on the undersurface of the hypothalamus through which the optic nerves are continuous with the brain ― called also optic chiasm

optic cup
: the optic vesicle after invaginating to form a 2-layered cup from which the retina and pigmented layer of the eye will develop ― called also eyecup

optic disk
: BLIND SPOT 1A

optic lobe
: either of two prominences of the midbrain concerned with vision

optic nerve
: either of the second pair of cranial nerves that pass from the retina to the optic chiasma and conduct visual stimuli to the brain ― see EYE illustration

optic vesicle
: an evagination of each lateral wall of the embryonic vertebrate forebrain from which the nervous structures of the eye develop

optical
adj. 1 : of or relating to the science of optics
2 a : of or relating to vision : VISUAL b : VISIBLE 1 <optical wavelength> c : of, relating to, or being objects that emit light in the visible range of frequencies <an optical galaxy> d : using the properties of light to aid vision <an optical instrument>
3 a : of, relating to, or utilizing light especially instead of other forms of energy <optical microscopy> b : involving the use of light-sensitive devices to acquire information for a computer <optical character recognition>
4 : of or relating to optical art
–op·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

optical
adj. electron optical
electro optical
magneto optical
optical activity
optical art
optical bench
optical disk
optical fiber
optical glass
optical illusion
optical rotation
electro optically
optically active

optical activity
: ability of a chemical substance to rotate the plane of vibration of polarized light to the right or left

optical art
: nonobjective art characterized by the use of straight or curved lines or geometric patterns often for an illusory effect (as of motion)

optical bench
: an apparatus that is fitted for the convenient location and adjustment of light sources and optical devices and that is used for the observation and measurement of optical phenomena

optical disk
: a disk with a plastic coating on which information (as music, visual images, or computer data) is recorded digitally (as in the form of tiny pits) and which is read by using a laser

optical fiber
: a single fiber-optic strand

optical glass
: flint or crown glass of well-defined characteristics used especially for making lenses

optical illusion
: ILLUSION 2A(1)

optical rotation
: the angle through which the plane of vibration of polarized light that traverses an optically active substance is rotated

optically active
: capable of rotating the plane of vibration of polarized light to the right or left ― used of compounds, molecules, or atoms

optician
n. 1 : a maker of or dealer in optical items and instruments
2 : a person who reads prescriptions for visual correction, orders lenses, and dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses ― compare OPHTHALMOLOGIST, OPTOMETRIST

optics
n. : a science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it

optics
n. adaptive optics
electron optics
electro optics
fiber optics
magneto optics

optimal
adj. : most desirable or satisfactory : OPTIMUM
–op·ti·mal·i·ty \ˌäp-tə-'ma-lə-tē\ noun
–op·ti·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

optimisation
British variant of optimization, optimize

optimism
n. 1 : a doctrine that this world is the best possible world
2 : an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
–op·ti·mist \-mist\ noun
–op·ti·mis·tic \ˌäp-tə-'mis-tik\ adjective
–op·ti·mis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Optimist
n. : a member of a major international service club

optimization
n. : an act, process, or methodology of making something (as a design, system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible specifically : the mathematical procedures (as finding the maximum of a function) involved in this

optimize
v. : to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible
–op·ti·miz·er \-ˌmī-zər\ noun

optimum
n. 1 : the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end especially : the most favorable condition for the growth and reproduction of an organism
2 : greatest degree attained or attainable under implied or specified conditions
–optimum adjective

option
n. 1 : an act of choosing
2 a : the power or right to choose : freedom of choice b : a privilege of demanding fulfillment of a contract on any day within a specified time c : a contract conveying a right to buy or sell designated securities, commodities, or property interest at a specified price during a stipulated period also : the right conveyed by an option d : a right of an insured person to choose the form in which payments due on a policy shall be made or applied
3 : something that may be chosen: as a : an alternative course of action <didn't have many options open> b : an item that is offered in addition to or in place of standard equipment
4 : an offensive football play in which a back may choose whether to pass or run with the ball ― called also option play
synonyms see CHOICE

option
n. 1 : to grant or take an option on
2 : to acquire the exclusive right to use (an author's work) as the basis for a motion picture <the studio optioned the novel for a film>

option
n. option play
co option
local option
stock option

optional
adj. : involving an option : not compulsory
–op·tion·al·i·ty \ˌäp-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–op·tion·al·ly adverb

opto
1 : vision <optometry>
2 : optic and <optoelectronics>

optoelectronics
n. : a branch of electronics that deals with electronic devices for emitting, modulating, transmitting, and sensing light
–op·to·elec·tron·ic \-nik\ adjective

optokinetic
adj. : of, relating to, or involving movements of the eyes

optometrist
n. : a specialist licensed to practice optometry ― compare OPHTHALMOLOGIST, OPTICIAN

optometry
n. : the health-care profession concerned especially with examining the eye for defects and faults of refraction, with prescribing correctional lenses or eye exercises, with diagnosing diseases of the eye, and with treating such diseases or referring them for treatment
–op·to·met·ric \ˌäp-tə-'me-trik\ adjective

opulence
adj. 1 : WEALTH, AFFLUENCE
2 : ABUNDANCE, PROFUSION

opulent
adj. : exhibiting or characterized by opulence: as a : having a large estate or property : WEALTHY <hoping to marry an opulent widow> b : amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation <living in opulent comfort>
synonyms see RICH
–op·u·lent·ly adverb

opuntia
n. : any of a large genus (Opuntia) of American cacti with usually yellow flowers and flat or terete joints usually studded with tubercles bearing spines or prickly hairs ― compare CHOLLA, PRICKLY PEAR

opus
n. : WORK especially : a musical composition or set of compositions usually numbered in the order of its issue

opus
n. magnum opus
finis coronat opus
hoc opus hic labor est
comic opera
grand opera
horse opera
light opera
opera bouffe
opera buffa
opera comique
opera glass
opera hat
opera house
opera seria
soap opera
space opera

opuscule
n. : a small or petty work : OPUSCULUM

opusculum
n. : a minor work (as of literature) ― usually used in plural

Oquirrh Mountains
mountain range N cen Utah S of Great Salt Lake; highest point ab 11,000 ft (3353 m)

OR
n. : a logical operator that requires either of two inputs to be present or conditions to be met for an output to be made or a statement to be executed <OR gate in a computer>

OR
n. 1 operating room
2 operational research; operations research
3 Oregon
4 owner's risk
5 own recognizance

or
n. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate an alternative <coffee or tea> <sink or swim>, the equivalent or substitutive character of two words or phrases <lessen or abate>, or approximation or uncertainty <in five or six days>
2 archaic : EITHER
3 archaic : WHETHER
4 ― used in logic as a sentential connective that forms a complex sentence which is true when at least one of its constituent sentences is true ― compare DISJUNCTION

or
n. archaic : BEFORE

or
n. archaic : BEFORE

or
n. : the heraldic color gold or yellow

or
n. : one that does a (specified) thing <grantor>

or
n. : condition : activity <demeanor>

ora
n. plural of os

ora pro nobis
: pray for us

orache
n. : any of various herbs (genus Atriplex) of the goosefoot family that include some (as A. hortensis) with edible leaves

oracle
n. 1 a : a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak b : a shrine in which a deity reveals hidden knowledge or the divine purpose through such a person c : an answer or decision given by an oracle
2 a : a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions b : an authoritative or wise expression or answer

oracular
adj. 1 : resembling an oracle (as in solemnity of delivery)
2 : of, relating to, or being an oracle
synonyms see DICTATORIAL
–orac·u·lar·i·ty \-ˌra-kyə-'lar-ə-tē\ noun
–orac·u·lar·ly \-'ra-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

Oradea
city NW Romania in Transylvania near Hungarian border pop 206,527

Oral
n. city W Kazakhstan on Ural River pop 214,000

oral
n. 1 a : uttered by the mouth or in words : SPOKEN <oral traditions> b : using speech or the lips especially in teaching the deaf
2 a : of, given through, or involving the mouth <oral health> <an oral vaccine> b : being on or relating to the same surface as the mouth
3 a : of, relating to, or characterized by the first stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which libidinal gratification is derived from intake (as of food), by sucking, and later by biting b : of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependency and aggressiveness
–oral·i·ty \ȯ-'ra-lə-tē, ō-\ noun
–oral·ly \'ȯr-ə-lē, 'är-\ adverb

oral
n. : an oral examination ― usually used in plural

oral
n. oral contraceptive
oral history
oral historian
oral sex

oral contraceptive
: BIRTH CONTROL PILL

oral history
1 : tape-recorded historical information obtained in interviews concerning personal experiences and recollections also : the study of such information
2 : a written work based on oral history
–oral historian noun

oral sex
: oral stimulation of the genitals : CUNNILINGUS, FELLATIO

oralism
n. : advocacy or use of the oral method of teaching the deaf
–oral·ist \-list\ noun

Oran
city & port NW Algeria pop 628,558

orang
n. : ORANGUTAN

Orange
n. : of, relating to, or sympathizing with Orangemen
–Or·ange·ism \'är-in-ˌji-zəm, 'är(ə-)n-, 'ȯr-in-, 'ȯr(ə-)n-\ noun

Orange
n. 1 city SW Calif. N of Santa Ana pop 128,821
2 river 1300 mi (2092 km) S Africa flowing from the Drakensberg in Lesotho W into the Atlantic

Orange
n. city SE France N of Avignon pop 27,999

orange
n. 1 a : a globose berry with a yellowish to reddish-orange rind and a sweet edible pulp b : any of various small evergreen citrus trees (genus Citrus) with glossy ovate leaves, hard yellow wood, fragrant white flowers, and fruits that are oranges
2 : any of several trees or fruits resembling the orange
3 : any of a group of colors that lie midway between red and yellow in hue

orange
n. 1 : of or relating to the orange
2 : of the color orange

orange
n. acridine orange
Agent Orange
blaze orange
blood orange
mandarin orange
methyl orange
mock orange
navel orange
orange chromide
orange hawkweed
orange peel
orange pekoe
orange roughy
Osage orange
sour orange
sweet orange
trifoliate orange
Valencia orange
East Orange
Orange Free State
Port Orange

orange chromide
: an Asian freshwater cichlid fish (Etroplus maculatus) that is orange or yellow with red spots and is often kept in tropical aquariums

Orange Free State
― see FREE STATE

orange hawkweed
: a European hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) that has flower heads with bright orange-red rays and is a troublesome weed especially in northeastern No. America

orange peel
: a rough surface (as on porcelain) like that of an orange

orange pekoe
: tea made from the smallest and youngest leaves of the shoot

orange roughy
: a reddish-orange fish (Hoplostethus atlanticus) of deep subtropical and tropical waters that has firm white flesh and is caught commercially chiefly in the waters of New Zealand

orangeade
n. : a beverage of sweetened orange juice mixed with water

Orangeman
n. 1 : a member of a secret society organized in the north of Ireland in 1795 to defend the British sovereign and to support the Protestant religion
2 : a Protestant Irishman especially of Ulster

orangery
n. : a protected place and especially a greenhouse for growing oranges in cool climates

Orangeville
town Canada in Ont. NW of Toronto pop 25,248

orangewood
n. : the wood of the orange tree used especially in turnery and carving

orangey
adj. : resembling or suggestive of an orange (as in flavor or color)

orangish
: somewhat orange

orangutan
n. : a largely herbivorous arboreal anthropoid ape (Pongo pygmaeus) of Borneo and Sumatra that is about 2/3 as large as the gorilla and has brown skin, long sparse reddish-brown hair, and very long arms

orate
v. : to speak in an elevated and often pompous manner

oration
n. : an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner

orator
n. 1 : one who delivers an oration
2 : one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker

Oratorian
adj. : a member of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri founded in Rome in 1575 and comprising independent communities of secular priests under obedience but without vows
–Oratorian adjective

oratorical
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of an orator or oratory
–or·a·tor·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

oratorio
n. : a lengthy choral work usually of a religious nature consisting chiefly of recitatives, arias, and choruses without action or scenery

oratory
n. 1 : a place of prayer especially : a private or institutional chapel
2 capitalized : an Oratorian congregation, house, or church

oratory
n. 1 : the art of speaking in public eloquently or effectively
2 a : public speaking that employs oratory b : public speaking that is characterized by the use of stock phrases and that appeals chiefly to the emotions

orb
n. 1 : any of the concentric spheres in old astronomy surrounding the earth and carrying the celestial bodies in their revolutions
2 archaic : something circular : CIRCLE, ORBIT
3 : a spherical body especially : a spherical celestial object
4 : EYE
5 : a sphere surmounted by a cross symbolizing kingly power and justice

orb
n. 1 : to form into a disk or circle
2 archaic : ENCIRCLE, SURROUND, ENCLOSE
intransitive verb archaic : to move in an orbit

orb weaver
: any of a family (Araneidae) of spiders that have eight similar eyes and typically spin a large elaborate wheel-shaped flat web

orb web
: a web made by an orb weaver

orbicular
adj. : SPHERICAL, CIRCULAR
–or·bic·u·lar·ly \-'bi-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

orbiculate
: circular or nearly circular in outline <an orbiculate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration

orbit
n. : the bony socket of the eye
–or·bit·al \'ȯr-bə-təl\ adjective

orbit
n. 1 a : a path described by one body in its revolution about another (as by the earth about the sun or by an electron about an atomic nucleus) also : one complete revolution of a body describing such a path b : a circular path
2 : a range or sphere of activity or influence <within the president's orbit>
synonyms see RANGE
–orbital adjective

orbit
n. 1 : to revolve in an orbit around : CIRCLE
2 : to send up and make revolve in an orbit <orbit a satellite>
intransitive verb : to travel in circles

orbital
adj. : a mathematically described region around a nucleus in an atom or molecule that may contain zero, one, or two electrons

orbiter
n. : one that orbits: as a : a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body without landing on its surface b : SPACE SHUTTLE

orca
n. : KILLER WHALE

Orcadian
n. : a native or inhabitant of the Orkney Islands
–Orcadian adjective

Orcagna
Andrea ca 1308-ca 1368 Andrea di Cione Florentine painter, sculptor, & architect

orchard
n. : a planting of fruit trees, nut trees, or sugar maples also : the trees of such a planting

orchard grass
: a widely grown tall stout hay and pasture grass (Dactylis glomerata) of Eurasia that grows in tufts and has loose open panicles ― called also cocksfoot

orchardist
n. : an owner or supervisor of orchards

orchestra
n. 1 a : the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater b : a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons
2 a : the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra b : the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater c : the main floor of a theater
3 : a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music ― compare BAND

orchestral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or composed for an orchestra
2 : suggestive of an orchestra or its musical qualities
–or·ches·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

orchestrate
v. 1 a : to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra b : to provide with orchestration <orchestrate a ballet>
2 : to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect <orchestrated preparations for the banquet>
–or·ches·tra·tor also or·ches·trat·er \-ˌstrā-tər\ noun

orchestration
n. 1 : the arrangement of a musical composition for performance by an orchestra also : orchestral treatment of a musical composition
2 : harmonious organization <develop a world community through orchestration of cultural diversities ― L. K. Frank>
–or·ches·tra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

orchid
n. 1 : any of a large family (Orchidaceae, the orchid family) of perennial epiphytic or terrestrial monocotyledonous plants that usually have showy 3-petaled flowers with the middle petal enlarged into a lip and differing from the others in shape and color
2 : a light purple
–or·chid·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

orchidaceous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the orchids
2 : SHOWY, OSTENTATIOUS

orchiectomy
n. : surgical removal of one or both testes

orchis
n. : ORCHID especially : any of a genus (Orchis) of orchids with fleshy roots and a spurred lip

Orczy
Baroness Em·mus·ka \'e-məsh-kə\ 1865-1947 Eng. (Hung.-born) nov. & dram.

ord
n. 1 order
2 ordnance

ordain
v. transitive verb
1 : to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority
2 a : to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law : ENACT <we the people⋯do ordain and establish this Constitution ― U.S. Constitution> b : DESTINE, FOREORDAIN
intransitive verb : to issue an order
–or·dain·er noun
–or·dain·ment \-'dān-mənt\ noun

ordeal
n. 1 : a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control <ordeal by fire>
2 : a severe trial or experience

order
n. transitive verb
1 : to put in order : ARRANGE
2 a : to give an order to : COMMAND b : DESTINE, ORDAIN <so ordered by the gods> c : to command to go or come to a specified place <ordered back to the base> d : to give an order for <order a meal>
intransitive verb
1 : to bring about order : REGULATE
2 a : to issue orders : COMMAND b : to give or place an order
–or·der·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–or·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
synonyms ORDER, ARRANGE, MARSHAL, ORGANIZE, SYSTEMATIZE, METHODIZE mean to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other. ORDER suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion <ordered her business affairs>. ARRANGE implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment <arranged the files numerically>. MARSHAL suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use <marshaling the facts for argument>. ORGANIZE implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function <organized the volunteers into teams>. SYSTEMATIZE implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme <systematized billing procedures>. METHODIZE suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme <methodizes every aspect of daily living>. synonym see in addition COMMAND

order
n. 1 a : a group of people united in a formal way: as (1) : a fraternal society <the Masonic Order> (2) : a community under a religious rule especially : one requiring members to take solemn vows b : a badge or medal of such a society also : a military decoration
2 a : any of the several grades of the Christian ministry b plural : the office of a person in the Christian ministry c plural : ORDINATION
3 a : a rank, class, or special group in a community or society b : a class of persons or things grouped according to quality, value, or natural characteristics: as (1) : a category of taxonomic classification ranking above the family and below the class (2) : the broadest category in soil classification
4 a (1) : RANK, LEVEL <a statesman of the first order> (2) : CATEGORY, CLASS <in emergencies of this order ― R. B. Westerfield> b (1) : the arrangement or sequence of objects or of events in time <listed the items in order of importance> <the batting order> (2) : a sequential arrangement of mathematical elements c : DEGREE 12A B d (1) : the number of times differentiation is applied successively <derivatives of higher order> (2) of a differential equation : the order of the derivative of highest order e : the number of columns or rows or columns and rows in a magic square, determinant, or matrix <the order of a matrix with 2 rows and 3 columns is 2 by 3> f : the number of elements in a finite mathematical group
5 a (1) : a sociopolitical system <was opposed to changes in the established order> (2) : a particular sphere or aspect of a sociopolitical system <the present economic order> b : a regular or harmonious arrangement <the order of nature>
6 a : a prescribed form of a religious service : RITE b : the customary mode of procedure especially in debate <point of order>
7 a : the state of peace, freedom from confused or unruly behavior, and respect for law or proper authority <promised to restore law and order> b : a specific rule, regulation, or authoritative direction : COMMAND
8 a : a style of building b : a type of column and entablature forming the unit of a style
9 a : state or condition especially with regard to functioning or repair <things were in terrible order> b : a proper, orderly, or functioning condition <their passports were in order> <the phone is out of order>
10 a : a written direction to pay money to someone b : a commission to purchase, sell, or supply goods or to perform work c : goods or items bought or sold d : an assigned or requested undertaking <landing men on the moon was a tall order>
11 : ORDER OF THE DAY <flat roofs were the order in the small villages>
–or·der·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in order : APPROPRIATE, DESIRABLE <an apology is in order>
–in order to : for the purpose of
–on order : in the process of being ordered
–on the order of
1 : after the fashion of : LIKE <a genius on the order of Newton ― D. B. Botkin>
2 : ABOUT, APPROXIMATELY <spent on the order of two million dollars>
–to order : according to the specifications of an order <shoes made to order>

order
n. back order
cease and desist order
close order
court order
Distinguished Service Order
executive order
gag order
holy order
in order that
law and order
made to order
mail order
major order
market order
minor order
money order
order arms
to order
on the order of
on order
in order to
in order
order of battle
order of business
order of magnitude
order of the day
pecking order
peck order
postal order
restraining order
set one's house in order
in short order
short order
standing order
stop order
third order
word order
marching orders
partially ordered
simply ordered
well ordered
well ordering

order arms
1 : a command to return the rifle to order arms from present arms or to drop the hand from a hand salute
2 : a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held vertically beside the right leg with the butt resting on the ground

order of battle

1702
1 : the disposition of troops or ships ready for combat
2 : a tabular compilation of units, commanders, equipment, and their locations in a theater of operation

order of business
: a matter which must be dealt with : TASK <the budget was the first order of business at the committee meeting>

order of magnitude

1875
: a range of magnitude extending from some value to ten times that value

order of the day

1698
1 : the business or tasks appointed for an assembly for a given day
2 : the characteristic or dominant feature or activity <growth and change are the order of the day in every field ― Ruth G. Strickland>

ordered
adj. : characterized by order: as a : marked by regularity or discipline <led an ordered life> b : marked by regular or harmonious arrangement or disposition <an ordered landscape> <the ordered crystal structure> c : having elements arranged or identified according to a rule: as (1) : having the property that every pair of different elements is related by a transitive relationship that is not symmetric (2) : having elements labeled by ordinal numbers <an ordered triple has a first, second, and third element>

ordered
adj. partially ordered
simply ordered
well ordered

orderliness
n. : the quality or state of being orderly

orderly
n. 1 a (1) : arranged or disposed in some order or pattern : REGULAR <orderly rows of houses> (2) : marked by order : TIDY <keeps an orderly desk> b : governed by law : REGULATED <an orderly universe> c : METHODICAL <an orderly mind>
2 : well behaved : PEACEFUL <an orderly crowd>
–orderly adverb

orderly
n. 1 : a soldier assigned to perform various services (as carrying messages) for a superior officer
2 : a hospital attendant who does routine or heavy work (as cleaning, carrying supplies, or moving patients)

ordinal
n. 1 capitalized [Middle English, from Medieval Latin ordinale, from Late Latin, neuter of ordinalis] : a book of rites for the ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops
2 [Late Latin ordinalis, from ordinalis, adjective] : ORDINAL NUMBER

ordinal
n. 1 : of a specified order or rank in a series
2 : of or relating to a taxonomic order

ordinal number
1 : a number designating the place (as first, second, or third) occupied by an item in an ordered sequence ― see NUMBER table
2 : a number assigned to an ordered set that designates both the order of its elements and its cardinal number

ordinance
n. 1 a : an authoritative decree or direction : ORDER b : a law set forth by a governmental authority specifically : a municipal regulation
2 : something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
3 : a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony
synonyms see LAW

ordinand
n. : a candidate for ordination

ordinary
n. 1 a (1) : a prelate exercising original jurisdiction over a specified territory or group (2) : a clergyman appointed formerly in England to attend condemned criminals b : a judge of probate in some states of the U.S.
2 often capitalized : the parts of the Mass that do not vary from day to day
3 : the regular or customary condition or course of things ― usually used in the phrase out of the ordinary
4 a British : a meal served to all comers at a fixed price b chiefly British : a tavern or eating house serving regular meals
5 : a common heraldic charge (as the bend) of simple form

ordinary
n. 1 : of a kind to be expected in the normal order of events : ROUTINE, USUAL <an ordinary day>
2 : having or constituting immediate or original jurisdiction also : belonging to such jurisdiction
3 a : of common quality, rank, or ability <an ordinary teenager> b : deficient in quality : POOR, INFERIOR <ordinary wine>
synonyms see COMMON
–or·di·nar·i·ly \ˌȯr-də-'ner-ə-lē\ adverb
–or·di·nar·i·ness \'ȯr-də-ˌner-ē-nəs\ noun

ordinary
n. Ordinary level
ordinary language philosophy
ordinary seaman
ordinary share

Ordinary level
: O LEVEL

ordinary seaman
: a seaman of some experience but not as skilled as an able seaman

ordinary share
British : a share of common stock

ordinary-language philosophy
: a trend in philosophical analysis that seeks to resolve philosophical perplexity by revealing sources of puzzlement in the misunderstanding of ordinary language

ordinate
n. : the Cartesian coordinate obtained by measuring parallel to the y-axis ― compare ABSCISSA

ordination
n. : the act or an instance of ordaining : the state of being ordained

ordnance
n. 1 a : military supplies including weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, and maintenance tools and equipment b : a service of the army charged with the procuring, distributing, and safekeeping of ordnance
2 : CANNON, ARTILLERY

Ordnung
: order : orderliness : system of community norms

ordo
: a list of offices and feasts of the Roman Catholic Church for each day of the year

ordonnance
n. : disposition of the parts (as of a literary composition) with regard to one another and the whole : ARRANGEMENT

Ordovician
adj. : of, relating to, or being the period between the Cambrian and the Silurian or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Ordovician noun

ordure
n. 1 : EXCREMENT
2 : something that is morally degrading

Ordzhonikidze
― see VLADIKAVKAZ

Ore
n. Oregon

ore
n. 1 : a naturally occurring mineral containing a valuable constituent (as metal) for which it is mined and worked
2 : a source from which valuable matter is extracted

ore
n. ― see krona, krone at MONEY table

ore dressing
: mechanical preparation (as by crushing) and concentration (as by flotation) of ore

ore rotundo
: with round mouth : eloquently

oread
n. : any of the nymphs of mountains and hills in Greek mythology

Orebro
city S cen Sweden pop 125,520

orecchiette
n. : small oval pasta

oregano
n. 1 : a bushy perennial mint (Origanum vulgare) that is used as a seasoning and a source of aromatic oil ― called also origanum wild marjoram
2 : any of several plants (genera Lippia and Coleus) other than oregano of the vervain or mint families

Oregon
n. 1 the Columbia River ― an early name used especially prior to discovery of mouth & renaming of river (1792) by Capt. Robert Gray
2 state NW U.S. capital Salem area 97,073 sq mi (251,419 sq km), pop 3,421,399
–Or·e·go·nian \ˌȯr-i-'gō-nē-ən, ˌär-, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Oregon
n. Oregon grape
Oregon Caves
Oregon City
Oregon Country
Oregon Trail

Oregon Caves
limestone caverns SW Oreg. SW of Medford in Oregon Caves National Monument

Oregon City
city NW Oreg. S of Portland pop 25,754

Oregon Country
region W N. America bet. Pacific coast & the Rockies and bet. N Calif. & Alaska ― so called about 1818-46

Oregon grape
: an evergreen shrub (Mahonia aquifolium) of the barberry family that has yellow flowers, bears edible bluish-black berries, and is native to western No. America

Oregon Trail
pioneer route to the Pacific Northwest ab 2000 mi (3219 km) long from vicinity of Independence, Mo., to the Willamette-Columbia river region; used especially 1842-60

Orel
city Russia in Europe SSW of Moscow

Orem
n. city N cen Utah N of Provo pop 84,324

Orenburg
city SE Russia in Europe on Ural River pop 557,000

Orense
1 province NW Spain area 2810 sq mi (7278 sq km), pop 338,446
2 city, its capital pop 107,510

Oreo
n. usually disparaging : a black person who adopts the characteristic mentality and behavior of white middle-class society

Orestes
n. : the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra who with his sister Electra avenges his father by killing his mother and her lover Aegisthus

Oresund
strait bet. Sjælland Is., Denmark, & S Sweden connecting Kattegat with Baltic Sea

Orff
Carl 1895-1982 Ger. composer

org
1 organic
2 organization; organized

organ
n. 1 a archaic : any of various musical instruments especially : WIND INSTRUMENT b (1) : a keyboard instrument in which sets of pipes are sounded by compressed air and produce a variety of timbres ― called also pipe organ (2) : REED ORGAN (3) : an electronic keyboard instrument that approximates the sounds and resources of the pipe organ (4) : any of various similar cruder instruments
2 a : a differentiated structure (as a heart, kidney, leaf, or stem) consisting of cells and tissues and performing some specific function in an organism b : bodily parts performing a function or cooperating in an activity <the eyes and related structures that make up the visual organs>
3 : a subordinate group or organization that performs specialized functions <the various organs of government>
4 : PERIODICAL

organ
n. 1 : organ <organogenesis>
2 : organic <organomercurial>

organ
n. pipe organ
barrel organ
electric organ
end organ
hand organ
house organ
Jacobson's organ
mouth organ
organ grinder
organ of Corti
organ pipe cactus
pineal organ
reed organ
sense organ
vomeronasal organ
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

organ of Corti
: a complex epithelial structure in the cochlea that rests on the internal surface of the basilar membrane and in mammals is the chief part of the ear by which sound is directly perceived

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
n. reservation S Ariz. on Mexican border

organ-grinder
: one that cranks a hand organ especially : a street musician who operates a barrel organ

organ-pipe cactus
: any of several tall upright cacti (as Lemaireocereus thurberi or L. marginatus) of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico that usually branch at the base to form several upright stems

organdy
n. : a very fine transparent muslin with a stiff finish

organelle
n. : a specialized cellular part (as a mitochondrion, lysosome, or ribosome) that is analogous to an organ

organic
adj. 1 archaic : INSTRUMENTAL
2 a : of, relating to, or arising in a bodily organ b : affecting the structure of the organism
3 a (1) : of, relating to, or derived from living organisms <organic evolution> (2) : of, relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides <organic farming> <organic produce> b (1) : of, relating to, or containing carbon compounds (2) : relating to, being, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with the carbon compounds of living beings and most other carbon compounds
4 a : forming an integral element of a whole : FUNDAMENTAL <incidental music rather than organic parts of the action ― Francis Fergusson> b : having systematic coordination of parts : ORGANIZED <an organic whole> c : having the characteristics of an organism : developing in the manner of a living plant or animal <society is organic>
5 : of, relating to, or constituting the law by which a government or organization exists
–or·gan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–or·ga·nic·i·ty \ˌȯr-gə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

organic
adj. : an organic substance: as a : a fertilizer of plant or animal origin b : a pesticide whose active component is an organic compound or a mixture of organic compounds c : a food produced by organic farming

organic brain syndrome
: an acute or chronic mental dysfunction (as Alzheimer's disease) resulting chiefly from physical changes in brain structure and characterized especially by impaired cognition

organicism
n. 1 a : the explanation of life and living processes in terms of the levels of organization of living systems rather than in terms of the properties of their smallest components b : VITALISM
2 : any of various theories that attribute to society or the universe as a whole an existence or characteristics analogous to those of a biological organism
–or·gan·i·cist \-sist\ noun or adjective

organisation
n. British variant of organization, organize, organizer

organism
n. 1 : a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
2 : an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
–or·gan·is·mic \ˌȯr-gə-'niz-mik\ also or·gan·is·mal \-məl\ adjective
–or·gan·is·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

organist
n. : a person who plays the organ

organization
n. 1 a : the act or process of organizing or of being organized b : the condition or manner of being organized
2 a : ASSOCIATION, SOCIETY <charitable organizations> b : an administrative and functional structure (as a business or a political party) also : the personnel of such a structure

organization
n. : characterized by complete conformity to the standards and requirements of an organization <an organization man>

organization
n. health maintenance organization
preferred provider organization
self organization
table of organization

organizational
adj. 1 : of or relating to an organization : involving organization <the organizational state of a crystal>
2 : ORGANIZATION
–or·ga·ni·za·tion·al·ly adverb

organize
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to develop an organic structure
2 : to form into a coherent unity or functioning whole : INTEGRATE <trying to organize her thoughts>
3 a : to set up an administrative structure for b : to persuade to associate in an organization especially : UNIONIZE
4 : to arrange by systematic planning and united effort
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo physical or organic organization
2 : to arrange elements into a whole of interdependent parts
3 : to form an organization specifically : to form or persuade workers to join a union
synonyms see ORDER
–or·gan·iz·able \ˌȯr-gə-'nī-zə-bəl\ adjective

organized
adj. 1 : having a formal organization to coordinate and carry out activities <organized baseball> <organized crime>
2 : affiliated by membership in an organization (as a union) <organized steelworkers>

organizer
n. 1 : one that organizes
2 : a region of a developing embryo or a substance produced by such a region that is capable of inducing a specific type of development in undifferentiated tissue ― called also inductor

organizer
n. nucleolus organizer
nucleolar organizer
co organizer

organochlorine
: of, relating to, or being a chlorinated hydrocarbon and especially one used as a pesticide (as aldrin, DDT, or dieldrin)
–organochlorine noun

organogenesis
n. : the origin and development of bodily organs ― compare MORPHOGENESIS
–or·gan·o·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

organoleptic
adj. 1 : being, affecting, or relating to qualities (as taste, color, odor, and feel) of a substance (as a food or drug) that stimulate the sense organs <organoleptic research>
2 : involving use of the sense organs <organoleptic evaluation of foods>
–or·gan·o·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

organomercurial
adj. : an organic compound or a pharmaceutical preparation containing mercury

organometallic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an organic compound that usually contains a metal or metalloid bonded directly to carbon
–organometallic noun

organon
n. : an instrument for acquiring knowledge specifically : a body of principles of scientific or philosophic investigation

organophosphate
n. : an organophosphorus compound (as a pesticide)
–organophosphate adjective

organophosphorus
n. : of, relating to, or being a phosphorus-containing organic compound and especially a pesticide (as malathion) that acts by inhibiting cholinesterase
–organophosphorus noun

organum
n. 1 : early polyphony of the late Middle Ages that consists of one or more voice parts accompanying the cantus firmus often in parallel motion at a fourth, fifth, or octave above or below also : a composition in this style
2 : ORGANON

organza
n. : a sheer dress fabric (as of silk or nylon) resembling organdy

organzine
n. : a raw silk yarn used for warp threads in fine fabrics

orgasm
n. : intense or paroxysmal excitement especially : an explosive discharge of neuromuscular tensions at the height of sexual arousal that is usually accompanied by the ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female
–or·gas·mic \ȯr-'gaz-mik\ also or·gas·tic \-'gas-tik\ adjective

orgasm
n. : to experience orgasm

orgeat
n. : a sweet almond-flavored nonalcoholic syrup used as a cocktail ingredient or food flavoring

orgiastic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by orgies
2 : characterized by unrestrained emotion : FRENZIED
–or·gi·as·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

orgone
n. : a vital energy held to pervade nature and be a factor in health in the theories of Wilhelm Reich

orgulous
adj. : PROUD

orgy
n. 1 : secret ceremonial rites held in honor of an ancient Greek or Roman deity and usually characterized by ecstatic singing and dancing
2 a : drunken revelry b : a sexual encounter involving many people also : an excessive sexual indulgence
3 : excessive indulgence in something especially to satisfy an inordinate appetite or craving <an orgy of destruction> <a national orgy of thrill seeking and risk taking ― K. T. Greenfeld>

Orhon
river N Mongolia flowing NE from N edge of the Gobi into the Selenga

oria
plural of -orium

orial
: of, belonging to, or connected with <combinatorial>

oribatid
: any of a superfamily (Oribatoidea) of small oval eyeless nonparasitic mites having a heavily sclerotized integument with a leathery appearance
–oribatid adjective

oriel window
: a large bay window projecting from a wall and supported by a corbel or bracket ― called also oriel

orient
adj. 1 archaic : EAST 1B
2 capitalized : EAST 2
3 a : a pearl of great luster b : the luster of a pearl

orient
adj. 1 archaic : ORIENTAL 1
2 a : LUSTROUS, SPARKLING <orient gems> b archaic : RADIANT, GLOWING
3 archaic : rising in the sky

orient
adj. 1 a : to cause to face or point toward the east specifically : to build (a church or temple) with the longitudinal axis pointing eastward and the chief altar at the eastern end b : to set or arrange in any determinate position especially in relation to the points of the compass c : to ascertain the bearings of
2 a : to set right by adjusting to facts or principles b : to acquaint with the existing situation or environment
3 : to direct (as a book or film) toward the interests of a particular group
4 : to cause the axes of the molecules of to assume the same direction

orient
adj. object oriented
object oriented programming
self oriented

Oriental
adj. 1 sometimes offensive : ASIAN especially : one who is a native of east Asia or is of east Asian descent
2 : ORIENTAL RUG
3 : ORIENTAL SHORTHAIR

oriental
adj. 1 often capitalized : of, relating to, or situated in Asia
2 a : of superior grade, luster, or value b : being corundum or sapphire but simulating another gem in color
3 often capitalized sometimes offensive : ASIAN
4 capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting the biogeographic region that includes Asia south and southeast of the Himalayas and the Malay Archipelago west of Wallace's line
–ori·en·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

oriental
adj. Banda Oriental
República Oriental del Uruguay
oriental fruit moth
oriental peach moth
Oriental poppy
Oriental rug
Oriental carpet
Oriental shorthair
Sierra Madre Oriental

oriental fruit moth
: a small nearly cosmopolitan moth (Grapholita molesta syn. Cydia molesta) prob. of Japanese origin whose larva is injurious to the twigs and fruit of orchard trees and especially the peach ― called also oriental peach moth

Oriental poppy
: an Asian perennial poppy (Papaver orientale) that is commonly cultivated for its large showy flowers

Oriental rug
: a handwoven or hand-knotted one-piece rug or carpet made in a country of central or southern Asia ― called also Oriental carpet

Oriental shorthair
: a slender short-haired domestic cat of a breed resembling the Siamese in conformation but having a solid-colored coat in a wide range of colors

Orientalia
n. : materials concerning, characteristic of, or from Asia

orientalism
n. 1 : something (as a style or manner) associated with or characteristic of Asia or Asians
2 : scholarship or learning in Asian subjects or languages
–ori·en·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun or adjective often cap

orientalize
v. transitive verb often capitalized : to make Asian : give Asian qualities to
intransitive verb often capitalized : to adopt Asian characteristics
–ori·en·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌen-tə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌli-'zā-\ noun often cap

orientate
v. intransitive verb : to face or turn to the east
transitive verb : ORIENT

orientated
v. : ORIENTED

orientation
n. 1 a : the act or process of orienting or of being oriented b : the state of being oriented broadly : ARRANGEMENT, ALIGNMENT
2 a : a usually general or lasting direction of thought, inclination, or interest b : a person's self-identification as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual <sexual orientation>
3 : change of position by organs, organelles, or organisms in response to external stimulus
–ori·en·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ori·en·ta·tion·al·ly adverb

oriented
adj. : intellectually, emotionally, or functionally directed <humanistically oriented scholars> <market-oriented production>

oriented
adj. object oriented
object oriented programming
self oriented

orienteer
n. : a person who engages in orienteering

orienteering
n. : a cross-country race in which each participant uses a map and compass to navigate between checkpoints along an unfamiliar course

orifice
n. : an opening (as a vent, mouth, or hole) through which something may pass
–or·i·fi·cial \ˌȯr-ə-'fi-shəl, ˌär-\ adjective

oriflamme
n. : a banner, symbol, or ideal inspiring devotion or courage

origami
n. : the Japanese art or process of folding squares of paper into representational shapes

origanum
n. : any of several aromatic mints (esp. genus Origanum) used as seasonings especially : OREGANO 1

Origen
185?-?254 Oregenes Adamantius Greek (Egypt.-born) Christian writer, teacher, & mystic

origin
n. 1 : ANCESTRY, PARENTAGE
2 a : rise, beginning, or derivation from a source b : the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives <the origin of the custom> also : something that creates, causes, or gives rise to another <a spring is the origin of the brook>
3 : the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle
4 : the intersection of coordinate axes
synonyms ORIGIN, SOURCE, INCEPTION, ROOT mean the point at which something begins its course or existence. ORIGIN applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being <an investigation into the origin of baseball>. SOURCE applies more often to the point where something springs into being <the source of the Nile> <the source of recurrent trouble>. INCEPTION stresses the beginning of something without implying causes <the business has been a success since its inception>. ROOT suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned <the real root of the violence>.

original
n. 1 archaic : the source or cause from which something arises specifically : ORIGINATOR
2 a : that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made b : a work composed firsthand
3 a : a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity b : a unique or eccentric person

original
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting an origin or beginning : INITIAL <the original part of the house>
2 a : not secondary, derivative, or imitative <an original composition> b : being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is or can be made
3 : independent and creative in thought or action : INVENTIVE <an original artist>
synonyms see NEW

original equipment manufacturer
: OEM

original sin
1 : the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2 : a wrong of great magnitude <the original sin of slavery>

originality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being original
2 : freshness of aspect, design, or style
3 : the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

originally
adv. 1 archaic : by origin or derivation : INHERENTLY
2 : in the beginning : in the first place : INITIALLY
3 : in a fresh or original manner

originate
v. transitive verb : to give rise to : INITIATE
intransitive verb : to take or have origin : BEGIN
synonyms see SPRING
–orig·i·na·tion \-ˌri-jə-'nā-shən\ noun
–orig·i·na·tor \-'ri-jə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

originative
adj. : having ability to originate : CREATIVE
–orig·i·na·tive·ly adverb

Orillia
city Canada in SE Ont. on Lake Simcoe pop 29,124

Orinoco
n. river 1336 mi (2150 km) Venezuela flowing from Brazilian border to Colombia border & thence into the Atlantic through wide delta

oriole
n. 1 : any of various usually brightly colored Old World passerine birds (family Oriolidae and especially genus Oriolus)
2 : any of various New World passerine birds (family Icteridae and especially genus Icterus) of which the males are usually black and yellow or black and orange

oriole
n. Baltimore oriole
Bullock's oriole
northern oriole

Orion
n. 1 [Latin (gen. Orionis)] : a constellation on the equator east of Taurus represented on charts by the figure of a hunter with belt and sword
2 : a giant hunter slain by Artemis in Greek mythology

orisha
n. : a Yoruba deity also : one identified with a Roman Catholic saint in Santeria

orismology
: the science of defining technical terms
–or·is·mo·log·i·cal \ˌȯr-əz-mə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌär-; ȯ-ˌriz-\ adjective

orison
n. : PRAYER

Orissa
state E India bordering on Bay of Bengal capital Bhubaneswar area 60,178 sq mi (155,861 sq km), pop 36,706,920

orium
: 1-ORY <haustorium>

Oriya
n. : the Indo-Aryan language of Orissa, India

Orizaba
1 ― see CITLALTÉPETL
2 city E Mexico in Veracruz state pop 113,516

Orkney Islands
islands N Scotland constituting an administrative area capital Kirkwall (on Mainland Is.) area 376 sq mi (978 sq km), pop 19,570
–Ork·ney·an \'ȯrk-nē-ən, ȯrk-'\ adjective or noun

Orland Park
village NE Ill. SW of Chicago pop 51,077

Orlando
n. Vittorio Emanuele 1860-1952 Ital. statesman

Orlando
n. city E cen Fla. NE of Tampa pop 185,951

Orleanais
region & former province N cen France capital Orléans

Orleanist
: a supporter of the Orleans family in its claim to the throne of France by descent from a younger brother of Louis XIV

Orleans
n. commune N cen France on the Loire SSW of Paris pop 113,089

Orlon
n. ― used for an acrylic fiber

orlop deck
: the lowest deck in a ship having four or more decks

Orly
commune France, SSE suburb of Paris pop 20,497

Ormandy
Eugene 1899-1985 American (Hung.-born) conductor

Ormazd
n. : AHURA MAZDA

Ormoc Bay
inlet of Camotes Sea Philippines in NW Leyte Is.

ormolu
n. : golden or gilded brass or bronze used for decorative purposes (as in mounts for furniture)

Ormond Beach
city E Fla. upcoast from Daytona Beach pop 36,301

Ormuz
n. ― see HORMUZ

ornament
n. 1 archaic : a useful accessory
2 a : something that lends grace or beauty b : a manner or quality that adorns
3 : one whose virtues or graces add luster to a place or society
4 : the act of adorning or being adorned
5 : an embellishing note not belonging to the essential harmony or melody ― called also embellishment fioritura

ornament
n. : to provide with ornament : EMBELLISH
synonyms see ADORN

ornamental
adj. : of, relating to, or serving as ornament specifically : grown as an ornamental
–or·na·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

ornamental
adj. : a decorative object especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

ornamentation
n. 1 : something that ornaments : EMBELLISHMENT
2 : the act or process of ornamenting : the state of being ornamented

ornate
adj. 1 : marked by elaborate rhetoric or florid style
2 : elaborately or excessively decorated <an ornate mantle>
–or·nate·ly adverb
–or·nate·ness noun

Orne
river 95 mi (153 km) NW France flowing N into Bay of the Seine

ornery
adj. : having an irritable disposition : CANTANKEROUS
–or·neri·ness noun

ornith
: bird <ornithology>

ornithic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of birds

ornithine
n. : a crystalline amino acid C_5H_12N_2O_2 that functions especially in urea production as a carrier by undergoing conversion to citrulline and then arginine in reaction with ammonia and carbon dioxide followed by recovery along with urea by enzymatic hydrolysis of arginine

ornithischian
n. : any of an order (Ornithischia) of herbivorous dinosaurs (as a stegosaurus) that have the pubis of the pelvis rotated backward to a position parallel and close to the ischium ― compare SAURISCHIAN
–ornithischian adjective

ornithology
1 : a treatise on ornithology
2 : a branch of zoology dealing with birds
–or·ni·tho·log·i·cal \-thə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also or·ni·tho·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–or·ni·tho·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–or·ni·thol·o·gist \-'thä-lə-jist\ noun

ornithopod
: any of a suborder (Ornithopoda) of bipedal ornithischian dinosaurs (as a hadrosaur) with digitigrade walking limbs usually having only three functional toes

ornithopter
n. : an aircraft designed to derive its chief support and propulsion from flapping wings

ornithosis
n. : PSITTACOSIS

oro
: mountain <orography>

oro
: mouth <oropharynx>

oro
oro y plata
Oro Valley
Rio de Oro
Río de Oro

Oro Valley
v. town S Ariz. N of Tucson pop 29,700

oro y plata
: gold and silver ― motto of Montana

Orocovis
city cen Puerto Rico pop 23,844

orogenesis
n. : OROGENY
–oro·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

orogeny
n. : the process of mountain formation especially by folding of the earth's crust
–oro·gen·ic \ˌȯr-ə-'je-nik\ adjective

orographic
adj. : of or relating to mountains especially : associated with or induced by the presence of mountains <orographic rainfall>

orography
n. : a branch of physical geography that deals with mountains

Oromo
n. 1 : a member of a Cushitic-speaking people of southern Ethiopia and adjacent parts of Kenya
2 : the Cushitic language of the Oromo

Orontes
river 246 mi (396 km) Syria & Turkey rising in Lebanon in the Bekaa & flowing into the Mediterranean

oropharyngeal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the oropharynx
2 : of or relating to the mouth and pharynx

oropharynx
n. : the part of the pharynx that is below the soft palate and above the epiglottis and is continuous with the mouth

orotund
adj. 1 : marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound : SONOROUS <an orotund voice>
2 : POMPOUS, BOMBASTIC <an orotund speech>
–oro·tun·di·ty \ˌȯr-ə-'tən-də-tē, ˌär-\ noun

Orozco
José Clemente 1883-1949 Mex. painter

orphan
n. 1 : a child deprived by death of one or usually both parents
2 : a young animal that has lost its mother
3 : one deprived of some protection or advantage <orphans of the storm>
–orphan adjective
–or·phan·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

orphan
n. : to cause to become an orphan

orphan drug
: a drug that is not developed or marketed because its extremely limited use makes it unprofitable

orphan's court
: a probate court with jurisdiction in some states over the affairs of minors and the administration of estates

orphanage
n. 1 : the state of being an orphan
2 : an institution for the care of orphans

Orpheus
n. : a poet and musician in Greek mythology who almost rescues his wife Eurydice from Hades by charming Pluto and Persephone with his lyre

orphic
adj. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Orpheus or the rites or doctrines ascribed to him
2 : MYSTIC, ORACULAR
3 : FASCINATING, ENTRANCING
–or·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Orphism
n. : a mystic Greek religion offering initiates purification of the soul from innate evil and release from the cycle of reincarnation

orphrey
n. 1 a : elaborate embroidery b : a piece of such embroidery
2 : an ornamental border or band especially on an ecclesiastical vestment

orpiment
n. : a rare orange to lemon-yellow mineral consisting of a native trisulfide of arsenic

orpine
n. : an herb (Sedum telephium of the family Crassulaceae, the orpine family) that has fleshy leaves and pink or purple flowers and was formerly used in folk medicine broadly : SEDUM

Orpington
n. : any of an English breed of large deep-chested domestic chickens

Orpington
n. former urban district SE England in Kent, now part of Bromley

Orr
Bobby 1948-     Robert Gordon Orr American (Canad.-born) ice hockey player

Orrefors
town SE Sweden NW of Kalmar

orrery
n. : an apparatus showing the relative positions and motions of bodies in the solar system by balls moved by a clockwork

orris
n. : ORRISROOT

orrisroot
n. : the fragrant rootstock of any of three European irises (Iris florentina, I. germanica, and I. pallida) used especially in perfumery

Orsk
city SE Russia in Europe on Ural River pop 273,000

Orsted
Hans Christian 1777-1851 Dan. physicist & chem.

ort
: a morsel left at a meal : SCRAP

Ortega y Gasset
José 1883-1955 Span. philos., writer, & statesman

Ortegal, Cape
cape NW Spain

orth
n. 1 : straight : upright : vertical <orthograde>
2 : perpendicular <orthorhombic>
3 : correct : corrective <orthodontia>
4 a : hydrated or hydroxylated to the highest degree <orthophosphoric acid> b : involving substitution at or characterized by or having the relationship of two neighboring positions in the benzene ring <ortho-xylene>

orthicon
: a camera tube similar to but more sensitive than an iconoscope in which the charges are scanned by a low-velocity beam

ortho
pref. : ORTHOCHROMATIC

orthocenter
n. : the common intersection of the three altitudes of a triangle or their extensions or of the several altitudes of a polyhedron provided these latter exist and meet in a point

orthochromatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or producing tone values of light and shade in a photograph that correspond to the tones in nature
2 : sensitive to all colors except red

orthoclase
n. : a monoclinic mineral of the feldspar group consisting of a silicate of potassium and aluminum

orthodontia
n. : ORTHODONTICS

orthodontics
n. : a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth (as malocclusion) and their correction (as by means of braces)
–or·tho·don·tic \-tik\ adjective
–or·tho·don·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–or·tho·don·tist \-'dän-tist\ noun

orthodox
adj. 1 a : conforming to established doctrine especially in religion b : CONVENTIONAL
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting any of various conservative religious or political groups: as a : EASTERN ORTHODOX b : of or relating to Orthodox Judaism
–or·tho·dox·ly adverb

orthodox
adj. 1 : one that is orthodox
2 capitalized : a member of an Eastern Orthodox church

orthodox
adj. Eastern Orthodox
Greek Orthodox
Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism
: Judaism that adheres to the Torah and Talmud as interpreted in an authoritative rabbinic law code and applies their principles and regulations to modern living ― compare CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM, REFORM JUDAISM

orthodoxy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being orthodox
2 : an orthodox belief or practice
3 capitalized a : Eastern Orthodox Christianity b : ORTHODOX JUDAISM

orthoepy
n. 1 : the customary pronunciation of a language
2 : the study of the pronunciation of a language
–or·tho·ep·ic \ˌȯr-thə-'we-pik\ adjective
–or·tho·ep·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–or·tho·epist \'ȯr-thə-ˌwe-pist, ȯr-'thō-ə-pist\ noun

orthogenesis
n. : variation of organisms in successive generations that in some especially former evolutionary theories takes place in some predestined direction resulting in progressive evolutionary trends independent of external factors
–or·tho·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective
–or·tho·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

orthogonal
adj. 1 a : intersecting or lying at right angles b : having perpendicular slopes or tangents at the point of intersection <orthogonal curves>
2 : having a sum of products or an integral that is zero or sometimes one under specified conditions: as a of real-valued functions : having the integral of the product of each pair of functions over a specific interval equal to zero b of vectors : having the scalar product equal to zero c of a square matrix : having the sum of products of corresponding elements in any two rows or any two columns equal to one if the rows or columns are the same and equal to zero otherwise : having a transpose with which the product equals the identity matrix
3 of a linear transformation : having a matrix that is orthogonal : preserving length and distance
4 : composed of mutually orthogonal elements <an orthogonal basis of a vector space>
5 : statistically independent
–or·thog·o·nal·i·ty \-ˌthä-gə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–or·thog·o·nal·ly \-'thä-gə-nəl-ē\ adverb

orthogonalize
: to make orthogonal
–or·thog·o·nal·i·za·tion \-ˌthä-gə-nə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

orthograde
adj. : walking with the body upright or vertical

orthographic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, being, or prepared by orthographic projection <an orthographic map>
2 a : of or relating to orthography b : correct in spelling
–or·tho·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

orthographic projection
1 : projection of a single view of an object (as a view of the front) onto a drawing surface in which the lines of projection are perpendicular to the drawing surface
2 : the representation of related views of an object as if they were all in the same plane and projected by orthographic projection

orthography
n. 1 a : the art of writing words with the proper letters according to standard usage b : the representation of the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
2 : a part of language study that deals with letters and spelling

orthomolecular
adj. : relating to, based on, using, or being a theory according to which disease may be cured by providing the optimum amounts of substances (as vitamins) normally present in the body <orthomolecular therapy> <orthomolecular psychiatry>

orthomyxovirus
: any of a family (Orthomyxoviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that have their RNA divided into six to eight segments and that include the causative agents of influenza in vertebrates

orthonormal
adj. 1 of real-valued functions : orthogonal with the integral of the square of each function over a specified interval equal to one
2 : being or composed of orthogonal elements of unit length <orthonormal basis of a vector space>

orthopedic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics
2 : marked by or affected with a skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury
–or·tho·pe·di·cal·ly \-'pē-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

orthopedics
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of skeletal deformities, disorders, or injuries
–or·tho·pe·dist \-'pē-dist\ noun

orthophosphate
n. : a salt or ester of orthophosphoric acid

orthophosphoric acid
: PHOSPHORIC ACID 1

orthopsychiatry
n. : psychiatry concerned especially with the prevention and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders in youth
–or·tho·psy·chi·at·ric \-ˌsī-kē-'a-trik\ adjective
–or·tho·psy·chi·a·trist \-sə-'kī-ə-trist, -(ˌ)sī-\ noun

orthoptera
: insects that are orthopterans

orthopteran
n. : any of an order (Orthoptera) of insects (as crickets and grasshoppers) characterized by biting mouthparts, two pairs of wings or none, enlarged hind femurs, and an incomplete metamorphosis
–orthopteran adjective
–or·thop·ter·ist \-rist\ noun
–or·thop·ter·oid \-ˌrȯid\ noun or adjective

orthorhombic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a system of crystallization characterized by three unequal axes at right angles to each other

orthoscopic
adj. : giving an image in correct and normal proportions

orthosis
n. : ORTHOTIC

orthostatic
adj. : of, relating to, or caused by an upright posture <orthostatic hypotension>

orthotic
adj. : a device (as a brace or splint) for supporting, immobilizing, or treating muscles, joints, or skeletal parts which are weak, ineffective, deformed, or injured

orthotics
n. : a branch of mechanical and medical science that deals with the design and fitting of orthotics
–or·thot·ic \-tik\ adjective
–or·tho·tist \ȯr-'thä-tist, 'ȯr-thə-tist\ noun

orthotropous
: having the ovule straight and upright with the micropyle at the apex

Ortles
mountain range of E Alps N Italy bet. Venezia Tridentina & Lombardy; highest peak Ortles 12,792 ft (3899 m)

ortolan
n. : an Old World bunting (Emberiza hortulana) having a greenish-gray head and breast, streaky brown back and wings, and a yellow throat

Orumiyeh
1 shallow saline lake NW Iran area 1815 sq mi (4701 sq km)
2 city NW Iran pop 300,746

Oruro
city W Bolivia pop 183,194

ORV
off-road vehicle

Orvieto
n. : a usually dry Italian white wine

Orvieto
n. commune cen Italy WNW of Terni pop 20,684

Orwell
n. George 1903-1950 pseud. of Eric Arthur Blair Eng. author
–Or·well·ian \ȯr-'we-lē-ən\ adjective

ory
1 : place of or for <observatory>
2 : something that serves for <crematory>

ory
1 : of, relating to, or characterized by <gustatory>
2 : serving for, producing, or maintaining <justificatory>

oryx
n. : any of a small genus (Oryx) of large heavily built African and Arabian antelopes that have a light-colored coat with dark conspicuous markings especially on the face ― compare GEMSBOK

orzo
n. : rice-shaped pasta

OS
n. 1 [Latin oculus sinister] left eye
2 Old Style
3 operating system
4 out of stock

Os
n. osmium

os
n. : BONE

os
n. : MOUTH, ORIFICE

Osage
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of Missouri
2 : the Siouan language of the Osage people

Osage
n. river E Kans. & Mo. flowing E into Missouri River; now partly submerged in Lake of the Ozarks

Osage orange
: an ornamental usually thorny U.S. tree (Maclura pomifera) of the mulberry family with shiny ovate leaves and hard bright orange wood also : its yellowish-green globose fruit

Osaka
n. city & port Japan in S Honshu on Osaka Bay (inlet of the Pacific) pop 2,598,744

Osborn
Henry Fairfield 1857-1935 American paleontologist

Osborne
John James 1929-1994 Brit. dram.

Osborne
Thomas Mott 1859-1926 American penologist

Oscan
n. 1 : a member of a people of ancient Italy occupying Campania
2 : the language of the Oscan people ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Oscar
n. ― used especially for any of a number of golden statuettes awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in motion pictures

Oscar
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter o

Oscar
n. 1829-1907 king of Sweden (1872-1907) & of Norway (1872-1905)

Osceola
n. ca 1800-1838 Seminole Indian chief

oscillate
v. 1 a : to swing backward and forward like a pendulum b : to move or travel back and forth between two points
2 : to vary between opposing beliefs, feelings, or theories
3 : to vary above and below a mean value
synonyms see SWING
–os·cil·la·to·ry \'ä-sə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

oscillation
n. 1 : the action or state of oscillating
2 : VARIATION, FLUCTUATION
3 : a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum especially : a flow periodically changing direction
4 : a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other
–os·cil·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

oscillator
n. 1 : one that oscillates
2 : a device for producing alternating current especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

oscillo
: wave : oscillation <oscilloscope>

oscillogram
n. : a record made by an oscillograph or oscilloscope

oscillograph
n. : an instrument for recording alternating current wave forms or other electrical oscillations
–os·cil·lo·graph·ic \ä-ˌsi-lə-'gra-fik, ˌä-sə-lə-\ adjective
–os·cil·lo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–os·cil·log·ra·phy \ˌä-sə-'lä-grə-fē\ noun

oscilloscope
n. : an instrument in which the variations in a fluctuating electrical quantity appear temporarily as a visible wave form on the fluorescent screen of a cathode-ray tube
–os·cil·lo·scop·ic \ä-ˌsi-lə-'skä-pik, ˌä-sə-lə-\ adjective

oscine
n. : of or relating to a large suborder (Oscines) of passerine birds (as larks, shrikes, finches, orioles, and crows) characterized by a vocal apparatus highly specialized for singing
–oscine noun

Osco-Umbrian
: a subdivision of the Italic branch of the Indo-European language family containing Oscan and Umbrian

osculate
v. : KISS

osculation
n. : the act of kissing also : KISS
–os·cu·la·to·ry \'äs-kyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

osculum
n. : an excurrent opening of a sponge

ose
: full of : having : possessing the qualities of <cymose>

ose
1 : carbohydrate <amylose> especially : sugar <pentose>
2 : primary hydrolysis product <proteose>

Osee
: HOSEA

osetra
: a golden or brownish caviar from a sturgeon (as Acipenser gueldenstaedtii of the Caspian Sea) with roe somewhat smaller than the beluga and having a usually nutty flavor also : the fish ― compare SEVRUGA

OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Oshawa
city Canada in SE Ont. on Lake Ontario ENE of Toronto pop 139,051

Osheroff
Douglas Dean 1945-     American physicist

Oshkosh
city E Wis. on Lake Winnebago pop 62,916

osier
n. 1 : any of various willows (esp. Salix viminalis) whose pliable twigs are used for furniture and basketry
2 : a willow rod used in basketry
3 : any of several American dogwoods especially : RED OSIER

Osijek
city E Croatia in Slavonia pop 129,792

Osiris
n. : the Egyptian god of the underworld and husband and brother of Isis

osis
1 a : action : process : condition <hypnosis> b : abnormal or diseased condition <leukosis>
2 : increase : formation <leukocytosis>

Osler
Sir William 1849-1919 Canad. physician

Oslo
n. city capital of Norway at N end of Oslo Fjord (inlet of the Skagerrak) pop 507,831

Osman
1258-ca 1326 founder of the Ottoman Empire

Osmanli
n. 1 : OTTOMAN 1
2 : TURKISH

Osmena
Sergio 1878-1961 pres. of Philippine Commonwealth (1944-46)

osmeterium
: a protrusible glandular process of swallowtail larvae that emits a disagreeable odor for defensive purposes

osmic acid
: OSMIUM TETROXIDE

osmium
n. : a blue-gray or blue-black hard brittle very heavy polyvalent metallic element with a high melting point that is used especially as a catalyst and in hard alloys ― see ELEMENT table

osmium tetroxide
: a crystalline compound OsO_4 that is an oxide of osmium, has a poisonous irritating vapor, and is used as a catalyst, oxidizing agent, and biological fixative and stain

osmol
n. : a standard unit of osmotic pressure based on a one molal concentration of an ion in a solution

osmolality
n. : the concentration of an osmotic solution especially when measured in osmols or milliosmols per 1000 grams of solvent
–os·mo·lal \äz-'mō-ləl, äs-\ adjective

osmolarity
n. : the concentration of an osmotic solution especially when measured in osmols or milliosmols per liter of solution
–os·mo·lar \äz-'mō-lər, äs-\ adjective

osmometer
n. : an apparatus for measuring osmotic pressure
–os·mo·met·ric \ˌäz-mə-'me-trik, ˌäs-\ adjective
–os·mom·e·try \äz-'mä-mə-trē\ noun

osmoregulation
n. : regulation of osmotic pressure especially in the body of a living organism
–os·mo·reg·u·la·to·ry \-'re-gyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

osmosis
n. 1 : movement of a solvent (as water) through a semipermeable membrane (as of a living cell) into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane
2 : a process of absorption or diffusion suggestive of the flow of osmotic action especially : a usually effortless often unconscious assimilation <learned a number of languages by osmosis ― Roger Kimball>

osmotic
adj. : of, relating to, caused by, or having the properties of osmosis
–os·mot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

osmotic pressure
: the pressure produced by or associated with osmosis and dependent on molar concentration and absolute temperature: as a : the maximum pressure that develops in a solution separated from a solvent by a membrane permeable only to the solvent b : the pressure that must be applied to a solution to just prevent osmosis

osmotic shock
: a rapid change in the osmotic pressure (as by transfer to a medium of different concentration) affecting a living system

osmunda
n. : any of a genus (Osmunda) of rather large ferns (as the cinnamon fern) with pinnate or bipinnate fronds and fibrous creeping rhizomes

Osnabruck
city NW Germany in Lower Saxony pop 165,143

Osorno
volcano 8727 ft (2644 m) S cen Chile in lake district

osprey
n. 1 : a large fish-eating hawk (Pandion haliaetus) with long wings that is dark brown above and mostly pure white below
2 : a feather trimming used for millinery

OSS
Office of Strategic Services

ossa
n. plural of os

Ossa, Mount
mountain 6490 ft (1967 m) NE Greece in E Thessaly

ossein
n. : the collagen of bones

osseous
adj. : BONY 1

Ossete
n. : a member of a people of the central Caucasus
–Os·se·tian \ä-'sē-shən\ adjective or noun

Ossetia
region SE Russia in Europe in cen Caucasus ― see ALANIA, SOUTH OSSETIA

Ossetic
: the Iranian language of the Ossetes

Ossianic
: of, relating to, or resembling the legendary Irish bard Ossian, the poems ascribed to him, or the rhythmic prose style used by James Macpherson in the poems he claimed to have translated from Ossian

ossicle
n. : a small bone or bony structure (as the malleus, incus, or stapes)
–os·sic·u·lar \ä-'si-kyə-lər\ adjective

Ossietzky
Carl von 1889-1938 Ger. writer & pacifist

ossification
n. 1 a : the natural process of bone formation b : the hardening (as of muscular tissue) into a bony substance
2 : a mass or particle of ossified tissue
3 : a tendency toward or state of being molded into a rigid, conventional, sterile, or unimaginative condition

ossifrage
: LAMMERGEIER

ossify
v. intransitive verb
1 : to change into bone
2 : to become hardened or conventional and opposed to change
transitive verb
1 : to change (as cartilage) into bone
2 : to make rigidly conventional and opposed to change

Ossining
town SE N.Y. on Hudson River pop 36,534

osso buco
: a dish of veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and seasoned stock

Ossoli
Marchioness ― see Margaret FULLER

ossuary
n. : a depository for the bones of the dead

oste
: bone <osteal> <osteomyelitis>

osteal
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling bone also : affecting or involving bone or the skeleton

osteitis
n. : inflammation of bone

Ostend
n. city & port NW Belgium pop 67,574

ostensible
adj. 1 : intended for display : open to view
2 : being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or real <the ostensible purpose for the trip>
synonyms see APPARENT

ostensibly
adv. 1 : in an ostensible manner
2 : to all outward appearances

ostensive
adj. 1 : OSTENSIBLE 2
2 : of, relating to, or constituting definition by exemplifying the thing or quality being defined
–os·ten·sive·ly adverb

ostensorium
: MONSTRANCE

ostentation
n. 1 : excessive display : PRETENTIOUSNESS
2 archaic : an act of displaying

ostentatious
adj. : marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display
synonyms see SHOWY
–os·ten·ta·tious·ly adverb
–os·ten·ta·tious·ness noun

osteoarthritis
n. : arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of joints
–os·te·o·ar·thrit·ic \-'thri-tik\ adjective

osteoblast
n. : a bone-forming cell
–os·te·o·blas·tic \ˌäs-tē-ə-'blas-tik\ adjective

osteoclast
n. : any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption
–os·te·o·clas·tic \ˌäs-tē-ə-'klas-tik\ adjective

osteocyte
n. : a cell that is characteristic of adult bone and is isolated in a lacuna of the bone substance

osteogenesis
n. : development and formation of bone

osteogenesis imperfecta
: a hereditary disease marked especially by extreme brittleness of bones and caused by defective or insufficient collagen

osteogenic
adj. 1 : producing bone
2 : originating in bone

osteogenic sarcoma
: OSTEOSARCOMA

osteoid
adj. : resembling bone

osteoid
adj. : uncalcified bone matrix

osteology
n. 1 : a branch of anatomy dealing with the bones
2 : the bony structure of an organism
–os·te·o·log·i·cal \-tē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–os·te·ol·o·gist \-tē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

osteoma
n. : a benign tumor composed of bone tissue

osteomalacia
n. : a disease of adults that is characterized by softening of the bones and is analogous to rickets in the young

osteomyelitis
n. : an infectious usually painful inflammatory disease of bone often of bacterial origin that may result in the death of bone tissue

osteopath
n. : a practitioner of osteopathy

osteopathy
n. : a system of medical practice based on a theory that diseases are due chiefly to loss of structural integrity which can be restored by manipulation of the parts supplemented by therapeutic measures (as use of drugs or surgery)
–os·te·o·path·ic \ˌäs-tē-ə-'pa-thik\ adjective
–os·te·o·path·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

osteophyte
n. : a pathological bony outgrowth

osteoplasty
n. : plastic surgery on bone especially : replacement of lost bone tissue or reconstruction of defective bony parts
–os·te·o·plas·tic \ˌäs-tē-ə-'plas-tik\ adjective

osteoporosis
n. : a condition that affects especially older women and is characterized by decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces producing porosity and fragility
–os·te·o·po·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective

osteosarcoma
n. : a sarcoma derived from bone or containing bone tissue

Osterreich
― see AUSTRIA

Ostia
n. town cen Italy at mouth of the Tiber E of site of ancient town of the same name which was the port for Rome

ostinato
n. : a musical figure repeated persistently at the same pitch throughout a composition ― compare IMITATION, SEQUENCE

ostiole
: a small bodily aperture, orifice, or pore

ostium
n. : a mouthlike opening in a bodily part (as a fallopian tube or a blood vessel)

ostler
n. variant of hostler

ostomy
n. : an operation (as a colostomy) to create an artificial passage for bodily elimination

ostosis
: ossification of a (specified) part or to a (specified) degree <hyperostosis>

ostracise
v. British variant of ostracize

ostracism
n. 1 : a method of temporary banishment by popular vote without trial or special accusation practiced in ancient Greece
2 : exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance

ostracize
v. 1 : to exile by ostracism
2 : to exclude from a group by common consent

ostracod
n. : any of a subclass (Ostracoda) of very small aquatic crustaceans that have the body enclosed in a bivalve carapace, the body segmentation obscured, the abdomen rudimentary, and only seven pairs of appendages

ostracoderm
n. : any of the early fossil jawless fishes of the Lower Paleozoic usually having a bony covering of plates or scales

ostracon
: a fragment (as of pottery) containing an inscription ― usually used in plural

Ostrasia
― see AUSTRASIA

Ostrava
city cen E Czech Republic in Moravia pop 313,777

ostrich
n. 1 a : a swift-footed 2-toed flightless ratite bird (Struthio camelus) of Africa that is the largest of existing birds and often weighs 300 pounds (140 kilograms) b : RHEA c : leather made from ostrich skin
2 [from the belief that the ostrich when pursued hides its head in the sand and believes itself to be unseen] : one who attempts to avoid danger or difficulty by refusing to face it
–os·trich·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

ostrich fern
: any of a genus (Matteuccia) of temperate-zone ferns especially : a tall fern (M. struthiopteris) with graceful arched fronds which are the source of edible fiddleheads

Ostrogoth
n. : a member of the eastern division of the Goths
–Os·tro·goth·ic \ˌäs-trə-'gä-thik\ adjective

Ostwald
Friedrich Wilhelm 1853-1932 Ger. physical chem. & philos.

Osumi Islands
island group Japan in N Ryukyu Islands

Oswego
n. city N N.Y. on Lake Ontario pop 17,954

Oswego tea
: a No. American mint (Monarda didyma) with showy scarlet irregular flowers

Oswiecim
commune S Poland W of Kraków; site of Nazi concentration camp during World War II pop 45,282

OT
n. 1 occupational therapist; occupational therapy
2 Old Testament
3 overtime

ot
n. : ear <otitis> : ear and <otolaryngology>

OTA
Office of Technology Assessment

Otago Harbour
inlet of the Pacific S New Zealand on E coast of South Is.; Dunedin is situated on it

OTB
offtrack betting

OTC
over-the-counter

Othello
n. : a Moor in the military service of Venice, husband of Desdemona, and protagonist of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello

other
n. 1 a : being the one (as of two or more) remaining or not included <held on with one hand and waved with the other one> b : being the one or ones distinct from that or those first mentioned or implied <taller than the other boys> c : SECOND <every other day>
2 : not the same : DIFFERENT <any other color would have been better> <something other than it seems to be>
3 : ADDITIONAL <sold in the U.S. and 14 other countries>
4 a : recently past <the other evening> b : FORMER <in other times>
5 : disturbingly or threateningly different : ALIEN, EXOTIC

other
n. 1 a : one that remains of two or more b : a thing opposite to or excluded by something else <went from one side to the other> <nature as the other of culture>
2 : a different or additional one <the others came later>
3 a : one (as another person) that is psychologically differentiated from the self b often capitalized : one considered by members of a dominant group as alien, exotic, threatening, or inferior (as because of different racial, sexual, or cultural characteristics)

other
n. 1 obsolete a : one of two that remains b : each preceding one
2 : a different or additional one <something or other>

other
n. : OTHERWISE ― used with than <was unable to see them other than by going to their home>

other
n. each other
in one ear and out the other
look the other way
other directed
other directedness
other than
other woman
significant other
at each other's throats
turn the other cheek

other than
: with the exception of : EXCEPT FOR, BESIDES <other than that, nothing happened>

other than
: EXCEPT, BUT <cannot be changed other than by judicial order>

other woman
: a woman with whom a married man has an affair ― usually used with the

other-directed
: directed in thought and action primarily by external norms rather than by one's own scale of values
–oth·er-di·rect·ed·ness noun

otherguess
archaic : DIFFERENT

otherness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being other or different
2 : something that is other or different

otherwhere
adv. : ELSEWHERE

otherwhile
chiefly dialect : at another time

otherwise
adv. : something or anything else : something to the contrary <was ordered to testify and could not do otherwise>

otherwise
adv. 1 : in a different way or manner <glossed over or otherwise handled ― Playboy>
2 : in different circumstances <might otherwise have left>
3 : in other respects <an otherwise flimsy farce ― Current Biog.>
4 : if not <do what I tell you, otherwise you'll be sorry>
5 : NOT ― paired with an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb to indicate its contrary or to suggest an indefinite alternative <people whose deeds, admirable or otherwise ― John Fischer> <almost thirty thousand women, Irish and otherwise ― J. M. Burns> <his opinion as to the success or otherwise of it ― Australian Dict. of Biog.>

otherwise
adv. : DIFFERENT <if conditions were otherwise>

otherworld
adj. : a world beyond death or beyond present reality

otherworldly
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling that of a world other than the actual world b : devoted to preparing for a world to come
2 : devoted to intellectual or imaginative pursuits
–oth·er·world·li·ness noun

otic
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by a (specified) action, process, or condition <symbiotic>

otic
adj. : having (such) a relationship to the ear <dichotic>

otiose
adj. 1 : producing no useful result : FUTILE
2 : being at leisure : IDLE
3 : lacking use or effect : FUNCTIONLESS
synonyms see VAIN
–oti·ose·ly adverb
–oti·ose·ness noun
–oti·os·i·ty \ˌō-shē-'ä-sə-tē, ˌō-tē-\ noun

Otis
n. Harrison Gray 1837-1917 American gen. & journalist

Otis
n. James 1725-1783 American statesman in Revolution

otitis
n. : inflammation of the ear

otitis media
: inflammation of the middle ear marked especially by pain, fever, dizziness, and hearing loss

otium cum dignitate
: leisure with dignity

otocyst
n. : a fluid-containing organ of many invertebrates that contains an otolith : STATOCYST
–oto·cys·tic \ˌō-tə-'sis-tik\ adjective

otolaryngology
n. : a medical specialty concerned especially with the ear, nose, and throat
–oto·lar·yn·go·log·i·cal \-gə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–oto·lar·yn·gol·o·gist \-'gä-lə-jist\ noun

otolith
n. : a calcareous concretion in the inner ear of a vertebrate or in the otocyst of an invertebrate
–oto·lith·ic \ˌō-tə-'li-thik\ adjective

otology
n. : a science that deals with the ear and its diseases
–oto·log·ic \ˌō-tə-'lä-jik\ also oto·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–otol·o·gist \ō-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

otorhinolaryngology
: OTOLARYNGOLOGY
–oto·rhi·no·lar·yn·go·log·i·cal \-gə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–oto·rhi·no·lar·yn·gol·o·gist \-'gä-lə-jist\ noun

otosclerosis
n. : growth of spongy bone in the inner ear that causes progressively increasing deafness

otoscope
n. : an instrument with lighting and magnifying systems used for visual examination of the tympanic membrane and the canal connecting it to the exterior of the body

ototoxic
adj. : producing, involving, or being adverse effects on organs or nerves involved in hearing or balance <an ototoxic drug>
–oto·tox·ic·i·ty \-täk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

OTR
occupational therapist, registered

Otranto
commune & port S Italy on coast at SE tip of Puglia pop 5341

Otranto, Strait of
strait bet. SE Italy & W Albania connecting Adriatic Sea & Ionian Sea

OTS
officers' training school

ottava
: at an octave higher or lower than written ― used as a direction in music

ottava
all' ottava
ottava rima
ottava rimas

ottava rima
: a stanza of eight lines of heroic verse with a rhyme scheme of abababcc

Ottawa
n. : a member of an American Indian people of Michigan and southern Ontario

Ottawa
n. 1 river 696 mi (1120 km) E Canada in SE Ont. & S Que. flowing E into St. Lawrence River
2 city capital of Canada in SE Ont. pop 774,072

otter
n. 1 : any of various largely aquatic carnivorous mammals (as genus Lutra or Enhydra) of the weasel family that usually have webbed and clawed feet and dark brown fur
2 : the fur or pelt of an otter

otter
n. otter hound
river otter
sea otter

otter hound
: any of a breed of large hounds that originated in Great Britain and have a rough outer and inner coat, webbed feet, and a keen sense of smell

Otterbein
Philip William 1726-1813 American (Ger.-born) clergyman

Otto
n. 912-973 the Great Holy Rom. emp. (936-973)

otto
n. variant of attar

Ottoman
n. : of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its citizens

ottoman
n. 1 capitalized a : a member of a Turkish dynasty founded by Osman I that ruled the Ottoman Empire b : a citizen or functionary of the Ottoman Empire
2 [French ottomane, from feminine of ottoman, adjective] a : an upholstered often overstuffed seat or couch usually without a back b : an overstuffed footstool
3 : a heavy clothing fabric characterized by pronounced crosswise ribs

Ottoman Empire
former Turkish sultanate in SE Europe, W Asia, & N Africa including at greatest extent Turkey, Syria, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Arabia, Egypt, Barbary States, Balkans, & parts of Russia & Hungary

Ottumwa
city SE Iowa pop 24,998

Otway
Thomas 1652-1685 Eng. dram.

ou sont les neiges d'antan
: where are the snows of yesteryear?

ouabain
n. : a poisonous glycoside C_29H_44O_12 obtained from several African shrubs or trees (genera Strophanthus and Acokanthera) of the dogbane family and used medically like digitalis and in Africa as an arrow poison

Ouachita
river 605 mi (974 km) SW Ark. & E La. flowing into Black River

Ouachita Mountains
mountains W Ark. & SE Okla. S of Arkansas River

Ouagadougou
n. city cen Burkina Faso, its capital pop 366,000

Ouargla
town & oasis Algeria in the Sahara pop 81,721

Oubangui
― see UBANGI

Oubangui-Chari
― see UBANGI-SHARI

oubliette
n. : a dungeon with an opening only at the top

ouch
interj. 1 obsolete : CLASP, BROOCH
2 a : a setting for a precious stone b : JEWEL, ORNAMENT especially : a buckle or brooch set with precious stones

ouch
interj. ― used especially to express sudden pain

oud
n. : a musical instrument of the lute family used in southwest Asia and northern Africa

Oudenaarde
commune Belgium in E Flanders on the Schelde pop 28,089

Oudh
region N India in E cen Uttar Pradesh

Oudtshoorn
city S Republic of South Africa in Western Cape province E of Cape Town pop 34,124

Ouessant, Ile d'
island NW France off tip of Brittany

ought
v. ― used to express obligation <ought to pay our debts>, advisability <ought to take care of yourself>, natural expectation <ought to be here by now>, or logical consequence <the result ought to be infinity>

ought
v. 1 chiefly Scottish : POSSESS
2 chiefly Scottish : OWE

ought
v. : moral obligation : DUTY

ought
v. archaic variant of aught

oughtn't
: ought not

ouguiya
n. ― see MONEY table

Ouida
― see Marie Louise de la RAMÉE

Ouija
n. ― used for a board with the alphabet and other signs on it that is used with a planchette to seek spiritualistic or telepathic messages

Oujda
city NE Morocco near Algerian border area pop 480,000

Oulu
city N cen Finland on Gulf of Bothnia pop 123,274

ounce
n. 1 a : a unit of weight equal to 1/12 troy pound ― see WEIGHT table b : a unit of weight equal to 1/16 avoirdupois pound c : a small amount <an ounce of sense>
2 : FLUID OUNCE

ounce
n. : SNOW LEOPARD

our
pron. : of or relating to us or ourselves or ourself especially as possessors or possessor, agents or agent, or objects or object of an action <our throne> <our actions> <our being chosen>

Our Father
: LORD'S PRAYER

Ourense
― see ORENSE

Ouro Preto
city E Brazil in Minas Gerais pop 66,277

ours
pron. : that which belongs to us ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective our

ourself
pron. : MYSELF ― used to refer to the single-person subject when we is used instead of I (as by a sovereign) <will keep ourself till supper time alone ― Shakespeare>

ourselves
n. 1 : those identical ones that are we ― used reflexively <we're doing it solely for ourselves>, for emphasis <we ourselves will never go>, or in absolute constructions <ourselves no longer young, we can sympathize with those who are old> ― compare WE 1
2 : our normal, healthy, or sane condition <just not ourselves today>

ous
n. 1 : full of : abounding in : having : possessing the qualities of <clamorous> <poisonous>
2 : having a valence lower than in compounds or ions named with an adjective ending in -ic <mercurous>

Ouse
1 or Great Ouse river 160 mi (257 km) cen & E England flowing into The Wash
2 river 60 mi (96 km) NE England flowing SE to unite with Trent River forming the Humber

ousel
n. variant of ouzel

Oushak
: a heavy wool Oriental rug characterized especially by bright primary colors and an elaborate medallion pattern

oust
v. 1 a : to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by force, or by the compulsion of necessity b : to take away (as a right or authority) : BAR, REMOVE
2 : to take the place of : SUPPLANT
synonyms see EJECT

ouster
n. 1 a : a wrongful dispossession b : a judgment removing an officer or depriving a corporation of a franchise
2 : EXPULSION

out
n. 1 a (1) : in a direction away from the inside or center <went out into the garden> (2) : OUTSIDE <it's raining out> b : from among others c : away from the shore d : away from home or work <out to lunch> e : away from a particular place
2 a : so as to be missing or displaced from the usual or proper place <left a word out> <threw his shoulder out> b : into the possession or control of another <lend out money> c : into a state of loss or defeat <was voted out> d : into a state of vexation <they do not mark me, and that brings me out ― Shakespeare> e : into groups or shares <sorted out her notes> <parceled out the farm>
3 a : to the point of depletion, extinction, or exhaustion <the food ran out> <turn the light out> <all tuckered out> b : to completion or satisfaction <hear me out> <work the problem out> c : to the full or a great extent or degree <all decked out> <stretched out on the floor>
4 a : in or into the open <the sun came out> b : OUT LOUD <cried out> c : in or into public circulation <the evening paper isn't out yet> <hand out pamphlets> <the library book is still out>
5 a : at an end <before the day is out> b : in or into an insensible or unconscious state <she was out cold> c : in or into a useless state <landed the plane with one engine out> d : so as to end the offensive turn of another player, a side, or oneself in baseball <threw him out> <fly out>
6 ― used on a two-way radio circuit to indicate that a message is complete and no reply is expected

out
n. 1 : EJECT, OUST
2 : to identify publicly as being such secretly <wanted to out pot smokers> especially : to identify as being a closet homosexual
intransitive verb : to become publicly known <the truth will out>

out
n. ― used as a function word to indicate an outward movement <ran out the door> <looked out the window>

out
n. 1 a : situated outside : EXTERNAL b : OUT-OF-BOUNDS
2 : situated at a distance : OUTLYING <the out islands>
3 : not being in power
4 : ABSENT
5 : removed by the defense from play as a batter or base runner in a baseball inning <two men out>
6 : directed outward or serving to direct something outward <the out basket>
7 : not being in vogue or fashion
8 : not to be considered : out of the question
9 : DETERMINED 1 <was out to get revenge>
10 : engaged in or attempting a particular activity <won on his first time out>
11 : publicly known or identified as a homosexual

out
n. 1 : OUTSIDE
2 : one who is out of office or power or on the outside <a matter of outs versus ins>
3 a : an act or instance of putting a player out or of being put out in baseball b : a player that is put out
4 : a way of escaping from an embarrassing or difficult situation
–on the outs : on unfriendly terms : at variance

out
: in a manner that exceeds or surpasses and sometimes overpowers or defeats <outmaneuver>
out·achieve
out·act
out·bar·gain
out·bid
out·bitch
out·bluff
out·box
out·brag
out·brawl
out·bulk
out·buy
out·catch
out·charge
out·climb
out·coach
out·com·pete
out·dance
out·daz·zle
out·de·bate
out·de·liv·er
out·de·sign
out·drag
out·dress
out·drink
out·drive
out·du·el
out·earn
out·eat
out·fight
out·fig·ure
out·fish
out·fly
out·fum·ble
out·gain
out·glit·ter
out·gross
out·hit
out·ho·mer
out·hunt
out·hus·tle
out·jump
out·kick
out·kill
out·last
out·leap
out·learn
out·man
out·ma·neu·ver
out·ma·nip·u·late
out·march
out·mus·cle
out·or·ga·nize
out·pass
out·per·form
out·pitch
out·play
out·plot
out·pol·i·tick
out·poll
out·pop·u·late
out·pow·er
out·pray
out·preach
out·price
out·pro·duce
out·prom·ise
out·punch
out·rate
out·re·bound
out·re·pro·duce
out·ri·val
out·roar
out·row
out·rush
out·sail
out·scheme
out·scoop
out·score
out·shout
out·sing
out·sit
out·skate
out·soar
out·spar·kle
out·speed
out·sprint
out·stride
out·swear
out·swim
out·talk
out·think
out·throw
out·trade
out·vie
out·vote
out·wait
out·walk
out·watch
out·wres·tle
out·write
out·yell
out·yield

out
n. falling outs
ins and outs
on the outs

out at elbows
or out at the elbows
1 : shabbily dressed
2 : short of funds

out front
in the audience

out in the cold
deprived of benefits given others <the plan benefits management but leaves labor out in the cold>

Out Islands
islands of the Bahamas group excepting New Providence

out loud
: loudly enough to be heard : ALOUD

out of
1 a (1) ― used as a function word to indicate direction or movement from within to the outside of <walked out of the room> (2) ― used as a function word to indicate a change in quality, state, or form <woke up out of a deep sleep> b (1) ― used as a function word to indicate a position or situation beyond the range, limits, or sphere of <out of control> (2) ― used as a function word to indicate a position or state away from the usual or expected <out of practice>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate origin, source, or cause <a remarkable colt out of an ordinary mare> <built out of old lumber> <fled out of fear>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate exclusion from or deprivation of <cheated him out of his savings> <out of breath>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate choice or selection from a group <one out of four survived>
5 ― used as a function word to indicate the center of an enterprise or activity <runs her business out of her home>
–out of it
1 : not part of a group, activity, or fashion
2 : in a dazed or confused state

out of breath
breathing very rapidly (as from strenuous exercise)

out of character
not in accord with a person's usual qualities or traits <his rudeness was completely out of character>

out of commission

1 : out of active service or use
2 : out of working order

out of doors
: OUTDOORS

out of favor
UNPOPULAR, DISLIKED <was out of favor with his neighbors>

out of focus
not in focus

out of hand

1 : without delay or deliberation also : in a summary or peremptory manner <rejected the plan out of hand>
2 : done with : FINISHED
3 : out of control
4 : with the hands <fruit eaten out of hand>

out of humor
out of sorts

out of it

1 : not part of a group, activity, or fashion
2 : in a dazed or confused state

out of joint

1 a of a bone : having the head slipped from its socket b : at variance
2 a : DISORDERED 2A b : being out of humor : DISSATISFIED <losing put him out of joint>

out of one's gourd
also off one's gourd : CRAZY

out of one's hair
out of one's way : not in one's hair <keep the children out of his hair for a while>

out of one's head
DELIRIOUS

out of phase
in an unsynchronized manner : not in correlation

out of place

1 : not in the proper or usual location
2 : IMPROPER, INAPPROPRIATE

out of play
not in play

out of plumb
or off plumb : out of vertical or true

out of pocket

1 : low on money or funds
2 : having suffered a loss
3 : from cash on hand

out of print
not procurable from the publisher

out of season
not in season

out of sight

1 : beyond comparison
2 : beyond all expectation or reason
3 ― used as a generalized expression of approval

out of sorts

1 : somewhat ill
2 : GROUCHY, IRRITABLE

out of square
not at an exact right angle

out of step
not in step <out of step with the times>

out of stock
having no more on hand : completely sold out

out of the blue
without advance notice : UNEXPECTEDLY <the job offer came out of the blue>

out of the frying pan into the fire
clear of one difficulty only to fall into a greater one

out of the running

1 : not competing in a contest
2 : having no chance of winning a contest

out of the way

1 : WRONG, IMPROPER <didn't know I'd said anything out of the way>
2 a : in or to a secluded place b : UNUSUAL, REMARKABLE <there's nothing out of the way about the plan>
3 : DONE, COMPLETED <got his homework out of the way>

out of the woods
clear of danger or difficulty

out of this world
of extraordinary excellence : SUPERB

out of turn

1 : not in due order of succession <play out of turn>
2 : at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently <talking out of turn>

out of wedlock
with the natural parents not legally married to each other

out of whack

1 : out of proper order or shape <threw his knee out of whack>
2 : not in accord <feeling out of whack with her contemporaries ― S. E. Rubin>

out of work
without regular employment : JOBLESS

out on a limb
in an exposed or dangerous position with little chance of retreat

out the window
out of existence, use, or consideration

out to lunch
slang : out of touch with reality

out-and-out
: being such completely at all times, in every way, or from every point of view <an out-and-out fraud>

out-and-outer
: one who goes to extremes

out-box
: a box or tray (as on a desk) for holding outgoing interoffice mail

out-front
: FRANK, OPEN

out-group
: a group that is distinct from one's own and so usually an object of hostility or dislike ― compare IN-GROUP 1

out-Herod
: to exceed in violence or extravagance ― usually used in the phrase out-Herod Herod

out-migrant
: one that out-migrates

out-migrate
: to leave one region or community in order to settle in another especially as part of a large-scale and continuing movement of population ― compare IN-MIGRATE
–out-mi·gra·tion \ˌau̇t-mī-'grā-shən\ noun

out-of-body
: relating to or involving a feeling of separation from one's body and of being able to view oneself and others from an external perspective <an out-of-body experience>

out-of-bounds
: outside the prescribed boundaries or limits

out-of-date
: OUTMODED, OBSOLETE

out-of-door
: OUTDOOR

out-of-doors
: OUTDOORS

out-of-pocket
: requiring an outlay of cash <out-of-pocket expenses>

out-of-sight
slang : WONDERFUL

out-of-the-way
1 : UNUSUAL <out-of-the-way information>
2 : being off the beaten track <an out-of-the-way restaurant>

out-there
: UNCONVENTIONAL <out-there styles>

out-year
: the year beyond a current fiscal year ― usually used in plural except when attributive

outage
n. 1 : a quantity or bulk of something lost in transportation or storage
2 a : a failure or interruption in use or functioning b : a period of interruption especially of electric current

outback
n. : isolated rural country especially of Australia

outbalance
v. : OUTWEIGH

outboard
n. 1 : situated outboard
2 : having, using, or limited to the use of an outboard motor

outboard
n. 1 : outside a ship's bulwarks : in a lateral direction from the hull
2 : in a position closer or closest to either of the wingtips of an airplane or to the sides of an automobile

outboard
n. 1 : OUTBOARD MOTOR
2 : a boat with an outboard motor

outboard motor
: a small internal combustion engine with propeller integrally attached for mounting at the stern of a small boat

outbound
adj. : outward bound <outbound traffic>

outbrave
v. 1 : to face or resist defiantly
2 : to exceed in courage

outbreak
n. 1 a : a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency <the outbreak of war> b : a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease <an outbreak of measles> c : a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area <an outbreak of locusts>
2 : INSURRECTION, REVOLT

outbreed
v. 1 \'au̇t-ˌbrēd\ : to subject to outbreeding
2 \ˌau̇t-'\ : to breed faster than

outbreeding
n. : the interbreeding of individuals or stocks that are relatively unrelated

outbuilding
n. : a building (as a stable or a woodshed) separate from but accessory to a main house

outburst
n. 1 : a violent expression of feeling <an outburst of anger>
2 : a surge of activity or growth <new outbursts of creative power ― C. E. Montague>
3 : ERUPTION <volcanic outbursts>

outbye
adv. chiefly Scottish : a short distance away also : OUTDOORS

outcast
n. 1 : one that is cast out or refused acceptance (as by society) : PARIAH
2 [Scots cast out to quarrel] Scottish : QUARREL
–outcast adjective

outcaste
n. 1 : one who has been ejected from a Hindu caste for violation of its customs or rules
2 : one who has no caste

outclass
v. : to excel or surpass so decisively as to be or appear to be of a higher class

outcome
n. : something that follows as a result or consequence <a surprising outcome> <patient outcomes of bypass surgery>

outcrop
n. 1 : a coming out of bedrock or of an unconsolidated deposit to the surface of the ground
2 : the part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground

outcrop
n. 1 : to project from the surrounding soil <ledges outcropping from the eroded slope>
2 : to come to the surface : APPEAR

outcropping
n. : OUTCROP

outcross
n. 1 : a cross between relatively unrelated individuals
2 : the progeny of an outcross

outcross
n. : to cross with a relatively unrelated individual or strain

outcry
n. 1 a : a loud cry : CLAMOR b : a vehement protest
2 : AUCTION

outdated
adj. : no longer current : OUTMODED
–out·dat·ed·ly adverb
–out·dat·ed·ness noun

outdistance
v. : to go far ahead of (as in a race) : OUTSTRIP

outdo
v. 1 : to go beyond in action or performance
2 : DEFEAT, OVERCOME
synonyms see EXCEED

outdoor
adj. 1 : of or relating to the outdoors
2 a : performed outdoors <outdoor sports> b : OUTDOORSY <an outdoor couple>
3 : not enclosed : having no roof <an outdoor restaurant>

outdoors
adv. : outside a building : in or into the open air

outdoors
adv. 1 : a place or location away from the confines of a building
2 : the world away from human habitations

outdoorsman
n. : one who spends much time in the outdoors or in outdoor activities
–out·doors·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

outdoorsy
adj. 1 : relating to, characteristic of, or appropriate for the outdoors
2 : fond of outdoor activities

outdraw
v. 1 : to attract a larger audience or following than
2 : to draw a handgun more quickly than

outer
adj. 1 : existing independent of mind : OBJECTIVE
2 a : situated farther out <the outer limits> b : being away from a center c : situated or belonging on the outside

outer
adj. Outer Mongolia
come outer
down and outer
out and outer
outer ear
outer planet
outer space
Outer Banks
Outer Hebrides
Outer Mongolian

Outer Banks
chain of sand islands & peninsulas along N.C. coast

outer ear
: the outer visible portion of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the tympanic membrane by way of a canal which extends inward through the temporal bone

Outer Hebrides
― see HEBRIDES

Outer Mongolia
― see MONGOLIA 2
–Outer Mongolian adjective or noun

outer planet
: any of the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto whose orbits lie beyond the asteroid belt

outer space
: space immediately outside the earth's atmosphere broadly : interplanetary or interstellar space

outercoat
: COAT 1A

outercourse
: sexual activity between individuals that does not involve vaginal or anal intercourse

outermost
adj. : farthest out

outerwear
n. 1 : clothing for outdoor wear
2 : outer clothing as opposed to underwear

outface
v. 1 : to cause to waver or submit by or as if by staring
2 : to confront unflinchingly : DEFY

outfall
n. : the outlet of a body of water (as a river or lake) especially : the mouth of a drain or sewer

outfield
n. 1 : the part of a baseball field beyond the infield and between the foul lines
2 : the baseball defensive positions comprising right field, center field, and left field also : the players who occupy these positions
–out·field·er \-ˌfēl-dər\ noun

outfit
n. 1 : the act of fitting out or equipping (as for a voyage or expedition)
2 a : a set of tools or equipment especially for the practice of a trade b : a clothing ensemble often for a special occasion or activity c : physical, mental, or moral endowments or resources
3 : a group that works as a team : ORGANIZATION especially : a military unit

outfit
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish with an outfit
2 : SUPPLY <outfitting every family with shoes ― American Guide Series: Vt.>
intransitive verb : to acquire an outfit
synonyms see FURNISH

outfitter
n. : one that outfits: as a : HABERDASHER b : a business providing equipment, supplies, and often trained guides (as for hunting trips) also : a guide working for such an outfitter

outflank
v. 1 : to get around the flank of (an opposing force)
2 : GET AROUND, CIRCUMVENT

outflow
n. : to flow out

outflow
n. 1 : a flowing out <the outflow of dollars>
2 : something that flows out <outflow of a sewage treatment plant>

outfoot
: to outdo in speed : OUTSTRIP

outfox
v. : OUTSMART

outgas
v. 1 : to remove occluded gases from usually by heating broadly : to remove gases from
2 : to remove (gases) from a material or a space
intransitive verb : to lose gases

outgeneral
v. : to surpass in generalship : OUTMANEUVER

outgo
n. : to go beyond : OUTDO

outgo
n. 1 : something that goes out specifically : EXPENDITURE
2 a : the act of going out b : DEPARTURE
3 : OUTLET 1A

outgoing
adj. 1 a : going away : DEPARTING <an outgoing ship> b : retiring or withdrawing from a place or position <the outgoing president> c : directed to an intended recipient <outgoing mail>
2 : openly friendly and responsive : EXTROVERTED
–out·go·ing·ness noun

outgoings
n. British : costs incurred : EXPENSES

outgrow
v. 1 : to grow or increase faster than <mankind is outgrowing food supplies ― R. C. Murphy>
2 : to grow too large or too mature for <outgrew his best suit> <the need to outgrow the habit of war ― Norman Cousins>

outgrowth
n. 1 : a process or product of growing out <an outgrowth of hair>
2 : CONSEQUENCE, BY-PRODUCT <crime is often an outgrowth of poverty>

outguess
v. : to anticipate the expectations, intentions, or actions of : OUTWIT

outgun
v. : to surpass in firepower broadly : OUTDO

outhaul
n. : a rope used to haul a sail taut along a spar

outhouse
n. : OUTBUILDING especially : PRIVY 1A

outing
n. 1 : a brief usually outdoor pleasure trip
2 : an athletic competition or race also : an appearance therein
3 : a usually public presentation or appearance (as in a particular role) <her first outing as a novelist>
4 : the public disclosure of the covert homosexuality of a prominent person especially by homosexual activists

outland
n. 1 : a foreign land
2 plural : the outlying regions of a country : PROVINCES
–outland adjective

outlander
n. : a person who belongs to another region, culture, or group : FOREIGNER, STRANGER

outlandish
adj. 1 : of or relating to another country : FOREIGN
2 a : strikingly out of the ordinary : BIZARRE <an outlandish costume> b : exceeding proper or reasonable limits or standards
3 : remote from civilization
synonyms see STRANGE
–out·land·ish·ly adverb
–out·land·ish·ness noun

outlaw
n. 1 : a person excluded from the benefit or protection of the law
2 a : a lawless person or a fugitive from the law b : a person or organization under a ban or restriction c : one that is unconventional or rebellious
3 : an animal (as a horse) that is wild and unmanageable
–outlaw adjective

outlaw
n. 1 a : to deprive of the benefit and protection of law : declare to be an outlaw b : to make illegal <outlawed dueling>
2 : to place under a ban or restriction
3 : to remove from legal jurisdiction or enforcement
–out·law·ry \'au̇t-ˌlȯr-ē\ noun

outlay
n. : to lay out (money) : EXPEND

outlay
n. 1 : the act of expending
2 : EXPENDITURE, PAYMENT <outlays for national defense>

outlet
n. 1 a : a place or opening through which something is let out : EXIT, VENT b : a means of release or satisfaction for an emotion or impulse <sexual outlets> c : a medium of expression or publication d : a publication or broadcast organization <media outlets>
2 : a stream flowing out of a lake or pond
3 a : a market for a commodity b : an agency (as a store) through which a product is marketed <retail outlets>
4 : a receptacle for the plug of an electrical device

outlet pass
: a pass made in basketball by the player taking a defensive rebound to a teammate to start a fast break

outlier
n. 1 : a person whose residence and place of business are at a distance
2 : something (as a geological feature) that is situated away from or classed differently from a main or related body
3 : a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample

outline
n. 1 a : a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : BOUNDARY b : SHAPE
2 a : a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading b : a sketch in outline
3 a : a condensed treatment of a particular subject <an outline of world history> b : a summary of a written work : SYNOPSIS
4 : a preliminary account of a project : PLAN
5 : a fishing line set out overnight
synonyms OUTLINE, CONTOUR, PROFILE, SILHOUETTE mean the line that bounds and gives form to something. OUTLINE applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass <traced the outline of his hand>. CONTOUR stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled <a car with flowing contours>. PROFILE suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background <a portrait of her face in profile>. SILHOUETTE suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined <photograph in silhouette against a bright sky>.

outline
n. 1 : to draw the outline of
2 : to indicate the principal features or different parts of <outlined their responsibilities>

outlive
v. 1 : to live beyond or longer than <outlived most of his friends> <outlive its usefulness>
2 : to survive the effects of <universities⋯outlive many political and social changes ― J. B. Conant>

outlook
n. 1 a : a place offering a view b : a view from a particular place
2 : POINT OF VIEW <a positive outlook on life>
3 : the act of looking out
4 : the prospect for the future <the outlook for steel demand in the U.S. ― Wall Street Jour.>
synonyms see PROSPECT

outlying
adj. : remote from a center or main body <outlying areas>

outmatch
v. : to prove superior to : OUTDO

outmode
v. : to make unfashionable or obsolete

outmoded
adj. 1 : not being in style
2 : no longer acceptable, current, or usable <outmoded customs>

outmost
adj. : farthest out : OUTERMOST

outnumber
v. : to exceed in number

outpace
v. 1 : to surpass in speed
2 : OUTDO

outpatient
n. : a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment ― compare INPATIENT

outplacement
n. : the process of easing unwanted or unneeded executives out of a company by providing company-paid assistance in finding them new jobs

outpoint
v. 1 : to sail closer to the wind than
2 : to win more points than (as in a boxing match)

outport
n. 1 chiefly British : a port other than the main port of a country
2 : a small fishing village especially in Newfoundland

outpost
n. 1 a : a security detachment dispatched by a main body of troops to protect it from enemy surprise b : a military base established by treaty or agreement in another country
2 a : an outlying or frontier settlement b : an outlying branch or position of a main organization or group

outpour
v. : to pour out

outpour
v. : OUTPOURING

outpouring
n. 1 : the act of pouring out <an outpouring of emotion>
2 : something that pours out or is poured out : OUTFLOW

outpull
: OUTDRAW 1

output
n. 1 : something produced: as a : mineral, agricultural, or industrial production <steel output> b : mental or artistic production <literary output> c : the amount produced by a person in a given time d : power or energy produced or delivered by a machine or system (as for storage or for conversion in kind or in characteristics) <generator output> <solar X-ray output> e : the information produced by a computer
2 : the act, process, or an instance of producing
3 : the terminal for the output on an electrical device

output
n. : to produce as output

outrace
v. : OUTPACE

outrage
n. 1 : an act of violence or brutality
2 a : INJURY, INSULT <do no outrages on silly women or poor passengers ― Shakespeare> b : an act that violates accepted standards of behavior or taste <an outrage alike against decency and dignity ― John Buchan>
3 : the anger and resentment aroused by injury or insult

outrage
n. 1 a : RAPE b : to violate the standards or principles of <he has outraged respectability past endurance ― John Braine>
2 : to arouse anger or resentment in usually by some grave offense <was outraged by the accusation>
synonyms see OFFEND

outrageous
adj. 1 a : exceeding the limits of what is usual b : not conventional or matter-of-fact : FANTASTIC
2 : VIOLENT, UNRESTRAINED
3 a : going beyond all standards of what is right or decent <an outrageous disregard of human rights> b : deficient in propriety or good taste <outrageous language> <outrageous manners>
–out·ra·geous·ly adverb
–out·ra·geous·ness noun

outrance
n. a outrance
à outrance
guerre a outrance
guerre à outrance

outrange
v. : to surpass in range

outrank
v. 1 : to rank higher than
2 : to exceed in importance

outre
adj. : violating convention or propriety : BIZARRE

outre-mer
: overseas : distant lands

outreach
n. 1 a : to surpass in reach b : EXCEED <the demand outreaches the supply>
2 : to get the better of by trickery
intransitive verb
1 : to go too far
2 : to reach out

outreach
n. 1 : the act of reaching out
2 : the extent or limit of reach <the outreach of the Ohio floods ― Clifton Johnson>
3 : the extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits <an outreach program> also : the extent of such services or assistance

Outremont
town Canada in S Que. on Montreal Is. pop 22,933

outride
v. 1 : to ride better, faster, or farther than : OUTSTRIP
2 : to ride out (a storm)

outride
v. : an unstressed syllable or group of syllables added to a foot in sprung rhythm but not counted in the scansion

outrider
n. 1 : a mounted attendant
2 : one who escorts or clears the way for a vehicle or person
3 : FORERUNNER, HARBINGER <outriders of a new political movement>

outrigger
n. 1 a : a projection with a float or a shaped log at the end attached to a boat to prevent capsizing b : a spar or projecting beam run out from a ship's side to help secure the masts or from a mast to extend a rope or sail
2 : a boat equipped with an outrigger
3 : a projecting member run out from a main structure to provide additional stability or to support something especially : a projecting frame to support the elevator or tailplanes of an airplane or the rotor of a helicopter

outright
adj. 1 archaic : straight ahead : DIRECTLY
2 : in entirety : COMPLETELY <rejected the proposal outright>
3 : without restraint or reservation <laughed outright>
4 : on the spot : INSTANTANEOUSLY <was killed outright>
5 : without lien or encumbrance <purchased the property outright for cash>

outright
adj. 1 a : being completely or exactly what is stated <an outright lie> b : given without reservation <outright grants for research> c : made without encumbrance or lien <an outright sale>
2 archaic : proceeding directly onward
–out·right·ly adverb

outrun
n. 1 : to run faster than
2 : EXCEED, SURPASS <his ambitions outrun his abilities>

outsell
v. 1 archaic : to exceed in value
2 : to exceed in number of items sold
3 : to surpass in selling or salesmanship

outset
n. : BEGINNING, START

outshine
v. transitive verb
1 a : to shine brighter than b : to excel in splendor or showiness
2 : OUTDO, SURPASS <outshone most of the other films in quality ― Kathleen Karr>
intransitive verb : to shine out

outshoot
n. 1 : to surpass in shooting or making shots
2 : to shoot or go beyond

outside
n. 1 a : a place or region beyond an enclosure or boundary: as (1) : the world beyond the confines of an institution (as a prison) (2) often capitalized in Alaska : the world beyond the territory or state of Alaska especially : the 48 contiguous states b : the area farthest from a specified point of reference: as (1) : the side of home plate farthest from the batter (2) : the part of a playing area toward the sidelines (3) : the part of a playing area away from the goal
2 : an outer side or surface
3 : an outer manifestation : APPEARANCE
4 : the extreme limit of a guess : MAXIMUM <the crowd numbered 10,000 at the outside>

outside
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side or surface <the outside edge> b : of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side of a curve or turn c : of, relating to, or being on or near the outside <an outside pitch>
2 a : situated or performed outside a particular place b : connected with or giving access to the outside <outside telephone line>
3 : MAXIMUM
4 a : not included or originating in a particular group or organization <blamed the riot on outside agitators> b : not belonging to one's regular occupation or duties <outside interests>
5 : barely possible : REMOTE <an outside chance>
6 : made or done from the outside <borrowed a basketball and practiced his outside shot>

outside
n. 1 : on or to the outside
2 : OUTDOORS

outside
n. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate movement to or position on the outer side of
2 : beyond the limits of <outside the scope of this report> <outside the law>
3 : EXCEPT

outside of
1 : OUTSIDE
2 : ASIDE FROM

outsider
n. 1 : a person who does not belong to a particular group
2 chiefly British : a contender not expected to win
–out·sid·er·ness noun

outsight
: the power or act of perceiving external things <the clear-eyed insight and outsight of the born writer ― New Yorker>

outsize
n. : an unusual size especially : a size larger than the standard

outsize
n. 1 : unusually large or heavy
2 : exaggerated or extravagant in size or degree

outskirt
n. : a part remote from the center : BORDER ― usually used in plural <on the outskirts of town>

outslick
: to get the better of especially by trickery or cunning

outsmart
v. : to get the better of especially : OUTWIT

outsole
n. : the outside sole of a boot or shoe

outsource
v. : to procure (as some goods or services needed by a business or organization) under contract with an outside supplier <decided to outsource some back-office operations>

outspeak
v. 1 : to excel in speaking
2 : to declare openly or boldly

outspend
v. 1 : to exceed the limits of in spending <outspends his income>
2 : to spend more than <outspent the other candidates>

outspent
v. : completely worn out : EXHAUSTED <spurred him, like an outspent horse, to death ― P. B. Shelley>

outspoken
adj. 1 : direct and open in speech or expression : FRANK <outspoken in his criticism ― Current Biog.>
2 : spoken or expressed without reserve <his outspoken advocacy of gun control>
–out·spo·ken·ly adverb
–out·spo·ken·ness \-kən-nəs\ noun

outspread
adj. : to spread out

outstand
v. transitive verb : to endure beyond <I have outstood my time ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb : STAND OUT

outstanding
adj. 1 : standing out : PROJECTING
2 a : UNPAID <left several bills outstanding> b : continuing to exist : UNRESOLVED <a long outstanding problem in astronomy> c of securities : publicly issued and sold
3 a : standing out from a group : CONSPICUOUS b : marked by eminence and distinction
synonyms see NOTICEABLE
–out·stand·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

outstare
v. : OUTFACE 1

outstation
n. : a remote or outlying station

outstay
v. 1 : OVERSTAY 1 <outstayed their welcome>
2 : to surpass in staying power <outstayed his competitors>

outstretch
v. : to stretch out : EXTEND

outstrip
v. 1 : to go faster or farther than
2 : to get ahead of <has civilization outstripped the ability of its users to use it? ― Margaret Mead>
synonyms see EXCEED

outtake
n. 1 : a passage outward : FLUE, VENT
2 : something that is taken out: as a : a take that is not used in an edited version of a film or videotape b : a recorded musical selection not included in a record album

outturn
n. : a quantity produced : OUTPUT

outward
adj. 1 : moving, directed, or turned toward the outside or away from a center <an outward flow>
2 : situated on the outside : EXTERIOR
3 : of or relating to the body or to appearances rather than to the mind or the inner life <outward beauty>
4 : EXTERNAL

outward
adj. 1 : toward the outside
2 obsolete : on the outside : EXTERNALLY

outward
adj. : external form, appearance, or reality

outward-bound
: bound in an outward direction or to foreign parts <an outward-bound ship>

outwardly
adv. 1 a : on the outside : EXTERNALLY b : toward the outside
2 : in outward state, behavior, or appearance <was outwardly friendly>

outwardness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being external
2 : concern with or responsiveness to outward things

outwash
n. : detritus consisting chiefly of gravel and sand carried by running water from the melting ice of a glacier and laid down in stratified deposits

outwear
v. 1 : WEAR OUT, EXHAUST
2 : to last longer than <a fabric that outwears others>

outweigh
v. : to exceed in weight, value, or importance <the advantages outweigh the disadvantages>

outwit
v. 1 : to get the better of by superior cleverness : OUTSMART
2 archaic : to surpass in wisdom

outwith
prep. chiefly Scottish : OUTSIDE

outwork
n. 1 : WORK OUT, COMPLETE
2 : to work harder, faster, or better than

outwork
n. : a minor defensive position constructed outside a fortified area

outworker
n. chiefly British : a person who works at home for a business firm

outworn
adj. : no longer useful or acceptable : OUTMODED <an outworn social system>

ouzel
n. 1 a : BLACKBIRD 1A b : RING OUZEL
2 : DIPPER 2

ouzo
n. : a colorless anise-flavored unsweetened Greek liqueur

ov
: egg <ovicide> : ovum <oviduct>

ova
n. plural of ovum

oval
n. 1 : an oval figure or object
2 : a racetrack in the shape of an oval or a rectangle having rounded corners

oval
n. : having the shape of an egg also : broadly elliptical
–oval·i·ty \ō-'va-lə-tē\ noun
–oval·ly \-və-lē\ adverb
–oval·ness noun

Oval Office
: the seat of the executive department of the U.S. government

oval window
: an oval opening between the middle ear and the vestibule having the base of the stapes or columella attached to its membrane

ovalbumin
n. 1 : the principal albumin of white of egg especially : the crystalline part of egg albumins
2 : dried whites of eggs

Ovambo
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu people of northern Namibia
2 : the Bantu language of the Ovambo people

ovarian
adj. : of, relating to, or involving an ovary <ovarian cancer>

ovariectomy
n. : OOPHORECTOMY
–ovari·ec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

ovariole
: one of the tubes of which the ovaries of most insects are composed

ovariotomy
n. 1 : surgical incision of an ovary
2 : OOPHORECTOMY

ovary
n. 1 : one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones
2 : the enlarged rounded usually basal portion of the pistil or gynoecium of an angiospermous plant that bears the ovules and consists of one or more carpels ― see FLOWER illustration

ovate
adj. 1 : shaped like an egg
2 : having an outline like a longitudinal section of an egg with the basal end broader <ovate leaves> ― see LEAF illustration

ovation
n. 1 : a ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a victory of less importance than that for which a triumph was granted
2 : an expression or demonstration of popular acclaim especially by enthusiastic applause <received a standing ovation>

oven
n. : a chamber used for baking, heating, or drying

oven
n. beehive oven
convection oven
Dutch oven
microwave oven
toaster oven

ovenbird
n. 1 : any of various chiefly So. American small brown passerine birds (family Furnariidae, especially genus Furnarius)
2 : an American warbler (Seiurus aurocapillus) that builds a dome-shaped nest on the ground

ovenproof
adj. : capable of withstanding the temperature range of a kitchen oven <ovenproof dishes>

over
adj. 1 a : across a barrier or intervening space especially : across the goal line in football b : forward beyond an edge or brink and often down <wandered too near the cliff and fell over> c : across the brim <soup boiled over> d : so as to bring the underside up <turned his cards over> e : from a vertical to a prone or inclined position <knocked the lamp over> f : from one person or side to another <hand it over> g : ACROSS <got his point over> h : to one's home <invite some friends over> i : on the other side of an intervening space <the next town over> j : to agreement or concord <won them over>
2 a (1) : beyond some quantity, limit, or norm often by a specified amount or to a specified degree <show ran a minute over> (2) : in an excessive manner : INORDINATELY b : till a later time (as the next day) : OVERNIGHT <stay over> <sleep over>
3 a : ABOVE b : so as to cover the whole surface <windows boarded over>
4 ― used on a two-way radio circuit to indicate that a message is complete and a reply is expected
5 a : THROUGH <read it over> also : in an intensive or comprehensive manner b : once more : AGAIN <do it over>

over
adj. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate motion or situation in a position higher than or above another <towered over his mother> <flew over the lake> <rode over the old Roman road>
2 a ― used as a function word to indicate the possession of authority, power, or jurisdiction in regard to some thing or person <respected those over him> b ― used as a function word to indicate superiority, advantage, or preference <a big lead over the others> c ― used as a function word to indicate one that is overcome, circumvented, or disregarded <passed over the governor's veto>
3 a : more than <cost over $5> b : ABOVE 4
4 a ― used as a function word to indicate position upon or movement down upon <laid a blanket over the child> <hit him over the head> b (1) : all through or throughout <showed me over the house> <went over his notes> (2) ― used as a function word connecting one mathematical set and another whose elements are coefficients or values of parameters used to form elements of the first set <polynomials over the field of real numbers> c ― used as a function word to indicate a particular medium or channel of communication <over the radio>
5 ― used as a function word to indicate position on or motion to the other side or beyond <lives over the way> <fell over the edge>
6 a : THROUGHOUT, DURING <over the past 25 years> b : until the end of <stay over Sunday>
7 a ― used as a function word to indicate an object of solicitude, interest, consideration, or reference <the Lord watches over his own> b ― used as a function word to indicate the object of an expressed or implied occupation, activity, or concern <trouble over money> <met with advisers over lunch>

over
adj. 1 a : UPPER, HIGHER b : OUTER, COVERING c : EXCESSIVE <over imagination>
2 a : not used up : REMAINING <something over to provide for unusual requirements ― J. A. Todd> b : having or showing an excess or surplus
3 : being at an end <the day is over>
4 : fried on both sides <ordered two eggs over>
–over easy : fried on one side then turned and fried lightly on the other side <eggs over easy>

over
adj. : to leap over

over
1 : so as to exceed or surpass <overachieve>
2 : EXCESSIVE <overstimulation>
3 : to an excessive degree <overthin>
over·ab·stract
over·abun·dance
over·abun·dant
over·ac·cen·tu·ate
over·ad·just·ment
over·ad·ver·tise
over·ag·gres·sive
over·alert
over·am·bi·tious
over·am·bi·tious·ness
over·am·pli·fied
over·anal·y·sis
over·an·a·lyt·i·cal
over·an·a·lyze
over·anx·i·ety
over·anx·ious
over·ap·pli·ca·tion
over·arous·al
over·ar·range
over·ar·tic·u·late
over·as·sert
over·as·ser·tion
over·as·ser·tive
over·as·sess·ment
over·at·ten·tion
over·bake
over·beat
over·be·jew·eled
over·bill
over·bleach
over·boil
over·bold
over·bor·row
over·breath·ing
over·brief
over·bright
over·broad
over·browse
over·bru·tal
over·burn
over·busy
over·care·ful
over·cau·tion
over·cau·tious
over·cen·tral·i·za·tion
over·cen·tral·ize
over·chill
over·civ·i·lized
over·claim
over·clas·si·fi·ca·tion
over·clas·si·fy
over·clean
over·clear
over·coach
over·com·mer·cial·i·za·tion
over·com·mer·cial·ize
over·com·mu·ni·cate
over·com·mu·ni·ca·tion
over·com·plex
over·com·pli·ance
over·com·pli·cate
over·com·pli·cat·ed
over·com·press
over·con·cen·tra·tion
over·con·cern
over·con·cerned
over·con·fi·dence
over·con·fi·dent
over·con·fi·dent·ly
over·con·sci·en·tious
over·con·scious
over·con·ser·va·tive
over·con·struct
over·con·sume
over·con·sump·tion
over·con·trol
over·cook
over·cool
over·cor·rect
over·count
over·cred·u·lous
over·crit·i·cal
over·cul·ti·va·tion
over·cure
over·dec·o·rate
over·dec·o·ra·tion
over·de·mand·ing
over·de·pen·dence
over·de·pen·dent
over·dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion
over·di·rect
over·dis·count
over·di·ver·si·ty
over·doc·u·ment
over·dra·mat·ic
over·dra·ma·tize
over·drink
over·dry
over·ea·ger
over·ea·ger·ness
over·ear·nest
over·ed·it
over·ed·u·cate
over·ed·u·cat·ed
over·ed·u·ca·tion
over·elab·o·rate
over·elab·o·ra·tion
over·em·bel·lish
over·emote
over·emo·tion·al
over·em·pha·sis
over·em·pha·size
over·em·phat·ic
over·en·am·ored
over·en·cour·age
over·en·er·get·ic
over·en·gi·neer
over·en·rolled
over·en·ter·tained
over·en·thu·si·asm
over·en·thu·si·as·tic
over·equipped
over·es·ti·mate
over·es·ti·ma·tion
over·eval·u·a·tion
over·ex·ag·ger·ate
over·ex·ag·ger·a·tion
over·ex·cite
over·ex·cit·ed
over·ex·er·cise
over·ex·ert
over·ex·er·tion
over·ex·pand
over·ex·pan·sion
over·ex·pec·ta·tion
over·ex·plain
over·ex·plic·it
over·ex·ploit
over·ex·ploi·ta·tion
over·ex·trac·tion
over·ex·trap·o·la·tion
over·ex·trav·a·gant
over·ex·u·ber·ant
over·fac·ile
over·fa·mil·iar
over·fa·mil·iar·i·ty
over·fas·tid·i·ous
over·fat
over·fa·vor
over·fer·til·i·za·tion
over·fer·til·ize
over·fo·cus
over·fond
over·ful·fill
over·fund
over·fussy
over·gen·er·al·i·za·tion
over·gen·er·al·ize
over·gen·er·os·i·ty
over·gen·er·ous
over·gen·er·ous·ly
over·glam·or·ize
over·gov·ern
over·han·dle
over·har·vest
over·hasty
over·ho·mog·e·nize
over·hunt
over·hunt·ing
over·hype
over·ide·al·ize
over·iden·ti·fi·ca·tion
over·iden·ti·fy
over·imag·i·na·tive
over·im·press
over·in·debt·ed·ness
over·in·dulge
over·in·dul·gence
over·in·dul·gent
over·in·dus·tri·al·ize
over·in·flate
over·in·flat·ed
over·in·fla·tion
over·in·form
over·in·formed
over·in·ge·nious
over·in·ge·nu·ity
over·in·sis·tent
over·in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·za·tion
over·in·tel·lec·tu·al·ize
over·in·tense
over·in·ten·si·ty
over·in·ter·pre·ta·tion
over·in·vest·ment
over·la·bor
over·la·bored
over·lad·en
over·large
over·lav·ish
over·lend
over·length
over·length·en
over·light
over·lit·er·al
over·lit·er·ary
over·load
over·long
over·loud
over·lush
over·man·age
over·man·nered
over·ma·ture
over·ma·tu·ri·ty
over·med·i·cate
over·med·i·ca·tion
over·mighty
over·milk
over·mine
over·mix
over·mod·est
over·mod·est·ly
over·mus·cled
over·nice
over·nour·ish
over·nu·tri·tion
over·ob·vi·ous
over·op·er·ate
over·opin·ion·at·ed
over·op·ti·mism
over·op·ti·mist
over·op·ti·mis·tic
over·op·ti·mis·ti·cal·ly
over·or·ches·trate
over·or·ga·nize
over·or·ga·nized
over·or·na·ment
over·pack·age
over·par·tic·u·lar
over·pay
over·pay·ment
over·ped·al
over·peo·ple
over·plan
over·plant
over·plot
over·po·tent
over·praise
over·pre·cise
over·pre·scribe
over·pre·scrip·tion
over·priv·i·leged
over·prize
over·pro·cess
over·pro·duce
over·pro·duc·tion
over·pro·gram
over·prom·ise
over·pro·mote
over·pro·tect
over·pro·tec·tion
over·pro·tec·tive
over·pro·tec·tive·ness
over·pump
over·re·act
over·re·ac·tion
over·re·fined
over·re·fine·ment
over·reg·u·late
over·reg·u·la·tion
over·re·li·ance
over·re·port
over·re·spond
over·rich
over·rig·id
over·salt
over·san·guine
over·sat·u·rate
over·sat·u·ra·tion
over·sauce
over·scru·pu·lous
over·se·cre·tion
over·sen·si·tive
over·sen·si·tive·ness
over·sen·si·tiv·i·ty
over·se·ri·ous
over·se·ri·ous·ly
over·ser·vice
over·sim·plis·tic
over·smoke
over·so·lic·i·tous
over·so·phis·ti·cat·ed
over·spe·cial·i·za·tion
over·spe·cial·ize
over·spec·u·late
over·spec·u·la·tion
over·sta·bil·i·ty
over·staff
over·stim·u·late
over·stim·u·la·tion
over·stock
over·strain
over·stress
over·stretch
over·struc·tured
over·sub·tle
over·suds
over·sup·ply
over·sus·pi·cious
over·sweet
over·sweet·en
over·sweet·ness
over·swing
over·talk
over·talk·a·tive
over·tax
over·tax·a·tion
over·thin
over·think
over·tight·en
over·tip
over·tired
over·train
over·treat
over·treat·ment
over·use
over·uti·li·za·tion
over·uti·lize
over·vi·o·lent
over·viv·id
over·wa·ter
over·wea·ry
over·wind
over·with·hold
over·zeal·ous

over- (see more...)

over
adj. lean over backward
bend over backwards
over ripeness
all over
bend over backward
over a barrel
bind over
blow over
boil over
bowl over
carry over
chew over
comb over
come over
over the counter
crossing over
cross over
cry over spilled milk
over one's dead body
fall all over oneself
fall over backward
fall over oneself
get over
give over
go over
going over
goings over
hand over
hand over fist
over one's head
head over heels
hold over
kick over the traces
kick over
knock over
lay over
lie over
look over
all over the lot
make over
all over the map
mess over
over the moon
once over
over easy
over against
over and above
over and over
over the hill
over the top
over the transom
over with
paper over
pass over
pick over
pull the wool over one's eyes
pull over
put over
roll over
roll over arm
run over
take over
talk over
throw over
tide over
turn over
turn over a new leaf
voice over
walk over
warmed over
watch over
work over

over a barrel
at a disadvantage : in an awkward position

over against
: as opposed to : in contrast with

over and above
: in addition to : BESIDES

over and over
: REPEATEDLY

over easy
fried on one side then turned and fried lightly on the other side <eggs over easy>

over one's dead body
only by overcoming one's utter and determined resistance <vows that they'll raise his taxes over his dead body>

over one's head

1 : beyond one's comprehension or competence <the most awful intellectual detail, all of it over my head ― E. B. White>
2 : so as to pass over one's superior standing or authority <went over my head to complain>

over the counter

1 : in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange <stock bought over the counter>
2 : without a prescription <drugs available over the counter>

over the moon
very pleased : in high spirits

over the top
beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate

over the transom
without solicitation or prior arrangement <the manuscript arrived over the transom>

over with
: being at an end : FINISHED, COMPLETED

over- (continued)

over·zeal·ous·ness

over-the-counter
1 : not traded or effected on an organized securities exchange <over-the-counter transactions> <over-the-counter securities>
2 : sold lawfully without prescription <an over-the-counter pain reliever>

over-the-hill
1 : past one's prime
2 : advanced in age

over-the-top
: extremely or excessively flamboyant or outrageous <an over-the-top performance>

over-the-transom
: offered without prior arrangement especially for publication : UNSOLICITED <an over-the-transom manuscript>

overachiever
n. : one who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level especially at an early age
–over·achieve \-'chēv\ intransitive verb
–over·achieve·ment \-mənt\ noun

overact
v. 1 : to act more than is necessary
2 : to overact a part
transitive verb : to exaggerate in acting
–over·ac·tion \-'ak-shən\ noun

overactive
adj. : excessively or abnormally active <overactive glands> <an overactive imagination>
–over·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

overage
n. 1 : too old to be useful
2 : older than is normal for one's position, function, or grade

overage
n. : SURPLUS, EXCESS

overall
n. 1 : ALL OVER 1 <the pattern used overall>
2 : from one end to the other <600 feet long overall>
3 a : in view of all the circumstances or conditions <overall, the sale was a success> b : as a whole : GENERALLY <doesn't do as well overall> c : with everyone or everything taken into account <was third overall in earnings> <got 31 miles to the gallon overall>

overall
n. 1 a plural archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes b usually plural : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps
2 chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

overall
n. 1 : including everything
2 : viewed as a whole : GENERAL

overalled
: wearing overalls

overarching
adj. 1 : forming an arch overhead
2 : dominating or embracing all else <overarching goals>

overarm
adj. 1 : OVERHAND
2 of a swimming stroke : made with the arm lifted out of the water and stretched forward over the shoulder to begin the stroke

overawe
v. : to restrain or subdue by awe

overbalance
v. 1 : OUTWEIGH
2 : to cause to lose balance

overbalance
v. : something more than an equivalent

overbear
v. 1 : to bring down by superior weight or force : OVERWHELM
2 a : to domineer over b : to surpass in importance or cogency : OUTWEIGH

overbearing
adj. 1 a : tending to overwhelm : OVERPOWERING b : decisively important : DOMINANT
2 : harshly and haughtily arrogant
synonyms see PROUD
–over·bear·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

overbid
n. intransitive verb
1 : to bid in excess of value
2 a : to bid more than the scoring capacity of a hand at cards b British : to make a higher bid than the preceding one
transitive verb : to bid beyond or in excess of especially : to bid more than the value of (one's hand at cards)
–over·bid \'ō-vər-ˌbid\ noun

overbite
n. : the projection of the upper front teeth over the lower in the normal occlusal position of the jaws

overblouse
n. : a usually fitted or belted blouse worn untucked

overblown
adj. : past the prime of bloom <overblown roses>

overblown
adj. 1 : excessively large in girth : PORTLY
2 : INFLATED <overblown claims> <overblown rhetoric> also : PRETENTIOUS

overboard
adv. 1 : over the side of a ship or boat into the water
2 : to extremes of enthusiasm
3 : into discard : ASIDE

overbook
v. : to issue reservations for (as an airplane flight) in excess of the space available
intransitive verb : to issue reservations in excess of the space available

overbought
: not likely to show an immediate rise in price because of prior heavy buying and accompanying price rises <an overbought market>

overbreed
v. : to breed (a plant or animal) to excess especially without regard to the quality of the breeding stock <overbred dogs>

overbuild
v. transitive verb : to build beyond the actual demand of
intransitive verb : to build houses or commercial developments in excess of demand

overburden
v. : to place an excessive burden on

overburden
v. : material overlying a deposit of useful geological materials or bedrock

overbuy
v. transitive verb : to buy in excess of needs or demand
intransitive verb : to make purchases beyond one's needs or in excess of one's ability to pay

overcall
v. : to make a higher bid than (the previous bid or bidder) in a card game
intransitive verb : to bid over an opponent's bid in bridge when one's partner has not bid or doubled
–over·call \'ō-vər-ˌkȯl\ noun

overcapacity
n. : excessive capacity for production or services in relation to demand

overcapitalize
v. 1 : to put a nominal value on the capital of (a corporation) higher than actual cost or fair market value
2 : to capitalize beyond what the business or the profit-making prospects warrant
–over·cap·i·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌka-pə-tə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌkap-tə-\ noun

overcast
adj. 1 \ˌō-vər-'kast, 'ō-vər-ˌ\ : DARKEN, OVERSHADOW
2 \'ō-vər-ˌ\ : to sew (raw edges of a seam) with long slanting widely spaced stitches to prevent raveling

overcast
adj. : clouded over <an overcast day>

overcast
adj. : COVERING especially : a covering of clouds over the sky

overcast stitch
: a small close embroidery stitch sometimes done over a foundation thread and used to form outlines

overcasting
: the act of stitching raw edges of fabric to prevent raveling also : the stitching so done

overcharge
n. 1 : to charge too much or too fully
2 : to fill too full
3 : EXAGGERATE, OVERDRAW
intransitive verb : to make an excessive charge
–over·charge \'ō-vər-ˌ\ noun

overclass
n. : the highest social stratum : the segment of a society usually having the most wealth, influence, education, and prestige ― compare underclass

overcloud
v. : to overspread with or as if with clouds

overcoat
n. 1 : a warm coat worn over indoor clothing
2 : a protective coating (as of paint)

overcome
v. transitive verb
1 : to get the better of : SURMOUNT <overcome difficulties>
2 : OVERWHELM
intransitive verb : to gain the superiority : WIN
synonyms see CONQUER
–over·com·er noun

overcommit
v. : to commit excessively: as a : to obligate (as oneself) beyond the ability for fulfillment b : to allocate (resources) in excess of the capacity for replenishment
–over·com·mit·ment \-mənt\ noun

overcompensation
n. : excessive compensation specifically : excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling
–over·com·pen·sate \-'käm-pən-ˌsāt\ verb
–over·com·pen·sa·to·ry \-kəm-'pen(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

overcrowd
v. : to cause to be too crowded
intransitive verb : to crowd together too much

overcut
: to cut excessively specifically : to cut timber from (a forest) in excess of annual growth or an allotted annual amount

overdesign
: to design in a manner that is excessively complex or that exceeds usual standards (as of sturdiness or safety)

overdetermined
v. 1 : excessively determined
2 : having more than one determining psychological factor

overdevelop
v. : to develop excessively especially : to subject (exposed photographic material) to a developing solution for excessive time or at excessive temperature, agitation, or concentration
–over·de·vel·op·ment \-mənt\ noun

overdiagnosis
: the diagnosis of a condition or disease more often than it is actually present
–over·di·ag·nose \-'dī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz, -ˌdī-ig-', -əg-\ transitive verb

overdo
v. transitive verb
1 a : to do in excess b : to use to excess c : EXAGGERATE
2 : to cook too long
3 : EXHAUST
intransitive verb : to go to extremes

overdog
: one that is dominant or victorious

overdominance
: the condition wherein a heterozygote produces a phenotype more extreme or better adapted than that of the homozygote
–over·dom·i·nant \-nənt\ adjective

overdose
n. 1 : too great a dose (as of a therapeutic agent) also : a lethal or toxic amount (as of a drug)
2 : an excessive quantity or amount <an overdose of fun>
–over·dos·age \ˌō-vər-'dō-sij\ noun

overdose
n. : to give an overdose or too many doses to
intransitive verb : to take or experience an overdose ― usually used with on

overdraft
n. 1 : an act of overdrawing at a bank : the state of being overdrawn also : the sum overdrawn
2 : LINE OF CREDIT

overdraw
v. transitive verb
1 : to draw checks on (a bank account) for more than the balance <the account was overdrawn>
2 : EXAGGERATE, OVERSTATE
intransitive verb : to make an overdraft

overdrawn
adj. : having an overdrawn account

overdress
v. : to dress or adorn to excess <felt overdressed for the occasion in his tuxedo>
intransitive verb : to dress oneself to excess <it's better to overdress for the party than be too casual>

overdress
v. : a dress worn over another

overdrive
n. 1 : an automotive transmission gear that transmits to the drive shaft a speed greater than engine speed
2 : a state of heightened activity <going into rhetorical overdrive>

overdub
v. 1 : the act or an instance of overdubbing
2 : recorded sound that is overdubbed <vocal overdubs>

overdub
v. : to transfer (recorded sound) onto a recording that bears sound recorded earlier in order to produce a combined effect

overdue
adj. 1 a : unpaid when due <an overdue bill> b : delayed beyond an appointed time <an overdue train> <overdue library books>
2 : too great : EXCESSIVE <an overdue share of the profits>
3 : more than ready <overdue for a haircut>

overeat
v. : to eat to excess
–over·eat·er \ˌō-vər-'ē-tər, 'ō-vər-ˌ\ noun

overexpose
v. : to expose excessively: as a : to expose (as film) to excessive radiation (as light) b : to expose (as a celebrity) to excessive publicity especially to the extent that attraction is diminished
–over·ex·po·sure \-'spō-zhər\ noun

overextend
v. : to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid
–over·ex·ten·sion \-'sten(t)-shən\ noun

overfatigue
n. : excessive fatigue especially when carried beyond the recuperative capacity of the individual
–over·fa·tigued \-'tēgd\ adjective

overfeed
v. transitive verb : to feed to excess
intransitive verb : to eat to excess

overfill
v. : to fill to overflowing
intransitive verb : to become full to overflowing

overfish
v. : to fish to the detriment of (a fishing ground) or to the depletion of (a kind of organism)

overflight
n. : a passage over an area in an aircraft

overflow
n. 1 : to cover with or as if with water : INUNDATE
2 : to flow over the brim of
3 : to cause to overflow
intransitive verb
1 : to flow over bounds
2 : to fill a space to capacity and spread beyond its limits <the crowd overflowed into the street>

overflow
n. 1 : a flowing over : INUNDATION
2 : something that flows over : SURPLUS
3 : an outlet or receptacle for surplus liquid

overfly
v. : to fly over especially : to pass over in an aircraft or spacecraft

overgarment
n. : an outer garment

overglaze
n. : applied or suitable for applying on top of a fired glaze <overglaze enamels>
–overglaze noun

overgraze
v. : to allow animals to graze (as a pasture) to the point of damaging vegetational cover

overgrow
v. transitive verb
1 : to grow over so as to cover with herbage
2 : to grow beyond or rise above : OUTGROW
intransitive verb
1 : to grow excessively
2 : to become grown over
–over·growth \'ō-vər-ˌgrōth\ noun

overgrown
adj. : grown abnormally or excessively large <dismissed him as an overgrown adolescent>

overhand
n. : made with the hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
–overhand adverb
–over·hand·ed \ˌō-vər-'han-dəd\ adverb or adjective

overhand
n. : to sew with short vertical stitches

overhand
n. : an overhand stroke (as in handball)

overhand knot
: a small knot often used to prevent the end of a cord from fraying ― see KNOT illustration

overhang
n. transitive verb
1 : to project over
2 : to impend over : THREATEN
intransitive verb : to project so as to be over something

overhang
n. 1 : something that overhangs also : the extent of the overhanging
2 : the part of the bow or stern of a ship that projects over the water above the waterline
3 : a projection of the roof or upper story of a building beyond the wall of the lower part
4 : an excess amount of a commodity or security the selling of which often drives down the value of that kind of commodity or security <share overhang>

overhaul
n. 1 a : to examine thoroughly b (1) : REPAIR (2) : to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
2 : to haul or drag over
3 : OVERTAKE
–over·haul \'ō-vər-ˌhȯl\ noun

overhead
n. : above one's head : ALOFT

overhead
n. 1 a : operating, lying, or coming from above b : having the driving part above the part driven <valves operated by an overhead camshaft>
2 : of or relating to overhead <overhead costs>

overhead
n. 1 : business expenses (as rent, insurance, or heating) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product
2 : CEILING especially : the ceiling of a ship's compartment
3 : a stroke in a racket game made above head height : SMASH

overhead projector
: a projector for projecting onto a vertical screen magnified images of graphic material on a horizontal transparency illuminated from below ― called also overhead

overhear
v. transitive verb : to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
intransitive verb : to overhear something

overheat
v. 1 : to heat to excess
2 : to stimulate or agitate unduly
intransitive verb : to become heated beyond a safe or desirable point

overheated
adj. 1 : PERFERVID
2 : characterized by marked inflation from an increase in demand and a decrease in supply <an overheated economy>

Overijssel
province E Netherlands capital Zwolle area 1518 sq mi (3932 sq km), pop 1,094,032

overissue
n. : an issue exceeding the limit of capital, credit, or authority
–over·is·su·ance \-'i-shə-wən(t)s\ noun
–overissue transitive verb

overjoyed
adj. : feeling great joy

overkill
n. : to obliterate (a target) with more nuclear force than required

overkill
n. 1 : a destructive capacity greatly exceeding that required for a given target
2 : an excess of something (as a quantity or an action) beyond what is required or suitable for a particular purpose <publicity overkill> <an overkill in weaponry>
3 : killing in excess of what is intended or required

overland
adj. : by, on, or across land

overland
adj. : going or accomplished over the land instead of by sea <overland emigrants> <an overland route>

Overland Park
city NE Kans. S of Kansas City pop 149,080

overlap
n. 1 : to extend over or past and cover a part of
2 : to have something in common with
intransitive verb
1 : to occupy the same area in part
2 : to have something in common
–over·lap \'ō-vər-ˌlap\ noun

overlay
n. 1 a : to lay or spread over or across : SUPERIMPOSE b : to prepare an overlay for
2 : OVERLIE 2

overlay
n. : a covering either permanent or temporary: as a : an ornamental veneer b : a decorative and contrasting design or article placed on top of a plain one c : a transparent sheet containing graphic matter to be superimposed on another sheet

overleaf
adj. : on the other side of a leaf (as of a book) <find the answers overleaf>

overleap
v. 1 : to leap over or across
2 : to defeat (oneself) by going too far

overlearn
: to continue to study or practice after attaining proficiency

overlie
v. 1 : to lie over or upon
2 : to cause the death of by lying upon

overlook
v. 1 : to look over : INSPECT
2 a : to look down upon from above b : to rise above or afford a view of
3 a : to look past : MISS b : IGNORE 1 c : EXCUSE 2
4 : SUPERINTEND, OVERSEE
5 : to look on with the evil eye : BEWITCH
synonyms see NEGLECT

overlook
v. : a place from which one may look down on a scene below <plenty of overlooks and trails ― Thelma H. Bell>

overlord
n. 1 : a lord over other lords : a lord paramount
2 a : an absolute or supreme ruler b : one having great power or authority <a corporate overlord>
–over·lord·ship \-ˌship, ˌō-vər-'\ noun

overly
adv. : to an excessive degree : TOO

overman
n. 1 : a man in authority over others specifically : FOREMAN
2 \-ˌman\ [translation of German Übermensch] : SUPERMAN 1

overman
n. : to have or get too many personnel for the needs of <overman a ship>

overmantel
n. : an ornamental structure (as a painting) above a mantelpiece
–overmantel adjective

overmaster
v. : OVERPOWER, SUBDUE

overmastering
adj. : DOMINANT 1A B <overmastering behavior> <the overmastering question>

overmatch
v. 1 : to be more than a match for : DEFEAT
2 : to match with a superior opponent

overmuch
adv. : too much

overmuch
adv. : in too great a degree

overmuch
adv. : too great an amount

overnight
adj. 1 a : on the evening before b : during the night <stayed away overnight>
2 : very quickly or suddenly <became famous overnight>

overnight
adj. 1 : of, lasting, or staying the night
2 : SUDDEN, RAPID <an overnight sensation>
3 : traveling during the night <an overnight train>
4 a : accomplished by a mail service within one day's time <overnight delivery> b : delivered within one day's time <overnight mail>

overnight
adj. : to stay overnight
transitive verb : to send (as a package or letter) by a mail service for delivery within one day's time

overnight
adj. : an overnight stay

overnight bag
: a suitcase of a size to carry clothing and personal articles for an overnight trip ― called also overnight case

overnighter
n. 1 : OVERNIGHT BAG
2 : an overnight trip
3 : a person who stays overnight

overpass
n. 1 : to pass across, over, or beyond : CROSS also : SURPASS
2 : TRANSGRESS
3 : DISREGARD, IGNORE

overpass
n. : a crossing of two highways or of a highway and pedestrian path or railroad at different levels where clearance to traffic on the lower level is obtained by elevating the higher level also : the upper level of such a crossing

overpersuade
v. : to persuade to act contrary to one's conviction or preference
–over·per·sua·sion \-'swā-zhən\ noun

overplaid
: a textile design consisting of a plaid pattern superimposed on another plaid or on a textured ground also : a fabric with such a design
–over·plaid·ed adjective

overplay
v. 1 a : to present (as a dramatic role) extravagantly : EXAGGERATE b : to place too much emphasis on
2 : to rely too much on the strength of ― usually used in the phrase overplay one's hand
3 : to strike a golf ball beyond (a putting green)
intransitive verb : to exaggerate a part or effect

overplus
n. : SURPLUS

overpopulate
v. : to populate too densely : furnish or provide with more than the environment or market will bear
intransitive verb : to become overly populous

overpopulation
n. : the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash

overpower
v. 1 : to overcome by superior force : SUBDUE
2 : to affect with overwhelming intensity <the stench overpowered us>
3 : to provide with more power than is needed or desirable <a dangerously overpowered car>
–over·pow·er·ing·ly \-'pau̇(-ə)r-iŋ-lē\ adverb

overpredict
: to predict by an amount that exceeds the actual value <overpredict inflation>
–over·pre·dic·tion \-'dik-shən\ noun

overpressure
n. : pressure significantly above what is usual or normal

overprice
v. : to price too high

overprint
n. : to print over with something additional

overprint
n. : something added by or as if by overprinting especially : a printed marking added to a postage or revenue stamp especially to alter the original or to commemorate a special event

overproof
adj. : containing more alcohol than proof spirit

overproportion
n. : to make disproportionately large

overqualified
adj. : having more education, training, or experience than a job calls for

overrate
v. : to rate, value, or estimate too highly <overrates his importance to the team>

overreach
v. 1 : to reach above or beyond : OVERTOP
2 : to defeat (oneself) by seeking to do or gain too much
3 : to get the better of especially in dealing and bargaining and typically by unscrupulous or crafty methods
intransitive verb
1 of a horse : to strike the forefoot with the front part of the hind foot
2 a : to go to excess b : EXAGGERATE
3 : to overreach oneself
–over·reach \'ō-və(r)-ˌrēch, ˌō-və(r)-'\ noun
–over·reach·er \-ˌrē-chər, -'rē-chər\ noun

overrepresented
: represented excessively especially : having representatives in a proportion higher than the average
–over·rep·re·sen·ta·tion \-ˌre-pri-ˌzen-'tā-shən, -zən-\ noun

override
n. 1 : to ride over or across : TRAMPLE
2 : to ride (as a horse) too much or too hard
3 a : to prevail over : DOMINATE b : to set aside : ANNUL <override a veto> c : to neutralize the action of (as an automatic control)
4 : to extend or pass over especially : OVERLAP

override
n. 1 : a commission paid to managerial personnel on sales made by subordinates
2 : ROYALTY 5A
3 : a device or system used to override a control
4 : an act or an instance of overriding

overriding
adj. : CHIEF, PRINCIPAL <an overriding concern>

overripe
adj. 1 : passed beyond maturity or ripeness toward decay <an overripe pear>
2 a : DECADENT b : lacking originality or vigor <overripe prose>
–over-ripe·ness \-nəs\ noun

overrule
v. 1 : to rule over : GOVERN
2 : to prevail over : OVERCOME
3 a : to rule against b : to set aside : REVERSE

overrun
n. 1 a (1) : to defeat decisively and occupy the positions of (2) : to invade and occupy or ravage b : to spread or swarm over : INFEST
2 a : to run or go beyond or past <the plane overran the runway> b : EXCEED <overrun a budget> c : to readjust (set type) by shifting letters or words from one line into another
3 : to flow over <the river overran its banks>

overrun
n. 1 : an act or instance of overrunning especially : an exceeding of the costs estimated in a contract for development and manufacture of new equipment
2 : the amount by which something overruns
3 : a run in excess of the quantity ordered by a customer

overscale
: OVERSIZE <an overscale coat> <an overscale sofa>

oversea
adj. chiefly British : OVERSEAS

overseas
adj. : beyond or across the sea <lived overseas for a time>

overseas
adj. 1 : of or relating to movement, transport, or communication over the sea <an overseas liner>
2 : situated, originating in, or relating to lands beyond the sea <overseas installations> <overseas immigrants>

overseas cap
: GARRISON CAP

oversee
v. 1 : SURVEY, WATCH
2 a : INSPECT, EXAMINE b : SUPERVISE

overseed
: to seed (an existing stand) with another type of plant <overseeded the Bermuda grass with ryegrass>

overseer
n. : SUPERVISOR, SUPERINTENDENT

oversell
v. 1 a : to sell too much or too many to b : to sell too much or too many of
2 : to make excessive claims for
–over·sell \'ō-vər-ˌsel\ noun

overset
v. 1 a : to disturb mentally or physically : UPSET b : to turn or tip over : OVERTURN
2 : to set too much type matter for
–over·set \'ō-vər-ˌset\ noun

oversexed
adj. : exhibiting an excessive sexual drive or interest

overshadow
v. 1 : to cast a shadow over
2 : to exceed in importance : OUTWEIGH

overshirt
n. : a shirt usually worn over another shirt without being tucked in

overshoe
n. : an outer shoe especially : GALOSH

overshoot
v. 1 : to pass swiftly beyond
2 : to shoot or pass over or beyond so as to miss
–over·shoot \'ō-vər-ˌshüt\ noun

overshot
1 : actuated by the weight of water passing over and flowing from above <an overshot waterwheel>
2 a : having the upper jaw extending beyond the lower b : projecting beyond the lower jaw

overshot
: a pattern or weave featuring filling threads which pass two or more warp yarns before reentering the fabric

oversight
n. 1 a : watchful and responsible care b : regulatory supervision <congressional oversight>
2 : an inadvertent omission or error

oversimple
adj. : too simple : not thoroughgoing or exhaustive <oversimple theories>
–over·sim·ply \-plē\ adverb

oversimplify
v. : to simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error
intransitive verb : to engage in undue or extreme simplification
–over·sim·pli·fi·ca·tion \-ˌsim-plə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

oversize
n. : being of more than standard or ordinary size <oversize pillows> <an oversize shirt>

overskirt
adj. : a skirt worn over another skirt

oversleep
v. intransitive verb : to sleep beyond the time for waking
transitive verb : to allow (oneself) to oversleep

overslip
obsolete : ESCAPE

oversold
: likely to show a rise in price because of prior heavy selling and accompanying decline in price <an oversold stock>

oversoul
n. : the absolute reality and basis of all existences conceived as a spiritual being in which the ideal nature imperfectly manifested in human beings is perfectly realized

overspend
v. transitive verb
1 : to spend or use to excess : EXHAUST
2 : to exceed in expenditure
intransitive verb : to spend beyond one's means
–over·spend·er noun

overspill
n. 1 : the act or an instance of spilling over
2 chiefly British : the movement of excess urban population into less crowded areas

overspread
v. : to spread over or above
–over·spread \'ō-vər-ˌspred\ noun

overstate
v. : to state in too strong terms : EXAGGERATE <overstated his qualifications>
–over·state·ment \-mənt\ noun

overstay
v. : to stay beyond the time or the limits of

oversteer
v. : the tendency of an automobile to steer into a sharper turn than the driver intends sometimes with a thrusting of the rear to the outside also : the action or an instance of oversteer

overstep
v. : EXCEED, TRANSGRESS

overstored
: having more stores than the market will support <an overstored industry>

overstory
1 : the layer of foliage in a forest canopy
2 : the trees contributing to an overstory

overstrew
1 : to strew or scatter about
2 : to cover here and there

overstride
v. 1 a : to stride over, across, or beyond b : BESTRIDE
2 : to stride faster than or beyond

overstrung
adj. : too highly strung : too sensitive

overstuff
v. 1 : to stuff too full
2 : to cover (as a chair or sofa) completely and deeply with upholstery

oversubscribe
v. : to subscribe for more of than is available
–over·sub·scrip·tion \-'skrip-shən\ noun

overt
adj. : open to view : MANIFEST <overt hostility>
–overt·ly adverb
–overt·ness noun

overtake
v. 1 a : to catch up with b : to catch up with and pass by
2 : to come upon suddenly

overthrow
n. 1 : OVERTURN, UPSET
2 : to cause the downfall of : BRING DOWN, DEFEAT
3 : to throw a ball over or past (as a base or a receiver)
–over·throw \'ō-vər-ˌthrō\ noun

overtime
n. 1 : time in excess of a set limit: as a : working time in excess of a standard day or week b : an extra period of play in a contest
2 : the wage paid for overtime
–overtime adverb

overtone
n. 1 a : one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : HARMONIC 1A b : HARMONIC 2
2 : the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)
3 : a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : SUGGESTION, CONNOTATION

overtop
v. 1 : to rise above the top of
2 : to be superior to
3 : SURPASS

overtrade
v. : to trade beyond one's capital

overtrick
n. : a card trick won in excess of the number bid

overtrump
v. : to trump with a higher trump card than the highest previously played on the same trick
intransitive verb : to play a higher trump card than the highest previously played on the same trick

overture
n. 1 a : an initiative toward agreement or action : PROPOSAL b : something introductory : PRELUDE
2 a : the orchestral introduction to a musical dramatic work b : an orchestral concert piece written especially as a single movement in sonata form

overture
n. 1 : to put forward as an overture
2 : to make or present an overture to

overturn
v. 1 : to cause to turn over : UPSET <overturned the vase>
2 a : INVALIDATE, DESTROY b : REVERSE 2A <overturn a court ruling>
intransitive verb : UPSET, TURN OVER

overturn
v. 1 : the act of overturning : the state of being overturned
2 : the sinking of surface water and rise of bottom water in a lake or sea that results from changes in temperature that commonly occur in spring and fall

overvalue
v. : to assign an excessive or fictitious value to
–over·valu·a·tion \-ˌval-yə-'wā-shən\ noun

overview
n. : a general survey : SUMMARY

overvoltage
1 : the excess potential required for the discharge of an ion at an electrode over and above the equilibrium potential of the electrode
2 : voltage in excess of the normal operating voltage of a device or circuit

overwear
: WEAR OUT, EXHAUST

overweening
adj. 1 : ARROGANT, PRESUMPTUOUS
2 : IMMODERATE, EXAGGERATED
–over·ween·ing·ly adverb

overweigh
v. 1 : to exceed in weight
2 : OPPRESS 2

overweight
n. 1 : weight over and above what is required or allowed
2 : excessive or burdensome weight

overweight
n. 1 : to give too much weight or consideration to
2 : to weight excessively

overweight
n. : exceeding expected, normal, or proper weight especially : exceeding the bodily weight normal for one's age, height, and build

overwhelm
v. 1 : UPSET, OVERTHROW
2 a : to cover over completely : SUBMERGE b : to overcome by superior force or numbers c : to overpower in thought or feeling

overwhelming
adj. : tending or serving to overwhelm <overwhelming force> also : EXTREME, GREAT <overwhelming indifference> <an overwhelming majority>

overwhelmingly
adv. 1 a : to an overwhelming extent <an overwhelmingly powerful army> b : EXTREMELY <overwhelmingly mediocre>
2 : mostly by far <the workers were overwhelmingly female>

overwinter
v. : to last through or pass the winter

overwinter
v. : occurring during the period spanning the winter

overwork
n. 1 : to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion <overworked the horses>
2 a : to work too much on <overwork bread dough> b : to make excessive use of <overworked tunes>
intransitive verb : to work too much or too long : OVERDO
–overwork noun

overwrite
v. transitive verb
1 : to write over the surface of
2 : to write in inflated or overly elaborate style
intransitive verb : to write too much or in an overly elaborate style

overwrought
adj. 1 : extremely excited : AGITATED
2 : elaborated to excess : OVERDONE

ovi
― see OV-

ovicide
: an agent that kills eggs especially : an insecticide effective against the egg stage
–ovi·cid·al \ˌō-və-'sī-dəl\ adjective

Ovid
n. 43 B.C.-?A.D. 17 Publius Ovidius Naso Rom. poet
–Ovid·ian \ä-'vi-dē-ən\ adjective

oviduct
n. : a tube that allows for the passage of eggs from an ovary
–ovi·duc·tal \ˌō-və-'dək-təl\ adjective

Oviedo
1 ― see ASTURIAS 2
2 city NW Spain capital of Asturias province pop 201,154

Oviedo
city E cen Fla. NE of Orlando pop 26,316

ovine
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling sheep
–ovine noun

oviparous
adj. : producing eggs that develop and hatch outside the maternal body also : involving the production of such eggs

oviposit
v. : to lay eggs ― used especially of insects
–ovi·po·si·tion \ˌō-və-pə-'zi-shən\ noun
–ovi·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

ovipositor
n. : a specialized organ (as of an insect) for depositing eggs ― see INSECT illustration

oviraptor
: any of a genus (Oviraptor) of bipedal theropod dinosaurs of the late Cretaceous having a toothless muscular jaw, clawed finger and toes, and a crested skull and that are thought to have exhibited brooding behavior

ovo
ab ovo
lacto ovo vegetarian
ovo lacto vegetarian
ab ovo usque ad mala

ovo-lacto vegetarian
: LACTO-OVO VEGETARIAN

ovoid
n. : resembling an egg in shape : OVATE <an ovoid fruit>
–ovoid noun

ovolo
n. : a rounded convex molding

ovotestis
n. : a hermaphrodite gonad

ovoviviparous
adj. : producing eggs that develop within the maternal body (as of various fishes or reptiles) and hatch within or immediately after release from the parent
–ovo·vi·vip·a·rous·ly adverb
–ovo·vi·vip·a·rous·ness noun

ovulate
v. : bearing an ovule

ovulation
n. : the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary
–ovu·late \'äv-yə-ˌlāt, 'ōv-\ verb

ovulatory
adj. : of, relating to, or involving ovulation <the ovulatory cycle>

ovule
n. 1 : an outgrowth of the ovary of a seed plant that is a megasporangium and encloses an embryo sac within a nucellus
2 : a small egg especially : one in an early stage of growth

ovum
n. : a female gamete : MACROGAMETE ― called also egg cell

OW
interj. one-way

ow
interj. ― used especially to express sudden pain

Owasco Lake
lake 11 mi (18 km) long cen N.Y.; one of the Finger Lakes

owe
v. transitive verb
1 a archaic : POSSESS, OWN b : to have or bear (an emotion or attitude) to someone or something <owes the boss a grudge>
2 a (1) : to be under obligation to pay or repay in return for something received : be indebted in the sum of <owes me $5> (2) : to be under obligation to render (as duty or service) <I owe you a favor> b : to be indebted to <owes the grocer for supplies>
3 : to be indebted for <owed his wealth to his father> <owes much to good luck>
intransitive verb
1 : to be in debt <owes for his house>
2 : to be attributable <an idea that owes to Greek philosophy>
–owe it : to have a responsibility to do something to satisfy an obligation or duty <owes it to voters to explain his reasons>

owe it
to have a responsibility to do something to satisfy an obligation or duty <owes it to voters to explain his reasons>

Owen
n. Robert 1771-1858 Welsh social reformer

Owen
n. Wilfred 1893-1918 Brit. poet

Owen Falls
former waterfall E Africa in Uganda in the Nile N of Lake Victoria; now submerged in water behind Owen Falls Dam

Owen Stanley Range
mountain range E New Guinea; highest peak Mt. Victoria 13,363 ft (4073 m)

Owens
n. Jesse 1913-1980 James Cleveland Owens American track-and-field athlete

Owens
n. river E Calif. formerly flowing into Owens Lake (now dry), now supplying water to city of Los Angeles by way of Los Angeles Aqueduct

Owensboro
city NW Ky. pop 54,067

owing
adj. : due to be paid <has bills owing>

owing to
: BECAUSE OF <absent owing to illness>

owl
n. : any of an order (Strigiformes) of chiefly nocturnal birds of prey with a large head and eyes, short hooked bill, strong talons, and soft fluffy often brown-mottled plumage

owl
n. barn owl
barred owl
burrowing owl
elf owl
great horned owl
horned owl
night owl
northern spotted owl
owl monkey
saw whet owl
screech owl
short eared owl
snowy owl
spotted owl

owl monkey
: any of several small nocturnal monkeys (genus Aotus) of Central and So. American tropical forests that have round heads, large eyes, and densely furred bodies ― called also douroucouli

owlet
n. : a small or young owl

owlish
adj. : resembling or suggesting an owl
–owl·ish·ly adverb
–owl·ish·ness noun

own
adj. 1 : belonging to oneself or itself ― usually used following a possessive case or possessive adjective <cooked my own dinner>
2 ― used to express immediate or direct kinship <an own son> <an own sister>

own
adj. 1 a : to have or hold as property : POSSESS b : to have power or mastery over <wanted to own his own life>
2 : to acknowledge to be true, valid, or as claimed : ADMIT <own a debt>
intransitive verb : to acknowledge something to be true, valid, or as claimed ― used with to or up
synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE
–own·er \'ō-nər\ noun

own
adj. : one or ones belonging to oneself ― used after a possessive and without a following noun <gave out books so that each of us had our own> <a room of your own>
–on one's own
1 : for or by oneself : independently of assistance or control <made the decision on his own>
2 : left to rely entirely on one's own resources <if you mess up, you're on your own>

own
adj. hoist by one's own petard
pay one's own way
on one's own account
off one's own bat
come into one's own
hoist with one's own petard
hold one's own
on one's own hook
on one's own initiative
one's own man
on one's own
in one's own right
stand on one's own feet
on one's own terms
write one's own ticket
co own
pre owned
co owner

ownership
n. 1 : the state, relation, or fact of being an owner
2 : a group or organization of owners

Owyhee
river 250 mi (402 km) SW Idaho & SE Oreg. flowing N into Snake River

ox
n. 1 : a domestic bovine mammal (Bos taurus) broadly : a bovine mammal
2 : an adult castrated male domestic ox

ox
n. : oxygen <oxacillin>

oxacillin
n. : a semisynthetic penicillin administered in the form of its hydrated sodium salt C_19H_18N_3NaO_5S·H_2O to treat infections caused by penicillin-resistant staphylococci

oxalate
n. : a salt or ester of oxalic acid

oxalic acid
: a poisonous strong acid (COOH)2 or H_2C_2O_4 that occurs in various plants (as spinach) as oxalates and is used especially as a bleaching or cleaning agent and as a chemical intermediate

oxalis
n. : WOOD SORREL

oxaloacetate
: a salt or ester of oxaloacetic acid

oxaloacetic acid
: a crystalline acid C_4H_4O_5 that is formed by reversible oxidation of malic acid (as in carbohydrate metabolism via the Krebs cycle) and in reversible transamination reactions (as from aspartic acid)

oxalosuccinic acid
: a tricarboxylic acid C_6H_6O_7 that is formed as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle

oxazepam
n. : a benzodiazepine tranquilizer C_15H_11ClN_2O_2

oxblood
n. : a moderate reddish brown

oxbow
n. 1 : a U-shaped frame forming a collar about an ox's neck and holding the yoke in place
2 : something (as a bend in a river) resembling an oxbow
–oxbow adjective

Oxbridge
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Oxford and Cambridge Universities ― compare PLATEGLASS, REDBRICK 2

oxcart
n. : a cart drawn by oxen

Oxenstierna
Count Axel Gustafsson 1583-1654 Swed. statesman

oxeye
n. : any of several composite plants (as of the genera Chrysanthemum or Heliopsis) having heads with both disk and ray flowers especially : DAISY 1B

oxeye daisy
: DAISY 1B

Oxfam
n. Oxford Committee for Famine Relief

Oxford
n. Earl of ― see Robert HARLEY

Oxford
n. city S cen England capital of Oxfordshire pop 109,000
–Ox·ford·ian \äks-'fȯr-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

oxford
n. 1 : a low shoe laced or tied over the instep
2 : a soft durable cotton or synthetic fabric made in plain or basket weaves ― called also oxford cloth

oxford
n. oxford cloth
Oxford down
Oxford movement
saddle oxford

Oxford down
: any of a Down breed of large hornless sheep developed by crossing Cotswolds and Hampshires ― called also Oxford

Oxford movement
: a High Church movement within the Church of England begun at Oxford in 1833

Oxfordshire
n. county S cen England capital Oxford area 1044 sq mi (2704 sq km), pop 553,800

Oxfordshire
n. oxford cloth
Oxford down
Oxford movement
saddle oxford

oxheart
: any of various large sweet cherries

oxidant
n. : OXIDIZING AGENT
–oxidant adjective

oxidase
n. : any of various enzymes that catalyze oxidations especially : one able to react directly with molecular oxygen
–ox·i·da·sic \ˌäk-sə-'dā-sik, -zik\ adjective

oxidation
n. 1 : the act or process of oxidizing
2 : the state or result of being oxidized
–ox·i·da·tive \'äk-sə-ˌdā-tiv\ adjective
–ox·i·da·tive·ly adverb

oxidation
n. beta oxidation
oxidation reduction
oxidation state
oxidation number
oxidative phosphorylation

oxidation state
: a positive or negative number that represents the effective charge of an atom or element and that indicates the extent or possibility of its oxidation <the usual oxidation state of sodium is +1 and of oxygen -2> ― called also oxidation number

oxidation-reduction
: a chemical reaction in which one or more electrons are transferred from one atom or molecule to another

oxidative phosphorylation
: the synthesis of ATP by phosphorylation of ADP for which energy is obtained by electron transport and which takes place in the mitochondria during aerobic respiration

oxide
n. : a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group
–ox·id·ic \äk-'si-dik\ adjective

oxide
n. zirconium oxide
aluminum oxide
calcium oxide
deuterium oxide
ethylene oxide
ferric oxide
iron oxide
lead oxide
magnesium oxide
nitric oxide
nitrogen oxide
nitrous oxide
zinc oxide

oxidise
v. chiefly British variant of oxidize, oxidizer

oxidize
v. transitive verb
1 : to combine with oxygen
2 : to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
3 : to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence : remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
intransitive verb : to become oxidized
–ox·i·diz·able \ˌäk-sə-'dī-zə-bəl\ adjective

oxidizer
n. : OXIDIZING AGENT especially : one used to support the combustion of a rocket propellant

oxidizing agent
: a substance that oxidizes something especially chemically (as by accepting electrons)

oxidoreductase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes an oxidation-reduction reaction

oxime
n. : any of various compounds containing the divalent group C=NOH and obtained chiefly by the action of hydroxylamine on aldehydes and ketones

oximeter
n. : an instrument for measuring continuously the degree of oxygen saturation of the circulating blood
–ox·im·e·try \äk-'si-mə-trē\ noun

oxlip
n. : a Eurasian primula (Primula elatior) having usually yellow flowers

Oxnard
city S Calif. SE of Santa Barbara pop 170,358

oxo
: containing oxygen

oxo
― see OX-

Oxon
1 [Medieval Latin Oxonia] Oxford
2 [Medieval Latin Oxoniensis] of Oxford
3 Oxfordshire

Oxonian
n. : a student or graduate of Oxford University
–Oxonian adjective

oxpecker
n. : either of two small dull-colored African birds (Buphagus erythrorhynchus and B. africanus) of the starling family that feed on ticks which they pick from the backs of infested cattle and wild mammals

oxtail
n. : the tail of a beef animal especially : the skinned tail used for food (as in soup)

oxter
n. 1 chiefly Scottish & Irish : ARMPIT 1
2 chiefly Scottish & Irish : ARM

oxtongue
n. : a European hawkweed (Picris echioides) that has yellow flowers and is now naturalized in the eastern U.S.

Oxus
― see AMU DAR'YA

oxy
: containing oxygen or additional oxygen ― often used in combination <oxyhemoglobin>

oxyacetylene
n. : of, relating to, or utilizing a mixture of oxygen and acetylene <an oxyacetylene torch>

oxycodone
n. : a narcotic analgesic C_18H_21NO_4 used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

oxygen
n. 1 : a reactive element that is found in water, in most rocks and minerals, in numerous organic compounds, and as a colorless tasteless odorless diatomic gas constituting 21 percent of the atmosphere, that is capable of combining with all elements except the inert gases, that is active in physiological processes, and that is involved especially in combustion ― see ELEMENT table
2 : something that sustains or fuels <disagreement is the true oxygen of these magazines ― Joseph Epstein>
–ox·y·gen·less \'äk-si-jən-ləs\ adjective

oxygen
n. biochemical oxygen demand
biological oxygen demand
oxygen cycle
oxygen debt
oxygen demand
oxygen mask
oxygen tent

oxygen cycle
: the cycle whereby atmospheric oxygen is converted to carbon dioxide in animal respiration and regenerated by green plants in photosynthesis

oxygen debt
: a cumulative deficit of oxygen available for oxidative metabolism that develops during periods of intense bodily activity and must be made good when the body returns to rest

oxygen demand
: BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND

oxygen mask
: a device worn over the nose and mouth through which oxygen is supplied from a storage tank

oxygen tent
: a canopy which can be placed over a bedridden person and within which a flow of oxygen can be maintained

oxygenate
: to impregnate, combine, or supply (as blood) with oxygen
–ox·y·gen·a·tion \ˌäk-si-jə-'nā-shən, äk-ˌsi-jə-\ noun

oxygenate
v. : an oxygen-containing substance (as ethanol) used especially in gasoline to promote more complete combustion

oxygenator
n. : one that oxygenates specifically : an apparatus that oxygenates the blood extracorporeally (as during open-heart surgery)

oxygenic
adj. 1 : of or relating to oxygen
2 : generating or producing oxygen <oxygenic photosynthesis>

oxyhemoglobin
n. : hemoglobin loosely combined with oxygen that it releases to the tissues

oxyhydrogen
n. : of, relating to, or utilizing a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen <an oxyhydrogen torch>

oxymoron
n. : a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness) broadly : something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements
–ox·y·mo·ron·ic \-mə-'rä-nik, -mȯ-\ adjective
–ox·y·mo·ron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

oxyphenbutazone
: a phenylbutazone derivative C_19H_20N_2O_3 having anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects

oxyphilic
adj. : ACIDOPHILIC

Oxyrhynchus
archaeological site Egypt N of El Minyā & S of El Faiyûm

oxytetracycline
n. : a yellow crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C_22H_24N_2O_9 produced by a soil actinomycete (Streptomyces rimosus)

oxytocic
adj. : hastening parturition also : inducing contraction of uterine smooth muscle
–oxytocic noun

oxytocin
n. : a pituitary octapeptide hormone C_43H_66N_12O_12S_2 that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk

oxyuriasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by pinworms (family Oxyuridae)

oy
interj. ― used especially to express exasperation or dismay <oy, what a mess>

oyer and terminer
1 : a commission authorizing a British judge to hear and determine a criminal case at the assizes
2 : a high criminal court in some U.S. states

oyez
n. ― used by a court or public crier to gain attention before a proclamation

oyez
n. : a cry of oyez

Oyrot
― see GORNO-ALTAY

oyster
n. 1 a : any of various marine bivalve mollusks (family Ostreidae) that have a rough irregular shell closed by a single adductor muscle and include commercially important shellfish b : any of various mollusks resembling or related to the oysters
2 : something that is or can be readily made to serve one's personal ends <the world was her oyster>
3 : a small mass of muscle contained in a concavity of the pelvic bone on each side of the back of a fowl
4 : an extremely taciturn person
5 : a grayish-white color

oyster
n. vegetable oyster
oyster plant
Olympia oyster
oyster bed
oyster crab
oyster cracker
oyster drill
oyster mushroom
seed oyster
oysters Rockefeller

oyster bed
: a place where oysters grow or are cultivated

oyster crab
: a tiny crab (Pinnotheres ostreum) that lives as a commensal in the gill cavity of the oyster

oyster cracker
: a small salted usually round cracker

oyster drill
: DRILL 4A

oyster mushroom
: an edible mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) that grows especially on deciduous trees and deadwood

oyster plant
: SALSIFY

oystercatcher
n. : any of a family (Haematopodidae containing a single genus Haematopus) of wading birds that have stout legs, a heavy wedge-shaped bill, and often black-and-white plumage

oystering
n. : the act or business of taking oysters for the market or for food

oysterman
n. : one who gathers, opens, breeds, or sells oysters

oysters Rockefeller
: a dish of oysters on the half shell cooked with various savory toppings typically including chopped spinach and a seasoned sauce

Oz
n. : an ideal or fantastical place

oz
n. ounce; ounces

Ozark Plateau
eroded tableland region 1500-2500 ft (457-762 m) high cen U.S. N of Arkansas River in N Ark., S Mo., & NE Okla. with E extension in S Ill.
–Ozark·er \'ō-ˌzär-kər\ noun
–Ozark·ian \ō-'zär-kē-ən\ adjective or noun

Ozarks, Lake of the
reservoir 125 mi (200 km) long cen Mo. formed in Osage River by Bagnell Dam

ozokerite
n. : a waxy mineral mixture of hydrocarbons that is colorless or white when pure and often of unpleasant odor and is used especially in making candles and in electrotyping

ozonation
: the treatment or combination of a substance or compound with ozone
–ozon·ate \'ō-(ˌ)zō-ˌnāt, -zə-\ transitive verb

ozone
n. 1 : a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing
2 : pure and refreshing air <relished the ozone of morning>
–ozo·nic \ō-'zō-nik, -'zä-\ adjective

ozone hole
: an area of the ozone layer (as near the south pole) that is seasonally depleted of ozone

ozone layer
: an atmospheric layer at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most solar ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

ozonide
n. : a compound formed by the addition of ozone to a double or triple bond of an organic compound

ozonize
v. : to treat, impregnate, or combine with ozone
–ozon·i·za·tion \ˌō-(ˌ)zō-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ozon·iz·er \'ō-(ˌ)zō-ˌnī-zər\ noun

ozonosphere
n. : OZONE LAYER

P
n. 1 pressure
2 [French poids] weight

P
n. phosphorus

p
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 16th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic p
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter p
3 : one designated p especially as the 16th in order or class
4 [abbreviation for passive] a : a grade rating a student's work as passing b : one graded or rated with a P
5 : something shaped like the letter P

p
n. 1 page; pages
2 parental generation
3 part
4 participle
5 past
6 pater
7 pawn
8 pence; penny
9 per
10 peseta
11 peso
12 petite
13 piano
14 pico-
15 pint
16 pipe
17 pitch
18 pole
19 port
20 power
21 pro
22 proton
23 purl

p
n. para-

P value
: the probability of an event or outcome in a statistical experiment specifically : LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE

P&L
profit and loss

P'eng-hu
islands E China in Taiwan Strait, attached to Taiwan; chief town Makung (on P'eng-hu, chief island) area 49 sq mi (127 sq km)

p's and q's
1 : something (as one's manners) that one should be mindful of <better watch his p's and q's when I get a six-gun of my own ― Jean Stafford>
2 : best behavior <being on her p's and q's for two solid days was too much ― Guy McCrone>

P'u-i
Henry 1906-1967 Hsüan-T'ung Chin. emp. (1908-12); last of Manchu dynasty; puppet emp. of Manchukuo (1934-45)

p-type
: relating to or being a semiconductor in which charge is carried by holes ― compare N-TYPE

P-wave
: PRESSURE WAVE

P/E
price/earnings

p53
: a tumor suppressor gene that in an inactivated form tends to be associated with a high risk of certain cancers

PA
n. : PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT

PA
n. 1 Pennsylvania
2 chiefly British per annum
3 personal assistant
4 power amplifier
5 power of attorney
6 press agent
7 professional association
8 public address
9 purchasing agent

Pa
n. 1 pascal
2 Pennsylvania

Pa
n. protactinium

pa
n. : FATHER

PA system
: PUBLIC-ADDRESS SYSTEM

pa'anga
n. ― see MONEY table

Paasikivi
Ju·ho \'yü-(ˌ)hȯ\ Kusti 1870-1956 Finn. businessman; pres. of Finland (1946-56)

PABA
: PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID

pablum
n. : PABULUM 3

pabulum
n. 1 : FOOD especially : a suspension or solution of nutrients in a state suitable for absorption
2 : intellectual sustenance
3 : something (as writing or speech) that is insipid, simplistic, or bland

PAC
n. political action committee

Pac
n. Pacific

paca
n. : either of two large nocturnal chiefly Central and So. American rodents (Agouti paca syn. Cuniculus paca and A. taczanowskii syn. C. taczanowskii) that typically have a white-spotted brownish coat

Pacaraima Mountains
mountain range N S. America in SE Venezuela, N Brazil, & W Guyana ― see RORAIMA

pace
n. 1 a : rate of movement especially : an established rate of locomotion b : rate of progress specifically : parallel rate of growth or development <supplies kept pace with demand> c : an example to be emulated specifically : first place in a competition <three strokes off the pace ― Time> d (1) : rate of performance or delivery : TEMPO <a steady pace> <on pace to set a record> especially : SPEED <serves with great pace> <a pace bowler in cricket> (2) : rhythmic animation : FLUENCY <writes with color, with zest, and with pace ― Amy Loveman>
2 : a manner of walking : TREAD
3 a : STEP 2A(1) b : any of various units of distance based on the length of a human step
4 a plural : an exhibition or test of skills or capacities <the trainer put the tiger through its paces> b : GAIT especially : a fast 2-beat gait (as of the horse) in which the legs move in lateral pairs and support the animal alternately on the right and left legs

pace
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to walk with often slow or measured tread b : to move along : PROCEED
2 : to go at a pace ― used especially of a horse
transitive verb
1 a : to measure by pacing ― often used with off <paced off a 10-yard penalty> b : to cover at a walk <could hear him pacing the floor>
2 : to cover (a course) by pacing ― used of a horse
3 a : to set or regulate the pace of <taught them how to pace their solos for⋯impact ― Richard Goldstein> also : to establish a moderate or steady pace for (oneself) b (1) : to go before : PRECEDE (2) : to set an example for : LEAD c : to keep pace with

pace
n. : contrary to the opinion of ― usually used as an expression of deference to someone's contrary opinion ― usually italic <easiness is a virtue in grammar, pace old-fashioned grammarians ― Philip Howard>

pace
n. change of pace
keep pace
pace car
pace lap
snail's pace
requiescat in pace
self paced
snail paced
thorough paced

pace car
: an automobile that leads the field of competitors through a pace lap but does not participate in the race

pace lap
: a lap of an auto racecourse by the entire field of competitors before the start of a race to allow the engines to warm up and to permit a flying start

pacemaker
n. 1 a : one that sets the pace for another b : one that takes the lead or sets an example
2 a : a group of cells or a body part (as the sinus node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity b : an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart
–pace·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

pacer
n. 1 : one that paces specifically : a horse whose predominant gait is the pace
2 : PACEMAKER

pacesetter
n. : PACEMAKER 1
–pace·set·ting \-tiŋ\ adjective

Pachelbel
Johann 1653-1706 Ger. composer & organist

pachisi
: an ancient board game played with dice and counters on a cruciform board in which players attempt to be the first to reach the home square

Pachuca
city cen Mexico capital of Hidalgo pop 179,440

pachuco
n. : a young Mexican-American having a taste for flashy clothes and a special jargon and usually belonging to a neighborhood gang

pachyderm
n. : any of various nonruminant mammals (as an elephant, a rhinoceros, or a hippopotamus) of a former group (Pachydermata) that have hooves or nails resembling hooves and usually thick skin especially : ELEPHANT

pachydermatous
adj. 1 : of or relating to the pachyderms
2 a : THICK, THICKENED <pachydermatous skin> b : CALLOUS, INSENSITIVE

pachysandra
n. : any of a genus (Pachysandra) of perennial evergreen plants of the box family often used as a ground cover

pachytene
n. : the stage of meiotic prophase that immediately follows the zygotene and that is characterized by paired chromosomes thickened and visibly divided into chromatids and by the occurrence of crossing-over
–pachytene adjective

pacific
adj. 1 a : tending to lessen conflict : CONCILIATORY b : rejecting the use of force as an instrument of policy
2 a : having a soothing appearance or effect <mild pacific breezes> b : mild of temper : PEACEABLE
3 capitalized : of, relating to, bordering on, or situated near the Pacific Ocean
–pa·cif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pacific
adj. Pacific salmon
Pacific time
Pacific yew
North Pacific
Pacific Islands Trust Territory of the
Pacific Northwest
Pacific Ocean
Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim National Park
South Pacific

Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the
former U.S. trust territory comprising the Northern Mariana Islands (until 1978), the Federated States of Micronesia (until 1991), the Marshall Islands (until 1991), and Palau (until 1994)

Pacific Northwest
n. region NW U.S. ― usually considered to include Wash. & Ore. and sometimes Idaho and all or part of Mont.

Pacific Ocean
ocean extending from the arctic circle to the antarctic regions & from W N. America & W S. America to E Asia & Australia area 69,375,000 sq mi (180,375,000 sq km); often divided into North Pacific Ocean & South Pacific Ocean

Pacific Rim
the countries bordering on or located in the Pacific Ocean ― used especially of Asian countries on the Pacific

Pacific Rim National Park
n. reservation SW Canada in Vancouver Island

Pacific salmon
: any of several anadromous salmonid fishes (genus Oncorhynchus) chiefly of the northern Pacific including the coho, sockeye salmon, chum salmon, chinook salmon, and pink salmon

Pacific time
: the time of the eighth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Pacific coastal region of the U.S. ― see TIME ZONE illustration

Pacific yew
: a small or medium slow-growing irregularly branched yew (Taxus brevifolia) of the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Canada that yields a fine-grained hardwood and is the source of paclitaxel

Pacifica
n. city W Calif. S of San Francisco on the Pacific pop 38,390

pacification
n. 1 a : the act or process of pacifying : the state of being pacified b : the act of forcibly suppressing or eliminating a population considered to be hostile
2 : a treaty of peace

pacificator
n. : PACIFIER 1

pacificism
n. : PACIFISM
–pa·cif·i·cist \-sist\ noun

pacifier
n. 1 : one that pacifies
2 : a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

pacifism
n. 1 : opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes specifically : refusal to bear arms on moral or religious grounds
2 : an attitude or policy of nonresistance
–pac·i·fist \-fist\ noun

pacifist
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of pacifism or pacifists
2 : strongly and actively opposed to conflict and especially war
–pac·i·fis·ti·cal·ly \ˌpa-sə-'fis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pacify
v. 1 a : to allay the anger or agitation of : SOOTHE <pacify a crying child> b : APPEASE, PROPITIATE
2 a : to restore to a tranquil state : SETTLE <made an attempt to pacify the commotion> b : to reduce to a submissive state : SUBDUE <forces moved in to pacify the country>
–pac·i·fi·able \ˌpa-sə-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms PACIFY, APPEASE, PLACATE, MOLLIFY, PROPITIATE, CONCILIATE mean to ease the anger or disturbance of. PACIFY suggests a soothing or calming <pacified by a sincere apology>. APPEASE implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions <appease their territorial ambitions>. PLACATE suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill <a move to placate local opposition>. MOLLIFY implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger <a speech that mollified the demonstrators>. PROPITIATE implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being <propitiated his parents by dressing up>. CONCILIATE suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences <conciliating the belligerent nations>.

Pacinian corpuscle
: a pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptor that is an oval capsule terminating some sensory nerve fibers especially in the skin

pack
n. 1 a : a bundle arranged for convenience in carrying especially on the back b : a group or pile of related objects c (1) : a number of individual components packaged as a unit <a pack of gum> (2) : CONTAINER (3) : a compact unitized assembly to perform a specific function (4) : a stack of magnetic disks in a container for use as a storage device
2 a : the contents of a bundle b : a large amount or number : HEAP <a pack of lies> c : a full set of playing cards
3 a : an act or instance of packing b : a method of packing
4 a : a set of persons with a common interest : CLIQUE b : an organized unit (as of Cub Scouts)
5 a (1) : a group of domesticated animals trained to hunt or run together (2) : a group of often predatory animals of the same kind <a wolf pack> (3) : a large group of individuals massed together (as in a race) b : WOLF PACK
6 : a concentrated or compacted mass (as of snow or ice)
7 : wet absorbent material for therapeutic application to the body
8 a : a cosmetic paste for the face b : an application or treatment of oils or creams for conditioning the scalp and hair
9 : material used in packing

pack
n. 1 a : to make into a compact bundle b : to fill completely <fans packed the stadium> c : to fill with packing <pack a joint in a pipe> d : to load with a pack <pack a mule> e : to put in a protective container <goods packed for shipment>
2 a : to crowd together b : to increase the density of : COMPRESS
3 a : to cause or command to go without ceremony <packed him off to school> b : to bring to an end : GIVE UP ― used with up or in <might pack up the assignment> ― used especially in the phrase pack it in
4 : to gather into tight formation : make a pack of (as hounds)
5 : to cover or surround with a pack
6 a : to transport on foot or on the back of an animal <pack a canoe overland> b : to wear or carry as equipment <pack a gun> c : to be supplied or equipped with : POSSESS <a storm packing hurricane winds> d : to make or be capable of making (an impact) <a book that packs a man-sized punch ― C. J. Rolo>
intransitive verb
1 a : to go away without ceremony : DEPART <simply packed up and left> b : QUIT, STOP ― used with up or in <why don't you pack in, before you kill yourself ― Millard Lampell>
2 a : to stow goods and equipment for transportation b : to be suitable for packing <a knit dress packs well>
3 a : to assemble in a group : CONGREGATE b : to crowd together
4 : to become built up or compacted in a layer or mass <the ore packed into a stony mass>
5 a : to carry goods or equipment b : to travel with one's baggage (as by horse)
–pack·abil·i·ty \ˌpa-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pack·able \'pa-kə-bəl\ adjective

pack
n. 1 : to influence the composition of so as to bring about a desired result <pack a jury>
2 archaic : to arrange (the cards in a pack) so as to cheat

pack
n. chiefly Scottish : INTIMATE

pack
n. blister pack
fanny pack
ice pack
jam pack
Joe Six Pack
pack animal
pack ice
pack journalism
pack rat
power pack
six pack
wolf pack
vacuum packed
packing plant
blood packing
send packing

pack animal
: an animal used for carrying packs

pack ice
: sea ice formed into a mass by the crushing together of pans, floes, and brash

pack journalism
: journalism that is practiced by reporters in a group and that is marked by uniformity of news coverage and lack of original thought or initiative

pack rat
1 : WOOD RAT especially : a bushy-tailed rodent (Neotoma cinerea) of western No. America that has well-developed cheek pouches and that hoards food and miscellaneous objects
2 : a person who collects or hoards especially unneeded items

package
n. 1 archaic : the act or process of packing
2 a : a small or moderate-sized pack : PARCEL b : a commodity or a unit of a product uniformly wrapped or sealed c : a preassembled unit
3 : a covering wrapper or container
4 : something that suggests a package: as a : PACKAGE DEAL b : a radio or television series offered for sale at a lump sum c : contract benefits gained through collective bargaining d : a ready-made computer program or collection of related software e : a travel arrangement contract that offers for a fixed price transportation, accommodations, and often sightseeing and entertainment f : a collection of related items especially : one to be considered or acted on together <presented his tax package to the nation>

package
n. 1 a : to make into a package especially : to produce as an entertainment package b : to present (as a product) in such a way as to heighten its appeal to the public
2 : to enclose in a package or covering
–pack·ag·er noun

package
n. care package
package deal
package store

package deal
1 : an offer or agreement involving a number of related items or one making acceptance of one item dependent on the acceptance of another
2 : the items offered in a package deal

package store
: a store that sells bottled or canned alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises

packboard
: a usually canvas-covered light wood or metal frame with shoulder straps used for carrying goods and equipment

packed
adj. 1 a : COMPRESSED <packed snow> b : that is crowded or stuffed ― often used in combination <an action-packed story>
2 : filled to capacity <played to a packed house>

packer
n. 1 : one that packs: as a : one engaged in processing food (as meat) and distributing it to retailers b : an automotive vehicle with a closed body and a compressing device (as for compacting rubbish) in the rear
2 : PORTER 1
3 : one that conveys goods by means of a pack

packet
n. 1 a : a small bundle or parcel b : a small thin package c British (1) : PAY ENVELOPE (2) : SALARY, PAYCHECK d chiefly British : a considerable amount <that trip will cost a packet>
2 a : a number of letters dispatched at one time b : a small group, cluster, or mass
3 : a passenger boat usually carrying mail and cargo
4 British : a pack of cigarettes
5 : a short fixed-length section of data that is transmitted as a unit in an electronic communications network

packhorse
n. : a horse used as a pack animal

packing
n. 1 a : the action or process of packing something also : a method of packing b : the processing of food and especially meat for future sale
2 : material (as a covering or stuffing) used to protect packed goods (as for shipping) also : material used for making airtight or watertight <packing for a faucet>

packing
n. packing plant
blood packing
send packing

packinghouse
n. : an establishment for slaughtering livestock and processing and packing meat, meat products, and by-products also : one for processing and packing other foodstuffs ― called also packing plant

packman
n. : PEDDLER

packsack
n. : a case (as of canvas) held on the back by shoulder straps and used to carry gear especially when traveling on foot

packsaddle
n. : a saddle designed to support loads on the backs of pack animals

packthread
n. : strong thread or small twine used for sewing or tying packs or parcels

paclitaxel
: an antineoplastic drug C_47H_51NO_14 orig. derived from the bark of the Pacific yew but now typically derived as a semisynthetic product of the English yew and used to treat ovarian cancer

pact
n. : 4COMPACT especially : an international treaty

Pactolus
river Asia Minor in ancient Lydia flowing into the Hermus (modern Gediz) near Sardis

pad
n. transitive verb : to traverse on foot
intransitive verb : to go on foot : WALK especially : to walk with or as if with padded feet <the dog padded along beside him> <padding around in bedroom slippers>

pad
n. 1 dialect British : PATH
2 : a horse that moves along at an easy pace
3 archaic : FOOTPAD

pad
n. 1 a : a thin flat mat or cushion: as (1) : a piece of soft stuffed material used as or under a saddle (2) : padding used to shape an article of clothing (3) : a guard worn to shield body parts against impact (4) : a piece of usually folded absorbent material (as gauze) used as a surgical dressing or protective covering (5) : a component of certain brake systems (as disc brakes) consisting of a plate covered with a frictional material b : a piece of material saturated with ink for inking the surface of a rubber stamp
2 a : the foot of an animal b : the cushioned thickening of the underside of the toes of an animal
3 : a floating leaf of a water plant
4 : a collection of sheets of paper glued together at one end
5 a (1) : a section of an airstrip used for warm-ups or turnarounds (2) : an area used for helicopter takeoffs and landings b : LAUNCHPAD c : a horizontal concrete surface (as for parking a mobile home)
6 a : BED b : living quarters

pad
n. 1 a : to furnish with a pad or padding b : MUTE, MUFFLE
2 : to expand or increase especially with needless, misleading, or fraudulent matter <pad the sales figures> ― often used with out <they pad out their bibliographies ― J. P. Kenyon>

pad
n. : a soft muffled or slapping sound

pad
n. crash pad
launching pad
legal pad
lily pad
mouse pad
pad thai
scratch pad
touch pad

pad thai
: a Thai dish consisting of rice noodles stir-fried usually with any of various additional ingredients (as bean sprouts, peanuts, chicken, shrimp, and egg)

Padang
city & port Indonesia in W Sumatra pop 631,543

padding
n. : material with which something is padded

Paddington
former metropolitan borough NW London, England, now part of Westminster

paddle
n. 1 : to move the hands or feet about in shallow water
2 archaic : to use the hands or fingers in toying or caressing
3 : TODDLE
–pad·dler \'pad-lər, 'pa-dəl-ər\ noun

paddle
n. 1 a : a usually wooden implement that has a long handle and a broad flattened blade and that is used to propel and steer a small craft (as a canoe) b : an implement often with a short handle and a broad flat blade that is used for stirring, mixing, or hitting especially : one used to hit a ball in any of various games (as table tennis) c : a small usually numbered sign that is raised by a bidder at an auction to signal a bid d : a flat electrode that is the part of a defibrillator placed on the chest of a patient and through which a shock of electricity is discharged
2 a : any of the broad boards at the circumference of a paddle wheel or waterwheel b : any of the broad blades attached to a shaft (as in an ice cream machine) and used for stirring
3 : a computer input device with a dial used to control linear movement of a cursor on a computer display

paddle
n. intransitive verb : to go on or through water by or as if by means of a paddle or paddle wheel
transitive verb
1 a : to propel by a paddle b : to transport in a paddled craft <paddled us to shore in his canoe>
2 a : to beat or stir with or as if with a paddle (as in washing or dyeing) b : to punish by or as if by beating with a paddle
–pad·dler \'pad-lər, 'pa-dəl-ər\ noun

paddle
n. dog paddle
paddle tennis
paddle wheel
paddle wheeler

paddle tennis
: a game like tennis that is played with a paddle and rubber ball on a small court

paddle wheel
: a wheel with paddles around its circumference used to propel a boat

paddle wheeler
: a steamer propelled by a paddle wheel

paddleball
n. : a game like handball played by hitting the ball with a paddle also : the ball used in this game

paddleboard
: a long narrow buoyant board used for riding the surf or in rescuing swimmers

paddleboat
: a boat propelled by a paddle wheel

paddlefish
n. : any of a family (Polyodontidae) of ganoid fishes especially : a large food fish (Polyodon spathula) of the Mississippi River valley with a long paddle-shaped snout and with roe used in caviar

paddock
n. 1 a : a usually enclosed area used especially for pasturing or exercising animals especially : an enclosure where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race b Australian & New Zealand : an often enclosed field
2 : an area at an automobile racecourse where racing cars are parked

Paddy
n. often offensive : IRISHMAN

paddy
n. 1 : RICE especially : threshed unmilled rice
2 : wet land in which rice is grown

paddy wagon
: an enclosed motortruck used by police to carry prisoners ― called also Black Maria patrol wagon

Paderewski
Ignacy \ēn-'yäs\ Jan \'yän\ 1860-1941 Pol. pianist, composer, & statesman

padlock
n. : a removable lock with a shackle that can be passed through a staple or link and then secured
–padlock transitive verb

padre
n. 1 : a Christian clergyman especially : PRIEST
2 : a military chaplain

Padre Island
island 113 mi (182 km) long S Tex. bet. Laguna Madre & Gulf of Mexico

padrone
n. 1 a : MASTER b : an Italian innkeeper
2 : a person who secures employment especially for Italian immigrants

Padua
commune NE Italy W of Venice pop 209,641
–Pad·u·an \'pa-jə-wən, 'pa-dyu̇-\ adjective or noun

paduasoy
: a corded silk fabric also : a garment made of it

Paducah
city W Ky. on Ohio River pop 26,307

Padus
― see PO

paean
n. 1 : a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph
2 : a work that praises or honors its subject : ENCOMIUM, TRIBUTE

paed
― see PED-

paediatric
adj. chiefly British variant of pediatric, pediatrician, pediatrics

paedogenesis
n. : reproduction by young or larval animals : NEOTENY
–pae·do·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ or pae·do·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective
–pae·do·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-jə-'ne-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paedomorphic
: of, relating to, involving, or exhibiting paedomorphosis or paedomorphism

paedomorphism
: retention in the adult of infantile or juvenile characters

paedomorphosis
n. : phylogenetic change that involves retention of juvenile characters by the adult

paella
n. : a saffron-flavored dish containing rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables

paeon
n. : a metrical foot of four syllables with one long and three short syllables (as in classical prosody) or with one stressed and three unstressed syllables (as in English prosody)

Paestum
ancient city S Italy in W Lucania on Gulf of Salerno (ancient Bay of Paestum)

pagan
n. 1 : HEATHEN 1 especially : a follower of a polytheistic religion (as in ancient Rome)
2 : one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person
3 : NEO-PAGAN
–pagan adjective
–pa·gan·ish \-gə-nish\ adjective

Paganini
Niccolò 1782-1840 Ital. violinist

paganism
n. 1 a : pagan beliefs or practices b : a pagan religion
2 : the quality or state of being a pagan

paganize
v. transitive verb : to make pagan
intransitive verb : to become pagan
–pa·gan·iz·er noun

Page
n. Thomas Nelson 1853-1922 American nov. & diplomat

Page
n. Walter Hines 1855-1918 American journalist & diplomat

page
n. 1 a (1) : a youth being trained for the medieval rank of knight and in the personal service of a knight (2) : a youth attendant on a person of rank especially in the medieval period b : a boy serving as an honorary attendant at a formal function (as a wedding)
2 : one employed to deliver messages, assist patrons, serve as a guide, or attend to similar duties
3 : an act or instance of paging <a page came over the loudspeaker> <got a page from the client>

page
n. 1 : to wait on or serve in the capacity of a page
2 : to summon by repeatedly calling out the name of
3 : to send a message to via a pager

page
n. 1 a : one of the leaves of a publication or manuscript also : a single side of one of these leaves b : the material printed or written on a page
2 a : a written record b : a noteworthy event or period
3 a : a sizable subdivision of computer memory also : a block of information that fills a page and can be transferred as a unit between the internal and external storage of a computer b : the block of information found at a single World Wide Web address

page
n. transitive verb : to number or mark the pages of
intransitive verb : to turn the pages (as of a book or magazine) especially in a steady or haphazard manner ― usually used with through

page
n. front page
home page
page boy
page turner
title page
a la page
à la page
mise en page
white pages
yellow pages

page boy
1 : a boy serving as a page
2 usually pageboy : an often shoulder-length hairdo with the ends of the hair rolled under

page-turner
: an engrossing book or story

pageant
n. 1 a : a mere show : PRETENSE b : an ostentatious display
2 : SHOW, EXHIBITION especially : an elaborate colorful exhibition or spectacle often with music that consists of a series of tableaux, of a loosely unified drama, or of a procession usually with floats
3 : PAGEANTRY 1

pageantry
n. 1 : pageants and the presentation of pageants
2 : colorful, rich, or splendid display : SPECTACLE
3 : mere show : empty display

pager
n. : one that pages especially : a small radio receiver that beeps, vibrates, or flashes to alert the user to an incoming message which is usually displayed on a small screen

pager
n. : one having or covering a specified number or kind of pages ― used in combination <her essay was a 15-pager>

Paget
n. Sir James 1814-1899 Eng. surgeon & pathologist

Paget's disease
1 : a rare form of breast cancer initially manifested as a scaly red rash on the nipple and areola
2 : a chronic disease in which the bones become enlarged, weak, and deformed

paginate
v. : 4PAGE

pagination
n. 1 : the action of paging : the condition of being paged
2 a : the numbers or marks used to indicate the sequence of pages (as of a book) b : the number and arrangement of pages or an indication of these

Pago Pago
town & port capital of American Samoa on Tutuila Is.

pagoda
n. : a tower in eastern Asia usually with roofs curving upward at the division of each of several stories and erected as a temple or memorial

PAH
n. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

Pahang
state E Malaysia (federation) bordering on S. China Sea capital Kuantan area 13,920 sq mi (36,053 sq km), pop 1,036,724

Pahlavi
n. 1 : the Iranian language of Sassanian Persia ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
2 : a script used for writing Pahlavi

Pahlavi
n. ― see REZA SHAH PAHLAVI & MOHAMMAD REZA PAHLAVI

Pahlavi
n. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Reza Shah Pahlavi
Riza Shah Pahlavi

paid
adj. past and past part of pay

paid
adj. 1 : marked by the receipt of pay <paid vacation time>
2 : being or having been paid or paid for <a paid official> <a paid political announcement>

Paige
Roderick R. 1933-     U.S. secy. of education (2001-  )

Paige
Satchel 1906?-1982 Leroy Robert Paige American baseball player

pail
n. 1 : a usually cylindrical container with a handle : BUCKET
2 : the quantity that a pail contains
–pail·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

paillard
: a piece of beef or veal usually pounded thin and grilled

paillette
n. 1 : a small shiny object (as a spangle) applied in clusters as a decorative trimming (as on women's clothing)
2 : a trimming made of paillettes

pain
n. 1 : PUNISHMENT
2 a : usu. localized physical suffering associated with bodily disorder (as a disease or an injury) also : a basic bodily sensation induced by a noxious stimulus, received by naked nerve endings, characterized by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and typically leading to evasive action b : acute mental or emotional distress or suffering : GRIEF
3 plural : the throes of childbirth
4 plural : trouble, care, or effort taken to accomplish something <was at pains to reassure us>
5 : one that irks or annoys or is otherwise troublesome ― often used in such phrases as pain in the neck
–pain·less \-ləs\ adjective
–pain·less·ly adverb
–pain·less·ness noun
–on pain of or under pain of : subject to penalty or punishment of <made to leave the country on pain of death>

pain
n. 1 : to make suffer or cause distress to : HURT
2 archaic : to put (oneself) to trouble or exertion
intransitive verb
1 archaic : SUFFER
2 : to give or have a sensation of pain

pain
n. under pain of
on pain of
phantom pain
growing pains

Paine
n. Albert Bigelow 1861-1937 American author

Paine
n. Thomas 1737-1809 American (Eng.-born) polit. philos. & author

pained
adj. 1 : feeling pain : HURT
2 : expressing or involving pain <a pained expression> <with pained surprise>

painful
adj. 1 a : feeling or giving pain <a painful injury> b : IRKSOME, ANNOYING
2 : requiring effort or exertion <a long painful trip>
3 archaic : CAREFUL, DILIGENT
–pain·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pain·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

painkiller
n. : something (as a drug) that relieves pain
–pain·kill·ing \-liŋ\ adjective

Painleve
Paul 1863-1933 Fr. math. & statesman

painstaking
adj. : the action of taking pains : diligent care and effort

painstaking
adj. : taking pains : expending, showing, or involving diligent care and effort
–pains·tak·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

paint
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to apply color, pigment, or paint to (2) : to color with a cosmetic b (1) : to apply with a movement resembling that used in painting (2) : to treat with a liquid by brushing or swabbing <paint the wound with iodine>
2 a (1) : to produce in lines and colors on a surface by applying pigments (2) : to depict by such lines and colors b : to decorate, adorn, or variegate by applying lines and colors c : to produce or evoke as if by painting <paints glowing pictures of the farm>
3 : to touch up or cover over by or as if by painting
4 : to depict as having specified or implied characteristics <paints them whiter than the evidence justifies ― Oliver La Farge>
intransitive verb
1 : to practice the art of painting
2 : to use cosmetics

paint
n. 1 : the action of painting : something produced by painting
2 : MAKEUP especially : a cosmetic to add color
3 a (1) : a mixture of a pigment and a suitable liquid to form a closely adherent coating when spread on a surface in a thin coat (2) : the pigment used in this mixture especially when in the form of a cake <a box of paints> b : an applied coating of paint
4 : a powerful muscular pinto having quarter horse or Thoroughbred ancestry broadly : PINTO ― called also paint horse
5 : FREE THROW LANE
6 : computer-generated color design <a paint program>

paint
n. paint horse
luminous paint
oil paint
poster paint
war paint
painted cup
painted bunting
painted lady
painted trillium
painted turtle
Painted Desert
action painting
finger painting
oil painting
wall painting

paintball
n. : a game in which two teams try to capture each other's flag while defending their own using compressed-air guns that shoot paint-filled pellets

paintbrush
n. 1 : a brush for applying paint
2 a : INDIAN PAINTBRUSH 1 b : ORANGE HAWKWEED

painted bunting
: a brightly colored bunting (Passerina ciris) that is found from the southern U.S. to Panama

painted cup
: INDIAN PAINTBRUSH 1

Painted Desert
region NE Ariz. E of the Little Colorado

painted lady
1 : a migratory nymphalid butterfly (Vanessa cardui) with wings mottled in brown, orange, black, and white
2 : PROSTITUTE 1A

painted trillium
: a trillium (Trillium undulatum) of northeastern No. America that has a solitary flower with white petals streaked with purple

painted turtle
: a No. American turtle (Chrysemys picta) having a greenish to black carapace with yellow, red, or olive bordered scutes and a yellow plastron

painter
n. : one that paints: as a : an artist who paints b : one who applies paint especially as an occupation

painter
n. : a line used for securing or towing a boat

painter
n. : COUGAR

painter's colic
: intestinal colic associated with obstinate constipation due to chronic lead poisoning

painterly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or typical of a painter : ARTISTIC <painterly attention to detail>
2 : suggestive or characteristic of a painting or of the art of painting <painterly photography> especially : marked by an openness of form which is not linear and in which sharp outlines are lacking <painterly brushwork> <a painterly landscape>
–paint·er·li·ness noun

painting
n. 1 : a product of painting especially : a work produced through the art of painting
2 : the art or occupation of painting

painting
n. action painting
finger painting
oil painting
wall painting

paintwork
n. 1 chiefly British : PAINT 3B
2 chiefly British : work with paint

pair
n. 1 a (1) : two corresponding things designed for use together <a pair of shoes> (2) : two corresponding bodily parts or members <a pair of hands> b : something made up of two corresponding pieces <a pair of trousers>
2 a : two similar or associated things: as (1) : two mated animals (2) : a couple in love, engaged, or married <were a devoted pair> (3) : two playing cards of the same value or denomination and especially of the same rank (4) : two horses harnessed side by side (5) : two members of a deliberative body that agree not to vote on a specific issue during a time agreed on also : an agreement not to vote made by the two members b : a partnership especially of two players in a contest against another partnership
3 chiefly dialect : a set or series of small objects (as beads)

pair
n. 1 a : to make a pair of ― often used with off or up <paired off the animals> b : to cause to be a member of a pair c : to arrange a voting pair between
2 : to arrange in pairs
intransitive verb
1 : to constitute a member of a pair <a sock that didn't pair>
2 a : to become associated with another ― often used with off or up <paired up with an old friend> b : to become grouped or separated into pairs ― often used with off <paired off for the next dance>

pair
n. pair of compasses
pair of virginals
au pair
base pair
minimal pair
pair bond
pair bonding
pair production
au pairs
paired associate learning

pair of compasses

1563
: COMPASS 3C

pair of virginals

1542
: VIRGINAL

pair production
: the transformation of a quantum of radiant energy simultaneously into an electron and a positron when the quantum interacts with the intense electric field near a nucleus

pair-bond
: a monogamous relationship
–pair-bond·ing noun

paired-associate learning
: the learning of syllables, digits, or words in pairs (as in the study of a foreign language) so that one member of the pair evokes recall of the other

paisa
n. 1 plural paisa ― see rupee, taka at MONEY table
2 plural pai·se \-'sā\ ― see rupee at MONEY table

Paisley
n. burgh SW Scotland W of Glasgow pop 84,789

paisley
n. 1 : made typically of soft wool and woven or printed with colorful curved abstract figures
2 : marked by designs, patterns, or figures typically used in paisley fabrics <a paisley print>
–paisley noun

Paiute
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California
2 : either of the two Uto-Aztecan languages of the Paiute people

pajama
n. : PAJAMAS
–pa·ja·maed \-məd\ adjective

pajamas
n. 1 : loose lightweight trousers formerly much worn in the Near East
2 : a loose usually two-piece lightweight suit designed especially for sleeping or lounging

pak choi
variant of bok choy

Pakanbaru
― see PEKANBARU

pakeha
n. chiefly New Zealand : a person who is not of Maori descent especially : a white person

Paki
n. chiefly British usually offensive : an immigrant from Pakistan or a neighboring south Asian country

Pakistan
n. country S Asia orig. comprising an E division & a W division; a dominion 1947-56, an Islamic republic since 1956, & a member of the Commonwealth of Nations 1956-72; formed from parts of former Brit. India; capital Islamabad area 310,403 sq mi (803,944 sq km), pop 131,434,000 ― see EAST PAKISTAN, WEST PAKISTAN
–Pa·ki·stani \ˌpa-ki-'sta-nē, ˌpä-ki-'stä-\ adjective or noun

pal
n. : a close friend
–pal·ship \-ˌship\ noun

pal
n. : to be or become pals : associate as pals <they've palled around for years>

palace
n. 1 a : the official residence of a chief of state (as a monarch or a president) b chiefly British : the official residence of an archbishop or bishop
2 a : a large stately house b : a large public building c : a highly decorated place for public amusement or refreshment <a movie palace>

palace
n. 1 : of or relating to a palace
2 : of, relating to, or involving the intimates of a chief executive <a palace revolution> <palace politics>
3 : LUXURIOUS, DELUXE

paladin
n. 1 : a trusted military leader (as for a medieval prince)
2 : a leading champion of a cause

palae
chiefly British variant of pale-

palaestra
n. 1 : a school in ancient Greece or Rome for sports (as wrestling)
2 : GYMNASIUM

palanquin
n. : a conveyance formerly used especially in eastern Asia usually for one person that consists of an enclosed litter borne on the shoulders of men by means of poles

palatable
adj. 1 : agreeable to the palate or taste
2 : agreeable or acceptable to the mind
–pal·at·abil·i·ty \ˌpa-lə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pal·at·able·ness noun
–pal·at·ably \'pa-lə-tə-blē\ adverb
synonyms PALATABLE, APPETIZING, SAVORY, TASTY, TOOTHSOME mean agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste. PALATABLE often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable <butterflies that birds find palatable>. APPETIZING suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste <appetizing hors d'oeuvres>. SAVORY applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness <dumplings with savory fillings>. TASTY implies a pronounced taste <a tart and tasty pie>. TOOTHSOME stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness <an enticing array of toothsome desserts>.

palatal
adj. 1 a : formed with some part of the tongue near or touching the hard palate posterior to the teethridge <the \sh\ and \y\ in English and the \ḵ\ of ich \iḵ\ in German are examples of palatal consonants> b of a vowel : FRONT 2
2 : of, relating to, forming, or affecting the palate
–palatal noun
–pal·a·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

palatalization
n. 1 : the quality or state of being palatalized
2 : an act or instance of palatalizing an utterance <in rapid speech the \t\ in got undergoes palatalization before you to yield \'gächə\>

palatalize
v. : to pronounce as or change into a palatal sound

palate
n. 1 : the roof of the mouth separating the mouth from the nasal cavity
2 a : a usually intellectual taste or liking <too ornate for my palate> b : the sense of taste

palate
n. cleft palate
hard palate
soft palate

palatial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a palace
2 : suitable to a palace : MAGNIFICENT
–pa·la·tial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb
–pa·la·tial·ness noun

Palatinate
n. either of two districts SW Germany once ruled by counts palatine of the Holy Roman Empire: Rhenish Palatinate (on the Rhine E of Saarland) & Upper Palatinate (on the Danube around Regensburg) ― see RHINELAND-PALATINATE

palatinate
n. : the territory of a palatine

palatinate
n. Rhenish Palatinate
Rhineland Palatinate
Upper Palatinate
Rheinland Pfalz

Palatine
n. 1 hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven on which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE
2 village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 65,479

palatine
n. 1 a : possessing royal privileges b : of or relating to a palatine or a palatinate
2 a : of or relating to a palace especially of a Roman or Holy Roman emperor b : PALATIAL

palatine
n. 1 a : a feudal lord having sovereign power within his domains b : a high officer of an imperial palace
2 capitalized : a native or inhabitant of the Palatinate
3 [French, from Elisabeth Charlotte of Bavaria †1722 Princess Palatine] : a fur cape or stole covering the neck and shoulders

palatine
n. : of, relating to, or lying near the palate

palatine
n. : either of a pair of bones that are situated behind and between the maxillae and in humans are of extremely irregular form

Palau
n. island group W Pacific comprising a republic; usually considered part of the Carolines pop 19,129
–Pa·lau·an \pə-'lau̇-ən\ noun

palaver
n. 1 a : a long parley usually between persons of different cultures or levels of sophistication b : CONFERENCE, DISCUSSION
2 a : idle talk b : misleading or beguiling speech

palaver
n. intransitive verb
1 : to talk profusely or idly
2 : PARLEY
transitive verb : to use palaver to : CAJOLE

Palawan
island 278 mi (445 km) long W Philippines W of the Visayan Islands area 4550 sq mi (11,830 sq km), pop (with adjacent islands) 528,287

palazzo
n. : a large imposing building (as a museum or a place of residence) especially in Italy

pale
n. 1 archaic : PALISADE, PALING
2 a : one of the stakes of a palisade b : PICKET
3 a : a space or field having bounds : ENCLOSURE b : a territory or district within certain bounds or under a particular jurisdiction
4 : an area or the limits within which one is privileged or protected (as from censure) <conduct that was beyond the pale>
5 : a perpendicular stripe on a heraldic shield

pale
n. : to enclose with pales : FENCE

pale
n. 1 : deficient in color or intensity of color : PALLID <a pale complexion>
2 : not bright or brilliant : DIM <a pale sun shining through the fog>
3 : FEEBLE, FAINT <a pale imitation>
4 : deficient in chroma <a pale pink>
–pale·ly \'pāl-lē\ adverb
–pale·ness \-nəs\ noun
–pal·ish \'pā-lish\ adjective

pale
n. intransitive verb : to become pale
transitive verb : to make pale

pale
n. 1 : involving or dealing with ancient forms or conditions <paleobotany>
2 : early : primitive : archaic <Paleolithic>

pale ale
: a usually medium-colored very dry heavily hopped ale

palea
n. 1 : one of the chaffy scales on the receptacle of many composite plants
2 : the upper bract that with the lemma encloses the flower in grasses
–pa·le·al \-lē-əl\ adjective

Palearctic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a biogeographic region or subregion that includes Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas, and Africa north of the Sahara

paleface
n. : a white person

Palembang
city & port Indonesia in SE Sumatra pop 1,141,036

Palencia
1 province N Spain area 3100 sq mi (8029 sq km), pop 174,143
2 city, its capital, NNE of Valladolid pop 79,797

Palenque
ruined Mayan city S Mexico in N Chiapas SW of modern town of Palenque

Paleo-Indian
: one of the early American hunting people of Asian origin extant in the late Pleistocene
–Paleo-Indian adjective

paleoanthropology
: a branch of anthropology dealing with fossil hominids
–pa·leo·an·thro·po·log·i·cal \-pə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pa·leo·an·thro·pol·o·gist \-'pä-lə-jist\ noun

paleobiology
n. : a branch of paleontology concerned with the biology of fossil organisms
–pa·leo·bi·o·log·i·cal \-bī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also pa·leo·bi·o·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–pa·leo·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

paleobotany
: a branch of botany dealing with fossil plants
–pa·leo·bo·tan·i·cal \-bə-'ta-ni-kəl\ also pa·leo·bo·tan·ic \-'ta-nik\ adjective
–pa·leo·bo·tan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pa·leo·bot·a·nist \-'bä-tə-nist, -'bät-nist\ noun

Paleocene
adj. : of, relating to, or being the earliest epoch of the Tertiary or the corresponding series of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Paleocene noun

paleoclimatic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a climate distinctive to a past geological age

paleoclimatology
n. : a science dealing with the climate of past ages
–pa·leo·cli·ma·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

paleoconservative
: a conservative espousing traditional principles and policies
–paleoconservative adjective

paleoecology
: a branch of ecology that is concerned with the characteristics of ancient environments and with their relationships to ancient plants and animals
–pa·leo·eco·log·i·cal \-ˌē-kə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌe-kə-\ also pa·leo·eco·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–pa·leo·ecol·o·gist \-i-'kä-lə-jist, -e-'kä-\ noun

Paleogene
n. : of, relating to, or being the earlier part of the Tertiary including the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene or the corresponding series of rocks
–Paleogene noun

paleogeography
: the geography of ancient times or of a particular past geological epoch
–pa·leo·geo·graph·ic \-ˌjē-ə-'gra-fik\ or pa·leo·geo·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–pa·leo·geo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paleographic
adj. : relating to writings of former times
–pa·leo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paleography
n. 1 : the study of ancient writings and inscriptions
2 a : an ancient manner of writing b : ancient writings
–pa·le·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

Paleolithic
adj. : of or relating to the earliest period of the Stone Age characterized by rough or chipped stone implements

paleomagnetism
n. 1 : the intensity and direction of residual magnetization in ancient rocks
2 : a science that deals with paleomagnetism
–pa·leo·mag·net·ic \-mag-'ne-tik\ adjective
–pa·leo·mag·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pa·leo·mag·ne·tist \-'mag-nə-tist\ noun

paleontology
n. : a science dealing with the life of past geological periods as known from fossil remains
–pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal \-ˌän-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also pa·le·on·to·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–pa·le·on·tol·o·gist \-ˌän-'tä-lə-jist, -ən-\ noun

paleopathology
: a branch of pathology concerned with ancient diseases as evidenced especially in fossil or other remains
–pa·leo·path·o·log·i·cal \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pa·leo·pa·thol·o·gist \-pə-'thä-lə-jist, -pa-\ noun

Paleozoic
adj. : of, relating to, originating in, or being an era of geological history that extends from the beginning of the Cambrian to the close of the Permian and is marked by the culmination of nearly all classes of invertebrates except the insects and in the later epochs by the appearance of terrestrial plants, amphibians, and reptiles also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Paleozoic noun

paleozoology
: a branch of paleontology dealing with ancient and fossil animals
–pa·leo·zoo·log·i·cal \-ˌzō-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pa·leo·zo·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Palermo
city & port Italy capital of Sicily pop 679,290
–Pa·ler·mi·tan \pə-'lər-mə-tən, -'ler-\ adjective or noun

Palestine
n. 1 ancient region SW Asia bordering on E coast of the Mediterranean & extending E of Jordan River
2 region bordering on the Mediterranean on W & Dead Sea on E; a part of the Ottoman Empire 1516-1917, a Brit. mandate 1923-48; now approx. coextensive with Israel and the West Bank
–Pal·es·tin·ian \ˌpa-lə-'sti-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Palestrina
n. Giovanni Pierluigi da ca 1525-1594 Ital. composer

palette
n. 1 : a thin oval or rectangular board or tablet that a painter holds and mixes pigments on
2 a : the set of colors put on the palette b (1) : a particular range, quality, or use of color (2) : a comparable range, quality, or use of available elements <a rich palette of tones and timbres> <a palette of flavors>

palette knife
: a knife with usually a flexible steel blade and no cutting edge used to mix colors or to apply colors (as to a painting)

Paley
n. Grace 1922-     née Goodside American writer

Paley
n. William 1743-1805 Eng. theol. & philos.

palfrey
n. archaic : a saddle horse other than a warhorse especially : a lady's light easy-gaited horse

Palgrave
Francis Turner 1824-1897 Eng. writer

Pali
n. : an Indo-Aryan language used as the liturgical and scholarly language of Theravada Buddhism ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

palimony
n. : a court-ordered allowance paid by one member of a couple formerly living together out of wedlock to the other

palimpsest
n. 1 : writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
2 : something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface <Canada⋯is a palimpsest, an overlay of classes and generations ― Margaret Atwood>

palindrome
n. : a word, verse, or sentence (as “Able was I ere I saw Elba”) or a number (as 1881) that reads the same backward or forward
–pal·in·drom·ic \ˌpa-lən-'drō-mik, -'drä-\ adjective
–pal·in·drom·ist \'pa-lən-ˌdrō-mist\ noun

paling
n. 1 : a fence of pales or pickets
2 : wood for making pales
3 : a pale or picket for a fence

palingenesis
n. : METEMPSYCHOSIS
–pal·in·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

palinode
n. 1 : an ode or song recanting or retracting something in an earlier poem
2 : a formal retraction

palisade
n. 1 a : a fence of stakes especially for defense b : a long strong stake pointed at the top and set close with others as a defense
2 : a line of bold cliffs

palisade
n. : to fortify with palisades

palisade
n. palisade cell
palisade layer
palisade tissue
palisade parenchyma
palisade mesophyll

palisade cell
: a cell of the palisade layer

palisade layer
: a layer of columnar cells rich in chloroplasts found beneath the upper epidermis of foliage leaves ― called also palisade mesophyll palisade parenchyma palisade tissue ― compare SPONGY PARENCHYMA

Palisades
n. line of cliffs 15 mi (24 km) long SE N.Y. & NE N.J. on W bank of Hudson River

Palk Strait
strait 40 mi (64 km) wide bet. N Sri Lanka & SE India connecting Gulf of Mannar & Bay of Bengal

pall
n. intransitive verb
1 : to lose strength or effectiveness
2 : to lose in interest or attraction <his humor began to pall on us>
3 : DWINDLE <our enthusiasm soon palled>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to become insipid
2 : to deprive of pleasure in something by satiating
synonyms see SATIATE

pall
n. 1 : PALLIUM 1A
2 a : a square of linen usually stiffened with cardboard that is used to cover the chalice b (1) : a heavy cloth draped over a coffin (2) : a coffin especially when holding a body
3 a : something that covers or conceals especially : an overspreading element that produces an effect of gloom <a pall of thick black smoke> <a pall of suspicion> b : a feeling of gloom <his absence cast a pall over the celebration>

pall
n. : to cover with a pall : DRAPE

pall-mall
: a 17th century game in which each player attempts to drive a wooden ball with a mallet down an alley and through a raised ring in as few strokes as possible also : the alley in which it is played

Palladian
adj. : of or relating to a revived classical style in architecture based on the works of Andrea Palladio
–Pal·la·di·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Palladio
n. Andrea 1508-1580 Ital. architect

palladium
n. 1 capitalized : a statue of Pallas whose preservation was believed to ensure the safety of Troy
2 plural pal·la·dia \-dē-ə\ : SAFEGUARD 2A

palladium
n. : a silver-white ductile malleable metallic element that is used especially in electrical contacts, as a catalyst, and in alloys ― see ELEMENT table
–pal·la·dous \pə-'lā-dəs\ adjective

Pallas
n. : ATHENA

pallbearer
n. : a person who helps to carry the coffin at a funeral also : a member of the escort or honor guard of the coffin who does not actually help to carry it

pallet
n. 1 : a straw-filled tick or mattress
2 : a small, hard, or temporary bed

pallet
n. 1 : a wooden flat-bladed instrument
2 : a lever or surface in a timepiece that receives an impulse from the escapement wheel and imparts motion to a balance or pendulum
3 : a portable platform for handling, storing, or moving materials and packages (as in warehouses, factories, or vehicles)

palletise
v. British variant of palletize

palletize
v. : to place on, transport, or store by means of pallets
–pal·let·i·za·tion \ˌpa-lə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–pal·let·iz·er \'pa-lə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

pallette
: one of the plates at the armpits of a suit of armor ― see ARMOR illustration

pallial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or produced by the mantle of a mollusk or brachiopod
2 : of or relating to the cerebral cortex

palliasse
n. : a thin straw mattress used as a pallet

palliate
v. 1 : to reduce the violence of (a disease) also : to ease (symptoms) without curing the underlying disease
2 : to cover by excuses and apologies
3 : to moderate the intensity of <trying to palliate the boredom>
–pal·li·a·tion \ˌpa-lē-'ā-shən\ noun
–pal·li·a·tor \'pa-lē-ˌā-tər\ noun

palliative
adj. : serving to palliate <palliative surgery> <palliative care>
–pal·lia·tive·ly adverb

palliative
adj. : something that palliates

pallid
adj. 1 : deficient in color : WAN <a pallid countenance>
2 : lacking sparkle or liveliness : DULL <a pallid entertainment>
–pal·lid·ly adverb
–pal·lid·ness noun

pallida Mors
: pale Death

pallidotomy
: the surgical inactivation of a part of the basal ganglia in the treatment of involuntary movements (as in Parkinson's disease)

pallium
n. 1 a : a white woolen band with pendants in front and back worn over the chasuble by a pope or archbishop as a symbol of full episcopal authority b : a draped rectangular cloth worn as a cloak by men of ancient Greece and Rome
2 [New Latin, from Latin, cloak] a : CEREBRAL CORTEX b (1) : the mantle of a mollusk or brachiopod (2) : the mantle of a bird

pallor
n. : deficiency of color especially of the face : PALENESS

pally
adj. : sharing the relationship of pals : INTIMATE

palm
n. 1 : any of a family (Palmae syn. Arecaceae) of mostly tropical or subtropical monocotyledonous trees, shrubs, or vines with usually a simple stem and a terminal crown of large pinnate or fan-shaped leaves
2 : a leaf of the palm as a symbol of victory or rejoicing also : a branch (as of laurel) similarly used
3 : a symbol of triumph or superiority also : VICTORY, TRIUMPH
4 : an addition to a military decoration in the form of a palm frond especially to indicate a second award of the basic decoration
–palm·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

palm
n. 1 : the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal
2 : a flat expanded part especially at the end of a base or stalk (as of an anchor)
3 [Latin palmus, from palma] : a unit of length based on the breadth or length of the hand
4 : something (as a part of a glove) that covers the palm of the hand
5 : an act of palming (as of cards)

palm
n. 1 a : to conceal in or with the hand <palm a card> b : to take or pick up stealthily c : to hand stealthily <palmed him a dollar bill>
2 : to impose by fraud <a second imposter to be palmed upon you ― Sir Walter Scott>
3 : to touch with the palm: as a : to stroke with the palm or hand b : to allow (a basketball) to come to rest momentarily in the hand while dribbling thus committing a violation

palm
n. grease the palm of
oil the palm
palmyra palm
betel palm
cabbage palm
coconut palm
nipa palm
oil palm
palm off
palm oil
Palm Sunday
raffia palm
royal palm
sago palm
wax palm
Palm Bay
Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Coast
Palm Desert
Palm Springs
West Palm Beach

Palm Bay
city E Fla. on Indian River pop 79,413

Palm Beach Gardens
city SE Fla. pop 35,058

Palm Coast
city NE Fla. pop 32,732

Palm Desert
city SW Calif ESE of Riverside pop 41,155

palm off
1 : to dispose of usually by trickery or guile
2 : PASS OFF 2 <palming himself off as a minister ― Toni Morrison>

palm oil
: an edible fat obtained from the flesh of the fruit of several palms and used especially in soap and lubricating greases

Palm Springs
city S Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 42,807

Palm Sunday
: the Sunday before Easter celebrated in commemoration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Palma
Tomás Estrada ― see ESTRADA PALMA

Palma
commune & port Spain capital of Baleares province on Majorca pop 333,801

Palma
Palma de Mallorca
Estrada Palma
La Palma

palmar
adj. : of, relating to, or involving the palm of the hand

palmary
adj. : OUTSTANDING, BEST

Palmas
city cen Brazil capital of Tocantins pop 137,355

Palmas, Cape
cape Liberia on extreme SE coast

palmate
adj. : resembling a hand with the fingers spread: as a : having lobes radiating from a common point <a palmate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration b : having the distal portion broad, flat, and lobed <a palmate antler>
–pal·mate·ly adverb
–pal·ma·tion \pal-'mā-shən, pä-, 'päl-, 'pȯ-, 'pȯl-\ noun

Palmdale
city SW Calif. NE of Los Angeles pop 116,670

palmed
v. : having a palm of a specified kind ― used in combination <leather-palmed gloves>

Palmer
n. Alice Elvira 1855-1902 née Freeman American educ.

Palmer
n. Arnold (Daniel) 1929-     American golfer

Palmer
n. Daniel David 1845-1913 American chiropractor

palmer
n. : a person wearing two crossed palm leaves as a sign of a pilgrimage made to the Holy Land

palmer
n. Palmer Peninsula
Palmer Archipelago
Palmer Land

Palmer Archipelago
islands W of N end of Antarctic Peninsula in British Antarctic Territory

Palmer Land
the S section of Antarctic Peninsula

Palmer Peninsula
― see ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Palmerston
3d Viscount 1784-1865 Henry John Temple Eng. statesman; prime min. (1855-58; 1859-65)
–Palm·er·sto·nian \ˌpä-mər-'stō-nē-ən, ˌpäl-, -nyən\ adjective

Palmerston
island (atoll) cen Pacific NW of Rarotonga Is.; belongs to New Zealand area 1 sq mi (2.6 sq km)

Palmerston North
n. city New Zealand on S North Is. NE of Wellington urban area pop 72,681

palmerworm
n. : a caterpillar that suddenly appears in great numbers devouring herbage

palmette
n. : a decorative motif suggestive of a palm

palmetto
n. 1 : any of several usually low-growing fan-leaved palms especially : CABBAGE PALMETTO
2 : strips of the leaf blade of a palmetto used in weaving

palmetto
n. cabbage palmetto
palmetto bug
saw palmetto

palmetto bug
chiefly Southern : COCKROACH

Palmgren
Selim 1878-1951 Finn. pianist & composer

palmist
n. : one who practices palmistry

palmistry
n. : the art or practice of reading a person's character or future from the lines on the palms

palmitate
n. : a salt or ester of palmitic acid

palmitic acid
: a waxy crystalline saturated fatty acid C_16H_32O_2 occurring free or in the form of esters (as glycerides) in most fats and fatty oils and in several essential oils and waxes

palmitin
n. : an ester of glycerol and palmitic acid especially : a solid ester found in animal fats

palmtop
n. : a small portable computer easily held in the palm of the hand

palmy
adj. 1 : marked by prosperity : FLOURISHING <the palmy days of the British drama ― Oscar Wilde>
2 : abounding in or bearing palms

Palmyra
n. ancient city Syria on N edge of Syrian Desert NE of Damascus
–Pal·my·rene \ˌpal-mə-'rēn, -mī-\ adjective or noun

palmyra
n. : a tall fan-leaved palm (Borassus flabellifer) of India cultivated for its hard resistant wood, fiber, and sugar-rich sap ― called also palmyra palm

Palmyra Atoll
island cen Pacific in Line Islands area 1 sq mi (2.6 sq km)

Palo Alto
city W Calif. SE of San Francisco on San Francisco Bay pop 58,598

Palomar, Mount
mountain 6138 ft (1871 m) S Calif. NNE of San Diego

palomino
n. : a horse that is pale cream to gold in color and has a flaxen or white mane and tail

palooka
n. 1 : an inexperienced or incompetent boxer
2 : OAF, LOUT

Palos
town & former port SW Spain SE of Huelva pop 7314

Palouse
n. 1 river ab 140 mi (225 km) NW Idaho & SE Wash. flowing W & S into Snake River
2 fertile hilly region E Wash. & NW Idaho N of Snake & Clearwater rivers

paloverde
n. 1 : any of several small spiny trees or shrubs (genus Cercidium) of the legume family that have greenish branches and are found chiefly in dry regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
2 : JERUSALEM THORN

palp
n. : TOUCH, FEEL

palp
n. : PALPUS

palpable
adj. 1 : capable of being touched or felt : TANGIBLE
2 : easily perceptible : NOTICEABLE <a palpable difference>
3 : easily perceptible by the mind : MANIFEST
synonyms see PERCEPTIBLE
–pal·pa·bil·i·ty \ˌpal-pə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pal·pa·bly \'pal-pə-blē\ adverb

palpate
v. : to examine by touch especially medically
–pal·pa·tion \pal-'pā-shən\ noun

palpebral
adj. : of, relating to, or located on or near the eyelids

palpitant
adj. : marked by trembling or throbbing

palpitate
v. : to beat rapidly and strongly : THROB
–pal·pi·ta·tion \ˌpal-pə-'tā-shən\ noun

palpus
n. : a segmented usually tactile or gustatory process on an arthropod mouthpart ― see INSECT illustration

palsgrave
n. : COUNT PALATINE 1A

palsied
adj. : affected with or as if with palsy

palsy
n. 1 : PARALYSIS
2 : a condition marked by uncontrollable tremor of the body or a part

palsy
n. : to affect with or as if with palsy

palsy
n. : PALSY-WALSY

palsy
n. Bell's palsy
cerebral palsy
palsy walsy
shaking palsy
cerebral palsied

palsy-walsy
slang : being or appearing to be very intimate

palter
v. 1 : to act insincerely or deceitfully : EQUIVOCATE
2 : HAGGLE, CHAFFER
synonyms see LIE
–pal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

paltry
adj. 1 : INFERIOR, TRASHY
2 : MEAN, DESPICABLE <a paltry trick>
3 : TRIVIAL <a paltry excuse>
4 : MEAGER, MEASLY <made a paltry donation>
–pal·tri·ness noun

paludal
adj. : of or relating to marshes or fens : MARSHY

paly
adj. archaic : somewhat pale : PALLID

palynology
n. : a branch of science dealing with pollen and spores
–pal·y·no·log·i·cal \-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also pal·y·no·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–pal·y·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pal·y·nol·o·gist \-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Pamirs
n. mountain region cen Asia in Tajikistan & on borders of Xinjiang Uygur, Kashmir, & Afghanistan from which radiate Tian Shan to N, Kunlun & Karakoram to E, & Hindu Kush to W; has many peaks over 20,000 ft (6095 m)

Pamlico
river E N.C., estuary of Tar River, flowing E into Pamlico Sound (inlet of the Atlantic bet. the mainland & offshore islands)

pampa
n. : an extensive generally grass-covered plain of temperate So. America east of the Andes : PRAIRIE

pampas grass
: a So. American grass (Cortaderia selloana) often grown for ornament that has showy white panicles borne on tall stems

pampean
: of or relating to the pampas of So. America or their Indian inhabitants

pamper
n. 1 archaic : to cram with rich food : GLUT
2 a : to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention <pampered their guests> b : GRATIFY, HUMOR <enabled him to pamper his wanderlust ― New Yorker>
synonyms see INDULGE
–pam·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

pampero
n. : a strong cold wind from the west or southwest that sweeps over the pampas

pamphlet
n. : an unbound printed publication with no cover or with a paper cover

pamphleteer
n. : a writer of pamphlets attacking something or urging a cause

pamphleteer
n. 1 : to write and publish pamphlets
2 : to engage in partisan arguments indirectly in writings

Pamphylia
ancient district & Roman province S Asia Minor on coast S of Pisidia
–Pam·phyl·i·an \-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

Pamplona
n. city N Spain capital of Navarra province & once capital of Navarre kingdom pop 183,964

PAN
n. peroxyacetyl nitrate

Pan
n. : a Greek god of pastures, flocks, and shepherds usually represented as having the legs, horns, and ears of a goat

Pan
n. Panama

pan
n. 1 a : a usually broad, shallow, and open container for domestic use (as for cooking) b : any of various similar usually metal receptacles: as (1) : the hollow part of the lock in a firelock or flintlock gun that receives the priming (2) : either of the receptacles in a pair of scales (3) : a round shallow usually metal container for separating metal (as gold) from waste by washing c British : TOILET 3B also : BOWL 3B d : STEEL DRUM
2 a (1) : a natural basin or depression in land (2) : a similar artificial basin (as for evaporating brine) b : a drifting fragment of the flat thin ice that forms in bays or along the shore
3 : HARDPAN 1
4 slang : FACE
5 : a harsh criticism

pan
n. flash in the pan
frying pan
fry pan
out of the frying pan into the fire
oil pan
Pan Africanism
Pan Africanist
Pan African
Pan American
Pan Americanism
Pan Arabism
pan Arabist
pan Arab
Pan Cake
pan out
Pan Slavism
Pan Slavist
Pan Slavic
Peter Pan
Peter Pan collar
salt pan
springform pan
Tin Pan Alley
tube pan
vacuum pan
warming pan
Makgadikgadi Pans

pan
n. transitive verb
1 a : to wash in a pan for the purpose of separating heavy particles b : to separate (as gold) by panning c : to place in a pan
2 : to criticize severely <the show was panned>
intransitive verb
1 : to wash material (as earth or gravel) in a pan in search of metal (as gold)
2 : to yield precious metal in the process of panning ― usually used with out

pan
n. 1 : a betel leaf
2 : a masticatory of betel nut, mineral lime, and pan

pan
n. 1 : the process of panning a motion-picture or video camera
2 : a shot in which the camera is panned

pan
n. transitive verb : to rotate (as a motion-picture camera) so as to keep an object in the picture or secure a panoramic effect
intransitive verb
1 : to pan a motion-picture or video camera
2 of a camera : to undergo panning

pan
n. 1 : all : completely <panchromatic>
2 a : involving all of a (specified) group or region <Pan-American> b : advocating or involving the union of a (specified) group <Pan-Slavism>
3 : whole : general <panleukopenia>

pan out
: TURN OUT especially : SUCCEED <the signs revealed that the experiment wasn't panning out ― Ronald Reagan>

Pan-Africanism
: a movement for the political union of all the African nations
–Pan-Af·ri·can \-kən\ adjective
–Pan-Af·ri·can·ist \-kə-nist\ noun or adjective

Pan-American
: of, relating to, or involving the independent republics of No. and So. America

Pan-Americanism
: a movement for greater cooperation among the Pan-American nations

Pan-Arabism
: a movement for the political union of all Arab nations
–pan-Arab \-'a-rəb, -'er-əb\ adjective
–pan-Ar·ab·ist \-'a-rə-bist, -'er-ə-\ adjective or noun

Pan-Cake
― used for a cosmetic in semimoist cake form

Pan-Slavism
: a political and cultural movement orig. emphasizing the cultural ties between the Slavic peoples but later associated with Russian expansionism
–Pan-Slav·ic \-'sla-vik, -'slä-\ adjective
–Pan-Slav·ist \-'slä-vist, -'sla-\ noun

panacea
n. : a remedy for all ills or difficulties : CURE-ALL
–pan·a·ce·an \-'sē-ən\ adjective

panache
n. 1 : an ornamental tuft (as of feathers) especially on a helmet
2 : dash or flamboyance in style and action : VERVE

panada
n. : a paste of flour or bread crumbs and water or stock used as a base for sauce or a binder for forcemeat or stuffing

Panaji
town & port W India capital of Goa & formerly capital of Portuguese India pop 58,785

Panama
n. 1 country S Central America; a republic; before 1903 part of Colombia area (including Canal Zone) 33,659 sq mi (87,177 sq km), pop 2,839,177
2 or Panama City city & port, its capital, on Gulf of Panama pop 411,549
3 ship canal 51 mi (82 km) cen Panama connecting the Atlantic (Caribbean Sea) & the Pacific (Gulf of Panama)
–Pan·a·ma·ni·an \ˌpa-nə-'mā-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

panama
n. : a lightweight hat of natural-colored straw hand-plaited of narrow strips from the young leaves of the jipijapa also : a machine-made imitation of this

panama
n. Panama City
Panama Red
Panama Canal Zone
Panama Gulf of
Panama Isthmus of

Panama Canal Zone
― see CANAL ZONE

Panama City
1 city & port NW Fla. on Gulf of Mexico pop 36,417
2 ― see PANAMA

Panama Red
: marijuana of a reddish tint that is of Panamanian origin and is held to be very potent

Panama, Gulf of
inlet of the Pacific on S coast of Panama

Panama, Isthmus of
isthmus Central America connecting N. America & S. America & forming Panama (republic)

Panamint Mountains
mountains E Calif. W of Death Valley ― see TELESCOPE PEAK

panatela
: a long slender straight-sided cigar

Panay
island Philippines in the Visayan Islands; chief town Iloilo area 4446 sq mi (11,560 sq km)

pancake
n. : a flat cake made of thin batter and cooked (as on a griddle) on both sides

pancake
n. intransitive verb : to make a pancake landing
transitive verb
1 : to cause to pancake
2 : to knock flat

pancake landing
: a landing in which the airplane is stalled usually unintentionally above the landing surface causing it to drop abruptly in an approximately horizontal position with little forward motion

pancetta
n. : unsmoked bacon used especially in Italian cuisine

panchax
: any of various small brilliantly colored Old World killifishes (genus Aplocheilus) often kept in tropical aquariums

Panchen Lama
: the lama who is the chief spiritual adviser of the Dalai Lama

panchromatic
adj. : sensitive to light of all colors in the visible spectrum <panchromatic film>

pancratium
n. : an ancient Greek athletic contest involving both boxing and wrestling

pancreas
n. : a large lobulated gland of vertebrates that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon
–pan·cre·at·ic \ˌpaŋ-krē-'a-tik, ˌpan-\ adjective

pancreat
: pancreas <pancreatic>

pancreatectomy
n. : surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas
–pan·cre·a·tec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

pancreatic duct
: a duct leading from the pancreas and opening into the duodenum

pancreatic juice
: a clear alkaline secretion of pancreatic enzymes (as trypsin and lipase) that flows into the duodenum and acts on food already acted on by the gastric juice and saliva

pancreatin
n. : a mixture of enzymes from the pancreatic juice also : a preparation containing such a mixture

pancreatitis
n. : inflammation of the pancreas

pancreozymin
: CHOLECYSTOKININ

pancytopenia
n. : an abnormal reduction in the number of erythrocytes, white blood cells, and blood platelets in the blood also : a disorder (as aplastic anemia) characterized by such a reduction

panda
n. 1 : RED PANDA
2 : a large black-and-white mammal (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually classified with the bears (family Ursidae) ― called also giant panda

panda
n. giant panda
lesser panda
panda car
red panda

panda car
British : a police patrol car

pandanus
n. : SCREW PINE also : a fiber made from screw-pine leaves and used for woven products (as mats)

Pandarus
: a Lycian archer in the Trojan War who in medieval legend procures Cressida for Troilus

pandect
n. 1 : a complete code of the laws of a country or system of law
2 : a treatise covering an entire subject

pandemic
n. : occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population <pandemic malaria>

pandemic
n. : a pandemic outbreak of a disease

Pandemonium
n. 1 : the capital of Hell in Milton's Paradise Lost
2 : the infernal regions : HELL
3 not capitalized : a wild uproar : TUMULT

pander
n. : to act as a pander especially : to provide gratification for others' desires <films that pander to the basest emotions>
–pan·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

pander
n. 1 a : a go-between in love intrigues b : PIMP
2 : someone who caters to or exploits the weaknesses of others

pandit
n. : a wise or learned man in India ― often used as an honorary title

pandora
n. : BANDORE

Pandora's box
: a prolific source of troubles

pandowdy
n. : a deep-dish spiced apple dessert sweetened with sugar, molasses, or maple syrup and covered with a rich crust

pandy
British : to punish (a schoolboy) with a blow on the palm of the hand especially with a ferule

pane
n. : a piece, section, or side of something: as a : a framed sheet of glass in a window or door b : one of the sections into which a sheet of postage stamps is cut for distribution
–paned \'pānd\ adjective
–pane·less \-ləs\ adjective

panegyric
n. : a eulogistic oration or writing also : formal or elaborate praise
synonyms see ENCOMIUM
–pan·e·gy·ri·cal \-'jir-i-kəl, -'jī-ri-\ adjective
–pan·e·gy·ri·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

panegyrist
n. : EULOGIST

panel
n. 1 a (1) : a schedule containing names of persons summoned as jurors (2) : the group of persons so summoned (3) : JURY 1 b (1) : a group of persons selected for some service (as investigation or arbitration) <a panel of experts> (2) : a group of persons who discuss before an audience a topic of public interest also : PANEL DISCUSSION (3) : a group of entertainers or guests engaged as players in a quiz or guessing game on a radio or television program
2 : a separate or distinct part of a surface: as a : a fence section : HURDLE b (1) : a thin usually rectangular board set in a frame (as in a door) (2) : a usually sunken or raised section of a surface set off by a margin (3) : a flat usually rectangular piece of construction material (as plywood or precast masonry) made to form part of a surface c : a vertical section of fabric (as a gore) d : COMIC STRIP also : a frame of a comic strip
3 : a thin flat piece of wood on which a picture is painted also : a painting on such a surface
4 a : a section of a switchboard b : a usually vertical mount for controls or dials (as of instruments of measurement)

panel
n. : to furnish or decorate with panels <paneled the living room>

panel
n. flat panel
instrument panel
panel discussion
panel truck
rocker panel
solar panel

panel discussion
: a formal discussion by a panel

panel truck
: a small motortruck with a fully enclosed body

paneling
n. : panels joined in a continuous surface especially : decorative wood panels so joined

panelist
n. : a member of a discussion or advisory panel or of a radio or television panel

panem et circenses
: bread and circuses : provision of the means of life and recreation by government to appease discontent

panetela
variant of panatela

panettone
n. : a usually yeast-leavened bread containing raisins and candied fruit

panfish
n. : a small food fish (as a sunfish) usually taken with hook and line and not available on the market

panfry
: to cook in a frying pan with a small amount of fat

panful
n. : as much or as many as a pan will hold

pang
n. 1 : a brief piercing spasm of pain
2 : a sharp attack of mental anguish <pangs of remorse> <a pang of jealousy struck me ― Graham Greene>

pang
n. : to cause to have pangs : TORMENT

Pang-pu
― see BENGBU

panga
n. : MACHETE

Pangaea
n. hypothetical land area believed to have once connected the landmasses of the southern hemisphere with those of the northern hemisphere ― see GONDWANALAND, LAURASIA

pangenesis
: a disproven hypothetical mechanism of heredity in which the cells throw off particles that collect in the reproductive products or in buds so that the egg or bud contains particles from all parts of the parent
–pan·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

Panglossian
adj. : marked by the view that all is for the best in this best of possible worlds : excessively optimistic

pangola grass
: a rapid-growing perennial grass (Digitaria decumbens) of southern Africa that has been introduced into the southern U.S. as a pasture grass

pangolin
n. : any of a family (Manidae of the order Pholidota) of Asian and African toothless mammals having the body covered dorsally with large imbricated horny scales ― called also scaly anteater

panhandle
n. : a narrow projection of a larger territory (as a state) <the Oklahoma panhandle>

panhandle
intransitive verb : to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : BEG
transitive verb
1 : to accost on the street and beg from
2 : to get by panhandling
–pan·han·dler \-ˌhan(d)-lər, -ˌhan-dəl-ər\ noun

Panhellenic
1 : of or relating to all Greece or all the Greeks
2 : of or relating to the Greek-letter sororities or fraternities in American colleges and universities or to an association representing them

panhuman
: of or relating to all humanity <the panhuman problem of evil ― R. K. Merton>

panic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the mental or emotional state believed induced by the god Pan <panic fear>
2 : of, relating to, or arising from a panic <a wave of panic buying>
3 : of or relating to the god Pan

panic
n. 1 a : a sudden overpowering fright also : acute extreme anxiety b : a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight <widespread panic in the streets> c : a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs that results in a depression of values caused by extreme measures for protection of property (as securities)
2 slang : one that is very funny
synonyms see FEAR
–pan·icky \'pa-ni-kē\ adjective

panic
n. transitive verb
1 : to affect with panic
2 : to cause to laugh uproariously <panic an audience with a gag>
intransitive verb : to be affected with panic

panic
n. panic button
panic disorder
panic grass
panic stricken

panic button
: something setting off a precipitous emergency response <there was no pushing of panic buttons at the White House, no rushing of troops ― J. C. Harsch>

panic disorder
: an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected attacks of panic accompanied by bodily or cognitive symptoms (as shaking, shortness of breath, or feelings of unreality)

panic grass
: any of various grasses (Panicum and related genera) including some important forage and cereal grasses

panic-stricken
: overcome with panic

panicle
n. 1 : a compound racemose inflorescence ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration
2 : a pyramidal loosely branched flower cluster
–pan·i·cled \-kəld\ adjective
–pa·nic·u·late \pa-'ni-kyə-lət, pə-\ adjective

panicum
: any of a large and widely distributed genus (Panicum) of annual and perennial grasses that have 1- to 2-flowered spikelets arranged in a panicle

Panini
n. fl ca 400 B.C. Indian grammarian of Sanskrit

Panipat
city NW India in SE Haryana state pop 261,665

Panjab
― see PUNJAB

Panjabi
n. : PUNJABI 1

panjandrum
n. : a powerful personage or pretentious official

Panjnad
river 50 mi (80 km) Pakistan formed from the combined stream of the Chenab & the Sutlej & flowing SW into the Indus

Pankhurst
Emmeline 1858-1928 née Goulden Eng. suffragist

Pankow
NE suburb of Berlin, Germany; formerly seat of E. German government

panleukopenia
n. : an acute usually fatal epizootic disease especially of cats that is caused by a parvovirus (Feline panleukopenia virus of the genus Parvovirus) and is marked by fever, diarrhea and dehydration, and destruction of white blood cells

panmictic
: of, relating to, or exhibiting panmixia

panmixia
n. : random mating within a breeding population

Panmunjom
village on N. Korea97S. Korea border SE of Kaesong

panne
n. 1 : a silk or rayon velvet with lustrous pile flattened in one direction ― called also panne velvet
2 : a heavy silk or rayon satin with high luster and waxy smoothness

pannier
n. 1 : a large container: as a : a basket often carried on the back of an animal or the shoulders of a person b : one of a pair of packs or baskets hung over the rear wheel of a vehicle (as a bicycle)
2 a : one of a pair of hoops formerly used to expand women's skirts at the sides b : an overskirt draped at the sides of a skirt for an effect of fullness

pannikin
n. British : a small pan or cup

Pannini
Giovanni Paolo 1691-1765 Ital. painter

Pannonia
Roman province SE Europe including territory W of the Danube now in Hungary & adjacent parts of Croatia & Vojvodina

panocha
variant of penuche

Panofsky
Erwin 1892-1968 American (Ger.-born) art historian

panoplied
adj. : dressed in or having a panoply

panoply
n. 1 a : a full suit of armor b : ceremonial attire
2 : something forming a protective covering
3 a : a magnificent or impressive array <the full panoply of a military funeral> b : a display of all appropriate appurtenances <has the panoply of science fiction⋯but it is not true science fiction ― Isaac Asimov>

panoptic
adj. : being or presenting a comprehensive or panoramic view <a panoptic view of the city>

panorama
n. 1 a : CYCLORAMA 1 b : a picture exhibited a part at a time by being unrolled before the spectator
2 a : an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction b : a comprehensive presentation of a subject <a panorama of American history> c : RANGE
3 : a mental picture of a series of images or events
–pan·o·ram·ic \-'ra-mik\ adjective
–pan·o·ram·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

panpipe
n. : a primitive wind instrument consisting of a series of short vertical pipes of graduated length bound together with the mouthpieces in an even row ― often used in plural

pansexual
adj. : exhibiting or implying many forms of sexual expression
–pan·sex·u·al·i·ty \ˌpan-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun

pansy
n. 1 : a garden plant (Viola wittrockiana) derived chiefly from the hybridization of the European Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor) with other wild violets also : its flower
2 a usually disparaging : a weak or effeminate man or boy b usually disparaging : a male homosexual

pansy
n. usually disparaging : EFFEMINATE 1 also : HOMOSEXUAL

pant
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to breathe quickly, spasmodically, or in a labored manner b : to run panting <panting along beside the bicycle> c : to move with or make a throbbing or puffing sound
2 : to long eagerly : YEARN
3 : THROB, PULSATE
transitive verb : to utter with panting : GASP

pant
n. 1 a : a panting breath b : the visible movement of the chest accompanying such a breath
2 : a throbbing or puffing sound

pant
n. 1 : an outer garment covering each leg separately and usually extending from the waist to the ankle ― usually used in plural
2 plural chiefly British : men's underpants
3 plural : PANTIE
–with one's pants down : in an embarrassing position (as of being unprepared to act)

pant
n. : of or relating to pants <a pant leg>

pant
n. : all <pantisocracy>

pant
n. wear the pants
ants in one's pants
beat the pants off
capri pants
cargo pants
fancy pants
harem pants
hot pants
with one's pants down
pants suit
parachute pants
by the seat of one's pants
seat of the pants
smarty pants
tap pants

panta rhei
: all things are in flux

Pantagruel
: the huge son of Gargantua in Rabelais's Pantagruel
–Pan·ta·gru·el·ian \ˌpan-tə-grü-'e-lē-ən, (ˌ)pan-ˌta-grə-'we-\ adjective

pantalets
: long drawers with a ruffle at the bottom of each leg worn especially by women and children in the first half of the 19th century

pantaloon
n. 1 a or pan·ta·lo·ne \-tə-'lō-nē\ capitalized : a character in the commedia dell'arte that is usually a skinny old dotard who wears spectacles, slippers, and a tight-fitting combination of trousers and stockings b : a buffoon in pantomimes
2 plural a : wide breeches worn especially in England during the reign of Charles II b : close-fitting trousers usually having straps passing under the instep and worn especially in the 19th century
3 : loose-fitting usually shorter than ankle-length trousers

Pantar
― see ALOR

pantechnicon
n. British : 3VAN 1

Pantelleria
island Italy in the Mediterranean bet. Sicily & Tunisia

pantheism
n. 1 : a doctrine that equates God with the forces and laws of the universe
2 : the worship of all gods of different creeds, cults, or peoples indifferently also : toleration of worship of all gods (as at certain periods of the Roman empire)
–pan·the·ist \-thē-ist\ noun
–pan·the·is·tic \ˌpan(t)-thē-'is-tik\ also pan·the·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–pan·the·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pantheon
n. 1 : a temple dedicated to all the gods
2 : a building serving as the burial place of or containing memorials to the famous dead of a nation
3 : the gods of a people especially : the officially recognized gods
4 : a group of illustrious or notable persons or things

panther
n. 1 : LEOPARD: as a : a leopard of a hypothetical exceptionally large fierce variety b : a leopard of the black color phase
2 : COUGAR ― compare FLORIDA PANTHER
3 : JAGUAR

pantie
: a woman's or child's undergarment covering the lower trunk and made with closed crotch ― usually used in plural

pantie
pantie girdle
panty hose
panty raid

pantie girdle
: a woman's girdle having a sewed-in or detachable crotch and made with or without garters and bones

pantile
n. 1 : a roofing tile whose cross section is an ogee curve
2 : a roofing tile of which the cross section is an arc of a circle and which is laid with alternate convex and concave surfaces uppermost
–pan·tiled \-ˌtī(-ə)ld\ adjective

pantisocracy
: a utopian community in which all rule equally
–pant·i·so·crat·ic \ˌpan-ˌtī-sə-'kra-tik\ or pant·i·so·crat·i·cal \-'kra-ti-kəl\ adjective
–pant·i·soc·ra·tist \ˌpan-tə-'sä-krə-tist, ˌpan-ˌtī-\ noun

panto
n. British : PANTOMIME 2C

pantofle
: SLIPPER

pantograph
n. 1 : an instrument for copying something (as a map) on a predetermined scale consisting of four light rigid bars jointed in parallelogram form also : any of various extensible devices of similar construction (as for use as brackets or gates)
2 : an electrical trolley carried by a collapsible and adjustable frame
–pan·to·graph·ic \ˌpan-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

pantomime
n. 1 : PANTOMIMIST
2 a : an ancient Roman dramatic performance featuring a solo dancer and a narrative chorus b : any of various dramatic or dancing performances in which a story is told by expressive bodily or facial movements of the performers c : a British theatrical entertainment of the Christmas season based on a nursery tale and featuring topical songs, tableaux, and dances
3 a : conveyance of a story by bodily or facial movements especially in drama or dance b : the art or genre of conveying a story by bodily movements only
–pan·to·mim·ic \ˌpan-tə-'mi-mik\ adjective

pantomime
n. intransitive verb : to engage in pantomime
transitive verb : to represent by pantomime

pantomimist
n. 1 : an actor or dancer in pantomimes
2 : a composer of pantomimes

pantothenate
adj. : a salt or ester of pantothenic acid

pantothenic acid
: a viscous oily acid C_9H_17NO_5 of the vitamin B complex found in all living tissues

pantropical
: occurring or distributed throughout the tropical regions of the earth

pantry
n. 1 : a room or closet used for storage (as of provisions) or from which food is brought to the table
2 : a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order

pantryman
n. : a person in charge of or working in a pantry (as in a hotel or hospital)

pants suit
: PANTSUIT

pantsuit
n. : a woman's ensemble consisting usually of a long jacket and pants of the same material
–pant·suit·ed adjective

panty hose
: a one-piece undergarment for women that consists of hosiery made with a panty-style top ― usually plural in construction

panty raid
: a raid on a women's dormitory by college men usually to obtain panties as trophies

pantywaist
n. 1 : a child's garment consisting of short pants buttoned to a waist
2 : SISSY
–pantywaist adjective

Panuco
river cen Mexico flowing from Hidalgo state NE into Gulf of Mexico

panzer
n. : TANK 3 specifically : a German tank of World War II

panzer division
: a German armored division

Pao
Pao ting
Pao chi
Pao t'ou
kung pao
Pao de Acucar

Pao de Acucar
peak 1296 ft (395 m) SE Brazil in city of Rio de Janeiro on W side of entrance to Guanabara Bay

Pao-chi
― see BAOJI

Pao-t'ou
― see BAOTOU

Pao-ting
― see BAODING

Paoking
― see SHAOYANG

Paoli
Pasquale 1725-1807 Corsican patriot

pap
n. 1 chiefly dialect : NIPPLE, TEAT
2 : something shaped like a nipple

pap
n. 1 : a soft food for infants or invalids
2 : political patronage
3 : something lacking solid value or substance

Pap smear
: a method for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves the staining of exfoliated cells using a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue ― called also Papanicolaou smear Papanicolaou test Pap test

Papa
n. ― a communications code word for the letter p

papa
n. : FATHER

papacy
n. 1 : the office of pope
2 : a succession or line of popes
3 : the term of a pope's reign
4 capitalized : the system of government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the supreme head

Papago
n. : TOHONO O'ODHAM

papain
n. : a protease in the juice of unripe papaya that is used especially as a tenderizer for meat and in medicine (as in the topical debridement of necrotic tissue)

papal
adj. : of or relating to a pope or to the Roman Catholic Church also : resembling a pope or that of a pope
–pa·pal·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb

papal
adj. papal cross
papal infallibility
Papal States

papal cross
: a figure of a cross having a long upright shaft and three crossbars with the longest at or somewhat above its middle and the two other successively shorter crossbars above the longest one ― see CROSS illustration

papal infallibility
: the Roman Catholic doctrine that the pope cannot err when speaking ex cathedra in defining a doctrine of Christian faith or morals

Papal States
temporal domain of the popes in cen Italy 755-1870

Papandreou
Andreas Georgios 1919-1996 prime min. of Greece (1981-89; 1993-96)

Papanicolaou smear
: PAP SMEAR

Papanicolaou test
: PAP SMEAR

paparazzo
n. : a freelance photographer who aggressively pursues celebrities for the purpose of taking candid photographs

papaverine
n. : a crystalline alkaloid C_20H_21NO_4 found in opium or made synthetically that is used usually in the form of its hydrochloride chiefly as an antispasmodic for its ability to relax smooth muscle

papaw
n. variant of pawpaw

papaya
n. : a tropical American tree (Carica papaya of the family Caricaceae, the papaya family) having an oblong to globose yellow edible fruit with numerous black seeds in a central cavity also : its fruit

Papeete
commune & port Society Islands on Tahiti capital of French Polynesia pop 23,555

Papen
Franz von 1879-1969 Ger. diplomat

paper
n. 1 a (1) : a felted sheet of usually vegetable fibers laid down on a fine screen from a water suspension (2) : a similar sheet of other material (as plastic) b : a piece of paper
2 a : a piece of paper containing a written or printed statement : DOCUMENT <pedigree papers> b : a piece of paper containing writing or print c : a formal written composition often designed for publication and often intended to be read aloud <presented a scholarly paper at the meeting> d : a piece of written schoolwork
3 : a paper container or wrapper
4 : NEWSPAPER
5 : the negotiable notes or instruments of commerce
6 : WALLPAPER
7 : TICKETS especially : free passes
8 : PAPERBACK
–on paper
1 : in writing <wants these promises on paper>
2 : in theory <the plan looks good on paper>
3 : figured at face value <on paper the stock was worth nearly a million dollars>

paper
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : to put down or describe in writing
2 : to fold or enclose in paper
3 : to cover or line with paper especially : to apply wallpaper to
4 : to fill by giving out free passes <paper the theater for opening night>
5 : to cover (an area) with advertising bills, circulars, or posters
intransitive verb : to hang wallpaper
–pa·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

paper
n. 1 a : made of paper, cardboard, or papier-mâché <a paper bag> b : PAPERY
2 : of or relating to clerical work or written communication
3 : existing only in theory : NOMINAL <a paper blockade>
4 : admitted by free passes <a paper audience>
5 : finished with a crisp smooth surface similar to that of paper <paper taffeta>

paper
n. Bible paper
blotting paper
bond paper
butcher paper
carbon paper
commercial paper
construction paper
crepe paper
filter paper
funny paper
garnet paper
graph paper
greaseproof paper
green paper
height to paper
India paper
laid paper
litmus paper
manila paper
on paper
paper birch
paper chromatography
paper clip
paper cutter
paper knife
paper money
paper mulberry
paper nautilus
paper over
paper profit
paper thin
paper tiger
paper trail
paper train
paper wasp
position paper
rice paper
run of paper
scratch paper
silver paper
tar paper
term paper
tissue paper
toilet paper
tracing paper
waxed paper
wax paper
white paper
wove paper
writing paper
first papers
ship's papers
walking papers
working papers

paper birch
: a No. American birch (Betula papyrifera) with peeling white bark and toothed ovate leaves

paper chromatography
: chromatography that uses paper strips or sheets as the adsorbent stationary phase through which a solution flows

paper clip
: a length of wire bent into flat loops that is used to hold papers together

paper cutter
1 : PAPER KNIFE
2 : a machine or device for cutting or trimming sheets of paper to required dimensions

paper knife
1 : a knife for slitting envelopes or uncut pages
2 : the knife of a paper cutter

paper money
1 : money consisting of government notes and banknotes
2 : BANK MONEY

paper mulberry
: an Asian tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) of the mulberry family that is widely grown as a shade tree

paper nautilus
: a pelagic cephalopod (genus Argonauta) of which the female has a delicate papery shell

paper over
1 : to gloss over, explain away, or patch up (as major differences or disparities) especially in order to maintain a semblance of unity or agreement
2 : HIDE, CONCEAL

paper profit
: a profit that can be realized only by selling something (as a security) that has appreciated in market value

paper tiger
: one that is outwardly powerful or dangerous but inwardly weak or ineffectual

paper trail
: documents (as financial records or published materials) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned

paper wasp
: a vespid wasp (esp. genus Polistes) that builds a nest of papery material

paper-thin
: extremely thin <paper-thin partitions>

paper-train
: to train (as a dog) to defecate and urinate on paper indoors

paperback
n. : a book with a flexible paper binding
–paperback also pa·per·backed \-ˌbakt\ adjective

paperbark
n. : any of several chiefly Australian trees (genus Melaleuca) of the myrtle family having papery bark especially : CAJEPUT

paperboard
n. : CARDBOARD

paperbound
adj. : PAPERBACK
–paperbound adjective

paperboy
n. : a boy who delivers newspapers : NEWSBOY

paperhanger
n. 1 : one that applies wallpaper
2 slang : one who passes worthless checks

paperhanging
n. : the act of applying wallpaper

paperless
: recording or relaying information by electronic media rather than on paper <paperless offices>

papermaker
: one that makes paper
–pa·per·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

paperweight
n. : a usually small heavy object used to hold down loose papers (as on a desk)

paperwhite
: a polyanthus narcissus bearing clusters of small very fragrant pure white flowers

paperwork
n. : routine clerical or record-keeping work often incidental to a more important task

papery
adj. : resembling paper in thinness or consistency <papery leaves> <papery silk>
–pa·per·i·ness noun

papeterie
: packaged fancy stationery

Paphian
1 often not capitalized : PROSTITUTE
2 : a native or inhabitant of Paphos

Paphian
1 : of or relating to illicit love : WANTON
2 : of or relating to Paphos or its people

Paphlagonia
ancient country & Roman province N Asia Minor bordering on Black Sea
–Paph·la·go·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Paphos
town SW Cyprus on coast 10 mi (16 km) WNW of site of ancient city of Paphos pop 27,800

Papiamento
: a Spanish-based creole language of Netherlands Antilles

papier
n. papier colle
papier collé
papier mache
papier mâché

papier colle
: COLLAGE

papier-mache
: a light strong molding material of wastepaper pulped with glue and other additives

papier-mache
1 : formed of papier-mâché
2 : UNREAL, ARTIFICIAL

papilionaceous
adj. : having a corolla (as in the bean or pea) with usually five petals that include a large upper petal enclosing two lateral wings and a lower carina of two united petals

papilla
n. : a small projecting body part similar to a nipple in form: a : a vascular process of connective tissue extending into and nourishing the root of a hair, feather, or developing tooth ― see HAIR illustration b : any of the vascular protuberances of the dermal layer of the skin extending into the epidermal layer and often containing tactile corpuscles c : any of the small protuberances on the upper surface of the tongue often containing taste buds
–pap·il·lary \'pa-pə-ˌler-ē, esp Brit pə-'pi-lə-rē\ adjective
–pa·pil·late \'pa-pə-ˌlāt, pə-'pi-lət\ adjective
–pa·pil·lose \'pa-pə-ˌlōs, pə-'pi-ˌlōs\ adjective

papilloma
n. : a benign tumor (as a wart) due to overgrowth of epithelial tissue on papillae of vascular connective tissue (as of the skin)
–pap·il·lo·ma·tous \-'lō-mə-təs\ adjective

papillomavirus
: any of a genus (Papillomavirus of the family Papillomaviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses that cause papillomas and are sometimes associated with human cancers of the genital tract and especially of the cervix

papillon
n. : any of a European breed of small slender toy spaniels having large erect heavily fringed ears

papillote
: a greased usually paper wrapper in which food (as meat or fish) is cooked

Papineau
Louis Joseph 1786-1871 Canad. polit.

papist
n. usually disparaging : ROMAN CATHOLIC
–papist adjective usually disparaging

papistry
n. usually disparaging : the Roman Catholic religion

papoose
n. : a young child of American Indian parents

papovavirus
n. : any of a former family (Papovaviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses associated with various tumors of mammals that included the papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses

Pappenheim
Gottfried Heinrich 1594-1632 Graf zu Pappenheim Ger. gen.

pappose
adj. : having or being a pappus

pappus
n. : an appendage or tuft of appendages that crowns the ovary or fruit in various seed plants and functions in dispersal of the fruit

pappy
n. chiefly Southern & Midland : PAPA

paprika
n. : a usually mild red condiment consisting of the dried finely ground pods of various cultivated sweet peppers also : a sweet pepper used for making paprika

Papua
n. 1 ― see NEW GUINEA 1
2 the SE portion of the island of New Guinea; formerly a territory; now part of Papua New Guinea

Papua
n. Papua Gulf of
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinean
West Papua

Papua New Guinea
n. country comprising the E part of the island of New Guinea, Bougainville Is., & the Bismarck Archipelago; before 1975 a U.N. trust territory administered by Australia capital Port Moresby area 178,260 sq mi (461,693 sq km), pop 5,190,736
–Papua New Guinean adjective or noun

Papua, Gulf of
arm of Coral Sea SE New Guinea

Papuan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Papua
2 : a member of any of the native peoples of New Guinea and adjacent areas of Melanesia
3 : any of a heterogeneous group of languages spoken in New Guinea, New Britain, and the Solomon islands
–Papuan adjective

papular
adj. : consisting of or characterized by papules

papule
n. : a small solid usually conical elevation of the skin

papyrology
: the study of papyrus manuscripts
–pap·y·rol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

papyrus
n. 1 : a tall perennial sedge (Cyperus papyrus) of the Nile valley
2 : the pith of the papyrus plant especially when made into strips and pressed into a material to write on
3 a : a writing on papyrus b : a written scroll made of papyrus

par
n. 1 a : the established value of the monetary unit of one country expressed in terms of the monetary unit of another country using the same metal as the standard of value b : the face amount of an instrument of value (as a check or note): as (1) : the monetary value assigned to each share of stock in the charter of a corporation (2) : the principal of a bond
2 : common level : EQUALITY ― usually used with on <judged the recording to be on a par with previous ones>
3 a : an amount taken as an average or norm b : an accepted standard specifically : a usual standard of physical condition or health
4 : the score standard for each hole of a golf course also : a score equal to par
–par adjective
–par for the course : not unusual : NORMAL

par
n. : to score par on (a hole)

par
n. no par
no par value
par for the course
par excellence
par value
par avance
par avion
par exemple
pars pro toto
quorum pars magna fui

par avance
: in advance : by anticipation

par avion
: by airplane ― used on airmail

par excellence
: being the best of a kind : PREEMINENT <a chef par excellence>

par exemple
: for example

par for the course
not unusual : NORMAL

par value
: PAR 1B(1)

Para
n. 1 river 200 mi (322 km) N Brazil, the E mouth of the Amazon
2 state N Brazil S of the Amazon capital Belém area 481,869 sq mi (1,248,041 sq km), pop 6,192,307
3 ― see BELÉM

para
n. 1 a : any of several monetary units of the Turkish Empire b : a coin representing one para
2 [Serbian & Croatian, from Turkish] : a former Yugoslav monetary unit equal to 1/100 dinar

para
n. paragraph

para
n. 1 : beside : alongside of : beyond : aside from <parathyroid> <parenteral>
2 a : closely related to <paraldehyde> b : involving substitution at or characterized by two opposite positions in the benzene ring that are separated by two carbon atoms <paradichlorobenzene>
3 a : faulty : abnormal <paresthesia> b : associated in a subsidiary or accessory capacity <paramedical> c : closely resembling : almost <paratyphoid>

para
n. : parachute <paratrooper>

para
n. : woman delivered of (so many) children <primipara>

para
n. para aminobenzoic acid
para aminosalicylic acid
Para rubber
Para rubber tree
si vis pacem para bellum

Para rubber
: native rubber from So. American rubber trees (genus Hevea and especially H. brasiliensis)

Para rubber tree
: a So. American rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)

para-aminobenzoic acid
: a colorless para-substituted aminobenzoic acid that is a growth factor of the vitamin B complex and is used as a sunscreen ― called also PABA

para-aminosalicylic acid
: the white crystalline para-substituted isomer of aminosalicylic acid that is made synthetically and is used in the treatment of tuberculosis

parabiosis
n. 1 : reversible suspension of obvious vital activities
2 : anatomical and physiological union of two organisms
–para·bi·ot·ic \-'ä-tik\ adjective
–para·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

parable
n. : EXAMPLE specifically : a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle

parabola
n. 1 : a plane curve generated by a point moving so that its distance from a fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line : the intersection of a right circular cone with a plane parallel to an element of the cone
2 : something bowl-shaped (as an antenna or microphone reflector)

parabolic
adj. 1 : expressed by or being a parable : ALLEGORICAL
2 : of, having the form of, or relating to a parabola <motion in a parabolic curve>
–par·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paraboloid
n. : a surface all of whose intersections by planes are either parabolas and ellipses or parabolas and hyperbolas
–pa·rab·o·loi·dal \-ˌra-bə-'lȯi-dəl\ adjective

Paracelsus
n. 1493-1541 pseud. of Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim Swiss-born alchemist & physician

paracetamol
n. British : ACETAMINOPHEN

parachute
n. 1 : a device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person or object is suspended
2 : PATAGIUM
3 : a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation
–para·chut·ic \ˌper-ə-'shü-tik, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective

parachute
n. transitive verb : to convey by means of a parachute
intransitive verb : to descend by means of a parachute

parachute pants
: baggy casual pants of lightweight fabric often with an elastic or drawstring at the waist and the cuffs

parachutist
n. : one that parachutes: as a : PARATROOPER b : a person who parachutes as a sport

Paraclete
n. : HOLY SPIRIT

paracrine
adj. : of, relating to, promoted by, or being a substance secreted by a cell and acting on adjacent cells ― compare AUTOCRINE

parade
n. 1 : a pompous show : EXHIBITION
2 a : the ceremonial formation of a body of troops before a superior officer b : a place where troops assemble regularly for parade
3 a : an informal procession b : a public procession c : a usually lengthy array or succession <a parade of visitors>
4 a : a place for strolling b : those who promenade

parade
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to maneuver or march : MARSHAL
2 : PROMENADE
3 : to exhibit ostentatiously
intransitive verb
1 : to march in or as if in a procession
2 : PROMENADE
3 a : SHOW OFF b : MASQUERADE <myths which parade as modern science ― M. R. Cohen>
synonyms see SHOW
–pa·rad·er noun

paradichlorobenzene
: a white crystalline compound C_6H_4Cl_2 made by chlorinating benzene and used especially as a moth repellent and deodorizer

paradiddle
n. : a quick succession of drumbeats slower than a roll and alternating left- and right-hand strokes in a typical L-R-L-L, R-L-R-R pattern

paradigm
n. 1 : EXAMPLE, PATTERN especially : an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype
2 : an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms
3 : a philosophical and theoretical framework of a scientific school or discipline within which theories, laws, and generalizations and the experiments performed in support of them are formulated broadly : a philosophical or theoretical framework of any kind
–par·a·dig·mat·ic \ˌper-ə-dig-'ma-tik, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective
–par·a·dig·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paradisaical
adj. : PARADISIACAL
–par·a·di·sa·i·cal·ly \-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paradisal
adj. : PARADISIACAL

Paradise
n. 1 town N Calif. N of Sacramento pop 26,408
2 population center Nev. pop 186,070

paradise
n. 1 a : EDEN 2 b : an intermediate place or state where the souls of the righteous await resurrection and the final judgment c : HEAVEN
2 : a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight
–par·a·dis·ial \ˌper-ə-'di-sē-əl, -zē-, ˌpa-rə-\ also par·a·dis·i·cal \-si-kəl, -zi-\ adjective

paradise
n. bird of paradise
fool's paradise
grains of paradise

paradisiacal
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling paradise
–par·a·di·si·a·cal·ly \-də-'sī-ə-k(ə-)lē, -ˌdī-, -'zī-\ adverb

parador
n. : a usually government-operated hostelry found especially in Spain

paradox
n. 1 : a tenet contrary to received opinion
2 a : a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises
3 : one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases

paradoxical
adj. 1 a : of the nature of a paradox b : inclined to paradoxes
2 : not being the normal or usual kind <a paradoxical pulse> <paradoxical drug reactions>
–par·a·dox·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌdäk-si-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–par·a·dox·i·cal·ly \-'däk-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–par·a·dox·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

paradoxical sleep
: REM SLEEP

paraesthesia
n. chiefly British variant of paresthesia

paraffin
n. 1 a : a waxy crystalline flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum, or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, in rubber compounding, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics b : any of various mixtures of similar hydrocarbons including mixtures that are semisolid or oily
2 : ALKANE
3 chiefly British : KEROSENE
–par·af·fin·ic \ˌper-ə-'fi-nik, pa-rə-\ adjective

paraformaldehyde
: a white powder (CH_2O)x that consists of a polymer of formaldehyde and is used especially as a disinfectant

paragenesis
: the formation of minerals in contact in such a manner as to affect one another's development
–para·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective
–para·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paraglider
n. 1 : a modified parachute used for paragliding
2 : a person who paraglides

paragliding
n. : the recreational sport of soaring from a slope or a cliff using a modified parachute
–para·glide \-ˌglīd\ intransitive verb

paragon
n. : a model of excellence or perfection

paragon
n. 1 : to compare with : PARALLEL
2 : to put in rivalry : MATCH
3 obsolete : SURPASS

paragraph
n. 1 a : a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line b : a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph
2 : a character (as ¶) used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark
–par·a·graph·ic \ˌper-ə-'gra-fik, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective

paragraph
n. 1 : to write paragraphs about
2 : to divide into paragraphs
intransitive verb : to write paragraphs

paragrapher
n. : a writer of paragraphs especially for the editorial page of a newspaper

Paraguay
n. 1 river 1584 mi (2549 km) cen S. America flowing from Mato Grosso plateau in Brazil S into Paraná River in Paraguay
2 country cen S. America traversed by Paraguay river; a republic capital Asunción area 157,043 sq mi (406,741 sq km), pop 4,643,000
–Par·a·guay·an \ˌpa-rə-'gwī-ən, -'gwā-\ adjective or noun

Paraiba
n. 1 or Paraíba do Nor·te \dü-'nȯr-tē\ river ab 180 mi (290 km) NE Brazil flowing E into the Atlantic
2 or Paraíba do Sul \dü-'sül\ river ab 600 mi (965 km) SE Brazil flowing NE into the Atlantic
3 state NE Brazil bordering on the Atlantic capital João Pessoa area 20,833 sq mi (53,957 sq km), pop 3,443,825

parainfluenza virus
: any of several paramyxoviruses (genera Respirovirus and Rubulavirus) that are associated with or responsible for some respiratory infections especially in children ― called also parainfluenza

parajournalism
: journalism that is heavily colored by the opinions of the reporter

parakeet
n. : any of numerous usually small slender parrots with a long graduated tail

paralanguage
n. : optional vocal effects (as tone of voice) that accompany or modify the phonemes of an utterance and that may communicate meaning

paraldehyde
n. : a colorless liquid polymer C_6H_12O_3 derived from acetaldehyde and used especially as an anticonvulsant, sedative, and hypnotic

paralegal
n. : of, relating to, or being a paraprofessional who assists a lawyer
–para·le·gal \'par-ə-ˌlē-gəl\ noun

paralinguistics
n. : the study of paralanguage
–para·lin·guis·tic \-tik\ adjective

Paralipomenon
: CHRONICLES

parallactic
adj. : of, relating to, or due to parallax

parallax
n. : the apparent displacement or the difference in apparent direction of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object especially : the angular difference in direction of a celestial body as measured from two points on the earth's orbit

parallel
n. 1 a : extending in the same direction, everywhere equidistant, and not meeting <parallel rows of trees> b : everywhere equally distant <concentric spheres are parallel>
2 a : having parallel sides <a parallel reamer> b : being or relating to an electrical circuit having a number of conductors in parallel c : arranged in parallel <a parallel processor> d : relating to or being a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted over separate channels at the same time <a parallel port> ― compare SERIAL
3 a (1) : similar, analogous, or interdependent in tendency or development (2) : exhibiting parallelism in form, function, or development <parallel evolution> b : readily compared : COMPANION c : having identical syntactical elements in corresponding positions also : being such an element d (1) : having the same tonic ― used of major and minor keys and scales (2) : keeping the same distance apart in musical pitch
4 : performed while keeping one's skis parallel <parallel turns>
synonyms see SIMILAR

parallel
n. 1 a : a parallel line, curve, or surface b : one of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth paralleling the equator and marking the latitude also : the corresponding line on a globe or map ― see LATITUDE illustration c : a character ‖ used in printing especially as a reference mark
2 a : something equal or similar in all essential particulars : COUNTERPART b : SIMILARITY, ANALOGUE
3 : a comparison to show resemblance
4 a : the state of being physically parallel b : an arrangement of electrical devices in a circuit in which the same potential difference is applied to two or more resistances with each resistance being on a different branch of the circuit ― compare SERIES c : an arrangement or state that permits several operations or tasks to be performed simultaneously rather than consecutively
–in parallel : in a parallel arrangement

parallel
n. 1 : to indicate analogy of : COMPARE
2 a : to show something equal to : MATCH b : to correspond to
3 : to place so as to be parallel in direction with something
4 : to extend, run, or move in a direction parallel to

parallel
n. : in a parallel manner

parallel
n. massively parallel
in parallel
parallel bars
parallel veined

parallel bars
1 : a pair of usually wooden bars supported horizontally above the floor at the same height or at different heights usually by a common base and used in gymnastics
2 : an event in gymnastics competition in which even or uneven parallel bars are used

parallel-veined
of a leaf : having veins arranged nearly parallel to one another ― see VENATION illustration ― compare NET-VEINED

parallelepiped
n. : a 6-faced polyhedron all of whose faces are parallelograms lying in pairs of parallel planes

parallelism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being parallel
2 : RESEMBLANCE, CORRESPONDENCE
3 : repeated syntactical similarities introduced for rhetorical effect
4 : a theory that mind and matter accompany one another but are not causally related
5 : the independent development of a similar trait in related species or lineages following divergence from a common ancestor

parallelogram
n. : a quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel and equal

paralogism
n. : a fallacious argument

Paralympics
n. : a series of international contests for athletes with disabilities that are associated with and held following the summer and winter Olympic Games ― called also Paralympic Games
–Para·lym·pi·an \-pē-ən\ noun
–Para·lym·pic \-pik\ adjective

paralyse
v. British variant of paralyze

paralysis
n. 1 : complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body
2 : loss of the ability to move
3 : a state of powerlessness or incapacity to act

paralysis
n. infantile paralysis
general paralysis of the insane
paralysis agitans
spastic paralysis

paralysis agitans
: PARKINSON'S DISEASE

paralytic
n. 1 : affected with, characterized by, or causing paralysis
2 : of, relating to, or resembling paralysis
–par·a·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paralytic
n. : one affected with paralysis

paralyze
v. 1 : to affect with paralysis
2 : to make powerless or ineffective
3 : UNNERVE
4 : STUN, STUPEFY
5 : to bring to an end : PREVENT, DESTROY
–par·a·ly·za·tion \ˌper-ə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌpa-rə-\ noun
–par·a·lyz·er \'per-ə-ˌlī-zər, 'pa-rə-\ noun
–par·a·lyz·ing·ly \-ˌlī-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

paramagnet
n. : a paramagnetic substance

paramagnetic
adj. : being or relating to a magnetizable substance (as aluminum) that has small but positive susceptibility which varies little with magnetizing force
–para·mag·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–para·mag·ne·tism \-'mag-nə-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Paramaribo
n. city & port capital of Suriname on Suriname River pop 200,000

paramecium
n. : any of a genus (Paramecium) of ciliate chiefly freshwater protozoans that have an elongate body rounded at the anterior end and an oblique funnel-shaped buccal groove bearing the mouth at the extremity

paramedic
n. 1 : a person who works in a health field in an auxiliary capacity to a physician (as by giving injections and taking X-rays)
2 : a specially trained medical technician licensed to provide a wide range of emergency services (as defibrillation and the intravenous administration of drugs) before or during transportation to a hospital ― compare EMT

paramedical
adj. : concerned with supplementing the work of highly trained medical professionals <paramedical aides and technicians>

parament
: an ornamental ecclesiastical hanging or vestment

parameter
n. 1 a : an arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (as a family of curves) also : a quantity (as a mean or variance) that describes a statistical population b : an independent variable used to express the coordinates of a variable point and functions of them ― compare PARAMETRIC EQUATION
2 : any of a set of physical properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior of something <parameters of the atmosphere such as temperature, pressure, and density>
3 : something represented by a parameter : a characteristic element broadly : CHARACTERISTIC, ELEMENT, FACTOR <political dissent as a parameter of modern life>
4 : LIMIT, BOUNDARY ― usually used in plural <the parameters of science fiction>
–para·met·ric \ˌpa-rə-'me-trik\ adjective
–para·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

parameterize
: to express in terms of parameters
–pa·ram·e·ter·i·za·tion \-ˌra-mə-tə-rə-'zā-shən, -mə-trə-\ or pa·ram·e·tri·za·tion \-mə-trə-\ noun

parametric equation
: any of a set of equations that express the coordinates of the points of a curve as functions of one parameter or that express the coordinates of the points of a surface as functions of two parameters

paramilitary
n. : of, relating to, being, or characteristic of a force formed on a military pattern especially as a potential auxiliary military force <a paramilitary border patrol> <paramilitary training>
–paramilitary noun

paramnesia
n. : a disorder of memory especially : DÉJÀ VU 1

Paramount
adj. city SW Calif. N of Long Beach pop 55,266

paramount
adj. : superior to all others : SUPREME <a matter of paramount importance>
synonyms see DOMINANT
–par·a·mount·cy \-ˌmau̇n(t)-sē\ noun
–par·a·mount·ly \-ˌmau̇nt-lē\ adverb

paramount
adj. : a supreme ruler

paramour
n. : an illicit lover

Paramus
borough NE N.J. pop 25,737

paramylum
n. : a reserve carbohydrate that is found in various protozoans and algae and resembles starch

paramyxovirus
n. : any of a family (Paramyxoviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses including the causative agents of measles, mumps, and canine distemper

Parana
n. 1 or in upper course Al·to Paraná \'al-(ˌ)tō, 'äl-\ river ab 2500 mi (4022 km) cen S. America flowing from junction of Rio Grande & Paranaíba River in Brazil SSW into the Río de la Plata in Argentina
2 state S Brazil E of Paraná River capital Curitiba area 76,959 sq mi (199,324 sq km), pop 9,563,458
3 city NE Argentina on Paraná River pop 277,338

Paranaiba
river S Brazil flowing SW to unite with the Rio Grande forming Paraná River

parang
n. : a short sword, cleaver, or machete common in Malaysia and Indonesia

paranoia
n. 1 : a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations
2 : a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
–para·noi·ac \-'nȯi-ˌak, -'nȯi-ik\ also para·noic \-'nȯi(-i)k, -'nō-ik\ adjective or noun
–para·noi·cal·ly \-'nȯi(-i)-k(ə-)lē, -'nō-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paranoid
n. 1 : characterized by or resembling paranoia
2 : characterized by suspiciousness, persecutory trends, or megalomania
3 : extremely fearful
–paranoid noun

paranoid schizophrenia
: schizophrenia characterized especially by persecutory or grandiose delusions or hallucinations or by delusional jealousy

paranormal
adj. : not scientifically explainable : SUPERNATURAL
–paranormal noun
–para·nor·mal·i·ty \ˌpa-rə-ˌnȯr-'ma-lə-tē\ noun
–para·nor·mal·ly \-'nȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

paranymph
1 : a friend going with a bridegroom to fetch home the bride in ancient Greece also : the bridesmaid conducting the bride to the bridegroom
2 a : BEST MAN b : BRIDESMAID

parapet
n. 1 : a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone to protect soldiers
2 : a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge ― called also parapet wall
–par·a·pet·ed \-ˌpe-təd\ adjective

paraph
n. : a flourish at the end of a signature

paraphernalia
n. 1 : the separate real or personal property of a married woman that she can dispose of by will and sometimes according to common law during her life
2 : personal belongings
3 a : articles of equipment : FURNISHINGS b : accessory items : APPURTENANCES

paraphilia
n. : a pattern of recurring sexually arousing mental imagery or behavior that involves unusual and especially socially unacceptable sexual practices (as sadism or pedophilia)
–para·phil·iac \-'fi-lē-ˌak\ or para·phil·ic \-'fi-lik\ adjective or noun

paraphrase
n. 1 : a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form
2 : the use or process of paraphrasing in studying or teaching composition

paraphrase
intransitive verb : to make a paraphrase
transitive verb : to make a paraphrase of
–para·phras·able \ˌper-ə-'frā-zə-bəl, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective
–para·phras·er noun

paraphrastic
adj. : having the nature of or being a paraphrase
–para·phras·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paraphysis
n. : one of the slender sterile filaments borne among the sporogenous or gametogenous organs in certain ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi

paraplegia
n. : paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs
–para·ple·gic \-jik\ adjective or noun

parapodium
1 : either of a pair of fleshy lateral processes borne by most segments of a polychaete worm
2 : a lateral expansion on each side of the foot usually forming a broad swimming organ in some gastropods
–para·po·di·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

paraprofessional
n. : a trained aide who assists a professional person (as a teacher or doctor)
–paraprofessional adjective

parapsychology
n. : a field of study concerned with the investigation of evidence for paranormal psychological phenomena (as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis)
–para·psy·cho·log·i·cal \-ˌsī-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–para·psy·chol·o·gist \-(ˌ)sī-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

paraquat
n. : a highly toxic contact herbicide containing a salt of a cation [C_12H_14N_2]2+

pararescue
: a search and rescue mission by specially trained personnel who can parachute to the site <a pararescue team>
–para·res·cue·man \-ˌman, -mən\ noun
–para·res·cu·er \-ər\ noun

pararosaniline
n. : a white crystalline base C_19H_19N_3O that is the parent compound of many dyes also : its red chloride used especially as a biological stain

parasailing
n. : the recreational sport of soaring in a parachute while being towed usually by a motorboat

parasang
: any of various Persian units of distance especially : an ancient unit of about four miles (six kilometers)

parasexual
adj. : relating to or being reproduction that results in recombination of genes from different individuals but does not involve meiosis and formation of a zygote by fertilization as in sexual reproduction <the parasexual cycle in some fungi>
–para·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun

parashah
: a passage in Jewish Scripture dealing with a single topic specifically : a section of the Torah assigned for weekly reading in synagogue worship

parasite
n. 1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return
–par·a·sit·ic \ˌper-ə-'si-tik, ˌpa-rə-\ also par·a·sit·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–par·a·sit·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms PARASITE, SYCOPHANT, TOADY, LEECH, SPONGE mean a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker. PARASITE applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society <a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites>. SYCOPHANT adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation <a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants>. TOADY emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker <cultivated leaders of society and became their toady>. LEECH stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage <a leech living off his family and friends>. SPONGE stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger <a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout>.

parasiticidal
adj. : destructive to parasites
–par·a·sit·i·cide \-'si-tə-ˌsīd\ noun

parasitise
v. British variant of parasitize

parasitism
n. 1 : the behavior of a parasite
2 : an intimate association between organisms of two or more kinds especially : one in which a parasite obtains benefits from a host which it usually injures
3 : PARASITOSIS

parasitize
v. : to infest or live on or with as a parasite
–par·a·sit·i·za·tion \ˌper-ə-sə-tə-'zā-shən, -ˌsī-, ˌpa-rə-\ noun

parasitoid
n. : an insect and especially a wasp that completes its larval development within the body of another insect eventually killing it and is free-living as an adult
–parasitoid adjective

parasitology
: a branch of biology dealing with parasites and parasitism especially among animals
–par·a·si·to·log·i·cal \-ˌsi-tə-'lä-ji-kəl, -ˌsī-\ also par·a·si·to·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–par·a·si·to·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–par·a·si·tol·o·gist \-sə-'tä-lə-jist, -ˌsī-\ noun

parasitosis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by parasites

parasol
n. : a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

parasympathetic
adj. : of, relating to, being, or acting on the parasympathetic nervous system

parasympathetic
adj. 1 : a parasympathetic nerve
2 : PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

parasympathetic nervous system
: the part of the autonomic nervous system that contains chiefly cholinergic fibers, that tends to induce secretion, to increase the tone and contractility of smooth muscle, and to slow heart rate, and that consists of a cranial and a sacral part ― compare SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

parasympathomimetic
adj. : simulating parasympathetic nervous action in physiological effect

parasynthesis
n. : the formation of words by adding a derivative ending and prefixing a particle (as in denationalize)
–para·syn·thet·ic \-sin-'the-tik\ adjective

paratactic
: of or relating to parataxis
–para·tac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

parataxis
n. : the placing of clauses or phrases one after another without coordinating or subordinating connectives

parathion
n. : an extremely toxic insecticide C_10H_14NO_5PS

parathormone
: PARATHYROID HORMONE

parathyroid
n. : PARATHYROID GLAND

parathyroid
n. : of, relating to, or produced by the parathyroid glands

parathyroid gland
: any of usually four small endocrine glands that are adjacent to or embedded in the thyroid gland and produce parathyroid hormone

parathyroid hormone
: a hormone of the parathyroid gland that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body

parathyroidectomy
n. : partial or complete excision of the parathyroid glands
–para·thy·roid·ec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

paratransit
: transportation service that supplements larger public transit systems by providing individualized rides without fixed routes or timetables

paratrooper
n. : a member of the paratroops

paratroops
n. : troops trained and equipped to parachute from an airplane
–para·troop \-ˌtrüp\ adjective

paratus
n. ad utrumque paratus
in omnia paratus
in utrumque paratus
semper paratus

paratyphoid
n. 1 : resembling typhoid fever
2 : of or relating to paratyphoid or its causative organisms <paratyphoid infection>

paratyphoid
n. : a salmonellosis that resembles typhoid fever and is commonly contracted by eating contaminated food ― called also paratyphoid fever

paravane
n. : a torpedo-shaped protective device with serrate teeth in its forward end used underwater by a ship in mined areas to sever the moorings of mines

parboil
v. : to boil briefly as a preliminary or incomplete cooking procedure

parbuckle
n. : a purchase for hoisting or lowering a cylindrical object by making fast the middle of a long rope aloft and looping both ends around the object which rests in the loops and rolls in them as the ends are hauled up or paid out also : a single line made fast at one end and passed around an object that is used similarly
–parbuckle transitive verb

Parcae
: FATE 4

parcel
n. 1 a : FRAGMENT, PORTION b : a volume of a fluid (as air) considered as a single entity within a greater volume of the same fluid
2 : a tract or plot of land
3 : a company, collection, or group of persons, animals, or things : LOT <the whole story was a parcel of lies>
4 a : a wrapped bundle : PACKAGE b : a unit of salable merchandise

parcel
n. archaic : PARTLY

parcel
n. : PART-TIME, PARTIAL

parcel
n. 1 : to divide into parts : DISTRIBUTE ― often used with out
2 : to make up into a parcel : WRAP
3 : to cover (as a rope) with strips of canvas or tape

parcel post
1 : a mail service handling parcels
2 : packages handled by parcel post

parcenary
n. : COPARCENARY 1

parcener
n. : COPARCENER

parch
v. transitive verb
1 : to toast under dry heat
2 : to shrivel with heat
3 : to dry or shrivel with cold
intransitive verb : to become dry or scorched

parched
adj. : deprived of natural moisture also : THIRSTY

Parcheesi
― used for a board game adapted from pachisi

parchment
n. 1 : the skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on
2 : strong, tough, and often somewhat translucent paper made to resemble parchment
3 : a parchment manuscript also : an academic diploma

pard
n. : LEOPARD

pard
n. chiefly dialect : PARTNER, CHUM

pardie
archaic ― used as a mild oath

pardner
chiefly dialect : PARTNER, CHUM

pardon
n. 1 : INDULGENCE 1
2 : the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty
3 a : a release from the legal penalties of an offense b : an official warrant of remission of penalty
4 : excuse or forgiveness for a fault, offense, or discourtesy <I beg your pardon>

pardon
n. 1 a : to absolve from the consequences of a fault or crime b : to allow (an offense) to pass without punishment : FORGIVE c : to relieve of a penalty improperly assessed
2 : TOLERATE
synonyms see EXCUSE

pardonable
adj. : admitting of being pardoned : EXCUSABLE <pardonable offenses>
–par·don·able·ness noun
–par·don·ably \-blē\ adverb

pardoner
n. 1 : a medieval preacher delegated to raise money for religious works by soliciting offerings and granting indulgences
2 : one that pardons

Pardubice
city cen Czech Republic in Bohemia on the Elbe E of Prague pop 160,988

pare
v. 1 : to trim off an outside, excess, or irregular part of <pare apples> <paring his nails>
2 : to diminish or reduce by or as if by paring <pare expenses> <the novel was pared down to 200 pages>
–par·er noun

paregoric
n. : camphorated tincture of opium used especially to relieve pain

parenchyma
n. 1 : the essential and distinctive tissue of an organ or an abnormal growth as distinguished from its supportive framework
2 : a tissue of higher plants that consists of thin-walled living photosynthetic or storage cells capable of division even when mature and that makes up much of the substance of leaves and roots, the pulp of fruits, and parts of stems and supporting structures
–pa·ren·chy·mal \pə-'reŋ-kə-məl, ˌpa-rən-'kī\ adjective
–par·en·chy·ma·tous \ˌpa-rən-'kī-mə-təs, -'ki-\ adjective

parent
n. 1 a : one that begets or brings forth offspring b : a person who brings up and cares for another
2 a : an animal or plant that is regarded in relation to its offspring b : the material or source from which something is derived c : a group from which another arises and to which it usually remains subsidiary <a parent company>
–parent adjective
–pa·ren·tal \pə-'ren-təl\ adjective
–pa·ren·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
–par·ent·less \'per-ənt-ləs\ adjective

parent
n. : to be or act as the parent of : ORIGINATE, PRODUCE
intransitive verb : to be or act as a parent

parent-teacher association
: an organization of local groups of teachers and the parents of their pupils that works for the improvement of the schools and the benefit of the pupils

parentage
n. 1 a : descent from parents or ancestors : LINEAGE <a person of noble parentage> b : DERIVATION, ORIGIN <a tradition of uncertain parentage>
2 : PARENTHOOD

parenteral
adj. : situated or occurring outside the intestine especially : introduced otherwise than by way of the intestines
–par·en·ter·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

parenthesis
1 a : an amplifying or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation b : a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : DIGRESSION
2 : INTERLUDE, INTERVAL
3 : one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression
–par·en·thet·i·cal \ˌper-ən-'the-ti-kəl, pa-rən-\ also par·en·thet·ic \-tik\ adjective
–par·en·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

parenthesize
v. : to make a parenthesis of : enclose within parentheses

parenthood
n. : the state of being a parent specifically : the position, function, or standing of a parent

parenting
n. 1 : the raising of a child by its parents
2 : the act or process of becoming a parent
3 : the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

paresis
n. 1 : slight or partial paralysis
2 : GENERAL PARESIS
–pa·ret·ic \pə-'re-tik\ adjective or noun

paresthesia
n. : a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin that has no objective cause
–par·es·thet·ic \-'the-tik\ adjective

Pareto
n. Vilfredo 1848-1923 Ital. econ. & sociol.

pareu
n. : a wraparound skirt usually made from a rectangular piece of printed cloth and worn by men and women throughout Polynesia

pareve
: made without milk, meat, or their derivatives <pareve margarine> ― compare FLEISHIG, MILCHIG

parfait
n. 1 : a flavored custard containing whipped cream and syrup frozen without stirring
2 : a cold dessert made of layers of fruit, syrup, ice cream, and whipped cream

parfait glass
: a tall narrow glass with a short stem

parfleche
n. 1 : a raw hide soaked in lye to remove the hair and dried
2 : an article (as a bag or case) made of parfleche

parfocal
: being or having lenses or lens sets (as eyepieces) with the corresponding focal points all in the same plane
–par·fo·cal·i·ty \ˌpär-fō-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–par·fo·cal·ize \ˌpär-'fō-kə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

parge
: PARGET

parget
n. : to coat with plaster especially : to apply ornamental or waterproofing plaster to

parget
n. 1 : plaster, whitewash, or roughcast for coating a wall
2 : plasterwork especially in raised ornamental figures on walls

pargyline
n. : a monoamine oxidase inhibitor C_11H_13N that is used in the form of its hydrochloride especially as an antihypertensive agent

parhelic circle
: a luminous circle or halo parallel to the horizon at the altitude of the sun ― called also parhelic ring

parhelion
n. : any of several bright spots often tinged with color that often appear on the parhelic circle ― called also sun dog
–par·he·lic \-'hē-lik\ adjective

pari passu
: at an equal rate or pace

pari-mutuel
1 : a betting pool in which those who bet on competitors finishing in the first three places share the total amount bet minus a percentage for the management
2 : a machine for registering the bets and computing the payoffs in pari-mutuel betting

Paria Peninsula
peninsula NE Venezuela

Paria, Gulf of
inlet of the Atlantic bet. Trinidad & Venezuela

pariah
n. 1 : a member of a low caste of southern India
2 : one that is despised or rejected : OUTCAST

Parian
n. : of or relating to the island of Paros noted for its marble used extensively for sculpture in ancient times

parian
n. : a porcelain composed essentially of kaolin and feldspar and usually used unglazed in ornamental articles

Parian ware
1 : PARIAN
2 : articles made of parian

Paricutin
volcano ab 9100 ft (2775 m) SW Mexico in NW Michoacán; first eruption 1943

Parida, La
― see BOLÍVAR (Cerro)

parietal
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the walls of a part or cavity b : of, relating to, or forming the upper posterior wall of the head
2 : attached to the main wall rather than the axis or a cross wall of a plant ovary ― used of an ovule or a placenta
3 : of or relating to college living or its regulation especially : of or relating to parietals

parietal
adj. 1 : a parietal part (as a bone, scale, or plate)
2 plural : the regulations governing the visiting privileges of members of the opposite sex in campus dormitories

parietal
adj. parietal bone
parietal cell
parietal lobe

parietal bone
: either of a pair of bones of the roof of the skull between the frontal bones and the occipital bones

parietal cell
: any of the large oval cells of the gastric mucous membrane that secrete hydrochloric acid

parietal lobe
: the middle division of each cerebral hemisphere that contains an area concerned with bodily sensations

paring
n. 1 : the act of cutting away an edge or surface
2 : something pared off <apple parings>

paring knife
: a small short-bladed knife (as for paring fruit)

Paris
n. : a son of Priam whose abduction of Helen leads to the Trojan War

Paris
n. (Bruno-Paulin-) Gaston 1839-1903 Fr. philologist

Paris
n. Matthew d 1259 Eng. monk & hist.

Paris
n. 1 city NE Tex. pop 25,898
2 or ancient Lu·te·tia \lü-'tē-sh(ē-)ə\ city capital of France on the Seine pop 2,125,851
–Pa·ri·sian \pə-'ri-zhən, -'rē-\ adjective or noun

Paris green
1 : a very poisonous green copper and arsenic compound C_4H_6As_6Cu_4O_16 used especially formerly as an insecticide and pigment
2 : a brilliant yellowish green

parish
n. 1 a (1) : the ecclesiastical unit of area committed to one pastor (2) : the residents of such an area b British : a subdivision of a county often coinciding with an original ecclesiastical parish and constituting the unit of local government
2 : a local church community composed of the members or constituents of a Protestant church
3 : a civil division of the state of Louisiana corresponding to a county in other states

parishioner
n. : a member or inhabitant of a parish

parity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being equal or equivalent
2 a : equivalence of a commodity price expressed in one currency to its price expressed in another b : equality of purchasing power established by law between different kinds of money at a given ratio
3 : an equivalence between farmers' current purchasing power and their purchasing power at a selected base period maintained by government support of agricultural commodity prices
4 a : the property of an integer with respect to being odd or even <3 and 7 have the same parity> b (1) : the state of being odd or even used as the basis of a method of detecting errors in binary-coded data (2) : PARITY BIT
5 : the property of oddness or evenness of a quantum mechanical function
6 : the symmetry of behavior in an interaction of a physical entity (as a subatomic particle) with that of its mirror image

parity
n. : the state or fact of having borne offspring also : the number of children previously borne

parity bit
: a bit added to an array of bits (as on magnetic tape) to provide parity

Park
n. Mungo 1771-1806 Scot. explorer

park
n. 1 a : an enclosed piece of ground stocked with game and held by royal prescription or grant b : a tract of land that often includes lawns, woodland, and pasture attached to a country house and is used as a game preserve and for recreation
2 a : a piece of ground in or near a city or town kept for ornament and recreation b : an area maintained in its natural state as a public property
3 a : a space occupied by military vehicles, materials, or animals b : PARKING LOT
4 : an enclosed arena or stadium used especially for ball games
5 : an area designed for a specified type of use (as industrial, commercial, or residential use) <amusement parks> <an industrial park> <a mobile home park>
–park·like \'pärk-ˌlīk\ adjective

park
n. 1 : to enclose in a park
2 a (1) : to bring (a vehicle) to a stop and keep standing at the edge of a public way (2) : to leave temporarily on a public way or in a parking lot or garage b : to land and leave (as an airplane) c : to establish (as a satellite) in orbit
3 a : to set and leave temporarily <parked his book on the chair> b : to place, settle, or establish especially for a considerable time <kids parked in front of the TV> <parked her money in a savings account>
intransitive verb : to park a vehicle
–park·er noun

park
n. amusement park
car park
double park
memorial park
national park
theme park
trailer park
vest pocket park
walk in the park
water park
Park Chung Hee
Acadia National Park
Allen Park
American Samoa National Park
Arches National Park
Aulavik National Park
Auyuittuq National Park
Badlands National Park
Baldwin Park
Banff National Park
Bethel Park
Brooklyn Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Buena Park
Canyonlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Cedar Park
Channel Islands National Park
Cliffside Park
College Park
Deer Park
Denali Denali National Park
Elk Island National Park
Elmwood Park
Estes Park
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Forillon National Park
Fundy National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Glacier National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Grasslands National Park
Great Basin National Park
Gros Morne National Park
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Hanover Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Highland Park
Huntington Park
Ivvavik National Park
Jasper National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Katmai National Park
Kejimkujik National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kluane National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kootenay National Park
Kouchibouguac National Park
Kruger National Park
Lake Clark National Park
La Mauricie National Park
Lincoln Park
Melrose Park
Menlo Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Mingan Archipelago National Park
Monterey Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Nahanni National Park
North Cascades National Park
Oakland Park
Oak Park
Olympic National Park
Orland Park
Overland Park
Pacific Rim National Park
Park Forest
Park Ridge
Petrified Forest National Park
Pinellas Park
Point Pelee National Park
Prince Albert National Park
Prince Edward Island National Park
Pukaskwa National Park
Quttinirpaaq National Park
Redwood National Park
Riding Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rohnert Park
Saguaro National Park
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Saint Louis Park
Sequoia National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Sirmilik National Park
South Moresby National Park
Terra Nova National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Tinley Park
Tuktut Nogait National Park
University Park
Virgin Islands National Park
Voyageurs National Park
Vuntut National Park
Wapusk National Park
Winter Park
Wood Buffalo National Park
Wrangell Saint Elias National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yoho National Park
Zion National Park
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
parking brake
parking lot
parking meter
valet parking
nosey parker

Park Chung Hee
1917-1979 So. Korean leader (1961-79) & pres. (1963-79)

Park Forest
village NE Ill. S of Chicago pop 23,462

Park Ridge
city NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 37,775

parka
n. 1 : a hooded fur pullover garment for arctic wear
2 : a usually lined fabric outerwear pullover or jacket

Parker
n. Charlie 1920-1955 Charles Parker, Jr.; Bird or Yardbird American jazz musician

Parker
n. Dorothy 1893-1967 née Rothschild American writer

Parker
n. Sir Gilbert 1862-1932 Canad. author

Parker
n. Matthew 1504-1575 Eng. theol.

Parker
n. Theodore 1810-1860 American Unitarian clergyman

Parker
n. town E cen Colo. SSE of Denver pop 23,558

Parkersburg
city NW W.Va. pop 33,099

Parkes
Sir Henry 1815-1896 Austral. statesman

parking brake
: EMERGENCY BRAKE

parking lot
: an area used for the parking of motor vehicles

parking meter
: a coin-operated device which registers the purchase of parking time for a motor vehicle

Parkinson
n. Parkinson's Law
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's syndrome

Parkinson's disease
: a chronic progressive neurological disease chiefly of later life that is linked to decreased dopamine production in the substantia nigra and is marked especially by tremor of resting muscles, rigidity, slowness of movement, impaired balance, and a shuffling gait ― called also paralysis agitans Parkinson's Parkinson's syndrome

Parkinson's Law
1 : an observation in office organization: the number of subordinates increases at a fixed rate regardless of the amount of work produced
2 : an observation in office organization: work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion

parkinsonian
n. 1 : of or similar to that of parkinsonism
2 : affected with parkinsonism and especially Parkinson's disease

parkinsonism
n. 1 : PARKINSON'S DISEASE
2 : a neurological disorder resembling Parkinson's disease

parkland
n. : land with clumps of trees and shrubs in cultivated condition used as or suitable for use as a park

Parkman
Francis 1823-1893 American hist.

Parks
n. Rosa 1913-     née McCauley American civil rights activist

parkway
n. : a broad landscaped thoroughfare

parlance
n. 1 : SPEECH especially : formal debate or parley
2 : manner or mode of speech : IDIOM

parlando
adj. : delivered or performed in a style suggestive of speech ― used as a direction in music

parlay
n. 1 : to bet in a parlay
2 a : to exploit successfully b : to increase or otherwise transform into something of much greater value

parlay
n. : a series of two or more bets so set up in advance that the original stake plus its winnings are risked on the successive wagers broadly : the fresh risking of an original stake together with its winnings

parle
archaic : PARLEY
–parle noun archaic

Parley
n. Peter ― see Samuel Griswold GOODRICH

parley
n. : to speak with another : CONFER specifically : to discuss terms with an enemy

parley
n. 1 a : a conference for discussion of points in dispute b : a conference with an enemy
2 : DISCUSSION

parliament
n. 1 : a formal conference for the discussion of public affairs specifically : a council of state in early medieval England
2 a : an assemblage of the nobility, clergy, and commons called together by the British sovereign as the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom b : a similar assemblage in another nation or state
3 a : the supreme legislative body of a usually major political unit that is a continuing institution comprising a series of individual assemblages b : the British House of Commons
4 : one of several principal courts of justice existing in France before the Revolution of 1789

parliamentarian
n. 1 often capitalized : an adherent of the parliament in opposition to the king during the English Civil War
2 : an expert in the rules and usages of a deliberative assembly (as a parliament)
3 : a member of a parliament

parliamentary
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a parliament b : enacted, done, or ratified by a parliament
2 : of or adhering to the parliament as opposed to the king during the English Civil War
3 : of, based on, or having the characteristics of parliamentary government
4 : of or relating to members of a parliament
5 : of or according to parliamentary law <parliamentary procedure>

parliamentary government
: a system of government having the real executive power vested in a cabinet composed of members of the legislature who are individually and collectively responsible to the legislature

parliamentary law
: the rules and precedents governing the proceedings of deliberative assemblies and other organizations

parlor
n. 1 : a room used primarily for conversation or the reception of guests: as a : a room in a private dwelling for the entertainment of guests b : a conference chamber or private reception room c : a room in an inn, hotel, or club for conversation or semiprivate uses
2 : any of various business places <a funeral parlor> <a beauty parlor>

parlor
n. 1 : used in or suitable for a parlor <parlor furniture>
2 a : fostered or advocated in comfortable seclusion without consequent action or application to affairs <parlor bolshevism> b : given to or characterized by fostering or advocating something (as a doctrine) in such a manner <parlor socialist>

parlor
n. sun parlor
beauty parlor
funeral parlor
massage parlor
parlor car
parlor game
parlor grand

parlor car
: an extra-fare railroad passenger car for day travel equipped with individual chairs

parlor game
: a game suitable for playing indoors

parlor grand
: a grand piano intermediate in length between a concert grand and a baby grand

parlour
n. chiefly British variant of parlor

parlous
adj. 1 obsolete : dangerously shrewd or cunning
2 : full of danger or risk : HAZARDOUS <the parlous state of the country>
–par·lous·ly adverb

Parma
n. 1 city NE Ohio S of Cleveland pop 85,655
2 commune N Italy in Emilia-Romagna pop 170,031

Parmenides
b ca 515 B.C. Greek philos.

Parmesan
n. : a very hard dry sharply flavored cheese that is sold grated or in wedges

parmigiana
adj. : made or covered with Parmesan cheese <veal parmigiana>

Parmigianino
1503-1540 Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzuoli or Mazzola Ital. painter

Parnaiba
river NE Brazil flowing NE into the Atlantic

Parnassian
n. 1 [Latin parnassius of Parnassus, from Greek parnasios, from Parnasos Parnassus, mountain in Greece sacred to Apollo and the Muses] : of or relating to poetry
2 [French parnassien, from Parnasse Parnassus; from Le Parnasse contemporain (1866), an anthology of poetry] : of or relating to a school of French poets of the second half of the 19th century emphasizing metrical form rather than emotion
–Parnassian noun

Parnassus
n. mountain 8061 ft (2457 m) cen Greece N of Gulf of Corinth

Parnell
Charles Stewart 1846-1891 Irish nationalist

parochial
adj. 1 : of or relating to a church parish
2 : of or relating to a parish as a unit of local government
3 : confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish : limited in range or scope (as to a narrow area or region) : PROVINCIAL, NARROW
–pa·ro·chi·al·ly \-kē-ə-lē\ adverb

parochial school
: a private school maintained by a religious body usually for elementary and secondary instruction

parochialism
n. : the quality or state of being parochial especially : selfish pettiness or narrowness (as of interests, opinions, or views)

parodist
n. : a writer of parodies

parody
n. 1 : a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule
2 : a feeble or ridiculous imitation
synonyms see CARICATURE
–pa·rod·ic \pə-'rä-dik, pa-\ adjective
–par·o·dis·tic \ˌper-ə-'dis-tik, 'pa-rə-\ adjective

parody
n. 1 : to compose a parody on <parody a poem>
2 : to imitate in the manner of a parody

parol
adj. : WORD OF MOUTH
–parol adjective

parole
n. 1 : a promise made with or confirmed by a pledge of one's honor especially : the promise of a prisoner of war to fulfill stated conditions in consideration of his release
2 : a watchword given only to officers of the guard and of the day
3 : a conditional release of a prisoner serving an indeterminate or unexpired sentence
4 a : language viewed as a specific individual usage : PERFORMANCE b : a linguistic act ― compare LANGUE
–parole adjective

parole
n. : to release (a prisoner) on parole

parolee
n. : one released on parole

paronomasia
n. : a play on words : PUN
–par·o·no·mas·tic \-'mas-tik\ adjective

paronym
n. : a paronymous word

paronymous
1 : CONJUGATE 4
2 a : formed from a word in another language b : having a form similar to that of a cognate foreign word

Paros
island Greece in cen Cyclades W of Naxos area 75 sq mi (194 sq km)

parotid
n. : of or relating to the parotid gland

parotid gland
: a serous salivary gland situated on each side of the face below and in front of the ear

parotitis
n. : inflammation of the parotid glands also : MUMPS

parous
adj. : having produced offspring

parous
adj. : giving birth to : producing <multiparous>

Parousia
n. : SECOND COMING

paroxetine
: a drug C_19H_20FNO_3 that enhances serotonin activity and is usually administered in the form of its hydrochloride to treat depression

paroxysm
n. 1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : CONVULSION <a paroxysm of coughing>
2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST <a paroxysm of rage>
–par·ox·ys·mal \ˌpa-rək-'siz-məl also pə-ˌräk-\ adjective

parquet
n. 1 : to furnish with a floor of parquet
2 : to make of parquetry

parquet
n. 1 a : a patterned wood surface (as flooring or paneling) especially : one made of parquetry b : PARQUETRY
2 : the main floor of a theater specifically : the part from the front of the stage to the parquet circle

parquet circle
: the part of the main floor of a theater that is beneath the galleries

parquetry
n. : work in the form of usually geometrically patterned wood laid or inlaid especially for floors

Parr
n. Catherine ― see CATHERINE

parr
n. : a young salmon actively feeding in freshwater

Parramatta
n. city SE Australia, W suburb of Sydney, on Parramatta River (estuary W arm of Port Jackson) pop 132,798

parrel
n. : a rope loop or sliding collar by which a yard or spar is held to a mast in such a way that it may be hoisted or lowered

parricidal
adj. : of, relating to, or guilty of parricide

parricide
n. 1 [Latin parricida killer of a close relative, from parri- (perh. akin to Greek pēos kinsman by marriage) + -cida -cide] : one that murders his or her father, mother, or a close relative
2 [Latin parricidium murder of a close relative, from parri- + -cidium -cide] : the act of a parricide

Parrington
Vernon Louis 1871-1929 American lit. hist.

Parris Island
island S S.C. in Port Royal Sound

Parrish
Maxfield Frederick 1870-1966 American painter

parrot
n. 1 : any of numerous widely distributed tropical birds (order Psittaciformes and especially family Psittacidae) that are often crested and brightly colored, have a distinctive stout hooked bill and zygodactyl feet, and include some excellent mimics
2 : a person who sedulously echoes another's words
–parrot adjective

parrot
n. : to repeat by rote

parrot fever
: PSITTACOSIS

parrot fish
: any of a family (Scaridae) of usually brightly colored chiefly tropical marine fishes that have the teeth in each jaw fused into a cutting plate resembling a beak

parry
n. intransitive verb
1 : to ward off a weapon or blow
2 : to evade or turn aside something
transitive verb
1 : to ward off (as a blow)
2 : to evade especially by an adroit answer <parried the question>
–parry noun

Parry Islands
islands Canada in Arctic Archipelago in Arctic Ocean N of Victoria Is.

pars pro toto
: part (taken) for the whole

parse
n. transitive verb
1 a : to resolve (as a sentence) into component parts of speech and describe them grammatically b : to describe grammatically by stating the part of speech and explaining the inflection and syntactical relationships
2 : to examine in a minute way : analyze critically <having trouble parsing⋯explanations for dwindling market shares ― R. S. Anson>
intransitive verb
1 : to give a grammatical description of a word or a group of words
2 : to admit of being parsed

parse
n. : a product or an instance of parsing

parsec
n. : a unit of measure for interstellar space that is equal to 3.26 light-years and is the distance to an object having a parallax of one second as seen from points separated by one astronomical unit

parser
n. : one that parses specifically : a computer program that breaks down text into recognized strings of characters for further analysis

Parsi
1 : a Zoroastrian descended from Persian refugees settled principally at Mumbai (Bombay)
2 : the Iranian dialect of the Parsi religious literature
–Par·si·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

parsimonious
adj. 1 : exhibiting or marked by parsimony especially : frugal to the point of stinginess
2 : SPARING, RESTRAINED
synonyms see STINGY
–par·si·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb

parsimony
n. 1 a : the quality of being careful with money or resources : THRIFT b : the quality or state of being stingy
2 : economy in the use of means to an end especially : economy of explanation in conformity with Occam's razor

parsley
n. : a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish also : the leaves

parsley
n. Chinese parsley
fool's parsley
Italian parsley

parsleyed
: garnished or flavored with parsley <parsleyed potatoes>

Parsnip
n. ― see FINLAY

parsnip
n. : a Eurasian biennial herb (Pastinaca sativa) of the carrot family with large pinnate leaves and yellow flowers that is cultivated for its long tapered edible root which is cooked as a vegetable also : the root

parson
n. 1 : RECTOR
2 : CLERGYMAN especially : a Protestant pastor

parsonage
n. : the house provided by a church for its pastor

Parsons
n. Talcott 1902-1979 American sociol.

Parsons
n. William 1800-1867 3d Earl of Rosse Irish astron.

Parsons table
: a usually rectangular table having straight legs that are flush with the edge of the top

part
n. 1 a (1) : one of the often indefinite or unequal subdivisions into which something is or is regarded as divided and which together constitute the whole (2) : an essential portion or integral element b : one of several or many equal units of which something is composed or into which it is divisible : an amount equal to another amount <mix one part of the powder with three parts of water> c (1) : an exact divisor of a quantity : ALIQUOT (2) : PARTIAL FRACTION d : one of the constituent elements of a plant or animal body: as (1) : ORGAN, MEMBER (2) plural : PRIVATE PARTS e : a division of a literary work f (1) : a vocal or instrumental line or melody in concerted music or in harmony (2) : a particular voice or instrument in concerted music also : the score for it g : a constituent member of a machine or other apparatus also : a spare part
2 : something falling to one in a division or apportionment : SHARE <wanted no part of the proposal>
3 : one's share or allotted task (as in an action) : DUTY <one must do one's part>
4 : one of the opposing sides in a conflict or dispute
5 : a general area of indefinite boundaries ― usually used in plural <you're not from around these parts> <took off for parts unknown>
6 : a function or course of action performed
7 a : an actor's lines in a play b : the role of a character in a play
8 : a constituent of character or capacity : TALENT <a man of many parts>
9 : the line where the hair is parted
–for one's part : as far as one's share or interest is concerned <for my part, I do not see that the difference is important ― Mary McCarthy>
–for the most part : in general : on the whole <for the most part the crowd was orderly>
–in part : in some degree : PARTIALLY
–on one's part or on the part of one : with regard to the one specified
synonyms PART, PORTION, PIECE, MEMBER, DIVISION, SECTION, SEGMENT, FRAGMENT mean something less than the whole. PART is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required <they ran only part of the way>. PORTION implies an assigned or allotted part <cut the pie into six portions>. PIECE applies to a separate or detached part of a whole <a puzzle with 500 pieces>. MEMBER suggests one of the functional units composing a body <a structural member>. DIVISION applies to a large or diversified part <the manufacturing division of the company>. SECTION applies to a relatively small or uniform part <the entertainment section of the newspaper>. SEGMENT applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage <the retired segment of the population>. FRAGMENT applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off <only a fragment of the play still exists>.

part
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to separate from or take leave of someone b : to take leave of one another
2 : to become separated into parts
3 a : to go away : DEPART b : DIE
4 : to become separated, detached, or broken
5 : to relinquish possession or control <hated to part with that money>
transitive verb
1 a : to divide into parts b : to separate by combing on each side of a line c : to break or suffer the breaking of (as a rope or anchor chain)
2 : to divide into shares and distribute : APPORTION
3 a : to remove from contact or association <if aught but death part thee and me ― Ruth 1:17(AV)> b : to keep separate <the narrow channel that parts England from France> c : to hold (as brawlers) apart d : to separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion
4 a archaic : LEAVE, QUIT b dialect British : RELINQUISH, GIVE UP
–part company
1 : to end a relationship or association
2 : to diverge from another (as in opinion) ― often used with with
synonyms see SEPARATE

part
n. : PARTLY

part
n. : PARTIAL 1

part
n. 1 participial; participle
2 particular

part
n. on the part of one
beauty part
imaginary part
on one's part
in part
for the most part
for one's part
part company
part and parcel
part of speech
part song
part time
part timer
real part
take part
voice part
principal parts
private parts
proportional parts
Holland Parts of
Kesteven Parts of
Lindsey Parts of
parting of the ways
water parting

part and parcel
: an essential or integral component <stress was part and parcel of the job>

part company

1 : to end a relationship or association
2 : to diverge from another (as in opinion) ― often used with with
synonyms see SEPARATE

part of speech

1509
: a traditional class of words distinguished according to the kind of idea denoted and the function performed in a sentence

part-song
: a usually unaccompanied song consisting of two or more voice parts with one part carrying the melody

part-time
: involving or working less than customary or standard hours <a part-time job> <part-time students>
–part-time adverb
–part-tim·er \-ˌtī-mər, -'tī-\ noun

partake
v. intransitive verb
1 : to take part in or experience something along with others <partake in the revelry> <partake of the good life>
2 : to have a portion (as of food or drink)
3 : to possess or share a certain nature or attribute <the experience partakes of a mystical quality>
transitive verb : to take part in
synonyms see SHARE
–par·tak·er noun

parted
adj. 1 a : divided into parts b : cleft so that the divisions reach nearly but not quite to the base ― usually used in combination <a 3-parted corolla>
2 archaic : DEAD

parterre
n. 1 : an ornamental garden with paths between the beds
2 : the part of the main floor of a theater that is behind the orchestra especially : PARQUET CIRCLE

parthenocarpy
: the production of fruits without fertilization <bananas set fruit by parthenocarpy and without pollination>
–par·the·no·car·pic \ˌpär-thə-nō-'kär-pik\ adjective

parthenogenesis
: reproduction by development of an unfertilized usually female gamete that occurs especially among lower plants and invertebrate animals
–par·the·no·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ also par·the·no·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective
–par·the·no·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Parthenon
n. : a Doric temple of Athena built on the acropolis at Athens in the fifth century B.C.

Parthia
n. ancient country SW Asia in NE modern Iran

Parthian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Parthia or its people
2 : relating to, being, or having the effect of a shot fired while in real or feigned retreat
–Parthian noun

parti
n. parti color
parti colored
parti pris

parti pris
: a preconceived opinion : PREJUDICE
–parti pris adjective

parti-color
: showing different colors or tints especially : having a predominant color broken by patches of one or more other colors <a parti-color cocker spaniel>
–parti-color noun

partial
adj. 1 : of or relating to a part rather than the whole : not general or total <a partial solution>
2 : inclined to favor one party more than the other : BIASED
3 : markedly fond of someone or something ― used with to <partial to pizza>

partial
adj. : OVERTONE 1A

partial
adj. partial denture
partial derivative
partial differential equation
partial differentiation
partial fraction
partial pressure
partial product

partial denture
: a usually removable artificial replacement of one or more teeth

partial derivative
: the derivative of a function of several variables with respect to one of them and with the remaining variables treated as constants

partial differential equation
: a differential equation containing at least one partial derivative

partial differentiation
: the process of finding a partial derivative

partial fraction
: one of the simpler fractions into the sum of which the quotient of two polynomials may be decomposed

partial pressure
: the pressure exerted by a (specified) component in a mixture of gases

partial product
: a product obtained by multiplying a multiplicand by one digit of a multiplier having more than one digit

partiality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being partial : BIAS
2 : a special taste or liking

partially
adv. 1 archaic : in a biased manner : with partiality
2 : to some extent : in some degree

partially ordered
: having some or all elements connected by a relation that is reflexive, transitive, and antisymmetric

partible
adj. : capable of being parted : DIVISIBLE <a partible inheritance>
–par·ti·bil·i·ty \ˌpär-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

participant
n. : one that participates
–participant adjective

participate
v. transitive verb archaic : PARTAKE
intransitive verb
1 : to possess some of the attributes of a person, thing, or quality
2 a : to take part <always participates in class discussions> b : to have a part or share in something
synonyms see SHARE
–par·tic·i·pa·tor \-ˌpā-tər\ noun

participation
n. 1 : the act of participating
2 : the state of being related to a larger whole

participational
: PARTICIPATORY

participative
: relating to or involving participation especially : of, relating to, or being a style of management in which subordinates participate in decision making

participatory
adj. : characterized by or involving participation especially : providing the opportunity for individual participation <participatory democracy> <participatory management>

participial
adj. : of, relating to, or formed with or from a participle
–par·ti·cip·i·al·ly \-pē-ə-lē\ adverb

participle
n. : a word having the characteristics of both verb and adjective especially : an English verbal form that has the function of an adjective and at the same time shows such verbal features as tense and voice and capacity to take an object

participle
n. past participle
perfect participle
present participle

particle
n. 1 a : a minute quantity or fragment b : a relatively small or the smallest discrete portion or amount of something
2 archaic : a clause or article of a composition or document
3 : any of the basic units of matter and energy (as a molecule, atom, proton, electron, or photon)
4 : a unit of speech expressing some general aspect of meaning or some connective or limiting relation and including the articles, most prepositions and conjunctions, and some interjections and adverbs <the particle up has a perfective meaning in phrases such as beat up and cut up>
5 : a small eucharistic wafer distributed to a Roman Catholic layman at Communion

particle
n. tau particle
alpha particle
beta particle
elementary particle
fundamental particle
J/psi particle
psi particle
J particle
particle accelerator
particle physics
particle physicist
W particle
Z particle

particle accelerator
: ACCELERATOR D

particle physics
: a branch of physics dealing with the constitution, properties, and interactions of elementary particles especially as revealed in experiments using particle accelerators ― called also high-energy physics
–particle physicist noun

particleboard
n. : a composition board made of very small pieces of wood bonded together

particular
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a single person or thing <the particular person I had in mind>
2 obsolete : PARTIAL
3 : of, relating to, or concerned with details <gave us a very particular account of the trip>
4 a : distinctive among other examples or cases of the same general category : notably unusual <suffered from measles of particular severity> b : being one unit or element among others <particular incidents in a story>
5 a : denoting an individual member or subclass in logic b : affirming or denying a predicate to a part of the subject ― used of a proposition in logic <“some men are wise” is a particular affirmative>
6 a : concerned over or attentive to details : METICULOUS <a very particular gardener> b : nice in taste : FASTIDIOUS c : hard to please : EXACTING
synonyms see CIRCUMSTANTIAL, SPECIAL

particular
n. 1 archaic : a separate part of a whole
2 a : an individual fact, point, circumstance, or detail <a hero in every particular ― Ron Fimrite> b : a specific item or detail of information ― usually used in plural <wanted to know all the particulars of the incident> <bill of particulars>
3 a : an individual or a specific subclass (as in logic) falling under some general concept or term b : a particular proposition in logic
synonyms see ITEM
–in particular : in distinction from others : SPECIFICALLY

particularise
v. British variant of particularize

particularism
n. 1 : exclusive or special devotion to a particular interest
2 : a political theory that each political group has a right to promote its own interests and especially independence without regard to the interests of larger groups
3 : a tendency to explain complex social phenomena in terms of a single causative factor
–par·tic·u·lar·ist \-rist\ noun or adjective
–par·tic·u·lar·is·tic \-ˌti-k(yə-)lə-'ris-tik\ adjective

particularity
n. 1 a : a minute detail : PARTICULAR b : an individual characteristic : PECULIARITY also : SINGULARITY
2 : the quality or state of being particular as distinguished from universal
3 a : attentiveness to detail : EXACTNESS b : the quality or state of being fastidious in behavior or expression

particularization
n. : the act of particularizing : the condition of being particularized

particularize
v. transitive verb : to state in detail : SPECIFY
intransitive verb : to go into details

particularly
adv. 1 : in a particular manner : in detail
2 : to an unusual degree <a particularly dry summer>
3 : in particular : SPECIFICALLY

particulate
n. : of or relating to minute separate particles

particulate
n. : a particulate substance

particulate inheritance
: MENDELIAN INHERITANCE

parting
n. : a place or point where a division or separation occurs
–parting of the ways
1 : a point of separation or divergence
2 : a place or time at which a choice must be made

parting
n. : given, taken, or done at parting <a parting kiss>

parting of the ways

1 : a point of separation or divergence
2 : a place or time at which a choice must be made

partisan
1 : a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance
2 a : a member of a body of detached light troops making forays and harassing an enemy b : a member of a guerrilla band operating within enemy lines
synonyms see FOLLOWER
–partisan adjective
–par·ti·san·ly \-lē\ adverb
–par·ti·san·ship \-ˌship\ noun

partisan
n. : a weapon of the 16th and 17th centuries with long shaft and broad blade

partita
n. 1 : VARIATION 4
2 : SUITE 2B(1)

partite
n. 1 : divided into a usually specified number of parts
2 : PARTED 1B <a partite leaf>

partition
n. 1 : the action of parting : the state of being parted : DIVISION
2 : something that divides especially : an interior dividing wall
3 : one of the parts or sections of a whole

partition
n. 1 a : to divide into parts or shares b : to divide (as a country) into two or more territorial units having separate political status
2 : to separate or divide by a partition (as a wall) ― often used with off
–par·ti·tion·er \-'ti-sh(ə-)nər\ noun

partitionist
n. : an advocate of political partition

partitive
n. 1 : serving to part or divide into parts
2 a : of, relating to, or denoting a part <a partitive construction> b : serving to indicate the whole of which a part is specified <partitive genitive>
–par·ti·tive·ly adverb

partlet
: a 16th century chemisette with a band or collar

partly
adv. : in some measure or degree : PARTIALLY

partner
n. 1 archaic : one that shares : PARTAKER
2 a : one associated with another especially in an action : ASSOCIATE, COLLEAGUE b : either of two persons who dance together c : one of two or more persons who play together in a game against an opposing side d : a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship : one member of a couple
3 : a member of a partnership especially in a business also : such membership
4 : one of the heavy timbers that strengthen a ship's deck to support a mast ― usually used in plural
–part·ner·less \-ləs\ adjective

partner
n. 1 : to join or associate with another as partner
2 : to provide with a partner
intransitive verb : to join as a partner

partner
n. domestic partner
general partner
limited partner
secret partner
silent partner
sleeping partner
partners desk

partners desk
: a large desk with an open kneehole which allows use of the desk by two people seated opposite each other

partnership
n. 1 : the state of being a partner : PARTICIPATION
2 a : a legal relation existing between two or more persons contractually associated as joint principals in a business b : the persons joined together in a partnership
3 : a relationship resembling a legal partnership and usually involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities

partnership
n. domestic partnership
limited liability partnership
limited partnership

parton
: a particle (as a quark or gluon) that is held to be a constituent of hadrons

partridge
n. 1 : any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game
2 : any of various related birds (as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game

partridgeberry
: a trailing evergreen plant (Mitchella repens) of the madder family native to the eastern U.S. and Canada with edible slightly acidic scarlet berries also : its berry

parturient
adj. 1 : bringing forth or about to bring forth young
2 : of or relating to parturition

parturient
adj. : a parturient individual

parturition
n. : the action or process of giving birth to offspring

parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus
: the mountains are in labor, and a ridiculous mouse will be brought forth(%par00B7;tu00B7;ri00B7;unt mon00B7;tes, nas00B7;ce00B7;tur ri00B7;di00B7;cu00B7;lus mus

partway
adv. 1 : to some extent : PARTIALLY, PARTLY
2 : at a point in the way or distance <partway through the trip they met some friends>

party
n. 1 : a person or group taking one side of a question, dispute, or contest
2 : a group of persons organized for the purpose of directing the policies of a government
3 : a person or group participating in an action or affair <a mountain-climbing party> <a party to the transaction>
4 : a particular individual : PERSON <an old party approaching 80>
5 : a detail of soldiers
6 : a social gathering also : the entertainment provided for it
–party adjective

party
n. : to attend or give parties broadly : REVEL 1
–par·ty·er also par·ti·er \-tē-ər\ noun

party
n. keg party
block party
cocktail party
hen party
house party
major party
minor party
party animal
party line
party liner
party wire
party pooper
party wall
slumber party
tea party
third party
two party
war party

party animal
: a person known for frequent often wild partying

party line
1 : the policy or practice of a political party
2 : a single telephone circuit connecting two or more subscribers with the exchange ― called also party wire
3 : the principles or policies of an individual or organization also : the explanation or interpretation usually put forth <the party line that her mother was a saint ― Leslie Bennetts>
–par·ty-lin·er \ˌpär-tē-'lī-nər\ noun

party pooper
: a person who refuses to join in the fun of a party broadly : one who refuses to go along with everyone else

party wall
: a wall which divides two adjoining properties and in which each of the owners shares the rights

partygoer
n. : a person who attends a party or who attends parties frequently

parure
n. : a matched set of ornaments (as jewelry)

parve
adj. variant of pareve

parvenu
n. : one that has recently or suddenly risen to an unaccustomed position of wealth or power and has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated with it
–parvenu adjective

parvenue
: a woman who is a parvenu
–parvenue adjective

parvis
n. 1 : a court or enclosed space before a building (as a church)
2 : a single portico or colonnade before a church

parvo
n. : PARVOVIRUS 2

parvovirus
n. 1 : any of a family (Parvoviridae, especially genus Parvovirus) of small single-stranded DNA viruses pathogenic for vertebrates
2 : a highly contagious febrile disease of dogs that is caused by a parvovirus (species Canine parvovirus of the genus Parvovirus) related to the parvovirus causing panleukopenia in cats and that is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

PAS
n. para-aminosalicylic acid

pas
n. 1 : the right of precedence
2 : a dance step or combination of steps

pas
n. faux pas
pas de bourree
pas de bourrées
pas de bourrée
pas de chat
pas de deux
pas de quatre
pas de trois
pas seul
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte
ils ne passeront pas
n'est ce pas
n'est ce pas?
Calais Pas de
Pas de Calais

pas de bourree
: a walking or running ballet step usually executed on the points of the toes

Pas de Calais
― see DOVER (Strait of)

pas de chat
: a ballet leap from one foot to the other in which the feet are drawn up and the knees are bent so that the legs form a diamond

pas de deux
1 : a dance or figure for two performers
2 : an intricate relationship or activity involving two parties or things

pas de quatre
: a dance or figure for four performers

pas de trois
: a dance or figure for three performers

pas seul
: a solo dance or dance figure

pasa
que pasa
qué pasa?
Ali Pasa
Enver Pasa

Pasadena
n. 1 city SW Calif. just NE of Los Angeles pop 133,936
2 city SE Tex. E of Houston pop 141,674
–Pas·a·de·nan \-nən\ noun

Pasargadae
city of ancient Persia built by Cyrus the Great; ruins NE of site of later Persepolis

Pasay
municipality Philippines in Luzon on Manila Bay S of Manila pop 354,000

Pascagoula
city & port SE Miss. pop 26,200

Pascal
n. Blaise 1623-1662 Fr. math. & philos.
–Pas·cal·ian \pa-'ska-lē-ən\ adjective

pascal
n. 1 : a unit of pressure in the meter-kilogram-second system equivalent to one newton per square meter
2 capitalized P or all capitalized : a structured computer programming language developed from Algol and designed to process both numerical and textual data

Pascal's triangle
: a system of numbers arranged in rows resembling a triangle with each row consisting of the coefficients in the expansion of (a + b)n for n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ⋯

Pasch
n. 1 : EASTER
2 : PASSOVER
–pas·chal \'pas-kəl\ adjective

paschal full moon
: the 14th day of a lunar month occurring on or next after March 21 according to a fixed set of ecclesiastical calendar rules and without regard to the real moon

Paschal Lamb
1 : a lamb slain and eaten during the Passover celebration in ancient Judaism
2 : AGNUS DEI 2

Pasco
city SE Wash. pop 32,066

Pasco, Cerro de
― see CERRO DE PASCO

Pascua, Isla de
― see EASTER ISLAND

pase
: a movement of a cape by a matador in drawing a bull and taking his charge

paseo
n. 1 a : a leisurely usually evening stroll : PROMENADE b : a public walk or boulevard
2 : a formal entrance march of bullfighters into an arena

pash
n. dialect English : SMASH

pash
n. dialect English : HEAD

pasha
n. : a man of high rank or office (as in Turkey or northern Africa)

pashmina
n. : a fine wool similar to cashmere made from the undercoat of domestic Himalayan goats also : a shawl made from this wool

Pashto
n. : the Iranian language of the Pashtuns

Pashtun
n. : a member of a people of eastern and southern Afghanistan and adjacent parts of Pakistan

Pasic
Nicola \'nē-kō-lä\ 1845-1926 Serbian & Yugoslav statesman

Pasig
river 14 mi (23 km) Philippines in Luzon flowing from the Laguna de Bay in cen part of the island through Manila into Manila Bay

Pasiphae
: the wife of Minos and mother of the Minotaur by a white bull

Paso
El Paso
El Paso de Robles
Paso Robles

Paso Robles
city W Calif. pop 24,297

pasqueflower
n. : any of several anemones with palmately compound leaves and large usually white or purple early spring flowers

pasquinade
n. 1 : a lampoon posted in a public place
2 : satirical writing : SATIRE
–pasquinade transitive verb

pass
n. intransitive verb
1 : MOVE, PROCEED, GO
2 a : to go away : DEPART b : DIE ― often used with on
3 a : to move in a path so as to approach and continue beyond something : move past especially : to move past another vehicle going in the same direction b : to run the normal course ― used of time or a period of time <the hours passive quickly>
4 a : to go or make one's way through <allow no one to pass> b : to go uncensured, unchallenged, or seemingly unnoticed <let the remark pass>
5 : to go from one quality, state, or form to another <passes from a liquid to a gaseous state>
6 a : to sit in inquest or judgment b (1) : to render a decision, verdict, or opinion <the court passed on the legality of wiretapping> (2) : to become legally rendered <judgment passed for the plaintiff>
7 : to go from the control, ownership, or possession of one person or group to that of another <the throne passed to the king's son> <title passes to the buyer upon payment in full>
8 a : HAPPEN, OCCUR b : to take place or be exchanged as or in a social, personal, or business interaction <words passed>
9 a : to become approved by a legislature or body empowered to sanction or reject <the proposal passed> b : to undergo an inspection, test, or course of study successfully
10 a : to serve as a medium of exchange b : to be accepted or regarded <drivel that passes for literature> c : to identify oneself or be identified as something one is not <tried to pass as an adult> <Mom could pass as my sister>
11 a obsolete : to make a pass in fencing b : to throw or hit a ball or puck to a teammate ― often used with off
12 a (1) : to decline to bid, double, or redouble in a card game (2) : to withdraw from the current poker pot b : to let something go by without accepting or taking advantage of it ― often used with on <passed on the cheesecake> <thanks for the offer, but I'll pass>
transitive verb
1 : to go beyond: as a : SURPASS, EXCEED <passes all expectations> b : to advance or develop beyond c : to go past (one moving in the same direction)
2 a : to go by : proceed or extend beyond <pass the school on their way to work> b (1) : obsolete : NEGLECT, OMIT (2) : to omit a regularly scheduled declaration and payment of (a dividend)
3 a : to go across, over, or through : CROSS b : to live through (as an experience or peril) : UNDERGO c : to go through (as a test) successfully
4 a : to secure the approval of <the bill passed the Senate> b : to cause or permit to win approval or legal or official sanction <pass a law> c : to give approval or a passing grade to <pass the students>
5 a : to let (as time or a period of time) go by especially while involved in a leisure activity <I'll read to pass the time> b : to let go unnoticed : OVERLOOK, DISREGARD
6 a : PLEDGE b : to transfer the right to or property in <pass title to a house>
7 a : to put in circulation <pass bad checks> b (1) : to transfer or transmit from one to another <pass the salt> <passing the savings on to customers> (2) : to relay or communicate (as information) to another c : to cause or enable to go : TRANSPORT d : to throw or hit (a ball or puck) especially to a teammate
8 a : to pronounce (as a sentence or opinion) especially judicially b : UTTER <passed a cutting remark>
9 a : to cause or permit to go past or through a barrier b : to move or cause to move in a particular manner or direction <passed my hand over my face> <pass the rope through the loop> c : to cause to march or go by in order <pass the troops in review>
10 : to emit or discharge from a bodily part and especially the bowels
11 a : to give a base on balls to b : to hit a ball past (an opponent) in a game (as tennis)
–pass·er noun
–pass muster : to gain approval or acceptance
–pass the buck : to shift a responsibility to someone else
–pass the hat : to take up a collection for money
–pass the time of day : to exchange greetings or engage in pleasant conversation

pass
n. 1 : a means (as an opening, road, or channel) by which a barrier may be passed or access to a place may be gained especially : a low place in a mountain range
2 : a position to be held usually against odds

pass
n. 1 : REALIZATION <brought his dream to pass>
2 : the act or an instance of passing : PASSAGE
3 : a usually distressing or bad state of affairs <what has brought you to such a pass?>
4 a : a written permission to move about freely in a place or to leave or enter it b : a written leave of absence from a military post or station for a brief period c : a permit or ticket allowing free transportation or free admission
5 archaic : a thrust or lunge in fencing
6 a : a transference of objects by sleight of hand or other deceptive means b : a moving of the hands over or along something
7 archaic : an ingenious sally (as of wit)
8 : the passing of an examination or course of study also : the mark or certification of such passing
9 : a single complete mechanical operation also : a single complete cycle of operations (as for processing, manufacturing, or printing)
10 a (1) : a transfer of a ball or a puck from one player to another on the same team (2) : a ball or puck so transferred b : PASSING SHOT
11 : BASE ON BALLS
12 : an election not to bid, bet, or draw an additional card in a card game
13 : a throw of dice in the game of craps that wins the bet for the shooter ― compare 3CRAP 2 MISSOUT
14 : a single passage or movement (as of an airplane) over a place or toward a target
15 a : EFFORT, TRY b : a sexually inviting gesture or approach
16 : PASE

pass
n. passenger

pass
n. band pass filter
come to pass
drop pass
forward pass
jump pass
outlet pass
pass the time of day
pass the hat
pass the buck
pass muster
pass away
pass degree
pass fail
pass off
pass out
pass over
pass through
pass up
play action pass
screen pass
shovel pass
spot pass
Aransas Pass
Berthoud Pass
Bolan Pass
Brenner Pass
Cajon Pass
Donner Pass
Grants Pass
Karakoram Pass
Kasserine Pass
Khyber Pass
Loveland Pass
Marias Pass
Rogers Pass
Simplon Pass
South Pass
Uspallata Pass
White Pass
passed ball
passed pawn
buck passing
in passing
passing note
passing tone
passing shot
buck passer
laisser passer
laissez passer

pass away
1 : to go out of existence
2 : DIE 1

pass degree
: a bachelor's degree without honors that is taken at a British university

pass muster
to gain approval or acceptance

pass off
1 : to make public or offer for sale with intent to deceive
2 : to give a false identity or character to

pass out
1 : DIE 1
2 : to lose consciousness
transitive verb : to reject (a deal in bridge) as unplayable because everyone has passed on the first round of bidding

pass over
1 : to ignore in passing
2 : to pay no attention to the claims of : DISREGARD

pass the buck
to shift a responsibility to someone else

pass the hat
to take up a collection for money

pass the time of day
to exchange greetings or engage in pleasant conversation

pass up
: to let go by without accepting or taking advantage of <pass up a chance for promotion> also : DECLINE, REJECT

pass-fail
: being a system of grading whereby the grades “pass” and “fail” replace the traditional letter grades
–pass-fail noun

pass-through
1 : the act, action, or process of offsetting increased costs by raising prices
2 : an opening in a wall between two rooms through which something (as dishes) may be passed

passable
adj. 1 a : capable of being passed, crossed, or traveled on <passable roads> b : capable of being freely circulated
2 : good enough : ADEQUATE
–pass·ably \-blē\ adverb

passacaglia
n. 1 a : an old Italian or Spanish dance tune b : an instrumental musical composition consisting of variations usually on a ground bass in moderately slow triple time
2 : an old dance performed to a passacaglia

passado
archaic : a thrust in fencing with one foot advanced

passage
n. 1 a : a way of exit or entrance : a road, path, channel, or course by which something passes b : a corridor or lobby giving access to the different rooms or parts of a building or apartment
2 a : the action or process of passing from one place, condition, or stage to another b : DEATH 1A c : a continuous movement or flow <the passage of time>
3 a (1) : a specific act of traveling or passing especially by sea or air (2) : a privilege of conveyance as a passenger : ACCOMMODATIONS b : the passing of a legislative measure or law : ENACTMENT
4 : a right, liberty, or permission to pass
5 a : something that happens or is done : INCIDENT b : something that takes place between two persons mutually
6 a : a usually brief portion of a written work or speech that is relevant to a point under discussion or noteworthy for content or style b : a phrase or short section of a musical composition c : a detail of a work of art (as a painting)
7 : the act or action of passing something or undergoing a passing
8 : incubation of a pathogen (as a virus) in culture, a living organism, or a developing egg

passage
n. intransitive verb : to go past or across : CROSS
transitive verb : to subject to passage <passaged a virus>

passage
n. bird of passage
Middle Passage
purple passage
rite of passage
Drake Passage
Inside Passage
Mona Passage
Northwest Passage
Windward Passage

passageway
n. : a way that allows passage

passagework
n. : a section of a musical composition characteristically unimportant thematically and consisting especially of ornamental figures

Passaic
1 river 80 mi (130 km) NE N.J. flowing into Newark Bay
2 city NE N.J. SSE of Paterson pop 67,861

Passamaquoddy Bay
inlet of Bay of Fundy bet. E Maine & SW N.B. at mouth of St. Croix River

passant
adj. : walking with the farther forepaw raised ― used of a heraldic animal

passband
n. : a band of frequencies (as in a radio circuit or a light filter) that is transmitted with maximum efficiency

passbook
n. : BANKBOOK

passe
adj. 1 : past one's prime
2 a : OUTMODED b : behind the times

passe-partout
1 : MASTER KEY
2 a : 5MAT b : a method of framing in which a picture, a mat, a glass, and a back (as of cardboard) are held together by strips of paper or cloth pasted over the edges
3 : a strong paper gummed on one side and used especially for mounting pictures

passed ball
: a baseball pitch not hit by the batter that passes the catcher when it should have been caught and allows a base runner to advance ― compare WILD PITCH

passed pawn
: a chess pawn that has no enemy pawn in front of it on its own or an adjacent file

passeggiata
n. : stroll : evening stroll after work hours by the residents of a town

passel
n. : a large number or amount

passementerie
n. : an ornamental edging or trimming (as tassels) made of braid, cord, gimp, beading, or metallic thread

passenger
n. 1 : WAYFARER
2 : a traveler in a public or private conveyance

passenger pigeon
: an extinct but formerly abundant No. American migratory pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)

passerby
n. : one who passes by

passerine
n. : of or relating to the largest order (Passeriformes) of birds which includes over half of all living birds and consists chiefly of altricial songbirds of perching habits ― compare OSCINE
–passerine noun

Passero, Cape
headland Italy at SE tip of Sicily

Passfield
1st Baron ― see WEBB

passible
adj. : capable of feeling or suffering

passim
adv. : HERE AND THERE

passing
n. : the act of one that passes or causes to pass especially : DEATH 1A
–in passing : by the way : INCIDENTALLY

passing
n. 1 : going by or past <a passing pedestrian>
2 : having a brief duration <a passing whim>
3 obsolete : SURPASSING
4 : SUPERFICIAL <a passing acquaintance> <a passing resemblance>
5 a : of, relating to, or used in or for the act or process of passing <passing lanes> b : given on satisfactory completion of an examination or course of study <a passing grade>

passing
n. : to a surpassing degree : EXCEEDINGLY <passing strange>

passing
n. buck passing
in passing
passing note
passing tone
passing shot

passing note
: a nonharmonic tone interposed between essential harmonic tones of adjacent chords ― called also passing tone

passing shot
: a stroke (as in tennis) that drives the ball to one side and beyond the reach of an opponent

passion
n. 1 often capitalized a : the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death b : an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion
2 obsolete : SUFFERING
3 : the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces
4 a (1) : EMOTION <his ruling passion is greed> (2) plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason b : intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c : an outbreak of anger
5 a : ardent affection : LOVE b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c : sexual desire d : an object of desire or deep interest
–pas·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms PASSION, FERVOR, ARDOR, ENTHUSIASM, ZEAL mean intense emotion compelling action. PASSION applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable <was a slave to his passions>. FERVOR implies a warm and steady emotion <read the poem aloud with great fervor>. ARDOR suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived <the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded>. ENTHUSIASM applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity <never showed much enthusiasm for sports>. ZEAL implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause <preaches with fanatical zeal>. synonym see in addition FEELING

passion
n. passion fruit
passion play
Passion Sunday
Passion Week

passion fruit
: the edible fruit of a passionflower especially : the small roundish purple or yellow fruit of a Brazilian passionflower (Passiflora edulis) grown commercially in warmer parts of the U.S. ― compare GRANADILLA

passion play
: a dramatic representation of the scenes connected with the passion and crucifixion of Jesus

Passion Sunday
: the fifth Sunday in Lent

Passion Week
1 : HOLY WEEK
2 : the week between Passion Sunday and Palm Sunday

passional
n. : of, relating to, or marked by passion

passionate
adj. 1 a : easily aroused to anger b : filled with anger : ANGRY
2 a : capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling b : ENTHUSIASTIC, ARDENT
3 : swayed by or affected with sexual desire
synonyms see IMPASSIONED
–pas·sion·ate·ly adverb
–pas·sion·ate·ness noun

passionflower
n. : any of a genus (Passiflora of the family Passifloraceae, the passionflower family) of chiefly tropical woody tendriled climbing vines or erect herbs with usually showy flowers and pulpy often edible berries

Passionist
: a member of a Roman Catholic mendicant order founded by St. Paul of the Cross in Italy in 1720 and devoted chiefly to missionary work and retreats

Passiontide
n. : the last two weeks of Lent

passivate
v. 1 : to make inactive or less reactive <passivate the surface of steel by chemical treatment>
2 : to protect (as a solid-state device) against contamination by coating or surface treatment
–pas·siv·ation \ˌpa-si-'vā-shən\ noun

passive
n. 1 a (1) : acted upon by an external agency (2) : receptive to outside impressions or influences b (1) : asserting that the grammatical subject of a verb is subjected to or affected by the action represented by that verb <the passive voice> (2) : containing or yielding a passive verb form c (1) : lacking in energy or will : LETHARGIC (2) : tending not to take an active or dominant part d : induced by an outside agency <passive exercise of a paralyzed leg>
2 a : not active or operating : INERT b : of, relating to, or making direct use of the sun's heat usually without the intervention of mechanical devices <a passive solar house> c : LATENT d (1) : of, relating to, or characterized by a state of chemical inactivity especially : resistant to corrosion (2) : not involving expenditure of chemical energy <passive transport across a cell membrane> e of an electronic element : exhibiting no gain or control f : relating to the detection of an object through its emission of energy or sound <passive sonar>
3 a : receiving or enduring without resistance : SUBMISSIVE b : existing or occurring without being active, open, or direct <passive support>
4 : of, relating to, or being business activity in which the investor does not actively participate in the generation of income
synonyms see INACTIVE
–pas·sive·ly adverb
–pas·sive·ness noun
–pas·siv·i·ty \pa-'si-və-tē\ noun

passive
n. 1 : a passive verb form
2 : the passive voice of a language

passive
n. passive aggressive
passive immunity
passive immunization
passive matrix
passive resistance
passive restraint
passive smoking
passive transfer

passive immunity
: immunity acquired by transfer of antibodies (as by injection of serum from an individual with active immunity)
–passive immunization noun

passive resistance
: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation

passive restraint
: a restraint (as a self-locking seat belt) that acts automatically to protect an automobile rider during a crash

passive smoking
: the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke (as from another's cigarette) especially by a nonsmoker

passive transfer
: a local transfer of skin sensitivity from an allergic to a normal person by injection of serum from the former that is used especially for identifying specific allergens when a high degree of allergic sensitivity is suspected

passive-aggressive
: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination and stubbornness)
–passive-aggressive noun

passive-matrix
: of, relating to, or being an LCD in which the pixels are controlled in groups

passivism
n. : a passive attitude, behavior, or way of life
–pas·siv·ist \-vist\ noun

passkey
n. 1 : MASTER KEY
2 : SKELETON KEY

Passover
n. : a Jewish holiday beginning on the 14th of Nisan and commemorating the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt

passport
n. 1 a : a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad b : a license issued by a country permitting a foreign citizen to pass or take goods through its territory : SAFE-CONDUCT c : a document of identification required by law to be carried by persons residing or traveling within a country
2 a : a permission or authorization to go somewhere b : something that secures admission, acceptance, or attainment <education as a passport to success>

password
n. 1 : something that enables one to pass or gain admission: as a : a spoken word or phrase required to pass by a guard b : a sequence of characters required for access to a computer system
2 : WATCHWORD

Passy
Paul-Édouard 1859-1940 Fr. phonetician

Passy
section of Paris, France, on right bank of the Seine near the Bois de Boulogne

past
n. 1 a : AGO <12 years past> b : just gone or elapsed <for the past few months>
2 : having existed or taken place in a period before the present : BYGONE
3 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is expressive of elapsed time and that in English is usually formed by internal vowel change (as in sang) or by the addition of a suffix (as in laughed)
4 : having served as a specified officer in an organization <past president>

past
n. 1 a : beyond the age for or of <past playing with dolls> b : AFTER <half past two>
2 a : at the farther side of : BEYOND b : in a course or direction going close to and then beyond <drove past the house>
3 obsolete : more than
4 : beyond the capacity, range, or sphere of <past belief>

past
n. 1 a : time gone by b : something that happened or was done in the past <regret the past>
2 a : the past tense of a language b : a verb form in the past tense
3 : a past life, history, or course of action especially : one that is kept secret
–past·less \'pas(t)-ləs\ adjective

past
n. : so as to reach and go beyond a point near at hand <drove past>

past
n. blast from the past
march past
past master
past participle
past perfect
past tense
run past

past master
1 : one who has held the office of worshipful master in a lodge of Freemasons or of master in a guild, club, or society
2 [alteration of passed master] : one who is expert : ADEPT

past participle
: a participle that typically expresses completed action, that is traditionally one of the principal parts of the verb, and that is traditionally used in English in the formation of perfect tenses in the active voice and of all tenses in the passive voice

past perfect
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is traditionally formed in English with had and denotes an action or state as completed at or before a past time spoken of
–past perfect noun

past tense
: a verb tense expressing action or state in or as if in the past: a : a verb tense expressive of elapsed time (as wrote in “on arriving I wrote a letter”) b : a verb tense expressing action or state in progress or continuance or habitually done or customarily occurring at a past time (as was writing in “I was writing while he dictated” or loved in “their sons loved fishing”)

pasta
n. 1 : paste in processed form (as macaroni) or in the form of fresh dough (as ravioli)
2 : a dish of cooked pasta

Pastaza
river 400 mi (644 km) Ecuador & Peru flowing S into the Marañón

paste
n. 1 a : a dough that contains a considerable proportion of fat and is used for pastry crust or fancy rolls b : a confection made by evaporating fruit with sugar or by flavoring a gelatin, starch, or gum arabic preparation c : a smooth food product made by evaporation or grinding <tomato paste> <almond paste> d : a shaped dough (as spaghetti or ravioli) prepared from semolina, farina, or wheat flour
2 : a soft plastic mixture or composition: as a : a preparation usually of flour or starch and water used as an adhesive or a vehicle for mordant or color b : clay or a clay mixture used in making pottery or porcelain
3 : a brilliant glass of high lead content used for the manufacture of artificial gems

paste
n. 1 : to cause to adhere by or as if by paste : STICK
2 : to cover with something pasted on

paste
n. 1 : to strike hard at
2 : to beat or defeat soundly <pasted their opponents 42-0>

paste
n. cut and paste
hard paste porcelain
library paste
puff paste
scissors and paste
soft paste porcelain
Turkish paste

pasteboard
n. 1 : a solid cardboard with a paper facing broadly : CARDBOARD
2 : TICKET 2A

pasteboard
n. 1 : made of pasteboard
2 : SHAM, UNSUBSTANTIAL <prefabricated plots and pasteboard heroes ― Peter Andrews>

pastedown
: the outer leaf of an endpaper that is pasted down to the inside of the front or back cover of a book

pastel
n. 1 : a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for making crayons also : a crayon made of such paste
2 a : a drawing in pastel b : the process or art of drawing with pastels
3 : a light literary sketch
4 : any of various pale or light colors

pastel
n. 1 a : of or relating to a pastel b : made with pastels
2 : pale and light in color
3 : lacking in body or vigor

pastelist
n. : an artist who works with pastels

pastern
n. 1 : a part of the foot of an equine extending from the fetlock to the top of the hoof ― see HORSE illustration
2 : a part of the leg of an animal other than an equine that corresponds to the pastern

Pasternak
Boris Leonidovich 1890-1960 Soviet (Russ.-born) poet, nov., & translator

pasteup
: MECHANICAL also : the process of making mechanicals

Pasteur
n. Louis 1822-1895 Fr. chem. & microbiologist
–Pas·teur·ian \-ē-ən\ adjective

pasteurise
v. British variant of pasteurize

pasteurization
n. 1 : partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys objectionable organisms without major chemical alteration of the substance
2 : irradiation of food products

pasteurize
v. : to subject to pasteurization
–pas·teur·iz·er noun

pasticcio
n. : PASTICHE

pastiche
n. 1 : a literary, artistic, musical, or architectural work that imitates the style of previous work also : such stylistic imitation
2 a : a musical, literary, or artistic composition made up of selections from different works : POTPOURRI b : HODGEPODGE
–pas·ti·cheur \ˌpas-tē-'shər, ˌpäs-\ noun

pasties
n. : small round coverings for a woman's nipples worn especially by a stripteaser

pastille
n. 1 : a small mass of aromatic paste for fumigating or scenting the air of a room
2 : LOZENGE 3

pastime
n. : something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably : DIVERSION

pastina
: very small bits of pasta used in soup or broth

pastis
n. : a French liqueur flavored with aniseed

pastitsio
: a Greek baked dish made of ground meat layered with pasta and usually topped with white sauce and cheese

pastness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being past
2 : the subjective quality of something being remembered rather than immediately experienced <almost any popular record⋯is apt to be tinged with pastness ― Roy McMullen>

pastor
n. : a spiritual overseer especially : a clergyman serving a local church or parish
–pas·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

pastor
n. : to serve as pastor of (as a church)

pastor
n. chiefly Southwest : HERDSMAN

pastoral
n. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or composed of shepherds or herdsmen (2) : devoted to or based on livestock raising b : of or relating to the countryside : not urban <a pastoral setting> c : portraying or expressive of the life of shepherds or country people especially in an idealized and conventionalized manner <pastoral poetry> d : pleasingly peaceful and innocent : IDYLLIC
2 a : of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation b : of or relating to the pastor of a church
–pas·to·ral·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–pas·to·ral·ness noun

pastoral
n. 1 a : a literary work (as a poem or play) dealing with shepherds or rural life in a usually artificial manner and typically drawing a contrast between the innocence and serenity of the simple life and the misery and corruption of city and especially court life b : pastoral poetry or drama c : a rural picture or scene d : PASTORALE 1A
2 : CROSIER 1
3 : a letter of a pastor to his charge: as a : a letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese b : a letter of the house of bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church to be read in each parish

Pastoral Epistle
: one of three New Testament letters including two addressed to Timothy and one to Titus that give advice on matters of church government and discipline

pastorale
n. 1 a : an instrumental or vocal composition having a pastoral theme b : an opera of the 16th or 17th centuries having a pastoral plot
2 : PASTORAL 1A

pastoralism
n. 1 : the quality or style characteristic of pastoral writing
2 a : livestock raising b : social organization based on livestock raising as the primary economic activity
–pas·to·ral·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

pastorate
n. 1 : the office, state, jurisdiction, or tenure of office of a pastor
2 : a body of pastors

pastrami
n. : a highly seasoned smoked beef prepared especially from shoulder cuts

pastry
n. 1 a : PASTE 1A b : sweet baked goods made of dough having a high fat content
2 : a piece of pastry

pastry
n. Danish pastry
French pastry
puff pastry

pasturage
n. : PASTURE

pasture
n. 1 : plants (as grass) grown for the feeding especially of grazing animals
2 : land or a plot of land used for grazing
3 : the feeding of livestock : GRAZING

pasture
n. intransitive verb : GRAZE, BROWSE
transitive verb
1 : to feed (as cattle) on pasture
2 : to use as pasture

pastureland
n. : PASTURE 2

pasty
n. 1 : a meat pie
2 : TURNOVER 5

pasty
n. : resembling paste especially : pallid and unhealthy in appearance
–past·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

PAT
n. point after touchdown

pat
n. 1 : a light blow especially with the hand or a flat instrument
2 : a light tapping often rhythmical sound
3 : something (as butter) shaped into a small flat usually square individual portion
–pat on the back : an expression of approval

pat
n. : in a pat manner : APTLY, PERFECTLY <has her part down pat>

pat
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike lightly with a flat instrument
2 : to flatten, smooth, or put into place or shape with light blows
3 : to tap or stroke gently with the hand to soothe, caress, or show approval
intransitive verb : to strike or beat gently

pat
n. 1 a : exactly suited to the purpose or occasion : APT b : suspiciously appropriate : CONTRIVED <a pat ending>
2 : learned, mastered, or memorized exactly
3 : FIRM, UNYIELDING
4 : reduced to a simple or mechanical form : STANDARD, TRITE <pat answers>

pat
n. patent

pat
n. pat on the back
pat a cake
pat down
pit a pat
stand pat

pat down
: FRISK

pat on the back
an expression of approval

pat-a-cake
variant of patty-cake

pataca
n. ― see MONEY table

patagium
n. 1 : the fold of skin connecting the forelimbs and hind limbs of some tetrapods (as flying squirrels)
2 : the fold of skin in front of the main segments of a bird's wing

Patagonia
n. region S. America in S Argentina & S Chile bet. the Andes & the Atlantic S of ab 40°S lat. ― sometimes considered to include Tierra del Fuego
–Pat·a·go·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Patan
city E cen Nepal adjoining Kathmandu pop 96,109

Patapsco
river 80 mi (129 km) N cen Md. flowing SE into Chesapeake Bay

patch
n. 1 : a piece of material used to mend or cover a hole or a weak spot
2 : a tiny piece of black silk or court plaster worn on the face or neck especially by women to hide a blemish or to heighten beauty
3 a : a piece of material (as adhesive plaster) used medically usually to cover a wound b : a usually disk-shaped piece of material that is worn on the skin and contains a substance (as a drug) that is absorbed at a constant rate through the skin into the bloodstream <a nicotine patch> c : a shield worn over the socket of an injured or missing eye
4 a : a small piece : SCRAP b : a part or area distinct from that about it <cabbage patch> c : a period of time : SPELL <was going through a rough patch>
5 : someone or something equal or comparable ― usually used in negative constructions <the new chairman isn't a patch on his predecessor>
6 : a piece of cloth sewed on a garment as an ornament or insignia especially : SHOULDER PATCH
7 : a temporary connection in a communication system (as a telephone hookup)
8 : a minor correction or modification in a computer program

patch
n. 1 : to mend, cover, or fill up a hole or weak spot in
2 : to provide with a patch
3 a : to make of patches or fragments b : to mend or put together especially in hasty or shabby fashion ― usually used with up c : to apply a patch to (a computer program)
4 a : to connect (as circuits) by a patch cord b : to connect (as a person or message) to a communication system especially temporarily <they patched him into the conference call>
synonyms see MEND

patch
n. : FOOL, DOLT

patch
n. oil patch
patch cord
patch pocket
patch test
purple patch
shoulder patch

patch cord
: a wire with a plug at each end that is used to connect electrical devices

patch pocket
: a flat pocket applied to the outside of a garment

patch test
: a test for determining allergic sensitivity that is made by applying to the unbroken skin small pads soaked with the allergen to be tested

patchboard
n. : a switchboard in which circuits are interconnected by patch cords

patchouli
n. : a heavy perfume made from the fragrant essential oil of a southeast Asian mint (Pogostemon cablin) also : the plant itself

patchwork
n. 1 : something composed of miscellaneous or incongruous parts : HODGEPODGE
2 : pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together to form a covering also : something resembling such a covering <a patchwork of fields>

patchwork quilt
1 : a quilt made of patchwork
2 : PATCHWORK 1

patchy
adj. 1 : marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2 : irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
–patch·i·ly \'pa-chə-lē\ adverb
–patch·i·ness \'pa-chē-nəs\ noun

pate
n. 1 : HEAD
2 : the crown of the head
3 chiefly disparaging : BRAIN
–pat·ed \'pā-təd\ adjective

pate
n. : PASTE 2B

pate
n. 1 : a meat or fish pie or patty
2 : a spread of finely chopped or pureed seasoned meat <chicken liver pate>

pate
n. pate de foie gras
pâté de foie gras
pâtés de foie gras

pate de foie gras
: a pâté of fat goose liver and usually truffles sometimes with added fat pork

patella
n. : a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee and protects the front of the joint ― called also kneecap
–pa·tel·lar \-'te-lər\ adjective

paten
n. 1 : a plate usually made of precious metal and used to carry the bread at the Eucharist
2 a : PLATE b : something (as a metal disk) resembling a plate

patency
n. : the quality or state of being patent

patent
n. 1 a : open to public inspection ― used chiefly in the phrase letters patent b (1) : secured by letters patent or by a patent to the exclusive control and possession of a particular individual or party (2) : protected by a patent : made under a patent <patent locks> c : protected by a trademark or a brand name so as to establish proprietary rights analogous to those conveyed by letters patent or a patent : PROPRIETARY <patent drugs>
2 : of, relating to, or concerned with the granting of patents especially for inventions <a patent lawyer>
3 : making exclusive or proprietary claims or pretensions
4 : affording free passage : UNOBSTRUCTED <a patent opening>
5 : PATULOUS, SPREADING <a patent calyx>
6 archaic : ACCESSIBLE, EXPOSED
7 : readily visible or intelligible : OBVIOUS
synonyms see EVIDENT
–pat·ent·ly adverb

patent
n. 1 : an official document conferring a right or privilege : LETTERS PATENT
2 a : a writing securing for a term of years the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention b : the monopoly or right so granted c : a patented invention
3 : PRIVILEGE, LICENSE
4 : an instrument making a conveyance of public lands also : the land so conveyed
5 : PATENT LEATHER

patent
n. 1 : to obtain or grant a patent right to
2 : to grant a privilege, right, or license to by patent
3 : to obtain or secure by patent especially : to secure by letters patent exclusive right to make, use, or sell
–pat·ent·abil·i·ty \ˌpa-tən-tə-'bi-lə-tē, Brit also ˌpā-\ noun
–pat·ent·able \'pa-tən-tə-bəl, Brit also 'pā-\ adjective

patent
n. letters patent
patent flour
patent leather
patent medicine
patent office
patent right

patent flour
: a high-grade wheat flour that consists solely of endosperm

patent leather
: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

patent medicine
: a packaged nonprescription drug which is protected by a trademark and whose contents are incompletely disclosed also : any drug that is a proprietary

patent office
: a government office for examining claims to patents and granting patents

patent right
: a right granted by letters patent especially : the exclusive right to an invention

patented
adj. : originated by or peculiar to one person or group : INDIVIDUALIZED

patentee
n. : one to whom a grant is made or a privilege secured by patent

patentor
n. : one that grants a patent

Pater
n. Walter Horatio 1839-1894 Eng. essayist & critic
–Pa·ter·esque \ˌpā-tər-'esk\ or Pa·ter·ian \pā-'ter-ē-ən\ adjective

pater
n. 1 \'pä-ˌter\ often capitalized : PATERNOSTER
2 \'pā-tər\ [L] chiefly British : FATHER

pater patriae
: father of his country

paterfamilias
n. 1 : the male head of a household
2 : the father of a family
3 : a man who originates or is a leading figure in something (as a movement, discipline, or enterprise)

paternal
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a father b : like that of a father <paternal benevolence>
2 : received or inherited from one's male parent
3 : related through one's father <paternal grandfather>
–pa·ter·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

paternalism
n. 1 : a system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals as well as in their relations to authority and to each other
2 : a policy or practice based on or characteristic of paternalism
–pa·ter·nal·ist \-nə-list\ noun or adjective
–pa·ter·nal·is·tic \-ˌtər-nə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–pa·ter·nal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

paternity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being a father
2 : origin or descent from a father

paternity
n. 1 : granted to a father <paternity leave> <paternity rights>
2 : of or relating to the determination of paternity <a paternity suit>

paternity test
: a test especially of DNA or genetic traits to determine whether a given man could be the biological father of a given child

paternoster
n. 1 often capitalized : LORD'S PRAYER
2 : a word formula repeated as a prayer or magical charm

Paterson
n. city NE N.J. N of Newark pop 149,222

path
n. 1 : a trodden way
2 : a track specially constructed for a particular use
3 a : COURSE, ROUTE b : a way of life, conduct, or thought
4 a : the continuous series of positions or configurations that can be assumed in any motion or process of change by a moving or varying system b : a sequence of arcs in a network that can be traced continuously without retracing any arc
5 : PATHWAY 2

path
n. pathological; pathology

path
n. : pathological state : disease <pathogen>

path
n. 1 : practitioner of a (specified) system of medicine that emphasizes one aspect of disease or its treatment <naturopath>
2 [International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek -pathēs, adjective, suffering, from pathos] a : one suffering from a disorder (of such a part or system) <psychopath> b : one perceiving <telepath>

path
n. lead one up the garden path
towing path
base path
bridle path
flight path
glide path
lead one down the garden path
mean free path
primrose path
warning path
cross paths

Pathan
n. : PASHTUN

pathbreaking
: TRAILBLAZING

pathetic
adj. 1 : having a capacity to move one to either compassionate or contemptuous pity
2 : marked by sorrow or melancholy : SAD
3 : pitifully inferior or inadequate <the restaurant's pathetic service>
4 : ABSURD, LAUGHABLE <a pathetic costume>
synonyms see MOVING
–pa·thet·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–pa·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pathetic fallacy
: the ascription of human traits or feelings to inanimate nature (as in cruel sea)

pathfinder
n. : one that discovers a way especially : one that explores untraversed regions to mark out a new route
–path·find·ing \-diŋ\ noun or adjective

pathless
adj. : UNTRODDEN, TRACKLESS
–path·less·ness noun

pathobiology
: PATHOLOGY

pathogen
n. : a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease

pathogenesis
n. : the origination and development of a disease

pathogenetic
adj. 1 : of or relating to pathogenesis
2 : PATHOGENIC 2

pathogenic
adj. 1 : PATHOGENETIC 1
2 : causing or capable of causing disease
–path·o·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

pathognomonic
adj. : distinctively characteristic of a particular disease

pathography
: biography that focuses on a person's illnesses, misfortunes, or failures also : sensational or morbid biography

pathological
adj. 1 : of or relating to pathology
2 : altered or caused by disease also : indicative of disease
3 : being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal <a pathological liar> <pathological fear>
–path·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pathologist
n. : a specialist in pathology specifically : one who interprets and diagnoses the changes caused by disease in tissues and body fluids

pathologize
: to view or characterize as medically or psychologically abnormal <natural hormonal shifts have been pathologized ― Joyce C. Mills>

pathology
n. 1 : the study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them
2 : something abnormal: a : the structural and functional deviations from the normal that constitute disease or characterize a particular disease b : deviation from propriety or from an assumed normal state of something nonliving or nonmaterial c : deviation giving rise to social ills <connections between these pathologies⋯and crime ― Wendy Kaminer>

pathophysiology
n. : the physiology of abnormal states specifically : the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease
–path·o·phys·i·o·log·i·cal \-zē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or path·o·phys·i·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective

pathos
n. 1 : an element in experience or in artistic representation evoking pity or compassion
2 : an emotion of sympathetic pity

pathway
n. 1 : PATH, COURSE
2 : a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels
3 : the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another <metabolic pathways>

pathy
1 : feeling : suffering <empathy> : perception <telepathy>
2 : disorder of (such) a part or kind <neuropathy>
3 : system of medicine based on (such) a factor <osteopathy>

Patiala
1 former state NW India, now part of Punjab state
2 city, its capital, SW of Shimla pop 302,870

patience
n. 1 : the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient
2 chiefly British : SOLITAIRE 2

patient
n. 1 : bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2 : manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3 : not hasty or impetuous
4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5 a : able or willing to bear ― used with of b : SUSCEPTIBLE, ADMITTING <patient of one interpretation>
–pa·tient·ly adverb

patient
n. 1 a : an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment b : the recipient of any of various personal services
2 : one that is acted upon

patient dumping
: DUMPING 2

patina
n. 1 a : a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color b : a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use
2 : an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character
3 : a superficial covering or exterior

patinate
v. transitive verb : to give a patina to
intransitive verb : to take on a patina ― usually used in the past participle <patinated bronze>
–pat·i·na·tion \ˌpa-tə-'nā-shən\ noun

patine
: PATINA

patine
: to cover with a patina

patio
n. 1 : COURTYARD especially : an inner court open to the sky
2 : a recreation area that adjoins a dwelling, is often paved, and is adapted especially to outdoor dining

patisserie
n. 1 : PASTRY 1B
2 : a pastry shop

patissier
: a pastry chef

Patmore
Coventry (Kersey Dighton) 1823-1896 Eng. poet

Patmos
island Greece in the NW Dodecanese

Patna
n. city NE India on the Ganges, capital of Bihar pop 1,376,950

patois
n. 1 a : a dialect other than the standard or literary dialect b : uneducated or provincial speech
2 : the characteristic special language of an occupational or social group : JARGON

Paton
Alan Stewart 1903-1988 So. African writer

Patos, Lagoa dos
lagoon 124 mi (200 km) long S Brazil in Rio Grande do Sul

patr
: father <patristic>

Patras
city & port W Greece in N Peloponnese on Gulf of Patras pop 155,180

Patras, Gulf of
inlet of Ionian Sea W Greece W of Gulf of Corinth

patriarch
n. 1 a : one of the scriptural fathers of the human race or of the Hebrew people b : a man who is father or founder c (1) : the oldest member or representative of a group (2) : a venerable old man d : a man who is head of a patriarchy
2 a : any of the bishops of the ancient or Eastern Orthodox sees of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem or the ancient and Western see of Rome with authority over other bishops b : the head of any of various Eastern churches c : a Roman Catholic bishop next in rank to the pope with purely titular or with metropolitan jurisdiction
3 : a Mormon of the Melchizedek priesthood empowered to perform the ordinances of the church and pronounce blessings within a stake or prescribed jurisdiction

patriarchal
adj. : of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy

patriarchal cross
: a chiefly heraldic cross denoting a cardinal's or archbishop's rank and having two crossbars of which the lower is the longer and intersects the upright above or at its center ― called also cross of Lorraine ― see CROSS illustration

patriarchate
n. 1 a : the office, jurisdiction, or time in office of a patriarch b : the residence or headquarters of a patriarch
2 : PATRIARCHY

patriarchy
n. 1 : social organization marked by the supremacy of the father in the clan or family, the legal dependence of wives and children, and the reckoning of descent and inheritance in the male line broadly : control by men of a disproportionately large share of power
2 : a society or institution organized according to the principles or practices of patriarchy

patrician
n. 1 : a member of one of the original citizen families of ancient Rome
2 a : a person of high birth : ARISTOCRAT b : a person of breeding and cultivation
–patrician adjective

patriciate
n. 1 : the position or dignity of a patrician
2 : a patrician class

patricide
n. 1 [Latin patricida, from patr- + -cida -cide] : one who murders his or her own father
2 [Late Latin patricidium, from Latin patr- + -cidium -cide] : the murder of one's own father
–pat·ri·cid·al \ˌpa-trə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

Patrick
n. Saint 5th cent. A.D. apostle & patron saint of Ireland

patrilineal
adj. : relating to, based on, or tracing descent through the paternal line <a patrilineal society>

patrimony
n. 1 a : an estate inherited from one's father or ancestor b : anything derived from one's father or ancestors : HERITAGE
2 : an estate or endowment belonging by ancient right to a church
–pat·ri·mo·ni·al \ˌpa-trə-'mō-nē-əl\ adjective

Patrimony of St. Peter
― see ROME (Duchy of)

patriot
n. : one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests

patriotic
adj. 1 : inspired by patriotism
2 : befitting or characteristic of a patriot
–pa·tri·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

patriotism
n. : love for or devotion to one's country

Patriots' Day
: the third Monday in April observed as a legal holiday in Maine and Massachusetts in commemoration of the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775

patristic
adj. : of or relating to the church fathers or their writings

patristics
: the study of the writings and background of the church fathers

Patroclus
: a Greek hero and friend of Achilles slain by Hector at Troy

patrol
n. 1 a : the action of traversing a district or beat or of going the rounds along a chain of guards for observation or the maintenance of security b : the person performing such an action c : a unit of persons or vehicles employed for reconnaissance, security, or combat
2 : a subdivision of a Boy Scout troop or Girl Scout troop

patrol
n. intransitive verb : to carry out a patrol
transitive verb : to carry out a patrol of
–pa·trol·ler noun

patrol wagon
: PADDY WAGON

patrolman
n. : one who patrols especially : a police officer assigned to a beat

patron
n. 1 a : a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter b : a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer c : a social or financial sponsor of a social function (as a ball or concert)
2 : one that uses wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause
3 : one who buys the goods or uses the services offered especially by an establishment
4 : the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical benefice
5 : a master in ancient times who freed his slave but retained some rights over him
6 [French, from Middle French] : the proprietor of an establishment (as an inn) especially in France
7 : the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members
–pa·tron·al \'pā-trə-nəl; Brit pə-'trō-nəl, pa-\ adjective

patron saint
1 : a saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated
2 : an original leader or prime exemplar

patronage
n. 1 : ADVOWSON
2 : the support or influence of a patron
3 : kindness done with an air of superiority
4 : business or activity provided by patrons <the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage>
5 a : the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage b : the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage c : jobs distributed by patronage

patroness
n. : a woman who is a patron

patronise
v. British variant of patronize

patronize
v. 1 : to act as patron of : provide aid or support for
2 : to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or coolly
3 : to be a frequent or regular customer or client of
–pa·tron·i·za·tion \ˌpā-trə-nə-'zā-shən, pa-\ noun
–pa·tron·iz·ing·ly \'pā-trə-ˌnī-ziŋ-lē, 'pa-\ adverb

patronymic
n. : a name derived from that of the father or a paternal ancestor usually by the addition of an affix
–patronymic adjective

patroon
n. 1 archaic : the captain or officer commanding a ship
2 [Dutch, from French patron] : the proprietor of a manorial estate especially in New York orig. granted under Dutch rule but in some cases existing until the mid-19th century

patsy
n. : a person who is easily manipulated or victimized : PUSHOVER

patten
n. : a clog, sandal, or overshoe often with a wooden sole or metal device to elevate the foot and increase the wearer's height or aid in walking in mud

patter
n. transitive verb : to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner
intransitive verb
1 : to recite prayers (as paternosters) rapidly or mechanically
2 : to talk glibly and volubly
3 : to speak or sing rapid-fire words in a theatrical performance
–pat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

patter
n. 1 : a specialized lingo : CANT especially : the jargon of criminals (as thieves)
2 : the spiel of a street hawker or of a circus barker
3 : empty chattering talk
4 a (1) : the rapid-fire talk of a comedian (2) : the talk with which an entertainer accompanies a routine b : the words of a comic song or of a rapidly spoken usually humorous monologue introduced into such a song

patter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
2 : to run with quick light-sounding steps
transitive verb : to cause to patter

patter
n. : a quick succession of light sounds or pats

pattern
n. 1 : a form or model proposed for imitation : EXEMPLAR
2 : something designed or used as a model for making things <a dressmaker's pattern>
3 : an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form
4 : a natural or chance configuration <frost patterns> <the pattern of events>
5 : a length of fabric sufficient for an article (as of clothing)
6 a : the distribution of shrapnel, bombs on a target, or shot from a shotgun b : the grouping made on a target by bullets
7 : a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution <a behavior pattern> <spending patterns>
8 a : the flight path prescribed for an airplane that is coming in for a landing b : a prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football
9 : TEST PATTERN
10 : a discernible coherent system based on the intended interrelationship of component parts <foreign policy patterns>
11 : frequent or widespread incidence <a pattern of dissent> <a pattern of violence>
synonyms see MODEL
–pat·terned \-tərnd\ adjective
–pat·tern·less adjective

pattern
n. 1 dialect chiefly English a : MATCH b : IMITATE
2 : to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern
3 : to furnish, adorn, or mark with a design
intransitive verb : to form a pattern

pattern
n. holding pattern
male pattern baldness
test pattern

patterning
n. 1 : decoration, composition, or configuration according to a pattern
2 : physical therapy especially for neurological impairment based on a theory holding that repeated manipulation of body parts to simulate normal motor developmental activity (as crawling or walking) promotes neurological development or repair

Patti
Adelina 1843-1919 Ital. (Span.-born) soprano

Patton
n. George Smith 1885-1945 American gen.

patty
n. 1 : a little pie
2 a : a small flat cake of chopped food <a hamburger patty> b : a small flat candy <a peppermint patty>
3 : PATTY SHELL

patty shell
: a shell of puff pastry made to hold a creamed meat, fish, or vegetable filling

patty-cake
: a game in which two participants (as mother and child) clap their hands together to the rhythm of an accompanying nursery rhyme

pattypan
n. : a roundish summer squash having a scalloped edge ― called also cymling

patulous
adj. : spreading widely from a center <a tree with patulous branches>

Patuxent
river 100 mi (161 km) cen Md. flowing S & SE into Chesapeake Bay

patzer
n. : an inept chess player

Pau
1 or F Gave de Pau \ˌgäv-də-'pō\ river 100 mi (161 km) SW France rising in the Pyrenees SW of Pau & flowing to the Adour ― see GAVARNIE
2 commune SW France on Pau River pop 78,800

paucis verbis
: in a few words

paucity
n. 1 : smallness of number : FEWNESS
2 : smallness of quantity : DEARTH

Paul
n. : an early Christian apostle and missionary and author of several New Testament epistles

Paul
n. name of 6 popes: especially III (Alessandro Farnese) 1468-1549 (pope 1534-49); V 1552-1621 (pope 1605-21); VI (Giovanni Battista Montini) 1897-1978 (pope 1963-78)

Paul
n. 1754-1801 emp. of Russia (1796-1801)

Paul
n. 1901-1964 king of Greece (1947-64)

Paul
n. Jean ― see RICHTER

Paul
n. Wolfgang 1913-1993 Ger. physicist

Paul
n. Paul I
Paul Bunyan
John Paul
Vincent de Paul
Saint Paul
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks

Paul Bunyan
: a giant lumberjack of American folklore

Paulding
James Kirke 1778-1860 American author

Pauli
Wolfgang 1900-1958 American (Austrian-born) physicist

Pauli exclusion principle
: EXCLUSION PRINCIPLE ― called also Pauli principle

Pauline
n. : of or relating to the apostle Paul, his epistles, or the doctrine or theology implicit in his epistles

Pauling
Li·nus \'lī-nəs\ Carl 1901-1994 Am. chem.

Paulist
: a member of the Roman Catholic Congregation of the Missionary Priests of St. Paul the Apostle founded by I. T. Hecker in the U.S. in 1858

Paulo
n. Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo
Penedos de São Pedro e São Paulo
Sao Paulo
São Paulo

paulownia
n. : any of a genus (Paulownia) of Chinese trees of the snapdragon family especially : one (P. tomentosa) widely cultivated for its panicles of fragrant violet flowers

Paulus
Friedrich 1890-1957 Ger. field marshal

Paulus
Julius 2d-3d cent. A.D. Rom. jurist

paunch
n. 1 a : the belly and its contents b : POTBELLY
2 : RUMEN

paunchy
adj. : having a potbelly
–paunch·i·ness noun

pauper
n. 1 : a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity specifically : one who receives aid from funds designated for the poor
2 : a very poor person
–pau·per·ism \-pə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

pauperize
v. : to reduce to poverty
–pau·per·i·za·tion \ˌpȯ-pə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

paupiette
n. : a thin slice of meat or fish wrapped around a forcemeat filling

Pausanias
fl A.D. 143-176 Greek hist. & geographer

pause
n. 1 : a temporary stop
2 a : a break in a verse b : a brief suspension of the voice to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts
3 : temporary inaction especially as caused by uncertainty : HESITATION
4 a : the sign denoting a fermata b : a mark (as a period or comma) used in writing or printing to indicate or correspond to a pause of voice
5 : a reason or cause for pausing (as to reconsider) <a thought that should give one pause>
6 : a function of an electronic device that pauses a recording

pause
n. intransitive verb
1 : to stop temporarily
2 : to linger for a time
transitive verb : to cause to pause : STOP

pavane
n. 1 : a stately court dance by couples that was introduced from southern Europe into England in the 16th century
2 : music for the pavane also : music having the slow duple rhythm of a pavane

pave
v. 1 : to lay or cover with material (as asphalt or concrete) that forms a firm level surface for travel
2 : to cover firmly and solidly as if with paving material
3 : to serve as a covering or pavement of
–pave the way : to prepare a smooth easy way : facilitate development

pave
v. of jewels : set as close together as possible to conceal a metal base

pave the way
to prepare a smooth easy way : facilitate development

pavement
n. 1 : a paved surface: as a : the artificially covered surface of a public thoroughfare b chiefly British : SIDEWALK
2 : the material with which something is paved
3 : something that suggests a pavement (as in flatness, hardness, and extent of surface)

paver
n. 1 : one that paves
2 : PAVEMENT 2

Pavia
commune N Italy S of Milan pop 73,893

pavilion
n. 1 a : a large often sumptuous tent b : something resembling a canopy or tent <tree ferns spread their delicate pavilions ― Blanche E. Baughan>
2 a : a part of a building projecting from the rest b : one of several detached or semidetached units into which a building is sometimes divided
3 a : a usually open sometimes ornamental structure in a garden, park, or place of recreation that is used for entertainment or shelter b : a temporary structure erected at an exposition by an individual exhibitor
4 : the lower faceted part of a brilliant below the girdle ― see BRILLIANT illustration

pavilion
n. : to furnish or cover with or put in a pavilion

paving
n. : PAVEMENT

pavior
n. British : PAVER

Pavlof
volcano 8261 ft (2518 m) SW Alaska on SW Alaska Peninsula in Aleutian Range

Pavlov
n. Ivan Petrovich 1849-1936 Russ. physiol.
–Pav·lov·ian \pav-'lȯ-vē-ən, -'lō-; -'lȯ-fē-\ adjective

Pavlova
n. Anna 1882-1931 Russ. ballerina

pavlova
n. : a dessert of Australian and New Zealand origin consisting of a meringue shell topped with whipped cream and usually fruit

Pavlovian
adj. 1 : of or relating to Ivan Pavlov or to his work and theories <Pavlovian conditioning>
2 : being or expressing a conditioned or predictable reaction : AUTOMATIC <the candidates gave Pavlovian answers>

paw
n. 1 : the foot of a quadruped (as a lion or dog) that has claws broadly : the foot of an animal
2 : a human hand especially when large or clumsy

paw
n. 1 : to touch or strike at with a paw
2 : to feel or touch clumsily, rudely, or sexually
3 : to scrape or beat with or as if with a hoof
4 : to flail at or grab for wildly
intransitive verb
1 : to beat or scrape something with or as if with a hoof
2 : to touch or strike with a paw
3 : to feel or touch someone or something clumsily, rudely, or sexually
4 : to flail or grab wildly
5 : to search especially carelessly or roughly <pawed through the box of discount items>

pawky
adj. chiefly British : artfully shrewd : CANNY

pawl
n. : a pivoted tongue or sliding bolt on one part of a machine that is adapted to fall into notches or interdental spaces on another part so as to permit motion in only one direction

pawn
n. 1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another

pawn
n. 1 a : something delivered to or deposited with another as security for a loan b : HOSTAGE
2 : the state of being pledged
3 : something used as a pledge : GUARANTY
4 : the act of pawning

pawn
n. : to deposit in pledge or as security especially in exchange for money
–pawn·er \'pȯ-nər, 'pä-\ also paw·nor \same or pȯ-'nȯr, pä-\ noun

pawn off
: to get rid of or pass off usually by deception : PALM OFF

pawnbroker
n. : one who lends money on the security of personal property pledged in his keeping
–pawn·bro·king \-kiŋ\ noun

Pawnee
n. : a member of an American Indian people orig. of Kansas and Nebraska

pawnshop
n. : a pawnbroker's shop

pawpaw
n. 1 \pə-'pȯ\ : PAPAYA
2 \'pä-(ˌ)pȯ, 'pȯ-\ : a No. American tree (Asimina triloba) of the custard-apple family with purple flowers and an edible green-skinned fruit also : its fruit

Pawtucket
city NE R.I. pop 72,958

pax
n. 1 : a tablet decorated with a sacred figure (as of Christ) and sometimes ceremonially kissed by participants at mass
2 : the kiss of peace in the Mass
3 : PEACE especially capitalized : a period of general stability in international affairs under the influence of dominant military power ― usually used in combination with a latinized name <Pax Americana>

pax vobiscum
: peace (be) with you

pay
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make due return to for services rendered or property delivered b : to engage for money : HIRE <you couldn't pay me to do that>
2 a : to give in return for goods or service <pay wages> b : to discharge indebtedness for : SETTLE <pay a bill> c : to make a disposal or transfer of (money)
3 : to give or forfeit in expiation or retribution <pay the penalty>
4 a : to make compensation for b : to requite according to what is deserved <pay them back>
5 : to give, offer, or make freely or as fitting <pay attention> <pay your respects>
6 a : to return value or profit to <it pays you to stay open> b : to bring in as a return <an investment paying five percent>
7 : to slacken (as a rope) and allow to run out ― used with out
intransitive verb
1 : to discharge a debt or obligation
2 : to be worth the expense or effort <crime doesn't pay>
3 : to suffer the consequences of an act
–pay one's dues
1 : to earn a right or position through experience, suffering, or hard work
2 also pay dues : PAY VI 3
–pay one's way or pay one's own way : to pay one's share of expenses
–pay the piper : to bear the cost of something
–pay through the nose : to pay exorbitantly or dearly
synonyms PAY, COMPENSATE, REMUNERATE, SATISFY, REIMBURSE, INDEMNIFY, REPAY, RECOMPENSE mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something. PAY implies the discharge of an obligation incurred <paid their bills on time>. COMPENSATE implies a making up for services rendered or help given <an attorney well compensated for her services>. REMUNERATE more clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for <promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely>. SATISFY implies paying a person what is demanded or required by law <all creditors will be satisfied in full>. REIMBURSE implies a return of money that has been expended for another's benefit <reimbursed employees for expenses>. INDEMNIFY implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare <indemnified the families of the dead miners>. REPAY stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount <repay a favor with a favor>. RECOMPENSE suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward <hotel guests were recompensed for their inconvenience>.

pay
n. 1 : something paid for a purpose and especially as a salary or wage : REMUNERATION
2 a : the act or fact of paying or being paid b : the status of being paid by an employer : EMPLOY
3 : a person viewed with respect to reliability or promptness in paying debts or bills
4 a : ore or a natural deposit that yields metal and especially gold in profitable amounts b : an oil-yielding stratum or zone
synonyms see WAGE

pay
n. 1 : containing or leading to something precious or valuable
2 : equipped with a coin slot for receiving a fee for use <a pay telephone>
3 : requiring payment

pay
n. : to coat with a waterproof composition

pay
n. pay one's own way
pay dues
base pay
co pay
devil to pay
flight pay
hell to pay
pay through the nose
pay the piper
pay one's way
pay one's dues
pay as you go
pay cable
pay dirt
pay down
pay envelope
pay off
pay per view
pay phone
pay station
pay TV
pay television
pay up
severance pay
sick pay
take home pay
vin du pays
vin de pays
au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois
put paid to

pay dirt
1 : earth or ore that yields a profit to a miner
2 : a useful or remunerative discovery or object

pay down
: to reduce (a debt) by repaying in part

pay envelope
: an envelope containing one's wages also : WAGES

pay off
1 a : to give all due wages to especially : to pay in full and discharge (an employee) b : to pay (a debt or a creditor) in full c : BRIBE
2 : to inflict retribution on
3 : to allow (a thread or rope) to run off a spool or drum
intransitive verb : to yield returns

pay one's dues

1 : to earn a right or position through experience, suffering, or hard work
2 also pay dues : PAY VI 3

pay one's way
or pay one's own way : to pay one's share of expenses

pay phone
: a usually coin-operated public telephone

pay station
: PAY PHONE

pay the piper
to bear the cost of something

pay through the nose
to pay exorbitantly or dearly

pay up
: to pay what is due
transitive verb : to pay in full

pay-as-you-go
: of or relating to a system or policy of paying bills when due or of paying for goods and services when purchased

pay-cable
: pay-TV utilizing a cable television system

pay-per-view
: a cable television service by which customers can order access to a particular broadcast for a fee

pay-TV
: a service providing noncommercial television programming (as recent movies and entertainment specials) by means of a scrambled signal to subscribers who are provided with a decoder ― called also pay television ― compare PAY-CABLE, SUBSCRIPTION TV

payable
adj. 1 : that may, can, or must be paid
2 : PROFITABLE

payback
n. 1 : a return on an investment equal to the original capital outlay also : the period of time elapsed before an investment is recouped
2 : REQUITAL

paycheck
n. 1 : a check in payment of wages or salary
2 : WAGES, SALARY

payday
n. : a regular day on which wages are paid

PAYE
British pay as you earn

payee
n. : one to whom money is or is to be paid

payer
n. : one that pays especially : the person by whom a bill or note has been or should be paid

payload
n. 1 : the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation especially : the load carried by an aircraft or spacecraft consisting of things (as passengers or instruments) necessary to the purpose of the flight
2 : the weight of a payload

paymaster
n. : an officer or agent whose duty it is to pay salaries or wages

payment
n. 1 : the act of paying
2 : something that is paid : PAY
3 : REQUITAL

payment
n. co payment
down payment
stop payment
transfer payment
balance of payments

paynim
n. archaic : PAGAN especially : MUSLIM

payoff
n. 1 a : PROFIT, REWARD b : RETRIBUTION
2 : the act or occasion of receiving money or material gain especially as compensation or as a bribe
3 : the climax of an incident or enterprise specifically : the denouement of a narrative
4 : a decisive fact or factor resolving a situation or bringing about a definitive conclusion

payoff
n. : yielding results in the final test : DECISIVE

payola
n. : undercover or indirect payment (as to a disc jockey) for a commercial favor (as for promoting a particular recording)

payout
n. : the act of paying out : PAYOFF

payroll
n. 1 : a paymaster's or employer's list of those entitled to pay and of the amounts due to each
2 : the sum necessary for distribution to those on a payroll also : the money to be distributed

Paysandu
city & port W Uruguay pop 62,412

payt
payment

Paz
Octavio 1914-1998 Mex. author

PB
1 personal best
2 power brakes

Pb
lead

pb
paperback

PB&J
peanut butter and jelly

PBB
: POLYBROMINATED BIPHENYL

PBS
Public Broadcasting Service

PBX
n. : a private telephone switchboard

PC
n. : PERSONAL COMPUTER

PC
n. 1 peace corps
2 percent; percentage
3 politically correct; political correctness
4 postcard
5 printed circuit
6 professional corporation

pc
n. 1 parsec
2 [Latin post cibum] after a meal; [post cibos] after meals

PCB
n. : POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL

PCI
n. peripheral component interconnect

PCP
n. : PHENCYCLIDINE

PCP
n. 1 Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
2 primary care physician; primary care provider

PCR
polymerase chain reaction

pct
percent; percentage

PD
n. 1 per diem
2 police department
3 postal district
4 potential difference
5 program director
6 public defender
7 public domain

Pd
n. palladium

pd
n. paid

PDA
: a small hand-held device equipped with a microprocessor that is used especially for storing and organizing personal information (as addresses, schedules, and notes)

PDA
public display of affection

PDQ
adv. : IMMEDIATELY

PDT
Pacific daylight time

PE
n. 1 physical education
2 Prince Edward Island
3 printer's error
4 probable error
5 professional engineer

pe
n. : the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

pea
n. 1 a : a variable annual Eurasian vine (Pisum sativum) of the legume family that is cultivated especially for its rounded smooth or wrinkled edible protein-rich seeds b : the seed of the pea c plural : the immature pods of the pea with their included seeds
2 : any of various leguminous plants related to or resembling the pea ― usually used in combination or with a qualifying term <chickpea> <black-eyed pea> also : the seed of such a plant
3 : something resembling a pea (as in size or shape)

pea
n. field pea
black eyed pea
beach pea
English pea
pea aphid
pea bean
pea green
pea jacket
pea soup
pigeon pea
rosary pea
snap pea
sugar snap pea
snow pea
split pea
sugar pea
sweet pea

pea aphid
: a widely distributed aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) that is a serious pest on legumes (as alfalfa, pea, and clover)

pea bean
1 : a small white dried kidney bean especially : NAVY BEAN
2 : a plant that is a source of pea beans

pea green
: a moderate yellow green

pea jacket
: PEACOAT

pea soup
1 : a thick purée made of dried peas
2 : a thick fog

Peabody
n. Endicott 1857-1944 American educ.

Peabody
n. George 1795-1869 American merchant & philanthropist

Peabody
n. city NE Mass. N of Lynn pop 48,129

Peace
n. river 1195 mi (1923 km) W Canada flowing E & NE in N B.C. & N Alta. into Slave River ― see FINLAY

peace
n. 1 : a state of tranquillity or quiet: as a : freedom from civil disturbance b : a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom <a breach of the peace>
2 : freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
3 : harmony in personal relations
4 a : a state or period of mutual concord between governments b : a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity
5 ― used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
–at peace : in a state of concord or tranquillity

peace
n. obsolete : to be, become, or keep silent or quiet

peace
n. hold one's peace
justice of the peace
kiss of peace
at peace
peace corps
peace dividend
peace offering
peace officer
peace pipe
peace sign
peace symbol
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

peace corps
: a body of trained personnel sent as volunteers especially to assist underdeveloped nations

peace dividend
: a portion of funds made available for nondefense spending by a reduction in the defense budget (as after a war)

peace offering
: a gift or service for the purpose of procuring peace or reconciliation

peace officer
: a civil officer (as a police officer) whose duty it is to preserve the public peace

peace pipe
: CALUMET

peace sign
1 : a sign made by holding the palm outward and forming a V with the index and middle fingers and used to indicate the desire for peace
2 : PEACE SYMBOL

peace symbol
: the symbol used to signify peace

peaceable
adj. 1 a : disposed to peace : not contentious or quarrelsome b : quietly behaved
2 : marked by freedom from strife or disorder
–peace·able·ness noun
–peace·ably \-blē\ adverb

peaceful
adj. 1 : PEACEABLE 1
2 : untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion : QUIET, TRANQUIL
3 : of or relating to a state or time of peace
4 : devoid of violence or force
synonyms see CALM
–peace·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–peace·ful·ness noun

peacekeeping
n. : the preserving of peace especially : international enforcement and supervision of a truce between hostile states or communities
–peace·keep·er \-pər\ noun

peacemaker
n. : one who makes peace especially by reconciling parties at variance
–peace·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun or adjective

peacenik
n. : an opponent of war specifically : one who participates in antiwar demonstrations

peacetime
n. : a time when a nation is not at war

peach
n. 1 a : a low spreading freely branching Chinese tree (Prunus persica) of the rose family that has lanceolate leaves and sessile usually pink flowers and is widely cultivated in temperate areas for its edible fruit which is a single-seeded drupe with a hard central stone, a pulpy white or yellow flesh, and a thin fuzzy skin b : the edible fruit of the peach
2 : a moderate yellowish pink
3 : one resembling a peach (as in sweetness, beauty, or excellence)

peach
n. transitive verb : to inform against : BETRAY
intransitive verb : to turn informer : BLAB

peach
n. green peach aphid
lesser peach tree borer
oriental peach moth
peach leaf curl
peach tree borer

peach leaf curl
: leaf curl of the peach that is caused by a fungus (Taphrina deformans)

peach tree borer
: a blue-black clearwing moth (Synanthedon exitiosa syn. Sanninoidea exitiosa) with the female having an orange band on the abdomen and whose white brown-headed larva bores in the wood of stone fruit trees (as the peach)

Peachtree City
city NW cen Ga. SSW of Atlanta pop 31,580

peachy
adj. 1 : resembling a peach
2 : unusually fine : DANDY

peachy keen
: PEACHY 2

peacoat
: a heavy woolen double-breasted jacket orig. worn by sailors

Peacock
n. Thomas Love 1785-1866 Eng. nov. & poet

peacock
n. 1 : a male peafowl distinguished by a crest of upright feathers and by greatly elongated loosely webbed upper tail coverts which are mostly tipped with iridescent spots and are erected and spread in a shimmering fan usually as a courtship display broadly : PEAFOWL
2 : one making a proud display of oneself : SHOW-OFF
–pea·cock·ish \-ˌkä-kish\ adjective
–pea·cocky \-kē\ adjective

peacock
n. : SHOW OFF

peacock blue
: a moderate greenish blue

peacock flower
: ROYAL POINCIANA

peafowl
n. : either of two very large terrestrial pheasants (Pavo cristatus and P. muticus) of southeastern Asia and India that are often reared as ornamental fowls

peahen
n. : a female peafowl

peak
n. 1 : a pointed or projecting part of a garment especially : the visor of a cap or hat
2 : PROMONTORY
3 : a sharp or pointed end
4 a (1) : the top of a hill or mountain ending in a point (2) : a prominent mountain usually having a well-defined summit b : something resembling a mountain peak
5 a : the upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail b : the narrow part of a ship's bow or stern or the part of the hold in it
6 a : the highest level or greatest degree b : a high point in a course of development especially as represented on a graph
7 : WIDOW'S PEAK
synonyms see SUMMIT

peak
n. : to reach a maximum (as of capacity, value, or activity) ― often used with out
transitive verb : to cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum

peak
n. : being at or reaching the maximum <peak levels> <peak output> also : of, relating to, or being a period of maximum intensity or activity <peak business hours>

peak
n. 1 : to grow thin or sickly
2 : to dwindle away

peak
n. 1 : to set (as a gaff) nearer the perpendicular
2 : to hold (oars) with blades well raised

peak
n. off peak
peak flow meter
widow's peak
Adam's Peak
Blanca Peak
Borah Peak
Boundary Peak
Charleston Peak
Cloud Peak
Communism Peak
Electric Peak
Franks Peak
Gannett Peak
Granite Peak
Grays Peak
Harney Peak
Humphreys Peak
Kings Peak
La Plata Peak
Lassen Peak
Lenin Peak
Longs Peak
North Truchas Peak
Pikes Peak
Pobeda Peak
Sierra Blanca Peak
Telescope Peak
Truchas Peak
Uncompahgre Peak
Wheeler Peak
San Francisco Peaks
Spanish Peaks

peak flow meter
: a device that measures the maximum rate of air flow out of the lungs during forced expiration and that is used especially for monitoring lung capacity of asthmatics

peaked
adj. : having a peak : POINTED <peaked lapels> <a peaked hill>
–peaked·ness \'pēk(t)-nəs, 'pē-kəd-nəs\ noun

peaked
adj. : being pale and wan or emaciated : SICKLY

peaky
adj. : 2PEAKED

peal
n. 1 a : the loud ringing of bells b : a complete set of changes on a given number of bells c : a set of bells tuned to the tones of the major scale for change ringing
2 : a loud sound or succession of sounds <peals of laughter>

peal
n. : to give out peals
transitive verb : to utter or give forth loudly

Peale
Charles Willson 1741-1827 & his bro. James 1749-1831 & Charles's son Rembrandt 1778-1860 American painters

pealike
1 : resembling a pea especially in size, firmness, and shape <a pealike lump under the skin>
2 of a flower : being showy and papilionaceous

peanut
n. 1 : a low-branching widely cultivated annual herb (Arachis hypogaea) of the legume family with showy yellow flowers having a peduncle which elongates and bends into the soil where the ovary ripens into a pod containing one to three oily edible seeds also : its seed or seed-containing pod
2 : an insignificant or tiny person
3 plural : a trifling amount
4 : a pellet usually made of polystyrene foam that is used especially as packing material

peanut
n. : INSIGNIFICANT, PETTY <peanut politics>

peanut oil
: a colorless to yellow fatty nondrying oil that is obtained from peanuts and is used chiefly as a salad oil, in margarine, in soap, and as a vehicle in pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetics

pear
n. 1 : a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end
2 : a tree bearing pears

pear
n. alligator pear
Asian pear
avocado pear
pear psylla
pear shaped
prickly pear
prickly pear cactus
vegetable pear

pear psylla
: a yellowish or greenish jumping plant louse (Psylla pyricola) that is often destructive to the pear

pear-shaped
1 : having an oval shape markedly tapering at one end
2 of a vocal tone : free from harshness, thinness, or nasality

Pearl
n. 1 river ab 410 mi (660 km) S Miss. flowing S into Gulf of Mexico
2 ― see ZHU

pearl
n. 1 a : a dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of nacre as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem b : MOTHER-OF-PEARL
2 : one that is very choice or precious
3 : something resembling a pearl intrinsically or physically
4 : a nearly neutral slightly bluish medium gray

pearl
n. 1 : to set or adorn with pearls
2 : to sprinkle or bead with pearly drops
3 : to form into small round grains
4 : to give a pearly color or luster to
intransitive verb
1 : to form drops or beads like pearls
2 : to fish or search for pearls
–pearl·er \'pər-lər\ noun

pearl
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling pearl b : made of or adorned with pearls
2 : having medium-sized grains <pearl barley>

pearl
n. British : PICOT

pearl
n. freshwater pearl
mabe pearl
mobe pearl
mobé pearl
mother of pearl
pearl essence
pearl gray
Pearl Harbor
pearl millet
pearl onion
seed pearl
Mount Pearl
Pearl City

Pearl City
unincorporated population center Hawaii in S Oahu pop 30,976

pearl essence
: a translucent substance that occurs in the silvery scales of various fish (as herring) and is used in making artificial pearls, lacquers, and plastics

pearl gray
1 : a yellowish to light gray
2 : a pale blue

Pearl Harbor
: a surprise attack often with devastating effect

Pearl Harbor
inlet Hawaii on S coast of Oahu W of Honolulu; site of U.S. Navy base

pearl millet
: a tall cereal grass (Pennisetum glaucum syn. P. americanum) that has large leaves and dense round spikes and is widely grown for its seeds and for forage

pearl onion
: a very small usually pickled onion used especially in appetizers and as a garnish

Pearland
city E Texas S of Houston pop 37,640

pearlescent
adj. : having a pearly luster <a pearlescent lacquer>
–pearl·es·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun

pearlite
n. : the lamellar mixture of ferrite and cementite in slowly cooled iron-carbon alloys occurring normally as a principal constituent of both steel and cast iron
–pearl·it·ic \ˌpər-'li-tik\ adjective

pearlized
adj. : given a pearlescent surface or finish

pearly
adj. 1 : resembling, containing, or adorned with pearls or mother-of-pearl
2 : highly precious

pearly everlasting
: an everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) that has herbage covered with white woolly hairs and corymbose heads with white scarious involucres

pearly nautilus
: NAUTILUS 1

Pearson
Karl 1857-1936 Eng. math.

Pearson
Lester Bowles 1897-1972 prime min. of Canada (1963-68)

peart
adj. chiefly Southern & Midland : being in good spirits : LIVELY
–peart·ly adverb

Peary
Robert Edwin 1856-1920 American polar explorer

Peary Land
region N Greenland on Arctic Ocean

peasant
n. 1 : a member of a European class of persons tilling the soil as small landowners or as laborers also : a member of a similar class elsewhere
2 : a usually uneducated person of low social status

peasantry
n. 1 : PEASANTS
2 : the position, rank, or behavior of a peasant

peasecod
: a pea pod

peashooter
n. : a toy blowgun that uses peas for projectiles

peat
n. 1 : TURF 2B
2 : partially carbonized vegetable tissue formed by partial decomposition in water of various plants (as mosses of the genus Sphagnum)
–peaty \'pē-tē\ adjective

peat
n. : a bold lively woman

peat
n. four peat
peat moss
three peat

peat moss
: SPHAGNUM

peavey
: a lumberman's lever that has a pivoting hooked arm and metal spike at one end ― called also cant dog ― compare CANT HOOK

pebble
n. 1 : a small usually rounded stone especially when worn by the action of water
2 : transparent and colorless quartz : ROCK CRYSTAL
3 : an irregular, crinkled, or grainy surface
–peb·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

pebble
n. 1 : to pelt with pebbles
2 : to pave or cover with pebbles or something resembling pebbles
3 : to grain (as leather) so as to produce a rough and irregularly indented surface

pec
n. : PECTORAL MUSCLE ― usually used in plural

pecan
n. 1 : a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis syn. C. illinoensis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut
2 : the wood of the pecan tree
3 : the smooth oblong thin-shelled nut of the pecan tree

peccadillo
n. : a slight offense

peccant
n. 1 : guilty of a moral offense : SINNING
2 : violating a principle or rule : FAULTY
–pec·cant·ly adverb

peccary
n. : any of several largely nocturnal gregarious American mammals resembling the related pigs: as a : a grizzled animal (Tayassu tajacu) with an indistinct white collar b : a blackish animal (Tayassu pecari) with a whitish mouth region

peccavi
n. : an acknowledgment of sin

Pechenga
town & port NW Russia in Europe on inlet of Barents Sea in district that belonged to Finland 1920-44 pop 3500

Pechora
river over 1100 mi (1770 km) NE Russia in Europe flowing N into Barents Sea

peck
n. 1 ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a large quantity or number

peck
n. transitive verb
1 a : to strike or pierce especially repeatedly with the bill or a pointed tool b : to make by pecking <peck a hole>
2 : to pick up with the bill
intransitive verb
1 a : to strike, pierce, or pick up something with or as if with the bill b : CARP, NAG
2 : to eat reluctantly and in small bites <peck at food>

peck
n. 1 : an impression or hole made by pecking
2 : a quick sharp stroke
3 : a quick light kiss <a peck on the cheek>

peck
n. hunt and peck
peck order
Fort Peck Lake
pecking order

pecker
n. 1 : one that pecks
2 chiefly British : COURAGE
3 often vulgar : PENIS

peckerwood
n. often disparaging : a rural white Southerner

pecking order
1 : the basic pattern of social organization within a flock of poultry in which each bird pecks another lower in the scale without fear of retaliation and submits to pecking by one of higher rank broadly : a dominance hierarchy in a group of social animals
2 : a social hierarchy

peckish
adj. 1 chiefly British : HUNGRY
2 : CROTCHETY

Pecksniffian
adj. : unctuously hypocritical : PHARISAICAL

pecky
1 : marked by lenticular or finger-shaped pockets of decay caused by fungi <pecky cypress>
2 : containing discolored or shriveled grains <pecky rice>

pecorino
n. : any of various cheeses of Italian origin made from sheep's milk

Pecos
river E N.Mex. & W Tex. flowing SE into the Rio Grande

Pecos National Monument
n. archaeological site N cen N.Mex. SE of Santa Fe containing Indian villages & a Spanish mission

Pecs
n. city S Hungary W of the Danube pop 179,000

pecten
n. 1 : SCALLOP 1A
2 plural usually pec·ti·nes \-tə-ˌnēz\ : a body part that resembles a comb especially : a folded vascular pigmented membrane projecting into the vitreous humor in the eye of a bird or reptile

pectic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from pectin

pectic acid
: any of various water-insoluble substances formed by hydrolyzing the methyl ester groups of pectins

pectin
n. : any of various water-soluble substances that bind adjacent cell walls in plant tissues and yield a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies also : a commercial product rich in pectins

pectinaceous
: of, relating to, or containing pectin

pectinate
adj. : having narrow parallel projections or divisions suggestive of the teeth of a comb <pectinate antennae>
–pec·ti·na·tion \ˌpek-tə-'nā-shən\ noun

pectinesterase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of pectins into pectic acids and methanol

pectoral
n. 1 : something worn on the breast
2 : PECTORAL MUSCLE

pectoral
n. 1 : of, situated in or on, or worn on the chest
2 : coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion

pectoral
n. pectoral cross
pectoral fin
pectoral girdle
pectoral muscle

pectoral cross
: a cross worn on the breast especially by a prelate

pectoral fin
: either of the fins of a fish that correspond to the forelimbs of a quadruped

pectoral girdle
: SHOULDER GIRDLE

pectoral muscle
: any of the muscles which connect the ventral walls of the chest with the bones of the upper arm and shoulder and of which there are two on each side of the human body

peculate
v. : EMBEZZLE
–pec·u·la·tion \ˌpe-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun
–pec·u·la·tor \'pe-kyə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

peculiar
adj. 1 : characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : DISTINCTIVE
2 : different from the usual or normal: a : SPECIAL, PARTICULAR b : ODD, CURIOUS c : ECCENTRIC, QUEER
synonyms see CHARACTERISTIC, STRANGE
–pe·cu·liar·ly adverb

peculiar
adj. : something exempt from ordinary jurisdiction especially : a church or parish exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary in whose territory it lies

peculiarity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being peculiar
2 : a distinguishing characteristic
3 : ODDITY, QUIRK

pecuniary
adj. 1 : consisting of or measured in money
2 : of or relating to money
–pe·cu·ni·ar·i·ly \-ˌkyü-nē-'er-ə-lē\ adverb

ped
v. : a natural soil aggregate

ped
v. : child <pediatric> : childhood <paedogenesis>

ped
v. : foot <maxilliped>

pedagogical
adj. : of, relating to, or befitting a teacher or education
–ped·a·gog·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pedagogics
n. : PEDAGOGY

pedagogue
n. : TEACHER, SCHOOLMASTER especially : a dull, formal, or pedantic teacher

pedagogy
n. : the art, science, or profession of teaching especially : EDUCATION 2

pedal
n. 1 : a lever pressed by the foot in the playing of a musical instrument (as an organ or piano)
2 : a foot lever or treadle by which a part is activated in a mechanism

pedal
n. 1 \'pe-dəl also 'pē-\ : of or relating to the foot
2 \'pe-\ : of, relating to, or involving a pedal

pedal
n. intransitive verb
1 : to ride a bicycle
2 : to use or work a pedal
transitive verb : to work the pedals of

pedal
n. pedal bone
pedal note
pedal point
pedal pushers
pedal steel
pedal steel guitar
soft pedal

pedal bone
: COFFIN BONE

pedal point
: a single tone usually the tonic or dominant that is normally sustained in the bass and sounds against changing harmonies in the other parts

pedal pushers
: women's and girls' calf-length trousers

pedal steel
: a box-shaped musical instrument with legs that has usually 10 strings which can be altered in pitch by the use of pedals and which are plucked while being pressed with a movable steel bar ― called also pedal steel guitar

pedal-note
1 : PEDAL POINT
2 : one of the lowest tones that can be sounded on a brass instrument being an octave below the normal usable range and representing the fundamental of the harmonic series

pedalfer
: a soil that lacks a hardened layer of accumulated carbonates

pedalo
n. chiefly British : a small recreational paddleboat powered by pedals

pedant
n. 1 obsolete : a male schoolteacher
2 a : one who makes a show of knowledge b : one who is unimaginative or who unduly emphasizes minutiae in the presentation or use of knowledge c : a formalist or precisionist in teaching

pedantic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a pedant
2 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned
3 : UNIMAGINATIVE, PEDESTRIAN
–pe·dan·ti·cal·ly \-'dan-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pedantry
n. 1 : pedantic presentation or application of knowledge or learning
2 : an instance of pedantry

peddle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to travel about with wares for sale broadly : SELL
2 : to be busy with trifles : PIDDLE
transitive verb
1 : to sell or offer for sale from place to place : HAWK broadly : SELL
2 : to deal out or seek to disseminate
3 : to offer or promote as valuable

peddler
n. : one who peddles: as a : one who offers merchandise (as fresh produce) for sale along the street or from door to door b : one who deals in or promotes something intangible (as a personal asset or an idea) <influence peddlers>

pederast
n. : one who practices anal intercourse especially with a boy
–ped·er·as·tic \ˌpe-də-'ras-tik\ adjective
–ped·er·as·ty \'pe-də-ˌras-tē\ noun

Pedernales
river cen Tex. flowing E into Colorado River

Pedersen
Charles John 1904-1989 American (Korean-born) chem.

pedestal
n. 1 a : the support or foot of a late classic or neoclassic column ― see COLUMN illustration b : the base of an upright structure
2 : BASE, FOUNDATION
3 : a position of esteem

pedestal
n. : to place on or furnish with a pedestal

pedestrian
n. 1 : COMMONPLACE, UNIMAGINATIVE
2 a : going or performed on foot b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <a pedestrian mall>

pedestrian
n. : a person going on foot : WALKER

pedestrianism
n. 1 a : the practice of walking b : fondness for walking for exercise or recreation
2 : the quality or state of being unimaginative or commonplace

pediatric
adj. : of or relating to pediatrics

pediatrician
n. : a specialist in pediatrics

pediatrics
n. : a branch of medicine dealing with the development, care, and diseases of children

pedicab
n. : a tricycle with a 2-seat passenger compartment covered by a usually folding top and a separate seat for a driver who pedals

pedicel
n. : a slender basal part of an organism or one of its parts: as a : a plant stalk that supports a fruiting or spore-bearing organ b : a narrow basal attachment (as of the abdomen of an ant) of an animal organ or part
–ped·i·cel·late \ˌpe-də-'se-lət\ adjective

pedicle
n. 1 : PEDICEL B
2 : the part of a skin or tissue graft left attached to the original site during the preliminary stages of union
–ped·i·cled \-kəld\ adjective

pediculate
n. : of or relating to an order (Lophiiformes syn. Pediculati) of marine bony fishes (as a batfish or goosefish) with pectoral fins at the end of an armlike process and part of the dorsal fin modified into a lure
–pediculate noun

pediculosis
n. : infestation with lice

pediculous
adj. : infested with lice : LOUSY

pedicure
n. 1 : a person who provides care for the feet, toes, and nails
2 a : care of the feet, toes, and nails b : a single treatment of these parts
–ped·i·cur·ist \-ˌkyu̇r-ist\ noun

pedigree
n. 1 : a register recording a line of ancestors
2 a : an ancestral line : LINEAGE b : the origin and the history of something broadly : BACKGROUND, HISTORY
3 a : a distinguished ancestry b : the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain
–ped·i·greed \-ˌgrēd\ or pedigree adjective

pediment
n. 1 : a triangular space that forms the gable of a low-pitched roof and that is usually filled with relief sculpture in classical architecture also : a similar form used as a decoration
2 : a broad gently sloping bedrock surface with low relief that is situated at the base of a steeper slope and is usually thinly covered with alluvial gravel and sand
–ped·i·men·tal \ˌpe-də-'men-təl\ adjective
–ped·i·ment·ed \'pe-də-ˌmen-təd\ adjective

pedipalp
n. : either of the second pair of appendages of an arachnid (as a spider) that are borne near the mouth and are often modified for a special (as sensory) function

pedo
― see PED-

pedocal
: a soil that includes a definite hardened layer of accumulated carbonates
–ped·o·cal·ic \ˌpe-də-'ka-lik\ adjective

pedogenesis
variant of paedogenesis

pedogenesis
: the formation and development of soil
–ped·o·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ also ped·o·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

pedology
n. : SOIL SCIENCE
–ped·o·log·i·cal \ˌpe-də-'lä-ji-kəl\ also ped·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–pe·dol·o·gist \pi-'dä-lə-jist, pe-\ noun

pedometer
n. : an instrument usually in watch form that records the distance a person covers on foot by responding to the body motion at each step

pedophile
n. : one affected with pedophilia

pedophilia
n. : sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object
–pe·do·phil·i·ac \-'fi-lē-ˌak\ or pe·do·phil·ic \-'fi-lik\ adjective

pedorthics
: the art and practice of designing, making, and fitting therapeutic shoes for relieving painful or disabling conditions of the feet
–ped·or·thic \-thik\ adjective
–ped·or·thist \-thist\ noun

Pedro
Dom; name of 2 emps. of Brazil: I 1798-1834 (reigned as emp. 1822-31; as king of Portugal 1826); II 1825-1891 (reigned 1831-89)

Pedro
Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo
Penedos de São Pedro e São Paulo
San Pedro Channel
San Pedro Sula

peduncle
n. 1 : a stalk bearing a flower or flower cluster or a fructification
2 : a narrow part by which some larger part or the whole body of an organism is attached : STALK, PEDICEL
3 : a narrow stalk by which a tumor or polyp is attached
–pe·dun·cled \-kəld\ adjective
–pe·dun·cu·lar \pi-'dəŋ-kyə-lər\ adjective

pedunculated
adj. : having, growing on, or being attached by a peduncle <a pedunculated tumor>

pee
n. 1 : the letter p
2 plural pee British : PENNY

pee
n. sometimes vulgar : URINATE

pee
n. 1 sometimes vulgar : an act of urination
2 sometimes vulgar : URINE

Pee Dee
river 233 mi (375 km) N.C. & S.C. flowing SE into Winyah Bay ― see YADKIN

Peebles
1 or Pee·bles·shire \'pē-bəl-ˌshir, -shər\ or Tweed·dale \'twēd-ˌdāl\ former county SE Scotland including upper course of the Tweed
2 burgh SE Scotland on the Tweed

peek
n. 1 a : to look furtively b : to peer through a crack or hole or from a place of concealment ― often used with in or out
2 : to take a brief look : GLANCE

peek
n. 1 : a furtive look
2 : a brief look : GLANCE

peekaboo
n. : a game for amusing a baby by repeatedly hiding one's face or body and popping back into view exclaiming “Peekaboo!”

peekaboo
n. 1 : trimmed with eyelet embroidery <a peekaboo blouse>
2 : made of a sheer or transparent fabric also : revealing usually small areas of skin
3 : offering only limited display or disclosure especially of a teasing sort <peekaboo publicity>

Peel
n. Sir Robert 1788-1850 Eng. statesman

Peel
n. river 425 mi (684 km) NW Canada rising in W Yukon Territory & flowing E & N into the Mackenzie

peel
n. transitive verb
1 : to strip off an outer layer of <peel an orange>
2 : to remove by stripping <peel the label off the can>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come off in sheets or scales b : to lose an outer layer (as of skin) <his face is peeling>
2 : to take off one's clothes
3 : to break away from a group or formation ― often used with off
–peel·able \'pē-lə-bəl\ adjective

peel
n. 1 : the skin or rind of a fruit
2 : a thin layer of organic material that is embedded in a film of collodion and stripped from the surface of an object (as a plant fossil) for microscopic study
3 : CHEMICAL PEEL

peel
n. : a usually long-handled spade-shaped instrument that is used chiefly by bakers for getting something (as bread or pies) into or out of the oven

peel
n. : a medieval small massive fortified tower along the Scottish-English border ― called also peel tower

peel
n. peel tower
chemical peel
orange peel
peel off
keep one's eyes peeled

peel off
1 : to veer away from an airplane formation especially for diving or landing
2 : DEPART, LEAVE

Peele
George 1556-1596 Eng. dram. & poet

peeler
n. 1 : one that peels
2 : a crab that is about to shed its shell
3 : a log of wood (as Douglas fir) suitable for cutting into veneer ― called also peeler log

peeler
n. British : POLICE OFFICER

peeling
n. : a peeled-off piece or strip

peen
n. : to draw, bend, or flatten by or as if by hammering with a peen

peen
n. : a usually hemispherical or wedge-shaped end of the head of a hammer that is opposite the face and is used especially for bending, shaping, or cutting the material struck

Peene
river 70 mi (113 km) NE Germany flowing E through Pomerania and forming Peene Estuary which flows N-S

Peenemunde
village NE Germany on island at mouth of Peene Estuary

peep
n. 1 : to utter a feeble shrill sound as of a bird newly hatched : CHEEP
2 : to utter the slightest sound

peep
n. 1 : a feeble shrill sound : CHEEP
2 : a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest <don't let me hear another peep out of you>
3 : any of several small sandpipers

peep
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to peer through or as if through a crevice b : to look cautiously or slyly
2 : to begin to emerge from or as if from concealment : show slightly
transitive verb
1 : to put forth or cause to protrude slightly
2 slang : to have a look at : SEE, WATCH

peep
n. 1 : a first glimpse or faint appearance <at the peep of dawn>
2 a : a brief look : GLANCE b : a furtive look

peep
n. peep show
peep sight
Peeping Tom
Peeping Tomism

peep show
: an entertainment (as a film) or object (as a small picture) that is viewed through a small opening or a magnifying glass and is usually sexually explicit

peep sight
: a rear sight for a gun having an adjustable metal piece pierced with a small hole to peep through in aiming

peeper
n. 1 : one that peeps specifically : VOYEUR
2 : EYE

peeper
n. 1 : one that makes a peeping sound
2 : any of various tree frogs that peep shrilly especially : SPRING PEEPER

peephole
n. : a hole or crevice to peep through

Peeping Tom
: a pruriently prying person : VOYEUR
–Peeping Tom·ism \-'tä-ˌmi-zəm\ noun

peer
n. 1 : one that is of equal standing with another : EQUAL especially : one belonging to the same societal group especially based on age, grade, or status
2 archaic : COMPANION
3 a : a member of one of the five ranks (as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, or baron) of the British peerage b : NOBLE 1
–peer adjective

peer
n. archaic : RIVAL, MATCH

peer
n. 1 : to look narrowly or curiously especially : to look searchingly at something difficult to discern
2 : to come slightly into view : emerge partly

peer review
: a process by which something proposed (as for research or publication) is evaluated by a group of experts in the appropriate field
–peer-review transitive verb

peerage
n. 1 : the body of peers
2 : the rank or dignity of a peer
3 : a book containing a list of peers with their genealogy, history, and titles

peeress
n. 1 : the wife or widow of a peer
2 : a woman who holds in her own right the rank of a peer

peerless
adj. : MATCHLESS, INCOMPARABLE

peeve
v. : to make peevish or resentful : ANNOY
synonyms see IRRITATE

peeve
v. 1 : a feeling or mood of resentment
2 : a particular grievance or source of aggravation

peevish
adj. 1 : querulous in temperament or mood : FRETFUL
2 : perversely obstinate <a peevish child>
3 : marked by ill temper
–pee·vish·ly adverb
–pee·vish·ness noun

peewee
n. 1 : PEWEE
2 : one that is diminutive or small especially : a small child
3 : an age-specific level of youth sports also : a member of a team in a peewee league
–peewee adjective

peewit
n. : any of several birds especially : LAPWING

PEG
n. polyethylene glycol

peg
n. 1 a : a small usually cylindrical pointed or tapered piece (as of wood) used to pin down or fasten things or to fit into or close holes : PIN, PLUG b British : CLOTHESPIN c : a predetermined level at which something (as a price) is fixed
2 a : a projecting piece used as a support or boundary marker b : something (as a fact or issue) used as a support, pretext, or reason <a news peg for the story>
3 a : one of the movable wooden pegs set in the head of a stringed instrument (as a violin) that are turned to regulate the pitch of the strings ― see VIOLIN illustration b : a step or degree especially in estimation
4 : a pointed prong or claw for catching or tearing
5 British : DRINK <poured himself out a stiff peg ― Dorothy Sayers>
6 : something (as a leg) resembling a peg
7 : THROW especially : a hard throw in baseball made in an attempt to put out a base runner

peg
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put a peg into b British : to pin (laundry) on a clothesline
2 : to attach or fix as if with a peg: as a : to pin down : RESTRICT b : to fix or hold (as prices or wage increases) at a predetermined level or rate c : to place in a definite category : IDENTIFY <was pegged as an intellectual>
3 : to mark by pegs
4 : THROW
intransitive verb
1 : to work steadily and diligently ― often used with away
2 : to move along vigorously or hastily : HUSTLE

peg
n. : wide at the top and narrow at the bottom <peg pants>

peg
n. clothes peg
mumblety peg
mumble peg
mumble the peg
off the peg
Peg Board
peg leg
peg out
peg top
peg topped

peg leg
: an artificial leg especially : one fitted at the knee

peg out
chiefly British : DIE

peg top
1 \'peg-'täp\ : a pear-shaped top that is made to spin on the sharp metal peg in its base by the unwinding of a string wound round its center
2 plural \-ˌtäps\ : peg trousers

Peg-Board
― used for material (as fiberboard) with regularly spaced perforations into which hooks may be inserted for the storage or display of articles

peg-top
: PEG

Pegasus
n. 1 : a winged horse that causes the stream Hippocrene to spring from Mount Helicon with a blow of his hoof
2 archaic : poetic inspiration
3 : a northern constellation near the vernal equinoctial point

pegmatite
n. : a coarse variety of granite occurring in dikes or veins
–peg·ma·tit·ic \ˌpeg-mə-'ti-tik\ adjective

PEI
Prince Edward Island

Pei
I(eoh) M(ing) 1917-     American (Chin.-born) architect

peignoir
n. : a woman's loose negligee or dressing gown

peine forte et dure
: strong and hard punishment : torture

Peipus
lake Europe bet. Estonia & Russia area 1390 sq mi (3600 sq km)

Peirce
n. Charles Sanders 1839-1914 American physicist, math., & logician
–Peirc·ean \'pər-sē-ən, 'pir-\ adjective

Peisistratus
d 527 B.C. Athenian tyrant

pejorative
adj. : a pejorative word or phrase

pejorative
adj. : having negative connotations especially : tending to disparage or belittle : DEPRECIATORY
–pe·jo·ra·tive·ly adverb

Pekanbaru
city Indonesia in cen Sumatra pop 398,694

peke
n. : PEKINGESE 2

Pekin
n. : any of a breed of large white ducks of Chinese origin used for meat production

Pekin
n. city N cen Ill. SSW of Peoria pop 33,857

Peking
n. ― see BEIJING

Peking duck
: a Chinese dish consisting of roasted duck meat and strips of crispy duck skin topped with scallions and sauce and wrapped in thin pancakes

Peking man
: an extinct Pleistocene hominid known from skeletal and cultural remains in cave deposits at Zhoukoudianzhen, China and classified with the direct ancestor (Homo erectus) of modern humans

Pekingese
adj. 1 a : the Chinese dialect of Beijing b : a native or resident of Beijing
2 : any of a Chinese breed of small short-legged dogs with a broad flat face and a profuse long soft coat

pekoe
n. : a tea made from young leaves slightly larger than those of orange pekoe

pelage
n. : the hairy covering of a mammal

Pelagian
n. : one agreeing with Pelagius in denying original sin and consequently in holding that individuals have perfect freedom to do either right or wrong

Pelagian
n. : of or relating to Pelagians or Pelagianism

Pelagianism
: the teaching of Pelagius or Pelagians

pelagic
adj. : of, relating to, or living or occurring in the open sea : OCEANIC <pelagic sediment> <pelagic birds>
–pelagic noun

Pelagie Islands
islands Italy in the Mediterranean S of Sicily bet. Malta & Tunisia

Pelagius
ca 354-after 418 Brit. monk & theol.

pelargonium
n. : any of a genus (Pelargonium) of southern African herbs of the geranium family with showy flowers of usually red, pink, or white distinguished by a spurred calyx and irregular corolla ― called also geranium storksbill ― compare ROSE GERANIUM

Pelasgian
n. : a member of an ancient people mentioned by classical writers as early inhabitants of Greece and the eastern islands of the Mediterranean
–Pelasgian adjective

pelecypod
: LAMELLIBRANCH

Pelee
Pelee Mount
Pelee Point
Pelee Island
Point Pelee National Park

Pelee Island
island SE Canada in W Lake Erie SW of Point Pelee, Ont. area 18 sq mi (47 sq km), pop 256

Pelee, Mount
volcano French West Indies in N Martinique; erupted 1902

Pelee, Point
― see POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK

Peleliu
island W Pacific at S end of Palau Islands pop 571

pelerine
n. : a woman's narrow cape made of fabric or fur and usually with long ends hanging down in front

Peleus
: a son of Aeacus who becomes by the goddess Thetis the father of Achilles

pelf
n. : MONEY, RICHES

pelican
n. : any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

Pelion
n. mountain 5089 ft (1551 m) NE Greece in E Thessaly SE of Mt. Ossa

pelisse
n. 1 : a long cloak or coat made of fur or lined or trimmed with fur
2 : a woman's loose lightweight cloak with wide collar and fur trimming

pell-mell
1 : in mingled confusion or disorder <papers strewn pell-mell on the desk>
2 : in confused haste <ran pell-mell for the door>
–pell-mell adjective or noun

Pella
ancient city NE Greece, ancient capital of Macedonia

pellagra
n. : a disease marked by dermatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, and mental disturbances and associated with a diet deficient in niacin
–pel·la·grous \-grəs\ adjective

pellet
n. 1 a : a usually small rounded, spherical, or cylindrical body (as of food or medicine) b : a wad of indigestible material (as of bones and fur) regurgitated by a bird of prey
2 : any of various projectiles fired from a weapon (as an air rifle)
–pel·let·al \-lə-təl\ adjective

pellet
n. 1 : PELLETIZE
2 : to strike with pellets

pellet gun
: AIR GUN 1

pelletise
v. British variant of pelletize

pelletize
v. 1 : to form or compact into pellets <pelletize ore>
2 : to coat (seeds) with a soluble material (as to facilitate ease of handling)
–pel·let·i·za·tion \ˌpe-lə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–pel·let·iz·er \'pe-lə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

pellicle
n. : a thin skin or film: as a : an outer membrane of some protozoans (as euglenoids or paramecia) b : a film that reflects a part of the light falling upon it and transmits the rest and that is used for dividing a beam of light (as in a photographic device)

pellitory
n. 1 : a southern European composite plant (Anacyclus pyrethrum) resembling yarrow ― called also pellitory-of-Spain
2 : any of a genus (Parietaria) of herbs of the nettle family with alternate leaves and inconspicuous flowers ― called also pellitory-of-the-wall

pellucid
adj. 1 : admitting maximum passage of light without diffusion or distortion <a pellucid stream>
2 : reflecting light evenly from all surfaces
3 : easy to understand
–pel·lu·cid·ly \pə-'lü-səd-lē\ adverb

Pelly
river 330 mi (531 km) NW Canada in Yukon Territory flowing W into Yukon River

pelmet
n. : a short valance or small cornice for concealing curtain fixtures

Pelopidas
d 364 B.C. Theban gen.

Peloponnese
n. peninsula forming S part of mainland of Greece
–Pel·o·pon·ne·sian \ˌpə-lə-pə-'nē-zhən, -shən\ adjective or noun

Pelops
: a son of Tantalus served by his father to the gods for food but later restored to life by them

pelorus
n. : a navigational instrument resembling a mariner's compass without magnetic needles and having two sight vanes by which bearings are taken

pelota
n. 1 : a court game related to jai alai
2 : the ball used in jai alai

peloton
n. : the main body of riders in a bicycle race

pelt
n. 1 : a usually undressed skin with its hair, wool, or fur
2 : a skin stripped of hair or wool for tanning

pelt
n. : to strip off the skin or pelt of (an animal)

pelt
n. transitive verb
1 a : to strike with a succession of blows or missiles <pelted him with stones> b : to assail vigorously or persistently <pelted her with accusations>
2 : HURL, THROW <pelted snowballs at them>
3 : to beat or dash repeatedly against <hailstones pelting the roof>
intransitive verb
1 : to deliver a succession of blows or missiles
2 : to beat incessantly
3 : to move rapidly and vigorously : HURRY
–pelt·er noun

pelt
n. : BLOW, WHACK

peltate
adj. : shaped like a shield specifically : having the stem or support attached to the lower surface instead of at the base or margin <peltate leaves> ― see LEAF illustration

pelting
adj. archaic : PALTRY, INSIGNIFICANT

peltry
n. : PELTS, FURS especially : raw undressed skins ― often used in plural

pelvic
adj. : of, relating to, or located in or near the pelvis
–pelvic noun

pelvic
adj. pelvic fin
pelvic girdle
pelvic inflammatory disease

pelvic fin
: one of the paired fins of a fish that are homologous with the hind limbs of a quadruped

pelvic girdle
: a bony or cartilaginous arch that supports the hind limbs of a vertebrate

pelvic inflammatory disease
: inflammation of the female reproductive tract (as the fallopian tubes and ovaries) that occurs especially as a result of a sexually transmitted disease and is a leading cause of infertility in women

pelvis
n. 1 : a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine
2 : the cavity of the pelvis
3 : the funnel-shaped cavity of the kidney into which urine is discharged

pelycosaur
n. : any of an order (Pelycosauria) of primitive chiefly Permian quadruped synapsid reptiles often having extreme development of the dorsal vertebral processes

Pemba
island Tanzania in Indian Ocean N of island of Zanzibar pop 265,039

Pembroke
n. administrative area of SW Wales area 614 sq mi (1590 sq km)

Pembroke
n. Pembroke table
Pembroke Welsh corgi
Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines
city SE Fla. pop 137,427

Pembroke table
: a small 4-legged table originating in the Georgian period and having two drop leaves and a drawer

Pembroke Welsh corgi
: any of a breed of Welsh corgis with pointed ears, straight forelegs, and a short tail ― called also Pembroke

pemmican
n. : a concentrated food used by No. American Indians and consisting of lean meat dried, pounded fine, and mixed with melted fat also : a similar preparation (as of dried beef, flour, molasses, suet) used for emergency rations

pemoline
n. : a synthetic drug C_9H_8N_2O_2 that is a mild stimulant of the central nervous system

pemphigus
n. : an autoimmune disease marked by blisters on skin and mucous membranes and often by itching or burning

PEN
n. International Association of Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists and Novelists

pen
n. : to shut in or as if in a pen

pen
n. 1 a : a small enclosure for animals b : the animals in a pen <a pen of sheep>
2 : a small place of confinement or storage
3 : a protected dock or slip for a submarine
4 : BULL PEN 2

pen
n. 1 : an implement for writing or drawing with ink or a similar fluid: as a : QUILL b : PEN POINT c : a penholder containing a pen point d : FOUNTAIN PEN e : BALLPOINT
2 a : a writing instrument regarded as a means of expression <enlisted the pens of the best writers ― F. H. Chase> b : WRITER
3 : the internal horny feather-shaped shell of a squid
4 : STYLUS D

pen
n. : WRITE, INDITE <pen a letter>

pen
n. : a female swan

pen
n. : PENITENTIARY

pen
n. peninsula

pen
n. Pen ch'i
Pen hsi
bull pen
fountain pen
light pen
pen name
pen pal
pen point
pen pusher
poison pen
sea pen
self penned

pen name
: an author's pseudonym

pen pal
: a friend made and kept through correspondence

pen point
: a small thin convex metal device that tapers to a split point, fits into a holder, and is used for writing or drawing

pen pusher
: PENCIL PUSHER

Pen-ch'i
― see BENXI

Pen-hsi
― see BENXI

penal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving punishment, penalties, or punitive institutions
2 : liable to punishment <a penal offense>
3 : used as a place of confinement and punishment <a penal colony>
–pe·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

penal code
: a code of laws concerning crimes and offenses and their punishment

penalise
v. British variant of penalize

penalize
v. 1 : to inflict a penalty on
2 : to put at a serious disadvantage
–pe·nal·i·za·tion \-nə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

penalty
n. 1 : the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense
2 : the suffering or the sum to be forfeited to which a person agrees to be subjected in case of nonfulfillment of stipulations
3 a : disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action b : a disadvantage (as loss of yardage, time, or possession of the ball or an addition to or subtraction from the score) imposed on a team or competitor for violation of the rules of a sport
4 : points scored in bridge by the side that defeats the opposing contract ― usually used in plural
–penalty adjective

penalty
n. major penalty
minor penalty
penalty box
penalty kick
penalty shot

penalty box
: an area alongside an ice hockey rink to which penalized players are confined for the duration of their penalty

penalty kick
1 : a free kick in rugby
2 : a free kick at the goal in soccer made from a point 12 yards in front of the goal and allowed for certain violations within a designated area around the goal

penalty shot
: an unhindered shot at the goal in ice hockey awarded to an individual for certain violations by an opponent

penance
n. 1 : an act of self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin
2 : a sacramental rite that is practiced in Roman, Eastern, and some Anglican churches and that consists of private confession, absolution, and a penance directed by the confessor
3 : something (as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense)

penance
n. : to impose penance on

Penang
1 island SE Asia at N end of Strait of Malacca area 108 sq mi (281 sq km)
2 state Malaysia (federation) comprising Penang Island & mainland opposite, capital George Town area 400 sq mi (1036 sq km), pop 1,065,075; until 1948 one of the Straits Settlements
3 ― see GEORGE TOWN

Penates
n. : the Roman gods of the household worshipped in close connection with Vesta and with the Lares

pence
n. plural of penny

pencel
: PENNONCEL

pencel
blue pencil
eyebrow pencil
grease pencil
lead pencil
pencil pusher
red pencil
styptic pencil

penchant
n. : a strong and continued inclination broadly : LIKING
synonyms see LEANING

pencil
n. 1 : an artist's brush
2 : an artist's individual skill or style
3 a : an implement for writing, drawing, or marking consisting of or containing a slender cylinder or strip of a solid marking substance b : a small medicated or cosmetic roll or stick for local applications
4 : a set of geometric objects each pair of which has a common property <the lines in a plane through a point comprise a pencil of lines>
5 : something (as a beam of radiation) long and thin like a pencil

pencil
n. 1 : to paint, draw, write, or mark with a pencil
2 : to plan or designate tentatively ― used with in <penciled him in as the nominee>

pencil
n. blue pencil
eyebrow pencil
grease pencil
lead pencil
pencil pusher
red pencil
styptic pencil

pencil pusher
: a person who does predominantly paperwork

penciling
n. : the work of the pencil or brush also : a product of this

Pend Oreille
river 100 mi (161 km) N Idaho & NE Wash. flowing from Pend Oreille Lake (35 mi or 56 km long, in Idaho) W & N into Columbia River in B.C.

pendant
n. 1 : something suspended: as a : an ornament (as on a necklace) allowed to hang free b : an electrical fixture suspended from the ceiling
2 : a hanging ornament of roofs or ceilings much used in the later styles of Gothic architecture
3 : a length of line usually used as a connector on a boat or ship especially : a short rope hanging from a spar and having at its free end a block or spliced thimble
4 chiefly British : PENNANT 1A
5 a : COMPANION PIECE b : something secondary or supplementary

Pendelikon
mountain 3638 ft (1109 m) E Greece in Attica NE of Athens

pendency
n. : the state of being pending <the pendency of the litigation>

pendent
adj. 1 : jutting or leaning over : OVERHANGING <a pendent cliff>
2 : supported from above : SUSPENDED <icicles pendent from the eaves>
3 : remaining undetermined : PENDING

pendentive
adj. : one of the concave triangular members that support a dome over a square space

Penderecki
Krzysztof 1933-     Pol. composer

pending
adj. 1 : DURING
2 : while awaiting <pending approval>

pending
adj. 1 : not yet decided : being in continuance <the case is still pending>
2 : IMMINENT, IMPENDING

pendular
adj. : being or resembling the movement of a pendulum

pendulous
adj. 1 archaic : poised without visible support
2 a : suspended so as to swing freely <branches hung with pendulous vines> b : inclined or hanging downward <pendulous jowls>
3 : marked by vacillation, indecision, or uncertainty
–pen·du·lous·ness noun

pendulum
n. 1 : a body suspended from a fixed point so as to swing freely to and fro under the action of gravity and commonly used to regulate movements (as of clockwork)
2 : something (as a state of affairs) that alternates between opposites

Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo
― see SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL ROCKS

Penelope
n. : the wife of Odysseus who waits faithfully for him during his 20 years' absence

peneplain
n. : a land surface of considerable area and slight relief shaped by erosion

penetrable
adj. : capable of being penetrated
–pen·e·tra·bil·i·ty \ˌpe-nə-trə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

penetralia
n. : the innermost or most private parts

penetrance
: the proportion of individuals of a particular genotype that express its phenotypic effect in a given environment

penetrant
n. : PENETRATING

penetrant
n. : one that penetrates or is capable of penetrating

penetrate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to pass into or through b : to enter by overcoming resistance : PIERCE c : to gain entrance to
2 a : to see into or through b : to discover the inner contents or meaning of
3 : to affect profoundly with feeling
4 : to diffuse through or into
intransitive verb
1 a : to pass, extend, pierce, or diffuse into or through something b : to pierce something with the eye or mind
2 : to affect deeply the senses or feelings
synonyms see ENTER

penetrating
adj. 1 : having the power of entering, piercing, or pervading <a penetrating shriek>
2 : ACUTE, DISCERNING <penetrating insights into life>
–pen·e·trat·ing·ly \-ˌtrā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

penetration
n. 1 a : the power to penetrate especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely b : the depth to which something penetrates c : the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market
2 : the act or process of penetrating: as a : the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished b : an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory
synonyms see DISCERNMENT

penetrative
adj. 1 : tending to penetrate : PIERCING
2 : ACUTE <penetrative observations>
3 : IMPRESSIVE <a penetrative speaker>

penetrometer
n. : an instrument for measuring firmness or consistency (as of soil)

Peneus
river 125 mi (201 km) N Greece in Thessaly flowing E into Gulf of Salonika

Peng-pu
― see BENGBU

pengo
: the basic monetary unit of Hungary from 1925 to 1946

penguin
n. : any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere

penguin
n. Adelie penguin
Adélie penguin
chinstrap penguin
emperor penguin
gentoo penguin
king penguin
macaroni penguin
Magellanic penguin

penholder
n. : a holder or handle for a pen point

penia
: deficiency <leukopenia>

penicillamine
n. : an amino acid C_5H_11NO_2S that is obtained from penicillins and is used especially in the treatment of cystinuria, rheumatoid arthritis, and poisoning by metals (as copper or lead)

penicillate
adj. : furnished with a tuft of fine filaments <a penicillate stigma>

penicillin
n. 1 : any of several relatively nontoxic antibiotic acids of the general formula C_9H_11N_2O_4SR that are produced by molds (genus Penicillium and especially P. notatum or P. chrysogenum) or synthetically and are used especially against gram-positive cocci also : a mixture of such acids
2 : a salt or ester of a penicillin or a mixture of such salts or esters

penicillinase
n. : BETA-LACTAMASE

penicillium
n. : any of a genus (Penicillium) of fungi (as a blue mold) that are found chiefly on moist nonliving organic matter (as decaying fruit) and have been grouped with the imperfect fungi but are now often placed with the ascomycetes

penile
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the penis

peninsula
n. : a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus
–pen·in·su·lar \-s(ə-)lər, -shə-lər\ adjective

peninsula
n. Arabian Peninsula
Istrian Peninsula
Alaska Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
Palmer Peninsula
Balkan Peninsula
Boothia Peninsula
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Canaveral Peninsula
Cape York Peninsula
Chukchi Peninsula
Cotentin Peninsula
Delmarva Peninsula
Door Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula
Gaspe Peninsula
Gaspé Peninsula
Iberian Peninsula
Jaffna Peninsula
Kenai Peninsula
Keweenaw Peninsula
Kola Peninsula
Lower Peninsula
Malay Peninsula
Melville Peninsula
Olympic Peninsula
Paria Peninsula
Pinellas Peninsula
Porkkala Peninsula
Seward Peninsula
Taymyr Peninsula
Ungava Peninsula
Upper Peninsula
Yorke Peninsula
Peninsular Malaysia

Peninsular Malaysia
― see MALAYA 3

penis
n. : a male organ of copulation that in male mammals including humans usually functions as the channel by which urine leaves the body

penis envy
: the supposed coveting of the penis by a young human female which is held in Freudian psychoanalytic theory to lead to feelings of inferiority and defensive or compensatory behavior

penitence
n. : the quality or state of being penitent : sorrow for sins or faults
synonyms PENITENCE, REPENTANCE, CONTRITION, COMPUNCTION, REMORSE mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. PENITENCE implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds <absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence>. REPENTANCE adds the implication of a resolve to change <repentance accompanied by a complete change of character>. CONTRITION stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence <tearful expressions of contrition>. COMPUNCTION implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing <had no compunctions about taking back what is mine>. REMORSE suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied <thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse>.

penitent
n. : feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses : REPENTANT
–pen·i·tent·ly adverb

penitent
n. 1 : a person who repents of sin
2 : a person under church censure but admitted to penance or reconciliation especially under the direction of a confessor

penitential
n. : of or relating to penitence or penance
–pen·i·ten·tial·ly \-'ten(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

penitentiary
n. 1 a : an officer in some Roman Catholic dioceses vested with power from the bishop to deal with cases of a nature normally handled only by the bishop b capitalized : a cardinal presiding over a tribunal of the Roman curia concerned with dispensations and indulgences
2 : a public institution in which offenders against the law are confined for detention or punishment specifically : a state or federal prison in the U.S.

penitentiary
n. 1 : PENITENTIAL
2 : of, relating to, or incurring confinement in a penitentiary

penknife
n. : a small pocketknife usually with only one blade

penlight
n. : a small flashlight resembling a fountain pen in size or shape

penman
n. 1 a : CALLIGRAPHER b : COPYIST, SCRIBE c : a person with a specified quality or kind of handwriting <a poor penman>
2 : AUTHOR

penmanship
n. 1 : the art or practice of writing with the pen
2 : quality or style of handwriting

Penn
n. Pennsylvania

Penn
n. Sir William 1621-1670 Eng. admiral

Penn
n. William 1644-1718 son of prec. Eng. Quaker & founder of Pennsylvania

pennant
n. 1 a : any of various nautical flags tapering usually to a point or swallowtail and used for identification or signaling b : a flag or banner longer in the fly than in the hoist especially : one that tapers to a point
2 : a flag emblematic of championship (as in a professional baseball league) also : the championship itself

pennate
adj. : of, relating to, or being usually elongate bilaterally symmetrical diatoms of an order (Pennales) having a raphe or a similar structure

penne
n. : short thick diagonally cut tubular pasta

Pennell
Joseph 1857-1926 American etcher

penni
n. : a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 Finnish markka

penniless
adj. : destitute of money

Pennine Alps
section of Alps on border bet. Switzerland & Italy NE of Graian Alps ― see ROSA (Monte)

Pennine Chain
mountains N England extending from Scotland border to Derbyshire & Staffordshire; highest Cross Fell 2930 ft (893 m)

pennon
n. 1 a : a long usually triangular or swallow-tailed streamer typically attached to the head of a lance as an ensign b : PENNANT 1A
2 : WING, PINION

pennoncel
: a small pennon used in late medieval or Renaissance times

Pennsylvania
n. state NE U.S. capital Harrisburg area 45,333 sq mi (117,866 sq km), pop 12,281,054

Pennsylvania
n. Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutchman
Pennsylvania German

Pennsylvania Dutch
1 : a people orig. of eastern Pennsylvania whose characteristic cultural traditions go back to the German migrations of the 18th century
2 : a dialect of German spoken mainly in Amish communities especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana
–Pennsylvania Dutchman noun

Pennsylvania German
: PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH

Pennsylvanian
n. 1 : of or relating to Pennsylvania or its people
2 : of, relating to, or being the period of the Paleozoic era in No. America between the Mississippian and Permian or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Pennsylvanian noun

penny
n. 1 a : a monetary unit of the United Kingdom formerly equal to 1/240 pound but now equal to 1/100 pound b : a similar monetary unit of any of various other countries in or formerly in the Commonwealth of Nations ― see pound at MONEY table c : a coin representing one penny
2 : DENARIUS
3 plural pennies : CENT
4 : a trivial amount
5 : a piece or sum of money <that will cost a pretty penny>

penny
n. : being a (designated) nail size <an eightpenny nail>

penny
n. penny ante
penny arcade
penny candy
penny dreadful
penny loafer
penny pinching
penny pincher
penny stock
penny wise
pinch pennies
Peter's pence

penny ante
: poker played for very low stakes

penny arcade
: an amusement center having coin-operated devices for entertainment

penny candy
: inexpensive candy orig. costing a penny apiece

penny dreadful
: a novel of violent adventure or crime
–penny-dreadful adjective

penny loafer
: a loafer with a strap across the upper orig. used for holding a penny

penny stock
: a usually unlisted highly speculative stock usually selling for a dollar or less

penny-ante
: SMALL-TIME, TWO-BIT

penny-pinching
: FRUGALITY, PARSIMONY
–pen·ny-pinch·er \-chər\ noun
–penny-pinching adjective

penny-wise
: wise or prudent only in dealing with small sums or matters

pennycress
n. : a Eurasian cruciferous herb (Thlaspi arvense) with round flat pods that is widely naturalized in the New World

pennyroyal
n. 1 : a European perennial mint (Mentha pulegium) with small aromatic leaves
2 : an aromatic No. American mint (Hedeoma pulegioides) that has blue or violet flowers borne in axillary tufts and yields an oil used in folk medicine or to drive away mosquitoes

pennyweight
n. ― see WEIGHT table

pennywhistle
1 : a small fipple flute
2 : a toy whistle

pennywort
n. : any of several usually round-leaved plants (as of the genus Hydrocotyle of the carrot family)

pennyworth
n. 1 : a penny's worth
2 : value for the money spent : BARGAIN
3 : a small quantity : MODICUM

Penobscot
: a member of an American Indian people of the Penobscot River valley and Penobscot Bay region of Maine

Penobscot
river 101 mi (162 km) cen Maine flowing S into Penobscot Bay (inlet of the Atlantic)

penology
n. : a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
–pe·no·log·i·cal \ˌpē-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pe·nol·o·gist \pi-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Penrhyn
island S cen Pacific in the Northern Cook Islands

Penrose
Roger 1931-     Brit. math. & physicist

Pensacola
city & port NW Fla. on Pensacola Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico) pop 56,255

pension
n. 1 \'pen(t)-shən\ : a fixed sum paid regularly to a person: a archaic : WAGE b : a gratuity granted (as by a government) as a favor or reward c : one paid under given conditions to a person following retirement from service or to surviving dependents
2 \päns-'yōn\ [French, from Middle French] a : accommodations especially at a continental European hotel or boardinghouse : ROOM AND BOARD b also pen·sio·ne \pen(t)-'syō-(ˌ)nā\ [pensione, from Italian] : a hotel or boardinghouse especially in continental Europe
–pen·sion·less \'pen(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective

pension
n. 1 : to grant or pay a pension to
2 : to dismiss or retire from service with a pension <pensioned off his faithful old servant>

pensionable
adj. chiefly British : of, relating to, qualified for, or qualifying for a pension <pensionable employees> <a pensionable post>

pensionary
n. : PENSIONER especially : HIRELING
–pensionary adjective

pensioner
n. 1 : a person who receives or lives on a pension
2 obsolete a : GENTLEMAN-AT-ARMS b : RETAINER c : MERCENARY, HIRELING

pensive
adj. 1 : musingly or dreamily thoughtful
2 : suggestive of sad thoughtfulness
–pen·sive·ly adverb
–pen·sive·ness noun

penstemon
n. : any of a genus (Penstemon) of chiefly American herbs of the snapdragon family with showy tubular flowers

penstock
n. 1 : a sluice or gate for regulating a flow (as of water)
2 : a conduit or pipe for conducting water

pent
adj. : shut up : CONFINED, REPRESSED <a pent crowd> <pent-up feelings>

penta
pref. 1 : five <pentahedron>
2 : containing five atoms or groups <pentane>

pentachlorophenol
n. : a crystalline compound C_6Cl_5OH used especially as a wood preservative and fungicide and a disinfectant

pentacle
n. : PENTAGRAM

pentad
n. : a group of five

Pentagon
n. : the U.S. military leadership

pentagon
n. : a polygon of five angles and five sides

pentagonal
adj. 1 : having five sides and five angles
2 : having a pentagon as a cross section or as a base <a pentagonal pyramid>
–pen·tag·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

Pentagonese
: military jargon

pentagram
n. : a figure of a 5-pointed star usually made with alternate points connected by a continuous line and used as a magic or occult symbol also : a similar 6-pointed star (as a Solomon's seal)

pentahedron
n. : a solid bounded by five faces
–pen·ta·he·dral \-drəl\ adjective

pentamerous
adj. : divided into or consisting of five parts specifically : having each floral whorl consisting of five or a multiple of five members

pentameter
n. : a line of verse consisting of five metrical feet

pentamidine
n. : a drug C_23H_36N_4O_10S_2 used especially to treat protozoal infections (as leishmaniasis) and to prevent AIDS-related pneumonia

pentane
n. : any of three isomeric alkanes C_5H_12 that occur especially in petroleum

pentangle
n. : PENTAGRAM

pentapeptide
: a polypeptide that contains five amino acid residues

pentaploid
adj. : having or being a chromosome number that is five times the basic number
–pentaploid noun
–pen·ta·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

Pentapolis
any of several groups of five ancient cities in Italy, Asia Minor, & Cyrenaica

pentarchy
: a group of five countries or districts each under its own ruler or government

Pentateuch
n. : the first five books of Jewish and Christian Scriptures

pentathlete
n. : an athlete participating in a pentathlon

pentathlon
n. : an athletic contest involving participation by each contestant in five different events especially : MODERN PENTATHLON

pentatonic
adj. : consisting of five tones specifically : being or relating to a scale in which the tones are arranged like a major scale with the fourth and seventh tones omitted

pentavalent
adj. : having a valence of five

pentazocine
n. : a synthetic analgesic drug C_19H_27NO that is less addictive than morphine

Pentecost
n. 1 : SHABUOTH
2 : a Christian feast on the seventh Sunday after Easter commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles ― called also Whitsunday

Pentecost
n. island SW Pacific in Vanuatu pop 11,336

Pentecostal
1 : of, relating to, or suggesting Pentecost
2 : of, relating to, or constituting any of various Christian religious bodies that emphasize individual experiences of grace, spiritual gifts (as glossolalia and faith healing), expressive worship, and evangelism
–Pen·te·cos·tal·ism \-tə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–Pen·te·cos·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun or adjective

Pentecostal
adj. : a member of a Pentecostal religious body

penthouse
n. 1 a : a shed or roof attached to and sloping from a wall or building b : a smaller structure joined to a building : ANNEX
2 : a structure or dwelling built on the roof of a building

Penticton
city Canada in S B.C. pop 30,985

pentimento
n. : a reappearance in a painting of a design which has been painted over

Pentland Firth
channel bet. Orkneys & mainland of Scotland

Pentland Hills
hills S Scotland; highest peak Scald Law 1898 ft (578 m)

pentlandite
n. : a bronzy yellow mineral that is an isometric nickel iron sulfide and the principal ore of nickel

pentobarbital
n. : a granular barbiturate C_11H_18N_2O_3 used especially in the form of its sodium or calcium salt as a sedative, hypnotic, and antispasmodic

pentobarbitone
n. British : PENTOBARBITAL

pentosan
: any of various polysaccharides that yield only pentoses on hydrolysis and occur widely in plants

pentose
n. : a monosaccharide C_5H_10O_5 (as ribose) that contains five carbon atoms in the molecule

Pentothal
n. ― used for thiopental

pentoxide
: an oxide containing five atoms of oxygen in the molecule

pentstemon
n. variant of penstemon

pentylenetetrazol
n. : an analeptic drug C_6H_10N_4

penuche
n. : fudge made usually of brown sugar, butter, cream or milk, and nuts

Penuelas
city S Puerto Rico pop 26,719

penult
n. : the next to the last member of a series especially : the next to the last syllable of a word

penultima
: PENULT

penultimate
adj. 1 : next to the last <the penultimate chapter of a book>
2 : of or relating to a penult <a penultimate accent>
–pen·ul·ti·mate·ly adverb

penumbra
n. 1 a : a space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light b : a shaded region surrounding the dark central portion of a sunspot
2 : a surrounding or adjoining region in which something exists in a lesser degree : FRINGE
3 : a body of rights held to be guaranteed by implication in a civil constitution
4 : something that covers, surrounds, or obscures : SHROUD <a penumbra of secrecy> <a penumbra of somber dignity has descended over his reputation ― James Atlas>
–pen·um·bral \-brəl\ adjective

penurious
adj. 1 : marked by or suffering from penury
2 : given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality
synonyms see STINGY
–pe·nu·ri·ous·ly adverb
–pe·nu·ri·ous·ness noun

penury
n. 1 : a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money) especially : severe poverty
2 : extreme and often niggardly frugality
synonyms see POVERTY

Penza
city S cen Russia in Europe W of Samara pop 552,000

Penzance
seaside resort SW England in Cornwall on English Channel pop 19,521

Penzhinskaya
bay E Russia in Asia bet. Kamchatka Peninsula & mainland; an arm of Sea of Okhotsk

Penzias
Arno Allan 1933-     American (Ger.-born) physicist

peon
n. 1 : any of various workers in India, Sri Lanka, or Malaysia: as a : INFANTRYMAN b : ORDERLY
2 [Spanish peón, from Latin pedon-, pedo] : a member of the landless laboring class in Spanish America
3 plural peons a : a person held in compulsory servitude to a master for the working out of an indebtedness b : DRUDGE, MENIAL

peonage
n. 1 a : the use of laborers bound in servitude because of debt b : a system of convict labor by which convicts are leased to contractors
2 : the condition of a peon

peony
n. 1 : any of a genus (Paeonia of the family Paeoniaceae) of chiefly Eurasian plants with large often double flowers
2 : the flower of a peony

people
n. 1 plural : human beings making up a group or assembly or linked by a common interest
2 plural : HUMAN BEINGS, PERSONS ― often used in compounds instead of persons <salespeople> ― often used attributively <people skills>
3 plural : the members of a family or kinship
4 plural : the mass of a community as distinguished from a special class <disputes between the people and the nobles> ― often used by Communists to distinguish Communists from other people
5 plural peoples : a body of persons that are united by a common culture, tradition, or sense of kinship, that typically have common language, institutions, and beliefs, and that often constitute a politically organized group
6 : lower animals usually of a specified kind or situation
7 : the body of enfranchised citizens of a state
–peo·ple·less \-pə(l)-ləs\ adjective

people
n. 1 : to supply or fill with people
2 : to dwell in : INHABIT

people
n. beautiful people
boat people
flower people
little people
people mover
Plain People
China People's Republic of
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen
People's Republic of China

people mover
: any of various rapid-transit systems (as of moving sidewalks or automated driverless cars) for shuttling people

People's Democratic Republic of Yemen
― see YEMEN

People's Republic of China
― see CHINA (People's Republic of)

peoplehood
1 : the quality or state of constituting a people
2 : the awareness of the underlying unity that makes the individual a part of a people

Peoria
1 town SW cen Ariz. pop 108,364
2 city N cen Ill. on Illinois River pop 112,936

pep
n. : brisk energy or initiative and high spirits

pep
n. : to inject pep into <pep him up>

pep pill
: any of various stimulant drugs in pill or tablet form

pep talk
: a usually brief, intense, and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience

peperomia
: any of a genus (Peperomia) of fleshy tropical herbs of the pepper family often cultivated for their showy variegated leaves

Pepin
714?-768 the Short king of the Franks (751-768)

Pepin, Lake
expansion of upper Mississippi River 34 mi (55 km) long bet. SE Minn. & W Wis.

pepino
: a bushy perennial plant (Solanum muricatum) of the nightshade family that is native to temperate uplands of So. America and has an edible usually purple-marked yellow fruit also : the fruit

peplos
: a garment worn like a shawl by women of ancient Greece

peplum
n. : a short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress
–pep·lumed \-pləmd\ adjective

pepo
n. : an indehiscent fleshy one-celled many-seeded berry (as a pumpkin, squash, melon, or cucumber) that has a hard rind and is the characteristic fruit of the gourd family

pepper
n. 1 a : either of two pungent products from the fruit of an Indian plant (Piper nigrum) that are used chiefly as condiments: (1) : BLACK PEPPER (2) : WHITE PEPPER b : any of several products similar to pepper that are obtained from plants of the same genus <cubeb pepper> c : any of various pungent condiments of plants unrelated to the pepper <Szechuan pepper>
2 : any of a genus (Piper of the family Piperaceae, the pepper family) of tropical mostly jointed climbing shrubs with aromatic leaves especially : a woody vine (P. nigrum) with spicate flowers that is widely cultivated in the tropics for its red berries from which black pepper and white pepper are prepared
3 a : CAPSICUM 1A especially : a New World capsicum (Capsicum annuum) whose fruits are hot peppers or sweet peppers b : the hollow fruit of a pepper that is usually red or yellow when ripe
–pepper adjective

pepper
n. 1 : to hit with or as if with rapid repeated blows
2 a : to sprinkle or season with pepper b : to shower with or as if with shot or other missiles
3 : to sprinkle or cover as if with pepper <peppered the report with statistics> <a face peppered with freckles>
–pep·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

pepper
n. : a baseball practice or warm-up game in which usually several fielders toss the ball a short distance to a single batter who hits it back

pepper
n. jalapeño pepper
banana pepper
bell pepper
bird pepper
black pepper
cayenne pepper
green pepper
guinea pepper
hot pepper
pepper and salt
pepper mill
pepper pot
Philadelphia pepper pot
pepper shaker
pepper spray
red pepper
salt and pepper
sweet pepper
water pepper
white pepper
chili pepper
peppered moth

pepper mill
: a hand mill for grinding peppercorns

pepper pot
1 British : PEPPERBOX 1
2 a : a highly seasoned West Indian stew of vegetables and meat or fish b : a thick soup of tripe, meat, dumplings, and vegetables highly seasoned especially with crushed peppercorns ― called also Philadelphia pepper pot

pepper shaker
: a container with a perforated top for sprinkling pepper

pepper spray
: a temporarily disabling aerosol that is composed partly of capsicum oleoresin and causes irritation and blinding of the eyes and inflammation of the nose, throat, and skin

pepper-and-salt
: SALT-AND-PEPPER

pepperbox
n. 1 : a small usually cylindrical box or bottle with a perforated top used for sprinkling pepper on food
2 : a pistol of the late 18th century with five or six revolving barrels

peppercorn
n. : a dried berry of the black pepper

peppered moth
: a European geometrid moth (Biston betularia) that typically has white wings with small black specks but also occurs as a solid black form especially in areas where the air is heavily polluted by industry

peppergrass
: any of a genus (Lepidium) of cresses especially : GARDEN CRESS

peppermint
n. 1 a : a pungent and aromatic mint (Mentha piperita) with dark green lanceolate leaves and whorls of small pink flowers in spikes b : any of several mints (as M. arvensis) that are related to the peppermint
2 : candy flavored with peppermint
–pep·per·minty \'pe-pər-ˌmin-tē\ adjective

pepperoni
n. : a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

peppertree
n. : a So. American evergreen tree (Schinus molle) of the cashew family grown as a shade tree in mild climates

peppery
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : HOT, PUNGENT <a peppery taste>
2 : having a hot temper : TOUCHY <a peppery boss>
3 : FIERY, STINGING <a peppery satire>
–pep·per·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

peppy
adj. : full of pep
–pep·pi·ness noun

pepsin
n. 1 : a protease of the stomach that breaks down most proteins to polypeptides
2 : a preparation containing pepsin that is obtained from the stomach especially of the hog and is used especially as a digestive aid

pepsinogen
n. : a granular zymogen of the gastric glands that is readily converted into pepsin in a slightly acid medium

peptic
adj. 1 : relating to or promoting digestion : DIGESTIVE
2 : of, relating to, producing, or caused by pepsin <peptic digestion>
3 : connected with or resulting from the action of digestive juices <a peptic ulcer>

peptidase
n. : an enzyme that hydrolyzes simple peptides or their derivatives

peptide
n. : any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
–pep·tid·ic \pep-'ti-dik\ adjective

peptide
n. opioid peptide
atrial natriuretic peptide
peptide bond
peptide linkage

peptide bond
: the chemical bond between carbon and nitrogen in a peptide linkage

peptide linkage
: the divalent group CONH that unites the amino acid residues in a peptide

peptidoglycan
n. : a polymer that is composed of polysaccharide and peptide chains and is found especially in bacterial cell walls ― called also mucopeptide murein

peptone
n. : any of various water-soluble products of partial hydrolysis of proteins

Pepys
Samuel 1633-1703 Eng. diarist
–Pepys·ian \'pēp-sē-ən\ adjective

Pequot
n. : a member of an American Indian people of what is now eastern Connecticut

per
prep. 1 : by the means or agency of : THROUGH <per bearer>
2 : with respect to every member of a specified group : for each
3 : according to ― often used with as <per instructions> <as per usual>
usage Per occurs most frequently in business contexts; its use outside such contexts is often criticized but is quite widespread, especially in sense 2. Its most common and natural nonbusiness uses always involve figures, usually in relation to price <$150 per performance>, automobiles <32 miles per gallon> <55 miles per hour>, or sports <averages 15 points and 9 rebounds per game>.

per
prep. : for each : APIECE <a bargain at $3.50 per>

per
prep. 1 period
2 person

per
prep. 1 : throughout : thoroughly <peruse>
2 a : containing the largest possible or a relatively large proportion of a (specified) chemical element <perchloroethylene> b : containing an element in its highest or a high oxidation state <perchloric acid>

per
prep. as per
as per usual
pay per view
per annum
per capita
per centum
per contra
per curiam
per diem
per mensem
per mill
per se
per second per second
per stirpes
ad astra per aspera
ignotum per ignotius
obscurum per obscurius
per angusta ad augusta
qui facit per alium facit per se

per angusta ad augusta
: through difficulties to honors

per annum
: in or for each year

per capita
1 : equally to each individual
2 : per unit of population : by or for each person <the highest income per capita of any state in the union>

per centum
: PERCENT

per contra
1 a : on the contrary b : by way of contrast
2 : as an offset

per curiam
: by the court as a whole rather than by a single justice and usually without extended discussion <a per curiam decision>

per diem
: by the day : for each day

per diem
1 : based on use or service by the day : DAILY
2 : paid by the day

per diem
1 : a daily allowance
2 : a daily fee

per mensem
: by the month

per mill
: per thousand
–per·mil·lage \(ˌ)pər-'mi-lij\ noun

per se
: by, of, or in itself or oneself or themselves : as such : INTRINSICALLY

per se
: being such inherently, clearly, or as a matter of law <a per se conflict of interest>

per second per second
: per second every second ― used of acceleration

per stirpes
: in equal shares to each member of a specified class with the share of a deceased member divided proportionately among his or her beneficiaries (as children) <the estate was divided per stirpes>

Pera
― see BEYOGLU

peradventure
n. archaic : PERHAPS, POSSIBLY

peradventure
n. 1 : DOUBT <a fact established beyond peradventure>
2 : CHANCE 4A <beyond peradventure of doubt>

Peraea
region of ancient Palestine E of Jordan River

Perak
state Malaysia in W Peninsular Malaysia on Strait of Malacca capital Ipoh area 8030 sq mi (20,798 sq km), pop 1,880,016

perambulate
v. transitive verb
1 : to travel over or through especially on foot : TRAVERSE
2 : to make an official inspection of (a boundary) on foot
intransitive verb : STROLL
–per·am·bu·la·tion \-ˌram-byə-'lā-shən\ noun
–per·am·bu·la·to·ry \-'ram-byə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

perambulator
n. 1 : one that perambulates
2 chiefly British : a baby carriage

perborate
n. : a salt that is a compound of a borate with hydrogen peroxide

perc
1 perchloroethylene
2 percolation

percale
n. : a fine closely woven cotton cloth variously finished for clothing, sheeting, and industrial uses

percaline
: a lightweight cotton fabric especially : a glossy fabric used for bookbindings

perceive
v. 1 a : to attain awareness or understanding of b : to regard as being such <perceived threats> <was perceived as a loser>
2 : to become aware of through the senses especially : SEE, OBSERVE
–per·ceiv·able \-'sē-və-bəl\ adjective
–per·ceiv·ably \-blē\ adverb
–per·ceiv·er noun

percent
n. : in the hundred : of each hundred

percent
n. 1 plural percent a : one part in a hundred b : PERCENTAGE <a large percent of their income>
2 percents plural British : securities bearing a specified rate of interest

percent
n. 1 : reckoned on the basis of a whole divided into 100 parts
2 : paying interest at a specified percent

percentage
n. 1 a : a part of a whole expressed in hundredths <a high percentage of students attended> b : the result obtained by multiplying a number by a percent <the percentage equals the rate times the base>
2 a : a share of winnings or profits b : ADVANTAGE, PROFIT <no percentage in going around looking like an old sack of laundry ― Wallace Stegner>
3 : an indeterminate part : PROPORTION
4 a : PROBABILITY b : favorable odds

percentage
n. fielding percentage
percentage point
slugging percentage

percentage point
: one hundredth of a whole : PERCENT <interest rates rose one percentage point from 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent>

percentile
n. : a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it <a score in the 95th percentile>

percept
n. : an impression of an object obtained by use of the senses : SENSE-DATUM

perceptible
adj. : capable of being perceived especially by the senses <a perceptible change in her tone> <a barely perceptible light>
–per·cep·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌsep-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–per·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adverb
synonyms PERCEPTIBLE, SENSIBLE, PALPABLE, TANGIBLE, APPRECIABLE, PONDERABLE mean apprehensible as real or existent. PERCEPTIBLE applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent <a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener>. SENSIBLE applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind <an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature>. PALPABLE applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable <the tension in the air was almost palpable>. TANGIBLE suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally <no tangible evidence of UFOs>. APPRECIABLE applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable <an appreciable increase in income>. PONDERABLE suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance <exerted a ponderable influence on world events>.

perception
n. 1 a : a result of perceiving : OBSERVATION b : a mental image : CONCEPT
2 obsolete : CONSCIOUSNESS
3 a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> b : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4 a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : APPRECIATION b : a capacity for comprehension
synonyms see DISCERNMENT
–per·cep·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

perception
n. depth perception
extrasensory perception
self perception

perceptive
adj. 1 : responsive to sensory stimuli : DISCERNING <a perceptive eye>
2 a : capable of or exhibiting keen perception : OBSERVANT <a perceptive scholar> b : characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
–per·cep·tive·ly adverb
–per·cep·tive·ness noun
–per·cep·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-'ti-və-tē\ noun

perceptual
adj. : of, relating to, or involving perception especially in relation to immediate sensory experience
–per·cep·tu·al·ly adverb

Perceval
: a knight of King Arthur who wins a sight of the Holy Grail

perch
n. 1 : a bar or peg on which something is hung
2 a : a roost for a bird b : a resting place or vantage point : SEAT c : a prominent position <his new perch as president>
3 chiefly British : ROD 2

perch
n. : to alight, settle, or rest on a perch, a height, or a precarious spot
transitive verb : to place on a perch, a height, or a precarious spot

perch
n. 1 a : a small European freshwater bony fish (Perca fluviatilis of the family Percidae, the perch family) b : YELLOW PERCH
2 : any of numerous bony fishes (as of the families Percidae, Centrarchidae, and Serranidae)

perch
n. white perch
Nile perch
ocean perch
pike perch
silver perch
speckled perch
trout perch
yellow perch

perchance
adv. : PERHAPS, POSSIBLY

Percheron
n. : any of a breed of powerful rugged draft horses that originated in the Perche region of France

perchlorate
n. : a salt or ester of perchloric acid

perchloric acid
: a fuming corrosive strong acid HClO_4 that is the most highly oxidized acid of chlorine and a powerful oxidizing agent when heated

perchloroethylene
n. : a colorless nonflammable toxic liquid C_2Cl_4 used often as a solvent in dry cleaning and for removal of grease from metals

percipience
n. : PERCEPTION 4

percipient
adj. 1 : one that perceives
2 : a person on whose mind a telepathic impulse or message is held to fall

percipient
adj. : capable of or characterized by perception : DISCERNING <a percipient critic>
–per·cip·i·ent·ly adverb

percolate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cause (a solvent) to pass through a permeable substance (as a powdered drug) especially for extracting a soluble constituent b : to prepare (coffee) in a percolator
2 : to be diffused through : PENETRATE
intransitive verb
1 : to ooze or trickle through a permeable substance : SEEP
2 a : to become percolated b : to become lively or effervescent
3 : to spread gradually <allow the sunlight to percolate into our rooms ― Norman Douglas>
4 : SIMMER 2A <the feud had been percolating for a long time>
–per·co·la·tion \ˌpər-kə-'lā-shən\ noun

percolator
n. : one that percolates specifically : a coffeepot in which boiling water rising through a tube is repeatedly deflected downward through a perforated basket containing ground coffee beans to extract their essence

percuss
v. : to tap sharply especially : to practice percussion on

percussion
n. 1 : the act of percussing: as a : the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm b : the beating or striking of a musical instrument c : the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resultant sound
2 : the striking of sound on the ear
3 : percussion instruments that form a section of a band or orchestra
–percussion adjective

percussion cap
: CAP 5

percussion instrument
: a musical instrument (as a drum, xylophone, or maraca) sounded by striking, shaking, or scraping

percussionist
n. : one skilled in the playing of percussion instruments

percussive
adj. 1 : of or relating to percussion especially : operative or operated by striking
2 : having powerful impact
–per·cus·sive·ly adverb
–per·cus·sive·ness noun

percutaneous
adj. : effected, occurring, or performed through the skin
–per·cu·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb

Percy
n. Sir Henry 1364-1403 Hotspur Eng. soldier

Percy
n. Thomas 1729-1811 Eng. antiquarian & poet

Percy
n. Walker 1916-1990 American writer

Perdido
river 60 mi (96 km) rising in SE Ala. & flowing S into Gulf of Mexico forming part of Ala.-Fla. boundary

perdie
variant of pardie

perdition
n. 1 a archaic : utter destruction b obsolete : LOSS
2 a : eternal damnation b : HELL

perdu
adj. obsolete : a soldier assigned to extremely hazardous duty

perdu
adj. : remaining out of sight

perdurable
adj. : very durable
–per·du·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)pər-ˌdu̇r-ə-'bil-ət-ē, -ˌdyu̇r-; ˌpər-jə-rə-\ noun
–per·du·ra·bly \(ˌ)pər-'du̇r-ə-blē, -'dyu̇r-; 'pər-jə-rə-\ adverb

perdure
v. : to continue to exist : LAST

pere
n. : FATHER ― used after a name to distinguish a father from a son ― compare FILS

pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
: may they perish who have expressed our bright ideas before us

peregrinate
v. intransitive verb : to travel especially on foot : WALK
transitive verb : to walk or travel over : TRAVERSE
–per·e·gri·na·tion \ˌper-ə-grə-'nā-shən\ noun

peregrine
n. : having a tendency to wander

peregrine falcon
: a swift nearly cosmopolitan falcon (Falco peregrinus) often used in falconry ― called also peregrine

Perelman
S(idney) J(oseph) 1904-1979 American writer

peremptory
adj. 1 a : putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a peremptory mandamus> b : admitting of no contradiction
2 : expressive of urgency or command <a peremptory call>
3 a : characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance <how insolent of late he is become, how proud, how peremptory ― Shakespeare> b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : HAUGHTY <a peremptory tone> <peremptory disregard of an objection>
synonyms see MASTERFUL
–pe·remp·to·ri·ly \-'rem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē; -ˌrem(p)-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
–pe·remp·to·ri·ness \-'rem(p)-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

peremptory challenge
: a challenge (as of a juror) made as of right without assigning any cause

perennate
v. : to live over from one growing season to another <a perennating rhizome>
–per·en·na·tion \ˌper-ə-'nā-shən\ noun

perennial
n. 1 : present at all seasons of the year
2 : persisting for several years usually with new herbaceous growth from a perennating part <perennial asters>
3 a : PERSISTENT, ENDURING <perennial favorites> b : continuing without interruption : CONSTANT, PERPETUAL <the perennial quest for certainty> <a perennial student> c : regularly repeated or renewed : RECURRENT <death is a perennial literary theme>
synonyms see CONTINUAL
–perennial noun
–pe·ren·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

pereon
: the thorax or the seven metameres comprising the thorax of some crustaceans (as a decapod)

pereopod
: an appendage of the pereon

Peres
n. Shimon 1923-     Israeli foreign min. (1986-88; 1992-95); prime min. (1995-96)

perestroika
n. : the policy of economic and governmental reform instituted by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union during the mid-1980s

pereunt et imputantur
: they (the hours) pass away and are reckoned on (our) account

Perez
Perez de Cuellar
Perez Galdos
Perez Rodriguez

Perez de Cuellar
Javier 1920-     Peruvian U.N. official; secy.-gen. (1982-91)

Perez Galdos
Benito 1843-1920 Span. writer

Perez Rodriguez
Carlos Andrés 1922-     pres. of Venezuela (1974-79; 1989-93)

perf
1 perforated
2 performance

perfect
adj. 1 a : being entirely without fault or defect : FLAWLESS <a perfect diamond> b : satisfying all requirements : ACCURATE c : corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept <a perfect gentleman> d : faithfully reproducing the original specifically : LETTER-PERFECT e : legally valid
2 : EXPERT, PROFICIENT <practice makes perfect>
3 a : PURE, TOTAL b : lacking in no essential detail : COMPLETE c obsolete : SANE d : ABSOLUTE, UNEQUIVOCAL <enjoys perfect happiness> e : of an extreme kind : UNMITIGATED <a perfect brat> <an act of perfect foolishness>
4 obsolete : MATURE
5 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or verbal that expresses an action or state completed at the time of speaking or at a time spoken of
6 obsolete a : CERTAIN, SURE b : CONTENTED, SATISFIED
7 of a musical interval : belonging to the consonances unison, fourth, fifth, and octave which retain their character when inverted and when raised or lowered by a half step become augmented or diminished
8 a : sexually mature and fully differentiated <a perfect insect> b : having both stamens and pistils in the same flower <a perfect flower>
–per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ noun
synonyms PERFECT, WHOLE, ENTIRE, INTACT mean not lacking or faulty in any particular. PERFECT implies the soundness and the excellence of every part, element, or quality of a thing frequently as an unattainable or theoretical state <a perfect set of teeth>. WHOLE suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained <felt like a whole person again after vacation>. ENTIRE implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing <the entire Beethoven corpus>. INTACT implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state <the boat survived the storm intact>.

perfect
adj. 1 : to bring to final form
2 : to make perfect : IMPROVE, REFINE
–per·fect·er noun

perfect
adj. : the perfect tense of a language also : a verb form in the perfect tense

perfect
adj. perfect pitch
future perfect
letter perfect
past perfect
perfect binding
perfect bound
perfect game
perfect number
perfect participle
perfect square
picture perfect
pitch perfect
present perfect

perfect binding
: a book binding in which a layer of adhesive holds the pages and cover together
–per·fect-bound \'pər-fik(t)-'bau̇nd\ adjective

perfect game
: a baseball game in which a pitcher allows no hits, no runs, and no opposing batter to reach first base

perfect number
: an integer (as 6 or 28) the sum of whose integral factors including 1 but excluding itself is equal to itself

perfect participle
: PAST PARTICIPLE

perfect pitch
: ABSOLUTE PITCH 2

perfect square
: an integer (as 9 or 36) whose square root is an integer

perfecta
n. : a bet in which the bettor picks the first and second place finishers in order ― compare QUINIELA, TRIFECTA

perfectible
adj. : capable of improvement or perfection (as in moral state)
–per·fect·ibil·i·ty \pər-ˌfek-tə-'bi-lə-tē also ˌpər-fik-\ noun

perfection
n. 1 : the quality or state of being perfect: as a : freedom from fault or defect : FLAWLESSNESS b : MATURITY c : the quality or state of being saintly
2 a : an exemplification of supreme excellence b : an unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence
3 : the act or process of perfecting

perfectionism
n. 1 a : the doctrine that the perfection of moral character constitutes a person's highest good b : the theological doctrine that a state of freedom from sin is attainable on earth
2 : a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable
–per·fec·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective
–per·fec·tion·is·tic \-ˌfek-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

perfective
n. 1 archaic a : tending to make perfect b : becoming better
2 : expressing action as complete or as implying the notion of completion, conclusion, or result <perfective verb>
–perfective noun
–per·fec·tive·ly adverb
–per·fec·tive·ness noun
–per·fec·tiv·i·ty \pər-ˌfek-'ti-və-tē also ˌpər-fik-\ noun

perfectly
adv. 1 : in a perfect manner
2 : to a complete or adequate extent : QUITE <was perfectly happy until now>

perfecto
n. : a cigar that is thick in the middle and tapers at each end

perfervid
adj. : marked by overwrought or exaggerated emotion : excessively fervent
synonyms see IMPASSIONED

perfide Albion
: perfidious Albion (England)

perfidious
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by perfidy
synonyms see FAITHLESS
–per·fid·i·ous·ly adverb
–per·fid·i·ous·ness noun

perfidy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal : TREACHERY
2 : an act or an instance of disloyalty

perfluorocarbon
n. : any of various hydrocarbon derivatives in which all hydrogen atoms have been replaced with fluorine and that include blood substitutes used in emulsified form

perfoliate
adj. : having the basal part naturally united around the stem <a perfoliate leaf of a honeysuckle>

perforate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make a hole through <an ulcer perforates the duodenal wall> especially : to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation
2 : to pass through or into by or as if by making a hole
intransitive verb : to penetrate a surface
–per·fo·rate \'pər-f(ə-)rət, -fə-ˌrāt\ adjective
–per·fo·ra·tor \-fə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

perforated
adj. 1 : having a hole or perforations especially : having a specified number of perforations in 20 millimeters <the stamps are perforated 10>
2 : characterized by perforation <a perforated ulcer>

perforation
n. 1 : the act or process of perforating
2 a : a hole or pattern made by or as if by piercing or boring b : one of the series of holes (as between rows of postage stamps) in a sheet that serve as an aid in separation

perforce
adv. 1 obsolete : by physical coercion
2 : by force of circumstances

perform
v. transitive verb
1 : to adhere to the terms of : FULFILL <perform a contract>
2 : CARRY OUT, DO
3 a : to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual b : to give a rendition of : PRESENT
intransitive verb
1 : to carry out an action or pattern of behavior : ACT, FUNCTION
2 : to give a performance : PLAY
–per·form·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–per·form·able \-'fȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective
–per·form·er \-'fȯr-mər\ noun
synonyms PERFORM, EXECUTE, DISCHARGE, ACCOMPLISH, ACHIEVE, EFFECT, FULFILL mean to carry out or into effect. PERFORM implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill <performed gymnastics>. EXECUTE stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent <executed the hit-and-run>. DISCHARGE implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks <discharged his duties>. ACCOMPLISH stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out <accomplished everything they set out to do>. ACHIEVE adds to ACCOMPLISH the implication of conquered difficulties <achieve greatness>. EFFECT adds to ACHIEVE an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles <effected sweeping reforms>. FULFILL implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities <fulfilled their ambitions>.

performance
n. 1 a : the execution of an action b : something accomplished : DEED, FEAT
2 : the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : IMPLEMENTATION
3 a : the action of representing a character in a play b : a public presentation or exhibition <a benefit performance>
4 a : the ability to perform : EFFICIENCY b : the manner in which a mechanism performs <engine performance>
5 : the manner of reacting to stimuli : BEHAVIOR
6 : the linguistic behavior of an individual : PAROLE also : the ability to speak a certain language ― compare COMPETENCE 3

performance
n. performance art
performance artist
specific performance

performance art
: a nontraditional art form often with political or topical themes that typically features a live presentation to an audience or onlookers (as on a street) and draws on such arts as acting, poetry, music, dance, or painting
–performance artist noun

performative
adj. : being or relating to an expression that serves to effect a transaction or that constitutes the performance of the specified act by virtue of its utterance <performative verbs such as promise and congratulate> ― compare CONSTATIVE
–performative noun

performatory
: PERFORMATIVE also : of or relating to performance

performing
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting an art (as drama) that involves public performance <the performing arts>

perfume
n. 1 : the scent of something sweet-smelling
2 : a substance that emits a pleasant odor especially : a fluid preparation of natural essences (as from plants or animals) or synthetics and a fixative used for scenting
synonyms see FRAGRANCE

perfume
n. : to fill or imbue with an odor

perfumer
n. : one that makes or sells perfumes

perfumery
n. 1 a : the art or process of making perfume b : the products made by a perfumer
2 : an establishment where perfumes are made

perfunctory
adj. 1 : characterized by routine or superficiality : MECHANICAL <a perfunctory smile>
2 : lacking in interest or enthusiasm
–per·func·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–per·func·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

perfusate
n. : a fluid (as a solution pumped through the heart) that is perfused

perfuse
v. 1 : SUFFUSE
2 a : to cause to flow or spread : DIFFUSE b : to force a fluid through (an organ or tissue) especially by way of the blood vessels
–per·fu·sion \-'fyü-zhən\ noun

perfusionist
n. : a certified medical technician responsible for extracorporeal oxygenation of the blood during open-heart surgery and for the operation and maintenance of equipment (as a heart-lung machine) controlling it

Perga
ancient city S Asia Minor in Pamphylia

Pergamum
1 ancient Greek kingdom covering most of Asia Minor; at its height 263-133 B.C.
2 or modern Ber·ga·ma \bər-'gä-mə\ city W Turkey NNE of Izmir capital of ancient Pergamum

pergola
n. 1 : ARBOR, TRELLIS
2 : a structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of girders and cross rafters

Pergolesi
Giovanni Battista 1710-1736 Ital. composer

perhaps
adv. : possibly but not certainly : MAYBE

perhaps
adv. : something open to doubt or conjecture

peri
n. 1 : a supernatural being in Persian folklore descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is accomplished
2 : a beautiful and graceful girl

peri
n. 1 : all around : about <periscope>
2 : near <perihelion>
3 : enclosing : surrounding <perineurium>

perianth
n. : the floral structure comprised of the calyx and corolla especially when the two whorls are fused ― see FLOWER illustration

periapt
n. : AMULET

pericardial
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting the pericardium also : situated around the heart

pericarditis
n. : inflammation of the pericardium

pericardium
n. 1 : the conical sac of serous membrane that encloses the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels of vertebrates
2 : a cavity or space that contains the heart of an invertebrate and in arthropods is a part of the hemocoel

pericarp
n. : the ripened and variously modified walls of a plant ovary ― see ENDOCARP illustration

perichondrium
n. : the membrane of fibrous connective tissue that invests cartilage except at joints
–peri·chon·dral \-drəl\ adjective

Pericles
n. ca 495-429 B.C. Athenian statesman
–Per·i·cle·an \ˌper-ə-'klē-ən\ adjective

pericope
n. : a selection from a book specifically : LECTION 1

pericranium
n. : the external periosteum of the skull
–peri·cra·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

pericycle
n. : a thin layer of parenchymatous or sclerenchymatous cells that surrounds the stele in most vascular plants
–peri·cy·clic \ˌper-ə-'sī-klik, -'si-\ adjective

periderm
n. : an outer layer of tissue especially : a cortical protective layer of many roots and stems that typically consists of phellem, phellogen, and phelloderm

peridium
n. : the outer envelope of the sporophore of many fungi

peridot
n. : a deep yellowish-green transparent variety of olivine used as a gem
–per·i·do·tic \ˌper-ə-'dä-tik, -'dō-\ adjective

peridotite
n. : any of a group of granular igneous rocks composed of ferromagnesian minerals and especially olivine
–pe·ri·do·tit·ic \pə-ˌri-də-'ti-tik\ adjective

perigee
n. : the point in the orbit of an object (as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it ― compare APOGEE
–peri·ge·an \ˌper-ə-'jē-ən\ adjective

Perigord
old division of N Guienne in SW France capital Périgueux

Perigueux
commune SW France NE of Bordeaux pop 30,152

perigynous
: borne on a ring or cup of the receptacle surrounding a pistil <perigynous petals> also : having perigynous stamens and petals <perigynous flowers>
–pe·rig·y·ny \-nē\ noun

perihelion
n. : the point in the path of a celestial body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun ― compare APHELION
–peri·he·lial \-'hēl-yəl\ adjective

perikaryon
n. : CELL BODY
–peri·kar·y·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

peril
n. 1 : exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost : DANGER <fire put the city in peril>
2 : something that imperils : RISK <lessen the perils of the streets>

peril
n. : to expose to danger

perilla
: any of a genus (Perilla) of Asian mints that have a bilabiate fruiting calyx and rugose nutlets

perilous
adj. : full of or involving peril <a perilous journey>
synonyms see DANGEROUS
–per·il·ous·ly adverb
–per·il·ous·ness noun

perilune
n. : the point in the path of a body orbiting the moon that is nearest to the center of the moon ― compare APOLUNE

perilymph
n. : the fluid between the membranous and bony labyrinths of the ear

Perim
island in Bab el Mandeb Strait at entrance to Red Sea; belongs to Yemen

perimenopause
: the period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)
–peri·men·o·paus·al \-ˌme-nə-'pȯ-zəl, -ˌmē-\ adjective

perimeter
n. 1 a : the boundary of a closed plane figure b : the length of a perimeter
2 : a line or strip bounding or protecting an area
3 : outer limits ― often used in plural
4 : the part of a basketball court outside the three-point line

perimysium
n. : the connective-tissue sheath that surrounds a muscle and forms sheaths for the bundles of muscle fibers

perinatal
adj. : occurring in, concerned with, or being in the period around the time of birth <perinatal mortality> <perinatal care>
–peri·na·tal·ly \-təl-(l)ē\ adverb

perinatology
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with perinatal care
–peri·na·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

perineum
n. : an area of tissue that marks externally the approximate boundary of the outlet of the pelvis and gives passage to the urinogenital ducts and rectum also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia
–per·i·ne·al \-'nē-əl\ adjective

perineurium
n. : the connective-tissue sheath that surrounds a bundle of nerve fibers

period
n. 1 : the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or a single action : CONCLUSION
2 a (1) : an utterance from one full stop to another : SENTENCE (2) : a well-proportioned sentence of several clauses (3) : PERIODIC SENTENCE b : a musical structure or melodic section usually composed of two or more contrasting or complementary phrases and ending with a cadence
3 a : the full pause with which the utterance of a sentence closes b : END, STOP
4 obsolete : GOAL, PURPOSE
5 a (1) : a point . used to mark the end (as of a declarative sentence or an abbreviation) (2) ― used interjectionally to emphasize the finality of the preceding statement <I don't remember 97 period> b : a rhythmical unit in Greek verse composed of a series of two or more cola
6 a : a portion of time determined by some recurring phenomenon b (1) : the interval of time required for a cyclic motion or phenomenon to complete a cycle and begin to repeat itself (2) : a number k that does not change the value of a periodic function f when added to the independent variable especially : the smallest such number c : a single cyclic occurrence of menstruation
7 a : a chronological division : STAGE b : a division of geologic time longer than an epoch and included in an era c : a stage of culture having a definable place in time and space
8 a : one of the divisions of the academic day b : one of the divisions of the playing time of a game
synonyms PERIOD, EPOCH, ERA, AGE mean a division of time. PERIOD may designate an extent of time of any length <periods of economic prosperity>. EPOCH applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events <the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry>. ERA suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things <the era of global communications>. AGE is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature <the age of Samuel Johnson>.

period
n. : of, relating to, or representing a particular historical period <period furniture> <period costumes>

period
n. grace period
incubation period
latency period
latent period
period piece
refractory period

period piece
: a work (as of literature, art, furniture, cinema, or music) whose special value lies in its evocation of a historical period

periodic
adj. 1 a : occurring or recurring at regular intervals b : occurring repeatedly from time to time
2 a : consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages, processes, or digits : CYCLIC <periodic decimals> <a periodic vibration> b : being a function any value of which recurs at regular intervals
3 : expressed in or characterized by periodic sentences

periodic
adj. periodic acid
periodic law
periodic sentence
periodic table

periodic acid
: any of the strongly oxidizing acids (as H_5IO_6 or HIO_4) that are the most highly oxidized acids of iodine

periodic law
: a law in chemistry: the elements when arranged in the order of their atomic numbers show a periodic variation of atomic structure and of most of their properties

periodic sentence
: a usually complex sentence that has no subordinate or trailing elements following its principal clause (as in “yesterday while I was walking down the street, I saw him”)

periodic table
: an arrangement of chemical elements based on the periodic law

see table...

periodical
n. 1 : PERIODIC 1
2 a : published with a fixed interval between the issues or numbers b : published in, characteristic of, or connected with a periodical

periodical
n. : a periodical publication

periodical
n.

periodical cicada
: SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST

periodically
adv. 1 : at regular intervals of time
2 : from time to time : FREQUENTLY

periodicity
n. : the quality, state, or fact of being regularly recurrent or having periods

periodization
: division (as of history) into periods

periodontal
adj. 1 : investing or surrounding a tooth
2 : of or affecting periodontal tissues or regions <periodontal diseases>
–peri·odon·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

periodontal membrane
: the fibrous connective-tissue layer covering the cementum of a tooth and holding it in place in the jawbone

periodontics
n. : a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, and alveolar bone
–peri·odon·tist \-'dän-tist\ noun

periodontitis
n. : inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth and especially the periodontal membrane

periodontology
n. : PERIODONTICS

perionychium
n. : the tissue bordering the root and sides of a fingernail or toenail

perioperative
adj. : relating to, occurring in, or being the period around the time of a surgical operation <perioperative morbidity> <perioperative nursing>

periosteal
adj. 1 : situated around or produced external to bone
2 : of, relating to, or involving the periosteum

periosteum
n. : the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular surfaces

periostitis
n. : inflammation of the periosteum

peripatetic
n. 1 capitalized : a follower of Aristotle or adherent of Aristotelianism
2 : PEDESTRIAN, ITINERANT
3 plural : movement or journeys hither and thither

peripatetic
1 capitalized : ARISTOTELIAN
2 a : of, relating to, or given to walking b : moving or traveling from place to place : ITINERANT
–peri·pa·tet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–Peri·pa·tet·i·cism \-'te-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

peripatus
: any of a class or phylum (Onychophora) of primitive tropical wormlike invertebrates that appear intermediate between annelid worms and arthropods

peripeteia
n. : a sudden or unexpected reversal of circumstances or situation especially in a literary work

peripety
: PERIPETEIA

peripheral
n. 1 : of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
2 a : of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system <peripheral nerves> <peripheral neuritis> b : of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation <peripheral lymphocytes>
3 : of, relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision <good peripheral vision>
4 : AUXILIARY, SUPPLEMENTARY <peripheral equipment> also : of or relating to computer peripherals
–pe·riph·er·al·ly adverb

peripheral
n. : a device connected to a computer to provide communication (as input and output) or auxiliary functions (as additional storage)

peripheral nervous system
: the part of the nervous system that is outside the central nervous system and comprises the cranial nerves excepting the optic nerve, the spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system

peripheral neuropathy
: a disease or degenerative state of the peripheral nerves in which motor, sensory, or vasomotor nerve fibers may be affected and which is marked by muscle weakness and atrophy, pain, and numbness

periphery
n. 1 : the perimeter of a circle or other closed curve also : the perimeter of a polygon
2 : the external boundary or surface of a body
3 a : the outward bounds of something as distinguished from its internal regions or center : CONFINES b : an area lying beyond the strict limits of a thing

periphrasis
n. 1 : use of a longer phrasing in place of a possible shorter form of expression
2 : an instance of periphrasis

periphrastic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by periphrasis
2 : formed by the use of function words or auxiliaries instead of by inflection <more fair is a periphrastic comparative>
–peri·phras·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

periphyton
n. : organisms (as some algae) that live attached to underwater surfaces
–peri·phyt·ic \ˌper-ə-'fi-tik\ adjective

periplasm
: the region in a gram-negative bacterium between the plasma membrane and an outer surrounding membrane that contains especially enzymes and a thin layer of peptidoglycan
–peri·plas·mic \ˌper-ə-'plaz-mik\ adjective

periplast
: PLASMA MEMBRANE also : a proteinaceous subcellular layer below the plasma membrane especially of a euglena

perique
n. : an aromatic fermented Louisiana tobacco used in smoking mixtures

periscope
n. : a tubular optical instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer obtains an otherwise obstructed field of view

periscopic
adj. 1 : providing a view all around or on all sides <periscopic lens>
2 : of or relating to a periscope

perish
v. intransitive verb
1 : to become destroyed or ruined : cease to exist <recollection of a past already long since perished ― Philip Sherrard> <guard against your mistakes or your attempts (perish the thought) to cheat ― C. B. Davis>
2 chiefly British : DETERIORATE, SPOIL
transitive verb
1 chiefly British : to cause to die : DESTROY
2 : WEAKEN, BENUMB

perishable
n. : liable to perish : liable to spoil or decay <such perishable products as fruit, vegetables, butter, and eggs>
–per·ish·abil·i·ty \ˌper-i-shə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌpe-ri-\ noun
–perishable noun

perissodactyl
n. : any of an order (Perissodactyla) of nonruminant ungulate mammals (as a horse, a tapir, or a rhinoceros) that usually have an odd number of toes, molar teeth with transverse ridges on the grinding surface, and the posterior premolars resembling true molars
–perissodactyl adjective

peristalsis
n. : successive waves of involuntary contraction passing along the walls of a hollow muscular structure (as the esophagus or intestine) and forcing the contents onward

peristaltic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, resulting from, or being peristalsis
2 : having an action suggestive of peristalsis

peristaltic pump
: a pump in which fluid is forced along by waves of contraction produced mechanically on flexible tubing

peristome
n. 1 : the fringe of teeth surrounding the orifice of a moss capsule
2 : the region around the mouth in various invertebrates
–peri·sto·mi·al \ˌper-ə-'stō-mē-əl\ adjective

peristyle
n. 1 : a colonnade surrounding a building or court
2 : an open space enclosed by a colonnade

perithecium
: a spherical, cylindrical, or flask-shaped hollow fruiting body in various ascomycetous fungi that contains the asci and usually opens by a terminal pore
–peri·the·cial \-'thē-sh(ē-)əl, -sē-əl\ adjective

peritoneum
n. : the smooth transparent serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen of a mammal and is folded inward over the abdominal and pelvic viscera
–peri·to·ne·al \-'nē-əl\ adjective
–peri·to·ne·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

peritonitis
n. : inflammation of the peritoneum

peritrichous
1 : having flagella uniformly distributed over the body <peritrichous bacteria>
2 : having a spiral line of modified cilia around the oral disk <peritrichous protozoa>
–pe·rit·ri·chous·ly adverb

periwig
n. : PERUKE
–peri·wigged \-ˌwigd\ adjective

periwinkle
n. 1 : any of several trailing or woody evergreen herbs of the dogbane family: as a (1) : a European creeper (Vinca minor) widely cultivated as a ground cover and for its blue or white flowers ― called also myrtle (2) : a trailing plant (Vinca major) with large blue flowers that is used as a ground cover and in window boxes b : ROSY PERIWINKLE
2 : a light purplish blue ― called also periwinkle blue

periwinkle
n. : any of various gastropod mollusks: as a : any of a genus (Littorina) of edible littoral marine snails also : any of various similar or related marine snails b : any of several No. American freshwater snails

periwinkle
n. periwinkle blue
Madagascar periwinkle
rosy periwinkle
crape myrtle
crepe myrtle
crêpe myrtle
sand myrtle
wax myrtle
Myrtle Beach

perjure
v. 1 : to make a perjurer of (oneself)
2 obsolete : to cause to commit perjury

perjurer
n. : a person guilty of perjury

perjurious
adj. : marked by perjury <perjurious testimony>
–per·ju·ri·ous·ly adverb

perjury
n. : the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath : false swearing

perk
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold or insolent manner b : to stick up or out jauntily
2 : to gain in vigor or cheerfulness especially after a period of weakness or depression ― usually used with up <he's perked up noticeably>
transitive verb
1 : to make smart or spruce in appearance : FRESHEN, IMPROVE ― often used with up
2 : to thrust up quickly or impudently

perk
n. : PERCOLATE

perk
n. : PERQUISITE ― usually used in plural

Perkins
Frances 1880-1965 American public official

perky
adj. 1 : briskly self-assured : COCKY
2 : JAUNTY <a perky⋯waltz ― New Yorker>
–perk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–perk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

Perl
n. Martin 1927-     American physicist

Perlis
state Malaysia bordering on Thailand & Andaman Sea capital Kangar area 310 sq mi (803 sq km), pop 184,070

perlite
n. : volcanic glass that has a concentric shelly structure, appears as if composed of concretions, is usually grayish and sometimes spherulitic, and when expanded by heat forms a lightweight aggregate used especially in concrete and plaster and as a medium for potting plants
–per·lit·ic \ˌpər-'li-tik\ adjective

Perlman
Itzhak 1945-     Israeli violinist

perm
n. : PERMANENT

perm
n. : to give (hair) a permanent wave

Perm'
city E Russia in Europe pop 1,099,000

permaculture
n. : an agricultural system or method that seeks to integrate human activity with natural surroundings so as to create highly efficient self-sustaining ecosystems

permafrost
n. : a permanently frozen layer at variable depth below the surface in frigid regions of a planet (as earth)

permanence
n. : the quality or state of being permanent : DURABILITY

permanency
n. 1 : PERMANENCE
2 : something permanent

permanent
n. : continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change : STABLE
synonyms see LASTING
–per·ma·nent·ly adverb
–per·ma·nent·ness noun

permanent
n. : a long-lasting hair wave or straightening produced by mechanical and chemical means ― called also permanent wave

permanent
n. permanent wave
permanent magnet
permanent press
permanent tissue
permanent tooth

permanent magnet
: a magnet that retains its magnetism after removal of the magnetizing force

permanent press
1 : the process of treating a fabric with a chemical (as a resin) and heat for setting the shape and for aiding wrinkle resistance
2 : material treated by permanent press
3 : the condition of material treated by permanent press
–permanent-press adjective

permanent tissue
: plant tissue that has completed its growth and differentiation and is usually incapable of meristematic activity

permanent tooth
: any of the second set of teeth of a mammal that follow the milk teeth, typically persist into old age, and in humans are 32 in number

permanganate
n. 1 : a salt containing the anion MnO_4- especially : POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE
2 : the anion MnO_4- of a permanganate

permeability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being permeable
2 : the property of a magnetizable substance that determines the degree in which it modifies the magnetic flux in the region occupied by it in a magnetic field

permeable
adj. : capable of being permeated : PENETRABLE especially : having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through <a permeable membrane> <permeable limestone>

permease
n. : a substance that catalyzes the transport of another substance across a cell membrane

permeate
v. intransitive verb : to diffuse through or penetrate something
transitive verb
1 : to spread or diffuse through <a room permeated with tobacco smoke>
2 : to pass through the pores or interstices of
–per·me·ative \-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

permeation
n. 1 : the quality or state of being permeated
2 : the action or process of permeating

permethrin
n. : a synthetic pyrethroid C_21H_20Cl_2O_3 used especially as an insecticide

Permian
adj. : of, relating to, or being the last period of the Paleozoic era or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Permian noun

permissible
adj. : that may be permitted : ALLOWABLE
–per·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–per·mis·si·ble·ness \-'mi-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–per·mis·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

permission
n. 1 : the act of permitting
2 : formal consent : AUTHORIZATION

permissive
adj. 1 archaic : granted on sufferance : TOLERATED
2 a : granting or tending to grant permission : TOLERANT b : deficient in firmness or control : INDULGENT, LAX
3 : allowing discretion : OPTIONAL <reduced the permissive retirement age from 65 to 62>
–per·mis·sive·ly adverb
–per·mis·sive·ness noun

permit
n. transitive verb
1 : to consent to expressly or formally <permit access to records>
2 : to give leave : AUTHORIZE
3 : to make possible <the design permits easy access>
intransitive verb : to give an opportunity : ALLOW <if time permits>
–per·mit·tee \pər-ˌmi(t)-'tē, ˌpər-mi(t)-\ noun
–per·mit·ter noun

permit
n. 1 : a written warrant or license granted by one having authority <a gun permit>
2 : PERMISSION

permit
n. : either of two pompanos (Trachinotus falcatus and T. goodei) that are important game fishes of temperate to tropical waters of the western Atlantic

permittivity
n. : the ability of a material to store electrical potential energy under the influence of an electric field measured by the ratio of the capacitance of a capacitor with the material as dielectric to its capacitance with vacuum as dielectric ― called also dielectric constant

permutation
n. 1 : often major or fundamental change (as in character or condition) based primarily on rearrangement of existent elements <the system has gone through several permutations> also : a form or variety resulting from such change <technology available in various permutations>
2 a : the act or process of changing the lineal order of an ordered set of objects b : an ordered arrangement of a set of objects
–per·mu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

permutation
n. even permutation
odd permutation
permutation group

permutation group
: a group whose elements are permutations and in which the product of two permutations is a permutation whose effect is the same as the successive application of the first two

permute
v. : to change the order or arrangement of especially : to arrange in all possible ways
–per·mut·able \-'myü-tə-bəl\ adjective

Pernambuco
n. 1 state NE Brazil capital Recife area 39,005 sq mi (101,023 sq km), pop 7,918,344
2 ― see RECIFE

pernicious
adj. 1 : highly injurious or destructive : DEADLY
2 archaic : WICKED
–per·ni·cious·ly adverb
–per·ni·cious·ness noun
synonyms PERNICIOUS, BANEFUL, NOXIOUS, DELETERIOUS, DETRIMENTAL mean exceedingly harmful. PERNICIOUS implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining <the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society>. BANEFUL implies injury through poisoning or destroying <the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity>. NOXIOUS applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind <noxious chemical fumes>. DELETERIOUS applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect <a diet found to have deleterious effects>. DETRIMENTAL implies obvious harmfulness to something specified <the detrimental effects of excessive drinking>.

pernicious anemia
: a severe megaloblastic anemia that is marked by a progressive decrease in the number of red blood cells and by pallor, weakness, and gastrointestinal and nervous disturbances and is caused by malabsorption of vitamin B_12 due to the absence of intrinsic factor

pernickety
adj. chiefly British : PERSNICKETY

Pernik
city W Bulgaria S of Sofia pop 99,643

Pernod
n. ― used for a French liqueur

Peron
n. Juan Domingo 1895-1974 Argentine polit.; pres. of Argentina (1946-55; 1973-74)

peroneal
adj. : of, relating to, or located near the fibula

peroral
adj. : occurring through or by way of the mouth
–per·oral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

perorate
v. 1 : to deliver a long or grandiloquent oration
2 : to make a peroration

peroration
n. 1 : the concluding part of a discourse and especially an oration
2 : a highly rhetorical speech
–per·o·ra·tion·al \ˌper-ə-'rā-shnəl, ˌpər-, -shə-nəl\ adjective

perovskite
n. : a yellow, brown, or grayish-black mineral consisting of an oxide of calcium and titanium and sometimes containing rare earth elements

peroxidase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of various substances by peroxides

peroxidation
: oxidation to the greatest possible extent resulting especially in formation of a peroxide

peroxide
n. : a compound (as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen
–per·ox·id·ic \-ˌräk-'si-dik\ adjective

peroxide
n. : to treat with a peroxide especially : to bleach (hair) with hydrogen peroxide

peroxide
n. : having or being bleached hair <a peroxide blonde>

peroxisome
n. : a cytoplasmic cell organelle containing enzymes (as catalase) which act in oxidative reactions and especially in the production and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
–per·ox·i·som·al \-ˌräk-sə-'sō-məl\ adjective

peroxy
: containing the divalent group O–O <peroxyacetyl nitrate>

peroxyacetyl nitrate
: a toxic compound C_2H_3O_5N found especially in smog

perp
n. : a perpetrator especially of a crime

perp
n. perpendicular

perpend
v. transitive verb : to reflect on carefully : PONDER
intransitive verb : to be attentive : REFLECT

perpendicular
1 a : standing at right angles to the plane of the horizon : exactly upright b : being at right angles to a given line or plane
2 : extremely steep : PRECIPITOUS
3 often capitalized : of or relating to a medieval English Gothic style of architecture in which vertical lines predominate
4 : relating to, uniting, or consisting of individuals of dissimilar type or on different levels
synonyms see VERTICAL
–per·pen·dic·u·lar·i·ty \-ˌdi-kyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–per·pen·dic·u·lar·ly \-'di-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

perpendicular
n. : a line at right angles to a line or plane (as of the horizon)

perpetrate
v. 1 : to bring about or carry out (as a crime or deception) : COMMIT
2 : to produce, perform, or execute (something likened to a crime) <perpetrate a pun>
–per·pe·tra·tion \ˌpər-pə-'trā-shən\ noun
–per·pe·tra·tor \'pər-pə-ˌtrā-tər\ noun

perpetual
adj. 1 a : continuing forever : EVERLASTING <perpetual motion> b (1) : valid for all time <a perpetual right> (2) : holding (as an office) for life or for an unlimited time
2 : occurring continually : indefinitely long-continued <perpetual problems>
3 : blooming continuously throughout the season
synonyms see CONTINUAL
–per·pet·u·al·ly adverb

perpetual calendar
: a table for finding the day of the week for any one of a wide range of dates

perpetual check
: an endless succession of checks to which an opponent's king may be subjected to force a draw in chess

perpetuate
v. : to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely <perpetuate the species>
–per·pet·u·a·tion \-ˌpe-chə-'wā-shən\ noun
–per·pet·u·a·tor \-'pe-chə-ˌwā-tər\ noun

perpetuity
n. 1 : ETERNITY 2
2 : the quality or state of being perpetual <bequeathed to them in perpetuity>
3 a : the condition of an estate limited so that it will not take effect or vest within the period fixed by law b : an estate so limited
4 : an annuity payable forever

perphenazine
: a phenothiazine tranquilizer C_21H_26ClN_3OS that is used especially to control psychotic symptoms (as anxiety and agitation)

Perpignan
city S France SE of Toulouse near Mediterranean coast pop 105,096

perplex
v. 1 : to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something <her attitude perplexes me> <a perplexing problem>
2 : to make intricate or involved : COMPLICATE
synonyms see PUZZLE

perplexed
adj. 1 : filled with uncertainty : PUZZLED
2 : full of difficulty
–per·plexed·ly \-'plek-səd-lē, -'plekst-lē\ adverb

perplexity
n. 1 : the state of being perplexed : BEWILDERMENT
2 : something that perplexes
3 : ENTANGLEMENT

perquisite
n. 1 : a privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages especially : one expected or promised
2 : GRATUITY, TIP
3 : something held or claimed as an exclusive right or possession

Perrault
Charles 1628-1703 Fr. writer

Perrin
Jean-Baptiste 1870-1942 Fr. physicist

Perris
city SE Calif. W of Palm Springs pop 36,189

perron
n. : an outdoor stairway leading up to a building entrance also : a platform at its top

Perry
n. Bliss 1860-1954 American educ. & critic

Perry
n. Matthew Calbraith 1794-1858 American commodore

Perry
n. Oliver Hazard 1785-1819 bro. of prec. American naval officer

Perry
n. Ralph Barton 1876-1957 American philos. & educ.

perry
n. : fermented pear juice often made sparkling

pers
1 person; personal
2 personnel

Perse
adj. St. John ― see Aléxis Saint-Léger LÉGER

perse
adj. : of a dark grayish blue resembling indigo

persecute
1 : to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief
2 : to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : PESTER
synonyms see WRONG
–per·se·cu·tee \ˌpər-si-ˌkyü-'tē\ noun
–per·se·cu·tive \'pər-si-ˌkyü-tiv\ adjective
–per·se·cu·tor \-ˌkyü-tər\ noun
–per·se·cu·to·ry \-kyü-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˌkyü-tə-rē\ adjective

persecution
n. 1 : the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook
2 : the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed

Perseid
n. : any of a group of meteors that appear annually about August 11

Persephone
n. : a daughter of Zeus and Demeter abducted by Pluto to reign with him over the underworld

Persepolis
city of ancient Persia; site in SW Iran NE of Shiraz

Perseus
n. 1 : a son of Zeus and Danaë and slayer of Medusa
2 [Latin (gen. Persei), from Greek] : a northern constellation between Taurus and Cassiopeia

perseverance
n. : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : STEADFASTNESS

perseveration
n. : continuation of something (as repetition of a word) usually to an exceptional degree or beyond a desired point
–per·sev·er·ate \-'se-və-ˌrāt\ intransitive verb
–per·sev·er·a·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

persevere
v. : to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement
–per·se·ver·ing·ly adverb

Pershing
n. John Joseph 1860-1948 American gen.

Persia
n. ― see IRAN

Persian
n. 1 : one of the people of Persia: as a : one of the ancient Iranians who under Cyrus and his successors founded an empire in southwest Asia b : a member of one of the peoples forming the modern Iranian nationality
2 a : any of several Iranian languages dominant in Persia at different periods b : the modern language of Iran and western Afghanistan ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
3 : a thin soft silk formerly used especially for linings
4 : PERSIAN CAT
–Persian adjective

Persian
n. Middle Persian
Old Persian
Persian cat
Persian lamb
Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf States

Persian cat
: any of a breed of stocky round-headed domestic cats that have a long silky coat and thick ruff

Persian Gulf
arm of Arabian Sea bet. SW Iran & Arabia

Persian Gulf States
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, & United Arab Emirates

Persian lamb
1 : a pelt that is obtained from a newborn karakul lamb slightly older than those yielding broadtail and that is characterized by very silky tightly curled glossy fur
2 : the young of the karakul sheep that furnishes skins used in furriery

persiflage
n. : frivolous bantering talk : light raillery

persimmon
n. 1 : any of a genus (Diospyros) of trees of the ebony family with hard fine wood, oblong leaves, and small bell-shaped flowers especially : an eastern U.S. tree (D. virginiana) or a Japanese tree (D. kaki)
2 : the usually orange several-seeded globular berry of a persimmon that is edible when fully ripe but usually extremely astringent when unripe

Persis
ancient region SW Iran

persist
v. 1 : to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning
2 obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a specified character, condition, or position
3 : to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (as a question or an opinion)
4 : to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time
synonyms see CONTINUE
–per·sist·er noun

persistence
n. 1 : the action or fact of persisting
2 : the quality or state of being persistent especially : PERSEVERANCE

persistency
n. : PERSISTENCE 2

persistent
adj. 1 : existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: as a : retained beyond the usual period <a persistent leaf> b : continuing without change in function or structure <persistent gills> c : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing <mustard gas is persistent> d : degraded only slowly by the environment <persistent pesticides> e : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation <persistent viruses>
2 a : continuing or inclined to persist in a course b : continuing to exist in spite of interference or treatment <a persistent cough>
–per·sis·tent·ly adverb

Persius
A.D. 34-62 Aulus Persius Flaccus Rom. satirist

persnickety
adj. 1 a : fussy about small details : FASTIDIOUS <a persnickety teacher> b : having the characteristics of a snob
2 : requiring great precision <a persnickety job>
–per·snick·e·ti·ness \-nəs\ noun

person
n. 1 : HUMAN, INDIVIDUAL ― sometimes used in combination especially by those who prefer to avoid man in compounds applicable to both sexes <chairperson> <spokesperson>
2 : a character or part in or as if in a play : GUISE
3 a : one of the three modes of being in the Trinitarian Godhead as understood by Christians b : the unitary personality of Christ that unites the divine and human natures
4 a archaic : bodily appearance b : the body of a human being also : the body and clothing <unlawful search of the person>
5 : the personality of a human being : SELF
6 : one (as a human being, a partnership, or a corporation) that is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties
7 : reference of a segment of discourse to the speaker, to one spoken to, or to one spoken of as indicated by means of certain pronouns or in many languages by verb inflection
–per·son·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–in person : in one's bodily presence <the movie star appeared in person>

person
n. first person
in person
person hour
point person
second person
third person

person-hour
: a unit of one hour's work by one person

persona
n. 1 : a character assumed by an author in a written work
2 a plural personas [New Latin, from L] : an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing ― compare ANIMA b : the personality that a person (as an actor or politician) projects in public : IMAGE
3 plural personae : a character in a fictional presentation (as a novel or play) ― usually used in plural <comic personae>

persona
n. in propria persona
persona grata
persona non grata
dramatis personae

persona grata
: personally acceptable or welcome

persona non grata
: personally unacceptable or unwelcome

personable
adj. : pleasant or amiable in person : ATTRACTIVE
–per·son·able·ness noun

personage
n. 1 : a person of rank, note, or distinction especially : one distinguished for presence and personal power
2 : a human individual : PERSON
3 : a dramatic, fictional, or historical character also : IMPERSONATION

personal
n. 1 : of, relating to, or affecting a particular person : PRIVATE, INDIVIDUAL <personal ambition> <personal financial gain>
2 a : done in person without the intervention of another also : proceeding from a single person b : carried on between individuals directly <a personal interview>
3 : relating to the person or body
4 : relating to an individual or an individual's character, conduct, motives, or private affairs often in an offensive manner <a personal insult>
5 a : being rational and self-conscious <personal, responsive government is still possible ― John Fischer> b : having the qualities of a person rather than a thing or abstraction <a personal devil>
6 : of, relating to, or constituting personal property <a personal estate>
7 : denoting grammatical person
8 : intended for private use or use by one person <a personal stereo>

personal
n. 1 : a short newspaper paragraph relating to the activities of a person or a group or to personal matters
2 : a short personal communication in a special column of the classified ads section of a newspaper or periodical
3 : PERSONAL FOUL

personal
n. personal computer
personal digital assistant
personal effects
personal equation
personal foul
personal pronoun
personal property
personal tax

personal computer
: a general-purpose computer equipped with a microprocessor and designed to run especially commercial software (as a word processor or Internet browser) for an individual user

personal digital assistant
: PDA

personal effects
: privately owned items (as clothing and jewelry) normally worn or carried on the person

personal equation
: variation (as in observation) occasioned by the personal peculiarities of an individual also : a correction or allowance made for such variation

personal foul
: a foul in a game (as basketball) involving usually physical contact with or deliberate roughing of an opponent ― compare TECHNICAL FOUL

personal pronoun
: a pronoun (as I, you, or they) that expresses a distinction of person

personal property
: property other than real property consisting of things temporary or movable : CHATTELS

personal tax
: DIRECT TAX

personalise
v. British variant of personalize

personalism
n. : a doctrine emphasizing the significance, uniqueness, and inviolability of personality
–per·son·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–per·son·al·is·tic \ˌpərs-nə-'lis-tik, ˌpər-sə-nə-\ adjective

personality
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being a person b : personal existence
2 a : the condition or fact of relating to a particular person specifically : the condition of referring directly to or being aimed disparagingly or hostilely at an individual b : an offensively personal remark <angrily resorted to personalities>
3 a : the complex of characteristics that distinguishes an individual or a nation or group especially : the totality of an individual's behavioral and emotional characteristics b : a set of distinctive traits and characteristics <the energetic personality of the city>
4 a : distinction or excellence of personal and social traits also : a person having such quality b : a person of importance, prominence, renown, or notoriety <a TV personality>
synonyms see DISPOSITION

personality
n. personality inventory
personality test
psychopathic personality disorder
split personality
antisocial personality disorder
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
multiple personality disorder
multiple personality

personality inventory
: any of several tests that attempt to characterize the personality of an individual by objective scoring of replies to a large number of questions concerning his or her own behavior ― compare MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY

personality test
: any of several tests that consist of standardized tasks designed to determine various aspects of the personality or the emotional status of the individual examined

personalize
v. 1 : PERSONIFY
2 : to make personal or individual specifically : to mark as the property of a particular person <personalized stationery>
–per·son·al·i·za·tion \ˌpərs-nə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌpər-sə-nə-\ noun

personally
adv. 1 : in person <attend to the matter personally>
2 : as a person : in personality <personally attractive but not very trustworthy>
3 : for oneself : as far as oneself is concerned <personally, I don't want to go>
4 : in a personal manner <don't take this personally>

personalty
n. : PERSONAL PROPERTY

personate
v. 1 a : IMPERSONATE, REPRESENT b : to assume without authority and with fraudulent intent (some character or capacity)
2 : to invest with personality or personal characteristics <personating their gods ridiculous, and themselves past shame ― John Milton>
–per·son·a·tion \ˌpər-sə-'nā-shən\ noun
–per·son·a·tive \'pər-sə-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–per·son·a·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

personification
n. 1 : attribution of personal qualities especially : representation of a thing or abstraction as a person or by the human form
2 : a divinity or imaginary being representing a thing or abstraction
3 : EMBODIMENT, INCARNATION

personify
v. 1 : to conceive of or represent as a person or as having human qualities or powers
2 : to be the embodiment or personification of : INCARNATE <a teacher who personified patience>
–per·son·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

personnel
n. 1 a : a body of persons usually employed (as in a factory, office, or organization) b personnel plural : PERSONS
2 : a division of an organization concerned with personnel

perspective
n. archaic : an optical glass (as a telescope)

perspective
n. 1 a : the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye specifically : representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance b : a picture in perspective
2 a : the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed <places the issues in proper perspective> also : POINT OF VIEW b : the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance <urge you to maintain your perspective and to view your own task in a larger framework ― W. J. Cohen>
3 a : a visible scene especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : VISTA b : a mental view or prospect <to gain a broader perspective on the international scene ― Current Biog.>
4 : the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions
–per·spec·tiv·al \pər-'spek-ti-vəl, ˌpər-(ˌ)spek-'tī-vəl\ adjective

perspective
n. 1 obsolete : aiding the vision <his eyes should be like unto the wrong end of a perspective glass ― Alexander Pope>
2 : of, relating to, employing, or seen in perspective <perspective drawing>
–per·spec·tive·ly adverb

Perspex
n. ― used for an acrylic plastic

perspicacious
adj. : of acute mental vision or discernment : KEEN
synonyms see SHREWD
–per·spi·ca·cious·ly adverb
–per·spi·ca·cious·ness noun
–per·spi·cac·i·ty \-'ka-sə-tē\ noun

perspicuous
adj. : plain to the understanding especially because of clarity and precision of presentation <a perspicuous argument>
synonyms see CLEAR
–per·spi·cu·ity \ˌpər-spə-'kyü-ə-tē\ noun
–per·spic·u·ous·ly \pər-'spi-kyə-wəs-lē\ adverb
–per·spic·u·ous·ness noun

perspiration
n. 1 : the action or process of perspiring
2 : a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands : SWEAT

perspiratory
adj. : of, relating to, secreting, or inducing perspiration

perspire
v. : to emit matter through the skin specifically : to secrete and emit perspiration

persuadable
adj. : capable of being persuaded

persuade
v. 1 : to move by argument, entreaty, or expostulation to a belief, position, or course of action
2 : to plead with : URGE
–per·suad·er noun

persuasible
: PERSUADABLE

persuasion
n. 1 a : the act or process or an instance of persuading b : a persuading argument c : the ability to persuade : PERSUASIVENESS
2 : the condition of being persuaded
3 a : an opinion held with complete assurance b : a system of religious beliefs also : a group adhering to a particular system of beliefs
4 : KIND, SORT
synonyms see OPINION

persuasive
adj. : tending to persuade
–per·sua·sive·ly adverb
–per·sua·sive·ness noun

pert
adj. 1 a : saucily free and forward : flippantly cocky and assured b : being trim and chic : JAUNTY <a pert little hat> c : piquantly stimulating <is a pert notion>
2 : LIVELY, VIVACIOUS
–pert·ly adverb
–pert·ness noun

pertain
v. 1 a (1) : to belong as a part, member, accessory, or product (2) : to belong as an attribute, feature, or function <the destruction and havoc pertaining to war> (3) : to belong as a duty or right <responsibilities that pertain to fatherhood> b : to be appropriate to something <the criteria⋯will be different from those that pertain elsewhere ― J. B. Conant>
2 : to have reference <books pertaining to birds>

Perth
1 city capital of Western Australia on Swan River pop 80,517 ― see FREMANTLE
2 or Perth·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county cen Scotland
3 burgh cen Scotland pop 41,998

Perth Amboy
city & port NE N.J. on Raritan Bay at mouth of Raritan River pop 47,303

Perth and Kinross
administrative area of E cen Scotland area 2051 sq mi (5311 sq km)

pertinacious
adj. 1 a : adhering resolutely to an opinion, purpose, or design b : perversely persistent
2 : stubbornly unyielding or tenacious
synonyms see OBSTINATE
–per·ti·na·cious·ly adverb
–per·ti·na·cious·ness noun
–per·ti·nac·i·ty \-'na-sə-tē\ noun

pertinence
n. : the quality or state of being pertinent : RELEVANCE

pertinency
n. : PERTINENCE

pertinent
adj. : having a clear decisive relevance to the matter in hand
synonyms see RELEVANT
–per·ti·nent·ly adverb

perturb
v. 1 : to disturb greatly in mind : DISQUIET
2 : to throw into confusion : DISORDER
3 : to cause to experience a perturbation
synonyms see DISCOMPOSE
–per·turb·able \-'tər-bə-bəl\ adjective

perturbation
n. 1 : the action of perturbing : the state of being perturbed
2 : a disturbance of motion, course, arrangement, or state of equilibrium especially : a disturbance of the regular and usually elliptical course of motion of a celestial body that is produced by some force additional to that which causes its regular motion
–per·tur·ba·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

pertussis
n. : WHOOPING COUGH

Peru
n. country W S. America; a republic capital Lima area 496,222 sq mi (1,285,215 sq km), pop 22,916,000
–Pe·ru·vi·an \-'rü-vē-ən\ adjective or noun

Perugia
commune cen Italy bet. Lake Trasimeno & the Tiber capital of Umbria pop 158,282

Perugino
n. ca 1450-1523 Pietro di Cristoforo Vannucci Ital. painter

peruke
n. : WIG specifically : one of a type popular from the 17th to the early 19th century
–pe·ruked \-'rükt\ adjective

peruse
v. 1 a : to examine or consider with attention and in detail : STUDY b : to look over or through in a casual or cursory manner
2 : READ especially : to read over in an attentive or leisurely manner
–pe·rus·al \-'rü-zəl\ noun
–pe·rus·er noun

Peruzzi
Baldassare 1481-1536 Ital. architect & painter

perv
: PERVERT

pervade
v. : to become diffused throughout every part of

pervasion
n. : the action of pervading or condition of being pervaded

pervasive
adj. : pervading or tending to pervade <a pervasive odor>
–per·va·sive·ly adverb
–per·va·sive·ness noun

perverse
adj. 1 a : turned away from what is right or good : CORRUPT b : IMPROPER, INCORRECT c : contrary to the evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law <perverse verdict>
2 a : obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted : WRONGHEADED b : arising from or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy
3 : marked by peevishness or petulance : CRANKY
4 : marked by perversion : PERVERTED
synonyms see CONTRARY
–per·verse·ly adverb
–per·verse·ness noun
–per·ver·si·ty \pər-'vər-sə-tē, -stē\ noun

perversion
n. 1 : the action of perverting : the condition of being perverted
2 : a perverted form especially : an aberrant sexual practice or interest especially when habitual

perversive
adj. 1 : perverting or tending to pervert
2 : arising from or indicative of perversion

pervert
n. 1 a : to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right : CORRUPT b : to cause to turn aside or away from what is generally done or accepted : MISDIRECT
2 a : to divert to a wrong end or purpose : MISUSE b : to twist the meaning or sense of : MISINTERPRET
synonyms see DEBASE
–per·vert·er noun

pervert
n. : one that has been perverted specifically : one given to some form of sexual perversion

perverted
adj. 1 : CORRUPT
2 : marked by perversion
–per·vert·ed·ly adverb
–per·vert·ed·ness noun

pervious
adj. 1 : ACCESSIBLE <pervious to reason>
2 : PERMEABLE <pervious soil>
–per·vi·ous·ness noun

Pesach
n. : PASSOVER

Pesaro
commune & port cen Italy on the Adriatic NW of Ancona pop 89,408

Pescara
commune & port cen Italy on the Adriatic pop 115,448

peseta
n. : the basic monetary unit of Spain until 2002

pesewa
n. ― see cedi at MONEY table

Peshawar
city N Pakistan ESE of Khyber Pass pop 982,816

pesky
adj. : TROUBLESOME, VEXATIOUS <pesky issues>

peso
n. 1 : an old silver coin of Spain and Spanish America equal to eight reals
2 ― see MONEY table

pessary
n. 1 : a vaginal suppository
2 : a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception

pessimism
n. 1 : an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome
2 a : the doctrine that reality is essentially evil b : the doctrine that evil overbalances happiness in life
–pes·si·mist \-mist\ noun

pessimistic
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : GLOOMY
synonyms see CYNICAL
–pes·si·mis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pest
n. 1 : an epidemic disease associated with high mortality specifically : PLAGUE
2 : something resembling a pest in destructiveness especially : a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns (as agriculture or livestock production)
3 : one that pesters or annoys : NUISANCE
–pesty \'pes-tē\ adjective

Pestalozzi
n. Johann Heinrich 1746-1827 Swiss educ.

pester
v. 1 obsolete : OVERCROWD
2 : to harass with petty irritations : ANNOY
synonyms see WORRY

pesthole
n. : a place liable to epidemic disease

pesthouse
: a shelter or hospital for those infected with a pestilential or contagious disease

pesticide
n. : an agent used to destroy pests
–pes·ti·ci·dal \ˌpes-tə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

pestiferous
adj. 1 : dangerous to society : PERNICIOUS
2 a : carrying or propagating infection : PESTILENTIAL b : infected with a pestilential disease
3 : TROUBLESOME, ANNOYING
–pes·tif·er·ous·ly adverb
–pes·tif·er·ous·ness noun

pestilence
n. 1 : a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating especially : BUBONIC PLAGUE
2 : something that is destructive or pernicious <I'll pour this pestilence into his ear ― Shakespeare>

pestilent
adj. 1 : destructive of life : DEADLY
2 : injuring or endangering society : PERNICIOUS
3 : causing displeasure or annoyance
4 : INFECTIOUS, CONTAGIOUS <a pestilent disease>
–pes·ti·lent·ly adverb

pestilential
adj. 1 a : causing or tending to cause pestilence : DEADLY b : of or relating to pestilence
2 : morally harmful : PERNICIOUS
3 : giving rise to vexation or annoyance : IRRITATING
–pes·ti·len·tial·ly \-'len(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

pestle
n. 1 : a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar ― see MORTAR illustration
2 : any of various devices for pounding, stamping, or pressing

pestle
n. transitive verb archaic : to beat, pound, or pulverize with or as if with a pestle
intransitive verb : to work with a pestle : use a pestle

pesto
n. : a sauce made especially of fresh basil, garlic, oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese

PET
n. positron-emission tomography

Pet
n. Peter

pet
n. 1 a : a pampered and usually spoiled child b : a person who is treated with unusual kindness or consideration : DARLING
2 : a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility

pet
n. 1 : kept or treated as a pet
2 : expressing fondness or endearment <a pet name>
3 : FAVORITE <a pet project>

pet
n. transitive verb
1 a : to treat as a pet b : to stroke in a gentle or loving manner
2 : to treat with unusual kindness and consideration : PAMPER
intransitive verb : to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing : NECK
–pet·ter noun

pet
n. : a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger

pet
n. : to take offense : SULK

pet
n. petroleum

pet
n. pet peeve
PET scan
PET scanning
PET scanner
teacher's pet
petting zoo

pet peeve
: a frequent subject of complaint

PET scan
: a sectional view of the body constructed by positron-emission tomography
–PET scanner noun
–PET scanning noun

peta
: quadrillion (10^15) <peta-electron volts>

Petach Tikva
city W Israel pop 148,900

Petain
n. (Henri-) Philippe 1856-1951 Fr. gen.; marshal of France; premier of Vichy France (1940-44)

petal
n. : one of the modified often brightly colored leaves of the corolla of a flower ― see FLOWER illustration
–pet·aled or pet·alled \-təld\ adjective
–pet·al·like \-təl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective

petaloid
1 : resembling a flower petal
2 : consisting of petaloid elements

petalous
adj. 1 : having petals
2 : having (such or so many) petals ― used in combination <polypetalous>

Petaluma
city W Calif. N of San Francisco pop 54,548

petard
n. 1 : a case containing an explosive to break down a door or gate or breach a wall
2 : a firework that explodes with a loud report

Petare
city N Venezuela, a SE suburb of Caracas pop 531,866

petasos
: a broad-brimmed low-crowned hat worn by ancient Greeks and Romans especially : the winged hat of Hermes

petcock
n. : a small cock, faucet, or valve for releasing a gas (as air) or draining

petechia
n. : a minute reddish or purplish spot containing blood that appears in skin or mucous membrane as a result of localized hemorrhage
–pe·te·chi·al \-kē-əl\ adjective

Peter
n. 1 : a fisherman of Galilee and one of the twelve apostles
2 : either of two hortatory letters written to early Christians and included as books of the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Peter
n. 1672-1725 the Great czar of Russia (1682-1725)

Peter
n. 1844-1921 king of Serbia (1903-21)

Peter
n. 1923-1970 king of Yugoslavia (1934-45)

peter
n. 1 : to diminish gradually and come to an end : GIVE OUT ― usually used with out <novelists whose creative impetus seems largely to have petered out ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 : to become exhausted ― usually used with out

peter
n. often vulgar : PENIS

peter
n. Peter I
Peter II
Simon Peter
blue peter
Peter Pan
Peter Pan collar
Peter Principle
Peter's pence
Peter Claver
Peter Lombard
Peter the Hermit
Patrimony of St. Peter
Saint Peter Lake
Saint Peter Port
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks
Saint Peters

Peter Claver
Saint 1581-1654 Span. Jesuit missionary

Peter Lombard
ca 1100-1160 L. Petrus Lombardus Ital. theol. in France

Peter Pan
1 : a boy in Sir James Barrie's play Peter Pan who lives without growing older in a never-never land
2 : an adult who does not want to grow up : one who hangs on to adolescent interests and attitudes

Peter Pan collar
: a usually small flat close-fitting collar with rounded ends that meet at the top in front

Peter Principle
: an observation: in a hierarchy employees tend to rise to the level of their incompetence

Peter the Hermit
ca 1050-1115 Fr. preacher of the 1st Crusade

Peter's pence
1 : an annual tribute of a penny formerly paid by each householder in England to the papal see
2 : a voluntary annual contribution made by Roman Catholics to the pope

Peterborough
1 city Canada in SE Ont. pop 71,446
2 city E cen England pop 88,346

Peterborough, Soke of
former administrative county E cen England in Northamptonshire; later part of Huntingdonshire & since 1974 in Cambridgeshire

Peters
v. Carl 1856-1918 Ger. explorer

Petersburg
n. 1 city SE Va. S of Richmond pop 33,740
2 SAINT PETERSBURG

Peterson
n. Roger Tory 1908-1996 American ornithologist

petiolar
adj. : of, relating to, or proceeding from a petiole

petiolate
adj. : having a stalk or petiole

petiole
n. 1 : a slender stem that supports the blade of a foliage leaf
2 : PEDUNCLE specifically : a slender abdominal segment joining the rest of the abdomen to the thorax in some insects
–pet·i·oled \-ˌōld\ adjective

petiolule
: a stalk of a leaflet of a compound leaf

petit
adj. : PETTY 1 ― used chiefly in legal compounds

petit
adj. petit bourgeois
petit four
petit fours
petit jury
petit larceny
petit maitre
petit maître
petit mal
petit point
ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

petit bourgeois
1 : a member of the petite bourgeoisie
2 : PETITE BOURGEOISIE
–petit bourgeois adjective

petit four
: a small cake cut from pound or sponge cake and frosted

petit jury
: a jury of 12 persons impaneled to try and to decide finally upon the facts at issue in causes for trial in a court

petit larceny
: larceny involving property of a value below a legally established minimum

petit mal
: epilepsy characterized by mild seizures marked by diminished awareness usually with a blank stare but not by loss of consciousness also : one of these seizures ― compare GRAND MAL

petit point
: TENT STITCH also : embroidery made with this stitch

petit-maitre
: DANDY, FOP

Petitcodiac
river 60 mi (96 km) SE Canada in SE N.B. flowing to head of Bay of Fundy

petite
adj. : having a small trim figure ― usually used of a woman
–pe·tite·ness noun

petite
adj. : a clothing size for short women

petite
adj. petite bourgeoisie
petite sirah
petite syrah

petite bourgeoisie
: the lower middle class including especially small shopkeepers and artisans

petite sirah
: a dry red wine of spicy fruitiness made from a grape grown chiefly in California also : the grape

petitio principii
: a logical fallacy in which a premise is assumed to be true without warrant or in which what is to be proved is implicitly taken for granted

petition
n. 1 : an earnest request : ENTREATY
2 a : a formal written request made to an official person or organized body (as a court) b : a document embodying such a formal written request
3 : something asked or requested
–pe·ti·tion·ary \-'ti-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

petition
n. transitive verb : to make a request to : SOLICIT
intransitive verb : to make a request especially : to make a formal written request
–pe·ti·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun

Petofi
Sán·dor \'shän-ˌdȯr\ 1823-1849 Hung. poet

petr
1 : stone : rock <petrology>
2 : petroleum <petrodollar>

Petra
n. ancient city of NW Arabia on slope of Mt. Hor, site now in SW Jordan; capital of the Edomites & Nabataeans

petrale sole
: a flounder (Eopsetta jordani) chiefly of the Pacific waters of No. America that is an important food fish ― called also petrale

Petrarch
n. 1304-1374 It. Francesco Petrarca Ital. poet
–Pe·trarch·an \pē-'trär-kən, pe-\ adjective

Petrarchan sonnet
: ITALIAN SONNET

petrel
n. : any of numerous seabirds (esp. families Procellariidae and Hydrobatidae) especially : one of the smaller long-winged birds that fly far from land ― compare STORM PETREL

petri dish
1 : a small shallow dish of thin glass or plastic with a loose cover used especially for cultures in bacteriology
2 : something (as a place or situation) that fosters development or innovation <the college was a petri dish for radical views>

Petrie
Sir (William Matthew) Flin·ders \'flin-dərz\ 1853-1942 Eng. Egyptologist

petrifaction
n. 1 : the process of petrifying
2 : something petrified
3 : the quality or state of being petrified

petrification
n. : PETRIFACTION

Petrified Forest National Park
n. reservation E Ariz. in Painted Desert containing natural exhibit of petrified wood

petrify
v. transitive verb
1 : to convert (organic matter) into stone or a substance of stony hardness by the infiltration of water and the deposition of dissolved mineral matter
2 : to make rigid or inert like stone: a : to make lifeless or inactive : DEADEN <slogans are apt to petrify a man's thinking ― Saturday Rev.> b : to confound with fear, amazement, or awe <a novel about an airline pilot that will petrify you ― Martin Levin>
intransitive verb : to become stone or of stony hardness or rigidity

Petrine
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the apostle Peter or the doctrines associated with his name
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Peter the Great or his reign

petrochemical
n. : a chemical isolated or derived from petroleum or natural gas
–pet·ro·chem·is·try \-'ke-mə-strē\ noun

petrodollar
n. : a dollar's worth of foreign exchange obtained by a petroleum-exporting country through sales abroad ― usually used in plural

Petrodvorets
town W Russia in Europe W of St. Petersburg

petrogenesis
: the origin or formation of rocks
–pet·ro·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

petroglyph
n. : a carving or inscription on a rock

Petroglyph National Monument
n. reservation Albuquerque, N.Mex., containing rock carvings

Petrograd
n. ― see SAINT PETERSBURG 2

petrography
: the description and systematic classification of rocks
–pe·trog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–pet·ro·graph·ic \ˌpe-trə-'gra-fik\ or pet·ro·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–pet·ro·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

petrol
n. chiefly British : GASOLINE

petrolatum
n. : PETROLEUM JELLY

petroleum
n. : an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes

petroleum jelly
: a neutral unctuous odorless tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings

petrology
n. : a science that deals with the origin, history, occurrence, structure, chemical composition, and classification of rocks
–pet·ro·log·ic \ˌpe-trə-'lä-jik\ or pet·ro·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pet·ro·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pe·trol·o·gist \pə-'trä-lə-jist, pe-\ noun

petronel
: a portable firearm resembling a carbine of large caliber

Petronius
d A.D. 66 in full prob. Titus Petronius Niger Rom. satirist
–Pe·tro·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective

Petropavlovsk
city N Kazakhstan pop 248,300

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy
city & port E Russia in Asia on Kamchatka Peninsula pop 273,000

Petropolis
city SE Brazil in Rio de Janeiro state pop 286,537

petrosal
adj. : of, relating to, or situated in the region of the petrous portion of the temporal bone or capsule of the inner ear

petrous
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting the exceptionally hard and dense portion of the human temporal bone that contains the internal auditory organs

Petrovsk
― see MAKHACHKALA

Petrozavodsk
city NW Russia in Europe capital of Karelia on Lake Onega pop 280,000

Petsamo
― see PECHENGA

petticoat
n. 1 : a skirt worn by women, girls, or young children: as a : an outer skirt formerly worn by women and small children b : a fancy skirt made to show below a draped-up overskirt c : an underskirt usually a little shorter than outer clothing and often made with a ruffled, pleated, or lace edge d archaic : the skirt of a woman's riding habit
2 a : a garment characteristic or typical of women b : WOMAN
3 : something (as a valance) resembling a petticoat
–pet·ti·coat·ed \-ˌkō-təd\ adjective

petticoat
n. : of, relating to, or exercised by women : FEMALE

pettifogger
n. 1 : a lawyer whose methods are petty, underhanded, or disreputable : SHYSTER
2 : one given to quibbling over trifles
–pet·ti·fog·ging \-giŋ\ adjective or noun
–pet·ti·fog·gery \-g(ə-)rē\ noun

petting zoo
: a collection of farm animals or gentle exotic animals for children to pet and feed

pettish
adj. : FRETFUL, PEEVISH
–pet·tish·ly adverb
–pet·tish·ness noun

pettitoes
n. 1 : the feet of a pig used as food
2 : TOES, FEET

Petty
adj. Sir William 1623-1687 Eng. polit. econ.

petty
adj. 1 : having secondary rank or importance : MINOR, SUBORDINATE
2 : having little or no importance or significance
3 : marked by or reflective of narrow interests and sympathies : SMALL-MINDED
–pet·ti·ly \'pe-tə-lē\ adverb
–pet·ti·ness \'pe-tē-nəs\ noun

petty
adj. chief petty officer
master chief petty officer
master chief petty officer of the navy
petty cash
petty larceny
petty officer
petty officer first class
petty officer second class
petty officer third class
senior chief petty officer
master chief petty officer of the coast guard

petty cash
: cash kept on hand for payment of minor items

petty larceny
: PETIT LARCENY

petty officer
: a subordinate officer in the navy or coast guard appointed from among the enlisted men ― compare NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

petty officer first class
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a petty officer second class and below a chief petty officer

petty officer second class
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a petty officer third class and below a petty officer first class

petty officer third class
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a seaman and below a petty officer second class

petulance
n. : the quality or state of being petulant : PEEVISHNESS

petulancy
archaic : PETULANCE

petulant
adj. 1 : insolent or rude in speech or behavior
2 : characterized by temporary or capricious ill humor : PEEVISH
–pet·u·lant·ly adverb

petunia
n. : any of a genus (Petunia) of tropical So. American herbs of the nightshade family with flowers having funnel-shaped corollas

peu
a peu pres
à peu près
peu a peu
peu à peu
peu de chose

peu a peu
: little by little

peu de chose
: a trifle

Pevsner
Antoine 1886-1962 bro. of Naum Gabo Fr. (Russ.-born) sculptor & painter

Pevsner
Sir Nikolaus 1902-1983 Brit. (Ger.-born) art hist.

pew
n. 1 : a compartment in the auditorium of a church providing seats for several persons
2 : one of the benches with backs and sometimes doors fixed in rows in a church

pewee
n. : any of various small largely gray or olive-colored American flycatchers (genus Contopus)

pewholder
: a renter or owner of a pew

pewit
n. variant of peewit

pewter
n. 1 : any of various alloys having tin as chief component especially : a dull alloy with lead formerly used for domestic utensils
2 : utensils of pewter
3 : a bluish gray
–pewter adjective

pewterer
n. : one that makes pewter utensils

peyote
n. 1 : a hallucinogenic drug containing mescaline that is derived from peyote buttons and used especially in the religious ceremonies of some American Indian peoples
2 : a small low spineless cactus (Lophophora williamsii) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico having rounded stems covered with jointed tubercles ― called also mescal

peyote button
: one of the dried discoid tops of the peyote cactus

pf
1 personal foul
2 pfenning
3 picofarad
4 [Italian più forte] louder
5 preferred

Pfalz
― see PALATINATE

PFC
n. private first class

PFD
personal flotation device

pfennig
n. : a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 deutsche mark

Pforzheim
city SW Germany SE of Karlsruhe pop 115,547

PG
n. 1 postgraduate
2 prostaglandin

PG
n. ― used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that all ages may be allowed admission but parental guidance is suggested ― compare G, NC-17, PG-13, R

pg
n. 1 page
2 picogram

PG-13
― used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that persons of all ages may be admitted but parental guidance is suggested especially for children under 13 ― compare G, NC-17, PG, R

PGA
Professional Golfers' Association

PH
n. 1 pinch hit
2 public health
3 Purple Heart

pH
n. : a measure of acidity and alkalinity of a solution that is a number on a scale on which a value of 7 represents neutrality and lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers increasing alkalinity and on which each unit of change represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity and that is the negative logarithm of the effective hydrogen-ion concentration or hydrogen-ion activity in gram equivalents per liter of the solution also : the condition represented by a pH number

pH meter
: an apparatus for measuring the strength or the amount of acid present in a mixture or solution ― called also acidimeter

Phaedra
n. : a daughter of Minos who marries Theseus and falls in love with her stepson Hippolytus

Phaedrus
5th cent. B.C. Greek philos.

Phaedrus
ca 15 B.C.-ca A.D. 50 Rom. fabulist

Phaethon
n. : a son of Helios who drives his father's sun-chariot through the sky but loses control and is struck down by a thunderbolt of Zeus

phaeton
n. 1 : any of various light four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicles
2 : TOURING CAR

phage
n. : BACTERIOPHAGE

phage
n. : virus or cell that destroys cells <bacteriophage> <microphage>

phagia
: -PHAGY <dysphagia>

phagocyte
n. : a cell (as a white blood cell) that engulfs and consumes foreign material (as microorganisms) and debris
–phago·cyt·ic \ˌfa-gə-'si-tik\ adjective

phagocytize
v. : PHAGOCYTOSE

phagocytose
v. : to consume by phagocytosis

phagocytosis
n. : the engulfing and usually the destruction of particulate matter by phagocytes
–phago·cy·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ adjective

phagous
: eating <saprophagous>

phagy
: eating of a (specified) type or substance <geophagy>

phalaenopsis
: any of a genus (Phalaenopsis) of ornamental epiphytic orchids of southeastern Asia and Australia having fleshy leaves and large showy flowers with broad lateral petals

phalange
n. : PHALANX 2

phalangeal
adj. : of or relating to a phalanx or the phalanges

phalanger
n. : any of various small to medium-sized marsupial mammals (family Phalangeridae) of the Australian region that are chiefly arboreal and nocturnal and usually densely furred

phalanstery
n. 1 a : a Fourierist cooperative community b : a self-contained structure housing such a community
2 : something resembling a Fourierist phalanstery

phalanx
n. 1 : a body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files broadly : a body of troops in close array
2 plural phalanges : one of the digital bones of the hand or foot of a vertebrate
3 plural usually phalanxes a : a massed arrangement of persons, animals, or things <a phalanx of armed guards> b : an organized body of persons <a phalanx of lawyers>

phalarope
n. : any of a genus (Phalaropus) of small shorebirds related to sandpipers but distinguished by their lobed toes and preference for swimming

phallic
adj. 1 : of or relating to phallicism <a phallic cult>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a phallus
3 : relating to or being the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory that follows the anal stage and during which a child becomes interested in his or her own sexual organs
–phal·li·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phallicism
: the worship of the generative principle as symbolized by the phallus

phallocentric
adj. : centered on or emphasizing the masculine point of view
–phal·lo·cen·trism \-'sen-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

phallocratic
: relating to, resulting from, or advocating masculine power and dominance

phallus
n. 1 : a symbol or representation of the penis
2 : PENIS

phane
: substance having a (specified) form, quality, or appearance <hydrophane>

phanerogam
n. : a seed plant or flowering plant : SPERMATOPHYTE

phanerophyte
: a perennial plant that bears its perennating buds well above the surface of the ground

Phanerozoic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an eon of geologic history that comprises the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic or the corresponding systems of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Phanerozoic noun

phantasm
n. 1 : a product of fantasy: as a : delusive appearance : ILLUSION b : GHOST, SPECTER c : a figment of the imagination
2 : a mental representation of a real object
–phan·tas·mal \fan-'taz-məl\ adjective
–phan·tas·mic \-mik\ adjective

phantasma
n. : PHANTASM 1

phantasmagoria
n. 1 : an exhibition or display of optical effects and illusions
2 a : a constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imagined b : a scene that constantly changes
3 : a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage
–phan·tas·ma·gor·ic \-'gȯr-ik, -'gär-\ or phan·tas·ma·gor·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adjective

phantasy
n. variant of fantasy

phantom
n. 1 a : something (as a specter) apparent to sense but with no substantial existence : APPARITION b : something elusive or visionary : WILL-O'-THE-WISP c : an object of continual dread or abhorrence : BUGBEAR <the phantom of disease and want>
2 : something existing in appearance only
3 : a representation of something abstract, ideal, or incorporeal <she was a phantom of delight ― William Wordsworth>
–phan·tom·like \-ˌlīk\ adverb or adjective

phantom
n. 1 : of the nature of, suggesting, or being a phantom : ILLUSORY
2 : FICTITIOUS, DUMMY <phantom voters>

phantom limb
: an often painful sensation of the presence of a limb that has been amputated ― called also phantom pain

phar
1 pharmacopoeia
2 pharmacy

pharaoh
n. 1 : a ruler of ancient Egypt
2 : TYRANT

pharaoh ant
: a small red ant (Monomorium pharaonis) that is a common household pest

pharaonic
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a pharaoh or the pharaohs
2 : enormous in size or magnitude <pharaonic construction projects>

pharisaic
adj. 1 : PHARISAICAL
2 capitalized : of or relating to the Pharisees

pharisaical
adj. : marked by hypocritical censorious self-righteousness
–phar·i·sa·ical·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–phar·i·sa·ical·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

pharisaism
n. 1 capitalized : the doctrines or practices of the Pharisees
2 often capitalized : pharisaical character, spirit, or attitude : HYPOCRISY

pharisee
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a Jewish sect of the intertestamental period noted for strict observance of rites and ceremonies of the written law and for insistence on the validity of their own oral traditions concerning the law
2 : a pharisaical person

pharm
n. pharmaceutical; pharmacist; pharmacy

pharmaceutical
: of, relating to, or engaged in pharmacy or the manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals <a pharmaceutical company>
–phar·ma·ceu·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pharmaceutical
n. : a medicinal drug

pharmacist
n. : a person licensed to engage in pharmacy

pharmaco
: medicine : drug <pharmacology>

pharmacodynamics
n. : a branch of pharmacology dealing with the reactions between drugs and living systems
–phar·ma·co·dy·nam·ic \-mik\ adjective
–phar·ma·co·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pharmacognosy
n. : a branch of pharmacology dealing with medicinal substances of biological origin and especially medicinal substances obtained from plants
–phar·ma·cog·nos·tic \-ˌkäg-'näs-tik\ or phar·ma·cog·nos·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

pharmacokinetics
n. 1 : the study of the bodily absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs
2 : the characteristic interactions of a drug and the body in terms of its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
–phar·ma·co·ki·net·ic \-tik\ adjective

pharmacology
1 : the science of drugs including their origin, composition, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, and toxicology
2 : the properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their therapeutic value
–phar·ma·co·log·i·cal \-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also phar·ma·co·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–phar·ma·co·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–phar·ma·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

pharmacopoeia
n. 1 : a book describing drugs, chemicals, and medicinal preparations especially : one issued by an officially recognized authority and serving as a standard
2 : a collection or stock of drugs
–phar·ma·co·poe·ial also phar·ma·co·pe·ial \-əl\ adjective

pharmacotherapy
n. : the treatment of disease and especially mental illness with drugs

pharmacy
n. 1 : the art, practice, or profession of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medical drugs
2 a : a place where medicines are compounded or dispensed b : DRUGSTORE
3 : PHARMACOPOEIA 2

PharmD
doctor of pharmacy

Pharos
n. peninsula N Egypt in city of Alexandria; formerly an island

Pharr
city S Tex. E of McAllen pop 46,660

Pharsalus
town E cen Greece in E Thessaly in ancient district of Phar·sa·lia \fär-'sāl-yə, -'sā-lē-ə\

pharyngeal
adj. : relating to or located or produced in the region of the pharynx

pharyngitis
n. : inflammation of the pharynx

pharynx
n. 1 : the muscular tubular passage of the vertebrate digestive and respiratory tracts extending from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus ― compare NASOPHARYNX, OROPHARYNX
2 : a differentiated part of the alimentary canal in some invertebrates that may be thickened and muscular, eversible and toothed, or adapted as a suctorial organ

phase
n. 1 : a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes <phases of the moon>
2 a : a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle <the early phases of her career> b : an aspect or part (as of a problem) under consideration
3 : the point or stage in a period of uniform circular motion, harmonic motion, or the periodic changes of any magnitude varying according to a simple harmonic law to which the rotation, oscillation, or variation has advanced from its standard position or assumed instant of starting
4 : a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system
5 : an individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or behavior from the norm of the group to which it belongs also : the distinguishing peculiarity
–pha·sic \'fā-zik\ adjective
–in phase : in a synchronized or correlated manner
–out of phase : in an unsynchronized manner : not in correlation

phase
n. 1 : to adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition
2 : to conduct or carry out by planned phases
3 : to introduce in stages ― usually used with in <phase in new models>

phase
n. color phase
G1 phase
G phase
G2 phase
M phase
out of phase
in phase
phase contrast
phase contrast microscope
phase microscope
phase down
phase modulation
phase out
refractory phase
single phase
S phase
three phase
two phase

phase down
: to reduce the size or amount of by phases <phase down the research program>
intransitive verb : to undergo reduction by phases

phase modulation
: modulation of the phase of a radio carrier wave by voice or other signal

phase out
: to discontinue the practice, production, or use of by phases <phase out the old machinery>
intransitive verb : to stop production or operation by phases

phase-contrast
: of or employing the phase-contrast microscope

phase-contrast microscope
: a microscope that translates differences in phase of the light transmitted through or reflected by the object into differences of intensity in the image ― called also phase microscope

phasedown
: a gradual reduction (as in operations or size) : a slowing down by phases

phaseout
n. : a gradual stopping (as in operations or production) : a closing down by phases

phasia
: speech disorder of a (specified) type <dysphasia>

phasmid
: any of an order (Phasmatodea syn. Phasmida) of large cylindrical or sometimes flattened chiefly tropical insects (as a walking stick) that have long legs, strictly phytophagous habits, and incomplete metamorphosis and that include forms resembling leaves or twigs
–phasmid adjective

phat
adj. slang : highly attractive or gratifying : EXCELLENT <a phat beat moving through my body ― Tara Roberts>

phatic
adj. : of, relating to, or being speech used for social or emotive purposes rather than for communicating information
–phat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

PhB
bachelor of philosophy

PhD
n. doctor of philosophy

pheasant
n. 1 : any of numerous large often long-tailed and brightly colored Old World gallinaceous birds (Phasianus and related genera of the family Phasianidae) including many raised as ornamental or game birds ― compare RING-NECKED PHEASANT
2 : any of various birds resembling a pheasant

phellem
: a layer of usually suberized cells produced outwardly by a phellogen

phelloderm
: a layer of parenchyma produced inwardly by a phellogen

phellogen
: a secondary meristem that initiates phellem and phelloderm in the periderm of a stem ― called also cork cambium

phen
1 : related to or derived from benzene <phenol>
2 : containing phenyl <phenobarbital>

phen-fen
: FEN-PHEN

phenacaine
n. : a crystalline base C_18H_22N_2O_2 or its hydrochloride used as a local anesthetic

phenacetin
n. : a white crystalline compound C_10H_13NO_2 formerly used to ease pain or fever but withdrawn because of its serious side effects ― called also acetophenetidin

phenakite
: a hard glassy mineral that consists of a silicate of beryllium and occurs especially in rhombohedral crystals

phenanthrene
n. : a crystalline tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon C_14H_10 of coal tar isomeric with anthracene

phenazine
: a yellowish crystalline base C_12H_8N_2 used especially in organic synthesis

phencyclidine
n. : a piperidine derivative C_17H_25N used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride especially as a veterinary anesthetic and sometimes illicitly as a psychedelic drug ― called also angel dust PCP

phenetic
: of or relating to taxonomic analysis that emphasizes the overall similarities of characteristics among biological taxa without regard to phylogenetic relationships

phenetics
: a system of biological classification based on phenetic methods
–phe·net·i·cist \-'ne-tə-sist\ noun

Phenix City
city E Ala. pop 28,265

phenmetrazine
n. : a sympathomimetic stimulant C_11H_15NO used in the form of its hydrochloride as an appetite suppressant

phenobarbital
n. : a crystalline barbiturate C_12H_12N_2O_3 used as a hypnotic, sedative, and anticonvulsant

phenobarbitone
n. chiefly British : PHENOBARBITAL

phenocopy
n. : a phenotypic variation that is caused by unusual environmental conditions and resembles the normal expression of a genotype other than its own

phenocryst
n. : one of the prominent embedded crystals of a porphyry
–phe·no·crys·tic \ˌfē-nə-'kris-tik\ adjective

phenol
n. 1 : a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C_6H_5OH present in the tars of coal and wood that in dilute solution is used as a disinfectant
2 : any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons

phenol red
: a red crystalline compound C_19H_14O_5S used especially as an acid-base indicator

phenolate
n. : PHENOXIDE

phenolated
adj. : treated, mixed, or impregnated with phenol

phenolic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol b : containing or derived from a phenol
2 : of, relating to, or being a phenolic

phenolic
adj. 1 : a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives ― called also phenolic resin
2 : PHENOL 2

phenology
n. 1 : a branch of science dealing with the relations between climate and periodic biological phenomena (as bird migration or plant flowering)
2 : periodic biological phenomena that are correlated with climatic conditions
–phe·no·log·i·cal \ˌfē-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–phe·no·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phenolphthalein
n. : a white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C_20H_14O_4 used in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids and in medicine as a laxative

phenom
n. : PHENOMENON especially : a person of phenomenal ability or promise

phenomena
n. nonstandard : PHENOMENON
usage Phenomena has been in occasional use as a singular for more than 400 years and its plural phenomenas for more than 350. Our evidence shows that it is primarily a speech form used by poets, critics, and professors, among others, but one that sometimes turns up in edited prose <the Borgia were, in modern terms, a media phenomena ― Economist>. It is etymologically no more irregular than stamina, agenda, and candelabra, but it has nowhere near the frequency of use that they have, and while they are standard, phenomena is still rather borderline.

phenomenal
adj. : relating to or being a phenomenon: as a : known through the senses rather than through thought or intuition b : concerned with phenomena rather than with hypotheses c : EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE
synonyms see MATERIAL
–phe·nom·e·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

phenomenalism
n. 1 : a theory that limits knowledge to phenomena only
2 : a theory that all knowledge is of phenomena and that what is construed to be perception of material objects is simply perception of sense-data
–phe·nom·e·nal·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–phe·nom·e·nal·is·tic \-ˌnä-mə-nə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–phe·nom·e·nal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phenomenological
adj. 1 : of or relating to phenomenology
2 : PHENOMENAL
3 : of or relating to phenomenalism
–phe·nom·e·no·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phenomenology
n. 1 : the study of the development of human consciousness and self-awareness as a preface to or a part of philosophy
2 a (1) : a philosophical movement that describes the formal structure of the objects of awareness and of awareness itself in abstraction from any claims concerning existence (2) : the typological classification of a class of phenomena <the phenomenology of religion> b : an analysis produced by phenomenological investigation
–phe·nom·e·nol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

phenomenon
n. 1 plural phenomena : an observable fact or event
2 plural phenomena a : an object or aspect known through the senses rather than by thought or intuition b : a temporal or spatiotemporal object of sensory experience as distinguished from a noumenon c : a fact or event of scientific interest susceptible to scientific description and explanation
3 a : a rare or significant fact or event b plural phenomenons : an exceptional, unusual, or abnormal person, thing, or occurrence
usage see PHENOMENA

phenothiazine
n. 1 : a greenish-yellow crystalline compound C_12H_9NS used as an anthelmintic and insecticide especially in veterinary practice
2 : any of various phenothiazine derivatives (as chlorpromazine) that are used as tranquilizing agents especially in the treatment of schizophrenia

phenotype
n. : the observable properties of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment
–phe·no·typ·ic \ˌfē-nə-'ti-pik\ also phe·no·typ·i·cal \-pi-kəl\ adjective
–phe·no·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phenoxide
n. : a salt of a phenol especially in its capacity as a weak acid

phentermine
: an anorectic drug C_10H_15N used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat obesity

phentolamine
n. : an adrenergic blocking agent C_17H_19N_3O used especially in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension due to pheochromocytoma

phenyl
n. : a monovalent aryl radical C_6H_5– derived from benzene by removal of one hydrogen atom ― often used in combination
–phe·nyl·ic \fi-'ni-lik\ adjective

phenylalanine
n. : an essential amino acid C_9H_11NO_2 that is converted in the normal body to tyrosine

phenylbutazone
n. : a drug C_19H_20N_2O_2 that is used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties especially in the treatment of arthritis, gout, and bursitis

phenylephrine
n. : a sympathomimetic agent C_9H_13NO_2 that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a vasoconstrictor, a mydriatic, a nasal decongestant, and by injection to raise the blood pressure

phenylethylamine
: a neurotransmitter C_8H_11N that is an amine resembling amphetamine in structure and pharmacological properties also : any of its derivatives

phenylketonuria
n. : an inherited metabolic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency resulting in accumulation of phenylalanine and its metabolites in the blood causing usually severe mental retardation and seizures unless phenylalanine is restricted from the diet beginning at birth ― abbreviation PKU
–phe·nyl·ke·ton·uric \-'u̇r-ik, -'yu̇r-\ noun or adjective

phenylpropanolamine
n. : a sympathomimetic drug C_9H_13NO used in the form of its hydrochloride especially as a nasal and bronchial decongestant and as an appetite suppressant

phenylthiocarbamide
n. : a crystalline compound C_7H_8N_2S that is extremely bitter or tasteless depending on the presence or absence of a single dominant gene in the taster ― called also phenylthiourea PTC

phenylthiourea
n. : PHENYLTHIOCARBAMIDE

phenytoin
n. : a crystalline anticonvulsant compound C_15H_12N_2O_2 used in the form of its sodium salt in the treatment of epilepsy ― called also diphenylhydantoin

pheochromocytoma
n. : a tumor that is derived from chromaffin cells and is usually associated with paroxysmal or sustained hypertension

Pherae
ancient town SE Thessaly

pheresis
: APHERESIS

pheromone
n. : a chemical substance that is usually produced by an animal and serves especially as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioral responses
–pher·o·mon·al \ˌfer-ə-'mō-nəl\ adjective

phew
interj. 1 ― used to express relief or fatigue
2 ― used to express disgust at or as if at an unpleasant odor

phi
n. : the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

Phi Beta Kappa
: a person winning high scholastic distinction in an American college or university and being elected to membership in a national honor society founded in 1776

phi phenomenon
: apparent motion resulting from an orderly sequence of stimuli (as lights flashed in rapid succession a short distance apart on a sign) without any actual motion being presented to the eye

phial
n. : VIAL

Phidias
n. fl ca 490-430 B.C. Greek sculptor

Phil
adv. Philippians

phil
adv. : loving : having an affinity for <philoprogenitive>

phil
adv. : lover : one having an affinity for or a strong attraction to <acidophil> <Slavophile>

phil
adv. : loving : having a fondness or affinity for <Francophile>

Philadelphia
n. 1 city & port SE Pa. on Delaware River pop 1,517,550
2 ― see ALASEHIR
3 ― see AMMAN
–Phil·a·del·phian \-fyən, -fē-ən\ adjective or noun

Philadelphia lawyer
: a lawyer knowledgeable in even the most minute aspects of the law

Philadelphia pepper pot
: PEPPER POT 2B

philadelphus
n. : MOCK ORANGE 1

Philae
former island S Egypt in the Nile above Aswân; now submerged

philander
v. of a man : to have casual or illicit sexual relations with a woman or with many women especially : to be sexually unfaithful to one's wife
–phi·lan·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

philanthropic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy : HUMANITARIAN
2 : dispensing or receiving aid from funds set aside for humanitarian purposes
–phil·an·throp·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

philanthropist
n. : one who practices philanthropy

philanthropoid
: a person who works for a philanthropic organization

philanthropy
n. 1 : goodwill to fellowmen especially : active effort to promote human welfare
2 a : a philanthropic act or gift b : an organization distributing or supported by philanthropic funds

philatelist
n. : a specialist in philately : one who collects or studies stamps

philately
n. : the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps : stamp collecting
–phil·a·tel·ic \ˌfi-lə-'te-lik\ adjective
–phil·a·tel·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Philemon
n. 1 : a friend and probable convert of the apostle Paul
2 : a letter written by St. Paul to a Christian living in the area of Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table
3 : a poor aged Phrygian in Greek mythology who with his wife Baucis treats a disguised Zeus hospitably and is rewarded by him with a splendid temple

philharmonic
adj. : SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

philhellene
n. : admiring Greece or the Greeks
–philhellene noun
–phil·hel·le·nism \(ˌ)fil-'he-lə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–phil·hel·le·nist \-nist\ noun

philia
1 : friendly feeling toward <Francophilia>
2 : tendency toward <hemophilia>
3 : abnormal appetite or liking for <necrophilia>

philiac
1 : one having a tendency toward <hemophiliac>
2 : one having an abnormal appetite or liking for <coprophiliac>

philiac
1 : having an abnormal appetite or liking for <pedophiliac>
2 : having admiration or partiality for <Anglophiliac>

philic
: having an affinity for : loving <acidophilic>

Philip
n. 1639?-1676 Met·a·com·et \ˌme-tə-'kä-mət\ Wampanoag Indian chief

Philip
n. name of 6 kings of France: especially II or Philip Augustus 1165-1223 (reigned 1179-1223); IV (the Fair) 1268-1314 (reigned 1285-1314); VI 1293-1350 (reigned 1328-50)

Philip
n. name of 5 kings of Spain: especially II 1527-1598 (reigned 1556-98); V 1683-1746 (reigned 1700-24; 1724-46)

Philip
n. 382-336 B.C. king of Macedon (359-336)

Philip
n. 1396-1467 the Good Duke of Burgundy (1419-67)

Philip
n. Prince 1921-     consort of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain 3d Duke of Edinburgh

Philippeville
― see SKIKDA

Philippi
n. ancient town NE Greece in N cen Macedonia
–Phi·lip·pi·an \fə-'li-pē-ən\ adjective or noun

Philippians
n. : a hortatory letter written by St. Paul to the Christians of Philippi and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

philippic
n. : a discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation : TIRADE

Philippine Islands
islands of the Malay Archipelago NE of Borneo ― see PHILIPPINES

Philippine mahogany
: any of several Philippine dipterocarp timber trees (genera Shorea, Parashorea, and Pentacme) with wood resembling that of the true mahoganies also : its wood

Philippine Sea
sea comprising the waters of the W Pacific E of & adjacent to the Philippine Islands

Philippines
n. country E Asia comprising the Philippine Islands; a republic; once a Spanish possession & (1898-1946) a U.S. possession capital Manila land area 115,651 sq mi (299,536 sq km), pop 64,954,000
–Philippine adjective

Philippines
n. Filipinas Republica de
Filipinas República de
Philippine mahogany
Philippine Islands
Philippine Sea

Philippopolis
― see PLOVDIV

Philips
n. Ambrose 1674-1749 Nam·by-Pam·by \ˌnam-bē-'pam-bē\ Eng. poet & dram.

Philistia
country SW ancient Palestine on the coast; the land of the Philistines

philistia
: the class or world of cultural philistines

Philistine
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia
2 often not capitalized a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge
–philistine adjective often cap
–phi·lis·tin·ism \-lə-ˌstē-ˌni-zəm; -'lis-tə-, -ˌtē-, -lə-stə-\ noun often cap

Phillips
n. : of, relating to, or being a screw having a head with a cross slot or the corresponding screwdriver

Phillips
n. Wendell 1811-1884 American orator & reformer

Phillips
n. William D. 1948-     American physicist

Phillpotts
Eden 1862-1960 Eng. nov. & dram.

phillumenist
n. : one who collects matchbooks or matchbox labels

Philo Judaeus
ca 13 B.C.-A.D. 45 to 50 Jewish philos. of Alexandria

Philoctetes
: a Greek archer who uses the bow of Hercules to slay Paris at Troy

philodendron
n. : any of various aroid plants (as of the genus Philodendron) that are cultivated for their showy foliage

philology
n. 1 : the study of literature and of disciplines relevant to literature or to language as used in literature
2 a : LINGUISTICS especially : historical and comparative linguistics b : the study of human speech especially as the vehicle of literature and as a field of study that sheds light on cultural history
–phil·o·log·i·cal \ˌfi-lə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–phil·o·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–phi·lol·o·gist \fə-'lä-lə-jist also fī-\ noun

Philomel
n. : NIGHTINGALE

Philomela
n. : an Athenian princess in Greek mythology raped and deprived of her tongue by her brother-in-law Tereus, avenged by the killing of his son, and changed into a nightingale while fleeing from him

philoprogenitive
adj. 1 : tending to produce offspring : PROLIFIC
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by love of offspring
–phil·o·pro·gen·i·tive·ness noun

philos
n. philosophy

philosophe
: one of the deistic or materialistic writers and thinkers of the 18th century French Enlightenment

philosopher
n. 1 a : a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : SCHOLAR, THINKER b : a student of philosophy
2 a : a person whose philosophical perspective makes meeting trouble with equanimity easier b : an expounder of a theory in a particular area of experience c : one who philosophizes

philosopher
n. natural philosopher
philosopher's stone
philosophers' stone

philosopher's stone
: an imaginary stone, substance, or chemical preparation believed to have the power of transmuting baser metals into gold and sought by alchemists broadly : an elusive or imaginary key to success ― called also philosophers' stone

philosophical
adj. 1 a : of or relating to philosophers or philosophy b : based on philosophy
2 : characterized by the attitude of a philosopher specifically : calm or unflinching in the face of trouble, defeat, or loss
–phil·o·soph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

philosophical analysis
: ANALYTIC PHILOSOPHY

philosophise
v. British variant of philosophize

philosophize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to reason in the manner of a philosopher
2 : to expound a moralizing and often superficial philosophy
transitive verb : to consider from or bring into conformity with a philosophical point of view
–phi·los·o·phiz·er noun

philosophy
n. 1 a (1) : all learning exclusive of technical precepts and practical arts (2) : the sciences and liberal arts exclusive of medicine, law, and theology <a doctor of philosophy> (3) : the 4-year college course of a major seminary b (1) archaic : PHYSICAL SCIENCE (2) : ETHICS c : a discipline comprising as its core logic, aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology
2 a : pursuit of wisdom b : a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means c : an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs
3 a : a system of philosophical concepts b : a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought <the philosophy of war> <philosophy of science>
4 a : the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group b : calmness of temper and judgment befitting a philosopher

philosophy
n. analytic philosophy
moral philosophy
natural philosophy
ordinary language philosophy
philosophy of life

philosophy of life

1760
1 : an overall vision of or attitude toward life and the purpose of life
2 [translation of German Lebensphilosophie] : any of various philosophies that emphasize human life or life in general

philous
: loving : having an affinity for <hygrophilous>

philter
n. 1 : a potion credited with magical power
2 : a potion, drug, or charm held to have the power to arouse sexual passion

philtre
n. chiefly British variant of philter

phiz
n. : FACE

phleb
: vein <phlebitis>

phlebitis
n. : inflammation of a vein

phlebology
n. : a branch of medicine concerned with the veins

phlebotomus fever
: SANDFLY FEVER

phlebotomy
n. : the letting of blood for transfusion, diagnosis, or experiment, and especially formerly in the treatment of disease ― called also venesection
–phle·bot·o·mist \-mist\ noun

Phlegethon
: a river of fire in Hades

phlegm
n. 1 : the one of the four humors in early physiology that was considered to be cold and moist and to cause sluggishness
2 : viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages
3 a : dull or apathetic coldness or indifference b : intrepid coolness or calm fortitude
–phlegmy \'fle-mē\ adjective

phlegmatic
adj. 1 : resembling, consisting of, or producing the humor phlegm
2 : having or showing a slow and stolid temperament
synonyms see IMPASSIVE
–phleg·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phloem
n. : a complex tissue in the vascular system of higher plants that consists mainly of sieve tubes and elongated parenchyma cells usually with fibers and that functions in translocation and in support and storage ― compare XYLEM

phloem necrosis
: a pathological state in a plant characterized by brown discoloration and disintegration of the phloem especially : a fatal disease of the American elm caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by a leafhopper (Scaphoideus luteolus)

phloem ray
: a vascular ray or part of a vascular ray that is located in phloem ― compare XYLEM RAY

phlogistic
adj. 1 [New Latin phlogiston] : of or relating to phlogiston
2 [Greek phlogistos] : of or relating to inflammations and fevers

phlogiston
n. : the hypothetical principle of fire regarded formerly as a material substance

phlogopite
: a usually brown to red form of mica

phlox
n. : any of a genus (Phlox of the family Polemoniaceae, the phlox family) of American annual or perennial herbs that have red, purple, white, or variegated flowers, a salverform corolla with the stamens on its tube, and a 3-valved capsular fruit

Phnom Penh
city capital of Cambodia on the Mekong pop 800,000

phobe
: one fearing or averse to (something specified) <Francophobe>

phobia
n. : an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation

phobia
n. 1 : exaggerated fear of <acrophobia>
2 : intolerance or aversion for <photophobia>

phobic
adj. : of, relating to, affected with, or constituting phobia
–phobic noun

phobic
adj. 1 a : having an intolerance or aversion for <photophobic> <Anglophobic> b : exhibiting a phobia for <claustrophobic>
2 : lacking affinity for <hydrophobic>

Phocaea
ancient city of Asia Minor on Aegean Sea in N Ionia
–Pho·cae·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Phocion
ca 402-318 B.C. Athenian gen. & statesman

Phocis
region cen Greece N of Gulf of Corinth
–Pho·cian \'fō-sē-ən, -shən\ adjective or noun

Phoebe
n. : ARTEMIS

phoebe
n. : any of a genus (Sayornis) of the tyrant flycatcher family especially : a flycatcher (S. phoebe) of the eastern U.S. that has a slight crest and is plain grayish brown above and yellowish white below

Phoebus
n. 1 : APOLLO
2 not capitalized : SUN

Phoenicia
n. ancient country SW Asia at E end of the Mediterranean in modern Syria & Lebanon

Phoenician
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Phoenicia
2 : the Semitic language of ancient Phoenicia
–Phoenician adjective

Phoenix
n. city capital of Ariz. on Salt River pop 1,321,045
–Phoe·ni·cian \fē-'ni-shən\ noun

phoenix
n. : a legendary bird which according to one account lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period also : a person or thing likened to the phoenix
–phoe·nix·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Phoenix Islands
islands W Pacific belonging to Kiribati

phon
n. : sound : voice : speech <phonate> <phonograph>

phonate
v. : to produce vocal sounds and especially speech
–pho·na·tion \fō-'nā-shən\ noun

phone
n. : a speech sound considered as a physical event without regard to its place in the sound system of a language

phone
n. 1 : TELEPHONE
2 : EARPHONE

phone
n. : TELEPHONE

phone
n. 1 : sound <homophone> ― often in names of musical instruments and sound-transmitting devices <radiophone> <xylophone>
2 : speaker of (a specified language) <Francophone>

phone
n. : of or relating to a population that speaks (a specified language) <Francophone>

phone
n. cell phone
pay phone
phone card
phone in
phone sex
phone tag

phone card
: a prepaid card used for making telephone calls

phone sex
1 : prerecorded sex-oriented telephone messages available to those who call a commercial service
2 : sex-oriented telephone conversations (as with an operator employed by a commercial service or with a lover)

phone tag
: TELEPHONE TAG

phone-in
: a call-in show (as on radio)

phonematic
: PHONEMIC

phoneme
n. : any of the abstract units of the phonetic system of a language that correspond to a set of similar speech sounds (as the velar \k\ of cool and the palatal \k\ of keel) which are perceived to be a single distinctive sound in the language

phonemic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phoneme
2 a : constituting members of different phonemes (as \n\ and \m\ in English) b : DISTINCTIVE 2
–pho·ne·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phonemics
n. 1 : a branch of linguistic analysis involving the study of phonemes
2 : the structure of a language in terms of phonemes
–pho·ne·mi·cist \-mə-sist\ noun

phonetic
adj. 1 a : of or relating to spoken language or speech sounds b : of or relating to the science of phonetics
2 : representing the sounds and other phenomena of speech: as a : constituting an alteration of ordinary spelling that better represents the spoken language, that employs only characters of the regular alphabet, and that is used in a context of conventional spelling b : representing speech sounds by means of symbols that have one value only c : employing for speech sounds more than the minimum number of symbols necessary to represent the significant differences in a speaker's speech
–pho·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phonetic alphabet
1 : a set of symbols (as the IPA) used for phonetic transcription
2 : any of various systems of identifying letters of the alphabet by means of code words in voice communication

phonetician
n. : a specialist in phonetics

phonetics
n. 1 : the system of speech sounds of a language or group of languages
2 a : the study and systematic classification of the sounds made in spoken utterance b : the practical application of this science to language study

phonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or producing sound : ACOUSTIC
2 a : of or relating to the sounds of speech b : of or relating to phonics
–pho·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phonics
n. 1 : the science of sound : ACOUSTICS
2 : a method of teaching beginners to read and pronounce words by learning the phonetic value of letters, letter groups, and especially syllables

phono
n. : PHONOGRAPH

phonocardiogram
n. : a graphic representation of heart sounds made by means of a microphone, amplifier, and recording equipment

phonocardiography
n. : the process of producing a phonocardiogram
–pho·no·car·dio·graph \-'kär-dē-ə-ˌgraf\ noun
–pho·no·car·dio·graph·ic \-ˌkär-dē-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective

phonogram
n. 1 : a character or symbol used to represent a word, syllable, or phoneme
2 : a succession of orthographic letters that occurs with the same phonetic value in several words (as the ight of bright, fight, and flight)

phonograph
n. : an instrument for reproducing sounds by means of the vibration of a stylus or needle following a spiral groove on a revolving disc or cylinder

phonographer
: a specialist in phonography

phonographic
adj. 1 : of or relating to phonography
2 : of or relating to a phonograph
–pho·no·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phonography
n. 1 : spelling based on pronunciation
2 : a system of shorthand writing based on sound

phonolite
n. : a gray or green volcanic rock consisting essentially of orthoclase and nepheline

phonology
n. 1 : the science of speech sounds including especially the history and theory of sound changes in a language or in two or more related languages
2 : the phonetics and phonemics of a language at a particular time
–pho·no·log·i·cal \ˌfō-nə-'lä-ji-kəl also ˌfä-\ also pho·no·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–pho·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pho·nol·o·gist \fə-'nä-lə-jist, fō-\ noun

phonon
n. : a quantum of vibrational energy (as in a crystal)

phonotactics
: the area of phonology concerned with the analysis and description of the permitted sound sequences of a language
–pho·no·tac·tic \-tik\ adjective

phony
n. : not genuine or real: as a (1) : intended to deceive or mislead (2) : intended to defraud : COUNTERFEIT b : arousing suspicion : probably dishonest <something phony about the story> c : having no basis in fact : FICTITIOUS <phony publicity stories> d : FALSE, SHAM <a phony name> e : making a false show: as (1) : HYPOCRITICAL (2) : SPECIOUS <has a phony poetic elegance ― New Republic>
–pho·ni·ly \'fō-ni-lē\ adverb
–pho·ni·ness \'fō-nē-nəs\ noun

phony
n. : one that is phony

phony
n. : COUNTERFEIT, FAKE ― often used with up <a paper phonied up on the spur of the moment ― William Faulkner>

phony
n. 1 : sound <telephony>
2 usually -phonia : speech disorder of a (specified) type <dysphonia>

phony-baloney
: PHONY E

phooey
interj. ― used to express repudiation or disgust

phorate
: a very toxic organophosphate systemic insecticide C_7H_17O_2PS_3

phore
: carrier <gametophore>

phoresis
: transmission <electrophoresis>

phosgene
n. : a colorless gas COCl_2 of unpleasant odor that is a severe respiratory irritant that has been used in chemical warfare

phosph
1 : phosphorus <phosphide>
2 : phosphate <phosphofructokinase>

phosphatase
n. : an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis and synthesis of organic esters of phosphoric acid and the transfer of phosphate groups to other compounds: a : ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE b : ACID PHOSPHATASE

phosphate
n. 1 a (1) : a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid (2) : the trivalent anion PO_43- derived from phosphoric acid H_3PO_4 b : an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
2 : an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup
3 : a phosphatic material used for fertilizers

phosphate
n. ammonium phosphate
calcium phosphate
creatine phosphate
diammonium phosphate
disodium phosphate
glucose 1 phosphate
glucose phosphate
glucose 6 phosphate
glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase
phosphate rock
trisodium phosphate
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

phosphate rock
: a rock that consists largely of calcium phosphate usually together with other minerals (as calcium carbonate), is used in making fertilizers, and is a source of phosphorus compounds

phosphatic
adj. : of, relating to, or containing phosphoric acid or phosphates <phosphatic fertilizers>

phosphatide
n. : PHOSPHOLIPID
–phos·pha·tid·ic \ˌfäs-fə-'ti-dik\ adjective

phosphatidyl
: any of several monovalent groups (RCOO)2C_3H_5OPO(OH) that are derived from phosphatidic acids

phosphatidylcholine
: LECITHIN

phosphatidylethanolamine
: any of a group of phospholipids that occur especially in blood plasma and the white matter of the central nervous system ― called also cephalin

phosphatize
v. 1 : to treat with phosphoric acid or a phosphate
2 : to change to a phosphate or phosphates
–phos·pha·ti·za·tion \ˌfäs-fə-tə-'zā-shən, -ˌfā-\ noun

phosphaturia
n. : the excessive discharge of phosphates in the urine

phosphene
n. : a luminous impression due to excitation of the retina

phosphide
n. : a binary compound of phosphorus with a more electropositive element or group

phosphine
n. 1 : any of various derivatives of phosphine analogous to amines but weaker as bases
2 : a colorless poisonous flammable gas PH_3 that is a weaker base than ammonia and that is used especially to fumigate stored grain

phosphite
n. : a salt or ester of phosphorous acid

phosphocreatine
n. : a compound C_4H_10N_3O_5P of creatine and phosphoric acid that is found especially in vertebrate muscle where it is an energy source for muscle contraction

phosphodiesterase
n. : a phosphatase (as from snake venom) that acts on diesters (as some nucleotides) to hydrolyze only one of the two ester groups

phosphoenolpyruvate
n. : a salt or ester of phosphoenolpyruvic acid

phosphoenolpyruvic acid
: the phosphate H_2C=C(OPO_3H_2)COOH of the enol form of pyruvic acid that is formed as an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism

phosphofructokinase
n. : an enzyme that functions in carbohydrate metabolism and especially in glycolysis by catalyzing the transfer of a second phosphate (as from ATP) to fructose

phosphoglucomutase
n. : an enzyme found in all plant and animal cells that catalyzes the reversible isomerization of glucose-1-phosphate to glucose-6-phosphate

phosphoglyceraldehyde
n. : a phosphate of glyceraldehyde C_3H_5O_3(H_2PO_3) that is formed especially in anaerobic metabolism of carbohydrates by the splitting of a diphosphate of fructose

phosphoglycerate
n. : a salt or ester of phosphoglyceric acid

phosphoglyceric acid
: either of two isomeric acid phosphates C_3H_5O_3(OPO_3H_2) of glyceric acid that are formed as intermediates in photosynthesis and in carbohydrate metabolism

phosphokinase
n. : KINASE

phospholipase
n. : any of several enzymes that hydrolyze lecithins or phosphatidylethanolamines ― called also lecithinase

phospholipid
n. : any of numerous lipids (as lecithins and phosphatidylethanolamines) in which phosphoric acid as well as a fatty acid is esterified to glycerol and which are found in all living cells and in the bilayers of cell membranes

phosphomonoesterase
n. : a phosphatase that acts on monoesters

phosphonium
n. : a monovalent cation PH_4+ analogous to ammonium and derived from phosphine also : an organic derivative of phosphonium (as (C_2H_5)4P+)

phosphoprotein
n. : any of various proteins (as casein) that contain combined phosphoric acid

phosphor
n. 1 : a phosphorescent substance
2 : a luminescent substance that emits light when excited by radiation (as electrons) and is used especially in fluorescent lamps and cathode-ray tubes

phosphor bronze
: a bronze of great hardness, elasticity, and toughness that contains a small amount of phosphorus

phosphoresce
v. : to exhibit phosphorescence

phosphorescence
n. 1 : luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiations (as light or electrons) and continues for a noticeable time after these radiations have stopped ― compare FLUORESCENCE
2 : an enduring luminescence without sensible heat

phosphorescent
adj. : exhibiting phosphorescence
–phos·pho·res·cent·ly adverb

phosphoric
adj. : of, relating to, or containing phosphorus especially with a valence higher than in phosphorous compounds

phosphoric acid
1 : a syrupy or deliquescent tribasic acid H_3PO_4 used especially in preparing phosphates (as for fertilizers), in rust-proofing metals, and especially formerly as a flavoring in soft drinks ― called also orthophosphoric acid
2 : a compound (as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen

phosphorite
n. 1 : a fibrous concretionary apatite
2 : PHOSPHATE ROCK
–phos·pho·rit·ic \ˌfäs-fə-'ri-tik\ adjective

phosphorolysis
n. : a reversible reaction analogous to hydrolysis in which phosphoric acid functions in a manner similar to that of water with the formation of a phosphate (as glucose-1-phosphate in the breakdown of liver glycogen)
–phos·pho·ro·lyt·ic \-rō-'li-tik\ adjective

phosphorous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing phosphorus especially with a valence lower than in phosphoric compounds

phosphorous acid
: a deliquescent crystalline acid H_3PO_3 used especially as a reducing agent and in making phosphites

phosphorus
n. 1 : a phosphorescent substance or body especially : one that shines or glows in the dark
2 also phos·pho·rous \same\ : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs widely especially as phosphates ― see ELEMENT table

phosphoryl
n. : a usually trivalent group PO

phosphorylase
n. : any of the enzymes that catalyze phosphorolysis with the formation of organic phosphates

phosphorylate
v. : to cause (an organic compound) to take up or combine with phosphoric acid or a phosphorus-containing group
–phos·phor·y·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective

phosphorylation
n. : the process of phosphorylating a chemical compound either by reaction with inorganic phosphate or by transfer of phosphate from another organic phosphate especially : the enzymatic conversion of carbohydrates into their phosphoric esters in metabolic processes

phot
n. 1 : light : radiant energy <photon> <photography>
2 : photograph : photographic <photoengraving>
3 : photoelectric <photocell>

photic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving light especially in relation to organisms
2 : penetrated by light especially of the sun <the photic zone of the ocean>
–pho·ti·cal·ly \'fō-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photo
n. : PHOTOGRAPH

photo
n. : PHOTOGRAPH

photo
n. : PHOTOGRAPHIC 1

photo
n. photo essay
photo finish
photo offset
photo op
photo opportunity
photo realism
photo realistic
photo realist

photo finish
1 : a race or finish in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them as they cross the finish line has to be examined to determine the winner
2 : a close contest

photo op
: PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

photo opportunity
: a situation or event that lends itself to and is often arranged expressly for the taking of pictures that give favorable publicity to the individuals photographed

photo-essay
: a group of photographs (as in a book or magazine) arranged to explore a theme or tell a story

photo-offset
: offset printing from photolithographic plates

photo-realism
: realism in painting characterized by extremely meticulous depiction of detail
–pho·to-re·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–pho·to-re·al·is·tic \ˌfō-tō-ˌrē-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective

photoaging
n. : the cumulative detrimental effects (as wrinkles or dark spots) on skin that result from long-term exposure to sunlight and especially ultraviolet light

photoautotrophic
: autotrophic and utilizing energy from light <green plants are photoautotrophic>
–pho·to·au·to·troph \-'ȯ-tə-ˌtrȯf\ noun
–pho·to·au·to·tro·phi·cal·ly \-ˌȯ-tə-'trō-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photobiology
n. : a branch of biology that deals with the effects on living organisms of radiant energy (as light)
–pho·to·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also pho·to·bi·o·log·ic \-'lä-jik\ adjective
–pho·to·bi·ol·o·gist \-(ˌ)bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

photocathode
: a cathode that emits electrons when exposed to radiant energy and especially light

photocell
n. : PHOTOELECTRIC CELL

photochemical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resulting from the chemical action of radiant energy and especially light <photochemical smog>
2 : of or relating to photochemistry <photochemical studies>
–pho·to·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photochemistry
n. 1 : a branch of chemistry that deals with the effect of radiant energy in producing chemical changes
2 a : photochemical properties <the photochemistry of gases> b : photochemical processes <photochemistry of vision>
–pho·to·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

photochromic
adj. 1 : capable of changing color on exposure to radiant energy (as light) <photochromic glass>
2 : of, relating to, or utilizing the change of color shown by a photochromic substance <a photochromic process>
–pho·to·chro·mism \-ˌmi-zəm\ noun

photocoagulation
n. : a surgical process of coagulating tissue by means of a precisely oriented high-energy light source (as a laser)

photocompose
v. : to set (as reading matter) by photocomposition
–pho·to·com·pos·er noun

photocomposition
n. : composition of text directly on film or photosensitive paper for reproduction

photoconductive
: having, involving, or operating by photoconductivity

photoconductivity
n. : electrical conductivity that is affected by exposure to electromagnetic radiation (as light)

photocopy
n. : a copy of usually printed material made with a process in which an image is formed by the action of light usually on an electrically charged surface

photocopy
n. : to make a photocopy of
intransitive verb : to make a photocopy
–pho·to·copi·er noun

photocurrent
n. : a stream of electrons produced by photoelectric or photovoltaic effects

photodecomposition
n. : PHOTOLYSIS

photodegradable
adj. : chemically degradable by the action of light <photodegradable plastics>

photodetector
: any of various devices for detecting and measuring the intensity of radiant energy through photoelectric action

photodiode
n. : a photoelectric semiconductor device for detecting and often measuring radiant energy (as light)

photodisintegration
: disintegration of the nucleus of an atom caused by absorption of radiant energy (as light)
–pho·to·dis·in·te·grate \-'in-tə-ˌgrāt\ transitive verb

photodissociation
: dissociation of the molecules of a substance (as water) caused by absorption of radiant energy
–pho·to·dis·so·ci·ate \-'sō-sē-ˌāt, -shē-\ verb

photoduplication
: the process of making photocopies
–pho·to·du·pli·cate \-'dü-plə-ˌkāt, -'dyü-\ verb
–pho·to·du·pli·cate \-pli-kət\ noun

photodynamic
adj. : of, relating to, or having the property of intensifying or inducing a toxic reaction to light (as in the destruction of cancer cells stained with a light-sensitive dye) in a living system
–pho·to·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photoelectric
adj. : involving, relating to, or utilizing any of various electrical effects due to the interaction of radiation (as light) with matter
–pho·to·elec·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photoelectric cell
: an electronic device whose electrical properties are modified by the action of light

photoelectric effect
: the emission of free electrons from a metal surface when light strikes it

photoelectron
n. : an electron released in photoemission
–pho·to·elec·tron·ic \-ˌlek-'trä-nik\ adjective

photoemission
n. : the release of electrons from a usually solid material (as a metal) by means of energy supplied by incidence of radiation and especially light
–pho·to·emis·sive \-'mi-siv\ adjective

photoengrave
v. : to make a photoengraving of
–pho·to·en·grav·er noun

photoengraving
n. 1 : a photomechanical process for making linecuts and halftone cuts by photographing an image on a metal plate and then etching
2 a : a plate made by photoengraving b : a print made from such a plate

photoexcitation
: the process of exciting the atoms or molecules of a substance by the absorption of radiant energy
–pho·to·ex·cit·ed \-ik-'sī-təd, -ek-\ adjective

photofinisher
: one that develops and prints photographic film commercially
–pho·to·fin·ish·ing \-shiŋ\ noun

photoflash
n. : FLASH 6F(2)

photoflood
: an electric lamp that provides intense sustained illumination for taking photographs

photog
: one who takes photographs : PHOTOGRAPHER

photogenic
adj. 1 : produced or precipitated by light <photogenic dermatitis>
2 : producing or generating light : PHOSPHORESCENT <photogenic bacteria>
3 : suitable for being photographed especially because of visual appeal <a photogenic smile>
–pho·to·ge·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photogeology
: a branch of geology concerned with the identification and study of geological features through the study of aerial or orbital photographs
–pho·to·geo·log·ic \-ˌjē-ə-'lä-jik\ also pho·to·geo·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pho·to·ge·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

photogram
n. : a shadowlike photograph made by placing objects between light-sensitive paper and a light source

photogrammetry
n. : the science of making reliable measurements by the use of photographs and especially aerial photographs (as in surveying)
–pho·to·gram·met·ric \-grə-'me-trik\ adjective
–pho·to·gram·me·trist \-'gra-mə-trist\ noun

photograph
n. : a picture or likeness obtained by photography

photograph
n. : to take a photograph of
intransitive verb
1 : to take a photograph
2 : to appear as an image in a photograph <an actress who photographs well>

photographer
n. : one who practices photography especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs

photographic
adj. 1 : relating to, obtained by, or used in photography
2 : representing nature and human beings with the exactness of a photograph
3 : capable of retaining vivid impressions <a photographic memory>
–pho·to·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photography
n. : the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (as film or a CCD chip)

photogravure
n. : a process for printing from an intaglio plate prepared by photographic methods

photoinduced
adj. : induced by the action of light
–pho·to·in·duc·tion \-'dək-shən\ noun
–pho·to·in·duc·tive \-'dək-tiv\ adjective

photointerpretation
: the science of identifying and describing objects in photographs
–pho·to·in·ter·pret·er \-in-'tər-prə-tər, -pə-\ noun

photoionization
: ionization (as in the ionosphere) of a molecule or atom caused by absorption of radiant energy
–pho·to·ion·ize \-'ī-ə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb

photojournalism
n. : journalism in which written copy is subordinate to pictorial usually photographic presentation of news stories or in which a high proportion of pictorial presentation is used broadly : news photography
–pho·to·jour·nal·ist \-nə-list\ noun
–pho·to·jour·nal·is·tic \-ˌjər-nə-'lis-tik\ adjective

photokinesis
n. : motion or activity induced by light
–pho·to·ki·net·ic \-'ne-tik\ adjective

photolithography
1 : lithography in which photographically prepared plates are used
2 : a process involving the photographic transfer of a pattern to a surface for etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)
–pho·to·lith·o·graph \-'li-thə-ˌgraf\ noun or transitive verb
–pho·to·lith·o·graph·ic \-ˌli-thə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–pho·to·lith·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photolysis
n. : chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy (as light)
–pho·to·lyt·ic \ˌfō-tə-'li-tik\ adjective
–pho·to·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photolyze
v. : to cause to undergo photolysis
–pho·to·lyz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

photomap
n. : a photograph which is taken vertically from above (as from an airplane) and upon which a grid and data pertinent to maps have been added
–photomap verb

photomask
: MASK 2D

photomechanical
adj. : relating to or involving any of various processes for producing printed matter from a photographically prepared surface
–pho·to·me·chan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photometer
n. : an instrument for measuring luminous intensity, luminous flux, illumination, or brightness

photometric
adj. : of or relating to photometry or the photometer
–pho·to·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photometry
n. : a branch of science that deals with measurement of the intensity of light also : the practice of using a photometer

photomicrograph
n. : a photograph of a microscope image
–pho·to·mi·cro·graph·ic \-ˌmī-krə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–pho·to·mi·crog·ra·phy \-mī-'krä-grə-fē\ noun

photomontage
n. : montage using photographic images also : a picture made by photomontage

photomorphogenesis
: plant morphogenesis controlled by radiant energy (as light)
–pho·to·mor·pho·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective

photomosaic
n. : an image composed of many smaller photographs especially : MOSAIC 6

photomultiplier tube
: a vacuum tube that detects light especially from dim sources through the use of photoemission and successive instances of secondary emission to produce enough electrons to generate a useful current ― called also photomultiplier

photomural
n. : an enlarged photograph usually several yards long used on walls especially as decoration

photon
n. 1 : a unit of intensity of light at the retina equal to the illumination received per square millimeter of a pupillary area from a surface having a brightness of one candle per square meter
2 : a quantum of electromagnetic radiation
–pho·ton·ic \fō-'tä-nik\ adjective

photonegative
adj. : exhibiting negative phototropism or phototaxis

photonics
: a branch of physics that deals with the properties and applications of photons especially as a medium for transmitting information

photonuclear
: relating to or caused by the incidence of radiant energy (as gamma rays) on atomic nuclei

photooxidation
: oxidation under the influence of radiant energy (as light)
–pho·to·ox·i·da·tive \-'äk-sə-ˌdā-tiv\ adjective
–pho·to·ox·i·dize \-'äk-sə-ˌdīz\ verb

photoperiod
n. : a recurring cycle of light and dark periods of constant length also : PHOTOPHASE 2
–pho·to·pe·ri·od·ic \-ˌpir-ē-'ä-dik\ adjective
–pho·to·pe·ri·od·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photoperiodism
n. : a plant or animal's response or capacity to respond to photoperiod

photophase
1 : LIGHT REACTION
2 : the light period of a photoperiodic cycle of light and dark

photophobia
n. : intolerance to light especially : painful sensitiveness to strong light

photophobic
n. 1 a : shunning or avoiding light b : growing best under reduced illumination
2 : of or relating to photophobia

photophore
n. : a light-emitting organ especially : one of the luminous spots on various marine mostly deep-sea fishes

photophosphorylation
n. : the synthesis of ATP from ADP and phosphate that occurs in a plant using radiant energy absorbed during photosynthesis

photopic
adj. : relating to or being vision in bright light with light-adapted eyes that is mediated by the cones of the retina

photoplay
n. : MOTION PICTURE 2

photopolarimeter
n. : an instrument used to measure the intensity and polarization of reflected light (as from clouds enveloping a planet)

photopolymer
: a photosensitive plastic used especially in the manufacture of printing plates

photopositive
adj. : exhibiting positive phototropism or phototaxis

photoproduct
n. : a product of a photochemical reaction

photoreaction
n. : a photochemical reaction

photoreactivation
n. : repair of DNA (as of a bacterium) especially by a light-dependent enzymatic reaction after damage by ultraviolet irradiation
–pho·to·re·ac·ti·vat·ing \-'ak-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ\ adjective

photoreception
n. : perception of waves in the range of visible light specifically : VISION
–pho·to·re·cep·tive \-'sep-tiv\ adjective

photoreceptor
n. : a receptor for light stimuli

photoreconnaissance
n. : reconnaissance in which aerial photographs are taken

photoreduction
n. : chemical reduction under the influence of radiant energy (as light) : photochemical reduction
–pho·to·re·duce \-ri-'düs, -'dyüs\ transitive verb

photorefractive keratectomy
: surgical removal of part of the corneal surface using an excimer laser in order to correct for myopia ― compare RADIAL KERATOTOMY

photoreproduction
: reproduction by photographic means also : PHOTOCOPY

photoresist
n. : a photosensitive resin that loses its resistance to chemical etching when exposed to radiation and is used especially in the transference of a circuit pattern to a semiconductor chip during the production of an integrated circuit

photorespiration
: a light-dependent process in some higher plants resulting in the oxidation of glycolic acid and release of carbon dioxide that under some environmental conditions (as high temperature) tends to inhibit photosynthesis

photosensitive
adj. 1 : sensitive or sensitized to the action of radiant energy <photosensitive paper>
2 : being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight <photosensitive rashes>
–pho·to·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \-ˌsen(t)-sə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

photosensitization
n. 1 : the process of photosensitizing
2 : the condition of being photosensitized especially : the development of an abnormal capacity to react to sunlight typically by edematous swelling and dermatitis

photosensitize
v. : to make sensitive to the influence of radiant energy and especially light
–pho·to·sen·si·tiz·er noun

photoset
v. : PHOTOCOMPOSE
–pho·to·set·ter noun

photosphere
n. 1 : a sphere of light or radiance
2 : the luminous surface layer of the sun or a star
–pho·to·spher·ic \ˌfō-tə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

photostat
n. : a device for making a photographic copy of graphic matter also : a copy made by this device

photostat
: to copy by a photostat

photostatic
adj. : of, made by, or using a photostat <a photostatic copy> <a photostatic process>

photosynthate
: a product of photosynthesis

photosynthesis
n. : synthesis of chemical compounds with the aid of radiant energy and especially light especially : formation of carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen (as water) in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants exposed to light
–pho·to·syn·the·size \-ˌsīz\ intransitive verb
–pho·to·syn·thet·ic \-sin-'the-tik\ adjective
–pho·to·syn·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

photosystem
: either of two photochemical reaction centers consisting chiefly of photosynthetic pigments complexed with protein and occurring in chloroplasts: a : one that absorbs light with a wavelength of about 700 nanometers ― called also photosystem I b : one that absorbs light with a wavelength of about 680 nanometers ― called also photosystem II

phototactic
adj. : of, relating to, or exhibiting phototaxis
–pho·to·tac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-kə-lē\ adverb

phototaxis
n. : a taxis in which light is the directive factor

phototelegraphy
n. : FACSIMILE 2

phototherapy
n. : LIGHT THERAPY

phototoxic
1 : rendering the skin susceptible to damage (as sunburn or blisters) upon exposure to light and especially ultraviolet light <phototoxic antibiotics>
2 : induced by a phototoxic substance
–pho·to·tox·ic·i·ty \-täk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

phototransistor
n. : a photoconductive semiconductor device used especially as a photodetector

phototropic
adj. : of, relating to, or capable of phototropism
–pho·to·tro·pi·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phototropism
n. : a tropism in which light is the orienting stimulus

phototube
n. : an electron tube having a photoemissive cathode whose released electrons are drawn to the anode by reason of its positive potential

phototypesetting
n. : PHOTOCOMPOSITION especially : photocomposition done on a keyboard or tape-operated composing machine
–pho·to·type·set·ter noun

photovoltaic
adj. : of, relating to, or utilizing the generation of a voltage when radiant energy falls on the boundary between dissimilar substances (as two different semiconductors)
–photovoltaic noun

phr
n. phrase

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
n. ― see AYUTTHAYA

phragmites
n. : any of a genus (Phragmites) of widely distributed reeds with tall stems and large showy panicles resembling plumes

phragmoplast
n. : the enlarged barrel-shaped spindle that is characteristic of the later stages of plant mitosis and within which the cell plate forms

phrasal
n. : of, relating to, or consisting of a phrase <phrasal prepositions>
–phras·al·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb

phrase
n. 1 : a characteristic manner or style of expression : DICTION
2 a : a brief expression especially : CATCHPHRASE b : WORD
3 : a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence
4 : a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function <an adverbial phrase>
5 : a series of dance movements comprising a section of a pattern

phrase
n. 1 a : to express in words or in appropriate or telling terms b : to designate by a descriptive word or phrase
2 : to divide into melodic phrases

phrase
n. buzz phrase
noun phrase
phrase book

phrase book
: a book containing idiomatic expressions of a foreign language and their translation

phrasemaker
1 : one who coins impressive phrases
2 : one given to making fine-sounding but often hollow and meaningless phrases
–phrase·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

phrasemonger
n. : PHRASEMAKER 2
–phrase·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ noun

phraseological
adj. 1 a : expressed in formal often sententious phrases b : marked by frequently insincere use of such phrases
2 : of or relating to phraseology

phraseologist
: one who uses sententious or insincere phrases

phraseology
n. 1 : a manner of organizing words and phrases into longer elements : STYLE
2 : choice of words

phrasing
n. 1 : style of expression : PHRASEOLOGY
2 : the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

phratry
n. 1 : a kinship group forming a subdivision of a Greek phyle
2 : a tribal subdivision specifically : an exogamous group typically comprising several totemic clans

phreak
n. : PHREAKER

phreaker
n. : one who gains illegal access to the telephone system
–phreak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

phreatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being groundwater
2 : of, relating to, or being an explosion caused by steam derived from groundwater

phreatophyte
: a deep-rooted plant that obtains its water from the water table or the layer of soil just above it
–phre·at·o·phyt·ic \-ˌa-tə-'fi-tik\ adjective

phrenetic
adj. archaic variant of frenetic

phrenia
: disordered condition of mental functions <hebephrenia>

phrenic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the diaphragm
2 : of or relating to the mind

phrenology
n. : the study of the conformation of the skull based on the belief that it is indicative of mental faculties and character
–phre·no·log·i·cal \ˌfre-nə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌfrē-\ adjective
–phre·nol·o·gist \fri-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

phrensy
n. archaic variant of frenzy

Phrygia
n. ancient country W cen Asia Minor divided ab 400 B.C. into Greater Phrygia (the inland region) & Lesser Phrygia (region along the Dardanelles)

Phrygian
adj. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Phrygia
2 : the extinct Indo-European language of the Phrygians ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Phrygian adjective

phthalate
adj. : any of various salts or esters of phthalic acid used especially as plasticizers and in solvents

phthalic acid
: any of three isomeric acids C_8H_6O_4 obtained by oxidation of various benzene derivatives

phthalic anhydride
: a crystalline cyclic acid anhydride C_8H_4O_3 used especially in making alkyd resins

phthalocyanine
: a bright greenish-blue crystalline compound C_32H_18N_8 also : any of several metal derivatives that are brilliant fast blue to green dyes or pigments

phthisic
adj. : PHTHISIS
–phthisic or phthis·i·cal \-zi-kəl\ adjective

phthisis
n. : a progressively wasting or consumptive condition especially : pulmonary tuberculosis

phyco
: algae <phycology>

phycocyanin
n. : any of various bluish-green protein pigments in the cells of cyanobacteria

phycoerythrin
n. : any of the red protein pigments in the cells of red algae

phycology
n. : the study or science of algae ― called also algology
–phy·co·log·i·cal \ˌfī-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–phy·col·o·gist \fī-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

phycomycete
n. : any of a large class (Phycomycetes) of lower fungi that are in many respects similar to algae and are now often assigned to subdivisions (as Mastigomycotina and Zygomycota)
–phy·co·my·ce·tous \-ˌmī-'sē-təs\ adjective

Phyfe
Duncan 1768-1854 American (Scot.-born) cabinetmaker

phyl
: tribe : race : phylum <phylogeny>

phylactery
n. 1 : either of two small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with scriptural passages and traditionally worn on the left arm and on the head by observant Jewish men and especially adherents of Orthodox Judaism during morning weekday prayers
2 : AMULET

phyle
: the largest political subdivision among the ancient Athenians

phyletic
adj. : of or relating to evolutionary change in a single line of descent without branching
–phy·let·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phyll
: leaf <phyllome>

phyll
: leaf <sporophyll>

phyllary
: one of the involucral bracts subtending the flower head of a composite plant

phyllo
n. : extremely thin dough that is layered to produce a flaky pastry

phylloclade
: a flattened stem or branch (as a joint of a cactus) that functions as a leaf

phyllode
n. : a flat expanded petiole that replaces the blade of a foliage leaf, fulfills the same functions, and is analogous to a cladophyll

phyllome
: a plant part that is a leaf or is phylogenetically derived from a leaf

phyllotactic
: of or relating to phyllotaxis

phyllotaxis
n. 1 : the arrangement of leaves on a stem and in relation to one another
2 : the study of phyllotaxis and of the laws that govern it

phyllous
: having (such or so many) leaves, leaflets, or leaflike parts <heterophyllous>

phylloxera
n. : any of several plant lice (family Phylloxeridae) especially : one (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae syn. Viteus vitifoliae) orig. of No. America but introduced into Europe and elsewhere that produces galls on the leaves and roots of grape vines and is a serious pest especially of vinifera grapes in wine-producing regions

phylogenetic
adj. 1 : of or relating to phylogeny
2 : based on natural evolutionary relationships
3 : acquired in the course of phylogenetic development : RACIAL
–phy·lo·ge·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phylogeny
n. 1 : the evolutionary history of a kind of organism
2 : the evolution of a genetically related group of organisms as distinguished from the development of the individual organism
3 : the history or course of the development of something (as a word or custom)

phylum
n. 1 a : a direct line of descent within a group b : a group that constitutes or has the unity of a phylum specifically : a primary category in biological taxonomy especially of animals that ranks above the class and below the kingdom ― compare DIVISION 10
2 : a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock

phys
adv. 1 physical
2 physics

phys ed
: PHYSICAL EDUCATION

physi
1 : nature <physiography>
2 : physical <physiotherapy>

physiatrist
n. : a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation

physic
n. 1 a : the art or practice of healing disease b : the practice or profession of medicine
2 : a medicinal agent or preparation especially : PURGATIVE
3 archaic : NATURAL SCIENCE

physic
n. 1 : to treat with or administer medicine to especially : PURGE
2 : HEAL, CURE

physical
n. 1 a : of or relating to natural science b (1) : of or relating to physics (2) : characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
2 a : having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature <everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance ― Thomas De Quincey> b : of or relating to material things <labor, in the physical world, is⋯employed in putting objects in motion ― J. S. Mill>
3 a : of or relating to the body <physical abuse> b (1) : concerned or preoccupied with the body and its needs : CARNAL <physical appetites> (2) : SEXUAL <a physical love affair> <physical attraction> c : characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : ROUGH <a physical hockey game> <a physical player>
synonyms see MATERIAL
–phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–phys·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

physical
n. : PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

physical
n. physical anthropology
physical anthropologist
physical education
physical examination
physical geography
physical medicine
physical science
physical scientist
physical therapy
physical therapist

physical anthropology
: anthropology concerned with the comparative study of human evolution, variation, and classification especially through measurement and observation ― compare CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
–physical anthropologist noun

physical education
: instruction in the development and care of the body ranging from simple calisthenic exercises to a course of study providing training in hygiene, gymnastics, and the performance and management of athletic games

physical examination
: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of an individual

physical geography
: geography that deals with the exterior physical features and changes of the earth

physical medicine
: a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability by physical means (as radiation, heat, and electricity) ― compare PHYSICAL THERAPY

physical science
: any of the natural sciences (as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials
–physical scientist noun

physical therapy
: the treatment of disease by physical and mechanical means (as massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat, and electricity)
–physical therapist noun

physicalism
n. : a thesis that the descriptive terms of scientific language are reducible to terms which refer to spatiotemporal things or events or to their properties
–phys·i·cal·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–phys·i·cal·is·tic \ˌfi-zi-kə-'lis-tik\ adjective

physicality
1 : intensely physical orientation : predominance of the physical usually at the expense of the mental, spiritual, or social
2 : a physical aspect or quality

physicalize
v. : to give physical form or expression to <her gestures physicalized her major points>

physician
n. 1 : a person skilled in the art of healing specifically : one educated, clinically experienced, and licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery
2 : one exerting a remedial or salutary influence

physician
n. family physician
physician assisted suicide
physician's assistant
physician assistant

physician's assistant
: a person certified to provide basic medical services usually under the supervision of a licensed physician ― called also PA physician assistant

physician-assisted suicide
: suicide by a patient facilitated by means (as a drug prescription) or by information (as an indication of a lethal dosage) provided by a physician aware of the patient's intent

physicist
n. 1 : a specialist in physics
2 archaic : a person skilled in natural science

physicochemical
adj. 1 : being physical and chemical
2 : of or relating to chemistry that deals with the physicochemical properties of substances
–phys·i·co·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

physics
n. 1 : a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions
2 a : the physical processes and phenomena of a particular system b : the physical properties and composition of something

physiocrat
n. : a member of a school of political economists founded in 18th century France and characterized chiefly by a belief that government policy should not interfere with the operation of natural economic laws and that land is the source of all wealth
–phys·io·crat·ic \ˌfi-zē-ə-'kra-tik\ adjective often cap

physiognomic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of physiognomy or the physiognomy
–phys·i·og·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

physiognomy
n. 1 : the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance
2 : the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression
3 : external aspect also : inner character or quality revealed outwardly

physiography
n. : PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
–phys·i·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–phys·io·graph·ic \ˌfi-zē-ō-'gra-fik\ also phys·io·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

physiol
physiologist; physiology

physiological
adj. 1 : of or relating to physiology
2 : characteristic of or appropriate to an organism's healthy or normal functioning <the sodium level was physiological>
3 : differing in, involving, or affecting physiological factors <a physiological strain of bacteria>
–phys·i·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

physiological psychology
: a branch of psychology that deals with the effects of normal and pathological physiological processes on mental life ― called also psychophysiology

physiological saline
: a solution of a salt or salts that is essentially isotonic with tissue fluids or blood

physiology
n. 1 : a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved ― compare ANATOMY
2 : the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process
–phys·i·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

physiopathology
n. : a branch of biology or medicine that combines physiology and pathology especially in the study of altered bodily function in disease
–phys·io·path·o·log·ic \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-jik\ or phys·io·path·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective

physiotherapy
n. : PHYSICAL THERAPY
–phys·io·ther·a·pist \-pist\ noun

physique
n. : the form or structure of a person's body : bodily makeup

physostigmine
n. : a crystalline tasteless alkaloid C_15H_21N_3O_2 from the Calabar bean that is used in medicine especially in the form of its salicylate for its anticholinesterase activity

phyt
: plant <phytophagous>

phytane
: an isoprenoid hydrocarbon C_20H_42 that is found especially associated with fossilized plant remains from the Precambrian and later eras

phyte
1 : plant having a (specified) characteristic or habitat <xerophyte>
2 : pathological outgrowth <osteophyte>

phytic
: like a plant <holophytic>

phytoalexin
n. : any of various antimicrobial chemical substances produced by plants to combat infection by a pathogen (as a fungus)

phytochemical
adj. : of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
–phy·to·chem·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phytochemical
adj. : a chemical compound (as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants

phytochemistry
n. : the chemistry of plants, plant processes, and plant products
–phy·to·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

phytochrome
n. : any of a group of proteins bound to light-absorbing pigments in many plants that play a role in initiating floral and developmental processes when activated by red or near-infrared radiation

phytoestrogen
n. : a chemical compound (as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties

phytoflagellate
: any of various organisms (as dinoflagellates) that are considered a subclass (Phytomastigophora syn. Phytomastigina) usually of algae by botanists and of protozoans by zoologists and that have many characteristics in common with typical algae

phytogeography
: the biogeography of plants
–phy·to·ge·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–phy·to·geo·graph·i·cal \-ˌjē-ə-'gra-fi-kəl\ or phy·to·geo·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–phy·to·geo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phytohemagglutinin
n. : a proteinaceous hemagglutinin of plant origin used especially to induce mitosis (as in lymphocytes)

phytohormone
n. : PLANT HORMONE

phytolith
n. : a microscopic siliceous particle that is formed by a plant and that is highly resistant to decomposition <ancient vegetation revealed by phytoliths>

phyton
1 : a structural unit of a plant consisting of a leaf and its associated portion of stem
2 : the smallest part of a stem, root, or leaf that when severed may grow into a new plant
–phy·ton·ic \fī-'tä-nik\ adjective

phytopathogen
n. : an organism parasitic on a plant host
–phy·to·path·o·gen·ic \-ˌpa-thə-'je-nik\ adjective

phytopathology
n. : plant pathology
–phy·to·path·o·log·i·cal \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

phytophagous
adj. : feeding on plants <a phytophagous insect>

phytoplankter
: a planktonic plant

phytoplankton
n. : planktonic plant life
–phy·to·plank·ton·ic \-plaŋ(k)-'tä-nik\ adjective

phytoplasma
: any of a group of bacteria that are related to mycoplasmas, cause plant diseases (as aster yellows) by infecting phloem tissue, are transmitted especially by homopteran insect vectors, and have proved extremely difficult to grow in artificial media ― called also mycoplasma-like organism

phytosociology
: a branch of ecology concerned especially with the structure, composition, and interrelationships of plant communities
–phy·to·so·cio·log·i·cal \-sē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

phytosterol
n. : any of various sterols derived from plants

phytotoxic
adj. : poisonous to plants
–phy·to·tox·ic·i·ty \-ˌtäk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

PI
n. 1 Philippine Islands
2 private investigator
3 programmed instruction

pi
n. 1 : the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 a : the symbol π denoting the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter b : the ratio itself : a transcendental number having a value rounded to eight decimal places of 3.14159265

pi
n. 1 : type that is spilled or mixed
2 : a pi character or matrix

pi
n. transitive verb : to spill or throw (type or type matter) into disorder
intransitive verb : to become pied

pi
n. 1 : not intended to appear in final printing <pi lines>
2 : capable of being inserted only by hand <pi characters>

pi
n. pi meson
pis aller
pis allers
de mal en pis
tant pis
pizza pie
apple pie
Boston cream pie
cap a pie
cap à pie
chess pie
cottage pie
cow pie
cutie pie
humble pie
key lime pie
pie chart
pie eyed
pie faced
pie in the sky
pie safe
shepherd's pie
shoofly pie
sweetie pie
Washington pie
pied a terre
pied à terre
pied piper
a pied
à pied

pi-meson
: PION

pia mater
: the thin vascular membrane that invests the brain and spinal cord internal to the arachnoid and dura mater

Piacenza
commune N Italy on the Po SE of Milan pop 98,407

Piaf
n. Edith \ā-'dēt\ 1915-1963 orig. Edith Giovanna Gassion Fr. singer

Piaget
n. Jean 1896-1980 Swiss psychol.
–Pia·get·ian \ˌpē-ə-'je-tē-ən, pyä-'zhā-ən\ adjective

pial
adj. : of or relating to the pia mater

pianism
n. 1 : the art or technique of piano playing
2 : the composition or adaptation of music for the piano

pianissimo
adv. : very softly ― used as a direction in music

pianissimo
adv. : a passage played, sung, or spoken very softly

pianist
n. : a person who plays the piano especially : a skilled or professional performer on the piano

pianistic
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the piano
2 : skilled in or well adapted to piano playing
–pi·a·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

piano
n. : at a soft volume : SOFT ― used as a direction in music

piano
n. : a musical instrument having steel wire strings that sound when struck by felt-covered hammers operated from a keyboard

piano
n. forte piano
grand piano
mezzo piano
piano accordion
piano hinge
player piano
stride piano
thumb piano
upright piano

piano accordion
: an accordion with a keyboard for the right hand resembling and corresponding to the middle register of a piano keyboard

piano hinge
: a hinge that has a thin pin joint and extends along the full length of the part to be moved

pianoforte
n. 1 : FORTEPIANO
2 : PIANO

piassava
n. 1 : any of several stiff coarse fibers obtained from palms and used especially in cordage or brushes
2 : a palm yielding piassava especially : either of two Brazilian palms (Attalea funifera and Leopoldinia piassaba)

piastre
n. 1 : PIECE OF EIGHT
2 ― see pound at MONEY table

Piaui
state NE Brazil bordering on the Atlantic E of Parnaíba River capital Teresina area 97,017 sq mi (251,274 sq km), pop 2,843,278

Piave
river 137 mi (220 km) NE Italy flowing S & SE into the Adriatic

piazza
n. 1 plural piazze : an open square especially in an Italian town
2 a : an arcaded and roofed gallery b dialect : VERANDA, PORCH

pibroch
n. : a set of martial or mournful variations for the Scottish Highland bagpipe

pic
n. 1 : PHOTOGRAPH
2 : MOTION PICTURE

pic
n. : the picador's lance

pic
n. Pic de Néthou
Nethou Pic de
Néthou Pic de

pica
n. : an abnormal desire to eat substances (as chalk or ashes) not normally eaten

pica
n. 1 : 12-point type
2 : a unit of about 1/6 inch used in measuring typographic material
3 : a typewriter type providing 10 characters to the linear inch and six lines to the vertical inch

picador
n. : a horseman in a bullfight who jabs the bull with a lance to weaken its neck and shoulder muscles

Picard
Jean 1620-1682 Fr. astron.

Picardy
n. region & former province N France bordering on English Channel N of Normandy; chief town Amiens
–Pi·card \'pi-ˌkärd, -kərd; pi-'kärd\ adjective or noun

picaresque
adj. : of or relating to rogues or rascals also : of, relating to, suggesting, or being a type of fiction dealing with the episodic adventures of a usually roguish protagonist <a picaresque novel>

picaresque
adj. : one that is picaresque

picaro
: ROGUE, BOHEMIAN

picaroon
n. 1 : PIRATE
2 : PICARO

picaroon
n. : to act as a pirate

Picasso
n. Pablo 1881-1973 Span. painter & sculptor in France
–Pi·cas·so·esque \-ˌkä-sō-'esk, -ˌka-\ adjective

picayune
n. 1 a : a Spanish half real piece formerly current in the South b : HALF DIME
2 : something trivial

picayune
n. : of little value : PALTRY also : PETTY, SMALL-MINDED
–pic·a·yun·ish \-'yü-nish\ adjective

piccalilli
n. : a relish of chopped vegetables and spices

Piccard
Auguste 1884-1962 Swiss physicist

Piccard
Jacques (-Ernest-Jean) 1922-     son of prec. Swiss (Belg.-born) oceanographer

piccolo
n. : smaller than ordinary size <a piccolo banjo>

piccolo
n. : a small shrill flute whose range is an octave higher than that of an ordinary flute
–pic·co·lo·ist \-ˌlō-ist\ noun

pice
n. : PAISA

Picenum
district of ancient Italy on the Adriatic SE of Umbria

piceous
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling pitch especially : glossy brownish black in color <an insect with a piceous abdomen>

picholine
: a medium-sized brine-cured green olive of French origin

pick
n. transitive verb
1 : to pierce, penetrate, or break up with a pointed instrument <picked the hard clay>
2 a : to remove bit by bit <pick meat from bones> b : to remove covering or adhering matter from <pick the bones>
3 a : to gather by plucking <pick apples> b : CHOOSE, SELECT <tried to pick the shortest route> <she picked out the most expensive dress> c : to make (one's way) slowly and carefully <picked his way through the rubble>
4 a : PILFER, ROB <pick pockets> b : to obtain useful information from by questioning ― used in such phrases as pick the brains of
5 : PROVOKE <pick a quarrel>
6 a : to dig into : PROBE <picking his teeth> b : to pluck (as a guitar) with a pick or with the fingers c : to loosen or pull apart with a sharp point <pick wool>
7 : to unlock with a device (as a wire) other than the key <pick a lock>
intransitive verb
1 : to use or work with a pick
2 : to gather or harvest something by plucking
3 : PILFER ― used in the phrase picking and stealing
4 : to eat sparingly or mincingly <picking listlessly at his dinner>
–pick and choose : to select with care and deliberation
–pick at : to criticize repeatedly especially for minor faults : NAG
–pick on : to single out for criticism, teasing, or bullying <picked on smaller boys> also : to single out for a particular purpose or for special attention

pick
n. 1 : a blow or stroke with a pointed instrument
2 a : the act or privilege of choosing or selecting : CHOICE <take your pick> b : the best or choicest one <the pick of the herd> c : one that is picked <his pick for vice president>
3 : the portion of a crop gathered at one time <the first pick of peaches>
4 : a screen in basketball

pick
n. 1 : a heavy wooden-handled iron or steel tool pointed at one or both ends ― compare MATTOCK
2 a : TOOTHPICK b : PICKLOCK c : a small thin piece (as of plastic or metal) used to pluck the strings of a stringed instrument
3 : one of the points on the forepart of the blade of a skate used in figure skating
4 : a comb with long widely spaced teeth used to give height to a hair style

pick
n. 1 chiefly dialect : to throw or thrust with effort : HURL
2 : to throw (a shuttle) across the loom

pick
n. 1 dialect English a : the act of pitching or throwing b : something thrown
2 a : a throw of the shuttle b : a filling thread

pick
n. bone to pick
cherry pick
ear pick
ice pick
pick on
pick at
pick and choose
pick and roll
pick and shovel
pick me up
pick off
pick out
pick over
pick up
pick up on
brain picking
cotton picking
flat picking
nit picking

pick and choose
to select with care and deliberation

pick at
to criticize repeatedly especially for minor faults : NAG

pick off
1 : to shoot or bring down especially one by one
2 : to put out (a base runner who is off base) with a quick throw (as from the pitcher or catcher)
3 : INTERCEPT <picked off a pass>

pick on
to single out for criticism, teasing, or bullying <picked on smaller boys> also : to single out for a particular purpose or for special attention

pick out
1 : DISCERN, MAKE OUT
2 : to play the notes of by ear or one by one <picking out tunes on the piano>

pick over
: to examine in order to select the best or remove the unwanted

pick up
1 a : to take hold of and lift up b : to gather together : COLLECT <picked up all the pieces> c : to clean up : TIDY
2 : to take (passengers or freight) into a vehicle
3 a : to acquire casually or by chance <picked up a valuable antique at an auction> b : to acquire by study or experience : LEARN <picking up a great deal of knowledge in the process ― Robert Schleicher> c : to obtain especially by payment : BUY <picked up some groceries> d : to acquire (a player) especially from another team through a trade or by financial recompense e : to accept for the purpose of paying <offered to pick up the tab> f : to come down with : CATCH <picked up a cold> g : GAIN, EARN <picked up a few yards on the last play> <picked up her first victory>
4 a : to enter informally into conversation or companionship with (a previously unknown person) <had a brief affair with a girl he picked up in a bar> b : to take into custody <the police picked up the fugitive>
5 a : to catch sight of : PERCEIVE <picked up the harbor lights> b : to come to and follow <picked up the outlaw's trail> c : to bring within range of sight or hearing <pick up distant radio signals> d : UNDERSTAND, CATCH <didn't pick up the hint>
6 a : REVIVE b : INCREASE
7 : to resume after a break : CONTINUE <pick up the discussion tomorrow>
8 : to assume responsibility for guarding (an opponent) in an athletic contest
intransitive verb
1 : to recover or increase speed, vigor, or activity : IMPROVE <after the strike, business picked up> <the wind began to pick up>
2 : to put things in order <was always picking up after her>
3 : to pack up one's belongings <couldn't just pick up and leave>
–pick up on
1 a : UNDERSTAND, APPRECIATE b : to become aware of : NOTICE
2 : to adopt as one's own : TAKE UP

pick up on

1 a : UNDERSTAND, APPRECIATE b : to become aware of : NOTICE
2 : to adopt as one's own : TAKE UP

pick-and-roll
: a basketball play in which a player sets a screen and then cuts toward the basket for a pass

pick-and-shovel
: done with or as if with a pick and shovel : LABORIOUS

pick-me-up
: something that stimulates or restores : TONIC, BRACER <my usual morning pick-me-up>

pickaback
adv. variant of piggyback

pickaninny
n. often offensive : a black child

pickax
n. : 3PICK 1

picked
adj. chiefly dialect : POINTED, PEAKED

picked
adj. : CHOICE, PRIME

pickeer
archaic : to skirmish in advance of an army also : SCOUT, RECONNOITER

picker
n. : one that picks: as a : a worker who picks something (as crops) b : a tool, implement, or machine used in picking something c : a musician who picks a stringed instrument (as a banjo)

pickerel
n. 1 a dialect chiefly British : a young or small pike b : either of two fishes resembling but smaller than the related northern pike: (1) : CHAIN PICKEREL (2) : one (Esox americanus) of eastern No. America having green or red fins and a black bar below and slanting away from the eye
2 : WALLEYE 3

pickerelweed
n. : a shallow-water monocotyledonous perennial plant (Pontederia cordata) chiefly of the eastern U.S. and Canada with large leaves and a spike of purplish-blue flowers

Pickering
Edward Charles 1846-1919 & his bro. William Henry 1858-1938 American astron.

Pickering
town Canada in SE Ont. pop 87,139

picket
n. 1 : a pointed or sharpened stake, post, or pale
2 a : a detached body of soldiers serving to guard an army from surprise b : a detachment kept ready in camp for such duty c : SENTRY
3 : a person posted by a labor organization at a place of work affected by a strike also : a person posted for a demonstration or protest

picket
n. 1 : to enclose, fence, or fortify with pickets
2 a : to guard with a picket b : to post as a picket
3 : TETHER
4 a : to post pickets at b : to walk or stand in front of as a picket
intransitive verb : to serve as a picket
–pick·et·er noun

picket line
1 : a position held by a line of military pickets
2 : a line of people picketing a business, organization, or institution

picketboat
: a craft used (as by the coast guard) for harbor patrol

Pickett
George Edward 1825-1875 American Confed. gen.

pickings
n. : something that is picked or picked up: as a : gleanable or eatable fragments : SCRAPS b : yield or return for effort expended <easy pickings> <slim pickings>

pickle
n. 1 : a solution or bath for preserving or cleaning: as a : a brine or vinegar solution in which foods are preserved b : any of various baths used in industrial cleaning or processing
2 : a difficult situation : PLIGHT <could see no way out of the pickle I was in ― R. L. Stevenson>
3 : an article of food that has been preserved in brine or in vinegar specifically : a cucumber that has been so preserved

pickle
n. 1 : to treat, preserve, or clean in or with a pickle
2 : to give a light finish to (as furniture) by bleaching or painting and wiping

pickle
n. 1 Scottish : GRAIN, KERNEL
2 Scottish : a small quantity

pickled
adj. 1 : preserved in or cured with pickle <pickled herring>
2 : DRUNK 1A <gets thoroughly pickled before dinner ― New Yorker>

pickleweed
: any of several succulent plants having leaves often reduced to scales or sheaths: as a : GLASSWORT b : a shrub (Allenrolfea occidentalis) of the goosefoot family growing in moist saline soils of the southwestern U.S. c : SALTWORT 2

picklock
n. 1 : BURGLAR
2 : a tool for picking locks

pickoff
: a baseball play in which a base runner is picked off

pickpocket
n. : a thief who picks pockets

pickproof
: designed to prevent picking <a pickproof lock>

pickthank
archaic : SYCOPHANT

pickup
n. 1 : one that is picked up: as a : a hitchhiker who is given a ride b : a temporary chance acquaintance c : a player acquired from another team
2 : the act or process of picking up: as a : a revival of business activity b : ACCELERATION c : the act or technique of making the acquaintance of a previously unknown person especially for amorous purposes
3 : the conversion of mechanical movements into electrical impulses in the reproduction of sound also : a device (as on a phonograph) for making such conversion
4 a : the reception of sound or an image into a radio or television transmitting apparatus for conversion into electrical signals b : a device (as a microphone or a television camera) for converting sound or the image of a scene into electrical signals
5 : a light truck having an enclosed cab and an open body with low sides and tailgate ― called also pickup truck
6 : a pickup game <playing pickup>

pickup
n. : utilizing or comprising local or available personnel especially without formal organization <a pickup basketball game> <a pickup band>

Pickwickian
adj. 1 : marked by simplicity and generosity
2 : intended or taken in a sense other than the obvious or literal one

picky
adj. : FUSSY, CHOOSY <a picky eater>

picloram
: a systemic herbicide C_6H_3Cl_3N_2O_2 that is persistent in the soil

picnic
n. 1 : an excursion or outing with food usually provided by members of the group and eaten in the open also : the food provided for a picnic
2 a : a pleasant or amusingly carefree experience <I don't expect being married to be a picnic ― Josephine Pinckney> b : an easy task or feat
3 : a shoulder of pork with much of the butt removed
–pic·nic·ky \-(ˌ)ni-kē\ adjective

picnic
n. : to go on a picnic : eat in picnic fashion
–pic·nick·er noun

pico
pref. 1 : one trillionth (10-12) part of <picogram>
2 : very small <picornavirus>

pico
pref. Pico della Mirandola
Aneto Pico de
Bolivar Pico
Bolívar Pico
Pico Rivera

Pico della Mirandola
Conte Giovanni 1463-1494 Ital. humanist

Pico Rivera
city SW Calif. pop 63,428

picogram
: one trillionth of a gram

picoline
: any of the three liquid isomeric pyridine derivatives C_6H_7N used chiefly as solvents and in organic synthesis

picomole
: one trillionth of a mole

picornavirus
n. : any of a family (Picornaviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses including especially the enteroviruses, the rhinoviruses, and the causative agents of hepatitis A and foot-and-mouth disease

picosecond
n. : one trillionth of a second

picot
n. : one of a series of small ornamental loops forming an edging on ribbon or lace

picotee
n. : a flower (as some carnations or tulips) having one basic color with a margin of another color

picr
: bitter <picric acid>

picric acid
: a toxic yellow crystalline phenol derivative C_6H_3N_3O_7 structurally similar to TNT and used especially as a high explosive and as a dye or mordant

picrotoxin
n. : a poisonous bitter crystalline stimulant and convulsive substance C_30H_34O_13 obtained from the berry of a southeast Asian vine (Anamirta cocculus) and used intravenously as an antidote for barbiturate poisoning

Pict
n. : a member of a people of the north of Scotland who are first noted in historical records in the late third century and who became amalgamated with the Scots in the mid-eighth century
–Pict·ish \'pik-tish\ adjective or noun

pictogram
n. : PICTOGRAPH

pictograph
n. 1 : an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall
2 : one of the symbols belonging to a pictorial graphic system
3 : a diagram representing statistical data by pictorial forms
–pic·to·graph·ic \ˌpik-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

pictography
n. : use of pictographs : PICTURE WRITING 1

pictorial
n. 1 : of or relating to a painter, a painting, or the painting or drawing of pictures <pictorial perspective>
2 a : of, relating to, or consisting of pictures <pictorial records> b : illustrated by pictures <pictorial weekly> c : consisting of or displaying the characteristics of pictographs d : suggesting or conveying visual images <pictorial poetry>
–pic·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–pic·to·ri·al·ness noun

pictorial
n. : a periodical having much pictorial matter

pictorialism
1 : the use or creation of pictures or visual images
2 : a movement or technique in photography emphasizing artificial often romanticized pictorial qualities
–pic·to·ri·al·ist \-list\ adjective or noun

pictorialize
: to represent by a picture or illustrate with pictures
–pic·to·ri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtȯr-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

picture
n. 1 : a design or representation made by various means (as painting, drawing, or photography)
2 a : a description so vivid or graphic as to suggest a mental image or give an accurate idea of something <the book gives a detailed picture of what is happening> b : a mental image
3 : IMAGE, COPY <he was the picture of his father> <she was the very picture of health>
4 a : a transitory visible image or reproduction b : MOTION PICTURE c plural : MOVIES
5 : TABLEAU 2
6 : SITUATION <took a hard look at his financial picture>

picture
n. 1 : to paint or draw a representation, image, or visual conception of : DEPICT also : ILLUSTRATE
2 : to describe graphically in words
3 : to form a mental image of : IMAGINE

picture
n. big picture
B picture
motion picture
moving picture
picture book
picture hat
picture perfect
picture postcard
picture puzzle
picture tube
picture window
picture writing

picture book
: a book that consists wholly or chiefly of pictures

picture hat
: a woman's dressy hat with a broad brim

picture puzzle
: JIGSAW PUZZLE

picture tube
: a cathode-ray tube on which the picture appears in a television

picture window
: an outsize usually single-paned window designed to frame an exterior view

picture writing
1 : the recording of events or expression of messages by pictures representing actions or facts
2 : the record or message represented by picture writing

picture-book
: suitable for or suggestive of a picture book: as a : PICTURESQUE b : PICTURE-PERFECT

picture-perfect
: completely flawless : PERFECT <made a picture-perfect landing>

picture-postcard
: PICTURESQUE, PICTURE-BOOK <a picture-postcard village>

picturephone
n. : VIDEOPHONE

picturesque
adj. 1 a : resembling a picture : suggesting a painted scene b : charming or quaint in appearance
2 : evoking mental images : VIVID
synonyms see GRAPHIC
–pic·tur·esque·ly adverb
–pic·tur·esque·ness noun

picturize
v. : to make a picture of : present in pictures especially : to make into a motion picture <picturize a novel>
–pic·tur·i·za·tion \ˌpik-chə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

PID
pelvic inflammatory disease

piddle
n. 1 : DAWDLE, PUTTER
2 : URINATE

piddling
adj. : TRIVIAL, PALTRY

piddly
adj. : TRIVIAL, PIDDLING

piddock
n. : a bivalve mollusk (family Pholadidae, especially genera Pholas and Barnea) that bores holes in wood, clay, and rocks

pidgin
n. : a simplified speech used for communication between people with different languages
–pid·gin·i·za·tion \ˌpi-jə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun
–pid·gin·ize \'pi-jə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb

pidgin English
: an English-based pidgin especially : one orig. used in parts of east Asia

pie
n. : MAGPIE

pie
n. 1 : a meat dish baked with biscuit or pastry crust ― compare POTPIE
2 : a dessert consisting of a filling (as of fruit or custard) in a pastry shell or topped with pastry or both
3 a : AFFAIR, BUSINESS <she wanted her finger⋯in every possible social pie ― Mary Deasy> b : a whole regarded as divisible into shares <giving the less fortunate⋯a larger share of the economic pie ― R. M. Hutchins>

pie
n. variant of pi

pie
n. pizza pie
apple pie
Boston cream pie
cap a pie
cap à pie
chess pie
cottage pie
cow pie
cutie pie
humble pie
key lime pie
pie chart
pie eyed
pie faced
pie in the sky
pie safe
shepherd's pie
shoofly pie
sweetie pie
Washington pie

pie chart
: a circular chart cut by radii into segments illustrating relative magnitudes or frequencies ― called also circle graph

pie in the sky

1911
: an unrealistic enterprise or prospect of prosperity
–pie-in-the-sky adjective

pie safe
: a cupboard whose doors have decoratively pierced tin panels for ventilation

pie-eyed
: INTOXICATED

pie-faced
: having a round, smooth, or blank face

piebald
n. 1 : composed of incongruous parts
2 : of different colors especially : spotted or blotched with black and white

piebald
n. : a piebald animal (as a horse)

piece
n. 1 : a part of a whole: as a : FRAGMENT <pieces of broken glass> b : any of the individual members comprising a unit ― often used in combination <a five-piece band> <a three-piece suit> c : PORTION, ALLOCATION <a piece of the jackpot>
2 : an object or individual regarded as a unit of a kind or class <a piece of fruit>
3 : a usually unspecified distance <down the road a piece>
4 : a standard quantity (as of length, weight, or size) in which something is made or sold
5 : a literary, journalistic, artistic, dramatic, or musical composition
6 : FIREARM
7 : COIN also : TOKEN
8 : a movable object used in playing a board game specifically : a chessman other than a pawn
9 : OPINION, VIEW <spoke his piece>
10 a usually vulgar : an act of copulation b usually vulgar : the female partner in sexual intercourse
11 : INSTANCE, EXAMPLE <silly piece of nonsense> <a nice piece of acting>
synonyms see PART
–of a piece : ALIKE, CONSISTENT
–piece of one's mind : a severe scolding : TONGUE-LASHING
–piece of the action : a share in activity or profit
–to pieces
1 : without reserve or restraint : COMPLETELY
2 : into fragments also : into component parts
3 : out of control <went to pieces from shock>

piece
n. 1 : to repair, renew, or complete by adding pieces : PATCH
2 : to join into a whole ― often used with together <his new book⋯has been pieced together from talks ― Merle Miller>
–piec·er noun

piece
n. companion piece
conversation piece
fowling piece
museum piece
one piece
period piece
piece of the action
piece of one's mind
of a piece
piece by piece
piece de resistance
piece dye
piece goods
piece of cake
piece of eight
piece of work
set piece
think piece
three piece
two piece
piece d'occasion
piece justificative
piece montee
go to pieces
to pieces
one piecer
two piecer

piece by piece
: by degrees : PIECEMEAL

piece d'occasion
: piece for a special occasion

piece de resistance
1 : the chief dish of a meal
2 : an outstanding item or event : SHOWPIECE

piece goods
: cloth fabrics sold from the bolt at retail in lengths specified by the customer ― called also yard goods

piece justificative
: justificatory paper : document serving as evidence

piece montee
: set piece : food that has been decoratively shaped or arranged

piece of cake

1935
: something easily done : CINCH, BREEZE

piece of eight

1610
: an old Spanish peso of eight reals

piece of one's mind
a severe scolding : TONGUE-LASHING

piece of the action
a share in activity or profit

piece of work

1928
: a complicated, difficult, or eccentric person

piece-dye
: to dye after weaving or knitting

piecemeal
adj. 1 : one piece at a time : GRADUALLY
2 : in pieces or fragments : APART

piecemeal
adj. : done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in a fragmentary way <piecemeal reforms in the system>

piecewise
adv. : with respect to a number of discrete intervals, sets, or pieces <piecewise continuous functions>

piecework
n. : work done by the piece and paid for at a set rate per unit
–piece·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

piecrust
n. : the pastry shell of a pie

pied
adj. : of two or more colors in blotches also : wearing or having a parti-colored coat <a pied horse>

pied
adj. past and past part of pi or of pie

pied
adj. pied a terre
pied à terre
pied piper
a pied
à pied

pied piper
1 : one that offers strong but delusive enticement
2 : a leader who makes irresponsible promises
3 : a charismatic person who attracts followers

pied-a-terre
: a temporary or second lodging

Piedmont
n. 1 upland region E U.S. lying E of the Appalachian Mountains bet. SE N.Y. & cen Ala.
2 or Italian Pie·mon·te \pyā-'mōn-(ˌ)tā\ region NW Italy bordering on France & Switzerland W of Lombardy capital Turin pop 4,357,559
–Pied·mon·tese \ˌpēd-mən-'tēz, -(ˌ)män-, -'tēs\ adjective or noun

piedmont
n. : lying or formed at the base of mountains
–piedmont noun

Piedras
Las Piedras
Piedras Negras
Rio Piedras
Río Piedras

Piedras Negras
n. city N Mexico in Coahuila on the Rio Grande pop 116,148

piehole
slang : MOUTH 1A

pieing
present part of pi or of pie

pieplant
n. : garden rhubarb

pier
n. 1 : an intermediate support for the adjacent ends of two bridge spans
2 : a structure (as a breakwater) extending into navigable water for use as a landing place or promenade or to protect or form a harbor
3 : a vertical structural support: as a : the wall between two openings b : PILLAR, PILASTER c : a vertical member that supports the end of an arch or lintel d : an auxiliary mass of masonry used to stiffen a wall
4 : a structural mount (as for a telescope) usually of stonework, concrete, or steel

pier
n. pier glass
pier mirror
pier table

pier glass
: a large high mirror especially : one designed to occupy the wall space between windows ― called also pier mirror

pier table
: a table to be placed under a pier glass

Pierce
n. Franklin 1804-1869 14th pres. of the U.S. (1853-57)

pierce
n. transitive verb
1 a : to run into or through as a pointed weapon does : STAB b : to enter or thrust into sharply or painfully
2 : to make a hole through : PERFORATE
3 : to force or make a way into or through
4 : to penetrate with the eye or mind : DISCERN
5 : to penetrate so as to move or touch the emotions of
intransitive verb : to force a way into or through something
synonyms see ENTER
–pierc·er noun

pierced
adj. 1 : having holes especially : decorated with perforations
2 : having the flesh punctured for the attachment of a piece of jewelry <pierced ears> <a pierced tongue>
3 : designed for pierced ears <pierced earrings>

piercing
adj. : PENETRATING: as a : LOUD, SHRILL <piercing cries> b : PERCEPTIVE <piercing eyes> c : penetratingly cold : BITING <a piercing wind> d : CUTTING, INCISIVE <piercing sarcasm>
–pierc·ing·ly \'pir-siŋ-lē\ adverb

piercing
adj. : a piece of jewelry (as a ring or stud) that is attached to pierced flesh

Pieria
ancient region NE Greece in Macedonia N of Thessaly

Pierian
adj. 1 : of or relating to the region of Pieria in ancient Macedonia or to the Muses who were once worshipped there
2 : of or relating to learning or poetry

Piero della Francesca
ca 1420-1492 Ital. painter

pierogi
n. : a case of dough filled with a savory filling (as of meat, cheese, or vegetables) and cooked by boiling and then panfrying

Pierre
n. city capital of S.Dak. on Missouri River pop 13,876

Pierre
n. Bernardin de Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Pierrefonds
town Canada in S Que. W of Montreal pop 54,963

Pierrot
n. : a stock comic character of old French pantomime usually having a whitened face and wearing loose white clothes

pies
n. plural of pi or of pie

pieta
n. : a representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Christ

Pietermaritzburg
city E Republic of South Africa in S cen KwaZulu-Natal pop 128,598

pietism
n. 1 capitalized : a 17th century religious movement originating in Germany in reaction to formalism and intellectualism and stressing Bible study and personal religious experience
2 a : emphasis on devotional experience and practices b : affectation of devotion
–pi·e·tist \'pī-ə-tist\ adjective or noun often cap

pietistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to Pietism
2 a : of or relating to religious devotion or devout persons b : marked by overly sentimental or emotional devotion to religion : RELIGIOSE
–pi·e·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

piety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being pious: as a : fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents) b : dutifulness in religion : DEVOUTNESS
2 : an act inspired by piety
3 : a conventional belief or standard : ORTHODOXY
synonyms see FIDELITY

piezo
adj. : pressure <piezometer>

piezoelectric
adj. : of, relating to, marked by, or functioning by means of piezoelectricity
–pi·e·zo·elec·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

piezoelectricity
n. : electricity or electric polarity due to pressure especially in a crystalline substance (as quartz)

piezometer
n. : an instrument for measuring pressure or compressibility especially : one for measuring the change of pressure of a material subjected to hydrostatic pressure
–pi·e·zo·met·ric \pē-ˌā-zə-'me-trik, pē-ˌāt-sə-\ adjective

piffle
n. : to talk or act in a trivial, inept, or ineffective way

piffle
n. : trivial nonsense <pseudo-scientific piffle>

piffling
adj. : of little worth or importance : TRIVIAL

pig
n. 1 a : a young domesticated swine not yet sexually mature broadly : a wild or domestic swine b : an animal related to or resembling the pig
2 a : PORK b : the dressed carcass of a young swine weighing less than 130 pounds (60 kilograms) c : PIGSKIN
3 : a dirty, gluttonous, or repulsive person
4 : a crude casting of metal (as iron)
5 slang : an immoral woman
6 slang usually disparaging : POLICE OFFICER
–pig·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

pig
n. intransitive verb
1 : FARROW
2 : to live like a pig <pig it>
transitive verb : FARROW

pig
n. blind pig
guinea pig
pig in a blanket
pig in a poke
pig iron
pig latin
pig out
potbellied pig
Vietnamese potbellied pig
pigs in blankets
pigs in a blanket
Pigs Bay of

pig in a blanket
: a frankfurter served in a wrapper of baked dough

pig in a poke

1562
: something offered in such a way as to obscure its real nature or worth <unwilling to buy a pig in a poke>

pig iron
: crude iron that is the direct product of the blast furnace and is refined to produce steel, wrought iron, or ingot iron

pig latin
: a jargon that is made by systematic alteration of English (as ipskay the ointjay for skip the joint)

pig out
: to eat greedily : GORGE
–pig-out \'pig-ˌau̇t\ noun

pigboat
n. : SUBMARINE

pigeon
n. 1 : any of a widely distributed family (Columbidae, order Columbiformes) of birds with a stout body, rather short legs, and smooth and compact plumage especially : a member of any of numerous varieties of the rock dove that exist in domestication and in the feral state in cities and towns throughout most of the world
2 : a young woman
3 : an easy mark : DUPE
4 : CLAY PIGEON

pigeon
n. : an object of special concern : accepted business or interest <tennis was not his pigeon>

pigeon
n. carrier pigeon
clay pigeon
homing pigeon
passenger pigeon
pigeon breast
pigeon hawk
pigeon livered
pigeon pea
pigeon toed
rock pigeon
stool pigeon
wood pigeon

pigeon breast
: a deformity of the chest marked by sharp projection of the sternum

pigeon hawk
: MERLIN ― used for one of North America

pigeon pea
: a leguminous shrubby herb (Cajanus cajan) with trifoliate leaves, yellow flowers, and flattened pods that is much cultivated especially in the tropics also : its small highly nutritious seed

pigeon-livered
: GENTLE, MILD

pigeon-toed
: having the toes and forefoot turned inward

pigeonhole
n. 1 : a hole or small recess for pigeons to nest
2 : a small open compartment (as in a desk or cabinet) for keeping letters or documents
3 : a neat category which usually fails to reflect actual complexities

pigeonhole
n. 1 a : to place in or as if in the pigeonhole of a desk b : to lay aside : SHELVE <his reports continued to be pigeonholed and his advice not taken ― Walter Mills>
2 : to assign to an often restrictive category : CLASSIFY
–pi·geon·hol·er \-ˌhō-lər\ noun

pigeonite
: a monoclinic mineral of the pyroxene group

pigeonwing
: a fancy dance step executed by jumping and striking the legs together

pigfish
: a saltwater grunt (Orthopristis chrysoptera) that is a food fish found from Long Island, N.Y., southward

piggery
n. 1 : a place where swine are kept
2 : swinish behavior

piggin
n. : a small wooden pail with one stave extended upward as a handle

piggish
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a pig <a piggish snort>
2 : having qualities associated with a pig
–pig·gish·ly adverb
–pig·gish·ness noun

piggy
n. : PIGGISH

piggy bank
: a coin bank often in the shape of a pig

piggyback
v. 1 : up on the back and shoulders
2 : on or as if on the back of another especially : on a railroad flatcar

piggyback
v. 1 : the act of carrying piggyback
2 : the movement of loaded truck trailers on railroad flatcars

piggyback
v. 1 : marked by being up on the shoulders and back <a child needs hugging, tussling, and piggyback rides ― Benjamin Spock>
2 : carried or transported piggyback: as a : of or relating to the hauling of truck trailers on railroad flatcars b : being or relating to something carried into space as an extra load by a vehicle (as a spacecraft)

piggyback
v. 1 : to carry up on the shoulders and back
2 : to haul (as a truck trailer) by railroad car
3 : to set up or cause to function in conjunction with something larger, more important, or already in existence or operation
intransitive verb : to function or be carried on or as if on the back of another

pigheaded
adj. : willfully or perversely unyielding : OBSTINATE
–pig·head·ed·ly adverb
–pig·head·ed·ness noun

piglet
n. : a small usually young swine

pigment
n. 1 : a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber
2 : a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue also : any of various related colorless substances
–pig·men·tary \-mən-ˌter-ē\ adjective

pigment
n. : to color with or as if with pigment

pigmentation
n. : coloration with or deposition of pigment especially : an excessive deposition of bodily pigment

pigmy
n. variant of pygmy

pignoli
: PINE NUT

pignut
n. 1 : any of several bitter-flavored hickory nuts
2 : a hickory (as Carya glabra and C. cordiformis) bearing pignuts

pigpen
n. 1 : a pen for pigs
2 : a dirty slovenly place

Pigs, Bay of
bay W Cuba on S coast

pigskin
n. 1 : the skin of a swine or leather made of it
2 a : a jockey's saddle b : FOOTBALL 2A

pigstick
: to hunt the wild boar on horseback with a spear
–pig·stick·er noun

pigsty
n. : PIGPEN

pigtail
n. 1 : tobacco in small twisted strands or rolls
2 : a tight braid of hair

pigtailed
adj. : wearing a pigtail <pigtailed little girls>

pigweed
n. : any of various vigorous weedy plants especially of the goosefoot or amaranth families

piing
present part of pi or of pie

PIK
payment in kind

Pik Kommunizma
― see COMMUNISM PEAK

Pik Pobedy
― see POBEDA PEAK

pika
n. : any of various short-eared small lagomorph mammals (family Ochotonidae) of rocky uplands of Asia and western No. America with relatively short hind legs ― called also coney rock rabbit

pikake
: an evergreen climbing jasmine (Jasminum sambac) of Asia long cultivated for its profuse fragrant white flowers

Pike
n. Zebulon Montgomery 1779-1813 American gen. & explorer

pike
n. 1 : PIKESTAFF 1
2 : a sharp point or spike also : the tip of a spear
–piked \'pīkt\ adjective

pike
n. northern pike
walleyed pike
blue pike
down the pike
pike perch
Scafell Pike
Langdale Pikes
Pikes Peak
Northern Kingdom
Northern Transvaal
Northern Rhodesia
northern lights
great northern bean
northern corn rootworm
Northern Cross
northern harrier
northern hemisphere
northern oriole
northern spotted owl
northern white cedar
Dvina Northern
Northern Cape
Northern Circars
Northern Cook Islands
Northern Ireland
Northern Karoo
Northern Mariana Islands
Northern Sporades
Northern Territories
Northern Territory
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

pike
n. dialect English : a mountain or hill having a peaked summit ― used especially in place names

pike
n. 1 a : a large elongate long-snouted freshwater bony fish (Esox lucius) valued for food and sport and widely distributed in cooler parts of the northern hemisphere ― called also northern northern pike b : any of various fishes (family Esocidae) related to the pike: as (1) : MUSKELLUNGE (2) : PICKEREL
2 : any of various fishes resembling the pike in appearance or habits

pike
n. : a heavy spear with a very long shaft used by infantry especially in Europe from the Middle Ages to the 18th century

pike
n. : to pierce, kill, or wound with a pike

pike
n. 1 : to leave abruptly <get lonely and sore, and pike out ― Sinclair Lewis>
2 : to make one's way <pike along>

pike
n. 1 : TURNPIKE
2 : a railroad or railroad line or system
–down the pike
1 : in the course of events <the greatest boxer to come down the pike in years>
2 : in the future <today's advances only hint at what's down the pike>

pike
n. : a body position (as in diving) in which the hips are bent, the knees are straight, and the hands touch the toes or clasp the legs behind or just above the knees

pike perch
: a fish (as the walleye) of the perch family that resembles the pike

pikeman
n. : a soldier armed with a pike

pikeminnow
: SQUAWFISH

piker
n. 1 : one who gambles or speculates with small amounts of money
2 : one who does things in a small way also : TIGHTWAD, CHEAPSKATE

Pikes Peak
mountain 14,110 ft (4301 m) E cen Colo. at S end of Front Range

pikestaff
n. 1 : a spiked staff for use on slippery ground
2 : the staff of a foot soldier's pike

piki
n. : bread made especially from blue cornmeal and baked in thin sheets by the Indians of the southwestern U.S.

pilaf
n. : a dish made of seasoned rice and often meat

pilaster
n. : an upright architectural member that is rectangular in plan and is structurally a pier but architecturally treated as a column and that usually projects a third of its width or less from the wall

Pilate
n. Pon·tius \'pän-chəs, 'pən-chəs\ d after A.D. 36 Rom. procurator of Judea (26-ca 36)

Pilates
n. ― used for an exercise regimen typically performed with the use of specialized apparatus

Pilatus
mountain 6983 ft (2128 m) cen Switzerland in Unterwalden SW of Lucerne

pilchard
n. 1 : a fish (Sardina pilchardus) of the herring family that occurs in great schools along the coasts of Europe ― compare SARDINE 1
2 : any of several sardines related to the European pilchard

Pilcomayo
river 1000 mi (1609 km) S cen S. America rising in Bolivia & flowing SE on Argentina-Paraguay boundary into Paraguay River

pile
n. 1 : a long slender column usually of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete driven into the ground to carry a vertical load
2 : a wedge-shaped heraldic charge usually placed vertically with the broad end up
3 a : a target-shooting arrowhead without cutting edges b [Latin pilum] : an ancient Roman foot soldier's heavy javelin

pile
n. : to drive piles into

pile
n. transitive verb
1 : to lay or place in a pile : STACK
2 a : to heap in abundance : LOAD <piled potatoes on his plate> b : to collect little by little into a mass ― usually used with up
intransitive verb
1 : to form a pile or accumulation ― usually used with up
2 : to move or press forward in or as if in a mass : CROWD <piled into a car>

pile
n. 1 a (1) : a quantity of things heaped together (2) : a heap of wood for burning a corpse or a sacrifice b : any great number or quantity : LOT
2 : a large building or group of buildings
3 : a great amount of money : FORTUNE
4 : REACTOR 3B

pile
n. 1 : a coat or surface of usually short close fine furry hairs
2 : a velvety surface produced by an extra set of filling yarns that form raised loops which are cut and sheared
–pile·less \'pī(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

pile
n. 1 : a single hemorrhoid
2 plural : HEMORRHOIDS

pile driver
: a machine for driving down piles with a drop hammer or a steam or air hammer

pileated
: having a crest covering the pileum

pileated woodpecker
: a large red-crested No. American woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) that is black with white on the face, neck, and undersides of the wings

piled
adj. : having a pile <a deep-piled rug>

pileum
: the top of the head of a bird from the bill to the nape

pileup
n. 1 : a collision involving usually several motor vehicles
2 a : a jammed tangled mass or pile (as of motor vehicles or people) resulting from collision or accumulation b : ACCUMULATION

pileus
n. 1 [L] : a pointed or close-fitting cap worn by ancient Romans
2 : the convex, concave, or flattened spore-bearing structure of some basidiomycetes that is attached superiorly to the stem and typically is expanded with gills or pores on the underside ― called also cap

pileus
n. deerstalker cap
doff one's cap to
fool's cap
shaggy cap
baseball cap
blasting cap
cap in hand
cap a pie
cap à pie
cap sleeve
cervical cap
cradle cap
death cap
dunce cap
dunce's cap
a feather in one's cap
garrison cap
gimme cap
ice cap
inky cap
ink cap
liberty cap
overseas cap
percussion cap
root cap
service cap
small cap
stocking cap
thinking cap
toe cap
watch cap
Antibes Cap d'
Cap d'Antibes
Cap de la Hague
Cap de la Madeleine
Cap Haitien
Cap Haïtien
Cap Vert
Hague Cap de la
black capped

pilewort
n. : LESSER CELANDINE

pilfer
v. intransitive verb : STEAL especially : to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again
transitive verb : STEAL especially : to steal in small quantities
synonyms see STEAL
–pil·fer·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–pil·fer·age \-f(ə-)rij\ noun
–pil·fer·er \-fər-ər\ noun
–pil·fer·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

pilgarlic
n. 1 a : a bald head b : a bald-headed man
2 : a man looked upon with humorous contempt or mock pity

pilgrim
n. 1 : one who journeys in foreign lands : WAYFARER
2 : one who travels to a shrine or holy place as a devotee
3 capitalized : one of the English colonists settling at Plymouth in 1620

pilgrim bottle
: COSTREL

pilgrimage
n. 1 : a journey of a pilgrim especially : one to a shrine or a sacred place
2 : the course of life on earth

pilgrimage
n. : to go on a pilgrimage

piling
n. : a structure of piles also : PILE

Pilion
― see PELION

Pilipino
n. : FILIPINO 3

pill
n. intransitive verb dialect chiefly English : to come off in flakes or scales : PEEL
transitive verb
1 archaic : to subject to depredation or extortion
2 dialect : to peel or strip off

pill
n. 1 a : a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole b often capitalized : BIRTH CONTROL PILL ― usually used with the
2 : something repugnant or unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
3 : something resembling a pill in size or shape
4 : a disagreeable or tiresome person

pill
n. 1 : to dose with pills
2 : BLACKBALL
intransitive verb : to become rough with or mat into little balls <brushed woolens often pill>

pill
n. abortion pill
birth control pill
morning after pill
pep pill
pill bug
poison pill
sleeping pill
sugar pill
water pill

pill bug
: WOOD LOUSE especially : a wood louse capable of curling itself into a ball

pillage
n. 1 : the act of looting or plundering especially in war
2 : something taken as booty

pillage
n. transitive verb : to plunder ruthlessly : LOOT
intransitive verb : to take booty
synonyms see RAVAGE
–pil·lag·er noun

pillar
n. 1 a : a firm upright support for a superstructure : POST b : a usually ornamental column or shaft especially : one standing alone for a monument
2 a : a supporting, integral, or upstanding member or part <a pillar of society> b : a fundamental precept <the five pillars of Islam>
3 : a solid mass of coal, rock, or ore left standing to support a mine roof
4 : a body part that resembles a column
–pil·lar·less adjective
–from pillar to post : from one place or one predicament to another

pillar
n. : to provide or strengthen with or as if with pillars

pillar
n. from pillar to post
pillar box
Pillars of Hercules

pillar-box
British : a pillar-shaped mailbox

Pillars of Hercules
the two promontories at E end of Strait of Gibraltar: Rock of Gibraltar (in Europe) & Jebel Musa (in Africa)

pillbox
n. 1 : a box for pills especially : a shallow round box of pasteboard
2 : a small low concrete emplacement for machine guns and antitank weapons
3 : a small round hat without a brim specifically : a woman's shallow hat with a flat crown and straight sides

pillion
n. 1 a : a light saddle for women consisting chiefly of a cushion b : a pad or cushion put on behind a man's saddle chiefly for a woman to ride on
2 chiefly British : a motorcycle or bicycle saddle for a passenger

pillion
n. chiefly British : on or as if on a pillion <ride pillion>

pillory
n. 1 : a device formerly used for publicly punishing offenders consisting of a wooden frame with holes in which the head and hands can be locked
2 : a means for exposing one to public scorn or ridicule

pillory
n. 1 : to set in a pillory as punishment
2 : to expose to public contempt, ridicule, or scorn

pillow
n. 1 a : a support for the head of a reclining person especially : one consisting of a cloth bag filled with feathers, down, sponge rubber, or plastic fiber b : something resembling a pillow especially in form
2 : a cushion or pad tightly stuffed and used as a support for the design and tools in making lace with a bobbin
–pil·lowy \'pi-lə-wē\ adjective

pillow
n. 1 : to rest or lay on or as if on a pillow
2 : to serve as a pillow for
intransitive verb : to lay or rest one's head on or as if on a pillow

pillow
n. pillow block
pillow lace
pillow slip
pillow talk
throw pillow

pillow block
: a block or standard to support a journal (as of a shaft) : BEARING

pillow lace
: lace made with a bobbin

pillow slip
: PILLOWCASE

pillow talk
: intimate conversation between lovers in bed

pillowcase
n. : a removable covering for a pillow

pilocarpine
n. : a miotic alkaloid C_11H_16N_2O_2 obtained from jaborandi that is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride or nitrate especially in the treatment of glaucoma

pilonidal
adj. : of, relating to, or being a hair-containing cyst of the skin in the lower-back region near the upper crease of the buttocks

Pilos
town & port SW Greece in SW Peloponnese

pilose
adj. : covered with usually soft hair
–pi·los·i·ty \pī-'lä-sə-tē\ noun

pilot
n. 1 a : one employed to steer a ship : HELMSMAN b : a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters c : a person who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft
2 : GUIDE, LEADER
3 : COWCATCHER
4 : a piece that guides a tool or machine part
5 : a television show produced and filmed or taped as a sample of a proposed series
6 : PILOT LIGHT 2
–pi·lot·less \-ləs\ adjective

pilot
n. 1 : to act as a guide to : lead or conduct over a usually difficult course
2 a : to set and conn the course of <pilot a ship> b : to act as pilot of <pilot a plane>
synonyms see GUIDE

pilot
n. : serving as a guiding or tracing device, an activating or auxiliary unit, or a trial apparatus or operation <a pilot study>

pilot
n. automatic pilot
bush pilot
pilot biscuit
pilot bread
pilot engine
pilot fish
pilot light
pilot lamp
pilot officer
pilot whale
sky pilot
test pilot

pilot biscuit
: HARDTACK ― called also pilot bread

pilot engine
: a locomotive going in advance of a train to make sure that the way is clear

pilot fish
: a pelagic carangid fish (Naucrates ductor) that has dark stripes and often swims in company with a shark

pilot light
1 : an indicator light showing where a switch or circuit breaker is located or whether a motor is in operation or power is on ― called also pilot lamp
2 : a small permanent flame used to ignite gas at a burner

pilot officer
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a second lieutenant in the army

pilot whale
: either of two chiefly black medium-sized toothed whales (Globicephala melaena syn. G. melas and G. macrorhynchus) ― called also blackfish

pilotage
n. 1 : the action or business of piloting
2 : the compensation paid to a licensed ship's pilot

pilothouse
n. : a deckhouse for a ship's helmsman containing the steering wheel, compass, and navigating equipment

pilsner
n. 1 : a light beer with a strong flavor of hops
2 : a tall slender footed glass for beer

Pilsudski
Józef Klemens 1867-1935 Pol. gen. & statesman

Piltdown man
: a supposedly very early hominid erroneously reconstructed from a combination of human and animal skeletal remains the latter of which were later found to have been planted by a hoaxer

pilular
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a pill

pilule
n. : a little pill

pilus
n. : a hair or a structure (as on the surface of a bacterial cell) resembling a hair

Pima
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of southern Arizona and northern Mexico
2 : O'ODHAM 2
–Pi·man \-mən\ adjective

pima cotton
: a cotton that produces fiber of exceptional strength and firmness and that was developed in the southwestern U.S. by selection and breeding of Egyptian cottons

pimento
n. 1 : ALLSPICE
2 : PIMIENTO 1

pimento cheese
: a Neufchâtel, process, cream, or occas. cheddar cheese to which ground pimientos have been added

pimiento
n. 1 : any of various bluntly conical thick-fleshed sweet peppers of European origin that have a distinctive mild sweet flavor and are used especially as a garnish, as a stuffing for olives, and as a source of paprika
2 : a plant that bears pimientos

Pimlico
district of W London, England, in SW Westminster

pimp
n. : a man who solicits clients for a prostitute

pimp
n. : to work as a pimp
transitive verb : to make use of often dishonorably for one's own gain or benefit

pimpernel
n. : any of a genus (Anagallis) of herbs of the primrose family especially : SCARLET PIMPERNEL

pimping
adj. 1 : PETTY, INSIGNIFICANT
2 chiefly dialect : PUNY, SICKLY

pimple
n. 1 : a small inflamed elevation of the skin : PAPULE especially : PUSTULE
2 : a swelling or protuberance like a pimple
–pim·pled \-pəld\ adjective
–pim·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adjective

pimpmobile
n. : an ostentatious luxury car of a kind characteristically used by a pimp

PIN
n. personal identification number

pin
n. 1 a : a piece of solid material (as wood or metal) used especially for fastening things together or as a support by which one thing may be suspended from another b obsolete : the center peg of a target also : the center itself c : something that resembles a pin especially in slender elongated form <an electrical connector pin> d (1) : one of the pieces constituting the target in various games (as bowling) (2) : the peg at which a quoit is pitched (3) : the staff of the flag marking a hole on a golf course e : a peg for regulating the tension of the strings of a musical instrument f : the part of a key stem that enters a lock g : a belaying pin
2 a (1) : a very thin small pointed metal pin with a head used especially for fastening cloth (2) : LITTLE, TRIFLE <bother them all! I don't care a pin about them ― Bram Stoker> b : an ornament or emblem fastened to clothing with a pin c (1) : BOBBY PIN (2) : HAIRPIN (3) : SAFETY PIN
3 : LEG ― usually used in plural <wobbly on his pins>
4 : a fall in wrestling

pin
n. 1 a : to fasten, join, or secure with a pin b : to hold fast or immobile c : to present (a young woman) with a fraternity pin as a pledge of affection
2 a : FASTEN <pinned his hopes on a miracle> <pin the blame on someone else> b : to assign the blame or responsibility for <pin the robbery on a night watchman> c : to define or determine clearly or precisely ― usually used with down <it is hard to pin down exactly when things changed ― Katharine Whittemore>
3 a : to make (a chess opponent's piece) unable to move without exposing the king to check or a valuable piece to capture b of a wrestler : to secure a fall over (an opponent)

pin
n. 1 : of or relating to a pin
2 of leather : having a grain suggesting the heads of pins

pin
n. Ha erh pin
pin striped
I pin
bobby pin
cotter pin
drawing pin
firing pin
gudgeon pin
pin curl
pin money
pin oak
pin table
piston pin
rolling pin
safety pin
shear pin
wrist pin
pins and needles
on pins and needles
Ile des Pins
Juan les Pins

pin curl
: a curl made usually by dampening a strand of hair with water or lotion, coiling it, and securing it by a hairpin or clip

pin money
1 a : money given by a man to his wife for her own use b : money set aside for the purchase of incidentals
2 : a trivial amount of money <worked for pin money>

pin oak
: a pyramidally crowned deciduous oak (Quercus palustris) especially of wet regions of the eastern U.S. that has deeply cleft toothed leaves and rather small nearly hemispherical acorns

pin-table
British : PINBALL MACHINE

pina cloth
: a lustrous transparent cloth of Philippine origin that is woven of silky pineapple fibers

pina colada
: a tall drink made of rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice mixed with ice

pinafore
n. : a sleeveless usually low-necked garment fastened in the back and worn as an apron or dress
–pin·a·fored \-ˌfȯrd\ adjective

Pinar del Rio
city & port W Cuba pop 121,774

pinata
n. : a decorated vessel (as of papier-mâché) filled with candies, fruits, and gifts and hung up to be broken with sticks by blindfolded persons as part of especially Latin-American festivities (as at Christmas or for a birthday party)

Pinatubo, Mount
volcano N Philippines on Luzon

pinball
n. : to move abruptly from one place to another

pinball machine
: an amusement device in which a ball propelled by a plunger scores points as it rolls down a slanting surface among pins and targets ― called also pinball game

pinbone
n. : the hipbone especially of a quadruped ― see COW illustration

pince-nez
: eyeglasses clipped to the nose by a spring

pincer
n. 1 : an instrument having two short handles and two grasping jaws working on a pivot and used for gripping things
2 : a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers : CHELA
3 : PINCER MOVEMENT
–pin·cer·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

pincer movement
1 : a military attack by two coordinated forces that close in on an enemy position from different directions
2 : a combination of two forces acting against an opposing force

pinch
n. transitive verb
1 a : to squeeze between the finger and thumb or between the jaws of an instrument b : to prune the tip of (a plant or shoot) usually to induce branching c : to squeeze or compress painfully d : to cause physical or mental pain to e (1) : to cause to appear thin, haggard, or shrunken (2) : to cause to shrivel or wither
2 a : to subject to strict economy or want : STRAITEN b : to restrain or limit narrowly : CONSTRICT
3 a : STEAL b : ARREST
4 : to sail too close to the wind
intransitive verb
1 : COMPRESS, SQUEEZE
2 : to be miserly or closefisted
3 : to press painfully
4 : NARROW, TAPER <the road pinched down to a trail ― Cecelia Holland>
–pinch pennies : to practice strict economy

pinch
n. 1 a : a critical juncture : EMERGENCY b (1) : PRESSURE, STRESS (2) : HARDSHIP, PRIVATION c : DEFICIT
2 a : an act of pinching : SQUEEZE b : as much as may be taken between the finger and thumb <a pinch of snuff> c : a very small amount
3 : a marked thinning of a vein or bed
4 a : THEFT b : a police raid also : ARREST
synonyms see JUNCTURE

pinch
n. 1 : SUBSTITUTE <pinch runner>
2 : hit by a pinch hitter <a pinch homer>

pinch
n. pinch pennies
pinch bar
pinch hit
pinch hitter
penny pinching

pinch bar
: a bar similar in form and use to a crowbar and sometimes having an end adapted for pulling spikes or inserting under a heavy wheel that is to be rolled

pinch hit
: a hit made by a pinch hitter

pinch hitter
: one that pinch-hits

pinch pennies
to practice strict economy

pinch-hit
1 : to act or serve in place of another
2 : to bat in the place of another player especially when a hit is particularly needed

pinchbeck
n. 1 : an alloy of copper and zinc used especially to imitate gold in jewelry
2 : something counterfeit or spurious
–pinchbeck adjective

pincher
n. 1 : one that pinches
2 plural : PINCERS

Pinchot
Gifford 1865-1946 American conservationist & polit.

pinchpenny
n. : STINGY, NIGGARDLY

Pinckney
Charles Cotesworth 1746-1825 American statesman

pincushion
n. : a small cushion in which pins may be stuck ready for use

pincushion flower
: any of several scabiouses (esp. Scabiosa atropurpurea, S. caucasica, or S. columbaria)

Pindar
ca 522-ca 438 B.C. Greek poet

Pindaric
n. 1 : of or relating to the poet Pindar
2 : written in the manner or style characteristic of Pindar

Pindaric
n. 1 : a Pindaric ode
2 plural : loose irregular verses similar to those used in Pindaric odes

Pindus Mountains
mountains N Greece bet. Epirus & Thessaly

pine
n. 1 : any of a genus (Pinus of the family Pinaceae, the pine family) of coniferous evergreen trees that have slender elongated needles and include some valuable timber trees and ornamentals
2 : the straight-grained white or yellow usually durable and resinous wood of a pine varying from extreme softness in the white pine to hardness in the longleaf pine
3 : any of various Australian coniferous trees (as of the genera Callitris or Araucaria)
4 : PINEAPPLE
5 : BENCH 1C
–pin·ey also piny \'pī-nē\ adjective

pine
n. 1 : to lose vigor, health, or flesh (as through grief) : LANGUISH
2 : to yearn intensely and persistently especially for something unattainable <they still pined for their lost wealth>
synonyms see LONG

pine
n. kauri pine
Australian pine
Austrian pine
bristlecone pine
eastern white pine
ground pine
hard pine
heart pine
jack pine
Jeffrey pine
Jersey pine
knotty pine
limber pine
loblolly pine
lodgepole pine
longleaf pine
long leaved pine
Monterey pine
mugho pine
mugo pine
Norfolk Island pine
Norfolk pine
pine marten
pine nut
pine siskin
pine snake
pine tar
pitch pine
ponderosa pine
red pine
Scotch pine
Scots pine
screw pine
scrub pine
shortleaf pine
slash pine
spruce pine
sugar pine
Virginia pine
white pine
white pine blister rust
yellow pine
Pine Bluff
Isle of Pines
Pembroke Pines
Pines Isle of
piney woods

Pine Bluff
city SE cen Ark. pop 55,085

pine marten
: an American marten (Martes americana) found mainly in coniferous forests also : a Eurasian marten (Martes martes)

pine nut
: the edible seed of any of several pines ― compare PIñON

pine siskin
: a No. American finch (Carduelis pinus of the family Fringillidae) with streaked plumage

pine snake
: a large constricting colubrid snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) that is typically white and black and occurs especially in coastal regions of eastern No. America from New Jersey southward into Mexico ― compare BULL SNAKE

pine tar
: tar obtained by destructive distillation of pinewood and used especially in roofing and soaps and in the treatment of skin diseases

pineal
adj. : of, relating to, or secreted by the pineal gland <a pineal tumor> <the pineal hormone melatonin>

pineal
adj. pineal gland
pineal organ
pineal body

pineal gland
: a small usually conical appendage of the brain of all craniate vertebrates that functions primarily as an endocrine organ and that in a few reptiles has the essential structure of an eye ― called also pineal pineal body pineal organ

pinealectomy
: surgical removal of the pineal gland
–pi·ne·al·ec·to·mize \-tə-ˌmīz\ transitive verb

pineapple
n. 1 a : a tropical monocotyledonous plant (Ananas comosus of the family Bromeliaceae, the pineapple family) that has rigid spiny-margined recurved leaves and a short stalk with a dense oblong head of small abortive flowers b : the large edible multiple fruit of the pineapple that consists of the sweet succulent fleshy inflorescence
2 : a hand grenade

pineapple guava
: FEIJOA

pineapple sage
: a Mexican salvia (Salvia elegans syn. S. rutilans) having a scent of pineapple that is cultivated as an annual

pinecone
n. : a cone of a pine tree

pinedrops
1 : a purplish-brown leafless saprophytic plant (Pterospora andromedea) of the wintergreen family with racemose drooping white flowers
2 : BEECHDROPS

pineland
: land naturally dominated by pine forests

Pinellas Park
city W Fla. NW of St. Petersburg pop 45,658

Pinellas Peninsula
peninsula W Fla. W of Tampa Bay

pinene
n. : either of two liquid isomeric unsaturated bicyclic terpene hydrocarbons C_10H_16 of which one is a major constituent of wood turpentine

Pinero
Sir Arthur Wing 1855-1934 Eng. dram.

pinery
n. 1 : a hothouse or area where pineapples are grown
2 : a grove or forest of pine

Pines, Isle of
1 ― see YOUTH (Isle of)
2 ― see ILE DES PINS

pinesap
n. : any of several yellowish or reddish parasitic or saprophytic herbs (genus Monotropa) of the wintergreen family resembling the Indian pipe

pinetum
n. : a plantation of pine trees especially : a scientific collection of living coniferous trees

pinewood
n. 1 : the wood of the pine tree
2 : a wood of pines ― often used in plural but singular or plural in construction

piney woods
: woodland of the southern U.S. in which pines are the dominant tree

pinfeather
n. : a feather not fully developed especially : a feather just emerging through the skin

pinfish
: a small compressed dark green grunt (Lagodon rhomboides) that has sharp dorsal spines and occurs along the Atlantic coast

pinfold
n. 1 : 2POUND 1A
2 : a place of restraint

Ping
n. river 360 mi (579 km) W Thailand flowing SSE to join Nan River forming the Chao Phraya

ping
n. 1 : a sharp sound like that of a striking bullet
2 : KNOCK 2B

ping
n. 1 : to make a ping
2 : to ricochet with a ping <gravel pinging off⋯the car ― Margaret Atwood>
transitive verb : to cause to ping <ping a bell>

ping
n. ping pong
Ping Pong

Ping-Pong
― used for table tennis

ping-pong
: SHIFT, BOUNCE

ping-pong
: something resembling a game of table tennis especially : a series of usually verbal exchanges between two parties <a ping-pong of absurdist dialogue ― Lawrence O'Toole>

pinger
n. : a device for producing pulses of sound (as for marking an underwater site or detecting an underwater object)

pingo
n. : a low hill or mound forced up by hydrostatic pressure in an area underlain by permafrost

pinhead
n. 1 : the head of a pin
2 : something very small or insignificant
3 : a very dull or stupid person : FOOL

pinheaded
adj. : DULL, STUPID
–pin·head·ed·ness noun

pinhole
n. : a small hole made by, for, or as if by a pin

pinion
n. 1 : the terminal section of a bird's wing including the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges broadly : WING
2 : FEATHER, QUILL also : FLIGHT FEATHERS
–pin·ioned \-yənd\ adjective

pinion
n. 1 a : to disable or restrain by binding the arms b : to bind fast : SHACKLE
2 : to restrain (a bird) from flight especially by cutting off the pinion of one wing

pinion
n. 1 : a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack
2 : the smaller of a pair or the smallest of a train of gear wheels

Pinios
― see PENEUS

pink
n. : a ship with a narrow overhanging stern ― called also pinkie

pink
n. 1 : any of a genus (Dianthus of the family Caryophyllaceae, the pink family) of chiefly Eurasian herbs having usually pink, red, or white flowers
2 a : the very embodiment : PARAGON b (1) : one dressed in the height of fashion (2) : ELITE c : highest degree possible : HEIGHT <keep their house in the pink of repair ― Rebecca West>
–in the pink : in the best of health or condition

pink
n. 1 : any of a group of colors bluish red to red in hue, of medium to high lightness, and of low to moderate saturation
2 a : the scarlet color of a fox hunter's coat also : a fox hunter's coat of this color b : pink-colored clothing c plural : light-colored trousers formerly worn by army officers
3 : PINKO

pink
n. 1 : of the color pink
2 : holding moderately radical and usually socialistic political or economic views
3 : emotionally moved : EXCITED ― often used as an intensive <tickled pink>
–pink·ness noun

pink
n. 1 a : to perforate in an ornamental pattern b : to cut a saw-toothed edge on
2 a : PIERCE, STAB b : to wound by irony, criticism, or ridicule

pink
n. clove pink
moss pink
mullein pink
in the pink
pink bollworm
pink collar
pink elephants
pink lady
pink noise
pink salmon
pink sheet
pink slip
rose pink
salmon pink
sea pink
shell pink
shocking pink
wild pink
pinking shears

pink bollworm
: a small dark brown moth (Pectinophora gossypiella) whose pinkish larva bores into the flowers and bolls of cotton and is a destructive pest in most cotton-growing regions

pink elephants
: hallucinations arising especially from heavy drinking or use of narcotics <began to see pink elephants>

pink lady
: a cocktail consisting of gin, brandy, lemon juice, grenadine, and white of egg shaken with ice and strained

pink noise
: a mixture of sound waves with an intensity that diminishes proportionally with frequency to yield approximately equal energy per octave ― compare WHITE NOISE

pink salmon
: a small spotted Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) native to the northern Pacific Ocean and adjacent rivers

pink sheet
1 : a daily listing of over-the-counter stocks and their prices
2 : any of a group of lightly traded over-the-counter stocks

pink slip
: a notice from an employer that a recipient's employment is being terminated
–pink-slip transitive verb

pink-collar
: of, relating to, or constituting a class of employees in occupations (as nursing and clerical jobs) traditionally held by women

Pinkerton
Allan 1819-1884 American (Scot.-born) detective

pinkeye
n. : an acute highly contagious conjunctivitis of humans and various domestic animals

Pinkiang
― see HARBIN

pinkie
n. : 1PINK

pinkie
n. : LITTLE FINGER

pinking shears
: shears with a saw-toothed inner edge on the blades for making a zigzag cut

pinkish
adj. : somewhat pink especially : tending to be pink in politics
–pink·ish·ness noun

pinkly
: in a pink manner : with a pink hue

pinko
n. : a person who holds advanced liberal or moderately radical political or economic views

pinkroot
: any of several American plants (genus Spigelia) related to the nux vomica and used as anthelmintics especially : a U.S. woodland herb (S. marilandica) sometimes cultivated for its showy red and yellow flowers

pinna
n. 1 a : a projecting body part (as a feather, wing, or fin) b : the largely cartilaginous projecting portion of the external ear ― see EAR illustration
2 : a leaflet or primary division of a pinnate leaf or frond

pinnace
n. 1 : a light sailing ship especially : one used as a tender
2 : any of various ship's boats

pinnacle
n. 1 : an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress
2 : a structure or formation suggesting a pinnacle specifically : a lofty peak
3 : the highest point of development or achievement : ACME
synonyms see SUMMIT

pinnacle
n. 1 : to surmount with a pinnacle
2 : to raise or rear on a pinnacle

Pinnacles National Monument
n. reservation W cen Calif. in Coast Range SSE of Hollister

pinnate
adj. : resembling a feather especially in having similar parts arranged on opposite sides of an axis like the barbs on the rachis of a feather <a pinnate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration
–pin·nate·ly adverb

pinnatifid
: cleft in a pinnate manner <a pinnatifid leaf>

pinner
n. 1 : a woman's cap with long lappets worn in the 17th and 18th centuries
2 : one that pins

pinniped
n. : any of an order or suborder (Pinnipedia) of aquatic carnivorous mammals (as a seal or walrus) with all four limbs modified into flippers
–pinniped adjective

pinnule
n. 1 : any of the secondary branches of a plumose organ especially of a crinoid
2 : one of the ultimate divisions of a twice pinnate leaf

pinny
n. chiefly British : PINAFORE

Pinochet (Ugarte)
Augusto 1915-     Chilean gen.; pres. of Chile (1974-90)

pinochle
n. : a card game played with a 48-card pack containing two each of A, K, Q, J, 10, 9 in each suit with the object to score points by melding certain combinations of cards or by winning tricks that contain scoring cards also : the meld of queen of spades and jack of diamonds scoring 40 points in this game

pinocytosis
n. : the uptake of fluid and dissolved substances by a cell by invagination and pinching off of the cell membrane
–pi·no·cy·tot·ic \-'tä-tik\ or pi·no·cyt·ic \ˌpi-nə-'sī-tik, ˌpī-\ adjective
–pi·no·cy·tot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pinole
n. 1 : a finely ground flour made from parched corn
2 : any of various flours resembling pinole and ground from the seeds of other plants

pinon
n. : any of various small pines (as Pinus quadrifolia, P. cembroides, P. edulis, and P. monophylla) of western No. America with edible seeds also : the edible seed of a piñon

pinot
n. pinot blanc
pinot grigio
pinot noir

pinot blanc
: a dry white wine similar to chardonnay

pinot grigio
: a dry white wine that is produced in Italy

pinot noir
: a dry red wine produced from the same grape as French burgundy

pinpoint
n. 1 : something that is extremely small or insignificant
2 : the point of a pin
3 : an extremely small or sharp point

pinpoint
n. 1 : extremely fine or precise
2 : located, fixed, or directed with extreme precision <pinpoint targets>
3 : small as a pinpoint

pinpoint
n. 1 : to locate or aim with great precision or accuracy <pinpoint a source>
2 a : to fix, determine, or identify with precision <pinpoint the cause> b : to cause to stand out conspicuously : HIGHLIGHT

pinprick
n. 1 : a small puncture made by or as if by a pin
2 : a petty irritation or annoyance

pinprick
n. : to administer pinpricks to
intransitive verb : to administer pinpricks

PINS
n. persons in need of supervision

PINS
n. pins and needles
on pins and needles
Ile des Pins
Juan les Pins

pins and needles
: a pricking tingling sensation in a limb growing numb or recovering from numbness
–on pins and needles : in a nervous or jumpy state of anticipation

pinsetter
n. : an employee or a mechanical device that spots pins in a bowling alley

Pinsk
city SW Belarus pop 123,800

pinspotter
n. : PINSETTER

pinstripe
n. : a very thin stripe especially on a fabric also : a suit with such stripes ― often used in plural
–pin-striped \-ˌstrīpt\ adjective

pint
n. 1 ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a pint pot or vessel

pint
n. half pint
pint size
pint sized

pint-size
: SMALL

pinta
n. : a chronic skin disease that is endemic in tropical America, that occurs successively as an initial papule, a generalized eruption, and a patchy loss of pigment, and that is caused by a treponemal spirochete (Treponema careteum) morphologically indistinguishable from the causative agent of syphilis

pinta
n. British : a pint of milk

pintail
n. : a bird having elongated central tail feathers especially : a slender duck (Anas acuta) of the northern hemisphere with the male having a brown head, a white breast with a white line continuing up the side of the neck, and chiefly gray upperparts

Pinter
Harold 1930-     Eng. dram.
–Pin·ter·esque \ˌpin-tə-'resk\ adjective

pintle
n. : a usually upright pivot pin on which another part turns

pinto
n. : a horse or pony of various breeding that is marked with patches of white and another color ― compare PAINT, PIEBALD, SKEWBALD

pinto
n. : PIED, MOTTLED

pinto bean
: a mottled kidney bean that is grown for food and for stock feed

Pinturicchio
ca 1454-1513 Bernardino di Betto di Biago Ital. painter

pinup
n. : something fastened to a wall: as a : a photograph or poster of a person considered to have glamorous qualities b : something (as a lamp) designed for wall attachment

pinup
n. 1 : of or relating to pinups <male pinup calendars>
2 : designed for hanging on a wall <a pinup lamp>

pinup girl
: a girl or woman whose glamorous qualities make her a suitable subject for a pinup

pinwale
of a fabric : made with narrow wales

pinweed
: any of a genus (Lechea) of herbs of the rockrose family with slender stems, many small leaves, and tiny flowers

pinwheel
n. 1 : a fireworks device in the form of a revolving wheel of colored fire
2 : a toy consisting of lightweight vanes that revolve at the end of a stick
3 : something (as a galaxy) shaped like a pinwheel

pinwheel
n. : to move like a pinwheel

pinworm
n. 1 : any of numerous small nematode worms (family Oxyuridae) that infest the intestines and especially the cecum of various vertebrates especially : a worm (Enterobius vermicularis) parasitic in humans
2 : any of several rather slender insect larvae that burrow in plant tissue

pinx
he painted it; she painted it

pinxit
: he or she painted it

pinxter flower
: a deciduous pink-flowered azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides syn. R. nudiflorum) native to rich moist woodlands of eastern No. America

pinyin
n. : a system for romanizing Chinese ideograms in which tones are indicated by diacritics and unaspirated consonants are transcribed as voiced ― compare WADE-GILES

pinyon
n. variant of piñon

Pinzon
Martín Alonso ca 1441-1493 & his bro. Vicente Yáñez ca 1460-ca 1523 Span. navigators & explorers

pion
n. : a meson that is a combination of up and down quarks and antiquarks, that may be positive, negative, or neutral, and that has a mass about 270 times that of the electron
–pi·on·ic \pī-'ä-nik\ adjective

pioneer
n. 1 : a member of a military unit usually of construction engineers
2 a : a person or group that originates or helps open up a new line of thought or activity or a new method or technical development b : one of the first to settle in a territory
3 : a plant or animal capable of establishing itself in a bare, barren, or open area and initiating an ecological cycle

pioneer
n. : to act as a pioneer <pioneered in the development of airplanes>
transitive verb
1 : to open or prepare for others to follow also : SETTLE
2 : to originate or take part in the development of

pioneer
n. 1 : ORIGINAL, EARLIEST
2 : relating to or being a pioneer especially : of, relating to, or characteristic of early settlers or their time

Piotrkow Trybunalski
commune cen Poland SSE of Lodz pop 80,529

pious
adj. 1 a : marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship b : marked by conspicuous religiosity <a hypocrite97a thing all pious words and uncharitable deeds ― Charles Reade>
2 : sacred or devotional as distinct from the profane or secular : RELIGIOUS <a pious opinion>
3 : showing loyal reverence for a person or thing : DUTIFUL
4 a : marked by sham or hypocrisy b : marked by self-conscious virtue : VIRTUOUS
5 : deserving commendation : WORTHY <a pious effort>
–pi·ous·ly adverb
–pi·ous·ness noun

Piozzi
Hester Lynch 1741-1821 Mrs. Thrale \'thrā(ə)l\ Eng. writer

pip
n. 1 a : a disorder of a bird marked by formation of a scale or crust on the tongue b : the scale or crust of this disorder
2 a : any of various human ailments especially : a slight nonspecific disorder b chiefly British : a feeling of irritation or annoyance

pip
n. intransitive verb
1 : 1PEEP 1
2 : to break through the shell of the egg <the chick pipped>
transitive verb : to break open (the shell of an egg) in hatching

pip
n. 1 a : one of the dots used on dice and dominoes to indicate numerical value b : SPOT 2C
2 a : SPOT, SPECK b : 1SPIKE 6A also : BLIP
3 : an individual rootstock of the lily of the valley
4 : a diamond-shaped insignia of rank worn by a second lieutenant, lieutenant, or captain in the British army

pip
n. 1 : a small fruit seed especially : one of a several-seeded fleshy fruit
2 : one extraordinary of its kind

pip
n. British : to beat by a narrow margin

pip
n. chiefly British : a short high-pitched tone

pip-pip
British ― used to express farewell

pip-squeak
: one that is small or insignificant

pipage
n. 1 a : transportation by means of pipes b : the charge for such transportation
2 : material for pipelines : PIPING

pipal
n. : a large long-lived fig (Ficus religiosa) of India

pipe
n. 1 a : a tubular wind instrument specifically : a small fipple flute held in and played by the left hand b : one of the tubes of a pipe organ: (1) : FLUE PIPE (2) : REED PIPE c : BAGPIPE ― usually used in plural d (1) : VOICE, VOCAL CORD ― usually used in plural (2) : PIPING 1
2 a : a long tube or hollow body for conducting a liquid, gas, or finely divided solid or for structural purposes b : a means of transmission (as of television signals or computer data) <a broadband fiber-optic pipe>
3 a : a tubular or cylindrical object, part, or passage b : a roughly cylindrical and vertical geological formation c : the eruptive channel opening into the crater of a volcano
4 a : a large cask of varying capacity used especially for wine and oil b : any of various units of liquid capacity based on the size of a pipe especially : a unit equal to two hogsheads
5 : a device for smoking usually consisting of a tube having a bowl at one end and a mouthpiece at the other
6 : SNAP 2C, CINCH
–pipe·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–pipe·less \'pīp-ləs\ adjective
–pipe·like \'pīp-ˌlīk\ adjective

pipe
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to play on a pipe b : to convey orders by signals on a boatswain's pipe
2 a : to speak in a high or shrill voice b : to emit a shrill sound
transitive verb
1 a : to play (a tune) on a pipe b : to utter in the shrill tone of a pipe
2 a : to lead or cause to go with pipe music b (1) : to call or direct by the boatswain's pipe (2) : to receive aboard or attend the departure of by sounding a boatswain's pipe
3 : to trim with piping
4 : to furnish or equip with pipes
5 : to convey by or as if by pipes especially : to transmit by wire or coaxial cable
6 : NOTICE

pipe
n. pipe organ
corncob pipe
Dutchman's pipe
flue pipe
half pipe
Indian pipe
lead pipe
light pipe
organ pipe cactus
peace pipe
pipe clay
pipe cleaner
pipe down
pipe dream
pipe fitter
pipe fitting
pipe stop
pipe up
pipe wrench
pitch pipe
reed pipe
soil pipe
tuning pipe
waste pipe
water pipe
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument
Dutchman's pipes
uilleann pipes
piping hot
piping plover

pipe clay
: highly plastic grayish-white clay used especially in making tobacco pipes and for whitening leather

pipe cleaner
: something used to clean the inside of a pipe specifically : a piece of flexible wire in which tufted fabric is twisted and which is used to clean the stem of a tobacco pipe

pipe down
: to stop talking or making noise

pipe dream
: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

pipe fitter
: a worker who installs and repairs piping

pipe fitting
1 : a piece (as a coupling or elbow) used to connect pipes or as accessory to a pipe
2 : the work of a pipe fitter

pipe organ
: ORGAN 1B(1)

Pipe Spring National Monument
n. reservation NW Ariz. on Kaibab Plateau containing old Mormon fort

pipe stop
: an organ stop composed of flue pipes

pipe up
: SPEAK UP

pipe wrench
: a wrench for gripping and turning a cylindrical object (as a pipe) usually by use of two serrated jaws so designed as to grip the pipe when turning in one direction only

pipefish
n. : any of various fishes (family Syngnathidae) that are related to the sea horses and have a tube-shaped snout and a long slender body covered with bony plates

pipeline
n. 1 a : a line of pipe with pumps, valves, and control devices for conveying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids b : PIPE 2B
2 : a direct channel for information
3 : a process or channel of supply <an arms pipeline>
4 : a state of development, preparation, or production <several projects in the pipeline> also : the system for such processes <a strong product pipeline>
5 : a course of individual advancement or development especially to fill organizational needs

piper
n. : one that plays on a pipe

piperazine
n. : a crystalline heterocyclic base C_4H_10N_2 used especially as an anthelmintic

piperidine
n. : a toxic liquid heterocyclic base C_5H_11N that has a peppery ammoniacal odor and is obtained usually by hydrolysis of piperine

piperine
n. : a white crystalline alkaloid C_17H_19NO_3 that is the chief active constituent of pepper

piperonal
n. : a crystalline aldehyde C_8H_6O_3 with an odor of heliotrope

piperonyl butoxide
: an insecticide C_19H_30O_5 especially : an oily liquid containing this compound that is used chiefly as a synergist (as for pyrethrin insecticides)

pipestone
n. : a pink or mottled pink-and-white argillaceous stone used especially by American Indians to make carved objects (as tobacco pipes)

Pipestone National Monument
n. reservation SW Minn. containing quarry once used by American Indians

pipette
n. : a small piece of apparatus which typically consists of a narrow tube into which fluid is drawn by suction (as for dispensing or measurement) and retained by closing the upper end
–pipette also pipet verb

piping
n. 1 a : a sound, note, or call like that of a pipe b : the music of a pipe
2 : a quantity or system of pipes
3 : trimming stitched in seams or along edges (as of clothing, slipcovers, or curtains)

piping
n. 1 : SHRILL <a piping voice>
2 : TRANQUIL <piping times of peace ― Shakespeare>

piping hot
: very hot

piping plover
: a small pale plover (Charadrius melodus) chiefly of eastern No. America

pipistrelle
n. : any of a genus (Pipistrellus of the family Vespertilionidae) of bats typically appearing in early evening and exhibiting erratic flight especially : one (P. pipistrellus) of Eurasia and northern Africa

pipit
n. : any of various small songbirds (family Motacillidae and especially genus Anthus) resembling the lark

pipkin
n. : a small earthenware or metal pot usually with a horizontal handle

pippin
n. 1 : a crisp tart apple having usually yellow or greenish-yellow skin strongly flushed with red and used especially for cooking
2 : a highly admired or very admirable person or thing

pipsissewa
n. : any of a genus (Chimaphila, especially C. umbellata) of evergreen herbs of the wintergreen family with astringent leaves used as a tonic and diuretic

piquancy
n. : the quality or state of being piquant

piquant
adj. 1 : agreeably stimulating to the palate especially : SPICY
2 : engagingly provocative also : having a lively arch charm
synonyms see PUNGENT
–pi·quant·ly adverb
–pi·quant·ness noun

pique
n. : a transient feeling of wounded vanity : RESENTMENT <a fit of pique>
synonyms see OFFENSE

pique
n. 1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : IRRITATE <what piques linguistic conservatives ― T. H. Middleton>
2 a : to excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff <sly remarks to pique their curiosity> b : PRIDE <he piques himself on his skill as a cook>
synonyms see PROVOKE

pique
n. 1 : a durable ribbed clothing fabric of cotton, rayon, or silk
2 : decoration of a tortoiseshell or ivory object with inlaid fragments of gold or silver

piquet
n. : a two-handed card game played with 32 cards

piracetam
: an amine C_6H_10N_2O_2 that has been used as a nootropic

piracy
n. 1 : an act of robbery on the high seas also : an act resembling such robbery
2 : robbery on the high seas
3 a : the unauthorized use of another's production, invention, or conception especially in infringement of a copyright b : the illicit accessing of broadcast signals

Piraeus
n. city E Greece on Saronic Gulf; port of Athens pop 169,622

piragua
n. 1 : DUGOUT 1
2 : a 2-masted flat-bottomed boat

Pirandello
Luigi 1867-1936 Ital. author
–Pi·ran·del·li·an \-'de-lē-ən\ adjective

Piranesi
Giambattista 1720-1778 Ital. architect, painter, & engraver

piranha
n. : any of various usually small So. American characin fishes (genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus) that have very sharp teeth, often appear in schools, and include some that may attack and inflict dangerous wounds upon humans and large animals ― called also caribe

pirarucu
: a very large edible bony fish (Arapaima gigas of the family Osteoglossidae) of the rivers of northern So. America

pirate
n. : one who commits or practices piracy
–pi·rat·i·cal \pə-'ra-ti-kəl, pī-\ adjective
–pi·rat·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pirate
n. transitive verb
1 : to commit piracy on
2 : to take or appropriate by piracy: as a : to reproduce without authorization especially in infringement of copyright b : to lure away from another employer by offers of betterment
intransitive verb : to commit or practice piracy

PIRG
Public Interest Research Group

Pirineos
― see PYRENEES

Pirmasens
city SW Germany near French border E of Saarbrücken pop 47,801

pirn
n. 1 : QUILL 1A(1)
2 chiefly Scottish : a device resembling a reel

Pirna
city E Germany SE of Dresden pop 48,001

pirogi
n. variant of pierogi

pirogue
n. 1 : DUGOUT 1
2 : a boat like a canoe

piroplasm
n. : BABESIA

piroshki
n. : small pastries with meat, cheese, or vegetable filling

pirouette
n. : a rapid whirling about of the body especially : a full turn on the toe or ball of one foot in ballet
–pirouette intransitive verb

pis
plural of pi

pis
pis aller
pis allers
de mal en pis
tant pis

pis aller
: a last resource or device

Pisa
n. commune W cen Italy in Tuscany on the Arno pop 91,977
–Pi·san \'pē-zən\ adjective or noun

Pisano
Giovanni ca 1250-after 1314 & his father Nicola ca 1220-1278(or 1284) Ital. sculptors

Piscataqua
river 12 mi (19 km) Maine & N.H. formed by junction of Cocheco & Salmon Falls rivers & flowing SE on Maine-N.H. boundary into the Atlantic

piscatorial
adj. : PISCATORY

piscatory
adj. : of, relating to, or dependent on fish or fishing

Piscean
n. : PISCES 2B

Pisces
n. 1 : a zodiacal constellation directly south of Andromeda
2 a : the 12th sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under this sign

pisciculture
n. : the cultivation of fish

piscina
n. : a basin with a drain near the altar of a church for disposing of water from liturgical ablutions

piscine
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of fish

piscivore
: a fish-eating animal

piscivorous
adj. : feeding on fishes

Pisgah, Mount
ridge Jordan E of N end of Dead Sea; highest point called Mount Ne·bo \'nē-bō\ 2630 ft (802 m)

pish
interj. ― used to express disdain or contempt

Pisidia
ancient country S Asia Minor N of Pamphylia
–Pi·sid·i·an \-dē-ən\ adjective

pisiform
adj. : resembling a pea in size or shape

pisiform
adj. : a bone on the ulnar side of the carpus in most mammals

Pisistratus
― see PEISISTRATUS

pismire
n. : ANT

pismo clam
: a thick-shelled clam (Tivela stultorum) of the southwest coast of No. America used extensively for food

piso
: the peso of the Philippines

pisolite
n. : a limestone composed of pisiform concretions
–pi·so·lit·ic \ˌpī-sə-'li-tik\ adjective

piss
n. intransitive verb sometimes vulgar : URINATE
transitive verb sometimes vulgar : to urinate in or on

piss
n. 1 sometimes vulgar : URINE
2 sometimes vulgar : an act of urinating ― often used with take

piss
n. piss and vinegar
piss away
piss off
piss poor

piss and vinegar
sometimes vulgar : VIM, SPUNK

piss away
sometimes vulgar : to fritter away : SQUANDER

piss off
sometimes vulgar : ANGER, IRRITATE
intransitive verb British sometimes vulgar : to leave immediately : SCRAM ― usually used as a command

piss-poor
sometimes vulgar : very bad : extremely poor

pissant
n. sometimes vulgar : one that is insignificant ― used as a generalized term of abuse

Pissarro
n. Camille 1830-1903 Fr. painter

pissed
adj. 1 chiefly British sometimes vulgar : DRUNK 1A
2 sometimes vulgar : ANGRY, IRRITATED ― often used with off

pissoir
n. : a public urinal usually located on the street in some European countries

pistachio
n. : a small Asian tree (Pistacia vera) of the cashew family whose drupaceous fruit contains a greenish edible seed also : its seed

pistareen
: an old Spanish silver piece circulating at a debased rate

piste
n. : TRAIL especially : a downhill ski trail

pistil
n. : a single carpel or group of fused carpels usually differentiated into an ovary, style, and stigma ― see FLOWER illustration

pistillate
adj. : having pistils specifically : having pistils but no stamens

Pistoia
commune cen Italy NW of Florence pop 87,275

pistol
n. 1 : a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel broadly : HANDGUN
2 : a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person
–pistol transitive verb

pistol
n. machine pistol
pistol grip
pistol whip
Very pistol
water pistol

pistol grip
1 : a grip of a shotgun or rifle shaped like a pistol stock
2 : a handle shaped like a pistol stock

pistol-whip
: to beat with a pistol

pistole
n. : an old gold 2-escudo piece of Spain also : any of several old gold coins of Europe of approximately the same value

pistoleer
n. : one who is armed with a pistol

pistolero
: GUNMAN

Piston
n. Walter Hamor 1894-1976 American composer

piston
n. 1 : a sliding piece moved by or moving against fluid pressure which usually consists of a short cylindrical body fitting within a cylindrical chamber or vessel along which it moves back and forth
2 : a sliding valve moving in a cylinder in a brass instrument which when depressed by a finger knob serves to lower the instrument's pitch

piston
n. piston pin
piston ring
piston rod

piston pin
: WRIST PIN

piston ring
: a springy split metal ring for sealing the gap between a piston and the cylinder wall

piston rod
: CONNECTING ROD

Pit
n. river N Calif. flowing SW into the Sacramento

pit
n. 1 a (1) : a hole, shaft, or cavity in the ground (2) : MINE (3) : a scooped-out place used for burning something (as charcoal) b : an area often sunken or depressed below the adjacent floor area: as (1) : an enclosure in which animals are made to fight each other (2) : a space at the front of a theater for the orchestra (3) : an area in a securities or commodities exchange in which members trade (as stocks)
2 a : HELL 1A ― used with the b : a place or situation of futility, misery, or degradation c plural : WORST <it's the pits>
3 : a hollow or indentation especially in the surface of an organism: as a : a natural hollow in the surface of the body b : one of the indented scars left in the skin by a pustular disease : POCKMARK c : a minute depression in the secondary wall of a plant cell functioning in the intercellular movement of water and dissolved material
4 : any of the areas alongside an auto racecourse used for refueling and repairing the cars during a race ― often used in plural with the

pit
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place, cast, bury, or store in a pit b : to make pits in especially : to scar or mark with pits
2 a : to set (as gamecocks) into or as if into a pit to fight b : to set into opposition or rivalry ― usually used with against
intransitive verb
1 : to become marked with pits especially : to preserve for a time an indentation made by pressure
2 : to make a pit stop

pit
n. : the stone of a drupaceous fruit

pit
n. : to remove the pit from (a fruit)

pit
n. American pit bull terrier
pit bull terrier
borrow pit
mosh pit
pit a pat
pit boss
pit bull
pit saw
pit stop
pit viper
snake pit
tar pit

pit boss
: a person who supervises the gaming tables in a casino

pit bull
1 : a dog (as an American Staffordshire terrier) of any of several breeds or a real or apparent hybrid with one or more of these breeds that was developed and is now often trained for fighting and is noted for strength and stamina
2 : an aggressive and tenacious person <a political pit bull>

pit bull terrier
1 : PIT BULL 1
2 : AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

pit saw
: a handsaw worked by two persons one of whom stands on or above the log being sawed into planks and the other below it usually in a pit

pit stop
1 : a stop at the pits during an automobile race
2 a (1) : a stop (as during a trip) for fuel, food, or rest or for use of a restroom (2) : a temporary deviation from a direct or usual course <a career pit stop⋯where he worked temporarily in between TV jobs ― Mark Lorando> b (1) : a place where a pit stop is or can be made (2) : an establishment providing food or drink

pit viper
: any of various mostly New World vipers (subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae) with a sensory pit on each side of the head and hollow perforated retractable fangs

pit-a-pat
: PITTER-PATTER
–pit-a-pat adverb or adjective
–pit-a-pat intransitive verb

pita
n. 1 : any of several fiber-yielding plants (as an agave)
2 : the fiber of a pita also : any of several fibers from other sources

pita
n. : a thin flat bread that can be separated easily into two layers to form a pocket ― called also pita bread

Pitcairn Island
island S. Pacific SE of Tuamotu Archipelago; a Brit. colony, with several smaller islands pop 62
–Pit·cairn·er \'pit-ˌker-nər\ noun

pitch
n. 1 : a black or dark viscous substance obtained as a residue in the distillation of organic materials and especially tars
2 : any of various bituminous substances
3 : resin obtained from various conifers and often used medicinally
4 : any of various artificial mixtures resembling resinous or bituminous pitches

pitch
n. : to cover, smear, or treat with or as if with pitch

pitch
n. transitive verb
1 : to erect and fix firmly in place <pitch a tent>
2 : to throw usually with a particular objective or toward a particular point <pitch hay onto a wagon>: as a : to throw (a baseball) to a batter b : to toss (as coins) so as to fall at or near a mark <pitch pennies> c : to put aside or discard by or as if by throwing <pitched the trash into the bin> <decided to pitch the whole idea>
3 a : to present or advertise especially in a high-pressure way : PLUG, PROMOTE b : to attempt to persuade especially with a sales pitch c : to present (a movie or program idea) for consideration (as by a TV producer)
4 a (1) : to cause to be at a particular level or of a particular quality <a test pitched at a 5th-grade reading level> (2) : to set in a particular musical key b : to cause to be set at a particular angle : SLOPE
5 : to utter glibly and insincerely
6 a : to use as a starting pitcher b : to play as pitcher
7 : to hit (a golf ball) in a high arc with backspin so that it rolls very little after striking the green
8 : THROW 14 <pitch a fit>
intransitive verb
1 a : to fall precipitately or headlong b (1) of a ship : to have the bow alternately plunge precipitately and rise abruptly (2) of an aircraft, missile, or spacecraft : to turn about a lateral axis so that the forward end rises or falls in relation to the after end c : BUCK 1
2 : ENCAMP
3 : to hit upon or happen upon something <pitch upon the perfect gift>
4 : to incline downward : SLOPE
5 a : to throw a ball to a batter b : to play ball as a pitcher c : to pitch a golf ball
6 : to make a sales pitch
synonyms see THROW
–pitch into
1 : ATTACK, ASSAIL
2 : to set to work on energetically

pitch
n. 1 a : SLOPE also : degree of slope : RAKE b : the distance between any of various things: as (1) : distance between one point on a gear tooth and the corresponding point on the next tooth (2) : distance from any point on the thread of a screw to the corresponding point on an adjacent thread measured parallel to the axis c : the theoretical distance a propeller would advance longitudinally in one revolution d : the number of teeth or of threads per inch e : a unit of width of type based on the number of times a letter can be set in a linear inch
2 : the action or a manner of pitching especially : an up-and-down movement ― compare YAW
3 archaic : TOP, ZENITH
4 a : the relative level, intensity, or extent of some quality or state <tensions rose to a feverish pitch> b (1) : the property of a sound and especially a musical tone that is determined by the frequency of the waves producing it : highness or lowness of sound (2) : a standard frequency for tuning instruments c (1) : the difference in the relative vibration frequency of the human voice that contributes to the total meaning of speech (2) : a definite relative pitch that is a significant phenomenon in speech
5 a : a steep place : DECLIVITY b : the portion of a route (as in mountain climbing or caving) between belay points
6 chiefly British a : an outdoor site (as for camping or doing business) b : PLAYING FIELD 1
7 : an all-fours game in which the first card led is a trump
8 a : an often high-pressure sales presentation b : ADVERTISEMENT c : RECOMMENDATION, PLUG <made a pitch for tax cuts>
9 a : the delivery of a baseball by a pitcher to a batter b : a baseball so thrown c : PITCHOUT 2
–pitched \'picht\ adjective

pitch
n. pitch out
absolute pitch
perfect pitch
concert pitch
fast pitch
fever pitch
international pitch
pitch into
pitch black
pitch dark
pitch in
pitch perfect
pitch pine
pitch pipe
slo pitch
slow pitch
wild pitch
high pitched
pitched battle

pitch in
1 : to begin to work
2 : to contribute to a common endeavor

pitch into

1 : ATTACK, ASSAIL
2 : to set to work on energetically

pitch pine
1 : any of several pines that yield pitch especially : a 3-leaved pine (Pinus rigida) of eastern No. America
2 : the wood of a pitch pine

pitch pipe
: a small reed pipe or flue pipe producing one or more tones to establish the pitch in singing or in tuning an instrument

pitch-black
: extremely dark or black

pitch-dark
: extremely dark : PITCH-BLACK

pitch-perfect
: sensitive to or having exactly the right tone or style <a pitch-perfect translation>

pitchblende
n. : a brown to black mineral that consists of massive uraninite, has a distinctive luster, contains radium, and is the chief ore-mineral source of uranium

pitched battle
: an intensely fought battle in which the opposing forces are locked in close combat

pitcher
n. 1 : a container for holding and pouring liquids that usually has a lip or spout and a handle
2 : a modified leaf of a pitcher plant in which the hollowed petiole and base of the blade form an elongated receptacle
–pitch·er·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

pitcher
n. : one that pitches specifically : the player who pitches in a game of baseball

pitcher plant
: a plant (esp. family Sarraceniaceae, the pitcher-plant family) with leaves modified into pitchers in which insects are trapped and digested by means of liquids secreted by the leaves

pitchfork
n. : a long-handled fork that has two or three long somewhat curved prongs and is used especially in pitching hay
–pitchfork transitive verb

pitchman
n. : a man who makes a sales pitch: as a : one who sells merchandise on the streets or from a concession b : one who does radio or TV commercials

pitchout
n. 1 : a pitch in baseball deliberately out of reach of the batter to enable the catcher to put out a base runner especially with a throw
2 : a lateral pass in football between two backs behind the line of scrimmage
–pitch out intransitive verb

pitchpole
v. intransitive verb : to turn end over end <the catamaran pitchpoled>
transitive verb : to cause to turn end over end

pitchwoman
: a woman who makes a sales pitch

pitchy
adj. 1 a : full of pitch : TARRY b : of, relating to, or having the qualities of pitch
2 : PITCH-BLACK

piteous
adj. : of a kind to move to pity or compassion
–pit·e·ous·ly adverb
–pit·e·ous·ness noun

Pitesti
city S cen Romania pop 168,756

pitfall
n. 1 : TRAP, SNARE specifically : a pit flimsily covered or camouflaged and used to capture and hold animals or men
2 : a hidden or not easily recognized danger or difficulty

pith
n. 1 a : a usually continuous central strand of spongy tissue in the stems of most vascular plants that prob. functions chiefly in storage b : any of various loose spongy plant tissues that resemble true pith c : the soft or spongy interior of a part of the body
2 a : the essential part : CORE b : substantial quality (as of meaning)
3 : IMPORTANCE

pith
n. 1 a : to kill (as cattle) by piercing or severing the spinal cord b : to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the vertebral canal
2 : to remove the pith from (a plant stem)

pith helmet
: TOPEE

pith ray
: MEDULLARY RAY

pithead
n. chiefly British : the top of a mining pit or coal shaft also : the immediately adjacent ground and buildings

pithy
adj. 1 : consisting of or abounding in pith
2 : having substance and point : tersely cogent
synonyms see CONCISE
–pith·i·ly \'pi-thə-lē\ adverb
–pith·i·ness \'pi-thē-nəs\ noun

pitiable
adj. 1 : deserving or exciting pity : LAMENTABLE <pitiable victims>
2 : of a kind to evoke mingled pity and contempt especially because of inadequacy <a pitiable excuse>
synonyms see CONTEMPTIBLE
–piti·able·ness noun
–piti·ably \-blē\ adverb

pitier
: one that pities

pitiful
adj. 1 archaic : full of pity : COMPASSIONATE
2 a : deserving or arousing pity or commiseration b : exciting pitying contempt (as by meanness or inadequacy) <pitiful wages>
–piti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–piti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

pitiless
adj. : devoid of pity : HARSH, CRUEL
–piti·less·ly adverb
–piti·less·ness noun

Pitman
n. Sir Isaac 1813-1897 Eng. phonographer

pitman
n. 1 plural pit·men \-mən\ : a man who works in or near a pit: as a British : MINER b : a sawyer who stands below the timber
2 plural pitmans : CONNECTING ROD

piton
n. : a spike, wedge, or peg that is driven into a rock or ice surface as a support (as for a mountain climber)

pitot tube
1 : a device that consists of a tube having a short right-angled bend which is placed vertically in a moving body of fluid (as air) with the mouth of the bent part directed upstream and that is used with a manometer to measure the velocity of fluid flow
2 : PITOT-STATIC TUBE

pitot-static tube
: a device that consists of a pitot tube and a static tube and that measures pressures in such a way that the relative speed of a fluid can be determined

Pitt
n. William 1708-1778 Earl of Chatham; the Elder Pitt Brit. statesman

Pitt
n. William 1759-1806 the Younger Pitt; son of prec. Brit. statesman; prime min. (1783-1801; 1804-06)

Pitt-Rivers
Augustus Henry 1827-1900 Eng. archaeol.

pittance
n. : a small portion, amount, or allowance also : a meager wage or remuneration

pitted
adj. : marked with pits

pitter-patter
: a rapid succession of light sounds or beats : PATTER
–pitter-patter \ˌpi-tər-', ˌpi-tē-'\ adverb or adjective
–pitter-patter \same as adv\ intransitive verb

pitting
n. 1 : an arrangement of pits
2 : the action or process of forming pits
3 : the bringing of gamecocks together to fight

pittosporum
n. : any of various Old World shrubs or trees (genus Pittosporum of the family Pittosporaceae) planted especially as ornamentals in warm regions

Pittsburg
city W Calif. NE of Oakland on San Joaquin River pop 56,769

Pittsburgh
n. city SW Pa. at confluence of the Allegheny & the Monongahela where they form the Ohio pop 334,563
–Pitts·burgh·er \-ˌbər-gər\ noun

Pittsfield
city W Mass. pop 45,793

pituitary
n. 1 : of or relating to the pituitary gland
2 : caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland <pituitary dwarfism>

pituitary
n. : PITUITARY GLAND

pituitary gland
: a small oval endocrine organ that is attached to the infundibulum of the brain, consists of an epithelial anterior lobe joined by an intermediate part to a posterior lobe of nervous origin, and produces various internal secretions directly or indirectly impinging on most basic body functions ― called also hypophysis pituitary body ― see BRAIN illustration

pity
n. 1 a : sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy b : capacity to feel pity
2 : something to be regretted <it's a pity you can't go>
synonyms PITY, COMPASSION, COMMISERATION, CONDOLENCE, SYMPATHY mean the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another. PITY implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress <felt pity for the captives>. COMPASSION implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare <treats the homeless with great compassion>. COMMISERATION suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort <murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters>. CONDOLENCE applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss <expressed their condolences to the widow>. SYMPATHY often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort <went to my best friend for sympathy> <in sympathy with her desire to locate her natural parents>.

pity
n. transitive verb : to feel pity for
intransitive verb : to feel pity

pitying
adj. : expressing or feeling pity
–pity·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

pityriasis
n. : any of various skin conditions of humans or domestic animals marked by dry scaling patches of skin

piu
: MORE ― used to qualify an adverb or adjective used as a direction in music

Pius
n. name of 12 popes: especially II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini or Ae·ne·as Sil·vi·us \i-'nē-əs-'sil-vē-əs\ or Syl·vi·us \'sil-vē-əs\) 1405-1464 (pope 1458-64); VII 1742-1823 (pope 1800-23); IX 1792-1878 (pope 1846-78); X 1835-1914 (pope 1903-14); XI (Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti) 1857-1939 (pope 1922-39); XII (Eugenio Pacelli) 1876-1958 (pope 1939-58)

Piute
variant of paiute

pivot
n. 1 : a shaft or pin on which something turns
2 a : a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effect b : a key player or position specifically : an offensive position of a basketball player standing usually with back to the basket to relay passes, shoot, or provide a screen for teammates
3 : the action of pivoting especially : the action in basketball of stepping with one foot while keeping the other foot at its point of contact with the floor

pivot
n. 1 : turning on or as if on a pivot
2 : PIVOTAL

pivot
n. : to turn on or as if on a pivot
transitive verb
1 : to provide with, mount on, or attach by a pivot
2 : to cause to pivot
–pivot·able \-və-tə-bəl\ adjective

pivot tooth
: an artificial crown attached to the root of a tooth by a usually metallic pin ― called also pivot crown

pivotal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2 : vitally important : CRITICAL
–piv·ot·al·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

pivotman
: one who plays the pivot specifically : a center on a basketball team

pix
n. plural of pic

pixel
n. 1 : any of the small discrete elements that together constitute an image (as on a television or computer screen)
2 : any of the detecting elements of a charge-coupled device used as an optical sensor

pixie
n. 1 : FAIRY specifically : a cheerful mischievous sprite
2 : a usually petite vivacious woman or girl
–pix·ie·ish \-sē-ish\ adjective

pixie
n. : playfully mischievous
–pixi·ness noun

pixilated
adj. 1 : somewhat unbalanced mentally also : BEMUSED
2 : WHIMSICAL <pixilated pleasures>
–pix·i·la·tion \ˌpik-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

Piz Bernina
― see BERNINA

Pizarro
n. Francisco ca 1475-1541 Span. conquistador

pizz
pizzicato

pizza
n. : a dish made typically of flattened bread dough spread with a savory mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked ― called also pizza pie
–pizza·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

pizzazz
n. : the quality of being exciting or attractive: as a : GLAMOUR b : VITALITY
–piz·zazzy or pi·zazzy \-'za-zē\ adjective

pizzeria
n. : an establishment where pizzas are made or sold

pizzicato
adv. : a note or passage played by plucking strings

pizzicato
adv. : by means of plucking instead of bowing ― used as a direction in music ― compare ARCO

pizzle
n. 1 : the penis of an animal
2 : a whip made of a bull's pizzle

pièce
pièce de résistance
pièce d'occasion
pièce justificative
pièce montée

pj's
n. : PAJAMAS

PK
: PSYCHOKINESIS

PK
preacher's kid

pk
1 park
2 peak
3 peck
4 pike

pkg
n. package

pkt
n. packet

PKU
phenylketonuria

pkwy
parkway

PL
n. 1 private line
2 public law
3 public library

pl
n. 1 place
2 plate

placable
adj. : easily placated : TOLERANT, TRACTABLE
–pla·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌpla-kə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌplā-\ noun
–pla·ca·bly \'pla-kə-blē, 'plā-\ adverb

placard
n. 1 : a notice posted in a public place : POSTER
2 : a small card or metal plaque

placard
n. 1 a : to cover with or as if with posters b : to post in a public place
2 : to announce by or as if by posting

placate
: to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE
synonyms see PACIFY
–pla·cat·er noun
–pla·cat·ing·ly \-ˌkā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–pla·ca·tion \plā-'kā-shən, pla-\ noun
–pla·ca·tive \'plā-ˌkā-tiv, 'pla-\ adjective
–pla·ca·to·ry \'plā-kə-ˌtȯr-ē, 'pla-\ adjective

place
n. 1 a : physical environment : SPACE b : a way for admission or transit c : physical surroundings : ATMOSPHERE
2 a : an indefinite region or expanse <all over the place> b : a building or locality used for a special purpose <a place of learning> <a fine eating place> c archaic : the three-dimensional compass of a material object
3 a : a particular region, center of population, or location <a nice place to visit> b : a building, part of a building, or area occupied as a home <our summer place>
4 : a particular part of a surface or body : SPOT
5 : relative position in a scale or series: as a : position in a social scale <kept them in their place> b : a step in a sequence <in the first place, it's none of your business> c : a position at the conclusion of a competition <finished in last place>
6 a : a proper or designated niche or setting <the place of education in society> b : an appropriate moment or point <this is not the place to discuss compensation ― Robert Moses> c : a distinct condition, position, or state of mind <the postfeminist generation is in a different place ― Betty Friedan>
7 a : an available seat or accommodation <needs a place to stay> b : an empty or vacated position <new ones will take their place>
8 : the position of a figure in relation to others of a row or series especially : the position of a digit within a numeral
9 a : remunerative employment : JOB b : prestige accorded to one of high rank : STATUS <an endless quest for preferment and place ― Time>
10 : a public square : PLAZA
11 : a small street or court
12 : second place at the finish (as of a horse race)
–in place
1 also into place a : in an original or proper position b : established, instituted, or operational <systems in place>
2 : in the same spot without forward or backward movement <run in place>
–in place of : as a substitute or replacement for : INSTEAD OF
–out of place
1 : not in the proper or usual location
2 : IMPROPER, INAPPROPRIATE

place
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put in or as if in a particular place or position : SET b : to present for consideration <a question placed before the group> c : to put in a particular state <place a performer under contract> d : to direct to a desired spot e : to cause (the voice) to produce free and well resonated singing or speaking tones
2 a : to assign to a position in a series or category : RANK b : ESTIMATE <placed the value of the estate too high> c : to identify by connecting with an associated context <couldn't quite place her face> <police placed them at the crime scene>
3 : to distribute in an orderly manner : ARRANGE
4 : to appoint to a position
5 : to find a place (as a home or employment) for
6 a : to give (an order) to a supplier b : to give an order for <place a bet> c : to try to establish a connection for <place a telephone call>
intransitive verb : to earn a given spot in a competition specifically : to come in second (as in a horse race)
–place·able \'plā-sə-bəl\ adjective

place
n. into place
between the rock and the hard place
decimal place
give place to
high place
hundreds place
jumping off place
ones place
out of place
in place of
in place
place mat
place name
place setting
place value
pride of place
between a rock and a hard place
take place
tens place
thousands place
units place
watering place
place aux dames
sur place
University Place
go places
well placed

place aux dames
: (make) room for the ladies

place mat
: a small often rectangular table mat on which a place setting is laid

place setting
: a set of dishes and flatware constituting a table service for one person

place value
: the value of the place of a digit in a numeral

place-name
: the name of a geographic locality

placebo
n. 1 a : a usually pharmacologically inert preparation prescribed more for the mental relief of the patient than for its actual effect on a disorder b : an inert or innocuous substance used especially in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (as a drug)
2 : something tending to soothe

placebo effect
: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used

placeholder
n. : a symbol in a mathematical or logical expression that may be replaced by the name of any element of a set

placekick
n. : the kicking of a ball (as a football) placed or held in a stationary position on the ground

placekick
n. 1 : to kick (a ball) from a stationary position
2 : to score by means of a placekick
–place·kick·er noun

placeless
1 : lacking a fixed location
2 : indistinguishable from other such places in appearance or character <a placeless parking complex ― T. J. Jablonsky>
–place·less·ly adverb
–placelessness noun

placeman
n. : a political appointee to a public office especially in 18th century Britain

placement
n. 1 : an act or instance of placing: as a : an accurately hit ball (as in tennis) that an opponent cannot return b : the assignment of a person to a suitable place (as a job or a class in school)
2 : PLACEKICK

placement test
: a test usually given to a student entering an educational institution to determine specific knowledge or proficiency in various subjects for the purpose of assignment to appropriate courses or classes

placenta
n. 1 : the vascular organ in mammals except monotremes and marsupials that unites the fetus to the maternal uterus and mediates its metabolic exchanges through a more or less intimate association of uterine mucosal with chorionic and usually allantoic tissues also : an analogous organ in another animal
2 : a sporangium-bearing surface especially : the part of the carpel bearing ovules

placental
adj. 1 : of, relating to, having, or occurring by means of a placenta
2 : EUTHERIAN

placental
adj. : a placental mammal : EUTHERIAN

placentation
n. 1 : the arrangement of placentas and ovules in a plant ovary
2 a : the development of the placenta and attachment of the fetus to the uterus during pregnancy b : the morphological type of a placenta

Placentia
city SW Calif. pop 46,488

Placentia Bay
inlet of the Atlantic E Canada in SE Newfoundland

placer
n. : one that places: as a : one that deposits or arranges b : one of the winners in a competition

placer
n. : an alluvial, marine, or glacial deposit containing particles of valuable mineral and especially of gold <placer gold>

placid
adj. : serenely free of interruption or disturbance <placid skies> <a placid disposition> also : COMPLACENT 1
synonyms see CALM
–pla·cid·i·ty \pla-'si-də-tē, plə-\ noun
–plac·id·ly \'pla-səd-lē\ adverb
–plac·id·ness noun

Placid, Lake
lake 5 mi (8 km) long NE N.Y. in the Adirondacks

placket
n. 1 a : a slit in a garment (as a skirt) often forming the closure b archaic : a pocket especially in a woman's skirt
2 archaic a : PETTICOAT b : WOMAN

placoderm
n. : any of a class (Placodermi) of extinct chiefly Devonian fishes with an armor of bony plates and primitive jaw structures

placoid
adj. : of, relating to, or being a scale of dermal origin with an enamel-tipped spine characteristic of the elasmobranchs

plagal
n. 1 of a church mode : having the keynote on the fourth scale step ― compare AUTHENTIC 4a
2 of a cadence : progressing from the subdominant chord to the tonic ― compare AUTHENTIC 4b

plage
n. 1 : the beach of a seaside resort
2 : a bright region on the sun caused by the light emitted by clouds of calcium or hydrogen and often associated with a sunspot

plagiarise
v. British variant of plagiarize

plagiarism
n. 1 : an act or instance of plagiarizing
2 : something plagiarized
–pla·gia·rist \-rist\ noun
–pla·gia·ris·tic \ˌplā-jə-'ris-tik also -jē-ə-\ adjective

plagiarize
v. transitive verb : to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source
intransitive verb : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
–pla·gia·riz·er noun

plagiary
n. 1 archaic : one that plagiarizes
2 : PLAGIARISM

plagioclase
n. : a triclinic feldspar especially : one having calcium or sodium in its composition

plagiotropic
: having the longer axis inclined away from the vertical

plague
n. 1 a : a disastrous evil or affliction : CALAMITY b : a destructively numerous influx <a plague of locusts>
2 a : an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality : PESTILENCE b : a virulent contagious febrile disease that is caused by a bacterium (Yersinia pestis) and that occurs in bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic forms ― called also black death
3 a : a cause of irritation : NUISANCE b : a sudden unwelcome outbreak <a plague of burglaries>

plague
n. 1 : to smite, infest, or afflict with or as if with disease, calamity, or natural evil
2 a : to cause worry or distress to : HAMPER, BURDEN b : to disturb or annoy persistently
synonyms see WORRY
–plagu·er noun

plaguey
adj. : causing irritation or annoyance : TROUBLESOME
–plaguey adverb
–plagu·i·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

plaice
n. : any of various flatfishes especially : a large European flounder (Pleuronectes platessa) having red spots and used for food

plaid
n. 1 : a rectangular length of tartan worn over the left shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume
2 a : a twilled woolen fabric with a tartan pattern b : a fabric with a pattern of tartan or an imitation of tartan
3 a : TARTAN 1 b : a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles
–plaid adjective
–plaid·ed \'pla-dəd\ adjective

plaid
n. buffalo plaid
glen plaid
shepherd's plaid

plain
n. archaic : COMPLAIN

plain
n. 1 a : an extensive area of level or rolling treeless country b : a broad unbroken expanse
2 : something free from artifice, ornament, or extraneous matter

plain
n. 1 archaic : EVEN, LEVEL
2 : lacking ornament : UNDECORATED
3 : free of extraneous matter : PURE
4 : free of impediments to view : UNOBSTRUCTED
5 a (1) : evident to the mind or senses : OBVIOUS <it's perfectly plain that they will resist> (2) : CLEAR <let me make my meaning plain> b : marked by outspoken candor : free from duplicity or subtlety : BLUNT <plain talk>
6 a : belonging to the masses : COMMON b : lacking special distinction or affectation : ORDINARY
7 : characterized by simplicity : not complicated <plain home-cooked meals>
8 : lacking beauty or ugliness
synonyms see COMMON, EVIDENT, FRANK
–plain·ly adverb
–plain·ness \'plān-nəs\ noun

plain
n. : in a plain manner : without obscurity or ambiguity <saw them clearly and told you plain ― American Documentation>

plain
n. : ABSOLUTELY 1 <it plain galled me to pay fancy prices ― F. R. Buckley>

plain
n. abyssal plain
plain Jane
plain laid
Plain People
plain sailing
plain vanilla
plain weave
plain woven
Esdraelon Plain of
Gangetic Plain
Kanto Plain
Staked Plain
Nullarbor Plain
Salisbury Plain
Serengeti Plain
Sharon Plain of
Great Plains
High Plains
Plains of Abraham
White Plains

plain Jane
: one that is plain

Plain People
: members of any of various Protestant groups (as Mennonites) especially in the U.S. who wear distinctively plain clothes and adhere to a simple and traditional style of life excluding many conveniences of modern technology

plain sailing
: easy progress over an unobstructed course

plain weave
: a weave in which the threads interlace alternately

plain-Jane
: not fancy or glamorous : ORDINARY

plain-laid
of a rope : consisting of three strands laid right-handed ― compare CABLE-LAID

plain-vanilla
: lacking special features or qualities : BASIC

plain-woven
: made in plain weave

plainchant
n. : PLAINSONG

plainclothes
n. : dressed in civilian clothes while on duty ― used especially of a police officer

plainclothesman
n. : a plainclothes police officer

Plainfield
n. city NE N.J. pop 47,829

Plains
n. : of or relating to No. American Indians of the Great Plains or to their culture

Plains
n. Great Plains
High Plains
Plains of Abraham
White Plains

Plains of Abraham
plateau Canada in W part of city of Quebec

plainsman
n. : an inhabitant of the plains

plainsong
n. : a monophonic rhythmically free liturgical chant of any of various Christian rites especially : GREGORIAN CHANT

plainspoken
adj. : CANDID, FRANK
–plain·spo·ken·ness \-kən-nəs\ noun

plaint
n. 1 : LAMENTATION, WAIL
2 : PROTEST, COMPLAINT

plaintext
: the intelligible form of an encrypted text or of its elements ― compare CIPHERTEXT

plaintiff
n. : a person who brings a legal action ― compare DEFENDANT

plaintive
adj. : expressive of suffering or woe : MELANCHOLY <a plaintive sigh>
–plain·tive·ly adverb
–plain·tive·ness noun

plait
n. 1 : PLEAT
2 : a braid of material (as hair or straw) specifically : PIGTAIL

plait
n. 1 : PLEAT 1
2 a : to interweave the strands or locks of : BRAID b : to make by plaiting <plait a basket>
–plait·er noun

plaiting
v. : the interlacing of strands : BRAIDING

plan
n. 1 : a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as a : a top or horizontal view of an object b : a large-scale map of a small area
2 a : a method for achieving an end b : an often customary method of doing something : PROCEDURE c : a detailed formulation of a program of action d : GOAL, AIM
3 : an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective
4 : a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service) <pension plan>
–plan·less \-ləs\ adjective
–plan·less·ly adverb
–plan·less·ness noun
synonyms PLAN, DESIGN, PLOT, SCHEME, PROJECT mean a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end. PLAN always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation <plans for a house>. DESIGN often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony <a design for a new dress>. PLOT implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions <the plot of the play>. SCHEME stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest <a scheme to defraud the government>. PROJECT often stresses imaginative scope and vision <a project to develop the waterfront>.

plan
n. transitive verb
1 : to arrange the parts of : DESIGN <plan a new layout>
2 : to devise or project the realization or achievement of <planned their escape>
3 : to have in mind : INTEND <plans to leave soon>
intransitive verb
1 : to make plans <plan ahead>
2 : to have a specified intention ― used with on <plans on going>
–plan·ner noun

plan
n. 1 : flat <planography>
2 : flat and <plano-concave>

plan
n. American plan
commission plan
European plan
flight plan
game plan
ground plan
installment plan
Keogh plan
master plan
plan position indicator
city planning
family planning
natural family planning
city planner

plan position indicator
: a radarscope having a sweep synchronized with a usually rotating antenna so that the radar return can be used to find range and bearing

planar
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or lying in a plane
2 : two-dimensional in quality
–pla·nar·i·ty \plā-'na-rə-tē\ noun

planaria
: any of a genus (Planaria) of 2-eyed planarian worms broadly : PLANARIAN

planarian
n. : TRICLAD especially : any of various dark-colored freshwater triclad flatworms (family Planariidae) with two eyespots and a triangular head

planation
n. : the condition or process of becoming flattened

planchet
n. 1 : a metal disk to be stamped as a coin
2 : a small metal or plastic disk

planchette
n. : a small triangular or heart-shaped board supported on casters at two points and a vertical pencil at a third and believed to produce automatic writing when lightly touched by the fingers also : a similar board without a pencil

Planck
Max Karl Ernst Ludwig 1858-1947 Ger. physicist

Planck's constant
: a constant that gives the unvarying ratio of the energy of a quantum of radiation to its frequency and that has an approximate value of 6.626 × 10-34 J·s ― symbol h

plane
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make smooth or even : LEVEL b : to make smooth or even by use of a plane
2 : to remove by or as if by planing ― often used with away or off
intransitive verb
1 : to work with a plane
2 : to do the work of a plane
–plan·er noun

plane
n. : any of a genus (Platanus of the family Platanaceae, the plane-tree family) of chiefly deciduous trees with large palmately lobed leaves, flowers in globose heads, and usually scaling bark ― called also buttonwood plane tree sycamore

plane
n. : a tool for smoothing or shaping a wood surface

plane
n. 1 a : a surface in which if any two points are chosen a straight line joining them lies wholly in that surface b : a flat or level surface
2 : a level of existence, consciousness, or development <on the intellectual plane>
3 a : one of the main supporting surfaces of an airplane b [by shortening] : AIRPLANE

plane
n. 1 : having no elevations or depressions : FLAT
2 a : of, relating to, or dealing with geometric planes b : lying in a plane <a plane curve>
synonyms see LEVEL

plane
n. 1 a : to fly while keeping the wings motionless b : to skim across the surface of the water
2 : to travel by airplane

plane
n. plane tree
aerospace plane
block plane
Cartesian plane
complex plane
equatorial plane
focal plane
half plane
inclined plane
jack plane
London plane
London plane tree
plane angle
plane geometry
plane of polarization
plane polarized
plane table
pursuit plane
rocket plane
tangent plane
torpedo plane
planer tree

plane angle
: an angle that for a given dihedral angle is formed by two intersecting lines each of which lies on a face of the dihedral angle and is perpendicular to the edge of the face

plane geometry
: a branch of elementary geometry that deals with plane figures

plane of polarization

1831
: the plane in which the magnetic-vibration component of plane-polarized electromagnetic radiation lies

plane table
: an instrument consisting essentially of a drawing board on a tripod with a ruler pointed at the object observed and used for plotting the lines of a survey directly from observation

plane-polarized
: vibrating in a single plane <plane-polarized light waves>

planeload
n. : a load that fills an airplane

planer tree
: a deciduous tree (Planera aquatica) of the elm family growing chiefly in wet southeastern U.S. soils and having an oval ribbed nutlike drupe

planet
n. 1 a : any of the seven celestial bodies sun, moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn that in ancient belief have motions of their own among the fixed stars b (1) : any of the large bodies that revolve around the sun in the solar system (2) : a similar body associated with another star c : EARTH ― usually used with the
2 : a celestial body held to influence the fate of human beings
3 : a person or thing of great importance : LUMINARY
–plan·et·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

see table...

planet
n. inferior planet
inner planet
minor planet
outer planet
planet table
planet stricken
planet struck
planet wheel
superior planet

planet wheel
: a gear wheel that revolves around the wheel with which it meshes in an epicyclic train

planet-stricken
1 archaic : affected by the influence of a planet
2 archaic : PANIC-STRICKEN

planet-table

planetarium
n. 1 : a model or representation of the solar system
2 a : an optical device for projecting various celestial images and effects b : a building or room housing such a projector

planetary
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet b : ERRATIC, WANDERING c : having a motion like that of a planet <planetary electrons> d : IMMENSE <the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions>
2 a : of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : TERRESTRIAL b : GLOBAL, WORLDWIDE <planetary politics>
3 : having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

planetary
adj. planetary nebula
planetary science
planetary scientist

planetary nebula
: a usually compact luminous ring-shaped nebula that is composed of matter which has been ejected from a hot star at its center

planetary science
: PLANETOLOGY
–planetary scientist noun

planetesimal
n. : any of numerous small solid celestial bodies that may have existed at an early stage of the development of the solar system

planetesimal hypothesis
: a hypothesis in astronomy: the planets have evolved by aggregation from planetesimals

planetoid
n. : a small body resembling a planet especially : ASTEROID
–plan·et·oi·dal \ˌpla-nə-'tȯi-dəl\ adjective

planetology
n. : a branch of astronomy that deals with the condensed matter of the solar system and especially with the planets and their moons
–plan·et·o·log·i·cal \ˌpla-nə-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–plan·et·ol·o·gist \ˌpla-nə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

planetwide
: extending throughout or involving an entire planet

planform
n. : the contour of an object (as an airplane) or mass as viewed from above

plangency
n. : the quality or state of being plangent

plangent
adj. 1 : having a loud reverberating sound <a plangent roar>
2 : having an expressive and especially plaintive quality <plangent lyrics>
–plan·gent·ly adverb

planimeter
n. : an instrument for measuring the area of a plane figure by tracing its boundary line

planimetric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or made by means of a planimeter <planimetric measurements>
2 of a map : having no indications of relief
–pla·ni·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

planing
n. : having or being a hull designed to lift partially from the water's surface at high speeds <planing boats>

planish
v. : to smooth, toughen, and finish (metal) by hammering lightly
–plan·ish·er noun

planisphere
n. : a representation of the circles of the sphere on a plane especially : a polar projection of the celestial sphere and the stars on a plane with adjustable circles or other appendages for showing celestial phenomena for any given time
–pla·ni·spher·ic \ˌplā-nə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

plank
n. 1 a : a heavy thick board especially : one 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) thick and at least 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide b : an object made of a plank or planking c : PLANKING
2 a : an article in the platform of a political party b : a principal item of a policy or program

plank
n. 1 : to cover, build, or floor with planks
2 : to set down forcefully ― usually used with down
3 : to cook and serve on a board <planked salmon> <planked steak>

planking
n. 1 : the act or process of covering or fitting with planks
2 : a quantity of planks

plankter
: a planktonic organism

plankton
n. : the passively floating or weakly swimming usually minute animal and plant life of a body of water
–plank·ton·ic \plaŋ(k)-'tä-nik\ adjective

planning
n. : the act or process of making or carrying out plans specifically : the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit <city planning> <business planning>

planning
n. city planning
family planning
natural family planning

Plano
pref. city NE Tex. N of Dallas pop 222,030

plano
pref. ― see PLAN-

plano-concave
: flat on one side and concave on the other

plano-convex
: flat on one side and convex on the other

planography
: a process (as lithography) for printing from a plane surface
–pla·no·graph·ic \ˌplā-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective

plant
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put or set in the ground for growth <plant seeds> b : to set or sow with seeds or plants c : IMPLANT
2 a : ESTABLISH, INSTITUTE b : COLONIZE, SETTLE c : to place (animals) in a new locality d : to stock with animals
3 a : to place in or on the ground b : to place firmly or forcibly <planted a hard blow on his chin>
4 a : CONCEAL b : to covertly place for discovery, publication, or dissemination
intransitive verb : to plant something
–plant·able \'plan-tə-bəl\ adjective

plant
n. 1 a : a young tree, vine, shrub, or herb planted or suitable for planting b : any of a kingdom (Plantae) of multicellular eukaryotic mostly photosynthetic organisms typically lacking locomotive movement or obvious nervous or sensory organs and possessing cellulose cell walls
2 a : the land, buildings, machinery, apparatus, and fixtures employed in carrying on a trade or an industrial business b : a factory or workshop for the manufacture of a particular product also : POWER PLANT c : the total facilities available for production or service d : the buildings and other physical equipment of an institution
3 : an act of planting
4 : something or someone planted
–plant·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

plant
n. flowering plant
gas plant
packing plant
oyster plant
air plant
castor oil plant
century plant
compass plant
face plant
foliage plant
ice plant
indigo plant
jade plant
jumping plant louse
money plant
musk plant
pitcher plant
plant food
plant hormone
plant kingdom
plant louse
power plant
rubber plant
seed plant
sensitive plant
snow plant
soap plant
spider plant
tarnished plant bug
umbrella plant
unicorn plant
vascular plant
Plant City

Plant City
city W cen Fla. E of Tampa pop 29,915

plant food
1 : FOOD 1B
2 : FERTILIZER

plant hormone
: an organic substance other than a nutrient that in minute amounts modifies a plant physiological process especially : one produced by a plant and active elsewhere than at the site of production

plant kingdom
: a basic group of natural objects that includes all living and extinct plants ― compare ANIMAL KINGDOM, MINERAL KINGDOM

plant louse
: APHID also : any of various small insects (as a jumping plant louse) of similar habits

Plantagenet
n. : of or relating to a royal house ruling England from 1154 to 1485
–Plantagenet noun

plantain
n. : any of a genus (Plantago of the family Plantaginaceae, the plantain family) of herbs with basal rosettes of usually lanceolate or elliptical leaves and spikes of minute greenish flowers

plantain
n. 1 : a banana plant (Musa paradisiaca)
2 : the angular greenish starchy fruit of the plantain that is a staple food in the tropics when cooked

plantain
n. plantain lily
rattlesnake plantain
water plantain

plantain lily
: HOSTA

plantar
adj. : of or relating to the sole of the foot <plantar wart>

Plantation
n. city SE Fla. W of Fort Lauderdale pop 82,934

plantation
n. 1 : a usually large group of plants and especially trees under cultivation
2 : a settlement in a new country or region <Plymouth Plantation>
3 a : a place that is planted or under cultivation b : an agricultural estate usually worked by resident labor

planter
n. 1 : one that cultivates plants: as a (1) : FARMER (2) : one who owns or operates a plantation b : a planting machine or implement
2 : one who settles or founds a place and especially a new colony
3 : a container in which ornamental plants are grown

planter's punch
: a punch of rum, lime or lemon juice, sugar, water, and sometimes bitters

plantigrade
n. : walking on the sole with the heel touching the ground <humans are plantigrade>
–plantigrade noun

Plantin
Christophe ca 1520-1589 Fr. printer

planting
n. : an area where plants are grown for commercial or decorative purposes also : the plants cultivated in such an area

plantlet
: a small or young plant

plantocracy
n. 1 : a ruling class made up of planters
2 : government by planters

plantsman
n. : a person skilled with plants : an expert gardener or horticulturist

planula
n. : the very young usually flattened oval or oblong free-swimming ciliated larva of a coelenterate

plaque
n. 1 a : an ornamental brooch especially : the badge of an honorary order b : a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration c : a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
2 a : a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface b : a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria c : an atherosclerotic lesion d : a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
3 : a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells

plash
n. : SPLASH

plash
n. : to cause a splashing or spattering effect
transitive verb : to break the surface of (water) : SPLASH

plasia
: development : formation <hyperplasia> <homoplasy>

plasm
conj. : PLASMA ― compare GERMPLASM

plasm
conj. : plasma <plasmodium> <plasmolysis>

plasm
conj. : formative or formed material (as of a cell or tissue) <endoplasm>

plasma
n. 1 : a green faintly translucent quartz
2 [New Latin, from Late Latin] a : the fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk as distinguished from suspended material especially : BLOOD PLASMA b : the juice that can be expressed from muscle
3 : PROTOPLASM
4 : a collection of charged particles (as in the atmospheres of stars or in a metal) containing about equal numbers of positive ions and electrons and exhibiting some properties of a gas but differing from a gas in being a good conductor of electricity and in being affected by a magnetic field
5 : a display (as a television screen) consisting of discrete cells of plasma sandwiched between two layers of glass and electrodes such that each cell emits light when it receives an electric current
–plas·mat·ic \plaz-'ma-tik\ adjective

plasma
n. blood plasma
plasma cell
plasma jet
plasma membrane
plasma torch

plasma cell
: a lymphocyte that is a mature antibody-secreting B cell

plasma jet
: a stream of very hot ionized plasma also : a device for producing such a stream

plasma membrane
: a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm ― called also cell membrane ― see CELL illustration

plasma torch
: a device that heats a gas by electrical means to form a plasma for high-temperature operations (as melting metal)

plasmagel
n. : gelated cytoplasm especially : the outer firm zone of a pseudopodium

plasmagene
: a self-replicating extranuclear determiner of hereditary characteristics

plasmalemma
n. : PLASMA MEMBRANE

plasmapheresis
n. : a process for removing blood plasma without depleting the donor or patient of other blood constituents (as red blood cells) by separating out the plasma from the whole blood and returning the rest to the donor's or patient's circulatory system

plasmasol
n. : cytoplasm in the form of a sol especially in a pseudopodium or amoeboid cell

plasmid
n. : an extrachromosomal ring of DNA especially of bacteria that replicates autonomously

plasmin
n. : a proteolytic enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots

plasminogen
n. : the precursor of plasmin that is found in blood plasma and serum

plasmodesma
n. : one of the cytoplasmic strands passing through openings in some plant cell walls and forming connections with adjacent cells

plasmodium
n. 1 a : a motile multinucleate mass of protoplasm resulting from fusion of uninucleate amoeboid cells also : an organism (as a stage of a slime mold) that consists of such a structure b : SYNCYTIUM 1
2 : a sporozoan parasite (genus Plasmodium) that is the causative agent of malaria

plasmogamy
n. : fusion of the cytoplasm of two or more cells as distinguished from fusion of nuclei

plasmolysis
n. : shrinking of the cytoplasm away from the wall of a living cell due to outward osmotic flow of water
–plas·mo·lyt·ic \ˌplaz-mə-'li-tik\ adjective

plasmolyze
v. transitive verb : to subject to plasmolysis
intransitive verb : to undergo plasmolysis

Plassey
village NE India in W. Bengal N of Calcutta

plast
: organized particle or granule : cell <chromoplast>

plaster
n. 1 : a medicated or protective dressing that consists of a film (as of cloth or plastic) spread with a usually medicated substance <adhesive plaster> broadly : something applied to heal and soothe
2 : a pasty composition (as of lime, water, and sand) that hardens on drying and is used for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions
–plas·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

plaster
n. transitive verb
1 : to overlay or cover with plaster : COAT
2 : to apply a plaster to
3 a : to cover over or conceal as if with a coat of plaster b : to apply as a coating or incrustation c : to smooth down with a sticky or shiny substance <plastered his hair down>
4 : to fasten or apply tightly to another surface
5 : to treat with plaster of paris
6 : to affix to or place on especially conspicuously or in quantity
7 : to inflict heavy damage or loss on especially by a concentrated or unremitting attack
intransitive verb : to apply plaster
–plas·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

plaster
n. court plaster
mustard plaster
plaster cast
plaster of paris
plaster saint
sticking plaster

plaster cast
1 : a sculptor's model in plaster of paris
2 : a rigid dressing of gauze impregnated with plaster of paris

plaster of paris
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO_4·1/2H_2O or 2CaSO_4·H_2O made by calcining gypsum and used chiefly for casts and molds in the form of a quick-setting paste with water

plaster saint
: a person without human failings

plasterboard
n. : DRYWALL

plastered
adj. : DRUNK, INTOXICATED

plastering
n. 1 : a coating of or as if of plaster
2 : a decisive defeat

plasterwork
n. : plastering often ornate in design used to finish architectural constructions

plastic
n. 1 : FORMATIVE, CREATIVE <plastic forces in nature>
2 a : capable of being molded or modeled <plastic clay> b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : PLIABLE <ecologically plastic animals>
3 : SCULPTURAL
4 : made or consisting of a plastic
5 : capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture
6 : of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery
7 : having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods especially : ARTIFICIAL 4 <plastic smiles>
8 : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity
synonyms PLASTIC, PLIABLE, PLIANT, DUCTILE, MALLEABLE, ADAPTABLE mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. PLASTIC applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form <plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom>. PLIABLE suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated <pliable rubber tubing>. PLIANT may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness <an athletic shoe with a pliant sole>. DUCTILE applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease <ductile metals such as copper>. MALLEABLE applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape <the malleable properties of gold>. ADAPTABLE implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses <computer hardware that is adaptable>.

plastic
n. 1 : a plastic substance specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments
2 : credit cards used for payment ― called also plastic money
–plas·ticky \'plas-ti-kē\ adjective

plastic
n. 1 : developing : forming <thromboplastic>
2 : of or relating to (something designated by a term ending in -plasm, -plast, -plasty, or -plasy) <homoplastic> <neoplastic>

plastic
n. plastic money
expanded plastic
plastic foam
foamed plastic
plastic art
plastic surgeon
plastic surgery

plastic art
1 : art (as sculpture or bas-relief) characterized by modeling : three-dimensional art
2 : visual art (as painting, sculpture, or film) especially as distinguished from art that is written (as poetry or music) ― often used in plural

plastic foam
: EXPANDED PLASTIC

plastic money
: PLASTIC 2

plastic surgeon
: a specialist in plastic surgery

plastic surgery
: surgery concerned with the repair, restoration, or improvement of lost, injured, defective, or misshapen body parts

plastically
adv. 1 : in a plastic manner
2 : with respect to plastic qualities

plasticine
n. : a plastic paste used for models and sculptures

plasticity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being plastic especially : capacity for being molded or altered
2 : the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation
3 : the capacity of organisms with the same genotype to vary in developmental pattern, in phenotype, or in behavior according to varying environmental conditions
4 : the capacity for continuous alteration of the neural pathways and synapses of the living brain and nervous system in response to experience or injury

plasticize
v. 1 : to make plastic
2 : to treat with a plastic <a plasticized mattress cover>
–plas·ti·ci·za·tion \ˌplas-tə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

plasticizer
n. : one that plasticizes specifically : a chemical added especially to rubbers and resins to impart flexibility, workability, or stretchability

plasticware
: articles made of plastic

plastid
n. : any of various cytoplasmic organelles (as an amyloplast or chloroplast) of photosynthetic cells that serve in many cases as centers of special metabolic activities
–plas·tid·i·al \pla-'sti-dē-əl\ adjective

plastisol
: a substance consisting of a mixture of a resin and a plasticizer that can be molded, cast, or made into a continuous film by application of heat

plastocyanin
: a copper-containing protein that acts as an intermediary in photosynthetic electron transport

plastoquinone
n. : a plant substance that is related to vitamin K and plays a role in photosynthetic phosphorylation

plastral
adj. : of or relating to a plastron

plastron
n. 1 a : a metal breastplate formerly worn under the hauberk b : a quilted pad worn in fencing practice to protect the chest, waist, and the side on which the weapon is held
2 : the ventral part of the shell of a tortoise or turtle consisting typically of nine symmetrically placed bones overlaid by horny plates
3 a : a trimming like a bib for a woman's dress b : DICKEY 1A
4 : a thin film of air held by water-repellent hairs of some aquatic insects

plasty
conj. : plastic surgery <osteoplasty>

plasy
― see -PLASIA

plat
n. : PLAIT

plat
n. : PLAIT

plat
n. 1 : a small piece of ground (as a lot or quadrat) : PLOT
2 : a plan, map, or chart of a piece of land with actual or proposed features (as lots) also : the land represented

plat
n. : to make a plat of

plat
n. 1 plateau
2 platoon

plat du jour
: a dish that is featured by a restaurant on a particular day

plata
oro y plata
La Plata
La Plata Peak
Mar del Plata
Plata Rio de la
Plata Río de la
Rio de la Plata
Río de la Plata

Plata, Rio de la
estuary of Paraná & Uruguay rivers S. America bet. Uruguay & Argentina

Plataea
ancient city Greece in SE Boeotia S of Thebes
–Pla·tae·an \-'tē-ən\ adjective or noun

platan
n. : 2PLANE

plate
n. 1 a : a smooth flat thin piece of material b (1) : forged, rolled, or cast metal in sheets usually thicker than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) (2) : a very thin layer of metal deposited on a surface of base metal by plating c : one of the broad metal pieces used in armor also : armor of such plates d (1) : a thin relatively flat anatomical part (as a lamina of bone) of an animal body especially : SCUTE (2) : the thin under portion of the forequarter of beef especially : the fatty back part ― see BEEF illustration e : HOME PLATE f : any of the large movable segments into which the earth's lithosphere is divided according to the theory of plate tectonics
2 [Middle English; partly from Anglo-French plate plate, bullion; partly from Old Spanish plata silver, from Vulgar Latin *platta metal plate, from feminine of plattus flat] a obsolete : a silver coin b : precious metal especially : silver bullion
3 [Middle English, from Anglo-French plat, plate dish, plate, from plat flat] a : domestic hollowware made of or plated with gold, silver, or base metals b : a shallow usually circular vessel from which food is eaten or served c (1) : a quantity to fill a plate : PLATEFUL (2) : a main course served on a plate (3) : food and service supplied to one person <a dinner at $10 a plate> d (1) : a prize given to the winner in a contest (2) British : a horse race in which the contestants compete for a prize of fixed value rather than stakes e : a dish or pouch passed during collections f : a flat glass or plastic dish used chiefly for culturing microorganisms
4 a : a prepared surface from which printing is done b : a sheet of material (as glass or plastic) coated with a light-sensitive photographic emulsion c : a metallic grid with its interstices filled with active material that forms one of the structural units of a battery d : LICENSE PLATE
5 : a horizontal structural member that provides bearing and anchorage especially for the trusses of a roof or the rafters
6 : the part of a denture that fits to the mouth broadly : DENTURE
7 : a full-page illustration often on different paper from the text pages
8 : a schedule of matters to deal with <have a lot on my plate now>
–plate·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–on a plate : without having been earned : as a gift <goals were handed to them on a plate>

plate
n. 1 : to cover or equip with plate: as a : to provide with armor plate b : to cover with an adherent layer mechanically, chemically, or electrically also : to deposit (as a layer) on a surface
2 : to make a printing surface from or for
3 : to fix or secure with a plate
4 : to cause (as a runner) to score in baseball
5 : to arrange (food) on a plate

plate
n. bite plate
blue plate
cell plate
end plate
equatorial plate
fashion plate
home plate
hot plate
license plate
metaphase plate
neural plate
number plate
on a plate
plate glass
plate rail
plate tectonics
plate tectonic
sieve plate
silver plate
tin plate
vanity plate
vanity license plate
wall plate
River Plate

plate glass
: rolled, ground, and polished sheet glass

plate rail
: a rail or narrow shelf along the upper part of a wall for holding plates or ornaments

plate tectonics
1 : a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and much of the earth's seismic activity occurs at the boundaries of these plates
2 : the process and dynamics of tectonic plate movement also : a similar process on a body other than earth ― compare CONTINENTAL DRIFT
–plate-tectonic adjective

plateau
n. 1 a : a usually extensive land area having a relatively level surface raised sharply above adjacent land on at least one side : TABLELAND b : a similar undersea feature
2 a : a region of little or no change in a graphic representation b : a relatively stable level, period, or condition
3 : a level of attainment or achievement <the 500-point plateau>

plateau
n. : to reach a level, period, or condition of stability or maximum attainment

plateau
n. Laurentian Plateau
Coconino Plateau
Colorado Plateau
Columbia Plateau
Cumberland Plateau
Edwards Plateau
Kaibab Plateau
Kimberley Plateau
Ozark Plateau
Uncompahgre Plateau

plateful
n. 1 : a quantity to fill a plate also : a generous helping
2 : a large number or amount <a plateful of problems>

plateglass
: of, relating to, or being the British universities founded in the latter half of the 20th century ― compare OXBRIDGE, REDBRICK 2

platelet
: a minute flattened body (as of ice or a mineral) especially : a minute colorless disklike body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and to damaged epithelium ― called also blood platelet, thrombocyte

platemaker
: a machine for making printing plates and especially offset printing plates
–plate·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

platen
n. 1 : a flat plate especially : one that exerts or receives pressure (as in a printing press)
2 : the roller of a typewriter or printer

plater
n. 1 : one that plates
2 a : a horse that runs chiefly in plate races b : a racehorse that competes in the lowest grade of races

plateresque
: of, relating to, or being a 16th century Spanish architectural style characterized by elaborate ornamentation suggestive of silver plate

platform
n. 1 : PLAN, DESIGN
2 : a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands especially : a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate
3 a (1) : a usually raised horizontal flat surface especially : a raised flooring (2) : a device or structure incorporating or providing a platform especially : such a structure on legs used for offshore drilling (as for oil) b : a place or opportunity for public discussion
4 a : a usually thick layer (as of cork) between the inner sole and outer sole of a shoe b : a shoe having such a sole
5 a : a vehicle (as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usually specified kind of equipment b : OPERATING SYSTEM also : the computer architecture and equipment using a particular operating system

platform
n. platform balance
platform scale
platform rocker
platform tennis
space platform

platform balance
: a balance having a platform on which objects are weighed ― called also platform scale

platform rocker
: a chair that rocks on a stable platform

platform tennis
: a variation of paddle tennis that is played on a platform enclosed by a wire fence

Plath
n. Sylvia 1932-1963 American poet

platina
: PLATINUM

plating
n. 1 : the act or process of plating
2 a : a coating of metal plates b : a thin coating of metal

platinize
v. : to cover, treat, or combine with platinum or a compound of platinum

platinocyanide
: a fluorescent complex salt formed by the union of a compound of platinum and cyanide with another cyanide

platinum
n. 1 : a precious grayish-white noncorroding ductile malleable heavy metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys ― see ELEMENT table
2 : a moderate gray

platinum
n. : qualifying for a platinum record
–go platinum : to have enough sales to qualify for a platinum record

platinum
n. cis platinum
go platinum
platinum blonde
platinum record

platinum blonde
1 : a person whose hair is of a pale silvery-blonde color
2 : the color of the hair of a platinum blonde

platinum record
: a platinum phonograph record awarded to a singer or group whose album has sold at least one million copies ― compare GOLD RECORD

platitude
n. 1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark

platitudinal
: PLATITUDINOUS

platitudinarian
adj. : one given to the use of platitudes

platitudinize
v. : to utter platitudes

platitudinous
adj. : having the characteristics of a platitude : full of platitudes <platitudinous remarks>
–plat·i·tu·di·nous·ly adverb

Plato
n. ca 428-348(or 347) B.C. Greek philos.

platonic
adj. 1 capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of Plato or Platonism
2 a : relating to or based on platonic love also : experiencing or professing platonic love b : of, relating to, or being a relationship marked by the absence of romance or sex
3 : NOMINAL, THEORETICAL
–pla·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

platonic love
1 : love conceived by Plato as ascending from passion for the individual to contemplation of the universal and ideal
2 : a close relationship between two persons in which sexual desire is nonexistent or has been suppressed or sublimated

Platonism
n. 1 a : the philosophy of Plato stressing especially that actual things are copies of transcendent ideas and that these ideas are the objects of true knowledge apprehended by reminiscence b : NEOPLATONISM
2 : PLATONIC LOVE
–Pla·to·nist \-tə-nist\ noun
–Pla·to·nis·tic \ˌplā-tə-'nis-tik\ adjective

Platonize
intransitive verb : to adopt, imitate, or conform to Platonic opinions
transitive verb : to explain in accordance with or adapt to Platonic doctrines especially : IDEALIZE

platoon
n. 1 : a subdivision of a company-sized military unit normally consisting of two or more squads or sections
2 : a group of persons sharing a common characteristic or activity <a platoon of waiters> especially : a group of football players who are trained for either offense or defense and are sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body

platoon
n. : to play (one player) alternately with another player in the same position (as on a baseball team)
intransitive verb
1 : to alternate with another player at the same position
2 : to use alternate players at the same position

platoon sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer in the army ranking above a staff sergeant and below a first sergeant

Plattdeutsch
: the Low German speech of northern Germany comprising several dialects

Platte
1 river 310 mi (499 km) cen Nebr. formed by junction of the N. Platte & S. Platte & flowing E into the Missouri
2 river 300 mi (483 km) SW Iowa & NW Mo. flowing into the Missouri

Plattensee
― see BALATON (Lake)

platter
n. 1 a : a large plate used especially for serving meat b : PLATE 3C(2)
2 : a phonograph record
–plat·ter·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–on a platter : without effort : very easily <can have the presidency on a platter ― Jonathan Daniels>

Plattsburgh
city NE N.Y. on Lake Champlain pop 18,816

platy
n. : resembling a plate also : consisting of plates or flaky layers ― used chiefly of soil or mineral formations

platy
n. : either of two tropical American freshwater live-bearers (Xiphophorus maculatus and X. variatus) that have a highly variable often brilliant color and are popular aquarium fishes ― called also platy·fish \-ˌfish\

platyhelminth
n. : FLATWORM
–platy·hel·min·thic \-hel-'min(t)-thik, -'min-tik\ adjective

platypus
n. : a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail ― called also duck-billed platypus

platyrrhine
adj. 1 [New Latin Platyrrhina, from Greek platyrrhin-, platyrrhis broad-nosed, from platys + rhin-, rhis nose] : of, relating to, or being any of a division (Platyrrhina) of arboreal New World monkeys characterized by a broad nasal septum, usually 36 teeth, and often a prehensile tail ― compare CATARRHINE
2 [Greek platyrrhin-, platyrrhis] : having a short broad nose
–platyrrhine noun

plaudit
n. 1 : an act or round of applause
2 : enthusiastic approval ― usually used in plural <received the plaudits of the critics>

Plauen
v. city E Germany in Saxony pop 70,856

plausibility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being plausible
2 : something plausible

plausible
adj. 1 : superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious <a plausible pretext>
2 : superficially pleasing or persuasive <a swindler⋯ , then a quack, then a smooth, plausible gentleman ― R. W. Emerson>
3 : appearing worthy of belief <the argument was both powerful and plausible>
–plau·si·ble·ness noun
–plau·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

plausive
1 : manifesting praise or approval
2 obsolete : PLEASING
3 archaic : SPECIOUS

Plautus
n. Titus Maccius ca 254-184 B.C. Rom. dram.
–Plau·tine \'plȯ-ˌtīn\ adjective

play
n. 1 a : SWORDPLAY b archaic : GAME, SPORT c : the conduct, course, or action of a game d : a particular act or maneuver in a game: as (1) : the action during an attempt to advance the ball in football (2) : the action in which a player is put out in baseball e : the action in which cards are played after bidding in a card game f : the moving of a piece in a board game (as chess) g : one's turn in a game <it's your play>
2 a obsolete : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE b : amorous flirtation : DALLIANCE
3 a : recreational activity especially : the spontaneous activity of children b : absence of serious or harmful intent : JEST <said it in play> c : the act or an instance of playing on words or speech sounds d : GAMING, GAMBLING
4 a (1) : an act, way, or manner of proceeding : MANEUVER <that was a play to get your fingerprints ― Erle Stanley Gardner> (2) : DEAL, VENTURE b (1) : the state of being active, operative, or relevant <other motives surely come into play ― M. R. Cohen> <several issues are at play> (2) : brisk, fitful, or light movement <the gem presented a dazzling play of colors> (3) : free or unimpeded motion (as of a part of a machine) also : the length or measure of such motion (4) : scope or opportunity for action (5) : a function of an electronic device that causes a recording to play
5 : emphasis or publicity especially in the news media <wished the country received a better play in the American press ― Hugh MacLennan>
6 : a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings ― usually used with make <made a big play for the girl ― Will Herman>
7 a : the stage representation of an action or story b : a dramatic composition : DRAMA
synonyms see FUN
–in play : in condition or position to be legitimately played
–out of play : not in play

play
n. 1 a : to engage in sport or recreation : FROLIC b : to have sexual relations especially : to have promiscuous or illicit sexual relations ― usually used in the phrase play around c (1) : to move aimlessly about : TRIFLE (2) : to toy or fiddle around with something <played with her food> (3) : to deal or behave frivolously or mockingly : JEST (4) : to deal in a light, speculative, or sportive manner (5) : to make use of double meaning or of the similarity of sound of two words for stylistic or humorous effect
2 a : to take advantage <playing on fears> b (1) : FLUTTER, FRISK (2) : to move or operate in a lively, irregular, or intermittent manner c : to move or function freely within prescribed limits d : to produce a stream <hoses playing on a fire>
3 a (1) : to perform music <play on a violin> (2) : to sound in performance <the organ is playing> (3) : to emit sounds <the radio is playing> (4) : to reproduce recorded sounds <a record is playing> b (1) : to act in a dramatic production (2) : SHOW, RUN <what's playing at the theater> c : to be suitable for dramatic performance d : to act with special consideration so as to gain favor, approval, or sympathy <might play to popular prejudices to serve his political ends ― V. L. Parrington> ― often used in the phrase play up to e : to produce a specified impression in performance <a movie that plays like a sitcom>
4 a : to engage or take part in a game b : to perform in a position in a specified manner <the outfielders were playing deep> c : to perform an action during one's turn in a game d : GAMBLE e (1) : to behave or conduct oneself in a specified way <play safe> (2) : to feign a specified state or quality <play dead> (3) : to take part in or assent to some activity : COOPERATE <play along with his scheme> (4) : to act so as to prove advantageous to another ― usually used in the phrase play into the hands of
5 : to gain approval : GO OVER <her idea did not play well>
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to engage in or occupy oneself with <play baseball> (2) : to engage in (an activity) as a game (3) : to deal with, handle, or manage (4) : EXPLOIT, MANIPULATE b : to pretend to engage in the activities of <play war> <children playing house> c (1) : to amount to by one's efforts <played an important role in their success> (2) : to perform or execute for amusement or to deceive or mock <play a trick> (3) : WREAK <play havoc> (4) : to use or introduce as a political or rhetorical strategy <play the national security card>
2 a (1) : to put on a performance of (a play) (2) : to act in the character or part of (3) : to act or perform in <played leading theaters> b : to perform or act the part of <play the fool>
3 a (1) : to contend against in or as if in a game (2) : to use as a contestant in a game <the coach did not play him> (3) : to perform the duties associated with (a certain position) <played quarterback> (4) : to guard or move into position to defend against (an opponent) in a specified manner b (1) : to wager in a game : STAKE (2) : to make wagers on <play the races> (3) : to speculate on or in <play the stock market> (4) : to operate on the basis of <play a hunch> c : to put into action in a game especially : to remove (a playing card) from one's hand and place usually faceup on a table in one's turn either as part of a scoring combination or as one's contribution to a trick d : to catch or pick up (a batted ball) : FIELD <played the ball bare-handed> e : to direct the course of (as a ball) : HIT <played a wedge shot to the green> also : to cause (a ball or puck) to rebound <played the ball off the backboard>
4 a : to perform (music) on an instrument <play a waltz> b : to perform music on <play the violin> c : to perform music of (a certain composer) d (1) : to cause (as a radio or phonograph) to emit sounds (2) : to cause the recorded sound or image of (as a record or a magnetic tape) to be reproduced
5 a : WIELD, PLY b : to discharge, fire, or set off with continuous effect <played the hose on the burning building> c : to cause to move or operate lightly and irregularly or intermittently d : to keep (a hooked fish) in action
–play·abil·i·ty \ˌplā-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–play·able \'plā-ə-bəl\ adjective
–play ball : COOPERATE
–play both ends against the middle : to set opposing interests against each other to one's own ultimate profit
–play by ear : to deal with something without previous planning or instructions
–play games : to try to hide the truth from someone by deceptive means
–play one's cards : to act with the means available to one
–play possum : to pretend to be asleep or dead
–play second fiddle : to take a subordinate position
–play the field : to date or have romantic connections with more than one person
–play the game : to act according to a code or set of standards
–play with a full deck : to be rational or sane
–play with fire : to do something risky or dangerous
–play with oneself : MASTURBATE

play
n. option play
play yard
child's play
chronicle play
double play
draw play
play ducks and drakes with
fair play
force play
foul play
match play
medal play
miracle play
morality play
mystery play
passion play
out of play
in play
play with oneself
play with fire
play with a full deck
play the game
play the field
play second fiddle
play possum
play one's cards
play games
play by ear
play both ends against the middle
play ball
play action pass
play action
play back
play by play
play down
play off
play out
play therapy
play up
plug and play
power play
role play
satyr play
shadow play
squeeze play
stroke play
triple play
played out
long playing
playing card
playing field

play back
: to perform a playback of (a usually recently recorded disc or tape)

play ball
COOPERATE

play both ends against the middle
to set opposing interests against each other to one's own ultimate profit

play by ear
to deal with something without previous planning or instructions

play down
: to attach little importance to : MINIMIZE

play ducks and drakes with
or make ducks and drakes of : to use recklessly : SQUANDER <played ducks and drakes with his money>

play games
to try to hide the truth from someone by deceptive means

play off
1 a : to set in opposition for one's own gain b : to set in contrast
2 : to complete the playing of (an interrupted contest)
3 : to break (a tie) by a play-off

play one's cards
to act with the means available to one

play out
1 a : to perform to the end <play out a role> b : USE UP, FINISH
2 : UNREEL, UNFOLD <played out a length of line ― Gordon Webber>
intransitive verb
1 : to become spent or exhausted
2 : DEVELOP, UNFOLD <see how things play out>

play possum
to pretend to be asleep or dead

play second fiddle
to take a subordinate position

play the field
to date or have romantic connections with more than one person

play the game
to act according to a code or set of standards

play therapy
: psychotherapy in which a child is encouraged to reveal feelings and conflicts in play rather than by verbalization

play up
: EMPHASIZE also : EXAGGERATE, OVEREMPHASIZE

play with a full deck
to be rational or sane

play with fire
to do something risky or dangerous

play with oneself
MASTURBATE

play-action pass
: a pass play in football in which the quarterback fakes a handoff before passing the ball ― called also play-action

play-by-play
1 : being or giving a running commentary on a sports event <a radio play-by-play announcer>
2 : relating each event as it occurs
–play-by-play noun

play-off
1 : a final contest or series of contests to determine the winner between contestants or teams that have tied
2 : a series of contests played after the end of the regular season to determine a championship ― often used in plural

playa
n. : the flat-floored bottom of an undrained desert basin that becomes at times a shallow lake

playact
v. transitive verb : ACT OUT 1A
intransitive verb
1 a : to take part in theatrical performances especially as a professional b : to make believe
2 : to engage in theatrical or insincere behavior
–play·act·ing noun

playback
n. : an act or instance of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

Playbill
n. ― used for a theater program

playbill
n. : a bill advertising a play and usually announcing the cast

playbook
n. 1 : one or more plays in book form
2 : a notebook containing diagrammed football plays
3 : a stock of usual tactics or methods <straight from his opponent's political playbook>

playboy
n. : a man who lives a life devoted chiefly to the pursuit of pleasure

playdate
: a play session for small children arranged in advance by their parents

played out
1 : worn out or used up
2 : tired out : SPENT

player
n. : one that plays: as a : a person who plays a game b : MUSICIAN c : ACTOR d : a device that reproduces recorded material (as video images or music) from a usually specified medium <a CD player> e : one actively involved especially in a competitive field or process : PARTICIPANT <a key player in politics>

player piano
: a piano containing a mechanism by which it plays automatically

playfellow
n. : PLAYMATE

playfield
n. : a playground for outdoor athletics

playful
adj. 1 : full of play : FROLICSOME, SPORTIVE <a playful kitten>
2 : HUMOROUS, JOCULAR
–play·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–play·ful·ness noun

playgirl
n. : a woman who lives a life devoted chiefly to the pursuit of pleasure

playgoer
n. : a person who frequently attends plays

playground
n. 1 : a piece of land used for and usually equipped with facilities for recreation especially by children
2 : an area known or suited for activity of a specified sort <a vacation playground>

playgroup
n. : an informal gathering of preschool children organized for the purpose of play and companionship

playhouse
n. 1 : THEATER
2 : a small house for children to play in

playing card
: one of a set of 24 to 78 thin rectangular pieces of cardboard or plastic marked on one side to show its rank and suit and used in playing any of numerous games

playing field
1 : a field for various games especially : the part of a field officially marked off for play
2 : a set of conditions for competition (as in business) ― usually used in such phrases as a level playing field

playland
: PLAYGROUND

playlet
n. : a short play

playlist
n. : a list of recordings to be played on the air by a radio station

playmaker
n. : a player who leads the offense for a team (as in basketball or hockey)
–play·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun or adjective

playmate
n. : a companion in play

playpen
n. : a portable usually collapsible enclosure in which a baby or young child may play ― called also play yard

playroom
n. : a room equipped for children to play in

playsuit
n. : a sports and play outfit for women or children that consists usually of a blouse and shorts

plaything
n. 1 : TOY 3
2 : TOY 5

playtime
n. : a time for play or diversion

playwear
: informal clothing worn for leisure activities

playwright
n. : a person who writes plays

playwriting
n. : the writing of plays

plaza
n. 1 a : a public square in a city or town b : an open area usually located near urban buildings and often featuring walkways, trees and shrubs, places to sit, and sometimes shops
2 : a place on a thoroughfare (as a turnpike) at which all traffic must temporarily stop (as to pay tolls)
3 : an area adjacent to an expressway which has service facilities (as a restaurant, gas station, and restrooms)
4 : SHOPPING CENTER

PLC
British public limited company

plea
n. 1 : a legal suit or action
2 : an allegation made by a party in support of a cause: as a : an allegation of fact ― compare DEMURRER b (1) : a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's declaration in common-law practice (2) : an accused person's answer to a charge or indictment in criminal practice c : a plea of guilty to an indictment
3 : something offered by way of excuse or justification <left early with the plea of a headache>
4 : an earnest entreaty : APPEAL <their plea for understanding must be answered>
synonyms see APOLOGY

plea
n. cop a plea
plea bargaining
plea bargain
common pleas
court of common pleas

plea bargaining
: the negotiation of an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant whereby the defendant is permitted to plead guilty to a reduced charge
–plea-bargain intransitive verb
–plea bargain noun

pleach
v. : INTERLACE, PLAIT

plead
v. intransitive verb
1 : to argue a case or cause in a court of law
2 a : to make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding especially : to answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts b : to conduct pleadings
3 : to make a plea of a specified nature <plead not guilty>
4 a : to argue for or against a claim b : to entreat or appeal earnestly
transitive verb
1 : to maintain (as a case or cause) in a court of law or other tribunal
2 : to allege in or by way of a legal plea
3 : to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excuse
–plead·able \'plē-də-bəl\ adjective
–plead·er noun
–plead·ing·ly \'plē-diŋ-lē\ adverb

pleading
n. 1 : advocacy of a cause in a court of law
2 a : one of the formal usually written allegations and counter allegations made alternately by the parties in a legal action or proceeding b : the action or process performed by the parties in presenting such formal allegations until a single point at issue is produced c : the introduction of one of these allegations and especially the first one d : the body of rules according to which these allegations are framed
3 : the act or an instance of making a plea
4 : a sincere entreaty

pleasance
n. 1 : a feeling of pleasure : DELIGHT
2 : a pleasant rest or recreation place usually attached to a mansion

Pleasant
adj. ― see NAURU

pleasant
adj. 1 : having qualities that tend to give pleasure : AGREEABLE <a pleasant day>
2 : having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance
–pleas·ant·ly adverb
–pleas·ant·ness noun

pleasant
adj. Pleasant Island
Mount Pleasant
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Grove
city N cen Utah NNW of Provo pop 23,468

Pleasant Hill
city W Calif. ENE of Oakland pop 32,837

Pleasanton
city W Calif. SE of Oakland pop 63,654

pleasantry
n. 1 : a humorous act or remark : JEST
2 : an agreeable playfulness in conversation : BANTER
3 : a polite social remark <exchanged pleasantries>

please
v. intransitive verb
1 : to afford or give pleasure or satisfaction
2 : LIKE, WISH <do as you please>
3 archaic : to have the kindness <will you please to enter the carriage ― Charles Dickens>
transitive verb
1 : to give pleasure to : GRATIFY
2 : to be the will or pleasure of <may it please Your Majesty>
–pleas·er \'plē-zər\ noun

please
v. 1 ― used as a function word to express politeness or emphasis in a request <please come in>
2 ― used as a function word to express polite affirmation <like some tea? Please>
3 ― used as a function word to express scornful disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief <you believe that? Oh, please>

please
v. self pleased
crowd pleasing
self pleasing
crowd pleaser

pleasing
adj. : giving pleasure : AGREEABLE <the sun's pleasing warmth>
–pleas·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb
–pleas·ing·ness noun

pleasurable
adj. : PLEASANT, GRATIFYING
–plea·sur·abil·i·ty \ˌplezh-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌplāzh-; ˌple-zhə-, ˌplā-\ noun
–plea·sur·able·ness \'plezh-rə-bəl-nəs, 'plāzh-; 'ple-zhə-, 'plā-\ noun
–plea·sur·ably \-blē\ adverb

pleasure
n. 1 : DESIRE, INCLINATION <wait upon his pleasure ― Shakespeare>
2 : a state of gratification
3 a : sensual gratification b : frivolous amusement
4 : a source of delight or joy

pleasure
n. transitive verb
1 : to give pleasure to : GRATIFY
2 : to give sexual pleasure to
intransitive verb
1 : to take pleasure : DELIGHT
2 : to seek pleasure

pleasure
n. gold of pleasure
pleasure dome
pleasure principle

pleasure dome
: a place of pleasurable entertainment or recreation : RESORT

pleasure principle
: a tendency for individual behavior to be directed toward immediate satisfaction of instinctual drives and immediate relief from pain or discomfort

pleasureless
: giving no pleasure

pleat
n. 1 : FOLD especially : to arrange in pleats <pleat a skirt>
2 : PLAIT 2
–pleat·er noun

pleat
n. : a fold in cloth made by doubling material over on itself also : something resembling such a fold
–pleat·less \-ləs\ adjective

pleat
n. box pleat
crystal pleat
kick pleat
crystal pleated

pleather
: a plastic fabric made to look like leather

pleb
n. : PLEBEIAN

plebe
n. : a freshman at a military or naval academy

plebeian
n. 1 : a member of the Roman plebs
2 : one of the common people
–ple·be·ian·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

plebeian
n. 1 : of or relating to plebeians
2 : crude or coarse in manner or style : COMMON
–ple·be·ian·ly adverb

plebiscite
n. : a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler
–ple·bi·sci·ta·ry \ple-'bi-sə-ˌter-ē, pli-; ˌple-bə-'sī-tə-rē\ adjective

plebs
n. 1 : the general populace
2 : the common people of ancient Rome

plecopteran
: STONE FLY
–plecopteran adjective

plectrum
n. : 3PICK 2C

pledge
n. 1 a : a bailment of a chattel as security for a debt or other obligation without involving transfer of title b : the chattel so delivered c : the contract incidental to such a bailment
2 a : the state of being held as a security or guaranty b : something given as security for the performance of an act
3 : a token, sign, or earnest of something else
4 : a gage of battle
5 : TOAST 3
6 a : a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear b (1) : a promise to join a fraternity, sorority, or secret society (2) : a person who has so promised

pledge
n. 1 : to make a pledge of especially : PAWN
2 : to drink to the health of
3 : to bind by a pledge
4 : to promise the performance of by a pledge
–pledg·er \'ple-jər\ or pled·gor \'ple-jər, ple-'jȯr\ noun

pledgee
n. : one to whom a pledge is given

pledget
n. : a compress or pad used to apply medication to or absorb discharges (as from a wound)

plegia
: paralysis <diplegia>

Pleiad
n. : any of the Pleiades

pleiad
n. : a group of usually seven illustrious or brilliant persons or things

Pleiades
n. 1 : the seven daughters of Atlas turned into a group of stars in Greek mythology
2 : a conspicuous cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus that includes six stars in the form of a very small dipper

plein
plein air
en plein air
en plein jour

plein air
1 : of or relating to painting in outdoor daylight
2 : of or relating to a branch of impressionism that attempts to represent outdoor light and air
–plein·air·ism \plā-'ner-ˌi-zəm, ple-\ noun
–plein·air·ist \-ist\ noun

pleio
: more <pleiotropic> <pleomorphic> <Pliocene>

pleiotropic
adj. : producing more than one effect especially : having multiple phenotypic expressions <a pleiotropic gene>
–plei·ot·ro·py \plī-'ä-trə-pē\ noun

Pleistocene
adj. : of, relating to, or being the earlier epoch of the Quaternary or the corresponding series of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Pleistocene noun

Plekhanov
Georgy Valentinovich 1857-1918 Russ. Marxist philos.

plenary
adj. 1 : complete in every respect : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <plenary power>
2 : fully attended or constituted by all entitled to be present <a plenary session>
synonyms see FULL

plenary indulgence
: a remission of the entire temporal punishment for sin

plenipotent
: PLENIPOTENTIARY

plenipotentiary
n. 1 : invested with full power
2 : of or relating to a plenipotentiary

plenipotentiary
n. : a person and especially a diplomatic agent invested with full power to transact business

plenish
chiefly British : EQUIP

plenitude
n. 1 : the quality or state of being full : COMPLETENESS
2 : a great sufficiency : ABUNDANCE

plenitudinous
: characterized by plenitude

pleno jure
: with full right

plenteous
adj. 1 : FRUITFUL, PRODUCTIVE <a plenteous harvest ― J. G. Frazer> ― usually used with in or of <the seasons had been plenteous in corn ― George Eliot>
2 : constituting or existing in plenty <plenteous grace with thee is found ― Charles Wesley>
–plen·te·ous·ly adverb
–plen·te·ous·ness noun

plentiful
adj. 1 : containing or yielding plenty <a plentiful land>
2 : characterized by, constituting, or existing in plenty
–plen·ti·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–plen·ti·ful·ness noun
synonyms PLENTIFUL, AMPLE, ABUNDANT, COPIOUS mean more than sufficient without being excessive. PLENTIFUL implies a great or rich supply <peaches are plentiful this summer>. AMPLE implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement <ample food to last the winter>. ABUNDANT suggests an even greater or richer supply than does PLENTIFUL <streams abundant with fish>. COPIOUS stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness <copious examples of bureaucratic waste>.

plentitude
n. : PLENITUDE

plenty
n. 1 a : a full or more than adequate amount or supply <had plenty of time to finish the job> b : a large number or amount <in plenty of trouble>
2 : the quality or state of being copious : PLENTIFULNESS

plenty
n. 1 : plentiful in amount, number, or supply <if reasons were as plenty as blackberries ― Shakespeare>
2 : AMPLE <plenty work to be done ― Time>
usage Many commentators object to use of sense 2 in writing; it appears to be limited chiefly to spoken English. Sense 1 is literary but is no longer in common use.

plenty
n. : more than sufficiently : to a considerable degree <the nights were plenty cold ― F. B. Gipson>
usage Many handbooks advise avoiding the adverb plenty in writing; “use very, quite, or a more precise word,” they advise. Actually plenty is often a more precise word than its recommended replacements; very, fully, or quite will not work as well in these typical quotations <it's already plenty hot for us in the kitchen without some dolt opening the oven ― C. H. Bridges> <may not be rising quite as rapidly as other health costs, but it is going up plenty fast ― Changing Times>. It is not used in more formal writing.

Plenty, Bay of
inlet of the S. Pacific N New Zealand on NE coast of North Is.

plenum
n. 1 a : a space or all space every part of which is full of matter b : an air-filled space in a structure especially : one that receives air from a blower for distribution (as in a ventilation system)
2 : a general assembly of all members especially of a legislative body
3 : the quality or state of being full

pleochroism
n. : the property of a crystal of showing different colors when viewed by light polarized in different directions
–pleo·chro·ic \ˌplē-ə-'krō-ik\ adjective

pleomorphic
adj. : able to assume different forms : POLYMORPHIC <pleomorphic bacteria> <a pleomorphic sarcoma>
–pleo·mor·phism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun

pleonasm
n. 1 : the use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense (as in the man he said) : REDUNDANCY
2 : an instance or example of pleonasm
–ple·o·nas·tic \ˌplē-ə-'nas-tik\ adjective
–ple·o·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pleopod
: an abdominal limb of a crustacean

plerocercoid
: the solid elongate infective larva of some tapeworms usually occurring in the muscles of fishes

plesiosaur
n. : any of an order or suborder (Plesiosauria) of large carnivorous marine reptiles of the Mesozoic with dorsoventrally flattened bodies and limbs modified into flippers

plethora
n. 1 : a bodily condition characterized by an excess of blood and marked by turgescence and a florid complexion
2 : EXCESS, SUPERFLUITY also : PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE
–ple·tho·ric \plə-'thȯr-ik, ple-, -'thär-; 'ple-thə-rik\ adjective

plethysmogram
n. : a tracing made by a plethysmograph

plethysmograph
: an instrument for determining and registering variations in the size of an organ, limb, or part resulting from changes in the amount of blood present or passing through it
–ple·thys·mo·graph·ic \-ˌthiz-mə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–ple·thys·mo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pleth·ys·mog·ra·phy \ˌple-thiz-'mä-grə-fē\ noun

pleura
n. : the delicate serous membrane that lines each half of the thorax of mammals and is folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side
–pleu·ral \'plu̇r-əl\ adjective

pleurisy
n. : inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration, and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity
–pleu·rit·ic \plu̇-'ri-tik\ adjective

pleuropneumonia
n. 1 : combined inflammation of the pleura and lungs
2 : an acute febrile and often fatal respiratory disorder of cattle, goats, sheep, and related animals caused by a mycoplasma (Mycoplasma mycoides)

pleuropneumonia-like organism
: MYCOPLASMA

pleuston
: organisms living in the thin surface layer existing at the air-water interface of a body of water
–pleus·ton·ic \plü-'stä-nik\ adjective

Pleven
René 1901-1993 Fr. polit.

Pleven
city NW Bulgaria pop 138,323

plex
: MULTIPLEX

plex
1 : a figure of a given power <googolplex>
2 : a building divided into an often specified number of spaces (as apartments or movie theaters) <fourplex> <multiplex>

plexiform
adj. : of, relating to, or having the form or characteristics of a plexus

Plexiglas
n. ― used for acrylic plastic sheets

plexus
n. 1 : a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves
2 : an interwoven combination of parts or elements in a structure or system

plf
plaintiff

pliable
adj. 1 a : supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b : yielding readily to others : COMPLAISANT
2 : adjustable to varying conditions
synonyms see PLASTIC
–pli·abil·i·ty \ˌplī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pli·able·ness \'plī-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–pli·ably \-blē\ adverb

pliancy
n. : the quality or state of being pliant

pliant
adj. 1 : PLIABLE 1A
2 : easily influenced : YIELDING
3 : suitable for varied uses
synonyms see PLASTIC
–pli·ant·ly adverb
–pli·ant·ness noun

plica
n. : a fold or folded part especially : a groove or fold of skin

plicate
adj. 1 : folded lengthwise like a fan <a plicate leaf>
2 : having the surface thrown up into or marked with parallel ridges <plicate wing cases>

plication
n. 1 : the act or process of folding : the state of being folded
2 : FOLD

plie
: a bending of the knees outward by a ballet dancer with the back held straight

pliers
n. : a small pincers for holding small objects or for bending and cutting wire

plight
n. : to put or give in pledge : ENGAGE <plight his troth>
–plight·er noun

plight
n. : a solemnly given pledge : ENGAGEMENT

plight
n. : an unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation

plimsoll
n. British : SNEAKER 2

Plimsoll mark
: a load line or a set of load-line markings on an oceangoing cargo ship ― called also Plimsoll line

plink
intransitive verb
1 : to make a tinkling sound
2 : to shoot at random targets in an informal and noncompetitive manner
transitive verb
1 : to cause to make a tinkling sound
2 : to shoot at especially in a casual manner
–plink·er noun

plink
: a tinkling metallic sound

plinth
n. 1 a : the lowest member of a base : SUBBASE b : a block upon which the moldings of an architrave or trim are stopped at the bottom
2 : a usually square block serving as a base broadly : any of various bases or lower parts
3 : a course of stones forming a continuous foundation or base course

Pliny
n. A.D. 23-79 Gaius Plinius Secundus; the Elder Rom. scholar

Pliny
n. A.D. 61(or 62)-ca 113 Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus; the Younger; nephew of prec. Rom. author

plio
― see PLEIO-

Pliocene
adj. : of, relating to, or being the latest epoch of the Tertiary or the corresponding series of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Pliocene noun

plique-a-jour
: a style of enameling in which usually transparent enamels are fused into the openings of a metal filigree to produce an effect suggestive of stained glass

pliskie
chiefly Scottish : PRACTICAL JOKE, TRICK

plisse
n. 1 : a fabric with a plissé finish
2 : a textile finish of permanently puckered designs formed by treating with a sodium hydroxide solution

PLO
n. Palestine Liberation Organization

Plock
n. commune NE cen Poland pop 121,996

plod
n. intransitive verb
1 : to work laboriously and monotonously : DRUDGE
2 a : to walk heavily or slowly : TRUDGE b : to proceed slowly or tediously <the movie just plods along>
transitive verb : to tread slowly or heavily along or over
–plod noun
–plod·der noun
–plod·ding·ly \'plä-diŋ-lē\ adverb

ploid
: having or being a chromosome number that bears (such) a relationship to or is (so many) times the basic chromosome number of a given group <polyploid>

ploidy
n. : degree of repetition of the basic number of chromosomes

Ploiesti
city SE cen Romania pop 232,452

plonk
n. variant of plunk

plonk
n. chiefly British : cheap or inferior wine

plop
v. intransitive verb
1 : to fall, drop, or move suddenly with a sound like that of something dropping into water
2 : to allow the body to drop heavily ― usually used with down <plopped down on the couch>
transitive verb
1 : to set, drop, or throw heavily
2 : to place or set carelessly or hastily <plopped the money into stocks>
–plop noun

plosion
n. : EXPLOSION 3

plosive
adj. : STOP 9
–plosive adjective

plot
n. 1 a : a small area of planted ground <a vegetable plot> b : a small piece of land in a cemetery c : a measured piece of land : LOT
2 : GROUND PLAN, PLAT
3 : the plan or main story (as of a movie or literary work)
4 [perhaps back-formation from complot] : a secret plan for accomplishing a usually evil or unlawful end : INTRIGUE
5 : a graphic representation (as a chart)
–plot·less \-ləs\ adjective
–plot·less·ness noun
synonyms PLOT, INTRIGUE, MACHINATION, CONSPIRACY, CABAL mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. PLOT implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme <an assassination plot>. INTRIGUE suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity <backstairs intrigue>. MACHINATION implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means <the machinations of a party boss>. CONSPIRACY implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery <a conspiracy to fix prices>. CABAL typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence <a cabal among powerful senators>. synonym see in addition PLAN

plot
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make a plot, map, or plan of b : to mark or note on or as if on a map or chart
2 : to lay out in plots
3 a : to locate (a point) by means of coordinates b : to locate (a curve) by plotted points c : to represent (an equation) by means of a curve so constructed
4 : to plan or contrive especially secretly
5 : to invent or devise the plot of (as a movie or a literary work)
intransitive verb
1 : to form a plot : SCHEME
2 : to be located by means of coordinates <the data plot at a single point>

Plotinus
A.D. 205-270 Rom. (Egypt.-born) philos.
–Plo·tin·i·an \-'ti-nē-ən\ adjective

plotline
n. : PLOT 3

plottage
n. : the area included in a plot of land

plotter
n. : one that plots: as a : a person who schemes or conspires b : a contriver of a literary plot c : a device for plotting specifically : an instrument that graphs computer output

plotty
: marked by intricacy of plot or intrigue <a plotty novel>
–plot·ti·ness noun

plough
n. chiefly British variant of plow

ploughman's lunch
: a cold lunch served especially in an English pub typically including bread, cheese, and pickled onions

Plovdiv
city S Bulgaria on the Maritsa N of the Rhodope Mountains pop 379,083

plover
n. 1 : any of a family (Charadriidae) of shorebirds that differ from the sandpipers in having a short hard-tipped bill and usually a stouter more compact build
2 : any of various birds (as a turnstone or sandpiper) related to the plovers

plover
n. golden plover
piping plover
snowy plover
upland plover

plow
n. 1 : an implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil especially in preparing a seedbed
2 : any of various devices (as a snowplow) operating like a plow

plow
n. 1 a : to turn, break up, or work with a plow b : to make (as a furrow) with a plow
2 : to cut into, open, or make furrows or ridges in with or as if with a plow
3 : to cleave the surface of or move through (water) <whales plowing the ocean>
4 : to clear away snow from with a snowplow <plow the street>
5 : to spend or invest (money) in substantial amounts ― used with into <plows most of her income into mutual funds>
intransitive verb
1 a : to use a plow b : to bear or admit of plowing
2 a : to move in a way resembling that of a plow <the car plowed into a fence> b : to proceed steadily and laboriously <had to plow through a stack of letters>
–plow·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–plow·er \'plau̇(-ə)r\ noun

plow back
: to reinvest (profits) in a business
–plow·back \'plau̇-ˌbak\ noun

plow under
: to cause to disappear : BURY, OVERWHELM

plowboy
n. 1 : a boy who leads the team drawing a plow
2 : a country youth

plowman
n. 1 : a man who guides a plow
2 : a farm laborer

plowshare
n. : a part of a plow that cuts the furrow

ploy
n. 1 : ESCAPADE, FROLIC
2 a : a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent b : a devised or contrived move : STRATAGEM <a ploy to get her to open the door ― Robert B. Parker>

pls
please

PLSS
portable life-support system

PLU
price lookup

pluck
n. transitive verb
1 : to pull or pick off or out
2 a : to remove something (as hairs) from by or as if by plucking <pluck one's eyebrows> b : ROB, FLEECE
3 : to move, remove, or separate forcibly or abruptly <plucked the child from the middle of the street>
4 a : to pick, pull, or grasp at b : to play by sounding the strings with the fingers or a pick
intransitive verb : to make a sharp pull or twitch
–pluck·er noun

pluck
n. 1 : an act or instance of plucking or pulling
2 : the heart, liver, lungs, and trachea of a slaughtered animal especially as an item of food
3 : courageous readiness to fight or continue against odds : dogged resolution

plucky
adj. : SPIRITED, BRAVE
–pluck·i·ly \'plə-kə-lē\ adverb
–pluck·i·ness \'plə-kē-nəs\ noun

plug
n. 1 a : a piece used to fill a hole : STOPPER b : an obtruding or obstructing mass of material resembling a stopper
2 : a flat compressed cake of tobacco
3 : a small core or segment removed from a larger object
4 : something inferior especially : an inferior often aged or unsound horse
5 a : HYDRANT, FIREPLUG b : SPARK PLUG
6 : an artificial fishing lure used primarily for casting and made with one or more sets of gang hooks
7 : any of various devices resembling or functioning like a plug: as a : a male fitting for making an electrical connection to a live circuit by insertion in a receptacle (as an outlet) b : a device for connecting electric wires to a jack
8 : a piece of favorable publicity or a favorable mention usually incorporated in general matter

plug
n. transitive verb
1 a : to stop, make tight, or secure by inserting a plug b : to remedy (a deficiency) as if by inserting a plug <trying to plug the gaps in their understanding>
2 : to hit with a bullet : SHOOT
3 : to advertise or publicize insistently
intransitive verb
1 : to become plugged ― usually used with up
2 : to work doggedly and persistently <plugged away at her homework>
3 : to fire shots
–plug·ger noun
–plug into
1 : to connect or become connected to by or as if by means of a plug <the city was plugged into the new highway system>
2 : to load into as if by means of a plug <plugged the data into a computer>

plug
n. glow plug
plug into
plug and play
plug hat
plug in
plug ugly
pull the plug
sparking plug
spark plug
wall plug
plugged in

plug and play
: a feature of a computer system by which peripherals are automatically detected and configured by the operating system
–plug-and-play adjective

plug hat
: a man's stiff hat (as a bowler or top hat)

plug in
: to establish an electric circuit by inserting a plug
transitive verb : to attach or connect to an electric receptacle (as an outlet)

plug into

1 : to connect or become connected to by or as if by means of a plug <the city was plugged into the new highway system>
2 : to load into as if by means of a plug <plugged the data into a computer>

plug-in
: designed to be connected to an electric circuit by plugging in <a plug-in toy> <a plug-in circuit board>

plug-in
1 : something that plugs in
2 : a small piece of software that supplements a larger program (as a browser)

plug-ugly
: THUG, TOUGH especially : one hired to intimidate

plugged
adj. 1 of a coin : altered by the insertion of a plug of base metal
2 : closed by or as if by a plug : OBSTRUCTED

plugged-in
: technologically or socially informed and connected <plugged-in teenagers>

plugola
: incidental advertising on radio or television that is not purchased like regular advertising

Plum
n. borough SW Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh pop 26,940

plum
n. 1 a : any of various trees and shrubs (genus Prunus) of the rose family with globular to oval smooth-skinned edible fruits that are drupes with oblong seeds also : the fruit
2 : any of various trees with edible fruits resembling plums also : the fruit
3 a : a raisin when used in desserts b : SUGARPLUM
4 : something superior or very desirable especially : something desirable given in return for a favor
5 : a dark reddish purple
–plum·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

plum
n. beach plum
Japanese plum
plum pudding
plum tomato

plum pudding
: a rich boiled or steamed pudding containing fruits and spices

plum tomato
: a small oblong tomato

plumage
n. : the feathers of a bird
–plum·aged \-mijd\ adjective

plumb
n. : a lead weight attached to a line and used to indicate a vertical direction
–out of plumb or off plumb : out of vertical or true

plumb
n. 1 : straight down or up : VERTICALLY
2 chiefly dialect : to a complete degree : ABSOLUTELY <‘you're plumb crazy’, she remarked, with easy candor ― Harper's Weekly>
3 : in a direct manner : EXACTLY also : without interval of time : IMMEDIATELY

plumb
n. 1 : to weight with lead
2 a : to measure the depth of with a plumb b : to examine minutely and critically <plumbing the book's complexities>
3 : to adjust or test by a plumb line
4 : to seal with lead
5 [back-formation from plumber] : to supply with or install as plumbing
intransitive verb : to work as a plumber

plumb
n. 1 : exactly vertical or true
2 : THOROUGH, COMPLETE
synonyms see VERTICAL

plumb
n. off plumb
out of plumb
plumb bob
plumb line

plumb bob
: the metal bob of a plumb line

plumb line
1 : a line (as of cord) that has at one end a weight (as a plumb bob) and is used especially to determine verticality
2 : a line directed to the center of gravity of the earth : a vertical line

plumbago
n. 1 [New Latin, from L] : any of a genus (Plumbago of the family Plumbaginaceae, the plumbago family) of chiefly tropical herbs and shrubs with alternate leaves and spikes of showy flowers
2 : GRAPHITE 1

plumber
n. 1 : a dealer or worker in lead
2 : one who installs, repairs, and maintains piping, fittings, and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building
3 : a person whose job is to prevent or put an end to leaks of sensitive information

plumber
n. plumber's helper
plumber's friend
plumber's snake

plumber's helper
: PLUNGER D ― called also plumber's friend

plumber's snake
: a long flexible rod or cable usually of steel that is used to free clogged pipes

plumbing
n. 1 : the act of using a plumb
2 : a plumber's occupation or trade
3 a : the apparatus (as pipes and fixtures) concerned in the distribution and use of water in a building b : an internal system that resembles plumbing especially : one consisting of conduits or channels for conveying fluids

plumbism
n. : lead poisoning especially when chronic

plume
n. 1 : a feather of a bird: as a : a large conspicuous or showy feather b : CONTOUR FEATHER c : PLUMAGE d : a cluster of distinctive feathers
2 a : material (as a feather, cluster of feathers, or a tuft of hair) worn as an ornament b : a token of honor or prowess : PRIZE
3 : something resembling a feather (as in shape, appearance, or lightness): as a : a plumose appendage of a plant b : an elongated and usually open and mobile column or band (as of smoke, exhaust gases, or blowing snow) c : an animal structure having a main shaft bearing many hairs or filamentous parts especially : a full bushy tail d : any of several columns of molten rock rising from the earth's lower mantle that are theorized to drive tectonic plate movement and to underlie hot spots

plume
n. 1 a : to provide or deck with feathers b : to array showily
2 : to indulge (oneself) in pride with an obvious or vain display of self-satisfaction
3 of a bird a : to preen and arrange the feathers of (itself) b : to preen and arrange (feathers)

plumed
adj. : provided with or adorned with or as if with a plume ― often used in combination <a white-plumed egret>

plumelet
n. : a small tuft or plume

plumeria
: FRANGIPANI

plummet
n. : PLUMB also : PLUMB LINE

plummet
n. 1 : to fall perpendicularly <birds plummeted down>
2 : to drop sharply and abruptly <prices plummeted>

plummy
adj. 1 a : full of plums <a rich plummy cake> b : CHOICE, DESIRABLE <got a plummy role in the movie>
2 a : having a plum color b : rich and mellow often to the point of affectation <a plummy singing voice>

plumose
adj. 1 : having feathers or plumes : FEATHERED
2 : FEATHERY <plumose setae>

plump
n. intransitive verb
1 : to drop, sink, or come in contact suddenly or heavily <plumped down in the chair>
2 : to favor or decide in favor of someone or something strongly or emphatically ― used with for
transitive verb
1 : to drop, cast, or place suddenly or heavily
2 : to give support and favorable publicity to

plump
n. : a sudden plunge, fall, or blow also : the sound made by a plump

plump
n. 1 : with a sudden or heavy drop
2 a : straight down b : straight ahead
3 : without qualification : DIRECTLY <plump out of luck>

plump
n. chiefly dialect : GROUP, FLOCK <a plump of ducks rose at the same time ― H. D. Thoreau>

plump
n. transitive verb : to make plump
intransitive verb : to become plump

plump
n. 1 : having a full rounded usually pleasing form <a plump woman>
2 : AMPLE, ABUNDANT
–plump·ish \'pləm-pish\ adjective

plumpen
: 5PLUMP

plumper
n. : an object carried in the mouth to fill out the cheeks

plumper
n. chiefly British : a vote for only one candidate when two or more are to be elected to the same office

plumply
adv. : in a plump way <a plumply pretty girl>

plumply
adv. : in a wholehearted manner and without hesitation or circumlocution : FORTHRIGHTLY

plumpness
n. : the quality or state of being plump

plumpness
n. : freedom from hesitation or circumlocution

plumule
n. 1 : the primary bud of a plant embryo usually situated at the apex of the hypocotyl and consisting of leaves and an epicotyl
2 : a down feather

plumy
adj. 1 : DOWNY
2 : having or resembling plumes

plunder
n. transitive verb
1 a : to take the goods of by force (as in war) : PILLAGE, SACK <invaders plundered the town> b : to take by force or wrongfully : STEAL, LOOT <plundered artifacts from the tomb>
2 : to make extensive use of as if by plundering : use or use up wrongfully <plunder the land>
intransitive verb : to commit robbery or looting
–plun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

plunder
n. 1 : an act of plundering : PILLAGING
2 : something taken by force, theft, or fraud : LOOT
3 chiefly dialect : personal or household effects
synonyms see SPOIL

plunderous
: given to plundering

plunge
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something <plunged the dagger>
2 : to cause to enter a state or course of action usually suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently <plunged the nation into economic depression>
intransitive verb
1 : to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water
2 a : to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward also : to move oneself in such a manner <plunged off the embankment> b : to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly <plunges into project after project> c : to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly
3 : to descend or dip suddenly <the stock's value plunged>

plunge
n. : an act or instance of plunging : DIVE also : SWIM

plunger
n. : one that plunges: as a : DIVER b : a reckless gambler or speculator c (1) : a sliding reciprocating piece driven by or against fluid pressure especially : PISTON (2) : a piece with a motion like that of a ram or piston d : a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of obstructions

plunk
n. transitive verb
1 : to pluck or hit so as to produce a quick, hollow, metallic, or harsh sound
2 : to set down suddenly : PLUMP
intransitive verb
1 : to make a plunking sound
2 : to drop abruptly : DIVE
3 : to come out in favor of someone or something : PLUMP ― used with for
–plunk noun
–plunk·er noun

plunk down
: to drop abruptly : settle into position
transitive verb
1 a : to put down usually firmly or abruptly <plunked the items down on the counter> b : to settle (oneself) into position <plunked himself down on the bench>
2 : to pay out <reluctant to plunk down the money for a new car>

pluperfect
n. 1 : PAST PERFECT
2 : utterly perfect or complete
–pluperfect noun

plural
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a class of grammatical forms usually used to denote more than one or in some languages more than two
2 : relating to, consisting of, or containing more than one or more than one kind or class <a plural society>
–plural noun
–plu·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

pluralism
n. 1 : the holding of two or more offices or positions (as benefices) at the same time
2 : the quality or state of being plural
3 a : a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality b : a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
4 a : a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization b : a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state
–plu·ral·ist \-list\ adjective or noun
–plu·ral·is·tic \ˌplu̇r-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–plu·ral·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

plurality
n. 1 a : the state of being plural b : the state of being numerous c : a large number or quantity
2 : PLURALISM 1 also : a benefice held by pluralism
3 a : a number greater than another b : an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate c : a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast

pluralize
v. : to make plural or express in the plural form
–plu·ral·i·za·tion \ˌplu̇r-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

pluripotent
adj. : not fixed as to developmental potentialities especially : capable of differentiating into one of many cell types <pluripotent stem cells>

plus
n. 1 : algebraically positive
2 : having, receiving, or being in addition to what is anticipated
3 a : falling high in a specified range <a grade of C plus> b : greater than that specified c : possessing a specified quality to a high degree
4 : electrically positive
5 : relating to or being a particular one of the two mating types that are required for successful fertilization in sexual reproduction in some lower plantlike organisms (as a fungus)

plus
n. 1 : PLUS SIGN
2 : an added quantity
3 : a positive factor or quality
4 : SURPLUS

plus
n. 1 : increased by : with the addition of <four plus five> <principal plus interest>
2 : BESIDES ― used chiefly in speech and casual writing <plus all this, as a sedative it has no equal ― Groucho Marx>

plus
n. 1 : AND <the Smyth Report, plus an idea and some knowledge of bureaucracy, were all I needed ― Pat Frank> <eats alone, a hot beef sandwich plus a BLT plus apple pie ― Garrison Keillor>
2 : in addition to which <it was an achievement. Plus, I wrote the story and the musical score ― Jackie Gleason> <it's also pretty on my open shelves, plus it smells good ― Nikki Giovanni>
usage The preposition plus has long been used with a meaning equivalent to and (as in “two plus two”); it is not, therefore, very surprising that in time people have begun to use it as a conjunction much like and. Sense 2 is considered to be an adverb by some commentators. It is used chiefly in speech and in informal writing.

plus
n. cost plus
eleven plus
ne plus ultra
plus fours
plus or minus
plus sign
c'est plus qu'un crime c'est une faute
plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose
plus ça change plus c'est la même chose
plus royaliste que le roi

plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose
: the more that changes, the more it's the same thing ― often shortened to plus ça change

plus fours
: loose sports knickers made four inches longer than ordinary knickers

plus or minus
: indicating a quantity whose algebraically positive and negative values serve to bracket a range of values either alone or when added to and subtracted from a given number <measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 3 feet> <a mummy aged 3500 plus or minus 150 years>

plus or minus
: MORE OR LESS, APPROXIMATELY <a dance for singles plus or minus age 30>

plus royaliste que le roi
: more royalist than the king

plus sign
: a sign + denoting addition or a positive quantity

plus/minus sign
: the sign ± used to indicate a quantity (as 2 in “the square root of 4 is ±2”) taking on both an algebraically positive value and its negative and to indicate a plus or minus quantity (as 4 in “the population age was 30 ± 4 years”) ― called also plus/minus symbol

plush
n. : a fabric with an even pile longer and less dense than velvet pile

plush
n. 1 : relating to, resembling, or made of plush
2 a : notably luxurious b : RICH, FULL <the plush sound of his saxophone playing> <a plush, ripe wine>
–plush·ly adverb
–plush·ness noun

plushy
adj. 1 : having the texture of or covered with plush
2 : LUXURIOUS, SHOWY
–plush·i·ness noun

plussage
: an amount over and above another amount

Plutarch
n. ca A.D. 46-after 119 Greek biographer & moralist
–Plu·tarch·an \plü-'tär-kən\ or Plu·tarch·ian \-kē-ən\ adjective

Pluto
n. 1 : the Greek god of the underworld ― compare DIS
2 [New Latin] : the planet with the farthest mean distance from the sun ― see PLANET table

plutocracy
n. 1 : government by the wealthy
2 : a controlling class of the wealthy
–plu·to·crat \'plü-tə-ˌkrat\ noun
–plu·to·crat·ic \ˌplü-tə-'kra-tik\ adjective
–plu·to·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pluton
n. : a typically large body of intrusive igneous rock

plutonian
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Pluto or the lower world : INFERNAL

plutonic
adj. 1 : formed by solidification of magma deep within the earth and crystalline throughout <plutonic rock>
2 often capitalized : PLUTONIAN

plutonium
n. : a radioactive metallic element similar chemically to uranium that is formed as the isotope 239 by decay of neptunium and found in minute quantities in pitchblende, that undergoes slow disintegration with the emission of an alpha particle to form uranium 235, and that is fissionable with slow neutrons to yield atomic energy ― see ELEMENT table

pluvial
adj. 1 a : of or relating to rain b : characterized by abundant rain
2 of a geologic change : resulting from the action of rain

pluvial
adj. : a prolonged period of wet climate

ply
n. transitive verb
1 a : to use or wield diligently <busily plying his pen> b : to practice or perform diligently <ply a trade>
2 : to keep furnishing or supplying something to <plied us with liquor>
3 a : to make a practice of rowing or sailing over or on <the boat plies the river> b : to go or travel regularly over, on, or through <jets plying the skies>
intransitive verb
1 : to apply oneself steadily
2 : to go or travel regularly

ply
n. 1 a : one of several layers (as of cloth) usually sewn or laminated together b : one of the strands in a yarn c : one of the veneer sheets forming plywood d : a layer of a paper or cardboard
2 : INCLINATION, BIAS

ply
n. : to twist together <ply two single yarns>

ply
n. radial ply tire
bias ply tire
multi ply
two ply

Plymouth
n. 1 town SE Mass.; location of Plymouth Rock (spot traditionally considered to be where the Pilgrims first landed) pop 51,701
2 city SE Minn. NW of Minneapolis pop 65,894
3 city & port SW England in Devon pop 238,800

Plymouth Rock
: any of a U.S. breed of medium-sized single-combed domestic chickens raised for eggs and meat

plyometrics
: exercise involving repeated rapid stretching and contracting of muscles (as by jumping and rebounding) to increase muscle power
–plyo·met·ric \-trik\ adjective

plywood
n. : a structural material consisting of sheets of wood glued or cemented together with the grains of adjacent layers arranged at right angles or at a wide angle

Plzen
city W Czech Republic in Bohemia WSW of Prague pop 163,456

PM
n. 1 paymaster
2 permanent magnet
3 postmaster
4 post meridiem ― often not capitalized and often punctuated
5 postmortem
6 prime minister
7 provost marshal

Pm
n. promethium

pm
n. 1 phase modulation
2 premium

PMB
private mailbox

pmk
postmark

PMS
n. : PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

pmt
payment

PN
promissory note

pnea
: breath : breathing <hyperpnea> <apnoea>

pneum
1 : air : gas <pneumothorax>
2 : lung <pneumoconiosis>
3 : respiration <pneumograph>
4 : pneumonia <pneumococcus>

pneuma
n. : SOUL, SPIRIT

pneumat
1 : air : vapor : gas <pneumatolytic>
2 : respiration <pneumatophore>

pneumatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or using gas (as air or wind): a : moved or worked by air pressure b (1) : adapted for holding or inflated with compressed air (2) : having air-filled cavities
2 : of or relating to the pneuma : SPIRITUAL
3 : having a well-proportioned feminine figure especially : having a full bust
–pneu·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pneu·ma·tic·i·ty \ˌnü-mə-'ti-sə-tē, ˌnyü-\ noun

pneumatology
n. : the study of spiritual beings or phenomena

pneumatolytic
: formed or forming by hot vapors or superheated liquids under pressure ― used especially of minerals and ores

pneumatophore
n. 1 : a muscular gas-containing sac that serves as a float on a siphonophore colony
2 : a usually partially exposed root of a wetland plant (as a mangrove) that functions especially in the intake of oxygen from the atmosphere

pneumococcus
n. : a bacterium (Streptococcus pneumoniae) that causes an acute pneumonia involving one or more lobes of the lung
–pneu·mo·coc·cal \-'kä-kəl\ adjective

pneumoconiosis
n. : a disease of the lungs caused by the habitual inhalation of irritants (as mineral or metallic particles) ― compare BLACK LUNG, SILICOSIS

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
: a pneumonia chiefly affecting immunocompromised individuals that is caused by a microorganism (Pneumocystis carinii), attacks especially the interstitial and alveolar tissues of the lungs, and is characterized especially by a nonproductive cough, shortness of breath, and fever ― abbreviation PCP

pneumograph
n. : an instrument for recording thoracic movements or volume change during respiration

pneumonectomy
n. : excision of an entire lung or of one or more lobes of a lung

pneumonia
n. : a disease of the lungs characterized especially by inflammation and consolidation of lung tissue followed by resolution and by fever, chills, cough, and difficulty in breathing and that is caused especially by infection

pneumonia
n. double pneumonia
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
primary atypical pneumonia
walking pneumonia

pneumonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affecting the lungs <pneumonic plague> : PULMONIC, PULMONARY
2 : of, relating to, or affected with pneumonia

pneumonitis
n. : inflammation of the lungs

pneumothorax
n. : a condition in which air or other gas is present in the pleural cavity and which occurs spontaneously as a result of disease or injury of lung tissue, rupture of air-filled pulmonary cysts, or puncture of the chest wall or is induced as a therapeutic measure to collapse the lung

PnP
n. plug and play

pnxt
he painted it; she painted it

PO
n. 1 petty officer
2 postal order
3 post office
4 purchase order

Po
n. polonium

Po
n. river 405 mi (652 km) N Italy flowing from slopes of Mt. Viso E into the Adriatic through several mouths

po
n. by mouth; orally

po
n. Ning po
Tzu po
po faced
Li Po
Po Hai

Po Hai
― see BO HAI

po'boy
: SUBMARINE 2

po-faced
British : having an assumed solemn, serious, or earnest expression or manner : piously or hypocritically solemn

poach
v. : to cook in simmering liquid

poach
v. intransitive verb
1 : to encroach upon especially for the purpose of taking something
2 : to trespass for the purpose of stealing game also : to take game or fish illegally
transitive verb
1 : to trespass on <a field poached too frequently by the amateur ― Times Lit. Supp.>
2 a : to take (game or fish) by illegal methods b : to appropriate (something) as one's own c : to attract (as an employee or customer) away from a competitor

poacher
n. 1 : one that trespasses or steals
2 : one who kills or takes wild animals (as game or fish) illegally

poacher
n. 1 : a covered pan containing a plate with depressions or shallow cups in each of which an egg can be cooked over steam rising from boiling water in the bottom of the pan
2 : a baking dish in which food (as fish) can be poached

POB
n. post office box

Pobeda Peak
mountain 24,406 ft (7439 m) E Kyrgyzstan; highest in Tian Shan

poblano
n. : a large usually mild heart-shaped chili pepper especially when fresh and dark green ― compare ANCHO

Pocahontas
n. ca 1595-1617 dau. of Powhatan American Indian

pocas palabras
: few words

Pocatello
city SE Idaho pop 51,466

pochard
n. : any of various rather heavy-bodied diving ducks (esp. genus Aythya) with a large head and with feet and legs placed far back under the body

pock
n. : a pustule in an eruptive disease (as smallpox) also : a spot suggesting such a pustule

pock
n. : to mark with or as if with pocks : PIT

pocket
n. 1 a : a small bag carried by a person : PURSE b : a small bag that is sewed or inserted in a garment so that it is open at the top or side <coat pocket>
2 : supply of money : MEANS
3 : RECEPTACLE, CONTAINER: as a : an opening at the corner or side of a billiard table b : a superficial pouch in some animals
4 : a small often isolated area or group <pockets of unemployment>: a : a cavity containing a deposit (as of gold, water, or gas) b : AIR POCKET
5 : a place for a batten made by sewing a strip on a sail
6 a : BLIND ALLEY b : the position of a contestant in a race hemmed in by others c : an area formed by blockers from which a football quarterback attempts to pass
7 : the concave area at the base of the finger sections of a baseball glove or mitt in which the ball is normally caught
–pock·et·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–in one's pocket : in one's control or possession
–in pocket
1 : provided with funds
2 : in the position of having made a profit
–out of pocket
1 : low on money or funds
2 : having suffered a loss
3 : from cash on hand

pocket
n. 1 a : to put or enclose in or as if in one's pocket <pocketed the change> b : to appropriate to one's own use : STEAL c : to refuse assent to (a bill) by a pocket veto
2 : to put up with : ACCEPT
3 : to set aside : SUPPRESS <pocketed his pride>
4 a : to hem in b : to drive (a ball) into a pocket of a pool table
5 : to cover or supply with pockets
–pock·et·able \'pä-kə-tə-bəl\ adjective

pocket
n. 1 a : small enough to be carried in the pocket b : SMALL, MINIATURE <a pocket park>
2 a : of or relating to money b : carried in or paid from one's own pocket

pocket
n. pocket gopher
pocket book
air pocket
besom pocket
cargo pocket
deep pocket
out of pocket
patch pocket
in pocket
in one's pocket
pocket battleship
pocket billiards
pocket borough
pocket edition
pocket money
pocket mouse
pocket size
pocket sized
pocket veto
slash pocket
vest pocket
vest pocket park
watch pocket
line one's pockets
deep pocketed

pocket battleship
: a small German battleship built so as to come within treaty limitations of tonnage and armament

pocket billiards
: POOL 2B

pocket borough
: an English constituency controlled before parliamentary reform by a single person or family

pocket edition
1 : POCKETBOOK 1
2 : a miniature form of something

pocket gopher
: GOPHER 2A

pocket money
: money for small personal expenses

pocket mouse
: any of various nocturnal burrowing rodents (family Heteromyidae) that resemble mice, live in arid parts of western No. America, and have long hind legs and tail and fur-lined cheek pouches

pocket veto
: an indirect veto of a legislative bill by an executive through retention of the bill unsigned until after adjournment of the legislature
–pocket veto transitive verb

pocket-size
1 : of a size convenient for carrying in the pocket
2 : SMALL <a pocket-size country>

pocketbook
n. 1 often pocket book : a small especially paperback book that can be carried in the pocket
2 : a flat typically leather folding case for money or personal papers that can be carried in a pocket or handbag
3 a : PURSE b : HANDBAG 2
4 a : financial resources : INCOME b : economic interests

pocketbook
n. : relating to or involving economic interests <pocketbook issues>

pocketknife
n. : a knife that has one or more blades that fold into the handle and that can be carried in the pocket

pockmark
n. : a mark, pit, or depressed scar caused by smallpox or acne also : an imperfection or depression like a pockmark

pockmark
n. : to cover with or as if with pockmarks : PIT

pocky
adj. : covered with pocks

poco
adv. : to a slight degree : SOMEWHAT ― used to qualify a direction in music <poco allegro>

poco a poco
: little by little : GRADUALLY ― used as a direction in music

pococurante
n. : INDIFFERENT, NONCHALANT
–po·co·cu·ran·tism \-'ran-ˌti-zəm\ noun

Pocono Mountains
mountains E Pa. NW of Kittatinny Mountain; highest point ab 1600 ft (488 m)

pocosin
: an upland swamp of the coastal plain of the southeastern U.S.

POD
n. 1 payable on death
2 pay on delivery

pod
n. 1 : a bit socket in a brace
2 : a straight groove or channel in the barrel of an auger

pod
n. 1 : a dry dehiscent pericarp or fruit that is composed of one or more carpels especially : LEGUME
2 a : an anatomical pouch b : a grasshopper egg case
3 : a tapered and roughly cylindrical body of ore or mineral
4 : a usually protective container or housing: as a : a streamlined compartment (as for fuel) under the wings or fuselage of an aircraft b : a compartment (as for personnel, a power unit, or an instrument) on a ship or craft

pod
n. : to produce pods

pod
n. : a number of animals (as whales) clustered together

pod
n. : foot : part resembling a foot <pleopod>

pod corn
: an Indian corn that has each individual kernel enclosed in a husk

podagra
n. : a painful condition of the big toe caused by gout

podesta
n. : a chief magistrate in a medieval Italian municipality

Podgorica
city S Serbia and Montenegro capital of Montenegro pop 152,242

Podgorny
Nikolay Viktorovich 1903-1983 Soviet polit.; head of Presidium (1965-77)

podgy
adj. chiefly British : PUDGY

podiatry
n. : the medical care and treatment of the human foot ― called also chiropody
–po·di·at·ric \ˌpō-dē-'a-trik\ adjective
–po·di·a·trist \pə-'dī-ə-trist, pō-\ noun

podium
n. 1 : a low wall serving as a foundation or terrace wall: as a : one around the arena of an ancient amphitheater serving as a base for the tiers of seats b : the masonry under the stylobate of a temple
2 a : a dais especially for an orchestral conductor b : LECTERN

podium
n. : foot : part resembling a foot <pseudopodium>

Podol'sk
city W cen Russia in Europe S of Moscow pop 208,000

Podolia
region W Ukraine N of middle Dniester River

podophyllin
n. : a resin obtained from podophyllum and used in medicine as a caustic

podophyllum
n. : the dried rhizome and rootlet of the mayapple that is used as a caustic or as a source of the more effective podophyllin

Podunk
: a small, unimportant, and isolated town

podzol
: any of a group of zonal soils that develop in a moist climate especially under coniferous or mixed forest and have an organic mat and a thin organic-mineral layer above a light gray leached layer resting on a dark horizon that is marked by illuviation and enriched with amorphous clay
–pod·zol·ic \päd-'zä-lik, -'zȯ-\ adjective

podzolization
: a process of soil formation especially in humid regions involving principally leaching of the upper layers with accumulation of material in lower layers and development of characteristic horizons specifically : the development of a podzol
–pod·zol·ize \'päd-ˌzȯ-ˌlīz\ verb

POE
n. 1 port of embarkation
2 port of entry

Poe
n. Edgar Allan 1809-1849 American poet & short-story writer

poem
n. 1 : a composition in verse
2 : something suggesting a poem (as in expressiveness, lyricism, or formal grace) <the house we stayed in⋯was itself a poem ― H. J. Laski>

poem
n. found poem
heroic poem
prose poem
symphonic poem
tone poem

poesy
n. 1 a : a poem or body of poems b : POETRY c : artificial or sentimentalized poetic writing
2 : poetic inspiration

poet
n. 1 : one who writes poetry : a maker of verses
2 : one (as a creative artist) of great imaginative and expressive capabilities and special sensitivity to the medium

poet
n. poet laureate
poet laureates
prose poet
tone poet
poets laureate

poet laureate
1 : a poet honored for achievement in his or her art
2 a : a poet appointed for life by an English sovereign as a member of the royal household and formerly expected to compose poems for court and national occasions b : a poet appointed annually by the U.S. Library of Congress as a consultant and typically involved in the promotion of poetry
3 : one regarded by a country or region as its most eminent or representative poet

poeta nascitur, non fit
: a poet is born, not made

poetaster
n. : an inferior poet

poete maudit
: accursed poet : a writer dogged by misfortune and lack of recognition

poetess
n. : a girl or woman who is a poet

poetic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry b : given to writing poetry
2 : written in verse
3 : having or expressing the qualities of poetry (as though aesthetic or emotional impact) <her poetic beauty>

poetic justice
: an outcome in which vice is punished and virtue rewarded usually in a manner peculiarly or ironically appropriate

poetic license
: LICENSE 4

poetical
adj. 1 : POETIC
2 : being beyond or above the truth of history or nature : IDEALIZED <had poetical ideas about love>
–po·et·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–po·et·i·cal·ness \-ti-kəl-nəs\ noun

poeticism
: an archaic, trite, or strained expression in poetry

poeticize
v. : to give a poetic quality to

poetics
n. 1 a : a treatise on poetry or aesthetics b also po·et·ic \-tik\ : poetic theory or practice also : a particular theory of poetry or sometimes other literary forms <a feminist poetics>
2 : poetic feelings or utterances

poetize
v. intransitive verb : to compose poetry
transitive verb : POETICIZE
–po·et·iz·er noun

poetry
n. 1 a : metrical writing : VERSE b : the productions of a poet : POEMS
2 : writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm
3 a : something likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression b : poetic quality or aspect <the poetry of dance>

pogo stick
: a pole with a strong spring at the bottom and two footrests on which a person stands and moves along with a series of jumps

pogonip
n. : a dense winter fog containing frozen particles that is formed in deep mountain valleys of the western U.S.

pogonophoran
: any of a phylum (Pogonophora) of marine wormlike animals of uncertain systematic relationships that live in chitinous tubes on the floor of deep seas, have obscure segmentation, and lack a mouth and digestive tract
–pogonophoran adjective

pogrom
n. : an organized massacre of helpless people specifically : such a massacre of Jews

pogrom
n. : to massacre or destroy in a pogrom

pogromist
: one who organizes or takes part in a pogrom

pogy
: MENHADEN

Pohnpei
island E Carolines; part of Federated States of Micronesia

poi
n. : a Hawaiian food of taro root cooked, pounded, and kneaded to a paste and often allowed to ferment

poiesis
: production : formation <hematopoiesis>

poietic
: productive : formative <hematopoietic>

poignance
: POIGNANCY

poignancy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being poignant
2 : an instance of poignancy

poignant
adj. 1 : pungently pervasive <a poignant perfume>
2 a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings : PIERCING (2) : deeply affecting : TOUCHING b : designed to make an impression : CUTTING <poignant satire>
3 a : pleasurably stimulating b : being to the point : APT
synonyms see PUNGENT, MOVING
–poi·gnant·ly adverb

poikilotherm
n. : an organism (as a frog) with a variable body temperature that tends to fluctuate with and is similar to or slightly higher than the temperature of its environment : a cold-blooded organism
–poi·ki·lo·ther·mic \ˌpȯi-kə-lō-'thər-mik\ adjective

poilu
n. : a French soldier especially : a front-line soldier in World War I

Poincare
n. (Jules-) Henri 1854-1912 Fr. math.

Poincare
n. Raymond 1860-1934 cousin of prec. Fr. statesman; pres. of France (1913-20)

poinciana
n. : any of several ornamental tropical trees or shrubs (genera Caesalpinia and Delonix) of the legume family formerly placed in their own genus (Poinciana) ― compare ROYAL POINCIANA

poinsettia
n. : any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers

point
n. 1 a (1) : an individual detail : ITEM (2) : a distinguishing detail <tact is one of her strong points> b : the most important essential in a discussion or matter <missed the whole point of the joke> c : COGENCY
2 obsolete : physical condition
3 : an end or object to be achieved : PURPOSE <did not see what point there was in continuing the discussion>
4 a : a geometric element that has zero dimensions and a location determinable by an ordered set of coordinates b (1) : a narrowly localized place having a precisely indicated position <walked to a point 50 yards north of the building> (2) : a particular place : LOCALITY <have come from distant points> c (1) : an exact moment <at this point I was interrupted> (2) : a time interval immediately before something indicated : VERGE <at the point of death> d (1) : a particular step, stage, or degree in development <had reached the point where nothing seemed to matter anymore> (2) : a definite position in a scale
5 a : the terminal usually sharp or narrowly rounded part of something : TIP b : a weapon or tool having such a part and used for stabbing or piercing: as (1) : ARROWHEAD (2) : SPEARHEAD c (1) : the contact or discharge extremity of an electric device (as a spark plug or distributor) (2) chiefly British : an electric outlet
6 a : a projecting usually tapering piece of land or a sharp prominence b (1) : the tip of a projecting body part (2) : TINE 2 (3) plural : the extremities or markings of the extremities of an animal especially when of a color differing from the rest of the body c : a railroad switch d : the head of the bow of a stringed instrument
7 : a short musical phrase especially : a phrase in contrapuntal music
8 a : a very small mark b (1) : PUNCTUATION MARK especially : PERIOD 5A (1) (2) : DECIMAL POINT
9 : a lace for tying parts of a garment together used especially in the 16th and 17th centuries
10 : one of usually 11 divisions of a heraldic shield that determines the position of a charge
11 a : one of the 32 equidistant spots of a compass card for indicating direction b : the difference of 111/4 degrees between two such successive points c : a direction indicated by a compass point <from all points of the compass>
12 : a small detachment ahead of an advance guard or behind a rear guard
13 a : NEEDLEPOINT 1 b : lace made with a bobbin
14 : one of 12 spaces marked off on each side of a backgammon board
15 : a unit of measurement: as a (1) : a unit of counting in the scoring of a game or contest (2) : a unit used in evaluating the strength of a bridge hand b : a unit of academic credit c (1) : a unit used in quoting prices (as of stocks, bonds, and commodities) (2) plural : a percentage of the face value of a loan often added as a placement fee or service charge (3) : a percentage of the profits of a business venture (as a motion-picture production) d : a unit of about 1/72 inch used especially to measure the size of type
16 : the action of pointing: as a : the rigidly intent attitude of a hunting dog marking game for a gunner b : the action in dancing of extending one leg and arching the foot so that only the tips of the toes touch the floor
17 : a position of a player in various games (as lacrosse) also : the player of such a position
18 : a number thrown on the first roll of the dice in craps which the player attempts to repeat before throwing a seven ― compare MISSOUT, PASS 13
19 : credit accruing from creating a good impression <scored points for hard work>
–beside the point : IRRELEVANT
–in point of : with regard to : in the matter of <in point of law> <in point of fact>
–to the point : RELEVANT, PERTINENT <a suggestion that was to the point>

point
n. 1 a : to furnish with a point : SHARPEN <pointing a pencil with a knife> b : to give added force, emphasis, or piquancy to <point up a remark>
2 : to scratch out the old mortar from the joints of (as a brick wall) and fill in with new material
3 a (1) : to mark the pauses or grammatical divisions in : PUNCTUATE (2) : to separate (a decimal fraction) from an integer by a decimal point ― usually used with off b : to mark (as Hebrew words) with diacritics (as vowel points)
4 a (1) : to indicate the position or direction of especially by extending a finger <point the way home> (2) : to direct someone's attention to <point the way to new knowledge ― Elizabeth Hall> ― usually used with out or up <point out a mistake> <points up the difference> b of a hunting dog : to indicate the presence and place of (game) by a point
5 a : to cause to be turned in a particular direction <point a gun> <pointed the boat upstream> b : to extend (a leg) and arch (the foot) in executing a point in dancing
intransitive verb
1 a : to indicate the fact or probability of something specified <everything points to a bright future> b : to indicate the position or direction of something especially by extending a finger <point at the map> c : to direct attention <can point with pride to their own traditions> d : to point game <a dog that points well>
2 a : to lie extended, aimed, or turned in a particular direction <a directional arrow that pointed to the north> b : to execute a point in dancing
3 of a ship : to sail close to the wind
4 : to train for a particular contest

point
n. basis point
blue point
boiling point
breaking point
break point
brownie point
cardinal point
case in point
choke point
critical point
Curie point
decimal point
dew point
end point
exclamation point
extra point
fixed point
flash point
floating point
focal point
freezing point
game point
grade point
quality point
grade point average
quality point average
growing point
ice point
ideal point
inflection point
interrogation point
jumping off point
libration point
limit point
point of accumulation
match point
melting point
near point
pedal point
pen point
percentage point
petit point
to the point
in point of
beside the point
point and click
point and shoot
point blank
point count
point d'appui
point device
point estimate
point estimation
point guard
point lace
point man
point mutation
point of departure
point of honor
point of inflection
point of no return
point of purchase
point of service
point of view
point person
point set topology
point shaving
point source
point spread
point to point
pour point
pressure point
price point
seal point
selling point
set point
singular point
sticking point
strain a point
stretch a point
subsolar point
talking point
three point landing
three point line
trigger point
triple point
try for point
tuck point
turning point
vanishing point
vantage point
vowel point
a point
à point
point de repere
point de repère
Arena Point
Arguello Point
Barbers Point
Kalaeloa Point
Barrow Point
Dana Point
East Point
Gallinas Point
Gavins Point Dam
High Point
Kittery Point
Lizard Point
Lobos Point
Montauk Point
Mugu Point
Old Point Comfort
Pelee Point
Point Pelee National Park
Poverty Point National Monument
Reyes Point
Roberts Point
Stevens Point
Sur Point
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point
hit the high points
points d'appui
score points
suspension points
at swords' points
finger pointing
wirehaired pointing griffon

point count
: a method of evaluating the strength of a hand in bridge by counting points for each high card and usually for long or short suits also : the value of a hand so evaluated

point d'appui
: FOUNDATION, BASE

point de repere
: point of reference

point estimate
: the single value assigned to a parameter in point estimation

point estimation
: estimation in which a single value is assigned to a parameter

point guard
: a guard in basketball who is chiefly responsible for running the offense

point lace
: NEEDLEPOINT 1

point man
1 : a soldier who goes ahead of a patrol
2 : one who is in the forefront especially : a principal spokesman or advocate <the point man for the President's economic policy>

point mutation
: a gene mutation involving the substitution, addition, or deletion of a single nucleotide base

point of accumulation

1927
: LIMIT POINT

point of departure

1857
: a starting point especially in a discussion

point of honor

1592
: a matter seriously affecting one's honor

point of inflection

1743
: INFLECTION POINT

point of no return

1941
1 : the point in the flight of an aircraft beyond which the remaining fuel will be insufficient for a return to the starting point with the result that the craft must proceed
2 : a critical point at which turning back or reversal is not possible

point of view

1720
: a position or perspective from which something is considered or evaluated : STANDPOINT

Point Pelee National Park
n. reservation Canada in SE Ont. on Point Pelee (cape projecting into Lake Erie)

point person
: POINT MAN 2

point set topology
: a branch of topology concerned with the properties and theory of topological spaces and metric spaces developed with emphasis on set theory

point source
1 : a source of radiation (as light) that is concentrated at a point and considered as having no spatial extension
2 : an identifiable confined source (as a smokestack or wastewater treatment plant) from which a pollutant is discharged or emitted

point spread
: the number of points by which an oddsmaker expects a favorite to defeat an underdog

point-and-click
: of, relating to, or being a computer interface that allows the activation of a file or function by selection with a pointing device (as a mouse)

point-and-shoot
: having or using preset or automatically adjusted controls (as for focus or shutter speed) <a point-and-shoot camera>

point-blank
1 a : marked by no appreciable drop below initial horizontal line of flight b : so close to a target that a missile fired will travel in a straight line to the mark
2 : DIRECT, BLUNT <a point-blank refusal>
–point-blank adverb

point-device
archaic : marked by punctilious attention to detail : METICULOUS
–point-device adverb archaic

point-of-purchase
: of or relating to the place (as a supermarket aisle) where a decision to purchase is made <point-of-purchase displays>

point-of-service
: of, relating to, or being a health-care insurance plan that allows enrollees to seek care from a physician affiliated with the service provider at a fixed co-payment or to choose a nonaffiliated physician and pay more ― abbreviation POS

point-shaving
: an attempt (as by a member of the team favored to win) to influence the final score of a game so that the predicted winner wins by less than the point spread

point-to-point
: a cross-country steeplechase

pointe
n. : a ballet position in which the body is balanced on the extreme tip of the toe

pointe
n. Pointe a Pitre
Pointe à Pitre
Pointe Claire
Pointe Noire

Pointe-a-Pitre
city & port French West Indies in Guadeloupe on Grande-Terre pop 26,083

Pointe-Claire
town Canada in S Que. on St. Lawrence River SW of Montreal pop 29,286

Pointe-Noire
city & port SW Republic of the Congo on the Atlantic pop 576,206; formerly capital of Middle Congo

pointed
adj. 1 a : having a point b : being an arch with a pointed crown also : marked by the use of a pointed arch <pointed architecture>
2 a : being to the point : PERTINENT b : aimed at a particular person or group
3 : CONSPICUOUS, MARKED <pointed indifference>
4 : having points that contrast in color with the basic coat color <a pointed cat>
–point·ed·ly adverb
–point·ed·ness noun

pointed
adj. obsolete : SET, FIXED

pointelle
n. : an openwork design (as in knitted fabric) typically in the shape of chevrons also : a fabric with this design

pointer
n. 1 a plural capitalized : the two stars in the Big Dipper a line through which points to the North Star b : one that points out especially : a rod used to direct attention c : a computer memory address that contains another address (as of desired data)
2 : a large strong slender smooth-haired gundog that hunts by scent and indicates the presence of game by pointing
3 : one that furnishes with points
4 : a useful suggestion or hint : TIP

pointer
n. German shorthaired pointer
German wirehaired pointer
hip pointer
three pointer

pointillism
n. : the theory or practice in art of applying small strokes or dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together
–poin·til·list \ˌpwan(n)-tē-'yēst, 'pȯin-tə-list\ noun

pointillistic
adj. 1 : composed of many discrete details or parts
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of pointillism or pointillists

pointless
adj. 1 : devoid of meaning : SENSELESS <a pointless remark>
2 : devoid of effectiveness : FLAT <pointless attempts to be funny>
–point·less·ly adverb
–point·less·ness noun

pointy
adj. 1 : coming to a rather sharp point
2 : having parts that stick out sharply here and there

pointy-head
usually disparaging : INTELLECTUAL
–pointy-head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

poise
n. transitive verb
1 a : BALANCE especially : to hold or carry in equilibrium <carried a water jar poised on her head> b : to hold supported or suspended without motion in a steady position <poised her fork and gave her guest a knowing look ― Louis Bromfield>
2 : to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way
3 : to put into readiness : BRACE
intransitive verb
1 : to become drawn up into readiness
2 : HOVER

poise
n. 1 : a stably balanced state : EQUILIBRIUM <a poise between widely divergent impulses ― F. R. Leavis>
2 a : easy self-possessed assurance of manner : gracious tact in coping or handling also : the pleasantly tranquil interaction between persons of poise <no angry outbursts marred the poise of the meeting> b : a particular way of carrying oneself : BEARING, CARRIAGE
synonyms see TACT

poise
n. : a centimeter-gram-second unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one-square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter

poised
adj. : having poise: a : marked by balance or equilibrium b : marked by easy composure of manner or bearing

poisha
n. : the paisa of Bangladesh

poison
n. 1 a : a substance that through its chemical action usually kills, injures, or impairs an organism b (1) : something destructive or harmful (2) : an object of aversion or abhorrence
2 : a substance that inhibits the activity of another substance or the course of a reaction or process <a catalyst poison>

poison
n. 1 a : to injure or kill with poison b : to treat, taint, or impregnate with or as if with poison
2 : to exert a baneful influence on : CORRUPT <poisoned their minds>
3 : to inhibit the activity, course, or occurrence of <on the night when he poisoned my rest ― Charles Dickens>
–poi·son·er \'pȯiz-nər, 'pȯi-zən-ər\ noun

poison
n. 1 : POISONOUS, VENOMOUS <a poison plant> <a poison tongue>
2 : impregnated with poison : POISONED <a poison arrow>

poison
n. poison dart frog
poison arrow frog
poison gas
poison hemlock
poison ivy
poison oak
poison pen
poison pill
poison sumac
poison dogwood
blood poisoning
food poisoning
lead poisoning
ptomaine poisoning

poison dart frog
: any of several small brightly colored frogs (family Dendrobatidae) of tropical Central and So. America that produce poisonous secretions sometimes used by native peoples to poison dart or arrow tips ― called also poison arrow frog

poison gas
: a poisonous gas or a liquid or a solid giving off poisonous vapors designed (as in chemical warfare) to kill, injure, or disable by inhalation or contact

poison hemlock
: a large European biennial poisonous herb (Conium maculatum) of the carrot family that is naturalized in the U.S. and has finely divided leaves and small white flowers ― compare WATER HEMLOCK

poison ivy
1 a : a climbing plant (Toxicodendron radicans syn. Rhus radicans) of the cashew family that is especially common in the eastern and central U.S., that has ternate leaves, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash b : any of several plants closely related to poison ivy
2 : a skin rash caused by poison ivy

poison oak
1 : any of several plants related to poison ivy and producing an oil with similar irritating properties: as a : a bushy plant (Toxicodendron diversilobum syn. Rhus diversiloba) of the Pacific coast b : a bushy plant (Toxicodendron toxicarium syn. Rhus toxicodendron) chiefly of the southeastern U.S.
2 : POISON IVY 1A

poison pill
: a financial tactic or provision used by a company to make an unwanted takeover prohibitively expensive or less desirable

poison sumac
: a swamp shrub (Toxicodendron vernix syn. Rhus vernix) chiefly of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has pinnate leaves, greenish flowers, and greenish white berries and produces an irritating oil ― called also poison dogwood

poison-pen
: written with malice and spite and usually anonymously <a poison-pen letter>

poisonous
adj. 1 : DESTRUCTIVE, HARMFUL
2 : having the properties or effects of poison : VENOMOUS
3 : SPITEFUL, MALICIOUS
–poi·son·ous·ly adverb

poisonwood
: a tree (Metopium toxiferum) of the cashew family that is native to Florida and the West Indies and has compound leaves, greenish paniculate flowers, and orange-yellow fruits and produces a severely irritating sap

Poisson distribution
: a probability density function that is often used as a mathematical model of the number of outcomes obtained in a suitable interval of time and space, that has its mean equal to its variance, that is used as an approximation to the binomial distribution, and that has the form f(x) = e-µµx/x! where µ is the mean and x takes on nonnegative integral values

Poisson's ratio
: the ratio of transverse to longitudinal strain in a material under tension

Poitiers
city W cen France SW of Tours pop 83,507

Poitou
region & former province W France SE of Brittany capital Poitiers

poke
n. 1 chiefly Southern & Midland : BAG, SACK
2 a : WALLET b : PURSE

poke
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : PROD, JAB <poked him in the ribs> (2) : to urge or stir by prodding or jabbing <poked and scolded by the old folks ― Upton Sinclair> (3) : to cause to prod : THRUST <poked a stick at the snake> b (1) : PIERCE, STAB (2) : to produce by or as if by piercing, stabbing, or jabbing <poke a hole> <poked holes in his heavily footnoted argument ― David Stoll> c (1) : HIT, PUNCH <poked him in the nose> (2) : to deliver (a blow) with the fist (3) : to hit (a blooper) in baseball
2 a : to cause to project <poked her head out of the window> b : to make (one's way) by poking <poked his way through the ruins> c : to interpose or interject in a meddlesome manner <asked him not to poke his nose into other people's business>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a prodding, jabbing, or thrusting movement especially repeatedly b : to strike out at something
2 a : to look about or through something without system : RUMMAGE <poking around in the attic> b : MEDDLE
3 : to move or act slowly or aimlessly <just poked around and didn't accomplish much>
4 : to become stuck out or forward : PROTRUDE
–poke fun at : RIDICULE, MOCK

poke
n. 1 a : a quick thrust : JAB b : a blow with the fist : PUNCH
2 : a projecting brim on the front of a woman's bonnet
3 : a cutting remark : DIG

poke
n. : POKEWEED

poke fun at
RIDICULE, MOCK

pokeberry
: the berry of the pokeweed also : POKEWEED

poker
n. : one that pokes especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker
n. : any of several card games in which a player bets that the value of his or her hand is greater than that of the hands held by others, in which each subsequent player must either equal or raise the bet or drop out, and in which the player holding the highest hand at the end of the betting wins the pot

poker
n. draw poker
poker face
poker faced
red hot poker
straight poker
strip poker
stud poker

poker face
: an inscrutable face that reveals no hint of a person's thoughts or feelings
–po·ker-faced \'pō-kər-ˌfāst\ adjective

pokeweed
n. : a coarse American perennial herb (Phytolacca americana of the family Phytolaccaceae, the pokeweed family) with racemose white flowers, dark purple juicy berries, a poisonous root, and young shoots sometimes used as potherbs

pokey
adj. slang : JAIL

poky
adj. 1 : small and cramped
2 : SHABBY, DULL
3 : annoyingly slow
–pok·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–pok·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

Pol
n. Poland

pol
n. : POLITICIAN

Pol Pot
1925-1998 orig. Saloth Sar Cambodian leader

Polabian
1 or Po·lab \pō-'läb\ : a member of a Slavic people formerly dwelling in the basin of the Elbe and on the Baltic coast of Germany
2 : the extinct West Slavic language of the Polabians

Polack
n. 1 obsolete : a native or inhabitant of Poland
2 usually disparaging : a person of Polish birth or descent

Poland
n. country E cen Europe bordering on Baltic Sea; in medieval period a kingdom, at one time extending to the lower Dnieper; partitioned 1772, 1793, 1795 among Russia, Prussia, & Austria; again a kingdom 1815-30; lost autonomy 1830-1918; since 1918 a republic capital Warsaw area 120,756 sq mi (312,758 sq km), pop 38,038,400

Poland China
: any of a U.S. breed of large white-marked black swine

Polanyi
John Charles 1929-     Canad. (Ger.-born) chem.

polar
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a geographic pole or the region around it b : coming from or having the characteristics of such a region c (1) : passing over a celestial body's north and south poles <a satellite in a polar orbit> (2) : traveling in a polar orbit <a polar satellite>
2 : of or relating to one or more poles (as of a magnet)
3 : serving as a guide <a polar principle> <a polar theory>
4 : diametrically opposite <polar positions on the issue>
5 : exhibiting polarity especially : having a dipole or characterized by molecules having dipoles <a polar solvent>
6 : resembling a pole or axis around which all else revolves : PIVOTAL <polar events>
7 : of, relating to, or expressed in polar coordinates <polar equations> also : of or relating to a polar coordinate system

polar
adj. : a straight line related to a point specifically : the straight line joining the points of contact of the tangents from a point exterior to a conic section

polar
adj. polar bear
polar body
polar circle
polar coordinate
polar front
polar nucleus

polar bear
: a large creamy-white carnivorous bear (Ursus maritimus syn. Thalarctos maritimus) that inhabits arctic regions

polar body
: a cell that separates from an oocyte during meiosis and that contains a nucleus produced in the first or second meiotic division and very little cytoplasm

polar circle
: either of the two parallels of latitude each at a distance from a pole of the earth equal to about 23 degrees 27 minutes

polar coordinate
: either of two numbers that locate a point in a plane by its distance from a fixed point on a line and the angle this line makes with a fixed line

polar front
: the boundary between the cold air of a polar region and the warmer air of lower latitudes

polar nucleus
: either of the two nuclei of a seed plant embryo sac that are destined to form endosperm

polarimeter
n. 1 : an instrument for determining the amount of polarization of light or the proportion of polarized light in a partially polarized ray
2 : a polariscope for measuring the amount of rotation of the plane of polarization especially by liquids
–po·lar·i·met·ric \pō-ˌla-rə-'me-trik\ adjective
–po·lar·im·e·try \ˌpō-lə-'ri-mə-trē\ noun

Polaris
n. : NORTH STAR

polariscope
n. 1 : an instrument for studying the properties of or examining substances in polarized light
2 : POLARIMETER 2
–po·lar·i·scop·ic \-ˌla-rə-'skä-pik\ adjective

polarise
v. British variant of polarize

polarity
n. 1 : the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in opposite parts or directions or that exhibits contrasted properties or powers in contrasted parts or directions : the condition of having poles
2 : attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
3 : the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification
4 a : diametrical opposition b : an instance of such opposition

polarity therapy
: a holistic discipline that seeks to achieve physical and emotional health through a system of touch, diet, exercise, and self-awareness designed to balance energy flows in the body

polarization
n. 1 : the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as a (1) : the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form (2) : the state of radiation affected by this process b : an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes c : MAGNETIZATION
2 a : division into two opposites b : concentration about opposing extremes of groups or interests formerly ranged on a continuum

polarize
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause (as light waves) to vibrate in a definite pattern
2 : to give physical polarity to
3 : to break up into opposing factions or groupings <a campaign that polarized the electorate>
4 : CONCENTRATE 1 <recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing⋯an amorphous, fragmented audience ― Ellen Willis>
intransitive verb : to become polarized
–po·lar·iz·abil·i·ty \ˌpō-lə-ˌrī-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–po·lar·iz·able \ˌpō-lə-'rī-zə-bəl\ adjective

polarography
n. : a method of qualitative or quantitative analysis based on current-voltage curves obtained during electrolysis of a solution with a steadily increasing electromotive force
–po·lar·o·graph·ic \pō-ˌla-rə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–po·lar·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Polaroid
n. ― used especially for a light-polarizing material used especially in eyeglasses and lamps to prevent glare or for a camera that produces developed pictures

polaron
: a conducting electron in an ionic crystal together with the induced polarization of the surrounding lattice

polder
n. : a tract of low land (as in the Netherlands) reclaimed from a body of water (as the sea)

Pole
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Poland
2 : a person of Polish descent

Pole
n. Reginald 1500-1558 Eng. cardinal; archbishop of Canterbury (1556-58)

pole
n. 1 a : a long slender usually cylindrical object (as a length of wood) b : a shaft which extends from the front axle of a wagon between wheelhorses and by which the wagon is drawn : TONGUE c : a long staff of wood, metal, or fiberglass used in the pole vault
2 : a varying unit of length especially : one equal to a rod (161/2 feet or about 5 meters)
3 : a tree with a breast-high diameter of from 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters)
4 : the inside front row position on the starting line for a race

pole
n. transitive verb
1 : to act upon with a pole
2 : to impel or push with a pole
intransitive verb
1 : to propel a boat with a pole
2 : to use ski poles to gain speed

pole
n. 1 : either extremity of an axis of a sphere and especially of the earth's axis
2 a : either of two related opposites b : a point of guidance or attraction
3 a : either of the two terminals of an electric cell, battery, generator, or motor b : one of two or more regions in a magnetized body at which the magnetic flux density is concentrated
4 : either of two morphologically or physiologically differentiated areas at opposite ends of an axis in an organism or cell ― see BLASTULA illustration
5 a : the fixed point in a system of polar coordinates that serves as the origin b : the point of origin of two tangents to a conic section that determine a polar
–poles apart : diametrically opposed

pole
n. animal pole
celestial pole
liberty pole
magnetic pole
north pole
north seeking pole
pole bean
pole vault
pole vaulter
ski pole
south pole
south seeking pole
totem pole
vegetal pole
poles apart

pole bean
: a cultivated bean that is usually trained to grow upright on supports

pole vault
: a vault with the aid of a pole specifically : a field event consisting of a vault for height over a crossbar
–pole-vault intransitive verb
–pole-vaulter noun

poleax
n. 1 : a battle-ax with a short handle and often a hook or spike opposite the blade also : one with a long handle used as an ornamental weapon
2 : an ax used in slaughtering cattle

poleax
n. : to attack, strike, or fell with or as if with a poleax

polecat
n. 1 : any of several carnivorous mammals (as of the genera Mustela or Vormela) of the weasel family especially : a brown to black European mammal (M. putorius) from which the domesticated ferret is derived
2 : SKUNK

poleis
n. plural of polis

poleless
: having no pole

polemic
n. 1 a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
2 : an aggressive controversialist : DISPUTANT
–po·lem·i·cist \-'le-mə-sist\ noun

polemical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a polemic : CONTROVERSIAL
2 : engaged in or addicted to polemics : DISPUTATIOUS
–po·lem·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

polemicize
v. : to engage in controversy : deliver a polemic

polemist
: one skilled in or given to polemics

polemize
v. : POLEMICIZE

polemonium
: JACOB'S LADDER 1

Polenta
n. Francesca da d 1283(or 1284) Fran·ces·ca da Ri·mi·ni \ˌfran-'ches-kə-dä-'ri-mə-(ˌ)nē, ˌfrän-, -'rē-\ Ital. noblewoman famous for tragic adulterous love affair

polenta
n. : mush made of chestnut meal, cornmeal, semolina, or farina

poler
n. : one that poles especially : one that poles a boat

poles apart
diametrically opposed

polestar
n. 1 : NORTH STAR
2 a : a directing principle : GUIDE b : a center of attraction

Polesye
― see PRIPET

poleward
: toward or in the direction of a pole of the earth <as the sun moves poleward> <poleward variation in temperature>

poli-sci
: POLITICAL SCIENCE

police
n. 1 archaic : GOVERN
2 : to control, regulate, or keep in order by use of police
3 : to make clean and put in order
4 a : to supervise the operation, execution, or administration of to prevent or detect and prosecute violations of rules and regulations b : to exercise such supervision over the policies and activities of
5 : to perform the functions of a police force in or over

police
n. 1 a : the internal organization or regulation of a political unit through exercise of governmental powers especially with respect to general comfort, health, morals, safety, or prosperity b : control and regulation of affairs affecting the general order and welfare of any unit or area c : the system of laws for effecting such control
2 a : the department of government concerned primarily with maintenance of public order, safety, and health and enforcement of laws and possessing executive, judicial, and legislative powers b : the department of government charged with prevention, detection, and prosecution of public nuisances and crimes
3 a : POLICE FORCE b plural : POLICE OFFICERS
4 a : a private organization resembling a police force <campus police> b plural : the members of a private police organization
5 a : the action or process of cleaning and putting in order b : military personnel detailed to perform this function
6 : one attempting to regulate or censor a specified field or activity <the fashion police>

police
n. air police
kitchen police
military police
police action
police court
police dog
police force
police officer
police power
police procedural
police procedurals
police reporter
police state
police station
secret police
security police
self policing

police action
: a localized military action undertaken without formal declaration of war by regular armed forces against persons (as guerrillas or aggressors) held to be violators of international peace and order

police court
: a court of record that has jurisdiction over various minor offenses (as breach of the peace) and the power to bind over for trial in a superior court or for a grand jury persons accused of more serious offenses

police dog
1 : a dog trained to assist police (as in drug detection)
2 : GERMAN SHEPHERD

police force
: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime

police officer
: a member of a police force

police power
: the inherent power of a government to exercise reasonable control over persons and property within its jurisdiction in the interest of the general security, health, safety, morals, and welfare except where legally prohibited

police procedural
: a mystery story written from the point of view of the police investigating the crime

police reporter
: a reporter regularly assigned to cover police news (as crimes and arrests)

police state
: a political unit characterized by repressive governmental control of political, economic, and social life usually by an arbitrary exercise of power by police and especially secret police in place of regular operation of administrative and judicial organs of the government according to publicly known legal procedures

police station
: the headquarters of the police for a locality

policeman
n. 1 : a member of a police force
2 : one held to resemble a policeman <making the United States the policeman for the whole wide world ― R. B. Long>

policewoman
n. : a woman who is a member of a police force

policy
n. 1 a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest
2 a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body

policy
n. 1 : a writing whereby a contract of insurance is made
2 a : a daily lottery in which participants bet that certain numbers will be drawn from a lottery wheel b : NUMBER 7A

policy science
: a social science dealing with the making of high-level policy (as in a government or business)

policyholder
n. : the owner of an insurance policy

polio
n. : POLIOMYELITIS

poliomyelitis
n. : an acute infectious disease caused by the poliovirus and characterized by fever, motor paralysis, and atrophy of skeletal muscles often with permanent disability and deformity and marked by inflammation of nerve cells in the anterior gray matter in each lateral half of the spinal cord ― called also infantile paralysis

poliovirus
n. : an enterovirus (species Poliovirus of the genus Enterovirus) that occurs as three serotypes of which one is the most frequent cause of poliomyelitis

polis
n. : a Greek city-state broadly : a state or society especially when characterized by a sense of community

polis
n. : city <megalopolis>

Polish
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Poland, the Poles, or Polish

Polish
n. : the Slavic language of the Poles

polish
n. transitive verb
1 : to make smooth and glossy usually by friction : BURNISH
2 : to smooth, soften, or refine in manners or condition
3 : to bring to a highly developed, finished, or refined state : PERFECT
intransitive verb : to become smooth or glossy by or as if by friction
–pol·ish·er noun

polish
n. 1 a : a smooth glossy surface : LUSTER b : freedom from rudeness or coarseness : CULTURE c : a state of high development or refinement
2 : the action or process of polishing
3 : a preparation that is used to produce a gloss and often a color for the protection and decoration of a surface <furniture polish> <nail polish>

polish
n. apple polish
polish off
reverse Polish notation
spit and polish
Polish Corridor
apple polisher

Polish Corridor
strip of land N Europe in Poland that bet. World War I & World War II separated E. Prussia from main part of Germany; area was before 1919 part of Germany

polish off
: to finish off or dispose of rapidly or completely

polit
political

politburo
n. : the principal policy-making and executive committee of a Communist party

polite
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture b : marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres
2 a : showing or characterized by correct social usage b : marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite literature>
synonyms see CIVIL
–po·lite·ly adverb
–po·lite·ness noun

politesse
n. : formal politeness : DECOROUSNESS

Politian
1454-1494 Angelo Poliziano or Angelo Ambrogini Ital. classical scholar & poet

politic
adj. 1 : POLITICAL
2 : characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing
3 : sagacious in promoting a policy
4 : shrewdly tactful
synonyms see EXPEDIENT, SUAVE

political
adj. 1 a : of or relating to government, a government, or the conduct of government b : of, relating to, or concerned with the making as distinguished from the administration of governmental policy
2 : of, relating to, involving, or involved in politics and especially party politics
3 : organized in governmental terms <political units>
4 : involving or charged or concerned with acts against a government or a political system <political prisoners>
–po·lit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

political
adj. political action committee
political economy
political economist
political correctness
political science
political scientist
politically correct

political action committee
: a group formed (as by an industry or an issue-oriented organization) to raise and contribute money to the campaigns of candidates likely to advance the group's interests

political economy
1 : ECONOMICS
2 : the theory or study of the role of public policy in influencing the economic and social welfare of a political unit
–political economist noun

political science
: a social science concerned chiefly with the description and analysis of political and especially governmental institutions and processes
–political scientist noun

politicalize
v. : POLITICIZE
–po·lit·i·cal·i·za·tion \-ˌli-ti-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

politically correct
: conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated
–political correctness noun

politician
n. 1 : a person experienced in the art or science of government especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government
2 a : a person engaged in party politics as a profession b : a person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons

politicise
v. British variant of politicize

politicize
v. : to give a political tone or character to <an attempt to politicize the civil service>
–po·lit·i·ci·za·tion \-ˌli-tə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

politick
v. : to engage in often partisan political discussion or activity
–pol·i·tick·er noun

politico
n. : POLITICIAN

politics
n. 1 a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government
2 : political actions, practices, or policies
3 a : political affairs or business especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices
4 : the political opinions or sympathies of a person
5 a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view <office politics> <ethnic politics>

polity
n. 1 : political organization
2 : a specific form of political organization
3 : a politically organized unit
4 a : the form or constitution of a politically organized unit b : the form of government of a religious denomination

Polk
n. James Knox 1795-1849 11th pres. of the U.S. (1845-49)

polka
n. 1 : a lively couple dance of Bohemian origin in duple time with a basic pattern of hop-step-close-step
2 : a lively originally Bohemian dance tune in 2/4 time
–polka intransitive verb

polka dot
: a dot in a pattern of regularly distributed dots in textile design
–polka-dot or pol·ka-dot·ted \-ˌdä-təd\ adjective

poll
n. 1 : HEAD
2 a : the top or back of the head b : NAPE
3 : the broad or flat end of a striking tool (as a hammer)
4 a (1) : the casting or recording of the votes of a body of persons (2) : a counting of votes cast b : the place where votes are cast or recorded ― usually used in plural <at the polls> c : the period of time during which votes may be cast at an election d : the total number of votes recorded <a heavy poll>
5 a : a questioning or canvassing of persons selected at random or by quota to obtain information or opinions to be analyzed b : a record of the information so obtained

poll
n. 1 a : to cut off or cut short the hair or wool of : CROP, SHEAR b : to cut off or cut short (as wool)
2 a : to cut off or back the top of (as a tree) specifically : POLLARD b : to cut off or cut short the horns of (cattle)
3 a : to receive and record the votes of b : to request each member of to declare a vote individually <poll the assembly>
4 : to receive (as votes) in an election
5 : to question or canvass in a poll
6 : to test (as several computer terminals sharing a single line) in sequence for messages to be transmitted
intransitive verb : to cast one's vote at a poll
–poll·ee \pō-'lē\ noun
–poll·er \'pō-lər\ noun

poll
n. deed poll
deeds poll
exit poll
poll tax
red poll
straw poll
exit polling

poll tax
: a tax of a fixed amount per person levied on adults and often linked to the right to vote

pollack
n. 1 : a commercially important No. Atlantic food fish (Pollachius virens) related to and resembling the cods but darker
2 : a commercially important northern Pacific food fish (Theragra chalcogramma) of the cod family that closely resembles the pollack ― called also walleye pollack

pollard
n. : a tree cut back to the trunk to promote the growth of a dense head of foliage

pollard
n. : to make a pollard of (a tree)

polled
adj. : having no horns

pollen
n. 1 : a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust
2 : a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

pollen
n. pollen basket
pollen grain
pollen mother cell
pollen sac
pollen tube

pollen basket
: a smooth area on each hind tibia of a bee that is edged by a fringe of stiff hairs and serves to collect and transport pollen ― called also corbicula

pollen grain
: one of the granular microspores that occur in pollen and give rise to the male gametophyte of a seed plant

pollen mother cell
: a cell that is derived from the hypodermis of the pollen sac and that gives rise by meiosis to four cells each of which develops into a pollen grain

pollen sac
: one of the pouches of a seed plant anther in which pollen is formed

pollen tube
: a tube that is formed by a pollen grain and conveys the sperm nuclei to the embryo sac of an angiosperm or the archegonium of a gymnosperm

pollenizer
1 : a plant that is a source of pollen
2 : POLLINATOR A

pollex
n. : the first digit of the forelimb : THUMB

pollice verso
: with thumb turned : with a gesture or expression of condemnation

pollin
: pollen <pollinate>

pollinate
v. 1 : to carry out the pollination of
2 : to mark or smudge with pollen

pollinate
v. cross pollinate
self pollinate
open pollinated
wind pollinated

pollination
n. : the transfer of pollen from an anther to the stigma in angiosperms or from the microsporangium to the micropyle in gymnosperms

pollinator
n. : one that pollinates: as a : an agent (as an insect) that pollinates flowers b : POLLENIZER 1

pollinium
: a coherent mass of pollen grains often with a stalk bearing an adhesive disk that clings to insects

pollinosis
n. : HAY FEVER

Pollio
Gaius Asinius 76 B.C.-A.D. 4 Rom. soldier & polit.

Pollock
n. Sir Frederick 1845-1937 Eng. jurist

Pollock
n. (Paul) Jackson 1912-1956 American painter

pollster
n. : one that conducts a poll or compiles data obtained by a poll

pollutant
n. : something that pollutes

pollute
v. 1 a : to make ceremonially or morally impure : DEFILE b : DEBASE 1 <using language to deceive or mislead pollutes language ― Linda C. Lederman>
2 a : to make physically impure or unclean : BEFOUL, DIRTY b : to contaminate (an environment) especially with man-made waste
synonyms see CONTAMINATE
–pol·lut·er noun
–pol·lut·ive \-'lü-tiv\ adjective

pollution
n. 1 : the action of polluting especially by environmental contamination with man-made waste also : the condition of being polluted
2 : POLLUTANT

pollution
n. light pollution
noise pollution
thermal pollution

Pollux
1 : one of the Dioscuri
2 : a first-magnitude star in the constellation Gemini

Pollyanna
n. : a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything
–Pollyanna adjective
–Pol·ly·an·na·ish \-'a-nə-ish\ also Pol·ly·an·nish \-'a-nish\ adjective

pollywog
n. : TADPOLE

Polo
n. Mar·co \'mär-(ˌ)kō\ 1254-1324 Venetian traveler

polo
n. 1 : a game played by teams of players on horseback using mallets with long flexible handles to drive a wooden ball through goalposts
2 : WATER POLO
3 : POLO SHIRT
–po·lo·ist \'pō-(ˌ)lō-ist\ noun

polo
n. polo coat
polo neck
polo shirt
water polo
Marco Polo

polo coat
: a tailored overcoat that is made especially of tan camel's hair and often has stitched edges and a half-belt on the back

polo shirt
: a close-fitting pullover often knit shirt with short or long sleeves and turnover collar or banded neck

polo-neck
chiefly British : TURTLENECK

polonaise
n. 1 : an elaborate short-sleeved overdress with a fitted waist and a draped cutaway overskirt
2 a : a stately Polish processional dance popular in 19th century Europe b : music for this dance in moderate 3/4 time

Polonia
: people of Polish descent living outside Poland

polonium
n. : a radioactive metallic element that is similar chemically to tellurium and bismuth, occurs especially in pitchblende and radium-lead residues, and emits an alpha particle to form an isotope of lead ― see ELEMENT table

Polonius
: a garrulous courtier and father of Ophelia and Laertes in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Poltava
city cen Ukraine on Vorskla River WSW of Kharkiv pop 320,000

poltergeist
n. : a noisy usually mischievous ghost held to be responsible for unexplained noises (as rappings)

Poltoratsk
― see ASHGABAT

poltroon
n. : a spiritless coward : CRAVEN

poltroon
n. : characterized by complete cowardice

poltroonery
n. : mean pusillanimity : COWARDICE

poly
n. : a polymerized plastic or something made of this especially : a polyester fiber, fabric, or garment

poly
n. 1 : many : several : much : MULTI- <polychotomous> <polygyny>
2 a : containing an indefinite number more than one of a (specified) substance <polysulfide> b : polymeric : polymer of a (specified) monomer <polyethylene> <polyadenylic acid>

poly
n. poly I:C
poly Ipoly C
roly poly
roly poly pudding

poly I:C
: a synthetic 2-stranded RNA that induces interferon formation and is composed of one strand consisting entirely of cytosine-containing nucleotides and one strand consisting entirely of inosine-containing nucleotides

poly(A)
: RNA or a segment of RNA that is composed of a polynucleotide chain consisting entirely of adenylic acid residues and that codes for polylysine when functioning as messenger RNA in protein synthesis

polyacrylamide
n. : a polyamide of acrylic acid

polyacrylonitrile
: a polymer of acrylonitrile used often as fibers

polyadenylic acid
: POLY(A)

polyalcohol
n. : an alcohol (as a diol) that contains more than one hydroxyl group

polyamide
n. : a compound characterized by more than one amide group especially : a polymeric amide (as nylon)

polyamine
n. : a compound characterized by more than one amino group

polyandry
n. : the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time ― compare POLYGAMY, POLYGYNY
–poly·an·drous \ˌpä-lē-'an-drəs\ adjective

polyantha
: any of numerous dwarf hybrid roses characterized by many large clusters of small flowers

polyanthus
n. 1 : any of various hybrid primroses
2 : a narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) having small white or yellow flowers arranged in umbels and having a spreading perianth

polyatomic
adj. : containing more than one and especially more than two atoms <polyatomic molecules>

Polybius
ca 200-ca 118 B.C. Greek hist.

polybrominated biphenyl
: any of several compounds that are similar to polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental toxicity and in structure but that have various hydrogen atoms replaced by bromine rather than chlorine ― called also PBB

polybutadiene
: a synthetic rubber that has a high resistance to wear and is used especially in the manufacture of tires

polycarbonate
n. : any of various tough transparent thermoplastics characterized by high impact strength and high softening temperature

Polycarp
Saint 2d cent. Christian martyr & Apostolic Father; bishop of Smyrna

polycentric
adj. : having more than one center (as of development or control): as a : having several centromeres <polycentric chromosomes> b : characterized by polycentrism

polycentrism
n. : the existence of many centers of Communist ideological thought especially : the existence of a number of autonomous national Communist movements

polychaete
n. : any of a class (Polychaeta) of chiefly marine annelid worms (as clam worms) usually with paired segmental appendages, separate sexes, and a free-swimming trochophore larva
–polychaete adjective

polychlorinated biphenyl
: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues ― called also PCB

polychotomous
: dividing or marked by division into many parts, branches, or classes
–poly·chot·o·my \-mē\ noun

polychromatic
adj. 1 : showing a variety or a change of colors : MULTICOLORED
2 : being or relating to radiation that is composed of more than one wavelength

polychromatophilic
adj. : stainable with more than one type of stain and especially with both acid and basic dyes <polychromatophilic erythroblasts>
–poly·chro·mato·phil·ia \-'fi-lē-ə\ noun

polychrome
n. : relating to, made with, or decorated in several colors <polychrome pottery>
–polychrome transitive verb
–poly·chro·my \-ˌkrō-mē\ noun

polycistronic
: containing the genetic information of a number of cistrons <polycistronic messenger RNA>

polyclinic
n. : a clinic or hospital treating diseases of many sorts

Polyclitus
5th cent. B.C. Greek sculptor & architect

polyclonal
n. : produced by, involving, or being cells derived from two or more cells of different ancestry or genetic constitution <polyclonal antibody synthesis> <polyclonal activation of T cells and B cells>

polycondensation
: a chemical condensation leading to the formation of a compound of high molecular weight

polyconic projection
: a map projection consisting of a composite series of concentric cones each of which before being unrolled has been placed over a sphere so as to be tangent to a different parallel of latitude

Polycrates
d ca 522 B.C. tyrant of Samos

polycrystalline
adj. 1 : consisting of crystals variously oriented
2 : composed of more than one crystal
–poly·crys·tal \'pä-lē-ˌkris-təl\ noun

polycyclic
adj. : having more than one cyclic component especially : having two or more rings in the molecule

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
: any of a class of hydrocarbon molecules that have multiple carbon rings, and that include numerous carcinogenic substances and environmental pollutants ― abbreviation PAH

polycystic
adj. : having or involving more than one cyst <polycystic kidneys> <a polycystic disease>

polycystic
adj. polycystic kidney disease
polycystic ovary syndrome
polycystic ovarian syndrome

polycystic kidney disease
: either of two hereditary diseases characterized by gradually enlarging bilateral cysts of the kidney which lead to reduced renal functioning or renal failure

polycystic ovary syndrome
: a variable disease that is marked by amenorrhea, hirsutism, obesity, infertility, and ovarian enlargement and is usually initiated by an elevated level of luteinizing hormone, androgen, or estrogen which results in an abnormal cycle of gonadotropin release by the pituitary gland ― called also polycystic ovarian syndrome

polycythaemia
n. chiefly British variant of polycythemia

polycythemia
n. : a condition marked by an abnormal increase in the number of circulating red blood cells specifically : POLYCYTHEMIA VERA
–poly·cy·the·mic \-mik\ adjective

polycythemia vera
: polycythemia of unknown cause that is characterized by increase in total blood volume and accompanied by nosebleed, distension of the circulatory vessels, and enlargement of the spleen ― called also erythremia

polydactyl
n. : having or causing polydactyly

polydactyly
n. : the condition of having more than the normal number of fingers or toes

polydipsia
n. : excessive or abnormal thirst
–poly·dip·sic \-sik\ adjective

polydisperse
: of, relating to, or characterized by or as particles of varied sizes in the dispersed phase of a disperse system
–poly·dis·per·si·ty \-'pər-sə-tē\ noun

Polydorus
1st cent. B.C. Rhodian sculptor

polyelectrolyte
n. : a substance of high molecular weight (as a protein) that is an electrolyte

polyembryony
n. 1 : the condition of having several embryos
2 : the production of two or more embryos from one ovule or egg
–poly·em·bry·on·ic \-ˌem-brē-'ä-nik\ adjective

polyene
n. : an organic compound containing many double bonds especially : one having the double bonds in a long aliphatic hydrocarbon chain
–poly·enic \ˌpä-lē-'ē-nik\ adjective

polyester
n. : any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used especially in making fibers or plastics also : a product (as a fiber or fabric) composed of polyester
–poly·es·ter·i·fi·ca·tion \-e-ˌster-ə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

polyester
n. : characterized by inelegant or unsophisticated middle-class taste <polyester suburbs> <polyester folks>

polyestrous
adj. : having more than one period of estrus in a year

polyethylene
n. : a polymer of ethylene especially : any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH_2CH_2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation

polyethylene glycol
: any of a series of polymers H(OCH_2CH_2)nOH where n is greater than three that vary from viscous liquids to waxy solids and are used especially as lubricants and in medical and biotechnological applications ― abbreviation PEG

polygala
n. : MILKWORT

polygamic
adj. : POLYGAMOUS

polygamous
adj. 1 a : relating to or practicing polygamy b : having more than one mate at one time <baboons are polygamous>
2 : bearing both hermaphrodite and unisexual flowers on the same plant

polygamy
n. 1 : marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time ― compare POLYANDRY, POLYGYNY
2 : the state of being polygamous
–po·lyg·a·mist \-mist\ noun
–po·lyg·a·mize \-ˌmīz\ intransitive verb

polygene
n. : any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character
–poly·gen·ic \ˌpä-lē-'jē-nik\ adjective

polygenesis
n. : development from more than one source

polygenetic
1 : POLYPHYLETIC
2 : having many distinct sources

polyglot
n. 1 : one who is polyglot
2 capitalized : a book containing versions of the same text in several languages especially : the Scriptures in several languages
3 : a mixture or confusion of languages or nomenclatures

polyglot
n. 1 a : speaking or writing several languages : MULTILINGUAL b : composed of numerous linguistic groups <a polyglot population>
2 : containing matter in several languages <a polyglot sign>
3 : composed of elements from different languages
4 : widely diverse (as in ethnic or cultural origins) <a polyglot cuisine>

polyglotism
: the use of many languages : the ability to speak many languages

Polygnotus
ca 500-ca 440 B.C. Greek painter

polygon
n. 1 : a closed plane figure bounded by straight lines
2 : a closed figure on a sphere bounded by arcs of great circles
–po·lyg·o·nal \pə-'li-gə-nəl\ adjective
–po·lyg·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

polygonum
n. : any of a genus (Polygonum) of herbs of the buckwheat family with a prominent tubular sheath around the base of each petiole, thickened nodes, and flowers that are solitary and axillary or in spiked racemes ― called also knotweed

polygraph
n. : an instrument for recording variations of several different pulsations (as of physiological variables) simultaneously ― compare LIE DETECTOR
–poly·graph·ic \ˌpä-lē-'gra-fik\ adjective

polygrapher
: one who operates a polygraph

polygraphist
: POLYGRAPHER

polygynous
adj. : relating to or practicing polygyny <polygynous species of birds>

polygyny
n. : the state or practice of having more than one wife or female mate at a time ― compare POLYANDRY, POLYGAMY

polyhedral angle
: a portion of space partly enclosed by three or more planes whose intersections meet in a vertex

polyhedron
n. : a solid formed by plane faces
–poly·he·dral \-drəl\ adjective

polyhedrosis
: any of numerous diseases that affect specific insect larvae or decapod crustaceans, that are caused by double-stranded DNA viruses of a family (Baculoviridae) or by reoviruses of a genus (Cypovirus), and that are characterized by dissolution of tissues and accumulation of virus-containing granules in the resultant fluid

polyhistor
n. : POLYMATH
–poly·his·tor·ic \-his-'tȯr-ik, -'tär-\ adjective

polyhydroxy
: containing more than one hydroxyl group in the molecule

Polyhymnia
n. : the Greek Muse of sacred song

polyisoprene
: a polymer of isoprene occurring naturally in rubber and gutta-percha and also produced synthetically

polyketide
: any of a large class of diverse compounds that are characterized by more than two carbonyl groups connected by single intervening carbon atoms, that are produced especially by certain bacteria and fungi, and that include various substances (as erythromycin and lovastatin) having antibiotic, anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, or immunosuppressive effects

polylysine
: a protein whose polypeptide chain consists entirely of lysine residues

polymath
n. : a person of encyclopedic learning
–polymath or poly·math·ic \ˌpä-lē-'ma-thik\ adjective
–po·ly·ma·thy \pə-'li-mə-thē, 'pä-lə-ˌma-thē\ noun

polymer
n. : a chemical compound or mixture of compounds formed by polymerization and consisting essentially of repeating structural units
–poly·mer·ic \ˌpä-lə-'mer-ik\ adjective
–poly·mer·ism \pə-'li-mə-ˌri-zəm, 'pä-lə-mə-\ noun

polymerase
n. : any of several enzymes that catalyze the formation of DNA or RNA from precursor substances in the presence of preexisting DNA or RNA acting as a template ― compare DNA POLYMERASE, RNA POLYMERASE

polymerase
n. DNA polymerase
polymerase chain reaction
RNA polymerase

polymerase chain reaction
: an in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment that involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process ― abbreviation PCR

polymerisation
n. chiefly British variant of polymerization, polymerize

polymerization
n. 1 : a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units ― compare ASSOCIATION 5
2 : reduplication of parts in an organism

polymerize
v. transitive verb : to subject to polymerization
intransitive verb : to undergo polymerization

polymethyl methacrylate
: a thermoplastic resin of polymerized methyl methacrylate which is characterized by its optical clarity

polymorph
n. 1 : a polymorphic organism also : one of the several forms of such an organism
2 : any of the crystalline forms of a polymorphic substance

polymorphism
n. : the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: as a (1) : existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex (2) : existence of a gene in several allelic forms also : a variation in a specific DNA sequence (3) : existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species b : the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
–poly·mor·phic \-fik\ adjective
–poly·mor·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

polymorphonuclear
adj. of a white blood cell : having the nucleus complexly lobed
–polymorphonuclear noun

polymorphous
adj. : having, assuming, or occurring in various forms, characters, or styles : POLYMORPHIC <a polymorphous rash> <polymorphous sexuality>
–poly·mor·phous·ly adverb

polymorphous perverse
: relating to or exhibiting infantile sexual tendencies in which the genitals are not yet identified as the sole or principal sexual organs nor coitus as the goal of erotic activity

polymyositis
n. : inflammation of several muscles at once specifically : an inflammatory muscle disease of unknown cause that affects skeletal muscles chiefly closest to the trunk and is characterized especially by muscle weakness and muscle and joint pain

polymyxin
n. : any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from a soil bacterium (Bacillus polymyxa) and active against gram-negative bacteria

Polynesia
n. the islands of the cen & S Pacific including Hawaii, the Line, Phoenix, Tonga, Cook, & Samoa islands, Tuvalu, Easter Is., French Polynesia, & often New Zealand

Polynesian
n. 1 : a member of any of the indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2 : a group of Austronesian languages spoken in Polynesia
–Polynesian adjective

polyneuritis
n. : neuritis of several peripheral nerves at the same time

Polynices
: a son of Oedipus for whom the Seven against Thebes mount their expedition

polynomial
n. : a mathematical expression of one or more algebraic terms each of which consists of a constant multiplied by one or more variables raised to a nonnegative integral power (as a + bx + cx^2)

polynomial
n. : relating to, composed of, or expressed as one or more polynomials <polynomial functions> <polynomial equations>

polynuclear
adj. : chemically polycyclic especially with respect to the benzene ring ― used chiefly of aromatic hydrocarbons that are important as pollutants and possibly as carcinogens

polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
: POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON

polynucleotide
n. : a polymeric chain of nucleotides

polynya
n. : an area of open water in sea ice

polyolefin
: a polymer of an alkene (as polyethylene)

polyomavirus
: any of a family (Polyomaviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses that produce tumors in specific mammals ― called also polyoma

polyonymous
: having or known by various names

polyp
n. 1 : a coelenterate (as a coral) that has typically a hollow cylindrical body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with nematocysts
2 : a growth projecting from a mucous membrane (as of the colon or vocal cords)
–pol·yp·oid \-lə-ˌpȯid\ adjective

polypeptide
n. : a molecular chain of amino acids
–poly·pep·tid·ic \-(ˌ)pep-'ti-dik\ adjective

polypetalous
: having or consisting of separate petals

polyphagia
n. : excessive appetite or eating

polyphagous
adj. : feeding on or utilizing many kinds of food
–po·lyph·a·gy \-jē\ noun

polyphase
adj. : having or producing two or more phases <a polyphase machine> <a polyphase current>

polyphasic
: consisting of two or more phases

Polyphemus
n. : a Cyclops whom Odysseus blinds in order to escape from his cave

polyphenol
n. : a polyhydroxy phenol especially : an antioxidant phytochemical
–poly·phe·no·lic \-fi-'nō-lik, -'nä-\ adjective

polyphiloprogenitive
: extremely prolific : PHILOPROGENITIVE

polyphone
: a symbol or sequence of symbols having more than one phonemic value (as a in English)

polyphonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by polyphony
2 : being a polyphone
–poly·phon·i·cal·ly \ˌpä-lē-'fä-ni-k(ə-)lē\ or po·lyph·o·nous·ly adverb

polyphonic prose
: a freely rhythmical prose employing characteristic devices of verse (as alliteration and assonance)

polyphony
n. : a style of musical composition employing two or more simultaneous but relatively independent melodic lines : COUNTERPOINT

polyphyletic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from different ancestral stocks specifically : relating to or being a taxonomic group that includes members (as genera or species) from different ancestral lineages
–poly·phy·let·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

polypide
: one of the individual zooids of a bryozoan colony

polyploid
n. : having or being a chromosome number that is a multiple greater than two of the monoploid number
–polyploid noun
–poly·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

polypnea
n. : rapid or panting respiration

polypody
n. : any of a genus (Polypodium) of chiefly epiphytic ferns with creeping rhizomes especially : either of two ferns (P. vulgare of Eurasia and P. virginianum of No. America) with relatively narrow entire segments

polypropylene
n. : any of various thermoplastic plastics or fibers that are polymers of propylene

polyptych
n. : an arrangement of four or more panels (as of a painting) usually hinged and folding together

polyrhythm
n. : the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in music
–poly·rhyth·mic \ˌpä-lē-'rith-mik\ adjective
–poly·rhyth·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

polyribonucleotide
n. : a polynucleotide in which the mononucleotides are ribonucleotides

polyribosome
n. : a cluster of ribosomes linked together by a molecule of messenger RNA and forming the site of protein synthesis
–poly·ri·bo·som·al \-ˌrī-bə-'sō-məl\ adjective

polysaccharide
n. : a carbohydrate that can be decomposed by hydrolysis into two or more molecules of monosaccharides especially : one (as cellulose, starch, or glycogen) containing many monosaccharide units and marked by complexity

polysemous
adj. : having multiple meanings
–po·ly·se·my \pə-'li-sə-mē, 'pä-lē-ˌsē-mē\ noun

polysome
n. : POLYRIBOSOME

polysorbate
n. : any of several emulsifiers used in the preparation of some pharmaceuticals or foods

polystichous
: arranged in several rows

polystyrene
n. : a polymer of styrene especially : a rigid transparent thermoplastic that has good physical and electrical insulating properties and is used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials

polysulfide
: a sulfide containing two or more atoms of sulfur in the molecule

polysyllabic
adj. 1 : having more than one and usually more than three syllables
2 : characterized by words of many syllables
–poly·syl·lab·i·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

polysyllable
n. : a polysyllabic word

polysynaptic
adj. : involving two or more synapses in the central nervous system <polysynaptic reflexes>
–poly·syn·ap·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

polysyndeton
: repetition of conjunctions in close succession (as in we have ships and men and money and stores)

polytechnic
n. : relating to or devoted to instruction in many technical arts or applied sciences

polytechnic
n. : a polytechnic school

polytene
n. : relating to, being, or having chromosomes each of which consists of many strands with the corresponding chromomeres in contact
–poly·te·ny \-ˌtē-nē\ noun

polytheism
n. : belief in or worship of more than one god
–poly·the·ist \-ˌthē-ist\ adjective or noun
–poly·the·is·tic \ˌpä-lē-thē-'is-tik\ also poly·the·is·ti·cal \-'is-ti-kəl\ adjective

polythene
n. chiefly British : POLYETHYLENE

polytonality
n. : the simultaneous use of two or more musical keys
–poly·ton·al \-'tō-nəl\ adjective
–poly·ton·al·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

polytypic
adj. : represented by several or many types or subdivisions <a polytypic species of organism>

polyunsaturated
adj. of an oil or fatty acid : having many double or triple bonds in a molecule ― compare MONOUNSATURATED

polyurethane
n. : any of various polymers that contain NHCOO linkages and are used especially in flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, and resins (as for coatings)

polyuria
n. : excessive secretion of urine

polyvalent
adj. 1 : having a chemical valence greater usually than two
2 : effective against, sensitive toward, or counteracting more than one toxin, microorganism, or antigen <polyvalent vaccines>
–poly·va·lence \-lən(t)s\ noun

polyvinyl
n. : of, relating to, or being a polymerized vinyl compound, resin, or plastic ― often used in combination

polyvinyl chloride
: a polymer of vinyl chloride used especially for electrical insulation, films, and pipes ― abbreviation PVC

polywater
: water condensed into a glass capillary tube and formerly held to be a stable form with special properties

Pom
n. Australian & New Zealand usually disparaging : POMMY

pom-pom
1 : an ornamental ball or tuft used especially on clothing, caps, or costumes
2 : a handheld usually brightly colored fluffy ball flourished by cheerleaders

pom-pom
: a multibarreled automatic antiaircraft gun of 20 to 40 millimeters mounted especially on ships

pomace
n. 1 : the dry or pulpy residue of material (as fruit, seeds, or fish) from which a liquid (as juice or oil) has been pressed or extracted
2 : something crushed to a pulpy mass

pomaceous
adj. 1 : of or relating to apples
2 [pome] : resembling a pome

pomade
n. : a perfumed ointment especially : a fragrant hair dressing
–pomade transitive verb

pomander
n. 1 : a mixture of aromatic substances enclosed in a perforated bag or box and used to scent clothes and linens or formerly carried as a guard against infection also : a clove-studded orange or apple used for the same purposes
2 : a box or hollow fruit-shaped ball for holding pomander

pomatum
n. : POMADE

pome
n. : a fleshy fruit (as an apple or pear) consisting of an outer thickened fleshy layer and a central core with usually five seeds enclosed in a capsule

pomegranate
n. 1 : a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor
2 : a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates

pomelo
n. 1 : GRAPEFRUIT
2 or pum·me·lo \'pə-\ a : a very large thick-rinded usually pear-shaped citrus fruit differing from the closely related grapefruit especially in its loose rind and often coarse dry pulp b : a large widely cultivated tropical tree (Citrus maxima syn. C. grandis) of southeast Asia that bears pomelos

Pomerania
n. 1 region N Europe on Baltic Sea; formerly in Germany, now mostly in Poland
2 former province of Prussia

Pomeranian
n. 1 : any of a breed of long-haired compact toy dogs with a soft dense undercoat
2 : a native or inhabitant of Pomerania
–Pomeranian adjective

Pomerelia
region N Europe on the Baltic W of the Vistula & E of Pomerania; orig. part of Pomerania

pomfret
n. 1 : any of a family (Bramidae) of usually deep-bodied spiny-finned oceanic fishes some of which are used for food
2 : a silvery deep-bodied marine food fish (Pampus argenteus of the family Stramateidae) of Asia

pommee
of a heraldic cross : having the end of each arm terminating in a ball or disk ― see CROSS illustration

pommel
n. 1 : the knob on the hilt of a sword or saber
2 : the protuberance at the front and top of a saddle
3 : either of a pair of removable rounded or U-shaped handles used on the top of a pommel horse

pommel
n. : PUMMEL

pommel horse
1 : a gymnastics apparatus for swinging and balancing feats that consists of a padded rectangular or cylindrical form with two pommels on the top and that is supported in a horizontal position above the floor
2 : an event in which the pommel horse is used

Pommy
n. Australian & New Zealand usually disparaging : BRITON especially : an English immigrant

Pomo
1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of northern California
2 : any of the family of languages spoken by the Pomo

pomology
n. : the science and practice of growing fruit
–po·mo·log·i·cal \ˌpō-mə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–po·mol·o·gist \pō-'mä-lə-jist\ noun

Pomona
n. city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 149,473

pomp
n. 1 : a show of magnificence : SPLENDOR <every day begins⋯in a pomp of flaming colours ― F. D. Ommanney>
2 : a ceremonial or festival display (as a train of followers or a pageant)
3 a : ostentatious display : VAINGLORY b : an ostentatious gesture or act

Pompadour
n. Madame de 1721-1764 Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson; mistress of Louis XV

pompadour
n. 1 a : a man's style of hairdressing in which the hair is combed into a high mound in front b : a woman's style of hairdressing in which the hair is brushed into a loose full roll around the face
2 : hair dressed in a pompadour
–pom·pa·doured \-ˌdȯrd\ adjective

pompano
n. 1 : a carangid food fish (Trachinotus carolinus) of the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico broadly : any of several related fishes
2 : a small bluish or greenish butterfish (Peprilus simillimus) of the Pacific coast of No. America

Pompano Beach
city SE Fla. on the Atlantic N of Fort Lauderdale pop 78,191

Pompeii
n. ancient city S Italy SE of Naples destroyed A.D. 79 by eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
–Pom·pe·ian or Pom·pei·ian \-'pā-ən\ adjective or noun

Pompey
n. 106-48 B.C. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus; the Great Rom. gen. & statesman

Pompidou
Georges (-Jean-Raymond) 1911-1974 Fr. polit.; premier (1962-68) & pres. (1969-74) of France

pompon
n. 1 : 1POM-POM 1
2 : a chrysanthemum or dahlia with small rounded flower heads

pomposity
n. 1 : pompous demeanor, speech, or behavior
2 : a pompous gesture, habit, or act

pompous
adj. 1 : excessively elevated or ornate <pompous rhetoric>
2 : having or exhibiting self-importance : ARROGANT <a pompous politician>
3 : relating to or suggestive of pomp : MAGNIFICENT
–pomp·ous·ly adverb
–pomp·ous·ness noun

Ponca City
city N Okla. on Arkansas River pop 25,919

Ponce
n. city & port S Puerto Rico pop 186,475

ponce
n. British : PIMP also usually disparaging : a male homosexual

ponce
n. Ponce de Leon
Ponce de León
Zedillo Ponce de Leon
Zedillo Ponce de León

Ponce de Leon
Juan 1460-1521 Span. explorer

Ponchielli
Amilcare 1834-1886 Ital. composer

poncho
n. 1 : a blanket with a slit in the middle so that it can be slipped over the head and worn as a sleeveless garment
2 : a waterproof garment resembling a poncho and having an integral hood

pond
n. : a body of water usually smaller than a lake <a fishing pond> ― sometimes used with the to refer informally or facetiously to the Atlantic Ocean <moved here from across the pond>

pond
n. : to block (as a stream) to create a pond
intransitive verb : to collect in or form a pond

pond
n. pond lily
pond scum
pond skater
solar pond
Walden Pond

pond lily
: WATER LILY

pond scum
1 : any of various algae (esp. spirogyra) or cyanobacteria
2 : a mass of tangled filaments of algae or cyanobacteria in stagnant waters

pond skater
: WATER STRIDER

ponder
v. transitive verb
1 : to weigh in the mind : APPRAISE <pondered their chances of success>
2 : to think about : reflect on <pondered the events of the day>
intransitive verb : to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
–pon·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
synonyms PONDER, MEDITATE, MUSE, RUMINATE mean to consider or examine attentively or deliberately. PONDER implies a careful weighing of a problem or, often, prolonged inconclusive thinking about a matter <pondered the course of action>. MEDITATE implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply <meditated on the meaning of life>. MUSE suggests a more or less focused daydreaming as in remembrance <mused upon childhood joys>. RUMINATE implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests little of either purposive thinking or rapt absorption <ruminated on past disappointments>.

ponderable
adj. : significant enough to be worth considering : APPRECIABLE
synonyms see PERCEPTIBLE

ponderosa pine
: a tall pine (Pinus ponderosa) of western No. America with long needles usually in groups of two or three also : its strong reddish straight-grained wood

ponderous
adj. 1 : of very great weight
2 : unwieldy or clumsy because of weight and size
3 : oppressively or unpleasantly dull : LIFELESS <ponderous prose>
synonyms see HEAVY
–pon·der·ous·ly adverb
–pon·der·ous·ness noun

Pondicherry
1 union territory SE India SSW of Madras surrounded by Tamil Nadu; a settlement of French India before 1954, area 183 sq mi (474 sq km), pop 973,829
2 city & port, its capital pop 220,749

pondweed
n. : any of a genus (Potamogeton of the family Potamogetonaceae, the pondweed family) of aquatic plants with jointed usually rooting stems, floating or submerged leaves, and spikes of greenish flowers

pone
n. Southern & Midland : CORN PONE

pong
n. ping pong
Ping Pong

pongee
n. : a thin soft fabric of Chinese origin woven from raw silk also : an imitation of this fabric in cotton or a synthetic fiber (as of polyester or rayon)

pongid
n. : any of a family (Pongidae) of apes that includes the chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan
–pongid adjective

poniard
n. : a dagger with a usually slender blade of triangular or square cross section

poniard
n. : to pierce or kill with a poniard

Pons
n. Lily 1904-1976 American (Fr.-born) soprano

pons
n. : a broad mass of chiefly transverse nerve fibers in the mammalian brain stem lying ventral to the cerebellum at the anterior end of the medulla oblongata ― see BRAIN illustration

pons asinorum
: a critical test of ability or understanding also : STUMBLING BLOCK

pons Varolii
v. : PONS

Ponselle
Rosa Melba 1897-1981 American soprano

Pont
n. Pont l'Eveque
Pont l'Évêque
Du Pont
Du Pont de Nemours

Pont l'Eveque
: a soft surface-ripened cheese firmer, yellower, and having less surface mold than Camembert

Ponta Delgada
city & port Azores on São Miguel Is. pop 65,854

Pontchartrain, Lake
lake SE La. E of the Mississippi & N of New Orleans area ab 630 sq mi (1632 sq km)

Pontefract
town N England in W. Yorkshire, SE of Leeds pop 31,971

Pontevedra
1 province NW Spain in SW Galicia on the Atlantic area 1729 sq mi (4478 sq km), pop 903,759
2 commune & port, its capital, NW of Vigo pop 74,942

Pontiac
n. ca 1720-1769 Ottawa Indian chief

Pontiac
n. city SE Mich. NW of Detroit pop 66,337

Pontianak
city Indonesia on SW coast of Borneo pop 398,357

pontifex
n. : a member of the council of priests in ancient Rome

pontiff
n. 1 : PONTIFEX
2 : BISHOP specifically often capitalized : POPE 1

pontifical
adj. 1 : episcopal attire specifically : the insignia of the episcopal order worn by a prelate when celebrating a pontifical mass ― usually used in plural
2 : a book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop

pontifical
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a pontiff or pontifex b : celebrated by a prelate of episcopal rank with distinctive ceremonies <pontifical mass>
2 : POMPOUS
3 : pretentiously dogmatic
–pon·tif·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pontificate
v. : the state, office, or term of office of a pontiff

pontificate
1 a : to officiate as a pontiff b : to celebrate pontifical mass
2 : to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way
–pon·tif·i·ca·tion \(ˌ)pän-ˌti-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–pon·tif·i·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

pontil
n. : PUNTY ― called also pontil rod

pontine
adj. : of or relating to the pons

Pontine Islands
islands Italy in Tyrrhenian Sea W of Naples; chief islands Pon·za \'pȯnt-sä\ & Pon·ti·ne \'pän-ˌtīn, -ˌtēn; pōn-'tē-nā\

Pontine Marshes
district cen Italy in SW Lazio, separated from sea by low sand hills that prevent natural drainage; now reclaimed

pontoon
n. 1 : a flat-bottomed boat (as a lighter) especially : a flat-bottomed boat or portable float used in building a floating temporary bridge
2 : a float especially of a seaplane

pontoon
n. British : BLACKJACK 5

Pontormo
Jacopo da 1494-1557 orig. Jacopo Carrucci Ital. painter

Pontus
1 ancient country NE Asia Minor; a kingdom 4th century B.C. to 66 B.C. later a Roman province
2 or Pontus Euxinus ― see BLACK SEA

Pontypool
town SE Wales NW of Bristol, England pop 36,761

Pontypridd
town SE Wales NW of Cardiff pop 32,992

pony
n. 1 a : a small horse especially : one of any of several breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance b : a bronco, mustang, or similar horse of the western U.S. c : RACEHORSE ― usually used in plural
2 : something smaller than standard: as a : a small beer glass b : a small liqueur glass typically holding one ounce
3 : a literal translation of a foreign language text especially : one used surreptitiously by students in preparing or reciting lessons

pony
n. cow pony
dog and pony show
one trick pony
pony express
pony up
Shetland pony
Welsh mountain pony
Welsh pony

pony express
: a rapid postal and express system that operated across the western U.S. in 1860-61 by relays of horses and riders

pony up
transitive verb : to pay (money) especially in settlement of an account <ponied up $12.50 for the fine ― Newsweek>
intransitive verb : PAY

ponytail
n. : a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled together and banded usually at the back of the head so as to resemble a pony's tail
–po·ny·tailed \-ˌtāld\ adjective

Ponzi scheme
: an investment swindle in which some early investors are paid off with money put up by later ones in order to encourage more and bigger risks

poo
― used as a derogatory diminutive <cutesy-poo>

pooch
n. chiefly dialect : BULGE

pooch
n. : DOG

pood
n. : a Russian unit of weight equal to about 36.11 pounds (16.38 kilograms)

poodle
n. 1 : any of a breed of active intelligent dogs that have a curly dense solid-colored harsh coat and that are grouped into standard, miniature, and toy sizes which are often considered separate breeds ― compare TOY POODLE
2 : a fabric with a nubby or coarsely looped surface that resembles a poodle's coat ― called also poodle cloth

poof
adv. ― used to express disdain or dismissal or to suggest instantaneous occurrence

poof
adv. British usually disparaging : a male homosexual

poofter
n. British usually disparaging : POOF

pooh
n. ― used to express contempt or disapproval

pooh-bah
1 : a person holding many public or private offices
2 : a person in high position or of great influence

pooh-pooh
intransitive verb : to express contempt or impatience
transitive verb : to express contempt for or make light of : PLAY DOWN, DISMISS

pool
n. 1 a (1) : a small and rather deep body of usually fresh water (2) : a quiet place in a stream (3) : a body of water forming above a dam b : something resembling a pool <a pool of light>
2 : a small body of standing liquid
3 : a continuous area of porous sedimentary rock that yields petroleum or gas
4 : SWIMMING POOL

pool
n. 1 : to form a pool
2 of blood : to accumulate or become static (as in the veins of a bodily part)

pool
n. 1 a : an aggregate stake to which each player of a game has contributed b : all the money bet by a number of persons on a particular event
2 a : a game played on an English billiard table in which each of the players stakes a sum and the winner takes all b : any of various games of billiards played on an oblong table having 6 pockets with usually 15 object balls
3 : an aggregation of the interests or property of different persons made to further a joint undertaking by subjecting them to the same control and a common liability
4 : a readily available supply: as a : the whole quantity of a particular material present in the body and available for function or the satisfying of metabolic demands b : a body product (as blood) collected from many donors and stored for later use c : a group of people available for some purpose <a shrinking pool of applicants> <typing pool>
5 : GENE POOL
6 : a group of journalists from usually several news organizations using pooled resources (as television equipment) to produce shared coverage especially of events to which access is restricted

pool
n. : to combine (as resources) in a common pool or effort

pool
n. car pool
dirty pool
gene pool
motor pool
swimming pool
tide pool
tidal pool
wading pool
Malebo Pool
Stanley Pool
Pool Malebo

Pool Malebo
― see MALEBO (Pool)

Poole
town S England in Dorset on English Channel pop 130,900

poolroom
n. 1 : a room in which bookmaking is carried on
2 : a room for the playing of pool

poolside
n. : the area surrounding a swimming pool

poolside
n. : at or near the side of a pool

Poona
― see PUNE

poop
n. 1 obsolete : STERN
2 : an enclosed superstructure at the stern of a ship above the main deck

poop
n. 1 : to break over the stern of
2 : to ship (a sea or wave) over the stern

poop
n. : DEFECATE

poop
n. : FECES

poop
n. transitive verb slang : to put out of breath also : to tire out
intransitive verb slang : to become exhausted <poop out>

poop
n. slang : INFORMATION, SCOOP

poop deck
: a partial deck above a ship's main afterdeck

pooper-scooper
: a device used for picking up the excrement of a pet (as a dog) for disposal

Poopo, Lake
lake 60 mi (96 km) long W cen Bolivia S of Lake Titicaca at altitude of 12,000 ft (3658 m)

poor
n. 1 a : lacking material possessions b : of, relating to, or characterized by poverty
2 a : less than adequate : MEAGER b : small in worth
3 : exciting pity <you poor thing>
4 a : inferior in quality or value b : HUMBLE, UNPRETENTIOUS c : MEAN, PETTY
5 : LEAN, EMACIATED
6 : BARREN, UNPRODUCTIVE ― used of land
7 : INDIFFERENT, UNFAVORABLE
8 : lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified ― often used in combination <oil-poor countries>
–poor·ish \-ish\ adjective
–poor·ness noun

poor
n. poor boy
dirt poor
land poor
piss poor
poor box
Poor Clare
poor farm
poor law
poor mouth
poor spirited
poor spiritedness
poor spiritedly
poor white
whip poor will

poor box
: a box (as in a church) for alms for the poor

poor boy
variant of po'boy

Poor Clare
: a member of an austere order of nuns founded by St. Clare under the direction of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, in 1212

poor farm
: a farm maintained at public expense for the support and employment of needy persons

poor law
: a law providing for or regulating the public relief or support of the poor

poor mouth
: an exaggerated claim of poverty

poor white
often offensive : WHITE TRASH

poor-mouth
: to plead poverty as a defense or excuse
transitive verb : to speak disparagingly of

poor-spirited
: lacking zest, confidence, or courage
–poor-spir·it·ed·ly adverb
–poor-spir·it·ed·ness noun

poorhouse
n. : a place maintained at public expense to house needy or dependent persons

poorly
adj. : in a poor condition or manner especially : in an inferior or imperfect way : BADLY <sang poorly>

poorly
adj. : somewhat ill : INDISPOSED

POP
n. point of purchase

pop
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike or knock sharply : HIT
2 : to push, put, or thrust suddenly and often deftly <pops a grape into her mouth> <popped in a CD>
3 : to cause to explode or burst open <popped some popcorn> <pop the trunk>
4 : to fire at : SHOOT
5 : to take (pills) especially frequently or habitually
6 : to open with a pop <pop a cold beer>
intransitive verb
1 a : to go, come, or appear suddenly ― often used with up <images popping up on the screen> <pop in for a visit> b : to escape or break away from something (as a point of attachment) usually suddenly or unexpectedly
2 : to make or burst with a sharp sound <a balloon popped>
3 : to protrude from the sockets <eyes popping with amazement>
4 : to shoot with a firearm
5 : to hit a pop fly ― often used with up or out
–pop the question : to propose marriage

pop
n. 1 : a sharp explosive sound
2 : a shot from a gun
3 : SODA POP
4 : POP FLY
5 : power to hit a baseball hard <a hitter with some pop in his bat>
6 : a drink or shot of alcohol
–a pop
1 : for each one : APIECE <tickets at $10 a pop>
2 : for each attempt <rushed for an average of five yards a pop>

pop
n. : like or with a pop : SUDDENLY ― often used interjectionally

pop
n. : FATHER

pop
n. 1 : POPULAR <pop music>: as a : of or relating to popular music <pop singer> b : of or relating to the popular culture disseminated through the mass media <pop psychology> <pop grammarians> <pop society>
2 a : of or relating to pop art <pop painter> b : having, using, or imitating themes or techniques characteristic of pop art <pop movie>

pop
n. 1 : popular music
2 : POP ART
3 : pop culture

pop
n. population

pop
n. mom and pop
pop the question
a pop
pop art
pop artist
pop eye
pop eyed
pop fly
pop off
pop quiz
pop top
pop up
skin pop
soda pop
techno pop
eye popping

pop art
: art in which commonplace objects (as road signs, hamburgers, comic strips, or soup cans) are used as subject matter and are often physically incorporated in the work
–pop artist noun often cap P

pop eye
: an eye staring and bulging (as from excitement)
–pop-eyed \-ˌīd\ adjective

pop fly
: a high fly ball in baseball

pop off
1 a : to die unexpectedly b : to leave suddenly
2 : to talk thoughtlessly and often loudly or angrily

pop quiz
: an unscheduled or unannounced quiz

pop the question
to propose marriage

pop-top
: a closure that can be pulled by hand to open a can

pop-up
1 : POP FLY
2 : a component or device that pops up
3 : a pop-up book
4 : a pop-up window on a computer screen

pop-up
1 : of, relating to, or having a component or device that pops up <a pop-up book>
2 : appearing suddenly on a computer screen <a pop-up window>

popcorn
n. : an Indian corn (Zea mays praecox) whose kernels on exposure to heat burst open to form a white starchy mass also : the kernels especially after popping

popcorn
n. : having widespread appeal but usually offering little artistic merit or intellectual stimulation <popcorn movies>

Pope
n. Alexander 1688-1744 Eng. poet
–Pop·ian also Pop·ean \'pō-pē-ən\ adjective

Pope
n. John 1822-1892 American gen.

pope
n. 1 often capitalized : a prelate who as bishop of Rome is the head of the Roman Catholic Church
2 : one that resembles a pope (as in authority)
3 a : the Eastern Orthodox or Coptic patriarch of Alexandria b : a priest of an Eastern church

popery
n. usually disparaging : ROMAN CATHOLICISM

popgun
n. : a toy gun that usually shoots a cork and produces a popping sound

popinjay
n. : a strutting supercilious person

popish
adj. often disparaging : ROMAN CATHOLIC

Poplar
n. former metropolitan borough E London, England, on N bank of the Thames, now part of Tower Hamlets

poplar
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Populus) of slender catkin-bearing quick-growing deciduous trees (as an aspen or cottonwood) of the willow family b : the wood of a poplar
2 : TULIP TREE 1

poplar
n. balsam poplar
Lombardy poplar
tulip poplar
yellow poplar

Pople
John Anthony 1925-     American (Brit.-born) math.

poplin
n. : a strong fabric in plain weave with crosswise ribs

popliteal
adj. : of or relating to the back part of the leg behind the knee joint

Popocatepetl
volcano 17,887 ft (5452 m) SE cen Mexico in Puebla

popover
n. : a hollow quick bread shaped like a muffin and made from a thin batter of eggs, milk, and flour

poppa
n. variant of papa

popper
n. 1 : one that pops especially : a utensil for popping corn
2 slang : a vial of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite used illicitly as an inhalational aphrodisiac

poppet
n. 1 a Midland : DOLL b obsolete : MARIONETTE
2 chiefly British : DEAR
3 a : an upright support or guide of a machine that is fastened at the bottom only b : a valve that rises perpendicularly to or from its seat

poppied
adj. 1 archaic : growing or overgrown with poppies
2 : DROWSY

popple
n. chiefly dialect : POPLAR 1

popple
n. : a choppy sea

poppy
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Papaver of the family Papaveraceae, the poppy family) of chiefly annual or perennial herbs with milky juice, showy regular flowers, and capsular fruits including the opium poppy and several forms cultivated as ornamentals b : an extract or decoction of poppy used medicinally
2 : a strong reddish orange

poppy
n. California poppy
corn poppy
Iceland poppy
opium poppy
Oriental poppy
poppy seed
prickly poppy
Shirley poppy

poppy seed
: the seed of a poppy used chiefly as a topping or flavoring for baked goods

poppycock
n. : empty talk or writing : NONSENSE

poppyhead
: a raised ornament often in the form of a finial generally used on the tops of the upright ends of seats in Gothic churches

Popsicle
n. ― used for flavored and colored water frozen on a stick

populace
n. 1 : the common people : MASSES
2 : POPULATION

popular
adj. 1 : of or relating to the general public
2 : suitable to the majority: as a : adapted to or indicative of the understanding and taste of the majority <a popular history of the war> b : suited to the means of the majority : INEXPENSIVE <sold at popular prices>
3 : frequently encountered or widely accepted <a popular theory>
4 : commonly liked or approved <a very popular girl>
synonyms see COMMON
–pop·u·lar·ly adverb

popular front
: a coalition especially of leftist political parties against a common opponent specifically : one sponsored and dominated by Communists as a device for gaining power

popular sovereignty
1 : a doctrine in political theory that government is created by and subject to the will of the people
2 : a pre-Civil War doctrine asserting the right of the people living in a newly organized territory to decide by vote of their territorial legislature whether or not slavery would be permitted there

popularise
v. British variant of popularize

popularity
n. : the quality or state of being popular

popularize
v. intransitive verb : to cater to popular taste
transitive verb : to make popular: as a : to cause to be liked or esteemed b : to present in generally understandable or interesting form
–pop·u·lar·i·za·tion \ˌpä-pyə-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–pop·u·lar·iz·er \'pä-pyə-lə-ˌrī-zər\ noun

populate
v. 1 : to have a place in : OCCUPY, INHABIT
2 a : to furnish or provide with inhabitants : PEOPLE b : to provide with members

population
n. 1 a : the whole number of people or inhabitants in a country or region b : the total of individuals occupying an area or making up a whole c : the total of particles at a particular energy level ― used especially of atoms in a laser
2 : the act or process of populating
3 a : a body of persons or individuals having a quality or characteristic in common b (1) : the organisms inhabiting a particular locality (2) : a group of interbreeding organisms that represents the level of organization at which speciation begins
4 : a group of individual persons, objects, or items from which samples are taken for statistical measurement
–pop·u·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

population explosion
: a pyramiding of numbers of a biological population especially : the recent great increase in human numbers resulting from increased survival and exponential population growth

populi
vox populi
salus populi suprema lex esto
vox populi vox Dei

populist
n. 1 : a member of a political party claiming to represent the common people especially often capitalized : a member of a U.S. political party formed in 1891 primarily to represent agrarian interests and to advocate the free coinage of silver and government control of monopolies
2 : a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people
–pop·u·lism \-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–pop·u·lis·tic \ˌpä-pyə-'lis-tik\ adjective

populist
n. 1 often capitalized : of, relating to, or characterized by populism
2 a : POPULAR 1 b : POPULAR 2

populous
adj. 1 a : densely populated b : having a large population
2 a : NUMEROUS b : filled to capacity
–pop·u·lous·ly adverb
–pop·u·lous·ness noun

por
portrait

porbeagle
n. : a viviparous mackerel shark (Lamna nasus) chiefly of the No. Atlantic and southwestern Pacific oceans with a pointed snout and crescent-shaped tail

porcelain
1 : a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and a feldspathic rock and is fired at a high temperature ― called also hard-paste porcelain true porcelain
2 : SOFT-PASTE PORCELAIN
–por·ce·lain·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–por·ce·la·ne·ous or por·cel·la·ne·ous \ˌpȯr-sə-'lā-nē-əs\ adjective

porcelain
n. Worcester porcelain
hard paste porcelain
porcelain enamel
soft paste porcelain
true porcelain

porcelain enamel
: a fired-on opaque glassy coating on metal

porcelainize
v. : to fire a glassy coating on (as steel)

porch
n. 1 : a covered area adjoining an entrance to a building and usually having a separate roof
2 obsolete : PORTICO

porcine
adj. : of, relating to, or suggesting swine : PIGGISH

porcini
n. : a large wild edible brownish boletus mushroom (Boletus edulis) ― called also cèpe

porcino
n. : PORCINI

Porcupine
n. river 448 mi (721 km) in N Yukon Territory & NE Alaska flowing N & W into the Yukon

porcupine
n. : any of various relatively large slow-moving chiefly herbivorous rodents having sharp erectile spines mingled with the hair and constituting an Old World terrestrial family (Hystricidae) and a New World chiefly arboreal family (Erethizontidae)

porcupine fish
: any of several bony fishes (family Diodontidae) that have sharp spines covering the body and inflate themselves into a sphere when threatened especially : a spotted chiefly tropical fish (Diodon hystrix) that is olive to brown above with white below

pore
n. 1 : to gaze intently
2 : to read or study attentively ― usually used with over
3 : to reflect or meditate steadily

pore
n. 1 : a minute opening especially in an animal or plant especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane
2 : a small interstice (as in soil) admitting absorption or passage of liquid
–pored adjective

pore fungus
: a fungus (family Boletaceae or Polyporaceae) having the spore-bearing surface within tubes or pores

porgy
n. 1 : a blue-spotted silvery-red food fish (Pagrus pagrus of the family Sparidae) of the eastern and western Atlantic also : any of various fishes (as a scup) of the same family
2 [alteration of pogy] : any of various bony fishes (as a menhaden) of families other than that of the porgy

pork
n. 1 : the fresh or salted flesh of swine when dressed for food
2 : government funds, jobs, or favors distributed by politicians to gain political advantage

pork
n. pork barrel
pork belly
salt pork

pork barrel
: government projects or appropriations yielding rich patronage benefits also : PORK 2

pork belly
: an uncured side of pork

porker
n. 1 : HOG especially : a young pig fattened for table use as fresh pork
2 : one resembling a fattened pig : FATTY

Porkkala Peninsula
peninsula S Finland W of Helsinki

porkpie hat
: a hat with a low telescoped crown, flat top, and flexible brim

porky
n. : resembling a pig : FAT

porky
n. : PORCUPINE

Porlamar
city & port NE Venezuela on Margarita Is.

porn
n. : PORNOGRAPHY

pornographer
n. : one who produces pornography

pornography
n. 1 : the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement
2 : material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement
3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction <the pornography of violence>
–por·no·graph·ic \ˌpȯr-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–por·no·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

porny
: of, relating to, involved in, or being pornography

porosity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being porous b : the ratio of the volume of interstices of a material to the volume of its mass
2 : PORE

porous
adj. 1 a : possessing or full of pores b : containing vessels <hardwood is porous>
2 a : permeable to fluids b : permeable to outside influences
3 : capable of being penetrated <porous national boundaries>
–po·rous·ly adverb
–po·rous·ness noun

porphyria
n. : any of several usually hereditary abnormalities of porphyrin metabolism characterized by excretion of excess porphyrins in the urine

porphyrin
n. : any of various compounds with a macrocyclic structure that consists essentially of four pyrrole rings joined by four =CH– groups especially : one (as chlorophyll or hemoglobin) containing a central metal atom and usually exhibiting biological activity

porphyritic
adj. 1 : of or relating to porphyry
2 : having distinct crystals (as of feldspar) in a relatively fine-grained base

porphyropsin
n. : a purple pigment in the retinal rods of freshwater fishes that resembles rhodopsin

porphyry
n. 1 : a rock consisting of feldspar crystals embedded in a compact dark red or purple groundmass
2 : an igneous rock of porphyritic texture

porpoise
n. 1 : any of a family (Phocoenidae) of small gregarious toothed whales especially : a blunt-snouted usually largely black whale (Phocoena phocoena) of the No. Atlantic and No. Pacific that is five to eight feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) long
2 : DOLPHIN 1A(1)

porpoise
n. 1 : to leap or plunge like a porpoise <penguins⋯porpoise out of the water ― David Lewis>
2 : to rise and fall repeatedly

porrect
: extended forward <porrect antennae>

porridge
n. : a soft food made by boiling meal of grains or legumes in milk or water until thick
–por·ridgy \-i-jē\ adjective

porringer
n. : a low usually metal bowl with a single and usually flat and pierced handle

Porson
Richard 1759-1808 Eng. scholar

Port
n. Portugal

port
n. 1 : a place where ships may ride secure from storms : HAVEN
2 a : a harbor town or city where ships may take on or discharge cargo b : AIRPORT
3 : PORT OF ENTRY

port
n. Port Lyautey
Port Arthur
Port Mahon
Port Laoise
Port Stanley
free port
home port
port arms
port de bras
Port du Salut
port of call
port of entry
Port Royalist
Port Salut
port wine stain
sally port
treaty port
Neath and Port Talbot
North Port
Port Adelaide
Port au Prince
Port Blair
Port Chester
Port Coquitlam
Port Elizabeth
Port Everglades
Port Hedland
Port Huron
Port Jackson
Port Louis
Port Moody
Port Moresby
Port of Spain
Port Orange
Port Phillip Bay
Port Royal
Port Royal Sound
Port Said
Port Saint Lucie
Port Sudan
Port Vila
Saint Peter Port
Cinque Ports

port
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : GATE
2 a : an opening (as in a valve seat or valve face) for intake or exhaust of a fluid b : the area of opening in a cylinder face of a passageway for the working fluid in an engine also : such a passageway c : a small opening in a container or vessel especially for viewing or for the controlled passage of material <access port>
3 a : an opening in a vessel's side (as for admitting light or loading cargo) b archaic : the cover for a porthole
4 : a hole in an armored vehicle or fortification through which guns may be fired
5 : a hardware interface by which a computer is connected to another device (as a printer, a mouse, or another computer) broadly : JACK 8

port
n. 1 : the manner of bearing oneself
2 archaic : STATE 3
3 : the position in which a military weapon is carried at the command port arms

port
n. : to turn or put (a helm) to the left ― used chiefly as a command

port
n. : the left side of a ship or aircraft looking forward ― called also larboard ― compare STARBOARD
–port adjective

port
n. : a sweet fortified wine of rich taste and aroma made in Portugal also : a similar wine made elsewhere

port
n. : to translate (software) into a version for another computer or operating system

port
n. 1 portable
2 portrait

Port Adelaide
city SE S. Australia on Gulf of St. Vincent at mouth of Torrens River; port for Adelaide pop 38,205

port arms
: a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held diagonally in front of the body with the muzzle pointing upward to the left also : a command to assume this position

Port Arthur
1 city & port SE Tex. on Sabine Lake pop 57,755
2 ― see THUNDER BAY
3 ― see LÜ-SHUN

Port Blair
town & port India on S. Andaman Is. capital of Andaman and Nicobar union territory pop 100,186

Port Chester
village SE N.Y. NE of New Rochelle on Long Island Sound pop 27,867

Port Coquitlam
city Canada in SW B.C. pop 51,257

port de bras
: the technique and practice of arm movement in ballet

Port du Salut
: a semisoft pressed ripened cheese of usually mild flavor originated by Trappist monks in France

Port Elizabeth
city & port S Republic of South Africa in S Eastern Cape province on Algoa Bay pop 468,797

Port Everglades
seaport SE Fla. on the Atlantic at SE point of Fort Lauderdale

Port Hedland
port Western Australia

Port Huron
city E Mich. on Lake Huron & St. Clair River pop 32,338

Port Jackson
inlet of S. Pacific SE Australia in New South Wales; the harbor of Sydney

Port Louis
city & port capital of Mauritius pop 146,876

Port Lyautey
― see KENITRA

Port Mahon
― see MAHÓN

Port Moody
city Canada in SW B.C. E of Vancouver pop 23,816

Port Moresby
city & port SE New Guinea in Papua capital of Papua New Guinea pop 254,158

port of call

1858
1 : an intermediate port where ships customarily stop for supplies, repairs, or transshipment of cargo
2 : a stop included on an itinerary

port of entry

1769
1 : a place where foreign goods may be cleared through a customhouse
2 : a place where an alien may be permitted to enter a country

Port of Spain
city & port capital of Trinidad and Tobago, on NW Trinidad Is. pop 49,031

Port Orange
city E Fla. pop 45,823

Port Phillip Bay
inlet of Bass Strait SE Australia in Victoria; the harbor of Melbourne

Port Royal
town Jamaica at entrance to Kingston Harbor; early capital of Jamaica, destroyed by earthquakes 1692 & 1907 & partly engulfed by the sea

Port Royal Sound
inlet of the Atlantic S S.C.

Port Royalist
: a member or adherent of a 17th century French Jansenist lay community noted for its logicians and educators

Port Said
city & port NE Egypt on the Mediterranean at N end of Suez Canal pop 262,760

Port Saint Lucie
city E Fla. pop 88,769

Port Salut
: PORT DU SALUT

Port Stanley
― see STANLEY

Port Sudan
city & port NE Sudan on Red Sea pop 100,700

Port-au-Prince
city & port capital of Haiti on SE shore of Gulf of Gonâve pop 752,600

Port-Vila
town & port capital of Vanuatu in SW Efate Is. pop 18,905

port-wine stain
: a reddish-purple superficial hemangioma of the skin commonly occurring as a birthmark

portabella
variant of portobello

portability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being portable
2 : the transferability of a worker's benefits from one pension fund to another when the worker changes jobs

portable
adj. 1 a : capable of being carried or moved about <a portable TV> b : characterized by portability <a portable pension> c : usable on many computers with little or no modification <portable software>
2 archaic : BEARABLE
–por·ta·bly \'pȯr-tə-blē\ adverb

portable
adj. : something that is portable

Portage
n. 1 city NW Ind. E of Gary pop 33,496
2 city SW Mich. S of Kalamazoo pop 44,897

portage
n. 1 : the labor of carrying or transporting
2 archaic : the cost of carrying : PORTERAGE
3 a : the carrying of boats or goods overland from one body of water to another or around an obstacle (as a rapids) b : the route followed in making such a transfer

portage
n. transitive verb : to carry over a portage
intransitive verb : to move gear over a portage

Portal
n. Charles Frederick Algernon 1893-1971 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford Brit. air marshal

portal
n. 1 : DOOR, ENTRANCE especially : a grand or imposing one
2 : the whole architectural composition surrounding and including the doorways and porches of a church
3 : the approach or entrance to a bridge or tunnel
4 : a communicating part or area of an organism specifically : the point at which something (as a pathogen) enters the body
5 : a site serving as a guide or point of entry to the World Wide Web and usually including a search engine or a collection of links to other sites arranged especially by topic

portal
n. 1 : of or relating to the transverse fissure on the underside of the liver where most of the vessels enter
2 : of, relating to, or being a portal vein or a portal system <portal circulation>

portal
n. portal system
portal to portal
portal vein

portal system
: a system of veins that begins and ends in capillaries

portal vein
: a vein that collects blood from one part of the body and distributes it in another through capillaries especially : a vein carrying blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver

portal-to-portal
: of or relating to the time spent by a worker in traveling between the entrance to an employer's property and the worker's actual job site (as in a mine) <portal-to-portal pay>

portamento
n. : a continuous gliding movement from one tone to another (as by the voice)

portative
adj. : PORTABLE

portcullis
n. : a grating of iron hung over the gateway of a fortified place and lowered between grooves to prevent passage

Porte
n. : the government of the Ottoman empire

porte cochere
1 : a passageway through a building or screen wall designed to let vehicles pass from the street to an interior courtyard
2 : a roofed structure extending from the entrance of a building over an adjacent driveway and sheltering those getting in or out of vehicles

portend
v. 1 : to give an omen or anticipatory sign of
2 : INDICATE, SIGNIFY

portent
n. 1 : something that foreshadows a coming event : OMEN, SIGN
2 : prophetic indication or significance
3 : MARVEL, PRODIGY

portentous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a portent <suspense, portentous foreshadowing, hints of sinister and violent mysteries ― Francine Prose>
2 : eliciting amazement or wonder : PRODIGIOUS
3 a : being a grave or serious matter <portentous decisions> b : self-consciously solemn or important : POMPOUS <portentous declamation unsalted by the least trace of humor ― W. H. Pritchard> c : ponderously excessive <that discipline's overwrought, portentous phrases ― R. M. Coles>
synonyms see OMINOUS
–por·ten·tous·ly adverb
–por·ten·tous·ness noun

Porter
n. William Sydney 1862-1910 pseud. O. Hen·ry \(')ō-'hen-rē\ American short-story writer

Porter
n. Cole Albert 1891-1964 American songwriter

Porter
n. David 1780-1843 & his son David Dixon 1813-1891 American naval officers

Porter
n. Eliot Furness 1901-1990 American photographer

Porter
n. Gene 1868-1924 née Stratton American nov.

Porter
n. Katherine Anne 1890-1980 American writer

Porter
n. Noah 1811-1892 American philos. & lexicographer

porter
n. chiefly British : a person stationed at a door or gate to admit or assist those entering

porter
n. 1 : a person who carries burdens especially : one employed to carry baggage for patrons at a hotel or transportation terminal
2 : a parlor-car or sleeping-car attendant who waits on passengers and makes up berths
3 [short for porter's beer] : a heavy dark brown beer brewed from browned or charred malt
4 : a person who does routine cleaning (as in a hospital or office)

porter
n. : to transport or carry as or as if by a porter
intransitive verb : to act as a porter

porterage
n. : a porter's work also : the charge for it

porterhouse
n. 1 : a house where malt liquor (as porter) is sold
2 : a large steak cut from the thick end of the short loin to contain a T-shaped bone and a large piece of tenderloin ― see BEEF illustration

Porterville
city S cen Calif. pop 39,615

portfolio
n. 1 : a hinged cover or flexible case for carrying loose papers, pictures, or pamphlets
2 [from the use of such a case to carry documents of state] : the office and functions of a minister of state or member of a cabinet
3 : the securities held by an investor : the commercial paper held by a financial house (as a bank)
4 : a set of pictures (as drawings or photographs) usually bound in book form or loose in a folder
5 : a selection of a student's work (as papers and tests) compiled over a period of time and used for assessing performance or progress

porthole
n. 1 : an opening (as a window) with a cover or closure especially in the side of a ship or aircraft
2 : a port through which to shoot
3 : 2PORT 2

Portia
n. : the heroine in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

portico
n. : a colonnade or covered ambulatory especially in classical architecture and often at the entrance of a building

portiere
n. : a curtain hanging across a doorway

portion
n. 1 : an individual's part or share of something: as a : a share received by gift or inheritance b : DOWRY c : enough food especially of one kind to serve one person at one meal
2 : an individual's lot, fate, or fortune : one's share of good and evil
3 : an often limited part of a whole
synonyms see PART, FATE

portion
n. 1 : to divide into portions : DISTRIBUTE <portioned out the food equally>
2 : to allot a dowry to : DOWER

portionless
adj. : having no portion especially : having no dowry or inheritance

Portland
n. Duke of ― see BENTINCK

Portland
n. 1 city & port SW Maine on Casco Bay pop 64,249
2 city & port NW Oreg. at confluence of Columbia & Willamette rivers pop 529,121
–Port·land·er \'pȯrt-lən-dər\ noun

Portland
n. portland cement
Portland Canal
South Portland

Portland Canal
inlet of the Pacific ab 80 mi (130 km) long Canada & U.S. bet. B.C. & SE tip of Alaska

portland cement
: a hydraulic cement made by finely pulverizing the clinker produced by calcining to incipient fusion a mixture of clay and limestone or similar materials

Portlaoighise
town cen Ireland capital of County Laoighis pop 3773

portly
adj. 1 : DIGNIFIED, STATELY
2 : heavy or rotund of body : STOUT
–port·li·ness noun

portmanteau
1 : a large suitcase
2 : a word or morpheme whose form and meaning are derived from a blending of two or more distinct forms (as smog from smoke and fog)

portmanteau
n. 1 : combining more than one use or quality
2 : being a portmanteau <a portmanteau word>

Porto
n. city & port NW Portugal on the Douro pop 263,131 ― see LEIXÕES

Porto
n. Porto Alegre
Porto Novo
Porto Rico
Porto Velho

Porto Alegre
city & port S Brazil capital of Rio Grande do Sul state at N end of Lagoa dos Patos pop 1,360,590

Porto Rico
― see PUERTO RICO

Porto Velho
v. city W Brazil capital of Rondônia pop 334,661

Porto-Novo
city & port capital of Benin pop 192,000

portobello
: a large dark mature cultivated mushroom noted for its meaty texture that is of the same variety of button mushroom as the cremini

Portobelo
town & port Panama on Caribbean coast; the great emporium of S. American trade in 17th & 18th centuries

portrait
n. 1 : PICTURE especially : a pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face
2 : a sculptured figure : BUST
3 : a graphic portrayal in words

portrait
n. : of, relating to, or being a document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

portraitist
n. : a maker of portraits

portraiture
n. 1 : the making of portraits : PORTRAYAL
2 : PORTRAIT

portray
v. 1 : to make a picture of : DEPICT
2 a : to describe in words b : to play the role of : ENACT
–por·tray·er noun

portrayal
n. 1 : the act or process or an instance of portraying : REPRESENTATION
2 : PORTRAIT

portress
n. : a woman who is a porter: as a : a doorkeeper in a convent or apartment building b : CHARWOMAN

Portsmouth
n. 1 city & port SE N.H. on the Atlantic pop 20,784
2 city & port SE Va. on Elizabeth River opposite Norfolk pop 100,565
3 city S England in Hampshire on Port·sea \'pōrt-sē, 'pȯrt-\ (island in English Channel) pop 174,700

Portugal
n. country SW Europe in W Iberian Peninsula bordering on the Atlantic; a kingdom before 1910; now a republic capital Lisbon area (not including Azores & Madeira) 35,383 sq mi (91,642 sq km), pop 10,356,117

Portuguese
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Portugal b : one who is of Portuguese descent
2 : the Romance language of Portugal and Brazil
–Portuguese adjective

Portuguese
n. Portuguese West Africa
Portuguese East Africa
Portuguese water dog
Portuguese Guinea
Portuguese India
Portuguese Timor
Portuguese man of war
Portuguese men of war
Portuguese man of wars

Portuguese East Africa
― see MOZAMBIQUE 2

Portuguese Guinea
― see GUINEA-BISSAU

Portuguese India
former Portuguese possessions on W coast of India peninsula, annexed 1961 by India; comprised territory of Goa & districts of Daman & Diu

Portuguese man-of-war
: any of a genus (Physalia of the family Physaliidae) of large tropical and subtropical pelagic siphonophores having a crested bladderlike float which bears the colony comprised of three types of zooids on the lower surface with one of the three having nematocyst-equipped tentacles

Portuguese Timor
― see TIMOR 1

Portuguese water dog
: any of a breed of medium-sized robust dogs that have a large broad head and curly or wavy coat and are strong swimmers

Portuguese West Africa
― see ANGOLA

portulaca
n. : any of a genus (Portulaca) of chiefly tropical succulent herbs of the purslane family especially : a widely cultivated So. American plant (P. grandiflora) with showy flowers and small conical leaves

Porz am Rhein
city W Germany ESE suburb of Cologne pop 76,762

POS
adv. point-of-service

pos
adv. 1 position
2 positive

posada
n. : an inn in Spanish-speaking countries

pose
n. transitive verb
1 a : to set forth or offer for attention or consideration <let me pose a question> b : to come to attention as : PRESENT <smoking poses a health risk>
2 a : to put or set in place b : to place (as a model) in a studied attitude
intransitive verb
1 : to assume a posture or attitude usually for artistic purposes
2 : to affect an attitude or character usually to deceive or impress <posed as a doctor to gain access to the ward>

pose
n. 1 : a sustained posture especially : one assumed for artistic effect
2 : an attitude, role, or characteristic assumed for effect
synonyms POSE, AIR, AIRS, AFFECTATION, MANNERISM mean an adopted way of speaking or behaving. POSE implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others <her shyness was just a pose>. AIR may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life <a traveler's sophisticated air>. AIRS always implies artificiality and pretentiousness <snobbish airs>. AFFECTATION applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere <the posh accent is an affectation>. MANNERISM applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit <gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism>.

pose
n. : PUZZLE, BAFFLE

Poseidon
n. : the Greek god of the sea ― compare NEPTUNE

Poseidonia
― see PAESTUM

poser
n. : a puzzling or baffling question

poser
n. : a person who poses

poseur
n. : a person who pretends to be what he or she is not : an affected or insincere person

posh
adj. 1 : ELEGANT, FASHIONABLE <a posh restaurant>
2 British : typical of or intended for the upper classes : HIGHFALUTIN <posh accents>
–posh·ly adverb
–posh·ness noun

posit
v. 1 : to dispose or set firmly : FIX
2 : to assume or affirm the existence of : POSTULATE
3 : to propose as an explanation : SUGGEST

position
n. 1 : an act of placing or arranging: as a : the laying down of a proposition or thesis b : an arranging in order
2 : a point of view adopted and held to <made my position on the issue clear>
3 a : the point or area occupied by a physical object : LOCATION <took her position at the head of the line> b : a certain arrangement of bodily parts <rose to a standing position>
4 : a market commitment in securities or commodities also : the inventory of a market trader
5 a : relative place, situation, or standing <is now in a position to make decisions on his own> b : social or official rank or status c : an employment for which one has been hired : JOB <a position with a brokerage firm> d : a situation that confers advantage or preference

position
n. : to put in a certain position <positioned the chairs around the room> <positioned the company in the global market>

position
n. fetal position
lotus position
missionary position
plan position indicator
position effect
position paper
standard position
Global Positioning System

position effect
: a genetic effect in which the expression of a gene is influenced by its interaction with usually adjacent genes and which is modified when the spatial relationships of the genes change (as by translocation)

position paper
: a detailed report that recommends a course of action on a particular issue

positional
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or fixed by position <positional astronomy>
2 : involving little movement <positional warfare>
3 : dependent on position or environment or context <the front-articulated \k\ in \kē\ key and the back-articulated \k\ in \kül\ cool are positional variants>
–po·si·tion·al·ly adverb

positional notation
: a system of expressing numbers in which the digits are arranged in succession, the position of each digit has a place value, and the number is equal to the sum of the products of each digit by its place value

positive
n. 1 a : formally laid down or imposed : PRESCRIBED <positive laws> b : expressed clearly or peremptorily <her answer was a positive no> c : fully assured : CONFIDENT <positive it was her book>
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison that is expressed in English by the unmodified and uninflected form of an adjective or adverb and denotes no increase or diminution b (1) : independent of changing circumstances : UNCONDITIONED <an insurance policy with positive coverage> (2) : relating to or constituting a motion or device that is definite, unyielding, constant, or certain in its action <a positive system of levers> c (1) : INCONTESTABLE <positive proof> (2) : UNQUALIFIED <a positive disgrace>
3 a : not fictitious : REAL <positive social tensions> b : active and effective in social or economic function rather than merely maintaining peace and order <a positive government>
4 a : indicating, relating to, or characterized by affirmation, addition, inclusion, or presence rather than negation, withholding, or absence <took the positive approach and struck a new deal rather than canceling the contract> b : having rendition of light and shade similar in tone to the tones of the original subject <a positive photographic image> c : contributing toward or characterized by increase or progression <take some positive action> <positive cash flow> d : directed or moving toward a source of stimulation <a positive taxis> e : real and numerically greater than zero <+2 is a positive integer>
5 a (1) : being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the proton is the elementary unit and which predominates in a glass body after being rubbed with silk (2) : having more protons than electrons <a positive ion> b (1) : having higher electric potential and constituting the part from which the current flows to the external circuit <the positive terminal of a discharging storage battery> (2) : being an electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube
6 a : marked by or indicating acceptance, approval, or affirmation <received a positive response> b : affirming the presence especially of a condition, substance, or organism suspected to be present <a positive test for blood> also : having a test result indicating the presence especially of a condition, substance, or organism <HIV positive>
7 of a lens : converging light rays and forming a real inverted image
8 a : having a good effect : FAVORABLE <a positive role model> b : marked by optimism <the positive point of view>
synonyms see SURE
–pos·i·tive·ly \-lē, for emphasis often ˌpä-zə-'tiv-\ adverb
–pos·i·tive·ness \'pä-zə-tiv-nəs, 'päz-tiv-\ noun

positive
n. : something positive: as a (1) : the positive degree of comparison in a language (2) : a positive form of an adjective or adverb b : something of which an affirmation can be made : REALITY c : a positive photograph or a print from a negative d : a positive result (as of a test) also : a test yielding such a result

positive
n. gram positive
positive definite
positive feedback
positive law
Rh positive

positive definite
1 : having a positive value for all values of the constituent variables <positive definite quadratic forms>
2 of a matrix : having the characteristic roots real and positive

positive feedback
: feedback that tends to magnify a process or increase its output

positive law
: law established or recognized by governmental authority ― compare NATURAL LAW

positivism
n. 1 a : a theory that theology and metaphysics are earlier imperfect modes of knowledge and that positive knowledge is based on natural phenomena and their properties and relations as verified by the empirical sciences b : LOGICAL POSITIVISM
2 : the quality or state of being positive
–pos·i·tiv·ist \-vist\ adjective or noun
–pos·i·tiv·is·tic \ˌpä-zə-ti-'vis-tik, ˌpäz-ti-\ adjective
–pos·i·tiv·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

positivity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being positive
2 : something that is positive

positron
n. : a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron ― called also antielectron

positron-emission tomography
: tomography in which a cross-sectional image of regional metabolism is obtained by a usually color-coded representation of the distribution of gamma radiation given off in the collision of electrons in cells with positrons emitted by radionuclides incorporated into metabolic substances that have been administered (as by injection)

positronium
: a short-lived system that consists of a positron and an electron bound together and is suggestive of a hydrogen atom

posole
: a thick soup chiefly of Mexico and the U.S. Southwest made with pork, hominy, garlic, and chili

poss
1 possessive
2 possible

posse
n. 1 : a large group often with a common interest
2 : a body of persons summoned by a sheriff to assist in preserving the public peace usually in an emergency
3 : a group of people temporarily organized to make a search (as for a lost child)
4 : ENTOURAGE 1

possess
v. 1 a : to have and hold as property : OWN b : to have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
2 a : to take into one's possession b : to enter into and control firmly : DOMINATE <was possessed by demons> c : to bring or cause to fall under the influence, possession, or control of some emotional or intellectual response or reaction <melancholy possesses her>
3 a obsolete : to instate as owner b : to make the owner or holder ― used in passive construction to indicate simple possession <possessed of riches> <possessed of knowledge and experience>
–pos·ses·sor noun

possessed
adj. 1 a (1) : influenced or controlled by something (as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : MAD, CRAZED b : urgently desirous to do or have something
2 obsolete : held as a possession
3 : SELF-POSSESSED, CALM
–pos·sessed·ly \-'ze-səd-lē, -'zest-lē also -'se-səd- or -'sest-\ adverb
–pos·sessed·ness \-'ze-səd-nəs, -'zest-nəs also -'se-səd- or -'sest-\ noun

possession
n. 1 a : the act of having or taking into control b : control or occupancy of property without regard to ownership c : OWNERSHIP d : control of the ball or puck also : an instance of having such control (as in football) <scored on their first two possessions>
2 : something owned, occupied, or controlled : PROPERTY
3 a : domination by something (as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) b : a psychological state in which an individual's normal personality is replaced by another c : SELF-POSSESSION
–pos·ses·sion·al \-'zesh-nəl, -'ze-shə-nəl also -'sesh-nəl or -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective
–pos·ses·sion·less \-'ze-shən-ləs, -'se-\ adjective

possessive
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a word, a word group, or a grammatical case that denotes ownership or a relation analogous to ownership
2 : manifesting possession or the desire to own or dominate
–pos·ses·sive·ly adverb
–pos·ses·sive·ness noun

possessive
n. 1 : a possessive word or word group
2 a : the possessive case b : a word in the possessive case

possessive
n. double possessive
possessive adjective
possessive pronoun

possessive adjective
: a pronominal adjective expressing possession

possessive pronoun
: a pronoun that derives from a personal pronoun and denotes possession and analogous relationships

possessory
n. 1 : of, arising from, or having the nature of possession <possessory rights>
2 : having possession
3 : characteristic of a possessor : POSSESSIVE

posset
n. : a hot drink of sweetened and spiced milk curdled with ale or wine

possibility
n. 1 : the condition or fact of being possible
2 archaic : one's utmost power, capacity, or ability
3 : something that is possible
4 : potential or prospective value ― usually used in plural <the house had great possibilities>

possible
adj. 1 a : being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization <a possible but difficult task> b : being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners <the best possible care> <the worst possible circumstance>
2 a : being something that may or may not occur <a possible surprise visit> b : being something that may or may not be true or actual <possible explanation>
3 : having an indicated potential <a possible housing site>
synonyms POSSIBLE, PRACTICABLE, FEASIBLE mean capable of being realized. POSSIBLE implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions <a possible route up the west face of the mountain>. PRACTICABLE implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions <a solution that is not practicable in the time available>. FEASIBLE applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired <commercially feasible for mass production>.

possibly
adv. 1 : in a possible manner : by any possibility <that's all she could possibly do>
2 : by merest chance : PERHAPS <possibly he will recover>
3 : it is possible or imaginable : CONCEIVABLY <a political libel which may possibly damage me ― G. B. Shaw>

posslq
persons of the opposite sex sharing living quarters

possum
n. : OPOSSUM

Post
n. Emily 1872-1960 née Price American columnist & writer

post
n. 1 : a piece (as of timber or metal) fixed firmly in an upright position especially as a stay or support : PILLAR, COLUMN
2 : a pole or stake set up to mark or indicate something especially : a pole that marks the starting or finishing point of a horse race
3 : a metallic fitting attached to an electrical device (as a storage battery) for convenience in making connections
4 a : GOALPOST b : a football passing play in which the receiver runs downfield before turning towards the middle of the field
5 : the metal stem of a pierced earring

post
n. ante post
command post
ex post facto
king post
listening post
parcel post
from pillar to post
post chaise
post communion
post exchange
post free
post hoc
post horn
post horse
post Kantian
post meridiem
post oak
post office
post op
post polio syndrome
post road
post structuralism
post structuralist
post time
post up
queen post
staging post
trading post
whipping post
post hoc ergo propter hoc
post obitum
post Victorian
post Reformation
post Freudian
post Einsteinian
post Darwinian
post Christian
post traumatic stress disorder
post traumatic stress syndrome

post
n. 1 a : to publish, announce, or advertise by or as if by use of a placard b : to denounce by public notice c : to enter on a public listing d : to forbid (property) to trespassers under penalty of legal prosecution by notices placed along the boundaries e : SCORE <posted a 70 in the final round>
2 : to affix to a usual place (as a wall) for public notices : PLACARD
3 : to publish (as a message) in an online forum (as an electronic bulletin board)

post
n. 1 obsolete : COURIER
2 archaic a : one of a series of stations for keeping horses for relays b : the distance between any two such consecutive stations : STAGE
3 chiefly British a : a nation's organization for handling mail also : the mail handled b (1) : a single dispatch of mail (2) : LETTER 2A c : POST OFFICE d : POSTBOX
4 : something (as a message) that is published online

post
n. 1 : to travel with post-horses
2 : to ride or travel with haste : HURRY
3 : to rise from the saddle and return to it in rhythm with a horse's trot
transitive verb
1 archaic : to dispatch in haste
2 : MAIL <post a letter>
3 a : to transfer or carry from a book of original entry to a ledger b : to make transfer entries in
4 : to make familiar with a subject : INFORM <kept her posted on the latest gossip>

post
n. : with post-horses : EXPRESS

post
n. 1 a : the place at which a soldier is stationed especially : a sentry's beat or station b : a station or task to which one is assigned c : the place at which a body of troops is stationed : CAMP d : a local subdivision of a veterans' organization e : one of two bugle calls sounded (as in the British army) at tattoo
2 a : an office or position to which a person is appointed b : an area on a basketball court that is located just outside the free throw lane usually near the basket also : the offensive position of a player occupying the post
3 a : TRADING POST, SETTLEMENT b : a trading station on the floor of a stock exchange

post
n. 1 a : to station in a given place <guards were posted at the doors> b : to carry ceremoniously to a position <posting the colors>
2 chiefly British : to assign to a unit, position, or location (as in the military or civil service)
3 : to put up (as bond)

post
1 a : after : subsequent : later <postdate> b : behind : posterior : following after <postlude> <postconsonantal>
2 a : subsequent to : later than <postoperative> b : posterior to <postorbital>
post·abor·tion
post·ac·ci·dent
post·ad·o·les·cent
post·am·pu·ta·tion
post·apart·heid
post·apoc·a·lyp·tic
post·ar·rest
post·atom·ic
post·at·tack
post·bac·ca·lau·re·ate
post·bib·li·cal
post·bour·geois
post·burn
post·cap·i·tal·ist
post-Chris·tian
post·co·i·tal
post·col·lege
post·col·le·giate
post·co·lo·nial
post·com·mu·nist
post·con·cep·tion
post·con·cert
post·con·quest
post·con·so·nan·tal
post·con·ven·tion
post·cop·u·la·to·ry
post·cor·o·nary
post·coup
post·crash
post·cri·sis
post-Dar·win·i·an
post·dead·line
post·de·bate
post·de·liv·ery
post·de·po·si·tion·al
post·de·pres·sion
post·de·val·u·a·tion
post·dive
post·di·ves·ti·ture
post·di·vorce
post·drug
post·ed·it·ing
post-Ein·stein·ian
post·elec·tion
post·en·ceph·a·lit·ic
post·ep·i·lep·tic
post·erup·tive
post·ex·er·cise
post·ex·pe·ri·ence
post·ex·po·sure
post·fire
post·flight
post·frac·ture
post·freeze
post-Freud·ian
post·game
post·gla·cial
post·grad·u·a·tion
post·har·vest
post·hem·or·rhag·ic
post·hol·i·day
post·ho·lo·caust
post·hos·pi·tal
post·im·pact
post·im·pe·ri·al
post·im·plan·ta·tion
post·in·au·gu·ral
post·in·de·pen·dence
post·in·dus·tri·al
post·in·fec·tion
post·in·jec·tion
post·in·oc·u·la·tion
post·ir·ra·di·a·tion
post·land·ing
post·launch
post·lib·er·a·tion
post·mar·i·tal
post·mas·tec·to·my
post·mat·ing
post·me·di·e·val
post·mid·night
post·neo·na·tal
post·or·gas·mic
post·pres·i·den·tial
post·pri·ma·ry
post·pris·on
post·psy·cho·an·a·lyt·ic
post·pu·ber·ty
post·pu·bes·cent
post·race
post·re·ces·sion
post-Ref·or·ma·tion
post·res·ur·rec·tion
post·re·tire·ment
post·rev·o·lu·tion·ary
post·ri·ot
post·ro·man·tic
post·sea·son
post·sec·ond·ary
post·show
post·stim·u·la·tion
post·stim·u·lus
post·strike
post·tax
post·teen
post·trau·mat·ic
post·treat·ment
post·trial
post·vac·ci·nal
post·vac·ci·na·tion
post·va·sec·to·my
post-Vic·to·ri·an
post·wean·ing
post·work·shop

post chaise
: a carriage usually having a closed body on four wheels and seating two to four persons

post exchange
: a store at a military installation that sells merchandise and services to military personnel and authorized civilians

post hoc
1 : relating to or being the fallacy of arguing from temporal sequence to a causal relation
2 : formulated after the fact <a post hoc rationalization>

post hoc, ergo propter hoc
: after this, therefore on account of it (a fallacy of argument)

post horn
: a simple straight or coiled brass or copper small wind instrument with cupped mouthpiece used especially by guards of mail coaches of the 18th and 19th centuries

post meridiem
: being after noon ― abbreviation PM

post oak
: a white oak (Quercus stellata) of the eastern and central U.S. having hard durable wood

post obitum
: after death

post office
1 : a government department or agency handling the transmission of mail
2 : a local branch of a national post office handling the mail for a particular place or area
3 : a game in which a player acting as postmaster or postmistress may exact a kiss from one of the opposite sex as payment for the pretended delivery of a letter

post road
: a route over which mail is carried

post time
: the designated starting time of a horse race

post up
: to take up a position against a defender in the post in basketball while standing with one's back to the basket
transitive verb : to post up against (a defender) in basketball

post-communion
: a liturgically variable prayer following the communion at Eucharist

post-free
chiefly British : POSTPAID

post-horse
: a horse for use especially by couriers or mail carriers

post-Kantian
: of or relating to the idealist philosophers (as Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel) following Kant and developing some of his ideas

post-op
: POSTOPERATIVE
–post-op adverb

post-polio syndrome
: a condition that affects former poliomyelitis patients long after recovery from the disease and that is characterized by muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue

post-structuralism
: a movement or theory (as deconstruction) that views the descriptive premise of structuralism as contradicted by reliance on borrowed concepts or differential terms and categories and sees inquiry as inevitably shaped by discursive and interpretive practices
–post-struc·tur·al·ist \-list\ adjective or noun

post-traumatic stress disorder
: a psychological reaction occurring after experiencing a highly stressing event (as wartime combat, physical violence, or a natural disaster) that is usually characterized by depression, anxiety, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the event ― abbreviation PTSD ― called also post-traumatic stress syndrome

postage
n. 1 : the fee for postal service
2 : adhesive stamps or printed indicia representing postal fees

postage
n. postage due stamp
postage meter
postage stamp

postage meter
: a machine that prints postal indicia on pieces of mail, records the amount of postage, and subtracts it from a total paid amount for which the machine has been set

postage stamp
: a government adhesive stamp or imprinted stamp for use on mail as evidence of prepayment of postage

postage-due stamp
: a special adhesive stamp that is applied by a post office to mail bearing insufficient postage

postage-stamp
: suggesting a postage stamp in size : very small <postage-stamp yards>

postal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the mails or the post office
2 : conducted by mail <postal chess>
3 : insanely or murderously violent ― usually used in the phrase go postal

postal
adj. postal card
postal order
postal service
postal union

postal card
1 : a card officially stamped and issued by the government for use in the mail
2 : POSTCARD

postal order
British : MONEY ORDER

postal service
: POST OFFICE 1

postal union
: an association of governments that sets up uniform regulations and practices for international mail

postaxial
adj. : of or relating to the ulnar side of the vertebrate forelimb or the fibular side of the hind limb also : of or relating to the side of an animal or side of one of its limbs that is posterior to the axis of its body or limbs

postbag
n. 1 British : MAILBAG
2 British : a single batch of mail : LETTERS

postbellum
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the period following a war and especially following the American Civil War

postbox
n. : MAILBOX especially : a public mailbox

postboy
n. : POSTILION

postcard
n. 1 : POSTAL CARD 1
2 : a card on which a message may be written for mailing without an envelope and to which the sender must affix a stamp
–post·card·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

postcard
n. : PICTURESQUE, PICTURE-POSTCARD <a postcard village>

postcava
n. : the inferior vena cava of vertebrates higher than fishes
–post·ca·val \-vəl\ adjective

postclassical
adj. : of or relating to a period (as in art, literature, or civilization) following a classical one

postcode
n. : a code (as of numbers and letters) used similarly to the zip code especially in the United Kingdom and Australia

postconsumer
1 : discarded by an end consumer <postconsumer waste>
2 : having been used and recycled for reuse in another consumer product <postconsumer plastics>

postcranial
: of or relating to the part of the body caudal to the head <postcranial skeleton>
–post·cra·ni·al·ly adverb

postdate
v. 1 a : to date with a date later than that of execution <postdate a check> b : to assign (an event) to a date subsequent to that of actual occurrence
2 : to follow in time

postdiluvian
adj. : of or relating to the period after the flood described in the Bible
–postdiluvian noun

postdoc
n. : one engaged in postdoctoral study or research

postdoc
n. : POSTDOCTORAL

postdoctoral
adj. : being beyond the doctoral level: a : of or relating to advanced academic or professional work beyond a doctor's degree <a postdoctoral fellowship> b : engaged in such work <postdoctoral scholars>

poste restante
chiefly British : GENERAL DELIVERY

postemergence
: used or occurring in the stage between the emergence of a seedling and the maturity of a crop plant <postemergence herbicides> <postemergence development>

poster
n. archaic : a swift traveler

poster
n. : a bill or placard for posting often in a public place especially : one that is decorative or pictorial

poster
n. four poster
poster boy
poster child
poster color
poster paint
poster girl
poster session

poster boy
: a male poster child

poster child
1 : a child who has a disease and is pictured in posters to solicit funds for combating the disease
2 : a person having a public image that is identified with something (as a cause)

poster color
: an opaque watercolor paint with a gum- or glue-size binder sold usually in jars ― called also poster paint

poster girl
: a female poster child

poster session
: a presentation of information on a series of posters that may include drawings, photographs, charts, graphs, and textual data relating to a specific subject

posterior
n. 1 : later in time : SUBSEQUENT
2 : situated behind: as a : CAUDAL b of the human body or its parts : DORSAL
3 of a plant part : ADAXIAL, SUPERIOR
–pos·te·ri·or·ly adverb

posterior
n. : the hinder parts of the body specifically : BUTTOCKS

posterior cruciate ligament
: a cruciate ligament of each knee that attaches the back of the tibia with the front of the femur and functions especially to limit the backward motion of the tibia

posteriority
n. : the quality or state of being later or subsequent

posterity
n. 1 : the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation
2 : all future generations

postern
n. 1 : a back door or gate
2 : a private or side entrance or way
–postern adjective

posterolateral
adj. : posterior and lateral in position or direction

postexilic
: of or relating to the period of Jewish history between the end of the exile in Babylon in 538 B.C. and A.D. 1

postface
n. : a brief article or note (as of explanation) placed at the end of a publication

postfeminist
: of, relating to, occurring in, or being the period following widespread advocacy and acceptance of feminism

postfix
n. : characterized by placement of an operator after its operand or after its two operands if it is a binary operator ― compare INFIX, PREFIX

postfix notation
: REVERSE POLISH NOTATION

postganglionic
adj. : distal to a ganglion specifically : of, relating to, or being an axon arising from a cell body within an autonomic ganglion ― compare PREGANGLIONIC

postgrad
n. : POSTGRADUATE
–postgrad noun

postgraduate
n. : of, relating to, or engaged in formal studies after graduation : GRADUATE

postgraduate
n. : a student continuing formal education after graduation from high school or college

posthaste
adv. archaic : great haste

posthaste
adv. : with all possible speed

posthaste
adv. obsolete : SPEEDY, IMMEDIATE <requires your⋯posthaste appearance ― Shakespeare>

posthole
: a hole dug for a post

posthumous
adj. 1 : born after the death of the father
2 : published after the death of the author
3 : following or occurring after death <posthumous fame>
–post·hu·mous·ly adverb
–post·hu·mous·ness noun

posthypnotic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the period following a hypnotic trance

postiche
n. : WIG especially : TOUPEE 2

postie
n. British : LETTER CARRIER

postilion
n. : one who rides as a guide on the near horse of one of the pairs attached to a coach or post chaise especially without a coachman

Postimpressionism
n. : a theory or practice of art originating in France in the last quarter of the 19th century that in revolt against impressionism stresses variously volume, picture structure, or expressionism
–Post·im·pres·sion·ist \-'pre-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun
–Post·im·pres·sion·is·tic \-ˌpre-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

posting
n. 1 : the act of transferring an entry or item from a book of original entry to the proper account in a ledger
2 : the record in a ledger account resulting from the transfer of an entry or item from a book of original entry

posting
n. : appointment to a post or a command

posting
n. : 3POST 4

postlapsarian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the time or state after the fall of humankind described in the Bible

postliterate
: relating to or occurring after the introduction of the electronic media

postlude
n. 1 : a closing piece of music especially : an organ voluntary at the end of a church service
2 : a closing phase (as of an epoch or a literary work)

postman
n. : MAILMAN

postmark
n. : an official postal marking on a piece of mail specifically : a mark showing the post office and date of mailing

postmark
n. : to put a postmark on

postmaster
n. 1 : one who has charge of a post office
2 : one who has charge of a station for the accommodation of travelers or who supplies post-horses
–post·mas·ter·ship \-ˌship\ noun

postmaster general
: an official in charge of a national post office department or agency

postmenopausal
adj. 1 : having undergone menopause
2 : occurring or administered after menopause
–post·men·o·paus·al·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–post·men·o·pause \-'me-nə-ˌpȯz, -'mē-\ noun

postmillenarianism
: POSTMILLENNIALISM
–postmillenarian adjective or noun

postmillennial
adj. 1 : coming after or relating to the period after the millennium
2 : holding or relating to postmillennialism

postmillennialism
n. : the theological doctrine that the second coming of Christ will occur after the millennium
–post·mil·len·ni·al·ist \-ə-list\ noun

postmistress
n. : a woman who is a postmaster

postmodern
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being an era after a modern one <postmodern times> <a postmodern metropolis>
2 a : of, relating to, or being any of various movements in reaction to modernism that are typically characterized by a return to traditional materials and forms (as in architecture) or by ironic self-reference and absurdity (as in literature) b : of, relating to, or being a theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language <postmodern feminism>
–post·mod·ern·ism \-dər-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–post·mod·ern·ist \-nist\ adjective or noun
–post·mo·der·ni·ty \-mə-'dər-ne-tē, -mä- also -'der-\ noun

postmortem
n. 1 : done, occurring, or collected after death <postmortem tissue specimens>
2 : following the event

postmortem
n. 1 : AUTOPSY 1
2 : an analysis or discussion of an event after it is over

postmortem examination
: AUTOPSY 1

postnasal drip
: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state

postnatal
adj. : occurring or being after birth specifically : of or relating to an infant immediately after birth <postnatal care>
–post·na·tal·ly adverb

postnuptial
adj. : made or occurring after marriage or mating

postoperative
adj. 1 : following a surgical operation <postoperative care>
2 : having recently undergone a surgical operation <a postoperative patient>
–post·op·er·a·tive·ly adverb

postorbital
adj. : situated behind the eye socket

postpaid
adj. : having the postage paid by the sender and not chargeable to the receiver

postpartum
adj. 1 : occurring in or being the period following parturition <postpartum depression>
2 : being in or used in the postpartum period <postpartum mothers>
–postpartum adverb

postpone
v. 1 : to put off to a later time : DEFER
2 a : to place later (as in a sentence) than the normal position in English <postpone an adjective> b : to place later in order of precedence, preference, or importance
synonyms see DEFER
–post·pon·able \-'pō-nə-bəl\ adjective
–post·pone·ment \-'pōn-mənt\ noun
–post·pon·er noun

postposition
n. : the placing of a grammatical element after a word to which it is primarily related in a sentence also : such a word or particle especially when functioning as a preposition
–post·po·si·tion·al \ˌpōs(t)-pə-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective
–post·po·si·tion·al·ly adverb

postpositive
adj. : placed after or at the end of another word
–post·pos·i·tive·ly adverb

postprandial
adj. : occurring after a meal
–post·pran·di·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

postproduction
adj. : the period following filming or taping in which a motion picture or television show is readied for public presentation

postscript
n. : a note or series of notes appended to a completed letter, article, or book

postsurgical
: POSTOPERATIVE
–post·sur·gi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

postsynaptic
adj. 1 : occurring after synapsis <a postsynaptic chromosome>
2 : of, occurring in, or being a nerve cell by which a wave of excitation is conveyed away from a synapse <a postsynaptic membrane>
–post·syn·ap·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

posttension
: to apply tension to (reinforcing steel) after concrete has set

posttest
: a test given to students after completion of an instructional program or segment and often used in conjunction with a pretest to measure their achievement and the effectiveness of the program

posttranscriptional
: occurring, acting, or existing after genetic transcription

posttransfusion
1 : caused by transfused blood
2 : occurring after blood transfusion <posttransfusion shock>

posttranslational
: occurring or existing after genetic translation

postulancy
1 : the quality or state of being a postulant
2 : the period during which a person remains a postulant

postulant
n. 1 : a person admitted to a religious order as a probationary candidate for membership
2 : a person on probation before being admitted as a candidate for holy orders in the Episcopal Church

postulate
1 : DEMAND, CLAIM
2 a : to assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary : depend upon or start from the postulate of b : to assume as a postulate or axiom (as in logic or mathematics)
–pos·tu·la·tion \ˌpäs-chə-'lā-shən\ noun
–pos·tu·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

postulate
n. 1 : a hypothesis advanced as an essential presupposition, condition, or premise of a train of reasoning
2 : AXIOM 3

postulator
n. : an official who presents a plea for beatification or canonization in the Roman Catholic Church ― compare DEVIL'S ADVOCATE

postural
adj. : of, relating to, or involving posture also : ORTHOSTATIC

posture
n. 1 a : the position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose <erect posture> b : the pose of a model or artistic figure
2 : state or condition at a given time especially with respect to capability in particular circumstances <maintain a competitive posture in the market>
3 : a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude

posture
n. transitive verb : to cause to assume a given posture : POSE
intransitive verb
1 : to assume a posture especially : to strike a pose for effect
2 : to assume an artificial or pretended attitude : ATTITUDINIZE
–pos·tur·er \-chər-ər\ noun

postvocalic
: immediately following a vowel

postwar
adj. : occurring or existing after a war especially : occurring or existing after World War II

posy
n. 1 : a brief sentiment, motto, or legend
2 a : BOUQUET, NOSEGAY b : FLOWER

pot
n. 1 a : a usually rounded metal or earthen container used chiefly for domestic purposes (as in cooking or for holding liquids or growing plants) also : any of various technical or industrial vessels or enclosures resembling or likened to a household pot <the pot of a still> b : POTFUL <a pot of coffee>
2 : an enclosed framework of wire, wood, or wicker for catching fish or lobsters
3 a : a large amount (as of money) b (1) : the total of the bets at stake at one time (2) : one round in a poker game c : the common fund of a group
4 : POTSHOT
5 : POTBELLY
6 : RUIN <gone to pot>
7 British : a shot in snooker in which a ball is pocketed
8 : a vessel for urination and defecation: as a : TOILET 3B b : POTTY

pot
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place in a pot b : to pack or preserve (as cooked and chopped meat) in a sealed pot, jar, or can often with aspic
2 : to shoot with a potshot
3 : to make or shape (earthenware) as a potter
4 : to embed (as electronic components) in a container with an insulating or protective material (as plastic)
intransitive verb : to take a potshot

pot
n. : MARIJUANA

pot
n. 1 potential
2 potentiometer

pot
n. chamber pot
chimney pot
pot cheese
Crock Pot
hot pot
lobster pot
melting pot
pepper pot
Philadelphia pepper pot
pot ale
pot au feu
pot bound
pot hat
pot holder
pot likker
pot liquor
pot marigold
pot roast
pot sticker
pot still
tin pot
try pot
watering pot
Pol Pot

pot ale
: the residue of fermented wort left in a still after the distillation of whiskey or alcohol and used for animal feed

pot cheese
: COTTAGE CHEESE

pot hat
: a hat with a stiff crown especially : DERBY

pot holder
: a small cloth pad used for handling hot cooking utensils or containers

pot likker
Southern & Midland variant of pot liquor

pot liquor
: the liquid left in a pot after cooking something

pot marigold
: a calendula (Calendula officinalis) grown especially for ornament

pot roast
: a piece of beef cooked by braising usually on top of the stove

pot sticker
: a crescent-shaped dumpling filled usually with pork, steamed, and then fried

pot still
: a still used especially in the distillation of Irish grain whiskey and Scotch malt whiskey in which the heat of the fire is applied directly to the pot containing the mash

pot-au-feu
: a French boiled dinner of meat and vegetables

pot-bound
of a potted plant : having roots so densely matted as to allow little or no space for further growth

potable
adj. : suitable for drinking
–po·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌpō-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–po·ta·ble·ness \'pō-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun

potable
adj. : a liquid that is suitable for drinking especially : an alcoholic beverage

potage
n. : a thick soup

potash
n. 1 : potassium carbonate especially from wood ashes
2 : potassium or a potassium compound especially as used in agriculture or industry

potassic
adj. : of, relating to, or containing potassium

potassium
n. : a silver-white soft light low-melting monovalent metallic element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals ― see ELEMENT table

potassium
n. acesulfame potassium
potassium argon
potassium bromide
potassium carbonate
potassium chlorate
potassium chloride
potassium cyanide
potassium dichromate
potassium hydroxide
potassium nitrate
potassium permanganate
potassium sorbate
potassium sulfate

potassium bromide
: a crystalline salt KBr with a saline taste that is used especially as a sedative and in photography

potassium carbonate
: a white salt K_2CO_3 that forms a strongly alkaline solution and is used in making glass and soap

potassium chlorate
: a crystalline salt KClO_3 that is used as an oxidizing agent in matches, fireworks, and explosives

potassium chloride
: a crystalline salt KCl occurring as a mineral and in natural waters and used especially as a fertilizer

potassium cyanide
: a very poisonous crystalline salt KCN used especially in gold and silver extraction from ore

potassium dichromate
: a soluble salt K_2Cr_2O_7 forming large orange-red crystals used especially in dyeing, in photography, and as an oxidizing agent

potassium hydroxide
: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline and caustic liquid and is used chiefly in making soap and as a reagent

potassium nitrate
: a crystalline salt KNO_3 that occurs as a product of nitrification in arable soils, is a strong oxidizer, and is used especially in making gunpowder, as a fertilizer, and in medicine

potassium permanganate
: a dark purple salt KMnO_4 used as an oxidizer and disinfectant

potassium sorbate
: a potassium salt C_6H_7KO_2 of sorbic acid used especially as a food preservative

potassium sulfate
: a white crystalline compound K_2SO_4 used especially as a fertilizer

potassium-argon
: being or relating to a method of dating paleontological or geological materials based on the radioactive decay of potassium to argon that has taken place in a specimen

potation
n. 1 : a usually alcoholic drink or brew
2 : the act or an instance of drinking or inhaling also : the portion taken in one such act

potato
n. 1 : SWEET POTATO
2 a : an erect So. American herb (Solanum tuberosum) of the nightshade family widely cultivated for its edible starchy tuber b : the tuber of a potato ― called also Irish potato spud white potato

potato
n. white potato
Irish potato
Colorado potato beetle
potato bug
potato beetle
couch potato
hot potato
new potato
potato blight
potato chip
potato leafhopper
potato pancake
potato tuberworm
seed potato
small potato
sweet potato
hashed brown potatoes
hash brown potatoes
home fried potatoes
meat and potatoes

potato beetle
: COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

potato blight
: any of several destructive fungus diseases of the potato

potato bug
: COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

potato chip
: a thin slice of white potato that has been cooked until crisp and then usually salted

potato leafhopper
: a small green white-spotted leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) especially of the eastern and southern U.S. that is a serious pest on many cultivated plants and especially on the potato

potato pancake
: a fried flat cake of grated potato mixed with raw egg and usually grated onion and spices

potato tuberworm
: a grayish-brown moth (Phthorimaea operculella) whose larva mines the leaves and bores in the stems and tubers of the potato plant and often attacks other solanaceous plants (as tobacco and tomato)

potbellied
adj. : having a potbelly

potbellied
adj. potbellied pig
potbellied stove
Vietnamese potbellied pig

potbellied pig
: any of a breed of small pigs originating in southeastern Asia and having a straight tail, potbelly, swayback, and black, white, or black and white coat

potbellied stove
: a stove with a rounded or bulging body ― called also potbelly stove

potbelly
n. 1 : an enlarged, swollen, or protruding abdomen
2 : POTBELLIED STOVE

potboil
: to produce potboilers

potboiler
n. : a usually inferior work (as of art or literature) produced chiefly for profit

potboy
n. : a boy who serves drinks in a tavern

Potchefstroom
city NE Republic of South Africa in E North West province SW of Johannesburg pop 51,800

poteen
n. : whiskey illicitly distilled in Ireland

Potemkin
Grigory Aleksandrovich 1739-1791 Russ. field marshal & statesman

Potemkin village
: an impressive facade or show designed to hide an undesirable fact or condition

potence
n. : POTENCY

potency
n. 1 a : FORCE, POWER b : the quality or state of being potent c : the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result
2 : POTENTIALITY 1

potent
adj. 1 : having or wielding force, authority, or influence : POWERFUL
2 : achieving or bringing about a particular result : EFFECTIVE
3 a : chemically or medicinally effective <a potent vaccine> b : rich in a characteristic constituent <a potent drink>
4 : able to copulate ― usually used of the male
–po·tent·ly adverb

potent
adj. of a heraldic cross : having flat bars across the ends of the arms ― see CROSS illustration

potentate
n. : RULER, SOVEREIGN broadly : one who wields great power or sway

potential
n. 1 : existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality <potential benefits>
2 : expressing possibility specifically : of, relating to, or constituting a verb phrase expressing possibility, liberty, or power by the use of an auxiliary with the infinitive of the verb (as in “it may rain”)
synonyms see LATENT
–po·ten·tial·ly \-'ten(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

potential
n. 1 a : something that can develop or become actual <a potential for violence> b : PROMISE 2
2 a : any of various functions from which the intensity or the velocity at any point in a field may be readily calculated b : the work required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question c : POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

potential
n. action potential
biotic potential
potential difference
potential energy

potential difference
: the difference in potential between two points that represents the work involved or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other

potential energy
: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts

potentiality
n. 1 : the ability to develop or come into existence
2 : POTENTIAL 1

potentiate
v. : to make effective or active or more effective or more active also : to augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically
–po·ten·ti·a·tion \-ˌten(t)-shē-'ā-shən\ noun
–po·ten·ti·a·tor \-'ten(t)-shē-ˌā-tər\ noun

potentilla
n. : CINQUEFOIL 1

potentiometer
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring electromotive forces
2 : VOLTAGE DIVIDER
–po·ten·ti·o·met·ric \-sh(ē-)ə-'me-trik\ adjective

potful
n. 1 : as much or as many as a pot will hold
2 : a large amount <makes a potful of money ― John Corry>

pothead
n. : a person who frequently smokes marijuana

pother
n. 1 a : confused or fidgety flurry or activity : COMMOTION b : agitated talk or controversy usually over a trivial matter
2 : a choking cloud of dust or smoke
3 : mental turmoil

pother
n. transitive verb : to put into a pother
intransitive verb : to be in a pother

potherb
n. : a usually leafy herb that is cooked for use as greens also : one (as mint) used to season food

pothole
n. 1 a : a circular hole formed in the rocky bed of a river by the grinding action of stones or gravel whirled round by the water b : a sizable rounded often water-filled depression in land
2 : a pot-shaped hole in a road surface
3 : a usually minor difficulty or setback <hit a pothole in her comeback attempt>
–pot·holed \-ˌhōld\ adjective

pothook
n. 1 : an S-shaped hook for hanging pots and kettles over an open fire
2 : a written character resembling a pothook

pothos
: a southeast Asian climbing plant (Epipremnum aureum syn. Scindapsus aureus) of the arum family widely grown especially as a houseplant for its leathery or waxy heart-shaped green leaves that are spotted or streaked with golden yellow or white

pothouse
n. : TAVERN 1

pothunter
n. 1 : one who hunts game for food
2 : an amateur archaeologist
–pot·hunt·ing \-tiŋ\ noun

potion
n. : a mixture of liquids (as liquor or medicine)

potlatch
n. 1 : a ceremonial feast of the American Indians of the northwest coast marked by the host's lavish distribution of gifts or sometimes destruction of property to demonstrate wealth and generosity with the expectation of eventual reciprocation
2 Northwest : a social event or celebration

potlatch
n. 1 : to give (as a gift) especially with the expectation of a gift in return
2 : to hold or give a potlatch for (as a tribe or group)
intransitive verb : to hold or give a potlatch

potline
: a row of electrolytic cells used in the production of aluminum

potluck
n. 1 a : the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made b : a communal meal to which people bring food to share ― usually used attributively <a potluck supper>
2 : whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time

Potomac
n. river 287 mi (462 km) E U.S. flowing from W.Va. into Chesapeake Bay & forming S boundary of Md.

potometer
: an apparatus for measuring the rate of transpiration in a plant by determining the amount of water absorbed

Potosi
city S Bolivia pop 112,291

potpie
n. : pastry-covered meat and vegetables cooked in a deep dish

potpourri
n. 1 : a mixture of flowers, herbs, and spices that is usually kept in a jar and used for scent
2 : a miscellaneous collection : MEDLEY <a potpourri of the best songs and sketches ― Current Biog.>

POTS
n. plain old telephone system; plain old telephone service

Potsdam
n. city NE Germany capital of Brandenburg pop 139,025

potsherd
n. : a pottery fragment usually unearthed as an archaeological relic

potshot
n. 1 : a shot taken from ambush or at a random or easy target
2 : a critical remark made in a random or sporadic manner

potshot
n. intransitive verb : to take a potshot
transitive verb : to attack or shoot with a potshot

potstone
: a more or less impure steatite used especially in prehistoric times to make cooking vessels

Pott's disease
: tuberculosis of the spine with destruction of bone resulting in curvature of the spine

pottage
n. : a thick soup of vegetables and often meat

potted
adj. 1 : preserved in a pot, jar, or can <potted meat>
2 : planted or grown in a pot
3 : briefly and superficially summarized <a dull, pedestrian potted history ― Times Lit. Supp.>
4 slang : DRUNK 1A

Potter
n. Beatrix 1866-1943 Brit. writer & illustrator

Potter
n. Paul or Paulus 1625-1654 Du. painter

potter
n. : one that makes pottery

potter
n. : PUTTER
–pot·ter·er \'pä-tər-ər\ noun
–pot·ter·ing·ly \'pä-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb

potter
n. potter's clay
potter's earth
potter's field
potter's wheel

potter's clay
: a plastic clay suitable for making pottery ― called also potter's earth

potter's field
: a public burial place for paupers, unknown persons, and criminals

potter's wheel
: a usually horizontal disk revolving on a vertical spindle and carrying the clay being shaped by a potter

pottery
n. 1 : a place where clayware is made and fired
2 a : the art or craft of the potter b : the manufacture of clayware
3 : CLAYWARE especially : earthenware as distinguished from porcelain and stoneware and from brick and tile

pottle
n. : a container holding a half gallon (1.9 liters)

potto
n. : any of several African primates (genera Arctocebus and Perodicticus) especially : a nocturnal slow-moving arboreal primate (P. potto) with woolly brownish fur and a vestigial index finger

potty
n. 1 British : TRIVIAL, INSIGNIFICANT
2 chiefly British : slightly crazy
3 : SNOBBISH

potty
n. 1 : a small child's pot for urination or defecation also : POTTY-CHAIR
2 : TOILET, BATHROOM

potty
n. potty chair
potty mouthed
potty mouth

potty-chair
: a child's chair having an open seat under which a receptacle is placed for toilet training

potty-mouthed
: given to the use of vulgar language
–potty mouth noun

POTUS
president of the United States

potzer
n. variant of patzer

pouch
n. 1 : a small drawstring bag carried on the person
2 a : a bag of small or moderate size for storing or transporting goods specifically : a lockable bag for first-class mail or diplomatic dispatches b chiefly Scottish : POCKET c : PACKET
3 : an anatomical structure resembling a pouch
–pouched \'pau̇cht\ adjective

pouch
n. 1 : to put or form into or as if into a pouch
2 : to transmit by pouch
intransitive verb
1 : to bulge or stick out or down in a manner suggesting a pouch <pouching cheeks>
2 : to transmit mail or dispatches by pouch

pouchy
adj. : having, tending to have, or resembling a pouch <pouchy insomniac eyes ― Graham Greene>

pouf
n. 1 : PUFF 3B(3)
2 : a bouffant or fluffy part of a garment or accessory
3 : OTTOMAN
–poufed or pouffed \'püft\ adjective

Poughkeepsie
n. city SE N.Y. pop 29,871

Pouilly
Pouilly Fuisse
Pouilly Fuissé
Pouilly Fume
Pouilly Fumé

Pouilly-Fuisse
: a dry white burgundy from an area west of Mâcon, France

Pouilly-Fume
: a dry white wine from the Loire valley of France

poularde
: a fattened pullet used especially for roasting

Poulenc
Fran·cis \frän-'sēs\ 1899-1963 Fr. composer

poult
n. : a young fowl especially : a young turkey

poulter's measure
: a meter in which lines of 12 and 14 syllables alternate

poulterer
n. : one that deals in poultry

poultice
n. : a soft usually heated and sometimes medicated mass spread on cloth and applied to sores or other lesions

poultice
n. : to apply a poultice to

poultry
n. : domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat

poultryman
n. 1 : one who raises domestic fowls especially on a commercial scale for the production of eggs and meat
2 : one who deals in poultry or poultry products

pounce
n. : the claw of a bird of prey

pounce
n. 1 a : to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons b : to seize upon and make capital of something (as another's blunder or an opportunity)
2 : to make a sudden assault or approach

pounce
n. : the act of pouncing

pounce
n. : to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with pounce

pounce
n. 1 : a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading
2 : a fine powder for making stenciled patterns

pouncet-box
archaic : a box for carrying pomander

Pound
n. Ezra Loomis 1885-1972 American poet
–Pound·ian \'pau̇n-dē-ən\ adjective

Pound
n. Roscoe 1870-1964 American jurist

pound
n. 1 : any of various units of mass and weight specifically : a unit now in general use among English-speaking peoples equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces or 7000 grains or 0.4536 kilogram ― see WEIGHT table
2 a : the basic monetary unit of the United Kingdom ― called also pound sterling b : any of numerous basic monetary units of other countries ― see MONEY table c : the basic monetary unit of Ireland from 1921 to 2001 d : 2LIRA

pound
n. 1 a : an enclosure for animals especially : a public enclosure for stray or unlicensed animals <a dog pound> b : a depot for holding impounded personal property until redeemed by the owner <a car pound>
2 : a place or condition of confinement
3 : an enclosure within which fish are kept or caught especially : the inner compartment of a fish trap or pound net

pound
n. transitive verb
1 : to reduce to powder or pulp by beating
2 a : to strike heavily or repeatedly b : to produce with or as if with repeated vigorous strokes ― usually used with out <pound out a story on the typewriter> c : to inculcate by insistent repetition : DRIVE <day after day the facts were pounded home to them ― Ivy B. Priest> d : to move, throw, or carry forcefully and aggressively <pound the ball down the field>
3 : to move along heavily or persistently <pounded the pavement looking for work>
4 : to drink or consume rapidly : SLUG <pound down some beers>
intransitive verb
1 : to strike heavy repeated blows
2 : PULSATE, THROB <my heart was pounding>
3 a : to move with or make a heavy repetitive sound b : to work hard and continuously ― usually used with away

pound
n. : an act or sound of pounding

pound
n. pound sterling
800 pound gorilla
foot pound
foot pound second
pound cake
pound foolish
pound mile
pound net
pound of flesh
pound sign
foot pounds

pound cake
: a rich butter cake made with a large proportion of eggs and shortening

pound mile
: the transport of one pound of mail or express for one mile

pound net
: a fish trap consisting of a netting arranged into a directing wing and an enclosure with a narrow entrance

pound of flesh

1827
: a payment or penalty exacted to fulfill a deal or punishment <loan sharks taking their pound of flesh>

pound sign
1 : the symbol £
2 : the symbol #

pound-foolish
: imprudent in dealing with large sums or large matters

poundage
n. 1 : a charge per pound of weight
2 : weight in pounds

poundage
n. : IMPOUNDMENT 1

poundal
n. : a unit of force equal to the force that would give a free mass of one pound an acceleration of one foot per second per second

pounder
n. 1 : one that pounds
2 : a tool used for pounding

pounder
n. 1 : a gun throwing a projectile of a specified weight ― used in combination <the ship was armed with six-pounders>
2 : one having a usually specified weight or value in pounds ― used in combination <caught a ten-pounder>

Poundmaker
1826-1886 Canad. Cree chief

pour
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to flow in a stream b : to dispense from a container <poured drinks for everyone>
2 : to supply or produce freely or copiously <poured money into the project>
3 : to give full expression to : VENT <poured out his feelings>
intransitive verb
1 : to move with a continuous flow
2 : to rain hard
3 : to move or come continuously : STREAM <complaints poured in>
4 : to score easily or freely (as in basketball) ― used with in <poured in 30 points>
–pour·able \'pȯr-ə-bəl\ adjective
–pour·er \-ər\ noun
–pour·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

pour
n. 1 : the action of pouring : STREAM
2 a : an instance of pouring or an amount poured b : a heavy fall of rain : DOWNPOUR

pour
n. pour point
pour acquit
pour encourager les autres
pour le merite
pour le mérite
pour rire
reculer pour mieux sauter

pour acquit
: received payment

pour encourager les autres
: in order to encourage the others ― said ironically of an action (as an execution) carried out in order to compel others to obey or submit

pour le merite
: for merit

pour point
: the lowest temperature at which a substance flows under specified conditions

pour rire
: for laughing : not to be taken seriously

pourboire
n. : TIP, GRATUITY

pourparler
n. : a discussion preliminary to negotiations

pourpoint
: a padded and quilted doublet

pousse-cafe
: an after-dinner drink consisting of several liqueurs of different colors and specific gravities poured so as to remain in separate layers

poussette
: to swing in a semicircle with hands joined with one's partner in a country-dance

Poussin
n. Nicolas 1594-1665 Fr. painter

pout
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to show displeasure by thrusting out the lips or wearing a sullen expression b : SULK
2 : PROTRUDE
transitive verb : to cause to protrude <pouted her lips>

pout
n. 1 : a protrusion of the lips expressive of displeasure
2 plural : a fit of pique

pout
n. : any of several large-headed fishes (as a bullhead or eelpout)

pouter
n. 1 : any of several breeds of domestic pigeons characterized by erect carriage and an inflatable crop
2 : one that pouts

pouty
1 : SULKY 1
2 : expressive of displeasure

POV
point of view

poverty
n. 1 a : the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions b : renunciation as a member of a religious order of the right as an individual to own property
2 : SCARCITY, DEARTH
3 a : debility due to malnutrition b : lack of fertility
synonyms POVERTY, INDIGENCE, PENURY, WANT, DESTITUTION mean the state of one with insufficient resources. POVERTY may cover a range from extreme want of necessities to an absence of material comforts <the extreme poverty of the slum dwellers>. INDIGENCE implies seriously straitened circumstances <the indigence of her years as a graduate student>. PENURY suggests a cramping or oppressive lack of money <a catastrophic illness that condemned them to years of penury>. WANT and DESTITUTION imply extreme poverty that threatens life itself through starvation or exposure <lived in a perpetual state of want> <the widespread destitution in countries beset by famine>.

poverty
n. poverty line
poverty level
poverty stricken
Poverty Point National Monument

poverty line
: a level of personal or family income below which one is classified as poor according to governmental standards ― called also poverty level

Poverty Point National Monument
n. site NE La. featuring prehistoric earthworks

poverty-stricken
: very poor : DESTITUTE

POW
n. : PRISONER OF WAR

pow
n. : HEAD, POLL

pow
n. : a sound of a blow or explosion

Poway
city S Calif., a suburb of San Diego pop 48,044

Powder
n. 1 river 150 mi (241 km) E Oreg. flowing into the Snake
2 river 375 mi (604 km) N Wyo. & SE Mont. flowing N into the Yellowstone

powder
n. transitive verb
1 : to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2 : to reduce or convert to powder
3 : to hit very hard
intransitive verb
1 : to become powder
2 : to apply cosmetic powder
–pow·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

powder
n. 1 : matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter
2 a : a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic use b : fine dry light snow
3 : any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting
–pow·der·less \-ləs\ adjective
–pow·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

powder
n. baking powder
black powder
bleaching powder
chili powder
curry powder
Dover's powder
five spice powder
powder blue
powder horn
powder keg
powder metallurgy
powder monkey
powder puff
powder room
smokeless powder
take a powder
talcum powder
toilet powder
tooth powder
Seidlitz powders

powder blue
: a pale blue

powder horn
: a flask for carrying gunpowder especially : one made of the horn of an ox or cow

powder keg
1 : a small usually metal cask for holding gunpowder or blasting powder
2 : something liable to explode

powder metallurgy
: a branch of science or an art concerned with the production of powdered metals or of metallic objects by compressing a powdered metal or alloy with or without other materials and heating without thoroughly melting to solidify and strengthen

powder monkey
: a person who carries or has charge of explosives (as in blasting operations)

powder puff
: a small fluffy device (as a pad) for applying cosmetic powder

powder room
1 : a restroom for women
2 : a lavatory in the main living area of a house

powder-puff
: of, relating to, or being a traditionally male activity or event done or played by women <a powder-puff football game>

powdery
adj. 1 a : resembling or consisting of powder <powdery snow> b : easily reduced to powder : CRUMBLING
2 : covered with or as if with powder

powdery mildew
1 : an ascomycetous fungus (family Erysiphaceae) producing abundant powdery conidia on the host
2 : a plant disease caused by a powdery mildew

Powell
n. Adam Clayton 1908-1972 American clergyman & polit.

Powell
n. Anthony 1905-2000 Eng. writer

Powell
n. Cecil Frank 1903-1969 Brit. physicist

Powell
n. Colin Luther 1937-     American gen.; U.S. secy. of state (2001-  )

Powell
n. John Wesley 1834-1902 American geologist & explorer

Powell
n. Lewis Franklin 1907-1998 American jurist

Powell
n. Michael Latham 1905-1990 Brit. filmmaker

Powell, Lake
― see GLEN CANYON DAM

power
n. 1 a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-base hits (3) : capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others b : one having such power specifically : a sovereign state c : a controlling group : ESTABLISHMENT ― often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic : a force of armed men e chiefly dialect : a large number or quantity
3 a : physical might b : mental or moral efficacy c : political control or influence
4 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
5 a : the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product <5 to the third power is 125> also : the product itself <8 is a power of 2> b : CARDINAL NUMBER 2
6 a : a source or means of supplying energy especially : ELECTRICITY b : MOTIVE POWER c : the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred
7 : MAGNIFICATION 2B
8 : 1SCOPE 3
9 : the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true
synonyms POWER, AUTHORITY, JURISDICTION, CONTROL, COMMAND, SWAY, DOMINION mean the right to govern or rule or determine. POWER implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence <the power to mold public opinion>. AUTHORITY implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits <gave her attorney the authority to manage her estate>. JURISDICTION applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms>. CONTROL stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. COMMAND implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. SWAY suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence <an empire that extended its sway over the known world>. DOMINION stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
synonyms POWER, FORCE, ENERGY, STRENGTH, MIGHT mean the ability to exert effort. POWER may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. FORCE implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. ENERGY applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. STRENGTH applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. MIGHT implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.

power
n. 1 : to supply with power and especially motive power
2 : to give impetus to
intransitive verb
1 : to move about by means of motive power
2 : to move with great speed or force

power
n. 1 : operated mechanically or electrically rather than manually <a car with power locks> <power tools>
2 : of, relating to, or utilizing strength <plays a power game> also : POWERFUL 1 <a power critic>
3 : of, relating to, or being a meal at which influential people discuss business or politics <a power lunch>

power
n. balance of power
black power
flower power
great power
high power
man power
motive power
police power
power base
power broker
power chord
power dive
power forward
power function
power mower
power of attorney
power pack
power plant
power play
power politics
power series
power shovel
power station
power steering
power strip
power structure
power sweep
power take off
power train
power up
power walk
reserved power
residual power
resolving power
sea power
staying power
war power
will to power
world power
high powered

power base
: a base of political support

power broker
: a person (as in politics) able to exert strong influence through control of votes or individuals

power chord
: a combination of two tones consisting of a root and its fifth that is often used in rock music

power dive
: a dive of an airplane accelerated by the power of the engine

power forward
: a basketball forward whose size and strength are used primarily in controlling play near the basket

power function
1 : a function of a parameter under statistical test whose value for a particular value of the parameter is the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis if that value of the parameter happens to be true
2 : a function (as f(x) = axk) that equals the product of a constant and a power of the independent variable

power mower
: a motor-driven lawn mower

power of attorney

1747
: a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the attorney or agent of the grantor

power pack
: a unit for converting a power supply (as from a battery or household electrical circuit) to a voltage suitable for an electronic device

power plant
1 : an electric utility generating station
2 : an engine and related parts supplying the motive power of a self-propelled object (as a rocket or automobile)

power play
1 : a military, diplomatic, political, or administrative maneuver in which power is brought to bear
2 a : a concentrated attack in football in which the ballcarrier is preceded by a mass of blockers b : a situation in ice hockey in which one team temporarily has more players on the ice than the other team because of a penalty

power politics
: politics based primarily on the use of power (as military and economic strength) as a coercive force rather than on ethical precepts

power series
: an infinite series whose terms are successive integral powers of a variable multiplied by constants

power shovel
: a power-operated excavating machine consisting of a boom or crane that supports a lever arm with a large bucket at the end of it

power station
: POWER PLANT 1

power steering
: an automotive steering system with engine power used to amplify the torque applied at the steering wheel by the driver

power strip
: an electrical device consisting of a cord with a plug on one end and several sockets on the other

power structure
1 : a group of persons having control of an organization : ESTABLISHMENT
2 : the hierarchical interrelationships existing within a controlling group

power sweep
: SWEEP 3E

power take-off
: a supplementary mechanism (as on a tractor) enabling the engine power to be used to operate nonautomotive apparatus (as a pump or saw)

power train
: the intervening mechanism by which power is transmitted from an engine to a propeller or axle that it drives also : this mechanism plus the engine <power train warranty>

power up
: to cause to operate <power up the computer>
–pow·er-up \'pau̇(-ə)r-ˌəp\ noun

power walk
: to walk quickly for exercise especially while carrying or wearing weights

power-dive
: to make a power dive
transitive verb : to cause to power-dive

powerboat
n. : MOTORBOAT
–pow·er·boat·er \-ˌbō-tər\ noun
–pow·er·boat·ing \-ˌbō-tiŋ\ adjective

powerful
adj. 1 : having great power, prestige, or influence <a powerful leader>
2 : leading to many or important deductions <a powerful set of postulates>
–pow·er·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

powerhouse
n. 1 a : POWER PLANT 1 b : a source of influence or inspiration
2 : one having great power <an economic powerhouse>: as a : one having great drive, energy, or ability <a powerhouse rock band> b : an athletic team characterized by strong aggressive play

powerless
adj. 1 : devoid of strength or resources <powerless victims>
2 : lacking the authority or capacity to act <was powerless to help>
–pow·er·less·ly adverb
–pow·er·less·ness noun

Powers
n. Hiram 1805-1873 American sculptor

Powhatan
n. 1550?-1618 Wa-hun-sen-a-cawh or Wahunsonacock; father of Pocahontas American Indian chief

powwow
n. 1 : an American Indian medicine man
2 a : an American Indian ceremony (as for victory in war) b : an American Indian social gathering or fair usually including competitive dancing
3 a : a social get-together b : a meeting for discussion

powwow
n. : to hold a powwow

Powys
John Cow·per \'kü-pər\ 1872-1963 & his bros. Theodore Francis 1875-1953 & Llewelyn 1884-1939 Eng. authors

Powys
administrative area of E cen Wales area 2006 sq mi (5196 sq km)

pox
n. 1 a : a virus disease (as chicken pox) characterized by pustules or eruptions b archaic : SMALLPOX c : SYPHILIS
2 : a disastrous evil : PLAGUE, CURSE <a pox on him>
–poxy \'päk-sē\ adjective

pox
n. archaic : to infect with a pox and especially with syphilis

poxvirus
n. : any of a family (Poxviridae) of brick-shaped or ovoid double-stranded DNA viruses (as the causative agents of cowpox and smallpox) having a fluffy appearance caused by a covering of tubules or filaments

Poyang
lake 90 mi (145 km) long E China in N Jiangxi

Poznan
city W cen Poland on the Warta pop 588,715

pozole
variant of posole

pozzolana
n. : finely divided siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material that reacts chemically with slaked lime at ordinary temperature and in the presence of moisture to form a strong slow-hardening cement
–poz·zo·la·nic \ˌpät-sə-'la-nik, -'lä-\ adjective

Pozzuoli
commune & port S Italy in Campania W of Naples pop 82,152

PP
n. 1 parcel post
2 postpaid
3 prepaid

pp
n. 1 pages
2 per person
3 [Latin per procurationem] by proxy
4 pianissimo

ppb
parts per billion

ppd
1 postpaid
2 prepaid

PPI
plan position indicator

ppm
n. 1 pages per minute
2 parts per million

PPO
: an organization providing health care that gives economic incentives to the individual purchaser of a health-care contract to patronize certain physicians, laboratories, and hospitals that agree to supervision and reduced fees ― compare HMO

PPS
an additional postscript

ppt
1 parts per thousand
2 parts per trillion
3 precipitate

PPV
pay-per-view

PQ
Province of Quebec

PR
n. : PUBLIC RELATIONS <had a job in PR> <the company's PR rep>

PR
n. 1 payroll
2 personal record
3 proportional representation
4 Puerto Rico

Pr
n. propyl

Pr
n. praseodymium

pr
n. 1 pair
2 price
3 printed

practicable
adj. 1 : capable of being put into practice or of being done or accomplished : FEASIBLE <a practicable plan>
2 : capable of being used : USABLE <a practicable weapon>
synonyms see POSSIBLE
–prac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌprak-ti-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–prac·ti·ca·ble·ness \'prak-ti-kə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–prac·ti·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

practical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action : not theoretical or ideal <a practical question> <for all practical purposes> b : being such in practice or effect : VIRTUAL <a practical failure>
2 : actively engaged in some course of action or occupation <a practical farmer>
3 : capable of being put to use or account : USEFUL <he had a practical knowledge of French>
4 a : disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction b (1) : qualified by practice or practical training <a good practical mechanic> (2) : designed to supplement theoretical training by experience
5 : concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions <practical reason>
–prac·ti·cal·i·ty \ˌprak-ti-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–prac·ti·cal·ness \'prak-ti-kəl-nəs\ noun

practical
adj. : an examination requiring demonstration of some practical skill <a zoology practical>

practical
adj. licensed practical nurse
practical art
practical joke
practical joker
practical nurse
practical theology

practical art
: an art (as woodworking) that serves ordinary or material needs ― usually used in plural

practical joke
: a prank intended to trick or embarrass someone or cause physical discomfort
–practical joker noun

practical nurse
: a nurse who cares for the sick professionally without having the training or experience required of a registered nurse especially : LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

practical theology
: the study of the institutional activities of religion (as preaching, church administration, pastoral care, and liturgics)

practically
adv. 1 : in a practical manner <look practically at the problem>
2 : ALMOST, NEARLY <practically everyone>

practice
transitive verb
1 a : CARRY OUT, APPLY <practice what you preach> b : to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually <practice politeness> c : to be professionally engaged in <practice medicine>
2 a : to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient <practice the act> b : to train by repeated exercises <practice pupils in penmanship>
3 obsolete : PLOT
intransitive verb
1 : to do repeated exercises for proficiency
2 : to pursue a profession actively
3 archaic : INTRIGUE
4 : to do something customarily
5 : to take advantage of someone <he practised on their credulity with huge success ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–prac·tic·er noun

practice
n. 1 a : actual performance or application <ready to carry out in practice what they advocated in principle> b : a repeated or customary action <had this irritating practice> c : the usual way of doing something <local practices> d : the form, manner, and order of conducting legal suits and prosecutions
2 a : systematic exercise for proficiency <practice makes perfect> b : the condition of being proficient through systematic exercise <get in practice>
3 a : the continuous exercise of a profession b : a professional business especially : one constituting an incorporeal property
synonyms see HABIT

practice
n. family practice
group practice
practice teach
practice teacher
practice teaching
sharp practice
skull practice

practice teaching
: teaching by a student under the supervision of an experienced teacher

practice-teach
: to engage in practice teaching
–practice teacher noun

practiced
adj. 1 : EXPERIENCED, SKILLED <a practiced chef>
2 : learned by practice <a practiced skill>

practicing
n. : actively engaged in a specified career or way of life <a practicing physician>

practicum
n. : a course of study designed especially for the preparation of teachers and clinicians that involves the supervised practical application of previously studied theory

practitioner
n. 1 : one who practices especially : one who practices a profession
2 Christian Science : an authorized healer

practitioner
n. family practitioner
general practitioner
nurse practitioner

Prader-Willi syndrome
: a genetic disorder characterized especially by short stature, mental retardation, hypotonia, functionally deficient gonads, and uncontrolled appetite leading to extreme obesity

Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Vindhya Pradesh

Prado Ugarteche
Manuel 1889-1967 Peruvian banker; pres. of Peru (1939-45; 1956-62)

praecipe
n. 1 : any of various legal writs commanding a person to do something or to appear and show cause why he or she should not
2 : a written order requesting a clerk or prothonotary of a court to issue a writ and specifying the contents of the writ

praemunire
n. : an offense against the English Crown punishable chiefly by forfeiture and orig. committed by asserting papal legal supremacy in England

praenomen
n. : the first of the usual three names of an ancient Roman male ― compare COGNOMEN, NOMEN

praesidium
n. variant of presidium

praetor
n. : an ancient Roman magistrate ranking below a consul and having chiefly judicial functions
–prae·to·ri·al \prē-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–prae·tor·ship \'prē-tər-ˌship\ noun

praetorian
n. 1 often capitalized : of, forming, or resembling the Roman imperial bodyguard
2 : of or relating to a praetor
–praetorian noun often cap

pragmatic
adj. 1 archaic a (1) : BUSY (2) : OFFICIOUS b : OPINIONATED
2 : relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters : practical as opposed to idealistic <pragmatic men of power have had no time or inclination to deal with⋯social morality ― K. B. Clark>
3 : relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism
–pragmatic noun
–prag·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pragmatic sanction
: a solemn decree of a sovereign on a matter of primary importance and with the force of fundamental law

pragmaticism
: the philosophic doctrine of C. S. Peirce
–prag·mat·i·cist \-sist\ noun

pragmatics
n. 1 : a branch of semiotic that deals with the relation between signs or linguistic expressions and their users
2 : a branch of linguistics that is concerned with the relationship of sentences to the environment in which they occur

pragmatism
n. 1 : a practical approach to problems and affairs <tried to strike a balance between principles and pragmatism>
2 : an American movement in philosophy founded by C. S. Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief
–prag·ma·tist \-mə-tist\ adjective or noun
–prag·ma·tis·tic \ˌprag-mə-'tis-tik\ adjective

Prague
n. city capital of Czech Republic & formerly of Czechoslovakia in Bohemia on Vltava River pop 1,162,179

Praia
n. town capital of Cape Verde on São Tiago Is. pop 61,797

prairie
n. 1 : land in or predominantly in grass
2 : a tract of grassland: as a : a large area of level or rolling land in the Mississippi River valley that in its natural uncultivated state usually has deep fertile soil, a cover of tall coarse grasses, and few trees b : one of the dry treeless plateaus east of the Rocky Mountains that merge on their east side with the prairies proper and are characterized by shorter grasses and drier less fertile soil

prairie
n. prairie chicken
prairie dog
prairie schooner
prairie wagon
prairie soil
prairie wolf
short grass prairie
tallgrass prairie
Eden Prairie
Grande Prairie
Grand Prairie
Prairie Provinces

prairie chicken
: a grouse (Tympanuchus cupido) chiefly of the tallgrass prairies of the central U.S. with the male having yellowish-orange neck sacs which are inflated during courtship displays also : a closely related smaller grouse (T. pallidicinctus) having reddish neck sacs

prairie dog
: any of a genus (Cynomys) of gregarious burrowing rodents of the squirrel family chiefly of central and western U.S. plains especially : a black-tailed rodent (C. ludovicianus) that usually lives in extensive colonial burrows

Prairie Provinces
the Canadian provinces of Man., Sask., & Alta.

prairie schooner
: a covered wagon used by pioneers in cross-country travel ― called also prairie wagon

prairie soil
: any of a zonal group of soils developed in a temperate relatively humid climate under tall grass

prairie wolf
: COYOTE

praise
n. transitive verb
1 : to express a favorable judgment of : COMMEND
2 : to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections
intransitive verb : to express praise
–prais·er noun

praise
n. 1 a : an expression of approval : COMMENDATION b : WORSHIP
2 a : VALUE, MERIT b archaic : one that is praised

praiseworthy
adj. : LAUDABLE <a praiseworthy effort>
–praise·wor·thi·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–praise·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

Prajadhipok
1893-1941 king of Siam (1925-35)

Prakrit
n. : any or all of the ancient Indo-Aryan languages or dialects other than Sanskrit ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

praline
n. : a confection of nuts and sugar: as a : almonds cooked in boiling sugar until brown and crisp b : a patty of creamy brown sugar and pecan meats

pralltriller
n. : a musical ornament made by a quick alternation of a principal tone with the tone above

pram
n. : a small lightweight nearly flat-bottomed boat with a broad transom and usually squared-off bow

pram
n. chiefly British : BABY CARRIAGE

prance
n. intransitive verb
1 : to spring from the hind legs or move by so doing
2 : to ride on a prancing horse
3 : to walk or move in a spirited manner : STRUT also : to dance about
transitive verb : to cause (a horse) to prance
–pranc·er \'pran(t)-sər\ noun

prance
n. : an act or instance of prancing specifically : a prancing movement

prandial
adj. : of or relating to a meal

prang
n. chiefly British : to have an accident with : cause to crash
–prang noun chiefly British

prank
n. : TRICK: a obsolete : a malicious act b : a mildly mischievous act c : a ludicrous act

prank
n. intransitive verb : to show oneself off
transitive verb : to dress or adorn gaily or showily

prankish
adj. 1 : full of pranks <a prankish child>
2 : having the nature of a prank <prankish acts>
–prank·ish·ly adverb
–prank·ish·ness noun

prankster
n. : a person who plays pranks

prase
n. : a chalcedony that is translucent and yellowish green

praseodymium
n. : a yellowish-white metallic element of the rare-earth group used especially in alloys and in the form of its salts in coloring glass greenish yellow ― see ELEMENT table

prat
n. British : a stupid or foolish person

prate
v. : to talk long and idly : CHATTER
–prate noun
–prat·er noun
–prat·ing·ly \'prā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

pratfall
n. 1 : a fall on the buttocks
2 : a humiliating mishap or blunder

pratincole
n. : any of several Old World shore-inhabiting birds (genera Glareola and Stiltia of the family Glareolidae) with a short bill and a forked tail

pratique
n. : clearance given an incoming ship by the health authority of a port

Prato
commune cen Italy in Tuscany pop 174,513

Pratt
Edwin John 1883-1964 Canad. poet

prattle
n. intransitive verb
1 : PRATE
2 : to utter or make meaningless sounds suggestive of the chatter of children : BABBLE
transitive verb : to say in an unaffected or childish manner
–prat·tler \'prat-lər, 'pra-təl-ər\ noun
–prat·tling·ly \-liŋ-lē, -təl-iŋ-\ adverb

prattle
n. 1 : trifling or empty talk
2 : a sound that is meaningless, repetitive, and suggestive of the chatter of children

Prattville
city cen Ala. NW of Montgomery pop 24,303

prau
n. : any of various Indonesian boats usually without a deck that are propelled especially by sails or paddles

pravastatin
: a drug C_23H_35NaO_7 that inhibits the production of cholesterol in the body and is used to treat hypercholesterolemia

prawn
n. : any of various widely distributed edible decapod crustaceans: as a : one (as of the genera Pandalus and Penaeus) that resembles shrimps and has a large compressed abdomen b : SHRIMP especially : a large shrimp c : LANGOUSTINE

prawn
n. : to fish for or with prawns
–prawn·er noun

praxeology
n. : the study of human action and conduct
–prax·e·o·log·i·cal \-sē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

praxis
n. 1 : ACTION, PRACTICE: as a : exercise or practice of an art, science, or skill b : customary practice or conduct
2 : practical application of a theory

Praxiteles
fl 370-330 B.C. Athenian sculptor
–Prax·it·e·le·an \(ˌ)prak-ˌsi-tə-'lē-ən\ adjective

pray
v. transitive verb
1 : ENTREAT, IMPLORE ― often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea <pray be careful>
2 : to get or bring by praying
intransitive verb
1 : to make a request in a humble manner
2 : to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

prayer
n. 1 a (1) : an address (as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought <said a prayer for the success of the voyage> (2) : a set order of words used in praying b : an earnest request or wish
2 : the act or practice of praying to God or a god <kneeling in prayer>
3 : a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers ― often used in plural
4 : something prayed for
5 : a slight chance <haven't got a prayer>

prayer
n. : one that prays : SUPPLICANT

prayer
n. Book of Common Prayer
evening prayer
Lord's Prayer
Morning Prayer
prayer beads
prayer book
prayer meeting
prayer service
prayer rug
prayer shawl
prayer wheel

prayer beads
: a string of beads by which prayers are counted specifically : ROSARY

prayer book
: a book containing prayers and often other forms and directions for worship

prayer meeting
: a usually informal gathering for worship and prayer especially : a Protestant worship service usually held on a week night ― called also prayer service

prayer rug
: a small Oriental rug used by Muslims to kneel on when praying

prayer shawl
: TALLITH

prayer wheel
: a cylinder of wood or metal that revolves on an axis and contains written prayers and that is used in praying by Tibetan Buddhists

prayerful
adj. 1 : DEVOUT
2 : EARNEST, SINCERE
–prayer·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–prayer·ful·ness noun

praying mantis
: MANTIS especially : a European mantis (Mantis religiosa) that has been introduced into the U.S. ― called also praying mantid

PRC
People's Republic of China

pre
1 a (1) : earlier than : prior to : before <Precambrian> <prehistoric> (2) : preparatory or prerequisite to <premedical> b : in advance : beforehand <precancel> <prepay>
2 : in front of : anterior to <preaxial> <premolar>
pre·ad·mis·sion
pre·adult
pre·ag·ri·cul·tur·al
pre·an·es·thet·ic
pre·an·nounce
pre·ap·prove
pre·ar·range
pre·ar·range·ment
pre·as·sem·bled
pre·as·sign
pre·bake
pre·bat·tle
pre·bib·li·cal
pre·book
pre·break·fast
pre·cap·i·tal·ist
pre·chill
pre-Christ·mas
pre·clear
pre·clear·ance
pre·code
pre·co·i·tal
pre·col·lege
pre·col·le·giate
pre·co·lo·nial
pre·com·bus·tion
pre·com·mit·ment
pre·com·pute
pre·com·put·er
pre·con·cert
pre·con·cil·i·ar
pre·con·quest
pre·con·so·nan·tal
pre·con·struct·ed
pre·con·ven·tion
pre·con·vic·tion
pre·cool
pre·cop·u·la·to·ry
pre·crash
pre·crease
pre·cri·sis
pre·cut
pre·dawn
pre·de·fine
pre·de·liv·ery
pre·de·par·ture
pre·des·ig·nate
pre·de·val·u·a·tion
pre·de·vel·op·ment
pre·din·ner
pre·dis·charge
pre·dis·cov·ery
pre·dive
pre·draft
pre·drill
pre·dy·nas·tic
pre·elec·tion
pre·elec·tric
pre·elec·tron·ic
pre·em·bar·go
pre·em·ploy·ment
pre·en·roll·ment
pre·erect
pre·es·tab·lish
pre·eth·i·cal
pre·ex·per·i·ment
pre·fade
pre·fas·cist
pre·fem·i·nist
pre·feu·dal
pre·fight
pre·file
pre·filled
pre·fi·nance
pre·fire
pre·flame
pre·for·mat
pre·for·mu·late
pre·fresh·man
pre·fro·zen
pre·game
pre·gen·i·tal
pre·har·vest
pre·head·ache
pre·hir·ing
pre·hol·i·day
pre·in·au·gu·ral
pre·in·cor·po·ra·tion
pre·in·duc·tion
pre·in·dus·tri·al
pre·in·ter·view
pre·in·va·sion
pre·kin·der·gar·ten
pre·launch
pre·life
pre·lit·er·ary
pre·log·i·cal
pre·lunch
pre·lun·cheon
pre·made
pre·man·u·fac·ture
pre·mar·i·tal
pre·mar·i·tal·ly
pre·mar·ket·ing
pre·mar·riage
pre·meal
pre·mea·sure
pre·me·di·e·val
pre·meet
pre·mei·ot·ic
pre·men·o·paus·al
pre·merg·er
pre·mi·gra·tion
pre·mod·ern
pre·mod·i·fi·ca·tion
pre·mod·i·fy
pre·moist·en
pre·mold
pre·molt
pre·mor·al
pre·my·cot·ic
pre·noon
pre·no·ti·fi·ca·tion
pre·no·ti·fy
pre·num·ber
pre·open·ing
pre·op·er·a·tion·al
pre·or·der
pre·paste
pre·per·for·mance
pre·pill
pre·plan
pre·por·tion
pre·pre·pared
pre·pres·i·den·tial
pre·press
pre·price
pre·pri·ma·ry
pre·pro·duc·tion
pre·pro·gram
pre·psy·che·del·ic
pre·pub·li·ca·tion
pre·punch
pre·pu·pal
pre·pur·chase
pre·qual·i·fi·ca·tion
pre·qual·i·fy
pre·race
pre·re·ces·sion
pre·re·cord·ed
pre·re·hears·al
pre·re·lease
pre·re·quire
pre·re·tire·ment
pre·re·turn
pre·re·view
pre·re·vi·sion·ist
pre·rev·o·lu·tion
pre·rev·o·lu·tion·ary
pre·rinse
pre·ri·ot
pre·rock
pre·ro·man·tic
pre·sale
pre·sched·ule
pre·screen
pre·sea·son
pre·sen·tence
pre·sen·tenc·ing
pre·ser·vice
pre·set·tle·ment
pre·show
pre·slaugh·ter
pre·sleep
pre·slice
pre·song
pre·spec·i·fy
pre·split
pre·stamp
pre·ster·il·ize
pre·stor·age
pre·strike
pre·struc·ture
pre·sum·mit
pre·sur·gery
pre·sweet·en
pre·symp·tom·at·ic
pre·tape
pre·tax
pre·tech·no·log·i·cal
pre·tele·vi·sion
pre·ter·mi·na·tion
pre·the·a·ter
pre·tour·na·ment
pre·train
pre·trav·el
pre·treat
pre·treat·ment
pre·trial
pre·trimmed
pre·type
pre·uni·fi·ca·tion
pre·uni·ver·si·ty
pre·vi·a·ble
pre·war
pre·warn
pre·wash
pre·wean·ing
pre·work
pre·wrap

pre
pref. pre Christian
pre Columbian
pre engineered
pre Hispanic
pre K
pre op
pre owned
Pre Raphaelite
Pre Raphaelitism
pre Socratic
pre Christmas

pre-Christian
: of, relating to, or being a time before the beginning of the Christian era

pre-Columbian
: preceding or belonging to the time before the arrival of Columbus in America

pre-engineered
: constructed of or employing prefabricated modules <a pre-engineered metal building>

pre-Hispanic
: of, relating to, or being the time prior to Spanish conquests in the western hemisphere

pre-K
: PREKINDERGARTEN

pre-op
: PREOPERATIVE

pre-owned
: SECONDHAND, USED

Pre-Raphaelite
1 a : a member of a brotherhood of artists formed in England in 1848 to restore the artistic principles and practices regarded as characteristic of Italian art before Raphael b : an artist or writer influenced by this brotherhood
2 : a modern artist dedicated to restoring early Renaissance ideals or methods
–Pre-Raphaelite adjective
–Pre-Ra·pha·el·it·ism \-ˌlī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

pre-Socratic
: of or relating to Greek philosophers before Socrates
–pre-Socratic noun

preach
v. intransitive verb
1 : to deliver a sermon
2 : to urge acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action specifically : to exhort in an officious or tiresome manner
transitive verb
1 : to set forth in a sermon <preach the gospel>
2 : to advocate earnestly <preached revolution>
3 : to deliver (as a sermon) publicly
4 : to bring, put, or affect by preaching <preached the⋯church out of debt ― American Guide Series: Va.>
–preach·er noun
–preach·ing·ly \'prē-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

preachify
v. : to preach ineptly or tediously

preachment
n. 1 : the act or practice of preaching
2 : SERMON, EXHORTATION specifically : a tedious or unwelcome one

preachy
adj. : marked by obvious moralizing : DIDACTIC <put off by the speaker's preachy tone>
–preach·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–preach·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

preadaptation
: a character of an organism or taxonomic group that takes on a function when none previously existed or that differs from its existing function which has been derived by evolution also : the possession of one or more such characters

preadapted
adj. : characterized by preadaptation

preadaptive
: of, relating to, or characterized by preadaptation

preadolescence
n. : the period of human development just preceding adolescence specifically : the period between the approximate ages of 9 and 12
–pre·ad·o·les·cent \-sənt\ adjective or noun

preamble
n. 1 : an introductory statement especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
2 : an introductory fact or circumstance especially : one indicating what is to follow

preamp
n. : PREAMPLIFIER

preamplifier
n. : an amplifier designed to amplify extremely weak electrical signals before they are fed to additional amplifier circuits

preatomic
adj. : of or relating to a time before the use of the atomic bomb and atomic energy

preaxial
adj. : situated in front of an axis of the body

prebend
n. 1 : a stipend furnished by a cathedral or collegiate church to a clergyman (as a canon) in its chapter
2 : PREBENDARY
–pre·ben·dal \pri-'ben-dəl, 'pre-bən-\ adjective

prebendary
n. 1 : a clergyman receiving a prebend for officiating and serving in the church
2 : an honorary canon in a cathedral chapter

prebiological
: PREBIOTIC

prebiotic
: of, relating to, or being chemical or environmental precursors of the origin of life <prebiotic molecules> also : existing or occurring before the origin of life

Preble
Edward 1761-1807 American naval officer

precalculus
: relating to or being mathematical prerequisites for the study of calculus
–precalculus noun

Precambrian
adj. : of, relating to, or being the earliest era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks that is characterized especially by the appearance of single-celled organisms and is equivalent to the Archean and Proterozoic eons ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Precambrian noun

precancel
n. : to cancel (a postage stamp) in advance of use
–pre·can·cel·la·tion \ˌprē-ˌkan(t)-sə-'lā-shən\ noun

precancel
n. : a precanceled postage stamp

precancerous
adj. : tending to become cancerous <a precancerous lesion>

precarious
adj. 1 : depending on the will or pleasure of another
2 : dependent on uncertain premises : DUBIOUS <precarious generalizations>
3 a : dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments b : characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger
synonyms see DANGEROUS
–pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb
–pre·car·i·ous·ness noun

precast
adj. : being concrete that is cast in the form of a structural element (as a panel or beam) before being placed in final position

precatory
adj. : expressing a wish

precaution
n. 1 : care taken in advance : FORESIGHT <warned of the need for precaution>
2 : a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good : SAFEGUARD <take the necessary precautions>
–pre·cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

precede
v. transitive verb
1 : to surpass in rank, dignity, or importance
2 : to be, go, or come ahead or in front of
3 : to be earlier than
4 : to cause to be preceded : PREFACE
intransitive verb : to go or come before

precedence
n. 1 a obsolete : ANTECEDENT b : the fact of preceding in time
2 a : the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion b : the order of ceremonial or formal preference c : priority of importance <your safety takes precedence>

precedency
n. : PRECEDENCE

precedent
n. : prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance

precedent
n. 1 : an earlier occurrence of something similar
2 a : something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind <a verdict that had no precedent> b : the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice
3 : a person or thing that serves as a model

preceding
adj. : that immediately precedes in time or place <the preceding day> <preceding paragraphs>
synonyms PRECEDING, ANTECEDENT, FOREGOING, PREVIOUS, PRIOR, FORMER, ANTERIOR mean being before. PRECEDING usually implies being immediately before in time or in place <the preceding sentence>. ANTECEDENT applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation <conditions antecedent to the revolution>. FOREGOING applies chiefly to statements <the foregoing remarks>. PREVIOUS and PRIOR imply existing or occurring earlier, but PRIOR often adds an implication of greater importance <a child from a previous marriage> <a prior obligation>. FORMER implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter <the former name of the company>. ANTERIOR applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order <the anterior lobe of the brain>.

precensor
: to censor (a publication or film) before its release to the public

precentor
n. : a leader of the singing of a choir or congregation
–pre·cen·to·ri·al \ˌprē-ˌsen-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–pre·cen·tor·ship \pri-'sen-tər-ˌship\ noun

precept
n. 1 : a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
2 : an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official
synonyms see LAW

preceptive
adj. : giving precepts : DIDACTIC

preceptor
n. 1 a : TEACHER, TUTOR b : the headmaster or principal of a school
2 : the head of a preceptory of Knights Templars
–pre·cep·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

preceptorial
adj. : of, relating to, or making use of preceptors

preceptorial
adj. : a college course that emphasizes independent reading, discussion in small groups, and individual conferences with the teacher

preceptory
1 : a subordinate house or community of the Knights Templars broadly : COMMANDERY 1
2 : COMMANDERY 2

precess
v. intransitive verb : to progress with a movement of precession
transitive verb : to cause to precess

precession
n. : a comparatively slow gyration of the rotation axis of a spinning body about another line intersecting it so as to describe a cone
–pre·ces·sion·al \-'sesh-nəl, -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective

precession of the equinoxes

1621
: a slow westward motion of the equinoxes along the ecliptic caused by the gravitational action of sun and moon upon the protuberant matter about the earth's equator

precieux
: PRECIOUS 3

precinct
n. 1 : a part of a territory with definite bounds or functions often established for administrative purposes : DISTRICT: as a : a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes b : a division of a city for police control
2 a : an enclosure bounded by the walls of a building ― often used in plural b : a sphere of thought, action, or influence ― often used in plural
3 a plural : the region immediately surrounding a place : ENVIRONS b : PLACE, LOCALE
4 : BOUNDARY ― often used in plural <a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds ― T. L. Peacock>

preciosity
n. 1 : fastidious refinement
2 : an instance of preciosity

precious
adj. 1 : of great value or high price <precious jewels>
2 : highly esteemed or cherished <a precious friend>
3 : excessively refined : AFFECTED <precious manners>
4 : GREAT, THOROUGHGOING <a precious scoundrel>
–pre·cious·ness noun

precious
adj. : VERY, EXTREMELY <has precious little to say>

preciously
adv. 1 : in a precious manner
2 : PRECIOUS

precipe
n. variant of praecipe

precipice
n. 1 : a very steep or overhanging place
2 : a hazardous situation broadly : BRINK

precipitable
adj. : capable of being precipitated

precipitance
n. : PRECIPITANCY

precipitancy
n. : undue hastiness or suddenness

precipitant
: PRECIPITATE
–pre·cip·i·tant·ly adverb
–pre·cip·i·tant·ness noun

precipitant
n. : a precipitating agent especially : one that causes the formation of a precipitate

precipitate
transitive verb
1 a : to throw violently : HURL <the quandaries into which the release of nuclear energy has precipitated mankind ― A. B. Arons> b : to throw down
2 : to bring about especially abruptly <precipitate a scandal that would end with his expulsion ― John Cheever>
3 a : to cause to separate from solution or suspension b : to cause (vapor) to condense and fall or deposit
intransitive verb
1 a : to fall headlong b : to fall or come suddenly into some condition
2 : to move or act precipitately
3 a : to separate from solution or suspension b : to condense from a vapor and fall as rain or snow
–pre·cip·i·ta·tive \-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective
–pre·cip·i·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

precipitate
n. 1 : a substance separated from a solution or suspension by chemical or physical change usually as an insoluble amorphous or crystalline solid
2 : a product, result, or outcome of some process or action

precipitate
1 a : falling, flowing, or rushing with steep descent b : PRECIPITOUS, STEEP
2 : exhibiting violent or unwise speed
–pre·cip·i·tate·ly adverb
–pre·cip·i·tate·ness noun
synonyms PRECIPITATE, HEADLONG, ABRUPT, IMPETUOUS, SUDDEN mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. PRECIPITATE stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action <the army's precipitate withdrawal>. HEADLONG stresses rashness and lack of forethought <a headlong flight from arrest>. ABRUPT stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony <an abrupt refusal>. IMPETUOUS stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness <an impetuous lover proposing marriage>. SUDDEN stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action <flew into a sudden rage>.

precipitation
n. 1 : the quality or state of being precipitate : HASTINESS
2 : an act, process, or instance of precipitating especially : the process of forming a precipitate
3 : something precipitated: as a : a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow also : the quantity of water deposited b : PRECIPITATE 1

precipitin
n. : an antibody that forms a precipitate when it unites with its antigen

precipitinogen
n. : an antigen that stimulates the production of a specific precipitin

precipitous
adj. 1 : PRECIPITATE 2
2 a : very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall <a precipitous slope> b : having precipitous sides <a precipitous gorge> c : having a very steep ascent <a precipitous street>
synonyms see STEEP
–pre·cip·i·tous·ly adverb
–pre·cip·i·tous·ness noun

precis
n. : a concise summary of essential points, statements, or facts

precise
adj. 1 : exactly or sharply defined or stated
2 : minutely exact
3 : strictly conforming to a pattern, standard, or convention
4 : distinguished from every other <at just that precise moment>
synonyms see CORRECT
–pre·cise·ness noun

precisely
adv. : EXACTLY <precisely two o'clock> ― sometimes used as an intensive <was popular precisely because he was so kind>

precisian
n. 1 : a person who stresses or practices scrupulous adherence to a strict standard especially of religious observance or morality
2 : PURITAN 1

precision
n. 1 : the quality or state of being precise : EXACTNESS
2 a : the degree of refinement with which an operation is performed or a measurement stated ― compare ACCURACY 2b b : the accuracy (as in binary or decimal places) with which a number can be represented usually expressed in terms of the number of computer words available for representation <double precision arithmetic permits the representation of an expression by two computer words>
3 : RELEVANCE 2
–pre·ci·sion·ist \-'si-zhə-nist, -'sizh-nist\ noun

precision
n. 1 : adapted for extremely accurate measurement or operation
2 : held to low tolerance in manufacture
3 : marked by precision of execution

preclinical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or concerned with the period preceding clinical manifestations
2 : of, relating to, or being the period in medical or dental education preceding the clinical study of medicine or dentistry
3 : occurring prior to clinical testing <a preclinical animal study of a new therapy>

preclude
v. 1 archaic : CLOSE
2 : to make impossible by necessary consequence : rule out in advance
–pre·clu·sion \-'klü-zhən\ noun
–pre·clu·sive \-'klü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–pre·clu·sive·ly adverb

precocial
adj. : capable of a high degree of independent activity from birth <ducklings are precocial> ― compare ALTRICIAL

precocious
adj. 1 : exceptionally early in development or occurrence <precocious puberty>
2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age <a precocious child>
–pre·co·cious·ly adverb
–pre·co·cious·ness noun
–pre·coc·i·ty \pri-'kä-sə-tē\ noun

precognition
n. : clairvoyance relating to an event or state not yet experienced
–pre·cog·ni·tive \(ˌ)prē-'käg-nə-tiv\ adjective

preconceive
v. : to form (as an opinion) prior to actual knowledge or experience <preconceived notions>

preconception
n. 1 : a preconceived idea
2 : PREJUDICE

precondition
n. : PREREQUISITE

precondition
n. : to put in a proper or desired condition or frame of mind especially in preparation

preconscious
n. : not present in consciousness but capable of being recalled without encountering any inner resistance or repression
–pre·con·scious·ly adverb

preconscious
n. : the preconscious part of the psyche especially in psychoanalysis

precontact
: of or relating to the period before contact of an indigenous people with an outside culture

precook
v. : to cook partially or entirely before final cooking or reheating

precooked
adj. : CANNED 1 <a precooked speech>

precritical
adj. : prior to the development of critical capacity

precursor
n. 1 a : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another b : PREDECESSOR
2 : a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed
synonyms see FORERUNNER
–pre·cur·so·ry \-'kərs-rē, -'kər-sə-\ adjective

pred
predicate

predaceous
adj. 1 : living by preying on other animals : PREDATORY
2 usually predacious : tending to devour or despoil : RAPACIOUS
–pre·da·ceous·ness noun
–pre·dac·i·ty \-'da-sə-tē\ noun

predate
v. : ANTEDATE

predation
n. 1 : the act of preying or plundering : DEPREDATION
2 : a mode of life in which food is primarily obtained by the killing and consuming of animals

predation pressure
: the effects of predation on a natural community especially with respect to the survival of species preyed upon

predator
n. 1 : one that preys, destroys, or devours
2 : an animal that lives by predation

predatory
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or practicing plunder, pillage, or rapine b : inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit <predatory pricing practices>
2 : living by predation : PREDACEOUS also : adapted to predation

predecease
n. transitive verb : to die before (another person)
intransitive verb : to die first
–predecease noun

predecessor
n. 1 : one that precedes especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2 archaic : ANCESTOR

predella
n. : the base of an altarpiece especially : one containing decorated panels depicting scenes related to the main panel or panels

predestinarian
n. : one who believes in predestination
–predestinarian adjective
–pre·des·ti·nar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

predestinate
v. : destined, fated, or determined beforehand

predestinate
1 : to foreordain to an earthly or eternal lot or destiny by divine decree
2 archaic : PREDETERMINE

predestination
n. 1 : the act of predestinating : the state of being predestinated
2 : the doctrine that God in consequence of his foreknowledge of all events infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation

predestinator
1 archaic : PREDESTINARIAN
2 : one that predestinates

predestine
v. : to destine, decree, determine, appoint, or settle beforehand especially : PREDESTINATE 1

predetermination
n. 1 : the act of predetermining : the state of being predetermined: as a : the ordaining of events beforehand b : a fixing or settling in advance
2 : a purpose formed beforehand

predetermine
v. 1 a : FOREORDAIN, PREDESTINE b : to determine beforehand
2 : to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand

predeterminer
n. : a limiting noun modifier (as both or all) characterized by occurrence before the determiner in a noun phrase

prediabetes
n. : an asymptomatic abnormal state that precedes the development of clinically evident diabetes
–pre·di·a·bet·ic \-'be-tik\ adjective or noun

predial
adj. : of or relating to land or its products

predicable
n. : something that may be predicated especially : one of the five most general kinds of attribution in traditional logic that include genus, species, difference, property, and accident

predicable
n. : capable of being asserted

predicament
n. 1 : the character, status, or classification assigned by a predication specifically : CATEGORY 1
2 : CONDITION, STATE especially : a difficult, perplexing, or trying situation

predicate
n. 1 a : something that is affirmed or denied of the subject in a proposition in logic b : a term designating a property or relation
2 : the part of a sentence or clause that expresses what is said of the subject and that usually consists of a verb with or without objects, complements, or adverbial modifiers
–pred·i·ca·tive \-kə-tiv, -ˌkā-\ adjective
–pred·i·ca·tive·ly adverb

predicate
n. 1 a : AFFIRM, DECLARE b archaic : PREACH
2 a : to assert to be a quality, attribute, or property ― used with following of <predicates intelligence of humans> b : to make (a term) the predicate in a proposition
3 : FOUND, BASE ― usually used with on <the theory is predicated on recent findings>
4 : IMPLY

predicate
n. : completing the meaning of a copula <predicate adjective> <predicate noun>

predicate calculus
: the branch of symbolic logic that uses symbols for quantifiers and for arguments and predicates of propositions as well as for unanalyzed propositions and logical connectives ― called also functional calculus ― compare PROPOSITIONAL CALCULUS

predicate nominative
: a noun or pronoun in the nominative or common case completing the meaning of a copula

predication
n. 1 archaic a : an act of proclaiming or preaching b : SERMON
2 : an act or instance of predicating: as a : the expression of action, state, or quality by a grammatical predicate b : the logical affirmation of something about another especially : assignment of something to a class

predicatory
adj. : of or relating to preaching

predict
v. transitive verb : to declare or indicate in advance especially : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason
intransitive verb : to make a prediction
synonyms see FORETELL
–pre·dict·abil·i·ty \-ˌdik-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pre·dict·able \-'dik-tə-bəl\ adjective
–pre·dic·tive \-'dik-tiv\ adjective
–pre·dic·tive·ly \-lē\ adverb
–pre·dic·tor \-'dik-tər\ noun

predictably
adv. 1 : in a manner that can be predicted <works quickly and predictably>
2 : as one could predict : as one would expect <predictably, the politicians howled>

prediction
n. 1 : an act of predicting
2 : something that is predicted : FORECAST

predigest
v. 1 : to subject to predigestion
2 : to simplify for easy use <predigested classics for children>

predigestion
n. : artificial or natural partial digestion of food <enzymatic predigestion> <microbial predigestion>

predilection
n. : an established preference for something
synonyms PREDILECTION, PREPOSSESSION, PREJUDICE, BIAS mean an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something. PREDILECTION implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience <a predilection for travel>. PREPOSSESSION suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it <a prepossession against technology>. PREJUDICE usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance <a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar>. BIAS implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing <a strong bias toward the plaintiff>.

predispose
v. 1 : to dispose in advance <a good teacher predisposes children to learn>
2 : to make susceptible <malnutrition predisposes one to disease>
intransitive verb : to bring about susceptibility
synonyms see INCLINE
–pre·dis·po·si·tion \ˌprē-ˌdis-pə-'zi-shən\ noun

prednisolone
n. : a glucocorticoid C_21H_28O_5 that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisol and is used especially as an anti-inflammatory drug

prednisone
n. : a glucocorticoid C_21H_26O_5 that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant

predoctoral
: of, relating to, or engaged in academic study leading to the doctoral degree

predominance
n. : the quality or state of being predominant

predominancy
: PREDOMINANCE

predominant
adj. 1 : having superior strength, influence, or authority : PREVAILING
2 : being most frequent or common
synonyms see DOMINANT

predominantly
adv. : for the most part : MAINLY

predominate
v. : PREDOMINANT

predominate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to hold advantage in numbers or quantity
2 : to exert controlling power or influence : PREVAIL
transitive verb : to exert control over : DOMINATE
–pre·dom·i·na·tion \-ˌdä-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

predominately
adv. : PREDOMINANTLY

pree
Scottish : to taste tentatively : SAMPLE

preeclampsia
n. : a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances and that may result in eclampsia if untreated
–pre·eclamp·tic \-'klam(p)-tik\ adjective

preemergence
: used or occurring before emergence of seedlings above the ground <preemergence herbicides>

preemergent
: PREEMERGENCE

preemie
n. : a premature baby

preeminence
n. : the quality or state of being preeminent : SUPERIORITY

preeminent
adj. : having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : OUTSTANDING, SUPREME
–pre·em·i·nent·ly adverb

preempt
v. transitive verb
1 : to acquire (as land) by preemption
2 : to seize upon to the exclusion of others : take for oneself <the movement was then preempted by a lunatic fringe>
3 : to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority : take precedence over <the program did not appear, having been preempted by a baseball game ― Robert MacNeil>
4 : to gain a commanding or preeminent place in
5 : to prevent from happening or taking place : FORESTALL, PRECLUDE
intransitive verb : to make a preemptive bid in bridge
–pre·emp·tor \-'em(p)-tər\ noun

preemption
n. 1 a : the right of purchasing before others especially : one given by the government to the actual settler upon a tract of public land b : the purchase of something under this right
2 : a prior seizure or appropriation : a taking possession before others

preemptive
adj. 1 a : of or relating to preemption b : having power to preempt
2 of a bid in bridge : higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents
3 : giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to his existing holdings
4 : marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself <a preemptive attack>
–pre·emp·tive·ly adverb

preen
v. 1 dialect chiefly British : PIN
2 dialect chiefly British : BROOCH

preen
v. chiefly Scottish : PIN

preen
v. transitive verb
1 of a bird : to groom with the bill especially by rearranging the barbs and barbules of the feathers and by distributing oil from the uropygial gland
2 : to dress or smooth (oneself) up : PRIMP
3 : to pride or congratulate (oneself) for achievement
intransitive verb
1 : to make oneself sleek
2 : GLOAT, SWELL
–preen·er noun

preexilic
adj. : previous to the exile of the Jews to Babylon in about 600 B.C.

preexist
v. : to exist earlier or before
transitive verb : ANTEDATE

preexistence
n. : existence in a former state or previous to something else specifically : existence of the soul before its union with the body
–pre·ex·is·tent \-tənt\ adjective

pref
1 preface
2 preference; preferred
3 prefix

prefab
n. : produced by prefabrication : PREFABRICATED <a prefab house>

prefab
n. : a prefabricated structure

prefabricate
v. 1 : to fabricate the parts of at a factory so that construction consists mainly of assembling and uniting standardized parts
2 : to produce artificially
–pre·fab·ri·ca·tion \ˌprē-ˌfa-bri-'kā-shən\ noun

preface
n. 1 often capitalized : a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies
2 : the introductory remarks of a speaker or author
3 : APPROACH, PRELIMINARY

preface
n. intransitive verb : to make introductory remarks
transitive verb
1 : to say or write as preface <a note prefaced to the manuscript>
2 : PRECEDE, HERALD
3 : to introduce by or begin with a preface
4 : to stand in front of <a porch prefaces the entrance>
5 : to be a preliminary to
–pref·ac·er noun

prefatory
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a preface <prefatory remarks>
2 : located in front

prefect
n. 1 : any of various high officials or magistrates of differing functions and ranks in ancient Rome
2 : a chief officer or chief magistrate
3 : a student monitor in a usually private school

prefect apostolic
: a Roman Catholic clergyman and usually a priest with quasi-episcopal jurisdiction over a district of a missionary territory

prefecture
n. 1 : the office or term of office of a prefect
2 : the official residence of a prefect
3 : the district governed by a prefect
–pre·fec·tur·al \'prē-ˌfek-chə-rəl, pri-'\ adjective

prefecture apostolic
: the district under a prefect apostolic

prefer
v. 1 : to promote or advance to a rank or position
2 : to like better or best <prefers sports to reading> <prefers to watch TV>
3 : to give (a creditor) priority
4 archaic : to put or set forward or before someone : RECOMMEND
5 : to bring or lay against someone <won't prefer charges>
6 : to bring forward or lay before one for consideration
–pre·fer·rer noun

prefer
v. preferred provider
preferred provider organization
preferred stock

preferable
adj. : having greater value or desirability : being preferred
–pref·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌpre-f(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pref·er·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

preference
n. 1 a : the act of preferring : the state of being preferred b : the power or opportunity of choosing
2 : one that is preferred
3 : the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others
4 : priority in the right to demand and receive satisfaction of an obligation
5 : ORIENTATION 2B <sexual preference>
synonyms see CHOICE

preferential
adj. 1 : showing preference
2 : employing or creating a preference in trade relations
3 : designed to permit expression of preference among candidates <a preferential primary>
4 : giving preference especially in hiring to union members <a preferential shop>
–pref·er·en·tial·ly \-'ren(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

preferment
n. 1 a : advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or station b : a position or office of honor or profit
2 : priority or seniority in right especially to receive payment or to purchase property on equal terms with others
3 : the act of bringing forward (as charges)

preferred provider
1 : PPO ― usually used attributively
2 : a health-care provider (as a doctor or hospital) that is part of a PPO

preferred provider organization
: PPO

preferred stock
: stock guaranteed priority by a corporation's charter over common stock in the payment of dividends and usually in the distribution of assets

prefiguration
n. 1 : the act of prefiguring : the state of being prefigured
2 : something that prefigures
–pre·fig·u·ra·tive \ˌprē-'fi-gyə-rə-tiv, -gə-\ adjective

prefigure
v. 1 : to show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or likeness
2 : to picture or imagine beforehand : FORESEE
–pre·fig·ure·ment \-mənt\ noun

prefix
n. 1 \(ˌ)prē-'fiks\ : to fix or appoint beforehand
2 \'prē-ˌ, prē-'\ [partly from 2prefix] : to place in front especially : to add as a prefix <prefix a syllable to a word>

prefix
n. 1 : an affix attached to the beginning of a word, base, or phrase and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form ― compare SUFFIX
2 : a title used before a person's name
–pre·fix·al \'prē-ˌfik-səl, prē-'\ adjective

prefix
n. : characterized by placement of an operator before its operand or before its two operands if it is a binary operator ― compare INFIX, POSTFIX

preflight
adj. : preparing for or preliminary to flight (as of an aircraft) <a preflight inspection>

preflight
adj. : to inspect (as an aircraft) before a flight

preflight
adj. : a preflight inspection of an aircraft

prefocus
v. : to focus beforehand (as automotive headlights before installation)

preform
v. 1 : to form or shape beforehand
2 : to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size
–pre·form \'prē-ˌfȯrm\ noun

preformation
n. 1 : previous formation
2 : the now discredited theory that every germ cell contains the organism of its kind fully formed and that development involves merely an increase in size ― compare EPIGENESIS 1 HOMUNCULUS 2
–pre·for·ma·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

prefrontal
adj. : anterior to or involving the anterior part of a frontal structure <a prefrontal bone>

prefrontal
adj. : a prefrontal part (as a bone)

prefrontal cortex
: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning

preganglionic
adj. : proximal to a ganglion specifically : of, relating to, or being a usually medullated axon arising from a cell body in the central nervous system and terminating in an autonomic ganglion ― compare POSTGANGLIONIC

Pregl
Fritz 1869-1930 Austrian chem.

pregnable
adj. : vulnerable to capture <a pregnable fort>
–preg·na·bil·i·ty \ˌpreg-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

pregnancy
n. 1 : the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)
2 : the condition of being pregnant : GESTATION
3 : an instance of being pregnant

pregnancy
n. ectopic pregnancy
false pregnancy
tubal pregnancy

pregnant
adj. 1 archaic : COGENT
2 : abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness : INVENTIVE <all this has been said⋯by great and pregnant artists ― Times Lit. Supp.>
3 : rich in significance or implication : MEANINGFUL, PROFOUND <the pregnant phrases of the Bible ― Edmund Wilson> <a pregnant pause>
4 : containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : GRAVID
5 : having possibilities of development or consequence : involving important issues : MOMENTOUS <draw inspiration from the heroic achievements of that pregnant age ― Kemp Malone>
6 obsolete : INCLINED, DISPOSED <your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear ― Shakespeare>
7 : FULL, TEEMING
–preg·nant·ly adverb

pregnenolone
n. : an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C_21H_32O_2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

preheat
v. : to heat beforehand especially : to heat (an oven) to a designated temperature before using for cooking
–pre·heat·er noun

prehensile
adj. 1 : adapted for seizing or grasping especially by wrapping around <prehensile tail>
2 : gifted with mental grasp or moral or aesthetic perception
–pre·hen·sil·i·ty \(ˌ)prē-ˌhen-'si-lə-tē\ noun

prehension
n. 1 : the act of taking hold, seizing, or grasping
2 a : mental understanding : COMPREHENSION b : apprehension by the senses

prehistorian
n. : an archaeologist who specializes in prehistory

prehistoric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or existing in times antedating written history
2 : of or relating to a language in a period of its development from which contemporary records of its sounds and forms have not been preserved
3 : regarded as being outdated or outmoded <prehistoric attitudes>
–pre·his·tor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

prehistory
n. 1 : the study of prehistoric humankind
2 : a history of the antecedents of an event, situation, or thing
3 : the prehistoric period of human evolution

prehominid
: any of various extinct primates resembling or ancestral to hominids
–prehominid adjective

prehuman
adj. 1 : antedating the appearance of human beings
2 : of, relating to, or being an extinct primate and especially an extinct hominid that resembles or is ancestral to humans
–prehuman noun

preignition
n. : ignition in an internal combustion engine while the inlet valve is open or before compression is completed

preimplantation
: of, involving, or being an embryo before uterine implantation

preinstall
v. : to install (as software) on a computer prior to sale
–pre·in·stal·la·tion \-ˌin(t)-stə-'lā-shən\ noun

prejudge
v. : to judge before hearing or before full and sufficient examination
–pre·judg·er noun
–pre·judg·ment \-'jəj-mənt\ noun

prejudice
n. 1 : injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims
2 a (1) : preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics
synonyms see PREDILECTION

prejudice
n. 1 : to injure or damage by some judgment or action (as in a case of law)
2 : to cause to have prejudice

prejudiced
adj. : resulting from or having a prejudice or bias for or especially against

prejudicial
adj. 1 : tending to injure or impair : DETRIMENTAL <a transfer prejudicial to other creditors>
2 : leading to premature judgment or unwarranted opinion <prejudicial evidence>
–prej·u·di·cial·ly \-'di-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
–prej·u·di·cial·ness \-shəl-nəs\ noun

prekindergarten
n. 1 : NURSERY SCHOOL
2 : a class or program preceding kindergarten for children usually from three to four years old

prelacy
n. 1 : the office or dignity of a prelate
2 : episcopal church government

prelapsarian
adj. : characteristic of or belonging to the time or state before the fall of humankind

prelate
n. : an ecclesiastic (as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank

prelature
n. 1 : PRELACY 1
2 : a body of prelates

prelect
v. : to discourse publicly : LECTURE
–pre·lec·tion \-'lek-shən\ noun

prelim
n. : PRELIMINARY

preliminary
adj. : something that precedes or is introductory or preparatory: as a : a preliminary scholastic examination b plural British : FRONT MATTER c : a preliminary heat or trial (as of a race) d : a minor match preceding the main event (as of a boxing card)

preliminary
adj. : coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else <preliminary studies> <preliminary results>
–pre·lim·i·nar·i·ly \-ˌli-mə-'ner-ə-lē\ adverb

preliterate
adj. 1 a : not yet employing writing as a cultural medium b : lacking the use of writing
2 : antedating the use of writing
–preliterate noun

preload
v. : to load in advance and especially at a time removed from that of use <preloaded software>

prelude
n. 1 : an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2 a : a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio b : an opening voluntary c : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif

prelude
n. transitive verb
1 : to serve as a prelude to
2 : to play as a prelude
intransitive verb : to give or serve as a prelude especially : to play a musical introduction
–pre·lud·er noun

prelusion
n. : PRELUDE, INTRODUCTION

prelusive
adj. : constituting or having the form of a prelude : INTRODUCTORY
–pre·lu·sive·ly adverb

premalignant
adj. : PRECANCEROUS

preman
: any of several extinct primates ancestral to humans and especially recent humans

premature
adj. : happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks <premature babies>
–premature noun
–pre·ma·ture·ly adverb
–pre·ma·ture·ness noun
–pre·ma·tu·ri·ty \-'tyu̇r-ə-tē, -'tu̇r-, -'chu̇r-\ noun

premaxilla
n. : either of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of vertebrates between and in front of the maxillae
–pre·max·il·lary \(ˌ)prē-'mak-sə-ˌler-ē, chiefly Brit ˌprē-mak-'si-lə-rē\ adjective or noun

premed
n. : a premedical student or course of study

premed
n. : PREMEDICAL

premedical
adj. : preceding and preparing for the professional study of medicine

premeditate
v. transitive verb : to think about and revolve in the mind beforehand
intransitive verb : to think, consider, or deliberate beforehand
–pre·med·i·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

premeditated
adj. : characterized by fully conscious willful intent and a measure of forethought and planning <premeditated murder>
–pre·med·i·tat·ed·ly adverb

premeditation
n. : an act or instance of premeditating specifically : consideration or planning of an act beforehand that shows intent to commit that act

premeditative
adj. : given to or characterized by premeditation

premenstrual
adj. : of, relating to, occurring in, or being the period just preceding menstruation <premenstrual tension> <premenstrual symptoms>
–pre·men·stru·al·ly adverb

premenstrual syndrome
: a varying group of symptoms manifested by some women prior to menstruation that may include emotional instability, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, headache, edema, and abdominal pain ― called also PMS

premie
n. variant of preemie

premier
n. 1 : first in position, rank, or importance
2 : first in time : EARLIEST

premier
n. : PRIME MINISTER
–pre·mier·ship \-ˌship\ noun

premier
n. premier danseur
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte

premier danseur
: the principal male dancer in a ballet company

premiere
n. : PREMIER

premiere
n. 1 : a first performance or exhibition <the premiere of a play>
2 : the chief actress of a theatrical cast

premiere
transitive verb : to give a first public performance of
intransitive verb
1 : to have a first public performance
2 : to appear for the first time as a star performer

premiere
n. premiere danseuse
world premiere
première danseuse
premier danseur
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte

premiere danseuse
: PRIMA BALLERINA

premillenarianism
: PREMILLENNIALISM
–pre·mil·le·nar·i·an \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

premillennial
1 : coming before a millennium
2 : holding or relating to premillennialism
–pre·mil·len·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

premillennialism
: the view that Christ's return will usher in a future millennium of Messianic rule mentioned in Revelation
–pre·mil·len·ni·al·ist \-nē-ə-list\ noun

premise
n. 1 a : a proposition antecedently supposed or proved as a basis of argument or inference specifically : either of the first two propositions of a syllogism from which the conclusion is drawn b : something assumed or taken for granted : PRESUPPOSITION
2 plural : matters previously stated specifically : the preliminary and explanatory part of a deed or of a bill in equity
3 plural [from its being identified in the premises of the deed] a : a tract of land with the buildings thereon b : a building or part of a building usually with its appurtenances (as grounds)

premise
n. 1 a : to set forth beforehand as an introduction or a postulate b : to offer as a premise in an argument
2 : POSTULATE
3 : to base on certain assumptions

premium
n. 1 a : a reward or recompense for a particular act b : a sum over and above a regular price paid chiefly as an inducement or incentive c : a sum in advance of or in addition to the nominal value of something <bonds callable at a premium of six percent> d : something given free or at a reduced price with the purchase of a product or service
2 : the consideration paid for a contract of insurance
3 : a high value or a value in excess of that normally or usually expected <put a premium on accuracy>

premium
n. : of exceptional quality or amount also : higher-priced

premix
v. : to mix before use

premix
v. : a mixture of ingredients designed to be mixed with other ingredients before use

premolar
n. : situated in front of or preceding the molar teeth especially : being or relating to those teeth of a mammal in front of the true molars and behind the canines when the latter are present
–premolar noun

premonish
archaic : FOREWARN
intransitive verb archaic : to give warning in advance

premonition
n. 1 : previous notice or warning : FOREWARNING
2 : anticipation of an event without conscious reason : PRESENTIMENT

premonitory
adj. : giving warning <a premonitory symptom>
–pre·mon·i·to·ri·ly \-ˌmä-nə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

Premonstratensian
n. : a member of an order of canons regular founded by St. Norbert at Prémontré near Laon, France, in 1120

premune
adj. : exhibiting premunition

premunition
n. 1 archaic : an advance provision of protection
2 a : resistance to a disease due to the existence of its causative agent in a state of physiological equilibrium in the host b : immunity to a particular infection due to previous presence of the causative agent

prename
n. : FORENAME

prenatal
adj. 1 : occurring, existing, or performed before birth <prenatal care>
2 : providing or receiving prenatal medical care <a prenatal clinic> <prenatal patients>
–pre·na·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

prenominate
obsolete : previously mentioned

prenominate
obsolete : to mention previously

prenotion
1 : PRESENTIMENT, PREMONITION
2 : PRECONCEPTION

prentice
n. : APPRENTICE 1, LEARNER
–prentice adjective

prentice
n. : APPRENTICE

prenuptial
adj. : made or occurring before marriage <a prenuptial party>

prenuptial agreement
: an agreement made between a man and a woman before marrying in which they give up future rights to each other's property in the event of divorce or death ― called also pre·nup \'prē-ˌnəp\ prenuptial

preoccupancy
n. 1 : an act or the right of taking possession before another
2 : the condition of being completely busied or preoccupied

preoccupation
n. 1 : an act of preoccupying : the state of being preoccupied
2 a : extreme or excessive concern with something b : something that preoccupies one

preoccupied
adj. 1 : previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense ― used of a biological generic or specific name
2 a : lost in thought also : absorbed in some preoccupation b : already occupied
synonyms see ABSTRACTED

preoccupy
v. 1 : to engage or engross the interest or attention of beforehand or preferentially
2 : to take possession of or fill beforehand or before another

preoperative
adj. 1 : occurring before a surgical operation <preoperative care>
2 : having not yet undergone a surgical operation
–pre·op·er·a·tive·ly adverb

preordain
v. : to decree or ordain in advance : FOREORDAIN
–pre·or·dain·ment \-mənt\ noun
–pre·or·di·na·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌȯr-də-'nā-shən\ noun

preovulatory
adj. : occurring or existing in or typical of the period immediately preceding ovulation <preovulatory oocytes> <a preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone>

prep
n. 1 : PREPARATION
2 : PREPARATORY SCHOOL
3 : a preliminary trial for a racehorse

prep
n. intransitive verb
1 : to attend preparatory school
2 [short for prepare] : to get ready
transitive verb : PREPARE especially : to prepare for an operation or examination <nurses prepped the patient>

prep school
: PREPARATORY SCHOOL

prepackage
v. : to package (as food or a manufactured article) before offering for sale to the consumer

preparation
n. 1 : the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty
2 : a state of being prepared : READINESS
3 : a preparatory act or measure
4 : something that is prepared specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use <a preparation for colds>

preparative
adj. : something that prepares the way for or serves as a preliminary to something else : PREPARATION

preparative
adj. : PREPARATORY
–pre·par·a·tive·ly adverb

preparator
n. : one that prepares specifically : a person who prepares scientific specimens or museum displays

preparatory
adj. : preparing or serving to prepare for something : INTRODUCTORY
–pre·pa·ra·to·ri·ly \pri-ˌpa-rə-'tȯr-ə-lē also ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-\ adverb

preparatory school
1 : a usually private school preparing students primarily for college
2 British : a private elementary school preparing students primarily for British public schools

preparatory to
: in preparation for

prepare
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity <prepare food for dinner> b : to put in a proper state of mind <is prepared to listen>
2 : to work out the details of : plan in advance <preparing a campaign strategy>
3 a : to put together : COMPOUND <prepare a prescription> b : to put into written form <prepare a report>
intransitive verb : to get ready <preparing for a career>
–pre·par·er noun

prepared
adj. : subjected to a special process or treatment
–pre·pared·ly \-'perd-lē, -'per-əd-\ adverb

preparedness
n. : the quality or state of being prepared especially : a state of adequate preparation in case of war

prepay
v. : to pay or pay the charge on in advance
–pre·pay·ment \-'pā-mənt\ noun

prepd
prepared

prepense
adj. : planned beforehand : PREMEDITATED ― usually used postpositively <malice prepense>
–pre·pense·ly adverb

preplant
: occurring or used before planting a crop <preplant soil fertilization>

preponderance
n. 1 : a superiority in weight, power, importance, or strength
2 a : a superiority or excess in number or quantity b : MAJORITY

preponderancy
: PREPONDERANCE

preponderant
adj. 1 : having superior weight, force, or influence
2 : having greater prevalence
synonyms see DOMINANT
–pre·pon·der·ant·ly adverb

preponderate
intransitive verb
1 : to exceed in weight
2 : to exceed in influence, power, or importance
3 : to exceed in numbers
transitive verb
1 archaic : OUTWEIGH
2 archaic : to weigh down
–pre·pon·der·a·tion \-ˌpän-də-'rā-shən, ˌprē-\ noun

preponderate
v. : PREPONDERANT
–pre·pon·der·ate·ly adverb

preposition
n. : a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication
–prep·o·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective
–prep·o·si·tion·al·ly adverb

prepositive
adj. : put before : PREFIXED
–pre·pos·i·tive·ly adverb

prepossess
v. 1 obsolete : to take previous possession of
2 : to cause to be preoccupied
3 : to influence beforehand especially favorably

prepossessing
adj. 1 archaic : creating prejudice
2 : tending to create a favorable impression : ATTRACTIVE

prepossession
n. 1 archaic : prior possession
2 : an attitude, belief, or impression formed beforehand : PREJUDICE
3 : an exclusive concern with one idea or object : PREOCCUPATION
synonyms see PREDILECTION

preposterous
adj. : contrary to nature, reason, or common sense : ABSURD
–pre·pos·ter·ous·ly adverb
–pre·pos·ter·ous·ness noun

prepotency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being prepotent : PREDOMINANCE
2 : unusual ability of an individual or strain to transmit its characters to offspring because of homozygosity for numerous dominant genes

prepotent
adj. 1 a : having exceptional power, authority, or influence b : exceeding others in power
2 : exhibiting genetic prepotency
–pre·po·tent·ly adverb

preppy
n. 1 : a student at or a graduate of a preparatory school
2 : a person deemed to dress or behave like a preppy

preppy
n. 1 : relating to, characteristic of, or being a preppy
2 : relating to or being a style of dress characterized especially by classic clothing and neat appearance
–prep·pi·ly \'pre-pə-lē\ adverb
–prep·pi·ness \'pre-pē-nəs\ noun

preprandial
adj. : of, relating to, or suitable for the time just before dinner <a preprandial drink>

prepreg
n. : a reinforcing or molding material (as paper or glass cloth) already impregnated with a synthetic resin

preprint
n. 1 : an issue of a technical paper often in preliminary form before its publication in a journal
2 : something (as an advertisement) printed before the rest of the publication in which it is to appear

preprint
n. : to print in advance for later use

preprocess
v. : to do preliminary processing of (as data)
–pre·pro·ces·sor \-ˌse-sər; -sə-sər, -ˌsȯr\ noun

preprofessional
adj. : of or relating to the period preceding specific study for or practice of a profession

prepub
prepublication

prepuberal
adj. : PREPUBERTAL

prepubertal
adj. : of, relating to, being in, or occurring in prepuberty <prepubertal children> <prepubertal growth>

prepuberty
n. : the period of development immediately preceding puberty

prepubescence
n. : PREPUBERTY

prepubescent
adj. : PREPUBERTAL
–prepubescent noun

prepuce
n. : FORESKIN also : a similar fold of skin investing the clitoris
–pre·pu·tial \prē-'pyü-shəl\ adjective

prequel
n. : a work (as a novel or a play) whose story precedes that of an earlier work

preregistration
n. : a special registration (as for returning students) prior to an official registration period
–pre·reg·is·ter \(ˌ)prē-'re-jə-stər\ intransitive verb

prerequisite
n. : something that is necessary to an end or to the carrying out of a function
–prerequisite adjective

prerogative
n. 1 a : an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege: as (1) : one belonging to an office or an official body (2) : one belonging to a person, group, or class of individuals (3) : one possessed by a nation as an attribute of sovereignty b : the discretionary power inhering in the British Crown
2 : a distinctive excellence
–pre·rog·a·tived \-tivd\ adjective

pres
n. 1 present
2 president

pres
n. cy pres
cy pres doctrine
a peu pres

presage
n. 1 : something that foreshadows or portends a future event : OMEN
2 : an intuition or feeling of what is going to happen in the future
3 archaic : PROGNOSTICATION
4 : warning or indication of the future
–pre·sage·ful \pri-'sāj-fəl\ adjective

presage
n. transitive verb
1 : to give an omen or warning of : FORESHADOW
2 : FORETELL, PREDICT
intransitive verb : to make or utter a prediction
–pre·sag·er noun obsolete

presanctified
adj. : consecrated at a previous service ― used of eucharistic elements

Presb
Presbyterian

presbyope
n. : one affected with presbyopia

presbyopia
n. : a visual condition which becomes apparent especially in middle age and in which loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye causes defective accommodation and inability to focus sharply for near vision
–pres·by·o·pic \-'ō-pik, -'ä-\ adjective or noun

presbyter
n. 1 : a member of the governing body of an early Christian church
2 : a member of the order of priests in churches having episcopal hierarchies that include bishops, priests, and deacons
3 : ELDER 4B
–pres·byt·er·ate \prez-'bi-tə-rət, pres-, -ˌrāt\ noun

presbyterial
adj. : of or relating to presbyters or a presbytery
–pres·by·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

presbyterial
adj. : an organization of Presbyterian women associated with a presbytery

Presbyterian
n. : a member of a Presbyterian church

Presbyterian
n. 1 often not capitalized : characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine
–Pres·by·te·ri·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

presbytery
n. 1 : the part of a church reserved for the officiating clergy
2 : a ruling body in presbyterian churches consisting of the ministers and representative elders from congregations within a district
3 : the jurisdiction of a presbytery
4 : the house of a Roman Catholic parish priest

preschool
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting the period in a child's life that ordinarily precedes attendance at elementary school

preschool
adj. : a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : NURSERY SCHOOL

preschooler
n. 1 : a child not yet old enough for school
2 : a child attending a preschool

prescience
n. : foreknowledge of events: a : divine omniscience b : human anticipation of the course of events : FORESIGHT
–pre·scient \-sh(ē-)ənt, -s(ē-)ənt\ adjective
–pre·scient·ly adverb

prescientific
adj. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a period before the rise of modern science or a state prior to the application of the scientific method

prescind
v. intransitive verb : to withdraw one's attention
transitive verb : to detach for purposes of thought

prescore
v. : to record (as sound) in advance for use when the corresponding scenes are photographed in making movies

Prescott
William Hickling 1796-1859 American hist.

Prescott
city cen Ariz. pop 33,938

Prescott Valley
v. town cen Ariz. NNW of Phoenix pop 23,535

prescribe
v. intransitive verb
1 : to lay down a rule : DICTATE
2 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin praescribere, from Latin, to write at the beginning] : to claim a title to something by right of prescription
3 : to write or give medical prescriptions
4 : to become by prescription invalid or unenforceable
transitive verb
1 a : to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action : ORDAIN b : to specify with authority
2 : to designate or order the use of as a remedy <prescribed a painkiller> <a prescribed burn to restore natural forest conditions>
–pre·scrib·er noun

prescript
n. : prescribed as a rule
–pre·script \'prē-ˌskript\ noun

prescription
n. 1 a : the establishment of a claim of title to something under common law usually by use and enjoyment for a period fixed by statute b : the right or title acquired under common law by such possession
2 : the process of making claim to something by long use and enjoyment
3 : the action of laying down authoritative rules or directions
4 a : a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent specifically : one for the preparation and use of a medicine b : a prescribed medicine c : something (as a recommendation) resembling a doctor's prescription <prescriptions for economic recovery>
5 a : ancient or long continued custom b : a claim founded upon ancient custom or long continued use
6 : something prescribed as a rule

prescription drug
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

prescriptive
adj. 1 : serving to prescribe <prescriptive rules of usage>
2 : acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
–pre·scrip·tive·ly adverb

preselect
v. : to choose in advance usually on the basis of a particular criterion
–pre·se·lec·tion \-'lek-shən\ noun

presell
v. 1 : to precondition (as a customer) for subsequent purchase or create advance demand for (as a product) especially through marketing strategies
2 : to sell in advance <raised money to publish the book by preselling film rights>

presence
n. 1 : the fact or condition of being present
2 a : the part of space within one's immediate vicinity b : the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank
3 archaic : COMPANY 2A
4 : one that is present: as a : the actual person or thing that is present b : something present of a visible or concrete nature
5 a : the bearing, carriage, or air of a person especially : stately or distinguished bearing b : a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness <the actor's commanding presence>
6 : something (as a spirit) felt or believed to be present

presence of mind

1665
: self-control so maintained in an emergency or in an embarrassing situation that one can say or do the right thing

present
n. : something presented : GIFT

present
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to bring or introduce into the presence of someone especially of superior rank or status (2) : to introduce socially b : to bring (as a play) before the public
2 : to make a gift to
3 : to give or bestow formally
4 a : to lay (as a charge) before a court as an object of inquiry b : to bring a formal public charge, indictment, or presentment against
5 : to nominate to a benefice
6 a : to offer to view : SHOW b : to bring to one's attention <this presents a problem>
7 : to act the part of : PERFORM
8 : to aim, point, or direct (as a weapon) so as to face something or in a particular direction
intransitive verb
1 : to present a weapon
2 : to become manifest
3 : to come forward as a patient
4 : to make a presentation
synonyms see GIVE
–pre·sent·er noun

present
n. 1 : now existing or in progress
2 a : being in view or at hand b : existing in something mentioned or under consideration
3 : constituting the one actually involved, at hand, or being considered
4 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is expressive of present time or the time of speaking
5 obsolete : ATTENTIVE
6 archaic : INSTANT, IMMEDIATE
–pres·ent·ness noun

present
n. 1 a obsolete : present occasion or affair b plural : the present words or statements specifically : the legal instrument or other writing in which these words are used
2 a : the present tense of a language b : a verb form in the present tense
3 : the present time
–at present : at or during this time : NOW

present
n. historical present
at present
present arms
present day
present participle
present perfect
present tense
present value
re present
antigen presenting cell

present arms
1 : a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held vertically in front of the body
2 : a command to assume the position of present arms or to give a hand salute

present participle
: a participle that typically expresses present action in relation to the time expressed by the finite verb in its clause and that in English is formed with the suffix -ing and is used in the formation of the progressive tenses

present perfect
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is formed in English with have and that expresses action or state completed at the time of speaking
–present perfect noun

present tense
: the tense of a verb that expresses action or state in the present time and is used of what occurs or is true at the time of speaking and of what is habitual or characteristic or is always or necessarily true, that is sometimes used to refer to action in the past, and that is sometimes used for future events

present value
: the sum of money which if invested now at a given rate of compound interest will accumulate exactly to a specified amount at a specified future date

present-day
: now existing or occurring

presentable
adj. 1 : capable of being presented
2 : being in condition to be seen or inspected especially by the critical
–pre·sent·abil·i·ty \-ˌzen-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pre·sent·able·ness \-'zen-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–pre·sent·ably \-blē\ adverb

presentation
n. 1 a : the act of presenting b : the act, power, or privilege especially of a patron of applying to the bishop or ordinary for instituting someone into a benefice
2 : something presented: as a : a symbol or image that represents something b : something offered or given : GIFT c : something set forth for the attention of the mind d : a descriptive or persuasive account (as by a salesman of a product) e : a presenting symptom or group of symptoms <clinical presentation of appendicitis>
3 : the position in which the fetus lies in the uterus in labor with respect to the opening of the uterus
4 : an immediate object of perception, cognition, or memory
5 often capitalized : a church feast on November 21 celebrating the presentation of the Virgin Mary in the temple
6 : the method by which radio, navigation, or radar information is given to the operator (as the pilot of an airplane)
–pre·sen·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

presentative
adj. : known, knowing, or capable of being known directly rather than through cogitation

presentee
n. : one who is presented or to whom something is presented

presentient
: having a presentiment

presentiment
n. : a feeling that something will or is about to happen : PREMONITION
–pre·sen·ti·men·tal \-ˌzen-tə-'men-təl\ adjective

presentism
n. : an attitude toward the past dominated by present-day attitudes and experiences
–pres·ent·ist \-zən-tist\ adjective

presently
adv. 1 a archaic : at once b : without undue delay : BEFORE LONG
2 : at the present time : NOW
usage Both senses 1b and 2 are flourishing in current English, but many commentators have objected to sense 2. Since this sense has been in continuous use since the 15th century, it is not clear why it is objectionable. Perhaps a note in the Oxford English Dictionary (1909) that the sense has been obsolete since the 17th century in literary English is to blame, but the note goes on to observe that the sense is in regular use in most English dialects. The last citation in that dictionary is from a 1901 Leeds newspaper, written in Standard English. Sense 2 is most common in contexts relating to business and politics <the fastest-rising welfare cost is Medicaid, presently paid by the states and cities ― William Safire>

presentment
n. 1 : the act of presenting to an authority a formal statement of a matter to be dealt with specifically : the notice taken or statement made by a grand jury of an offense from their own knowledge without a bill of indictment laid before them
2 : the act of offering at the proper time and place a document (as a bill of exchange) that calls for acceptance or payment by another
3 a : the act of presenting to view or consciousness b : something set forth, presented, or exhibited c : the aspect in which something is presented

preservationist
n. : one who advocates preservation (as of a biological species or a historical landmark)

preservative
n. : having the power of preserving

preservative
n. : something that preserves or has the power of preserving specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

preserve
transitive verb
1 : to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : PROTECT
2 a : to keep alive, intact, or free from decay b : MAINTAIN
3 a : to keep or save from decomposition b : to can, pickle, or similarly prepare for future use
4 : to keep up and reserve for personal or special use
intransitive verb
1 : to make preserves
2 : to raise and protect game for purposes of sport
3 : to be able to be preserved (as by canning)
–pre·serv·abil·i·ty \-ˌzər-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pre·serv·able \-'zər-və-bəl\ adjective
–pres·er·va·tion \ˌpre-zər-'vā-shən\ noun
–pre·serv·er \pri-'zər-vər\ noun

preserve
n. 1 : fruit canned or made into jams or jellies or cooked whole or in large pieces in a syrup so as to keep its shape ― often used in plural
2 : an area restricted for the protection and preservation of natural resources (as animals or plants) <a game preserve for regulated hunting or fishing> <nature preserves>
3 : something regarded as reserved for certain persons

preserve
n. self preserving
life preserver
self preservation

preset
n. : to set in advance

preset
n. : something (as a radio station) preprogrammed into a device

preshrink
: to shrink (as a fabric) before making into a garment so that it will not shrink much when washed

preside
v. 1 : to exercise guidance, direction, or control
2 a : to occupy the place of authority : act as president, chairman, or moderator b : to occupy a position similar to that of a president or chairman
3 : to occupy a position of featured instrumental performer ― usually used with at <presided at the organ>
–pre·sid·er noun

presidency
n. 1 a : the office of president b (1) : the office of president of the U.S. (2) : the American governmental institution comprising the office of president and various associated administrative and policy-making agencies
2 : the term during which a president holds office
3 : the action or function of one that presides : SUPERINTENDENCE
4 : a Mormon executive council of the church or a stake consisting of a president and two counselors

president
n. 1 : an official chosen to preside over a meeting or assembly
2 : an appointed governor of a subordinate political unit
3 : the chief officer of an organization (as a corporation or institution) usually entrusted with the direction and administration of its policies
4 : the presiding officer of a governmental body
5 a : an elected official serving as both chief of state and chief political executive in a republic having a presidential government b : an elected official having the position of chief of state but usually only minimal political powers in a republic having a parliamentary government
–pres·i·den·tial \ˌpre-zə-'den(t)-shəl, ˌprez-'den(t)-\ adjective
–pres·i·den·tial·ly \-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pres·i·dent·ship \'pre-zə-dənt-ˌship, 'prez-dənt-, 'pre-zə-ˌdent-\ noun

president
n. vice president
dead presidents
Presidents' Day
presidential government
vice presidential

presidential government
: a system of government in which the president is constitutionally independent of the legislature

Presidents' Day
: WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY 2

presidial
1 [French présidial, from Middle French, alteration of presidal, from Late Latin praesidalis of a provincial governor, from Latin praesid-, praeses] : PROVINCIAL 1
2 : of, having, or constituting a garrison
3 : of or relating to a president : PRESIDENTIAL

presidiary
: PRESIDIAL 2

presidio
n. : a garrisoned place especially : a military post or fortified settlement in areas currently or orig. under Spanish control

presidium
n. 1 : a permanent executive committee selected especially in Communist countries to act for a larger body
2 : a nongovernmental executive committee

presignify
: to intimate or signify beforehand : PRESAGE

presoak
v. : to soak beforehand

presoak
v. 1 : an instance of presoaking
2 : a preparation used in presoaking clothes

presort
v. : to sort (outgoing mail) by zip code usually before delivery to a post office

Presov
city cen E Slovakia pop 161,782

Presque Isle
peninsula NW Pa. in Lake Erie forming Presque Isle Bay (harbor of Erie, Pa.)

press
n. 1 a : a crowd or crowded condition : THRONG b : a thronging or crowding forward or together
2 a : an apparatus or machine by which a substance is cut or shaped, an impression of a body is taken, a material is compressed, pressure is applied to a body, liquid is expressed, or a cutting tool is fed into the work by pressure b : a building containing presses or a business using presses
3 : CLOSET, CUPBOARD
4 a : an action of pressing or pushing : PRESSURE b : an aggressive pressuring defense employed in basketball often over the entire court area
5 : the properly smoothed and creased condition of a freshly pressed garment <out of press>
6 a : PRINTING PRESS b : the act or the process of printing c : a printing or publishing establishment
7 a : the gathering and publishing or broadcasting of news : JOURNALISM b : newspapers, periodicals, and often radio and television news broadcasting c : news reporters, publishers, and broadcasters d : comment or notice in newspapers and periodicals <is getting a good press>
8 : any of various pressure devices (as one for keeping sporting gear from warping when not in use)
9 : a lift in weight lifting in which the weight is raised to shoulder height and then smoothly extended overhead without assist from the legs ― compare CLEAN AND JERK, SNATCH

press
n. transitive verb
1 : to act upon through steady pushing or thrusting force exerted in contact : SQUEEZE
2 a : ASSAIL, HARASS b : AFFLICT, OPPRESS
3 a : to squeeze out the juice or contents of b : to squeeze with apparatus or instruments to a desired density, smoothness, or shape
4 a : to exert influence on : CONSTRAIN b : to try hard to persuade : BESEECH, ENTREAT
5 : to move by means of pressure
6 a : to lay stress or emphasis on b : to insist on or request urgently
7 : to follow through (a course of action)
8 : to clasp in affection or courtesy
9 : to make (a phonograph record) from a matrix
intransitive verb
1 : to crowd closely : MASS
2 : to force or push one's way
3 : to seek urgently : CONTEND
4 : to require haste or speed in action
5 : to exert pressure
6 : to take or hold a press
7 : to employ a press in basketball
–press·er noun
–press the flesh : to greet and shake hands with people especially while campaigning for political office

press
n. transitive verb
1 : to force into service especially in an army or navy : IMPRESS
2 a : to take by authority especially for public use : COMMANDEER b : to take and force into any usually emergency service
intransitive verb : to impress men as soldiers or sailors

press
n. 1 : impressment into service especially in a navy
2 obsolete : a warrant for impressing recruits

press
n. bench press
cold press
drill press
durable press
French press
full court press
military press
permanent press
press the flesh
press agent
press agentry
press box
press cloth
press conference
press gang
press kit
press of sail
press of canvas
press secretary
press up
printing press
punch press
re press
vanity press
web press
hard pressed
flesh pressing

press agent
: an agent employed to establish and maintain good public relations through publicity
–press-agent verb
–press-agent·ry \-'ā-jən-trē\ noun

press box
: a space reserved for reporters (as at a stadium)

press cloth
: a cloth used between an iron and a garment

press conference
: an interview or announcement given by a public figure to the press by appointment

press kit
: a collection of promotional materials for distribution to the press

press of sail

1794
: the fullest amount of sail that a ship can crowd on ― called also press of canvas

press secretary
: a person officially in charge of press relations for a usually prominent public figure

press the flesh
to greet and shake hands with people especially while campaigning for political office

press-gang
: a detachment of men under command of an officer empowered to force men into military or naval service
–press-gang transitive verb

press-up
British : PUSH-UP

pressboard
n. 1 : IRONING BOARD especially : a small one for sleeves
2 : a strong highly glazed composition board resembling vulcanized fiber

Pressburg
― see BRATISLAVA

pressing
n. 1 : urgently important : CRITICAL <a pressing issue>
2 : EARNEST, WARM
–press·ing·ly \'pre-siŋ-lē\ adverb

pressman
n. 1 : an operator of a press especially : the operator of a printing press
2 British : NEWSPAPERMAN

pressmark
n. chiefly British : a mark or number assigned to a book to indicate its location in a library

pressor
adj. : raising or tending to raise blood pressure also : involving vasoconstriction

pressroom
n. 1 : a room in a printing plant containing the printing presses
2 : a room (as at the White House) for the use of members of the press

pressrun
: a continuous operation of a printing press producing a specified number of copies also : the number of copies printed

pressure
n. 1 a : the burden of physical or mental distress b : the constraint of circumstance : the weight of social or economic imposition
2 : the application of force to something by something else in direct contact with it : COMPRESSION
3 archaic : IMPRESSION, STAMP
4 a : the action of a force against an opposing force b : the force or thrust exerted over a surface divided by its area c : ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE
5 : the stress or urgency of matters demanding attention : EXIGENCY <people who work well under pressure>
6 : the force of selection that results from one or more agents and tends to reduce a population of organisms <population pressure> <predation pressure>
7 : the pressure exerted in every direction by the weight of the atmosphere
8 : a sensation aroused by moderate compression of a body part or surface
–pres·sure·less adjective

pressure
n. 1 : to apply pressure to
2 : PRESSURIZE
3 : to cook in a pressure cooker

pressure
n. barometric pressure
blood pressure
high blood pressure
high pressure
low blood pressure
low pressure
osmotic pressure
partial pressure
predation pressure
pressure cabin
pressure cooker
pressure cook
pressure gauge
pressure group
pressure point
pressure suit
pressure wave
root pressure
sound pressure
vapor pressure

pressure cabin
: a pressurized cabin

pressure cooker
1 : an airtight utensil for quick cooking or preserving of foods by means of high-temperature steam under pressure
2 : a situation or environment that is fraught with emotional or social pressures
–pressure-cook verb

pressure gauge
: a gauge for indicating fluid pressure

pressure group
: an interest group organized to influence public and especially government policy but not to elect candidates to office

pressure point
1 : a discrete point on the body to which pressure is applied (as in acupressure or reflexology) for therapeutic purposes
2 : a point where a blood vessel runs near a bone and can be compressed (as to check bleeding) by the application of pressure against the bone

pressure suit
: an inflatable suit for high-altitude or space flight to protect the body from low pressure

pressure wave
: a wave (as a sound wave) in which the propagated disturbance is a variation of pressure in a material medium ― called also P-wave

pressurise
v. British variant of pressurize

pressurize
v. 1 : to confine the contents of under a pressure greater than that of the outside atmosphere especially : to maintain near-normal atmospheric pressure in during high-altitude or spaceflight (as by means of a supercharger)
2 : to apply pressure to
3 : to design to withstand pressure
–pres·sur·i·za·tion \ˌpre-sh(ə-)rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–pres·sur·iz·er noun

presswork
n. : the operation, management, or product of a printing press especially : the branch of printing concerned with the actual transfer of ink from form or plates to paper

prest
obsolete : READY

prestidigitation
n. : SLEIGHT OF HAND, LEGERDEMAIN
–pres·ti·dig·i·ta·tor \-'di-jə-ˌtā-tər\ noun

prestige
n. 1 : standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion
2 : commanding position in people's minds
synonyms see INFLUENCE
–pres·tige·ful \-fəl\ adjective

prestigious
adj. 1 archaic : of, relating to, or marked by illusion, conjuring, or trickery
2 : having prestige : HONORED
–pres·ti·gious·ly adverb
–pres·ti·gious·ness noun

prestissimo
adv. : faster than presto ― used as a direction in music

presto
adv. ― used to indicate the sudden appearance or occurrence of something often as if by magic

presto
adv. 1 : suddenly as if by magic : IMMEDIATELY
2 : at a rapid tempo ― used as a direction in music

presto
adv. : a presto musical passage or movement

Preston
n. 1 former town Ont., Canada ― see CAMBRIDGE
2 city NW England NNE of Liverpool capital of Lancashire pop 126,200

prestress
n. : to introduce internal stresses into (as a structural beam) to counteract the stresses that will result from applied load (as in incorporating cables under tension in concrete)

prestress
n. 1 : the stresses introduced in prestressing
2 : the process of prestressing
3 : the condition of being prestressed

Prestwich
borough NW England in Greater Manchester NNW of Manchester pop 31,198

Prestwick
burgh SW Scotland N of Ayr pop 13,532

presumable
adj. : capable of being presumed : acceptable as an assumption

presumably
adv. : by reasonable assumption

presume
v. transitive verb
1 : to undertake without leave or clear justification : DARE
2 : to expect or assume especially with confidence
3 : to suppose to be true without proof <presumed innocent until proved guilty>
4 : to take for granted : IMPLY
intransitive verb
1 : to act or proceed presumptuously or on a presumption
2 : to go beyond what is right or proper
–pre·sumed·ly \-'zü-məd-lē, -'zümd-lē\ adverb
–pre·sum·er noun

presuming
adj. : PRESUMPTUOUS
–pre·sum·ing·ly \-'zü-miŋ-lē\ adverb

presumption
n. 1 : presumptuous attitude or conduct : AUDACITY
2 a : an attitude or belief dictated by probability : ASSUMPTION b : the ground, reason, or evidence lending probability to a belief
3 : a legal inference as to the existence or truth of a fact not certainly known that is drawn from the known or proved existence of some other fact

presumptive
adj. 1 : based on probability or presumption <the presumptive nominee>
2 : giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief
3 : being an embryonic precursor with the potential for forming a particular structure or tissue in the normal course of development <presumptive retina>
–pre·sump·tive·ly adverb

presumptuous
adj. : overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy) : taking liberties
–pre·sump·tu·ous·ly adverb
–pre·sump·tu·ous·ness noun

presuppose
v. 1 : to suppose beforehand
2 : to require as an antecedent in logic or fact
–pre·sup·po·si·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌsə-pə-'zi-shən\ noun
–pre·sup·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

presynaptic
adj. : of, occurring in, or being a neuron by which a nerve impulse is conveyed to a synapse <a presynaptic membrane> <a presynaptic neuron>
–pre·syn·ap·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pret-a-porter
: ready-to-wear clothes

preteen
n. : a boy or girl not yet 13 years old

preteen
n. 1 : relating to or produced for children especially in the 9 to 12 year-old age group <preteen fashions>
2 : being younger than 13

preteen-ager
: PRETEEN

pretend
adj. transitive verb
1 : to give a false appearance of being, possessing, or performing <does not pretend to be a psychiatrist>
2 a : to make believe : FEIGN <he pretended deafness> b : to claim, represent, or assert falsely <pretending an emotion he could not really feel>
3 archaic : VENTURE, UNDERTAKE
intransitive verb
1 : to feign an action, part, or role especially in play
2 : to put in a claim <cannot pretend to any particular expertise ― Clive Barnes>
synonyms see ASSUME

pretend
adj. 1 : IMAGINARY, MAKE-BELIEVE <had a pretend pal with whom he talked>
2 : not genuine : MOCK <pretend pearls>
3 : being a nonfunctional imitation <a pretend train for the children to play in>

pretended
adj. : professed or avowed but not genuine <pretended affection>
–pre·tend·ed·ly adverb

pretender
n. : one that pretends: as a : one who lays claim to something specifically : a claimant to a throne who is held to have no just title b : one who makes a false or hypocritical show

pretense
n. 1 : a claim made or implied especially : one not supported by fact
2 a : mere ostentation : PRETENTIOUSNESS <confuse dignity with pomposity and pretense ― Bennett Cerf> b : a pretentious act or assertion
3 : an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
4 : professed rather than real intention or purpose : PRETEXT <was there under false pretenses>
5 : MAKE-BELIEVE, FICTION
6 : false show : SIMULATION <saw through his pretense of indifference>

pretension
n. 1 : an allegation of doubtful value : PRETEXT
2 : a claim or an effort to establish a claim
3 : a claim or right to attention or honor because of merit
4 : an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment <has serious literary pretensions>
5 : VANITY, PRETENTIOUSNESS
synonyms see AMBITION
–pre·ten·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective

pretension
n. : PRESTRESS

pretentious
adj. 1 : characterized by pretension: as a : making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him ― Richard Watts> b : expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses>
2 : making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : AMBITIOUS <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake ― American Guide Series: Vt.>
synonyms see SHOWY
–pre·ten·tious·ly adverb
–pre·ten·tious·ness noun

preterit
n. archaic : BYGONE, FORMER

preterit
n. : PAST TENSE

preterm
n. : of, relating to, being, or brought forth by premature birth <a preterm infant> <preterm labor>

preterminal
adj. : occurring or being in the period prior to death <preterminal cancer> <a preterminal patient>

pretermission
n. : the act or an instance of pretermitting : OMISSION

pretermit
v. 1 : to leave undone : NEGLECT
2 : to let pass without mention or notice : OMIT
3 : to suspend indefinitely <the grand jury voted to pretermit the case>

preternatural
adj. 1 : existing outside of nature
2 : exceeding what is natural or regular : EXTRAORDINARY <wits trained to preternatural acuteness by the debates ― G. L. Dickinson>
3 : inexplicable by ordinary means especially : PSYCHIC <preternatural phenomena>
–pre·ter·nat·u·ral·ly \-'na-chə-rə-lē, 'nach-rə-, 'na-chər-\ adverb
–pre·ter·nat·u·ral·ness \-'na-chə-rəl-nəs, -'nach-rəl-\ noun

pretest
n. : a preliminary test: as a : a test of the effectiveness or safety of a product prior to its sale b : a test to evaluate the preparedness of students for further studies
–pre·test \(ˌ)prē-'test\ transitive verb

pretext
n. : a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs
synonyms see APOLOGY

pretor
n. variant of praetor, praetorian

Pretoria
n. city, administrative capital of Republic of South Africa & formerly capital of Transvaal pop 303,684

Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging
― see GAUTENG

Pretorius
Andries Wilhelmus Jacobus 1798-1853 & his son Marthinus Wessels 1819-1901 So. African Du. colonizers & soldiers

prettify
v. : to make pretty
–pret·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌpri-tə-fə-'kā-shən, ˌpər-, ˌpru̇-\ noun
–pret·ti·fi·er \'pri-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r, 'pər-, 'pru̇-\ noun

prettiness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being pretty
2 : something pretty

pretty
adj. 1 a : ARTFUL, CLEVER b : PAT, APT
2 a : pleasing by delicacy or grace b : having conventionally accepted elements of beauty c : appearing or sounding pleasant or nice but lacking strength, force, manliness, purpose, or intensity <pretty words that make no sense ― Elizabeth B. Browning>
3 a : MISERABLE, TERRIBLE <a pretty mess you've gotten us into> b chiefly Scottish : STOUT
4 : moderately large : CONSIDERABLE <a very pretty profit> <cost a pretty penny>
5 : easy to enjoy : PLEASANT ― usually used in negative constructions <reality is not so pretty ― Caleb Solomon>
synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
–pret·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–pret·ty·ish \-tē-ish\ adjective

pretty
adj. 1 a : in some degree : MODERATELY <pretty cold weather> b : QUITE, MAINLY <the wound was⋯pretty bad ― Walt Whitman>
2 : in a pretty manner : PRETTILY <pop vocalists who can sing pretty ― Gerald Levitch>
–pretty much : MAINLY, LARGELY
usage Some handbooks complain that pretty is overworked and recommend the selection of a more specific word or restrict pretty to informal or colloquial contexts. Pretty is used to tone down a statement and is in wide use across the whole spectrum of English. It is common in informal speech and writing but is neither rare nor wrong in serious discourse <he may, if he be pretty well off or clever, qualify himself as a doctor ― G. B. Shaw> <a return to those traditions of American foreign policy which worked pretty well for over a century ― H. S. Commager> <the arguments for buying expensive books have to be pretty cogent ― Times Lit. Supp.>

pretty
adj. 1 plural : dainty clothes especially : LINGERIE
2 : a pretty person or thing

pretty
adj. : to make pretty ― usually used with up <curtains to pretty up the room>

pretty
adj. pretty much
pretty boy
sit pretty

pretty boy
: a man who is notably good-looking also : DANDY 1

pretty much
MAINLY, LARGELY

pretzel
n. : a brittle or chewy glazed usually salted slender bread often shaped like a loose knot

prev
previous; previously

prevail
v. 1 : to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority : TRIUMPH
2 : to be or become effective or effectual
3 : to use persuasion successfully <prevailed on him to sing>
4 : to be frequent : PREDOMINATE <the west winds that prevail in the mountains>
5 : to be or continue in use or fashion : PERSIST <a custom that still prevails>

prevalence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being prevalent
2 : the degree to which something is prevalent especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

prevalent
adj. 1 archaic : POWERFUL
2 : being in ascendancy : DOMINANT
3 : generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : WIDESPREAD
–prevalent noun
–prev·a·lent·ly adverb

prevaricate
v. : to deviate from the truth : EQUIVOCATE
synonyms see LIE
–pre·var·i·ca·tion \-ˌver-ə-'kā-shən, -'va-rə-\ noun
–pre·var·i·ca·tor \-'ver-ə-ˌkā-tər, -'va-rə-\ noun

prevenient
adj. : ANTECEDENT, ANTICIPATORY
–pre·ve·nient·ly adverb

prevent
v. transitive verb
1 archaic a : to be in readiness for (as an occasion) b : to meet or satisfy in advance c : to act ahead of d : to go or arrive before
2 : to deprive of power or hope of acting or succeeding
3 : to keep from happening or existing <steps to prevent war>
4 : to hold or keep back : HINDER, STOP ― often used with from
intransitive verb : to interpose an obstacle
–pre·vent·abil·i·ty \-ˌven-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pre·vent·able also pre·vent·ible \-'ven-tə-bəl\ adjective
–pre·vent·er noun
synonyms PREVENT, ANTICIPATE, FORESTALL mean to deal with beforehand. PREVENT implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable <measures taken to prevent leaks>. ANTICIPATE may imply merely getting ahead of another by being a precursor or forerunner or it may imply checking another's intention by acting first <anticipated the question by making a statement>. FORESTALL implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course <hoped to forestall the sale>.

preventative
n. : PREVENTIVE

prevention
n. : the act of preventing or hindering

preventive
n. : something that prevents especially : something used to prevent disease

preventive
n. : devoted to or concerned with prevention : PRECAUTIONARY <preventive steps against soil erosion>: as a : designed or serving to prevent the occurrence of disease <preventive medical care> b : undertaken to forestall anticipated hostile action <a preventive coup>
–pre·ven·tive·ly adverb
–pre·ven·tive·ness noun

preverbal
adj. 1 : occurring before the verb
2 : having not yet acquired the faculty of speech <a preverbal child>

preview
n. 1 : to see beforehand specifically : to view or to show in advance of public presentation
2 : to give a preliminary survey of
–pre·view·er \-ˌvyü-ər\ noun

preview
n. 1 : an advance statement, sample, or survey
2 : an advance showing or performance (as of a motion picture or play)
3 also pre·vue \-ˌvyü\ : a showing of clips from a motion picture advertised for appearance in the near future ― called also trailer

preview
n. sneak preview
house trailer
trailer park
trailer court
trailer camp
travel trailer

previous
adj. 1 : going before in time or order : PRIOR
2 : acting too soon : PREMATURE <somewhat previous in his conclusion>
synonyms see PRECEDING
–pre·vi·ous·ly adverb
–pre·vi·ous·ness noun

previous question
: a parliamentary motion to put the pending question to an immediate vote without further debate or amendment that if defeated has the effect of permitting resumption of debate

previous to
: PRIOR TO, BEFORE

prevision
n. 1 : FORESIGHT, PRESCIENCE
2 : FORECAST, PROGNOSTICATION
–pre·vi·sion·al \-'vizh-nəl, -'vi-zhə-nəl\ adjective
–pre·vi·sion·ary \-'vi-zhə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

prevision
n. : FORESEE

prevocalic
adj. : immediately preceding a vowel

prevocational
adj. : given or required before admission to a vocational school

Prevost d'Exiles
Antoine-François 1697-1763 Abbé Prévost Fr. writer

prewriting
: the formulation and organization of ideas preparatory to writing

prexy
n. slang : PRESIDENT ― used chiefly of a college president

prey
n. 1 archaic : SPOIL, BOOTY
2 a : an animal taken by a predator as food b : one that is helpless or unable to resist attack : VICTIM <was prey to his own appetites>
3 : the act or habit of preying

prey
n. 1 : to make raids for the sake of booty
2 a : to seize and devour prey b : to commit violence or robbery or fraud
3 : to have an injurious, destructive, or wasting effect <worry preyed upon his mind>
–prey·er noun

prez
slang : PRESIDENT

prf
proof

Priam
n. : the father of Hector, Paris, and Cassandra and king of Troy during the Trojan War

priapic
adj. 1 : PHALLIC
2 : relating to or preoccupied with virility or male sexual excitement

priapism
n. : an abnormal often painful persistent erection of the penis

Priapus
n. : a Greek and Roman god of gardens and male generative power

Pribilof Islands
islands Alaska in Bering Sea

Price
n. (Mary) Le·on·tyne \lē-'än-ˌtēn; 'lē-ən-ˌ, 'lā-\ 1927-     American soprano

price
n. 1 archaic : VALUE, WORTH
2 a : the quantity of one thing that is exchanged or demanded in barter or sale for another b : the amount of money given or set as consideration for the sale of a specified thing
3 : the terms for the sake of which something is done or undertaken: as a : an amount sufficient to bribe one <believed every man had his price> b : a reward for the apprehension or death of a person <an outlaw with a price on his head>
4 : the cost at which something is obtained <the price of freedom is restraint ― J. Irwin Miller>

price
n. 1 : to set a price on
2 : to find out the price of
3 : to drive by raising prices excessively <priced themselves out of the market>
–pric·er noun

price
n. asking price
bride price
consumer price index
cut price
hammer price
list price
market price
off price
price cutter
price cutting
price earnings ratio
price fixing
price index
price point
price support
price tag
price war
reserve price
sticker price
strike price
striking price
upset price
wellhead price

price index
: an index number expressing the level of a group of commodity prices relative to the level of the prices of the same commodities during an arbitrarily chosen base period and used to indicate changes in the level of prices from one period to another

price point
: the standard price set by the manufacturer for a product

price support
: artificial maintenance of prices (as of a raw material) at some predetermined level usually through government action

price tag
1 : a tag on merchandise showing the price at which it is offered for sale
2 : PRICE, COST

price war
: commercial competition characterized by the repeated cutting of prices below those of competitors

price-cutter
: one that reduces prices especially to a level designed to cripple competition
–price-cut·ting \-tiŋ\ noun

price-earnings ratio
: a measure of the value of a common stock determined as the ratio of its market price to its annual earnings per share and usually expressed as a simple numeral

price-fixing
: the setting of prices artificially (as by producers or government) contrary to free market operations

priced
adj. : having a specified price ― used in combination <low-priced merchandise>

priceless
adj. 1 a : having a value beyond any price : INVALUABLE b : costly because of rarity or quality : PRECIOUS
2 : having worth in terms of other than market value
3 : delightfully amusing, odd, or absurd
–price·less·ly adverb

pricey
adj. : EXPENSIVE

Prichard
city SW Ala. N of Mobile pop 28,633

prick
n. 1 : a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2 a : a pointed instrument or weapon b : a sharp projecting organ or part
3 : an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: as a : a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow b : a slight sharply localized discomfort <the prick of a needle>
4 usually vulgar : PENIS
5 usually vulgar : a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority

prick
n. 1 : to pierce slightly with a sharp point
2 : to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse <doubt began to prick him ― Philip Hale>
3 : to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs : GOAD
4 : to mark, distinguish, or note by means of a small mark
5 : to trace or outline with punctures
6 : to remove (a young seedling) from the seedbed to another suitable for further growth ― usually used with out
7 : to cause to be or stand erect <a dog pricking its ears>
intransitive verb
1 a : to prick something or cause a pricking sensation b : to feel discomfort as if from being pricked
2 a : to urge a horse with the spur b : to ride fast
3 : THRUST
4 : to become directed upward : POINT
–prick up one's ears : to listen intently

prick up one's ears
to listen intently

pricker
n. 1 : one that pricks
2 a : THORN, PRICKLE b : BRIAR

pricket
n. 1 a : a spike on which a candle is stuck b : a candlestick with such a point
2 : a buck in the second year of life

prickle
n. 1 : a fine sharp process or projection especially : a sharp pointed emergence arising from the epidermis or bark of a plant
2 : a prickling or tingling sensation

prickle
n. transitive verb
1 : to prick slightly
2 : to produce prickles in
intransitive verb : to cause or feel a prickling, tingling, or stinging sensation

prickly
adj. 1 : full of or covered with prickles especially : distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles
2 : marked by prickling : STINGING <a prickly sensation>
3 a : TROUBLESOME, VEXATIOUS <prickly issues> b : easily irritated <had a prickly disposition>
–prick·li·ness noun

prickly
adj. prickly ash
prickly heat
prickly pear
prickly pear cactus
prickly poppy

prickly ash
: a prickly aromatic No. American shrub or small tree (Zanthoxylum americanum) of the rue family with yellowish flowers

prickly heat
: a noncontagious cutaneous eruption of red pimples with intense itching and tingling caused by inflammation around the sweat ducts

prickly pear
1 : OPUNTIA especially : any of those with flat spiny joints ― called also prickly pear cactus ― compare CHOLLA
2 : the pulpy pear-shaped edible fruit of various prickly pears (as Opuntia ficus-indica)

prickly poppy
: any of a genus (Argemone) of plants of the poppy family with white or yellow flowers and prickly leaves and fruits

Pride
n. Thomas d 1658 Eng. Parliamentarian commander

pride
n. 1 : the quality or state of being proud: as a : inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : DISDAIN
3 a : ostentatious display b : highest pitch : PRIME
4 : a source of pride : the best in a group or class
5 : a company of lions
6 : a showy or impressive group <a pride of dancers>

pride
n. : to indulge (as oneself) in pride

pride of place

1605
: the highest or first position

prideful
adj. : full of pride: as a : DISDAINFUL, HAUGHTY b : EXULTANT, ELATED
–pride·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–pride·ful·ness noun

prie-dieu
1 : a kneeling bench designed for use by a person at prayer and fitted with a raised shelf on which the elbows or a book may be rested
2 : a low armless upholstered chair with a high straight back

prier
n. : one that pries especially : an inquisitive person

priest
n. : one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyman ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

priest
n. high priest
priest ridden
worker priest
high priestess

priest-ridden
: controlled or oppressed by priests

priestess
n. 1 : a woman authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion
2 : a woman regarded as a leader (as of a movement)

priesthood
n. 1 : the office, dignity, or character of a priest
2 : the whole body of priests
3 : ELITE 1 <the priesthood of the art world>

Priestley
n. John Boynton 1894-1984 Eng. author

Priestley
n. Joseph 1733-1804 Eng. clergyman & chem.

priestly
adj. 1 : of or relating to a priest or the priesthood : SACERDOTAL
2 : characteristic of or befitting a priest
–priest·li·ness noun

prig
n. : THIEF

prig
n. 1 archaic : FOP
2 archaic : FELLOW, PERSON
3 : one who offends or irritates by observance of proprieties (as of speech or manners) in a pointed manner or to an obnoxious degree
–prig·gery \-gə-rē\ noun
–prig·gish \'pri-gish\ adjective
–prig·gish·ly adverb
–prig·gish·ness noun

priggism
: stilted adherence to convention

Prigogine
Ilya 1917-2003 Belg. (Russ.-born) chem.

prill
n. : to convert (as a molten solid) into spherical pellets usually by forming into drops in a spray and allowing the drops to solidify

prill
n. : a pellet made by prilling

prim
adj. 1 : to give a prim or demure expression to <primming her thin lips after every mouthful ― John Buchan>
2 : to dress primly

prim
adj. 1 a : stiffly formal and proper : DECOROUS b : PRUDISH
2 : NEAT, TRIM <prim hedges>
–prim·ly adverb
–prim·ness noun

prim
adj. 1 primary
2 primitive

prima
adj. prima ballerina
prima donna
prima donnas
prima facie

prima ballerina
: the principal female dancer in a ballet company

prima donna
1 : a principal female singer in an opera or concert organization
2 : a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team

prima facie
: at first view : on the first appearance

prima facie
1 : true, valid, or sufficient at first impression : APPARENT <the theory⋯gives a prima facie solution ― R. J. Butler>
2 : SELF-EVIDENT
3 : legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless disproved <prima facie evidence>

primacy
n. 1 : the state of being first (as in importance, order, or rank) : PREEMINENCE <the primacy of intellectual and esthetic over materialistic values ― T. R. McConnell>
2 : the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate

primal
adj. 1 : ORIGINAL, PRIMITIVE <village life continued in its primal innocence ― Van Wyck Brooks>
2 : first in importance : PRIMARY

primal scream therapy
: psychotherapy in which the patient recalls and reenacts a particularly disturbing past experience usually occurring early in life and expresses normally repressed anger or frustration especially through spontaneous and unrestrained screams, hysteria, or violence ― called also primal therapy

primality
: the property of being a prime number

primarily
adv. 1 : for the most part : CHIEFLY <has now become primarily a residential town ― S. P. B. Mais>
2 : in the first place : ORIGINALLY

primary
n. 1 : first in order of time or development : PRIMITIVE <the primary stage of civilization> <the primary lesion of a disease>
2 a : of first rank, importance, or value : PRINCIPAL <the primary purpose> b : BASIC, FUNDAMENTAL <security is a primary need> c : of, relating to, or constituting the principal quills of a bird's wing d : of or relating to agriculture, forestry, and the extractive industries or their products e : expressive of present or future time <primary tense> f : of, relating to, or constituting the strongest of the three or four degrees of stress recognized by most linguists <the first syllable of basketball carries primary stress>
3 a : DIRECT, FIRSTHAND <primary sources of information> b : not derivable from other colors, odors, or tastes c : preparatory to something else in a continuing process <primary instruction> d : of or relating to a primary school <primary education> e : of or relating to a primary election <a primary candidate> f : belonging to the first group or order in successive divisions, combinations, or ramifications <primary nerves> g : directly derived from ores <primary metals> h : of, relating to, or being the amino acid sequence in proteins <primary protein structure>
4 : resulting from the substitution of one of two or more atoms or groups in a molecule <a primary amine> especially : being or characterized by a carbon atom having a bond to only one other carbon atom
5 : of, relating to, involving, or derived from primary meristem <primary tissue> <primary growth>
6 : of, relating to, or involved in the production of organic substances by green plants <primary productivity>
7 : providing primary care <a primary physician>

primary
n. 1 : something that stands first in rank, importance, or value : FUNDAMENTAL ― usually used in plural
2 : the celestial body around which one or more other celestial bodies revolve especially : the more massive usually brighter component of a binary star system
3 : one of the usually 9 or 10 strong quills on the distal joint of a bird's wing ― see WING illustration
4 a : PRIMARY COLOR b : the sensation of seeing primary colors
5 a : CAUCUS b : an election in which qualified voters nominate or express a preference for a particular candidate or group of candidates for political office, choose party officials, or select delegates for a party convention
6 : the coil that is connected to the source of electricity in an induction coil or transformer ― called also primary coil

primary
n. primary coil
direct primary
primary atypical pneumonia
primary care
primary health care
primary cell
primary color
primary meristem
primary root
primary school
primary syphilis
primary tooth
primary wall

primary atypical pneumonia
: any of a group of pneumonias (as Q fever and psittacosis) caused especially by viruses, mycoplasmas, rickettsias, and chlamydias

primary care
: health care provided by a medical professional (as a general practitioner, pediatrician, or nurse) with whom a patient has initial contact and by whom the patient may be referred to a specialist ― often used attributively <a primary care physician> ― called also primary health care ― compare SECONDARY CARE, TERTIARY CARE

primary cell
: a cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy by irreversible chemical reactions

primary color
: any of a set of colors from which all other colors may be derived

primary meristem
: meristem (as procambium) derived from the apical meristem

primary root
: the root of a plant that develops first and originates from the radicle

primary school
1 : a school usually including the first three grades of elementary school but sometimes also including kindergarten
2 : ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

primary syphilis
: the first stage of syphilis that is marked by the development of a chancre and the spread of the causative spirochete in the tissues of the body

primary tooth
: MILK TOOTH

primary wall
: the first-formed wall of a plant cell that is produced around the protoplast and usually has plasmodesmata

primate
n. 1 often capitalized : a bishop who has precedence in a province, a group of provinces, or a nation
2 archaic : one first in authority or rank : LEADER
3 [New Latin Primates, from Latin, plural of primat-, primas] : any of an order (Primates) of mammals that are characterized especially by advanced development of binocular vision, specialization of the appendages for grasping, and enlargement of the cerebral hemispheres and that include humans, apes, monkeys, and related forms (as lemurs and tarsiers)
–pri·mate·ship \-ˌship\ noun
–pri·ma·tial \prī-'mā-shəl\ adjective

primatology
n. : the study of primates especially other than recent humans (Homo sapiens)
–pri·ma·to·log·i·cal \-mə-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pri·ma·tol·o·gist \-mə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

primavera
n. : served with a mixture of fresh vegetables (as zucchini, snow peas, and broccoli) ― usually used postpositively <pasta primavera>

prime
n. 1 a often capitalized : the second of the canonical hours b : the first hour of the day usually considered either as 6 a.m. or the hour of sunrise
2 a : the earliest stage b : SPRING c : YOUTH
3 : the most active, thriving, or satisfying stage or period <in the prime of his life>
4 : the chief or best individual or part : PICK <prime of the flock, and choicest of the stall ― Alexander Pope>
5 : PRIME NUMBER
6 a : the first note or tone of a musical scale : TONIC b : the interval between two notes on the same staff degree
7 : the symbol ′ used to distinguish arbitrary characters (as a and a′), to indicate a specific unit (as feet or minutes of time or angular measure), or to indicate the derivative of a function (as p′ or f′(x)) ― compare DOUBLE PRIME
8 : PRIME RATE

prime
n. 1 : first in time : ORIGINAL
2 a : of, relating to, or being a prime number ― compare RELATIVELY PRIME b : having no polynomial factors other than itself and no monomial factors other than 1 <a prime polynomial> c : expressed as a product of prime factors (as prime numbers and prime polynomials) <a prime factorization>
3 a : first in rank, authority, or significance : PRINCIPAL <a prime example> b : having the highest quality or value <prime farmland> c : of the highest grade regularly marketed ― used of meat and especially beef
4 : not deriving from something else : PRIMARY
–prime·ly adverb
–prime·ness noun

prime
n. transitive verb
1 : FILL, LOAD
2 a : to prepare for firing by supplying with priming b : to insert a primer into (a cartridge case)
3 : to apply the first color, coating, or preparation to <prime a wall>
4 a : to put into working order by filling or charging with something <prime a pump with water> b : to supply with an essential prerequisite (as a hormone, nucleic acid, or antigen) for chemical or biological activity <primed female mice with estrogen>
5 : to instruct beforehand : COACH <primed the witness>
6 : STIMULATE
intransitive verb : to become prime
–prime the pump : to take steps to encourage the growth or functioning of something

prime
n. prime coat
double prime
prime the pump
prime cost
prime meridian
prime mover
prime number
prime rate
prime interest rate
prime time
relatively prime
prime minister
prime ministry
prime ministership
prime ministerial
twin primes
pump priming

prime cost
: the combined total of raw material and direct labor costs incurred in production broadly : cost less vendor's or agent's commission for charges

prime meridian
: the meridian of 0 degrees longitude which runs through the original site of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England, and from which other longitudes are reckoned

prime minister
1 : the chief minister of a ruler or state
2 : the official head of a cabinet or ministry especially : the chief executive of a parliamentary government
–prime ministerial adjective
–prime ministership noun
–prime ministry noun

prime mover
1 a : an initial source of motive power (as a windmill, waterwheel, turbine, or internal combustion engine) designed to receive and modify force and motion as supplied by some natural source and apply them to drive machinery b : a powerful tractor or truck usually with all-wheel drive
2 : the self-moved being that is the source of all motion
3 : the original or most effective force in an undertaking or work <education is⋯a prime mover of cultural and societal change ― R. C. Buck>

prime number
: any integer other than 0 or ± 1 that is not divisible without remainder by any other integers except ± 1 and ± the integer itself

prime rate
: an interest rate formally announced by a bank to be the lowest available at a particular time to its most credit-worthy customers ― called also prime interest rate

prime the pump
to take steps to encourage the growth or functioning of something

prime time
1 : the time period when the television or radio audience is the largest also : television shows shown in prime time
2 : the choicest or busiest time
3 : BIG TIME 2 <a pitcher not yet ready for prime time>
–prime-time adjective

primer
n. 1 : a small book for teaching children to read
2 : a small introductory book on a subject
3 : a short informative piece of writing

primer
n. 1 : a device for priming especially : a cap, tube, or wafer containing percussion powder or compound used to ignite an explosive charge
2 : material used in priming a surface ― called also prime coat
3 : a molecule (as a short strand of RNA or DNA) whose presence is required for formation of another molecule (as a longer chain of DNA)

primero
: a card game popular in the 16th and 17th centuries

primeval
adj. 1 : of or relating to the earliest ages (as of the world or human history) : ANCIENT, PRIMITIVE <100 acres of primeval forest which has never felt an ax ― Mary R. Zimmer>
2 : PRIMORDIAL 1B
–pri·me·val·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

priming
n. 1 : the act of one that primes
2 : the explosive used in priming a charge
3 : 2PRIMER 2

primipara
n. 1 : an individual bearing a first offspring
2 : an individual that has borne only one offspring
–pri·mip·a·rous \prī-'mi-pə-rəs\ adjective

primitive
1 a : not derived : ORIGINAL, PRIMARY b : assumed as a basis especially : AXIOMATIC <primitive concepts>
2 a : of or relating to the earliest age or period : PRIMEVAL <the primitive church> b : closely approximating an early ancestral type : little evolved <primitive mammals> c : belonging to or characteristic of an early stage of development : CRUDE, RUDIMENTARY <primitive technology> d : of, relating to, or constituting the assumed parent speech of related languages <primitive Germanic>
3 a : ELEMENTAL, NATURAL <our primitive feelings of vengeance ― John Mackwood> b : of, relating to, or produced by a people or culture that is nonindustrial and often nonliterate and tribal <primitive art> c : NAIVE d (1) : SELF-TAUGHT, UNTUTORED <primitive craftsmen> (2) : produced by a self-taught artist <a primitive painting>
–prim·i·tive·ly adverb
–prim·i·tive·ness noun
–prim·i·tiv·i·ty \ˌpri-mə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

primitive
n. 1 a : something primitive specifically : a primitive idea, term, or proposition b : a root word
2 a (1) : an artist of an early period of a culture or artistic movement (2) : a later imitator or follower of such an artist b (1) : a self-taught artist (2) : an artist whose work is marked by directness and naïveté c : a work of art produced by a primitive artist d : a typically rough or simple usually handmade and antique home accessory or furnishing
3 a : a member of a primitive people b : an unsophisticated person

primitive streak
: an elongated band of cells that forms along the axis of a developing fertilized egg early in gastrulation and that is considered a forerunner of the neural tube and nervous system

primitivism
n. 1 : primitive practices or procedures also : a primitive quality or state
2 a : belief in the superiority of a simple way of life close to nature b : belief in the superiority of nonindustrial society to that of the present
3 : the style of art of primitive peoples or primitive artists
–prim·i·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective
–prim·i·tiv·is·tic \ˌpri-mə-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective

primo
n. : the first or leading part (as in a duet or trio)

primo
n. : in the first place

primo
n. slang : of the finest quality : EXCELLENT

Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja
Miguel 1870-1930 Marqués de Estella Span. gen. & polit.

primogenitor
n. : ANCESTOR, FOREFATHER

primogeniture
n. 1 : the state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents
2 : an exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son

primordial
adj. 1 a : first created or developed : PRIMEVAL 1 b : existing in or persisting from the beginning (as of a solar system or universe) <a primordial gas cloud> c : earliest formed in the growth of an individual or organ : PRIMITIVE <primordial cells>
2 : FUNDAMENTAL, PRIMARY <primordial human joys ― Sir Winston Churchill>
–pri·mor·di·al·ly \-dē-ə-lē\ adverb

primordial soup
: a mixture of organic molecules in evolutionary theory from which life on earth originated

primordium
n. : the rudiment or commencement of a part or organ

Primorski Krai
― see MARITIME TERRITORY

primp
v. transitive verb : to dress, adorn, or arrange in a careful or finicky manner
intransitive verb : to dress or groom oneself carefully <primps for hours before a date>

Primrose
n. Archibald Philip ― see ROSEBERY

primrose
n. : any of a genus (Primula of the family Primulaceae, the primrose family) of perennial herbs with large tufted basal leaves and showy variously colored flowers ― compare EVENING PRIMROSE

primrose
n. evening primrose
primrose path
primrose yellow

primrose path
1 : a path of ease or pleasure and especially sensual pleasure <himself the primrose path of dalliance treads ― Shakespeare>
2 : a path of least resistance

primrose yellow
1 : a light to moderate greenish yellow
2 : a light to moderate yellow

primula
n. : PRIMROSE

primum
primum mobile
primum mobiles
primum non nocere

primum mobile
: the outermost concentric sphere conceived in medieval astronomy as carrying the spheres of the fixed stars and the planets in its daily revolution

primum non nocere
: the first thing (is) to do no harm

primus
adj. : the presiding bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church

primus inter pares
: first among equals

prin
1 principal
2 principle

prince
n. 1 a : MONARCH, KING b : the ruler of a principality or state
2 : a male member of a royal family especially : a son of the sovereign
3 : a nobleman of varying rank and status
4 : one likened to a prince especially : a man of high rank or of high standing in his class or profession
–prince·ship \'prin(t)s-ˌship\ noun

prince
n. crown prince
Prince Albert
Prince Charming
prince consort
Prince of Wales
prince's feather
Port au Prince
Prince Albert National Park
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince George
Prince of Wales Cape
Prince of Wales Island
Prince Rupert's Land
Prince William Sound
crown princess
Jewish American Princess
Jewish Princess
Princess Royal
princes consort
Princesses Royal

Prince Albert
: a double-breasted frock coat with the upper part fitted to the body

Prince Albert
city Canada in cen Sask. pop 34,291

Prince Albert National Park
n. reservation Canada in cen Sask. in watershed area

Prince Charming
: a suitor who fulfills the dreams of his beloved also : a man of often specious charm toward women

prince consort
: the husband of a reigning queen

Prince Edward Island
island SE Canada in Gulf of Saint Lawrence off E N.B. & N N.S.; a province capital Charlottetown area 2185 sq mi (5660 sq km), pop 138,514

Prince Edward Island National Park
n. reservation Canada on N coast of P.E.I.

Prince George
city Canada in E cen B.C. pop 72,406

Prince of Wales
: the male heir apparent to the British throne ― used as a title only after it has been specifically conferred by the sovereign

Prince of Wales Island
1 island SE Alaska; largest in Alexander Archipelago
2 island N Canada bet. Victoria Is. & Somerset Is. area 12,830 sq mi (33,358 sq km)

Prince of Wales, Cape
cape Alaska at W tip of Seward Peninsula; most westerly point of mainland of N. America, at 168°W

Prince Rupert's Land
historical region N & W Canada comprising drainage basin of Hudson Bay granted 1670 by King Charles II to Hudson's Bay Company; purchased 1869 by Canada

Prince William Sound
inlet of Gulf of Alaska S Alaska E of Kenai Peninsula

prince's feather
: a showy widely cultivated annual plant (Amaranthus hypochondriacus or A. cruentus) of the amaranth family having dense usually red spikes of flowers

princedom
n. 1 : the jurisdiction, sovereignty, rank, or estate of a prince
2 : PRINCIPALITY 3 ― usually used in plural

princelet
: PRINCELING

princeliness
adj. 1 : princely conduct or character
2 : LUXURY, MAGNIFICENCE

princeling
n. : a petty or insignificant prince

princely
adj. 1 : of or relating to a prince : ROYAL
2 : befitting a prince : NOBLE, MAGNIFICENT <princely manners> <a princely sum>
–princely adverb

princess
n. 1 archaic : a woman having sovereign power
2 : a female member of a royal family especially : a daughter or granddaughter of a sovereign
3 : the consort of a prince
4 : one likened to a princess especially : a woman of high rank or of high standing in her class or profession <a pop music princess>

princess
n. : close-fitting and usually with gores from neck to flaring hemline <a princess gown>

princess
n. crown princess
Jewish American Princess
Jewish Princess
Princess Royal
Princesses Royal

Princess Royal
: the eldest daughter of a British sovereign ― a title granted for life and used only after it has been specifically conferred by the sovereign

principal
n. 1 : most important, consequential, or influential : CHIEF <the principal ingredient> <the region's principal city>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting principal or a principal
usage see PRINCIPLE
–prin·ci·pal·ly \-sə-p(ə-)lē, -sə-bə-lē, -splē\ adverb

principal
n. 1 : a person who has controlling authority or is in a leading position: as a : a chief or head man or woman b : the chief executive officer of an educational institution c : one who engages another to act as an agent subject to general control and instruction specifically : the person from whom an agent's authority derives d : the chief or an actual participant in a crime e : the person primarily or ultimately liable on a legal obligation f : a leading performer : STAR
2 : a matter or thing of primary importance: as a (1) : a capital sum earning interest, due as a debt, or used as a fund (2) : the corpus of an estate, portion, devise, or bequest b : the construction that gives shape and strength to a roof and is usually one of several trusses broadly : the most important member of a piece of framing
usage see PRINCIPLE
–prin·ci·pal·ship \'prin(t)-s(ə-)pəl-ˌship, -sə-bəl-\ noun

principal diagonal
: the diagonal in a square matrix that runs from upper left to lower right

principal parts
: a series of verb forms from which all the other forms of a verb can be derived including in English the infinitive, the past tense, and the present and past participles

principality
n. 1 a : the state, office, or authority of a prince b : the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)
2 : the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince
3 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY

Principe Island
island W Africa in Gulf of Guinea N of São Tomé ― see SÃO TOMÉ

Principi
Anthony Joseph 1944-     U.S. secy. of veterans affairs (2001-  )

principium
: a fundamental principle

principle
n. 1 a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1) : a rule or code of conduct (2) : habitual devotion to right principles <a man of principle> c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device
2 : a primary source : ORIGIN
3 a : an underlying faculty or endowment <such principles of human nature as greed and curiosity> b : an ingredient (as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality
4 capitalized Christian Science : a divine principle : GOD
–in principle : with respect to fundamentals <prepared to accept the proposition in principle>
usage Although nearly every handbook and many dictionaries warn against confusing principle and principal, many people still do. Principle is only a noun; principal is both adjective and noun. If you are unsure which noun you want, read the definitions in this dictionary.

principle
n. acceleration principle
Bernoulli's principle
exclusion principle
Pauli exclusion principle
Hardy Weinberg principle
indeterminacy principle
Pauli principle
Peter Principle
pleasure principle
in principle
strong anthropic principle
uncertainty principle
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
weak anthropic principle
anthropic principle
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

principled
adj. : exhibiting, based on, or characterized by principle ― often used in combination

princox
archaic : a pert youth : COXCOMB

prink
v. : PRIMP
–prink·er noun

print
n. 1 a : a mark made by pressure : IMPRESSION b : something impressed with a print or formed in a mold c : FINGERPRINT
2 a : printed state or form b : the printing industry
3 a : PRINTED MATTER b plural : printed publications
4 : printed letters : TYPE
5 a (1) : a copy made by printing (2) : a reproduction of an original work of art (as a painting) made by a photomechanical process (3) : an original work of art (as a woodcut, etching, or lithograph) intended for graphic reproduction and produced by or under the supervision of the artist who designed it b : cloth with a pattern or figured design applied by printing also : an article of such cloth c : a photographic or motion-picture copy especially : one made from a negative
–in print : procurable from the publisher
–out of print : not procurable from the publisher

print
n. 1 a : to impress something in or on b : to stamp (as a mark) in or on something
2 a : to make a copy of by impressing paper against an inked printing surface b (1) : to impress (as wallpaper) with a design or pattern (2) : to impress (a pattern or design) on something c : to publish in print d : PRINT OUT also : to display on a surface (as a computer screen) for viewing
3 : to write in letters shaped like those of ordinary roman text type
4 : to make (a positive picture) on a sensitized photographic surface from a negative or a positive
intransitive verb
1 a : to work as a printer b : to produce printed matter
2 : to produce something in printed form
3 : to write or hand-letter in imitation of unjoined printed characters

print
n. : of, relating to, or writing for printed publications <print journalists>

print
n. latent print
contact print
fine print
in print
large print
out of print
print out
release print
work print
printed circuit
printed matter
printing office
printing press
relief printing

print out
: to make a printout of

printable
adj. 1 : capable of being printed or of being printed from
2 : considered fit to publish
–print·abil·i·ty \ˌprin-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

printed circuit
: a circuit for electronic apparatus made by depositing conductive material in continuous paths from terminal to terminal on an insulating surface

printed matter
: matter printed by any of various mechanical processes that is eligible for mailing at a special rate

printer
n. : one that prints: as a : a person engaged in printing b : a device used for printing especially : a machine for printing from photographic negatives c : a device (as an ink-jet printer) that produces printout

printer
n. impact printer
laser printer
line printer
printer's devil
thermal printer

printer's devil
: an apprentice in a printing office

printery
n. : PRINTING OFFICE

printhead
n. : a usually movable part of a computer printer that contains the printing elements

printing
n. 1 : the act or product of one that prints
2 : reproduction in printed form
3 : the art, practice, or business of a printer
4 : IMPRESSION 4C
5 plural : paper to be printed on

printing
n. printing office
printing press
relief printing

printing office
: an establishment where printing is done

printing press
: a machine that produces printed copies

printless
: making, bearing, or taking no imprint

printmaking
n. : the design and production of prints by an artist
–print·mak·er \-kər\ noun

printout
n. : a printed record produced automatically (as by a computer)

prion
n. : any of several small petrels (genus Pachyptila of the family Procellariidae) of the southern hemisphere that are bluish gray above and white below

prion
n. : a protein particle that lacks nucleic acid and has been implicated as the cause of various neurodegenerative diseases (as bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)

Prior
n. Matthew 1664-1721 Eng. poet

prior
n. 1 : the superior ranking next to the abbot of a monastery
2 : the superior of a house or group of houses of any of various religious communities
–pri·or·ate \'prī-ə-rət\ noun
–pri·or·ship \'prī(-ə)r-ˌship\ noun

prior
n. 1 : earlier in time or order : PREVIOUS <by prior agreement>
2 : taking precedence (as in importance)
synonyms see PRECEDING
–pri·or·ly adverb

prior restraint
: governmental prohibition imposed on expression before the expression actually takes place

prior to
: in advance of : BEFORE
usage Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occas. emphasize the notion of anticipation <if page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting, proofreading of pages afterward becomes unnecessary ― Publishers Weekly>.

prioress
n. : a nun corresponding in rank to a prior

prioritize
v. : to list or rate (as projects or goals) in order of priority
usage see -IZE
–pri·or·i·ti·za·tion \prī-ˌȯr-ə-tə-'zā-shən, -är-; ˌprī-ə-rə-\ noun

priority
n. 1 a (1) : the quality or state of being prior (2) : precedence in date or position of publication ― used of taxa b (1) : superiority in rank, position, or privilege (2) : legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2 : a preferential rating especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply <that project has top priority>
3 : something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

priory
n. : a religious house under a prior or prioress

Pripet
river 500 mi (805 km) E cen Europe in NW Ukraine & S Belarus flowing E through the marshlands called Po·les·ye \pȯ-'les-ye\ or Pripet Marshes to the Dnieper

Priscian
fl A.D. 500 Priscianus Caesariensis Latin grammarian at Constantinople

prise
v. chiefly British variant of 5prize

prism
n. 1 : a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2 a : a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light b : a prism-shaped decorative glass luster
3 : a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis
4 : a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it

prismatic
adj. 1 : relating to, resembling, or constituting a prism
2 a : formed by a prism b : resembling the colors formed by refraction of light through a prism <prismatic effects>
3 : highly colored : BRILLIANT <prismatic lyrics>
4 : having such symmetry that a general form with faces cutting all axes at unspecified intercepts is a prism <prismatic crystals>
–pris·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

prismatoid
: a polyhedron that has all of its vertices in two parallel planes

prismoid
n. : a prismatoid whose parallel bases have the same number of sides
–pris·moi·dal \priz-'mȯi-dəl\ adjective

prison
n. 1 : a state of confinement or captivity
2 : a place of confinement especially for lawbreakers specifically : an institution (as one under state jurisdiction) for confinement of persons convicted of serious crimes ― compare JAIL

prison
n. : IMPRISON, CONFINE

prison camp
1 : a camp for the confinement of reasonably trustworthy prisoners usually employed on government projects
2 : a camp for prisoners of war or political prisoners

prisoner
n. 1 : a person deprived of liberty and kept under involuntary restraint, confinement, or custody especially : one on trial or in prison
2 : someone restrained as if in prison <a prisoner of her own conscience>

prisoner
n. prisoner of war
prisoner's base
take no prisoners

prisoner of war

1660
: a person captured in war especially : a member of the armed forces of a nation who is taken by the enemy during combat

prisoner's base
: a game in which players on each of two teams seek to tag and imprison players of the other team who have ventured out of their home territory

prissy
n. : overly prim and precise : FINICKY
–pris·si·ly \'pri-sə-lē\ adverb
–pris·si·ness \'pri-sē-nəs\ noun

pristane
: an isoprenoid hydrocarbon C_19H_40 that usually accompanies phytane

pristine
adj. 1 : belonging to the earliest period or state : ORIGINAL <the hypothetical pristine lunar atmosphere>
2 a : not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization) : PURE <a pristine forest> b : fresh and clean as or as if new <pristine hard-backs in uniform editions to fill our built-in bookcases ― Michiko Kakutani>
–pris·tine·ly adverb

prithee
interj. archaic ― used to express a wish or request

priv
private; privately

privacy
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being apart from company or observation : SECLUSION b : freedom from unauthorized intrusion <one's right to privacy>
2 archaic : a place of seclusion
3 a : SECRECY b : a private matter : SECRET

privatdozent
: an unsalaried university lecturer or teacher in German-speaking countries remunerated directly by students' fees

private
n. 1 a : intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class <a private park> b : belonging to or concerning an individual person, company, or interest <a private house> c (1) : restricted to the individual or arising independently of others <private opinion> (2) : carried on by the individual independently of the usual institutions <private study> <a doctor in private practice> also : being educated by independent study or a tutor or in a private school <private students> d : not general in effect <a private statute> e : of, relating to, or receiving hospital service in which the patient has more privileges than a semiprivate or ward patient
2 a (1) : not holding public office or employment <a private citizen> (2) : not related to one's official position : PERSONAL <private correspondence> b : being a private <a private soldier>
3 a : withdrawn from company or observation : SEQUESTERED <a private retreat> b : not known or intended to be known publicly : SECRET <a private conversation> c : preferring to keep personal affairs to oneself : valuing privacy highly d : unsuitable for public use or display
4 : not having shares that can be freely traded on the open market <a private company>
–pri·vate·ly adverb
–pri·vate·ness noun

private
n. 1 archaic : one not in public office
2 obsolete : PRIVACY
3 plural : PRIVATE PARTS
4 a : a person of low rank in various organizations (as a police or fire department) b : an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the marine corps or of one of the two lowest ranks in the army
–in private : not openly or in public

private
n. in private
private detective
private enterprise
private eye
private first class
private investigator
private label
private law
private parts
private school
private treaty

private detective
: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

private enterprise
: FREE ENTERPRISE

private eye
: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

private first class
: an enlisted man ranking in the army above a private and below a corporal and in the marine corps above a private and below a lance corporal

private investigator
: a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)

private label
: a label associated with a specific chain store also : a brand or product having a private label ― usually hyphenated when used attributively <private-label clothes>

private law
: a branch of law concerned with private persons, property, and relationships ― compare PUBLIC LAW

private parts
: the external genital and excretory organs

private school
: a school that is established, conducted, and primarily supported by a nongovernmental agency

private treaty
: a sale of property on terms determined by conference of the seller and buyer ― compare AUCTION

privateer
n. : an armed private ship licensed to attack enemy shipping also : a sailor on such a ship
–privateer intransitive verb

privation
n. 1 : an act or instance of depriving : DEPRIVATION
2 : the state of being deprived especially : lack of what is needed for existence

privatise
v. British variant of privatize

privatism
n. : the attitude of being uncommitted to or avoiding involvement in anything beyond one's immediate interests

privative
n. : constituting or predicating privation or absence of a quality <non- is a privative prefix>
–priv·a·tive·ly adverb

privative
n. : a privative term, expression, or proposition also : a privative prefix or suffix

privatize
v. : to make private especially : to change (as a business or industry) from public to private control or ownership
–pri·vat·i·za·tion \ˌprī-və-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

privet
n. : a Eurasian deciduous shrub (Ligustrum vulgare) of the olive family with semievergreen leaves and small white flowers that is widely used for hedges broadly : any of various shrubs of the same genus

privilege
n. : a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor : PREROGATIVE especially : such a right or immunity attached specif. to a position or an office

privilege
n. 1 : to grant a privilege to
2 : to accord a higher value or superior position to <privilege one mode of discourse over another>

privileged
adj. 1 : having or enjoying one or more privileges <privileged classes>
2 : not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance especially : not subject to disclosure in a court of law <a privileged communication>

privity
n. 1 a : a relationship between persons who successively have a legal interest in the same right or property b : an interest in a transaction, contract, or legal action to which one is not a party arising out of a relationship to one of the parties
2 : private or joint knowledge of a private matter especially : cognizance implying concurrence

privy
n. 1 a : PRIVATE, WITHDRAWN b : SECRET
2 : belonging or relating to a person in one's individual rather than official capacity
3 : admitted as one sharing in a secret <privy to the conspiracy>
–priv·i·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

privy
n. 1 a : a small building having a bench with holes through which the user may defecate or urinate b : TOILET 3B
2 : a person having a legal interest of privity

privy
n. privy council
privy councillor
privy purse

privy council
1 archaic : a secret or private council
2 capitalized P&C : a body of officials and dignitaries chosen by the British monarch as an advisory council to the Crown usually functioning through its committees
3 : a usually appointive advisory council to an executive
–privy councillor noun

privy purse
: an allowance for the private expenses of the British sovereign

prix
grand prix
grands prix
prix fixe

prix fixe
: a complete meal offered at a fixed price also : the price charged

prize
n. 1 : something offered or striven for in competition or in contests of chance also : PREMIUM 1D
2 : something exceptionally desirable
3 archaic : a contest for a reward : COMPETITION

prize
n. 1 a : awarded or worthy of a prize b : awarded as a prize c : entered for the sake of a prize <a prize drawing>
2 : outstanding of a kind <raised prize hogs>

prize
n. 1 : to estimate the value of : RATE
2 : to value highly : ESTEEM <a prized possession>
synonyms see APPRECIATE

prize
n. 1 : something taken by force, stratagem, or threat especially : property lawfully captured at sea in time of war
2 : an act of capturing or taking especially : the wartime capture of a ship and its cargo at sea
synonyms see SPOIL

prize
n. : to press, force, or move with a lever : PRY

prize
n. booby prize
consolation prize
door prize
Nobel Prize
prize money
Pulitzer prize

prize money
1 : a part of the proceeds of a captured ship formerly divided among the officers and men making the capture
2 : money offered in prizes

prizefight
n. : a professional boxing match
–prize·fight·er \-ˌfī-tər\ noun

prizefighting
n. : professional boxing

prizer
n. archaic : one that contends for a prize

prizewinner
n. : a winner of a prize

prizewinning
adj. : having won or of a quality to win a prize <a prizewinning design>

PRK
photorefractive keratectomy

prn
as needed; as the circumstances require

PRO
n. public relations officer

pro
n. 1 : an argument or evidence in affirmation <an appraisal of the pros and cons>
2 : the affirmative side or one holding it

pro
n. : on the affirmative side : in affirmation <much has been written pro and con>

pro
n. : in favor of : FOR

pro
n. : PROFESSIONAL

pro
n. 1 a : earlier than : prior to : before <prothalamion> b : rudimentary : PROT- <pronucleus> c : precursory <proinsulin>
2 a : located in front of or at the front of : anterior to <procephalic> <proventriculus> b : front : anterior <prothorax>
3 : projecting <prognathous>

pro
n. 1 : taking the place of : substituting for <procathedral> <procaine>
2 : favoring : supporting : championing <pro-American>

pro
n. pro abortionist
pro am
pro bono
pro choice
pro choicer
pro family
pro forma
pro forma invoice
pro life
pro lifer
pro rata
pro se
pro shop
pro tem
pro tempore
pro verb
quid pro quo
apologia pro vita sua
dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
omne ignotum pro magnifico
ora pro nobis
pars pro toto
pro aris et focis
pro bono publico
pro hac vice
pro patria
pro rege lege et grege
pro re nata
nol pros

pro aris et focis
: for altars and firesides

pro bono
: being, involving, or doing professional and especially legal work donated especially for the public good <pro bono work>
–pro bono adverb

pro bono publico
: for the public good

pro forma
1 : made or carried out in a perfunctory manner or as a formality
2 : based on financial assumptions or projections: as a : reflecting a transaction (as a merger) or other development as if it had been or will be in effect for a past or future period <a pro forma balance sheet> b : excluding usually extraordinary charges or expenses (as from acquisitions, restructuring, or the write-down of goodwill) often in order to present a more attractive financial report <pro forma income>

pro forma invoice
: a document provided prior to or with a shipment of goods (as for export) that describes the items and terms of sale but does not have the function of a real invoice

pro hac vice
: for this occasion

pro patria
: for one's country

pro rata
: proportionately according to an exactly calculable factor (as share or liability)
–pro rata adjective

pro re nata
: for an occasion that has arisen : as needed ― used in medical prescriptions

pro rege, lege, et grege
: for the king, the law, and the people

pro se
: on one's own behalf : without an attorney <a pro se action> <a defendant's right to proceed pro se>

pro shop
: a shop at which equipment for a particular sport (as golf) is sold typically by a professional in that sport

pro tem
: PRO TEMPORE

pro tempore
: for the time being

pro-am
: of, relating to, or being an event or a tournament in which professionals team with or compete against amateurs

pro-am
: a pro-am event or tournament

pro-choice
: favoring the legalization of abortion
–pro-choic·er \-'chȯi-sər\ noun

pro-family
1 : favoring or encouraging traditional family structures and values
2 : opposing abortion and often birth control

pro-life
: ANTIABORTION
–pro-lif·er \-'lī-fər\ noun

pro-verb
: a form of the verb do used to avoid repetition of a verb (as do in “act as I do”)

proa
n. variant of prau

proabortion
adj. : favoring the legalization of abortion
–pro-abor·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

proactive
adj. 1 [1pro-] : relating to, caused by, or being interference between previous learning and the recall or performance of later learning <proactive inhibition of memory>
2 [2pro- + reactive] : acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes
–pro·ac·tive·ly adverb

prob
n. 1 probable; probably
2 probate
3 problem

probabilism
1 : a theory that in disputed moral questions any solidly probable course may be followed even though an opposed course is or appears more probable
2 : a theory that certainty is impossible especially in the sciences and that probability suffices to govern belief and action
–prob·a·bi·list \-list\ adjective or noun

probabilistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to probabilism
2 : of, relating to, or based on probability
–prob·a·bi·lis·ti·cal·ly adverb

probability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being probable
2 : something (as an event or circumstance) that is probable
3 a (1) : the ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes (2) : the chance that a given event will occur b : a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities
4 : a logical relation between statements such that evidence confirming one confirms the other to some degree

probability
n. conditional probability
probability density
probability density function
probability distribution
probability function

probability density
: PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTION also : a particular value of a probability density function

probability density function
1 : PROBABILITY FUNCTION
2 : a function of a continuous random variable whose integral over an interval gives the probability that its value will fall within the interval

probability distribution
: PROBABILITY FUNCTION also : PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTION 2

probability function
: a function of a discrete random variable that gives the probability that the outcome associated with that variable will occur

probable
adj. 1 : supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof <a probable hypothesis>
2 : establishing a probability <probable evidence>
3 : likely to be or become true or real <probable events>

probable
adj. : one that is probable

probable cause
: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

probably
adv. : insofar as seems reasonably true, factual, or to be expected : without much doubt <is probably happy> <it will probably rain>

proband
n. : an individual affected with a disorder who is the first subject in a study (as of a genetic character in a family lineage)

probate
n. 1 a : the action or process of proving before a competent judicial authority that a document offered for official recognition and registration as the last will and testament of a deceased person is genuine b : the judicial determination of the validity of a will
2 : the officially authenticated copy of a probated will

probate
n. 1 : to establish (a will) by probate as genuine and valid
2 : to put (a convicted offender) on probation

probate court
: a court that has jurisdiction chiefly over the probate of wills and administration of deceased persons' estates

probation
n. 1 : critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation
2 a : subjection of an individual to a period of testing and trial to ascertain fitness (as for a job or school) b : the action of suspending the sentence of a convicted offender and giving the offender freedom during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer c : the state or a period of being subject to probation
–pro·ba·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–pro·ba·tion·al·ly adverb
–pro·ba·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

probation officer
: an officer appointed to investigate, report on, and supervise the conduct of convicted offenders on probation

probationer
n. 1 : a person (as a newly admitted student nurse) whose fitness is being tested during a trial period
2 : a convicted offender on probation

probative
adj. 1 : serving to test or try : EXPLORATORY
2 : serving to prove : SUBSTANTIATING

probatory
adj. : PROBATIVE

probe
n. 1 : a slender medical instrument used especially for exploration (as of a wound or body cavity)
2 a : any of various testing devices or substances: as (1) : a pointed metal tip for making electrical contact with a circuit element being checked (2) : a usually small object that is inserted into something so as to test conditions at a given point (3) : a device used to penetrate or send back information especially from outer space or a celestial body (4) : a device (as an ultrasound generator) or a substance (as radioactively labeled DNA) used to obtain specific information for diagnostic or experimental purposes b : a pipe on the receiving airplane thrust into the drogue of the delivering airplane in air refueling
3 a : the action of probing b : a penetrating or critical investigation c : a tentative exploratory advance or survey

probe
n. transitive verb
1 : to search into and explore very thoroughly : subject to a penetrating investigation
2 : to examine with a probe <unmanned vehicles probed space>
intransitive verb : to make a searching exploratory investigation
synonyms see ENTER
–prob·er noun

probenecid
n. : a drug C_13H_19NO_4S that acts on renal tubular function and is used to increase the concentration of some drugs (as penicillin) in the blood by inhibiting their excretion and to increase the excretion of urates in gout

probiotic
n. : a preparation (as a dietary supplement) containing live bacteria (as lactobacilli) that is taken orally to restore beneficial bacteria to the body also : a bacterium of such a preparation
–probiotic adjective

probit
n. : a unit of measurement of statistical probability based on deviations from the mean of a normal distribution

probity
n. : adherence to the highest principles and ideals : UPRIGHTNESS
synonyms see HONESTY

problem
n. 1 a : a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution b : a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done
2 a : an intricate unsettled question b : a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation c : difficulty in understanding or accepting <I have a problem with your saying that>
synonyms see MYSTERY

problem
n. 1 : dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship <a problem play>
2 : difficult to deal with <a problem child>

problematic
1 a : posing a problem : difficult to solve or decide b : not definite or settled : UNCERTAIN <their future remains problematic> c : open to question or debate : QUESTIONABLE
2 : expressing or supporting a possibility
synonyms see DOUBTFUL
–prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

problematic
adj. : something that is problematic : a problematic aspect or concern

proboscidean
n. : any of an order (Proboscidea) of large mammals comprising the elephants and extinct related forms (as mastodons)
–proboscidean adjective

proboscis
n. 1 a : the trunk of an elephant also : any long flexible snout b : the human nose especially when prominent
2 : any of various elongated or extensible tubular processes (as the sucking organ of a butterfly) of the oral region of an invertebrate

proboscis monkey
: a large long-tailed monkey (Nasalis larvatus) of Bornean forests that has a large nose which is long and pendulous in adult males

proc
n. proceedings

procaine
n. : a basic ester C_13H_20N_2O_2 of para-aminobenzoic acid also : its crystalline hydrochloride used as a local anesthetic

procambium
: the part of the primary meristem of a plant that forms cambium and primary vascular tissues
–pro·cam·bi·al \-bē-əl\ adjective

procarbazine
: an antineoplastic drug C_12H_19N_3O that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in the form of its hydrochloride especially in the palliative treatment of Hodgkin's disease

procaryote
n. variant of prokaryote

procathedral
n. : a parish church used as a cathedral

procedural
adj. : of or relating to procedure especially : of or relating to the procedure used by courts or other bodies administering substantive law
–pro·ce·dur·al·ly adverb

procedural
adj. : a realist crime novel with a specific focus <a courtroom procedural> especially : POLICE PROCEDURAL

procedural due process
: DUE PROCESS 1

procedure
n. 1 a : a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting b : a step in a procedure
2 a : a series of steps followed in a regular definite order <legal procedure> <a surgical procedure> b : a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action
3 a : a traditional or established way of doing things b : PROTOCOL 3A

proceed
v. 1 : to come forth from a source : ISSUE <strange sounds proceeded from the room>
2 a : to continue after a pause or interruption b : to go on in an orderly regulated way
3 a : to begin and carry on an action, process, or movement b : to be in the process of being accomplished <the work is proceeding well>
4 : to move along a course : ADVANCE
synonyms see SPRING

proceeding
n. 1 : legal action <a divorce proceeding>
2 : PROCEDURE
3 plural : EVENTS, HAPPENINGS
4 : TRANSACTION
5 plural : an official record of things said or done

proceeds
n. 1 : the total amount brought in <the proceeds of a sale>
2 : the net amount received (as for a check or from an insurance settlement) after deduction of any discount or charges

procephalic
adj. : relating to, forming, or situated on or near the front of the head

procercoid
adj. : the solid first parasitic larva of some tapeworms that develops usually in the body cavity of a copepod

proces-verbal
: an official written record

process
n. 1 a : PROGRESS, ADVANCE <in the process of time> b : something going on : PROCEEDING
2 a (1) : a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result <the process of growth> (2) : a continuing natural or biological activity or function <such life processes as breathing> b : a series of actions or operations conducing to an end especially : a continuous operation or treatment especially in manufacture
3 a : the whole course of proceedings in a legal action b : the summons, mandate, or writ used by a court to compel the appearance of the defendant in a legal action or compliance with its orders
4 : a prominent or projecting part of an organism or organic structure <a bone process> <a nerve cell process>
5 : 6CONK

process
n. 1 a : to proceed against by law : PROSECUTE b (1) : to take out a summons against (2) : to serve a summons on
2 a : to subject to a special process or treatment (as in the course of manufacture or film development) b (1) : to subject to or handle through an established usually routine set of procedures <process insurance claims> (2) : to integrate sensory information received so that an action or response is generated <the brain processes visual images relayed from the retina> (3) : to subject to examination or analysis <computers process data> c : to work (hair) into a conk

process
n. 1 : treated or made by a special process especially when involving synthesis or artificial modification
2 : made by or used in a mechanical or photomechanical duplicating process
3 : of or involving illusory effects usually introduced during processing of the film

process
n. chiefly British : to move in a procession

process
n. Auger process
Bessemer process
due process
substantive due process
procedural due process
Haber process
in process
Markov process
Markoff process
odontoid process
open hearth process
process cheese
pterygoid process
Solvay process
transverse process
word process
xiphoid process
zygomatic process
processed cheese
central processing unit
data processing
word processing

process cheese
: a cheese made by blending several lots of cheese ― called also processed cheese

processable
: suitable for processing : capable of being processed
–pro·cess·abil·i·ty also pro·cess·ibil·i·ty \ˌprä-ˌse-sə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌprō-\ noun

procession
n. 1 a : a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way b : SUCCESSION, SEQUENCE
2 a : continuous forward movement : PROGRESSION b : EMANATION <the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father>

procession
n. archaic : to go in procession

processional
n. 1 : a book containing material for a procession
2 : a musical composition (as a hymn) designed for a procession
3 : a ceremonial procession

processional
n. : of, relating to, or moving in a procession
–pro·ces·sion·al·ly adverb

processor
n. 1 : one that processes <scrap processor> <agricultural processor>
2 a (1) : COMPUTER (2) : CPU b : a computer program (as a compiler) that puts another program into a form acceptable to the computer
3 : FOOD PROCESSOR

processor
n. data processor
food processor
word processor

proclaim
v. 1 a : to declare publicly, typically insistently, proudly, or defiantly and in either speech or writing : ANNOUNCE b : to give outward indication of : SHOW <his manner proclaimed his genteel upbringing>
2 : to declare or declare to be solemnly, officially, or formally <proclaim an amnesty> <proclaim the country a republic>
3 : to praise or glorify openly or publicly : EXTOL <proclaimed the rescue workers' efforts>
synonyms see DECLARE
–pro·claim·er noun

proclamation
n. 1 : the action of proclaiming : the state of being proclaimed
2 : something proclaimed specifically : an official formal public announcement

proclitic
n. : a clitic that is associated with a following word
–proclitic adjective

proclivity
n. : an inclination or predisposition toward something especially : a strong inherent inclination toward something objectionable
synonyms see LEANING

Proclus
410?-485 Greek philos.

Procne
: the wife of Tereus who is changed into a swallow while fleeing from him

proconsul
n. 1 : a governor or military commander of an ancient Roman province
2 : an administrator in a modern colony, dependency, or occupied area usually with wide powers
–pro·con·su·lar \-s(ə-)lər\ adjective
–pro·con·su·late \-s(ə-)lət\ noun
–pro·con·sul·ship \-səl-ˌship\ noun

Procopius
6th cent. Byzantine hist.

procrastinate
transitive verb : to put off intentionally and habitually
intransitive verb : to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done
synonyms see DELAY
–pro·cras·ti·na·tion \-ˌkras-tə-'nā-shən\ noun
–pro·cras·ti·na·tor \-'kras-tə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

procreant
adj. 1 : producing offspring
2 archaic : of or relating to procreation

procreate
v. transitive verb : to beget or bring forth (offspring) : PROPAGATE
intransitive verb : to beget or bring forth offspring : REPRODUCE
–pro·cre·ation \ˌprō-krē-'ā-shən\ noun
–pro·cre·ative \'prō-krē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–pro·cre·ator \-ˌā-tər\ noun

procrustean
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or typical of Procrustes
2 : marked by arbitrary often ruthless disregard of individual differences or special circumstances

procrustean bed
: a scheme or pattern into which someone or something is arbitrarily forced

Procrustes
n. : a villainous son of Poseidon in Greek mythology who forces travelers to fit into his bed by stretching their bodies or cutting off their legs

procryptic
: of, relating to, or being a concealing pattern or shade of coloring especially in insects

proctodaeum
n. : the embryonic posterior ectodermal part of the alimentary canal

proctology
n. : a branch of medicine dealing with the structure and diseases of the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon
–proc·to·log·ic \ˌpräk-tə-'lä-jik\ or proc·to·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–proc·tol·o·gist \präk-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

proctor
n. : SUPERVISOR, MONITOR specifically : one appointed to supervise students (as at an examination)
–proctor verb
–proc·to·ri·al \präk-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–proc·tor·ship \'präk-tər-ˌship\ noun

procumbent
adj. 1 : being or having stems that trail along the ground without rooting
2 : lying face down

procuration
n. 1 a : the act of appointing another as one's agent or attorney b : the authority vested in one so appointed
2 : the action of obtaining something (as supplies) : PROCUREMENT

procurator
n. 1 : one that manages another's affairs : AGENT
2 : an officer of the Roman empire entrusted with management of the financial affairs of a province and often having administrative powers as agent of the emperor
–proc·u·ra·to·ri·al \ˌprä-kyə-rə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

procure
v. transitive verb
1 a : to get possession of : obtain by particular care and effort b : to get and make available for promiscuous sexual intercourse
2 : BRING ABOUT, ACHIEVE <procured the prisoner's release>
intransitive verb : to procure women
–pro·cur·able \-'kyu̇r-ə-bəl\ adjective

procurement
n. : the act or process of procuring especially : the obtaining of military supplies by a government

procurer
n. : one that procures especially : PANDER

Procyon
: the brightest star in the constellation Canis Minor

Prod
n. chiefly Irish often disparaging : PROTESTANT 1B

prod
n. transitive verb
1 a : to thrust a pointed instrument into : PRICK b : to incite to action : STIR
2 : to poke or stir as if with a prod
intransitive verb : to urge someone on
–prod·der noun

prod
n. 1 : a pointed instrument used to prod
2 : an incitement to act <needed a few prods to remember her lines>

prod
n. product; production

prodigal
n. 1 : characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure : LAVISH <a prodigal feast> <prodigal outlays for her clothes>
2 : recklessly spendthrift <the prodigal prince>
3 : yielding abundantly : LUXURIANT ― often used with of <nature has been so prodigal of her bounty ― H. T. Buckle>
synonyms see PROFUSE
–prod·i·gal·i·ty \ˌprä-də-'ga-lə-tē\ noun
–prod·i·gal·ly \'prä-di-g(ə-)lē\ adverb

prodigal
n. 1 : one who spends or gives lavishly and foolishly
2 : one who has returned after an absence

prodigious
adj. 1 a obsolete : being an omen : PORTENTOUS b : resembling or befitting a prodigy : STRANGE, UNUSUAL
2 : exciting amazement or wonder
3 : extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree : ENORMOUS
synonyms see MONSTROUS
–pro·di·gious·ly adverb
–pro·di·gious·ness noun

prodigy
n. 1 a : a portentous event : OMEN b : something extraordinary or inexplicable
2 a : an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event b : a highly talented child or youth

prodn
production

prodromal
adj. : PRECURSORY especially : marked by prodromes

prodrome
n. : a premonitory symptom of disease

produce
n. transitive verb
1 : to offer to view or notice
2 : to give birth or rise to : YIELD
3 : to extend in length, area, or volume <produce a side of a triangle>
4 : to make available for public exhibition or dissemination: as a : to provide funding for <search for backers to produce the film> b : to oversee the making of <will produce their new album>
5 a : to cause to have existence or to happen : BRING ABOUT b : to give being, form, or shape to : MAKE especially : MANUFACTURE
6 : to compose, create, or bring out by intellectual or physical effort
7 : to cause to accrue
intransitive verb : to bear, make, or yield something
–pro·duc·ible \-'dü-sə-bəl, -'dyü-\ adjective

produce
n. 1 a : something produced b : the amount produced : YIELD
2 : agricultural products and especially fresh fruits and vegetables as distinguished from grain and other staple crops
3 : the progeny usually of a female animal

producer
n. 1 : one that produces especially : one that grows agricultural products or manufactures crude materials into articles of use
2 : a person who supervises or finances a work (as a staged or recorded performance) for exhibition or dissemination to the public
3 : an autotrophic organism (as a green plant) viewed as a source of biomass that can be consumed by other organisms ― compare CONSUMER

producer gas
: a fuel gas made by circulating air or a mixture of air and steam through a layer of incandescent fuel and consisting chiefly of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen

producer goods
: goods (as tools and raw materials) used to produce other goods and satisfy human wants only indirectly

product
n. 1 : the number or expression resulting from the multiplication together of two or more numbers or expressions
2 a (1) : something produced especially : COMMODITY 1 (2) : something (as a service) that is marketed or sold as a commodity b : something resulting from or necessarily following from a set of conditions <a product of his environment>
3 : the amount, quantity, or total produced
4 : CONJUNCTION 5

product
n. by product
Cartesian product
cross product
direct product
dot product
gross domestic product
gross national product
inner product
partial product
product placement
scalar product
Universal Product Code
vector product

product placement
: the inclusion of a product in a television program or film as a form of paid advertisement

production
n. 1 a : something produced : PRODUCT b (1) : a literary or artistic work (2) : a work presented to the public (as on the stage or screen or over the air) c : something exaggerated out of proportion to its importance
2 a : the act or process of producing b : the creation of utility especially : the making of goods available for use
3 : total output especially of a commodity or an industry
4 often attributive : something not specially designed or customized and usually mass-produced <a production car> <production housing>
–pro·duc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

production
n. mass production
pair production
production control
production line

production control
: systematic planning, coordinating, and directing of all manufacturing activities and influences to insure having goods made on time, of adequate quality, and at reasonable cost

production line
: LINE 6J

productive
adj. 1 : having the quality or power of producing especially in abundance <productive fishing waters>
2 : effective in bringing about <investigating committees have been productive of much good ― R. K. Carr>
3 a : yielding results, benefits, or profits b : yielding or devoted to the satisfaction of wants or the creation of utilities
4 : continuing to be used in the formation of new words or constructions <un- is a productive prefix>
5 : raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi) <a productive cough>
–pro·duc·tive·ly adverb
–pro·duc·tive·ness noun

productivity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being productive
2 : the rate per unit area or per unit volume at which biomass consumable as food by other organisms is made by producers

proem
n. 1 : preliminary comment : PREFACE
2 : PRELUDE
–pro·emi·al \prō-'ē-mē-əl, -'e-\ adjective

proenzyme
n. : ZYMOGEN

proestrus
n. : a period immediately preceding estrus characterized by preparatory physiological changes

prof
n. : PROFESSOR

prof
n. professional

profanation
n. : the act or an instance of profaning

profanatory
adj. : tending to profane : DESECRATING

profane
adj. 1 : to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt : DESECRATE
2 : to debase by a wrong, unworthy, or vulgar use
–pro·fan·er noun

profane
adj. 1 : not concerned with religion or religious purposes : SECULAR
2 : not holy because unconsecrated, impure, or defiled : UNSANCTIFIED
3 a : serving to debase or defile what is holy : IRREVERENT b : OBSCENE, VULGAR
4 a : not being among the initiated b : not possessing esoteric or expert knowledge
–pro·fane·ly adverb
–pro·fane·ness \-'fān-nəs\ noun

profanity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being profane b : the use of profane language
2 a : profane language b : an utterance of profane language

profess
v. transitive verb
1 : to receive formally into a religious community following a novitiate by acceptance of the required vows
2 a : to declare or admit openly or freely : AFFIRM b : to declare in words or appearances only : PRETEND, CLAIM
3 : to confess one's faith in or allegiance to
4 a : to practice or claim to be versed in (a calling or profession) b : to teach as a professor
intransitive verb
1 : to make a profession or avowal
2 obsolete : to profess friendship

professed
adj. 1 : openly and freely declared or acknowledged : AFFIRMED
2 : professing to be qualified also : EXPERT

professedly
adv. 1 : by profession or declaration : AVOWEDLY
2 : with pretense : ALLEGEDLY

profession
n. 1 : the act of taking the vows of a religious community
2 : an act of openly declaring or publicly claiming a belief, faith, or opinion : PROTESTATION
3 : an avowed religious faith
4 a : a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b : a principal calling, vocation, or employment c : the whole body of persons engaged in a calling

professional
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession b : engaged in one of the learned professions c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
2 a : participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs <a professional golfer> b : having a particular profession as a permanent career <a professional soldier> c : engaged in by persons receiving financial return <professional football>
3 : following a line of conduct as though it were a profession <a professional patriot>
–pro·fes·sion·al·ly adverb

professional
n. : one that is professional especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally

professional corporation
: a corporation organized by one or more licensed individuals (as a doctor or lawyer) especially for the purpose of providing professional services and obtaining tax advantages

professionalism
n. 1 : the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
2 : the following of a profession (as athletics) for gain or livelihood

professionalize
: to give a professional character to
–pro·fes·sion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌfesh-nə-lə-'zā-shən, -ˌfe-shə-nə-lə-\ noun

professor
n. 1 : one that professes, avows, or declares
2 a : a faculty member of the highest academic rank at an institution of higher education b : a teacher at a university, college, or sometimes secondary school c : one that teaches or professes special knowledge of an art, sport, or occupation requiring skill
–pro·fes·so·ri·al \ˌprō-fə-'sȯr-ē-əl, ˌprä-\ adjective
–pro·fes·so·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
–pro·fes·sor·ship \prə-'fe-sər-ˌship\ noun

professor
n. assistant professor
associate professor
regius professor
assistant professorship
associate professorship

professorate
n. : the office, term of office, or position of a professor

professoriat
1 : the body of college and university teachers at an institution or in society
2 : the office, duties, or position of a professor

proffer
n. : to present for acceptance : TENDER, OFFER

proffer
n. : OFFER, SUGGESTION

proficiency
n. 1 : advancement in knowledge or skill : PROGRESS
2 : the quality or state of being proficient

proficient
adj. : well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge
–proficient noun
–pro·fi·cient·ly adverb
synonyms PROFICIENT, ADEPT, SKILLED, SKILLFUL, EXPERT mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession. PROFICIENT implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice <proficient in translating foreign languages>. ADEPT implies special aptitude as well as proficiency <adept at doing long division>. SKILLED stresses mastery of technique <a skilled surgeon>. SKILLFUL implies individual dexterity in execution or performance <skillful drivers>. EXPERT implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill <expert in the evaluation of wines>.

profile
n. 1 : a representation of something in outline especially : a human head or face represented or seen in a side view
2 : an outline seen or represented in sharp relief : CONTOUR
3 : a side or sectional elevation: as a : a drawing showing a vertical section of the ground b : a vertical section of a soil from the ground surface to the underlying unweathered material
4 : a set of data often in graphic form portraying the significant features of something <a corporation's earnings profile> especially : a graph representing the extent to which an individual exhibits traits or abilities as determined by tests or ratings
5 : a concise biographical sketch
6 : degree or level of public exposure <trying to keep a low profile> <a job with a high profile>
synonyms see OUTLINE

profile
n. 1 : to represent in profile or by a profile : produce (as by drawing, writing, or graphing) a profile of
2 : to shape the outline of by passing a cutter around
3 : to subject to profiling
–pro·fil·er noun

profiling
n. : the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies <consumer profiling> specifically : the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior <racial profiling>

profit
n. 1 : a valuable return : GAIN
2 : the excess of returns over expenditure in a transaction or series of transactions especially : the excess of the selling price of goods over their cost
3 : net income usually for a given period of time
4 : the ratio of profit for a given year to the amount of capital invested or to the value of sales
5 : the compensation accruing to entrepreneurs for the assumption of risk in business enterprise as distinguished from wages or rent
–prof·it·less \-ləs\ adjective
–prof·it·wise \-ˌwīz\ adverb

profit
n. 1 : to be of service or advantage : AVAIL
2 : to derive benefit : GAIN
3 : to make a profit
transitive verb : to be of service to : BENEFIT

profit
n. for profit
not for profit
paper profit
profit and loss
profit center
profit sharing
profit system

profit and loss
: a summary account used at the end of an accounting period to collect the balances of the nominal accounts so that the net profit or loss may be shown

profit center
: a part of a corporation or its product line that is an important source of profits

profit sharing
: a system or process under which employees receive a part of the profits of an industrial or commercial enterprise

profit system
: FREE ENTERPRISE

profitable
adj. : affording profits : yielding advantageous returns or results
–prof·it·abil·i·ty \ˌprä-fə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–prof·it·able·ness \'prä-fə-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–prof·it·ably \-blē\ adverb

profiteer
n. : one who makes what is considered an unreasonable profit especially on the sale of essential goods during times of emergency
–profiteer intransitive verb

profiterole
n. : a miniature cream puff with a sweet or savory filling

profligacy
n. : the quality or state of being profligate

profligate
n. 1 : completely given up to dissipation and licentiousness
2 : wildly extravagant : PRODIGAL
–prof·li·gate·ly adverb

profligate
n. : a person given to wildly extravagant and usually grossly self-indulgent expenditure

profluent
: flowing copiously or smoothly

profound
n. 1 a : having intellectual depth and insight b : difficult to fathom or understand
2 a : extending far below the surface b : coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : DEEP-SEATED <a profound sigh>
3 a : characterized by intensity of feeling or quality b : all encompassing : COMPLETE <profound sleep> <profound deafness>
–pro·found·ly \-'fau̇n(d)-lē\ adverb
–pro·found·ness \-'fau̇n(d)-nəs\ noun

profound
n. archaic : something that is very deep specifically : the depths of the sea

profundity
n. 1 a : intellectual depth b : something profound or abstruse
2 : the quality or state of being profound or deep

profuse
adj. 1 : pouring forth liberally : EXTRAVAGANT <profuse in their thanks>
2 : exhibiting great abundance : BOUNTIFUL <a profuse harvest>
–pro·fuse·ly adverb
–pro·fuse·ness noun
synonyms PROFUSE, LAVISH, PRODIGAL, LUXURIANT, LUSH, EXUBERANT mean giving or given out in great abundance. PROFUSE implies pouring forth without restraint <profuse apologies>. LAVISH suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion <a lavish party>. PRODIGAL implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources <prodigal spending>. LUXURIANT suggests a rich and splendid abundance <a luxuriant beard>. LUSH suggests rich, soft luxuriance <a lush green lawn>. EXUBERANT implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly <an exuberant imagination>.

profusion
n. 1 : lavish expenditure : EXTRAVAGANCE
2 : the quality or state of being profuse
3 : great quantity : lavish display or supply <snow falling in profusion>

prog
v. chiefly dialect : to search about especially : FORAGE

prog
v. chiefly dialect : FOOD, VICTUALS

prog
v. 1 program
2 progressive

progenitor
n. 1 a : an ancestor in the direct line : FOREFATHER b : a biologically ancestral form
2 : PRECURSOR, ORIGINATOR <progenitors of socialist ideas ― Times Lit. Supp.> <progenitor cells>

progeny
n. 1 a : DESCENDANTS, CHILDREN b : offspring of animals or plants
2 : OUTCOME, PRODUCT
3 : a body of followers, disciples, or successors

progeria
n. : a rare genetic disorder of childhood marked by slowed physical growth and characteristic signs (as baldness, wrinkled skin, and atherosclerosis) of rapid aging with death usually occurring around puberty

progestational
adj. : preceding pregnancy or gestation especially : of, relating to, inducing, or constituting the modifications of the female mammalian system associated especially with ovulation and corpus luteum formation <progestational hormones>

progesterone
n. : a female steroid sex hormone C_21H_30O_2 that is secreted by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus also : a synthetic steroid resembling progesterone in action

progestin
n. : PROGESTOGEN especially : a synthetic progesterone (as levonorgestrel)

progestogen
n. : a naturally occurring or synthetic progestational steroid
–pro·ges·to·gen·ic \-ˌjes-tə-'je-nik\ adjective

proglottid
n. : a segment of a tapeworm containing both male and female reproductive organs

proglottis
n. : PROGLOTTID

prognathism
n. : the condition marked by a prognathous jaw
–prog·na·thic \präg-'na-thik, -'nā-\ adjective

prognathous
adj. : being or having the lower jaw projecting beyond the upper part of the face

prognosis
n. 1 : the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of disease or peculiarities of the case
2 : FORECAST, PROGNOSTICATION

prognostic
n. 1 : something that foretells : PORTENT
2 : PROGNOSTICATION, PROPHECY

prognostic
n. : of, relating to, or serving as ground for prognostication or a prognosis <prognostic weather charts> <favorable prognostic signs>

prognosticate
1 : to foretell from signs or symptoms : PREDICT
2 : PRESAGE
synonyms see FORETELL
–prog·nos·ti·ca·tive \-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective
–prog·nos·ti·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

prognostication
n. 1 : an indication in advance : FORETOKEN
2 a : an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : FORECAST b : FOREBODING

prograde
: having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is counterclockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet

program
n. 1 [Late Latin programma, from Greek] : a public notice
2 a : a brief usually printed outline of the order to be followed, of the features to be presented, and the persons participating (as in a public performance) b : the performance of a program especially : a performance broadcast on radio or television
3 : a plan or system under which action may be taken toward a goal
4 : CURRICULUM
5 : PROSPECTUS, SYLLABUS
6 a : a plan for the programming of a mechanism (as a computer) b : a sequence of coded instructions that can be inserted into a mechanism (as a computer) c : a sequence of coded instructions (as genes or behavioral responses) that is part of an organism

program
1 a : to arrange or furnish a program of or for : BILL b : to enter in a program
2 : to work out a sequence of operations to be performed by (a mechanism) : provide with a program
3 a : to insert a program for (a particular action) into or as if into a mechanism b : to control by or as if by a program c (1) : to code in an organism's program (2) : to provide with a biological program <cells programmed to synthesize hemoglobin>
4 : to predetermine the thinking, behavior, or operations of as if by computer programming <children are programmed into violence ― Lisa A. Richette>
–pro·gram·ma·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)prō-ˌgra-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pro·gram·ma·ble \'prō-ˌgra-mə-bəl\ adjective or noun

program
n. program director
program music
program trading
quiz program
work study program
programmed cell death
programmed instruction
linear programming
object oriented programming

program director
: one in charge of planning and scheduling program material for a radio or television station or network

program music
: music intended to suggest a sequence of images or incidents

program trading
: computerized trading of large blocks of stocks in one market and stock index futures in another so as to take advantage of price differentials between the markets

programmatic
adj. 1 : relating to program music
2 : of, relating to, resembling, or having a program
–pro·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

programme
n. chiefly British variant of program

programme
n. programmed cell death
programmed instruction
linear programming
object oriented programming

programmed cell death
: APOPTOSIS

programmed instruction
: instruction through information given in small steps with each requiring a correct response by the learner before going on to the next step

programmer
n. : one that programs: as a : a person who prepares and tests programs for devices (as computers) b : one that programs a mechanism c : one that prepares an instructional program d : a person who plans or prepares entertainment programs <a television programmer>

programming
n. 1 : the planning, scheduling, or performing of a program
2 a : the process of instructing or learning by means of an instructional program b : the process of preparing an instructional program

Progreso
city SE Mexico on Yucatán Peninsula; port for Mérida pop 37,806

progress
n. 1 a (1) : a royal journey marked by pomp and pageant (2) : a state procession b : a tour or circuit made by an official (as a judge) c : an expedition, journey, or march through a region
2 : a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) : ADVANCE
3 : gradual betterment especially : the progressive development of humankind
–in progress : going on : OCCURRING

progress
n. 1 : to move forward : PROCEED
2 : to develop to a higher, better, or more advanced stage

progression
n. 1 : a sequence of numbers in which each term is related to its predecessor by a uniform law
2 a : the action or process of progressing : ADVANCE b : a continuous and connected series : SEQUENCE
3 a : succession of musical tones or chords b : the movement of musical parts in harmony c : SEQUENCE 2C
–pro·gres·sion·al \-'gresh-nəl, -'gre-shə-nəl\ adjective

progression
n. arithmetic progression
harmonic progression
geometric progression
geometrical progression

progressive
1 a : of, relating to, or characterized by progress b : making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities c : of, relating to, or constituting an educational theory marked by emphasis on the individual child, informality of classroom procedure, and encouragement of self-expression
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by progression
3 : moving forward or onward : ADVANCING
4 a : increasing in extent or severity <a progressive disease> b : increasing in rate as the base increases <a progressive tax>
5 often capitalized : of or relating to political Progressives
6 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form that expresses action or state in progress at the time of speaking or a time spoken of
–pro·gres·sive·ly adverb
–pro·gres·sive·ness noun

progressive
n. 1 a : one that is progressive b : one believing in moderate political change and especially social improvement by governmental action
2 capitalized : a member of any of various U.S. political parties: as a : a member of a predominantly agrarian minor party that around 1912 split off from the Republicans specifically : BULL MOOSE b : a follower of Robert M. La Follette in the presidential campaign of 1924 c : a follower of Henry A. Wallace in the presidential campaign of 1948

Progressive Conservative
: of or relating to a major political party in Canada traditionally advocating economic nationalism and close ties with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations
–Progressive Conservative noun

progressivism
n. 1 : the principles, beliefs, or practices of progressives
2 capitalized : the political and economic doctrines advocated by the Progressives
3 : the theories of progressive education
–pro·gres·siv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective
–pro·gres·siv·is·tic \-ˌgre-si-'vis-tik\ adjective

progressivity
: the quality or state of being a progressive tax

prohibit
v. 1 : to forbid by authority : ENJOIN
2 a : to prevent from doing something b : PRECLUDE
synonyms see FORBID

prohibition
n. 1 : the act of prohibiting by authority
2 : an order to restrain or stop
3 often capitalized : the forbidding by law of the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic liquors except for medicinal and sacramental purposes

prohibitionist
n. : one who favors prohibition especially capitalized : a member of a minor U.S. political party advocating prohibition

prohibitive
adj. 1 : tending to prohibit or restrain
2 : tending to preclude use or purchase <prohibitive costs>
3 : almost certain to perform as predicted <a prohibitive favorite>
–pro·hib·i·tive·ly adverb
–pro·hib·i·tive·ness noun

prohibitory
adj. : PROHIBITIVE

proinsulin
: a single-chain pancreatic polypeptide precursor of insulin that gives rise to the double chain of insulin by cleavage and loss of the middle part of the molecule

proj
1 project
2 projector

project
n. 1 : a specific plan or design : SCHEME
2 obsolete : IDEA
3 : a planned undertaking: as a : a definitely formulated piece of research b : a large usually government-supported undertaking c : a task or problem engaged in usually by a group of students to supplement and apply classroom studies
4 : a usually public housing development consisting of houses or apartments built and arranged according to a single plan
synonyms see PLAN

project
n. transitive verb
1 a : to devise in the mind : DESIGN b : to plan, figure, or estimate for the future <project expenditures for the coming year>
2 : to throw or cast forward : THRUST
3 : to put or set forth : present for consideration
4 : to cause to jut out
5 : to cause (light or shadow) to fall into space or (an image) to fall on a surface <project a beam of light>
6 : to reproduce (as a point, line, or area) on a surface by motion in a prescribed direction
7 : to display outwardly especially to an audience <project an image> <an actress who could project amorality ― Current Biog.>
8 : to attribute (one's own ideas, feelings, or characteristics) to other people or to objects <a nation is an entity on which one can project many of the worst of one's instincts ― Times Lit. Supp.>
intransitive verb
1 : to jut out : PROTRUDE
2 a : to come across vividly : give an impression b : to make oneself heard clearly
–pro·ject·able \-'jek-tə-bəl\ adjective

projectile
n. 1 : a body projected by external force and continuing in motion by its own inertia especially : a missile for a weapon (as a firearm)
2 : a self-propelling weapon (as a rocket)

projectile
n. 1 : projecting or impelling forward <a projectile force>
2 : capable of being thrust forward

projectile vomiting
: vomiting that is sudden and so sufficiently vigorous that the vomitus is forcefully projected to a distance

projection
n. 1 a : a systematic presentation of intersecting coordinate lines on a flat surface upon which features from a curved surface (as of the earth or the celestial sphere) may be mapped <an equal-area map projection> b : the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object upon a plane or curved surface or a line by projecting its points also : a graph or figure so formed
2 : a transforming change
3 : the act of throwing or thrusting forward
4 : the forming of a plan : SCHEMING
5 a (1) : a jutting out (2) : a part that juts out b : a view of a building or architectural element
6 a : the act of perceiving a mental object as spatially and sensibly objective also : something so perceived b : the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
7 : the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen
8 a : the act of projecting especially to an audience b : control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility
9 : an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend
–pro·jec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
synonyms PROJECTION, PROTRUSION, PROTUBERANCE, BULGE mean an extension beyond the normal line or surface. PROJECTION implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle <those projections along the wall are safety hazards>. PROTRUSION suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity <the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef>. PROTUBERANCE implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form <a skin disease marked by warty protuberances>. BULGE suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure <bulges in the tile floor>.

projection
n. azimuthal equidistant projection
Mercator projection
orthographic projection
polyconic projection
projection booth
Robinson projection
sinusoidal projection

projection booth
: a booth in a theater or hall for housing and operating a projector and especially a motion-picture projector

projectionist
n. : one that makes projections: as a : CARTOGRAPHER b : a person who operates a motion-picture projector or television equipment

projective
adj. 1 : relating to, produced by, or involving geometric projection
2 : of or relating to something that indicates the psychodynamic constitution of an individual <projective tests>
–pro·jec·tive·ly adverb

projective geometry
: a branch of geometry that deals with the properties of configurations that are unaltered by projection

projector
n. 1 : one that plans a project specifically : PROMOTER
2 : one that projects: as a : a device for projecting a beam of light b : an optical instrument for projecting an image upon a surface c : a machine for projecting motion pictures on a screen
3 : an imagined line from an object to a surface along which projection takes place

projet
n. 1 : PLAN especially : a draft of a proposed measure or treaty
2 : a projected or proposed design

prokaryote
n. : any of the typically unicellular microorganisms that lack a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and that are classified as a kingdom (Prokaryotae syn. Monera) or into two domains (Bacteria and Archaea) ― compare ARCHAEA, BACTERIUM, EUKARYOTE
–pro·kary·ot·ic \-ˌka-rē-'ä-tik\ adjective

Prokofiev
n. Sergey Sergeyevich 1891-1953 Russ. composer
–Pro·kof·iev·ian \-ˌkȯf-'ye-vē-ən\ adjective

Prokopyevsk
city S Russia in Asia at S end of Kuznetsk Basin NW of Novokuznetsk pop 272,000

prolactin
n. : a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary that induces lactation

prolamin
n. : any of various simple proteins (as zein) that are found especially in grass seeds and are soluble in alcohol

prolapse
n. : the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position or relations

prolapse
n. : to undergo prolapse

prolate
adj. : EXTENDED especially : elongated in the direction of a line joining the poles <a prolate spheroid>

prole
n. : PROLETARIAN

proleg
n. : a fleshy leg that occurs on an abdominal segment of some insect larvae but not in the adult

prolegomenon
n. : prefatory remarks specifically : a formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work
–pro·le·gom·e·nous \-nəs\ adjective

prolepsis
n. : ANTICIPATION: as a : the representation or assumption of a future act or development as if presently existing or accomplished b : the application of an adjective to a noun in anticipation of the result of the action of the verb (as in “while yon slow oxen turn the furrowed plain”)
–pro·lep·tic \-'lep-tik\ adjective
–pro·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

proletarian
n. : a member of the proletariat
–proletarian adjective

proletarianise
v. British variant of proletarianize

proletarianize
: to reduce to a proletarian status or level
–pro·le·tar·i·an·i·za·tion \-ˌter-ē-ə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

proletariat
n. 1 : the laboring class especially : the class of industrial workers who lack their own means of production and hence sell their labor to live
2 : the lowest social or economic class of a community

proliferate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring
2 : to increase in number as if by proliferating : MULTIPLY
transitive verb
1 : to cause to grow by proliferating
2 : to cause to increase in number or extent as if by proliferating
–pro·lif·er·a·tion \-ˌli-fə-'rā-shən\ noun
–pro·lif·er·a·tive \-'li-fə-ˌrā-tiv, -f(ə-)rə-tiv\ adjective

prolific
adj. 1 : producing young or fruit especially freely : FRUITFUL
2 archaic : causing abundant growth, generation, or reproduction
3 : marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity <a prolific composer>
synonyms see FERTILE
–pro·lif·i·ca·cy \-'li-fi-kə-sē\ noun
–pro·lif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–pro·lif·ic·ness \-fik-nəs\ noun

prolificity
: prolific power or character

proline
n. : an amino acid C_5H_9NO_2 that can be synthesized by animals from glutamate

prolix
adj. 1 : unduly prolonged or drawn out : too long
2 : marked by or using an excess of words
synonyms see WORDY
–pro·lix·i·ty \prō-'lik-sə-tē\ noun
–pro·lix·ly adverb

prolocutor
n. 1 : one who speaks for another : SPOKESMAN
2 : presiding officer : CHAIRMAN

prologize
: to write or speak a prologue

prologue
n. 1 : the preface or introduction to a literary work
2 a : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the beginning of a play b : the actor speaking such a prologue
3 : an introductory or preceding event or development

prolong
v. 1 : to lengthen in time : CONTINUE
2 : to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
synonyms see EXTEND
–pro·lon·ga·tion \(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-'gā-shən, prə-\ noun
–pro·long·er \prə-'lȯŋ-ər\ noun

prolusion
n. 1 : a preliminary trial or exercise : PRELUDE
2 : an introductory and often tentative discourse
–pro·lu·so·ry \-'lü-sə-rē, -zə-; -'lüz-rē, -'lüz-\ adjective

prom
n. 1 : a formal dance given by a high school or college class
2 British : PROMENADE 2

prom
n. promontory

promenade
intransitive verb
1 : to take or go on a promenade
2 : to perform a promenade in a dance
transitive verb : to walk about in or on
–prom·e·nad·er noun

promenade
n. 1 : a place for strolling
2 : a leisurely walk or ride especially in a public place for pleasure or display
3 a : a ceremonious opening of a formal ball consisting of a grand march of all the guests b : a figure in a square dance in which couples move counterclockwise in a circle

promenade deck
: an upper deck or an area on a deck of a passenger ship where passengers stroll

Promethean
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling Prometheus, his experiences, or his art especially : daringly original or creative

Prometheus
n. : a Titan who is chained and tortured by Zeus for stealing fire from heaven and giving it to humankind

promethium
n. : a radioactive metallic element of the rare-earth group obtained as a fission product of uranium or from neutron-irradiated neodymium ― see ELEMENT table

prominence
n. 1 : something prominent : PROJECTION <a rocky prominence>
2 : the quality, state, or fact of being prominent or conspicuous
3 : a mass of gas resembling a cloud that arises from the chromosphere of the sun

prominent
adj. 1 : standing out or projecting beyond a surface or line : PROTUBERANT
2 a : readily noticeable : CONSPICUOUS b : widely and popularly known : LEADING
synonyms see NOTICEABLE
–prom·i·nent·ly adverb

promiscuity
n. 1 : miscellaneous mingling or selection of persons or things : INDISCRIMINATENESS
2 : promiscuous sexual behavior

promiscuous
adj. 1 : composed of all sorts of persons or things
2 : not restricted to one class, sort, or person : INDISCRIMINATE <education⋯cheapened through the promiscuous distribution of diplomas ― Norman Cousins>
3 : not restricted to one sexual partner
4 : CASUAL, IRREGULAR <promiscuous eating habits>
–pro·mis·cu·ous·ly adverb
–pro·mis·cu·ous·ness noun

promise
n. 1 a : a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified b : a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act
2 : reason to expect something <little promise of relief> especially : ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence <shows considerable promise>
3 : something that is promised

promise
transitive verb
1 : to pledge to do, bring about, or provide <promise aid>
2 archaic : WARRANT, ASSURE
3 chiefly dialect : BETROTH
4 : to suggest beforehand : give promise of <dark clouds promise rain>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a promise
2 : to give ground for expectation : be imminent
–prom·is·ee \ˌprä-mə-'sē\ noun
–prom·i·sor \-'sȯr\ also prom·is·er \'prä-mə-sər\ noun

promise
n. breach of promise
lick and a promise
promised land

promised land
: something and especially a place or condition believed to promise final satisfaction or realization of hopes

promising
adj. : full of promise : likely to succeed or to yield good results <a promising new medicine>
–prom·is·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

promissory
adj. : containing or conveying a promise or assurance

promissory note
: a written promise to pay at a fixed or determinable future time a sum of money to a specified individual or to bearer

promo
: a promotional announcement, blurb, or appearance

promontory
n. 1 a : a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water b : a prominent mass of land overlooking or projecting into a lowland
2 : a bodily prominence

promote
v. 1 a : to advance in station, rank, or honor : RAISE b : to change (a pawn) into a piece in chess by moving to the eighth rank c : to advance (a student) from one grade to the next higher grade
2 a : to contribute to the growth or prosperity of : FURTHER <promote international understanding> b : to help bring (as an enterprise) into being : LAUNCH c : to present (merchandise) for buyer acceptance through advertising, publicity, or discounting
3 slang : to get possession of by doubtful means or by ingenuity
synonyms see ADVANCE
–pro·mot·abil·i·ty \-ˌmō-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pro·mot·able \-'mō-tə-bəl\ adjective

promoter
n. 1 : one that promotes especially : one who assumes the financial responsibilities of a sporting event (as a boxing match) including contracting with the principals, renting the site, and collecting gate receipts
2 obsolete : PROSECUTOR
3 : a substance that in very small amounts is able to increase the activity of a catalyst
4 : a binding site in a DNA chain at which RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription of messenger RNA by one or more nearby structural genes

promotion
n. 1 : the act or fact of being raised in position or rank : PREFERMENT
2 : the act of furthering the growth or development of something especially : the furtherance of the acceptance and sale of merchandise through advertising, publicity, or discounting
–pro·mo·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

promotive
adj. : tending or serving to promote <measures promotive of good health>
–pro·mo·tive·ness noun

prompt
n. 1 : to move to action : INCITE
2 : to assist (one acting or reciting) by suggesting or saying the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned : CUE
3 : to serve as the inciting cause of <evidence prompting an investigation>
–prompt·er noun

prompt
n. : of or relating to prompting actors

prompt
n. 1 : being ready and quick to act as occasion demands
2 : performed readily or immediately <prompt assistance>
synonyms see QUICK
–prompt·ly \'präm(p)t-lē, 'präm-plē\ adverb
–prompt·ness \'präm(p)t-nəs, 'prämp-nəs\ noun

prompt
n. 1 [1prompt] : something that prompts : REMINDER
2 [3prompt] : a limit of time given for payment of an account for goods purchased also : the contract by which this time is fixed

prompt side
1 : the side of the stage adjacent to the prompter's corner
2 : the side of the stage to the right of an actor facing the audience

promptbook
n. : a copy of a play with directions for performance used by a theater prompter

promptitude
n. : the quality or habit of being prompt : PROMPTNESS

promulgate
v. 1 : to make (as a doctrine) known by open declaration : PROCLAIM
2 a : to make known or public the terms of (a proposed law) b : to put (a law) into action or force
synonyms see DECLARE
–pro·mul·ga·tion \ˌprä-məl-'gā-shən; ˌprō-(ˌ)məl-, (ˌ)prō-ˌ\ noun
–pro·mul·ga·tor \'prä-məl-ˌgā-tər; prō-'məl-, prə-', 'prō-(ˌ)\ noun

pronation
n. 1 : rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces backwards or downwards
2 : rotation of the medial bones in the midtarsal region of the foot inward and downward so that in walking the foot tends to come down on its inner margin
–pro·nate \'prō-ˌnāt\ verb

pronator
n. : a muscle that produces pronation

prone
adj. 1 : having a tendency or inclination : being likely <prone to forget names> <accident-prone>
2 a : having the front or ventral surface downward b : lying flat or prostrate
–prone adverb
–prone·ly adverb
–prone·ness \'prōn-nəs\ noun
synonyms PRONE, SUPINE, PROSTRATE, RECUMBENT mean lying down. PRONE implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface <push-ups require a prone position>. SUPINE implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness <lying supine on the couch>. PROSTRATE implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse <a runner fell prostrate at the finish line>. RECUMBENT implies the posture of one sleeping or resting <a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed>. synonym see in addition LIABLE

pronephros
n. : either member of the first and most anterior pair of the three successive paired vertebrate renal organs that functions in the adults of amphioxus and some lampreys, functions temporarily in larval fishes and amphibians, and is present but nonfunctional in embryos of reptiles, birds, and mammals ― compare MESONEPHROS, METANEPHROS
–pro·neph·ric \-frik\ adjective

prong
n. 1 : FORK
2 : a tine of a fork
3 : a slender pointed or projecting part: as a : a fang of a tooth b : a point of an antler
4 : something resembling a prong

prong
n. : to stab, pierce, or break up with a pronged device

pronged
adj. 1 : having a usually specified number of prongs ― usually used in combination <a 3-pronged fork>
2 : having a usually specified number of parts or approaches <a 2-pronged strategy>

pronghorn
n. : a swift horned ruminant mammal (Antilocapra americana) chiefly of grasslands and deserts of western No. America that resembles an antelope ― called also pronghorn antelope

pronominal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a pronoun
2 : resembling a pronoun in identifying or specifying without describing <the pronominal adjective this in this dog>
–pro·nom·i·nal·ly adverb

pronoun
n. : any of a small set of words in a language that are used as substitutes for nouns or noun phrases and whose referents are named or understood in the context

pronoun
n. personal pronoun
possessive pronoun
reciprocal pronoun
reflexive pronoun

pronounce
transitive verb
1 : to declare officially or ceremoniously <the minister pronounced them husband and wife>
2 : to declare authoritatively or as an opinion <doctors pronounced him fit to resume duties>
3 a : to employ the organs of speech to produce <pronounce these words> especially : to say correctly <I can't pronounce his name> b : to represent in printed characters the spoken counterpart of (an orthographic representation) <both dictionaries pronounce clique the same>
4 : RECITE <speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb
1 : to pass judgment
2 : to produce the components of spoken language
–pro·nounce·abil·i·ty \-ˌnau̇n(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pro·nounce·able \-'nau̇n(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective
–pro·nounc·er noun

pronounced
adj. : strongly marked : DECIDED <a pronounced dislike>
–pro·nounced·ly \-'nau̇n(t)-səd-lē, -'nau̇n(t)st-lē\ adverb

pronouncement
n. 1 : a usually formal declaration of opinion
2 : an authoritative announcement

pronouncing
n. : relating to or indicating pronunciation <a pronouncing dictionary>

pronto
adv. : without delay

pronuclear
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a pronucleus

pronuclear
adj. : advocating the use of nuclear-powered generating stations

pronucleus
n. : the haploid nucleus of a male or female gamete (as an egg or sperm) up to the time of fusion with that of another gamete in fertilization

pronunciamento
n. : PROCLAMATION, PRONOUNCEMENT

pronunciation
n. : the act or manner of pronouncing something
–pro·nun·ci·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

proof
n. 1 a : the cogency of evidence that compels acceptance by the mind of a truth or a fact b : the process or an instance of establishing the validity of a statement especially by derivation from other statements in accordance with principles of reasoning
2 obsolete : EXPERIENCE
3 : something that induces certainty or establishes validity
4 archaic : the quality or state of having been tested or tried especially : unyielding hardness
5 : evidence operating to determine the finding or judgment of a tribunal
6 a plural proofs or proof : a copy (as of typeset text) made for examination or correction b : a test impression of an engraving, etching, or lithograph c : a coin that is struck from a highly polished die on a polished planchet, is not intended for circulation, and sometimes differs in metallic content from coins of identical design struck for circulation d : a test photographic print made from a negative
7 : a test applied to articles or substances to determine whether they are of standard or satisfactory quality
8 a : the minimum alcoholic strength of proof spirit b : strength with reference to the standard for proof spirit specifically : alcoholic strength indicated by a number that is twice the percent by volume of alcohol present <whiskey of 90 proof is 45 percent alcohol>

proof
n. 1 : able to resist or repel <boots that were⋯proof against cold and wet ― Robertson Davies> ― often used in combination <windproof>
2 : used in proving or testing or as a standard of comparison
3 : of standard strength or quality or alcoholic content

proof
n. 1 a : to make or take a proof or test of b : PROOFREAD
2 : to give a resistant quality to
3 : to activate (yeast) by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk
–proof·er noun

proof
n. burden of proof
proof spirit
reproduction proof
veto proof

proof spirit
: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of ethanol and water that contains 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60°F (16°C)

proofrea-table

proofread
v. : to read and mark corrections in (as a proof)

proofreader
n. : a person who proofreads

see table...

prop
n. : something that props or sustains : SUPPORT

prop
n. 1 a : to support by placing something under or against ― often used with up b : to support by placing against something
2 : SUSTAIN, STRENGTHEN ― often used with up <a government propped up by the military>

prop
n. 1 : PROPERTY 3 <stage props>
2 : something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect <buy books⋯as cultural props because they want to appear literate ― John Powers>

prop
n. : PROPELLER

prop
n. 1 property
2 proposition
3 proprietor

prop
n. : related to propionic acid <propane> <propyl>

prop root
: a root that serves as a prop or support to the plant

propaedeutic
adj. : preparatory study or instruction
–propaedeutic adjective

propaganda
n. 1 capitalized : a congregation of the Roman curia having jurisdiction over missionary territories and related institutions
2 : the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
3 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause also : a public action having such an effect
–pro·pa·gan·dist \-dist\ noun or adjective
–pro·pa·gan·dis·tic \-ˌgan-'dis-tik\ adjective
–pro·pa·gan·dis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

propagandize
v. transitive verb : to subject to propaganda also : to carry on propaganda for
intransitive verb : to carry on propaganda
–pro·pa·gan·diz·er \-ˌdī-zər\ noun

propagate
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to continue or increase by sexual or asexual reproduction
2 : to pass along to offspring
3 a : to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area : EXTEND b : to foster growing knowledge of, familiarity with, or acceptance of (as an idea or belief) : PUBLICIZE c : to transmit (as sound or light) through a medium
intransitive verb
1 : to multiply sexually or asexually
2 : INCREASE, EXTEND
3 : to travel through space or a material ― used of wave energy (as light, sound, or radio waves)
–prop·a·ga·tive \-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
–prop·a·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun

propagation
n. : the act or action of propagating: as a : increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers b : the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions c : enlargement or extension (as of a crack) in a solid body

propagule
n. : a structure (as a cutting, a seed, or a spore) that propagates a plant

propane
n. : a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C_3H_8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

propel
v. : to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion

propel
v. jet propelled
self propelled
self propelling

propellant
n. : capable of propelling

propellant
n. : something that propels: as a : an explosive for propelling projectiles b : fuel plus oxidizer used by a rocket engine c : a gas kept under pressure in a bottle or can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released

propeller
n. : one that propels especially : a device that consists of a central hub with radiating blades placed and twisted so that each forms part of a helical surface and that is used to propel a vehicle (as a ship or airplane)

propeller-head
often disparaging : an enthusiast of technology and especially of computers : TECHNOPHILE

propend
obsolete : INCLINE

propense
archaic : leaning or inclining toward : DISPOSED

propensity
n. : an often intense natural inclination or preference
synonyms see LEANING

proper
adj. 1 a : referring to one individual only b : belonging to one : OWN c : appointed for the liturgy of a particular day d : represented heraldically in natural color
2 : belonging characteristically to a species or individual : PECULIAR
3 chiefly dialect : GOOD-LOOKING, HANDSOME
4 : very good : EXCELLENT
5 chiefly British : UTTER, ABSOLUTE
6 : strictly limited to a specified thing, place, or idea <the city proper>
7 a : strictly accurate : CORRECT b archaic : VIRTUOUS, RESPECTABLE c : strictly decorous : GENTEEL
8 : marked by suitability, rightness, or appropriateness : FIT
9 : being a mathematical subset (as a subgroup) that does not contain all the elements of the inclusive set from which it is derived
synonyms see FIT
–prop·er·ly adverb
–prop·er·ness noun

proper
adj. 1 : the parts of the Mass that vary according to the liturgical calendar
2 : the part of a missal or breviary containing the proper of the Mass and the offices proper to the holy days of the liturgical year

proper
adj. chiefly dialect : in a thorough manner : COMPLETELY

proper
adj. proper adjective
proper fraction
proper noun
proper name

proper adjective
: an adjective that is formed from a proper noun and that is usually capitalized in English

proper fraction
: a fraction in which the numerator is less or of lower degree than the denominator

proper noun
: a noun that designates a particular being or thing, does not take a limiting modifier, and is usually capitalized in English ― called also proper name

properdin
n. : a blood serum protein that participates in the activation of complement in a pathway which does not involve the presence of antibodies

propertied
adj. : possessing property

Propertius
Sextus ca 50-ca 15 B.C. Rom. poet

property
n. 1 a : a quality or trait belonging and especially peculiar to an individual or thing b : an effect that an object has on another object or on the senses c : VIRTUE 3 d : an attribute common to all members of a class
2 a : something owned or possessed specifically : a piece of real estate b : the exclusive right to possess, enjoy, and dispose of a thing : OWNERSHIP c : something to which a person or business has a legal title d : one (as a performer) who is under contract and whose work is especially valuable e : a book or script purchased for publication or production
3 : an article or object used in a play or motion picture except painted scenery and costumes
synonyms see QUALITY
–prop·er·ty·less \-ləs\ adjective
–prop·er·ty·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

property
n. community property
intellectual property
personal property
property damage insurance
property right
property tax

property damage insurance
: insurance protecting against all or part of an individual's legal liability for damage done (as by his or her automobile) to the property of another

property right
: a legal right or interest in or against specific property

property tax
: a tax levied on real or personal property

prophage
n. : an intracellular form of a bacteriophage in which it is harmless to the host, is usually integrated into the hereditary material of the host, and reproduces when the host does

prophase
n. 1 : the initial stage of mitosis and of the mitotic division of meiosis characterized by the condensation of chromosomes consisting of two chromatids, disappearance of the nucleolus and nuclear membrane, and formation of mitotic spindle
2 : the initial stage of the first division of meiosis in which the chromosomes become visible, homologous pairs of chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over, chiasmata appear, chromosomes condense with homologues visible as tetrads, and the nuclear membrane and nucleolus disappear ― compare DIAKINESIS, DIPLOTENE, LEPTOTENE, PACHYTENE, ZYGOTENE
–pro·pha·sic \(ˌ)prō-'fā-zik\ adjective

prophecy
n. 1 : an inspired utterance of a prophet
2 : the function or vocation of a prophet specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose
3 : a prediction of something to come

prophesy
v. transitive verb
1 : to utter by or as if by divine inspiration
2 : to predict with assurance or on the basis of mystic knowledge
3 : PREFIGURE
intransitive verb
1 : to speak as if divinely inspired
2 : to give instruction in religious matters : PREACH
3 : to make a prediction
synonyms see FORETELL
–proph·e·si·er \-ˌsī(-ə)r\ noun

prophet
n. 1 : one who utters divinely inspired revelations: as a often capitalized : the writer of one of the prophetic books of the Bible b capitalized : one regarded by a group of followers as the final authoritative revealer of God's will <Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah>
2 : one gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight especially : an inspired poet
3 : one who foretells future events : PREDICTOR
4 : an effective or leading spokesman for a cause, doctrine, or group
5 Christian Science a : a spiritual seer b : disappearance of material sense before the conscious facts of spiritual Truth
–proph·et·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

prophetess
n. : a woman who is a prophet

prophetic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy
2 : foretelling events : PREDICTIVE
–pro·phet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Prophets
n. : the second part of the Hebrew Bible ― see BIBLE table

prophylactic
n. 1 : guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
2 : tending to prevent or ward off : PREVENTIVE
–pro·phy·lac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

prophylactic
n. : something prophylactic especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing venereal infection or conception

prophylaxis
n. : measures designed to preserve health (as of an individual or of society) and prevent the spread of disease

propine
n. chiefly Scottish : to present or give especially as a token of friendship

propine
n. Scottish : a gift in return for a favor

propinquity
n. 1 : nearness of blood : KINSHIP
2 : nearness in place or time : PROXIMITY

propionate
n. : a salt or ester of propionic acid

propionic acid
: a liquid sharp-odored fatty acid C_3H_6O_2 found in milk and distillates of wood, coal, and petroleum and used especially as a mold inhibitor and flavoring agent

propitiate
v. : to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : APPEASE, CONCILIATE
synonyms see PACIFY
–pro·pi·ti·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

propitiation
n. 1 : the act of propitiating
2 : something that propitiates specifically : an atoning sacrifice

propitiatory
adj. 1 : intended to propitiate : EXPIATORY
2 : of or relating to propitiation

propitious
adj. 1 : favorably disposed : BENEVOLENT
2 : being a good omen : AUSPICIOUS <propitious sign>
3 : tending to favor : ADVANTAGEOUS
synonyms see FAVORABLE
–pro·pi·tious·ly adverb
–pro·pi·tious·ness noun

proplastid
: a minute cytoplasmic body from which a plastid is formed

propman
n. : a man in charge of stage properties

propolis
n. : a brownish resinous material of waxy consistency collected by bees from the buds of trees and used as a cement in repairing and maintaining the hive

propone
v. 1 Scottish : PROPOSE, PROPOUND
2 Scottish : to put forward (a defense)

proponent
n. : one who argues in favor of something : ADVOCATE

Propontis
― see MARMARA (Sea of)

proportion
n. 1 : harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole : BALANCE, SYMMETRY
2 a : proper or equal share <each did her proportion of the work> b : QUOTA, PERCENTAGE
3 : the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree : RATIO
4 : SIZE, DIMENSION
5 : a statement of equality between two ratios in which the first of the four terms divided by the second equals the third divided by the fourth (as in 4/2=10/5) ― compare EXTREME 1b MEAN 1c
–in proportion : PROPORTIONAL 1

proportion
n. 1 : to adjust (a part or thing) in size relative to other parts or things
2 : to make the parts of harmonious or symmetrical
3 : APPORTION, ALLOT

proportionable
adj. : PROPORTIONAL, PROPORTIONATE
–pro·por·tion·ably \-blē\ adverb archaic

proportional
adj. : a number or quantity in a proportion

proportional
1 a : corresponding in size, degree, or intensity b : having the same or a constant ratio <corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional>
2 : regulated or determined in size or degree with reference to proportions <a proportional system of immigration quotas>
–pro·por·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌpȯr-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–pro·por·tion·al·ly \-'pȯr-shnə-lē, -shə-nəl-ē\ adverb

proportional
adj. directly proportional
inversely proportional
mean proportional
proportional parts
proportional representation
proportional tax

proportional parts
: fractional parts of the difference between successive entries in a table for use in linear interpolation

proportional representation
: an electoral system designed to represent in a legislative body each political group or party in proportion to its actual voting strength in the electorate

proportional tax
: a tax in which the tax rate remains constant regardless of the amount of the tax base

proportionate
adj. : PROPORTIONAL 1
–pro·por·tion·ate·ly adverb

proportionate
: to make proportionate : PROPORTION

propos
a propos de bottes
à propos de bottes
a propos de rien
à propos de rien
avant propos

proposal
n. 1 : an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration
2 a : something proposed : SUGGESTION b : OFFER specifically : an offer of marriage

propose
v. intransitive verb
1 : to form or put forward a plan or intention <man proposes, but God disposes>
2 obsolete : to engage in talk or discussion
3 : to make an offer of marriage
transitive verb
1 a : to set before the mind (as for discussion, imitation, or action) <propose a plan for settling the dispute> b : to set before someone and especially oneself as an aim or intent <proposed to spend the summer in Italy>
2 a : to set forth for acceptance or rejection <propose terms for peace> <propose a topic for debate> b : to recommend to fill a place or vacancy : NOMINATE <propose them for membership> c : to offer as a toast <propose the happiness of the couple>
–pro·pos·er noun

proposition
n. 1 a (1) : something offered for consideration or acceptance : PROPOSAL (2) : a request for sexual intercourse b : the point to be discussed or maintained in argument usually stated in sentence form near the outset c : a theorem or problem to be demonstrated or performed
2 a : an expression in language or signs of something that can be believed, doubted, or denied or is either true or false b : the objective meaning of a proposition
3 : something of an indicated kind to be dealt with <the farm was never a paying proposition>
–prop·o·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

proposition
n. : to make a proposal to especially : to suggest sexual intercourse to

propositional calculus
: the branch of symbolic logic that uses symbols for unanalyzed propositions and logical connectives only ― called also sentential calculus ― compare PREDICATE CALCULUS

propositional function
1 : SENTENTIAL FUNCTION
2 : something that is designated or expressed by a sentential function

propositus
n. : the person immediately concerned : SUBJECT

propound
v. : to offer for discussion or consideration
–pro·pound·er noun

propoxyphene
: a narcotic analgesic C_22H_29NO_2 structurally related to methadone but less addicting that is administered especially in the form of its salts (as the hydrochloride)

propraetor
n. : a praetor of ancient Rome sent out to govern a province

propranolol
n. : a beta-blocker C_16H_21NO_2 used in the form of its hydrochloride in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms and angina pectoris

proprietary
n. 1 : one that possesses, owns, or holds exclusive right to something specifically : PROPRIETOR 1
2 : something that is used, produced, or marketed under exclusive legal right of the inventor or maker specifically : a drug (as a patent medicine) that is protected by secrecy, patent, or copyright against free competition as to name, product, composition, or process of manufacture
3 : a business secretly owned by and run as a cover for an intelligence organization

proprietary
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a proprietor <proprietary rights>
2 : used, made, or marketed by one having the exclusive legal right <a proprietary process> <proprietary software>
3 : privately owned and managed and run as a profit-making organization <a proprietary clinic>

proprietor
n. 1 : one granted ownership of a colony (as one of the original American colonies) and full prerogatives of establishing a government and distributing land
2 a : a person who has the legal right or exclusive title to something : OWNER b : one having an interest (as control or present use) less than absolute and exclusive right
–pro·pri·e·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

proprietorial
adj. : PROPRIETARY 1

proprietress
n. : a woman who is a proprietor

propriety
n. 1 obsolete : true nature
2 obsolete : a special characteristic : PECULIARITY
3 : the quality or state of being proper : APPROPRIATENESS
4 a : conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech b : fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior especially between the sexes c plural : the customs and manners of polite society

proprioception
n. : the reception of stimuli produced within the organism

proprioceptive
adj. : of, relating to, or being stimuli arising within the organism <a proprioceptive sensation> <proprioceptive feedback>

proprioceptor
n. : a sensory receptor (as a muscle spindle) excited by proprioceptive stimuli (as changes in limb position)

props
n. 1 slang : DUE A <takes pains to give the man his props ― Danish Epstein>
2 slang : RESPECT <teachers have to earn their props just like everybody else ― Greg Donaldson>
3 slang : CREDIT 6B <at least deserves props for writing a song about something that rings true ― Jim Abbott>

proptosis
n. : forward projection or displacement especially of the eyeball

propulsion
n. 1 : the action or process of propelling
2 : something that propels

propulsive
adj. : tending or having power to propel <propulsive force>

propyl
n. : either of two isomeric alkyl radicals C_3H_7 derived from propane ― often used in combination

propylaeum
n. : a vestibule or entrance of architectural importance before a building or enclosure ― often used in plural

propylene
n. : a flammable gaseous hydrocarbon C_3H_6 obtained by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis

propylene glycol
: a sweet hygroscopic viscous liquid C_3H_8O_2 made especially from propylene and used especially as an antifreeze and solvent, in brake fluids, and as a food preservative

prorate
v. transitive verb : to divide, distribute, or assess proportionately
intransitive verb : to make a pro rata distribution
–pro·ra·tion \prō-'rā-shən\ noun

prorogate
v. : PROROGUE
–pro·ro·ga·tion \ˌprō-rə-'gā-shən\ noun

prorogue
v. transitive verb
1 : DEFER, POSTPONE
2 : to terminate a session of (as a British parliament) by royal prerogative
intransitive verb : to suspend or end a legislative session

pros
n. plural of pro

pros
n. : in front <prosencephalon>

prosaic
adj. 1 a : characteristic of prose as distinguished from poetry : FACTUAL b : DULL, UNIMAGINATIVE <prosaic advice>
2 : EVERYDAY, ORDINARY <heroic characters wasted in prosaic lives ― Kirkus Reviews>
–pro·sa·i·cal·ly \-'zā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

prosaism
n. 1 : a prosaic manner, style, or quality
2 : a prosaic expression

prosaist
n. 1 \'prō-(ˌ)zā-ist, -zā-ˌist\ : a prose writer
2 \prō-'zā-ist\ : a prosaic person

prosateur
n. : a writer of prose

prosauropod
: any of a group (Prosauropoda) of chiefly herbivorous Triassic dinosaurs that are prob. ancestral to sauropods

proscenium
n. 1 a : the stage of an ancient Greek or Roman theater b : the part of a modern stage in front of the curtain c : the wall that separates the stage from the auditorium and provides the arch that frames it
2 a : FOREGROUND 1 b : FOREGROUND 2

prosciutto
n. : dry-cured spiced Italian ham usually sliced thin

proscribe
v. 1 : to publish the name of as condemned to death with the property of the condemned forfeited to the state
2 : to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful : PROHIBIT
–pro·scrib·er noun

proscription
n. 1 : the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2 : an imposed restraint or restriction : PROHIBITION
–pro·scrip·tive \-'skrip-tiv\ adjective
–pro·scrip·tive·ly adverb

prose
n. 1 a : the ordinary language people use in speaking or writing b : a literary medium distinguished from poetry especially by its greater irregularity and variety of rhythm and its closer correspondence to the patterns of everyday speech
2 : a prosaic style, quality, or condition

prose
n. 1 : of, relating to, or written in prose
2 : PROSAIC

prose
n. 1 : to write prose
2 : to write or speak in a prosaic manner

prose
n. polyphonic prose
prose poem
prose poet

prose poem
: a composition in prose that has some of the qualities of a poem
–prose poet noun

prosector
n. : a person who makes dissections for anatomic demonstrations

prosecute
v. transitive verb
1 : to follow to the end : pursue until finished <was⋯ordered to prosecute the war with⋯vigor ― Marjory S. Douglas>
2 : to engage in : PERFORM
3 a : to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law <prosecuted them for fraud> b : to institute legal proceedings with reference to <prosecute a claim>
intransitive verb : to institute and carry on a legal suit or prosecution
–pros·e·cut·able \ˌprä-sə-'kyü-tə-bəl\ adjective

prosecuting attorney
: an attorney who conducts proceedings in a court on behalf of the government : DISTRICT ATTORNEY

prosecution
n. 1 : the act or process of prosecuting specifically : the institution and continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pursuing formal charges against an offender to final judgment
2 : the party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted or conducted
3 obsolete : PURSUIT

prosecutor
n. 1 : a person who institutes an official prosecution before a court
2 : PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

prosecutorial
adj. : of, relating to, or being a prosecutor or prosecution

proselyte
n. : a new convert (as to a faith or cause)

proselyte
n. : PROSELYTIZE

proselytise
v. British variant of proselytize

proselytism
n. 1 : the act of becoming or condition of being a proselyte : CONVERSION
2 : the act or process of proselytizing

proselytize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to induce someone to convert to one's faith
2 : to recruit someone to join one's party, institution, or cause
transitive verb : to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause
–pros·e·ly·ti·za·tion \ˌprä-s(ə-)lə-tə-'zā-shən, ˌprä-sə-ˌlī-tə-\ noun
–pros·e·ly·tiz·er \'prä-s(ə-)lə-ˌtī-zər\ noun

proseminar
: a course of study like a graduate seminar but often open to advanced undergraduates

prosencephalon
n. : FOREBRAIN
–pros·en·ce·phal·ic \-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

proser
n. 1 : a writer of prose
2 : one who talks or writes tediously

Proserpina
n. : PERSEPHONE

prosimian
n. : any of a suborder (Prosimii) of lower primates (as lemurs and tarsiers)
–prosimian adjective

prosit
interj. ― used to wish good health especially before drinking

proso
: MILLET 1A

prosobranch
: any of a subclass (Prosobranchia) of gastropod mollusks that have the loop of visceral nerves twisted into a figure eight, the sexes usually separate, and usually an operculum
–prosobranch adjective

prosodic
adj. : of or relating to prosody
–pro·sod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

prosody
n. 1 : the study of versification especially : the systematic study of metrical structure
2 : a particular system, theory, or style of versification
3 : the rhythmic and intonational aspect of language
–pros·o·dist \-dist\ noun

prosoma
n. : the anterior region of the body of an invertebrate (as an arachnid) especially when the segmentation is suppressed or obscured especially : CEPHALOTHORAX

prosopography
n. : a study that identifies and relates a group of persons or characters within a particular historical or literary context
–pros·o·po·graph·i·cal \-pə-'gra-fi-kəl\ adjective

prosopopoeia
n. 1 : a figure of speech in which an imaginary or absent person is represented as speaking or acting
2 : PERSONIFICATION

prospect
n. 1 : EXPOSURE 3B
2 a (1) : an extensive view (2) : a mental consideration : SURVEY b : a place that commands an extensive view : LOOKOUT c : something extended to the view : SCENE d archaic : a sketch or picture of a scene
3 obsolete : ASPECT
4 a : the act of looking forward : ANTICIPATION b : a mental picture of something to come : VISION c : something that is awaited or expected : POSSIBILITY d plural (1) : financial expectations (2) : CHANCES
5 : a place showing signs of containing a mineral deposit
6 a : a potential buyer or customer b : a likely candidate for a job or position
–in prospect : possible or likely for the future
synonyms PROSPECT, OUTLOOK, ANTICIPATION, FORETASTE mean an advance realization of something to come. PROSPECT implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern <the prospect of a quiet weekend>. OUTLOOK suggests a forecasting of the future <a favorable outlook for the economy>. ANTICIPATION implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen <the anticipation of her arrival>. FORETASTE implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming <the frost was a foretaste of winter>.

prospect
n. : to explore an area especially for mineral deposits
transitive verb : to inspect (a region) for mineral deposits broadly : EXPLORE
–pros·pec·tor \-ˌspek-tər, -'spek-\ noun

prospective
adj. 1 : relating to or effective in the future
2 a : likely to come about : EXPECTED <the prospective benefits of this law> b : likely to be or become <a prospective mother>
–pro·spec·tive·ly adverb

prospectus
n. 1 : a preliminary printed statement that describes an enterprise (as a business or publication) and that is distributed to prospective buyers, investors, or participants
2 : something (as a statement or situation) that forecasts the course or nature of something

prosper
v. intransitive verb
1 : to succeed in an enterprise or activity especially : to achieve economic success
2 : to become strong and flourishing
transitive verb : to cause to succeed or thrive

prosperity
n. : the condition of being successful or thriving especially : economic well-being

Prospero
: the rightful duke of Milan in Shakespeare's The Tempest

prosperous
adj. 1 : AUSPICIOUS, FAVORABLE
2 a : marked by success or economic well-being b : enjoying vigorous and healthy growth : FLOURISHING
–pros·per·ous·ly adverb
–pros·per·ous·ness noun

pross
v. slang : PROSTITUTE 1A

prostacyclin
n. : a prostaglandin that is a metabolite of arachidonic acid, inhibits platelet aggregation, and dilates blood vessels

prostaglandin
n. : any of various oxygenated unsaturated cyclic fatty acids of animals that are formed chiefly by the action of cyclooxygenase on arachidonic acid and perform a variety of hormonelike actions (as in controlling blood pressure or smooth muscle contraction)

prostate
n. : PROSTATE GLAND
–pros·tat·ic \prä-'sta-tik\ adjective

prostate
n. prostate gland
prostate specific antigen
benign prostatic hyperplasia
benign prostatic hypertrophy

prostate gland
: a firm partly muscular partly glandular body that is situated about the base of the mammalian male urethra and secretes an alkaline viscid fluid which is a major constituent of the ejaculatory fluid

prostate-specific antigen
: a protease secreted by epithelial cells of the prostate gland that is used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer since its concentration in blood serum tends to be proportional to the clinical stage of the disease ― abbreviation PSA

prostatectomy
n. : surgical removal or resection of the prostate gland

prostatism
n. : disease of the prostate especially : a disorder resulting from obstruction of the bladder neck by an enlarged prostate gland

prostatitis
n. : inflammation of the prostate gland

prosthesis
n. : an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body

prosthetic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a prosthesis or prosthetics
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a nonprotein group of a conjugated protein
–pros·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

prosthetics
n. : the surgical or dental specialty concerned with the design, construction, and fitting of prostheses

prosthetist
n. : a specialist in prosthetics

prosthodontics
n. : prosthetic dentistry

prosthodontist
n. : a specialist in prosthodontics

prostitute
1 : to offer indiscriminately for sexual intercourse especially for money
2 : to devote to corrupt or unworthy purposes : DEBASE <prostitute one's talents>
–pros·ti·tu·tor \-ˌtü-tər, -ˌtyü-\ noun

prostitute
n. : devoted to corrupt purposes : PROSTITUTED

prostitute
n. 1 a : a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual intercourse especially for money : WHORE b : a male who engages in sexual and especially homosexual practices for money
2 : a person (as a writer or painter) who deliberately debases his or her talents (as for money)

prostitution
n. 1 : the act or practice of engaging in promiscuous sexual relations especially for money
2 : the state of being prostituted : DEBASEMENT

prostomium
: the portion of the head of an annelid worm (as an earthworm) that is situated in front of the mouth
–pro·sto·mi·al \-mē-əl\ adjective

prostrate
adj. 1 : stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission also : lying flat
2 : completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise <was prostrate from the heat>
3 : trailing on the ground : PROCUMBENT <prostrate shrubs>
synonyms see PRONE

prostrate
adj. 1 : to throw or put into a prostrate position
2 : to put (oneself) in a humble and submissive posture or state <the whole town had to prostrate itself in official apology ― Claudia Cassidy>
3 : to reduce to submission, helplessness, or exhaustion <was prostrated with grief>

prostration
n. 1 a : the act of assuming a prostrate position b : the state of being in a prostrate position : ABASEMENT
2 a : complete physical or mental exhaustion : COLLAPSE b : the process of being made powerless or the condition of powerlessness <the country suffered economic prostration after the war>

prosy
adj. : lacking in qualities that seize the attention or strike the imagination : COMMONPLACE especially : tediously dull in speech or manner
–pros·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–pros·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

Prot
n. Protestant

prot
n. 1 a : first in time <protohistory> b : beginning : giving rise to <protoplanet>
2 : parent substance of a (specified) substance <protactinium>
3 : first formed : primary <protoxylem>
4 capitalized : relating to or constituting the recorded or assumed language that is ancestral to a language or to a group of related languages or dialects <Proto-Indo-European>

protactinium
n. : a shiny radioactive metallic element of relatively short life ― see ELEMENT table

protagonist
n. 1 a : the principal character in a literary work (as a drama or story) b : a leading actor, character, or participant in a literary work or real event
2 : a leader, proponent, or supporter of a cause : CHAMPION

Protagoras
ca 485-410 B.C. Greek philos.
–Pro·tag·o·re·an \-ˌta-gə-'rē-ən\ adjective

protamine
n. : any of various strongly basic proteins of relatively low molecular weight that are rich in arginine and are found associated especially with DNA in place of histone in the sperm cells of various animals (as fish)

protasis
n. 1 : the introductory part of a play or narrative poem
2 : the subordinate clause of a conditional sentence ― compare APODOSIS
–pro·tat·ic \prä-'ta-tik, prō-\ adjective

prote
: protein <protease> <proteolysis>

protea
n. : any of a genus (Protea of the family Proteaceae, the protea family) of African evergreen shrubs often grown as ornamentals for their showy bracts and dense flower heads

protean
adj. 1 : of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms
2 : displaying great diversity or variety : VERSATILE

protease
n. : any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (as serine or cysteine) at the active site ― called also proteinase

protease inhibitor
: a substance that inhibits the action of a protease specifically : any of various drugs (as indinavir) that inhibit the action of the protease of HIV so that the cleavage of viral proteins into mature functional infectious particles is prevented and that are used especially in combination with other agents in the treatment of HIV infection

protect
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction : GUARD b : DEFEND 1C <protect the goal>
2 : to maintain the status or integrity of especially through financial or legal guarantees: as a : to save from contingent financial loss b : to foster or shield from infringement or restriction <salesmen with protected territories> <protect one's rights> specifically : to restrict competition for (as domestic industries) by means of tariffs or trade controls
3 : DEFEND 5 <protect a lead>
intransitive verb : to provide a guard or shield <protects against tooth decay>
synonyms see DEFEND
–pro·tect·able \-'tek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–pro·tec·tive \-'tek-tiv\ adjective
–pro·tec·tive·ly adverb
–pro·tec·tive·ness noun

protect
v. self protectiveness
protective tariff
self protective

protectant
n. : a protecting agent

protection
n. 1 : the act of protecting : the state of being protected
2 a : one that protects b : supervision or support of one that is smaller and weaker c : a contraceptive device (as a condom)
3 : the freeing of the producers of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (as high duties) on foreign competitive goods
4 a : immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery b : money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association
5 : COVERAGE 1A
6 : anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing

protection
n. cathodic protection
equal protection
sun protection factor
self protection

protectionist
n. : an advocate of government economic protection for domestic producers through restrictions on foreign competitors
–pro·tec·tion·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–protectionist adjective

protective tariff
: a tariff intended primarily to protect domestic producers rather than to yield revenue

protector
n. 1 a : one that protects : GUARDIAN b : a device used to prevent injury : GUARD
2 a : one having the care of a kingdom during the king's minority : REGENT b : the executive head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659 ― called also Lord Protector of the Commonwealth
–pro·tec·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

protectoral
adj. : of or relating to a protector or protectorate

protectorate
n. 1 a : government by a protector b capitalized : the government of England (1653-59) under the Cromwells c : the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
2 a : the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one b : the dependent political unit or territory in such a relationship

protectory
n. : an institution for the protection and care of usually homeless or delinquent children

protectress
n. : a woman who is a protector

protege
n. : one who is protected or trained or whose career is furthered by a person of experience, prominence, or influence

protegee
n. : a girl or woman who is a protégé

protein
n. 1 : any of various naturally occurring extremely complex substances that consist of amino-acid residues joined by peptide bonds, contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usually sulfur, and occas. other elements (as phosphorus or iron), and include many essential biological compounds (as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies)
2 : the total nitrogenous material in plant or animal substances

protein
n. Bence Jones protein
conjugated protein
C reactive protein
fish protein concentrate
G protein
heat shock protein
protein kinase
protein kinase C
silver protein
simple protein
textured vegetable protein

protein kinase
: any of a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to one or more amino acids in the side chain of a protein resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function

protein kinase C
: a protein kinase that catalyzes the phosphorylation of specific serine or threonine amino acid residues

proteinaceous
adj. : of, relating to, containing, resembling, or being protein

proteinase
n. : PROTEASE

proteinuria
n. : the presence of excess protein in the urine

protend
transitive verb
1 archaic : to stretch forth
2 archaic : EXTEND
intransitive verb archaic : STICK OUT, PROTRUDE

protensive
1 archaic : having continuance in time
2 archaic : having lengthwise extent or extensiveness
–pro·ten·sive·ly adverb

proteoglycan
n. : any of a class of glycoproteins of high molecular weight that are found especially in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue

proteolysis
n. : the hydrolysis of proteins or peptides with formation of simpler and soluble products

proteolytic
adj. : of, relating to, or producing proteolysis
–pro·teo·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

proteome
n. : the complement of proteins expressed in a cell, tissue, or organism by a genome

proteomics
: a branch of biotechnology concerned with applying the techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to analyzing the structure, function, and interactions of the proteins produced by the genes of a particular cell, tissue, or organism, with organizing the information in databases, and with applications of the data ― compare GENOMICS
–pro·te·o·mic \-mik\ adjective

proteose
n. : any of various water-soluble protein derivatives formed by partial hydrolysis of proteins

Proterozoic
adj. : of, relating to, or being the eon of geologic time or the corresponding segment of rocks that includes the interval between the Archean and Phanerozoic eons, exceeds in length all of subsequent geologic time, and is marked by rocks that contain fossils indicating the first appearance of eukaryotic organisms (as algae) ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Proterozoic noun

protest
n. 1 : a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent: as a : a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage b : a declaration made especially before or while paying that a tax is illegal and that payment is not voluntary
2 : the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval <resigned in protest> especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval
3 : a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usually to an idea or a course of action <went under protest>
4 : an objection made to an official or a governing body of a sport

protest
n. transitive verb
1 : to make solemn declaration or affirmation of <protest my innocence>
2 : to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note)
3 : to make a statement or gesture in objection to <protested the abuses of human rights>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a protestation
2 : to make or enter a protest
synonyms see ASSERT
–pro·test·er or pro·tes·tor \-'tes-tər, -ˌtes-\ noun

protestant
n. 1 capitalized a : any of a group of German princes and cities presenting a defense of freedom of conscience against an edict of the Diet of Spires in 1529 intended to suppress the Lutheran movement b : a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth broadly : a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church
2 : one who makes or enters a protest
–Prot·es·tant·ism \'prä-təs-tən-ˌti-zəm\ noun

protestant
n. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Protestants, their churches, or their religion
2 : making or sounding a protest <the two protestant ladies up and marched out ― Time>

Protestant ethic
: an ethic that stresses the virtue of hard work, thrift, and self-discipline

protestation
n. : the act of protesting : a solemn declaration or avowal

Proteus
n. : a Greek sea god capable of assuming different forms

proteus
n. : any of a genus (Proteus) of aerobic usually motile enterobacteria that include saprophytes in decaying organic matter and a common causative agent (P. mirabilis) of urinary tract infections

prothalamion
n. : a song in celebration of a marriage

prothallium
n. : PROTHALLUS

prothallus
n. 1 : the gametophyte of a pteridophyte (as a fern) that is typically a small flat green thallus attached to the soil by rhizoids
2 : a greatly reduced structure of a seed plant corresponding to the pteridophyte prothallus

prothesis
n. : the addition of a sound to the beginning of a word (as in Old French estat97whence English estate97from Latin status)
–pro·thet·ic \prä-'the-tik\ adjective

prothonotary
n. : a chief clerk of any of various courts of law
–pro·tho·no·tar·i·al \prō-ˌthä-nə-'ter-ē-əl, ˌpro-thə-nō-'ter-ē-əl\ adjective

prothonotary
n. prothonotary warbler
prothonotary apostolic
prothonotaries apostolic
protonotary apostolic
protonotaries apostolic

prothonotary warbler
: a large eastern No. American warbler (Protonotaria citrea of the family Parulidae) of wooded swamps that has a golden-yellow head and breast and bluish-gray wings

prothoracic
: of or relating to the prothorax

prothoracic gland
: one of a pair of thoracic endocrine organs in some insects that control molting

prothorax
: the anterior segment of the thorax of an insect ― see INSECT illustration

prothrombin
n. : a plasma protein produced in the liver in the presence of vitamin K and converted into thrombin in the clotting of blood

protist
n. : any of a diverse taxonomic group and especially a kingdom (Protista syn. Protoctista) of eukaryotic organisms that are unicellular and sometimes colonial or less often multicellular and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (as slime molds)
–pro·tis·tan \prō-'tis-tən\ adjective or noun

protium
n. : the ordinary light hydrogen isotope of atomic mass 1

proto
― see PROT-

protoceratops
: any of a genus (Protoceratops) of small herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaurs of the late Cretaceous that lacked horns

protocol
n. 1 : an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction
2 a : a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty b : the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators
3 a : a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services) <a breach of protocol> b : a set of conventions governing the treatment and especially the formatting of data in an electronic communications system <network protocols> c : CONVENTION 3A,B
4 : a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure

protoderm
n. : the outer primary meristem of a plant or plant part

protogalaxy
: a cloud of gas believed to be the precursor to a galaxy

protohistory
: the study of human beings in the times that immediately antedate recorded history
–pro·to·his·to·ri·an \-(h)is-'tȯr-ē-ən\ noun
–pro·to·his·tor·ic \-'tȯr-ik, -'tär-\ adjective

protohuman
: of, relating to, or resembling an early hominid (as an australopithecine)
–protohuman noun

protolanguage
n. : an assumed or recorded ancestral language

protomartyr
n. : the first martyr in a cause or region

proton
n. : an elementary particle that is identical with the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, that along with the neutron is a constituent of all other atomic nuclei, that carries a positive charge numerically equal to the charge of an electron, and that has a mass of 1.673 × 10-27 kilogram
–pro·ton·ic \prō-'tä-nik\ adjective

proton pump inhibitor
: any of a group of drugs that inhibit the activity of pumps transporting hydrogen ions across cell membranes and are used to inhibit gastric acid secretion

proton synchrotron
: a synchrotron in which protons are accelerated by means of frequency modulation of the radio-frequency accelerating voltage so that they have energies of billions of electron volts

protonate
v. transitive verb : to add a proton to
intransitive verb : to acquire an additional proton
–pro·ton·ation \ˌprō-tə-'nā-shən\ noun

protonema
: the primary usually filamentous thalloid stage of the gametophyte in mosses and in some liverworts comparable to the prothallus in ferns
–pro·to·ne·mal \-'nē-məl\ adjective
–pro·to·ne·ma·tal \-'nē-mə-təl, -'ne-\ adjective

protonotary apostolic
: a priest of the chief college of the papal curia who keeps records of consistories and canonizations and signs papal bulls also : an honorary member of this college

protopathic
adj. : of, relating to, or being cutaneous sensory reception responsive only to strong rather crude stimuli

protophloem
: the first-formed phloem that develops from procambium, consists of narrow thin-walled cells, and is usually associated with a region of rapid growth

protoplanet
n. : a hypothetical whirling gaseous mass within a giant cloud of gas and dust that rotates around a sun and is believed to give rise to a planet
–pro·to·plan·e·tary \ˌprō-tō-'pla-nə-ˌter-ē\ adjective

protoplasm
n. 1 : the organized colloidal complex of organic and inorganic substances (as proteins and water) that constitutes the living nucleus, cytoplasm, plastids, and mitochondria of the cell
2 : CYTOPLASM
–pro·to·plas·mic \ˌprō-tə-'plaz-mik\ adjective

protoplast
n. 1 : one that is formed first : PROTOTYPE
2 : a plant cell that has had its cell wall removed also : the nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane of a cell as distinguished from inert walls and inclusions

protoporphyrin
n. : a purple porphyrin acid C_34H_34N_4O_4 obtained from hemin or heme by removal of bound iron

protostar
: a cloud of gas and dust in space believed to develop into a star

protostele
: a stele forming a solid rod with the phloem surrounding the xylem
–pro·to·ste·lic \ˌprō-tə-'stē-lik\ adjective

protostome
n. : any of a major group (Protostomia) of bilateral metazoan animals (as mollusks, annelids, and arthropods) characterized in typical forms by determinate and spiral cleavage, formation of a mouth and anus directly from the blastopore, and formation of the coelom by splitting of the embryonic mesoderm ― compare DEUTEROSTOME

prototroph
n. : a prototrophic individual

prototrophic
adj. : having the nutritional requirements of the normal or wild type
–pro·to·tro·phy \prō-'tä-trə-fē\ noun

prototypal
: PROTOTYPICAL

prototype
n. 1 : an original model on which something is patterned : ARCHETYPE
2 : an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
3 : a standard or typical example
4 : a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane)

prototypical
adj. : of, relating to, or being a prototype
–pro·to·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

protoxylem
: the first-formed xylem developing from procambium and consisting of narrow cells with annular, spiral, or scalariform wall thickenings

protozoal
adj. : of or relating to protozoans

protozoan
n. : any of a phylum or subkingdom (Protozoa) of chiefly motile and heterotrophic unicellular protists (as amoebas, trypanosomes, sporozoans, and paramecia) that are represented in almost every kind of habitat and include some pathogenic parasites of humans and domestic animals
–protozoan adjective

protozoology
n. : a branch of zoology dealing with protozoans
–pro·to·zo·ol·o·gist \-zō-'ä-lə-jist, -zə-'wä-\ noun

protozoon
n. : PROTOZOAN

protract
v. 1 archaic : DELAY, DEFER
2 : to prolong in time or space : CONTINUE
3 : to extend forward or outward ― compare RETRACT 1
synonyms see EXTEND
–pro·trac·tive \-'trak-tiv\ adjective

protracted meeting
: a protracted revival meeting

protractile
adj. : capable of being thrust out <protractile jaws>

protraction
n. 1 : the act of protracting : the state of being protracted
2 : the drawing to scale of an area of land

protractor
n. 1 a : one that protracts b : a muscle that extends a part
2 : an instrument for laying down and measuring angles in drawing and plotting

protreptic
: an utterance (as a speech) designed to instruct and persuade
–protreptic adjective

protrude
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to thrust forward
2 : to cause to project
intransitive verb : to jut out from the surrounding surface or context <a handkerchief protruding from his breast pocket>
–pro·tru·si·ble \-'trü-sə-bəl, -zə-\ adjective

protrusion
n. 1 : the act of protruding : the state of being protruded
2 : something (as an anatomical part or excrescence) that protrudes
synonyms see PROJECTION

protrusive
adj. 1 archaic : thrusting forward
2 : PROMINENT, PROTUBERANT <a protrusive jaw>
3 : OBTRUSIVE, PUSHING <a coarse protrusive manner>
–pro·tru·sive·ly adverb
–pro·tru·sive·ness noun

protuberance
n. 1 : something that is protuberant
2 : the quality or state of being protuberant
synonyms see PROJECTION

protuberant
adj. : thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface often as a rounded mass : PROMINENT <protuberant eyes>
–pro·tu·ber·ant·ly adverb

proud
adj. 1 : feeling or showing pride: as a : having or displaying excessive self-esteem b : much pleased : EXULTANT c : having proper self-respect
2 a : marked by stateliness : MAGNIFICENT b : giving reason for pride : GLORIOUS <the proudest moment in her life>
3 : VIGOROUS, SPIRITED <a proud steed>
4 chiefly British : raised above a surrounding area <a proud design on a stamp>
–proud·ly adverb
synonyms PROUD, ARROGANT, HAUGHTY, LORDLY, INSOLENT, OVERBEARING, SUPERCILIOUS, DISDAINFUL mean showing scorn for inferiors. PROUD may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness <too proud to take charity>. ARROGANT implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted <a conceited and arrogant executive>. HAUGHTY suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position <a haughty aristocrat>. LORDLY implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power <a lordly condescension>. INSOLENT implies contemptuous haughtiness <ignored by an insolent waiter>. OVERBEARING suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence <an overbearing supervisor>. SUPERCILIOUS implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness <an aloof and supercilious manner>. DISDAINFUL suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness <disdainful of their social inferiors>.

proud
adj. do proud
house proud
proud flesh
purse proud

proud flesh
: an excessive growth of granulation tissue

proudful
chiefly dialect : marked by or full of pride

proudhearted
: proud in spirit : HAUGHTY

Proudhon
Pierre-Joseph 1809-1865 Fr. journalist

Proulx
(Edna) Annie 1935-     American writer

Proust
n. Marcel 1871-1922 Fr. nov.
–Proust·ian \'prü-stē-ən\ adjective

proustite
: a mineral that consists of a red sulfide of silver and arsenic and occurs in crystals or massively

Prov
Proverbs

prov
1 province; provincial
2 provisional

provascular
: of, relating to, or being procambium

prove
transitive verb
1 archaic : to learn or find out by experience
2 a : to test the truth, validity, or genuineness of <the exception proves the rule> <prove a will at probate> b : to test the worth or quality of specifically : to compare against a standard ― sometimes used with up or out c : to check the correctness of (as an arithmetic result)
3 a : to establish the existence, truth, or validity of (as by evidence or logic) <prove a theorem> <the charges were never proved in court> b : to demonstrate as having a particular quality or worth <the vaccine has been proven effective after years of tests> <proved herself a great actress>
4 : to show (oneself) to be worthy or capable <eager to prove myself in the new job>
intransitive verb : to turn out especially after trial or test <the new drug proved effective>
–prov·able \'prü-və-bəl\ adjective
–prov·able·ness noun
–prov·ably \-blē\ adverb
–prov·er \'prü-vər\ noun
usage The past participle proven, orig. the past participle of preve, a Middle English variant of prove that survived in Scotland, has gradually worked its way into standard English over the past three and a half centuries. It seems to have first become established in legal use and to have come only slowly into literary use. Tennyson was one of its earliest frequent users, prob. for metrical reasons. It was disapproved by 19th century grammarians, one of whom included it in a list of “words that are not words.” Surveys made some 50 or 60 years ago indicated that proved was about four times as frequent as proven. But our evidence from the last 30 or 35 years shows this no longer to be the case. As a past participle proven is now about as frequent as proved in all contexts. As an attributive adjective <proved or proven gas reserves> proven is much more common than proved.

prove out
: to turn out to be satisfactory or as expected

provenance
n. 1 : ORIGIN, SOURCE
2 : the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature

Provencal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Provence or the people of Provence
2 or Pro·ven·çale : cooked with garlic, onion, mushrooms, tomato, olive oil, and herbs <scallops Provencal>

Provencal
adj. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Provence
2 : OCCITAN especially : the dialect of Occitan spoken in Provence

Provence
n. region & former province SE France bordering on the Mediterranean capital Aix-en-Provence

provender
n. 1 : dry food for domestic animals : FEED
2 : FOOD, VICTUALS

provenience
n. : ORIGIN, SOURCE

provenly
: demonstrably as stated : without doubt or uncertainty

proventriculus
n. 1 : the glandular or true stomach of a bird that is situated between the crop and gizzard
2 : a muscular dilatation of the foregut in most mandibulate insects that is armed internally with chitinous teeth or plates for grinding food
3 : the thin-walled sac in front of the gizzard of an earthworm

proverb
n. 1 : a brief popular epigram or maxim : ADAGE
2 : BYWORD 4

proverb
n. 1 : to speak of proverbially
2 obsolete : to provide with a proverb

proverbial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a proverb
2 : that has become a proverb or byword : commonly spoken of <the proverbial smoking gun>
–pro·ver·bi·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

Proverbs
n. : a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

provide
v. intransitive verb
1 : to take precautionary measures <provide for the common defense ― U.S. Constitution>
2 : to make a proviso or stipulation <the Constitution⋯provides for an elected two-chamber legislature ― Current Biog.>
3 : to make preparation to meet a need <provide for entertainment> especially : to supply something for sustenance or support <provides for the poor>
transitive verb
1 archaic : to prepare in advance
2 a : to supply or make available (something wanted or needed) <provided new uniforms for the band> also : AFFORD <curtains provide privacy> b : to make something available to <provide the children with free balloons>
3 : to have as a condition : STIPULATE <the contract provides that certain deadlines will be met>

provided
v. : on condition that : with the understanding : IF
usage see PROVIDING

Providence
n. city & port N R.I., its capital pop 173,618

providence
n. 1 a often capitalized : divine guidance or care b capitalized : God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny
2 : the quality or state of being provident

providence
n. East Providence
New Providence
North Providence
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

provident
adj. 1 : making provision for the future : PRUDENT
2 : FRUGAL, SAVING
–prov·i·dent·ly adverb

providential
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or determined by Providence
2 archaic : marked by foresight : PRUDENT
3 : occurring by or as if by an intervention of Providence <a providential escape>
synonyms see LUCKY
–prov·i·den·tial·ly \-'den(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

provider
n. : one that provides <health-care providers> <an Internet provider> especially : BREADWINNER

providing
v. : on condition that : in case
usage Although occas. still disapproved, providing is as well established as a conjunction as provided is. Provided is more common.

province
n. 1 a : a country or region brought under the control of the ancient Roman government b : an administrative district or division of a country c plural : all of a country except the metropolises
2 a : a division of a country forming the jurisdiction of an archbishop or metropolitan b : a territorial unit of a religious order
3 a : a biogeographic division of less rank than a region b : an area that exhibits essential continuity of geological history also : one characterized by particular structural or petrological features
4 a : proper or appropriate function or scope : SPHERE <that question is outside my province> b : a department of knowledge or activity
synonyms see FUNCTION

province
n. Cape Province
North West Frontier Province
Rhine Province
Atlantic Provinces
Central Provinces and Berar
Maritime Provinces
Prairie Provinces
United Provinces
United Provinces of Agra and Oudh

provincial
n. 1 : the superior of a province of a Roman Catholic religious order
2 : one living in or coming from a province
3 a : a person of local or restricted interests or outlook b : a person lacking urban polish or refinement

provincial
n. 1 : of, relating to, or coming from a province
2 a : limited in outlook : NARROW b : lacking the polish of urban society : UNSOPHISTICATED
3 : of or relating to a decorative style (as in furniture) marked by simplicity, informality, and relative plainness especially : FRENCH PROVINCIAL
–pro·vin·cial·ly \-'vin(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

provincialism
n. 1 : a dialectal or local word, phrase, or idiom
2 : the quality or state of being provincial

provincialist
n. : a native or inhabitant of a province

provinciality
n. 1 : PROVINCIALISM 2
2 : an act or instance of provincialism

provincialize
v. : to make provincial
–pro·vin·cial·i·za·tion \-ˌvin(t)-sh(ə-)lə-'zā-shən\ noun

proving ground
1 : a place for scientific experimentation or testing (as of vehicles or weapons)
2 : a place where something is developed or tried out

provirus
n. : a form of a virus that is integrated into the genetic material of a host cell and by replicating with it can be transmitted from one cell generation to the next without causing lysis
–pro·vi·ral \-rəl\ adjective

provision
n. 1 a : the act or process of providing b : the fact or state of being prepared beforehand c : a measure taken beforehand to deal with a need or contingency : PREPARATION <made provision for replacements>
2 : a stock of needed materials or supplies especially : a stock of food ― usually used in plural
3 : PROVISO, STIPULATION

provision
n. : to supply with provisions

provisional
adj. : serving for the time being : TEMPORARY <a provisional government>
–pro·vi·sion·al·ly adverb

provisional
adj. : a postage stamp for use until a regular issue appears ― compare DEFINITIVE

provisionary
: PROVISIONAL

provisioner
n. : a furnisher of provisions

proviso
n. 1 : an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition
2 : a conditional stipulation

provisory
adj. 1 : containing or subject to a proviso : CONDITIONAL
2 : PROVISIONAL

provitamin
n. : a precursor of a vitamin convertible into the vitamin in an organism

Provo
n. : a member of the extremist faction of the Irish Republican Army

Provo
n. city N cen Utah on Utah Lake pop 105,166

provocateur
n. 1 : AGENT PROVOCATEUR
2 : one who provokes <a political provocateur>

provocation
n. 1 : the act of provoking : INCITEMENT
2 : something that provokes, arouses, or stimulates

provocative
adj. : serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate <a provocative question>
–provocative noun
–pro·voc·a·tive·ly adverb
–pro·voc·a·tive·ness noun

provoke
v. 1 a archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action b : to incite to anger
2 a : to call forth (as a feeling or action) : EVOKE <provoke laughter> b : to stir up purposely <provoke a fight> c : to provide the needed stimulus for <will provoke a lot of discussion>
–pro·vok·er noun
synonyms PROVOKE, EXCITE, STIMULATE, PIQUE, QUICKEN mean to arouse as if by pricking. PROVOKE directs attention to the response called forth <my stories usually provoke laughter>. EXCITE implies a stirring up or moving profoundly <news that excited anger and frustration>. STIMULATE suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference <stimulating conversation>. PIQUE suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge <that remark piqued my interest>. QUICKEN implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively <the high salary quickened her desire to have the job>. synonym see in addition IRRITATE

provoking
adj. : causing mild anger : ANNOYING
–pro·vok·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

provolone
n. : a usually firm pliant often smoked cheese of Italian origin

provost
n. 1 : the chief dignitary of a collegiate or cathedral chapter
2 : the chief magistrate of a Scottish burgh
3 : the keeper of a prison
4 : a high-ranking university administrative officer

provost
n. provost court
provost guard
provost marshal

provost court
: a military court usually for the trial of minor offenses within an occupied hostile territory

provost guard
: a police detail of soldiers under the authority of the provost marshal

provost marshal
: an officer who supervises the military police of a command

prow
n. archaic : VALIANT, GALLANT

prow
n. 1 : the bow of a ship : STEM
2 : a pointed projecting front part

prowess
n. 1 : distinguished bravery especially : military valor and skill
2 : extraordinary ability <his prowess on the football field>

prowl
n. intransitive verb : to move about or wander stealthily in or as if in search of prey
transitive verb : to roam over in a predatory manner
–prowl·er \'prau̇-lər\ noun

prowl
n. : an act or instance of prowling
–on the prowl : in the act of prowling also : in search of something <his fourth wife had just left him, and he was on the prowl again ― Mary McCarthy>

prowl car
: SQUAD CAR

prox
proximo

proxemics
n. : the study of the nature, degree, and effect of the spatial separation individuals naturally maintain (as in various social and interpersonal situations) and of how this separation relates to environmental and cultural factors
–prox·e·mic \-mik\ adjective

proximal
adj. 1 : situated close to : PROXIMATE
2 : next to or nearest the point of attachment or origin, a central point, or the point of view especially : located toward the center of the body ― compare DISTAL
3 : of, relating to, or being the mesial and distal surfaces of a tooth
–prox·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

proximal convoluted tubule
: the convoluted portion of the vertebrate nephron that lies between Bowman's capsule and the loop of Henle and functions especially in the resorption of sugar, sodium and chloride ions, and water from the glomerular filtrate ― called also proximal tubule

proximate
adj. 1 : immediately preceding or following (as in a chain of events, causes, or effects) <proximate, rather than ultimate, goals ― Reinhold Niebuhr>
2 a : very near : CLOSE b : soon forthcoming : IMMINENT
–prox·i·mate·ly adverb
–prox·i·mate·ness noun

proximity
n. : the quality or state of being proximate : CLOSENESS

proximity fuse
: a fuse for a projectile that uses the principle of radar to detect the presence of a target within the projectile's effective range

proximo
adj. : of or occurring in the next month after the present

proxy
n. 1 : the agency, function, or office of a deputy who acts as a substitute for another
2 a : authority or power to act for another b : a document giving such authority specifically : a power of attorney authorizing a specified person to vote corporate stock
3 : a person authorized to act for another : PROCURATOR
–proxy adjective

proxy
n. proxy marriage
Munchausen syndrome by proxy
Munchausen's syndrome by proxy

proxy marriage
: a marriage celebrated in the absence of one of the contracting parties who is represented at the ceremony by a proxy

Prozac
n. ― used for a preparation of fluoxetine

PrP
prion protein

prude
n. : a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum especially : a woman who shows or affects extreme modesty

prudence
n. 1 : the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2 : sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs
3 : skill and good judgment in the use of resources
4 : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

prudent
adj. : characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence: as a : marked by wisdom or judiciousness <prudent advice> b : shrewd in the management of practical affairs <prudent investors> c : marked by circumspection : DISCREET d : PROVIDENT, FRUGAL
synonyms see WISE
–pru·dent·ly adverb

prudential
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or proceeding from prudence
2 : exercising prudence especially in business matters
–pru·den·tial·ly \-'den(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

prudery
n. 1 : the characteristic quality or state of a prude
2 : a prudish act or remark

Prudhoe Bay
inlet of Beaufort Sea N Alaska

prudish
adj. : marked by prudery : PRIGGISH
–prud·ish·ly adverb
–prud·ish·ness noun

pruinose
: covered with whitish dust or bloom <pruinose stems>

prune
n. : a plum dried or capable of drying without fermentation

prune
n. transitive verb
1 a : to reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter <pruned the text> <prune the budget> b : to remove as superfluous <prune away all ornamentation>
2 : to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth <prune the branches>
intransitive verb : to cut away what is unwanted or superfluous
–prun·er noun

prunella
n. 1 : a twilled woolen dress fabric
2 : a heavy woolen fabric used for the uppers of shoes

pruning hook
: a pole bearing a curved blade for pruning plants

prunus
n. : any of a genus (Prunus) of drupaceous trees or shrubs of the rose family that have showy clusters of usually white or pink flowers first appearing in the spring often before the leaves and including many grown for ornament or for their fruit (as the plum, cherry, or apricot)

prurience
n. : the quality or state of being prurient

pruriency
n. : PRURIENCE

prurient
adj. : marked by or arousing an immoderate or unwholesome interest or desire especially : marked by, arousing, or appealing to sexual desire
–pru·ri·ent·ly adverb

prurigo
n. : a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by itching papules

pruritic
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by itching

pruritus
n. : ITCH 1A

Prusiner
Stanley Ben 1942-     American neurologist

Prussia
n. 1 historical region N Germany bordering on Baltic Sea
2 former kingdom & state of Germany capital Berlin ― see EAST PRUSSIA, WEST PRUSSIA
–Prus·sian \'prə-shən\ adjective or noun

Prussia
n. East Prussia
West Prussia
Old Prussian
Prussian blue

Prussian blue
1 : any of numerous blue iron pigments formerly regarded as ferric ferrocyanide
2 : a dark blue crystalline hydrated ferric ferrocyanide Fe_4[Fe(CN)6]3·xH_2O used as a test for ferric iron
3 : a greenish blue

prussianise
British variant of prussianize

Prussianism
n. : the practices or policies (as the advocacy of militarism) held to be typically Prussian

prussianize
: to make Prussian in character or principle (as in authoritarian control or rigid discipline)
–prus·sian·i·za·tion \ˌprə-shə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

prussic acid
: HYDROCYANIC ACID

Prut
river 565 mi (909 km) E Europe flowing from the Carpathians SSE into the Danube; forming the Romanian boundary with Moldova & Ukraine

prutah
1 : a former monetary unit of Israel equivalent to 1/1000 pound
2 : a coin representing one prutah

pry
v. : to look closely or inquisitively also : to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry

pry
v. 1 : to raise, move, or pull apart with a lever : PRIZE
2 : to extract, detach, or open with difficulty <pried the secret out of my sister>

pry
v. 1 : a tool for prying
2 : LEVERAGE

pryer
variant of prier

prying
adj. : inquisitive in an annoying, officious, or meddlesome way
synonyms see CURIOUS
–pry·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Prynne
William 1600-1669 Eng. Puritan pamphleteer

Przewalski's horse
: a small stocky bay- or dun-colored wild horse (Equus caballus przewalskii syn. E. przewalskii) of central Asia having a large head and short erect mane and now existing chiefly in captivity ― called also Prze·wal·ski horse \-skē-\

Przhevalsky
Nikolay Mikhaylovich 1839-1888 Russ. explorer

PS
n. 1 [New Latin postscriptum] postscript
2 power steering
3 public school

Ps
n. Psalms

ps
n. picosecond

PSA
1 prostate-specific antigen
2 public service announcement

psalm
n. : a sacred song or poem used in worship especially : one of the biblical hymns collected in the Book of Psalms

psalmbook
n. archaic : PSALTER

psalmist
n. : a writer or composer of especially biblical psalms

psalmody
n. 1 : the act, practice, or art of singing psalms in worship
2 : a collection of psalms

Psalms
n. : a collection of sacred poems forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

Psalter
n. : the Book of Psalms also : a collection of Psalms for liturgical or devotional use

psalterium
n. : OMASUM

psaltery
n. : an ancient musical instrument resembling the zither

psec
picosecond

psephology
n. : the scientific study of elections
–pse·pho·log·i·cal \ˌsē-fə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pse·phol·o·gist \sē-'fä-lə-jist\ noun

pseud
n. British : a person who pretends to be an intellectual

pseud
n. pseudonym; pseudonymous

pseud
n. 1 : false : spurious <pseudoclassic>
2 : temporary or substitute formation similar to (a specified thing) <pseudopodium>
3 : resembling, isomeric with, or related to (a specified chemical compound) <pseudoephedrine>

pseudepigraph
: PSEUDEPIGRAPHON 2

pseudepigraphon
1 plural : APOCRYPHA
2 : any of various pseudonymous or anonymous Jewish religious writings of the period 200 B.C. to A.D. 200 especially : one of such writings (as the Psalms of Solomon) not included in any canon of biblical Scripture ― usually used in plural

pseudepigraphy
: the ascription of false names of authors to works

pseudo
adj. : being apparently rather than actually as stated : SHAM, SPURIOUS <distinction between true and pseudo humanism ― K. F. Reinhardt>

pseudocholinesterase
n. : CHOLINESTERASE 2

pseudoclassic
adj. : pretending to be or erroneously regarded as classic
–pseudoclassic noun

pseudoclassicism
n. : imitative representation of classicism in literature and art

pseudocoel
: a body cavity that is not a product of gastrulation and is not lined with a well-defined mesodermal membrane

pseudocoelomate
: an invertebrate (as a nematode or rotifer) having a body cavity that is a pseudocoel
–pseudocoelomate adjective

pseudocyesis
n. : a psychosomatic state that occurs without conception and is marked by some of the physical symptoms and changes in hormonal balance of pregnancy

pseudoephedrine
n. : an isomer of ephedrine used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate especially to relieve nasal congestion

pseudomonad
n. : any of a genus (Pseudomonas) of gram-negative rod-shaped motile bacteria including some that produce a greenish fluorescent water-soluble pigment and some that are saprophytes or plant or animal pathogens

pseudomonas
n. : PSEUDOMONAD

pseudomorph
n. 1 : a mineral having the characteristic outward form of another species
2 : a deceptive or irregular form
–pseu·do·mor·phic \ˌsü-də-'mȯr-fik\ adjective
–pseu·do·mor·phism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun
–pseu·do·mor·phous \-fəs\ adjective

pseudonym
n. : a fictitious name especially : PEN NAME

pseudonymity
n. : the use of a pseudonym also : the fact or state of being signed with a pseudonym

pseudonymous
adj. : bearing or using a fictitious name <a pseudonymous report> also : being a pseudonym
–pseu·don·y·mous·ly adverb
–pseu·don·y·mous·ness noun

pseudoparenchyma
: compactly interwoven short-celled filaments especially in fungi that resemble parenchyma of higher plants
–pseu·do·par·en·chy·ma·tous \-ˌpa-rən-'ki-mə-təs, -'kī-\ adjective

pseudopod
n. : PSEUDOPODIUM
–pseu·dop·o·dal \sü-'dä-pə-dəl\ or pseu·do·po·di·al \ˌsü-də-'pō-dē-əl\ adjective

pseudopodium
n. 1 : a temporary protrusion or retractile process of the cytoplasm of a cell that functions (as in an amoeba) especially in a locomotor or food gathering capacity ― see AMOEBA illustration
2 : a slender leafless branch of the gametophyte in various mosses that often bears gemmae

pseudopregnancy
n. 1 : PSEUDOCYESIS
2 : an anestrous state resembling pregnancy that occurs in various mammals usually after an infertile copulation
–pseu·do·preg·nant \-nənt\ adjective

pseudorandom
: being or involving entities (as numbers) that are selected by a definite computational process but that satisfy one or more standard tests for statistical randomness

pseudoscience
n. : a system of theories, assumptions, and methods erroneously regarded as scientific
–pseu·do·sci·en·tif·ic \-ˌsī-ən-'ti-fik\ adjective
–pseu·do·sci·en·tist \-'sī-ən-tist\ noun

pseudoscorpion
n. : any of a widely distributed order (Pseudoscorpionida syn. Pseudoscorpiones) of tiny arachnids that have no caudal stinger and feed on tiny invertebrates (as insects and mites)

pseudosophistication
: false or feigned sophistication
–pseu·do·so·phis·ti·cat·ed \-sə-'fis-ti-ˌkā-təd\ adjective

pseudotuberculosis
n. : any of several diseases that are marked by the formation of granulomas resembling tubercular nodules and are caused by a bacterium (as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis) other than the tubercle bacillus

psf
pounds per square foot

PSG
platoon sergeant

pshaw
interj. ― used to express irritation, disapproval, contempt, or disbelief

psi
n. : the 23d letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

psi
n. : parapsychological psychic phenomena or powers

psi
n. pounds per square inch

psi particle
: J/PSI PARTICLE

psilocybin
n. : a hallucinogenic indole C_12H_17N_2O_4P obtained from a fungus (as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis syn. Stropharia cubensis)

psilophyte
: any of a division (Psilophyta) of simple dichotomously branched plants that first appeared during the Late Silurian, are now limited to two extant genera, lack true leaves and roots, and include the oldest known land plants with vascular tissue
–psi·lo·phyt·ic \ˌsī-lə-'fi-tik\ adjective

psittacine
n. : of or relating to the parrots
–psittacine noun

psittacosis
n. : an infectious disease of birds caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia psittaci), marked by diarrhea and wasting, and transmissible to humans in whom it occurs as a flu-like illness often accompanied by pneumonia ― called also ornithosis parrot fever
–psit·ta·co·tic \-'kä-tik, -'kō-\ adjective

Pskov
city W Russia in Europe near Lake Pskov (S arm of Peipus Lake) pop 209,000

psocid
: any of an order (Psocoptera syn. Corrodentia) of minute usually winged primitive insects (as a book louse) having simple mouthparts

psoralen
n. : a substance C_11H_6O_3 found in some plants that photosensitizes mammalian skin and is used in conjunction with ultraviolet light to treat psoriasis also : any of various derivatives of psoralen having similar properties

psoriasis
n. : a chronic skin disease characterized by circumscribed red patches covered with white scales
–pso·ri·at·ic \ˌsȯr-ē-'a-tik\ adjective or noun

PST
n. Pacific standard time

psych
n. 1 : PSYCHOANALYZE
2 a : to anticipate correctly the intentions or actions of : OUTGUESS b : to analyze or figure out (as a problem or course of action) <I psyched it all out by myself and decided ― David Hulburd>
3 a : to make psychologically uneasy : INTIMIDATE, SCARE <pressure doesn't psych me ― Jerry Quarry> ― often used with out <has a way of psyching out the competition> b : to make (as oneself) psychologically ready especially for performance ― often used with up <psyched herself up for the race>

psych
n. psychology

psych
n. 1 : mind : mental processes and activities <psychodynamic> <psychology>
2 : psychological methods <psychoanalysis> <psychotherapy>
3 : brain <psychosurgery>
4 : mental and <psychosomatic>

psych-out
: an act or an instance of psyching someone out

psychasthenia
n. : a neurotic state characterized especially by phobias, obsessions, or compulsions that one knows are irrational
–psych·as·then·ic \-'the-nik\ adjective or noun

psyche
n. 1 capitalized : a princess loved by Cupid
2 [Greek psychē] a : SOUL, PERSONALITY <the nation's consumer psyche ― D. J. Kevles> b : MIND 2

psychedelia
n. 1 : the world of people, phenomena, or items associated with psychedelic drugs
2 : psychedelic music

psychedelic
n. : a psychedelic drug (as LSD)

psychedelic
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or being drugs (as LSD) capable of producing abnormal psychic effects (as hallucinations) and sometimes psychotic states b : produced by or associated with the use of psychedelic drugs <a psychedelic experience>
2 : imitating, suggestive of, or reproducing effects (as distorted or bizarre images or sounds) resembling those produced by psychedelic drugs <psychedelic color schemes>
–psy·che·del·i·cal·ly \-'de-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychiatry
n. : a branch of medicine that deals with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders
–psy·chi·at·ric \ˌsī-kē-'a-trik\ adjective
–psy·chi·at·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–psy·chi·a·trist \sə-'kī-ə-trist, sī-\ noun

psychic
n. 1 : of or relating to the psyche : PSYCHOGENIC
2 : lying outside the sphere of physical science or knowledge : immaterial, moral, or spiritual in origin or force
3 : sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences : marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding
–psy·chi·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychic
n. 1 a : a person apparently sensitive to nonphysical forces b : MEDIUM 2D
2 : psychic phenomena

psycho
n. : a deranged or psychopathic person ― not used technically
–psycho adjective

psychoacoustics
n. : a branch of science dealing with the perception of sound, the sensations produced by sounds, and the problems of communication
–psy·cho·acous·tic \-tik\ adjective

psychoactive
adj. : affecting the mind or behavior <psychoactive drugs>

psychoanalysis
n. : a method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating emotional disorders that involves treatment sessions during which the patient is encouraged to talk freely about personal experiences and especially about early childhood and dreams
–psy·cho·an·a·lyst \-'a-nə-list\ noun

psychoanalytic
adj. : of, relating to, or employing psychoanalysis or its principles and techniques
–psy·cho·an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychoanalyze
v. : to treat by means of psychoanalysis

psychobabble
n. 1 : a predominantly metaphorical language for expressing one's feelings
2 a : psychological jargon b : trite or simplistic language derived from psychotherapy <repeating the usual psychobabble about self-discovery ― Mark Coleman>
–psychobabble intransitive verb
–psy·cho·bab·bler \-ˌba-blər\ noun

psychobiography
: a biography written from a psychodynamic or psychoanalytic point of view also : the application of such a point of view to the writing of a biography
–psy·cho·bi·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–psy·cho·bio·graph·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'gra-fi-kəl\ adjective

psychobiology
n. : the study of mental functioning and behavior in relation to other biological processes
–psy·cho·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also psy·cho·bi·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–psy·cho·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

psychochemical
adj. : a psychoactive chemical
–psychochemical adjective

psychodrama
n. 1 : an extemporized dramatization designed to afford catharsis and social relearning for one or more of the participants from whose life history the plot is abstracted
2 : a dramatic narrative or work characterized by psychological overtones
3 : an often ongoing psychological struggle also : an expression of psychological turmoil
–psy·cho·dra·mat·ic \-drə-'ma-tik\ adjective

psychodynamics
n. 1 : the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states
2 : explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes
3 : motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level
–psy·cho·dy·nam·ic \-mik\ adjective
–psy·cho·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychogenesis
n. 1 : the origin and development of mental functions, traits, or states
2 : development from mental as distinguished from physical origins
–psy·cho·ge·net·ic \-jə-'ne-tik\ adjective

psychogenic
adj. : originating in the mind or in mental or emotional conflict
–psy·cho·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychograph
n. : PSYCHOBIOGRAPHY

psychographics
n. : market research or statistics classifying population groups according to psychological variables (as attitudes, values, or fears) also : variables or trends identified through such research
–psy·cho·graph·ic \-fik\ adjective
–psy·cho·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychohistory
: historical analysis or interpretation using psychological and psychoanalytic methods also : a work of history using such methods
–psy·cho·his·to·ri·an \ˌsī-kō-(h)is-'tȯr-ē-ən, -'tär-\ noun
–psy·cho·his·to·ri·cal \-'tȯr-i-kəl, -'tär-\ adjective

psychokinesis
n. : movement of physical objects by the mind without use of physical means ― compare PRECOGNITION, TELEKINESIS
–psy·cho·ki·net·ic \-'ne-tik\ adjective

psychol
n. psychological

psycholinguistics
n. : the study of the mental faculties involved in the perception, production, and acquisition of language
–psy·cho·lin·guist \-'liŋ-gwist\ noun
–psy·cho·lin·guis·tic \-tik\ adjective

psychological
adj. 1 a : of or relating to psychology b : MENTAL
2 : directed toward the will or toward the mind specif. in its conative function <psychological warfare>
–psy·cho·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychological moment
: the occasion when the mental atmosphere is most certain to be favorable to the full effect of an action or event

psychologise
v. British variant of psychologize

psychologism
n. : a theory that applies psychological conceptions to the interpretation of historical events or logical thought

psychologize
v. intransitive verb : to speculate in psychological terms or on psychological motivations
transitive verb : to explain or interpret in psychological terms

psychology
n. 1 : the science of mind and behavior
2 a : the mental or behavioral characteristics of an individual or group b : the study of mind and behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity
3 : a theory or system of psychology <Freudian psychology> <the psychology of Jung>
–psy·chol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

psychology
n. abnormal psychology
depth psychology
educational psychology
evolutionary psychology
Gestalt psychology
industrial psychology
physiological psychology
social psychology
educational psychologist
evolutionary psychologist
industrial psychologist
social psychologist

psychometric
adj. : of or relating to psychometrics or psychometry
–psy·cho·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychometrician
n. 1 : a person (as a clinical psychologist) who is skilled in the administration and interpretation of objective psychological tests
2 : a psychologist who devises, constructs, and standardizes psychometric tests

psychometrics
n. : the psychological theory or technique of mental measurement

psychometry
n. 1 : divination of facts concerning an object or its owner through contact with or proximity to the object
2 : PSYCHOMETRICS

psychomotor
adj. : of or relating to motor action directly proceeding from mental activity

psychoneuroimmunology
: a branch of medicine that deals with the influence of emotional states (as stress) and nervous system activities on immune function especially in relation to the onset and progression of disease

psychoneurosis
n. : NEUROSIS especially : a neurosis based on emotional conflict in which an impulse that has been blocked seeks expression in a disguised response or symptom
–psy·cho·neu·rot·ic \-'rä-tik\ adjective or noun

psychopath
n. : a mentally ill or unstable person especially : a person affected with antisocial personality disorder

psychopathic
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder
–psy·cho·path·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychopathic
adj. : PSYCHOPATH

psychopathic personality disorder
: ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

psychopathology
: the study of psychological and behavioral dysfunction occurring in mental disorder or in social disorganization also : such dysfunction
–psy·cho·path·o·log·i·cal \-ˌpa-thə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also psy·cho·path·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–psy·cho·path·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–psy·cho·pa·thol·o·gist \-pə-'thä-lə-jist, -pa-\ noun

psychopathy
n. : mental disorder especially when marked by egocentric and antisocial activity

psychopharmacology
: the study of the effect of drugs on the mind and behavior
–psy·cho·phar·ma·co·log·i·cal \-mə-kə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also psy·cho·phar·ma·co·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–psy·cho·phar·ma·col·o·gist \-'kä-lə-jist\ noun

psychophysical
adj. : of or relating to psychophysics also : sharing mental and physical qualities <psychophysical color perception>
–psy·cho·phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychophysical parallelism
: PARALLELISM 4

psychophysics
n. : a branch of psychology concerned with the effect of physical processes (as intensity of stimulation) on the mental processes of an organism
–psy·cho·phys·i·cist \-'fi-zə-sist, -'fiz-sist\ noun

psychophysiological
adj. 1 : of or relating to physiological psychology
2 : combining or involving mental and bodily processes
–psy·cho·phys·i·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychophysiology
n. : PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
–psy·cho·phys·i·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

psychosexual
adj. 1 : of or relating to the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of sexual development
2 : of or relating to mental or emotional attitudes concerning sexual activity
3 : of or relating to the physiological psychology of sex
–psy·cho·sex·u·al·ly adverb

psychosexuality
n. : the psychic factors of sex

psychosis
n. : fundamental derangement of the mind (as in schizophrenia) characterized by defective or lost contact with reality especially as evidenced by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior

psychosocial
adj. 1 : involving both psychological and social aspects <psychosocial adjustment in marriage>
2 : relating social conditions to mental health <psychosocial medicine>
–psy·cho·so·cial·ly \-'sō-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychosomatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, concerned with, or involving both mind and body <the psychosomatic nature of man ― Herbert Ratner>
2 : of, relating to, involving, or concerned with bodily symptoms caused by mental or emotional disturbance <psychosomatic symptoms> <psychosomatic medicine>
–psy·cho·so·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychosurgery
n. : cerebral surgery employed in treating psychic symptoms
–psy·cho·sur·geon \-'sər-jən\ noun
–psy·cho·sur·gi·cal \-'sər-ji-kəl\ adjective

psychosynthesis
n. : a form of psychotherapy combining psychoanalytic techniques with meditation and exercise

psychotherapeutic
adj. : of, relating to, or used in psychotherapy
–psy·cho·ther·a·peu·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychotherapy
n. : treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
–psy·cho·ther·a·pist \-pist\ noun

psychotic
n. : of, relating to, marked by, or affected with psychosis <a psychotic patient> <psychotic behavior>
–psychotic noun
–psy·chot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychotomimetic
adj. : of, relating to, involving, or inducing psychotic alteration of behavior and personality <psychotomimetic drugs>
–psychotomimetic noun
–psy·choto·mi·met·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

psychotropic
adj. : acting on the mind <psychotropic drugs>
–psychotropic noun

psychro
: cold <psychrometer>

psychrometer
n. : a hygrometer consisting essentially of two similar thermometers with the bulb of one being kept wet so that the cooling that results from evaporation makes it register a lower temperature than the dry one and with the difference between the readings constituting a measure of the dryness of the atmosphere
–psy·chro·met·ric \ˌsī-krə-'me-trik\ adjective
–psy·chrom·e·try \sī-'krä-mə-trē\ noun

psychrophilic
: thriving at a relatively low temperature <psychrophilic bacteria>

psylla
: any of various plant lice (family Psyllidae) including economically important plant pests ― compare PEAR PSYLLA

psyllid
: PSYLLA
–psyllid adjective

psyllium
n. : the seed of a fleawort (esp. Plantago psyllium) that has the property of swelling and becoming gelatinous when moist and is used as a mild laxative ― called also psyllium seed

psyops
: military operations usually aimed at influencing the enemy's state of mind through noncombative means (as distribution of leaflets)

psywar
: psychological warfare

PT
1 Pacific time
2 part-time
3 physical therapist; physical therapy
4 physical training

Pt
platinum

pt
1 part
2 patient
3 payment
4 pint
5 point
6 port

PT boat
: a small fast patrol craft usually armed with torpedoes, machine guns, and depth charges ― called also PT

PTA
n. Parent-Teacher Association

pta
n. peseta

ptarmigan
n. : any of various grouses (genus Lagopus) of northern regions with completely feathered feet

PTC
: PHENYLTHIOCARBAMIDE

pte
British private

pteranodon
n. : any of a genus (Pteranodon) of Cretaceous pterosaurs having a backwardly directed bony crest on the skull and a wingspan of about 25 feet (7.7 meters)

pterid
: fern <pteridology>

pteridine
: a yellow crystalline bicyclic base C_6H_4N_4 broadly : any of a class of compounds (as the pterins) that have the bicyclic ring system of pteridine and include especially various animal pigments

pteridology
n. : the study of ferns
–pter·i·do·log·i·cal \ˌter-ə-də-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–pter·i·dol·o·gist \-'dä-lə-jist\ noun

pteridophyte
n. : any of a division (Pteridophyta) of vascular plants (as a fern) that have roots, stems, and leaves but lack flowers or seeds

pteridosperm
n. : SEED FERN

pterin
: any of various compounds that contain the bicyclic ring system characteristic of pteridine

pterodactyl
n. : any of various pterosaurs (suborder Pterodactyloidea) of the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous having a rudimentary tail and a beak with reduced dentition broadly : PTEROSAUR

pteropod
n. : any of the opisthobranch mollusks comprising two orders (Thecosomata and Gymnosomata) and having the anterior lobes of the foot expanded into broad thin winglike swimming organs

pterosaur
n. : any of an order (Pterosauria) of extinct flying reptiles existing from the Late Triassic throughout the Jurassic and most of the Cretaceous and having a featherless wing membrane extending from the side of the body along the arm to the end of the greatly elongated fourth digit

pteroylglutamic acid
: FOLIC ACID

pterygium
n. : a fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva that grows over part of the cornea usually from the inner side of the eyeball and causes a disturbance of vision

pterygoid
adj. : of, relating to, or lying in the region of the inferior part of the sphenoid bone of the vertebrate skull

pterygoid
adj. : a pterygoid part (as a bone, muscle, or nerve)

pterygoid process
: a process extending downward from each side of the sphenoid bone in humans and other mammals

pteryla
: one of the definite areas of the skin of a bird on which feathers grow

ptg
printing

PTO
1 Parent-Teacher Organization
2 please turn over
3 power takeoff

Ptolemaic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the second century geographer and astronomer Ptolemy of Alexandria and especially to his belief that the earth is at the center of the universe with the sun, moon, and planets revolving around it <the Ptolemaic system>
2 : of or relating to the Greco-Egyptian Ptolemies ruling Egypt from 323 to 30 B.C.

Ptolemais
1 ancient town in upper Egypt on left bank of the Nile NW of Thebes
2 ancient town in Cyrenaica NW of Barka; site at modern village of Tolmeta
3 ― see ACRE

Ptolemy
n. name of 15 kings of Egypt 323-30 B.C.

Ptolemy
n. 2d cent. A.D. Claudius Ptolemaeus Alexandrian astron.

ptomaine
n. : any of various organic bases which are formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and some of which are poisonous

ptomaine poisoning
: food poisoning caused by bacteria or bacterial products

ptosis
n. : a sagging or prolapse of an organ or part especially : a drooping of the upper eyelid

PTSD
post-traumatic stress disorder

PTV
public television

Pty
British proprietary

ptyalin
n. : an amylase found in the saliva of many animals that converts starch into sugar

ptyalism
n. : an excessive flow of saliva

PU
n. pickup

Pu
n. plutonium

pub
n. 1 chiefly British : PUBLIC HOUSE 2
2 : an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed

pub
n. 1 public
2 publication
3 publicity
4 published; publisher; publishing

pub crawl
: a round of visits to a number of bars in succession
–pub-crawl intransitive verb
–pub crawler noun

pubertal
adj. : of or relating to puberty

puberty
n. 1 : the condition of being or the period of becoming first capable of reproducing sexually marked by maturing of the genital organs, development of secondary sex characteristics, and in the human and in higher primates by the first occurrence of menstruation in the female
2 : the age at which puberty occurs often construed legally as 14 in boys and 12 in girls

puberulent
: covered with fine pubescence

pubes
n. 1 : the hair that appears on the lower part of the hypogastric region at puberty
2 : the pubic region

pubescence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being pubescent
2 : a pubescent covering or surface

pubescent
adj. 1 a : arriving at or having reached puberty b : of or relating to puberty
2 : covered with fine soft short hairs ― compare VILLOUS

pubic
adj. : of, relating to, or situated in or near the region of the pubes or the pubis

pubis
n. : the ventral and anterior of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis ― called also pubic bone

publ
1 publication
2 published; publisher; publishing

public
n. 1 a : exposed to general view : OPEN b : WELL-KNOWN, PROMINENT c : PERCEPTIBLE, MATERIAL
2 a : of, relating to, or affecting all the people or the whole area of a nation or state <public law> b : of or relating to a government c : of, relating to, or being in the service of the community or nation
3 a : of or relating to people in general : UNIVERSAL b : GENERAL, POPULAR
4 : of or relating to business or community interests as opposed to private affairs : SOCIAL
5 : devoted to the general or national welfare : HUMANITARIAN
6 a : accessible to or shared by all members of the community b : capitalized in shares that can be freely traded on the open market ― often used with go
7 : supported by public funds and private contributions rather than by income from commercials <public radio> <public television>
–pub·lic·ness noun

public
n. 1 : a place accessible or visible to the public ― usually used in the phrase in public
2 : the people as a whole : POPULACE
3 : a group of people having common interests or characteristics specifically : the group at which a particular activity or enterprise aims

public
n. certified public accountant
go public
make public
notary public
notaries public
public address system
public assistance
public defender
public domain
public health
public house
public key
public land
public law
public officer
public relations
public sale
public school
public servant
public service
public service corporation
public speaking
public spirited
public spiritedness
public utility
public works
quasi public
notary publics

public assistance
: government aid to needy, aged, or disabled persons and to dependent children

public defender
: a lawyer usually holding public office whose duty is to defend accused persons unable to pay for legal assistance

public domain
1 : land owned directly by the government
2 : the realm embracing property rights that belong to the community at large, are unprotected by copyright or patent, and are subject to appropriation by anyone

public health
: the art and science dealing with the protection and improvement of community health by organized community effort and including preventive medicine and sanitary and social science

public house
1 : INN, HOSTELRY
2 chiefly British : a licensed saloon or bar

public land
: land owned by a government specifically : that part of the U.S. public domain subject to sale or disposal under the homestead laws

public law
1 : a legislative enactment affecting the public at large
2 : a branch of law concerned with regulating the relations of individuals with the government and the organization and conduct of the government itself ― compare PRIVATE LAW

public officer
: a person who has been legally elected or appointed to office and who exercises governmental functions

public relations
: the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution also : the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

public sale
: AUCTION 1

public school
1 : an endowed secondary boarding school in Great Britain offering a classical curriculum and preparation for the universities or public service
2 : a free tax-supported school controlled by a local governmental authority

public servant
: a government official or employee

public service
1 : the business of supplying a commodity (as electricity or gas) or service (as transportation) to any or all members of a community
2 : a service rendered in the public interest
3 : governmental employment especially : CIVIL SERVICE

public speaking
1 : the act or process of making speeches in public
2 : the art of effective oral communication with an audience

public utility
: a business organization (as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

public works
: works (as schools, highways, docks) constructed for public use or enjoyment especially when financed and owned by the government

public-address system
: an apparatus including a microphone and loudspeakers used for broadcasting (as to an audience in an auditorium)

public-key
: a cryptographic element that is the publicly shared half of an encryption code and that can be used only to encode messages

public-service corporation
: a quasi-public corporation

public-spirited
: motivated by devotion to the general welfare
–pub·lic-spir·it·ed·ness noun

publican
n. 1 a : a Jewish tax collector for the ancient Romans b : a collector of taxes or tribute
2 chiefly British : the licensee of a public house

publication
n. 1 : the act or process of publishing
2 : a published work

publicise
v. British variant of publicize

publicist
n. 1 a : an expert in international law b : an expert or commentator on public affairs
2 : one that publicizes specifically : PRESS AGENT

publicity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being public
2 a : an act or device designed to attract public interest specifically : information with news value issued as a means of gaining public attention or support b : the dissemination of information or promotional material c : paid advertising d : public attention or acclaim

publicize
v. : to bring to the attention of the public : ADVERTISE

publicly
adv. 1 : in a manner observable by or in a place accessible to the public : OPENLY
2 a : by the people generally b : by a government

publish
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make generally known b : to make public announcement of
2 a : to disseminate to the public b : to produce or release for distribution specifically : PRINT 2C c : to issue the work of (an author)
intransitive verb
1 : to put out an edition
2 : to have one's work accepted for publication
–pub·lish·able \-bli-shə-bəl\ adjective

publish
v. self publish
desktop publishing
electronic publishing

publisher
n. : one that publishes something especially : a person or corporation whose business is publishing

publishing
n. : the business or profession of the commercial production and issuance of literature, information, musical scores or sometimes recordings, or art <newspaper publishing> <software publishing>

Puccini
n. Giacomo 1858-1924 Ital. composer
–Puc·ci·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adjective

puccoon
n. 1 : any of several American plants (as bloodroot) yielding a red or yellow pigment
2 : a pigment from a puccoon

puce
n. : a dark red

Puchon
city NW S. Korea pop 456,292

puck
n. 1 archaic : an evil spirit : DEMON
2 : a mischievous sprite : HOBGOBLIN specifically capitalized : ROBIN GOODFELLOW

puck
n. : a vulcanized rubber disk used in ice hockey

pucka
adj. variant of pukka

pucker
n. intransitive verb : to become wrinkled or constricted
transitive verb : to contract into folds or wrinkles

pucker
n. : a fold or wrinkle in a normally even surface

puckery
adj. : that puckers or causes puckering

puckish
adj. : IMPISH, WHIMSICAL
–puck·ish·ly adverb
–puck·ish·ness noun

PUD
n. pickup and delivery

pud
n. British : PUDDING

pudding
n. 1 : BLOOD SAUSAGE
2 a (1) : a boiled or baked soft food usually with a cereal base <corn pudding> <bread pudding> (2) : a dessert of a soft, spongy, or thick creamy consistency <chocolate pudding> (3) British : DESSERT 1 b : a dish often containing suet or having a suet crust and orig. boiled in a bag <steak and kidney pudding>

pudding
n. black pudding
blood pudding
Christmas pudding
cottage pudding
hasty pudding
Indian pudding
liver pudding
plum pudding
pudding stone
roly poly pudding
snow pudding
Yorkshire pudding

pudding stone
: CONGLOMERATE 1

puddle
n. 1 : a very small pool of usually dirty or muddy water
2 a : an earthy mixture (as of clay, sand, and gravel) worked while wet into a compact mass that becomes impervious to water when dry b : a thin mixture of soil and water for puddling plants

puddle
n. intransitive verb : to dabble or wade around in a puddle
transitive verb
1 : to make muddy or turbid : MUDDLE
2 a : to work (a wet mixture of earth or concrete) into a dense impervious mass b : to subject (iron) to the process of puddling
3 a : to strew with puddles b : to compact (soil) especially by working when too wet c : to dip the roots of (a plant) in a thin mud before transplanting
–pud·dler \'pəd-lər, 'pə-dəl-ər\ noun

puddle duck
: DABBLER B

puddle jumper
slang : LIGHTPLANE

puddling
n. : the process of converting pig iron into wrought iron or rarely steel by subjecting it to heat and frequent stirring in a furnace in the presence of oxidizing substances

pudency
n. : MODESTY

pudendum
n. : the external genital organs of a human being and especially of a woman ― usually used in plural
–pu·den·dal \-dəl\ adjective

pudgy
adj. : being short and plump : CHUBBY
–pudg·i·ness noun

pudibund
: PRUDISH

Puebla
1 state SE cen Mexico area 13,096 sq mi (33,919 sq km), pop 4,126,101
2 or Puebla de Za·ra·go·za \dā-ˌza-rə-'gō-zə, thā-ˌsär-ä-'gō-sä\ city, its capital, SE of Mexico (City) pop 1,054,921

Pueblo
n. city SE cen Colo. on the Arkansas pop 102,121

pueblo
n. 1 a : the communal dwelling of an American Indian village of Arizona, New Mexico, and adjacent areas consisting of contiguous flat-roofed stone or adobe houses in groups sometimes several stories high b : an American Indian village of the southwestern U.S.
2 capitalized : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of the southwestern U.S.

Puente Alto
city cen Chile, just S of Santiago pop 492,915

puerile
adj. 1 : JUVENILE
2 : CHILDISH, SILLY <puerile remarks>
–pu·er·ile·ly \-ə(l)-lē, -ˌī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
–pu·er·il·i·ty \ˌpyu̇(-ə)r-'i-lə-tē\ noun

puerilism
: childish behavior especially as a symptom of mental disorder

puerperal
adj. : of, relating to, or occurring during childbirth or the period immediately following <puerperal infection> <puerperal depression>

puerperal fever
: an abnormal condition that results from infection of the placental site following delivery or abortion and is characterized in mild form by fever but in serious cases the infection may spread through the uterine wall or pass into the bloodstream ― called also childbed fever puerperal sepsis

puerperium
n. : the period between childbirth and the return of the uterus to its normal size

Puerto
n. Puerto Limón
Puerto Barrios
Puerto La Cruz
Puerto Limon
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican

Puerto Barrios
city & port E Guatemala on Gulf of Honduras pop 39,088

Puerto La Cruz
city NE Venezuela NE of Barcelona pop 60,546

Puerto Limon
― see LIMÓN

Puerto Rico
island W. Indies E of Hispaniola; a self-governing commonwealth in union with the U.S. capital San Juan area 3435 sq mi (8931 sq km), pop 3,808,610
–Puerto Ri·can \'rē-kən\ adjective or noun

puff
n. intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to blow in short gusts (2) : to exhale forcibly b : to breathe hard : PANT c : to emit small whiffs or clouds (as of smoke) often as an accompaniment to vigorous action <puff at a pipe>
2 : to speak or act in a scornful, conceited, or exaggerated manner
3 a : to become distended : SWELL ― usually used with up b : to open or appear in or as if in a puff
4 : to form a chromosomal puff
transitive verb
1 a : to emit, propel, blow, or expel by or as if by puffs : WAFT b : to draw on (as a cigar, cigarette, or pipe) with intermittent exhalations of smoke
2 a : to distend with or as if with air or gas : INFLATE b : to make proud or conceited : ELATE c (1) : to praise extravagantly and usually with exaggeration <authors puffing their own work> (2) : ADVERTISE

puff
n. 1 a : an act or instance of puffing : WHIFF b : a slight explosive sound accompanying a puff c : a perceptible cloud or aura emitted in a puff d : DRAW 1A
2 : a light round hollow pastry
3 a : a slight swelling : PROTUBERANCE b : a fluffy mass: as (1) : POUF 2 (2) : a small fluffy pad for applying cosmetic powder (3) : a soft loose roll of hair (4) : a quilted bed covering
4 : a commendatory or promotional notice or review
5 : an enlarged region of a chromosome that is associated with intensely active genes involved in RNA synthesis
–puff·i·ness \'pə-fē-nəs\ noun
–puffy \'pə-fē\ adjective

puff
n. : of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery <a puff piece in the paper>

puff
n. cream puff
puff adder
powder puff
puff pastry
puff paste

puff adder
1 : a large thick-bodied extremely venomous African viper (Bitis arietans)
2 : HOGNOSE SNAKE

puff pastry
: a pastry dough containing many alternating layers of butter and dough or the light flaky pastry made from it ― called also puff paste

puffball
n. : any of various globose and often edible fungi (esp. family Lycoperdaceae) that discharge mature spores in a smokelike cloud when pressed or struck

puffer
n. 1 : one that puffs
2 : PUFFER FISH

puffer fish
1 : any of a family (Tetraodontidae) of chiefly tropical scaleless marine bony fishes which can distend themselves to a globular form and most of which are highly poisonous ― called also blowfish globefish swellfish ― compare FUGU
2 : any of various fish of the same order (Tetraodontiformes) as the puffer fish

puffery
n. : exaggerated commendation especially for promotional purposes : HYPE

puffin
n. : any of several seabirds (genera Fratercula and Lunda) of the northern hemisphere having a short neck and a deep grooved parti-colored laterally compressed bill

pug
n. 1 : any of a breed of small sturdy compact dogs of Asian origin with a smooth, short coat, tightly curled tail, short muzzle, and broad wrinkled face
2 a : PUG NOSE b : a close knot or coil of hair : BUN

pug
n. : to work and mix (as clay) when wet especially to make more homogeneous and easier to handle (as in throwing or molding wares)

pug
n. : 1BOXER 1

pug
n. : FOOTPRINT especially : a print of a wild mammal

pug
n. pug mill
pug nose
pug nosed

pug mill
: a machine in which materials (as clay and water) are mixed, blended, or kneaded into a desired consistency

pug nose
: a nose having a slightly concave bridge and flattened nostrils
–pug-nosed \'pəg-ˌnōzd\ adjective

Puget Sound
arm of the Pacific extending 80 mi (129 km) S into W Wash. from E end of Strait of Juan de Fuca

puggaree
n. : a light scarf wrapped around a sun helmet or used as a hatband

pugilism
n. : 1BOXING
–pu·gi·lis·tic \ˌpyü-jə-'lis-tik\ adjective

pugilist
n. : FIGHTER especially : a professional boxer

Puglia
region SE Italy on the Adriatic & Gulf of Taranto capital Bari pop 4,086,608

pugmark
: 4PUG

pugnacious
adj. : having a quarrelsome or combative nature : TRUCULENT
synonyms see BELLIGERENT
–pug·na·cious·ly adverb
–pug·na·cious·ness noun
–pug·nac·i·ty \-'na-sə-tē\ noun

puisne
adj. chiefly British : inferior in rank <puisne judge>
–puisne noun

puissance
n. : STRENGTH, POWER

puissant
adj. : having puissance : POWERFUL

Pukapuka
group of coral islands cen Pacific N of Cook Islands; administered with Cook Islands by New Zealand

Pukaskwa National Park
n. reservation Canada in Ont. bordering on Lake Superior

puke
n. : VOMIT
–puke noun

pukka
adj. : GENUINE, AUTHENTIC also : FIRST-CLASS

pul
n. ― see afghani at MONEY table

Pula
n. city & port W Croatia at tip of Istria pop 62,690

pula
n. ― see MONEY table

Pulaski
: a single-bit ax with an adze-shaped hoe extending from the back

Pulaski
Kazimierz 1747-1779 Pol. soldier in American Revolution

pulchritude
n. : physical comeliness
–pul·chri·tu·di·nous \ˌpəl-krə-'tüd-nəs, -'tyüd-; -'tü-dən-əs, -'tyü-\ adjective

pule
v. : WHINE, WHIMPER

puli
n. : any of a breed of medium-sized agile Hungarian sheepdogs with a thick woolly coat hanging in long thin cords

Pulitzer
n. Joseph 1847-1911 American (Hung.-born) journalist

Pulitzer prize
: any of various annual prizes (as for outstanding literary or journalistic achievement) established by the will of Joseph Pulitzer ― called also Pulitzer

Pulkovo
village W Russia in Europe S of St. Petersburg

pull
n. transitive verb
1 a : to exert force upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force b : to stretch (cooling candy) repeatedly <pull taffy> c : to strain abnormally <pull a tendon> d : to hold back (a racehorse) from winning e : to work (an oar) by drawing back strongly
2 a : to draw out from the skin <pull feathers from a rooster's tail> b : to pluck from a plant or by the roots <pull flowers> <pull turnips> c : EXTRACT <pull a tooth>
3 : to hit (a ball) toward the left from a right-handed swing or toward the right from a left-handed swing ― compare PUSH
4 : to draw apart : REND, TEAR
5 : to print (as a proof) by impression
6 : to remove from a place or situation <pull the engine> <pulled the pitcher in the third inning> <pulled the show>
7 : to bring (a weapon) into the open <pulled a knife>
8 a : PERFORM, CARRY OUT <pull an all-nighter> <pull guard duty> b : COMMIT, PERPETRATE <pull a robbery> <pull a prank>
9 a : PUT ON, ASSUME <pull a grin> b : to act or behave in the manner of <pulled a Horace Greely and went west ― Steve Rushin>
10 a : to draw the support or attention of : ATTRACT <pull votes> ― often used with in b : OBTAIN, SECURE <pulled a B in the course>
11 : to demand or obtain an advantage over someone by the assertion of <pull rank>
intransitive verb
1 a : to use force in drawing, dragging, or tugging b : to move especially through the exercise of mechanical energy <the car pulled clear of the rut> c (1) : to take a drink (2) : to draw hard in smoking <pulled at a pipe> d : to strain against the bit
2 : to draw a gun
3 : to admit of being pulled
4 : to feel or express strong sympathy : ROOT <pulling for my team to win>
5 of an offensive lineman in football : to move back from the line of scrimmage and toward one flank to provide blocking for a ballcarrier
–pull·er noun
–pull a face : to make a face : GRIMACE
–pull a fast one : to perpetrate a trick or fraud
–pull punches also pull a punch : to refrain from using all the force at one's disposal
–pull oneself together : to regain one's composure
–pull one's leg : to deceive someone playfully : HOAX
–pull one's weight : to do one's full share of the work
–pull stakes or pull up stakes : to move out : LEAVE
–pull strings also pull wires : to exert hidden influence or control
–pull the plug
1 : to disconnect a medical life-support system
2 : to withdraw essential and especially financial support
–pull the rug from under : to weaken or unsettle especially by removing support or assistance from
–pull the string : to throw a changeup
–pull the trigger : to make a decisive move or action
–pull the wool over one's eyes : to blind to the true situation : HOODWINK
–pull together : to work in harmony : COOPERATE

pull
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of pulling b (1) : a draft of liquid (2) : an inhalation of smoke c : the effort expended in moving <a long pull uphill> d : force required to overcome resistance to pulling <a trigger with a four pound pull>
2 a : ADVANTAGE b : special influence
3 : PROOF 6A
4 : a device for pulling something or for operating by pulling <a drawer pull>
5 : a force that attracts, compels, or influences : ATTRACTION
6 : an injury resulting from abnormal straining or stretching <a muscle pull> <a groin pull>

pull
n. pull wires
pull up stakes
pull a punch
demand pull
leg pull
pull together
pull the wool over one's eyes
pull the trigger
pull the string
pull the rug from under
pull the plug
pull strings
pull stakes
pull one's weight
pull one's leg
pull oneself together
pull punches
pull a fast one
pull a face
pull away
pull down
pull in
pull off
pull out
pull over
pull round
pull tab
pull through
pull up
push pull
wire pulling
wire puller

pull a face
to make a face : GRIMACE

pull a fast one
to perpetrate a trick or fraud

pull away
1 : to draw oneself back or away : WITHDRAW
2 : to move off or ahead

pull down
1 a : DEMOLISH, DESTROY b : to hunt down : OVERCOME
2 a : to bring to a lower level : REDUCE b : to depress in health, strength, or spirits
3 : to draw or earn (as wages or salary)

pull in
1 : CHECK, RESTRAIN
2 : ARREST
intransitive verb : to arrive at a destination or come to a stop

pull off
: to carry out despite difficulties : accomplish successfully against odds <the team pulled off an upset>

pull one's leg
to deceive someone playfully : HOAX

pull one's weight
to do one's full share of the work

pull oneself together
to regain one's composure

pull out
1 : LEAVE, DEPART
2 : WITHDRAW

pull over
: to steer one's vehicle to the side of the road
transitive verb : to cause to pull over <pulled him over for speeding>

pull punches
also pull a punch : to refrain from using all the force at one's disposal

pull round
chiefly British : to regain one's health
transitive verb chiefly British : to restore to good health

pull stakes
or pull up stakes : to move out : LEAVE

pull strings
also pull wires : to exert hidden influence or control

pull tab
: a metal tab (as on a can) pulled to open the container

pull the plug

1 : to disconnect a medical life-support system
2 : to withdraw essential and especially financial support

pull the rug from under
to weaken or unsettle especially by removing support or assistance from

pull the string
to throw a changeup

pull the trigger
to make a decisive move or action

pull the wool over one's eyes
to blind to the true situation : HOODWINK

pull through
: to survive a dangerous or difficult situation
transitive verb : to help survive a dangerous or difficult situation

pull together
to work in harmony : COOPERATE

pull up
1 : to bring to a stop : HALT
2 : CHECK, REBUKE
intransitive verb
1 a : to check oneself b : to come to an often abrupt halt : STOP
2 : to draw even with others in a race

pull-down
: being or appearing below a selected item (as an icon) in a window overlaying the original view on a computer display <a pull-down menu>

pull-up
: CHIN-UP

pullback
n. : a pulling back especially : an orderly withdrawal of troops from a position or area

pullet
n. : a young hen specifically : a hen of the domestic chicken less than a year old

pulley
n. 1 : a sheave or small wheel with a grooved rim and with or without the block in which it runs used singly with a rope or chain to change the direction and point of application of a pulling force and in various combinations to increase the applied force especially for lifting weights
2 : a pulley or pulleys with ropes to form a tackle that constitutes one of the simple machines
3 : a wheel used to transmit power by means of a band, belt, cord, rope, or chain passing over its rim

Pullman
n. 1 : a railroad passenger car with specially comfortable furnishings for day or especially for night travel
2 : a large suitcase

Pullman
n. George Mortimer 1831-1897 American inventor

Pullman
n. city SE Wash. S of Spokane pop 24,675

pullorum disease
: a destructive typically diarrheal salmonellosis especially of young domestic chickens that is caused by a bacterium (Salmonella pullorum)

pullout
n. 1 : the act or an instance of pulling out: as a : the action in which an airplane goes from a dive to horizontal flight b : PULLBACK
2 : something that can be pulled out

pullover
n. : a pullover garment (as a sweater)

pullover
n. : put on by being pulled over the head

pullulate
v. 1 a : GERMINATE, SPROUT b : to breed or produce freely <the country's pullulating population>
2 : SWARM, TEEM <the island pullulated with tourists>
–pul·lu·la·tion \ˌpəl-yə-'lā-shən\ noun

pulmonary
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, affecting, or occurring in the lungs <pulmonary tissue> <pulmonary edema> b : carried on by the lungs <pulmonary respiration>
2 : PULMONATE
3 : occurring in the pulmonary artery <a pulmonary embolism>

pulmonary
adj. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
pulmonary artery
pulmonary circulation
pulmonary vein

pulmonary artery
: an artery that conveys venous blood from the heart to the lungs ― see HEART illustration

pulmonary circulation
: the passage of blood from the right side of the heart through arteries to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and is returned to the left side of the heart by veins

pulmonary vein
: a valveless vein that returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart

pulmonate
adj. 1 : having lungs or organs resembling lungs
2 : of or relating to a subclass (Pulmonata) of gastropod mollusks having a respiratory sac and comprising most land snails and slugs and many freshwater snails

pulmonate
adj. : a pulmonate gastropod

pulmonic
adj. : PULMONARY

pulmonologist
n. : a specialist in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the lungs

pulmotor
n. : a respiratory apparatus for pumping oxygen or air into and out of the lungs (as of an asphyxiated person)

Pulog, Mount
mountain 9606 ft (2928 m) Philippines in N Luzon at S end of Cordillera Central; highest in Luzon

pulp
n. 1 a (1) : the soft, succulent part of a fruit usually composed of mesocarp (2) : stem pith when soft and spongy b : a soft mass of vegetable matter (as of apples) from which most of the water has been extracted by pressure c : the soft sensitive tissue that fills the central cavity of a tooth ― see TOOTH illustration d : a material prepared by chemical or mechanical means from various materials (as wood or rags) for use in making paper and cellulose products
2 : pulverized ore mixed with water
3 a : pulpy condition or character b : something in such a condition or having such a character
4 : a magazine or book printed on cheap paper (as newsprint) and often dealing with sensational material also : sensational or tabloid writing ― often used attributively <pulp fiction>
–pulp·i·ness \'pəl-pē-nəs\ noun
–pulpy \'pəl-pē\ adjective

pulp
n. 1 : to reduce to pulp <pulped unsold copies of the book>
2 : to cause to appear pulpy
3 : to deprive of the pulp
intransitive verb : to become pulp or pulpy
–pulp·er noun

pulpal
adj. : of or relating to pulp especially of a tooth <a pulpal abscess>
–pulp·al·ly \'pəl-pə-lē\ adverb

pulpit
n. 1 : an elevated platform or high reading desk used in preaching or conducting a worship service
2 a : the preaching profession b : a preaching position

pulpit
n. bully pulpit
jack in the pulpit
jacks in the pulpit
jack in the pulpits

pulpwood
n. : a wood (as of aspen, hemlock, pine, or spruce) used in making pulp for paper

pulque
n. : a Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of various agaves (as Agave atrovirens)

pulsant
: pulsating with activity

pulsar
n. : a celestial source of pulsating electromagnetic radiation (as radio waves) characterized by a short relatively constant interval (as .033 second) between pulses that is held to be a rotating neutron star

pulsate
v. 1 : to throb or move rhythmically : VIBRATE
2 : to exhibit a pulse or pulsation : BEAT

pulsatile
adj. : of or marked by pulsation

pulsation
n. 1 : rhythmical throbbing or vibrating (as of an artery) also : a single beat or throb
2 : a periodically recurring alternate increase and decrease of a quantity (as pressure, volume, or voltage)

pulsator
n. : something that beats or throbs in working

pulse
n. : the edible seeds of various crops (as peas, beans, or lentils) of the legume family also : a plant yielding pulse

pulse
n. 1 a : the regular expansion of an artery caused by the ejection of blood into the arterial system by the contractions of the heart b : the palpable beat resulting from such pulse as detected in a superficial artery also : the number of individual beats in a specified time period (as one minute) <a resting pulse of 70>
2 a : underlying sentiment or opinion or an indication of it b : VITALITY
3 a : rhythmical beating, vibrating, or sounding b : BEAT, THROB
4 a : a transient variation of a quantity (as electric current or voltage) whose value is normally constant b (1) : an electromagnetic wave or modulation thereof of brief duration (2) : a brief disturbance of pressure in a medium especially : a sound wave or short train of sound waves
5 : a dose of a substance especially when applied over a short period of time <pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone>

pulse
n. intransitive verb : to exhibit a pulse or pulsation : THROB
transitive verb
1 : to drive by or as if by a pulsation
2 : to cause to pulsate
3 a : to produce or modulate (as electromagnetic waves) in the form of pulses <pulsed waves> b : to cause (an apparatus) to produce pulses
–puls·er noun

pulse
n. electromagnetic pulse
pulse jet engine
pulse oximeter

pulse oximeter
: a device that measures the oxygen saturation of arterial blood in a subject by utilizing a sensor attached typically to a finger, toe, or ear to determine the percentage of oxyhemoglobin in blood pulsating through a network of capillaries

pulse-jet engine
: a jet engine designed to produce a pulsating thrust by the intermittent flow of hot gases

pulv
powder

pulverable
: capable of being pulverized

pulverise
v. British variant of pulverize

pulverize
transitive verb
1 : to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles : ATOMIZE <pulverize rock>
2 : ANNIHILATE, DEMOLISH
intransitive verb : to become pulverized
–pul·ver·iz·able \ˌpəl-və-'rī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–pul·ver·i·za·tion \ˌpəl-və-rə-'zā-shən, ˌpəlv-rə-\ noun
–pul·ver·iz·er \'pəl-və-ˌrī-zər\ noun

pulverulent
adj. 1 : consisting of or reducible to fine powder
2 : being or looking dusty : CRUMBLY

pulvinus
: a swelling at the base of a petiole or petiolule

puma
n. : COUGAR also : the fur or pelt of a cougar

pumice
n. : a volcanic glass full of cavities and very light in weight used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing
–pu·mi·ceous \pyü-'mi-shəs, ˌpə-\ adjective

pumicite
: PUMICE

pummel
n. : POUND, BEAT

pummelo
n. variant of pomelo2

pump
n. 1 : a device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids or that attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both
2 : HEART
3 : an act or the process of pumping
4 : an energy source (as light) for pumping atoms or molecules
5 : a biological mechanism by which atoms, ions, or molecules are transported across cell membranes ― compare SODIUM PUMP

pump
n. 1 : to work a pump : raise or move a fluid with a pump
2 : to exert oneself to pump or as if to pump something
3 : to move in a manner that resembles the action of a pump handle
transitive verb
1 a : to raise (as water) with a pump b : to draw fluid from with a pump
2 : to pour forth, deliver, or draw with or as if with a pump <pumped money into the economy> <pump new life into the classroom>
3 a : to question persistently <pumped him for the information> b : to elicit by persistent questioning
4 a : to operate by manipulating a lever b : to manipulate as if operating a pump handle <pumped my hand warmly> c : to cause to move with an action resembling that of a pump handle <a runner pumping her arms>
5 : to transport (as ions) against a concentration gradient by the expenditure of energy
6 a : to excite (as atoms or molecules) especially so as to cause emission of coherent monochromatic electromagnetic radiation (as in a laser) b : to energize (as a laser) by pumping
–pump iron : to lift weights

pump
n. : a shoe that grips the foot chiefly at the toe and heel especially : a close-fitting woman's dress shoe with a moderate to high heel

pump
n. air pump
force pump
heat pump
peristaltic pump
prime the pump
proton pump inhibitor
pump iron
pump fake
pump priming
pump up
sodium pump
stirrup pump
suction pump
sump pump
vacuum pump
pumped storage

pump fake
: a fake in which a player simulates throwing a pass (as in football) or taking a shot (as in basketball)
–pump-fake verb

pump iron
to lift weights

pump priming
: government investment expenditures designed to induce a self-sustaining expansion of economic activity

pump up
1 a : to fill with enthusiasm or excitement b : to fill with or as if with air : INFLATE
2 : INCREASE 1

pumped
v. : filled with energetic excitement and enthusiasm <pumped for the football game>

pumped storage
: a hydroelectric system in which electricity is generated during periods of high demand by the use of water that has been pumped into a reservoir at a higher altitude during periods of low demand

pumper
n. : one that pumps especially : a fire truck equipped with a pump

pumpernickel
n. : a dark coarse sourdough bread made of unbolted rye flour

pumpkin
n. 1 a : the usually round orange fruit of an annual vine (Cucurbita pepo) of the gourd family widely cultivated as food b : WINTER CROOKNECK c British : any of various large-fruited winter squashes (C. maxima)
2 : a usually hairy prickly vine that produces pumpkins
3 : a strong orange color

pumpkinseed
n. : a brightly colored No. American freshwater sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) with a reddish spot on the operculum

pun
n. : the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound

pun
n. : to make puns

puna
n. : a treeless windswept tableland or basin in the higher Andes

Puna de Atacama
high plateau region NW Argentina NW of San Miguel de Tucumán

Puncak Jaya
mountain 16,535 ft (5040 m) in Sudirman Range, West Papua, Indonesia; highest in New Guinea (island)

punch
n. 1 a : a tool usually in the form of a short rod of steel that is variously shaped at one end for different operations (as forming, perforating, embossing, or cutting) b : a short tapering steel rod for driving the heads of nails below a surface c : a steel die faced with a letter in relief that is forced into a softer metal to form an intaglio matrix from which foundry type is cast d : a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)
2 : a hole or notch from a perforating operation

punch
n. transitive verb
1 a : PROD, POKE b : DRIVE, HERD <punching cattle>
2 a : to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fist b : to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punch c : to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing
3 : to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch
4 a : to push down so as to produce a desired result <punch buttons on a jukebox> b : to hit or press down the operating mechanism of <punch a typewriter> c : to insert a time card into (a time clock) d : to produce by or as if by punching keys <punch out a tune on the piano> e : to enter (as data) by punching keys
5 : to give emphasis to
intransitive verb
1 : to perform the action of punching something
2 : to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort <punched into enemy territory>
–punch·er noun

punch
n. 1 : the action of punching
2 : a quick blow with or as if with the fist
3 : effective energy or forcefulness <a story that packs a punch> <political punch>
–punch·less \'pənch-ləs\ adjective
–to the punch : to the first blow or to decisive action ― usually used with beat

punch
n. : a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages also : a drink that is a mixture of nonalcoholic beverages

punch
n. pull a punch
Suffolk punch
center punch
milk punch
one two punch
planter's punch
to the punch
Punch and Judy show
punch bowl
punch card
punch drunk
punch in
punch line
punch list
punch out
punch press
punch up
rabbit punch
sucker punch
Sunday punch
pull punches
roll with the punches
punched card
punching bag

punch bowl
: a large bowl from which a beverage (as punch) is served

punch card
: a card in which holes are punched in designated positions to represent data ― called also Hollerith card punched card

punch in
: to record the time of one's arrival or beginning work by punching a time clock

punch line
: the sentence, statement, or phrase (as in a joke) that makes the point

punch list
: a list of usually minor tasks to be completed at the end of a project

punch out
1 : to record the time of one's stopping work or departure by punching a time clock
2 : to bail out of an aircraft using an ejection seat
transitive verb
1 : to beat up
2 : STRIKE OUT

punch press
: a press equipped with cutting, shaping, or combination dies for working on material (as metal)

punch up
: to give energy or forcefulness to <jokes added to punch up a speech>

Punch-and-Judy show
: a traditional puppet show in which the little hook-nosed humpback Punch fights comically with his wife Judy

punch-drunk
1 : suffering cerebral injury usually from many minute brain hemorrhages that is a result of repeated head blows received in boxing and is typically marked by mental confusion, incoordination, and slurred speech
2 : behaving as if punch-drunk : DAZED, CONFUSED

punch-out
1 : FISTFIGHT
2 : STRIKEOUT

punch-up
chiefly British : FISTFIGHT

punchball
n. : baseball adapted for small areas in which a rubber ball is hit with a fist instead of a bat

punchboard
n. : a small board that has many holes each filled with a rolled-up printed slip to be punched out on payment of a nominal sum in an effort to obtain a slip that entitles the player to a designated prize

puncheon
n. 1 : a pointed tool for piercing or for working on stone
2 a : a short upright framing timber b : a split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed

puncheon
n. : a large cask of varying capacity

punchinello
n. 1 capitalized : a fat short humpbacked clown or buffoon in Italian puppet shows
2 plural -los : a squat grotesque person

punching bag
1 : a stuffed or inflated bag that is usually suspended for free movement and that is punched for exercise or for training in boxing
2 : one who is routinely abused or defeated by another

punchy
adj. 1 a : having punch : FORCEFUL, SPIRITED b : VIVID, VIBRANT <punchy video graphics>
2 : PUNCH-DRUNK 2

punctate
adj. 1 : marked with minute spots or depressions <a punctate leaf>
2 : characterized by dots or points <punctate skin lesions>
–punc·ta·tion \ˌpəŋk-'tā-shən\ noun

punctilio
n. 1 : a minute detail of conduct in a ceremony or in observance of a code
2 : careful observance of forms (as in social conduct)

punctilious
adj. : marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions
synonyms see CAREFUL
–punc·til·i·ous·ly adverb
–punc·til·i·ous·ness noun

punctual
adj. : being on time : PROMPT
–punc·tu·al·i·ty \ˌpəŋk-chə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–punc·tu·al·ly \'pəŋk-chə-wə-lē, -chə-lē\ adverb

punctuat-table

punctuate
v. transitive verb
1 : to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2 : to break into or interrupt at intervals <the steady click of her needles punctuated the silence ― Edith Wharton>
3 : ACCENTUATE, EMPHASIZE
intransitive verb : to use punctuation marks
–punc·tu·a·tor \-ˌwā-tər\ noun

punctuated equilibrium
: evolution that is characterized by long periods of stability in the characteristics of an organism and short periods of rapid change during which new forms appear especially from small subpopulations of the ancestral form in restricted parts of its geographic range also : a theory or model of evolution emphasizing this ― compare GRADUALISM 2

punctuation
n. 1 : the act of punctuating : the state of being punctuated
2 : the act or practice of inserting standardized marks or signs in written matter to clarify the meaning and separate structural units also : a system of punctuation
3 : something that contrasts or accentuates

punctuation mark
: any of various standardized marks or signs used in punctuation

see table...

puncture
n. 1 : an act of puncturing
2 : a hole, wound, or perforation made by puncturing
3 : a minute depression

puncture
n. transitive verb
1 : to pierce with or as if with a pointed instrument or object
2 : to make useless or ineffective as if by a puncture : DEFLATE
intransitive verb : to become punctured

puncture vine
: an Old World annual prostrate herb (Tribulus terrestris) of the caltrop family that has hard spiny pods and is a troublesome weed especially in the western U.S. ― called also caltrop

pundit
n. 1 : PANDIT
2 : a learned man : TEACHER
3 : a person who gives opinions in an authoritative manner usually through the mass media : CRITIC
–pun·dit·ry \-də-trē\ noun

punditocracy
n. : a group of powerful and influential political commentators

Pune
city W India in Maharashtra ESE of Bombay pop 2,540,069

pung
New England : a sleigh with a box-shaped body

pungency
n. : the quality or state of being pungent

pungent
adj. 1 : sharply painful
2 : having a stiff and sharp point <pungent leaves>
3 a : marked by a sharp incisive quality : CAUSTIC <a pungent critic> <pungent language> b : being sharp and to the point
4 a : causing a sharp or irritating sensation especially : ACRID b : having an intense flavor or odor <a pungent chili>
–pun·gent·ly adverb
synonyms PUNGENT, PIQUANT, POIGNANT, RACY mean sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses. PUNGENT implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors <a cheese with a pungent odor>. PIQUANT suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency <a piquant sauce>. POIGNANT suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions <felt a poignant sense of loss>. RACY implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired <spontaneous, racy prose>.

pungle
transitive verb : to make a payment or contribution of (money) ― usually used with up
intransitive verb : PAY, CONTRIBUTE ― usually used with up

Punic
adj. 1 : of or relating to Carthage or the Carthaginians
2 : FAITHLESS, TREACHEROUS

Punic
adj. : the Phoenician dialect of ancient Carthage

punish
v. transitive verb
1 a : to impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation b : to inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation
2 a : to deal with roughly or harshly b : to inflict injury on : HURT
intransitive verb : to inflict punishment
–pun·ish·abil·i·ty \ˌpə-nish-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–pun·ish·able \'pə-nish-ə-bəl\ adjective
–pun·ish·er noun
synonyms PUNISH, CHASTISE, CASTIGATE, CHASTEN, DISCIPLINE, CORRECT mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. PUNISH implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing <punished for stealing>. CHASTISE may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation <chastised his son for neglecting his studies>. CASTIGATE usually implies a severe, typically public censure <an editorial castigating the entire city council>. CHASTEN suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued <chastened by a landslide election defeat>. DISCIPLINE implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control <parents must discipline their children>. CORRECT implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender <the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer>.

punishment
n. 1 : the act of punishing
2 a : suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution b : a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure
3 : severe, rough, or disastrous treatment

punition
: PUNISHMENT

punitive
adj. : inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment <severe punitive measures>
–pu·ni·tive·ly adverb
–pu·ni·tive·ness noun

punitive damages
: damages awarded in excess of compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a serious wrong

Punjab
n. 1 region NW Indian subcontinent in Pakistan & NW India occupying valleys of the Indus & its five tributaries; formerly a province of Brit. India capital Lahore
2 or East Punjab former state NW India in E Punjab divided 1966 into two states of Punjabi Suba & Haryana
3 or formerly West Punjab province NE Pakistan capital Lahore
4 or Pun·jabi Su·ba \ˌpən-'jä-bē-'sü-bə, -'ja-\ state NW India formed from N part of former state of Punjab capital Chandigarh area 19,448 sq mi (50,370 sq km), pop 24,289,296

Punjabi
n. 1 : an Indo-Aryan language of the Punjab
2 : a native or inhabitant of the Punjab region of the northwestern Indian subcontinent
–Punjabi adjective

punk
n. 1 archaic : PROSTITUTE
2 [probably partly from 3punk] : NONSENSE, FOOLISHNESS
3 a : a young inexperienced person : BEGINNER, NOVICE especially : a young man b : a usually petty gangster, hoodlum, or ruffian c slang : a young man used as a homosexual partner especially in a prison
4 a : PUNK ROCK b : a punk rock musician c : one who affects punk styles

punk
n. 1 : very poor : INFERIOR <played a punk game>
2 : being in poor health <said that she was feeling punk>
3 a : of or relating to punk rock b : relating to or being a style (as of dress or hair) inspired by punk rock
–punk·ish \'pəŋ-kish\ adjective

punk
n. 1 : wood so decayed as to be dry, crumbly, and useful for tinder
2 : a preparation (as of a stick of coated wood) that burns slowly and is used to ignite fuses especially of fireworks

punk rock
: rock music marked by extreme and often deliberately offensive expressions of alienation and social discontent
–punk rocker noun

punkah
n. : a fan used especially in India that consists of a canvas-covered frame suspended from the ceiling and that is operated by a cord

punker
n. : 1PUNK 4B C

punkie
: BITING MIDGE

punky
adj. : resembling punk in being soft or rotted
–punk·i·ness noun

punky
adj. : resembling or typical of a punk

punnet
n. British : a small basket for fruits or vegetables

Punnett square
: an n × n square used in genetics to calculate the frequencies of the different genotypes and phenotypes among the offspring of a cross

punny
: constituting or involving a pun

punster
n. : one who is given to punning

Punt
n. a part of Africa not certainly identified but probably Somaliland ― an ancient Egyptian name

punt
n. : a long narrow flat-bottomed boat with square ends usually propelled with a pole

punt
n. : to propel (as a punt) with a pole

punt
n. 1 : to play at a gambling game against the banker
2 British : GAMBLE

punt
n. transitive verb : to kick (as a football or soccer ball) with the top of the foot before the ball which is dropped from the hands hits the ground
intransitive verb : to punt a ball

punt
n. : the act or an instance of punting a ball

punt
n. : the monetary pound of Ireland

punt formation
: an offensive football formation in which a back making a punt stands approximately 10 yards behind the line and the other backs are in blocking position close to the line

Punta
Cerro de Punta
Punta Arenas
Punta del Este

Punta Arenas
city & port S Chile on Strait of Magellan pop 119,496

Punta del Este
town S Uruguay E of Montevideo pop 5272

punter
n. 1 : one that punts: as a chiefly British : a person who gambles especially : one who bets against a bookmaker b : a person who uses a punt in boating c : a person who punts a ball
2 chiefly British : CUSTOMER, PATRON

punty
n. : a metal rod used for fashioning hot glass

puny
adj. : slight or inferior in power, size, or importance : WEAK
–pu·ni·ly \'pyü-nə-lē\ adverb
–pu·ni·ness \'pyü-nē-nəs\ noun

pup
n. 1 : a young dog also : one of the young of various animals (as a seal or rat)
2 : OFFSET 2A

pup
n. : to give birth to pups

pup tent
: a small usually wedge-shaped tent for two persons

pupa
n. : an intermediate usually quiescent stage of a metamorphic insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) that occurs between the larva and the imago, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or protective covering, and undergoes internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago
–pu·pal \'pyü-pəl\ adjective

puparium
: a rigid outer shell formed from the larval skin that covers some pupae (as of a dipteran fly)

pupate
v. : to become a pupa : pass through a pupal stage
–pu·pa·tion \pyü-'pā-shən\ noun

pupfish
: any of several killifishes (genus Cyprinodon of the family Cyprinodontidae) especially of warm streams and springs of the western U.S.

pupil
n. 1 : a child or young person in school or in the charge of a tutor or instructor : STUDENT
2 : one who has been taught or influenced by a famous or distinguished person

pupil
n. : the contractile aperture in the iris of the eye
–pu·pil·lary \'pyü-pə-ˌler-ē\ adjective

pupilage
n. : the state or period of being a pupil

Pupin
Michael Idvorsky 1858-1935 American (Hung.-born) physicist & inventor

puppet
n. 1 a : a small-scale figure (as of a person or animal) usually with a cloth body and hollow head that fits over and is moved by the hand b : MARIONETTE
2 : DOLL 1
3 : one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence <a puppet ruler>
–pup·pet·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

puppeteer
n. : one who manipulates puppets

puppetry
n. 1 : the production or creation of puppets or puppet shows
2 : the art of manipulating puppets

puppy
n. 1 : a young domestic dog specifically : one less than a year old
2 : BABY 4 <a computer that is one fast puppy>
–pup·py·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–pup·py·ish \-ish\ adjective
–pup·py·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

puppy
n. hush puppy
mud puppy
puppy dog
puppy love
puppy mill

puppy dog
: a domestic dog especially : one having the lovable attributes of a puppy

puppy love
: transitory love or affection felt by a child or adolescent

puppy mill
: a commercial farming operation in which purebred dogs are raised in large numbers

pupu
: an Asian dish served as an appetizer or main course and consisting of a variety of foods (as egg rolls, spareribs, and fried shrimp) <pupu platter>

Purace
volcano 15,604 ft (4756 m) SW cen Colombia

Purana
n. : one of a class of Hindu sacred writings chiefly from A.D. 300 to A.D. 750 comprising popular myths and legends and other traditional lore
–Pu·ra·nic \-nik\ adjective

Purbeck, Isle of
peninsula region S England in Dorset extending E into English Channel

purblind
adj. 1 a obsolete : wholly blind b : partly blind
2 : lacking in vision, insight, or understanding : OBTUSE
–pur·blind·ly \-ˌblīn(d)-lē\ adverb
–pur·blind·ness \-ˌblīn(d)-nəs\ noun

Purcell
n. Edward Mills 1912-1997 American physicist

Purcell
n. Henry ca 1659-1695 Eng. composer

Purchas
Samuel ca 1577-1626 Eng. compiler of travel books

purchase
transitive verb
1 a archaic : GAIN, ACQUIRE b : to acquire (real estate) by means other than descent c : to obtain by paying money or its equivalent : BUY d : to obtain by labor, danger, or sacrifice
2 : to constitute the means for buying <our dollars purchase less each year>
intransitive verb : to purchase something
–pur·chas·able \-chə-sə-bəl\ adjective
–pur·chas·er noun

purchase
n. 1 : an act or instance of purchasing
2 : something obtained especially for a price in money or its equivalent
3 a (1) : a mechanical hold or advantage applied to the raising or moving of heavy bodies (2) : an apparatus or device by which advantage is gained b (1) : an advantage (as a firm hold or position) used in applying one's power <clutching the steering wheel for more purchase ― Barry Crump> (2) : a means of exerting power

purchase
n. hire purchase
point of purchase
Gadsden Purchase
Louisiana Purchase

purdah
n. 1 : seclusion of women from public observation among Muslims and some Hindus especially in India
2 : a state of seclusion or concealment

pure
adj. 1 a (1) : unmixed with any other matter <pure gold> (2) : free from dust, dirt, or taint <pure springwater> (3) : SPOTLESS, STAINLESS b : free from harshness or roughness and being in tune ― used of a musical tone c of a vowel : characterized by no appreciable alteration of articulation during utterance
2 a : being thus and no other : SHEER, UNMITIGATED <pure folly> b (1) : ABSTRACT, THEORETICAL <pure research> (2) : A PRIORI <pure mechanics> c : not directed toward exposition of reality or solution of practical problems <pure literature> d : being nonobjective and to be appraised on formal and technical qualities only <pure form>
3 a (1) : free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes (2) : containing nothing that does not properly belong b : free from moral fault or guilt c : marked by chastity : CONTINENT d (1) : of pure blood and unmixed ancestry (2) : homozygous in and breeding true for one or more characters e : ritually clean
4 : having exactly the talents or skills needed for a particular role <a pure shooter in basketball>
synonyms see CHASTE
–pure·ness noun

pure
adj. pure blooded
pure blood
pure democracy
pure imaginary
simon pure

pure democracy
: democracy in which the power is exercised directly by the people rather than through representatives

pure imaginary
: a complex number that is solely the product of a real number other than zero and the imaginary unit
–pure imaginary adjective

pure-blooded
: FULL-BLOODED 1
–pure·blood \-ˌbləd\ noun

purebred
n. : bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without admixture of other blood over many generations
–pure·bred \-ˌbred\ noun

puree
n. 1 : a paste or thick liquid suspension usually made from cooked food ground finely
2 : a thick soup made of pureed vegetables

puree
n. : to make a puree of

purely
adv. 1 a : to a full extent : TOTALLY <purely by accident> b : WHOLLY, EXCLUSIVELY <a selection based purely on merit>
2 : without admixture of anything injurious or foreign
3 : SIMPLY, MERELY <read purely for relaxation>
4 : in a chaste or innocent manner

purfle
n. : to ornament the border or edges of
–purfle noun

purgation
n. : the act or result of purging

purgative
n. : purging or tending to purge

purgative
n. : a purging medicine : CATHARTIC

Purgatoire
river 190 mi (306 km) SE Colo. flowing into the Arkansas

purgatorial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of purgatory
2 : cleansing of sin : EXPIATORY

purgatory
n. 1 : an intermediate state after death for expiatory purification specifically : a place or state of punishment wherein according to Roman Catholic doctrine the souls of those who die in God's grace may make satisfaction for past sins and so become fit for heaven
2 : a place or state of temporary suffering or misery

purge
n. transitive verb
1 a : to clear of guilt b : to free from moral or ceremonial defilement
2 a : to cause evacuation from (as the bowels) b (1) : to make free of something unwanted <purge a manhole of gas> <purge yourself of fear> (2) : to free (as a boiler) of sediment or relieve (as a steam pipe) of trapped air by bleeding c (1) : to rid (as a nation or party) by a purge (2) : to get rid of <the leaders had been purged>
intransitive verb
1 : to become purged
2 : to have or produce frequent evacuations
3 : to cause purgation
–purg·er noun

purge
n. 1 : something that purges especially : PURGATIVE
2 a : an act or instance of purging b : the removal of elements or members regarded as undesirable and especially as treacherous or disloyal

Puri
n. city & port E India in SE Orissa on Bay of Bengal pop 157,610

puri
n. : a puffy fried wheat cake of India

purification
n. : the act or an instance of purifying or of being purified

purificator
1 : a linen cloth used to wipe the chalice after celebration of the Eucharist
2 : one that purifies

purificatory
adj. : serving, tending, or intended to purify <purificatory rituals>

purify
v. transitive verb : to make pure: as a : to clear from material defilement or imperfection b : to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish c : to free from undesirable elements
intransitive verb : to grow or become pure or clean
–pu·ri·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

Purim
n. : a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 14th of Adar in commemoration of the deliverance of the Jews from the massacre plotted by Haman

purine
n. 1 : a crystalline base C_5H_4N_4 that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group
2 : a derivative of purine especially : a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

purism
n. 1 : an example of rigid adherence to or insistence on purity or nicety especially in use of words especially : a word, phrase, or sense used chiefly by purists
2 : the quality or practice of adherence to purity especially in language

purist
n. : a person who adheres strictly and often excessively to a tradition especially : one preoccupied with the purity of a language and its protection from the use of foreign or altered forms
–pu·ris·tic \pyu̇-'ris-tik\ adjective
–pu·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

puritan
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a 16th and 17th century Protestant group in England and New England opposing as unscriptural the ceremonial worship and the prelacy of the Church of England
2 : one who practices or preaches a more rigorous or professedly purer moral code than that which prevails

puritan
n. : of or relating to puritans, the Puritans, or puritanism

puritanical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by a rigid morality
2 : PURITAN
–pu·ri·tan·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

puritanism
n. 1 capitalized : the beliefs and practices characteristic of the Puritans
2 : strictness and austerity especially in matters of religion or conduct

purity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being pure
2 : SATURATION 4A

Purkinje cell
: any of numerous nerve cells that occupy the middle layer of the cerebellar cortex and are characterized by a large globose body with massive dendrites directed outward and a single slender axon directed inward

Purkinje fiber
: any of the modified cardiac muscle fibers with few nuclei, granulated central cytoplasm, and sparse peripheral striations that make up a network of myocardial conducting tissue

Purkyne
Jan Evangelista 1787-1869 Bohemian physiol.

purl
n. 1 : gold or silver thread or wire for embroidering or edging
2 : the intertwisting of thread that knots a stitch usually along an edge
3 : PURL STITCH

purl
n. 1 a : to embroider with gold or silver thread b : to edge or border with gold or silver embroidery
2 : to knit in purl stitch
intransitive verb : to do knitting in purl stitch

purl
n. 1 : a purling or swirling stream or rill
2 : a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water)

purl
n. 1 : EDDY, SWIRL
2 : to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream

purl stitch
: a knitting stitch usually made with the yarn at the front of the work by inserting the right needle into the front of a loop on the left needle from the right, catching the yarn with the right needle, and bringing it through to form a new loop ― compare KNIT STITCH

purlieu
n. 1 a : an outlying or adjacent district b plural : ENVIRONS, NEIGHBORHOOD
2 a : a frequently visited place : HAUNT b plural : CONFINES, BOUNDS

purlin
n. : a horizontal member in a roof

purloin
v. : to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust
synonyms see STEAL
–pur·loin·er noun

puromycin
n. : an antibiotic C_22H_29N_7O_5 that is obtained from an actinomycete (Streptomyces alboniger) and is a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis

purple
n. 1 : REGAL, IMPERIAL
2 : of the color purple
3 a : highly rhetorical : ORNATE b : marked by profanity

purple
n. 1 a (1) : cloth dyed purple (2) : a garment of such color especially : a purple robe worn as an emblem of rank or authority b (1) : TYRIAN PURPLE (2) : any of various colors that fall about midway between red and blue in hue c (1) : a mollusk (as of the genus Purpura) yielding a purple dye and especially the Tyrian purple of ancient times (2) : a pigment or dye that colors purple
2 a : imperial or regal rank or power b : high rank or station

purple
n. transitive verb : to make purple
intransitive verb : to become purple

purple
n. visual purple
purple coneflower
purple finch
Purple Heart
purple loosestrife
purple martin
purple passage
purple patch
purple scale
royal purple
Tyrian purple

purple coneflower
: any of a No. American genus (Echinacea, especially E. purpurea) of coarse perennial composite herbs with thick rough leaves and long-stalked flower heads having purplish-brown cone-shaped disks and usually pink to purplish rays

purple finch
: a finch (Carpodacus purpureus) of the U.S. and Canada having in the male a rosy-red head, breast, and rump

Purple Heart
: a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action

purple loosestrife
: a perennial Eurasian marsh herb (Lythrum salicaria) of the loosestrife family that is naturalized in eastern No. America and has long spikes of purple flowers

purple martin
: a large swallow (Progne subis) of No. America the males of which have glossy purplish-blue plumage

purple passage
1 : a passage conspicuous for brilliance or effectiveness in a work that is dull, commonplace, or uninspired
2 chiefly British : a piece of obtrusively ornate writing ― called also purple patch

purple scale
: a brownish or purplish armored scale (Lepidosaphes beckii) that is destructive to citrus fruit

purpleheart
: a strong durable purplish wood that is obtained from various leguminous trees (genus Peltogyne) of Central and So. America also : a tree producing such wood

purplish
adj. : somewhat purple

purply
: PURPLISH

purport
n. : meaning conveyed, professed, or implied : IMPORT also : SUBSTANCE, GIST

purport
n. 1 : to have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming (something implied or inferred) <a book that purports to be an objective analysis> also : CLAIM <foreign novels which he purports to have translated ― Mary McCarthy>
2 : INTEND, PURPOSE

purported
v. : REPUTED, ALLEGED <took gullible tourists to purported ancient sites>

purportedly
adj. : it is purported : OSTENSIBLY, ALLEGEDLY

purpose
n. 1 a : something set up as an object or end to be attained : INTENTION b : RESOLUTION, DETERMINATION
2 : a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution
synonyms see INTENTION
–on purpose : by intent : INTENTIONALLY

purpose
n. : to propose as an aim to oneself

purpose
n. all purpose
cross purpose
dual purpose
general purpose
on purpose
purpose built

purpose-built
chiefly British : built for a particular purpose

purposeful
adj. 1 : having a purpose: as a : MEANINGFUL <purposeful activities> b : INTENTIONAL <purposeful ambiguity>
2 : full of determination <was soft-spoken but purposeful>
–pur·pose·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–pur·pose·ful·ness noun

purposeless
adj. : having no purpose : AIMLESS, MEANINGLESS
–pur·pose·less·ly adverb
–pur·pose·less·ness noun

purposely
adv. : with a deliberate or express purpose

purposive
1 : serving or effecting a useful function though not as a result of planning or design
2 : having or tending to fulfill a conscious purpose or design : PURPOSEFUL
–pur·po·sive·ly adverb
–pur·po·sive·ness noun

purpura
n. : any of several hemorrhagic states characterized by patches of purplish discoloration resulting from extravasation of blood into the skin and mucous membranes
–pur·pu·ric \ˌpər-'pyu̇r-ik\ adjective

purpure
n. : the heraldic color purple

purr
n. : a low vibratory murmur typical of an apparently contented or pleased cat

purr
n. 1 : to make a purr or a sound like a purr <cars purring along the highway>
2 a : to speak in a manner that resembles a purr b : to speak in a malicious catty manner
–purr·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

purse
n. 1 a (1) : a small bag for money (2) : a receptacle (as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects b : a receptacle (as a pouch) shaped like a purse
2 a : RESOURCES, FUNDS b : a sum of money offered as a prize or present also : the total amount of money offered in prizes for a given event
–purse·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

purse
n. 1 : to put into a purse
2 : PUCKER, KNIT <pursed his brow>

purse
n. privy purse
purse proud
purse seine
purse seining
purse seiner
purse strings
shepherd's purse

purse seine
: a large seine designed to be set by two boats around a school of fish and so arranged that after the ends have been brought together the bottom can be closed
–purse seiner noun
–purse seining noun

purse strings
: financial resources also : control over these resources

purse-proud
: proud because of one's wealth especially in the absence of other distinctions

purser
n. 1 : an official on a ship responsible for papers and accounts and on a passenger ship also for the comfort and welfare of passengers
2 : a steward on an airliner

purslane
n. : any of a family (Portulacaceae, the purslane family) of cosmopolitan usually succulent herbs especially : a fleshy-leaved trailing plant (Portulaca oleracea) with tiny yellow flowers that is a common troublesome weed but is sometimes eaten as a potherb or in salads

pursuance
n. : the act of pursuing especially : a carrying out or into effect : PROSECUTION <in pursuance of his duties>

pursuant to
: in carrying out : in conformity with : ACCORDING TO

pursue
v. transitive verb
1 : to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, or defeat
2 : to find or employ measures to obtain or accomplish : SEEK <pursue a goal>
3 : to proceed along <pursues a northern course>
4 a : to engage in <pursue a hobby> b : to follow up or proceed with <pursue an argument>
5 : to continue to afflict : HAUNT <was pursued by horrible memories>
6 : 2CHASE 1C <pursued by dozens of fans>
intransitive verb : to go in pursuit
synonyms see CHASE
–pur·su·er noun

pursuit
n. 1 : the act of pursuing
2 : an activity that one engages in as a vocation, profession, or avocation : OCCUPATION
synonyms see WORK

pursuit plane
: a fighter plane especially of the period before World War II

pursuivant
n. 1 : an officer of arms ranking below a herald but having similar duties
2 : FOLLOWER, ATTENDANT

pursy
adj. 1 : short-winded especially because of corpulence
2 : FAT
–pur·si·ness noun

pursy
adj. 1 : having a puckered appearance
2 : PURSE-PROUD

purtenance
: ENTRAILS, PLUCK

purulence
n. : the quality or state of being purulent also : PUS

purulent
adj. 1 : containing, consisting of, or being pus <a purulent discharge>
2 : accompanied by suppuration

Purus
river 2000 mi (3219 km) NW cen S. America rising in the Andes in SE Peru & flowing NE into the Amazon in Brazil

purvey
v. 1 : to supply (as provisions) usually as a matter of business
2 : PEDDLE 2

purveyance
n. : the act or process of purveying or procuring

purveyor
n. 1 : one that purveys
2 : VICTUALLER, CATERER

purview
n. 1 a : the body or enacting part of a statute b : the limit, purpose, or scope of a statute
2 : the range or limit of authority, competence, responsibility, concern, or intention
3 : range of vision, understanding, or cognizance

pus
n. : thick opaque usually yellowish-white fluid matter formed by suppuration and composed of exudate containing white blood cells, tissue debris, and microorganisms

Pusan
n. city & port SE S. Korea on Korea Strait pop 3,655,437

Pusey
Edward Bouverie 1800-1882 Eng. theol.

Puseyism
: TRACTARIANISM
–Pu·sey·ite \-ˌīt\ noun

PUSH
n. People United to Serve Humanity

push
n. transitive verb
1 a : to press against with force in order to drive or impel b : to move or endeavor to move away or ahead by steady pressure without striking
2 a : to thrust forward, downward, or outward b : to cause to increase : RAISE <push prices to record levels> c : to try to move beyond or expand <push one's limits> d : to hit (a ball) toward the right from a right-handed swing or toward the left from a left-handed swing ― compare PULL
3 a : to press or urge forward to completion b : to urge or press the advancement, adoption, or practice of <pushed a bill in the legislature> especially : to make aggressive efforts to sell <we're pushing ham this week> c : to engage in the illicit sale of (narcotics)
4 : to bear hard upon so as to involve in difficulty <poverty pushed them to the breaking point>
5 : to approach in age or number <grandmother must be pushing 75>
intransitive verb
1 : to press against something with steady force in or as if in order to impel
2 : to press forward energetically against opposition
3 : to exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end <pushing for higher wages>
–push one's luck : to take an increasing risk

push
n. 1 : a vigorous effort to attain an end : DRIVE: a : a military assault or offensive b : an advance that overcomes obstacles c : a campaign to promote a product
2 : a time for action : EMERGENCY
3 a : an act of pushing : SHOVE b (1) : a physical force steadily applied in a direction away from the body exerting it (2) : a nonphysical pressure : INFLUENCE, URGE c : vigorous enterprise or energy
4 a : an exertion of influence to promote another's interests b : stimulation to activity : IMPETUS
–push comes to shove : a decisive moment comes <backed down when push came to shove>

push
n. bell push
cost push
push one's luck
push comes to shove
push around
push bike
push bicycle
push broom
push button
push off
push on
push pull
push up

push around
: to impose on contemptuously : BULLY

push broom
: a long-handled wide brush that is designed to be pushed and is used for sweeping

push button
: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

push comes to shove
a decisive moment comes <backed down when push came to shove>

push off
: SET OUT <we pushed off for home>

push on
: to continue on one's way : PROCEED

push one's luck
to take an increasing risk

push-bike
British : BICYCLE ― called also push bicycle

push-button
1 : operated or done by means of push buttons <a push-button phone>
2 : using or dependent on complex and more or less self-operating mechanisms that are put in operation by a simple act comparable to pushing a button <push-button warfare>

push-pull
: relating to or being an arrangement of two electronic circuit elements (as transistors) such that an alternating input causes them to send current through a load alternately <a push-pull circuit>
–push-pull noun

push-up
: a conditioning exercise performed in a prone position by raising and lowering the body with the straightening and bending of the arms while keeping the back straight and supporting the body on the hands and toes

pushball
n. : a game in which each of two sides endeavors to push an inflated orig. leather-covered ball six feet (1.8 meters) in diameter across its opponents' goal also : the ball used

pushcart
n. : a cart or barrow pushed by hand

pushchair
n. chiefly British : STROLLER

pushdown
: a store of data (as in a computer) from which the most recently stored item must be the first retrieved ― called also pushdown list pushdown stack

pusher
n. : one that pushes especially : one that pushes illegal drugs

pusher
n. pencil pusher
pen pusher
pedal pushers

pushing
n. 1 : marked by ambition, energy, enterprise, and initiative
2 : marked by tactless forwardness or officious intrusiveness

Pushkin
n. Aleksandr Sergeyevich 1799-1837 Russ. poet
–Push·kin·ian \pu̇sh-'ki-nē-ən\ adjective

Pushkin
n. city W Russia in Europe S of St. Petersburg pop 95,300

pushover
n. 1 : something accomplished without difficulty : SNAP
2 : an opponent who is easy to defeat or a victim who is capable of no effective resistance
3 : someone unable to resist an attraction or appeal : SUCKER

pushpin
n. : a pin that has a roughly cylindrical head and that is easily inserted and withdrawn (as from a bulletin board)

pushrod
n. : a rod actuated by a cam to open or close a valve of an internal combustion engine

Pushtu
n. variant of pashto

Pushtun
variant of pashtun

pushy
n. : aggressive often to an objectionable degree : FORWARD
–push·i·ly \'pu̇-shə-lē\ adverb
–push·i·ness \'pu̇-shē-nəs\ noun

pusillanimity
n. : the quality or state of being pusillanimous : COWARDLINESS

pusillanimous
adj. : lacking courage and resolution : marked by contemptible timidity
synonyms see COWARDLY
–pu·sil·lan·i·mous·ly adverb

puss
n. 1 : CAT
2 : GIRL

puss
n. slang : FACE

pussley
: PURSLANE

pussy
n. 1 : CAT
2 : a catkin of the pussy willow

pussy
n. 1 usually vulgar : VULVA
2 a usually vulgar : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE b usually vulgar : the female partner in sexual intercourse

pussy
n. : full of or resembling pus <a pussy wound>

pussy
n. slang : a weak or cowardly man or boy : WIMP, SISSY

pussy
n. pussy's toes
pussy willow
wood pussy

pussy willow
: a willow (as the No. American Salix discolor) having large cylindrical silky catkins

pussycat
n. 1 : CAT
2 : one that is weak, compliant, or amiable : SOFTY

pussyfoot
v. 1 : to tread or move warily or stealthily
2 : to refrain from committing oneself
–pussy·foot·er noun

pussytoes
: any of a genus (Antennaria) of woolly or hoary chiefly temperate perennial composite herbs that have small usually whitish discoid flower heads and a pappus formed of club-shaped bristles

pustulant
adj. : an agent (as a chemical) that induces pustule formation

pustulant
adj. : producing pustules

pustular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling pustules
2 : covered with pustular prominences : PUSTULATED

pustulated
v. : covered with pustules

pustulation
n. 1 : the act of producing pustules : the state of having pustules
2 : PUSTULE

pustule
n. 1 : a small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base
2 : a small often distinctively colored elevation or spot resembling a blister or pimple

put
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place in a specified position or relationship : LAY <put the book on the table> b : to move in a specified direction c (1) : to send (as a weapon or missile) into or through something : THRUST (2) : to throw with an overhand pushing motion <put the shot> d : to bring into a specified state or condition <a reapportionment⋯that was put into effect at the September primaries ― Current Biog.> e : to prescribe a specified regimen for ― usually used with on <put her on medication> <put him on a diet>
2 a : to cause to endure or suffer something : SUBJECT <put traitors to death> b : IMPOSE, INFLICT <put a special tax on luxuries>
3 a : to set before one for judgment or decision <put the question> b : to call for a formal vote on <put the motion>
4 a (1) : to convey into another form <want to put my feelings into words> (2) : to translate into another language or style <put the poem into English> (3) : ADAPT <lyrics put to music> b : EXPRESS, STATE <putting it mildly>
5 a : to devote (oneself) to an activity or end <put himself to winning back their confidence> b : APPLY <put her mind to the problem> c : ASSIGN <put them to work> d : to cause to perform an action : URGE <put the horse over the fence> e : IMPEL, INCITE <put them into a frenzy>
6 a : REPOSE, REST <puts his faith in reason> b : INVEST 1 <put her money in the company>
7 a : to give as an estimate <put the time as about eleven> b : ATTACH, ATTRIBUTE <puts a high value on their friendship> c : IMPUTE <put the blame on the partners>
8 : BET, WAGER <put $2 on the favorite>
intransitive verb
1 : to start in motion : GO especially : to leave in a hurry
2 of a ship : to take a specified course <put down the river>
–put forth
1 a : ASSERT, PROPOSE b : to make public : ISSUE
2 : to bring into action : EXERT
3 : to produce or send out by growth <put forth leaves>
4 : to start out
–put forward : PROPOSE <put forward a theory>
–put in mind : REMIND
–put one's finger on : IDENTIFY <put his finger on the cause of the trouble>
–put one's foot down : to take a firm stand
–put one's foot in one's mouth : to make a tactless or embarrassing blunder
–put paid to
chiefly British : to finish off : bring an end to
–put the arm on or put the bite on : to ask for money
–put the finger on : to inform on <put the finger on⋯heroin pushers ― Barrie Zwicker>
–put the make on : to make sexual advances toward
–put to bed : to make the final preparations for printing (as a newspaper)
–put together
1 : to create as a unified whole : CONSTRUCT
2 : ADD, COMBINE
–put to it : to give difficulty to : press hard <had been put to it to keep up>

put
n. 1 : a throw made with an overhand pushing motion specifically : the act or an instance of putting the shot
2 : an option to sell a specified amount of a security (as a stock) or commodity (as wheat) at a fixed price at or within a specified time ― compare CALL 3d

put
n. : being in place : FIXED, SET <stay put until I call>

put
n. put the bite on
hard put
put to it
put together
put to bed
put the make on
put the finger on
put the arm on
put paid to
put one's foot in one's mouth
put one's foot down
put one's finger on
put in mind
put forward
put forth
put about
put across
put and take
put away
put by
put down
put down roots
put in
put off
put on
put out
put over
put through
put up
put up with
put one up to
put upon
shot put
Put in Bay
off putting
putting green

put about
of a ship : to change direction : go on another tack
transitive verb : to cause to change course or direction

put across
1 : PUT OVER 3
2 : to convey effectively or forcefully <put her viewpoint across subtly>

put away
1 a : DISCARD, RENOUNCE <to put grief away is disloyal to the memory of the departed ― H. A. Overstreet> b : DIVORCE
2 : to eat or drink up : CONSUME
3 a : to confine especially in a mental institution b : BURY c : KILL

put by
1 archaic : REJECT
2 : to lay aside : SAVE

put down
1 : to bring to an end : STOP <put down a riot>
2 a : DEPOSE, DEGRADE b : DISPARAGE, BELITTLE <mentioned his poetry only to put it down> c : DISAPPROVE, CRITICIZE <was put down for the way she dressed> d : HUMILIATE, SQUELCH <put him down with a sharp retort>
3 : to make ineffective : CHECK <put down the gossip>
4 : to do away with (as an injured, sick, or aged animal) : DESTROY
5 a : to put in writing <put it down truthfully> b : to enter in a list <put me down for a donation>
6 a : to place in a category <I put him down as a hypochondriac ― O. S. J. Gogarty> b : ATTRIBUTE <put it down to inexperience>
7 : to pack or preserve for future use
8 : CONSUME <putting down helping after helping ― Carson McCullers>
–put down roots : to establish a permanent residence

put down roots
to establish a permanent residence

put forth

1 a : ASSERT, PROPOSE b : to make public : ISSUE
2 : to bring into action : EXERT
3 : to produce or send out by growth <put forth leaves>
4 : to start out

put forward
PROPOSE <put forward a theory>

put in
1 : to make a formal offer or declaration of <put in a plea of guilty>
2 : to come in with : INTERPOSE <put in a word for his brother>
3 : to spend (time) especially at some occupation or job <put in six hours at the office>
4 : PLANT <put in a crop>
intransitive verb
1 : to call at or enter a place especially : to enter a harbor or port
2 : to make an application, request, or offer ― often used with for <had to retire and put in for a pension ― Seymour Nagan>

put in mind
REMIND

put off
1 a : DISCONCERT b : REPEL
2 a : to hold back to a later time b : to induce to wait <put the bill collector off>
3 : to rid oneself of : TAKE OFF
4 : to sell or pass fraudulently

put on
1 a : to dress oneself in : DON b : to make part of one's appearance or behavior c : FEIGN <put a saintly manner on>
2 : to cause to act or operate : APPLY <put on more speed>
3 a : ADD <put on weight> b : EXAGGERATE, OVERSTATE
4 : PERFORM, PRODUCE <put on a play>
5 a : to mislead deliberately especially for amusement <the interviewer⋯must be put down 97 or possibly, put on ― Melvin Maddocks> b : KID 1 <you're putting me on>

put one up to
to incite one to (a course of action) <they put him up to playing the prank>

put one's finger on
IDENTIFY <put his finger on the cause of the trouble>

put one's foot down
to take a firm stand

put one's foot in one's mouth
to make a tactless or embarrassing blunder

put out
1 : EXTINGUISH <put the fire out>
2 : EXERT, USE <put out considerable effort>
3 : PUBLISH, ISSUE
4 : to produce for sale
5 a : DISCONCERT, EMBARRASS b : ANNOY, IRRITATE c : INCONVENIENCE <don't put yourself out for us>
6 : to cause to be out (as in baseball or cricket)
intransitive verb
1 : to set out from shore
2 : to make an effort
3 : to engage in sexual intercourse

put over
1 : POSTPONE, DELAY
2 : PUT ACROSS 2
3 : to achieve or carry through by deceit or trickery <put one over on me>

put paid to
chiefly British : to finish off : bring an end to

put the arm on
or put the bite on : to ask for money

put the finger on
to inform on <put the finger on⋯heroin pushers ― Barrie Zwicker>

put the make on
to make sexual advances toward

put through
1 : to carry to a successful conclusion <put through a number of reforms>
2 a : to make a telephone connection for b : to obtain a connection for (a telephone call)

put to bed
to make the final preparations for printing (as a newspaper)

put to it
to give difficulty to : press hard <had been put to it to keep up>

put together

1 : to create as a unified whole : CONSTRUCT
2 : ADD, COMBINE

put up
1 a : to place in a container or receptacle <put his lunch up in a bag> b : to put away (a sword) in a scabbard : SHEATHE c : to prepare so as to preserve for later use : CAN d : to put in storage
2 : to start (game animals) from cover
3 : to nominate for election
4 : to offer up (as a prayer)
5 : SET 16
6 : to make available especially : to offer for public sale <put their possessions up for auction>
7 : to give food and shelter to : ACCOMMODATE
8 : to arrange (as a plot or scheme) with others <put up a job to steal the jewels>
9 : BUILD, ERECT
10 a : to make a display of <put up a brave front> b : to engage in <put up a struggle>
11 a : CONTRIBUTE, PAY <put up bail money> b : to offer as a prize or stake
12 chiefly British : to increase the amount of : RAISE
13 : to succeed in producing or achieving <an athlete who has put up big numbers> also : SCORE 4A(1) <put up 20 points>
intransitive verb
1 : LODGE
2 : to take direct action ― used in the phrase put up or shut up
–put one up to : to incite one to (a course of action) <they put him up to playing the prank>
–put up with : to endure or tolerate without complaint or attempt at reprisal

put up with
to endure or tolerate without complaint or attempt at reprisal

put-and-take
: any of various games of chance played with a teetotum or with dice in which players contribute to a pool and take from it according to the instructions on the top or dice

put-down
: an act or instance of putting down especially : a humiliating remark

Put-in-Bay
inlet of Lake Erie in Ohio on S. Bass Is. N of Sandusky Bay; site of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial

put-on
: PRETENDED, ASSUMED

put-on
1 : an instance of putting someone on <conversational put-ons are related to old-fashioned joshing ― Jacob Brackman>
2 : PARODY, SPOOF <a kind of put-on of every pretentious film ever made ― C. A. Ridley>

put-up
: arranged secretly beforehand <a put-up job>

put-upon
: imposed upon : taken advantage of

putamen
n. : the large dark lateral part of the basal ganglion which comprises the external portion of the corpus striatum and which has connections to the caudate nucleus

putative
adj. 1 : commonly accepted or supposed
2 : assumed to exist or to have existed
–pu·ta·tive·ly adverb

Puteoli
― see POZZUOLI

Putin
n. Vladimir Vladimirovich 1952-     pres. of Russian Federation (2000-  )

putlog
n. : one of the short timbers that support the flooring of a scaffold

Putnam
Israel 1718-1790 American gen. in Revolution

Putnam
Rufus 1738-1824 cousin of prec. American gen. in Revolution

putout
n. : the retiring of a base runner or batter by a defensive player in baseball

Putrajaya
site SW Peninsular Malaysia of planned national capital

putrefaction
n. 1 : the decomposition of organic matter especially : the typically anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling incompletely oxidized products
2 : the state of being putrefied : CORRUPTION
–pu·tre·fac·tive \-'fak-tiv\ adjective

putrefy
v. transitive verb : to make putrid
intransitive verb : to undergo putrefaction
synonyms see DECAY

putrescence
n. : the state of being putrescent

putrescent
adj. 1 : undergoing putrefaction : becoming putrid
2 : of or relating to putrefaction

putrescible
: liable to become putrid

putrescine
n. : a crystalline slightly poisonous ptomaine C_4H_12N_2 that occurs in small amounts in virtually all living things

putrid
adj. 1 a : being in a state of putrefaction : ROTTEN b : of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction : FOUL <a putrid odor>
2 a : morally corrupt b : totally objectionable
synonyms see MALODOROUS
–pu·trid·i·ty \pyü-'tri-də-tē\ noun
–pu·trid·ly \'pyü-trəd-lē\ adverb

putsch
n. : a secretly plotted and suddenly executed attempt to overthrow a government

putschist
: one who takes part in a putsch

putt
n. : a golf stroke made on a putting green to cause the ball to roll into or near the hole
–putt verb

putt
n. putt putt
off putting
putting green

putt-putt
: MINIATURE GOLF

puttanesca
: served with or being a pungent tomato sauce typically containing olives, garlic, capers, hot pepper, and sometimes anchovies ― usually used postpositively <pasta puttanesca>

puttee
n. 1 : a cloth strip wrapped around the leg from ankle to knee
2 : a usually leather legging secured by a strap or catch or by laces

putter
n. : one that puts <a putter of questions>

putter
n. 1 : a golf club used in putting
2 : one who putts

putter
n. 1 : to move or act aimlessly or idly
2 : to work at random : TINKER
–put·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

putting green
: a smooth grassy area at the end of a golf fairway containing the hole also : a similar area usually with many holes that is used for practice

putto
n. : a figure of an infant boy especially in European art of the Renaissance ― usually used in plural

putty
n. 1 a : a doughlike material typically made of whiting and linseed oil that is used especially to fasten glass in window frames and to fill crevices in woodwork b : any of various substances resembling putty in appearance, consistency, or use
2 : a light brownish-gray to light grayish-brown color
3 : one who is easily manipulated <is putty in her hands>
–put·ty·less adjective
–put·ty·like adjective

putty
n. : to use putty on or apply putty to

putty knife
: an implement with a broad flat metal blade used especially for applying putty and for scraping

puttyroot
: a No. American orchid (Aplectrum hyemale) having a corm filled with glutinous matter and producing a solitary leaf and a scape bearing a raceme of brownish flowers

Putumayo
river 980 mi (1577 km) NW S. America flowing from SW Colombia into the Amazon in NW Brazil

Puvis de Chavannes
Pierre-Cécile 1824-1898 Fr. painter & muralist

Puy
Dome Puy de
Dôme Puy de
Puy de Dome
Puy de Dôme
Puy de Sancy
Sancy Puy de

Puy de Dome
― see DÔME (Puy de)

Puy de Sancy
― see SANCY (Puy de)

Puyallup
city W cen Wash. ESE of Tacoma pop 33,011

Puzo
Mario 1920-1999 American writer

puzzle
n. transitive verb
1 : to offer or represent to (as a person) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally also : to exert (as oneself) over such a problem or situation <they puzzled their wits to find a solution>
2 archaic : COMPLICATE, ENTANGLE
3 : to solve with difficulty or ingenuity <puzzle out an answer to a riddle>
intransitive verb
1 : to be uncertain as to action or choice
2 : to attempt a solution of a puzzle by guesswork or experiment <puzzle over the mystery>
–puz·zler \'pə-zə-lər, 'pəz-lər\ noun
synonyms PUZZLE, PERPLEX, BEWILDER, DISTRACT, NONPLUS, CONFOUND, DUMBFOUND mean to baffle and disturb mentally. PUZZLE implies existence of a problem difficult to solve <the persistent fever puzzled the doctor>. PERPLEX adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision <a behavior that perplexed her friends>. BEWILDER stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking <a bewildering number of possibilities>. DISTRACT implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests <distracted by personal problems>. NONPLUS implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible <the remark left us utterly nonplussed>. CONFOUND implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement <the tragic news confounded us all>. DUMBFOUND suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound <was at first too dumbfounded to reply>.

puzzle
n. 1 : the state of being puzzled : PERPLEXITY
2 a : something that puzzles b : a question, problem, or contrivance designed for testing ingenuity
synonyms see MYSTERY

puzzle
n. Chinese puzzle
jigsaw puzzle
monkey puzzle
monkey puzzle tree
picture puzzle

puzzleheaded
adj. : having or based on confused attitudes or ideas
–puz·zle·head·ed·ness noun

puzzlement
n. 1 : the state of being puzzled : PERPLEXITY
2 : PUZZLE

puzzling
adj. : difficult to understand or solve <puzzling symptoms>
–puz·zling·ly adverb

PV
1 photovoltaic
2 polyvinyl

PVA
polyvinyl acetate

PVC
n. polyvinyl chloride

PVO
private voluntary organization

PVT
n. pressure, volume, temperature

pvt
n. private

PW
prisoner of war

PWA
people with AIDS; person with AIDS

PWC
n. personal watercraft

pwr
power

pwt
pennyweight

PX
n. post exchange

py
: pus <pyemia> <pyorrhea>

pya
n. ― see kyat at MONEY table

Pyatigorsk
city S Russia in Europe in N Caucasus WNW of Grozny, Chechnya pop 132,000

pycnidium
: a flask-shaped fruiting body bearing conidiophores and conidia on the interior and occurring in various imperfect fungi and ascomycetes
–pyc·nid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

pycnogonid
: SEA SPIDER

pycnometer
n. : a standard vessel often provided with a thermometer for measuring and comparing the densities of liquids or solids

Pydna
ancient town Macedonia on Gulf of Salonika

Pye
Henry James 1745-1813 Eng. poet laureate (1790-1813)

pye-dog
: a half-wild dog common about Asian villages

pyel
: renal pelvis <pyelitis>

pyelitis
n. : inflammation of the lining of the renal pelvis

pyelonephritis
n. : inflammation of both the lining of the pelvis and the parenchyma of the kidney
–py·elo·ne·phrit·ic \-'fri-tik\ adjective

pyemia
n. : septicemia caused by pus-forming bacteria and accompanied by multiple abscesses

pygidium
n. : a caudal structure or the terminal body region of various invertebrates
–py·gid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

pygmaean
adj. : PYGMY

Pygmalion
n. : a king of Cyprus who makes a female figure of ivory that is brought to life for him by Aphrodite

pygmoid
: resembling or having the characteristics of the Pygmies

pygmy
n. 1 often capitalized : any of a race of dwarfs described by ancient Greek authors
2 capitalized : any of a small people of equatorial Africa ranging under five feet (1.5 meters) in height
3 a (1) : an unusually small person (2) : an insignificant or unimpressive person <an intellectual pygmy> b : something very small of its kind
–pygmy adjective

pygmy chimpanzee
: BONOBO

pyjamas
n. chiefly British variant of pajamas

pyknic
: characterized by shortness of stature, broadness of girth, and powerful muscularity : ENDOMORPHIC 2
–pyknic noun

Pyle
Ernest Taylor 1900-1945 Ernie Pyle American journalist

pylon
n. 1 a : a usually massive gateway b : an ancient Egyptian gateway building in a truncated pyramidal form c : a monumental mass flanking an entranceway or an approach to a bridge
2 a chiefly British : a tower for supporting either end of usually a number of wires over a long span b : any of various towerlike structures
3 a : a post or tower marking a prescribed course of flight for an airplane b : TRAFFIC CONE c : one of the flexible upright markers positioned on a football field at the corners of the end zone
4 : a rigid structure on the outside of an aircraft for supporting something (as an engine or missile) ― see AIRPLANE illustration

pyloric
adj. : of or relating to the pylorus also : of, relating to, or situated in or near the posterior part of the stomach

pylorus
n. : the muscular opening from the vertebrate stomach into the intestine

Pym
John 1584-1643 Eng. statesman

Pynchon
Thomas 1937-     American writer
–Pyn·chon·esque \ˌpin-chə-'nesk\ adjective

PYO
pick your own

pyoderma
n. : a bacterial skin inflammation marked by pus-filled lesions

pyogenic
adj. : producing pus <pyogenic bacteria> also : marked by pus production <pyogenic meningitis>

Pyongyang
n. city capital of N. Korea on the Taedong pop 2,355,000

pyorrhea
n. : purulent inflammation of the sockets of the teeth leading usually to loosening of the teeth

pyr
1 : fire : heat <pyrometer> <pyrheliometer>
2 a : produced by or as if by the action of heat <pyroelectricity> b : derived from a corresponding ortho acid by loss usually of one molecule of water from two molecules of acid <pyrophosphoric acid>
3 : fever <pyrogenic>

pyracantha
n. : any of a small genus (Pyracantha) of ornamental Eurasian thorny evergreen or semievergreen shrubs of the rose family with alternate leaves, corymbs of white flowers, and small red or orange pomes ― called also firethorn

pyralid
: any of a very large heterogeneous family (Pyralidae) of mostly small slender long-legged moths
–pyralid adjective

pyramid
n. 1 a : an ancient massive structure found especially in Egypt having typically a square ground plan, outside walls in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top, and inner sepulchral chambers b : a structure or object of similar form
2 : a polyhedron having for its base a polygon and for faces triangles with a common vertex ― see VOLUME table
3 : a crystalline form each face of which intersects the vertical axis and either two lateral axes or in the tetragonal system one lateral axis
4 : an anatomical structure resembling a pyramid: as a : any of the conical masses that project from the renal medulla into the kidney pelvis b : either of two large bundles of motor fibers from the cerebral cortex that reach the medulla oblongata and are continuous with the pyramidal tracts of the spinal cord
5 : an immaterial structure built on a broad supporting base and narrowing gradually to an apex <the socioeconomic pyramid>
–py·ra·mi·dal \pə-'ra-mə-dəl, ˌpir-ə-'mi-\ adjective
–py·ra·mi·dal·ly adverb
–pyr·a·mid·i·cal \ˌpir-ə-'mi-di-kəl\ adjective

pyramid
n. 1 : to speculate (as on a security or commodity exchange) by using paper profits as margin for additional transactions
2 : to increase rapidly and progressively step by step on a broad base
transitive verb
1 : to arrange or build up as if on the base of a pyramid
2 : to use (as profits) in speculative pyramiding
3 : to increase the impact of (as a tax assessed at the production level) on the ultimate consumer by treating as a cost subject to markup

pyramid
n. food pyramid
pyramid scheme
Pyramid Lake
pyramidal tract

Pyramid Lake
lake 30 mi (48 km) long NW Nev. NE of Reno

pyramid scheme
: a usually illegal operation in which participants pay to join and profit mainly from payments made by subsequent participants

pyramidal tract
: any of four columns of motor fibers that run in pairs on each side of the spinal cord and are continuations of the pyramids of the medulla oblongata

pyramidology
: the study of or theory about mathematical or occult significance in measurements of the Great Pyramid of Egypt
–pyr·a·mid·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Pyramus
n. : a legendary youth of Babylon who dies for love of Thisbe

pyran
n. : either of two cyclic compounds C_5H_6O that contain five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom in the ring

pyranose
n. : a monosaccharide in the form of a cyclic hemiacetal containing a pyran ring

pyranoside
: a glycoside containing the pyran ring

pyre
n. : a combustible heap for burning a dead body as a funeral rite broadly : a pile of material to be burned <a pyre of dead leaves>

Pyrenees
n. mountains along French-Spanish border from Bay of Biscay to Gulf of Lion ― see ANETO (Pico de)
–Pyr·e·ne·an \ˌpir-ə-'nē-ən\ adjective or noun

pyrenoid
: one of the protein bodies in the chloroplasts of various lower organisms (as some algae) that are involved in starch synthesis and deposition

pyrethrin
n. : either of two oily liquid esters C_21H_28O_3 and C_22H_28O_5 having insecticidal properties and occurring especially in the flowers of pyrethrum

pyrethroid
: any of various synthetic compounds that are related to the pyrethrins and resemble them in insecticidal properties
–pyrethroid adjective

pyrethrum
n. 1 : any of several chrysanthemums with finely divided often aromatic leaves including ornamentals as well as important sources of insecticides
2 : an insecticide made from the dried heads of any of several Old World chrysanthemums (esp. Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium)

pyretic
adj. : of or relating to fever : FEBRILE

Pyrex
n. ― used for borosilicate glass and glassware resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity

pyrexia
n. : abnormal elevation of body temperature : FEVER
–py·rex·i·al \-sē-əl\ adjective
–py·rex·ic \-sik\ adjective

pyrheliometer
: an instrument for measuring the sun's radiant energy as received at the earth
–pyr·he·lio·met·ric \-lē-ə-'me-trik\ adjective

pyridine
n. : a toxic water-soluble flammable liquid base C_5H_5N of pungent odor that is the parent of many naturally occurring organic compounds and is used as a solvent and as a denaturant for alcohol and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and waterproofing agents

pyridostigmine bromide
: a cholinergic drug C_9H_13BrN_2O_2 used especially in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and as a prophylactic against the effects of nerve gas ― called also pyridostigmine

pyridoxal
adj. : a crystalline aldehyde C_8H_9NO_3 of the vitamin B_6 group that occurs as a phosphate and is active as a coenzyme

pyridoxamine
n. : a crystalline amine C_8H_12N_2O_2 of the vitamin B_6 group that occurs as a phosphate and is active as a coenzyme

pyridoxine
n. : a crystalline phenolic alcohol C_8H_11NO_3 of the vitamin B_6 group found especially in cereals and convertible in the organism into pyridoxal and pyridoxamine

pyriform
adj. : having the form of a pear

pyrimethamine
n. : a folic acid antagonist C_12H_13ClN_4 used in the chemoprophylaxis or treatment of malaria and in the treatment of toxoplasmosis

pyrimidine
n. 1 : a feeble organic base C_4H_4N_2 of penetrating odor
2 : a derivative of pyrimidine especially : a base (as cytosine, thymine, or uracil) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

pyrite
n. : a common mineral that consists of iron disulfide, has a pale brass-yellow color and metallic luster, and is burned in making sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid

pyrite
n. iron pyrite
copper pyrites
iron pyrites

pyrites
n. : any of various metallic-looking sulfides of which pyrite is the commonest
–py·rit·ic \-'ri-tik\ adjective

pyrocatechol
n. : CATECHOL 2

pyroclastic
adj. : formed by or involving fragmentation as a result of volcanic or igneous action

pyroelectricity
n. : a state of electrical polarization produced (as in a crystal) by a change of temperature
–py·ro·elec·tric \-'lek-trik\ adjective

pyrogallol
n. : a poisonous bitter crystalline phenol C_6H_6O_3 with weak acid properties that is usually obtained by pyrolysis of gallic acid and used especially as a mild reducing agent (as in photographic developing)

pyrogen
n. : a fever-producing substance

pyrogenic
adj. 1 : of or relating to igneous origin
2 : producing or produced by heat or fever
–py·ro·ge·nic·i·ty \ˌpī-rō-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

pyrola
: WINTERGREEN 1

pyroligneous acid
: an acid reddish-brown aqueous liquid containing chiefly acetic acid, methanol, wood oils, and tars that is obtained by destructive distillation of wood

pyrolusite
: a soft black or steel-gray mineral of metallic luster consisting of manganese dioxide that is the most important ore of manganese

pyrolysate
: a product of pyrolysis

pyrolysis
n. : chemical change brought about by the action of heat
–py·ro·lyt·ic \ˌpī-rə-'li-tik\ adjective
–py·ro·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pyrolyze
: to subject to pyrolysis
–py·ro·lyz·able \ˌpī-rə-'lī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–py·ro·lyz·er noun

pyromancy
: divination by means of fire or flames

pyromania
n. : an irresistible impulse to start fires
–py·ro·ma·ni·ac \-nē-ˌak\ noun
–py·ro·ma·ni·a·cal \-mə-'nī-ə-kəl\ adjective

pyrometallurgy
: chemical metallurgy depending on heat action (as roasting and smelting)
–py·ro·met·al·lur·gi·cal \-ˌme-tə-'lər-ji-kəl\ adjective

pyrometer
n. : an instrument for measuring temperatures especially when beyond the range of mercurial thermometers
–py·ro·met·ric \ˌpī-rə-'me-trik\ adjective
–py·ro·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–py·rom·e·try \pī-'rä-mə-trē\ noun

pyromorphite
: a mineral consisting essentially of a chloride and phosphate of lead

pyronine
n. : any of several basic xanthene dyes used chiefly as biological stains

pyrope
n. : a magnesium-aluminum garnet that is deep red in color and is frequently used as a gem

pyrophoric
adj. 1 : igniting spontaneously
2 : emitting sparks when scratched or struck especially with steel

pyrophosphate
n. : a salt or ester of pyrophosphoric acid

pyrophosphoric acid
: a crystalline acid H_4P_2O_7 formed when orthophosphoric acid is heated or prepared in the form of salts by heating acid salts of orthophosphoric acid

pyrophyllite
: a soft usually white or greenish mineral that is a hydrous aluminum silicate, resembles talc, occurs in a foliated form or in compact masses, and is used especially in ceramic wares

pyrosis
n. : HEARTBURN

pyrotechnic
: of or relating to pyrotechnics
–py·ro·tech·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

pyrotechnic
adj. 1 a : FIREWORK b : any of various similar devices (as for igniting a rocket or producing an explosion)
2 : a combustible substance used in a firework

pyrotechnics
n. 1 singular or plural in construction : the art of making or the manufacture and use of fireworks
2 a : a display of fireworks b : a spectacular display (as of extreme virtuosity) <verbal pyrotechnics> <keyboard pyrotechnics>
–py·ro·tech·ni·cian \-ˌtek-'ni-shən\ noun
–py·ro·tech·nist \-'tek-nist\ noun

pyroxene
n. : any of a group of igneous-rock-forming silicate minerals that contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum, usually occur in short prismatic crystals or massive form, are often laminated, and vary in color from white to dark green or black
–py·rox·e·nic \ˌpī-ˌräk-'sē-nik, pə-, -'se-\ adjective
–py·rox·e·noid \pī-'räk-sə-ˌnȯid, pə-\ adjective or noun

pyroxenite
: an igneous rock that is free from olivine and is composed essentially of pyroxene
–py·rox·e·nit·ic \-ˌräk-sə-'ni-tik\ adjective

pyroxylin
n. 1 : a flammable mixture of nitrocelluloses used especially in making plastics and water-repellent coatings (as lacquers)
2 : a pyroxylin product

Pyrrha
n. : the wife of Deucalion

Pyrrhic
adj. : achieved at excessive cost <a Pyrrhic victory> also : costly to the point of negating or outweighing expected benefits <a great but Pyrrhic act of ingenuity>

pyrrhic
adj. : a metrical foot consisting of two short or unaccented syllables

Pyrrhonism
n. 1 : the doctrines of a school of ancient extreme skeptics who suspended judgment on every proposition ― compare ACADEMICISM
2 : total or radical skepticism
–Pyr·rho·nist \-nist\ noun

pyrrhotite
: a bronze-colored mineral of metallic luster that consists of ferrous sulfide and is attracted by a magnet

Pyrrhus
n. : a son of Achilles and slayer of Priam at the taking of Troy

Pyrrhus
n. 319-272 B.C. king of Epirus (306-302; 297-272 B.C.)

pyrrole
n. : a toxic liquid heterocyclic compound C_4H_5N that has a ring consisting of four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom, polymerizes readily in air, and is the parent compound of many biologically important substances (as bile pigments, porphyrins, and chlorophyll) broadly : a derivative of pyrrole
–pyr·ro·lic \pi-'rō-lik\ adjective

pyruvate
n. : a salt or ester of pyruvic acid

pyruvic acid
: a 3-carbon acid C_3H_4O_3 that in carbohydrate metabolism is an important intermediate product formed especially during glycolysis

Pythagoras
n. ca 580-ca 500 B.C. Greek philos. & math.

Pythagorean
n. : any of a group professing to be followers of the Greek philosopher Pythagoras

Pythagorean
n. : of, relating to, or associated with the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, his philosophy, or the Pythagoreans

Pythagorean theorem
: a theorem in geometry: the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides

Pythagoreanism
: the doctrines and theories of Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans who developed some basic principles of mathematics and astronomy, originated the doctrine of the harmony of the spheres, and believed in metempsychosis, the eternal recurrence of things, and the mystical significance of numbers

Pythiad
: the 4-year period between celebrations of the Pythian games in ancient Greece

Pythian
adj. 1 : of or relating to games celebrated at Delphi every four years
2 : of or relating to Delphi or its oracle of Apollo

Pythian
adj. : KNIGHT OF PYTHIAS

Pythias
n. : a friend of Damon condemned to death by Dionysius of Syracuse

python
n. : any of various large constricting snakes (as a boa) especially : any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes

pythoness
n. 1 : a woman who practices divination
2 : a prophetic priestess of Apollo
–py·thon·ic \pī-'thä-nik\ adjective

pyuria
n. : pus in the urine also : a condition characterized by pus in the urine

pyx
n. 1 : a container for the reserved host especially : a small round metal receptacle used to carry the Eucharist to the sick
2 : a box used in a mint for deposit of sample coins reserved for testing weight and fineness

pyxie
: a creeping evergreen dicotyledonous shrub (Pyxidanthera barbulata of the family Diapensiaceae) of the sandy pine barrens of the Atlantic coast of the U.S. that has white or pink pentamerous flowers

pyxis
n. : a capsular fruit that dehisces so that the upper part falls off like a cap

Pérez
Pérez de Cuéllar
Pérez Galdós
Pérez Rodríguez

q
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 17th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic q
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter q
3 : one designated q especially as the 17th in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter Q

q
n. 1 quart
2 quartile
3 quarto
4 queen
5 query
6 question
7 quetzal
8 quire

Q fever
: a disease that is characterized by high fever, chills, muscular pains, headache, and sometimes pneumonia, that is caused by a rickettsia (Coxiella burnetii) of which domestic animals serve as reservoirs, and that is transmitted to humans especially by inhalation of infective airborne bacteria (as in contaminated dust)

Q rating
: a scale measuring the popularity of a person or thing typically based on dividing an assessment of familiarity or recognition by an assessment of favorable opinion also : position on such a scale

Q-boat
: Q-SHIP

Q-ship
: an armed ship disguised as a merchant or fishing ship to decoy enemy submarines into gun range

q.t.
n. : QUIET ― usually used in the phrase on the q.t.

QA
quality assurance

Qaanaaq
― see THULE

Qaddafi
var of GADHAFI

Qandahar
― see KANDAHAR

Qaraghandy
― see KARAGANDA

qat
n. variant of khat

Qatar
n. country E Arabia on peninsula projecting into Persian Gulf; an independent emirate capital Doha area 4400 sq mi (11,395 sq km), pop 539,000
–Qa·tari \kə-'tär-ē, gə-\ adjective or noun

Qattara Depression
region NW Egypt, a low area 40 mi (64 km) from coast; lowest point 440 ft (134 m) below sea level

Qazvin
city NW Iran S of Elburz Mountains & NW of Tehran pop 248,591

QB
1 quarterback
2 Queen's Bench

QC
1 quality control
2 Queen's Counsel

QCD
quantum chromodynamics

qd
every day

QED
n. 1 quantum electrodynamics
2 [Latin quod erat demonstrandum] which was to be demonstrated

Qena
city S Egypt N of Luxor pop 137,000

Qeqertarsuaq
island W Greenland in Davis Strait

Qeshm
island S Iran in Strait of Hormuz pop 15,000

QF
quick-firing

qi
n. variant of 2chi

qid
four times a day

Qingdao
city & port E China in E Shandong on Jiaozhou Bay pop 1,459,195

Qinghai
n. 1 \'chiŋ-'hī\ or Ko·ko Nor \ˌkō-(ˌ)kō-'nȯr\ or Ch'ing-hai \'chiŋ-'hī\ low saline lake W cen China in NE Qinghai province at altitude of 10,515 ft (3205 m)
2 or Tsing·hai \'chiŋ-'hī\ province W China capital Xining area 278,378 sq mi (723,783 sq km), pop 4,456,946

Qinhuangdao
city & port NE China in NE Hebei pop 210,000

qintar
n. ― see lek at MONEY table

Qiqihar
city NE China in W Heilongjiang pop 1,500,000

Qishon
river 45 mi (72 km) N Israel flowing NW through Plain of Esdraelon to the Mediterranean

qiviut
: the wool of the undercoat of the musk ox

Qld
Queensland

QM
1 quantum mechanics
2 quartermaster

QMC
quartermaster corps

QMG
quartermaster general

Qom
city NW cen Iran pop 543,139

qoph
: the 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

qp
as much as you please

qq v
which (pl) see

qr
quarter

qs
as much as suffices

qt
n. 1 quantity
2 quart

qtd
quartered

qty
quantity

qu
question

Qu'Appelle
river 270 mi (434 km) Canada in S Sask. flowing E into the Assiniboine

qua
adv. : in the capacity or character of : AS <confusion of the role of scientist qua scientist with that of scientist as citizen ― Philip Handler>

qua
adv. sine qua non
sine qua nons
causa sine qua non

quaalude
n. : a tablet or capsule of methaqualone

quack
n. : to make the characteristic cry of a duck

quack
n. : a noise made by quacking

quack
n. : to act like a quack

quack
n. 1 : CHARLATAN 2
2 : a pretender to medical skill
–quack·ish \'kwa-kish\ adjective

quack
n. : of, relating to, or used by quacks <quack cancer cures>

quack grass
: a European grass (Elytrigia repens syn. Agropyron repens) that is naturalized throughout No. America and spreads by creeping rhizomes ― called also couch grass quitch twitch witchgrass

quackery
n. : the practices or pretensions of a quack

quacksalver
n. : CHARLATAN, QUACK

quad
n. : QUADRANGLE

quad
n. : a type-metal space that is one en or more in width

quad
n. : to fill out (as a typeset line) with blank space

quad
n. 1 : QUADRUPLET
2 : a ski lift that accommodates four people

quad
n. : QUADRAPHONIC

quad
n. : quadraphonic sound

quad
n. : a unit of energy equal to one quadrillion British thermal units

quad
n. : QUADRICEPS ― usually used in plural

Quad Cities
the cities of Davenport, Iowa, East Moline, Moline, & Rock Island, Ill. ― sometimes considered to include Bettendorf, Iowa, instead of East Moline

quadrangle
n. 1 : QUADRILATERAL
2 a : a 4-sided enclosure especially when surrounded by buildings b : the buildings enclosing a quadrangle
3 : a tract of country represented by one of a series of map sheets
–qua·dran·gu·lar \kwä-'draŋ-gyə-lər\ adjective

quadrant
n. 1 a : an instrument for measuring altitudes consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90 degrees with an index or vernier and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction b : a device or mechanical part shaped like or suggestive of the quadrant of a circle
2 a : an arc of 90 degrees that is one quarter of a circle b : the area bounded by a quadrant and two radii
3 a : any of the four parts into which a plane is divided by rectangular coordinate axes lying in that plane b : any of the four quarters into which something is divided by two real or imaginary lines that intersect each other at right angles
–qua·dran·tal \kwä-'dran-təl\ adjective

Quadrantid
: any of a group of meteors that appear annually about January 3

quadraphonic
adv. : of, relating to, or using four channels for the transmission, recording, or reproduction of sound
–quad·ra·phon·ics or quad·ri·phon·ics \-niks\ noun plural but singular in construction

quadrat
n. 1 : 2QUAD
2 : a usually rectangular plot used for ecological or population studies

quadrate
n. 1 : being square or approximately square
2 of a heraldic cross : expanded into a square at the junction of the arms ― see CROSS illustration
3 : of, relating to, or constituting a bony or cartilaginous element of each side of the skull to which the lower jaw is articulated in most vertebrates below mammals

quadrate
n. 1 : an approximately square or cubical area, space, or body
2 : a quadrate bone

quadratic
n. : involving terms of the second degree at most <quadratic function> <quadratic equations>
–quadratic noun
–qua·drat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

quadratic form
: a homogeneous polynomial (as x^2 + 5xy + y^2) of the second degree

quadrature
1 : a configuration in which two celestial bodies (as the moon and the sun) have an angular separation of 90 degrees as seen from the earth
2 : the process of finding a square equal in area to a given area

quadrennial
n. 1 : consisting of or lasting for four years
2 : occurring or being done every four years
–quadrennial noun
–qua·dren·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

quadrennium
n. : a period of four years

quadri
pref. 1 a : four <quadrilateral> <quadrumanous> b : square <quadric>
2 : fourth <quadricentennial>

quadric
adj. : QUADRATIC <quadric surface> ― used where there are more than two variables
–quadric noun

quadricentennial
n. : a 400th anniversary or its celebration

quadriceps
n. : the greater extensor muscle of the front of the thigh that is divided into four parts

quadriga
n. : a chariot drawn by four horses abreast

quadrilateral
n. : a polygon of four sides

quadrilateral
n. : having four sides

quadrille
n. 1 : a four-handed variant of ombre popular especially in the 18th century
2 : a square dance for four couples made up of five or six figures chiefly in 6/8 and 2/4 time also : music for this dance

quadrille
n. : marked with squares or rectangles

quadrillion
n. ― see NUMBER table
–quadrillion adjective
–qua·dril·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adjective or noun

quadripartite
adj. 1 : consisting of or divided into four parts
2 : shared or participated in by four parties or persons <a quadripartite agreement>

quadriplegic
adj. : one affected with paralysis of both arms and both legs
–quad·ri·ple·gia \-j(ē-)ə\ noun

quadrivalent
adj. 1 : TETRAVALENT
2 : composed of four homologous chromosomes synapsed in meiotic prophase

quadrivalent
adj. : a quadrivalent chromosomal group

quadrivial
1 : of or relating to the quadrivium
2 : having four ways or roads meeting in a point

quadrivium
n. : a group of studies consisting of arithmetic, music, geometry, and astronomy and forming the upper division of the seven liberal arts in medieval universities ― compare TRIVIUM

quadroon
n. : a person of one-quarter black ancestry

quadrumanous
adj. : having feet adapted for grasping <quadrumanous primates>

quadrumvir
n. : a member of a quadrumvirate

quadrumvirate
n. : a group or association of four

quadruped
n. : an animal having four feet
–quadruped adjective
–qua·dru·pe·dal \kwä-'drü-pə-dəl, ˌkwä-drə-'pe-\ adjective

quadruple
n. transitive verb : to make four times as great or as many
intransitive verb : to become four times as great or as numerous

quadruple
n. : a sum four times as great as another

quadruple
n. 1 : having four units or members
2 : being four times as great or as many
3 : marked by four beats per measure <quadruple meter>
–qua·dru·ply \-'drü-plē, -'drə-, -drə-\ adverb
–qua·dru·plic·i·ty \ˌkwä-dru̇-'pli-sə-tē\ noun

quadruplet
n. 1 : a combination of four of a kind
2 : one of four offspring born at one birth
3 : a group of four musical notes to be performed in the time ordinarily given to three of the same kind

quadruplicate
n. 1 : consisting of or existing in four corresponding or identical parts or examples <quadruplicate invoices>
2 : being the fourth of four things exactly alike

quadruplicate
1 : to make quadruple or fourfold
2 : to prepare in quadruplicate
–qua·dru·pli·ca·tion \-ˌdrü-plə-'kā-shən\ noun

quadruplicate
n. 1 : four copies all alike ― used with in <typed in quadruplicate>
2 : one of four things exactly alike specifically : one of four identical copies

quadrupole
n. : a system composed of two dipoles of equal but oppositely directed moment

quaere
n. archaic : QUERY

quaestor
n. : one of numerous ancient Roman officials concerned chiefly with financial administration

quaff
n. intransitive verb : to drink deeply
transitive verb : to drink (a beverage) deeply
–quaff noun
–quaff·er noun

quag
n. : MARSH, BOG

quagga
n. : an extinct mammal (Equus quagga) of southern Africa that resembled and was related to the zebras

quaggy
adj. 1 : MARSHY
2 : FLABBY

quagmire
n. 1 : soft miry land that shakes or yields under the foot
2 : a difficult, precarious, or entrapping position : PREDICAMENT

quahog
n. : a thick-shelled edible clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) of the U.S.

quai
: QUAY

quaich
n. chiefly Scottish : a small shallow drinking vessel with ears for use as handles

quail
n. : any of numerous small gallinaceous birds: as a : an Old World migratory game bird (Coturnix coturnix) b : BOBWHITE

quail
n. intransitive verb
1 a chiefly dialect : WITHER, DECLINE b : to give way : FALTER <his courage never quailed>
2 : to recoil in dread or terror : COWER <the strongest quail before financial ruin ― Samuel Butler †1902>
transitive verb archaic : to make fearful
synonyms see RECOIL

quaint
adj. 1 obsolete : EXPERT, SKILLED
2 a : marked by skillful design <quaint with many a device in India ink ― Herman Melville> b : marked by beauty or elegance
3 a : unusual or different in character or appearance : ODD <figures of fun, quaint people ― Herman Wouk> b : pleasingly or strikingly old-fashioned or unfamiliar
synonyms see STRANGE
–quaint·ly adverb
–quaint·ness noun

quake
n. 1 : to shake or vibrate usually from shock or instability
2 : to tremble or shudder usually from cold or fear

quake
n. : an instance of shaking or trembling (as of the earth or moon) especially : EARTHQUAKE

quaker
n. 1 : one that quakes
2 capitalized : FRIEND 5
–Quak·er·ish \'kwā-k(ə-)rish\ adjective
–Quak·er·ism \-kə-ˌri-zəm\ noun
–Quak·er·ly \-kər-lē\ adjective

Quaker gun
: a dummy piece of artillery usually made of wood

quaker-ladies
: BLUETS

quaking aspen
: an aspen (Populus tremuloides) chiefly of the U.S. and Canada with small nearly circular leaves that have flattened petioles and finely serrate margins and that flutter in the slightest breeze

qual
quality

quale
n. 1 : a property (as redness) considered apart from things having the property : UNIVERSAL
2 : a property as it is experienced as distinct from any source it might have in a physical object

qualifiable
adj. : capable of qualifying or being qualified

qualification
n. 1 : a restriction in meaning or application : a limiting modification <this statement stands without qualification>
2 a obsolete : NATURE b archaic : CHARACTERISTIC
3 a : a quality or skill that fits a person (as for an office) <the applicant with the best qualifications> b : a condition or standard that must be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege) <a qualification for membership>

qualified
adj. 1 a : fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : COMPETENT b : having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : ELIGIBLE
2 : limited or modified in some way <qualified approval>
–qual·i·fied·ly \-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē\ adverb

qualifier
n. : one that qualifies: as a : one that satisfies requirements or meets a specified standard b : a word (as an adjective) or word group that limits or modifies the meaning of another word (as a noun) or word group

qualify
v. transitive verb
1 a : to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form : MODIFY b : to make less harsh or strict : MODERATE c : to alter the strength or flavor of d : to limit or modify the meaning of (as a noun)
2 : to characterize by naming an attribute : DESCRIBE <cannot qualify it as⋯either glad or sorry ― T. S. Eliot>
3 a : to fit by training, skill, or ability for a special purpose b (1) : to declare competent or adequate : CERTIFY (2) : to invest with legal capacity : LICENSE
intransitive verb
1 : to be or become fit (as for an office) : meet the required standard
2 : to acquire legal or competent power or capacity <has just qualified as a lawyer>
3 a : to exhibit a required degree of ability in a preliminary contest <qualified for the finals> b : to shoot well enough to earn a marksmanship badge

qualitative
adj. : of, relating to, or involving quality or kind
–qual·i·ta·tive·ly adverb

qualitative analysis
: chemical analysis designed to identify the components of a substance or mixture

quality
n. 1 a : peculiar and essential character : NATURE <her ethereal quality ― Gay Talese> b : an inherent feature : PROPERTY <had a quality of stridence, dissonance ― Roald Dahl> c : CAPACITY, ROLE <in the quality of reader and companion ― Joseph Conrad>
2 a : degree of excellence : GRADE <the quality of competing air service ― Current Biog.> b : superiority in kind <merchandise of quality>
3 a : social status : RANK b : ARISTOCRACY
4 a : a distinguishing attribute : CHARACTERISTIC <possesses many fine qualities> b archaic : an acquired skill : ACCOMPLISHMENT
5 : the character in a logical proposition of being affirmative or negative
6 : vividness of hue
7 a : TIMBRE b : the identifying character of a vowel sound determined chiefly by the resonance of the vocal chambers in uttering it
8 : the attribute of an elementary sensation that makes it fundamentally unlike any other sensation
synonyms QUALITY, PROPERTY, CHARACTER, ATTRIBUTE mean an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified. QUALITY is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic <material with a silky quality>. PROPERTY implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species <the property of not conducting heat>. CHARACTER applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class <remarks of an unseemly character>. ATTRIBUTE implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being <the traditional attributes of a military hero>.

quality
n. : being of high quality

quality
n. quality point
quality point average
quality assurance
quality circle
quality control
quality controller

quality assurance
: a program for the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of a project, service, or facility to ensure that standards of quality are being met

quality circle
: a group of employees who volunteer to meet regularly to discuss and propose solutions to problems (as of quality or productivity) in the workplace

quality control
: an aggregate of activities (as design analysis and inspection for defects) designed to ensure adequate quality especially in manufactured products
–quality controller noun

quality point
: GRADE POINT

quality point average
: GRADE POINT AVERAGE

qualm
n. 1 : a sudden attack of illness, faintness, or nausea
2 : a sudden access of usually disturbing emotion (as doubt or fear)
3 : a feeling of uneasiness about a point especially of conscience or propriety
–qualmy adjective
synonyms QUALM, SCRUPLE, COMPUNCTION, DEMUR mean a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do. QUALM implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment <no qualms about plagiarizing>. SCRUPLE implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle <no scruples against buying stolen goods>. COMPUNCTION implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim <had compunctions about lying>. DEMUR implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence <accepted her decision without demur>.

qualmish
adj. 1 a : feeling qualms : NAUSEATED b : overly scrupulous : SQUEAMISH
2 : of, relating to, or producing qualms
–qualm·ish·ly adverb
–qualm·ish·ness noun

quamash
n. variant of camas

quand meme
: even so : all the same

quandary
n. : a state of perplexity or doubt

quango
n. British : a partly autonomous regulatory agency especially : one in Britain organized outside the civil service but financed and appointed by the government

quantal
adj. 1 [Latin quanti how many, plural of quantus] : of, relating to, or having only two experimental alternatives (as dead or alive, all or none)
2 [quantum] : of or relating to a quantum

quantification
n. : the operation of quantifying
–quan·ti·fi·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–quan·ti·fi·ca·tion·al·ly adverb

quantifier
n. : one that quantifies: as a : a prefixed operator that binds the variables in a logical formula by specifying their quantity b : a limiting noun modifier (as five in “the five young men”) expressive of quantity and characterized by occurrence before the descriptive adjectives in a noun phrase

quantify
v. 1 a (1) : to limit by a quantifier (2) : to bind by prefixing a quantifier b : to make explicit the logical quantity of
2 : to determine, express, or measure the quantity of
–quan·ti·fi·able \ˌkwän-tə-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective

quantitate
v. 1 : to measure or estimate the quantity of especially : to measure or determine precisely
2 : to express in quantitative terms
–quan·ti·ta·tion \ˌkwän-tə-'tā-shən\ noun

quantitative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or expressible in terms of quantity
2 : of, relating to, or involving the measurement of quantity or amount
3 : based on quantity specifically of classical verse : based on temporal quantity or duration of sounds
–quan·ti·ta·tive·ly adverb
–quan·ti·ta·tive·ness noun

quantitative analysis
: chemical analysis designed to determine the amounts or proportions of the components of a substance

quantitative inheritance
: genetic inheritance of a character (as human skin color) controlled by polygenes

quantity
n. 1 a : an indefinite amount or number b : a determinate or estimated amount c : total amount or number d : a considerable amount or number ― often used in plural <generous quantities of luck ― H. E. Putsch>
2 a : the aspect in which a thing is measurable in terms of greater, less, or equal or of increasing or decreasing magnitude b : the subject of a mathematical operation c : an individual considered with respect to a given situation <an unknown quantity⋯as attorney general ― Tom Wicker>
3 a : duration and intensity of speech sounds as distinct from their individual quality or phonemic character specifically : the relative length or brevity of a prosodic syllable in some languages (as Greek and Latin) b : the relative duration or time length of a speech sound or sound sequence
4 : the character of a logical proposition as being universal, particular, or singular

quantity theory
: a theory in economics: changes in the price level tend to vary directly with the amount of money in circulation and the rate of its circulation

quantize
v. 1 : to subdivide (as energy) into small but measurable increments
2 : to calculate or express in terms of quantum mechanics
–quan·ti·za·tion \ˌkwän-tə-'zā-shən\ noun
–quan·tiz·er \'kwän-ˌtī-zər\ noun

quantum
n. 1 a : QUANTITY, AMOUNT b : PORTION, PART c : gross quantity : BULK
2 a : any of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided b : any of the small subdivisions of a quantized physical magnitude (as magnetic moment)

quantum
n. 1 : LARGE, SIGNIFICANT <a quantum improvement>
2 : of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics <quantum physics>

quantum
n. light quantum
magnetic quantum number
quantum chromodynamics
quantum electrodynamics
quantum field theory
quantum jump
quantum leap
quantum number
quantum theory
quantum mutatus ab illo
quantum sufficit
quantum mechanics
quantum mechanically
quantum mechanical

quantum chromodynamics
: a theory of fundamental particles based on the assumption that quarks are distinguished by differences in color and are held together (as in hadrons) by an exchange of gluons

quantum electrodynamics
: quantum mechanics applied to electrical interactions (as between nuclear particles)

quantum field theory
: a theory in physics: the interaction of two separate physical systems (as particles) is attributed to a field that extends from one to the other and is manifested in a particle exchange between the two systems

quantum jump
1 : an abrupt transition (as of an electron, an atom, or a molecule) from one discrete energy state to another
2 : QUANTUM LEAP

quantum leap
: an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance

quantum mechanics
: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle ― called also wave mechanics
–quantum mechanical adjective
–quantum mechanically adverb

quantum mutatus ab illo
: how changed from what he once was

quantum number
: any of a set of numbers that indicate the magnitude of various discrete quantities (as electric charge) of a particle or system and that serve to define its state

quantum sufficit
: as much as suffices : a sufficient quantity ― used chiefly in medical prescriptions

quantum theory
1 : a theory in physics based on the concept of the subdivision of radiant energy into finite quanta and applied to numerous processes involving transference or transformation of energy in an atomic or molecular scale
2 : QUANTUM MECHANICS

Quanzhou
city SE China in SE Fujian on Taiwan Strait pop 110,000

quar
quarterly

quarantine
n. 1 : a period of 40 days
2 a : a term during which a ship arriving in port and suspected of carrying contagious disease is held in isolation from the shore b : a regulation placing a ship in quarantine c : a place where a ship is detained during quarantine
3 a : a restraint upon the activities or communication of persons or the transport of goods designed to prevent the spread of disease or pests b : a place in which those under quarantine are kept
4 : a state of enforced isolation

quarantine
n. transitive verb
1 : to detain in or exclude by quarantine
2 : to isolate from normal relations or communication <quarantine an aggressor>
intransitive verb : to establish or declare a quarantine

quare
adj. dialect variant of 1queer

quark
n. : any of several elementary particles that are postulated to come in pairs (as in the up and down varieties) of similar mass with one member having a charge of +2/3 and the other a charge of -1/3 and are held to make up hadrons

Quarles
Francis 1592-1644 Eng. poet

quarrel
n. : a square-headed bolt or arrow especially for a crossbow

quarrel
n. 1 : a ground of dispute or complaint <have no quarrel with a different approach>
2 : a usually verbal conflict between antagonists : ALTERCATION
synonyms QUARREL, WRANGLE, ALTERCATION, SQUABBLE mean a noisy dispute usually marked by anger. QUARREL implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention <a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship>. WRANGLE suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions <wrangle interminably about small issues>. ALTERCATION implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows <a loud public altercation>. SQUABBLE stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger <a brief squabble over what to do next>.

quarrel
1 : to find fault <many people quarrel with the idea ― Johns Hopkins Mag.>
2 : to contend or dispute actively <quarreled frequently with his superiors ― London Calling>
–quar·rel·er or quar·rel·ler noun

quarrelsome
adj. : apt or disposed to quarrel in an often petty manner : CONTENTIOUS
synonyms see BELLIGERENT
–quar·rel·some·ly adverb
–quar·rel·some·ness noun

quarrier
n. : a worker in a stone quarry

quarry
n. 1 obsolete : a heap of the game killed in a hunt
2 : GAME specifically : game hunted with hawks
3 : one that is sought or pursued : PREY

quarry
n. 1 : an open excavation usually for obtaining building stone, slate, or limestone
2 : a rich source

quarry
n. transitive verb
1 : to dig or take from or as if from a quarry <quarry marble>
2 : to make a quarry in <quarry a hill>
intransitive verb : to delve in or as if in a quarry

quarry
n. : a diamond-shaped pane of glass, stone, or tile

quarrying
n. : the business, occupation, or act of extracting useful material (as building stone) from quarries

quarryman
n. : QUARRIER

quart
n. 1 ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a vessel or measure having a capacity of one quart

quartan
adj. : occurring every fourth day reckoning inclusively specifically : recurring at approximately 72-hour intervals <a quartan ague>

quartan
adj. : a quartan fever

quarter
n. 1 : one of four equal parts into which something is divisible : a fourth part <in the top quarter of his class>
2 : any of various units of capacity or weight equal to or derived from one fourth of some larger unit
3 : any of various units of length or area equal to one fourth of some larger unit
4 : the fourth part of a measure of time: as a : one of a set of four 3-month divisions of a year <business was up during the third quarter> b : a school term of about 12 weeks c : QUARTER HOUR <a quarter after three>
5 a : a coin worth a quarter of a dollar b : the sum of 25 cents
6 a : one limb of a quadruped with the adjacent parts especially : one fourth part of the carcass of a slaughtered animal including a leg b plural British : HINDQUARTER 2
7 a : the region or direction lying under any of the four divisions of the horizon b : one of the four parts into which the horizon is divided or the cardinal point corresponding to it c : a compass point or direction other than the cardinal points d (1) : an unspecified person or group <financial help from many quarters ― Current Biog.> (2) : a point, direction, or place not definitely identified <the view to the rear quarter ― Consumer Reports>
8 a : a division or district of a town or city <he describes the immigrant quarter ― Alfred Kazin> b : the inhabitants of such a quarter
9 a : an assigned station or post b plural : an assembly of a ship's company for ceremony, drill, or emergency c plural : living accommodations : LODGINGS <show you to your quarters>
10 : merciful consideration of an opponent <a team that gave no quarter during the championship game> specifically : the clemency of not killing a defeated enemy
11 : a fourth part of the moon's period
12 : the side of a horse's hoof between the toe and the heel ― see HOOF illustration
13 a : any of the four parts into which a heraldic field is divided b : a bearing or charge occupying the first fourth part of a heraldic field
14 : the stern area of a ship's side
15 : one side of the upper of a shoe or boot from heel to vamp
16 : one of the four equal periods into which the playing time of some games is divided

quarter
n. 1 a : to cut or divide into four equal or nearly equal parts <quarter an apple> <condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered> b archaic : DIVIDE
2 : to provide with lodging or shelter
3 : to crisscross (an area) in many directions
4 a : to arrange or bear (as different coats of arms) quarterly on one escutcheon b : to add (a coat of arms) to others on one escutcheon c : to divide (a shield) into distinct sections (as by stripes)
intransitive verb
1 : LODGE, DWELL
2 : to crisscross a district
3 : to change from one quarter to another <the moon quarters>
4 : to strike on a ship's quarter <the wind was quartering>

quarter
n. : consisting of or equal to a quarter

quarter
n. lamb's quarter
quarter bound
quarter binding
quarter day
quarter horse
quarter hour
quarter note
quarter rest
quarter section
quarter sessions
quarter tone
three quarter
three quarter bound
three quarter binding
Empty Quarter
Latin Quarter
call to quarters
charge of quarters
close quarters
general quarters
winter quarters

quarter day
chiefly British : the day which begins a quarter of the year and on which a quarterly payment often falls due

quarter horse
: any of a breed of compact muscular saddle horses developed in the U.S. and characterized by great endurance and by high speed for short distances

quarter hour
1 : fifteen minutes
2 : any of the quarter points of an hour
3 : a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic quarter

quarter note
: a musical note with the time value of 1/4 of a whole note ― see NOTE illustration

quarter rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to a quarter note

quarter section
: a tract of land that is half a mile square and contains 160 acres in the U.S. government system of land surveying

quarter sessions
: a former English local court with limited original and appellate criminal and sometimes civil jurisdiction and often administrative functions held quarterly usually by two justices of the peace in a county or by a recorder in a borough

quarter tone
1 : a musical interval of one half a semitone
2 : a tone at an interval of one quarter

quarter-bound
of a book : bound in material of two qualities with the material of better quality on the spine only
–quarter binding noun

quarterage
n. : a quarterly payment, tax, wage, or allowance

quarterback
n. 1 : an offensive back in football who usually lines up behind the center, calls the signals, and directs the offensive play of the team
2 : one who directs and leads

quarterback
n. 1 : to direct the offensive play of (as a football team)
2 : to give executive direction to : BOSS <quarterbacked the original buying syndicate ― Time>
intransitive verb : to play quarterback

quarterback sneak
: a usually quick run with the ball by a quarterback into the middle of the offensive line

quarterdeck
n. 1 : the stern area of a ship's upper deck
2 : a part of a deck on a naval vessel set aside by the captain for ceremonial and official use

quarterfinal
n. 1 plural : a quarterfinal round
2 : a quarterfinal match
–quar·ter·fi·nal·ist \-nəl-ist\ noun

quarterfinal
n. 1 : immediately preceding the semifinal in an elimination tournament
2 : of or participating in a quarterfinal

quartering
n. 1 a : the division of an escutcheon containing different coats of arms into four or more compartments b : a quarter of an escutcheon or the coat of arms on it
2 : a line of usually noble or distinguished ancestry

quartering
n. 1 : coming from a point well abaft the beam of a ship but not directly astern <quartering waves>
2 : lying at right angles

quarterly
n. 1 : in heraldic quarters or quarterings
2 : at 3-month intervals

quarterly
n. 1 : computed for or payable at 3-month intervals <a quarterly premium>
2 : recurring, issued, or spaced at 3-month intervals
3 : divided into heraldic quarters or compartments

quarterly
n. : a periodical published four times a year

Quarterly Meeting
: an organizational unit of the Society of Friends usually composed of several Monthly Meetings

quartermaster
n. 1 : a petty officer who attends to a ship's helm, binnacle, and signals
2 : an army officer who provides clothing and subsistence for a body of troops

quartern
n. : a fourth part (as of a unit of measurement)

quartersawn
v. : sawed from quartered logs so that the annual rings are nearly at right angles to the wide face ― used of boards and planks

quarterstaff
n. : a long stout staff formerly used as a weapon and wielded with one hand in the middle and the other between the middle and the end

quartet
n. 1 : a musical composition for four instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of four especially : the performers of a quartet

quartic
n. : of the fourth degree <quartic equation>
–quartic noun

quartier
: a district or neighborhood especially in a French city

quartile
n. : any of the three values that divide the items of a frequency distribution into four classes with each containing one fourth of the total population also : any one of the four classes

quarto
n. 1 : the size of a piece of paper cut four from a sheet also : paper or a page of this size
2 : a book printed on quarto pages

quartz
n. 1 : a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses
2 : a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation <a quartz watch>
–quartz·ose \'kwȯrt-ˌsōs\ adjective

quartz
n. fused quartz
quartz glass
quartz heater
quartz iodine lamp
smoky quartz

quartz glass
: vitreous silica prepared from pure quartz and noted for its transparency to ultraviolet radiation

quartz heater
: a portable electric radiant heater that has heating elements sealed in quartz-glass tubes producing infrared radiation in front of a reflective backing

quartz-iodine lamp
: a lightbulb consisting of a quartz bulb and a tungsten filament with the bulb containing iodine which reacts with the vaporized tungsten to prevent excessive blackening of the bulb

quartzite
n. : a compact granular rock composed of quartz and derived from sandstone by metamorphism
–quartz·it·ic \kwȯrt-'si-tik\ adjective

quasar
n. : any of a class of celestial objects that resemble stars but whose large redshift and apparent brightness imply extreme distance and huge energy output

quash
v. : to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely <quash a rebellion>

quash
v. : to nullify especially by judicial action <quash an indictment>

quasi
adj. 1 : having some resemblance usually by possession of certain attributes <a quasi corporation>
2 : having a legal status only by operation or construction of law and without reference to intent <a quasi contract>

quasi
adj. 1 : in some sense or degree <quasiperiodic> <quasi-judicial>
2 : resembling in some degree <quasiparticle>

quasi
adj. quasi governmental
quasi judicial
quasi judicially
quasi legislative
quasi public
quasi stellar object

quasi-governmental
: supported by the government but managed privately <a quasi-governmental health-care agency>

quasi-judicial
1 : having a partly judicial character by possession of the right to hold hearings on and conduct investigations into disputed claims and alleged infractions of rules and regulations and to make decisions in the general manner of courts <quasi-judicial bodies>
2 : essentially judicial in character but not within the judicial power or function especially as constitutionally defined <quasi-judicial review>
–qua·si-ju·di·cial·ly \-'di-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

quasi-legislative
1 : having a partly legislative character by possession of the right to make rules and regulations having the force of law <a quasi-legislative agency>
2 : essentially legislative in character but not within the legislative power or function especially as constitutionally defined <quasi-legislative powers>

quasi-public
: essentially public (as in services rendered) although under private ownership or control

quasi-stellar object
: QUASAR

quasicrystal
: a body of solid material that resembles a crystal in being composed of repeating structural units but that incorporates two or more unit cells into a quasiperiodic structure
–qua·si·crys·tal·line \-'kris-tə-lən also -ˌlīn, -ˌlēn\ adjective

Quasimodo
n. : LOW SUNDAY

Quasimodo
n. Salvatore \ˌsäl-vä-'tō-(ˌ)rā\ 1901-1968 Ital. poet & critic

quasiparticle
n. : a composite entity (as a vibration in a solid) that is analogous in its behavior to a single particle

quasiperiodic
: almost but not quite periodic especially : periodic on a small scale but unpredictable at some larger scale
–qua·si·pe·ri·od·ic·i·ty \-ˌpir-ē-ə-'di-sə-tē\ noun

quassia
n. : a drug from the heartwood and bark of various tropical trees of the ailanthus family used especially as a bitter tonic and remedy for roundworms in children and as an insecticide

quatercentenary
n. : a 400th anniversary or its celebration

quaternary
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of four units or members b : of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of four
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or being the geological period from the end of the Tertiary to the present time or the corresponding system of rocks ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
3 : consisting of, containing, or being an atom bonded to four other atoms

quaternary
n. 1 capitalized : the Quaternary period or system of rocks
2 : a member of a group fourth in order or rank

quaternary ammonium compound
: any of numerous strong bases and their salts derived from ammonium by replacement of the hydrogen atoms with organic radicals and important especially as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and drugs

quaternion
n. 1 : a set of four parts, things, or persons
2 : any of a set of numbers that comprise a four-dimensional vector space with a basis consisting of the real number 1 and three imaginary units i, j, k, that follow special rules of multiplication, and that are used especially in computer graphics, robotics, and animation to rotate objects in three dimensions

quaternity
: a union of a group or set of four

quatrain
n. : a unit or group of four lines of verse

quatrefoil
n. 1 : a conventionalized representation of a flower with four petals or of a leaf with four leaflets
2 : a 4-lobed foliation in architecture

quattrocento
n. : the 15th century especially with reference to Italian literature and art

quattuordecillion
― see NUMBER table

quaver
n. intransitive verb
1 : TREMBLE
2 : TRILL
3 : to utter sound in tremulous tones
transitive verb : to utter quaveringly
–qua·ver·ing·ly adverb
–qua·very \'kwā-və-rē, 'kwāv-rē\ adjective

quaver
n. 1 : EIGHTH NOTE
2 : TRILL 1
3 : a tremulous sound

quay
n. : a structure built parallel to the bank of a waterway for use as a landing place

quayage
n. 1 : a charge for use of a quay
2 : room on or for quays
3 : a system of quays

Quayle
James Danforth 1947-     Dan Quayle American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1989-93)

quayside
n. : land bordering a quay

Que
n. Quebec

Que
n. ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte
coute que coute
coûte que coûte
nous verrons ce que nous verrons
plus royaliste que le roi
que pasa
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point

que pasa
: what's happening? ― used as a greeting

quean
n. 1 : a disreputable woman specifically : PROSTITUTE
2 chiefly Scottish : WOMAN especially : one that is young or unmarried

queasy
adj. 1 a : causing nausea <queasy motion> b : suffering from nausea : NAUSEATED
2 : full of doubt : HAZARDOUS
3 a : causing uneasiness b (1) : DELICATE, SQUEAMISH (2) : ill at ease
–quea·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–quea·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

Quebec
n. ― a communications code word for the letter q

Quebec
n. 1 province E Canada extending from Hudson Bay to Gaspé Peninsula area 595,388 sq mi (1,542,056 sq km), pop 7,410,504
2 city & port, its capital, on the St. Lawrence pop 169,076
–Que·bec·er or Que·beck·er \kwi-'be-kər, ki-\ noun

Quebecois
: a native or inhabitant of Quebec specifically : a French-speaking native or inhabitant of Quebec
–Quebecois or Québécois or Québecois adjective

quebracho
n. 1 : any of several trees of southern So. America with hard wood: as a : a tree (Aspidosperma quebracho) of the dogbane family which occurs chiefly in Argentina and Chile and whose dried bark is used as a respiratory sedative in dyspnea and in asthma b : a chiefly Argentine tree (Schinopsis lorentzii) of the cashew family with dense wood rich in tannins
2 a : the wood of a quebracho b : a tannin-rich extract of the Argentine quebracho used in tanning leather

Quebradillas
city NW Puerto Rico pop 25,450

Quechua
n. 1 : a family of languages spoken by Indian peoples of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina
2 a : a member of an Indian people of central Peru b : a group of peoples forming the dominant element of the Inca Empire
–Que·chu·an \-wən\ adjective or noun

queen
n. 1 a : the wife or widow of a king b : the wife or widow of a tribal chief
2 a : a female monarch b : a female chieftain
3 a : a woman eminent in rank, power, or attractions <a movie queen> b : a goddess or a thing personified as female and having supremacy in a specified realm c : an attractive girl or woman especially : a beauty contest winner
4 : the most privileged piece of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to move in any direction across any number of unoccupied squares
5 : a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a queen
6 : the fertile fully developed female of social bees, ants, and termites whose function is to lay eggs
7 : a mature female cat kept especially for breeding
8 often disparaging : a male homosexual especially : an effeminate one

queen
n. 1 : to act like a queen especially : to put on airs ― usually used with it <queens it over her friends>
2 : to become a queen in chess <the pawn queens>
transitive verb : to promote (a pawn) to a queen in chess

queen
n. beauty queen
closet queen
drag queen
Queen Anne
Queen Anne's lace
queen consort
queen mother
queen post
queen regnant
Queen's Bench
Queen's Counsel
queen size
queen substance
Queen Charlotte Islands
Queen Charlotte Sound
Queen Elizabeth Islands
Queen Maud Land
queens consort
queens regnant

Queen Anne
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of furniture originating in England under Dutch influence especially during the first half of the 18th century that is marked by extensive use of upholstery, marquetry, and Asian fabrics
2 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of English building of the early 18th century characterized by modified classic ornament and the use of red brickwork in which even relief ornament is carved

Queen Anne's lace
: a widely naturalized Eurasian biennial herb (Daucus carota) which has a whitish acrid taproot and flat lacelike clusters of tiny white flowers and from which the cultivated carrot originated ― called also wild carrot

Queen Charlotte Islands
islands Canada in W B.C. in Pacific Ocean area ab 4000 sq mi (10,360 sq km)

Queen Charlotte Sound
sound S of Queen Charlotte Islands

queen consort
: the wife of a reigning king

Queen Elizabeth Islands
islands N Canada in N Northwest Territories & N Nunavut; include Parry, Sverdrup, Devon, & Ellesmere islands

Queen Maud Land
section of Antarctica on the Atlantic

queen mother
: a queen dowager who is mother of the reigning sovereign

queen post
: one of two vertical tie posts in a truss (as of a roof)

queen regnant
: a queen reigning in her own right

queen substance
: a pheromone secreted by queen bees that is consumed by worker bees and inhibits ovary development

Queen's
― see LAOIGHIS

Queen's Bench
: a division of the English superior courts system that hears civil and criminal court cases ― used during the reign of a queen

Queen's Counsel
: a barrister selected to serve as counsel to the British crown ― used during the reign of a queen

queen-size
1 : having dimensions of approximately 60 by 80 inches (about 1.5 by 2.0 meters) ― used of a bed ― compare FULL-SIZE, KING-SIZE, TWIN-SIZE
2 : of a size that fits a queen-size bed <a queen-size sheet>

queenly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or befitting a queen
2 : having royal rank
3 : MONARCHICAL
–queen·li·ness noun
–queenly adverb

Queens
n. borough of New York City on Long Is. E of Brooklyn pop 2,229,379

Queensberry
Marquis of ― see DOUGLAS

queenship
1 : the rank, dignity, or state of being a queen
2 : a regal quality like that of a queen

queenside
n. : the side of a chessboard containing the file on which the queen sits at the beginning of the game

Queensland
n. state NE Australia capital Brisbane area 667,000 sq mi (1,727,530 sq km), pop 3,116,200
–Queens·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -ˌlən-\ noun

Queenstown
― see COBH

queer
n. 1 a : WORTHLESS, COUNTERFEIT <queer money> b : QUESTIONABLE, SUSPICIOUS
2 a : differing in some odd way from what is usual or normal b (1) : ECCENTRIC, UNCONVENTIONAL (2) : mildly insane : TOUCHED c : absorbed or interested to an extreme or unreasonable degree : OBSESSED d (1) often disparaging : HOMOSEXUAL (2) sometimes offensive : GAY 4B
3 : not quite well
–queer·ish \-ish\ adjective
–queer·ly adverb
–queer·ness noun
usage Over the past two decades, an important change has occurred in the use of queer in sense 2d. The older, strongly pejorative use has certainly not vanished, but a use by some gay people and some academics as a neutral or even positive term has established itself. This development is most noticeable in the adjective but is reflected in the corresponding noun as well. The newer use is sometimes taken to be offensive, especially by older gay men who fostered the acceptance of gay in these uses and still have a strong preference for it.

queer
n. 1 : to spoil the effect or success of <queer one's plans>
2 : to put or get into an embarrassing or disadvantageous situation

queer
n. : one that is queer especially often disparaging : HOMOSEXUAL
usage see 1QUEER

queer theory
: an approach to literary and cultural study that rejects traditional categories of gender and sexuality

quell
v. 1 : to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity <quell a riot>
2 : QUIET, PACIFY <quell fears>
–quell·er noun

quell
v. 1 obsolete : SLAUGHTER
2 archaic : the power of quelling

Quelpart
― see CHEJU

Quemoy
island SE China in Taiwan Strait 15 mi (24 km) E of Xiamen; garrisoned by Taiwan since 1950 pop 60,544

quench
v. transitive verb
1 a : PUT OUT, EXTINGUISH b : to put out the light or fire of <quench glowing coals with water> c : to cool (as heated metal) suddenly by immersion (as in oil or water) d : to cause to lose heat or warmth <you have quenched the warmth of France toward you ― Alfred Tennyson>
2 a : to bring (something immaterial) to an end typically by satisfying, damping, cooling, or decreasing <a rational understanding of the laws of nature can quench impossible desires ― Lucius Garvin> <the praise that quenches all desire to read the book ― T. S. Eliot> b : to terminate by or as if by destroying : ELIMINATE <the Commonwealth party quenched a whole generation of play-acting ― Margery Bailey> <quench a rebellion> c : to relieve or satisfy with liquid <quenched his thirst at a wayside spring>
intransitive verb
1 : to become extinguished : COOL
2 : to become calm : SUBSIDE
–quench·able \'kwen-chə-bəl\ adjective
–quench·er noun
–quench·less \'kwench-ləs\ adjective

quenelle
n. : a poached oval dumpling of pureed forcemeat (as of pike) often served in a cream sauce

quercetin
n. : a yellow crystalline pigment C_15H_10O_7 occurring usually in the form of glycosides in various plants

Quercia, della
Jacopo ― see JACOPO DELLA QUERCIA

quercitron
n. 1 : a large timber oak (Quercus velutina) chiefly of the eastern and central U.S.
2 : the bark of the quercitron that is rich in tannin and a dye containing quercetin also : the dye

Queretaro
1 state cen Mexico area 4544 sq mi (11,769 sq km), pop 1,051,235
2 city, its capital pop 454,049

querist
n. : one who inquires

quern
n. : a primitive hand mill for grinding grain

querulous
adj. 1 : habitually complaining
2 : FRETFUL, WHINING <a querulous voice>
–quer·u·lous·ly adverb
–quer·u·lous·ness noun

query
n. 1 : QUESTION, INQUIRY
2 : a question in the mind : DOUBT
3 : QUESTION MARK 2

query
n. 1 : to ask questions of especially with a desire for authoritative information
2 : to ask questions about especially in order to resolve a doubt
3 : to put as a question
4 : to mark with a query
synonyms see ASK
–que·ri·er noun

quesadilla
n. : a tortilla filled with a savory mixture, folded, and usually fried

Quesnay
François 1694-1774 Fr. physician & econ.

quest
n. 1 a : a jury of inquest b : INVESTIGATION
2 : an act or instance of seeking: a : PURSUIT, SEARCH b : a chivalrous enterprise in medieval romance usually involving an adventurous journey
3 obsolete : a person or group of persons who search or make inquiry

quest
n. 1 of a dog a : to search a trail b : BAY
2 : to go on a quest
transitive verb
1 : to search for
2 : to ask for
–quest·er noun

question
n. 1 a (1) : an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge (2) : an interrogative sentence or clause b : a subject or aspect in dispute or open for discussion : ISSUE broadly : PROBLEM, MATTER c (1) : a subject or point of debate or a proposition to be voted on in a meeting (2) : the bringing of such to a vote d : the specific point at issue
2 a : an act or instance of asking : INQUIRY b : INTERROGATION also : a judicial or official investigation c : torture as part of an examination d (1) : OBJECTION, DISPUTE <true beyond question> (2) : room for doubt or objection <little question of his skill> (3) : CHANCE, POSSIBILITY <no question of escape>

question
n. 1 : to ask a question of or about
2 : to interrogate intensively : CROSS-EXAMINE
3 a : DOUBT, DISPUTE b : to subject to analysis : EXAMINE
intransitive verb : to ask questions : INQUIRE
synonyms see ASK
–ques·tion·er noun

question
n. call into question
beg the question
call in question
cross question
essay question
pop the question
previous question
question mark
question time
self question
tag question
self questioning

question mark
1 a : something unknown, unknowable, or uncertain b : someone (as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt
2 : a mark ? used in writing and printing at the conclusion of a sentence to indicate a direct question

question time
: a period in a session of a British parliamentary body during which members may put questions to ministers on matters concerning their departments

questionable
adj. 1 obsolete : inviting inquiry
2 obsolete : liable to judicial inquiry or action
3 : affording reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged : not certain or exact : PROBLEMATIC <milk of questionable purity> <a questionable decision>
4 : attended by well-grounded suspicions of being immoral, crude, false, or unsound : DUBIOUS <questionable motives>
synonyms see DOUBTFUL
–ques·tion·able·ness noun
–ques·tion·ably \-blē\ adverb

questionary
n. : QUESTIONNAIRE

questionless
adj. 1 : INDUBITABLE, UNQUESTIONABLE
2 : UNQUESTIONING

questionnaire
n. 1 : a set of questions for obtaining statistically useful or personal information from individuals
2 : a written or printed questionnaire often with spaces for answers
3 : a survey made by the use of a questionnaire

questor
n. variant of quaestor

Quetta
city Pakistan in N Baluchistan pop 565,137

quetzal
n. 1 : a Central American trogon (Pharomachrus mocinno) that has brilliant green plumage above, a red breast, and in the male long upper tail coverts
2 plural quetzales ― see MONEY table

Quetzalcoatl
: a chief Toltec and Aztec god identified with the wind and air and represented by a feathered serpent

queue
n. 1 : a braid of hair usually worn hanging at the back of the head
2 : a waiting line especially of persons or vehicles
3 a : a sequence of messages or jobs held in temporary storage awaiting transmission or processing b : a data structure that consists of a list of records such that records are added at one end and removed from the other

queue
n. transitive verb : to arrange or form in a queue
intransitive verb : to line up or wait in a queue ― often used with up
–queu·er noun

Quezaltenango
city SW Guatemala pop 72,745

Quezon City
city Philippines in Luzon NE of Manila; former (1948-76) official capital of the Philippines pop 1,632,000

Quezon y Molina
Manuel Luis 1878-1944 pres. of the Philippine Commonwealth (1935-44)

qui
qui vive
bis dat qui cito dat
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute
ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte
honi soit qui mal y pense
pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt
qui facit per alium facit per se
qui s'excuse s'accuse
qui transtulit sustinet
qui va la
qui va là?

qui facit per alium facit per se
: he who does (something) through another does it through himself

qui s'excuse s'accuse
: he who excuses himself accuses himself

qui transtulit sustinet
: He who transplanted sustains (us) ― motto of Connecticut

qui va la
: who goes there?

qui vive
: ALERT, LOOKOUT ― used in the phrase on the qui vive

quibble
n. intransitive verb
1 : to evade the point of an argument by caviling about words
2 a : CAVIL, CARP b : BICKER
transitive verb : to subject to quibbles
–quib·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

quibble
n. 1 : an evasion of or shift from the point
2 : a minor objection or criticism

quiche
n. : an unsweetened custard pie usually having a savory filling (as spinach, mushrooms, or ham)

quiche lorraine
: a quiche containing cheese and bacon bits

quick
n. 1 : not dead : LIVING, ALIVE
2 : acting or capable of acting with speed: as a (1) : fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally agile <a quick wit> <quick thinking> (2) : reacting to stimuli with speed and keen sensitivity (3) : aroused immediately and intensely <quick tempers> b (1) : fast in development or occurrence <a quick succession of events> (2) : done or taking place with rapidity <gave them a quick look> c : marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement <walked with quick steps> d : inclined to hastiness (as in action or response) <quick to criticize> e : capable of being easily and speedily prepared <a quick and tasty dinner>
3 a archaic : not stagnant : RUNNING, FLOWING b : MOVING, SHIFTING <quick mud>
4 archaic : FIERY, GLOWING
5 obsolete a : PUNGENT b : CAUSTIC
6 archaic : PREGNANT
7 : having a sharp angle <a quick turn in the road>
–quick·ly adverb
–quick·ness noun
synonyms QUICK, PROMPT, READY, APT mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. QUICK stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power <quick reflexes> <a keen quick mind>. PROMPT is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response <prompt emergency medical care>. READY suggests facility or fluency in response <backed by a pair of ready assistants>. APT stresses the possession of qualities (as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible <an apt student> <her answer was apt and to the point>. synonym see in addition FAST

quick
n. 1 quick plural : living beings
2 [probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse kvika sensitive flesh, from kvikr living] a : a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (as that underlying a fingernail or toenail) b : the inmost sensibilities <hurt to the quick by the remark> c : the very center of something : HEART
3 archaic : LIFE 11

quick
n. : in a quick manner

quick
n. double quick
quick assets
quick bread
quick fix
quick freeze
quick kick
quick tempered
quick time
quick witted
quick wittedness
quick wittedly

quick assets
: cash, accounts receivable, and other current assets excluding inventories

quick bread
: bread made with a leavening agent (as baking powder or baking soda) that permits immediate baking of the dough or batter mixture

quick fix
: an expedient usually temporary or inadequate solution to a problem

quick kick
: a punt in football especially on first, second, or third down made from a running or passing formation and designed to take the opposing team by surprise

quick time
: a rate of marching in which 120 steps each 30 inches in length are taken in one minute

quick-freeze
: to freeze (food) for preservation so rapidly that ice crystals formed are too small to rupture the cells and the natural juices and flavor are preserved

quick-tempered
: easily angered : IRASCIBLE

quick-witted
: quick in perception and understanding : mentally alert
synonyms see INTELLIGENT
–quick-wit·ted·ly adverb
–quick-wit·ted·ness noun

quicken
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make alive : REVIVE b : to cause to be enlivened : STIMULATE
2 archaic a : KINDLE b : to cause to burn more intensely
3 : to make more rapid : HASTEN, ACCELERATE <quickened her steps>
4 a : to make (a curve) sharper b : to make (a slope) steeper
intransitive verb
1 : to quicken something
2 : to come to life especially : to enter into a phase of active growth and development <seeds quickening in the soil>
3 : to reach the stage of gestation at which fetal motion is felt
4 : to shine more brightly <watched the dawn quickening in the east>
5 : to become more rapid <her pulse quickened at the sight>
–quick·en·er \'kwi-kə-nər, 'kwik-nər\ noun
synonyms QUICKEN, ANIMATE, ENLIVEN, VIVIFY mean to make alive or lively. QUICKEN stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert <the arrival of spring quickens the earth>. ANIMATE emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial <happiness animated his conversation>. ENLIVEN suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity <enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes>. VIVIFY implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality <new blood needed to vivify the dying club>. synonym see in addition PROVOKE

quickie
n. : something done or made in a hurry: as a : a quickly and usually cheaply produced work (as a motion picture or book) b : a hastily performed act of sexual intercourse

quicklime
n. : 1LIME 2A

quicksand
n. 1 : sand readily yielding to pressure especially : a deep mass of loose sand mixed with water into which heavy objects readily sink
2 : something that entraps or frustrates <lead poor people into consumerist quicksand ― Robert Wright>

quickset
n. chiefly British : plant cuttings set in the ground to grow especially in a hedgerow also : a hedge or thicket especially of hawthorn grown from quickset

quicksilver
n. : MERCURY 2A

quicksilver
n. : resembling or suggestive of quicksilver especially : MERCURIAL 3

quickstep
n. : a spirited march tune usually accompanying a march in quick time

quid
n. British : a pound sterling

quid
n. : a cut or wad of something chewable

quid
n. quid pro quo
tertium quid
ne quid nimis

quid pro quo
: something given or received for something else also : a deal arranging a quid pro quo

quiddity
n. 1 : whatever makes something the type that it is : ESSENCE
2 a : a trifling point : QUIBBLE b : CROTCHET, ECCENTRICITY

quidnunc
n. : a person who seeks to know all the latest news or gossip : BUSYBODY

quien sabe
: who knows?

quiescence
n. : the quality or state of being quiescent

quiescent
adj. 1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest
2 : causing no trouble or symptoms <quiescent gallstones>
synonyms see LATENT
–qui·es·cent·ly adverb

quiet
n. : the quality or state of being quiet : TRANQUILLITY
–on the quiet : in a secretive manner : in secret

quiet
n. 1 a : marked by little or no motion or activity : CALM <a quiet sea> b : GENTLE, EASYGOING <a quiet temperament> c : not interfered with <quiet reading> d : enjoyed in peace and relaxation <a quiet cup of tea>
2 a : free from noise or uproar : STILL b : UNOBTRUSIVE, CONSERVATIVE <quiet clothes>
3 : SECLUDED <a quiet nook>
–qui·et·ly adverb
–qui·et·ness noun

quiet
n. : in a quiet manner <an engine that runs quiet>

quiet
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to be quiet : CALM
2 : to make secure by freeing from dispute or question <quiet title to a property>
intransitive verb : to become quiet ― usually used with down
–qui·et·er noun

quieten
v. chiefly British : QUIET

quietism
n. 1 a : a system of religious mysticism teaching that perfection and spiritual peace are attained by annihilation of the will and passive absorption in contemplation of God and divine things b : a passive withdrawn attitude or policy toward the world or worldly affairs
2 : a state of calmness or passivity
–qui·et·ist \-tist\ adjective or noun
–qui·et·ist·ic \ˌkwī-ə-'tis-tik\ adjective

quietude
n. : a quiet state : REPOSE

quietus
n. 1 : final settlement (as of a debt)
2 : removal from activity especially : DEATH
3 : something that quiets or represses <put the quietus on their celebration>

quiff
n. British : a prominent forelock

quill
n. 1 a (1) : a bobbin, spool, or spindle on which filling yarn is wound (2) : a hollow shaft often surrounding another shaft and used in various mechanical devices b : a roll of dried bark <cinnamon quills>
2 a (1) : the hollow horny shaft of a feather ― see FEATHER illustration (2) : FEATHER especially : one of the large stiff feathers of the wing or tail b : one of the hollow sharp spines of a porcupine or hedgehog c : 3PEN 3
3 : something made from or resembling the quill of a feather especially : a pen for writing
4 : a float for a fishing line

quill
n. 1 : to pierce with quills
2 a : to wind (thread or yarn) on a quill b : to make a series of small rounded ridges in (cloth)

quillback
: any of several suckers especially : a small fish (Carpiodes cyprinus) of central and eastern No. America with a much elongated first ray of the dorsal fin

Quiller-Couch
Sir Arthur Thomas 1863-1944 pseud. Q Eng. author

quillwork
: ornamental work in porcupine or bird quills

Quilmes
city E Argentina SE of Buenos Aires pop 509,445

quilt
n. 1 a : a bed coverlet of two layers of cloth filled with padding (as down or batting) held in place by ties or stitched designs b : PATCHWORK QUILT 1
2 : something that is quilted or resembles a quilt <a quilt of houses and parks>

quilt
n. 1 a : to fill, pad, or line like a quilt b (1) : to stitch, sew, or cover with lines or patterns like those used in quilts (2) : to stitch (designs) through layers of cloth c : to fasten between two pieces of material
2 : to stitch or sew in layers with padding in between
intransitive verb
1 : to make quilts
2 : to do quilted work
–quilt·er noun

quilting
n. 1 : material that is quilted or used for making quilts
2 : the process of quilting

Quimper
commune NW France W of Rennes pop 63,274

quinacrine
n. : an antimalarial drug derived from acridine and used especially in the form of its dihydrochloride C_23H_30ClN_3O·2HCl·2H_2O

Quinault
river 65 mi (105 km) W Wash. flowing to the Pacific

quince
n. 1 : the fruit of a central Asian tree (Cydonia oblonga) of the rose family that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple and is used especially in preserves
2 : a tree that bears quinces ― compare JAPANESE QUINCE

quincentenary
n. : a 500th anniversary or its celebration
–quincentenary adjective

quincentennial
n. : QUINCENTENARY
–quincentennial adjective

quincunx
n. : an arrangement of five things in a square or rectangle with one at each corner and one in the middle
–quin·cun·cial \kwin-'kən(t)-shəl\ or quin·cunx·ial \-'kəŋk-sē-əl\ adjective

Quincy
n. Josiah 1744-1775 American lawyer

Quincy
n. 1 \'kwin(t)-sē\ city W Ill. on the Mississippi pop 40,366
2 \'kwin-zē\ city E Mass. SE of Boston pop 88,025

quindecillion
― see NUMBER table

Quine
Willard Van Orman 1908-2000 American philos.

quinidine
n. : an alkaloid C_20H_24N_2O_2 that is stereoisomeric with quinine and is used in the form of its sulfate or gluconate to treat cardiac rhythm irregularities

quiniela
: a bet in which the bettor picks the first and second place finishers but need not designate their order of finish in order to win ― compare PERFECTA

quinine
n. 1 : a bitter crystalline alkaloid C_20H_24N_2O_2 from cinchona bark used in medicine
2 : a salt of quinine used especially as an antipyretic, antimalarial, and bitter tonic

quinine water
: TONIC WATER

quinoa
n. : an annual herb (Chenopodium quinoa) of the goosefoot family that is native to the Andean highlands and is cultivated for its starchy seeds which are used as food and ground into flour also : its seeds

quinoline
n. 1 : a pungent oily nitrogenous base C_9H_7N obtained usually by distillation of coal tar or by synthesis from aniline that is the parent compound of many alkaloids, drugs, and dyes
2 : a derivative of quinoline

quinolone
n. : any of a class of synthetic antibacterial drugs that are derivatives of hydroxylated quinolines and inhibit the replication of bacterial DNA

quinone
n. 1 : either of two isomeric cyclic crystalline compounds C_6H_4O_2 that are derivatives of benzene
2 : any of various usually yellow, orange, or red quinonoid compounds including several that are biologically important as coenzymes, hydrogen acceptors, or vitamins

quinonoid
: resembling quinone especially in having a 6-membered carbon ring containing two double bonds

quinquennial
n. 1 : consisting of or lasting for five years
2 : occurring or being done every five years
–quinquennial noun
–quin·quen·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

quinquennium
n. : a period of five years

quinsy
n. : an abscess in the tissue around a tonsil usually resulting from bacterial infection and often accompanied by pain and fever

quint
n. : QUINTUPLET

quinta
n. : a country villa or estate especially in Portugal or Latin America

quintain
n. : an object to be tilted at especially : a post with a revolving crosspiece that has a target at one end and a sandbag at the other end

quintal
n. 1 : HUNDREDWEIGHT
2 : a unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds)

Quintana Roo
state SE Mexico in E Yucatán capital Chetumal area 16,228 sq mi (42,030 sq km), pop 493,277

Quinte West
city Canada in SE Ont. at W end of Bay of Quinte pop 41,409

Quinte, Bay of
inlet of Lake Ontario in Canada in SE Ont.; connected with Georgian Bay by Trent Canal

Quintero
Serafín & Joaquín ― see ALVAREZ QUINTERO

quintessence
n. 1 : the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
2 : the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
3 : the most typical example or representative <the quintessence of calm>
–quin·tes·sen·tial \ˌkwin-tə-'sen(t)-shəl\ adjective
–quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb

quintet
n. 1 : a musical composition or movement for five instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of five: as a : the performers of a quintet b : a basketball team

quintic
: of the fifth degree

quintic
: a polynomial or a polynomial equation of the fifth degree

quintile
adj. : any of the four values that divide the items of a frequency distribution into five classes with each containing one fifth of the total population also : any one of the five classes

Quintilian
ca A.D. 35-ca 100 Marcus Fabius Quintilianus Rom. rhetorician

quintillion
n. ― see NUMBER table
–quintillion adjective
–quin·til·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adjective or noun

quintuple
adj. 1 : being five times as great or as many
2 : having five units or members
3 : marked by five beats per measure <quintuple meter>
–quintuple noun

quintuple
adj. transitive verb : to make five times as great or as many
intransitive verb : to become five times as much or as numerous

quintuplet
n. 1 : a combination of five of a kind
2 : one of five offspring born at one birth

quintuplicate
adj. 1 : consisting of or existing in five corresponding or identical parts or examples <quintuplicate invoices>
2 : being the fifth of five things exactly alike <file the quintuplicate copy>

quintuplicate
adj. 1 : one of five things exactly alike specifically : one of five identical copies
2 : five copies all alike ― used with in <typed in quintuplicate>

quintuplicate
1 : to make quintuple or fivefold
2 : to prepare in quintuplicate

quip
n. 1 a : a clever usually taunting remark : GIBE b : a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
2 : QUIBBLE, EQUIVOCATION
3 : something strange, droll, curious, or eccentric : ODDITY
–quip·py \'kwi-pē\ adjective

quip
n. intransitive verb : to make quips : GIBE
transitive verb : to jest or gibe at
–quip·per \'kwi-pər\ noun

quipster
n. : one who is given to quipping

quipu
n. : a device made of a main cord with smaller varicolored cords attached and knotted and used by the ancient Peruvians (as for calculating)

quire
n. : a collection of 24 or sometimes 25 sheets of paper of the same size and quality : one twentieth of a ream

quire
n. archaic variant of choir

Quirinal
n. hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven on which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE

Quirino
Elpidio 1890-1956 pres. of the Philippine Republic (1948-53)

Quirinus
: an early state god of the Romans later identified with Romulus

quirk
n. 1 a : an abrupt twist or curve b : a peculiar trait : IDIOSYNCRASY c : ACCIDENT, VAGARY <a quirk of fate>
2 : a groove separating a bead or other molding from adjoining members
–quirk·i·ly \'kwər-kə-lē\ adverb
–quirk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun
–quirk·ish \'kwər-kish\ adjective
–quirky \-kē\ adjective

quirk
n. : CURVE, TWIST <quirked his eyebrows>

quirt
n. : a riding whip with a short handle and a rawhide lash

quirt
n. : to strike or drive with a quirt

quis
quis custodiet ipsos custodes
quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
quis separabit
quis separabit?

quis custodiet ipsos custodes
: who will keep the keepers themselves?

quis separabit
: who shall separate (us)? ― motto of the Order of Saint Patrick

quisling
n. : TRAITOR 2, COLLABORATOR
–quis·ling·ism \-liŋ-ˌi-zəm\ noun

quit
adj. : released from obligation, charge, or penalty especially : FREE

quit
adj. transitive verb
1 : to make full payment of : PAY UP <quit a debt>
2 : to set free : RELIEVE, RELEASE <quit oneself of fear>
3 : CONDUCT, ACQUIT <the youths quit themselves like men>
4 a : to depart from or out of b : to leave the company of c : GIVE UP 1 <quit a job> d : GIVE UP 2 <quit smoking>
intransitive verb
1 : to cease normal, expected, or necessary action <the engine quit>
2 : to give up employment
3 : to admit defeat : GIVE UP
synonyms see STOP

quit
adj. : the act or an instance of quitting a job

quitch
n. : QUACK GRASS

quitclaim
n. : to release or relinquish a legal claim to especially : to release a claim to or convey by a quitclaim deed
–quitclaim noun

quitclaim deed
: a legal instrument used to release one person's right, title, or interest to another without providing a guarantee or warranty of title

quite
adv. 1 : WHOLLY, COMPLETELY <not quite finished>
2 : to an extreme : POSITIVELY <quite sure> ― often used as an intensifier with a <quite a swell guy> <quite a beauty>
3 : to a considerable extent : RATHER <quite near>
usage see PLENTY
–quite a bit : a considerable amount
–quite a few : MANY

quite a bit
a considerable amount

quite a few
MANY

Quito
n. city capital of Ecuador pop 1,100,847

quitrent
n. : a fixed rent payable to a feudal superior in commutation of services specifically : a fixed rent due from a socage tenant

quits
adj. : being on even terms by repayment or requital

quittance
n. 1 a : discharge from a debt or an obligation b : a document evidencing quittance
2 : RECOMPENSE, REQUITAL

quitter
n. : one that quits especially : one that gives up too easily : DEFEATIST

quittor
n. : a purulent inflammation of the feet especially of horses and donkeys

quiver
n. 1 : a case for carrying or holding arrows
2 : the arrows in a quiver

quiver
n. : to shake or move with a slight trembling motion
–quiv·er·ing·ly adverb

quiver
n. : the act or action of quivering : TREMOR

quixote
n. : a quixotic person
–quix·o·tism \'kwik-sə-ˌti-zəm\ noun
–quix·o·try \-sə-trē\ noun

quixotic
adj. 1 : foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action
2 : CAPRICIOUS, UNPREDICTABLE
synonyms see IMAGINARY
–quix·ot·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–quix·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

quiz
n. 1 : an eccentric person
2 : PRACTICAL JOKE
3 : the act or action of quizzing specifically : a short oral or written test

quiz
n. 1 : to make fun of : MOCK
2 : to look at inquisitively
3 : to question closely
–quiz·zer noun

quiz
n. pop quiz
quiz show
quiz program

quiz show
: an entertainment program (as on radio or television) in which contestants answer questions ― called also quiz program

quizmaster
n. : one who puts the questions to contestants in a quiz show

quizzical
adj. 1 : comically quaint <a quizzical old man>
2 : mildly teasing or mocking <a quizzical remark>
3 : expressive of puzzlement, curiosity, or disbelief <raised a quizzical eyebrow>
–quiz·zi·cal·i·ty \ˌkwi-zə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–quiz·zi·cal·ly \'kwi-zi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Qumran
Khirbat Qumran
Khirbet Qumran
Qumran Khirbat

Qumran, Khirbat
― see KHIRBAT QUMRAN

quo
in statu quo
quid pro quo
quo warranto
status quo
status quo ante
terminus a quo
in statu quo ante bellum
locus in quo
quo vadis
quo vadis?
status in quo
status quo ante bellum

quo vadis
: whither are you going?

quo warranto
1 a : an English writ formerly requiring a person to show by what authority he exercises a public office, franchise, or liberty b : a legal proceeding for a like purpose begun by an information
2 : the legal action begun by a quo warranto

quoad hoc
: as far as this : to this extent

quod
n. slang British : PRISON

quod
n. age quod agis
damnant quod non intelligunt
quod erat demonstrandum
quod erat faciendum
quod semper quod ubique quod ab omnibus
quod vide

quod erat demonstrandum
: which was to be proved

quod erat faciendum
: which was to be done

quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus
: what (has been held) always, everywhere, by everybody

quod vide
: which see

quodlibet
n. 1 : a philosophical or theological point proposed for disputation also : a disputation on such a point
2 : a whimsical combination of familiar melodies or texts

quoin
n. 1 a : a solid exterior angle (as of a building) b : one of the members (as a block) forming a quoin and usually differentiated from the adjoining walls by material, texture, color, size, or projection
2 : the keystone or a voussoir of an arch
3 : a wooden or expandable metal block used by printers to lock up a form within a chase

quoin
n. 1 : to equip (a type form) with quoins
2 : to provide with quoins <quoined walls>

Quoirez
Françoise ― see Françoise SAGAN

quoit
n. 1 : a flattened ring of iron or circle of rope used in a throwing game
2 plural but singular in construction : a game in which the quoits are thrown at an upright pin in an attempt to ring the pin or come as near to it as possible

quoit
n. : to throw like a quoit

quokka
n. : a stocky herbivorous marsupial (Setonix brachyurus of the family Macropodidae) of southwestern Australia that has a short tail

quoll
n. : any of a genus (Dasyurus) of small spotted carnivorous marsupials of Australia and New Guinea

quondam
adj. : FORMER, SOMETIME <a quondam friend>

Quonset
n. ― used for a prefabricated shelter having a semicircular arching roof of corrugated metal

quorum
n. 1 : a select group
2 : the number (as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business
3 : a Mormon body comprising those in the same grade of priesthood

quorum pars magna fui
: in which I played a great part

quos deus vult perdere prius dementat
: those whom a god wishes to destroy he first drives mad

quot
quotation

quot homines, tot sententiae
: there are as many opinions as there are men

quota
n. 1 : a proportional part or share especially : the share or proportion assigned to each in a division or to each member of a body
2 : the number or amount constituting a proportional share
3 : a fixed number or percentage of minority group members or women needed to meet the requirements of affirmative action

quotable
adj. : fit for or worth quoting
–quot·abil·i·ty \ˌkwō-tə-'bi-lə-tē also ˌkō-\ noun

quotation
n. 1 : something that is quoted especially : a passage referred to, repeated, or adduced
2 a : the act or process of quoting b (1) : the naming or publishing of current bids and offers or prices of securities or commodities (2) : the bids, offers, or prices so named or published especially : the highest bid and lowest offer for a particular security in a given market at a given time

quotation mark
: one of a pair of punctuation marks “ ” or ‘ ’ used chiefly to indicate the beginning and the end of a quotation in which the exact phraseology of another or of a text is directly cited

quote
n. transitive verb
1 a : to speak or write (a passage) from another usually with credit acknowledgment b : to repeat a passage from especially in substantiation or illustration c : BORROW 2A <quoting the motifs of past artists>
2 : to cite in illustration <quote cases of similar acts>
3 a : to state (the current price or bid-offer spread) for a commodity, stock, or bond b : to give exact information on
4 : to set off by quotation marks
intransitive verb : to inform a hearer or reader that matter following is quoted
–quot·er noun

quote
n. 1 : QUOTATION
2 : QUOTATION MARK ― often used orally to indicate the beginning of a direct quotation

quoth
v. archaic : SAID ― used chiefly in the first and third persons with a postpositive subject

quotha
interj. archaic ― used especially to express surprise or contempt

quotidian
n. 1 : occurring every day <quotidian fever>
2 a : belonging to each day : EVERYDAY <quotidian routine> b : COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY <quotidian drabness>
–quotidian noun

quotient
n. 1 : the number resulting from the division of one number by another
2 : the numerical ratio usually multiplied by 100 between a test score and a standard value
3 : QUOTA, SHARE
4 : the magnitude of a specified characteristic or quality <the celebrity's likability quotient is high>

quotient
n. intelligence quotient
quotient group
quotient ring
respiratory quotient

quotient group
: a group whose elements are the cosets of a normal subgroup of a given group ― called also factor group

quotient ring
: a ring whose elements are the cosets of an ideal in a given ring

Quqon
― see KOKAND

Quran
n. variant of koran

Quttinirpaaq National Park
n. reservation N Canada in NE Ellesmere Is.

qv
which see

QWERTY
adj. : a standard typewriter keyboard ― called also QWERTY keyboard

qy
query

R
n. 1 rabbi
2 radial
3 radical ― used especially of a monovalent hydrocarbon radical
4 Rankine
5 Reaumur
6 recipe
7 registered trademark ― often enclosed in a circle
8 regular
9 Republican
10 river
11 R-value

R
n. ― used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that admission is restricted to persons over a specified age (as 17) unless accompanied by a parent or guardian ― compare G, NC-17, PG, PG-13

r
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 18th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic r
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter r
3 : one designated r especially as the 18th in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter R

r
n. 1 radius
2 rain
3 range
4 rare
5 real
6 recto
7 red
8 repeat
9 rerun
10 resistance
11 right
12 roentgen
13 rook
14 rough
15 run

R & B
rhythm and blues

R & D
research and development

R & R
rest and recreation; rest and recuperation; rest and relaxation

R factor
: a group of genes present in some bacteria that provide a basis for resistance to antibiotics and can be transferred from cell to cell by conjugation

r-color
: an acoustic effect of a simultaneously articulated \r\ imparted to a vowel by retroflexion or constriction of the tongue
–r-col·ored \'är-ˌkə-lərd\ adjective

R-value
: a measure of resistance to the flow of heat through a given thickness of a material (as insulation) with higher numbers indicating better insulating properties ― compare U-VALUE

RA
n. 1 regular army
2 right ascension
3 Royal Academician; Royal Academy

Ra
n. : the Egyptian sun god and chief deity

Ra
n. radium

ra
n. range

Ra's al Khaymah
sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates

Ra's at Tib
― see BON (Cape)

RAAF
Royal Australian Air Force

Raba
river 160 mi (257 km) SE Austria & W Hungary flowing E & NE into the Danube

Rabat
n. city capital of Morocco on Atlantic coast pop 668,000

Rabaul
city Bismarck Archipelago at E end of New Britain; formerly capital of Territory of New Guinea pop 17,022

Rabbah Ammon, Rabbath Ammon
― see AMMAN

rabbet
n. : a channel, groove, or recess cut out of the edge or face of a surface especially : one intended to receive another member (as a panel)

rabbet
n. 1 : to unite the edges of in a rabbet joint
2 : to cut a rabbet in
intransitive verb : to become joined by a rabbet

rabbet joint
: a joint formed by fitting together rabbeted boards or timbers

rabbi
n. 1 : MASTER, TEACHER ― used by Jews as a term of address
2 : a Jew qualified to expound and apply the halakah and other Jewish law
3 : a Jew trained and ordained for professional religious leadership specifically : the official leader of a Jewish congregation

rabbin
n. : RABBI

rabbinate
n. 1 : the office or tenure of a rabbi
2 : the whole body of rabbis

rabbinic
adj. 1 : of or relating to rabbis or their writings
2 : of or preparing for the rabbinate
3 : comprising or belonging to any of several sets of Hebrew characters simpler than the square Hebrew letters
–rab·bin·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Rabbinic Hebrew
: the Hebrew used especially by medieval rabbis

rabbinism
: rabbinic teachings and traditions

rabbit
n. 1 : any of a family (Leporidae) of long-eared short-tailed lagomorph mammals with long hind legs: a : any of various lagomorphs that are born furless, blind, and helpless, that are sometimes gregarious, and that include especially the cottontails of the New World and a small Old World mammal (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that is the source of various domestic breeds b : HARE
2 : the pelt of a rabbit
3 : WELSH RABBIT
4 a : a figure of a rabbit sped mechanically along the edge of a dog track as an object of pursuit b : a runner in a long-distance race who sets a fast pace for the field in the first part of the race
–rab·bity \-bə-tē\ adjective

rabbit
n. : to hunt rabbits
–rab·bit·er noun

rabbit
n. rabbit eared bandicoot
rock rabbit
rabbit fever
Angora rabbit
rabbit ears
rabbit hole
rabbit punch
rabbit warren
snowshoe rabbit
Welsh rabbit

rabbit ears
: an indoor dipole television antenna consisting of two usually extensible rods connected to a base to form a V shape

rabbit fever
: TULAREMIA

rabbit hole
: a bizarre or difficult state or situation ― usually used in the phrase down the rabbit hole

rabbit punch
: a short chopping blow delivered to the back of the neck or the base of the skull
–rabbit-punch transitive verb

rabbit warren
1 : WARREN 2A
2 : WARREN 3B

rabbit-eared bandicoot
: BILBY

rabbitbrush
: any of several low branching composite shrubs (genus Chrysothamnus and especially C. nauseosus) of the alkali plains of western No. America that are characterized by linear entire leaves and clusters of golden-yellow or white flowers

rabbitry
n. : a place where domestic rabbits are kept also : a rabbit-raising enterprise

rabble
n. 1 : a disorganized or confused collection of things
2 a : a disorganized or disorderly crowd of people : MOB b : the lowest class of people

rabble
n. : to insult or assault by or as a mob

rabble-rouser
: one that stirs up (as to hatred or violence) the masses of the people : DEMAGOGUE
–rab·ble-rous·ing \-ziŋ\ noun or adjective

rabblement
1 : RABBLE
2 : DISTURBANCE

Rabelais
n. François ca 1483-1553 Fr. humorist & satirist

Rabelaisian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Rabelais or his works
2 : marked by gross robust humor, extravagance of caricature, or bold naturalism

Rabi
: either of two months of the Islamic year: a : RABI AL-AWWAL b : RABI AL-THANI

Rabi
Isidor Isaac 1898-1988 American (Austrian-born) physicist

Rabi al-Awwal
: the third month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

Rabi al-Thani
: the fourth month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

rabic
adj. : of or relating to rabies

rabid
adj. 1 a : extremely violent : FURIOUS b : going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion <rabid editorials> <a rabid supporter>
2 : affected with rabies
–ra·bid·i·ty \rə-'bi-də-tē, ra-, rā-\ noun
–ra·bid·ly \'ra-bəd-lē also 'rā-\ adverb
–ra·bid·ness noun

rabies
n. : an acute virus disease of the nervous system of mammals that is caused by a rhabdovirus (species Rabies virus of the genus Lyssavirus) usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and that is characterized typically by increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and eventual paralysis and death

Rabin
n. Yitzhak 1922-1995 prime min. of Israel (1974-77; 1992-95)

Rabinowitz
n. Solomon ― see Sholem ALEICHEM

raccoon
n. 1 a : a small nocturnal carnivore (Procyon lotor) of No. America that is chiefly gray, has a black mask and bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees, and has a varied diet including small animals, fruits, and nuts b : the pelt of this animal
2 : any of several animals resembling or related to the raccoon

raccoon dog
: a small omnivorous canid (Nyctereutes procyonoides) of eastern Asia having a long yellowish-brown coat and facial markings resembling that of a raccoon ― called also tanuki

race
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : the act of running
2 a : a strong or rapid current of water flowing through a narrow channel b : a watercourse used industrially c : the current flowing in such a course
3 a : a set course or duration of time b : the course of life
4 a : a contest of speed b plural : a meeting in which several races (as for horses) are run c : a contest or rivalry involving progress toward a goal <pennant race>
5 : a track or channel in which something rolls or slides specifically : a groove (as for the balls) in a bearing ― see ROLLER BEARING illustration

race
n. intransitive verb
1 : to compete in a race
2 : to go, move, or function at top speed or out of control <people racing for safety> <struggled to sleep as his mind raced>
3 : to revolve too fast under a diminished load
transitive verb
1 : to engage in a race with
2 a : to enter in a race b : to drive or ride at high speed c : to transport or propel at maximum speed
3 : to speed (as an engine) without a working load or with the transmission disengaged

race
n. 1 : a breeding stock of animals
2 a : a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock b : a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics
3 a : an actually or potentially interbreeding group within a species also : a taxonomic category (as a subspecies) representing such a group b : BREED c : a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits
4 obsolete : inherited temperament or disposition
5 : distinctive flavor, taste, or strength

race
n. arms race
barrel race
claiming race
drag race
flat race
horse race
master race
race baiting
race riot
race runner
rat race
road race
sack race
selling race
stakes race
stake race
three legged race
Race Cape
barrel racing
drag racing
flat racing
harness racing
racing form
road racing
slot racing

race riot
: a riot caused by racial dissensions or hatreds

race runner
: a swift No. American lizard (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) that has six narrow stripes down the back

Race, Cape
headland, SE point of Newfoundland, Canada

race-baiting
: the making of verbal attacks against members of a racial group

racecourse
n. 1 : a course for racing
2 : RACEWAY 1

racehorse
n. : a horse bred or kept for racing

racemate
n. : a racemic compound or mixture

raceme
n. : a simple inflorescence (as in the lily of the valley) in which the flowers are borne on short stalks of about equal length at equal distances along an elongated axis and open in succession toward the apex ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration

racemic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a compound or mixture that is composed of equal amounts of dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms of the same compound and is not optically active

racemization
: the action or process of changing from an optically active compound into a racemic compound or mixture
–ra·ce·mize \rā-'sē-ˌmīz, rə-; 'ra-sə-\ verb

racemose
adj. : having or growing in the form of a raceme

racer
n. 1 : one that races or is used for racing
2 : any of various active American colubrid snakes (genus Coluber and Mastigophis): as a : BLACK RACER b : BLUE RACER

racer
n. barrel racer
black racer
blue racer
drag racer
slot racer

racetrack
n. : a usually oval course for racing

racetracker
: one who frequents a racetrack

racewalking
n. : the competitive sport of racing at a fast walk while maintaining continuous foot contact with the ground and keeping the supporting leg straight
–race·walk \-ˌwȯk\ intransitive verb
–race·walk·er \-ˌwȯ-kər\ noun

raceway
n. 1 : a canal for a current of water
2 : a channel for loosely holding electrical wires in buildings
3 : 1RACE 5
4 : a course for racing especially : a track for harness racing

Rachel
n. : a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin

rachet
n. variant of ratchet

rachis
n. 1 : an axial structure: as a (1) : the elongated axis of an inflorescence (2) : an extension of the petiole of a compound leaf that bears the leaflets b : the distal part of the shaft of a feather that bears the web
2 : SPINAL COLUMN

rachitic
adj. : RICKETY

Rachmaninoff
n. Sergey Vasilyevich 1873-1943 Russ. composer, pianist, & conductor

racial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or based on a race <a racial minority>
2 : existing or occurring between races <racial equality>
–ra·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

racialism
n. : a theory that race determines human traits and capacities also : RACISM
–ra·cial·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–ra·cial·is·tic \ˌrā-shə-'lis-tik\ adjective

racialize
v. : to give a racial character to

Raciborz
city SW Poland in Silesia on the Oder pop 62,833

Racine
n. Jean 1639-1699 Fr. dram.
–Ra·cin·ian \ra-'si-nē-ən, rə-\ adjective

Racine
n. city SE Wis. S of Milwaukee pop 81,855

racing
n. : the sport or profession of engaging in or holding races

racing
n. barrel racing
drag racing
flat racing
harness racing
racing form
road racing
slot racing

racing form
: an information sheet giving details of past performance (as for racehorses) for use by bettors

racism
n. 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination
–rac·ist \-sist also -shist\ noun or adjective

rack
n. : a wind-driven mass of high often broken clouds

rack
n. off the rack
on the rack
rack railway
rack rent
rack renter
rack up
nerve racking

rack
n. : to fly or scud in high wind

rack
n. 1 : a framework for holding fodder for livestock
2 : an instrument of torture on which a body is stretched
3 a (1) : a cause of anguish or pain (2) : acute suffering b : the action of straining or wrenching
4 : a framework, stand, or grating on or in which articles are placed
5 a : a bar with teeth on one face for gearing with a pinion or worm gear to transform rotary motion to linear motion or vice versa (as in an automobile steering mechanism) b : a notched bar used as a ratchet to engage with a pawl, click, or detent
6 : a pair of antlers
7 : a triangular frame used to set up the balls in a pool game also : the balls as set up
8 : BED, SACK
–rack·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–on the rack : under great emotional stress

rack
n. 1 : to torture on the rack
2 : to cause to suffer torture, pain, anguish, or ruin <racked with jealousy> <a company racked by infighting>
3 a : to stretch or strain violently <racked his brains> b : to raise (rents) oppressively c : to harass or oppress with high rents or extortions
4 : to work or treat (material) on a rack
5 : to work by a rack and pinion or worm so as to extend or contract <rack a camera>
6 : to seize (as parallel ropes of a tackle) together
7 : to place (as pool balls) in a rack
intransitive verb : to become forced out of shape or out of plumb
synonyms see AFFLICT
–rack·er noun
–rack·ing·ly \'ra-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

rack
n. : to draw off (as wine) from the lees

rack
n. of a horse : to go at a rack

rack
n. : either of two gaits of a horse: a : PACE 4B b : a fast showy 4-beat gait

rack
n. 1 : the neck and spine of a forequarter of veal, pork, or especially mutton
2 : the rib section of a lamb's forequarters used for chops or as a roast ― see LAMB illustration

rack
n. : DESTRUCTION <rack and ruin>

rack railway
: a railway having between its rails a rack that meshes with a gear wheel or pinion of the locomotive for traction on steep grades

rack rent
1 : an excessive or unreasonably high rent
2 British : the highest rent that can be earned on a property

rack up
: ACHIEVE, GAIN <racked up their 10th victory>

rack-rent
: to subject to rack rent

rack-renter
: one that pays or exacts rack rent

racket
n. 1 : a lightweight implement that consists of a netting (as of nylon) stretched in a usually oval open frame with a handle attached and that is used for striking the ball or shuttlecock in various games (as tennis, racquets, or badminton)
2 usually racquets plural but singular in construction : a game for two or four players with ball and racket on a 4-walled court

racket
n. 1 : confused clattering noise : CLAMOR
2 a : social whirl or excitement b : the strain of exciting or trying experiences
3 a : a fraudulent scheme, enterprise, or activity b : a usually illegitimate enterprise made workable by bribery or intimidation c : an easy and lucrative means of livelihood d slang : OCCUPATION, BUSINESS

racket
n. 1 : to engage in active social life
2 : to move with or make a racket

racketeer
n. : one who obtains money by an illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation

racketeer
n. : to carry on a racket
transitive verb : to practice extortion on

rackety
adj. 1 : NOISY
2 : ROWDY
3 : RICKETY

Rackham
Arthur 1867-1939 Brit. illustrator

rackle
chiefly Scottish : IMPETUOUS

raclette
n. : a Swiss dish consisting of cheese melted over a fire and then scraped onto bread or boiled potatoes also : the cheese used in this dish

racon
n. : RADAR BEACON

raconteur
n. : a person who excels in telling anecdotes

racoon
n. variant of raccoon

racquetball
n. : a game similar to handball that is played on a 4-walled court with a short-handled racket and a larger ball also : the ball used in this game

racy
adj. 1 a : full of zest or vigor b : having a strongly marked quality : PIQUANT <a racy flavor> c : RISQUÉ, SUGGESTIVE <racy jokes>
2 : having the distinctive quality of something in its original or most characteristic form
synonyms see PUNGENT
–rac·i·ly \'rā-sə-lē\ adverb
–rac·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

racy
adj. : having a body fitted for racing : long-bodied and lean <a racy dog>

rad
n. : a unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material

rad
n. slang : COOL 7, RADICAL

rad
n. 1 radian
2 radius
3 radix

radar
n. 1 : a device or system consisting usually of a synchronized radio transmitter and receiver that emits radio waves and processes their reflections for display and is used especially for detecting and locating objects (as aircraft) or surface features (as of a planet)
2 : range of notice <fell off the radar after losing their first three games>

radar
n. Doppler radar
radar astronomy
radar beacon
radar gun

radar astronomy
: astronomy in which celestial bodies in the solar system are studied by analyzing the return of radio waves directed at them

radar beacon
: a radar transmitter that upon receiving a radar signal emits a signal which reinforces the normal reflected signal or which introduces a code into the reflected signal especially for identification purposes

radar gun
: a handheld device that uses radar to measure the speed of a moving object

radarscope
n. : the oscilloscope or screen serving as the visual indicator in a radar receiver

Radcliffe
Ann 1764-1823 née Ward Eng. nov.

raddle
n. : RED OCHER

raddle
n. : to mark or paint with raddle

raddle
n. : to twist together : INTERWEAVE

raddled
adj. 1 : being in a state of confusion : lacking composure
2 : BROKEN-DOWN, WORN

Radetzky
Joseph 1766-1858 Graf Radetzky von Radetz Austrian field marshal

radi
1 : radiant energy : radiation <radioactive> <radiopaque>
2 : radioactive <radioelement>
3 : radium : X-rays <radiotherapy>
4 : radioactive isotopes especially as produced artificially <radiocarbon>
5 : radio <radiotelegraphy>
6 : radius bone <radio-ulna>

radial
adj. 1 : arranged or having parts arranged like rays
2 a : relating to, placed like, or moving along a radius b : characterized by divergence from a center
3 : of, relating to, or adjacent to a bodily radius
4 : developing uniformly around a central axis
–ra·di·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

radial
adj. 1 a : a radial part b : RAY
2 : a body part (as an artery) lying near or following the course of the radius
3 : a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at approximately 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread ― called also radial-ply tire radial tire

radial
adj. radial tire
radial ply tire
radial cleavage
radial engine
radial keratotomy
radial symmetry
radially symmetrical

radial cleavage
: holoblastic cleavage that is typical of deuterostomes and that is characterized by arrangement of the blastomeres of each upper tier directly over those of the next lower tier resulting in radial symmetry around the pole to pole axis of the embryo ― compare SPIRAL CLEAVAGE

radial engine
: a usually internal combustion engine with cylinders arranged radially like the spokes of a wheel

radial keratotomy
: a surgical operation on the cornea for the correction of myopia that involves flattening it by making a series of incisions in a radial pattern resembling the spokes of a wheel ― compare PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATOTOMY

radial symmetry
: the condition of having similar parts regularly arranged around a central axis
–radially symmetrical adjective

radian
n. : a unit of plane angular measurement that is equal to the angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc whose length equals the radius or approximately 57.3 degrees

radiance
n. 1 : the quality or state of being radiant
2 : a deep pink
3 : the flux density of radiant energy per unit solid angle and per unit projected area of radiating surface

radiancy
n. : RADIANCE

radiant
adj. 1 a : radiating rays or reflecting beams of light b : vividly bright and shining : GLOWING
2 : marked by or expressive of love, confidence, or happiness <a radiant smile>
3 a : emitted or transmitted by radiation b : emitting or relating to radiant heat
synonyms see BRIGHT
–ra·di·ant·ly adverb

radiant
adj. : something that radiates: as a : a point in the heavens at which the visible paths of meteors appear to meet when traced backward b : the part of a gas or electric heater that becomes incandescent

radiant
adj. radiant energy
radiant flux
radiant heat

radiant energy
: energy traveling as electromagnetic waves

radiant flux
: the rate of emission or transmission of radiant energy

radiant heat
: heat transmitted by radiation as contrasted with that transmitted by conduction or convection

radiate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to proceed in a direct line from or toward a center
2 : to send out rays : shine brightly
3 a : to issue in or as if in rays b : to evolve by adaptive radiation
transitive verb
1 : to send out in or as if in rays
2 : IRRADIATE, ILLUMINATE
3 : to spread abroad or around as if from a center

radiate
v. : having rays or radial parts: as a : having ray flowers b : characterized by radial symmetry : radially symmetrical
–ra·di·ate·ly adverb

radiation
n. 1 a : the action or process of radiating b : the process of emitting radiant energy in the form of waves or particles c (1) : the combined processes of emission, transmission, and absorption of radiant energy (2) : the transfer of heat by radiation ― compare CONDUCTION, CONVECTION
2 a : something that is radiated b : energy radiated in the form of waves or particles
3 : radial arrangement
4 : ADAPTIVE RADIATION
5 : RADIATOR
–ra·di·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–ra·di·a·tion·less \-shən-ləs\ adjective
–ra·di·a·tive \'rā-dē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

radiation
n. adaptive radiation
background radiation
cosmic background radiation
beta radiation
Cerenkov radiation
electromagnetic radiation
gamma radiation
gravitational radiation
radiation sickness
radiation therapy
secondary radiation
synchrotron radiation
x radiation

radiation sickness
: sickness that results from exposure to radiation and is commonly marked by fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of teeth and hair, and in more severe cases by damage to blood-forming tissue with decrease in red and white blood cells and with bleeding

radiation therapy
: RADIOTHERAPY

radiator
n. : one that radiates: as a : any of various devices (as a series of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside b : a transmitting antenna

radical
n. 1 : of, relating to, or proceeding from a root: as a (1) : of or growing from the root of a plant <radical tubers> (2) : growing from the base of a stem, from a rootlike stem, or from a stem that does not rise above the ground <radical leaves> b : of, relating to, or constituting a linguistic root c : of or relating to a mathematical root d : designed to remove the root of a disease or all diseased and potentially diseased tissue <radical surgery> <radical mastectomy>
2 : of or relating to the origin : FUNDAMENTAL
3 a : marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional : EXTREME b : tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c : of, relating to, or constituting a political group associated with views, practices, and policies of extreme change d : advocating extreme measures to retain or restore a political state of affairs <the radical right>
4 slang : EXCELLENT, COOL
–rad·i·cal·ness noun

radical
n. 1 a : a root part b : a basic principle : FOUNDATION
2 a : ROOT 6 b : a sound or letter belonging to a radical
3 : one who is radical
4 : FREE RADICAL also : a group of atoms bonded together that is considered an entity in various kinds of reactions or as a subunit of a larger molecule
5 a : a mathematical expression indicating a root by means of a radical sign b : RADICAL SIGN

radical
n. free radical
radical chic
radical sign

radical chic
: a fashionable practice among socially prominent people of associating with radicals or members of minority groups

radical sign
: the sign √ placed before an expression to denote that the square root is to be extracted or that the root marked by an index (as in or ∛ for the cube root) is to be extracted

radicalise
v. British variant of radicalize

radicalism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being radical
2 : the doctrines or principles of radicals

radicalize
v. : to make radical especially in politics
–rad·i·cal·i·za·tion \ˌra-di-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

radically
adv. 1 : in origin or essence
2 : in a radical or extreme manner

radicand
: the quantity under a radical sign

radicchio
n. : a chicory of a red variety with variegated leaves that is used as a salad green

radices
n. plural of radix

radicle
n. 1 : the lower part of the axis of a plant embryo or seedling: a : the embryonic root of a seedling b : HYPOCOTYL c : the hypocotyl and the root together
2 : RADICAL 4

radicular
adj. 1 : of or relating to a plant radicle
2 : of, relating to, or involving a nerve root <radicular pain>

radii
n. plural of radius

radio
n. 1 : of, relating to, or operated by radiant energy
2 : of or relating to electric currents or phenomena (as electromagnetic radiation) of frequencies between about 3000 hertz and 300 gigahertz
3 a : of, relating to, or used in radio or a radio set b : specializing in radio or associated with the radio industry c (1) : transmitted by radio (2) : making or participating in radio broadcasts d : controlled or directed by radio

radio
n. 1 a : the wireless transmission and reception of electric impulses or signals by means of electromagnetic waves b : the use of these waves for the wireless transmission of electric impulses into which sound is converted
2 : a radio message
3 : a radio receiving set
4 a : a radio transmitting station b : a radio broadcasting organization c : the radio broadcasting industry d : communication by radio

radio
n. 1 : to send or communicate by radio
2 : to send a radio message to
intransitive verb : to send or communicate something by radio

radio
n. ― see RADI-

radio
n. clock radio
radio astronomy
radio astronomical
radio astronomer
radio beacon
radio car
radio collar
radio compass
radio frequency
radio galaxy
radio range
radio spectrum
radio star
radio tag
radio telescope
radio ulna
radio wave
talk radio

radio astronomy
: astronomy dealing with radio waves received from outside the earth's atmosphere
–radio astronomer noun
–radio astronomical adjective

radio beacon
: a radio transmitting station that transmits special radio signals for use (as on a landing field) in determining the direction or position of those receiving them

radio car
: an automobile equipped with radio communication

radio collar
: a collar with an attached radio transmitter that is put on an animal so that its movements in its natural habitat can be remotely monitored
–radio-collar transitive verb

radio compass
: a direction finder used in navigation

radio frequency
: any of the electromagnetic wave frequencies that lie in the range extending from below 3 kilohertz to about 300 gigahertz and that include the frequencies used for communications signals (as for radio and television broadcasting and cell-phone and satellite transmissions) or radar signals

see table...

radio galaxy
: a galaxy that is a powerful source of radio waves

radio range
: a radio facility for aircraft navigation

radio spectrum
: the region of the electromagnetic spectrum spanning the radio frequency range

radio star
: a cosmic radio source especially : a point source of radio emissions

radio telescope
: a radio receiver-antenna combination used for observation in radio astronomy

radio wave
: an electromagnetic wave with radio frequency

radio-tag
: to attach a radio transmitter to (an animal) <tracked the movements of a radio-tagged owl>

radio-ulna
: a single bone in the forelimb of an amphibian (as a frog) that represents fusion of the separate radius and ulna of higher vertebrate forms

radioactive
adj. : of, caused by, or exhibiting radioactivity
–ra·dio·ac·tive·ly adverb

radioactivity
n. : the property possessed by some elements (as uranium) or isotopes (as carbon 14) of spontaneously emitting energetic particles (as electrons or alpha particles) by the disintegration of their atomic nuclei also : the rays emitted

radioallergosorbent
: relating to or being a blood analysis that tests for allergen-specific antibodies of the immunoglobulin class IgE and is used to detect allergic reactions

radioautograph
n. : AUTORADIOGRAPH
–ra·dio·au·to·graph·ic \-ˌȯ-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–ra·dio·au·tog·ra·phy \-ȯ-'tä-grə-fē\ noun

radiobiology
: a branch of biology dealing with the effects of radiation or radioactive materials on biological systems
–ra·dio·bi·o·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also ra·dio·bi·o·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–ra·dio·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ra·dio·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

radiocarbon
n. : radioactive carbon especially : CARBON 14

radiocarbon dating
: CARBON DATING
–radiocarbon-date \-'dāt\ transitive verb

radiochemistry
n. : a branch of chemistry dealing with radioactive substances and phenomena including tracer studies
–ra·dio·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–ra·dio·chem·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ra·dio·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

radiochromatogram
: a chromatogram revealing one or more radioactive substances

radioecology
n. : the study of the effects of radiation and radioactive substances on ecological communities

radioelement
n. : a radioactive element

radiofre-table

radiogenic
adj. : produced by or determined from radioactivity <radiogenic isotopes> <radiogenic tumors>

radiogram
n. 1 : RADIOGRAPH
2 : a message transmitted by radiotelegraphy
3 [short for radiogramophone] British : a combined radio receiver and record player

radiograph
: a picture produced on a sensitive surface by a form of radiation other than visible light specifically : an X-ray or gamma ray photograph
–ra·dio·graph·ic \ˌrā-dē-ō-'gra-fik\ adjective
–ra·dio·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

radiograph
n. : to make a radiograph of
–ra·di·og·ra·pher \ˌrā-dē-'ä-grə-fər\ noun

radiography
n. : the art, act, or process of making radiographs

radioimmunoassay
n. : immunoassay of a substance that has been radioactively labeled
–ra·dio·im·mu·no·as·say·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

radioisotope
n. : a radioactive isotope
–ra·dio·iso·to·pic \-ˌī-sə-'tä-pik, -'tō-\ adjective
–ra·dio·iso·to·pi·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

radiolabel
: to label with a radioactive atom or substance

radiolaria
: protozoans that are radiolarians

radiolarian
n. : any of three classes (Acantharia, Polycystina, and Phaeodaria) of usually spherical chiefly planktonic marine protozoans having radiating threadlike pseudopodia and often a siliceous skeleton of spicules
–radiolarian adjective

radiological
adj. 1 : of or relating to radiology
2 : of or relating to nuclear radiation
–ra·dio·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

radiologist
n. : a physician specializing in medical radiology

radiology
n. 1 : a branch of medicine concerned with the use of radiant energy (as X-rays) or radioactive material in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
2 : the science of radioactive substances and high-energy radiations

radiolucent
adj. : partly or wholly permeable to radiation <radiolucent tissues>
–ra·dio·lu·cen·cy \-sən(t)-sē\ noun

radiolysis
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiation
–ra·dio·lyt·ic \-dē-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

radioman
n. : a radio operator or technician

radiometer
n. : an instrument for detecting and usually for measuring the intensity of radiant energy
–ra·di·om·e·try \-mə-trē\ noun

radiometric
adj. 1 : relating to, using, or measured by a radiometer
2 : of or relating to the measurement of geologic time by means of the rate of disintegration of radioactive elements
–ra·dio·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

radiomimetic
adj. : producing effects similar to those of radiation <a radiomimetic antibiotic>

radionuclide
n. : a radioactive nuclide

radiopaque
adj. : being opaque to various forms of radiation (as X-rays)

radiopharmaceutical
adj. : a radioactive drug used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
–radiopharmaceutical adjective

radiophone
n. : RADIOTELEPHONE

radiophoto
n. : a picture transmitted by radio

radioprotective
adj. : serving to protect or aiding in protecting against the injurious effect of radiations <radioprotective drugs>
–ra·dio·pro·tec·tion \-'tek-shən\ noun

radiosensitive
adj. : sensitive to the effects of radiant energy <radiosensitive cancer cells>
–ra·dio·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \-ˌsen(t)-sə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

radiosonde
n. : a miniature radio transmitter that is carried aloft (as by an unmanned balloon) with instruments for sensing and broadcasting atmospheric conditions

radiosurgery
n. : surgery using precisely targeted radiation to destroy tissue without cutting

radiotelegraph
n. : WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY
–ra·dio·te·leg·ra·phy \-tə-'le-grə-fē\ noun

radiotelemetry
n. 1 : TELEMETRY
2 : BIOTELEMETRY
–ra·dio·tele·met·ric \-ˌte-lə-'me-trik\ adjective

radiotelephone
n. : an apparatus for carrying on wireless telephony by radio waves
–ra·dio·te·le·pho·ny \-tə-'le-fə-nē, -'te-lə-ˌfō-nē\ noun

radiotherapy
n. : the treatment of disease with radiation (as X-rays)
–ra·dio·ther·a·pist \-pist\ noun

radiothorium
n. : a radioactive isotope of thorium with the mass number 228

radiotracer
: a radioactive tracer

radish
n. : the pungent usually crisp root of a widely cultivated Eurasian plant (Raphanus sativus) of the mustard family usually eaten raw also : a plant that produces radishes

radium
n. : an intensely radioactive brilliant white metallic element that resembles barium chemically, occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (as pitchblende or carnotite), emits alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and is used chiefly in luminous materials and in the treatment of cancer ― see ELEMENT table

radium therapy
: RADIOTHERAPY

radius
n. 1 : a line segment extending from the center of a circle or sphere to the circumference or bounding surface
2 a : the bone on the thumb side of the human forearm also : a corresponding part of vertebrates above fishes b : the third and usually largest vein of an insect's wing
3 a : the length of a radius <a truck with a short turning radius> b : the circular area defined by a stated radius c : a bounded or circumscribed area
4 : a radial part
5 : the distance from a center line or point to an axis of rotation

radius of curvature

circa 1753
: the reciprocal of the curvature of a curve

radius vector
1 a : the line segment or its length from a fixed point to a variable point b : the linear polar coordinate of a variable point
2 : a straight line joining the center of an attracting body (as the sun) with that of a body (as a planet) in orbit around it

radix
n. 1 : the base of a number system or of logarithms
2 : the primary source

RADM
rear admiral

Radnor
former county E Wales; became part of Powys 1974

Radom
commune Poland NE of Kielce pop 226,317

radome
n. : a plastic housing sheltering the antenna assembly of a radar set especially on an airplane

radon
n. : a heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the decay of radium ― see ELEMENT table

radula
n. : a horny band or ribbon in mollusks other than bivalves that bears minute chitinous teeth on its dorsal surface and scrapes or tears off food and draws it into the mouth
–rad·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

radwaste
n. : radioactive waste

Rae
n. John 1813-1893 Scot. explorer

Raeburn
Sir Henry 1756-1823 Scot. painter

Raeder
Erich 1876-1960 Ger. admiral

Raemaekers
Louis 1869-1956 Du. cartoonist

Raetia
― see RHAETIA
–Rae·tian \'rē-shən\ adjective or noun

RAF
n. Royal Air Force

raff
n. : RIFFRAFF

raffia
n. : the fiber of the raffia palm used especially as cord for tying and weaving

raffia palm
: a large pinnate-leaved palm (Raphia farinifera syn. R. ruffia) of Madagascar and tropical Africa valued for the fiber obtained from its petiole

raffine
: refined : sophisticated

raffinose
n. : a crystalline slightly sweet sugar C_18H_32O_16 obtained commercially from cottonseed meal and present in many plant products

raffish
adj. 1 : marked by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity or crudeness
2 : marked by a careless unconventionality : RAKISH
–raff·ish·ly adverb
–raff·ish·ness noun

raffle
n. intransitive verb : to engage in a raffle
transitive verb : to dispose of by means of a raffle <raffle off a turkey>

raffle
n. : a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances

raffle
n. : RUBBISH especially : a jumble or tangle of nautical equipment

rafflesia
n. : any of a genus (Rafflesia of the family Rafflesiaceae) of Malaysian dicotyledonous plants that are parasitic in other plants and have fleshy usually foul-smelling apetalous flowers emerging from the host, imbricated scales in place of leaves, and no stems

Rafsanjani
n. (Ali Akbar) Hashemi 1934-     pres. of Iran (1989-97)

raft
n. 1 a : a collection of logs or timber fastened together for conveyance by water b : a flat structure for support or transportation on water
2 : a floating cohesive mass
3 : an aggregation of animals (as waterfowl) resting on the water

raft
n. 1 : to transport in the form of or by means of a raft also : to convey (as pebbles) in floating ice or masses of organic material
2 : to make into a raft
intransitive verb : to travel by raft

raft
n. : a large collection or number

rafter
n. : any of the parallel beams that support a roof
–raf·tered \-tərd\ adjective

rafter
n. 1 : one who maneuvers logs into position and binds them into rafts
2 : one who travels by raft

raftsman
n. : a man engaged in rafting

rag
n. 1 a : a waste piece of cloth b plural : clothes usually in poor or ragged condition c : CLOTHING <the rag trade>
2 : something resembling a rag
3 : NEWSPAPER especially : a sleazy newspaper

rag
n. 1 : any of various hard rocks
2 : a large roofing slate that is rough on one side

rag
n. 1 : to rail at : SCOLD
2 : TORMENT, TEASE
–rag on : to make fun of

rag
n. chiefly British : an outburst of boisterous fun also : PRANK

rag
n. : a composition in ragtime

rag
n. chew the rag
do rag
rag on
rag doll
tag rag and bobtail
glad rags
ragged robin

rag doll
: a stuffed usually painted cloth doll

rag on
to make fun of

raga
n. 1 : one of the ancient traditional melodic patterns or modes in Indian music
2 : an improvisation based on a traditional raga ― compare TALA

Ragae
― see RHAGAE

ragamuffin
n. : a ragged often disreputable person especially : a poorly clothed often dirty child

ragbag
n. 1 : a bag for scraps
2 : a miscellaneous collection

rage
n. 1 a : violent and uncontrolled anger b : a fit of violent wrath c archaic : INSANITY
2 : violent action (as of wind or sea)
3 : an intense feeling : PASSION
4 : a fad pursued with intense enthusiasm <was all the rage>
synonyms see ANGER, FASHION

rage
n. 1 : to be in a rage
2 : to be in tumult
3 : to prevail uncontrollably

ragged
adj. 1 : roughly unkempt
2 : having an irregular edge or outline
3 a : torn or worn to tatters b : worn-out from stress and strain <ran herself ragged>
4 : wearing tattered clothes
5 a : STRAGGLY b : executed in an irregular or uneven manner c of a sound : HARSH, DISSONANT
–rag·ged·ly adverb
–rag·ged·ness noun

ragged robin
: a perennial herb (Lychnis flos-cuculi) of the pink family cultivated for its pink flowers with narrow-lobed petals

raggedy
adj. : RAGGED

raggle-taggle
: MOTLEY

ragi
: an Old World cereal grass (Eleusine coracana) yielding a staple food crop especially in India and Africa also : the seeds of ragi used for food

raging
adj. 1 : causing great pain or distress
2 : VIOLENT, WILD <a raging fire>
3 : EXTRAORDINARY, TREMENDOUS <a raging success>

Raglan
n. 1st Baron 1788-1855 FitzRoy James Henry Somerset Brit. field marshal

raglan
n. : a loose overcoat with raglan sleeves

raglan sleeve
: a sleeve that extends to the neckline with slanted seams from the underarm to the neck

ragman
n. : a man who collects or deals in rags

Ragnarok
: the final destruction of the world in the conflict between the Aesir and the powers of Hel led by Loki ― called also Twilight of the Gods

ragout
n. 1 : well-seasoned meat and vegetables cooked in a thick sauce
2 : MIXTURE, MÉLANGE

ragpicker
n. : one who collects rags and refuse for a livelihood

ragtag
n. 1 : RAGGED, UNKEMPT
2 : MOTLEY 2 <a ragtag bunch of misfits>

ragtag and bobtail
: RABBLE

ragtime
n. 1 : rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment in stride-piano style
2 : music having ragtime rhythm

ragtop
n. : a convertible automobile

Ragusa
commune Italy in SE Sicily pop 69,735

ragweed
n. : any of various chiefly No. American weedy composite herbs (genus Ambrosia) that produce highly allergenic pollen

ragwort
n. : any of several senecios especially : TANSY RAGWORT

rah
interj. : HOORAY ― used especially to cheer on a team

rah-rah
: marked by the enthusiastic expression of college spirit <rah-rah cheerleaders>

Rahway
city NE N.J. SW of Elizabeth pop 26,500

raid
n. 1 a : a hostile or predatory incursion b : a surprise attack by a small force
2 a : a brief foray outside one's usual sphere b : a sudden invasion by officers of the law c : a daring operation against a competitor d : the recruiting of personnel (as faculty, executives, or athletes) from competing organizations
3 : the act of mulcting public money
4 : an attempt by professional operators to depress stock prices by concerted selling

raid
n. : to conduct or take part in a raid
transitive verb : to make a raid on

raider
n. : one that raids: as a : a fast lightly armed ship operating against merchant shipping b : a soldier specially trained for close-range fighting c : one that attempts a usually hostile takeover of a business corporation <corporate raiders>

rail
n. 1 a : a bar extending from one post or support to another and serving as a guard or barrier b : a structural member or support
2 a : RAILING 1 b : a light structure serving as a guard at the outer edge of a ship's deck c : a fence bounding a racetrack
3 a : a bar of rolled steel forming a track for wheeled vehicles b : TRACK c : RAILROAD

rail
n. : to provide with a railing : FENCE

rail
n. : any of numerous wading birds (family Rallidae, the rail family) that are of small or medium size and have short rounded wings, a short tail, and usually very long toes which enable them to run on the soft mud of marshes

rail
n. : to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language
synonyms see SCOLD
–rail·er noun

rail
n. altar rail
clapper rail
fife rail
light rail
night rail
plate rail
rail splitter
split rail
third rail
Virginia rail fence
Virginia rail

rail-splitter
: one that makes logs into fence rails

railbird
: a racing enthusiast who sits on or near the track rail to watch a race or workout

railbus
n. : a passenger car with an automotive engine for operation on rails

railcar
n. 1 : a railroad car
2 : a self-propelled railroad car

railhead
n. : a point on a railroad at which traffic may originate or terminate

railing
n. 1 : a barrier consisting of a rail and supports
2 : RAILS also : material for making rails

raillery
n. 1 : good-natured ridicule : BANTER
2 : JEST

railroad
n. : a permanent road having a line of rails fixed to ties and laid on a roadbed and providing a track for cars or equipment drawn by locomotives or propelled by self-contained motors also : such a road and its assets constituting a single property

railroad
n. 1 a : to convict with undue haste and by means of false charges or insufficient evidence b : to push through hastily or without due consideration
2 : to transport by railroad
intransitive verb : to work for a railroad company
–rail·road·er noun

railroad
n. railroad flat
railroad worm
Underground Railroad

railroad flat
: an apartment having a series of narrow rooms arranged in line

railroad worm
1 [probably from its dissemination by railroad] : APPLE MAGGOT
2 [from the rows of luminescent spots along its sides making it resemble a lighted train] : the larva or wingless female of any of several So. American beetles (genus Phrixothrix of the family Cantharidae)

railroading
n. : construction or operation of a railroad

railway
n. : RAILROAD especially : a railroad operating with light equipment or within a small area

railway
n. cog railway
rack railway
scenic railway
street railway
Underground Railway

raiment
n. : CLOTHING, GARMENTS

Raimondi
Marcantonio ca 1480-ca 1534 Ital. engraver

rain
n. 1 a : water falling in drops condensed from vapor in the atmosphere b : the descent of this water c : water that has fallen as rain : RAINWATER
2 a : a fall of rain : RAINSTORM b plural : the rainy season
3 : rainy weather
4 : a heavy fall <a rain of arrows>

rain
n. 1 : to send down rain
2 : to fall as water in drops from the clouds
3 : to fall like rain <soot and ash rained down>
transitive verb
1 : to pour down
2 : to give or administer abundantly <rained blows on his head>
–rain cats and dogs : to rain heavily

rain
n. rain tree
rain gear
acid rain
golden rain tree
rain cats and dogs
rain check
rain date
rain forest
tropical rain forest
rain gauge
rain out
rain shadow
temperate rain forest
yellow rain

rain cats and dogs
to rain heavily

rain check
1 : a ticket stub good for a later performance when the scheduled one is rained out
2 : an assurance of a deferred extension of an offer especially : a document assuring that a customer can take advantage of a sale later if the item or service offered is not available (as by being sold out)

rain date
: an alternative date set aside for use if a scheduled event must be postponed due to rain

rain forest
1 : a tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches (254 centimeters) and marked by lofty broad-leaved evergreen trees forming a continuous canopy ― called also tropical rain forest
2 : TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST

rain gauge
: an instrument for measuring the quantity of precipitation

rain out
: to interrupt or prevent (as a sports event) by rain
–rain·out \'rān-ˌau̇t\ noun

rain shadow
: a region of reduced rainfall on the lee side of high mountains

rain tree
: MONKEYPOD

rainbird
n. : any of various birds (esp. of the family Cuculidae) whose cries are popularly believed to forecast rain

rainbow
n. 1 : an arc or circle that exhibits in concentric bands the colors of the spectrum and that is formed opposite the sun by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays in raindrops, spray, or mist
2 a : a multicolored array b : a wide assortment or range <a rainbow of flavors>
3 [from the impossibility of reaching the rainbow, at whose foot a pot of gold is said to be buried] : an illusory goal or hope
4 : RAINBOW TROUT
–rain·bow·like adjective

rainbow
n. 1 : having many colors
2 : of, relating to, or being people of different races or cultural backgrounds <a rainbow coalition>

rainbow
n. rainbow fish
rainbow runner
rainbow trout
Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument
n. reservation S Utah near Ariz. boundary containing Rainbow Bridge (large natural bridge)

rainbow fish
: any of numerous brilliantly colored fishes (as a wrasse, parrot fish, or guppy)

rainbow runner
: a large brilliantly colored carangid food and sport fish (Elagatis bipinnulata) that is common in warm seas and is blue or dark green above and yellowish white below

rainbow trout
: a large stout-bodied salmonid fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss syn. Salmo gairdneri) of western No. America that is related to the Pacific salmon and is typically greenish above and white on the belly with a pink, red, or lavender stripe along each side of the body and with profuse black dots ― compare STEELHEAD

raincoat
n. : a waterproof or water-resistant coat

raindrop
n. : a drop of rain

rainfall
n. 1 : the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2 : RAIN 2A

Rainier
adj. 1923-     prince of Monaco (1949-    )

Rainier
adj. Rainier III
Mount Rainier National Park
Rainier Mount

Rainier, Mount
mountain 14,410 ft (4392 m) W cen Wash.; highest in the Cascade Range & in Wash.; in Mount Rainier National Park

rainmaker
n. 1 : a person who produces or attempts to produce rain by artificial means
2 : a person (as a partner in a law firm) who brings in new business also : a person whose influence can initiate progress or ensure success
–rain·mak·ing \-ˌmā-'kiŋ\ noun

rainproof
adj. : impervious to rain

rainspout
n. : GUTTER 1A also : DOWNSPOUT

rainsquall
: a squall accompanied by rain

rainstorm
n. : a storm of or with rain

rainwash
: the washing away of material by rain also : the material so washed away

Rainwater
n. L(eo) James 1917-1986 American physicist

rainwater
n. : water fallen as rain that has not collected soluble matter from the soil and is therefore soft

rainwear
n. : waterproof or water-resistant clothing ― called also rain gear

Rainy
adj. river 80 mi (129 km) on Canada-U.S. boundary bet. Ont. & Minn. flowing from Rainy Lake into Lake of the Woods

rainy
adj. : marked by, abounding with, or bringing rain <rainy weather>

rainy
adj. rainy day
Rainy Lake
Rainier III
Mount Rainier National Park
Rainier Mount

rainy day
: a period of want or need <saving for a rainy day>
–rainy-day adjective

Rainy Lake
lake Canada & U.S. bet. Ont. & Minn. area 360 sq mi (932 sq km)

Raipur
city E India, capital of Chhattisgarh pop 605,131

raise
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause or help to rise to a standing position
2 a : AWAKEN, AROUSE b : to stir up : INCITE <raise a rebellion> c : to flush (game) from cover d : to recall from or as if from death
3 a : to set upright by lifting or building <raise a monument> b : to lift up <raise your hand> <raise sunken treasure> c : to place higher in rank or dignity : ELEVATE d : HEIGHTEN, INVIGORATE <raise the spirits> e : to end or suspend the operation or validity of <raise a siege>
4 : to get together for a purpose : COLLECT <raise funds>
5 a : GROW, CULTIVATE <raise cotton> b : to bring to maturity : REAR <raise a child> c : to breed and bring (an animal) to maturity
6 a : to give rise to : PROVOKE <raise a commotion> b : to give voice to <raise a cheer>
7 : to bring up for consideration or debate <raise an issue>
8 a : to increase the strength, intensity, or pitch of <don't raise your voice> b : to increase the degree of c : to cause to rise in level or amount <raise the rent> d (1) : to increase the amount of (a poker bet) (2) : to bet more than (a previous bettor) e (1) : to make a higher bridge bid in (a partner's suit) (2) : to increase the bid of (one's partner)
9 : to make light and porous <raise dough>
10 : to cause to ascend <raise the dust>
11 : to multiply (a quantity) by itself a specified number of times <raise two to the fourth power>
12 : to bring in sight on the horizon by approaching <raise land>
13 a : to bring up the nap of (cloth) b : to cause (as a blister) to form on the skin
14 : to increase the nominal value of fraudulently <raise a check>
15 : to articulate (a sound) with the tongue in a higher position
16 : to establish radio communication with
intransitive verb
1 dialect : RISE
2 : to increase a bet or bid
synonyms see LIFT
–rais·er noun
–raise Cain or raise hell
1 : to act wildly : create a disturbance
2 : to scold or upbraid someone especially loudly <raised hell with the umpire>
–raise eyebrows : to cause surprise or mild disapproval
–raise the bar : to set a higher standard <new software that raises the bar for competitors>

raise
n. 1 : an act of raising or lifting
2 : a rising stretch of road : an upward grade : RISE
3 : an increase in amount: as a : an increase of a bet or bid b : an increase in wages or salary
4 : a vertical or inclined opening or passageway connecting one mine working area with another at a higher level

raise
n. raise hell
raise the bar
raise eyebrows
raise Cain
raised ranch
self raised
barn raising
consciousness raising
fund raising
hair raising
hell raising
house raising
self raising flour
curtain raiser
fund raiser
hair raiser
hell raiser

raise Cain
or raise hell
1 : to act wildly : create a disturbance
2 : to scold or upbraid someone especially loudly <raised hell with the umpire>

raise eyebrows
to cause surprise or mild disapproval

raise the bar
to set a higher standard <new software that raises the bar for competitors>

raised
adj. 1 a : done in relief b : having a nap
2 : leavened with yeast rather than with baking powder or baking soda

raised ranch
: BI-LEVEL

Raisin
n. river ab 115 mi (185 km) SE Mich. flowing into Lake Erie

raisin
n. : a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by artificial heat

raison
n. raison d'etre
raison d'être
raison d'etat
raison d'état
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point

raison d'etat
: reason of state

raison d'etre
: reason or justification for existence

raisons
n. raisons d'etre
raisons d'être
le cligur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point
le cour a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point

raj
n. 1 : RULE especially often capitalized : the former British rule of the Indian subcontinent
2 : the period of British rule in India

raja
n. 1 : an Indian or Malay prince or chief
2 : the bearer of a title of nobility among the Hindus

Rajab
: the seventh month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

Rajagopalachari
Chakravarti 1879-1972 Indian polit.; gov.-gen. of India (1948-50)

Rajahmundry
city E India in E Andhra Pradesh on Godavari River W of Kakinada pop 313,347

Rajasthan
state NW India bordering on Pakistan capital Jaipur area 132,149 sq mi (342,266 sq km), pop 56,473,122

Rajasthani
n. : the Indo-Aryan dialects of Rajasthan

Rajkot
1 former state W India in N cen Kathiawar Peninsula; now part of Gujarat
2 city, its capital, pop 966,642

Rajput
n. : a member of a dominant military caste of northern India

Rajputana
region NW India bordering on Pakistan & including part of Thar Desert

rake
n. 1 a : an implement equipped with projecting prongs to gather material (as leaves) or for loosening or smoothing the surface of the ground b : a machine for gathering hay
2 : an implement like a rake

rake
n. 1 : to gather, loosen, or smooth with or as if with a rake <rake leaves into a pile>
2 : to gain rapidly or in abundance ― usually used with in <rake in a fortune>
3 a : to touch in passing over lightly b : SCRATCH, SCRAPE
4 : to censure severely
5 : to search through : RANSACK
6 : to sweep the length of especially with gunfire : ENFILADE
7 : to glance over rapidly
–rak·er noun

rake
n. 1 : inclination from the perpendicular especially : the overhang of a ship's bow or stern
2 : inclination from the horizontal : SLOPE
3 : the angle between the top cutting surface of a tool and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the work

rake
n. : to incline from the perpendicular

rake
n. : a dissolute person : LIBERTINE

rake
n. rake off
rake up
gill raker

rake up
: to make known or public : UNCOVER <rake up a scandal>

rake-off
: a percentage or cut taken (as by an operator)

rakehell
: LIBERTINE 2
–rakehell or rake·helly \-ˌhe-lē\ adjective

raki
n. : a Turkish liqueur flavored with aniseed

rakish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : DISSOLUTE

rakish
adj. 1 : having a trim or streamlined appearance suggestive of speed <a rakish ship>
2 : dashingly or carelessly unconventional : JAUNTY <rakish clothes>

rakishly
adv. : in a rakish manner

rakishness
n. : the quality or state of being rakish

raku
n. 1 : Japanese hand-modeled pottery that is fired at a low temperature and rapidly cooled
2 : a process by which pottery is fired at a relatively low temperature and then moved while hot to a closed container with combustible materials (as paper or sawdust) that ignite and cause a reaction creating colors and patterns in the pottery's surface also : pottery produced using this process

rale
n. : an abnormal sound heard accompanying the normal respiratory sounds on auscultation of the chest

Raleigh
n. Sir Walter 1554-1618 Eng. courtier, navigator, & hist.

Raleigh
n. city E cen N.C., its capital pop 276,093

Ralik
the W chain of the Marshall Islands

rallentando
n. : RITARDANDO

rally
n. transitive verb
1 a : to muster for a common purpose b : to recall to order
2 a : to arouse for action b : to rouse from depression or weakness
intransitive verb
1 : to come together again to renew an effort
2 : to join in a common cause
3 : RECOVER, REBOUND <rallied briefly from his illness>
4 : to engage in a rally

rally
n. 1 a : a mustering of scattered forces to renew an effort b : a summoning up of strength or courage after weakness or dejection c : a recovery of price after a decline d : a renewed offensive
2 : a mass meeting intended to arouse group enthusiasm
3 : a series of shots interchanged between players (as in tennis) before a point is won
4 also ral·lye [French rallye, from English 1rally] : an automobile competition using public roads and ordinary traffic rules with the object of maintaining a specified average speed between checkpoints over a route unknown to the participants until the start of the event

rally
n. : to attack with raillery : BANTER

rallying
n. : the sport of driving in automobile rallies

rallying cry
: WAR CRY

raloxifene
: a drug used orally in the form of its hydrochloride C_28H_27NO_4S·HCl as prophylaxis against osteoporosis after menopause

RAM
n. : a computer memory on which data can be both read and written and on which the location of data does not affect the speed of its retrieval especially : RAM that acts as the main storage available to the user for programs and data ― called also random-access memory ― compare ROM

ram
n. 1 a : a male sheep b capitalized : ARIES
2 a : BATTERING RAM b : a warship with a heavy beak at the prow for piercing an enemy ship
3 : any of various guided pieces for exerting pressure or for driving or forcing something by impact: as a : the plunger of a hydrostatic press or force pump b : the weight that strikes the blow in a pile driver

ram
n. intransitive verb
1 : to strike with violence : CRASH
2 : to move with extreme rapidity
transitive verb
1 : to force in by or as if by driving
2 a : to make compact (as by pounding) b : CRAM, CROWD
3 : to force passage or acceptance of <ram home an idea>
4 : to strike against violently
–ram·mer noun

Rama
: a deity or deified hero of later Hinduism worshipped as an avatar of Vishnu

ramada
n. Southwest : a roofed shelter with usually open sides

Ramadan
n. : the ninth month of the Islamic year observed as sacred with fasting practiced daily from dawn to sunset ― see MONTH table

Ramakrishna
1836-1886 Hindu religious

Raman
n. Sir Chan·dra·se·kha·ra \ˌchən-drə-'shā-kə-rə\ Venkata 1888-1970 Indian physicist

Ramapo Mountains
mountains of the Appalachians N N.J. & S N.Y.; highest point 1164 ft (355 m)

Ramat Gan
city W Israel E of Tel Aviv pop 122,700

ramate
: RAMOSE

ramble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move aimlessly from place to place b : to explore idly
2 : to talk or write in a desultory or long-winded wandering fashion
3 : to grow or extend irregularly
transitive verb : to wander over : ROAM
synonyms see WANDER
–ram·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

ramble
n. 1 : a leisurely excursion for pleasure especially : an aimless walk
2 : a rambling story or discussion

rambler
n. 1 : one that rambles
2 : any of various climbing roses with long flexible canes and rather small often double flowers in large clusters
3 : RANCH HOUSE

Rambouillet
town N France SW of Paris pop 24,789

rambouillet
: any of a breed of large sturdy sheep developed in France

rambunctious
adj. : marked by uncontrollable exuberance : UNRULY
–ram·bunc·tious·ly adverb
–ram·bunc·tious·ness noun

rambutan
n. : a bright red spiny Malayan fruit closely related to the lychee also : a tree (Nephelium lappaceum) of the soapberry family that bears this fruit

Rameau
Jean-Philippe 1683-1764 Fr. composer

Ramee
Marie Louise de la 1839-1908 pseud. Oui·da \'wē-də\ Eng. nov.

ramekin
n. 1 : a preparation of cheese especially with bread crumbs or eggs baked in a mold or shell
2 : an individual baking dish

ramen
n. : quick-cooking egg noodles usually served in a broth with bits of meat and vegetables

ramet
: an independent member of a clone

Ramganga
river ab 350 mi (563 km) N India in Uttar Pradesh flowing S into the Ganges

ramie
n. 1 : an Asian perennial plant (Boehmeria nivea) of the nettle family
2 a : the strong lustrous bast fiber of ramie capable of being spun or woven b : fabric made of ramie often resembling linen or silk

ramification
n. 1 a : BRANCH, OFFSHOOT b : a branched structure
2 a : the act or process of branching b : arrangement of branches (as on a plant)
3 : CONSEQUENCE, OUTGROWTH <the ramifications of the decision>

ramify
v. intransitive verb
1 : to split up into branches or constituent parts
2 : to send forth branches or extensions
transitive verb
1 : to cause to branch
2 : to separate into divisions

Ramism
: the doctrines of Ramus based on opposition to Aristotelianism and advocacy of a new logic blended with rhetoric
–Ra·mist \-mist\ noun or adjective

ramjet
n. : a jet engine that consists essentially of a hollow tube without mechanical components and depends on the aircraft's speed of flight to compress the air which is supplied to a burner from which hot gases are discharged rearward

Ramon y Cajal
Santiago 1852-1934 Span. histologist

Ramos
Fidel V. 1928-     pres. of the Philippines (1992-98)

Ramos-Horta
José 1949-     East Timorese peace activist

ramose
adj. : consisting of or having branches <a ramose sponge>

ramp
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to stand or advance menacingly with forelegs or with arms raised b : to move or act furiously
2 : to creep up ― used especially of plants
3 : to speed up, expand, or increase especially quickly or at a constant rate ― used with up <ramping up to full speed>
transitive verb [4ramp (electrical waveform)] : to increase, expand, or decrease especially quickly or at a constant rate ― usually used with up or down <ramp up production>

ramp
n. : the act or an instance of ramping

ramp
n. : any of various alliums used for food

ramp
n. 1 : a sloping way or plane: as a : a sloping floor, walk, or roadway leading from one level to another b : a slope for launching boats
2 : APRON 2H

ramp
n. off ramp
on ramp
ramp up

ramp-up
: BUILDUP, INCREASE

rampage
n. : to rush wildly about

rampage
n. : a course of violent, riotous, or reckless action or behavior
–ram·pa·geous \ram-'pā-jəs\ adjective
–ram·pa·geous·ly adverb
–ram·pa·geous·ness noun

Rampal
Jean-Pierre 1922-2000 Fr. flutist

rampancy
n. : the quality or state of being rampant

rampant
adj. 1 a : rearing upon the hind legs with forelegs extended b : standing on one hind foot with one foreleg raised above the other and the head in profile ― used of a heraldic animal
2 a : marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint <rampant rumors> b : profusely widespread <rampant weeds>
–ram·pant·ly adverb

rampart
n. 1 : a protective barrier : BULWARK
2 : a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet
3 : a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)

rampike
: an erect broken or dead tree

Rampur
1 former state N India NW of Bareilly, now in Uttar Pradesh
2 city, its capital, ENE of Delhi pop 281,549

ramrod
n. 1 : a rod for ramming home the charge in a muzzle-loading firearm
2 : a cleaning rod for small arms
3 : BOSS, OVERSEER

ramrod
n. : marked by rigidity, severity, or stiffness

ramrod
n. : to direct, supervise, and control

ramrod
n. : in a fully upright position : RIGIDLY <sat ramrod straight>

Ramsay
Allan 1686-1758 Scot. poet

Ramsay
James Andrew Broun 1812-1860 10th Earl & 1st Marquis of Dal·hou·sie \dal-'hau̇-zē\ Brit. colonial administrator

Ramsay
Sir William 1852-1916 Brit. chem.

Ramses
n. name of 11 kings of Egypt: especially II (reigned 1304-1237 B.C.); III (reigned 1198-1166 B.C.)

Ramsey
(Arthur) Michael 1904-1988 archbishop of Canterbury (1961-74)

Ramsey
Norman Foster 1915-     American physicist

Ramsgate
town SE England in Kent on North Sea N of Dover pop 39,642

ramshackle
adj. 1 : appearing ready to collapse : RICKETY
2 : carelessly or loosely constructed <a ramshackle plot>

ramshorn
: any of various snails (as genera Planorbis, Helisoma, and Planorbarius) often used as aquarium scavengers

ramus
n. : a projecting part, elongated process, or branch: as a : the posterior more or less vertical part on each side of the lower jaw that articulates with the skull b : a branch of a nerve

ran
past of run

Rancagua
city cen Chile pop 214,344

ranch
n. 1 : a large farm for raising horses, beef cattle, or sheep
2 : a farm or area devoted to a particular specialty
3 : RANCH HOUSE

ranch
n. : to live or work on a ranch
transitive verb
1 : to work as a rancher on
2 : to raise on a ranch

ranch
n. dude ranch
raised ranch
ranch dressing
ranch house

ranch dressing
: a creamy salad dressing usually containing milk or buttermilk and mayonnaise

ranch house
1 : the main dwelling house on a ranch
2 : a one-story house typically with a low-pitched roof and an open plan

rancher
n. : one who owns or works on a ranch

ranchero
n. : RANCHER also : RANCH 1

Ranchi
city E India, capital of Jharkhand pop 846,454

ranchman
n. : RANCHER

rancho
n. : RANCH 1

rancho
n. Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Santa Margarita
Rio Rancho

Rancho Cucamonga
city SW Calif. NW of Riverside pop 127,743

Rancho Palos Verdes
v. city SW Calif. on coast S of Torrance pop 41,145

Rancho Santa Margarita
city S Calif. pop 47,214

rancid
adj. 1 : having a rank smell or taste
2 : OFFENSIVE
–ran·cid·i·ty \ran-'si-də-tē\ noun
–ran·cid·ness \'ran(t)-səd-nəs\ noun

rancor
n. : bitter deep-seated ill will
synonyms see ENMITY

rancorous
adj. : marked by rancor : deeply malevolent <rancorous envy>
–ran·cor·ous·ly adverb

rancour
n. British variant of rancor

Rand
n. Ayn \'īn\ 1905-1982 American (Russ.-born) writer

Rand
n. WITWATERSRAND

rand
n. 1 ― see MONEY table
2 : a former monetary unit of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland

Randers
city & port NE Denmark pop 61,137

Randolph
n. A(sa) Philip 1889-1979 American labor leader

Randolph
n. Edmund Jennings 1753-1813 American statesman

Randolph
n. John 1773-1833 John Randolph of Roanoke American statesman

Randolph
n. town E Mass. S of Boston pop 30,963

random
adj. : a haphazard course
–at random : without definite aim, direction, rule, or method <subjects chosen at random>

random
adj. 1 a : lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern b : made, done, or chosen at random <read random passages from the book>
2 a : relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence <random processes> b : being or relating to a set or to an element of a set each of whose elements has equal probability of occurrence <a random sample> also : characterized by procedures designed to obtain such sets or elements <random sampling>
–ran·dom·ly adverb
–ran·dom·ness noun
synonyms RANDOM, HAPHAZARD, CASUAL mean determined by accident rather than design. RANDOM stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure <a random selection of books>. HAPHAZARD applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence <a haphazard collection of rocks>. CASUAL suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose <a casual collector>.

random
adj. : in a random manner

random
adj. random access memory
at random
random access
random variable
random walk

random variable
: a variable that is itself a function of the result of a statistical experiment in which each outcome has a definite probability of occurrence ― called also variate

random walk
: a process (as Brownian motion or genetic drift) consisting of a sequence of steps (as movements or changes in gene frequency) each of whose characteristics (as magnitude and direction) is determined by chance

random-access
: permitting access to stored data in any order the user desires

random-access memory
: RAM

randomize
v. : to select, assign, or arrange in a random way
–ran·dom·i·za·tion \ˌran-də-mə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ran·dom·iz·er noun

randomized block
: an experimental design (as in horticulture) in which different treatments are distributed in random order in a block or plot ― called also randomized block design

randy
adj. 1 chiefly Scottish : having a coarse manner
2 : LUSTFUL, LECHEROUS
–randi·ness noun

randy
adj. chiefly Scottish : a scolding or dissolute woman

rang
past of ring

range
n. 1 a (1) : a series of things in a line : ROW (2) : a series of mountains (3) : one of the north-south rows of townships in a U.S. public-land survey that are numbered east and west from the principal meridian of the survey b : an aggregate of individuals in one order c : a direction line
2 : a cooking stove that has an oven and a flat top with burners or heating elements
3 a : a place that may be ranged over b : an open region over which animals (as livestock) may roam and feed c : the region throughout which a kind of organism or ecological community naturally lives or occurs
4 : the act of ranging about
5 a (1) : the horizontal distance to which a projectile can be propelled (2) : the horizontal distance between a weapon and target b : the maximum distance a vehicle or craft can travel without refueling c (1) : a place where shooting is practiced (2) : DRIVING RANGE
6 a : the space or extent included, covered, or used : SCOPE b : the extent of pitch covered by a melody or lying within the capacity of a voice or instrument
7 a : a sequence, series, or scale between limits <a wide range of patterns> b : the limits of a series : the distance or extent between possible extremes c : the difference between the least and greatest values of an attribute or of the variable of a frequency distribution
8 a : the set of values a function may take on b : the class of admissible values of a variable
9 : LINE 11
synonyms RANGE, GAMUT, COMPASS, SWEEP, SCOPE, ORBIT mean the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control). RANGE is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities <the entire range of human experience>. GAMUT suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another <a performance that ran the gamut of emotions>. COMPASS implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity <your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study>. SWEEP suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity <the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity>. SCOPE is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible <as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened>. ORBIT suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation <within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change>.

range
n. transitive verb
1 a : to set in a row or in the proper order b : to place among others in a position or situation c : to assign to a category : CLASSIFY
2 a : to rove over or through b : to sail or pass along
3 : to arrange (an anchor cable) on deck
4 : to graze (livestock) on a range
intransitive verb
1 a : to roam at large or freely b : to move over an area so as to explore it
2 : to take a position
3 a : to correspond in direction or line : ALIGN b : to extend in a particular direction
4 : to have range
5 : to change or differ within limits
6 of an organism : to live or occur in or be native to a region

range
n. omnidirectional range
driving range
dynamic range
free range
home range
long range
radio range
range finder
short range
Absaroka Range
Alaska Range
Aleutian Range
Aravalli Range
Bismarck Range
Bitterroot Range
Brooks Range
Cascade Range
Darling Range
Front Range
Gallatin Range
Great Dividing Range
Karakoram Range
Koolau Range
Menominee Range
Mesabi Range
Nassau Range
Owen Stanley Range
Satpura Range
Sawatch Range
Siwalik Range
Snake Range
Sudirman Range
Taconic Range
Teton Range
Wasatch Range
Wind River Range
Basin Ranges
Coast Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Macdonnell Ranges
wide ranging

range finder
1 : an instrument used in gunnery to determine the distance of a target
2 : a surveying instrument (as a transit) for determining quickly the distances, bearings, and elevations of distant objects
3 : a usually built-in adjustable optical device for focusing a camera that automatically indicates the correct focus (as when two parts of a split image are brought together)

rangeland
n. : land used or suitable for range

Rangeley Lakes
chain of lakes W Maine & N N.H.

ranger
n. 1 a : the keeper of a British royal park or forest b : FOREST RANGER
2 : one that ranges
3 a : one of a body of organized armed men who range over a region especially to enforce the law b : a soldier specially trained in close-range fighting and in raiding tactics

ranger
n. forest ranger
lone ranger
Texas Ranger

Rangoon
n. 1 or Yan·gon \ˌyäŋ-'gōn\ river 25 mi (40 km) S Myanmar, the E outlet of the Irrawaddy
2 ― see YANGON 2

rangy
adj. 1 : able to range for considerable distances
2 a : long-limbed and long-bodied <rangy cattle> b : tall and slender
3 : having room for ranging
4 : having great scope
–rang·i·ness noun

rani
n. : a Hindu queen : a rajah's wife

ranid
: any of a large family (Ranidae) of long-legged frogs distinguished by extensively webbed hind feet, horizontal pupils, and a bony sternum

ranitidine
n. : a histamine blocker C_13H_22N_4O_3S that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride to inhibit gastric acid secretion

Ranjit Singh
1780-1839 Lion of the Punjab founder of Sikh kingdom

rank
n. 1 : luxuriantly or excessively vigorous in growth
2 : offensively gross or coarse : FOUL
3 obsolete : grown too large
4 a : shockingly conspicuous <must lecture him on his rank disloyalty ― David Walden> b : OUTRIGHT ― used as an intensive <rank beginners>
5 archaic : LUSTFUL, RUTTISH
6 : offensive in odor or flavor especially : RANCID
7 : PUTRID, FESTERING
8 : high in amount or degree : FRAUGHT
synonyms see MALODOROUS, FLAGRANT
–rank·ly adverb
–rank·ness noun

rank
n. 1 a : ROW, SERIES b : a row of people c (1) : a line of soldiers ranged side by side in close order (2) plural : ARMED FORCES (3) plural : the body of enlisted personnel d : any of the rows of squares that extend across a chessboard perpendicular to the files e British : STAND 6
2 a : relative standing or position b : a degree or position of dignity, eminence, or excellence : DISTINCTION <soon took rank as a leading attorney ― J. D. Hicks> c : high social position <the privileges of rank> d : a grade of official standing in a hierarchy
3 : an orderly arrangement : FORMATION
4 : an aggregate of individuals classed together ― usually used in plural
5 : the order according to some statistical characteristic (as the score on a test)
6 : any of a series of classes of coal based on increasing alteration of the parent vegetable matter, increasing carbon content, and increasing fuel value
7 : the number of linearly independent rows or columns in a matrix

rank
n. 1 : to arrange in lines or in a regular formation
2 : to determine the relative position of : RATE <a highly ranked prospect>
3 : to take precedence of
intransitive verb
1 : to form or move in ranks
2 : to take or have a position in relation to others <ranks first in her class>

rank
n. break rank
flag rank
rank and file
rank and filer
rank correlation
break ranks
close ranks

rank and file
1 : the enlisted personnel of an armed force
2 : the individuals who constitute the body of an organization, society, or nation as distinguished from the leaders
–rank-and-file \ˌraŋk-ən-'fī(-ə)l\ adjective
–rank and fil·er \-'fī-lər\ noun

rank correlation
: a measure of correlation depending on rank

Ranke
Leopold von 1795-1886 Ger. hist.

ranker
adj. : one who serves or has served in the ranks especially : a commissioned officer promoted from the ranks

Rankine
n. : being, according to, or relating to an absolute-temperature scale on which the unit of measurement equals a Fahrenheit degree and on which the freezing point of water is 491.67° and the boiling point 671.67°

ranking
n. : having a high position: as a : of the highest rank <the ranking officer> b : being next to the chairman in seniority <ranking committee member>

rankle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
2 : to feel anger and irritation
transitive verb : to cause irritation or bitterness in

Rann
Kachchh Rann of
Rann of Kutch
Kutch Rann of
Rann of Kachchh

Rann of Kachchh
― see KACHCHH (Rann of)

Rannoch, Loch
lake 9 mi (14 km) long cen Scotland

ransack
v. 1 a : to search thoroughly b : to examine closely and carefully
2 : to search through to commit robbery : PLUNDER
–ran·sack·er noun

Ransom
n. John Crowe 1888-1974 American educ. & poet

ransom
n. 1 : a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity
2 : the act of ransoming

ransom
n. 1 : to deliver especially from sin or its penalty
2 : to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price
synonyms see RESCUE
–ran·som·er noun

rant
n. intransitive verb
1 : to talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
2 : to scold vehemently
transitive verb : to utter in a bombastic declamatory fashion
–rant·er noun
–rant·ing·ly \'ran-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

rant
n. 1 a : a bombastic extravagant speech b : bombastic extravagant language
2 dialect British : a rousing good time

ranula
n. : a cyst formed under the tongue by obstruction of a gland duct

ranunculus
n. : BUTTERCUP

Rao
Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha 1921-     prime min. of India (1991-96)

rap
n. 1 : a sharp blow or knock
2 a : a sharp rebuke or criticism b : a negative and often undeserved reputation or charge ― often used with bum or bad <given a bum rap by the press>
3 a : the responsibility for or adverse consequences of an action <refused to take the rap> b : a criminal charge c : a prison sentence

rap
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike with a sharp blow
2 : to utter suddenly and forcibly
3 : to cause to be or come by raps <rap the meeting to order>
4 : to criticize sharply
intransitive verb
1 : to strike a quick sharp blow
2 : to make a short sharp sound

rap
n. 1 : to snatch away or upward
2 : ENRAPTURE

rap
n. : a minimum amount or degree (as of care or consideration) : the least bit <doesn't care a rap>

rap
n. 1 : to talk freely and frankly
2 : to perform rap music

rap
n. 1 : TALK, CONVERSATION also : a line of talk : PATTER
2 a : a rhythmic chanting often in unison of usually rhymed couplets to a musical accompaniment b : a piece so performed

rap
n. beat the rap
gangsta rap
rap sheet
spirit rapping

rap sheet
: a police arrest record especially for an individual

Rapa
island S. Pacific in SE Tubuai group area 15 sq mi (39 sq km), pop 516

Rapa Nui
n. ― see EASTER ISLAND

rapacious
adj. 1 : excessively grasping or covetous
2 : living on prey
3 : RAVENOUS <a rapacious appetite>
synonyms see VORACIOUS
–ra·pa·cious·ly adverb
–ra·pa·cious·ness noun

rapacity
n. : the quality of being rapacious

Rapallo
commune NW Italy in Liguria ESE of Genoa on Gulf of Rapallo (inlet of Ligurian Sea) pop 29,357

rape
n. : an Old World herb (Brassica napus) of the mustard family grown as a forage crop and for its seeds which yield rapeseed oil and are a bird food ― compare CANOLA

rape
n. 1 a archaic : to seize and take away by force b : DESPOIL
2 : to commit rape on
–rap·er noun
–rap·ist \'rā-pist\ noun

rape
n. 1 : an act or instance of robbing or despoiling or carrying away a person by force
2 : unlawful sexual activity and usually sexual intercourse carried out forcibly or under threat of injury against the will usually of a female or with a person who is beneath a certain age or incapable of valid consent ― compare SEXUAL ASSAULT, STATUTORY RAPE
3 : an outrageous violation

rape
n. : grape pomace

rape
n. acquaintance rape
date rape
date rape drug
gang rape
rape oil
statutory rape
date rapist

rapeseed
n. : the seed of the rape plant also : 1RAPE

rapeseed oil
: a nondrying or semidrying oil obtained from rapeseed and turnip seed and used chiefly as a lubricant, illuminant, and food ― called also rape oil ― compare CANOLA OIL

Raphael
n. : one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition

Raphael
n. 1483-1520 It. Raffaello Sanzio Ital. painter
–Ra·pha·el·esque \ˌra-fē-ə-'lesk, ˌrā-, ˌrä-\ adjective

raphe
n. 1 : the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (as the tongue) having externally a ridge or furrow
2 a : the part of the stalk of an anatropous ovary that is united in growth to the outside covering and forms a ridge along the body of the ovule b : the median line or slit of the valve of certain diatoms

raphia
n. : RAFFIA

raphide
n. : any of the needle-shaped crystals usually of calcium oxalate that develop as metabolic by-products in plant cells

rapid
n. : marked by a fast rate of motion, activity, succession, or occurrence
synonyms see FAST
–rap·id·ly adverb
–rap·id·ness noun

rapid
n. : a part of a river where the current is fast and the surface is usually broken by obstructions ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

rapid
n. rapid eye movement
rapid eye movement sleep
rapid fire
rapid transit
Rapid City
Cedar Rapids
Coon Rapids
Grand Rapids

Rapid City
city W S.Dak. in Black Hills pop 59,607

rapid eye movement
: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep

rapid eye movement sleep
: REM SLEEP

rapid transit
: fast passenger transportation (as by subway) in urban areas

rapid-fire
1 : firing or adapted for firing shots in rapid succession
2 : marked by rapidity, liveliness, or sharpness <a comedian with a rapid-fire delivery>

Rapidan
river 70 mi (113 km) N Va. rising in Blue Ridge Mountains & flowing E into the Rappahannock

rapidity
n. : the quality or state of being rapid

rapier
n. : a straight 2-edged sword with a narrow pointed blade

rapier
n. : extremely sharp or keen <a rapier wit>

rapine
n. : PILLAGE, PLUNDER

rapini
n. : BROCCOLI RABE

Rappahannock
river 212 mi (341 km) NE Va. flowing into Chesapeake Bay

rapparee
n. 1 : an Irish irregular soldier or bandit
2 : VAGABOND, PLUNDERER

rappee
n. : a pungent snuff made from dark tobacco leaves

rappel
v. : to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device
–rappel noun

rappen
n. : the centime of Switzerland

rapper
n. : one that raps or is used for rapping: as a : a door knocker b : a performer of rap music

rapport
n. : RELATION especially : relation marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity

rapporteur
n. : a person who gives reports (as at a meeting of a learned society)

rapprochement
n. : establishment of or state of having cordial relations

rapscallion
n. : RASCAL, NE'ER-DO-WELL

rapt
adj. 1 : lifted up and carried away
2 : transported with emotion : ENRAPTURED
3 : wholly absorbed : ENGROSSED
–rapt·ly \'rap(t)-lē\ adverb
–rapt·ness \'rap(t)-nəs\ noun

Rapti
river 400 mi (644 km) Nepal & N India flowing SE into the Ghaghara

raptor
n. 1 : BIRD OF PREY
2 [New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor)] : a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (as a velociraptor or deinonychus)

raptorial
adj. 1 : PREDACEOUS 1
2 : adapted to seize prey
3 : of, relating to, or being a bird of prey

rapture
n. 1 : an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion
2 a : a state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion b : a mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things
3 often capitalized : the final assumption of Christians into heaven during the end-time according to Christian theology
synonyms see ECSTASY
–rap·tur·ous \'rap-chə-rəs, 'rap-shrəs\ adjective
–rap·tur·ous·ly adverb
–rap·tur·ous·ness noun

rapture
n. : ENRAPTURE

rapture of the deep

1953
: NITROGEN NARCOSIS

rara avis
: RARITY 2

rare
adj. 1 : marked by wide separation of component particles : THIN <rare air>
2 a : marked by unusual quality, merit, or appeal : DISTINCTIVE b : superlative or extreme of its kind
3 : seldom occurring or found : UNCOMMON
synonyms see CHOICE, INFREQUENT
–rare·ness noun

rare
adj. : cooked so that the inside is still red <rare roast beef>

rare
adj. rare bird
rare earth
rare earth element
rare earth metal

rare bird
: RARITY 2, RARA AVIS

rare earth
1 : any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals
2 : RARE EARTH ELEMENT

rare earth element
: any of a series of metallic elements of which the oxides are classed as rare earths and which include the elements of the lanthanide series and sometimes yttrium and scandium ― called also rare earth metal

rarebit
n. : WELSH RABBIT

raree-show
: a small display or scene viewed in a box : PEEP SHOW broadly : an unusual or amazing show or spectacle

rarefaction
n. 1 : the action or process of rarefying
2 : the quality or state of being rarefied
3 : a state or region of minimum pressure in a medium traversed by compressional waves (as sound waves)
–rar·e·fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

rarefied
adj. 1 : being less dense
2 : of, relating to, or interesting to a select group : ESOTERIC
3 : very high

rarefy
v. transitive verb
1 : to make rare, thin, porous, or less dense : to expand without the addition of matter
2 : to make more spiritual, refined, or abstruse
intransitive verb : to become less dense

rarely
adv. 1 : not often : SELDOM
2 : with rare skill : EXCELLENTLY
3 : in an extreme or exceptional manner

rareripe
n. 1 : an early ripening fruit or vegetable
2 dialect : GREEN ONION

raring
adj. : full of enthusiasm or eagerness <ready and raring to go>

Raritan
river 75 mi (121 km) N cen N.J. flowing E into Raritan Bay (inlet of the Atlantic S of Staten Is., N.Y.)

rarity
n. 1 : the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2 : one that is rare

Rarotonga
island S. Pacific in SW part of Cook Islands pop 9826; site of Avarua (capital of Cook Islands)

ras
: any of a family of genes that undergo mutation to oncogenes and especially to some commonly linked to human cancers (as of the colon, lung, and pancreas)

Ras Dashen
mountain 15,158 ft (4260 m) N Ethiopia NE of Lake Tana; highest in Ethiopia

rasbora
: any of a genus (Rasbora) of tiny brilliantly colored cyprinid freshwater fishes often kept in tropical aquariums

rascal
n. 1 : a mean, unprincipled, or dishonest person
2 : a mischievous person or animal
–rascal adjective

rascality
n. 1 : RABBLE
2 a : the character or actions of a rascal : KNAVERY b : a rascally act

rascally
adv. : of or characteristic of a rascal
–rascally adverb

rase
v. 1 archaic : ERASE
2 archaic : RAZE 2

rash
n. archaic : in a rash manner

rash
n. 1 : marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution <a rash promise>
2 obsolete : quickly effective
synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
–rash·ly adverb
–rash·ness noun

rash
n. 1 : an eruption on the body
2 : a large number of instances in a short period <a rash of complaints>

rash
n. diaper rash
heat rash
nettle rash

rasher
n. : a thin slice of bacon or ham broiled or fried also : a portion consisting of several such slices

Rashid
n. ― see ROSETTA

Rasht
city NW Iran near the Caspian pop 2,900,897

Rask
Rasmus Kristian 1787-1832 Dan. philologist & orientalist

Rasmussen
Knud Johan Victor 1879-1933 Dan. explorer & ethnologist

rasp
n. transitive verb
1 : to rub with something rough specifically : to abrade with a rasp
2 : to grate upon : IRRITATE
3 : to utter in a raspy tone
intransitive verb
1 : SCRAPE
2 : to produce a grating sound
–rasp·er noun
–rasp·ing·ly \'ras-piŋ-lē\ adverb

rasp
n. 1 : a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2 : something used for rasping
3 a : an act of rasping b : a rasping sound, sensation, or effect

raspberry
n. 1 a : any of various usually black or red edible berries that are aggregate fruits consisting of numerous small drupes on a fleshy receptacle and that are usually rounder and smaller than the closely related blackberries b : a perennial plant (genus Rubus) of the rose family that bears raspberries
2 [short for raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart] : a sound of contempt made by protruding the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly to produce a vibration broadly : an expression of disapproval or contempt

Rasputin
n. Grigory Yefimovich 1872-1916 Russ. mystic

raspy
adj. 1 : HARSH, GRATING
2 : IRRITABLE

rassle
: WRESTLE

Rasta
n. : RASTAFARIAN
–Rasta adjective

Rastafarian
n. : an adherent of Rastafarianism
–Rastafarian adjective

Rastafarianism
n. : a religious movement among black Jamaicans that teaches the eventual redemption of blacks and their return to Africa, employs the ritualistic use of marijuana, forbids the cutting of hair, and venerates Haile Selassie as a god

raster
n. : a scan pattern (as of the electron beam in a cathode-ray tube) in which an area is scanned from side to side in lines from top to bottom also : a pattern of closely spaced rows of dots that form an image (as on the cathode-ray tube of a television or computer display)

rasure
n. : ERASURE, OBLITERATION

rat
n. 1 a : any of numerous rodents (Rattus and related genera) differing from the related mice especially by considerably larger size b : any of various similar rodents
2 : a contemptible person: as a : one who betrays or deserts friends or associates b : SCAB 3B c : INFORMER 2
3 : a pad over which a woman's hair is arranged
4 : a person who spends much time in a specified place <a mall rat>
–rat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

rat
n. intransitive verb
1 : to betray, desert, or inform on one's associates ― usually used with on
2 : to catch or hunt rats
3 : to work as a scab
transitive verb
1 : to give (hair) the effect of greater quantity (as by use of a rat)
2 : to inform on : TURN IN ― usually used with out <ratted out his accomplice>

rat
n. brown rat
Norway rat
kangaroo rat
mole rat
naked mole rat
pack rat
rat a tat
rat a tat tat
rat bite fever
rat cheese
rat fink
rat race
rat snake
rat tail file
rat trap cheese
rug rat
smell a rat
water rat
wood rat
a bon chat bon rat
à bon chat bon rat
Rat Islands

rat cheese
: CHEDDAR

rat fink
: FINK, INFORMER

Rat Islands
islands SW Alaska in W Aleutians ― see AMCHITKA, KISKA

rat race
: strenuous, wearisome, and usually competitive activity or rush

rat snake
: any of various large harmless chiefly rat-eating colubrid snakes (esp. genus Elaphe) ― called also chicken snake

rat trap cheese
: CHEDDAR

rat-a-tat
: a rapid succession of knocking, tapping, or cracking sounds

rat-bite fever
: either of two febrile bacterial diseases of humans usually transmitted by the bite of a rat

rat-tail file
: a round slender tapered file

ratable
adj. : capable of being rated, estimated, or apportioned
–rat·ably \-blē\ adverb

ratafia
n. 1 : a liqueur made from an infusion of macerated fruit or fruit juice in a liquor (as brandy) and often flavored with almonds
2 : a sweet biscuit made of almond paste

Ratak
the E chain of the Marshall Islands

rataplan
n. : the iterative sound of beating <a rolling rataplan of drums ― Time>

ratatouille
n. : a seasoned stew made of eggplant, tomatoes, green peppers, squash, and sometimes meat

ratbag
n. chiefly Australian : a stupid, eccentric, or disagreeable person

ratchet
n. 1 : a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only
2 : a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel

ratchet
n. : to cause to move by steps or degrees ― usually used with up or down <tried to ratchet down the debt>
intransitive verb : to proceed by steps or degrees

rate
n. transitive verb
1 : to rebuke angrily or violently
2 obsolete : to drive away by scolding
intransitive verb : to voice angry reprimands

rate
n. 1 a : reckoned value : VALUATION b obsolete : ESTIMATION
2 obsolete : a fixed quantity
3 a : a fixed ratio between two things b : a charge, payment, or price fixed according to a ratio, scale, or standard: as (1) : a charge per unit of a public-service commodity (2) : a charge per unit of freight or passenger service (3) : a unit charge or ratio used in assessing property taxes (4) British : a local tax
4 a : a quantity, amount, or degree of something measured per unit of something else <her typing rate was 80 words per minute> b : an amount of payment or charge based on another amount specifically : the amount of premium per unit of insurance
5 : relative condition or quality : CLASS
–at any rate : in any case : ANYWAY

rate
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : ALLOT
2 a : to set an estimate on : VALUE, ESTEEM <black is rated very high this season> b : to determine or assign the relative rank or class of : GRADE <rate a seaman> c : to estimate the normal capacity or power of
3 : CONSIDER, REGARD <was rated an excellent pianist>
4 : to fix the amount of premium to be charged per unit of insurance on
5 : to have a right to : DESERVE <she rated special privileges>
intransitive verb : to enjoy a status of special privilege <really rates with the boss>
synonyms see ESTIMATE

rate
n. adjustable rate mortgage
basal metabolic rate
carload rate
cut rate
death rate
discount rate
exchange rate
first rate
lapse rate
prime rate
prime interest rate
at any rate
rate of change
rate of exchange
second rate
tenth rate
third rate
variable rate mortgage
G rated
X rated
cetane rating
octane rating
Q rating
self rating

rate of change

1876
: a value that results from dividing the change in a function of a variable by the change in the variable <velocity is the rate of change in distance with respect to time>

rate of exchange

circa 1741
: the amount of one currency that will buy a given amount of another

ratel
n. : an African or Asian nocturnal omnivorous mammal (Mellivora capensis) of the weasel family that resembles a badger

ratemeter
: an instrument that indicates the counting rate of an electronic counter

ratepayer
n. 1 British : TAXPAYER
2 : one who pays for a utility service and especially electricity according to established rates

rater
n. 1 : one that rates specifically : a person who estimates or determines a rating
2 : one having a specified rating or class ― usually used in combination <first-rater>

rater
n. first rater
second rater
third rater

ratfish
: CHIMAERA especially : a silvery iridescent white-spotted chimaera (Hydrolagus colliei) of cold deep waters of the Pacific coast of No. America

rathe
adj. archaic : EARLY <bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies ― John Milton>

rather
adv. 1 : with better reason or more propriety : more properly <this you should pity rather than despise ― Shakespeare>
2 : more readily or willingly : PREFERABLY <I'd rather not go> <would rather read than watch television> ― often used interjectionally to express affirmation
3 : more correctly speaking <my father, or rather my stepfather>
4 : to the contrary : INSTEAD <was no better but rather grew worse ― Mk 5:26 (RSV)>
5 : in some degree : SOMEWHAT <it's rather warm> ― often used as a mild intensive <spent rather a lot of money>
–the rather
archaic : the more quickly or readily

rather
adv. the rather
rather than

rather than
1 ― used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish <rather than continue the argument, he walked away> <chose to singular rather than play violin>
2 : and not <obscures rather than resolves the problem> <why do one thing rather than another?> <happy rather than sad>

rather than
: INSTEAD OF <rather than being pleased, she was angry>

rathskeller
n. : a usually basement tavern or restaurant

raticide
n. : a substance for killing rats

ratify
v. : to approve and sanction formally : CONFIRM <ratify a treaty>
–rat·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌra-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–rat·i·fi·er \'ra-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

ratine
n. 1 : a rough bulky fabric usually woven loosely in plain weave from ratiné yarns
2 : a nubby ply yarn of various fibers made by twisting under tension a thick and a thin yarn

rating
n. 1 : a classification according to grade specifically : a military or naval specialist classification
2 chiefly British : a naval enlisted man
3 a : relative estimate or evaluation : STANDING <the school has a good academic rating> b : an estimate of an individual's or business's credit and responsibility c : an estimate of the percentage of the public listening to or viewing a particular radio or television program
4 : a stated operating limit of a machine expressible in power units (as kilowatts of a direct-current generator) or in characteristics (as voltage)

rating
n. cetane rating
octane rating
Q rating
self rating

ratio
n. 1 a : the indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions b : the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things : PROPORTION
2 : the expression of the relative values of gold and silver as determined by a country's currency laws

ratio
n. aspect ratio
common ratio
focal ratio
gyromagnetic ratio
loss ratio
nutritive ratio
Poisson's ratio
price earnings ratio
ultima ratio
ultima ratio regum

ratiocinate
v. : REASON
–ra·ti·o·ci·na·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

ratiocination
n. 1 : the process of exact thinking : REASONING
2 : a reasoned train of thought
–ra·ti·o·ci·na·tive \-'ō-sə-ˌnā-tiv, -'nä-\ adjective

ration
n. 1 a : a food allowance for one day b plural : FOOD, PROVISIONS
2 : a share especially as determined by supply

ration
n. 1 : to supply with or put on rations
2 a : to distribute as rations ― often used with out b : to distribute equitably c : to use sparingly

ration
n. C ration
iron ration
K ration

rational
adj. 1 a : having reason or understanding b : relating to, based on, or agreeable to reason : REASONABLE <a rational explanation> <rational behavior>
2 : involving only multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction and only a finite number of times
3 : relating to, consisting of, or being one or more rational numbers <a rational root of an equation>
–ra·tio·nal·ly adverb
–ra·tio·nal·ness noun

rational
adj. : something rational specifically : RATIONAL NUMBER

rational function
: a function that is the quotient of two polynomials also : POLYNOMIAL

rational number
: a number that can be expressed as an integer or the quotient of an integer divided by a nonzero integer

rationale
n. 1 : an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena
2 : an underlying reason : BASIS

rationalise
v. British variant of rationalize

rationalism
n. 1 : reliance on reason as the basis for establishment of religious truth
2 a : a theory that reason is in itself a source of knowledge superior to and independent of sense perceptions b : a view that reason and experience rather than the nonrational are the fundamental criteria in the solution of problems
3 : FUNCTIONALISM 2
–ra·tio·nal·ist \-nə-list\ noun
–rationalist or ra·tio·nal·is·tic \ˌrash-nə-'lis-tik, ˌra-shə-nə-'lis-\ adjective
–ra·tio·nal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

rationality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being rational
2 : the quality or state of being agreeable to reason : REASONABLENESS
3 : a rational opinion, belief, or practice ― usually used in plural

rationalize
transitive verb
1 : to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: as a : to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of <rationalize a myth> b : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives <rationalized his dislike of his brother> broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for <rationalize the problem>
2 : to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts <rationalize a denominator>
3 : to apply the principles of scientific management to (as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (as increased efficiency)
intransitive verb : to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
–ra·tio·nal·iz·able \ˌrash-nə-'lī-zə-bəl, ˌra-shə-nə-'lī-\ adjective
–ra·tio·nal·i·za·tion \ˌrash-nə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌra-shə-nə-lə-\ noun
–ra·tio·nal·iz·er \'rash-nə-ˌlī-zər, 'ra-shə-nə-ˌlī-\ noun

ratite
: a bird with a flat breastbone especially : any of various mostly flightless birds (as an ostrich, rhea, emu, moa, or kiwi) with small or rudimentary wings and no keel on the sternum that are prob. of polyphyletic origin and are assigned to a number of different orders
–ratite adjective

ratline
n. : any of the small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds of a ship so as to form the steps of a rope ladder ― usually used in plural

Raton
pass 7834 ft (2388 m) SE Colo. just N of Colo.-N.Mex. border in Raton Range (E spur of Sangre de Cristo Mountains)

ratoon
n. 1 : a shoot of a perennial plant (as sugarcane)
2 : a crop (as of bananas) produced on ratoons

ratoon
n. : to sprout or spring up from the root
transitive verb : to grow or produce (a crop) from or on ratoons

rats
v. ― used to express disappointment, frustration, or disgust

rattail
1 : a horse's tail with little or no hair
2 : GRENADIER 2

rattail cactus
: a commonly cultivated tropical American cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) with showy crimson flowers

rattan
n. 1 : a rattan cane or switch
2 a : a climbing palm (esp. of the genera Calamus and Daemonorops) with very long tough stems b : a part of the jointed stem of a rattan used especially for furniture, wickerwork, and walking sticks

ratteen
n. archaic : a coarse woolen fabric

ratter
n. : one that catches rats specifically : a rat-catching dog or cat

rattle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a rapid succession of short sharp noises <the windows rattled in the wind>
2 : to chatter incessantly and aimlessly
3 : to move with a clatter or rattle also : to be or move about in a place or station too large or grand <rattled around the big old house>
transitive verb
1 : to say, perform, or affect in a brisk lively fashion <rattled off four magnificent backhands ― Kim Chapin>
2 : to cause to make a rattling sound
3 : ROUSE specifically : to beat (a cover) for game
4 : to upset especially to the point of loss of poise and composure : DISTURB
synonyms see EMBARRASS

rattle
n. 1 a : a device that produces a rattle specifically : a case containing pellets used as a baby's toy b : the sound-producing organ on a rattlesnake's tail
2 a : a rapid succession of sharp clattering sounds b : NOISE, RACKET
3 : DEATH RATTLE

rattle
n. : to furnish with ratlines

rattlebrain
n. : a flighty or thoughtless person
–rat·tle·brained \-ˌbrānd\ adjective

rattler
n. 1 : one that rattles
2 : RATTLESNAKE

rattlesnake
n. : any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken

rattlesnake
n. diamondback rattlesnake
rattlesnake master
rattlesnake plantain
rattlesnake root
rattlesnake weed
timber rattlesnake

rattlesnake master
: BUTTON SNAKEROOT 2

rattlesnake plantain
: any of a genus (Goodyera) of orchids with variegated leaves and small flowers in a twisted spike

rattlesnake root
: any of various plants formerly believed to be distasteful to rattlesnakes or effective against their venom: as a : any of a genus (Prenanthes, especially P. altissima) of composite plants with small heads of drooping ligulate flowers b : SENECA SNAKEROOT

rattlesnake weed
: a hawkweed (Hieracium venosum) of eastern No. America with purple-veined leaves

rattletrap
n. : something rattly or rickety especially : an old car
–rattletrap adjective

rattling
1 : LIVELY, BRISK <moved at a rattling pace>
2 : extraordinarily good : SPLENDID
–rat·tling·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

rattling
: to an extreme degree : VERY <a rattling good story>

rattly
adv. : likely to rattle : making a rattle

ratton
chiefly dialect : RAT

rattrap
n. 1 : a trap for rats
2 : a dirty dilapidated structure
3 : a hopeless situation

ratty
adj. 1 a : infested with rats b : of, relating to, or suggestive of a rat
2 : SHABBY, UNKEMPT <a ratty brown overcoat ― John Lardner>
3 a : DESPICABLE, TREACHEROUS b : IRRITABLE <feeling ratty as hell ― Richard Bissell>

raucous
adj. 1 : disagreeably harsh or strident : HOARSE <raucous voices>
2 : boisterously disorderly <a⋯raucous frontier town ― Truman Capote>
synonyms see LOUD
–rau·cous·ly adverb
–rau·cous·ness noun

raunch
n. : VULGARITY, LEWDNESS

raunchy
adj. 1 : SLOVENLY, DIRTY <a raunchy panhandler> also : very smelly <raunchy sneakers>
2 : OBSCENE, SMUTTY <raunchy jokes>
–raun·chi·ly \'rȯn-chə-lē, 'rän-\ adverb
–raun·chi·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

Rauschenberg
n. Robert 1925-     American artist

rauwolfia
n. 1 : any of a genus (Rauvolfia syn. Rauwolfia) of pantropical trees and shrubs of the dogbane family that yield medicinal alkaloids (as reserpine)
2 : the dried root or an extract from the root of a rauwolfia (esp. Rauvolfia serpentina of Asia) used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension

ravage
n. 1 : an act or practice of ravaging
2 : damage resulting from ravaging : violently destructive effect <the ravages of time>

ravage
n. transitive verb : to wreak havoc on : affect destructively <a land ravaged by war>
intransitive verb : to commit destructive actions
–rav·age·ment \-vij-mənt\ noun
–rav·ag·er noun
synonyms RAVAGE, DEVASTATE, WASTE, SACK, PILLAGE, DESPOIL mean to lay waste by plundering or destroying. RAVAGE implies violent often cumulative depredation and destruction <a hurricane ravaged the coast>. DEVASTATE implies the complete ruin and desolation of a wide area <an earthquake devastated the city>. WASTE may imply producing the same result by a slow process rather than sudden and violent action <years of drought had wasted the area>. SACK implies carrying off all valuable possessions from a place <barbarians sacked ancient Rome>. PILLAGE implies ruthless plundering at will but without the completeness suggested by SACK <settlements pillaged by Vikings>. DESPOIL applies to looting or robbing without suggesting accompanying destruction <the Nazis despoiled the art museums>.

rave
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to talk irrationally in or as if in delirium b : to speak out wildly c : to talk with extreme enthusiasm <raved about its beauty>
2 : to move or advance violently : STORM <the iced gusts still rave and beat ― John Keats>
transitive verb : to utter in madness or frenzy

rave
n. 1 : an act or instance of raving
2 : an extravagantly favorable criticism <the play received the critics' raves>
3 : a large overnight dance party featuring techno music and usually involving the taking of mind-altering drugs

Ravel
v. (Joseph) Mau·rice \mȯ-'rēs\ 1875-1937 Fr. composer
–Ra·vel·ian \rə-'ve-lyən, ra-, -lē-ən\ adjective

ravel
transitive verb
1 a : to separate or undo the texture of : UNRAVEL b : to undo the intricacies of : DISENTANGLE
2 : ENTANGLE, CONFUSE
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to become entangled or confused
2 : to become unwoven, untwisted, or unwound : FRAY
3 : BREAK UP, CRUMBLE
–rav·el·er \'rav-lər, 'ra-və-\ noun
–rav·el·ment \'ra-vəl-mənt\ noun

ravel
v. : an act or result of raveling: as a : something tangled b : something raveled out specifically : a loose thread

raveling
n. : RAVEL B

raven
n. : a large glossy black corvine bird (Corvus corax) of Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and America

raven
n. : shiny and black like a raven's feathers <raven hair>

raven
n. intransitive verb
1 : to feed greedily
2 : to prowl for food : PREY
3 : PLUNDER
transitive verb
1 : to devour greedily
2 : DESPOIL <men⋯raven the earth, destroying its resources ― New Yorker>
–rav·en·er \'ra-və-nər, 'rav-nər\ noun

Ravenna
commune N Italy NE of Florence pop 139,771

ravenous
adj. 1 : RAPACIOUS <ravenous wolves>
2 : very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification <a ravenous appetite>
synonyms see VORACIOUS
–rav·en·ous·ly adverb
–rav·en·ous·ness noun

raver
n. 1 : one that raves
2 : a person who frequents raves

Ravi
river 450 mi (724 km) N India (subcontinent) flowing SW to the Chenab & forming part of boundary bet. E. Punjab (India) & W. Punjab (Pakistan)

ravin
n. 1 : PLUNDER, PILLAGE
2 a : an act or habit of preying b : something seized as prey

ravine
n. : a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water

ravined
obsolete : RAPACIOUS, RAVENOUS

raving
n. : irrational, incoherent, wild, or extravagant utterance or declamation ― usually used in plural

raving
n. 1 : talking wildly or irrationally <a raving lunatic>
2 : RAVISHING <a raving beauty>

ravioli
n. : pasta in the form of little cases of dough containing a savory filling (as of meat or cheese)

ravish
v. 1 a : to seize and take away by violence b : to overcome with emotion (as joy or delight) <ravished by the scenic beauty> c : RAPE 2
2 : PLUNDER, ROB
–rav·ish·er noun
–rav·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

ravishing
adj. : unusually attractive, pleasing, or striking
–rav·ish·ing·ly \-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

raw
n. 1 : not cooked
2 a (1) : being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified <raw fibers> <raw sewage> (2) : not diluted or blended <raw spirits> b : unprepared or imperfectly prepared for use c : not being in polished, finished, or processed form <raw data> <a raw draft of a thesis>
3 a (1) : having the surface abraded or chafed (2) : very irritated <a raw sore throat> b : lacking covering : NAKED c : not protected : susceptible to hurt <raw emotions>
4 a : lacking experience or understanding : GREEN <a raw recruit> b (1) : marked by absence of refinements (2) : VULGAR, COARSE <raw language> c : not tempered : UNBRIDLED <raw power>
5 : disagreeably damp or cold <a raw winter day>
synonyms see RUDE
–raw·ly adverb
–raw·ness noun

raw
n. : a raw place or state
–in the raw
1 : in a natural, unrefined, or crude state
2 : NAKED <slept in the raw>

raw
n. in the raw
raw bar
raw deal
raw material
raw score

raw bar
: a counter (as in a restaurant) that serves raw shellfish

raw deal
: an instance of unfair treatment

raw material
: crude or processed material that can be converted by manufacture, processing, or combination into a new and useful product <wheat⋯is raw material for the flour mill ― C. A. Koepke> broadly : something with a potential for improvement, development, or elaboration <perplexities are often the raw material of discoveries ― Agnes M. Clerke>

raw score
: an individual's actual achievement score (as on a test) before being adjusted for relative position in the test group

Rawalpindi
city NE Pakistan NNW of Lahore pop 1,409,768

rawboned
adj. : relatively thin with prominent bone structure also : heavy-framed and rugged but not attractively built
synonyms see LEAN

rawhide
n. 1 : a whip of untanned hide
2 : untanned cattle skin

rawhide
n. 1 : to whip or drive with or as if with a rawhide
2 : CHASTISE 2

rawinsonde
: a radiosonde tracked by a radio direction-finding device to determine the velocity of winds aloft

Rawlinson
Sir Henry Cres·wicke \'kre-zik\ 1810-1895 Eng. orientalist

rax
chiefly Scottish : STRETCH

Ray
n. John 1627-1705 Eng. naturalist

Ray
n. Satyajit 1921-1992 Indian film director, writer, & producer

ray
n. : any of an order (Rajiformes) of usually marine cartilaginous fishes (as stingrays and skates) having the body flattened dorsoventrally, the eyes on the upper surface, and enlarged pectoral fins fused with the head

ray
n. 1 a : any of the lines of light that appear to radiate from a bright object b : a beam of radiant energy (as light) of small cross section c (1) : a stream of material particles traveling in the same line (as in radioactive phenomena) (2) : a single particle of such a stream
2 a : light cast by rays : RADIANCE b : a moral or intellectual light
3 : a thin line suggesting a ray: as a : any of a group of lines diverging from a common center b : HALF LINE
4 a : one of the bony rods that extend and support the membrane in the fin of a fish b : one of the radiating divisions of the body of a radiate animal (as a starfish)
5 a : a branch or flower stalk of an umbel b (1) : MEDULLARY RAY (2) : VASCULAR RAY c : RAY FLOWER 1
6 : PARTICLE, TRACE <a ray of hope>
–rayed \'rād\ adjective

ray
n. 1 a : to shine in or as if in rays b : to issue as rays
2 : to extend like the radii of a circle : RADIATE
transitive verb
1 : to emit in rays
2 : to furnish or mark with rays

ray
n. alpha ray
bat ray
beta ray
cathode ray
cathode ray tube
cosmic ray
death ray
delta ray
dual energy X ray absorptiometry
eagle ray
electric ray
gamma ray
manta ray
medullary ray
phloem ray
pith ray
ray flower
roentgen ray
vascular ray
wood ray
x ray
X ray
X ray astronomy
X ray diffraction
X ray star
X ray source
X ray therapy
X ray tube
xylem ray

ray flower
1 : one of the marginal flowers of the head in a composite plant (as the aster) that also has disk flowers
2 : the entire head in a plant (as chicory) that lacks disk flowers

Rayburn
Samuel Taliaferro 1882-1961 American polit.

Rayleigh
n. Lord 1842-1919 John William Strutt Eng. math. & physicist

Rayleigh scattering
: scattering of light by particles small enough to render the effect selective so that different colors are deflected through different angles

rayless
adj. : having, admitting, or emitting no rays especially : DARK
–ray·less·ness noun

rayless goldenrod
: a shrubby to herbaceous composite plant (Haplopappus heterophyllus syn. Isocoma wrightii) especially of open saline ground from Texas to Arizona and northern Mexico that lacks ray flowers and causes trembles in cattle

rayon
n. 1 : any of a group of smooth textile fibers made from regenerated cellulose by extrusion through minute holes
2 : a rayon yarn, thread, or fabric

Raytown
city W Mo. SE of Kansas City pop 30,388

raze
v. 1 a archaic : ERASE b : to scrape, cut, or shave off
2 : to destroy to the ground : DEMOLISH <raze an old building>
–raz·er noun

razee
n. : a wooden warship with the upper deck cut away

razor
n. : a keen-edged cutting instrument for shaving or cutting hair

razor
n. razor billed auk
Occam's razor
Ockham's razor
razor backed
razor clam
razor wire
safety razor
straight razor

razor clam
: any of a family (Solenidae) of marine lamellibranch mollusks having a long narrow thin shell

razor wire
: coiled wire fitted with sharp razor edges and used as an obstacle or barrier also : CONCERTINA WIRE

razor-backed
: having a sharp narrow back <a razor-backed horse>

razorback
n. : a thin-bodied long-legged feral hog chiefly of the southeastern U.S.

razorbill
n. : a No. Atlantic auk (Alca torda) with the plumage black above and white below and a compressed sharp-edged bill ― called also razor-billed auk

razz
n. : RASPBERRY 2

razz
n. : HECKLE, DERIDE <the fans razzed the visiting players>

razzamatazz
n. chiefly British variant of razzmatazz

razzle-dazzle
1 : a state of confusion or hilarity
2 : a complex maneuver (as in sports) designed to confuse an opponent
3 : a confusing or colorful often gaudy action or display
–razzle-dazzle adjective

razzmatazz
n. 1 : RAZZLE-DAZZLE 3
2 : DOUBLE-TALK 2
3 : VIM, ZING

Rb
n. rubidium

RBC
n. red blood cells

RBI
n. : a run in baseball that is driven in by a batter also : official credit to a batter for driving in a run <led the league in RBIs>

RC
1 Red Cross
2 resistance-capacitance
3 Roman Catholic

RCAF
Royal Canadian Air Force

RCMP
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCN
Royal Canadian Navy

RD
n. 1 registered dietitian
2 rural delivery

rd
n. 1 road
2 rod
3 round

rd
n. ― used after the figure 3 to indicate the ordinal number third <3rd> <83rd>

RDA
1 recommended daily allowance
2 recommended dietary allowance

RDF
1 radio direction finder; radio direction finding
2 Rapid Deployment Force
3 refuse-derived fuel

Re
n. rhenium

re
n. : the second tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

re
n. : with regard to : IN RE

re
1 : again : anew <retell>
2 : back : backward <recall>
re·ab·sorp·tion
re·ac·cel·er·ate
re·ac·cept
re·ac·ces·sion
re·ac·cli·ma·tize
re·ac·cred·it
re·ac·cred·i·ta·tion
re·ac·quaint
re·ac·quire
re·ac·qui·si·tion
re·ac·ti·vate
re·ac·ti·va·tion
re·ad·dress
re·ad·just
re·ad·just·ment
re·ad·mis·sion
re·ad·mit
re·adopt
re·af·firm
re·af·fir·ma·tion
re·af·fix
re·al·lo·cate
re·al·lo·ca·tion
re·anal·y·sis
re·an·a·lyze
re·an·i·mate
re·an·i·ma·tion
re·an·nex
re·an·nex·a·tion
re·ap·pear
re·ap·pear·ance
re·ap·pli·ca·tion
re·ap·ply
re·ap·point
re·ap·point·ment
re·ap·prais·al
re·ap·praise
re·ap·pro·pri·ate
re·ap·prove
re·ar·gue
re·ar·gu·ment
re·arous·al
re·arouse
re·ar·range
re·ar·range·ment
re·ar·rest
re·ar·tic·u·late
re·as·cend
re·as·cent
re·as·sem·blage
re·as·sem·ble
re·as·sem·bly
re·as·sert
re·as·ser·tion
re·as·sess
re·as·sess·ment
re·as·sign
re·as·sign·ment
re·as·sume
re·at·tach
re·at·tach·ment
re·at·tain
re·at·tempt
re·at·tri·bute
re·at·tri·bu·tion
re·au·tho·ri·za·tion
re·au·tho·rize
re·awak·en
re·bait
re·bal·ance
re·bap·tism
re·bap·tize
re·be·gin
re·bid
re·bind
re·blend
re·bloom
re·board
re·boil
re·book
re·boot
re·bore
re·bot·tle
re·breed
re·buri·al
re·bury
re·buy
re·cal·cu·late
re·cal·cu·la·tion
re·cal·i·brate
re·cal·i·bra·tion
re·cat·e·go·rize
re·cen·tral·i·za·tion
re·cen·tri·fuge
re·cer·ti·fi·ca·tion
re·cer·ti·fy
re·chal·lenge
re·chan·nel
re·char·ter
re·check
re·cho·reo·graph
re·chris·ten
re-Chris·tian·ize
re·chro·mato·graph
re·chro·ma·tog·ra·phy
re·cir·cu·late
re·cir·cu·la·tion
re·clad
re·clas·si·fi·ca·tion
re·clas·si·fy
re·clothe
re·cock
re·cod·i·fi·ca·tion
re·cod·i·fy
re·col·o·ni·za·tion
re·col·o·nize
re·col·or
re·com·mence
re·com·mence·ment
re·com·mis·sion
re·com·pi·la·tion
re·com·pile
re·com·pu·ta·tion
re·com·pute
re·con·ceive
re·con·cen·trate
re·con·cen·tra·tion
re·con·cep·tion
re·con·cep·tu·al·i·za·tion
re·con·cep·tu·al·ize
re·con·dense
re·con·fig·u·ra·tion
re·con·fig·ure
re·con·nect
re·con·nec·tion
re·con·quer
re·con·quest
re·con·se·crate
re·con·se·cra·tion
re·con·sol·i·date
re·con·tact
re·con·tam·i·nate
re·con·tam·i·na·tion
re·con·tour
re·con·vene
re·con·ver·sion
re·con·vert
re·con·vict
re·con·vic·tion
re·con·vince
re·copy
re·cork
re·cross
re·cul·ti·vate
re·ded·i·cate
re·ded·i·ca·tion
re·de·fect
re·de·liv·er
re·de·liv·ery
re·de·pos·it
re·de·ter·mi·na·tion
re·de·ter·mine
re·di·ges·tion
re·dis·cov·er
re·dis·cov·ery
re·dis·cuss
re·dis·play
re·dis·pose
re·dis·po·si·tion
re·dis·solve
re·dis·till
re·dis·til·la·tion
re·di·vide
re·di·vi·sion
re·don
re·draft
re·draw
re·dream
re·drill
re·dub
re·el·i·gi·bil·i·ty
re·el·i·gi·ble
re·emerge
re·emer·gence
re·emis·sion
re·emit
re·em·pha·sis
re·em·pha·size
re·em·ploy
re·em·ploy·ment
re·en·coun·ter
re·en·dow
re·en·er·gize
re·en·gage
re·en·gage·ment
re·en·grave
re·en·list
re·en·list·ment
re·en·roll
re·en·throne
re·en·vi·sion
re·equip
re·equip·ment
re·erect
re·es·ca·late
re·es·ca·la·tion
re·es·tab·lish
re·es·tab·lish·ment
re·es·ti·mate
re·eval·u·ate
re·eval·u·a·tion
re·ex·am·i·na·tion
re·ex·am·ine
re·ex·pe·ri·ence
re·ex·plore
re·ex·port
re·ex·por·ta·tion
re·ex·pose
re·ex·po·sure
re·ex·press
re·face
re·feed
re·feel
re·fight
re·file
re·find
re·fire
re·fix
re·float
re·fold
re·forge
re·for·mat
re·for·mu·late
re·for·mu·la·tion
re·for·ti·fi·ca·tion
re·for·ti·fy
re·found
re·foun·da·tion
re·frame
re·freeze
re·fry
re·fur·nish
re·gain
re·gath·er
re·gear
re·gild
re·give
re·glaze
re·grade
re·graft
re·grant
re·green
re·grind
re·groom
re·groove
re·growth
re·han·dle
re·hang
re·har·mo·nize
re·heat
re·hinge
re·hire
re·hos·pi·tal·i·za·tion
re·hos·pi·tal·ize
re·hu·man·ize
re·iden·ti·fy
re·ig·nite
re·ig·ni·tion
re·im·age
re·im·merse
re·im·plant
re·im·plan·ta·tion
re·im·port
re·im·por·ta·tion
re·im·pose
re·im·po·si·tion
re·in·cor·po·rate
re·in·cor·po·ra·tion
re·in·dict
re·in·dict·ment
re·in·fes·ta·tion
re·in·flate
re·in·fla·tion
re·in·hab·it
re·ini·tiate
re·in·ject
re·in·jec·tion
re·in·jure
re·in·ju·ry
re·ink
re·in·ner·vate
re·in·ner·va·tion
re·in·oc·u·late
re·in·oc·u·la·tion
re·in·sert
re·in·ser·tion
re·in·spect
re·in·spec·tion
re·in·spire
re·in·stall
re·in·stal·la·tion
re·in·sti·tute
re·in·sti·tu·tion·al·i·za·tion
re·in·ter
re·in·ter·ment
re·in·ter·view
re·in·tro·duce
re·in·tro·duc·tion
re·in·vade
re·in·va·sion
re·in·ves·ti·gate
re·in·ves·ti·ga·tion
re·in·vig·o·rate
re·in·vig·o·ra·tion
re·in·vig·o·ra·tor
re·jack·et
re·judge
re·jug·gle
re·key
re·key·board
re·kin·dle
re·knit
re·la·bel
re·lac·quer
re·land·scape
re·launch
re·learn
re·le·git·i·mize

re- (see more...)

re
n. in re
re collect
re cover
re create
re creator
re creative
re creation
re creatable
re form
re lease
re present
re presentation
re press
re sign
re sort
re tread
re up
pro re nata
re infecta
suaviter in modo fortiter in re
re Christianize
repurchase agreement

re infecta
: the business being unfinished : without accomplishing one's purpose

re- (continued)

re·lend
re·li·cense
re·li·cen·sure
re·light
re·link
re·liq·ue·fy
re·load
re·load·able
re·lock
re·look
re·lu·bri·cate
re·lu·bri·ca·tion
re·mar·ket
re·mar·riage
re·mar·ry
re·mate
re·ma·te·ri·al·ize
re·mea·sure
re·mea·sure·ment
re·meet
re·melt
re·merge
re·mi·gra·tion
re·mil·i·ta·ri·za·tion
re·mil·i·ta·rize
re·mo·bi·li·za·tion
re·mo·bi·lize
re·moist·en
re·mold
re·mon·e·ti·za·tion
re·mon·e·tize
re·mo·ti·vate
re·mo·ti·va·tion
re·my·thol·o·gize
re·nail
re·name
re·na·tion·al·i·za·tion
re·na·tion·al·ize
re·nest
re·num·ber
re·ob·serve
re·oc·cu·pa·tion
re·oc·cu·py
re·oc·cur
re·oc·cur·rence
re·oil
re·op·er·ate
re·op·er·a·tion
re·or·ches·trate
re·or·ches·tra·tion
re·ori·ent
re·ori·en·tate
re·ori·en·ta·tion
re·out·fit
re·ox·i·da·tion
re·ox·i·dize
re·ox·y·gen·ate
re·ox·y·gen·a·tion
re·pack
re·paint
re·park
re·patch
re·pat·tern
re·pave
re·peg
re·peo·ple
re·pho·to·graph
re·phrase
re·plan
re·plas·ter
re·plate
re·pledge
re·plot
re·plumb
re·pol·ish
re·poll
re·pop·u·lar·ize
re·pop·u·late
re·pop·u·la·tion
re·pot
re·pres·sur·ize
re·price
re·pri·vat·i·za·tion
re·pri·vat·ize
re·pro·vi·sion
re·pump
re·punc·tu·a·tion
re·pur·chase
re·pu·ri·fy
re·rack
re·raise
re·read
re·read·ing
re·re·cord
re·reg·is·ter
re·reg·is·tra·tion
re·reg·u·late
re·reg·u·la·tion
re·re·lease
re·re·view
re·rig
re·roll
re·roof
re·route
re·sail
re·sam·ple
re·saw
re·school
re·score
re·screen
re·sculpt
re·seal
re·seal·able
re·sea·son
re·seat
re·se·cure
re·see
re·seg·re·gate
re·seg·re·ga·tion
re·sell
re·sell·er
re·sen·si·tize
re·sen·tence
re·ser·vice
re·set·tle
re·set·tle·ment
re·sew
re·shin·gle
re·shoe
re·shoot
re·show
re·sight
re·sil·ver
re·site
re·size
re·slate
re·soak
re·so·cial·i·za·tion
re·so·cial·ize
re·sod
re·sol·der
re·sole
re·so·lid·i·fi·ca·tion
re·so·lid·i·fy
re·sow
re·spool
re·spot
re·spray
re·sprout
re·sta·bi·lize
re·stack
re·stage
re·stamp
re·stim·u·late
re·stim·u·la·tion
re·stock
re·stoke
re·strength·en
re·stress
re·study
re·stuff
re·style
re·sub·mis·sion
re·sub·mit
re·sum·mon
re·sup·ply
re·sur·vey
re·sus·pend
re·sus·pen·sion
re·syn·the·sis
re·syn·the·size
re·tack·le
re·tag
re·tar·get
re·taste
re·teach
re·team
re·test
re·tex·ture
re·the·o·ri·za·tion
re·the·o·rize
re·thread
re·tie
re·tight·en
re·tile
re·time
re·trace
re·trans·fer
re·trans·form
re·trans·for·ma·tion
re·trans·mis·sion
re·trans·mit
re·try
re·tune
re·type
re·uni·fi·ca·tion
re·uni·fy
re·up·hol·ster
re·uti·li·za·tion
re·uti·lize
re·vac·ci·nate
re·vac·ci·na·tion
re·val·i·date
re·val·i·da·tion
re·val·o·ri·za·tion
re·val·o·rize
re·vic·tim·ize
re·vict·ual
re·vi·su·al·i·za·tion
re·vote
re·warm
re·wash
re·weave
re·weigh
re·wet
re·wire
re·wrap
re·zone

re-collect
: to collect again especially : RALLY, RECOVER

re-cover
: to cover again or anew

re-create
: to create again especially : to form anew in the imagination
–re-cre·at·able \-'ā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–re-cre·a·tion \-'ā-shən\ noun
–re-cre·a·tive \-'ā-tiv\ adjective
–re-cre·a·tor \-'ā-tər\ noun

re-form
: to form again
intransitive verb : to take form again <the ice re-formed on the lake>

re-lease
: to lease again

re-present
: to present again or anew
–re-pre·sen·ta·tion \ˌrē-ˌprē-ˌzen-'tā-shən, -ˌpre-zən-, -ˌprē-zən-\ noun

re-press
: to press again <re-press a record>

re-sign
: to sign again especially : to rehire (as an athlete) by means of a signed contract
intransitive verb : to sign up again

re-sort
: to sort again

re-tread
: to tread again

re-up
: to sign on again <re-upped with the team for three more years> especially : to enlist again

REA
Rural Electrification Administration

reabsorb
v. : to take up (something previously secreted or emitted) <sugars reabsorbed in the kidney> also : RESORB 2

reach
n. transitive verb
1 a : to stretch out : EXTEND b : THRUST
2 a : to touch or grasp by extending a part of the body (as a hand) or an object <couldn't reach the apple> b : to pick up and draw toward one : TAKE c (1) : to extend to <the shadow reached the wall> (2) : to get up to or as far as : come to <your letter reached me yesterday> <his voice reached the last rows> <they hoped to reach an agreement> d (1) : ENCOMPASS (2) : to make an impression on (3) : to communicate with
3 : to hand over : PASS
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a stretch with or as if with one's hand b : to strain after something
2 a : PROJECT, EXTEND <his land reaches to the river> b : to arrive at or come to something <as far as the eye could reach>
3 : to sail on a reach
–reach·able \'rē-chə-bəl\ adjective
–reach·er noun

reach
n. 1 : a continuous stretch or expanse especially : a straight portion of a stream or river
2 a (1) : the action or an act of reaching (2) : an individual part of a progression or journey b (1) : a reachable distance <within reach> (2) : ability to reach <had a long reach> c : an extent or range especially of knowledge or comprehension
3 : a bearing shaft or coupling pole especially : the rod joining the hind axle to the forward bolster of a wagon
4 : the tack sailed by a ship with the wind coming just forward of the beam or with the wind directly abeam or abaft the beam
5 : ECHELON, LEVEL ― usually used in plural <the upper reaches of academia>

reach-me-down
chiefly British : HAND-ME-DOWN

react
v. intransitive verb
1 : to exert a reciprocal or counteracting force or influence ― often used with on or upon
2 : to change in response to a stimulus
3 : to act in opposition to a force or influence ― usually used with against
4 : to move or tend in a reverse direction
5 : to undergo chemical reaction
transitive verb : to cause to react

reactance
n. : the part of the impedance of an alternating-current circuit that is due to capacitance or inductance or both and that is expressed in ohms

reactant
n. : a substance that enters into and is altered in the course of a chemical reaction

reaction
n. 1 a : the act or process or an instance of reacting b : resistance or opposition to a force, influence, or movement especially : tendency toward a former and usually outmoded political or social order or policy
2 : a response to some treatment, situation, or stimulus <her stunned reaction to the news> also : such a response expressed verbally <critical reaction to the play>
3 : bodily response to or activity aroused by a stimulus: a : an action induced by vital resistance to another action especially : the response of tissues to a foreign substance (as an antigen or infective agent) b : depression or exhaustion due to excessive exertion or stimulation c : heightened activity and overaction succeeding depression or shock d : a mental or emotional disorder forming an individual's response to his or her life situation
4 : the force that a body subjected to the action of a force from another body exerts in the opposite direction
5 a (1) : chemical transformation or change : the interaction of chemical entities (2) : the state resulting from such a reaction b : a process involving change in atomic nuclei

reaction
n. alarm reaction
chain reaction
conversion reaction
cross reaction
dark reaction
Feulgen reaction
Hill reaction
immune reaction
light reaction
Maillard reaction
polymerase chain reaction
side reaction
Wassermann reaction

reactionary
n. : relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction especially : ultraconservative in politics
–reactionary noun
–re·ac·tion·ary·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

reactive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by reaction or reactance
2 a : readily responsive to a stimulus b : occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset <reactive depression>
–re·ac·tive·ly adverb
–re·ac·tive·ness noun
–re·ac·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)rē-ˌak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

reactive
adj. C reactive protein
cross reactive
cross reactivity

reactor
n. 1 : one that reacts
2 : a device (as a coil, winding, or conductor of small resistance) used to introduce reactance into an alternating-current circuit
3 a : a vat for an industrial chemical reaction b : a device for the controlled release of nuclear energy (as for producing heat)

Read
n. George 1733-1798 American statesman in Revolution

Read
n. Sir Herbert 1893-1968 Eng. writer

read
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to receive or take in the sense of (as letters or symbols) especially by sight or touch (2) : to study the movements of (as lips) with mental formulation of the communication expressed (3) : to utter aloud the printed or written words of <read them a story> b : to learn from what one has seen or found in writing or printing c : to deliver aloud by or as if by reading specifically : to utter interpretively d (1) : to become acquainted with or look over the contents of (as a book) (2) : to make a study of <read law> (3) : to read the works of e : to check (as copy or proof) for errors f (1) : to receive and understand (a voice message) by radio (2) : UNDERSTAND, COMPREHEND
2 a : to interpret the meaning or significance of <read palms> b : FORETELL, PREDICT <able to read his fortune>
3 : to recognize or interpret as if by reading: as a : to learn the nature of by observing outward expression or signs <reads him like a book> b : to note the action or characteristics of in order to anticipate what will happen <a good canoeist reads the rapids> <a golfer reading a green> also : to predict the movement of (a putt) by reading a green c : to anticipate by observation of an opponent's position or movement <read a blitz>
4 a : to attribute a meaning to (as something read) : INTERPRET <how do you read this passage> b : to attribute (a meaning) to something read or considered <read a nonexistent meaning into her words>
5 : to use as a substitute for or in preference to another word or phrase in a particular passage, text, or version <read hurry for harry> ― often used to introduce a clarifying substitute for a euphemistic or misleading word or phrase <a friendly, read nosy, coworker>
6 : INDICATE <the thermometer reads zero>
7 : to interpret (a musical work) in performance
8 a : to acquire (information) from storage especially : to sense the meaning of (data) in recorded and coded form ― used of a computer or data processor b : to read the coded information on (as a floppy disk)
intransitive verb
1 a : to perform the act of reading words : read something b (1) : to learn something by reading (2) : to pursue a course of study
2 a : to yield a particular meaning or impression when read b : to be readable or read in a particular manner or to a particular degree <this book reads smoothly>
3 : to consist of specific words, phrases, or other similar elements <a passage that reads differently in older versions>
–read between the lines : to understand more than is directly stated
–read the riot act
1 : to order a mob to disperse
2 a : to order or warn to cease something b : to protest vehemently c : to reprimand severely

read
n. : instructed by or informed through reading

read
n. 1 chiefly British : a period of reading <it was a night⋯for a read and a long sleep ― William Sansom>
2 : something (as a book) that is read <a novel that's a good read>
3 : the action or an instance of reading

read
n. lip read
read the riot act
read between the lines
read only memory
read out
sight read
speed read
well read
first reading
mind reading
reading desk
reading frame
second reading
speed reading
third reading

read between the lines
to understand more than is directly stated

read out
1 a : to read aloud b : to produce a readout of
2 : to expel from an organization or group

read the riot act

1 : to order a mob to disperse
2 a : to order or warn to cease something b : to protest vehemently c : to reprimand severely

read-only memory
: ROM

readable
adj. : able to be read easily: as a : LEGIBLE b : interesting to read <a highly readable novel>
–read·abil·i·ty \ˌrē-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–read·able·ness \'rē-də-bəl-nəs\ noun
–read·ably \-blē\ adverb

Reade
Charles 1814-1884 Eng. nov. & dram.

reader
n. 1 a : one that reads b : one appointed to read to others: as (1) : LECTOR (2) : one chosen to read aloud selected material in a Christian Science church or society c (1) : PROOFREADER (2) : one who evaluates manuscripts (3) : one who reads periodical literature to discover items of special interest or value d : an employee who reads and records the indications of meters e : a teacher's assistant who reads and marks student papers
2 British : one who reads lectures or expounds subjects to students
3 a : a device for projecting a readable image of a transparency b : a unit that scans material recorded (as on punch cards) for storage or computation
4 a : a book for instruction and practice especially in reading b : ANTHOLOGY

reader
n. First Reader
lay reader
lip reader
mind reader
Second Reader
sight reader

readerly
: of, relating to, or typical of a reader

readership
n. 1 a : the office or position of a reader b : the quality or state of being a reader
2 : the mass or a particular group of readers <a magazine's readership>

readily
adv. : in a ready manner: as a : without hesitating : WILLINGLY <readily accepted advice> b : without much difficulty : EASILY <for reasons that anyone could readily understand>

Reading
n. 1st Marquis of 1860-1935 Rufus Daniel Isaacs Brit. statesman; viceroy of India (1921-26)

Reading
n. 1 town E Mass. N of Boston pop 23,708
2 city SE Pa. on the Schuylkill pop 81,207
3 town S England capital of Berkshire pop 122,600

reading
n. 1 : the act of reading
2 a : material read or for reading b : extent of material read
3 a : a particular version b : data indicated by an instrument
4 a : a particular interpretation of something (as a law) b : a particular performance of something (as a musical work)
5 : an indication of a certain state of affairs <a study to get some reading of shoppers' preferences>

reading
n. first reading
mind reading
reading desk
reading frame
second reading
speed reading
third reading

reading desk
: LECTERN

reading frame
: a sequence of nucleotide triplets that is potentially translatable into a polypeptide and that is determined by the placement of a codon that initiates translation

readout
n. 1 : the process of reading
2 a : the process of removing information from an automatic device (as an electronic computer) and displaying it in an understandable form b : the information removed from such a device and displayed or recorded (as by magnetic tape or printing device) c : an electronic device that presents information in visual form
3 : the radio transmission of data or pictures from a space vehicle

ready
adj. 1 a : prepared mentally or physically for some experience or action b : prepared for immediate use <dinner is ready>
2 a : willingly disposed : INCLINED <ready to agree to his proposal> b : likely to do something indicated <a house that looks ready to collapse>
3 : displayed readily and spontaneously <a ready wit>
4 : immediately available <had ready cash>
synonyms see QUICK
–read·i·ness noun
–at the ready : ready for immediate use <kept guns at the ready>

ready
adj. : to make ready

ready
adj. at the ready
ready box
ready made
ready room
ready to wear
ready witted
rough and ready

ready box
: a box placed near a gun (as on a ship) to hold ammunition kept ready for immediate use

ready room
: a room in which pilots or astronauts are briefed and await orders

ready-made
1 : made beforehand especially for general sale <ready-made suits>
2 : lacking originality or individuality
3 : readily available <her illness provided a ready-made excuse>

ready-made
1 : something (as a garment) that is ready-made
2 usually ready·made [French ready-made, from E] : a commonplace artifact (as a comb or ice tongs) selected and shown as a work of art

ready-to-wear
1 of clothing : READY-MADE
2 : dealing in ready-made clothes <ready-to-wear stores>
–ready-to-wear noun

ready-witted
: QUICK-WITTED

reafforestation
n. chiefly British : REFORESTATION
–re·af·for·est \-'fȯr-əst, -'fär-\ transitive verb chiefly British

Reagan
n. Ronald Wilson 1911-     American actor & polit.; 40th pres. of the U.S. (1981-89)
–Rea·gan·esque \ˌrā-gə-'nesk\ adjective

reagent
n. : a substance used (as in detecting or measuring a component, in preparing a product, or in developing photographs) because of its chemical or biological activity

reaggregate
: to cause to re-form into an aggregate or a whole
–re·ag·gre·gate \-gət\ noun
–re·ag·gre·ga·tion \-ˌa-gri-'gā-shən\ noun

reagin
n. 1 : a substance in the blood of persons with syphilis responsible for positive serological reactions for syphilis
2 : an antibody (as IgE in humans) that mediates hypersensitive allergic reactions of rapid onset
–re·agin·ic \ˌrē-ə-'ji-nik, -'gi-\ adjective

real
n. 1 : of or relating to fixed, permanent, or immovable things (as lands or tenements)
2 a : not artificial, fraudulent, or illusory : GENUINE <real gold> also : being precisely what the name implies <a real professional> b (1) : occurring or existing in actuality <saw a real live celebrity> <a story of real life> (2) : of or relating to practical or everyday concerns or activities <left school to live in the real world> (3) : existing as a physical entity and having properties that deviate from an ideal, law, or standard <a real gas> ― compare IDEAL 3b c : having objective independent existence <unable to believe that what he saw was real> d : FUNDAMENTAL, ESSENTIAL e (1) : belonging to or having elements or components that belong to the set of real numbers <the real roots of an equation> <a real matrix> (2) : concerned with or containing real numbers <real analysis> (3) : REAL-VALUED <real variable> f : measured by purchasing power <real income> <real dollars> g : COMPLETE, UTTER <a real fiasco>
3 of a particle : capable of being detected ― compare VIRTUAL 3
–re·al·ness noun
–for real
1 : in earnest : SERIOUSLY <fighting for real>
2 : GENUINE <couldn't believe the threats were for real>
3 : genuinely good or capable of success (as in competition) <not yet sure if this team is for real>

real
n. : a real thing especially : a mathematically real quantity

real
n. : VERY <he was real cool ― H. M. McLuhan>
usage Most handbooks consider the adverb real to be informal and more suitable to speech than writing. Our evidence shows these observations to be true in the main, but real is becoming more common in writing of an informal, conversational style. It is used as an intensifier only and is not interchangeable with really except in that use.

real
n. : a former monetary unit and coin of Spain and its possessions

real
n. 1 : a former monetary unit and coin of Portugal
2 ― see MONEY table

real
n. get real
for real
real estate
real focus
real image
real life
real number
real part
real presence
real time
real valued
real world
Ciudad Real

real estate
1 : property in buildings and land
2 : SPACE, CAPACITY <desktop real estate> <the limited real estate on hard drives ― Leonard Wiener>

real focus
: a point at which rays (as of light) converge or from which they diverge

real image
: an optical image formed of real foci

real number
: a number that has no imaginary part <the set of all real numbers comprises the rationals and the irrationals>

real part
: the term in a complex number (as 2 in 2 + 3i) that does not contain the imaginary unit as a factor

real presence
: the doctrine that Christ is actually present in the Eucharist

real time
: the actual time during which something takes place <the computer may partly analyze the data in real time (as it comes in) ― R. H. March> <chatted online in real time>
–real-time adjective

real-life
: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations <real-life problems> <real-life drama>

real-valued
: taking on only real numbers for values

real-world
: REAL-LIFE <a real-world example>

realgar
n. : an orange-red mineral consisting of arsenic sulfide and having a resinous luster

realia
n. : objects or activities used to relate classroom teaching to the real life especially of peoples studied

realign
v. : to align again especially : to reorganize or make new groupings of
–re·align·ment \-mənt\ noun

realisation
chiefly British variant of realization, realize

realism
n. 1 : concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
2 a : a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind specifically : the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality b : a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind ― compare NOMINALISM
3 : the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization
–re·al·ist \-list\ adjective or noun
–re·al·is·tic \ˌrē-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–re·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

realism
n. magic realism
magical realism
photo realism
socialist realism
photo realistic
magic realist
photo realist
socialist realist

reality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being real
2 a (1) : a real event, entity, or state of affairs <his dream became a reality> (2) : the totality of real things and events <trying to escape from reality> b : something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
3 : television programming that features videos of actual occurrences (as a police chase, stunt, or natural disaster) ― often used attributively <reality TV>
–in reality : in actual fact

reality
n. in reality
reality check
virtual reality

reality check
: something that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality often by correcting a misconception

realization
n. 1 : the action of realizing : the state of being realized
2 : something realized

realize
v. 1 a : to bring into concrete existence : ACCOMPLISH <finally realized her goal> b : to cause to seem real : make appear real <a book in which the characters are carefully realized>
2 a : to convert into actual money <realized assets> b : to bring or get by sale, investment, or effort : GAIN <realized a large profit>
3 : to conceive vividly as real : be fully aware of <did not realize the risk she was taking>
synonyms see THINK
–re·al·iz·able \ˌrē-ə-'lī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–re·al·iz·er noun

really
adv. 1 a : in reality : ACTUALLY <things as they really are> <there was nothing peculiar about her doing this, really ― Peter Taylor> b : TRULY, UNQUESTIONABLY ― used as an intensifier <a really beautiful day> c : VERY 2 <look really close> <he runs really fast>
2 ― used to emphasize an assertion <you really should read Yeats> <really, you're being ridiculous>

realm
n. 1 : KINGDOM 2
2 : SPHERE, DOMAIN <within the realm of possibility>
3 : a primary marine or terrestrial biogeographic division of the earth's surface

realpolitik
n. : politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives

Realtor
n. ― used for a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors

realty
n. : REAL ESTATE 1

ream
n. 1 : a quantity of paper being 20 quires or variously 480, 500, or 516 sheets
2 : a great amount ― usually used in plural <reams of information>

ream
n. 1 a : to widen the opening of (a hole) : COUNTERSINK b (1) : to enlarge, shape, or smooth out (a hole) with a reamer (2) : to enlarge the bore of (as a gun) in this way c : to remove by reaming
2 a : to press out with a reamer b : to press out the juice of (as an orange) with a reamer
3 : CHEAT, VICTIMIZE
4 : REPRIMAND ― often used with out <reams out his players so severely ― Alexander Wolff>

reamer
n. : one that reams: as a : a rotating finishing tool with cutting edges used to enlarge or shape a hole b : a fruit juice extractor with a ridged and pointed center rising from a shallow dish

reap
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to cut with a sickle, scythe, or reaping machine (2) : to clear of a crop by reaping b : to gather by reaping : HARVEST
2 : OBTAIN, WIN
intransitive verb : to reap something

reaper
n. : one that reaps especially : any of various machines for reaping grain

reaphook
n. : a hand implement with a hook-shaped blade used in reaping

reapportion
v. : to apportion (as a house of representatives) anew
intransitive verb : to make a new apportionment
–re·ap·por·tion·ment \-shən-mənt\ noun

rear
n. transitive verb
1 : to erect by building : CONSTRUCT
2 : to raise upright
3 a (1) : to breed and raise (an animal) for use or market (2) : to bring to maturity or self-sufficiency usually through nurturing care <reared five children> <birds rearing their young> b : to cause (as plants) to grow
4 : to cause (a horse) to rise up on the hind legs
intransitive verb
1 : to rise high
2 of a horse : to rise up on the hind legs
synonyms see LIFT
–rear·er noun

rear
n. 1 : the back part of something: as a : the unit (as of an army) or area farthest from the enemy b : the part of something located opposite its front <the rear of a house> c : BUTTOCKS
2 : the space or position at the back <moved to the rear>

rear
n. : being at the back <the rear entrance>

rear
n. : toward or from the rear ― usually used in combination <a rear-driven car>

rear
n. bring up the rear
rear admiral
rear admiral upper half
rear admiral lower half
rear echelon
rear end
rear guard

rear admiral
: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard having either of two ranks: a : one who ranks above a captain ― called also rear admiral (lower half) b : one who ranks above a rear admiral (lower half) and below a vice admiral ― called also rear admiral (upper half)

rear echelon
: an element of a military headquarters or unit located at a considerable distance from the front and concerned especially with administrative and supply duties

rear end
: BUTTOCKS

rear guard
: a military detachment detailed to bring up and protect the rear of a main body or force

rear-end
: to crash into the back of (as an automobile)

rearguard
n. : of or relating to resistance especially to sweeping social forces <fought a rearguard action against automation>

rearm
v. : to arm (as a nation or a military force) again with new or better weapons
intransitive verb : to become armed again
–re·ar·ma·ment \-'är-mə-mənt\ noun

rearmost
adj. : farthest in the rear : LAST

rearview mirror
: a mirror (as in an automobile) that gives a view of the area behind a vehicle

rearward
adv. : REAR especially : the rear division (as of an army)

rearward
adv. 1 : located at, near, or toward the rear
2 : directed toward the rear <a rearward glance>

rearward
adv. : at, near, or toward the rear : BACKWARD <looking rearward>

reas
reasonable

reason
n. 1 a : a statement offered in explanation or justification <gave reasons that were quite satisfactory> b : a rational ground or motive <a good reason to act soon> c : a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense especially : something (as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact <the reasons behind her client's action> d : the thing that makes some fact intelligible : CAUSE <the reason for earthquakes> <the real reason why he wanted me to stay ― Graham Greene>
2 a (1) : the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways : INTELLIGENCE (2) : proper exercise of the mind (3) : SANITY b : the sum of the intellectual powers
3 archaic : treatment that affords satisfaction
–in reason : RIGHTLY, JUSTIFIABLY
–within reason : within reasonable limits
–with reason : with good cause

reason
n. intransitive verb
1 a obsolete : to take part in conversation, discussion, or argument b : to talk with another so as to influence actions or opinions <can't reason with them>
2 : to use the faculty of reason so as to arrive at conclusions
transitive verb
1 archaic : to justify or support with reasons
2 : to persuade or influence by the use of reason
3 : to discover, formulate, or conclude by the use of reason <a carefully reasoned analysis>
synonyms see THINK
–rea·son·er \'rēz-nər, 'rē-zən-ər\ noun

reason
n. age of reason
with reason
within reason
in reason
rhyme or reason

reasonable
adj. 1 a : being in accordance with reason <a reasonable theory> b : not extreme or excessive <reasonable requests> c : MODERATE, FAIR <a reasonable chance> <a reasonable price> d : INEXPENSIVE
2 a : having the faculty of reason b : possessing sound judgment <a reasonable man>
–rea·son·abil·i·ty \ˌrēz-nə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌrē-zən-ə-\ noun
–rea·son·able·ness \'rēz-nə-bəl-nəs, 'rē-zən-ə-\ noun
–rea·son·ably \-blē\ adverb

reasoning
n. 1 : the use of reason especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason
2 : an instance of the use of reason : ARGUMENT

reasonless
adj. 1 : not having the faculty of reason <a reasonless brute>
2 : not reasoned : SENSELESS <reasonless hostility>
3 : not based on or supported by reasons <a reasonless accusation>
–rea·son·less·ly adverb

reassurance
n. 1 : the action of reassuring : the state of being reassured
2 : REINSURANCE

reassure
v. 1 : to assure anew <reassured him that the work was on schedule>
2 : to restore to confidence <felt reassured by their earnest promise to do better>
3 : REINSURE
–re·as·sur·ing·ly \-'shu̇r-iŋ-lē\ adverb

reata
: LARIAT

Reaumur
n. : relating to or conforming to a thermometric scale on which the boiling point of water is at 80° above the zero of the scale and the freezing point is at zero

Reaumur
n. René-Antoine Ferchault de 1683-1757 Fr. naturalist & physicist

reave
v. intransitive verb : PLUNDER, ROB
transitive verb
1 archaic a (1) : ROB, DESPOIL (2) : to deprive one of b : SEIZE
2 archaic : to carry or tear away
–reav·er noun

Reb
n. : RABBI, MISTER ― used as a title

reb
n. : JOHNNY REB

rebar
n. : a steel rod with ridges for use in reinforced concrete

rebarbative
adj. : REPELLENT, IRRITATING
–re·bar·ba·tive·ly adverb

rebate
n. transitive verb
1 : to reduce the force or activity of : DIMINISH
2 : to reduce the sharpness of : BLUNT
3 a : to make a rebate of b : to give a rebate to
intransitive verb : to give rebates
–re·bat·er noun

rebate
n. : a return of a part of a payment

rebate
n. chiefly British variant of rabbet

rebato
: a wide lace-edged collar of the early 17th century often stiffened to stand high at the back

rebbe
n. : a Jewish spiritual leader or teacher : RABBI

rebec
n. : an ancient bowed usually 3-stringed musical instrument with a pear-shaped body and slender neck

Rebekah
n. : the wife of Isaac

rebel
n. 1 a : opposing or taking arms against a government or ruler b : of or relating to rebels <the rebel camp>
2 : DISOBEDIENT, REBELLIOUS

rebel
n. : one who rebels or participates in a rebellion

rebel
n. 1 a : to oppose or disobey one in authority or control b : to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
2 a : to act in or show opposition or disobedience <rebelled against the conventions of polite society> b : to feel or exhibit anger or revulsion <rebelled at the injustice of life>

rebel yell
: a prolonged high-pitched yell often uttered by Confederate soldiers in the American Civil War

rebellion
n. 1 : opposition to one in authority or dominance
2 a : open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government b : an instance of such defiance or resistance
synonyms REBELLION, REVOLUTION, UPRISING, REVOLT, INSURRECTION, MUTINY mean an outbreak against authority. REBELLION implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful <open rebellion against the officers>. REVOLUTION applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government) <a political revolution that toppled the monarchy>. UPRISING implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion <quickly put down the uprising>. REVOLT and INSURRECTION imply an armed uprising that quickly fails or succeeds <a revolt by the Young Turks that surprised party leaders> <an insurrection of oppressed laborers>. MUTINY applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority <a mutiny led by the ship's cook>.

rebellious
adj. 1 a : given to or engaged in rebellion <rebellious troops> b : of, relating to, or characteristic of a rebel or rebellion <a rebellious speech>
2 : resisting treatment or management : REFRACTORY
–re·bel·lious·ly adverb
–re·bel·lious·ness noun

Rebild
village N Denmark in N Jutland S of Ålborg in Rebild Hills (site of Rebild National Park)

rebirth
n. 1 a : a new or second birth : METEMPSYCHOSIS b : spiritual regeneration
2 : RENAISSANCE, REVIVAL <a rebirth of nationalism>

Reblochon
: a semisoft creamy mild-flavored French cheese

reboant
: marked by reverberation

reborn
adj. : born again : REGENERATED, REVIVED

rebound
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to spring back on or as if on collision or impact with another body b : to recover from setback or frustration
2 : REECHO
3 : to gain possession of a rebound in basketball
transitive verb : to cause to rebound
–re·bound·er \'rē-ˌbau̇n-dər, ri-'\ noun

rebound
n. 1 a : the action of rebounding : RECOIL b : an upward leap or movement : RECOVERY <a sharp rebound in prices>
2 a : a basketball or hockey puck that rebounds b : the act or an instance of gaining possession of a basketball rebound <leads the league in rebounds>
3 : a reaction to setback, frustration, or crisis <on the rebound from an unhappy love affair>

rebozo
n. : a long scarf worn chiefly by Mexican women

rebranch
v. : to form secondary branches

rebroadcast
v. 1 : to broadcast again (a radio or television program being simultaneously received from another source)
2 : to repeat (a broadcast) at a later time
–rebroadcast noun

rebuff
n. : to reject or criticize sharply : SNUB
–rebuff noun

rebuild
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make extensive repairs to : RECONSTRUCT <rebuild a war-torn city> b : to restore to a previous state <rebuild inventories>
2 : to make extensive changes in : REMODEL <rebuild society>
intransitive verb : to build again <planned to rebuild after the fire>
synonyms see MEND

rebuke
n. 1 a : to criticize sharply : REPRIMAND b : to serve as a rebuke to
2 : to turn back or keep down : CHECK
synonyms see REPROVE
–re·buk·er noun

rebuke
n. : an expression of strong disapproval : REPRIMAND

rebus
n. : a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound also : a riddle made up of such pictures or symbols

rebut
v. transitive verb
1 : to drive or beat back : REPEL
2 a : to contradict or oppose by formal legal argument, plea, or countervailing proof b : to expose the falsity of : REFUTE
intransitive verb : to make or furnish an answer or counter proof
–re·but·ta·ble \-'bə-tə-bəl\ adjective

rebuttal
n. : the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit also : argument or proof that rebuts

rebutter
n. : the answer of a defendant in matter of fact to a plaintiff's surrejoinder

rebutter
n. : one that rebuts

rec
n. 1 received
2 receipt
3 record; recording
4 recreation; recreational

rec'd
adj. received

recalcitrance
n. : the state of being recalcitrant

recalcitrancy
n. : RECALCITRANCE

recalcitrant
adj. 1 : obstinately defiant of authority or restraint
2 a : difficult to manage or operate b : not responsive to treatment c : RESISTANT <this subject is recalcitrant both to observation and to experiment ― G. G. Simpson>
synonyms see UNRULY
–recalcitrant noun

recall
n. 1 : CANCEL, REVOKE
2 a : to call back <was recalled to active duty> <a pitcher recalled from the minors> b : to bring back to mind <recalled seeing her somewhere before> c : to remind one of : RESEMBLE <a playwright who recalls the Elizabethan dramatists>
3 : RESTORE, REVIVE
synonyms see REMEMBER
–re·call·abil·i·ty \-ˌkȯ-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·call·able \-'kȯ-lə-bəl\ adjective
–re·call·er noun

recall
n. 1 : a call to return <a recall of workers after a layoff>
2 : the right or procedure by which an official may be removed by vote of the people
3 : remembrance of what has been learned or experienced
4 : the act of revoking
5 : a public call by a manufacturer for the return of a product that may be defective or contaminated

Recamier
Jeanne-Françoise-Julie-Adélaïde 1777-1849 Madame de Récamier née Bernard Fr. society wit

recamier
: a sometimes backless couch with a high curved headrest and low footrest

recanalization
n. : the process of restoring flow to or reuniting an interrupted channel of a bodily tube (as a blood vessel or vas deferens)
–re·can·a·lize \-kə-'na-ˌlīz, -'ka-nə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

recant
v. transitive verb
1 : to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly : RENOUNCE
2 : REVOKE
intransitive verb : to make an open confession of error
synonyms see ABJURE
–re·can·ta·tion \ˌrē-ˌkan-'tā-shən\ noun

recap
v. : RECAPITULATION

recap
v. : RECAPITULATE

recap
v. : RETREAD 1

recap
v. : RETREAD
–re·cap·pa·ble \-'ka-pə-bəl\ adjective

recapitalization
n. : a revision of the capital structure of a corporation

recapitalize
v. : to change the capital structure of

recapitulate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to restate briefly : SUMMARIZE b : to give new form or expression to
2 : to repeat the principal stages or phases of <the view that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny>
intransitive verb : SUM UP

recapitulation
n. 1 : a concise summary
2 : the hypothetical occurrence in an individual organism's development of successive stages resembling the series of ancestral types from which it has descended so that the ontogeny of the individual retraces the phylogeny of its group
3 : the third section of a sonata form

recapture
v. 1 a : the act of retaking b : an instance of being retaken
2 : the retaking of a prize or goods under international law
3 : a government seizure under law of earnings or profits beyond a fixed amount

recapture
v. 1 a : to capture again b : to experience again <by no effort of the imagination could she recapture the ecstasy ― Ellen Glasgow>
2 : to take (as a portion of earnings or profits above a fixed amount) by law or through negotiations under law

recast
v. : to cast again <recast a gun> <recast a play> also : REMODEL, REFASHION <recasts his political image to fit the times>
–re·cast \'rē-ˌkast, (ˌ)rē-'\ noun

recce
n. : RECONNAISSANCE

recede
v. 1 a : to move back or away : WITHDRAW <a receding hairline> b : to slant backward
2 : to grow less or smaller : DIMINISH, DECREASE <a receding deficit>
synonyms RECEDE, RETREAT, RETRACT, BACK mean to move backward. RECEDE implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space <the flood waters gradually receded>. RETREAT implies withdrawal from a point or position reached <retreating soldiers>. RETRACT implies drawing back from an extended position <a cat retracting its claws>. BACK is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion <backed off on the throttle>.

recede
v. : to cede back to a former possessor

receipt
n. 1 : RECIPE
2 a obsolete : RECEPTACLE b archaic : a revenue office
3 : the act or process of receiving
4 : something received ― usually used in plural
5 : a writing acknowledging the receiving of goods or money

receipt
n. 1 : to give a receipt for or acknowledge the receipt of
2 : to mark as paid

receivable
adj. 1 : capable of being received
2 : subject to call for payment <notes receivable>

receivables
n. : amounts of money receivable

receive
v. transitive verb
1 : to come into possession of : ACQUIRE <receive a gift>
2 a : to act as a receptacle or container for <the cistern receives water from the roof> b : to assimilate through the mind or senses <receive new ideas>
3 a : to permit to enter : ADMIT b : WELCOME, GREET c : to react to in a specified manner
4 : to accept as authoritative, true, or accurate : BELIEVE
5 a : to support the weight or pressure of : BEAR b : to take (a mark or impression) from the weight of something <some clay receives clear impressions> c : ACQUIRE, EXPERIENCE <received his early schooling at home> d : to suffer the hurt or injury of <received a broken nose>
intransitive verb
1 : to be a recipient
2 : to be at home to visitors <receives on Tuesdays>
3 : to convert incoming radio waves into perceptible signals
4 : to prepare to take possession of the ball from a kick in football

receive
v. Received Pronunciation
Received Standard
receiving blanket
receiving end
receiving line

received
adj. : generally accepted : COMMON <a healthy skepticism about received explanations ― B. K. Lewalski>

Received Pronunciation
: the pronunciation of Received Standard

Received Standard
: a traditionally prestigious form of English spoken at the English public schools, at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and by many educated British people elsewhere

receiver
n. : one that receives: as a : TREASURER b (1) : a person appointed to hold in trust and administer property under litigation (2) : a person appointed to settle the affairs of a business involving a public interest or to manage a corporation during reorganization c : one that receives stolen goods : FENCE d : a device for converting signals (as electromagnetic waves) into audio or visual form: as (1) : a device in a telephone for converting electric impulses or varying current into sound (2) : a radio receiver with a tuner and amplifier on one chassis e (1) : CATCHER (2) : a member of the offensive team in football eligible to catch a forward pass

receiver
n. receiver general
wide receiver
receivers general

receiver general
: a public officer in charge of the treasury (as of Massachusetts)

receivership
n. 1 : the office or function of a receiver
2 : the state of being in the hands of a receiver

receiving blanket
: a small lightweight blanket used to wrap an infant (as after bathing)

receiving end
: the position of being a recipient or especially a victim ― usually used in the phrase on the receiving end

receiving line
: a group of people who stand in a line and individually welcome guests (as at a wedding reception)

recency
n. : the quality or state of being recent

recension
n. 1 : a critical revision of a text
2 : a text established by critical revision

recent
adj. 1 a : having lately come into existence : NEW, FRESH b : of or relating to a time not long past
2 capitalized : HOLOCENE
–re·cent·ness noun

recently
adv. : during a recent period of time : LATELY

receptacle
n. 1 : one that receives and contains something : CONTAINER
2 [New Latin receptaculum, from L] a : the end of the flower stalk upon which the floral organs are borne b : a structure or tissue (as of a fungus or fern) bearing spores or sporangia
3 : a mounted female electrical fitting that contains the live parts of the circuit

reception
n. 1 : the act or action or an instance of receiving: as a : RECEIPT <the reception and distribution of funds> b : ADMISSION <reception into the church> c : RESPONSE, REACTION <the play met with a mixed reception> d : the receiving of a radio or television broadcast e : the catching of a forward pass by a receiver
2 : a social gathering often for the purpose of extending a formal welcome

receptionist
n. : a person employed to greet telephone callers, visitors, patients, or clients

receptive
adj. 1 : able or inclined to receive especially : open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions
2 a of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli b : SENSORY
3 of a female animal : willing to copulate with a male <a receptive mare>
–re·cep·tive·ly adverb
–re·cep·tive·ness noun
–re·cep·tiv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌsep-'ti-və-tē, ri-\ noun

receptor
n. : RECEIVER: as a : a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : SENSE ORGAN b : a chemical group or molecule (as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus

receptor
n. alpha receptor
beta receptor
stretch receptor

recess
n. 1 : the action of receding : RECESSION
2 : a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part
3 a : INDENTATION, CLEFT <a deep recess in the hill> b : ALCOVE <a recess lined with books>
4 : a suspension of business or procedure often for rest or relaxation <children playing at recess>

recess
n. 1 : to put into a recess <recessed lighting>
2 : to make a recess in
3 : to interrupt for a recess
intransitive verb : to take a recess

recession
n. 1 : the act or action of receding : WITHDRAWAL
2 : a departing procession (as of clergy and choir at the end of a church service)
3 : a period of reduced economic activity
–re·ces·sion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

recession
n. : the act of ceding back to a former possessor

recessional
n. : of or relating to a withdrawal

recessional
n. 1 : a hymn or musical piece at the conclusion of a service or program
2 : 1RECESSION 2

recessive
adj. 1 a : tending to recede b : WITHDRAWN 2
2 a : producing little or no phenotypic effect when occurring in heterozygous condition with a contrasting allele <recessive genes> b : expressed only when the determining gene is in the homozygous condition <recessive traits> <a recessive disease>
–re·ces·sive·ly adverb
–re·ces·sive·ness noun

recessive
adj. 1 : an organism possessing one or more recessive characters
2 : a recessive character or gene

recharge
v. 1 : to make a new attack
2 : to regain energy or spirit
transitive verb
1 : to charge again especially : to restore anew the active materials in (a storage battery)
2 : to inspire or invigorate afresh : RENEW
–re·charge \(ˌ)rē-'chärj, 'rē-ˌ\ noun
–re·charge·able \(ˌ)rē-'chär-jə-bəl\ adjective
–re·charg·er \-jər\ noun

rechauffe
n. 1 : REHASH
2 : a warmed-over dish of food

recheat
: a hunting call sounded on a horn to assemble the hounds

recherche
adj. 1 a : EXQUISITE, CHOICE b : EXOTIC, RARE
2 : excessively refined : AFFECTED
3 : PRETENTIOUS, OVERBLOWN

recidivism
n. : a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior especially : relapse into criminal behavior

recidivist
n. : one who relapses specifically : a habitual criminal
–recidivist adjective
–re·cid·i·vis·tic \-ˌsi-də-'vis-tik\ adjective

Recife
city & port NE Brazil capital of Pernambuco state municipal area pop 1,422,905

recipe
n. 1 : PRESCRIPTION 4A
2 : a set of instructions for making something from various ingredients
3 : a formula or procedure for doing or attaining something <a recipe for success>

recipient
n. : one that receives : RECEIVER
–recipient adjective

reciprocal
n. 1 a : inversely related : OPPOSITE b : of, constituting, or resulting from paired crosses in which the kind that supplies the male parent of the first cross supplies the female parent of the second cross and vice versa
2 : shared, felt, or shown by both sides
3 : serving to reciprocate : consisting of or functioning as a return in kind <the reciprocal devastation of nuclear war>
4 a : mutually corresponding <agreed to extend reciprocal privileges to each other's citizens> b : marked by or based on reciprocity <reciprocal trade agreements>
–re·cip·ro·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

reciprocal
n. 1 : something in a reciprocal relationship to another
2 : either of a pair of numbers (as 2/3 and 3/2 or 9 and 1/9) whose product is one broadly : MULTIPLICATIVE INVERSE

reciprocal pronoun
: a pronoun (as each other) used when its referents are predicated to bear the same relationship to one another

reciprocate
v. transitive verb
1 : to give and take mutually
2 : to return in kind or degree <reciprocate a compliment gracefully>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a return for something <we hope to reciprocate for your kindness>
2 : to move forward and backward alternately <a reciprocating valve>
–re·cip·ro·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun
synonyms RECIPROCATE, RETALIATE, REQUITE, RETURN mean to give back usually in kind or in quantity. RECIPROCATE implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received <reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit>. RETALIATE usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully <the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners>. REQUITE implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently <requited her love with cold indifference>. RETURN implies a paying or giving back <returned their call> <return good for evil>.

reciprocating engine
: an engine in which the to-and-fro motion of one or more pistons is transformed into the rotary motion of a crankshaft

reciprocation
n. 1 a : a mutual exchange b : a return in kind or of like value
2 : an alternating motion
–re·cip·ro·ca·tive \-'si-prə-ˌkā-tiv, -kə-\ adjective

reciprocity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence
2 : a mutual exchange of privileges specifically : a recognition by one of two countries or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other

recision
n. : an act of rescinding : CANCELLATION

recital
n. 1 a : a detailed account : ENUMERATION <a recital of names and dates> b : the act or process or an instance of reciting c : DISCOURSE, NARRATION <a colorful recital of a night on the town>
2 a : a concert given by an individual musician or dancer or by a dance troupe b : a public exhibition of skill given by music or dance pupils
–re·cit·al·ist \-təl-ist\ noun

recitation
n. 1 : the act of enumerating <a recitation of relevant details>
2 : the act or an instance of reading or repeating aloud especially publicly
3 a : a student's oral reply to questions b : a class period especially in association with and for review of a lecture

recitative
n. 1 : a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios also : a passage to be delivered in this style
2 : RECITATION 2
–recitative adjective

recitativo
: RECITATIVE 1

recite
v. transitive verb
1 : to repeat from memory or read aloud publicly
2 a : to relate in full <recites dull anecdotes> b : to give a recital of : DETAIL <recited a catalog of offenses>
3 : to repeat or answer questions about (a lesson)
intransitive verb
1 : to repeat or read aloud something memorized or prepared
2 : to reply to a teacher's question on a lesson
–re·cit·er noun

reck
v. intransitive verb
1 : WORRY, CARE
2 archaic : to be of account or interest : MATTER
transitive verb
1 archaic : to care for : REGARD
2 archaic : to matter to : CONCERN

reckless
adj. 1 : marked by lack of proper caution : careless of consequences
2 : IRRESPONSIBLE <reckless charges>
synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
–reck·less·ly adverb
–reck·less·ness noun

Recklinghausen
n. city W Germany SW of Münster pop 125,966

reckon
v. transitive verb
1 a : COUNT <reckon the days till Christmas> b : ESTIMATE, COMPUTE <reckon the height of a building> c : to determine by reference to a fixed basis <the existence of the U.S. is reckoned from the Declaration of Independence>
2 : to regard or think of as : CONSIDER
3 chiefly dialect : THINK, SUPPOSE <I reckon I've outlived my time ― Ellen Glasgow>
intransitive verb
1 : to settle accounts
2 : to make a calculation
3 a : JUDGE b chiefly dialect : SUPPOSE, THINK
4 : to accept something as certain : place reliance <I reckon on your promise to help>
–reckon with : to take into consideration
–reckon without : to fail to consider : IGNORE

reckon
v. dead reckon
reckon without
reckon with
dead reckoning

reckon with
to take into consideration

reckon without
to fail to consider : IGNORE

reckoning
n. 1 : the act or an instance of reckoning: as a : ACCOUNT, BILL b : COMPUTATION c : calculation of a ship's position
2 : a settling of accounts <day of reckoning>
3 : a summing up

reclaim
v. 1 a : to recall from wrong or improper conduct : REFORM b : TAME, SUBDUE
2 a : to rescue from an undesirable state also : to restore to a previous natural state <reclaim mining sites> b : to make available for human use by changing natural conditions <reclaim swampland>
3 : to obtain from a waste product or by-product : RECOVER <reclaimed plastic>
4 a : to demand or obtain the return of b : to regain possession of
synonyms see RESCUE
–re·claim·able \-'klā-mə-bəl\ adjective

reclamation
n. : the act or process of reclaiming: as a : REFORMATION, REHABILITATION b : restoration to use : RECOVERY

reclame
n. 1 : a gift for dramatization or publicity : SHOWMANSHIP
2 : public acclaim <the play won critical reclame>

recline
v. transitive verb : to cause or permit to incline backwards
intransitive verb
1 : to lean or incline backwards
2 : REPOSE, LIE

recliner
n. : a chair with an adjustable back and footrest

reclosable
: capable of being tightly closed again after opening <reclosable packages of bacon>

recluse
n. : marked by withdrawal from society : SOLITARY
–re·clu·sive \ri-'klü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–re·clu·sive·ly adverb
–re·clu·sive·ness noun

recluse
n. : a person who leads a secluded or solitary life

reclusion
n. : the state of being recluse

recognise
v. chiefly British variant of recognize

recognition
n. 1 : the action of recognizing : the state of being recognized: as a : ACKNOWLEDGMENT especially : formal acknowledgment of the political existence of a government or nation b : knowledge or feeling that someone or something present has been encountered before
2 : special notice or attention
3 : the sensing and encoding of printed or written data by a machine <optical character recognition> <magnetic ink character recognition>

recognizance
n. 1 a : an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as appearance in court) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture <released on his own recognizance> b : the sum liable to forfeiture upon such an obligation
2 archaic : TOKEN, PLEDGE

recognize
1 : to acknowledge formally: as a : to admit as being lord or sovereign b : to admit as being of a particular status c : to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to d : to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2 : to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: as a : to acknowledge with a show of appreciation <recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medal> b : to acknowledge acquaintance with <recognize a neighbor with a nod>
3 a : to perceive to be something or someone previously known <recognized the word> b : to perceive clearly : REALIZE
–rec·og·niz·abil·i·ty \ˌre-kig-ˌnī-zə-'bi-lə-tē, -kəg-\ noun
–rec·og·niz·able \'re-kəg-ˌnī-zə-bəl, -kig-\ adjective
–rec·og·niz·ably \-blē\ adverb
–rec·og·niz·er noun

recoil
n. 1 a : to fall back under pressure b : to shrink back physically or emotionally
2 : to spring back to or as if to a starting point : REBOUND
3 obsolete : DEGENERATE
synonyms RECOIL, SHRINK, FLINCH, WINCE, BLENCH, QUAIL mean to draw back in fear or distaste. RECOIL implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust <recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>. SHRINK suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice <shrank from the unpleasant truth>. FLINCH implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution <faced her accusers without flinching>. WINCE suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) <winced in pain>. BLENCH implies fainthearted flinching <stood their ground without blenching>. QUAIL suggests shrinking and cowering in fear <quailed before the apparition>.

recoil
n. 1 : the act or action of recoiling especially : the kickback of a gun upon firing
2 : REACTION <the recoil from the rigors of Calvinism ― Edmund Wilson>

recoil-operated
of a firearm : utilizing the movement of parts in recoil to operate the action

recoilless
adj. : venting expanding propellant gas before recoil is produced <recoilless rifle> <recoilless airgun>

recoin
v. : to coin again or anew especially : REMINT
–re·coin·age \-'kȯi-nij\ noun

recollect
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring back to the level of conscious awareness : REMEMBER <trying to recollect the name>
2 : to remind (oneself) of something temporarily forgotten
intransitive verb : to call something to mind
synonyms see REMEMBER

recollected
v. : COMPOSED, CALM

recollection
n. 1 a : tranquillity of mind b : religious contemplation
2 a : the action or power of recalling to mind b : something recalled to the mind
synonyms see MEMORY

recombinant
n. 1 : relating to or exhibiting genetic recombination <recombinant progeny>
2 a : relating to or containing genetically engineered DNA b : produced by genetic engineering <recombinant bovine growth hormone>
–recombinant noun

recombinant DNA
: genetically engineered DNA usually incorporating DNA from more than one species of organism

recombination
n. : the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents
–re·com·bi·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

recombine
v. 1 : to combine again or anew
2 : to cause to undergo recombination
intransitive verb : to undergo recombination

recommend
v. 1 a : to present as worthy of acceptance or trial <recommended the medicine> b : to endorse as fit, worthy, or competent <recommends her for the position>
2 : ENTRUST, COMMIT <recommended his soul to God>
3 : to make acceptable <has other points to recommend it>
4 : ADVISE <recommend that the matter be dropped>
–rec·om·mend·able \-'men-də-bəl\ adjective
–rec·om·men·da·to·ry \-də-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
–rec·om·mend·er noun

recommendation
n. 1 a : the act of recommending b : something (as a procedure) recommended
2 : something that recommends or expresses commendation

recommit
v. 1 : to refer (as a bill) back to a committee
2 : to entrust or consign again
–re·com·mit·ment \-mənt\ noun
–re·com·mit·tal \-'mi-təl\ noun

recompense
n. 1 a : to give something to by way of compensation (as for a service rendered or damage incurred) b : to pay for
2 : to return in kind : REQUITE
synonyms see PAY

recompense
n. : an equivalent or a return for something done, suffered, or given : COMPENSATION <offered in recompense for injuries>

recompose
v. 1 : to compose again : REARRANGE
2 : to restore to composure
–re·com·po·si·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌkäm-pə-'zi-shən\ noun

recon
n. : RECONNAISSANCE

reconcile
transitive verb
1 a : to restore to friendship or harmony <reconciled the factions> b : SETTLE, RESOLVE <reconcile differences>
2 : to make consistent or congruous <reconcile an ideal with reality>
3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant <was reconciled to hardship>
4 a : to check (a financial account) against another for accuracy b : to account for
intransitive verb : to become reconciled
synonyms see ADAPT
–rec·on·cil·abil·i·ty \ˌre-kən-ˌsī-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–rec·on·cil·able \ˌre-kən-'sī-lə-bəl, 're-kən-ˌ\ adjective
–rec·on·cile·ment \'re-kən-ˌsī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
–rec·on·cil·er noun

reconciliation
n. 1 : the action of reconciling : the state of being reconciled
2 : the Roman Catholic sacrament of penance
–rec·on·cil·ia·to·ry \-'sil-yə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'si-lē-ə-\ adjective

recondite
adj. 1 : hidden from sight : CONCEALED
2 : difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend : DEEP <a recondite subject>
3 : of, relating to, or dealing with something little known or obscure <recondite fact about the origin of the holiday ― Floyd Dell>
–re·con·dite·ly adverb
–re·con·dite·ness noun

recondition
v. 1 : to restore to good condition (as by replacing parts)
2 : to condition (as a person or a person's attitudes) anew also : to reinstate (a response) in an organism

reconfirm
v. : to confirm again also : to establish more strongly
–re·con·fir·ma·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌkän-fər-'mā-shən\ noun

reconnaissance
n. : a preliminary survey to gain information especially : an exploratory military survey of enemy territory

reconnoiter
transitive verb : to make a reconnaissance of
intransitive verb : to engage in reconnaissance

reconsider
v. : to consider again especially with a view to changing or reversing
intransitive verb : to consider something again
–re·con·sid·er·a·tion \-ˌsi-də-'rā-shən\ noun

reconstitute
v. : to constitute again or anew especially : to restore to a former condition by adding water
–re·con·sti·tu·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌkän(t)-stə-'tü-shən, -'tyü-\ noun

reconstruct
v. : to construct again: as a : to establish or assemble again b : to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect c : to build up mentally : RECREATE <reconstructing a lost civilization>
–re·con·struct·ible \-'strək-tə-bəl\ adjective
–re·con·struc·tive \-tiv\ adjective
–re·con·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

reconstruction
n. 1 a : the action of reconstructing : the state of being reconstructed b often capitalized : the reorganization and reestablishment of the seceded states in the Union after the American Civil War
2 : something reconstructed

reconstructionism
n. 1 : a movement in 20th century American Judaism that advocates a creative adjustment to contemporary conditions through the cultivation of traditions and folkways shared by all Jews
2 : advocacy of post-Civil War reconstruction
–re·con·struc·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun often cap

reconstructive surgery
: surgery to restore function or normal appearance by reconstructing defective organs or parts

recontextualize
: to place (as a literary or artistic work) in a different context

reconvey
v. : to convey back to a previous position or owner
–re·con·vey·ance \-'vā-ən(t)s\ noun

record
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to set down in writing : furnish written evidence of (2) : to deposit an authentic official copy of <record a deed> b : to state for or as if for the record <voted in favor but recorded certain reservations> c (1) : to register permanently by mechanical means <earthquake shocks recorded by a seismograph> (2) : INDICATE, READ <the thermometer recorded 90°>
2 : to give evidence of
3 : to cause (as sound, visual images, or data) to be registered on something (as a disc or magnetic tape) in reproducible form
intransitive verb : to record something
–re·cord·able \-'kȯr-də-bəl\ adjective

record
n. 1 : the state or fact of being recorded
2 : something that records: as a : something that recalls or relates past events b : an official document that records the acts of a public body or officer c : an authentic official copy of a document deposited with a legally designated officer d : the official copy of the papers used in a law case
3 a (1) : a body of known or recorded facts about something or someone especially with reference to a particular sphere of activity that often forms a discernible pattern <a good academic record> <a liberal voting record> (2) : a collection of related items of information (as in a database) treated as a unit b (1) : an attested top performance (2) : an unsurpassed statistic
4 : something on which sound or visual images have been recorded specifically : a disc with a spiral groove carrying recorded sound for phonograph reproduction
–for the record : for public knowledge : on the record
–off the record : not for publication <spoke off the record> <remarks that were off the record>
–of record
1 : being documented or attested <a partner of record in several firms>
2 : being authoritative or sanctioned <a newspaper of record>
–on record
1 : in the position of having publicly declared oneself <went on record as opposed to higher taxes>
2 : being known, published, or documented <the judge's opinion is on record>
–on the record : for publication

record
n. : of, relating to, or being one that is extraordinary among or surpasses others of its kind

record
n. : a function of an electronic device that causes it to record

record
n. court of record
gold record
off the record
platinum record
on the record
on record
of record
for the record
tape record
track record
magnetic recording
self recording
strip chart recording
tape recording
wire recording

recordation
n. : the action or process of recording

recorder
n. 1 a : the chief judicial magistrate of some British cities and boroughs b : a municipal judge with criminal jurisdiction of first instance and sometimes limited civil jurisdiction
2 : one that records
3 : any of a group of wind instruments ranging from soprano to bass that are characterized by a conical tube, a whistle mouthpiece, and eight finger holes

recorder
n. flight recorder
magnetic recorder
strip chart recorder
tape recorder
videocassette recorder
videotape recorder
video recorder
wire recorder

recording
n. : RECORD 4

recording
n. magnetic recording
self recording
strip chart recording
tape recording
wire recording

recordist
n. : one who records sound (as on magnetic tape)

recount
n. : to relate in detail : NARRATE
–re·count·er noun

recount
n. : to count again

recount
n. : a second or fresh count

recoup
v. transitive verb
1 a : to get an equivalent for (as losses) : make up for b : REIMBURSE, COMPENSATE <recoup a person for losses>
2 : REGAIN <an attempt to recoup his fortune>
intransitive verb : to make good or make up for something lost also : RECUPERATE
–re·coup·able \-'kü-pə-bəl\ adjective
–re·coup·ment \-'küp-mənt\ noun

recourse
n. 1 a : a turning to someone or something for help or protection <settled the matter without recourse to law> b : a source of help or strength : RESORT <had no recourse left>
2 : the right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument (as a check)

recover
v. transitive verb
1 : to get back : REGAIN
2 a : to bring back to normal position or condition <stumbled, then recovered himself> b archaic : RESCUE
3 a : to make up for <recover increased costs through higher prices> b : to gain by legal process
4 archaic : REACH
5 : to find or identify again <recover a comet>
6 a : to obtain from an ore, a waste product, or a by-product b : to save from loss and restore to usefulness : RECLAIM
intransitive verb
1 : to regain a normal position or condition (as of health) <recovering from a cold>
2 : to obtain a final legal judgment in one's favor
–re·cov·er·abil·i·ty \-ˌkə-və-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌkəv-rə-\ noun
–re·cov·er·able \-'kə-və-rə-bəl, -'kəv-rə-\ adjective
–re·cov·er·er \-'kə-vər-ər\ noun

recovered memory
: a memory of a traumatic event (as sexual abuse) experienced typically during childhood that is forgotten and then recalled many years later that is sometimes held to be an invalid or false remembrance generated by outside influence

recovering
n. : being in the process of overcoming a disorder or shortcoming <a recovering alcoholic> <a still-bookish recovering academic with a tendency to live in his head ― Jon Spayde>

recovery
n. 1 : the act, process, or an instance of recovering especially : an economic upturn (as after a depression)
2 : the process of combating a disorder (as alcoholism) or a real or perceived problem

recovery
n. enhanced recovery
recovery room
spontaneous recovery

recovery room
: a hospital room equipped for meeting postoperative emergencies

recreant
n. 1 : crying for mercy : COWARDLY
2 : unfaithful to duty or allegiance

recreant
n. 1 : COWARD
2 : APOSTATE, DESERTER

recreate
v. transitive verb : to give new life or freshness to : REFRESH
intransitive verb : to take recreation
–rec·re·a·tive \-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

recreation
n. : refreshment of strength and spirits after work also : a means of refreshment or diversion : HOBBY

recreation room
1 : a room (as a rumpus room) used for recreation and relaxation ― called also rec room
2 : a public room (as in a hospital) for recreation and social activities

recreational
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of recreation
2 : of or relating to recreational drugs or their use

recreational drug
: a drug (as cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine) used without medical justification for its psychoactive effects often in the belief that occasional use of such a substance is not habit-forming or addictive

recreational vehicle
: a vehicle designed for recreational use (as in camping) especially : MOTOR HOME

recreationist
: a person who seeks recreation especially in the outdoors

recrimination
n. : a retaliatory accusation also : the making of such accusations <endless recrimination>
–re·crim·i·nate \-'kri-mə-ˌnāt\ intransitive verb
–re·crim·i·na·tive \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–re·crim·i·na·to·ry \-'kri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'krim-nə-\ adjective

recrudesce
v. : to break out or become active again

recrudescence
n. : a new outbreak after a period of abatement or inactivity : RENEWAL <a recrudescence of the symptoms> <a recrudescence of guerrilla warfare>

recrudescent
adj. : breaking out again : RENEWING

recruit
n. 1 a (1) : to fill up the number of (as an army) with new members : REINFORCE (2) : to enlist as a member of an armed service b : to increase or maintain the number of <America recruited her population from Europe> c : to secure the services of : ENGAGE, HIRE d : to seek to enroll <recruit prospective students>
2 : REPLENISH
3 : to restore or increase the health, vigor, or intensity of
intransitive verb : to enlist new members
–re·cruit·er noun

recruit
n. 1 : a fresh or additional supply
2 : a newcomer to a field or activity specifically : a newly enlisted or drafted member of the armed forces
3 : a former enlisted man of the lowest rank in the army

recruitment
n. 1 : the action or process of recruiting
2 : the process of adding new individuals to a population or subpopulation (as of breeding or legally catchable individuals) by growth, reproduction, immigration, and stocking also : a measure (as in numbers or biomass) of recruitment

recrystallize
v. : to crystallize again or repeatedly
–re·crys·tal·li·za·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌkris-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

rectal
adj. : relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum <rectal walls> <rectal cancer>
–rec·tal·ly adverb

rectangle
n. : a parallelogram all of whose angles are right angles especially : one with adjacent sides of unequal length

rectangular
adj. 1 : shaped like a rectangle <a rectangular area>
2 a : crossing, lying, or meeting at a right angle <rectangular axes> b : having edges, surfaces, or faces that meet at right angles : having faces or surfaces shaped like rectangles <rectangular parallelepipeds> <a rectangular solid>
–rect·an·gu·lar·i·ty \(ˌ)rek-ˌtaŋ-gyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–rect·an·gu·lar·ly \rek-'taŋ-gyə-lər-lē\ adverb

rectangular coordinate
: a Cartesian coordinate of a Cartesian coordinate system whose straight-line axes or coordinate planes are perpendicular

rectifiable
adj. : having finite length <a rectifiable curve>
–rec·ti·fi·abil·i·ty \ˌrek-tə-ˌfī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

rectifier
n. : one that rectifies specifically : a device for converting alternating current into direct current

rectify
v. 1 : to set right : REMEDY
2 : to purify (as alcohol) especially by repeated or fractional distillation
3 : to correct by removing errors : ADJUST <rectify the calendar>
4 : to make (an alternating current) unidirectional
synonyms see CORRECT
–rec·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌrek-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

rectilinear
adj. 1 : moving in or forming a straight line <rectilinear motion>
2 : characterized by straight lines <the rectilinear skyline of a modern city>
3 : PERPENDICULAR 3
–rec·ti·lin·e·ar·i·ty \-ˌli-nē-'a-rə-tē\ noun
–rec·ti·lin·e·ar·ly adverb

rectitude
n. 1 : the quality or state of being straight
2 : moral integrity : RIGHTEOUSNESS
3 : the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure

rectitudinous
adj. 1 : characterized by rectitude
2 : piously self-righteous

recto
n. 1 : the side of a leaf (as of a manuscript) that is to be read first
2 : a right-hand page ― compare VERSO

rector
n. 1 : one that directs : LEADER
2 a : a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish b : an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights c : a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties
3 : the head of a university or school
–rec·tor·ate \-t(ə-)rət\ noun
–rec·to·ri·al \rek-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–rec·tor·ship \'rek-tər-ˌship\ noun

rectory
n. 1 : a benefice held by a rector
2 : a residence of a rector or a parish priest

rectrix
n. : any of the quill feathers of a bird's tail that are important in controlling flight direction ― see BIRD illustration

rectum
n. : the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

rectus
n. : any of several straight muscles (as of the abdomen)

reculer pour mieux sauter
: to draw back in order to make a better jump

recumbency
n. : the state of leaning, resting, or reclining : REPOSE also : a recumbent position

recumbent
adj. 1 a : suggestive of repose : LEANING, RESTING b : lying down
2 : representing a person lying down <a recumbent statue>
synonyms see PRONE

recuperate
v. transitive verb
1 : to get back : REGAIN
2 : to bring back into use or currency : REVIVE <recuperate old traditions>
intransitive verb : to regain a former state or condition especially : to recover health or strength
–re·cu·per·a·tion \-ˌkü-pə-'rā-shən, -ˌkyü-\ noun

recuperative
adj. 1 : of or relating to recuperation <recuperative powers>
2 : aiding in recuperation : RESTORATIVE

recur
v. 1 : to have recourse : RESORT
2 : to go back in thought or discourse <on recurring to my letters of that date ― Thomas Jefferson>
3 a : to come up again for consideration b : to come again to mind
4 : to occur again after an interval : occur time after time <the cancer recurred>
–re·cur·rence \-'kər-ən(t)s, -'kə-rən(t)s\ noun

recurrent
adj. 1 : running or turning back in a direction opposite to a former course ― used of various nerves and branches of vessels in the arms and legs
2 : returning or happening time after time <recurrent complaints>
–re·cur·rent·ly adverb

recurring decimal
: REPEATING DECIMAL

recursion
n. 1 : RETURN 1
2 : the determination of a succession of elements (as numbers or functions) by operation on one or more preceding elements according to a rule or formula involving a finite number of steps
3 : a computer programming technique involving the use of a procedure, subroutine, function, or algorithm that calls itself one or more times until a specified condition is met at which time the rest of each repetition is processed from the last one called to the first ― compare ITERATION

recursive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving recursion <a recursive function in a computer program>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a procedure that can repeat itself indefinitely <a recursive rule in a grammar>
–re·cur·sive·ly adverb
–re·cur·sive·ness noun

recurve
v. : an archery bow whose tips are curved toward the back

recurved
adj. : curved backward or inward <recurved claws> <recurved petals>

recusancy
n. : the act or state of being a recusant

recusant
adj. 1 : an English Roman Catholic of the time from about 1570 to 1791 who refused to attend services of the Church of England and thereby committed a statutory offense
2 : one who refuses to accept or obey established authority
–recusant adjective

recuse
v. : to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case broadly : to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest
–re·cus·al \-'kyü-zəl\ noun

recut
v. 1 : to cut again
2 : to edit (as a film) anew

recycle
v. 1 : to pass again through a series of changes or treatments: as a : to process (as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use b : RECOVER 6 c : to reuse or make (a substance) available for reuse for biological activities through natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification <green plants recycling the residue of forest fires> <recycle ADP back to ATP>
2 : to adapt to a new use : ALTER
3 : to bring back : REUSE <recycles a number of good anecdotes ― Larry McMurtry>
4 : to make ready for reuse <a plan to recycle vacant tenements>
intransitive verb
1 : to return to an earlier point in a countdown
2 : to return to an original condition so that operation can begin again ― used of an electronic device
–re·cy·cla·bil·i·ty \-ˌsī-k(ə-)lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·cy·cla·ble \-'sī-k(ə-)lə-bəl\ adjective or noun
–re·cy·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

recycle
v. : the process of recycling

Red
n. 1 river 1018 mi (1638 km) flowing E on Okla.-Tex. boundary & into the Atchafalaya & Mississippi in La.
2 river N cen U.S. & S cen Canada flowing N on Minn.-N.Dak. boundary & into Lake Winnipeg in Man.
3 ― see ARCTIC RED
4 or Hong \'hȯŋ\ or (in China) Yuan \yu̇-'än, -'an\ river 500 mi (805 km) SE Asia rising in cen Yunnan, China, & flowing SE across N Vietnam into Gulf of Tonkin

red
n. 1 a : of the color red b : having red as a distinguishing color
2 a (1) : flushed especially with anger or embarrassment (2) : RUDDY, FLORID (3) : being or having skin of a coppery hue b : BLOODSHOT <eyes red from crying> c : being in the color range between a moderate orange and russet or bay d : tinged with red : REDDISH
3 : heated to redness : GLOWING
4 a : inciting or endorsing radical social or political change especially by force b often capitalized : COMMUNIST c often capitalized : of or relating to a communist country and especially to the U.S.S.R.
–red in tooth and claw : characterized by or displaying brutal emotion or violent behavior

red
n. 1 : a color whose hue resembles that of blood or of the ruby or is that of the long-wave extreme of the visible spectrum
2 : red clothing <the lady in red>
3 : one that is of a red or reddish color: as a : RED WINE b : an animal with a red or reddish coat
4 a : a pigment or dye that colors red b : a shade or tint of red
5 a : one who advocates the violent overthrow of an existing social or political order b capitalized : COMMUNIST
6 [from the bookkeeping practice of entering debit items in red ink] : the condition of showing a loss ― usually used with the <in the red> ― compare BLACK

red
n. reduce; reduction

red
n. red deer
red breasted bream
red marrow
brick red
citrus red mite
Congo red
European red mite
far red
fire engine red
Indian red
neutral red
Panama Red
phenol red
red in tooth and claw
red admiral
red alert
red alga
red ant
red bait
red baiter
red baiting
red bay
red bean
red bellied dace
red blooded
red bug
red carpet
red cedar
red cent
red clover
red cockaded woodpecker
red coral
Red Cross
red currant
Red Delicious
red dog
red drum
red dwarf
red eye
red eyed vireo
red fescue
red flag
red flannel hash
red fox
red giant
red green blindness
red green color blindness
Red Guard
red gum
red handed
red heat
red herring
red hot
red hot poker
Red Indian
red ink
red kangaroo
red lead
red leaf
red legged grasshopper
red legged locust
red letter
red light
red man
red maple
red mass
red meat
red mite
red mulberry
red mullet
red oak
red ocher
red osier
red panda
red pencil
red pepper
red pine
red poll
red ribbon
red rust
red salmon
red shafted flicker
red shouldered hawk
red sindhi
red siskin
red snapper
red snow
red soil
red podzolic soil
red spider
red spruce
red squill
red squirrel
red star
red tailed hawk
red tape
red tide
red water
red wheat
red wine
red winged blackbird
red wolf
red worm
red zone
Rhode Island Red
see red
Turkey red
Venetian red
western red cedar
Red Cloud
Arctic Red
Red Deer
Red Lake
Red Sea
Red Volta
red blood cell
red corpuscle
red cell
red blood corpuscle
Yuan Shih k'ai
Hong Kong
Hong Konger

red admiral
: a nymphalid butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) that is common in both Europe and America, has broad orange-red bands on the forewings, and feeds chiefly on nettles in the larval stage

red alert
: the final stage of alert in which enemy attack appears imminent broadly : a state of alert brought on by impending danger

red alga
: any of a division (Rhodophyta) of chiefly marine algae that have predominantly red pigmentation

red ant
: any of various reddish ants (as the pharaoh ant)

red bay
: a southern U.S. tree (Persea borbonia) of the laurel family having aromatic evergreen leaves and dark red heartwood

red bean
1 : a red kidney bean and especially one that is small and round
2 : a small dark red seed of the adzuki bean that is often combined with sugar to produce a sweet paste used in cooking

red blood cell
: any of the hemoglobin-containing cells that carry oxygen to the tissues and are responsible for the red color of vertebrate blood ― called also erythrocyte red blood corpuscle red cell red corpuscle

red bug
Southern & Midland : CHIGGER 2

red carpet
: a greeting or reception marked by ceremonial courtesy ― usually used in the phrase roll out the red carpet

red cedar
1 : a common juniper (Juniperus virginiana) chiefly of the eastern U.S. that has dark green closely imbricated scalelike leaves also : a related tree (J. silicicola) of the southeastern U.S.
2 : WESTERN RED CEDAR 1
3 : the red or reddish-brown wood of a red cedar

red cent
: PENNY ― used for emphasis in negative constructions

Red Cloud
1822-1909 Sioux Indian chief

red clover
: a European clover (Trifolium pratense) that has globose heads of reddish-purple flowers, is widely cultivated as a hay, forage, and cover crop, and is naturalized in the U.S.

red coral
: a gorgonian (Corallium rubrum) of the Mediterranean and adjacent parts of the Atlantic having a hard stony skeleton of a delicate red or pink color used for ornaments and jewelry

Red Cross
: a red Greek cross on a white background used as the emblem of the International Red Cross

red currant
: either of two Old World currants (Ribes sativum and R. rubrum) often cultivated for their fruit also : the fruit

Red Deer
1 river 385 mi (620 km) Canada in S Alta. flowing E & SE into the S. Saskatchewan
2 city Canada in S cen Alta. S of Edmonton pop 67,707

red deer
: ELK 1B ― used for one of the Old World

Red Delicious
: a usually large apple with sweet crisp juicy flesh and dark red skin

red dog
: BLITZ 2B
–red dog verb

red drum
: a large coppery drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) chiefly of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of No. America that has a black spot at the base of the tail and is an important game and food fish ― called also channel bass redfish

red dwarf
: a star having substantially lower surface temperature, intrinsic luminosity, mass, and size than the sun

red fescue
: a perennial pasture and turf fescue (Festuca rubra) of Eurasia and No. America that has creeping rootstocks and reddish lemmas and sheaths

red flag
1 : a warning signal
2 : something that attracts usually irritated attention

red flannel hash
: hash made especially from beef, potatoes, and beets

red fox
: a usually orange-red to reddish-brown Holarctic fox (Vulpes vulpes) that has a white-tipped tail ― compare SILVER FOX

red giant
: a star that has low surface temperature and a diameter that is large relative to the sun

Red Guard
: a member of a paramilitary youth organization in China in the 1960s

red gum
1 a : any of several Australian eucalyptus trees including one (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) naturalized especially in California b : the reddish-brown gum of a eucalyptus
2 : SWEET GUM

red heat
: the state of being red-hot also : the temperature at which a substance is red-hot

red herring
1 : a herring cured by salting and slow smoking to a dark brown color
2 [from the practice of drawing a red herring across a trail to confuse hunting dogs] : something that distracts attention from the real issue

red hot
1 : one who shows intense emotion or partisanship
2 : HOT DOG 1
3 : a small red candy strongly flavored with cinnamon

red in tooth and claw
characterized by or displaying brutal emotion or violent behavior

Red Indian
chiefly British : AMERICAN INDIAN

red ink
1 : a business loss : DEFICIT
2 : the condition of showing a business loss

red kangaroo
: a large kangaroo (Macropus rufus) of the dry plains of inland Australia with the male having a reddish-brown coat

Red Lake
lake 38 mi (61 km) long N Minn. divided into Upper Red Lake & Lower Red Lake; drained by Red Lake River (196 mi or 315 km flowing W into Red River)

red lead
: an orange-red to brick-red lead oxide Pb_3O_4 used in storage-battery plates, in glass and ceramics, and as a paint pigment

red leaf
: any of several plant diseases characterized by reddening of the foliage

red light
: a warning signal especially : a red traffic signal

red man
1 : AMERICAN INDIAN
2 capitalized R&M [Improved Order of Red Men] : a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order

red maple
: a common tree (Acer rubrum) of eastern and central No. America that grows chiefly in moist soils, has reddish twigs and flowers, and yields a lighter and softer wood than the sugar maple

red marrow
: BONE MARROW B

red mass
: a votive mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated in red vestments especially at the opening of courts and congresses

red meat
1 : meat (as beef) that is red when raw
2 : something substantial that can satisfy a basic need or appetite <hungry for the red meat of passionate partisanship ― William Safire>

red mite
: any of several mites having a red color: as a : EUROPEAN RED MITE b : CITRUS RED MITE

red mulberry
: a mulberry (Morus rubra) of No. American forests with toothed leaves and soft durable wood also : its edible usually purple fruit

red mullet
: GOATFISH especially : either of two red or reddish food fishes (Mullus surmuletus and M. barbatus) of the Mediterranean Sea and the warmer Atlantic coasts of Europe and northern Africa that are noted for their ability to change color

red oak
1 : any of various No. American oaks (as Quercus rubra and Quercus falcata) that have acorns with the inner surface of the shell lined with woolly hairs, the acorn cap covered with thin scales, and leaf veins that usually run beyond the margin of the leaf to form bristles
2 : the wood of a red oak

red ocher
: a red earthy hematite used as a pigment

red osier
: a common shrubby No. American dogwood (Cornus stolonifera syn. C. sericea) with reddish-purple twigs, small white flowers, and globose blue or whitish fruit

red panda
: a long-tailed largely herbivorous mammal (Ailurus fulgens) that is related to and resembles the American raccoon, has long rusty or chestnut fur, and is found from the Himalayas to China ― called also lesser panda

red pepper
1 : a mature red capsicum fruit (as a sweet pepper or hot pepper)
2 : CAYENNE PEPPER 1

red pine
1 : a No. American pine (Pinus resinosa) that has reddish bark and two long needles in each cluster
2 : the relatively hard wood of the red pine that consists chiefly of sapwood

red poll
: any of a breed of large hornless red beef cattle of English origin

red ribbon
: a red ribbon usually with appropriate words or markings awarded the second-place winner in a competition

red rust
1 : the uredinial stage of a rust
2 : the diseased condition produced by red rust

red salmon
: SOCKEYE SALMON

Red Sea
sea 1450 mi (2334 km) long bet. Arabia & NE Africa

red sindhi
: any of a breed of humped rather small red dairy cattle developed in southwestern Asia and extensively used for crossbreeding with European stock in tropical areas

red siskin
: a finch (Carduelis cucullata of the family Fringillidae) of northern So. America that is scarlet with black head, wings, and tail

red snapper
: any of various reddish fishes (as of the genera Lutjanus and Sebastes) including several food fishes

red snow
: snow colored by various airborne dusts or by a growth of algae (as of the genus Chlamydomonas) that contain red pigment and live in the upper layer of snow also : an alga causing red snow

red soil
: any of a group of zonal soils that develop in a warm temperate moist climate under deciduous or mixed forests and that have thin organic and organic-mineral layers overlying a yellowish-brown leached layer resting on a red horizon marked by illuviation ― called also red podzolic soil

red spider
: SPIDER MITE especially : TWO-SPOTTED SPIDER MITE

red spruce
: a spruce (Picea rubens) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has pubescent twigs and yellowish-green needles and is an important source of lumber and pulpwood

red squill
1 : a squill having a bulb with red outer scales broadly : SQUILL 1A
2 : a rat poison derived from the bulb of red squill

red squirrel
: a common and widely distributed No. American squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) that has reddish upper parts and is smaller than the gray squirrel

red star
: a star having a very low surface temperature and a red color

red tape
: official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction

red tide
: seawater discolored by the presence of large numbers of dinoflagellates (esp. of the genera Gonyaulax and Gymnodinium) which produce a toxin poisonous especially to many forms of marine vertebrate life and to humans who consume contaminated shellfish ― compare SAXITOXIN

Red Volta
v. river 200 mi (322 km) S Burkina Faso & N Ghana flowing into Lake Volta

red water
: any of several cattle diseases (as Texas fever) characterized by hematuria

red wheat
: a wheat that has red grains

red wine
: a wine with a predominantly red color derived during fermentation from the natural pigment in the skins of dark-colored grapes

red wolf
: a wolf (Canis rufus syn. C. niger) orig. of the southeastern U.S. that has been extirpated from most of its natural range

red worm
: BLOODWORM

red zone
: the area of a football field inside an opponent's 20-yard line

red-bait
transitive verb : to subject (as a person or group) to red-baiting
intransitive verb : to engage in red-baiting
–red-bait·er noun often cap R

red-baiting
: the act of attacking or persecuting as a Communist or as communistic

red-blooded
: VIGOROUS, LUSTY

red-carpet
: marked by ceremonial courtesy <red-carpet treatment>

red-cockaded woodpecker
: an endangered chiefly black-and-white woodpecker (Picoides borealis) of the southeastern U.S. having a barred back, white cheek patches, and in the male a small tuft of red feathers on each side of the head

red-eye
1 : cheap whiskey
2 : the phenomenon of a subject's eyes appearing red in a color photograph taken with a flash
3 : a late night or overnight flight

red-eyed vireo
: a No. American vireo (Vireo olivaceus) having an olive-green back, white underparts, and red irises

red-green blindness
: deficiency of color vision ranging from imperfect perception of red and green to an ability to see only tones of yellow, blue, and gray ― called also red-green color blindness

red-handed
: in the act of committing a crime or misdeed <caught red-handed>

red-hot
: extremely hot: as a : glowing with heat b : exhibiting or marked by intense emotion, enthusiasm, or violence <a red-hot campaign> c : FRESH, NEW <red-hot news> d : extremely popular

red-hot poker
: a south African herb (Kniphofia uvaria) of the lily family having long linear leaves and tall spikes of bright red, orange-red, or yellow flowers

red-legged grasshopper
: a widely distributed and sometimes highly destructive small No. American grasshopper (Melanoplus femur-rubrum) with red hind legs ― called also red-legged locust

red-letter
: of special significance

red-light
: having numerous houses of prostitution <a red-light district>

red-pencil
1 : CENSOR
2 : CORRECT, REVISE

red-shafted flicker
: a flicker of western No. America with light red on the underside of the tail and wings, a gray nape with no red, and in the male red on each cheek

red-shouldered hawk
: a common No. American hawk (Buteo lineatus) that has a banded tail and a light spot on the underside of the wings toward the tips

red-tailed hawk
: a widely distributed chiefly rodent-eating New World hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) that is usually mottled dusky above and white streaked dusky and tinged with buff below and has a rather short typically reddish tail ― called also redtail

red-winged blackbird
: a No. American blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) of which the adult male is black with a patch of bright scarlet at the bend of the wings bordered behind with yellow or buff ― called also redwing blackbird

redact
adj. 1 : to put in writing : FRAME
2 : to select or adapt (as by obscuring or removing sensitive information) for publication or release broadly : EDIT
3 : to obscure or remove (text) from a document prior to publication or release

redaction
n. 1 : an act or instance of redacting something
2 : a work that has been redacted : EDITION, VERSION
–re·dac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

redactor
n. : one who redacts a work especially : EDITOR

redargue
archaic : CONFUTE, DISPROVE

redate
1 : to date again or anew
2 : to change the date of : give a different date to

redbelly dace
: either of two small brightly marked No. American cyprinid fishes (Phoxinus eos and P. erythrogaster) ― called also red-bel·lied dace \-lēd-\

redbird
n. : any of several birds (as a cardinal or scarlet tanager) with predominantly red plumage

redbone
: any of a breed of agile speedy coonhounds of U.S. origin having a usually solid dark red coat

redbreast
n. 1 : a bird (as a robin) with a reddish breast
2 : a reddish-bellied sunfish (Lepomis auritus) of the eastern U.S. ― called also red-breasted bream

redbrick
adj. 1 : built of red brick
2 often capitalized [from the common use of red brick in constructing the buildings of recently founded universities] : of, relating to, or being the British universities founded in the 19th or early 20th century ― compare OXBRIDGE, PLATEGLASS

Redbridge
borough of NE Greater London, England pop 220,600

redbud
n. : any of several deciduous shrubs or trees (genus Cercis) of the legume family with usually pale rosy-pink flowers

redcap
n. : a baggage porter (as at a railroad station) ― compare SKYCAP

redcoat
n. : a British soldier especially in America during the Revolutionary War

redd
v. transitive verb chiefly dialect : to set in order ― usually used with up or out
intransitive verb chiefly dialect : to make things tidy ― usually used with up

redd
v. : the spawning ground or nest of various fishes

redden
v. transitive verb : to make red or reddish
intransitive verb : to become red especially : BLUSH

Redding
n. city N Calif. pop 80,865

reddish
adj. : tinged with red
–red·dish·ness noun

rede
n. 1 archaic : to give counsel to : ADVISE
2 archaic : INTERPRET, EXPLAIN

rede
n. 1 archaic : COUNSEL, ADVICE
2 archaic : ACCOUNT, STORY

redear
: a common sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) of the southern and eastern U.S. that resembles the bluegill but has the back part of the operculum bright orange red and that feeds especially on snails ― called also shellcracker

redecorate
v. : to freshen or change in appearance : REFURBISH
intransitive verb : to freshen or change a decorative scheme
–re·dec·o·ra·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌde-kə-'rā-shən\ noun
–re·dec·o·ra·tor \(ˌ)rē-'de-kə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

redeem
v. 1 a : to buy back : REPURCHASE b : to get or win back
2 : to free from what distresses or harms: as a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental c : to release from blame or debt : CLEAR d : to free from the consequences of sin
3 : to change for the better : REFORM
4 : REPAIR, RESTORE
5 a : to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby b (1) : to remove the obligation of by payment <the U.S. Treasury redeems savings bonds on demand> (2) : to exchange for something of value <redeem trading stamps> c : to make good : FULFILL
6 a : to atone for : EXPIATE <redeem an error> b (1) : to offset the bad effect of (2) : to make worthwhile : RETRIEVE
synonyms see RESCUE
–re·deem·able \-'dē-mə-bəl\ adjective

redeemer
n. : a person who redeems especially capitalized : JESUS

redeeming
adj. : serving to offset or compensate for a defect <her performance is the film's redeeming feature>

redefine
v. 1 : to define (as a concept) again : REFORMULATE <had to redefine their terms>
2 a : to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change b : TRANSFORM 1C
–re·def·i·ni·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-'ni-shən\ noun

redemption
n. : the act, process, or an instance of redeeming

redemptioner
n. : an immigrant to America in the 18th and 19th centuries who obtained passage by becoming an indentured servant

redemptive
adj. : of, relating to, or bringing about redemption <redemptive suffering>

Redemptorist
: a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori in Scala, Italy, in 1732 and devoted to preaching

redemptory
adj. : serving to redeem

redeploy
v. : to transfer from one area or activity to another
intransitive verb : to relocate men or equipment
–re·de·ploy·ment \-mənt\ noun

redescribe
v. : to describe anew or again especially : to give a new and more complete description to (a biological taxon)

redescription
: a new and more complete description especially of a biological taxon

redesign
v. : to revise in appearance, function, or content
–redesign noun

redevelop
v. : to develop again especially : REDESIGN, REBUILD
–re·de·vel·op·er noun

redevelopment
n. : the act or process of redeveloping especially : renovation of a blighted area <urban redevelopment>

redeye gravy
: gravy made from the juices of ham and often flavored with coffee

redfish
n. : any of various reddish fishes: as a (1) : a marine scorpaenid food fish (Sebastes marinus) of the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and No. America that is usually bright rose red or orange red when mature ― called also rosefish (2) : a fish (Sebastes mentella) related to the redfish b : RED DRUM

redhead
n. 1 : a person having red hair
2 : a No. American duck (Aythya americana) resembling the related canvasback but having a shorter bill with a black tip and in the male a brighter reddish head

redheaded
adj. : having red hair or a red head

redhorse
: any of various large suckers (genus Moxostoma) of No. American rivers and lakes with the males having red tail fins especially in the breeding season

redia
n. : a larva produced within the sporocyst of many trematodes that produces another generation of rediae or develops into a cercaria
–re·di·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

redial
n. : a function on a telephone that automatically repeats the dialing of the last number called also : a button that invokes this function
–re·dial verb

redingote
n. : a fitted outer garment: as a : a double-breasted coat with wide flat cuffs and collar worn by men in the 18th century b : a woman's lightweight coat open at the front c : a dress with a front gore of contrasting material

redintegrate
v. archaic : to restore to a former and especially sound state

redintegration
n. 1 archaic : restoration to a former state
2 a : revival of the whole of a previous mental state when a phase of it recurs b : arousal of any response by a part of the complex of stimuli that originally aroused that response
–red·in·te·gra·tive \-'din-tə-ˌgrā-tiv\ adjective

redirect
v. : to change the course or direction of
–re·di·rec·tion \-'rek-shən\ noun

rediscount
n. : to discount again (as commercial paper)
–re·dis·count·able \-ˌkau̇n-tə-bəl, -'kau̇n-\ adjective

rediscount
n. 1 : the act or process of rediscounting
2 : negotiable paper that is rediscounted

redistribute
v. 1 : to alter the distribution of : REALLOCATE
2 : to spread to other areas
–re·dis·tri·bu·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌdis-trə-'byü-shən\ noun
–re·dis·tri·bu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–re·dis·trib·u·tive \ˌrē-də-'stri-byü-tiv, -byə-\ adjective

redistributionist
n. : one who believes in or advocates a welfare state
–redistributionist adjective

redistrict
v. : to divide anew into districts specifically : to revise the legislative districts of
intransitive verb : to revise legislative districts

redivivus
: brought back to life : REBORN ― used postpositively

Redlands
city S Calif. SE of San Bernardino pop 63,591

redleg
: ARTILLERYMAN

redline
v. : a recommended safety limit : the fastest, farthest, or highest point or degree considered safe also : the red line which marks this point on a gauge

redline
v. : to withhold home-loan funds or insurance from neighborhoods considered poor economic risks
transitive verb : to discriminate against in housing or insurance

redly
adv. : in a red manner : with red color

Redmond
John Edward 1856-1918 Irish polit.

Redmond
city W cen Wash. NE of Seattle pop 45,256

redneck
n. 1 sometimes disparaging : a white member of the Southern rural laboring class
2 often disparaging : a person whose behavior and opinions are similar to those attributed to rednecks
–redneck also red·necked \-ˌnekt\ adjective

redness
n. : the quality or state of being red or red-hot

redo
v. 1 : to do over or again
2 : REDECORATE
–re·do \'rē-ˌdü, ˌrē-'dü\ noun

redolence
n. 1 : an often pungent or agreeable odor
2 : the quality or state of being redolent
synonyms see FRAGRANCE

redolent
adj. 1 : exuding fragrance : AROMATIC
2 a : full of a specified fragrance : SCENTED <air redolent of seaweed> b : EVOCATIVE, SUGGESTIVE <a city redolent of antiquity>
synonyms see ODOROUS
–red·o·lent·ly adverb

Redon
Odilon 1840-1916 Fr. artist

Redondo Beach
city SW Calif. pop 63,261

redouble
v. 1 : to make twice as great in size or amount broadly : INTENSIFY, STRENGTHEN
2 a obsolete : to echo back b archaic : REPEAT
intransitive verb
1 : to become redoubled
2 archaic : RESOUND
3 : to double an opponent's double in bridge
–redouble noun

redoubt
n. 1 a : a small usually temporary enclosed defensive work b : a defended position : protective barrier
2 : a secure retreat : STRONGHOLD

redoubtable
adj. 1 : causing fear or alarm : FORMIDABLE
2 : ILLUSTRIOUS, EMINENT broadly : worthy of respect
–re·doubt·ably \-blē\ adverb

redound
v. 1 archaic : to become swollen : OVERFLOW
2 : to have an effect for good or ill <new power alignments which may or may not redound to the faculty's benefit ― G. W. Bonham>
3 : to become transferred or added : ACCRUE
4 : REBOUND, REFLECT

redout
n. : a condition in which centripetal acceleration (as that created when an aircraft abruptly enters a dive) drives blood to the head and causes reddening of the visual field and headache

redox
n. : of or relating to oxidation-reduction

redpoll
n. : either of two small finches (genus Carduelis syn. Acanthis of the family Fringillidae) having brownish streaked plumage and a red or rosy crown especially : one (C. flammea) found in northern regions of both the New and Old World

redress
n. 1 a (1) : to set right : REMEDY <looked to charity, not to legislation, to redress social wrongs ― W. R. Inge> (2) : to make up for : COMPENSATE b : to remove the cause of (a grievance or complaint) c : to exact reparation for : AVENGE
2 archaic a : to requite (a person) for a wrong or loss b : HEAL
synonyms see CORRECT
–re·dress·er noun

redress
n. 1 a : relief from distress b : means or possibility of seeking a remedy <without redress>
2 : compensation for wrong or loss : REPARATION
3 a : an act or instance of redressing b : RETRIBUTION, CORRECTION

redroot
1 : a perennial herb (Lachnanthes caroliniana syn. L. tinctoria) of the eastern U.S. whose red root is the source of a dye
2 : NEW JERSEY TEA
3 : BLOODROOT
4 : a pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) that bears greenish flowers in dense spikes with bracts almost twice as long as the sepals

redshank
n. : a common Old World sandpiper (Tringa totanus) with pale red legs and feet

redshift
n. : a displacement of the spectrum of a celestial body toward longer wavelengths that is a consequence of the Doppler effect or the gravitational field of the source also : a measurement of a celestial body's redshift equal to the ratio of the displacement of a spectral line to its known unshifted wavelength and used especially to calculate the body's distance from earth
–red·shift·ed adjective

redshirt
n. : a college athlete who is kept out of varsity competition for a year in order to extend eligibility
–redshirt verb

redskin
n. usually offensive : AMERICAN INDIAN

redstart
n. 1 : a small Old World songbird (Phoenicurus phoenicurus of the family Turdidae) with the male having a white brow, black throat, and chestnut breast and tail
2 : an American warbler (Setophaga ruticilla of the family Parulidae) with a black and orange male

redtop
: any of several grasses (genus Agrostis) with usually reddish panicles especially : a Eurasian grass (A. alba syn. A. gigantea) grown in eastern No. America as forage and lawn grass

reduce
v. transitive verb
1 a : to draw together or cause to converge : CONSOLIDATE <reduce all the questions to one> b (1) : to diminish in size, amount, extent, or number <reduce taxes> <reduce the likelihood of war> (2) : to decrease the volume and concentrate the flavor of by boiling <add the wine and reduce the sauce for two minutes> c : to narrow down : RESTRICT <the Indians were reduced to small reservations> d : to make shorter : ABRIDGE
2 archaic : to restore to righteousness : SAVE
3 : to bring to a specified state or condition <the impact of the movie reduced them to tears>
4 a : to force to capitulate b : FORCE, COMPEL
5 a : to bring to a systematic form or character <reduce natural events to laws> b : to put down in written or printed form <reduce an agreement to writing>
6 : to correct (as a fracture) by bringing displaced or broken parts back into their normal positions
7 a : to lower in grade or rank : DEMOTE b : to lower in condition or status : DOWNGRADE
8 a : to diminish in strength or density b : to diminish in value
9 a (1) : to change the denominations or form of without changing the value (2) : to construct a geometrical figure similar to but smaller than (a given figure) b : to transpose from one form into another : CONVERT c : to change (an expression) to an equivalent but more fundamental expression <reduce a fraction>
10 : to break down (as by crushing or grinding) : PULVERIZE
11 a : to bring to the metallic state by removal of nonmetallic elements <reduce an ore by heat> b : DEOXIDIZE c : to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen d (1) : to change (an element or ion) from a higher to a lower oxidation state (2) : to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule)
12 : to change (a stressed vowel) to an unstressed vowel
intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to become diminished or lessened especially : to lose weight by dieting (2) : to become reduced <ferric iron reduces to ferrous iron> b : to become concentrated or consolidated c : to undergo meiosis
2 : to become converted or equated
synonyms see DECREASE, CONQUER
–re·duc·er noun
–re·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdü-sə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌdyü-\ noun
–re·duc·ible \-'dü-sə-bəl, -'dyü-\ adjective
–re·duc·ibly \-blē\ adverb

reducing agent
: a substance that reduces a chemical compound usually by donating electrons

reductant
n. : REDUCING AGENT

reductase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes reduction

reductio ad absurdum
1 : disproof of a proposition by showing an absurdity to which it leads when carried to its logical conclusion
2 : the carrying of something to an absurd extreme

reduction
n. 1 : the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2 a : something made by reducing b : the amount by which something is reduced
3 [Spanish reducción, from Latin reduction-, reductio] : a So. American Indian settlement directed by Jesuit missionaries
4 : MEIOSIS 2 specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division
–re·duc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

reduction
n. oxidation reduction
reduction division
reduction gear

reduction division
: the usually first division of meiosis in which chromosome reduction occurs also : MEIOSIS 2

reduction gear
: a combination of gears used to reduce the input speed (as of a marine turbine) to a lower output speed (as of a ship's propeller)

reductionism
n. 1 : explanation of complex life-science processes and phenomena in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry also : a theory or doctrine that complete reductionism is possible
2 : a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms
–re·duc·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective
–re·duc·tion·is·tic \-ˌdək-shə-'nis-tik\ adjective

reductive
adj. 1 : of, relating to, causing, or involving reduction
2 : of or relating to reductionism : REDUCTIONISTIC
–re·duc·tive·ly adverb
–re·duc·tive·ness noun

redundancy
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being redundant : SUPERFLUITY b : the use of redundant components also : such components c chiefly British : dismissal from a job especially by layoff
2 : PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE
3 a : superfluous repetition : PROLIXITY b : an act or instance of needless repetition
4 : the part of a message that can be eliminated without loss of essential information

redundant
adj. 1 a : exceeding what is necessary or normal : SUPERFLUOUS b : characterized by or containing an excess specifically : using more words than necessary c : characterized by similarity or repetition <a group of particularly redundant brick buildings> d chiefly British : no longer needed for a job and hence laid off
2 : PROFUSE, LAVISH
3 : serving as a duplicate for preventing failure of an entire system (as a spacecraft) upon failure of a single component
–re·dun·dant·ly adverb

reduplicate
n. 1 : to make or perform again : COPY, REPEAT
2 : to form (a word) by reduplication
–re·du·pli·cate \-kət\ adjective

reduplication
n. 1 : an act or instance of doubling or reiterating
2 a : an often grammatically functional repetition of a radical element or a part of it occurring usually at the beginning of a word and often accompanied by change of the radical vowel b (1) : a word or form produced by reduplication (2) : the repeated element in such a word or form
3 : ANADIPLOSIS
–re·du·pli·ca·tive \ri-'dü-pli-ˌkā-tiv, 'rē-, -'dyü-\ adjective
–re·du·pli·ca·tive·ly adverb

reduviid
: ASSASSIN BUG
–reduviid adjective

redux
adj. : brought back ― used postpositively

redware
: earthenware pottery made of clay containing considerable iron oxide

redwing
n. 1 : a European thrush (Turdus iliacus syn. T. musicus) having the underwing coverts red
2 : RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

redwood
n. 1 : any of various woods (as brazilwood) yielding a red dye
2 : a tree that yields a red dyewood or produces red or reddish wood
3 a : a very tall coniferous tree (Sequoia sempervirens) of the bald cypress family that grows chiefly in coastal California, sometimes reaches a height of 360 feet (110 meters), and is a commercially important timber tree ― called also coast redwood ― see CONE illustration b : its brownish-red durable wood

redwood
n. coast redwood
dawn redwood
Redwood City
Redwood National Park

Redwood City
city W Calif. SE of San Francisco pop 75,402

Redwood National Park
n. reservation NW Calif. containing groves of redwoods

reecho
v. : to repeat or return an echo : echo again or repeatedly : REVERBERATE
transitive verb : to echo back : REPEAT

Reed
n. John 1887-1920 American journalist, poet, & Communist

Reed
n. Stanley Forman 1884-1980 American jurist

Reed
n. Thomas Brackett 1839-1902 American polit.

Reed
n. Walter 1851-1902 American army surgeon

reed
n. 1 a : any of various tall grasses with slender often prominently jointed stems that grow especially in wet areas b : a stem of a reed c : a person or thing too weak to rely on : one easily swayed or overcome
2 : a growth or mass of reeds specifically : reeds for thatching
3 : ARROW
4 : a wind instrument made from the hollow joint of a plant
5 : an ancient Hebrew unit of length equal to six cubits
6 a : a thin elastic tongue (as of cane, wood, metal, or plastic) fastened at one end over an air opening in a wind instrument (as a clarinet, organ pipe, or accordion) and set in vibration by an air current b : a woodwind instrument that produces sound by the vibrating of a reed against the mouthpiece <the reeds of an orchestra>
7 : a device on a loom resembling a comb and used to space warp yarns evenly
8 : REEDING 1A
–reed·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

reed
n. : MILL 2

reed
n. beating reed
bur reed
double reed
free reed
giant reed
reed organ
reed pipe

reed organ
: a keyboard wind instrument in which the wind acts on a set of free reeds

reed pipe
: a pipe-organ pipe producing its tone by vibration of a beating reed in a current of air

reedbuck
n. : any of a genus (Redunca) of fawn-colored African antelopes in which the males have curved and ridged horns

reeded
adj. : decorated with reeds or reeding <a bed with reeded posts>

reedify
v. British : REBUILD

reeding
n. 1 a : a small convex molding ― see MOLDING illustration b : decoration by series of reedings
2 : MILLING

reedit
v. : to edit again : make a new edition of
–re·edi·tion \ˌrē-ə-'di-shən\ noun

reedman
: one who plays a reed instrument

reeducate
v. : to train again especially : to rehabilitate through education
–re·ed·u·ca·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌe-jə-'kā-shən\ noun
–re·ed·u·ca·tive \(ˌ)rē-'e-jə-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective

reedy
adj. 1 : abounding in or covered with reeds
2 : made of or resembling reeds especially : SLENDER, FRAIL
3 : having the tone quality of a reed instrument
–reed·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

reef
n. 1 : a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2 : reduction in sail area by reefing

reef
n. 1 : to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion
2 : to lower or bring inboard (a spar) wholly or partially
intransitive verb : to reduce a sail by taking in a reef
–reef·able \'rē-fə-bəl\ adjective

reef
n. 1 a : a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water ― compare ATOLL, BARRIER REEF b : a hazardous obstruction
2 : LODE, VEIN
–reefy \'rē-fē\ adjective

reef
n. barrier reef
reef knot
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Calvados Reef
Capitol Reef National Park
Great Barrier Reef

reef knot
: a square knot used in reefing a sail

reefer
n. 1 : one that reefs
2 : a close-fitting usually double-breasted jacket or coat of thick cloth

reefer
n. 1 : REFRIGERATOR
2 : a refrigerator car, truck, trailer, or ship

reefer
n. : MARIJUANA 2 also : a marijuana cigarette

reek
n. 1 chiefly dialect : SMOKE
2 : VAPOR, FOG
3 : a strong or disagreeable fume or odor

reek
n. 1 : to emit smoke or vapor
2 a : to give off or become permeated with a strong or offensive odor <a room reeking of incense> b : to give a strong impression of some constituent quality or feature <a neighborhood that reeks of poverty>
3 : EMANATE
transitive verb
1 : to subject to the action of smoke or vapor
2 : EXUDE, GIVE OFF <a politician who reeks charm>
–reek·er noun
–reeky \'rē-kē\ adjective

reel
n. 1 : a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound: as a : a small windlass at the butt of a fishing rod for the line b chiefly British : a spool or bobbin for sewing thread c : a flanged spool for photographic film especially : one for motion pictures
2 : a quantity of something wound on a reel

reel
n. 1 : to wind on or as if on a reel
2 : to draw by reeling a line <reel a fish in>
intransitive verb : to turn a reel
–reel·able \'rē-lə-bəl\ adjective

reel
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to turn or move round and round b : to be in a whirl
2 : to behave in a violent disorderly manner
3 : to waver or fall back (as from a blow)
4 : to walk or move unsteadily
transitive verb : to cause to reel

reel
n. : a reeling motion

reel
n. 1 : a lively Scottish-Highland dance also : the music for this dance
2 : VIRGINIA REEL

reel
n. reel off
reel to reel
spinning reel
Virginia reel

reel off
1 : to tell or recite readily and usually at length <reel off a few jokes to break the ice>
2 : to chalk up usually as a series

reel-to-reel
: of, relating to, or utilizing magnetic tape that requires threading on a take-up reel <a reel-to-reel tape recorder>

reelect
v. : to elect for another term in office
–re·elec·tion \-'lek-shən\ noun

reeler
n. 1 : one that reels
2 : a motion picture having a specified number of reels <a two-reeler>

Reelfoot
lake NW Tenn. near the Mississippi

reembroider
: to outline a design (as on lace) with embroidery stitching

reenact
v. 1 : to enact (as a law) again
2 : to act or perform again
3 : to repeat the actions of (an earlier event or incident)
–re·en·act·ment \-'nak(t)-mənt\ noun

reenactor
: a person who participates in reenactments of historical events

reenforce
v. variant of reinforce

reengineer
v. 1 : to engineer again or anew : REDESIGN <reengineered the chassis>
2 : to reorganize the operations of (an organization) so as to improve efficiency

reenter
v. 1 : to enter (something) again
2 : to return to and enter
intransitive verb : to enter again

reentrance
n. : REENTRY

reentrant
adj. : directed inward

reentrant
adj. 1 : one that reenters
2 : one that is reentrant
3 : an indentation in a landform

reentry
n. 1 : a retaking possession especially : entry by a lessor on leased premises on the tenant's failure to perform the conditions of the lease
2 : a second or new entry
3 : a playing card that will enable a player to regain the lead
4 : the action of reentering the earth's atmosphere after travel in space

reest
chiefly Scottish : BALK

reeve
n. 1 : a local administrative agent of an Anglo-Saxon king
2 : a medieval English manor officer responsible chiefly for overseeing the discharge of feudal obligations
3 a : the council president in some Canadian municipalities b : a local official charged with enforcement of specific regulations <deer reeve>

reeve
n. transitive verb
1 : to pass (as a rope) through a hole or opening
2 : to fasten by passing through a hole or around something
3 : to pass a rope through
intransitive verb of a rope : to pass through a block or similar device

reeve
n. : the female of the ruff (sandpiper)

ref
n. : a referee in a game or sport

ref
n. 1 reference
2 refunding

refashion
v. : REMAKE, ALTER

refect
archaic : to refresh with food or drink

refection
n. 1 : refreshment of mind, spirit, or body especially : NOURISHMENT
2 a : the taking of refreshment b : food and drink together : REPAST

refectory
n. : a dining hall (as in a monastery or college)

refectory table
: a long table with heavy legs

refel
obsolete : REJECT, REPULSE

refer
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group (2) : to explain in terms of a general cause b : to allot to a particular place, stage, or period c : to regard as coming from or located in a specific area
2 a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision <refer a patient to a specialist> <refer a bill back to a committee> b : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability
intransitive verb
1 a : to have relation or connection : RELATE b : to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention <no one referred to yesterday's quarrel>
2 : to have recourse : glance briefly <referred frequently to his notes while speaking>
–re·fer·able \'re-f(ə-)rə-bəl, ri-'fər-ə-\ adjective
–re·fer·rer \ri-'fər-ər\ noun

referee
n. 1 : one to whom a thing is referred: as a : a person to whom a legal matter is referred for investigation and report or for settlement b : a person who reviews a paper and especially a technical paper and recommends that it should or should not be published c chiefly British : REFERENCE 4A
2 : a sports official usually having final authority in administering a game

referee
n. transitive verb
1 : to conduct (as a match or game) as referee
2 a : to arbitrate (as a legal matter) as a judge or third party b : to review (as a technical paper) before publication
intransitive verb : to act as a referee

reference
n. 1 : the act of referring or consulting
2 : a bearing on a matter : RELATION <in reference to your recent letter>
3 : something that refers: as a : ALLUSION, MENTION b : something (as a sign or indication) that refers a reader or consulter to another source of information (as a book or passage) c : consultation of sources of information
4 : one referred to or consulted: as a : a person to whom inquiries as to character or ability can be made b : a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with the person c (1) : a source of information (as a book or passage) to which a reader or consulter is referred (2) : a work (as a dictionary or encyclopedia) containing useful facts or information d : DENOTATION, MEANING

reference
n. : used or usable for reference especially : constituting a standard for measuring or constructing

reference
n. 1 a : to supply with references b : to cite in or as a reference
2 : to put in a form (as a table) adapted to easy reference

reference
n. cross reference
frame of reference
reference mark
self reference

reference mark
: a conventional mark (as *, †, or 87) placed in written or printed text to direct the reader's attention especially to a footnote

referendum
n. 1 a : the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative b : a vote on a measure so submitted
2 : a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions

referent
n. : one that refers or is referred to especially : the thing that a symbol (as a word or sign) stands for
–referent adjective

referential
adj. : of, containing, or constituting a reference especially : pointing to or involving a referent <referential language> <referential meaning>
–ref·er·en·tial·i·ty \-ˌren(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–ref·er·en·tial·ly \-'ren(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

referral
n. 1 : the act, action, or an instance of referring <gave the patient a referral to a specialist>
2 : one that is referred

refigure
v. 1 : to figure again or anew
2 : to give new meaning or use to <refigure classic texts>

refill
n. : to fill again : REPLENISH
intransitive verb : to become filled again
–re·fill·able \-'fi-lə-bəl\ adjective

refill
n. 1 : a product or a container and a product used to refill the exhausted supply of a device
2 : something provided again especially : a second or later filling of a medical prescription

refinance
v. : to renew or reorganize the financing of
intransitive verb : to finance something anew

refine
v. transitive verb
1 : to free (as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
2 : to free from moral imperfection : ELEVATE
3 : to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing <refine a poetic style>
4 : to reduce in vigor or intensity
5 : to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth
intransitive verb
1 : to become pure or perfected
2 : to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
–re·fin·er noun

refined
adj. 1 : free from impurities
2 : FASTIDIOUS, CULTIVATED
3 : PRECISE, EXACT <a refined test for radioactivity>

refinement
n. 1 : the action or process of refining
2 : the quality or state of being refined : CULTIVATION
3 a : a refined feature or method b : a highly refined distinction : SUBTLETY c : a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

refinery
n. : a building and equipment for refining or processing (as oil or sugar)

refinish
v. : to give (as furniture) a new surface
intransitive verb : to refinish furniture
–re·fin·ish·er noun

refit
v. : to fit out or supply again
intransitive verb : to obtain repairs or fresh supplies or equipment

refit
v. : the action of refitting especially : a refitting and renovating of a ship

reflation
n. : restoration of deflated prices to a desirable level
–re·flate \(ˌ)rē-'flāt\ verb
–re·fla·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

reflect
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to turn into or away from a course : DEFLECT
2 : to prevent passage of and cause to change direction <a mirror reflects light>
3 : to bend or fold back
4 : to give back or exhibit as an image, likeness, or outline : MIRROR <the clouds were reflected in the water>
5 : to bring or cast as a result <his attitude reflects little credit on his judgment>
6 : to make manifest or apparent : SHOW <the painting reflects his artistic vision> <the pulse reflects the condition of the heart>
7 : REALIZE, CONSIDER
intransitive verb
1 : to throw back light or sound
2 a : to think quietly and calmly b : to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection
3 a : to tend to bring reproach or discredit <an investigation that reflects on all the members of the department> b : to bring about a specified appearance or characterization <an act which reflects well on her> c : to have a bearing or influence
synonyms see THINK

reflectance
n. : the fraction of the total radiant flux incident upon a surface that is reflected and that varies according to the wavelength distribution of the incident radiation ― called also re·flec·tiv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌflek-'ti-və-tē, ri-\

reflecting telescope
: REFLECTOR 2

reflection
n. 1 : an instance of reflecting especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2 : the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3 a : the action of bending or folding back b : a reflected part : FOLD
4 : something produced by reflecting: as a : an image given back by a reflecting surface b : an effect produced by an influence <the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society>
5 : an often obscure or indirect criticism : REPROACH <a reflection on his character>
6 : a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7 : consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8 obsolete : turning back : RETURN
9 a : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane b : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
–re·flec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

reflective
adj. 1 : capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2 : marked by reflection : THOUGHTFUL, DELIBERATIVE
3 : of, relating to, or caused by reflection <reflective glare>
4 : REFLEXIVE 3
5 : reflecting something : INDICATIVE <how fashion is reflective of society ― Glenda Bailey>
–re·flec·tive·ly adverb
–re·flec·tive·ness noun

reflectometer
: a device for measuring reflectance
–re·flec·tom·e·try \-mə-trē\ noun

reflector
n. 1 : one that reflects especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or other radiation
2 : a telescope in which the principal focusing element is a mirror

reflectorize
1 : to make reflecting
2 : to provide with reflectors

reflex
n. 1 a archaic : reflected heat, light, or color b : a mirrored image c : a copy exact in essential or peculiar features
2 a : an automatic and often inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse passing inward from a receptor to a nerve center and thence outward to an effector (as a muscle or gland) without reaching the level of consciousness ― compare HABIT 7 b : the process that culminates in a reflex and comprises reception, transmission, and reaction ― called also reflex action c plural : the power of acting or responding with adequate speed d : a way of thinking or behaving
3 : a linguistic element (as a word or sound) or system (as writing) that is derived from a prior and especially an older element or system <boat is the reflex of Old English bāt>

reflex
n. 1 : directed back on the mind or its operations : INTROSPECTIVE
2 : REFLEXED
3 : produced or carried out in reaction, resistance, or return
4 of an angle : being between 180° and 360°
5 : of, relating to, or produced by a reflex without intervention of consciousness
–re·flex·ly adverb

reflex
n. reflex action
Babinski reflex
Babinski's reflex
reflex arc
single lens reflex

reflex arc
: the complete nervous path involved in a reflex

reflexed
v. : bent or curved backward or downward <reflexed petals> <reflexed leaves>

reflexion
n. chiefly British variant of reflection

reflexive
1 a : directed or turned back on itself also : overtly and usually ironically reflecting conventions of genre or form <a reflexive novel> b : marked by or capable of reflection : REFLECTIVE
2 : of, relating to, characterized by, or being a relation that exists between an entity and itself <the relation “is equal to” is reflexive but the relation “is the father of” is not>
3 : of, relating to, or constituting an action (as in “he perjured himself”) directed back on the agent or the grammatical subject
4 : characterized by habitual and unthinking behavior
–re·flex·ive·ly adverb
–re·flex·ive·ness noun
–re·flex·iv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌflek-'si-və-tē, ri-\ noun

reflexive
n. : REFLEXIVE PRONOUN

reflexive
n. reflexive pronoun
self reflexive
self reflexivity
self reflexiveness
self reflexively

reflexive pronoun
: a pronoun referring to the subject of the sentence, clause, or verbal phrase in which it stands specifically : a personal pronoun compounded with -self

reflexology
n. 1 : the study and interpretation of behavior in terms of simple and complex reflexes
2 : massage of the hands or feet based on the belief that pressure applied to specific points on these extremities benefits other parts of the body
–re·flex·ol·o·gist \-'sä-lə-jist\ noun

reflow
v. 1 : to flow back : EBB
2 : to flow in again
–re·flow \'rē-ˌflō\ noun

refluence
n. archaic : REFLUX 1A

refluent
adj. : flowing back

reflux
n. 1 a : a flowing back b : GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
2 : a process of refluxing or condition of being refluxed

reflux
n. : to cause to flow back or return especially : to heat such that the vapors formed condense and return to be heated again
intransitive verb : to flow back

refocus
v. 1 : to focus again
2 : to change the emphasis or direction of <had refocused his life>
intransitive verb
1 : to focus something again
2 : to change emphasis or direction

reforestation
n. : the action of renewing forest cover (as by natural seeding or by the artificial planting of seeds or young trees)
–re·for·est \(ˌ)rē-'fȯr-əst, -'fär-\ transitive verb

reform
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put or change into an improved form or condition b : to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses
2 : to put an end to (an evil) by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of action
3 : to induce or cause to abandon evil ways <reform a drunkard>
4 a : to subject (hydrocarbons) to cracking b : to produce (as gasoline or gas) by cracking
intransitive verb : to become changed for the better
synonyms see CORRECT
–re·form·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·form·able \-'fȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

reform
n. 1 : amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved
2 : a removal or correction of an abuse, a wrong, or errors
3 capitalized : REFORM JUDAISM

reform
n. : relating to or favoring reform

reform
n. land reform
Reform Judaism
reform school
reformed spelling

Reform Judaism
: Judaism marked by a liberal approach in nonobservance of much legal tradition regarded as irrelevant to the present and in shortening and simplification of traditional ritual ― compare CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM, ORTHODOX JUDAISM

reform school
: a reformatory for boys or girls

reformate
v. : a product of hydrocarbon reforming

reformation
n. 1 : the act of reforming : the state of being reformed
2 capitalized : a 16th century religious movement marked ultimately by rejection or modification of some Roman Catholic doctrine and practice and establishment of the Protestant churches
–ref·or·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

reformation
n. Counter Reformation
post Reformation
self reformation

reformative
adj. : intended or tending to reform

reformatory
n. : REFORMATIVE

reformatory
n. : a penal institution to which especially young or first offenders are committed for training and reformation

reformed
adj. 1 : changed for the better
2 capitalized : PROTESTANT specifically : of or relating to the chiefly Calvinist Protestant churches formed in various continental European countries

reformed spelling
: any of several methods of spelling English words that use letters with more phonetic consistency than conventional spelling and that usually discard some silent letters (as in pedagog for pedagogue)

reformer
n. 1 : one that works for or urges reform
2 capitalized : a leader of the Protestant Reformation
3 : an apparatus for cracking oils or gases to form specialized products

reformism
n. : a doctrine, policy, or movement of reform
–re·form·ist \-mist\ noun or adjective

refr
refraction

refract
v. 1 a : to subject (as a ray of light) to refraction b : to alter or distort as if by refraction <to refract that familiar world through the mind and heart of a romantic⋯woman ― Anton Myrer>
2 : to determine the refracting power of

refractile
adj. : capable of refracting : REFRACTIVE

refracting telescope
: REFRACTOR

refraction
n. 1 : deflection from a straight path undergone by a light ray or energy wave in passing obliquely from one medium (as air) into another (as glass) in which its velocity is different
2 : the change in the apparent position of a celestial body due to bending of the light rays emanating from it as they pass through the atmosphere also : the correction to be applied to the apparent position of a body because of this bending
3 : the action of distorting an image by viewing through a medium also : an instance of this

refraction
n. angle of refraction
double refraction
index of refraction

refractive
adj. 1 : having power to refract
2 : relating or due to refraction
–re·frac·tive·ly adverb
–re·frac·tive·ness noun
–re·frac·tiv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌfrak-'ti-və-tē, ri-\ noun

refractive index
: the ratio of the speed of radiation (as light) in one medium (as air, glass, or a vacuum) to that in another medium

refractometer
n. : an instrument for measuring refractive indices (as for identification or the determination of sugar content)
–re·frac·to·met·ric \ri-ˌfrak-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–re·frac·tom·e·try \ˌrē-ˌfrak-'tä-mə-trē, ri-\ noun

refractor
n. : a telescope whose principal focusing element is a lens

refractory
adj. 1 : resisting control or authority : STUBBORN, UNMANAGEABLE
2 a : resistant to treatment or cure <a refractory lesion> b : unresponsive to stimulus c : IMMUNE, INSUSCEPTIBLE <after recovery they were refractory to infection>
3 : difficult to fuse, corrode, or draw out especially : capable of enduring high temperature
synonyms see UNRULY
–re·frac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē; ˌrē-ˌfrak-'tȯr-ə-lē, ri-\ adverb
–re·frac·to·ri·ness \ri-'frak-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

refractory
adj. : a refractory person or thing especially : a heat-resisting ceramic material

refractory period
: the brief period immediately following the response especially of a muscle or nerve before it recovers the capacity to make a second response ― called also refractory phase

refrain
n. transitive verb archaic : CURB, RESTRAIN
intransitive verb : to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse <refrained from having dessert>
–re·frain·ment \-mənt\ noun

refrain
n. : a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : CHORUS also : the musical setting of a refrain

refrangible
adj. : capable of being refracted
–re·fran·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌfran-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·fran·gi·ble·ness \-'fran-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun

refresh
v. transitive verb
1 : to restore strength and animation to : REVIVE
2 : to freshen up : RENOVATE
3 a : to restore or maintain by renewing supply : REPLENISH b : AROUSE, STIMULATE <let me refresh your memory>
4 : to run water over or restore water to
5 : to update or renew (as an image, a display screen, or the contents of a computer memory) especially by sending a new signal
intransitive verb
1 : to become refreshed
2 : to take refreshment
3 : to lay in fresh provisions
synonyms see RENEW
–refresh noun

refreshen
: REFRESH

refresher
n. 1 : something (as a drink) that refreshes
2 : REMINDER
3 : review or instruction designed especially to keep one abreast of professional developments <refresher course>

refreshing
n. : serving to refresh especially : agreeably stimulating because of freshness or newness <a refreshing change of pace>
–re·fresh·ing·ly \-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

refreshment
n. 1 : the act of refreshing : the state of being refreshed
2 a : something (as food or drink) that refreshes b plural (1) : a light meal (2) : assorted light foods

refried beans
: beans cooked with seasonings, fried, then mashed and fried again

refrig
refrigerator

refrigerant
n. : allaying heat or fever

refrigerant
n. : a refrigerant agent or agency: as a : a medication for reducing body heat b : a substance used in refrigeration

refrigerate
v. : to make or keep cold or cool specifically : to freeze or chill (as food) for preservation
–re·frig·er·a·tion \-ˌfri-jə-'rā-shən\ noun

refrigerator
n. : something that refrigerates especially : a room or appliance for keeping food or other items cool

reft
past of reave

refuel
v. : to provide with additional fuel
intransitive verb : to take on additional fuel

refuge
n. 1 : shelter or protection from danger or distress
2 : a place that provides shelter or protection
3 : something to which one has recourse in difficulty

refuge
n. transitive verb : to give refuge to
intransitive verb : to seek or take refuge

refugee
n. : one that flees especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution
–ref·u·gee·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

refugium
n. : an area of relatively unaltered climate that is inhabited by plants and animals during a period of continental climatic change (as a glaciation) and remains as a center of relict forms from which a new dispersion and speciation may take place after climatic readjustment

refulgence
n. : a radiant or resplendent quality or state : BRILLIANCE
–re·ful·gent \-jənt\ adjective

refund
n. 1 : to give or put back
2 : to return (money) in restitution, repayment, or balancing of accounts
–re·fund·abil·i·ty \ri-ˌfən-də-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)rē-\ noun
–re·fund·able \-'fən-də-bəl\ adjective

refund
n. 1 : the act of refunding
2 : a sum refunded

refund
n. : to fund again

refurbish
v. : to brighten or freshen up : RENOVATE
–re·fur·bish·er noun
–re·fur·bish·ment \-bish-mənt\ noun

refusal
n. 1 : the act of refusing or denying
2 : the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others

refuse
n. transitive verb
1 : to express oneself as unwilling to accept <refuse a gift> <refuse a promotion>
2 a : to show or express unwillingness to do or comply with <refused to answer the question> b : DENY <they were refused admittance to the game>
3 obsolete : GIVE UP, RENOUNCE <deny thy father and refuse thy name ― Shakespeare>
4 of a horse : to decline to jump or leap over
intransitive verb : to withhold acceptance, compliance, or permission
synonyms see DECLINE
–re·fus·er noun

refuse
n. 1 : the worthless or useless part of something : LEAVINGS
2 : TRASH, GARBAGE

refuse
n. : thrown aside or left as worthless

refusenik
n. 1 : a Soviet citizen and especially a Jew refused permission to emigrate
2 : a person who refuses or declines something

refutation
n. : the act or process of refuting

refute
v. 1 : to prove wrong by argument or evidence : show to be false or erroneous
2 : to deny the truth or accuracy of <refuted the allegations>
–re·fut·able \-'fyü-tə-bəl\ adjective
–re·fut·ably \-blē\ adverb
–re·fut·er noun

reg
n. : REGULATION <federal regs>

reg
n. 1 region
2 register; registered; registration
3 regular

regal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suitable for a king
2 : of notable excellence or magnificence : SPLENDID
–re·gal·i·ty \ri-'ga-lə-tē\ noun
–re·gal·ly \'rē-gə-lē\ adverb

regale
v. transitive verb
1 : to entertain sumptuously : feast with delicacies
2 : to give pleasure or amusement to <regaled us with tall tales>
intransitive verb : to feast oneself : FEED

regale
v. 1 : a sumptuous feast
2 : a choice piece especially of food

regalia
n. 1 : royal rights or prerogatives
2 a : the emblems, symbols, or paraphernalia indicative of royalty b : decorations or insignia indicative of an office or membership
3 : special dress especially : FINERY

regard
n. 1 archaic : APPEARANCE
2 a : ATTENTION, CONSIDERATION <due regard should be given to all facets of the question> b : a protective interest : CARE <has no regard for her health>
3 : LOOK, GAZE
4 a : the worth or estimation in which something or someone is held <a man of small regard> b (1) : a feeling of respect and affection : ESTEEM <she soon won the regard of her colleagues> (2) plural : friendly greetings implying such feeling <give him my regards>
5 : a basis of action or opinion : MOTIVE
6 : an aspect to be taken into consideration : RESPECT <is a small school, and is fortunate in this regard>
7 obsolete : INTENTION
–in regard to : with respect to : CONCERNING
–with regard to : in regard to

regard
n. transitive verb
1 : to consider and appraise usually from a particular point of view <is highly regarded as a mechanic>
2 : to pay attention to : take into consideration or account
3 a : to show respect or consideration for b : to hold in high esteem
4 : to look at
5 archaic : to relate to
intransitive verb
1 : to look attentively : GAZE
2 : to pay attention : HEED
synonyms REGARD, RESPECT, ESTEEM, ADMIRE mean to recognize the worth of a person or thing. REGARD is a general term that is usually qualified <he is highly regarded in the profession>. RESPECT implies a considered evaluation or estimation <after many years they came to respect her views>. ESTEEM implies greater warmth of feeling accompanying a high valuation <no citizen of the town was more highly esteemed>. ADMIRE suggests usually enthusiastic appreciation and often deep affection <a friend that I truly admire>.

regard
n. with regard to
in regard to
self regard
as regards
self regarding

regardant
adj. : looking backward over the shoulder ― used of a heraldic animal

regardful
adj. 1 : HEEDFUL, OBSERVANT
2 : full or expressive of regard or respect : RESPECTFUL
–re·gard·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·gard·ful·ness noun

regarding
v. : with respect to : CONCERNING

regardless
adj. : HEEDLESS, CARELESS
–re·gard·less·ly adverb
–re·gard·less·ness noun

regardless
adj. : despite everything <went ahead with their plans regardless>
usage see IRREGARDLESS

regardless of
: without taking into account <accepts all regardless of age> also : in spite of <regardless of our mistakes>

regatta
n. : a rowing, speedboat, or sailing race or a series of such races

Regency
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the styles of George IV's regency as Prince of Wales during the period 1811-20

regency
n. 1 : the office, jurisdiction, or government of a regent or body of regents
2 : a body of regents
3 : the period of rule of a regent or body of regents

regeneracy
n. : the state of being regenerated

regenerate
v. 1 : formed or created again
2 : spiritually reborn or converted
3 : restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state
–re·gen·er·ate·ly adverb
–re·gen·er·ate·ness noun

regenerate
v. 1 : to become formed again
2 : to become regenerate : REFORM
3 : to undergo regeneration
transitive verb
1 a : to subject to spiritual regeneration b : to change radically and for the better
2 a : to generate or produce anew especially : to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue b : to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form
3 : to restore to original strength or properties
–re·gen·er·a·ble \-'je-nə-rə-bəl, -'jen-rə-\ adjective

regenerate
v. : one that is regenerated: as a : an individual who is spiritually reborn b (1) : an organism that has undergone regeneration (2) : a regenerated body part

regenerated cellulose
: cellulose obtained in a changed form by chemical treatment (as of a cellulose solution or derivative)

regeneration
n. 1 : an act or the process of regenerating : the state of being regenerated
2 : spiritual renewal or revival
3 : renewal or restoration of a body, bodily part, or biological system (as a forest) after injury or as a normal process
4 : utilization by special devices of heat or other products that would ordinarily be lost

regenerative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by regeneration
2 : tending to regenerate

regenerator
n. 1 : one that regenerates
2 : a device used especially with hot-air engines or gas furnaces in which incoming air or gas is heated by contact with masses (as of brick) previously heated by outgoing hot air or gas

Regensburg
city SE Germany in Bavaria on the Danube NNE of Munich pop 123,002

regent
n. 1 : a person who governs a kingdom in the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign
2 : a person who rules or reigns : GOVERNOR
3 : a member of a governing board (as of a state university)
–regent adjective
–re·gent·al \-jən-təl\ adjective

reggae
n. : popular music of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of rock and soul music and is performed at moderate tempos with the accent on the offbeat

Reggane
oasis cen Algeria in Tanezrouft SSE of Béchar

Reggio
1 or Reggio di Ca·la·bria \dē-kä-'lä-brē-ä\ or Reggio Calabria or ancient Rhe·gi·um \'rē-jē-əm\ commune & port S Italy on Strait of Messina pop 179,509
2 or Reggio nel·l'Emi·lia \ˌne-le-'mēl-yä\ or Reggio Emilia commune N Italy in Emilia-Romagna NW of Bologna pop 146,092

Reggio
Reggio Emilia
Reggio nell'Emilia
Reggio Calabria
Reggio di Calabria

regicide
n. 1 : a person who kills a king
2 : the killing of a king
–reg·i·ci·dal \ˌre-jə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

regime
n. 1 a : REGIMEN 1 b : a regular pattern of occurrence or action (as of seasonal rainfall) c : the characteristic behavior or orderly procedure of a natural phenomenon or process
2 a : mode of rule or management b : a form of government <a socialist regime> c : a government in power <predicted that the new regime would fall> d : a period of rule

regimen
n. 1 a : a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient b : a regular course of action and especially of strenuous training <the daily regimen of a top athlete>
2 : GOVERNMENT, RULE
3 : REGIME 1C

regiment
n. 1 archaic : governmental rule
2 : a military unit consisting usually of a number of battalions

regiment
n. 1 : to form into or assign to a regiment
2 a : to organize rigidly especially for the sake of regulation or control <regiment an entire country> b : to subject to order or uniformity
–reg·i·men·ta·tion \ˌre-jə-mən-'tā-shən, -ˌmen-\ noun

regimental
adj. 1 : of or relating to a regiment
2 : AUTHORITATIVE, DICTATORIAL

regimentals
n. 1 : a regimental uniform
2 : military dress

Regina
n. city Canada capital of Sask. pop 178,225

region
n. 1 : an administrative area, division, or district especially : the basic administrative unit for local government in Scotland
2 a : an indefinite area of the world or universe <few unknown regions left on earth> b : a broad geographic area distinguished by similar features <the Appalachian region> c (1) : a major world area that supports a characteristic fauna (2) : an area characterized by the prevalence of one or more vegetational climax types
3 a : any of the major subdivisions into which the body or one of its parts is divisible b : an indefinite area surrounding a specified body part <a pain in the region of the heart>
4 : a sphere of activity or interest : FIELD
5 : any of the zones into which the atmosphere is divided according to height or the sea according to depth
6 : an open connected set together with none, some, or all of the points on its boundary <a simple closed curve divides a plane into two regions>

region
n. critical region
D region
E region
F region

regional
adj. 1 : affecting a particular region : LOCALIZED
2 : of, relating to, characteristic of, or serving a region <a regional high school>
3 : marked by regionalism <regional art>

regional
adj. : something (as a branch of an organization or an edition of a magazine) that serves a region

regionalism
n. 1 a : consciousness of and loyalty to a distinct region with a homogeneous population b : development of a political or social system based on one or more such areas
2 : emphasis on regional locale and characteristics in art or literature
3 : a characteristic feature (as of speech) of a geographic area
–re·gion·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–re·gion·al·is·tic \ˌrēj-nə-'lis-tik, ˌrē-jə-nə-'lis-\ adjective

regionalize
v. : to divide into regions or administrative districts : arrange regionally
–re·gion·al·i·za·tion \ˌrēj-nə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌrē-jə-nə-lə-\ noun

regionally
adv. : on a regional basis

regisseur
n. : a director responsible for staging a theatrical work (as a ballet)

register
n. 1 : a written record containing regular entries of items or details
2 a : a book or system of public records b : a roster of qualified or available individuals <a civil service register>
3 : an entry in a register
4 a : a set of organ pipes of like quality : STOP b (1) : the range of a human voice or a musical instrument (2) : a portion of such a range similarly produced or of the same quality c : any of the varieties of a language that a speaker uses in a particular social context
5 : a grille often with shutters for admitting heated air or for ventilation
6 : REGISTRATION, REGISTRY
7 a : an automatic device registering a number or a quantity b : a number or quantity so registered c : CASH REGISTER
8 : a condition of correct alignment or proper relative position
9 : a device (as in a computer) for storing small amounts of data especially : one in which data can be both stored and operated on

register
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make or secure official entry of in a register b : to enroll formally especially as a voter or student c : to record automatically : INDICATE d : to make a record of : NOTE e : PERCEIVE also : COMPREHEND
2 : to make or adjust so as to correspond exactly
3 : to secure special protection for (a piece of mail) by prepayment of a fee
4 : to convey an impression of : EXPRESS
5 : ACHIEVE <registered an impressive victory>
intransitive verb
1 a : to enroll one's name in a register <registered at the hotel> b : to enroll one's name officially as a prerequisite for voting c : to enroll formally as a student
2 a : to correspond exactly b : to be in correct alignment or register
3 : to make or convey an impression

register
n. : REGISTRAR

register
n. register ton
cash register
church register
registered mail
registered nurse

register ton
: TON 1A

registered
adj. 1 a : having the owner's name entered in a register <registered security> b : recorded as the owner of a security
2 : recorded on the basis of pedigree or breed characteristics in the studbook of a breed association
3 : qualified formally or officially

registered mail
: mail recorded in the post office of mailing and at each successive point of transmission and guaranteed special care in delivery

registered nurse
: a graduate trained nurse who has been licensed by a state authority after qualifying for registration

registrable
adj. : capable of being registered

registrant
n. : one that registers or is registered

registrar
n. : an official recorder or keeper of records: as a : an officer of an educational institution responsible for registering students, keeping academic records, and corresponding with applicants and evaluating their credentials b : an admitting officer at a hospital c chiefly British : RESIDENT 3

registration
n. 1 : the act of registering
2 : an entry in a register
3 : the number of individuals registered : ENROLLMENT
4 a : the art or act of selecting and adjusting pipe organ stops b : the combination of stops selected for performing a particular organ work
5 : a document certifying an act of registering

registry
n. 1 : REGISTRATION, ENROLLMENT
2 : the nationality of a ship according to its entry in a register : FLAG
3 : a place of registration
4 a : an official record book b : an entry in a registry

regius professor
: a holder of a professorship founded by royal subsidy at a British university

reglet
n. 1 : a flat narrow architectural molding
2 : a strip of wood used like a lead between lines of type

regnal
adj. : of or relating to a king or his reign specifically : calculated from a monarch's accession to the throne <in his eighth regnal year>

regnant
adj. 1 : exercising rule : REIGNING
2 a : having the chief power : DOMINANT b : of common or widespread occurrence

regnat populus
: the people rule ― motto of Arkansas

regnum
: KINGDOM

regolith
n. : unconsolidated residual or transported material that overlies the solid rock on the earth, moon, or a planet

regosol
: any of a group of azonal soils consisting chiefly of imperfectly consolidated material and having no clear-cut and specific morphology

regreet
archaic : to greet in return

regreets
obsolete : GREETINGS

regress
v. 1 a : an act or the privilege of going or coming back b : REENTRY 1
2 : movement backward to a previous and especially worse or more primitive state or condition
3 : the act of reasoning backward

regress
v. 1 a : to make or undergo regress : RETROGRADE b : to be subject to or exhibit regression
2 : to tend to approach or revert to a mean
transitive verb : to induce a state of psychological regression in
–re·gres·sor \-'gre-sər\ noun

regression
n. 1 : the act or an instance of regressing
2 : a trend or shift toward a lower or less perfect state: as a : progressive decline of a manifestation of disease b (1) : gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging (2) : gradual loss of memories and acquired skills c : reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level d : a functional relationship between two or more correlated variables that is often empirically determined from data and is used especially to predict values of one variable when given values of the others <the regression of y on x is linear> specifically : a function that yields the mean value of a random variable under the condition that one or more independent variables have specified values
3 : retrograde motion

regressive
adj. 1 : tending to regress or produce regression
2 : being, characterized by, or developing in the course of an evolutionary process involving increasing simplification of bodily structure
3 : decreasing in rate as the base increases <a regressive tax>
–re·gres·sive·ly adverb
–re·gres·sive·ness noun
–re·gres·siv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌgre-'si-və-tē\ noun

regret
n. transitive verb
1 a : to mourn the loss or death of b : to miss very much
2 : to be very sorry for <regrets his mistakes>
intransitive verb : to experience regret
–re·gret·ter noun

regret
n. 1 : sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
2 a : an expression of distressing emotion (as sorrow or disappointment) b plural : a note politely declining an invitation
synonyms see SORROW
–re·gret·ful \-'gret-fəl\ adjective
–re·gret·ful·ness noun

regretfully
adv. 1 : with regret
2 : it is to be regretted

regrettable
adj. : deserving regret

regrettably
adv. 1 : to a regrettable extent <a regrettably steep decline in wages>
2 : it is to be regretted <regrettably, they could not attend>

regroup
v. : to form into a new grouping <in order to subtract 129 from 531 regroup 531 into 5 hundreds, 2 tens, and 11 ones> <regroup military forces>
intransitive verb
1 : to reorganize (as after a setback) for renewed activity
2 : to alter the tactical formation of a military force

regrow
v. transitive verb : to grow (as a missing part) anew
intransitive verb : to continue growth after interruption or injury

regt
regiment

regular
n. 1 : belonging to a religious order
2 a : formed, built, arranged, or ordered according to some established rule, law, principle, or type b (1) : both equilateral and equiangular <a regular polygon> (2) : having faces that are congruent regular polygons and all the polyhedral angles congruent <a regular polyhedron> c of a flower : having the arrangement of floral parts exhibiting radial symmetry with members of the same whorl similar in form
3 a : ORDERLY, METHODICAL <regular habits> b : recurring, attending, or functioning at fixed, uniform, or normal intervals <a regular income> <a regular churchgoer> <regular bowel movements>
4 a : constituted, conducted, scheduled, or done in conformity with established or prescribed usages, rules, or discipline b : NORMAL, STANDARD: as (1) : ABSOLUTE, COMPLETE <a regular fool> <the office seemed like a regular madhouse> (2) : thinking or behaving in an acceptable, normal, or agreeable manner <was a regular guy> c (1) : conforming to the normal or usual manner of inflection (2) : WEAK 7 d of a postage stamp : issued in large numbers over a long period for general use in prepayment of postage
5 : of, relating to, or constituting the permanent standing military force of a state <the regular army> <regular soldiers>
synonyms REGULAR, NORMAL, TYPICAL, NATURAL mean being of the sort or kind that is expected as usual, ordinary, or average. REGULAR stresses conformity to a rule, standard, or pattern <the club's regular monthly meeting>. NORMAL implies lack of deviation from what has been discovered or established as the most usual or expected <normal behavior for a two-year-old>. TYPICAL implies showing all important traits of a type, class, or group and may suggest lack of strong individuality <a typical small town>. NATURAL applies to what conforms to a thing's essential nature, function, or mode of being <the natural love of a mother for her child>.

regular
n. 1 : one who is regular: as a : one of the regular clergy b : a soldier in a regular army c : one who can be trusted or depended on <a party regular> d : a player on an athletic team who usually starts every game e : one who is usually present or participating especially : a long-standing regular customer
2 : something of average or medium size especially : a clothing size designed to fit a person of average height

regular
n. canon regular
canons regular
regular solid

regular solid
: any of the five possible regular polyhedrons that include the regular forms of the tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron

regularity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being regular
2 : something that is regular

regularize
v. : to make regular by conformance to law, rules, or custom
–reg·u·lar·i·za·tion \ˌre-gyə-lə-rə-'zā-shən also ˌrā-\ noun

regularly
adv. 1 : in a regular manner
2 : on a regular basis : at regular intervals

regulate
v. 1 a : to govern or direct according to rule b (1) : to bring under the control of law or constituted authority (2) : to make regulations for or concerning <regulate the industries of a country>
2 : to bring order, method, or uniformity to <regulate one's habits>
3 : to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of <regulate the pressure of a tire>
–reg·u·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–reg·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

regulate
v. self regulating
regulatory gene
self regulatory
self regulative

regulation
n. 1 : the act of regulating : the state of being regulated
2 a : an authoritative rule dealing with details or procedure <safety regulations> b : a rule or order issued by an executive authority or regulatory agency of a government and having the force of law
3 a : the process of redistributing material (as in an embryo) to restore a damaged or lost part independent of new tissue growth b : the mechanism by which an early embryo maintains normal development
synonyms see LAW

regulation
n. : conforming to regulations : OFFICIAL

regulator
n. 1 : one that regulates
2 : REGULATORY GENE

regulatory gene
: a gene that regulates the expression of one or more structural genes by controlling the production of a protein (as a genetic repressor) which regulates their rate of transcription

Regulus
n. Marcus Atilius d ca 250 B.C. Rom. gen.

regulus
n. 1 capitalized : a first-magnitude star in the constellation Leo
2 [Medieval Latin, metallic antimony, from L] : the more or less impure mass of metal formed beneath the slag in smelting and reducing ores

regurgitate
v. intransitive verb : to become thrown or poured back
transitive verb : to throw or pour back or out from or as if from a cavity <regurgitate food> <memorized facts to regurgitate on the exam>

regurgitation
n. : an act of regurgitating: as a : the casting up of incompletely digested food (as by some birds in feeding their young) b : the backward flow of blood through a defective heart valve

rehab
n. 1 : the action or process of rehabilitating : REHABILITATION especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers
2 : a rehabilitated building or dwelling
–rehab verb
–re·hab·ber \-ˌha-bər\ noun

rehabilitant
n. : a disabled person undergoing rehabilitation

rehabilitate
1 a : to restore to a former capacity : REINSTATE b : to restore to good repute : reestablish the good name of
2 a : to restore to a former state (as of efficiency, good management, or solvency) <rehabilitate slum areas> b : to restore or bring to a condition of health or useful and constructive activity
–re·ha·bil·i·ta·tion \-ˌbi-lə-'tā-shən\ noun
–re·ha·bil·i·ta·tive \-'bi-lə-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective
–re·ha·bil·i·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun

rehash
v. 1 : to talk over or discuss again
2 : to present or use again in another form without substantial change or improvement

rehash
v. 1 : something that is rehashed
2 : the action or process of rehashing

rehear
v. : to hear again or anew especially judicially

rehearing
n. : a second or new hearing by the same tribunal

rehearsal
n. 1 : something recounted or told again : RECITAL
2 a : a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance b : a practice exercise : TRIAL

rehearse
v. transitive verb
1 a : to say again : REPEAT b : to recite aloud in a formal manner
2 : to present an account of : RELATE <rehearse a familiar story>
3 : to recount in order : ENUMERATE <rehearsed their demands>
4 a : to give a rehearsal of b : to train or make proficient by rehearsal
5 : to perform or practice as if in a rehearsal
intransitive verb : to engage in a rehearsal
–re·hears·er noun

Rehnquist
n. William Hubbs 1924-     American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1986-    )

rehouse
v. : to house again or anew especially : to establish in a new or different housing unit of a better quality

rehydrate
v. : to restore fluid to (something dehydrated)
–re·hy·drat·able \-ˌdrā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–re·hy·dra·tion \ˌrē-ˌhī-'drā-shən\ noun

Reich
n. Wilhelm 1897-1957 Austrian psychol.
–Reich·ian \'rī-kē-ən\ adjective

reichsmark
: the German mark from 1925 to 1948

Reichstein
Tadeus 1897-1996 Swiss (Pol.-born) chem.

Reid
Thomas 1710-1796 Scot. philos.

Reid
Whitelaw 1837-1912 American journalist & diplomat

reification
n. : the process or result of reifying

reify
v. : to regard (something abstract) as a material or concrete thing

reign
n. 1 a : royal authority : SOVEREIGNTY <under the reign of the Stuart kings> b : the dominion, sway, or influence of one resembling a monarch <the reign of the Puritan ministers>
2 : the time during which one (as a sovereign) reigns

reign
n. 1 a : to possess or exercise sovereign power : RULE b : to hold office as chief of state although possessing little governing power <in England the sovereign reigns but does not rule>
2 : to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3 : to be predominant or prevalent <chaos reigned in the classroom>

reign of terror
: a state or a period of time marked by violence often committed by those in power that produces widespread terror

Reiki
n. : a system of touching with the hands based on the belief that such touching by an experienced practitioner produces beneficial effects by strengthening and normalizing certain vital energy fields held to exist within the body

reimagine
: to imagine again or anew especially : to form a new conception of : RE-CREATE

reimburse
v. 1 : to pay back to someone : REPAY <reimburse travel expenses>
2 : to make restoration or payment of an equivalent to <reimburse him for his traveling expenses>
synonyms see PAY
–re·im·burs·able \-'bər-sə-bəl\ adjective
–re·im·burse·ment \-'bərs-mənt\ noun

reimpression
n. : REPRINT A

Reims
n. city NE France ENE of Paris pop 187,181

rein
n. 1 : a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal ― usually used in plural
2 a : a restraining influence : CHECK <kept a tight rein on the proceedings> b : controlling or guiding power ― usually used in plural <the reins of government>
3 : opportunity for unhampered activity or use <gave full rein to her imagination>

rein
n. 1 : to control or direct with or as if with reins
2 : to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins <reined in her horse> <couldn't rein his impatience>
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to submit to the use of reins
2 : to stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins

rein
n. bearing rein
free rein
neck rein

reincarnate
v. : to incarnate again

reincarnation
n. 1 a : the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated b : rebirth in new bodies or forms of life especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body
2 : a fresh embodiment

reindeer
n. : CARIBOU ― used especially for one of the Old World

reindeer
n. reindeer moss
reindeer lichen
Reindeer Lake

Reindeer Lake
lake Canada on Man.-Sask. border area ab 2500 sq mi (6475 sq km)

reindeer moss
: a gray, erect, tufted, and much-branched lichen (Cladonia rangiferina) that forms extensive patches in arctic and north-temperate regions, constitutes a large part of the food of caribou, and is sometimes eaten by humans ― called also reindeer lichen

reindustrialization
: a policy of stimulating economic growth especially through government aid to revitalize and modernize aging industries and encourage growth of new ones
–re·in·dus·tri·al·ize \-'dəs-trē-ə-ˌlīz\ verb

Reiner
Fritz 1888-1963 American (Hung.-born) conductor

Reines
Frederick 1918-1998 American physicist

reinfection
n. : infection following recovery from or superimposed on infection of the same type

reinforce
v. transitive verb
1 : to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced <reinforce levees> <reinforce the elbows of a jacket> <reinforce ideas>
2 : to strengthen or increase by fresh additions <reinforce our troops> <were reinforcing their pitching staff>
3 : to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) with a reinforcer also : to encourage (a response) with a reinforcer
intransitive verb : to seek or get reinforcements
–re·in·force·able \-'fȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective

reinforced concrete
: concrete in which metal (as steel) is embedded so that the two materials act together in resisting forces

reinforcement
n. 1 : the action of reinforcing : the state of being reinforced
2 : something that reinforces

reinforcer
n. : a stimulus (as a reward or the removal of an electric shock) that increases the probability of a desired response in operant conditioning by being applied or effected following the desired response

reinfuse
v. : to return (as blood or lymphocytes) to the body by infusion after previous withdrawal
–re·in·fu·sion \-'fyü-zhən\ noun

Reinhardt
Max 1873-1943 orig. surname Goldmann Austrian theater director

reins
n. 1 a : KIDNEYS b : the region of the kidneys : LOINS
2 : the seat of the feelings or passions

reinscribe
v. : to reestablish or rename in a new and especially stronger form or context <how do contemporary writers reimagine or reinscribe the culturally laden figure of the aging woman? ― Ruth O. Saxton>

reinsman
n. : a skilled driver or rider of horses

reinstate
v. 1 : to place again (as in possession or in a former position)
2 : to restore to a previous effective state
–re·in·state·ment \-'stāt-mənt\ noun

reinsurance
n. : insurance by another insurer of all or a part of a risk previously assumed by an insurance company

reinsure
v. 1 : to insure again by transferring to another insurance company all or a part of a liability assumed
2 : to insure again by assuming all or a part of the liability of an insurance company already covering a risk
intransitive verb : to provide increased insurance
–re·in·sur·er noun

reintegrate
v. : to integrate again into an entity : restore to unity
–re·in·te·gra·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌin-tə-'grā-shən\ noun
–re·in·te·gra·tive \(ˌ)rē-'in-tə-ˌgrā-tiv\ adjective

reinterpret
v. : to interpret again specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to
–re·in·ter·pre·ta·tion \-ˌtər-prə-'tā-shən, -pə-\ noun

reinvent
v. 1 : to make as if for the first time something already invented <reinvent the wheel>
2 : to remake or redo completely
3 : to bring into use again
–re·in·ven·tion \-'ven(t)-shən\ noun

reinvest
v. 1 : to invest again or anew
2 a : to invest (as income from investments) in additional securities b : to invest (as earnings) in a business rather than distribute as dividends or profits

reinvestment
n. 1 : the action of reinvesting : the state of being reinvested
2 : a second or repeated investment

reis
plural of real

reissue
v. : to come forth again
transitive verb : to issue again especially : to cause to become available again
–reissue noun

Reiter's syndrome
: a disease that is usually initiated by infection in genetically predisposed individuals and is characterized usually by recurrence of arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis ― called also Reiter's disease

reiterate
: to state or do over again or repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect
–re·it·er·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌi-tə-'rā-shən\ noun
–re·it·er·a·tive \rē-'i-tə-ˌrā-tiv, -t(ə-)rə-tiv\ adjective
–re·it·er·a·tive·ly adverb

reive
v. Scottish : RAID
–reiv·er noun Scottish

reject
n. 1 a : to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use <rejected the suggestion> <reject a manuscript> b : to refuse to hear, receive, or admit : REBUFF, REPEL <parents who reject their children> c : to refuse as lover or spouse
2 obsolete : to cast off
3 : THROW BACK, REPULSE
4 : to spew out
5 : to subject to immunological rejection
synonyms see DECLINE
–re·ject·er or re·jec·tor \-'jek-tər\ noun
–re·ject·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–re·jec·tive \-'jek-tiv\ adjective

reject
n. : a rejected person or thing especially : one rejected as not wanted, unsatisfactory, or not fulfilling standard requirements

rejectee
n. : one that is rejected especially : a person rejected as unfit for military service

rejection
n. 1 a : the action of rejecting : the state of being rejected b : an immune response in which foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) is attacked by immune system components of the recipient organism
2 : something rejected

rejection slip
: a printed slip enclosed with a rejected manuscript returned by an editor to an author

rejig
v. chiefly British : REJIGGER

rejigger
v. : ALTER, REARRANGE

rejoice
v. transitive verb : to give joy to : GLADDEN
intransitive verb : to feel joy or great delight
–re·joic·er noun
–re·joic·ing·ly \-'jȯi-siŋ-lē\ adverb
–rejoice in : HAVE, POSSESS

rejoice in
HAVE, POSSESS

rejoicing
1 : the action of one that rejoices
2 : an instance, occasion, or expression of joy : FESTIVITY

rejoin
v. intransitive verb : to answer the replication of the plaintiff
transitive verb
1 : to join again
2 : to say often sharply or critically in response especially as a reply to a reply

rejoinder
n. 1 : the defendant's answer to the plaintiff's replication
2 : REPLY specifically : an answer to a reply
synonyms see ANSWER

rejuvenate
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to b : to restore to an original or new state <rejuvenate old cars>
2 a : to stimulate (a stream) to renewed erosive activity especially by uplift b : to develop youthful features of topography in
intransitive verb : to cause or undergo rejuvenescence
synonyms see RENEW
–re·ju·ve·na·tion \ri-ˌjü-və-'nā-shən, ˌrē-\ noun
–re·ju·ve·na·tor \ri-'jü-və-ˌnā-tər\ noun

rejuvenescence
n. : a renewal of youthfulness or vigor : REJUVENATION
–re·ju·ve·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

rel
1 released
2 religion; religious

relapse
n. 1 : the act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding
2 : a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

relapse
n. 1 : to slip or fall back into a former worse state
2 : SINK, SUBSIDE <relapse into deep thought>
–re·laps·er noun

relapsing fever
: a variable acute epidemic disease that is marked by recurring high fever usually lasting three to seven days and is caused by a spirochete (genus Borrelia) transmitted by the bites of lice and ticks

relate
v. transitive verb
1 : to give an account of : TELL
2 : to show or establish logical or causal connection between <seeks to relate crime to poverty>
intransitive verb
1 : to apply or take effect retroactively ― usually used with back <the law relates back to the initial date of decision>
2 : to have relationship or connection <the readings relate to his lectures>
3 : to have or establish a relationship : INTERACT <the way a child relates to a teacher>
4 : to respond especially favorably <can't relate to that kind of music>
–re·lat·able \-'lā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–re·lat·er or re·la·tor \-'lā-tər\ noun

related
adj. 1 : connected by reason of an established or discoverable relation
2 : connected by common ancestry or sometimes by marriage
3 : having close harmonic connection ― used of tones, chords, or tonalities
–re·lat·ed·ly adverb
–re·lat·ed·ness noun

relation
n. 1 : the act of telling or recounting : ACCOUNT
2 : an aspect or quality (as resemblance) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind <the relation of time and space> specifically : a property (as one expressed by is equal to, is less than, or is the brother of) that holds between an ordered pair of objects
3 : the referring by a legal fiction of an act to a prior date as the time of its taking effect ― usually used with back
4 a (1) : a person connected by consanguinity or affinity : RELATIVE (2) : a person legally entitled to a share of the property of an intestate b : relationship by consanguinity or affinity : KINSHIP
5 : REFERENCE, RESPECT <in relation to>
6 : the attitude or stance which two or more persons or groups assume toward one another <race relations>
7 a : the state of being mutually or reciprocally interested (as in social or commercial matters) b plural (1) : DEALINGS, INTERCOURSE <foreign relations> (2) : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

relation
n. equivalence relation
court of domestic relations
domestic relations court
human relations
industrial relations
international relations
public relations
sexual relations

relational
adj. 1 : of or relating to kinship
2 : characterized or constituted by relations
3 : having the function chiefly of indicating a relation of syntax <has is notional in he has luck, relational in he has gone>
4 : relating to, using, or being a method of organizing data in a database so that it is perceived by the user as a set of tables
–re·la·tion·al·ly adverb

relational grammar
: a grammar based on a theory in which grammatical relations (as subject or object) are primitives in terms of which syntactic operations are defined

relationship
n. 1 : the state of being related or interrelated <studied the relationship between the variables>
2 : the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: as a : KINSHIP b : a specific instance or type of kinship
3 a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings <had a good relationship with his family> b : a romantic or passionate attachment

relative
n. 1 : a word referring grammatically to an antecedent
2 : a thing having a relation to or connection with or necessary dependence on another thing
3 a : a person connected with another by blood or affinity b : an animal or plant related to another by common descent
4 : a relative term

relative
n. 1 : introducing a subordinate clause qualifying an expressed or implied antecedent <a relative pronoun> also : introduced by such a connective <a relative clause>
2 : RELEVANT, PERTINENT <matters relative to world peace>
3 : not absolute or independent : COMPARATIVE <the relative isolation of life in the country>
4 : having the same key signature ― used of major and minor keys and scales
5 : expressed as the ratio of the specified quantity (as an error in measuring) to the total magnitude (as the value of a measured quantity) or to the mean of all the quantities involved

relative
n. relative humidity
relative to
relative wind

relative humidity
: the ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature

relative to
: with regard to : in connection with

relative wind
: the motion of the air relative to a body in it

relatively
adv. : to a relative degree or extent : SOMEWHAT

relatively prime
of integers : having no common factors except ±1 <12 and 25 are relatively prime>

relativism
n. 1 a : a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing b : a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them
2 : RELATIVITY
–rel·a·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun

relativistic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by relativity or relativism
2 : moving at a velocity such that there is a significant change in properties (as mass) in accordance with the theory of relativity <a relativistic electron>
–rel·a·tiv·is·ti·cal·ly \-'vis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

relativity
1 a : the quality or state of being relative b : something that is relative
2 : the state of being dependent for existence on or determined in nature, value, or quality by relation to something else
3 a : a theory which is based on the two postulates (1) that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant and independent of the source or observer and (2) that the mathematical forms of the laws of physics are invariant in all inertial systems and which leads to the assertion of the equivalence of mass and energy and of change in mass, dimension, and time with increased velocity ― called also special relativity special theory of relativity b : an extension of the theory to include gravitation and related acceleration phenomena ― called also general relativity general theory of relativity
4 : RELATIVISM 1B

relativity
n. general relativity
general theory of relativity
special relativity
special theory of relativity

relativize
v. : to treat or describe as relative

relax
v. transitive verb
1 : to make less tense or rigid : SLACKEN <relaxed his grip>
2 : to make less severe or stringent : MODIFY <relax immigration laws>
3 : to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4 : to relieve from nervous tension
5 : to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls
intransitive verb
1 : to become lax, weak, or loose : REST
2 : to become less intense or severe <hoped the committee would relax in its opposition>
3 of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen
4 : to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety <couldn't relax in crowds>
5 : to seek rest or recreation <relax at the seashore>
6 : to relieve constipation
7 : to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (as light, high temperature, or stress)
–re·lax·er noun

relaxant
n. : of, relating to, or producing relaxation <an anesthetic and relaxant agent>

relaxant
n. : a substance (as a drug) that relaxes specifically : one that relieves muscular tension

relaxation
n. 1 : the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
2 : a relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : DIVERSION
3 : the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle fibers or muscles

relaxed
adj. 1 : freed from or lacking in precision or stringency
2 : set or being at rest or at ease
3 : easy of manner : INFORMAL
4 : somewhat loose-fitting and usually casual in style <relaxed jeans>
–re·laxed·ly \-'lak-səd-lē, -'lakst-lē\ adverb
–re·laxed·ness \-'lak-səd-nəs, -'laks(t)-nəs\ noun

relaxin
n. : a sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments

relay
n. 1 a : a supply (as of horses) arranged beforehand for successive relief b : a number of persons who relieve others in some work <worked in relays around the clock>
2 a : a race between teams in which each team member successively covers a specified portion of the course b : one of the divisions of a relay
3 : an electromagnetic device for remote or automatic control that is actuated by variation in conditions of an electric circuit and that operates in turn other devices (as switches) in the same or a different circuit
4 : SERVOMOTOR
5 : the act of passing along (as a message or ball) by stages also : one of such stages

relay
n. 1 a : to place or dispose in relays b : to provide with relays
2 : to pass along by relays <news was relayed to distant points>
3 : to control or operate by a relay

relay
n. : to lay again <relay track>

release
n. transitive verb
1 : to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude <release hostages> <release pent-up emotions> <release the brakes> also : to let go : DISMISS <released from her job>
2 : to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses <was released from her promise>
3 : to give up in favor of another : RELINQUISH <release a claim to property>
4 : to give permission for publication, performance, exhibition, or sale of also : to make available to the public <the commission released its findings> <release a new movie>
intransitive verb : to move from one's normal position (as in football or basketball) in order to assume another position or to perform a second assignment
synonyms see FREE
–re·leas·able \-'lē-sə-bəl\ adjective

release
n. 1 : relief or deliverance from sorrow, suffering, or trouble
2 a : discharge from obligation or responsibility b (1) : relinquishment of a right or claim (2) : an act by which a legal right is discharged specifically : a conveyance of a right in lands or tenements to another having an estate in possession
3 a : the act or an instance of liberating or freeing (as from restraint) b : the act or manner of concluding a musical tone or phrase c : the act or manner of ending a sound : the movement of one or more vocal organs in quitting the position for a speech sound d : the action or manner of throwing a ball <has a quick release>
4 : an instrument effecting a legal release
5 : the state of being freed
6 : a device adapted to hold or release a mechanism as required
7 a : the act of permitting performance or publication also : PERFORMANCE, PUBLICATION <became a best seller on its release> b : the matter released especially : a statement prepared for the press

release
n. release print
sustained release
timed release
time release
released time
luteinizing hormone releasing factor
luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
gonadotropin releasing hormone
thyrotropin releasing hormone
thyrotropin releasing factor

release print
: a motion-picture film released for public showing

released time
: time off from regularly scheduled activities (as school) given to take part in some other specified activity

releaser
n. : one that releases specifically : a stimulus that serves as the initiator of complex reflex behavior

relegate
v. 1 : to send into exile : BANISH
2 : ASSIGN: as a : to assign to a place of insignificance or of oblivion : put out of sight or mind b : to assign to an appropriate place or situation on the basis of classification or appraisal c : to submit to someone or something for appropriate action : DELEGATE d : to transfer (a sports team) to a lower ranking division
synonyms see COMMIT
–rel·e·ga·tion \ˌre-lə-'gā-shən\ noun

relent
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity b : to cease resistance : GIVE IN
2 : LET UP, SLACKEN
transitive verb obsolete : SOFTEN, MOLLIFY
synonyms see YIELD

relentless
adj. : showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace : UNRELENTING <relentless pressure> <a relentless campaign>
–re·lent·less·ly adverb
–re·lent·less·ness noun

relevance
n. 1 a : relation to the matter at hand b : practical and especially social applicability : PERTINENCE <giving relevance to college courses>
2 : the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

relevancy
n. : RELEVANCE also : something relevant

relevant
adj. 1 a : having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand b : affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion <relevant testimony> c : having social relevance
2 : PROPORTIONAL, RELATIVE
–rel·e·vant·ly adverb
synonyms RELEVANT, GERMANE, MATERIAL, PERTINENT, APPOSITE, APPLICABLE, APROPOS mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand. RELEVANT implies a traceable, significant, logical connection <found material relevant to her case>. GERMANE may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion <a point not germane to the discussion>. MATERIAL implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case <facts material to the investigation>. PERTINENT stresses a clear and decisive relevance <a pertinent observation>. APPOSITE suggests a felicitous relevance <add an apposite quotation to the definition>. APPLICABLE suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case <the rule is not applicable in this case>. APROPOS suggests being both relevant and opportune <the quip was apropos>.

reliability
n. 1 : the quality or state of being reliable
2 : the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

reliable
adj. 1 : suitable or fit to be relied on : DEPENDABLE
2 : giving the same result on successive trials
–re·li·able·ness noun
–re·li·ably \-blē\ adverb

reliable
adj. : one that is reliable

reliance
n. 1 : the act of relying : the state of being reliant
2 : something or someone relied on

reliant
adj. : having reliance on something or someone : DEPENDENT
–re·li·ant·ly adverb

relic
n. 1 a : an object esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint or martyr b : SOUVENIR, MEMENTO
2 plural : REMAINS, CORPSE
3 : a survivor or remnant left after decay, disintegration, or disappearance
4 : a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or belief

relict
n. 1 : WIDOW
2 : a surviving species of an otherwise extinct group of organisms also : a remnant of a formerly widespread species that persists in an isolated area
3 a : a relief feature or rock remaining after other parts have disappeared b : something left unchanged

relict
n. : of, relating to, or being a relict <relict populations>

reliction
n. 1 : the gradual recession of water leaving land permanently uncovered
2 : land uncovered by reliction

relief
n. 1 : a payment made by a male feudal tenant to his lord on succeeding to an inherited estate
2 a : removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing b : WELFARE 2A c : military assistance to an endangered post or force d : means of breaking or avoiding monotony or boredom : DIVERSION
3 : release from a post or from the performance of duty
4 : one that takes the place of another on duty
5 : legal remedy or redress
6 [French, from Middle French, from Italian rilievo relievo] a : a mode of sculpture in which forms and figures are distinguished from a surrounding plane surface b : sculpture or a sculptural form executed in this mode c : projecting detail, ornament, or figures
7 a : sharpness of outline due to contrast <a roof in bold relief against the sky> b : the state of being distinguished by contrast <throws the two opinions into bold relief>
8 : the elevations or inequalities of a land surface
9 : the pitching done by a relief pitcher <two innings of hitless relief>

relief
n. 1 : providing relief
2 : characterized by surface inequalities
3 : of or used in letterpress

relief
n. bas relief
comic relief
high relief
low relief
relief map
relief pitcher
relief printing

relief map
: a map representing topographic relief

relief pitcher
: a baseball pitcher who takes over for another during a game

relief printing
: LETTERPRESS 1

relieve
v. transitive verb
1 a : to free from a burden : give aid or help to b : to set free from an obligation, condition, or restriction c : to ease of a burden, wrong, or oppression by judicial or legislative interposition
2 a : to bring about the removal or alleviation of : MITIGATE <helps relieve stress> b : ROB, DEPRIVE <relieved us of our belongings>
3 a : to release from a post, station, or duty b : to take the place of <will relieve the starting pitcher>
4 : to remove or lessen the monotony of <a park relieves the urban landscape>
5 a : to set off by contrast b : to raise in relief
6 : to discharge the bladder or bowels of (oneself)
intransitive verb
1 : to bring or give relief
2 : to stand out in relief
3 : to serve as a relief pitcher
–re·liev·able \-'lē-və-bəl\ adjective
synonyms RELIEVE, ALLEVIATE, LIGHTEN, ASSUAGE, MITIGATE, ALLAY mean to make something less grievous. RELIEVE implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable <took an aspirin to relieve the pain>. ALLEVIATE implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress <the lotion alleviated the itching>. LIGHTEN implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight <good news would lighten our worries>. ASSUAGE implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable <ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat>. MITIGATE suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful <the need to mitigate barbaric laws>. ALLAY implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms <allayed their fears>.

relieved
adj. : experiencing or showing relief especially from anxiety or pent-up emotions
–re·liev·ed·ly \-'lē-vəd-lē\ adverb

reliever
n. : one that relieves especially : RELIEF PITCHER

relievo
n. : RELIEF 6

relievo
n. alto relievo
basso relievo
mezzo relievo
alto relievos
mezzo relievos

relig
religion

religio
: religion and <religio-political>

religio loci
: religious sanctity of a place

religion
n. 1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
–re·li·gion·less adjective

religionist
n. : a person adhering to a religion especially : a religious zealot

religiose
n. : RELIGIOUS especially : excessively, obtrusively, or sentimentally religious
–re·li·gi·os·i·ty \-ˌli-jē-'ä-sə-tē\ noun

religious
n. 1 : relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person> <religious attitudes>
2 : of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances <joined a religious order>
3 a : scrupulously and conscientiously faithful b : FERVENT, ZEALOUS
–re·li·gious·ly adverb
–re·li·gious·ness noun

religious
n. : a member of a religious order under monastic vows

reline
v. : to put new lines on or a new lining in

relinquish
v. 1 : to withdraw or retreat from : leave behind
2 : GIVE UP <relinquish a title>
3 a : to stop holding physically : RELEASE <slowly relinquished his grip on the bar> b : to give over possession or control of : YIELD <few leaders willingly relinquish power>
–re·lin·quish·ment \-mənt\ noun
synonyms RELINQUISH, YIELD, RESIGN, SURRENDER, ABANDON, WAIVE mean to give up completely. RELINQUISH usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness <relinquished her crown>. YIELD implies concession or compliance or submission to force <the troops yielded ground grudgingly>. RESIGN emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle <resigned her position>. SURRENDER implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist <surrendered their claims>. ABANDON stresses finality and completeness in giving up <abandoned all hope>. WAIVE implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion <waived the right to a trial by jury>.

reliquary
n. : a container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept

relique
archaic variant of relic

reliquiae
n. : remains of the dead : RELICS

relish
n. 1 : characteristic flavor especially : pleasing or zestful flavor
2 : a quantity just sufficient to flavor or characterize : TRACE
3 a : enjoyment of or delight in something that satisfies one's tastes, inclinations, or desires <eat with great relish> b : a strong liking : INCLINATION <has little relish for sports>
4 a : something adding a zestful flavor especially : a condiment (as of pickles or green tomatoes) eaten with other food to add flavor b : APPETIZER, HORS D'OEUVRE

relish
n. 1 : to add relish to
2 : to be pleased or gratified by : ENJOY
3 : to eat or drink with pleasure
4 : to appreciate with taste and discernment
intransitive verb : to have a characteristic or pleasing taste
–rel·ish·able \'re-li-shə-bəl\ adjective

relive
v. : to live again
transitive verb : to live over again especially : to experience again in the imagination

relocate
v. : to locate again : establish or lay out in a new place
intransitive verb : to move to a new location
–re·lo·cat·able \-'lō-ˌkā-tə-bəl, -ˌlō-'kā-\ adjective
–re·lo·ca·tion \ˌrē-lō-'kā-shən\ noun

relocatee
: one who moves to a new location : one that is relocated

relucent
adj. : reflecting light : SHINING

reluct
: to show reluctance

reluctance
n. 1 : the quality or state of being reluctant
2 : the opposition offered in a magnetic circuit to magnetic flux specifically : the ratio of the magnetic potential difference to the corresponding flux

reluctancy
n. : RELUCTANCE

reluctant
adj. : feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness <reluctant to get involved> also : having or assuming a specified role unwillingly <a reluctant hero>
synonyms see DISINCLINED
–re·luc·tant·ly adverb

relume
v. archaic : to light or light up again : REKINDLE

rely
v. 1 : to be dependent <the system on which we rely for water>
2 : to have confidence based on experience <someone you can rely on>
–re·li·er \-'lī(-ə)r\ noun

REM
n. : RAPID EYE MOVEMENT

rem
n. : the dosage of an ionizing radiation that will cause the same biological effect as one roentgen of X-ray or gamma-ray exposure

rem
n. ad rem
in rem
REM sleep
rem acu tetigisti

rem acu tetigisti
: you have touched the point with a needle : you have hit the nail on the head

REM sleep
: a state of sleep that recurs cyclically several times during a normal period of sleep and that is characterized especially by increased neuronal activity of the forebrain and midbrain, depressed muscle tone, dreaming, and rapid eye movements ― called also paradoxical sleep rapid eye movement sleep ― compare SLOW-WAVE SLEEP

Remagen
town W Germany on W bank of the Rhine NW of Koblenz pop 15,460

remain
v. 1 a : to be a part not destroyed, taken, or used up <only a few ruins remain> b : to be something yet to be shown, done, or treated <it remains to be seen>
2 : to stay in the same place or with the same person or group especially : to stay behind
3 : to continue unchanged <the fact remains that we can't go>

remain
v. 1 obsolete : STAY
2 : a remaining part or trace ― usually used in plural
3 plural : a dead body

remainder
n. 1 : an interest or estate in property that follows and is dependent on the termination of a prior intervening possessory estate created at the same time by the same instrument
2 a : a remaining group, part, or trace b (1) : the number left after a subtraction (2) : the final undivided part after division that is less or of lower degree than the divisor
3 : a book sold at a reduced price by the publisher after sales have slowed

remainder
n. : LEFTOVER, REMAINING

remainder
n. : to dispose of as remainders

remainder theorem
: a theorem in algebra: if f(x) is a polynomial in x then the remainder on dividing f(x) by x - a is f(a)

remake
n. : to make anew or in a different form
–re·mak·er \-'mā-kər\ noun

remake
n. : one that is remade especially : a new version of a motion picture

reman
v. 1 : to man again or anew
2 : to imbue with courage again

remand
n. : to order back: as a : to send back (a case) to another court or agency for further action b : to return to custody pending trial or for further detention
–remand noun

remanence
n. : the magnetic induction remaining in a magnetized substance no longer under external magnetic influence

remanent
adj. 1 : RESIDUAL, REMAINING
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by remanence

remanufacture
v. : to manufacture into a new product
–remanufacture noun
–re·man·u·fac·tur·er \-chər-ər\ noun

remap
v. : to map again also : to lay out in a new pattern

remark
n. 1 : the act of remarking : NOTICE
2 : an expression of opinion or judgment
3 : mention of that which deserves attention or notice

remark
n. 1 : to take notice of : OBSERVE
2 : to express as an observation or comment : SAY
intransitive verb : to notice something and comment thereon ― used with on or upon

remarkable
adj. : worthy of being or likely to be noticed especially as being uncommon or extraordinary
synonyms see NOTICEABLE
–re·mark·able·ness noun

remarkably
adv. 1 : in a remarkable manner <remarkably talented>
2 : as is remarkable <remarkably, no one was hurt>

Remarque
Erich Maria 1898-1970 American (Ger.-born) nov.

remarque
1 : a drawn, etched, or incised scribble or sketch done on the margin of a plate or stone and removed before the regular printing
2 : a proof taken before remarques have been removed

remaster
v. : to create a new master of especially by altering or enhancing the sound quality of an older recording

rematch
v. : a second match between the same contestants or teams

Rembrandt
n. 1606-1669 in full Rembrandt Harmensz (or Harmenszoon) van Rijn (or Ryn) Du. painter
–Rem·brandt·esque \ˌrem-ˌbran-'tesk, -ˌbrän-\ adjective

remediable
adj. : capable of being remedied
–re·me·di·abil·i·ty \ri-ˌmē-dē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

remedial
adj. 1 : intended as a remedy
2 : concerned with the correction of faulty study habits and the raising of a pupil's general competence <remedial reading courses> also : receiving or requiring remedial instruction <remedial students>
–re·me·di·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

remediate
v. archaic : REMEDIAL

remediation
n. : the act or process of remedying <remediation of reading problems>
–re·me·di·ate \-'mē-dē-ˌāt\ transitive verb

remedy
n. 1 : a medicine, application, or treatment that relieves or cures a disease
2 : something that corrects or counteracts
3 : the legal means to recover a right or to prevent or obtain redress for a wrong
–rem·e·di·less adjective

remedy
n. : to provide or serve as a remedy for : RELIEVE <remedy a social evil>
synonyms see CORRECT

remember
transitive verb
1 : to bring to mind or think of again <remembers the old days>
2 archaic a : BETHINK 1B b : REMIND
3 a : to keep in mind for attention or consideration <remembers friends at Christmas> b : REWARD <was remembered in the will>
4 : to retain in the memory <remember the facts until the test is over>
5 : to convey greetings from <remember me to her>
6 : RECORD, COMMEMORATE
intransitive verb
1 : to exercise or have the power of memory
2 : to have a recollection or remembrance
–re·mem·ber·abil·i·ty \-ˌmem-b(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·mem·ber·able \-'mem-b(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–re·mem·ber·er \-bər-ər\ noun
synonyms REMEMBER, RECOLLECT, RECALL, REMIND, REMINISCE mean to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind. REMEMBER implies a keeping in memory that may be effortless or unwilled <remembers that day as though it were yesterday>. RECOLLECT implies a bringing back to mind what is lost or scattered <as near as I can recollect>. RECALL suggests an effort to bring back to mind and often to re-create in speech <can't recall the words of the song>. REMIND suggests a jogging of one's memory by an association or similarity <that reminds me of a story>. REMINISCE implies a casual often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone <old college friends like to reminisce>.

remembrance
n. 1 : the state of bearing in mind
2 a : the ability to remember : MEMORY b : the period over which one's memory extends
3 : an act of recalling to mind
4 : a memory of a person, thing, or event
5 a : something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER b : COMMEMORATION, MEMORIAL c : a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection
synonyms see MEMORY

Remembrance Day
: November 11 set aside in commemoration of the end of hostilities in 1918 and 1945 and observed as a legal holiday in Canada also : REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Remembrance Sunday
: a Sunday that is usually closest to November 11 and that in Great Britain is set aside in commemoration of the end of hostilities in 1918 and 1945

remembrancer
n. 1 : any of several English officials
2 : one that reminds

remind
v. : to put in mind of something : cause to remember
synonyms see REMEMBER
–re·mind·er noun

remindful
adj. 1 : MINDFUL
2 : tending to remind : SUGGESTIVE, EVOCATIVE

Remington
Frederic 1861-1909 American artist

reminisce
v. : to indulge in reminiscence
synonyms see REMEMBER
–rem·i·nis·cer \-'ni-sər\ noun

reminiscence
n. 1 : apprehension of a Platonic idea as if it had been known in a previous existence
2 a : recall to mind of a long-forgotten experience or fact b : the process or practice of thinking or telling about past experiences
3 a : a remembered experience b : an account of a memorable experience ― often used in plural
4 : something so like another as to be regarded as an unconscious repetition, imitation, or survival
synonyms see MEMORY

reminiscent
adj. 1 : of the character of or relating to reminiscence
2 : marked by or given to reminiscence
3 : tending to remind : SUGGESTIVE
–rem·i·nis·cent·ly adverb

reminiscential
: REMINISCENT

remint
v. : to melt down (old or worn coin) and make into new coin

remise
v. : to give, grant, or release a claim to : DEED

remiss
adj. 1 : negligent in the performance of work or duty : CARELESS
2 : showing neglect or inattention : LAX
synonyms see NEGLIGENT
–re·miss·ly adverb
–re·miss·ness noun

remissible
adj. : capable of being forgiven <remissible sins>
–re·mis·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

remission
n. 1 : the act or process of remitting
2 : a state or period during which something is remitted

remit
n. transitive verb
1 a : to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly b : to desist from (an activity) c : to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : RELAX
2 a : to release from the guilt or penalty of <remit sins> b : to refrain from exacting <remit a tax> c : to cancel or refrain from inflicting <remit the penalty> d : to give relief from (suffering)
3 : to submit or refer for consideration, judgment, decision, or action specifically : REMAND
4 : to restore or consign to a former status or condition
5 : POSTPONE, DEFER
6 : to send (money) to a person or place especially in payment of a demand, account, or draft
intransitive verb
1 a : to abate in force or intensity : MODERATE b : to abate symptoms (as of a disease) for a period
2 : to send money (as in payment)
–re·mit·ment \-'mit-mənt\ noun
–re·mit·ta·ble \-'mi-tə-bəl\ adjective
–re·mit·ter noun

remit
n. 1 : an act of remitting
2 : something remitted to another person or authority

remittal
n. : REMISSION

remittance
n. 1 a : a sum of money remitted b : an instrument by which money is remitted
2 : transmittal of money (as to a distant place)

remittance man
: one living abroad on remittances from home

remittent
adj. of a disease : marked by alternating periods of abatement and increase of symptoms <remittent fever>

remix
v. : to mix again

remix
v. : a variant of an original recording (as of a song) made by rearranging or adding to the original

remnant
n. 1 a : a usually small part, member, or trace remaining b : a small surviving group ― often used in plural
2 : an unsold or unused end of piece goods

remnant
n. : still remaining

remodel
v. : to alter the structure of : REMAKE

remonstrance
n. 1 : an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance especially : a document formally stating such points
2 : an act or instance of remonstrating

remonstrant
adj. : vigorously objecting or opposing
–remonstrant noun
–re·mon·strant·ly adverb

remonstrate
intransitive verb : to present and urge reasons in opposition : EXPOSTULATE ― usually used with with
transitive verb : to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition
–re·mon·stra·tion \ˌre-mən-'strā-shən, ri-'man-\ noun
–re·mon·stra·tive \ri-'män(t)-strə-tiv\ adjective
–re·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb
–re·mon·stra·tor \'re-mən-ˌstrā-tər, ri-'män-\ noun

remora
n. 1 : any of a family (Echeneidae) of marine bony fishes that have the anterior dorsal fin modified into a suctorial disk on the head by means of which they adhere especially to other fishes
2 : HINDRANCE, DRAG

remorse
n. 1 : a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : SELF-REPROACH
2 obsolete : COMPASSION
synonyms see PENITENCE

remorseful
adj. : motivated or marked by remorse
–re·morse·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·morse·ful·ness noun

remorseless
adj. 1 : having no remorse : MERCILESS
2 : RELENTLESS
–re·morse·less·ly adverb
–re·morse·less·ness noun

remote
adj. 1 : separated by an interval or space greater than usual <an involucre remote from the flower>
2 : far removed in space, time, or relation : DIVERGENT <the remote past> <comments remote from the truth>
3 : OUT-OF-THE-WAY, SECLUDED <a remote cabin in the hills>
4 : acting, acted on, or controlled indirectly or from a distance <remote computer operation> also : relating to the acquisition of information about a distant object (as by radar or photography) without coming into physical contact with it <remote sensing>
5 : not arising from a primary or proximate action
6 : small in degree : SLIGHT <a remote possibility> <hadn't the remotest idea of what was going on>
7 : distant in manner : ALOOF
–re·mote·ly adverb
–re·mote·ness noun

remote
adj. 1 : a radio or television program or a portion of a program originating outside the studio
2 : REMOTE CONTROL 2

remote control
1 : control (as by radio signal) of operation from a point at some distance removed
2 : a device or mechanism for controlling something from a distance

remotion
1 : the quality or state of being remote
2 : the act of removing : REMOVAL
3 obsolete : DEPARTURE

remoulade
n. : a pungent sauce or dressing resembling mayonnaise and usually including savory herbs and condiments

remount
n. transitive verb
1 : to mount (something) again <remount a picture>
2 : to furnish remounts to
intransitive verb
1 : to mount again
2 : REVERT

remount
n. : a fresh horse to replace one no longer available

removal
n. : the act or process of removing : the fact of being removed

remove
transitive verb
1 a : to change the location, position, station, or residence of <remove soldiers to the front> b : to transfer (a legal proceeding) from one court to another
2 : to move by lifting, pushing aside, or taking away or off <remove your hat>
3 : to dismiss from office
4 : to get rid of : ELIMINATE <remove a tumor surgically>
intransitive verb
1 : to change location, station, or residence <removing from the city to the suburbs>
2 : to go away
3 : to be capable of being removed
–re·mov·abil·i·ty \-ˌmü-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·mov·able also re·move·able \ri-'mü-və-bəl\ adjective
–re·mov·able·ness \-'mü-və-bəl-nəs\ noun
–re·mov·ably \-blē\ adverb
–re·mov·er noun

remove
n. 1 : REMOVAL specifically : MOVE 2C
2 a : a distance or interval separating one person or thing from another b : a degree or stage of separation

removed
adj. 1 a : distant in degree of relationship b : of a younger or older generation <a second cousin's child is a second cousin once removed>
2 : separate or remote in space, time, or character

Remscheid
city W Germany in N. Rhine-Westphalia ESE of Düsseldorf pop 123,618

Remsen
Ira 1846-1927 Am. chem.

remuda
: the herd of horses from which those to be used for the day are chosen

remunerate
v. 1 : to pay an equivalent for <their services were generously remunerated>
2 : to pay an equivalent to for a service, loss, or expense : RECOMPENSE
synonyms see PAY
–re·mu·ner·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun
–re·mu·ner·a·to·ry \-rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

remuneration
n. 1 : something that remunerates : RECOMPENSE, PAY
2 : an act or fact of remunerating

remunerative
adj. 1 : serving to remunerate
2 : providing remuneration : PROFITABLE
–re·mu·ner·a·tive·ly adverb
–re·mu·ner·a·tive·ness noun

Remus
n. : a son of Mars slain by his twin brother Romulus

renaissance
n. 1 capitalized a : the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science b : the period of the Renaissance c : the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance
2 often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity
3 : REBIRTH, REVIVAL

Renaissance man
: a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas

renal
adj. : relating to, involving, or located in the region of the kidneys : NEPHRITIC <renal disease> <renal failure>

renal clearance
: CLEARANCE 3

Renan
Joseph Ernest 1823-1892 Fr. philologist & hist.

renascence
n. : RENAISSANCE

renascent
adj. : rising again into being or vigor

renature
v. : to restore (as a denatured protein) to an original or normal condition
–re·na·tur·ation \(ˌ)rē-ˌnā-chə-'rā-shən\ noun

rencontre
n. 1 : a hostile meeting or a contest between forces or individuals : COMBAT
2 : a casual meeting

rencounter
n. archaic : to meet casually

rend
v. transitive verb
1 : to remove from place by violence : WREST
2 : to split or tear apart or in pieces by violence
3 : to tear (the hair or clothing) as a sign of anger, grief, or despair
4 a : to lacerate mentally or emotionally b : to pierce with sound c : to divide (as a nation) into contesting factions
intransitive verb
1 : to perform an act of tearing or splitting
2 : to become torn or split
synonyms see TEAR

rend
v. economic rent
ground rent
low rent
rack rent
for rent
rent a car
rent a cop
rent control
rent controlled
rent strike

render
v. transitive verb
1 a : to melt down <render suet> also : to extract by melting <render lard> b : to treat so as to convert into industrial fats and oils or fertilizer
2 a : to transmit to another : DELIVER b : GIVE UP, YIELD c : to furnish for consideration, approval, or information: as (1) : to hand down (a legal judgment) (2) : to agree on and report (a verdict)
3 a : to give in return or retribution b (1) : GIVE BACK, RESTORE (2) : REFLECT, ECHO c : to give in acknowledgment of dependence or obligation : PAY d : to do (a service) for another
4 a (1) : to cause to be or become : MAKE <enough rainfall⋯to render irrigation unnecessary ― P. E. James> <rendered him helpless> (2) : IMPART b (1) : to reproduce or represent by artistic or verbal means : DEPICT (2) : to give a performance of (3) : to produce a copy or version of <the documents are rendered in the original French> (4) : to execute the motions of <render a salute> c : TRANSLATE
5 : to direct the execution of : ADMINISTER <render justice>
6 : to apply a coat of plaster or cement directly to
intransitive verb : to give recompense
–ren·der·able \-d(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–ren·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

render
v. : a return especially in goods or services due from a feudal tenant to his lord

rendezvous
n. 1 a : a place appointed for assembling or meeting b : a place of popular resort : HAUNT
2 : a meeting at an appointed place and time
3 : the process of bringing two spacecraft together

rendezvous
n. intransitive verb : to come together at a rendezvous
transitive verb
1 : to bring together at a rendezvous
2 : to meet at a rendezvous

rendition
n. : the act or result of rendering: as a : SURRENDER b : TRANSLATION c : PERFORMANCE, INTERPRETATION

Rendova
island W Pacific in cen Solomon Islands off SW cen coast of New Georgia Is.

rendzina
: any of a group of dark grayish-brown intrazonal soils developed in grassy regions of high to moderate humidity from soft calcareous marl or chalk

renegade
n. 1 : a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another
2 : an individual who rejects lawful or conventional behavior

renegade
n. : to become a renegade

renegade
n. 1 : having deserted a faith, cause, or religion for a hostile one
2 : having rejected tradition : UNCONVENTIONAL

renege
v. transitive verb : DENY, RENOUNCE
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to make a denial
2 : REVOKE
3 : to go back on a promise or commitment
–re·neg·er noun

renegotiable
adj. : subject to renegotiation <renegotiable mortgages> <renegotiable rates>

renegotiate
v. : to negotiate again (as to adjust interest rates or repayments or to get more money) <renegotiate a loan> <renegotiate a contract>
–re·ne·go·ti·a·tion \ˌrē-ni-ˌgō-shē-'ā-shən, -sē-'ā-\ noun

renew
v. 1 : to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection <as we renew our strength in sleep>
2 : to make new spiritually : REGENERATE
3 a : to restore to existence : REVIVE b : to make extensive changes in : REBUILD
4 : to do again : REPEAT
5 : to begin again : RESUME
6 : REPLACE, REPLENISH <renew water in a tank>
7 a : to grant or obtain an extension of or on <renew a license> b : to grant or obtain an extension on the loan of <renew a library book>
intransitive verb
1 : to become new or as new
2 : to begin again : RESUME
3 : to make a renewal (as of a lease)
–re·new·er noun
synonyms RENEW, RESTORE, REFRESH, RENOVATE, REJUVENATE mean to make like new. RENEW implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new <efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle>. RESTORE implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss <restored a fine piece of furniture>. REFRESH implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power <a refreshing drink>. RENOVATE suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding <the apartment has been entirely renovated>. REJUVENATE suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance <the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits>.

renewable
adj. 1 : capable of being renewed <renewable contracts>
2 : capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles or sound management practices <renewable resources>
–re·new·abil·i·ty \-ˌnü-ə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-\ noun
–renewable noun
–re·new·ably \-'nü-ə-blē, -'nyü-\ adverb

renewal
n. 1 : the act or process of renewing : REPETITION
2 : the quality or state of being renewed
3 : something (as a subscription to a magazine) renewed
4 : something used for renewing specifically : an expenditure that betters existing fixed assets
5 : the rebuilding of a large area (as of a city) by a public authority

Renfrew
former county SW Scotland capital Paisley

Renfrewshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 101 sq mi (261 sq km)

Reni
Guido 1575-1642 Ital. painter

reni
: kidney <reniform>

reniform
adj. : suggesting a kidney in outline <a reniform nucleus of a cell> ― see LEAF illustration

renin
n. : a proteolytic enzyme of the kidney that plays a major role in the release of angiotensin

renitency
: RESISTANCE, OPPOSITION

renitent
1 : resisting physical pressure
2 : resisting constraint or compulsion : RECALCITRANT

renminbi
n. : the currency of the People's Republic of China consisting of yuan

Renner
Karl 1870-1950 pres. of Austria (1945-50)

Rennes
city NW France N of Nantes pop 206,194

rennet
n. 1 a : the contents of the stomach of an unweaned animal and especially a calf b : the lining membrane of a stomach or one of its compartments (as the fourth of a ruminant) used for curdling milk also : a preparation of the stomach of animals used for this purpose
2 a : RENNIN b : a substitute for rennin

rennin
n. : an enzyme that coagulates milk and is used in making cheese and junkets especially : one from the mucous membrane of the stomach of a calf

Reno
n. Janet 1938-     U.S. atty. gen. (1993-2001)

Reno
n. city W Nev. NNE of Lake Tahoe pop 180,480

renogram
n. : a photographic depiction of the course of renal excretion of a radiolabeled substance
–re·no·graph·ic \ˌrē-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–re·nog·ra·phy \rē-'nä-grə-fē\ noun

Renoir
n. Jean 1894-1979 son of P.-A. Fr. film director & writer

Renoir
n. (Pierre-) Auguste 1841-1919 Fr. painter

renominate
v. : to nominate again especially for a succeeding term
–re·nom·i·na·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌnä-mə-'nā-shən\ noun

renounce
v. transitive verb
1 : to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration <renounce his errors>
2 : to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : REPUDIATE <renounce the authority of the church>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a renunciation
2 : to fail to follow suit in a card game
synonyms see ABDICATE, ABJURE
–re·nounce·ment \-'nau̇n(t)s-mənt\ noun
–re·nounc·er noun

renovascular
adj. : of, relating to, or involving the blood vessels of the kidneys <renovascular hypertension>

renovate
v. 1 : to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)
2 : to restore to life, vigor, or activity : REVIVE <the church was renovated by a new ecumenical spirit>
synonyms see RENEW
–ren·o·va·tion \ˌre-nə-'vā-shən\ noun
–ren·o·va·tive \'re-nə-ˌvā-tiv\ adjective
–ren·o·va·tor \-ˌvā-tər\ noun

renown
n. 1 : a state of being widely acclaimed and highly honored : FAME
2 obsolete : REPORT, RUMOR

renown
n. : to give renown to

renowned
adj. : having renown : CELEBRATED
synonyms see FAMOUS

rent
n. 1 : property (as a house) rented or for rent
2 a : a usually fixed periodical return made by a tenant or occupant of property to the owner for the possession and use thereof especially : an agreed sum paid at fixed intervals by a tenant to the landlord b : the amount paid by a hirer of personal property to the owner for the use thereof
3 a : the portion of the income of an economy (as of a nation) attributable to land as a factor of production in addition to capital and labor b : ECONOMIC RENT
–for rent : available for use or service in return for payment

rent
n. 1 : to grant the possession and enjoyment of in exchange for rent
2 : to take and hold under an agreement to pay rent
intransitive verb
1 : to be for rent
2 a : to obtain the possession and use of a place or article in exchange for rent b : to allow the possession and use of property in exchange for rent
synonyms see HIRE
–rent·abil·i·ty \ˌren-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–rent·able \'ren-tə-bəl\ adjective

rent
n. past and past part of rend

rent
n. 1 : an opening made by or as if by rending
2 : a split in a party or organized group : SCHISM
3 : an act or instance of rending

rent
n. economic rent
ground rent
low rent
rack rent
for rent
rent a car
rent a cop
rent control
rent controlled
rent strike

rent control
: government regulation of the amount charged as rent for housing and often also of eviction
–rent-controlled adjective

rent strike
: a refusal by a group of tenants to pay rent (as in protest against high rates)

rent-a-car
: a rented car

rent-a-cop
often disparaging : a security worker (as a guard) who is not a police officer

rental
n. 1 : an amount paid or collected as rent
2 : something that is rented
3 : an act of renting
4 : a business that rents something

rental
n. 1 a : of or relating to rent b : available for rent
2 : dealing in rental property <a rental agency>

rental library
: a commercially operated library (as in a store) that lends books at a fixed charge per book per day ― called also lending library

rente
: a government security (as in France) paying interest also : the interest paid

renter
n. : one that rents specifically : the lessee or tenant of property

rentier
n. : a person who lives on income from property or securities

Renton
city W Wash. SE of Seattle pop 50,052

renunciation
n. : the act or practice of renouncing : REPUDIATION specifically : ascetic self-denial
–re·nun·ci·a·tive \ri-'nən(t)-sē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–re·nun·ci·a·to·ry \-sē-ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Renwick
James 1818-1895 American architect

reoffer
v. : to offer (a security issue) for public sale

reopen
v. 1 : to open again
2 a : to take up again : RESUME <reopen discussion> b : to resume discussion or consideration of <reopen a contract>
3 : to begin again
intransitive verb : to open again <school reopens in September>

reorder
n. 1 : to arrange in a different way
2 : to give a reorder for
intransitive verb : to place a reorder

reorder
n. : an order like a previous order placed with the same supplier

reorganization
n. : the act or process of reorganizing : the state of being reorganized especially : the financial reconstruction of a business concern
–re·or·ga·ni·za·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

reorganize
v. : to organize again or anew
intransitive verb : to reorganize something
–re·or·ga·niz·er noun

reovirus
n. : any of a family (Reoviridae) of double-stranded RNA viruses that have a virion with icosahedral structural symmetry but may appear spherical, that have a capsid with one to three concentric protein layers, and that include many pathogens of plants or animals

Rep
n. Republican

rep
n. slang : REPUTATION especially : status in a group (as a gang)

rep
n. : REPRESENTATIVE <sales reps>

rep
n. : a plain-weave fabric with prominent rounded crosswise ribs

rep
n. 1 : REPERTORY 2B
2 : REPERTORY 3

rep
n. : REPRESENT 6

rep
n. : the dosage of an ionizing radiation that will develop the same amount of energy upon absorption in human tissue as one roentgen of X-ray or gamma-ray exposure

rep
n. : REPETITION 1B

rep
n. 1 repair
2 repeat
3 report; reporter
4 republic

repackage
v. : to package again or anew specifically : to put into a more efficient or attractive form
–re·pack·ag·er noun

repair
n. 1 a : to betake oneself : GO <repaired to the judge's chambers> b : to come together : RALLY
2 obsolete : RETURN

repair
n. 1 : the act of repairing : RESORT
2 : a popular gathering place

repair
n. transitive verb
1 a : to restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken : FIX <repair a shoe> b : to restore to a sound or healthy state : RENEW <repair his strength>
2 : to make good : compensate for : REMEDY <repair a gap in my reading>
intransitive verb : to make repairs
synonyms see MEND
–re·pair·abil·i·ty \-ˌper-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·pair·able \-'per-ə-bəl\ adjective
–re·pair·er \-'per-ər\ noun

repair
n. 1 a : an instance or result of repairing b : the act or process of repairing c : the replacement of destroyed cells or tissues by new formations
2 a : relative condition with respect to soundness or need of repairing b : the state of being in good or sound condition

repairman
n. : one who repairs specifically : one whose occupation is to make repairs in a mechanism

repand
: having a slightly undulating margin <a repand leaf> <a repand colony of bacteria>

reparable
adj. : capable of being repaired

reparation
n. 1 a : a repairing or keeping in repair b plural : REPAIRS
2 a : the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury b : something done or given as amends or satisfaction
3 : the payment of damages : INDEMNIFICATION specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation ― usually used in plural

reparative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or effecting repair
2 : serving to make amends

repartee
n. 1 a : a quick and witty reply b : a succession or interchange of clever retorts : amusing and usually light sparring with words
2 : adroitness and cleverness in reply : skill in repartee
synonyms see WIT

repartition
n. : DISTRIBUTION

repartition
n. : a second or additional dividing or distribution

repass
v. intransitive verb : to pass again especially in the opposite direction : RETURN
transitive verb
1 : to pass through, over, or by again <repass the house>
2 : to cause to pass again
3 : to adopt again <repassed the resolution>
–re·pas·sage \-'pa-sij\ noun

repast
n. 1 : something taken as food : MEAL
2 : the act or time of taking food

repast
n. obsolete : FEED
intransitive verb : to take food : FEAST

repatriate
v. : to restore or return to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship <repatriate prisoners of war>
–re·pa·tri·ate \-trē-ət, -trē-ˌāt\ noun
–re·pa·tri·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌpā-trē-'ā-shən, -ˌpa-\ noun

repay
v. transitive verb
1 a : to pay back <repay a loan> b : to give or inflict in return or requital <repay evil for evil>
2 : to make a return payment to : COMPENSATE, REQUITE
3 : to make requital for : RECOMPENSE <the success that repays hard work>
intransitive verb : to make return payment or requital
synonyms see PAY
–re·pay·able \-'pā-ə-bəl\ adjective
–re·pay·ment \-'pā-mənt\ noun

repeal
n. 1 : to rescind or annul by authoritative act especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
2 : ABANDON, RENOUNCE
3 obsolete : to summon to return : RECALL
–repeal noun
–re·peal·able \-'pē-lə-bəl\ adjective

repealer
n. : one that repeals specifically : a legislative act that abrogates an earlier act

repeat
n. transitive verb
1 a : to say or state again b : to say over from memory : RECITE c : to say after another
2 a : to make, do, or perform again <repeat an experiment> b : to make appear again <the curtains repeat the wallpaper pattern> <will repeat the program tomorrow> c : to go through or experience again <had to repeat third grade>
3 : to express or present (oneself) again in the same words, terms, or form
intransitive verb : to say, do, or accomplish something again especially : to win (as a sports championship) another time in succession
–re·peat·abil·i·ty \-ˌpē-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·peat·able \-'pē-tə-bəl\ adjective

repeat
n. 1 a : something repeated : REPETITION b : a musical passage to be repeated in performance also : a sign placed before and after such a passage c : a usually transcribed repetition of a radio or television program d : a duplication of genetic material (as a sequence of nucleotides) in which the duplicated parts are adjacent to each other along the chromosome
2 : the act of repeating

repeat
n. : of, relating to, or being one that repeats an offense, achievement, or action <a repeat burglar> <a repeat customer>

repeated
adj. 1 : renewed or recurring again and again <repeated changes of plan>
2 : said, done, or presented again

repeatedly
adv. : AGAIN AND AGAIN

repeater
n. : one that repeats: as a : one who relates or recites b : a watch or clock with a striking mechanism that upon pressure of a spring will indicate the time in hours or quarters and sometimes minutes c : a firearm having a magazine that holds a number of cartridges loaded one at a time into the chamber by the action of the piece d : a habitual violator of the laws e : one who votes illegally by casting more than one ballot in an election f : a student enrolled in a class or course for a second or subsequent time g : a device for receiving communication signals and delivering corresponding amplified ones

repeating
adj. of a firearm : designed to load cartridges from a magazine

repeating decimal
: a decimal in which after a certain point a particular digit or sequence of digits repeats itself indefinitely ― compare TERMINATING DECIMAL

repechage
n. : a trial heat (as in rowing) in which first-round losers are given another chance to qualify for the semifinals

repel
v. transitive verb
1 a : to drive back : REPULSE b : to fight against : RESIST
2 : TURN AWAY, REJECT <repelled the insinuation>
3 a : to drive away : DISCOURAGE <foul words and frowns must not repel a lover ― Shakespeare> b : to be incapable of adhering to, mixing with, taking up, or holding c : to force away or apart or tend to do so by mutual action at a distance
4 : to cause aversion in : DISGUST
intransitive verb : to cause aversion
–re·pel·ler noun

repellency
n. : the quality or capacity of repelling

repellent
n. 1 : serving or tending to drive away or ward off ― often used in combination <a mosquito-repellent spray>
2 : arousing aversion or disgust : REPULSIVE
–re·pel·lent·ly adverb

repellent
n. : something that repels especially : a substance that repels insects

repent
v. intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind
transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for
–re·pent·er noun

repent
v. : CREEPING, PROSTRATE <repent stems>

repentance
n. : the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings
synonyms see PENITENCE

repentant
adj. 1 : experiencing repentance : PENITENT
2 : expressive of repentance
–re·pen·tant·ly adverb

Repentigny
town Canada in S Que. N of Montreal pop 54,550

repercussion
n. 1 : REFLECTION, REVERBERATION
2 a : an action or effect given or exerted in return : a reciprocal action or effect b : a widespread, indirect, or unforeseen effect of an act, action, or event ― usually used in plural
–re·per·cus·sive \-'kə-siv\ adjective

reperfusion
: restoration of the flow of blood to a previously ischemic tissue or organ

repertoire
n. 1 a : a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform b : a supply of skills, devices, or expedients <part of the repertoire of a quarterback> broadly : AMOUNT, SUPPLY <an endless repertoire of summer clothes> c : a list or supply of capabilities <the instruction repertoire of a computer>
2 a : the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available for performance <our modern orchestral repertoire> b : the complete list or supply of skills, devices, or ingredients used in a particular field, occupation, or practice <the repertoire of literary criticism>

repertory
n. 1 : a place where something may be found : REPOSITORY
2 a : REPERTOIRE b : a company that presents several different plays, operas, or pieces usually alternately in the course of a season at one theater c : a theater housing such a company
3 : the production and presentation of plays by a repertory company <acting in repertory>

repetend
n. : a repeated sound, word, or phrase specifically : REFRAIN

repetition
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated b : a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2 : MENTION, RECITAL
–rep·e·ti·tion·al \-'tish-nəl, -'ti-shə-nəl\ adjective

repetitious
adj. : characterized or marked by repetition especially : tediously repeating
–rep·e·ti·tious·ly adverb
–rep·e·ti·tious·ness noun

repetitive
adj. 1 : REPETITIOUS
2 : containing repetition
–re·pet·i·tive·ly adverb
–re·pet·i·tive·ness noun

repetitive strain injury
: any of various painful musculoskeletal disorders (as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis) caused by cumulative damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or joints (as of the hand or shoulder) from highly repetitive movements ― called also repetitive stress injury

repine
v. 1 : to feel or express dejection or discontent : COMPLAIN
2 : to long for something
–re·pin·er noun

repl
replace; replacement; replacing

replace
v. 1 : to restore to a former place or position <replace cards in a file>
2 : to take the place of especially as a substitute or successor
3 : to put something new in the place of <replace a worn carpet>
–re·place·able \-'plā-sə-bəl\ adjective
–re·plac·er noun
synonyms REPLACE, DISPLACE, SUPPLANT, SUPERSEDE mean to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another. REPLACE implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate <replaced the broken window>. DISPLACE implies an ousting or dislodging <war had displaced thousands>. SUPPLANT implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else <was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another>. SUPERSEDE implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior <the new edition supersedes all previous ones>.

replacement
n. 1 : the action or process of replacing : the state of being replaced
2 : one that replaces another especially in a job or function

replacement
n. estrogen replacement therapy
hormone replacement therapy
replacement set
replacement therapy

replacement set
: a set of elements any one of which may be used to replace a given variable or placeholder in a mathematical sentence or expression (as an equation)

replacement therapy
: therapy involving the supply of a substance (as a hormone or nutrient) lacking in or lost from the body ― compare ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT THERAPY, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

replant
v. 1 : to plant again or anew
2 : to provide with new plants
3 : to subject to replantation

replantation
n. : reattachment or reinsertion of a bodily part (as a limb or tooth) after separation from the body

replay
n. : to play again or over

replay
n. 1 a : an act or instance of replaying b : the playing of a tape (as a videotape)
2 : REPETITION, REENACTMENT <don't want a replay of our old mistakes>

repleader
n. 1 : a second legal pleading
2 : the right of pleading again granted usually when the issue raised is immaterial or insufficient

replenish
v. transitive verb
1 a : to fill with persons or animals : STOCK b archaic : to supply fully : PERFECT c : to fill with inspiration or power : NOURISH
2 a : to fill or build up again <replenished his glass> b : to make good : REPLACE
intransitive verb : to become full : fill up again
–re·plen·ish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective
–re·plen·ish·er noun
–re·plen·ish·ment \-nish-mənt\ noun

replete
adj. 1 : fully or abundantly provided or filled <a book replete with⋯delicious details ― William Safire>
2 a : abundantly fed b : FAT, STOUT
3 : COMPLETE
synonyms see FULL
–re·plete·ness noun

repletion
n. 1 : the act of eating to excess : the state of being fed to excess : SURFEIT
2 : the condition of being filled up or overcrowded
3 : fulfillment of a need or desire : SATISFACTION

replevin
n. 1 : the recovery by a person of goods or chattels claimed to be wrongfully taken or detained upon the person's giving security to try the matter in court and return the goods if defeated in the action
2 : the writ or the common-law action whereby goods and chattels are replevied

replevin
n. : REPLEVY

replevy
n. : REPLEVIN

replevy
n. : to take or get back by a writ for replevin
–re·plevi·able \-vē-ə-bəl\ adjective

replica
n. 1 : an exact reproduction (as of a painting) executed by the original artist <a replica of this was painted⋯this year ― Constance Strachey>
2 : a copy exact in all details <DNA makes a replica of itself> <sailed a replica of the Viking ship> broadly : COPY <this faithful, pathetic replica of a Midwestern suburb ― G. F. Kennan>
synonyms see REPRODUCTION

replicable
adj. : capable of replication <replicable experimental results>
–rep·li·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌre-plə-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

replicase
n. : a polymerase of viruses that promotes synthesis of a particular RNA in the presence of a template of RNA

replicate
v. transitive verb : DUPLICATE, REPEAT <replicate a statistical experiment> <replicated his mentor's writing style>
intransitive verb : to undergo replication : produce a replica of itself <virus particles replicating in cells>

replicate
v. : MANIFOLD, REPEATED

replicate
v. : one of several identical experiments, procedures, or samples

replication
n. 1 a : ANSWER, REPLY b (1) : an answer to a reply : REJOINDER (2) : a plaintiff's reply to a defendant's plea, answer, or counterclaim
2 : ECHO, REVERBERATION
3 a : COPY, REPRODUCTION b : the action or process of reproducing or duplicating <replication of DNA> <viral replication>
4 : performance of an experiment or procedure more than once

replicative
adj. : of, relating to, involved in, or characterized by replication <the replicative form of tobacco mosaic virus>

replicon
n. : a linear or circular section of DNA or RNA which replicates sequentially as a unit

reply
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to respond in words or writing b : ECHO, RESOUND c : to make a legal replication
2 : to do something in response specifically : to return gunfire or an attack
transitive verb : to give as an answer
–re·pli·er \-'plī(-ə)r\ noun

reply
n. 1 : something said, written, or done in answer or response
2 : REPLICATION 1B(2)
synonyms see ANSWER

repo
n. : of, relating to, or being in the business of repossessing property (as a car) from buyers who have defaulted on payments <a repo company>

repo
n. : REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

repolarization
: restoration of the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the cell membrane following depolarization
–re·po·lar·ize \(ˌ)rē-'pō-lə-ˌrīz\ verb

repondez s'il vous plait
: reply, if you please

report
n. 1 a : common talk or an account spread by common talk : RUMOR b : quality of reputation <a witness of good report>
2 a : a usually detailed account or statement <a news report> b : an account or statement of a judicial opinion or decision c : a usually formal record of the proceedings of a meeting or session
3 : an explosive noise
–on report : subject to disciplinary action <was put on report for the violation>

report
n. 1 a : to give an account of : RELATE b : to describe as being in a specified state <reported him much improved>
2 a : to serve as carrier of (a message) b : to relate the words or sense of (something said) c : to make a written record or summary of d (1) : to watch for and write about the newsworthy aspects or developments of : COVER (2) : to prepare or present an account of for broadcast
3 a (1) : to give a formal or official account or statement of <the treasurer reported a balance of ten dollars> (2) : to return or present (a matter referred for consideration) with conclusions or recommendations b : to announce or relate as the result of investigation <reported no sign of disease> c : to announce the presence, arrival, or sighting of d : to make known to the proper authorities <report a fire> e : to make a charge of misconduct against
intransitive verb
1 a : to give an account : TELL b : to present oneself <reported to the front desk> c : to account for oneself <reported sick on Friday> d : to work as a subordinate <reports to the vice president>
2 : to make, issue, or submit a report
3 : to act in the capacity of a reporter

report
n. annual report
on report
report card
report out
report stage
self report
self reported

report card
1 : a report on a student that is periodically submitted by a school to the student's parents or guardian
2 : an evaluation of performance

report out
: to return after consideration and often with revisions to a legislative body for action <after much debate the committee reported the bill out>

report stage
: the stage in the British legislative process preceding the third reading and concerned especially with amendments and details

reportable
adj. 1 : worth reporting <reportable news>
2 : required by law to be reported <reportable income> <reportable diseases>

reportage
n. 1 a : the act or process of reporting news b : something (as news) that is reported
2 : writing intended to give an account of observed or documented events

reportedly
adv. : according to report

reporter
n. : one that reports: as a : a person who makes authorized statements of law decisions or legislative proceedings b : a person who makes a shorthand record of a speech or proceeding c (1) : a person employed by a newspaper, magazine, or television company to gather and report news (2) : a person who broadcasts news
–re·por·to·ri·al \ˌre-pə(r)-'tȯr-ē-əl, ˌrē-\ adjective
–re·por·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

reposal
n. obsolete : the act of reposing

repose
n. transitive verb : to lay at rest
intransitive verb
1 a : to lie at rest b : to lie dead <reposing in state> c : to remain still or concealed
2 : to take a rest
3 archaic : RELY
4 : to rest for support : LIE

repose
n. 1 a : a state of resting after exertion or strain especially : rest in sleep b : eternal or heavenly rest <pray for the repose of a soul>
2 a : a place of rest b : PEACE, TRANQUILLITY <the repose of the bayous> c : a harmony in the arrangement of parts and colors that is restful to the eye
3 a : lack of activity : QUIESCENCE b : cessation or absence of activity, movement, or animation <the face in repose is grave and thoughtful>
4 : composure of manner : POISE

repose
n. 1 archaic : to put away or set down : DEPOSIT
2 a : to place (as confidence or trust) in someone or something b : to place for control, management, or use

reposeful
adj. : of a kind to induce ease and relaxation
–re·pose·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·pose·ful·ness noun

reposit
v. 1 \ri-'pä-zət\ : DEPOSIT, STORE
2 \(ˌ)rē-\ : to put back in place : REPLACE

reposition
n. : the act of repositing : the state of being reposited

reposition
n. 1 : to change the position of
2 : to revise the marketing strategy for (a product or a company) so as to increase sales

repository
n. 1 : a place, room, or container where something is deposited or stored : DEPOSITORY
2 : a side altar in a Roman Catholic church where the consecrated Host is reserved from Maundy Thursday until Good Friday
3 : one that contains or stores something nonmaterial <considered the book a repository of knowledge>
4 : a place or region richly supplied with a natural resource
5 : a person to whom something is confided or entrusted

repository
n. of a drug : designed to act over a prolonged period <repository penicillin>

repossess
v. 1 a : to regain possession of b : to take possession of (something bought) from a buyer in default of the payment of installments due
2 : to restore to possession
–re·pos·ses·sion \-'ze-shən also -'se-\ noun
–re·pos·sess·or \-'ze-sər also -'se-\ noun

repousse
n. 1 : shaped or ornamented with patterns in relief made by hammering or pressing on the reverse side ― used especially of metal
2 : formed in relief

repousse
n. 1 : repoussé work
2 : repoussé decoration

repower
: to provide again or anew with power especially : to provide (as a boat) with a new engine

repp
n. variant of rep

repped
v. past and past part of 5rep

repping
v. present part of 5rep

Repplier
Agnes 1855-1950 American essayist

reprehend
v. : to voice disapproval of : CENSURE
synonyms see CRITICIZE

reprehensible
adj. : worthy of or deserving reprehension : CULPABLE
–rep·re·hen·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌhen(t)-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–rep·re·hen·si·ble·ness \-'hen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–rep·re·hen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

reprehension
n. : the act of reprehending : CENSURE

reprehensive
adj. : serving to reprehend : conveying reprehension or reproof

represent
v. transitive verb
1 : to bring clearly before the mind : PRESENT <a book which represents the character of early America>
2 : to serve as a sign or symbol of <the flag represents our country>
3 : to portray or exhibit in art : DEPICT
4 : to serve as the counterpart or image of : TYPIFY <a movie hero who represents the ideals of the culture>
5 a : to produce on the stage b : to act the part or role of
6 a (1) : to take the place of in some respect (2) : to act in the place of or for usually by legal right (3) : to manage the legal and business affairs of <athletes represented by top lawyers and agents> b : to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from election
7 : to describe as having a specified character or quality <represents himself as a friend>
8 a : to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment b : to point out in protest or remonstrance
9 : to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of
10 a : to form an image or representation of in the mind b (1) : to apprehend (an object) by means of an idea (2) : to recall in memory
11 : to correspond to in essence : CONSTITUTE
intransitive verb
1 : to make representations against something : PROTEST
2 slang : to perform a task or duty admirably : serve as an outstanding example
–rep·re·sent·able \-'zen-tə-bəl\ adjective
–rep·re·sent·er noun

representation
n. 1 : one that represents: as a : an artistic likeness or image b (1) : a statement or account made to influence opinion or action (2) : an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into c : a dramatic production or performance d (1) : a usually formal statement made against something or to effect a change (2) : a usually formal protest
2 : the act or action of representing : the state of being represented: as a : REPRESENTATIONALISM 2 b (1) : the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented (2) : the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (as a child for a deceased parent) c : the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative body
3 : the body of persons representing a constituency
–rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al·ly adverb

representationalism
n. 1 : the doctrine that the immediate object of knowledge is an idea in the mind distinct from the external object which is the occasion of perception
2 : the theory or practice of realistic representation in art
–rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al·ist \-list, -ist\ noun

representative
1 : serving to represent
2 a : standing or acting for another especially through delegated authority b : of, based on, or constituting a government in which the many are represented by persons chosen from among them usually by election
3 : serving as a typical or characteristic example <a representative moviegoer>
4 : of or relating to representation or representationalism
–rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ly adverb
–rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ness noun
–rep·re·sen·ta·tiv·i·ty \-ˌzen-tə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

representative
n. 1 : one that represents another or others: as a (1) : one that represents a constituency as a member of a legislative body (2) : a member of the house of representatives of the U.S. Congress or a state legislature b : one that represents another as agent, deputy, substitute, or delegate usually being invested with the authority of the principal c : one that represents a business organization d : one that represents another as successor or heir
2 : a typical example of a group, class, or quality : SPECIMEN

repress
transitive verb
1 a : to check by or as if by pressure : CURB <injustice was repressed> b : to put down by force : SUBDUE <repress a disturbance>
2 a : to hold in by self-control <repressed a laugh> b : to prevent the natural or normal expression, activity, or development of <repressed her anger>
3 : to exclude from consciousness <repressed the memory of abuse>
4 : to inactivate (a gene or formation of a gene product) by allosteric combination at a DNA binding site
intransitive verb : to take repressive action
–re·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·press·ible \-'pre-sə-bəl\ adjective
–re·pres·sive \-'pre-siv\ adjective
–re·pres·sive·ly adverb
–re·pres·sive·ness noun

repressed
adj. 1 : subjected to or marked by repression
2 : characterized by restraint

repression
n. 1 a : the action or process of repressing : the state of being repressed <repression of unpopular opinions> b : an instance of repressing <racial repressions>
2 a : a mental process by which distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses that may give rise to anxiety are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious b : an item so excluded
–re·pres·sion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective

repressor
n. : one that represses especially : a protein that is determined by a regulatory gene, binds to a genetic operator, and inhibits the initiation of transcription of messenger RNA

reprieval
n. archaic : REPRIEVE

reprieve
n. 1 : to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
2 : to give relief or deliverance to for a time

reprieve
n. 1 a : the act of reprieving : the state of being reprieved b : a formal temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence especially of death
2 : an order or warrant for a reprieve
3 : a temporary respite (as from pain or trouble)

reprimand
n. : a severe or formal reproof

reprimand
n. : to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority
synonyms see REPROVE

reprint
n. : to print again : make a reprint of

reprint
n. : a reproduction of printed matter: as a : a subsequent printing of a book already published that preserves the identical text of the previous printing b : OFFPRINT c : matter (as an article) that has appeared in print before

reprinter
n. : one that publishes a reprint

reprisal
n. 1 a : the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered b : an instance of such action
2 obsolete : PRIZE
3 : the regaining of something (as by recapture)
4 : something (as a sum of money) given or paid in restitution ― usually used in plural
5 : a retaliatory act

reprise
n. 1 : a deduction or charge made yearly out of a manor or estate ― usually used in plural
2 : a recurrence, renewal, or resumption of an action
3 [French, from Middle French] a : a musical repetition: (1) : the repetition of the exposition preceding the development (2) : RECAPITULATION 3 b : a repeated performance : REPETITION

reprise
n. 1 archaic : TAKE BACK especially : to recover by force
2 archaic : COMPENSATE
3 a : to repeat the performance of b : to repeat the principal points or stages of : RECAPITULATE

repristinate
: to restore to an original state or condition
–re·pris·ti·na·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌpris-tə-'nā-shən\ noun

repro
n. 1 : a clear sharp proof made especially from a letterpress printing surface to serve as photographic copy for a printing plate
2 : REPRODUCTION 2

reproach
1 : an expression of rebuke or disapproval
2 : the act or action of reproaching or disapproving <was beyond reproach>
3 a : a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace b : DISCREDIT, DISGRACE
4 obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn
–re·proach·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–re·proach·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·proach·ful·ness noun

reproach
1 : to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment
2 : to make (something) a matter of reproach
3 : to bring into discredit
synonyms see REPROVE
–re·proach·able \-'prō-chə-bəl\ adjective
–re·proach·er noun
–re·proach·ing·ly \-'prō-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

reprobance
archaic : REPROBATION

reprobate
1 : to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil <reprobating the laxity of the age>
2 : to foreordain to damnation
3 : to refuse to accept : REJECT
synonyms see CRITICIZE
–rep·ro·ba·tive \'re-prə-ˌbā-tiv\ adjective
–rep·ro·ba·to·ry \-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

reprobate
v. 1 archaic : rejected as worthless or not standing a test : CONDEMNED
2 a : foreordained to damnation b : morally corrupt : DEPRAVED
3 : expressing or involving reprobation
4 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a reprobate

reprobate
v. : a reprobate person

reprobation
n. : the act of reprobating : the state of being reprobated

reprocess
v. : to subject to a special process or treatment in preparation for reuse especially : to extract uranium and plutonium from (the spent fuel rods of a nuclear reactor) for use again as fuel

reproduce
v. : to produce again: as a : to produce (new individuals of the same kind) by a sexual or asexual process b : to cause to exist again or anew <reproduce water from steam> c : to imitate closely <sound-effects can reproduce the sound of thunder> d : to present again e : to make a representation (as an image or copy) of <reproduce a face on canvas> f : to revive mentally : RECALL g : to translate (a recording) into sound
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo reproduction
2 : to produce offspring
–re·pro·duc·er noun
–re·pro·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdü-sə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌdyü-\ noun
–re·pro·duc·ible \-'dü-sə-bəl, -'dyü-\ adjective or noun
–re·pro·duc·ibly \-blē\ adverb

reproduction
n. 1 : the act or process of reproducing specifically : the process by which plants and animals give rise to offspring and which fundamentally consists of the segregation of a portion of the parental body by a sexual or an asexual process and its subsequent growth and differentiation into a new individual
2 : something reproduced : COPY
3 : young seedling trees in a forest
synonyms REPRODUCTION, DUPLICATE, COPY, FACSIMILE, REPLICA mean a thing made to closely resemble another. REPRODUCTION implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing <reproductions from the museum's furniture collection>. DUPLICATE implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing <a duplicate of a house key>. COPY applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically <printed 1000 copies of the lithograph>. FACSIMILE suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale <a facsimile of a rare book>. REPLICA implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details <a replica of the Mayflower> but not always in the same scale <miniature replicas of classic cars>.

reproduction proof
: REPRO 1

reproductive
adj. : of, relating to, or capable of reproduction <highly reproductive wild geese>
–re·pro·duc·tive·ly adverb

reproductive
adj. : an actual or potential parent specifically : a sexually functional social insect

reproductive isolation
: the inability of a species to breed successfully with related species due to geographical, behavioral, physiological, or genetic barriers or differences

reprogram
v. : to program anew especially : to revise or write a new program for (as a computer)
intransitive verb : to rewrite or revise a program especially of a computer
–re·pro·gram·ma·ble \-'prō-ˌgra-mə-bəl, -ˌprō-'gra-\ adjective

reprography
n. : facsimile reproduction (as by photocopying) of graphic matter
–re·prog·ra·pher \-grə-fər\ noun
–re·pro·graph·ic \ˌrē-prə-'gra-fik, ˌre-\ adjective
–re·pro·graph·ics \-fiks\ noun plural

reproof
n. : criticism for a fault : REBUKE

reprove
v. transitive verb
1 : to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent
2 : to express disapproval of : CENSURE <it is not for me to reprove popular taste ― D. W. Brogan>
3 obsolete : DISPROVE, REFUTE
4 obsolete : CONVINCE, CONVICT
intransitive verb : to express rebuke or reproof
–re·prov·er noun
–re·prov·ing·ly \-'prü-viŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms REPROVE, REBUKE, REPRIMAND, ADMONISH, REPROACH, CHIDE mean to criticize adversely. REPROVE implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault <gently reproved my table manners>. REBUKE suggests a sharp or stern reproof <the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics>. REPRIMAND implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke <reprimanded by the ethics committee>. ADMONISH suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel <admonished by my parents to control expenses>. REPROACH and CHIDE suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding <reproached him for tardiness> <chided by their mother for untidiness>.

rept
report

reptile
n. 1 : an animal that crawls or moves on its belly (as a snake) or on small short legs (as a lizard)
2 : any of a class (Reptilia) of air-breathing vertebrates that include the alligators and crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, and extinct related forms (as dinosaurs and pterosaurs) and are characterized by a completely ossified skeleton with a single occipital condyle, a distinct quadrate bone usually immovably articulated with the skull, ribs attached to the sternum, and a body usually covered with scales or bony plates
3 : a groveling or despised person

reptile
n. : characteristic of a reptile : REPTILIAN

reptilian
n. 1 : resembling or having the characteristics of the reptiles
2 : of or relating to the reptiles
3 : cold-bloodedly treacherous <a reptilian villain ― Theodore Dreiser>

reptilian
n. : REPTILE 2

republic
n. 1 a (1) : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president (2) : a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government b (1) : a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law (2) : a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government c : a usually specified republican government of a political unit <the French Fourth Republic>
2 : a body of persons freely engaged in a specified activity <the republic of letters>
3 : a constituent political and territorial unit of the former nations of Czechoslovakia, the U.S.S.R., or Yugoslavia

republic
n. Bashkir Republic
Buryat Republic
Khmer Republic
Chechen Republic
Republic of Georgia
Ingush Republic
Kirghiz Republic
Sudanese Republic
Mordovian Republic
banana republic
Batavian Republic
Checheno Ingush Republic
China People's Republic of
China Republic of
Chuvash Republic
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Kirgiz Republic
Komi Republic
Malagasy Republic
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen
People's Republic of China
South Africa Republic of
South African Republic
Tuva Republic
United Arab Republic
Weimar Republic
Central African Republic
Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Republican
n. river 445 mi (716 km) Nebr. & Kans. rising in E Colo. & flowing E to unite with the Smoky Hill forming Kansas River

republican
n. 1 : one that favors or supports a republican form of government
2 capitalized a : a member of a political party advocating republicanism b : a member of the Democratic-Republican party or of the Republican party of the U.S.

republican
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a republic b : favoring, supporting, or advocating a republic c : belonging or appropriate to one living in or supporting a republic <republican simplicity>
2 capitalized a : DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN b : of, relating to, or constituting the one of the two major political parties evolving in the U.S. in the mid-19th century that is usually primarily associated with business, financial, and some agricultural interests and is held to favor a restricted governmental role in economic life

republicanism
n. 1 : adherence to or sympathy for a republican form of government
2 : the principles or theory of republican government
3 capitalized a : the principles, policy, or practices of the Republican party of the U.S. b : the Republican party or its members

republicanize
: to make republican in character, form, or principle

republication
n. 1 : the act or action of republishing : the state of being republished
2 : something that has been republished

republish
v. 1 : to publish again or anew
2 : to execute (a will) anew
–re·pub·lish·er noun

repudiate
v. 1 : to divorce or separate formally from (a woman)
2 : to refuse to have anything to do with : DISOWN
3 a : to refuse to accept especially : to reject as unauthorized or as having no binding force <repudiate a contract> b : to reject as untrue or unjust <repudiate a charge>
4 : to refuse to acknowledge or pay <repudiate a debt>
synonyms see DECLINE
–re·pu·di·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

repudiation
n. : the act of repudiating : the state of being repudiated especially : the refusal of public authorities to acknowledge or pay a debt
–re·pu·di·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

repugn
intransitive verb archaic : to offer opposition, objection, or resistance
transitive verb : to contend against : OPPOSE

repugnance
n. 1 a : the quality or fact of being contradictory or inconsistent b : an instance of such contradiction or inconsistency
2 : strong dislike, distaste, or antagonism

repugnancy
n. : REPUGNANCE

repugnant
adj. 1 : INCOMPATIBLE, INCONSISTENT
2 archaic : HOSTILE
3 : exciting distaste or aversion <repugnant language> <a morally repugnant practice>
–re·pug·nant·ly adverb

repulse
n. 1 : to drive or beat back : REPEL
2 : to repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial
3 : to cause repulsion in

repulse
n. 1 : REBUFF, REJECTION
2 : the action of repelling an attacker : the fact of being repelled

repulsion
n. 1 : the action of repulsing : the state of being repulsed
2 : the action of repelling : the force with which bodies, particles, or like forces repel one another
3 : a feeling of aversion : REPUGNANCE

repulsive
adj. 1 : serving or able to repulse <repulsive force>
2 : tending to repel or reject : COLD, FORBIDDING
3 : arousing aversion or disgust <repulsive crimes>
–re·pul·sive·ly adverb
–re·pul·sive·ness noun

repurchase agreement
: a contract giving the seller of securities (as treasury bills) the right to repurchase after a stated period and the buyer the right to retain interest earnings

repurpose
v. : to give a new purpose or use to <repurpose the company's Web site> <repurpose the archived material>

reputable
adj. 1 : enjoying good repute : held in esteem
2 : employed widely or sanctioned by good writers
–rep·u·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌre-pyə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–rep·u·ta·bly \'re-pyə-tə-blē\ adverb

reputation
n. 1 a : overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general b : recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability <has the reputation of being clever>
2 : a place in public esteem or regard : good name <trying to protect his reputation>
–rep·u·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

repute
n. : BELIEVE, CONSIDER

repute
n. 1 : the character or status commonly ascribed to one : REPUTATION
2 : the state of being favorably known, spoken of, or esteemed

reputed
adj. 1 : having a good repute : REPUTABLE
2 : being such according to reputation or general belief <a reputed mobster>

reputedly
adv. : according to reputation or general belief

req
1 request
2 require; required
3 requistion

reqd
n. required

request
n. 1 : the act or an instance of asking for something
2 : something asked for <granted her request>
3 : the condition or fact of being requested <available on request>
4 : the state of being sought after : DEMAND

request
n. 1 : to make a request to or of <requested her to write a paper>
2 : to ask as a favor or privilege <requests to be excused>
3 obsolete : to ask (a person) to come or go to a thing or place
4 : to ask for <requested a brief delay>
synonyms see ASK
–re·quest·er or re·quest·or \-'kwes-tər\ noun

requiem
n. 1 : a mass for the dead
2 a : a solemn chant (as a dirge) for the repose of the dead b : something that resembles such a solemn chant
3 a : a musical setting of the mass for the dead b : a musical composition in honor of the dead

requiem shark
: any of a family (Carcharhinidae) of sharks (as the tiger shark) that includes some dangerous to humans

requiescat
n. : a prayer for the repose of a dead person

requiescat in pace
: may he or she rest in peace ― used on tombstones

require
v. transitive verb
1 a : to claim or ask for by right and authority b archaic : REQUEST
2 a : to call for as suitable or appropriate <the occasion requires formal dress> b : to demand as necessary or essential : have a compelling need for <all living beings require food>
3 : to impose a compulsion or command on : COMPEL
4 chiefly British : to feel or be obliged ― used with a following infinitive <one does not require to be a specialist ― Elizabeth Bowen>
intransitive verb archaic : ASK
synonyms see DEMAND

requirement
n. : something required: a : something wanted or needed : NECESSITY <production was not sufficient to satisfy military requirements> b : something essential to the existence or occurrence of something else : CONDITION <failed to meet the school's requirements for graduation>

requisite
n. : ESSENTIAL, NECESSARY
–requisite noun
–req·ui·site·ness noun

requisition
n. 1 a : the act of formally requiring or calling upon someone to perform an action b : a formal demand made by one nation upon another for the surrender or extradition of a fugitive from justice
2 a : the act of requiring something to be furnished b : a demand or application made usually with authority: as (1) : a demand made by military authorities upon civilians for supplies or other needs (2) : a written request for something authorized but not made available automatically
3 : the state of being in demand or use
–requisition transitive verb

requital
n. 1 : something given in return, compensation, or retaliation
2 : the act or action of requiting : the state of being requited

requite
v. 1 a : to make return for : REPAY b : to make retaliation for : AVENGE
2 : to make suitable return to for a benefit or service or for an injury
synonyms see RECIPROCATE
–re·quit·er noun

reradiate
v. : to radiate again or anew especially : to emit (energy) in the form of radiation after absorbing incident radiation
–re·ra·di·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌrā-dē-'ā-shən\ noun

reredos
n. : a usually ornamental wood or stone screen or partition wall behind an altar

rereward
obsolete : REAR GUARD

rerum
lacrimae rerum
sunt lacrimae rerum
tempus edax rerum

rerun
n. : to run again or anew

rerun
n. : the act or action or an instance of rerunning : REPETITION especially : a movie or television show that is rerun

res
n. : a particular thing : MATTER ― used especially in legal phrases

res
n. 1 research
2 reservation
3 reserve
4 reservoir
5 residence; resident
6 resolution

res
n. H Res
in medias res
res adjudicata
res gestae
res judicata
res publica
S Res

res adjudicata
: RES JUDICATA

res gestae
: things done especially : the facts that form the environment of a litigated issue and are admissible in evidence

res judicata
: a matter finally decided on its merits by a court having competent jurisdiction and not subject to litigation again between the same parties

res publica
1 : COMMONWEALTH, STATE, REPUBLIC
2 : COMMONWEAL

resalable
adj. : fit for resale

resale
n. 1 : the act of selling again usually to a new party
2 a : a secondhand sale b : an additional sale to the same buyer

rescale
: to plan, establish, or formulate on a new and usually smaller scale

reschedule
v. : to schedule or plan again according to a different timetable especially : to defer required payment of (a debt or loan)

rescind
v. 1 : to take away : REMOVE
2 a : TAKE BACK, CANCEL <refused to rescind the order> b : to abrogate (a contract) and restore the parties to the positions they would have occupied had there been no contract
3 : to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior authority : REPEAL
–re·scind·er noun
–re·scind·ment \-'sin(d)-mənt\ noun

rescission
n. : an act of rescinding

rescissory
adj. : relating to, tending to, or having the effect of rescission

rescript
n. 1 : a written answer of a Roman emperor or of a pope to a legal inquiry or petition
2 : an official or authoritative order, decree, edict, or announcement
3 : an act or instance of rewriting

rescue
n. : to free from confinement, danger, or evil : SAVE, DELIVER: as a : to take (as a prisoner) forcibly from custody b : to recover (as a prize) by force c : to deliver (as a place under siege) by armed force
–res·cu·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–rescue noun
–res·cu·er noun
synonyms RESCUE, DELIVER, REDEEM, RANSOM, RECLAIM, SAVE mean to set free from confinement or danger. RESCUE implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action <rescued the crew of a sinking ship>. DELIVER implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering <delivered his people from bondage>. REDEEM implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary <job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment>. RANSOM specif. applies to buying out of captivity <tried to ransom the kidnap victim>. RECLAIM suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased <reclaimed long-abandoned farms>. SAVE may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence <an operation that saved my life>.

rescue mission
: a city religious mission seeking to convert and rehabilitate the down-and-out

research
n. 1 : careful or diligent search
2 : studious inquiry or examination especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws
3 : the collecting of information about a particular subject

research
n. 1 : to search or investigate exhaustively <research a problem>
2 : to do research for <research a book>
intransitive verb : to engage in research
–re·search·able \ri-'sər-chə-bəl, 'rē-ˌ\ adjective
–re·search·er noun

research
n. marketing research
market research
operations research
operational research
market researcher

researchist
n. : one engaged in research

reseau
n. 1 : a net ground or foundation in lace
2 : a grid photographed by a separate exposure onto a plate containing star images to facilitate astronomical measurements

resect
v. : to perform resection on
–re·sect·abil·i·ty \-ˌsek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·sect·able \-'sek-tə-bəl\ adjective

resection
n. : the surgical removal of part of an organ or structure

reseda
n. : a grayish-green color

reseed
v. 1 : to sow seed on again or anew
2 : to maintain (itself) by self-sown seed
intransitive verb : to maintain itself by self-sown seed

resemblance
n. 1 a : the quality or state of resembling especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities b : a point of likeness : SIMILARITY
2 : REPRESENTATION, IMAGE
3 archaic : characteristic appearance
4 obsolete : PROBABILITY
synonyms see LIKENESS

resemblant
: marked by or showing resemblance

resemble
v. 1 : to be like or similar to <he resembles his father>
2 archaic : to represent as like

resend
v. : to send again or back

resent
v. : to feel or express annoyance or ill will at <resented the implication>

resentful
adj. 1 : full of resentment : inclined to resent <felt resentful of her success>
2 : caused or marked by resentment <resentful anger>
–re·sent·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·sent·ful·ness noun

resentment
n. : a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury
synonyms see OFFENSE

reserpine
n. : an alkaloid C_33H_40N_2O_9 extracted especially from the root of rauwolfias and used as a tranquilizer especially in psychotic states (as schizophrenia) and as an antihypertensive

reservation
n. 1 : an act of reserving something: as a (1) : the act or fact of a grantor's reserving some newly created thing out of the thing granted (2) : the right or interest so reserved b : the setting of limiting conditions or withholding from complete exposition <answered without reservation> c : an arrangement to have something (as a hotel room) held for one's use also : a promise, guarantee, or record of such engagement
2 a : a limiting condition <agreed, but with reservations> b : DOUBT, MISGIVING <had serious reservations about marriage>
3 : something reserved: as a : a tract of public land set aside (as for use by American Indians) b : an area in which hunting is not permitted especially : one set aside as a secure breeding place
–res·er·va·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

reserve
n. 1 a : to hold in reserve : keep back <reserve grain for seed> b : to set aside (part of the consecrated elements) at the Eucharist for future use c : to retain or hold over to a future time or place : DEFER <reserve one's judgment on a plan> d : to make legal reservation of
2 : to set or have set aside or apart <reserve a hotel room>
synonyms see KEEP
–re·serv·able \-'zər-və-bəl\ adjective

reserve
n. 1 : something reserved or set aside for a particular purpose, use, or reason: as a (1) : a military force withheld from action for later decisive use ― usually used in plural (2) : forces not in the field but available (3) : the military forces of a country not part of the regular services also : RESERVIST b : a tract (as of public land) set apart : RESERVATION
2 : something stored or kept available for future use or need : STOCK
3 : an act of reserving : QUALIFICATION
4 a : restraint, closeness, or caution in one's words and actions b : forbearance from making a full explanation, complete disclosure, or free expression of one's mind
5 archaic : SECRET
6 a : money or its equivalent kept in hand or set apart usually to meet liabilities b : the liquid resources of a nation for meeting international payments
7 : SUBSTITUTE
8 : RESERVE PRICE
9 : a wine made from select grapes, bottled on the maker's premises, and aged differently from the maker's other wines of the same vintage
–in reserve : held back for future or special use

reserve
n. Federal Reserve bank
Federal Reserve Board
Federal Reserve System
legal reserve
in reserve
reserve bank
reserve clause
reserve price
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Western Reserve
reserved power

reserve bank
: a central bank holding reserves of other banks

reserve clause
: a clause formerly placed in a professional athlete's contract that reserved for the club the exclusive right automatically to renew the contract and that bound the athlete to the club until retirement or until the athlete was traded or released

reserve price
: a price announced at an auction as the lowest that will be considered

reserved
adj. 1 : restrained in words and actions
2 : kept or set apart or aside for future or special use
synonyms see SILENT
–re·serv·ed·ly \-'zər-vəd-lē\ adverb
–re·serv·ed·ness \-'zər-vəd-nəs\ noun

reserved power
: a political power reserved by a constitution to the exclusive jurisdiction of a specified political authority

reservist
n. : a member of a military reserve

reservoir
n. 1 : a place where something is kept in store: as a : an artificial lake where water is collected and kept in quantity for use b : a part of an apparatus in which a liquid is held c : SUPPLY, STORE <a large reservoir of educated people>
2 : an extra supply : RESERVE
3 : an organism in which a parasite that is pathogenic for some other species lives and multiplies usually without damaging its host

reset
n. 1 : to set again or anew <reset type> <reset a diamond> <reset a circuit breaker>
2 : to change the reading of often to zero <reset an odometer>
–re·set \'rē-ˌset\ noun
–re·set·table \-'se-tə-bəl\ adjective

resh
: the 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

reshape
v. : to give a new form or orientation to : REORGANIZE
–re·shap·er noun

reshuffle
n. 1 : to shuffle (as cards) again
2 : to reorganize usually by the redistribution of existing elements <the cabinet was reshuffled by the prime minister>
–reshuffle noun

resid
: RESIDUAL OIL

reside
v. 1 a : to be in residence as the incumbent of a benefice or office b : to dwell permanently or continuously : occupy a place as one's legal domicile
2 a : to be present as an element or quality b : to be vested as a right
–re·sid·er noun

residence
n. 1 a : the act or fact of dwelling in a place for some time b : the act or fact of living or regularly staying at or in some place for the discharge of a duty or the enjoyment of a benefit
2 a (1) : the place where one actually lives as distinguished from one's domicile or a place of temporary sojourn (2) : DOMICILE 2A b : the place where a corporation is actually or officially established c : the status of a legal resident
3 a : a building used as a home : DWELLING b : housing or a unit of housing provided for students
4 a : the period or duration of abode in a place b : a period of active and especially full-time study, research, or teaching at a college or university
–in residence : engaged to live and work at a particular place often for a specified time <poet in residence at a university>

residence time
: the duration of persistence of a mass or substance in a medium or place (as the atmosphere)

residency
n. 1 a : a usually official place of residence b : a state or period of residence <a 20-year residency in the city> also : RESIDENCE 2C
2 : a territory in a protected state in which the powers of the protecting state are executed by a resident agent
3 a : a period of advanced training in a medical specialty that normally follows graduation from medical school and licensing to practice medicine b : RESIDENCE 4B c : a period as an artist in residence

resident
n. 1 a : living in a place for some length of time : RESIDING b : serving in a regular or full-time capacity <the resident engineer for a highway department> also : being in residence
2 : PRESENT, INHERENT
3 : not migratory <resident species>

resident
n. 1 : one who resides in a place
2 : a diplomatic agent residing at a foreign court or seat of government especially : one exercising authority in a protected state as representative of the protecting power
3 : a physician serving a residency

resident
n. minister resident
ministers resident
resident commissioner

resident commissioner
1 : a nonvoting representative of a dependency in the U.S. House of Representatives
2 : a resident administrator in a British colony or possession

residential
adj. 1 a : used as a residence or by residents b : providing living accommodations for students <a residential prep school>
2 : restricted to or occupied by residences <a residential neighborhood>
3 : of or relating to residence or residences
4 : provided to patients residing in a facility <residential drug treatment> also : being a facility providing such treatment <a residential treatment center>
–res·i·den·tial·ly \-'den(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

residential college
: COLLEGE 3A

residual
adj. 1 : REMAINDER, RESIDUUM: as a : the difference between results obtained by observation and by computation from a formula or between the mean of several observations and any one of them b : a residual product or substance c : an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior especially : a disability remaining from a disease or operation
2 : a payment (as to an actor or writer) for each rerun after an initial showing (as of a TV show)

residual
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a residue
2 : leaving a residue that remains effective for some time <a residual pesticide>
–re·sid·u·al·ly adverb

residual oil
: fuel oil that remains after the removal of valuable distillates (as gasoline) from petroleum and that is used especially by industry ― called also resid

residual power
: power held to remain at the disposal of a governmental authority after an enumeration or delegation of specified powers to other authorities

residuary
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a residue <residuary estate>

residue
n. : something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process : REMNANT, REMAINDER: as a : the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, allowances, and previous devises and bequests b : the remainder after subtracting a multiple of a modulus from an integer or a power of the integer that can appear as the second of the two terms in an appropriate congruence <2 and 7 are residues of 12 modulo 5> c : a constituent structural unit (as a group or monomer) of a usually complex molecule <amino acid residues from hydrolysis of protein>

residue class
: the set of elements (as integers) that leave the same remainder when divided by a given modulus

residuum
n. : something residual: as a : RESIDUE A b : a residual product (as from the distillation of petroleum)

resign
v. transitive verb
1 : RELEGATE, CONSIGN especially : to give (oneself) over without resistance <resigned herself to her fate>
2 : to give up deliberately especially : to renounce (as a right or position) by a formal act
intransitive verb
1 : to give up one's office or position : QUIT
2 : to accept something as inevitable : SUBMIT
synonyms see RELINQUISH, ABDICATE
–re·sign·ed·ly \-'zī-nəd-lē\ adverb
–re·sign·ed·ness \-'zī-nəd-nəs\ noun
–re·sign·er \-'zī-nər\ noun

resignation
n. 1 a : an act or instance of resigning something : SURRENDER b : a formal notification of resigning
2 : the quality or state of being resigned : SUBMISSIVENESS

resile
v. : RECOIL, RETRACT especially : to return to a prior position <resile from an agreement>

resilience
n. 1 : the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress
2 : an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

resiliency
n. : RESILIENCE

resilient
adj. : characterized or marked by resilience: as a : capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture b : tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
synonyms see ELASTIC
–re·sil·ient·ly adverb

resin
n. 1 a : any of various solid or semisolid amorphous fusible flammable natural organic substances that are usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown, are formed especially in plant secretions, are soluble in organic solvents (as ether) but not in water, are electrical nonconductors, and are used chiefly in varnishes, printing inks, plastics, and sizes and in medicine b : ROSIN
2 a : any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in plastics b : any of various products made from a natural resin or a natural polymer
–res·in·ous \'re-zən-əs, 'rez-nəs\ adjective

resin
n. : to treat with resin

resin
n. kauri resin
phenolic resin
acrylic resin
epoxy resin
gum resin
ion exchange resin
melamine resin
resin canal
resin duct
synthetic resin
vinyl resin

resin canal
: a tubular intercellular space in gymnosperms and some angiosperms that is lined with epithelial cells which secrete resin ― called also resin duct

resinate
v. : to impregnate or flavor with resin

resinoid
n. : GUM RESIN

resist
n. intransitive verb : to exert force in opposition
transitive verb
1 : to exert oneself so as to counteract or defeat <he resisted temptation>
2 : to withstand the force or effect of <material that resists heat>
synonyms see OPPOSE

resist
n. : something (as a coating) that protects against a chemical, electrical, or physical action

resistance
n. 1 a : an act or instance of resisting : OPPOSITION b : a means of resisting
2 : the power or capacity to resist: as a : the inherent ability of an organism to resist harmful influences (as disease, toxic agents, or infection) b : the capacity of a species or strain of microorganism to survive exposure to a toxic agent (as a drug) formerly effective against it
3 : an opposing or retarding force
4 a : the opposition offered by a body or substance to the passage through it of a steady electric current b : a source of resistance
5 : a psychological defense mechanism wherein a patient rejects, denies, or otherwise opposes the therapeutic efforts of a psychotherapist
6 often capitalized : an underground organization of a conquered or nearly conquered country engaging in sabotage and secret operations against occupation forces and collaborators

resistance
n. : of, relating to, or being exercise involving pushing against a source of resistance (as a weight) to increase strength <resistance training>

resistance
n. cross resistance
insulin resistance
passive resistance
piece de resistance

resistant
adj. : giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance ― often used in combination <wrinkle-resistant clothes> <a drug-resistant strain of virus>

resistant
adj. : one that resists : RESISTER

resister
n. : one that resists especially : one who actively opposes the policies of a government

resistibility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being resistible
2 : ability to resist

resistible
adj. : capable of being resisted

resistive
adj. : marked by resistance ― often used in combination <fire-resistive material>
–re·sis·tive·ly adverb
–re·sis·tive·ness noun

resistivity
n. 1 : the longitudinal electrical resistance of a uniform rod of unit length and unit cross-sectional area : the reciprocal of conductivity
2 : capacity for resisting : RESISTANCE

resistless
adj. 1 : too strong to be resisted <a resistless power>
2 : offering no resistance <resistless prey>
–re·sist·less·ly adverb
–re·sist·less·ness noun

resistor
n. : a device that has electrical resistance and that is used in an electric circuit for protection, operation, or current control

resitting
n. : a sitting (as of a legislature) for a second time : another sitting

resmethrin
: a nonpersistent synthetic insecticide C_22H_26O_3 that is a derivative of pyrethrin and is used in aerosols

resoluble
adj. : capable of being resolved <a difficult but resoluble problem>

resolute
adj. 1 : marked by firm determination : RESOLVED <a resolute character>
2 : BOLD, STEADY <a resolute gaze>
synonyms see FAITHFUL
–res·o·lute·ly \-ˌlüt-lē, -lət-; ˌre-zə-'lüt-\ adverb
–res·o·lute·ness \-ˌlüt-nəs, -lət-, -'lüt-\ noun

resolute
adj. : a resolute person

resolution
n. 1 : the act or process of resolving: as a : the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b : the act of answering : SOLVING c : the act of determining d : the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e : the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1) : the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2) : the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g : the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum
2 : the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation)
3 a : something that is resolved <made a resolution to mend my ways> b : firmness of resolve
4 : a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group
5 : the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out
6 a : the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light b : a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness with which a device (as a video display, printer, or scanner) can produce or record such an image usually expressed as the total number or density of pixels in the image <a resolution of 1200 dots per inch>
synonyms see COURAGE

resolve
n. transitive verb
1 obsolete : DISSOLVE, MELT
2 a : BREAK UP, SEPARATE <the prism resolved the light into a play of color> also : to change by disintegration b : to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements> c : to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of d : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components
3 : to cause resolution of (a pathological state)
4 a : to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute> b : to find an answer to c : to make clear or understandable d : to find a mathematical solution of e : to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions
5 : to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text>
6 a : to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote b : to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee>
7 : to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance
8 : to work out the resolution of (as a play)
intransitive verb
1 : to become separated into component parts also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis
2 : to form a resolution : DETERMINE
3 : CONSULT, DELIBERATE
4 : to progress from dissonance to consonance
synonyms see DECIDE
–re·solv·able \-'zäl-və-bəl, -'zȯl- also -'zä-və- or -'zȯ-və-\ adjective
–re·solv·er noun

resolve
n. 1 : fixity of purpose : RESOLUTENESS
2 : something that is resolved
3 : a legal or official determination especially : a formal resolution

resolvent
n. : a means of solving something (as an equation)
–resolvent adjective

resolving power
1 : the ability of an optical system to form distinguishable images of objects separated by small angular distances
2 : the ability of a photographic film or plate to reproduce the fine detail of an optical image

resonance
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being resonant b (1) : a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system (2) : the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system
2 a : the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibration b : a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (as the mouth or the nasal cavity) c : a quality of richness or variety d : a quality of evoking response <how much resonance the scandal seems to be having ― U.S. News & World Report>
3 : the sound elicited on percussion of the chest
4 : the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species
5 a : the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system b : MAGNETIC RESONANCE
6 : an extremely short-lived elementary particle
7 : a synchronous gravitational relationship of two celestial bodies (as moons) that orbit a third (as a planet) which can be expressed as a simple ratio of their orbital periods

resonance
n. magnetic resonance
magnetic resonance imaging
nuclear magnetic resonance

resonant
adj. 1 : continuing to sound : ECHOING
2 a : capable of inducing resonance b : relating to or exhibiting resonance
3 a : intensified and enriched by or as if by resonance <a resonant voice> b : marked by grandiloquence
–resonant noun
–res·o·nant·ly adverb

resonate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to produce or exhibit resonance
2 : to respond as if by resonance <resonate to the music> also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance
3 : to relate harmoniously : strike a chord <a message that resonates with voters>
transitive verb : to subject to resonating

resonator
n. : something that resounds or resonates: as a : a hollow metallic container for producing microwaves or a piezoelectric crystal put into oscillation by the oscillations of an outside source b : a device for increasing the resonance of a musical instrument

resorb
v. transitive verb
1 : to swallow or suck in again
2 : to break down and assimilate (something previously differentiated)
intransitive verb : to undergo resorption

resorcin
n. : RESORCINOL

resorcinol
n. : a crystalline phenol C_6H_6O_2 obtained from various resins or artificially and used especially in making dyes, pharmaceuticals, and resins

resorption
n. : the action or process of resorbing something
–re·sorp·tive \-tiv\ adjective

resort
n. 1 a : one that affords aid or refuge : RESOURCE <went to them as a last resort> b : RECOURSE 1A <have resort to outside help>
2 a : frequent, habitual, or general visiting <a place of popular resort> b : persons who frequent a place : THRONG c (1) : a frequently visited place : HAUNT (2) : a place providing recreation and entertainment especially to vacationers
synonyms see RESOURCE

resort
n. 1 : to go especially frequently or habitually : REPAIR
2 : to have recourse <resort to force>

resorter
n. : a frequenter of resorts

resound
v. intransitive verb
1 : to become filled with sound : REVERBERATE
2 a : to sound loudly <the gunshot resounded> b : to produce a sonorous or echoing sound
3 : to become renowned
transitive verb
1 : to extol loudly or widely : CELEBRATE
2 : ECHO, REVERBERATE
3 : to sound or utter in full resonant tones

resounding
adj. 1 : producing or characterized by resonant sound : RESONATING
2 a : impressively sonorous b : EMPHATIC, UNEQUIVOCAL <a resounding success>
–re·sound·ing·ly adverb

resource
n. 1 a : a source of supply or support : an available means ― usually used in plural b : a natural source of wealth or revenue ― often used in plural c : a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life d : computable wealth ― usually used in plural e : a source of information or expertise
2 : something to which one has recourse in difficulty : EXPEDIENT
3 : a possibility of relief or recovery
4 : a means of spending one's leisure time
5 : an ability to meet and handle a situation : RESOURCEFULNESS
synonyms RESOURCE, RESORT, EXPEDIENT, SHIFT, MAKESHIFT, STOPGAP mean something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply. RESOURCE and RESORT apply to anything one falls back upon <exhausted all of their resources> <a last resort>. EXPEDIENT may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible <a flimsy expedient>. SHIFT implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient <desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure>. MAKESHIFT implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference <old equipment employed as a makeshift>. STOPGAP applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure <a new law intended only as a stopgap>.

resource
n. universal resource locator
uniform resource locator
natural resource
human resources

resourceful
adj. : able to meet situations : capable of devising ways and means <a resourceful leader>
–re·source·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·source·ful·ness noun

respect
n. 1 : a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation <remarks having respect to an earlier plan>
2 : an act of giving particular attention : CONSIDERATION
3 a : high or special regard : ESTEEM b : the quality or state of being esteemed c plural : expressions of respect or deference <paid our respects>
4 : PARTICULAR, DETAIL <a good plan in some respects>
–in respect of
chiefly British : with respect to : CONCERNING
–in respect to : with respect to : CONCERNING
–with respect to : with reference to : in relation to

respect
n. 1 a : to consider worthy of high regard : ESTEEM b : to refrain from interfering with <please respect their privacy>
2 : to have reference to : CONCERN
synonyms see REGARD
–re·spect·er noun

respect
n. with respect to
in respect to
in respect of
self respect
as respects
self respecting

respectable
1 : worthy of respect : ESTIMABLE
2 : decent or correct in character or behavior : PROPER
3 a : fair in size or quantity <a respectable amount> b : moderately good : TOLERABLE
4 : fit to be seen : PRESENTABLE <respectable clothes>
–re·spect·abil·i·ty \-ˌspek-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·spect·able·ness \-'spek-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–re·spect·ably \-blē\ adverb

respectable
adj. : a respectable person

respectful
adj. : marked by or showing respect or deference
–re·spect·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·spect·ful·ness noun

respecting
v. 1 : in view of : CONSIDERING
2 : with respect to : CONCERNING

respective
adj. 1 obsolete : PARTIAL, DISCRIMINATIVE
2 : PARTICULAR, SEPARATE <their respective homes>
–re·spec·tive·ness noun

respectively
adv. 1 : in particular : SEPARATELY <could not recognize the solutions as salty or sour, respectively>
2 : in the order given <Mary and Anne were respectively 12 and 16 years old>

respell
v. : to spell again or in another way especially : to spell out according to a phonetic system
–re·spell·ing \-'spe-liŋ\ noun

respice finem
: look to the end : consider the outcome

Respighi
Ottorino 1879-1936 Ital. composer

respirable
adj. : fit for breathing also : capable of being taken in by breathing <respirable particles of ash>

respiration
n. 1 a : the placing of air or dissolved gases in intimate contact with the circulating medium of a multicellular organism (as by breathing) b : a single complete act of breathing
2 : the physical and chemical processes by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
3 : any of various energy-yielding oxidative reactions in living matter
–re·spi·ra·to·ry \'res-p(ə-)rə-ˌtȯr-ē, ri-'spī-rə-\ adjective

respiration
n. artificial respiration
external respiration
internal respiration
respiratory distress syndrome
respiratory pigment
respiratory quotient
respiratory syncytial virus
respiratory system
severe acute respiratory syndrome
upper respiratory

respirator
n. 1 : a device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory tract by filtering out dangerous substances (as dusts or fumes) from inhaled air
2 : a device for maintaining artificial respiration

respiratory distress syndrome
: a respiratory disorder chiefly of newborn premature infants that is characterized by deficiency of the surfactant coating the inner surface of the lungs resulting in labored breathing, lung collapse, and hypoxemia

respiratory pigment
: any of various permanently or intermittently colored conjugated proteins and especially hemoglobin that function in the transfer of oxygen in cellular respiration

respiratory quotient
: a ratio indicating the relation of the volume of carbon dioxide given off in respiration to that of the oxygen consumed

respiratory syncytial virus
: a paramyxovirus (species Human respiratory syncytial virus of the genus Pneumovirus) that is responsible for severe respiratory diseases (as bronchopneumonia and bronchiolitis) in children and especially in infants

respiratory system
: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

respire
v. intransitive verb
1 : BREATHE specifically : to inhale and exhale air successively
2 of a cell or tissue : to take up oxygen and produce carbon dioxide through oxidation
transitive verb : BREATHE

respirometer
n. : an instrument for studying the character and extent of respiration
–res·pi·ro·met·ric \-rō-'me-trik\ adjective
–res·pi·rom·e·try \-'rä-mə-trē\ noun

respite
n. 1 : a period of temporary delay
2 : an interval of rest or relief

respite
n. 1 : to grant a respite to
2 : PUT OFF, DELAY

respite
n. : providing or being temporary care in relief of a primary caregiver <respite care> <a respite worker>

resplendence
n. : the quality or state of being resplendent : SPLENDOR

resplendency
n. : RESPLENDENCE

resplendent
adj. : shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor <meadows resplendent with wildflowers ― Outdoor World>
synonyms see SPLENDID
–re·splen·dent·ly adverb

respond
v. : an engaged pillar supporting an arch or closing a colonnade or arcade

respond
v. intransitive verb
1 : to say something in return : make an answer <respond to criticism>
2 a : to react in response <responded to a call for help> b : to show favorable reaction <respond to surgery>
3 : to be answerable <respond in damages>
transitive verb : REPLY
–re·spond·er \-'spän-dər\ noun

respondent
n. 1 : one who responds: as a : one who maintains a thesis in reply b (1) : one who answers in various legal proceedings (as in equity cases) (2) : the prevailing party in the lower court c : a person who responds to a poll
2 : a reflex that occurs in response to a specific external stimulus ― compare OPERANT

respondent
n. 1 : making response : RESPONSIVE especially : being a respondent at law
2 : relating to or being behavior or responses to a stimulus that are followed by a reward <respondent conditioning> ― compare OPERANT 3

response
n. 1 : an act of responding
2 : something constituting a reply or a reaction: as a : a verse, phrase, or word sung or said by the people or choir after or in reply to the officiant in a liturgical service b : the activity or inhibition of previous activity of an organism or any of its parts resulting from stimulation c : the output of a transducer or detecting device resulting from a given input
synonyms see ANSWER

response
n. call and response
direct response
frequency response
galvanic skin response
immune response

responsibility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being responsible: as a : moral, legal, or mental accountability b : RELIABILITY, TRUSTWORTHINESS
2 : something for which one is responsible : BURDEN <has neglected his responsibilities>

responsible
adj. 1 a : liable to be called on to answer b (1) : liable to be called to account as the primary cause, motive, or agent <a committee responsible for the job> (2) : being the cause or explanation <mechanical defects were responsible for the accident> c : liable to legal review or in case of fault to penalties
2 a : able to answer for one's conduct and obligations : TRUSTWORTHY b : able to choose for oneself between right and wrong
3 : marked by or involving responsibility or accountability <responsible financial policies> <a responsible job>
4 : politically answerable especially : required to submit to the electorate if defeated by the legislature ― used especially of the British cabinet
–re·spon·si·ble·ness noun
–re·spon·si·bly \-blē\ adverb
synonyms RESPONSIBLE, ANSWERABLE, ACCOUNTABLE, AMENABLE, LIABLE mean subject to being held to account. RESPONSIBLE implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust <the bureau responsible for revenue collection>. ANSWERABLE suggests a relation between one having a moral or legal obligation and a court or other authority charged with oversight of its observance <an intelligence agency answerable to Congress>. ACCOUNTABLE suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation <elected officials are accountable to the voters>. AMENABLE and LIABLE stress the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority under certain conditions <laws are amenable to judicial review> <not liable for the debts of the former spouse>.

responsions
n. : an examination formerly required for matriculation as an undergraduate at Oxford

responsive
adj. 1 : giving response : constituting a response : ANSWERING <a responsive glance> <responsive aggression>
2 : quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically : SENSITIVE
3 : using responses <a responsive liturgy>
–re·spon·sive·ly adverb
–re·spon·sive·ness noun

responsory
n. : a set of versicles and responses sung or said after or during a lection

responsum
n. : a written decision from a rabbinic authority in response to a submitted question or problem

ressentiment
: deep-seated resentment, frustration, and hostility accompanied by a sense of being powerless to express these feelings directly

rest
n. 1 : REPOSE, SLEEP specifically : a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities
2 a : freedom from activity or labor b : a state of motionlessness or inactivity c : the repose of death
3 : a place for resting or lodging
4 : peace of mind or spirit
5 a (1) : a rhythmic silence in music (2) : a character representing such a silence b : a brief pause in reading
6 : something used for support
–at rest
1 : resting or reposing especially in sleep or death
2 : QUIESCENT, MOTIONLESS
3 : free of anxieties

rest
n. 1 a : to get rest by lying down especially : SLEEP b : to lie dead
2 : to cease from action or motion : refrain from labor or exertion
3 : to be free from anxiety or disturbance
4 : to sit or lie fixed or supported <a column rests on its pedestal>
5 a : to remain confident : TRUST <cannot rest on that assumption> b : to be based or founded <the verdict rested on several sound precedents>
6 : to remain for action or accomplishment <the answer rests with you>
7 of farmland : to remain idle or uncropped
8 : to bring to an end voluntarily the introduction of evidence in a law case
transitive verb
1 : to give rest to
2 : to set at rest
3 : to place on or against a support
4 : to cause to be firmly fixed <rested all hope in his child>
5 : to desist voluntarily from presenting evidence pertinent to (a case at law)
–rest·er noun

rest
n. : a projection or attachment on the side of the breastplate of medieval armor for supporting the butt of a lance

rest
n. : something that remains over : REMAINDER <ate the rest of the candy>
–for the rest : with regard to remaining issues or needs

rest
n. bed rest
eighth rest
half rest
quarter rest
at rest
for the rest
rest area
rest home
rest house
rest mass
sixteenth rest
sixty fourth rest
thirty second rest
whole rest

rest area
: an area adjacent to a highway at which restrooms and refreshments are usually available

rest home
: an establishment that provides housing and general care for the aged or the convalescent

rest house
: a building used for shelter by travelers

rest mass
: the mass of a body exclusive of additional mass the body acquires by its motion according to the theory of relativity

restart
v. 1 : to start anew
2 : to resume (as an activity) after interruption
intransitive verb : to resume operation
–re·start \'rē-ˌstärt, (ˌ)re-'\ noun
–re·start·able \-'stär-tə-bəl\ adjective

restate
v. : to state again or in another way

restatement
n. 1 : something that is restated
2 : the act of restating

restaurant
n. : a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased

restaurateur
n. : the operator or proprietor of a restaurant

rested
adj. : having had sufficient rest or sleep

restenosis
: the reoccurrence of stenosis in a blood vessel or heart valve after it has been treated with apparent success

restful
adj. 1 : marked by, affording, or suggesting rest and repose <a restful color scheme>
2 : being at rest : QUIET
synonyms see COMFORTABLE
–rest·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–rest·ful·ness noun

resting
adj. 1 : being or characterized by dormancy : QUIESCENT <a resting spore> <bulbs in the resting state>
2 : not undergoing or marked by division : VEGETATIVE <a resting nucleus>

restitute
v. transitive verb
1 : to restore to a former state or position
2 : GIVE BACK especially : REFUND
intransitive verb : to undergo restitution

restitution
n. 1 : an act of restoring or a condition of being restored: as a : a restoration of something to its rightful owner b : a making good of or giving an equivalent for some injury
2 : a legal action serving to cause restoration of a previous state

restive
adj. 1 : stubbornly resisting control : BALKY
2 : marked by impatience or uneasiness : FIDGETY
synonyms see CONTRARY
–res·tive·ly adverb
–res·tive·ness noun

restless
adj. 1 : lacking or denying rest : UNEASY <a restless night>
2 : continuously moving : UNQUIET <the restless sea>
3 : characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind <restless pacing> also : CHANGEFUL, DISCONTENTED
–rest·less·ly adverb
–rest·less·ness noun

restless
adj. restless legs syndrome
restless leg syndrome
restless legs

restless legs syndrome
: a nervous disorder characterized by aching, crawling, or creeping sensations of the legs that occur especially at night usually when lying down (as before sleep) and cause a compelling urge to move the legs ― called also restless legs restless leg syndrome

Reston
James Barrett 1909-1995 American journalist

restorable
adj. : fit for restoring or reclaiming

restoral
: RESTORATION

restoration
n. 1 : an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a : a bringing back to a former position or condition : REINSTATEMENT <the restoration of peace> b : RESTITUTION c : a restoring to an unimpaired or improved condition <the restoration of a painting> d : the replacing of missing teeth or crowns
2 : something that is restored especially : a representation or reconstruction of the original form (as of a fossil or a building)
3 capitalized a : the reestablishing of the monarchy in England in 1660 under Charles II b : the period in English history usually held to coincide with the reign of Charles II but sometimes to extend through the reign of James II

restorative
n. : of or relating to restoration especially : having power to restore <restorative sleep>

restorative
n. : something that serves to restore to consciousness, vigor, or health

restore
v. 1 : GIVE BACK, RETURN
2 : to put or bring back into existence or use
3 : to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : RENEW
4 : to put again in possession of something
synonyms see RENEW
–re·stor·er noun

restrain
v. 1 a : to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something <restrained the child from jumping> b : to limit, restrict, or keep under control <try to restrain your anger>
2 : to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of <restrain trade>
3 : to deprive of liberty especially : to place under arrest or restraint
–re·strain·able \-'strā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–re·strain·er noun
synonyms RESTRAIN, CHECK, CURB, BRIDLE mean to hold back from or control in doing something. RESTRAIN suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes <restrained themselves from laughing>. CHECK implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus <trying to check government spending>. CURB suggests an abrupt or drastic checking <learn to curb your appetite>. BRIDLE implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in <bridle an impulse to throw the book down>.

restrained
adj. : marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant
–re·strain·ed·ly \-'strā-nəd-lē\ adverb

restraining order
1 : a preliminary legal order sometimes issued to keep a situation unchanged pending decision upon an application for an injunction
2 : a legal order issued against an individual to restrict or prohibit access or proximity to another specified individual

restraint
n. 1 a : an act of restraining : the state of being restrained b (1) : a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence (2) : a device that restricts movement <a restraint for children riding in cars>
2 : a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts

restraint
n. head restraint
passive restraint
prior restraint
self restraint

restrict
v. 1 : to confine within bounds : RESTRAIN
2 : to place under restrictions as to use or distribution
synonyms see LIMIT

restricted
adj. : subject or subjected to restriction: as a : not general : LIMITED <the decision had a restricted effect> b : available to the use of particular groups or specif. excluding others <a restricted country club> c : not intended for general circulation or release <a restricted document>
–re·strict·ed·ly adverb

restriction
n. 1 : something that restricts: as a : a regulation that restricts or restrains <restrictions for hunters> b : a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2 : an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

restriction
n. restriction enzyme
restriction endonuclease
restriction fragment length polymorphism

restriction enzyme
: any of various enzymes that cleave DNA into fragments at specific sites in the interior of the molecule ― called also restriction endonuclease

restriction fragment length polymorphism
: variation in the length of a DNA fragment produced by a specific restriction enzyme acting on DNA from different individuals that usually results from a genetic mutation and that may be used as a genetic marker

restrictionism
n. : a policy or philosophy favoring restriction (as of trade or immigration)
–re·stric·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective or noun

restrictive
adj. 1 a : of or relating to restriction b : serving or tending to restrict <restrictive regulations>
2 : limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase
3 : prohibiting further negotiation
–restrictive noun
–re·stric·tive·ly adverb
–re·stric·tive·ness noun

restrictive clause
: a descriptive clause that is essential to the definiteness of the word it modifies (as that you ordered in “the book that you ordered is out of print”)

restrike
n. : a coin or medal struck from an original die at some time after the original issue

restroom
n. : a room or suite of rooms providing toilets and lavatories

restructure
v. : to change the makeup, organization, or pattern of
intransitive verb : to restructure something

result
n. 1 a : to proceed or arise as a consequence, effect, or conclusion <death resulted from the disease> b : to have an issue or result <the disease resulted in death>
2 : REVERT 2

result
n. 1 : something that results as a consequence, issue, or conclusion also : beneficial or tangible effect : FRUIT
2 : something obtained by calculation or investigation
–re·sult·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–re·sult·less \-ləs\ adjective

resultant
n. : derived from or resulting from something else
–re·sul·tant·ly adverb

resultant
n. : something that results : OUTCOME specifically : the single vector that is the sum of a given set of vectors

resume
n. transitive verb
1 : to assume or take again : REOCCUPY <resumed his seat by the fire ― Thomas Hardy>
2 : to return to or begin again after interruption <resumed her work>
3 : to take back to oneself
4 : to pick up again
5 : REITERATE, SUMMARIZE
intransitive verb : to begin again something interrupted

resume
n. 1 : SUMMARY
2 : CURRICULUM VITAE
3 : a set of accomplishments <a musical resume>

resumption
n. 1 : an act or instance of resuming : RECOMMENCEMENT
2 : a return to payment in specie

resupinate
adj. 1 : inverted in position <resupinate orchid flowers>
2 : having or being a fruiting body lying flat on the substrate with the hymenium at the periphery or over the whole surface <resupinate fungi> <resupinate sporophores>

resurface
v. : to provide with a new or fresh surface <resurface skin by dermabrasion>
intransitive verb : to come again to the surface (as of the water) broadly : REAPPEAR
–re·sur·fac·er \-fə-sər\ noun

resurgam
: I shall rise again

resurge
v. : to undergo a resurgence

resurgence
n. : a rising again into life, activity, or prominence : RENASCENCE

resurgent
adj. : undergoing or tending to produce resurgence

resurrect
v. 1 : to raise from the dead
2 : to bring to view, attention, or use again

resurrection
n. 1 a capitalized : the rising of Christ from the dead b often capitalized : the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment c : the state of one risen from the dead
2 : RESURGENCE, REVIVAL
3 Christian Science : a spiritualization of thought : material belief that yields to spiritual understanding
–res·ur·rec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

resurrectionist
n. 1 : BODY SNATCHER
2 : one who resurrects

resuscitate
transitive verb : to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness also : REVITALIZE
intransitive verb : COME TO, REVIVE
–re·sus·ci·ta·tion \ri-ˌsə-sə-'tā-shən, ˌrē-\ noun
–re·sus·ci·ta·tive \ri-'sə-sə-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective

resuscitator
n. : one that resuscitates specifically : an apparatus used to restore respiration (as to a partially asphyxiated person)

resveratrol
: a trihydroxy stilbene derivative C_10H_12O_3 that is found in some plants, fruits, seeds, and grape-derived products (as red wine) and has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary disease and cancer

ret
adj. transitive verb : to soak (as flax) to loosen the fiber from the woody tissue
intransitive verb : to become retted

ret
adj. retired

retable
n. : a raised shelf above an altar for the altar cross, the altar lights, and flowers

retail
n. 1 : to sell in small quantities directly to the ultimate consumer
2 : TELL, RETELL
intransitive verb : to sell at retail
–re·tail·er noun

retail
n. : the sale of commodities or goods in small quantities to ultimate consumers also : the industry of such selling
–at retail
1 : at a retailer's price
2 : 4RETAIL

retail
n. : of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of commodities at retail <retail trade>

retail
n. : in small quantities : from a retailer

retailing
n. : the activities involved in the selling of goods to ultimate consumers for personal or household consumption

retain
v. 1 a : to keep in possession or use b : to keep in one's pay or service specifically : to employ by paying a retainer c : to keep in mind or memory : REMEMBER
2 : to hold secure or intact
synonyms see KEEP

retained object
: an object of a verb in the predicate of a passive construction (as me in “a book was given me” and book in “I was given a book”)

retainer
n. 1 a : a person attached or owing service to a household especially : SERVANT b : EMPLOYEE
2 : one that retains
3 : a device or structure that holds something in place: as a : the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth b : a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

retainer
n. 1 : the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged
2 : a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed

retake
n. 1 : to take or receive again
2 : RECAPTURE
3 : to photograph again

retake
n. : a subsequent filming, photographing, or recording undertaken to improve upon the first also : an instance of this

retaliate
v. transitive verb : to repay (as an injury) in kind
intransitive verb : to return like for like especially : to get revenge
synonyms see RECIPROCATE
–re·tal·i·a·tion \ri-ˌta-lē-'ā-shən, ˌrē-\ noun
–re·tal·i·a·tive \ri-'ta-lē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective
–re·tal·ia·to·ry \-'tal-yə-ˌtȯr-ē, -'ta-lē-ə-\ adjective

retard
n. transitive verb
1 : to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment : IMPEDE
2 : to delay academic progress by failure to promote
intransitive verb : to undergo retardation
synonyms see DELAY
–re·tard·er noun

retard
n. 1 \ri-'tärd\ : a holding back or slowing down : RETARDATION
2 \'rē-ˌtärd\ often offensive : a retarded person also : a person held to resemble a retarded person in behavior

retardant
n. : serving or tending to retard <a growth-retardant substance>
–retardant noun

retardate
n. often offensive : a mentally retarded person

retardation
n. 1 : an act or instance of retarding
2 : the extent to which something is retarded
3 : a musical suspension specifically : one that resolves upward
4 a : an abnormal slowness of thought or action also : less than normal intellectual competence usually characterized by an IQ of less than 70 b : slowness in development or progress

retarded
adj. sometimes offensive : slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development or academic progress

retch
v. transitive verb : VOMIT 1
intransitive verb : to make an effort to vomit also : VOMIT
–retch noun

retd
adj. 1 retired
2 returned

rete
n. 1 : a network especially of blood vessels or nerves : PLEXUS
2 : an anatomical part resembling or including a network

retell
v. 1 : to tell again or in another form
2 : to count again

retelling
: a new version of a story <a retelling of a Greek legend>

retention
n. 1 a : the act of retaining : the state of being retained b : abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2 a : power of retaining : RETENTIVENESS b : an ability to retain things in mind specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3 : something retained

retentive
adj. : having the power, property, or capacity of retaining <soils retentive of moisture> especially : retaining knowledge easily <a retentive memory>
–re·ten·tive·ly adverb
–re·ten·tive·ness noun

retentivity
n. : the power of retaining specifically : the capacity for retaining magnetism after the action of the magnetizing force has ceased

retenue
: self-restraint : reserve

rethink
v. transitive verb : to think about again : RECONSIDER
intransitive verb : to engage in reconsideration
–re·think \'rē-ˌthiŋk, -'thiŋk\ noun
–re·think·er noun

Rethondes
village N France E of Compiègne pop 668

reticence
n. 1 : the quality or state of being reticent : RESERVE, RESTRAINT
2 : an instance of being reticent
3 : RELUCTANCE 1

reticency
: RETICENCE

reticent
adj. 1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED
2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance <the room has an aspect of reticent dignity ― A. N. Whitehead>
3 : RELUCTANT
synonyms see SILENT
–ret·i·cent·ly adverb

reticle
n. : a scale on transparent material (as in an optical instrument) used especially for measuring or aiming

reticular
adj. 1 : RETICULATE 1 <reticular connective tissue containing collagen fibers>
2 : INTRICATE

reticular formation
: a mass of nerve cells and fibers situated primarily in the brain stem and functioning upon stimulation especially in arousal of the organism

reticulate
v. 1 : resembling a net or network especially : having veins, fibers, or lines crossing <a reticulate leaf>
2 : being or involving evolutionary change dependent on genetic recombination involving diverse interbreeding populations
–re·tic·u·late·ly adverb

reticulate
v. transitive verb : to divide, mark, or construct so as to form a network
intransitive verb : to become reticulated

reticulated giraffe
: a giraffe of a subspecies (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) found in northeast Africa, Somalia, and northern Kenya that has a deep chestnut-colored coat divided by a network of fine white lines into large geometric patches

reticulation
n. : a reticulated formation : NETWORK also : something reticulated

reticule
n. 1 : RETICLE
2 : a woman's drawstring bag used especially as a carryall

reticulocyte
n. : an immature red blood cell that appears especially during regeneration of lost blood, lacks a nucleus, and has a fine basophilic reticulum formed of ribosomal remains

reticuloendothelial
adj. : of, relating to, or being the reticuloendothelial system

reticuloendothelial system
: MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTE SYSTEM broadly : the mononuclear phagocyte system plus certain other cells now known to be pinocytic or only weakly phagocytic

reticulum
n. 1 : the second compartment of the stomach of a ruminant in which folds of the mucous membrane form hexagonal cells ― compare ABOMASUM, OMASUM, RUMEN
2 : a reticulate structure : NETWORK

reticulum
n. endoplasmic reticulum
rough endoplasmic reticulum
sarcoplasmic reticulum

retin
1 : retina <retinitis> <retinoscopy>
2 : retinol <retinoid>

retina
n. : the sensory membrane that lines the eye, is composed of several layers including one containing the rods and cones, and functions as the immediate instrument of vision by receiving the image formed by the lens and converting it into chemical and nervous signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve ― see EYE illustration

retinaculum
n. : any of several fibrous bands of fascia that pass over or under tendons (as at or near the ankle or wrist) and help to keep them in place

retinal
adj. : of, relating to, involving, or being a retina

retinal
adj. : a yellowish to orange aldehyde C_20H_28O derived from vitamin A that in combination with proteins forms the visual pigments of the retinal rods and cones

retinene
n. : RETINAL

retinitis
n. : inflammation of the retina

retinitis pigmentosa
: any of several hereditary progressive degenerative diseases of the eye marked by night blindness in the early stages, atrophy and pigment changes in the retina, constriction of the visual field, and eventual blindness

retinoblastoma
n. : a malignant tumor of the retina that develops during childhood, is derived from retinal germ cells, and is associated with a chromosomal abnormality

retinoic acid
: either of two isomers of an acid C_20H_28O_2 derived from vitamin A and used in the treatment of acne: a : TRETINOIN b : ISOTRETINOIN

retinoid
adj. : any of various synthetic or naturally occurring analogs of vitamin A

retinol
n. : the chief and typical vitamin A C_20H_29OH that is a highly unsaturated alicyclic alcohol used in various forms in medicine and nutrition

retinopathy
n. : any of various noninflammatory disorders of the retina including some that cause blindness

retinoscopy
n. : observation of the retina of the eye especially to determine the state of refraction

retinotectal
: of, relating to, or being the nerve fibers connecting the retina and the tectum of the midbrain <retinotectal pathways>

retinue
n. : a group of retainers or attendants

retinula
: the neural receptor of a single facet of an arthropod compound eye
–re·tin·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

retire
v. intransitive verb
1 : to withdraw from action or danger : RETREAT
2 : to withdraw especially for privacy <retired to her room>
3 : to move back : RECEDE
4 : to withdraw from one's position or occupation : conclude one's working or professional career
5 : to go to bed
transitive verb
1 : WITHDRAW: as a : to march (a military force) away from the enemy b : to withdraw from circulation or from the market : RECALL <retire a bond> c : to withdraw from usual use or service
2 : to cause to retire from one's position or occupation
3 a : to put out (a batter or batsman) in baseball or cricket b : to cause (a side) to end a turn at bat in baseball
4 : to win permanent possession of (as a trophy)
5 : to pay in full : SETTLE <retire a debt>

retired
adj. 1 : SECLUDED <a retired village>
2 : withdrawn from one's position or occupation : having concluded one's working or professional career
3 : received by or due to one in retirement
–re·tired·ly \-'tī-rəd-lē, -'tī(-ə)rd-\ adverb
–re·tired·ness \-'tī(-ə)rd-nəs\ noun

retiree
n. : a person who has retired from a working or professional career

retirement
n. 1 a : an act of retiring : the state of being retired b : withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life c : the age at which one normally retires <reaches retirement in May>
2 : a place of seclusion or privacy

retirement
n. : of, relating to, or designed for retired persons

retiring
adj. : RESERVED, SHY
–re·tir·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
–re·tir·ing·ness noun

retool
v. 1 : to reequip with tools
2 : REORGANIZE
3 : REVISE, MODIFY
intransitive verb : to make especially minor changes or improvements <retool for the future>

retort
n. transitive verb
1 : to pay or hurl back : RETURN <retort an insult>
2 a : to make a reply to b : to say in reply
3 : to answer (as an argument) by a counter argument
intransitive verb
1 : to answer back usually sharply
2 : to return an argument or charge
3 : RETALIATE

retort
n. : a quick, witty, or cutting reply especially : one that turns back or counters the first speaker's words
synonyms see ANSWER

retort
n. : a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

retort
n. : to treat (as oil shale) by heating in a retort

retort pouch
: a flexible package in which prepared food is hermetically sealed for long-term unrefrigerated storage

retouch
n. transitive verb
1 : to rework in order to improve : TOUCH UP
2 : to alter (as a photographic negative) to produce a more desirable appearance
3 : to color (new growth of hair) to match previously dyed, tinted, or bleached hair
intransitive verb : to make or give retouches
–re·touch·er noun

retouch
n. : the act or process or an instance of retouching especially : the retouching of a new growth of hair

retract
v. transitive verb
1 : to draw back or in <cats retract their claws>
2 a : TAKE BACK, WITHDRAW <retract a confession> b : DISAVOW
intransitive verb
1 : to draw or pull back
2 : to recant or disavow something
synonyms see ABJURE, RECEDE
–re·tract·able \-'trak-tə-bəl\ adjective

retractile
adj. : capable of being drawn back or in <retractile claws>
–re·trac·til·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌtrak-'ti-lə-tē, ri-\ noun

retraction
n. 1 : an act of recanting specifically : a statement made by one retracting
2 : an act of retracting : the state of being retracted
3 : the ability to retract

retractor
n. : one that retracts: as a : a surgical instrument for holding open the edges of a wound b : a muscle that draws in an organ or part

retrain
v. : to train again or anew
intransitive verb : to become trained again
–re·train·able \-'trā-nə-bəl\ adjective

retranslate
v. : to translate (a translation) into another language also : to give a new form to
intransitive verb : to retranslate something
–re·trans·la·tion \-'lā-shən\ noun

retread
v. 1 : to bond or vulcanize a new tread to the prepared surface of (a worn tire)
2 : to make over as if new <retread an old plot>

retread
v. 1 : a retreaded tire
2 : something made or done again especially in slightly altered form : REMAKE
3 a : one (as a retired person) who is recalled or retrained for work b : one (as an athlete) who has previously held the same or a similar position

retreat
n. 1 a (1) : an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable (2) : the process of receding from a position or state attained <the retreat of a glacier> b (1) : the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position (2) : a signal for retreating c (1) : a signal given by bugle at the beginning of a military flag-lowering ceremony (2) : a military flag-lowering ceremony
2 : a place of privacy or safety : REFUGE
3 : a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

retreat
n. 1 : to make a retreat : WITHDRAW
2 : to slope backward
transitive verb : to draw or lead back : REMOVE specifically : to move (a piece) back in chess
synonyms see RECEDE
–re·treat·er noun

retreatant
: a person on a religious retreat

retrench
v. transitive verb
1 a : CUT DOWN, REDUCE b : to cut out : EXCISE
2 : to pare away : REMOVE
intransitive verb : to make retrenchments specifically : ECONOMIZE
synonyms see SHORTEN

retrenchment
n. : REDUCTION, CURTAILMENT specifically : a cutting of expenses

retrial
n. : a second trial, experiment, or test specifically : a second judicial trial

retribalization
: the act of forming or returning to a tribal group or division

retribution
n. 1 : RECOMPENSE, REWARD
2 : the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter
3 : something given or exacted in recompense especially : PUNISHMENT

retributive
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by retribution
–re·trib·u·tive·ly adverb

retributory
adj. : RETRIBUTIVE

retrieval
n. 1 : an act or process of retrieving
2 : possibility of being retrieved or of recovering <beyond retrieval>

retrieve
transitive verb
1 : to locate and bring in (killed or wounded game)
2 : to call to mind again
3 : to get back again : REGAIN
4 a : RESCUE, SALVAGE b : to return (as a ball or shuttlecock that is difficult to reach) successfully
5 : RESTORE, REVIVE <his writing retrieves the past>
6 : to remedy the evil consequences of : CORRECT
7 : to get and bring back especially : to recover (as information) from storage
intransitive verb : to bring in game <a dog that retrieves well> also : to bring back an object thrown by a person
–re·triev·abil·i·ty \-ˌtrē-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·triev·able \-'trē-və-bəl\ adjective

retrieve
v. 1 : RETRIEVAL
2 : the successful return of a ball that is difficult to reach or control (as in tennis)

retriever
n. : one that retrieves especially : a dog of any of several breeds having a heavy water-resistant coat and used especially for retrieving game

retriever
n. Chesapeake Bay retriever
curly coated retriever
flat coated retriever
golden retriever
Labrador retriever

retro
: relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past : fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned <a retro look>
–retro noun

retro
1 : backward : back <retro-rocket>
2 : situated behind <retroperitoneal>

retro-rocket
: an auxiliary rocket engine (as on a spacecraft) used in decelerating

retroaction
n. 1 [retroactive] : retroactive operation (as of a law or tax)
2 [retro- + action] : a reciprocal action : REACTION

retroactive
adj. : extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition <retroactive tax>
–ret·ro·ac·tive·ly adverb
–ret·ro·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ˌak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

retrocede
v. intransitive verb : to go back : RECEDE
transitive verb [French rétrocéder, from Medieval Latin retrocedere, from Latin retro- + cedere to cede] : to cede back (as a territory)
–ret·ro·ces·sion \-'se-shən\ noun

retrodict
v. : to utilize present information or ideas to infer or explain (a past event or state of affairs)
–ret·ro·dic·tion \-'dik-shən\ noun
–ret·ro·dic·tive \-'dik-tiv\ adjective

retrofire
v. : to cause (a retro-rocket) to become ignited
intransitive verb of a retro-rocket : to become ignited
–retrofire noun

retrofit
v. 1 : to furnish (as a computer, airplane, or building) with new or modified parts or equipment not available or considered necessary at the time of manufacture
2 : to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed
3 : to adapt to a new purpose or need : MODIFY <retrofit the story for a new audience>
–ret·ro·fit \'re-trō-ˌfit\ noun

retroflex
adj. 1 : turned or bent abruptly backward
2 : articulated with the tongue tip turned up or curled back just under the hard palate <retroflex vowel>

retroflexion
n. 1 : the state of being bent back especially : the bending back of an organ (as a uterus) upon itself
2 : the act or process of bending back
3 : retroflex articulation

retrogradation
n. : the action or process of retrograding

retrograde
adj. 1 a (1) : having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars <Saturn is retrograde for another week> <the retrograde motion of Mercury> (2) : having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet <a retrograde orbit> b (1) : moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction <a retrograde step> (2) : occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow <retrograde ejaculation> ― compare ANTEROGRADE 1 c : contrary to the normal order : INVERSE
2 : tending toward or resulting in a worse or previous state
3 archaic : CONTRADICTORY, OPPOSED
4 : characterized by retrogression
5 : affecting memories of a period prior to a shock or seizure <retrograde amnesia>
6 : RETRO <retrograde fashion>
–ret·ro·grade·ly adverb

retrograde
adj. : BACKWARD, REVERSELY

retrograde
adj. transitive verb archaic : to turn back : REVERSE
intransitive verb
1 a : to go back : RETREAT b : to go back over or recapitulate something
2 : to decline to a worse condition

retrogress
v. : to move backward : REVERT

retrogression
n. 1 : REGRESSION 3
2 : return to a former and less complex level of development or organization

retrogressive
adj. : characterized by retrogression: as a : going or directed backward b : declining from a better to a worse state c : passing from a higher to a lower level of organization <retrogressive evolution>
–ret·ro·gres·sive·ly adverb

retronym
: a term consisting of a noun and a modifier which specifies the original meaning of the noun <“film camera” is a retronym>

retropack
: a system of retro-rockets on a spacecraft

retroperitoneal
adj. : situated behind the peritoneum
–ret·ro·per·i·to·ne·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

retroreflection
: the action or use of a retroreflector
–ret·ro·re·flec·tive \-'flek-tiv\ adjective

retroreflector
: a device that reflects radiation (as light) so that the paths of the reflected rays are parallel to those of the incident rays

retrorse
: bent backward or downward

retrospect
n. 1 archaic : reference to or regard of a precedent or authority
2 : a review of or meditation on past events
–in retrospect : in considering the past or a past event

retrospect
n. : RETROSPECTIVE

retrospect
n. 1 : to engage in retrospection
2 : to refer back : REFLECT
transitive verb : to go back over in thought

retrospection
n. : the act or process or an instance of surveying the past

retrospective
adj. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or given to retrospection (2) : based on memory <a retrospective report> b : being a retrospective <a retrospective exhibition>
2 : affecting things past : RETROACTIVE <retrospective laws>
3 : relating to or being a study (as of a disease) that starts with the present condition of a population of individuals and collects data about their past history to explain their present condition
–ret·ro·spec·tive·ly adverb

retrospective
adj. : a generally comprehensive exhibition, compilation, or performance of the work of an artist over a span of years broadly : REVIEW 7A <a retrospective of 20th century haute couture>

retrousse
adj. : turned up <retrousse nose>

retroversion
n. 1 : the bending backward of the uterus and cervix
2 : the act or process of turning back or regressing

retrovirology
: virology concerned with the study of retroviruses
–ret·ro·vi·rol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

retrovirus
n. : any of a family (Retroviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses (as HIV) that produce reverse transcriptase by means of which DNA is produced using their RNA as a template and incorporated into the genome of infected cells and that include numerous tumorigenic viruses
–ret·ro·vi·ral \-rəl\ adjective

retsina
n. : a resin-flavored Greek wine

return
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to go back or come back again <return home> b : to go back in thought, practice, or condition : REVERT
2 : to pass back to an earlier possessor
3 : REPLY, RETORT
transitive verb
1 a : to give (as an official account) to a superior b British : to elect (a candidate) as attested by official report or returns c : to bring back (as a writ or verdict) to an office or tribunal
2 a : to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place b : to restore to a former or to a normal state
3 a : to send back : VISIT ― usually used with on or upon b obsolete : RETORT
4 : to bring in (as profit) : YIELD
5 a : to give or perform in return : REPAY <return a compliment> also : to respond to in kind <returned his calls> b : to give back to the owner c : REFLECT <return an echo>
6 : to cause (as a wall) to continue in a different direction (as at a right angle)
7 : to lead (a specified suit or specified card of a suit) in response to a partner's earlier lead
8 a : to hit back (a ball or shuttlecock) b : to run with (a football) after a change of possession (as by a punt or a fumble)
synonyms see RECIPROCATE
–re·turn·er noun

return
n. 1 a : the act of coming back to or from a place or condition b : a regular or frequent returning : RECURRENCE
2 a (1) : the delivery of a legal order (as a writ) to the proper officer or court (2) : an endorsed certificate stating an official's action in the execution of such an order (3) : the sending back of a commission with the certificate of the commissioners b : an account or formal report c (1) : a report of the results of balloting ― usually used in plural <election returns> (2) : an official declaration of the election of a candidate (3) chiefly British : ELECTION d (1) : a formal statement on a required legal form showing taxable income, allowable deductions and exemptions, and the computation of the tax due (2) : a list of taxable property
3 a : the continuation usually at a right angle of the face or of a member of a building or of a molding or group of moldings b : a means for conveying something (as water) back to its starting point
4 a : a quantity of goods, consignment, or cargo coming back in exchange for goods sent out as a mercantile venture b : the value of or profit from such venture c (1) : the profit from labor, investment, or business : YIELD (2) plural : RESULTS d : the rate of profit in a process of production per unit of cost
5 a : the act of returning something to a former place, condition, or ownership : RESTITUTION <the return of stolen goods> b : something returned especially plural : unsold publications returned to the publisher for cash or credit
6 a : something given in repayment or reciprocation <a return on their years of hard work> b : ANSWER, RETORT
7 : an answering play: as a : a lead in a suit previously led by one's partner in a card game b : the action or an instance of returning a ball (as in football or tennis)
8 chiefly British : ROUND-TRIP
–in return : in reciprocation, compensation, or repayment

return
n. 1 a : having or formed by a change of direction <a return facade> b : doubled on itself <a return flue>
2 a : played, delivered, or given in return <return fire from the enemy> b : taking place for the second time <a return meeting for the two champions>
3 : used or taken on returning <the return road>
4 : returning or permitting return <a return valve>
5 : of, relating to, or causing a return to a place or condition <use the prestamped return envelope>

return
n. point of no return
in return
diminishing returns

returnable
adj. 1 : legally required to be returned, delivered, or argued at a specified time or place <a writ returnable on the date indicated>
2 a : capable of returning or of being returned (as for reuse) <returnable beer bottles> b : permitted to be returned <sale items are not returnable>

returnable
adj. : something designed to be returned (as for recycling) especially : a returnable beverage container

returnee
n. : one who returns especially : one returning to the U.S. after military service overseas

retuse
: having the apex rounded or obtuse with a slight notch

Retz
Cardinal de 1613-1679 Jean-François-Paul de Gondi Fr. ecclesiastic & polit.

Reuben
n. : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Reuben
n. : a grilled sandwich of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut usually on rye bread

Reuben
n. : a statuette awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in cartoon artistry

Reuchlin
Johannes 1455-1522 Cap·nio \'kap-nē-ˌō\ Ger. humanist

Reunion
n. island W Indian Ocean in the W Mascarene Islands capital St.-Denis; an overseas department of France area 970 sq mi (2522 sq km), pop 634,000

reunion
n. 1 : an act of reuniting : the state of being reunited
2 : a reuniting of persons after separation

reunionist
n. : an advocate of reunion (as of sects or parties)
–re·union·is·tic \(ˌ)rē-ˌyün-yə-'nis-tik\ adjective

reunite
v. transitive verb : to bring together again
intransitive verb : to come together again : REJOIN

reuptake
n. : the reabsorption by a neuron of a neurotransmitter following the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse

reusable
adj. : capable of being used again or repeatedly
–re·us·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)rē-ˌyü-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

reuse
v. : to use again especially in a different way or after reclaiming or reprocessing <the need to reuse scarce resources> <reuse packing material as insulation>

reuse
v. : further, different, or repeated use

Reuter
Baron Paul Julius von 1816-1899 orig. Israel Beer Josaphat Brit. (Ger.-born) journalist

Reuther
Walter Philip 1907-1970 American labor leader

Reutlingen
city S Germany in Baden-Württemberg S of Stuttgart pop 105,835

Rev
n. 1 Revelation
2 reverend

rev
n. 1 : a revolution of a motor
2 : revolution per minute ― usually used in plural

rev
n. transitive verb
1 a : to step up the number of revolutions per minute of ― often used with up <rev up the engine> b : INCREASE ― used with up <rev up production>
2 : to drive or operate especially at high speed ― often used with up
3 : to make more active or effective ― used with up <revving up the economy>
4 : to stir up : EXCITE ― usually used with up <revved up the kids before bedtime>
intransitive verb
1 : to operate at an increased speed of revolution ― usually used with up
2 : to increase in amount or activity ― usually used with up <the campaign revved up>
3 : to become more excited especially in anticipation ― usually used with up <the partygoers were revving up>

rev
n. 1 revenue
2 reverse
3 review; reviewed
4 revised; revision
5 revolution

revaluate
v. : REVALUE specifically : to increase the value of (as currency)
–re·val·u·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌval-yə-'wā-shən\ noun

revalue
v. 1 : to value (as currency) anew
2 : to make a new valuation of : REAPPRAISE

revamp
v. 1 : REMAKE, REVISE
2 : RENOVATE, RECONSTRUCT
–re·vamp \'rē-ˌ, ri-'\ noun

revanche
n. : REVENGE especially : a usually political policy designed to recover lost territory or status
–re·vanch·ism \-'vän-ˌshi-zəm\ noun

revanchist
n. : one who advocates a policy of revanche

revanchist
n. : of or relating to a policy of revanche

revascularization
n. : a surgical procedure for the provision of a new, additional, or augmented blood supply to a body part or organ

Revd
British reverend

reveal
v. 1 : to make known through divine inspiration
2 : to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known <reveal a secret>
3 : to open up to view : DISPLAY <the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room>
–re·veal·able \-'vē-lə-bəl\ adjective
–re·veal·er noun
synonyms REVEAL, DISCLOSE, DIVULGE, TELL, BETRAY mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. REVEAL may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason <divine will as revealed in sacred writings>. DISCLOSE may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret <candidates must disclose their financial assets>. DIVULGE implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence <refused to divulge an anonymous source>. TELL implies an imparting of necessary or useful information <told them what he had overheard>. BETRAY implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure <a blush that betrayed her embarrassment>.

reveal
v. : the side of an opening (as for a window) between a frame and the outer surface of a wall also : JAMB

revealing
n. : allowing a look at or an understanding of something inner or hidden <a revealing confession> also : tending to expose more typically hidden parts of the body <a revealing halter top>
–re·veal·ing·ly adverb

revealment
n. : an act of revealing

revegetate
v. : to provide (barren or denuded land) with a new vegetative cover
–re·veg·e·ta·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌve-jə-'tā-shən\ noun

reveille
n. 1 : a signal to get up mornings
2 : a bugle call at about sunrise signaling the first military formation of the day also : the formation so signaled

Revel
n. ― see TALLINN

revel
n. 1 : to take part in a revel : CAROUSE
2 : to take intense pleasure or satisfaction <reveled in the quiet after everyone had gone>

revel
n. : a usually wild party or celebration

revelation
n. 1 a : an act of revealing or communicating divine truth b : something that is revealed by God to humans
2 a : an act of revealing to view or making known b : something that is revealed especially : an enlightening or astonishing disclosure <shocking revelations> c : a pleasant often enlightening surprise <her talent was a revelation>
3 capitalized : an apocalyptic writing addressed to early Christians of Asia Minor and included as a book in the New Testament ― called also Apocalypse ― see BIBLE table

Revelations
n. : REVELATION 3

revelator
n. : one that reveals especially : one that reveals the will of God

revelatory
adj. : of or relating to revelation : serving to reveal something

reveler
n. : one who engages in revelry

revelry
n. : noisy partying or merrymaking

revenant
n. : one that returns after death or a long absence
–revenant adjective

revenge
n. 1 : to avenge (as oneself) usually by retaliating in kind or degree
2 : to inflict injury in return for <revenge an insult>
–re·veng·er noun

revenge
n. 1 : a desire for revenge <motivated by revenge>
2 : an act or instance of retaliating in order to get even <plotted her revenge>
3 : an opportunity for getting satisfaction <sought revenge through a rematch>

revengeful
adj. : full of or prone to revenge : determined to get even
–re·venge·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–re·venge·ful·ness noun

revenons a nos moutons
: let us return to our sheep : let us get back to the subject

revenue
n. 1 : the total income produced by a given source <a property expected to yield a large annual revenue>
2 : the gross income returned by an investment
3 : the yield of sources of income (as taxes) that a political unit (as a nation or state) collects and receives into the treasury for public use
4 : a government department concerned with the collection of the national revenue

revenue
n. revenue bond
revenue cutter
revenue stamp
revenue tariff

revenue bond
: a bond issued by a public agency authorized to build, acquire, or improve a revenue-producing property (as a toll road) and payable out of revenue derived from such property

revenue cutter
: an armed government vessel employed especially to enforce revenue laws

revenue stamp
: a stamp (as on a cigar box) for use as evidence of payment of a tax

revenue tariff
: a tariff intended wholly or primarily to produce public revenue ― compare PROTECTIVE TARIFF

revenuer
n. : a revenue department officer

reverb
n. : an electronically produced echo effect in recorded music also : a device for producing reverb

reverberant
adj. 1 : tending to reverberate
2 : marked by reverberation : RESONANT
–re·ver·ber·ant·ly adverb

reverberate
transitive verb
1 : REFLECT
2 : REPEL
3 : ECHO
intransitive verb
1 a : to become driven back b : to become reflected
2 : to continue in or as if in a series of echoes : RESOUND <an historic event that still reverberates today>

reverberate
v. : REVERBERANT

reverberation
n. 1 : an act of reverberating : the state of being reverberated
2 a : something that is reverberated b : an effect or impact that resembles an echo

reverberative
adj. 1 : constituting reverberation
2 : tending to reverberate : REVERBERANT

reverberatory
adj. : acting by reverberation

reverberatory furnace
: a furnace in which heat is radiated from the roof onto the material treated

Revere
v. Paul 1735-1818 American patriot & silversmith

Revere
v. city E Mass. NE of Boston pop 47,283

revere
v. : to show devoted deferential honor to : regard as worthy of great honor <revere the aged> <revere tradition>
synonyms REVERE, REVERENCE, VENERATE, WORSHIP, ADORE mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully. REVERE stresses deference and tenderness of feeling <a professor revered by her students>. REVERENCE presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring <reverenced the academy's code of honor>. VENERATE implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age <heroes still venerated>. WORSHIP implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony <worships their memory>. ADORE implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment <we adored our doctor>.

revere
v. : REVERS

reverence
n. 1 : honor or respect felt or shown : DEFERENCE especially : profound adoring awed respect
2 : a gesture of respect (as a bow)
3 : the state of being revered
4 : one held in reverence ― used as a title for a clergyman
synonyms see HONOR

reverence
n. : to regard or treat with reverence
synonyms see REVERE
–rev·er·enc·er noun

reverend
n. 1 : worthy of reverence : REVERED
2 a : of or relating to the clergy b : being a member of the clergy ― used as a title <the Reverend Mr. Doe> <the Reverend John Doe> <the Reverend Mrs. Jane Doe>

reverend
n. : a member of the clergy ― sometimes used in plural as a title

reverend
n. Most Reverend
Right Reverend
Very Reverend

reverent
adj. : expressing or characterized by reverence : WORSHIPFUL
–rev·er·ent·ly adverb

reverential
adj. 1 : expressing or having a quality of reverence <reverential awe>
2 : inspiring reverence
–rev·er·en·tial·ly \-'ren(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

reverie
n. 1 : DAYDREAM
2 : the condition of being lost in thought

revers
n. : a lapel especially on a woman's garment

reversal
n. 1 : an act or the process of reversing
2 : a conversion of a photographic positive into a negative or vice versa
3 : a change (as of fortune) often for the worse

reverse
n. 1 a : opposite or contrary to a previous or normal condition <reverse order> b (1) : having the back presented to the observer or opponent (2) : made with one's back to the basketball net <a reverse layup>
2 : coming from the rear of a military force
3 : acting, operating, or arranged in a manner contrary to the usual
4 : effecting reverse movement <reverse gear>
5 : so made that the part which normally prints in color appears white against a colored background
–re·verse·ly adverb

reverse
transitive verb
1 a : to turn completely about in position or direction b : to turn upside down : INVERT c : to cause to take an opposite point of view <reversed herself on the issue>
2 : NEGATE, UNDO: as a : to overthrow, set aside, or make void (a legal decision) by a contrary decision b : to change to the contrary <reverse a policy> c : to undo or negate the effect of (as a condition or surgical operation) <had his vasectomy reversed>
3 : to cause to go in the opposite direction especially : to cause (as an engine) to perform its action in the opposite direction
intransitive verb
1 : to turn or move in the opposite direction <the count's waltzing⋯consisted⋯of reversing at top speed ― Agatha Christie>
2 : to put a mechanism (as an engine) in reverse
–re·vers·er noun
–reverse field or reverse one's field : to make a sudden reversal in direction or opinion
synonyms REVERSE, TRANSPOSE, INVERT mean to change to the opposite position. REVERSE is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning <reversed his position on the trade agreement>. TRANSPOSE implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position <transposed the letters to form an anagram>. INVERT applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out <a stamp with an inverted picture of an airplane>.

reverse
n. 1 : something directly contrary to something else : OPPOSITE
2 : an act or instance of reversing especially : DEFEAT, SETBACK <suffered financial reverses>
3 : the back part of something especially : the side of a coin or currency note that is opposite the obverse
4 a (1) : a gear that reverses something also : the whole mechanism brought into play when such a gear is used (2) : movement in reverse b : an offensive play in football in which a back moving in one direction gives the ball to a player moving in the opposite direction
–in reverse : in an opposite manner or direction

reverse
n. reverse field
reverse one's field
in reverse
reverse discrimination
reverse engineer
reverse engineering
reverse mortgage
reverse osmosis
reverse Polish notation
reverse transcriptase
reverse transcription

reverse discrimination
: discrimination against whites or males (as in employment or education)

reverse engineer
: to disassemble and examine or analyze in detail (as a product or device) to discover the concepts involved in manufacture usually in order to produce something similar
–reverse engineering noun

reverse field
or reverse one's field : to make a sudden reversal in direction or opinion

reverse mortgage
: a mortgage that allows especially an elderly person to convert home equity into available funds through a line of credit, cash advance, or periodic disbursements to be repaid with interest usually when the borrower dies, moves, or sells the home

reverse osmosis
: the movement of freshwater through a semipermeable membrane when pressure is applied to a solution (as seawater) on one side of it

reverse Polish notation
: a system of representing mathematical and logical operations in which the operands precede the operator and which does not require the use of parentheses <(3 + 5) - (2 + 1) in reverse Polish notation is expressed as 3 5 + 2 1 + -> ― called also postfix notation

reverse transcriptase
: a polymerase especially of retroviruses that catalyzes the formation of DNA using RNA as a template

reverse transcription
: the process of synthesizing DNA using RNA as a template and reverse transcriptase as a catalyst

reversible
adj. : capable of being reversed or of reversing: as a : capable of going through a series of actions (as changes) either backward or forward <a reversible chemical reaction> b : having two finished usable sides <reversible fabric> c : wearable with either side out <a reversible coat>
–re·vers·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–re·vers·ibly \-'vər-sə-blē\ adverb

reversible
adj. : a reversible cloth or article of clothing

reversion
n. 1 a : the part of a simple estate remaining in the control of its owner after the owner has granted therefrom a lesser particular estate b : a future interest in property left in the control of a grantor or the grantor's successor
2 : the right of succession or future possession or enjoyment
3 a : an act or the process of returning (as to a former condition) b : a return toward an ancestral type or condition : reappearance of an ancestral character
4 : an act or instance of turning the opposite way : the state of being so turned
5 : a product of reversion specifically : an organism with an atavistic character : THROWBACK

reversional
adj. : REVERSIONARY

reversionary
adj. : of, relating to, constituting, or involving especially a legal reversion

reversioner
n. : one that has or is entitled to a reversion broadly : one having a vested right to a future estate

revert
n. 1 : to come or go back (as to a former condition, period, or subject)
2 : to return to the proprietor or his or her heirs at the end of a reversion
3 : to return to an ancestral type
–re·vert·er noun
–re·vert·ible \-'vər-tə-bəl\ adjective

revertant
adj. : a mutant gene, individual, or strain that regains a former capability (as the production of a particular protein) by undergoing further mutation <yeast revertants>
–revertant adjective

revest
v. : REINSTATE, REINVEST

revet
v. : to face (as an embankment) with a revetment

revetment
n. 1 : a facing (as of stone or concrete) to sustain an embankment
2 : EMBANKMENT especially : a barricade to provide shelter (as against bomb fragments or strafing)

review
n. 1 a : a formal military inspection b : a military ceremony honoring a person or an event
2 : REVISION 1A
3 : a general survey (as of the events of a period)
4 : an act or the process of reviewing
5 : judicial reexamination (as of the proceedings of a lower tribunal by a higher)
6 a : a critical evaluation (as of a book or play) b : a magazine devoted chiefly to reviews and essays
7 a : a retrospective view or survey (as of one's life) b (1) : renewed study of material previously studied (2) : an exercise facilitating such study
8 : REVUE

review
n. transitive verb
1 \also 'rē-ˌvyü\ : to view or see again
2 : to examine or study again especially : to reexamine judicially
3 : to look back on : take a retrospective view of <review the past>
4 a : to go over or examine critically or deliberately <reviewed the results of the study> b : to give a critical evaluation of <review a novel>
5 : to hold a review of <review troops>
intransitive verb
1 : to study material again : make a review <review for a test>
2 : to write reviews
–re·view·able \ri-'vyü-ə-bəl\ adjective

review
n. judicial review
peer review
utilization review

reviewer
n. : one that reviews especially : a writer of critical reviews

revile
v. transitive verb : to subject to verbal abuse : VITUPERATE
intransitive verb : to use abusive language : RAIL
synonyms see SCOLD
–re·vile·ment \-'vī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
–re·vil·er noun

Revillagigedo
islands Mexico in the Pacific SW of S end of Baja California

Revillagigedo Island
island SE Alaska in SE Alexander Archipelago E of Prince of Wales Is.

revisal
n. : an act of revising : REVISION

revise
n. 1 : an act of revising : REVISION
2 : a printing proof that incorporates changes marked in a previous proof

revise
n. transitive verb
1 a : to look over again in order to correct or improve <revise a manuscript> b British : to study again : REVIEW
2 a : to make a new, amended, improved, or up-to-date version of <revise a dictionary> b : to provide with a new taxonomic arrangement <revising the alpine ferns>
intransitive verb British : REVIEW 1
synonyms see CORRECT
–re·vis·able \-'vī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–re·vis·er or re·vi·sor \-'vī-zər\ noun

revise
n. American Revised Version
Revised Standard Version
Revised Version

Revised Standard Version
v. : a revision of the American Standard Version of the Bible published in 1946 and 1952

Revised Version
v. : a British revision of the Authorized Version of the Bible published in 1881 and 1885

revision
n. 1 a : an act of revising b : a result of revising : ALTERATION
2 : a revised version
–re·vi·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

revisionism
n. 1 : a movement in revolutionary Marxian socialism favoring an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary spirit
2 : advocacy of revision (as of a doctrine or policy or in historical analysis)
–re·vi·sion·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective

revisit
v. : to visit again : return to <revisit the old neighborhood> also : to consider or take up again <reluctant to revisit past disputes>

revisit
v. : a second or subsequent visit

revisory
adj. : having the power or purpose to revise <a revisory committee> <a revisory function>

revitalise
v. British variant of revitalize

revitalize
v. : to give new life or vigor to
–re·vi·tal·i·za·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌvī-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

revival
n. 1 : an act or instance of reviving : the state of being revived: as a : renewed attention to or interest in something b : a new presentation or publication of something old c (1) : a period of renewed religious interest (2) : an often highly emotional evangelistic meeting or series of meetings
2 : restoration of force, validity, or effect (as to a contract)

revivalism
n. 1 : the spirit or methods characteristic of religious revivals
2 : a tendency or desire to revive or restore

revivalist
n. 1 : one who conducts religious revivals specifically : a member of the clergy who travels about to conduct revivals
2 : one who revives or restores something disused
–revivalist adjective
–re·viv·al·is·tic \-ˌvī-və-'lis-tik\ adjective

revive
v. intransitive verb : to return to consciousness or life : become active or flourishing again
transitive verb
1 : to restore to consciousness or life
2 : to restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state : bring back
3 : to renew in the mind or memory
–re·viv·able \-'vī-və-bəl\ adjective
–re·viv·er noun

revivify
v. : to give new life to : REVIVE
–re·viv·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌvi-və-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

reviviscence
: an act of reviving : the state of being revived
–re·vi·vis·cent \-sənt\ adjective

revocable
adj. : capable of being revoked <a revocable privilege>

revocation
n. : an act or instance of revoking

revoke
n. transitive verb
1 : to annul by recalling or taking back : RESCIND <revoke a will>
2 : to bring or call back
intransitive verb : to fail to follow suit when able in a card game in violation of the rules
–re·vok·er noun

revoke
n. : an act or instance of revoking in a card game

revolt
n. intransitive verb
1 : to renounce allegiance or subjection (as to a government) : REBEL
2 a : to experience disgust or shock b : to turn away with disgust
transitive verb : to cause to turn away or shrink with disgust or abhorrence
–re·volt·er noun

revolt
n. 1 : a renouncing of allegiance (as to a government or party) especially : a determined armed uprising
2 : a movement or expression of vigorous dissent
synonyms see REBELLION

revolting
adj. : extremely offensive <revolting behavior> <a revolting odor>
–re·volt·ing·ly adverb

revolute
adj. : rolled backward or downward <a leaf with revolute margins>

revolution
n. 1 a (1) : the action by a celestial body of going round in an orbit or elliptical course also : apparent movement of such a body round the earth (2) : the time taken by a celestial body to make a complete round in its orbit (3) : the rotation of a celestial body on its axis b : completion of a course (as of years) also : the period made by the regular succession of a measure of time or by a succession of similar events c (1) : a progressive motion of a body around an axis so that any line of the body parallel to the axis returns to its initial position while remaining parallel to the axis in transit and usually at a constant distance from it (2) : motion of any figure about a center or axis <revolution of a right triangle about one of its legs generates a cone> (3) : ROTATION 1B
2 a : a sudden, radical, or complete change b : a fundamental change in political organization especially : the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed c : activity or movement designed to effect fundamental changes in the socioeconomic situation d : a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something : a change of paradigm <the Copernican revolution> e : a changeover in use or preference especially in technology <the computer revolution> <the foreign car revolution>
synonyms see REBELLION

revolution
n. green revolution
industrial revolution
solid of revolution
surface of revolution

revolutionary
1 a : of, relating to, or constituting a revolution <revolutionary war> b : tending to or promoting revolution <a revolutionary party> c : constituting or bringing about a major or fundamental change <revolutionary styling> <a revolutionary new product>
2 capitalized : of or relating to the American Revolution or to the period in which it occurred
–rev·o·lu·tion·ar·i·ly \-ˌlü-shə-'ner-ə-lē\ adverb
–rev·o·lu·tion·ar·i·ness \-'lü-shə-ˌner-ē-nəs\ noun

revolutionary
n. 1 : one engaged in a revolution
2 : an advocate or adherent of revolutionary doctrines

revolutionise
v. British variant of revolutionize

revolutionist
n. : REVOLUTIONARY
–revolutionist adjective

revolutionize
v. transitive verb
1 : to overthrow the established government of
2 : to imbue with revolutionary doctrines
3 : to change fundamentally or completely <revolutionize an industry>
intransitive verb : to engage in revolution
–rev·o·lu·tion·iz·er noun

revolve
v. transitive verb
1 : to turn over at length in the mind : PONDER <revolve a scheme>
2 a obsolete : to cause to go round in an orbit b : ROTATE 1
intransitive verb
1 : RECUR
2 a : to ponder something b : to remain under consideration <ideas revolved in his mind>
3 a : to move in a curved path round a center or axis b : to turn or roll round on an axis
4 : to have or come to a specified focus : CENTER ― usually used with around <the dispute revolved around wages>
–re·volv·able \-'väl-və-bəl, -'vȯl- also -'vä-və- or -'vȯ-və-\ adjective

revolver
n. 1 : one that revolves
2 : a handgun with a cylinder of several chambers brought successively into line with the barrel and discharged with the same hammer

revolving
adj. 1 a : tending to revolve or recur especially : recurrently available b : of, relating to, or being credit that may be used repeatedly up to the specified limit and is usually repaid in regular proportional installments
2 : turning around on or as if on an axis <a revolving platform>

revolving door
: a revolving-door system or process

revolving fund
: a fund set up for specified purposes with the proviso that repayments to the fund may be used again for these purposes

revolving-door
: characterized by a frequent succession (as of personnel) or a cycle of leaving and returning <revolving-door governments>

revue
n. : a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances

revulsed
: affected with or having undergone revulsion

revulsion
n. 1 : a strong pulling or drawing away : WITHDRAWAL
2 a : a sudden or strong reaction or change b : a sense of utter distaste or repugnance
–re·vul·sive \-'vəl-siv\ adjective

revved
v. past and past part of rev

revving
v. present part of rev

rewake
v. transitive verb : to waken again or anew
intransitive verb : to become awake again

rewaken
v. : REWAKE

reward
n. 1 : to give a reward to or for
2 : RECOMPENSE
–re·ward·able \-'wȯr-də-bəl\ adjective
–re·ward·er noun

reward
n. 1 : something that is given in return for good or evil done or received or that is offered or given for some service or attainment <the police offered a reward for his capture>
2 : a stimulus administered to an organism following a correct or desired response that increases the probability of occurrence of the response

rewarding
adj. 1 : yielding or likely to yield a reward : VALUABLE, SATISFYING <a rewarding experience>
2 : serving as a reward <a rewarding smile of thanks>
–re·ward·ing·ly adverb

rewind
v. : to wind again especially : to reverse the winding of (as film)

rewind
v. 1 : something that rewinds or is rewound
2 : an act of rewinding
3 : a function of an electronic device that reverses a recording to a previous portion

reword
v. 1 : to repeat in the same words
2 : to alter the wording of also : to restate in other words

rework
v. : to work again or anew: as a : REVISE b : to reprocess (as used material) for further use

rewrite
n. transitive verb
1 : to write in reply
2 : to make a revision of (as a story) : cause to be revised: as a : to put (contributed material) into form for publication b : to alter (previously published material) for use in another publication
intransitive verb : to revise something previously written
–re·writ·er noun

rewrite
n. 1 : a piece of writing (as a news story) constructed by rewriting
2 : an act or instance of rewriting

rewrite man
: a newspaperman who specializes in rewriting

rewrite rule
: a rule in a grammar which specifies the constituents of a single symbol

rex
n. : an animal (as a domestic rabbit or cat) showing a genetic recessive variation in which the guard hairs are very short, sparse, or entirely lacking ― compare CORNISH REX, DEVON REX

rex
n. Cornish rex
Devon rex
rex sole
T. rex

rex sole
: a flounder (Errex zachirus syn. Glyptocephalus zachirus) with both eyes on the right side that is an important food fish occurring from the Bering Sea to Baja California

Rexroth
Kenneth 1905-1982 American writer

Reye's syndrome
: an often fatal encephalopathy especially of childhood characterized by fever, vomiting, fatty infiltration of the liver, and swelling of the kidneys and brain ― called also Reye syndrome

Reyes, Point
cape W Calif. at S extremity of peninsula extending into the Pacific NW of Golden Gate

Reykjavik
n. city & port capital of Iceland pop 112,490

Reymont
Wła·dy·sław \vlä-'di-ˌsläf\ Sta·ni·sław \stä-'nē-ˌsläf\ 1867-1925 Pol. nov.

reynard
n. : FOX

Reynaud
Paul 1878-1966 premier of France (1940)

Reynolds
n. Sir Joshua 1723-1792 Eng. painter

Reynolds number
: a number characteristic of the flow of a fluid in a pipe or past an obstruction

Reynoldsburg
village cen Ohio pop 32,069

Reynosa
city NE Mexico in Tamaulipas on the Rio Grande pop 337,053

Reza Shah Pahlavi
1878-1944 father of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi shah of Iran (1925-41)

Rezaiyeh
― see ORūMīYEH

RF
n. radio frequency

Rf
n. rutherfordium

RFD
n. rural free delivery

RFLP
restriction fragment length polymorphism

RFP
request for proposal

RH
n. 1 relative humidity
2 right hand; right hander

Rh
n. : of, relating to, or being an Rh factor <Rh antigens> <Rh sensitization in pregnancy>

Rh
n. rhodium

Rh
n. Rh factor
Rh negative
Rh positive

Rh factor
: any of one or more genetically determined antigens present in the red blood cells of most persons and of higher animals and capable of inducing intense immunogenic reactions

Rh-negative
: lacking Rh factor in the blood

Rh-positive
: containing Rh factor in the red blood cells

rhabdo
: rodlike structure <rhabdovirus>

rhabdocoele
: a turbellarian worm (order Rhabdocoela) with an unbranched intestine

rhabdom
n. : one of the minute rodlike structures in the retinulae in the compound eyes of arthropods

rhabdomancy
n. : divination by rods or wands
–rhab·do·man·cer \-ˌman(t)-sər\ noun

rhabdomere
n. : a division of a rhabdom

rhabdomyolysis
n. : the destruction or degeneration of muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) accompanied by the release of breakdown products into the bloodstream and sometimes leading to acute renal failure

rhabdomyosarcoma
n. : a malignant tumor composed of striated muscle fibers

rhabdovirus
: any of a family (Rhabdoviridae) of rod- or bullet-shaped single-stranded RNA viruses found in plants and animals and including the causative agents of rabies and vesicular stomatitis

rhadamanthine
n. : rigorously strict or just

Rhadamanthus
: a judge of the underworld in Greek mythology

Rhaetia
ancient Roman province cen Europe S of the Danube including most of modern Tirol & Vorarlberg regions of Austria & Graubünden canton of E Switzerland
–Rhae·tian \-shən\ adjective or noun

Rhaetian Alps
section of Alps E Switzerland in E Graubünden ― see BERNINA

Rhaeto-Romance
: a group of Romance languages spoken in eastern Switzerland and northeastern Italy

Rhagae
city of ancient Media; ruins at modern village of Rey \'rī\ S of Tehran, Iran

rhamnose
adj. : a crystalline sugar C_6H_12O_5 that occurs usually in the form of a glycoside in many plants and is obtained in the common dextrorotatory L form

rhapsode
n. : RHAPSODIST

rhapsodic
adj. 1 : extravagantly emotional : RAPTUROUS
2 : resembling or characteristic of a rhapsody
–rhap·sod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

rhapsodist
n. 1 : a professional reciter of epic poems
2 : one who writes or speaks rhapsodically

rhapsodize
v. : to speak or write in a rhapsodic manner <rhapsodize about a new book>

rhapsody
n. 1 : a portion of an epic poem adapted for recitation
2 archaic : a miscellaneous collection
3 a (1) : a highly emotional utterance (2) : a highly emotional literary work (3) : effusively rapturous or extravagant discourse b : RAPTURE, ECSTASY
4 : a musical composition of irregular form having an improvisatory character

rhea
n. : either of two So. American ratite birds (Rhea americana and Pterocnemia pennata of the family Rheidae) that resemble but are smaller than the African ostrich and that have three toes, a fully feathered head and neck, an undeveloped tail, and pale gray to brownish feathers that droop over the rump and back

rhebok
n. : a brownish-gray antelope (Pelea capreolus) of southern Africa

Rhee
Syng·man \'siŋ-mən, 'sig-\ 1875-1965 So. Korean polit.; pres. of So. Korea (1948-60)

Rhenish Palatinate
― see PALATINATE

rhenium
n. : a rare heavy metallic element that is obtained either as a gray powder or as a silver-white hard metal, is usually extracted as a by-product of molybdenum smelting, and is used especially in catalysts and alloys ― see ELEMENT table

rheo
: flow : current <rheostat>

rheology
n. : a science dealing with the deformation and flow of matter also : the ability to flow or be deformed
–rhe·o·log·i·cal \ˌrē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ also rheo·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–rhe·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–rhe·ol·o·gist \rē-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

rheometer
n. : an instrument for measuring flow (as of viscous substances)

rheostat
n. : a resistor for regulating a current by means of variable resistances
–rheo·stat·ic \ˌrē-ə-'sta-tik\ adjective

rhesus monkey
: a pale brown Asian macaque (Macaca mulatta) often used in medical research ― called also rhesus rhesus macaque

rhet
rhetoric

rhetor
n. : RHETORICIAN 1

rhetoric
n. 1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion
2 a : skill in the effective use of speech b : a type or mode of language or speech also : insincere or grandiloquent language
3 : verbal communication : DISCOURSE

rhetorical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or concerned with rhetoric b : employed for rhetorical effect especially : asked merely for effect with no answer expected <a rhetorical question>
2 a : given to rhetoric : GRANDILOQUENT b : VERBAL
–rhe·tor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

rhetorician
n. 1 a : a master or teacher of rhetoric b : ORATOR
2 : an eloquent or grandiloquent writer or speaker

rheum
n. 1 : a watery discharge from the mucous membranes especially of the eyes or nose
2 archaic : TEARS
–rheumy \'rü-mē\ adjective

rheumatic
adj. : of, relating to, characteristic of, or affected with rheumatism
–rheu·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

rheumatic
adj. : one affected with rheumatism

rheumatic fever
: an acute disease that occurs chiefly in children and young adults and is characterized by fever, by inflammation and pain in and around the joints, and by inflammatory involvement of the pericardium and heart valves

rheumatism
n. 1 : any of various conditions characterized by inflammation or pain in muscles, joints, or fibrous tissue <muscular rheumatism>
2 : RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

rheumatoid
adj. : characteristic of or affected with rheumatoid arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis
: a usually chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints

rheumatoid factor
: an autoantibody of high molecular weight that reacts against IgG immunoglobulins and is often present in rheumatoid arthritis

rheumatology
n. : a medical science dealing with rheumatic diseases
–rheu·ma·to·log·ic \-tə-'lä-jik\ or rheu·ma·to·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–rheu·ma·tol·o·gist \-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

Rheydt
city W Germany S of Mönchengladbach pop 100,300

rhin
: nose <rhinoplasty>

rhinal
adj. : of or relating to the nose : NASAL

Rhine
n. river 820 mi (1320 km) W Europe flowing from SE Switzerland to North Sea in Netherlands; forms W boundary of Liechtenstein & Austria & SW boundary of Germany
–Rhe·nish \'re-nish, 'rē-\ adjective

Rhine
n. Rhine wine
North Rhine Westphalia
Rhine Province
Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Porz am Rhein
Rhenish Palatinate

Rhine Province
former province of Prussia, Germany, bordering on Belgium capital Koblenz

Rhine wine
1 : a usually white wine produced in the Rhine valley
2 : a wine similar to Rhine wine produced elsewhere

Rhineland
n. 1 the part of Germany W of the Rhine
2 RHINE PROVINCE
–Rhine·land·er \'rīn-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ noun

Rhineland-Palatinate
state of Germany & formerly of W. Germany chiefly W of the Rhine capital Mainz area 7654 sq mi (19,900 sq km), pop 3,642,482

rhinencephalon
n. : the chiefly olfactory part of the forebrain
–rhin·en·ce·phal·ic \ˌrī-ˌnen-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

rhinestone
n. : a colorless imitation stone of high luster made of glass, paste, or gem quartz
–rhinestoned \-ˌstōnd\ adjective

rhinitis
n. : inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose

rhino
n. : MONEY, CASH

rhino
n. : RHINOCEROS

rhinoceros
n. : any of a family (Rhinocerotidae) of large heavyset herbivorous perissodactyl mammals of Africa and Asia that have one or two upright keratinous horns on the snout and thick gray to brown skin with little hair

rhinoceros
n. black rhinoceros
rhinoceros beetle
white rhinoceros

rhinoceros beetle
: any of various large chiefly tropical scarab beetles (subfamily Dynastinae) having projecting horns on thorax and head

rhinoplasty
n. : plastic surgery on the nose usually for cosmetic purposes

rhinoscopy
n. : examination of the nasal passages

rhinovirus
n. : any of a genus (Rhinovirus) of picornaviruses associated with disorders of the upper respiratory tract (as the common cold)

rhiz
: root <rhizoplane>

rhiza
: root : part resembling or connected with a root <coleorhiza> <mycorrhiza>

rhizobium
n. : any of a genus (Rhizobium) of small heterotrophic soil bacteria capable of forming symbiotic nodules on the roots of leguminous plants and of there becoming bacteroids that fix atmospheric nitrogen
–rhi·zo·bi·al \-bē-əl\ adjective

rhizoctonia
: any of a form genus (Rhizoctonia) of imperfect fungi that includes major plant pathogens

rhizoid
adj. : a rootlike structure
–rhi·zoi·dal \rī-'zȯi-dəl\ adjective

rhizomatous
adj. : having, resembling, or being a rhizome <a rhizomatous perennial grass>

rhizome
n. : a somewhat elongate usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is often thickened by deposits of reserve food material, produces shoots above and roots below, and is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves
–rhi·zo·mic \rī-'zō-mik, -'zä-\ adjective

rhizoplane
: the external surface of roots together with closely adhering soil particles and debris

rhizopod
n. : any of a superclass (Rhizopoda) of usually creeping protozoans (as an amoeba or a foraminifer) having lobate or rootlike pseudopodia

rhizopus
: any of a genus (Rhizopus) of mold fungi including some economically valuable forms and some plant or animal pathogens (as a bread mold)

rhizosphere
n. : soil that surrounds and is influenced by the roots of a plant

rhizotomy
n. : the operation of cutting the anterior or posterior spinal nerve roots

rho
n. : the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

rhod
: rose : red <rhodolite>

rhodamine
n. : any of a group of yellowish-red to blue fluorescent dyes especially : a brilliant bluish-red dye made by fusing an amino derivative of phenol with phthalic anhydride and used especially in coloring paper and as a biological stain

Rhode
n. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island White
Rhode Island
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Rhode Islander

Rhode Island
1 or officially Rhode Island and Providence Plantations state NE U.S. capital Providence area 1212 sq mi (3139 sq km), pop 1,048,319
2 ― see AQUIDNECK
–Rhode Islander noun

Rhode Island Red
: any of an American breed of general-purpose domestic chickens having a long heavy body, smooth yellow or reddish legs, and rich brownish-red plumage

Rhode Island White
: any of an American breed of domestic chickens resembling Rhode Island Reds but having pure white plumage

Rhodes
n. Cecil John 1853-1902 Brit. administrator & financier in So. Africa

Rhodes
n. 1 island Greece in the SE Aegean, chief island of the Dodecanese area 540 sq mi (1399 sq km), pop 103,295
2 city, its capital pop 43,619
–Rho·di·an \'rō-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

Rhodes grass
: an African perennial grass (Chloris gayana) widely cultivated as a forage grass especially in dry regions

Rhodes scholar
: a holder of one of numerous scholarships founded under the will of Cecil J. Rhodes that can be used at Oxford University for two or three years and are open to candidates from the Commonwealth of Nations and the U.S.

Rhodesia
n. 1 region cen S Africa comprising Zambia & Zimbabwe; contains rich archaeological findings
2 ― see ZIMBABWE 2
–Rho·de·sian \-zh(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

Rhodesia
n. Northern Rhodesia
Southern Rhodesia
Rhodesia and Nyasaland Federation of
Rhodesian man
Rhodesian ridgeback

Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Federation of
former country S Africa comprising S. Rhodesia, N. Rhodesia, & Nyasaland; a federal state within the Commonwealth; dissolved 1963

Rhodesian man
: an extinct African hominid (Homo sapiens rhodesiensis) having long limb bones and a cranial capacity like those of modern humans but with more prominent brow ridges and a larger face and palate

Rhodesian ridgeback
: any of an African breed of powerful long-bodied hunting dogs having a dense harsh short tan coat with a characteristic crest of reversed hair along the spine

rhodium
n. : a rare silvery-white hard ductile metallic element that is resistant to acids, occurs native but is usually obtained from nickel ores, and is used especially as a catalyst and in platinum alloys ― see ELEMENT table

rhodochrosite
n. : a rose-red mineral consisting essentially of manganese carbonate

rhododendron
n. : any of a genus (Rhododendron) of widely cultivated shrubs and trees of the heath family with alternate leaves and showy flowers especially : one with leathery evergreen leaves as distinguished from a deciduous azalea

rhodolite
n. : a pink or purple garnet used as a gem

rhodomontade
variant of rodomontade

rhodonite
n. : a pale red triclinic mineral that consists essentially of manganese silicate and is used as an ornamental stone

Rhodope
mountains S Bulgaria & NE Greece; highest Musala 9596 ft (2925 m)

rhodopsin
n. : a red photosensitive pigment in the retinal rods of the eye of most vertebrates that is important in vision in dim light ― called also visual purple

rhodora
n. : an azalea (Rhododendron canadense) of northeastern No. America that has spring-flowering pink blossoms

rhomb
n. 1 : RHOMBUS
2 : RHOMBOHEDRON

rhomb
n. : rhombus <rhombencephalon>

rhombencephalon
n. : HINDBRAIN 1

rhombic
adj. 1 : having the form of a rhombus
2 : ORTHORHOMBIC

rhombohedron
n. : a parallelepiped whose faces are rhombuses
–rhom·bo·he·dral \-drəl\ adjective

rhomboid
n. : a parallelogram with no right angles and with adjacent sides of unequal length

rhomboid
n. : shaped somewhat like a rhombus or rhomboid

rhomboideus
n. : either of two muscles that lie beneath the trapezius muscle and connect the spinous processes of various vertebrae with the medial border of the scapula

rhombus
n. : a parallelogram with four equal sides and sometimes one with no right angles

rhonchus
n. : a whistling or snoring sound heard on auscultation of the chest when the air channels are partly obstructed

Rhondda
1st Viscount 1856-1918 David Alfred Thomas Brit. industrialist & administrator

Rhondda
town SE Wales NW of Cardiff pop 76,300

Rhondda Cynon Taff
administrative area of S Wales area 164 sq mi (424 sq km)

Rhone
n. river 505 mi (813 km) Switzerland & France rising in the Alps and flowing through Lake Geneva into Gulf of Lion

rhubarb
n. 1 : any of a genus (Rheum) of Asian plants of the buckwheat family having large leaves with thick succulent petioles often used as food also : the petioles of rhubarb
2 : the dried rhizome and roots of any of several rhubarbs (as Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown in China and Tibet and used as a purgative and stomachic
3 : a heated dispute or controversy

rhumb
n. 1 : a line or course on a single bearing
2 : any of the points of the mariner's compass

rhumb line
: a line on the surface of the earth that follows a single compass bearing and makes equal oblique angles with all meridians ― called also loxodrome

rhumba
n. variant of rumba

rhus
n. : SUMAC 2

Rhyl
town & port NE Wales on Irish Sea pop 22,714

rhyme
n. 1 a (1) : rhyming verse (2) : POETRY b : a composition in verse that rhymes
2 a : correspondence in terminal sounds of units of composition or utterance (as two or more words or lines of verse) b : one of two or more words thus corresponding in sound c : correspondence of other than terminal word sounds: as (1) : ALLITERATION (2) : INTERNAL RHYME
3 : RHYTHM, MEASURE
–rhyme·less adjective

rhyme
n. transitive verb
1 : to relate or praise in rhyming verse
2 a : to put into rhyme b : to compose (verse) in rhyme c : to cause to rhyme : use as rhyme
intransitive verb
1 : to make rhymes also : to compose rhyming verse
2 of a word or verse : to end in syllables that are rhymes
3 : to be in accord : HARMONIZE
–rhym·er noun

rhyme
n. initial rhyme
head rhyme
beginning rhyme
eye rhyme
internal rhyme
nursery rhyme
rhyme or reason
rhyme royal
rhyme scheme
sight rhyme
vowel rhyme
rhyming slang

rhyme or reason
: good sense or reason

rhyme royal
: a stanza of seven lines in iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of ababbcc

rhyme scheme
: the arrangement of rhymes in a stanza or a poem

rhymester
n. : an inferior poet

rhyming slang
: slang in which the word intended is replaced by a word or phrase that rhymes with it (as loaf of bread for head) or the first part of the phrase (as loaf for head)

rhynchocephalian
: any of an order (Rhynchocephalia) of reptiles resembling lizards that includes the tuatara as the only living member
–rhynchocephalian adjective

rhyolite
n. : a very acid volcanic rock that is the lava form of granite
–rhy·o·lit·ic \ˌrī-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

rhythm
n. 1 a : an ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in the flow of sound and silence in speech b : a particular example or form of rhythm <iambic rhythm>
2 a : the aspect of music comprising all the elements (as accent, meter, and tempo) that relate to forward movement b : a characteristic rhythmic pattern <rumba rhythm> also : 1METER 2 c : the group of instruments in a band supplying the rhythm ― called also rhythm section
3 a : movement, fluctuation, or variation marked by the regular recurrence or natural flow of related elements <the rhythms of country life> b : the repetition in a literary work of phrase, incident, character type, or symbol
4 : a regularly recurrent quantitative change in a variable biological process <a circadian rhythm> ― compare BIORHYTHM
5 : the effect created by the elements in a play, movie, or novel that relate to the temporal development of the action
6 : RHYTHM METHOD

rhythm
n. rhythm section
alpha rhythm
beta rhythm
delta rhythm
falling rhythm
rhythm and blues
rhythm band
rhythm method
rhythm stick
rising rhythm
sinus rhythm
sprung rhythm
theta rhythm

rhythm and blues
: popular music typically including elements of blues and African-American folk music and marked by a strong beat and simple chord structure

rhythm band
: a band usually composed of schoolchildren who play simple percussion instruments (as rhythm sticks, sleigh bells, or tambourines) to learn fundamentals of coordination and music

rhythm method
: a method of birth control involving abstinence during the period in which ovulation is most likely to occur

rhythm stick
: one of a pair of plain or notched wood sticks that are struck or rubbed together to produce various percussive sounds and are used especially by young children in rhythm bands

rhythmic
adj. 1 : marked by or moving in pronounced rhythm
2 : of, relating to, or involving rhythm
–rhyth·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

rhythmicity
n. : the state of being rhythmic or of responding rhythmically

rhythmics
n. : the science or theory of rhythms

rhythmist
: one who studies or has a feeling for rhythm

rhythmize
: to order or compose rhythmically
–rhyth·mi·za·tion \ˌri-thə-mə-'zā-shən, ˌrith-mə-\ noun

rhytidome
: the bark external to the last formed periderm

rhyton
n. : any of various ornate drinking vessels of ancient times typically shaped in part like an animal or animal's head

RI
1 refractive index
2 Rhode Island

RIA
n. radioimmunoassay

rial
n. ― see MONEY table

rial
n. variant of riyal

Rialto
n. 1 city SW Calif. W of San Bernardino pop 91,873
2 island & district of Venice, Italy

rialto
n. 1 : EXCHANGE, MARKETPLACE
2 : a theater district

riant
adj. : GAY, MIRTHFUL
–ri·ant·ly \'rī-ənt-lē, 'rē-\ adverb

riata
n. : LARIAT

Riau
archipelago Indonesia S of Singapore area 2279 sq mi (5925 sq km), pop 278,966; chief island Bintan

rib
n. 1 a : any of the paired curved bony or partly cartilaginous rods that stiffen the walls of the body of most vertebrates and protect the viscera b (1) : a cut of meat including a rib ― see BEEF illustration (2) : a boneless cut of meat (as beef or pork) from a rib section c [from the account of Eve's creation from Adam's rib in Gen 2:21-22] : WIFE
2 : something resembling a rib in shape or function: as a (1) : a traverse member of the frame of a ship that runs from keel to deck (2) : a light fore-and-aft member in an airplane's wing b : one of the stiff strips supporting an umbrella's fabric c : one of the arches in Romanesque and Gothic vaulting meeting and crossing one another and dividing the whole vaulted space into triangles
3 : an elongated ridge: as a (1) : a vein of an insect's wing (2) : one of the primary veins of a leaf b : one of the ridges in a knitted or woven fabric

rib
n. 1 : to furnish or enclose with ribs
2 : to knit so as to form vertical ridges in
–rib·ber noun

rib
n. 1 : JOKE
2 : PARODY

rib
n. : to poke fun at : KID
–rib·ber noun

rib
n. false rib
floating rib
rib cage
rib eye
rib roast
true rib
baby back ribs
short ribs
rock ribbed

rib cage
: the bony enclosing wall of the chest consisting chiefly of the ribs and the structures connecting them

rib eye
: the large piece of meat that lies along the outer side of the rib (as of a steer) also : a serving of this

rib roast
: a cut of meat containing the large piece that lies along the outer side of the rib ― see BEEF illustration

ribald
adj. : a ribald person

ribald
adj. 1 : CRUDE, OFFENSIVE <ribald language>
2 : characterized by or using coarse indecent humor
synonyms see COARSE

ribaldry
n. 1 : a ribald quality or element
2 a : ribald language or humor b : an instance of ribald language or humor

riband
n. : a ribbon used especially as a decoration

ribavirin
: a synthetic broad-spectrum antiviral nucleoside C_8H_12N_4O_5

ribband
n. : a long narrow strip or bar used in shipbuilding especially : one bent and bolted longitudinally to the frames to hold them in position during construction

Ribbentrop
n. Joachim von 1893-1946 Ger. diplomat

ribbing
n. : an arrangement of ribs

ribbon
n. 1 a : a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting b : a narrow fabric used for tying packages c : a piece of usually multicolored ribbon worn as a military decoration or in place of a medal d : a strip of colored satin given for winning a place in a competition
2 : a strip of inked fabric (as in a typewriter)
3 plural : reins for controlling an animal
4 : TATTER, SHRED ― usually used in plural <a sheet cut to ribbons>
5 : RIBBAND
–rib·bon·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

ribbon
n. 1 a : to adorn with ribbons b : to divide into ribbons c : to cover with or as if with ribbons
2 : to rip to shreds

ribbon
n. ribbon worm
blue ribbon
red ribbon
ribbon development

ribbon development
: a system of buildings built side by side along a road

ribbon worm
: NEMERTEAN

ribbonfish
n. : any of a family (Trachipteridae) of elongate greatly compressed marine bony fishes (as a dealfish) with a long ribbonlike dorsal fin arising from behind the head

ribby
: showing or marked by ribs

Ribeirao Preto
city SE Brazil in N cen São Paulo state pop 504,923

Ribera
José (or Jusepe) de 1591-1652 Lo Spa·gno·let·to \ˌlō-ˌspän-yə-'le-(ˌ)tō\ Span. painter & etcher in Naples

ribes
: any of a genus (Ribes) of shrubs (as a currant or a gooseberry) placed either in the saxifrage or gooseberry family that have small racemose variously colored flowers and pulpy 2-seeded to many-seeded berries

ribgrass
: 1PLANTAIN especially : an Old World plantain (Plantago lanceolata) with long narrow ribbed leaves

riblet
: one of the rib ends in the strip of breast of lamb or veal ― see LAMB illustration

ribo
1 : ribose <riboflavin>
2 : ribonucleic acid <ribosome>

riboflavin
n. : a yellow crystalline compound C_17H_20N_4O_6 of the vitamin B complex that occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver) as a component of coenzymes (as FMN) which are essential to normal metabolism ― called also vitamin B_2

ribonuclease
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of RNA ― called also RNase

ribonucleic acid
: RNA

ribonucleoprotein
n. : a nucleoprotein that contains RNA

ribonucleoside
n. : a nucleoside that contains ribose

ribonucleotide
n. : a nucleotide that contains ribose and occurs especially as a constituent of RNA

ribose
n. : a pentose C_5H_10O_5 found especially in the dextrorotatory form as a component of many nucleosides (as adenosine and guanosine) especially in RNA

ribosomal RNA
: RNA that is a fundamental structural element of ribosomes ― called also rRNA

ribosome
n. : any of the RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis ― see CELL illustration
–ri·bo·som·al \ˌrī-bə-'sō-məl\ adjective

ribozyme
n. : a molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme (as by catalyzing the cleavage of other RNA molecules)

ribwort
n. : RIBGRASS

Ricardo
n. David 1772-1823 Eng. econ.

RICE
n. rest, ice, compression, elevation

Rice
n. Condoleezza 1954-     American scholar & govt. official

Rice
n. Elmer Leopold 1892-1967 orig. Elmer Reizenstein American dram.

rice
n. : the starchy seeds of an annual southeast Asian cereal grass (Oryza sativa) that are cooked and used for food also : this cereal grass that is widely cultivated in warm climates for its seeds and by-products ― compare WILD RICE

rice
n. arborio rice
basmati rice
brown rice
dirty rice
fried rice
glutinous rice
rice paper
rice polishings
Spanish rice
white rice
wild rice

rice paper
: a thin papery material made from the pith of a small Asian tree or shrub (Tetrapanax papyriferum) of the ginseng family

rice polishings
: the inner bran layer of rice rubbed off in milling

ricebird
: any of several small birds common in rice fields especially : BOBOLINK

ricer
n. : a kitchen utensil in which soft foods are pressed through a perforated container to produce strings

ricercar
n. : any of various usually keyboard musical forms especially of the 16th and 17th centuries in either quasi-improvisatory toccata style or strict polyphonic fugal style

Rich
n. Adrienne Cecile 1929-     American poet

rich
n. 1 : having abundant possessions and especially material wealth
2 a : having high value or quality b : well supplied or endowed <a city rich in traditions>
3 : magnificently impressive : SUMPTUOUS
4 a : vivid and deep in color <a rich red> b : full and mellow in tone and quality <a rich voice> c : having a strong fragrance <rich perfumes>
5 : highly productive or remunerative <a rich mine>
6 a : having abundant plant nutrients <rich soil> b : highly seasoned, fatty, oily, or sweet <rich foods> c : high in the combustible component <a rich fuel mixture> d : high in some component <cholesterol-rich foods>
7 a : ENTERTAINING also : LAUGHABLE b : MEANINGFUL, SIGNIFICANT <rich allusions> c : LUSH <rich meadows>
8 : pure or nearly pure <rich lime>
–rich·ness noun
synonyms RICH, WEALTHY, AFFLUENT, OPULENT mean having goods, property, and money in abundance. RICH implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires <became rich through shrewd investing>. WEALTHY stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things <wealthy landowners>. AFFLUENT suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth <an affluent society>. OPULENT suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people <an opulent mansion>.

Richard
n. name of 3 kings of England: I (Coeur de Li·on \ˌkər-də-'lī-ən, -'lē-; -lē-'ōn\) 1157-1199 (reigned 1189-99); II 1367-1400 (reigned 1377-99); III 1452-1485 (reigned 1483-85)

Richard Roe
: a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown ― compare JOHN DOE

Richardson
n. Henry Handel 1870-1946 pseud. of Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson Austral. nov.

Richardson
n. Henry Hobson 1838-1886 American architect

Richardson
n. Sir Owen Willans 1879-1959 Eng. physicist

Richardson
n. Sir Ralph David 1902-1983 Brit. actor

Richardson
n. Robert Coleman 1937-     American physicist

Richardson
n. Samuel 1689-1761 Eng. nov.

Richardson
n. city NE Tex. N of Dallas pop 91,802

Richelieu
Duc de 1585-1642 Armand-Jean du Plessis Fr. cardinal & statesman

Richelieu
river 210 mi (338 km) Canada in S Que. flowing N from Lake Champlain to head of Lake St. Peter in the St. Lawrence

richen
: to make rich or richer

riches
n. : things that make one rich : WEALTH

Richet
Charles Robert 1850-1935 Fr. physiol.

Richfield
n. village SE Minn.; a S suburb of Minneapolis pop 34,439

Richland
city SE Wash. at confluence of Yakima & Columbia rivers pop 38,708

Richler
Mordecai 1931-     Canad. nov.

richly
adv. 1 : in a rich manner
2 : in full measure : AMPLY <praise richly deserved>

Richmond
n. 1 city W Calif. NNW of Oakland on San Francisco Bay pop 99,216
2 city E Ind. pop 39,124
3 city cen Ky. pop 27,152
4 borough of New York City ― see STATEN ISLAND
5 city capital of Va. on the James pop 197,790
6 city Canada in SW B.C. S of Vancouver pop 164,345
7 or in full Richmond upon Thames borough of SW Greater London, England pop 154,600
–Rich·mond·er \-mən-dər\ noun

Richmond Hill
town Canada in SE Ont. N of Toronto pop 132,030

Richter
n. Charles Francis 1900-1985 American seismologist

Richter
n. Jean Paul Friedrich 1763-1825 pseud. Jean Paul \'zhän-'pau̇(-ə)l\ Ger. writer

Richter scale
: an open-ended logarithmic scale for expressing the magnitude of a seismic disturbance (as an earthquake) in terms of the energy dissipated in it with 1.5 indicating the smallest earthquake that can be felt, 4.5 an earthquake causing slight damage, and 8.5 a very devastating earthquake

Ricimer
Flavius d 472 Rom. gen.

ricin
n. : a poisonous protein in the castor bean

ricinoleic acid
: an oily unsaturated hydroxy fatty acid C_18H_34O_3 that occurs in castor oil as a glyceride and yields esters important as plasticizers

rick
n. 1 : a stack (as of hay) in the open air
2 : a pile of material (as cordwood) split from short logs

rick
n. : to pile (as hay) in ricks

rick
n. chiefly British : WRENCH, SPRAIN

Rickenbacker
Edward Vernon 1890-1973 American aviator

rickets
n. : a deficiency disease that affects the young during the period of skeletal growth, is characterized especially by soft and deformed bones, and is caused by failure to assimilate and use calcium and phosphorus normally due to inadequate sunlight or vitamin D

rickettsia
n. : any of a family (Rickettsiaceae) of rod-shaped, coccoid, or diplococcus-shaped, often pleomorphic gram-negative bacteria that are intracellular parasites of arthropods (as lice or ticks) and when transmitted to humans cause various diseases (as typhus)
–rick·ett·si·al \-sē-əl\ adjective

rickety
adj. 1 : affected with rickets
2 a : lacking stability or firmness : SHAKY 2A <a rickety coalition> b : in unsound physical condition <rickety veterans> <rickety stairs>

rickey
n. : a drink containing liquor, lime juice, sugar, and soda water also : a similar drink without liquor

Rickover
Hyman George 1900-1986 American admiral

rickrack
n. : a flat braid woven to form zigzags and used especially as trimming on clothing

rickshaw
n. : a small covered 2-wheeled vehicle usually for one passenger that is pulled by one man and that was used orig. in Japan

RICO
n. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Act)

ricochet
n. : a glancing rebound (as of a projectile off a flat surface) also : an object that ricochets

ricochet
n. : to bounce or skip with or as if with a glancing rebound

ricotta
n. : a white unripened whey cheese of Italy that resembles cottage cheese also : a similar cheese made in the U.S. from whole or skim milk

rictal
adj. : of or relating to the rictus

rictus
n. 1 : the gape of a bird's mouth
2 a : the mouth orifice b : a gaping grin or grimace

rid
v. 1 archaic : SAVE, RESCUE
2 : to make free : RELIEVE, DISENCUMBER <rid the complexion of blemishes> <be rid of worries> <get rid of that junk>

riddance
n. 1 : an act of ridding
2 : DELIVERANCE, RELIEF ― often used in the phrase good riddance especially to express relief that someone or something has gone

ridden
adj. 1 : harassed, oppressed, or obsessed by ― usually used in combination <guilt-ridden> <debt-ridden>
2 : excessively full of or supplied with ― usually used in combination <slum-ridden>

riddle
n. 1 : a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed : CONUNDRUM, ENIGMA
2 : something or someone difficult to understand
synonyms see MYSTERY

riddle
n. intransitive verb : to speak in or propound riddles
transitive verb
1 : to find the solution of : EXPLAIN
2 : to set a riddle for : PUZZLE
–rid·dler \'rid-lər, 'ri-dəl-ər\ noun

riddle
n. : a coarse sieve

riddle
n. 1 : to separate (as grain from chaff) with a riddle : SCREEN
2 : to pierce with many holes <riddled the car with bullets>
3 : to spread through : PERMEATE <a book riddled with errors>

riddling
v. : containing or presenting riddles

Ride
n. Sally Kristen 1951-     American astronaut

ride
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to sit and travel on the back of an animal that one directs b : to travel in or on a conveyance
2 : to travel as if on a conveyance : be borne <rode on a wave of popularity>
3 a : to lie moored or anchored <a ship rides at anchor> b : SAIL c : to move like a floating object <the moon rode in the sky>
4 : to become supported on a point or surface
5 a : to travel over a surface <the car rides well> b : to move on the body <shorts that ride up>
6 : to continue without interference <let it ride>
7 a : to be contingent : DEPEND <plans on which the future rides> b : to become bet <a lot of money riding on the favorite>
transitive verb
1 a : to travel on <ride a bike> <ride the bus> b : to move with like a rider <ride the waves>
2 a : to traverse by conveyance <rode 500 miles> b : to ride a horse in <ride a race>
3 : SURVIVE, OUTLAST ― usually used with out <rode out the gale>
4 : to traverse on horseback to inspect or maintain <ride fence>
5 : to mount in copulation ― used of a male animal
6 a : OBSESS, OPPRESS <ridden by anxiety> b : to harass persistently : NAG c : TEASE, RIB
7 : CARRY, CONVEY
8 : to project over : OVERLAP
9 : to give with (a punch) to soften the impact
10 : to keep in partial engagement by resting a foot continuously on the pedal <ride the brakes>
–ride·able also rid·able \'rī-də-bəl\ adjective
–ride circuit : to hold court in the various towns of a judicial circuit
–ride for a fall : to court disaster
–ride herd on : to keep a check on : SUPERVISE
–ride high : to experience success
–ride shotgun : to ride in the front passenger seat of a vehicle

ride
n. 1 : an act of riding especially : a trip on horseback or by vehicle
2 : a way (as a road or path) suitable for riding
3 : any of various mechanical devices (as at an amusement park) for riding on
4 a : a trip on which gangsters take a victim to murder him b : something likened to such a trip <take the taxpayers for a ride>
5 : a means of transportation
6 : the qualities of travel comfort in a vehicle

ride
n. freedom ride
free ride
ride shotgun
ride high
ride herd on
ride for a fall
ride circuit
take for a ride
East Riding
North Riding
Riding Mountain National Park
West Riding
priest ridden

ride circuit
to hold court in the various towns of a judicial circuit

ride for a fall
to court disaster

ride herd on
to keep a check on : SUPERVISE

ride high
to experience success

ride shotgun
to ride in the front passenger seat of a vehicle

Rideau Canal
canal system Canada 124 mi (200 km) long in SE Ont. connecting Lake Ontario & Ottawa River & including Rideau Lake (20 mi or 32 km long) & Rideau River (flowing into the Ottawa)

rider
n. 1 : one that rides
2 a : an addition to a document (as an insurance policy) often attached on a separate piece of paper b : a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object
3 : something used to overlie another or to move along on another piece
–rid·er·less \-ləs\ adjective

rider
n. Rough Rider
circuit rider
freedom rider
free rider
night rider

ridership
n. : the number of persons who ride a system of public transportation

Ridge
n. Tom 1945-     U.S. secy. of homeland security (2003-  )

ridge
n. 1 : an elevated body part or structure
2 a : a range of hills or mountains b : an elongate elevation on an ocean bottom
3 : an elongate crest or a linear series of crests
4 : a raised strip (as of plowed ground)
5 : the line of intersection at the top between the opposite slopes or sides of a roof
–ridged \'rijd\ adjective

ridge
n. transitive verb : to form into a ridge
intransitive verb : to extend in ridges

ridge
n. mid ocean ridge
Blue Ridge
Maple Ridge
Missionary Ridge
Oak Ridge
Park Ridge
Vimy Ridge
Wheat Ridge

Ridgecrest
city S Calif. NE of Bakersfield pop 24,927

Ridgefield
town SW Conn. NW of Norwalk pop 23,643

ridgeline
n. : a line marking or following a ridgetop

ridgeling
n. 1 : a partially castrated male animal
2 : a male animal in which one or both testes have not descended into the scrotum

ridgepole
n. 1 : the highest horizontal timber in a roof against which the upper ends of the rafters are fixed
2 : the horizontal pole at the top of a tent

ridgetop
: the crest of a ridge

Ridgewood
village NE N.J. NNE of Paterson pop 24,936

ridgy
adj. : having or rising in ridges

ridicule
n. : the act of ridiculing : DERISION, MOCKERY

ridicule
n. : to make fun of
–rid·i·cul·er noun
synonyms RIDICULE, DERIDE, MOCK, TAUNT mean to make an object of laughter of. RIDICULE implies a deliberate often malicious belittling <consistently ridiculed everything she said>. DERIDE suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule <derided their efforts to start their own business>. MOCK implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference <youngsters began to mock the helpless wino>. TAUNT suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge <hometown fans taunted the visiting team>.

ridiculous
adj. : arousing or deserving ridicule : ABSURD, PREPOSTEROUS
synonyms see LAUGHABLE
–ri·dic·u·lous·ly adverb
–ri·dic·u·lous·ness noun

riding
n. : the action or state of one that rides

riding
n. 1 : used for or when riding <a riding horse> <riding boots>
2 : operated by a rider <a riding mower>

riding
n. 1 : one of the three administrative jurisdictions into which Yorkshire, England, was formerly divided
2 : an administrative jurisdiction or electoral district in a British dominion (as Canada)

riding
n. East Riding
North Riding
Riding Mountain National Park
West Riding

Riding Mountain National Park
n. reservation Canada in SW Man. containing game preserve

Ridley
n. Nicholas ca 1503-1555 Eng. reformer & martyr

ridley
n. : either of two sea turtles (genus Lepidochelys of the family Cheloniidae): a : KEMP'S RIDLEY b : OLIVE RIDLEY

ridley
n. Kemp's ridley
Kemp's ridley turtle
olive ridley
olive ridley turtle

ridotto
: a public entertainment consisting of music and dancing often in masquerade popular in 18th century England

Riel
n. Louis 1844-1885 Canad. insurgent

riel
n. ― see MONEY table

Riemann
n. Georg Friedrich Bernhard 1826-1866 Ger. math.
–Rie·mann·ian \rē-'mä-nē-ən\ adjective

Riemann integral
: a definite integral defined as the limit of sums found by partitioning the interval comprising the domain of definition into subintervals, by finding the sum of products each of which consists of the width of a subinterval multiplied by the value of the function at some point in it, and by letting the maximum width of the subintervals approach zero

Riemannian geometry
: a non-Euclidean geometry in which straight lines are geodesics and in which the parallel postulate is replaced by the postulate that every pair of straight lines intersects

rien
a propos de rien
à propos de rien
tout bien ou rien

Rienzo
Cola di 1313-1354 orig. Nicola di Lorenzo Ital. leader

Riesling
n. : a white wine that ranges from dry to very sweet and is made from a single variety of grape orig. grown in Germany also : the grape

Riesman
David 1909-2002 American social scientist

RIF
v. reduction in force

Rif
v. ― see ER RIF

rifampin
n. : a semisynthetic antibiotic C_43H_58N_4O_12 used especially in the treatment of tuberculosis and to treat asymptomatic carriers of meningococci

rife
adj. 1 : prevalent especially to an increasing degree <suspicion and cruelty were rife ― W. E. B. DuBois>
2 : ABUNDANT, COMMON
3 : copiously supplied : ABOUNDING ― usually used with with <rife with rumors>
–rife adverb
–rife·ly adverb

riff
n. 1 : an ostinato phrase (as in jazz) typically supporting a solo improvisation also : a piece based on such a phrase
2 : a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring especially : one that is part of a comic performance
3 : a succinct usually witty comment
4 : a distinct variation : TAKE <a disturbing⋯riff on the Cinderella story ― Daria Donnelly>

riff
n. : to perform, deliver, or make use of a riff

riff
n. : RIFFLE, SKIM <riff pages>

riffle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to form, flow over, or move in riffles
2 : to flip cursorily : THUMB <riffle through the catalog>
transitive verb
1 : to ruffle slightly : RIPPLE
2 a : to leaf through hastily specifically : to leaf (as a stack of paper) by sliding a thumb along the edge of the leaves b : to shuffle (playing cards) by separating the deck into two parts and riffling with the thumbs so the cards intermix
3 : to manipulate (small objects) idly between the fingers

riffle
n. 1 a : a shallow extending across a streambed and causing broken water b : a stretch of water flowing over a riffle
2 : a small wave or succession of small waves : RIPPLE
3 a : any of various contrivances (as blocks or rails) laid on the bottom of a sluice or launder to make a series of grooves or interstices to catch and retain a mineral (as gold) b : a groove or interstice so formed
4 : a cleat or bar fastened to an inclined surface in a gold-washing apparatus to catch and hold mineral grains
5 [1riffle] a : the act or process of shuffling (as cards) b : the sound made while doing this

riffler
n. : a small filing or scraping tool

riffraff
n. 1 a : disreputable persons b : RABBLE c : one of the riffraff
2 : REFUSE, RUBBISH
–riffraff adjective

rifle
n. transitive verb
1 : to ransack especially with the intent to steal
2 : to steal and carry away
intransitive verb : to engage in ransacking and stealing
–ri·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun

rifle
n. : to cut spiral grooves into the bore of <rifled arms> <rifled pipe>

rifle
n. 1 a : a shoulder weapon with a rifled bore b : a rifled artillery piece
2 plural : soldiers armed with rifles

rifle
n. : to propel (as a ball) with great force or speed

rifle
n. air rifle
assault rifle
Browning automatic rifle
Enfield rifle
Garand rifle
Kentucky rifle
M1 rifle
Springfield rifle
squirrel rifle

riflebird
: any of several birds of paradise (genus Ptiloris)

rifleman
n. 1 : a soldier armed with a rifle
2 : one skilled in shooting with a rifle

riflery
: the practice of shooting at targets with a rifle

rifling
n. 1 : the act or process of making spiral grooves
2 : a system of spiral grooves in the surface of the bore of a gun causing a projectile when fired to rotate about its longer axis

rift
n. 1 a : FISSURE, CREVASSE b : FAULT 5
2 : a clear space or interval
3 : BREACH, ESTRANGEMENT

rift
n. : to burst open
transitive verb
1 : CLEAVE, DIVIDE <hills were rifted by the earthquake>
2 : PENETRATE

rift
n. rift valley
Rift Valley fever
Great Rift Valley
Rift Valley

Rift Valley
v. GREAT RIFT VALLEY

rift valley
: an elongated valley formed by the depression of a block of the earth's crust between two faults or groups of faults of approximately parallel orientation

Rift Valley fever
v. : an acute usually epizootic mosquito-borne disease of domestic animals chiefly of eastern and southern Africa that is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (species Rift valley fever virus of the genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae), is marked especially by fever, abortion, and death of newborns, and is sometimes transmitted to humans usually in a less severe form

rig
n. 1 : to fit out (as a ship) with rigging
2 : CLOTHE, DRESS ― usually used with out
3 : to furnish with special gear : EQUIP
4 a : to put in condition or position for use : ADJUST, ARRANGE <a car rigged for manual control> b : CONSTRUCT <rig up a temporary shelter>

rig
n. 1 : the distinctive shape, number, and arrangement of sails and masts of a ship
2 : EQUIPAGE especially : a carriage with its horse
3 : CLOTHING, DRESS
4 : tackle, equipment, or machinery fitted for a specified purpose <an oil-drilling rig>
5 : a tractor-trailer combination

rig
n. 1 : to manipulate or control usually by deceptive or dishonest means <rig an election>
2 : to fix in advance for a desired result <rig the contest>

rig
n. Bermuda rig
cat rig
fore and aft rig
jury rig
Marconi rig
schooner rig
square rig
cat rigged
jerry rigged
schooner rigged
square rigged

Riga
n. city & port capital of Latvia at S extremity of the Gulf of Riga pop 747,157

Riga, Gulf of
inlet of Baltic Sea bordering on Estonia & Latvia

rigadoon
n. : a lively dance of the 17th and 18th centuries also : the music for a rigadoon

rigamarole
n. variant of rigmarole

rigatoni
n. : pasta made in short wide fluted tubes

Rigel
: a first-magnitude star in the left foot of the constellation Orion

rigger
n. 1 : one that rigs
2 : a long slender pointed sable paintbrush

rigging
n. 1 a : lines and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars b : a similar network (as in theater scenery) used for support and manipulation
2 : CLOTHING

right
n. 1 : RIGHTEOUS, UPRIGHT
2 : being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper <right conduct>
3 : conforming to facts or truth : CORRECT <the right answer>
4 : SUITABLE, APPROPRIATE <the right man for the job>
5 : STRAIGHT <a right line>
6 : GENUINE, REAL
7 a : of, relating to, situated on, or being the side of the body which is away from the side on which the heart is mostly located b : located nearer to the right hand than to the left c : located to the right of an observer facing the object specified or directed as the right arm would point when raised out to the side d (1) : located on the right of an observer facing in the same direction as the object specified <stage right> (2) : located on the right when facing downstream <the right bank of a river> e : done with the right hand <a right hook to the jaw>
8 : having the axis perpendicular to the base <right cone>
9 : of, relating to, or constituting the principal or more prominent side of an object <made sure the socks were right side out>
10 : acting or judging in accordance with truth or fact <time proved her right>
11 a : being in good physical or mental health or order <not in his right mind> b : being in a correct or proper state <put things right>
12 : most favorable or desired : PREFERABLE also : socially acceptable <knew all the right people>
13 often capitalized : of, adhering to, or constituted by the Right especially in politics
synonyms see CORRECT
–right·ness noun

right
n. 1 : qualities (as adherence to duty or obedience to lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of moral propriety or merit moral approval
2 : something to which one has a just claim: as a : the power or privilege to which one is justly entitled <voting rights> <his right to decide> b (1) : the interest that one has in a piece of property ― often used in plural <mineral rights> (2) plural : the property interest possessed under law or custom and agreement in an intangible thing especially of a literary and artistic nature <film rights of the novel>
3 : something that one may properly claim as due <knowing the truth is her right>
4 : the cause of truth or justice
5 a : RIGHT HAND 1A also : a blow struck with this hand <gave him a hard right on the jaw> b : the location or direction of the right side <woods on his right> c : the part on the right side d : RIGHT FIELD e : a turn to the right <take a right at the stop sign>
6 a : the true account or correct interpretation b : the quality or state of being factually correct
7 often capitalized a : the part of a legislative chamber located to the right of the presiding officer b : the members of a continental European legislative body occupying the right as a result of holding more conservative political views than other members
8 a often capitalized : individuals professing support of the established order and favoring traditional attitudes and practices and conservative governmental policies b often capitalized : a conservative position
9 a : a privilege given stockholders to subscribe pro rata to a new issue of securities generally below market price b : the negotiable certificate evidencing such privilege ― usually used in plural
–right·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective
–by rights also by all rights : with reason or justice : PROPERLY
–in one's own right : by virtue of one's own qualifications or properties
–of right
1 : as an absolute right
2 : legally or morally exactable
–to rights : into proper order

right
n. 1 : according to right <live right>
2 : in the exact location, position, or moment : PRECISELY <right at his fingertips> <quit right then and there>
3 : in a suitable, proper, or desired manner <knew he wasn't doing it right>
4 : in a direct line, course, or manner : DIRECTLY, STRAIGHT <go right home> <came right out and said it>
5 : according to fact or truth : TRULY <guessed right>
6 a : all the way <windows right to the floor> b : in a complete manner <felt right at home>
7 : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <right after lunch>
8 : to a great degree : VERY <a right pleasant day>
9 : on or to the right <looked left and right>

right
n. 1 a : to do justice to : redress the injuries of <so just is God to right the innocent ― Shakespeare> b : JUSTIFY, VINDICATE <felt the need to right himself in court>
2 : AVENGE <vows to right the injustice done to his family>
3 a : to adjust or restore to the proper state or condition <right the economy> b : to bring or restore to an upright position <right a capsized boat>
intransitive verb : to become upright
–right·er noun

right
n. right circular cone
air right
all right
divine right
Mr. Right
New Right
patent right
property right
of right
in one's own right
right and left
right angle
right angled
right ascension
right away
right brain
right brained
right circular cylinder
right field
right fielder
right hand
right handed
right handedness
right handedly
right hander
right minded
right mindedness
right now
right off
right of way
right of ways
right on
Right Reverend
right shoulder arms
right to life
right to lifer
right to work
right triangle
right whale
right wing
right winger
riparian right
serve one right
stage right
substantive right
water right
writ of right
by all rights
animal rights
bill of rights
bragging rights
civil rights
conjugal rights
dead to rights
human rights
to rights
by rights
rights of way
special drawing rights
states' rights
woman's rights
women's rights
states' righter

right and left
: on both or all sides : in every direction : EVERYWHERE

right angle
: the angle bounded by two lines perpendicular to each other : an angle of 90° or 1/2 π radians
–right-an·gled \'rīt-'aŋ-gəld\ or right-an·gle \-gəl\ adjective

right ascension
: the arc of the celestial equator between the vernal equinox and the point where the hour circle through a given body intersects the equator reckoned eastward commonly in terms of the corresponding interval of sidereal time in hours, minutes, and seconds

right away
: without delay or hesitation : IMMEDIATELY

right brain
: the right cerebral hemisphere of the human brain especially when viewed in terms of its predominant thought processes (as creativity and intuitive thinking)
–right-brained \'rīt-'brānd\ adjective

right circular cone
: CONE 1A

right circular cylinder
: a cylinder with the bases circular and with the axis joining the two centers of the bases perpendicular to the planes of the two bases

right field
1 : the part of the baseball outfield to the right looking out from home plate
2 : the position of the player defending right field
–right fielder noun

right hand
1 a : the hand on a person's right side b : an indispensable person
2 a : the right side b : a place of honor

right now
1 : RIGHT AWAY
2 : at present

right off
: RIGHT AWAY

right on
1 : exactly correct ― often used interjectionally to express agreement
2 usually right-on : attuned to the spirit of the times

Right Reverend

15th century
― used as a title for high ecclesiastical officials

right shoulder arms
: a position in the manual of arms in which the butt of the rifle is held in the right hand with the barrel resting on the right shoulder also : a command to assume this position

right triangle
: a triangle having a right angle ― see TRIANGLE illustration

right whale
: any of a family (Balaenidae) of large baleen whales having very long baleen, a large head on a stocky body, a smooth throat, and short broad rounded flippers

right wing
1 : the rightist division of a group or party
2 : RIGHT 8
–right-wing \'rīt-'wiŋ, -ˌwiŋ\ adjective
–right-wing·er \'rīt-'wiŋ-ər, ˌrīt-\ noun

right-hand
1 : situated on the right
2 : RIGHT-HANDED
3 : chiefly relied on <his right-hand man>

right-handed
1 : using the right hand habitually or more easily than the left also : swinging from right to left <a right-handed batter>
2 : relating to, designed for, or done with the right hand
3 a : having the same direction or course as the movement of the hands of a watch viewed from in front : CLOCKWISE b : having a spiral structure or form that ascends or advances to the right <a right-handed screw>
4 of a door : opening to the right away from one
–right-handed adverb
–right-hand·ed·ly adverb
–right-hand·ed·ness noun

right-hander
1 : a blow struck with the right hand
2 : a right-handed person especially : a right-handed pitcher

right-minded
: having a right or honest mind <a right-minded citizen>
–right-mind·ed·ness noun

right-of-way
1 : a legal right of passage over another person's ground
2 a : the area over which a right-of-way exists b : the strip of land over which is built a public road c : the land occupied by a railroad especially for its main line d : the land used by a public utility (as for a transmission line)
3 a : a precedence in passing accorded to one vehicle over another by custom, decision, or statute b : the right of traffic to take precedence c : the right to take precedence over others <gave the bill the right-of-way in the Senate>

right-to-life
: opposed to abortion
–right-to-lif·er \-'lī-fər\ noun

right-to-work
: opposing or banning the closed shop and the union shop

righteous
adj. 1 : acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
2 a : morally right or justifiable <a righteous decision> b : arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality <righteous indignation>
3 slang : GENUINE, EXCELLENT
synonyms see MORAL
–righ·teous·ly adverb
–righ·teous·ness noun

righteous
adj. self righteous
self righteousness
self righteously

rightful
adj. 1 : JUST, EQUITABLE
2 a : having a just or legally established claim : LEGITIMATE <the rightful owner> b : held by right or just claim : LEGAL <rightful authority>
3 : PROPER, FITTING <assured of his rightful place in history ― Brian Duff>
–right·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–right·ful·ness noun

rightism
n. 1 : the principles and views of the Right
2 : advocacy of or adherence to the doctrines of the Right
–right·ist \'rī-tist\ noun or adjective often cap

rightly
adv. 1 : in accordance with right conduct : FAIRLY, JUSTLY
2 : in the right or proper manner : PROPERLY, FITTINGLY
3 : according to truth or fact : CORRECTLY, EXACTLY

righto
interj. ― used to express cheerful concurrence, assent, or understanding

rightsize
v. : to reduce (as a workforce) to an optimal size
intransitive verb : to undergo a reduction to an optimal size

rightward
adv. : being at, toward, or to the right

righty
n. : RIGHT-HANDER 2

rigid
adj. 1 a : deficient in or devoid of flexibility <rigid price controls> <a rigid bar of metal> b : appearing stiff and unyielding <his face rigid with pain>
2 a : inflexibly set in opinion b : strictly observed <adheres to a rigid schedule>
3 : firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent <a rigid disciplinarian>
4 : precise and accurate in procedure <rigid control of the manufacturing process>
5 of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework
–rig·id·ly adverb
–rig·id·ness noun
synonyms RIGID, RIGOROUS, STRICT, STRINGENT mean extremely severe or stern. RIGID implies uncompromising inflexibility <rigid rules of conduct>. RIGOROUS implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty <the rigorous training of recruits>. STRICT emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements <strict enforcement of the law>. STRINGENT suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation <stringent standards of admission>. synonym see in addition STIFF

rigidify
transitive verb : to make rigid
intransitive verb : to become rigid
–ri·gid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌji-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

rigidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being rigid
2 : one that is rigid (as in form or conduct)

rigmarole
n. 1 : confused or meaningless talk
2 : a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure

rigor
n. 1 a (1) : harsh inflexibility in opinion, temper, or judgment : SEVERITY (2) : the quality of being unyielding or inflexible : STRICTNESS (3) : severity of life : AUSTERITY b : an act or instance of strictness, severity, or cruelty
2 : a tremor caused by a chill
3 : a condition that makes life difficult, challenging, or uncomfortable especially : extremity of cold
4 : strict precision : EXACTNESS <logical rigor>
5 a obsolete : RIGIDITY, STIFFNESS b : rigidness or torpor of organs or tissue that prevents response to stimuli c : RIGOR MORTIS

rigor mortis
: temporary rigidity of muscles occurring after death

rigorism
n. : rigidity in principle or practice
–rig·or·ist \-rist\ noun or adjective
–rig·or·is·tic \ˌri-gə-'ris-tik\ adjective

rigorous
adj. 1 : manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict
2 a : marked by extremes of temperature or climate b : HARSH, SEVERE
3 : scrupulously accurate : PRECISE
synonyms see RIGID
–rig·or·ous·ly adverb
–rig·or·ous·ness noun

rigour
n. chiefly British variant of rigor

Riis
Jacob August 1849-1914 American (Dan.-born) social reformer

Rijeka
city & port W Croatia pop 167,964

rijsttafel
n. : an Indonesian meal consisting of rice and a variety of accompanying dishes (as meat, seafood, and vegetables)

Rijswijk
commune SW Netherlands

Riksmal
: BOKMÅL

rile
v. 1 : to make agitated and angry : UPSET
2 : ROIL 1
synonyms see IRRITATE

Riley
n. James Whit·comb \'hwit-kəm, 'wit-\ 1849-1916 American poet

riley
n. 1 : TURBID
2 : ANGRY

rilievo
alto rilievo
basso rilievo
mezzo rilievo

Rilke
Rai·ner \'rī-nər\ Maria 1875-1926 Ger. poet

rill
n. : a very small brook

rill
n. : to flow like a rill

rill
n. : any of several long narrow valleys on the moon's surface

rillet
: a little rill

rillettes
n. : cooked shredded meat (as pork or duck) or fish preserved in fat

rim
n. 1 a : BRINK b : the outer often curved or circular edge or border of something
2 a : the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes b : a removable outer metal band on an automobile wheel to which the tire is attached
3 : FRAME 4C(1)
–rim·less \-ləs\ adjective

rim
n. transitive verb
1 : to run around the rim of <putts that rim the cup>
2 : to serve as a rim for : BORDER <cliffs rimming the camp>
intransitive verb : to form or show a rim

rim
n. Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim National Park
horn rims

Rimac
river 80 mi (129 km) W Peru flowing SW through Lima into the Pacific

Rimbaud
n. (Jean-Nicholas-) Arthur 1854-1891 Fr. poet

rime
n. 1 : FROST 1B
2 : an accumulation of granular ice tufts on the windward sides of exposed objects that is formed from supercooled fog or cloud and built out directly against the wind
3 : CRUST, INCRUSTATION <a rime of snow>

rime
n. : to cover with or as if with rime

rime
n. variant of rhyme, rhymester

rimfire
n. of a cartridge : having the priming distributed in the rim of the shell
–rimfire noun

Rimini
Francesca da ― see POLENTA

Rimini
commune & port N Italy on the Adriatic ESE of Ravenna pop 131,705

rimland
n. : a region on the edge of the heartland

rimmed
adj. : having a rim ― usually used in combination <dark-rimmed glasses> <red-rimmed eyes>

Rimouski
town Canada in S Que. on Gaspé Peninsula pop 31,305

rimrock
1 : a top stratum or overlying strata of resistant rock of a plateau that outcrops to form a vertical face
2 : the edge or face of a rimrock outcrop

Rimsky-Korsakov
Nikolay Andreyevich 1844-1908 Russ. composer

rimy
adj. : covered with rime : FROSTY

rind
n. 1 : the bark of a tree
2 : a usually hard or tough outer layer : PEEL, CRUST <grated lemon rind>
–rind·ed \'rīn-dəd\ adjective

rinderpest
n. : an acute infectious usually fatal disease of ruminant mammals (as cattle) that is caused by a morbillivirus (species Rinderpest virus) and that is marked by fever, diarrhea, and inflammation of mucous membranes

ring
n. 1 : a circular band for holding, connecting, hanging, pulling, packing, or sealing <a key ring> <a towel ring>
2 : a circlet usually of precious metal worn especially on the finger
3 a : a circular line, figure, or object <smoke ring> b : an encircling arrangement <a ring of suburbs> c : a circular or spiral course ― often used figuratively in plural in the phrase run rings around to describe surpassing an opponent decisively
4 a (1) : an often circular space especially for exhibitions or competitions especially : such a space at a circus (2) : a structure containing such a ring b : a square enclosure in which a fighting contest (as a boxing or wrestling match) takes place
5 : a band of small objects revolving around a planet (as Saturn) and composed of dust and icy or rocky fragments
6 : ANNUAL RING
7 a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market) <a wheat ring> b : GANG
8 : the field of a political contest : RACE
9 : food in the shape of a circle
10 : an arrangement of atoms represented in formulas or models in a cyclic manner ― called also cycle
11 : a set of mathematical elements that is closed under two binary operations of which the first forms a commutative group with the set and the second is associative over the set and is distributive with respect to the first operation
12 plural a : a pair of usually rubber-covered metal rings suspended from a ceiling or crossbar to a height of approximately eight feet above the floor and used for hanging, swinging, and balancing feats in gymnastics b : an event in gymnastics competition in which the rings are used
13 : 1BOXING <ended his ring career>
–ring·like \'riŋ-līk\ adjective

ring
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide with a ring
2 : to place or form a ring around : ENCIRCLE <police ringed the building>
3 : GIRDLE 2
4 : to throw a ringer over (the peg) in a game (as horseshoes or quoits)
intransitive verb
1 a : to move in a ring b : to rise in the air spirally
2 : to form or take the shape of a ring

ring
n. intransitive verb
1 : to sound resonantly or sonorously <the doorbell rang> <cheers rang out>
2 a : to be filled with a reverberating sound : RESOUND <the halls rang with laughter> b : to have the sensation of being filled with a humming sound <his ears rang>
3 : to cause something to ring <ring for the butler>
4 a : to be filled with talk or report <the whole land rang with her fame> b : to have great renown c : to sound repetitiously <their praise rang in his ears>
5 : to have a sound or character expressive of some quality <a story that rings true>
6 chiefly British : to make a telephone call ― usually used with up
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sound especially by striking
2 : to make (a sound) by or as if by ringing a bell
3 : to announce by or as if by ringing
4 : to repeat often, loudly, or earnestly
5 a : to summon especially by bell b chiefly British : TELEPHONE ― usually used with up
–ring a bell : to arouse a response <that name rings a bell>
–ring down the curtain : to conclude a performance or an action
–ring off the hook : to ring frequently or constantly with incoming calls <the telephone was ringing off the hook>
–ring the changes or ring changes : to run through the range of possible variations
–ring up the curtain : to begin a performance or an action

ring
n. 1 : a set of bells
2 : a clear resonant sound made by or resembling that made by vibrating metal
3 : resonant tone : SONORITY
4 : a loud sound continued, repeated, or reverberated
5 : a sound or character expressive of some particular quality <the story had a familiar ring>
6 a : the act or an instance of ringing b : a telephone call <give me a ring in the morning>

ring
n. gimbal ring
ring changes
annual ring
benzene ring
brass ring
coffee ring
double ring
D ring
fairy ring
gas ring
growth ring
life ring
onion ring
O ring
parhelic ring
piston ring
quotient ring
ring up the curtain
ring the changes
ring off the hook
ring down the curtain
ring a bell
ring a levio
ring a lievo
ring around the rosy
ring around a rosy
ring a rosy
ring billed gull
ring binder
ring dance
ring finger
ring necked
ring neck
ring necked duck
ring necked pheasant
ring off
ring ouzel
ring porous
ring road
ring spot
ring stand
ring tailed
ring up
seal ring
show ring
signet ring
slip ring
teething ring
three ring circus
tree ring
wedding ring
Ring of Fire
run rings around
change ringing
business cycle
Calvin cycle
carbon cycle
cell cycle
citric acid cycle
estral cycle
estrous cycle
estrus cycle
hydrologic cycle
hydrological cycle
Krebs cycle
tricarboxylic acid cycle
life cycle
menstrual cycle
nitrogen cycle
oxygen cycle
song cycle
two cycle
vicious cycle
water cycle
ringed turtle dove

ring a bell
to arouse a response <that name rings a bell>

ring binder
: a loose-leaf binder in which split rings attached to a back hold the perforated sheets of paper

ring dance
: ROUND DANCE 1

ring down the curtain
to conclude a performance or an action

ring finger
: the third finger especially of the left hand counting the index finger as the first

Ring of Fire
belt of volcanoes & frequent seismic activity nearly encircling the Pacific

ring off
chiefly British : HANG UP 1

ring off the hook
to ring frequently or constantly with incoming calls <the telephone was ringing off the hook>

ring ouzel
: a dark Old World thrush (Turdus torquatus) with the male having a white breast band

ring road
chiefly British : a highway skirting an urban area

ring spot
1 : any of various plant diseases caused by viruses (genus Nepovirus of the family Comoviridae) and marked by circular lesions of usually chlorotic or necrotic tissue
2 : a turf disease caused by an ascomycetous fungus (Leptosphaeria korrae syn. Ophiosphaerella korrae) and marked by circular patches or rings of dead grass

ring stand
: a metal stand consisting of a long upright rod attached to a heavy rectangular base that is used with rings and clamps for supporting laboratory apparatus

ring the changes
or ring changes : to run through the range of possible variations

ring up
1 : to total and record especially by means of a cash register <ring up a sale>
2 : ACHIEVE <rang up many social triumphs>

ring up the curtain
to begin a performance or an action

ring-a-levio
: a game in which players on one team are given time to hide and are then sought out by members of the other team who try to capture them, keep them in a place of confinement, and keep them from being released by their teammates

ring-around-the-rosy
: a children's singing game in which players dance around in a circle and at a given signal drop to the ground ― called also ring-a-rosy \ˌriŋ-ə-'rō-zē\

ring-billed gull
: a No. American gull (Larus delawarensis) that as an adult is largely white with a gray mantle, dark wing tips, yellowish feet and legs, and a yellow bill with a black ring towards the tip

ring-necked
: having a ring of color about the neck

ring-necked duck
: a No. American duck (Aythya collaris) that has a white ring around the bill and in the male a faint narrow chestnut ring encircling the neck

ring-necked pheasant
: a Eurasian pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) that has been widely introduced as a game bird in No. America and in which the males have a white neck ring and an iridescent green and purplish head with red wattles around the eyes

ring-porous
: having vessels more numerous and usually larger in cross section in the springwood with a resulting more or less distinct line between the springwood and the last season's wood ― compare DIFFUSE-POROUS

ring-tailed
1 : having a tail marked with rings of differing colors
2 : having a tail carried in a form approximating a circle <a ring-tailed Afghan hound>

ringbark
v. : GIRDLE 2

ringbolt
n. : an eyebolt with a ring through its eye

ringbone
n. : a bony outgrowth on or near the articulating surface of the pastern or coffin bone of a horse that typically results from injury and usually produces lameness

ringdove
n. 1 : WOOD PIGEON
2 : RINGED TURTLE DOVE

ringed
adj. 1 : encircled or marked with or as if with rings
2 : composed or formed of rings

ringed turtle dove
: a small pale dove (Streptopelia risoria) that has a black ring around the sides and back of the neck, exists chiefly in domestication as a cage bird, and is prob. of African origin

ringer
n. 1 : one that sounds especially by ringing
2 a (1) : one that enters a competition under false representations (2) : IMPOSTER, FAKE b : one that strongly resembles another ― often used with dead <he's a dead ringer for the senator>

ringer
n. : one that encircles or puts a ring around (as a quoit or horseshoe that lodges so as to surround the peg)

Ringer's solution
: a balanced aqueous solution that contains chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, and phosphate ions and that is used in physiological experiments to provide a medium essentially isotonic to many animal tissues ― called also Ringer solution

ringgit
n. ― see MONEY table

ringing
n. 1 : clear and full in tone : RESOUNDING <a ringing baritone>
2 : vigorously unequivocal : DECISIVE <a ringing condemnation of immorality>
–ring·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

ringleader
n. : a leader of a ring of individuals engaged especially in improper or unlawful activities

ringlet
n. 1 : a small ring or circle
2 : CURL especially : a long curl of hair

ringmaster
n. : one in charge of performances in a ring (as of a circus) broadly : a supervisor or moderator especially of a performance or presentation <the ringmaster of a talk show>

ringneck
n. : a ring-necked animal

ringside
n. 1 : the area just outside a ring especially in which a contest occurs
2 : a place from which one may have a close view

ringside
n. : being at the ringside <a ringside seat>

ringstraked
archaic : marked with circular stripes

ringtail
n. 1 : RACCOON
2 : a carnivore (Bassariscus astutus) of the western U.S. and Mexico that is related to and resembles the raccoon ― called also cacomistle civet cat ringtail cat ringtailed cat
3 : CAPUCHIN 3

ringtaw
: a game of marbles in which marbles are placed in a circle on the ground and shot at from the edge of the circle with the object being to knock them out of the circle

ringtoss
: a game in which the object is to toss a ring so that it will fall over an upright stick

ringworm
n. : any of several contagious fungal diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals that are characterized by ring-shaped discolored skin patches covered with vesicles and scales

rink
n. 1 a : a smooth extent of ice marked off for curling or ice hockey b : a surface of ice for ice-skating also : a building containing such a rink c : an enclosure for roller-skating
2 : an alley for lawn bowling
3 : a team in bowls or curling

rinky-dink
1 : SMALL-TIME
2 : OLD-FASHIONED

rinse
n. 1 : to cleanse by flushing with liquid (as water) ― often used with out <rinse out the mouth>
2 a : to cleanse (as of soap used in washing) by clear water b : to treat (hair) with a rinse
3 : to remove (dirt or impurities) by washing lightly or in water only
–rins·er noun

rinse
n. 1 : the act or process of rinsing
2 a : liquid used for rinsing b : a solution that temporarily tints hair

rinsing
n. 1 : DREGS, RESIDUE ― usually used in plural
2 : water that has been used for rinsing ― usually used in plural

RIO
n. radar intercept officer

RIO
n. Rio Grande de Cagayan
Branco Rio
Bravo Rio
Del Rio
Grande Rio
Pinar del Rio
Plata Rio de la
Rio Branco
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de la Plata
Rio de Oro
Rio Grande
Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Norte
Rio Muni
Rio Piedras
Rio Rancho

Rio
n. RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio Branco
1 ― see BRANCO
2 city W Brazil, capital of Acre municipal area pop 253,059

Rio de Janeiro
1 state SE Brazil area 17,092 sq mi (44,268 sq km), pop 14,391,282
2 city, its capital & port on Guanabara Bay; former capital of Brazil pop 5,857,904

Rio de la Plata
― see PLATA (Río de la)

Rio de Oro
territory NW Africa comprising the S zone of Western Sahara

Rio Grande
1 \ˌrē-(ˌ)ō-'grand, -'gran-dē also ˌrī-ō-'grand\ or Mexican Spanish Río Bra·vo \ˌrē-(ˌ)ō-'brä-(ˌ)vō\ river 1885 mi (3034 km) SW U.S. forming part of Mexico-U.S. boundary & flowing from San Juan Mountains in SW Colo. to Gulf of Mexico
2 or Rio Gran·de do Sul \ˌrē-ü-'grȧn-dē-dü-'sül\ city S Brazil in Rio Grande do Sul state W of entrance to Lagoa dos Patos pop 186,544
3 \ˌrē-(ˌ)ō-'grän-dā, -dē\ municipality NE Puerto Rico pop 52,362
4 ― see GRANDE (Rio)

Rio Grande de Cagayan
― see CAGAYAN

Rio Grande do Norte
n. state NE Brazil capital Natal area 20,528 sq mi (53,168 sq km), pop 2,776,782

Rio Grande do Sul
state SE Brazil bordering on Uruguay capital Pôrto Alegre area 108,951 sq mi (282,183 sq km), pop 10,187,798

Rio Muni
― see MBINI

Rio Piedras
former city, since 1951 part of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Rio Rancho
city cen N.Mex., a N suburb of Albuquerque pop 51,765

rioja
n. : a wine from the Rioja region of Spain especially : a dry red wine from this region

Rioja, the
― see LA RIOJA

Rios
Juan Antonio 1888-1946 pres. of Chile (1942-46)

riot
n. 1 archaic a : profligate behavior : DEBAUCHERY b : unrestrained revelry c : noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers
2 a : public violence, tumult, or disorder b : a violent public disorder specifically : a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent
3 : a random or disorderly profusion <the woods were a riot of color>
4 : one that is wildly amusing <the new comedy is a riot>

riot
n. 1 : to indulge in revelry or wantonness
2 : to create or engage in a riot
–ri·ot·er noun

riot
n. race riot
read the riot act
riot act
riot gun
run riot

riot act
: a vigorous reprimand or warning ― used in the phrase read the riot act

riot gun
: a small arm used to disperse rioters rather than to inflict serious injury or death especially : a short-barreled shotgun

riotous
adj. 1 a : of the nature of a riot : TURBULENT b : participating in riot
2 : ABUNDANT, EXUBERANT <the garden was riotous with flowers>
–ri·ot·ous·ly adverb
–ri·ot·ous·ness noun

RIP
n. [Latin requiescat in pace] may he rest in peace, may she rest in peace; [Latin requiescant in pace] may they rest in peace

rip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to tear or split apart or open b : to saw or split (wood) with the grain
2 : to slash or slit with or as if with a sharp blade
3 : to hit sharply <ripped a double to left field>
4 : to utter violently : spit out <ripped out an oath>
5 : CRITICIZE, DISPARAGE
intransitive verb
1 : to become ripped : REND
2 : to rush headlong <ripped past second base>
synonyms see TEAR
–rip into : to tear into : ATTACK

rip
n. 1 : a rent made by ripping : TEAR
2 : CUT 5B

rip
n. 1 : a body of water made rough by the meeting of opposing tides, currents, or winds
2 : a current of water roughened by passing over an irregular bottom
3 : RIP CURRENT

rip
n. : a dissolute person : LIBERTINE

rip
n. let rip
rip into
rip cord
rip current
rip off
rip roaring
Rip van Winkle

rip cord
1 : a cord by which the gasbag of a balloon may be ripped open for a limited distance to release the gas quickly and so cause immediate descent
2 : a cord or wire pulled in making a descent to release a parachute out of its container

rip current
: a strong usually narrow surface current flowing outward from a shore that results from the return flow of waves and wind-driven water

rip into
to tear into : ATTACK

rip off
1 a : ROB also : CHEAT, DEFRAUD b : STEAL
2 : to copy or imitate blatantly or unscrupulously
3 : to perform, achieve, or score quickly or easily <ripped off 10 straight points>

Rip van Winkle
: a ne'er-do-well in a story in Washington Irving's Sketch Book who sleeps for 20 years

rip-off
1 : an act or instance of stealing : THEFT also : a financial exploitation
2 : a usually cheap exploitive imitation

rip-roaring
: noisily excited or exciting

riparian
adj. : relating to or living or located on the bank of a natural watercourse (as a river) or sometimes of a lake or a tidewater <riparian trees>

riparian right
: a right (as access to or use of the shore, bed, and water) of one owning riparian land

ripe
adj. 1 : fully grown and developed : MATURE <ripe fruit> <ripe wheat>
2 : having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3 : of advanced years : LATE <a ripe old age>
4 a : SUITABLE, APPROPRIATE <the time was ripe for the attempt> b : fully prepared : READY <the colonies were ripe for revolution>
5 a : brought by aging to full flavor or the best state : MELLOW <ripe cheese> b : SMELLY, STINKING
6 : ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit <a ripe figure>
7 : INDECENT <ripe language>
–ripe·ly adverb
–ripe·ness noun

ripen
v. intransitive verb : to grow or become ripe
transitive verb
1 : to make ripe
2 a : to bring to completeness or perfection b : to age or cure (cheese) to develop characteristic flavor, odor, body, texture, and color c : to improve flavor and tenderness of (beef or game) by aging under refrigeration
–rip·en·er \'rī-pə-nər, 'rīp-nər\ noun

ripieno
n. : TUTTI

Ripley
George 1802-1880 American lit. critic & socialist

Ripon Falls
former waterfall in the Victoria Nile N of Lake Victoria; submerged by Owen Falls Dam

riposte
n. 1 : a fencer's quick return thrust following a parry
2 : a retaliatory verbal sally : RETORT
3 : a retaliatory maneuver or measure
–riposte verb

ripped
v. 1 slang : being under the influence of alcohol or drugs : HIGH, STONED
2 : having high muscle definition <ripped abs>

ripper
n. 1 : one that rips especially : a machine used to break up solid material (as rock or ore)
2 : an excellent example or instance of its kind

ripping
adj. chiefly British : EXCELLENT, DELIGHTFUL <I've had a ripping time here ― W. S. Maugham>

ripple
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to become lightly ruffled or covered with small waves b : to flow in small waves c : to fall in soft undulating folds <the scarf rippled to the floor>
2 : to flow with a light rise and fall of sound or inflection <laughter rippled over the audience>
3 : to move with an undulating motion or so as to cause ripples <the canoe rippled through the water>
4 : to have or produce a ripple effect : SPREAD <the news rippled outwards>
transitive verb
1 : to stir up small waves on
2 : to impart a wavy motion or appearance to <rippling his arm muscles>
3 : to utter or play with a slight rise and fall of sound
–rip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

ripple
n. 1 a : a shallow stretch of rough water in a stream b (1) : the ruffling of the surface of water (2) : a small wave
2 a : RIPPLE MARK b : a sound like that of rippling water <a ripple of laughter> c : a usually slight noticeable effect or reaction
–rip·ply \'ri-p(ə-)lē\ adjective

ripple
n. ripple effect
ripple mark
ripple marked

ripple effect
: a spreading, pervasive, and usually unintentional effect or influence <the automotive industry has a ripple effect on many other industries> ― compare DOMINO EFFECT

ripple mark
1 : one of a series of small ridges produced especially on sand by the action of wind, a current of water, or waves
2 : a striation across the grain of wood especially on the tangential surface
–rip·ple-marked \'ri-pəl-ˌmärkt\ adjective

riprap
n. 1 : a foundation or sustaining wall of stones or chunks of concrete thrown together without order (as in deep water) also : a layer of this or similar material on an embankment slope to prevent erosion
2 : material used for riprap

riprap
n. 1 : to form a riprap in or upon
2 : to strengthen or support with a riprap

ripsaw
n. : a coarse-toothed saw used to cut wood in the direction of the grain ― compare CROSSCUT SAW

ripsnorter
n. : something extraordinary : HUMDINGER <the finale was a ripsnorter>
–rip·snort·ing \-tiŋ\ adjective

ripstop
n. : of, relating to, or being a fabric woven with a double thread at regular intervals so that small tears do not spread <ripstop nylon>
–ripstop noun

riptide
n. : RIP CURRENT

Ripuarian
: of, relating to, or constituting a group of Franks settling in the fourth century on the Rhine near Cologne

RISC
n. reduced instruction-set computer; reduced instruction-set computing

rise
n. 1 a : to assume an upright position especially from lying, kneeling, or sitting b : to get up from sleep or from one's bed
2 : to return from death
3 : to take up arms <rise in rebellion>
4 : to respond warmly : APPLAUD ― usually used with to <the audience rose to her verve and wit>
5 chiefly British : to end a session : ADJOURN
6 : to appear above the horizon <the sun rises at six>
7 a : to move upward : ASCEND b : to increase in height, size, volume, or pitch
8 : to extend above other objects <mountain peaks rose to the west>
9 a : to become heartened or elated <his spirits rose> b : to increase in fervor or intensity <my anger rose as I thought about the insult>
10 a : to attain a higher level or rank <officers who rose from the ranks> b : to increase in quantity or number
11 a : to take place : HAPPEN b : to come into being : ORIGINATE
12 : to follow as a consequence : RESULT
13 : to exert oneself to meet a challenge <rise to the occasion>
synonyms see SPRING

rise
n. 1 a : a spot higher than surrounding ground : HILLTOP b : an upward slope <a rise in the road>
2 : an act of rising or a state of being risen: as a : a movement upward : ASCENT b : emergence (as of the sun) above the horizon c : the upward movement of a fish to seize food or bait
3 : BEGINNING, ORIGIN <the river had its rise in the mountain>
4 : the distance or elevation of one point above another
5 a : an increase especially in amount, number, or volume b chiefly British : RAISE 3B c : an increase in price, value, rate, or sum <a rise in the cost of living>
6 : an angry reaction <got a rise out of him>
7 : the distance from the crotch to the waistline on pants

rise
n. give rise to
high rise
low rise
mid rise
cabbage rose
Cherokee rose
China rose
Christmas rose
compass rose
damask rose
dog rose
famille rose
guelder rose
hybrid tea rose
moss rose
multiflora rose
musk rose
old rose
under the rose
rose breasted grosbeak
rose chafer
rose bug
rose colored
rose colored glasses
rose cut
rose fever
rose cold
rose geranium
rose hip
rose mallow
rose of Jericho
rose of Sharon
rose oil
rose pink
rose slug
rose water
rose window
rugosa rose
tea rose
wind rose
Margaret Rose
Rose Mount
rising diphthong
rising rhythm
rising star
self rising flour
bed of roses
smell the roses

riser
n. 1 : one that rises (as from sleep)
2 : the upright member between two stair treads
3 : a stage platform on which performers are placed for greater visibility
4 : a vertical pipe (as for water or gas) or a vertical portion of an electric wiring system
5 : one of the straps that connects a parachutist's harness with the shroud lines

risibility
n. 1 : LAUGHTER
2 : the ability or inclination to laugh ― often used in plural <our risibilities support us as we skim over the surface of a deep issue ― J. A. Pike>

risible
adj. 1 a : capable of laughing b : disposed to laugh
2 : arousing or provoking laughter especially : LAUGHABLE
3 : associated with, relating to, or used in laughter <risible muscles>
–ris·i·bly \-blē\ adverb

risibles
: sense of the ridiculous : sense of humor

rising
n. : INSURRECTION, UPRISING

rising
n. : approaching a stated age : NEARLY <a red cow rising four years old ― Lancaster (Pa.) Jour.>

rising
n. rising diphthong
rising rhythm
rising star
self rising flour

rising diphthong
: a diphthong in which the second element is more sonorous than the first (as \wi\ in \'kwit\ quit)

rising rhythm
: rhythm with stress occurring regularly on the last syllable of each foot ― compare FALLING RHYTHM

rising star
: a person or thing that is growing quickly in popularity or importance in a particular field <a rising star in politics>

risk
n. 1 : possibility of loss or injury : PERIL
2 : someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard
3 a : the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract also : the degree of probability of such loss b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer <a poor risk for insurance> c : an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source <war risk>
4 : the chance that an investment (as a stock or commodity) will lose value
–risk·less \'ris-kləs\ adjective
–at risk : in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility <patients at risk of infection>

risk
n. 1 : to expose to hazard or danger <risked her life>
2 : to incur the risk or danger of <risked breaking his neck>
–risk·er noun

risk
n. assigned risk
at risk
risk capital
risk factor

risk capital
: VENTURE CAPITAL

risk factor
: something that increases risk or susceptibility <a fatty diet is a risk factor for heart disease>

risky
adj. : attended with risk or danger : HAZARDOUS
synonyms see DANGEROUS
–risk·i·ness noun

risorgimento
1 often capitalized : the 19th century movement for Italian political unity
2 : a time of renewal or renaissance : REVIVAL

risotto
n. : rice cooked usually in meat or seafood stock and seasoned (as with Parmesan cheese or saffron)

risperidone
: an antipsychotic drug C_28H_27FN_4O_2 used especially to treat schizophrenia

risque
adj. : verging on impropriety or indecency : OFF-COLOR <a risque joke>

rit
ritardando

Ritalin
― used for a preparation of methylphenidate

ritard
: RITARDANDO

ritardando
adv. : with a gradual slackening in tempo ― used as a direction in music

ritardando
adv. : a ritardando passage

rite
n. 1 a : a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony b : the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2 : a ceremonial act or action <initiation rites>
3 : a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy

rite
n. rite of passage
Scottish rite
York rite
last rites

rite of passage

1909
: a ritual associated with a crisis or a change of status (as marriage, illness, or death) for an individual

ritonavir
: an antiviral protease inhibitor C_37H_48N_6O_5S_2 administered orally to treat HIV infection and AIDS

ritornello
n. 1 a : a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition b : an instrumental interlude in early opera
2 : a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain

ritual
n. 1 : of or relating to rites or a ritual : CEREMONIAL <a ritual dance>
2 : according to religious law <ritual purity>
3 : done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol <ritual handshakes> <ritual background checks>
–rit·u·al·ly adverb

ritual
n. 1 : the established form for a ceremony specifically : the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony
2 a : ritual observance specifically : a system of rites b : a ceremonial act or action c : an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner

ritualism
n. 1 : the use of ritual
2 : excessive devotion to ritual
–rit·u·al·ist \-list\ noun
–rit·u·al·is·tic \ˌri-chə-wə-'lis-tik, -chə-'lis-; ˌrich-wə-\ adjective
–rit·u·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ritualize
v. intransitive verb : to practice ritualism
transitive verb
1 : to make a ritual of
2 : to impose a ritual on
–rit·u·al·i·za·tion \ˌri-chə-wə-lə-'zā-shən, -chə-lə-; ˌrich-wə-\ noun

ritzy
adj. 1 : SNOBBISH
2 : impressively or ostentatiously fancy or stylish : FASHIONABLE, POSH <a ritzy nightclub>
–ritz·i·ness noun

riv
river

rival
n. 1 a : one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess b : one striving for competitive advantage
2 obsolete : COMPANION, ASSOCIATE
3 : one that equals another in desired qualities : PEER

rival
n. : having the same pretensions or claims : COMPETING

rival
n. intransitive verb : to act as a rival : COMPETE
transitive verb
1 : to be in competition with
2 : to strive to equal or excel : EMULATE
3 : to possess qualities or aptitudes that approach or equal (those of another)

rivalrous
: given to rivalry : COMPETITIVE

rivalry
n. : the act of rivaling : the state of being a rival : COMPETITION

rive
v. transitive verb
1 a : to wrench open or tear apart or to pieces : REND b : to split with force or violence <lightning rived the tree>
2 a : to divide into pieces : SHATTER <nations riven by civil war> b : FRACTURE
intransitive verb : to become split : CRACK
synonyms see TEAR

river
n. 1 a : a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume b : WATERCOURSE
2 a : something resembling a river <a river of lava> b plural : large or overwhelming quantities <drank rivers of coffee>
–up the river : to or in prison <was sent up the river>

river
n. river duck
river blindness
up the river
river horse
river otter
sell down the river
Banana River
Campbell River
East River
Fall River
Halys River
Indian River
North River
River Plate
Sakonnet River
Salmon River Mountains
Severn River
Wind River Canyon
Wind River Range
York River
Pitt Rivers
Three Rivers

river blindness
: ONCHOCERCIASIS

river duck
: DABBLER B

river horse
: HIPPOPOTAMUS

river otter
: any of various Old and New World otters (esp. genera Lutra and Lontra) especially : one (Lontra canadensis) of Alaska, Canada, and the conterminous U.S. found in aquatic environments from marine coastal regions to high mountains

Rivera
n. Diego 1886-1957 Mex. painter

Rivera
n. Kahlo de Rivera
Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja
Pico Rivera

riverbank
n. : the bank of a river

riverbed
n. : the channel occupied by a river

riverboat
n. : a boat for use on a river

riverfront
n. : the land or area along a river

riverine
n. 1 : relating to, formed by, or resembling a river
2 : living or situated on the banks of a river

Rivers
n. Larry 1923-2002 orig. Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg American artist

Riverside
n. 1 city S Calif. pop 255,166
2 city SW Ohio E of Dayton pop 23,545

riverside
n. : the side or bank of a river

Riverton
city N cen Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 25,011

riverward
: toward a river

rivet
n. : a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

rivet
n. 1 : to fasten with or as if with rivets
2 : to upset the end or point of (as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head
3 : to fasten or fix firmly <stood riveted by fright>
4 : to attract and hold (as the attention) completely
–riv·et·er noun

riveting
n. : having the power to fix the attention : ENGROSSING, FASCINATING <a riveting story>
–riv·et·ing·ly \-lē\ adverb

Riviera
n. coast region SE France & NW Italy bordering on the Mediterranean ― see CÔTE D'AZUR

riviera
n. : a coastal region frequented as a resort area and usually marked by a mild climate

Riviera Beach
city SE Fla. N of W. Palm Beach pop 29,884

riviere
n. : a necklace of precious stones (as diamonds)

riviere
n. Trois Rivieres
Trois Rivieres Ouest
Trois Rivières
Trois Rivières Ouest

rivulet
n. : a small stream

Riyadh
n. city capital of the Nejd & of Saudi Arabia pop 4,700,000

riyal
n. ― see MONEY table

riyal
n. variant of rial

Riza Shah Pahlavi
var of REZA SHAH PAHLAVI

Rizal
José Protasio 1861-1896 Filipino patriot

Rizzio
David ca 1533-1566 Ital. musician & favorite of Mary, Queen of Scots

Rjukan
town S Norway W of Oslo near Rjukan Falls (waterfall 780 ft or 238 m)

rm
room

rms
root-mean-square

RN
n. : REGISTERED NURSE

RN
n. Royal Navy

Rn
n. radon

RNA
n. : any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities ― compare MESSENGER RNA, RIBOSOMAL RNA, TRANSFER RNA

RNA
n. messenger RNA
ribosomal RNA
RNA polymerase
RNA virus
transfer RNA

RNA polymerase
: any of a group of enzymes that promote the synthesis of RNA using DNA or RNA as a template

RNA virus
: a virus (as a paramyxovirus or a retrovirus) whose genome consists of RNA

RNase
n. : RIBONUCLEASE

rnd
round

Ro-Ro
: a ship designed and equipped to allow vehicles (as automobiles or tanks) to be driven on or off

roach
n. 1 : a silver-green European freshwater cyprinid fish (Rutilus rutilus) also : any of various related fishes (as some shiners)
2 : any of several American freshwater sunfishes (family Centrarchidae)

roach
n. 1 : a curved cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing or to secure a better fit
2 : a roll of hair brushed straight back from the forehead or side of the head

roach
n. 1 : to cut (as a horse's mane) so that the remainder stands upright
2 : to cause to arch specifically : to brush (the hair) in a roach ― often used with up

roach
n. 1 : COCKROACH
2 : the butt of a marijuana cigarette

roach back
: an arched back (as of a dog)

roach clip
: a metal clip that resembles tweezers and is used by marijuana smokers to hold a roach

road
n. 1 : ROADSTEAD ― often used in plural
2 a : an open way for vehicles, persons, and animals especially : one lying outside of an urban district : HIGHWAY b : ROADBED 2B
3 : a route or way to an end, conclusion, or circumstance <on the road to success>
4 : RAILWAY
5 : a series of scheduled visits or appearances (as games or performances) in several locations or the travel necessary to make these visits <the team is on the road> <on tour with the musical's road company>
–road·less \'rōd-ləs\ adjective
–down the road : in or into the future

road
n. road killed
frontage road
service road
high road
hit the road
middle of the road
off road
post road
ring road
down the road
road agent
road hog
road map
road metal
road racing
road race
road rage
road roller
road show
road test
road trip
road warrior
rule of the road
secondary road
side road
skid road
tobacco road
Silk Road
Wilderness Road
Hampton Roads

road agent
: a highwayman who formerly operated especially on stage routes in unsettled districts

road hog
: a driver of an automotive vehicle who obstructs others especially by occupying part of another's traffic lane

road map
1 : a map showing roads especially for automobile travel
2 a : a detailed plan to guide progress toward a goal b : a detailed explanation

road metal
: broken stone or cinders used in making and repairing roads or ballasting railroads

road racing
: racing over public roads especially : automobile racing over roads or over a closed course designed to simulate public roads
–road race noun

road rage
: a motorist's uncontrolled anger that is usually provoked by another motorist's irritating act and is expressed in aggressive or violent behavior

road roller
: one that rolls roadways specifically : a machine with heavy wide smooth rollers for compacting roadbeds

road show
1 : a theatrical performance given by a troupe on tour
2 : a special engagement of a new motion picture usually at increased prices
3 : a promotional presentation or meeting conducted in a series of locations

road test
1 : a test of a vehicle under practical operating conditions on the road
2 : a test on the road of a person's driving ability as a requirement for a driver's license
–road test transitive verb

road trip
1 : a trip taken by a sports team to play one or more away games
2 : an extended trip in a motor vehicle
–road-trip intransitive verb

road warrior
: a person who travels frequently especially on business

roadability
n. : the qualities (as steadiness and balance) desirable in an automobile on the road

roadbed
n. 1 a : the bed on which the ties, rails, and ballast of a railroad rest b : the ballast or the upper surface of the ballast on which the ties rest
2 a : the earth foundation of a road prepared for surfacing b : the part of the surface of a road traveled by vehicles

roadblock
n. 1 a : a barricade often with traps or mines for holding up an enemy at a point on a road covered by fire b : a road barricade set up especially by law enforcement officers
2 : an obstruction in a road
3 : something that blocks progress or prevents accomplishment of an objective
–roadblock transitive verb

roadholding
n. chiefly British : the qualities of an automobile that tend to make it respond precisely to the driver's steering

roadhouse
n. : an inn or tavern usually outside city limits providing liquor and usually meals, dancing, and often gambling

roadie
n. : a person who works (as by moving heavy equipment) for traveling entertainers

roadkill
n. 1 : the remains of an animal that has been killed on a road by a motor vehicle
2 : one that falls victim to intense competition <political roadkill>
–road-killed \-ˌkild\ adjective

roadrunner
n. : a largely terrestrial bird (Geococcyx californianus) of the cuckoo family that has a long tail and a crest, is a speedy runner, and inhabits arid regions from the southwestern U.S. to Mexico also : a closely related bird (G. velox) of Mexico and Central America

roadside
n. : the strip of land along a road : the side of a road
–roadside adjective

roadstead
n. : a place less enclosed than a harbor where ships may ride at anchor

roadster
n. 1 a : a horse suitable for riding or driving on roads b : a utility saddle horse of the hackney type
2 a : a light carriage : BUGGY b : an automobile with an open body that seats two and has a folding fabric top and often a luggage compartment or rumble seat in the rear

roadway
n. 1 a : the strip of land over which a road passes b : ROAD specifically : ROADBED 2B
2 : the part of a bridge used by vehicles

roadwork
n. 1 : work done in constructing or repairing roads
2 : conditioning for an athletic contest (as a boxing match) consisting mainly of long runs

roadworthy
adj. : fit for use on the road <a roadworthy vehicle>
–road·wor·thi·ness noun

roam
v. intransitive verb
1 : to go from place to place without purpose or direction : WANDER
2 : to travel purposefully unhindered through a wide area <cattle roaming in search of water>
3 : to use a cellular phone outside one's local calling area <roaming charges>
transitive verb : to range or wander over
synonyms see WANDER
–roam noun
–roam·er noun

roan
adj. : having the base color (as red, black, or brown) muted and lightened by admixture of white hairs <a roan horse> <a roan calf>

roan
adj. 1 : an animal (as a horse) with a roan coat ― usually used of a red roan when unqualified
2 : the color of a roan horse ― used especially when the base color is red

roan
adj. : sheepskin tanned with sumac and colored and finished to imitate morocco

Roanoke
1 river 380 mi (612 km) S Va. & NE N.C. flowing E & SE into Albemarle Sound
2 city W cen Va. pop 94,911

Roanoke Island
island N.C. S of entrance to Albemarle Sound

roar
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to utter or emit a full loud prolonged sound b : to sing or shout with full force
2 a : to make or emit a loud confused sound (as background reverberation or rumbling) b : to laugh loudly
3 a : to be boisterous or disorderly b : to proceed or rush with great noise or commotion
4 : to make a loud noise during inhalation (as that of a horse affected with roaring)
transitive verb
1 : to utter or proclaim with a roar
2 : to cause to roar

roar
n. 1 : the deep cry of a wild animal (as a lion)
2 : a loud deep cry (as of pain or anger)
3 : a loud continuous confused sound <the roar of the crowd>
4 : a boisterous outcry

roar
n. rip roaring
roaring boy
roaring forties

roarer
n. 1 : one that roars
2 : a horse subject to roaring

roaring
n. 1 : making or characterized by a sound resembling a roar : LOUD <roaring applause>
2 : marked by prosperity especially of a temporary nature : BOOMING
3 : great in intensity or degree <in the roaring heat> <a roaring success>
–roar·ing·ly adverb

roaring
n. : EXTREMELY <was roaring hungry ― Herman Wouk>

roaring
n. : noisy inhalation in a horse especially upon exercising that is caused by paralysis and muscular atrophy of part of the larynx

roaring
n. rip roaring
roaring boy
roaring forties

roaring boy
: a noisy street bully especially of Elizabethan and Jacobean England who intimidated passersby

roaring forties
: a tract of ocean between roughly 40 and 50 degrees latitude south characterized by strong westerly winds and rough seas also : these winds

roast
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cook by exposing to dry heat (as in an oven or before a fire) or by surrounding with hot embers, sand, or stones <roast a potato in ashes> b : to dry and parch by exposure to heat <roast coffee beans>
2 : to heat (inorganic material) with access of air and without fusing to effect change (as expulsion of volatile matter, oxidation, or removal of sulfur from sulfide ores)
3 : to heat to excess <roasted by the summer sun>
4 : to subject to severe criticism or ridicule <films have been roasted by most critics ― H. J. Seldes>
5 : to honor (a person) at a roast
intransitive verb
1 : to cook food by heat
2 : to undergo being roasted

roast
n. 1 : a piece of meat suitable for roasting
2 : a gathering at which food is roasted before an open fire or in hot ashes or sand
3 : an act or process of roasting specifically : severe banter or criticism
4 : a banquet honoring a person (as a celebrity) who is subjected to humorous tongue-in-cheek ridicule by friends

roast
n. : that has been roasted <roast beef>

roast
n. crown roast
pot roast
rib roast
roasting ear

roaster
n. 1 : one that roasts
2 : a device for roasting
3 : something adapted to roasting: as a : a suckling pig b : a bird fit for roasting especially : a young chicken larger than a broiler

roasting ear
1 : an ear of young corn roasted or suitable for roasting usually in the husk
2 chiefly Southern & Midland : an ear of corn suitable for boiling or steaming

rob
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to take something away from by force : steal from (2) : to take personal property from by violence or threat b (1) : to remove valuables without right from (a place) (2) : to take the contents of (a receptacle) c : to take away as loot : STEAL <rob jewelry>
2 a : to deprive of something due, expected, or desired b : to withhold unjustly or injuriously
intransitive verb : to commit robbery
–rob·ber noun
usage Sense vt 1c, in which the direct object is the thing stolen, is sometimes considered to be wrong, or perhaps archaic. The sense has been in use since the 13th century and is found in earlier literature <contrive to rob the honey and subvert the hive ― John Dryden>. It is still in use though not as common as other senses <then robbed $100 after the clerk fled ― Springfield (Mass.) Morning Union>.

rob
v. Rob Roy
robber baron
robber fly

Rob Roy
: a manhattan made with Scotch whisky

robalo
: SNOOK 1

roband
: a piece of spun yarn or marline used to fasten the head of a sail to a spar

Robbe-Grillet
Alain 1922-     Fr. writer

robber baron
1 : an American capitalist of the latter part of the 19th century who became wealthy through exploitation (as of natural resources, governmental influence, or low wage scales)
2 : a business owner or executive who acquires wealth through ethically questionable tactics

robber fly
: any of a family (Asilidae) of predaceous dipteran flies including some resembling bumblebees

robbery
n. : the act or practice of robbing specifically : larceny from the person or presence of another by violence or threat

Robbia, della
Luca ― see DELLA ROBBIA

Robbins
n. Jerome 1918-1998 American dancer & choreographer

robe
n. 1 a : a long flowing outer garment especially : one used for ceremonial occasions or as a symbol of office or profession b : a loose garment (as a bathrobe) for informal wear especially at home
2 : COVERING, MANTLE <peaks on the axis of the range in their robes of snow and light ― John Muir>
3 : a covering of pelts or fabric for the lower body used while driving or at outdoor events

robe
n. transitive verb : to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe
intransitive verb
1 : to put on a robe
2 : DRESS

robe
n. lap robe
robe de chambre
robes de chambre

robe de chambre
: DRESSING GOWN

Robert
n. d 1035 the Devil Duke of Normandy (1027-35) father of William the Conqueror

Robert
n. 1274-1329 the Bruce \'brüs\ king of Scotland (1306-1329)

Robert
n. Robert I
herb Robert
Robert Guiscard

Robert Guiscard
ca 1015-1085 Robert de Hauteville Norman mil. leader

Roberts
n. Sir Charles George Douglas 1860-1943 Canad. poet

Roberts
n. Frederick Sleigh 1832-1914 1st Earl Roberts Brit. field marshal

Roberts
n. Kenneth 1885-1957 American nov.

Roberts
n. Owen Josephus 1875-1955 American jurist

Roberts
n. Richard John 1943-     American (Brit.-born) biol.

Roberts, Point
cape NW Wash. at the tip of a peninsula extending S into Strait of Georgia from B.C. & separated from U.S. mainland by Boundary Bay

Robertson
n. William 1721-1793 Scot. hist.

Robeson
Paul Bustill 1898-1976 American actor & singer

Robespierre
Maximilien (-François-Marie-Isidore) de 1758-1794 Fr. revolutionary

robin
n. 1 a : a small chiefly European thrush (Erithacus rubecula) resembling a warbler and having a brownish-olive back and orangish face and breast b : any of various Old World songbirds that are related to or resemble the European robin
2 : a large No. American thrush (Turdus migratorius) with olivaceous to slate-gray upperparts, blackish head and tail, black and whitish streaked throat, and dull reddish breast and underparts

robin
n. ragged robin
Robin Goodfellow
Robin Hood
robin redbreast
round robin
sea robin
wake robin
Warner Robins

Robin Goodfellow
: a mischievous sprite in English folklore

Robin Hood
: a person or group likened to a heroic outlaw especially : one that robs the rich and gives to the poor

robin redbreast
: ROBIN

Robinson
n. Edwin Arlington 1869-1935 American poet

Robinson
n. George Frederick Samuel 1827-1909 1st Marquis & 2d Earl of Ripon Brit. statesman

Robinson
n. Jackie 1919-1972 Jack Roosevelt Robinson American baseball player

Robinson
n. James Harvey 1863-1936 American hist.

Robinson
n. Sir Robert 1886-1975 Eng. chem.

Robinson Crusoe
: a shipwrecked sailor in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe who lives for many years on a desert island

Robinson projection
: a compromise map projection showing the poles as lines rather than points and more accurately portraying high latitude lands and water to land ratio

roble
: any of several oaks of California and Mexico

robot
n. 1 a : a machine that looks like a human being and performs various complex acts (as walking or talking) of a human being also : a similar but fictional machine whose lack of capacity for human emotions is often emphasized b : an efficient insensitive person who functions automatically
2 : a device that automatically performs complicated often repetitive tasks
3 : a mechanism guided by automatic controls
–ro·bot·ism \'rō-ˌbä-ˌti-zəm, -bə-\ noun

robotic
adj. 1 : of or relating to mechanical robots
2 : having the characteristics of a robot <performs with robotic consistency>
–ro·bot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

robotics
n. : technology dealing with the design, construction, and operation of robots in automation
–ro·bot·i·cist \-tə-sist\ noun

robotization
n. 1 : AUTOMATION
2 : the process of turning a human being into a robot

robotize
v. 1 : to make automatic : equip with robots
2 : to turn (a human being) into a robot

Robson, Mount
mountain 12,972 ft (3954 m) W Canada in E B.C.; highest in Canadian Rockies

robust
adj. 1 a : having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health b : having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness <a robust debate> <a robust faith> c : strongly formed or constructed : STURDY <a robust plastic> d : capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions <robust software>
2 : ROUGH, RUDE <stories⋯laden with robust, down-home imagery ― Playboy>
3 : requiring strength or vigor <robust work>
4 : FULL-BODIED <robust coffee> also : HEARTY <a robust dinner>
5 : of, relating to, resembling, or being a relatively large, heavyset australopithecine (esp. Australopithecus robustus and A. boisei) characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet ― compare GRACILE 3
synonyms see HEALTHY
–ro·bust·ly adverb
–ro·bust·ness \-'bəs(t)-nəs, -(ˌ)bəs(t)-\ noun

robusta
n. 1 : a hardy shrub or tree (Coffea canephora) that is indigenous to central Africa but has been introduced elsewhere (as in Java) and yields seeds that form a usually lower quality coffee of commerce than that of arabica
2 : the seeds of robusta especially roasted and often ground

robustious
adj. 1 : ROBUST
2 : vigorous in a rough or unrefined way : BOISTEROUS
–ro·bus·tious·ly adverb
–ro·bus·tious·ness noun

ROC
n. Republic of China (Taiwan)

roc
n. : a legendary bird of great size and strength believed to inhabit the Indian Ocean area

Roca, Cape
cape Portugal; westernmost point of continental Europe, at 9°30′W

rocaille
n. 1 : a style of ornament developed in the 18th century and characterized by sinuous foliate forms
2 : ROCOCO

Rochambeau
Comte de 1725-1807 Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur Fr. field marshal

Rochdale
town NW England in Greater Manchester NNE of Manchester pop 92,704

Roche
Roche limit
roche moutonnee
roche moutonnée

Roche limit
: the distance from a planet's center within which a satellite can neither approach nor reside without becoming disrupted by tidal forces

roche moutonnee
: an elongate rounded ice-sculptured hillock of bedrock

Rochefort
city W France SSE of La Rochelle pop 25,775

Rochelle
n. Rochelle salt
La Rochelle
New Rochelle

Rochelle salt
: a crystalline salt KNaC_4H_4O_6·4H_2O that is a mild purgative

Rochester
n. 1 city SE Minn. pop 85,806
2 city SE N.H. pop 28,461
3 city W N.Y. on the Genesee pop 219,773
4 city SE England in Kent pop 52,505

Rochester Hills
city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 68,825

rochet
n. : a white linen vestment resembling a surplice with close-fitting sleeves worn especially by bishops and privileged prelates

Rock
n. river 300 mi (483 km) S Wis. & N Ill. flowing S & SW into the Mississippi at Rock Island

rock
n. transitive verb
1 : to move back and forth in or as if in a cradle
2 a : to cause to sway back and forth <a boat rocked by the waves> b (1) : to cause to shake violently (2) : to daze with or as if with a vigorous blow <a hard right rocked the contender> (3) : to astonish or disturb greatly <the scandal rocked the community>
3 : to rouse to excitement (as by performing rock music) <rocked the crowd>
intransitive verb
1 : to become moved backward and forward under often violent impact also : to move gently back and forth
2 : to move forward at a steady pace also : to move forward at a high speed <the train rocked through the countryside>
3 : to sing, dance to, or play rock music
4 slang : to be extremely enjoyable, pleasing, or effective <her new car rocks>
synonyms see SHAKE
–rock the boat : to do something that disturbs the equilibrium of a situation

rock
n. 1 : a rocking movement
2 : popular music usually played on electronically amplified instruments and characterized by a persistent heavily accented beat, repetition of simple phrases, and often country, folk, and blues elements

rock
n. 1 : DISTAFF
2 : the wool or flax on a distaff

rock
n. 1 : a large mass of stone forming a cliff, promontory, or peak
2 : a concreted mass of stony material also : broken pieces of such masses
3 : consolidated or unconsolidated solid mineral matter also : a particular mass of it
4 a : something like a rock in firmness: (1) : FOUNDATION, SUPPORT (2) : REFUGE <a rock of independent thought⋯in an ocean of parochialism ― Thomas Molnar> b : something that threatens or causes disaster ― often used in plural
5 a : a flavored stick candy with color running through b : ROCK CANDY 1
6 slang a : GEM b : DIAMOND
7 a : a small crystallized mass of crack cocaine b : CRACK 9
8 : the ball used in basketball
–rock adjective
–rock·like \'räk-ˌlīk\ adjective
–between a rock and a hard place also between the rock and the hard place : in a difficult or uncomfortable position with no attractive way out
–on the rocks
1 : in or into a state of destruction or wreckage <their marriage is on the rocks>
2 : on ice cubes <bourbon on the rocks>

rock
n. rock rabbit
between the rock and the hard place
acid rock
alt rock
art rock
country rock
glitter rock
hard rock
jazz rock
phosphate rock
Plymouth Rock
punk rock
rock the boat
between a rock and a hard place
rock and roll
rock 'n' roll
rock and roller
rock 'n' roller
rock bass
rock bottom
rock brake
rock candy
rock climbing
rock climber
rock climb
rock cod
Rock Cornish hen
Rock Cornish game hen
Rock Cornish
rock crystal
rock dove
rock pigeon
rock garden
rock hind
rock hound
rock lobster
rock maple
rock oil
rock ribbed
rock salt
rock shrimp
rock tripe
rock wallaby
rock wool
soft rock
wall rock
Ayers Rock
Gibraltar Rock of
Little Rock
North Little Rock
Rock Hill
Rock Island
Round Rock
Ship Rock
on the rocks
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks
rocking chair
rocking horse

rock 'n' roll
variant of rock and roll, rock and roller

rock and roll
: 2ROCK 2
–rock-and-roll or rock 'n' roll adjective

rock and roller
: ROCKER 3

rock bass
: a brown spotted sunfish (Ambloplites rupestris) found especially in the upper Mississippi River valley and Great Lakes region

rock bottom
: the lowest or most fundamental part or level

rock brake
: any of several ferns that grow chiefly on or among rocks

rock candy
1 : boiled sugar crystallized in large masses on string
2 : 4ROCK 5A

rock climbing
: mountain climbing on rocky cliffs
–rock climb intransitive verb
–rock climber noun

rock cod
: ROCKFISH A

Rock Cornish hen
: a crossbred domestic chicken produced by interbreeding Cornish and white Plymouth Rock chickens and used especially for small roasters ― called also Rock Cornish Rock Cornish game hen

rock crystal
: CRYSTAL 1

rock dove
: a bluish-gray dove (Columba livia) that is indigenous to Eurasia but has been widely established elsewhere including most of No. America and that is the ancestor of many domesticated pigeons and of the feral pigeons found in cities and towns throughout most of the world ― called also rock pigeon

rock garden
: a garden laid out among rocks or decorated with rocks and adapted for the growth of particular kinds of plants (as alpines)

Rock Hill
city N S.C. SSW of Charlotte, N.C. pop 49,765

rock hind
: a red-spotted tan to olive-brown grouper (Epinephelus adscensionis) of the western Atlantic especially from Massachusetts to southeastern Brazil

rock hound
1 : a specialist in geology
2 : an amateur rock and mineral collector
–rock·hound·ing \'räk-ˌhau̇n-diŋ\ noun

Rock Island
city NW Ill. on the Mississippi pop 39,684

rock lobster
: SPINY LOBSTER

rock maple
: SUGAR MAPLE 1

rock oil
: PETROLEUM

rock pigeon
: ROCK DOVE

rock rabbit
1 : HYRAX
2 : PIKA

rock salt
: common salt occurring in solid form as a mineral also : salt artificially prepared in large crystals or masses

rock shrimp
: any of several hard-shelled warm-water shrimp (genus Sicyonia, especially S. brevirostris) that are harvested chiefly in the Gulf of Mexico and widely sold as food

rock the boat
to do something that disturbs the equilibrium of a situation

rock tripe
: any of various dark leathery umbilicate foliose lichens (as of the genus Umbilicaria) that are widely distributed on rocks in boreal and alpine areas and are sometimes used as food

rock wallaby
: any of various medium-sized kangaroos (genus Petrogale) having a gray or brown coat usually with distinctive markings

rock wool
: mineral wool made by blowing a jet of steam through molten rock (as limestone or siliceous rock) or through slag and used chiefly for heat and sound insulation

rock-bottom
: being the very lowest <rock-bottom prices> also : FUNDAMENTAL <the rock-bottom question>

rock-ribbed
1 : 1ROCKY 1
2 : firm and inflexible in doctrine or integrity <a rock-ribbed conservative community ― John Hale>

rockabilly
n. : popular music marked by features of rock and country music

Rockall
islet N. Atlantic NW of Ireland

rockaway
: a light low four-wheel carriage with a fixed top and open sides

rockbound
: fringed, surrounded, or covered with rocks : ROCKY

Rockefeller
n. John Davison 1839-1937 & his son John Davison, Jr. 1874-1960 American oil magnates & philanthropists

Rockefeller
n. Nelson Aldrich 1908-1979 grandson & son of prec. American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1974-77)

rocker
n. 1 a : either of two curving pieces of wood or metal on which an object (as a cradle) rocks b : any of various objects (as a rocking chair or an infant's toy having a seat placed between side pieces) that rock on rockers c : any of various objects in the form of a rocker or with parts resembling a rocker (as a skate with a curved blade) d (1) : any of the curved stripes at the lower part of a chevron worn by a noncommissioned officer above the rank of sergeant (2) : the curved stripe at the upper part of a chevron worn by a chief petty officer
2 : any of various devices that work with a rocking motion
3 : a rock performer, song, or enthusiast
–off one's rocker : in a state of extreme confusion or insanity <went off her rocker, and had to be put away ― Mervyn Wall>

rocker
n. alt rocker
art rocker
Boston rocker
platform rocker
punk rocker
off one's rocker
rocker arm
rocker panel

rocker arm
: a center-pivoted lever actuated by a cam to push an automotive engine valve down

rocker panel
: the portion of the body paneling of a vehicle that is situated below the doorsills of the passenger compartment

rockery
n. chiefly British : ROCK GARDEN

rocket
n. : any of several plants of the mustard family: as a : ARUGULA b : DAME'S ROCKET

rocket
n. 1 a : a firework consisting of a case partly filled with a combustible composition fastened to a guiding stick and propelled through the air by the rearward discharge of the gases liberated by combustion b : a similar device used as an incendiary weapon or as a propelling unit (as for a lifesaving line)
2 : a jet engine that operates on the same principle as the firework rocket, consists essentially of a combustion chamber and an exhaust nozzle, carries either liquid or solid propellants which provide the fuel and oxygen needed for combustion and thus make the engine independent of the oxygen of the air, and is used especially for the propulsion of a missile (as a bomb or shell) or a vehicle (as an airplane)
3 : a rocket-propelled bomb, missile, projectile, or vehicle

rocket
n. : to convey or propel by means of or as if by a rocket
intransitive verb
1 : to rise up swiftly, spectacularly, and with force <rocketed to the top of the list>
2 : to travel rapidly in or as if in a rocket

rocket
n. garden rocket
dame's rocket
retro rocket
rocket plane
rocket ship
rocket sled
sounding rocket
wall rocket

rocket plane
: an airplane propelled by rockets

rocket ship
: a rocket-propelled spaceship

rocket sled
: a rocket-propelled vehicle that runs usually on a single rail and that is used especially in aeronautical experimentation

rocketeer
n. 1 : one who fires, pilots, or rides in a rocket
2 : a scientist who specializes in rocketry

rocketry
n. : the study of, experimentation with, or use of rockets

rockfall
n. : a mass of falling or fallen rocks

rockfish
n. : any of various fishes that live among rocks or on rocky bottoms: as a : any of a genus (Sebastes) of scorpaenid fishes including many important food fishes b : STRIPED BASS c : any of several groupers

Rockford
city N Ill. NW of Chicago pop 150,115

Rockhampton
city & port E Australia in E Queensland on Fitzroy River pop 61,631

rockhopper
n. : a small penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) with a short thick bill and a yellow crest

rockiness
n. : the quality or state of being rocky

rocking chair
: a chair mounted on rockers

rocking horse
: a toy horse mounted on rockers ― called also hobbyhorse

Rockingham
2d Marquis of 1730-1782 Charles Watson-Wentworth Eng. statesman

Rocklin
city E Calif. NE of Sacramento pop 36,330

rockling
n. : any of several small rather elongate marine bony fishes (esp. genera Enchelyopus and Gaidropsarus) of the cod family

Rockne
Knute \'nüt\ Kenneth 1888-1931 American (Norw.-born) football coach

rockrose
n. : any of a genus (Cistus of the family Cistaceae, the rockrose family) of shrubs or woody herbs of the Mediterranean region with simple entire leaves, roselike flowers, and a capsular fruit

rockshaft
: a shaft that oscillates on its journals instead of revolving

Rockville
city SW Md. pop 47,388

Rockville Centre
village SE N.Y. in W cen Long Is. pop 24,568

rockweed
: any of various coarse brown algae (order Fucales, especially genera Fucus, Ascophyllum, and Sargassum) growing in marine environments free-floating or attached to rocks

Rockwell
n. Norman 1894-1978 American illustrator
–Rock·well·ian \ˌräk-'we-lē-ən\ adjective

rocky
adj. 1 : abounding in or consisting of rocks
2 : difficult to impress or affect : INSENSITIVE
3 : firmly held : STEADFAST

rocky
adj. 1 : UNSTABLE, WOBBLY
2 : physically upset or mentally confused (as from drinking excessively)
3 : marked by obstacles or problems : DIFFICULT, ROUGH <a financially rocky year ― Michael Murray>

rocky
adj. Rocky Mountain sheep
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mount
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mount
city NE cen N.C. pop 55,893

Rocky Mountain National Park
n. reservation N Colo.

Rocky Mountain sheep
: BIGHORN SHEEP

Rocky Mountain spotted fever
: an acute disease that is characterized by chills, fever, prostration, pains in muscles and joints, and a red to purple eruption and that is caused by a rickettsia (Rickettsia rickettsii) usually transmitted by an ixodid tick and especially either the American dog tick or a wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni)

Rocky Mountains
mountains W N. America extending from N Alaska SE to N.Mex. ― see ELBERT (Mount) ROBSON (Mount)

rococo
adj. : rococo work or style

rococo
adj. 1 a : of or relating to an artistic style especially of the 18th century characterized by fanciful curved asymmetrical forms and elaborate ornamentation b : of or relating to an 18th century musical style marked by light gay ornamentation and departure from thorough-bass and polyphony
2 : excessively ornate or intricate

rod
n. 1 a (1) : a straight slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or bush (2) : OSIER (3) : a stick or bundle of twigs used to punish also : PUNISHMENT (4) : a shepherd's cudgel (5) : a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing b (1) : a slender bar (as of wood or metal) (2) : a bar or staff for measuring (3) : SCEPTER also : a wand or staff carried as a badge of office (as of marshal)
2 a : a unit of length ― see WEIGHT table b : a square rod
3 : any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light ― compare CONE 3a
4 : a rod-shaped bacterium
5 slang : HANDGUN
–rod·less \-ləs\ adjective
–rod·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

rod
n. pontil rod
Black Rod
connecting rod
Cuisenaire rod
divining rod
dowsing rod
fly rod
hot rod
leveling rod
lightning rod
piston rod
spinning rod
tie rod
traverse rod
withe rod

Rodbell
Martin 1925-1998 American biochem.

Rode
v. Hel·ge \'hel-gə\ 1870-1937 Dan. poet

rode
v. past and chiefly dialect past part of ride

rode
v. : a line (as of rope or chain) used to attach an anchor to a boat

rodent
n. 1 : any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (as a mouse, squirrel, or beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge
2 : a small mammal (as a rabbit or a shrew) other than a true rodent
–rodent adjective

rodent ulcer
: a chronic persisting ulcer of the exposed skin and especially of the face that is destructive locally, spreads slowly, and is usually a carcinoma derived from basal cells

rodenticide
n. : an agent that kills, repels, or controls rodents

rodeo
n. 1 : ROUNDUP
2 a : a public performance featuring bronco riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and Brahma bull riding b : a contest resembling a rodeo

rodeo
n. : to participate in a rodeo

Rodgers
Richard 1902-1979 American composer

Rodhos
n. ― see RHODES

Rodin
n. (François-) Auguste (-René) 1840-1917 Fr. sculptor
–Ro·din·esque \ˌrō-ˌda-'nesk\ adjective

rodman
: a surveyor's assistant who holds the leveling rod

Rodney
n. George Bryd·ges \'bri-jəz\ 1718-1792 1st Baron Rodney Eng. admiral

rodomontade
n. 1 : a bragging speech
2 : vain boasting or bluster : RANT

Rodrigues
island Indian Ocean in the Mascarenes area 40 sq mi (104 sq km), pop 36,175; a dependency of Mauritius

roe
n. : DOE

roe
n. 1 : the eggs of a fish especially when still enclosed in the ovarian membrane
2 : the eggs or ovaries of an invertebrate (as the coral of a lobster)

roe deer
: either of two small European or Asian deer (Capreolus capreolus and C. pygarus) that have short erect antlers forked at the summit, are reddish-brown in summer and grayish in winter, have a white rump patch, and are noted for their nimbleness and grace

Roebling
John Augustus 1806-1869 American (Ger.-born) civil engineer

roebuck
n. : ROE DEER especially : the male roe deer

Roentgen
n. ― see RÖNTGEN

roentgen
n. : of or relating to X-rays <roentgen examinations>

roentgen
n. : the international unit of x-radiation or gamma radiation equal to the amount of radiation that produces in one cubic centimeter of dry air at 0°C and standard atmospheric pressure ionization of either sign equal to one electrostatic unit of charge

roentgen ray
: X-RAY

roentgenogram
n. : RADIOGRAPH

roentgenography
n. : RADIOGRAPHY
–roent·gen·o·graph·ic \-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–roent·gen·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

roentgenology
: RADIOLOGY
–roent·gen·o·log·ic \-nə-'lä-jik\ or roent·gen·o·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–roent·gen·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–roent·gen·ol·o·gist \-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Roerich
Nikolay Konstantinovich 1874-1947 Russ. painter

Roethke
Theodore 1908-1963 American poet

rogation
n. 1 : LITANY, SUPPLICATION
2 : the religious observance of the Rogation Days ― often used in plural

Rogation Day
: any of the days of prayer especially for the harvest observed on the three days before Ascension Day and by Roman Catholics also on April 25

roger
n. ― used especially in radio and signaling to indicate that a message has been received and understood
–roger transitive verb

Rogers
n. Bruce 1870-1957 American printer & book designer

Rogers
n. Carl Ranson 1902-1987 American psychol.

Rogers
n. Henry Hut·tle·ston \'hə-təl-stən\ 1840-1909 American financier

Rogers
n. Robert 1731-1795 American frontiersman

Rogers
n. William Penn Adair 1879-1935 Will Rogers American actor & humorist

Rogers
n. city NW Ark. pop 38,829

Rogers Pass
mountain pass Canada in SE B.C. in Selkirk Mountains

Roget
n. Peter Mark 1779-1869 Eng. physician & scholar

Rogue
n. river ab 200 mi (320 km) SW Oreg. rising in Crater Lake National Park & flowing W & SW into the Pacific

rogue
n. 1 : VAGRANT, TRAMP
2 : a dishonest or worthless person : SCOUNDREL
3 : a mischievous person : SCAMP
4 : a horse inclined to shirk or misbehave
5 : an individual exhibiting a chance and usually inferior biological variation
–rogu·ish \'rō-gish\ adjective
–rogu·ish·ly adverb
–rogu·ish·ness noun

rogue
n. : to weed out inferior, diseased, or nontypical individuals from a crop plant or a field

rogue
n. 1 : resembling or suggesting a rogue elephant especially in being isolated, aberrant, dangerous, or uncontrollable <capsized by a rogue wave>
2 : CORRUPT, DISHONEST <rogue cops>
3 : of or being a nation whose leaders defy international law or norms of international behavior <rogue states>

rogue elephant
1 : a vicious elephant that separates from the herd and roams alone
2 : one whose behavior resembles that of a rogue elephant in being aberrant or independent

roguery
n. 1 : an act or behavior characteristic of a rogue
2 : mischievous play

rogues' gallery
: a collection of pictures of persons arrested as criminals also : a collection or list likened to a rogues' gallery <a rogues' gallery of infectious diseases>

Roh Moo Hyun
1946-     pres. of So. Korea (2003-  )

Roh Tae Woo
1932-     pres. of So. Korea (1988-93)

Rohilkhand
region N India in Uttar Pradesh; chief city Bareilly

Rohnert Park
city W Calif. S of Santa Rosa pop 42,236

Rohrer
Heinrich 1933-     Swiss physicist

ROI
return on investment

ROI
Choisy le Roi
le roi est mort vive le roi
le roi le veut
le roi s'avisera
plus royaliste que le roi
vive le roi

roil
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make turbid by stirring up the sediment or dregs of b : to stir up : DISTURB, DISORDER <changes that have roiled the country>
2 : RILE 1
intransitive verb : to move turbulently <a roiling sea> : be in a state of turbulence or agitation <conflicting emotions roiling inside her>

roily
adj. 1 : full of sediment or dregs : MUDDY
2 : TURBULENT <roily waters>

roister
v. archaic : one that roisters : ROISTERER

roister
: to engage in noisy revelry : CAROUSE
–rois·ter·er \-stər-ər\ noun
–rois·ter·ous \-st(ə-)rəs\ adjective
–rois·ter·ous·ly adverb

ROK
Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Rokossovsky
Konstantin Konstantinovich 1896-1968 marshal of Soviet Union

Roland
n. : a stalwart defender of the Christians against the Saracens in the Charlemagne legends who is killed at Roncesvalles

role
n. 1 a (1) : a character assigned or assumed <had to take on the role of both father and mother> (2) : a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society b : a part played by an actor or singer
2 : a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process <played a major role in the negotiations>

role model
: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others

role-play
1 : to act out the role of <role-play a shy person>
2 : to represent in action <students were asked to role-play the thoughts and feelings of each character ― R. G. Lambert>
intransitive verb : to play a role

rolf
n. : to practice Rolfing on
–rolf·er \'rȯl-fər also 'rȯ-\ noun often cap

Rolfe
John 1585-1622 Eng. colonist

Rolfing
n. ― used for a system of muscle massage intended to serve as both physical and emotional therapy

roll
n. 1 a (1) : a written document that may be rolled up : SCROLL specifically : a document containing an official or formal record <the rolls of parliament> (2) : a manuscript book b : a list of names or related items : CATALOG c : an official list <the voter rolls>: as (1) : MUSTER ROLL (2) : a list of members of a school or class or of members of a legislative body
2 : something that is rolled up into a cylinder or ball or rounded as if rolled <rolls of fat>: as a : a quantity (as of fabric or paper) rolled up to form a single package b : a hairdo in which some or all of the hair is rolled or curled up or under c : any of various food preparations rolled up for cooking or serving <cabbage rolls> especially : a small piece of baked yeast dough d : a cylindrical twist of tobacco e : a roll of paper on which music for a player piano is recorded in perforations which actuate the keys f : a flexible case (as of leather) in which aritcles may be rolled and fastened by straps or clasps <jewelry roll> g (1) : paper money folded or rolled into a wad (2) slang : BANKROLL
3 : something that performs a rolling action or movement : ROLLER
4 : a wheel for making decorative lines on book covers also : a design impressed by such a tool

roll
n. transitive verb
1 a : to impel forward by causing to turn over and over on a surface b : to cause to revolve by turning over and over on or as if on an axis c : to cause to move in a circular manner <they rolled their eyes at the absurdity> d : to form into a mass by turning over and over e : to impel forward with an easy continuous motion f : to cause to move in a given direction by or as if by turning a crank <rolled down the window>
2 a : to put a wrapping around : ENFOLD, ENVELOP b : to wrap round on itself : shape into a ball or roll <rolled up the newspaper> also : to produce by such shaping <rolled his own cigarettes>
3 : to press, spread, or level with a roller : make smooth, even, or compact <hulled and rolled oats> <roll paint> ― often used with out <rolled out the dough>
4 a : to move on rollers or wheels <rolled the patient into the operating room> b : to cause to begin operating or moving <roll the cameras>
5 a : to sound with a full reverberating tone <rolled out the words> b : to make a continuous beating sound upon : sound a roll upon <rolled their drums> c : to utter with a trill <rolled his r's> d : to play (a chord) in arpeggio style
6 : to combine so as to comprise one entity ― usually used in the phrase rolled into one <a shopping center, amusement park, and nightclub all rolled into one>
7 : to rob (a drunk, sleeping, or unconscious person) usually by going through the pockets broadly : ROB
8 : BOWL 1
intransitive verb
1 a : to move along a surface by rotation without sliding b (1) : to turn over and over <the children rolled in the grass> (2) : to luxuriate in an abundant supply : WALLOW <fairly rolling in money>
2 a : to move onward or around as if by completing a revolution : ELAPSE, PASS <the months roll on> b : to shift the gaze continually <eyes rolling in terror> c : to revolve on an axis
3 : to move about : ROAM, WANDER
4 a : to go forward in an easy, gentle, or undulating manner <the waves rolled in> b : to flow in a continuous stream : POUR <money was rolling in> c : to flow as part of a stream of words or sounds <the names roll off your tongue> d : to have an undulating contour <rolling prairie> e : to lie extended : STRETCH
5 a : to travel in a vehicle <rolling north on the highway> b : to become carried on a stream c : to move on wheels
6 a : to make a deep reverberating sound <the thunder rolls> b : TRILL
7 a : to swing from side to side <the ship heaved and rolled> b : to walk with a swinging gait : SWAY
8 a : to take the form of a cylinder or ball b : to respond to rolling in a specified way
9 a : to get under way : begin to move or operate b : to move forward : develop and maintain impetus <the project finally got rolling> especially : to proceed or progress with notable ease or success <the team was rolling>
10 : to execute a somersault
11 of a football quarterback : to run toward one flank usually parallel to the line of scrimmage especially before throwing a pass ― often used with out
–roll the bones : to shoot craps
–roll the dice : to assume a risk by taking action <rolled the dice when they bought those stocks>
–roll with the punches
1 : to move so as to lessen the impact of blows
2 : to adjust to things as they happen

roll
n. 1 a : a sound produced by rapid strokes on a drum b : a sonorous and often rhythmical flow of speech c : a heavy reverberatory sound <the roll of cannon>
2 : a rolling movement or an action or process involving such movement <a roll of the dice> <an airplane's takeoff roll>: as a : a swaying movement of the body b : a side-to-side movement (as of a ship or train) c (1) : a flight maneuver in which a complete revolution about the longitudinal axis of an airplane is made with the horizontal direction of flight being approximately maintained (2) : the motion of an aircraft or spacecraft about its longitudinal axis d : a somersault executed in contact with the ground
–on a roll : in the midst of a series of successes : on a hot streak ― sometimes used with a modifier <has been on a brilliant roll>

roll
n. anti roll bar
barrel roll
coffee roll
Dutch roll
egg roll
honor roll
jelly roll
kaiser roll
leaf roll
muster roll
pick and roll
rock and roll
rock 'n' roll
roll with the punches
roll the dice
roll the bones
on a roll
roll back
roll bar
roll cage
roll call
roll film
roll neck
roll necked
roll off
roll out
roll over
roll over arm
roll up
snap roll
spring roll
high rolling
rolling hitch
rolling mill
rolling pin
rolling stock
Rolling Meadows

roll back
1 : to reduce (as a commodity price) to or toward a previous level on a national scale
2 : to cause to retreat or withdraw : push back
3 : RESCIND <attempted to roll back antipollution standards>

roll bar
: an overhead metal bar on an automobile that is designed to protect the occupant in case of a rollover

roll cage
: a protective framework of metal bars encasing the driver of a vehicle (as a racing car)

roll call
1 : the act or an instance of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance) also : a time for a roll call
2 : 8LIST

roll film
: a strip of film for still camera use wound on a spool

roll out
: to get out of bed
transitive verb : to introduce (as a new product) especially for widespread sale to the public

roll over
1 a : to defer payment of (an obligation) b : to renegotiate the terms of (a financial agreement)
2 : to place (invested funds) in a new investment of the same kind <roll over IRA funds>

roll the bones
to shoot craps

roll the dice
to assume a risk by taking action <rolled the dice when they bought those stocks>

roll up
: to increase or acquire by successive accumulations : ACCUMULATE <rolled up a large majority>
intransitive verb
1 : to become larger by successive accumulations
2 : to arrive in a vehicle

roll with the punches

1 : to move so as to lessen the impact of blows
2 : to adjust to things as they happen

roll-neck
British : TURTLENECK
–roll-necked \-ˌnekt\ adjective

roll-off
: a play-off match in bowling

roll-over arm
: a fully upholstered chair or sofa arm curving outward from the seat

Rolland
Romain 1866-1944 Fr. author

rollback
n. : the act or an instance of rolling back <a government-ordered rollback of gasoline prices>

Rolle's theorem
: a theorem in mathematics: if a curve is continuous, crosses the x-axis at two points, and has a tangent at every point between the two intercepts, its tangent is parallel to the x-axis at some point between the intercepts

roller
n. 1 a : a revolving cylinder over or on which something is moved or which is used to press, shape, spread, or smooth something b : a cylinder or rod on which something (as a shade) is rolled up
2 a : a long heavy ocean wave b : TUMBLER 1B
3 : one that rolls or performs a rolling operation
4 : a slowly rolling ground ball

roller
n. 1 : any of various mostly brightly colored nonpasserine Old World birds (family Coraciidae) that perform rolling aerial dives during courtship displays
2 : a canary having a song in which the notes are soft and run together

roller
n. high roller
Holy Roller
leaf roller
road roller
rock and roller
rock 'n' roller
roller bearing
roller coaster
Roller Derby
roller rink
roller skate
roller skater
roller towel
stone roller

roller bearing
: a bearing in which the journal rotates in peripheral contact with a number of rollers usually contained in a cage

roller coaster
1 : an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) constructed with sharp curves and steep inclines on which cars roll
2 : something resembling a roller coaster especially : behavior, events, or experiences characterized by sudden and extreme changes <an emotional roller coaster>

Roller Derby
― used for an entertainment involving a contest between two roller-skating teams on an oval track

roller rink
: RINK 1C

roller skate
: a shoe with a set of wheels attached for skating over a flat surface also : a metal frame with wheels attached that can be fitted to the sole of a shoe
–roller-skate intransitive verb
–roller skater noun

roller towel
: an endless towel hung from a roller

roller-coaster
: marked by numerous ups and downs <an entertainer's roller-coaster career>

Rollerblade
n. ― used for an in-line skate

rollick
v. : to move or behave in a carefree joyous manner : FROLIC
–rollick noun

rollicking
: boisterously carefree, joyful, or high-spirited <a rollicking adventure film>

rolling hitch
: a hitch knot for fastening a line to a spar or to the standing part of another line that will not slip when the pull is parallel to the spar or line ― see KNOT illustration

Rolling Meadows
city NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 24,604

rolling mill
: an establishment where metal is rolled into plates and bars

rolling pin
: a long cylinder for rolling out dough

rolling stock
: the wheeled vehicles owned and used by a railroad or motor carrier

rollout
n. 1 : the public introduction of a new aircraft broadly : the widespread public introduction of a new product
2 : a football play in which the quarterback rolls to the left or right

rollover
n. 1 : the act or process of rolling over
2 : a motor vehicle accident in which the vehicle overturns

rolltop desk
: a writing desk with a sliding cover often of parallel slats fastened to a flexible backing

Rolvaag
Ole \'ō-lə\ Ed·vart \'ed-ˌvärt\ 1876-1931 American (Norw.-born) educ. & nov.

roly
roly poly
roly poly pudding

roly-poly
: being short and pudgy : ROTUND

roly-poly
1 : a roly-poly person or thing
2 British : a sweet dough spread with a filling, rolled, and baked or steamed ― called also roly-poly pudding

ROM
n. : a usually small computer memory that contains special-purpose information (as a program) which cannot be altered ― compare RAM

Rom
n. : GYPSY 1

Rom
n. 1 Romania
2 Romans

Romagna
district N Italy on the Adriatic comprising the E part of Emilia-Romagna region

Romaic
adj. : the modern Greek vernacular
–Romaic adjective

romaine
n. : a lettuce that belongs to a cultivar of garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and has long crisp leaves and columnar heads ― called also cos lettuce

Romains
Jules 1885-1972 pseud. of Louis-Henri-Jean Farigoule Fr. author

Roman
n. 1 a : a native or resident of Rome b : a citizen of ancient Rome or of the Roman Empire
2 often offensive : ROMAN CATHOLIC
3 not capitalized : roman letters or type

Roman
n. 1 : of or relating to Rome or the people of Rome specifically : characteristic of the ancient Romans <Roman fortitude>
2 a : LATIN 1A b : of or relating to the Latin alphabet
3 not capitalized : of or relating to a type style with upright characters ― compare ITALIC
4 : of or relating to the see of Rome or the Roman Catholic Church
5 : having a semicircular intrados <Roman arch>
6 : having a prominent slightly aquiline bridge <a Roman nose>

roman
n. : a metrical romance

roman
n. Holy Roman Empire
roman a clef
roman à clef
Roman candle
Roman Catholic
Roman Catholicism
Roman collar
roman fleuve
Roman holiday
roman law
Roman numeral
Roman Campagna
romans à clef
romans fleuves

roman a clef
: a novel in which real persons or actual events figure under disguise

Roman Campagna
― see CAMPAGNA DI ROMA

Roman candle
: a cylindrical firework that discharges at intervals balls or stars of fire

Roman Catholic
: a member of the Roman Catholic Church

Roman Catholic
: of, relating to, or being a Christian church having a hierarchy of priests and bishops under the pope, a liturgy centered in the Mass, veneration of the Virgin Mary and saints, clerical celibacy, and a body of dogma including transubstantiation and papal infallibility

Roman Catholicism
: the faith, doctrine, or polity of the Roman Catholic Church

Roman collar
: CLERICAL COLLAR

Roman holiday
1 : a time of debauchery or of sadistic enjoyment
2 : a destructive or tumultuous disturbance : RIOT

roman law
: the legal system of the ancient Romans that includes written and unwritten law, is based on the traditional law and the legislation of the city of Rome, and in form comprises legislation of the assemblies, resolves of the senate, enactments of the emperors, edicts of the praetors, writings of the jurisconsults, and the codes of the later emperors

Roman numeral
: a numeral in a system of notation that is based on the ancient Roman system ― see NUMBER table

roman-fleuve
: a novel in the form of a long usually easygoing chronicle of a social group (as a family or a community)

Romance
n. : of, relating to, or being any of the languages developed from Latin (as Italian, French, and Spanish)

romance
n. 1 a (1) : a medieval tale based on legend, chivalric love and adventure, or the supernatural (2) : a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious (3) : a love story especially in the form of a novel b : a class of such literature
2 : something (as an extravagant story or account) that lacks basis in fact
3 : an emotional attraction or aura belonging to an especially heroic era, adventure, or activity
4 : LOVE AFFAIR
5 capitalized : the Romance languages

romance
n. intransitive verb
1 : to exaggerate or invent detail or incident
2 : to entertain romantic thoughts or ideas
transitive verb
1 : to try to influence or curry favor with especially by lavishing personal attention, gifts, or flattery
2 : to carry on a love affair with

romance
n. : a short instrumental piece in ballad style

romancer
n. 1 : a writer of romance
2 : one that romances

Romanesque
adj. : of or relating to a style of architecture developed in Italy and western Europe between the Roman and the Gothic styles and characterized in its development after 1000 by the use of the round arch and vault, substitution of piers for columns, decorative use of arcades, and profuse ornament
–Romanesque noun

Romania
n. country SE Europe bordering on Black Sea capital Bucharest area 91,699 sq mi (237,500 sq km), pop 21,698,181

Romanian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Romania
2 : the Romance language of the Romanians
–Romanian also Rumanian or Roumanian adjective

Romanic
adj. : ROMANCE
–Romanic noun

romanise
v. British variant of romanize

Romanism
n. often offensive : ROMAN CATHOLICISM

Romanist
n. 1 often offensive : ROMAN CATHOLIC
2 : a specialist in the language, culture, or law of ancient Rome
–Romanist or Ro·man·is·tic \ˌrō-mə-'nis-tik\ adjective

romanize
v. 1 often capitalized : to make Roman in character
2 : to write or print (as a language) in the Latin alphabet <romanize Chinese>
3 capitalized a : to convert to Roman Catholicism b : to give a Roman Catholic character to
–ro·man·i·za·tion \ˌrō-mə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun often cap

Romano
n. : a hard sharp cheese of Italian origin that is often served grated

Romano
n. Giulio ― see GIULIO ROMANO

Romanov
n. Michael 1596-1645 1st czar (1613-45) of Russ. Romanov dynasty (1613-1917)

Romans
n. : a letter on doctrine written by St. Paul to the Christians of Rome and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Romansh
n. : the Rhaeto-Romance dialects spoken in the Grisons, Switzerland

romantic
n. 1 : consisting of or resembling a romance
2 : having no basis in fact : IMAGINARY
3 : impractical in conception or plan : VISIONARY
4 a : marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized b often capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of romanticism c : of or relating to music of the 19th century characterized by an emphasis on subjective emotional qualities and freedom of form also : of or relating to a composer of this music
5 a : having an inclination for romance : responsive to the appeal of what is idealized, heroic, or adventurous b : marked by expressions of love or affection c : conducive to or suitable for lovemaking
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the part of the hero especially in a light comedy
–ro·man·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

romantic
n. 1 : a romantic person, trait, or component
2 capitalized : a romantic writer, artist, or composer

romanticise
v. British variant of romanticize

romanticism
n. 1 often capitalized a (1) : a literary, artistic, and philosophical movement originating in the 18th century, characterized chiefly by a reaction against neoclassicism and an emphasis on the imagination and emotions, and marked especially in English literature by sensibility and the use of autobiographical material, an exaltation of the primitive and the common man, an appreciation of external nature, an interest in the remote, a predilection for melancholy, and the use in poetry of older verse forms (2) : an aspect of romanticism b : adherence to a romantic attitude or style
2 : the quality or state of being romantic
–ro·man·ti·cist \-sist\ noun often cap

romanticize
v. transitive verb : to make romantic : treat as idealized or heroic <romanticize the past>
intransitive verb
1 : to hold romantic ideas
2 : to present details, incidents, or people in a romantic way
–ro·man·ti·ci·za·tion \-ˌman-tə-sə-'zā-shən\ noun

Romany
n. 1 : GYPSY 1
2 : the Indo-Aryan language of the Gypsies
–Romany adjective

romaunt
archaic : ROMANCE 1A(1)

Romberg
n. Sigmund 1887-1951 American (Hung.-born) composer

Romblon
1 islands Philippines in N Visayan Islands in Sibuyan Sea area 524 sq mi (1357 sq km)
2 island in the group

Rome
n. 1 city NW Ga. NW of Atlanta pop 34,980
2 city E cen N.Y. NW of Utica pop 34,950
3 or Italian Ro·ma \'rō-mä\ or ancient Ro·ma \'rō-mə\ city capital of Italy on the Tiber pop 2,655,970
4 the Roman Empire

Rome
n. Rome Beauty
Rome Duchy of
Campagna di Roma

Rome Beauty
: a round red apple that has firm slightly tart flesh and is used especially for baking ― called also Rome

Rome, Duchy of
division of Byzantine Empire 6th to 8th century cen Italy comprising most of modern Lazio; later a province of the Papal States called Patrimony of Saint Pe·ter \'pē-tər\

romeldale
: any of a U.S. breed of sheep yielding a heavy fleece of fine wool and producing a quickly maturing high-grade market lamb

Romeo
n. 1 : the hero of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet who dies for love of Juliet
2 : a male lover

Romeo
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter r

Romford
former municipal borough SE England in Essex, now part of Havering

Romish
adj. usually disparaging : ROMAN CATHOLIC
–Rom·ish·ly adverb usually disparaging
–Rom·ish·ness noun usually disparaging

Rommel
Erwin Johannes Eugen 1891-1944 Ger. field marshal

Romney
: any of a British breed of hardy long-wooled sheep especially adapted to damp or marshy regions and raised for both mutton and wool ― called also Romney Marsh

Romney
George 1734-1802 Eng. painter

romp
n. 1 : one that romps especially : a romping girl or woman
2 a : high-spirited, carefree, and boisterous play b : something suggestive of such play: as (1) : a light fast-paced narrative, dramatic, or musical work usually in a comic mood (2) : an episode of lovemaking
3 : an easy winning pace also : RUNAWAY 3

romp
n. 1 : to run or play in a lively, carefree, or boisterous manner
2 : to move or proceed in a brisk, easy, or playful manner
3 : to win a contest easily

romper
n. 1 : one that romps
2 : JUMPSUIT 2 especially : a jumpsuit for infants ― often used in plural

Romulus
n. : a son of Mars and legendary founder of Rome

Romulus
n. city SE Mich. pop 22,979

Roncesvalles
commune N Spain 5 mi (8 km) from French boundary in the Pyrenees near Pass of Roncesvalles pop 28

rondeau
n. 1 a : a fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds and consisting usually of 13 lines in three stanzas with the opening words of the first line of the first stanza used as an independent refrain after the second and third stanzas b : a poem in this form
2 : a monophonic trouvère song with a 2-part refrain

rondel
n. 1 usually rondelle : a circular object especially : a circular jewel or jeweled ring
2 a usually rondel : a fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds and consisting usually of 14 lines in three stanzas in which the first two lines of the first stanza are repeated as the refrain of the second and third stanzas b : a poem in this form c : RONDEAU 1

rondelet
: a modified rondeau consisting usually of seven lines in which the first line of four syllables is repeated as the third line and as the final line or refrain and the remaining lines are made up of eight syllables each

rondo
n. 1 : an instrumental composition typically with a refrain recurring four times in the tonic and with three couplets in contrasting keys
2 : the musical form of a rondo used especially for a movement in a concerto or sonata

Rondonia
state W Brazil capital Pôrto Velho area 93,839 sq mi (243,043 sq km), pop 1,130,400

rondure
n. 1 : ROUND 1A
2 : gracefully rounded curvature

Rongerik
island W cen Pacific in the Marshalls in Ratak chain E of Bikini

Ronne Ice Shelf
area of shelf ice Antarctica in Weddell Sea

Ronsard
Pierre de 1524-1585 Fr. poet

Rontgen
n. Wilhelm Conrad 1845-1923 Ger. physicist

ronyon
obsolete : a mangy or scabby creature

rood
n. 1 : a cross or crucifix symbolizing the cross on which Jesus Christ died specifically : a large crucifix on a beam or screen at the entrance to the chancel of a church
2 a : any of various units of land area especially : a British unit equal to 1/4 acre b : any of various units of length especially : a British unit equal to seven or eight yards or sometimes a rod

Roodepoort
city Republic of South Africa in Gauteng W of Johannesburg metropolitan pop 141,764

roof
n. 1 a (1) : the cover of a building (2) : material used for a roof : ROOFING b : the roof of a dwelling conventionally designating the home itself <didn't have a roof over my head> <they share the same roof>
2 a : the highest point : SUMMIT b : an upper limit : CEILING
3 a : the vaulted upper boundary of the mouth b : a covering structure of any of various parts of the body <roof of the skull>
4 : something suggesting a roof: as a : a canopy of leaves and branches b : the top over the passenger section of a vehicle
–roofed \'rüft, 'ru̇ft\ adjective
–roof·less \'rü-fləs, 'ru̇-\ adjective
–roof·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–through the roof : to an extremely or excessively high level <prices went through the roof>

roof
n. 1 a : to cover with or as if with a roof b : to provide with a particular kind of roof or roofing ― often used in combination <slate-roofed houses>
2 : to constitute a roof over
–roof·er noun

roof
n. gable roof
gambrel roof
hip roof
hit the roof
through the roof
roof garden

roof garden
: a restaurant or nightclub at the top of a building often in connection with or decorated to suggest an outdoor garden

roofie
slang : a tablet of a powerful benzodiazepine sedative and hypnotic drug C_16H_12FN_3O_3 that is not licensed for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly

roofing
n. : material for a roof

roofline
: the profile of a roof (as of a house)

rooftop
n. : ROOF especially : the outer surface of a roof

rooftree
n. : RIDGEPOLE 1

rook
n. : a common Old World gregarious crow (Corvus frugilegus) that nests and roosts in usually treetop colonies

rook
n. : to defraud by cheating or swindling

rook
n. : either of two pieces of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to move along the ranks or files across any number of unoccupied squares ― called also castle

rook
n. : ROOKIE

rook
n. castle in the air
castle in Spain
Castle Clinton National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument
New Castle

rookery
n. 1 a : the nests or breeding place of a colony of rooks also : a colony of rooks b : a breeding ground or haunt especially of gregarious birds or mammals (as penguins or seals) also : a colony of such birds or mammals
2 : a crowded dilapidated tenement or group of dwellings

rookie
n. 1 : RECRUIT also : NOVICE
2 : a first-year participant in a major professional sport

rooky
adj. : full of or containing rooks

room
n. 1 : an extent of space occupied by or sufficient or available for something <room to run and play>
2 a obsolete : an appropriate or designated position, post, or station b : PLACE, STEAD <in whose room I am now assuming the pen ― Sir Walter Scott>
3 a : a partitioned part of the inside of a building especially : such a part used as a lodging b : the people in a room
4 : a suitable or fit occasion or opportunity : CHANCE <no room for doubt>
–roomed \'rümd, 'ru̇md\ adjective

room
n. : to occupy or share a room especially as a lodger
transitive verb : to accommodate with lodgings

room
n. elbow room
back room
banquet room
bed sitting room
birthing room
boiler room
breathing room
chat room
city room
clean room
coffee room
common room
composing room
counting room
cutting room
dining room
drawing room
dressing room
emergency room
family room
front room
great room
gun room
keeping room
ladies' room
living room
locker room
lumber room
men's room
powder room
ready room
recovery room
recreation room
rec room
room and board
room service
rumpus room
sea room
sitting room
smoke filled room
smoking room
squad room
standing room
strong room
throne room
tiring room
waiting room
war room
weight room
white room
wiggle room
withdrawing room
women's room
rooming house
rooming in

room and board
: lodging and food usually furnished for a set price or as part of wages

room service
: service provided to hotel guests in their rooms also : the hotel department responsible for such service <ordered a meal from room service>

roomer
n. : one who occupies a rented room in another's house

roomette
n. : a small private single room on a railroad sleeping car

roomful
n. : as much or as many as a room will hold also : the persons or objects in a room

rooming house
: a house where lodgings are provided for rent

rooming-in
: an arrangement in a hospital whereby a newborn infant is kept in a crib at the mother's bedside instead of in a nursery

roommate
n. : one of two or more persons sharing the same room or living quarters ― called also room·ie \'rü-mē, 'ru̇-\

roomy
adj. 1 : having ample room : SPACIOUS
2 of a female mammal : having a large or well-proportioned body suited for breeding
–room·i·ness noun

roorback
n. : a defamatory falsehood published for political effect

roose
chiefly dialect : PRAISE

Roosevelt
n. (Anna) Eleanor 1884-1962 née Roosevelt, wife of F.D. American humanitarian & writer

Roosevelt
n. Franklin Del·a·no \'de-lə-ˌnō\ 1882-1945 32d pres. of the U.S. (1933-45)
–Roo·se·velt·ian \ˌrō-zə-'vel-tē-ən, -sh(ē-)ən\ adjective

Roosevelt
n. Theodore 1858-1919 26th pres. of the U.S. (1901-09)

Roosevelt
n. river ab 400 mi (644 km) W cen Brazil flowing from W Mato Grosso state N into the Aripuanã

roost
n. 1 a : a support on which birds rest b : a place where winged animals and especially birds customarily roost
2 : a group of birds roosting together

roost
n. 1 : to settle down for rest or sleep : PERCH
2 : to settle oneself as if on a roost
transitive verb : to supply a roost for or put to roost

rooster
n. 1 a : an adult male domestic chicken : COCK b : an adult male of various birds other than the domestic chicken
2 : a cocky or vain man

rooster tail
: a high arching spray (as of water, dust, or snow) thrown up behind a fast-moving motorboat, motor vehicle, or skier

Root
n. Elihu 1845-1937 American lawyer & statesman

root
n. 1 a : the usually underground part of a seed plant body that originates usually from the hypocotyl, functions as an organ of absorption, aeration, and food storage or as a means of anchorage and support, and differs from a stem especially in lacking nodes, buds, and leaves b : any subterranean plant part (as a true root or a bulb, tuber, rootstock, or other modified stem) especially when fleshy and edible
2 a : the part of a tooth within the socket also : any of the processes into which this part is often divided ― see TOOTH illustration b : the enlarged basal part of a hair within the skin c : the proximal end of a nerve d : the part of an organ or physical structure by which it is attached to the body <the root of the tongue>
3 a : something that is an origin or source (as of a condition or quality) <the love of money is the root of all evil ― 1 Tim 6:10 (AV)> b : one or more progenitors of a group of descendants ― usually used in plural c : an underlying support : BASIS d : the essential core : HEART ― often used in the phrase at root e : close relationship with an environment : TIE ― usually used in plural <they put down roots in a farming community>
4 a : a quantity taken an indicated number of times as an equal factor <2 is a fourth root of 16> b : a number that reduces an equation to an identity when it is substituted for one variable
5 a : the lower part : BASE b : the part by which an object is attached to something else
6 : the simple element inferred as the basis from which a word is derived by phonetic change or by extension (as composition or the addition of an affix or inflectional ending)
7 : the lowest tone of a chord (as C in a C minor chord) when the tones are arranged in ascending thirds
synonyms see ORIGIN
–root·ed \'rü-təd, 'ru̇-\ adjective
–root·ed·ness noun
–root·less \'rüt-ləs, 'ru̇t-\ adjective
–root·less·ness noun
–root·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

root
n. 1 a : to furnish with or enable to develop roots b : to fix or implant by or as if by roots
2 : to remove altogether by or as if by pulling out by the roots ― usually used with out <root out dissenters>
intransitive verb
1 : to grow roots or take root
2 : to have an origin or base

root
n. intransitive verb
1 : to turn up or dig in the earth with the snout : GRUB
2 : to poke or dig about
transitive verb : to turn over, dig up, or discover and bring to light ― usually used with out <root out the cause of the problem>

root
n. 1 : to noisily applaud or encourage a contestant or team : CHEER
2 : to wish the success of or lend support to someone or something
–root·er noun

root
n. brace root
celery root
characteristic root
cube root
dorsal root
fibrous root
latent root
primary root
prop root
rattlesnake root
root ball
root beer
root bound
root canal
root cap
root cellar
root crop
root hair
root knot
root knot nematode
root mean square
root pressure
root rot
secondary root
senega root
square root
take root
tuberous root
ventral root
grass roots
put down roots
deep rooted
tuberous rooted

root beer
: a sweetened carbonated beverage flavored with extracts of roots (as sarsaparilla) and herbs

root canal
: the part of the pulp cavity lying in the root of a tooth also : a dental operation to save a tooth by removing the contents of its root canal and filling the cavity with a protective substance

root cap
: a protective cap of parenchyma cells that covers the terminal meristem in most root tips

root cellar
: a pit used for the storage especially of root crops

root crop
: a crop (as turnips) grown for its enlarged roots

root hair
: a filamentous extension of an epidermal cell near the tip of a rootlet that functions in absorption of water and minerals

root knot
: a plant disease caused by nematodes that produce enlargements on the roots and stunt the growth of the plant

root pressure
: the chiefly osmotic pressure by which water rises into the stems of plants from the roots

root rot
: any of various plant diseases characterized by decay of the roots and caused especially by fungi

root-ball
: the compact mass of roots and soil formed by a plant especially in a container

root-bound
: POT-BOUND

root-knot nematode
: any of several small plant-parasitic nematodes (genus Meloidogyne) that cause root knot

root-mean-square
: the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of a set of numbers

rootage
1 : a developed system of roots
2 : ROOT 3A

roothold
1 : the anchorage of a plant to soil through the growing and spreading of roots
2 : a place where plants may obtain a roothold

rootle
v. : 3ROOT

rootlet
n. : a small root

rootstock
n. 1 : a rhizomatous underground part of a plant
2 : a stock for grafting consisting of a root or a piece of root broadly : STOCK 3B

rootworm
corn rootworm
northern corn rootworm
southern corn rootworm

rooty
n. : full or consisting of roots <rooty soil>

rope
n. 1 a : a large stout cord of strands of fibers or wire twisted or braided together b : a long slender strip of material used as rope <rawhide rope> c : a hangman's noose d : LARIAT
2 : a row or string consisting of things united by or as if by braiding, twining, or threading
3 plural : special or basic techniques or procedures <show him the ropes>
4 : LINE DRIVE
–rope·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–on the ropes : in a defensive and often helpless position

rope
n. transitive verb
1 a : to bind, fasten, or tie with a rope or cord b : to partition, separate, or divide by a rope <rope off the street> c : LASSO
2 : to draw as if with a rope : LURE
intransitive verb : to take the form of or twist in the manner of rope
–rop·er noun

rope
n. jump rope
rope tow
skip rope
wire rope
on the ropes

rope tow
: SKI TOW 1

ropedancer
n. : one that dances, walks, or performs acrobatic feats on a rope high in the air
–rope·danc·ing \-siŋ\ noun

ropery
n. archaic : roguish tricks or banter

ropewalk
n. : a long covered walk, building, or room where ropes are manufactured

ropewalker
n. : an acrobat who walks on a rope high in the air

ropeway
n. 1 : an endless aerial cable moved by a stationary engine and used to transport freight (as logs and ore)
2 : a fixed cable or a pair of fixed cables between supporting towers serving as a track for suspended passenger or freight carriers

ropy
adj. 1 a : capable of being drawn into a thread : VISCOUS also : tending to adhere in stringy masses b : having a gelatinous or slimy quality from bacterial or fungal contamination <ropy milk> <ropy flour>
2 a : resembling rope b : MUSCULAR, SINEWY
3 slang : POOR, LOUSY
–rop·i·ness noun

roque
n. : croquet played on a hard-surfaced court with a raised border

Roquefort
n. ― used for a pungent French blue cheese made from sheep's milk

roquelaure
: a knee-length cloak worn especially in the 18th and 19th centuries

roquette
n. : ARUGULA

Roraima
1 mountain 9094 ft (2772 m) N S. America in Pacaraima Mountains on boundary bet. Venezuela, Guyana, & Brazil; has flat top
2 state N Brazil capital Boa Vista area 88,843 sq mi (230,181 sq km), pop 324,397

rorqual
n. : any of a family (Balaenopteridae) of large baleen whales (as a blue whale or humpback whale) having the skin of the throat marked with deep longitudinal furrows

Rorschach
n. : of, relating to, used in connection with, or resulting from the Rorschach test

Rorschach
n. commune NE Switzerland on S shore of Lake Constance pop 9878

Rorschach test
: a personality and intelligence test in which a subject interprets inkblot designs in terms that reveal intellectual and emotional factors ― called also Rorschach Rorschach inkblot test

Rosa
n. Salvator 1615-1673 Ital. painter & poet

Rosa
n. sub rosa
Rosa Monte
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Island

Rosa, Monte
mountain 15,203 ft (4634 m) on Swiss-Italian border; highest in Pennine Alps

rosacea
n. : a chronic inflammatory disorder involving especially the skin of the nose, forehead, and cheeks that is characterized by congestion, flushing, telangiectasia, and marked nodular swelling of tissues especially of the nose ― called also acne rosacea

rosaceous
adj. : of or relating to roses or the rose family <a faint rosaceous aroma> <rosaceous genera>

rosarian
n. : a cultivator of roses

Rosario
city E cen Argentina on the Paraná pop 591,428

rosary
n. 1 often capitalized : a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of meditation on usually five sacred mysteries during recitation of five decades of Hail Marys of which each begins with an Our Father and ends with a Gloria Patri
2 : a string of beads used in counting prayers especially of the Roman Catholic rosary

rosary pea
1 : a tropical twining herb (Abrus precatorius) of the legume family that bears jequirity beans and has a root used as a substitute for licorice ― called also Indian licorice jequirity bean
2 : JEQUIRITY BEAN 1

roscoe
n. slang : HANDGUN

Roscommon
1 county cen Ireland in Connacht area 951 sq mi (2473 sq km), pop 53,774
2 town, its capital pop 1363

rose
n. past of rise

rose
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Rosa of the family Rosaceae, the rose family) of usually prickly shrubs with pinnate leaves and showy flowers having five petals in the wild state but being often double or partly double under cultivation b : the flower of a rose
2 : something resembling a rose in form: as a (1) : COMPASS CARD (2) : a circular card with radiating lines used in other instruments b : a rosette especially on a shoe c : ROSE CUT
3 plural : an easy or pleasant situation or task <it was not all sunshine and roses ― Anthony Lewis>
4 : a moderate purplish red
5 : a plane curve which consists of three or more loops meeting at the origin and whose equation in polar coordinates is of the form ρ = a sin nθ or ρ = a cos nθ where n is an integer greater than zero
–rose·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–under the rose : SUB ROSA

rose
n. 1 a : containing or used for roses b : of or relating to a rose c : flavored, scented, or colored with or like roses
2 : of the color rose

rose
n. : a light pink table wine made from red grapes by removing the skins after fermentation has begun

rose
n. cabbage rose
Cherokee rose
China rose
Christmas rose
compass rose
damask rose
dog rose
famille rose
guelder rose
hybrid tea rose
moss rose
multiflora rose
musk rose
old rose
under the rose
rose breasted grosbeak
rose chafer
rose bug
rose colored
rose colored glasses
rose cut
rose fever
rose cold
rose geranium
rose hip
rose mallow
rose of Jericho
rose of Sharon
rose oil
rose pink
rose slug
rose water
rose window
rugosa rose
tea rose
wind rose
Margaret Rose
Rose Mount
bed of roses
smell the roses

rose chafer
: a common No. American scarab beetle (Macrodactylus subspinosus) that feeds on plant roots as a larva and on leaves and flowers (as of rose or grapevines) as an adult ― called also rose bug

rose cut
: a form in which gems (as diamonds) are cut that usually has a flat circular base and facets in two ranges rising to a point
–rose-cut adjective

rose fever
: hay fever occurring in the spring or early summer ― called also rose cold

rose geranium
: any of several pelargoniums grown for their fragrant 3- to 5-lobed leaves and small pink flowers

rose hip
: the ripened usually red or orange accessory fruit of a rose that consists of a fleshy receptacle enclosing numerous achenes

rose mallow
: any of several hibiscuses with large usually rose-colored flowers especially : a showy perennial (Hibiscus moscheutos) of the salt marshes of the eastern U.S.

rose of Jericho
: an annual herb (Anastatica hierochuntica) of the mustard family found from northern Africa to Iran that rolls up when dry and expands when moistened

rose of Sharon
: a commonly cultivated Asian shrub or small tree (Hibiscus syriacus) having showy bell-shaped rose, purple, or white flowers

rose oil
: a fragrant essential oil obtained from roses and used chiefly in perfumery and in flavoring

rose pink
: a moderate pink

rose slug
: the green larva of either of two sawflies (Cladius difformis and Endelomyia aethiops) that feed on the parenchyma of and skeletonize the leaves of roses

rose water
: a watery solution of the odoriferous constituents of the rose used as a perfume or a flavoring

rose window
: a circular window filled with tracery

Rose, Mount
mountain 10,778 ft (3285 m) W Nev. SW of Reno

rose-breasted grosbeak
: a grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) chiefly of eastern No. America that is related to the cardinal and in the male is chiefly black and white with a rose-red breast and in the female is grayish brown with a streaked breast

rose-colored
1 : having a rose color
2 : seeing or seen in a promising light : OPTIMISTIC

rose-colored glasses
: favorably disposed opinions : optimistic eyes <views the world through rose-colored glasses>

roseate
adj. 1 : resembling a rose especially in color
2 : overly optimistic : viewed favorably
–ro·se·ate·ly adverb

roseate spoonbill
: a spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) that is found from the southern U.S. to Patagonia and has chiefly pink plumage

roseate tern
: a medium-sized tern (Sterna dougallii) that is widespread at sea and in coastal areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans and that has a faint roseate tinge to the breast in the breeding season

Roseau
n. seaport capital of Dominica pop 14,847

rosebay
n. 1 : RHODODENDRON especially : GREAT LAUREL
2 : FIREWEED B

rosebay rhododendron
: GREAT LAUREL

Rosebery
5th Earl of 1847-1929 Archibald Philip Prim·rose \'prim-ˌrōz\ Eng. statesman

rosebud
n. : the bud of a rose

rosebush
n. : a shrub that produces roses

Rosecrans
William Starke 1819-1898 American gen.

rosefish
n. : REDFISH A(1)

Roselle
city NE Ill. pop 23,115

rosemaling
n. : painted or sometimes carved decoration (as on furniture, walls, or wooden dinnerware) in Scandinavian peasant style that consists especially of floral designs and inscriptions

rosemary
n. : a fragrant shrubby Mediterranean mint (Rosmarinus officinalis) having grayish-green needlelike leaves used as a seasoning also : the leaves of rosemary

Rosemead
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 53,505

Rosenberg
Alfred 1893-1946 Ger. Nazi & writer

Rosenberg
city SE Tex. pop 24,043

Rosenwald
Julius 1862-1932 American merchant & philanthropist

roseola
n. : a rose-colored eruption in spots or a disease marked by such an eruption especially : ROSEOLA INFANTUM
–ro·se·o·lar \-lər\ adjective

roseola infantum
: a mild disease of infants and children characterized by fever lasting usually three days followed by an eruption of rose-colored spots and caused by a herpesvirus (genus Roseolovirus)

roset
chiefly Scottish : RESIN

Rosetta
1 river 146 mi (235 km) N Egypt forming W branch of the Nile in its delta
2 city N Egypt on the Rosetta pop 36,711

Rosetta stone
1 : a black basalt stone found in 1799 that bears an inscription in hieroglyphics, demotic characters, and Greek and is celebrated for having given the first clue to the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics
2 : one that gives a clue to understanding

rosette
n. 1 : an ornament usually made of material gathered or pleated so as to resemble a rose and worn as a badge of office, as evidence of having won a decoration (as the Medal of Honor), or as trimming
2 : a disk of foliage or a floral design usually in relief used as a decorative motif
3 : a structure or color marking on an animal suggestive of a rosette especially : one of the groups of spots on a leopard
4 : a cluster of leaves in crowded circles or spirals arising basally from a crown (as in the dandelion) or apically from an axis with greatly shortened internodes (as in many tropical palms)
5 : a food decoration or garnish in the shape of a rose <icing rosettes> <carrot rosettes>

Roseville
1 city N cen Calif. NE of Sacramento pop 79,921
2 city SE Mich. NE of Detroit pop 48,129
3 village SE Minn. N of St. Paul pop 33,690

rosewater
n. 1 : affectedly nice or delicate
2 : having the odor of rose water

rosewood
n. : any of various tropical trees (esp. genus Dalbergia) yielding valuable cabinet woods of a usually dark red or purplish color streaked and variegated with black also : the wood

Rosh Hashanah
: the Jewish New Year observed on the first day and by Orthodox and Conservative Jews also on the second day of Tishri

Rosicrucian
n. 1 : an adherent of a 17th and 18th century movement professing esoteric and occult wisdom with emphasis on mysticism and spiritual enlightenment
2 : a member of one of several organizations held to be descended from the Rosicrucians
–Rosicrucian adjective
–Ro·si·cru·cian·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

rosily
adv. 1 : in an optimistic manner
2 : with a rosy color or tinge

rosin
n. : a translucent amber-colored to almost black brittle friable resin that is obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees or from tall oil and used especially in making varnish

rosin
n. : to rub or treat (as the bow of a violin) with rosin

rosinweed
: any of several American plants (as the compass plant) having resinous foliage or a resinous odor

Ross
n. Betsy 1752-1836 née Griscom reputed maker of 1st American flag

Ross
n. Sir James Clark 1800-1862 Scot. explorer

Ross
n. Sir John 1777-1856 uncle of prec. Scot. explorer

Ross
n. Sir Ronald 1857-1932 Brit. physician

Ross
n. Ross and Cromarty
Ross Dependency
Ross Ice Shelf
Ross Sea

Ross and Cromarty
former county N Scotland capital Dingwall

Ross Dependency
section of Antarctica lying bet. 160°E and 150°W long.; claimed by New Zealand

Ross Ice Shelf
area of shelf ice Antarctica in S Ross Sea

Ross Sea
arm of S. Pacific extending into Antarctica E of Victoria Land

Rosse
Earl of ― see William PARSONS

Rossetti
Christina Georgina 1830-1894 sister of D.G. Eng. poet

Rossetti
Dante Gabriel 1828-1882 Eng. painter & poet

Rossi
Bruno 1905-1993 American (Ital.-born) physicist

Rossini
n. Gio·ac·chi·no \ˌjō-ə-'kē-(ˌ)nō\ Antonio 1792-1868 Ital. composer
–Ros·si·ni·an \-'sē-nē-ən\ adjective

Rostand
Edmond 1868-1918 Fr. poet & dram.

rostellum
n. : a small process resembling a beak : a diminutive rostrum: as a : an extension of the stigma of an orchid flower b : an anterior prolongation of the head of a tapeworm bearing hooks
–ros·tel·lar \rä-'ste-lər\ adjective

roster
n. 1 a : a roll or list of personnel b : such a list giving the order in which a duty is to be performed <a duty roster> c : the persons listed on a roster
2 : an itemized list

Rostock
city & port NE Germany on Warnow River near the Baltic coast pop 234,475

Rostov-on-Don
city S Russia in Europe on the Don pop 1,027,000

rostral
adj. 1 : of or relating to a rostrum
2 : situated toward the oral or nasal region: as a of a part of the spinal cord : SUPERIOR 6A b of a part of the brain : ANTERIOR, VENTRAL
–ros·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

rostrate
adj. : having a rostrum

rostrum
n. 1 [Latin Rostra, plural, a platform for speakers in the Roman Forum decorated with the beaks of captured ships, from plural of rostrum] a : an ancient Roman platform for public orators b : a stage for public speaking c : a raised platform on a stage
2 : the curved end of a ship's prow especially : the beak of a war galley
3 : a bodily part or process suggesting a bird's bill: as a : the beak, snout, or proboscis of any of various insects or arachnids b : the often spinelike anterior median prolongation of the carapace of a crustacean (as a crayfish or lobster)

Roswell
1 city NW cen Ga. N of Atlanta pop 79,334
2 city SE N.Mex. pop 45,293

rosy
adj. 1 a : of the color rose b : having a pinkish usually healthy-looking complexion : BLOOMING c : marked by blushes
2 : characterized by or tending to promote optimism <a rosy outlook>
–ros·i·ness noun

rosy
adj. ring around the rosy
ring around a rosy
ring a rosy
rosy periwinkle

rosy periwinkle
: a commonly cultivated subshrub (Catharanthus roseus syn. Vinca rosea) of the dogbane family that is native to the Old World tropics and is the source of several antineoplastic drugs ― called also Madagascar periwinkle periwinkle

rot
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to undergo decomposition from the action of bacteria or fungi b : to become unsound or weak (as from use or chemical action)
2 a : to go to ruin : DETERIORATE b : to become morally corrupt : DEGENERATE
transitive verb : to cause to decompose or deteriorate with or as if with rot
synonyms see DECAY

rot
n. 1 a : the process of rotting : the state of being rotten : DECAY b : something rotten or rotting
2 a archaic : a wasting putrescent disease b : any of several parasitic diseases especially of sheep marked by necrosis and wasting c : plant disease marked by breakdown of tissues and caused especially by fungi or bacteria
3 : NONSENSE ― often used interjectionally

rot
n. black rot
brown rot
dry rot
ear rot
foot rot
noble rot
root rot
soft rot

Rota
n. Nino 1911-1979 Ital. composer

Rota
n. 1 island W Pacific at S end of the Marianas area 35 sq mi (91 sq km)
2 town & port SW Spain on the Atlantic pop 25,053

rota
n. 1 capitalized [Medieval Latin, from L] : a tribunal of the papal curia exercising jurisdiction especially in matrimonial cases appealed from diocesan courts
2 chiefly British a : a fixed order of rotation (as of persons or duties) b : a roll or list of persons : ROSTER

rotameter
n. : a gauge that consists of a graduated glass tube containing a free float for measuring the flow of a fluid

Rotarian
n. : a member of a major national and international service club

rotary
n. 1 a : turning on an axis like a wheel b : taking place about an axis <rotary motion>
2 : having an important part that turns on an axis <rotary cutter>
3 : characterized by rotation
4 : of, relating to, or being a press in which paper is printed by rotation in contact with a curved printing surface attached to a cylinder

rotary
n. 1 : a rotary machine
2 : a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only ― called also circle traffic circle

rotary
n. rotary cultivator
rotary engine
rotary wing aircraft
traffic circle
antarctic circle
arctic circle
charmed circle
circle graph
crop circle
dress circle
full circle
great circle
hour circle
parhelic circle
parquet circle
polar circle
quality circle
setting circle
unit circle
vertical circle
vicious circle
winner's circle
run circles around

rotary cultivator
: ROTOTILLER

rotary engine
1 : any of various engines (as a turbine) in which power is applied to vanes or similar parts constrained to move in a circular path
2 : a radial engine in which the cylinders revolve about a stationary crankshaft

rotary-wing aircraft
: ROTORCRAFT specifically : HELICOPTER ― usually used in plural

rotate
v. : having the parts flat and spreading or radiating like the spokes of a wheel <rotate blue flowers>

rotate
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to perform an act, function, or operation in turn b : to pass or alternate in a series
2 : to turn about an axis or a center : REVOLVE especially : to move in such a way that all particles follow circles with a common angular velocity about a common axis
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to turn or move about an axis or a center b : to cause (a plane region or line) to sweep out a volume or surface by moving around an axis so that each of its points remains at a constant distance from the axis <generate a torus by rotating a circle about an external line>
2 : to cause to grow in rotation <rotate crops>
3 : to cause to pass or act in a series : ALTERNATE
4 : to exchange (individuals or units) with others
–ro·tat·able \'rō-ˌtā-tə-bəl also rō-'\ adjective

rotation
n. 1 a (1) : the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center (2) : the act or an instance of rotating something b : one complete turn : the angular displacement required to return a rotating body or figure to its original orientation
2 a : return or succession in a series <rotation of the seasons> b : the growing of different crops in succession in one field usually in a regular sequence
3 : the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
4 : a game of pool in which all 15 object balls are shot in numerical order
5 : the series of pitchers on a baseball team who regularly start successive games in turn
–ro·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

rotative
adj. 1 : turning like a wheel : ROTARY
2 : relating to, occurring in, or characterized by rotation
–ro·ta·tive·ly adverb

rotator
n. : one that rotates or causes rotation especially plural -tors or -tor·es \ˌrō-tə-'tȯr-ˌēz\ : a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

rotator cuff
: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the head of the humerus

rotatory
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or producing rotation
2 : occurring in rotation

rotavirus
n. : any of a genus (Rotavirus) of reoviruses having a capsid composed of two layers and including the causative agents of diarrhea especially in infants and young children

Rotblat
Joseph 1908-     Brit. (Pol.-born) physicist

ROTC
n. Reserve Officers' Training Corps

rote
n. : 3CROWD 1

rote
n. 1 : the use of memory usually with little intelligence <learn by rote>
2 : mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition <a joyless sense of order, rote, and commercial hustle ― L. L. King>

rote
n. 1 : learned or memorized by rote
2 : MECHANICAL 3A

rote
n. : the noise of surf on the shore

rotenone
n. : a crystalline insecticide C_23H_22O_6 obtained from the roots of several tropical plants (as a derris) that is highly toxic to fish but is of low toxicity to warm-blooded animals and is used especially in home gardens

rotgut
n. : cheap or inferior liquor

Roth
n. Philip 1933-     American writer

Rotherham
town N England in S. Yorkshire NE of Sheffield area pop 247,100

Rothesay
royal burgh SW Scotland on island of Bute pop 5408

Rothko
Mark 1903-1970 American (Russ.-born) painter

Rothschild
n. Mayer Amschel 1744-1812 Ger. financier

Rothschild
n. Nathan Mayer 1777-1836 son of prec. financier in London

roti
n. : a round soft flat unleavened bread also : such a bread wrapped around a filling and eaten as a sandwich

rotifer
n. : any of a class (Rotifera of the phylum Aschelminthes) of minute usually microscopic but many-celled chiefly freshwater aquatic invertebrates having the anterior end modified into a retractile disk bearing circles of strong cilia that often give the appearance of rapidly revolving wheels

rotisserie
n. 1 : a restaurant specializing in broiled and barbecued meats
2 : an appliance fitted with a spit on which food is rotated before or over a source of heat

rotisserie
n. : of, relating to, or being a sports league consisting of imaginary teams whose performance is based on the statistics of actual players <a rotisserie baseball league>

roto
n. : ROTOGRAVURE

rotogravure
n. 1 : PHOTOGRAVURE
2 : a section of a newspaper devoted to rotogravure pictures

rotor
n. 1 a : a part that revolves in a stationary part <a brake rotor> b : the rotating member of an electrical machine
2 : an assembly of rotating blades that supplies lift or stability for a rotorcraft

rotorcraft
n. : an aircraft (as a helicopter) whose lift is derived principally from rotating airfoils

Rotorua
city New Zealand in N cen North Is. urban area pop 52,608

rototill
: to till or plow (soil) with a rototiller

rototiller
n. : a landscaping implement with engine-powered rotating blades used to lift and turn over soil

rotten
adj. 1 : having rotted : PUTRID
2 : morally corrupt
3 : extremely unpleasant or inferior <a rotten day> <a rotten job>
4 : very uncomfortable <feeling rotten>
5 : of very poor quality : LOUSY, ABOMINABLE <a rotten show> <what rotten luck>
–rot·ten·ly adverb
–rot·ten·ness \-tən-(n)əs\ noun

rotten
adj. : to an extreme degree <spoiled rotten>

rotten borough
: an election district that has many fewer inhabitants than other election districts with the same voting power

rottenstone
n. : a decomposed siliceous limestone used for polishing

rotter
n. : a thoroughly objectionable person

Rotterdam
n. city & port SW Netherlands on the Nieuwe Maas (one of the mouths of the Meuse) pop 598,660
–Rot·ter·dam·mer \-ˌda-mər, -ˌdä-\ noun

rottweiler
n. : any of a breed of tall powerful black-and-tan short-haired dogs of German origin that are commonly used as guard dogs

Rotuma
island SW Pacific N of Fiji Islands area 14 sq mi (36 sq km); belongs to Fiji

rotund
adj. 1 : marked by roundness : ROUNDED
2 : marked by fullness of sound or cadence : OROTUND, SONOROUS <a master of rotund diction>
3 : notably plump : CHUBBY
–ro·tun·di·ty \rō-'tən-də-tē\ noun
–ro·tund·ly \-'tənd-lē, 'rō-ˌ\ adverb
–ro·tund·ness \rō-'tən(d)-nəs, 'rō-ˌ\ noun

rotunda
n. 1 : a round building especially : one covered by a dome
2 a : a large round room b : a large central area (as in a hotel)

roturier
: a person not of noble birth

Rouault
n. Georges 1871-1958 Fr. painter

Roubaix
city N France NE of Lille pop 96,959

rouble
n. variant of ruble

roue
n. : a man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure : RAKE

Rouen
city & port N France on the Seine pop 106,560

rouge
n. 1 : any of various cosmetics for coloring the cheeks or lips red
2 : a red powder consisting essentially of ferric oxide used in polishing glass, metal, or gems and as a pigment

rouge
n. transitive verb
1 : to apply rouge to
2 : to cause to redden
intransitive verb : to use rouge

Rouget de Lisle
Claude-Joseph 1760-1836 Fr. army officer & composer

rough
n. 1 a : marked by inequalities, ridges, or projections on the surface : COARSE b : covered with or made up of coarse and often shaggy hair <rough-coated collie> ― compare SMOOTH, WIREHAIRED c (1) : having a broken, uneven, or bumpy surface <rough terrain> (2) : difficult to travel through or penetrate : WILD <into the rough woods ― P. B. Shelley>
2 a : TURBULENT, TEMPESTUOUS <rough seas> b (1) : characterized by harshness, violence, or force (2) : presenting a challenge : DIFFICULT <rough to deal with ― R. M. McAlmon>
3 : coarse or rugged in character or appearance: as a : harsh to the ear b : crude in style or expression c : INDELICATE d : marked by a lack of refinement or grace : UNCOUTH
4 a : CRUDE, UNFINISHED <rough carpentry> b : executed or ventured hastily, tentatively, or imperfectly <a rough draft> <rough estimate> also : APPROXIMATE <a rough idea>
–rough·ish \'rə-fish\ adjective
–rough·ness \'rəf-nəs\ noun
synonyms ROUGH, HARSH, UNEVEN, RUGGED, SCABROUS mean not smooth or even. ROUGH implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface <a rough wooden board>. HARSH implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch <a harsh fabric that chafes the skin>. UNEVEN implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality <an old house with uneven floors>. RUGGED implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel <a rugged landscape>. SCABROUS implies scaliness or prickliness of surface <a scabrous leaf>. synonym see in addition RUDE

rough
n. 1 : ROUGHLY 1
2 British : without usual conveniences especially : without proper shelter <become homeless and have to sleep rough ― London Times>

rough
n. 1 : uneven ground covered with high grass, brush, and stones specifically : such ground bordering a golf fairway
2 : the rugged or disagreeable side or aspect <hiking-camping admirers of nature in the rough ― Eleanor Stirling>
3 a : something in a crude, unfinished, or preliminary state b : broad outline : general terms <the question⋯has been discussed in rough ― Manchester Guardian Weekly> c : a hasty preliminary drawing or layout
4 : ROWDY

rough
n. 1 : ROUGHEN
2 a : to subject to abuse : MANHANDLE, BEAT ― usually used with up b : to subject to unnecessary and intentional violence in a sport <a penalty for roughing the passer> c : SHELL 3 ― used with up <was roughed up for six runs>
3 : to calk or otherwise roughen (a horse's shoes) to prevent slipping
4 a : to shape, make, or dress in a rough or preliminary way b : to indicate the chief lines of <rough out the structure of a building>
–rough·er noun
–rough it : to live under harsh or primitive conditions

rough
n. Rough Rider
diamond in the rough
rough it
rough and ready
rough and tumble
rough bluegrass
rough breathing
rough cut
rough dry
rough edged
rough endoplasmic reticulum
rough fish
rough hew
rough hewn
rough legged hawk
rough lemon
rough trade

rough bluegrass
: a forage grass (Poa trivialis) of Eurasia and northern Africa that is naturalized in No. America

rough breathing
1 : a mark ʽ used in Greek over some initial vowels to show that they are aspirated or over ρ to show that it is voiceless
2 : the sound indicated by a mark ʽ over a Greek vowel or ρ

rough cut
: a print of an incompletely edited motion picture

rough endoplasmic reticulum
: endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes

rough fish
: a usually freshwater fish (as a buffalo or freshwater drum) considered undesirable as a food or sport fish and often viewed as a competitor of more desirable fishes

rough it
to live under harsh or primitive conditions

rough lemon
1 : a hybrid lemon that forms a large spreading thorny tree, bears rough-skinned fruit, and is important chiefly as a rootstock for other citrus trees
2 : the fruit of a rough lemon

rough trade
: male homosexuals who are or affect to be rugged and potentially violent also : such a homosexual

rough-and-ready
: crude in nature, method, or manner but effective in action or use <a rough-and-ready solution>

rough-and-tumble
: rough disorderly unrestrained fighting or struggling also : INFIGHTING

rough-and-tumble
1 : marked by rough-and-tumble <grew up in a rough-and-tumble atmosphere ― E. J. Kahn> also : ROUGH-AND-READY
2 : put together haphazardly : MAKESHIFT <a rough-and-tumble fence>

rough-dry
: to dry (laundry) without smoothing or ironing

rough-dry
: being dry after laundering but not ironed or smoothed over <rough-dry clothes>

rough-edged
: lacking refinement or polish <a rough-edged writing style>

rough-hew
1 : to hew (as timber) coarsely without smoothing or finishing
2 : to form crudely

rough-hewn
1 : being in a rough, unsmoothed, or unfinished state : crudely formed <rough-hewn beams>
2 : lacking refinement <he was rather attractive, in a rough-hewn kind of way ― Jan Speas>

rough-legged hawk
: a large circumpolar arctic hawk (Buteo lagopus) that winters southward and typically has a white tail with a wide black band or bands at the tip

roughage
n. : FIBER 1D also : food containing much indigestible material acting as fiber

roughcast
n. 1 : to plaster (as a wall) with roughcast
2 : to shape or form roughly

roughcast
n. 1 : a rough model
2 : a plaster of lime mixed with shells or pebbles used for covering buildings
3 : a rough surface finish (as of a plaster wall)

roughen
v. transitive verb : to make rough or rougher <her hands were roughened by work ― Ellen Glasgow>
intransitive verb : to become rough

roughhouse
n. : violence or rough boisterous play

roughhouse
n. transitive verb : to treat in a boisterously rough manner
intransitive verb : to engage in roughhouse

roughleg
: ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK

roughly
adv. 1 : in a rough manner: as a : with harshness or violence <treated the prisoner roughly> b : in crude fashion : IMPERFECTLY <roughly dressed lumber>
2 : without completeness or exactness : APPROXIMATELY <roughly 20 percent>

roughneck
n. 1 a : a rough or uncouth person b : ROWDY, TOUGH
2 : a worker of an oil-well-drilling crew other than the driller

roughneck
n. : having the characteristics of or suitable for a roughneck

roughrider
n. 1 : one who is accustomed to riding unbroken or little-trained horses
2 usually Rough Rider : a member of the first U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiment in the Spanish-American War commanded by Theodore Roosevelt

roughshod
adj. 1 : shod with calked shoes
2 : marked by tyrannical force <roughshod rule>

roughshod
adj. : in a roughly forceful manner <rode roughshod over the opposition>

rouille
n. : a peppery garlic sauce

roulade
n. 1 : a florid vocal embellishment sung to one syllable
2 : a slice of usually stuffed meat that is rolled, browned, and steamed or braised

rouleau
n. : a little roll especially : a roll of coins put up in paper

roulette
n. 1 a : a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in b : something involving a high degree of chance and unpredictability
2 a : any of various toothed wheels or disks (as for producing rows of dots on engraved plates or for making short consecutive incisions in paper to facilitate subsequent division) b : tiny slits between rows of stamps in a sheet that are made by a roulette and serve as an aid in separation ― compare PERFORATION

roulette
n. : to make roulettes in

Roumanian
n. variant of romanian

round
n. 1 a (1) : having every part of the surface or circumference equidistant from the center (2) : CYLINDRICAL <a round peg> b : approximately round <a round face>
2 : well filled out : PLUMP, SHAPELY
3 a : COMPLETE, FULL <a round dozen> <a round ton> b : approximately correct especially : exact only to a specific decimal or place <use the round number 1400 for the exact figure 1411> c : substantial in amount : AMPLE <a good round price ― T. B. Costain>
4 : direct in utterance : OUTSPOKEN <a round denunciation>
5 : moving in or forming a circle
6 a : brought to completion or perfection : FINISHED b : presented with lifelike fullness or vividness
7 : delivered with a swing of the arm <a round blow>
8 a : having full or unimpeded resonance or tone : SONOROUS b : pronounced with rounded lips : LABIALIZED
9 : of or relating to handwriting predominantly curved rather than angular
–round·ness \'rau̇n(d)-nəs\ noun

round
n. : AROUND

round
n. 1 a : something (as a circle, globe, or ring) that is round b (1) : a knot of people (2) : a circle of things
2 : ROUND DANCE 1
3 : a musical canon in which each part begins on the same note and is continuously repeated
4 a : a rung of a ladder or a chair b : a rounded molding
5 a : a circling or circuitous path or course b : motion in a circle or a curving path
6 a : a route or circuit habitually covered (as by a security guard or police officer) b : a series of similar or customary calls or stops <making the rounds of his friends ― Current Biog.> especially : a series of regularly scheduled professional calls on hospital patients made by a doctor or nurse ― usually used in plural
7 : a drink of liquor apiece served at one time to each person in a group <I'll buy the next round>
8 : a sequence of recurring routine or repetitive actions or events <went about my round of chores> <the newest round of talks>
9 : a period of time that recurs in a fixed pattern <the daily round>
10 a : one shot fired by a weapon or by each man in a military unit b : a unit of ammunition consisting of the parts necessary to fire one shot
11 a : a unit of action in a contest or game which comprises a stated period, covers a prescribed distance, includes a specified number of plays, or gives each player one turn b : a division of a tournament in which each contestant plays an opponent
12 : a prolonged burst (as of applause)
13 a : a cut of meat (as beef) especially between the rump and the lower leg ― see BEEF illustration b : a slice of food <a round of bread>
14 : a rounded or curved part
–in the round
1 : in full sculptured form unattached to a background
2 : with an inclusive or comprehensive view or representation
3 : with a center stage surrounded by an audience <a play presented in the round>

round
n. 1 a : to make round b (1) : to make (the lips) round and protruded (as in the pronunciation of \ü\) (2) : to pronounce with lip rounding : LABIALIZE
2 a : GO AROUND b : to pass part of the way around
3 : ENCIRCLE, ENCOMPASS
4 : to bring to completion or perfection ― often used with off or out
5 : to express as a round number ― often used with off <11.3572 rounded off to two decimal places becomes 11.36>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become round, plump, or shapely b : to reach fullness or completion
2 : to follow a winding course : BEND
–round on : to turn against : ASSAIL

round
n. 1 : AROUND
2 : all during : THROUGHOUT <round the year>

round
n. 1 archaic : WHISPER
2 archaic : to speak to in a whisper

round
n. round the clock
all round
bottom round
come round
get round
go round
merry go round
pull round
in the round
round on
round angle
round clam
round dance
round lot
round robin
round shouldered
round steak
round table
round trip
round up
round window
steamship round
theater in the round
theaters in the round
top round
whip round
year round
Round Lake Beach
Round Rock
well rounded
all rounder
year rounder

round angle
: an angle of 360° or 2 π radians

round clam
: QUAHOG

round dance
1 : a folk dance in which participants form a ring and move in a prescribed direction
2 : a ballroom dance in which couples progress around the room
3 : a series of movements performed by a bee to indicate that a source of food is nearby

Round Lake Beach
village NE Ill. pop 25,859

round lot
: the standard unit of trading in a security market usually amounting to 100 shares of stock

round on
to turn against : ASSAIL

Round Rock
town cen Tex. N of Austin pop 61,136

round steak
: a steak cut from the round of beef ― see BEEF illustration

round table
1 a capitalized R&T : the large circular table of King Arthur and his knights b : the knights of King Arthur
2 usually round·ta·ble : a conference for discussion or deliberation by several participants also : the participants in such a conference

round up
1 : to collect (as cattle) by means of a roundup
2 : to gather in or bring together from various quarters

round window
: a round opening between the middle ear and the cochlea

round-robin
1 a : a written petition, memorial, or protest to which the signatures are affixed in a circle so as not to indicate who signed first b : a statement signed by several persons c : something (as a letter) sent in turn to the members of a group each of whom signs and forwards it sometimes after adding comment
2 : ROUND TABLE 2
3 : a tournament in which every contestant meets every other contestant in turn
4 : SERIES, ROUND

round-shouldered
: having the shoulders stooping or rounded

round-the-clock
: AROUND-THE-CLOCK

round-trip
: a trip to a place and back usually over the same route

roundabout
n. : CIRCUITOUS, INDIRECT <had to take a roundabout route>
–round·about·ness noun

roundabout
n. 1 : a circuitous route : DETOUR
2 British : MERRY-GO-ROUND
3 : a short close-fitting jacket worn by men and boys especially in the 19th century
4 British : ROTARY 2

roundball
n. : BASKETBALL

rounded
adj. 1 : made round : flowing rather than jagged or angular
2 : fully developed
–round·ed·ness noun

roundel
n. 1 : a round figure or object (as a circular panel, window, or niche)
2 a : RONDEL 2A b : an English modified rondeau

roundelay
n. 1 : a simple song with a refrain
2 : a poem with a refrain recurring frequently or at fixed intervals as in a rondel

rounder
n. 1 plural but singular in construction : a game of English origin that is played with ball and bat and that somewhat resembles baseball
2 : a dissolute person : WASTREL
3 : one that rounds by hand or by machine
4 : a boxing match lasting a specified number of rounds ― usually used in combination <a 10-rounder>

Roundhead
n. 1 : a member of the parliamentary party in England at the time of Charles I and Oliver Cromwell
2 : PURITAN 1

roundheaded
: having a round head

roundhouse
n. 1 archaic : LOCKUP
2 : a circular building for housing and repairing locomotives
3 : a blow delivered with a wide swing
–roundhouse adjective

roundish
adj. : somewhat round

roundly
adv. 1 a : in a complete or thorough manner : THOROUGHLY <roundly disliked> <roundly satisfying> b : by nearly everyone : WIDELY <roundly praised>
2 : in a plainspoken manner : BLUNTLY <told them roundly they would get no help>
3 : with vigor or asperity <roundly attacked the plan>

roundsman
n. 1 : one that makes rounds
2 : a supervisory police officer of the grade of sergeant or just below

roundup
n. 1 a (1) : the act or process of collecting animals (as cattle) by riding around them and driving them in (2) : the cowboys and ranch personnel engaged in a cattle roundup b : a gathering in of scattered persons or things <a roundup of all suspects>
2 : a summary of information <a roundup of the news>

roundwood
: timber used (as for poles) without being squared by sawing or hewing

roundworm
n. : NEMATODE also : a related round-bodied unsegmented worm (as a spiny-headed worm) as distinguished from a flatworm

roup
n. : any of various respiratory disorders of poultry

Rous
n. Francis Peyton 1879-1970 American pathologist

Rous sarcoma
: a sarcoma of chickens caused by a retrovirus (species Rous sarcoma virus of the genus Alpharetrovirus)

rouse
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : to cause to break from cover
2 a : to stir up : EXCITE <was roused to fury> b : to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose : AWAKEN
intransitive verb
1 : to become aroused : AWAKEN
2 : to become stirred
–rouse·ment \'rau̇z-mənt\ noun
–rous·er noun

rouse
v. : an act or instance of rousing especially : an excited stir

rouse
v. 1 obsolete : DRINK, TOAST
2 archaic : CAROUSAL

rouseabout
n. Australian : an unskilled worker

rousing
adj. 1 a : giving rise to excitement : STIRRING <a rousing speech> b : BRISK, LIVELY
2 : EXCEPTIONAL, SUPERLATIVE <a rousing success>
–rous·ing·ly adverb

Rousseau
n. Henri (-Julien-Félix) 1844-1910 le Douanier Fr. painter

Rousseau
n. Jean-Jacques 1712-1778 Fr. (Swiss-born) philos. & writer
–Rous·seau·esque \ru̇-sō-'esk, ˌrü-\ or Rous·seau·ian \-'sō-ē-ən\ adjective

Rousseau
n. (Pierre-Étienne-) Théodore 1812-1867 Fr. painter

Rousseauism
n. 1 : the philosophical, educational, and political doctrines of Jean Jacques Rousseau
2 : the return to or glorification of a simpler and more primitive way of life
–Rous·seau·ist \-ist\ noun
–Rous·seau·is·tic \ˌrü-ˌsō-'is-tik, ru̇-\ adjective

Roussillon
region & former province S France bordering on the Pyrenees & the Mediterranean capital Perpignan

roust
n. : to drive (as from bed) roughly or unceremoniously

roustabout
n. 1 a : DECKHAND b : LONGSHOREMAN
2 : an unskilled or semiskilled laborer especially in an oil field or refinery
3 : a circus worker who erects and dismantles tents, cares for the grounds, and handles animals and equipment
4 : a person with no permanent home or regular occupation also : one who stirs up trouble

rouster
n. 1 : DECKHAND
2 : LONGSHOREMAN

rout
n. 1 : a crowd of people : THRONG specifically : RABBLE 2B
2 a : DISTURBANCE b archaic : FUSS
3 : a fashionable gathering

rout
n. dialect chiefly British : to low loudly : BELLOW ― used of cattle

rout
n. intransitive verb
1 : to poke around with the snout : ROOT <pigs routing in the earth>
2 : to search haphazardly
transitive verb
1 a archaic : to dig up with the snout b : to gouge out or make a furrow in (as wood or metal)
2 a : to force out as if by digging ― usually used with out b : to cause to emerge especially from bed
3 : to come up with : UNCOVER <scouts⋯routing out new talent ― Carrie Donovan>

rout
n. 1 : a state of wild confusion or disorderly retreat
2 a : a disastrous defeat : DEBACLE b : a precipitate flight

rout
n. 1 a : to disorganize completely : DEMORALIZE b : to put to precipitate flight c : to defeat decisively or disastrously <the discomfiture of seeing their party routed at the polls ― A. N. Holcombe>
2 : to drive out : DISPEL

route
n. 1 a : a traveled way : HIGHWAY <the main route north> b : a means of access : CHANNEL <the route to social mobility ― T. F. O'Dea>
2 : a line of travel : COURSE
3 a : an established or selected course of travel or action b : an assigned territory to be systematically covered <a newspaper route>

route
n. 1 : to send by a selected route : DIRECT <was routed along the scenic shore road>
2 : to divert in a specified direction

route
n. en route
route step
route march
rural route
star route
trade route
Silk Route

route step
: a style of marching in which troops maintain prescribed intervals but are not required to keep in step or to maintain silence ― called also route march

routeman
: a person who is responsible for making sales or deliveries on an assigned route

router
n. : one that routs: as a : a routing plane b : a machine with a revolving vertical spindle and cutter for milling out the surface of wood or metal

router
n. : one that routes especially : a device that mediates the transmission routes of data packets over an electronic communications network (as the Internet)

router
n. : a horse trained for distance races

routeway
chiefly British : ROUTE 3A

routh
chiefly Scottish : PLENTY

routine
n. 1 a : a regular course of procedure <if resort to legal action becomes a campus routine ― J. A. Perkins> b : habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure <the routine of factory work>
2 : a reiterated speech or formula <the old “After you” routine ― Ray Russell>
3 : a worked-out part (as of an entertainment or sports contest) that may be often repeated <a dance routine> <a gymnastic routine> especially : a theatrical number
4 : a sequence of computer instructions for performing a particular task

routine
n. 1 : of a commonplace or repetitious character : ORDINARY <routine problems>
2 : of, relating to, or being in accordance with established procedure <routine business>
–rou·tine·ly adverb

routinize
v. : to discipline in or reduce to a routine
–rou·tin·i·za·tion \(ˌ)rü-ˌtē-nə-'zā-shən, ˌrü-tə-nə-\ noun

roux
n. : a cooked mixture of flour and fat used as a thickening agent in a soup or a sauce

Rouyn-Noranda
town Canada in SW Que. pop 28,270

rove
n. intransitive verb : to move aimlessly : ROAM
transitive verb : to wander through or over
synonyms see WANDER

rove
n. : an act or instance of wandering

rove
n. past and past part of reeve

rove
n. : to join (textile fibers) with a slight twist and draw out into roving

rove
n. : ROVING

rove beetle
: any of a family (Staphylinidae) of often predatory active beetles having a long body and very short wing covers beneath which the wings are folded transversely ― called also staphylinid

rover
n. : PIRATE

rover
n. 1 : a random or long-distance mark in archery ― usually used in plural
2 : WANDERER, ROAMER
3 : a player who is not assigned to a specific position on a team and who plays wherever needed
4 : a vehicle for exploring the surface of an extraterrestrial body (as the moon or Mars)

roving
n. 1 a : not restricted as to location or area of concern b : capable of being shifted from place to place : MOBILE
2 : inclined to ramble or stray <a roving fancy>

roving
n. : a slightly twisted roll or strand of usually textile fibers

row
n. intransitive verb
1 : to propel a boat by means of oars
2 : to move by or as if by the propulsion of oars
transitive verb
1 a : to propel with or as if with oars b (1) : to participate in (a rowing match) (2) : to compete against in rowing (3) : to pull (an oar) in a crew
2 : to transport in an oar-propelled boat
–row·er \'rō-ər\ noun

row
n. : an act or instance of rowing

row
n. 1 : a number of objects arranged in a usually straight line <a row of bottles> also : the line along which such objects are arranged <planted the corn in parallel rows>
2 a : WAY, STREET b : a street or area dominated by a specific kind of enterprise or occupancy <doctors' row>
3 : TWELVE-TONE ROW
4 a : a continuous strip usually running horizontally or parallel to a baseline b : a horizontal arrangement of items
–in a row : one after another : SUCCESSIVELY

row
n. : to form into rows

row
n. : a noisy disturbance or quarrel

row
n. : to engage in a row : have a quarrel

row
n. death row
in a row
row house
skid row
tone row
twelve tone row
rowing boat
rowing machine

row house
: one of a series of houses connected by common sidewalls and forming a continuous group

rowan
n. 1 : either of two mountain ashes with flat corymbs of white flowers followed by small red pomes: a : one (Sorbus aucuparia) native to Eurasia that has become naturalized in the U.S. and Canada b : one (S. americana) native to the eastern U.S and Canada
2 : the fruit of a rowan

rowanberry
n. : ROWAN 2

rowboat
n. : a small boat designed to be rowed

rowdy
n. : coarse or boisterous in behavior : ROUGH also : characterized by such behavior <rowdy local bars>
–row·di·ly \'rau̇-dəl-ē\ adverb
–row·di·ness \'rau̇-dē-nəs\ noun
–row·dy·ish \-ish\ adjective

rowdy
n. : a rowdy person : TOUGH

rowdyism
n. : rowdy character or behavior

Rowe
Nicholas 1674-1718 Eng. poet & dram.; poet laureate (1715-18)

rowel
n. : a revolving disk with sharp marginal points at the end of a spur

rowel
n. 1 : to goad with or as if with a rowel
2 : VEX, TROUBLE

rowen
n. : AFTERMATH 1

rowing
n. 1 : the propelling of a boat by means of oars : the action of one that rows
2 : the sport of racing in shells

rowing boat
chiefly British : ROWBOAT

rowing machine
: an exercise machine that simulates the action of rowing

Rowland
n. Frank Sherwood 1927-     Am. chem.

Rowlandson
Thomas 1756-1827 Eng. caricaturist

Rowlett
city NE Tex., a suburb of Dallas pop 44,503

Rowley
William 1585?-?1642 Eng. actor & dram.

Rowling
J(oanne) K(athleen) 1965-     Brit. writer

rowlock
n. chiefly British : OARLOCK

Roxas y Acuna
Manuel 1892-1948 Philippine statesman; pres. of the Philippine Republic (1946-48)

Roxburgh
former county SE Scotland capital Jedburgh

Roy
n. city NE Utah SW of Ogden pop 32,885

royal
n. 1 a : of kingly ancestry <the royal family> b : of, relating to, or subject to the crown <the royal estates> c : being in the crown's service <Royal Air Force>
2 a : suitable for royalty : MAGNIFICENT b : requiring no exertion : EASY <there is no royal road to logic ― Justus Buchler>
3 a : of superior size, magnitude, or quality <a patronage of royal dimensions ― J. H. Plumb> ― often used as an intensive <a royal pain> b : established or chartered by the crown
4 : of, relating to, or being a part (as a mast, sail, or yard) next above the topgallant
–roy·al·ly \'rȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

royal
n. 1 : a person of royal blood
2 : a small sail on the royal mast immediately above the topgallant sail
3 : a stag of 8 years or more having antlers with at least 12 points

royal
n. Royal Leamington Spa
battle royal
battles royal
coffee royal
marshal of the Royal Air Force
Princess Royal
Princesses Royal
rhyme royal
royal antler
royal blue
royal flush
royal jelly
royal palm
royal poinciana
royal purple
Mont Royal
Mount Royal
Port Royal
Port Royal Sound
Royal Gorge
Royal Oak
Royal Tunbridge Wells
battle royals

royal antler
: the third tine above the base of a stag's antler

royal blue
: a vivid purplish blue

royal flush
: a straight flush having an ace as the highest card ― see POKER illustration

Royal Gorge
section of the canyon of Arkansas River S cen Colo.

royal jelly
: a highly nutritious secretion of the pharyngeal glands of the honeybee that is fed to the very young larvae in a colony and to all queen larvae

Royal Leamington Spa
― see LEAMINGTON 2

Royal Oak
city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 60,062

royal palm
: any of a genus (Roystonea) of palms chiefly of the Caribbean region especially : a tall graceful pinnate-leaved palm (R. regia) native to Cuba that is widely planted for ornament

royal poinciana
: a showy Madagascan tree (Delonix regia syn. Poinciana regia) widely planted for its immense racemes of scarlet and orange flowers ― called also flamboyant peacock flower

royal purple
: a dark reddish purple

Royal Tunbridge Wells
town SE England in Kent pop 44,506

royalism
n. : MONARCHISM

royalist
n. 1 often capitalized : an adherent of a king or of monarchical government: as a : CAVALIER 3 b : TORY 4
2 : a reactionary business tycoon
–royalist adjective

royalty
n. 1 a : royal status or power : SOVEREIGNTY b : a right or perquisite of a sovereign (as a percentage paid to the crown of gold or silver taken from mines)
2 : regal character or bearing : NOBILITY
3 a : persons of royal lineage b : a person of royal rank <how to address royalties ― George Santayana> c : an elite class
4 : a right of jurisdiction granted to an individual or corporation by a sovereign
5 a : a share of the product or profit reserved by the grantor especially of an oil or mining lease b : a payment to an author or composer for each copy of a work sold or to an inventor for each item sold under a patent

Royce
Josiah 1855-1916 American philos.

rozzer
n. slang British : POLICE OFFICER

RP
1 Received Pronunciation
2 relief pitcher
3 reprint; reprinting
4 Republic of the Philippines

RPG
: a computer language that generates programs from the user's specifications especially to produce business reports

RPh
registered pharmacist

rpm
n. revolutions per minute

rps
revolutions per second

RPT
registered physical therapist

RPV
: an unmanned aircraft flown by remote control and used especially for reconnaissance

RQ
respiratory quotient

RR
1 railroad
2 rural route

rrhagia
: abnormal or excessive discharge or flow <metrorrhagia>

rrhea
: flow : discharge <leukorrhea>

rrhiza
― see -RHIZA

rrhoea
chiefly British variant of -rrhea

rRNA
: RIBOSOMAL RNA

RRT
registered respiratory therapist

RS
1 Received Standard
2 recording secretary
3 revised statutes
4 Royal Society

RSA
Republic of South Africa

RSFSR
Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic

RSI
repetitive strain injury; repetitive stress injury

RSV
1 Revised Standard Version
2 respiratory synctial virus

RSVP
: to respond to an invitation

RSVP
please reply

RT
1 respiratory therapist; respiratory therapy
2 room temperature
3 round-trip

rt
1 right
2 route

rte
route

rtw
ready-to-wear

Ru
n. ruthenium

RU-486
: a drug C_29H_35NO_2 taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone ― called also mifepristone

ruana
: a woolen covering resembling a poncho

Ruanda-Urundi
former trust territory E cen Africa bordering on Lake Tanganyika & comprising two districts, Ruanda (capital Kigali) & Urundi (capital Usumbura), administered by Belgium under League of Nations mandate 1919-45 & under U.N. trusteeship 1946-62 capital Usumbura ― see BURUNDI, RWANDA

Ruapehu, Mount
volcano 9175 ft (2796 m) New Zealand in Tongariro National Park; highest peak in North Is.

rub
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move along the surface of a body with pressure : GRATE b (1) : to fret or chafe with or as if with friction (2) : to cause discontent, irritation, or anger
2 : to continue in a situation usually with slight difficulty <in spite of financial difficulties, he is rubbing along>
3 : to admit of being rubbed (as for erasure or obliteration)
transitive verb
1 a : to subject to or as if to the action of something moving especially back and forth with pressure and friction b (1) : to cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along a surface (2) : to treat in any of various ways by rubbing c : to bring into reciprocal back-and-forth or rotary contact
2 : ANNOY, IRRITATE
–rub elbows or rub shoulders : to associate closely : MINGLE
–rub one's nose in : to bring forcefully or repeatedly to one's attention
–rub the wrong way : to arouse the antagonism or displeasure of : IRRITATE

rub
n. 1 a : an unevenness of surface (as of the ground in lawn bowling) b : OBSTRUCTION, DIFFICULTY <the rub is that so few of the scholars have any sense of this truth themselves ― Benjamin Farrington> c : something grating to the feelings (as a gibe or harsh criticism) d : something that mars serenity
2 : the application of friction with pressure <an alcohol rub>

rub
n. rub shoulders
rub the wrong way
rub one's nose in
rub elbows
rub in
rub off
rub out
rub up
Rub al Khali
Rub' al Khali
rubbing alcohol

Rub al-Khali
desert region S Arabia extending from Nejd S to Hadramawt area ab 250,000 sq mi (647,500 sq km)

rub elbows
or rub shoulders : to associate closely : MINGLE

rub in
: to harp on (as something unpleasant) : EMPHASIZE

rub off
: to become transferred <bad habits rubbed off on them> <carbon rubs off on your hands>
–rub-off \'rəb-ˌȯf\ noun

rub one's nose in
to bring forcefully or repeatedly to one's attention

rub out
1 : to obliterate or extinguish by or as if by rubbing
2 : to destroy completely specifically : KILL, MURDER <somebody rubbed him out⋯with a twenty-two ― Raymond Chandler>
–rub·out \'rəb-ˌau̇t\ noun

rub the wrong way
to arouse the antagonism or displeasure of : IRRITATE

rub up
1 : to revive or refresh knowledge of : RECALL
2 : to improve the keenness of (a mental faculty)

Rubaiyat stanza
: an iambic pentameter quatrain with a rhyme scheme aaba

rubato
n. : a fluctuation of tempo within a musical phrase often against a rhythmically steady accompaniment

rubber
n. 1 a : one that rubs b : an instrument or object (as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning c : something that prevents rubbing or chafing
2 [from its use in erasers] a : an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried ― called also caoutchouc india rubber b : any of various synthetic rubberlike substances c : natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials
3 : something made of or resembling rubber: as a : a rubber overshoe b (1) : a rubber tire (2) : the set of tires on a vehicle c : a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching d : CONDOM 1
–rubber adjective

rubber
n. 1 : a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)
2 : an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie

rubber
n. india rubber
butyl rubber
foam rubber
hard rubber
Para rubber
Para rubber tree
rubber band
rubber bridge
rubber cement
rubber check
rubber chicken
rubber plant
rubber stamp
rubber tree
silicone rubber
sponge rubber

rubber band
: a continuous band of rubber used in various ways (as for holding together a sheaf of papers)

rubber bridge
: a form of contract bridge in which settlement is made at the end of each rubber

rubber cement
: an adhesive consisting typically of a dispersion of vulcanized rubber in an organic solvent

rubber check
: a check returned by a bank because of insufficient funds in the payer's account

rubber plant
: a plant that yields rubber especially : a tall tropical widely cultivated Asian tree (Ficus elastica) of the mulberry family that is frequently dwarfed as a houseplant

rubber stamp
1 : a stamp of rubber for making imprints
2 a : a person who echoes or imitates others b : a mostly powerless yet officially recognized body or person that approves or endorses programs and policies initiated usually by a single specified source <the parliament was a rubber stamp for the dictator>
3 a : a stereotyped copy or expression <the usual rubber stamps of criticism ― H. L. Mencken> b : a routine endorsement or approval
–rubber-stamp adjective

rubber tree
: a tree that yields rubber especially : a So. American tree (Hevea brasiliensis) of the spurge family that is cultivated in plantations and is a chief source of rubber

rubber-chicken
: of, relating to, or being a series of social gatherings (as fund-raising dinners) at which speeches are given <the rubber-chicken circuit>

rubber-stamp
1 : to approve, endorse, or dispose of as a matter of routine or at the command of another
2 : to mark with a rubber stamp

rubberized
adj. : coated or saturated with rubber or a rubber solution

rubberlike
: resembling rubber especially in physical properties (as elasticity and toughness)

rubberneck
n. 1 : an overly inquisitive person
2 : TOURIST especially : one on a guided tour

rubberneck
n. 1 : to look about, stare, or listen with exaggerated curiosity <drivers passing the accident slowed down to rubberneck>
2 : to go on a tour : SIGHTSEE
–rub·ber·neck·er \-ˌne-kər\ noun

rubbery
adj. : resembling rubber (as in elasticity, consistency, or texture) <rubbery legs> <rubbery cheese>

Rubbia
Carlo 1934-     Ital. physicist

rubbing
n. : an image of a raised, incised, or textured surface obtained by placing paper over it and rubbing the paper with a colored substance

rubbing alcohol
: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropanol

rubbish
n. 1 : useless waste or rejected matter : TRASH
2 : something that is worthless or nonsensical <few real masterpieces are forgotten and not much rubbish survives ― William Bridges-Adams>
–rub·bishy \-bə-shē\ adjective

rubble
n. 1 a : broken fragments (as of rock) resulting from the decay or destruction of a building <fortifications knocked into rubble ― C. S. Forester> b : a miscellaneous confused mass or group of usually broken or worthless things
2 : waterworn or rough broken stones or bricks used in coarse masonry or in filling courses of walls
3 : rough stone as it comes from the quarry

rubble
n. : to reduce to rubble

rubboard
: WASHBOARD 3A

rubdown
n. : a brisk rubbing of the body (as to relax fatigued muscles)

rube
n. 1 : an awkward unsophisticated person : RUSTIC
2 : a naive or inexperienced person

Rube Goldberg
: accomplishing by complex means what seemingly could be done simply <a kind of Rube Goldberg contraption⋯with five hundred moving parts ― L. T. Grant> also : characterized by such complex means

rubefacient
n. : causing redness (as of the skin)

rubefacient
n. : a substance for external application that produces redness of the skin

rubel
― see MONEY table

rubella
n. : GERMAN MEASLES

rubellite
n. : a red tourmaline used as a gem

Rubenesque
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of the painter Rubens or his works especially : plump or rounded usually in a pleasing or attractive way <a Rubenesque figure>

Rubens
n. Peter Paul 1577-1640 Flem. painter
–Ru·ben·si·an \rü-'ben-zē-ən\ adjective

rubeola
n. : MEASLES

Rubicon
n. : a bounding or limiting line especially : one that when crossed commits a person irrevocably

Rubicon
n. river 15 mi (24 km) N cen Italy flowing E into the Adriatic

rubicund
adj. : RUDDY
–ru·bi·cun·di·ty \ˌrü-bi-'kən-də-tē\ noun

rubidium
n. : a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group that reacts violently with water and bursts into flame spontaneously in air ― see ELEMENT table

Rubinstein
n. An·ton \än-'tȯn\ 1829-1894 Russ. pianist & composer

Rubinstein
n. Arthur 1887-1982 American (Pol.-born) pianist

rubious
adj. : RED, RUBY

ruble
n. ― see MONEY table

rubric
n. 1 a : an authoritative rule especially : a rule for conduct of a liturgical service b (1) : NAME, TITLE specifically : the title of a statute (2) : something under which a thing is classed : CATEGORY <the sensations falling under the general rubric, “pressure” ― F. A. Geldard> c : an explanatory or introductory commentary : GLOSS specifically : an editorial interpolation
2 : a heading of a part of a book or manuscript done or underlined in a color (as red) different from the rest
3 : an established rule, tradition, or custom
–rubric or ru·bri·cal \-bri-kəl\ adjective
–ru·bri·cal·ly \-bri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

rubricate
v. 1 : to write or print as a rubric
2 : to provide with a rubric
–ru·bri·ca·tion \ˌrü-bri-'kā-shən\ noun
–ru·bri·ca·tor \'rü-bri-ˌkā-tər\ noun

rubus
n. : any of a genus (Rubus) of plants (as a blackberry or a raspberry) of the rose family with leaves that typically have three to seven leaflets or that are simple and lobed, white or pink flowers, usually prickly stems, and a mass of carpels ripening into an aggregate fruit composed of many drupelets

ruby
n. 1 a : a precious stone that is a red corundum b : something (as a watch bearing) made of ruby
2 a : the dark red color of the ruby b : something resembling a ruby in color

ruby
n. : of the color ruby

ruby
n. ruby glass
ruby spinel
ruby throated hummingbird

ruby glass
: glass of a deep red color containing selenium, an oxide of copper, or a chloride of gold

ruby spinel
: a usually red spinel used as a gem

ruby-throated hummingbird
: a hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) of eastern No. America having a bright metallic green back, whitish underparts, and in the adult male a red throat

rubythroat
n. : RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

ruche
n. : a pleated, fluted, or gathered strip of fabric used for trimming
–ruched \'rüsht\ adjective

ruck
n. 1 a : the usual run of persons or things : GENERALITY <trying to rise above the ruck ― Richard Holt> b : an indistinguishable gathering : JUMBLE
2 : the persons or things following the vanguard <finished the race in the ruck>

ruck
n. : PUCKER, WRINKLE

rucksack
n. : KNAPSACK

ruckus
n. : ROW, DISTURBANCE <raise a ruckus>

ruction
n. 1 : a noisy fight
2 : DISTURBANCE, UPROAR

Ruda Slaska
commune S Poland pop 169,789

rudbeckia
n. : any of a genus (Rudbeckia) of No. American chiefly perennial composite herbs having showy flower heads with mostly yellow ray flowers and a usually conical scaly receptacle

rudd
n. : a freshwater Eurasian cyprinid fish (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) resembling the golden shiner

rudder
n. 1 : an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel's head to turn in the same direction
2 : a movable auxiliary airfoil on an airplane usually attached at the rear end that serves to control direction of flight in the horizontal plane ― see AIRPLANE illustration
3 : a guiding force or strategy
–rud·der·less \-ləs\ adjective

rudderpost
1 : the shaft of a rudder
2 : an additional sternpost in a ship with a single screw propeller to which the rudder is attached

ruddle
n. : RED OCHER

ruddle
n. : to color with or as if with red ocher : REDDEN

ruddock
n. archaic : ROBIN 1A

ruddy
adj. 1 : having a healthy reddish color
2 : RED, REDDISH
3 British ― used as an intensive <bellowed like a ruddy bull when she wanted food ― Doreen Tovey>
–rud·di·ly \'rə-dəl-ē\ adverb
–rud·di·ness \'rə-dē-nəs\ noun

ruddy duck
: an American duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) with a long tail of stiff feathers, a broad bill, and in the breeding male a brownish-red back and sides and a blue bill

rude
adj. 1 a : being in a rough or unfinished state : CRUDE <rude line illustrations> b : NATURAL, RAW <rude cotton> c : PRIMITIVE, UNDEVELOPED <peasants use rude wooden plows ― Jack Raymond> d : SIMPLE, ELEMENTAL <landscape done in rude whites, blacks, deep browns ― Richard Harris>
2 : lacking refinement or delicacy: a : IGNORANT, UNLEARNED b : INELEGANT, UNCOUTH c : offensive in manner or action : DISCOURTEOUS d : UNCIVILIZED, SAVAGE e : COARSE, VULGAR
3 : marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : INEXPERIENCED <rude workmanship>
4 : ROBUST, STURDY <in rude health>
5 : occurring abruptly and disconcertingly <a rude awakening>
–rude·ly adverb
synonyms RUDE, ROUGH, CRUDE, RAW mean lacking in social refinement. RUDE implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy <rude behavior>. ROUGH is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness <rough manners>. CRUDE may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive <a crude joke>. RAW suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished <turning raw youths into polished performers>.

rudeness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being rude
2 : a rude action

ruderal
adj. : growing where the natural vegetational cover has been disturbed by humans <ruderal weeds of old fields and roadsides>

ruderal
adj. : a weedy and commonly introduced plant growing where the vegetational cover has been interrupted

rudiment
n. 1 : a basic principle or element or a fundamental skill ― usually used in plural <teaching themselves the rudiments of rational government ― G. B. Galanti>
2 a : something unformed or undeveloped : BEGINNING ― usually used in plural <the rudiments of a plan> b (1) : a body part so deficient in size or structure as to be entirely unable to perform its normal function (2) : an organ just beginning to develop : ANLAGE
–ru·di·men·tal \ˌrü-də-'men-təl\ adjective

rudimentary
adj. 1 : consisting in first principles : FUNDAMENTAL <had only a rudimentary formal education ― D. J. Boorstin>
2 : of a primitive kind <the equipment of these past empire-builders was rudimentary ― A. J. Toynbee>
3 : very imperfectly developed or represented only by a vestige <the rudimentary tail of a hyrax>
–ru·di·men·tar·i·ly \-ˌmen-'ter-ə-lē, -'men-trə-lē\ adverb
–ru·di·men·ta·ri·ness \-'men-tə-rē-nəs, -'men-trē-\ noun

Rudolf
n. 1858-1889 archduke & crown prince of Austria

Rudolf
n. 1218-1291 Holy Rom. emp. (1273-91); 1st of the Hapsburgs

Rudolf
n. Rudolf I
Rudolf Lake
Lake Rudolf

Rudolf, Lake
― see TURKANA (Lake)

rue
n. : REGRET, SORROW <with rue my heart is laden ― A. E. Housman>

rue
n. transitive verb : to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for
intransitive verb : to feel sorrow, remorse, or regret

rue
n. : a European strong-scented perennial woody herb (Ruta graveolens of the family Rutaceae, the rue family) that has bitter leaves used medicinally

rue anemone
: a delicate vernal No. American herb (Anemonella thalictroides) of the buttercup family that has white flowers resembling those of the wood anemone and basal leaves

rueful
adj. 1 : exciting pity or sympathy : PITIABLE <rueful squalid poverty⋯by every wayside ― John Morley>
2 : MOURNFUL, REGRETFUL <troubled her with a rueful disquiet ― W. M. Thackeray>
–rue·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–rue·ful·ness noun

rufescent
: REDDISH

ruff
n. : a small freshwater European perch (Acerina cernua)

ruff
n. 1 : a large round collar of pleated muslin or linen worn by men and women of the late 16th and early 17th centuries
2 : a fringe or frill of long hairs or feathers growing around or on the neck of an animal
3 : a common Eurasian sandpiper (Philomachus pugnax) whose male during the breeding season has a large ruff of erectile feathers on the neck
–ruffed \'rəft\ adjective

ruff
n. intransitive verb : to take a trick with a trump
transitive verb : to play a trump on (a card previously led or played)

ruff
n. : the act of trumping

ruffed grouse
: a grouse (Bonasa umbellus) of U.S. and Canadian forests of which the male erects a ruff of black feathers and fans out a broad black-banded tail during breeding displays

ruffian
n. : a brutal person : BULLY
–ruffian adjective
–ruf·fi·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–ruf·fi·an·ly adjective

ruffle
n. transitive verb
1 a : ROUGHEN, ABRADE b : TROUBLE, VEX <is not ruffled by such barbs ― Bruce Anderson>
2 : to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3 a : to flip through (as pages) b : SHUFFLE
4 : to make into a ruffle
intransitive verb : to become ruffled <their dispositions ruffle perceptibly ― Life>

ruffle
n. 1 : COMMOTION, BRAWL
2 : a state or cause of irritation
3 a : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge b : 2RUFF 2
4 : an unevenness or disturbance of surface : RIPPLE
–ruf·fly \'rə-f(ə-)lē\ adjective

ruffle
n. : a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

Rufisque
city & port W Senegal pop 137,150

rufiyaa
n. ― see MONEY table

rufous
adj. : REDDISH

rug
n. 1 : LAP ROBE
2 : a piece of thick heavy fabric that usually has a nap or pile and is used as a floor covering
3 : a floor mat of an animal pelt <a bearskin rug>
4 slang : TOUPEE 2
5 British : a blanket for an animal (as a horse or dog)

rug
n. flokati rug
Oriental rug
prayer rug
pull the rug from under
rug rat
scatter rug
steamer rug
throw rug

rug rat
slang : a child not yet old enough for school

ruga
n. : an anatomical fold or wrinkle (as of the gastric mucous membranes) ― usually used in plural

Rugby
n. town cen England in Warwickshire on the Avon pop 83,400

rugby
n. : a football game in which play is continuous without time-outs or substitutions, interference and forward passing are not permitted, and kicking, dribbling, lateral passing, and tackling are featured

Rugen
island NE Germany in Baltic Sea off coast of Pomerania area 358 sq mi (927 sq km); chief town Bergen

rugged
adj. 1 obsolete : SHAGGY, HAIRY
2 : having a rough uneven surface : JAGGED <rugged mountains>
3 : TURBULENT, STORMY <rugged weather>
4 a : seamed with wrinkles and furrows : WEATHERED ― used of a human face b : showing facial signs of strength <rugged good looks>
5 a : AUSTERE, STERN b : COARSE, RUDE c : rough and strong in character
6 a : presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution b : strongly built or constituted : ROBUST <those that survive are stalwart, rugged men ― L. D. Stamp>
synonyms see ROUGH
–rug·ged·ly adverb
–rug·ged·ness noun

ruggedize
v. : to strengthen (as a machine) for better resistance to wear, stress, and abuse <a ruggedized camera>
–rug·ged·i·za·tion \ˌrə-gə-də-'zā-shən\ noun

rugger
n. British : RUGBY also : a rugby player

rugola
n. : ARUGULA

rugosa rose
: any of various hardy thorny garden roses descended from a rose (Rosa rugosa) introduced from China and Japan ― called also rugosa

rugose
adj. 1 : full of wrinkles <rugose cheeks>
2 : having the veinlets sunken and the spaces between elevated <rugose leaves of the sage>
–ru·gos·i·ty \rü-'gä-sə-tē\ noun

rugulose
: having small rugae : finely wrinkled

Ruhr
n. 1 river 146 mi (235 km) W Germany flowing NW & W to the Rhine
2 industrial district in valley of the Ruhr

ruin
n. 1 a archaic : a falling down : COLLAPSE <from age to age⋯the crash of ruin fitfully resounds ― William Wordsworth> b : physical, moral, economic, or social collapse
2 a : the state of being ruined ― archaic except in plural <the city lay in ruins> b : the remains of something destroyed ― usually used in plural <the ruins of an ancient temple> <the ruins of his life>
3 : a cause of destruction
4 a : the action of destroying, laying waste, or wrecking b : DAMAGE, INJURY
5 : a ruined building, person, or object
–ru·in·ate \'rü-ə-ˌnāt, -nət\ adjective
–ruinate \-ˌnāt\ transitive verb

ruin
n. 1 : to reduce to ruins : DEVASTATE
2 a : to damage irreparably b : BANKRUPT, IMPOVERISH <ruined by stock speculation>
3 : to subject to frustration, failure, or disaster <will ruin your chances of promotion>
intransitive verb : to become ruined
–ru·in·er noun

ruination
n. : RUIN, DESTRUCTION

ruinous
adj. 1 : DILAPIDATED, RUINED
2 : causing or tending to cause ruin
–ru·in·ous·ly adverb
–ru·in·ous·ness noun

Ruisdael
Jacob van 1628(or 1629)-1682 & his uncle Salomon van ca 1602-1670 Du. painters

Ruislip Northwood
n. former urban district S England in Middlesex, now part of Hillingdon

rule
n. 1 a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action b : the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members c : an accepted procedure, custom, or habit d (1) : a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties (2) : a legal precept or doctrine e : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct
2 a (1) : a usually valid generalization (2) : a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode <fair weather was the rule yesterday ― N.Y. Times> b : a standard of judgment : CRITERION c : a regulating principle d : a determinate method for performing a mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result
3 a : the exercise of authority or control : DOMINION b : a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control
4 a : a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : RULER 3, TAPE MEASURE b : a metal strip with a type-high face that prints a linear design also : a linear design produced by or as if by such a strip
synonyms see LAW
–as a rule : for the most part : GENERALLY

rule
n. transitive verb
1 a : to exert control, direction, or influence on <the passions that rule our minds> b : to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining <rule a fractious horse> <ruled his appetites firmly>
2 a : to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily <the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron hand> b : to be preeminent in : DOMINATE
3 : to determine and declare authoritatively especially : to command or determine judicially
4 a (1) : to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler (2) : to mark (a line) on a paper with a ruler b : to arrange in a line
intransitive verb
1 a : to exercise supreme authority b : to be first in importance or prominence : PREDOMINATE <the physical did not rule in her nature ― Sherwood Anderson>
2 : to exist in a specified state or condition
3 : to lay down a legal rule
4 slang : to be extremely cool or popular ― used as a generalized term of praise or approval <for a little attitude at the right price, sneakers rule ― Tish Hamilton>
synonyms see DECIDE

rule
n. chain rule
Durham Rule
exclusionary rule
golden rule
ground rule
home rule
house rule
L'Hopital's rule
L'Hospital's rule
majority rule
rewrite rule
as a rule
rule of the road
rule of thumb
rule out
self rule
Simpson's rule
slide rule
unit rule
work to rule
Australian Rules football
ruled surface
self ruling

rule of the road

1871
: a customary practice (as driving always on a particular side of the road or yielding the right of way) developed in the interest of safety and often subsequently reinforced by law especially : any of the rules making up a code governing ships in matters relating to mutual safety

rule of thumb

1692
1 : a method of procedure based on experience and common sense
2 : a general principle regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate

rule out
1 : EXCLUDE, ELIMINATE
2 : to make impossible : PREVENT <heavy rain ruled out the picnic>

ruled surface
: a surface generated by a moving straight line with the result that through every point on the surface a line can be drawn lying wholly in the surface

ruleless
adj. : not restrained or regulated by law

ruler
n. 1 : one that rules specifically : SOVEREIGN
2 : a worker or a machine that rules paper
3 : a smooth-edged strip (as of wood or metal) that is usually marked off in units (as inches) and is used as a straightedge or for measuring
–rul·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun

ruling
n. : an official or authoritative decision, decree, statement, or interpretation (as by a judge on a point of law)

ruling
n. 1 a : exerting power or authority <the ruling party> b : CHIEF, PREDOMINATING <a ruling passion>
2 : generally prevailing

ruly
adj. : OBEDIENT, ORDERLY <a ruly crowd>

rum
n. 1 : an alcoholic beverage distilled from a fermented cane product (as molasses)
2 : alcoholic liquor <the demon rum>

rum
n. 1 chiefly British : QUEER, ODD <writing is a rum trade ― Angela Thirkell>
2 chiefly British : DIFFICULT, DANGEROUS

rum
n. rum running
bay rum
Jamaica rum

Rumanian
n. variant of romanian

rumba
n. : a ballroom dance of Cuban origin in 2/4 or 4/4 time with a basic pattern of step-close-step and marked by a delayed transfer of weight and pronounced hip movements also : the music for this dance

rumble
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a low heavy rolling sound <thunder rumbling in the distance>
2 : to travel with a low reverberating sound <wagons rumbled into town>
3 : to speak in a low rolling tone
4 : to engage in a rumble
transitive verb
1 : to utter or emit in a low rolling voice
2 British : to reveal or discover the true character of
–rum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

rumble
n. 1 a : a low heavy continuous reverberating often muffled sound (as of thunder) b : low frequency noise in phonographic playback caused by the transmission of mechanical vibrations by the turntable to the pickup
2 : a seat for servants behind the body of a carriage
3 a : widespread expression of dissatisfaction or unrest b : a street fight especially among gangs

rumble seat
: a folding seat in the back of an automobile (as a coupe or roadster) not covered by the top

rumble strip
: a strip of corrugated pavement (as along the edge of a highway) that causes rumbling and vibration when driven over

rumbling
n. 1 : RUMBLE
2 : general but unofficial talk or opinion often of dissatisfaction ― usually used in plural <rumblings of political trouble ― Anthony Burgess>

rumbly
adj. : tending to rumble or rattle

rumbustious
adj. chiefly British : RAMBUNCTIOUS
–rum·bus·tious·ly adverb chiefly British
–rum·bus·tious·ness noun chiefly British

Rumelia
a division of the old Ottoman Empire including Albania, Macedonia, & Thrace

rumen
n. : the large first compartment of the stomach of a ruminant in which cellulose is broken down by the action of symbiotic microorganisms ― compare ABOMASUM, OMASUM, RETICULUM
–ru·mi·nal \-mə-nəl\ adjective

Rumford
Count ― see Benjamin THOMPSON

ruminant
n. : a ruminant mammal

ruminant
n. 1 a (1) : chewing the cud (2) : characterized by chewing again what has been swallowed b : of or relating to two suborders (Ruminantia and Tylopoda) of herbivorous even-toed hoofed mammals (as sheep, oxen, deer, and camels) that chew the cud and have a complex 3- or 4-chambered stomach
2 : given to or engaged in contemplation : MEDITATIVE <stood there⋯in this attitude of ruminant relish ― Thomas Wolfe>
–ru·mi·nant·ly adverb

ruminate
transitive verb
1 : to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly
2 : to chew repeatedly for an extended period
intransitive verb
1 : to chew again what has been chewed slightly and swallowed : chew the cud
2 : to engage in contemplation : REFLECT
synonyms see PONDER
–ru·mi·na·tion \ˌrü-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–ru·mi·na·tive \'rü-mə-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
–ru·mi·na·tive·ly adverb
–ru·mi·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

rummage
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a thorough search or investigation
2 : to engage in an undirected or haphazard search
transitive verb
1 : to make a thorough search through : RANSACK <rummaged the attic>
2 : to examine minutely and completely
3 : to discover by searching
–rum·mag·er noun

rummage
n. 1 a : a confused miscellaneous collection b : items for sale at a rummage sale
2 : a thorough search especially among a confusion of objects

rummage sale
: a usually informal sale of miscellaneous goods especially : a sale of donated articles conducted by a nonprofit organization (as a church or charity) to help support its programs

rummer
n. : a large-bowled footed drinking glass often elaborately etched or engraved

rummy
n. : QUEER, ODD <feeling a little rummy from our trip up the escalator ― New Yorker>

rummy
n. : DRUNKARD

rummy
n. : any of several card games for two or more players in which each player tries to assemble groups of three or more cards of the same rank or suit and to be the first to meld them all

rumor
n. 1 : talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source
2 : a statement or report current without known authority for its truth
3 archaic : talk or report of a notable person or event
4 : a soft low indistinct sound : MURMUR

rumor
n. : to tell or spread by rumor

rumormonger
n. : a person who spreads rumors
–ru·mor·mon·ger·ing \-gər-iŋ\ noun

rumour
n. chiefly British variant of rumor

rump
n. 1 a : the upper rounded part of the hindquarters of a quadruped mammal b : BUTTOCKS c : the sacral or dorsal part of the posterior end of a bird
2 : a cut of meat (as beef) between the loin and round ― see BEEF illustration
3 : a small or inferior remnant or offshoot especially : a group (as a parliament) carrying on in the name of the original body after the departure or expulsion of a large number of its members

rumple
n. : FOLD, WRINKLE

rumple
n. transitive verb
1 : WRINKLE, CRUMPLE
2 : to make unkempt : TOUSLE
intransitive verb : to become rumpled

rumply
adj. : having rumples

rumpus
n. : a usually noisy commotion

rumpus room
: a room usually in the basement of a home that is used for games, parties, and recreation

rumrunner
n. : a person or ship engaged in bringing prohibited liquor ashore or across a border
–rum-run·ning \-ˌrə-niŋ\ adjective or noun

Rumsfeld
Donald Henry 1932-     U.S. secy. of defense (1975-77; 2001-  )

run
intransitive verb
1 a : to go faster than a walk specifically : to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step b of a horse : to move at a fast gallop c : FLEE, RETREAT, ESCAPE <dropped the gun and ran> d : to utilize a running play on offense ― used of a football team
2 a : to go without restraint : move freely about at will <let chickens run loose> b : to keep company : CONSORT <a ram running with ewes> <ran with a wild crowd when he was young> c : to sail before the wind in distinction from reaching or sailing close-hauled d : ROAM, ROVE <running about with no overcoat>
3 a : to go rapidly or hurriedly : HASTEN <run and fetch the doctor> b : to go in urgency or distress : RESORT <runs to mother at every little difficulty> c : to make a quick, easy, or casual trip or visit <ran over to borrow some sugar>
4 a : to contend in a race b : to enter into an election contest <will run for mayor>
5 a : to move on or as if on wheels : GLIDE <file drawers running on ball bearings> b : to roll forward rapidly or freely c : to pass or slide freely <a rope runs through the pulley> d : to ravel lengthwise <stockings guaranteed not to run>
6 : to sing or play a musical passage quickly <run up the scale>
7 a : to go back and forth : PLY <the train runs between New York and Washington> b of fish : to migrate or move in considerable numbers especially : to move up or down a river to spawn
8 a : TURN, ROTATE <a swiftly running grindstone> b : FUNCTION, OPERATE <the engine runs on gasoline> <software that runs on her computer>
9 a (1) : to continue in force, operation, or production <the contract has two more years to run> <the play ran for six months> (2) : to have a specified duration, extent, or length <the manuscript runs nearly 500 pages> b : to accompany as a valid obligation or right <a right-of-way that runs with the land> c : to continue to accrue or become payable <interest on the loan runs from July 1>
10 : to pass from one state to another <run into debt>
11 a : to flow rapidly or under pressure b : MELT, FUSE c : SPREAD, DISSOLVE <colors guaranteed not to run> d : to discharge liquid (as pus or serum) <a running sore>
12 a : to develop rapidly in some specific direction especially : to throw out an elongated shoot of growth b : to tend to produce or develop a specified quality or feature <they run to big noses in that family>
13 a : to lie in or take a certain direction <the boundary line runs east> b : to lie or extend in relation to something c : to go back : REACH d (1) : to be in a certain form or expression <the letter runs as follows> (2) : to be in a certain order of succession
14 a : to occur persistently <musical talent runs in the family> b (1) : to remain of a specified size, amount, character, or quality <profits were running high> (2) : to have or maintain a relative position or condition (as in a race) <ran third> <running late> c : to exist or occur in a continuous range of variation <shades run from white to dark gray>
15 a : to spread or pass quickly from point to point <chills ran up her spine> b : to be current : CIRCULATE <speculation ran rife>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause (an animal) to go rapidly : ride or drive fast b : to bring to a specified condition by or as if by running <ran himself to death> c : to go in pursuit of : HUNT, CHASE <dogs that run deer> d : to follow the trail of backward : TRACE <ran the rumor to its source> e : to enter, register, or enroll as a contestant in a race f : to put forward as a candidate for office g : to carry (the football) on a running play
2 a : to drive (livestock) especially to a grazing place b : to provide pasturage for (livestock) c : to keep or maintain (livestock) on or as if on pasturage
3 a (1) : to pass over or traverse with speed (2) : to run on or over in athletic competition <runs the bases well> <run the floor> b : to accomplish or perform by or as if by running <ran a great race> <run errands> c : to slip or go through or past <run a blockade> <run a red light> d : to travel on (as a river) in a boat <run the rapids>
4 a : to cause to penetrate or enter : THRUST <ran a splinter into her toe> b : STITCH c : to cause to pass : LEAD <run a wire in from the antenna> d : to cause to collide <ran his head into a post> e : SMUGGLE <run guns>
5 : to cause to pass lightly or quickly over, along, or into something <ran her eye down the list>
6 a : to cause or allow (as a vehicle or a vessel) to go in a specified manner or direction <ran the car off the road> b : OPERATE <run a lathe> c : to direct the business or activities of : MANAGE, CONDUCT <run a factory> d : to employ or supervise in espionage <run an agent>
7 a : to be full of or drenched with <streets ran blood> b : CONTAIN, ASSAY
8 a : to cause to move or flow in a specified way or into a specified position <run cards into a file> b : to cause to produce a flow (as of water) <run the faucet> also : to prepare by running a faucet <run a hot bath>
9 a : to melt and cast in a mold <run bullets> b : TREAT, PROCESS, REFINE <run oil in a still> <run a problem through a computer>
10 : to make oneself liable to : INCUR <ran the risk of discovery>
11 : to mark out : DRAW <run a contour line on a map>
12 a : to permit (as charges) to accumulate before settling <run a tab at the bar> ― often used with up <ran up a large phone bill> b : COST 1 <rooms that run $50 a night>
13 a : to produce by or as if by printing ― usually used with off <ran off 10,000 copies of the first edition> b : to carry in a printed medium : PRINT <every newspaper ran the story>
14 a : to make (a series of counts) without a miss <run 19 in an inning in billiards> b : to lead winning cards of (a suit) successively c : to alter by addition <ran his record to six wins and four losses>
15 : to make (a golf ball) roll forward after alighting
–run across : to meet with or discover by chance
–run a fever or run a temperature : to have a fever
–run after
1 : PURSUE, CHASE especially : to seek the company of
2 : to take up with : FOLLOW <run after new theories>
–run against
1 : to meet suddenly or unexpectedly
2 : to work or take effect unfavorably to : DISFAVOR, OPPOSE
–run a tight ship : to have strict and exacting standards in controlling or managing something (as a business)
–run by or run past : to present to (as for evaluation) <ran some ideas by her>
–run circles around or run rings around : to show marked superiority over : defeat decisively or overwhelmingly
–run dry
1 : to use up an available supply
2 : to become exhausted or spent <his inspiration had run dry>
–run interference : to provide assistance by or as if by clearing a path through obstructions <ran interference for me with the press>
–run into
1 a : to change or transform into : BECOME b : to merge with c : to mount up to <their yearly income often runs into six figures>
2 a : to collide with b : to meet by chance <ran into an old classmate the other day>
–run low on : to approach running out of <running low on options>
–run one's mouth : to talk excessively or foolishy
–run riot
1 : to act wildly or without restraint
2 : to occur in profusion <daffodils running riot>
–run short : to become insufficient
–run short of : to use up : run low on
–run the numbers : to perform calculations
–run the table
1 : to sink all remaining shots without missing in pool
2 : to win all remaining contests
–run to : to mount up to <the book runs to 500 pages>
–run upon : to run across : meet with
–run with
1 : to use or exploit fully : make the most of <took the idea and ran with it>
2 : to publicize widely <the press ran with the quote>
usage The past tense run still survives in speech in southern England and in the speech especially of older people in some parts of the U.S. It was formerly used in literature, and was a standard variant in our dictionaries from 1828 until 1934. Grammarians have generally opposed it, and many people consider it nonstandard. Just about everybody uses ran in writing now.

run
n. 1 a : an act or the action of running : continued rapid movement b : a quickened gallop c : a migration of fish (as up or down a river) especially to spawn also : such fish in the process of migration d : a running race <a mile run> e : a score made in baseball by a runner reaching home plate safely f : strength or ability to run g : a gain of a usually specified distance made on a running play in football <scored on a 25-yard run> also : a running play h : a sustained usually aggressive effort (as to win or obtain something) <making a run at the championship>
2 a chiefly Midland : CREEK 2 b : something that flows in the course of an operation or during a particular time <the first run of sap in sugar maples>
3 a : the stern of the underwater body of a ship from where it begins to curve or slope upward and inward b : the direction in which a vein of ore lies c : a direction of secondary or minor cleavage : GRAIN <the run of a mass of granite> d : a horizontal distance (as that covered by a flight of steps) e : general tendency or direction
4 : a continuous period or series especially of things of identical or similar sort <a run of bad luck>: as a : a rapid passage up or down a scale in vocal or instrumental music b : a number of rapid small dance steps executed in even tempo c : the act of making successively a number of successful shots or strokes also : the score thus made <a run of 20 in billiards> d : an unbroken course of performances or showings <a long run on Broadway> e : a set of consecutive measurements, readings, or observations f : persistent and heavy demands from depositors, creditors, or customers <a run on a bank> g : SEQUENCE 2B
5 : the quantity of work turned out in a continuous operation <a press run of 10,000 copies>
6 : the usual or normal kind, character, type, or group <the average run of students>
7 a : the distance covered in a period of continuous traveling or sailing b : a course or trip especially if mapped out and traveled with regularity c : a news reporter's regular territory : BEAT d : freedom of movement in or access to a place or area <has the run of the house>
8 a : the period during which a machine or plant is in continuous operation b : the use of machinery for a single set of processing procedures <a computer run>
9 a : a way, track, or path frequented by animals b : an enclosure for domestic animals where they may feed or exercise c Australian (1) : a large area of land used for grazing <a sheep run> (2) : RANCH, STATION <run-holder> d : an inclined passageway
10 a : an inclined course (as for skiing or bobsledding) b : a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs
11 a : a ravel in a knitted fabric (as in hosiery) caused by the breaking of stitches b : a paint defect caused by excessive flow
12 plural but singular or plural in construction : DIARRHEA ― used with the
–run·less \-ləs\ adjective
–on the run
1 : in haste : without pausing <ate lunch on the run>
2 : in retreat : in flight (as from the law) <an escaped convict on the run>
–run for one's money : a serious challenge to one's supremacy <is expected to give the incumbent a good run for his money>

run
n. 1 a : being in a melted state <run butter> b : made from molten material : cast in a mold <run metal>
2 of fish : having made a migration or spawning run <a fresh run salmon>
3 : exhausted or winded from running

run
n. run out the clock
run to seed
dry run
earned run
earned run average
end run
first run
hit and run
home run
long run
milk run
run with
run upon
run to
run the table
run the numbers
run short of
run short
run riot
run one's mouth
run low on
run into
run interference
run dry
run circles around
run rings around
run by
run past
run a tight ship
run against
run after
run a fever
run a temperature
run across
run for one's money
on the run
run along
run and gun
run and shoot
run away
run away with
run down
run in
run off
run off with
run of paper
run of the mill
run of the mine
run of mine
run on
run on sentence
run out
run out on
run out of
run over
run through
run up
sea run
short run
ski run
trial run
Bull Run
also ran
rum running
blockade running
hand running
hit the ground running
out of the running
in the running
running back
running board
running dog
running gear
running hand
running head
running headline
running knot
running light
running mate
running start
running stitch
running time
running title
running water

run a fever
or run a temperature : to have a fever

run a tight ship
to have strict and exacting standards in controlling or managing something (as a business)

run across
to meet with or discover by chance

run after

1 : PURSUE, CHASE especially : to seek the company of
2 : to take up with : FOLLOW <run after new theories>

run against

1 : to meet suddenly or unexpectedly
2 : to work or take effect unfavorably to : DISFAVOR, OPPOSE

run along
: to go away : be on one's way : DEPART

run away
1 a : to leave quickly in order to avoid or escape something b : to leave home especially : ELOPE
2 : to run out of control : STAMPEDE, BOLT
3 : to gain a substantial lead : win by a large margin
–run away with
1 : to take away in haste or secretly especially : STEAL
2 : to outshine the others in (as a theatrical performance)
3 : to carry or drive beyond prudent or reasonable limits <your imagination ran away with you>

run away with

1 : to take away in haste or secretly especially : STEAL
2 : to outshine the others in (as a theatrical performance)
3 : to carry or drive beyond prudent or reasonable limits <your imagination ran away with you>

run by
or run past : to present to (as for evaluation) <ran some ideas by her>

run circles around
or run rings around : to show marked superiority over : defeat decisively or overwhelmingly

run down
1 a : to collide with and knock down b : to run against and cause to sink
2 a : to chase to exhaustion or until captured b : to trace the source of c : to tag out (a base runner) between bases on a rundown
3 : DISPARAGE
intransitive verb
1 : to cease to operate because of the exhaustion of motive power <the clock ran down>
2 : to decline in physical condition or vigor

run dry

1 : to use up an available supply
2 : to become exhausted or spent <his inspiration had run dry>

run for one's money
a serious challenge to one's supremacy <is expected to give the incumbent a good run for his money>

run in
1 a : to insert as additional matter b : to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2 : to arrest for a usually minor offense
3 chiefly British : to break in (a new machine) gradually by careful operation
intransitive verb : to pay a casual visit

run interference
to provide assistance by or as if by clearing a path through obstructions <ran interference for me with the press>

run into

1 a : to change or transform into : BECOME b : to merge with c : to mount up to <their yearly income often runs into six figures>
2 a : to collide with b : to meet by chance <ran into an old classmate the other day>

run low on
to approach running out of <running low on options>

run off
1 a : to recite, compose, or produce rapidly b : to cause to be run or played to a finish c : to decide (as a race) by a runoff d : CARRY OUT
2 : to drain off : DRAW OFF
3 a : to drive off (as trespassers) b : to steal (as cattle) by driving away
intransitive verb : RUN AWAY 1
–run off with : to carry off : STEAL <ran off with the money>

run off with
to carry off : STEAL <ran off with the money>

run on
1 : to talk or narrate at length
2 : to keep going : CONTINUE
transitive verb
1 : to continue (matter in type) without a break or a new paragraph : RUN IN
2 : to place or add (as an entry in a dictionary) at the end of a paragraphed item

run one's mouth
to talk excessively or foolishy

run out
1 a : to come to an end : EXPIRE <time ran out> b : to become exhausted or used up <the gasoline ran out>
2 : to jut out
transitive verb
1 a : to finish out (as a course, series, or contest) : COMPLETE b of a baseball batter : to run hard to first base after hitting (a batted ball) <ran out the grounder>
2 a : to fill out (a typeset line) with quads, leaders, or ornaments b : to set (as the first line of a paragraph) with a hanging indention
3 : to exhaust (oneself) in running
4 : to cause to leave by force or coercion : EXPEL
–run out of : to use up the available supply of <ran out of time>
–run out on : DESERT

run out of
to use up the available supply of <ran out of time>

run out on
DESERT

run over
1 : to exceed a limit
2 : OVERFLOW
transitive verb
1 : to go over, examine, repeat, or rehearse quickly
2 : to collide with, knock down, and often drive over <ran over a dog>

run riot

1 : to act wildly or without restraint
2 : to occur in profusion <daffodils running riot>

run short
to become insufficient

run short of
to use up : run low on

run the numbers
to perform calculations

run the table

1 : to sink all remaining shots without missing in pool
2 : to win all remaining contests

run through
1 : PIERCE
2 : to spend or consume wastefully and rapidly
3 : to read or rehearse without pausing
4 a : CARRY OUT, DO b : to subject to a process

run to
to mount up to <the book runs to 500 pages>

run up
: to grow rapidly : shoot up
transitive verb
1 : BID UP
2 : to stitch together quickly
3 : to erect hastily
4 : to achieve by accumulating <ran up a big lead>

run upon
to run across : meet with

run with

1 : to use or exploit fully : make the most of <took the idea and ran with it>
2 : to publicize widely <the press ran with the quote>

run-and-gun
: relating to or being a fast, freewheeling style of play in basketball that de-emphasizes set plays and defense

run-and-shoot
: a freewheeling style of offense in football that emphasizes passing

run-down
1 : WORN-OUT, EXHAUSTED
2 : completely unwound
3 : being in poor repair : DILAPIDATED

run-in
1 British : the final part of a race or racetrack
2 : ALTERCATION, QUARREL
3 : something inserted as a substantial addition in copy or typeset matter

run-of-paper
: to be placed anywhere in a newspaper at the option of the editor <run-of-paper advertisement>

run-of-the-mill
: not outstanding in quality or rarity : AVERAGE, ORDINARY

run-of-the-mine
1 : not graded <run-of-the-mine coal>
2 : RUN-OF-THE-MILL

run-on
: continuing without rhetorical pause from one line of verse into another

run-on
1 : something (as a dictionary entry) that is run on
2 : RUN-ON SENTENCE

run-on sentence
: a sentence containing two or more clauses not connected by the correct conjunction or punctuation

run-over
: extending beyond the allotted space

run-through
: a usually cursory reading, summary, or rehearsal

run-up
1 : the act of running up something
2 : a usually sudden increase in volume or price
3 chiefly British : a period immediately preceding an action or event

runabout
n. 1 : one who wanders about : STRAY
2 : a light usually open wagon, car, or motorboat

runagate
n. 1 : VAGABOND
2 : FUGITIVE, RUNAWAY

runaround
n. 1 : deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request <tired of getting the runaround>
2 : matter typeset in shortened measure to run around something (as a cut)

runaway
n. 1 : one that runs away from danger, duty, or restraint : FUGITIVE
2 : the act of running away out of control also : something (as a horse) that is running out of control
3 : a one-sided or overwhelming victory

runaway
n. 1 a : running away : FUGITIVE b : leaving to gain special advantages (as lower wages) or avoid disadvantages (as governmental or union restrictions) <runaway shipping firms> <a runaway shop>
2 : accomplished by elopement or during flight
3 : won by or having a long lead <a runaway success> also : extremely successful <a runaway best seller>
4 : subject to uncontrolled changes <runaway inflation>
5 : being or operating out of control <a runaway oil well> <a runaway nuclear reactor>

runback
: a run made in football after catching an opponent's kick or intercepting a pass

runcible spoon
: a sharp-edged fork with three broad curved prongs

Runcie
Robert Alexander Kennedy 1921-2000 archbishop of Canterbury (1980-91)

runcinate
adj. : pinnately cut with the lobes pointing downward <runcinate leaves of the dandelion> ― see LEAF illustration

rundle
1 : a step of a ladder : RUNG
2 : the drum of a windlass or capstan

rundlet
: a small barrel : KEG

rundown
n. 1 : a play in baseball in which a base runner who is caught off base is chased by two or more opposing players who throw the ball from one to another in an attempt to tag the runner out
2 : an item-by-item report or review : SUMMARY

Rundstedt
(Karl Rudolf) Gerd von 1875-1953 Ger. field marshal

rune
n. 1 : any of the characters of any of several alphabets used by the Germanic peoples from about the 3d to the 13th centuries
2 : MYSTERY, MAGIC
3 [Finnish runo, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse rūn] a : a Finnish or Old Norse poem b : POEM, SONG
–ru·nic \'rü-nik\ adjective

Runeberg
Johan Ludvig 1804-1877 Finn. poet

rung
n. past part of ring

rung
n. 1 a : a rounded crosspiece between the legs of a chair b : one of the crosspieces of a ladder
2 Scottish : a heavy staff or cudgel
3 : a spoke of a wheel
4 : a level in a hierarchy <rise a few rungs on the social scale ― H. W. Van Loon>

runlet
n. : RIVULET, STREAMLET

runnel
n. : RIVULET, STREAMLET

runner
n. 1 a : one that runs : RACER b : BASE RUNNER c : BALLCARRIER
2 a : MESSENGER b : one that smuggles or distributes illicit or contraband goods (as drugs, liquor, or guns)
3 : any of several large vigorous carangid fishes
4 a : either of the longitudinal pieces on which a sled or sleigh slides b : the part of a skate that slides on the ice : BLADE c : the support of a drawer or a sliding door
5 a : an elongated horizontal stem arising from the base of a plant especially : STOLON 1A b : a plant (as a strawberry) that forms or spreads by means of runners c : a twining vine (as a scarlet runner bean)
6 a : a long narrow carpet for a hall or staircase b : a narrow decorative cloth cover for a table or dresser top
7 : an adjustable backstay running from mast to rail on a sail boat or ship
8 : a running shot in basketball

runner
n. base runner
blockade runner
front runner
race runner
rainbow runner
runner bean
runner's high
runner up
runner ups
scarlet runner bean
scarlet runner
stretch runner
runners up

runner bean
chiefly British : SCARLET RUNNER BEAN

runner's high
: a feeling of euphoria that is experienced by some individuals engaged in strenuous running and that is held to be associated with a release of endorphins by the brain

runner-up
: the competitor that does not win first place in a contest especially : one that finishes in second place

running
n. 1 a : the action of running b : RACE
2 : physical condition for running
3 : MANAGEMENT, CARE
–in the running
1 : competing in a contest
2 : having a chance to win a contest
–out of the running
1 : not competing in a contest
2 : having no chance of winning a contest

running
n. 1 : CURSIVE, FLOWING
2 : FLUID, RUNNY
3 a : INCESSANT, CONTINUOUS <a running battle> b : made during the course of a process or activity <a running commentary on the game>
4 : measured in a straight line <cost of lumber per running foot>
5 a : initiated or performed while running or with a running start <a running catch> <a running jump> b : of, relating to, or being a football play in which the ball is advanced by running rather than by passing <their running game was off> c : designed for use by runners <a running track> <running shoes>
6 : fitted or trained for running rather than walking, trotting, or jumping <a running horse>

running
n. : in succession : CONSECUTIVELY <three days running>

running
n. rum running
blockade running
hand running
hit the ground running
out of the running
in the running
running back
running board
running dog
running gear
running hand
running head
running headline
running knot
running light
running mate
running start
running stitch
running time
running title
running water

running back
: a football back (as a halfback or fullback) who carries the ball on running plays

running board
: a footboard especially at the side of an automobile

running dog
: one who blindly follows someone else's orders : LACKEY

running gear
1 : the working and carrying parts of a machine (as a locomotive)
2 : the parts of an automobile chassis not used in developing, transmitting, and controlling power

running hand
: handwriting in which the letters are usually slanted and the words formed without lifting the pen

running head
: a headline repeated on consecutive pages (as of a book) ― called also running headline

running knot
: SLIPKNOT

running light
: any of the lights carried by a vehicle (as a ship or automobile) that indicate size, position, or course

running mate
1 : COMPANION
2 : a horse entered in a race to set the pace for a horse of the same owner or stable
3 : a candidate running for a subordinate place on a ticket especially : the candidate for vice-president

running start
: FLYING START

running stitch
: a small even stitch run in and out in cloth

running time
: the duration of a motion picture, a theatrical performance, or a recording

running title
: the title or abbreviated title of a volume printed at the top of left-hand text pages or sometimes of all text pages

running water
: water distributed through pipes and fixtures <a cabin with hot and cold running water>

runny
adj. : having a tendency to run: as a : extremely or excessively soft and liquid <a runny dough> b : secreting a thin flow of mucus <a runny nose>

Runnymede
meadow S England in Surrey on S bank of the Thames

runoff
n. 1 : a final race, contest, or election to decide an earlier one that has not resulted in a decision in favor of any one competitor
2 : the portion of precipitation on land that ultimately reaches streams often with dissolved or suspended material

runover
: matter for publication that exceeds the space allotted

runt
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a hardened stalk or stem of a plant
2 : an animal unusually small of its kind especially : the smallest of a litter of pigs
3 : a person of small stature
–runt·i·ness \'rən-tē-nəs\ noun
–runt·ish \-tish\ adjective
–runty \-tē\ adjective

runway
n. 1 a : a beaten path made by animals b : a passageway for animals
2 : a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
3 a : a narrow platform from a stage into an auditorium b : a platform along which models walk in a fashion show
4 : RUN 10B
5 : the area or path along which a jumper, pole vaulter, or javelin thrower runs

Runyon
(Alfred) Da·mon \'dā-mən\ 1884-1946 American author
–Run·yon·esque \ˌrən-yə-'nesk\ adjective

rupee
n. ― see MONEY table

Rupert
n. Prince 1619-1682 Count Palatine of Rhine & Duke of Bavaria Eng. (Ger.-born) Royalist gen. & admiral

Rupert
n. river 380 mi (612 km) Canada in W Que. flowing W into James Bay

Rupert's Land
PRINCE RUPERT'S LAND

rupiah
n. ― see MONEY table

rupture
n. 1 : breach of peace or concord specifically : open hostility or war between nations
2 a : the tearing apart of a tissue <rupture of the heart muscle> <rupture of an intervertebral disk> b : HERNIA
3 : a breaking apart or the state of being broken apart

rupture
n. transitive verb
1 a : to part by violence : BREAK, BURST b : to create or induce a breach of
2 : to produce a rupture in
intransitive verb : to have or undergo a rupture

rural
adj. : of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture
–ru·ral·i·ty \ru̇-'ra-lə-tē\ noun
–ru·ral·ly \'ru̇r-ə-lē\ adverb

rural
adj. rural dean
rural free delivery
rural delivery
rural route

rural dean
: DEAN 1B

rural free delivery
: free delivery of mail to a rural area ― called also rural delivery

rural route
: a mail-delivery route in a rural free delivery area

ruralist
n. : one who lives in a rural area

rurban
: of, relating to, or constituting an area which is chiefly residential but where some farming is carried on

Ruritan
: a member of a major national service club

Ruritanian
n. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an imaginary place of high romance

rus in urbe
: country in the city

Ruse
n. city NE Bulgaria on the Danube S of Bucharest pop 192,365

ruse
n. : a wily subterfuge
synonyms see TRICK

ruse de guerre
: war stratagem

Rush
n. Benjamin 1745-1813 American physician & patriot

Rush
n. Richard 1780-1859 son of prec. American diplomat & statesman

rush
n. : any of various monocotyledonous often tufted marsh plants (as of the genera Juncus and Luzula of the family Juncaceae, the rush family) with cylindrical often hollow stems which are used in bottoming chairs and plaiting mats
–rushy \'rə-shē\ adjective

rush
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move forward, progress, or act with haste or eagerness or without preparation
2 : to advance a football by running plays <rushed for a total of 150 yards>
transitive verb
1 : to push or impel on or forward with speed, impetuosity, or violence
2 : to perform in a short time or at high speed
3 : to urge to an unnatural or extreme speed <don't rush me>
4 : to run toward or against in attack : CHARGE
5 a : to carry (a ball) forward in a running play b : to move in quickly on (a kicker or passer) to hinder, prevent, or block a kick or pass ― used especially of defensive linemen
6 a : to lavish attention on : COURT b : to try to secure a pledge of membership (as in a fraternity) from

rush
n. 1 a : a violent forward motion b : ATTACK, ONSET c : a surging of emotion
2 a : a burst of activity, productivity, or speed b : a sudden insistent demand
3 : a thronging of people usually to a new place in search of wealth <a gold rush>
4 a : the act of carrying a football during a game : running play b : the action or an instance of rushing a passer or kicker in football <a pass rush>
5 a : a round of attention usually involving extensive social activity b : a drive by a fraternity or sorority to recruit new members
6 : a print of a motion-picture scene processed directly after the shooting for review by the director or producer ― usually used in plural
7 a : the immediate pleasurable feeling produced by a drug (as heroin or amphetamine) ― called also flash b : a sudden feeling of intense pleasure or euphoria : THRILL

rush
n. : requiring or marked by special speed or urgency <rush orders> <the rush season> <a rush job>

rush
n. bull rush
bum rush
bum's rush
gold rush
rush candle
rush hour
scouring rush
flash back
flash card
flash flood
flash forward
flash in the pan
flash memory
flash point
green flash
hot flash

rush candle
: RUSHLIGHT

rush hour
: a period of the day when the demands especially of traffic or business are at a peak

Rushdie
(Ahmed) Salman 1947-     Brit. (Indian-born) writer

rushee
: a college or university student who is being rushed by a fraternity or sorority

rusher
n. : one that rushes especially : BALLCARRIER

rushing
adj. : the act of advancing a football by running plays : the use of running plays also : yardage gained by running plays

rushlight
n. : a candle that consists of the pith of a rush dipped in grease

Rushmore, Mount
mountain 5600 ft (1707 m) W S.Dak. in Black Hills on which are carved faces of presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, & Theodore Roosevelt; a national memorial

Rusk
n. (David) Dean 1909-1994 U.S. secy. of state (1961-69)

rusk
n. 1 : hard crisp bread orig. used as ship's stores
2 : a sweet or plain bread baked, sliced, and baked again until dry and crisp

Ruska
Ernst August Friedrich 1906-1988 Ger. physicist

Ruskin
n. John 1819-1900 Eng. essayist, critic, & reformer
–Rus·kin·ian \ˌrəs-'ki-nē-ən\ adjective

Russ
n. : RUSSIAN
–Russ adjective

russe
charlotte russe
a la russe
à la russe

Russell
n. Bertrand Arthur William 1872-1970 3d Earl Russell Eng. math. & philos.

Russell
n. Bill 1934-     William Felton Russell American basketball player

Russell
n. Charles Taze 1852-1916 American religious leader

Russell
n. George William 1867-1935 pseud. Æ \'ā-'ē, 'ā\ Irish author

Russell
n. John 1792-1878 1st Earl Russell of Kingston Russell Brit. statesman; prime min. (1846-52; 1865-66)

Russell
n. Lillian 1861-1922 Helen Louise Leonard American singer & actress

Russell
n. Jack Russell terrier
Jack Russell
Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument
n. reservation NE Ala. including cavern where remains of early pre-Columbian humans have been found

Russellville
city NW cen Ark. pop 23,682

russet
n. 1 : coarse homespun usually reddish-brown cloth
2 : a reddish brown
3 : any of various apples having rough russet-colored skins
4 : a usually large elongated potato especially suited for baking

russet
n. : of the color russet

russeting
: a brownish roughened area on the skin of fruit (as apples) caused by injury

Russia
n. 1 or formerly Mus·co·vy \'məs-kə-vē\ former empire E Europe & N Asia coextensive (except for Finland & Kars, a mountainous region now in NE Turkey) with the U.S.S.R. capital St. Petersburg
2 the U.S.S.R. ― a popular usage despite the fact that the U.S.S.R. included other republics besides Russia
3 or officially Russian Federation independent country in E Europe & N Asia bordering on Arctic & Pacific oceans & on Baltic & Black seas; a constituent republic (Russian Republic or Soviet Russia ) of the U.S.S.R. 1922-91 capital Moscow area 6,592,812 sq mi (17,075,383 sq km), pop 148,000,000

Russia
n. Soviet Russia
Russia leather
Russia calf
Muscovy duck

Russia leather
: leather made by tanning various skins with willow, birch, or oak and then rubbing the flesh side with a phenolic oil distilled from a European birch ― called also Russia calf

Russian
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of Russia b : a member of the dominant Slavic-speaking ethnic group of Russia c : a person of Russian descent
2 : a Slavic language of the Russian people spoken as a second language by many non-Russian ethnic groups of the Soviet Union and its successor states
–Russian adjective
–Rus·sian·ness \-nəs\ noun

Russian
n. Russian wolfhound
Russian Federation
Great Russian
Russian blue
Russian dressing
Russian olive
Russian roulette
Russian sage
Russian thistle
Russian tumbleweed
White Russian
Russian Turkestan
anti Russian
non Russian

Russian blue
: any of a breed of slender long-bodied large-eared domestic cats with short silky bluish-gray fur

Russian dressing
: a dressing (as of mayonnaise or oil and vinegar) with added chili sauce, chopped pickles, or pimientos

Russian olive
: a Eurasian large shrub or small tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia) of the oleaster family that has silvery foliage and is widely cultivated especially as an ornamental or as a shelterbelt plant

Russian roulette
1 : an act of bravado consisting of spinning the cylinder of a revolver loaded with one cartridge, pointing the muzzle at one's own head, and pulling the trigger
2 : something resembling Russian roulette in its potential for disaster <taking cocaine is playing Russian roulette ― Jonathan Nicholas>

Russian sage
: an upright Asian subshrub (Perovskia atriplicifolia) of the mint family that is grown as an ornamental for its long narrow panicles of violet-blue flowers and grayish-green stems and leaves

Russian thistle
: a prickly European saltwort (Salsola kali) that is a serious weed in No. America ― called also Russian tumbleweed

Russian Turkestan
region formerly comprising the republics of Soviet Central Asia

Russian wolfhound
: BORZOI

Russianize
v. : to make Russian
–Rus·sian·i·za·tion \ˌrə-shə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

Russify
v. : RUSSIANIZE
–Rus·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌrə-sə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

Russki
n. : RUSSIAN 1

Russo
: Russian and <the Russo-Japanese war>

rust
n. 1 a : the reddish brittle coating formed on iron especially when chemically attacked by moist air and composed essentially of hydrated ferric oxide b : a comparable coating produced on a metal other than iron by corrosion c : something resembling rust : ACCRETION
2 : corrosive or injurious influence or effect
3 : any of numerous destructive diseases of plants produced by fungi (order Uredinales) and characterized by usually reddish-brown pustular lesions also : a fungus causing this
4 : a strong reddish brown

rust
n. 1 : to form rust : become oxidized <iron rusts>
2 : to degenerate especially from inaction, lack of use, or passage of time <most men would⋯have allowed their faculties to rust ― T. B. Macaulay>
3 : to become reddish brown as if with rust <the leaves slowly rusted>
4 : to be affected with a rust fungus
transitive verb
1 : to cause (a metal) to form rust <keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them ― Shakespeare>
2 : to impair or corrode by or as if by time, inactivity, or deleterious use
3 : to cause to become reddish brown : turn the color of rust

rust
n. blister rust
cedar apple rust
crown rust
leaf rust
red rust
rust belt
rust bowl
rust bucket
rust mite
stem rust
wheat rust
white pine blister rust
white rust

rust belt
: the northeastern and midwestern states of the U.S. in which heavy industry has declined ― called also rust bowl

rust bucket
: an old and dilapidated ship

rust mite
: any of various small eriophyid mites that burrow in the surface of leaves or fruits usually producing brown or reddish patches

rustic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or suitable for the country : RURAL <rustic rolling farmland>
2 a : made of the rough limbs of trees <rustic furniture> b : finished by rusticating <a rustic joint in masonry>
3 a : characteristic of or resembling country people b : lacking in social graces or polish
4 : appropriate to the country (as in plainness or sturdiness) <heavy rustic boots>
–rus·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–rus·tic·i·ty \ˌrəs-'ti-sə-tē\ noun

rustic
n. 1 : an inhabitant of a rural area
2 a : an awkward coarse person b : an unsophisticated rural person

rusticate
v. intransitive verb : to go into or reside in the country : follow a rustic life
transitive verb
1 chiefly British : to suspend from school or college
2 : to build or face with usually rough-surfaced masonry blocks having beveled or rebated edges producing pronounced joints <a rusticated facade>
3 a : to compel to reside in the country b : to cause to become rustic : implant rustic mannerisms in
–rus·ti·ca·tion \ˌrəs-ti-'kā-shən\ noun
–rus·ti·ca·tor \'rəs-ti-ˌkā-tər\ noun

Rustin
Bayard 1910-1987 American civil rights leader

rustle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make or cause a rustle
2 a : to act or move with energy or speed b : to forage food
3 : to steal cattle
transitive verb
1 : to cause to rustle
2 a : to obtain by one's own exertions ― often used with up <able to rustle up $5,000 bail ― Jack McCallum> b : FORAGE
3 : to steal (as livestock) especially from a farm or ranch
–rus·tler \-s(ə-)lər\ noun

rustle
n. : a quick succession or confusion of small sounds

rustproof
adj. : incapable of rusting

rusty
adj. 1 : affected by or as if by rust especially : stiff with or as if with rust
2 : inept and slow through lack of practice or old age
3 a : of the color rust b : dulled in color or appearance by age and use <rusty old boots>
4 : OUTMODED
5 : HOARSE, GRATING
–rust·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–rust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

rusty
adj. chiefly dialect : ILL-NATURED, SURLY

rut
n. 1 : an annually recurrent state of sexual excitement in the male deer broadly : sexual excitement in a mammal especially when periodic
2 : the period during which rut normally occurs ― often used with the

rut
n. : to be in or enter into a state of rut

rut
n. 1 a : a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage b : a groove in which something runs c : CHANNEL, FURROW
2 : a usual or fixed practice especially : a monotonous routine <fall easily into a conversational rut>

rut
n. : to make a rut in : FURROW

rutabaga
n. : a turnip (Brassica napus napobrassica) that usually produces a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable also : the root

Ruth
n. 1 : a Moabite woman who accompanied Naomi to Bethlehem and became the ancestress of David
2 : a short narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures ― see BIBLE table

Ruth
n. George Herman 1895-1948 Babe Ruth or the Babe American baseball player
–Ruth·ian \'rü-thē-ən\ adjective

ruth
n. 1 : compassion for the misery of another
2 : sorrow for one's own faults : REMORSE

Ruthenia
― see ZAKARPATS'KA
–Ru·thene \rü-'thēn\ noun
–Ru·the·nian \-'thē-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

ruthenium
n. : a rare hard silvery-white metallic element occurring in platinum ores and used especially as a catalyst and to harden alloys ― see ELEMENT table

Rutherford
n. Ernest 1871-1937 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson Brit. physicist

Rutherford
n. Joseph Franklin 1869-1942 American leader of Jehovah's Witnesses

rutherfordium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element that is produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

ruthful
1 : full of ruth : TENDER
2 : full of sorrow : WOEFUL
3 : causing sorrow
–ruth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–ruth·ful·ness noun

ruthless
adj. : having no pity : MERCILESS, CRUEL <a ruthless tyrant>
–ruth·less·ly adverb
–ruth·less·ness noun

rutilant
adj. : having a reddish glow

rutile
n. : a reddish-brown to black mineral that consists of titanium dioxide usually with a little iron and has a brilliant metallic or adamantine luster

rutin
n. : a yellow crystalline flavonol glycoside C_27H_30O_16 that occurs in various plants (as buckwheat and tobacco) and is used in medicine chiefly for strengthening capillary walls

Rutland
former county E cen England capital Oakham

Rutledge
John 1739-1800 American statesman & jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1795)

Rutledge
Wiley Blount \'blənt\ 1894-1949 American jurist

ruttish
adj. : inclined to rut : LUSTFUL
–rut·tish·ly adverb
–rut·tish·ness noun

rutty
adj. : full of ruts

Ruvuma
river ab 450 mi (724 km) SE Africa rising in S Tanzania & flowing E into Indian Ocean

Ruwenzori
mountain group E cen Africa bet. Lake Albert & Lake Edward, on boundary bet. Uganda & Democratic Republic of the Congo ― see STANLEY (Mount)

Ruzicka
Leopold 1887-1976 Swiss (Croatian-born) chem.

RV
n. : RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

RV
n. Revised Version

RW
n. 1 radiological warfare; radiological weapon
2 right worthy

Rwanda
n. country E cen Africa; a republic capital Kigali area 10,169 sq mi (26,338 sq km), pop 7,584,000 ― see RUANDA-URUNDI
–Rwan·dan \-dən\ adjective or noun
–Rwan·dese \ru̇-ˌän-'dēz, -'dēs\ adjective or noun

rwy
railway

Rx
: PRESCRIPTION 4A, C

ry
: -ERY <wizardry> <citizenry> <ancientry>

rya
: a Scandinavian handwoven rug with a deep resilient comparatively flat pile also : the weave typical of this rug

Ryazan'
city W cen Russia in Europe on Oka River SE of Moscow pop 529,000

Rybinsk
city W cen Russia in Europe pop 252,000

Rybnik
commune S Poland pop 142,588

Ryder
Albert Pinkham 1847-1917 American painter

Rydz-Smigly
Edward 1886-1941 Pol. gen.

Rye
n. town SE England in E. Sussex pop 4293

rye
n. 1 : a hardy annual grass (Secale cereale) that is widely grown for grain and as a cover crop
2 : the seeds of rye
3 : RYE BREAD
4 : RYE WHISKEY

rye
n. : a male Gypsy

rye
n. rye bread
rye whiskey
wild rye

rye bread
: bread made wholly or in part of rye flour especially : a light bread often with caraway seeds

rye whiskey
: a whiskey distilled from rye or from rye and malt

ryegrass
n. : any of several grasses (genus Lolium) especially : either of two grasses (L. perenne and L. multiflorum) that are used as lawn and pasture grasses and as cover crops

Ryukyu Islands
islands W Pacific extending bet. Kyushu, Japan, & Taiwan; belonged to Japan 1895-1945; occupied by U.S. 1945; returned to Japan in 1953 (N islands) and 1972 (S islands) area ab 850 sq mi (2202 sq km), pop 1,222,458 ― see AMAMI, OKINAWA, OSUMI ISLANDS, SAKISHIMA ISLANDS, TOKARA ISLANDS
–Ryu·kyu·an \-ˌkyü-ən, -ˌkü-\ adjective or noun

Rzeszow
commune SE Poland pop 150,754

Río
Río Muni
Bravo Río
Pinar del Río
Plata Río de la
Río de la Plata
Río de Oro
Río Bravo
Río Piedras

S
n. 1 satisfactory
2 short
3 standard deviation of a sample
4 svedberg

S
n. sulfur

s
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 19th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic s
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter s
3 : one designated s especially as the 19th in order or class
4 [abbreviation for satisfactory] a : a grade rating a student's work as satisfactory b : one graded or rated with an S
5 : something shaped like the letter S

s
n. ― used to form the possessive of singular nouns <boy's>, of plural nouns not ending in s <children's>, of some pronouns <anyone's>, and of word groups functioning as nouns <the man in the corner's hat> or pronouns <someone else's>

s
n. 1 sabbath
2 saint
3 schilling
4 scruple
5 second; secondary
6 section
7 senate
8 series
9 shilling
10 [L signa] label
11 siemens
12 signor
13 sine
14 singular
15 small
16 smooth
17 snow
18 society
19 son
20 sou
21 subject
22 symmetrical

s
n. ― used to form the plural of most nouns that do not end in s, z, sh, ch, or postconsonantal y <heads> <books> <boys> <beliefs>, to form the plural of proper nouns that end in postconsonantal y <Marys>, and with or without a preceding apostrophe to form the plural of abbreviations, numbers, letters, and symbols used as nouns <MCs> <PhD's> <4s> <the 1940's> <$s> <B's> ― compare 1-ES

s
n. ― used to form adverbs denoting usual or repeated action or state <always at home Sundays> <mornings he stops by the newsstand>

s
n. ― used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that do not end in s, z, sh, ch, or postconsonantal y <falls> <takes> <plays> ― compare 2-ES

s
n. 1 a : IS <she's here> b : WAS <when's the last time you ate?>
2 : HAS <he's seen them>
3 : DOES <what's he want?>

s
n. : US ― used with let <let's>

S and L
: SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

S and M
: SADOMASOCHISM

S Dak
South Dakota

s Gravenhage
― see HAGUE (The)

s Hertogenbosch
city S Netherlands capital of N. Brabant pop 131,697

S level
1 : the highest of three standardized British examinations in a secondary school subject used as a qualification for university entrance also : successful completion of an S-level examination in a particular subject ― called also Scholarship level ― compare A LEVEL, O LEVEL
2 a : the level of education required to pass an S-level examination b : a course leading to an S-level examination

S phase
: the period in the cell cycle during which DNA replication takes place ― compare G_1 PHASE_1, G_2 PHASE_2, M PHASE

S Res
Senate resolution

S wave
: a wave (as from an earthquake) in which the propagated disturbance is a shear in an elastic medium (as the earth) ― compare PRESSURE WAVE

S&H
shipping and handling

s'il
repondez s'il vous plait
répondez s'il vous plaît
s'il vous plait
s'il vous plaît

s'il vous plait
: if you please

s'more
n. : a dessert consisting usually of toasted marshmallow and pieces of chocolate bar sandwiched between two graham crackers

S-M
sadomasochism; sadomasochist

s/he
: she or he ― used in writing as a pronoun of common gender

SA
n. 1 Salvation Army
2 seaman apprentice
3 sex appeal
4 [L sine anno without year] without date
5 South Africa
6 South America
7 subject to approval

Sa
n. Saturday

Saale
river 265 mi (426 km) E cen Germany rising in NE Bavaria in the Fichtelgebirge & flowing N into the Elbe

Saami
variant of sami

Saanen
: any of a Swiss breed of usually white and hornless short-haired dairy goats

Saanich
municipality Canada in B.C. on SE Vancouver Is. N of Victoria pop 103,654

Saar
n. 1 or F Sarre \'sär\ river ab 150 mi (241 km) Europe flowing from Vosges Mountains in France N to the Moselle in W Germany
2 or Saar·land \'sär-ˌland, 'zär-\ region W Europe in basin of Saar River bet. France & Germany; once part of Lorraine, became part of Germany in 19th century; administered by League of Nations 1919-35; became a state of Germany 1935; came under control of France after World War II; to W. Germany by a plebiscite Jan. 1, 1957, as a state (Saarland) capital Saarbrücken area 991 sq mi (2567 sq km), pop 1,073,000

Saarbrucken
city SW Germany capital of Saarland pop 192,030

Saaremaa
― see SAREMA

Saarinen
Ee·ro \'er-(ˌ)ō\ 1910-1961 American architect

Saarinen
(Gottlieb) Eliel 1873-1950 father of prec. Finn. architect

Saba
n. 1 \'sā-bə, 'sä-bə\ island W. Indies in Leeward Islands; part of Netherlands Antilles; chief settlement The Bottom area 5 sq mi (13 sq km), pop 1119
2 ― see SHEBA

Sabadell
commune NE Spain NW of Barcelona pop 183,788

sabadilla
n. : a Mexican plant (Schoenocaulon officinale) of the lily family also : its seeds that are used as a source of veratrine and in insecticides

Sabah
state Malaysia in NE Borneo, formerly a Brit. colony capital Kota Kinabalu area 29,507 sq mi (76,423 sq km), pop 1,736,902

Sabana Grande
city SW Puerto Rico pop 25,935

Sabarmati
river ab 250 mi (402 km) W India flowing S into head of Gulf of Khambhat

Sabatier
Paul 1854-1941 Fr. chem.

Sabatini
Rafael 1875-1950 Eng. (Ital.-born) author

sabayon
n. 1 : ZABAGLIONE
2 : a sauce of egg yolks, wine, and savory seasonings (as mustard or pepper)

sabbat
1 : WITCHES' SABBATH
2 : any of eight neo-pagan religious festivals commemorating phases of the changing seasons

Sabbatarian
n. 1 : one who observes the Sabbath on Saturday in conformity with the letter of the fourth commandment
2 : an adherent of Sabbatarianism

Sabbatarian
n. 1 : of or relating to the Sabbath
2 : of or relating to the Sabbatarians or Sabbatarianism

Sabbatarianism
n. : strict and often rigorous observance of the Sabbath

Sabbath
n. 1 a : the seventh day of the week observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a day of rest and worship by Jews and some Christians b : Sunday observed among Christians as a day of rest and worship
2 : a time of rest

sabbatical
n. 1 : of or relating to a sabbatical year
2 : of or relating to the sabbath <sabbatical laws>

sabbatical
n. 1 : SABBATICAL YEAR 2
2 : LEAVE 1B
3 : a break or change from a normal routine (as of employment)

sabbatical year
1 often capitalized S : a year of rest for the land observed every seventh year in ancient Judea
2 : a leave often with pay granted usually every seventh year (as to a college professor) for rest, travel, or research ― called also sabbatical leave

Sabellian
1 : a member of one of a group of early Italian peoples including Sabines and Samnites
2 : one or all of several little known languages or dialects of ancient Italy presumably closely related to Oscan and Umbrian
–Sabellian adjective

saber
n. 1 : a cavalry sword with a curved blade, thick back, and guard
2 a : a light fencing or dueling sword having an arched guard that covers the back of the hand and a tapering flexible blade with a full cutting edge along one side and a partial cutting edge on the back at the tip ― compare ÉPÉE, FOIL b : the sport of fencing with the saber

saber
n. : to strike, cut, or kill with a saber

saber
n. saber rattling
saber saw
saber toothed
saber toothed tiger
saber toothed cat

saber rattling
: ostentatious display of military power

saber saw
: a light portable electric saw with a pointed reciprocating blade especially : JIGSAW 2

saber-toothed
: having long sharp canine teeth

saber-toothed tiger
: any of numerous extinct cats (as genus Smilodon) widely distributed from the Oligocene through the Pleistocene and characterized by long curving upper canines ― called also saber-toothed cat

sabermetrics
: the statistical analysis of baseball data
–sa·ber·me·tri·cian \ˌsā-bər-mə-'tri-shən\ noun

Sabi
river 400 mi (644 km) SE Africa rising in cen Zimbabwe & flowing E across S Mozambique to Indian Ocean

Sabi
save all
face saving
saving grace
time saving
daylight saving time
daylight saving

Sabin
n. Albert Bruce 1906-1993 American physician

sabin
n. : a unit of acoustic absorption equivalent to the absorption by one square foot of a perfect absorber

Sabine
n. 1 : a member of an ancient people of the Apennines northeast of Latium
2 : the Italic language of the Sabine people
–Sabine adjective

Sabine
n. river E Tex. & W La. flowing SE through Sabine Lake (15 mi or 24 km long) & Sabine Pass (channel) into Gulf of Mexico

sable
n. 1 a : the color black b : black clothing worn in mourning ― usually used in plural
2 a or plural sable (1) : a carnivorous mammal (Martes zibellina) of the weasel family that occurs chiefly in northern Asia (2) : any of various animals related to the sable b : the fur or pelt of a sable
3 : the usually dark brown color of the fur of the sable

sable
n. 1 : of the color black
2 : DARK, GLOOMY

sable
n. Cape Sable
Cape Sable Island
Sable Cape
Sable Island

Sable Island
island Canada 20 mi (32 km) long in the Atlantic SE of Cape Canso; belongs to N.S.

Sable, Cape
1 cape at SW tip of Fla.; southernmost point of U.S. mainland, at ab 25°7′N
2 headland E Canada on an islet S of Cape Sable Island (7 mi or 11 km long, at S end of N.S.)

sablefish
n. : BLACK COD

sabot
n. 1 a : a wooden shoe worn in various European countries b (1) : a strap across the instep in a shoe especially of the sandal type (2) : a shoe having a sabot strap
2 : a thrust-transmitting carrier that positions a missile in a gun barrel or launching tube and that prevents the escape of gas ahead of the missile
3 : SHOE 6

sabotage
n. 1 : destruction of an employer's property (as tools or materials) or the hindering of manufacturing by discontented workers
2 : destructive or obstructive action carried on by a civilian or enemy agent to hinder a nation's war effort
3 a : an act or process tending to hamper or hurt b : deliberate subversion

sabotage
n. : to practice sabotage on

saboteur
n. : one that practices sabotage

sabra
n. : a native-born Israeli

Sabratha
town Libya on the coast WNW of Tripoli pop 30,836

SAC
n. 1 special agent in charge
2 Strategic Air Command

Sac
n. variant of sauk

sac
n. : a pouch within an animal or plant often containing a fluid <a synovial sac>
–sac·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

sac
n. sacrifice

sac
n. air sac
amniotic sac
cul de sac
culs de sac
embryo sac
honey sac
pollen sac
sac fungus
yolk sac
cul de sacs

sac fungus
: ASCOMYCETE

Sacagawea
1786?-1812 American Indian guide

sacahuiste
: a bear grass (Nolina texana) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that may cause poisoning in some livestock

sacaton
: a coarse perennial grass (Sporobolus wrightii) of the southwestern U.S. that is used for forage especially in alkaline soils

saccade
n. : a small rapid jerky movement of the eye especially as it jumps from fixation on one point to another (as in reading)
–sac·cad·ic \-'kä-dik\ adjective

saccate
adj. : having the form of a sac or pouch <saccate pollen grains>

sacchar
: sugar <saccharify> <saccharometer>

saccharase
n. : INVERTASE

saccharide
n. : a monosaccharide sugar or combination of sugars : CARBOHYDRATE

saccharification
n. : the process of breaking a complex carbohydrate (as starch or cellulose) into its monosaccharide components
–sac·char·i·fy \sə-'ka-rə-ˌfī, sa-\ transitive verb

saccharimeter
n. : a device for measuring the amount of sugar in a solution specifically : a polarimeter so used

saccharin
n. : a crystalline compound C_7H_5NO_3S that is unrelated to the carbohydrates, is several hundred times sweeter than sucrose, and is used as a calorie-free sweetener

saccharine
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling that of sugar <saccharine taste> b : yielding or containing sugar <saccharine vegetables>
2 : overly or sickishly sweet <saccharine flavor>
3 : ingratiatingly or affectedly agreeable or friendly
4 : overly sentimental : MAWKISH <a saccharine love story>
–sac·cha·rin·i·ty \ˌsa-kə-'ri-nə-tē\ noun

saccharoidal
: having or being a fine granular texture like that of sugar lumps <saccharoidal marble>

saccharometer
n. : SACCHARIMETER especially : a hydrometer with a special scale

saccharomyces
n. : any of a genus (Saccharomyces of the family Saccharomycetaceae) of usually unicellular yeasts (as a brewer's yeast) that are distinguished by their sparse or absent mycelium and by their facility in reproducing asexually by budding

Sacco
n. Nicola 1891-1927 & Van·zet·ti \van-'ze-tē\ Bartolomeo 1888-1927 American (Ital.-born) anarchists

saccular
adj. : resembling a sac <a saccular aneurysm>

sacculated
adj. : having or formed of a series of saccular expansions
–sac·cu·la·tion \ˌsa-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

saccule
n. : a little sac specifically : the smaller chamber of the membranous labyrinth of the ear

sacculus
n. : SACCULE

sacerdotal
adj. 1 : of or relating to priests or a priesthood : PRIESTLY <sacerdotal robes> <sacerdotal authority>
2 : of, relating to, or suggesting sacerdotalism
–sac·er·do·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

sacerdotalism
n. : religious belief emphasizing the powers of priests as essential mediators between God and humankind
–sac·er·do·tal·ist \-təl-ist\ noun

sachem
n. 1 : a No. American Indian chief especially : the chief of a confederation of the Algonquian tribes of the No. Atlantic coast
2 : a Tammany leader
–sa·chem·ic \sā-'che-mik, sa-\ adjective

Sacher torte
: a rich chocolate torte with an apricot jam filling

sachet
n. 1 : a small bag or packet
2 : a small bag containing a perfumed powder or potpourri used to scent clothes and linens
–sa·cheted \-'shād\ adjective

Sachs
n. Hans 1494-1576 Ger. poet & Meistersinger

Sachs
n. Nelly 1891-1970 Swed. (Ger.-born) dram. & poet

Sachsen
― see SAXONY

sack
n. 1 : a usually rectangular-shaped bag (as of paper, burlap, or canvas)
2 : the amount contained in a sack especially : a fixed amount of a commodity used as a unit of measure
3 a : a woman's loose-fitting dress b : a short usually loose-fitting coat for women and children c : SACQUE 2
4 : DISMISSAL <gave him the sack>
5 a : HAMMOCK, BUNK b : BED
6 : a base in baseball
7 : an instance of sacking the quarterback in football
–sack·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

sack
n. 1 : to put in or as if in a sack
2 : to dismiss especially summarily
3 : to tackle (the quarterback) behind the line of scrimmage in football
–sack·er noun

sack
n. : any of several white wines imported to England from Spain and the Canary Islands during the 16th and 17th centuries

sack
n. 1 : to plunder (as a town) especially after capture
2 : to strip of valuables : LOOT
synonyms see RAVAGE
–sack·er noun

sack
n. : the plundering of a captured town

sack
n. croker sack
hit the sack
sack coat
sack out
sack race
sad sack
tow sack

sack coat
: a man's jacket with a straight back

sack out
: to go to bed : go to sleep

sack race
: a jumping race in which each contestant's legs are enclosed in a sack

sackbut
n. : the medieval and Renaissance trombone

sackcloth
n. 1 : a coarse cloth of goat or camel's hair or of flax, hemp, or cotton
2 : a garment of sackcloth worn as a sign of mourning or penitence

sacking
n. : material for sacks especially : a coarse fabric (as burlap)

Sackville
Thomas 1536-1608 1st Earl of Dorset Eng. poet & diplomat

Sackville-West
Victoria Mary 1892-1962 Vita Eng. writer

Saco
river 104 mi (167 km) E N.H. & SW Maine flowing SE into the Atlantic

sacque
1 : SACK 3A B
2 : an infant's usually short jacket that fastens at the neck

sacral
adj. : of, relating to, or lying near the sacrum <the sacral region of the spinal cord>

sacral
adj. : HOLY, SACRED <sacral authority>

sacralize
v. : to treat as or make sacred
–sa·cral·i·za·tion \ˌsa-krə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌsā-, -ˌlī-\ noun

sacrament
n. 1 a : a Christian rite (as baptism or the Eucharist) that is believed to have been ordained by Christ and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality b : a religious rite or observance comparable to a Christian sacrament
2 capitalized a : COMMUNION 2A b : BLESSED SACRAMENT
3 : something likened to a religious sacrament <saw voting as a sacrament of democracy>

sacramental
n. 1 : of, relating to, or having the character of a sacrament <sacramental wine>
2 : suggesting a sacrament (as in sacredness)
–sac·ra·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

sacramental
n. : an action or object (as the rosary) of ecclesiastical origin that serves to express or increase devotion

sacramentalism
n. : belief in or use of sacramental rites, acts, or objects specifically : belief that the sacraments are inherently efficacious and necessary for salvation
–sac·ra·men·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun

Sacramento
n. 1 river 382 mi (615 km) N Calif. flowing S into Suisun Bay
2 city capital of Calif. on Sacramento River NE of San Francisco pop 407,018

Sacramento Mountains
mountains S N.Mex. ― see GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS, SIERRA BLANCA PEAK

sacrarium
n. 1 a : SANCTUARY 1B b : SACRISTY c : PISCINA
2 : an ancient Roman shrine or sanctuary in a temple or a home holding sacred objects

sacre bleu
― used as a mild oath to express surprise or annoyance

sacred
adj. 1 a : dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity <a tree sacred to the gods> b : devoted exclusively to one service or use (as of a person or purpose) <a fund sacred to charity>
2 a : worthy of religious veneration : HOLY b : entitled to reverence and respect
3 : of or relating to religion : not secular or profane <sacred music>
4 archaic : ACCURSED
5 a : UNASSAILABLE, INVIOLABLE b : highly valued and important <a sacred responsibility>
–sa·cred·ly adverb
–sa·cred·ness noun

sacred
adj. sacred baboon
sacred cow
sacred mushroom

sacred baboon
: HAMADRYAS BABOON

sacred cow
: one that is often unreasonably immune from criticism or opposition

sacred mushroom
1 : MAGIC MUSHROOM
2 : PEYOTE BUTTON

sacrifice
n. 1 : an act of offering to a deity something precious especially : the killing of a victim on an altar
2 : something offered in sacrifice
3 a : destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else b : something given up or lost <the sacrifices made by parents>
4 : LOSS <goods sold at a sacrifice>
5 : SACRIFICE HIT

sacrifice
n. transitive verb
1 : to offer as a sacrifice
2 : to suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy especially for an ideal, belief, or end
3 : to sell at a loss
4 : to advance (a base runner) by means of a sacrifice hit
5 : to kill (an animal) as part of a scientific experiment
intransitive verb
1 : to make or perform the rites of a sacrifice
2 : to make a sacrifice hit in baseball
–sac·ri·fic·er noun

sacrifice
n. sacrifice fly
sacrifice hit
self sacrifice
self sacrificing

sacrifice fly
: an outfield fly in baseball caught by a fielder after which a runner scores

sacrifice hit
: a bunt in baseball that allows a runner to advance one base while the batter is put out

sacrificial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, of the nature of, or involving sacrifice
2 : of or relating to a metal that serves as an anode which is electrolytically consumed instead of another metal that is present
–sac·ri·fi·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

sacrilege
n. 1 : a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as improper reception of a sacrament) of what is sacred because consecrated to God
2 : gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing
–sac·ri·le·gious \ˌsa-krə-'li-jəs also -'lē-\ adjective
–sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb
–sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun

sacristan
n. : a person in charge of the sacristy and ceremonial equipment also : SEXTON

sacristy
n. : a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept and where the clergy vests

sacroiliac
adj. : of, relating to, or being the region of juncture of the sacrum and ilium

sacroiliac
adj. : the sacroiliac region also : its firm fibrous cartilage

sacrosanct
adj. 1 : most sacred or holy : INVIOLABLE
2 : treated as if holy : immune from criticism or violation <politically sacrosanct programs>
–sac·ro·sanc·ti·ty \ˌsa-krō-'saŋ(k)-tə-tē\ noun

sacrum
n. : the part of the vertebral column that is directly connected with or forms a part of the pelvis and in humans consists of five fused vertebrae

SAD
adj. seasonal affective disorder

sad
adj. 1 a : affected with or expressive of grief or unhappiness : DOWNCAST b (1) : causing or associated with grief or unhappiness : DEPRESSING <sad news> (2) : REGRETTABLE, DEPLORABLE <a sad relaxation of morals ― C. W. Cunnington> c : of little worth
2 : of a dull somber color
–sad·ly adverb
–sad·ness noun

sad sack
: an inept person especially : an inept soldier
–sad-sack adjective

Sadat
Anwar el- 1918-1981 pres. of Egypt (1970-81)

sadden
v. transitive verb : to make sad
intransitive verb : to become sad

saddle
n. 1 a (1) : a girthed usually padded and leather-covered seat for the rider of an animal (as a horse) (2) : a part of a driving harness comparable to a saddle that is used to keep the breeching in place b : a seat to be straddled by the rider of a vehicle (as a bicycle)
2 : a device mounted as a support and often shaped to fit the object held
3 a : a ridge connecting two higher elevations b : a pass in a mountain range
4 a : both sides of the unsplit back of a carcass including both loins b : a colored marking on the back of an animal c : the rear part of a male fowl's back extending to the tail ― see DUCK illustration
5 : the central part of the spine of the binding of a book
6 : a piece of leather across the instep of a shoe
–sad·dle·less \-dəl-(l)əs\ adjective
–in the saddle : in control

saddle
n. transitive verb
1 : to put a saddle on
2 a : to place under a burden or encumbrance b : to place (an onerous responsibility) on a person or group
intransitive verb : to mount a saddled horse

saddle
n. American saddle horse
English saddle
in the saddle
saddle blanket
saddle horn
saddle horse
saddle leather
saddle seat
saddle shoe
saddle oxford
saddle soap
saddle sore
stock saddle
western saddle
saddled prominent

saddle blanket
: a folded blanket or pad under a saddle to prevent galling the horse

saddle horn
: a hornlike prolongation of the pommel of a stock saddle

saddle horse
: a horse suited for or trained for riding

saddle leather
: leather made of cowhide that is usually tanned with vegetable tannins and is used especially for saddlery also : smooth polished leather simulating this

saddle seat
: a slightly concave chair seat (as of a Windsor chair) with sometimes a thickened ridge at the center front

saddle shoe
: an oxford-style shoe having a saddle of contrasting color or leather ― called also saddle oxford

saddle soap
: a mild soap used for cleansing and conditioning leather

saddle sore
1 : a gall or open sore developing on the back of a horse at points of pressure from an ill-fitting or ill-adjusted saddle
2 : an irritation or sore on parts of the rider chafed by the saddle

saddlebag
n. 1 : one of a pair of covered pouches laid across the back of a horse behind the saddle or hanging over the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle
2 : a bulge of lumpy fat in the outer area of the upper thighs

saddlebow
n. : the arch in or the pieces forming the front of a saddle

saddlebred
: AMERICAN SADDLEBRED

saddlecloth
n. : a cloth placed under or over a saddle

saddled prominent
: a moth (Heterocampa guttivitta) whose larva is a defoliator of hardwood trees in the eastern and midwestern U.S.

saddler
n. : one that makes, repairs, or sells saddles and other furnishings for horses

saddlery
n. : the trade, articles of trade, or shop of a saddler

saddletree
n. : the frame of a saddle

Sadducean
adj. : of or relating to the Sadducees

Sadducee
n. : a member of a Jewish party of the intertestamental period consisting of a traditional ruling class of priests and rejecting doctrines not in the Law (as resurrection, retribution in a future life, and the existence of angels)
–Sad·du·cee·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Sade, de
Comte Donatien-Alphonse-François 1740-1814 Marquis de Sade Fr. writer of erotica

sadhe
: the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

sadhu
n. : a usually Hindu mendicant ascetic

sadiron
n. : a flatiron pointed at both ends and having a removable handle

sadism
n. 1 : a sexual perversion in which gratification is obtained by the infliction of physical or mental pain on others (as on a love object) ― compare MASOCHISM
2 a : delight in cruelty b : excessive cruelty
–sa·dist \'sā-dist, 'sa-\ noun
–sa·dis·tic \sə-'dis-tik also sā- or sa-\ adjective
–sa·dis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sadomasochism
n. : the derivation of pleasure from the infliction of physical or mental pain either on others or on oneself
–sa·do·mas·och·ist \-kist\ noun or adjective
–sa·do·mas·och·is·tic \-ˌma-sə-'kis-tik, -ˌma-zə-\ adjective

SAE
1 self-addressed envelope
2 Society of Automotive Engineers
3 stamped addressed envelope

saeva indignatio
: fierce indignation

Safar
: the second month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

safari
n. 1 : the caravan and equipment of a hunting expedition especially in eastern Africa also : such a hunting expedition
2 : JOURNEY, EXPEDITION <an arctic safari>
–safari intransitive verb

safari jacket
: a usually belted shirt jacket with pleated expansible pockets

safari suit
: a safari jacket with matching pants

safe
n. 1 : free from harm or risk : UNHURT
2 a : secure from threat of danger, harm, or loss b : successful at getting to a base in baseball without being put out
3 : affording safety or security from danger, risk, or difficulty
4 obsolete of mental or moral faculties : HEALTHY, SOUND
5 a : not threatening danger : HARMLESS b : unlikely to produce controversy or contradiction
6 a : not likely to take risks : CAUTIOUS b : TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE
–safe or safe·ly adverb
–safe·ness noun

safe
n. 1 : a place or receptacle to keep articles (as valuables) safe
2 : CONDOM 1

safe
n. fail safe
pie safe
safe conduct
safe deposit box
safe house
safe sex
safer sex

safe house
: a place where one may engage in secret activities or take refuge

safe sex
: sexual activity and especially sexual intercourse in which various measures (as the use of latex condoms or the practice of monogamy) are taken to avoid disease (as AIDS) transmitted by sexual contact ― called also safer sex

safe-conduct
1 : protection given a person passing through a military zone or occupied area
2 : a document authorizing safe-conduct

safe-deposit box
: a box (as in the vault of a bank) for safe storage of valuables ― called also safety-deposit box

safecracker
n. : one that breaks open safes to steal
–safe·crack·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

Safed Koh
mountain range E Afghanistan on Pakistan border; a S extension of the Hindu Kush

safeguard
n. 1 a : PASS, SAFE-CONDUCT b : CONVOY, ESCORT
2 a : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device b : a technical contrivance to prevent accident

safeguard
n. 1 : to provide a safeguard for
2 : to make safe : PROTECT
synonyms see DEFEND

safekeeping
n. 1 : the act or process of preserving in safety
2 : the state of being preserved in safety

safelight
n. : a darkroom lamp with a filter to screen out rays that are harmful to sensitive film or paper

safety
n. 1 : the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss
2 : a device (as on a weapon or a machine) designed to prevent inadvertent or hazardous operation
3 a (1) : a situation in football in which a member of the offensive team is tackled behind its own goal line that counts two points for the defensive team ― compare TOUCHBACK (2) : a member of a defensive backfield in football who occupies the deepest position in order to receive a kick, defend against a forward pass, or stop a ballcarrier b : a billiard shot made with no attempt to score or so as to leave the balls in an unfavorable position for the opponent c : BASE HIT

safety
n. : to protect against failure, breakage, or accident <safety a rifle>

safety
n. free safety
safety deposit box
safety belt
safety glass
safety lamp
safety match
safety net
safety pin
safety razor
safety valve
strong safety

safety belt
: a belt fastening a person to an object (as a car seat) to prevent falling or injury

safety glass
: transparent material that is made by laminating a sheet of transparent plastic between sheets of clear glass and is used especially for windows (as of automobiles) likely to be subjected to shock or impact

safety lamp
: a miner's lamp constructed to avoid explosion in an atmosphere containing flammable gas usually by enclosing the flame in fine wire gauze

safety match
: a match capable of being struck and ignited only on a specially prepared friction surface

safety net
: something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty

safety pin
: a pin in the form of a clasp with a guard covering its point when fastened

safety razor
: a razor provided with a guard for the blade to prevent deep cuts in the skin

safety valve
1 : an automatic escape or relief valve (as for a steam boiler)
2 : an outlet for pent-up energy or emotion
3 : something that relieves the pressure of overcrowding

safetyman
: SAFETY 3A(2)

safflower
n. : a widely cultivated Old World composite herb (Carthamus tinctorius) with large usually orange or red flower heads and seeds rich in oil also : a red dyestuff prepared from the flower heads

safflower oil
: an edible drying oil obtained from the seeds of the safflower

saffron
n. 1 a : the deep orange aromatic pungent dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus (Crocus sativus) used to color and flavor foods and formerly as a dyestuff and in medicine b : the crocus supplying saffron
2 : a moderate orange to orange yellow

Safi
city & port W Morocco SW of Casablanca pop 456,000

safranine
1 : any of various usually red synthetic dyes that are amino derivatives of bases
2 : any of various mixtures of safranine salts used in dyeing and as biological stains

safrole
: a poisonous oily cyclic ether C_10H_10O_2 that is the principal component of sassafras oil and is used chiefly in perfumery

SAG
n. Screen Actors Guild

sag
n. intransitive verb
1 : to droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
2 a : to lose firmness, resiliency, or vigor <spirits sagging from overwork> b : to decline especially from a thriving state
3 : DRIFT
4 : to fail to stimulate or retain interest
transitive verb : to cause to sag : leave slack in

sag
n. 1 : a tendency to drift (as of a ship to leeward)
2 a : a sagging part <the sag in a rope> b : a drop or depression below the surrounding area c : an instance or amount of sagging
3 : a temporary decline (as in the price of a commodity)

saga
n. 1 : a prose narrative recorded in Iceland in the 12th and 13th centuries of historic or legendary figures and events of the heroic age of Norway and Iceland
2 : a modern heroic narrative resembling the Icelandic saga
3 : a long detailed account <a saga of the Old South>

saga novel
: ROMAN-FLEUVE

sagacious
adj. 1 obsolete : keen in sense perception
2 a : of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment : DISCERNING <sagacious judge of character> b : caused by or indicating acute discernment <sagacious purchase of stock>
synonyms see SHREWD
–sa·ga·cious·ly adverb
–sa·ga·cious·ness noun

sagacity
n. : the quality of being sagacious

Sagami Sea
inlet of the Pacific Japan in SE Honshu SW of Tokyo Bay

Sagamihara
city Japan on Honshu pop 605,561

sagamore
n. 1 : a subordinate chief of the Algonquian Indians of the No. Atlantic coast
2 : SACHEM 1

Sagan
Carl Edward 1934-1996 American astron.

Sagan
Françoise 1935-     pseud. of Françoise Quoi·rez \kwä-rā\ Fr. writer

Sage
n. Russell 1816-1906 American financier

sage
n. 1 a : wise through reflection and experience b archaic : GRAVE, SOLEMN
2 : proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment <sage advice>
synonyms see WISE
–sage·ly adverb
–sage·ness noun

sage
n. 1 : one (as a profound philosopher) distinguished for wisdom
2 : a mature or venerable man of sound judgment

sage
n. 1 a : a European perennial mint (Salvia officinalis) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats broadly : SALVIA b : the fresh or dried leaves of sage
2 : SAGEBRUSH
3 : a light grayish green

sage
n. clary sage
pineapple sage
Russian sage
sage cheese
sage grouse
scarlet sage

sage cheese
: a cheese similar to mild cheddar flecked with green and flavored with sage

sage grouse
: either of two large grouses (Centrocercus urophasianus and C. minimus) of the dry sagebrush plains of western No. America that have mottled gray and buff plumage above with a contrasting black belly

sagebrush
n. : any of several No. American hoary composite subshrubs (genus Artemisia) especially : one (A. tridentata) having a bitter juice and an odor resembling sage and often covering vast tracts of alkaline plains in the western U.S.

sagger
n. : a box made of fireclay in which delicate ceramic pieces are fired

saggy
adj. : BAGGY also : FLACCID 1A

Saghalien
n. ― see SAKHALIN

Saginaw
city E cen Mich. NNW of Flint pop 61,799

Saginaw Bay
inlet of Lake Huron in E Mich.

sagittal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the suture between the parietal bones of the skull
2 : of, relating to, situated in, or being the median plane of the body or any plane parallel to it
–sag·it·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

Sagittarian
n. : SAGITTARIUS 2B

Sagittarius
n. 1 : a southern zodiacal constellation pictured as a centaur shooting an arrow and containing the point in the sky where the center of the Milky Way galaxy is located
2 a : the ninth sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under the sign of Sagittarius

sagittate
: shaped like an arrowhead specifically : elongated, triangular, and having the two basal lobes prolonged downward <a sagittate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration

sago
n. : a dry granulated or powdered starch prepared from the pith of a sago palm and used in foods and as textile stiffening

sago palm
: a plant that yields sago especially : any of various lofty pinnate-leaved Malaysian palms (genus Metroxylon)

Sagres
village SW Portugal E of Cape Saint Vincent

saguaro
n. : a tall columnar usually sparsely-branched cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) of dry areas of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that bears white flowers and a scaly reddish edible fruit and that may attain a height of up to 50 feet (16 meters) ― called also giant cactus

Saguaro National Park
n. reservation SE Ariz. E of Tucson

Saguenay
river 105 mi (169 km) Canada in S Que. flowing from Lake Saint Jean E into the St. Lawrence

Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
reservation SE Canada in S Quebec

Saguia el Hamra
territory NW Africa, the N zone of Western Sahara

Sagunto
commune E Spain NNE of Valencia pop 56,471

Sahaptin
: a language spoken in a number of dialects by American Indian peoples (as the Yakama) of the interior of northern Oregon and southern Washington also : a member of a Sahaptin-speaking people

Sahara
n. desert region N Africa N of the Sudan region extending from the Atlantic coast to Red Sea
–Sa·ha·ran \-ən\ adjective

Sahara
n. Spanish Sahara
Western Sahara
sub Saharan
Western Saharan

Saharanpur
city N India in NW Uttar Pradesh NNE of Delhi pop 452,925

Sahel
n. the semidesert S fringe of the Sahara that stretches from Mauritania to Chad
–Sa·hel·ian \sə-'hil-yən\ adjective

sahib
n. : SIR, MASTER ― used especially among the native inhabitants of colonial India when addressing or speaking of a European of some social or official status

said
adj. past and past part of say

said
adj. : AFOREMENTIONED

Saida
― see SIDON

Saigon
n. ― see HO CHI MINH CITY
–Sai·gon·ese \ˌsī-gə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

sail
n. 1 a (1) : an extent of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind is used to propel a ship through water (2) : the sails of a ship b plural usually sail : a ship equipped with sails
2 : an extent of fabric used in propelling a wind-driven vehicle (as an iceboat)
3 : something that resembles a sail especially : a streamlined conning tower on a submarine
4 : a passage by a sailing craft : CRUISE
–sailed \'sāld\ adjective
–under sail : in motion with sails set

sail
n. 1 a : to travel on water in a ship b : YACHT
2 a : to travel on water by the action of wind upon sails or by other means b : to move or proceed easily, gracefully, nonchalantly, or without resistance <sails through all sorts of contradictions ― Vicki Hearne> <the bill sailed through the legislature> c : to move through the air <the ball sailed over his head>
3 : to begin a water voyage <sail with the tide>
transitive verb
1 a : to travel on (water) by means of motive power (as sail) b : to glide through
2 : to direct or manage the motion of (as a ship)
–sail·able \'sā-lə-bəl\ adjective
–sail into : to attack vigorously or sharply <sailed into me for being late>

sail
n. make sail
press of sail
sail into
under sail
set sail
solar sail
square sail
studding sail
trim one's sails
plain sailing

sail into
to attack vigorously or sharply <sailed into me for being late>

sailboard
n. : a modified surfboard having a mast mounted on a universal joint and sailed by one person standing up
–sail·board·er \-ˌbȯr-dər\ noun
–sail·board·ing \-diŋ\ noun

sailboat
n. : a boat usually propelled by sail
–sail·boat·er \-ˌbō-tər\ noun
–sail·boat·ing noun

sailcloth
n. : a heavy canvas used for sails, tents, or upholstery also : a lightweight canvas used for clothing

sailer
n. : a ship or boat especially having specified sailing qualities

sailfish
n. : any of a genus (Istiophorus, especially I. platypterus) of billfishes having a very large dorsal fin

sailing
n. 1 a : the technical skill of managing a ship : NAVIGATION b : the method of determining the course to be followed to reach a given point
2 a : the sport of handling or riding in a sailboat b : a departure from a port

sailmaker
n. : a person or company that cuts, assembles, and sews sails and canvas parts for boats

sailor
n. 1 a : one that sails especially : MARINER b (1) : a member of a ship's crew (2) : SEAMAN 2B
2 : a traveler by water
3 : a stiff straw hat with a low flat crown and straight circular brim

sailor collar
: a broad collar having a square flap across the back and tapering to a V in the front

sailor's-choice
: any of several small grunts of the Western Atlantic: as a : PINFISH b : PIGFISH

sailplane
n. : a glider of such design that it is able to rise in an upward air current
–sailplane intransitive verb
–sail·plan·er noun

Saimaa
group of lakes SE Finland of which Lake Saimaa is the largest

saimin
: a Hawaiian noodle soup

sain
1 dialect British : to make the sign of the cross on (oneself)
2 dialect British : BLESS

sainfoin
n. : a pink-flowered Eurasian perennial leguminous herb (Onobrychis viciifolia syn. O. viciaefolia) grown for forage

saint
n. 1 : one officially recognized especially through canonization as preeminent for holiness
2 a : one of the spirits of the departed in heaven b : ANGEL 1A
3 a : one of God's chosen and usually Christian people b capitalized : a member of any of various Christian bodies specifically : LATTER-DAY SAINT
4 : one eminent for piety or virtue
5 : an illustrious predecessor
–saint·dom \'sānt-dəm\ noun
–saint·like \'sānt-ˌlīk\ adjective

saint
n. : to recognize or designate as a saint specifically : CANONIZE

saint
n. Molenbeek Saint Jean
Latter day Saint
patron saint
plaster saint
Saint Agnes' Eve
Saint Andrew's cross
Saint Anthony's cross
Saint Anthony's fire
Saint Augustine grass
Saint Bernard
Saint Elmo's fire
Saint Elmo's light
Saint Emilion
Saint John's bread
Saint John's wort
Saint Louis encephalitis
Saint Martin's summer
Saint Patrick's Day
saint's day
Saint Valentine's Day
Saint Vitus' dance
Saint Vitus's dance
Bernardin de Saint Pierre
Montcalm de Saint Veran
Montcalm de Saint Véran
Saint Gaudens
Saint Just
Saint Pierre
Saint Saens
Saint Saëns
Saint Simon
Bury Saint Edmunds
Saint Thomas
Cote Saint Luc
Côte Saint Luc
East Saint Louis
Great Saint Bernard
Little Saint Bernard
Mont Saint Michel
Newtown Saint Boswells
Port Saint Lucie
Saint Albans
Saint Albert
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Bruno de Montarville
Saint Catharines
Saint Charles
Saint Clair Lake
Saint Clair Shores
Saint Cloud
Saint Constant
Saint Croix
Saint Cyr l'Ecole
Saint Cyr l'École
Saint Denis
Saint Elias Mount
Saint Elias Mountains
Saint Etienne
Saint Étienne
Saint Eustache
Saint Eustatius
Saint Francis
Saint François
Saint Francis Lake
Saint Gall
Saint George
Saint George's
Saint George's Channel
Saint Germain
Saint Germain en Laye
Saint Gotthard
Saint Helena
Saint Helens
Saint Helens Mount
Saint Helier
Saint Hubert
Saint Hyacinthe
Saint Jean Lake
Lac Saint Jean
Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Jean sur Richelieu
Saint Jerome
Saint Jérôme
Saint John
Saint John Island
Saint Johns
Saint John's
Saint Joseph
Saint Kitts
Saint Christopher
Saint Laurent
Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence Lake
Saint Lawrence Island
Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
Saint Lawrence Seaway
Saint Leonard
Saint Léonard
Saint Lo
Saint Lô
Saint Louis
Saint Louisian
Saint Louisan
Saint Louis Lake
Saint Louis Park
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucian
Saint Malo
Saint Malo Gulf of
Saint Martin
Saint Marys
Saint Maur des Fosses
Saint Maur des Fossés
Saint Maurice
Saint Mihiel
Saint Moritz
Saint Nazaire
Saint Nicolas
Saint Ouen
Saint Pancras
Saint Paul
Saint Paulite
Saint Peter Lake
Saint Peter Port
Saint Peters
Saint Petersburg
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Quentin
Saint Simons Island
Saint Tropez
Saint Vincent
Saint Vincent Cape
Saint Vincent Gulf
Wrangell Saint Elias National Park
Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks
All Saints' Day

Saint Agnes' Eve
: the night of January 20 when a woman is traditionally held to have a revelation of her future husband

Saint Albans
town SE England in Hertfordshire pop 122,400

Saint Albert
city Canada in cen Alta. pop 53,081

Saint Andrew's cross
: a figure of a cross that has the form of two intersecting oblique bars ― see CROSS illustration

Saint Anthony's cross
: TAU CROSS

Saint Anthony's fire
: any of several inflammations or gangrenous conditions (as erysipelas or ergotism) of the skin

Saint Augustine grass
: a tropical perennial grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) that has much-branched creeping stems and is used as a lawn grass and sand binder especially in the southern U.S.

Saint Barthelemy
island French West Indies in department of Guadeloupe; chief town Gustavia pop 2351

Saint Bernard
: any of a Swiss alpine breed of tall powerful working dogs used especially formerly in aiding lost travelers

Saint Bernard
― see GREAT SAINT BERNARD, LITTLE SAINT BERNARD

Saint Catharines
city Canada in SE Ont. NW of Niagara Falls on Welland Canal pop 129,170

Saint Charles
1 city NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 27,896
2 city E Mo. on the Missouri River pop 60,321

Saint Clair Shores
city SE Mich. NE of Detroit pop 63,096

Saint Clair, Lake
lake SE Mich. & SE Ont. area 460 sq mi (1196 sq km), connected by Saint Clair River (40 mi or 64 km) with Lake Huron & draining through Detroit River into Lake Erie

Saint Cloud
city cen Minn. on the Mississippi pop 59,107

Saint Croix
1 river 129 mi (208 km) Canada & U.S. bet. N.B. & Maine
2 river 164 mi (264 km) NW Wis. & E Minn. flowing into the Mississippi
3 or San·ta Cruz \ˌsan-tə-'krüz\ island W. Indies, largest of the Virgin Islands of the U.S. area 80 sq mi (208 sq km), pop 50,139; chief town Christiansted

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
reservation E Maine on Canada border on island in St. Croix River

Saint Elias Mountains
mountain range of the Coast Ranges SW Yukon Territory & E Alaska ― see LOGAN (Mount)

Saint Elias, Mount
mountain 18,008 ft (5489 m) on Alaska-Canada boundary in St. Elias Mountains

Saint Elmo's fire
: a flaming phenomenon sometimes seen in stormy weather at prominent points on an airplane or ship and on land that is of the nature of a brush discharge of electricity ― called also Saint Elmo's light

Saint Emilion
: a red Bordeaux wine

Saint Eustatius
island W. Indies in Netherlands Antilles NW of St. Kitts area 7 sq mi (18 sq km), pop 1715

Saint Francis
1 river 425 mi (684 km) SE Mo. & E Ark. flowing S into the Mississippi
2 or Saint-Fran·çois \san-frän-'swä\ river 165 mi (266 km) Canada in S Que. flowing NW into the St. Lawrence

Saint Francis, Lake
expansion of St. Lawrence River Canada above Valleyfield, Que.

Saint Gall
1 canton NE Switzerland area 778 sq mi (2015 sq km), pop 452,600
2 commune, its capital pop 69,909

Saint George
city SW corner of Utah pop 49,663

Saint George's
town capital of Grenada pop 29,400

Saint George's Channel
strait British Isles bet. SW Wales & Ireland

Saint Gotthard
1 mountains Switzerland in Lepontine Alps bet. Uri & Ticino cantons
2 mountain pass 6916 ft (2108 m) in St. Gotthard Range

Saint Helena
island S. Atlantic; a Brit. colony capital Jamestown area 47 sq mi (122 sq km), pop 5644

Saint Helens
town NW England in Merseyside ENE of Liverpool pop 98,769

Saint Helens, Mount
volcanic peak 8366 ft (2550 m) SW Wash. in Cascades; in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Saint Helier
town Channel Islands capital of Jersey pop 28,123

Saint Jerome
town Canada in S Que. NW of Montreal pop 24,583

Saint John
1 river 418 mi (673 km) NE U.S. & SE Canada flowing from N Maine into Bay of Fundy in N.B.
2 city & port Canada in S N.B. at mouth of the St. John pop 69,661

Saint John Island
island W. Indies, one of the Virgin Islands of the U.S. area 20 sq mi (52 sq km), pop 3504

Saint John's
1 city Brit. West Indies capital of Antigua and Barbuda on Antigua Is.
2 city & port Canada capital of Nfld.&Lab. pop 99,182

Saint John's bread
: CAROB 2

Saint Johns
river 285 mi (459 km) NE Fla. flowing N & E into the Atlantic

Saint Joseph
city NW Mo. pop 73,990

Saint Kitts
island Brit. West Indies in the Leewards; chief town Basseterre area 68 sq mi (177 sq km); with Nevis, forms independent state of Saint Kitts-Nevis (capital Basseterre area 104 sq mi or 269 sq km, pop 41,800)
–Kit·ti·tian \kə-'ti-shən\ noun or adjective

Saint Lawrence
river 760 mi (1223 km) E Canada in Ont. & Que. bordering on the U.S. in N.Y., flowing from Lake Ontario NE into the Atlantic, & forming at its mouth a wide bay (the Gulf of Saint Lawrence)

Saint Lawrence Island
island 95 mi (153 km) long W Alaska in N Bering Sea

Saint Lawrence Islands National Park
n. reservation SE Canada in SE Ont.

Saint Lawrence Seaway
waterway Canada & U.S. in & along the St. Lawrence River bet. Lake Ontario & Montreal

Saint Lawrence, Lake
expansion of St. Lawrence River Canada & U.S. WSW of Cornwall, Ont.

Saint Louis
1 river 160 mi (257 km) NE Minn. flowing to W tip of Lake Superior
2 city E Mo. on the Mississippi pop 348,189
–Saint Lou·i·san \'lü-ə-sən\ noun
–Saint Lou·i·sian \'lü-ə-zhən, -shən\ noun

Saint Louis encephalitis
: a No. American encephalitis that is caused by a flavivirus (species Saint Louis encephalitis virus of the genus Flavivirus) transmitted by several culex mosquitoes

Saint Louis Park
city SE Minn. pop 44,126

Saint Louis, Lake
expansion of St. Lawrence River Canada above Lachine Rapids

Saint Lucia
island Brit. West Indies in the Windwards S of Martinique; an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1979 capital Castries area 238 sq mi (616 sq km), pop 157,775
–Saint Lu·cian \-shən\ adjective or noun

Saint Martin
island W. Indies in the N Leewards; divided bet. France & Netherlands area 33 sq mi (86 sq km)

Saint Martin's summer
: Indian summer when occurring in November

Saint Marys
1 river 175 mi (282 km) on Fla.-Ga. border flowing from Okefenokee Swamp to the Atlantic
2 river ab 70 mi (115 km) bet. Canada & U.S. in Ont. & Upper Peninsula of Mich. flowing from Lake Superior into Lake Huron; descends 20 ft (6.1 m) in a mile at Saint Marys Falls ― see SAULT SAINTE MARIE CANALS

Saint Maurice
river 325 mi (523 km) Canada in S Que. flowing S into the St. Lawrence

Saint Moritz
town E Switzerland in Graubünden canton SSE of Chur pop 5900

Saint Pancras
former metropolitan borough NW London, England, now part of Camden

Saint Patrick's Day
: March 17 observed by the Roman Catholic Church in honor of St. Patrick and celebrated in Ireland in commemoration of his death

Saint Paul
city E Minn., its capital pop 287,151
–Saint Paul·ite \'pȯ-ˌlīt\ noun

Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks
rocky islets in the Atlantic 600 mi (966 km) NE of Natal, Brazil; belong to Brazil

Saint Peter Port
town Channel Islands capital of Guernsey pop 16,648

Saint Peter, Lake
expansion of St. Lawrence River Canada bet. Sorel-Tracy & Trois-Rivières, Que.

Saint Peters
city E Mo. WNW of St. Louis pop 51,381

Saint Petersburg
1 city W Fla. on Pinellas Peninsula SW of Tampa pop 248,232
2 or 1914-24 Pet·ro·grad \'pe-trə-ˌgrad, -ˌgrät\ or 1924-91 Le·nin·grad \'le-nən-ˌgrad, -ˌgrät\ city W Russia in Europe, at E end of Gulf of Finland; capital of Russian Empire 1712-1917 pop 4,952,000

Saint Simons Island
island SE Ga. in the Atlantic

Saint Thomas
1 island W. Indies, one of the Virgin Islands of the U.S. area 32 sq mi (83 sq km)
2 ― see CHARLOTTE AMALIE
3 city Canada in SE Ont. S of London pop 33,236

Saint Valentine's Day
v. : VALENTINE'S DAY

Saint Vincent
v. island Brit. West Indies in cen Windwards; with N Grenadines became independent 1979 as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (capital Kingstown area 150 sq mi or 390 sq km, pop 109,000)

Saint Vincent, Cape
cape SW Portugal

Saint Vincent, Gulf
inlet of Indian Ocean Australia in S. Australia E of Yorke Peninsula

Saint Vitus' dance
v. : CHOREA ― called also Saint Vitus's dance \same\

saint's day
: a day in a church calendar on which a saint is commemorated

Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
town Canada in S Que. E of Montreal pop 23,843

Saint-Cloud
commune France, WSW suburb of Paris pop 28,164

Saint-Constant
town Canada in S Que. S of Montreal pop 22,577

Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole
commune N France W of Versailles pop 14,585

Saint-Denis
1 commune N France NNE of Paris pop 85,994
2 commune capital of Réunion Is. pop 100,926

Saint-Etienne
city SE cen France pop 180,438

Saint-Eustache
town Canada in S Que. pop 40,378

Saint-Gaudens
Augustus 1848-1907 American (Irish-born) sculptor

Saint-Germain
commune N France WNW of Paris pop 38,124

Saint-Hubert
town Canada in S Que. E of Montreal pop 75,912

Saint-Hyacinthe
town Canada in S Que. E of Montreal pop 38,739

Saint-Jean, Lake
lake Canada in S Que. draining through the Saguenay to the St. Lawrence area 414 sq mi (1072 sq km)

Saint-Jean-de-Luz
town SW France on Bay of Biscay SW of Biarritz pop 13,241

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
town Canada in S Que. SE of Montreal pop 37,386

Saint-John's-wort
1 : any of a large genus (Hypericum of the family Guttiferae, the Saint-John's-wort family) of cosmopolitan herbs and shrubs with showy pentamerous yellow flowers
2 : the dried aerial parts of a Saint-John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) that are held to relieve depression and are used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements

Saint-Just
Louis (-Antoine-Léon) de 1767-1794 Fr. revolutionary

Saint-Laurent
town Canada in S Que. on Montreal Is. pop 77,391

Saint-Leonard
town Canada in S Que. N of Montreal pop 69,604

Saint-Lo
commune NW France pop 20,081

Saint-Louis
1 city & port Senegal on island at mouth of Senegal River; formerly capital of Senegal pop 125,717
2 city & port Réunion pop 43,519

Saint-Malo
city & port NW France in Brittany on island in Gulf of Saint-Malo pop 50,697

Saint-Malo, Gulf of
arm of English Channel NW France bet. Cotentin Peninsula & Brittany

Saint-Maur-des-Fosses
commune N France SE of Paris on the Marne pop 73,071

Saint-Mihiel
town NE France on the Meuse pop 5251

Saint-Nazaire
commune & port NW France at mouth of the Loire pop 65,868

Saint-Nicolas
― see SINT-NIKLAAS

Saint-Ouen
commune France, N suburb of Paris pop 39,719

Saint-Pierre
― see BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
French islands in the Atlantic off S Newfoundland capital St.-Pierre, area 93 sq mi (242 sq km), pop 6400

Saint-Quentin
commune N France on the Somme NW of Laon pop 59,049

Saint-Saens
(Charles-) Camille 1835-1921 Fr. composer

Saint-Simon
(Claude-) Henri de (Rouvroy) 1760-1825 Comte de Saint-Simon Fr. philos. & social scientist

Saint-Simon
Louis de Rouvroy 1675-1755 Duc de Saint-Simon Fr. soldier, statesman, & writer

Saint-Tropez
commune SE France on the Mediterranean SW of Cannes pop 5480

Sainte
Benoit de Sainte Maure
Benoît de Sainte Maure
Sainte Beuve
Sainte Foy
Sainte Julie
Sainte Therese
Sainte Thérèse
Sault Sainte Marie
Sault Sainte Marie Canals

Sainte-Beuve
Charles-Augustin 1804-1869 Fr. critic & author

Sainte-Foy
town Canada in SE Que. SW of Quebec city pop 72,547

Sainte-Julie
town Canada in S Que. E of Montreal pop 26,580

Sainte-Therese
town Canada in S Que. pop 24,269

sainted
adj. 1 : SAINTLY, PIOUS
2 : befitting or relating to a saint
3 : entered into heaven : DEAD
4 : much admired : IDOLIZED

sainthood
n. 1 : the quality or state of being a saint
2 : saints as a group

saintly
adj. : relating to, resembling, or befitting a saint : HOLY
–saint·li·ness noun

Saintonge
region & former province of France on Bay of Biscay N of the Gironde capital Saintes

Saintsbury
George Edward Bateman 1845-1933 Eng. critic

saintship
n. : SAINTHOOD 1

Saionji
Prince Kimmochi 1849-1940 Jp. statesman

Saipan
n. island W Pacific in S cen Marianas area 70 sq mi (182 sq km), pop 38,896
–Sai·pa·nese \ˌsī-pə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Sais
ancient city Egypt in Nile Delta

saith
v. archaic present 3d singular of say

saithe
n. : POLLACK 1

Saiva
: a member of a major Hindu sect devoted to the cult of Shiva
–Sai·vism \-ˌvi-zəm\ noun

Sajama
mountain 21,391 ft (6520 m) W Bolivia near Chilean boundary

Sakai
city Japan in S Honshu on Osaka Bay pop 792,018

Sakakawea, Lake
reservoir ab 200 mi (322 km) long W N.Dak. formed in the Missouri by the Garrison Dam

Sakarya
river ab 500 mi (804 km) NW Turkey in Asia flowing into the Black Sea E of the Bosporus

sake
n. 1 : END, PURPOSE <for the sake of argument>
2 a : the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (as an ideal) <free to pursue learning for its own sake ― M. S. Eisenhower> b : personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit

sake
n. : a Japanese alcoholic beverage of fermented rice often served hot

saker
n. : a grayish-brown Old World falcon (Falco cherrug) that is used in falconry

Sakha
autonomous republic E cen Russia in Asia capital Yakutsk area 1,198,146 sq mi (3,103,198 sq km), pop 1,093,000

Sakhalin
n. island SE Russia in Asia in Sea of Okhotsk N of Hokkaido; formerly (1905-45) divided bet. Russia & Japan area more than 28,500 sq mi (73,800 sq km)

Sakharov
n. Andrey Dmitriyevich 1921-1989 Russ. physicist

Saki
n. ― see H. H. MUNRO

Sakishima Islands
island group Japan in S Ryukyus off E coast of N Taiwan; occupied 1945-72 by the U.S. area 343 sq mi (888 sq km)

Sakkara
― see SAQQÂRA

Sakmann
Bert 1942-     Ger. biochem.

Sakonnet River
inlet of the Atlantic SE R.I., E of Aquidneck Is.

Sakti
n. variant of shakti, shaktism

sal
n. : SALT

sal
n. sal ammoniac
sal volatile
sal Atticum

sal ammoniac
: AMMONIUM CHLORIDE

sal Atticum
: Attic salt : wit

sal volatile
: SMELLING SALTS

salaam
n. 1 : an obeisance performed by bowing very low and placing the right palm on the forehead
2 : a salutation or ceremonial greeting in the East

salaam
n. : to greet or pay homage to with a salaam
intransitive verb : to perform a salaam

salaam
n. as salaam alaikum
salaam alaikum
Dar es Salaam

salaam alaikum
: peace to you ― used as a traditional greeting among Muslims

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
town Canada in S Que. SW of Montreal pop 26,170

salable
adj. : capable of being or fit to be sold : MARKETABLE
–sal·abil·i·ty \ˌsā-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

salacious
adj. 1 : arousing or appealing to sexual desire or imagination : LASCIVIOUS
2 : LECHEROUS, LUSTFUL
–sa·la·cious·ly adverb
–sa·la·cious·ness noun

salad
n. 1 : any of various usually cold dishes: as a : raw greens (as lettuce) often combined with other vegetables and toppings and served especially with dressing b : small pieces of food (as pasta, meat, fruit, or vegetables) usually mixed with a dressing (as mayonnaise) or set in gelatin
2 : a green vegetable or herb grown for salad especially : LETTUCE
3 : a usually incongruous mixture : HODGEPODGE

salad
n. Caesar salad
Cobb salad
corn salad
salad bar
salad days
salad oil
Waldorf salad

salad bar
: a self-service counter (as in a restaurant) featuring an array of salad makings and dressings

salad days
: time of youthful inexperience or indiscretion <my salad days when I was green in judgment ― Shakespeare> also : an early flourishing period : HEYDAY

salad oil
: an edible vegetable oil suitable for use in salad dressings

Saladin
1137(or 1138)-1193 Salāḥ Ad-dīn Yūsuf Ibn Ayyūb Syrian commander & vizier in Egypt

Salado
1 or in upper course Ju·ra·men·to \ˌhü-rä-'men-(ˌ)tō\ river 1120 mi (1802 km) N Argentina flowing from the Andes SE into the Paraná
2 or in upper course Des·agua·de·ro \ˌthā-ˌsä-gwä-'ther-(ˌ)ō\ river 850 mi (1368 km) W cen Argentina flowing S into the Colorado

salal
n. : a small evergreen shrub (Gaultheria shallon) of the heath family found on the Pacific coast of No. America and bearing edible grape-sized dark purple berries

Salam
Abdus 1926-1996 Pakistani physicist

Salamanca
1 province W Spain area 4763 sq mi (12,336 sq km), pop 345,609
2 commune, its capital, WNW of Madrid pop 156,368

salamander
n. 1 : a mythical animal having the power to endure fire without harm
2 : an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus inhabiting fire
3 : any of numerous amphibians (order Caudata) superficially resembling lizards but scaleless and covered with a soft moist skin and breathing by gills in the larval stage
4 : an article used in connection with fire: as a : a cooking utensil for browning a food (as pastry or pudding) b : a portable stove c : a cooking device with an overhead heat source like a broiler
–sal·a·man·drine \ˌsa-lə-'man-drən\ adjective

Salamaua
town Papua New Guinea on Huon Gulf

Salambria
― see PENEUS

salami
n. : a highly seasoned sausage of pork and beef either dried or fresh

Salamis
n. 1 ancient city Cyprus on E coast
2 island Greece in Saronic Gulf off Attica

salariat
n. : the class or body of salaried persons usually as distinguished from wage earners

salary
n. : fixed compensation paid regularly for services
–sal·a·ried \-rēd\ adjective

salaryman
n. : a Japanese white-collar businessman

Salazar
Antonio de Oliveira 1889-1970 Port. dictator (1932-68)

salchow
n. : a figure-skating jump with a takeoff from the back inside edge of one skate followed by one or more full turns in the air and a landing on the back outside edge of the opposite skate

Saldanha Bay
inlet of the Atlantic on W coast of Western Cape province, Republic of South Africa

Sale
n. city & port NW Morocco, N suburb of Rabat area pop 849,000

sale
n. 1 : the act of selling specifically : the transfer of ownership of and title to property from one person to another for a price
2 a : opportunity of selling or being sold : DEMAND b : distribution by selling
3 : public disposal to the highest bidder : AUCTION
4 : a selling of goods at bargain prices
5 plural a : operations and activities involved in promoting and selling goods or services <vice-president in charge of sales> b : gross receipts
–for sale : available for purchase
–on sale
1 : for sale
2 : available for purchase at a reduced price

sale
n. bake sale
bill of sale
fire sale
garage sale
jumble sale
public sale
rummage sale
on sale
for sale
tag sale
white sale
yard sale
sales slip
sales tax
Francis of Sales

Salem
n. 1 city & port NE Mass. NE of Lynn pop 40,407
2 town SE N.H. E of Nashua pop 28,112
3 city capital of Oregon on Willamette River pop 136,924
4 town W cen Va. WNW of Roanoke pop 24,747
5 city S India in N cen Tamil Nadu SW of Madras pop 693,236

salep
n. : the starchy or mucilaginous dried tubers of various Old World orchids (esp. genus Orchis) used for food or in medicine

saleratus
n. : a leavening agent consisting of potassium or sodium bicarbonate

Salerno
commune & port S Italy on Gulf of Salerno (inlet of Tyrrhenian Sea) ESE of Naples pop 141,724
–Sa·ler·ni·tan \-'lər-nə-tən, -'ler-\ adjective or noun

saleroom
n. chiefly British variant of salesroom

sales
n. : of, relating to, or used in selling

sales
n. sales slip
sales tax
Francis of Sales

sales slip
: a receipt for a purchase

sales tax
: a tax levied on the sale of goods and services that is usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and collected by the seller

salesclerk
n. : a salesperson in a store

salesgirl
n. : SALESWOMAN

Salesian
n. : a member of the Society of St. Francis de Sales founded by St. John Bosco in Turin, Italy in the 19th century and devoted chiefly to education

saleslady
n. : SALESWOMAN

salesman
n. : one who sells in a given territory, in a store, or by telephone

salesmanship
n. 1 : the skill or art of selling
2 : ability or effectiveness in selling or in presenting persuasively <political salesmanship>

salespeople
n. : persons employed to sell goods or services

salesperson
n. : a salesman or saleswoman

salesroom
n. : a place where goods are displayed for sale especially : an auction room

saleswoman
n. : a woman who sells in a given territory, in a store, or by telephone

Salford
urban area NW England in Greater Manchester pop 98,024

Salic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a Frankish people that settled on the IJssel River early in the fourth century

salic
adj. : SIALIC

Salic law
1 : a rule held to derive from the legal code of the Salic Franks excluding females from the line of succession to a throne
2 : the legal code of the Salic Franks

salicin
n. : a bitter white crystalline glucoside C_13H_18O_7 found in the bark and leaves of several willows and poplars and used in medicine like salicylic acid

salicylate
n. : a salt or ester of salicylic acid

salicylic acid
: a crystalline phenolic acid C_7H_6O_3 that is used medicinally especially as an exfoliant and in the form of salts and other derivatives as an analgesic and antipyretic ― compare ASPIRIN

salience
n. 1 : the quality or state of being salient
2 : a striking point or feature : HIGHLIGHT

saliency
n. : SALIENCE

salient
n. 1 : moving by leaps or springs : JUMPING
2 : jetting upward <a salient fountain>
3 a : projecting beyond a line, surface, or level b : standing out conspicuously : PROMINENT especially : of notable significance <similar to⋯Prohibition, but there are a couple of salient differences ― Tony Gibbs>
synonyms see NOTICEABLE
–sa·lient·ly adverb

salient
n. : something (as a promontory) that projects outward or upward from its surroundings especially : an outwardly projecting part of a fortification, trench system, or line of defense

Salieri
Antonio 1750-1825 Austrian (Ital.-born) composer

Salina
n. city cen Kans. on Smoky Hill River pop 45,679

Salinas
n. 1 river 150 mi (241 km) W Calif. flowing NW into Monterey Bay
2 city W Calif. near Monterey Bay pop 151,060
3 city S Puerto Rico pop 31,113

Salinas de Gortari
Carlos 1948-     pres. of Mexico (1988-94)

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
reservation cen N.Mex. containing archaeological ruins

saline
n. 1 : consisting of or containing salt <a saline solution>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling salt : SALTY <a saline taste>
3 : consisting of or relating to the salts of the alkali metals or of magnesium <a saline cathartic>
–sa·lin·i·ty \sā-'li-nə-tē, sə-\ noun

saline
n. 1 : a metallic salt especially : a salt of potassium, sodium, or magnesium with a cathartic action
2 : a saline solution especially : one isosmotic with body fluids

Salinger
J(erome) D(avid) 1919-     American nov.

salinize
: to treat or impregnate with salt
–sa·li·ni·za·tion \ˌsa-lə-nə-'zā-shən also ˌsā-\ noun

salinometer
n. : an instrument (as a hydrometer) for measuring the amount of salt in a solution

Salique
variant of salic

Salisbury
n. 1st Earl of & 3d Marquis of ― see CECIL

Salisbury
n. 1 city SE Md. pop 23,743
2 city W cen N.C. SSW of Winston-Salem pop 26,462
3 ― see HARARE
4 city S England in Wiltshire on the Avon pop 35,355

Salisbury
n. Salisbury steak
John of Salisbury
Salisbury Plain

Salisbury Plain
plateau S England in Wiltshire NW of Salisbury

Salisbury steak
: ground beef mixed with egg, milk, bread crumbs, and seasonings and formed into a large patty and cooked

Salish
n. 1 : a group of American Indian peoples of British Columbia and the northwestern U.S.
2 : the family of languages spoken by the Salish peoples
–Sa·lish·an \-li-shən\ adjective or noun

saliva
n. : a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

salivary
adj. : of or relating to saliva or the glands that secrete it especially : producing or carrying saliva

salivate
v. 1 : to have a flow of saliva especially in excess
2 : to show great desire or anticipation : DROOL
–sal·i·va·tion \ˌsa-lə-'vā-shən\ noun
–sal·i·va·tor \'sa-lə-ˌvā-tər\ noun

Salk
n. Jonas Edward 1914-1995 American physician

Salk vaccine
: a vaccine consisting of poliomyelitis virus inactivated with formaldehyde

salle
n. salle a manger
salle à manger
La Salle

salle a manger
: dining room

sallet
n. : a light 15th century helmet with or without a visor and with a projection over the neck

sallow
n. : any of several Old World broad-leaved willows (as Salix caprea) including important sources of charcoal and tanbark

sallow
n. : of a grayish greenish yellow color
–sal·low·ish \'sa-lə-wish\ adjective
–sal·low·ness \'sa-lō-nəs, -lə-\ noun

Sallust
ca 86-35(or 34) B.C. Gaius Sallustius Crispus Rom. hist. & polit.
–Sal·lus·ti·an \sə-'ləs-tē-ən, sa-\ adjective

sally
n. 1 : an action of rushing or bursting forth especially : a sortie of troops from a defensive position to attack the enemy
2 a : a brief outbreak : OUTBURST b : a witty or imaginative saying : QUIP
3 : a venture or excursion usually off the beaten track : JAUNT

sally
n. 1 : to leap out or burst forth suddenly
2 : SET OUT, DEPART ― often used with forth

sally
n. Aunt Sally
Sally Lunn
sally port
Aunt Sallies

Sally Lunn
: a slightly sweetened yeast-leavened bread

sally port
1 : a gate or passage in a fortified place for use by troops making a sortie
2 : a secure entryway (as at a prison) that consists of a series of doors or gates

salmagundi
n. 1 : a salad plate of chopped meats, anchovies, eggs, and vegetables arranged in rows for contrast and dressed with a salad dressing
2 : a heterogeneous mixture : POTPOURRI

salmi
n. : a ragout of partly roasted game stewed in a rich sauce

Salmon
n. river 420 mi (676 km) cen Idaho flowing into Snake River

salmon
n. 1 a : a large anadromous salmonid fish (Salmo salar) of the No. Atlantic noted as a game and food fish ― called also Atlantic salmon b : any of various anadromous salmonid fishes other than the salmon especially : PACIFIC SALMON c : a fish (as a barramundi) resembling a salmon
2 : the variable color of salmon's flesh averaging a strong yellowish pink

salmon
n. silver salmon
coho salmon
Atlantic salmon
chinook salmon
king salmon
chum salmon
jack salmon
Pacific salmon
pink salmon
red salmon
salmon pink
sockeye salmon
Salmon River Mountains

salmon pink
: a strong yellowish pink

Salmon River Mountains
mountains cen Idaho; many peaks over 9000 ft (2743 m)

salmonberry
n. : a showy red-flowered raspberry (Rubus spectabilis) of the Pacific coast of No. America also : its edible salmon-colored fruit

salmonella
n. : any of a genus (Salmonella) of usually motile enterobacteria that are pathogenic for humans and other warm-blooded animals and cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal inflammation, typhoid fever, or septicemia

salmonellosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by salmonellae

salmonid
n. : any of a family (Salmonidae) of elongate bony fishes (as a salmon or trout) that have the last three vertebrae upturned
–salmonid adjective

salmonoid
n. : SALMONID also : a related fish
–salmonoid adjective

Salome
n. : a niece of Herod Antipas given the head of John the Baptist as a reward for her dancing

salometer
: a hydrometer for indicating the percentage of salt in a solution

Salomon
n. Haym 1740-1785 American (Pol.-born) merchant

salon
n. 1 : an elegant apartment or living room (as in a fashionable home)
2 : a fashionable assemblage of notables (as literary figures, artists, or statesmen) held by custom at the home of a prominent person
3 a : a hall for exhibition of art b capitalized : an annual exhibition of works of art
4 : a stylish business establishment or shop <a beauty salon>

salon
n. beauty salon
salon des refuses
salon des refusés

salon des refuses
: salon of the refused : exhibition of art that has been rejected by an official body

Salonika
n. ― see THESSALONÍKI

Salonika, Gulf of
arm of Aegean Sea N Greece W of Chalcidice

saloon
n. 1 a chiefly British : SALON 1 b chiefly British : an often elaborately decorated public hall c (1) : a usually large public cabin on a ship (as for dining) (2) : the living area on a yacht d chiefly British : SALON 4 e : BARROOM
2 : SALON 2
3 British a : PARLOR CAR b : SEDAN 2A ― called also saloon car

Salop
n. ― see SHROPSHIRE
–Sa·lo·pi·an \sə-'lō-pē-ən\ adjective or noun

salp
n. : any of various transparent barrel-shaped or fusiform free-swimming tunicates (class Thaliacea) abundant in warm seas

salpiglossis
n. : any of a small genus (Salpiglossis) of Chilean herbs of the nightshade family with large funnel-shaped varicolored flowers often strikingly marked

salpingitis
n. : inflammation of a fallopian or eustachian tube

salsa
n. 1 : a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers
2 : popular music of Latin American origin that has absorbed characteristics of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock

salsify
n. : a European biennial composite herb (Tragopogon porrifolius) with a long fusiform edible root ― called also oyster plant vegetable oyster

SALT
n. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

Salt
n. 1 river 200 mi (322 km) Ariz. flowing W into the Gila
2 river 100 mi (161 km) N cen Ky. flowing into Ohio River
3 river 200 mi (322 km) NE Mo. flowing SE into Mississippi River

salt
n. 1 a : a crystalline compound NaCl that consists of sodium chloride, is abundant in nature, and is used especially to season or preserve food or in industry ― called also common salt b : a substance (as Glauber's salt) resembling common salt c plural (1) : a mineral or saline mixture (as Epsom salts) used as an aperient or cathartic (2) : SMELLING SALTS d : any of various compounds that result from replacement of part or all of the acid hydrogen of an acid by a metal or a group acting like a metal : an ionic crystalline compound
2 : a container for salt at table ― often used in the phrases above the salt and below the salt alluding to the former custom of seating persons of higher rank above and those of lower rank below a saltcellar placed in the middle of a longitude table
3 a : an ingredient that gives savor, piquancy, or zest : FLAVOR <a people⋯full of life, vigor, and the salt of personality ― Clifton Fadiman> b : sharpness of wit : PUNGENCY c : COMMON SENSE d : RESERVE, SKEPTICISM ― usually used in the phrases with a grain of salt and with a pinch of salt e : a dependable steadfast person or group of people ― usually used in the phrase salt of the earth
4 : SAILOR <a tale worthy of an old salt>
5 : KEEP 3 ― usually used in the phrase worth one's salt
–salt·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

salt
n. 1 a : to treat, provide, or season with common salt b : to preserve (food) with salt or in brine c : to supply (as an animal) with salt
2 : to give flavor or piquancy to (as a story)
3 a : to enrich (as a mine) artificially by secretly placing valuable mineral in some of the working places b : to add something to secretly <salted the files with forged papers> also : to insert or place secretly <salted the mines along the road>
4 a : to sprinkle with or as if with a salt b : SCATTER, INTERSPERSE
–salt·er \'sȯl-tər\ noun

salt
n. 1 a : SALINE, SALTY b : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is suggestive of seawater ― compare BITTER, SOUR, SWEET
2 : cured or seasoned with salt : SALTED <salt cod>
3 : overflowed with salt water <a salt pond>
4 : SHARP, PUNGENT
–salt·ness noun

salt
n. obsolete : LUSTFUL, LASCIVIOUS

salt
n. common salt
salt cedar
bile salt
double salt
Epsom salt
garlic salt
Glauber's salt
Glauber salt
grain of salt
pepper and salt
Rochelle salt
rock salt
salt and pepper
salt away
salt dome
salt flat
salt gland
salt grass
salt lake
salt lick
salt marsh
salt out
salt pan
salt pork
table salt
worth one's salt
Bonneville Salt Flats
Salt Sea
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake Desert
Salt Lake City
bath salts
Epsom salts
smelling salts

salt away
: to lay away (as money) safely : SAVE

salt cedar
: TAMARISK

salt dome
: a domical anticline in sedimentary rock that has a mass of rock salt as its core

salt flat
: a salt-encrusted flat area resulting from evaporation of a former body of water

salt gland
: a gland (as of a marine bird or a plant) capable of excreting a concentrated salt solution

salt grass
: a grass (esp. Distichlis spicata) native to an alkaline habitat (as a salt marsh)

salt lake
: a landlocked body of water that has become salty through evaporation

Salt Lake City
city N Utah, its capital pop 181,743

salt lick
: LICK 3

salt marsh
: flat land subject to overflow by salt water

salt out
: to precipitate, coagulate, or separate (as a dissolved substance) especially from a solution by the addition of salt
intransitive verb : to become salted out

salt pan
: an undrained natural depression in which water gathers and leaves a deposit of salt on evaporation

salt pork
: fat pork cured in salt or brine

Salt Sea
― see DEAD SEA

salt-and-pepper
: having black-and-white or dark and light color intermingled in small flecks <a salt-and-pepper suit> <a salt-and-pepper beard>

Salta
adj. city NW Argentina pop 373,857

saltarello
n. : an Italian dance with a lively hop step beginning each measure

saltation
n. 1 a : the action or process of leaping or jumping b : DANCE
2 a : the origin of a new species or a higher taxon in essentially a single evolutionary step that in some especially former theories is held to be due to a major mutation or to unknown causes ― compare DARWINISM, NEO-DARWINISM, PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM b : MUTATION ― used especially of bacteria and fungi

saltatorial
: relating to, marked by, or adapted for leaping <saltatorial legs of a grasshopper>

saltatory
adj. 1 archaic : of or relating to dancing
2 : proceeding by leaps rather than by gradual transitions : DISCONTINUOUS

saltbox
n. : a frame dwelling with two stories in front and one behind and a roof with a long rear slope

saltbush
n. : any of various shrubby plants of the goosefoot family that thrive in dry alkaline soil especially : any of numerous oraches that are important browse plants in dry regions

saltcellar
n. : a small container for holding salt at the table

Saltillo
city NE Mexico capital of Coahuila pop 440,845

saltimbocca
n. : scallops of veal prepared with sage, slices of ham, and sometimes cheese and served with a wine sauce

saltine
n. : a thin crisp cracker usually sprinkled with salt

salting
n. chiefly British : land flooded regularly by tides ― usually used in plural

saltire
n. : a heraldic charge consisting of a cross formed by a bend and a bend sinister crossing in the center

saltless
1 : having no salt
2 : INSIPID

Salto
n. city & port NW Uruguay on Uruguay River pop 74,881

salto mortale
: deadly jump : full somersault : dangerous or crucial undertaking

Salton Sea
saline lake ab 235 ft (72 m) below sea level SE Calif. at N end of Imperial Valley formed by diversion of water from Colorado River into depression called Salton Sink

saltpeter
n. 1 : POTASSIUM NITRATE
2 : SODIUM NITRATE

saltshaker
n. : a container with a perforated top for sprinkling salt

saltwater
n. : relating to, living in, located near, or consisting of salt water <saltwater fish>

saltworks
n. : a plant where salt is prepared commercially

saltwort
n. 1 : any of a genus (Salsola) of plants (as the Russian thistle) of the goosefoot family of which some have been used in making soda ash
2 : a low-growing strong-smelling succulent coastal shrub (Batis maritima of the family Bataceae) of warm parts of the New World

salty
n. 1 : of, seasoned with, or containing salt
2 : smacking of the sea or nautical life
3 a : PIQUANT b : EARTHY, CRUDE <salty language>
–salt·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–salt·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

salubrious
adj. : favorable to or promoting health or well-being <salubrious habits>
synonyms see HEALTHFUL
–sa·lu·bri·ous·ly adverb
–sa·lu·bri·ous·ness noun
–sa·lu·bri·ty \-brə-tē\ noun

Saluda
river 200 mi (322 km) W cen S.C. flowing SE to unite with Broad River forming the Congaree

saluki
n. : any of an ancient northern African and Asian breed of tall swift slender hunting dogs having long narrow heads, long silky ears, and a smooth silky coat

salus populi suprema lex esto
: let the welfare of the people be the supreme law ― motto of Missouri

salutary
adj. 1 : producing a beneficial effect : REMEDIAL <salutary influences>
2 : promoting health : CURATIVE
synonyms see HEALTHFUL
–sal·u·tar·i·ly \ˌsal-yə-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb
–sal·u·tar·i·ness \'sal-yə-ˌter-ē-nəs\ noun

salutation
n. 1 a : an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or ceremony b plural : REGARDS
2 : the word or phrase of greeting (as Gentlemen or Dear Sir or Madam) that conventionally comes immediately before the body of a letter
–sal·u·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

salutatorian
n. : the student usually having the second highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the salutatory address at the commencement exercises

salutatory
n. : of or relating to a salutation : expressing or containing a welcome or greeting

salutatory
n. : an address or statement of welcome or greeting

salute
n. transitive verb
1 a : to address with expressions of kind wishes, courtesy, or honor b : to give a sign of respect, courtesy, or goodwill to : GREET
2 : to become apparent to (one of the senses)
3 a : to honor (as a person, nation, or event) by a conventional military or naval ceremony b : to show respect and recognition to (a military superior) by assuming a prescribed position c : to express commendation of : PRAISE
intransitive verb : to make a salute
–sa·lut·er noun

salute
n. 1 : GREETING, SALUTATION
2 a : a sign, token, or ceremony expressing goodwill, compliment, or respect <the festival was a salute to the arts> b : the position (as of the hand) or the entire attitude of a person saluting a superior
3 : FIRECRACKER

salutiferous
: SALUTARY

salvable
adj. : capable of being saved or salvaged

Salvador
n. 1 EL SALVADOR
2 or formerly São Salvador \sau̇n-\ or Ba·hia \bä-'ē-ə\ port NE Brazil capital of Bahia pop 2,443,107
–Sal·va·dor·an \ˌsal-və-'dȯr-ən\ adjective or noun
–Sal·va·dor·ean or Sal·va·dor·ian \-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Salvador
n. São Salvador
El Salvador
San Salvador
Sao Salvador
Bahia grass
Bahia Blanca
Cochinos Bahia de
El Salvadoran

salvage
n. 1 a : compensation paid for saving a ship or its cargo from the perils of the sea or for the lives and property rescued in a wreck b : the act of saving or rescuing a ship or its cargo c : the act of saving or rescuing property in danger (as from fire)
2 a : property saved from destruction in a calamity (as a wreck or fire) b : something extracted (as from rubbish) as valuable or useful

salvage
: to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin
–sal·vage·abil·i·ty \ˌsal-vi-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sal·vage·able \'sal-vi-jə-bəl\ adjective
–sal·vag·er noun

salvarsan
n. : ARSPHENAMINE

salvation
n. 1 a : deliverance from the power and effects of sin b : the agent or means that effects salvation c Christian Science : the realization of the supremacy of infinite Mind over all bringing with it the destruction of the illusion of sin, sickness, and death
2 : liberation from ignorance or illusion
3 a : preservation from destruction or failure b : deliverance from danger or difficulty
–sal·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Salvation Army
: an international religious and charitable group organized on military lines and founded in 1865 by William Booth for evangelizing and social betterment (as of the poor)

salvationism
n. : religious teaching emphasizing the saving of the soul

Salvationist
n. 1 : a soldier or officer of the Salvation Army
2 often not capitalized : EVANGELIST 2
–salvationist adjective often cap

salve
n. 1 : an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
2 : a remedial or soothing influence or agency <a salve to their hurt feelings>

salve
n. 1 : to remedy (as disease) with or as if with a salve
2 : QUIET, ASSUAGE <give him a raise in salary to salve his feelings ― Upton Sinclair>

salve
n. : SALVAGE
–sal·vor \'sal-vər, -ˌvȯr\ noun

salver
n. : a tray especially for serving food or beverages

salverform
: composed of united petals forming a tube that spreads at the open end <the salverform corolla of phlox>

salvia
n. : any of a large and widely distributed genus (Salvia) of herbs and shrubs of the mint family having a 2-lipped open calyx and two anthers especially : one (S. splendens) with scarlet flowers

salvific
: having the intent or power to save or redeem <the salvific life and death of Christ ― E. A. Walsh>

salvo
n. 1 a : a simultaneous discharge of two or more guns in military action or as a salute b : the release all at one time of a rack of bombs or rockets (as from an airplane) c : a series of shots by an artillery battery with each gun firing one round in turn after a prescribed interval d : the bombs or projectiles released in a salvo
2 : something suggestive of a salvo: as a : a sudden burst <a salvo of cheers> b : a spirited attack <the first salvo of a political campaign>

salvo
n. : to release a salvo of
intransitive verb : to fire a salvo

salvo
n. 1 : a mental reservation : PROVISO
2 : a means of safeguarding one's name or honor or allaying one's conscience : SALVE

Salween
river ab 1500 mi (2415 km) SE Asia flowing from Tibet S into Gulf of Martaban in Myanmar

Salzburg
n. city W Austria ESE of Munich, Germany pop 142,662

Salzgitter
city N cen Germany SW of Brunswick pop 115,381

Salzkammergut
district N Austria E of Salzburg; chief town Bad Ischl

SAM
n. : a surface-to-air missile

Sam
n. Samuel

Sam
n. Sam Browne belt
Sam Browne
Uncle Sam
Kim Young Sam

Sam Browne belt
: a leather belt for a dress uniform supported by a light strap passing over the right shoulder ― called also Sam Browne

Samanala
― see ADAM'S PEAK

Samar
island E cen Philippines in the Visayan Islands N of Leyte area 5050 sq mi (13,130 sq km)

Samara
n. city E Russia in Europe in valley of the Volga pop 1,239,000

samara
n. : a dry indehiscent usually one-seeded winged fruit (as of an ash or elm tree) ― called also key

samara
n. chroma key
church key
dichotomous key
function key
hot key
key club
key deer
key grip
key light
key lime
key lime pie
key signature
key word
low key
master key
off key
public key
shift key
skeleton key
Key Largo
Key West
Key Wester
Florida Keys
low keyed

Samaria
n. 1 district of ancient Palestine W of the Jordan bet. Galilee & Judaea
2 city, its capital & capital of the Northern Kingdom (Israel); rebuilt by Herod the Great & renamed Se·bas·te \sə-'bas-tē\; site in West Bank at modern village of Sebastīyah

Samarinda
city Indonesia in E Borneo pop 407,339

Samaritan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Samaria
2 [from the parable of the good Samaritan in Lk 10:30-37] : a person who is generous in helping those in distress
–samaritan adjective often cap

samarium
n. : a silvery-white lustrous metallic element of the rare-earth group that is used especially in permanent magnets ― see ELEMENT table

Samarqand
city E Uzbekistan pop 370,500

samarskite
: a black or brownish-black orthorhombic mineral that is a complex oxide of rare earths, uranium, iron, lead, thorium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, and tin

samba
n. : a Brazilian dance of African origin with a basic pattern of step-close-step-close and characterized by a dip and spring upward at each beat of the music also : the music for this dance
–samba intransitive verb

sambar
n. : a large Asian deer (Cervus unicolor) with the male having strong 3-pointed antlers and long coarse hair on the throat

sambo
n. : an international style of wrestling employing judo techniques

same
adj. 1 a : resembling in every relevant respect b : conforming in every respect ― used with as
2 a : being one without addition, change, or discontinuance : IDENTICAL b : being the one under discussion or already referred to
3 : corresponding so closely as to be indistinguishable
4 : equal in size, shape, value, or importance ― usually used with the or a demonstrative (as that, those) in all senses
synonyms SAME, SELFSAME, VERY, IDENTICAL, EQUIVALENT, EQUAL mean not different or not differing from one another. SAME may imply and SELFSAME always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things <took the same route> <derived from the selfsame source>. VERY like SELFSAME may imply identity, or, like SAME may imply likeness in kind <the very point I was trying to make>. IDENTICAL may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details <identical results>. EQUIVALENT implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance <two houses equivalent in market value>. EQUAL implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality <equal shares in the business>.

same
adj. 1 : something identical with or similar to another
2 : something or someone previously mentioned or described ― often used with the or a demonstrative (as that, those) in both senses
–all the same or just the same : despite everything : NEVERTHELESS

same
adj. : in the same manner ― used with the or a demonstrative (as that, those)

same
adj. in the same breath
just the same
in the same boat
all the same
tar with the same brush
at the same time
by the same token

samekh
: the 15th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

sameness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being the same : IDENTITY, SIMILARITY
2 : MONOTONY, UNIFORMITY

Sami
n. 1 : a member of a people of northern Scandinavia, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of northern Russia who are traditionally fishermen, nomadic herders of caribou, and hunters of sea mammals
2 : any or all of the closely related Finno-Ugric languages of the Sami people

samisen
n. : a 3-stringed Japanese musical instrument resembling a banjo

samite
n. : a rich medieval silk fabric interwoven with gold or silver

samizdat
n. : a system in the U.S.S.R. and countries within its orbit by which government-suppressed literature was clandestinely printed and distributed also : such literature

samlet
n. : PARR

Sammamish
city W cen Wash. pop 34,104

Sammarinese
: a native or inhabitant of San Marino

Samnite
n. : a member of an ancient people of central Italy

Samnium
ancient country S cen Italy

Samoa
n. 1 or formerly Navigators Islands islands SW cen Pacific N of Tonga Islands; divided at long. 171°W into American, or Eastern, Samoa & independent Samoa area 1209 sq mi (3143 sq km) ― see AMERICAN SAMOA
2 or formerly Western Samoa islands SW cen Pacific W of American Samoa; formerly administered by New Zealand; an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1962 capital Apia (on Upolu Is.) area 1100 sq mi (2850 sq km), pop 156,349

Samoa
n. Western Samoa
Samoa time
American Samoa
Eastern Samoa
American Samoa National Park

Samoa time
: the time of the 11th time zone west of Greenwich that includes American Samoa

Samoan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Samoa
2 : the Polynesian language of the Samoans
–Samoan adjective

Samos
island Greece in the Aegean off coast of Turkey N of the Dodecanese area 184 sq mi (477 sq km), pop 41,850
–Sa·mi·an \'sā-mē-ən\ adjective or noun

samosa
n. : a small triangular pastry filled with spiced meat or vegetables and fried in ghee or oil

Samothrace
island Greece in the NE Aegean
–Sam·o·thra·cian \ˌsa-mə-'thrā-shən\ adjective or noun

samovar
n. 1 : an urn with a spigot at its base used especially in Russia to boil water for tea
2 : an urn similar to a Russian samovar with a device for heating the contents

Samoyed
n. 1 : a member of any of a group of peoples inhabiting the far north of European Russia and parts of northwestern Siberia
2 : the family of Uralic languages spoken by the Samoyed people
3 : any of a Siberian breed of medium-sized white or cream-colored sled dogs
–Samoyed adjective
–Sam·o·yed·ic \ˌsa-mə-'ye-dik, -ˌmȯi-\ adjective

samp
n. : coarse hominy or a boiled cereal made from it

sampan
n. : a flat-bottomed skiff used in eastern Asia and usually propelled by two short oars

Samper Pizano
Ernesto 1950-     pres. of Colombia (1994-98)

samphire
n. 1 : a fleshy European seacoast plant (Crithmum maritimum) of the carrot family that is sometimes pickled
2 : a common glasswort (Salicornia europaea) that is sometimes pickled

sample
n. 1 : a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality : SPECIMEN
2 : a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about the whole
3 : an excerpt from a musical recording that is used in another artist's recording
synonyms see INSTANCE

sample
n. 1 : to take a sample of or from especially : to judge the quality of by a sample : TEST <sampled his output for defects> <sample a wine>
2 : to use a segment of (another's musical recording) as part of one's own recording

sample
n. : serving as an illustration or example <sample questions>

sample
n. sample space
chorionic villus sampling
chorionic villi sampling

sample space
: a set in which all of the possible outcomes of a statistical experiment are represented as points

sampler
n. : a decorative piece of needlework typically having letters or verses embroidered on it in various stitches as an example of skill

sampler
n. 1 : one that collects, prepares, or examines samples
2 : something containing representative specimens or selections <a sampler of nineteen poets ― K. E. Judd> also : ASSORTMENT

sampling
n. 1 : the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population
2 : a small part selected as a sample for inspection or analysis <ask a sampling of people which candidate they favor>
3 : the introduction or promotion of a product by distributing trial packages of it

samsara
n. : the indefinitely repeated cycles of birth, misery, and death caused by karma

Samson
n. : a Hebrew hero who wreaked havoc among the Philistines by means of his great strength

Samsonian
: of heroic strength or proportions : MIGHTY

Samsun
city & port N Turkey on Black Sea NW of Ankara pop 303,979

Samuel
n. 1 : the early Hebrew judge who successively anointed Saul and David king
2 : either of two narrative and historical books of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures ― see BIBLE table

Samuelson
Paul Anthony 1915-     American econ.

Samuelsson
Bengt I. 1934-     Swed. biochem.

samurai
n. 1 : a military retainer of a Japanese daimyo practicing the code of conduct of Bushido
2 : the warrior aristocracy of Japan

San
n. 1 plural in construction : BUSHMEN
2 : BUSHMAN 2

San
n. San Carlos de Bariloche
San Juan Capistrano
San Buenaventura
San Stefano
San Jacinto Day
San Jose scale
Aung San Suu Kyi
Grau San Martin
Grau San Martín
San Martin
San Martín
Cabo San Lucas
San Domingo
Donostia San Sebastian
Donostia San Sebastián
Fuji san
General San Martin
General San Martín
San Andreas Fault
San Angelo
San Antonio
San Antonian
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Bernardino Mountains
San Bruno
San Carlos
San Clemente
San Clemente Island
San Cristobal
San Cristóbal
San Diego
San Diegan
San Dimas
San Fernando
San Francisco
San Franciscan
San Francisco Peaks
San Gabriel
San Gabriel Mountains
San German
San Germán
San Gimignano
San Ildefonso
San Isidro
San Jacinto
San Joaquin
San Jose
San José
San Juan
San Juanero
San Juan Hill
San Juan Islands
San Juan Mountains
San Leandro
San Lorenzo
San Lucas Cape
San Luis
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosí
San Marcos
San Marino
San Marinese
San Mateo
San Miguel de Tucuman
San Miguel de Tucumán
San Pablo
San Pedro Channel
San Pedro Sula
San Rafael
San Ramon
San Remo
San Salvador
San Sebastian
San Sebastián
Sesto San Giovanni
South San Francisco
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

San Andreas Fault
zone of faults Calif. extending from N coast toward head of Gulf of California

San Angelo
city W cen Tex. pop 88,439

San Antonio
1 river ab 200 mi (322 km) S Tex. flowing SE into Gulf of Mexico
2 city S Tex. on San Antonio River pop 1,144,646
–San An·to·ni·an \-nē-ən\ noun

San Benito
city S Tex. NW of Brownsville pop 23,444

San Bernardino
city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 185,401

San Bernardino Mountains
mountains S Calif. S of Mojave Desert; highest San Gor·go·nio Mountain \ˌsan-gȯr-'gō-nē-(ˌ)ō\ 11,502 ft (3506 m)

San Bruno
city W Calif. S of San Francisco pop 40,165

San Buenaventura
― see VENTURA

San Carlos
city W Calif. SE of San Francisco pop 27,718

San Carlos de Bariloche
― see BARILOCHE

San Clemente
city SW Calif. NW of San Diego pop 49,936

San Clemente Island
island S Calif., southernmost of Channel Islands

San Cristobal
island W Pacific in SE Solomons

San Cristobal
1 or Chatham Island island Ecuador in the Galápagos pop 1404
2 city W Venezuela SSW of Lake Maracaibo pop 220,697

San Diego
city & port SW Calif. on San Diego Bay (inlet of the Pacific) pop 1,223,400
–San Di·e·gan \-gən\ adjective or noun

San Dimas
city SW Calif. NW of Pomona pop 34,980

San Domingo
― see DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

San Fernando
1 valley S Calif. NW of Los Angeles; partly within Los Angeles city limits
2 city SW Calif. in San Fernando Valley pop 23,564

San Francisco
city & port W Calif. on San Francisco Bay & the Pacific pop 776,733
–San Fran·cis·can \-kən\ adjective or noun

San Francisco Peaks
mountain N cen Ariz. N of Flagstaff; includes three peaks: Mt. Humphreys 12,633 ft (3851 m), highest point in the state; Mt. Agassiz 12,340 ft (3761 m); & Mt. Fremont 11,940 ft (3639 m)

San Gabriel
city SW Calif. S of Pasadena pop 39,804

San Gabriel Mountains
mountains S Calif. SW of Mojave Desert & NE of Los Angeles; highest San Antonio Peak 10,080 ft (3072 m)

San German
city SW Puerto Rico pop 37,105

San Gimignano
commune cen Italy NW of Siena pop 7021

San Ildefonso
commune cen Spain SE of Segovia pop 5093

San Isidro
city E Argentina pop 299,022

San Jacinto
1 river SE Tex. flowing S into Galveston Bay
2 city S Calif. SE of San Bernandino pop 23,779

San Jacinto Day
: April 21 observed as a legal holiday in Texas in commemoration of the battle of San Jacinto in 1836 by which independence from Mexico was won

San Joaquin
river 350 mi (563 km) cen Calif. flowing from the Sierra Nevada SW & then NW into Sacramento River

San Jose
city W Calif. SSE of San Francisco pop 894,943

San Jose
city cen Costa Rica, its capital pop 330,529

San Jose scale
: a scale insect (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus) prob. of Asian origin that is naturalized in the U.S. and is destructive to fruit trees

San Juan
1 river 360 mi (579 km) SW Colo., NW N.Mex., & SE Utah flowing W into Colorado River
2 city & port NE Puerto Rico, its capital pop 434,374
3 city S Texas near the Mexican border pop 26,229
4 city W Argentina N of Mendoza pop 106,564
–San Jua·ne·ro \ˌsan-wä-'ner-(ˌ)ō, -'hwä-\ noun

San Juan Capistrano
― see CAPISTRANO

San Juan Hill
hill E Cuba near Santiago de Cuba

San Juan Islands
islands NW Wash. bet. Vancouver Is. & the mainland

San Juan Mountains
mountains SW Colo. in the Rocky Mountains ― see UNCOMPAHGRE PEAK

San Leandro
city W Calif. SE of Oakland pop 79,452

San Lorenzo
1 city E Puerto Rico pop 40,997
2 city S Paraguay E of Asunción

San Lucas, Cape
― see CABO SAN LUCAS

San Luis
valley S Colo. & N N.Mex. along the upper Rio Grande bet. the San Juan & Sangre de Cristo mountains

San Luis Obispo
city W Calif. NW of Santa Barbara pop 44,174

San Luis Potosi
1 state cen Mexico area 24,266 sq mi (62,849 sq km), pop 2,003,187
2 city, its capital, NE of León pop 525,819

San Marcos
1 city SW Calif. NNW of San Diego pop 54,977
2 city S Tex. NE of San Antonio pop 34,733

San Marino
1 country S Europe on Italian Peninsula SSW of Rimini; a republic area 24 sq mi (62 sq km), pop 24,000
2 town, its capital
–Sam·mar·i·nese \ˌsa(m)-ˌma-rə-'nēz, -'nēs\ noun
–San Mar·i·nese \ˌsan-ˌma-\ adjective or noun

San Martin
José de 1778-1850 So. American soldier & statesman

San Martin
city E Argentina, NW suburb of Buenos Aires pop 407,506

San Mateo
city W Calif. SSE of San Francisco pop 92,482

San Miguel de Tucuman
city NW Argentina at foot of E ranges of the Andes pop 473,014

San Pablo
city W Calif. N of Oakland on San Pablo Bay (N extension of San Francisco Bay) pop 30,215

San Pedro Channel
channel SW Calif. bet. Santa Catalina Is. & the mainland

San Pedro Sula
city NW Honduras pop 300,400

San Rafael
city W Calif. N of San Francisco on San Pablo Bay pop 56,063

San Ramon
city W Calif. E of Oakland pop 44,722

San Remo
city & port NW Italy in Liguria near French border pop 55,786

San Salvador
1 island cen Bahamas area 60 sq mi (156 sq km)
2 city W cen El Salvador, its capital pop 349,333

San Sebastian
city NW Puerto Rico pop 44,204

San Stefano
― see YESILKOY

Sanaa
n. city S Arabia capital of Yemen & formerly capital of Yemen Arab Republic pop 125,093

Sanandaj
city NW Iran pop 204,537

sanative
adj. : having the power to cure or heal : CURATIVE, RESTORATIVE

sanatorium
n. 1 : an establishment that provides therapy combined with a regimen (as of diet and exercise) for treatment or rehabilitation
2 a : an institution for rest and recuperation (as of convalescents) b : an establishment for the treatment of the chronically ill

sanbenito
1 : a sackcloth coat worn by penitents on being reconciled to the church
2 : a Spanish Inquisition garment resembling a scapular and being either yellow with red crosses for the penitent or black with painted devils and flames for the impenitent condemned to an auto-da-fé

Sancerre
n. : a dry white wine from the Loire valley of France

Sanchez de Bustamante y Sirven
Antonio ― see BUSTAMANTE Y SIRVÉN

Sancho Panza
: the squire of Don Quixote in Cervantes' Don Quixote

sancta simplicitas
: holy simplicity ― often used ironically in reference to another's naïveté

Sancti Spiritus
city W cen Cuba SE of Santa Clara pop 85,499

sanctification
n. 1 : an act of sanctifying
2 a : the state of being sanctified b : the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion

sanctifier
n. : one that sanctifies specifically capitalized : HOLY SPIRIT

sanctify
v. 1 : to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : CONSECRATE
2 : to free from sin : PURIFY
3 a : to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to b : to give moral or social sanction to
4 : to make productive of holiness or piety <observe the day of the sabbath, to sanctify it ― Deut 5:12(DV)>

sanctimonious
adj. 1 : hypocritically pious or devout <a sanctimonious moralist> <the king's sanctimonious rebuke ― G. B. Shaw>
2 obsolete : possessing sanctity : HOLY
–sanc·ti·mo·nious·ly adverb
–sanc·ti·mo·nious·ness noun

sanctimony
n. 1 obsolete : HOLINESS
2 : affected or hypocritical holiness

sanction
n. 1 : a formal decree especially : an ecclesiastical decree
2 a obsolete : a solemn agreement : OATH b : something that makes an oath binding
3 : the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law
4 a : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgment b : a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards c : explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification : APPROBATION
5 : an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication

sanction
n. 1 : to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification)
2 : to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
synonyms see APPROVE
–sanc·tion·able \-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective

sanctity
n. 1 : holiness of life and character : GODLINESS
2 a : the quality or state of being holy or sacred : INVIOLABILITY b plural : sacred objects, obligations, or rights

sanctuary
n. 1 : a consecrated place: as a : the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies b (1) : the most sacred part of a religious building (as the part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed) (2) : the room in which general worship services are held (3) : a place (as a church or a temple) for worship
2 a (1) : a place of refuge and protection (2) : a refuge for wildlife where predators are controlled and hunting is illegal b : the immunity from law attached to a sanctuary

sanctum
n. 1 : a sacred place
2 : a place where one is free from intrusion <an editor's sanctum> <the inner sanctums of research>

sanctum sanctorum
1 : HOLY OF HOLIES
2 : SANCTUM 2

Sanctus
n. : an ancient Christian hymn of adoration sung or said immediately before the prayer of consecration in traditional liturgies

Sanctus bell
: a bell rung by the server at several points (as at the Sanctus) during the mass

Sancy, Puy de
mountain 6188 ft (1886 m) S cen France; highest in the Monts Dore & Auvergne Mountains

Sand
n. George 1804-1876 pseud. of Amandine-Aurore-Lucie (or -Lucile) Du·de·vant \dd-'vän, d-də-\ née Dupin Fr. writer

sand
n. 1 a : a loose granular material that results from the disintegration of rocks, consists of particles smaller than gravel but coarser than silt, and is used in mortar, glass, abrasives, and foundry molds b : soil containing 85 percent or more of sand and a maximum of 10 percent of clay broadly : sandy soil
2 a : a tract of sand : BEACH b : a sandbank or sandbar
3 : the sand in an hourglass also : the moments of a lifetime ― usually used in plural <the sands of this government run out very rapidly ― H. J. Laski>
4 : an oil-producing formation of sandstone or unconsolidated sand
5 : firm resolution
6 : a yellowish-gray color

sand
n. 1 : to sprinkle or dust with or as if with sand
2 : to cover or fill with sand
3 : to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (as sandpaper)

sand
n. head in the sand
sand blind
sand bluestem
sand cast
sand casting
sand crack
sand dab
sand dollar
sand flea
sand fly
sand lance
sand launce
sand eel
sand lily
sand myrtle
sand table
sand trap
sand verbena
tar sand
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Goodwin Sands
White Sands National Monument
sanding machine

sand bluestem
: a tall rhizomatous No. American grass (Andropogon hallii syn. A. gerardii var. paucipilus) that is a dominant grass of the orig. tallgrass prairies and is used for forage and as a soil binder ― compare BLUESTEM 1

sand casting
: a casting made in a mold of sand

sand crack
: a fissure in the wall of a horse's hoof often causing lameness

sand dab
: any of several Pacific flounders (genus Citharichthys of the family Bothidae) especially : a common food fish (C. sordidus)

sand dollar
: any of numerous flat circular sea urchins (order Clypeasteroida) that live chiefly in shallow water on sandy bottoms

sand flea
1 : a flea (as a chigoe) found in sandy places
2 : any of numerous amphipod crustaceans (family Talitridae) living on ocean beaches and leaping like fleas ― called also beach flea

sand fly
: any of various small biting dipteran flies (esp. genus Phlebotomus of the family Psychodidae)

sand lance
: any of several small elongate marine bony fishes (genus Ammodytes of the family Ammodytidae) that associate in large schools and remain buried in sandy beaches at ebb tide ― called also sand eel sand launce

sand lily
: a western U.S. low-growing spring herb (Leucocrinum montanum) of the lily family with narrow linear leaves and fragrant white salverform flowers

sand myrtle
: a usually low-branching evergreen southeastern U.S. shrub (Leiophyllum buxifolium) of the heath family

sand table
1 : a table holding sand for children to mold
2 : a table bearing a relief model of a terrain built to scale for study or demonstration especially of military tactics

sand trap
: an artificial hazard on a golf course consisting of a depression containing sand

sand verbena
: any of various western No. American trailing or low-growing herbs (genus Abronia) of the four-o'clock family with flowers like the verbena

sand-blind
: having poor eyesight : PURBLIND

sand-cast
: to make (a casting) by pouring metal in a sand mold

Sandakan
city & port Malaysia in Sabah on Sulu Sea; former capital of N. Borneo pop 118,417

sandal
n. 1 : a shoe consisting of a sole strapped to the foot
2 : a low-cut shoe that fastens by an ankle strap
3 : a strap to hold on a slipper or low shoe
4 : a rubber overshoe cut very low
–san·daled also san·dalled \'san-dəld\ adjective

sandalwood
n. 1 : the compact close-grained fragrant yellowish heartwood of a parasitic tree (Santalum album of the family Santalaceae, the sandalwood family) of southern Asia much used in ornamental carving and cabinetwork also : the tree that yields this wood
2 : any of various trees other than the sandalwood some of which yield dyewoods also : the fragrant wood of such a tree

sandalwood oil
: an essential oil obtained from sandalwood: as a : a pale yellow somewhat viscous aromatic liquid obtained from a sandalwood (Santalum album) and used chiefly in perfumes and soaps b : an oil obtained from a sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) of Australia

sandarac
n. : a brittle faintly aromatic translucent resin obtained from a northern African tree (Tetraclinis articulata) of the cypress family and used chiefly in making varnish and as incense also : a similar resin obtained from any of several Australian trees (genus Callitris) of the same family

sandbag
n. : a bag filled with sand and used in fortifications, as ballast, or as a weapon

sandbag
n. 1 : to bank, stop up, or weight with sandbags
2 a : to hit or stun with or as if with a sandbag b : to treat unfairly or harshly c : to coerce by crude means <are raiding the Treasury and sandbagging the government ― C. W. Ferguson> d : to conceal or misrepresent one's true position, potential, or intent especially in order to take advantage of
intransitive verb : to hide the truth about oneself so as to gain an advantage over another
–sand·bag·ger noun

sandbank
n. : a large deposit of sand forming a mound, hillside, bar, or shoal

sandbar
n. : a ridge of sand built up by currents especially in a river or in coastal waters

sandblast
n. : a stream of sand projected by compressed air (as for engraving, cutting, or cleaning glass or stone)

sandblast
n. : to affect or treat with or as if with a sandblast
–sand·blast·er noun

sandbox
n. : a box or receptacle containing loose sand: as a : a shaker for sprinkling sand on wet ink b : a box that contains sand for children to play in

sandbur
: any of a genus (Cenchrus) of grasses producing spikelets enclosed in ovoid spiny involucres that form burs also : one of these burs

Sandburg
Carl 1878-1967 American author

sander
n. : one that sands: as a : a device for spreading sand on newly surfaced or icy roads also : the device together with the truck that bears it b : a device that smooths, polishes, or scours by means of abrasive material ― called also sanding machine

sanderling
n. : a small widely distributed sandpiper (Calidris alba) with pale gray and white plumage in winter

sandfly fever
: a disease of brief duration that is characterized by fever, headache, eye pain, malaise, and leukopenia and that is caused by any of several single-stranded RNA viruses (genus Phlebovirus of the family Bunyaviridae) transmitted by the bite of a sand fly (esp. Phlebotomus papatasii) ― called also phlebotomus fever

sandglass
n. : an instrument (as an hourglass) for measuring time by the running of sand

sandgrouse
n. : any of numerous birds (family Pteroclididae) of arid parts of southern Europe, Asia, and Africa that have precocial downy young and are related to the shorebirds and the pigeons

sandhi
n. : modification of the sound of a morpheme (as a word or affix) conditioned by syntactic context in which it is uttered (as pronunciation of -ed as \d\ in glazed and as \t\ in paced or occurrence of a in a cow and of an in an old cow)

sandhill crane
: a crane (Grus canadensis) of No. America and Siberia that has a red crown and is chiefly bluish gray tinged with a sandy yellow

sandhog
n. : a laborer who works in a caisson in driving underwater tunnels

Sandhurst
n. village S England in E Berkshire SE of Reading pop 6445

Sandia Mountains
mountains N cen N.Mex. E of Albuquerque; highest Sandia Crest 10,678 ft (3255 m)

Sandinista
n. : a member of a military and political coalition holding power in Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990

sandlot
n. : a vacant lot especially when used (as by children) for usually unorganized sports
–sandlot adjective
–sand·lot·ter \-ˌlä-tər\ noun

sandman
n. : a genie in folklore who makes children sleepy by sprinkling sand in their eyes ― often used to personify sleep <trying to fight off the sandman>

sandpainting
: a ceremonial design (as of the Navajo Indians) made usually of colored sands on a flat surface also : the art of creating such designs

sandpaper
n. : paper covered on one side with abrasive material (as sand) glued fast and used for smoothing and polishing
–sand·pa·pery \-p(ə-)rē\ adjective

sandpaper
n. : to rub with or as if with sandpaper

sandpile
n. : a pile of sand especially : sand for children to play in

sandpiper
n. : any of various small shorebirds (family Scolopacidae, the sandpiper family) distinguished from the related plovers chiefly by the longer and soft-tipped bill

sandpit
n. British : SANDBOX B

Sandringham
village E England in NW Norfolk

sandshoe
n. chiefly Australian & New Zealand : TENNIS SHOE

sandsoap
n. : a gritty soap for all-purpose cleaning

sandspur
: SANDBUR

sandstone
n. : a sedimentary rock consisting of usually quartz sand united by some cement (as silica or calcium carbonate)

sandstorm
n. : a windstorm (as in a desert) driving clouds of sand before it

Sandusky
1 river 150 mi (241 km) N Ohio flowing N into Lake Erie
2 city N Ohio at entrance to Sandusky Bay (inlet of Lake Erie) pop 27,844

Sandwich
n. town SE England in Kent on Stour River pop 4227

sandwich
n. 1 a : two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between b : one slice of bread covered with food
2 : something resembling a sandwich especially : composite structural material consisting of layers often of high-strength facings bonded to a low strength central core

sandwich
n. 1 : to make into or as if into a sandwich especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character <two sections of scholarly research sandwiching a collection of interviews ― J. C. Herz>
2 : to make a place for ― often used with in or between

sandwich
n. Sandwich Islands
club sandwich
Cuban sandwich
Denver sandwich
Italian sandwich
sandwich board
sandwich coin
sandwich man
western sandwich
South Sandwich Islands

sandwich board
: two usually hinged boards designed for hanging from the shoulders with one board before and one behind and used especially for advertising or picketing

sandwich coin
: a clad coin

Sandwich Islands
― see HAWAII 1

sandwich man
: one who wears a sandwich board

sandworm
: any of various sand-dwelling polychaete worms: as a : any of several large burrowing worms (esp. genus Nereis) often used as bait b : LUGWORM

sandwort
n. : any of a genus (Arenaria) of low tufted herbs of the pink family growing usually in dry sandy regions

Sandy
adj. city N Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 88,418

sandy
adj. 1 a : consisting of or containing sand : full of sand b : sprinkled with sand
2 : of the color sand
–sand·i·ness noun

Sandy Hook
peninsula E N.J. extending N toward New York Bay

sane
adj. 1 : proceeding from a sound mind : RATIONAL
2 : mentally sound especially : able to anticipate and appraise the effect of one's actions
3 : healthy in body
synonyms see WISE
–sane·ly adverb
–sane·ness \'sān-nəs\ noun

Sanford
n. 1 city E cen Fla. NNE of Orlando pop 38,291
2 city cen N.C. SW of Raleigh pop 23,220

Sanford, Mount
mountain 16,237 ft (4949 m) S Alaska at W end of Wrangell Mountains

Sanforized
adj. ― used for fabrics that are preshrunk by a mechanical process

sang
past of sing

Sangallo
Giuliano da 1445?-1516 Florentine architect & sculptor

Sangamon
river ab 250 mi (400 km) cen Ill. flowing SW & W into Illinois River

sangaree
n. 1 : a sweetened iced drink of wine or sometimes of ale, beer, or liquor garnished with nutmeg
2 : SANGRIA

Sangay
volcano 17,159 ft (5230 m) SE cen Ecuador

Sanger
Frederick 1918-     Brit. chem.

Sanger
Margaret 1883-1966 née Higgins American birth-control activist

sangfroid
n. : self-possession or imperturbability especially under strain
synonyms see EQUANIMITY

Sangihe Islands
islands Indonesia NE of Sulawesi pop 194,253; largest of the group Sangihe or Sangi

Sangiovese
n. : a dry red Italian wine made from a single variety of red grape also : a similar wine made elsewhere

Sangre de Cristo Mountains
mountains S Colo. & N N.Mex. in Rocky Mountains ― see BLANCA PEAK

Sangreal
: GRAIL

sangria
n. : a usually iced punch made of red wine, fruit juice, and soda water

sanguinaria
n. 1 : BLOODROOT
2 : the rhizome and roots of a bloodroot or an extract of these having expectorant, emetic, and antimicrobial properties

sanguinary
adj. 1 : BLOODTHIRSTY, MURDEROUS <sanguinary hatred>
2 : attended by bloodshed : BLOODY <this bitter and sanguinary war ― T. H. D. Mahoney>
3 : consisting of blood <a sanguinary stream>
synonyms see BLOODY
–san·gui·nar·i·ly \ˌsaŋ-gwə-'ner-ə-lē\ adverb

sanguine
adj. 1 : BLOODRED
2 a : consisting of or relating to blood b : BLOODTHIRSTY, SANGUINARY c of the complexion : RUDDY
3 : having blood as the predominating bodily humor also : having the bodily conformation and temperament held characteristic of such predominance and marked by sturdiness, high color, and cheerfulness
4 : CONFIDENT, OPTIMISTIC
–san·guine·ly adverb
–san·guine·ness \-gwən-nəs\ noun
–san·guin·i·ty \saŋ-'gwi-nə-tē, san-\ noun

sanguine
adj. : a moderate to strong red

sanguineous
adj. 1 : BLOODRED
2 : of, relating to, or involving bloodshed : BLOODTHIRSTY
3 : of, relating to, or containing blood

Sanhedrin
n. : the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews during postexilic times headed by a High Priest and having religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction

Sanibel Island
island SW Fla. SW of Fort Myers

sanicle
n. : any of several plants sometimes held to have healing powers especially : a plant (genus Sanicula) of the carrot family with a root used in folk medicine as an anodyne or astringent

sanitarian
n. : a specialist in sanitary science and public health <milk sanitarian>

sanitarium
n. : SANATORIUM

sanitary
adj. 1 : of or relating to health <sanitary measures>
2 : of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste <a sanitary sewer system>
3 : characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness <sanitary packages>
–san·i·tar·i·ly \ˌsa-nə-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb

sanitary
adj. sanitary landfill
sanitary napkin
sanitary ware

sanitary landfill
: LANDFILL

sanitary napkin
: a disposable absorbent pad used (as during menstruation) to absorb the uterine flow

sanitary ware
: ceramic plumbing fixtures (as sinks, lavatories, or toilet bowls)

sanitate
v. : to make sanitary especially by providing with sanitary appliances or facilities

sanitation
n. 1 : the act or process of making sanitary
2 : the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions (as by removal of sewage and trash) ― often used attributively <a sanitation truck> <sanitation workers>

sanitize
v. 1 : to make sanitary (as by cleaning or sterilizing)
2 : to make more acceptable by removing unpleasant or undesired features <attempts to sanitize historical accounts>
–san·i·ti·za·tion \ˌsa-nə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

sanitorium
n. : SANATORIUM

sanity
n. : the quality or state of being sane especially : soundness or health of mind

sank
past of sink

Sankhya
: an orthodox Hindu philosophy teaching salvation through knowledge of the dualism of matter and souls

Sankt
Sankt Gallen
Sankt Moritz
Sankt Anton am Arlberg

Sankt Anton am Arlberg
village W Austria in Tirol W of Innsbruck

Sankt Gallen
― see SAINT GALL

Sankt Moritz
― see SAINT MORITZ

sann hemp
: SUNN

sannup
: a married male American Indian

sannyasi
n. : a Hindu mendicant ascetic

sans
prep. : WITHOUT <my love to thee is sound, sans crack or flaw ― Shakespeare>

sans
prep. : SANS SERIF

sans
prep. sans serif
ca va sans dire
ça va sans dire
la belle dame sans merci
non sans droict
sans doute
sans gene
sans gêne
sans peur et sans reproche
sans souci

sans doute
: without doubt

sans gene
: without embarrassment or constraint

sans peur et sans reproche
: without fear and without reproach

sans serif
: a letter or typeface with no serifs

sans souci
: without worry

sansculotte
n. 1 : an extreme radical republican in France at the time of the French Revolution
2 : a radical or violent extremist in politics
–sans·cu·lott·ic \-'lä-tik\ adjective
–sans·cu·lott·ish \-tish\ adjective
–sans·cu·lott·ism \-ˌti-zəm\ noun

sansei
n. : a son or daughter of nisei parents who is born and educated in America and especially in the U.S.

sansevieria
: any of a genus (Sansevieria) of tropical perennial herbs of the agave family with showy mottled sword-shaped leaves usually yielding a strong fiber

Sanskrit
n. 1 : an ancient Indo-Aryan language that is the classical language of India and of Hinduism
2 : classical Sanskrit together with the older Vedic and various later modifications of classical Sanskrit ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Sanskrit adjective
–San·skrit·ic \san-'skri-tik\ adjective
–San·skrit·ist \-ˌskri-tist\ noun

Santa
n. Santa Catalina
Santa Isabel
Santa Ana
Santa Claus
Santa Gertrudis
Santa Anna
Santa Barbara Islands
Rancho Santa Margarita
Santa Cruz
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Channel
Santa Catarina
Santa Clara
Santa Clarita
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz Islands
Santa Fe
Santa Fean
Santa Fe Trail
Santa Maria
Santa María
Santa Marta
Santa Monica
Santa Paula
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Island
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Santa Ana
: a strong hot dry foehn wind from the north, northeast, or east in southern California

Santa Ana
1 city SW Calif. ESE of Long Beach pop 337,977
2 city NW El Salvador NW of San Salvador pop 168,047

Santa Anna
Antonio López de 1794-1876 Mex. gen., revolutionary, & pres.

Santa Barbara
city S Calif. pop 92,325

Santa Barbara Channel
channel SW Calif. bet. the N Channel Islands & mainland

Santa Barbara Islands
― see CHANNEL ISLANDS 1

Santa Catalina
― see CATALINA

Santa Catarina
state S Brazil bordering on the Atlantic capital Florianópolis area 37,060 sq mi (95,985 sq km), pop 4,536,433

Santa Clara
1 city W Calif. NW of San Jose pop 102,361
2 city W cen Cuba pop 194,354

Santa Clarita
city Calif. pop 151,088

Santa Claus
: a plump white-bearded and red-suited old man in modern folklore who delivers presents to good children at Christmastime ― called also Santa

Santa Cruz
1 island SW Calif. in NW Channel Islands
2 city W Calif. S of San Jose on Monterey Bay pop 54,593
3 ― see SAINT CROIX
4 river 250 mi (402 km) S Argentina flowing E into the Atlantic
5 city E Bolivia pop 694,616

Santa Cruz de Tenerife
1 province Spain comprising W Canary Islands area 1239 sq mi (3209 sq km), pop 806,801
2 city & port, its capital, on NE Tenerife Is. pop 188,477

Santa Cruz Islands
islands SW Pacific in SE Solomons N of Vanuatu; until 1978 administratively attached to Brit. Solomon Islands area 362 sq mi (938 sq km)

Santa Fe
1 city N cen N.Mex., its capital pop 62,203
2 city cen Argentina on Salado River pop 442,214
–Santa Fe·an \'fā-ən\ noun

Santa Fe Trail
pioneer route to the Southwest used especially 1821-80 from vicinity of Kansas City, Mo., to Santa Fe, N.Mex.

Santa Gertrudis
: any of a U.S. breed of red beef cattle developed from a Brahman-shorthorn cross and valued for their hardiness in hot climates

Santa Isabel
1 island W Pacific in the E cen Solomons NE of Guadalcanal area ab 1500 sq mi (3900 sq km)
2 ― see MALABO

Santa Maria
city W Calif. NW of Santa Barbara pop 77,423

Santa Maria
volcano ab 12,400 ft (3780 m) W Guatemala

Santa Marta
city & port N Colombia on the Caribbean E of Barranquilla pop 286,500

Santa Monica
city SW Calif. adjacent to Los Angeles on Santa Monica Bay (inlet of the Pacific) pop 84,084

Santa Paula
city SW Calif. NW of Los Angeles pop 28,598

Santa Rosa
city W Calif. N of San Francisco pop 147,595

Santa Rosa Island
island SW Calif. in NW Channel Islands

Santander
Francisco de Paula 1792-1840 Colombian gen. & polit.

Santander
1 ― see CANTABRIA
2 city & port N Spain on Bay of Biscay capital of Cantabria province pop 180,717

Santarem
city N Brazil in W Pará at confluence of the Tapajoz & the Amazon pop 262,538

Santayana
George 1863-1952 American (Span.-born) poet & philos.

Santee
1 river 143 mi (230 km) S.C. flowing SE into the Atlantic ― see CONGAREE
2 city S Calif., a suburb of San Diego pop 52,975

Santeria
n. : a religion practiced orig. in Cuba in which Yoruba deities are identified with Roman Catholic saints

Santiago
1 city cen Chile, its capital pop 200,792
2 or Santiago de los Ca·bal·le·ros \thā-lȯs-ˌkä-vä-'yer-(ˌ)ōs\ city N cen Dominican Republic pop 580,745
3 or Santiago de Com·pos·te·la \də-ˌkäm-pə-'ste-lə, -ˌkȯm-\ commune NW Spain pop 90,188
–San·ti·a·gan \ˌsan-tē-'ä-gən, ˌsän-\ noun

Santiago
n. Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de los Caballeros
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago del Estero

Santiago de Cuba
city & port SE Cuba pop 405,354

Santiago del Estero
city N Argentina SE of San Miguel de Tucumán pop 201,709

santims
― see lats at MONEY table

santir
: a Persian dulcimer

santo
: a painted or carved wooden image of a saint common especially in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.

santo
Santo Domingo
Espirito Santo
Espírito Santo
Espiritu Santo
Espíritu Santo
Santo Andre
Santo André
Santo Domingan
Santos Dumont

Santo Andre
city SE Brazil pop 649,331

Santo Domingo
1 or formerly Tru·jil·lo \trü-'hē-(ˌ)yō\ or Ci·u·dad Trujillo \ˌsyü-'thä(th), ˌsē-u̇-'dad\ city & port capital of Dominican Republic on Caribbean Sea area pop 2,677,056
2 ― see HISPANIOLA
3 ― see DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
–San·to Do·min·gan \ˌsan-tə-də-'miŋ-gən\ adjective or noun

santolina
n. : any of a genus (Santolina) of aromatic Mediterranean composite subshrubs that have dissected evergreen leaves and clustered flower heads lacking ray flowers

santonin
n. : a poisonous slightly bitter crystalline compound C_15H_18O_3 found especially in the unopened flower heads of several artemisias (esp. Artemisia maritima) and used as an anthelmintic

Santorini
n. ― see THÍRA

Santos
city & port SE Brazil in SE São Paulo state SSE of São Paulo on an island in a tidal inlet pop 417,983

Santos-Dumont
Alberto 1873-1932 Fr. (Braz.-born) aviation pioneer

Santurce
a NE section of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Sao
n. Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo
Sao Francisco
Sao Luis
Sao Manuel
Sao Miguel
Sao Paulo
Sao Roque Cape
Sao Salvador
Sao Tiago
Sao Tome
Sao Vicente Cabo de

Sao Francisco
river 1800 mi (2897 km) E Brazil flowing from S cen Minas Gerais NE & E into the Atlantic

Sao Luis
city & port NE Brazil capital of Maranhão state on Maranhão Is. pop 870,028

Sao Manuel
― see TELES PIRES

Sao Miguel
island Portugal in E Azores; chief town Ponta Delgada area 288 sq mi (746 sq km)

Sao Paulo
1 state SE Brazil area 95,852 sq mi (248,257 sq km), pop 37,032,403
2 city, its capital pop 10,434,252

Sao Roque, Cape
headland NE Brazil N of Natal

Sao Salvador
― see SALVADOR 2

Sao Tiago
island Cape Verde Islands, largest of the group; chief town Praia area 383 sq mi (992 sq km)

Sao Tome
island W Africa in Gulf of Guinea; with Príncipe Is., forms the republic (until 1975 a Portuguese territory) of São Tomé and Príncipe (capital São Tomé area 372 sq mi or 963 sq km, pop 128,000)

Sao Vicente, Cabo de
― see SAINT VINCENT (Cape)

Saone
river 298 mi (479 km) E France flowing SSW into the Rhône

sap
n. 1 a : the fluid part of a plant specifically : a watery solution that circulates through a plant's vascular system b (1) : a body fluid (as blood) essential to life, health, or vigor (2) : bodily health and vigor
2 : a foolish gullible person
3 [probably short for sapling] : BLACKJACK, BLUDGEON
–sap·less \'sa-pləs\ adjective
–sap·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

sap
n. 1 : to drain or deprive of sap
2 : to knock out with a sap

sap
n. intransitive verb : to proceed by digging a sap
transitive verb
1 : to subvert by digging or eroding the substratum or foundation : UNDERMINE
2 a : to gradually diminish the supply or intensity of <sapped her strength> b : to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of <the illness sapped him of his stamina>
3 : to operate against or pierce by a sap
synonyms see WEAKEN

sap
n. : the extension of a trench to a point beneath an enemy's fortifications

sap
n. cell sap
nuclear sap
sap green
verb sap
verbum sap
Tonle Sap

sap green
: a strong yellow green

saphead
n. : a weak-minded stupid person : SAP
–sap·head·ed \-'he-dəd\ adjective

saphenous
adj. : of, relating to, associated with, or being either of the two chief superficial veins of the leg <saphenous nerve>

sapid
adj. 1 : having flavor : FLAVORFUL
2 archaic : agreeable to the mind
–sa·pid·i·ty \sa-'pi-də-tē\ noun archaic

sapience
n. : WISDOM, SAGACITY

sapiens
n. : of, relating to, or being recent humans (Homo sapiens) as distinguished from various fossil hominids

sapient
adj. : possessing or expressing great sagacity
synonyms see WISE
–sa·pi·ent·ly adverb

Sapir
n. Edward 1884-1939 American (Pol.-born) anthropol. & linguist

sapling
n. 1 : a young tree specifically : one not over four inches in diameter at breast height
2 : YOUTH 2A

sapodilla
n. : a tropical American evergreen tree (Manilkara zapota syn. Achras zapota of the family Sapotaceae, the sapodilla family) with hard reddish wood, a latex that yields chicle, and a rough-skinned brownish fruit with sweet flesh also : its fruit

sapogenin
n. : a nonsugar portion of a saponin that is typically obtained by hydrolysis, has either a complex terpenoid or a steroidal structure, and in the latter case forms a practicable starting point in the synthesis of steroid hormones

saponaceous
adj. : resembling or having the qualities of soap
–sap·o·na·ceous·ness noun

saponify
v. transitive verb : to convert (as fat) into soap specifically : to hydrolyze (a fat) with alkali to form a soap and glycerol
intransitive verb : to undergo saponifying
–sa·pon·i·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–sa·pon·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌpä-nə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–sa·pon·i·fi·er \-'pä-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

saponin
n. : any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapwort or soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather especially : a hygroscopic amorphous saponin mixture used especially as a foaming and emulsifying agent and detergent

saponite
: a hydrous magnesium aluminum silicate occurring in soft soapy amorphous masses and filling veins and cavities (as in serpentine)

sapote
: any of several roundish or ovoid sweet soft-fleshed fruits of Mexican and Central American trees: as a : the green- or yellow-skinned fruit of a tree (Casimiroa edulis) of the rue family with white or yellow flesh b : the green-skinned fruit of a persimmon (Diospyros digyna) with brown or blackish flesh c : the coarse brown-skinned fruit of a tree (Pouteria sapota syn. Calocarpum sapota) of the sapodilla family with orange or reddish flesh

sapper
n. 1 : a military specialist in field fortification work (as sapping)
2 : a military demolitions specialist

sapphic
n. 1 capitalized : of or relating to the Greek lyric poet Sappho
2 : of, relating to, or consisting of a 4-line strophe made up of chiefly trochaic and dactylic feet
3 : LESBIAN 2

sapphic
n. 1 : a verse having the metrical pattern of one of the first three lines of a sapphic strophe
2 : a sapphic strophe

sapphire
n. 1 a : a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red especially : one of a transparent rich blue b : a gem of such corundum
2 : a deep purplish-blue color
–sapphire adjective

sapphirine
1 : made of sapphire
2 : resembling sapphire especially in color

sapphism
n. : LESBIANISM

Sappho
n. fl ca 610-ca 580 B.C. Greek poet

sappiness
n. 1 : the state of being full of or smelling of sap
2 : the quality or state of being sappy : FOOLISHNESS

Sapporo
n. city Japan on W Hokkaido pop 1,822,368

sappy
adj. 1 : abounding with sap
2 : resembling or consisting largely of sapwood
3 a : overly sweet or sentimental b : lacking in good sense : SILLY

sapr
1 : dead or decaying organic matter <saprophyte>
2 : decay : putrefaction <saprogenic>

saprogenic
adj. : of, causing, or resulting from putrefaction
–sap·ro·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

saprolite
: disintegrated rock that lies in its original place

saprophagous
adj. : feeding on decaying matter

saprophyte
n. : a saprophytic organism

saprophytic
adj. : obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic material especially : obtaining nourishment from the products of organic breakdown and decay <saprophytic fungi>
–sap·ro·phyt·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

saprozoic
: SAPROPHYTIC ― used of animals (as protozoans)

sapsago
: a very hard green skim-milk cheese flavored with the powdered leaves of an aromatic European legume (Trigonella caerulea)

sapsucker
n. : any of a genus (Sphyrapicus) of No. American woodpeckers that drill holes in trees in order to obtain sap and insects for food

sapwood
n. : the younger softer living or physiologically active outer portion of wood that lies between the cambium and the heartwood and is more permeable, less durable, and usually lighter in color than the heartwood

Saqqara
village N Egypt SW of ruins of Memphis

saquinavir
: a protease inhibitor C_38H_50N_6O_5 that is administered in the form of its methylated sulfonic salt especially in combination with other antiretroviral agents to treat HIV infection

SAR
search and rescue

saraband
n. 1 : a stately court dance of the 17th and 18th centuries resembling the minuet
2 : the music for the saraband in slow triple time with accent on the second beat

Sarabat
― see GEDIZ

Saracen
n. : a member of a nomadic people of the deserts between Syria and Arabia broadly : ARAB
–Saracen adjective
–Sar·a·cen·ic \ˌsa-rə-'se-nik\ adjective

Saragossa
n. city, capital of Zaragoza province, Spain pop 614,905

Sarah
n. 1 : the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
2 : a kinswoman of Tobias married to him

Sarajevo
n. city SE cen Bosnia and Herzegovina, its capital
–Sa·ra·je·van \-vən\ noun

Saramago
n. José 1922-     Port. nov.

saran
n. : a tough flexible thermoplastic resin

Saranac
river 100 mi (161 km) NE N.Y. flowing NE from Saranac Lakes (three lakes in the Adirondacks: Upper Saranac, Middle Saranac, & Lower Saranac) into Lake Champlain

Saransk
city cen Russia in Europe capital of Mordvinia pop 322,000

sarape
n. variant of serape

Sarasota
city W Fla. S of Tampa pop 52,715

Saratoga
n. city W Calif. SW of San Jose pop 29,843

Saratoga
n. Saratoga trunk
Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Lake
lake 7 mi (11 km) long E N.Y. S of Lake George

Saratoga Springs
city NE N.Y. pop 26,186

Saratoga trunk
: a large traveling trunk usually with a rounded top

Saratov
city S cen Russia in Europe on a reservoir of the Volga pop 909,000

Sarawak
state Malaysia in N Borneo, formerly a Brit. colony capital Kuching area 48,342 sq mi (125,206 sq km), pop 1,648,217

sarc
1 : flesh <sarcoid>
2 : striated muscle <sarcolemma>

sarcasm
n. 1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain
2 a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b : the use or language of sarcasm
synonyms see WIT

sarcastic
adj. 1 : having the character of sarcasm <sarcastic criticism>
2 : given to the use of sarcasm : CAUSTIC <a sarcastic critic>
–sar·cas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms SARCASTIC, SATIRIC, IRONIC, SARDONIC mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting. SARCASTIC implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing <a critic known for his sarcastic remarks>. SATIRIC implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation <a satiric look at contemporary society>. IRONIC implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant <made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted>. SARDONIC implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression <surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile>.

sarcenet
n. : a soft thin silk in plain or twill weaves also : a garment made of this

sarcenet
n. 1 archaic : made of sarcenet
2 archaic : soft like sarcenet

sarcoid
n. 1 : any of various diseases characterized especially by the formation of nodules in the skin
2 : a nodule characteristic of sarcoid or of sarcoidosis

sarcoidosis
n. : a chronic disease of unknown cause that is characterized by the formation of nodules especially in the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and skin

sarcolemma
n. : the membrane enclosing a striated muscle fiber
–sar·co·lem·mal \-məl\ adjective

sarcoma
n. : a malignant tumor arising in tissue (as connective tissue, bone, cartilage, or striated muscle) of mesodermal origin
–sar·co·ma·tous \sär-'kō-mə-təs\ adjective

sarcoma
n. Ewing's sarcoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
osteogenic sarcoma
Rous sarcoma

sarcomatosis
n. : a disease characterized by the presence and spread of sarcomas

sarcomere
n. : any of the repeating structural units of striated muscle fibrils

sarcophagus
n. : a stone coffin broadly : COFFIN

sarcoplasm
n. : the cytoplasm of a striated muscle fiber
–sar·co·plas·mic \-'plaz-mik\ adjective

sarcoplasmic reticulum
: the specialized endoplasmic reticulum of cardiac muscle and skeletal striated muscle that functions especially as a storage and release area for calcium

sarcoptic mange
: mange caused by mites (genus Sarcoptes) burrowing in the skin especially of the head and face

sarcosome
n. : a mitochondrion of a striated muscle fiber
–sar·co·som·al \ˌsär-kə-'sō-məl\ adjective

sard
n. : a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony sometimes classified as a variety of carnelian

Sardanapalus
king of Assyria; sometimes identified with Ashurbanipal (reigned 668-627 B.C.)

sardar
n. variant of sirdar

Sardica
― see SOFIA

sardine
n. 1 : any of several small or immature fishes of the herring family especially : the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) especially when young and of a size suitable for preserving for food
2 : any of various small fishes (as an anchovy) resembling the true sardines or similarly preserved for food

Sardinia
n. island Italy S of Corsica; with surrounding smaller islands, constitutes a region of Italy capital Cagliari area ab 9300 sq mi (24,087 sq km), pop 1,648,044

Sardinian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Sardinia
2 : the Romance language of central and southern Sardinia
–Sardinian adjective

Sardis
ancient city W Asia Minor capital of Lydia; site E of Izmir
–Sar·di·an \'sär-dē-ən\ adjective or noun

sardonic
adj. : disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking <a sardonic comment>
synonyms see SARCASTIC
–sar·don·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sardonicism
: sardonic quality or humor

sardonyx
n. : an onyx having parallel layers of sard

Sardou
Victorien 1831-1908 Fr. dram.

Sarema
island Estonia at mouth of Gulf of Riga area ab 1050 sq mi (2720 sq km)

Sarera Bay
inlet Indonesia in N West Papua

sargasso
n. 1 : GULFWEED, SARGASSUM
2 : a mass of floating vegetation and especially sargassums

Sargasso Sea
tract of comparatively still water N. Atlantic lying chiefly bet. 25° & 35°N & 40° & 70°W and containing thick seaweed growth

sargassum
n. : any of a genus (Sargassum) of brown algae that have a branching thallus with lateral outgrowths differentiated as leafy segments, air bladders, or spore-bearing structures : GULFWEED

sarge
n. : SERGEANT

Sargent
John Sing·er \'siŋ-ər\ 1856-1925 American painter

Sargodha
city N cen Pakistan WNW of Lahore pop 458,440

Sargon
king of Assyria (722-705 B.C.)

sari
n. : a garment of southern Asian women that consists of several yards of lightweight cloth draped so that one end forms a skirt and the other a head or shoulder covering

sarin
n. : an extremely toxic chemical weapon C_4H_10FO_2P that is used as a lethal nerve gas ― called also GB

Sark
n. island in the English Channel, one of the Channel Islands; a dependency of Guernsey area 2 sq mi (5.2 sq km)
–Sark·ese \ˌsär-'kēz, -'kēs\ noun

sark
n. dialect chiefly British : SHIRT

Sarmatia
ancient region E Europe in modern Poland & Russia bet. the Vistula & the Volga
–Sar·ma·tian \-shən\ adjective or noun

Sarnia
city Canada in SE Ont. on St. Clair River opposite Port Huron, Mich. pop 70,876

Sarnoff
n. David 1891-1971 American (Russ.-born) communications executive

sarod
n. : a lute of northern India
–sa·rod·ist \-'rō-dist\ noun

sarong
n. : a loose garment made of a long strip of cloth wrapped around the body that is worn as a skirt or dress by men and women chiefly of the Malay Archipelago and the Pacific islands

Saronic Gulf
inlet of the Aegean SE Greece bet. Attica & the Peloponnese

Saros Gulf
inlet of the Aegean SW Turkey in Europe N of Gallipoli Peninsula

Saroyan
William 1908-1981 American writer

Sarpedon
: a son of Zeus and Europa and king of Lycia killed in the Trojan War

sarracenia
: any of a genus (Sarracenia) of eastern No. American insectivorous perennial herbs of the pitcher-plant family

Sarre
― see SAAR

SARS
: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus (genus Coronavirus), is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets), and is marked by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia

sarsaparilla
n. 1 a : any of various tropical American greenbriers b : the dried roots of a sarsaparilla used especially as a flavoring
2 : any of various plants (as wild sarsaparilla) that resemble or are used as a substitute for sarsaparilla
3 : a sweetened carbonated beverage flavored with sassafras and oil distilled from a European birch

sarsenet
n. variant of sarcenet

Sarthe
river 175 mi (282 km) NW France flowing S to unite with the Mayenne forming Maine River

sartorial
adj. : of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes broadly : of or relating to clothes <poor sartorial taste>
–sar·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

sartorius
n. : a muscle that crosses the front of the thigh obliquely, assists in rotating the leg to the cross-legged position in which the knees are spread wide apart, and in humans is the longest muscle

Sartre
n. Jean-Paul 1905-1980 Fr. philos., dram., & nov.
–Sar·tre·an or Sar·tri·an \'sär-trē-ən\ adjective

Sarum
: of or relating to the Roman rite as modified in Salisbury and used in England, Wales, and Ireland before the Reformation

Sarum
OLD SARUM

SASE
self-addressed stamped envelope

Sasebo
city & port Japan in NW Kyushu on an inlet of E. China Sea pop 240,838

sash
n. : a band worn about the waist or over one shoulder and used as a dress accessory or the emblem of an honorary or military order
–sashed \'sasht\ adjective

sash
n. : the framework in which panes of glass are set in a window or door also : such a framework together with its panes forming a usually movable part of a window

sashay
v. 1 : to make a chassé
2 a : WALK, GLIDE, GO b : to strut or move about in an ostentatious or conspicuous manner c : to proceed or move in a diagonal or sideways manner

sashay
v. 1 : TRIP, EXCURSION
2 : a square-dance figure in which partners sidestep in a circle around each other with the man moving behind the woman
3 : CHASSÉ

sashimi
n. : a Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish

Sask
Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan
n. 1 river 340 mi (547 km) S cen Canada formed by confluence in cen Sask. of two branches rising in the Rockies in Alta., the North Saskatchewan (760 mi or 1216 km) & the South Saskatchewan (865 mi or 1384 km), & flowing E into Lake Winnipeg
2 province SW Canada capital Regina area 220,121 sq mi (570,113 sq km), pop 1,015,783
–Sas·katch·e·wan·ian \-ˌska-chə-'wä-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Saskatoon
n. city Canada in cen Sask. on S. Saskatchewan River pop 196,811

saskatoon
n. 1 : SERVICEBERRY 2 especially : a serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) chiefly of the northwestern U.S. and western Canada
2 : the fruit of a saskatoon

Sasquatch
n. : a hairy creature like a human being reported to exist in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada and said to be a primate between 6 and 15 feet (1.8 and 4.6 meters) tall ― called also bigfoot

sass
n. : impudent speech

sass
n. : to talk impudently or disrespectfully to

sassafras
n. 1 : an eastern No. American tree (Sassafras albidum) of the laurel family having both ovate and lobed aromatic leaves
2 : the carcinogenic dried root bark of the sassafras used formerly as a diaphoretic or flavoring agent

Sassanian
n. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the Sassanid dynasty of ancient Persia or its art or architecture

Sassanian
n. : SASSANID

Sassanid
n. : a member of a dynasty of Persian kings of the third to seventh centuries
–Sassanid or Sasanid adjective

Sassari
commune Italy in NW Sardinia pop 120,874

Sassoon
Siegfried Lorraine 1886-1967 Eng. writer

sassy
adj. 1 : IMPUDENT 2
2 : VIGOROUS, LIVELY
3 : distinctively smart and stylish

sastruga
n. : a wavelike ridge of hard snow formed by the wind ― usually used in plural

SAT
n. Scholastic Assessment Test

Sat
n. Saturday

sat
n. past and past part of sit

sat
n. 1 satellite
2 saturated

Satan
n. 1 : the angel who in Jewish belief is commanded by God to tempt humans to sin, to accuse the sinners, and to carry out God's punishment
2 : the rebellious angel who in Christian belief is the adversary of God and lord of evil

satang
n. ― see baht at MONEY table

satanic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Satan or satanism <satanic pride> <satanic rites>
2 : characterized by extreme cruelty or viciousness
–sa·tan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

satanism
n. 1 : innate wickedness : DIABOLISM
2 : obsession with or affinity for evil specifically : the worship of Satan marked by the travesty of Christian rites
–sa·tan·ist \-ist\ noun often cap

satchel
n. : a small bag often with a shoulder strap
–satch·el·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

Satcher
David 1941-     U.S. surgeon general (1998-2002)

sate
v. archaic past of sit

sate
v. 1 : to cloy with overabundance : GLUT
2 : to appease (as a thirst) by indulging to the full
synonyms see SATIATE

sateen
n. : a smooth durable lustrous fabric usually made of cotton in satin weave

satellite
n. 1 : a hired agent or obsequious follower : MINION, SYCOPHANT
2 a : a celestial body orbiting another of larger size b : a manufactured object or vehicle intended to orbit the earth, the moon, or another celestial body
3 : someone or something attendant, subordinate, or dependent especially : a country politically and economically dominated or controlled by another more powerful country
4 : a usually independent urban community situated near but not immediately adjacent to a large city
–satellite adjective

satellite
n. direct broadcast satellite
satellite dish
satellite DNA

satellite dish
: a microwave dish for receiving usually television transmissions from an orbiting satellite

satellite DNA
: a fraction of a eukaryotic organism's DNA that differs in density from most of its DNA as determined by centrifugation, that consists of short repetitive nucleotide sequences, that does not undergo transcription, and that is often found in centromeric regions

satem
: of, relating to, or constituting an Indo-European language group in which the palatal stops became in prehistoric times palatal or alveolar fricatives ― compare CENTUM

sati
n. variant of suttee

satiable
adj. : capable of being appeased or satisfied <satiable curiosity>

satiate
adj. : filled to satiety

satiate
adj. : to satisfy (as a need or desire) fully or to excess
–sa·ti·a·tion \ˌsā-shē-'ā-shən, ˌsā-sē-\ noun
synonyms SATIATE, SATE, SURFEIT, CLOY, PALL, GLUT, GORGE mean to fill to repletion. SATIATE and SATE may sometimes imply only complete satisfaction but more often suggest repletion that has destroyed interest or desire <years of globe-trotting had satiated their interest in travel> <readers were sated with sensationalistic stories>. SURFEIT implies a nauseating repletion <surfeited themselves with junk food>. CLOY stresses the disgust or boredom resulting from such surfeiting <sentimental pictures that cloy after a while>. PALL emphasizes the loss of ability to stimulate interest or appetite <a life of leisure eventually begins to pall>. GLUT implies excess in feeding or supplying <a market glutted with diet books>. GORGE suggests glutting to the point of bursting or choking <gorged themselves with chocolate>.

Satie
Erik (-Alfred-Leslie) 1866-1925 Fr. composer

satiety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being fed or gratified to or beyond capacity : SURFEIT, FULLNESS
2 : the revulsion or disgust caused by overindulgence or excess

Satilla
river 220 mi (354 km) SE Ga. flowing E into the Atlantic

satin
n. : a fabric (as of silk) in satin weave with lustrous face and dull back

satin
n. 1 : made of or covered with satin
2 : suggestive of satin especially in smooth lustrous appearance or sleekness to touch

satin stitch
: an embroidery stitch worked in parallel lines so closely and evenly as to resemble satin

satin weave
: a weave in which warp threads interlace with filling threads to produce a smooth-faced fabric

satinet
n. 1 : a thin silk satin or imitation satin
2 : a variation of satin weave used in making satinet

satinwood
n. 1 a : a tree (Chloroxylon swietenia) of the rue family native to India and Sri Lanka that yields a lustrous yellowish-brown wood b : a tree (as the West Indian Zanthoxylum flavum of the rue family) with wood resembling true satinwood
2 : the wood of a satinwood

satiny
adj. : having or resembling the soft usually lustrous smoothness of satin <a satiny finish>

satire
n. 1 : a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn
2 : trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly
synonyms see WIT

satiric
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting satire <satiric writers>
2 : manifesting or given to satire
synonyms see SARCASTIC
–sa·tir·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

satirise
v. British variant of satirize

satirist
n. : one that satirizes especially : a writer of satire

satirize
v. intransitive verb : to utter or write satire
transitive verb : to censure or ridicule by means of satire
–sat·i·ri·za·ble \ˌsa-tə-'rī-zə-bəl\ adjective

satisfaction
n. 1 a : the payment through penance of the temporal punishment incurred by a sin b : reparation for sin that meets the demands of divine justice
2 a : fulfillment of a need or want b : the quality or state of being satisfied : CONTENTMENT c : a source or means of enjoyment : GRATIFICATION
3 a : compensation for a loss or injury : ATONEMENT, RESTITUTION b : the discharge of a legal obligation or claim c : VINDICATION
4 : convinced assurance or certainty <proved to the satisfaction of the court>

satisfactory
adj. : giving satisfaction : ADEQUATE <a satisfactory performance>
–sat·is·fac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–sat·is·fac·to·ri·ness noun

satisfiable
adj. : capable of being satisfied

satisfy
v. transitive verb
1 a : to carry out the terms of (as a contract) : DISCHARGE b : to meet a financial obligation to
2 : to make reparation to (an injured party) : INDEMNIFY
3 a : to make happy : PLEASE b : to gratify to the full : APPEASE
4 a : CONVINCE b : to put an end to (doubt or uncertainty) : DISPEL
5 a : to conform to (as specifications) : be adequate to (an end in view) b : to make true by fulfilling a condition <values that satisfy an equation> <satisfy a hypothesis>
intransitive verb : to be adequate : SUFFICE also : PLEASE
synonyms see PAY
–sat·is·fy·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

satori
n. : sudden enlightenment and a state of consciousness attained by intuitive illumination representing the spiritual goal of Zen Buddhism

Satpura Range
range of hills W cen India bet. the Narmada & the Tapi

satrap
n. 1 : the governor of a province in ancient Persia
2 a : RULER b : a subordinate official : HENCHMAN

satrapy
n. : the territory or jurisdiction of a satrap

satsuma
n. 1 : any of several cultivated cold-tolerant mandarin trees that bear medium-sized largely seedless fruits with thin smooth skin
2 : the fruit of a satsuma

Satu-Mare
city NW Romania in Transylvania on the Somes pop 115,630

saturable
adj. : capable of being saturated

saturant
: something that saturates

saturate
v. 1 : to satisfy fully : SATIATE
2 : to treat, furnish, or charge with something to the point where no more can be absorbed, dissolved, or retained <water saturated with salt>
3 a : to fill completely with something that permeates or pervades <book is saturated with Hollywood ― Newgate Callendar> b : to load to capacity
4 : to cause to combine until there is no further tendency to combine
synonyms see SOAK
–sat·u·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

saturate
v. : SATURATED

saturated
adj. 1 : full of moisture : made thoroughly wet
2 a : being a solution that is unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a solute at a given temperature and pressure b : being an organic compound having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms <saturated fats>
3 of a color : having high saturation : PURE

saturation
n. 1 a : the act of saturating : the state of being saturated b : SATIETY, SURFEIT
2 : conversion of an unsaturated to a saturated chemical compound (as by hydrogenation)
3 : a state of maximum impregnation: as a : complete infiltration : PERMEATION b : the presence in air of the most water possible under existent pressure and temperature c : magnetization to the point beyond which a further increase in the intensity of the magnetizing force will produce no further magnetization
4 a : chromatic purity : freedom from dilution with white b (1) : degree of difference from the gray having the same lightness ― used of an object color (2) : degree of difference from the achromatic light-source color of the same brightness ― used of a light-source color ― compare HUE 2c
5 : the supplying of a market with as much of a product as it will absorb
6 : an overwhelming concentration of military forces or firepower

Saturday
n. : the seventh day of the week
–Sat·ur·days \-dēz, -(ˌ)dāz\ adverb

Saturday night special
: a cheap easily concealed handgun

Saturn
n. 1 : a Roman god of agriculture and father by Ops of Jupiter
2 : the planet sixth in order from the sun ― see PLANET table

saturnalia
n. 1 capitalized : the festival of Saturn in ancient Rome beginning on Dec. 17
2 singular, plural saturnalias also saturnalia a : an unrestrained often licentious celebration : ORGY b : EXCESS, EXTRAVAGANCE
–sat·ur·na·lian \-'nāl-yən, -'nā-lē-ən\ adjective
–sat·ur·na·lian·ly adverb

Saturnian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or influenced by the planet Saturn
2 archaic : of or relating to the god Saturn or the golden age of his reign

saturniid
n. : any of a family (Saturniidae) of usually large stout strong-winged moths (as a luna moth or a cecropia moth) with hairy bodies
–saturniid adjective

saturnine
adj. 1 : born under or influenced astrologically by the planet Saturn
2 a : cold and steady in mood : slow to act or change b : of a gloomy or surly disposition c : having a sardonic aspect <a saturnine smile>
synonyms see SULLEN

saturnism
n. : LEAD POISONING

satyagraha
n. : pressure for social and political reform through friendly passive resistance practiced by M. K. Gandhi and his followers in India

satyr
n. 1 often capitalized : a sylvan deity in Greek mythology having certain characteristics of a horse or goat and fond of Dionysian revelry
2 a : a lecherous man b : one having satyriasis
3 : any of various satyrid butterflies
–sa·tyr·ic \sā-'tir-ik, sə-, sa-\ adjective

satyr play
: a comic play of ancient Greece burlesquing a mythological subject and having a chorus representing satyrs

satyriasis
n. : excessive or abnormal sexual craving in the male

satyrid
: any of a family (Satyridae) of usually brown or gray butterflies that feed on grasses as larvae, typically have eyespots on the wings, and have one or more forewing veins swollen basally
–satyrid adjective

sauce
n. 1 : a condiment or relish for food especially : a fluid dressing or topping
2 : something that adds zest or piquancy
3 : stewed fruit eaten with other food or as a dessert
4 : pert or impudent language or actions
5 slang : LIQUOR ― used with the

sauce
n. 1 a : to dress with relish or seasoning b : to cover or serve with a sauce
2 a archaic : to modify the harsh or unpleasant characteristics of b : to give zest or piquancy to
3 : to be rude or impudent to

sauce
n. bearnaise sauce
béarnaise sauce
bordelaise sauce
brown sauce
chili sauce
duck sauce
hard sauce
hoisin sauce
Mornay sauce
Nantua sauce
tartar sauce
tartare sauce
white sauce
Worcestershire sauce

sauceboat
n. : a low boat-shaped pitcher for serving sauces and gravies

saucebox
n. : a saucy impudent person

saucepan
n. : a small deep cooking pan with a handle

saucer
n. 1 : a small shallow dish in which a cup is set at table
2 : something resembling a saucer especially in shape especially : FLYING SAUCER
–sau·cer·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

saucy
adj. 1 : served with or having the consistency of sauce
2 a : impertinently bold and impudent b : amusingly forward and flippant : IRREPRESSIBLE
3 : SMART, TRIM <a saucy little hat>
–sauc·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–sauc·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

Saud
1902-1969 king of Saudi Arabia (1953-64)

Saudi Arabia
country SW Asia occupying most of Arabia; a kingdom, comprising former kingdoms of Nejd & Hejaz & principality of Asir capital Riyadh area 865,000 sq mi (2,240,350 sq km), pop 20,800,000
–Saudi adjective or noun
–Saudi Arabian adjective or noun

sauerbraten
n. : oven-roasted or pot-roasted beef marinated before cooking in vinegar with peppercorns, garlic, onions, and bay leaves

sauerkraut
n. : cabbage cut fine and fermented in a brine made of its own juice with salt

sauger
n. : a pike perch (Stizostedion canadense) of Canada and the U.S. similar to the walleye but smaller

saugh
chiefly Scottish : SALLOW

Saugus
town NE Mass. W of Lynn pop 26,078

Sauk
n. : a member of an American Indian people formerly living in what is now Wisconsin

Sauk
n. air sac
amniotic sac
cul de sac
culs de sac
embryo sac
honey sac
pollen sac
sac fungus
yolk sac
cul de sacs

Saul
n. 1 : the first king of Israel
2 : the apostle Paul ― called also Saul of Tarsus

Sault Sainte Marie
city Canada in Ont. across the St. Marys River from Michigan pop 74,566

Sault Sainte Marie Canals
three ship canals (two in the U.S. & one in Canada) at rapids in St. Marys River connecting Lake Superior & Lake Huron

Saumur
commune NW France on the Loire SE of Angers pop 29,916

sauna
n. 1 : a Finnish steam bath in which the steam is provided by water thrown on hot stones also : a bathhouse or room used for such a bath
2 : a dry heat bath also : a room or cabinet used for such a bath

saunter
n. : to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL <sauntered slowly down the street>
–saunter noun
–saun·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

Saurashtra
former state (1948-56) W India on Kathiawar Peninsula; in Bombay state 1956-60 & since 1960 in Gujarat

saurel
: JACK MACKEREL

saurian
n. : any of a suborder (Sauria) of reptiles including the lizards and in older classifications the crocodiles and various extinct forms (as the dinosaurs and ichthyosaurs) that resemble lizards
–saurian adjective

saurischian
n. : any of an order (Saurischia) of herbivorous or carnivorous dinosaurs that have the pubis of the pelvis typically pointed downward and forward and that include the sauropods and theropods ― compare ORNITHISCHIAN
–saurischian adjective

sauropod
n. : any of a suborder (Sauropoda) of quadrupedal herbivorous saurischian dinosaurs (as a brontosaurus) of the Jurassic and Cretaceous having a long neck and tail, small head, and 5-toed limbs on which they tended to walk in a digitigrade fashion
–sauropod adjective

saury
n. : a widely distributed fish (Scombresox saurus) of temperate waters of the Atlantic that resembles the related needlefishes also : a similar widely distributed fish (C. saira) of temperate waters of the Pacific

sausage
n. : a highly seasoned minced meat (as pork) usually stuffed in casings of prepared animal intestine also : a link or patty of sausage

sausage
n. blood sausage
liver sausage
Vienna sausage

Saussure
n. Ferdinand de 1857-1913 Swiss linguist
–Saus·sur·ean also Saus·sur·ian \sō-'su̇r-ē-ən, sȯ-\ adjective

saute
n. : a sautéed dish
–sauté adjective

saute
n. : to fry in a small amount of fat

sauternes
n. 1 capitalized : a full-bodied sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region of France
2 usually sauterne : a semidry to semisweet American white wine that is a blend of several grapes

sauvignon blanc
: a dry white wine made from a grape orig. grown in Bordeaux and the Loire valley

Sava
river 584 mi (940 km) flowing from Italian border E through Slovenia, into Croatia, along Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina border, & into Yugoslavia where it flows into the Danube at Belgrade

Savage
n. Michael Joseph 1872-1940 prime min. of New Zealand (1935-40)

Savage
n. Richard 1697?-1743 Eng. poet

savage
n. 1 a : not domesticated or under human control : UNTAMED <savage beasts> b : lacking the restraints normal to civilized human beings : FIERCE, FEROCIOUS <a savage criminal>
2 : WILD, UNCULTIVATED <seldom have I seen such savage scenery ― Douglas Carruthers>
3 a : BOORISH, RUDE <the savage bad manners of most motorists ― M. P. O'Connor> b : MALICIOUS
4 : lacking complex or advanced culture : UNCIVILIZED <a savage country>
synonyms see FIERCE
–sav·age·ly adverb
–sav·age·ness noun

savage
n. 1 : a person belonging to a primitive society
2 : a brutal person
3 : a rude or unmannerly person

savage
n. : to attack or treat brutally

savagery
n. 1 a : the quality of being savage b : an act of cruelty or violence
2 : an uncivilized state

savagism
: SAVAGERY

Savaii
island Samoa (nation) SW Pacific, largest in Samoa islands

savanna
n. 1 : a treeless plain especially in Florida
2 a : a tropical or subtropical grassland (as of eastern Africa or northern So. America) containing scattered trees and drought-resistant undergrowth b : a temperate grassland with scattered trees (as oaks)

Savannah
n. 1 river 314 mi (505 km) E Ga. flowing SE to the Atlantic & forming Ga.-S.C. boundary
2 city & port E Ga. at mouth of Savannah River pop 131,510

savant
n. 1 : a person of learning especially : one with detailed knowledge in some specialized field (as of science or literature)
2 : IDIOT SAVANT 1

savant
n. idiot savant
idiot savants
idiots savants

savarin
n. : a rich yeast cake baked in a ring mold and soaked in a rum or kirsch syrup

savate
n. : a form of boxing in which blows are delivered with either the hands or the feet

Save
n. ― see SABI

save
n. transitive verb
1 a : to deliver from sin b : to rescue or deliver from danger or harm c : to preserve or guard from injury, destruction, or loss d : to store (data) in a computer or on a storage device (as a floppy disk or CD)
2 a : to put aside as a store or reserve : ACCUMULATE <saving money for emergencies> b : to spend less by <save 25 percent>
3 a : to make unnecessary : AVOID <it saves an hour's driving> b (1) : to keep from being lost to an opponent (2) : to prevent an opponent from scoring or winning
4 : MAINTAIN, PRESERVE <save appearances>
intransitive verb
1 : to rescue or deliver someone
2 a : to put aside money b : to avoid unnecessary waste or expense : ECONOMIZE c : to spend less money <buy now and save>
3 : to make a save
synonyms see RESCUE
–sav·able or save·able \'sā-və-bəl\ adjective
–sav·er noun

save
n. 1 : a play that prevents an opponent from scoring or winning
2 : the action of a relief pitcher in baseball in successfully protecting a team's lead also : official credit for a save

save
n. : other than : BUT, EXCEPT <no hope save one>

save
n. 1 : except for the fact that : ONLY ― used with that <of his earlier years little is known, save that he studied violin ― J. N. Burk>
2 : BUT, EXCEPT ― used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause <no one knows about it save she>

save
n. save all
face saving
saving grace
time saving
daylight saving time
daylight saving
face saver
screen saver
time saver
savings account
savings and loan association
savings and loan
savings bank
savings bond
daylight savings time
daylight savings

save-all
: something that prevents waste, loss, or damage (as a receptacle for catching waste products for further use)

saveloy
n. British : a highly seasoned dry sausage

Savimbi
Jonas (Malheiro) 1934-     Angolan guerilla leader & polit.

savin
n. 1 : a Eurasian juniper (Juniperus sabina) with dark berrylike cones and foliage
2 : RED CEDAR 1

saving
n. 1 : preservation from danger or destruction : DELIVERANCE
2 : the act or an instance of economizing
3 a plural : money put by b : the excess of income over consumption expenditures ― often used in plural c : a usually specified lower cost ― often used in plural <a savings of 50 percent>

saving
n. 1 : EXCEPT, SAVE
2 : without disrespect to

saving
n. : EXCEPT, SAVE

saving
n. face saving
saving grace
time saving
daylight saving time
daylight saving
savings account
savings and loan association
savings and loan
savings bank
savings bond
daylight savings time
daylight savings

saving grace
: a redeeming quality or factor

savings account
: an account (as in a bank) on which interest is usually paid and from which withdrawals can be made usually only by presentation of a passbook or by written authorization on a prescribed form

savings and loan association
: a cooperative association organized to hold savings of members in the form of dividend-bearing shares and to invest chiefly in home mortgage loans ― called also savings and loan

savings bank
: a bank organized to hold funds of individual depositors in interest-bearing accounts and to make long-term investments (as in home mortgage loans)

savings bond
: a nontransferable registered U.S. bond issued in denominations of $50 to $10,000

savior
n. 1 : one that saves from danger or destruction
2 : one who brings salvation specifically capitalized : JESUS 1

Savo
island W Pacific in SE Solomons N of W Guadalcanal

savoir faire
: capacity for appropriate action especially : a polished sureness in social behavior
synonyms see TACT

Savona
commune & port NW Italy SW of Genoa pop 61,911

Savonarola
Gi·ro·la·mo \ji-'rȯ-lə-ˌmō\ 1452-1498 Ital. reformer

savor
n. 1 : the taste or smell of something
2 : a particular flavor or smell
3 : a distinctive quality
–sa·vor·less \-ləs\ adjective
–sa·vor·ous \'sā-vər-əs, 'sāv-rəs\ adjective

savor
intransitive verb : to have a specified smell or quality : SMACK
transitive verb
1 : to give flavor to : SEASON
2 a : to have experience of : TASTE b : to taste or smell with pleasure : RELISH c : to delight in : ENJOY <savoring the moment>
–sa·vor·er \'sā-vər-ər\ noun

savory
adj. : having savor: as a : piquantly pleasant to the mind <a savory collection of essays> b : morally exemplary : EDIFYING <his reputation was anything but savory> c : pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective seasoning d : pungently flavorful without sweetness
synonyms see PALATABLE
–sa·vor·i·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
–sa·vor·i·ness \-rē-nəs\ noun

savory
adj. British : a dish of stimulating flavor served usually at the end of dinner but sometimes as an appetizer

savory
adj. : either of two aromatic mints: a : SUMMER SAVORY b : WINTER SAVORY

Savoy
n. region SE France in Savoy Alps SW of Switzerland & bordering on Italy; duchy 1416-1720, part of kingdom of Sardinia 1720-1860; became part of France 1860
–Sa·voy·ard \sə-'vȯi-ˌärd, ˌsa-ˌvȯi-'ärd, ˌsa-ˌvwä-'yär(d)\ adjective or noun

Savoy Alps
section of W Alps SE France ― see MONT BLANC

savoy cabbage
: a cabbage with compact heads of wrinkled and curled leaves

Savoyard
n. : a devotee, performer, or producer of the comic operas of W. S. Gilbert and A. S. Sullivan

savvy
n. : UNDERSTAND

savvy
n. : practical know-how <political savvy>
–savvy adjective

saw
n. past of see

saw
n. : a hand or power tool or a machine used to cut hard material (as wood, metal, or bone) and equipped usually with a toothed blade or disk
–saw·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

saw
n. transitive verb
1 : to cut with a saw
2 : to produce or form by cutting with a saw
3 : to slash as though with a saw
intransitive verb
1 a : to use a saw b : to cut with or as if with a saw
2 : to undergo cutting with a saw
3 : to make motions as though using a saw <sawed at the reins>
–saw·er \'sȯ(-ə)r\ noun

saw
n. : MAXIM, PROVERB

saw
n. band saw
bow saw
buzz saw
chain saw
circular saw
coping saw
crosscut saw
keyhole saw
musical saw
pit saw
saber saw
saw grass
saw palmetto
saw set
saw toothed
saw whet owl
saw whet
scroll saw
sawed off

saw grass
: any of various sedges (as of the genus Cladium) having the edges of the leaves set with minute sharp teeth

saw palmetto
1 : any of several shrubby palms chiefly of the southern U.S. and West Indies that have spiny-toothed petioles especially : a common palm (Serenoa repens) of the southeastern U.S. with a usually creeping stem
2 : a preparation derived from the berrylike fruit of a saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) that is held to have a therapeutic effect on the prostate gland and is used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies

saw set
: an instrument used to set the teeth of saws

saw-toothed
1 : having teeth like those of a saw <a saw-toothed shark>
2 : SAWTOOTH

saw-whet owl
: a very small harsh-voiced No. American owl (Aegolius acadicus) that is largely dark brown above and chestnut streaked with white beneath ― called also saw-whet

Sawatch Range
mountain range cen Colo. in Rocky Mountains ― see ELBERT (Mount)

sawbones
n. slang : PHYSICIAN, SURGEON

sawbuck
n. 1 slang : a 10-dollar bill
2 : SAWHORSE especially : one with X-shaped ends

sawdust
n. : fine particles (as of wood) made by a saw in cutting

sawed-off
1 : having an end sawed off <a sawed-off shotgun>
2 : of less than average height

sawfish
n. : any of a family (Pristidae) of large elongate rays that resemble sharks but have a long flattened snout with a row of serrate structures along each edge and that live in tropical and subtropical shallow seas and in or near the mouths of rivers

sawfly
n. : any of numerous hymenopterous insects (superfamily Tenthredinoidea and especially family Tenthredinidae) with the female usually having a sawlike ovipositor and with the larva resembling a plant-feeding caterpillar

sawhorse
n. : a frame on which wood is laid for sawing by hand : HORSE 2B

sawlog
: a log of suitable size for sawing into lumber

sawmill
n. : a mill or machine for sawing logs

sawtimber
: timber suitable for sawing into lumber

sawtooth
n. : having serrations : arranged or having parts arranged like the teeth of a saw <a sawtooth roof>

sawyer
n. 1 : one that saws
2 : any of several large longicorn beetles whose larvae bore large holes in timber or dead wood
3 : a tree fast in the bed of a stream with its branches projecting to the surface and bobbing up and down with the current

sax
n. : SAXOPHONE

Saxe
n. (Hermann-) Maurice 1696-1750 Comte de Saxe Fr. gen.

Saxe
n. SAXONY ― its French name; used in English chiefly in names of former duchies in Thuringia: Saxe-Al·ten·burg \-'äl-tən-ˌbu̇rg\, Saxe-Co·burg \-'kō-ˌbərg\, Saxe-Go·tha \-'gō-tə, -thə\, Saxe-Mei·ning·en \-'mī-niŋ-ən\, & Saxe-Wei·mar-Ei·se·nach \-'vī-ˌmär-'ī-zə-ˌnäk, -ˌnäḵ\

saxhorn
n. : any of a group of valved brass instruments ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical tube, oval shape, and cup-shaped mouthpiece

saxicolous
: inhabiting or growing among rocks <saxicolous lichens>

saxifrage
n. : any of a genus (Saxifraga of the family Saxifragaceae, the saxifrage family) of chiefly perennial herbs with showy pentamerous flowers and often with basal tufted leaves

saxitoxin
n. : a potent nonprotein neurotoxin C_10H_17N_7O_4·2HCl that originates especially in dinoflagellates (genus Gonyaulax) found in red tides and that sometimes occurs in and renders toxic normally edible mollusks which feed on them

Saxo Grammaticus
ca 1150-after 1216 Dan. hist.

Saxon
n. 1 a (1) : a member of a Germanic people that entered and conquered England with the Angles and Jutes in the fifth century A.D. and merged with them to form the Anglo-Saxon people (2) : an Englishman or lowlander as distinguished from a Welshman, Irishman, or Highlander b : a native or inhabitant of Saxony
2 a : the Germanic language or dialect of any of the Saxon peoples b : the Germanic element in the English language especially as distinguished from the French and Latin
–Saxon adjective

Saxon
n. Anglo Saxon
Old Saxon
West Saxon

Saxony
n. 1 region & former duchy NW Germany S of Jutland Peninsula bet. the Elbe & the Rhine ― see LOWER SAXONY
2 region & state of reunified Germany N of the Erzgebirge capital Dresden area 7081 sq mi (18,340 sq km), pop 4,764,300 ― see SAXE

saxony
n. 1 a : a fine soft woolen fabric b : a fine closely twisted knitting yarn
2 : a Wilton jacquard carpet

Saxony-Anhalt
state of cen Germany capital Magdeburg area 7956 sq mi (20,606 sq km), pop 2,874,000

saxophone
n. : one of a group of single-reed woodwind instruments ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical metal tube and finger keys
–sax·o·phon·ic \ˌsak-sə-'fō-nik, -'fä-\ adjective
–sax·o·phon·ist \'sak-sə-ˌfō-nist, esp Brit sak-'sä-fə-\ noun

saxtuba
: a bass saxhorn

say
n. transitive verb
1 a : to express in words : STATE b : to state as opinion or belief : DECLARE
2 a : UTTER, PRONOUNCE b : RECITE, REPEAT <say your prayers>
3 a : INDICATE, SHOW <the clock says five minutes after twelve> b : to give expression to : COMMUNICATE <a glance that said all that was necessary>
4 : SUPPOSE, ASSUME <let's say you're right>
intransitive verb : to express oneself : SPEAK
–say·er \'sā-ər, 'ser\ noun
–say uncle : to admit defeat
–that is to say : in other words : in effect
–to say nothing of : not to mention : and notably in addition <will need more time, to say nothing of money>

say
n. 1 archaic : something that is said : STATEMENT
2 : an expression of opinion <had my say>
3 : a right or power to influence action or decision especially : the authority to make final decisions

say
n. 1 : ABOUT, APPROXIMATELY <the property is worth, say, four million dollars>
2 : for example : AS <if we compress any gas, say oxygen>

say
n. needless to say
to say nothing of
that is to say
say uncle
say so
as who should say
Port Said
nay saying
go without saying
yea sayer

say uncle
to admit defeat

say-so
1 a : one's unsupported assertion or assurance b : an authoritative pronouncement <left the hospital on the say-so of his doctor>
2 : a right of final decision : SAY <has the ultimate say-so on what will be taught>

sayable
adj. 1 : capable of being said
2 : capable of being spoken effectively or easily <readings in sayable Chinese ― Linguistic Reporter>

Sayan Mountains
mountains S Russia in Asia on border of Tuva N of Altai Mountains

Sayers
n. Dorothy Leigh 1893-1957 Eng. writer

sayest
archaic 2d person singular of say

saying
n. : something said especially : ADAGE

sayonara
interj. : good-bye

Sayreville
borough E cen N.J. pop 40,377

sayyid
1 : an Islamic chief or leader
2 : LORD, SIR ― used as a courtesy title for a Muslim of rank or lineage

Sazan
island Albania in N Strait of Otranto

SB
1 [New Latin scientiae baccalaureus] bachelor of science
2 southbound

Sb
antimony

sb
substantive

SBA
Small Business Administration

SBN
Standard Book Number

SC
n. 1 small capitals
2 South Carolina
3 supercalendered
4 supreme court

Sc
n. stratocumulus

Sc
n. scandium

sc
n. 1 scene
2 science
3 scilicet
4 [Latin sculpsit] he carved it; she carved it; he engraved it; she engraved it

Sca Fell
mountain 3162 ft (964 m) NW England in Cumbrians SW of Keswick; second highest peak in England

scab
n. 1 : scabies of domestic animals
2 : a crust of hardened blood and serum over a wound
3 a : a contemptible person b (1) : a worker who refuses to join a labor union (2) : a union member who refuses to strike or returns to work before a strike has ended (3) : a worker who accepts employment or replaces a union worker during a strike (4) : one who works for less than union wages or on nonunion terms
4 : any of various bacterial or fungus diseases of plants characterized by crustaceous spots also : one of the spots

scab
n. 1 : to become covered with a scab
2 : to act as a scab

scabbard
n. : a sheath for a sword, dagger, or bayonet
–scabbard transitive verb

scabby
adj. 1 a : covered with or full of scabs <scabby skin> b : diseased with scab <a scabby animal> <scabby potatoes>
2 : MEAN, CONTEMPTIBLE <a scabby trick>

scabies
n. : contagious itch or mange especially with exudative crusts that is caused by parasitic mites (esp. Sarcoptes scabiei)
–sca·bi·et·ic \ˌskā-bē-'e-tik\ adjective

scabious
adj. : any of a genus (Scabiosa) of Old World herbs of the teasel family with terminal flower heads subtended by a leafy involucre

scabious
adj. 1 : SCABBY
2 : of, relating to, or resembling scabies <scabious eruptions>

scabland
: a region characterized by elevated tracts of rocky land with little or no soil cover and traversed or isolated by postglacial dry stream channels ― usually used in plural

scabrous
adj. 1 : DIFFICULT, KNOTTY <a scabrous problem>
2 : rough to the touch: as a : having small raised dots, scales, or points <a scabrous leaf> b : covered with raised, roughened, or unwholesome patches <scabrous paint> <scabrous skin>
3 : dealing with suggestive, indecent, or scandalous themes : SALACIOUS also : SQUALID
synonyms see ROUGH
–sca·brous·ly adverb
–sca·brous·ness noun

scad
n. : any of several carangid fishes (esp. of the genus Decapterus)

scad
n. : a large number or quantity ― usually used in plural <scads of money>

Scafell Pike
mountain 3210 ft (978 m) NW England in Cumbria NE of Sca Fell; highest in the Cumbrians & in England

scaffold
n. 1 a : a temporary or movable platform for workers (as bricklayers, painters, or miners) to stand or sit on when working at a height above the floor or ground b : a platform on which a criminal is executed (as by hanging or beheading) c : a platform at a height above ground or floor level
2 : a supporting framework

scaffolding
n. : a system of scaffolds also : material for scaffolds

scag
n. slang : HEROIN

scagliola
n. : an imitation marble used for floors, columns, and ornamental interior work

scalable
adj. 1 : capable of being scaled
2 : capable of being easily expanded or upgraded on demand <a scalable computer network>
–scal·abil·i·ty \ˌskā-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

scalade
archaic : ESCALADE

scalar
n. 1 : having an uninterrupted series of steps : GRADUATED <scalar chain of authority> <scalar cells>
2 a : capable of being represented by a point on a scale <scalar quantity> b : of or relating to a scalar or scalar product <scalar multiplication>

scalar
n. 1 : a real number rather than a vector
2 : a quantity (as mass or time) that has a magnitude describable by a real number and no direction

scalar product
: a real number that is the product of the lengths of two vectors and the cosine of the angle between them ― called also dot product inner product

scalare
: ANGELFISH 2

scalariform
: resembling a ladder especially in having transverse bars or markings like the rungs of a ladder <scalariform cells in plants>
–sca·lar·i·form·ly adverb

scalawag
n. 1 : SCAMP, REPROBATE
2 : a white Southerner acting in support of the reconstruction governments after the American Civil War often for private gain

scald
n. transitive verb
1 : to burn with or as if with hot liquid or steam
2 a : to subject to the action of boiling water or steam b : to bring to a temperature just below the boiling point <scald milk>
3 : SCORCH
intransitive verb
1 : to scald something
2 : to become scalded

scald
n. 1 : an injury to the body caused by scalding
2 : an act or process of scalding
3 : any of various conditions or diseases of plants or fruits marked especially by a usually brownish discoloration of tissue

scald
n. 1 archaic : SCABBY, SCURFY
2 archaic : SHABBY, CONTEMPTIBLE

scald
n. variant of skald

scald
n. : subjected to scalding <coffee⋯with scald cream ― Charles Kingsley>

scalding
adj. 1 : hot enough to scald <scalding water>
2 a : having or producing the feeling of being burned <scalding sun> <scalding sand> b : SCATHING <scalding criticism>

scale
n. 1 a : either pan or tray of a balance b : a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends ― usually used in plural
2 : an instrument or machine for weighing

scale
n. transitive verb : to weigh in scales
intransitive verb : to have a specified weight on scales

scale
n. 1 a : a small, flattened, rigid, and definitely circumscribed plate forming part of the external body covering especially of a fish b : a small thin plate suggesting a fish scale <scales of mica> <the scales on a moth's wing> c : the scaly covering of a scaled animal
2 : a small thin dry lamina shed (as in many skin diseases) from the skin
3 : a thin coating, layer, or incrustation: as a : a usually black scaly coating of oxide forming on the surface of a metal (as iron) when it is heated for processing b : a hard incrustation usually rich in sulfate of calcium that is deposited on the inside of a vessel (as a boiler) in which water is heated
4 a : a modified leaf protecting a seed plant bud before expansion b : a thin, membranous, chaffy, or woody bract
5 a : any of the small overlapping usually metal pieces forming the outer surface of scale armor b : SCALE ARMOR
6 a : SCALE INSECT b : infestation with or disease caused by scale insects
–scaled \'skā(ə)ld\ adjective
–scale·less \'skāl-ləs\ adjective

scale
n. transitive verb
1 : to remove the scale or scales from (as by scraping) <scale a fish>
2 : to take off in thin layers or scales <scale tartar from the teeth>
3 : to throw (as a thin flat stone) so that the edge cuts the air or so that it skips on water : SKIM
intransitive verb
1 : to separate and come off in scales : FLAKE
2 : to shed scales <scaling skin>

scale
n. transitive verb
1 a : to attack with or take by means of scaling ladders <scale a castle wall> b : to climb up or reach by means of a ladder c : to reach the highest point of : SURMOUNT <scale a mountain>
2 a : to arrange in a graduated series b (1) : to measure by or as if by a scale (2) : to measure or estimate the sound content of (as logs) c : to pattern, make, regulate, set, or estimate according to some rate or standard : ADJUST <a production schedule scaled to actual need> ― often used with back, down, or up <scale down imports>
intransitive verb
1 : to climb by or as if by a ladder
2 : to rise in a graduated series
3 : MEASURE

scale
n. 1 a obsolete : LADDER b archaic : a means of ascent
2 : a graduated series of musical tones ascending or descending in order of pitch according to a specified scheme of their intervals
3 : something graduated especially when used as a measure or rule: as a : a series of marks or points at known intervals used to measure distances (as the height of the mercury in a thermometer) b : an indication of the relationship between the distances on a map and the corresponding actual distances c : RULER 3
4 a : a graduated series or scheme of rank or order <a scale of taxation> b : MINIMUM WAGE 2
5 a : a proportion between two sets of dimensions (as between those of a drawing and its original) b : a distinctive relative size, extent, or degree <projects done on a large scale>
6 : a graded series of tests or of performances used in rating individual intelligence or achievement
–scale adjective
–to scale : according to the proportions of an established scale of measurement <floor plans drawn to scale>

scale
n. 1 obsolete : ESCALADE
2 : an estimate of the amount of sound lumber in logs or standing timber

scale
n. armored scale
Beaufort scale
Binet Simon scale
Brix scale
bud scale
chromatic scale
cottony cushion scale
economy of scale
full scale
gapped scale
gray scale
HO scale
large scale integration
Mercalli scale
Mohs' scale
platform scale
purple scale
Richter scale
San Jose scale
to scale
scale armor
scale down
scale insect
scale up
sliding scale
small scale
wage scale
tip the scales

scale armor
: armor of small metallic scales on leather or cloth

scale insect
: any of numerous small prolific homopterous insects (superfamily Coccoidea) that have winged males, wingless scale-covered females attached to the host plant, and young that suck the juices of plants and some of which are serious pests

scale-down
: a reduction according to a fixed ratio <a scale-down of debts>

scale-up
: an increase according to a fixed ratio

scalelike
adj. : resembling a scale <scalelike design> specifically : reduced to a minute appressed element resembling a scale

scalene
n. of a triangle : having the three sides of unequal length ― see TRIANGLE illustration

scaler
n. 1 : one that scales
2 : a dental instrument for removing tartar from teeth

Scalia
Antonin 1936-     American jurist

Scaliger
Joseph Justus 1540-1609 Fr. scholar

Scaliger
Julius Caesar 1484-1558 father of prec. Ital. physician

scall
archaic : a scurf or scabby disorder (as of the scalp)

scallion
n. 1 : SHALLOT
2 : LEEK
3 : an onion forming a thick basal portion without a bulb also : GREEN ONION

scallop
n. 1 a : any of numerous marine bivalve lamellibranch mollusks (family Pectinidae) that have a radially ribbed shell with the edge undulated and that swim by opening and closing the valves b : the adductor muscle of a scallop as an article of food
2 a : a valve or shell of a scallop b : a baking dish shaped like a valve of a scallop
3 : one of a continuous series of circle segments or angular projections forming a border (as on cloth or metal)
4 : PATTYPAN
5 [French escalope, probably from Middle French, shell] : a thin slice of boneless meat or fish <veal scallops> ― called also escalope

scallop
n. 1 a : to shape, cut, or finish in scallops b : to form scallops in
2 [from the use of a scallop shell as a baking dish] : to bake in a sauce usually covered with seasoned bread or cracker crumbs <scalloped potatoes>
intransitive verb : to gather or dredge scallops

scalloper
n. 1 : a person who dredges for or gathers scallops
2 : a boat equipped and used to dredge for scallops

scallywag
n. variant of scalawag

scalogram
n. : an arrangement of items (as problems on a test or features of speech) in ascending order so that the presence or accomplishment of an item at one level implies the presence of or the capability to accomplish items at all lower levels

scaloppine
: thin slices of meat (as veal) sautéed or coated with flour and fried

scalp
n. 1 a : the part of the integument of the human head usually covered with hair in both sexes b : the part of an animal (as a wolf or fox) corresponding to the human scalp
2 a : a part of the human scalp with attached hair cut or torn from an enemy as a token of victory b : a trophy of victory or accomplishment
3 chiefly Scottish : a projecting mass of bare ground or rock

scalp
n. 1 a : to deprive of the scalp b : to remove an upper part from
2 : to remove a desired constituent from and discard the rest
3 : to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits <scalp stocks> <scalp grain> especially : to resell at greatly increased prices <scalp theater tickets>
intransitive verb
1 : to take scalps
2 : to profit by slight market fluctuations
–scalp·er noun

scalp lock
: a long tuft of hair on the crown of the otherwise shaved head especially of a warrior of some American Indian tribes

scalpel
n. : a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

scaly
adj. 1 a : covered with, composed of, or rich in scale or scales b : FLAKY
2 : of or relating to scaly animals
3 : DESPICABLE, POOR <a regular scaly old shop ― Charles Dickens>
4 : infested with scale insects <scaly fruit>
–scal·i·ness noun

scaly anteater
: PANGOLIN

scam
n. : a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation <an insurance scam>

scam
n. 1 : DECEIVE, DEFRAUD
2 : to obtain (as money) by a scam
–scam·mer noun

Scamander
― see MENDERES 2

scammony
n. 1 : a twining convolvulus (Convolvulus scammonia) of Asia Minor with a large thick root
2 a : the dried root of scammony b : a cathartic resin obtained from scammony

scamp
n. 1 : RASCAL, ROGUE
2 : an impish or playful young person
–scamp·ish \'skam-pish\ adjective

scamp
n. : to perform or deal with in a hasty, neglectful, or imperfect manner

scamper
n. : to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper
n. : a playful or hurried run or movement

scampi
n. : a usually large shrimp also : large shrimp prepared with a garlic-flavored sauce

scamster
: one that scams : SCAMMER

scan
n. transitive verb
1 : to read or mark so as to show metrical structure <scan poetry>
2 : to examine by point-by-point observation or checking: a : to investigate thoroughly by checking point by point and often repeatedly <a fire lookout scanning the hills with binoculars> b : to glance from point to point of often hastily, casually, or in search of a particular item <scan the want ads looking for a job>
3 a : to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage <scanned the patient's heart> <radar scans the horizon> <scan the photos into the computer> b : to pass over in the formation of an image <the electron beam scans the picture tube>
intransitive verb
1 : to scan verse
2 : to conform to a metrical pattern <this poem scans well>
synonyms see SCRUTINIZE
–scan·na·ble \'ska-nə-bəl\ adjective

scan
n. 1 : the act or process of scanning
2 : a radar or television trace
3 : an image formed by scanning something: as a : a depiction (as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ) b : an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections

scan
n. CAT scan
CT scan
PET scan
side scan sonar
CAT scanning
PET scanning
scanning electron microscope
scanning electron microscopy
scanning microscope
scanning tunneling microscope
scanning tunneling microscopy

Scand
Scandinavia

scandal
n. 1 a : discredit brought upon religion by unseemly conduct in a religious person b : conduct that causes or encourages a lapse of faith or of religious obedience in another
2 : loss of or damage to reputation caused by actual or apparent violation of morality or propriety : DISGRACE
3 a : a circumstance or action that offends propriety or established moral conceptions or disgraces those associated with it b : a person whose conduct offends propriety or morality <a scandal to the profession>
4 : malicious or defamatory gossip
5 : indignation, chagrin, or bewilderment brought about by a flagrant violation of morality, propriety, or religious opinion
synonyms see OFFENSE

scandal
n. 1 obsolete : DISGRACE
2 chiefly dialect : DEFAME, SLANDER

scandal sheet
: a newspaper or periodical dealing to a large extent in scandal and gossip

scandalise
v. chiefly British variant of scandalize

scandalize
v. 1 archaic : to speak falsely or maliciously of
2 archaic : to bring into reproach
3 : to offend the moral sense of : SHOCK <she was scandalized by his behavior>

scandalmonger
n. : a person who circulates scandal
–scan·dal·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ noun

scandalous
adj. 1 : LIBELOUS, DEFAMATORY <scandalous allegations>
2 : offensive to propriety or morality : SHOCKING <scandalous behavior>
–scan·dal·ous·ly adverb
–scan·dal·ous·ness noun

scandent
: characterized by a climbing mode of growth <scandent stems> <scandent vines>

Scanderbeg
― see SKANDERBEG

Scandian
1 : SCANDINAVIAN
2 : of or relating to the languages of Scandinavia
–Scandian noun

Scandinavia
n. 1 peninsula N Europe occupied by Norway & Sweden
2 Denmark, Norway, Sweden ― sometimes also considered to include Iceland, the Faeroe Islands, & Finland

Scandinavian
n. 1 : the North Germanic languages
2 a : a native or inhabitant of Scandinavia b : a person of Scandinavian descent
–Scandinavian adjective

scandium
n. : a silvery-white metallic element found widely especially in association with rare earth elements and used especially in alloys and in high-intensity electric lamps ― see ELEMENT table

scanner
n. : one that scans: as a : a device for sensing recorded data (as in a bar code) <a supermarket scanner> b : a radio receiver that sequentially scans a range of frequencies for a signal c : a device that scans an image (as a photograph) or document (as a page of text) especially for use or storage on a computer d : a medical device for scanning a living body to collect diagnostic information ― compare CAT SCANNER

scanner
n. CAT scanner
CT scanner
PET scanner

scanning electron microscope
: an electron microscope in which a beam of focused electrons moves across the object with the secondary electrons produced by the object and the electrons scattered by the object being collected to form a three-dimensional image on a display screen ― called also scanning microscope
–scanning electron microscopy noun

scanning tunneling microscope
: a microscope that makes use of the phenomenon of tunneling electrons to map the positions of individual atoms in a surface or to move atoms around on a surface
–scanning tunneling microscopy noun

scansion
n. : the analysis of verse to show its meter

scant
adj. 1 dialect a : excessively frugal b : not prodigal : CHARY
2 a : barely or scarcely sufficient especially : not quite coming up to a stated measure <a scant teaspoon> b : lacking in amplitude or quantity <scant growth>
3 : having a small or insufficient supply <he's fat, and scant of breath ― Shakespeare>
synonyms see MEAGER
–scant·ly adverb
–scant·ness noun

scant
adj. dialect : SCARCELY, HARDLY

scant
adj. 1 : to provide an incomplete supply of
2 : to make small, narrow, or meager
3 : to give scant attention to : SLIGHT
4 : to provide with a meager or inadequate portion or supply : STINT

scanties
n. : abbreviated panties for women

scantling
n. 1 a : the dimensions of timber and stone used in building b : the dimensions of a structural element used in shipbuilding ― often used in plural
2 : a small quantity, amount, or proportion : MODICUM
3 : a small piece of lumber (as an upright piece in house framing)

scanty
adj. : limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent
synonyms see MEAGER
–scant·i·ly \'skan-tə-lē\ adverb
–scant·i·ness \'skan-tē-nəs\ noun

Scapa Flow
sea basin N Scotland in the Orkneys

scape
n. : ESCAPE <some innocents scape not the thunderbolt ― Shakespeare>

scape
n. 1 : a peduncle arising at or beneath the surface of the ground in an acaulescent plant (as the tulip) broadly : a flower stalk
2 : the shaft of an animal part (as an antenna or feather)

scape
n. : a view or picture of a scene ― usually used in combination <cityscape>

scapegoat
n. 1 : a goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur
2 a : one that bears the blame for others b : one that is the object of irrational hostility

scapegoat
n. : to make a scapegoat of
–scape·goat·ism \-ˌgō-ˌti-zəm\ noun

scapegrace
n. : an incorrigible rascal

scaphoid
adj. 1 : NAVICULAR A
2 : the bone of the thumb side of the carpus that is the largest in the proximal row also : the navicular bone of the tarsus
–scaphoid adjective

scapolite
: any of a group of minerals that are essentially complex silicates of aluminum, calcium, and sodium and that include some used as semiprecious stones

scapula
n. : either of a pair of large triangular bones lying one in each dorsal lateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle or coracoid ― called also shoulder blade

scapular
n. 1 a : a long wide band of cloth with an opening for the head worn front and back over the shoulders as part of a monastic habit b : a pair of small cloth squares joined by shoulder tapes and worn under the clothing on the breast and back as a sacramental and often also as a badge of a third order or confraternity
2 a : SCAPULA b : one of the feathers covering the base of a bird's wing ― see BIRD illustration

scapular
n. : of or relating to the shoulder, the scapula, or scapulars

scapular medal
: a medal worn in place of a sacramental scapular

scar
n. 1 : an isolated or protruding rock
2 : a steep rocky eminence : a bare place on the side of a mountain

scar
n. 1 : a mark left (as in the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
2 a : a mark left on a stem or branch by a fallen leaf or harvested fruit b : CICATRIX 2
3 : a mark or indentation resulting from damage or wear
4 : a lasting moral or emotional injury <one of his men had been killed⋯in a manner that left a scar upon his mind ― H. G. Wells>
–scar·less \-ləs\ adjective

scar
n. transitive verb
1 : to mark with a scar
2 : to do lasting injury to
intransitive verb
1 : to form a scar
2 : to become scarred

scar tissue
: the connective tissue forming a scar and composed chiefly of fibroblasts in recent scars and largely of dense collagenous fibers in old scars

scarab
n. 1 : any of a family (Scarabaeidae) of stout-bodied beetles (as a dung beetle) with lamellate or fan-shaped antennae
2 : a stone or faience beetle used in ancient Egypt as a talisman, ornament, and a symbol of resurrection

scarabaeus
n. : SCARAB 2

scaramouch
n. 1 capitalized : a stock character in the Italian commedia dell'arte that burlesques the Spanish don and is characterized by boastfulness and cowardliness
2 a : a cowardly buffoon b : RASCAL, SCAMP

Scarborough
1 former city Canada in SE Ont., now part of Toronto
2 town & port NE England in N. Yorkshire pop 107,800

scarce
adj. 1 : deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand : not plentiful or abundant
2 : intentionally absent <made himself scarce at inspection time>
synonyms see INFREQUENT
–scarce·ness noun

scarce
adj. : SCARCELY, HARDLY <scarce was independence half a century old, when a⋯split occurred ― John McPhee>

scarcely
adv. 1 a : by a narrow margin : only just <had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open ― Agnes S. Turnbull> b : almost not <could scarcely see for the fog>
2 a : certainly not <could scarcely interfere> b : probably not <there could scarcely have been found a leader better equipped ― V. L. Parrington>

scarcity
n. : the quality or state of being scarce especially : want of provisions for the support of life

scare
n. transitive verb : to frighten especially suddenly : ALARM
intransitive verb : to become scared
–scar·er noun

scare
n. 1 : a sudden fright
2 : a widespread state of alarm : PANIC
–scare adjective

scare quotes
: quotation marks used to express especially skepticism or derision concerning the use of the enclosed word or phrase

scare up
: to find or get together with considerable labor or difficulty : scrape up <managed to scare up the money>

scarecrow
n. 1 a : an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to frighten birds away from crops b : something frightening but harmless
2 : a skinny or ragged person

scared
adj. : thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic <scared of snakes> <scared to go out>

scaredy-cat
: an unduly fearful person

scarehead
n. : a big, sensational, or alarming newspaper headline

scaremonger
n. : one inclined to raise or excite alarms especially needlessly
–scare·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ noun

scarf
n. 1 : either of the chamfered or cutaway ends that fit together to form a scarf joint
2 : an in-line joint made by chamfering, halving, or notching two pieces to correspond and lapping them

scarf
n. 1 : to unite by a scarf joint
2 : to form a scarf on

scarf
n. 1 a : a military or official sash usually indicative of rank b archaic : TIPPET 3
2 : a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head
3 : RUNNER 6B

scarf
n. 1 : to wrap, cover, or adorn with or as if with a scarf
2 : to wrap or throw on (a scarf or mantle) loosely

scarf
n. 1 : SCOFF 1 <scarfed down my sandwich>
2 : SNAP 2 <scarfed up the best seats>

scarfpin
n. : TIEPIN

scarfskin
n. : EPIDERMIS especially : that forming the cuticle of a nail

scarification
n. 1 : the act or process of scarifying
2 : a mark or marks made by scarifying

scarify
v. 1 : to make scratches or small cuts in (as the skin) <scarify an area for vaccination>
2 : to lacerate the feelings of
3 : to break up, loosen, or roughen the surface of (as a field or road)
4 : to cut or soften the wall of (a hard seed) to hasten germination
–scar·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

scarify
v. : SCARE, FRIGHTEN
–scar·i·fy·ing·ly \-ˌfī-iŋ-lē\ adverb

scarious
: dry and membranous in texture <a scarious bract>

scarlatina
n. : SCARLET FEVER
–scar·la·ti·nal \-'tē-nəl\ adjective

Scarlatti
(Pietro) Alessandro Gaspare 1660-1725 & his son (Giuseppe) Domenico 1685-1757 Ital. composers

scarlet
n. 1 : scarlet cloth or clothes
2 : any of various bright reds

scarlet
n. 1 : of the color scarlet
2 a : grossly and glaringly offensive <sinning in flagrant and scarlet fashion ― G. W. Johnson> b [from the use of the word in Isa 1:18 & Rev 17:1-6(AV)] : of, characterized by, or associated with sexual immorality <a scarlet woman>

scarlet
n. scarlet fever
scarlet letter
scarlet pimpernel
scarlet runner bean
scarlet runner
scarlet sage
scarlet tanager

scarlet fever
: an acute contagious febrile disease caused by hemolytic Group A streptococci and characterized by inflammation of the nose, throat, and mouth, generalized toxemia, and a red rash

scarlet letter
: a scarlet A worn as a punitive mark of adultery

scarlet pimpernel
1 : a European pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) naturalized in No. America and having scarlet, white, or purplish flowers that close in cloudy weather
2 [Scarlet Pimpernel, assumed name of the hero of The Scarlet Pimpernel (1905), novel by Baroness Orczy] : a person who rescues others from mortal danger by smuggling them across a border

scarlet runner bean
: a tropical American high-climbing bean (Phaseolus coccineus) that has large bright red flowers and red and black seeds and is grown widely as an ornamental and as a food bean ― called also scarlet runner

scarlet sage
: a salvia (Salvia splendens) of Brazil that is widely cultivated for its long racemes of typically scarlet flowers also : a related salvia (S. coccinea) of tropical and subtropical America

scarlet tanager
: a common American tanager (Piranga olivacea) with the male having scarlet plumage and black wings during the breeding season and the female having chiefly olive plumage

scarp
n. 1 : the inner side of a ditch below the parapet of a fortification
2 a : a line of cliffs produced by faulting or erosion ― see FAULT illustration b : a low steep slope along a beach caused by wave erosion
–scarped adjective

scarper
v. British : FLEE, RUN AWAY broadly : LEAVE, DEPART

Scarron
Paul 1610-1660 Fr. author

scarry
: bearing marks of wounds : SCARRED

scary
adj. 1 : causing fright : ALARMING <a scary story>
2 : easily scared : TIMID
3 : feeling alarm or fright : FRIGHTENED
–scar·i·ly \'sker-ə-lē\ adverb

SCAT
v. 1 School and College Ability Test
2 supersonic commercial air transport

scat
v. 1 : to go away quickly
2 : to move fast : SCOOT

scat
v. : an animal fecal dropping

scat
v. : jazz singing with nonsense syllables

scat
v. : to improvise nonsense syllables usually to an instrumental accompaniment : sing scat

scatback
: an offensive back in football who is an especially fast and elusive ballcarrier

scathe
n. : HARM, INJURY
–scathe·less \-ləs\ adjective

scathe
n. 1 : to do harm to specifically : SCORCH, SEAR
2 : to assail with withering denunciation

scathing
adj. : bitterly severe <a scathing condemnation>
synonyms see CAUSTIC
–scathingly adverb

scatology
n. 1 : interest in or treatment of obscene matters especially in literature
2 : the biologically oriented study of excrement (as for taxonomic purposes or for the determination of diet)
–scat·o·log·i·cal \ˌska-təl-'ä-ji-kəl\ adjective

scatt
archaic : TAX, TRIBUTE

scatter
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to separate widely b : to cause to vanish
2 archaic : to fling away heedlessly : SQUANDER
3 : to distribute irregularly
4 : to sow by casting in all directions : STREW
5 a : to reflect irregularly and diffusely b : to cause (a beam of radiation) to diffuse or disperse
6 : to divide into ineffectual small portions
intransitive verb
1 : to separate and go in various directions : DISPERSE
2 : to occur or fall irregularly or at random
–scat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
synonyms SCATTER, DISPERSE, DISSIPATE, DISPEL mean to cause to separate or break up. SCATTER implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions <the bowling ball scattered the pins>. DISPERSE implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group <police dispersed the crowd>. DISSIPATE stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance <the fog was dissipated by the morning sun>. DISPEL stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering <an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt>.

scatter
n. 1 : the act of scattering
2 : a small quantity or number irregularly distributed or strewn about : SCATTERING
3 : the state or extent of being scattered especially : DISPERSION

scatter
n. scatter diagram
scatter rug
elastic scattering
inelastic scattering
Rayleigh scattering

scatter diagram
: a two-dimensional graph in rectangular coordinates consisting of points whose coordinates represent values of two variables under study

scatter rug
: THROW RUG

scatteration
1 : the act or process of scattering : the state of being scattered
2 : the movement of people and industry away from the city also : the resulting regional urbanization
3 : a policy of distributing funds and energies in too many ineffectively small units

scatterbrain
n. : a giddy heedless person

scatterbrained
adj. : having the characteristics of a scatterbrain

scattergood
: a wasteful person : SPENDTHRIFT

scattergram
n. : SCATTER DIAGRAM

scattergun
n. : SHOTGUN

scattering
n. 1 : an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered
2 : something scattered: as a : a small number or quantity interspersed here and there <a scattering of visitors> b : the random change in direction of the particles constituting a beam or wave front due to collision with particles of the medium traversed

scattering
n. 1 : going in various directions
2 : found or placed far apart and in no order
3 : divided among many or several <scattering votes>
–scat·ter·ing·ly \'ska-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb

scattering
n. elastic scattering
inelastic scattering
Rayleigh scattering

scattershot
: broadly and often randomly inclusive : SHOTGUN <scattershot advice> <scattershot planning>

scatty
adj. chiefly British : CRAZY

scaup
n. : either of two diving ducks (Aythya affinis or A. marila) with the male having a glossy purplish or greenish head and a black breast and tail

scavenge
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to remove (as dirt or refuse) from an area (2) : to clean away dirt or refuse from : CLEANSE <scavenge a street> b : to feed on (carrion or refuse)
2 a : to remove (burned gases) from the cylinder of an internal combustion engine after a working stroke b : to remove (as an undesirable constituent) from a substance or region by chemical or physical means c : to clean and purify (molten metal) by taking up foreign elements in chemical union
3 : to salvage from discarded or refuse material also : to salvage usable material from
intransitive verb : to work or act as a scavenger

scavenger
n. 1 chiefly British : a person employed to remove dirt and refuse from streets
2 : one that scavenges: as a : a garbage collector b : a junk collector c : a chemically active substance acting to make innocuous or remove an undesirable substance
3 : an organism that typically feeds on refuse or carrion

scavenger hunt
: a game in which players try to acquire without buying specified items within a time limit

ScD
doctor of science

scena
n. : an elaborate solo vocal composition that consists of a recitative usually followed by one or more aria sections

scenario
n. 1 a : an outline or synopsis of a play especially : a plot outline used by actors of the commedia dell'arte b : the libretto of an opera
2 a : SCREENPLAY b : SHOOTING SCRIPT
3 : a sequence of events especially when imagined especially : an account or synopsis of a possible course of action or events <his scenario for a settlement envisages⋯reunification ― Selig Harrison>

scenarist
n. : a writer of scenarios

scend
n. 1 : the lift of a wave : SEND
2 : the upward movement of a pitching ship

scene
n. 1 : one of the subdivisions of a play: as a : a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place b : a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play <the love scene> c : a motion-picture or television episode or sequence
2 a : a stage setting b : a real or imaginary prospect suggesting a stage setting <a sylvan scene>
3 : the place of an occurrence or action : LOCALE <scene of the crime>
4 : an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior <make a scene>
5 a : sphere of activity <the drug scene> b : SITUATION <a bad scene>
–behind the scenes
1 : out of public view also : in secret
2 : in a position to see the hidden workings <taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government⋯has operated ― William Clark>

scene
n. make the scene
mise en scene
scene stealer
metteur en scene
scene a faire
behind the scenes

scene a faire
: obligatory scene

scene-stealer
: an actor who attracts attention when another is intended to be the center of attention

scenery
n. 1 : the painted scenes or hangings and accessories used on a theater stage
2 : a picturesque view or landscape
3 : one's usual surroundings <needed a change of scenery>

sceneshifter
n. : a worker who moves the scenes in a theater

scenic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the stage, a stage setting, or stage representation
2 : of or relating to natural scenery <a scenic view>
3 : representing an action, event, or episode <a scenic bas-relief>
–sce·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

scenic railway
chiefly British : a miniature railway (as in an amusement park) with artificial scenery along the way

scenography
n. : the art of perspective representation especially as applied to the design and painting of stage scenery
–sce·nog·ra·pher \-grə-fər\ noun
–sce·no·graph·ic \ˌsē-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective

scent
n. 1 : effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: as a : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over b : a characteristic or particular odor especially : one that is agreeable
2 a : power of smelling : sense of smell <a keen scent> b : power of detection : NOSE <a scent for heresy>
3 : a course of pursuit or discovery <throw one off the scent>
4 : INKLING, INTIMATION <a scent of trouble>
5 : PERFUME 2
6 : bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds
7 : a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
synonyms see FRAGRANCE, SMELL
–scent·less \'sent-ləs\ adjective

scent
n. transitive verb
1 a : to perceive by the olfactory organs : SMELL b : to get or have an inkling of <scent trouble>
2 : to imbue or fill with odor <scented the air with perfume>
intransitive verb
1 : to yield an odor of some specified kind <this scents of sulfur> also : to bear indication or suggestions
2 : to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey

scent hound
: a hound (as a bloodhound) that hunts and pursues game by scent rather than by sight ― compare SIGHT HOUND

scented
adj. : having scent: as a : having a perfumed smell b : having the sense of smell c : having or exhaling an odor

scepter
n. 1 : a staff or baton borne by a sovereign as an emblem of authority
2 : royal or imperial authority : SOVEREIGNTY

scepter
n. : to invest with the scepter in token of royal authority

sceptered
adj. 1 : invested with a scepter or sovereign authority
2 : of or relating to a sovereign or to royalty

sceptic
adj. chiefly British variant of skeptic, skeptical, skepticism

sceptre
n. British variant of scepter

sch
school

Schacht
(Horace Greeley) Hjal·mar \'yäl-ˌmär\ 1877-1970 Ger. financier

schadenfreude
n. : enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others

Schaerbeek
commune cen Belgium, NE suburb of Brussels pop 107,736

Schaffhausen
1 canton N Switzerland bordering on SW Germany area 115 sq mi (298 sq km), pop 73,400
2 commune, its capital pop 33,436

Schally
Andrew Victor 1926-     American (Pol.-born) physiol.

Scharnhorst
Gerhard Johann David von 1755-1813 Pruss. gen.

Schaumburg
village NE Ill. NW of Chicago pop 75,386

Schaumburg-Lippe
state of Germany 1918-33 in NW bet. Westphalia & Hannover

Schawlow
Arthur Leonard 1921-1999 American physicist

schedule
n. 1 a obsolete : a written document b : a statement of supplementary details appended to a legal or legislative document
2 : a written or printed list, catalog, or inventory also : TIMETABLE 1
3 : PROGRAM especially : a procedural plan that indicates the time and sequence of each operation <finished on schedule>
4 : a body of items to be dealt with : AGENDA
5 often capitalized : a governmental list of drugs all subject to the same legal restrictions and controls ― usually used with a Roman numeral I to V indicating decreasing potential for abuse or addiction

schedule
n. 1 : to appoint, assign, or designate for a fixed time
2 a : to place in a schedule b : to make a schedule of
–sched·ul·er noun

scheelite
n. : a mineral consisting of the tungstate of calcium that is an ore of tungsten

schefflera
n. : any of a genus (Schefflera) of chiefly tropical and subtropical shrubs and trees of the ginseng family having usually palmately compound leaves and including some (as S. actinophylla syn. Brassaia actinophylla) grown indoors and in gardens

Scheherazade
n. : the fictional wife of a sultan and the narrator of the tales in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments

Scheidemann
Philipp 1865-1939 Ger. polit.

Schelde
river 270 mi (434 km) W Europe flowing from N France through Belgium into North Sea in Netherlands

Schelling
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von 1775-1854 Ger. philos.
–Schel·ling·ian \she-'liŋ-ē-ən\ adjective

schema
n. 1 : a diagrammatic presentation broadly : a structured framework or plan : OUTLINE
2 : a mental codification of experience that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli

schematic
adj. : of or relating to a scheme or schema
–sche·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

schematic
adj. : a schematic drawing or diagram

schematism
n. : the disposition of constituents in a pattern or according to a scheme : DESIGN also : a particular systematic disposition of parts

schematize
v. 1 : to form or to form into a scheme or systematic arrangement
2 : to express or depict schematically
–sche·ma·ti·za·tion \ˌskē-mə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

scheme
n. 1 a archaic (1) : a mathematical or astronomical diagram (2) : a representation of the astrological aspects of the planets at a particular time b : a graphic sketch or outline
2 : a concise statement or table : EPITOME
3 : a plan or program of action especially : a crafty or secret one
4 : a systematic or organized configuration : DESIGN <color scheme>
synonyms see PLAN

scheme
n. transitive verb : to form a scheme for
intransitive verb : to form plans also : PLOT, INTRIGUE
–schem·er noun

scheme
n. Ponzi scheme
pyramid scheme
rhyme scheme

scheming
n. : given to forming schemes especially : DEVIOUS

Schenectady
city E N.Y. pop 61,821

Schererville
town NW Ind. pop 24,851

scherzando
adj. : in sportive manner : PLAYFULLY ― used as a direction in music indicating style and tempo <allegretto scherzando>

scherzando
adj. : a passage or movement in scherzando style

scherzo
n. : a sprightly humorous instrumental musical composition or movement commonly in quick triple time

Scheveningen
seaside resort SW Netherlands on North Sea; part of The Hague

Schiaparelli
Giovanni Virginio 1835-1910 Ital. astron.

Schick
n. Bé·la \'bā-lə\ 1877-1967 American (Hung.-born) pediatrician

Schick test
: a test for susceptibility to diphtheria by cutaneous injection of a diluted diphtheria toxin that causes an area of reddening and induration in susceptible individuals

Schiedam
n. commune SW Netherlands pop 76,576

Schiff's reagent
: a solution of fuchsine decolorized by treatment with sulfur dioxide that gives a useful test for aldehydes because they restore the dye's color ― called also Schiff reagent \'shif-\ ― compare FEULGEN REACTION

Schiller
n. (Johann Christoph) Friedrich von 1759-1805 Ger. poet & dram.

schiller
n. : a bronzy iridescent luster (as of a mineral)

schilling
n. : the basic monetary unit of Austria until 2002

Schindler
n. Oskar 1908-1974 Ger. humanitarian

schipperke
n. : any of a Belgian breed of small stocky black tailless dogs with foxy head and heavy coat

Schirach
Baldur von 1907-1974 Ger. Nazi polit.

schism
n. 1 : DIVISION, SEPARATION also : DISCORD, DISHARMONY <a schism between political parties>
2 a : formal division in or separation from a church or religious body b : the offense of promoting schism

schismatic
n. : one who creates or takes part in schism

schismatic
n. : of, relating to, or guilty of schism
–schis·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

schismatize
v. intransitive verb : to take part in schism especially : to make a breach of union (as in the church)
transitive verb : to induce into schism

schist
n. : a metamorphic crystalline rock that has a closely foliated structure and can be split along approximately parallel planes

schistose
adj. : of or relating to schist : having the character or structure of a schist
–schis·tos·i·ty \shis-'tä-sə-tē\ noun

schistosome
n. : any of a genus (Schistosoma) of elongated trematode worms with the sexes separate that parasitize the blood vessels of birds and mammals and cause a destructive human schistosomiasis broadly : a worm of the family (Schistosomatidae) that includes this genus
–schis·to·som·al \ˌshis-tə-'sō-məl\ adjective
–schistosome adjective

schistosomiasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by schistosomes specifically : a severe endemic disease of humans in Africa and parts of Asia and So. America that is contracted when cercariae released into freshwaters (as rivers) by a snail intermediate host penetrate the skin and that is marked especially by blood loss and tissue damage ― called also snail fever

schiz
1 : split : cleft <schizocarp>
2 : characterized by or involving cleavage <schizogony>
3 : schizophrenia <schizoid>

schizo
n. : a schizophrenic individual
–schizo adjective

schizocarp
n. : a dry compound fruit that splits at maturity into several indehiscent one-seeded carpels

schizogony
n. : asexual reproduction by multiple segmentation characteristic of sporozoans (as the malaria parasite)
–schizo·gon·ic \ˌski-zə-'gä-nik, ˌskit-sə-\ adjective

schizoid
n. : characterized by, resulting from, tending toward, or suggestive of schizophrenia
–schizoid noun

schizont
n. : a multinucleate sporozoan that reproduces by schizogony

schizophrene
: one affected with schizophrenia : SCHIZOPHRENIC

schizophrenia
n. 1 : a psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment, by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life, and by disintegration of personality expressed as disorder of feeling, thought (as delusions), perception (as hallucinations), and behavior ― called also dementia praecox ― compare PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA
2 : contradictory or antagonistic qualities or attitudes <both parties⋯have exhibited schizophrenia over the desired outcome ― Elizabeth Drew>
–schizo·phren·ic \-'fre-nik\ adjective or noun
–schizo·phren·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

schizy
: SCHIZOID

Schlegel
August Wilhelm von 1767-1845 Ger. author

Schlegel
Friedrich von 1772-1829 bro. of prec. Ger. philos. & writer

Schleicher
Kurt von 1882-1934 Ger. soldier & polit.

Schleiermacher
Friedrich Ernst Daniel 1768-1834 Ger. theol. & philos.

schlemiel
n. : an unlucky bungler : CHUMP

schlep
n. transitive verb : DRAG, HAUL
intransitive verb : to proceed or move especially slowly, tediously, awkwardly, or carelessly

Schlesinger
n. Arthur M(eier) 1888-1965 & his son Arthur M(eier) Jr. 1917-     American historians

Schleswig
n. 1 or Danish Sles·vig \'slis-vē\ region N Germany & S Denmark in S Jutland Peninsula
2 city N Germany pop ab 26,938

Schleswig-Holstein
state of Germany & formerly of W. Germany consisting of Holstein & part of Schleswig capital Kiel area 6046 sq mi (15,659 sq km), pop 2,626,100

Schliemann
Heinrich 1822-1890 Ger. archaeol.

schlieren
n. 1 : small masses or streaks in an igneous rock that differ in composition from the main body
2 : regions of varying refraction in a transparent medium often caused by pressure or temperature differences and detectable especially by photographing the passage of a beam of light
–schlie·ric \'shlir-ik\ adjective

schlock
n. : of low quality or value
–schlock noun

schlub
n. slang : a stupid, worthless, or unattractive person

schlump
n. slang : SCHLUB
–schlumpy \'shləm-pē\ adjective

schm
― used to form a rhyming term of derision by replacing the initial consonant or consonant cluster of a word or by preceding the initial vowel <fancy, schmancy, I prefer plain> <Godfather-shmodfather97enough already ― Judith Crist>

schmaltz
n. 1 : sentimental or florid music or art
2 : SENTIMENTALITY
–schmaltzy \'shmȯlt-sē, 'shmält-\ adjective

schmear
v. : an aggregate of related things <the whole schmear>

Schmidt
Helmut 1918-     chancellor of West Germany (1974-82)

Schmidt camera
: a photographic telescope with specialized optics that correct for spherical aberration and coma ― called also Schmidt telescope

schmo
n. slang : JERK 4A

schmooze
intransitive verb : to converse informally : CHAT also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections
transitive verb : to engage in schmoozing with <she schmoozed her professors>
–schmooz·er \'shmü-zər\ noun

schmooze
v. 1 : a gathering or time devoted to schmoozing
2 : casual talk that is often gossipy or ingratiating

schmoozy
: of, relating to, characterized by, or given to schmoozing <a schmoozy salesclerk>

schmuck
n. slang : JERK 4B

Schnabel
Ar·tur \'är-ˌtu̇r\ 1882-1951 Austrian pianist & composer

Schnabel
Julian 1951-     American artist & filmmaker

schnapps
n. : any of various liquors of high alcoholic content especially : strong Holland gin

schnauzer
n. : a dog of any of three breeds that originated in Germany and are characterized by a wiry coat, long head, pointed ears, heavy eyebrows, and long hair on the muzzle: a : STANDARD SCHNAUZER b : GIANT SCHNAUZER c : MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

schnauzer
n. giant schnauzer
miniature schnauzer
standard schnauzer

schnitzel
n. : a seasoned and garnished veal cutlet

Schnitzler
Arthur 1862-1931 Austrian dram. & nov.

schnook
n. slang : a stupid or unimportant person : DOLT

schnorrer
n. : BEGGAR especially : one who wheedles others into supplying his wants

schnoz
n. slang : NOSE specifically : a large nose

schnozzle
n. slang : SCHNOZ

Schoenberg
n. Arnold Franz Walter 1874-1951 American (Austrian-born) composer
–Schoen·berg·ian \-ˌbər-gē-ən\ adjective

Schofield
John McAllister 1831-1906 American gen.

schola cantorum
1 : a singing school especially for church choristers specifically : the choir or choir school of a monastery or of a cathedral
2 : an enclosure designed for a choir and located in the center of the nave in early church buildings

scholar
n. 1 : a person who attends a school or studies under a teacher : PUPIL
2 a : a person who has done advanced study in a special field b : a learned person
3 : a holder of a scholarship

scholarly
adj. : of, characteristic of, or suitable to learned persons : LEARNED, ACADEMIC

scholarship
n. 1 : a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation)
2 : the character, qualities, activity, or attainments of a scholar : LEARNING
3 : a fund of knowledge and learning <drawing on the scholarship of the ancients>
synonyms see KNOWLEDGE

Scholarship level
: S LEVEL

scholastic
n. 1 a often capitalized : of or relating to Scholasticism <scholastic theology> <scholastic philosophy> b : suggestive or characteristic of a scholastic especially in subtlety or aridity : PEDANTIC <dull scholastic reports>
2 : of or relating to schools or scholars especially : of or relating to high school or secondary school
–scho·las·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

scholastic
n. 1 a capitalized : a Scholastic philosopher b : PEDANT, FORMALIST
2 [New Latin scholasticus, from Latin scholasticus, adjective] : a student in a scholasticate
3 : a person who adopts academic or traditional methods in art

scholasticate
: a college-level school of general study for those preparing for membership in a Roman Catholic religious order

scholasticism
n. 1 capitalized a : a philosophical movement dominant in western Christian civilization from the 9th until the 17th century and combining religious dogma with the mystical and intuitional tradition of patristic philosophy especially of St. Augustine and later with Aristotelianism b : NEO-SCHOLASTICISM
2 a : close adherence to the traditional teachings or methods of a school or sect b : pedantic adherence to scholarly methods

Scholes
Myron Samuel 1941-     American (Canad.-born) econ.

scholiast
n. : a maker of scholia : COMMENTATOR, ANNOTATOR
–scho·li·as·tic \ˌskō-lē-'as-tik\ adjective

scholium
n. 1 : a marginal annotation or comment (as on the text of a classic by an early grammarian)
2 : a remark or observation subjoined but not essential to a demonstration or a train of reasoning

school
n. 1 : an organization that provides instruction: as a : an institution for the teaching of children b : COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY c (1) : a group of scholars and teachers pursuing knowledge together that with similar groups constituted a medieval university (2) : one of the four faculties of a medieval university (3) : an institution for specialized higher education often associated with a university <the school of engineering> d : an establishment offering specialized instruction <a secretarial school> <driving schools>
2 a (1) : the process of teaching or learning especially at a school (2) : attendance at a school (3) : a session of a school b : a school building c : the students attending a school also : its teachers and students
3 : a source of knowledge <experience was his school>
4 a : a group of persons who hold a common doctrine or follow the same teacher (as in philosophy, theology, or medicine) <the Aristotelian school> also : the doctrine or practice of such a group b : a group of artists under a common influence c : a group of persons of similar opinions or behavior also : the shared opinions or behavior of such a group <other schools of thought>
5 : the regulations governing military drill of individuals or units also : the exercises carried out <the school of the soldier>

school
n. 1 a : to teach or drill in a specific knowledge or skill <well schooled in languages> b : to discipline or habituate to something <school oneself in patience>
2 : to educate in an institution of learning
synonyms see TEACH

school
n. : a large number of fish or aquatic animals of one kind swimming together

school
n. : to swim or feed in a school <bluefish are schooling>

school
n. alternative school
approved school
boarding school
B school
charter school
church school
common school
consolidated school
correspondence school
dame school
day school
divinity school
elementary school
finishing school
grade school
grammar school
high school
industrial school
infant school
intermediate school
junior high school
magnet school
middle school
normal school
nursery school
old school
old school tie
parochial school
preparatory school
prep school
primary school
private school
public school
reform school
school age
school board
school bus
school committee
school district
school leaver
secondary school
senior high school
summer school
Sunday school
trade school
training school
vestibule school

school board
: a board in charge of local public schools

school bus
: a vehicle used for transporting children to or from school or on activities connected with school

school committee
: SCHOOL BOARD

school district
: a unit for administration of a public-school system often comprising several towns within a state

school-age
: old enough to go to school <school-age children>

school-leaver
British : one who has left school usually after completing a course of study

schoolbag
n. : a bag for carrying schoolbooks and school supplies

schoolbook
n. : a school textbook

schoolboy
n. : a boy attending school

schoolboy
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a schoolboy <schoolboy pranks>
2 : of, relating to, or being a sport for high school or prep school boys also : being one who participates in such sports <a former schoolboy and collegiate goalie ― D. J. Barr>

schoolboyish
: SCHOOLBOY 1

schoolchild
n. : a child attending school

schooler
n. grade schooler
high schooler
middle schooler

schoolfellow
n. : SCHOOLMATE

schoolgirl
n. : a girl attending school

schoolhouse
n. : a building used as a school and especially as an elementary school

schooling
n. 1 a : instruction in school : EDUCATION b : training, guidance, or discipline derived from experience
2 archaic : REPROOF
3 : the cost of instruction and maintenance at school
4 : the training of a horse for service especially : the teaching and exercising of horse and rider in the formal techniques of equitation

schoolkid
n. : a child or teenager attending school

schoolman
n. 1 a : one skilled in academic disputation b capitalized : SCHOLASTIC 1A
2 a : EDUCATOR 1 b : EDUCATOR 2B

schoolmarm
n. 1 : a woman who is a schoolteacher especially in a rural or small-town school
2 : a person who exhibits characteristics attributed to schoolteachers (as strict adherence to arbitrary rules)
–school·marm·ish \-ˌmä(r)-mish\ adjective

schoolmaster
n. 1 : a man who teaches school
2 : one that disciplines or directs
3 : a reddish-brown edible snapper (Lutjanus apodus) of the tropical Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico
–school·mas·ter·ish \-tə-rish\ adjective
–school·mas·ter·ly adjective

schoolmate
n. : a companion at school

schoolmistress
n. : a woman who teaches school
–school·mis·tressy \-trə-sē\ adjective

schoolroom
n. : CLASSROOM

schoolteacher
n. : one who teaches school

schooltime
n. 1 : the time for beginning a session of school or during which school is held
2 : the period of life spent in school or in study

schoolwork
n. : lessons done in class or assigned to be done at home

schooner
n. 1 : a typically 2-masted fore-and-aft rigged vessel with a foremast and a mainmast stepped nearly amidships
2 : a larger-than-usual drinking glass (as for beer)

schooner
n. prairie schooner
schooner rig
schooner rigged

schooner rig
: FORE-AND-AFT RIG
–schoo·ner-rigged \'skü-nə(r)-'rigd\ adjective

Schopenhauer
n. Arthur 1788-1860 Ger. philos.
–Scho·pen·hau·er·ian \ˌshō-pən-'hau̇-(ə-)rē-ən\ adjective

schorl
n. : TOURMALINE especially : tourmaline of the black variety

schottische
n. 1 : a round dance resembling a slow polka
2 : music for the schottische

Schouten Islands
islands Indonesia in N West Papua at mouth of Sarera Bay area 1230 sq mi (3198 sq km)

Schrieffer
John Robert 1931-     American physicist

schrod
variant of scrod

Schroder
Gerhard 1944-     chancellor of Germany (1998-    )

Schrodinger
Erwin 1887-1961 Austrian physicist

Schrodinger equation
: an equation that describes the wave nature of elementary particles and is fundamental to the description of the properties of all matter

schtick
n. variant of shtick

Schubert
n. Franz Peter 1797-1828 Austrian composer
–Schu·bert·ian \shü-'bər-tē-ən, -'ber-\ adjective

Schultz
n. Theodore 1902-1998 American econ.

Schulz
Charles Monroe 1922-2000 American cartoonist

Schuman
Robert 1886-1963 Fr. statesman

Schuman
William Howard 1910-1992 American composer

Schumann
n. Robert 1810-1856 Ger. composer

Schumann-Heink
Ernestine 1861-1936 née Roessler American (Austrian-born) contralto

Schurz
Carl 1829-1906 American (Ger.-born) lawyer, gen., & polit.

Schuschnigg
Kurt von 1897-1977 Austrian statesman

schuss
n. : to ski directly down a slope at high speed
–schuss noun
–schuss·er noun

schussboomer
n. : a skier who schusses

Schuyler
Philip John 1733-1804 American gen. & statesman

Schuylkill
river 131 mi (211 km) SE Pa. flowing SE into Delaware River at Philadelphia

schwa
n. 1 : an unstressed mid-central vowel (as the usual sound of the first and last vowels of the English word America)
2 : the symbol ə used for the schwa sound and less widely for a similarly articulated stressed vowel (as in cut)

Schwaben
― see SWABIA

Schwann cell
: the myelin-secreting cell surrounding a myelinated nerve fiber between two nodes of Ranvier

schwarmerei
: excessive or unwholesome sentiment

Schwartz
Melvin 1932-     American physicist

Schwarzkopf
n. H. Norman 1934-     American gen.

Schwarzkopf
n. (Olga Maria) Elisabeth Friederike 1915-     Ger. (Pol.-born) soprano

Schwarzwald
― see BLACK FOREST

Schweinfurt
city S cen Germany on Main River pop 54,520

Schweitzer
n. Albert 1875-1965 Fr. theol., philos., missionary physician, & music scholar

Schweiz
― see SWITZERLAND

Schwerin
city N Germany capital of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania pop 125,959

Schwinger
Julian Seymour 1918-     American physicist

Schwyz
1 canton E cen Switzerland area 351 sq mi (909 sq km), pop 131,400
2 town, its capital, E of Lucerne pop 13,934

sci
science; scientific

sci-fi
: of, relating to, or being science fiction <a sci-fi film>
–sci-fi noun

sciatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or situated near the hip
2 : of, relating to, or caused by sciatica <sciatic pains>

sciatic nerve
: either of the pair of largest nerves in the body that arise one on each side from the nerve plexus supplying the posterior limb and pelvic region and that pass out of the pelvis and down the back of the thigh

sciatica
n. : pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh broadly : pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or adjacent parts

SCID
severe combined immune deficiency; severe combined immunodeficiency

science
n. 1 : the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding
2 a : a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study <the science of theology> b : something (as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge <have it down to a science>
3 a : knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method b : such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : NATURAL SCIENCE
4 : a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws <cooking is both a science and an art>
5 capitalized : CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

science
n. behavioral science
big science
Christian Science
cognitive science
creation science
domestic science
earth science
exact science
information science
library science
life science
master of science
materials science
military science
natural science
physical science
planetary science
policy science
political science
science fair
science fiction
science fictional
social science
soil science

science fair
: a competitive exhibition of science projects usually carried out by schoolchildren

science fiction
: fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component
–sci·ence-fic·tion·al \'sī-ən(t)s-'fik-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

sciential
adj. 1 : relating to or producing knowledge or science
2 : having efficient knowledge : CAPABLE

scientific
adj. : of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
–sci·en·tif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

scientific
adj. International Scientific Vocabulary
scientific creationism
scientific method
scientific notation

scientific creationism
: a doctrine holding that the biblical account of creation is supported by scientific evidence

scientific method
: principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

scientific notation
: a widely used floating-point system in which numbers are expressed as products consisting of a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by an appropriate power of 10 (as in 1.591 × (10)-20 or 1.591 × 10 - 20)

scientism
n. 1 : methods and attitudes typical of or attributed to the natural scientist
2 : an exaggerated trust in the efficacy of the methods of natural science applied to all areas of investigation (as in philosophy, the social sciences, and the humanities)
–sci·en·tis·tic \ˌsī-ən-'tis-tik\ adjective

scientist
n. 1 : a person learned in science and especially natural science : a scientific investigator
2 capitalized : CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST

scientist
n. behavioral scientist
Christian Scientist
cognitive scientist
earth scientist
life scientist
materials scientist
natural scientist
physical scientist
planetary scientist
political scientist
social scientist
soil scientist

scientize
: to treat with a scientific approach <the attempt to scientize reality, to name it and classify it ― John Fowles>

scilicet
adv. : TO WIT, NAMELY

scilla
n. : any of a genus (Scilla) of Old World bulbous herbs of the lily family with narrow basal leaves and purple, blue, or white racemose flowers

Scilly, Isles of
island group SW England off Land's End comprising 140 islands capital Hugh Town area 6 sq mi (16 sq km), pop 2900 ― see CORNWALL 2
–Scil·lo·ni·an \si-'lō-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

scimitar
n. : a saber having a curved blade with the edge on the convex side and used chiefly by Arabs and Turks

scintigraphy
n. : a diagnostic technique in which a two-dimensional picture of internal body tissue is produced through the detection of radiation emitted by a radioactive substance administered into the body
–scin·ti·graph·ic \ˌsin-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

scintilla
n. : SPARK, TRACE <not a scintilla of doubt>

scintillant
adj. : that scintillates : SPARKLING
–scin·til·lant·ly adverb

scintillate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to emit sparks : SPARK
2 : to emit quick flashes as if throwing off sparks : SPARKLE
transitive verb : to throw off as a spark or as sparkling flashes <stars scintillate in the sky> <scintillate witticisms>
–scin·til·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

scintillating
adj. : brilliantly lively, stimulating, or witty <a scintillating conversation>

scintillation
n. 1 : an act or instance of scintillating especially : rapid changes in the brightness of a celestial body
2 a : a spark or flash emitted in scintillating b : a flash of light produced in a phosphor by an ionizing event
3 : a brilliant outburst (as of wit)
4 : a flash of the eye

scintillation counter
: a device for detecting and registering individual scintillations (as in radioactive emission)

scintillometer
n. : SCINTILLATION COUNTER

sciolism
n. : a superficial show of learning
–sci·o·list \-list\ noun
–sci·o·lis·tic \ˌsī-ə-'lis-tik\ adjective

scion
n. 1 : a detached living portion of a plant (as a bud or shoot) joined to a stock in grafting and usually supplying solely aerial parts to a graft
2 a : DESCENDANT, CHILD especially : a descendant of a wealthy, aristocratic, or influential family b : HEIR 1 <scion of a railroad empire>

Scioto
river 237 mi (381 km) Ohio flowing S into Ohio River

Scipio
Aemilianus Af·ri·ca·nus \-ˌa-frə-'ka-nəs, -'kä-, -'kā-\ Numantinus Publius Cornelius 185(or 184)-129 B.C. Scipio the Younger Rom. gen.

Scipio Africanus
Publius Cornelius 236-184(or 183) B.C. Scipio the Elder Rom. gen.

scire facias
1 : a judicial writ founded on some matter of record and requiring the party proceeded against to show cause why the record should not be enforced, annulled, or vacated
2 : a legal proceeding instituted by a scire facias

scirocco
n. variant of sirocco

scirrhous
adj. : of, relating to, or being a hard slow-growing malignant tumor having a preponderance of fibrous tissue

scissile
adj. : capable of being cut smoothly or split easily <a scissile peptide bond>

scission
n. 1 : a division or split in a group or union : SCHISM
2 : an action or process of cutting, dividing, or splitting : the state of being cut, divided, or split

scissor
v. : SCISSORS

scissor
v. : to cut, cut up, or cut off with scissors or shears <scissored the paper into strips>

scissor
v. scissor tailed flycatcher
scissors and paste
scissors hold
scissors kick

scissor-tailed flycatcher
: a flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) of the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America that has a long deeply forked tail ― called also scissortail

scissors
n. 1 : a cutting instrument having two blades whose cutting edges slide past each other
2 a : a gymnastic feat in which the leg movements suggest the opening and closing of scissors b : SCISSORS HOLD

scissors
n. scissors and paste
scissors hold
scissors kick

scissors hold
: a wrestling hold in which the legs are locked around the head or body of an opponent

scissors kick
: a swimming kick used especially in sidestrokes in which the legs move like scissors

scissors-and-paste
: being a compilation rather than an effort of original and independent investigation

sclaff
: to scrape the ground instead of hitting the ball cleanly on a golf stroke
–sclaff noun
–sclaff·er noun

SCLC
Southern Christian Leadership Conference

scler
1 : hard <sclerite> <scleroderma>
2 : hardness <sclerometer>

sclera
n. : the dense fibrous opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball except the part covered by the cornea ― see EYE illustration
–scler·al \-əl\ adjective

sclereid
: a variably shaped sclerenchymatous cell of a higher plant

sclerenchyma
n. : a protective or supporting tissue in higher plants composed of cells with walls thickened and often lignified
–scler·en·chy·ma·tous \ˌskler-ən-'ki-mə-təs, -'kī-\ adjective

sclerite
n. : a hard chitinous or calcareous plate, piece, or spicule (as of the arthropod integument)

scleroderma
n. : a usually slowly progressive disease marked by the deposition of fibrous connective tissue in the skin and often in internal organs and structures

sclerometer
n. : an instrument for determining the relative hardnesses of materials

scleroprotein
n. : any of various fibrous proteins especially from connective and skeletal tissues

sclerosing
n. : causing or characterized by sclerosis <sclerosing agents>

sclerosis
n. 1 : pathological hardening of tissue especially from overgrowth of fibrous tissue or increase in interstitial tissue also : a disease characterized by sclerosis
2 : an inability or reluctance to adapt or compromise <political sclerosis>

sclerotherapy
n. : the injection of a sclerosing agent (as saline) into a varicose vein to produce inflammation and scarring which closes the lumen and is followed by shrinkage

sclerotic
adj. 1 : being or relating to the sclera
2 : of, relating to, or affected with sclerosis

sclerotic
adj. : SCLERA

sclerotic coat
: SCLERA

sclerotin
n. : an insoluble tanned protein permeating and stiffening the chitin of the cuticle of arthropods

sclerotium
n. : a compact mass of hardened mycelium stored with reserve food material that in some higher fungi becomes detached and remains dormant until a favorable opportunity for growth occurs
–scle·ro·tial \-'rō-shəl\ adjective

sclerotized
: hardened especially by the formation of sclerotin <sclerotized insect cuticle>
–scler·o·ti·za·tion \ˌskler-e-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

scoff
n. 1 : an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : GIBE
2 : an object of scorn, mockery, or derision

scoff
n. : to show contempt by derisive acts or language <scoffed at the idea>
transitive verb : to treat or address with derision : MOCK
–scoff·er noun
synonyms SCOFF, JEER, GIBE, FLEER, SNEER, FLOUT mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery. SCOFF stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision <scoffed at their concerns>. JEER suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision <the crowd jeered at the prisoners>. GIBE implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision <hooted and gibed at the umpire>. FLEER suggests grinning or grimacing derisively <the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity>. SNEER stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice <sneered at anything romantic>. FLOUT stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed <flouted the conventions of polite society>.

scoff
n. transitive verb
1 : to eat greedily <scoffed dinner>
2 : SEIZE ― often used with up <scoffed up the free gifts>
intransitive verb : to eat something greedily

scofflaw
n. : a contemptuous law violator

scold
n. 1 a : one who scolds habitually or persistently b : a woman who disturbs the public peace by noisy and quarrelsome or abusive behavior
2 : SCOLDING

scold
n. 1 obsolete : to quarrel noisily
2 : to find fault noisily or angrily
transitive verb : to censure severely or angrily : REBUKE
–scold·er noun
synonyms SCOLD, UPBRAID, BERATE, RAIL, REVILE, VITUPERATE mean to reproach angrily and abusively. SCOLD implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly <angrily scolding the children>. UPBRAID implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds <upbraided her assistants for poor research>. BERATE suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding <berated continually by an overbearing boss>. RAIL (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating <railed loudly at their insolence>. REVILE implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred <an alleged killer reviled in the press>. VITUPERATE suggests a violent reviling <was vituperated for betraying his friends>.

scolding
n. 1 : the action of one who scolds
2 : a harsh reproof <gave the child a sharp scolding for running into the road>

scolecite
: a usually fibrous zeolite mineral that is a hydrous calcium aluminum silicate

scolex
n. : the head of a tapeworm either in the larva or adult stage

scoliosis
n. : a lateral curvature of the spine
–sco·li·ot·ic \-'ä-tik\ adjective

scollop
n. variant of scallop

scolopendra
: CENTIPEDE

scombroid
: any of a suborder (Scombroidei) of marine bony fishes (as mackerels, tunas, albacores, bonitos, and swordfishes) of great economic importance as food fishes
–scombroid adjective

sconce
n. 1 : a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks also : an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce
2 : HEAD, SKULL

sconce
n. : a detached defensive work

Scone
n. locality E Scotland NE of Perth pop 3713

scone
n. : a rich quick bread cut into usually triangular shapes and cooked on a griddle or baked on a sheet

scoop
n. 1 a : a large ladle b : a deep shovel or similar implement for digging, dipping, or shoveling c : a usually hemispherical utensil for dipping food d : a small spoon-shaped utensil or instrument for cutting or gouging
2 a : the action of scooping b : the amount contained by a scoop
3 a : a hollow place : CAVITY b : a part forming or surrounding an opening for channeling a fluid (as air) into a desired path
4 a : information especially of immediate interest b : BEAT 5B
5 : a rounded and usually low-cut neckline on a woman's garment ― called also scoop neck
–scoop·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

scoop
n. 1 a : to take out or up with or as if with a scoop : DIP b : to pick up quickly or surreptitiously with or as if with a sweep of the hand ― often used with up <scoop up the treat>
2 : to empty by ladling out the contents
3 : to make hollow : DIG OUT
4 : BEAT 5A(2) <scooped the rival newspaper>
–scoop·able \'skü-pə-bəl\ adjective
–scoop·er noun

scoot
n. 1 : to move swiftly
2 : to slide especially while seated <scoot over and let me sit down>
–scoot noun

scooter
n. 1 : a child's foot-operated vehicle consisting of a narrow footboard mounted between two wheels tandem with an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel
2 : MOTOR SCOOTER

scop
n. : an Old English bard or poet

scope
n. 1 : INTENTION, OBJECT
2 : space or opportunity for unhampered motion, activity, or thought
3 : extent of treatment, activity, or influence
4 : range of operation: as a : the range of a logical operator : a string in predicate calculus that is governed by a quantifier b : a grammatical constituent that determines the interpretation of a predicate or quantifier
synonyms see RANGE

scope
n. 1 : any of various instruments for viewing: as a : MICROSCOPE b : TELESCOPE c : a telescope mounted on a firearm for use as a sight
2 : HOROSCOPE

scope
n. : to look at especially for the purpose of evaluation ― often used with out <scoped her out from across the room ― Tim Allis>

scope
n. : means (as an instrument) for viewing or observing <endoscope> <spectroscope>

Scopes
n. John Thomas 1900-1970 American teacher

scopolamine
n. : a poisonous alkaloid C_17H_21NO_4 similar to atropine that is found in various solanaceous plants and is used for its anticholinergic effects (as preventing nausea in motion sickness and inducing mydriasis) ― called also hyoscine

Scopus, Mount
mountain Israel NE of Jerusalem

scopy
: viewing : observation <spectroscopy>

scorbutic
adj. : of, relating to, producing, or affected with scurvy

scorch
n. transitive verb
1 : to burn a surface of so as to change its color and texture
2 a : to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat : PARCH b : to afflict painfully with censure or sarcasm
3 : DEVASTATE especially : to destroy (as property of possible use to an advancing enemy) before abandoning ― used in the phrase scorched earth
intransitive verb
1 : to become scorched
2 : to travel at great and usually excessive speed
3 : to cause intense heat or mental anguish <scorching sun> <scorching fury>
–scorch·ing·ly \'skȯr-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

scorch
n. 1 : a result of scorching
2 : a browning of plant tissues usually from disease or heat

scorch
n. dialect British : CUT, SLASH

scorched
adj. : parched or discolored by scorching

scorched-earth
1 : relating to or being a military policy involving deliberate and usually widespread destruction of property and resources (as housing and factories) so that an invading enemy cannot use them
2 : directed toward victory or supremacy at all costs : RUTHLESS <scorched-earth rhetoric>

scorcher
n. : one that scorches especially : a very hot day

score
n. 1 or plural score a : TWENTY b : a group of 20 things ― often used in combination with a cardinal number <fourscore> c : an indefinitely large number
2 a : a line (as a scratch or incision) made with or as if with a sharp instrument b (1) : a mark used as a starting point or goal (2) : a mark used for keeping account
3 a : an account or reckoning orig. kept by making marks on a tally b : amount due : INDEBTEDNESS
4 : GRUDGE <a score to settle>
5 a : REASON, GROUND <was accepted on the score of high academic achievement> b : SUBJECT, TOPIC <has nothing to say on that score>
6 a : the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation b : a musical composition specifically : the music for a movie or theatrical production c : a complete description of a dance composition in choreographic notation
7 a : a number that expresses accomplishment (as in a game or test) or excellence (as in quality) either absolutely in points gained or by comparison to a standard b : an act (as a goal, run, or touchdown) in any of various games or contests that gains points
8 : success in obtaining something (as money or drugs) especially through illegal or irregular means
9 : the stark inescapable facts of a situation <knows the score>

score
n. transitive verb
1 a : to keep a record or account of by or as if by notches on a tally : RECORD b : to enter in a record c : to mark with significant lines or notches (as in keeping account)
2 : to mark with lines, grooves, scratches, or notches
3 : BERATE, SCOLD also : DENOUNCE
4 a (1) : to make (a score) in a game or contest <scored a touchdown> <scored three points> (2) : to enable (a base runner) to make a score (3) : to have as a value in a game or contest : COUNT <a touchdown scores six points> b (1) : ACHIEVE, ATTAIN <scored a dazzling success> (2) : ACQUIRE <help a traveler score local drugs ― Poitor Koper> (3) : WIN 1 <scored free tickets over the radio>
5 : to determine the merit of : GRADE
6 a : to write or arrange (music) for a specific performance medium b : to make an orchestration of c : to compose a score for (a movie)
intransitive verb
1 : to keep score in a game or contest
2 : to make a score in a game or contest
3 a : to gain or have the advantage b : to be successful: as (1) : to succeed in having sexual intercourse (2) : to manage to obtain illicit drugs c : 3RATE
–scor·er noun
–score points : to gain favor, status, or advantage

score
n. Apgar score
box score
hog score
line score
raw score
score points
standard score
z score

score points
to gain favor, status, or advantage

scoreboard
n. : a large board for displaying the score of a game or match

scorecard
n. 1 : a card for recording the score of a game
2 : a report or indication of the status, condition, or success of something or someone

scorekeeper
n. : one that keeps score specifically : an official who records the score during a game or contest

scoreless
adj. : having no score

Scoresby Sound
inlet of Norwegian Sea E Greenland N of 70°N

scoria
n. 1 : the refuse from melting of metals or reduction of ores : SLAG
2 : rough vesicular cindery lava
–sco·ri·a·ceous \ˌskȯr-ē-'ā-shəs\ adjective

scorn
n. 1 : open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation
2 : an expression of contempt or derision
3 : an object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision : something contemptible

scorn
n. : to treat with scorn : reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy <scorned local traditions> <scorned to reply to the charge>
intransitive verb : to show disdain or derision : SCOFF
synonyms see DESPISE
–scorn·er noun

scornful
adj. : full of scorn : CONTEMPTUOUS
–scorn·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–scorn·ful·ness noun

scorpaenid
: any of a family (Scorpaenidae) of marine bony fishes possessing usually venomous spines on the fins that includes the scorpion fishes, lionfishes, and rockfishes
–scorpaenid adjective

Scorpio
n. 1 : SCORPIUS
2 a : the eighth sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under this sign

scorpion
n. 1 a : any of an order (Scorpionida) of nocturnal arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip b capitalized : SCORPIO
2 : a scourge prob. studded with metal
3 : something that incites to action like the sting of an insect <the scorpions of absolute necessity ― Arnold Bennett>

scorpion
n. sea scorpion
scorpion fish
scorpion fly
water scorpion
whip scorpion

scorpion fish
: any of various scorpaenid fishes (esp. genus Scorpaena)

scorpion fly
: any of a family (Panorpidae) of insects that have cylindrical bodies, a long beak with biting mouthparts, and the male genitalia enlarged into a swollen bulb broadly : an insect of the order (Mecoptera) that includes this family

Scorpius
: a southern zodiacal constellation partly in the Milky Way and between Libra and Sagittarius

Scorsese
n. Martin 1942-     American film director

Scot
n. 1 : a member of a Celtic people of northern Ireland settling in Scotland about A.D. 500
2 a : a native or inhabitant of Scotland b : a person of Scottish descent

scot
n. : money assessed or paid

scot
n. scot and lot
scot free
Middle Scots
Scots Irish
Scots pine

scot and lot
1 : a parish assessment formerly laid on subjects in Great Britain according to their ability to pay
2 : obligations of all kinds taken as a whole

scot-free
: completely free from obligation, harm, or penalty

Scotch
n. 1 : SCOTTISH
2 : inclined to frugality

Scotch
n. 1 : SCOTS
2 plural in construction : the people of Scotland
3 often not capitalized : whiskey distilled in Scotland especially from malted barley ― called also Scotch whisky

Scotch
n. ― used for adhesive tape

scotch
n. 1 archaic : CUT, GASH, SCORE also : WOUND <we have scotched the snake, not killed it ― Shakespeare>
2 : to put an end to <scotched rumors of a military takeover>

scotch
n. : a superficial cut : SCORE

scotch
n. : a chock to prevent rolling or slipping

scotch
n. 1 : to block with a chock
2 : HINDER, THWART

scotch
n. Scotch whisky
Scotch bonnet
Scotch broom
Scotch broth
Scotch egg
Scotch Irish
Scotch pine
Scotch terrier
Scotch verdict
Scotch woodcock

Scotch bonnet
: a small roundish very hot chili pepper especially of the Caribbean that is usually red or yellow when mature

Scotch broom
: a deciduous broom (Cytisus scoparius) of western Europe that is widely cultivated for its bright yellow or partly red flowers and that has become naturalized in No. America

Scotch broth
: a soup made from beef or mutton and vegetables and thickened with barley

Scotch egg
: a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, covered with bread crumbs, and fried

Scotch pine
: a pine (Pinus sylvestris) of northern Europe and Asia with spreading or pendulous branches, short rigid twisted needles, and hard yellow wood that provides valuable timber

Scotch terrier
: SCOTTISH TERRIER

Scotch verdict
1 : a verdict of not proven that is allowed by Scottish criminal law in some cases instead of a verdict of not guilty
2 : an inconclusive decision or pronouncement

Scotch woodcock
: buttered toast spread with anchovy paste and scrambled egg

Scotch-Irish
: of, relating to, or descended from Scottish settlers in northern Ireland

Scotchman
n. : SCOTSMAN

Scotchwoman
n. : SCOTSWOMAN

scoter
n. : any of a genus (Melanitta) of sea ducks of chiefly coastal Eurasia, Canada, and the U.S. that have males with chiefly black plumage

scotia
n. : a concave molding used especially in classical architecture in the bases of columns

Scotia Sea
part of the S. Atlantic SE of Falkland Islands, W of S. Sandwich Islands, & N of S. Orkney Islands

Scotic
: of or relating to the ancient Scots

Scotism
: the doctrines of Duns Scotus
–Sco·tist \'skō-tist\ noun

Scotland
n. country N Great Britain; a division of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland capital Edinburgh area 29,797 sq mi (77,174 sq km), pop 5,062,011

Scotland
n. Scotland Yard
Nova Scotia
Scotia Sea
New Caledonia

Scotland Yard
: the detective department of the London metropolitan police

scotoma
n. : a spot in the visual field in which vision is absent or deficient

scotopic
adj. : relating to or being vision in dim light with dark-adapted eyes which involves only the retinal rods as light receptors

Scots
adj. : SCOTTISH ― used especially of the people and language and in legal context

Scots
adj. : the English language of Scotland

Scots
adj. Middle Scots
Scots Irish
Scots pine

Scots pine
chiefly British : SCOTCH PINE

Scots-Irish
: SCOTCH-IRISH

Scotsman
n. : a native or inhabitant of Scotland

Scotswoman
n. : a woman who is a native or inhabitant of Scotland

Scott
n. Dred \'dred\ 1795?-1858 American slave

Scott
n. Sir George Gilbert 1811-1878 Eng. architect

Scott
n. Robert Falcon 1868-1912 Eng. polar explorer

Scott
n. Sir Walter 1771-1832 Scot. poet & nov.

Scott
n. Winfield 1786-1866 American gen.

Scotticism
n. : a word, phrase, or expression characteristic of Scottish English

Scottie
n. 1 : SCOTSMAN
2 : SCOTTISH TERRIER

Scottish
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, Scots, or the Scots
–Scot·tish·ness \-nəs\ noun

Scottish
adj. : SCOTS

Scottish
adj. Scottish deerhound
Scottish Gaelic
Scottish rite
Scottish terrier
Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders
administrative area of S Scotland area 1828 sq mi (4734 sq km)

Scottish deerhound
: any of an old breed of dogs of Scottish origin that have the general form of a greyhound but are larger and taller with a shaggy harsh coat

Scottish Gaelic
: the Gaelic language of Scotland

Scottish rite
1 : a ceremonial observed by one of the Masonic systems
2 : a system or organization that observes the Scottish rite and confers the 4th through the 33d degrees

Scottish terrier
: any of an old Scottish breed of terrier that has short legs, a long head with small erect ears and a powerful muzzle, a broad deep chest, and a very hard coat of wiry hair

Scotts Bluff National Monument
n. reservation W Nebr. on N. Platte River including Scotts Bluff (high butte that was a landmark on the Oregon Trail)

Scottsdale
city SW cen Ariz. E of Phoenix pop 202,705

Scotus
Duns ― see DUNS SCOTUS

Scotus
John ― see ERIGENA

scoundrel
n. : a disreputable person : RASCAL
–scoundrel adjective
–scoun·drel·ly \-drə-lē\ adjective

scour
n. transitive verb
1 a : to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing b : to remove by rubbing hard and washing
2 archaic : to clear (a region) of enemies or outlaws
3 : to clean by purging : PURGE
4 : to remove dirt and debris from (as a pipe or ditch)
5 : to free from foreign matter or impurities by or as if by washing <scour wool>
6 : to clear, dig, or remove by or as if by a powerful current of water
intransitive verb
1 : to perform a process of scouring
2 : to suffer from diarrhea or dysentery
3 : to become clean and bright by rubbing
–scour·er noun

scour
n. 1 : a place scoured by running water
2 : scouring action (as of a glacier)
3 : DIARRHEA, DYSENTERY ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
4 : SCOURING 1 also : damage done by scouring action

scour
n. intransitive verb : to move about quickly especially in search
transitive verb : to go through or range over in or as if in a search

scourge
n. 1 : WHIP especially : one used to inflict pain or punishment
2 : an instrument of punishment or criticism
3 : a cause of wide or great affliction

scourge
n. 1 : FLOG, WHIP
2 a : to punish severely b : AFFLICT c : to drive as if by blows of a whip d : CHASTISE
–scourg·er noun

scouring
n. 1 : material removed by scouring or cleaning
2 : the lowest rank of society ― usually used in plural

scouring rush
: HORSETAIL especially : one (Equisetum hyemale) with strongly siliceous stems formerly used for scouring

scouse
n. 1 : LOBSCOUSE
2 capitalized a : SCOUSER b : a dialect of English spoken in Liverpool

Scouser
: a native or inhabitant of Liverpool, England

scout
n. intransitive verb
1 : to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2 a : to make a search b : to work as a talent scout
transitive verb
1 : to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate
2 : to explore in order to obtain information
3 : to find by making a search

scout
n. 1 a : one sent to obtain information especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter b : WATCHMAN, LOOKOUT c : TALENT SCOUT
2 a : the act of scouting b : a scouting expedition : RECONNAISSANCE
3 often capitalized : a member of any of various scouting movements: as a : BOY SCOUT b : GIRL SCOUT
4 : INDIVIDUAL, PERSON ― used chiefly in the phrase good scout

scout
n. transitive verb
1 : MOCK
2 : to reject scornfully <scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood ― Mark Twain>
intransitive verb : SCOFF

scout
n. Boy Scout
Cub Scout
Eagle Scout
Girl Scout
scout car
Sea Scout
talent scout

scout car
1 : a military reconnaissance vehicle
2 : SQUAD CAR

scoutcraft
: the craft, skill, or practice of a scout

scouter
n. 1 : one that scouts
2 often capitalized : an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America

scouth
Scottish : PLENTY

scouting
n. 1 : the action of one that scouts
2 often capitalized : the activities of various national and worldwide organizations for youth directed to developing character, citizenship, and individual skills

scoutmaster
n. : the leader of a band of scouts specifically : the adult leader of a troop of Boy Scouts

scow
n. : a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting bulk material (as ore, sand, or refuse)

scowl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
2 : to exhibit a threatening aspect
transitive verb : to express with a scowl
–scowl·er noun
–scowl·ing·ly \'skau̇-liŋ-lē\ adverb

scowl
n. : a facial expression of displeasure : FROWN

SCPO
senior chief petty officer

scrabble
n. intransitive verb
1 : SCRAWL, SCRIBBLE
2 : to scratch, claw, or grope about clumsily or frantically
3 a : SCRAMBLE, CLAMBER b : to struggle by or as if by scraping or scratching <scrabble for survival>
transitive verb
1 : SCRAMBLE
2 : SCRIBBLE
–scrab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

scrabble
n. 1 : SCRAMBLE
2 : SCRIBBLE
3 : a repeated scratching or clawing

scrabbly
1 : SCRATCHY, RASPY
2 : SPARSE, SCRUBBY

scrag
n. 1 : a rawboned or scrawny person or animal
2 a : the lean end of a neck of mutton or veal ― called also scrag end b : NECK

scrag
n. 1 a : to execute by hanging or garroting b : to wring the neck of
2 a : CHOKE b : MANHANDLE 1 c : KILL, MURDER

scraggly
adj. : irregular in form or growth <scraggly hills> <a scraggly beard> also : UNKEMPT

scraggy
adj. : ROUGH, JAGGED also : SCRAGGLY

scraggy
adj. : being lean and long : SCRAWNY

scram
v. : to go away at once <scram, you're not wanted>

scram
v. : a rapid emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor

scramble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move with urgency or panic b : to move or climb hastily on all fours
2 a : to struggle eagerly or unceremoniously for possession of something <scramble for front seats> b : to get or gather something with difficulty or in irregular ways <scramble for a living>
3 : to spread or grow irregularly : SPRAWL, STRAGGLE
4 : to take off quickly in response to an alert
5 of a football quarterback : to run with the ball after the pass protection breaks down
transitive verb
1 : to collect by scrambling
2 a : to toss or mix together : JUMBLE b : to prepare (eggs) by stirring during frying
3 : to cause or order (a fighter-interceptor group) to scramble
4 : to disarrange the elements of a transmission (as a telephone or television signal) in order to make unintelligible to interception
–scram·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

scramble
n. 1 : the act or an instance of scrambling
2 : a disordered mass : JUMBLE <a⋯scramble of patterns and textures ― Vogue>
3 : a rapid emergency takeoff of fighter-interceptor planes

scrannel
adj. : HARSH, UNMELODIOUS

Scranton
city NE Pa. pop 76,415

scrap
n. 1 plural : fragments of discarded or leftover food
2 a : a small detached piece <a scrap of paper> b : a fragment of something written, printed, or spoken <scraps of conversation> c : the least bit <not a scrap of evidence>
3 plural : CRACKLINGS
4 a : fragments of stock removed in manufacturing b : manufactured articles or parts rejected or discarded and useful only as material for reprocessing especially : waste and discarded metal

scrap
n. 1 : to convert into scrap
2 : to abandon or get rid of as no longer of enough worth or effectiveness to retain <scrap outworn methods>
synonyms see DISCARD

scrap
n. : FIGHT

scrap
n. : QUARREL, FIGHT

scrap heap
1 : a pile of discarded metal
2 : the place where useless things are discarded

scrapbook
n. : a blank book in which various items (as newspaper clippings or pictures) are collected and preserved

scrape
n. transitive verb
1 a : to remove from a surface by usually repeated strokes of an edged instrument b : to make (a surface) smooth or clean with strokes of an edged instrument or an abrasive
2 a : to grate harshly over or against b : to damage or injure the surface of by contact with a rough surface c : to draw roughly or noisily over a surface
3 : to collect by or as if by scraping ― often used with up or together <scrape up the price of a ticket>
intransitive verb
1 : to move in sliding contact with a rough surface
2 : to accumulate money by small economies
3 : to draw back the foot along the ground in making a bow
4 : to make one's way with difficulty : barely manage or succeed <just scraped through at school> <working two jobs and barely scraping by>
–scrap·er noun

scrape
n. 1 a : the act or process of scraping b : a sound made by scraping c : a mark or injury caused by scraping : ABRASION <bumps and scrapes>
2 a : the nest of a bird consisting of a usually shallow depression in the ground b : a cleared area on the forest floor made by a male deer during breeding season to attract a doe
3 : a bow made with a drawing back of the foot along the ground
4 a : a distressing encounter <a scrape with death> b : ALTERCATION, FIGHT

scrapie
n. : a usually fatal spongiform encephalopathy especially of sheep that is caused by a prion and is characterized by twitching, intense itching, excessive thirst, emaciation, weakness, and finally paralysis

scrappage
n. 1 : the scrapping of discarded objects (as automobiles)
2 : the rate at which objects are scrapped

scrapper
n. : FIGHTER, QUARRELER also : a fierce competitor

scrappily
adv. : in a scrappy manner

scrappiness
n. : the quality or state of being scrappy

scrapple
n. : a seasoned mixture of ground meat (as pork) and cornmeal set in a mold and served sliced and fried

scrappy
adj. : consisting of scraps <scrappy meals>

scrappy
adj. 1 : QUARRELSOME
2 : having an aggressive and determined spirit : FEISTY

scratch
n. transitive verb
1 : to scrape or dig with the claws or nails
2 : to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged
3 a : to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching) b : to act on (a desire) ― used with itch <scratch the itch to travel>
4 : to scrape together : collect with difficulty or by effort <scratch out a living>
5 : to write or draw on a surface
6 a : to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through b : to withdraw (an entry) from competition
7 : SCRIBBLE, SCRAWL
8 : to scrape along a rough surface <scratch a match>
intransitive verb
1 : to use the claws or nails in digging, tearing, or wounding
2 : to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching)
3 : to gather money or make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice <had to scratch and save for college>
4 a : to make a thin grating sound b : to produce a rhythmic scratching sound by moving a phonograph record back and forth under a phonograph needle
5 : to withdraw from a contest or engagement
6 : to make a scratch in billiards or pool
–scratch·er noun
–scratch one's back : to accommodate with a favor especially in expectation of like return
–scratch one's head : to be or become confused or perplexed
–scratch the surface : to make a modest effort or start

scratch
n. 1 : a mark or injury produced by scratching also : a slight wound
2 : SCRAWL, SCRIBBLE
3 : the sound made by scratching
4 : the starting line in a race
5 a : a test of courage b : satisfactory condition, level, or performance <not up to scratch>
6 : a contestant whose name is withdrawn
7 : poultry feed (as mixed grains) scattered on the litter or ground especially to induce birds to exercise ― called also scratch feed
8 a : a shot in billiards or pool that ends a player's turn specifically : a shot in pool in which the cue ball falls into the pocket b : a shot that scores by chance : FLUKE
9 slang : MONEY, FUNDS
–from scratch
1 : from a point at which nothing has been done ahead of time <build a school system from scratch>
2 : without using a prepared mixture of ingredients <bake a cake from scratch>

scratch
n. 1 : arranged or put together with little selection : HAPHAZARD <a scratch team>
2 : made as or used for a tentative effort
3 : made or done by chance and not as intended <a scratch shot>
4 : having no handicap or allowance <a scratch golfer>
5 : made from scratch : made with basic ingredients <a scratch cake>

scratch
n. scratch feed
cat scratch disease
cat scratch fever
hen scratch
scratch the surface
scratch one's head
scratch one's back
from scratch
scratch hit
scratch pad
scratch paper
scratch sheet
scratch test
back scratching
head scratching
head scratcher

scratch hit
: a batted ball not solidly hit yet credited to the batter as a base hit

scratch one's back
to accommodate with a favor especially in expectation of like return

scratch one's head
to be or become confused or perplexed

scratch pad
: a pad of scratch paper

scratch paper
: paper that may be used for casual writing

scratch sheet
: a racing publication listing competitors scratched from races and giving odds

scratch test
: a test for allergic susceptibility made by rubbing an extract of an allergen into small breaks or scratches in the skin

scratch the surface
to make a modest effort or start

scratchboard
n. : a black-surfaced cardboard having an undercoat of white clay on which an effect resembling engraving is achieved by scratching away portions of the surface to produce white lines

scratchy
adj. 1 : marked or made with scratches <scratchy drawing> <scratchy handwriting>
2 : likely to scratch : PRICKLY <scratchy undergrowth>
3 : making a scratching noise
4 : uneven in quality : RAGGED
5 : causing tingling or itching : IRRITATING <scratchy wool>
6 : somewhat inflamed and sore <a scratchy throat>
–scratch·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–scratch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

scrawl
n. transitive verb : to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly <scrawled his name>
intransitive verb : to write awkwardly or carelessly
–scrawl noun
–scrawl·er noun
–scrawly \'skrȯ-lē\ adjective

scrawny
adj. : exceptionally thin and slight or meager in body or size <scrawny scrub cattle>
synonyms see LEAN
–scraw·ni·ness noun

screak
v. : to make a harsh shrill noise : SCREECH
–screak noun
–screaky \'skrē-kē\ adjective

scream
n. intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to voice a sudden sharp loud cry (2) : to produce harsh high tones b : to make a noise resembling a scream <the siren screamed> c : to move with great rapidity
2 a : to speak or write with intense or hysterical emotion b : to protest, demand, or complain vehemently c : to laugh hysterically
3 : to produce a vivid startling effect
transitive verb : to utter with or as if with a scream

scream
n. 1 : a loud sharp penetrating cry or noise
2 : a very funny person or thing

screamer
n. 1 : one that screams
2 : any of a small family (Anhimidae) of So. American wetland birds having a large body, long legs, and spurred wings
3 : a sensationally startling headline

screaming
adj. 1 : so striking or conspicuous as to attract notice as if by screaming <screaming headlines> <a screaming need for reform> <dressed in screaming red>
2 : so funny as to provoke screams of laughter <a screaming farce>
3 : extremely fast or powerful <a screaming line drive>
–scream·ing·ly adverb

screaming meemies
: nervous hysteria : JITTERS

scree
n. : an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff : TALUS

screech
n. 1 : a high shrill piercing cry usually expressing pain or terror
2 : a sound resembling a screech

screech
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a high shrill piercing cry : make an outcry usually in terror or pain
2 : to make a shrill high-pitched sound resembling a screech also : to move with such a sound <the car screeched to a stop>
transitive verb : to utter with or as if with a screech
–screech·er noun

screech owl
1 : BARN OWL
2 : any of various New World owls (genus Otus) especially : either of two small owls (O. asio of eastern No. America and O. kennicottii of western No. America) with a pair of tufts of lengthened feathers on the head resembling ears

screeching
v. : ABRUPT, SUDDEN <her career came to a screeching halt>

screechy
adj. : producing a screech

screed
n. 1 a : a lengthy discourse b : an informal piece of writing (as a personal letter)
2 : a strip (as of a plaster of the thickness planned for the coat) laid on as a guide
3 : a leveling device drawn over freshly poured concrete

screen
n. 1 : a protective or ornamental device (as a movable partition) shielding an area from heat or drafts or from view
2 : something that shelters, protects, or hides: as a : a growth or stand of trees, shrubs, or plants b : a protective formation of troops, ships, or planes c : something that covers or disguises the true nature (as of an activity or feeling) <his geniality is just a screen> d (1) : a maneuver in various sports (as basketball or ice hockey) whereby an opponent is legally impeded or the opponent's view of the play is momentarily blocked (2) : SCREEN PASS
3 a : a perforated plate or cylinder or a meshed wire or cloth fabric usually mounted and used to separate coarser from finer parts b : a system for examining and separating into different groups c : a piece of apparatus designed to prevent agencies in one part from affecting other parts <an optical screen> <an electric screen> d : a frame holding a usually metallic netting used especially in a window or door to exclude pests (as insects)
4 a : a flat surface on which a picture or series of pictures is projected or reflected b : the surface on which the image appears in an electronic display (as in a television set, radar receiver, or computer terminal) also : the information displayed on a computer screen at one time
5 : a glass plate ruled with crossing opaque lines through which an image is photographed in making a halftone
6 : the motion-picture medium or industry

screen
n. 1 : to guard from injury or danger
2 a : to give shelter or protection to with or as if with a screen b : to separate with or as if with a screen also : to shield (an opponent) from a play or from view of a play
3 a : to pass (as coal, gravel, or ashes) through a screen to separate the fine part from the coarse also : to remove by a screen b (1) : to examine usually methodically in order to make a separation into different groups (2) : to select or eliminate by a screening process (3) : to test or examine for the presence of something (as a disease) <patients were screened for hepatitis>
4 : to provide with a screen to keep out pests (as insects)
5 a (1) : to present (as a motion picture) for viewing on a screen (2) : to view the presentation of (as a motion picture) b : to present in a motion picture
intransitive verb
1 : to appear on a motion-picture screen
2 : to provide a screen in a game or sport
synonyms see HIDE
–screen·able \'skrē-nə-bəl\ adjective
–screen·er noun

screen
n. big screen
blue screen
coromandel screen
fire screen
home screen
on screen
screen memory
screen pass
screen saver
screen test
silk screen
silver screen
small screen
smoke screen
split screen
touch screen
wide screen

screen memory
: a recollection of early childhood that may be falsely recalled or magnified in importance and that masks another memory of deep emotional significance

screen pass
: a forward pass in football to a receiver at or behind the line of scrimmage who is protected by a screen of blockers

screen saver
: a computer program that usually displays various images on the screen of a computer that is on but not in use

screen test
: a short film sequence for assessing the ability or suitability of a person for a motion-picture role
–screen-test transitive verb

screenful
adj. : the amount of information visible at one time on a display screen

screening
n. 1 : the act or process of one that screens
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : material (as waste or fine coal) separated out by means of a screen
3 : metal or plastic mesh (as for window screens)
4 : a showing of a motion picture

screenland
n. : FILMDOM

screenplay
n. : the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for motion-picture production

screenwriter
n. : a writer of screenplays

screw
n. 1 a : a simple machine of the inclined plane type consisting of a spirally grooved solid cylinder and a correspondingly grooved hollow cylinder into which it fits b : a nail-shaped or rod-shaped piece with a spiral groove and a slotted or recessed head designed to be inserted into material by rotating (as with a screwdriver) and used for fastening pieces of solid material together
2 a : a screwlike form : SPIRAL b : a turn of a screw also : a twist like the turn of a screw c : a screwlike device (as a corkscrew)
3 : a worn-out horse
4 chiefly British : a small packet (as of tobacco)
5 : a prison guard
6 : a person who bargains shrewdly also : SKINFLINT
7 : a propeller especially of a ship
8 a : THUMBSCREW 1 b : pressure or punitive measures intended to coerce ― used chiefly in the phrase put the screws on or put the screws to
9 a usually vulgar : an act of sexual intercourse b usually vulgar : a partner in sexual intercourse
–screw·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–have a screw loose : to be mentally unbalanced

screw
n. 1 a (1) : to attach, fasten, or close by means of a screw (2) : to unite or separate by means of a screw or a twisting motion <screw the two pieces together> (3) : to press tightly in a device (as a vise) operated by a screw (4) : to operate, tighten, or adjust by means of a screw (5) : to torture by means of a thumbscrew b : to cause to rotate spirally about an axis
2 a (1) : to twist into strained configurations : CONTORT <screwed up his face> (2) : SQUINT (3) : CRUMPLE b : to furnish with a spiral groove or ridge : THREAD
3 : to increase the intensity, quantity, or capability of <trying to screw up courage to confess ― Will Scott>
4 a (1) : to mistreat or exploit through extortion, trickery, or unfair actions especially : to deprive of or cheat out of something due or expected <screwed out of a job> (2) : to treat so as to bring about injury or loss (as to a person's reputation) <use the available Federal machinery to screw our political enemies ― J. W. Dean III> ― often used as a generalized curse <screw you!> b : to extract by pressure or threat
5 usually vulgar : to copulate with
intransitive verb
1 : to rotate like or as a screw
2 : to turn or move with a twisting or writhing motion
3 usually vulgar : COPULATE
–screw·er noun

screw
n. Archimedes' screw
have a screw loose
screw around
screw eye
screw jack
screw pine
screw propeller
screw thread
screw up

screw around
1 : to waste time with unproductive activity : DALLY
2 : to have sexual relations with someone outside of a marriage or steady relationship : be sexually promiscuous

screw eye
: a wood screw with a head in the form of a loop

screw jack
: a screw-operated jack for lifting, exerting pressure, or adjusting position (as of a machine part)

screw pine
: any of a genus (Pandanus of the family Pandanaceae, the screw-pine family) of tropical monocotyledonous Old World trees or shrubs with slender palmlike stems, often huge prop roots, and terminal crowns of swordlike leaves

screw propeller
: PROPELLER

screw thread
1 : the projecting helical rib of a screw
2 : one complete turn of a screw thread

screw up
1 : to tighten, fasten, or lock by or as if by a screw
2 a : BUNGLE, BOTCH b : to cause to act or function in a crazy or confused way : CONFOUND, DISTURB
intransitive verb : to botch an activity or undertaking

screwball
n. 1 : a baseball pitch that spins and breaks in the opposite direction to a curve
2 : a whimsical, eccentric, or crazy person : ZANY

screwball
n. : crazily eccentric or whimsical : ZANY

screwbean
1 : a leguminous shrub or small tree (Prosopis pubescens) of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico having spirally twisted pods with sweet pulp ― called also screwbean mesquite
2 : the pod of the screwbean

screwdriver
n. 1 : a tool for turning screws
2 : vodka and orange juice served with ice

screwup
1 : one who screws up
2 : BOTCH, BLUNDER

screwworm
n. 1 : a blowfly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) of the warmer parts of America whose larva develops in sores or wounds or in the nostrils of mammals including humans with serious or sometimes fatal results especially : its larva
2 : any of several flies other than the screwworm and especially their larvae which parasitize the flesh of mammals

screwy
adj. 1 : crazily absurd, eccentric, or unusual
2 : CRAZY, INSANE
–screw·i·ness noun

Scriabin
Aleksandr Nikolayevich 1872-1915 Russ. composer

scribal
: of, relating to, or due to a scribe

scribble
n. transitive verb
1 : to write hastily or carelessly without regard to legibility or form
2 : to cover with careless or worthless writings or drawings
intransitive verb : to write or draw hastily and carelessly
–scribble noun

scribbler
n. 1 : one that scribbles
2 : a minor or insignificant author

Scribe
n. (Augustin-) Eugène 1791-1861 Fr. dram.

scribe
n. 1 : a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists
2 a : an official or public secretary or clerk b : a copier of manuscripts
3 : WRITER specifically : JOURNALIST

scribe
n. : to work as a scribe : WRITE

scribe
n. 1 : to mark a line on by cutting or scratching with a pointed instrument
2 : to make by cutting or scratching

scribe
n. : SCRIBER

scriber
n. : a sharp-pointed tool for making marks and especially for marking off material (as wood or metal) to be cut

scrieve
Scottish : to move along swiftly and smoothly

scrim
n. 1 : a durable plain-woven usually cotton fabric for use in clothing, curtains, building, and industry
2 : a theater drop that appears opaque when a scene in front is lighted and transparent or translucent when a scene in back is lighted
3 : something likened to a theater scrim

scrimmage
n. 1 a : a minor battle : SKIRMISH b : a confused fight : SCUFFLE
2 a : the interplay between two football teams that begins with the snap of the ball and continues until the ball is dead b : practice play (as in football or basketball) between two squads

scrimmage
intransitive verb : to take part in a scrimmage
transitive verb : to play a scrimmage against
–scrim·mag·er noun

scrimmage line
: LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

scrimp
v. transitive verb
1 : to be stingy in providing for
2 : to make too small, short, or scanty
intransitive verb : to be frugal or stingy
–scrimpy \'skrim-pē\ adjective

scrimshander
n. 1 : SCRIMSHAW
2 : a person who creates scrimshaw

scrimshaw
n. transitive verb : to carve or engrave into scrimshaw
intransitive verb : to produce scrimshaw

scrimshaw
n. 1 : any of various carved or engraved articles made orig. by American whalers usually from baleen or whale ivory
2 : scrimshawed work
3 : the art, practice, or technique of producing scrimshaw

scrip
n. archaic : a small bag or wallet

scrip
n. 1 : a short writing (as a certificate, schedule, or list)
2 : a small piece
3 a : any of various documents used as evidence that the holder or bearer is entitled to receive something (as a fractional share of stock or an allotment of land) b : paper currency or a token issued for temporary use in an emergency

scrip
n. : PRESCRIPTION 4A

script
n. 1 a : something written : TEXT b : an original or principal instrument or document c (1) : MANUSCRIPT 1 (2) : the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast specifically : the one used in production or performance
2 a : a style of printed letters that resembles handwriting b : written characters : HANDWRITING c : ALPHABET
3 : a plan of action

script
n. 1 : to prepare a script for or from
2 : to provide carefully considered details for (as a plan of action) <an event carefully scripted to attract attention>

script
n. : PRESCRIPTION 4A

scripter
n. : SCRIPTWRITER

scriptorium
n. : a copying room for scribes especially in a medieval monastery

scriptural
adj. : of, relating to, contained in, or according to a sacred writing especially : BIBLICAL
–scrip·tur·al·ly adverb

scripture
n. 1 a (1) capitalized : the books of the Bible ― often used in plural (2) often capitalized : a passage from the Bible b : a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative
2 : something written <the primitive man's awe for any scripture ― George Santayana>

scriptwriter
n. : a person who writes scripts (as screenplays)

scrivener
n. 1 : a professional or public copyist or writer : SCRIBE
2 : NOTARY PUBLIC

scrod
n. : a young fish (as a cod or haddock) especially : one split and boned for cooking

scrofula
n. : tuberculosis of lymph nodes especially in the neck

scrofulous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affected with scrofula
2 a : having a diseased run-down appearance b : morally contaminated <scrofulous characters⋯so quick to smear ― John Garrity>

scroll
n. 1 a : a roll (as of papyrus, leather, or parchment) for writing a document b archaic : a written message c : ROSTER, LIST d : a riband with rolled ends often inscribed with a motto
2 a : something resembling a scroll in shape especially : a spiral or convoluted form in ornamental design derived from the curves of a loosely or partly rolled parchment scroll b : the curved head of a bowed stringed musical instrument ― see VIOLIN illustration
–scrolled \'skrōld\ adjective

scroll
n. 1 : to move text or graphics up or down or across a display screen as if by unrolling a scroll
2 : to progress, move, or be revealed as if by the unrolling of a scroll <watch scenery scroll by large picture windows ― David Yeadon>
transitive verb : to cause (text or graphics on a display screen) to move in scrolling

scroll saw
1 : FRETSAW
2 : a machine saw with a table for supporting the material and a narrow vertically reciprocating blade for cutting curved lines or ornamental openwork patterns

scrollwork
n. : ornamentation characterized by scrolls especially : fancy designs in wood often made with a scroll saw

scrooge
n. : a miserly person

scrotum
n. : the external pouch that in most mammals contains the testes
–scro·tal \'skrō-təl\ adjective

scrouge
v. chiefly dialect : CROWD, PRESS

scrounge
v. transitive verb
1 : STEAL, SWIPE
2 a : to get as needed by or as if by foraging, scavenging, or borrowing <scrounging enough money for a bus ticket> b : FINAGLE, WHEEDLE ― often used with up
intransitive verb : to search about and turn up something needed from whatever source is available also : to actively seek money, work, or sustenance from any available source
–scroung·er noun

scroungy
: being shabby, dirty, or unkempt

scrub
n. 1 a : a stunted tree or shrub b : vegetation consisting chiefly of scrubs c : a tract covered with scrub
2 : a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior conformation : MONGREL
3 : a person of insignificant size or standing
4 : a player not belonging to the first string

scrub
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to clean with hard rubbing : SCOUR (2) : to remove by scrubbing b : to subject to friction : RUB
2 : WASH 6C(2)
3 : CANCEL, ELIMINATE <scrubbed the flight because of bad weather>
intransitive verb
1 : to use hard rubbing in cleaning
2 : to prepare for performing surgery by scrubbing oneself
–scrub·ba·ble \'skrə-bə-bəl\ adjective

scrub
n. 1 : an act or instance of scrubbing especially : CANCELLATION
2 a : one that scrubs b : a powerful and especially cosmetic cleanser
3 plural : loose-fitting clothing worn by hospital staff <surgical scrubs>

scrub
n. scrub brush
scrub jay
scrub nurse
scrub oak
scrub pine
scrub typhus
scrubbing brush

scrub brush
: a brush with hard bristles for heavy cleaning ― called also scrubbing brush

scrub jay
: either of two crestless jays (Aphelocoma californica of the western U.S. and Mexico and A. coerulescens of Florida) typically of scrub or chaparral that have a blue head, tail, and wings and a brownish back

scrub nurse
: a nurse who assists the surgeon in an operating room

scrub oak
: any of various chiefly American oaks (as Quercus ilicifolia of the northeastern U.S.) of small size and usually shrubby habit

scrub pine
: a pine of dwarf, straggly, or scrubby growth usually by reason of environmental conditions specifically : a pine tree unsuitable for lumber by reason of inferior or defective growth

scrub typhus
: an acute febrile bacterial disease that is caused by a rickettsia (Orientia tsutsugamushi syn. Rickettsia tsutsugamushi) transmitted by mite larvae, resembles typhus transmitted by lice, and is widespread in the western Pacific area ― called also tsutsugamushi disease

scrubbed
adj. archaic : SCRUBBY 1

scrubbed
adj. : giving the impression of being clean or wholesome as if from scrubbing <days when studios manufactured scrubbed public images for their stars ― Sally Helgesen>

scrubber
n. : one that scrubs especially : an apparatus for removing impurities especially from gases

scrubby
adj. 1 : inferior in size or quality : STUNTED <scrubby cattle>
2 : covered with or consisting of scrub
3 : SHABBY, PALTRY

scrubland
n. : land covered with scrub

scrubwoman
n. : CHARWOMAN

scruff
n. : the back of the neck : NAPE

scruffy
adj. : UNKEMPT, SLOVENLY, SHAGGY <a scruffy neighborhood> <a scruffy beard>
–scruff·i·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–scruff·i·ness \-fē-nəs\ noun

scrum
n. 1 a or scrum·mage \'skrə-mij\ : a rugby play in which the forwards of each side come together in a tight formation and struggle to gain possession of the ball using their feet when it is tossed in among them also : the arrangement of players in a scrum b : a usually brief and disorderly struggle or fight : SCRAPE, SCUFFLE
2 a British : MADHOUSE 2 b : a usually tightly packed or disorderly crowd : THRONG
–scrummage intransitive verb

scrumptious
adj. : DELIGHTFUL, EXCELLENT especially : DELICIOUS
–scrump·tious·ly adverb

scrunch
n. transitive verb
1 : CRUNCH, CRUSH
2 a : to draw or squeeze together tightly b : CRUMPLE ― often used with up c : to cause (as one's features) to draw together ― usually used with up
intransitive verb
1 : to move with or make a crunching sound
2 : CROUCH, HUNCH also : SQUEEZE

scrunch
n. : a crunching sound

scrunchie
n. : a fabric-covered elastic used for holding back hair (as in a ponytail)

scruple
n. 1 ― see WEIGHT table
2 : a minute part or quantity : IOTA

scruple
n. 1 : an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action
2 : the quality or state of being scrupulous
3 : mental reservation
synonyms see QUALM

scruple
n. 1 : to have scruples
2 : to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : HESITATE

scrupulosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being scrupulous
2 : 2SCRUPLE 1

scrupulous
adj. 1 : having moral integrity : acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper
2 : punctiliously exact : PAINSTAKING <working with scrupulous care>
synonyms see UPRIGHT, CAREFUL
–scru·pu·lous·ly adverb
–scru·pu·lous·ness noun

scrutable
adj. : capable of being deciphered : COMPREHENSIBLE

scrutineer
n. 1 : one that examines
2 British : one who takes or counts votes

scrutinise
v. British variant of scrutinize

scrutinize
v. transitive verb : to examine closely and minutely
intransitive verb : to make a scrutiny
–scru·ti·niz·er noun
synonyms SCRUTINIZE, SCAN, INSPECT, EXAMINE mean to look at or over. SCRUTINIZE stresses close attention to minute detail <scrutinized the hospital bill>. SCAN implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation <scanned the wine list>. INSPECT implies scrutinizing for errors or defects <inspected my credentials>. EXAMINE suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing <examined the specimens>.

scrutiny
n. 1 : a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : EXAMINATION
2 : a searching look
3 : close watch : SURVEILLANCE

SCSI
n. small computer system interface

scuba
n. : an apparatus utilizing a portable supply of compressed gas (as air) supplied at a regulated pressure and used for breathing while swimming underwater

scuba diver
: one who swims underwater with the aid of scuba gear
–scuba dive intransitive verb

scud
n. 1 : to move or run swiftly especially as if driven forward <clouds scudding across the sky>
2 : to run before a gale

scud
n. 1 : the action of scudding : RUSH
2 a : loose vapory clouds driven swiftly by the wind b (1) : a slight sudden shower (2) : mist, rain, snow, or spray driven by the wind c : a gust of wind

Scudery
Madeleine de 1607-1701 Sa·pho \sä-'fō\ Fr. poet, nov., & hostess of literary salon

scudo
n. 1 : a gold or silver coin formerly used in Italy
2 : a unit of value equivalent to a scudo

scuff
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to walk without lifting the feet : SHUFFLE b : to poke or shuffle a foot in exploration or embarrassment
2 : to become scratched, chipped, or roughened by wear <a countertop that won't scuff>
transitive verb
1 : 3CUFF
2 a : to scrape (the feet) along a surface while walking or back and forth while standing b : to poke at with the toe
3 : to scratch, gouge, or wear away the surface of <scuffed my shoes>

scuff
n. 1 a : a noise of or as if of scuffing b : the act or an instance of scuffing c : a mark or injury caused by scuffing
2 : a flat-soled slipper without quarter or heel strap ― compare MULE

scuffle
n. 1 a : to struggle at close quarters with disorder and confusion b : to struggle (as by working odd jobs) to get by
2 a : to move with a quick shuffling gait : SCURRY b : SHUFFLE
–scuffle noun

scuffle hoe
: a garden hoe that has both edges sharpened and can be pushed forward or drawn back

scull
n. 1 a : an oar used at the stern of a boat to propel it forward with a thwartwise motion b : either of a pair of oars usually less than 10 feet (3 meters) in length and operated by one person
2 : a racing shell propelled by one or two persons using sculls

scull
n. : to propel (a boat) by sculls or by a large oar worked thwartwise
intransitive verb : to scull a boat
–scull·er noun

scullery
n. : a room for cleaning and storing dishes and cooking utensils and for doing messy kitchen work

scullion
n. : a kitchen helper

sculpin
n. 1 : any of a family (Cottidae) of spiny large-headed usually bottom-dwelling often scaleless bony fishes with large fanlike pectoral fins
2 : a scorpion fish (Scorpaena guttata) of the southern California coast caught for food and sport

sculpsit
: he or she carved it

sculpt
v. : CARVE, SCULPTURE

sculpted
v. : BUFF 2 <a sculpted physique>

sculptor
n. : an artist who makes sculptures

sculptress
n. : a woman who is a sculptor

sculptural
adj. 1 : of or relating to sculpture
2 : resembling sculpture : SCULPTURESQUE
–sculp·tur·al·ly adverb

sculpture
n. 1 a : the action or art of processing (as by carving, modeling, or welding) plastic or hard materials into works of art b (1) : work produced by sculpture (2) : a three-dimensional work of art (as a statue)
2 : impressed or raised markings or a pattern of such especially on a plant or animal part

sculpture
n. transitive verb
1 a : to form an image or representation of from solid material (as wood or stone) b : to form into a three-dimensional work of art
2 : to change (the form of the earth's surface) by natural processes (as erosion and deposition)
3 : to shape by or as if by carving or molding
intransitive verb : to work as a sculptor

sculpturesque
adj. : done in the manner of or resembling sculpture
–sculp·tur·esque·ly adverb

scum
n. 1 a : extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a foul filmy covering ― compare POND SCUM 2 b : the scoria of metals in a molten state : DROSS c : a slimy film on a solid or gelatinous object
2 a : REFUSE b : a low, vile, or worthless person or group of people
–scum·my \'skə-mē\ adjective

scum
n. : to become covered with or as if with scum

scumbag
n. slang : a dirty or despicable person

scumble
v. 1 a : to make (as color or a painting) less brilliant by covering with a thin coat of opaque or semiopaque color applied with a nearly dry brush b : to apply (a color) in this manner
2 : to soften the lines or colors of (a drawing) by rubbing lightly

scumble
v. 1 : the act or effect of scumbling
2 : a material used for scumbling

scungilli
: conch used as food

scunner
n. chiefly Scottish : to be in a state of disgusted irritation

scunner
n. : an unreasonable or extreme dislike or prejudice

Scunthorpe
town E England in Lincolnshire WSW of Hull pop 60,500

scup
n. : a porgy (Stenotomus chrysops) occurring along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. chiefly from No. Carolina to Maine and used as a panfish

scupper
n. 1 : an opening cut through the bulwarks of a ship so that water falling on deck may flow overboard
2 : an opening in the wall of a building through which water can drain from a floor or flat roof

scupper
n. British : to defeat or put an end to : DO IN 1A

scuppernong
1 : MUSCADINE especially : a cultivated muscadine with yellowish-green plum-flavored fruits
2 : a sweet aromatic amber-colored wine made from scuppernongs

scurf
n. 1 : thin dry scales detached from the epidermis especially in an abnormal skin condition specifically : DANDRUFF
2 a : something like flakes or scales adhering to a surface b : the foul remains of something adherent
3 a : a scaly deposit or covering on some plant parts also : a localized or general darkening and roughening of a plant surface usually more pronounced than russeting b : a plant disease characterized by scurf
–scurfy \'skər-fē\ adjective

scurrile
adj. : SCURRILOUS

scurrility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being scurrilous
2 a : scurrilous or abusive language b : an offensively rude or abusive remark

scurrilous
adj. 1 a : using or given to coarse language b : vulgar and evil <scurrilous imposters who used a religious exterior to rob poor people ― Edwin Benson>
2 : containing obscenities, abuse, or slander <scurrilous accusations>
–scur·ri·lous·ly adverb
–scur·ri·lous·ness noun

scurry
n. 1 : to move in or as if in a brisk pace : SCAMPER
2 : to move around in an agitated, confused, or fluttering manner
–scurry noun

scurvy
n. : a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes

scurvy
n. : arousing disgust or scorn : CONTEMPTIBLE, DESPICABLE <a scurvy trick>
synonyms see CONTEMPTIBLE
–scur·vi·ly \-və-lē\ adverb
–scur·vi·ness \-vē-nəs\ noun

scurvy grass
: a cruciferous herb (as Cochlearia officinalis) formerly used in preventing or treating scurvy

scut
n. : a short erect tail (as of a hare)

scut work
: routine and often menial labor

scutage
n. : a tax levied on a vassal or a knight in lieu of military service

Scutari, Lake
lake NW Albania & S Montenegro area 143 sq mi (370 sq km)

scutch
n. : to separate the woody fiber from (flax or hemp) by beating

scutch
n. 1 : SCUTCHER
2 : a bricklayer's hammer for cutting, trimming, and dressing bricks

scutcheon
n. : ESCUTCHEON

scutcher
n. : an implement or machine for scutching flax or cotton

scute
n. : an external bony or horny plate or large scale

scutellate
adj. : having or covered with scutella

scutellum
n. 1 : a hard plate or scale (as on the thorax of an insect or the tarsus of a bird)
2 : the shield-shaped cotyledon of a monocotyledon (as a grass)
–scu·tel·lar \-lər\ adjective

scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos
: Thou hast crowned us with the shield of Thy good will ― a motto on the Great Seal of Maryland(%scu00B7;to bo00B7;nae vo00B7;lun00B7;ta00B7;tis tu00B7;ae co00B7;ro00B7;nas00B7;ti nos

scutter
n. : SCURRY, SCAMPER

scuttle
n. 1 : a shallow open basket for carrying something (as grain or garden produce)
2 : a metal pail that usually has a bail and a sloped lip and is used especially for carrying coal

scuttle
n. 1 : a small opening in a wall or roof furnished with a lid: as a : a small opening or hatchway in the deck of a ship large enough to admit a person and with a lid for covering it b : a small hole in the side or bottom of a ship fitted with a covering or glazed
2 : a covering that closes a scuttle

scuttle
n. 1 : to cut a hole through the bottom, deck, or side of (a ship) specifically : to sink or attempt to sink by making holes through the bottom
2 : DESTROY, WRECK also : SCRAP 2

scuttle
n. 1 : a quick shuffling pace
2 : a short swift run

scuttle
n. : SCURRY

scuttlebutt
n. 1 a : a cask on shipboard to contain freshwater for a day's use b : a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval or marine installation
2 : RUMOR, GOSSIP

scutum
n. : a bony, horny, or chitinous plate : SCUTE

scuzzball
n. slang : an unpleasant, dirty, or dangerous person : CREEP

scuzzy
adj. slang : dirty, shabby, or foul in condition or character

Scylla
n. : a nymph changed into a monster in Greek mythology who terrorizes mariners in the Strait of Messina
–between Scylla and Charybdis : between two equally hazardous alternatives

scyphistoma
: a sexually produced scyphozoan larva that ultimately repeatedly constricts transversely to form free-swimming medusae

scyphozoan
: any of a class (Scyphozoa) of coelenterates that comprise jellyfishes lacking a true polyp and usually a velum
–scyphozoan adjective

scythe
n. : an implement used for mowing (as grass) and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle

scythe
n. intransitive verb : to use a scythe
transitive verb : to cut with or as if with a scythe <scything cornstalks>

Scythia
n. the country of the ancient Scythians comprising parts of Europe & Asia N & NE of Black Sea & E of Aral Sea

Scythian
n. 1 : a member of an ancient nomadic people inhabiting Scythia
2 : the Iranian language of the Scythians
–Scythian adjective

scène
mise en scène
metteur en scène
scène à faire

SD
n. 1 South Dakota
2 special delivery
3 standard deviation

sd
n. sine die

SDI
Strategic Defense Initiative

SDRAM
synchronous DRAM

SDRs
n. special drawing rights

SDS
Students for a Democratic Society

SE
n. 1 self-explanatory
2 southeast
3 special edition
4 Standard English
5 stock exchange
6 straight edge

Se
n. selenium

Se
n. felo de se
felos de se
felones de se
inter se
per se
pro se
se tenant
qui facit per alium facit per se
se defendendo
se habla espanol
se habla español
se non e vero e ben trovato
se non è vero è ben trovato

se defendendo
: in self-defense

se habla espanol
: Spanish spoken

se non e vero, e ben trovato
: even if it is not true, it is well conceived

se tenant
of postage stamps : joined together as in the original sheet but differing in design, overprint, color, or perforation

sea
n. 1 a : a great body of salt water that covers much of the earth broadly : the waters of the earth as distinguished from the land and air b : a body of salt water of second rank more or less landlocked <the Mediterranean sea> c : OCEAN d : an inland body of water ― used especially for names of such bodies <the Caspian Sea>
2 a : surface motion on a large body of water or its direction also : a large swell or wave ― often used in plural <heavy seas> b : the disturbance of the ocean or other body of water due to the wind
3 : something likened to the sea especially in vastness <a sea of faces>
4 : the seafaring life
5 : 3MARE
–sea adjective
–at sea
1 : on the sea specifically : on a sea voyage
2 : LOST, BEWILDERED
–to sea : to or on the open waters of the sea

sea
n. sea squirt
sea bream
Carmel by the Sea
Clacton on Sea
sea scorpion
sea onion
sea star
sea trout
beam sea
California sea lion
deep sea
between the devil and the deep blue sea
high sea
to sea
at sea
sea anchor
sea anemone
sea bass
sea biscuit
sea breeze
sea captain
sea change
sea chest
sea cow
sea crayfish
sea cucumber
sea devil
sea dog
sea duck
sea duty
sea eagle
Sea Explorer
sea fan
sea fire
sea grape
sea grass
sea green
sea hare
sea holly
sea horse
sea island cotton
sea island
sea kale
sea king
sea lamprey
sea lane
sea lavender
sea lawyer
sea legs
sea lettuce
sea level
sea lily
sea lion
sea maid
sea maiden
sea mew
sea mile
sea monkey
sea mouse
sea nettle
sea oats
sea otter
sea pen
sea pink
sea power
sea puss
sea robin
sea room
sea rover
sea run
sea scallop
Sea Scout
sea serpent
sea slug
sea snake
sea spider
sea stores
sea turtle
sea urchin
sea wasp
sea whip
sea wrack
spotted sea trout
Steller's sea cow
white sea bass
Adriatic Sea
Aegean Sea
Amundsen Sea
Andaman Sea
Arabian Sea
Arafura Sea
Aral Sea
Azov Sea of
Baltic Sea
Banda Sea
Barents Sea
Beaufort Sea
Bellingshausen Sea
Bering Sea
Bismarck Sea
Black Sea
Bohol Sea
Mindanao Sea
Camotes Sea
Candia Sea of
Caribbean Sea
Caspian Sea
Celebes Sea
Celtic Sea
China Sea
Chinnereth Sea of
Chukchi Sea
Coral Sea
Crete Sea of
Sea of Candia
Dead Sea
Salt Sea
East China Sea
East Sea
East Siberian Sea
Greenland Sea
Inland Sea
Ionian Sea
Irish Sea
Japan Sea of
Java Sea
Kara Sea
Labrador Sea
Laptev Sea
Nordenskjöld Sea
Ligurian Sea
Malay Sea
Marmara Sea of
Mediterranean Sea
Nordenskjold Sea
North Sea
Norwegian Sea
Okhotsk Sea of
Philippine Sea
Red Sea
Ross Sea
Sagami Sea
Salton Sea
Sargasso Sea
Scotia Sea
Sea Islands
Sea Tac
Sibuyan Sea
Solomon Sea
South China Sea
Southend on Sea
Sulu Sea
Tasman Sea
Tiberias Sea of
Tyrrhenian Sea
Weddell Sea
White Sea
Yellow Sea
Galilee Sea of
Sea of Chinnereth
Sea of Tiberias
freedom of the seas
seven seas
South Seas

sea anchor
: a drag typically of canvas thrown overboard to retard the drifting of a ship or seaplane and to keep its head to the wind

sea anemone
: any of numerous usually solitary anthozoan polyps (order Actiniaria) whose form, bright and varied colors, and cluster of tentacles superficially resemble a flower

sea bass
1 : any of numerous marine bony fishes (family Serranidae) that are usually smaller and more active than the groupers especially : a food and sport fish (Centropristis striata) of the Atlantic coast of the U.S.
2 : any of numerous croakers or drums including noted sport and food fishes

sea biscuit
: HARDTACK 1

sea bream
: BREAM 2A

sea breeze
: a cooling breeze blowing generally in the daytime inland from the sea

sea captain
: the master especially of a merchant vessel

sea change
1 archaic : a change brought about by the sea
2 : a marked change : TRANSFORMATION <a sea change in public policy>

sea chest
: a sailor's storage chest for personal property

sea cow
: SIRENIAN

sea crayfish
: SPINY LOBSTER

sea cucumber
: any of a class (Holothurioidea) of echinoderms having a tough muscular elongate body with tentacles surrounding the mouth ― called also holothurian

sea devil
: MANTA RAY

sea dog
: a veteran sailor

sea duck
: a diving duck (as a scoter, merganser, or eider) that frequents the sea

sea duty
: duty in the U.S. Navy performed with a deployable unit (as a ship or aircraft squadron)

sea eagle
: any of various fish-eating eagles (esp. genus Haliaeetus)

Sea Explorer
: an Explorer in a scouting program that teaches seamanship

sea fan
: any of various gorgonians (esp. genus Gorgonia) with a fan-shaped skeleton especially : either of two (Gorgonia ventalina and G. flabellum) of Florida and the West Indies

sea fire
: marine bioluminescence

sea grape
: a tree (Coccoloba uvifera) of the buckwheat family that inhabits sandy shores from Florida to So. America, has rounded leaves, and bears clusters of purple to whitish edible berries

sea grass
: any of various grasslike plants that inhabit coastal areas especially : EELGRASS 1

sea green
1 : a moderate green or bluish green
2 : a moderate yellow green

sea hare
: any of various large opisthobranch mollusks (esp. genus Aplysia) that have an arched back and two anterior tentacles and have the shell much reduced or missing

sea holly
: a European coastal herb (Eryngium maritimum) of the carrot family with spiny leaves and pale blue flowers

sea horse
1 : WALRUS
2 : a mythical creature half horse and half fish
3 : any of a genus (Hippocampus of the family Syngnathidae) of small bony fishes that have the head angled downward toward the body which is carried vertically and are equipped with a prehensile tail

sea island cotton
: a cotton (Gossypium barbadense) with especially long silky fiber ― called also sea island

Sea Islands
islands SE U.S. in the Atlantic off coast of S.C., Ga., & Fla. bet. mouths of Santee & St. Johns rivers

sea kale
: a succulent Eurasian perennial herb (Crambe maritima) of the mustard family used as a potherb

sea king
: a Norse pirate chief

sea lamprey
: a large anadromous lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) that has a mottled upper surface, is an ectoparasite of fish, and is sometimes used as food

sea lavender
: any of a genus (Limonium) of chiefly perennial herbs of the plumbago family with small flowers and basal leaves

sea lawyer
: an argumentative captious sailor

sea legs
: bodily adjustment to the motion of a ship indicated especially by ability to walk steadily and by freedom from seasickness

sea lettuce
: any of a genus (Ulva) of marine green algae with broad fronds sometimes eaten as salad or used in soups

sea level
: the level of the surface of the sea especially at its mean position midway between mean high and low water

sea lily
: CRINOID especially : a stalked crinoid

sea lion
: any of several Pacific eared seals (as genera Eumetopias and Zalophus) that are usually larger than the related fur seals and lack a thick underfur

sea mew
: SEAGULL especially : a common gull (Larus canus) of Eurasia and northwestern No. America

sea mile
: NAUTICAL MILE

sea monkey
: a brine shrimp (Artemia salina) that hatches from dormant encysted eggs and is sometimes raised in aquariums

sea mouse
: any of various large broad marine polychaete worms (esp. genus Aphrodite) covered with hairlike setae

sea nettle
: a stinging jellyfish especially : one (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) occurring especially in Atlantic estuaries from Cape Cod to the West Indies

sea oats
: a tall grass (Uniola paniculata) that has panicles resembling those of the oat, grows chiefly on the coast of the southern U.S., and is useful as a sand binder also : a related plant (Chasmanthium latifolium syn. U. latifolia) chiefly of the eastern U.S.

sea onion
: SQUILL 1A

sea otter
: a rare marine otter (Enhydra lutris) of the northern Pacific coasts that may attain a length of six feet (two meters), is chiefly brown but with lighter coloration on the back of the head and neck, and feeds largely on shellfish

sea pen
: any of numerous anthozoans (order Pennatulacea) growing in colonies with a feathery form

sea pink
1 : THRIFT 4
2 : any of several No. American herbs (genus Sabatia, especially S. stellaris) of the gentian family with usually pink or white flowers

sea power
1 : a nation having formidable naval strength
2 : naval strength

sea puss
: a swirling or along shore undertow

sea robin
: any of a family (Triglidae) of marine bony fishes typically having a spiny armored head and the bottom three rays of the pectoral fin on each side free of membrane and elongated for use as feelers or in crawling ― called also gurnard

sea room
: room for maneuver at sea

sea rover
: one that roves the sea specifically : PIRATE

sea scallop
: a large deep-water scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) of the Atlantic coast of No. America that is harvested commercially for food

sea scorpion
1 : SCULPIN 1
2 : EURYPTERID

Sea Scout
: SEA EXPLORER

sea serpent
: a large marine animal resembling a serpent often reported to have been seen but never proved to exist

sea slug
1 : SEA CUCUMBER
2 : a naked marine gastropod specifically : NUDIBRANCH

sea snake
1 : SEA SERPENT
2 : any of numerous venomous aquatic chiefly viviparous elapid snakes of warm seas

sea spider
: any of various small long-legged marine arthropods (class Pycnogonida) that superficially resemble spiders

sea squirt
: ASCIDIAN

sea star
: STARFISH

sea stores
: supplies (as of foodstuffs) laid in before starting on a sea voyage

Sea Tac
city W cen Wash. between Seattle & Tacoma pop 25,496

sea trout
1 : any of various trouts or chars that as adults inhabit the sea but ascend rivers to spawn
2 : any of various marine fishes resembling trouts: as a : WEAKFISH 1 b : SPOTTED SEA TROUT

sea turtle
: any of two families (Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae) of widely distributed marine turtles that have the feet modified into paddles and that include the green turtle, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and ridley

sea urchin
: any of numerous echinoderms (class Echinoidea) that are usually enclosed in thin brittle globular tests covered with movable spines

sea wasp
: any of various cube-shaped scyphozoan jellyfishes (order or suborder Cubomedusae) that sting virulently and sometimes fatally ― called also box jellyfish

sea whip
: any of various gorgonian corals with elongated flexible unbranched or little-branched whiplike colonies

sea wrack
: SEAWEED especially : seaweed cast ashore in masses

sea-lane
: an established sea route

sea-maid
: MERMAID also : a goddess or nymph of the sea

sea-run
: ANADROMOUS <a sea-run salmon>

seabag
n. : a cylindrical canvas bag used especially by a sailor for clothes and other gear

seabed
n. : the floor of a sea or ocean

Seabee
n. : a member of one of the U.S. Navy construction battalions for building naval shore facilities in combat zones

seabird
n. : a bird (as a gull or an albatross) frequenting the open ocean

seaboard
n. : SEACOAST also : the country bordering a seacoast
–seaboard adjective

seaboot
: a very high waterproof boot used especially by sailors and fishermen

Seaborg
Glenn Theodore 1912-1999 Am. chem.

seaborgium
n. : a short-lived radioactive element that is produced artificially ― see ELEMENT table

seaborne
adj. 1 : borne over or on the sea <a seaborne invasion>
2 : carried on by oversea shipping <seaborne trade>

seacoast
n. : the shore or border of the land adjacent to the sea

seacraft
n. 1 : seagoing ships
2 : skill in navigation

seafarer
n. : MARINER

seafaring
n. : the use of the sea for travel or transportation
–seafaring adjective

seafloor
n. : SEABED

seafloor spreading
: the divergence at mid-ocean ridges of the tectonic plates underlying the oceans that is due to upwelling from the earth's interior of magma which solidifies and adds to the spreading plates

seafood
n. : edible marine fish and shellfish

seafowl
n. : SEABIRD

seafront
n. : the waterfront of a seaside place

seagirt
adj. : surrounded by the sea

seagoing
n. : OCEANGOING

seagull
n. : a gull frequenting the sea broadly : GULL

SEAL
n. sea, air, land (team)

seal
n. 1 : any of numerous carnivorous marine mammals (families Phocidae and Otariidae) that live chiefly in cold regions and have limbs modified into webbed flippers adapted primarily to swimming especially : a fur seal or hair seal as opposed to a sea lion
2 a : the pelt of a fur seal b : leather made from the skin of a seal
3 : a dark brown

seal
n. : to hunt seals

seal
n. 1 a : something that confirms, ratifies, or makes secure : GUARANTEE, ASSURANCE b (1) : a device with a cut or raised emblem, symbol, or word used especially to certify a signature or authenticate a document (2) : a medallion or ring face bearing such a device incised so that it can be impressed on wax or moist clay also : a piece of wax or a wafer bearing such an impression c : an impression, device, or mark given the effect of a common-law seal by statute law or by American local custom recognized by judicial decision d : a usually ornamental adhesive stamp that may be used to close a letter or package especially : one given in a fund-raising campaign
2 a : something that secures (as a wax seal on a document) b : a closure that must be broken to be opened and that thus reveals tampering c (1) : a tight and perfect closure (as against the passage of gas or water) (2) : a device to prevent the passage or return of gas or air into a pipe or container
3 : a seal that is a symbol or mark of office
–under seal : with an authenticating seal affixed

seal
n. 1 a : to confirm or make secure by or as if by a seal <seal the deal> b : to solemnize for eternity (as a marriage) by a Mormon rite
2 a : to set or affix an authenticating seal to also : AUTHENTICATE, RATIFY b : to mark with a stamp or seal usually as an evidence of standard exactness, legal size, weight, or capacity, or merchantable quality
3 a : to fasten with or as if with a seal to prevent tampering b : to close or make secure against access, leakage, or passage by a fastening or coating c : to fix in position or close breaks in with a filling (as of plaster)
4 : to determine irrevocably or indisputably <that answer sealed our fate>

seal
n. bearded seal
crabeater seal
cylinder seal
eared seal
elephant seal
false Solomon's seal
fur seal
great seal
hair seal
true seal
harbor seal
harp seal
leopard seal
monk seal
under seal
seal off
seal point
seal ring
Solomon's seal
Weddell seal
Seal Beach
sealed beam
sealing wax
self sealing

Seal Beach
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 24,157

seal off
: to close tightly

seal point
: a coat color of cats characterized by a cream or fawn body with dark brown points also : a Siamese cat with such coloring

seal ring
: a finger ring engraved with a seal : SIGNET RING

sealant
n. 1 : a sealing agent <a radiator sealant>
2 : a plastic material applied to parts of teeth with imperfections (as pits and fissures) to prevent dental decay

sealed-beam
: being an electric lamp with a prefocused reflector and lens sealed in the lamp vacuum

sealer
n. 1 : an official who attests or certifies conformity to a standard of correctness
2 : a coat (as of size) applied to prevent subsequent coats of paint or varnish from sinking in

sealer
n. : a person or a ship engaged in hunting seals

sealift
n. : transport of military personnel and especially equipment by ship
–sealift transitive verb

sealing wax
: a resinous composition that is plastic when warm and is used for sealing (as letters, dry cells, or cans)

sealskin
n. 1 : the fur or pelt of a fur seal
2 : a garment (as a jacket, coat, or cape) of sealskin
–sealskin adjective

Sealyham terrier
: any of a breed of short-legged long-headed terriers developed in Wales with a usually white wiry outer coat and soft dense undercoat

seam
n. 1 a : the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge b : the stitching used in such a joining
2 : the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship
3 a : a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges b : a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers also : a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness c : a line left by a cut or wound also : WRINKLE
4 : a weak or vulnerable area or gap <found a seam in the zone defense>
–seam·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–at the seams : ENTIRELY, COMPLETELY <falling apart at the seams>

seam
n. 1 a : to join by sewing b : to join as if by sewing (as by welding, riveting, or heat-sealing)
2 : to mark with lines suggesting seams
intransitive verb : to become fissured or ridgy
–seam·er noun

seam
n. coal seam
French seam
burst at the seams
at the seams

seaman
n. 1 : SAILOR, MARINER
2 a : any of the three ranks below petty officer in the navy or coast guard b : an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a seaman apprentice and below a petty officer

seaman
n. able bodied seaman
able seaman
ordinary seaman
seaman apprentice
seaman recruit

seaman apprentice
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a seaman recruit and below a seaman

seaman recruit
: an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the navy or coast guard

seamanlike
adj. : characteristic of or befitting a competent seaman

seamanly
adj. : SEAMANLIKE

seamanship
n. : the art or skill of handling, working, and navigating a ship

seamark
n. 1 : a line on a coast marking the tidal limit
2 : an elevated object serving as a beacon to mariners

seamless
adj. 1 : having no seams
2 a : having no awkward transitions, interruptions, or indications of disparity <a seamless fusion of beauty and intelligence ― Jack Kroll et al.> b : PERFECT, FLAWLESS <a seamless performance>
–seam·less·ly \-lē\ adverb
–seam·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

seamount
n. : a submarine mountain rising above the deep-sea floor

seamster
: a person employed at sewing especially : TAILOR

seamstress
n. : a woman whose occupation is sewing

seamy
adj. 1 archaic : having the rough side of the seam showing
2 a : UNPLEASANT b : DEGRADED, SORDID <the seamy side of urban life>
–seam·i·ness noun

seance
n. 1 : SESSION, SITTING
2 : a spiritualist meeting to receive spirit communications

seapiece
n. : SEASCAPE 2

seaplane
n. : an airplane designed to take off from and land on the water

seaport
n. : a port, harbor, or town accessible to seagoing ships

seaquake
n. : a submarine earthquake

sear
n. variant of sere

sear
n. intransitive verb : to cause withering or drying
transitive verb
1 : to make withered and dry : PARCH
2 a : to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heat b : to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat <sear a steak>

sear
n. : a mark or scar left by searing

sear
n. : the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock

search
n. transitive verb
1 : to look into or over carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something: as a : to examine in seeking something <searched the north field> b : to look through or explore by inspecting possible places of concealment or investigating suspicious circumstances c : to read thoroughly : CHECK especially : to examine a public record or register for information about <search land titles> d : to examine for articles concealed on the person e : to look at as if to discover or penetrate intention or nature
2 : to uncover, find, or come to know by inquiry or scrutiny ― usually used with out
intransitive verb
1 : to look or inquire carefully <searched for the papers>
2 : to make painstaking investigation or examination
–search·able \'sər-chə-bəl\ adjective
–search·er noun
–search·ing·ly \-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

search
n. 1 a : an act of searching <a search for food> <go in search of help> b : an act of boarding and inspecting a ship on the high seas in exercise of right of search
2 obsolete : a party that searches
3 : power or range of penetrating also : a penetrating effect

search
n. search engine
search warrant
strip search
self searching
soul searching

search engine
: computer software used to search data (as text or a database) for specified information also : a site on the World Wide Web that uses such software to locate key words in other sites

search warrant
: a warrant authorizing a search (as of a house) for stolen goods or unlawful possessions

searchlight
n. : an apparatus for projecting a powerful beam of light also : a beam of light projected by it

searing
adj. 1 : very hot
2 : marked by extreme intensity, harshness, or emotional power <searing pain> <a searing review> <a searing portrayal>
–sear·ing·ly adverb

Sears
n. Richard Warren 1863-1914 American merchant

seascape
n. 1 : a view of the sea
2 : a picture representing a scene at sea

seashell
n. : the shell of a marine animal and especially a mollusk

seashore
n. 1 a : land adjacent to the sea : SEACOAST b : NATIONAL SEASHORE
2 : all the ground between the ordinary high-water and low-water marks : FORESHORE

seasick
adj. : affected with or suggestive of seasickness

seasickness
n. : motion sickness experienced on the water

Seaside
n. city W Calif. on Monterey Bay pop 31,696

seaside
n. : the district or land bordering the sea : country adjacent to the sea : SEASHORE
–seaside adjective

season
n. 1 a : a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature <in a season of religious awakening ― F. A. Christie> b : a suitable or natural time or occasion <when my season comes to sit on David's throne ― John Milton> c : an indefinite period of time : WHILE <sent home again to her father for a season ― Francis Hackett>
2 a : a period of the year characterized by or associated with a particular activity or phenomenon <hay fever season>: as (1) : a period associated with some phase or activity of agriculture (as growth or harvesting) (2) : a period in which an animal engages in some activity (as migrating or mating) also : ESTRUS, HEAT (3) : the period normally characterized by a particular kind of weather <a long rainy season> (4) : a period marked by special activity especially in some field <tourist season> <hunting season> (5) : a period in which a place is most frequented b : one of the four quarters into which the year is commonly divided c : the time of a major holiday
3 : YEAR <a boy of seven seasons>
4 [Middle English sesoun, from sesounen to season] : SEASONING
5 : the schedule of official games played or to be played by a sports team during a playing season <got through the season undefeated>
6 : OFF-SEASON <closed for the season>
–in season
1 : at the right time
2 : at the stage of greatest fitness (as for eating) <peaches are in season>
3 : legally available to be hunted or caught
–out of season : not in season

season
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give (food) more flavor or zest by adding seasoning or savory ingredients b : to give a distinctive quality to as if by seasoning especially : to make more agreeable <advice seasoned with wit> c archaic : to qualify by admixture : TEMPER
2 a : to treat (as wood or a skillet) so as to prepare for use b : to make fit by experience <a seasoned veteran>
intransitive verb : to become seasoned

season
n. off season
open season
out of season
in season
season ticket
silly season

season ticket
: a ticket (as to all of a club's home games or for specified daily transportation) valid during a specified time

seasonable
adj. 1 : suitable to the season or circumstances : TIMELY <a seasonable frost>
2 : occurring in good or proper time : OPPORTUNE <a seasonable time for discussion>
–sea·son·able·ness noun
–sea·son·ably \-blē\ adverb

seasonal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or varying in occurrence according to the season <seasonal storms>
2 : affected or caused by seasonal need or availability <seasonal industries>
–sea·son·al·i·ty \ˌsē-zə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–sea·son·al·ly \'sēz-nə-lē, 'sē-zən-ə-lē\ adverb

seasonal affective disorder
: depression that tends to recur as the days grow shorter during the fall and winter ― abbreviation SAD

seasoner
n. : one that seasons: as a : a user of seasonings <a heavy seasoner> b : SEASONING

seasoning
n. : something that serves to season especially : an ingredient (as a condiment, spice, or herb) added to food primarily for the savor that it imparts

seasonless
1 : exhibiting no seasonal changes
2 : not restricted to a particular season especially : suitable for wearing in any season <seasonless fabrics>

seastrand
: SEASHORE

seat
n. 1 a : a special chair of one in eminence also : the status represented by it b : a chair, stool, or bench intended to be sat in or on c : the particular part of something on which one rests in sitting <the seat of a chair> <trouser seat> d : BUTTOCKS
2 a : a seating accommodation <a seat for the game> <a 200-seat restaurant> b : a right of sitting <lost his seat in Congress> c : membership on an exchange
3 a : a place where something specified is prevalent : CENTER <a seat of learning> b : a place from which authority is exercised <the county seat> c : a bodily part in which some function or condition is centered <the brain as the seat of the mind>
4 : posture in or way of sitting on horseback
5 a : a part at or forming the base of something b : a part (as a socket) or surface on or in which another part or surface rests
–by the seat of one's pants : using experience and intuition rather than mechanical aids or formal theory

seat
n. 1 a : to install in a seat of dignity or office b (1) : to cause to sit or assist in finding a seat (2) : to provide seats for <a theater seating 1000 persons> c : to put in a sitting position
2 : to repair the seat of or provide a new seat for
3 : to fit to or with a seat <seat a valve>
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to take one's seat or place
2 : to fit correctly on a seat

seat
n. banana seat
bench seat
booster seat
box seat
bucket seat
car seat
catbird seat
county seat
driver's seat
drop seat
ejection seat
hot seat
house seat
jump seat
love seat
rumble seat
saddle seat
by the seat of one's pants
seat belt
seat of the pants
sliding seat
take a back seat
window seat
deep seated

seat belt
: an arrangement of straps designed to hold a person steady in a seat (as in an airplane or automobile)

seat-of-the-pants
: employing or based on personal experience, judgment, and effort rather than technological aids or formal theory <seat-of-the-pants navigation> <a seat-of-the-pants decision>

seater
n. 1 : one that seats
2 : one that has a specified number of seats ― used in combination <a 2-seater jet>

seating
n. 1 a : material for covering or upholstering seats b : a seat on or in which something rests <a valve seating>
2 : the act of providing with seats

seatmate
n. : one with whom one shares a seat (as in a vehicle with double or paired seats)

SEATO
Southeast Asia Treaty Oganization

seatrain
: a seagoing ship equipped for carrying a train of railroad cars

Seattle
n. city & port W Wash. bet. Puget Sound & Lake Washington pop 563,374
–Se·at·tle·ite \-təl-ˌīt\ noun

seawall
n. : a wall or embankment to protect the shore from erosion or to act as a breakwater

seaward
adj. : the direction or side away from land and toward the open sea

seaward
adj. : toward the sea

seaward
adj. 1 : directed or situated toward the sea
2 : coming from the sea <a seaward wind>

seawater
n. : water in or from the sea

seaway
n. 1 : the sea as a route for travel also : an ocean traffic lane
2 : a moderate or rough sea
3 : a deep inland waterway that admits ocean shipping

seaweed
n. 1 : a mass or growth of marine plants
2 : a plant growing in the sea especially : a marine alga (as a kelp)

seaworthy
adj. : fit or safe for a sea voyage <a seaworthy ship>
–sea·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

sebaceous
adj. 1 : secreting sebum <sebaceous glands>
2 : of, relating to, or being fatty material : FATTY <a sebaceous exudate>

sebacic acid
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C_10H_18O_4 used especially in the manufacture of synthetic resins

Sebago Lake
lake 13 mi (21 km) long SW Maine

Sebaste
― see SAMARIA 2

Sebastea
― see SIVAS

seborrhea
n. : abnormally increased secretion and discharge of sebum
–seb·or·rhe·ic \-'rē-ik\ adjective

sebum
n. : fatty lubricant matter secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin

SEC
adj. Securities and Exchange Commission

sec
adj. of champagne : moderately dry

sec
adj. 1 secant
2 second; secondary
3 secretary
4 section

secant
n. 1 : a straight line cutting a curve at two or more points
2 : a straight line drawn from the center of a circle through one end of a circular arc to a tangent drawn from the other end of the arc
3 a : a trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio of the hypotenuse of a right triangle of which the angle is considered part and the leg adjacent to the angle b : a trigonometric function sec θ that is the reciprocal of the cosine for all real numbers θ for which the cosine is not zero and that is exactly equal to the secant of an angle of measure θ in radians

secateur
chiefly British : pruning shears ― usually used in plural

secco
n. : the art of painting on dry plaster

secco
n. 1 : short and very staccato ― used as a direction in music
2 of a recitative : accompanied only by the instruments playing the continuo

secede
v. : to withdraw from an organization (as a religious communion or political party or federation)
–se·ced·er noun

secern
v. : to discriminate in thought : DISTINGUISH

secession
n. 1 : withdrawal into privacy or solitude : RETIREMENT
2 : formal withdrawal from an organization

secessionist
n. : one who joins in a secession or maintains that secession is a right
–se·ces·sion·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
–secessionist adjective

Seckel
: a small pear with sweet very flavorful firm flesh and yellowish-green skin with a red blush

seclude
v. 1 obsolete : to exclude from a privilege, rank, or dignity : DEBAR
2 : to remove or separate from intercourse or outside influence : ISOLATE
3 : SHUT OFF, SCREEN

secluded
adj. 1 : screened or hidden from view : SEQUESTERED <a secluded valley>
2 : living in seclusion : SOLITARY <secluded monks>
–se·clud·ed·ly adverb
–se·clud·ed·ness noun

seclusion
n. 1 : the act of secluding : the condition of being secluded
2 : a secluded or isolated place
synonyms see SOLITUDE
–se·clu·sive \-'klü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–se·clu·sive·ly adverb
–se·clu·sive·ness noun

secobarbital
n. : a barbiturate C_12H_18N_2O_3 that is used chiefly in the form of its bitter hygroscopic sodium salt as a hypnotic and sedative

Seconal
n. ― used for a preparation of secobarbital

second
n. 1 a : next to the first in place or time <was second in line> b (1) : next to the first in value, excellence, or degree <his second choice of schools> (2) : INFERIOR, SUBORDINATE <was second to none> c : ranking next below the top of a grade or degree in authority or precedence <second mate> d : ALTERNATE, OTHER <elects a mayor every second year> e : resembling or suggesting a prototype : ANOTHER <a second Thoreau> f : being the forward gear or speed next higher than first in a motor vehicle
2 : relating to or having a part typically subordinate to and lower in pitch than the first part in concerted or ensemble music
–second or sec·ond·ly adverb

second
n. 1 a ― see NUMBER table b : one that is next after the first in rank, position, authority, or precedence <the second in line>
2 : one that assists or supports another especially : the assistant of a duelist or boxer
3 a : the musical interval embracing two diatonic degrees b : a tone at this interval specifically : SUPERTONIC c : the harmonic combination of two tones a second apart
4 a plural : merchandise that is usually slightly flawed and does not meet the manufacturer's standard for firsts or irregulars b : an article of such merchandise
5 : the act or declaration by which a parliamentary motion is seconded
6 : a place next below the first in a competition, examination, or contest
7 : SECOND BASE
8 : the second forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
9 plural : a second helping of food

second
n. 1 a : the 60th part of a minute of angular measure b : the 60th part of a minute of time : 1/86,400 part of the mean solar day specifically : the base unit of time in the International System of Units that is equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom
2 : an instant of time : MOMENT

second
n. 1 a : to give support or encouragement to : ASSIST b : to support (a fighting person or group) in combat : bring up reinforcements for
2 a : to support or assist in contention or debate b : to endorse (a motion or a nomination) so that debate or voting may begin
3 \si-'känd\ chiefly British : to release (as a military officer) from a regularly assigned position for temporary duty with another unit or organization
–sec·ond·er noun

second
n. arc second
centimeter gram second
foot pound second
leap second
meter kilogram second
per second per second
petty officer second class
play second fiddle
second banana
second base
second baseman
second best
second blessing
second childhood
second class
Second Coming
second cousin
second degree burn
Second Empire
second estate
second fiddle
second growth
second guess
second guesser
second hand
second lieutenant
second line
second mortgage
second nature
second person
second rate
second rater
second rateness
Second Reader
second reading
second sight
second story man
second string
second thought
second wind
second world
sidereal second
split second
sweep second hand
thirty second note
thirty second rest

second banana
: a comedian who plays a supporting role to a top banana broadly : a person in a subservient position

second base
1 : the base that must be touched second by a base runner in baseball
2 : the player position for defending the area on the first-base side of second base
–second baseman noun

second best
: one that is below or after the best

second best
: in second place

second blessing
: sanctification as a second gift of the Holy Spirit that follows an initial experience of conversion

second childhood
: DOTAGE

second class
1 : the second and usually next to highest group in a classification
2 : CABIN CLASS
3 : a class of U.S. or Canadian mail comprising periodicals sent to regular subscribers

Second Coming
: the coming of Christ as judge on the last day

second cousin
: the child of one's parent's first cousin

Second Empire
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a style (as of furniture) developed in France under Napoleon III and marked by heavy ornate modification of Empire styles

second estate
: the second of the traditional political classes specifically : NOBILITY

second fiddle
: one that plays a supporting or subservient role

second growth
: forest trees that come up naturally after removal of the first growth by cutting or by fire

second hand
: an intermediate person or means : INTERMEDIARY ― usually used in the phrase at second hand

second hand
: the hand marking seconds on a timepiece

second lieutenant
: a commissioned officer of the lowest rank in the army, air force, or marine corps

second mortgage
: a mortgage the lien of which is subordinate to that of a first mortgage

second nature
: an acquired deeply ingrained habit or skill <after a while, using the gearshift becomes second nature>

second person
1 a : a set of linguistic forms (as verb forms, pronouns, and inflectional affixes) referring to the person or thing addressed in the utterance in which they occur b : a linguistic form belonging to such a set
2 : reference of a linguistic form to the person or thing addressed in the utterance in which it occurs

Second Reader
: a member of a Christian Science church or society chosen for a term of office to assist the First Reader in conducting services by reading aloud selections from the Bible

second reading
1 : the stage in the British legislative process following the first reading and usually providing for debate on the principal features of a bill before its submission to a committee for consideration of details
2 : the stage in the U.S. legislative process that occurs when a bill has been reported back from committee and that provides an opportunity for full debate and amendment before a vote is taken on the question of a third reading

second sight
: the capacity to see remote or future objects or events : CLAIRVOYANCE, PRECOGNITION

second thought
: reconsideration or a revised opinion of a previous often hurried decision <began to have second thoughts>

second wind
: renewed energy or endurance

second world
: Communist nations regarded in the latter part of the 20th century as a political and economic bloc

second-best
: next to the best

second-class
1 : of or relating to a second class
2 : MEDIOCRE also : socially, politically, or economically deprived

second-degree burn
: a burn marked by pain, blistering, and superficial destruction of dermis with edema and hyperemia of the tissues beneath the burn

second-guess
1 : to criticize or question actions or decisions of (someone) often after the results of those actions or decisions are known <meet almost every morning and, over coffee, second-guess the local coach ― Bruce Newman> also : to engage in such criticism of (an action or decision) <second-guess the general's strategy>
2 : to seek to anticipate or predict <lived royally by his ability to second-guess the stock market ― Time>
–sec·ond-guess·er noun

second-line
: not being the usual or preferred choice <second-line drugs to treat tuberculosis> ― compare FIRST-LINE

second-rate
: of second or inferior quality or value : MEDIOCRE <a second-rate restaurant>
–sec·ond-rate·ness noun
–sec·ond-rat·er \-'rā-tər\ noun

second-story man
: a burglar who enters a house by an upstairs window

second-string
: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

secondary
n. 1 a : of second rank, importance, or value b : of, relating to, or constituting the second strongest of the three or four degrees of stress recognized by most linguists <the fourth syllable of basketball team carries secondary stress> c of a tense : expressive of past time
2 a : immediately derived from something original, primary, or basic b : of, relating to, or being the induced current or its circuit in an induction coil or transformer <secondary voltage> c : characterized by or resulting from the substitution of two atoms or groups in a molecule <a secondary salt> especially : being, characterized by, or attached to a carbon atom having bonds to two other carbon atoms d (1) : not first in order of occurrence or development (2) : dependent or consequent on another disease or condition <secondary hypertension> (3) : produced by activity of formative tissue and especially cambium other than that at a growing point <secondary growth> <secondary phloem>
3 a : of, relating to, or being the second order or stage in a series b : of, relating to, or being the second segment of the wing of a bird or the quills of this segment c : of or relating to a secondary school <secondary education>
–sec·ond·ar·i·ly \ˌse-kən-'der-ə-lē\ adverb
–sec·ond·ar·i·ness \'se-kən-ˌder-ē-nəs\ noun

secondary
n. 1 : one occupying a subordinate or auxiliary position rather than that of a principal
2 : a defensive football backfield
3 : the coil through which the secondary current passes in an induction coil or transformer ― called also secondary coil
4 : any of the quill feathers of the forearm of a bird ― see WING illustration

secondary
n. secondary coil
secondary care
secondary cell
secondary color
secondary emission
secondary radiation
secondary road
secondary root
secondary school
secondary syphilis
secondary sex characteristic
secondary sexual characteristic

secondary care
: medical care provided by a specialist or facility upon referral by a primary care physician ― compare PRIMARY CARE, TERTIARY CARE

secondary cell
: STORAGE BATTERY

secondary color
: a color formed by mixing two primary colors in equal or equivalent quantities

secondary emission
: the emission of electrons from a surface that is bombarded by particles (as electrons or ions) from a primary source

secondary radiation
: radiation emitted by molecules or atoms after bombardment by a primary radiation

secondary road
1 : a road not of primary importance
2 : a feeder road

secondary root
: one of the branches of a primary root

secondary school
: a school intermediate between elementary school and college and usually offering general, technical, vocational, or college-preparatory courses

secondary sex characteristic
: a physical characteristic (as the breasts of a female mammal or the breeding plumage of a male bird) that appears in members of one sex at puberty or in seasonal breeders at the breeding season and is not directly concerned with reproduction ― called also secondary sexual characteristic

secondary syphilis
: the second stage of syphilis that appears from 2 to 6 months after primary infection, that is marked by lesions especially in the skin but also in organs and tissues, and that lasts from 3 to 12 weeks ― compare TERTIARY SYPHILIS

secondhand
adj. 1 a : received from or through an intermediary : BORROWED b : DERIVATIVE <secondhand ideas>
2 a : acquired after being used by another : not new <secondhand books> b : dealing in secondhand merchandise <a secondhand bookstore>

secondhand
adj. 1 : at second hand : INDIRECTLY <heard about it secondhand>
2 : as a secondhand item <bought the couch secondhand>

secondhand smoke
: tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or is given off by burning tobacco and is inhaled by persons nearby

secondo
n. : the second part in a concerted piece especially : the lower part (as in a piano duet)

secrecy
n. 1 : the condition of being hidden or concealed
2 : the habit or practice of keeping secrets or maintaining privacy or concealment

secret
n. 1 a : kept from knowledge or view : HIDDEN b : marked by the habit of discretion : CLOSEMOUTHED c : working with hidden aims or methods : UNDERCOVER <a secret agent> d : not acknowledged : UNAVOWED <a secret bride> e : conducted in secret <a secret trial>
2 : remote from human frequentation or notice : SECLUDED
3 : revealed only to the initiated : ESOTERIC
4 : designed to elude observation or detection <a secret panel>
5 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security ― compare CONFIDENTIAL, TOP SECRET
–se·cret·ly adverb
synonyms SECRET, COVERT, STEALTHY, FURTIVE, CLANDESTINE, SURREPTITIOUS, UNDERHANDED mean done without attracting observation. SECRET implies concealment on any grounds for any motive <met at a secret location>. COVERT stresses the fact of not being open or declared <covert intelligence operations>. STEALTHY suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing <the stealthy step of a burglar>. FURTIVE implies a sly or cautious stealthiness <lovers exchanging furtive glances>. CLANDESTINE implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered <a clandestine meeting of conspirators>. SURREPTITIOUS applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority <the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons>. UNDERHANDED stresses fraud or deception <an underhanded trick>.

secret
n. 1 a : something kept hidden or unexplained : MYSTERY b : something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only confidentially with a few c : a method, formula, or process used in an art or operation and divulged only to those of one's own company or craft : TRADE SECRET d plural : the practices or knowledge making up the shared discipline or culture of an esoteric society
2 : a prayer traditionally said inaudibly by the celebrant just before the preface of the mass
3 : something taken to be a specific or key to a desired end <the secret of longevity>
–in secret : in a private place or manner

secret
n. open secret
in secret
secret ballot
secret partner
secret police
secret service
secret society
top secret
trade secret

secret ballot
: AUSTRALIAN BALLOT

secret partner
: a partner whose membership in a partnership is kept secret from the public

secret police
: a police organization operating for the most part in secrecy and especially for the political purposes of its government often with terroristic methods

secret service
1 : a governmental service of a secret nature
2 capitalized both Ss : a division of the U.S. Treasury Department charged chiefly with the suppression of counterfeiting and the protection of the president

secret society
: any of various oath-bound societies often devoted to brotherhood, moral discipline, and mutual assistance

secretagogue
n. : a substance stimulating secretion (as by the stomach or pancreas)

secretariat
n. 1 : the office of secretary
2 : a secretarial corps specifically : the clerical staff of an organization
3 : the administrative department of a governmental organization

secretary
n. 1 : one employed to handle correspondence and manage routine and detail work for a superior
2 a : an officer of a business concern who may keep records of directors' and stockholders' meetings and of stock ownership and transfer and help supervise the company's legal interests b : an officer of an organization or society responsible for its records and correspondence
3 : an officer of state who superintends a government administrative department <the secretary of labor>
4 a : WRITING DESK, ESCRITOIRE b : a writing desk with a top section for books
–sec·re·tar·i·al \ˌse-krə-'ter-ē-əl\ adjective
–sec·re·tary·ship \'se-krə-ˌter-ē-ˌship\ noun

secretary
n. executive secretary
press secretary
secretary bird
secretary general
social secretary
secretaries general

secretary bird
: a large long-legged bird of prey (Sagittarius serpentarius of the family Sagittariidae) of sub-Saharan Africa that feeds largely on reptiles

secretary-general
: a principal administrative officer <secretary-general of the United Nations>

secrete
v. : to form and give off (a secretion)

secrete
v. 1 : to deposit or conceal in a hiding place
2 : to appropriate secretly : ABSTRACT
synonyms see HIDE

secretin
n. : an intestinal proteinaceous hormone capable of stimulating secretion by the pancreas and liver

secretion
n. 1 a : the process of segregating, elaborating, and releasing some material either functionally specialized (as saliva) or isolated for excretion (as urine) b : a product of secretion formed by an animal or plant especially : one performing a specific useful function in the organism
2 [2secrete] : the act of hiding something : CONCEALMENT
–se·cre·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

secretive
adj. : disposed to secrecy : not open or outgoing in speech, activity, or purposes
synonyms see SILENT
–se·cre·tive·ly adverb
–se·cre·tive·ness noun

secretor
n. : an individual of blood group A, B, or AB who secretes the antigens characteristic of these blood groups in bodily fluids (as saliva)

secretory
adj. : of, relating to, or promoting secretion also : produced by secretion

sect
n. 1 a : a dissenting or schismatic religious body especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical b : a religious denomination
2 archaic : SEX 1 <so is all her sect ― Shakespeare>
3 a : a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader b : PARTY c : FACTION

sect
n. section; sectional

sectarian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
2 : limited in character or scope : PAROCHIAL
–sec·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

sectarian
n. 1 : an adherent of a sect
2 : a narrow or bigoted person

sectarianize
v. intransitive verb : to act as sectarians
transitive verb : to make sectarian

sectary
n. : a member of a sect

sectile
adj. : capable of being severed by a knife with a smooth cut <amber is a sectile resin>
–sec·til·i·ty \sek-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

section
n. 1 a : the action or an instance of cutting or separating by cutting b : a part set off by or as if by cutting
2 : a distinct part or portion of something written (as a chapter, law, or newspaper)
3 a : the profile of something as it would appear if cut through by an intersecting plane b : the plane figure resulting from the cutting of a solid by a plane
4 : a natural subdivision of a taxonomic group
5 : a character § used as a mark for the beginning of a section and as a reference mark
6 : a piece of land one square mile in area forming especially one of the 36 subdivisions of a township
7 : a distinct part of a territorial or political area, community, or group of people <the historic section of the city>
8 a : a part that may be, is, or is viewed as separated <a board cut into sections> <the northern section of the route> b : one segment of a fruit : CARPEL
9 : a basic military unit usually having a special function
10 : a very thin slice (as of tissue) suitable for microscopic examination
11 a : one of the classes formed by dividing the students taking a course b : one of the discussion groups into which a conference or organization is divided
12 a : a part of a permanent railroad way under the care of a particular crew b : one of two or more vehicles or trains which run on the same schedule
13 : one of several component parts that may be assembled or reassembled <a bookcase in sections>
14 : a division of an orchestra composed of one class of instruments <the string section>
15 : SIGNATURE 3B
synonyms see PART

section
n. transitive verb
1 : to cut or separate into sections <section an orange>
2 : to represent in sections
intransitive verb : to become cut or separated into parts

section
n. rhythm section
caesarean section
cesarean section
conic section
cross section
C section
golden section
quarter section
Section Eight
section gang
section hand
x section

Section Eight
: a discharge from the U.S. Army for military inaptitude or undesirable habits or traits of character also : a soldier receiving such a discharge

section gang
: a crew of track workers employed to maintain a railroad section

section hand
: a laborer belonging to a section gang

sectional
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a section b : local or regional rather than general in character <sectional interests>
2 : consisting of or divided into sections <sectional furniture>
–sec·tion·al·ly adverb

sectional
adj. : a piece of furniture made up of modular units capable of use separately or in various combinations

sectionalism
n. : an exaggerated devotion to the interests of a region

sector
n. 1 a : a geometric figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle b (1) : a subdivision of a defensive military position (2) : a portion of a military front or area of operation c : an area or portion resembling a sector <bilingual sector of town ― David Kleinberg> d : a sociological, economic, or political subdivision of society <cooperation between the public and private sectors ― Peter Chapman>
2 : a mathematical instrument consisting of two rulers connected at one end by a joint and marked with several scales
3 : a subdivision of a track on a computer disk
–sec·tor·al \'sek-t(ə-)rəl\ adjective

sector
n. : to divide into or furnish with sectors

sectorial
adj. : of, relating to, or having the shape of a sector of a circle

secular
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the worldly or temporal <secular concerns> b : not overtly or specif. religious <secular music> c : not ecclesiastical or clerical <secular courts> <secular landowners>
2 : not bound by monastic vows or rules specifically : of, relating to, or forming clergy not belonging to a religious order or congregation <a secular priest>
3 a : occurring once in an age or a century b : existing or continuing through ages or centuries c : of or relating to a long term of indefinite duration <secular inflation>
–sec·u·lar·i·ty \ˌse-kyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–sec·u·lar·ly \'se-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

secular
adj. 1 : a secular ecclesiastic (as a diocesan priest)
2 : LAYMAN

secular humanism
: HUMANISM 3 especially : humanistic philosophy viewed as a nontheistic religion antagonistic to traditional religion
–secular humanist noun or adjective

secularise
v. British variant of secularize

secularism
n. : indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations
–sec·u·lar·ist \-rist\ noun
–secularist also sec·u·lar·is·tic \ˌse-kyə-lə-'ris-tik\ adjective

secularize
v. 1 : to make secular
2 : to transfer from ecclesiastical to civil or lay use, possession, or control
3 : to convert to or imbue with secularism
–sec·u·lar·i·za·tion \ˌse-kyə-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–sec·u·lar·iz·er noun

Secunderabad
city S cen India in Andhra Pradesh, NE suburb of Hyderabad pop 204,182

secundum artem
: according to the art : according to the accepted practice of a profession or trade

secundum naturam
: according to nature : naturally

secure
adj. 1 a archaic : unwisely free from fear or distrust : OVERCONFIDENT b : easy in mind : CONFIDENT c : assured in opinion or expectation : having no doubt
2 a : free from danger b : free from risk of loss c : affording safety <a secure hideaway> d : TRUSTWORTHY, DEPENDABLE <a secure foundation>
3 : ASSURED 1 <a secure victory>
–se·cure·ly adverb
–se·cure·ness noun

secure
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to relieve from exposure to danger : act to make safe against adverse contingencies <secure a supply line from enemy raids> b : to put beyond hazard of losing or of not receiving : GUARANTEE <secure the blessings of liberty ― U.S. Constitution> c : to give pledge of payment to (a creditor) or of (an obligation) <secure a note by a pledge of collateral>
2 a : to take (a person) into custody : hold fast : PINION b : to make fast <secure a door> <secure a bike to a tree>
3 a : to get secure usually lasting possession or control of <secure a job> b : BRING ABOUT, EFFECT
4 : to release (naval personnel) from work or duty
intransitive verb
1 of naval personnel : to stop work : go off duty
2 of a ship : to tie up : BERTH
synonyms see ENSURE
–se·cur·er noun

securement
n. 1 obsolete : PROTECTION
2 : the act or process of securing

securitize
v. : to consolidate (as mortgage loans) and sell to other investors for resale to the public in the form of securities
–se·cu·ri·ti·za·tion \-ˌkyu̇r-ə-tə-'zȧ-shən\ noun

security
n. 1 : the quality or state of being secure: as a : freedom from danger : SAFETY b : freedom from fear or anxiety c : freedom from the prospect of being laid off <job security>
2 a : something given, deposited, or pledged to make certain the fulfillment of an obligation b : SURETY
3 : an instrument of investment in the form of a document (as a stock certificate or bond) providing evidence of its ownership
4 a : something that secures : PROTECTION b (1) : measures taken to guard against espionage or sabotage, crime, attack, or escape (2) : an organization or department whose task is security

security
n. collective security
security blanket
Security Council
security interest
security police
social security

security blanket
1 : a blanket carried by a child as a protection against anxiety
2 : a usually familiar object whose presence dispels anxiety

Security Council
: a permanent council of the United Nations with primary responsibility for maintaining peace and security

security interest
: the rights that a creditor has in the personal property of a debtor that secures an obligation : LIEN

security police
1 : police engaged in counterespionage
2 : AIR POLICE

secy
secretary

sed
sedimentation

Sedan
n. city NE France on the Meuse NE of Reims pop 20,547

sedan
n. 1 : a portable often covered chair that is designed to carry one person and that is borne on poles by two people
2 a : a 2- or 4-door automobile seating four or more persons and usually having a permanent top ― compare COUPE b : a motorboat having one passenger compartment

sedate
adj. : keeping a quiet steady attitude or pace : UNRUFFLED
synonyms see SERIOUS
–se·date·ly adverb
–se·date·ness noun

sedate
adj. : to dose with sedatives

sedation
n. 1 : the inducing of a relaxed easy state especially by the use of sedatives
2 : a state resulting from or as if from sedation

sedative
n. : tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative
n. : a sedative agent or drug

sedentary
adj. 1 : not migratory : SETTLED <sedentary birds> <sedentary civilizations>
2 a : doing or requiring much sitting <a sedentary job> b : not physically active <a sedentary lifestyle>
3 : permanently attached <sedentary barnacles>

seder
n. : a Jewish home or community service including a ceremonial dinner held on the first or first and second evenings of the Passover in commemoration of the exodus from Egypt

sederunt
n. : a prolonged sitting (as for discussion)

sedge
n. : any of a family (Cyperaceae, the sedge family) of usually tufted monocotyledonous marsh plants differing from the related grasses in having achenes and solid stems especially : any of a cosmopolitan genus (Carex)
–sedgy \'se-jē\ adjective

Sedgemoor
tract of moorland SW England in cen Somerset

sedilia
n. : seats on the south side of the chancel for the celebrant and his assistants

sediment
n. 1 : the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
2 : material deposited by water, wind, or glaciers

sediment
n. : to deposit as sediment
intransitive verb
1 : to settle to the bottom in a liquid
2 : to deposit sediment

sedimentable
: capable of being sedimented by centrifugation <sedimentable ribosomal particles>

sedimentary
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or containing sediment <sedimentary deposits>
2 : formed by or from deposits of sediment <sedimentary rock>

sedimentation
n. : the action or process of forming or depositing sediment : SETTLING

sedimentology
: a branch of science that deals with sedimentary rocks and their inclusions
–sed·i·men·to·log·ic \-ˌmen-tə-'lä-jik\ or sed·i·men·to·log·i·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–sed·i·men·to·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sed·i·men·tol·o·gist \-mən-'tä-lə-jist, -ˌmen-\ noun

sedition
n. : incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority

seditious
adj. 1 : disposed to arouse or take part in or guilty of sedition
2 : of, relating to, or tending toward sedition
–se·di·tious·ly adverb
–se·di·tious·ness noun

seduce
v. 1 : to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty
2 : to lead astray usually by persuasion or false promises
3 : to carry out the physical seduction of : entice to sexual intercourse
4 : ATTRACT
synonyms see LURE
–se·duc·er noun

seducement
n. 1 : SEDUCTION
2 : something that serves to seduce

seduction
n. 1 : the act of seducing especially : the enticement of a person to sexual intercourse
2 : something that seduces : TEMPTATION
3 : something that attracts or charms

seductive
adj. : tending to seduce : having alluring or tempting qualities <a seductive, sometimes disingenuous man ― Thatcher Freund> <a seductive aroma>
–se·duc·tive·ly adverb
–se·duc·tive·ness noun

seductress
n. : a woman who seduces

sedulity
n. : sedulous activity : DILIGENCE

sedulous
adj. 1 : involving or accomplished with careful perseverance <sedulous craftsmanship>
2 : diligent in application or pursuit <a sedulous student>
synonyms see BUSY
–sed·u·lous·ly adverb
–sed·u·lous·ness noun

sedum
n. : any of a genus (Sedum) of widely distributed fleshy herbs of the orpine family ― compare STONECROP

See
n. Thomas Jefferson Jackson 1866-1962 American astron. & math.

see
n. transitive verb
1 a : to perceive by the eye b : to perceive or detect as if by sight
2 a : to have experience of : UNDERGO <see army service> b : to come to know : DISCOVER c : to be the setting or time of <the last fifty years have seen a sweeping revolution in science ― Barry Commoner>
3 a : to form a mental picture of : VISUALIZE <can still see her as she was years ago> b : to perceive the meaning or importance of : UNDERSTAND c : to be aware of : RECOGNIZE <sees only our faults> d : to imagine as a possibility : SUPPOSE <couldn't see him as a crook>
4 a : EXAMINE, WATCH <want to see how she handles the problem> b (1) : READ (2) : to read of c : to attend as a spectator <see a play>
5 a : to take care of : provide for <had enough money to see us through> b : to make sure <see that order is kept>
6 a : to regard as : JUDGE b : to prefer to have <I'll see him hanged first> <I'll see you dead before I accept your terms> c : to find acceptable or attractive <can't understand what he sees in her>
7 a : to call on : VISIT b (1) : to keep company with especially in courtship or dating <had been seeing each other for a year> (2) : to grant an interview to : RECEIVE <the president will see you now>
8 : ACCOMPANY, ESCORT <see the guests to the door>
9 : to meet (a bet) in poker or to equal the bet of (a player) : CALL
intransitive verb
1 a : to give or pay attention b : to look about
2 a : to have the power of sight b : to apprehend objects by sight c : to perceive objects as if by sight
3 a : to grasp something mentally b : to acknowledge or consider something being pointed out <see, I told you it would rain>
4 : to make investigation or inquiry
–see·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–see after : to attend to : care for
–see eye to eye : to have a common viewpoint : AGREE
–see red : to become very angry
–see the light : to discover or realize a usually obscured truth
–see the light of day : to become publicly known or available (as through publication) <manuscripts that will never see the light of day>
–see things : HALLUCINATE
–see through : to grasp the true nature of <saw through the scheme>
–see to : to attend to : care for

see
n. 1 a archaic : CATHEDRA b : a cathedral town c : a seat of a bishop's office, power, or authority
2 : the authority or jurisdiction of a bishop

see
n. Holy See
look see
must see
no see um
see to
see through
see things
see the light of day
see the light
see red
see eye to eye
see after
Vierwaldstätter See
Vierwaldstatter See
band saw
bow saw
buzz saw
chain saw
circular saw
coping saw
crosscut saw
keyhole saw
musical saw
pit saw
saber saw
saw grass
saw palmetto
saw set
saw toothed
saw whet owl
saw whet
scroll saw
Seeing Eye
sawed off

see after
to attend to : care for

see eye to eye
to have a common viewpoint : AGREE

see red
to become very angry

see the light
to discover or realize a usually obscured truth

see the light of day
to become publicly known or available (as through publication) <manuscripts that will never see the light of day>

see things
HALLUCINATE

see through
to grasp the true nature of <saw through the scheme>

see to
to attend to : care for

see-through
: TRANSPARENT 1

Seeckt
Hans von 1866-1936 Ger. army officer

seed
n. 1 a (1) : the grains or ripened ovules of plants used for sowing (2) : the fertilized ripened ovule of a flowering plant containing an embryo and capable normally of germination to produce a new plant broadly : a propagative plant structure (as a spore or small dry fruit) b : a propagative animal structure: (1) : MILT, SEMEN (2) : a small egg (as of an insect) (3) : a developmental form of a lower animal suitable for transplanting specifically : SPAT c : the condition or stage of bearing seed <in seed>
2 : PROGENY
3 : a source of development or growth : GERM <sowed the seeds of discord>
4 : something (as a tiny particle or a bubble in glass) that resembles a seed in shape or size
5 : a competitor who has been seeded in a tournament <the top seed>
–seed adjective
–seed·ed \'sē-dəd\ adjective
–seed·less \'sēd-ləs\ adjective
–seed·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–go to seed or run to seed
1 : to develop seed
2 : DECAY, DETERIORATE

seed
n. 1 : to bear or shed seed
2 : to sow seed : PLANT
transitive verb
1 a : to plant seeds in : SOW <seed a lawn with grass> b : to furnish with something that causes or stimulates growth or development c : INOCULATE d : to supply with nuclei (as of crystallization or condensation) especially : to treat (a cloud) with solid particles to convert water droplets into ice crystals in an attempt to produce precipitation e : to cover or permeate by or as if by scattering something <seeded [the] sea-lanes with thousands of magnetic mines ― Otto Friedrich>
2 : PLANT 1A
3 : to extract the seeds from (as raisins)
4 a : to schedule (tournament players or teams) so that superior ones will not meet in early rounds b : to rank (a contestant) relative to others in a tournament on the basis of previous record <the top-seeded tennis star>

seed
n. caraway seed
coriander seed
psyllium seed
run to seed
canary seed
fern seed
poppy seed
go to seed
seed coat
seed fern
seed leaf
seed money
seed oyster
seed pearl
seed plant
seed potato
seed stock
seed tick

seed coat
: an outer protective covering of a seed

seed fern
: any of an order (Pteridospermales) of extinct cycadophytes with foliage like that of ferns and with naked seeds

seed leaf
: COTYLEDON 2

seed money
: money used for setting up a new enterprise

seed oyster
: a young oyster especially of a size for transplantation

seed pearl
1 : a very small and often irregular pearl
2 : minute pearls imbedded in some binding material

seed plant
: a plant that bears seeds specifically : SPERMATOPHYTE

seed potato
: a potato tuber grown for its buds which are used to start new plants also : a section of such a tuber with one or more buds

seed stock
: a supply (as of seed) for planting broadly : a source of new individuals <seed stock for hardy dairy cattle>

seed tick
: the 6-legged larva of a tick

seedbed
n. 1 : soil or a bed of soil prepared for planting seed
2 : a place or source of growth or development

seedcake
n. 1 : a cake or cookie containing aromatic seeds (as sesame or caraway)
2 : OIL CAKE

seedeater
: a bird (as a finch) whose diet consists basically of seeds

seeder
n. 1 : an implement for planting or sowing seeds
2 : a device for seeding fruit
3 : one that seeds clouds

seedling
n. 1 : a young plant grown from seed
2 a : a young tree before it becomes a sapling b : a nursery plant not yet transplanted
–seedling adjective

seedpod
n. : 2POD 1

seedsman
n. 1 : a person who sows seeds
2 : a dealer in seeds

seedtime
n. 1 : the season of sowing
2 : a period of original development

seedy
adj. 1 : containing or full of seeds <a seedy fruit>
2 : inferior in condition or quality: as a : SHABBY, RUN-DOWN <seedy clothes> b : somewhat disreputable <a seedy district> <a seedy lawyer> c : slightly unwell : DEBILITATED <felt seedy and went home early>
–seed·i·ly \'sē-dəl-ē\ adverb
–seed·i·ness \'sē-dē-nəs\ noun

Seeger
Peter 1919-     Pete Seeger American folksinger

seeing
adj. : INASMUCH AS ― often used with as or that

seeing
adj. : the quality of the images of celestial bodies observed telescopically

Seeing Eye
― used for a guide dog trained to lead the blind

seek
v. transitive verb
1 : to resort to : go to
2 a : to go in search of : look for b : to try to discover
3 : to ask for : REQUEST <seeks advice>
4 : to try to acquire or gain : aim at <seek fame>
5 : to make an attempt : TRY ― used with to and an infinitive <governments⋯seek to keep the bulk of their people contented ― D. M. Potter>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a search or inquiry
2 a : to be sought b : to be lacking <in critical judgment⋯they were sadly to seek ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–seek·er noun

seek
v. hide and seek
north seeking pole
self seeking
south seeking pole
self seeker

seel
v. 1 : to close the eyes of (as a hawk) by drawing threads through the eyelids
2 archaic : to close up (one's eyes)

seely
adj. archaic : pitiable especially because of weak physical or mental condition : FRAIL

seem
v. 1 : to appear to the observation or understanding
2 : to give the impression of being

seeming
n. : external appearance as distinguished from true character : LOOK

seeming
n. : outwardly or superficially evident but not true or real <the seeming immortality of our heroes>
synonyms see APPARENT
–seem·ing·ly adverb

seemly
adj. 1 a : GOOD-LOOKING, HANDSOME b : agreeably fashioned : ATTRACTIVE
2 : conventionally proper : DECOROUS <not seemly to brag about oneself>
3 : suited to the occasion, purpose, or person : FIT
–seem·li·ness noun
–seemly adverb

seen
past part of see

seep
n. 1 : to flow or pass slowly through fine pores or small openings : OOZE <water seeped in through a crack>
2 a : to enter or penetrate slowly <fear of nuclear war had seeped into the national consciousness ― Tip O'Neill> b : to become diffused or spread <a sadness seeped through his being ― Agnes S. Turnbull>

seep
n. 1 a : a spot where a fluid (as water, oil, or gas) contained in the ground oozes slowly to the surface and often forms a pool b : a small spring
2 : SEEPAGE
–seepy \'sē-pē\ adjective

seepage
n. 1 : the process of seeping : OOZING
2 : a quantity of fluid that has seeped (as through porous material)

seer
n. 1 : one that sees
2 a : one that predicts events or developments b : a person credited with extraordinary moral and spiritual insight
3 : one that practices divination especially by concentrating on a glass or crystal globe

seeress
n. : a woman who predicts events or developments : PROPHETESS

seersucker
n. : a light fabric of linen, cotton, or rayon usually striped and slightly puckered

seesaw
n. 1 : an alternating up-and-down or backward-and-forward motion or movement also : a contest or struggle in which now one side now the other has the lead
2 a : a pastime in which two children or groups of children ride on opposite ends of a plank balanced in the middle so that one end goes up as the other goes down b : the plank or apparatus so used
–seesaw adjective

seesaw
n. 1 a : to move backward and forward or up and down b : to play at seesaw
2 : ALTERNATE <seesaw between two activities>
transitive verb : to cause to move in seesaw fashion

seethe
v. transitive verb
1 archaic : BOIL, STEW
2 : to soak or saturate in a liquid
intransitive verb
1 archaic : BOIL
2 a : to be in a state of rapid agitated movement b : to churn or foam as if boiling
3 : to suffer violent internal excitement <seethe with jealousy>

seethe
v. : a state of seething : EBULLITION

seething
adj. 1 : intensely hot : BOILING <a seething inferno>
2 : constantly moving or active : AGITATED

Seferiades
Giorgos Stylianou 1900-1971 pseud. George Se·fer·is \se-'fer-ēs\ Greek diplomat & poet

Segal
George 1924-2000 American sculptor

segment
n. 1 : a portion cut off from a geometric figure by one or more points, lines, or planes: as a : the area of a circle bounded by a chord and an arc of that circle b : the part of a sphere cut off by a plane or included between two parallel planes c : the finite part of a line between two points in the line
2 a : a separate piece of something : BIT, FRAGMENT <chop the stalks into short segments> b : one of the constituent parts into which a body, entity, or quantity is divided or marked off by or as if by natural boundaries <all segments of the population agree>
synonyms see PART
–seg·men·tary \-mən-ˌter-ē\ adjective

segment
n. : to separate into segments : give off as segments

segmental
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the form of a segment and especially the sector of a circle <segmental fanlight>
2 : of, relating to, or composed of somites or metameres : METAMERIC
3 a : divided into segments <segmental knowledge> b : PARTIAL, INCOMPLETE c : resulting from segmentation
–seg·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

segmentation
n. : the process of dividing into segments especially : the formation of many cells from a single cell (as in a developing egg)

segmentation cavity
: BLASTOCOEL

segmented
adj. : divided into or composed of segments or sections <segmented worms>

segno
: a notational sign specifically : the sign that marks the beginning or end of a musical repeat

sego lily
: a mariposa lily (Calochortus nuttallii) of western No. America having mostly white or in some areas mostly yellow flowers mottled with a darker color

Segovia
Andrés 1893-1987 Span. guitarist & composer

Segovia
1 ― see COCO
2 province N cen Spain in Old Castile area 2683 sq mi (6949 sq km), pop 147,694
3 commune, its capital, NW of Madrid pop 54,368

segregant
n. : a genetic segregate

segregate
transitive verb
1 : to separate or set apart from others or from the general mass : ISOLATE
2 : to cause or force the separation of (as from the rest of society)
intransitive verb
1 : SEPARATE, WITHDRAW
2 : to practice or enforce a policy of segregation
3 : to undergo genetic segregation
–seg·re·ga·tive \-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective

segregate
n. : one that is in some respect segregated especially : one that differs genetically from the parental line because of genetic segregation

segregated
adj. 1 a : set apart or separated from others of the same kind or group <a segregated account in a bank> b : divided in facilities or administered separately for members of different groups or races <segregated education> c : restricted to members of one group or one race by a policy of segregation <segregated schools>
2 : practicing or maintaining segregation especially of races <segregated states>

segregation
n. 1 : the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2 a : the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means b : the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group <segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes>
3 : the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

segregationist
n. : a person who believes in or practices segregation especially of races
–segregationist adjective

segue
n. 1 : proceed to what follows without pause ― used as a direction in music
2 : perform the music that follows like that which has preceded ― used as a direction in music

segue
n. 1 : to proceed without pause from one musical number or theme to another
2 : to make a transition without interruption from one activity, topic, scene, or part to another <segued smoothly into the next story>

segue
n. : the act or an instance of segueing

seguidilla
n. 1 a : a Spanish dance with many regional variations b : the music for such a dance
2 : a Spanish stanza of four or seven short partly assonant verses

sei whale
: a widely distributed dark gray baleen whale (Balaenoptera borealis) that has a ridge on the top of the head and may reach a length of nearly 60 feet (18 meters) ― called also sei

seicento
n. : the 17th century specifically : the 17th century period in Italian literature and art

seiche
n. : an oscillation of the surface of a landlocked body of water (as a lake) that varies in period from a few minutes to several hours

seidel
: a large glass for beer

Seidlitz powders
: effervescing salts consisting of one powder of sodium bicarbonate and Rochelle salt and another of tartaric acid that are mixed in water and drunk as a mild cathartic

Seifert
Jaroslav 1901-1986 Czech poet

seigneur
n. 1 : a man of rank or authority especially : the feudal lord of a manor
2 : a member of the landed gentry of Canada

seigneurial
: of, relating to, or befitting a seigneur

seigneury
n. 1 a : the territory under the government of a feudal lord b : a landed estate held in Canada by feudal tenure until 1854
2 : the manor house of a Canadian seigneur

seignior
n. : SEIGNEUR 1

seigniorage
n. : a government revenue from the manufacture of coins calculated as the difference between the face value and the metal value of the coins

seigniory
n. 1 : LORDSHIP, DOMINION specifically : the power or authority of a feudal lord
2 : the territory over which a lord holds jurisdiction

seignorial
adj. : of, relating to, or befitting a seignior : MANORIAL

Seim
― see SEYM

Seine
n. river 480 mi (772 km) N France flowing NW into Bay of the Seine (inlet of English Channel)

seine
n. : a large net with sinkers on one edge and floats on the other that hangs vertically in the water and is used to enclose and catch fish when its ends are pulled together or are drawn ashore

seine
n. intransitive verb : to fish with or catch fish with a seine
transitive verb : to fish for or in with a seine

seine
n. purse seine
Neuilly sur Seine
Vitry sur Seine
purse seining

seiner
n. 1 : one who fishes with a seine
2 : a boat used for seining

seisin
n. 1 : the possession of land or chattels
2 : the possession of a freehold estate in land by one having title thereto

seismic
adj. 1 : of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake also : of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite)
2 : of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth
3 : having a strong or widespread impact : EARTHSHAKING <seismic social changes>
–seis·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

seismicity
n. : the relative frequency and distribution of earthquakes

seismo
: earthquake : vibration <seismometer>

seismogram
n. : the record of an earth tremor by a seismograph

seismograph
n. : an apparatus to measure and record vibrations within the earth and of the ground
–seis·mog·ra·pher \sīz-'mä-grə-fər, sīs-\ noun
–seis·mo·graph·ic \ˌsīz-mə-'gra-fik, ˌsīs-\ adjective
–seis·mog·ra·phy \sīz-'mä-grə-fē, sīs-\ noun

seismology
n. : a science that deals with earthquakes and with artificially produced vibrations of the earth
–seis·mo·log·i·cal \ˌsīz-mə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌsīs-\ also seis·mo·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–seis·mol·o·gist \sīz-'mä-lə-jist, sīs-\ noun

seismometer
n. : a seismograph measuring the actual movements of the ground (as on the earth or the moon)
–seis·mo·met·ric \ˌsīz-mə-'me-trik, ˌsīs-\ adjective

seismometry
: the scientific study of earthquakes

seize
v. transitive verb
1 a usually seise \'sēz\ : to vest ownership of a freehold estate in b often seise : to put in possession of something <the biographer will be seized of all pertinent papers>
2 a : to take possession of : CONFISCATE b : to take possession of by legal process
3 a : to possess or take by force : CAPTURE b : to take prisoner : ARREST
4 a : to take hold of : CLUTCH b : to possess oneself of : GRASP c : to understand fully and distinctly : APPREHEND
5 a : to attack or overwhelm physically : AFFLICT <suddenly seized with an acute illness ― H. G. Armstrong> b : to possess (as one's mind) completely or overwhelmingly <seized the popular imagination ― Basil Davenport>
6 : to bind or fasten together with a lashing of small stuff (as yarn, marline, or fine wire)
intransitive verb
1 : to take or lay hold suddenly or forcibly
2 a : to cohere to a relatively moving part through excessive pressure, temperature, or friction ― used especially of machine parts (as bearings, brakes, or pistons) b : to fail to operate due to the seizing of a part ― used of an engine
synonyms see TAKE
–seiz·er noun

seizing
n. 1 a : the cord or lashing used in binding or fastening b : the fastening so made ― see KNOT illustration
2 : the operation of fastening together or lashing with tarred small stuff

seizure
n. 1 a : the act, action, or process of seizing : the state of being seized b : the taking possession of person or property by legal process
2 a : a sudden attack (as of disease) especially : the physical manifestations (as convulsions, sensory disturbances, or loss of consciousness) resulting from abnormal electrical discharges in the brain (as in epilepsy) b : an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain

sejant
adj. : SITTING ― used of a heraldic animal

Sejanus
Lucius Aelius d A.D. 31 Rom. conspirator

sel
chiefly Scottish variant of self

sel
select; selected; selection

selachian
n. : any of a variously classified group (Selachii) of cartilaginous fishes that includes the existing sharks and typically most related elasmobranchs (as rays)
–selachian adjective

selaginella
: any of a genus (Selaginella) of mosslike lower tracheophytes that are related to or grouped with the club mosses and have scalelike leaves and produce one-celled sporangia containing both megaspores and microspores

selah
n. ― a term of uncertain meaning found in the Hebrew text of the Psalms and Habakkuk carried over untranslated into some English versions

Selangor
state cen Malaysia (federation) on Strait of Malacca area 3074 sq mi (7962 sq km), pop 2,289,236

selcouth
archaic : UNUSUAL, STRANGE

Selden
George Baldwin 1846-1922 American lawyer & inventor

Selden
John 1584-1654 Eng. jurist & antiquarian

seldom
adv. : in few instances : RARELY, INFREQUENTLY

seldom
adv. : RARE, INFREQUENT

select
adj. 1 : chosen from a number or group by fitness or preference
2 a : of special value or excellence : SUPERIOR, CHOICE b : exclusively or fastidiously chosen often with regard to social, economic, or cultural characteristics
3 : judicious or restrictive in choice : DISCRIMINATING <pleased with the select appreciation of his books ― Osbert Sitwell>
–se·lect·able \sə-'lek-tə-bəl\ adjective
–se·lect·ness \sə-'lek(t)-nəs\ noun
–se·lec·tor \sə-'lek-tər\ noun

select
adj. : to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group : pick out
intransitive verb : to make a choice

select
adj. : one that is select ― often used in plural

selected
adj. : SELECT specifically : of a higher grade or quality than the ordinary

selectee
n. 1 : a person inducted into military service under selective service
2 : a person who is chosen from a group by fitness or preference

selection
n. 1 : the act or process of selecting : the state of being selected
2 : one that is selected : CHOICE also : a collection of selected things
3 : a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated ― compare DARWINISM, NATURAL SELECTION
synonyms see CHOICE

selection
n. kin selection
natural selection
sexual selection
self selection

selectionist
: one who considers natural selection a fundamental factor in evolution
–selectionist adjective

selective
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select
2 : highly specific in activity or effect <selective pesticides> <selective absorption>
–se·lec·tive·ly adverb
–se·lec·tive·ness noun
–se·lec·tiv·i·ty \sə-ˌlek-'ti-və-tē, ˌsē-\ noun

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
: SSRI

selective service
: a system under which men are called up for military service : DRAFT

selectman
n. : one of a board of officials elected in towns of all New England states except Rhode Island to serve as the chief administrative authority of the town

selen
: moon <selenium> <selenology>

selen
: selenium <seleniferous>

selenate
: a salt containing the anion SeO_42-

Selene
n. : the Greek goddess of the moon

Selenga
river N cen Asia rising in W Mongolia & flowing to Lake Baikal

selenide
n. : a binary compound of selenium with a more electropositive element or group

seleniferous
: containing or yielding selenium <seleniferous vegetation> <seleniferous soils>

selenite
n. : a variety of gypsum occurring in transparent crystals or crystalline masses

selenium
n. : a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys ― see ELEMENT table

selenium cell
: an insulated strip of selenium mounted with electrodes and used as a photoconductive element

selenocentric
: of or relating to the center of the moon also : referred to or involving the moon as a center

selenology
n. : a branch of astronomy that deals with the moon
–se·le·no·log·i·cal \ˌse-lə-nō-'lä-ji-kəl, sə-ˌlē-nə-'lä-\ adjective
–sel·e·nol·o·gist \ˌse-lə-'nä-lə-jist\ noun

Seleucia
1 or Seleucia Tra·che·o·tis \ˌtrā-kē-'ō-təs\ ancient city SE Asia Minor in Cilicia SW of Tarsus
2 ancient city, chief city of the Seleucid Empire; ruins now in Iraq on the Tigris SSE of Baghdad
3 or Seleucia Pi·er·ia \pī-'ir-ē-ə, -'er-\ ancient city Asia Minor N of mouth of the Orontes; port for Antioch

Seleucid
n. : a member of a Greek dynasty ruling Syria and at various times other Asian territories from 312 B.C. to 64 B.C.
–Seleucid adjective

Seleucus I Nicator
n. 358(to 354)-281 B.C. Macedonian gen. & founder of Seleucid dynasty

self
n. : MYSELF, HIMSELF, HERSELF <a check payable to self>

self
n. 1 obsolete : IDENTICAL, SAME
2 obsolete : belonging to oneself : OWN
3 a : having a single character or quality throughout specifically : having one color only <a self flower> b : of the same kind (as in color, material, or pattern) as something with which it is used <self trimming>

self
n. 1 a : the entire person of an individual b : the realization or embodiment of an abstraction
2 a (1) : an individual's typical character or behavior <her true self was revealed> (2) : an individual's temporary behavior or character <his better self> b : a person in prime condition <feel like my old self today>
3 : the union of elements (as body, emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute the individuality and identity of a person
4 : personal interest or advantage
5 : material that is part of an individual organism <ability of the immune system to distinguish self from nonself>

self
n. 1 : INBREED
2 : to pollinate with pollen from the same flower or plant
intransitive verb : to undergo self-pollination

self
1 a : oneself or itself <self-supporting> b : of oneself or itself <self-abasement> c : by oneself or itself <self-propelled> <self-acting>
2 a : to, with, for, or toward oneself or itself <self-consistent> <self-addressed> <self-love> b : of or in oneself or itself inherently <self-evident> c : from or by means of oneself or itself <self-fertile>
self-abase·ment
self-ab·ne·gat·ing
self-ab·ne·ga·tion
self-ac·cel·er·at·ing
self-ac·cep·tance
self-ac·cu·sa·tion
self-ac·cu·sa·to·ry
self-ac·cus·ing
self-ac·knowl·edged
self-ad·just·ing
self-ad·min·is·ter
self-ad·min·is·tra·tion
self-ad·mit·ted
self-ad·mit·ted·ly
self-ad·u·la·to·ry
self-ad·vance·ment
self-ad·ver·tise·ment
self-ad·ver·tis·er
self-af·fir·ma·tion
self-ag·gran·dize·ment
self-ag·gran·diz·ing
self-alien·ation
self-anoint·ed
self-ap·prais·al
self-ap·pro·ba·tion
self-as·sess·ment
self-as·sign·ment
self-au·then·ti·cat·ing
self-avowed
self-bet·ter·ment
self-can·cel
self-care
self-car·i·ca·ture
self-cas·ti·gate
self-cas·ti·ga·tion
self-cen·sor·ship
self-char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
self-clas·si·fi·ca·tion
self-clean·ing
self-com·mand
self-com·mun·ing
self-com·mu·nion
self-com·pla·cen·cy
self-com·pla·cent
self-con·dem·na·tion
self-con·demned
self-con·firm·ing
self-con·se·cra·tion
self-con·sti·tut·ed
self-con·sum·ing
self-con·tem·pla·tion
self-con·tempt
self-cre·at·ed
self-cre·a·tion
self-crit·i·cal
self-crit·i·cism
self-cri·tique
self-cul·ti·va·tion
self-cul·ture
self-damn·ing
self-de·base·ment
self-de·ceit
self-de·ceive
self-de·cep·tion
self-de·feat·ing
self-de·lud·ed
self-de·lud·ing
self-de·lu·sion
self-den·i·grat·ing
self-den·i·gra·tion
self-de·pen·dence
self-de·pen·dent
self-dep·re·cat·ing
self-dep·re·cat·ing·ly
self-dep·re·ca·tion
self-dep·re·ca·to·ry
self-de·pre·ci·a·tion
self-de·scribed
self-de·scrip·tion
self-de·scrip·tive
self-de·stroy·er
self-de·vel·op·ment
self-de·vour·ing
self-dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion
self-di·rect·ed
self-di·rect·ing
self-di·rec·tion
self-di·rec·tive
self-dis·gust
self-dis·play
self-dis·sat·is·fac·tion
self-doubt
self-ed·u·cat·ed
self-ed·u·cat·ing
self-ed·u·ca·tion
self-ef·face·ment
self-ef·fac·ing
self-eman·ci·pa·tion
self-emas·cu·la·tion
self-en·closed
self-en·grossed
self-en·hance·ment
self-eval·u·ate
self-eval·u·a·tion
self-ex·clu·sion
self-ex·cul·pa·tion
self-ex·hi·bi·tion
self-ex·is·tence
self-ex·is·tent
self-ex·plain·ing
self-ex·tinc·tion
self-fi·nance
self-formed
self-gen·er·ate
self-giv·ing
self-guid·ed
self-hate
self-hat·ing
self-ha·tred
self-heal·ing
self-hum·bling
self-hu·mil·i·a·tion
self-hyp·no·sis
self-idol·a·try
self-im·posed
self-im·prove·ment
self-im·prov·er
self-in·duced
self-in·fat·u·at·ed
self-in·fla·tion
self-in·flict·ed
self-ini·ti·at·ed
self-in·struct·ed
self-in·struc·tion
self-in·struc·tion·al
self-in·ter·view
self-in·vent·ed
self-in·ven·tion
self-iso·la·tion
self-la·beled
self-lac·er·at·ing
self-lac·er·a·tion
self-loath·ing
self-lock·ing
self-lu·bri·cat·ing
self-lu·mi·nous
self-main·te·nance
self-man·age·ment
self-mas·tery
self-med·i·ca·tion
self-mock·ery
self-mock·ing
self-mor·ti·fi·ca·tion
self-mo·ti·vat·ed
self-mu·ti·lat·ing
self-mu·ti·la·tion
self-ne·gat·ing
self-ob·sessed
self-op·er·at·ing
self-or·dained
self-ori·ent·ed
self-par·o·dist
self-par·o·dy
self-penned
self-per·pet·u·at·ing
self-per·pet·u·a·tion
self-pla·gia·rism
self-pleas·ing
self-po·lic·ing
self-praise
self-pre·oc·cu·pa·tion
self-pre·oc·cu·pied
self-pre·serv·ing
self-pro·duced
self-pro·mot·er
self-pro·mot·ing
self-pro·mo·tion
self-pro·tec·tion
self-pro·tec·tive
self-pro·tec·tive·ness
self-pun·ish·ing
self-pun·ish·ment
self-raised
self-re·crim·i·na·tion
self-ref·er·ence
self-ref·er·en·tial
self-re·fer·ring
self-ref·or·ma·tion
self-reg·u·la·tion
self-reg·u·la·tive
self-reg·u·la·to·ry
self-re·in·forc·ing
self-re·new·al
self-re·new·ing
self-re·nounc·ing
self-re·nun·ci·a·tion
self-re·proach
self-re·proach·ful
self-re·proof
self-re·prov·ing
self-re·straint
self-rid·i·cule
self-sat·i·riz·ing
self-se·lect·ed
self-se·lec·tion
self-set
self-sur·ren·der
self-sus·tained
self-ther·a·py
self-tor·ment
self-tor·men·tor
self-tor·ture
self-tran·scen·dence
self-trans·for·ma·tion
self-un·der·stand·ing
self-val·i·dat·ing
self-wor·ship
self-wor·ship·er

self
one's self
self abandoned
self abandonment
self absorbed
self absorption
self abuse
self acting
self activity
self actualize
self actualization
self addressed
self adhesive
self adjustment
self admiration
self affected
self analysis
self analytical
self analytic
self annihilation
self applauding
self applause
self appointed
self assembly
self assemble
self asserting
self assertingly
self assertion
self assertive
self assertiveness
self assertively
self assumption
self assurance
self assured
self assuredness
self assuredly
self aware
self awareness
self belt
self belted
self betrayal
self born
self catering
self centered
self centeredness
self centeredly
self closing
self cocking
self collected
self colored
self compatible
self compatibility
self composed
self composedness
self composedly
self conceit
self conceited
self concept
self conception
self concern
self concerned
self confessed
self confessedly
self confession
self confidence
self confidently
self confident
self confrontation
self congratulation
self congratulatory
self conscious
self consciousness
self consciously
self consequence
self consistency
self consistent
self contamination
self content
self contented
self contentedness
self contentedly
self contentment
self contradiction
self contradictory
self control
self controlled
self correcting
self corrective
self dealing
self defense
self defensive
self definition
self denial
self denying
self denyingly
self despair
self designation
self destroying
self destruct
self destruction
self destructive
self destructiveness
self determination
self determined
self determining
self determinism
self devoted
self devotedness
self discipline
self disciplined
self discovery
self distrust
self distrustful
self dramatization
self dramatizer
self dramatizing
self drive
self elected
self employed
self employment
self energizing
self enforcing
self enrichment
self esteem
self evidence
self evident
self evidently
self exam
self examination
self excited
self executing
self exiled
self explanatory
self exploration
self expression
self expressive
self feed
self feeder
self feeling
self fertile
self fertility
self fertilization
self fertilize
self flagellation
self flagellate
self flattering
self flattery
self forgetful
self forgetfulness
self forgetfully
self forgetting
self forgettingly
self fruitful
self fruitfulness
self fulfilling
self fulfillment
self given
self glorification
self glorifying
self glory
self governance
self governed
self governing
self government
self gratification
self gratulation
self gratulatory
self heal
self help
self identical
self identification
self identity
self ignite
self ignition
self image
self immolation
self immolate
self importance
self important
self importantly
self inclusive
self incompatible
self incompatibility
self incriminating
self incrimination
self inductance
self induction
self indulgence
self indulgently
self indulgent
self insurance
self insure
self insurer
self involved
self involvement
self justification
self justifying
self knowing
self knowledge
self limited
self limiting
self liquidating
self loader
self loading
self love
self loving
self made
self mailer
self mailing
self moved
self murder
self observation
self opinion
self opinionated
self opinionatedness
self organization
self paced
self partiality
self perception
self pity
self pityingly
self pitying
self pleased
self poise
self poised
self pollinate
self pollination
self portrait
self possessed
self possessedly
self possession
self preservation
self pride
self proclaimed
self professed
self propelled
self propelling
self propulsion
self publish
self purification
self question
self questioning
self rating
self realization
self recognition
self recording
self reflection
self reflective
self regard
self regarding
self regulating
self reliance
self reliant
self replicating
self replication
self report
self reported
self respect
self respecting
self revealing
self revelation
self rewarding
self righteous
self righteousness
self righteously
self rising flour
self raising flour
self rule
self ruling
self sacrifice
self sacrificing
self sacrificingly
self satisfaction
self satisfied
self scrutiny
self sealing
self searching
self seeker
self seeking
self serve
self service
self serving
self servingly
self similarity
self similar
self slaughter
self slaughtered
self sow
self starter
self starting
self sterile
self sterility
self stick
self stimulation
self stimulatory
self study
self styled
self subsistent
self subsistence
self subsisting
self sufficiency
self sufficient
self sufficing
self sufficingness
self sufficingly
self suggestion
self support
self supported
self supporting
self sustaining
self tanner
self taught
self tolerance
self treatment
self trust
self will
self willed
self willedness
self willedly
self winding
self worth
non self governing
self worshiper
self worship
self validating
self understanding
self transformation
self transcendence
self torture
self tormentor
self torment

self (as used in expressions) more...

self (as used in expressions)-continued
self avowed
self authenticating
self assignment
self assessment
self approbation
self appraisal
self anointed
self alienation
self aggrandizing
self aggrandizement
self affirmation
self advertiser
self advertisement
self advancement
self adulatory
self admittedly
self admitted
self administration
self administer
self adjusting
self acknowledged
self accusing
self accusatory
self accusation
self acceptance
self accelerating
self abnegation
self abnegating
self abasement
self betterment
self culture
self cultivation
self critique
self criticism
self critical
self creation
self created
self contempt
self contemplation
self consuming
self constituted
self consecration
self confirming
self condemned
self condemnation
self complacent
self complacency
self communion
self communing
self command
self contained
self containment
self containedness
self containedly
self cleaning
self classification
self characterization
self censorship
self castigation
self castigate
self caricature
self care
self cancel
self doubt
self dissatisfaction
self display
self disgust
self directive
self direction
self directing
self directed
self differentiation
self devouring
self development
self destroyer
self descriptive
self description
self described
self depreciation
self deprecatory
self deprecation
self deprecatingly
self deprecating
self dependent
self dependence
self denigration
self denigrating
self delusion
self deluding
self deluded
self defeating
self deception
self deceive
self deceit
self debasement
self damning
self extinction
self explaining
self existent
self existence
self exhibition
self exculpation
self exclusion
self evaluation
self evaluate
self enhancement
self engrossed
self enclosed
self emasculation
self emancipation
self effacing
self effacement
self education
self educating
self educated
self formed
self finance
self guided
self giving
self generate
self hypnosis
self humiliation
self humbling
self healing
self hatred
self hating
self hate
self interest
self interestedness
self interestedly
self interested
self isolation
self invention
self invented
self interview
self instructional
self instruction
self instructed
self initiated
self inflicted
self inflation
self infatuated
self induced
self improver
self improvement
self imposed
self idolatry
self luminous
self lubricating
self locking
self loathing
self laceration
self lacerating
self labeled
self mutilation
self mutilating
self motivated
self mortification
self mocking
self mockery
self medication
self mastery
self management
self maintenance
self negating
self oriented
self ordained
self operating
self obsessed
self punishment
self punishing
self protectiveness
self protective
self protection
self promotion
self promoting
self promoter
self produced
self preserving
self preoccupied
self preoccupation
self praise
self policing
self pleasing
self plagiarism
self perpetuation
self perpetuating
self penned
self parody
self parodist
self reflexive
self reflexivity
self reflexiveness
self reflexively
self ridicule
self restraint
self reproving
self reproof
self reproachful
self reproach
self renunciation
self renouncing
self renewing
self renewal
self reinforcing
self regulatory
self regulative
self regulation
self reformation
self referring
self referential
self reference
self recrimination
self raised
self sustained
self surrender
self set
self selection
self selected
self satirizing
self therapy

self-abandoned
: abandoned by oneself especially : given up to one's impulses

self-abandonment
1 : a lack of self-restraint
2 : a surrender of one's selfish interests or desires

self-absorbed
: absorbed in one's own thoughts, activities, or interests

self-absorption
: preoccupation with oneself

self-abuse
1 : reproach of oneself
2 : MASTURBATION
3 : abuse of one's body or health

self-acting
: acting or capable of acting of or by itself : AUTOMATIC

self-activity
: independent and especially self-determined activity

self-actualize
: to realize fully one's potential
–self-ac·tu·al·i·za·tion \-ˌak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-'zā-shən, -sh(ə-w)ə-lə-\ noun

self-addressed
: addressed for return to the sender <a self-addressed envelope>

self-adhesive
: having a side coated with an adhesive that sticks without wetting <self-adhesive labels>

self-adjustment
: adjustment to oneself or one's environment

self-admiration
: SELF-CONCEIT

self-affected
: CONCEITED, SELF-LOVING

self-analysis
: a systematic attempt by an individual to understand his or her own personality without the aid of another person

self-analytical
: relating to or using self-analysis

self-annihilation
: annihilation of the self (as in mystical contemplation of God)

self-applauding
: marked by self-applause

self-applause
: an expression or feeling of approval of oneself

self-appointed
: appointed by oneself : SELF-PROCLAIMED

self-assembly
: the process by which a complex macromolecule (as collagen) or a supramolecular system (as a virus) spontaneously assembles itself from its components
–self-as·sem·ble \-ə-'sem-bəl\ intransitive verb

self-asserting
1 : asserting oneself or one's own rights, claims, or opinions
2 a : SELF-ASSURED, CONFIDENT b : ARROGANT
–self-as·sert·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

self-assertion
1 : the act of asserting oneself or one's own rights, claims, or opinions
2 : the act of asserting one's superiority over others

self-assertive
: given to or characterized by self-assertion
synonyms see AGGRESSIVE
–self-as·ser·tive·ly adverb
–self-as·ser·tive·ness noun

self-assumption
: SELF-CONCEIT

self-assurance
: SELF-CONFIDENCE

self-assured
: sure of oneself : SELF-CONFIDENT
–self-as·sured·ly \-'shu̇r-əd-lē, -'shu̇rd-\ adverb
–self-as·sured·ness \-'shu̇r-əd-nəs, -'shu̇rd-\ noun

self-aware
: characterized by self-awareness

self-awareness
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

self-belt
: a belt made of the same material as the garment with which it is worn
–self-belt·ed \-'bel-təd\ adjective

self-betrayal
: SELF-REVELATION

self-born
1 : arising within the self <self-born sorrows>
2 : springing from a prior self <phoenix rising self-born from the fire>

self-catering
British : provided with lodging and cooking facilities but not meals <self-catering holiday cottages>

self-centered
1 : independent of outside force or influence : SELF-SUFFICIENT
2 : concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests
–self-cen·tered·ly adverb
–self-cen·tered·ness noun

self-closing
: closing or shutting automatically after being opened

self-cocking
of a firearm : cocked by the operation of some part of the action <self-cocking on pushing the bolt forward>

self-collected
: SELF-POSSESSED

self-colored
: of a single color <a self-colored flower>

self-compatible
: capable of effective self-pollination that results in the production of seeds and fruits
–self-com·pat·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌpa-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

self-composed
: having control over one's emotions : CALM
–self-com·pos·ed·ly \-'pō-zəd-lē\ adverb
–self-com·posed·ness \-'pō-zəd-nəs, -'pōz(d)-nəs\ noun

self-conceit
: an exaggerated opinion of one's own qualities or abilities : VANITY
–self-con·ceit·ed \-'sē-təd\ adjective

self-concept
: the mental image one has of oneself

self-conception
: SELF-CONCEPT

self-concern
: a selfish or morbid concern for oneself
–self-con·cerned \-'sərnd\ adjective

self-confessed
: openly acknowledged by oneself : AVOWED
–self-con·fess·ed·ly \-'fe-səd-lē, -'fest-lē\ adverb

self-confession
: open acknowledgment : AVOWAL

self-confidence
: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities
–self-con·fi·dent \-fə-dənt, -ˌdent\ adjective
–self-con·fi·dent·ly adverb

self-confrontation
: SELF-ANALYSIS

self-congratulation
: congratulation of oneself especially : a complacent acknowledgment of one's own superiority or good fortune

self-congratulatory
: expressive of self-congratulation <self-congratulatory memoirs>

self-conscious
1 a : conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual b : intensely aware of oneself : CONSCIOUS <a rising and self-conscious social class> also : produced or done with such awareness <self-conscious art>
2 : uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ILL AT EASE
–self-con·scious·ly adverb
–self-con·scious·ness noun

self-consequence
: SELF-IMPORTANCE

self-consistency
: the quality or state of being self-consistent

self-consistent
: having each part logically consistent with the rest

self-contained
1 a : complete in itself : INDEPENDENT <a self-contained machine> <a self-contained program of study> b : BUILT-IN <a lectern with a self-contained light fixture>
2 a : showing self-control b : formal and reserved in manner
–self-con·tained·ly \-'tā-nəd-lē, -'tānd-lē\ adverb
–self-con·tained·ness \-'tā-nəd-nəs, -'tān(d)-nəs\ noun
–self-con·tain·ment \-'tān-mənt\ noun

self-contamination
1 : contamination by oneself
2 : contamination from within

self-content
: SELF-SATISFACTION

self-contented
: SELF-SATISFIED
–self-con·tent·ed·ly adverb
–self-con·tent·ed·ness noun

self-contentment
: SELF-SATISFACTION

self-contradiction
1 : contradiction of oneself
2 : a self-contradictory statement or proposition

self-contradictory
: consisting of two contradictory members or parts

self-control
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
–self-con·trolled \-'trōld\ adjective

self-correcting
: correcting or compensating for one's own errors or weaknesses

self-corrective
: SELF-CORRECTING

self-dealing
: financial dealing that is not at arm's length especially : borrowing from or lending to a company by a controlling individual primarily to the individual's own advantage

self-defense
1 : a plea of justification for the use of force or for homicide
2 : the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

self-defensive
: of, relating to, or given to self-defense <a self-defensive person> <a self-defensive attitude>

self-definition
: the evaluation by oneself of one's worth as an individual in distinction from one's interpersonal or social roles

self-denial
: a restraint or limitation of one's own desires or interests

self-denying
: showing self-denial
–self-de·ny·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

self-designation
: a name or title that an animate entity (as a person or body of people) uses usually by choice to refer to itself

self-despair
: despair of oneself : HOPELESSNESS

self-destroying
: SELF-DESTRUCTIVE

self-destruct
: to destroy oneself or itself
–self-destruct adjective

self-destruction
: destruction of oneself especially : SUICIDE

self-destructive
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself <self-destructive behavior> also : SUICIDAL <a self-destructive impulse>
–self-de·struc·tive·ness noun

self-determination
1 : free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion
2 : determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

self-determined
: determined by oneself

self-determining
: capable of determining one's or its own acts

self-determinism
: a doctrine that the actions of a self are determined by itself

self-devoted
: characterized by total devotion of oneself (as to a cause)
–self-de·vot·ed·ness noun

self-discipline
: correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement

self-disciplined
: capable of or subject to self-discipline

self-discovery
: the act or process of achieving self-knowledge

self-distrust
: a lack of confidence in oneself : DIFFIDENCE
–self-dis·trust·ful \-fəl\ adjective

self-dramatization
: the act or an instance of dramatizing oneself
–self-dra·ma·tiz·er \-'dra-mə-ˌtī-zər, -'drä-\ noun

self-dramatizing
: seeing and presenting oneself as an important or dramatic figure

self-drive
chiefly British : being a rental car

self-elected
: SELF-APPOINTED

self-employed
: earning income directly from one's own business, trade, or profession rather than as a specified salary or wages from an employer
–self-employed noun

self-employment
: the state of being self-employed

self-energizing
: containing means for augmentation of power within itself <a self-energizing brake>

self-enforcing
: containing in itself the authority or means that provide for its enforcement

self-enrichment
: the act or process of increasing one's intellectual or spiritual resources

self-esteem
1 : a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : SELF-RESPECT
2 : SELF-CONCEIT

self-evidence
: the quality or state of being self-evident

self-evident
: evident without proof or reasoning
–self-ev·i·dent·ly adverb

self-exam
: SELF-EXAMINATION

self-examination
1 : a reflective examination (as of one's beliefs or motives) : INTROSPECTION
2 : examination of one's body especially for evidence of disease

self-excited
: excited by a current produced by the generator itself <self-excited generators>

self-executing
: taking effect immediately without implementing legislation <a self-executing treaty>

self-exiled
: exiled by one's own wish or decision

self-explanatory
: explaining itself : capable of being understood without explanation

self-exploration
: the examination and analysis of one's own unrealized spiritual or intellectual capacities

self-expression
: the expression of one's own personality : assertion of one's individual traits
–self-ex·pres·sive \-'spre-siv\ adjective

self-feed
: to provide rations to (animals) in bulk so as to permit feeding as wanted

self-feeder
: a device for providing feed to livestock that is equipped with a feed hopper that automatically supplies a trough below

self-feeling
: self-centered emotion

self-fertile
: fertile by means of its own pollen or sperm
–self-fer·til·i·ty \-(ˌ)fər-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

self-fertilization
: fertilization effected by union of ova with pollen or sperm from the same individual
–self-fer·til·ize \-'fər-tə-ˌlīz\ verb

self-flagellation
: extreme criticism of oneself
–self-fla·gel·late \-'fla-jə-ˌlāt\ verb

self-flattering
: given to self-flattery

self-flattery
: the glossing over of one's own weaknesses or mistakes and the exaggeration of one's own good qualities and achievements

self-forgetful
: having or showing no thought of self or selfish interests
–self-for·get·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–self-for·get·ful·ness noun

self-forgetting
: SELF-FORGETFUL
–self-for·get·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

self-fruitful
: capable of setting a crop of self-pollinated fruit
–self-fruit·ful·ness noun

self-fulfilling
1 : becoming real or true by virtue of having been predicted or expected <a self-fulfilling prophecy>
2 : marked by or achieving self-fulfillment

self-fulfillment
: fulfillment of oneself

self-given
1 : given by oneself <self-given authority>
2 : derived from itself <a self-given entity>

self-glorification
: a feeling or expression of one's own superiority

self-glorifying
: given to or marked by boasting : BOASTFUL

self-glory
: personal vanity : PRIDE

self-governance
: SELF-GOVERNMENT 2

self-governed
1 : not influenced or controlled by others
2 : exercising self-control

self-governing
: having control or rule over oneself specifically : having self-government : AUTONOMOUS

self-government
1 : SELF-CONTROL, SELF-COMMAND
2 : government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority broadly : control of one's own affairs

self-gratification
: the act of pleasing oneself or of satisfying one's desires especially : the satisfying of one's own sexual urges

self-gratulation
: SELF-CONGRATULATION

self-gratulatory
: SELF-CONGRATULATORY

self-heal
: a blue-flowered Eurasian mint (Prunella vulgaris) that is naturalized throughout No. America and is held to have medicinal properties useful in herbal medicine

self-help
: the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others especially : the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help
–self-help adjective

self-identical
: having self-identity

self-identification
: identification with someone or something outside oneself

self-identity
1 : sameness of a thing with itself
2 : INDIVIDUALITY <self-understanding is the necessary condition of a sense of self-identity ― J. C. Murray>

self-ignite
: to become ignited without flame or spark (as under high compression)
–self-ig·ni·tion \-'ni-shən\ noun

self-image
: one's conception of oneself or of one's role

self-immolation
: a deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself often by fire
–self-im·mo·late \-'i-mə-ˌlāt\ verb

self-importance
1 : an exaggerated estimate of one's own importance : SELF-CONCEIT
2 : arrogant or pompous behavior

self-important
: having or showing self-importance
–self-im·por·tant·ly adverb

self-inclusive
1 : enclosing itself
2 : complete in itself

self-incompatible
: incapable of effective self-pollination
–self-in·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌpa-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

self-incriminating
: serving or tending to incriminate oneself

self-incrimination
: incrimination of oneself specifically : the giving of testimony which will likely subject one to criminal prosecution

self-inductance
: inductance in which an electromotive force is produced by self-induction

self-induction
: induction of an electromotive force in a circuit by a varying current in the same circuit

self-indulgence
: excessive or unrestrained gratification of one's own appetites, desires, or whims
–self-in·dul·gent \-jənt\ adjective
–self-in·dul·gent·ly adverb

self-insurance
: insurance of oneself or of one's own interests by the setting aside of money at regular intervals to provide a fund to cover possible losses

self-insure
: to insure oneself especially : to practice self-insurance
–self-insurer \-'shu̇r-ər\ noun

self-interest
1 : a concern for one's own advantage and well-being <acted out of self-interest and fear>
2 : one's own interest or advantage <self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid>
–self-in·ter·est·ed adjective
–self-in·ter·est·ed·ly adverb
–self-in·ter·est·ed·ness noun

self-involved
: SELF-ABSORBED

self-involvement
: SELF-ABSORPTION

self-justification
: the act or an instance of making excuses for oneself

self-justifying
: seeking to justify oneself

self-knowing
: having self-knowledge

self-knowledge
: knowledge or understanding of one's own capabilities, character, feelings, or motivations

self-limited
: limited by one's or its own nature specifically : running a definite and limited course <a self-limited disease>

self-limiting
: limiting oneself or itself especially of a disease : SELF-LIMITED

self-liquidating
1 : of or relating to a commercial transaction in which goods are converted into cash in a short time
2 : generating funds from its own operations to repay the investment made to create it <a self-liquidating housing project>

self-loader
: a semiautomatic firearm

self-loading
of a firearm : SEMIAUTOMATIC

self-love
: love of self: a : CONCEIT b : regard for one's own happiness or advantage
–self-lov·ing \-'lə-viŋ\ adjective

self-made
: made such by one's own actions especially : having achieved success or prominence by one's own efforts <a self-made man>

self-mailer
: a folder that can be sent by mail without enclosure in an envelope by use of a gummed sticker or a precanceled stamp to hold the leaves together

self-mailing
: capable of being mailed without being enclosed in an envelope

self-moved
: moved by inherent power

self-murder
: SELF-DESTRUCTION, SUICIDE

self-observation
1 : INTROSPECTION
2 : observation of one's own appearance

self-opinion
: high or exaggerated opinion of oneself : SELF-CONCEIT

self-opinionated
1 : CONCEITED
2 : stubbornly holding to one's own opinion : OPINIONATED
–self-opin·ion·at·ed·ness noun

self-organization
1 : organization of oneself or itself
2 : the act or process of forming or joining an organization (as a labor union)

self-paced
: designed to permit learning at the student's own pace <self-paced math course>

self-partiality
1 : an excessive estimate of oneself as compared with others
2 : a prejudice in favor of one's own claims or interests

self-perception
: perception of oneself especially : SELF-CONCEPT

self-pity
: pity for oneself especially : a self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes
–self-pity·ing \-tē-iŋ\ adjective
–self-pity·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

self-pleased
: SELF-SATISFIED

self-poise
: the quality or state of being self-poised

self-poised
: having poise through self-command

self-pollinate
: SELF 2
intransitive verb : to undergo self-pollination

self-pollination
: the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or sometimes to that of a genetically identical flower (as of the same plant or clone)

self-portrait
: a portrait of oneself done by oneself

self-possessed
: having or showing self-possession : composed in mind or manner : CALM
–self-pos·sessed·ly \-'ze-səd-lē, -'se-; -'zest-lē, -'sest-\ adverb

self-possession
: control of one's emotions or reactions especially when under stress : PRESENCE OF MIND, COMPOSURE
synonyms see CONFIDENCE

self-preservation
1 : preservation of oneself from destruction or harm
2 : a natural or instinctive tendency to act so as to preserve one's own existence

self-pride
: pride in oneself or in that which relates to oneself

self-proclaimed
: based on one's own assertion <a self-proclaimed genius>

self-professed
: SELF-PROCLAIMED

self-propelled
1 : containing within itself the means for its own propulsion <a self-propelled vehicle>
2 : mounted on or fired from a moving vehicle <a self-propelled gun>

self-propelling
: SELF-PROPELLED 1

self-propulsion
: propulsion by one's own power

self-publish
: to publish (a book) using the author's own resources

self-purification
1 : purification by natural process <self-purification of water>
2 : purification of oneself

self-question
: a question asked of oneself by oneself

self-questioning
: examination of one's own actions and motives

self-rating
: determination of one's own rating with reference to a standard scale

self-realization
: fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality

self-recognition
1 : recognition of one's own self
2 : the process by which the immune system of an organism distinguishes between the body's own chemicals, cells, and tissues and those of foreign organisms and agents

self-recording
: making an automatic record <self-recording instruments>

self-reflection
: SELF-EXAMINATION 1

self-reflective
: marked by or engaging in self-reflection

self-reflexive
: marked by or making reference to its own artificiality or contrivance <self-reflexive fiction>
–self-re·flex·ive·ly adverb
–self-re·flex·ive·ness noun
–self-re·flex·iv·i·ty \-ˌrē-ˌflek-'si-və-tē, -ri-\ noun

self-regard
: regard for or consideration of oneself or one's own interests

self-regarding
: concerned with oneself or one's own interests

self-regulating
: regulating oneself or itself especially : AUTOMATIC <a self-regulating mechanism>

self-reliance
: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

self-reliant
: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment

self-replicating
: reproducing itself autonomously <DNA is a self-replicating molecule>
–self-rep·li·ca·tion \-ˌre-plə-'kā-shən\ noun

self-report
: a report about one's behavior provided especially by one who is a subject of research
–self-re·port·ed \-'pȯr-təd\ adjective

self-respect
1 : a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2 : regard for one's own standing or position

self-respecting
: having or characterized by self-respect

self-revealing
: marked by self-revelation

self-revelation
: revelation of one's own thoughts, feelings, and attitudes especially without deliberate intent

self-rewarding
: containing or producing its own reward <virtue is self-rewarding>

self-righteous
: convinced of one's own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others : narrow-mindedly moralistic
–self-righ·teous·ly adverb
–self-righ·teous·ness noun

self-rising flour
: a commercially prepared mixture of flour, salt, and a leavening agent ― called also self-raising flour

self-rule
: SELF-GOVERNMENT

self-ruling
: SELF-GOVERNING

self-sacrifice
: sacrifice of oneself or one's interest for others or for a cause or ideal

self-sacrificing
: sacrificing oneself for others
–self-sac·ri·fic·ing·ly adverb

self-satisfaction
: a usually smug satisfaction with oneself or one's position or achievements

self-satisfied
: feeling or showing self-satisfaction

self-scrutiny
: SELF-EXAMINATION

self-sealing
1 : capable of being sealed by pressure without the addition of moisture <self-sealing envelopes>
2 : capable of sealing itself (as after puncture) <a self-sealing tire>

self-searching
: SELF-QUESTIONING

self-seeker
: a self-seeking person

self-seeking
: the act or practice of selfishly advancing one's own ends

self-seeking
: seeking only to further one's own interests

self-serve
: permitting self-service

self-service
: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with goods or services to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by means of a coin-operated mechanism
–self-service adjective

self-serving
: serving one's own interests often in disregard of the truth or the interests of others
–self-serv·ing·ly adverb

self-similarity
: the quality or state of having an appearance that is invariant upon being scaled larger or smaller <magnify the fractal and you can see the self-similarity of its edge>
–self-sim·i·lar \-'si-mə-lər, -'sim-lər\ adjective

self-slaughter
: SUICIDE 1A

self-slaughtered
: killed by oneself

self-sow
: to sow itself by dropping seeds or by natural action (as of wind or water)

self-starter
1 : STARTER 3A
2 : a person who has initiative

self-starting
: capable of starting by oneself or itself

self-sterile
: sterile to its own pollen or sperm
–self-ste·ril·i·ty \-stə-'ri-lə-tē\ noun

self-stick
: capable of adhering to a surface by application of pressure without the addition of moisture

self-stimulation
: stimulation of oneself as a result of one's own activity or behavior <electrical self-stimulation of the brain> especially : MASTURBATION
–self-stim·u·la·to·ry \-'stim-yə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adjective

self-study
: study of oneself also : a record of observations from such study

self-styled
: SELF-PROCLAIMED <self-styled experts>

self-subsistent
: subsisting independently of anything external to itself
–self-sub·sis·tence \-tən(t)s\ noun

self-subsisting
: SELF-SUBSISTENT

self-sufficiency
: the quality or state of being self-sufficient

self-sufficient
1 : able to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid : capable of providing for one's own needs <a self-sufficient farm>
2 : having an extreme confidence in one's own ability or worth : HAUGHTY, OVERBEARING

self-sufficing
: SELF-SUFFICIENT
–self-suf·fic·ing·ly adverb
–self-suf·fic·ing·ness noun

self-suggestion
: AUTOSUGGESTION

self-support
: independent support of oneself or itself
–self-sup·port·ed adjective

self-supporting
: characterized by self-support: as a : meeting one's needs by one's own efforts or output b : supporting itself or its own weight <a self-supporting wall>

self-sustaining
1 : maintaining or able to maintain oneself or itself by independent effort <a self-sustaining community>
2 : maintaining or able to maintain itself once commenced <a self-sustaining nuclear reaction>

self-tanner
: a product (as one containing dihydroxyacetone) that when applied to the skin reacts chemically with its surface layer to give the appearance of a suntan

self-taught
1 : having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction <a self-taught musician>
2 : learned by oneself <self-taught knowledge>

self-tolerance
: the physiological state that exists in an organism when its immune system has proceeded far enough in the process of self-recognition to lose the capacity to attack and destroy its own bodily constituents

self-treatment
: medication of oneself or treatment of one's own disease or condition without medical supervision or prescription

self-trust
: SELF-CONFIDENCE

self-will
: stubborn or willful adherence to one's own desires or ideas : OBSTINACY

self-willed
: governed by one's own will : not yielding to the wishes of others : OBSTINATE
–self-willed·ly \-'wild-lē\ adverb
–self-willed·ness \-'wild-nəs\ noun

self-winding
: not needing to be wound by hand <a self-winding watch>

self-worth
: SELF-ESTEEM

selfhood
n. 1 : INDIVIDUALITY
2 : the quality or state of being selfish

selfish
adj. 1 : concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others
2 : arising from concern with one's own welfare or advantage in disregard of others <a selfish act>
3 : being an actively replicating repetitive sequence of nucleic acid that serves no known function <selfish DNA> also : being genetic material solely concerned with its own replication <selfish genes>
–self·ish·ly adverb
–self·ish·ness noun

selfless
adj. : having no concern for self : UNSELFISH
–self·less·ly adverb
–self·less·ness noun

selfness
n. 1 : EGOISM, SELFISHNESS
2 : PERSONALITY, SELFHOOD

selfsame
adj. : being the one mentioned or in question : IDENTICAL <left the selfsame day>
synonyms see SAME
–self·same·ness \-ˌsām-nəs, -'sām-\ noun

Seljuk
adj. 1 : of or relating to any of several Turkish dynasties ruling over a great part of western Asia in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a Turkish people ruled over by a Seljuk dynasty
–Seljuk or Seljukian noun

Selkirk
Alexander 1676-1721 Scot. marooned sailor

Selkirk
1 or Sel·kirk·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county SE Scotland
2 burgh SE of Edinburgh pop 5417

Selkirk Mountains
mountains SW Canada in SE B.C. W of the Rockies; highest Mt. Sir Sandford 11,555 ft (3522 m)

sell
n. transitive verb
1 : to deliver or give up in violation of duty, trust, or loyalty and especially for personal gain : BETRAY ― often used with out <sell out their country>
2 a (1) : to give up (property) to another for something of value (as money) (2) : to offer for sale b : to give up in return for something else especially foolishly or dishonorably <sold his birthright for a mess of pottage> c : to exact a price for <sold their lives dearly>
3 a : to deliver into slavery for money b : to give into the power of another <sold his soul to the devil> c : to deliver the personal services of for money
4 : to dispose of or manage for profit instead of in accordance with conscience, justice, or duty <sold their votes>
5 a : to develop a belief in the truth, value, or desirability of : gain acceptance for <trying to sell a program to the Congress> b : to persuade or influence to a course of action or to the acceptance of something <sell children on reading>
6 : to impose on : CHEAT
7 a : to cause or promote the sale of <using television advertising to sell cereal> b : to make or attempt to make sales to c : to influence or induce to make a purchase
8 : to achieve a sale of <sold a million copies>
intransitive verb
1 : to dispose of something by sale <thinks now is a good time to sell>
2 : to achieve a sale also : to achieve satisfactory sales <hoped that the new line would sell>
3 : to have a specified price
–sell·able \'se-lə-bəl\ adjective
–sell down the river : to betray the faith of
–sell short
1 : to make a short sale
2 : to fail to value properly : UNDERESTIMATE

sell
n. 1 : a deliberate deception : HOAX
2 : the act or an instance of selling
3 : something to be sold or caused to be accepted <the new mystery novel was an easy sell> also : someone to whom something is sold <the new purchasing agent was a tough sell>

sell
n. archaic : SADDLE

sell
n. chiefly Scottish variant of self

sell
n. hard sell
sell short
sell down the river
sell off
sell out
soft sell
sold out
best selling
selling climax
selling plater
selling point
selling race
tax selling

sell down the river
to betray the faith of

sell off
: to suffer a drop in prices

sell out
1 : to sell the goods of (a debtor) in order to satisfy creditors
2 : to sell security or commodity holdings of usually to satisfy an uncovered margin
3 a : to sell all the available tickets for <sold out the concert> b : to sell all of <the merchandise was quickly sold out>
intransitive verb
1 : to dispose of one's goods by sale especially : to sell one's business
2 : to betray one's cause or associates especially for personal gain
3 : to be or achieve a sellout

sell short

1 : to make a short sale
2 : to fail to value properly : UNDERESTIMATE

sell-off
: a usually sudden sharp decline in security prices accompanied by increased volume of trading

seller
n. 1 : one that offers for sale
2 : a marketed product that sells well, to a specified extent, or in a specified manner <a million-copy seller> <a poor seller>

seller's market
: a market in which goods are scarce, buyers have a limited range of choice, and prices are high ― compare BUYER'S MARKET

selling climax
: a sharp decline in stock prices for a short time on very heavy trading volume followed by a rally

selling point
: an aspect or detail of something that is emphasized (as in selling or promoting)

selling race
: a claiming race in which the winning horse is put up for auction

selling-plater
: a horse that runs in selling races

sellout
n. 1 : the act or an instance of selling out
2 : something sold out especially : something (as a concert or contest) for which all tickets are sold
3 : one who sells out

Selma
city cen Ala. W of Montgomery pop 20,512

Selten
Reinhard 1930-     Ger. econ.

seltzer
n. : artificially carbonated water

selvage
n. 1 a : the edge on either side of a woven or flat-knitted fabric so finished as to prevent raveling specifically : a narrow border often of different or heavier threads than the fabric and sometimes in a different weave b : an edge (as of fabric or paper) meant to be cut off and discarded
2 : an outer or peripheral part : BORDER, EDGE
–sel·vaged or sel·vedged \-vijd\ adjective

selves
n. plural of self

Selznick
David O(liver) 1902-1965 American film producer

SEM
scanning electron microscope; scanning electron microscopy

sem
seminar

semantic
adj. 1 : of or relating to meaning in language
2 : of or relating to semantics
–se·man·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

semanticist
n. : a specialist in semantics

semantics
n. 1 : the study of meanings: a : the historical and psychological study and the classification of changes in the signification of words or forms viewed as factors in linguistic development b (1) : SEMIOTIC (2) : a branch of semiotic dealing with the relations between signs and what they refer to and including theories of denotation, extension, naming, and truth
2 : GENERAL SEMANTICS
3 a : the meaning or relationship of meanings of a sign or set of signs especially : connotative meaning b : the language used (as in advertising or political propaganda) to achieve a desired effect on an audience especially through the use of words with novel or dual meanings

semaphore
n. 1 : an apparatus for visual signaling (as by the position of one or more movable arms)
2 : a system of visual signaling by two flags held one in each hand

semaphore
n. transitive verb : to convey (information) by or as if by semaphore
intransitive verb : to send signals by or as if by semaphore

Semarang
city & port Indonesia in cen Java on N coast pop 1,250,971

semasiology
n. : SEMANTICS 1
–se·ma·si·o·log·i·cal \-sē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, -zē-\ adjective

semblable
n. 1 : SIMILAR
2 : SUITABLE
3 : APPARENT, SEEMING
–sem·bla·bly \-blə-blē\ adverb

semblable
n. 1 archaic : something similar : LIKE
2 : one that is like oneself : one's fellow

semblance
n. 1 a : outward and often specious appearance or show : FORM <wrapped in a semblance of composure ― Harry Hervey> b : MODICUM <has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people ― Bayard Rustin>
2 : ASPECT, COUNTENANCE
3 a : a phantasmal form : APPARITION b : IMAGE, LIKENESS
4 : actual or apparent resemblance <her story bears some semblance to the truth>

seme
n. 1 : a linguistic sign
2 : any of the basic components of the meaning of a morpheme

Semele
: a daughter of Cadmus consumed by flames when visited by Zeus in his divine splendor

semelparous
: reproducing or breeding only once in a lifetime <semelparous salmon>

sememe
n. 1 : the meaning of a morpheme
2 a : SEME 2 b : a class of related semes
–se·me·mic \sə-'mē-mik\ adjective

semen
n. : a viscid whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended in secretions of accessory glands (as of the prostate and Cowper's glands)

Semenov
Nikolay Nikolayevich 1896-1986 Soviet chem.

semester
n. 1 : either of the two usually 18-week periods of instruction into which an academic year is often divided
2 : a period of six months
–se·mes·tral \-trəl\ or se·mes·tri·al \-trē-əl\ adjective

semester hour
: a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester

Semey
city NE Kazakhstan on the Irtysh pop 344,700

semi
n. chiefly British : a semidetached house

semi
n. : SEMITRAILER

semi
n. : SEMIFINAL ― often used in plural

semi
n. 1 a : precisely half of: (1) : forming a bisection of <semidiameter> (2) : being a usually vertically bisected form of (a specified architectural feature) <semidome> b : half in quantity or value : half of or occurring halfway through a specified period of time <semiannual> <semimonthly> ― compare BI-
2 : to some extent : partly : incompletely <semicivilized> <semi-independent> <semidry> ― compare DEMI-, HEMI-
3 a : partial : incomplete <semiconsciousness> <semidarkness> b : having some of the characteristics of <semiporcelain> c : QUASI- <semigovernmental> <semimonastic>

semi-antique
: being approximately 50 to 100 years old <a semi-antique carpet>
–semi-antique noun

semi-independent
: partially independent specifically : SEMIAUTONOMOUS

semiabstract
: having subject matter that is easily recognizable although the form is stylized <semiabstract art>
–semi·ab·strac·tion \-ab-'strak-shən\ noun

semiannual
adj. : occurring every six months or twice a year
–semi·an·nu·al·ly adverb

semiaquatic
adj. : growing equally well in or adjacent to water also : frequenting but not living wholly in water

semiarboreal
: often inhabiting and frequenting trees but not completely arboreal <semiarboreal snakes>

semiarid
adj. : characterized by light rainfall especially : having from about 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of annual precipitation
–semi·arid·i·ty \-ə-'ri-də-tē, -a-'ri-\ noun

semiautobiographical
: partly autobiographical <a semiautobiographical comedy>

semiautomatic
n. : not fully automatic: as a : operated partly automatically and partly by hand b of a firearm : able to fire repeatedly but requiring release and another pressure of the trigger for each successive shot
–semiautomatic noun
–semi·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

semiautonomous
adj. : largely self-governing within a larger political or organizational entity

semibreve
n. : WHOLE NOTE

semicentennial
n. : a 50th anniversary or its celebration
–semicentennial adjective

semicircle
n. 1 : a half of a circle
2 : an object or arrangement of objects in the form of a half circle
–semi·cir·cu·lar \ˌse-mē-'sər-kyə-lər\ adjective

semicircular canal
: any of the loop-shaped tubular parts of the labyrinth of the ear that together constitute a sensory organ associated with the maintenance of bodily equilibrium ― see EAR illustration

semicivilized
adj. : partly civilized

semiclassic
: a semiclassical work

semiclassical
adj. : of, relating to, or being a musical composition that is intermediate in style between classical and popular music

semicolon
n. : a punctuation mark ; used chiefly in a coordinating function between major sentence elements (as independent clauses of a compound sentence)

semicolonial
1 : nominally independent but actually under foreign domination
2 : dependent on foreign nations as suppliers of manufactured goods and as purchasers of raw materials
–semi·co·lo·nial·ism \-nyə-ˌli-zəm, -nē-ə-\ noun

semicolony
: a semicolonial state

semicommercial
: of, relating to, adapted to, or characterized by limited marketing of an experimental product

semiconducting
adj. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a semiconductor

semiconductor
n. : any of a class of solids (as germanium or silicon) whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator in being nearly as great as that of a metal at high temperatures and nearly absent at low temperatures

semiconscious
adj. : incompletely conscious : imperfectly aware or responsive
–semi·con·scious·ness noun

semiconservative
: relating to or being genetic replication in which a double-stranded molecule of nucleic acid separates into two single strands each of which serves as a template for the formation of a complementary strand that together with the template forms a complete molecule
–semi·con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb

semicrystalline
adj. : incompletely or imperfectly crystalline

semicylindrical
adj. : having the shape of a longitudinal half of a cylinder

semidarkness
n. : partial darkness

semideify
: to regard as somewhat godlike

semidesert
n. : an arid area that has some of the characteristics of a desert but has greater annual precipitation

semidetached
n. : forming one of a pair of residences joined into one building by a common sidewall

semidiameter
n. : RADIUS specifically : the apparent radius of a generally spherical celestial body

semidiurnal
adj. 1 : relating to or accomplished in half a day
2 : occurring twice a day
3 : occurring approximately every half day <the semidiurnal tides>

semidivine
adj. : more than mortal but not fully divine

semidocumentary
n. : a motion picture that uses many details taken from actual events or situations in presenting a fictional story
–semidocumentary adjective

semidome
n. : a roof or ceiling covering a semicircular or nearly semicircular room or recess
–semi·domed \-ˌdōmd\ adjective

semidomestication
n. : a captive state of a wild animal in which its living conditions and often its breeding are controlled by humans
–semi·do·mes·ti·cat·ed \-də-'mes-ti-ˌkā-təd\ adjective

semidominant
adj. : producing an intermediate phenotype in the heterozygous condition <a semidominant gene>

semidry
adj. : moderately dry <a semidry wine>

semidrying
: that dries imperfectly or slowly ― used of some oils (as cottonseed oil)

semidwarf
: of or being a plant of a variety that is undersized but larger than a dwarf <semidwarf wheats>
–semidwarf noun

semiempirical
: partly empirical especially : involving assumptions, approximations, or generalizations designed to simplify calculation or to yield a result in accord with observation

semierect
adj. 1 : incompletely upright in bodily posture <semierect primates>
2 : erect for half the length <semierect stems>

semievergreen
1 : having functional and persistent foliage during part of the winter or dry season
2 : tending to be evergreen in a mild climate but deciduous in a rigorous climate

semifeudal
: having some characteristics of feudalism

semifinal
n. 1 : being next to the last in an elimination tournament
2 : of or participating in a semifinal

semifinal
n. 1 : a semifinal match
2 : a semifinal round
–semi·fi·nal·ist \ˌse-mē-'fī-nəl-ist, ˌse-ˌmī-, -mi-\ noun

semifinished
adj. : partially finished or processed especially of steel : rolled from raw ingots into shapes (as bars, billets, or plates) suitable for further processing

semifitted
adj. : conforming somewhat to the lines of the body

semiflexible
adj. 1 : somewhat flexible
2 of a book cover : having a thin board stiffener under the covering material

semifluid
n. : having the qualities of both a fluid and a solid : VISCOUS <fluid and semifluid lubricants>
–semifluid noun

semiformal
adj. : being or suitable for an occasion of moderate formality <a semiformal dinner> <semiformal gowns>

semigloss
n. : having a low luster specifically : producing a finish midway between glossy and flat

semigovernmental
adj. : having some governmental functions and powers

semigroup
: a mathematical set that is closed under an associative binary operation

semilegendary
adj. : having historical foundation but elaborated in legend

semilethal
adj. : a mutation that in the homozygous condition produces more than 50 percent mortality but not complete mortality
–semilethal adjective

semiliquid
n. : having the qualities of both a liquid and a solid : SEMIFLUID <semiliquid manure>
–semiliquid noun

semiliterate
adj. 1 a : able to read and write on an elementary level b : able to read but unable to write
2 : having limited knowledge or understanding
–semiliterate noun

semilog
: SEMILOGARITHMIC

semilogarithmic
: having one scale logarithmic and the other arithmetic ― used of graph paper or of a graph on such paper

semilunar
adj. : LUNATE

semilunar valve
: any of the crescent-shaped cusps that occur as a set of three between the heart and the aorta and another of three between the heart and the pulmonary artery, are forced apart by pressure in the ventricles during systole and pushed together by pressure in the arteries during diastole, and prevent regurgitation of blood into the ventricles also : either set of three cusps

semilustrous
: slightly lustrous

semimajor axis
: one half of the major axis of an ellipse (as that formed by the orbit of a planet)

semimatte
: having a slight luster

semimetal
n. : an element (as arsenic) possessing metallic properties in an inferior degree and not malleable
–semi·me·tal·lic \-mə-'ta-lik\ adjective

semimicro
: of, relating to, or dealing with quantities intermediate between those treated as micro and macro <semimicro analysis for chlorine> <a semimicro balance>

semiminor axis
: one half of the minor axis of an ellipse (as that formed by the orbit of a planet)

semimoist
: slightly moist

semimonastic
: having some features characteristic of a monastic order

semimonthly
adj. : twice a month

semimonthly
adj. : occurring twice a month

semimonthly
adj. : a semimonthly publication

semimystical
adj. : having some of the qualities of mysticism

seminal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of seed or semen
2 : containing or contributing the seeds of later development : CREATIVE, ORIGINAL <a seminal book>
–sem·i·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

seminal
adj. seminal duct
seminal fluid
seminal vesicle

seminal duct
: a tube or passage serving especially or exclusively as an efferent duct of the testis and in the human male being made up of the epididymis, the vas deferens, and the ejaculatory duct

seminal fluid
1 : SEMEN
2 : the part of the semen that is produced by various accessory glands (as the prostate gland and seminal vesicles) : semen excepting the spermatozoa

seminal vesicle
: either of a pair of glandular pouches that lie one on either side of the male reproductive tract and in the human male secrete a sugar- and protein-containing fluid into the ejaculatory duct

seminar
n. 1 : a group of advanced students studying under a professor with each doing original research and all exchanging results through reports and discussions
2 a (1) : a course of study pursued by a seminar (2) : an advanced or graduate course often featuring informality and discussion b : a scheduled meeting of a seminar or a room for such meetings
3 : a meeting for giving and discussing information

seminarian
n. : a student in a seminary especially of the Roman Catholic Church

seminarist
n. : SEMINARIAN

seminary
n. 1 : an environment in which something originates and from which it is propagated <a seminary of vice and crime>
2 a : an institution of secondary or higher education b : an institution for the training of candidates for the priesthood, ministry, or rabbinate

seminatural
: modified by human influence but retaining many natural features <a seminatural park>

seminiferous
adj. : producing or bearing seed or semen

seminiferous tubule
: any of the coiled threadlike tubules that make up the bulk of the testis and are lined with a layer of epithelial cells from which the spermatozoa are produced

Seminole
n. : a member of any of the groups of American Indians that emigrated to Florida from Georgia and Alabama in the 18th and 19th centuries and that are now located in southern Florida and Oklahoma

Seminole, Lake
reservoir SW Ga. & NW Fla. formed by confluence of Chattahoochee & Flint rivers & emptying by the Apalachicola

seminomad
: a member of a people living usually in portable or temporary dwellings and practicing seasonal migration but having a base camp at which some crops are cultivated
–semi·no·mad·ic \-nō-'ma-dik\ adjective

seminude
adj. : partially nude
–semi·nu·di·ty \-'nü-də-tē, -'nyü-\ noun

semiofficial
adj. : having some official authority or standing
–semi·of·fi·cial·ly \-'fi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

semiology
n. : the study of signs especially : SEMIOTIC
–se·mi·o·log·i·cal \(ˌ)sē-ˌmī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌse-mē-ə-\ adjective
–se·mi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ə-'lä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–se·mi·ol·o·gist \-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

semiopaque
: nearly opaque

semiosis
n. : a process in which something functions as a sign to an organism

semiotics
n. : a general philosophical theory of signs and symbols that deals especially with their function in both artificially constructed and natural languages and comprises syntactics, semantics, and pragmatics
–semiotic adjective
–se·mi·o·ti·cian \-ə-'ti-shən\ noun
–se·mi·ot·i·cist \-'ä-tə-sist\ noun

semipalmated
: having the toes joined only part way down with a web <a plover with semipalmated feet>

semiparasitic
: of, relating to, or being a parasitic plant that contains some chlorophyll and is capable of photosynthesis
–semi·par·a·site \-'pa-rə-ˌsīt\ noun

semipermanent
adj. : lasting or intended to last for a long time but not permanent

semipermeable
adj. : partially but not freely or wholly permeable specifically : permeable to some usually small molecules but not to other usually larger particles <a semipermeable membrane>
–semi·per·me·abil·i·ty \-ˌpər-mē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

semipolitical
adj. : of, relating to, or involving some political features or activity

semipopular
: somewhat popular

semiporcelain
: any of several ceramic wares resembling or imitative of porcelain especially : a relatively hard-glazed white earthenware widely used for tableware

semipornographic
: somewhat pornographic
–semi·por·nog·ra·phy \-pȯr-'nä-grə-fē\ noun

semipostal
: a postage stamp sold at a premium over its postal value especially for a humanitarian purpose

semiprecious
adj. of a gemstone : of less commercial value than a precious stone

semiprivate
adj. : of, receiving, or associated with hospital service giving a patient more privileges than a ward patient but fewer than a private patient

semipro
n. : SEMIPROFESSIONAL

semiprofessional
n. : one who engages in an activity (as a sport) semiprofessionally

semiprofessional
1 : engaging in an activity for pay or gain but not as a full-time occupation
2 : engaged in by semiprofessional players <semiprofessional baseball>
–semi·pro·fes·sion·al·ly adverb

semipublic
adj. 1 : open to some persons outside the regular constituency
2 : having some features of a public institution specifically : maintained as a public service by a private nonprofit organization

semiquantitative
: constituting or involving less than quantitative precision
–semi·quan·ti·ta·tive·ly adverb

semiquaver
n. : SIXTEENTH NOTE

semireligious
: somewhat religious

semiretired
adj. : working only part-time especially because of age or ill health

semiretirement
n. : the state or condition of being semiretired

semirigid
adj. 1 : rigid to some degree or in some parts
2 of an airship : having a flexible cylindrical gas container with an attached stiffening keel that carries the load

semirural
adj. : somewhat rural

semisacred
adj. : SEMIRELIGIOUS

semisecret
: not publicly announced but widely known nevertheless

semisedentary
: sedentary during part of the year and nomadic otherwise <semisedentary tribes>

semishrubby
: resembling or being a subshrub

semiskilled
adj. : having or requiring less training than skilled labor and more than unskilled labor

semisoft
adj. : moderately soft specifically : firm but easily cut <semisoft cheese>

semisolid
adj. : having the qualities of both a solid and a liquid : highly viscous
–semisolid noun

semisubmersible
: being a floating deepwater drilling platform that is towed to a desired location and then partially flooded for stabilization and usually anchored
–semisubmersible noun

semisweet
adj. : slightly sweetened <semisweet chocolate>

semisynthetic
adj. 1 : produced by chemical alteration of a natural starting material <semisynthetic penicillins>
2 : containing both chemically identified and complex natural ingredients <a semisynthetic diet>

Semite
n. 1 a : a member of any of a number of peoples of ancient southwestern Asia including the Akkadians, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabs b : a descendant of these peoples
2 : a member of a modern people speaking a Semitic language

semiterrestrial
1 : growing on boggy ground
2 : frequenting but not living wholly on land

Semitic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic language family that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Semites
3 : JEWISH

Semitic
adj. : any or all of the Semitic languages

Semiticist
: SEMITIST

Semitics
: the study of the language, literature, and history of Semitic peoples specifically : Semitic philology

Semitism
n. 1 a : Semitic character or qualities b : a characteristic feature of a Semitic language occurring in another language
2 : policy or predisposition favorable to Jews

Semitist
1 : a scholar of the Semitic languages, cultures, or histories
2 often not capitalized : a person favoring or disposed to favor the Jews

semitonal
: CHROMATIC 3A, SEMITONIC
–semi·ton·al·ly adverb

semitone
n. : the tone at a half step also : HALF STEP
–semi·ton·ic \ˌse-mē-'tä-nik, ˌse-ˌmī-, -mi-\ adjective
–semi·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

semitrailer
n. 1 : a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the fifth wheel device of the truck tractor
2 : a trucking rig made up of a tractor and a semitrailer

semitranslucent
adj. : somewhat translucent

semitransparent
adj. : imperfectly transparent

semitropical
adj. : SUBTROPICAL

semitropics
n. : SUBTROPICS

semitruck
: SEMITRAILER 2

semivowel
n. 1 : a speech sound (as \y\, \w\, or \r\) that has the articulation of a vowel but that is shorter in duration and is treated as a consonant in syllabication
2 : a letter representing a semivowel

semiweekly
n. : occurring twice a week
–semiweekly adverb

semiweekly
n. : a semiweekly publication

semiworks
: a manufacturing plant operating on a limited commercial scale to provide final tests of a new product or process

semiyearly
adj. : occurring twice a year

Semmes
Raphael 1809-1877 American Confed. admiral

semolina
n. : the purified middlings of hard wheat (as durum) used especially for pasta (as macaroni or spaghetti)

semper
adv. montani semper liberi
quod semper quod ubique quod ab omnibus
semper eadem
semper fidelis
semper idem
semper paratus
sic semper tyrannis
varium et mutabile semper femina

semper eadem
: always the same (fem.) ― motto of Queen Elizabeth I

semper fidelis
: always faithful ― motto of the U.S. Marine Corps

semper idem
: always the same (masc.)

semper paratus
: always prepared ― motto of the U.S. Coast Guard

sempervivum
n. : any of a genus (Sempervivum) of Old World fleshy perennial herbs of the orpine family often grown as ornamentals

sempiternal
adj. : of never-ending duration : ETERNAL
–sem·pi·ter·nal·ly adverb

sempiternity
n. : ETERNITY

semple
Scottish : of humble birth

semplice
adj. : SIMPLE ― used as a direction in music

sempre
adv. : ALWAYS ― used in music directions <sempre legato>

Sen
n. Amartya Kumar 1933-     Brit. (Indian-born) econ.

sen
n. ― see yen at MONEY table

sen
n. ― see dollar, ringgit, rupiah at MONEY table

sen
n. ― see riel at MONEY table

sen
n. 1 senate; senator
2 senior

senarius
n. : a verse consisting of six feet especially in Latin prosody

senary
adj. : of, based on, or characterized by six : compounded of six things or six parts <a senary scale> <senary division>

senate
n. 1 : an assembly or council usually possessing high deliberative and legislative functions: as a : the supreme council of the ancient Roman republic and empire b : the second chamber in the bicameral legislature of a major political unit (as a nation, state, or province)
2 : the hall or chamber in which a senate meets
3 : a governing body of some universities charged with maintaining academic standards and regulations and usually composed of the principal or representative members of the faculty

senator
n. : a member of a senate
–sen·a·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

senatorial
adj. : of, relating to, or befitting a senator or a senate <senatorial office> <senatorial rank>

senatorial courtesy
: a custom of the U.S. Senate of refusing to confirm a presidential appointment of an official in or from a state when the appointment is opposed by the senators or senior senator of the president's party from that state

senatorial district
: a territorial division from which a senator is elected ― compare CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

senatorian
adj. : SENATORIAL specifically : of or relating to the ancient Roman senate

senatus consultum
: a decree of the ancient Roman senate

send
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to go: as a : to propel or throw in a particular direction b : DELIVER <sent a blow to the chin> c : DRIVE <sent the ball between the goalposts>
2 : to cause to happen <whatever fate may send>
3 : to dispatch by a means of communication
4 a : to direct, order, or request to go b : to permit or enable to attend a term or session <send a daughter to college> c : to direct by advice or reference d : to cause or order to depart : DISMISS
5 a : to force to go : drive away b : to cause to assume a specified state <sent them into a rage>
6 : to cause to issue: as a : to pour out : DISCHARGE <clouds sending forth rain> b : UTTER <send forth a cry> c : EMIT <sent out waves of perfume> d : to grow out (parts) in the course of development <a plant sending forth shoots>
7 : to cause to be carried to a destination especially : to consign to death or a place of punishment
8 : to convey or cause to be conveyed or transmitted by an agent <send a package by mail> <sent out invitations>
9 : to strike or thrust so as to impel violently <sent him sprawling>
10 : DELIGHT, THRILL
intransitive verb
1 a : to dispatch someone to convey a message or do an errand ― often used with out <send out for pizza> b : to dispatch a request or order ― often used with away
2 : TRANSMIT
–send·er noun
–send for : to request by message to come : SUMMON
–send packing : to send off or dismiss roughly or in disgrace

send
v. : the lift of a wave : SCEND

send
v. send packing
send for
send down
send in
send off
send up
heaven sent

send down
British : to suspend or expel from a university

send for
to request by message to come : SUMMON

send in
1 : to cause to be delivered <send in a letter of complaint>
2 : to give (one's name or card) to a servant when making a call
3 : to send (a player) into an athletic contest

send packing
to send off or dismiss roughly or in disgrace

send up
1 : to sentence to imprisonment : send to jail
2 : to make fun of : SATIRIZE, PARODY

send-off
: a demonstration of goodwill and enthusiasm for the beginning of a new venture (as a trip)

send-up
: PARODY, TAKEOFF

Sendai
n. city Japan in NE Honshu pop 1,008,130

Sendak
Maurice Bernard 1928-     American illustrator & writer

sene
n. ― see tala at MONEY table

Seneca
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of what is now western New York
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Seneca people

Seneca
n. Lucius Annaeus 4 B.C.?-A.D. 65 Rom. statesman, dram., & philos.
–Sen·e·can \-kən\ adjective

Seneca Lake
lake 35 mi (56 km) long W cen N.Y.; one of the Finger Lakes

seneca snakeroot
: a milkwort (Polygala senega) of eastern No. America having racemes of small white flowers ― called also rattlesnake root senega root ― compare SENEGA

senecio
n. : any of a large genus (Senecio) of widely distributed composite plants that have alternate or basal leaves and flower heads usually with yellow ray flowers

senectitude
: the final stage of the normal life span

senega
n. : the dried root of seneca snakeroot that contains an irritating saponin and is used as an expectorant

senega root
1 : SENECA SNAKEROOT
2 : SENEGA

Senegal
n. 1 river 1015 mi (1633 km) W Africa flowing from Fouta Djallon NW & W into the Atlantic
2 country W Africa on the Atlantic; a republic of the French Community, formerly a territory of French West Africa capital Dakar area 76,124 sq mi (197,161 sq km), pop 7,899,000
–Sen·e·ga·lese \ˌse-ni-gə-'lēz, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Senegambia
1 region W Africa around Senegal & Gambia rivers
2 confederation of Senegal & Gambia 1982-89
–Sen·e·gam·bi·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

senescence
n. 1 : the state of being old : the process of becoming old
2 : the growth phase in a plant or plant part (as a leaf) from full maturity to death
–se·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

seneschal
n. : an agent or steward in charge of a lord's estate in feudal times

Senghor
Léopold Sédar 1906-2001 pres. of Senegal (1960-80)

senhor
n. : a Portuguese or Brazilian man ― used as a title equivalent to Mr.

senhora
n. : a married Portuguese or Brazilian woman ― used as a title equivalent to Mrs.

senhorita
n. : an unmarried Portuguese or Brazilian girl or woman ― used as a title equivalent to Miss

senile
n. 1 : of, relating to, exhibiting, or characteristic of old age <senile weakness> especially : exhibiting a loss of cognitive abilities (as memory) associated with old age
2 : approaching the end of a geological cycle of erosion
–se·nile·ly \-ˌnī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

senile dementia
: dementia of old age especially of the degenerative type associated with Alzheimer's disease

senility
n. : the quality or state of being senile specifically : the physical and mental infirmity of old age

senior
n. 1 : a person older than another <five years my senior>
2 a : a person with higher standing or rank b : a senior fellow of a college at an English university c : a student in the year preceding graduation from a school of secondary or higher level
3 capitalized : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the 9th through 12th grades in school
4 : SENIOR CITIZEN

senior
n. 1 : of prior birth, establishment, or enrollment ― often used to distinguish a father with the same given name as his son
2 : higher ranking : SUPERIOR <senior officers>
3 : of, relating to, or intended for seniors <a senior center>
4 : having a claim on corporate assets and income prior to other securities

senior
n. senior airman
senior chief petty officer
senior citizen
senior high school
senior master sergeant

senior airman
: an enlisted man in the air force who ranks above an airman first class but who has not been made staff sergeant

senior chief petty officer
: an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a chief petty officer and below a master chief petty officer

senior citizen
: an elderly person especially : one who has retired

senior high school
: a school usually including grades 10 to 12

senior master sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer in the air force ranking above a master sergeant and below a chief master sergeant

seniority
n. 1 : the quality or state of being senior : PRIORITY
2 : a privileged status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)

seniti
n. ― see pa'anga at MONEY table

Senlac
hill SE England in Sussex NW of Hastings

Senlis
commune N France NNE of Paris pop 16,314

senna
n. 1 : any of a genus (Cassia syn. Senna) of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees native to warm regions especially : one used medicinally
2 : the dried leaflets or pods of various sennas (esp. C. angustifolia syn. Senna alexandrina) used as a purgative

Sennacherib
d 681 B.C. king of Assyria (704-681)

Sennar
region E Sudan chiefly bet. White Nile & Blue Nile rivers; an ancient kingdom

sennet
n. : a signal call on a trumpet or cornet for entrance or exit on the stage

sennight
n. archaic : the space of seven nights and days : WEEK

sennit
n. 1 : a braided cord or fabric (as of plaited rope yarns)
2 : a straw or grass braid for hats

senor
n. : a Spanish or Spanish-speaking man ― used as a title equivalent to Mr.

senora
n. : a married Spanish or Spanish-speaking woman ― used as a title equivalent to Mrs.

senorita
n. : an unmarried Spanish or Spanish-speaking girl or woman ― used as a title equivalent to Miss

senryu
: a 3-line unrhymed Japanese poem structurally similar to haiku but treating human nature usually in an ironic or satiric vein

Sens
city NE cen France WSW of Troyes pop 26,906

sensa
n. plural of sensum

sensate
adj. 1 : relating to or apprehending or apprehended through the senses
2 : preoccupied with things that can be experienced through a sense modality
–sen·sate·ly adverb

sensation
n. 1 a : a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process ― compare PERCEPTION b : awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ c : a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes <a sensation of hunger> d : an indefinite bodily feeling <a sensation of buoyancy>
2 : something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
3 a : a state of excited interest or feeling <their elopement caused a sensation> b : a cause of such excitement <the show was the musical sensation of the season> especially : one (as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding <the rookie hitting sensation of the American League>

sensational
adj. 1 : of or relating to sensation or the senses
2 : arousing or tending to arouse (as by lurid details) a quick, intense, and usually superficial interest, curiosity, or emotional reaction <sensational tabloid news>
3 : exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great <a sensational talent>
–sen·sa·tion·al·ly adverb

sensationalise
v. British variant of sensationalize

sensationalism
n. 1 : empiricism that limits experience as a source of knowledge to sensation or sense perceptions
2 : the use or effect of sensational subject matter or treatment
–sen·sa·tion·al·ist \-list\ adjective or noun
–sen·sa·tion·al·is·tic \-ˌsā-shnə-'lis-tik, -shə-nə-'lis-tik\ adjective

sensationalize
v. : to present in a sensational manner

sense
n. 1 : a meaning conveyed or intended : IMPORT, SIGNIFICATION especially : one of a set of meanings a word or phrase may bear especially as segregated in a dictionary entry
2 a : the faculty of perceiving by means of sense organs b : a specialized function or mechanism (as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch) by which an animal receives and responds to external or internal stimuli c : the sensory mechanisms constituting a unit distinct from other functions (as movement or thought)
3 : conscious awareness or rationality ― usually used in plural <finally came to his senses>
4 a : a particular sensation or kind or quality of sensation <a good sense of balance> b : a definite but often vague awareness or impression <felt a sense of insecurity> <a sense of danger> c : a motivating awareness <a sense of shame> d : a discerning awareness and appreciation <her sense of humor>
5 : CONSENSUS <the sense of the meeting>
6 a : capacity for effective application of the powers of the mind as a basis for action or response : INTELLIGENCE b : sound mental capacity and understanding typically marked by shrewdness and practicality also : agreement with or satisfaction of such power <this decision makes sense>
7 : one of two opposite directions especially of motion (as of a point, line, or surface)
synonyms SENSE, COMMON SENSE, JUDGMENT, WISDOM mean ability to reach intelligent conclusions. SENSE implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence <a choice showing good sense>. COMMON SENSE suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge <common sense tells me it's wrong>. JUDGMENT implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity <they relied on her judgment for guidance>. WISDOM implies sense and judgment far above average <a leader of rare wisdom>.

sense
n. 1 a : to perceive by the senses b : to be or become conscious of <sense danger>
2 : GRASP, COMPREHEND
3 : to detect automatically especially in response to a physical stimulus (as light or movement)

sense
n. horse sense
sense datum
sense data
sense organ
sixth sense
talk sense
common sense

sense organ
: a bodily structure that receives a stimulus and is affected in such a manner as to initiate excitation of associated sensory nerve fibers which convey specific impulses to the central nervous system where they are interpreted as corresponding sensations : RECEPTOR

sense-datum
: an immediate unanalyzable private object of sensation

senseful
: REASONABLE, JUDICIOUS

sensei
n. : a teacher or instructor usually of Japanese martial arts (as karate or judo)

senseless
adj. : destitute of, deficient in, or contrary to sense: as a : UNCONSCIOUS <knocked senseless> b : FOOLISH, STUPID <it was some senseless practical joke ― A. Conan Doyle> c : MEANINGLESS, PURPOSELESS <a senseless murder>
–sense·less·ly adverb
–sense·less·ness noun

sensibilia
n. : what may be sensed

sensibility
n. 1 : ability to receive sensations : SENSITIVENESS <tactile sensibility>
2 : peculiar susceptibility to a pleasurable or painful impression (as from praise or a slight) ― often used in plural
3 : awareness of and responsiveness toward something (as emotion in another)
4 : refined or excessive sensitiveness in emotion and taste with especial responsiveness to the pathetic

sensible
adj. 1 : of a kind to be felt or perceived: as a : perceptible to the senses or to reason or understanding <felt a sensible chill> <her distress was sensible from her manner> b archaic : perceptibly large : CONSIDERABLE c : perceptible as real or material : SUBSTANTIAL <the sensible world in which we live>
2 a : capable of receiving sensory impressions <sensible to pain> b : receptive to external influences : SENSITIVE <the most sensible reaches of the spirit>
3 a : perceiving through the senses or mind : COGNIZANT <sensible of the increasing heat> also : convinced by perceived evidence : SATISFIED <sensible of my error> b : emotionally aware and responsive <we are sensible of your problems> c : CONSCIOUS
4 : having, containing, or indicative of good sense or reason : RATIONAL, REASONABLE <sensible people> <made a sensible answer>
5 : designed for practical ends (as comfort) rather than for appearance <sensible shoes>
synonyms see MATERIAL, PERCEPTIBLE, AWARE, WISE
–sen·si·ble·ness noun
–sen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb

sensible
adj. : something that can be sensed

sensible heat
: thermal energy whose transfer to or from a substance results in a change of temperature ― compare LATENT HEAT

sensillum
n. : a simple epithelial sense organ of an invertebrate (as an insect) usually in the form of a spine, plate, rod, cone, or peg that is composed of one or a few cells with a nerve connection

sensitisation
British variant of sensitization, sensitize

sensitive
adj. 1 : SENSORY 2
2 a : receptive to sense impressions b : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact) <sensitive cells>
3 : highly responsive or susceptible: as a (1) : easily hurt or damaged especially : easily hurt emotionally (2) : delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : HYPERSENSITIVE <sensitive to egg protein> c : readily fluctuating in price or demand <sensitive commodities> d : capable of indicating minute differences : DELICATE <sensitive scales> e : readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock) <a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light> f : highly radiosensitive
4 a : concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters <sensitive documents> b : calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : TOUCHY <a sensitive issue like race relations>
5 : having or showing concern for a specified matter ― usually used in combination <a price-sensitive customer> <environmentally sensitive policies>
synonyms see LIABLE
–sen·si·tive·ly adverb
–sen·si·tive·ness noun

sensitive
adj. 1 : a person having occult or psychical abilities
2 : a sensitive person

sensitive plant
: any of several mimosas (esp. Mimosa pudica) with leaves that fold or droop when touched broadly : a plant responding to touch with movement

sensitivity
n. : the quality or state of being sensitive: as a : the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : IRRITABILITY b : the quality or state of being hypersensitive c : the degree to which a radio receiving set responds to incoming waves d : the capacity of being easily hurt e : awareness of the needs and emotions of others <a book written with just the right mix of empathy and sensitivity ― L. C. Brown>

sensitization
n. 1 : the action or process of sensitizing
2 : the quality or state of being sensitized (as to an antigen)

sensitize
v. transitive verb : to make sensitive or hypersensitive
intransitive verb : to become sensitive
–sen·si·tiz·er noun

sensitometer
n. : an instrument for measuring sensitivity of photographic material
–sen·si·to·met·ric \ˌsen(t)-sə-tə-'me-trik\ adjective
–sen·si·tom·e·try \-sə-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

sensor
n. 1 : a device that responds to a physical stimulus (as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)
2 : SENSE ORGAN

sensorial
adj. : SENSORY
–sen·so·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

sensorimotor
adj. : of, relating to, or functioning in both sensory and motor aspects of bodily activity <sensorimotor skills>

sensorineural
adj. : of, relating to, or involving the aspects of sense perception mediated by nerves <sensorineural hearing loss>

sensorium
n. : the parts of the brain or the mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli broadly : the entire sensory apparatus

sensory
adj. 1 : of or relating to sensation or to the senses <sensory stimulation>
2 : conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : AFFERENT <sensory neurons>

sensory area
: an area of the cerebral cortex that receives afferent nerve fibers from lower sensory or motor areas

sensu stricto
: in a narrow or strict sense

sensual
adj. 1 : relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : FLESHLY
2 : SENSORY 1
3 a : devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites b : VOLUPTUOUS c : deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : WORLDLY especially : IRRELIGIOUS
synonyms see CARNAL, SENSUOUS
–sen·su·al·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–sen·su·al·ly \'sen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē, 'sen-shə-lē\ adverb

sensualism
n. : persistent or excessive pursuit of sensual pleasures and interests
–sen·su·al·ist \-list\ noun
–sen·su·al·is·tic \ˌsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-'lis-tik, ˌsen-shə-'lis-\ adjective

sensualize
v. : to make sensual
–sen·su·al·i·za·tion \ˌsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌsen-shə-lə-\ noun

sensum
n. : SENSE-DATUM

sensuous
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the senses or sensible objects b : producing or characterized by gratification of the senses : having strong sensory appeal <sensuous pleasure>
2 : characterized by sense impressions or imagery aimed at the senses <sensuous verse>
3 : highly susceptible to influence through the senses
–sen·su·os·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-shə-'wä-sə-tē\ noun
–sen·su·ous·ly \'sen(t)-shə-wəs-lē\ adverb
–sen·su·ous·ness noun
synonyms SENSUOUS, SENSUAL, LUXURIOUS, VOLUPTUOUS mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses. SENSUOUS implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure <the sensuous delights of great music>. SENSUAL tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves <a life devoted to sensual pleasures>. LUXURIOUS suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor <a luxurious hotel>. VOLUPTUOUS implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure <a voluptuous feast>.

sent
past and past part of send

sent
― see kroon at MONEY table

sente
n. ― see loti at MONEY table

sentence
n. 1 obsolete : OPINION especially : a conclusion given on request or reached after deliberation
2 a : JUDGMENT 2A specifically : one formally pronounced by a court or judge in a criminal proceeding and specifying the punishment to be inflicted upon the convict b : the punishment so imposed <serve out a sentence>
3 archaic : MAXIM, SAW
4 a : a word, clause, or phrase or a group of clauses or phrases forming a syntactic unit which expresses an assertion, a question, a command, a wish, an exclamation, or the performance of an action, that in writing usually begins with a capital letter and concludes with appropriate end punctuation, and that in speaking is distinguished by characteristic patterns of stress, pitch, and pauses b : a mathematical or logical statement (as an equation or a proposition) in words or symbols
5 : PERIOD 2B

sentence
n. 1 : to impose a sentence on
2 : to cause to suffer something <sentenced these most primitive cultures to extinction ― E. W. Count>

sentence
n. death sentence
loose sentence
open sentence
periodic sentence
run on sentence
sentence fragment
sentence stress
sentence accent
topic sentence

sentence fragment
: a word, phrase, or clause that usually has in speech the intonation of a sentence but lacks the grammatical structure usually found in the sentences of formal and especially written composition

sentence stress
: the manner in which stresses are distributed on the syllables of words assembled into sentences ― called also sentence accent

sententia
: APHORISM ― usually used in plural

sentential
adj. 1 : of or relating to a sentence <a relative clause with a sentential antecedent>
2 : of, relating to, or involving a proposition in logic <sentential connective>

sentential calculus
: PROPOSITIONAL CALCULUS

sentential function
: an expression that contains one or more variables and becomes a declarative sentence when constants are substituted for the variables

sententious
adj. 1 a : given to or abounding in aphoristic expression b : given to or abounding in excessive moralizing
2 : terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression : PITHY, EPIGRAMMATIC
–sen·ten·tious·ly adverb
–sen·ten·tious·ness noun

sentience
n. 1 : a sentient quality or state
2 : feeling or sensation as distinguished from perception and thought

sentient
adj. 1 : responsive to or conscious of sense impressions <sentient beings>
2 : AWARE
3 : finely sensitive in perception or feeling
–sen·tient·ly adverb

sentiment
n. 1 a : an attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling : PREDILECTION b : a specific view or notion : OPINION
2 a : EMOTION b : refined feeling : delicate sensibility especially as expressed in a work of art c : emotional idealism d : a romantic or nostalgic feeling verging on sentimentality
3 a : an idea colored by emotion b : the emotional significance of a passage or expression as distinguished from its verbal context
synonyms see FEELING, OPINION

sentimental
adj. 1 a : marked or governed by feeling, sensibility, or emotional idealism b : resulting from feeling rather than reason or thought <a sentimental attachment> <a sentimental favorite>
2 : having an excess of sentiment or sensibility
–sen·ti·men·tal·ly adverb

sentimentalise
v. British variant of sentimentalize

sentimentalism
n. 1 : the disposition to favor or indulge in sentimentality
2 : an excessively sentimental conception or statement
–sen·ti·men·tal·ist \-tə-list\ noun

sentimentality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being sentimental especially to excess or in affectation
2 : a sentimental idea or its expression

sentimentalize
intransitive verb : to indulge in sentiment
transitive verb : to look upon or imbue with sentiment
–sen·ti·men·tal·i·za·tion \-ˌmen-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

sentimo
― see peso at MONEY table

sentinel
n. : SENTRY

sentinel
n. 1 : to watch over as a sentinel
2 : to furnish with a sentinel
3 : to post as sentinel

sentry
n. : GUARD, WATCH especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (as a gate)

sentry box
: a shelter for a sentry on his post

Seongnam
― see SONGNAM

Seoul
n. city NW S. Korea on Han River pop 9,853,972; formerly capital of Korea, since 1948 capital of S. Korea

SEP
n. simplified employee pension

Sep
n. September

sep
n. separate; separated

sepal
n. : one of the modified leaves comprising a calyx ― see FLOWER illustration

sepaloid
adj. : resembling or functioning as a sepal

separable
adj. 1 : capable of being separated or dissociated <separable parts>
2 obsolete : causing separation
–sep·a·ra·bil·i·ty \ˌse-p(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sep·a·ra·ble·ness noun

separate
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to set or keep apart : DISCONNECT, SEVER b : to make a distinction between : DISCRIMINATE, DISTINGUISH <separate religion from magic> c : SORT <separate mail> d : to disperse in space or time : SCATTER <widely separated homesteads>
2 archaic : to set aside for a special purpose : CHOOSE, DEDICATE
3 : to part by a legal separation: a : to sever conjugal ties with b : to sever contractual relations with : DISCHARGE <was separated from the army>
4 : to block off : SEGREGATE
5 a : to isolate from a mixture : EXTRACT <separate cream from milk> b : to divide into constituent parts
6 : to dislocate (as a shoulder) especially in sports
intransitive verb
1 : to become divided or detached
2 a : to sever an association : WITHDRAW b : to cease to live together as a married couple
3 : to go in different directions
4 : to become isolated from a mixture <the crystals separated out>
synonyms SEPARATE, PART, DIVIDE, SEVER, SUNDER, DIVORCE mean to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed. SEPARATE may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing <separated her personal life from her career>. PART implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association <vowed never to part>. DIVIDE implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking <civil war divided the nation>. SEVER implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member <a severed limb>. SUNDER suggests violent rending or wrenching apart <a city sundered by racial conflict>. DIVORCE implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together <cannot divorce scientific research from moral responsibility>.

separate
adj. 1 a : set or kept apart : DETACHED b archaic : SOLITARY, SECLUDED c : IMMATERIAL, DISEMBODIED
2 a : not shared with another : INDIVIDUAL <separate rooms> b often capitalized : estranged from a parent body <separate churches>
3 a : existing by itself : AUTONOMOUS <a separate country> b : dissimilar in nature or identity <consulted five separate authorities>
synonyms see DISTINCT
–sep·a·rate·ly \-p(ə-)rət-lē, 'se-pərt-lē\ adverb
–sep·a·rate·ness \-nəs\ noun

separate
adj. 1 : OFFPRINT
2 : an article of dress designed to be worn interchangeably with others to form various costume combinations ― usually used in plural

separation
n. 1 : the act or process of separating : the state of being separated
2 a : a point, line, or means of division b : an intervening space : GAP <the separation between wheel spokes>
3 a : cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement or judicial decree b : termination of a contractual relationship (as employment or military service)

separation anxiety
: a form of anxiety experienced by a young child and caused by separation from a significant nurturant figure and typically a parent or from familiar surroundings

separationist
: SEPARATIST

separatism
n. : a belief in, movement for, or state of separation (as schism, secession, or segregation)

separatist
n. : one that favors separatism: as a capitalized : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England b : an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (as a nation) c : an advocate of racial or cultural separation
–separatist adjective
–sep·a·ra·tis·tic \ˌse-p(ə-)rə-'tis-tik\ adjective

separative
adj. : tending toward, causing, or expressing separation

separator
n. : one that separates especially : a device for separating liquids of different specific gravities (as cream from milk) or liquids from solids

Sephardi
n. : a member of the occidental branch of European Jews settling in Spain and Portugal and later in the Balkans, the Levant, England, the Netherlands, and the Americas also : one of their descendants ― compare ASHKENAZI
–Se·phar·dic \-'fär-dik\ adjective

sepia
n. 1 a : a brown melanin-containing pigment from the ink of cuttlefishes b : the inky secretion of a cuttlefish
2 : a print or photograph of a brown color resembling sepia
3 : a brownish-gray to dark olive-brown color

sepia
n. 1 : made of or done in sepia
2 : of the color sepia

Sepik
river 600 mi (966 km) N Papua New Guinea

sepiolite
n. : MEERSCHAUM 1

sepoy
n. : a native of India employed as a soldier by a European power

seppuku
n. : HARA-KIRI 1

sepsis
n. : a toxic condition resulting from the spread of bacteria or their toxic products from a focus of infection especially : SEPTICEMIA

Sept
n. September

sept
n. : a branch of a family especially : CLAN

Sept-Iles
town Canada in E Que. at the mouth of St. Lawrence River pop 23,791

septal
adj. : of or relating to a septum

septate
adj. : divided by or having a septum

September
n. : the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar

septenarius
n. : a verse consisting of seven feet especially in Latin prosody

septendecillion
― see NUMBER table

septennial
n. 1 : occurring or being done every seven years
2 : consisting of or lasting for seven years
–sep·ten·ni·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

septentrion
obsolete : the northern regions : NORTH

septentrional
adj. : NORTHERN

septet
n. 1 : a musical composition for seven instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of seven especially : the performers of a septet

septic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or causing putrefaction
2 : relating to, involving, caused by, or affected with sepsis <septic patients>
3 : used for sewage treatment and disposal <a septic system> also : of or relating to a septic system <septic effluents>

septic
adj. septic shock
septic sore throat
septic tank

septic shock
: a life-threatening form of sepsis that usually results from the presence of gram-negative bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream and that is characterized especially by decreased blood flow to organs and tissues, hypotension, organ dysfunction (as of the heart, kidneys, or lungs), impaired mental state, and often multiple organ failure

septic sore throat
: STREP THROAT

septic tank
: a tank in which the solid matter of continuously flowing sewage is disintegrated by bacteria

septicemia
n. : invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms and especially bacteria along with their toxins from a local seat of infection accompanied especially by chills, fever, and prostration ― called also blood poisoning ― compare SEPSIS
–sep·ti·ce·mic \-'sē-mik\ adjective

septicidal
: dehiscent longitudinally at or along a septum <a septicidal fruit>

septillion
n. ― see NUMBER table

septuagenarian
n. : a person whose age is in the seventies
–septuagenarian adjective

Septuagesima
n. : the third Sunday before Lent

Septuagint
n. : a Greek version of the Jewish Scriptures redacted in the third and second centuries B.C. by Jewish scholars and adopted by Greek-speaking Christians
–Sep·tu·a·gin·tal \(ˌ)sep-ˌtü-ə-'jin-təl, -ˌtyü-; ˌsep-tə-wə-\ adjective

septum
n. : a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue ― compare DISSEPIMENT

sepulchral
adj. 1 : of or relating to a sepulchre <sepulchral inscriptions>
2 : suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre : FUNEREAL <spoke in sepulchral whispers>
–se·pul·chral·ly \-krə-lē\ adverb

sepulchre
n. 1 : a place of burial : TOMB
2 : a receptacle for religious relics especially in an altar

sepulchre
1 archaic : to place in or as if in a sepulchre : BURY
2 archaic : to serve as a sepulchre for

sepulture
n. 1 : BURIAL
2 : SEPULCHRE

sequacious
adj. 1 archaic : SUBSERVIENT, TRACTABLE
2 : intellectually servile
–se·qua·cious·ly adverb
–se·quac·i·ty \-'kwa-sə-tē\ noun

sequel
n. 1 : CONSEQUENCE, RESULT
2 a : subsequent development b : the next installment (as of a speech or story) especially : a literary, cinematic, or televised work continuing the course of a story begun in a preceding one

sequela
n. 1 : an aftereffect of disease, condition, or injury
2 : a secondary result

sequence
n. 1 : a hymn in irregular meter between the gradual and Gospel in masses for special occasions (as Easter)
2 : a continuous or connected series: as a : an extended series of poems united by a single theme <a sonnet sequence> b : three or more playing cards usually of the same suit in consecutive order of rank c : a succession of repetitions of a melodic phrase or harmonic pattern each in a new position d : a set of elements ordered so that they can be labeled with the positive integers e : the exact order of bases in a nucleic acid or of amino acids in a protein f (1) : a succession of related shots or scenes developing a single subject or phase of a film story (2) : EPISODE
3 a : order of succession b : an arrangement of the tenses of successive verbs in a sentence designed to express a coherent relationship especially between main and subordinate parts
4 a : CONSEQUENCE, RESULT b : a subsequent development
5 : continuity of progression <the narrative sequence>

sequence
n. 1 : to arrange in a sequence
2 : to determine the sequence of chemical constituents (as amino-acid residues or nucleic-acid bases) in

sequence
n. Cauchy sequence
main sequence
sonnet sequence
geometric sequence

sequencer
n. : one that sequences: as a : a device for arranging things (as events in the ignition of a rocket) in a sequence b : a device for determining the order of occurrence of amino acids in a protein or of bases in a nucleic acid

sequency
: SEQUENCE 3A 5

sequent
adj. 1 : CONSECUTIVE, SUCCEEDING
2 : CONSEQUENT, RESULTANT

sequential
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence : SERIAL <sequential file systems>
2 : following in sequence
3 : relating to or based on a method of testing a statistical hypothesis that involves examination of a sequence of samples for each of which the decision is made to accept or reject the hypothesis or to continue sampling
–se·quen·tial·ly \-'kwen(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

sequester
v. 1 a : to set apart : SEGREGATE <sequester a jury> b : SECLUDE, WITHDRAW <widely spaced homes are forbiddingly grand and sequestered ― Don Asher>
2 a : to seize especially by a writ of sequestration b : to place (property) in custody especially in sequestration
3 : to hold (as a metallic ion) in solution usually by inclusion in an appropriate coordination complex

sequester
v. obsolete : SEPARATION, ISOLATION

sequestrate
v. : SEQUESTER especially : SEQUESTER 2
–se·ques·tra·tor \'sē-kwəs-ˌtrā-tər, si-'kwes-\ noun

sequestration
n. 1 : the act of sequestering : the state of being sequestered <a jury in sequestration>
2 a : a legal writ authorizing a sheriff or commissioner to take into custody the property of a defendant who is in contempt until the orders of a court are complied with b : a deposit whereby a neutral depositary agrees to hold property in litigation and to restore it to the party to whom it is adjudged to belong

sequestrum
n. : a fragment of dead bone detached from adjoining sound bone

sequin
n. 1 : an old gold coin of Italy and Turkey
2 : a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation especially on clothing

sequined
adj. : ornamented with or as if with sequins

sequitur
n. : the conclusion of an inference : CONSEQUENCE

sequoia
n. : either of two huge coniferous California trees of the bald cypress family that may reach a height of over 300 feet (90 meters): a : GIANT SEQUOIA b : REDWOOD 3A

Sequoia National Park
n. reservation SE cen Calif. including Mt. Whitney

Sequoya
ca 1760-1843 George Guess Cherokee Indian scholar

ser
1 serial
2 series
3 service

sera
n. plural of serum

serac
n. : a pinnacle, sharp ridge, or block of ice among the crevasses of a glacier

seraglio
n. 1 : HAREM 1A
2 : a palace of a sultan

serai
n. 1 : CARAVANSARY
2 : SERAGLIO 2

Seraing
commune E Belgium pop 60,407

seral
: of, relating to, or constituting an ecological sere

Seram
― see CERAM

serape
n. : a colorful woolen shawl worn over the shoulders especially by Mexican men

seraph
n. : SERAPHIM 2

seraphim
n. 1 : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
2 singular, plural seraphim : one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God
–se·raph·ic \sə-'ra-fik\ adjective
–se·raph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Serapis
: an Egyptian god combining attributes of Osiris and Apis and having a widespread cult in Ptolemaic Egypt and ancient Greece

Serb
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Serbia
2 : SERBIAN 2
–Serb adjective

Serbia
n. federated republic of Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo & Vojvodina capital Belgrade area 34,115 sq mi (88,358 sq km), pop 9,823,000; once a kingdom

Serbia and Montenegro
country S Europe on Balkan Peninsula capital Belgrade area 39,449 sq mi (102,173 sq km), pop 10,561,000

Serbian
n. 1 : SERB 1
2 : a south Slavic language spoken by the Serbian people
–Serbian adjective

Serbo-Croatian
1 : the Serbian and Croatian languages together with the Slavic speech of Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro taken as a single language with regional variants
2 : a person whose native language is Serbo-Croatian
–Serbo-Croatian adjective

Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, Kingdom of the
― see YUGOSLAVIA

Serdica
― see SOFIA

sere
adj. 1 : being dried and withered
2 archaic : THREADBARE

sere
adj. : a series of ecological communities formed in ecological succession

Serekunda
city W Gambia pop 68,824

serenade
n. 1 a : a complimentary vocal or instrumental performance especially : one given outdoors at night for a woman being courted b : a work so performed
2 : an instrumental composition in several movements, written for a small ensemble, and midway between the suite and the symphony in style

serenade
n. intransitive verb : to play a serenade
transitive verb : to perform a serenade in honor of
–ser·e·nad·er noun

serenata
n. : an 18th century secular cantata of a dramatic character usually composed in honor of an individual or event

Serendib
― see CEYLON 1

serendipitous
adj. : obtained or characterized by serendipity <serendipitous discoveries>
–ser·en·dip·i·tous·ly adverb

serendipity
n. : the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for also : an instance of this

serene
adj. 1 a : clear and free of storms or unpleasant change <serene skies> b : shining bright and steady <the moon, serene in glory ― Alexander Pope>
2 : AUGUST ― used as part of a title <His Serene Highness>
3 : marked by or suggestive of utter calm and unruffled repose or quietude <a serene smile>
synonyms see CALM
–se·rene·ly adverb
–se·rene·ness \-'rēn-nəs\ noun

serene
adj. 1 archaic : a serene condition or expanse (as of sky, sea, or light)
2 archaic : SERENITY, TRANQUILITY

Serengeti Plain
area N Tanzania including Serengeti National Park (wild game reserve)

serenity
n. : the quality or state of being serene

serf
n. : a member of a servile feudal class bound to the land and subject to the will of its owner
–serf·age \'sər-fij\ noun
–serf·dom \'sərf-dəm, -təm\ noun

serge
n. : a durable twilled fabric having a smooth clear face and a pronounced diagonal rib on the front and the back

sergeancy
n. : the function, office, or rank of a sergeant

sergeant
n. 1 : SERGEANT AT ARMS
2 obsolete : an officer who enforces the judgments of a court or the commands of one in authority
3 : a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army and marine corps above a corporal and below a staff sergeant broadly : NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER
4 : an officer in a police force ranking in the U.S. just below captain or sometimes lieutenant and in England just below inspector

sergeant
n. chief master sergeant
chief master sergeant of the air force
command sergeant major
first sergeant
gunnery sergeant
master gunnery sergeant
master sergeant
platoon sergeant
senior master sergeant
sergeant at arms
sergeant first class
sergeant fish
sergeant major
sergeant majors
sergeant major of the army
sergeant major of the marine corps
staff sergeant
staff sergeant major
technical sergeant
top sergeant
sergeants major

sergeant at arms

14th century
: an officer of an organization (as a legislative body or court of law) who preserves order and executes commands

sergeant first class
: a noncommissioned officer in the army ranking above a staff sergeant and below a master sergeant

sergeant fish
1 : COBIA
2 : SNOOK 1

sergeant major
1 : a noncommissioned officer in the army or marine corps serving as chief administrative assistant in a headquarters
2 : a noncommissioned officer in the marine corps ranking above a first sergeant
3 : a bluish-green to yellow bony fish (Abudefduf saxatilis of the family Pomacentridae) with black vertical stripes on the sides that is widely distributed in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean

sergeant major of the army

1966
: the ranking noncommissioned officer of the army serving as adviser to the chief of staff

sergeant major of the marine corps

circa 1971
: the ranking noncommissioned officer of the marine corps serving as adviser to the commandant

sergeanty
: any of numerous feudal services of a personal nature by which an estate is held of the king or other lord distinct from military tenure and from socage tenure

serging
: the process of overcasting the raw edges of a piece of fabric (as a carpet) to prevent raveling

Sergipe
state NE Brazil capital Aracajú area 8441 sq mi (21,862 sq km), pop 1,492,400

sergt
sergeant

serial
n. 1 : of, relating to, consisting of, or arranged in a series, rank, or row <serial order>
2 : appearing in successive parts or numbers <a serial story>
3 : belonging to a series maturing periodically rather than on a single date <serial bonds>
4 : of, relating to, or being music based on a series of tones in a chosen pattern without regard for traditional tonality
5 a : performing a series of similar acts over a period of time <a serial killer> b : occurring in or involving such a series <a serial murder>
6 : relating to or being a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted sequentially over a single wire ― compare PARALLEL
–se·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

serial
n. 1 a : a work appearing (as in a magazine or on television) in parts at intervals b : one part of a serial work : INSTALLMENT
2 : a publication (as a newspaper or journal) issued as one of a consecutively numbered and indefinitely continued series

serial number
: a number indicating place in a series and used as a means of identification

serialise
v. British variant of serialize

serialism
n. : serial music also : the theory or practice of composing serial music

serialist
n. 1 : a writer of serials
2 : a composer of serial music

serialize
v. : to arrange or publish in serial form <serialize a novel>
–se·ri·al·i·za·tion \ˌsir-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

seriate
adj. : arranged in a series or succession
–se·ri·ate·ly adverb

seriate
adj. : to arrange in a series

seriatim
adv. : in a series

seriatim
adv. : following seriatim

sericeous
adj. : covered with fine silky hair <sericeous leaf>

sericin
n. : a gelatinous protein that cements the two fibroin filaments in a silk fiber

sericulture
n. : the production of raw silk by raising silkworms
–seri·cul·tur·al \-'kəl-chə-rəl, -'kəlch-rəl\ adjective
–seri·cul·tur·ist \-rist\ noun

series
n. 1 a : a number of things or events of the same class coming one after another in spatial or temporal succession <a concert series> <the hall opened into a series of small rooms> b : a set of regularly presented television programs each of which is complete in itself
2 : the indicated sum of a usually infinite sequence of numbers
3 a : the coins or currency of a particular country and period b : a group of postage stamps in different denominations
4 : a succession of volumes or issues published with related subjects or authors, similar format and price, or continuous numbering
5 : a division of rock formations that is smaller than a system and comprises rocks deposited during an epoch
6 : a group of chemical compounds related in composition and structure
7 : an arrangement of the parts of or elements in an electric circuit whereby the whole current passes through each part or element without branching ― compare PARALLEL
8 : a set of vowels connected by ablaut (as i, a, u in ring, rang, rung)
9 : a number of games (as of baseball) played usually on consecutive days between two teams <in town for a 3-game series>
10 : a group of successive coordinate sentence elements joined together
11 : SOIL SERIES
12 : three consecutive games in bowling
–in series : in a serial or series arrangement

series
n. alternating series
Fourier series
geometric series
harmonic series
Maclaurin series
Maclaurin's series
power series
in series
soil series
Taylor series
Taylor's series
time series
World Series

serif
n. : any of the short lines stemming from and at an angle to the upper and lower ends of the strokes of a letter
–ser·ifed or ser·iffed \-əft\ adjective

serigraph
n. : an original silk-screen color print
–se·rig·ra·pher \sə-'ri-grə-fər\ noun
–se·rig·ra·phy \-fē\ noun

serin
n. : a small yellow and grayish Old World finch (Serinus serinus of the family Fringillidae) that is related to the canary

serine
n. : a crystalline nonessential amino acid C_3H_7NO_3 that occurs as a residue in many proteins

Seringapatam
town S India N of city of Mysore

seriocomic
adj. : having a mixture of the serious and the comic <a seriocomic novel>
–se·rio·com·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

serious
adj. 1 : thoughtful or subdued in appearance or manner : SOBER <a quiet, serious girl>
2 a : requiring much thought or work <serious study> b : of or relating to a matter of importance <a serious play>
3 a : not joking or trifling : being in earnest <a serious question> b archaic : PIOUS c : deeply interested : DEVOTED <a serious musician>
4 a : not easily answered or solved <serious objections> b : having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
5 : excessive or impressive in quality, quantity, extent, or degree <serious stereo equipment> <making serious money> <serious drinking>
–se·ri·ous·ness noun
synonyms SERIOUS, GRAVE, SOLEMN, SEDATE, STAID, SOBER, EARNEST mean not light or frivolous. SERIOUS implies a concern for what really matters <a serious play about social injustice>. GRAVE implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude <read the proclamation in a grave voice>. SOLEMN suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity <a sad and solemn occasion>. SEDATE implies a composed and decorous seriousness <remained sedate amid the commotion>. STAID suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint <a quiet and staid community>. SOBER stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity <a sober look at the state of our schools>. EARNEST suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose <an earnest reformer>.

serious
adj. serious minded
serious mindedness
serious mindedly

serious-minded
: having a serious disposition or trend of thought
–se·ri·ous-mind·ed·ly adverb
–se·ri·ous-mind·ed·ness noun

seriously
adv. 1 : in a sincere manner : EARNESTLY <speaking seriously>
2 : to a serious extent : SEVERELY, EXTREMELY <seriously injured>

serjeant
n. British variant of sergeant, sergeanty

serjeant-at-law
British : a member of a former class of barristers of the highest rank

Serkin
Rudolf 1903-1991 American (Bohemian-born) pianist

sermon
n. 1 : a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part of a worship service
2 : a speech on conduct or duty
–ser·mon·ic \ˌsər-'mä-nik\ adjective

Sermon on the Mount
: an ethical discourse delivered by Jesus and recorded in Matthew 5-7 and paralleled briefly in Luke 6:20-49

sermonette
: a short sermon

sermonize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to compose or deliver a sermon
2 : to speak didactically or dogmatically
transitive verb : to preach to or on at length
–ser·mon·iz·er noun

sero
: serum <serology>

seroconversion
n. : the production of antibodies in response to an antigen
–se·ro·con·vert \-'vərt\ intransitive verb

serology
n. : a science dealing with serums and especially their reactions and properties
–se·ro·log·i·cal \ˌsir-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or se·ro·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–se·ro·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–se·rol·o·gist \sə-'rä-lə-jist, si-\ noun

seronegative
adj. : having or being a negative serum reaction especially in a test for the presence of an antibody
–se·ro·neg·a·tiv·i·ty \-ˌne-gə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

seropositive
adj. : having or being a positive serum reaction especially in a test for the presence of an antibody
–se·ro·pos·i·tiv·i·ty \-ˌpä-zə-'ti-və-tē\ noun

seroprevalence
: the frequency of individuals in a population that have a particular element (as antibodies to HIV) in their blood serum

seropurulent
adj. : consisting of a mixture of serum and pus <a seropurulent exudate>

serosa
n. : a usually enclosing serous membrane
–se·ro·sal \-zəl\ adjective

serotinal
: of or relating to the latter and usually drier part of summer

serotinous
adj. : remaining closed on the tree with seed dissemination delayed or occurring gradually <serotinous cones>
–se·rot·i·ny \sə-'rät-nē, -'rä-tə-\ noun

serotonergic
: liberating, activated by, or involving serotonin in the transmission of nerve impulses <a serotonergic neuron> <serotonergic pathways>

serotonin
n. : a phenolic amine neurotransmitter C_10H_12N_2O that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membrane of mammals

serotype
n. : a group of intimately related microorganisms distinguished by a common set of antigens also : the set of antigens characteristic of such a group

serous
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling serum especially : of thin watery constitution <a serous exudate>

serous membrane
: a thin membrane (as the peritoneum) with cells that secrete a serous fluid especially : SEROSA

serow
n. : any of several goatlike artiodactyl mammals (genus Capricornis) of eastern Asia that are usually rather dark and heavily built and some of which have distinct manes

Serowe
city E Botswana pop 30,264

serpent
n. 1 a archaic : a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings b : SNAKE
2 : DEVIL 1
3 : a treacherous person

serpentine
n. 1 : of or resembling a serpent (as in form or movement)
2 : subtly wily or tempting
3 a : winding or turning one way and another <a serpentine road> b : having a compound curve whose central curve is convex
–ser·pen·tine·ly adverb

serpentine
n. : something that winds sinuously

serpentine
n. : a mineral or rock consisting essentially of a hydrous magnesium silicate usually having a dull green color and often a mottled appearance

serpiginous
adj. : CREEPING, SPREADING especially : healing over in one portion while continuing to advance in another <serpiginous ulcers>
–ser·pig·i·nous·ly adverb

Serra
Ju·ní·pe·ro \hü-'nē-pə-ˌrō\ 1713-1784 orig. Miguel José Serra Span. missionary in Mexico & California

Serra
Serra da Estrela
Serra do Mar
Serra Parima
Serra Tumucumaque

Serra da Estrela
mountain range Portugal; highest point Malhão da Estrela (highest in Portugal) 6532 ft (1991 m)

Serra do Mar
mountain range S Brazil along coast

Serra Parima
mountain range N S. America on Venezuela-Brazil border SW of Pacaraima Mountains; source of the Orinoco

Serrai
city N Greece pop 50,875

serranid
: any of a large family (Serranidae) of carnivorous marine bony fishes which have an oblong compressed body covered with usually ctenoid scales and many of which are important food and sport fishes (as the sea basses) especially of warm seas
–serranid adjective

serrano
n. : a small very hot chili pepper that is red when mature

serrate
adj. : notched or toothed on the edge specifically : having marginal teeth pointing forward or toward the apex <a serrate leaf>

serrate
adj. : to mark or make with serrations <a serrated knife>

serration
n. 1 : the condition of being serrate
2 : a formation resembling the toothed edge of a saw
3 : one of the teeth in a serrate margin

serried
adj. 1 : crowded or pressed together : COMPACT <the crowd collected in a serried mass ― W. S. Maugham>
2 [by alteration] : marked by ridges : SERRATE <the serried contours of the⋯mountains ― American Guide Series: Oregon>
–ser·ried·ly adverb
–ser·ried·ness noun

serry
intransitive verb archaic : to press together especially in ranks
transitive verb : to crowd together

Sertoli cell
: one of the elongated striated cells lining the seminiferous tubules that support and apparently nourish the spermatids

Sertoman
: a member of a major international service club

Sertorius
Quintus ca 123-72 B.C. Rom. gen. & statesman

sertraline
: an antidepressant drug C_17H_17NCl_2 administered in the form of its hydrochloride and acting to enhance serotonin activity

serum
n. 1 : the watery portion of an animal fluid remaining after coagulation: a (1) : BLOOD SERUM (2) : ANTISERUM b : WHEY c : a normal or pathological serous fluid (as in a blister)
2 : the watery part of a plant fluid

serum
n. : occurring or found in the blood serum <serum cholesterol> <serum antibodies>

serum
n. blood serum
serum hepatitis
serum albumin
serum globulin
serum sickness
truth serum

serum albumin
: a crystallizable albumin or mixture of albumins that normally constitutes more than half of the protein in blood serum and serves to maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood

serum globulin
: a globulin or mixture of globulins occurring in blood serum and containing most of the antibodies of the blood

serum hepatitis
: HEPATITIS B

serum sickness
: an allergic reaction to the injection of foreign serum manifested by hives, swelling, eruption, arthritis, and fever

serv
service

serval
n. : a long-legged African wildcat (Felis serval) having large ears and a tawny black-spotted coat

servant
n. : one that serves others <a public servant> especially : one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer
–ser·vant·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–ser·vant·less adjective

servant
n. bond servant
civil servant
fellow servant
indentured servant
public servant

serve
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to be a servant b : to do military or naval service
2 : to assist a celebrant as server at mass
3 a : to be of use <in a day when few people could write, seals served as signatures ― Elizabeth W. King> b : to be favorable, opportune, or convenient c : to be worthy of reliance or trust <if memory serves> d : to hold an office : discharge a duty or function <serve on a jury>
4 : to prove adequate or satisfactory : SUFFICE <it will serve for this task>
5 : to help persons to food: as a : to wait at table b : to set out portions of food or drink
6 : to wait on customers
7 : to put the ball or shuttlecock in play in various games (as tennis, volleyball, or badminton)
transitive verb
1 a : to be a servant to : ATTEND b : to give the service and respect due to (a superior) c : to comply with the commands or demands of : GRATIFY d : to give military or naval service to e : to perform the duties of (an office or post)
2 : to act as server at (mass)
3 archaic : to pay a lover's or suitor's court to (a lady) <that gentle lady, whom I love and serve ― Edmund Spenser>
4 a : to work through (a term of service) b : to put in (a term of imprisonment)
5 a : to wait on at table b : to bring (food) to a diner c : PRESENT, PROVIDE ― usually used with up <the novel served up many laughs>
6 a : to furnish or supply with something needed or desired b : to wait on (a customer) in a store c : to furnish professional service to
7 a : to answer the needs of b : to be enough for : SUFFICE c : to contribute or conduce to : PROMOTE
8 : to treat or act toward in a specified way <he served me ill>
9 a : to bring to notice, deliver, or execute as required by law b : to make legal service upon (a person named in a process)
10 of a male animal : to copulate with
11 : to wind yarn or wire tightly around (a rope or stay) for protection
12 : to provide services that benefit or help
13 : to put (the ball or shuttlecock) in play (as in tennis or badminton)
–serve one right : to be deserved

serve
n. : the act or action of putting the ball or shuttlecock in play in various games (as volleyball, badminton, or tennis) also : a turn to serve <it's your serve>

serve
n. self serve
serve one right
self serving

serve one right
to be deserved

server
n. 1 : one that serves food or drink
2 : the player who serves (as in tennis)
3 : something used in serving food or drink
4 : one that serves legal processes upon another
5 : the celebrant's assistant at mass
6 : a computer in a network that is used to provide services (as access to files or shared peripherals or the routing of e-mail) to other computers in the network

Servetus
Michael 1511?-1553 Span. Miguel Serveto Span. theol. & physician

Service
n. Robert William 1874-1958 Canad. writer

service
n. 1 a : the occupation or function of serving <in active service> b : employment as a servant <entered his service>
2 a : the work performed by one that serves <good service> b : HELP, USE, BENEFIT <glad to be of service> c : contribution to the welfare of others d : disposal for use <I'm entirely at your service>
3 a : a form followed in worship or in a religious ceremony <the burial service> b : a meeting for worship ― often used in plural <held evening services>
4 : the act of serving: as a : a helpful act <did him a service> b : useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity ― usually used in plural <charge for professional services> c : SERVE
5 : a set of articles for a particular use <a silver tea service>
6 a : an administrative division (as of a government or business) <the consular service> b : one of a nation's military forces (as the army or navy)
7 a : a facility supplying some public demand <telephone service> <bus service> b : a facility providing maintenance and repair <television service>
8 : the materials (as spun yarn, small lines, or canvas) used for serving a rope
9 : the act of bringing a legal writ, process, or summons to notice as prescribed by law
10 : the act of a male animal copulating with a female animal
11 : a branch of a hospital medical staff devoted to a particular specialty <obstetrical service>

service
n. : to perform services for: as a : to repair or provide maintenance for <serviced the furnace> b : to meet interest and sinking fund payments on (as government debt) c : to perform any of the business functions auxiliary to production or distribution of d of a male animal : SERVE 10
–ser·vic·er noun

service
n. 1 : of or relating to the armed services
2 : used in serving or supplying <delivery men use the service entrance>
3 : intended for hard or everyday use
4 a : providing services <the service trades97from filling stations to universities ― John Fischer> b : offering repair, maintenance, or incidental services

service
n. : an Old World tree (Sorbus domestica) resembling the related mountain ashes but having larger flowers and larger edible fruit also : a related Old World tree (S. torminalis) with bitter fruits

service
n. answering service
civil service
curb service
debt service
detached service
Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Order
divine service
fee for service
foreign service
service road
full service
service station
in service
lip service
point of service
postal service
prayer service
public service
public service corporation
room service
secret service
selective service
self service
service book
service box
service cap
service ceiling
service charge
service fee
service club
service court
service line
service mark
service medal
service module
service stripe
service tree
silent service
social service
tea service
wire service
armed services

service book
: a book setting forth forms of worship used in religious services

service box
: the area in which a player stands while serving in various court games (as squash or handball)

service cap
: a flat-topped visor cap worn as part of a military uniform ― compare GARRISON CAP

service ceiling
: the altitude at which under standard air conditions a particular airplane can no longer rise at a rate greater than a small designated rate (as 100 feet per minute)

service charge
: a fee charged for a particular service often in addition to a standard or basic fee ― called also service fee

service club
1 : a club of business or professional men or women organized for their common benefit and active in community service
2 : a recreation center for enlisted personnel provided by one of the armed services

service court
: a part of the court into which the ball or shuttlecock must be served

service line
: a line marked on a court in various games (as handball or tennis) parallel to the front wall or to the net to mark a boundary of the service area or service court

service mark
: a mark or device used to identify a service (as transportation or insurance) offered to customers

service medal
: a medal awarded to an individual for military service in a specified war or campaign

service module
: a space vehicle module that contains oxygen, water, fuel cells, propellant tanks, and the main rocket engine

service road
: FRONTAGE ROAD

service station
1 : GAS STATION
2 : a place at which some service is offered

service stripe
: a stripe worn on an enlisted man's left sleeve to indicate three years of service in the army or four years in the navy

service tree
: 4SERVICE

serviceable
adj. 1 : HELPFUL, USEFUL
2 : fit for use <a serviceable design> also : of adequate quality <her serviceable but not exceptional voice ― Irving Kolodin>
–ser·vice·abil·i·ty \ˌsər-və-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ser·vice·able·ness \'sər-və-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–ser·vice·ably \-blē\ adverb

serviceberry
n. 1 : the edible purple or red fruit of any of various No. American trees or shrubs (genus Amelanchier) of the rose family
2 : a tree or shrub that produces serviceberries and has showy white flowers in the spring ― called also Juneberry shadblow shadbush

serviceman
n. 1 : a male member of the armed forces
2 : a man employed to repair or maintain equipment
3 : a gas station attendant

servicewoman
n. : a woman who is a member of the armed forces

serviette
n. chiefly British : a table napkin

servile
adj. 1 : of or befitting a slave or a menial position
2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : ABJECT
synonyms see SUBSERVIENT
–ser·vile·ly \-və(l)-lē, -ˌvī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
–ser·vile·ness \-vəl-nəs, -ˌvī(-ə)l-\ noun
–ser·vil·i·ty \(ˌ)sər-'vi-lə-tē\ noun

serving
n. : a helping of food or drink

Servite
n. : a member of the mendicant Order of Servants of Mary founded in Florence, Italy, in 1233
–Servite adjective

servitor
n. : a male servant

servitude
n. 1 : a condition in which one lacks liberty especially to determine one's course of action or way of life
2 : a right by which something (as a piece of land) owned by one person is subject to a specified use or enjoyment by another

servo
n. 1 : SERVOMOTOR
2 : SERVOMECHANISM

servomechanism
n. : an automatic device for controlling large amounts of power by means of very small amounts of power and automatically correcting the performance of a mechanism

servomotor
n. : a power-driven mechanism that supplements a primary control operated by a comparatively feeble force (as in a servomechanism)

SES
socioeconomic status

ses
plural of -sis

sesame
n. 1 : a widely cultivated chiefly tropical or subtropical annual erect herb (Sesamum indicum of the family Pedaliaceae) also : its small seeds used especially as a source of oil and a flavoring agent
2 : OPEN SESAME

sesame oil
: a pale yellow bland semidrying fatty oil obtained from sesame seeds and used chiefly as an edible oil, as a vehicle for various pharmaceuticals, and in cosmetics and soaps

sesamoid
adj. : a nodular mass of bone (as the patella) or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence
–sesamoid adjective

Sesotho
n. : the Bantu language of the Basotho people

sesqui
1 : one and a half times <sesquicentennial>
2 : containing half again as many atoms <sesquiterpene>
3 : intermediate : combination <sesquicarbonate>

sesquicarbonate
: a salt (as Na_2CO_3·NaHCO_3·2H_2O) that is neither a simple normal carbonate nor a simple bicarbonate but often a combination of the two

sesquicentenary
n. : SESQUICENTENNIAL

sesquicentennial
n. : a 150th anniversary or its celebration
–sesquicentennial adjective

sesquipedalian
n. 1 : having many syllables : LONG <sesquipedalian terms>
2 : given to or characterized by the use of long words <a sesquipedalian television commentator>

sesquiterpene
: any of a class of terpenes C_15H_24 also : a derivative of such a terpene

sess
n. session

sessile
adj. 1 : attached directly by the base : not raised upon a stalk or peduncle <a sessile leaf> <sessile bubbles>
2 : permanently attached or established : not free to move about <sessile sponges and coral polyps>

session
n. 1 : a meeting or series of meetings of a body (as a court or legislature) for the transaction of business <morning session>
2 plural a (1) : a sitting of English justices of peace in execution of the powers conferred by their commissions (2) : an English court holding such sessions b : any of various courts similar to the English sessions
3 : the period between the first meeting of a legislative or judicial body and the prorogation or final adjournment
4 : the ruling body of a Presbyterian congregation consisting of the elders in active service
5 : the period during the year or day in which a school conducts classes
6 : a meeting or period devoted to a particular activity <a recording session>
–ses·sion·al \'sesh-nəl, 'se-shə-nəl\ adjective

session
n. : employed to perform at recording sessions <a session drummer>

session
n. bull session
executive session
jam session
poster session
skull session
court of sessions
quarter sessions

Sessions
n. Roger Huntington 1896-1985 American composer

sesterce
n. : an ancient Roman coin equal to 1/4 denarius

sestertium
: a unit of value in ancient Rome equal to 1000 sesterces

sestet
n. : a stanza or a poem of six lines specifically : the last six lines of an Italian sonnet

sestina
n. : a lyrical fixed form consisting of six 6-line usually unrhymed stanzas in which the end words of the first stanza recur as end words of the following five stanzas in a successively rotating order and as the middle and end words of the three verses of the concluding tercet

Sesto San Giovanni
commune N Italy pop 81,687

Sestos
ruined town Turkey in Europe on the Dardanelles (Hellespont) at narrowest point

set
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2 a : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them b : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3 : to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4 a : to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability <set a ladder against the wall> <set a stone on the grave> b : TRANSPLANT 1 <set seedlings> c (1) : to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d : to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5 : to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>
6 a : to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation <slaves were set free> <set the house on fire> b : to cause the start of <set a fire>
7 a : to appoint or assign to an office or duty b : POST, STATION
8 : to cause to assume a specified posture or position <set the door ajar>
9 a : to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him> b : AFFIX c : APPLY <set a match to kindling>
10 : to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : PRESCRIBE <set a wedding day> <set the rules for the game>
11 a : to establish as the highest level or best performance <set a record for the half mile> b : to furnish as a pattern or model <set an example of generosity> c : to allot as a task <setting lessons for the children to work upon at home ― Manchester Examiner>
12 a : to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position <set the alarm for 7:00> <set a thermostat at 68> also : to adjust (as a clock) in conformity with a standard b : to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured <set a broken bone> c : to spread to the wind <set the sails>
13 a : to put in order for use <set a place for a guest> b : to make scenically ready for a performance <set the stage> c (1) : to arrange (type) for printing <set type by hand> (2) : to put into type or its equivalent (as on film) <set the first word in italic>
14 a : to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing <set a razor> b : to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions c : to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15 : to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16 : to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17 a : to adorn with something affixed or infixed : STUD, DOT <clear sky set with stars> b : to fix (as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting c : to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting <a story set in Paris>
18 a : to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of <sets a great deal by daily exercise> b : to place in a relative rank or category <set duty before pleasure> c : to fix at a certain amount <set bail at $500> d : VALUE, RATE <their promises were set at naught> e : to place as an estimate of worth <set a high value on life>
19 : to place in relation for comparison or balance <theory set against practice>
20 a : to direct to action b : to incite to attack or antagonism <war sets brother against brother>
21 a : to place by transporting <was set ashore on the island> b : to put in motion c : to put and fix in a direction <set our faces toward home once more> d of a dog : to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22 : to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23 a : to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to <set her jaw in determination> b : to make unyielding or obstinate
24 : to cause to become firm or solid <set milk for cheese>
25 : to cause (as fruit or seed) to develop
intransitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : SIT
2 : to be becoming : be suitable : FIT <the coat sets well>
3 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4 a : to affect one with or as if with weight <the pudding sets heavily on my stomach> b : to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (as running)
5 of a plant part : to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6 a : to pass below the horizon : go down <the sun sets> b : to come to an end <this century sets with little mirth ― Thomas Fuller>
7 : to apply oneself to some activity <set to work>
8 : to have a specified direction in motion : FLOW, TEND <the wind was setting from Pine Hill to the farm ― Esther Forbes>
9 of a dog : to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10 : to dance face to face with another in a square dance <set to your partner and turn>
11 a : to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration <the cement sets rapidly> b of a dye or color : to become permanent c of a bone : to become whole by growing together
–set about : to begin to do
–set apart
1 : to reserve to a particular use
2 : to make noticeable or outstanding
–set aside
1 : to put to one side : DISCARD
2 : to reserve for a purpose : SAVE
3 : DISMISS
4 : ANNUL, OVERRULE
–set at : to mount an attack on : ASSAIL <would go although⋯devils should set at me ― Charlotte Yonge>
–set eyes on : to catch sight of
–set foot in : ENTER
–set foot on : to step onto
–set forth
1 : to give an account or statement of
2 : to start out on a journey
–set forward
1 : FURTHER
2 : to start out on a journey
–set in motion : to give impulse to <sets the story in motion vividly ― Howard Thompson>
–set one's hand to : to become engaged in
–set one's heart on : RESOLVE VT 5 <she set her heart on going to medical school>
–set one's house in order : to organize one's affairs
–set one's sights on : to determine to pursue
–set one's teeth on edge : IRRITATE, ANNOY
–set one straight : to correct someone by providing accurate information
–set sail : to start out on a course especially : to begin a voyage <set sail for Bermuda>
–set store by or set store on : to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile
–set the stage : to provide the basis or background <this trend will set the stage for higher earnings>
–set to music : to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)
–set upon : to attack usually with violence <the dogs set upon the trespassers>

set
n. 1 a : the act or action of setting b : the condition of being set
2 : a number of things of the same kind that belong or are used together <an electric train set>
3 a : mental inclination, tendency, or habit : BENT <a set toward mathematics> b : a state of psychological preparedness to perceive or respond to an anticipated stimulus or situation
4 : direction of flow <the set of the wind>
5 : form or carriage of the body or of its parts <her face took on a cynical set ― Raymond Kennedy>
6 : the manner of fitting or of being placed or suspended <in order to give the skirt a pretty set ― Mary J. Howell>
7 : amount of deflection from a straight line <set of a saw's teeth>
8 : permanent change of form (as of metal) due to repeated or excessive stress
9 : the act or result of arranging hair by curling or waving
10 also sett \'set\ a : a young plant or rooted cutting ready for transplanting b : a small bulb, corm, or tuber or a piece of tuber used for propagation <onion sets> c : the blossoms of a plant that have set fruit as a result of fertilization
11 or sett : the burrow of a badger
12 : the width of the body of a piece of type
13 : an artificial setting for a scene of a theatrical or film production
14 also sett : a rectangular paving stone of sandstone or granite
15 : a division of a tennis match won by the side that wins at least six games beating the opponent by two games or by winning a tiebreaker
16 : a collection of books or periodicals forming a unit
17 : a clutch of eggs
18 : the basic formation in a country-dance or square dance
19 : a session of music (as jazz or dance music) usually followed by an intermission also : the music played at one session
20 : a group of persons associated by common interests
21 : a collection of elements and especially mathematical ones (as numbers or points) ― called also class
22 : an apparatus of electronic components assembled so as to function as a unit <a television set>
23 : a usually offensive formation in football or basketball
24 : a group of a specific number of repetitions of a particular exercise

set
n. 1 : INTENT, DETERMINED <set upon going>
2 : INTENTIONAL, PREMEDITATED <did it of set purpose>
3 : fixed by authority or appointment : PRESCRIBED, SPECIFIED <set hours of study>
4 : reluctant to change <set in their ways>
5 a : IMMOVABLE, RIGID <set frown> b : BUILT-IN <a set tub>
6 : SETTLED, PERSISTENT <set defiance>
7 : being in readiness : PREPARED <set for an early morning start>

set
n. set store on
dresser set
fuzzy set
hard set
jet set
Mandelbrot set
mind set
point set topology
replacement set
saw set
set upon
set to music
set the stage
set store by
set sail
set one straight
set one's teeth on edge
set one's sights on
set one's house in order
set one's heart on
set one's hand to
set in motion
set forward
set forth
set foot on
set foot in
set eyes on
set at
set aside
set apart
set about
set back
set by
set down
set in
set off
set on
set out
set piece
set point
set shot
set theory
set theoretic
set to
set tos
set up
set up shop
set up housekeeping
sharp set
solution set
stage set
tea set
truth set
well set
self set
jet setting
place setting
setting circle
setting up exercise
airman first class
cabin class
class act
class action
class conscious
class consciousness
class interval
equivalence class
first class
form class
high class
lower class
master class
middle class
petty officer first class
petty officer second class
petty officer third class
private first class
residue class
second class
sergeant first class
third class
tourist class
upper class
word class
working class
world class

set about
to begin to do

set apart

1 : to reserve to a particular use
2 : to make noticeable or outstanding

set aside

1 : to put to one side : DISCARD
2 : to reserve for a purpose : SAVE
3 : DISMISS
4 : ANNUL, OVERRULE

set at
to mount an attack on : ASSAIL <would go although⋯devils should set at me ― Charlotte Yonge>

set back
1 : to slow the progress of : HINDER, DELAY
2 : COST <a new suit will set you back $200>

set by
: to set apart for future use

set down
1 : to cause to sit down : SEAT
2 : to place at rest on a surface or on the ground
3 : to suspend (a jockey) from racing
4 : to cause or allow to get off a vehicle : DELIVER
5 : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
6 a : ORDAIN, ESTABLISH b : to put in writing
7 a : REGARD, CONSIDER <set him down as a liar> b : ATTRIBUTE

set eyes on
to catch sight of

set foot in
ENTER

set foot on
to step onto

set forth

1 : to give an account or statement of
2 : to start out on a journey

set forward

1 : FURTHER
2 : to start out on a journey

set in
: INSERT especially : to stitch (a small part) within a large article <set in a sleeve of a dress>
intransitive verb : to become established

set in motion
to give impulse to <sets the story in motion vividly ― Howard Thompson>

set off
1 a : to put in relief : show up by contrast b : ADORN, EMBELLISH c : to set apart : make distinct or outstanding
2 a : OFFSET, COMPENSATE <more variety in the Lancashire weather to set off its most disagreeable phases ― Geog. Jour.> b : to make a setoff of <the respective totals shall be set off against one another ― O. R. Hobson>
3 a : to set in motion : cause to begin b : to cause to explode
4 : to measure off on a surface
intransitive verb : to start out on a course or a journey <set off for home>

set on
1 : ATTACK
2 a obsolete : PROMOTE b : to urge (as a dog) to attack or pursue c : to incite to action : INSTIGATE d : to set to work
intransitive verb : GO ON, ADVANCE

set one straight
to correct someone by providing accurate information

set one's hand to
to become engaged in

set one's heart on
RESOLVE VT 5 <she set her heart on going to medical school>

set one's house in order
to organize one's affairs

set one's sights on
to determine to pursue

set one's teeth on edge
IRRITATE, ANNOY

set out
1 a : to arrange and present graphically or systematically b : to mark out (as a design) : lay out the plan of
2 : to state, describe, or recite at length <distributed copies of a pamphlet setting out his ideas in full ― S. F. Mason>
3 : to begin with a definite purpose : INTEND, UNDERTAKE
intransitive verb : to start out on a course, a journey, or a career <set out across the country>

set piece
1 a : a composition (as in literature, art, or music) executed in a fixed or ideal form often with studied artistry and brilliant effect b : a scene, depiction, speech, or event that is obviously designed to have an imposing effect
2 : a realistic piece of stage scenery standing by itself
3 : a precisely planned and conducted military operation <an offensive set piece that caught the enemy off guard>
–set-piece adjective

set point
1 : a situation (as in tennis) in which one player will win the set by winning the next point also : the point won
2 : the level or point at which a variable physiological state (as body temperature or weight) tends to stabilize

set sail
to start out on a course especially : to begin a voyage <set sail for Bermuda>

set shot
: a two-handed shot in basketball taken from a stationary position

set store by
or set store on : to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile

set the stage
to provide the basis or background <this trend will set the stage for higher earnings>

set theory
: a branch of mathematics or of symbolic logic that deals with the nature and relations of sets
–set theoretic adjective

set to
1 : to begin actively and earnestly
2 : to begin fighting

set to music
to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)

set up
1 a : to raise to and place in a high position b : to place in view : POST c : to put forward (as a plan) for acceptance
2 a : to place upright : ERECT <set up a statue> b : to assemble the parts of and erect in position c : to put (a machine) in readiness or adjustment for an operation
3 a : CAUSE, CREATE <set up a clamor> b : BRING ABOUT
4 : to place in power or in office <set up the general as dictator>
5 a : to raise from depression : ELATE, GRATIFY b : to make proud or vain
6 a : to put forward or extol as a model b : to claim oneself to be <sets himself up as an authority>
7 : FOUND, INAUGURATE
8 a : to provide with means of making a living <set him up in business> b : to bring or restore to normal health c : to cause (one) to take on a soldierly or athletic appearance especially through drill
9 : to erect (a perpendicular or a figure) on a base in a drawing
10 a : to make taut (a stay or hawser) b : to tighten firmly
11 : to make carefully worked out plans for <set up a bank robbery>
12 a : to pay for (drinks) b : to treat (someone) to something
13 a : to put in a compromising or dangerous position usually by trickery or deceit b : FRAME 3
14 : to execute one or more plays in preparation for scoring
intransitive verb
1 : to come into active operation or use
2 : to begin business
3 : to make pretensions <has never set up to be a wise man ― Thomas Rogers>
4 : to become firm or consolidated
–set up housekeeping : to establish one's living quarters
–set up shop : to establish one's business

set up housekeeping
to establish one's living quarters

set up shop
to establish one's business

set upon
to attack usually with violence <the dogs set upon the trespassers>

set-aside
1 : something (as a portion of receipts or production) that is set aside for a specified purpose
2 : a program requiring a percentage of opportunities (as for jobs or funding) to be reserved for an underrepresented group

set-in
1 : placed, located, or built as a part of some other construction <a set-in bookcase> <a set-in washbasin>
2 : cut separately and stitched in <set-in sleeves>

set-in
: INSERT

set-to
: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate

seta
n. : a slender usually rigid or bristly and springy organ or part of an animal or plant
–se·tal \'sē-təl\ adjective

setaceous
adj. 1 : set with or consisting of bristles
2 : resembling a bristle in form or texture

setback
n. 1 : a checking of progress
2 : DEFEAT, REVERSE
3 : 4PITCH 7
4 : a placing of a face of a building on a line some distance to the rear of the building line or of the wall below also : the area produced by a setback
5 : automatic scheduled adjustment to a lower temperature setting of a thermostat
6 : the distance of a structure or other feature (as a well or septic system) from the property line or other feature

Sete
commune & port S France SSW of Montpellier pop 39,579

Sete Quedas
former cataract in Alto Paraná River on Brazil-Paraguay boundary; now submerged in reservoir formed by Itaipu Dam

Seth
n. : a son of Adam and Eve

Setif
commune NE Algeria pop 144,200

setline
n. : a long heavy fishing line to which several hooks are attached in series

setoff
n. 1 : something that is set off against another thing: a : DECORATION, ORNAMENT b : COMPENSATION, COUNTERBALANCE
2 : the reduction or discharge of a debt or claim by setting against it a distinct claim in favor of the debtor or party who is the object of the first claim (as in a lawsuit) also : the offsetting claim itself
3 : OFFSET 7A

Seton
n. Saint Elizabeth Ann 1774-1821 Mother Seton née Bayley American religious leader

Seton
n. Ernest Thompson 1860-1946 orig. surname Thompson American (Eng.-born) writer & illustrator

setose
adj. : SETACEOUS, BRISTLY

setout
n. 1 a (1) : ARRAY, DISPLAY (2) : ARRANGEMENT, LAYOUT b : BUFFET, SPREAD c : TURNOUT 5
2 : PARTY, ENTERTAINMENT
3 : BEGINNING, OUTSET

setscrew
n. 1 : a screw screwed through one part tightly upon or into another part to prevent relative movement
2 : a screw for regulating a valve opening or a spring tension

sett
n. variant of set

settee
n. 1 : a long seat with a back
2 : a medium-sized sofa with arms and a back

setter
n. 1 : one that sets
2 : a large bird dog (as an Irish setter) of a type trained to point on finding game

setter
n. English setter
Gordon setter
Irish setter
jet setter

setting
n. 1 : the manner, position, or direction in which something is set
2 : the frame or bed in which a gem is set also : style of mounting
3 a : the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops b : the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work c : the scenery used in a theatrical or film production
4 : the music composed for a text (as a poem)
5 : the articles of tableware for setting a place at table <two settings of sterling silver>
6 : a batch of eggs for incubation
synonyms see BACKGROUND

setting
n. jet setting
place setting
setting circle
setting up exercise

setting circle
: a graduated scale or wheel on the mounting of an equatorial telescope for indicating right ascension or declination

setting-up exercise
: any of a series of gymnastic exercises used to give an erect carriage, supple muscles, and easy control of the limbs

settle
n. transitive verb
1 : to place so as to stay
2 a : to establish in residence b : to furnish with inhabitants : COLONIZE
3 a : to cause to pack down b : to clarify by causing dregs or impurities to sink
4 : to make quiet or orderly
5 a : to fix or resolve conclusively <settle the question> b : to establish or secure permanently <settle the order of royal succession> c : to conclude (a lawsuit) by agreement between parties usually out of court d : to close (as an account) by payment often of less than is due
6 : to arrange in a desired position
7 : to make or arrange for final disposition of <settled his affairs>
8 of an animal : IMPREGNATE
intransitive verb
1 : to come to rest
2 a : to sink gradually or to the bottom b : to become clear by the deposit of sediment or scum c : to become compact by sinking
3 a : to become fixed, resolved, or established <a cold settled in his chest> b : to establish a residence or colony <settled in Wisconsin> ― often used with down
4 a : to become quiet or orderly b : to take up an ordered or stable life ― often used with down <marry and settle down>
5 a : to adjust differences or accounts b : to come to a decision ― used with on or upon <settled on a new plan> c : to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court
6 of an animal : CONCEIVE
synonyms see DECIDE
–set·tle·able \'se-təl-ə-bəl, 'set-lə-bəl\ adjective
–settle for : to be content with
–settle one's hash : to silence or subdue someone by decisive action
–settle the stomach : to remove or relieve the distress or nausea of indigestion

settle
n. : a wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and an enclosed foundation which can be used as a chest

settle
n. settle the stomach
settle one's hash
settle for

settle for
to be content with

settle one's hash
to silence or subdue someone by decisive action

settle the stomach
to remove or relieve the distress or nausea of indigestion

settlement
n. 1 : the act or process of settling
2 a : an act of bestowing or giving possession under legal sanction b : the sum, estate, or income secured to one by such a settlement
3 a : occupation by settlers b : a place or region newly settled c : a small village
4 : SETTLEMENT HOUSE
5 : an agreement composing differences
6 : payment or adjustment of an account

settlement
n. settlement house
viatical settlement
Straits Settlements

settlement house
: an institution providing various community services especially to large city populations

settler
n. : one that settles (as a new region)

settling
n. : SEDIMENT, DREGS ― usually used in plural

settlor
n. : one that makes a settlement or creates a trust of property

Setubal
city & port SW Portugal pop 113,934

setup
n. 1 a : carriage of the body especially : erect and soldierly bearing b : CONSTITUTION, MAKEUP
2 a : the assembly and arrangement of the tools and apparatus required for the performance of an operation b : the preparation and adjustment of machines for an assigned task
3 a : a table setting b : glass, ice, and mixer served to patrons who supply their own liquor
4 a : a camera position from which a scene is filmed also : the footage taken from one camera position b : the final arrangement of the scenery and properties for a scene of a theatrical or cinematic production
5 a : a position of the balls in billiards or pool from which it is easy to score b : a task or contest purposely made easy c : something easy to get or accomplish d : something (as a plot) that has been constructed or contrived e : the execution of a planned scoring play in sports
6 a : the manner in which the elements or components of a machine, apparatus, or mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system are arranged, designed, or assembled b : the patterns within which political, social, or administrative forces operate : customary or established practice
7 : PROJECT, PLAN
8 : something done by deceit or trickery in order to compromise or frame someone

Seurat
n. Georges 1859-1891 Fr. painter

Seuss
― see Theodor Seuss GEISEL

Sevan
lake N Armenia area 525 sq mi (1360 sq km)

Sevastopol
city & port SW Crimea pop 366,000

seven
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the seventh in a set or series <the seven of clubs>
3 : something having seven units or members
–seven adjective
–seven pronoun, plural in construction

seven
n. seven seas
seven up
Seven Islands
at sixes and sevens

Seven Islands
SEPT-ÎLES

seven seas
: all the waters or oceans of the world

seven-up
: an American variety of all fours in which a total of seven points constitutes game

sevenfold
adj. 1 : having seven units or members
2 : being seven times as great or as many
–sevenfold adverb

seventeen
n. ― see NUMBER table
–seventeen adjective
–seventeen pronoun, plural in construction
–sev·en·teenth \-'tēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

seventeen-year locust
: a cicada (Magicicada septendecim) of the U.S. that has in the North a life of seventeen years and in the South of thirteen years of which most is spent underground as a nymph and only a few weeks as a winged adult

seventh
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 a : a musical interval embracing seven diatonic degrees b : a tone at this interval specifically : LEADING TONE c : the harmonic combination of two tones a seventh apart
–seventh adjective or adverb

seventh
n. seventh chord
Seventh Day
seventh heaven

seventh chord
: a chord comprising a fundamental tone with its third, fifth, and seventh

seventh heaven
: a state of extreme joy

Seventh-Day
: advocating or practicing observance of Saturday as the Sabbath

seventy
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 70 to 79 specifically : the years 70 to 79 in a lifetime or century
3 capitalized : a Mormon elder ordained for missionary work under the apostles
–sev·en·ti·eth \-tē-əth, -dē-\ adjective or noun
–seventy adjective
–seventy pronoun, plural in construction

seventy-eight
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a phonograph record designed to be played at 78 revolutions per minute ― usually written 78
–seventy-eight adjective
–seventy-eight pronoun, plural in construction

sever
v. transitive verb : to put or keep apart : DIVIDE especially : to remove (as a part) by or as if by cutting
intransitive verb : to become separated
synonyms see SEPARATE

severable
adj. : capable of being severed especially : capable of being divided into legally independent rights or obligations
–sev·er·abil·i·ty \ˌsev-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌse-və-\ noun

several
adj. 1 a : separate or distinct from one another <federal union of the several states> b (1) : individually owned or controlled : EXCLUSIVE <a several fishery> ― compare COMMON (2) : of or relating separately to each individual involved <a several judgment> c : being separate and distinctive : RESPECTIVE <specialists in their several fields>
2 a : more than one <several pleas> b : more than two but fewer than many <moved several inches> c chiefly dialect : being a great many

several
adj. : an indefinite number more than two and fewer than many <several of the guests>

severalfold
adj. 1 : having several parts or aspects
2 : being several times as large, as great, or as many as some understood size, degree, or amount
–severalfold adverb

severally
adv. 1 : one at a time : each by itself : SEPARATELY
2 : apart from others : INDEPENDENTLY

severalty
n. 1 : the quality or state of being several : DISTINCTNESS, SEPARATENESS
2 a : a sole, separate, and exclusive possession, dominion, or ownership : one's own right without a joint interest in any other person <tenants in severalty> b : the quality or state of being individual or particular
3 a : land owned in severalty b : the quality or state of being held in severalty

severance
n. : the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

severance pay
: an allowance usually based on length of service that is payable to an employee on termination of employment

severance tax
: a tax levied by a state on the extractor of oil, gas, or minerals intended for consumption in other states ― compare ROYALTY 5a

severe
adj. 1 a : strict in judgment, discipline, or government b : of a strict or stern bearing or manner : AUSTERE
2 : rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement : STRINGENT, RESTRICTIVE
3 : strongly critical or condemnatory : CENSORIOUS <a severe critic>
4 a : maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline b : establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes <a severe logician>
5 : sober or restrained in decoration or manner : PLAIN <a severe dress>
6 a : inflicting physical discomfort or hardship : HARSH <severe winters> b : inflicting pain or distress : GRIEVOUS <a severe wound>
7 : requiring great effort : ARDUOUS <a severe test>
8 : of a great degree : SERIOUS <severe depression>
–se·vere·ly adverb
–se·vere·ness noun
–se·ver·i·ty \sə-'ver-ə-tē\ noun
synonyms SEVERE, STERN, AUSTERE, ASCETIC mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. SEVERE implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness <severe military discipline>. STERN stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character <stern arbiters of public morality>. AUSTERE stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial <living an austere life in the country>. ASCETIC implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline <the ascetic life of the monks>.

severe
adj. severe acute respiratory syndrome
severe combined immunodeficiency
severe combined immune deficiency

severe acute respiratory syndrome
: SARS

severe combined immunodeficiency
: a rare congenital disorder of the immune system that is characterized by inability to produce a normal complement of antibodies and T cells and that usually results in early death ― called also severe combined immune deficiency

Severn River
1 inlet of Chesapeake Bay, in Md., on which Annapolis is situated
2 river 610 mi (982 km) Canada in NW Ont. flowing NE into Hudson Bay
3 river 210 mi (338 km) Great Britain flowing from E cen Wales into Bristol Channel in England

Severnaya Zemlya
islands N Russia in Asia N of Taymyr Peninsula in Arctic Ocean bet. Kara & Laptev seas area 14,300 sq mi (37,180 sq km)

Severus
Lucius Septimius A.D. 146-211 Rom. emp. (193-211)

seviche
n. : a dish of raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice often with oil, onions, peppers, and seasonings and served especially as an appetizer

Sevier
river 280 mi (451 km) SW cen Utah flowing into Sevier Lake (25 mi or 40 km long; saline)

Sevigne
Marquise de 1626-1696 née (Marie) de Rabutin-Chantal Fr. letter writer

Seville
n. 1 province SW Spain area 5406 sq mi (14,002 sq km), pop 1,727,603
2 city, its capital, on the Guadalquiver pop 684,633

Sevres
n. : an often elaborately decorated French porcelain

Sevres
n. commune N France SW of Paris pop 22,555

sevruga
n. : a light to dark gray caviar from a sturgeon (Acipenser sevru) of the Caspian Sea with roe that is smaller than that of osetra also : the fish

sew
v. transitive verb
1 : to unite or fasten by stitches
2 : to close or enclose by sewing <sew the money in a bag>
intransitive verb : to practice or engage in sewing
–sew·abil·i·ty \ˌsō-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sew·able \'sō-ə-bəl\ adjective

sew up
1 : to mend completely by sewing
2 : to get exclusive use or control of
3 : to make certain of : be assured of <the team sewed up the division title>

sewage
n. : refuse liquids or waste matter usually carried off by sewers

Seward
n. William Henry 1801-1872 American statesman; secy. of state (1861-69)

Seward Peninsula
peninsula 180 mi (290 km) long & 130 mi (209 km) wide W Alaska projecting into Bering Sea bet. Kotzebue & Norton sounds ― see PRINCE OF WALES (Cape)

Sewell
Anna 1820-1878 Brit. writer

sewer
n. : a medieval household officer often of high rank in charge of serving the dishes at table and sometimes of seating and tasting

sewer
n. : one that sews

sewer
n. : an artificial usually subterranean conduit to carry off sewage and sometimes surface water (as from rainfall)

sewerage
n. 1 : the removal and disposal of sewage and surface water by sewers
2 : a system of sewers
3 : SEWAGE

sewing
n. 1 : the act, method, or occupation of one that sews
2 : material that has been or is to be sewed

sex
n. 1 : either of the two major forms of individuals that occur in many species and that are distinguished respectively as female or male especially on the basis of their reproductive organs and structures
2 : the sum of the structural, functional, and behavioral characteristics of organisms that are involved in reproduction marked by the union of gametes and that distinguish males and females
3 a : sexually motivated phenomena or behavior b : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
4 : GENITALIA

sex
n. 1 : to identify the sex of <sex newborn chicks>
2 a : to increase the sexual appeal of ― often used with up b : to arouse the sexual desires of

sex
n. sex chromatin
gentle sex
oral sex
phone sex
safe sex
safer sex
sex act
sex appeal
sex cell
sex chromosome
sex gland
sex hormone
sex kitten
sex limited
sex linkage
sex linked
sex object
sex symbol
sex worker
secondary sex characteristic

sex act
1 : COITUS ― used with the
2 : an act performed with another for sexual gratification

sex appeal
1 : personal appeal or physical attractiveness especially for members of the opposite sex
2 : stimulating attractiveness

sex cell
: GAMETE also : its cellular precursor

sex chromatin
: BARR BODY

sex chromosome
: a chromosome that is inherited differently in the two sexes, that is concerned directly with the inheritance of sex, and that is the seat of factors governing the inheritance of various sex-linked and sex-limited characters ― compare X CHROMOSOME, Y CHROMOSOME

sex gland
: GONAD

sex hormone
: a steroid hormone (as estrogen or testosterone) that is produced especially by the ovaries, testes, or adrenal cortex and affects the growth or function of the reproductive organs or the development of secondary sex characteristics

sex kitten
: a young woman with conspicuous sex appeal

sex object
: a person regarded especially exclusively as an object of sexual interest

sex symbol
: a usually renowned person (as an entertainer) noted and admired for conspicuous sex appeal

sex worker
: a person whose work involves sexually explicit behavior especially : PROSTITUTE 1

sex-limited
: expressed in the phenotype of only one sex

sex-linkage
: the quality or state of being sex-linked

sex-linked
1 : located on a sex chromosome <a sex-linked gene>
2 : mediated by a sex-linked gene <a sex-linked character>

sexagenarian
n. : a person whose age is in the sixties
–sexagenarian adjective

sexagesimal
n. : of, relating to, or based on the number 60

sexagesimal
n. : a sexagesimal fraction

sexdecillion
― see NUMBER table

sexed
adj. 1 : having sex or sexual instincts
2 : having sex appeal

sexism
n. 1 : prejudice or discrimination based on sex especially : discrimination against women
2 : behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex
–sex·ist \'sek-sist\ adjective or noun

sexless
adj. 1 : lacking sex : NEUTER
2 : devoid of sexual interest or activity <a sexless relationship>
–sex·less·ly adverb
–sex·less·ness noun

sexology
n. : the study of sex or of the interaction of the sexes especially among human beings
–sex·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

sexploitation
n. : the exploitation of sex in the media and especially in film

sexpot
n. : a conspicuously sexy woman

sext
n. : the fourth of the canonical hours

Sextans
n. : a constellation on the equator south of Leo

sextant
n. : an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude)

sextet
n. 1 : a musical composition for six instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of six: as a : the performers of a sextet b : a hockey team

sextillion
n. ― see NUMBER table

sexto
n. : SIXMO

sextodecimo
n. : SIXTEENMO

sexton
n. : a church officer or employee who takes care of the church property and performs related minor duties (as ringing the bell for services and digging graves)

sextuple
adj. 1 : having six units or members
2 : being six times as great or as many
3 : marked by six beats per measure of music <sextuple time>
–sextuple noun

sextuple
adj. transitive verb : to make six times as much or as many
intransitive verb : to become six times as much or as numerous

sextuplet
n. 1 : a combination of six of a kind
2 : one of six offspring born at one birth
3 : a group of six equal musical notes performed in the time ordinarily given to four of the same value

sextuplicate
1 : repeated six times
2 : SIXTH <file the sextuplicate copy>
–sextuplicate noun

sextuplicate
1 : SEXTUPLE
2 : to provide in sextuplicate

sexual
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes <sexual differentiation> <sexual conflict>
2 : having or involving sex <sexual reproduction>
–sex·u·al·ly \'sek-sh(ə-)wə-lē, 'sek-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

sexual
adj. sexual assault
sexual generation
sexual harassment
sexual intercourse
sexual relations
sexual selection
secondary sexual characteristic

sexual assault
: illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent (as because of age or physical or mental incapacity) or who places the assailant (as a doctor) in a position of trust or authority

sexual generation
: the generation of an organism with alternation of generations that reproduces sexually

sexual harassment
: uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate (as an employee or student)

sexual intercourse
1 : heterosexual intercourse involving penetration of the vagina by the penis : COITUS
2 : intercourse (as anal or oral intercourse) that does not involve penetration of the vagina by the penis

sexual relations
: SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

sexual selection
: natural selection for characters that confer success in competition for a mate as distinguished from competition with other species also : the choice of a mate based on a preference for certain characteristics (as color or bird song)

sexuality
n. : the quality or state of being sexual: a : the condition of having sex b : sexual activity c : expression of sexual receptivity or interest especially when excessive

sexualize
v. : to make sexual : endow with a sexual character or cast

sexy
adj. 1 : sexually suggestive or stimulating : EROTIC
2 : generally attractive or interesting : APPEALING <a sexy stock>
–sex·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–sex·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

Seychelles
n. island group W Indian Ocean NE of Madagascar capital Victoria (on Mahé Is.) area 107 sq mi (277 sq km), pop 72,700; formerly a Brit. colony, a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations since 1976
–Sey·chel·lois \ˌsā-shəl-'wä, -ˌshel-\ noun

Seyfert galaxy
: any of a class of spiral galaxies that have small compact bright nuclei characterized by variability in light intensity, emission of radio waves, and spectra ― called also Seyfert

Seyhan
1 or Sei·hun \-'hün\ river Turkey flowing SSW into the Mediterranean
2 ― see ADANA

Seym
river 460 mi (740 km) N Ukraine & Russia in Europe flowing W into the Desna

Seymour
n. Jane 1509?-1537 3d wife of Henry VIII of England & mother of Edward VI

Seyss-Inquart
Ar·tur \'är-ˌtu̇r\ 1892-1946 Austrian Nazi polit.

SF
n. 1 sacrifice fly
2 science fiction
3 sinking fund
4 square feet; square foot

sf
n. sforzando

Sfax
city & port Tunisia on Gulf of Gabès pop 221,770

SFC
sergeant first class

sferics
: ATMOSPHERICS

sforzando
n. : played with prominent stress or accent ― used as a direction in music

sforzando
n. : an accented tone or chord

sfumato
n. : the definition of form in painting without abrupt outline by the blending of one tone into another

SG
1 sergeant
2 solicitor general
3 often not capitalized specific gravity
4 surgeon general

Sg
seaborgium

sgd
signed

SGML
: a markup language used to define the structure of and manage documents in electronic form ― compare HTML

sgraffito
n. 1 : decoration by cutting away parts of a surface layer (as of plaster or clay) to expose a different colored ground ― compare GRAFFITO
2 : something (as traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pottery) decorated with sgraffito

Sgt
n. sergeant

Sgt
n. Gy Sgt
MGy Sgt
Sgt Maj

Sgt Maj
sergeant major

sh
n. ― used often in prolonged or rapidly repeated form to urge or command silence or less noise

sh
n. share

Shaanxi
province N cen China bordering on the Huang capital Xi'an area 75,598 sq mi (195,799 sq km), pop 32,882,403

Shaba
region SE Democratic Republic of the Congo; chief city Lubumbashi

Shaban
: the eighth month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

Shabbat
n. : the Jewish Sabbath

shabby
adj. 1 : clothed with worn or seedy garments <a shabby hobo>
2 a : threadbare and faded from wear <a shabby sofa> b : ill-kept : DILAPIDATED <a shabby neighborhood>
3 a : MEAN, DESPICABLE, CONTEMPTIBLE <must feel shabby⋯because of his compromises ― Nat Hentoff> b : UNGENEROUS, UNFAIR <laments the shabby way in which this country often treated a poet ― Paul Engle> c : inferior in quality <shabby reasoning>
–shab·bi·ly \'sha-bə-lē\ adverb
–shab·bi·ness \'sha-bē-nəs\ noun

shabu-shabu
: a Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and vegetables cooked briefly in simmering broth at the table

Shabuoth
: a Jewish holiday observed on the sixth and seventh of Sivan in commemoration of the revelation of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai ― called also Pentecost

shack
n. 1 : HUT, SHANTY
2 : a room or similar enclosed structure for a particular person or use <a guard shack>

shack up
: to sleep or live together as unmarried sexual partners

shackle
n. 1 : something (as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms
2 : something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters ― usually used in plural
3 : a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms
4 : a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms

shackle
n. 1 a : to bind with shackles : FETTER b : to make fast with or as if with a shackle
2 : to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : IMPEDE
synonyms see HAMPER
–shack·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

shacklebone
Scottish : WRIST

Shackleton
Sir Ernest Henry 1874-1922 Brit. polar explorer

shad
n. : any of several fishes (esp. genus Alosa) of the herring family that differ from the typical herrings (genus Clupeus) in having a relatively deep body and in being anadromous and that include some important food fishes of Europe and No. America

shadberry
n. : SERVICEBERRY

shadblow
: SERVICEBERRY 2

shadbush
n. : SERVICEBERRY 2

shaddock
n. : POMELO 2

shade
n. 1 a : comparative darkness or obscurity owing to interception of the rays of light b : relative obscurity or retirement
2 a : shelter (as by foliage) from the heat and glare of sunlight b : a place sheltered from the sun
3 : an evanescent or unreal appearance
4 plural a : the shadows that gather as darkness comes on b : NETHERWORLD, HADES
5 a : a disembodied spirit : GHOST b ― used to signal the similarity between a previously encountered person or situation and one at hand ― usually used in plural <shades of my childhood>
6 : something that intercepts or shelters from light, sun, or heat: as a : a device partially covering a lamp so as to reduce glare b : a flexible screen usually mounted on a roller for regulating the light or the view through a window c plural : SUNGLASSES
7 a : the reproduction of the effect of shade in painting or drawing b : a subdued or somber feature
8 a : a color produced by a pigment or dye mixture having some black in it b : a color slightly different from the one under consideration
9 a : a minute difference or variation : NUANCE b : a minute degree or quantity
10 : a facial expression of sadness or displeasure
–shade·less \-ləs\ adjective

shade
n. transitive verb
1 a : to shelter or screen by intercepting radiated light or heat b : to cover with a shade
2 : to hide partly by or as if by a shadow
3 : to darken with or as if with a shadow
4 : to better or exceed by a shade : SURPASS, ECLIPSE
5 a : to represent the effect of shade or shadow on b : to add shading to c : to color so that the shades pass gradually from one to another
6 : to change by gradual transition or qualification
7 : to reduce slightly (as a price)
8 : SLANT, BIAS
intransitive verb
1 : to pass by slight changes or imperceptible degrees
2 : to undergo or exhibit minute difference or variation
–shad·er noun

shade
n. shade grown
shade tree
window shade

shade tree
: a tree grown primarily to produce shade

shade-grown
: grown in the shade specifically : grown under cloth <shade-grown tobacco>

shading
n. 1 : the use of marking made within outlines to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow, or degrees of light and dark in a picture or drawing
2 : an interpretative effect in music gained especially by subtle changes in dynamics

shadoof
n. : a counterbalanced sweep used since ancient times especially in Egypt for raising water (as for irrigation)

shadow
n. 1 : partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2 : a reflected image
3 : shelter from danger or observation
4 a : an imperfect and faint representation b : an imitation of something : COPY
5 : the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6 : PHANTOM
7 plural : DARK 1A
8 : a shaded or darker portion of a picture
9 : an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10 a : an inseparable companion or follower b : one (as a spy or detective) that shadows
11 : a small degree or portion : TRACE
12 : a source of gloom or unhappiness
13 a : an area near an object : VICINITY b : pervasive and dominant influence
14 : a state of ignominy or obscurity
–shad·ow·less \'sha-dō-ləs, -də-ləs\ adjective
–shad·ow·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

shadow
n. 1 archaic : SHELTER, PROTECT
2 : to cast a shadow upon : CLOUD
3 obsolete : to shelter from the sun
4 obsolete : CONCEAL
5 : to represent or indicate obscurely or faintly ― often used with forth or out
6 a : to follow especially secretly : TRAIL b : to accompany and observe especially in a professional setting
7 archaic : SHADE 5
intransitive verb
1 : to pass gradually or by degrees
2 : to become overcast with or as if with shadows
–shad·ow·er \-dō-ər, -də-wər\ noun

shadow
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a shadow cabinet <shadow minister of defense>
2 a : having an indistinct pattern <shadow plaid> b : having darker sections of design <shadow lace>

shadow
n. eye shadow
rain shadow
shadow box
shadow cabinet
shadow dance
shadow mask
shadow play
shadow show

shadow box
: a shallow enclosing case usually with a glass front in which something is set for protection and display

shadow cabinet
: a group of leaders of a parliamentary opposition who constitute the probable membership of the cabinet when their party is returned to power

shadow dance
: a dance shown by throwing the shadows of dancers on a screen

shadow mask
: a metal plate in a color cathode-ray tube that contains minute apertures permitting passage of electron beams to specific phosphors on the screen during a scan

shadow play
: a drama exhibited by throwing shadows of puppets or actors on a screen ― called also shadow show

shadowbox
v. : to box with an imaginary opponent especially as a form of training

shadowgraph
n. 1 : SHADOW PLAY
2 : a photographic image resembling a shadow
–shad·ow·graphy \-ˌgra-fē\ noun

shadowy
adj. 1 a : of the nature of or resembling a shadow : UNSUBSTANTIAL b : faintly perceptible : INDISTINCT, VAGUE
2 : being in or obscured by shadow <deep shadowy interiors>
3 a : SHADY 1 b : SHADY 3
–shad·ow·i·ly \-wə-lē\ adverb
–shad·ow·i·ness \-wē-nəs\ noun

Shadwell
Thomas 1642?-1692 Eng. dram.; poet laureate (1688-92)

shady
adj. 1 : producing or affording shade
2 : sheltered from the sun's rays
3 a : of questionable merit : UNCERTAIN, UNRELIABLE b : DISREPUTABLE
–shad·i·ly \'shā-dəl-ē\ adverb
–shad·i·ness \'shā-dē-nəs\ noun

shaft
n. 1 a (1) : the long handle of a spear or similar weapon (2) : SPEAR, LANCE b or plural shaves \'shavz\ : POLE specifically : either of two long pieces of wood between which a horse is hitched to a vehicle c (1) : an arrow especially for a longbow (2) : the body or stem of an arrow extending from the nock to the head
2 : a sharply delineated beam of light shining through an opening
3 : something suggestive of the shaft of a spear or arrow especially in long slender cylindrical form: as a : the trunk of a tree b : the cylindrical pillar between the capital and the base c : the handle of a tool or instrument (as a golf club) d : a commonly cylindrical bar used to support rotating pieces or to transmit power or motion by rotation e : the stem or central axis of a feather f : the upright member of a cross especially below the arms g : the cylindrical part of a long bone between the enlarged ends h : a small architectural column (as at each side of a doorway) i : a column, obelisk, or other spire-shaped or columnar monument j : a vertical or inclined opening of uniform and limited cross section made for finding or mining ore, raising water, or ventilating underground workings (as in a cave) k : the part of a hair that is visible above the surface of the skin l : a vertical opening or passage through the floors of a building
4 a : a projectile thrown like a spear or shot like an arrow b : a scornful, satirical, or pithily critical remark or attack c : harsh or unfair treatment ― usually used with the <gave them the shaft>

shaft
n. 1 : to fit with a shaft
2 : to treat unfairly or harshly

shaft
n. butt shaft
shaft horsepower
red shafted flicker
yellow shafted flicker

shaft horsepower
: horsepower transmitted by an engine shaft

Shaftesbury
1st Earl of 1621-1683 Anthony Ashley Coo·per \'kü-pər, 'ku̇-\ Eng. statesman

shafting
n. : shafts or material for shafts

shag
n. 1 a : a shaggy tangled mass or covering (as of hair) b : long coarse or matted fiber, nap, or pile c : a layered haircut of uneven length
2 : tobacco cut into fine shreds
3 : any of various waterbirds related to the cormorants also : CORMORANT 1

shag
n. : SHAGGY

shag
n. intransitive verb : to fall or hang in shaggy masses
transitive verb : to make rough or shaggy

shag
n. 1 a : to chase after especially : to chase after and return (a ball) hit usually out of play b : to catch (a fly) in baseball practice
2 : to chase away

shag
n. 1 : to move or lope along
2 : to dance the shag

shag
n. : a dance step executed by hopping livelily on each foot in turn

shagbark
: SHAGBARK HICKORY

shagbark hickory
: a hickory (Carya ovata) of eastern No. America with sweet edible nuts and a gray shaggy outer bark that peels off in long strips also : its wood

shaggy
adj. 1 a : covered with or consisting of long, coarse, or matted hair b : covered with or consisting of thick, tangled, or unkempt vegetation c : having a rough nap, texture, or surface d : having hairlike processes
2 a : UNKEMPT b : confused or unclear in conception or thinking <shaggy ideas> <a shaggy argument>
–shag·gi·ly \'sha-gə-lē\ adverb
–shag·gi·ness \'sha-gē-nəs\ noun

shaggy-dog
: of, relating to, or being a long-drawn-out circumstantial story concerning an inconsequential happening that impresses the teller as humorous or interesting but the hearer as boring and pointless also : of, relating to, or being a similar humorous story whose humor lies in the pointlessness or irrelevance of the punch line <a shaggy-dog comedy>

shaggymane
: a common edible mushroom (Coprinus comatus) having an elongated shaggy white pileus with deliquescing gills and black spores ― called also shaggy cap

shagreen
n. 1 : an untanned leather covered with small round granulations and usually dyed green
2 : the rough skin of various sharks and rays when covered with small close-set tubercles
–shagreen adjective

shah
n. : a sovereign of Iran
–shah·dom \'shä-dəm, 'shȯ-\ noun

shah
n. Reza Shah Pahlavi
Riza Shah Pahlavi
Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan
1592-1666 Mogul emp. of India (1628-57 or 58)

Shahn
Ben 1898-1969 American (Lithuanian-born) painter

shaitan
n. : an evil spirit specifically : an evil jinni

shake
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move irregularly to and fro
2 : to vibrate especially as the result of a blow or shock
3 : to tremble as a result of physical or emotional disturbance <shook with fear>
4 : to experience a state of instability : TOTTER
5 : to briskly move something to and fro or up and down especially in order to mix <shake well before opening>
6 : to clasp hands
7 : 3TRILL
transitive verb
1 : to brandish, wave, or flourish often in a threatening manner <protesters shaking their fists>
2 : to cause to move to and fro, up and down, or from side to side especially in a repetitive, rhythmic, or quick jerky manner <shook his head in disapproval>
3 : to cause to quake, quiver, or tremble
4 a : to free oneself from <shake a habit> <shake off a cold> b : to get away from : get rid of <can you shake your friend? I want to talk to you alone ― Elmer Davis>
5 : to lessen the stability of : WEAKEN <shake one's faith>
6 : to bring to a specified condition by or as if by repeated quick jerky movements <shook himself loose from the man's grasp>
7 : to dislodge or eject by quick jerky movements of the support or container <shook the dust from the cloth>
8 : to clasp (hands) in greeting or farewell or as a sign of goodwill or agreement
9 : to stir the feelings of : UPSET, AGITATE <shook her up>
10 : 3TRILL
–shak·able or shake·able \'shā-kə-bəl\ adjective
–shake a leg
1 : DANCE
2 : to hurry up
–shake a stick at : to form a conception of (as by counting or imagining) : CONCEIVE ― usually used in the phrase more than one can shake a stick at
synonyms SHAKE, AGITATE, ROCK, CONVULSE mean to move up and down or to and fro with some violence. SHAKE often carries a further implication of a particular purpose <shake well before using>. AGITATE suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring <an ocean agitated by storms>. ROCK suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval <the whole city was rocked by the explosion>. CONVULSE suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm <spectators were convulsed with laughter>.

shake
n. 1 : an act of shaking: as a : an act of shaking hands b : an act of shaking oneself
2 a : a blow or shock that upsets the equilibrium or disturbs the balance of something b : EARTHQUAKE
3 plural a : a condition of trembling or nervousness specifically : DELIRIUM TREMENS b : MALARIA 2A
4 : something produced by shaking: as a : a fissure separating annual rings of growth in timber b (1) : MILK SHAKE (2) : a beverage resembling a milk shake but made without milk
5 : a wavering, quivering, or alternating motion caused by a blow or shock
6 : TRILL
7 : a very brief period of time <I'll be there in two shakes>
8 plural : one that is exceptional especially in importance, ability, or merit ― usually used in the phrase no great shakes
9 : a shingle split from a piece of log usually three or four feet (about one meter) long
10 : 3DEAL 3 <a fair shake>

shake
n. fair shake
milk shake
shake a stick at
shake a leg
shake down
shake out
shake up
wind shake
shook up
shaking palsy
world shaking

shake a leg

1 : DANCE
2 : to hurry up

shake a stick at
to form a conception of (as by counting or imagining) : CONCEIVE ― usually used in the phrase more than one can shake a stick at

shake down
1 a : to take up temporary quarters b : to occupy an improvised or makeshift bed
2 a : to become accustomed especially to new surroundings or duties b : to settle down
transitive verb
1 : to obtain money from in a deceitful, contemptible, or illegal manner <racketeers shaking down store owners for protection>
2 : to make a thorough search of
3 : to bring about a reduction of
4 : to give a shakedown test to <shook down the vessel before its maiden voyage>

shake out
: to prove to be in the end : TURN OUT <wait to see how things shake out>

shake up
1 obsolete : CHIDE, SCOLD
2 : to jar by or as if by a physical shock <the collision shook up both drivers>
3 : to effect an extensive and often drastic reorganization of

shake-up
: an act or instance of shaking up specifically : an extensive and often drastic reorganization

shakedown
n. 1 : an improvised bed (as one made up on the floor)
2 : a boisterous dance
3 : an act or instance of shaking someone down especially : EXTORTION
4 : a thorough search
5 : a process or period of adjustment
6 : a testing under operating conditions of something new (as a ship) for possible faults and defects and for familiarizing the operators with it

shakeout
n. 1 : the failure or retrenchment of a significant number of firms in the economy or a sector or an industry that usually results in a depressed market
2 : a period or process in which the relatively weak or unessential are eliminated

shaker
n. 1 : one that shakes: as a : a utensil or machine used in shaking <cocktail shaker> b : one that incites, promotes, or directs action <a mover and shaker>
2 capitalized [from a dance with shaking movements performed as part of worship] : a member of a millenarian sect originating in England in 1747 and practicing celibacy and an ascetic communal life
–Shaker adjective
–Shak·er·ism \-kə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

shaker
n. mover and shaker
pepper shaker
Shaker Heights
movers and shakers

Shaker Heights
city NE Ohio E of Cleveland pop 29,405

Shakespeare
n. William 1564-1616 Eng. dram. & poet

Shakespearean
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Shakespeare or his writings
2 : evocative of a theme, setting, or event from a work of Shakespeare <Shakespearean pageantry>

Shakespearean
: an authority on or devotee of Shakespeare

Shakespearean sonnet
: ENGLISH SONNET

Shakespeareana
: collected items by, about, or relating to Shakespeare

Shakhty
city S Russia in Europe NE of Rostov-on-Don pop 228,000

shaking palsy
: PARKINSON'S DISEASE

shako
n. : a stiff military hat with a high crown and plume

Shakta
: an adherent of Shaktism

Shakti
n. : the dynamic energy of a Hindu god personified as his female consort broadly : cosmic energy as conceived in Hindu thought

Shaktism
: a Hindu sect worshipping Shakti under various names (as Kali or Durga) in a cult of devotion to the female principle often with magical or orgiastic rites

shaky
adj. 1 : characterized by shakes <shaky timber>
2 a : lacking stability : PRECARIOUS <a shaky economy> <performed well after a shaky start> b : lacking in firmness (as of beliefs or principles) c : lacking in authority or reliability : QUESTIONABLE <shaky experimental procedures> <shaky data>
3 a : somewhat unsound in health b : characterized by shaking
4 : likely to give way or break down
–shak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–shak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

shale
n. : a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
–shal·ey also shaly \'shā-lē\ adjective

shale oil
: a crude dark oil obtained from oil shale by heating

shall
v. verbal auxiliary
1 archaic a : will have to : MUST b : will be able to : CAN
2 a ― used to express a command or exhortation <you shall go> b ― used in laws, regulations, or directives to express what is mandatory <it shall be unlawful to carry firearms>
3 a ― used to express what is inevitable or seems likely to happen in the future <we shall have to be ready> <we shall see> b ― used to express simple futurity <when shall we expect you>
4 ― used to express determination <they shall not passive>
intransitive verb archaic : will go <he to England shall along with you ― Shakespeare>
usage From the reams of pronouncements written about the distinction between shall and will97dating back as far as the 17th century97it is clear that the rules laid down have never very accurately reflected actual usage. The nationalistic statements of 18th and 19th century British grammarians, who commonly cited the misuses of the Irish, the Scots, and occas. the Americans, suggest that the traditional rules may have come closest to the usage of southern England. Some modern commentators believe that English usage is still the closest to the traditionally prescribed norms. Most modern commentators allow that will is more common in nearly all uses. The entries for shall and will in this dictionary show current usage.

shalloon
n. : a lightweight twilled fabric of wool or worsted

shallop
n. 1 : a usually 2-masted ship with lugsails
2 : a small open boat propelled by oars or sails and used chiefly in shallow waters

shallot
n. 1 : a bulbous perennial onion (Allium cepa aggregatum) that produces small clustered bulbs which resemble those of garlic and are used in seasoning also : its bulb
2 : GREEN ONION

shallow
adj. 1 : having little depth <shallow water>
2 : having little extension inward or backward <office buildings have taken the form of shallow slabs ― Lewis Mumford>
3 a : penetrating only the easily or quickly perceived <shallow generalizations> b : lacking in depth of knowledge, thought, or feeling <a shallow demagogue>
4 : displacing comparatively little air : WEAK <shallow breathing>
synonyms see SUPERFICIAL
–shal·low·ly \-lō-lē, -lə-lē\ adverb
–shal·low·ness noun

shallow
adj. : to make shallow
intransitive verb : to become shallow

shallow
adj. : a shallow place or area in a body of water ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

shalom
n. ― used as a Jewish greeting and farewell

shalom aleichem
: peace to you ― used as a traditional Jewish greeting

shalt
v. archaic present 2d singular of shall

sham
n. 1 : a trick that deludes : HOAX <feared that the deal was a sham>
2 : cheap falseness : HYPOCRISY <saw through the hollowness, the sham, the silliness of the empty pageant ― Oscar Wilde>
3 : an ornamental covering for a pillow
4 : an imitation or counterfeit purporting to be genuine
5 : a person who shams
synonyms see IMPOSTURE

sham
n. 1 : not genuine : FALSE, FEIGNED
2 : having such poor quality as to seem false

sham
n. transitive verb : to go through the external motions necessary to counterfeit
intransitive verb : to act intentionally so as to give a false impression : FEIGN
synonyms see ASSUME
–sham·mer \'sha-mər\ noun

shaman
n. 1 : a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events
2 : one who resembles a shaman especially : HIGH PRIEST 3
–sha·man·ic \shə-'ma-nik, -'mä-\ adjective

shamanism
n. : a religion practiced by indigenous peoples of far northern Europe and Siberia that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to the shamans also : any similar religion
–sha·man·ist \-nist\ noun
–sha·man·is·tic \ˌshä-mə-'nis-tik, ˌshā-mə-\ adjective

shamble
n. : to walk awkwardly with dragging feet : SHUFFLE
–shamble noun

shambles
n. 1 archaic : a meat market
2 : SLAUGHTERHOUSE
3 a : a place of mass slaughter or bloodshed <the battlefield became a shambles> b : a scene or a state of great destruction : WRECKAGE <the city was a shambles after the bombing> c (1) : a scene or a state of great disorder or confusion <an economy in shambles> (2) : great confusion : MESS

shambling
v. : characterized by slow awkward movement

shambolic
adj. chiefly British : obviously disorganized or confused

shame
n. 1 a : a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety b : the susceptibility to such emotion <have you no shame?>
2 : a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute : IGNOMINY <the shame of being arrested>
3 a : something that brings censure or reproach also : something to be regretted : PITY <it's a shame you can't go> b : a cause of feeling shame

shame
n. 1 : to bring shame to : DISGRACE <shamed the family name>
2 : to put to shame by outdoing
3 : to cause to feel shame
4 : to force by causing to feel guilty <shamed into confessing>

shamefaced
adj. 1 : showing modesty : BASHFUL
2 : showing shame : ASHAMED
–shame·faced·ly \-ˌfā-səd-lē, -ˌfāst-lē\ adverb
–shame·faced·ness \-ˌfā-səd-nəs, -ˌfās(t)-nəs\ noun

shamefast
archaic : SHAMEFACED

shameful
adj. 1 a : bringing shame : DISGRACEFUL <the children's behavior was shameful> b : arousing the feeling of shame
2 archaic : full of the feeling of shame : ASHAMED
–shame·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–shame·ful·ness noun

shameless
adj. 1 : having no shame : insensible to disgrace <a shameless braggart>
2 : showing lack of shame <the shameless exploitation of the natives>
–shame·less·ly adverb
–shame·less·ness noun

Shamir
n. Yitzhak 1914-     orig. surname Yizernitzky prime min. of Israel (1983-92)

shammes
1 : the sexton of a synagogue
2 : the candle or taper used to light the other candles in a Hanukkah menorah

shammy
n. variant of chamois

shampoo
n. 1 archaic : MASSAGE
2 a : to wash (as the hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation b : to wash the hair of
–sham·poo·er noun

shampoo
n. 1 : an act or instance of shampooing
2 : a preparation used in shampooing

shamrock
n. : a trifoliolate plant used as a floral emblem by the Irish: as a : a yellow-flowered Old World clover (Trifolium dubium) often regarded as the true shamrock b : WOOD SORREL c : WHITE CLOVER

shamus
n. 1 slang : POLICE OFFICER
2 slang : PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

Shan
n. 1 : a member of a people living primarily in Myanmar and southern China
2 : the Thai language of the Shan

Shan
n. Shan tung
Chou shan
Yen Hsi shan
Gongga Shan
Shan States
Tai Shan
Tian Shan
Tien Shan
Yu Shan
Yü Shan

Shan States
mountainous region SE Asia ruled by the Shan people 12th-16th centuries; now in E Myanmar

shan't
v. : shall not

Shandong
1 peninsula E China projecting ENE bet. Yellow Sea & Bo Hai
2 province E China including Shandong Peninsula capital Jinan area 59,189 sq mi (153,300 sq km), pop 84,392,827

shandy
n. 1 : SHANDYGAFF
2 : a drink consisting of beer and lemonade

shandygaff
n. : beer diluted with a nonalcoholic drink (as ginger beer)

Shang
: a Chinese dynasty traditionally dated 1766-1122 B.C. and known especially for bronze work

Shanghai
n. municipality & port E China on the Huangpu near the Chang estuary pop 7,469,509

shanghai
n. 1 a : to put aboard a ship by force often with the help of liquor or a drug b : to put by force or threat of force into or as if into a place of detention
2 : to put by trickery into an undesirable position
–shang·hai·er \-'hī(-ə)r\ noun

Shangqiu
city E China in E Henan pop 164,880

Shangri-la
1 : a remote beautiful imaginary place where life approaches perfection : UTOPIA
2 : a remote usually idyllic hideaway

shank
n. 1 a : the part of the leg between the knee and the ankle in humans or the corresponding part in various other vertebrates b : LEG c : a cut of beef, veal, mutton, or lamb from the upper or the lower part of the leg : SHIN ― see BEEF illustration
2 : a straight narrow usually essential part of an object: as a : the straight part of a nail or pin b : a straight part of a plant : STEM, STALK c : the part of an anchor between the ring and the crown ― see ANCHOR illustration d : the part of a fishhook between the eye and the bend e : the part of a key between the handle and the bit f : the stem of a tobacco pipe or the part between the stem and the bowl g : TANG 1 h (1) : the narrow part of the sole of a shoe beneath the instep (2) : SHANKPIECE
3 : a part of an object by which it can be attached: as a (1) : a projection on the back of a solid button (2) : a short stem of thread that holds a sewn button away from the cloth b : the end (as of a drill bit) that is gripped in a chuck
4 a : the latter part of a period of time b : the early or main part of a period of time <11 p.m. on the East coast is merely the shank of the evening on the West coast>
5 slang : an often homemade knife
–shanked \'shaŋ(k)t\ adjective

shank
n. : to hit (a golf ball or shot) with the extreme heel of the club so that the ball goes off in an unintended direction also : to kick (a football) in an unintended direction

shank's mare
: one's own legs <traveling by shank's mare>

shankpiece
: a support for the arch of the foot inserted in the shank of a shoe

Shannon
Claude Elwood 1916-2001 American math. & computer scientist

Shannon
river 230 mi (370 km) W Ireland flowing S & W into the Atlantic

Shantou
city & port SE China in E Guangdong on S. China Sea pop 578,630

shantung
n. : a fabric in plain weave having a slightly irregular surface due to uneven slubbed filling yarns

shanty
n. variant of chantey

shanty
n. : a small crudely built dwelling or shelter usually of wood

shantyman
: LOGGER

shantytown
n. : a usually poor town or section of a town consisting mostly of shanties

Shanxi
province N China bordering on the Huang capital Taiyuan area 60,656 sq mi (157,099 sq km), pop 28,759,014

Shaoxing
city E China in N Zhejiang SE of Hangzhou pop 179,818

Shaoyang
city SE China in cen Hunan W of Hengyang pop 247,227

shapable
adj. 1 : capable of being shaped
2 : SHAPELY

shape
n. transitive verb
1 : FORM, CREATE especially : to give a particular form or shape to
2 obsolete : ORDAIN, DECREE
3 : to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely <a dress shaped to her figure>
4 a : DEVISE, PLAN <shape a policy> b : to embody in definite form <shaping a folktale into an epic>
5 a : to make fit for (as a particular use or purpose) : ADAPT <shape the questions to fit the answers> b : to determine or direct the course or character of <events that shaped history> c : to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
intransitive verb
1 : to come to pass : HAPPEN <it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands ― Leslie Marmon Silko>
2 : to take on or approach a mature or definite form ― often used with up <the summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record>
–shap·er noun

shape
n. 1 a : the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item <a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree> b (1) : spatial form or contour <the clouds kept changing shape> (2) : a standard or universally recognized spatial form <a stain in the shape of a perfect circle>
2 : the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : FIGURE
3 a : PHANTOM, APPARITION <eerie shapes floating in the mist> b : assumed appearance : GUISE <a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin>
4 : form of embodiment <our plans are taking shape>
5 : a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
6 : a molded dessert especially : BLANCMANGE
7 : the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time <the car was in fine shape>
–shaped \ˌshāpt\ adjective
–in shape : in an original, normal, or fit condition <exercises to keep in shape>

shape
n. bent out of shape
lick into shape
in shape
shape note
shape shifter
shape shift
shape up
take shape
whip into shape
bell shaped
pear shaped
shaped charge

shape note
: one of a system of seven notes showing the musical scale degree by the shape of the note head

shape up
: to improve to a good or acceptable condition or standard of behavior <shaping up at the gym>
transitive verb : to bring to a good or acceptable condition or standard of behavior

shape-shifter
: one that seems able to change form or identity at will especially : a mythical figure that can assume different forms (as of animals)
–shape-shift \-ˌshift\ intransitive verb

shape-up
: a system of hiring workers and especially longshoremen by the day or shift by having applicants gather for each day's selection also : an instance of such hiring practice

shaped charge
: an explosive charge the energy of which is focused in one direction so that it usually achieves an armor-penetrating effect

shapeless
adj. 1 : having no definite shape
2 a : deprived of usual or normal shape : MISSHAPEN <a shapeless old hat> b : not shapely
–shape·less·ly adverb
–shape·less·ness noun

shapely
adj. 1 : having a regular or pleasing shape
2 : orderly and consistent in arrangement or plan <shapely essays>
–shape·li·ness noun

shapen
: fashioned in or provided with a definite shape ― usually used in combination <an ill-shapen body>

Shapiro
Karl Jay 1913-2000 American poet & critic

shar
Chinese shar pei
shar pei
shar peis

shar-pei
: any of an ancient breed of dogs originating in China that have loose wrinkled skin especially when young, a short bristly coat, blue-black tongue, and wide blunt muzzle

shard
n. 1 a : a piece or fragment of a brittle substance <shards of glass> broadly : a small piece or part : SCRAP <little shards of time and space recorded by the camera's lens ― Rosalind Krauss> b : SHELL, SCALE especially : ELYTRON
2 or sherd \'shərd\ : fragments of pottery vessels found on sites and in refuse deposits where pottery-making peoples have lived
3 : highly angular curved glass fragments of tuffaceous sediments

share
n. : PLOWSHARE

share
n. 1 a : a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual or group b : one's full or fair portion <has had his share of bad luck>
2 a : the part allotted or belonging to one of a number owning together property or interest b : any of the equal portions into which property or invested capital is divided specifically : any of the equal interests or rights into which the entire stock of a corporation is divided and ownership of which is regularly evidenced by one or more certificates c plural chiefly British : STOCK 7C(1)

share
n. transitive verb
1 : to divide and distribute in shares : APPORTION ― usually used with out <shared out the land among his heirs>
2 a : to partake of, use, experience, occupy, or enjoy with others b : to have in common <they share a passion for opera>
3 : to grant or give a share in ― often used with with <shared the last of her water with us>
4 : to tell (as thoughts, feelings, or experiences) to others ― often used with with
intransitive verb
1 : to have a share ― used with in <we all shared in the fruits of our labor>
2 : to apportion and take shares of something
3 : to talk about one's thoughts, feelings, or experiences with others
–shar·er noun
synonyms SHARE, PARTICIPATE, PARTAKE mean to have, get, or use in common with another or others. SHARE usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing <shared my toys with the others>. PARTICIPATE implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion <participated in sports>. PARTAKE implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink <partook freely of the refreshments>.

share
n. lion's share
market share
ordinary share
time share
profit sharing
time sharing

shareable
adj. : capable of being shared
–share·abil·i·ty \ˌsher-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

sharecrop
v. intransitive verb : to farm as a sharecropper
transitive verb : to farm (land) or produce (a crop) as a sharecropper

sharecropper
n. : a tenant farmer especially in the southern U.S. who is provided with credit for seed, tools, living quarters, and food, who works the land, and who receives an agreed share of the value of the crop minus charges

shareholder
n. : one that holds or owns a share in property especially : STOCKHOLDER
–share·hold·ing \-ˌhōl-diŋ\ noun

shareware
n. : software with usually limited capability or incomplete documentation which is available for trial use at little or no cost but which can be upgraded upon payment of a fee to the author

Shari
― see CHARI

sharia
n. : Islamic law based on the Koran

Sharif
n. Nawaz 1949-     prime min. of Pakistan (1990-93; 1997-99)

sharif
n. : a descendant of the prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima broadly : one of noble ancestry or political preeminence in predominantly Islamic countries
–sha·rif·ian \-'rē-fē-ən\ adjective

Sharjah
― see ASH SHARIQAH

shark
n. : any of numerous mostly marine cartilaginous fishes of medium to large size that have a fusiform body, lateral branchial clefts, and a tough usually dull gray skin roughened by minute tubercles and are typically active predators sometimes dangerous to humans
–shark·like \'shärk-ˌlīk\ adjective

shark
n. 1 : a rapacious crafty person who takes advantage of others often through usury, extortion, or devious means <loan sharks>
2 : one who excels greatly especially in a particular field

shark
n. 1 archaic : to gather hastily
2 archaic : to obtain by some irregular means
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to practice fraud or trickery
2 archaic : SNEAK

shark
n. basking shark
blue shark
great white shark
white shark
lemon shark
loan shark
mackerel shark
mako shark
man eating shark
man eater shark
nurse shark
requiem shark
shark repellent
shark sucker
thresher shark
tiger shark
whale shark
Shark Bay

Shark Bay
inlet of Indian Ocean 150 mi (241 km) long W Western Australia, at ab 25°S

shark repellent
: any of various measures that a company uses to fend off unwanted takeover attempts

shark sucker
: REMORA 1

sharkskin
n. 1 : the hide of a shark or leather made from it
2 a : a smooth durable woolen or worsted suiting in twill or basket weave with small woven designs b : a smooth crisp fabric with a dull finish made usually of rayon in basket weave

Sharon
n. Ariel 1928-     Israeli soldier & polit.; prime min. of Israel (2001-  )

Sharon, Plain of
region Israel on coast bet. Mt. Carmel & Jaffa

Sharp
n. Phillip Allen 1944-     American biol.

sharp
n. 1 : adapted to cutting or piercing: as a : having a thin keen edge or fine point b : briskly or bitingly cold : NIPPING <a sharp wind>
2 a : keen in intellect : QUICK-WITTED b : keen in perception : ACUTE <sharp sight> c : keen in attention : VIGILANT <keep a sharp lookout> d : keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being unethical <a sharp trader> also : CORRUPT, UNETHICAL <sharp business practices>
3 : keen in spirit or action: as a : full of activity or energy : BRISK <sharp blows> b : capable of acting or reacting strongly especially : CAUSTIC
4 : SEVERE, HARSH: as a : inclined to or marked by irritability or anger <a sharp temper> b : causing intense mental or physical distress <a sharp pain> c : cutting in language or import <a sharp rebuke>
5 : affecting the senses or sense organs intensely: as a (1) : having a strong odor or flavor <sharp cheese> (2) : ACRID b : having a strong piercing sound c : having the effect of or involving a sudden brilliant display of light <a sharp flash>
6 a : terminating in a point or edge <sharp features> b : involving an abrupt or marked change especially in direction <a sharp turn> c : clear in outline or detail : DISTINCT <a sharp image> d : set forth with clarity and distinctness <sharp contrast>
7 a of a tone : raised a half step in pitch b : higher than the proper pitch c : MAJOR, AUGMENTED ― used of an interval in music
8 : STYLISH, DRESSY
–sharp·ly adverb
–sharp·ness noun
synonyms SHARP, KEEN, ACUTE mean having or showing alert competence and clear understanding. SHARP implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness <sharp enough to spot a confidence game>. KEEN suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind <a keen observer of the political scene>. ACUTE implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination <an acute sense of style>.

sharp
n. 1 : in a sharp manner
2 : EXACTLY <1:15 sharp>

sharp
n. : one that is sharp: as a : a sharp edge or point b (1) : a musical note or tone one half step higher than a note or tone named (2) : a character ♯ on a line or space of the musical staff indicating a pitch a half step higher than the degree would indicate without it c : a needle with a small eye for sewing by hand d : a real or self-proclaimed expert also : SHARPER

sharp
n. : to raise (as a musical tone) in pitch especially : to raise in pitch by a half step
intransitive verb : to sing or play above the proper pitch

sharp
n. sharp eyed
sharp nosed
sharp practice
sharp set
sharp shinned hawk
sharp shin
sharp sighted
sharp sightedness
sharp sightedly
sharp tongued
sharp witted

sharp practice
: the act of dealing in which advantage is taken or sought unscrupulously

sharp-eyed
: having keen sight also : keen in observing or penetrating

sharp-nosed
1 : keen in smelling
2 : having a pointed nose or snout

sharp-set
archaic : eager in appetite or desire

sharp-shinned hawk
: a common widely distributed American accipiter (Accipiter striatus) that is grayish above, has a chestnut breast, short rounded wings, and a tail with a notched or square tip when folded ― called also sharp-shin

sharp-sighted
1 : having acute sight
2 : mentally keen or alert
–sharp-sight·ed·ly adverb
–sharp-sight·ed·ness noun

sharp-tongued
: having a sharp tongue : harsh or bitter in speech or language

sharp-witted
: having an acute mind

Sharpe
William Forsyth 1934-     American econ.

sharpen
v. transitive verb : to make sharp or sharper especially : HONE
intransitive verb : to become sharp or sharper
–sharp·en·er \'shärp-nər, 'shär-pə-\ noun

sharper
n. : CHEAT, SWINDLER especially : a cheating gambler

sharpie
n. 1 : a long narrow shallow-draft boat with flat or slightly V-shaped bottom and one or two masts each carrying a triangular sail
2 a : SHARPER b : an exceptionally keen or alert person

Sharpless
K. Barry 1941-     Am. chem.

sharpshooter
n. 1 : a proficient marksman
2 : a consistently accurate shooter (as in basketball)

sharpshooting
n. 1 : shooting with great precision
2 : accurate and usually unexpected attack (as in words)

Shashi
city E cen China in S Hubei on the Chang pop 281,352

shashlik
n. : KEBAB

Shasta daisy
: a large-flowered hybrid garden daisy (Chrysanthemum x superbum syn. Leucanthemum x superbum) that resembles the oxeye daisy

Shasta, Mount
mountain 14,162 ft (4316 m) N Calif. in Cascade Range; an isolated volcanic cone

Shastri
Lal \'läl\ Bahadur 1904-1966 prime min. of India (1964-66)

shat
v. past and past part of shit

Shatt al Arab
river 120 mi (193 km) SE Iraq formed by the Tigris & the Euphrates & flowing SE into Persian Gulf

shatter
v. transitive verb
1 : to cause to drop or be dispersed
2 a : to break at once into pieces b : to damage badly : RUIN
3 : to cause the disruption or annihilation of : DEMOLISH
intransitive verb
1 : to break apart : DISINTEGRATE
2 : to drop off parts (as leaves, petals, or fruit)
–shat·ter·ing·ly \-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb

shatter
v. 1 : FRAGMENT, SHRED ― usually used in plural <the broken vase lay in shatters>
2 : an act of shattering : the state of being shattered
3 : a result of shattering : SHOWER

shatter cone
: a conical fragment of rock that has striations radiating from the apex and that is formed by high pressure (as from volcanism or meteorite impact)

shatterproof
adj. : proof against shattering

shave
n. transitive verb
1 a : to remove a thin layer from b : to cut off in thin layers or shreds : SLICE c : to cut off closely
2 a : to sever the hair from (the head or another part of the body) close to the roots b : to cut off (hair or beard) close to the skin
3 a : to discount (a note) at an exorbitant rate b : DEDUCT, REDUCE c : to conspire to score fewer (points) than one is capable of (as to affect gambling outcomes)
4 : to come close to or touch lightly in passing
intransitive verb
1 : to cut off hair or beard close to the skin
2 : to proceed with difficulty : SCRAPE

shave
n. 1 : SHAVER 3
2 : a thin slice : SHAVING
3 : an act or the process of shaving

shaveling
n. 1 usually disparaging : a tonsured clergyman : PRIEST
2 : YOUTH, STRIPLING

shaver
n. 1 : a person who shaves
2 archaic : one who swindles
3 : a tool or machine for shaving especially : an electric razor
4 : BOY, YOUNGSTER

shaves
n. plural of shaft

shavetail
n. 1 : a pack mule especially when newly broken in
2 usually disparaging : SECOND LIEUTENANT

Shavian
n. : an admirer or devotee of G. B. Shaw, his writings, or his social and political theories
–Shavian adjective

shavie
Scottish : PRANK

shaving
n. 1 : the act of one that shaves
2 : something shaved off <wood shavings>

Shaw
n. George Bernard 1856-1950 Brit. (Irish-born) author

Shaw
n. Thomas Edward ― see T. E. LAWRENCE

shaw
n. dialect : COPPICE, THICKET

shaw
n. chiefly British : the tops and stalks of a cultivated crop (as potatoes or turnips)

Shawangunk Mountains
mountain ridge SE N.Y.; part of Kittatinny Mountain

shawl
n. : a square or oblong usually fabric garment or wrapper used especially as a covering for the head or shoulders

shawl
n. : to wrap in or as if in a shawl

shawl collar
: a turned-over collar of a garment that combines with lapels forming an unbroken curving line

shawm
n. : an early double-reed woodwind instrument

Shawn
Ted 1891-1972 American dancer & choreographer

Shawnee
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of the central Ohio valley
2 : the Algonquian language of the Shawnee people

Shawnee
n. 1 city NE Kans. S of Kansas City pop 47,996
2 city cen Okla. pop 28,692

Shawwal
: the 10th month of the Islamic year ― see MONTH table

shay
n. chiefly dialect : CHAISE 1

Shays
n. Daniel 1747?-1825 American soldier & insurrectionist

Shcherbakov
― see RYBINSK

shd
should

she
n. 1 : that female one who is neither speaker nor hearer <she is my wife> ― compare HE, HER, HERS, IT, THEY
2 ― used to refer to one regarded as feminine (as by personification) <she was a fine ship>
3 ― used as an alternative to he to refer to a person of unspecified gender <allow anyone to do whatever she wants ― D. J. Callahan>

she
n. : a female person or animal ― often used in combination <she-cat> <she-cousin>

she'd
v. : she had : she would

she'll
v. : she will : she shall

she's
v. : she is : she has

she-crab
: an immature female blue crab

she-oak
: any of various casuarinas

shea
n. shea butter
shea nut
shea tree

shea butter
: a pale solid fat from the seeds of the shea tree used in food, soap, and candles

shea nut
: the seed of the shea tree

shea tree
: a tropical African tree (Vitellaria paradoxa syn. Butyrospermum parkii) of the sapodilla family with fatty nuts that yield shea butter

sheaf
n. 1 : a quantity of the stalks and ears of a cereal grass or sometimes other plant material bound together
2 : something resembling a sheaf of grain <a sheaf of papers>
3 : a large amount or number <won a sheaf of awards>
–sheaf·like \'shēf-ˌlīk\ adjective

shear
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cut off the hair from <with crown shorn> b : to cut or clip (as hair or wool) from someone or something also : to cut something from <shear a lawn> c chiefly Scottish : to reap with a sickle d : to cut or trim with shears or a similar instrument
2 : to cut with something sharp
3 : to deprive of something as if by cutting <lives shorn of any hope ― M. W. Browne>
4 a : to subject to a shear force b : to cause (as a rock mass) to move along the plane of contact
intransitive verb
1 : to cut through something with or as if with a sharp instrument
2 chiefly Scottish : to reap crops with a sickle
3 : to become divided under the action of a shear <the bolt may shear off>
–shear·er noun

shear
v. 1 a (1) : a cutting implement similar or identical to a pair of scissors but typically larger ― usually used in plural (2) : one blade of a pair of shears b : any of various cutting tools or machines operating by the action of opposed cutting edges of metal ― usually used in plural c (1) : something resembling a shear or a pair of shears (2) : a hoisting apparatus consisting of two or sometimes more upright spars fastened together at their upper ends and having tackle for masting or dismasting ships or lifting heavy loads (as guns) ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
2 chiefly British : the action or process or an instance of shearing ― used in combination to indicate the approximate age of sheep in terms of shearings undergone
3 a : internal force tangential to the section on which it acts ― called also shearing force b : an action or stress resulting from applied forces that causes or tends to cause two contiguous parts of a body to slide relatively to each other in a direction parallel to their plane of contact

shear
v. shear pin
wind shear
pinking shears
shearing force

shear pin
: an easily replaceable pin inserted at a critical point in a machine and designed to break when subjected to excess stress

sheared
adj. : formed or finished by shearing especially : cut to uniform length <a sheared rug>

shearling
n. : skin from a recently sheared sheep or lamb that has been tanned and dressed with the wool left on

shearwater
n. : any of numerous oceanic birds (esp. genus Puffinus) that are related to the petrels and usually skim close to the waves in flight

sheath
n. 1 : a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2 : an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted b (1) : the lower part of a leaf (as of a grass) when surrounding the stem (2) : an ensheathing spathe
3 : any of various covering or supporting structures that are applied like or resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: as a : SHEATHING 2 b : a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt c British : CONDOM 1

sheath
n. medullary sheath
myelin sheath
sheath knife

sheath knife
: a knife having a fixed blade and designed to be carried in a sheath

sheathbill
n. : either of two white shorebirds (Chionis alba and C. minor of the family Chionididae) of colder parts of the southern hemisphere that have a horny sheath over the base of the upper mandible and suggest the pigeons in general appearance

sheathe
v. 1 : to put into or furnish with a sheath
2 : to plunge or bury (as a sword) in flesh
3 : to withdraw (a claw) into a sheath
4 : to case or cover with something (as sheets of metal) that protects
–sheath·er \'shē-thər, -thər\ noun

sheathe
v. medullary sheath
myelin sheath
sheath knife

sheathing
n. 1 : the action of one that sheathes something
2 : material used to sheathe something especially : the first covering of boards or of waterproof material on the outside wall of a frame house or on a timber roof

sheave
n. : a grooved wheel or pulley (as of a pulley block)

sheave
n. : to gather and bind into a sheaf

Sheba
n. ancient country S Arabia probably including Yemen

shebang
n. : everything involved in what is under consideration ― usually used in the phrase the whole shebang

Shebat
: the 5th month of the civil year or the 11th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

shebeen
n. chiefly Irish & South African : an unlicensed or illegally operated drinking establishment

Sheboygan
city & port E Wis. pop 50,792

Shechem
n. ― see NABLUS

Shechinah
: the presence of God in the world as conceived in Jewish theology

shed
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to set apart : SEGREGATE
2 : to cause to be dispersed without penetrating <duck's plumage sheds water>
3 a : to cause (blood) to flow by cutting or wounding b : to pour forth in drops <shed tears> c : to give off or out <sheds some light on the subject>
4 : to give off, discharge, or expel from the body of a plant or animal: as a : to eject, slough off, or lose as part of the normal processes of life <a caterpillar shedding its skin> <a cat shedding hair> <a deciduous tree sheds its leaves in the fall> b : to discharge usually gradually especially as part of a pathological process <shed a virus in the feces>
5 : to rid oneself of temporarily or permanently as superfluous or unwanted <shed her inhibitions> <the company shed 100 jobs>
intransitive verb
1 : to pour out : SPILL
2 : to become dispersed : SCATTER
3 : to cast off some natural covering (as fur or skin) <the cat is shedding>
synonyms see DISCARD
–shed blood : to cause death by violence

shed
n. 1 obsolete : DISTINCTION, DIFFERENCE
2 : something (as the skin of a snake) that is discarded in shedding
3 : a divide of land

shed
n. 1 a : a slight structure built for shelter or storage especially : a single-storied building with one or more sides unenclosed b : a building that resembles a shed
2 archaic : HUT
–shed·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

shed
n. : to put or house in a shed

shed blood
to cause death by violence

shed dormer
: a dormer with a roof sloping in the same direction as the roof from which the dormer projects

shedder
n. : one that sheds something: as a : a crab or lobster about to molt b : a newly molted crab

Sheeler
Charles 1883-1965 American painter & photographer

sheen
n. 1 archaic : BEAUTIFUL
2 archaic : SHINING, RESPLENDENT

sheen
n. : to be bright : show a sheen

sheen
n. 1 a : a bright or shining condition : BRIGHTNESS b : a subdued glitter approaching but short of optical reflection c : a lustrous surface imparted to textiles through finishing processes or use of shiny yarns
2 : a textile exhibiting notable sheen
–sheeny \'shē-nē\ adjective

sheep
n. 1 : any of various hollow-horned typically gregarious ruminant mammals (genus Ovis) related to the goats but stockier and lacking a beard in the male specifically : one (O. aries) long domesticated especially for its flesh and wool
2 a : a timid defenseless creature b : a timid docile person especially : one easily influenced or led
3 : leather prepared from the skins of sheep : SHEEPSKIN

sheep
n. aoudad sheep Barbary sheep
Barbary sheep
bighorn sheep
black sheep
blue sheep
Dall sheep
Dall's sheep
fat tailed sheep
mountain sheep
Rocky Mountain sheep
sheep fescue
sheep's fescue
sheep ked
sheep tick
sheep laurel
sheep's eye
sheep sorrel
sheep walk
wolf in sheep's clothing

sheep fescue
: a hardy fine-foliaged fescue (Festuca ovina) widely used as a pasture grass ― called also sheep's fescue

sheep ked
: a wingless bloodsucking dipteran fly (Melophagus ovinus) that feeds chiefly on sheep and is a vector of sheep trypanosomiasis ― called also sheep tick

sheep laurel
: a dwarf shrub (Kalmia angustifolia) of the heath family that is native to northeastern No. America and is poisonous to livestock and that resembles mountain laurel but has narrower leaves and smaller bright red flowers ― called also lambkill

sheep sorrel
: a small dock (Rumex acetosella) of acidic soils

sheep walk
chiefly British : a pasture or range for sheep

sheep's eye
: a shy longing usually amorous glance ― usually used in plural

sheepcote
n. chiefly British : SHEEPFOLD

sheepdog
n. : a dog (as a border collie) used to tend, drive, or guard sheep

sheepdog
n. Belgian sheepdog
Old English sheepdog
Shetland sheepdog

sheepfold
n. : a pen or shelter for sheep

sheepherder
n. : a worker in charge of sheep especially on open range

sheepherding
n. : the activities of a worker engaged in tending sheep

sheepish
adj. 1 : resembling a sheep in meekness, stupidity, or timidity
2 : affected by or showing embarrassment caused by consciousness of a fault <a sheepish grin>
–sheep·ish·ly adverb
–sheep·ish·ness noun

sheepshank
n. 1 : a knot for shortening a line ― see KNOT illustration
2 Scottish : something of no worth or importance

sheepshead
n. 1 : a marine bony fish (Archosargus probatocephalus of the family Sparidae) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. that has broad front teeth and is used for food
2 : FRESHWATER DRUM
3 : a largely red or rose-colored wrasse (Semicossyphus pulcher) of the California coast

sheepshearer
n. : one that shears sheep

sheepshearing
n. 1 : the act of shearing sheep
2 : the time or season for shearing sheep

sheepskin
n. 1 a : the skin of a sheep also : leather prepared from it b : PARCHMENT c : a garment made of or lined with sheepskin
2 : DIPLOMA

sheer
n. intransitive verb : to deviate from a course : SWERVE
transitive verb : to cause to sheer

sheer
n. 1 : a turn, deviation, or change in a course (as of a ship)
2 : the position of a ship riding to a single anchor and heading toward it

sheer
n. 1 obsolete : BRIGHT, SHINING
2 : of very thin or transparent texture : DIAPHANOUS
3 a : UNQUALIFIED, UTTER <sheer folly> <sheer ignorance> b : being free from an adulterant : PURE, UNMIXED c : viewed or acting in dissociation from all else <in terms of sheer numbers>
4 : marked by great and continuous steepness
synonyms see STEEP
–sheer·ly adverb
–sheer·ness noun

sheer
n. 1 : in a complete manner : ALTOGETHER
2 : straight up or down without a break : PERPENDICULARLY

sheer
n. : a sheer fabric also : an article of such a fabric

sheer
n. : the fore-and-aft curvature from bow to stern of a ship's deck as shown in side elevation

sheerlegs
: SHEAR 1C(2)

sheesh
interj. ― used to express disappointment, annoyance, or surprise

sheet
n. 1 a : a broad piece of cloth especially : BEDSHEET b : SAIL 1A(1)
2 a (1) : a usually rectangular piece of paper especially : one manufactured for printing (2) : a rectangular piece of heavy paper with a plant specimen mounted on it <an herbarium of 100,000 sheets> b : a printed signature for a book especially before it has been folded, cut, or bound ― usually used in plural c : a newspaper, periodical, or occasional publication <a gossip sheet> d : the unseparated postage stamps printed by one impression of a plate on a single piece of paper also : a pane of stamps
3 : a broad stretch or surface of something <a sheet of ice>
4 : a suspended or moving expanse (as of fire or rain)
5 a : a portion of something that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth b : a flat baking pan of tinned metal <a cookie sheet>
6 : a surface or part of a surface in which it is possible to pass from any one point of it to any other without leaving the surface <a hyperboloid of two sheets>
–sheet·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

sheet
n. 1 : rolled or spread out in a sheet
2 : of, relating to, or concerned with the making of sheet metal

sheet
n. 1 : to cover with a sheet <floors sheeted with dust>
2 : to furnish with sheets
3 : to form into sheets
intransitive verb : to fall, spread, or flow in a sheet <the rain sheeted against the windows>
–sheet·er noun

sheet
n. 1 : a rope or chain that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind
2 plural : the spaces at either end of an open boat not occupied by thwarts : foresheets and stern sheets together
–three sheets in the wind or three sheets to the wind : DRUNK 1A

sheet
n. : to move or set (a sail) by manipulation of a sheet
–sheet home
1 : to extend (a sail) and set as flat as possible by hauling upon the sheets
2 : to fix the responsibility for : bring home to one

sheet
n. balance sheet
call sheet
cheat sheet
cookie sheet
crib sheet
flow sheet
fly sheet
ice sheet
letter sheet
pink sheet
rap sheet
scandal sheet
scratch sheet
sheet home
sheet anchor
sheet bend
sheet glass
sheet lightning
sheet metal
sheet music
slip sheet
souvenir sheet
tear sheet
time sheet
winding sheet
three sheets to the wind
three sheets in the wind
stern sheets

sheet anchor
1 : a large strong anchor formerly carried in the waist of a ship and used as a spare in an emergency
2 : something that constitutes a main support or dependence especially in danger

sheet bend
: a bend or hitch used for temporarily fastening a rope to the bight of another rope or to an eye ― see KNOT illustration

sheet glass
: glass made in large sheets directly from the furnace or by making a cylinder and then flattening it

sheet home

1 : to extend (a sail) and set as flat as possible by hauling upon the sheets
2 : to fix the responsibility for : bring home to one

sheet lightning
: lightning in diffused or sheet form due to reflection and diffusion by the clouds and sky

sheet metal
: metal in the form of a sheet

sheet music
: music printed on large unbound sheets of paper

sheetfed
: of, relating to, being, or printed by a press that prints on paper in sheet form

sheeting
n. 1 : material in the form of sheets or suitable for forming into sheets: as a : a sturdy plain-woven cloth usually of cotton used especially for bedsheets b : material (as a plastic) in the form of a continuous film
2 : a lining (as wood or steel) used to support an embankment or the walls of an excavation

Sheetrock
n. ― used for drywall

Sheffield
n. city N England in S. Yorkshire pop 499,700

sheikh
n. 1 : an Arab chief
2 usually sheik : a man held to be irresistibly attractive to romantic young women

sheikhdom
n. : a region under the rule of a sheikh

sheila
n. Australian & New Zealand : a girl or young woman

shekel
n. 1 a : any of various ancient units of weight especially : a Hebrew unit equal to about 252 grains troy b : a unit of value based on a shekel weight of gold or silver
2 : a coin weighing one shekel
3 plural : MONEY
4 ― see MONEY table

Shekinah
n. variant of shechinah

Sheldon
n. William Herbert 1898-1977 American psychologist & physical anthropologist

sheldrake
n. 1 : SHELDUCK
2 : MERGANSER

shelduck
n. : any of various Old World ducks (genus Tadorna) especially : a common mostly black-and-white duck (T. tadorna) slightly larger than the mallard

shelf
n. 1 a : a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects b : one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure c : the contents of a shelf <the author of a shelf of best sellers>
2 : something resembling a shelf in form or position: as a : a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged b : a flat projecting layer of rock c : the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : CONTINENTAL SHELF
–shelf·ful \'shelf-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–shelf·like \'shelf-ˌlīk\ adjective
–off the shelf : available from stock : not made to order <off the shelf equipment>
–on the shelf : in a state of inactivity or uselessness

shelf
n. continental shelf
off the shelf
on the shelf
shelf fungus
shelf ice
shelf life
top shelf
Filchner Ice Shelf
Ronne Ice Shelf
Ross Ice Shelf

shelf fungus
: BRACKET FUNGUS

shelf ice
: an extensive ice sheet originating on land but continuing out to sea beyond the depths at which it rests on the sea bottom

shelf life
: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular

Shelikof
strait S Alaska bet. Alaska Peninsula & islands of Kodiak & Afognak

shell
n. 1 a : a hard rigid usually largely calcareous covering or support of an animal b : the hard or tough often thin outer covering of an egg (as of a bird or reptile) ― see EGG illustration
2 : the covering or outside part of a fruit or seed especially when hard or fibrous
3 : shell material (as of mollusks or turtles) or their substance
4 : something that resembles a shell: as a : a framework or exterior structure especially : a building with an unfinished interior b (1) : an external case or outside covering <the shell of a ship> (2) : a thin usually spherical layer or surface enclosing a space or surrounding an object <an expanding shell of gas around a neutron star> c : a casing without substance <mere effigies and shells of men ― Thomas Carlyle> d : an edible crust for holding a filling <a pastry shell> <a taco salad in a tortilla shell> e : BAND SHELL f : a small beer glass g : an unlined article of outerwear
5 : a shell-bearing mollusk
6 : an impersonal attitude or manner that conceals the presence or absence of feeling <he retreated into his shell>
7 : a narrow light racing boat propelled by one or more persons pulling oars or sculls
8 : any of the regions occupied by the orbits of a group of electrons of approximately equal energy surrounding the nucleus of an atom
9 a : a projectile for cannon containing an explosive bursting charge b : a metal or paper case which holds the charge of powder and shot or bullet used with breech-loading small arms
10 : a plain usually sleeveless blouse or sweater
11 : a company or corporation that exists without assets or independent operations as a legal entity through which another company or corporation can conduct various dealings
–shell adjective

shell
n. 1 a : to take out of a natural enclosing cover (as a shell, husk, pod, or capsule) <shell peanuts> b : to separate the kernels of (as an ear of Indian corn, wheat, or oats) from the cob, ear, or husk
2 : to throw shells at, upon, or into : BOMBARD
3 : to score heavily against (as an opposing pitcher in baseball)
intransitive verb
1 : to fall or scale off in thin pieces
2 : to cast the shell or exterior covering : fall out of the pod or husk <nuts which shell in falling>
3 : to gather shells (as from a beach) : collect shells

shell
n. band shell
shell shock
ear shell
half shell
on the half shell
hard shell
hard shell clam
hard shell crab
moon shell
patty shell
shell bean
shell game
shell jacket
shell out
shell pink
shell shocked
shell steak
soft shell
soft shell clam
star shell
tooth shell
soft shelled turtle
hard shelled
hard shelled clam
hard shelled crab
soft shelled
soft shelled clam

shell bean
1 : a bean grown primarily for its edible seeds ― compare SNAP BEAN
2 : the edible seed of a bean

shell game
1 : thimblerig played especially with three walnut shells
2 : FRAUD especially : a swindle involving the substitution of something of little or no value for a valuable item

shell jacket
1 : a short tight military jacket worn buttoned up the front
2 : MESS JACKET

shell out
: PAY

shell pink
: a light yellowish pink

shell shock
: COMBAT FATIGUE

shell steak
: the part of a short loin of beef that contains no tenderloin

shell-shocked
1 : affected with combat fatigue
2 : mentally confused, upset, or exhausted as a result of excessive stress

shellac
n. 1 : purified lac usually prepared in thin orange or yellow flakes by heating and filtering and often bleached white
2 : a preparation of lac dissolved usually in alcohol and used chiefly as a wood filler and finish
3 a : a composition containing shellac formerly used for making phonograph records b : an old 78 rpm phonograph record

shellac
n. 1 : to coat or otherwise treat with shellac or a shellac varnish
2 : to defeat decisively

shellacking
n. : a decisive defeat : DRUBBING

shellback
n. 1 : an old or veteran sailor
2 : a person who has crossed the equator and been initiated in the traditional ceremony

shellcracker
: REDEAR

shelled
adj. 1 : having a shell especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <pink-shelled> <thick-shelled>
2 a : having the shell removed <shelled oysters> <shelled nuts> b : removed from the cob <shelled corn>

shelled
adj. soft shelled turtle
hard shelled
hard shelled clam
hard shelled crab
soft shelled
soft shelled clam

sheller
n. 1 : one that shells <a peanut sheller>
2 : a person who collects seashells

Shelley
n. Mary Woll·stone·craft \'wu̇l-stən-ˌkraft\ 1797-1851 née Godwin; wife of P.B. Eng. nov.

Shelley
n. Percy Bysshe \'bish\ 1792-1822 Eng. poet
–Shel·ley·an \'she-lē-ən\ or Shel·ley·esque \ˌshe-lē-'esk\ adjective

shellfish
n. : an aquatic invertebrate animal with a shell especially : an edible mollusk or crustacean

shellfishery
: a commercially exploited population of shellfish

shellproof
adj. : capable of resisting shells or bombs

shellwork
n. : work adorned with shells or composed of a pattern of shells

shelly
n. 1 : abounding in or covered with shells <a shelly shore>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a shell

shelter
n. 1 a : something that covers or affords protection <a bomb shelter> b : an establishment providing food and shelter (as to the homeless) c : an establishment that houses and feeds stray animals
2 : a position or the state of being covered and protected <took shelter>
–shel·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

shelter
n. transitive verb
1 : to constitute or provide a shelter for : PROTECT <has led a sheltered life>
2 : to place under shelter or protection <sheltered himself in a mountain cave>
3 : to protect (income) from taxation
intransitive verb : to take shelter
–shel·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

shelter
n. shelter half
shelter tent
tax shelter
earth sheltered
tax sheltered

shelter half
: one of the halves of a shelter tent

shelter tent
: a small tent usually consisting of two interchangeable pieces : PUP TENT

shelterbelt
n. : a barrier of trees and shrubs that protects (as crops) from wind and storm and lessens erosion

sheltie
n. 1 : SHETLAND PONY
2 : SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Shelton
n. city SW Conn. pop 38,101

shelve
v. transitive verb
1 : to furnish with shelves
2 : to place on a shelf <shelve books>
3 a : to remove from active service b : to put off or aside <shelve a project>
intransitive verb : to slope in a formation like a shelf
–shelv·er noun

shelving
n. 1 : a sloping surface or place
2 : the state or degree of sloping

shelving
n. 1 : material for shelves
2 : SHELVES

Shem
n. : the eldest son of Noah held to be the progenitor of the Semitic peoples

Shema
n. : the Jewish confession of faith made up of Deut 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 and Num 15:37-41

Shemini Atzereth
: a Jewish festival following the seventh day of Sukkoth and marked by a special prayer for seasonal rain

Shemite
n. archaic : SEMITE
–She·mit·ic \shə-'mi-tik\ or Shem·it·ish \'she-ˌmī-tish\ adjective archaic

Shenandoah
river 55 mi (88 km) N Va. flowing NE bet. Allegheny & Blue Ridge Mountains across NE tip of W.Va. & into the Potomac; forms Shenandoah Valley

Shenandoah National Park
n. reservation N Va. in Blue Ridge Mountains

shenanigan
n. 1 : a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose
2 a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct ― usually used in plural b : high-spirited or mischievous activity ― usually used in plural

shend
1 archaic : to put to shame or confusion
2 archaic : REPROVE, REVILE
3 chiefly dialect a : INJURE, MAR b : RUIN, DESTROY

Shensi
― see SHAANXI

Shenstone
William 1714-1763 Eng. poet

Shenyang
city NE China capital of Liaoning; chief city of Manchuria pop 3,603,712

Sheol
n. : the abode of the dead in early Hebrew thought

Shepard
n. Alan Bartlett 1923-1998 American astronaut

Shepard
n. Sam 1943-     orig. Samuel Shepard Rogers American dram.

shepherd
n. 1 : a person who tends sheep
2 : PASTOR
3 : GERMAN SHEPHERD

shepherd
n. 1 : to tend as a shepherd
2 : to guide or guard in the manner of a shepherd <shepherded the bill through Congress>

shepherd
n. Anatolian shepherd
Australian shepherd
English shepherd
German shepherd
shepherd dog
shepherd's check
shepherd's plaid
shepherd's pie
shepherd's purse

shepherd dog
: SHEEPDOG

shepherd's check
: a pattern of small even black-and-white checks also : a fabric woven in this pattern ― called also shepherd's plaid

shepherd's pie
: a meat pie with a mashed potato crust

shepherd's purse
: a white-flowered weedy annual herb (Capsella bursa-pastoris) of the mustard family with flat heart-shaped pods

shepherdess
n. : a woman or girl who tends sheep also : a rural girl or woman

sheqel
n. variant of shekel

Sheraton
n. : of, relating to, or being a style of furniture that originated in England around 1800 and is characterized by straight lines and graceful proportions

Sheraton
n. Thomas 1751-1806 Eng. furniture designer

sherbet
n. 1 : a cold drink of sweetened and diluted fruit juice
2 : an ice with milk, egg white, or gelatin added

Sherbrooke
town E Canada in S Que. pop 75,916

sherd
n. variant of shard2

shergottite
: any of a class of achondritic geologically young meteorites of feldspar and pyroxene

Sheridan
n. Philip Henry 1831-1888 American gen.

Sheridan
n. Richard Brins·ley \'brinz-lē\ 1751-1816 Irish dram. & orator

sherif
n. variant of sharif

sheriff
n. : an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)
–sher·iff·dom \-əf-dəm, -təm\ noun

sherlock
n. : DETECTIVE

Sherman
James Schoolcraft 1855-1912 vice pres. of the U.S. (1909-12)

Sherman
John 1823-1900 bro. of W.T. American statesman

Sherman
Roger 1721-1793 American jurist & statesman

Sherman
William Tecumseh 1820-1891 American gen.
–Sher·man·esque \ˌshər-mə-'nesk\ adjective

Sherman
city NE Tex. N of Dallas pop 35,082

Sherpa
n. : a member of a Tibetan people living on the high southern slopes of the Himalayas in eastern Nepal and known for providing support for foreign trekkers and mountain climbers

Sherriff
Robert Cedric 1896-1975 Eng. writer

Sherrington
Sir Charles Scott 1857-1952 Eng. physiol.

sherris
archaic variant of sherry

sherry
n. : a Spanish fortified wine with a distinctive nutty flavor also : a similar wine produced elsewhere

Sherwood
Robert Emmet 1896-1955 American dram.

Sherwood Forest
ancient royal forest cen England chiefly in Nottinghamshire

Shetland
n. 1 a : SHETLAND PONY b : SHETLAND SHEEPDOG
2 often not capitalized a : a lightweight loosely twisted yarn of Shetland wool used for knitting and weaving b : a fabric or a garment made from Shetland wool

Shetland
n. islands N Scotland NE of the Orkneys; constitute an administrative area capital Lerwick (on Mainland Is.) area 550 sq mi (1430 sq km), pop 22,270
–Shet·land·er \'shet-lən-dər\ noun

Shetland
n. Shetland pony
Shetland sheepdog
Shetland wool
South Shetland Islands

Shetland pony
: any of a breed of small stocky hardy ponies that originated in the Shetland Islands

Shetland sheepdog
: any of a breed of small heavy-coated dogs developed in the Shetland Islands that resemble miniature collies

Shetland wool
: fine wool from sheep raised in the Shetland Islands also : yarn spun from this

sheugh
chiefly Scottish : DITCH, TRENCH

Shevardnadze
Eduard Amvrosiyevich 1928-     Soviet foreign minister (1985-90; 1991); pres. of Republic of Georgia (1992-    )

Shevchenko
Taras Hryhorovych 1814-1861 Ukrainian poet

shew
v. British variant of show

shewbread
n. : consecrated unleavened bread ritually placed by the Jewish priests of ancient Israel on a table in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle on the Sabbath

Sheyenne
river 325 mi (523 km) SE cen N.Dak. flowing into Red River

SHF
superhigh frequency

Shi'i
: SHIITE
–Shi'i adjective

Shia
n. 1 : the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of Muhammad and in the concealment and messianic return of the last recognized Imam ― compare SUNNI
2 : SHIITE
3 : the branch of Islam formed by the Shia

shiatsu
n. : ACUPRESSURE especially : a form of acupressure that originated in Japan

Shiba Inu
: any of a breed of small thick-coated agile dogs developed in Japan

shibboleth
n. 1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning <the old shibboleths come rolling off their lips ― Joseph Epstein> b : a widely held belief <today this book publishing shibboleth is a myth ― L. A. Wood> c : TRUISM, PLATITUDE <some truth in the shibboleth that crime does not pay ― Lee Rogow>
2 a : a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group <accent was⋯a shibboleth of social class ― Vivian Ducat> b : a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others <for most of the well-to-do in the town, dinner was a shibboleth, its hour dividing mankind ― Osbert Sitwell>

Shibin al-Kawm
city N Egypt pop 153,000

Shidehara
Baron Kijūrō 1872-1951 Jp. statesman

shiel
chiefly Scottish : SHIELING

shield
n. 1 : a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm
2 : one that protects or defends : DEFENSE
3 : DRESS SHIELD
4 a : a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier b : a protective structure (as a carapace, scale, or plate) of some animals
5 : ESCUTCHEON especially : one that is wide at the top and rounds to a point at the bottom
6 : the Precambrian nuclear mass of a continent that is surrounded and sometimes covered by sedimentary rocks
7 : something resembling a shield: as a : APOTHECIUM b : a police officer's badge c : a decorative or identifying emblem

shield
n. 1 a : to protect with or as if with a shield : provide with a protective cover or shelter b : to cut off from observation : HIDE
2 obsolete : FORBID
synonyms see DEFEND
–shield·er noun

shield
n. dress shield
embryonic shield
heat shield
shield law
shield volcano
water shield
Canadian Shield
South Shields

shield law
: a law that protects journalists from forced disclosure of confidential news sources

shield volcano
: a broad rounded volcano that is built up by successive outpourings of very fluid lava

shieling
n. 1 British : a mountain hut used as a shelter by shepherds
2 dialect British : a summer pasture in the mountains

shier
adj. comparative of shy

shiest
adj. superlative of shy

shift
n. transitive verb
1 : to exchange for or replace by another : CHANGE
2 a : to change the place, position, or direction of : MOVE b : to make a change in (place)
3 : to change phonetically
intransitive verb
1 a : to change place or position b : to change direction <the wind shifted> c : to change gears d : to depress the shift key (as on a typewriter)
2 a : to assume responsibility <had to shift for themselves> b : to resort to expedients
3 a : to go through a change <she shifted in her approach> b : to change one's clothes c : to become changed phonetically
–shift·able \'shif-tə-bəl\ adjective
–shift gears : to make a change

shift
n. 1 a : a means or device for effecting an end b (1) : a deceitful or underhand scheme : DODGE (2) : an effort or expedient exerted or tried in difficult circumstances : EXTREMITY <was put to hard shifts for a living ― Benjamin Franklin>
2 a chiefly dialect : a change of clothes b (1) chiefly dialect : SHIRT (2) : a woman's slip or chemise (3) : a usually loose-fitting or semifitted dress
3 a : a change in direction <a shift in the wind> b : a change in emphasis, judgment, or attitude
4 a : a group of people who work or occupy themselves in turn with other groups b (1) : a change of one group of people (as workers) for another in regular alternation (2) : a scheduled period of work or duty <works the night shift>
5 : a change in place or position: as a : a change in the position of the hand on a fingerboard (as of a violin) b (1) : FAULT 5 (2) : the relative displacement of rock masses on opposite sides of a fault or fault zone c (1) : a simultaneous change of position in football by two or more players from one side of the line to the other (2) : a change of positions made by one or more players in baseball to provide better defense against a particular hitter d : a change in frequency resulting in a change in position of a spectral line or band ― compare DOPPLER EFFECT e : a movement of bits in a computer register a specified number of places to the right or left
6 : a removal from one person or thing to another : TRANSFER
7 : CONSONANT SHIFT
8 : a bid in bridge in a suit other than the suit one's partner has bid ― compare JUMP
9 : GEARSHIFT
synonyms see RESOURCE

shift
n. consonant shift
functional shift
graveyard shift
great vowel shift
lobster shift
make shift
shape shift
shift gears
shift key
split shift
stick shift
swing shift

shift gears
to make a change

shift key
: a key on a keyboard that when pressed enables an alternate set of characters to be produced by the other keys

shifter
n. : one that shifts especially : GEARSHIFT

shiftless
adj. 1 : lacking in resourcefulness : INEFFICIENT
2 : lacking in ambition or incentive : LAZY <shiftless freeloaders>
–shift·less·ly adverb
–shift·less·ness noun

shifty
adj. 1 : full of or ready with expedients : RESOURCEFUL
2 a : given to deception, evasion, or fraud : TRICKY b : capable of evasive movement : ELUSIVE <a shifty boxer>
3 : indicative of a tricky nature <shifty eyes>
–shift·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–shift·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

Shigatse
― see XIGAZÊ

shigella
n. 1 : any of a genus (Shigella) of nonmotile rod-shaped bacteria that cause dysenteries in animals and especially humans
2 : SHIGELLOSIS

shigellosis
n. : dysentery caused by shigellae

Shigemitsu
Mamoru 1887-1957 Jp. diplomat

shih
Sha shih
Shih chia chuang
shih tzu
shih tzus
Ch'in Shih Huang Ti
Hu Shih
Li Shih min
Shih Huang ti
Yuan Shih k'ai
Yüan Shih k'ai

Shih Huang-ti
― see CH'IN SHIH HUANG TI

shih tzu
: any of an old Chinese breed of toy dogs that have a square short unwrinkled muzzle, short muscular legs, and a long dense flowing coat

Shiism
n. : Islam as taught by the Shia

shiitake
n. : a dark Asian mushroom (Lentinus edodes of the family Agaricaceae) widely cultivated especially on woods of the beech family for its edible flavorful tan to brown cap

Shiite
n. : a Muslim of the Shia branch of Islam
–Shiite adjective

Shijiazhuang
city NE China capital of Hebei pop 1,068,439

shikari
n. India : a big game hunter especially : a professional hunter or guide

Shikarpur
city S cen Pakistan in Sind pop 88,000

Shikoku
island S Japan E of Kyushu area 7245 sq mi (18,765 sq km), pop 4,195,106

shiksa
n. 1 often disparaging : a non-Jewish girl or woman
2 : a Jewish girl or woman who does not observe Jewish precepts ― used especially by Orthodox Jews

Shilka
river 345 mi (555 km) SE Russia in Asia flowing NE to unite with the Argun forming the Amur

shill
n. 1 : to act as a shill
2 : to act as a spokesperson or promoter <the eminent Shakespearean producer⋯is now shilling for a brokerage house ― Andy Rooney>

shill
n. 1 a : one who acts as a decoy (as for a pitchman or gambler) b : one who makes a sales pitch or serves as a promoter
2 : PITCH 8A

shillelagh
n. : CUDGEL

shilling
n. 1 a : a former monetary unit of the United Kingdom equal to 12 pence or 1/20 pound b : a former monetary unit equal to 1/20 pound of any of various countries in or formerly in the Commonwealth of Nations
2 : a coin representing one shilling
3 : any of several early American coins
4 ― see MONEY table

Shillong
city NE India capital of Meghalaya pop 132,876

Shilluk
1 : a member of a Nilotic people of the Sudan dwelling mainly on the west bank of the White Nile
2 : the language of the Shilluk people

shilly
shilly shally
shilly shallying
shilly shallied

shilly-shally
: in an irresolute, undecided, or hesitating manner

shilly-shally
: IRRESOLUTE, VACILLATING

shilly-shally
1 : to show hesitation or lack of decisiveness or resolution
2 : DAWDLE

shilly-shally
: INDECISION, IRRESOLUTION

Shiloh
1 locality SW Tenn.; site of Civil War battle
2 village ancient Palestine W of Jordan River on slope of Mt. Ephraim

shilpit
1 Scottish : pinched and starved in appearance
2 Scottish : WEAK, INSIPID ― used of drink

shim
n. : a thin often tapered piece of material (as wood, metal, or stone) used to fill in space between things (as for support, leveling, or adjustment of fit)

shim
n. : to fill out or level up by the use of a shim

Shimizu
city & port Japan in cen Honshu on Suruga Bay; port for Shizuoka pop 236,818

Shimla
city N India N of Delhi capital of Himachal Pradesh & former summer capital of India pop 142,161

shimmer
n. intransitive verb
1 : to shine with a soft tremulous or fitful light : GLIMMER
2 : to reflect a wavering sometimes distorted visual image
transitive verb : to cause to shimmer
synonyms see FLASH

shimmer
n. 1 : a light that shimmers : subdued sparkle or sheen : GLIMMER
2 : a wavering sometimes distorted visual image usually resulting from heat-induced changes in atmospheric refraction
–shim·mery \'shi-mə-rē, 'shim-rē\ adjective

shimmy
n. 1 [by alteration] : CHEMISE
2 [short for shimmy-shake] : a jazz dance characterized by a shaking of the body from the shoulders down
3 : an abnormal vibration especially in the front wheels of a motor vehicle

shimmy
n. 1 : to shake, quiver, or tremble in or as if in dancing a shimmy
2 : to vibrate abnormally ― used especially of automobiles
3 : SHINNY

Shimoda
city & port Japan in S Honshu SW of Yokohama on Sagami Sea pop 27,798

Shimonoseki
city & port Japan in SW Honshu on Shimonoseki Strait pop 252,389

Shimonoseki Strait
strait Japan bet. Honshu & Kyushu connecting Inland Sea & Korea Strait

Shin
n. : a major Japanese Buddhist sect that emphasizes salvation by faith in exclusive worship of Amida Buddha

shin
n. : the front part of the vertebrate leg below the knee

shin
n. intransitive verb
1 : SHINNY
2 : to move forward rapidly on foot
transitive verb
1 : to kick or strike on the shins
2 : to climb by shinnying

shin
n. : the 22d letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

shin
n. sharp shin
shin splints
sharp shinned hawk

shin splints
: injury to and inflammation of the tibial and toe extensor muscles or their fasciae caused by repeated minimal traumas (as by running)

Shina
: an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Gilgit in northern Kashmir

Shinar
a country known to the early Hebrews as a plain in Babylonia; prob. Sumer

shinbone
n. : TIBIA 1

shindig
n. 1 a : a social gathering with dancing b : a usually large or lavish party
2 : SHINDY 2

shindy
n. 1 : SHINDIG 1
2 : FRACAS, UPROAR

shine
n. intransitive verb
1 : to emit rays of light
2 : to be bright by reflection of light
3 a : to be eminent, conspicuous, or distinguished <shines in math> b : to perform extremely well <when will stocks really shine again? ― Temma Ehrenfeld>
4 : to have a bright glowing appearance <his face shone with enthusiasm>
5 : to be conspicuously evident or clear
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to emit light b : to throw or direct the light of
2 past & past part shined : to make bright by polishing <shined his shoes>

shine
n. 1 : brightness caused by the emission of light
2 : brightness caused by the reflection of light : LUSTER <the shine of polished silver>
3 : BRILLIANCE, SPLENDOR <still has a shine about her>
4 : fair weather : SUNSHINE <rain or shine>
5 : TRICK, CAPER ― usually used in plural
6 : LIKING, FANCY <took a shine to him>
7 a : a polish or gloss given to shoes b : a single polishing of a pair of shoes

shiner
n. 1 : one that shines
2 : a silvery fish especially : any of numerous small freshwater American cyprinid fishes (esp. genus Notropis) ― compare GOLDEN SHINER
3 : BLACK EYE 1

shingle
n. 1 : a small thin piece of building material often with one end thicker than the other for laying in overlapping rows as a covering for the roof or sides of a building
2 : a small signboard especially designating a professional office ― used chiefly in the phrase hang out one's shingle
3 : a woman's haircut with the hair trimmed short from the back of the head to the nape

shingle
n. 1 : to cover with or as if with shingles
2 : to bob and shape (the hair) in a shingle
3 : to lay out or arrange so as to overlap
–shin·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

shingle
n. 1 : coarse rounded detritus or alluvial material especially on the seashore that differs from ordinary gravel only in the larger size of the stones
2 : a place strewn with shingle
–shin·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

shingles
n. : an acute viral inflammation of the sensory ganglia of spinal and cranial nerves that is associated with a vesicular eruption and neuralgic pains and is caused by reactivation of the herpesvirus causing chicken pox ― called also herpes zoster zoster

Shingon
: an esoteric Japanese Buddhist sect claiming the achievement of Buddhahood in this life through prescribed rituals

shining
n. 1 : emitting or reflecting light
2 : bright and often splendid in appearance : RESPLENDENT
3 : possessing a distinguished quality : ILLUSTRIOUS
4 : full of sunshine

shinleaf
: any of several wintergreens (esp. Pyrola elliptica) with lustrous evergreen basal leaves and racemose white or pinkish flowers

shinnery
: a dense growth of small trees or an area of such growth especially : one of scrub oak in the West and Southwest

shinny
v. : a variation of hockey played by children with a curved stick and a ball or block of wood also : the stick used

shinny
v. : to move oneself up or down something vertical (as a pole) especially by alternately hugging it with the arms or hands and the legs

shinplaster
n. 1 : a piece of privately issued paper currency especially : one poorly secured and depreciated in value
2 : a piece of fractional currency

Shinto
n. : the indigenous religion of Japan consisting chiefly in the cultic devotion to deities of natural forces and veneration of the Emperor as a descendant of the sun goddess
–Shinto adjective
–Shin·to·ism \-(ˌ)tō-ˌi-zəm\ noun
–Shin·to·ist \-ˌtō-ist\ noun or adjective
–Shin·to·is·tic \ˌshin-tō-'is-tik\ adjective

shiny
adj. 1 : having a smooth glossy surface <shiny new shoes>
2 a : bright with the rays of the sun : SUNSHINY b : filled with light
3 : rubbed or worn smooth
4 : lustrous with natural secretions <a shiny nose>
–shin·i·ness noun

ship
n. 1 a : a large seagoing vessel b : a sailing vessel having a bowsprit and usually three masts each composed of a lower mast, a topmast, and a topgallant mast
2 : BOAT especially : one propelled by power or sail
3 : a ship's crew
4 : FORTUNE 3 <when their ship comes in they'll be able to live in better style>
5 : AIRSHIP, AIRPLANE, SPACECRAFT

ship
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place or receive on board a ship for transportation by water b : to cause to be transported <shipped him off to prep school>
2 obsolete : to provide with a ship
3 : to put in place for use <ship the tiller>
4 : to take into a ship or boat <ship the gangplank>
5 : to engage for service on a ship
6 : to take (as water) over the side ― used of a boat or a ship
intransitive verb
1 : to embark on a ship
2 a : to go or travel by ship ― often used with out b : to proceed by ship or other means under military orders ― often used with out
3 : to engage to serve on shipboard
4 : to be sent for delivery <the order will ship soon>
–ship·pa·ble \'shi-pə-bəl\ adjective

ship
n. 1 : state : condition : quality <friendship>
2 : office : dignity : profession <clerkship>
3 : art : skill <horsemanship>
4 : something showing, exhibiting, or embodying a quality or state <township> <fellowship>
5 : one entitled to a (specified) rank, title, or appellation <his Lordship>
6 : the body of persons participating in a specified activity <readership> <listenership>

ship
n. dress ship
factory ship
free alongside ship
jump ship
merchant ship
mother ship
motor ship
Q ship
rocket ship
run a tight ship
ship biscuit
ship bread
ship of state
ship of the line
ship's papers
take ship
tall ship
weather ship
Ship Rock
Welland Ship Canal
shipping clerk

ship biscuit
: HARDTACK ― called also ship bread

ship of state

1615
: the affairs of a state symbolized as a ship on a course

ship of the line

1706
: a large warship specifically : a square-rigged warship having at least two gun decks and designed to be positioned for battle in a line with other such ships

Ship Rock
isolated mountain 7178 ft (2188 m) N.Mex. in NW corner

ship's papers
: the papers a ship is legally required to carry for due inspection to show the character of the ship and cargo

shipboard
n. 1 : the side of a ship
2 : SHIP <met on shipboard>

shipboard
n. : existing or taking place on board a ship

shipborne
adj. : transported or designed to be transported by ship <shipborne aircraft>

shipbuilder
n. : one who designs or constructs ships
–ship·build·ing \-diŋ\ noun

shipfitter
n. 1 : one that fits together the structural members of ships and puts them into position for riveting or welding
2 : a naval enlisted man who works in sheet metal and performs the work of a plumber aboard ship

shiplap
v. : wooden sheathing in which the boards are rabbeted so that the edges of each board lap over the edges of adjacent boards to make a flush joint

Shipley
Jenny 1952-     prime min. of New Zealand (1997-99)

shipload
n. 1 : as much or as many as will fill or load a ship
2 : an indefinitely large amount or number

shipman
n. 1 : SAILOR, SEAMAN
2 : SHIPMASTER

shipmaster
n. : the master or commander of a ship other than a warship

shipmate
n. : a fellow sailor

shipment
n. 1 : the act or process of shipping
2 : the goods shipped

shipowner
n. : the owner of a ship

shipper
n. : one that sends goods by any form of conveyance

shipping
n. 1 a : passage on a ship b : SHIPS c : the body of ships in one place or belonging to one port or country
2 : the act or business of one that ships

shipping clerk
: one who is employed in a shipping room to assemble, pack, and send out or receive goods

shipshape
adj. : TRIM, TIDY

shipside
n. : the area adjacent to a ship specifically : a dock at which a ship loads or unloads passengers and freight

shipway
n. : the ways on which a ship is built

shipworm
n. : any of various marine clams (esp. family Teredinidae) that have a shell used for burrowing in submerged wood and a wormlike body and that cause damage to wharf piles and wooden ships

shipwreck
n. 1 : a wrecked ship or its parts
2 : the destruction or loss of a ship
3 : an irretrievable loss or failure

shipwreck
n. 1 a : to cause to experience shipwreck b : RUIN
2 : to destroy (a ship) by grounding or foundering

shipwright
n. : a carpenter skilled in ship construction and repair

shipyard
n. : a yard, place, or enclosure where ships are built or repaired

Shirakawa
Hideki 1936-     Jp. chem.

Shiraz
n. : SYRAH

Shiraz
n. city SW cen Iran pop 848,289

Shire
n. river 250 mi (400 km) S Malawi & cen Mozambique flowing from Lake Malawi S into the Zambezi

shire
n. 1 : an administrative subdivision especially : a county in England
2 : any of an old breed of large heavy draft horses of British origin having heavily feathered legs

shire
n. Caithness shire
Inverness shire
Kinross shire
shire town

shire town
1 British : a town that is the seat of the government of a shire
2 New England : a town where a court of superior jurisdiction (as a circuit court or a court with a jury) sits

Shirer
William Lawrence 1904-1993 American author

shirk
v. intransitive verb
1 : to go stealthily : SNEAK
2 : to evade the performance of an obligation
transitive verb : AVOID, EVADE <shirk one's duty>
–shirk·er noun

Shirley
n. James 1596-1666 Eng. dram.

Shirley poppy
: a cultivated corn poppy with brightly colored usually white, pink, or red single or double flowers

shirr
n. 1 : to draw (as cloth) together in a shirring
2 : to bake (eggs removed from the shell) until set

shirring
n. : a decorative gathering (as of cloth) made by drawing up the material along two or more parallel lines of stitching

shirt
n. 1 : a garment for the upper part of the body: as a : a cloth garment usually having a collar, sleeves, a front opening, and a tail long enough to be tucked inside trousers or a skirt b : UNDERSHIRT
2 : all or a large part of one's money or resources <lost his shirt on that business deal>
–shirt·less \-ləs\ adjective

shirt
n. aloha shirt
bloody shirt
body shirt
bush shirt
camp shirt
dress shirt
hair shirt
Hawaiian shirt
polo shirt
shirt jacket
shirt jac
stuffed shirt
tee shirt
T shirt

shirt jacket
: a jacket designed in the style of a shirt ― called also shirt-jac

shirtdress
n. : a tailored dress patterned after a shirt and having buttons down the front

shirtfront
n. : the front of a shirt also : the part of a man's shirt not covered by coat or vest

shirting
n. : fabric suitable for shirts

shirtmaker
n. : one that makes shirts

shirtsleeve
n. : the sleeve of a shirt
–in one's shirtsleeves or in shirtsleeves : wearing a shirt but no coat

shirtsleeve
1 a : being without a coat <a shirtsleeve spectator> b : calling for the removal of coats for the sake of comfort or efficiency <shirtsleeve weather>
2 : marked by informality and directness <shirtsleeve diplomacy>

shirttail
n. 1 : the part of a shirt that reaches below the waist especially in the back
2 : something small or inadequate

shirttail
n. 1 : very young : IMMATURE <shirttail boys fishing in the creek>
2 : distantly and indefinitely related <a shirttail cousin on her father's side>
3 : small, trivial, or short typically to the point of inadequacy <has a gullied shirttail ranch in the hills>

shirtwaist
n. : a woman's tailored garment (as a blouse or dress) with details copied from men's shirts

shirty
adj. chiefly British : ANGRY, IRRITATED

shish kebab
: kebab cooked on skewers

Shishaldin
volcano 9372 ft (2856 m) SW Alaska on Unimak Is.; highest in Aleutian Range

shit
n. 1 usually vulgar : FECES
2 usually vulgar : an act of defecation
3 usually vulgar : NONSENSE, CRAP
4 usually vulgar : any of several intoxicating or narcotic drugs especially : HEROIN
5 usually vulgar : DAMN 2
6 usually vulgar : a worthless, offensive, or detestable person
7 usually vulgar a ― used as an interjection b ― used as an intensive usually with the
–shit·ty \'shi-tē\ adjective usually vulgar

shit
n. intransitive verb usually vulgar : DEFECATE
transitive verb
1 usually vulgar : to defecate in
2 usually vulgar : to attempt to deceive : BULLSHIT

shitake
variant of shiitake

shitless
adj. usually vulgar : to an extreme degree ― used as an intensive especially with scare

shitload
n. usually vulgar : a very large amount : LOT

shittah
: a tree of uncertain identity but prob. an acacia (as Acacia seyal) from the wood of which the ark and fittings of the Hebrew tabernacle were made

shittimwood
1 : the wood of the shittah tree
2 : any of several trees (genus Bumelia, especially B. lanuginosa) of the sapodilla family of the southern U.S. also : their hard heavy dense wood

shiv
n. slang : KNIFE

Shiva
n. : the god of destruction and regeneration in the Hindu sacred triad ― compare BRAHMA, VISHNU

shivah
: a traditional seven-day period of mourning the dead that is observed in Jewish homes ― often used in the phrase sit shivah

shivaree
n. : a noisy mock serenade to a newly married couple
–shivaree transitive verb

shiver
n. : one of the small pieces into which a brittle thing is broken by sudden violence

shiver
n. : to break into many small pieces : SHATTER

shiver
n. intransitive verb
1 : to undergo trembling : QUIVER
2 : to tremble in the wind as it strikes first one and then the other side (of a sail)
transitive verb : to cause (a sail) to shiver by steering close to the wind

shiver
n. 1 : an instance of shivering : TREMBLE
2 : an intense shivery sensation especially of fear ― often used in plural with the <horror movies give him the shivers>
3 : a hard blow (as with a forearm) especially to the head or neck

shivery
adj. : easily broken into shivers

shivery
adj. 1 : characterized by shivers
2 : causing shivers

Shizuoka
city Japan in cen Honshu near Suruga Bay SW of Shimizu pop 469,695

Shkoder
city NW Albania pop 185,395

shlemiel
variant of schlemiel

shlep
variant of schlep

shlock
variant of schlock

shlub
n. variant of schlub

shm
― see SCHM-

Shoah
n. : HOLOCAUST 3A

shoal
n. : SHALLOW

shoal
n. 1 : SHALLOW
2 : a sandbank or sandbar that makes the water shallow

shoal
n. : to become shallow
transitive verb
1 : to come to a shallow or less deep part of
2 : to cause to become shallow or less deep

shoal
n. : a large group or number : CROWD <a shoal of fish>

shoal
n. : THRONG, SCHOOL

shoat
n. : a young hog and especially one that has been weaned

shock
n. : a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of Indian corn set up in a field with the butt ends down

shock
n. : to collect into shocks

shock
n. 1 : the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat
2 a : a violent shake or jar : CONCUSSION b : an effect of such violence
3 a (1) : a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something (2) : a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance b : something that causes such disturbance <the loss came as a shock> c : a state of being so disturbed <were in shock after they heard the news>
4 : a state of profound depression of the vital processes associated with reduced blood volume and pressure and caused usually by severe especially crushing injuries, hemorrhage, or burns
5 : sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body
6 a : STROKE 5 b : CORONARY THROMBOSIS
7 : SHOCK ABSORBER
synonyms see IMPACT

shock
n. 1 a : to strike with surprise, terror, horror, or disgust b : to cause to undergo a physical or nervous shock c : to subject to the action of an electrical discharge
2 : to drive by or as if by a shock
intransitive verb
1 : to meet with a shock : COLLIDE
2 : to cause surprise or shock <an exhibit meant to shock>
–shock·able \'shä-kə-bəl\ adjective

shock
n. : BUSHY, SHAGGY

shock
n. : a thick bushy mass (as of hair)

shock
n. anaphylactic shock
bow shock
shell shock
culture shock
future shock
heat shock protein
insulin shock
osmotic shock
septic shock
shock absorber
shock front
shock jock
shock therapy
shock treatment
shock troops
shock tube
shock wave
sticker shock
toxic shock syndrome
toxic shock
shell shocked
shocking pink

shock absorber
: any of several devices for absorbing the energy of sudden impulses or shocks in machinery or structures

shock front
: the advancing edge of a shock wave

shock jock
: a radio personality noted for provocative or inflammatory commentary

shock therapy
: the treatment of mental disorder by the artificial induction of coma or convulsions through use of drugs or electric current ― called also shock treatment

shock troops
1 : troops especially suited and chosen for offensive work because of their high morale, training, and discipline
2 : a group of people militant in pressing for a cause

shock tube
: a usually enclosed tube in which experimental shock waves are produced as a result of the rupturing of a diaphragm separating two chambers containing a gas or gases at differential pressure

shock wave
1 : a compressional wave of high amplitude caused by a shock (as from an earthquake or explosion) to the medium through which the wave travels
2 : a violent often pulsating disturbance or reaction <shock waves of rebellion>

shocker
n. : one that shocks especially : something horrifying or offensive (as a sensational film or work of fiction)

shocking
adj. : extremely startling, distressing, or offensive <shocking news>
–shock·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

shocking pink
: a striking, vivid, bright, or intense pink

Shockley
William Bradford 1910-1989 American physicist

shockproof
adj. 1 : incapable of being shocked
2 a : resistant to damage by shock b : unlikely to cause shock : protectively insulated <a shockproof switch>

shod
adj. 1 a : wearing footgear (as shoes) b : equipped with tires
2 : furnished or equipped with a shoe

shoddy
n. 1 a : a reclaimed wool from materials that are not felted that is of better quality and longer staple than mungo b : a fabric often of inferior quality manufactured wholly or partly from reclaimed wool
2 a : inferior, imitative, or pretentious articles or matter b : pretentious vulgarity

shoddy
n. 1 : made wholly or partly of shoddy
2 a : cheaply imitative : vulgarly pretentious <shoddy merchandise> b : hastily or poorly done : INFERIOR <shoddy workmanship> c : SHABBY, DISREPUTABLE <shoddy business deals>
–shod·di·ly \'shä-də-lē\ adverb
–shod·di·ness \'shä-dē-nəs\ noun

shoe
n. 1 a : an outer covering for the human foot typically having a thick or stiff sole with an attached heel and an upper part of lighter material (as leather) b : a metal plate or rim for the hoof of an animal
2 : something resembling a shoe in function or placement
3 plural : another's place, function, or viewpoint <steps from assistant stage manager into the star's shoes ― Steven Fuller>
4 : a device that retards, stops, or controls the motion of an object especially : the part of a brake that presses on the brake drum
5 a : any of various devices that are inserted in or run along a track or groove to guide a movement, provide a contact or friction grip, or protect against wear, damage, or slipping b : a device (as a clip or track) on a camera that permits attachment of an accessory item (as a flash unit)
6 : a dealing box designed to hold several decks of playing cards
–shoe·less adjective

shoe
n. 1 : to furnish with a shoe
2 : to cover for protection, strength, or ornament

shoe
n. boat shoe
deck shoe
old shoe
saddle shoe
shoe leather
shoe tree
soft shoe
tennis shoe
white shoe
fill one's shoes
Goody Two shoes
goody two shoes
dry shod

shoe tree
: a foot-shaped device for inserting in a shoe to preserve its shape

shoe-leather
: involving or using basic, direct, or old-fashioned methods <shoe-leather journalism>

shoebill
n. : a large gray wading bird (Balaeniceps rex) related to the storks and herons that inhabits wetlands of eastern Africa and has a thick broad bill

shoeblack
n. : BOOTBLACK

shoehorn
n. : a curved piece (as of horn, wood, or metal) used in putting on a shoe

shoehorn
n. 1 : to force to be included or admitted <shoehorned irrelevant arguments into his essay>
2 : to force or compress into an insufficient space or period of time : SQUEEZE <shoehorn the past, present, and future into about 500 pages ― Otis Portuguese>

shoelace
n. : a lace or string for fastening a shoe

Shoemaker
n. Eugene Merle 1928-1997 American planetary geologist

shoemaker
n. : a person whose occupation is making or repairing shoes

shoepac
: a waterproof laced boot worn especially over heavy socks in cold weather

shoestring
n. 1 : SHOELACE
2 [from shoestrings being a typical item sold by itinerant vendors] : a small sum of money : capital inadequate or barely adequate to the needs of a transaction <started the business on a shoestring>

shoestring
n. 1 : narrow and long like a shoestring <shoestring french fries>
2 : operating on, accomplished by, or consisting of a small amount of money or capital <a shoestring budget>

shoestring catch
: a catch (as in baseball) made very close to the feet

shofar
n. : a ram's-horn trumpet blown by the ancient Hebrews in battle and during religious observances and used in modern Judaism especially during Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur

shog
transitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : JOLT, SHAKE
intransitive verb
1 chiefly dialect : to move in a jerky manner
2 chiefly dialect : to move along

shog
chiefly dialect : SHAKE, JOLT

shogun
n. : one of a line of military governors ruling Japan until the revolution of 1867-68
–sho·gun·al \'shō-gə-nəl\ adjective
–sho·gun·ate \'shō-gə-nət, -ˌnāt\ noun

shoji
n. : a paper screen serving as a wall, partition, or sliding door

Sholapur
city W India in SE Maharashtra SE of Bombay pop 873,037

Sholokhov
Mikhail Aleksandrovich 1905-1984 Soviet (Russ.-born) nov.

sholom
n. variant of shalom

Shona
n. 1 : a member of any of a group of Bantu peoples of Zimbabwe and southern Mozambique
2 : the group of languages spoken by the Shona

shone
past and past part of shine

shoo
v. ― used especially in driving away an unwanted animal

shoo
v. : to scare, drive, or send away by or as if by crying shoo <shooed us away from the kitchen>

shoo-in
: one that is a certain and easy winner

shoofly
1 : a child's rocker having the seat built on or usually between supports representing an animal figure
2 : any of several plants held to repel flies

shoofly pie
: a rich pie of Pennsylvania Dutch origin made of molasses or brown sugar sprinkled with a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter

shook
n. past or chiefly dialect past part of shake

shook
n. 1 a : a set of staves and headings for one hogshead, cask, or barrel b : a bundle of parts (as of boxes) ready to be put together
2 : 1SHOCK

shook-up
: nervously upset : AGITATED

shoon
chiefly dialect plural of shoe

shoot
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to eject or impel or cause to be ejected or impelled by a sudden release of tension (as of a bowstring or slingshot or by a flick of a finger) <shoot an arrow> <shoot a spitball> <shoot a marble> (2) : to drive forth or cause to be driven forth by an explosion (as of a powder charge in a firearm or of ignited fuel in a rocket) (3) : to drive forth or cause to be driven forth by a sudden release of gas or air <shoot darts from a blowgun> <a steam catapult shoots planes from a carrier> (4) : to propel (as a ball or puck) toward a goal by striking or pushing with part of the body (as the hand or foot) or with an implement also : to score by so doing <shoot the winning goal> <shoot a basket> (5) : to throw or cast off or out often with force <shoot dice> <the horse shot his rider out of the saddle> b : to cause (as a gun or bow) to propel a missile c (1) : to utter (as words or sounds) rapidly or suddenly or with force <shoot out a stream of invective> (2) : to emit (as light, flame, or fumes) suddenly and rapidly (3) : to send forth with suddenness or intensity <shot a look of anger at them> d : to discharge, dump, or empty especially by overturning, upending, or directing into a slide
2 : to affect by shooting: as a : to strike with a missile especially from a bow or gun especially : to wound or kill with a missile discharged from a bow or firearm b : to remove or destroy by use of firearms <shot out the light> also : WRECK, EXPLODE
3 a : to push or slide (as the bolt of a door or lock) into or out of a fastening b : to push or thrust forward : stick out <toads shooting out their tongues> c : to put forth in growing d : to place, send, or bring into position abruptly
4 a (1) : to engage in (a sport or game or a portion of a game that involves shooting) : PLAY <shoot pool> <shoot a round of golf> <shoot craps> (2) : to achieve (a particular score) in a game that involves shooting <shoot 80 in golf> b (1) : to place or offer (a bet) on the result of casting dice <shoot $5> (2) : to use up by or as if by betting : EXHAUST <shot his annual bonus on a shady deal>
5 a : to engage in the hunting and killing of (as game) with firearms especially as a sport <shoot woodcock> b : to hunt over <shoot a tract of woodland>
6 a : to cause to move suddenly or swiftly forward <shot the car onto the highway> b : to send or carry quickly : DISPATCH <shoot the letter on to me as soon as you receive it>
7 : to variegate as if by sprinkling color in streaks, flecks, or patches
8 : to pass swiftly by, past, or along <shooting rapids>
9 : to plane (as the edge of a board) straight or true
10 a : SET OFF, DETONATE, IGNITE <shoot a charge of dynamite> b : to effect by blasting
11 : to determine the altitude of
12 : to take a picture or series of pictures or television images of : PHOTOGRAPH, FILM
13 a : to give an injection to b : to inject (an illicit drug) especially into the bloodstream
intransitive verb
1 a : to go or pass rapidly and precipitately <sparks shooting all over> <his feet shot out from under him> b : to move ahead by force of momentum c : to stream out suddenly : SPURT d : to dart in or as if in rays from a source of light e : to dart with a piercing sensation <pain shot up my arm>
2 a : to cause an engine or weapon to discharge a missile b : to use a firearm or bow especially for sport (as in hunting)
3 : to propel a missile <guns that shoot many miles>
4 : PROTRUDE, PROJECT
5 a : to grow or sprout by or as if by putting forth shoots b : DEVELOP, MATURE c : to spring or rise rapidly or suddenly ― often used with up <in a burst of growth he shot up to six feet tall> <prices shot up>
6 a : to propel an object (as a ball) in a particular way b : to drive the ball or puck toward a goal
7 : to cast dice
8 : to slide into or out of a fastening <a bolt that shoots in either direction>
9 : to record something (as on film or videotape) with a camera
10 : to begin to speak ― usually used as an imperative <OK, shoot, what do you have to say>
–shoot at or shoot for : to aim at : strive for
–shoot from the hip : to act or speak hastily without consideration of the consequences
–shoot one's bolt : to exhaust one's capabilities and resources
–shoot one's cuffs : to tug one's shirt cuffs below those of one's coat
–shoot oneself in the foot : to act against one's own best interests
–shoot the breeze : to converse idly : GOSSIP
–shoot the shit
usually vulgar : to shoot the breeze
–shoot the works
1 : to venture all one's capital on one play
2 : to put forth all one's efforts

shoot
n. 1 : a sending out of new growth or the growth sent out: as a : a stem or branch with its leaves and appendages especially when not yet mature b : OFFSHOOT
2 a : an act of shooting (as with a bow or a firearm): (1) : SHOT (2) : the firing of a missile especially by artillery b (1) : a hunting trip or party (2) : the right to shoot game in a particular area or land over which it is held c (1) : a shooting match <skeet shoot> (2) : a round of shots in a shooting match d : the action or an instance of shooting with a camera : a session or a series of sessions of photographing or filming <a movie shoot>
3 a : a motion or movement of rapid thrusting: as (1) : a sudden or rapid advance (2) : a momentary darting sensation : TWINGE (3) : THRUST 2B (4) : the pace between strokes in rowing b : a bar of rays : BEAM <a shoot of sunlight>
4 [probably by folk etymology from French chute ― more at CHUTE] a : a rush of water down a steep or rapid b : a place where a stream runs or descends swiftly

shoot
n. ― used to express annoyance or surprise

shoot
n. shoot for
point and shoot
run and shoot
shoot the works
shoot the shit
shoot the breeze
shoot oneself in the foot
shoot one's cuffs
shoot one's bolt
shoot from the hip
shoot at
shoot down
shoot 'em up
shoot out
shoot the chutes
shoot up
turkey shoot
wedge shot
angle shot
bank shot
big shot
booster shot
cheap shot
chip shot
combination shot
dolly shot
draw shot
drop shot
dunk shot
establishing shot
follow shot
foul shot
hook shot
jump shot
long shot
by a long shot
moon shot
mug shot
one shot
passing shot
penalty shot
set shot
shot in the dark
shot in the arm
like a shot
a shot
shot clock
shot hole
shot put
shot putter
slap shot
split shot
tracking shot
wood shot
wrist shot
hip shooting
shooting gallery
shooting guard
shooting iron
shooting script
shooting star
shooting stick
wing shooting
call the shots

shoot at
or shoot for : to aim at : strive for

shoot down
1 : to cause to fall by shooting <shot down the helicopter> especially : to kill in this way <was shot down in cold blood>
2 : to put an end to : DEFEAT, REJECT <shoot down legislation>
3 : DEFLATE, RIDICULE
4 : DISCREDIT 2 <shoot down a theory>

shoot from the hip
to act or speak hastily without consideration of the consequences

shoot one's bolt
to exhaust one's capabilities and resources

shoot one's cuffs
to tug one's shirt cuffs below those of one's coat

shoot oneself in the foot
to act against one's own best interests

shoot the breeze
to converse idly : GOSSIP

shoot the shit
usually vulgar : to shoot the breeze

shoot the works

1 : to venture all one's capital on one play
2 : to put forth all one's efforts

shoot up
1 : to shoot or shoot at especially recklessly <cowboys shooting up the town>
2 : to inject (a narcotic drug) into a vein
intransitive verb : to inject a narcotic into a vein
–shoot-up \'shüt-ˌəp\ noun

shoot-'em-up
: a movie, television show, or computer game with much shooting and bloodshed

shoot-out
1 : a battle fought with handguns or rifles
2 : something resembling a shoot-out broadly : SHOWDOWN
3 : a shooting competition in overtime that is used to determine the winner of a game (as in soccer or hockey) tied at the end of regular play

shoot-the-chutes
: an amusement ride consisting of a steep incline down which boats slide into a pool at the bottom

shootaround
: a usually informal basketball practice session

shooter
n. 1 : one that shoots: as a : a person who fires a missile-discharging device (as a rifle or bow) b : the person who is shooting or whose turn it is to shoot c : PHOTOGRAPHER
2 : something that is used in shooting: as a : a marble shot from the hand b : REVOLVER ― usually used in combination <six-shooter>
3 : a shot of hard liquor (as whiskey or tequila) often diluted with something (as soda) also : a bit of food (as a raw oyster) served in a shot glass

shooter
n. hip shooter
jump shooter
six shooter
square shooter
straight shooter

shooting gallery
1 : a usually covered range equipped with targets for practice with firearms
2 slang : a place where one can obtain narcotics and shoot up

shooting guard
: a guard in basketball whose chief role is as an outside shooter

shooting iron
: FIREARM especially : HANDGUN

shooting script
1 : the final completely detailed version of a motion-picture script in which scenes are grouped in the order most convenient for shooting
2 : the final version of a television script used in the production of a program

shooting star
1 : a visual meteor appearing as a temporary streak of light in the night sky
2 : any of several No. American perennial herbs (genus Dodecatheon, especially D. meadia) of the primrose family that have entire oblong leaves and showy flowers with reflexed petals
3 : one resembling a shooting star especially in sudden and temporary brilliance

shooting stick
: a spiked stick with a top that opens into a seat

shop
n. 1 : a handicraft establishment : ATELIER
2 a : a building or room stocked with merchandise for sale : STORE b also shoppe \'shäp\ : a small retail establishment or a department in a large one offering a specified line of goods or services <a millinery shop> <a sandwich shop>
3 : a commercial establishment for the making or repair of goods or machinery <machine shop> <repair shop>
4 a : a school laboratory equipped for industrial arts education b : the art or science of working with tools and machinery
5 a : a business establishment : OFFICE <a public relations shop> b : SHOPTALK <talking shop>

shop
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to examine goods or services with intent to buy b : to hunt through a market in search of the best buy
2 : to make a search : HUNT <shopping around for a better idea>
transitive verb
1 British : to inform on : BETRAY
2 : to examine the stock or offerings of <shop the stores for Christmas gift ideas>
3 : to offer for consideration or acceptance especially : to offer for sale or in a trade ― often used with around <shopping the manuscript around>

shop
n. agency shop
beauty shop
betting shop
body shop
bucket shop
chop shop
closed shop
coffee shop
comparison shop
head shop
machine shop
open shop
pro shop
set up shop
shop soiled
shop steward
speed shop
tea shop
thrift shop
union shop
window shop
shopping bag
shopping center
shopping plaza
shopping list
shopping mall

shop steward
: a union member elected as the union representative of a shop or department in dealings with the management

shop-soiled
British : SHOPWORN

shopaholic
n. : one who is extremely or excessively fond of shopping

shopgirl
n. : a woman employed to sell merchandise especially in a store

shopkeeper
n. : STOREKEEPER 2

shoplift
v. intransitive verb : to steal displayed goods from a store
transitive verb : to steal (displayed goods) from a store

shoplifter
n. : one who shoplifts

shopper
n. 1 : one who shops
2 : one whose occupation is shopping as an agent for customers or for an employer
3 : a usually free paper carrying advertising and sometimes local news

shopping bag
: a bag (as of strong paper) that has handles and is intended for carrying purchases

shopping center
: a group of retail stores and service establishments usually with ample parking facilities and usually designed to serve a community or neighborhood ― called also shopping plaza

shopping list
: a list of items to be purchased broadly : a list of related items <the biggest possible shopping list of budget cuts ― Leonard Silk>

shopping mall
: MALL 3

shoptalk
n. : the jargon or subject matter peculiar to an occupation or a special area of interest

shopwindow
n. : a display window of a store

shopworn
adj. 1 : faded, soiled, or otherwise impaired by remaining too long in a store
2 : stale from excessive use or familiarity <shopworn clichés>
3 : WORN-OUT <a shopworn veteran>

shore
n. 1 : the land bordering a usually large body of water specifically : COAST
2 : a boundary (as of a country) or an area within a boundary ― usually used in plural <immigrated to these shores>
3 : land as distinguished from the sea <shipboard and shore duty>

shore
n. : a prop for preventing sinking or sagging

shore
n. 1 : to support by a shore : PROP
2 : to give support to : BRACE ― usually used with up <trying to shore up his claim>

shore
n. lee shore
shore dinner
shore leave
shore patrol
Eastern Shore
Norton Shores
Saint Clair Shores

shore dinner
: a dinner consisting chiefly of seafoods

shore leave
: a leave of absence to go on shore granted to a sailor or naval officer

shore patrol
1 : a branch of a navy that exercises guard and police functions ― compare MILITARY POLICE
2 : petty officers detailed to perform police duty while a ship is in port

shorebird
n. : any of a suborder (Charadrii) of birds (as a plover or sandpiper) that frequent the seashore

Shoreditch
former metropolitan borough N cen London, England, now part of Hackney

shorefront
: land along a shore specifically : BEACHFRONT

Shoreline
n. city W cen Wash. N of Seattle pop 53,025

shoreline
n. 1 : the line where a body of water and the shore meet
2 : the strip of land along the shoreline

shoreside
n. : situated at or near a shore

Shoreview
city E Minn. pop 25,924

shoreward
adj. : toward the shore

shoring
n. 1 : the act of supporting with or as if with a prop
2 : a system or group of shores

shorn
adj. past part of shear

short
n. 1 a : having little length b : not tall or high : LOW
2 a : not extended in time : BRIEF <a short vacation> b : not retentive <a short memory> c : EXPEDITIOUS, QUICK <made short work of the problem> d : seeming to pass quickly <made great progress in just a few short years>
3 a of a speech sound : having a relatively short duration b : being the member of a pair of similarly spelled vowel or vowel-containing sounds that is descended from a vowel that was short in duration but is no longer so and that does not necessarily have duration as its chief distinguishing feature <short i in sin> c of a syllable in prosody (1) : of relatively brief duration (2) : UNSTRESSED
4 : limited in distance <a short trip>
5 a : not coming up to a measure or requirement : INSUFFICIENT <in short supply> b : not reaching far enough <the throw to first was short> c : enduring privation d : insufficiently supplied <short of cash> <short on brains>
6 a : ABRUPT, CURT <I'm sorry I was short with you> b : quickly provoked <a short temper>
7 : CHOPPY 2
8 : payable at an early date <a short loan>
9 a : containing or cooked with shortening also : FLAKY <short pastry> b of metal : brittle under certain conditions
10 a : not lengthy or drawn out <a short speech> b : made briefer : ABBREVIATED
11 a : not having goods or property that one has sold in anticipation of a fall in prices b : consisting of, relating to, or engaging in the sale of securities or commodities that the seller does not possess or has not contracted for at the time of the sale <short sale> <a short seller>
12 : near the end of a tour of duty
–short·ish \'shȯr-tish\ adjective
–short·ness \'shȯrt-nəs\ noun
–in short order : with dispatch : QUICKLY

short
n. 1 : in a curt manner
2 : for or during a brief time <short-lasting>
3 : at a disadvantage : UNAWARES <caught short>
4 : in an abrupt manner : SUDDENLY <the car stopped short>
5 : at some point or degree before a goal or limit aimed at or under consideration <the bombs fell short> <quit a month short of graduation>
6 : clean across <the axle was snapped short>
7 : by or as if by a short sale

short
n. 1 : the sum and substance : UPSHOT
2 a : a short syllable b : a short sound or signal
3 plural a : a by-product of wheat milling that includes the germ, fine bran, and some flour b : refuse, clippings, or trimmings discarded in various manufacturing processes
4 a : knee-length or less than knee-length trousers ― usually used in plural b plural : short drawers c : a size in clothing for short men
5 a : one who operates on the short side of the market b plural : short-term bonds
6 plural : DEFICIENCIES
7 : SHORT CIRCUIT
8 : SHORTSTOP
9 a : SHORT SUBJECT b : a brief story or article (as in a newspaper)
–for short : as an abbreviation <named Katherine or Kate for short>
–in short : by way of summary : BRIEFLY

short
n. 1 : SHORT-CIRCUIT
2 : SHORTCHANGE, CHEAT
3 : to sell (a security) short in expectation of a fall in prices

short
n. the long and the short
short haired
fall short
the long and short
run short of
run short
sell short
in short order
in short
for short
short ballot
short circuit
short day
short division
short eared owl
short fuse
short grass prairie
short haul
short horned grasshopper
short hundredweight
short line
short list
short lived
short loin
short nosed cattle louse
short of
short order
short range
short ribs
short run
short shrift
short sight
short spoken
short stop
short story
short subject
short tempered
short term
short ton
short weight
short winded
Bermuda shorts
bicycle shorts
boxer shorts

short ballot
: a ballot limiting the number of elective offices to the most important legislative and executive posts and leaving minor positions to be filled by appointment

short circuit
: a connection of comparatively low resistance accidentally or intentionally made between points on a circuit between which the resistance is normally much greater

short division
: mathematical division in which the successive steps are performed without writing out the remainders

short fuse
: a tendency to get angry easily : a quick temper

short hundredweight
: HUNDREDWEIGHT 1

short line
: a transportation system (as a railroad) operating over a relatively short distance

short list
: a limited list of important items or individuals especially : a list of candidates for final consideration (as for a position or a prize)
–short-list transitive verb

short loin
: a portion of the hindquarter of beef immediately behind the ribs that is usually cut into steaks ― see BEEF illustration

short of
: OTHER THAN especially : of a lesser degree than <had few options short of replacing the motor>

short ribs
: a cut of beef consisting of rib ends between the rib roast and the plate ― see BEEF illustration

short run
: a relatively brief period of time ― often used in the phrase in the short run
–short-run adjective

short shrift
1 : barely adequate time for confession before execution
2 a : little or no attention or consideration <gave the problem short shrift> b : quick work ― usually used in the phrase make short shrift of

short sight
: MYOPIA

short story
: an invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot

short subject
: a brief often documentary or educational film

short ton
― see WEIGHT table

short weight
: weight less than the stated weight or less than one is charged for

short-circuit
1 : to apply a short circuit to or establish a short circuit in
2 : BYPASS 2
3 : FRUSTRATE, IMPEDE

short-day
: responding to or relating to a short photoperiod ― used especially of a plant ― compare DAY-NEUTRAL, LONG-DAY

short-eared owl
: a medium-sized nearly cosmopolitan owl (Asio flammeus) that has very short ear tufts and usually nests on the ground

short-grass prairie
: PRAIRIE 2B

short-haul
: traveling or involving a short distance <short-haul flights>

short-horned grasshopper
: any of a family (Acrididae) of grasshoppers with short antennae

short-lived
: not living or lasting long <short-lived insects> <short-lived joy>

short-nosed cattle louse
: a large bluish sucking louse (Haematopinus eurysternus) that attacks domestic cattle

short-order
: preparing or serving food that can be cooked quickly to a customer's order <a short-order cook>

short-range
1 : involving or taking into account a short period of time <short-range plans>
2 : relating to or fit for short distances

short-spoken
: CURT

short-stop
: STOP BATH

short-tempered
: having a quick temper

short-term
1 : occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a brief term and especially one of less than a year b : generated by assets held for less than six months

short-weight
: to defraud with short weight

short-winded
1 : affected with or characterized by shortness of breath
2 a : BRIEF b : broken up into short units

shortage
n. : LACK, DEFICIT

shortbread
n. : a thick cookie made of flour, sugar, and a large amount of shortening

shortcake
n. 1 : a crisp and often unsweetened biscuit or cookie
2 a : a dessert made typically of very short baking-powder-biscuit dough spread with sweetened fruit b : a dish consisting of a rich biscuit split and covered with a meat mixture

shortchange
v. 1 : to give less than the correct amount of change to
2 : to deprive of or give less than something due : CHEAT <was shortchanged out of a promotion>
–short·chang·er noun

shortcoming
n. : an imperfection or lack that detracts from the whole also : the quality or state of being flawed or lacking

shortcut
n. 1 : a route more direct than the one ordinarily taken
2 : a method or means of doing something more directly and quickly than and often not so thoroughly as by ordinary procedure <a shortcut to success>

shortcut
n. transitive verb : to shorten (as a route or procedure) by use of a shortcut also : CIRCUMVENT
intransitive verb : to take or use a shortcut

shorten
v. transitive verb
1 a : to reduce the length or duration of b : to cause to seem short
2 a : to reduce in power or efficiency <is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem ― Isa 50:2(RSV)> b obsolete : to deprive of effect
3 : to add fat to (as pastry dough) in order to make tender and flaky
intransitive verb : to become short or shorter
–short·en·er \'shȯrt-nər, 'shȯr-tən-ər\ noun
synonyms SHORTEN, CURTAIL, ABBREVIATE, ABRIDGE, RETRENCH mean to reduce in extent. SHORTEN implies reduction in length or duration <shorten a speech>. CURTAIL adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy <ceremonies curtailed because of rain>. ABBREVIATE implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part <using an abbreviated title>. ABRIDGE implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result <the abridged version of the novel>. RETRENCH suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive <declining business forced the company to retrench>.

shortening
n. 1 : the action or process of making or becoming short specifically : the dropping of the latter part of a word so as to produce a new and shorter word of the same meaning
2 : an edible fat used to shorten baked goods

shortfall
n. : a failure to come up to expectation or need <a budget shortfall> also : the amount of such failure <a $2 million shortfall>

shorthair
adj. : a domestic cat with a short thick coat especially : a member of any of several breeds of muscular medium- to large-sized cats with a short plushy coat
–short-haired adjective

shorthair
adj. American shorthair
colorpoint shorthair
domestic shorthair
exotic shorthair
Oriental shorthair

shorthand
n. 1 : a method of writing rapidly by substituting characters, abbreviations, or symbols for letters, sounds, words, or phrases : STENOGRAPHY
2 : something likened to shorthand especially in providing rapid or abbreviated communication or representation <stereotype and cliché serve a purpose as a form of shorthand ― Stephanie Ericsson> <headline shorthand>
–shorthand adjective

shorthanded
adj. : having, working with, or done with fewer than the regular or necessary number of people

shorthorn
n. : any of a breed of red, roan, white, or red and white beef cattle originating in northern England and including good milk-producing strains ― called also Durham

Shortland Islands
islands W Pacific in the Solomons off S end of Bougainville

shortleaf pine
: a pine (Pinus echinata) chiefly of the southeastern U.S. that has short flexible needles usually in clusters of two and reddish-brown bark also : its yellow wood

shortly
adv. 1 a : in a few words : BRIEFLY b : in an abrupt manner
2 a : in a short time <we will be there shortly> b : at a short interval <shortly after sunset>

shortsighted
adj. 1 : lacking foresight
2 : NEARSIGHTED
–short·sight·ed·ly adverb
–short·sight·ed·ness noun

shortstop
n. 1 : the player position in baseball for defending the infield area on the third-base side of second base
2 : the player stationed in the shortstop position

shortwave
n. 1 : a radio wave having a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters
2 : a radio transmitter or receiver using shortwaves
3 : electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength equal to or less than that of visible light

shorty
n. : one that is short

Shoshone
n. 1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples orig. ranging through California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Shoshones

Shoshone
n. river 120 mi (193 km) NW Wyo. flowing NE into Bighorn River

Shoshone Falls
waterfall 210 ft (64 m) S Idaho in Snake River

Shostakovich
n. Dmi·try \də-'mē-trē\ Dmitriyevich 1906-1975 Soviet (Russ.-born) composer

shot
n. 1 a : an action of shooting b : a directed propelling of a missile specifically : a directed discharge of a firearm c (1) : a stroke or throw in an attempt to score points in a game (as tennis, pool, or basketball) also : HOME RUN (2) : ability to shoot <has the best shot on the team> d : BLAST 5A e : a medical or narcotics injection
2 a plural shot : something propelled by shooting especially : small lead or steel pellets especially forming a charge for a shotgun b : a metal sphere of iron or brass that is heaved in the shot put
3 a : the distance that a missile is or can be thrown b : RANGE, REACH
4 : a charge to be paid : SCOT
5 : one that shoots especially : MARKSMAN
6 a : ATTEMPT, TRY <give it a shot> b : GUESS, CONJECTURE c : CHANCE 4A <a shot at winning the prize> d : a single appearance as an entertainer <did a guest shot for the program>
7 : an effective remark especially : SWIPE 2 <a parting shot>
8 a : a single photographic exposure especially : SNAPSHOT b : a single sequence of a motion picture or a television program shot by one camera without interruption
9 : a charge of explosives
10 a : a small measure or serving (as one ounce) of undiluted liquor or other beverage <vodka shots> <a shot of espresso> b : a small amount applied at one time : DOSE <a shot of fertilizer> <a shot of humor>
11 shot plural : SPRINKLES, JIMMIES
–a shot : for each one : APIECE
–like a shot : very rapidly
–shot in the arm : STIMULUS, BOOST
–shot in the dark
1 : a wild guess
2 : an attempt that has little chance of success

shot
n. past and past part of shoot

shot
n. 1 a of a fabric : having contrasting and changeable color effects : IRIDESCENT b : suffused or streaked with a color <hair shot with gray> c : infused or permeated with a quality or element <shot through with wit>
2 : having the form of pellets resembling shot
3 : reduced to a ruined or useless state <his nerves are shot>

shot
n. wedge shot
angle shot
bank shot
big shot
booster shot
cheap shot
chip shot
combination shot
dolly shot
draw shot
drop shot
dunk shot
establishing shot
follow shot
foul shot
hook shot
jump shot
long shot
by a long shot
moon shot
mug shot
one shot
passing shot
penalty shot
set shot
shot in the dark
shot in the arm
like a shot
a shot
shot clock
shot hole
shot put
shot putter
slap shot
split shot
tracking shot
wood shot
wrist shot
call the shots

shot clock
: a clock in basketball that displays a countdown of the time within which shooting the ball is required

shot hole
1 : a drilled hole in which a charge of dynamite is exploded
2 : the dropping out of small rounded fragments of leaves that produces a shot-riddled appearance and is caused especially by parasitic action

shot in the arm
STIMULUS, BOOST

shot in the dark

1 : a wild guess
2 : an attempt that has little chance of success

shot put
: a field event in which a shot is heaved for distance
–shot-put·ter \'shät-ˌpu̇-tər\ noun

shotgun
n. 1 : a smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges
2 : an offensive football formation in which the quarterback plays a few yards behind the line of scrimmage and the other backs are scattered as flankers or slotbacks
–shotgun transitive verb
–shot·gun·ner \-ˌgə-nər\ noun

shotgun
n. 1 : of, relating to, or using a shotgun
2 : involving coercion
3 : covering a wide field with hit-or-miss effectiveness

shotgun
n. ride shotgun
shotgun house
shotgun shack
shotgun cottage
shotgun marriage
shotgun wedding

shotgun house
: a house in which all the rooms are in direct line with each other usually front to back ― called also shotgun cottage shotgun shack ― compare RAILROAD FLAT

shotgun marriage
1 : a marriage forced or required because of pregnancy ― called also shotgun wedding
2 : a forced union <a spate of brokerage mergers⋯hastily arranged shotgun marriages ― John Brooks>

shotten
: having ejected the spawn and so of inferior food value <shotten herring>

should
v. 1 ― used in auxiliary function to express condition <if he should leave his father, his father would die ― Gen 44:22(RSV)>
2 ― used in auxiliary function to express obligation, propriety, or expediency <'tis commanded I should do so ― Shakespeare> <this is as it should be ― H. L. Savage> <you should brush your teeth after each meal>
3 ― used in auxiliary function to express futurity from a point of view in the past <realized that she should have to do most of her farm work before sunrise ― Ellen Glasgow>
4 ― used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected <with an early start, they should be here by noon>
5 ― used in auxiliary function to express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement <I should suggest that a guide⋯is the first essential ― L. D. Reddick>

shoulder
n. 1 a : the laterally projecting part of the human body formed of the bones and joints with their covering tissue by which the arm is connected with the trunk b : the region of the body of nonhuman vertebrates that corresponds to the shoulder but is less projecting
2 a : the two shoulders and the upper part of the back ― usually used in plural b plural : capacity for bearing a task or blame <placed the guilt squarely on his shoulders>
3 : a cut of meat including the upper joint of the foreleg and adjacent parts ― see LAMB illustration
4 : the part of a garment at the wearer's shoulder
5 : an area adjacent to or along the edge of a higher, more prominent, or more important part: as a (1) : the part of a hill or mountain near the top (2) : a lateral protrusion or extension of a hill or mountain b : either edge of a roadway specifically : the part of a roadway outside of the traveled way
6 : a rounded or sloping part (as of a stringed instrument or a bottle) where the neck joins the body
–shoul·dered \-dərd\ adjective

shoulder
n. transitive verb
1 : to push or thrust with or as if with the shoulder : JOSTLE <shouldered his way through the crowd>
2 a : to place or bear on the shoulder <shouldered her knapsack> b : to assume the burden or responsibility of <shoulder the blame>
intransitive verb : to push with or as if with the shoulders aggressively

shoulder
n. shoulder blade
chip on one's shoulder
cold shoulder
left shoulder arms
right shoulder arms
shoulder bag
shoulder belt
shoulder harness
shoulder board
shoulder girdle
shoulder knot
shoulder patch
shoulder strap
rub shoulders
head and shoulders
red shouldered hawk
round shouldered

shoulder bag
: a handbag looped over the shoulder by a strap

shoulder belt
: an automobile safety belt worn across the torso and over the shoulder ― called also shoulder harness

shoulder blade
: SCAPULA

shoulder board
: one of a pair of broad pieces of stiffened cloth worn on the shoulders of a military uniform and carrying insignia

shoulder girdle
: the bony or cartilaginous arch that supports the forelimbs of a vertebrate ― called also pectoral girdle

shoulder knot
1 : an ornamental knot of ribbon or lace worn on the shoulder in the 17th and 18th centuries
2 : a detachable ornament of braided wire cord worn on ceremonial occasions on the shoulders of a uniform by a commissioned officer

shoulder patch
: a cloth patch bearing an identifying mark and worn on one sleeve of a uniform below the shoulder

shoulder strap
: a strap that passes across the shoulder and holds up an article or garment

shouldest
v. archaic past 2d singular of shall

shouldn't
v. : should not

shouldst
v. archaic past 2d singular of shall

shout
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a sudden loud cry
2 : to command attention as if by shouting <a quality that shouts from good novels ― John Gardner>
transitive verb
1 : to utter in a loud voice
2 : to cause to be, come, or stop by or as if by shouting <shouted himself hoarse> <the proponents shouted down the opposition>
–shout·er noun

shout
n. : a loud cry or call

shout
n. shout out
shout song
shouting distance

shout song
: a rhythmic song sung at religious services especially by black Americans and characterized by responsive singing or shouting between leader and congregation

shout-out
: a brief expression of greeting or praise given especially on a broadcast or audio recording

shouting distance
: a short distance : easy reach ― usually used with within <lived within shouting distance of her cousins>

shove
n. transitive verb
1 : to push along
2 : to push or put in a rough, careless, or hasty manner : THRUST
3 : to force by other than physical means : COMPEL <shove a bill through the legislature>
intransitive verb
1 : to move by forcing a way <bargain hunters shoving up to the counter>
2 a : to move something by exerting force b : LEAVE ― usually used with off <shoved off for home>
–shov·er noun

shove
n. : an act or instance of shoving : a forcible push

shovel
n. 1 a : a hand implement consisting of a broad scoop or a more or less hollowed out blade with a handle used to lift and throw material b : something that resembles a shovel c : an excavating machine especially : a hydraulic diesel-engine driven power shovel
2 : SHOVELFUL

shovel
n. transitive verb
1 : to take up and throw with a shovel
2 : to dig or clean out with a shovel
3 : to throw or convey roughly or in a mass as if with a shovel <shoveled his food into his mouth>
intransitive verb : to use a shovel

shovel
n. pick and shovel
power shovel
shovel hat
shovel nosed
shovel pass
steam shovel

shovel hat
: a shallow-crowned hat with a wide brim curved up at the sides that is worn by some clergymen

shovel pass
: a short underhand pass (as in football)

shovel-nosed
: having a broad flat head, nose, or beak

shoveler
n. 1 : one that shovels
2 : any of several freshwater ducks (genus Anas) that have a large very broad bill and feed by dabbling

shovelful
n. : as much as a shovel will hold

shovelnose
: a shovel-nosed animal and especially a fish

show
transitive verb
1 : to cause or permit to be seen : EXHIBIT <showed pictures of the baby>
2 : to offer for sale <stores were showing new spring suits>
3 : to present as a public spectacle : PERFORM
4 : to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior <showed themselves to be cowards>
5 : to give indication or record of <an anemometer shows wind speed>
6 a : to point out : direct attention to <showed the view from the terrace> b : CONDUCT, USHER <showed me to an aisle seat>
7 : ACCORD, BESTOW <shows them no mercy>
8 a : to set forth : DECLARE b : ALLEGE, PLEAD ― used especially in law <show cause>
9 a : to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning <show a plan to be faulty> b : INFORM, INSTRUCT <showed me how to solve the problem>
10 : to present (an animal) for judging in a show
intransitive verb
1 a : to be or come in view <3:15 showed on the clock> b : to put in an appearance <failed to show>
2 a : to appear in a particular way <anger showed in their faces> b : SEEM, APPEAR
3 a : to give a theatrical performance b : to be staged or presented
4 a : to appear as a contestant b : to present an animal in a show
5 : to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)
6 : to exhibit one's artistic work
–show·able \'shō-ə-bəl\ adjective
–show one's hand also show one's cards
1 : to display one's cards faceup
2 : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's resources
–show one the door : to tell someone to get out also : FIRE 2B
synonyms SHOW, EXHIBIT, DISPLAY, EXPOSE, PARADE, FLAUNT mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. SHOW implies no more than enabling another to see or examine <showed her snapshots to the whole group>. EXHIBIT stresses putting forward prominently or openly <exhibit paintings at a gallery>. DISPLAY emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage <display sale items>. EXPOSE suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying <sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers>. PARADE implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying <parading their piety for all to see>. FLAUNT suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading <nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth>.
synonyms SHOW, MANIFEST, EVIDENCE, EVINCE, DEMONSTRATE mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent. SHOW is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words <careful not to show his true feelings>. MANIFEST implies a plainer, more immediate revelation <manifested musical ability at an early age>. EVIDENCE suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something <a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service>. EVINCE implies a showing by outward marks or signs <evinced not the slightest fear>. DEMONSTRATE implies showing by action or by display of feeling <demonstrated their approval by loud applause>.

show
n. 1 : a demonstrative display <a show of strength>
2 a archaic : outward appearance b : a false semblance : PRETENSE <made a show of friendship> c : a more or less true appearance of something : SIGN d : an impressive display <his role as househusband⋯was purely for show ― John Lahr> e : OSTENTATION
3 : CHANCE 2 <gave him a show in spite of his background>
4 : something exhibited especially for wonder or ridicule : SPECTACLE
5 a : a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales <the national auto show> b : a competitive exhibition of animals (as dogs) to demonstrate quality in breeding
6 a : a theatrical presentation b : a radio or television program c : ENTERTAINMENT 3B(1)
7 : ENTERPRISE, AFFAIR <they ran the whole show>
8 : third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
9 often capitalized : the major leagues in baseball ― used with the

show
n. show one's cards
air show
chat show
dog and pony show
dumb show
floor show
freak show
game show
horror show
horse show
ice show
light show
medicine show
no show
peep show
Punch and Judy show
quiz show
raree show
road show
shadow show
show one the door
show one's hand
show and tell
show bill
show business
show jumping
show jumper
show me
show off
show offy
show ring
show trial
show up
show window
sound and light show
talent show
talk show
trade show
variety show

show bill
: an advertising poster

show business
: the arts, occupations, and businesses (as theater, motion pictures, and television) that comprise the entertainment industry

show jumping
: the competitive riding of horses one at a time over a set course of obstacles in which the winner is judged according to ability and speed
–show jumper noun

show off
: to display proudly <wanted to show our new car off>
intransitive verb : to seek to attract attention by conspicuous behavior <boys showing off for the girls>

show one the door
to tell someone to get out also : FIRE 2B

show one's hand
also show one's cards
1 : to display one's cards faceup
2 : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's resources

show ring
: a ring (as at a cattle show) where animals are displayed

show trial
: a trial (as of political opponents) in which the verdict is rigged and a public confession is often extracted

show up
1 : to expose or discredit especially by revealing faults <showed them up as frauds>
2 : to embarrass or cause to look bad especially by comparison <trying to show up the boss>
3 : REVEAL <showed up my ignorance>
intransitive verb
1 : ARRIVE, APPEAR <showed up late for his own wedding>
2 : to be plainly evident

show window
1 : an outside display window in which a store exhibits merchandise
2 : a sample or setting used to exhibit or illustrate something at its best

show-and-tell
1 : a classroom exercise in which children display an item and talk about it
2 : a public display or demonstration

show-me
: insistent on proof or evidence

show-off
1 : the act of showing off
2 : one that shows off : EXHIBITIONIST
–show-offy \-ˌȯ-fē\ adjective

showbiz
n. : SHOW BUSINESS also : RAZZLE-DAZZLE, FLASH
–show·biz·zy \-ˌbi-zē\ adjective

showboat
n. 1 : a river steamship containing a theater and carrying a troupe of actors to give plays at river communities
2 : one who tries to attract attention by conspicuous behavior

showboat
n. : to behave in a conspicuous or ostentatious manner : SHOW OFF
–show·boat·er noun

showbread
variant of shewbread

showcase
n. 1 : a glazed case, box, or cabinet for displaying and protecting wares in a store or articles in a museum
2 : a setting, occasion, or medium for exhibiting something or someone especially in an attractive or favorable aspect

showcase
n. : to exhibit especially in an attractive or favorable aspect <showcase new talent>

showdown
n. 1 : the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot
2 : a decisive confrontation or contest

shower
n. 1 a : a fall of rain of short duration b : a similar fall of sleet, hail, or snow
2 : something resembling a rain shower <a shower of statistics> especially : a fall of meteors which belong to a single group and whose trails appear to originate at the same point in space
3 : a party given by friends who bring gifts often of a particular kind <a bridal shower>
4 : a bath in which water is showered on the body also : the apparatus that provides a shower
–show·er·less \-ləs\ adjective
–show·ery \'shau̇(-ə)-rē\ adjective
–to the showers : out of the ball game <a pitcher sent to the showers>

shower
n. 1 : to rain or fall in or as if in a shower <letters showered on him in praise and protest>
2 : to bathe in a shower
transitive verb
1 a : to wet (as with water) in a spray, fine stream, or drops b (1) : to cause to fall in a shower <factory chimneys showered soot on the district> (2) : to cause a shower to fall on <showered the newlyweds with rice>
2 : to give in abundance <showered her with honors>
–show·er·er \'shau̇(-ə)r-ər\ noun

shower
n. : one that shows : EXHIBITOR

shower
n. golden shower
shower bath
to the showers

shower bath
: SHOWER 4

showerhead
n. : a fixture for directing the spray of water in a bathroom shower

showgirl
n. : a chorus girl in a musical comedy or nightclub show

showing
n. 1 a : an act or an instance of putting something (as an artist's work) on view : DISPLAY b : the presentation of a motion picture c : SHOW 5 <fashion showings>
2 : PERFORMANCE, RECORD <made a good showing in competition>
3 a : a statement or presentation of a case b : APPEARANCE, EVIDENCE

showman
n. 1 : the producer of a play or theatrical show
2 : a notably spectacular, dramatic, or effective performer
–show·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

showpiece
n. : a prime or outstanding example used for exhibition

showplace
n. : a place (as an estate or building) that is regarded as an example of beauty or excellence

showroom
n. : a room where merchandise is exhibited for sale or where samples are displayed

showstopper
n. 1 : an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2 : something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive <the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition>
3 : one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
–show·stop·ping \-ˌstä-piŋ\ adjective

showtime
n. : the scheduled or actual time at which a show or something likened to a show begins

showy
adj. 1 : making an attractive show : STRIKING <a showy orchid>
2 : given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display
–show·i·ly \'shō-ə-lē\ adverb
–show·i·ness \'shō-ē-nəs\ noun
synonyms SHOWY, PRETENTIOUS, OSTENTATIOUS mean given to excessive outward display. SHOWY implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste <the performers' showy costumes>. PRETENTIOUS implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing <a pretentious parade of hard words>. OSTENTATIOUS stresses vainglorious display or parade <the ostentatious summer homes of the rich>.

shoyu
n. : SOY 1

shp
shaft horsepower

shrank
past of shrink

shrapnel
n. 1 : a projectile that consists of a case provided with a powder charge and a large number of usually lead balls and that is exploded in flight
2 : bomb, mine, or shell fragments

shred
n. 1 a : a long narrow strip cut or torn off b plural : a shredded, damaged, or ruined condition <a reputation torn to shreds>
2 : PARTICLE, SCRAP <not a shred of evidence>

shred
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : to cut off
2 : to cut or tear into shreds <shredded the documents>
3 : DEMOLISH 2 <sharp lawyers shredding hapless witnesses ― Charles Krauthammer>
intransitive verb : to come apart in or break up into shreds
–shred·der noun

shredded wheat
: a breakfast cereal made from cooked partially dried wheat that is shredded and molded into biscuits which are then oven-baked and toasted

Shreveport
n. city NW La. on Red River pop 200,145

shrew
n. 1 : any of a family (Soricidae) of small chiefly nocturnal insectivores related to the moles and distinguished by a long pointed snout, very small eyes, and short velvety fur
2 : an ill-tempered scolding woman
–shrew·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

shrew
n. obsolete : CURSE

shrewd
adj. 1 archaic : MISCHIEVOUS
2 obsolete : ABUSIVE, SHREWISH
3 obsolete : OMINOUS, DANGEROUS
4 a : SEVERE, HARD <a shrewd knock> b : SHARP, PIERCING <a shrewd wind>
5 a : marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen <shrewd common sense> b : given to wily and artful ways or dealing <a shrewd operator>
–shrewd·ly adverb
–shrewd·ness noun
synonyms SHREWD, SAGACIOUS, PERSPICACIOUS, ASTUTE mean acute in perception and sound in judgment. SHREWD stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment <a shrewd judge of character>. SAGACIOUS suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness <sagacious investors got in on the ground floor>. PERSPICACIOUS implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden <a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade>. ASTUTE suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill <an astute player of party politics>.

shrewish
adj. : ILL-NATURED, INTRACTABLE
–shrew·ish·ly adverb
–shrew·ish·ness noun

Shrewsbury
1 \'sh(r)üz-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ town E Mass. pop 31,640
2 \Brit often 'shrōz-\ town W England capital of Shropshire pop 59,826

shri
variant of sri

shriek
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a sharp shrill sound
2 a : to cry out in a high-pitched voice : SCREECH b : to suggest such a cry (as by vividness of expression) <neon colors shrieked for attention ― Calvin Tomkins>
transitive verb
1 : to utter with a shriek <shriek an alarm>
2 : to express in a manner suggestive of a shriek

shriek
n. 1 : a shrill usually wild or involuntary cry
2 : a sound resembling a shriek <the shriek of chalk on the blackboard>

shrieval
adj. chiefly British : of or relating to a sheriff

shrievalty
n. chiefly British : the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of a sheriff

shrieve
archaic variant of shrive

shrift
n. 1 archaic a : a remission of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation b : the act of shriving : CONFESSION
2 obsolete : CONFESSIONAL

shrike
n. : any of numerous usually largely gray or brownish oscine birds (family Laniidae) that have a hooked bill, feed chiefly on insects, and often impale their prey on thorns

shrill
adj. transitive verb : SCREAM
intransitive verb : to utter or emit an acute piercing sound

shrill
adj. 1 a : having or emitting a sharp high-pitched tone or sound : PIERCING b : accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or cries <shrill gaiety>
2 : having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses <shrill light>
3 : STRIDENT, INTEMPERATE <shrill anger> <shrill criticism>
–shrill adverb
–shrill·ness noun
–shril·ly \'shril-lē, esp Southern 'sril-\ adverb

shrill
adj. : a shrill sound <the shrill of the ship's whistle>

shrimp
n. 1 : any of numerous mostly small and marine decapod crustaceans (suborders Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata) having a slender elongated body, a compressed abdomen, and a long spiny rostrum and including some (esp. family Penaeidae) that are commercially important as food also : a small crustacean (as an amphipod or a branchiopod) resembling the true shrimps
2 : a very small or puny person or thing
–shrimp·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–shrimpy \'shrim-pē, 'srim-\ adjective

shrimp
n. : to fish for or catch shrimps

shrimp
n. brine shrimp
fairy shrimp
mantis shrimp
rock shrimp
tiger shrimp

shrimper
n. 1 : a shrimp fisherman
2 : a boat engaged in shrimping

shrine
n. 1 a : a case, box, or receptacle especially : one in which sacred relics (as the bones of a saint) are deposited b : a place in which devotion is paid to a saint or deity : SANCTUARY c : a niche containing a religious image
2 : a receptacle (as a tomb) for the dead
3 : a place or object hallowed by its associations

shrine
n. : ENSHRINE

Shriner
: a member of a secret fraternal society that is non-Masonic but admits only Knights Templars and 32d-degree Masons to membership

shrink
intransitive verb
1 : to contract or curl up the body or part of it : HUDDLE, COWER
2 a : to contract to less extent or compass b : to become smaller or more compacted c : to lose substance or weight d : to lessen in value : DWINDLE
3 a : to recoil instinctively (as from something painful or horrible) <shrank from the challenge> b : to hold oneself back : REFRAIN <did not shrink from telling the truth>
transitive verb : to cause to contract or shrink specifically : to compact (cloth) by causing to contract when subjected to washing, boiling, steaming, or other processes
synonyms see CONTRACT, RECOIL
–shrink·able \'shriŋ-kə-bəl, 'sriŋ-\ adjective
–shrink·er noun

shrink
n. 1 : the act of shrinking
2 : SHRINKAGE
3 [short for headshrinker] : a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist

shrink-wrap
: to wrap (as a book or meat) in tough clear plastic film that is then shrunk (as by heating) to form a tightly fitting package
–shrink-wrap noun

shrinkage
n. 1 : the act or process of shrinking
2 a : the loss in weight of livestock during shipment and in the process of preparing the meat for consumption b : the loss of goods especially by theft <inventory shrinkage>
3 : the amount lost by shrinkage

shrinking violet
: a bashful or retiring person

shrive
v. transitive verb
1 : to administer the sacrament of reconciliation to
2 : to free from guilt
intransitive verb archaic : to confess one's sins especially to a priest

shrivel
v. intransitive verb
1 : to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2 a : to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency b : DWINDLE
transitive verb : to cause to shrivel

shroff
n. : a banker or money changer in the Far East especially : one who tests and evaluates coin

Shropshire
n. : any of a breed of dark-faced hornless sheep of English origin that are raised for both mutton and wool

Shropshire
n. county W England bordering on Wales capital Shrewsbury area 1396 sq mi (3616 sq km), pop 401,600

shroud
n. 1 obsolete : SHELTER, PROTECTION
2 : something that covers, screens, or guards: as a : one of two flanges that give peripheral support to turbine or fan bedding b : a usually fiberglass guard that protects a spacecraft from the heat of launching
3 : burial garment : WINDING-SHEET, CEREMENT
4 a : one of the ropes leading usually in pairs from a ship's mastheads to give lateral support to the masts b : one of the cords that suspend the harness of a parachute from the canopy

shroud
n. 1 a archaic : to cover for protection b obsolete : CONCEAL
2 a : to cut off from view : OBSCURE <trees shrouded by fog> <this point is shrouded in uncertainty ― Henry James> b : to veil under another appearance (as by obscuring or disguising) <shrouded the decision in a series of formalities>
3 : to dress for burial
intransitive verb archaic : to seek shelter

Shrove Tuesday
: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

Shrovetide
n. : the period usually of three days immediately preceding Ash Wednesday

shrub
n. : a low usually several-stemmed woody plant

shrub
n. 1 : an aged blend of fruit juice, sugar, and spirits served chilled and diluted with water
2 : a beverage made by adding acidulated fruit juice to iced water

shrubbery
n. : a planting or growth of shrubs

shrubby
adj. 1 : consisting of or covered with shrubs
2 : resembling a shrub

shrubland
: land on which shrubs are the dominant vegetation

shrug
n. intransitive verb : to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty
transitive verb : to lift or contract (the shoulders) especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty

shrug
n. 1 : an act of shrugging
2 : a woman's small waist-length or shorter jacket

shrug off
1 : to shake off <shrugging off sleep>
2 : to brush aside : MINIMIZE <shrugs off the problem>
3 : to remove (a garment) by wriggling out

shtetl
n. : a small Jewish town or village formerly found in Eastern Europe

shtick
n. 1 : a usually comic or repetitious performance or routine : BIT
2 : one's special trait, interest, or activity : BAG <he's alive and well and now doing his shtick out in Hollywood ― Robert Daley>
–shticky \'shti-kē\ adjective

Shuangliao
city NE China in W Jilin S of Changchun on the Liao

shuck
n. 1 : SHELL, HUSK: as a : the outer covering of a nut or of Indian corn b : the shell of an oyster or clam
2 : something of little value ― usually used in plural <not worth shucks>

shuck
n. 1 : to strip of shucks
2 a : to peel off (as clothing) ― often used with off b : to lay aside ― often used with off <bad habits are being shucked off ― A. W. Smith>
–shuck·er noun

shucks
n. ― used especially to express mild disappointment or embarrassment <shucks, it was nothing>

shudder
n. : to tremble convulsively : SHIVER, QUIVER

shudder
n. : an act of shuddering
–shud·dery \-d(ə-)rē\ adjective

shuffle
n. transitive verb
1 : to mix in a mass confusedly : JUMBLE
2 : to put or thrust aside or under cover <shuffled the whole matter out of his mind>
3 a : to rearrange (as playing cards, dominoes, or tiles) to produce a random order b : to move about, back and forth, or from one place to another : SHIFT <shuffle funds among various accounts>
4 a : to move (as the feet) by sliding along or back and forth without lifting b : to perform (as a dance) with a dragging, sliding step
intransitive verb
1 : to work into or out of trickily <shuffled out of the difficulty>
2 : to act or speak in a shifty or evasive manner
3 a : to move or walk in a sliding dragging manner without lifting the feet b : to dance in a lazy nonchalant manner with sliding and tapping motions of the feet c : to execute in a perfunctory or clumsy manner
4 : to mix playing cards or counters by shuffling
–shuf·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun

shuffle
n. 1 : an evasion of the issue : EQUIVOCATION
2 a : an act of shuffling (as of cards) b : a right or turn to shuffle <it's your shuffle> c : a confusing jumble (as of papers or events) <lost in the shuffle>
3 a : a dragging sliding movement specifically : a sliding or scraping step in dancing b : a dance characterized by such a step c (1) : a rhythm where each beat of the measure is played as a triplet with the first and second parts of the triplet tied and the third part accented (2) : music played in a shuffle rhythm

shuffleboard
n. 1 : a game in which players use long-handled cues to shove disks into scoring areas of a diagram marked on a smooth surface
2 : a diagram on which shuffleboard is played

shul
n. : SYNAGOGUE

Shull
Clifford Glenwood 1915-2001 American physicist

Shultz
George Pratt 1920-     U.S. secy. of labor (1969-70); secy. of the treasury (1972-73); secy. of state (1982-89)

Shumagin
islands SW Alaska S of Alaska Peninsula; largest Unga

shun
v. : to avoid deliberately and especially habitually <shuns publicity>
synonyms see ESCAPE
–shun·ner noun

shunpike
adj. : a side road used to avoid the toll on or the speed and traffic of a superhighway
–shun·pik·er \-ˌpī-kər\ noun
–shun·pik·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

shunt
n. transitive verb
1 a : to turn off to one side : SHIFT <was shunted aside> b : to switch (as a train) from one track to another
2 : to provide with or divert by means of an electrical shunt
3 : to divert (blood) from one part to another by a surgical shunt
4 : SHUTTLE <shunted the missiles from shelter to shelter>
intransitive verb
1 : to move to the side
2 : to travel back and forth <shunted between the two towns>
–shunt·er noun

shunt
n. 1 : a means or mechanism for turning or thrusting aside: as a chiefly British : a railroad switch b : a conductor joining two points in an electrical circuit so as to form a parallel or alternative path through which a portion of the current may pass (as for regulating the amount passing in the main circuit) c : a surgical passage created to divert a bodily fluid (as blood) from one vessel or part to another also : a device (as a narrow tube) used to establish a similar passage
2 chiefly British : an accident (as a collision between two cars) especially in auto racing

shush
v. : to urge to be quiet : HUSH
–shush noun

Shushan
― see SUSA

shut
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to move into position to close an opening <shut the lid> b : to prevent entrance to or passage to or from
2 : to confine by or as if by enclosure <shut herself in her study>
3 : to fasten with a lock or bolt
4 : to close by bringing enclosing or covering parts together <shut the eyes>
5 : to cause to cease or suspend an operation or activity ― often used with down
intransitive verb
1 : to close itself or become closed <flowers that shut at night>
2 : to cease or suspend an operation or activity ― often used with down

shut
adj. 1 : closed, fastened, or folded together
2 : RID, CLEAR, FREE ― usually used with of

shut
adj. : the act of shutting

shut
adj. open and shut
shut down
shut eye
shut in
shut off
shut out
shut up

shut down
: to settle so as to obscure vision : CLOSE IN <the night shut down early>
transitive verb : to make ineffective in competition <shut down the opposition's offensive line>

shut in
1 : CONFINE, ENCLOSE
2 : to prevent production of (oil or gas) by closing down a well

shut off
1 : to close off : SEPARATE ― usually used with from <shut off from the rest of the world>
2 a : to cut off (as flow or passage) : STOP <shuts off the oxygen supply> b : to stop the operation of (as a machine) <shut the motor off>
intransitive verb : to cease operating : STOP <shuts off automatically>

shut out
1 : EXCLUDE
2 : to prevent (an opponent) from scoring in a game or contest
3 : to forestall the bidding of (bridge opponents) by making a high or preemptive bid

shut up
: to cause (a person) to stop talking
intransitive verb : to cease writing or speaking

shut-eye
: SLEEP <get some shut-eye>

shut-in
1 : a person who is confined to home, a room, or bed because of illness or incapacity
2 : a narrow gorge-shaped part of an otherwise wide valley
3 : available oil or gas which is not being produced from an existing well

shut-in
1 : confined to one's home or an institution by illness or incapacity
2 a : SECRETIVE, BROODING <a bitter, shut-in face ― Claudia Cassidy> b : tending to avoid social contact : WITHDRAWN <the shut-in personality type ― S. K. Weinberg>

shutdown
n. : the cessation or suspension of an operation or activity

Shute
Nev·il \'ne-vəl\ 1899-1960 pseud. of Nevil Shute Norway Eng. aeronautical engineer & writer in Australia

shute
variant of chute

shutoff
n. 1 : something (as a valve) that shuts off
2 : STOPPAGE, INTERRUPTION

shutout
n. 1 : a game or contest in which one side fails to score
2 : a preemptive bid in bridge

shutter
n. 1 : one that shuts
2 : a usually movable cover or screen for a window or door
3 : a mechanical device that limits the passage of light especially : a camera component that allows light to enter by opening and closing an aperture
4 : the movable louvers in a pipe organ by which the swell box is opened
–shut·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

shutter
n. 1 : to close by or as if by shutters <corporations shuttering their production plants>
2 : to furnish with shutters

shutterbug
n. : a photography enthusiast

shuttle
n. 1 a : a device used in weaving for passing the thread of the weft between the threads of the warp b : a spindle-shaped device holding the thread in tatting, knotting, or netting c : a sliding thread holder for the lower thread of a sewing machine that carries the lower thread through a loop of the upper thread to make a stitch
2 : SHUTTLECOCK
3 a : a going back and forth regularly over an often short route by a vehicle b (1) : an established route used in a shuttle (2) : a vehicle used in a shuttle <a shuttle bus> c : SPACE SHUTTLE
–shut·tle·less adjective

shuttle
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to move or travel back and forth frequently
2 : to transport in, by, or as if by a shuttle <shuttled them to school>
intransitive verb
1 : to move or travel back and forth frequently
2 : to move by or as if by a shuttle

shuttle diplomacy
: negotiations especially between nations carried on by an intermediary who shuttles back and forth between the disputants

shuttlecock
n. : a lightweight conical object with a rounded often rubber-covered nose that is used in badminton

shuttlecock
n. : to send or toss to and fro : BANDY

Shvernik
Nikolay Mikhaylovich 1888-1970 Soviet polit.; chairman of the Presidium (1946-54)

shy
n. 1 : easily frightened : TIMID
2 : disposed to avoid a person or thing <publicity shy>
3 : hesitant in committing oneself : CIRCUMSPECT
4 : sensitively diffident or retiring : RESERVED also : expressive of such a state or nature <a shy smile>
5 : SECLUDED, HIDDEN
6 : having less than the full or specified amount or number : SHORT <just shy of six feet tall>
7 : DISREPUTABLE <gambling hells and shy saloons ― Blackwood's>
–shy·ly adverb
–shy·ness noun
synonyms SHY, BASHFUL, DIFFIDENT, MODEST, COY mean not inclined to be forward. SHY implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others <shy with strangers>. BASHFUL implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence <a bashful boy out on his first date>. DIFFIDENT stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking <felt diffident about raising an objection>. MODEST suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit <modest about her success>. COY implies a pretended shyness <put off by her coy manner>.

shy
n. 1 : to develop or show a dislike or distaste ― usually used with from or away from <an author who shies away from publicity>
2 : to start suddenly aside through fright or alarm

shy
n. : a sudden start aside (as from fright)

shy
n. intransitive verb : to make a sudden throw
transitive verb : to throw (an object) with a jerk : FLING

shy
n. 1 : the act of shying : TOSS, THROW
2 : a verbal fling or attack
3 : COCKSHY

shylock
n. 1 capitalized : the Jewish usurer and antagonist of Antonio in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
2 : LOAN SHARK

shylock
n. : to lend money at high rates of interest <exposé of systematic thievery⋯shylocking, and murder ― Current Biog.>

Shymkent
city S Kazakhstan N of Tashkent pop 438,800

shyster
n. : a person who is professionally unscrupulous especially in the practice of law or politics : PETTIFOGGER

SI
International System of Units

Si
silicon

Si
― see XI

si
: 2TI

si
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
do si do
do si dos
eppur si muove
si monumentum requiris circumspice
si vis pacem para bellum
si jeunesse savait si vieillesse pouvait
si jeunesse savait si vieillesse pouvait!
si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice

si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait
: if youth only knew, if age only could!

si monumentum requiris, circumspice
: if you seek his monument, look around ― epitaph of Sir Christopher Wren in Saint Paul's, London, of which he was architect(si mo00B7;nu00B7;men00B7;tum re00B7;qui00B7;ris, cir00B7;cum00B7;spi00B7;ce

si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice
: if you seek a beautiful peninsula, look around ― motto of Michigan(
si quae00B7;ris pen00B7;in00B7;su00B7;lam amoe00B7;nam, cir00B7;cum00B7;spi00B7;ce

si vis pacem, para bellum
: if you wish peace, prepare for war

sialagogue
n. : an agent that promotes the flow of saliva

sialic
adj. : of, relating to, or being relatively light rock that is rich in silica and alumina and is typical of the outer layers of the earth

sialic acid
: any of a group of reducing amido acids that are essentially carbohydrates and are found especially as components of blood glycoproteins and mucoproteins

Sialkot
city NE Pakistan NNE of Lahore pop 421,502

Siam
n. ― see THAILAND

Siam, Gulf of
― see THAILAND (Gulf of)

siamang
n. : a black gibbon (Hylobates syndactylus) of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula that is the largest of the gibbons

Siamese
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Thailand, the Thais, or their language
2 : exhibiting great resemblance : very like
3 not capitalized : connecting two or more pipes or hoses so as to permit discharge in a single stream

Siamese
adj. 1 : THAI 2
2 : THAI 3
3 : SIAMESE CAT

Siamese
adj. Siamese cat
Siamese fighting fish
Siamese twin

Siamese cat
: any of a breed of slender blue-eyed short-haired domestic cats of Asian origin with pale fawn or gray body and darker ears, paws, tail, and face and a long wedge-shaped head

Siamese fighting fish
: a brightly colored betta (Betta splendens) that has highly aggressive males and is a popular aquarium fish

Siamese twin
: one of a pair of congenitally united twins

Sian
― see XI'AN

Siangtan
― see XIANGTAN

sib
n. : related by blood : AKIN

sib
n. 1 a : KINDRED, RELATIVES b : a blood relation : KINSMAN
2 : a brother or sister considered irrespective of sex broadly : any plant or animal of a group sharing a degree of genetic relationship corresponding to that of human sibs
3 : a group of persons unilaterally descended from a real or supposed ancestor

Sibelius
Jean \'zhän, 'yän\ 1865-1957 Finn. composer

Siberia
n. region N Asia in Russia extending from the Urals to the Pacific; roughly coextensive with Russia in Asia
–Si·be·ri·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Siberia
n. Siberian husky
Siberian tiger
East Siberian Sea
New Siberian Islands

Siberian husky
: any of a breed of medium-sized thick-coated compact dogs that were developed in Siberia for use as sled dogs and that have erect ears and a bushy tail

Siberian tiger
: a large endangered tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) formerly inhabiting eastern Siberia to Korea but now much restricted in range

sibilance
n. : a sibilant quality or sound

sibilant
n. : having, containing, or producing the sound of or a sound resembling that of the s or the sh in sash <a sibilant affricate> <a sibilant snake>
–sib·i·lant·ly adverb

sibilant
n. : a sibilant speech sound (as English \s\, \z\, \sh\, \zh\, \ch(=tsh)\, or \j(=dzh)\)

sibilate
v. intransitive verb
1 : HISS
2 : to utter an initial sibilant : prefix an \s\-sound
transitive verb
1 : HISS
2 : to pronounce with an initial sibilant : prefix an \s\-sound to
–sib·i·la·tion \ˌsi-bə-'lā-shən\ noun

Sibiu
city W cen Romania in Transylvania pop 155,045

sibling
n. 1 : SIB 2 also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent
2 : one of two or more things related by a common tie or characteristic <the sedan's smaller sibling>

sibling species
: one of two or more species that are nearly indistinguishable morphologically

Sibuyan Sea
body of water cen Philippines bounded by Mindoro, S Luzon, & the Visayan Islands

sibyl
n. 1 : any of several prophetesses usually accepted as 10 in number and credited to widely separate parts of the ancient world (as Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, and Italy)
2 a : PROPHETESS b : FORTUNE-TELLER
–si·byl·ic or si·byl·lic \sə-'bi-lik\ adjective
–sib·yl·line \'si-bə-ˌlīn, -ˌlēn\ adjective

sic
v. chiefly Scottish variant of such

sic
v. 1 : CHASE, ATTACK ― usually used as a command especially to a dog <sic 'em>
2 : to incite or urge to an attack, pursuit, or harassment : SET <sicced their lawyers on me>

sic
v. : intentionally so written ― used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is intended exactly as printed or to indicate that it exactly reproduces an original <said he seed [sic] it all>

sic
v. sic passim
et sic de similibus
sic itur ad astra
sic semper tyrannis
sic transit gloria mundi
anointing of the sick
call in sick
sick and tired
sick bay
sick building syndrome
sick call
sick day
sick headache
sick leave
sick out
sick pay

sic itur ad astra
: thus one goes to the stars : such is the way to immortality

sic passim
: so throughout ― used of a word or idea to be found throughout a book or a writer's work

sic semper tyrannis
: thus ever to tyrants ― motto of Virginia

sic transit gloria mundi
: so passes away the glory of the world

Sichuan
n. variant of szechuan

Sichuan
n. province SW China capital Chengdu area 219,691 sq mi (571,197 sq km), pop 107,218,173

Sicily
n. island S Italy in the Mediterranean; a region capital Palermo area 9925 sq mi (25,706 sq km), pop 5,076,700
–Si·cil·ian \sə-'sil-yən\ adjective or noun

sick
n. 1 a (1) : affected with disease or ill health : AILING (2) : of, relating to, or intended for use in sickness <sick pay> <a sick ward> b : QUEASY, NAUSEATED <sick to one's stomach> <was sick in the car> c : undergoing menstruation
2 : spiritually or morally unsound or corrupt
3 a : sickened by strong emotion <sick with fear> <worried sick> b : having a strong distaste from surfeit : SATIATED <sick of flattery> c : filled with disgust or chagrin <gossip makes me sick> d : depressed and longing for something <sick for one's home>
4 a : mentally or emotionally unsound or disordered : MORBID <sick thoughts> b : highly distasteful : MACABRE, SADISTIC <sick jokes> <a sick crime>
5 : lacking vigor : SICKLY: as a : badly outclassed <made the competition look sick> b : incapable of producing profitable yields of a crop <sick soils>
–sick·ly adverb

sick
n. British : VOMIT 1

sick
n. anointing of the sick
call in sick
sick and tired
sick bay
sick building syndrome
sick call
sick day
sick headache
sick leave
sick out
sick pay

sick and tired
: thoroughly fatigued or bored also : FED UP

sick bay
: a compartment in a ship used as a dispensary and hospital broadly : a place for the care of the sick or injured

sick building syndrome
: a set of symptoms (as headache, fatigue, and eye irritation) typically affecting workers in modern airtight office buildings that is believed to be caused by indoor pollutants (as formaldehyde fumes or microorganisms) ― compare MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY

sick call
: a scheduled time at which individuals (as soldiers) may report as sick to the medical officer

sick day
: a paid day of sick leave

sick headache
: MIGRAINE

sick leave
1 : an absence from work permitted because of illness
2 : the number of days per year for which an employer agrees to pay employees who are sick

sick pay
: salary or wages paid to an employee while on sick leave

sick-out
: an organized absence from work by workers on the pretext of sickness

sickbed
n. : the bed on which one lies sick

sicken
v. intransitive verb
1 : to become sick
2 : to become weary or satiated
transitive verb
1 : to make sick
2 : to cause revulsion in <their prejudice sickens me>
–sick·en·er \'si-kə-nər, 'sik-nər\ noun

sickening
adj. : causing sickness or disgust <a sickening odor> <a sickening display>
–sick·en·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

sicker
adj. chiefly Scottish : SECURE, SAFE also : DEPENDABLE
–sicker adverb chiefly Scottish
–sick·er·ly adverb chiefly Scottish

sickie
n. : SICKO

sickish
adj. 1 archaic : somewhat ill : SICKLY
2 : somewhat nauseated : QUEASY
3 : somewhat sickening <a sickish odor>
–sick·ish·ly adverb
–sick·ish·ness noun

sickle
n. 1 : an agricultural implement consisting of a curved metal blade with a short handle fitted on a tang
2 : the cutting mechanism (as of a reaper, combine, or mower) consisting of a bar with a series of cutting elements

sickle
n. : having the form of a sickle blade : having a curve similar to that of a sickle blade <the sickle moon>

sickle
n. transitive verb
1 : to mow or reap with a sickle
2 : to change (a red blood cell) into a sickle cell
intransitive verb : to change into a sickle cell <the ability of red blood cells to sickle>

sickle
n. hammer and sickle
sickle cell
sickle cell anemia
sickle cell disease
sickle cell trait

sickle cell
: an abnormal red blood cell of crescent shape

sickle-cell anemia
: a chronic inherited anemia that occurs primarily in individuals of African, Mediterranean, or southwest Asian ancestry who are homozygous for the gene controlling hemoglobin S and that is characterized especially by episodic blocking of small blood vessels by sickle cells ― called also sickle-cell disease

sickle-cell trait
: an inherited usually asymptomatic blood condition in which some red blood cells tend to sickle but usually not enough to produce anemia and that occurs primarily in individuals of African, Mediterranean, or southwest Asian ancestry who are heterozygous for the gene controlling hemoglobin S

sicklemia
n. : SICKLE-CELL TRAIT

sickly
adj. 1 : somewhat unwell also : habitually ailing
2 : produced by or associated with sickness <a sickly complexion> <a sickly appetite>
3 : producing or tending to produce disease : UNWHOLESOME <a sickly climate>
4 a : appearing as if sick b : lacking in vigor : WEAK <a sickly plant>
5 : SICKENING <a sickly odor>
–sick·li·ness noun

sickly
adj. : to make sick or sickly

sickness
n. 1 a : ill health : ILLNESS b : a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition
2 : a specific disease
3 : NAUSEA, QUEASINESS

sickness
n. car sickness
altitude sickness
decompression sickness
milk sickness
morning sickness
motion sickness
mountain sickness
radiation sickness
serum sickness
sleeping sickness

sicko
n. : a person who is mentally or morally sick
–sicko adjective

sickroom
n. : a room in which a person is confined by sickness

sicut patribus sit Deus nobis
: as to our fathers may God be to us ― motto of Boston

Sicyon
ancient city S Greece in NE Peloponnese NW of Corinth

SID
n. sports information director

Siddhartha Gautama
ca 563-ca 483 B.C. The Bud·dha \'bü-də, 'bu̇-\ Indian philos. & founder of Buddhism

Siddons
Sarah 1755-1831 née Kemble Eng. actress

siddur
n. : a Jewish prayer book containing liturgies for daily, Sabbath, and holiday observances

side
n. 1 a : the right or left part of the wall or trunk of the body <a pain in the side> b (1) : one of the halves of the animal body on either side of the median plane (2) : a cut of meat including that about the ribs of one half of the body ― used chiefly of smoked pork products c : one longitudinal half of a hide
2 : a place, space, or direction with respect to a center or to a line of division (as of an aisle, river, or street)
3 a : one of the longer bounding surfaces or lines of an object especially contrasted with the ends <the side of a barn> b : a line or surface forming a border or face of an object <a die has six sides> <the back side of the moon> c : either surface of a thin object <one side of a record> <right side of the cloth> d : a bounding line of a geometric figure <side of a triangle>
4 a : the space beside one <stood by my side> b : an area next to something ― usually used in combination <a poolside interview>
5 : a slope (as of a hill) considered as opposed to another slope <the far side of the hill>
6 a : the attitude or activity of one person or group with respect to another : PART <there was no malice on my side> b : a position that is opposite to or contrasted with another <two sides to every question> <came down on the side of law and order> c : a body of partisans or contestants <victory for neither side> d : TEAM 4A <11 players on each side> also : the players on a baseball team batting in an inning <struck out the side>
7 : a line of descent traced through one's parent <grandfather on his mother's side>
8 : an aspect or part of something contrasted with some other real or implied aspect or part <the better side of his nature> <the sales side of the business> <the seasoning is a bit on the heavy side>
9 British : sideways spin imparted to a billiard or snooker ball
10 : a sheet containing the lines and cues for a single theatrical role
11 : a recording of music
12 : a side order or dish <a side of fries>
–on the side
1 : in addition to the main portion
2 : in addition to a principal occupation
3 : secretly outside of one's marriage or romantic relationship <seeing another woman on the side>
–this side of : short of : ALMOST <an attitude just this side of scandalous>

side
n. 1 a : situated on the side <side window> b : of or relating to the side
2 a : directed toward or from the side <side thrust> <side wind> b : INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT <side issue> <side remark> c : made on the side <side payment> d : additional to the main portion <a side order of french fries>

side
n. transitive verb
1 : to agree with : SUPPORT
2 : to be side by side with
3 : to set or put aside : clear away <side the dishes>
4 : to furnish with sides or siding <side a house>
intransitive verb : to take sides : join or form sides <sided with the rebels>

side
n. chiefly British : swaggering or arrogant manner : PRETENTIOUSNESS

side
n. blind side
demand side
on the far side of
flip side
gospel side
initial side
prompt side
this side of
on the side
side bearing
side by side
side chain
side chair
side dish
side dress
side dressing
side drum
side effect
side reaction
side glance
side horse
side out
side road
side scan sonar
side step
side street
side table
side wheel
side wheeler
side whiskers
side whiskered
strong side
sunny side up
supply side
terminal side
weak side
wrong side of the tracks
split one's sides
many sided
one sided
slab sided
two sided

side bearing
: the space provided at each side of a typeset letter to prevent its touching adjoining letters

side by side
1 : beside one another <walking side by side>
2 : in the same place, time, or circumstance <lived peacefully side by side for many years>
–side-by-side adjective

side chain
: a shorter chain or group of atoms attached to a principal chain or to a ring in a molecule

side chair
: a chair without arms used usually in a dining room

side dish
: a food served separately along with the main course

side drum
: SNARE DRUM

side effect
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug) <toxic side effects> ― called also side reaction

side horse
: POMMEL HORSE

side road
: a smaller road off a main road

side step
1 : a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)
2 : a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)

side street
: a street joining and often terminated by a main thoroughfare

side table
: a table designed to be placed against a wall

side-dress
: to place plant nutrients on or in the soil near the roots of (a growing crop)

side-dressing
: plant nutrients (as fertilizer) used to side-dress a crop

side-glance
1 : a glance directed to the side
2 : a passing allusion : an indirect or slight reference

side-out
: the termination of a team's right to serve (as in volleyball)

side-scan sonar
: a sonar that scans the ocean floor to the side of a ship's track and is used especially for mapping the ocean bottom

side-wheel
: of or being a steamer having a paddle wheel on each side
–side-wheel·er \-ˌhwē-lər, -ˌwē-\ noun

side-whiskers
: whiskers on the side of the face usually worn long
–side-whis·kered \-kərd\ adjective

sidearm
n. : a weapon (as a sword, revolver, or bayonet) worn at the side or in the belt

sidearm
n. : of, relating to, using, or being a throw (as in baseball) in which the arm is not raised above the shoulder and the ball is thrown with a sideways sweep of the arm between shoulder and hip <sidearm delivery> <a sidearm pass>
–sidearm adverb

sideband
n. : the band of frequencies (as of radio waves) on either side of the carrier frequency produced by modulation

sidebar
n. 1 a : a short news story or graphic accompanying and presenting sidelights of a major story b : something incidental : SIDELIGHT <a sidebar to the essay's central theme>
2 : a conference between the judge, the lawyers, and sometimes the parties to a case that the jury does not hear

sideboard
n. 1 : a piece of dining-room furniture having compartments and shelves for holding articles of table service
2 sideboards plural British : SIDEBURNS

sideburns
n. 1 : SIDE-WHISKERS
2 : continuations of the hairline in front of the ears
–side·burned \-ˌbərnd\ adjective

sidecar
n. 1 : a car attached to the side of a motorcycle for a passenger
2 : a cocktail consisting of a liqueur with lemon juice and brandy

sided
adj. : having sides often of a specified number or kind <one-sided> <glass-sided>
–sid·ed·ness noun

sided
adj. many sided
one sided
slab sided
two sided
many sidedness
one sidedness

sidehill
n. : HILLSIDE
–sidehill adjective

sidekick
n. : a person closely associated with another as a subordinate or partner

sidelight
n. 1 a : light coming or produced from the side b : incidental light or information
2 : the red light on the port bow or the green light on the starboard bow carried by ships under way at night

sideline
n. 1 : a line at right angles to a goal line or end line and marking a side of a court or field of play for athletic games
2 a : a line of goods sold in addition to one's principal line b : a business or activity pursued in addition to one's regular occupation
3 a : the space immediately outside the lines along either side of an athletic field or court b : a sphere of little or no participation or activity ― usually used in plural

sideline
n. : to put out of action : put on the sidelines

sideliner
n. : one that remains on the sidelines during an activity : one that does not participate

sideling
adj. archaic : in a sidelong direction : SIDEWAYS

sideling
adj. 1 archaic : directed toward one side : OBLIQUE
2 archaic : having an inclination : SLOPING <sideling ground>

sidelong
adj. 1 : SIDEWAYS, OBLIQUELY
2 archaic : on the side

sidelong
adj. 1 : lying or inclining to one side : SLANTING
2 a : directed to one side <sidelong looks> b : indirect rather than straightforward

sideman
n. : a member of a band or orchestra and especially of a jazz or swing orchestra

sidepiece
n. : a piece forming or contained in the side of something <the sidepiece of a carriage>

sider
: iron <hemosiderin> <siderolite>

sider
: one placed or living in a usually specified side (as a section of the city) <an east-sider>

sidereal
adj. : of, relating to, or expressed in relation to stars or constellations : ASTRAL

sidereal
adj. sidereal day
sidereal hour
sidereal minute
sidereal month
sidereal second
sidereal time
sidereal year

sidereal day
: the interval between two successive transits of a point on the celestial sphere (as the vernal equinox) over the upper meridian of a place : 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.1 seconds of mean time

sidereal hour
: the 24th part of a sidereal day

sidereal minute
: the 60th part of a sidereal hour

sidereal month
: the mean time of the moon's revolution in its orbit with reference to a star's position : 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes, 11.5 seconds of mean time

sidereal second
: the 60th part of a sidereal minute

sidereal time
1 : time based on the sidereal day
2 : the hour angle of the vernal equinox at a place

sidereal year
: the time in which the earth completes one revolution in its orbit around the sun measured with respect to the fixed stars : 365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes, and 9.5 seconds of mean time

siderite
n. : a native ferrous carbonate FeCO_3 that is a valuable iron ore

siderite
n. : a nickel-iron meteorite

siderolite
: a stony iron meteorite

sidesaddle
n. : a saddle for women in which the rider sits with both legs on one side of the horse
–sidesaddle adverb

sideshow
n. 1 : a minor show offered in addition to a main exhibition (as of a circus)
2 : an incidental diversion or spectacle

sideslip
n. 1 : to skid or slide sideways
2 : to slide sideways through the air in a downward direction in an airplane along an inclined lateral axis
–sideslip noun

sidespin
: a rotary motion that causes a ball to revolve horizontally

sidesplitting
adj. : extremely funny <a sidesplitting comedy>
–side·split·ting·ly adverb

sidestep
v. 1 : BYPASS, EVADE <sidestep a question>
2 : to move out of the way of : AVOID <sidestep a blow>
intransitive verb
1 : to take a side step
2 : to avoid an issue or decision
–side·step·per noun

sidestream
: relating to or being tobacco smoke that is emitted from the lighted end of a cigarette or cigar

sidestroke
n. : a swimming stroke which is executed on the side and in which the arms are swept in separate strokes towards the feet and downward and the legs do a scissors kick

sideswipe
n. : to strike with a glancing blow along the side <sideswiped a parked car>

sideswipe
n. 1 a : the action of sideswiping b : an instance of sideswiping : a glancing blow
2 : an incidental deprecatory remark, allusion, or reference

sidetrack
n. 1 : SIDING 2
2 : a position or condition of secondary importance to which one may be diverted

sidetrack
n. 1 : to shunt aside (as to a railroad siding)
2 a : to turn aside from a purpose : DEFLECT b : to prevent action on by diversionary tactics <sidetrack an issue>

sidewalk
n. : a usually paved walk for pedestrians at the side of a street

sidewalk superintendent
: a spectator at a building or demolition job

sidewall
n. 1 : a wall forming the side of something
2 : the side of an automotive tire between the tread shoulder and the rim bead

sideward
adv. : toward a side

sideway
n. : SIDEWAYS

sideways
adj. 1 : from one side
2 : with one side forward <turn sideways>
3 a : in a lateral direction or downward to one side <hopped sideways> <slump sideways> b : ASKANCE <look sideways at someone>

sidewinder
n. 1 : a heavy swinging blow from the side
2 : a small pale-colored desert rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) of the southwestern U.S. that moves by thrusting its body diagonally forward in a series of flat S-shaped curves

sidewise
adv. : SIDEWAYS

Sidi
Sidi Barrani
Sidi Barrâni
Sidi Bel Abbes
Sidi Bel Abbès

Sidi Barrani
village NW Egypt on coast

Sidi Bel Abbes
commune NW Algeria pop 152,778

siding
n. 1 archaic : the taking of sides : PARTISANSHIP
2 : a short railroad track connected with the main track
3 : material (as boards or metal or plastic pieces) forming the exposed surface of outside walls of frame buildings

sidle
v. intransitive verb : to go or move with one side foremost especially in a furtive advance
transitive verb : to cause to move or turn sideways
–sidle noun

Sidney
n. Sir Philip 1554-1586 Eng. poet, statesman, & soldier

Sidon
city & port SW Lebanon; a chief city of ancient Phoenicia
–Si·do·ni·an \sī-'dō-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Sidra, Gulf of
inlet of the Mediterranean on coast of Libya

SIDS
sudden infant death syndrome

Siebengebirge
hills W Germany on right bank of the Rhine SSE of Bonn ― see DRACHENFELS

Siegbahn
Kai Manne 1918-     Swed. physicist

Siegbahn
Karl Manne Georg 1886-1978 father of prec. Swed. physicist

siege
n. 1 obsolete : a seat of distinction : THRONE
2 a : a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender b : a persistent or serious attack (as of illness)
–siege transitive verb
–lay siege to
1 : to besiege militarily
2 : to pursue diligently or persistently

siege
n. lay siege to
siege mentality
Siege Perilous

siege mentality
: a defensive or overly fearful attitude

Siege Perilous
: a seat at King Arthur's Round Table reserved for the knight destined to achieve the quest of the Holy Grail and fatal to any other occupying it

Siegfried
n. : a hero in Germanic legend who slays a dragon guarding a gold hoard and wakes Brunhild from her enchanted sleep

Siegfried line
: a line of German defensive fortifications facing the Maginot Line

Siemens
n. Sir William 1823-1883 Brit. (Ger.-born) inventor

siemens
n. : a unit of conductance in the meter-kilogram-second system equivalent to one ampere per volt

Siena
n. commune cen Italy in Tuscany pop 54,366
–Si·en·ese or Si·en·nese \ˌsē-ə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Sienkiewicz
Henryk 1846-1916 pseud. Litwas Pol. nov.

sienna
n. : an earthy substance containing oxides of iron and usually of manganese that is brownish yellow when raw and orange red or reddish brown when burnt and is used as a pigment

Sierra
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter s

sierra
n. 1 a : a range of mountains especially with a serrated or irregular outline b : the country about a sierra
2 : any of several large scombroid fishes (genus Scomberomorus) related to the mackerel

sierra
n. Sierra Nevada de Mérida
High Sierra
Sierra Blanca Peak
Sierra de Gredos
Sierra de Guadarrama
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leonean
Sierra Madre del Sur
Sierra Madre Occidental
Sierra Madre Oriental
Sierra Morena
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada de Merida
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Sierra Vista

Sierra Blanca Peak
mountain 12,003 ft (3658 m) S cen N.Mex. in Sierra Blanca Range of the Sacramento Mountains

Sierra de Gredos
mountain range W cen Spain, SW extension of Sierra de Guadarrama; highest peak Plaza de Almanzor ab 8500 ft (2591 m)

Sierra de Guadarrama
mountain range cen Spain; highest peak Pico de Peñalara 7970 ft (2429 m)

Sierra Leone
country W Africa on the Atlantic; a dominion of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Freetown area 27,699 sq mi (71,740 sq km), pop 4,491,000
–Sierra Le·on·ean \-'ō-nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Sierra Madre del Sur
mountain range S Mexico along Pacific coast in Guerrero & Oaxaca

Sierra Madre Occidental
mountain range NW Mexico parallel to the Pacific coast

Sierra Madre Oriental
mountain range E Mexico parallel to coast of Gulf of Mexico

Sierra Morena
mountain range SW Spain bet. the Guadiana & the Guadalquivir; highest peak Estrella 4339 ft (1322 m)

Sierra Nevada
n. 1 mountain range E Calif. extending into W Nev. ― see WHITNEY (Mount)
2 mountain range S Spain; highest peak Mulhacén ab 11,410 ft (3478 m)

Sierra Nevada de Merida
n. ― see CORDILLERA DE MÉRIDA

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
n. mountain range N Colombia on Caribbean coast

Sierra Vista
v. city SE Ariz. SE of Tucson pop 37,775

Sierran
: a native or inhabitant of the region around the Sierra Nevada Mountains

sierran
1 : of or relating to a sierra <sierran foothills>
2 capitalized : of or relating to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of the western U.S.

siesta
n. : an afternoon nap or rest

sieva bean
: a bean plant (Phaseolus lunatus) of tropical America that is closely related to and sometimes classified with the lima bean also : its flat edible seed

sieve
n. : a device with meshes or perforations through which finer particles of a mixture (as of ashes, flour, or sand) of various sizes may be passed to separate them from coarser ones, through which the liquid may be drained from liquid-containing material, or through which soft materials may be forced for reduction to fine particles

sieve
n. : SIFT

sieve
n. molecular sieve
sieve of Eratosthenes
sieve plate
sieve tube

sieve of Eratosthenes
: a procedure for finding prime numbers that involves writing down the odd numbers from 2 up in succession and crossing out every third number after 3, every fifth after 5 including those already crossed out, every seventh after 7, and so on with the numbers that are never crossed out being prime

sieve plate
: a perforated wall or part of a wall at the end of one of the individual cells making up a sieve tube

sieve tube
: a tube consisting of an end-to-end series of thin-walled living plant cells characteristic of the phloem and held to function chiefly in translocation of organic solutes

sievert
n. : an SI unit for the dosage of ionizing radiation equal to 100 rems

Sieyes
Emmanuel-Joseph 1748-1836 Fr. revolutionary

sifaka
n. : any of several diurnal mostly black-and-white lemurs (genus Propithecus) with a long tail and silky fur

sift
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put through a sieve <sift flour> b : to separate or separate out by or as if by putting through a sieve
2 : to go through especially to sort out what is useful or valuable <sifted the evidence> ― often used with through <sift through a pile of old letters>
3 : to scatter by or as if by sifting <sift sugar on a cake>
intransitive verb
1 : to use a sieve
2 : to pass or fall as if through a sieve
–sift·er noun

sifting
n. 1 : the act or process of sifting
2 plural : sifted material

SIG
special interest group

Sig
signa

sig
signature

sigh
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take a deep audible breath (as in weariness or relief)
2 : to make a sound like sighing <wind sighing in the branches>
3 : GRIEVE, YEARN <sighing for days gone by>
transitive verb
1 : to express by sighs
2 archaic : to utter sighs over : MOURN
–sigh·er \'sī(-ə)r\ noun

sigh
n. 1 : an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing an emotion or feeling (as weariness or relief)
2 : the sound of gently moving or escaping air <sighs of the summer breeze>

sight
n. 1 : something that is seen : SPECTACLE
2 a : a thing regarded as worth seeing ― usually used in plural <the sights of the city> b : something ludicrous or disorderly in appearance <you look a sight>
3 a chiefly dialect : a great number or quantity b : a good deal : LOT <a far sight better> <not by a damn sight>
4 a : the process, power, or function of seeing specifically : the physical sense by which light stimuli received by the eye are interpreted by the brain and constructed into a representation of the position, shape, brightness, and usually color of objects in space b : mental or spiritual perception c : mental view specifically : JUDGMENT
5 a : the act of looking at or beholding b : INSPECTION, PERUSAL c : VIEW, GLIMPSE d : an observation to determine direction or position (as by a navigator)
6 a : a perception of an object by or as if by the eye <never lost sight of the objective> b : the range of vision <was nowhere in sight>
7 : presentation of a note or draft to the maker or draftee : DEMAND
8 a : a device that aids the eye in aiming or in finding the direction of an object b plural : ASPIRATION <set her sights on a medical career>
–in sight : at or within a reasonable distance or time
–on sight : as soon as seen <ordered to shoot on sight>
–out of sight
1 : beyond comparison
2 : beyond all expectation or reason
3 ― used as a generalized expression of approval
–sight for sore eyes : one whose appearance or arrival is an occasion for joy or relief

sight
n. 1 : to get or catch sight of <several whales were sighted>
2 : to look at through or as if through a sight especially : to test for straightness
3 : to aim by means of sights
4 a : to equip with sights b : to adjust the sights of
intransitive verb
1 : to take aim
2 : to look carefully in a particular direction

sight
n. 1 : based on recognition or comprehension without previous study <sight translation>
2 : payable on presentation <a sight draft>

sight
n. line of sight
open sight
out of sight
peep sight
second sight
short sight
sight for sore eyes
on sight
in sight
sight gag
sight hound
sight line
sight read
sight reader
sight rhyme
sight unseen
set one's sights on
clear sighted
long sighted
sharp sighted

sight for sore eyes
one whose appearance or arrival is an occasion for joy or relief

sight gag
: a comic bit or episode whose effect is produced by pantomime or camera shot rather than by words

sight hound
: a hound (as a greyhound) that hunts and pursues game by sight rather than by scent ― compare SCENT HOUND

sight line
: a line extending from an observer's eye to a viewed object or area (as a stage) <a theater with excellent sight lines>

sight rhyme
: EYE RHYME

sight unseen
: without inspection or appraisal

sight-read
transitive verb : to read (as a foreign language) or perform (music) without previous preparation or study
intransitive verb : to read at sight especially : to perform music at sight
–sight reader noun

sighted
adj. : having sight <clear-sighted> <a sighted person>

sighted
adj. clear sighted
long sighted
sharp sighted

sightedness
n. clear sightedness
long sightedness
sharp sightedness

sightless
adj. 1 : lacking sight : BLIND
2 : INVISIBLE 1
–sight·less·ly adverb
–sight·less·ness noun

sightly
adj. 1 : pleasing to the sight : ATTRACTIVE
2 : affording a fine view
–sight·li·ness noun
–sightly adverb

sightsee
v. : to go about seeing sights of interest
–sight·seer \-ˌsē-ər, -ˌsir\ noun

sightseeing
n. : devoted to or used for seeing sights
–sightseeing noun

sigil
n. 1 : SEAL, SIGNET
2 : a sign, word, or device held to have occult power in astrology or magic

SIGINT
n. : intelligence obtained through the interception of transmission signals

Sigismund
1368-1437 Holy Rom. emp. (1433-37)

sigma
n. 1 : the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : STANDARD DEVIATION

sigmoid
adj. 1 a : curved like the letter C b : curved in two directions like the letter S
2 : of, relating to, or being the sigmoid colon
–sig·moi·dal·ly \sig-'mȯi-dəl-ē\ adverb

sigmoid colon
: the contracted and crooked part of the colon immediately above the rectum ― called also sigmoid flexure

sigmoidoscope
n. : an endoscope designed to be passed through the anus for visual examination especially of the sigmoid colon
–sig·moid·o·scop·ic \-ˌmȯi-də-'skä-pik\ adjective
–sig·moid·os·co·py \-ˌmȯi-'däs-kə-pē\ noun

sign
n. 1 a : a motion or gesture by which a thought is expressed or a command or wish made known b : SIGNAL 2A c : a fundamental linguistic unit that designates an object or relation or has a purely syntactic function <signs include words, morphemes, and punctuation> d : one of a set of gestures used to represent language also : SIGN LANGUAGE
2 : a mark having a conventional meaning and used in place of words or to represent a complex notion
3 : one of the 12 divisions of the zodiac
4 a (1) : a character (as a flat or sharp) used in musical notation (2) : SEGNO b : a character (as ÷) indicating a mathematical operation also : one of two characters + and - that form part of the symbol of a number and characterize it as positive or negative
5 a : a display (as a lettered board or a configuration of neon tubing) used to identify or advertise a place of business or a product b : a posted command, warning, or direction c : SIGNBOARD
6 a : something material or external that stands for or signifies something spiritual b : something indicating the presence or existence of something else <signs of success> <a sign of the times> c : PRESAGE, PORTENT <signs of an early spring> d : an objective evidence of plant or animal disease
7 plural usually sign : traces of a usually wild animal <red fox sign>
synonyms SIGN, MARK, TOKEN, NOTE, SYMPTOM mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. SIGN applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason <encouraging signs for the economy>. MARK suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance <a mark of a good upbringing>. TOKEN applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible <this gift is a token of our esteem>. NOTE suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic <a note of irony in her writing>. SYMPTOM suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition <rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay>.

sign
n. transitive verb
1 a : CROSS 2 b : to place a sign on or mark by signs <sign a trail> c : to represent or indicate by a sign
2 a : to affix a signature to : ratify or attest by hand or seal <sign a bill into law> <sign a confession> b : to assign or convey formally <signed over his property to his brother> c : to write down (one's name) d : to affix one's name to <a signed review>
3 : to communicate by making a sign or by sign language
4 : to engage or hire by securing the signature of on a contract of employment ― often used with up or on
intransitive verb
1 : to write one's name in token of assent, responsibility, or obligation <signed for the packages> <signed with the team for one season>
2 a : to make a sign or signal b : to use sign language
–sign·ee \ˌsī-'nē\ noun
–sign·er \'sī-nər\ noun

sign
n. American Sign Language
at sign
Babinski sign
call sign
division sign
dollar sign
equal sign
equals sign
equality sign
high sign
Indian sign
minus sign
multiplication sign
peace sign
plus/minus sign
plus sign
pound sign
radical sign
re sign
sign in
sign language
sign of aggregation
sign off
sign of the cross
sign on
sign out
sign up
times sign
V sign
vital signs

sign in
: to make a record of arrival by signing a register or punching a time clock
transitive verb : to record arrival of (a person) or receipt of (an article) by signing

sign language
1 : a formal language employing a system of hand gestures for communication (as by the deaf)
2 : an unsystematic method of communicating chiefly by manual gestures used by people speaking different languages

sign of aggregation

circa 1942
: any of various conventional devices (as braces, brackets, parentheses, or vinculums) used in mathematics to indicate that two or more terms are to be treated as one quantity

sign of the cross

14th century
: a gesture of the hand forming a cross especially on forehead, breast, and shoulders to profess Christian faith or invoke divine protection or blessing

sign off
1 : to announce the end of something (as a message or broadcast)
2 : to approve or acknowledge something by or as if by a signature <sign off on a memo>
–sign-off \'sī-ˌnȯf\ noun

sign on
1 : to engage oneself by or as if by a signature <signed on to the new project>
2 : to announce the start of broadcasting for the day
–sign-on \'sī-ˌnȯn, -ˌnän\ noun

sign out
: to indicate departure by signing a register
transitive verb : to record or approve the release or departure of <signed out the library books for a week>
–sign-out \'sī-ˌnau̇t\ noun or adjective

sign up
: to sign one's name (as to a contract) in order to obtain, do, or join something <sign up for insurance> <sign up for classes>
–sign-up \'sī-ˌnəp\ noun or adjective

signa
v. : write on label

signage
n. : signs (as of identification, warning, or direction) or a system of such signs

signal
n. 1 : SIGN, INDICATION
2 a : an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action b : something that incites to action
3 : something (as a sound, gesture, or object) that conveys notice or warning
4 a : an object used to transmit or convey information beyond the range of human voice b : the sound or image conveyed in telegraphy, telephony, radio, radar, or television c : a detectable physical quantity or impulse (as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted

signal
transitive verb
1 : to notify by a signal <signal the fleet to turn back>
2 a : to communicate or indicate by or as if by signals <signaled the end of an era> b : to constitute a characteristic feature of (a meaningful linguistic form)
intransitive verb : to make or send a signal
–sig·nal·er or sig·nal·ler noun

signal
n. : distinguished from the ordinary : NOTABLE <a signal achievement>

signalise
v. British variant of signalize

signalize
v. 1 : to make conspicuous : DISTINGUISH, MARK
2 : to point out carefully or distinctly
3 : to make signals to : SIGNAL also : INDICATE <his silence signalizes approval>
4 : to place traffic signals at or on
–sig·nal·i·za·tion \ˌsig-nə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

signally
adv. : in a signal manner : NOTABLY

signalman
n. : a person who signals or works with signals (as on a railway)

signalment
n. : description by peculiar, appropriate, or characteristic marks specifically : the systematic description of a person for purposes of identification

signatory
n. : a signer with another or others <signatories to a petition> especially : a government bound with others by a signed convention
–signatory adjective

signature
n. 1 a : the act of signing one's name to something b : the name of a person written with his or her own hand
2 : a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine
3 a : a letter or figure placed usually at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages (as of a book) as a direction to the binder in arranging and gathering the sheets b : one unit of a book comprising a group of printed sheets that are folded and stitched together
4 a : KEY SIGNATURE b : TIME SIGNATURE
5 : the part of a medical prescription that contains the directions to the patient
6 : something (as a tune, style, or logo) that serves to set apart or identify also : a characteristic mark
7 : FINGERPRINT 2

signboard
n. : a board bearing a notice or sign

signed
adj. : having a sign especially : having a plus or minus sign <signed numbers like +6 and -4>

signet
n. 1 : a seal used officially to give personal authority to a document in lieu of signature
2 : the impression made by or as if by a signet
3 : a small intaglio seal (as in a finger ring)

signet
n. : to stamp or authenticate with a signet

signet ring
: a finger ring engraved with a signet, seal, or monogram : SEAL RING

significance
n. 1 a : something that is conveyed as a meaning often obscurely or indirectly b : the quality of conveying or implying
2 a : the quality of being important : MOMENT b : the quality of being statistically significant
synonyms see IMPORTANCE

significance level
: LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE

significancy
: SIGNIFICANCE

significant
adj. 1 : having meaning especially : SUGGESTIVE <a significant glance>
2 a : having or likely to have influence or effect : IMPORTANT <a significant piece of legislation> also : of a noticeably or measurably large amount <a significant number of layoffs> <producing significant profits> b : probably caused by something other than mere chance <statistically significant correlation between vitamin deficiency and disease>

significant
adj. significant digit
significant figure
significant other

significant digit
: any of the digits of a number beginning with the digit farthest to the left that is not zero and ending with the last digit farthest to the right that is either not zero or that is a zero but is considered to be exact ― called also significant figure

significant other
: a person who is important to one's well-being especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

significantly
adv. 1 : in a significant manner : to a significant degree <the salaries differed significantly>
2 : it is significant <significantly, they were on time>

signification
n. 1 a : the act or process of signifying by signs or other symbolic means b : a formal notification
2 : PURPORT especially : the meaning that a term, symbol, or character regularly conveys or is intended to convey
3 chiefly dialect : IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE

significative
adj. 1 : SIGNIFICANT, SUGGESTIVE
2 : INDICATIVE <symptoms significative of malaria>

significs
: SEMIOTIC, SEMANTICS

signified
n. : a concept or meaning as distinguished from the sign through which it is communicated ― compare SIGNIFIER 2

signifier
n. 1 : one that signifies
2 : a symbol, sound, or image (as a word) that represents an underlying concept or meaning ― compare SIGNIFIED

signify
v. transitive verb
1 a : to be a sign of : MEAN b : IMPLY
2 : to show especially by a conventional token (as word, signal, or gesture)
intransitive verb
1 : to have significance : MATTER <it will not much signify what one wears ― Jane Austen>
2 : to engage in signifying

signifying
adj. : a good-natured needling or goading especially among urban blacks by means of indirect gibes and clever often preposterous put-downs also : DOZENS

signor
n. : an Italian man usually of rank or gentility ― used as a title equivalent to Mr.

signora
n. : a married Italian woman usually of rank or gentility ― used as a title equivalent to Mrs.

signore
n. : SIGNOR

signorina
n. : an unmarried Italian woman ― used as a title equivalent to Miss

signory
n. : SEIGNIORY

signpost
n. 1 : a post (as at the fork of a road) with signs on it to direct travelers
2 : GUIDE, BEACON
3 : SIGN, INDICATION

signpost
n. : to provide with or as if with signposts or guides

Sigurd
: a hero in Norse mythology who slays the dragon Fafnir

Sigurdsson
Jón \'yōn\ 1811-1879 Icelandic statesman & author

sika
n. : a deer (Cervus nippon) of eastern Asia that has a chestnut to brownish coat often spotted with white and that has established populations in other regions (as Europe and the U.S.) as a result of introduction

Sikang
former province S China capital Yaan

sike
1 dialect chiefly British : a small stream especially : one that dries up in summer
2 dialect chiefly British : DITCH

Sikh
n. : an adherent of a monotheistic religion of India founded about 1500 by Guru Nānak and marked by rejection of idolatry and caste
–Sikh·ism \'sē-ˌki-zəm\ noun

Sikh
n. : of or relating to Sikhs or Sikhism

Sikhote-Alin'
mountain range SE Russia in Asia in Maritime Territory

Sikkim
former country SE Asia on S slope of the Himalayas bet. Nepal & Bhutan; since 1975 a state of India capital Gangtok area 2744 sq mi (7107 sq km), pop 406,457
–Sik·kim·ese \ˌsi-kə-'mēz, -'mēs\ adjective or noun

Sikorski
Władysław 1881-1943 Pol. gen. & statesman

Sikorsky
Igor Ivan 1889-1972 American (Russ.-born) aeronautical engineer

silage
n. : fodder converted into succulent feed for livestock through processes of anaerobic acid fermentation (as in a silo)

silane
n. : any of various compounds of hydrogen and silicon that have the general formula SinH2n+2 and are analogous to alkanes

Silastic
― used for a soft pliable plastic

sild
n. : a young herring other than a brisling that is canned as a sardine in Norway

sildenafil
: a drug used in the form of its citrate C_22H_30N_6O_4S to treat erectile dysfunction

silence
n. 1 : forbearance from speech or noise : MUTENESS ― often used interjectionally
2 : absence of sound or noise : STILLNESS <in the silence of the night>
3 : absence of mention: a : OBLIVION, OBSCURITY b : SECRECY <weapons research was conducted in silence>

silence
n. 1 : to compel or reduce to silence : STILL <silenced the crowd>
2 : to restrain from expression : SUPPRESS
3 : to cause to cease hostile firing or criticism <silence the opposition>

silencer
n. : one that silences: as a chiefly British : the muffler of an internal combustion engine b : a silencing device for small arms

silent
n. 1 a : making no utterance : MUTE, SPEECHLESS b : indisposed to speak : not loquacious
2 : free from sound or noise : STILL
3 : performed or borne without utterance : UNSPOKEN <silent prayer> <silent grief>
4 a : making no mention <history is silent about this person> b : not widely or generally known or appreciated <the silent pressures on a person in public office> c : making no protest or outcry <the silent majority>
5 : UNPRONOUNCED <the silent b in doubt>
6 : not exhibiting the usual signs or symptoms of presence <a silent infection>
7 a : made without spoken dialogue <silent movies> b : of or relating to silent movies
–si·lent·ly adverb
–si·lent·ness noun
synonyms SILENT, TACITURN, RETICENT, RESERVED, SECRETIVE mean showing restraint in speaking. SILENT implies a habit of saying no more than is needed <the strong, silent type>. TACITURN implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability <taciturn villagers>. RETICENT implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs <was reticent about his plans>. RESERVED implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange <greetings were brief, formal, and reserved>. SECRETIVE too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal <the secretive research and development division>.

silent
n. : a motion picture made without spoken dialogue ― usually used in plural

silent
n. silent auction
silent butler
silent partner
silent service
silent treatment
inter arma silent leges
silent leges inter arma

silent auction
: an auction in which sealed bids are submitted beforehand

silent butler
: a receptacle with hinged lid for collecting table crumbs and the contents of ashtrays

silent leges inter arma
: the laws are silent in the midst of arms (i.e., in time of war)

silent partner
1 : a partner who is known to the public but has no voice in the conduct of a firm's business
2 : SECRET PARTNER

silent service
1 : NAVY ― used with the
2 : the submarine service ― used with the

silent treatment
: an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by resort to silence especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval

silenus
: a minor woodland deity and companion of Dionysus in Greek mythology with a horse's ears and tail

Silesia
region E cen Europe in valley of the upper Oder bordering on Sudety Mountains; formerly chiefly in Germany, now chiefly in E Czech Republic & SW Poland
–Si·le·sian \-zh(ē-)ən, -sh(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

silex
n. : silica or a siliceous material (as powdered tripoli) especially for use as a filler in paints or wood

silhouette
n. 1 : a likeness cut from dark material and mounted on a light ground or one sketched in outline and solidly colored in
2 : the outline of a body viewed as circumscribing a mass <the silhouette of a bird>
synonyms see OUTLINE

silhouette
n. : to represent by a silhouette also : to project on a background like a silhouette
–sil·hou·et·tist \-'we-tist\ noun

silica
n. : silicon dioxide SiO_2 occurring in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

silica
n. fused silica
silica gel
vitreous silica

silica gel
: colloidal silica resembling coarse white sand in appearance but possessing many fine pores and therefore extremely adsorbent

silicate
n. : a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (as cement, bricks, and glass)

siliceous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing silica or a silicate <siliceous limestone>

silicic
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from silica or silicon

silicic acid
: any of various weakly acid substances obtained as gelatinous masses by treating silicates with acids

silicide
n. : a binary compound of silicon with a more electropositive element or group

silicification
: the action or process of silicifying : the state of being silicified

silicify
v. transitive verb : to convert into or impregnate with silica
intransitive verb : to become silicified

silicon
n. : a tetravalent nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in ferrosilicon for steelmaking, in other alloys, and in semiconductors ― see ELEMENT table

silicon carbide
: a very hard dark crystalline compound SiC of silicon and carbon that is used as an abrasive and as a refractory and in electric resistors

silicon nitride
: any of several compounds of silicon and nitrogen specifically : a compound Si_3N_4 that is a hard ceramic used in high-temperature applications and in composites

silicone
n. : any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants, varnishes, binders, and electric insulators

silicone rubber
: rubber made from silicone elastomers and noted for its retention of flexibility, resilience, and tensile strength over a wide temperature range

siliconized
v. : treated or coated with a silicone <siliconized glassware>

silicosis
n. : pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts
–sil·i·cot·ic \-'kä-tik\ adjective or noun

silique
n. : a narrow elongated 2-valved usually many-seeded capsule that is characteristic of the mustard family, opens by sutures at either margin, and has two parietal placentas

silk
n. 1 : a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles
2 : thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments
3 a : a garment of silk b (1) : a distinctive silk gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel (2) : a King's or Queen's Counsel c plural : the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the employing stable
4 a : a filament resembling silk especially : one produced by a spider b : silky material <milkweed silk> especially : the styles of an ear of Indian corn
5 : PARACHUTE
–silk·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

silk
n. of corn : to develop the silk

silk
n. corn silk
silk cotton
silk cotton tree
silk gland
silk hat
silk moth
silk oak
silk screen
silk stocking
silk tree
sleave silk
tie silk
Silk Road
Silk Route

silk cotton
: the silky or cottony covering of seeds of various silk-cotton trees especially : KAPOK

silk gland
: a gland that produces a viscid fluid which is extruded in filaments and hardens into silk on exposure to air: as a : either of a pair of greatly enlarged and modified salivary glands of an insect larva that produce a compound filament from which a larval or pupal cover (as a cocoon) is spun b : any of two or more abdominal glands of a spider that open through spinnerets and produce a filament used chiefly in the spinning of webs

silk hat
: a hat with a tall cylindrical crown and a silk-plush finish worn by men as a dress hat

silk moth
1 : the common silkworm (Bombyx mori)
2 : SATURNIID especially : one (as the cecropia moth) that produces a cocoon of silk

silk oak
: any of various Australian timber trees (esp. genus Grevillea) of the protea family that have mottled wood used in cabinetmaking and veneering ― called also silky oak

Silk Road
ancient trade route that extended from China to the Mediterranean Sea

silk screen
: a stencil process in which coloring matter is forced onto the material to be printed through the meshes of a silk or organdy screen so prepared as to have pervious printing areas and impervious nonprinting areas also : a print made by this process
–silk-screen transitive verb

silk stocking
1 : an aristocratic or wealthy person
2 : a fashionably dressed person
3 : FEDERALIST 2

silk tree
: a leguminous Asian tree (Albizia julibrissin) naturalized especially in the southeastern U.S. and having pink flowers with long silky stamens ― called also mimosa

silk-cotton tree
: any of various tropical trees (family Bombacaceae, the silk-cotton family) with palmate leaves and large fruits with the seeds enveloped by silk cotton especially : CEIBA 1

silk-stocking
1 : ARISTOCRATIC, WEALTHY <a silk-stocking district> <a silk-stocking law firm>
2 : fashionably dressed <a silk-stocking audience>
3 : of or relating to the American Federalist party

silken
adj. 1 : made or consisting of silk
2 : resembling silk: as a : SOFT, LUSTROUS b (1) : agreeably smooth : HARMONIOUS <a silken voice> (2) : SUAVE, INGRATIATING
3 a : dressed in silk <silken ankles> b : having a richly luxurious quality <the same silken surroundings encountered at the restaurant's far more expensive evening meal ― Elaine Tait>

silkweed
: MILKWEED

silkworm
n. : a moth whose larva spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon especially : an Asian moth (Bombyx mori of the family Bombycidae) whose rough wrinkled hairless caterpillar produces the silk of commerce

silky
adj. 1 a (1) : SILKEN 1 (2) : SILKEN 2 b : smooth or fluid in motion <silky dance moves>
2 : having or covered with fine soft hairs, plumes, or scales
–silk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–silk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

silky terrier
: any of a breed of low-set toy terriers of Australian origin that have a flat silky glossy coat colored blue with tan on the head, chest, and legs ― called also silky

sill
n. 1 : a horizontal piece (as a timber) that forms the lowest member or one of the lowest members of a framework or supporting structure: as a : the horizontal member at the base of a window b : the threshold of a door
2 : a tabular body of igneous rock injected while molten between sedimentary or volcanic beds or along foliation planes of metamorphic rocks
3 : a submerged ridge at relatively shallow depth separating the basins of two bodies of water

sillabub
n. variant of syllabub

sillimanite
n. : a brown, grayish, or pale green mineral that consists of an aluminum silicate in orthorhombic crystals often occurring in fibrous or columnar forms

silly
n. 1 archaic : HELPLESS, WEAK
2 a : RUSTIC, PLAIN b obsolete : lowly in station : HUMBLE
3 a : weak in intellect : FOOLISH b : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment <a very silly mistake> c : TRIFLING, FRIVOLOUS
4 : being stunned or dazed <scared silly> <knocked me silly>
synonyms see SIMPLE
–sil·li·ly \'si-lə-lē\ adverb
–sil·li·ness \'si-lē-nəs\ noun
–silly noun or adverb

silly season
1 : a period (as late summer) when the mass media often focus on trivial or frivolous matters for lack of major news stories
2 : a period marked by frivolous, outlandish, or illogical activity or behavior

silo
n. 1 : a trench, pit, or especially a tall cylinder (as of wood or concrete) usually sealed to exclude air and used for making and storing silage
2 a : a deep bin for storing material (as coal) b : an underground structure for housing a guided missile

Silone
Ignazio 1900-1978 pseud. of Secondo Tranquilli Ital. author

siloxane
: any of various compounds containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms in either a linear or cyclic arrangement usually with one or two organic groups attached to each silicon atom

silt
n. 1 : loose sedimentary material with rock particles usually 1/20 millimeter or less in diameter also : soil containing 80 percent or more of such silt and less than 12 percent of clay
2 : a deposit of sediment (as by a river)
–silty \'sil-tē\ adjective

silt
n. : to become choked or obstructed with silt ― often used with up <the channel silted up>
transitive verb : to choke, fill, cover, or obstruct with silt or mud <the beaver had silted the creek ― Hugh Fosburgh>
–sil·ta·tion \sil-'tā-shən\ noun

siltstone
n. : a rock composed chiefly of silt hardened by heat, pressure, or cementation

Silures
n. : a people of ancient Britain described by Tacitus as occupying chiefly southern Wales

Silurian
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Silures or their place of habitation
2 : of, relating to, or being a period of the Paleozoic era between the Ordovician and Devonian or the corresponding system of rocks marked by numerous eurypterid crustaceans and the appearance of the first land plants ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Silurian noun

silva
: the forest trees of a region or country

Silva, da
Luis Inácio Lula 1946-     pres. of Brazil (2003-  )

silvan
adj. variant of sylvan

Silvassa
town W India capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli union territory pop 21,890

silver
n. 1 : a white ductile very malleable metallic element that is capable of a high degree of polish, is chiefly monovalent in compounds, and has the highest thermal and electric conductivity of any substance ― see ELEMENT table
2 : silver as a commodity <the value of silver has risen>
3 : coin made of silver
4 : articles (as hollowware or table flatware) made of or plated with silver also : similar articles and especially flatware of other metals (as stainless steel)
5 : a nearly neutral slightly brownish medium gray
6 : COHO
7 : a silver medal awarded as the second prize in a competiton

silver
n. 1 : made of silver
2 : resembling silver: as a (1) : having a white lustrous sheen (2) : of or tending towards the color silver <silver fur> <a silver gray> b : giving a soft resonant sound : dulcet in tone c : eloquently persuasive
3 : consisting of or yielding silver
4 : of, relating to, or characteristic of silver
5 : advocating the use of silver as a standard of currency
6 : of, relating to, or being a 25th anniversary or its celebration

silver
n. 1 a : to cover with silver (as by electroplating) b : to coat with a substance (as a metal) resembling silver
2 a : to give a silvery luster to b : to make white like silver
–sil·ver·er \'sil-vər-ər\ noun

silver
n. silver salmon
German silver
nickel silver
silver age
silver bell
silver bromide
silver bullet
silver certificate
silver chloride
silver cord
silver fir
silver fox
silver hake
silver iodide
silver lining
silver maple
silver nitrate
silver paper
silver perch
silver plate
silver protein
silver screen
silver spoon
silver standard
Silver Star
Silver Star Medal
silver tongued

silver age
: a historical period of achievement secondary to that of a golden age

silver bell
: any of a genus (Halesia) of deciduous trees and shrubs of the storax family especially : one (H. carolina) of the southeastern U.S. cultivated for its bell-shaped white flowers

silver bromide
: a compound AgBr that is extremely sensitive to light and is much used for photographic materials

silver bullet
: something that acts as a magical weapon especially : one that instantly solves a long-standing problem

silver certificate
: a certificate formerly issued against the deposit of silver coin as legal tender in the U.S. and its possessions

silver chloride
: a compound AgCl that is sensitive to light and is used especially for photographic materials

silver cord
: the emotional tie between a mother and a child and especially a son

silver fir
: any of various firs (genus Abies) with leaves that are white or silvery white beneath especially : a valuable European timber tree (A. alba)

silver fox
: a genetically determined color phase of the common red fox in which the fur is black tipped with white

silver hake
: a common hake (Merluccius bilinearis) of the northern Atlantic coast of the U.S. that is an important food fish

silver iodide
: a compound AgI that darkens on exposure to light and is used in photography, rainmaking, and medicine

silver lining
: a consoling or hopeful prospect

silver maple
1 : a common maple (Acer saccharinum) of eastern No. America with deeply cut 5-lobed leaves that are light green above and silvery white below
2 : the hard close-grained but brittle light brown wood of the silver maple

silver nitrate
: an irritant compound AgNO_3 that in contact with organic matter turns black and is used as a chemical reagent, in photography, and in medicine especially as an antiseptic and caustic

silver paper
: TIN FOIL

silver perch
: any of various somewhat silvery fishes that resemble perch: as a : a drum (Bairdiella chrysoura) that occurs especially along the more southern Atlantic coast of the U.S. ― called also mademoiselle yellowtail b : WHITE PERCH 1

silver plate
1 : domestic flatware and hollowware of silver or of a silver-plated base metal
2 : a plating of silver

silver protein
: any of several colloidal light-sensitive preparations of silver and protein used in aqueous solution on mucous membranes as antiseptics

silver salmon
: COHO

silver screen
1 : a motion-picture screen
2 : MOTION PICTURES

silver spoon
: WEALTH especially : inherited wealth

silver standard
: a monetary standard under which the currency unit is defined by a stated quantity of silver

Silver Star
: a U.S. military decoration awarded for gallantry in action ― called also Silver Star Medal

silver-tongued
: marked by convincing and eloquent expression <a silver-tongued politician>

silverback
n. : an older adult usually dominant male gorilla having gray or whitish hair on the back

silverberry
: a No. American shrub (Elaeagnus commutata) of the oleaster family with silvery deciduous foliage

silverfish
n. 1 : any of various silvery fishes (as a tarpon or silverside)
2 : any of various small wingless insects (order Thysanura) especially : one (Lepisma saccharina) found in houses and sometimes injurious especially to sized papers or starched clothes

silverly
: with silvery appearance or sound

silvern
adj. 1 : made of silver
2 : resembling or characteristic of silver : SILVERY

silverpoint
n. : a drawing technique utilizing a pencil of silver usually on specially prepared paper or parchment

silverside
n. : any of various small chiefly marine bony fishes (family Atherinidae) with a silvery stripe along each side of the body

silversides
n. : SILVERSIDE

silversmith
n. : an artisan who makes articles of silverware
–sil·ver·smith·ing noun

silversword
: a long-lived composite plant (Argyroxiphium sandwicense) of Maui and Hawaii that has a rosette of lanceolate leaves covered with silvery hairs and that dies after producing a very tall raceme of numerous usually purplish or reddish flowers

silverware
n. 1 : SILVER PLATE 1
2 : FLATWARE

silverweed
n. : any of several cinquefoils with leaves silvery or white-tomentose beneath especially : one (Potentilla anserina) with silky hairs over the entire plant

silvery
adj. 1 : having the luster of silver
2 : having a soft high clear musical tone <a silvery voice>
3 : containing or consisting of silver
–sil·ver·i·ness noun

silvex
: a toxic selective herbicide C_9H_7Cl_3O_3 formerly used in controlling woody plants

silviculture
n. : a branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of forests
–sil·vi·cul·tur·al \ˌsil-və-'kəlch-rəl, -'kəl-chə-\ adjective
–sil·vi·cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
–sil·vi·cul·tur·ist \ˌsil-və-'kəlch-rist, -'kəl-chə-\ noun

sim
simulation; simulator

simazine
n. : a selective herbicide C_7H_12N_5Cl used to control weeds especially among crop plants

Simbirsk
city SE cen Russia in Europe on the Volga pop 656,000

Simchas Torah
: a Jewish holiday observed on the 23d of Tishri in celebration of the completion of the annual reading of the Torah

Simcoe, Lake
lake E Canada in SE Ont. SE of Georgian Bay area 280 sq mi (728 sq km)

Simenon
Georges (-Joseph-Christian) 1903-1989 Fr. (Belg.-born) writer

Simeon
n. 1 : a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel
2 : a devout man of Jerusalem held to have uttered the Nunc Dimittis on seeing the infant Jesus in the temple

Simeon Stylites
Saint ca 390-459 Syrian ascetic & pillar dweller

Simferopol
city S Ukraine pop 353,000

Simi Valley
v. city SW Calif. W of Los Angeles pop 111,351

simian
n. : of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

simian
n. : MONKEY, APE also : any of a suborder (Anthropoidea) of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans

simian immunodeficiency virus
: SIV

similar
adj. 1 : having characteristics in common : strictly comparable
2 : alike in substance or essentials : CORRESPONDING <no two animal habitats are exactly similar ― W. H. Dowdeswell>
3 : not differing in shape but only in size or position <similar triangles> <similar polygons>
–sim·i·lar·ly adverb
synonyms SIMILAR, ANALOGOUS, PARALLEL mean closely resembling each other. SIMILAR implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other <all the houses in the development are similar>. ANALOGOUS applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities <analogous political systems>. PARALLEL suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things <the parallel careers of two movie stars>.

similarity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being similar : RESEMBLANCE
2 : a comparable aspect : CORRESPONDENCE
synonyms see LIKENESS

simile
n. : a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as (as in cheeks like roses) ― compare METAPHOR

similia similibus curantur
: like is cured by like

similis simili gaudet
: like takes pleasure in like

similitude
n. 1 a : COUNTERPART, DOUBLE b : a visible likeness : IMAGE
2 : an imaginative comparison : SIMILE
3 a : correspondence in kind or quality b : a point of comparison
synonyms see LIKENESS

Simla
― see SHIMLA

SIMM
n. single in-line memory module

Simmental
n. : any of a breed of large usually buff or dull red and white cattle of Swiss origin that are used widely throughout the world for meat and milk

simmer
n. intransitive verb
1 : to stew gently below or just at the boiling point
2 a : to be in a state of incipient development : FERMENT <ideas simmering in the back of my mind> b : to be in inward turmoil : SEETHE
transitive verb : to cook slowly in a liquid just below the boiling point

simmer
n. : the state of simmering

simmer down
1 : to become calm or peaceful
2 : to become reduced by or as if by simmering

simnel
n. 1 : a bun or bread of fine wheat flour
2 British : a rich fruitcake sometimes coated with almond paste and baked for mid-Lent, Easter, and Christmas

simoleon
n. slang : DOLLAR

Simon
n. 1 : PETER ― called also Simon Peter
2 : one of the twelve disciples of Jesus ― called also Simon the Zealot
3 : a kinsman of Jesus
4 : a Cyrenian constrained to help Jesus bear his cross to his place of crucifixion ― called also Simon the Cyrenian
5 : SIMON MAGUS

Simon
n. Claude 1913-     Fr. writer

Simon
n. 1st Viscount 1873-1954 John Allsebrook Simon Brit. jurist & statesman

Simon
n. Herbert Alexander 1916-2001 American econ.

Simon
n. Neil 1927-     American dram.

Simon
n. Paul (Frederic) 1941-     American singer & songwriter

Simon
n. Simon the Cyrenian
Simon the Zealot
Simon Peter
Binet Simon scale
Simon Legree
Simon Magus
simon pure
Saint Simon

Simon Legree
: a slave owner who has Tom flogged to death in Harriet B. Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin

Simon Magus
: a Samaritan sorcerer converted by the apostle Philip and severely rebuked by Peter for offering money for the gifts of the Holy Spirit

simon-pure
: of untainted purity or integrity also : pretentiously or hypocritically pure

simoniac
: one who practices simony
–simoniac or si·mo·ni·a·cal \ˌsī-mə-'nī-ə-kəl, ˌsi-\ adjective
–si·mo·ni·a·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Simonides
of Ceos ca 556-ca 468? B.C. Greek poet

simonize
v. : to polish with or as if with wax <simonize a car>

Simonstown
town & port SW Republic of South Africa in Western Cape province on False Bay S of Cape Town

simony
n. : the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment

simoom
n. : a hot dry violent dust-laden wind from Asian and African deserts

simp
n. : SIMPLETON

simpatico
adj. 1 : AGREEABLE, LIKABLE
2 : being on the same wavelength : CONGENIAL, SYMPATHETIC

simper
n. intransitive verb : to smile in a silly manner
transitive verb : to say with a simper <simpered an apology>
–sim·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

simper
n. : a silly smile : SMIRK

simple
n. 1 : free from guile : INNOCENT
2 a : free from vanity : MODEST b : free from ostentation or display <a simple outfit>
3 : of humble origin or modest position <a simple farmer>
4 a : lacking in knowledge or expertise <a simple amateur of the arts> b (1) : STUPID (2) : mentally retarded c : not socially or culturally sophisticated : NAIVE also : CREDULOUS
5 a : SHEER, UNMIXED <simple honesty> b : free of secondary complications <a simple vitamin deficiency> c (1) : having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses <a simple sentence> (2) of a subject or predicate : having no modifiers, complements, or objects d : constituting a basic element : FUNDAMENTAL e : not made up of many like units <a simple eye>
6 : free from elaboration or figuration <simple harmony>
7 a (1) : not subdivided into branches or leaflets <a simple stem> <a simple leaf> (2) : consisting of a single carpel (3) : developing from a single ovary <a simple fruit> b : controlled by a single gene <simple inherited characters>
8 : not limited or restricted : UNCONDITIONAL <a simple obligation>
9 : readily understood or performed <simple directions> <the adjustment was simple to make>
10 of a statistical hypothesis : specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters ― compare COMPOSITE 3
–sim·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms SIMPLE, FOOLISH, SILLY, FATUOUS, ASININE mean actually or apparently deficient in intelligence. SIMPLE implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort <considered people simple who had trouble with computers>. FOOLISH implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense <foolish stunts>. SILLY suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior <the silly antics of revelers>. FATUOUS implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality <fatuous conspiracy theories>. ASININE suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception <an asinine plot>. synonym see in addition EASY

simple
n. 1 a : a person of humble birth : COMMONER <thought very little of anybody, simples or gentry ― Virginia Woolf> b (1) : a rude or credulous person : IGNORAMUS (2) : a mentally retarded person
2 a : a medicinal plant b : a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3 : one component of a complex specifically : an unanalyzable constituent

simple
n. simple sugar
fee simple
fees simple
simple closed curve
simple equation
simple fraction
simple fracture
simple interest
simple machine
simple protein
simple vow

simple closed curve
: a closed plane curve (as a circle or an ellipse) that does not intersect itself ― called also Jordan curve

simple equation
: a linear equation

simple fraction
: a fraction having whole numbers for the numerator and denominator ― compare COMPLEX FRACTION

simple fracture
: a bone fracture that does not form an open wound in the skin ― compare COMPOUND FRACTURE

simple interest
: interest paid or computed on the original principal only of a loan or on the amount of an account

simple machine
: any of various elementary mechanisms formerly considered as the elements of which all machines are composed and including the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw

simple protein
: a protein (as a globulin) that yields amino acids as the chief or only products of complete hydrolysis ― compare CONJUGATED PROTEIN

simple sugar
: MONOSACCHARIDE

simple vow
: a public vow taken by a religious in the Roman Catholic Church under which retention of property by the individual is permitted and marriage though illicit is valid under canon law

simpleminded
adj. : devoid of subtlety : UNSOPHISTICATED also : FOOLISH
–sim·ple·mind·ed·ly adverb
–sim·ple·mind·ed·ness noun

simpleton
n. : a person lacking in common sense

simplex
adj. 1 : SIMPLE, SINGLE
2 : allowing telecommunication in only one direction at a time <simplex system>

simplex
adj. 1 or plural sim·pli·ces \-plə-ˌsēz\ or sim·pli·cia \sim-'pli-sh(ē-)ə\ : a simple word
2 : a spatial configuration of n dimensions determined by n + 1 points in a space of dimension equal to or greater than n <a triangle together with its interior determined by its three vertices is a two-dimensional simplex in the plane or any space of higher dimension>

simplicial
: of or relating to simplexes
–sim·pli·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

simplicity
n. 1 : the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded
2 a : lack of subtlety or penetration : INNOCENCE, NAIVETÉ b : FOLLY, SILLINESS
3 : freedom from pretense or guile : CANDOR
4 a : directness of expression : CLARITY b : restraint in ornamentation : AUSTERITY

simplify
v. : to make simple or simpler: as a : to reduce to basic essentials b : to diminish in scope or complexity : STREAMLINE <was urged to simplify management procedures> c : to make more intelligible : CLARIFY
–sim·pli·fi·ca·tion \ˌsim-plə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–sim·pli·fi·er \'sim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

simplism
n. : the act or an instance of oversimplifying especially : the reduction of a problem to a false simplicity by ignoring complicating factors

simpliste
: simplistic : overly simple or naive

simplistic
adj. 1 : SIMPLE
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by simplism : OVERSIMPLE <adequate, if occasionally simplistic, historical background ― Harlow Robinson>
–sim·plis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Simplon Pass
mountain pass 6590 ft (2009 m) in Lepontine Alps bet. Switzerland & Italy in Valais & Piedmont

Simplon Tunnel
tunnel ab 12 mi (19 km) long through Monte Leone (tallest mountain in Lepontine Alps) near Simplon Pass

simply
adv. 1 a : without ambiguity : CLEARLY b : without embellishment : PLAINLY c : DIRECTLY, CANDIDLY
2 a : SOLELY, MERELY <eats simply to keep alive> <simply cleaned it up and went to bed ― Garrison Keillor> b : REALLY, LITERALLY <the concert was simply marvelous> ― often used as an intensive <simply crawling with geniuses ― F. Scott Fitzgerald>

simply connected
: being or characterized by a surface that is divided into two separate parts by every closed curve it contains

simply ordered
: having any two elements connected by a relationship that is reflexive, antisymmetric, and transitive

Simpson's rule
: a method for approximating the area under a curve over a given interval that involves partitioning the interval by an odd number n + 1 of equally spaced ordinates and adding the areas of the n/2 figures formed by pairs of successive odd-numbered ordinates and the parabolas which they determine with their included even-numbered ordinates

Sims
William Sow·den \'sau̇-dən\ 1858-1936 American admiral

Simsbury
town N Conn. pop 23,234

simulacre
archaic : SIMULACRUM

simulacrum
n. 1 : IMAGE, REPRESENTATION <a reasonable simulacrum of reality ― Martin Mayer>
2 : an insubstantial form or semblance of something : TRACE

simular
archaic : one that simulates : DISSEMBLER

simular
archaic : COUNTERFEIT, PRETENDED

simulate
v. 1 : to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive : IMITATE
2 : to make a simulation of (as a physical system)
synonyms see ASSUME
–sim·u·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective

simulated
adj. : made to look genuine : FAKE <simulated pearls>

simulation
n. 1 : the act or process of simulating
2 : a sham object : COUNTERFEIT
3 a : the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another <a computer simulation of an industrial process> b : examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device

simulator
n. : one that simulates especially : a device that enables the operator to reproduce or represent under test conditions phenomena likely to occur in actual performance

simulcast
n. intransitive verb : to broadcast simultaneously (as by radio and television)
transitive verb : to broadcast (a program) by simulcasting
–simulcast noun

simultaneous
adj. 1 : existing or occurring at the same time : exactly coincident
2 : satisfied by the same values of the variables <simultaneous equations>
synonyms see CONTEMPORARY
–si·mul·ta·ne·ity \-tə-'nē-ə-tē, -'nā-\ noun
–si·mul·ta·neous·ly \-'tā-nē-əs-lē, -nyəs-\ adverb
–si·mul·ta·neous·ness noun

simvastatin
: a semisynthetic drug C_25H_38O_5 that decreases the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream and is derived from a compound produced by a mold (Aspergillus terreus)

sin
n. 1 a : an offense against religious or moral law b : an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible <it's a sin to waste food> c : an often serious shortcoming : FAULT
2 a : transgression of the law of God b : a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God
synonyms see OFFENSE

sin
n. 1 : to commit a sin
2 : to commit an offense or fault

sin
n. : the 21st letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

sin
n. sine

sin
n. deadly sin
mortal sin
original sin
sin tax
venial sin

sin tax
: a tax on substances or activities considered sinful or harmful (as tobacco, alcohol, or gambling)

Sinai
n. peninsula extension of continent of Asia NE Egypt bet. Red Sea & the Mediterranean
–Si·na·it·ic \ˌsī-nē-'i-tik\ adjective

Sinai, Mount
― see HOREB (Mount)

Sinaloa
state W Mexico bordering on Gulf of California capital Culiacán area 22,429 sq mi (58,091 sq km), pop 2,204,054

Sinatra
n. Frank 1915-1998 Francis Albert Sinatra American singer & actor

Sinbad
n. : a citizen of Baghdad whose adventures at sea are told in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments

since
adv. 1 : from a definite past time until now <has stayed there ever since>
2 : before the present time : AGO <long since dead>
3 : after a time in the past : SUBSEQUENTLY <has since become rich>

since
adv. 1 : at a time in the past after or later than <has held two jobs since he graduated> : from the time in the past when <ever since I was a child>
2 obsolete : WHEN
3 : in view of the fact that : BECAUSE <since it was raining she took an umbrella>

since
adv. : in the period after a specified time in the past : from a specified time in the past

sincere
adj. 1 a : free of dissimulation : HONEST <a sincere interest> b : free from adulteration : PURE <a sincere doctrine> <sincere wine>
2 : marked by genuineness : TRUE
–sin·cere·ly adverb
–sin·cere·ness noun
synonyms SINCERE, WHOLEHEARTED, HEARTFELT, HEARTY, UNFEIGNED mean genuine in feeling. SINCERE stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration <a sincere apology>. WHOLEHEARTED suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving <promised our wholehearted support>. HEARTFELT suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed <expresses our heartfelt gratitude>. HEARTY suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling <received a hearty welcome>. UNFEIGNED stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense <her unfeigned delight at receiving the award>.

sincerity
n. : the quality or state of being sincere : honesty of mind : freedom from hypocrisy

sincipital
adj. : of or relating to the sinciput

sinciput
n. 1 : FOREHEAD
2 : the upper half of the skull

Sinclair
n. Upton Beall \'bel\ 1878-1968 American writer & polit.

Sind
province S Pakistan in lower Indus valley capital Karachi

Sindhi
n. 1 : a member of a mostly Muslim people of Sind
2 : the Indo-Aryan language of the Sindhi people

sine
n. 1 : the trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the leg opposite the angle when it is considered part of a right triangle and the hypotenuse
2 : a trigonometric function sin θ that for all real numbers θ is exactly equal to the sine of an angle of measure θ in radians and that is given by the sum of the alternating series sin θ = θ - (θ^3/3!) + (θ^5/5!) - (θ^7/7!) + (θ^9/9!) - ⋯

sine
n. sine curve
sine die
sine qua non
sine quibus non
sine qua nons
sine wave
causa sine qua non
nil sine numine

sine curve
: the graph in rectangular coordinates of the equation y=a sin bx where a and b are constants

sine die
: without any future date being designated (as for resumption) : INDEFINITELY <the meeting adjourned sine die>

sine qua non
: something absolutely indispensable or essential <reliability is a sine qua non for success>

sine wave
: a waveform that represents periodic oscillations in which the amplitude of displacement at each point is proportional to the sine of the phase angle of the displacement and that is visualized as a sine curve : SINE CURVE also : a wave so represented

sinecure
n. 1 archaic : an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls
2 : an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income

sinew
n. 1 : TENDON especially : one dressed for use as a cord or thread
2 obsolete : NERVE
3 a : solid resilient strength : POWER <astonishing intellectual sinew and clarity ― Reynolds Price> b : the chief supporting force : MAINSTAY ― usually used in plural <providing the sinews of better living ― Sam Pollock>

sinew
n. : to strengthen as if with sinews

sinewy
adj. 1 : full of sinews: as a : TOUGH, STRINGY <sinewy meat> b : STRONG <sinewy arms>
2 : marked by the strength of sinews <a demanding sinewy intelligence ― Helen Dudar>

sinfonia
n. 1 : an orchestral prelude to a vocal work (as an opera) especially in the 18th century : OVERTURE
2 : RITORNELLO 1, SYMPHONY 2C

sinfonia concertante
: a concerto for more than one solo instrument

sinfonietta
n. 1 : a symphony of less than standard length or for fewer instruments
2 : a small symphony orchestra especially : an orchestra of strings only

sinful
adj. 1 : tainted with, marked by, or full of sin : WICKED
2 : such as to make one feel guilty <a sinful chocolate cake>
–sin·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–sin·ful·ness noun

sing
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to produce musical tones by means of the voice b : to utter words in musical tones and with musical inflections and modulations c : to deliver songs as a trained or professional singer
2 : to make a shrill whining or whistling sound
3 a : to relate or celebrate something in verse b : to compose poetry c : to create in or through words a feeling or sense of song <prose that sings>
4 : to produce musical or harmonious sounds <birds singing>
5 : BUZZ, RING
6 : to make a cry : CALL
7 : to give information or evidence
transitive verb
1 : to utter with musical inflections especially : to interpret in musical tones produced by the voice
2 : to relate or celebrate in verse
3 : CHANT, INTONE
4 : to bring or accompany to a place or state by singing <sings the child to sleep>
–sing·able \'siŋ-ə-bəl\ adjective

sing
v. : a session of group singing

sing
v. sing along
singing game
sung mass
Kim Il Sung

sing-along
: SONGFEST also : a song appropriate for a sing-along

Singapore
n. 1 island Malay Archipelago in S. China Sea off S end of Malay Peninsula; formerly a Brit. crown colony, from 1963 to 1965 a state of Malaysia (federation), an independent republic in the Commonwealth of Nations since 1965, area 255 sq mi (660 sq km), pop 4,163,700
2 city & port, its capital, on Singapore Strait pop 206,500
–Sin·ga·por·ean \ˌsiŋ-ə-'pȯr-ē-ən also 'siŋ-gə-\ adjective or noun

Singapore Strait
channel SE Asia bet. Singapore Is. & Riau Archipelago connecting Strait of Malacca & S. China Sea

singe
n. : to burn superficially or lightly : SCORCH especially : to remove the hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a flame

singe
n. : a slight burn : SCORCH

Singer
n. Isaac Ba·shev·is \bə-'she-vəs\ 1904-1991 American (Pol.-born) author

Singer
n. Isaac Merrit 1811-1875 American inventor

singer
n. : one that sings

singer
n. : one that singes

Singh
n. Vishwanath Pratap 1931-     prime min. of India (1989-90)

singing game
: a children's game in which the players accompany their actions with the singing of a narrative song

single
n. 1 a : not married b : of or relating to celibacy
2 : unaccompanied by others : LONE, SOLE <the single survivor of the disaster>
3 a (1) : consisting of or having only one part, feature, or portion <single consonants> (2) : consisting of one as opposed to or in contrast with many : UNIFORM <a single standard for men and women> (3) : consisting of only one in number <holds to a single ideal> b : having but one whorl of petals or ray flowers <a single rose>
4 a : consisting of a separate unique whole : INDIVIDUAL <every single citizen> b : of, relating to, or involving only one person
5 a : FRANK, HONEST <a single devotion> b : exclusively attentive <an eye single to the truth>
6 : UNBROKEN, UNDIVIDED
7 : having no equal or like : SINGULAR
8 : designed for the use of one person only <a single room> <a single bed>

single
n. 1 a : a separate individual person or thing b : an unmarried person and especially one young and socially active ― usually used in plural c (1) : a recording having one short tune on each side (2) : a music recording having two or more tracks that is shorter than a full-length album also : a song that is particularly popular independent of other songs on the same album or by the same artist
2 : a base hit that allows the batter to reach first base
3 a plural : a tennis match or similar game with one player on each side b : a golf match between two players ― usually used in plural
4 : a room (as in a hotel) for one guest ― compare DOUBLE 7

single
n. transitive verb
1 : to select or distinguish from a number or group ― usually used with out
2 a : to advance or score (a base runner) by a single b : to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a single
intransitive verb : to make a single in baseball

single
n. single action
single blind
single bond
single breasted
single combat
single cross
single entry
single file
single foot
single foots
single footer
single handed
single handedly
single hander
single hearted
single heartedness
single heartedly
single knot
single lens reflex
single malt
single minded
single mindedness
single mindedly
single payer
single phase
single space
single tax
single track
single valued
single wing

single bond
: a chemical bond in which one pair of electrons is shared by two atoms in a molecule especially when the atoms can share more than one pair of electrons ― compare DOUBLE BOND, TRIPLE BOND

single combat
: combat between two persons

single cross
: a first-generation hybrid between two selected and usually inbred lines ― compare DOUBLE CROSS 2

single entry
: a method of bookkeeping that recognizes only one side of a business transaction and usually consists only of a record of cash and personal accounts with debtors and creditors

single file
: a row of persons, animals, or things arranged one behind the other
–single file adverb

single knot
: OVERHAND KNOT

single malt
: whiskey that is made at one distillery and is not blended with other whiskeys

single tax
: a tax to be levied on a single item (as real estate) as the sole source of public revenue

single wing
: an offensive football formation in which one back plays as a flanker and two backs line up four or five yards behind the line in position to receive a direct snap from center

single-action
of a revolver : that can be cocked only by manually retracting the hammer

single-blind
: of, relating to, or being an experimental procedure in which the experimenters but not the subjects know the makeup of the test and control groups during the actual course of the experiments ― compare DOUBLE-BLIND, OPEN-LABEL

single-breasted
: having a center closing with one row of buttons and no lap <a single-breasted coat>

single-foot
: 7RACK B

single-foot
of a horse : to go at a rack
–sin·gle-foot·er noun

single-handed
1 : managed or done by one person or with one on a side
2 : working alone or unassisted by others
–sin·gle-hand·ed·ly adverb

single-handed
: in a single-handed manner

single-hander
: a person who sails single-handed

single-hearted
: characterized by sincerity and unity of purpose or dedication
–sin·gle-heart·ed·ly adverb
–sin·gle-heart·ed·ness noun

single-lens reflex
: a camera having a single lens that forms an image which is reflected to the viewfinder or recorded on film

single-minded
: having one driving purpose or resolve : DETERMINED, DEDICATED
–sin·gle-mind·ed·ly adverb
–sin·gle-mind·ed·ness noun

single-payer
: of, relating to, or being a system in which health-care providers are paid for their services by the government rather than by private insurers

single-phase
: of or relating to a circuit energized by a single alternating electromotive force

single-space
: to type or print with no blank lines between lines of text

single-track
1 : having only one track
2 : lacking intellectual range, receptiveness, or flexibility : ONE-TRACK <had a single-track mind incapable of adjusting to changes>

single-valued
: having one and only one value of the range associated with each value of the domain <a single-valued function> ― compare MULTIPLE-VALUED

singleness
n. : the quality or state of being single

singlestick
n. : fighting or fencing with a wooden stick or sword held in one hand also : the weapon used

singlet
n. 1 [from its having only one thickness of cloth] chiefly British : an athletic jersey also : UNDERSHIRT
2 : an atom or molecule that has no net electronic magnetic moment also : an excited state of an atom or molecule that is a singlet

singleton
n. 1 : a card that is the only one of its suit orig. dealt to a player
2 a : an individual member or thing distinct from others grouped with it b : an offspring born singly <singletons are more common than twins>

singletree
n. : WHIFFLETREE

singly
adv. 1 : without the company of others : INDIVIDUALLY
2 : SINGLE-HANDED

singsong
n. 1 : verse with marked and regular rhythm and rhyme
2 : a voice delivery marked by a narrow range or monotonous pattern of pitch
3 British : SONGFEST
–sing·songy \-ˌsȯŋ-ē\ adjective

singsong
n. : having a monotonous cadence or rhythm

singspiel
n. : a musical work popular in Germany especially in the latter part of the 18th century characterized by spoken dialogue interspersed with songs

singular
n. 1 a : of or relating to a separate person or thing : INDIVIDUAL b : of, relating to, or being a word form denoting one person, thing, or instance <a singular noun> c : of or relating to a single instance or to something considered by itself
2 : distinguished by superiority : EXCEPTIONAL <an artist of singular attainments>
3 : being out of the ordinary : UNUSUAL <on the way home we had a singular adventure>
4 : departing from general usage or expectation : PECULIAR, ODD <the air had a singular chill>
5 a of a matrix : having a determinant equal to zero b of a linear transformation : having the property that the matrix of coefficients of the new variables has a determinant equal to zero
synonyms see STRANGE
–sin·gu·lar·ly adverb

singular
n. 1 : the singular number, the inflectional form denoting it, or a word in that form
2 : a singular term

singular point
: SINGULARITY 3

singularity
n. 1 : something that is singular: as a : a separate unit b : unusual or distinctive manner or behavior : PECULIARITY
2 : the quality or state of being singular
3 : a point at which the derivative of a given function of a complex variable does not exist but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative does exist
4 : a point or region of infinite mass density at which space and time are infinitely distorted by gravitational forces and which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole

singularize
v. : to make singular

Sinhala
: SINHALESE 2

Sinhalese
adj. 1 : a member of a people that inhabit Sri Lanka and form a major part of its population
2 : the Indo-Aryan language of the Sinhalese people
–Sinhalese or Sin·ghalese adjective

sinicize
: to modify by Chinese influence

Sining
― see XINING

sinister
adj. 1 archaic : UNFAVORABLE, UNLUCKY
2 archaic : FRAUDULENT
3 : singularly evil or productive of evil
4 a : of, relating to, or situated to the left or on the left side of something especially : being or relating to the side of a heraldic shield at the left of the person bearing it b : of ill omen by reason of being on the left
5 : presaging ill fortune or trouble
6 : accompanied by or leading to disaster
–sin·is·ter·ly adverb
–sin·is·ter·ness noun
synonyms SINISTER, BALEFUL, MALIGN mean seriously threatening evil or disaster. SINISTER suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer <a sinister aura haunts the place>. BALEFUL imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly <exerting a corrupt and baleful influence>. MALIGN applies to what is inherently evil or harmful <the malign effects of racism>.

sinistral
adj. : of, relating to, or inclined to the left: as a : LEFT-HANDED b of a gastropod shell : having the whorls coiling counterclockwise down the spire when viewed with the apex toward the observer and having the aperture situated on the left of the axis when held with the spire uppermost and with the aperture opening toward the observer ― compare DEXTRAL b

sinistrous
adj. archaic : SINISTER

Sinitic
adj. : of or relating to the Chinese, their language, or their culture

sink
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to go to the bottom : SUBMERGE b : to become partly buried (as in mud) c : to become engulfed
2 a (1) : to fall or drop to a lower place or level (2) : to flow at a lower depth or level (3) : to burn with lower intensity (4) : to fall to a lower pitch or volume <his voice sank to a whisper> b : to subside gradually : SETTLE c : to disappear from view d : to slope gradually : DIP
3 a : to soak or become absorbed : PENETRATE b : to become impressively known or felt <the lesson had sunk in>
4 : to become deeply absorbed <sank into reverie>
5 a : to go downward in quality, state, or condition b : to grow less in amount or worth
6 a : to fall or drop slowly for lack of strength b : to become depressed c : to fail in health or strength broadly : FAIL
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to sink <sink a battleship> b : to force down especially below the earth's surface c : to cause (something) to penetrate
2 : IMMERSE, ABSORB <he sank himself into his studies>
3 a : to dig or bore (a well or shaft) in the earth : EXCAVATE b : to form by cutting or excising <sink words in stone>
4 : to cast down or bring to a low condition or state : OVERWHELM, DEFEAT
5 : to lower in standing or reputation : ABASE
6 a : to lessen in value or amount b : to lower or soften (the voice) in speaking
7 : RESTRAIN, SUPPRESS <sinks her pride and approaches the despised neighbor ― Richard Harrison>
8 : to pay off (as a debt) : LIQUIDATE
9 : INVEST 1
10 : DROP 7C <sink a putt> <sink a jump shot>
11 chiefly British : to drink down completely
–sink·able \'siŋ-kə-bəl\ adjective
–sink one's teeth into
1 : to bite into
2 : to eagerly devote one's attention to <likes to sink her teeth into a good book>

sink
n. 1 a : a pool or pit for the deposit of waste or sewage : CESSPOOL b : a ditch or tunnel for carrying off sewage : SEWER c : a stationary basin connected with a drain and usually a water supply for washing and drainage
2 : a place where vice, corruption, or evil collects
3 : SUMP 3
4 a : a depression in the land surface especially : one having a saline lake with no outlet b : SINKHOLE
5 : a body or process that acts as a storage device or disposal mechanism: as a : HEAT SINK broadly : a device that collects or dissipates energy (as radiation) b : a reactant with or absorber of a substance <forests are a sink for carbon dioxide>

sink
n. dry sink
heat sink
kitchen sink
sink one's teeth into
Carson Sink
sinking fund
sunk fence

sink one's teeth into

1 : to bite into
2 : to eagerly devote one's attention to <likes to sink her teeth into a good book>

sinkage
1 : DEPRESSION, INDENTATION
2 : the process or degree of sinking
3 : the distance from the top line of a full page to the first line of lowered matter

sinker
n. 1 : one that sinks specifically : a weight for sinking a fishing line, seine, or sounding line
2 : DOUGHNUT
3 : a fastball that sinks as it reaches the plate ― called also sinker ball

sinkhole
n. 1 : a hollow place or depression in which drainage collects
2 : a hollow in a limestone region that communicates with a cavern or passage
3 : SINK 2
4 : something (as an unprofitable investment) that steadily drains money or resources <a financial sinkhole>

Sinkiang Uighur
― see XINJIANG UYGUR

sinking fund
: a fund set up and accumulated by usually regular deposits for paying off the principal of a debt when it falls due

sinless
adj. : free from sin : IMPECCABLE
–sin·less·ly adverb
–sin·less·ness noun

sinner
n. 1 : one that sins
2 : REPROBATE, SCAMP

Sino
n. 1 : Chinese <sinology>
2 : Chinese and <Sino-Tibetan>

Sino-Tibetan
: a language family comprising Tibeto-Burman and Chinese

sinoatrial
adj. : of, involving, or being the sinus node <sinoatrial block>

sinoatrial node
: SINUS NODE

sinologue
n. : a specialist in sinology

sinology
n. : the study of the Chinese and especially their language, literature, history, and culture
–si·no·log·i·cal \ˌsī-nə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌsi-\ adjective often cap
–si·nol·o·gist \sī-'nä-lə-jist, sə-\ noun often cap

Sinop
town & port N Turkey on peninsula in Black Sea NW of Ankara pop 25,631

sinopia
1 : a red to reddish-brown earth pigment used by the ancients that depends for its color on its content of red ferric oxide
2 : a preliminary drawing for a fresco done in sinopia

sinsemilla
n. : highly potent marijuana from female plants that are specially tended and kept seedless by preventing pollination in order to induce a high resin content also : a female hemp plant grown to produce sinsemilla

Sinsiang
― see XINXIANG

sinsyne
adv. chiefly Scottish : since that time

Sint Maarten
― see SAINT MARTIN

Sint-Niklaas
commune NW cen Belgium pop 68,473

sinter
v. transitive verb : to cause to become a coherent mass by heating without melting
intransitive verb : to undergo sintering
–sinter noun
–sin·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌsin-tə-rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

Sintra
city W Portugal NW of Lisbon pop 363,749

sinuate
adj. : having the margin wavy with strong indentations <sinuate leaves>

Sinuiju
city W N. Korea on the Yalu opposite Dandong, China pop 289,000

sinuosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being sinuous
2 : something that is sinuous

sinuous
adj. 1 a : of a serpentine or wavy form : WINDING b : marked by strong lithe movements
2 : INTRICATE, COMPLEX
–sin·u·ous·ly adverb
–sin·u·ous·ness noun

sinus
n. : CAVITY, HOLLOW: as a : a narrow elongated tract extending from a focus of suppuration and serving for the discharge of pus b (1) : a cavity in the substance of a bone of the skull that usually communicates with the nostrils and contains air (2) : a channel for venous blood (3) : a dilatation in a bodily canal or vessel c : a cleft or indentation between adjoining lobes (as of a leaf or corolla)

sinus
n. carotid sinus
coronary sinus
sinus node
sinus rhythm
sinus venosus

sinus node
: a small mass of tissue that is embedded in the musculature of the right atrium of higher vertebrates and that originates the impulses stimulating the heartbeat

sinus rhythm
: the rhythm of the heart produced by impulses from the sinus node <restored the patient to normal sinus rhythm>

sinus venosus
: an enlarged pouch that adjoins the heart, is formed by the union of the large systemic veins, and is the passage through which venous blood enters the heart in lower vertebrates and in embryos of higher forms

sinusitis
n. : inflammation of a sinus of the skull

sinusoid
n. 1 : SINE CURVE, SINE WAVE
2 [New Latin sinus] : a minute endothelium-lined space or passage for blood in the tissues of an organ (as the liver)

sinusoidal
adj. : of, relating to, shaped like, or varying according to a sine curve or sine wave <sinusoidal motion> <sinusoidal alternating current> <sinusoidal grooves>
–si·nu·soi·dal·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

sinusoidal projection
: an equal-area map projection capable of showing the entire surface of the earth with all parallels as straight lines evenly spaced, the central meridian as one half the length of the equator, and all other meridians as curved lines

Sion
n. variant of zion

Sion
n. 1 \sē-'ōn\ or G Sit·ten \'zi-tən, 'si-\ commune SW cen Switzerland capital of Valais pop 25,350
2 ― see ZION 2

Siouan
adj. 1 : an American Indian language family of central and southeastern No. America
2 : a member of any of the peoples speaking Siouan languages

Sioux
n. 1 : DAKOTA
2 : SIOUAN

Sioux
n. Big Sioux
Sioux City
Sioux Falls

Sioux City
city NW Iowa on Missouri River pop 85,013

Sioux Falls
city SE S.Dak. on the Big Sioux pop 123,975

sip
n. intransitive verb : to take a sip of something especially repeatedly
transitive verb
1 : to drink in small quantities
2 : to take sips from
–sip·per noun

sip
n. 1 : a small draft taken with the lips
2 : the act of sipping

siphon
n. 1 a : a tube bent to form two legs of unequal length by which a liquid can be transferred to a lower level over an intermediate elevation by the pressure of the atmosphere in forcing the liquid up the shorter branch of the tube immersed in it while the excess of weight of the liquid in the longer branch when once filled causes a continuous flow b usually syphon : a bottle for holding aerated water that is driven out through a bent tube in its neck by the pressure of the gas when a valve in the tube is opened
2 : any of various tubular organs in animals and especially mollusks or arthropods that are used for drawing in or ejecting fluids

siphon
n. transitive verb : to convey, draw off, or empty by or as if by a siphon ― often used with off
intransitive verb : to pass by or as if by a siphon

siphonophore
n. : any of an order (Siphonophora) of compound free-swimming or floating pelagic hydrozoans that are mostly delicate, transparent, and colored and have specialized zooids

siphonostele
: a stele consisting of vascular tissue surrounding a central core of pith parenchyma

Siping
v. city NE China in Jilin SW of Changchun pop 317,223

Sippar
ancient city of Babylonia on the Euphrates SSW of modern Baghdad

sippet
n. chiefly British : a small bit of toast or fried bread especially for garnishing

Siqueiros
David Alfaro 1896-1974 Mex. painter

sir
n. 1 a : a man entitled to be addressed as sir ― used as a title before the given name of a knight or baronet and formerly sometimes before the given name of a priest b : a man of rank or position
2 a ― used as a usually respectful form of address b capitalized ― used as a conventional form of address in the salutation of a letter

Sir Roger de Coverley
: an English country-dance that resembles the Virginia reel

sir-reverence
1 obsolete ― used as an expression of apology before a statement that might be taken as offensive
2 obsolete : human feces also : a lump of human feces

Sirach
: a didactic book of the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament ― see BIBLE table

Siracusa
― see SYRACUSE 2

Siraj-ud-Dawlah
ca 1732-1757 nabob of Bengal (1756-57)

sirdar
n. 1 a : a person of high rank (as a hereditary noble) especially in India b : the commander of the Anglo-Egyptian army
2 : one (as a foreman) holding a responsible position especially in India

sire
n. 1 a : FATHER b archaic : male ancestor : FOREFATHER c : AUTHOR, ORIGINATOR
2 a archaic : a man of rank or authority especially : LORD ― used formerly as a form of address and as a title b obsolete : an elderly man : SENIOR
3 : the male parent of an animal and especially of a domestic animal

sire
n. 1 : BEGET ― used especially of male domestic animals
2 : to bring into being : ORIGINATE

siren
n. 1 often capitalized : any of a group of female and partly human creatures in Greek mythology that lured mariners to destruction by their singing
2 a : a woman who sings with enchanting sweetness b : TEMPTRESS c : TEMPTATION 2
3 a : an apparatus producing musical tones especially in acoustical studies by the rapid interruption of a current of air, steam, or fluid by a perforated rotating disk b : a device often electrically operated for producing a penetrating warning sound <an ambulance siren> <an air-raid siren>
4 [New Latin, from L] : either of two No. American eel-shaped amphibians that constitute a genus (Siren) and have small forelimbs but neither hind legs nor pelvis and have permanent external gills as well as lungs

siren
n. : resembling that of a siren : ENTICING

siren song
: an alluring utterance or appeal especially : one that is seductive or deceptive

sirenian
n. : any of an order (Sirenia) of aquatic herbivorous mammals (as a manatee, dugong, or Steller's sea cow) that have large forelimbs resembling paddles, no hind limbs, and a flattened tail resembling a fin
–sirenian adjective

Siret
river 280 mi (450 km) E Romania flowing from the Carpathians SE into the Danube

Sirius
n. : a star of the constellation Canis Major that is the brightest star in the heavens ― called also Dog Star

sirloin
n. : a cut of meat and especially of beef from the part of the hindquarter just in front of the round ― see BEEF illustration

Sirmilik National Park
n. reservation N Canada in N Baffin Is.

sirocco
n. 1 a : a hot dust-laden wind from the Libyan deserts that blows on the northern Mediterranean coast chiefly in Italy, Malta, and Sicily b : a warm moist oppressive southeast wind in the same regions
2 : a hot or warm wind of cyclonic origin from an arid or heated region

Siros
― see SYROS

sirrah
interj. obsolete ― used as a form of address implying inferiority in the person addressed

sirree
n. : SIR ― used as an emphatic form usually after yes or no

sirup
n. variant of syrup

sirvente
: a usually moral or religious song of the Provençal troubadours satirizing social vices

SIS
n. Secret Intelligence Service (Brit)

sis
n. : SISTER ― usually used in direct address

sis
n. : process : action <peristalsis>

sisal
n. 1 a : a strong durable white fiber used especially for hard fiber cordage and twine ― called also sisal hemp b : a widely cultivated Mexican agave (Agave sisalana) whose leaves yield sisal
2 : any of several fibers similar to true sisal

siskin
n. : a small chiefly greenish and yellowish finch (Carduelis spinus) of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa that is related to the goldfinch ― compare PINE SISKIN, RED SISKIN

Siskiyou Mountains
mountains N Calif. & SW Oreg., a range of Klamath Mountains; highest Mt. Ashland (in Oreg.) 7533 ft (2296 m)

Sisley
Alfred 1839-1899 Fr. (Eng.-born) painter

Sismondi
J(ean-) C(harles-) L(éonard) Simonde de 1773-1842 Swiss hist. & econ.

sissified
adj. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a sissy

sissy
n. : an effeminate man or boy also : a timid or cowardly person
–sissy adjective

siste viator
: stop, traveler ― used on Roman roadside tombs

sister
n. 1 : a female who has one or both parents in common with another
2 often capitalized a : a member of a women's religious order (as of nuns or deaconesses) especially : one of a Roman Catholic congregation under simple vows b : a girl or woman who is a member of a Christian church
3 a : a girl or woman regarded as a comrade b : a girl or woman who shares with another a common national or racial origin especially : a black girl or woman
4 : one that is closely similar to or associated with another <sister schools> <sister cities>
5 chiefly British : NURSE
6 a : GIRL, WOMAN b : PERSON ― usually used in the phrase weak sister
7 : a member of a sorority

sister
n. half sister
sister in law
sob sister
weak sister
sisters in law
Weird Sisters

sister-in-law
1 : the sister of one's spouse
2 a : the wife of one's brother b : the wife of one's spouse's brother

sisterhood
n. 1 a : the state of being a sister b : sisterly relationship
2 : a community or society of sisters especially : a society of women in a religious order
3 : the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns

sisterly
adj. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a sister
–sisterly adverb

Sistine
adj. 1 [from Pope Sixtus IV †1484] : of or relating to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican
2 : of or relating to any of the popes named Sixtus

Siswati
n. : the Bantu language of the Swazi people spoken in Swaziland and adjacent countries

Sisyphean
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of the labors of Sisyphus <a Sisyphean task>

Sisyphus
n. : a legendary king of Corinth condemned eternally to repeat the cycle of rolling a heavy rock up a hill in Hades only to have it roll down again as it nears the top

sit
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to rest on the buttocks or haunches <sit in a chair> ― often used with down b : PERCH, ROOST
2 : to occupy a place as a member of an official body <sit in Congress>
3 : to hold a session : be in session for official business
4 : to cover eggs for hatching : BROOD
5 a : to take a position for having one's portrait painted or for being photographed b : to serve as a model
6 archaic : to have one's dwelling place : DWELL
7 a : to lie or hang relative to a wearer <the collar sits awkwardly> b : to affect one with or as if with weight <the food sat heavily on his stomach>
8 : LIE, REST <a kettle sitting on the stove>
9 a : to have a location <the house sits well back from the road> b of wind : to blow from a certain direction
10 : to remain inactive or quiescent <the car sits in the garage>
11 : to take an examination
12 : BABYSIT
13 : to please or agree with one ― used with with and an adverb <the decision did not sit well with me>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to be seated : place on or in a seat ― often used with down
2 : to sit on (eggs)
3 : to keep one's seat on <sit a horse>
4 : to provide seats or seating room for
–sit on
1 : to hold deliberations concerning
2 : REPRESS, SQUELCH
3 : to delay action or decision concerning
4 : to wait or be ready for (a specific pitch) in baseball
–sit on one's hands
1 : to withhold applause : fail to show approval or enthusiasm
2 : to fail to take expected or appropriate action
–sit pretty : to be in a highly favorable situation
–sit tight
1 : to maintain one's position without change
2 : to remain quiet in or as if in hiding
–sit under : to attend religious service under the instruction or ministrations of also : to attend the classes or lectures of

sit
v. 1 : the manner in which a garment fits
2 : an act or period of sitting

sit
v. house sit
sit under
sit tight
sit pretty
sit on one's hands
sit on
sit down
sit in
sit out
sit up
sicut patribus sit Deus nobis
verbum sat sapienti est
bed sitting room
fence sitting
house sitting
sitting duck
sitting room
Sitting Bull

sit in
1 : to take part in or be present at a session of music or discussion as a visitor ― often used with on <invited to sit in on a rehearsal>
2 : to participate in a sit-in

sit on

1 : to hold deliberations concerning
2 : REPRESS, SQUELCH
3 : to delay action or decision concerning
4 : to wait or be ready for (a specific pitch) in baseball

sit on one's hands

1 : to withhold applause : fail to show approval or enthusiasm
2 : to fail to take expected or appropriate action

sit out
: to refrain from participating in <sat out every dance>

sit pretty
to be in a highly favorable situation

sit tight

1 : to maintain one's position without change
2 : to remain quiet in or as if in hiding

sit under
to attend religious service under the instruction or ministrations of also : to attend the classes or lectures of

sit up
1 a : to rise from a lying to a sitting position b : to sit with the back erect
2 : to show interest, alertness, or surprise <sit up and take notice>
3 : to stay up after the usual time for going to bed

sit-down
: served to seated diners <a sit-down dinner> also : of, relating to, or serving sit-down meals <a sit-down restaurant>

sit-down
1 : a cessation of work by employees while maintaining continuous occupation of their place of employment as a protest and means toward forcing compliance with demands
2 : a mass obstruction of an activity by sitting down to demonstrate a grievance or to get the activity modified or halted
3 : a meeting held especially to discuss and resolve problems or conflicts

sit-in
1 : SIT-DOWN 1
2 a : an act of occupying seats in a racially segregated establishment in organized protest against discrimination b : an act of sitting in the seats or on the floor of an establishment as a means of organized protest

sit-up
: a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising the torso to a sitting position and returning to the original position without using the arms or lifting the feet

sitar
n. : an Indian lute with a long neck and a varying number of strings
–si·tar·ist \-ist\ noun

sitcom
n. : SITUATION COMEDY

site
n. 1 a : the spatial location of an actual or planned structure or set of structures (as a building, town, or monuments) b : a space of ground occupied or to be occupied by a building
2 a : the place, scene, or point of an occurrence or event <a picnic site> b : one or more Internet addresses at which an individual or organization provides information to others <an FTP site> especially : WEB SITE

site
n. : to place on a site or in position : LOCATE

site
n. active site
off site
on site
Web site
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

sith
adv. archaic variant of since

Sitka spruce
: a tall spruce (Picea sitchensis) of the northern Pacific coast of No. America that has thin reddish-brown bark, flat needles, and cones with slightly toothed scales ― see CONE illustration

sitosterol
n. : any of several sterols that are widespread especially in plant products (as wheat germ or soybean oil) and are used as starting materials for the synthesis of steroid hormones

Sittang
river 260 mi (418 km) E cen Myanmar flowing S into Gulf of Martaban

Sitter
n. Willem de 1872-1934 Du. astron.

sitter
n. : one that sits: as a : a person who sits for a portrait or a bust b : a person who babysits

sitter
n. bed sitter
fence sitter
house sitter

sitting
n. 1 a : the act of one that sits b : a single occasion of continuous sitting (as for a portrait or meal)
2 a : a brooding over eggs for hatching b : SETTING 6
3 : SESSION <a sitting of the legislature>

sitting
n. 1 : that is setting <a sitting hen>
2 : occupying a judicial, legislative, or executive seat : being in office
3 : easily hit or played <a sitting target>
4 a : used in or for sitting <a sitting position> b : performed while sitting <a sitting shot>

sitting
n. bed sitting room
fence sitting
house sitting
sitting duck
sitting room
Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull
ca 1831-1890 Sioux leader

sitting duck
: an easy or defenseless target

sitting room
: LIVING ROOM 1

Sittwe
city & port W Myanmar; chief town of Arakan coast pop 42,329

situate
v. : having a site : LOCATED

situate
v. : to place in a site, situation, context, or category : LOCATE

situated
adj. 1 : having a site, situation, or location : LOCATED
2 : provided with money or possessions <comfortably situated>

situation
n. 1 a : the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings b : SITE c archaic : LOCALITY
2 archaic : state of health
3 a : position or place of employment : POST, JOB b : position in life : STATUS
4 : position with respect to conditions and circumstances
5 a : relative position or combination of circumstances at a certain moment b : a critical, trying, or unusual state of affairs : PROBLEM c : a particular or striking complex of affairs at a stage in the action of a narrative or drama

situation comedy
: a radio or television comedy series that involves a continuing cast of characters in a succession of episodes

situation ethics
: a system of ethics by which acts are judged within their contexts instead of by categorical principles ― called also situational ethics

situational
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or appropriate to a situation
2 : of or relating to situation ethics
–sit·u·a·tion·al·ly adverb

situs
n. : the place where something exists or originates specifically : the place where something (as a right) is held to be located in law

Sitwell
Sir George Reres·by \'rirz-bē\ 1860-1943 & his 3 children: Dame Edith 1887-1964; Sir Osbert 1892-1969; & Sa·chev·er·ell \sə-'she-və-rəl\ 1897-1988 Eng. authors

sitz bath
: a tub in which one bathes in a sitting posture also : a bath so taken especially therapeutically

sitzmark
n. : a depression left in the snow by a skier falling backward

SIV
: a lentivirus (species Simian immunodeficiency virus) that causes a disease in monkeys similar to AIDS and that is closely related to HIV-2

Siva
n. variant of shiva

Sivan
n. : the ninth month of the civil year or the third month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Sivas
city E cen Turkey on the upper Kizil Irmak pop 221,512

Siwa
oasis & town NW Egypt W of Qattara Depression pop 4999

Siwa
ammonium carbonate
ammonium chloride
ammonium cyanate
ammonium hydroxide
ammonium nitrate
ammonium phosphate
ammonium sulfate
ferric ammonium citrate
quaternary ammonium compound

Siwalik Range
foothills of the Himalayas N India extending SE from N Punjab into Uttar Pradesh

Siwash
n. : a small usually inland college that is notably provincial in outlook <cheer for dear old Siwash>

six
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the sixth in a set or series
3 : something having six units or members: as a : an ice-hockey team b : a 6-cylinder engine or automobile
–six adjective
–six pronoun, plural in construction
–at sixes and sevens : in a state of disorder

six
n. deep six
eighty six
Joe Six Pack
six gun
six o six
six pack
six shooter
at sixes and sevens

six-gun
: a 6-chambered revolver

six-o-six
: ARSPHENAMINE

six-pack
1 : six bottles or cans (as of beer) packaged and purchased as a unit
2 : the contents of a six-pack

six-shooter
: SIX-GUN

sixfold
adj. 1 : having six units or members
2 : being six times as great or as many
–six·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

sixmo
: the size of a piece of paper cut six from a sheet also : a book, a page, or paper of this size

sixpence
n. 1 : a former British monetary unit equal to six pennies
2 plural sixpence or six·penc·es : a coin worth sixpence

sixpenny
adj. : costing or worth sixpence

sixpenny bit
: SIXPENCE 2

sixpenny nail
: a nail about two inches long

sixteen
n. ― see NUMBER table
–sixteen adjective
–sixteen pronoun, plural in construction
–six·teenth \-'stēn(t)th, -ˌtēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

sixteenmo
n. : the size of a piece of paper cut 16 from a sheet also : a book, a page, or paper of this size

sixteenth note
: a musical note with the time value of 1/16 of a whole note ― see NOTE illustration

sixteenth rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to a sixteenth note

sixth
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 a : a musical interval embracing six diatonic degrees b : a tone at this interval specifically : SUBMEDIANT c : the harmonic combination of two tones a sixth apart
–sixth adjective or adverb
–sixth·ly \'siksth-lē, 'sikst-\ adverb

sixth chord
: a musical chord consisting of a tone with its third and its sixth above and usually being the first inversion of a triad

sixth sense
: a power of perception like but not one of the five senses : a keen intuitive power

Sixtine
variant of sistine

sixty
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 60 to 69 specifically : the years 60 to 69 in a lifetime or century
–six·ti·eth \'siks-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–sixty adjective
–sixty pronoun, plural in construction
–six·ty·ish \'siks-tē-ish\ adjective

sixty
n. sixty fourth note
sixty fourth rest
sixty nine

sixty-fourth note
: a musical note with the time value of 1/64 of a whole note ― see NOTE illustration

sixty-fourth rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to a sixty-fourth note

sixty-nine
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : mutual cunnilingus and fellatio : mutual fellatio : mutual cunnilingus

sizable
adj. : fairly large : CONSIDERABLE <a sizable donation>
–siz·able·ness noun
–siz·ably \-blē\ adverb

sizar
n. : a student (as in the university of Cambridge) who receives an allowance toward college expenses and who orig. acted as a servant to other students in return for this allowance

size
n. 1 dialect British : ASSIZE 2A ― usually used in plural
2 obsolete : a fixed portion of food or drink
3 a : physical magnitude, extent, or bulk : relative or proportionate dimensions b : relative aggregate amount or number c : considerable proportions : BIGNESS
4 : one of a series of graduated measures especially of manufactured articles (as of clothing) conventionally identified by numbers or letters <a size seven hat>
5 : character, quality, or status of a person or thing especially with reference to importance, relative merit, or correspondence to needs <try this idea on for size>
6 : actual state of affairs <that's about the size of it>

size
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a particular size : bring to proper or suitable size
2 : to arrange, grade, or classify according to size or bulk
intransitive verb : to equal in size or other particular characteristic : COMPARE ― usually used with up and often with to or with

size
n. : SIZED ― usually used in combination

size
n. : any of various glutinous materials (as preparations of glue, flour, varnish, or resins) used for filling the pores in surfaces (as of paper, textiles, leather, or plaster) or for applying color or metal leaf (as to book edges or covers)

size
n. : to cover, stiffen, or glaze with or as if with size

size
n. bite size
cut down to size
full size
king size
life size
man size
pint size
pocket size
queen size
size up
trim size
twin size
bite sized
king sized
life sized
man sized
pint sized
pocket sized

size up
: to form a judgment of <size up the situation>

sized
adj. 1 : having a specified size or bulk ― usually used in combination <a small-sized house>
2 : arranged or adjusted according to size

sized
adj. bite sized
king sized
life sized
man sized
pint sized
pocket sized

sizing
n. : 4SIZE

sizzle
n. transitive verb : to burn up or sear with or as if with a hissing sound
intransitive verb
1 : to make a hissing sound in or as if in burning or frying
2 : to seethe with deep anger or resentment

sizzle
n. 1 : a hissing sound (as of something frying over a fire)
2 : PIZZAZZ, EXCITEMENT

sizzler
n. : one that sizzles especially : SCORCHER

siècle
fin de siècle
mal du siècle
mal de siècle

SJ
Society of Jesus

Sjaelland
n. island, largest of islands of Denmark; site of Copenhagen area 2709 sq mi (7043 sq km), pop 2,096,449

SK
Saskatchewan

ska
n. : popular music of Jamaican origin that combines elements of traditional Caribbean rhythms and jazz

skag
n. variant of scag

Skagerrak
arm of the North Sea bet. Norway & Denmark

Skagit
river 163 mi (262 km) SW B.C. & NW Wash. flowing S & W into Puget Sound

skald
n. : an ancient Scandinavian poet broadly : BARD
–skald·ic \'skȯl-dik, 'skäl-\ adjective

Skanderbeg
1405-1468 orig. George Kas·tri·o·ti \ˌkäs-trē-'ō-(ˌ)tē\ Turk. Is·kan·der Bey \i-skän-'der-'bā\ Albanian hero

Skaneateles Lake
lake 16 mi (26 km) long cen N.Y. SW of Syracuse; one of the Finger Lakes

skank
n. slang : a person and especially a woman of low or sleazy character

skank
n. : a rhythmic dance performed by swinging the arms while bending the knees especially to reggae or ska also : the music for this dance

skank
n. : to dance the skank

skank
n. slang : to bungle (a stroke) in golf

skanky
adj. 1 slang : repugnantly filthy or squalid
2 slang : of low or sleazy character

skat
n. 1 : a three-handed card game played with 32 cards in which players bid for the privilege of attempting any of several contracts
2 : a widow of two cards in skat that may be used by the winner of the bid

skate
n. : any of a family (Rajidae, especially genus Raja) of rays with the pectoral fins greatly developed giving the fish a flat diamond shape

skate
n. 1 a : a metal frame that can be fitted to the sole of a shoe and to which is attached a runner or a set of wheels for gliding over ice or a surface other than ice b : ROLLER SKATE especially : IN-LINE SKATE c : ICE SKATE
2 : a period of skating

skate
n. intransitive verb
1 : to glide along on skates propelled by the alternate action of the legs
2 : to slip or glide as if on skates
3 : to proceed in a superficial or blithe manner
transitive verb : to go along or through by skating

skate
n. 1 : a thin awkward-looking or decrepit horse : NAG
2 : FELLOW 4C

skate
n. ice skate
in line skate
roller skate
figure skating
in line skating
speed skating

skateboard
n. : a short board mounted on small wheels that is used for coasting and for performing athletic stunts

skateboard
n. : to ride or perform stunts on a skateboard
–skate·board·er \-ˌbȯr-dər\ noun

skater
n. 1 : one that skates
2 : WATER STRIDER

skater
n. figure skater
ice skater
in line skater
pond skater
roller skater
speed skater

skating
n. : the act, art, or sport of gliding on skates

skating
n. figure skating
in line skating
speed skating

skatole
n. : a foul-smelling compound C_9H_9N found in the intestines and feces, in civet, and in several plants or made synthetically and used in perfumes as a fixative

Skaw, The
cape Denmark at N extremity of Jutland

skean
n. variant of skein

skean
n. : DAGGER, DIRK

Skeat
Walter William 1835-1912 Eng. philologist

skedaddle
n. : RUN AWAY, SCRAM especially : to flee in a panic
–ske·dad·dler \-'dad-lər, -'da-dəl-ər\ noun

Skeena
river 360 mi (579 km) Canada in W B.C. flowing S & W into Hecate Strait

skeet
n. : trapshooting in which clay pigeons are thrown in such a way as to simulate the angles of flight of birds

skeeter
n. 1 : MOSQUITO
2 : an iceboat 16 feet (5 meters) or more in length equipped with a single sail

skeeter
n. : a skeet shooter

skeg
n. 1 : the stern of the keel of a ship near the sternpost especially : the part connecting the keel with the bottom of the rudderpost in a single-screw ship
2 : a fin situated on the rear bottom of a surfboard that is used for steering and stability

skeigh
chiefly Scottish : proudly spirited : SKITTISH

skein
n. 1 also skean or skeane \'skān\ : a loosely coiled length of yarn or thread wound on a reel
2 : something suggesting the twists or coils of a skein : TANGLE
3 : a flock of wildfowl (as geese or ducks) in flight

skein
n. : to wind into skeins <skein yarn>

skeletal
adj. : of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton
–skel·e·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

skeletal muscle
: striated muscle that is usually attached to the skeleton and is usually under voluntary control

skeleton
n. 1 : a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism especially : the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate
2 : something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts
3 : an emaciated person or animal
4 a : something forming a structural framework b : the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule
5 : something shameful and kept secret (as in a family) ― often used in the phrase skeleton in the closet
–ske·le·ton·ic \ˌske-lə-'tä-nik\ adjective

skeleton
n. : of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton

skeleton key
: a key with a large part of the bit filed away to enable it to open low quality locks as a master key

skeletonise
v. British variant of skeletonize

skeletonize
v. : to produce in or reduce to skeleton form <skeletonize a leaf> <skeletonize a news story> <skeletonize a regiment>

skeletonizer
: any of various lepidopteran larvae that eat the parenchyma of leaves reducing them to a skeleton of veins

skelter
: SCURRY

Skelton
John ca 1460-1529 Eng. poet
–Skel·ton·ic \skel-'tä-nik\ adjective

Skeltonics
: short verses of an irregular meter with two or three stresses sometimes in falling and sometimes in rising rhythm and usually with rhymed couplets

skep
n. : HIVE 1 especially : a domed hive made of twisted straw

skepsis
: philosophic doubt as to the objective reality of phenomena broadly : a skeptical outlook or attitude

skeptic
n. 1 : an adherent or advocate of skepticism
2 : a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles

skeptical
adj. : relating to, characteristic of, or marked by skepticism <a skeptical listener>
–skep·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

skepticism
n. 1 : an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object
2 a : the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain b : the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics
3 : doubt concerning basic religious principles (as immortality, providence, and revelation)
synonyms see UNCERTAINTY

skerry
n. : a rocky isle : REEF

sketch
n. 1 a : a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study b : a tentative draft (as for a literary work)
2 : a brief description (as of a person) or outline
3 a : a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone b : a short instrumental composition usually for piano c : a slight theatrical piece having a single scene especially : a comic variety act

sketch
n. : to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of
intransitive verb : to draw or paint a sketch
–sketch·er noun

sketchbook
n. : a book of or for sketches

sketchy
adj. 1 : of the nature of a sketch : roughly outlined
2 : wanting in completeness, clearness, or substance : SLIGHT, SUPERFICIAL <the details are sketchy>
3 : QUESTIONABLE, IFFY <got into a sketchy situation> <a sketchy character>
–sketch·i·ly \'ske-chə-lē\ adverb
–sketch·i·ness \'ske-chē-nəs\ noun

skew
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take an oblique course
2 : to look askance
transitive verb
1 : to make, set, or cut on the skew
2 : to distort especially from a true value or symmetrical form <skewed statistical data>

skew
n. 1 : set, placed, or running obliquely : SLANTING
2 : more developed on one side or in one direction than another : not symmetrical

skew
n. : a deviation from a straight line : SLANT

skew
n. skew curve
skew distribution
skew lines

skew curve
: a curve in three-dimensional space that does not lie in a single plane

skew distribution
: an unsymmetrical frequency distribution having the mode at a different value from the mean

skew lines
: straight lines that do not intersect and are not in the same plane

skewback
n. : a course of masonry, a stone, or an iron plate having an inclined face against which the voussoirs of an arch abut

skewbald
adj. of an animal : marked with patches of white and any other color but black

skewbald
adj. : a skewbald horse

skewer
n. 1 : a pin of wood or metal for fastening meat to keep it in form while roasting or to hold small pieces of meat or vegetables for broiling
2 : any of various things shaped or used like a meat skewer

skewer
n. 1 : to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer
2 : to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively

skewness
n. : lack of straightness or symmetry : DISTORTION especially : lack of symmetry in a frequency distribution

ski
n. 1 a : one of a pair of narrow strips of wood, metal, or plastic curving upward in front that are used especially for gliding over snow b : WATER SKI
2 : a piece of material that resembles a ski and is used as a runner on a vehicle

ski
n. intransitive verb : to glide on skis in travel or as a sport
transitive verb : to travel or pass over on skis
–ski·able \'skē-ə-bəl\ adjective
–ski·er noun

ski
n. apres ski
après ski
Jet Ski
ski boot
ski jump
ski jumper
ski lift
ski mask
ski pole
ski run
ski touring
ski tow
water ski
heli skiing
water skier

ski boot
: a rigid padded shoe that extends just above the ankle, is securely fastened to the foot (as with laces, buckles, or clasps), and is locked into position in a ski binding

ski jump
: a jump made by a person wearing skis also : a course or track especially prepared for such jumping
–ski jump intransitive verb
–ski jumper noun

ski lift
: a motor-driven conveyor consisting usually of a series of bars or seats suspended from an overhead moving cable and used for transporting skiers or sightseers up a long slope

ski mask
: a knit fabric mask that covers the head, has openings for the eyes, mouth, and sometimes the nose, and is worn especially by skiers for protection from the cold

ski pole
: one of a pair of lightweight poles used in skiing that have a handgrip and usually a wrist strap at one end and an encircling disk set above the point at the other end

ski run
: a slope or trail suitable for skiing

ski touring
: cross-country skiing for pleasure

ski tow
1 : a motor-driven conveyor that is used for pulling skiers up a slope and that consists usually of an endless moving rope which a skier grasps
2 : SKI LIFT

skiagram
n. 1 : a figure formed by shading in the outline of a shadow
2 : RADIOGRAPH

skid
n. 1 : one of a group of objects (as planks or logs) used to support or elevate a structure or object
2 : a wooden fender hung over a ship's side to protect it in handling cargo
3 : a usually iron shoe or clog attached to a chain and placed under a wheel to prevent its turning when descending a steep hill : DRAG
4 : a timber, bar, rail, pole, or log used in pairs or sets to form a slideway (as for an incline from a truck to the sidewalk)
5 : the act of skidding : SLIP, SIDESLIP
6 : a runner used as a member of the landing gear of an airplane or helicopter
7 a plural : a route to defeat or downfall <on the skids> <his career hit the skids> b : a losing streak <a 5-game skid>
8 : a low platform mounted (as on wheels) on which material is set for handling and moving also : PALLET 3
–skidproof adjective

skid
n. transitive verb
1 : to apply a brake or skid to : slow or halt by a skid
2 a : to haul (as logs) by dragging <cutting and skidding firewood> b : to haul along, slide, hoist, or store on skids
intransitive verb
1 : to slide without rotating (as a wheel held from turning while a vehicle moves onward)
2 a : to fail to grip the roadway especially : to slip sideways on the road b of an airplane : to slide sideways away from the center of curvature when turning c : SLIDE, SLIP
3 : to fall rapidly, steeply, or far <sales skidded last year>

skid road
1 : a road along which logs are skidded
2 a West : the part of a town frequented by loggers b : SKID ROW

skid row
: a district of cheap saloons and flophouses frequented by vagrants and alcoholics

Skiddaw
mountain 3053 ft (930 m) NW England in NW cen Cumbria

skidder
1 : one that skids or uses a skid
2 : a tractor used especially for hauling logs

skiddoo
v. : to go away : DEPART

skiddy
adj. : likely to skid or cause skidding <a wet skiddy road>

skiff
n. : any of various small boats especially : a flat-bottomed rowboat

skiffle
n. : American jazz or folk music played entirely or in part on nonstandard instruments (as jugs, washboards, or Jew's harps) also : a derivative form of music formerly popular in Great Britain featuring vocals with a simple instrumental accompaniment

skiing
n. : the art or sport of sliding and jumping on skis

skijoring
n. : a winter sport in which a person wearing skis is drawn over snow or ice (as by a horse or vehicle)

Skikda
city & port NE Algeria N of Constantine pop 128,747

skilful
adj. chiefly British variant of skillful

skill
n. archaic : to make a difference : MATTER, AVAIL

skill
n. 1 obsolete : CAUSE, REASON
2 a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance b : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
3 : a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability <language skills>
synonyms see ART
–skill-less or skil·less \'skil-ləs\ adjective
–skill-less·ness or skil·less·ness noun

skill
n. skill lessness
skill less
de skill

skilled
adj. 1 : having acquired mastery of or skill in something (as a technique or a trade) <skilled in the art of negotiation>
2 : of, relating to, or requiring workers or labor with skill and training in a particular occupation, craft, or trade
synonyms see PROFICIENT

skillet
n. 1 chiefly British : a small kettle or pot usually having three or four often long feet and used for cooking on the hearth
2 : FRYING PAN

skillful
adj. 1 : possessed of or displaying skill : EXPERT <a skillful chef>
2 : accomplished with skill <a skillful treatment>
synonyms see PROFICIENT
–skill·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–skill·ful·ness noun

skim
n. transitive verb
1 a : to clear (a liquid) of scum or floating substance <skim boiling syrup> b : to remove (as film or scum) from the surface of a liquid c : to remove cream from by skimming d : to remove the best or most easily obtainable contents from
2 : to read, study, or examine superficially and rapidly especially : to glance through (as a book) for the chief ideas or the plot
3 : to throw in a gliding path especially : to throw so as to ricochet along the surface of water
4 : to cover with or as if with a film, scum, or coat
5 : to pass swiftly or lightly over
6 a : to remove or conceal (as a portion of casino profits) to avoid payment of taxes b : EMBEZZLE <skimming money from employee pension plans>
intransitive verb
1 a : to pass lightly or hastily : glide or skip along, above, or near a surface b : to give a cursory glance, consideration, or reading
2 : to become coated with a thin layer of film or scum
3 : to put on a finishing coat of plaster
4 : to embezzle money

skim
n. 1 : a thin layer, coating, or film
2 : the act of skimming
3 : something skimmed specifically : SKIM MILK

skim
n. 1 : having the cream removed by skimming
2 : made of skim milk <skim cheese>

skim milk
: milk from which the cream has been taken ― called also skimmed milk

skimble-skamble
: rambling and confused : SENSELESS

skimmer
n. 1 : one that skims specifically : a flat perforated scoop or spoon used for skimming
2 : any of a small genus (Rynchops) of long-winged marine birds that have the lower mandible longer than the upper
3 : a usually straw flat-crowned hat with a wide straight brim
4 : a fitted sleeveless dress with a usually flaring skirt

skimming
n. : that which is skimmed from a liquid

skimobile
n. : SNOWMOBILE

skimp
adj. : SKIMPY

skimp
adj. : to give insufficient or barely sufficient attention or effort to or funds for
intransitive verb : to save by or as if by skimping

skimpy
adj. : deficient in supply or execution especially through skimping : SCANTY
synonyms see MEAGER
–skimp·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–skimp·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

skin
n. 1 a (1) : the integument of an animal (as a fur-bearing mammal or a bird) separated from the body usually with its hair or feathers (2) : a usually unmounted specimen of a vertebrate (as in a museum) b : the hide or pelt of a game or domestic animal c (1) : the pelt of an animal prepared for use as a trimming or in a garment ― compare 4HIDE (2) : a sheet of parchment or vellum made from a hide (3) : BOTTLE 1B
2 a : the external limiting tissue layer of an animal body especially : the 2-layered covering of a vertebrate body consisting of an outer epidermis and an inner dermis b : an outer covering (as a rind or husk) of a fruit or seed c : a membranous film or scum (as on boiling milk or drying paint)
3 : the life or physical well-being of a person <saved his own skin>
4 : a sheathing or casing forming the outside surface of a structure (as a ship or airplane)
–skin·less \-ləs\ adjective
–by the skin of one's teeth : by a very narrow margin
–under one's skin : so deeply penetrative as to irritate, stimulate, provoke thought, or otherwise excite
–under the skin : beneath apparent or surface differences : at heart

skin
n. transitive verb
1 a : to strip, scrape, or rub off an outer covering (as the skin or rind) of b : to strip or peel off c : to cut, chip, or damage the surface of <fell and skinned my knee>
2 a : to cover with or as if with skin b : to heal over with skin
3 a : to strip of money or property : FLEECE b : to defeat badly c : CENSURE, CASTIGATE
4 : to urge on and direct the course of (as a draft animal)
intransitive verb
1 : to become covered with or as if with skin
2 a : SHINNY b : to pass or get by with scant room to spare

skin
n. : involving subjects who are nude <expected to conduct skin searches for weapons ― Diane K. Shah> especially : devoted to showing nudes <skin magazines>

skin
n. galvanic skin response
under the skin
under one's skin
by the skin of one's teeth
skin deep
skin diving
skin diver
skin dive
skin game
skin graft
skin grafting
skin pop
skin popper
skin test
thick skinned
thin skinned

skin diving
: the sport of swimming under water with a face mask and flippers and especially without a portable breathing device
–skin-dive intransitive verb
–skin diver noun

skin game
: a swindling game or trick

skin graft
: a piece of skin that is surgically removed from a donor area to replace skin in a defective or denuded area (as one that has been burned) also : the procedure by which such a piece of skin is removed and transferred to a new area
–skin grafting noun

skin test
: a test (as a scratch test) performed on the skin and used in detecting allergic hypersensitivity

skin-deep
1 : as deep as the skin
2 : not thorough or lasting in impression : SUPERFICIAL

skin-pop
: to inject a drug subcutaneously rather than into a vein
transitive verb : to inject (a drug) by skin-popping
–skin-pop·per \-ˌpä-pər\ noun

skinflint
n. : a person who would save, gain, or extort money by any means : MISER

skinful
n. 1 : a large or satisfying quantity especially of liquor
2 : the contents of a skin bottle

skinhead
n. 1 : a person whose hair is cut very short
2 : a usually white male belonging to any of various sometimes violent youth gangs whose members have close-shaven hair and often espouse white-supremacist beliefs

skink
n. chiefly dialect : to draw, pour out, or serve (drink)

skink
n. : any of a family (Scincidae) of typically small insectivorous lizards with long tapering bodies

skinker
: one that serves liquor : BARTENDER

skinned
adj. : having skin especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <dark-skinned>

Skinner
n. B(urrhus) F(rederic) 1904-1990 American psychol.
–Skin·ner·ian \ski-'nir-ē-ən, -'ner-\ adjective

Skinner
n. Cornelia Otis 1901-1979 dau. of Otis American actress & writer

Skinner
n. Otis 1858-1942 American actor

skinner
n. 1 a : one that deals in skins, pelts, or hides b : one that removes, cures, or dresses skins
2 : SHARPER
3 : a driver of draft animals : TEAMSTER

Skinner box
: a laboratory apparatus in which an animal is caged for experiments in operant conditioning and which typically contains a lever that must be pressed by the animal to gain reward or avoid punishment

skinny
adj. 1 : resembling skin : MEMBRANOUS
2 a : lacking sufficient flesh : very thin : EMACIATED b : lacking usual or desirable bulk, quantity, qualities, or significance
synonyms see LEAN
–skin·ni·ness noun

skinny
adj. slang : inside information : DOPE <the straight skinny on what's going on ― John Geary>

skinny-dip
: to swim in the nude
–skinny-dip noun
–skin·ny-dip·per \-ˌdi-pər\ noun

skint
adj. chiefly British : PENNILESS

skintight
adj. : closely fitted to the figure <skintight pants>

skip
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move or proceed with leaps and bounds or with a skip b : to bound off one point after another : RICOCHET
2 : to leave hurriedly or secretly <skipped out without paying their bill>
3 a : to pass over or omit an interval, item, or step b : to omit a grade in school in advancing to the next c : MISFIRE 1
transitive verb
1 a : to pass over without notice or mention : OMIT <skipped her name> b : to pass by or leave out (a step in a progression or series)
2 a : to cause to skip (a grade in school) b : to cause to bound or skim over a surface <skip a stone across a pond>
3 : to leap over lightly and nimbly
4 a : to depart from quickly and secretly <skipped town> b : to fail to attend or participate in <skip the tournament> <skip the meeting>
–skip·pa·ble \'ski-pə-bəl\ adjective
–skip bail : to jump bail
–skip rope : to use a jump rope (as for exercise or a game)

skip
n. 1 a : a light bounding step b : a gait composed of alternating hops and steps
2 : an act of omission or the thing omitted

skip
n. 1 : the captain of a side in a game (as curling or lawn bowling) who advises the team as to the play and controls the action
2 : 2SKIPPER

skip
n. : to act as skipper of

skip
n. hop skip and jump
skip rope
skip bail
skip bomb

skip bail
to jump bail

skip bomb
: to attack by releasing delayed-action bombs from a low-flying airplane so that they skip along a land or water surface and strike a target

skip rope
to use a jump rope (as for exercise or a game)

skipjack
n. 1 : any of various fishes (as a ladyfish or bluefish) that jump above or are active at the surface of the water especially : SKIPJACK TUNA
2 : a sailboat with vertical sides and a bottom similar to a flat V

skipjack tuna
: a relatively small tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis syn. Euthynnus pelamis) that is bluish above and silvery below with oblique dark stripes on the sides and belly

skipper
n. 1 : any of various erratically active insects (as a click beetle or a water strider)
2 : one that skips
3 : SAURY
4 : any of a superfamily (Hesperioidea, especially family Hesperiidae) of lepidopterous insects that visibly differ from the typical butterflies especially in having stout bodies, smaller wings, and usually hooked antennae

skipper
n. 1 : the master of a ship especially : the master of a fishing, small trading, or pleasure boat
2 : the captain or first pilot of an airplane
3 : a person in a position of leadership especially : a baseball team's manager

skipper
n. 1 : to act as skipper of (as a boat)
2 : to act as coach of (as a team)

skirl
n. intransitive verb of a bagpipe : to emit the high shrill tone of the chanter also : to give forth music
transitive verb : to play (music) on the bagpipe

skirl
n. : a high shrill sound produced by the chanter of a bagpipe

skirmish
n. 1 : a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
2 a : a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties <the debate touched off a skirmish>

skirmish
n. 1 : to engage in a skirmish
2 : to search about (as for supplies) : scout around
–skir·mish·er noun

Skiros
― see SKYROS

skirr
n. intransitive verb
1 : to leave hastily : FLEE <birds skirred off from the bushes ― D. H. Lawrence>
2 : to run, fly, sail, or move along rapidly
transitive verb
1 : to search about in <skirr the country round ― Shakespeare>
2 : to pass rapidly over : SKIM

skirt
n. 1 a (1) : a free-hanging part of an outer garment or undergarment extending from the waist down (2) : a separate free-hanging outer garment or undergarment usually worn by women and girls covering some or all of the body from the waist down b : either of two usually leather flaps on a saddle covering the bars on which the stirrups are hung c : a cloth facing that hangs from the bottom edge or across the front of a piece of furniture d : the lower branches of a tree when near the ground
2 a : the rim, periphery, or environs of an area b plural : outlying parts (as of a town or city)
3 : a part or attachment serving as a rim, border, or edging
4 slang : a girl or woman
–skirt·ed adjective

skirt
n. 1 : to form or run along the border or edge of : BORDER
2 a : to provide a skirt for b : to furnish a border or shield for
3 a : to go or pass around or about specifically : to go around or keep away from in order to avoid danger or discovery b : to avoid especially because of difficulty or fear of controversy <skirted the issue> c : to evade or miss by a narrow margin <having skirted disaster ― Edith Wharton>
intransitive verb : to be, lie, or move along an edge or border
–skirt·er noun

skirt
n. hobble skirt
skirt steak
skirting board

skirt steak
: a boneless strip of beef cut from the plate

skirting
n. 1 : something that skirts: as a : BORDER, EDGING b chiefly British : BASEBOARD ― called also skirting board
2 : fabric suitable for skirts

skit
n. 1 : a jeering or satirical remark : TAUNT
2 a : a satirical or humorous story or sketch b (1) : a brief burlesque or comic sketch included in a dramatic performance (as a revue) (2) : a short serious dramatic piece especially : one done by amateurs

skitter
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to glide or skip lightly or quickly b : to move in or as in a jittery or jerky way <leaves skittering over the sidewalk>
2 : to twitch the hook of a fishing line through or along the surface of water
transitive verb : to cause to skitter

skittery
adj. : SKITTISH

skittish
adj. 1 a : lively or frisky in action : CAPRICIOUS b : VARIABLE, FLUCTUATING
2 : easily frightened : RESTIVE <a skittish horse>
3 a : COY, BASHFUL b : marked by extreme caution : WARY <skittish investors>
–skit·tish·ly adverb
–skit·tish·ness noun

skittle
n. 1 plural but singular in construction : English ninepins played with a wooden disk or ball
2 : one of the pins used in skittles

skive
v. : to cut off (as leather or rubber) in thin layers or pieces : PARE

skiver
n. 1 : a thin soft leather made of the grain side of a split sheepskin, usually tanned in sumac and dyed
2 : one that skives something (as leather)

Skivvies
n. ― used for men's underwear

skivvy
n. British : a female domestic servant

skiwear
n. : clothing suitable for wear while skiing

skoal
interj. : TOAST, HEALTH ― often used interjectionally

Skoda
Emil von 1839-1900 Czech engineer & industrialist

Skokie
n. village NE Ill. N of Chicago pop 63,348

Skopje
n. city capital of Macedonia on the Vardar pop 470,642

skort
: a pair of shorts made to resemble a skirt (as with an overlapping front panel)

skosh
n. : a small amount : BIT, SMIDGEN ― used adverbially with a <just a skosh bit shook ― Josiah Bunting>

Skou
Jens C. 1918-     Dan. biophysicist

SKU
stock-keeping unit

skua
n. : any of various seabirds (genus Catharacta) related to the jaegers: as a : GREAT SKUA b : a bird (C. maccormicki) that resembles but is slightly smaller than the great skua and that breeds in the Antarctic

skulduggery
n. : underhanded or unscrupulous behavior also : a devious device or trick

skulk
n. 1 : to move in a stealthy or furtive manner <skulked into her sister's room>
2 a : to hide or conceal something (as oneself) often out of cowardice or fear or with sinister intent b chiefly British : MALINGER
synonyms see LURK
–skulk·er noun

skulk
n. 1 : one that skulks
2 : a group of foxes

skull
n. 1 : the skeleton of the head of a vertebrate forming a bony or cartilaginous case that encloses and protects the brain and chief sense organs and supports the jaws
2 : the seat of understanding or intelligence : MIND
–skulled \'skəld\ adjective

skull
n. 1 : to hit on the head
2 : to unintentionally hit (a golf ball or shot) with the bottom edge of the clubface

skull
n. skull and crossbones
skull session
skull practice
skulls and crossbones

skull and crossbones
: a representation of a human skull over crossbones usually used as a warning of danger to life

skull session
1 : a strategy class for an athletic team
2 : a meeting for consultation, discussion, or the interchange of ideas or information ― called also skull practice

skullcap
n. 1 : a close-fitting cap especially : a light brimless cap for indoor wear
2 : any of various mints (genus Scutellaria) having a bell-shaped calyx that when inverted resembles a helmet
3 : the upper portion of the skull : CALVARIUM

Skunk
n. river 264 mi (425 km) SE Iowa flowing SE into Mississippi River

skunk
n. 1 a : any of various common omnivorous black-and-white New World mammals (esp. genus Mephitis) of the weasel family that have a pair of perineal glands from which a secretion of pungent and offensive odor is ejected b : the fur of a skunk
2 : an obnoxious or disliked person

skunk
n. 1 a : DEFEAT b : to prevent entirely from scoring or succeeding : SHUT OUT
2 : to fail to pay also : CHEAT

skunk
n. skunk cabbage
Skunk Works
striped skunk

skunk cabbage
: either of two No. American perennial herbs of the arum family that occur in shaded wet to swampy areas and have a fetid odor suggestive of a skunk: a : one (Symplocarpus foetidus) of eastern No. America that sends up in spring a cowl-shaped brownish-purple spathe b : one (Lysichitum americana) chiefly of the Pacific coast region that has a large yellow spathe

Skunk Works
― used for research and development services

skunkbrush
: SQUAWBUSH

skunky
: having a rancid smell or taste suggestive of a skunk <skunky beer>

sky
n. 1 : the upper atmosphere or expanse of space that constitutes an apparent great vault or arch over the earth
2 : HEAVEN 2
3 a : weather in the upper atmosphere b : CLIMATE <temperate English skies ― G. G. Coulton>

sky
n. transitive verb
1 chiefly British : to throw or toss up : FLIP
2 : to hang (as a painting) above the line of vision
3 : to hit (a ball) high into the air
intransitive verb : to jump high <sky for a rebound>

sky
n. blue sky
blue sky law
deep sky
mackerel sky
pie in the sky
sky blue
sky high
sky marshal
sky pilot
sky wave

sky blue
: a pale to light blue color

sky marshal
: an armed federal plainclothesman assigned to prevent skyjackings

sky pilot
: CLERGYMAN specifically : CHAPLAIN

sky wave
: a radio wave that is propagated by means of the ionosphere

sky-high
1 a : high into the air b : to a high or exorbitant level or degree <lifted my spirit sky-high ― Elmer Morriss>
2 : in an enthusiastic manner
3 : to bits : APART <blown sky-high>

sky-high
1 : excessively expensive : EXORBITANT
2 : extremely or excessively high <her blood pressure was sky-high>

skyborne
: AIRBORNE <skyborne troops>

skybox
n. : a roofed enclosure of private seats situated high in a sports stadium and typically featuring luxurious amenities

skycap
n. : one employed to carry hand luggage at an airport ― compare REDCAP

skydiving
n. : the sport of jumping from an airplane at a moderate altitude (as 6000 feet) and executing various body maneuvers before pulling the rip cord of a parachute
–sky·dive \-ˌdīv\ intransitive verb
–sky·div·er noun

Skye
n. island Scotland, one of the Inner Hebrides area 670 sq mi (1742 sq km)

Skye terrier
: any of a Scottish breed of small short-legged terriers with a long body and long straight coat

skyey
adj. : of or resembling the sky : ETHEREAL

skyhook
n. : a hook conceived as being suspended from the sky

skyjack
v. : to commandeer (an airplane in flight) by the threat of violence
–sky·jack·er \-ˌja-kər\ noun
–sky·jack·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

skylark
n. 1 : a common largely brown Old World lark (Alauda arvensis) noted for its song especially as uttered in flight
2 : any of various birds resembling the skylark

skylark
n. 1 : to run up and down the rigging of a ship in sport
2 : FROLIC, SPORT
–sky·lark·er noun

skylight
n. 1 : the diffused and reflected light of the sky
2 : an opening in a house roof or ship's deck that is covered with translucent or transparent material and that is designed to admit light

skylighted
: having a skylight

skyline
n. 1 : the apparent juncture of earth and sky : HORIZON
2 : an outline (as of buildings or a mountain range) against the background of the sky

skyrocket
n. : 2ROCKET 1A

skyrocket
n. 1 : to cause to rise or increase abruptly and rapidly
2 : CATAPULT
intransitive verb : to shoot up abruptly <prices are skyrocketing>

Skyros
island Greece in the Northern Sporades E of Euboea

skysail
n. : the sail above the royal

skyscraper
n. : a very tall building

skyscraping
adj. : extraordinarily tall or high <skyscraping basketball players>

skysurfing
: skydiving in which the participant performs maneuvers during free fall while riding on a modified surfboard
–sky·surf·er \-fər\ noun

skywalk
v. : a usually enclosed aerial walkway connecting two buildings

skyward
adj. 1 : toward the sky
2 : UPWARD

skyway
n. 1 : a route used by airplanes : AIR LANE
2 : an elevated highway
3 : SKYWALK

skywrite
v. transitive verb : to letter by skywriting
intransitive verb : to do skywriting
–sky·writ·er noun

skywriting
n. : writing formed in the sky by means of a visible substance (as smoke) emitted from an airplane

SL
sea level

sl
1 slightly
2 slip
3 slow

slab
n. 1 : a thick plate or slice (as of stone, wood, or bread): as a : the outside piece cut from a log in squaring it b : concrete pavement (as of a road) specifically : a strip of concrete pavement laid as a single unjointed piece c (1) : a flat rectangular architectural element that is usually formed of a single piece or mass <a concrete foundation slab> (2) : a rectangular building having little width with respect to its length and usually height
2 : something that resembles a slab (as in size, shape, or density) <backed up by a solid slab of reference material ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–slab·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

slab
n. 1 a : to remove an outer slab from (as a log) b : to divide or form into slabs
2 : to cover or support (as a roadbed or roof) with slabs
3 : to put on thickly

slab
n. dialect chiefly English : THICK, VISCOUS

slab-sided
: having flat sides also : being tall or long and lank

slack
n. 1 : not using due diligence, care, or dispatch : NEGLIGENT
2 a : characterized by slowness, sluggishness, or lack of energy <a slack pace> b : moderate in some quality especially : moderately warm <a slack oven> c : blowing or flowing at low speed <the tide was slack>
3 a : not tight or taut <a slack rope> b : lacking in usual or normal firmness and steadiness : WEAK <slack muscles> <slack supervision>
4 : wanting in activity : DULL <a slack market>
5 : lacking in completeness, finish, or perfection <a very slack piece of work>
synonyms see NEGLIGENT
–slack·ly adverb
–slack·ness noun

slack
n. 1 : to be or become slack
2 : to shirk or evade work or duty
transitive verb
1 a : to be slack or negligent in performing or doing b : LESSEN, MODERATE
2 : to release tension on : LOOSEN
3 a : to cause to abate b : SLAKE 3

slack
n. 1 : cessation in movement or flow
2 : a part of something that hangs loose without strain <take up the slack of a rope>
3 : trousers especially for casual wear ― usually used in plural
4 : a dull season or period
5 a : a part that is available but not used <some slack in the budget> b : a portion (as of labor or resources) that is required but lacking <hired a temp to take up the slack>
6 : additional leeway or relief from pressure ― usually used with cut <refused to cut me some slack on the schedule>

slack
n. dialect English : a pass between hills

slack
n. : the finest screenings of coal produced at a mine unusable as fuel unless cleaned

slack water
: the period at the turn of the tide when there is little or no horizontal motion of tidal water ― called also slack tide

slacken
v. transitive verb
1 : to make less active : slow up <slacken speed at a crossing>
2 : to make slack (as by lessening tension or firmness) <slacken sail>
intransitive verb
1 : to become slack or slow or negligent : slow down
2 : to become less active : SLACK
synonyms see DELAY

slacker
n. 1 : a person who shirks work or obligation especially : one who evades military service in time of war
2 : a person and especially a young person who is perceived to be disaffected, apathetic, cynical, or lacking ambition
–slacker adjective

slag
n. : the dross or scoria of a metal

slag
n. slang chiefly British : a lewd or promiscuous woman

slag
n. chiefly British : to criticize harshly

slain
adj. past part of slay

slake
v. intransitive verb
1 archaic : SUBSIDE, ABATE
2 : to become slaked : CRUMBLE <lime may slake spontaneously in moist air>
transitive verb
1 archaic : to lessen the force of : MODERATE
2 : SATISFY, QUENCH <slake your thirst> <will slake your curiosity>
3 : to cause (as lime) to heat and crumble by treatment with water : HYDRATE

slalom
n. 1 : skiing in a zigzag or wavy course between upright obstacles (as flags)
2 : a timed race (as on skis or in an automobile or kayak) over a winding or zigzag course past a series of flags or markers broadly : movement over a zigzag route

slalom
n. : to move over a zigzag course in or as if in a slalom

slam
n. 1 : GRAND SLAM
2 : LITTLE SLAM

slam
n. 1 : a heavy blow or impact
2 a : a noisy violent closing b : a banging noise especially : one made by the slam of a door
3 : a cutting or violent criticism
4 : SLAMMER
5 : a poetry competition performed before judges

slam
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike or beat hard : KNOCK
2 : to shut forcibly and noisily : BANG
3 a : to set or slap down violently or noisily <slammed down the phone> b : to propel, thrust, or produce by or as if by striking hard <slam on the brakes> <slammed the car into a wall>
4 : to criticize harshly
intransitive verb
1 : to make a banging noise
2 : to function (as in moving) with emphatic and usually noisy vigor <the hurricane slammed into the coast> <slammed out of the room>
3 : to utter verbal abuse or harsh criticism

slam
n. grand slam
little slam
slam bang
slam dunk

slam dunk
1 : DUNK SHOT
2 : SURE THING <the case is a slam dunk>
–slam-dunk verb

slam-bang
1 : unduly loud or violent <a slam-bang clatter>
2 : having fast-paced often nonstop action <a slam-bang adventure novel>
3 : vigorously enthusiastic <made a slam-bang effort to win>

slammer
n. : JAIL, PRISON

slander
n. : to utter slander against : DEFAME
synonyms see MALIGN
–slan·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

slander
n. 1 : the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation
2 : a false and defamatory oral statement about a person ― compare LIBEL
–slan·der·ous \-d(ə-)rəs\ adjective
–slan·der·ous·ly adverb
–slan·der·ous·ness noun

slang
n. 1 : language peculiar to a particular group: as a : ARGOT b : JARGON 2
2 : an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech
–slang adjective
–slang·i·ly \'slaŋ-ə-lē\ adverb
–slang·i·ness \'slaŋ-ē-nəs\ noun
–slangy \'slaŋ-ē\ adjective

slang
n. : to use slang or vulgar abuse
transitive verb : to abuse with harsh or coarse language

slanging match
chiefly British : a heated exchange of abuse

slanguage
n. : slangy speech or writing

slant
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take a diagonal course, direction, or path
2 : to turn or incline from a right line or a level : SLOPE
transitive verb
1 : to give an oblique or sloping direction to
2 : to interpret or present in line with a special interest : ANGLE <stories slanted toward youth> especially : to maliciously or dishonestly distort or falsify
–slant·ing·ly \'slan-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

slant
n. 1 : a slanting direction, line, or plane : SLOPE
2 a : something that slants b : SLASH 4 c : a football running play in which the ballcarrier runs obliquely toward the line of scrimmage
3 a : a peculiar or personal point of view, attitude, or opinion b : a slanting view : GLANCE
–slant adjective
–slant·ways \-ˌwāz\ adverb
–slant·wise \-ˌwīz\ adverb or adjective
–slanty \'slan-tē\ adjective

slant height
1 : the length of an element of a right circular cone
2 : the altitude of a side of a regular pyramid

slap
n. dialect British : OPENING, BREACH

slap
n. 1 a : to strike sharply with or as if with the open hand b : to cause to strike with a motion or sound like that of a blow with the open hand
2 : to put, place, or throw with careless haste or force <slapped on a coat of paint>
3 : to assail verbally : INSULT
4 : to subject to a penalty ― usually used with with <slapped him with a $10 fine>

slap
n. 1 a : a quick sharp blow b : a blow with the open hand
2 : a noise like that of a slap
3 : REBUFF, INSULT
–slap on the wrist : a gentle usually ineffectual reprimand

slap
n. : DIRECTLY, SMACK

slap
n. slap on the wrist
slap down
slap shot
slap up

slap down
1 : to prohibit or restrain usually abruptly and with censure from acting in a specified way : SQUELCH
2 : to put an abrupt stop to : SUPPRESS

slap on the wrist
a gentle usually ineffectual reprimand

slap shot
: a shot in ice hockey made with a swinging stroke

slap-up
chiefly British : FIRST-RATE, BANG-UP

slapdash
adj. : HAPHAZARD, SLIPSHOD

slaphappy
adj. 1 : PUNCH-DRUNK
2 : buoyantly or recklessly carefree or foolish : HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

slapjack
n. 1 : PANCAKE
2 : a card game in which each player tries to be the first to slap a hand on any jack that appears faceup

slapstick
n. 1 : a device made of two flat pieces of wood fastened at one end so as to make a loud noise when used by an actor to strike a person
2 : comedy stressing farce and horseplay also : activity resembling slapstick
–slapstick adjective
–slap·sticky \-ˌsti-kē\ adjective

slash
n. intransitive verb : to lash out, cut, or thrash about with or as if with an edged blade
transitive verb
1 : to cut with or as if with rough sweeping strokes
2 : CANE, LASH
3 : to cut slits in (as a garment) so as to reveal a color beneath
4 : to criticize cuttingly
5 : to reduce sharply : CUT

slash
n. 1 : the act of slashing also : a long cut or stroke made by or as if by slashing
2 : an ornamental slit in a garment
3 a : an open tract in a forest strewn with debris (as from logging) b : the debris in such a tract
4 : a mark / used typically to denote "or" (as in and/or), "and or" (as in straggler/deserter), or "per" (as in feet/second) ― called also diagonal slant solidus virgule

slash
n. : a low swampy area often overgrown with brush

slash
n. slash and burn
slash pine
slash pocket
slant height
on the diagonal
diagonal matrix
principal diagonal

slash pine
: a pine (Pinus elliottii) of the southeastern U.S. that has two or three needles in a cluster and is a source of turpentine, lumber, and pulpwood

slash pocket
: a pocket suspended on the wrong side of a garment from a finished slit on the right side that serves as its opening

slash-and-burn
1 : characterized or developed by felling and burning trees to clear land especially for temporary agriculture
2 : extremely ruthless and unsparing <slash-and-burn tactics> <slash-and-burn criticism>

slasher
n. : one that slashes especially : a person who mutilates or kills with an edged blade <a slasher film>

slashing
n. 1 : incisively satiric or critical
2 : DRIVING, PELTING
3 : VIVID, BRILLIANT
–slash·ing·ly adverb

slashing
n. 1 : the act or process of slashing
2 : an insert or layer of contrasting color revealed by a slash (as in a garment)
3 : SLASH 3

slat
n. 1 : STRIKE, PUMMEL
2 : to hurl or throw smartly

slat
n. 1 : a thin narrow flat strip especially of wood or metal
2 plural slang : RIBS
3 : an auxiliary airfoil at the leading edge of the wing of an airplane
–slat adjective
–slat·ted \'sla-təd\ adjective

slat
n. : to make or equip with slats

slate
n. 1 : a piece of construction material (as laminated rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding
2 : a dense fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the compression of various sediments (as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage
3 : a tablet (as of slate) used for writing on
4 a : a written or unwritten record (as of deeds) <started with a clean slate> b : a list of candidates for nomination or election
5 a : a dark purplish gray b : any of various grays similar in color to common roofing slates
–slate adjective
–slate·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

slate
n. 1 : to cover with slate or a slatelike substance <slate a roof>
2 : to designate for a specified purpose or action : SCHEDULE <was slated to direct the play>

slate
n. 1 : to thrash or pummel severely
2 chiefly British : to criticize or censure severely

slate
n. blank slate
slate black
slate blue

slate black
: a nearly neutral slightly purplish black

slate blue
: a grayish-blue color

Slater
n. Samuel 1768-1835 American (Eng.-born) industrialist

slater
n. 1 : one that slates
2 [1slate; from its color] a : WOOD LOUSE b : any of various marine isopods

slather
n. : a great quantity ― often used in plural

slather
n. 1 : to use or spend in a wasteful or lavish manner : SQUANDER
2 a : to spread thickly or lavishly <slathered sunscreen on her skin> b : to spread something thickly or lavishly on <slathered her skin with sunscreen>

slating
n. : the work of a slater

slattern
n. : an untidy slovenly woman also : SLUT, PROSTITUTE

slattern
n. : SLATTERNLY

slatternly
adj. 1 : untidy and dirty through habitual neglect also : CARELESS, DISORDERLY
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a slut or prostitute
–slat·tern·li·ness noun

slaty
adj. : of, containing, or characteristic of slate also : gray like slate

slaughter
n. 1 : the act of killing specifically : the butchering of livestock for market
2 : killing of great numbers of human beings (as in battle or a massacre) : CARNAGE

slaughter
n. 1 : to kill (animals) for food : BUTCHER
2 a : to kill in a bloody or violent manner : SLAY b : to kill in large numbers : MASSACRE
3 : to discredit, defeat, or demolish completely
–slaugh·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

slaughterhouse
n. : an establishment where animals are butchered

slaughterous
adj. : of or relating to slaughter : MURDEROUS <a slaughterous rampage>
–slaugh·ter·ous·ly adverb

Slav
n. : a person whose native tongue is a Slavic language
–Slav adjective

Slave
n. river 258 mi (415 km) Canada flowing from W end of Lake Athabasca N into Great Slave Lake

slave
n. 1 : a person held in servitude as the chattel of another
2 : one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence
3 : a device (as the printer of a computer) that is directly responsive to another
4 : DRUDGE, TOILER
–slave adjective

slave
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : ENSLAVE
2 : to make directly responsive to another mechanism
intransitive verb
1 : to work like a slave : DRUDGE
2 : to traffic in slaves

slave
n. slave driver
slave making ant
slave state
slave trade
wage slave
white slave
Great Slave Lake
Lesser Slave Lake
Slave Coast

Slave Coast
region W Africa bordering on Bight of Benin bet. Benin & Volta rivers

slave driver
1 : a supervisor of slaves at work
2 : a harsh taskmaster

slave state
1 : a state of the U.S. in which slavery was legal until the Civil War
2 : a nation subjected to totalitarian rule

slave trade
: traffic in slaves especially : the buying and selling of blacks for profit prior to the American Civil War

slave-making ant
: an ant that attacks the colonies of ants of other species and carries off the larvae and pupae to be reared in its own nest as slave workers

slaveholder
n. : an owner of slaves
–slave·hold·ing \-diŋ\ adjective or noun

slaver
n. intransitive verb : DROOL, SLOBBER
transitive verb archaic : to smear with or as if with saliva

slaver
n. : saliva dribbling from the mouth

slaver
n. 1 a : a ship used in the slave trade b : a person engaged in the slave trade
2 : WHITE SLAVER

slavery
n. 1 : DRUDGERY, TOIL
2 : submission to a dominating influence
3 a : the state of a person who is a chattel of another b : the practice of slaveholding

slavey
n. : DRUDGE especially : a household servant who does general housework

Slavic
adj. : a branch of the Indo-European language family containing Belarusian, Bulgarian, Czech, Polish, Serbian and Croatian, Slovene, Russian, and Ukrainian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Slavic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Slavs or their languages

Slavic
adj. Balto Slavic
Church Slavic
Old Church Slavic
Pan Slavic

Slavicist
: a specialist in the Slavic languages or literatures

slavish
adj. 1 a : of or characteristic of a slave especially : basely or abjectly servile b archaic : DESPICABLE, LOW
2 archaic : OPPRESSIVE, TYRANNICAL
3 : copying obsequiously or without originality : IMITATIVE
synonyms see SUBSERVIENT
–slav·ish·ly adverb
–slav·ish·ness noun

Slavist
: SLAVICIST

Slavkov
town SE Czech Republic ESE of Brno

slavocracy
: a faction of slaveholders and advocates of slavery in the South before the American Civil War

Slavonia
n. region E Croatia bet. the Sava, the Drava, & the Danube
–Sla·vo·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Slavonic
n. : SLAVIC

Slavonic
n. 1 : SLAVIC
2 : OLD CHURCH SLAVONIC

Slavophile
n. : an admirer of the Slavs : an advocate of Slavophilism

Slavophilism
: advocacy of Slavic and specif. Russian culture over western European culture especially as practiced among some members of the Russian intelligentsia in the middle 19th century

slaw
n. : COLESLAW

slay
v. transitive verb
1 : to kill violently, wantonly, or in great numbers broadly : to strike down : KILL
2 : to delight or amuse immensely <slayed the audience>
intransitive verb : KILL, MURDER
synonyms see KILL
–slay·er noun

SLBM
submarine-launched ballistic missile

SLE
systemic lupus erythematosus

Sleaford
town E England in SW Lincolnshire SSE of Lincoln

sleave
archaic : SKEIN <sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care ― Shakespeare>

sleave
obsolete : to separate (silk thread) into filaments

sleave silk
obsolete : floss silk that is easily separated into filaments for embroidery

sleaze
n. 1 : sleazy quality, appearance, or behavior also : sleazy material
2 : a sleazy person

sleazebag
n. slang : a sleazy person

sleazeball
n. slang : a sleazy person

sleazo
slang : SLEAZY

sleazy
adj. 1 a : lacking firmness of texture : FLIMSY b : carelessly made of inferior materials : SHODDY
2 a : marked by low character or quality <sleazy tabloids> b : SQUALID, DILAPIDATED <sleazy bars>
–slea·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–slea·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

sled
n. 1 : a vehicle usually on runners for transportation especially on snow or ice especially : a small steerable one used especially by children for coasting down snow-covered hills
2 : ROCKET SLED

sled
n. transitive verb : SLEDGE
intransitive verb : to ride on a sled or sleigh
–sled·der noun

sled dog
: a dog trained to draw a sledge especially in the Arctic regions ― called also sledge dog

sledding
n. 1 a : the use of a sled b : the conditions under which one may use a sled
2 : GOING 4 <tough sledding>

sledge
n. : SLEDGEHAMMER

sledge
n. : SLEDGEHAMMER

sledge
n. 1 British : SLEIGH
2 : a strong heavy sled

sledge
n. intransitive verb
1 : to travel with a sledge
2 British : to ride in a sleigh
transitive verb : to transport on a sledge

sledgehammer
n. : a large heavy hammer that is wielded with both hands also : something that resembles a sledgehammer in action

sledgehammer
n. : to strike with or as if with a sledgehammer
intransitive verb : to strike blows with or as if with a sledgehammer

sledgehammer
n. : marked by heavy-handed directness or hard-hitting force <trusting in sledgehammer warfare ― C. J. Rolo>

sleek
adj. transitive verb
1 : SLICK <grooms sleeking cooled horses ― Sunset>
2 : to cover up : gloss over
intransitive verb : SLICK

sleek
adj. 1 a : smooth and glossy as if polished <sleek dark hair> b : having a smooth well-groomed look <sleek cattle> c : healthy-looking
2 : smooth in speech or manner also : UNCTUOUS
3 a : having a prosperous air <sleek luxury condominiums> b : having trim graceful lines <a sleek car> c : ELEGANT, STYLISH <a sleek wardrobe>
–sleek·ly adverb
–sleek·ness noun
synonyms SLEEK, SLICK, GLOSSY mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance. SLEEK suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning <a sleek racehorse>. SLICK suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface <slipped and fell on the slick floor>. GLOSSY suggests a highly reflective surface <photographs having a glossy finish>.

sleeken
adj. : to make sleek

sleekit
1 chiefly Scottish : SLEEK, SMOOTH
2 chiefly Scottish : CRAFTY, DECEITFUL

sleep
n. 1 : the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored ― compare REM SLEEP, SLOW-WAVE SLEEP
2 : a state resembling sleep: as a : a state of torpid inactivity b : DEATH <put a pet cat to sleep> also : TRANCE, COMA c : the closing of leaves or petals especially at night d : a state marked by a diminution of feeling followed by tingling <my foot's gone to sleep> e : the state of an animal during hibernation
3 a : a period spent sleeping b : NIGHT c : a day's journey
4 : crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening
–sleep·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

sleep
n. intransitive verb
1 : to rest in a state of sleep
2 : to be in a state (as of quiescence or death) resembling sleep
3 : to have sexual relations ― usually used with with
transitive verb
1 : to be slumbering in <slept the sleep of the dead>
2 : to get rid of or spend in or by sleep <sleep away the hours> <sleep off a headache>
3 : to provide sleeping accommodations for <the boat sleeps six>

sleep
n. paradoxical sleep
rapid eye movement sleep
REM sleep
sleep apnea
sleep around
sleep in
sleep out
slow wave sleep
sleeping bag
Sleeping Beauty
sleeping car
sleeping giant
sleeping partner
sleeping pill
sleeping porch
sleeping sickness

sleep apnea
: apnea that recurs during sleep and is caused especially by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center

sleep around
: to engage in sex promiscuously

sleep in
1 : to sleep where one is employed
2 a : OVERSLEEP b : to sleep late intentionally

sleep out
: to sleep outdoors

sleep-in
: that lives at the place of employment <a sleep-in maid>

sleepaway
: providing accommodations for overnight sleep and extended stay away from home <sleepaway camps>

sleeper
n. 1 : one that sleeps
2 : a piece of timber, stone, or steel on or near the ground to support a superstructure, keep railroad rails in place, or receive floor joists : STRINGPIECE
3 : SLEEPING CAR
4 : someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value <the low-budget film became the summer's sleeper>
5 : children's pajamas usually with feet ― usually used in plural
6 chiefly British : a small earring or stud worn to keep the hole of a pierced ear from closing
7 : MOLE 4

sleeping bag
: a bag that is warmly lined or padded for sleeping outdoors or in a camp or tent

Sleeping Beauty
: a princess of a fairy tale who is wakened from an enchanted sleep by the kiss of a prince

sleeping car
: a railroad passenger car having berths for sleeping

sleeping giant
: one that has great but unrealized or newly emerging power

sleeping partner
chiefly British : SILENT PARTNER

sleeping pill
: a drug and especially a barbiturate that is taken as a tablet or capsule to induce sleep

sleeping porch
: a porch or room having open sides or many windows arranged to permit sleeping in the open air

sleeping sickness
1 : a serious disease that is prevalent in much of tropical Africa, is marked by fever, headache, lethargy, confusion, and sleep disturbances, and is caused by either of two trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense) transmitted by tsetse flies
2 : any of various viral encephalitides or encephalomyelitides of which lethargy or somnolence is a prominent feature

sleepless
adj. 1 : not able to sleep <lay sleepless with fever>
2 : affording no sleep <sleepless nights>
3 : unceasingly active or operative <sleepless casinos>
–sleep·less·ly adverb
–sleep·less·ness noun

sleepover
n. 1 : an overnight stay (as at another's home)
2 : an instance of hosting a sleepover in one's home

sleepwalk
v. 1 : to walk while or as if while asleep
2 : to proceed in a passive often lethargic manner <sleepwalked through the workday>
–sleepwalk noun
–sleep·walk·er \-ˌwȯ-kər\ noun

sleepwear
n. : NIGHTCLOTHES

sleepy
adj. 1 a : ready to fall asleep b : of, relating to, or characteristic of sleep
2 : sluggish as if from sleep : LETHARGIC also : having little activity <a sleepy coastal village>
3 : sleep-inducing
–sleep·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–sleep·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

sleepyhead
n. : a sleepy person

sleet
n. : frozen or partly frozen rain
–sleety \'slē-tē\ adjective

sleet
n. : to shower sleet

sleeve
n. 1 a : a part of a garment covering an arm b : SLEEVELET
2 a : a tubular part (as a hollow axle or a bushing) designed to fit over another part b : an open-ended flat or tubular packaging or cover especially : JACKET 3C(2)
–sleeved \'slēvd\ adjective
–sleeve·less \'slēv-ləs\ adjective
–on one's sleeve : in an honest and open manner ― used with wear <wears his emotions on his sleeve>
–up one's sleeve : held secretly in reserve <has a few tricks up her sleeve>

sleeve
n. cap sleeve
dolman sleeve
flutter sleeve
raglan sleeve
up one's sleeve
on one's sleeve

sleevelet
n. : a covering for the forearm to protect clothing from wear or dirt

sleigh
n. : an open usually horse-drawn vehicle with runners for use on snow or ice

sleigh
n. : to drive or travel in a sleigh

sleigh bed
: a bed common especially in the first half of the 19th century having a solid headboard and footboard that roll outward at the top

sleigh bell
: any of various bells commonly attached to a sleigh or to the harness of a horse drawing a sleigh: as a : CASCABEL 2 b : a hemispherical bell with an attached clapper

sleight
n. 1 : deceitful craftiness also : STRATAGEM
2 : DEXTERITY, SKILL

sleight of hand

1593
1 a : a cleverly executed trick or deception b : a conjuring trick requiring manual dexterity
2 a : skill and dexterity in conjuring tricks b : adroitness in deception

slender
adj. 1 a : spare in frame or flesh especially : gracefully slight b : small or narrow in circumference or width in proportion to length or height
2 : limited or inadequate in amount or scope : MEAGER <people of slender means>
synonyms see THIN
–slen·der·ly adverb
–slen·der·ness noun

slenderize
v. : to make slender

slept
past and past part of sleep

Slesvig
― see SCHLESWIG 1

sleuth
n. : DETECTIVE

sleuth
n. : to act as a detective : search for information
transitive verb : to search for and discover

sleuthhound
n. : DETECTIVE

slew
n. past of slay

slew
n. variant of 1slough1b

slew
n. transitive verb
1 : to turn (as a telescope or a ship's spar) about a fixed point that is usually the axis
2 : to cause to skid : VEER <slew a car around a turn>
intransitive verb
1 : to turn, twist, or swing about : PIVOT
2 : SKID

slew
n. : a large number <a slew of books>

slice
n. transitive verb
1 : to cut with or as if with a knife
2 : to stir or spread with a slice
3 : to hit (a ball) so that a slice results
4 : INTERPRET, CONSTRUE ― used in phrases like any way you slice it
intransitive verb
1 : to slice something
2 : to move with a cutting action <the ship sliced through the waves>
–slice·able \'slī-sə-bəl\ adjective
–slic·er noun

slice
n. 1 a : a thin flat piece cut from something b : a wedge-shaped piece (as of pie or cake)
2 : a spatula for spreading paint or ink
3 : a serving knife with wedge-shaped blade <a fish slice>
4 : a flight of a ball that deviates from a straight course in the direction of the dominant hand of the player propelling it also : a ball following such a course ― compare HOOK
5 a : PORTION, SHARE <a slice of the profits> b : SEGMENT, SAMPLE <a slice of society>

slice-of-life
: of, relating to, or marked by the accurate transcription (as into drama) of a segment of actual life experience

slick
n. transitive verb : to make sleek or smooth
intransitive verb : SPRUCE ― usually used with up

slick
n. 1 a : having a smooth surface : SLIPPERY <slick wet leaves> b : having surface plausibility or appeal : GLIB, GLOSSY <slick advertising> c : based on stereotype : TRITE <slick stories soon forgotten>
2 archaic : SLEEK 1
3 a : characterized by subtlety or nimble wit : CLEVER especially : WILY <a reputation as a slick operator> b : DEFT, SKILLFUL <a slick ballplayer>
4 : extremely good : FIRST-RATE
synonyms see SLEEK, SLY
–slick adverb
–slick·ly adverb
–slick·ness noun

slick
n. 1 a : something that is smooth or slippery especially : a smooth patch of water covered with a film of oil b : a film of oil
2 : an implement for producing a smooth or slick surface
3 : a shrewd untrustworthy person
4 : a popular magazine printed on coated stock and intended to appeal to sophisticated readers
5 : an automobile tire made without a tread for maximum traction (as in drag racing)
6 slang : a military helicopter without armaments that is used to transport troops or light cargo

slick
n. oil slick
slick ear
city slicker

slick-ear
: a range animal lacking an earmark

slickenside
n. : a smooth often striated surface produced on rock by movement along a fault or a subsidiary fracture ― usually used in plural

slicker
n. 1 [2slick] : OILSKIN broadly : RAINCOAT
2 [slick to defraud cleverly] a (1) : a clever crook : SWINDLER (2) : SLICKSTER b : a city dweller especially of natty appearance or sophisticated mannerisms

slickrock
: smooth wind-polished rock

slickster
: a slick untrustworthy person

slide
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move smoothly along a surface : SLIP b : to coast over snow or ice c of a base runner in baseball : to fall or dive feetfirst or headfirst when approaching a base
2 a : to slip or fall by loss of footing b : to change position or become dislocated : SHIFT
3 a : to slither along the ground : CRAWL b : to stream along : FLOW
4 a : to move or pass smoothly or easily <slid into the prepared speech> b : to pass unnoticed or unremarked <let the criticism slide>
5 a : to pass unobtrusively : STEAL b : to pass by gradations especially downward <the economy slid from recession to depression>
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to glide or slip b : to traverse in a sliding manner
2 : to put unobtrusively or stealthily <slid the bill into his hand>

slide
n. 1 a : an act or instance of sliding b (1) : a musical grace of two or more small notes (2) : PORTAMENTO
2 : a sliding part or mechanism: as a (1) : a U-shaped section of tube in the trombone that is pushed out and in to produce the tones between the fundamental and its harmonics (2) : a short U-shaped section of tube in a brass instrument that is used to adjust the pitch of the instrument or of individual valves b (1) : a moving piece (as the ram of a punch press) that is guided by a part along which it slides (2) : a guiding surface (as a feeding mechanism) along which something slides c : SLIDING SEAT
3 a : the descent of a mass of earth, rock, or snow down a hill or mountainside b : a dislocation in which one rock mass in a mining lode has slid on another : FAULT
4 a (1) : a slippery surface for coasting (2) : a chute with a slippery bed down which children slide in play b : a channel or track on which something is slid c : a sloping trough down which objects are carried by gravity <a log slide>
5 a : a flat piece of glass or plastic on which an object is mounted for microscopic examination b : a photographic transparency on a small plate or film mounted for projection
6 : BOTTLENECK 3

slide
n. slide fastener
slide rule
slide valve
Slide Mountain
sliding scale
sliding seat

slide fastener
: ZIPPER

Slide Mountain
mountain 4204 ft (1281 m) SE N.Y. W of Kingston; highest in the Catskills

slide rule
: a manual device used for calculation that consists in its simple form of a ruler and a movable middle piece which are graduated with similar logarithmic scales

slide valve
: a valve that opens and closes a passageway by sliding over a port specifically : such a valve often used in steam engines for admitting steam to the piston and releasing it

Slidell
John 1793-1871 American Confed. diplomat

Slidell
town SE La. NE of New Orleans pop 25,695

slider
n. 1 : one that slides
2 : a freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta syn. Pseudemys scripta) chiefly of the southeastern U.S. especially : one (T. scripta elegans) usually having a red stripe behind each eye and often sold as a pet
3 : a fast baseball pitch that breaks slightly in the same direction as a curve

slideway
: a way along which something slides

sliding scale
1 : a wage scale geared to the selling price of the product or to the consumer price index but usually guaranteeing a minimum below which the wage will not fall
2 a : a system for raising or lowering tariffs in accord with price changes b : a flexible scale (as of fees or subsidies) adjusted to the needs or income of individuals <the sliding scale of medical fees>

sliding seat
: a rower's seat (as in a racing shell) that slides fore and aft ― called also slide

slier
adj. comparative of sly

sliest
adj. superlative of sly

slight
n. 1 a : having a slim or delicate build : not stout or massive in body b : lacking in strength or substance : FLIMSY, FRAIL c : deficient in weight, solidity, or importance : TRIVIAL <a slight movie>
2 : small of its kind or in amount <a slight chance> <a slight odor of gas>
synonyms see THIN
–slight·ly adverb
–slight·ness noun

slight
n. 1 : to treat as slight or unimportant : make light of
2 : to treat with disdain or indifference <slight a guest>
3 : to perform or attend to carelessly and inadequately <don't slight your work>
synonyms see NEGLECT

slight
n. 1 : an act or an instance of slighting
2 : an instance of being slighted : a humiliating discourtesy

slighting
n. : characterized by disregard or disrespect : DISPARAGING <a slighting remark>
–slight·ing·ly adverb

Sligo
1 county N Ireland (republic) in N Connacht area 693 sq mi (1795 sq km), pop 58,200
2 town & port, its capital, on Sligo Bay (inlet of the Atlantic) pop 17,297

slily
adv. variant of slyly

slim
adj. 1 : of small diameter or thickness in proportion to the height or length : SLENDER
2 a : MEAN, WORTHLESS b : ADROIT, CRAFTY
3 a : inferior in quality or amount : SLIGHT b : SCANTY, SMALL <a slim chance>
synonyms see THIN
–slim·ly adverb
–slim·ness noun

slim
adj. transitive verb : to make slender : decrease the size of
intransitive verb : to become slender

slim-jim
: notably slender

slime
n. 1 : soft moist earth or clay especially : viscous mud
2 : a viscous, glutinous, or gelatinous substance: as a : a mucous or mucoid secretion of various animals (as slugs and catfishes) b : a product of wet crushing consisting of ore ground so fine as to pass a 200-mesh screen
3 : a repulsive or odious person

slime
n. transitive verb
1 : to smear or cover with slime
2 : to remove slime from (as fish for canning)
intransitive verb : to become slimy

slime mold
: any of a group (Myxomycetes or Mycetozoa) of organisms usually held to be lower fungi but sometimes considered protozoans that exist vegetatively as mobile plasmodia and reproduce by spores

slimeball
n. slang : SLIME 3

slimmer
n. chiefly British : a person dieting to lose weight

slimnastics
: exercises designed to reduce one's weight

slimsy
: FLIMSY, FRAIL

slimy
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling slime : VISCOUS also : covered with or yielding slime
2 : VILE, OFFENSIVE
–slim·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–slim·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

sling
n. 1 : to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion <slung the sack over my shoulder>
2 : to throw with or as if with a sling <slinging punches> <political campaigners slinging mud>
3 : to serve (food) to a customer <had a job slinging hamburgers>
synonyms see THROW
–sling·er \'sliŋ-ər\ noun

sling
n. 1 a : an instrument for throwing stones that usually consists of a short strap with strings fastened to its ends and is whirled round to discharge its missile by centrifugal force b : SLINGSHOT 1
2 a : a usually looped line (as of strap, chain, or rope) used to hoist, lower, or carry something especially : a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand b : a chain or rope attached to a lower yard at the middle and passing around a mast near the masthead to support a yard c : a chain hooked at the bow and stern of a boat for lowering or hoisting d : a device (as a rope net) for enclosing material to be hoisted by a tackle or crane
3 : a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile

sling
n. 1 : to place in a sling for hoisting or lowering
2 : to suspend by or as if by a sling

sling
n. : an alcoholic drink that is served hot or cold and that usually consists of liquor, sugar, lemon juice, and plain or carbonated water <gin sling> <rum sling>

slings and arrows
: pointed often acerbic critical attacks <has suffered the slings and arrows of detractors ― Roland Gelatt>

slingshot
n. 1 : a forked stick with an elastic band attached for shooting small stones
2 a : a maneuver in auto racing in which a drafting car accelerates past the car in front by taking advantage of reserve power b : a dragster in which the driver sits behind the rear wheels

slink
n. intransitive verb
1 : to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame) : STEAL
2 : to move in a sinuous provocative manner
transitive verb : to give premature birth to ― used especially of a domestic animal <a cow that slinks her calf>
synonyms see LURK

slink
n. : the young of an animal (as a calf) brought forth prematurely also : the flesh or skin of such an animal

slink
n. : born prematurely or abortively <a slink calf>

slinky
adj. 1 : characterized by slinking : stealthily quiet <slinky movements>
2 : sleek and sinuous in movement or outline especially : following the lines of the figure in a gracefully flowing manner <a slinky evening gown>
–slink·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–slink·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

slip
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move with a smooth sliding motion b : to move quietly and cautiously : STEAL c : ELAPSE, PASS
2 a (1) : to escape from memory or consciousness (2) : to become uttered through inadvertence b : to pass quickly or easily away : become lost <let an opportunity slip>
3 : to fall into error or fault : LAPSE
4 a : to slide out of place or away from a support or one's grasp b : to slide on or down a slippery surface <slip on the stairs> c : to flow smoothly
5 : to get speedily into or out of clothing <slipped into his coat>
6 : to fall off from a standard or accustomed level by degrees : DECLINE
7 : SIDESLIP
transitive verb
1 : to cause to move easily and smoothly : SLIDE
2 a : to get away from : ELUDE, EVADE <slipped his pursuers> b : to free oneself from <the dog slipped its collar> c : to escape from (one's memory or notice) <their names slip my mind>
3 : SHED, CAST <the snake slipped its skin>
4 : to put on (a garment) quickly ― usually used with on <slip on a coat>
5 a : to let loose from a restraining leash or grasp b : to cause to slip open : RELEASE, UNDO <slip a lock> c : to let go of d : to disengage from (an anchor) instead of hauling
6 a : to insert, place, or pass quietly or secretly b : to give or pay on the sly
7 : SLINK, ABORT
8 : DISLOCATE <slipped his shoulder>
9 : to transfer (a stitch) from one needle to another without working a stitch
10 : to avoid (a punch) by moving the body or head quickly to one side

slip
n. 1 a : a sloping ramp extending out into the water to serve as a place for landing or repairing ships b : a ship's or boat's berth between two piers
2 : the act or an instance of departing secretly or hurriedly <gave his pursuer the slip>
3 a : a mistake in judgment, policy, or procedure b : an unintentional and trivial mistake or fault : LAPSE <a slip of the tongue>
4 : a leash so made that it can be quickly slipped
5 a : the act or an instance of slipping down or out of a place <a slip on the ice> also : a sudden mishap b : a movement dislocating parts (as of a rock or soil mass) also : the result of such movement c : a fall from some level or standard : DECLINE <a slip in stock prices>
6 a : an undergarment made in dress length and usually having shoulder straps also : HALF-SLIP b : a case into which something is slipped specifically : PILLOWCASE
7 : a disposition or tendency to slip easily
8 : the action of sideslipping : an instance of sideslipping
synonyms see ERROR

slip
n. 1 a : a small shoot or twig cut for planting or grafting : SCION b : DESCENDANT, OFFSPRING
2 a : a long narrow strip of material b : a small piece of paper
3 : a young and slender person <a slip of a girl>
4 : a long seat or narrow pew

slip
n. : to take cuttings from (a plant) : divide into slips <slip a geranium>

slip
n. : a mixture of finely divided clay and water used especially by potters (as for casting or decorating wares or in cementing separately formed parts)

slip
n. slip slop
slip tap
call slip
Freudian slip
half slip
pillow slip
pink slip
rejection slip
sales slip
slip form
slip noose
slip on
slip ring
slip sheet
slip stitch
slip up
strike slip
slipped disk

slip form
: a form that is moved slowly as concrete is placed during construction (as of a building or pavement)

slip noose
: a noose with a slipknot

slip ring
: one of two or more continuous conducting rings from which the brushes take or to which they deliver current in a generator or motor

slip sheet
: a sheet of paper placed between newly printed sheets to prevent offsetting

slip stitch
1 : a concealed stitch for sewing folded edges (as hems) made by alternately running the needle inside the fold and picking up a thread or two from the body of the article
2 : an unworked stitch especially : a knitting stitch that is shifted from one needle to another without knitting it

slip up
: to make a mistake : BLUNDER

slip-on
: an article of clothing that is easily slipped on or off: as a : a glove or shoe without fastenings b : a garment (as a girdle) that one steps into and pulls up c : PULLOVER

slip-sheet
: to insert slip sheets between (newly printed sheets)

slipcase
n. : a protective container for books or magazines that has one open end
–slip·cased \-ˌkāst\ adjective

slipcover
n. : a cover that may be slipped off and on specifically : a removable covering for an article of furniture

slipform
: to construct with the use of a slip form

slipknot
n. : a knot that slips along the rope or line around which it is made especially : one made by tying an overhand knot around the standing part of a rope ― see KNOT illustration

slipover
n. : a garment or cover that slips on and off easily specifically : a pullover sweater

slippage
n. 1 : an act, instance, or process of slipping
2 : a loss in transmission of power also : the difference between theoretical and actual output (as of power)

slipped disk
: a protrusion of one of the cartilage disks between vertebrae with pressure on spinal nerves resulting in low back pain or sciatic pain

slipper
n. chiefly dialect : SLIPPERY

slipper
n. : a light low-cut shoe that is easily slipped on the foot
–slip·pered \-pərd\ adjective

slipper
n. lady's slipper
lady slipper
slipper chair

slipper chair
: an armless upholstered chair with short legs

slippery
adj. 1 a : causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall <slippery roads> b : tending to slip from the grasp <a slippery fish>
2 a : not firmly fixed : UNSTABLE b : not precise or fixed in meaning : AMBIGUOUS, ELUSIVE
3 : not to be trusted : TRICKY
–slip·per·i·ness noun

slippery elm
: a large-leaved elm (Ulmus rubra syn. U. fulva) of eastern and central No. America that has hard wood and fragrant mucilaginous inner bark also : the bark

slippery slope
: a course of action that seems to lead inevitably from one action or result to another with unintended consequences

slippy
adj. : SLIPPERY

slipshod
adj. 1 a : wearing loose shoes or slippers b : down at the heel : SHABBY
2 : CARELESS, SLOVENLY

slipslop
n. 1 archaic : watery food : SLOPS
2 archaic : shallow talk or writing
–slip-slop adjective

slipsole
n. 1 : a thin insole
2 : a half sole inserted between the insole or welt and the outsole of a shoe to give additional height ― called also slip tap

slipstream
v. 1 : a stream of fluid (as air or water) driven aft by a propeller
2 : an area of reduced air pressure and forward suction immediately behind a rapidly moving vehicle

slipstream
v. : to drive in the slipstream of a vehicle

slipup
n. 1 : MISTAKE
2 : MISCHANCE

slipware
n. : pottery coated with slip to improve or decorate the surface

slipway
n. : an inclined usually concrete surface for a ship being built or repaired

slit
n. : a long narrow cut or opening
–slit adjective
–slit·less \'slit-ləs\ adjective

slit
n. 1 a : to make a slit in b : to cut off or away : SEVER c : to form into a slit
2 : to cut into long narrow strips
–slit·ter noun

slit trench
: a narrow trench especially for shelter in battle from bomb and shell fragments

slither
n. intransitive verb
1 : to slide on or as if on a loose gravelly surface
2 : to slip or slide like a snake
transitive verb : to cause to slide

slithery
adj. : having a slippery surface, texture, or quality

sliver
n. 1 a : a long slender piece cut or torn off : SPLINTER b : a small and narrow portion <a sliver of land> c : PARTICLE, SCRAP <not a sliver of evidence>
2 : an untwisted strand or rope of textile fiber produced by a carding or combing machine and ready for drawing, roving, or spinning

sliver
n. transitive verb : to cut into slivers : SPLINTER
intransitive verb : to become split into slivers

slivovitz
n. : a dry usually colorless plum brandy made especially in the Balkan countries

slo-mo
: SLOW-MOTION
–slo-mo noun

slo-pitch
: SLOW-PITCH

Sloan
John French 1871-1951 American painter

slob
n. 1 : a slovenly or boorish person
2 : an ordinary person <just some poor slob>
–slob·bish \'slä-bish\ adjective
–slob·by \-bē\ adjective

slobber
n. intransitive verb
1 : to let saliva dribble from the mouth : DROOL
2 : to indulge the feelings effusively and without restraint
transitive verb : to smear with or as if with dribbling saliva or food
–slob·ber·er \-bər-ər\ noun

slobber
n. 1 : saliva drooled from the mouth
2 : driveling, sloppy, or incoherent utterance
–slob·bery \'slä-b(ə-)rē\ adjective

Slocum
Henry Warner 1827-1894 American gen.

sloe
n. : the small dark globose astringent fruit of the blackthorn also : BLACKTHORN

sloe gin
: a sweet reddish liqueur consisting of grain spirits flavored chiefly with sloes

sloe-eyed
1 : having soft dark bluish- or purplish-black eyes
2 : having slanted eyes

slog
n. transitive verb
1 : to hit hard : BEAT
2 : to plod (one's way) perseveringly especially against difficulty
intransitive verb
1 : to plod heavily : TRAMP <slogged through the snow>
2 : to work hard and steadily : PLUG
–slog·ger noun

slog
n. 1 a : hard persistent work <the endless enervating slog of war ― Michael Gorra> b : a prolonged arduous task or effort <reform will be a hard political slog ― M. S. Forbes>
2 : a hard dogged march or journey

slogan
n. 1 a : a war cry especially of a Scottish clan b : a word or phrase used to express a characteristic position or stand or a goal to be achieved
2 : a brief attention-getting phrase used in advertising or promotion

sloganeer
v. : a maker or user of slogans
–sloganeer intransitive verb

sloganize
v. : to express as a slogan

sloop
n. : a fore-and-aft rigged boat with one mast and a single jib

sloop of war

1704
: a small warship with guns on only one deck

slop
n. 1 : a loose smock or overall
2 plural : short full breeches worn by men in the 16th century
3 plural : articles (as clothing) sold to sailors

slop
n. 1 : soft mud : SLUSH
2 : thin tasteless drink or liquid food ― usually used in plural
3 : liquid spilled or splashed
4 a : food waste (as garbage) fed to animals : SWILL 2A b : excreted body waste ― usually used in plural c : a product of little or no value : RUBBISH <watching the usual slop on TV>
5 : sentimental effusiveness in speech or writing : GUSH

slop
n. transitive verb
1 a : to spill from a container b : to splash or spill liquid on c : to cause (a liquid) to splash
2 : to dish out messily
3 : to eat or drink greedily or noisily
4 : to feed slop to <slop the hogs>
intransitive verb
1 : to tramp in mud or slush
2 : to become spilled or splashed
3 : to be effusive : GUSH
4 : to pass beyond or exceed a boundary or limit

slop
n. slip slop
slop basin
slop bowl
slop chest
slop jar
slop pail

slop basin
British : SLOP BOWL

slop bowl
: a bowl for receiving the leavings of tea or coffee cups at table

slop chest
: a store of clothing and personal requisites (as tobacco) carried on merchant ships for issue to the crew usually as a charge against their wages

slop jar
: a large pail used as a chamber pot or to receive waste water from a washbowl or the contents of chamber pots

slop pail
: a pail for toilet or household slops

slope
n. : that slants : SLOPING ― often used in combination <slope-sided>

slope
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take an oblique course
2 : to lie or fall in a slant : INCLINE
3 : GO, TRAVEL <slopes off into the night ― Wolcott Gibbs>
transitive verb : to cause to incline or slant
–slop·er noun

slope
n. 1 : ground that forms a natural or artificial incline
2 : upward or downward slant or inclination or degree of slant
3 : the part of a continent draining to a particular ocean <Alaska's North Slope>
4 a : the tangent of the angle made by a straight line with the x-axis b : the slope of the line tangent to a plane curve at a point

slope
n. bunny slope
continental slope
glide slope
slippery slope
slope intercept form
North Slope

slope-intercept form
: the equation of a straight line in the form y = mx + b where m is the slope of the line and b is its y-intercept

sloppy
adj. 1 a : wet so as to spatter easily : SLUSHY <a sloppy racetrack> b : wet or smeared with or as if with something slopped over
2 : SLOVENLY, CARELESS <a sloppy dresser> <did sloppy work>
3 : disagreeably effusive <sloppy sentimentalism>
–slop·pi·ly \'slä-pə-lē\ adverb
–slop·pi·ness noun

sloppy joe
1 often capitalized S&J : a loose-fitting sweater especially for girls
2 : ground beef cooked in a thick spicy sauce and usually served on a bun

slopwork
n. 1 : the manufacture of cheap ready-made clothing
2 : hasty slovenly work

slosh
n. 1 : SLUSH 1
2 : the slap or splash of liquid
–sloshy \'slä-shē\ adjective

slosh
n. 1 : to flounder or splash through water, mud, or slush
2 : to move with a splashing motion <the water sloshed around him ― Bill Alcine>
transitive verb
1 : to splash about in liquid
2 : to splash (a liquid) about or on something
3 : to splash with liquid

sloshed
adj. slang : DRUNK, INTOXICATED

slot
n. 1 a : a narrow opening or groove : SLIT, NOTCH <a mail slot in a door> b : a narrow passage or enclosure c : a passage through the wing of an airplane or of a missile that is located usually near the leading edge and formed between a main and an auxiliary airfoil for improving flow conditions over the wing so as to increase lift and delay stalling of the wing d : the area on a hockey rink in front of the crease and between the face-off circles
2 : a place or position in an organization, arrangement, or sequence : NICHE, SPOT
3 : SLOT MACHINE 2 ― usually used in plural
4 : a gap between an end and a tackle in an offensive football line

slot
n. transitive verb
1 : to cut a slot in
2 : to place in or assign to a slot
intransitive verb : to fit easily <her ideas slot neatly into the theory>

slot
n. : the track of an animal (as a deer)

slot
n. expansion slot
slot car
slot machine
slot racing
slot racer
slotting fee
slotting allowance

slot car
: an electric toy racing car with a pin underneath that fits into a groove on a track for guidance

slot machine
1 : a machine whose operation is begun by dropping a coin into a slot
2 : an orig. coin-operated gambling machine that pays off according to the matching of symbols on wheels spun by a handle also : an electronic version of this machine

slot racing
: the racing of slot cars
–slot racer noun

slotback
n. : an offensive football halfback who lines up just behind the slot between an offensive end and tackle

sloth
n. 1 a : disinclination to action or labor : INDOLENCE b : spiritual apathy and inactivity <the deadly sin of sloth>
2 : any of various slow-moving arboreal edentate mammals (genera Bradypus and Choloepus) that inhabit tropical forests of So. and Central America, hang from the branches back downward, and feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits ― compare THREE-TOED SLOTH, TWO-TOED SLOTH

sloth
n. ground sloth
sloth bear
three toed sloth
two toed sloth

sloth bear
: a forest-dwelling bear (Melurus ursinus) of India and adjacent regions that has long black hair, very large claws, and a long snout and that feeds chiefly on insects

slothful
adj. : inclined to sloth : INDOLENT
synonyms see LAZY
–sloth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–sloth·ful·ness noun

slotting fee
: a fee charged by a vendor in exchange for carrying a manufacturer's product ― called also slotting allowance

slouch
n. 1 a : an awkward fellow : LOUT b : one that is unimpressive especially : a lazy or incompetent person ― used in negative constructions <was no slouch at cooking>
2 : a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly stooping of the head and shoulders or excessive relaxation of body muscles

slouch
n. 1 : to walk, stand, or sit with a slouch : assume a slouch
2 : DROOP
3 : to go or move slowly or reluctantly
transitive verb : to cause to droop <slouched his shoulders>
–slouch·er noun

slouch hat
: a soft usually felt hat with a wide flexible brim

slouchy
adj. : lacking erectness or stiffness (as in form or posture) <a slouchy sweater> <slouchy figures waiting in line>
–slouch·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–slouch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

Slough
n. town SE cen England in Berkshire pop 98,600

slough
n. 1 a : a place of deep mud or mire b also slew or slue \'slü\ (1) : SWAMP (2) : an inlet on a river also : BACKWATER (3) : a creek in a marsh or tide flat
2 : a state of moral degradation or spiritual dejection
–sloughy \-ē\ adjective

slough
n. : to engulf in a slough
intransitive verb : to plod through or as if through mud : SLOG

slough
n. 1 : the cast-off skin of a snake
2 : a mass of dead tissue separating from an ulcer
3 : something that may be shed or cast off

slough
n. 1 a : to become shed or cast off b : to cast off one's skin c : to separate in the form of dead tissue from living tissue
2 : to crumble slowly and fall away
transitive verb
1 : to cast off
2 a : to get rid of or discard as irksome, objectionable, or disadvantageous ― usually used with off b : to dispose of (a losing card in bridge) by discarding
synonyms see DISCARD

slough of despond
: a state of extreme depression

Slovak
n. 1 : a member of a Slavic people of Slovakia
2 : the Slavic language of the Slovak people
–Slovak adjective
–Slo·va·ki·an \slō-'vä-kē-ən, -'va-\ adjective or noun

Slovakia
n. country cen Europe; a constituent republic of Czechoslovakia 1918-92 capital Bratislava area 18,923 sq mi (49,011 sq km), pop 5,379,455

sloven
n. : one habitually negligent of neatness or cleanliness especially in personal appearance

sloven
n. : SLOVENLY

Slovene
n. 1 : a member of a Slavic people living largely in Slovenia
2 : the language of the Slovenes
–Slovene adjective
–Slo·ve·nian \slō-'vē-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Slovenia
n. country S Europe N & W of Croatia; a federated republic of Yugoslavia 1946-91 capital Ljubljana area 7819 sq mi (20,251 sq km), pop 1,975,164

slovenly
adj. 1 a : untidy especially in personal appearance b : lazily slipshod <slovenly in thought>
2 : characteristic of a sloven <slovenly habits>
–slo·ven·li·ness noun
–slovenly adverb

slow
adj. 1 a : mentally dull : STUPID <a slow student> b : naturally inert or sluggish
2 a : lacking in readiness, promptness, or willingness b : not hasty or precipitate <was slow to anger>
3 a : moving, flowing, or proceeding without speed or at less than usual speed <traffic was slow> b : exhibiting or marked by low speed <he moved with slow deliberation> c : not acute <a slow disease> d : LOW, GENTLE <slow fire>
4 : requiring a long time : GRADUAL <a slow recovery>
5 : having qualities that hinder rapid progress or action <a slow track>
6 a : registering behind or below what is correct <the clock is slow> b : less than the time indicated by another method of reckoning c : that is behind the time at a specified time or place
7 a : lacking in life, animation, or gaiety : BORING <the first chapter is a bit slow> b : marked by reduced activity <business was slow> <a slow news week>
–slow·ish \'slō-ish\ adjective
–slow·ness noun

slow
adj. : SLOWLY
usage Some commentators claim that careful writers avoid the adverb slow, in spite of the fact that it has had over four centuries of usage <have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower ― Shakespeare>. In actual practice, slow and slowly are not used in quite the same way. Slow is almost always used with verbs that denote movement or action, and it regularly follows the verb it modifies <beans⋯are best cooked long and slow ― Louise Prothro>. Slowly is used before the verb <a sense of outrage, which slowly changed to shame ― Paul Horgan> and with participial adjectives <a slowly dawning awareness⋯of the problem ― American Labor>. Slowly is used after verbs where slow might also be used <burn slow or slowly> and after verbs where slow would be unidiomatic <the leadership turned slowly toward bombing as a means of striking back ― David Halberstam>.

slow
adj. : to make slow or slower : slacken the speed of <slow a car> ― often used with down or up
intransitive verb : to go or become slower <production of new cars slowed sharply>
synonyms see DELAY

slow
adj. go slow
slow footed
slow footedness
slow match
slow motion
slow pitch
slow twitch
slow virus
slow wave sleep
slow witted

slow match
: a match or fuse made so as to burn slowly and evenly and used for firing (as of blasting charges)

slow motion
: slow-motion photography

slow virus
: any of various prions or viruses with a long incubation period between infection and development of a degenerative disease (as scrapie or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)

slow-footed
: moving at a very slow pace : PLODDING <a slow-footed novel> <a slow-footed ship>
–slow-foot·ed·ness noun

slow-motion
: of, relating to, or being motion-picture or video photography in which the action that has been photographed is made to appear to occur slower than it actually occurred <a slow-motion replay> also : slowly moving <a slow-motion dance>

slow-pitch
: softball which is played with 10 players on each side and in which each pitch must have an arc 3 to 10 feet high and base stealing is not allowed ― compare FAST-PITCH

slow-twitch
: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts slowly especially during sustained physical activity requiring endurance ― compare FAST-TWITCH

slow-wave sleep
: a state of deep usually dreamless sleep that occurs regularly during a normal period of sleep with intervening periods of REM sleep and that is characterized by delta waves and a low level of autonomic physiological activity

slow-witted
: mentally slow : DULL

slowdown
n. : a slowing down <a business slowdown>

slowly
adv. : in a slow manner : not quickly, fast, early, rashly, or readily
usage see SLOW

slowpoke
n. : a very slow person

slowworm
n. : a burrowing limbless European lizard (Anguis fragilis) with small eyes ― called also blindworm

SLR
single-lens reflex

slub
n. : to draw out and twist (as slivers of wool) slightly

slub
n. : a soft thick uneven section in a yarn or thread

slubber
v. 1 dialect chiefly English : STAIN, SULLY
2 : to perform in a slipshod fashion

slubbing
: ROVING

sludge
n. 1 : MUD, MIRE especially : a muddy deposit (as on a riverbed) : OOZE
2 : a muddy or slushy mass, deposit, or sediment: as a : precipitated solid matter produced by water and sewage treatment processes b : muddy sediment in a steam boiler c : a precipitate or settling (as a mixture of impurities and acid) from a mineral oil
3 : SLUSH 5
–sludgy \'slə-jē\ adjective

slue
n. variant of 1slough1b

slue
n. variant of 3slew

slue
n. 1 : position or inclination after slewing
2 : SKID 5

slug
n. 1 : SLUGGARD
2 : a lump, disk, or cylinder of material (as plastic or metal): as a (1) : a musket ball (2) : BULLET b : a piece of metal roughly shaped for subsequent processing c : a $50 gold piece d : a disk for insertion in a slot machine especially : one used illegally instead of a coin
3 : any of numerous chiefly terrestrial pulmonate gastropods (order Stylommatophora) that are found in most parts of the world where there is a reasonable supply of moisture and are closely related to the land snails but are long and wormlike and have only a rudimentary shell often buried in the mantle or entirely absent
4 : a smooth soft larva of a sawfly or moth that creeps like a mollusk
5 a : a quantity of liquor drunk in one swallow b : a detached mass of fluid (as water vapor or oil) that causes impact (as in a circulating system)
6 a : a strip of metal thicker than a printer's lead b : a line of type cast as one piece c : a usually temporary type line serving to instruct or identify
7 : the gravitational unit of mass in the foot-pound-second system to which a pound force can impart an acceleration of one foot per second per second and which is equal to the mass of an object weighing 32 pounds

slug
n. 1 : to add a printer's slug to
2 : to drink in gulps ― often used with down

slug
n. : a heavy blow especially with the fist

slug
n. 1 : to strike heavily with or as if with the fist or a bat
2 : FIGHT 4B ― usually used in the phrase slug it out

slug
n. rose slug
sea slug
slugging percentage
slugging average

slugabed
n. : a person who stays in bed after the usual or proper time to get up broadly : SLUGGARD

slugfest
n. : a fight marked by the exchange of heavy blows also : a heated dispute <a vocal slugfest>

sluggard
n. : a habitually lazy person

sluggard
n. : SLUGGARDLY
–slug·gard·ness noun

sluggardly
: lazily inactive

slugger
n. : one that strikes hard or with heavy blows: as a : a prizefighter who punches hard but has usually little defensive skill b : a hard-hitting batter in baseball

slugging percentage
: the ratio (as a rate per thousand) of the total number of bases reached on base hits to official times at bat for a baseball player ― called also slugging average

sluggish
adj. 1 : averse to activity or exertion : INDOLENT also : TORPID
2 : slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment)
3 a : markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth b : economically inactive or slow
–slug·gish·ly adverb
–slug·gish·ness noun

sluice
n. 1 a : an artificial passage for water (as in a millstream) fitted with a valve or gate for stopping or regulating flow b : a body of water pent up behind a floodgate
2 : a dock gate : FLOODGATE
3 a : a stream flowing through a floodgate b : a channel to drain or carry off surplus water
4 : a long inclined trough usually on the ground especially : such a contrivance paved usually with riffles to hold quicksilver for catching gold

sluice
n. transitive verb
1 : to draw off by or through a sluice
2 a : to wash with or in water running through or from a sluice b : to drench with a sudden flow : FLUSH
3 : to transport (as logs) in a sluice
intransitive verb : to pour as if from a sluice

sluiceway
n. : an artificial channel into which water is let by a sluice

sluicy
: falling copiously or in streams : STREAMING

slum
n. : a densely populated usually urban area marked by crowding, dirty run-down housing, poverty, and social disorganization

slum
n. : to visit slums especially out of curiosity broadly : to go somewhere or do something that might be considered beneath one's station ― sometimes used with it <slumming it in budget hotels>
–slum·mer noun

slumber
n. 1 a : to sleep lightly : DOZE b : SLEEP
2 a : to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state b : to lie dormant or latent
–slum·ber·er \-bər-ər\ noun

slumber
n. 1 a : SLEEP b : a light sleep
2 : LETHARGY, TORPOR

slumber party
: an overnight gathering especially of teenage girls usually at one of their homes

slumberous
adj. 1 : heavy with sleep : SLEEPY
2 : inducing slumber : SOPORIFIC
3 : marked by or suggestive of a state of sleep or lethargy <a slumberous state of peace>

slumbery
archaic : SLUMBEROUS

slumgullion
n. : a meat stew

slumlord
n. : a landlord who receives unusually large profits from substandard properties

slummy
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a slum <slummy streets>

slump
n. 1 a : to fall or sink suddenly b : to drop or slide down suddenly : COLLAPSE <slumped to the floor>
2 : to assume a drooping posture or carriage : SLOUCH
3 : to go into a slump <sales slumped>

slump
n. 1 a : a marked or sustained decline especially in economic activity or prices <a post-election slump> b : a period of poor or losing play by a team or individual <one spring I was in a batting slump ― Ted Williams>
2 : a downward slide of a mass of rock or land

slumpflation
n. : a state or period of combined economic decline and rising inflation

slung
past and past part of sling

slungshot
n. : a striking weapon consisting of a small mass of metal or stone fixed on a flexible handle or strap

slunk
past and past part of slink

slur
n. 1 a : an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo : ASPERSION b : a shaming or degrading effect : STAIN, STIGMA
2 : a blurred spot in printed matter : SMUDGE

slur
n. transitive verb
1 : to cast aspersions on : DISPARAGE <slurred his reputation>
2 : to make indistinct : OBSCURE
intransitive verb : to slip so as to cause a slur ― used of a sheet being printed

slur
n. transitive verb
1 a : to slide or slip over without due mention, consideration, or emphasis <slurred over certain facts> b : to perform hurriedly : SKIMP <let him not slur his lesson ― R. W. Emerson>
2 : to perform (successive tones of different pitch) in a smooth or connected manner
3 a : to reduce, make a substitution for, or omit (sounds that would normally occur in an utterance) b : to utter with such reduction, substitution, or omission of sounds <his speech was slurred>
intransitive verb
1 dialect chiefly English : SLIP, SLIDE
2 : DRAG, SHUFFLE

slur
n. 1 a : a curved line connecting notes to be sung to the same syllable or performed without a break b : the combination of two or more slurred tones
2 : a slurring manner of speech

slurp
n. intransitive verb : to make a sucking noise while eating or drinking
transitive verb : to eat or drink noisily or with a sucking sound
–slurp noun

slurry
n. : a watery mixture of insoluble matter (as mud, lime, or plaster of paris)

slurry
n. : to convert into a slurry

slurve
: a baseball pitch having the characteristics of both a slider and a curve

slush
n. 1 a : partly melted or watery snow b : loose ice crystals formed during the early stages of freezing of salt water
2 : soft mud : MIRE
3 : refuse grease and fat from cooking especially on shipboard
4 : paper pulp in water suspension
5 : trashy and usually cheaply sentimental material
6 : unsolicited writings submitted (as to a magazine) for publication

slush
n. : to wet or splash with slush
intransitive verb
1 : to make one's way through slush
2 : to make a splashing sound

slush fund
1 : a fund raised from the sale of refuse to obtain small luxuries or pleasures for a warship's crew
2 : a fund for bribing public officials or carrying on corruptive propaganda
3 : an unregulated fund often used for illicit purposes

slushy
adj. : being, involving, or resembling slush: as a : full of or covered with slush <slushy streets> b : made up of or having the consistency of slush <slushy snow> <a slushy mixture> c : having a cheaply sentimental quality : TRASHY <a slushy novel>
–slush·i·ness noun

slut
n. 1 chiefly British : a slovenly woman
2 a : a promiscuous woman especially : PROSTITUTE b : a saucy girl : MINX
–slut·tish \'slə-tish\ adjective
–slut·tish·ly adverb
–slut·tish·ness noun
–slut·ty \'slə-tē\ adjective

sly
adj. 1 chiefly dialect a : wise in practical affairs b : displaying cleverness : INGENIOUS
2 a : clever in concealing one's aims or ends : FURTIVE <the sly fox> b : lacking in straightforwardness and candor : DISSEMBLING <a sly scheme>
3 : lightly mischievous : ROGUISH <a sly jest> <a sly smile>
–sly·ly also sli·ly adverb
–sly·ness noun
–on the sly : in a manner intended to avoid notice
synonyms SLY, CUNNING, CRAFTY, WILY, TRICKY, FOXY, ARTFUL, SLICK mean attaining or seeking to attain one's ends by guileful or devious means. SLY implies furtiveness, lack of candor, and skill in concealing one's aims and methods <a sly corporate raider>. CUNNING suggests the inventive use of sometimes limited intelligence in overreaching or circumventing <the cunning fox avoided the trap>. CRAFTY implies cleverness and subtlety of method <a crafty lefthander>. WILY implies skill and deception in maneuvering <the wily fugitive escaped the posse>. TRICKY is more likely to suggest shiftiness and unreliability than skill in deception and maneuvering <a tricky political operative>. FOXY implies a shrewd and wary craftiness usually involving devious dealing <a foxy publicity man planting stories>. ARTFUL implies indirectness in dealing and often connotes sophistication or cleverness <elicited the information by artful questioning>. SLICK emphasizes smoothness and guile <slick operators selling time-sharing>.

slyboots
n. : a sly tricky person especially : one who is cunning or mischievous in an engaging way

SM
n. 1 [New Latin scientiae magister] master of science
2 sergeant major
3 service mark
4 stage manager
5 stationmaster

Sm
n. samarium

sm
n. small

SMA
sergeant major of the army

smack
n. 1 : characteristic taste or flavor also : a perceptible taste or tincture
2 : a small quantity

smack
n. 1 : to have a taste or flavor
2 : to have a trace, vestige, or suggestion <a proposal that smacks of treason>

smack
n. : a sailing ship (as a sloop or cutter) used chiefly in coasting and fishing

smack
n. transitive verb
1 : to close and open (lips) noisily and often in rapid succession especially in eating
2 a : to kiss with or as if with a smack b : to strike so as to produce a smack
intransitive verb : to make or give a smack

smack
n. 1 : a quick sharp noise made by rapidly compressing and opening the lips
2 : a loud kiss
3 : a sharp slap or blow

smack
n. : squarely and sharply : DIRECTLY <smack in the middle>

smack
n. slang : HEROIN

smack-dab
: EXACTLY, SQUARELY

smacker
n. 1 : one that smacks
2 slang : DOLLAR

smacking
n. : BRISK, LIVELY <a smacking breeze>

SMaj
sergeant major

small
n. 1 a : having comparatively little size or slight dimensions b : LOWERCASE
2 a : minor in influence, power, or rank b : operating on a limited scale
3 : lacking in strength <a small voice>
4 a : little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity, amount, or value) b : made up of few or little units
5 a : of little consequence : TRIVIAL, INSIGNIFICANT <a small problem> b : HUMBLE, MODEST <a small beginning>
6 : limited in degree
7 a : MEAN, PETTY b : reduced to a humiliating position
–small·ish \'smȯ-lish\ adjective
–small·ness \'smȯl-nəs\ noun
synonyms SMALL, LITTLE, DIMINUTIVE, MINUTE, TINY, MINIATURE mean noticeably below average in size. SMALL and LITTLE are often interchangeable, but SMALL applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number <a relatively small backyard>. LITTLE is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity <your pathetic little smile>. DIMINUTIVE implies abnormal smallness <diminutive bonsai plants>. MINUTE implies extreme smallness <a minute amount of caffeine in the soda>. TINY is an informal equivalent to MINUTE <tiny cracks formed in the painting>. MINIATURE applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale <a dollhouse with miniature furnishings>.

small
n. 1 : in or into small pieces
2 : without force or loudness <speak as small as you will ― Shakespeare>
3 : in a small manner

small
n. 1 : a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder <the small of the back>
2 a plural : small-sized products b plural chiefly British : SMALLCLOTHES especially : UNDERWEAR

small
n. small calorie
small arm
small beer
small capital
small cap
small cell lung cancer
small cell carcinoma
small change
small claims court
small forward
small fry
small hours
small intestine
small minded
small mindedness
small mindedly
small potato
small scale
small screen
small stuff
small talk
small time
small timer
writ small
smaller European elm bark beetle

small arm
: a handheld firearm (as a handgun or shoulder arm) ― usually used in plural

small beer
1 : weak or inferior beer
2 : something of small importance : TRIVIA
–small-beer adjective

small calorie
: CALORIE 1A

small capital
: a letter having the form of but smaller than a capital letter (as in THESE WORDS) ― called also small cap

small change
1 : coins of low denomination
2 : something trifling or petty

small forward
: a basketball forward who is usually smaller than a power forward and whose play is characterized by quickness and scoring ability

small hours
: the early morning hours

small intestine
: the part of the intestine that lies between the stomach and colon, consists of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, secretes digestive enzymes, and is the chief site of the absorption of digested nutrients

small potato
: one that is of trivial importance or worth ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

small screen
: TELEVISION

small stuff
: small rope (as spun yarn or marline) usually identified by the number of threads or yarns which it contains

small talk
: light or casual conversation : CHITCHAT

small-cell lung cancer
: cancer of a highly malignant form that affects the lungs, tends to metastasize to other parts of the body, and is characterized by small round or oval cells which resemble oat grains and have little cytoplasm ― called also small-cell carcinoma

small-claims court
: a special court intended to simplify and expedite the handling of small claims on debts

small-fry
1 : MINOR, UNIMPORTANT <a small-fry politician>
2 : of, relating to, or intended for children : CHILDISH

small-minded
1 : having narrow interests, sympathies, or outlook
2 : typical of a small-minded person : marked by pettiness, narrowness, or meanness <small-minded conduct>
–small-mind·ed·ly adverb
–small-mind·ed·ness noun

small-scale
1 : small in scope especially : small in output or operation
2 of a map : having a scale (as one inch to 25 miles) that permits plotting of comparatively little detail and shows mainly large features

small-time
: insignificant in performance, scope, or standing : PETTY <small-time thieves>
–small-tim·er \-'tī-mər\ noun

smallclothes
1 : small articles of clothing (as underclothing or handkerchiefs)
2 : close-fitting knee breeches worn in the 18th century

smaller European elm bark beetle
: ELM BARK BEETLE B

Smalley
Richard Errett 1943-     Am. chem.

smallholding
n. chiefly British : a small farm
–small·hold·er \-dər\ noun

smallmouth bass
: a black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) of clear rivers and lakes that is bronzy-green above and lighter below and has the vertex of the angle of the jaw falling below the eye ― called also smallmouth smallmouth black bass

smallpox
n. : an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (species Variola virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus), is characterized by a skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination ― called also variola

smallsword
n. : a light tapering sword for thrusting used chiefly in dueling and fencing

smalt
n. : a deep blue pigment consisting of a powdered glass that contains oxide of cobalt

smalto
: colored glass or enamel or a piece of either used in mosaic work

smaragd
: EMERALD
–sma·rag·dine \smə-'rag-dən, 'sma-rəg-ˌdīn\ adjective

smarm
v. : smarmy language or behavior

smarmy
adj. 1 : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness <a tone of smarmy self-satisfaction ― New Yorker>
2 : of low sleazy taste or quality <smarmy eroticism>
–smarm·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–smarm·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

smart
n. 1 : making one smart : causing a sharp stinging
2 : marked by often sharp forceful activity or vigorous strength <a smart pull of the starter cord>
3 : BRISK, SPIRITED <a smart pace>
4 a : mentally alert : BRIGHT b : KNOWLEDGEABLE c : SHREWD <a smart investment>
5 a : WITTY, CLEVER <a smart sitcom> b : PERT, SAUCY <don't get smart with me>
6 a : NEAT, TRIM <soldiers in smart uniforms> b : stylish or elegant in dress or appearance c (1) : appealing to sophisticated tastes (2) : characteristic of or patronized by fashionable society
7 a : being a guided missile <a laser-guided smart bomb> b : operating by automation <a smart machine tool> c : INTELLIGENT 3
–smart·ly adverb
–smart·ness noun

smart
n. 1 : to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp stinging pain also : to feel or have such a pain
2 a : to feel or endure distress, remorse, or embarrassment <smarting from wounded vanity ― W. L. Shirer> b : to pay a heavy or stinging penalty <would have to smart for this foolishness>

smart
n. 1 : a smarting pain especially : a stinging local pain
2 : poignant grief or remorse <was not the sort to get over smarts ― Sir Winston Churchill>
3 plural slang : INTELLIGENCE, KNOW-HOW

smart
n. : in a smart manner : SMARTLY

smart
n. smart aleck
smart alec
smart alecky
smart ass
smart assed
smart card
smart drug
smart money
smart mouthed
street smart
street smarts

smart aleck
: an obnoxiously conceited and self-assertive person with pretensions to smartness or cleverness
–smart-aleck adjective
–smart-al·ecky \-ˌa-lə-kē, -ˌe-\ adjective

smart card
: a small plastic card that has a built-in microprocessor to store and process data and records

smart drug
: NOOTROPIC

smart money
: PUNITIVE DAMAGES

smart money
1 : money ventured by one having inside information or much experience
2 : well-informed bettors or speculators

smart-ass
: SMART ALECK
–smart-ass adjective
–smart-assed \-ˌast\ adjective

smart-mouthed
: annoyingly cocky or sarcastic in speech

smarten
v. transitive verb : to make smart or smarter especially : SPRUCE ― usually used with up
intransitive verb : to smarten oneself ― used with up

smartweed
n. : any of various polygonums with strong acidic juice

smarty
n. : SMART ALECK

smarty-pants
: SMART ALECK
–smarty-pants adjective

smash
n. 1 a : a smashing blow or attack b : a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis or badminton)
2 a : the action or sound of smashing especially : a wreck due to collision : CRASH b : utter collapse : RUIN
3 : a striking success

smash
n. 1 : to break or crush by violence
2 a : to drive or throw violently especially with a shattering or battering effect also : to effect in this way b : to hit violently : BATTER c (1) : to hit (as a tennis ball) with a hard overhand stroke (2) : to drive (a ball) with a forceful stroke
3 : to destroy utterly : WRECK
intransitive verb
1 : to move or become propelled with violence or crashing effect <smashed into a tree>
2 : to become wrecked
3 : to go to pieces suddenly under collision or pressure
–smash·er noun

smash
n. : being a smash : OUTSTANDING <a smash hit>

smashed
adj. slang : DRUNK, INTOXICATED

smashing
adj. 1 : that smashes : CRUSHING <a smashing defeat>
2 : extraordinarily impressive or effective <a smashing performance>
–smash·ing·ly \-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

smashmouth
: characterized by brute force without finesse <smashmouth football>

smashup
n. 1 : a collision between vehicles
2 : a complete collapse

smatter
n. intransitive verb : to talk superficially : BABBLE
transitive verb
1 : to speak with spotty or superficial knowledge <smatters French>
2 : to dabble in
–smat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

smatter
n. : SMATTERING <a smatter of applause>

smattering
n. 1 : superficial piecemeal knowledge <a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying ― Alva Johnston>
2 : a small scattered number or amount <a smattering of spectators>

smear
n. 1 a : a viscous or sticky substance b : a spot made by or as if by an unctuous or adhesive substance
2 : material smeared on a surface (as of a microscopic slide) also : a preparation made by smearing material on a surface <a vaginal smear>
3 : a usually unsubstantiated charge or accusation against a person or organization ― often used attributively <a smear campaign> <a smear job>

smear
n. 1 a : to overspread with something unctuous, viscous, or adhesive : DAUB <smeared the paper with glue> b : to spread over a surface
2 a : to stain, smudge, or dirty by or as if by smearing b : SULLY, BESMIRCH specifically : to vilify especially by secretly and maliciously spreading grave charges and imputations
3 : to obliterate, obscure, blur, blend, wipe out, or defeat by or as if by smearing
–smear·er noun

smearcase
n. chiefly Midland : COTTAGE CHEESE

smeary
adj. 1 : marked by or covered with smears
2 : liable to cause smears <smeary lipstick>

smectic
: of, relating to, or being the phase of a liquid crystal characterized by arrangement of molecules in layers with the long molecular axes in a given layer being parallel to one another and those of other layers and perpendicular or slightly inclined to the plane of the layer ― compare CHOLESTERIC, NEMATIC

smectite
n. : MONTMORILLONITE
–smec·tit·ic \(ˌ)smek-'ti-tik\ adjective

smegma
n. : the secretion of a sebaceous gland specifically : the cheesy sebaceous matter that collects between the glans penis and the foreskin or around the clitoris and labia minora

smell
n. transitive verb
1 : to perceive the odor or scent of through stimuli affecting the olfactory nerves : get the odor or scent of with the nose
2 : to detect or become aware of as if by the sense of smell <I smell trouble>
3 : to emit the odor of
intransitive verb
1 : to exercise the sense of smell
2 a (1) : to have an odor or scent (2) : to have a characteristic aura or atmosphere : SMACK <the accounts⋯seemed to me to smell of truth ― R. S. Bourne> also : SEEM, APPEAR <the story didn't smell right> b (1) : to have an offensive odor : STINK (2) : to be of bad or questionable quality <all this from the moral point of view smells ― A. F. Wills>
–smell·er noun
–smell a rat : to have a suspicion of something wrong
–smell blood : to sense an opponent's weakness or vulnerability
–smell the roses : to enjoy or savor life

smell
n. 1 : the property of a thing that affects the olfactory organs : ODOR
2 a : the process, function, or power of smelling b : the sense concerned with the perception of odor
3 a : a very small amount : TRACE <add only a smell of garlic> b : a pervading or characteristic quality : AURA <the smell of affluence, of power ― Harry Hervey>
4 : an act or instance of smelling
synonyms SMELL, SCENT, ODOR, AROMA mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense. SMELL implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character <an odd smell permeated the room>. SCENT applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant <the scent of lilacs>. ODOR may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to SMELL <a cheese with a strong odor>. AROMA suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor <the aroma of freshly ground coffee>.

smell
n. smell the roses
smell blood
smell a rat
smelling salts

smell a rat
to have a suspicion of something wrong

smell blood
to sense an opponent's weakness or vulnerability

smell the roses
to enjoy or savor life

smelling salts
: a usually scented aromatic preparation of ammonium carbonate and ammonia water used as a stimulant and restorative

smelly
adj. : having a smell especially : MALODOROUS <smelly socks>

smelt
n. : any of a family (Osmeridae) of small bony fishes that closely resemble the trouts in general structure, live along coasts and ascend rivers to spawn or are landlocked, and have delicate oily flesh with a distinctive odor and taste

smelt
n. 1 : to melt or fuse (as ore) often with an accompanying chemical change usually to separate the metal
2 : REFINE, REDUCE

smelter
n. : one that smelts: a : a worker who smelts ore b : an owner or operator of a smeltery c or smelt·ery \-t(ə-)rē\ : an establishment for smelting

Smetana
Be·dřich \'be-dər-ˌzhiḵ\ 1824-1884 Czech composer

smew
n. : a small Eurasian merganser (Mergus albellus) with the male being white, gray, and black and the female chiefly gray but with a chestnut and white head

smidgen
n. : a small amount : BIT <a smidgen of salt> <a smidgen of common sense>

Smigly-Rydz
Edward ― see RYDZ-SMIGłY

smilax
n. 1 : GREENBRIER
2 : a tender twining asparagus (Asparagus asparagoides) of southern Africa that has ovate bright green cladophylls which are often used in floral arrangements

smile
n. intransitive verb
1 : to have, produce, or exhibit a smile
2 a : to look or regard with amusement or ridicule <smiled at his own folly ― Martin Gardner> b : to bestow approval <feeling that Heaven smiled on his labors ― Sheila Rowlands> c : to appear pleasant or agreeable
transitive verb
1 : to affect with or by smiling
2 : to express by a smile
–smil·er noun
–smil·ing·ly \'smī-liŋ-lē\ adverb

smile
n. 1 : a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn
2 : a pleasant or encouraging appearance
–smile·less \'smī(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

smiley
n. : exhibiting a smile : frequently smiling <smiley salespeople>

smiley
n. : EMOTICON

smiley face
: a line drawing of a smiling face

smirch
n. 1 a : to make dirty, stained, or discolored : SULLY b : to smear with something that stains or dirties
2 : to bring discredit or disgrace on
–smirch noun

smirk
n. intransitive verb : to smile in an affected or smug manner : SIMPER
transitive verb : to say or express with a smirk
–smirk noun

smirky
: that smirks : SMIRKING

smite
v. transitive verb
1 : to strike sharply or heavily especially with the hand or an implement held in the hand
2 a : to kill or severely injure by smiting b : to attack or afflict suddenly and injuriously <smitten by disease>
3 : to cause to strike
4 : to affect as if by striking <children smitten with the fear of hell ― V. L. Parrington>
5 : CAPTIVATE, TAKE <smitten with her beauty>
intransitive verb : to deliver or deal a blow with or as if with the hand or something held
–smit·er \'smī-tər\ noun

Smith
n. Michael 1932-2000 Canad. (Brit.-born) biochem.

Smith
n. Stevie 1902-1971 orig. Florence Margaret Smith Brit. poet

Smith
n. Sydney 1771-1845 Eng. essayist

Smith
n. Vernon Lomax 1927-     American econ.

Smith
n. Walter Be·dell \bə-'del\ 1895-1961 American gen. & diplomat

Smith
n. William 1769-1839 Eng. geologist

Smith
n. Adam 1723-1790 Scot. econ.

Smith
n. Alfred Emanuel 1873-1944 American polit.

Smith
n. Bessie 1894(or 1898)-1937 American blues singer

Smith
n. David 1906-1965 American sculptor

Smith
n. Edmund Kirby ― see KIRBY-SMITH

Smith
n. Hamilton Othanel 1931-     American microbiologist

Smith
n. John ca 1580-1631 Eng. explorer & colonist

Smith
n. Joseph 1805-1844 American founder of Mormon Church

smith
n. 1 : a worker in metals : BLACKSMITH
2 : MAKER ― often used in combination <gunsmith> <tunesmith>

smith
n. Granny Smith
Kaye Smith
Kirby Smith
Fort Smith

smithereens
n. : FRAGMENTS, BITS <the house was blown to smithereens by the explosion>

smithery
n. 1 : the work, art, or trade of a smith
2 : SMITHY 1

Smithfield ham
: a Virginia ham produced in or near Smithfield, Va.

Smithson
n. James 1765-1829 Brit. chem. & mineralogist & benefactor of Smithsonian Inst.

smithsonite
: a mineral that is a carbonate of zinc and constitutes a minor ore of zinc

smithy
n. 1 : the workshop of a smith
2 : BLACKSMITH

smock
n. 1 archaic : a woman's undergarment especially : CHEMISE
2 : a light loose garment worn especially for protection of clothing while working

smock
n. : to embroider or shirr with smocking

smock frock
: a loose outer garment worn by workmen especially in Europe

smocking
n. : a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks

smog
n. : a fog made heavier and darker by smoke and chemical fumes also : a photochemical haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen especially from automobile exhaust
–smog·less \'smä-gləs, 'smȯ-\ adjective

smoggy
adj. : characterized by or abounding in smog <a smoggy haze> <smoggy freeways>

smokable
: fit for smoking

smoke
n. 1 a : the gaseous products of burning materials especially of organic origin made visible by the presence of small particles of carbon b : a suspension of particles in a gas
2 a : a mass or column of smoke b : SMUDGE
3 : fume or vapor often resulting from the action of heat on moisture
4 : something of little substance, permanence, or value
5 : something that obscures
6 a (1) : something (as a cigarette) to smoke (2) : MARIJUANA 2 b : an act of smoking tobacco especially : a smoking break
7 a : a pale blue b : any of the colors of smoke
8 : pitches that are fastballs <if a guy's going to hit you⋯he certainly isn't going to throw a spitter97he gives you smoke ― Tony Conigliaro>
–smoke·less \'smō-kləs\ adjective
–smoke·like \'smōk-ˌlīk\ adjective

smoke
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to emit or exhale smoke b : to emit excessive smoke
2 archaic : to undergo punishment : SUFFER
3 : to spread or rise like smoke
4 : to inhale and exhale the fumes of burning plant material and especially tobacco especially : to smoke tobacco habitually
transitive verb
1 a : FUMIGATE b : to drive (as mosquitoes) away by smoke c : to blacken or discolor with smoke <smoked glasses> d : to cure by exposure to smoke <smoked ham> e : to stupefy (as bees) by smoke
2 archaic : SUSPECT
3 : to inhale and exhale the smoke of <smoke a cigarette>
4 archaic : RIDICULE
5 slang : KILL 1A
6 slang : to defeat or surpass decisively
7 : to hit (as a baseball) with great force

smoke
n. blow smoke
chain smoke
go up in smoke
secondhand smoke
smoke and mirrors
smoke detector
smoke alarm
smoke filled room
smoke jumper
smoke out
smoke screen
smoke tree
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
passive smoking
smoking gun
smoking jacket
smoking lamp
smoking room
smokeless powder
smokeless tobacco

smoke and mirrors
: something intended to disguise or draw attention away from an often embarrassing or unpleasant issue ― usually hyphenated when used attributively

smoke detector
: an alarm that activates automatically when it detects smoke ― called also smoke alarm

smoke jumper
: a forest firefighter who parachutes to locations otherwise difficult to reach

smoke out
1 : to drive out by or as if by smoke
2 : to cause to be made public

smoke screen
1 : a screen of smoke to hinder enemy observation of a military force, area, or activity
2 : something designed to obscure, confuse, or mislead

smoke tree
: either of two small shrubby trees (genus Cotinus) of the cashew family with large panicles of minute flowers that suggest a cloud of smoke: a : one (C. coggygria) of Eurasia that is widely planted in the eastern U.S. b : one (C. obovatus) of the southeastern U.S. and Texas

smoke-filled room
: a room (as in a hotel) in which a small group of politicians carry on negotiations

smokehouse
n. : a building where meat or fish is cured by means of dense smoke

smokejack
: a device for turning a spit by a fly or wheel moved by rising gases in a chimney

smokeless powder
: any of a class of explosive propellants that produce comparatively little smoke on explosion and consist mostly of gelatinized nitrocellulose

smokeless tobacco
: pulverized or shredded tobacco chewed or placed between cheek and gum : SNUFF

smoker
n. 1 : one that smokes
2 : a railroad car or compartment in which smoking is allowed
3 : an informal social gathering for men

smokestack
n. : a pipe or funnel through which smoke and gases are discharged

smokestack
n. : of, relating to, being, or characterized by manufacturing and especially heavy industry <smokestack industries>

smoking gun
: something that serves as conclusive evidence or proof (as of a crime or scientific theory)

smoking jacket
: a loose-fitting jacket or short robe for wear at home

smoking lamp
: a lamp on a ship kept lighted during the hours when smoking is allowed

smoking room
: a room (as in a hotel or club) set apart for smokers

smoky
adj. 1 : emitting smoke especially in large quantities <a smoky fireplace>
2 a : having the characteristics of or resembling smoke <a smoky haze> b : suggestive of smoke especially in flavor or odor
3 a : filled with smoke <a smoky room> b : made dark or black by or as if by smoke
4 : having a low throaty quality <a smoky voice>
–smok·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–smok·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

smoky
adj. smoky quartz
smoky topaz
Great Smoky Mountains
Smoky Hill

Smoky Hill
river 540 mi (869 km) cen Kans. flowing E to unite with Republican River forming the Kansas River

smoky quartz
: CAIRNGORM

smoky topaz
: CAIRNGORM

smolder
n. 1 a : to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke b : to be consumed by smoldering ― often used with out
2 : to exist in a state of suppressed activity <hostilities smoldered for years>
3 : to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy <eyes smoldering with hate>

Smolensk
city W Russia in Europe on the upper Dnieper WSW of Moscow pop 352,000

Smollett
Tobias George 1721-1771 Brit. author

smolt
n. : a young salmon or sea trout about two years old that is at the stage of development when it assumes the silvery color of the adult and is ready to migrate to the sea

smooch
n. : KISS, PET

smooch
n. : KISS

smooch
n. : SMUDGE, SMEAR

smooch
n. : SMUDGE, SMEAR
–smoochy \'smü-chē\ adjective

smooth
n. 1 a (1) : having a continuous even surface (2) of a curve : being the representation of a function with a continuous first derivative (3) : having or being a short even coat of hair <a smooth collie> ― compare ROUGH, WIREHAIRED b : being without hair c : GLABROUS <a smooth leaf> d : causing no resistance to sliding
2 : free from difficulties or impediments <the smooth course of his life>
3 : even and uninterrupted in flow or flight
4 : excessively and often artfully suave : INGRATIATING <a smooth operator>
5 a : SERENE, EQUABLE <a smooth disposition> b : AMIABLE, COURTEOUS
6 a : not sharp or harsh <a smooth sherry> b : free from lumps
synonyms see LEVEL, EASY, SUAVE
–smooth adverb
–smooth·ly adverb
–smooth·ness noun

smooth
n. transitive verb
1 : to make smooth
2 a : to free from what is harsh or disagreeable : POLISH <smoothed out his style> b : SOOTHE
3 : to minimize (as a fault) especially in order to allay anger or ill will <his main job is to smooth over the friction that so often arises ― Brian Crozier>
4 : to free from obstruction or difficulty <conciliation smoothed the way to an agreement>
5 a : to press flat <smoothed down the folds of her dress> b : to remove expression from (one's face) : COMPOSE
6 : to cause to lie evenly and in order : PREEN <a bird smoothing its feathers>
7 : to free (as a graph or data) from irregularities
intransitive verb : to become smooth
–smooth·er noun

smooth
n. 1 : a smooth part
2 : the act of smoothing
3 : a smoothing implement

smooth
n. smooth breathing
smooth fox terrier
smooth hound
smooth muscle
smooth tongued

smooth breathing
1 : a mark ' placed over some initial vowels in Greek to show that they are not aspirated (as in ε̍κει̂ pronounced \e-'kā\)
2 : the absence of aspiration indicated by a mark '

smooth fox terrier
: any of a breed of fox terriers having a dense smooth chiefly white coat

smooth hound
: any of several dogfishes (genus Mustelus) closely related to or included with the requiem sharks

smooth muscle
: muscle tissue that lacks cross striations, is made up of elongated spindle-shaped cells having a central nucleus, and is found especially in vertebrate hollow organs and structures (as the digestive tract and bladder) as thin sheets performing functions not subject to direct voluntary control and in all or most of the musculature of invertebrates other than arthropods ― compare STRIATED MUSCLE

smooth-tongued
: ingratiating in speech

smoothbore
adj. of a firearm : having a barrel with an unrifled bore
–smoothbore \-ˌbȯr\ noun

smoothen
v. transitive verb : to make smooth
intransitive verb : to become smooth

smoothy
n. 1 : a smooth-tongued person
2 a : a person with polished manners b : one who behaves or performs with deftness, assurance, and easy competence especially : a man with an ingratiating manner toward women
3 smoothie : a creamy beverage made of fruit blended with juice, milk, or yogurt

smorgasbord
n. 1 : a luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (as hors d'oeuvres, hot and cold meats, smoked and pickled fish, cheeses, salads, and relishes)
2 : an often large heterogeneous mixture : MÉLANGE

smote
past of smite

smother
n. 1 a : thick stifling smoke or smudge b : a state of being stifled or suppressed
2 : a dense cloud (as of fog or dust)
3 : a confused multitude of things : WELTER
–smoth·ery \'smə-thə-rē, 'sməth-rē\ adjective

smother
n. intransitive verb : to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air
transitive verb
1 : to overcome or kill with smoke or fumes
2 a : to kill by depriving of air b : to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air c : to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen
3 a : to cause to smolder b : to suppress expression or knowledge of <smothered his rage> c : to stop or prevent the growth or activity of <smother a child with too much care> also : OVERWHELM d : to cover thickly : BLANKET <snow smothered the trails> e : to overcome or vanquish quickly or decisively
4 : to cook in a covered pan or pot with little liquid over low heat

SMSA
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area

SMSgt
senior master sergeant

smudge
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make a smudge on b : to soil as if by smudging
2 a : to rub, daub, or wipe in a smeary manner b : to make indistinct : BLUR <smudged the writing>
3 : to smoke or protect by means of a smudge
intransitive verb
1 : to make a smudge
2 : to become smudged

smudge
n. 1 a : a blurry spot or streak b : an immaterial stain <cleanse him of every last smudge of impropriety ― Richard Hanser> c : an indistinct mass : BLUR
2 : a smoldering mass placed on the windward side (as to protect from frost)
3 : a bid of four in pitch that if made wins the game
–smudg·i·ly \'smə-jə-lē\ adverb
–smudg·i·ness \'smə-jē-nəs\ noun
–smudgy \-jē\ adjective

smug
adj. 1 : trim or smart in dress : SPRUCE
2 : scrupulously clean, neat, or correct : TIDY
3 : highly self-satisfied
–smug·ly adverb
–smug·ness noun

smuggle
v. transitive verb
1 : to import or export secretly contrary to the law and especially without paying duties imposed by law
2 : to convey or introduce surreptitiously
intransitive verb : to import or export something in violation of the customs laws
–smug·gler \'smə-glər\ noun

smut
n. transitive verb
1 : to stain or taint with smut
2 : to affect (a crop or plant) with smut
intransitive verb : to become affected by smut

smut
n. 1 : matter that soils or blackens specifically : a particle of soot
2 : any of various destructive diseases especially of cereal grasses caused by parasitic basidiomycetous fungi (order Ustilaginales) and marked by transformation of plant parts into dark masses of spores also : a fungus causing a smut
3 : obscene language or matter

smut
n. covered smut
loose smut
stinking smut

smutch
n. : a dark stain : SMUDGE
–smutch transitive verb
–smutchy \'smə-chē\ adjective

Smuts
n. Jan \'yän\ Christiaan 1870-1950 So. African field marshal; prime min. (1919-24; 1939-48)

smutty
adj. 1 : soiled or tainted with smut especially : affected with smut fungus
2 : OBSCENE, INDECENT <a smutty joke>
3 : resembling smut in appearance : SOOTY
–smut·ti·ly \'smə-təl-ē\ adverb
–smut·ti·ness \'smə-tē-nəs\ noun

SMV
slow-moving vehicle

Smyrna
1 town NW Ga. NW of Atlanta pop 40,999
2 town cen Tenn. SE of Nashville pop 25,569
3 ― see IZMIR

Smyth
Henry DeWolf 1898-1986 American physicist

SN
seaman

Sn
tin

snack
n. : a light meal : food eaten between regular meals also : food suitable for snacking

snack
n. : to eat a snack

snack bar
: a public eating place where snacks are served usually at a counter

snaffle
n. : a simple usually jointed bit for a bridle

snaffle
n. : to obtain especially by devious or irregular means

snafu
adj. : a situation marked by errors or confusion : MUDDLE also : an error causing such a situation <a scheduling snafu>

snafu
adj. : snarled or stalled in confusion : AWRY

snafu
adj. : to bring into a state of confusion

snag
n. 1 a : a tree or branch embedded in a lake or stream bed and constituting a hazard to navigation b : a standing dead tree
2 : a rough sharp or jagged projecting part : PROTUBERANCE: as a : a projecting tooth also : a stump of a tooth b : one of the secondary branches of an antler
3 : a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle
4 a : a jagged tear made by or as if by catching on a snag b : an irregularity that suggests the result of tearing especially : a pulled thread in fabric <a snag in her stocking>
–snag·gy \'sna-gē\ adjective

snag
n. 1 a : to catch and usually damage on or as if on a snag b : to halt or impede as if by catching on a snag
2 : to hew, trim, or cut roughly or jaggedly
3 : to clear (as a river) of snags
4 : to catch or obtain usually by quick action or good fortune

snaggletooth
n. : an irregular, broken, or projecting tooth
–snag·gle·toothed \-ˌtütht\ adjective

snail
n. 1 : a gastropod mollusk especially when having an external enclosing spiral shell
2 : a slow-moving or sluggish person or thing
–snail·like \'snāl-ˌlīk\ adjective

snail
n. : to move, act, or go slowly or lazily

snail
n. snail fever
moon snail
snail darter
snail mail
snail paced
snail's pace

snail darter
: a darter (Percina tanasi) of the Tennessee River drainage system of eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia

snail fever
: SCHISTOSOMIASIS

snail mail
1 : mail delivered by a postal system
2 : MAIL 3

snail's pace
: an extremely slow pace

snail-paced
: moving very slowly

Snake
n. river 1038 mi (1670 km) NW U.S. flowing from NW Wyo. across S Idaho & into Columbia River in Wash.

snake
n. 1 : any of numerous limbless scaled reptiles (suborder Serpentes syn. Ophidia) with a long tapering body and with salivary glands often modified to produce venom which is injected through grooved or tubular fangs
2 : a worthless or treacherous fellow
3 : something (as a plumber's snake) resembling a snake
–snake·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

snake
n. transitive verb
1 : to wind (as one's way) in the manner of a snake
2 : to move (as logs) by dragging
intransitive verb : to crawl, move, or extend silently, secretly, or sinuously

snake
n. brown tree snake
bull snake
gopher snake
chicken snake
coral snake
garter snake
glass snake
green snake
hognose snake
hog nosed snake
indigo snake
king snake
milk snake
pine snake
plumber's snake
rat snake
sea snake
snake charmer
snake dance
snake doctor
snake fence
snake in the grass
snake oil
snake pit
water snake
worm snake
Snake Range

snake charmer
: an entertainer who exhibits a professed power to charm or fascinate venomous snakes

snake dance
1 : a ceremonial dance in which snakes or their images are handled, invoked, or symbolically imitated by individual sinuous actions
2 : a group progression in a single-file serpentine path (as in celebration of an athletic victory)

snake doctor
1 : DRAGONFLY
2 : HELLGRAMMITE

snake fence
: WORM FENCE

snake in the grass

1696
: a secretly faithless friend

snake oil
1 : any of various substances or mixtures sold (as by a traveling medicine show) as medicine usually without regard to their medical worth or properties
2 : POPPYCOCK, BUNKUM

snake pit
1 : a hospital for mental diseases
2 : a place or state of chaotic disorder and distress

Snake Range
mountain range E Nevada

snake-dance
: to engage in a snake dance

snakebird
n. : ANHINGA

snakebit
: having or experiencing failure or bad luck : UNLUCKY

snakebite
n. : the bite of a snake and especially a venomous snake

snakeroot
n. : any of various plants (as seneca snakeroot and Virginia snakeroot) most of which have roots sometimes believed to cure snakebites also : the root of such a plant

snakeroot
n. button snakeroot
seneca snakeroot
Virginia snakeroot

snakeskin
n. : leather prepared from the skin of a snake

snakeweed
n. : any of various plants popularly associated with snakes (as in appearance, habitat, or the treatment of snakebite) especially : any of an American genus (Gutierrezia) of composite herbs or low shrubs with clustered yellow flower heads

snaky
adj. 1 : of, formed of, or entwined with snakes <the Gorgon with snaky hair ― Joseph Addison>
2 : SERPENTINE, SNAKELIKE <snaky coils>
3 : suggestive of a snake <the oiliness and snaky insinuation of his demeanor ― Thomas DeQuincy>
4 : abounding in snakes
–snak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

snap
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth <fish snapping at the bait> b : to grasp at something eagerly : make a pounce or snatch <snap at any chance>
2 : to utter sharp biting words : bark out irritable or peevish retorts
3 a : to break suddenly with a sharp sound <the twig snapped> b : to give way suddenly under strain
4 : to make a sharp or crackling sound
5 : to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound <the lock snapped shut>
6 a : to move briskly or sharply <snaps to attention> b : to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another) <snap out of it> <snapped awake>
7 : SPARKLE, FLASH <eyes snapping with fury>
transitive verb
1 : to seize with or as if with a snap of the jaws
2 : to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly ― usually used with up <shoppers snapping up bargains>
3 a : to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably b : to utter curtly or abruptly
4 : to break suddenly : break short or in two
5 a : to cause to make a snapping sound <snap a whip> b : to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound <snap the lock shut>
6 a : to project with a snap b : to put (a football) in play with a snap c (1) : to take photographically <snapping exclusive news pictures ― Current Biog.> (2) : to take a snapshot of

snap
n. 1 : an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)
2 a archaic : a share of profits or booty b : something that brings quick and easy profit or advantage c : something that is easy and presents no problems : CINCH
3 : a small amount : BIT
4 a : an act or instance of seizing abruptly : a sudden snatching at something b : a quick short movement <lithe snaps of its body ― Barbara Taylor> c : a sudden sharp breaking
5 a : a sound made by snapping something <shut the book with a snap> b : a brief sharp and usually irritable speech or retort
6 : a sudden spell of weather <a cold snap>
7 : a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click <the snap of a bracelet>
8 : a flat brittle cookie ― compare GINGERSNAP
9 : SNAPSHOT
10 a : the condition of being vigorous in body, mind, or spirit : ALERTNESS, ENERGY b : a pleasing vigorous quality
11 : the act of a center's putting the football in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between his legs to a teammate (as a quarterback) standing behind him

snap
n. : with a snap

snap
n. 1 : done, made, or carried through suddenly or without deliberation <a snap judgment>
2 : called or taken without prior warning <a snap election>
3 : fastening with a snap <a snap lock>
4 : unusually easy or simple <a snap course>

snap
n. snap back
snap bean
snap brim
snap on
snap pea
sugar snap pea
snap roll
alligator snapping turtle
snapping turtle

snap back
: to make a quick or vigorous recovery

snap bean
: a bean grown primarily for its long pods that are cooked as a vegetable while young and tender and before the seeds have become enlarged ― compare SHELL BEAN

snap pea
: a cultivated pea that has edible usually round pods easily snapped like beans and that is classified with the snow pea as a variety (Pisum sativum macrocarpon) ― called also sugar snap pea

snap roll
: an airplane maneuver in which a rapid full revolution is completed about the plane's longitudinal axis while an approximately level line of flight is maintained

snap-brim
: a usually felt hat with brim turned up in back and down in front and with a dented crown

snap-on
: designed to snap into position and fit tightly <snap-on cuffs>

snapback
1 : a football snap
2 : a sudden rebound or recovery <a snapback of prices on the stock exchange>

snapdragon
n. : any of a genus (Antirrhinum of the family Scrophulariaceae, the snapdragon family) of herbs having showy bilabiate flowers especially : a widely cultivated one (A. majus) of Mediterranean origin having usually pink, red, yellow, or white flowers

snapper
n. 1 : one that snaps: as a : something (as a remark) that gives new orientation to a situation or utterance b (1) : SNAPPING TURTLE (2) : CLICK BEETLE
2 plural also snapper a : any of numerous active carnivorous fishes (family Lutjanidae) of warm seas important as food and often as sport fishes b : any of several immature fishes (as the young of the bluefish) that resemble a snapper

snapper
n. mutton snapper
yellowtail snapper
red snapper
snapper back

snapper-back
: a football center

snapping turtle
: either of two large American freshwater turtles (family Chelydridae) with a large head, powerful jaws, a long tail, and a strong musky odor: a : one (Chelydra serpentina) that has the head covered with smooth skin, has large plates in a double row on the underside of the tail, and is distributed from eastern Canada to Central America b : ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE

snappish
adj. 1 a : given to curt irritable speech b : arising from annoyance or irascibility <a snappish remark>
2 : inclined to bite <a snappish dog>
–snap·pish·ly adverb
–snap·pish·ness noun

snappy
adj. 1 : SNAPPISH 1
2 a : quickly made or done <a snappy decision> b : marked by vigor or liveliness <snappy dialogue> c : briskly cold d : STYLISH, SMART <a snappy dresser>
–snap·pi·ly \'sna-pə-lē\ adverb
–snap·pi·ness \'sna-pē-nəs\ noun

snapshooter
n. : a person who takes snapshots

snapshot
n. 1 : a casual photograph made typically by an amateur with a small handheld camera
2 : an impression or view of something brief or transitory <a snapshot of life back then>

snare
n. 1 a (1) : a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals (2) : TRAP, GIN b (1) : something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded (2) : something deceptively attractive
2 [probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord; akin to Old High German snuor] a : one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum b : SNARE DRUM
3 : a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils)

snare
n. 1 a : to capture by or as if by use of a snare b : to win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers
2 : to entangle or hold as if in a snare <any object that snared his eye ― Current Biog.>
synonyms see CATCH
–snar·er noun

snare drum
: a small double-headed drum with one or more snares stretched across its lower head ― see DRUM illustration

snarf
v. : 3SCOFF 1 <snarfed down some pizza>

snarky
adj. 1 : CROTCHETY, SNAPPISH
2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner <snarky lyrics>
–snark·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

snarl
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to become knotted and intertwined : TANGLE
2 : to make excessively complicated
intransitive verb : to become snarled
–snarl·er noun

snarl
n. 1 : a tangle especially of hairs or thread : KNOT
2 : a tangled situation <traffic snarls>
–snarly \'snär-lē\ adjective

snarl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to growl with a snapping, gnashing, or display of teeth
2 : to give vent to anger in surly language
transitive verb : to utter or express with a snarl or by snarling
–snarl·er noun

snarl
n. : a surly angry growl
–snarly \'snär-lē\ adjective

snatch
n. intransitive verb : to attempt to seize something suddenly
transitive verb : to take or grasp abruptly or hastily <snatch up a pen> <snatched the first opportunity> also : to seize or take suddenly without permission, ceremony, or right <snatched a kiss>
synonyms see TAKE
–snatch·er noun

snatch
n. 1 a : a brief period <caught snatches of sleep> b : a brief, fragmentary, or hurried part : BIT <caught snatches of the conversation>
2 a : a snatching at or of something b slang : an act or instance of kidnapping
3 : a lift in weight lifting in which the weight is raised from the floor directly to an overhead position in a single motion ― compare CLEAN AND JERK, PRESS
4 usually vulgar : the female pudenda

snatch block
: a block that can be opened on one side to receive the bight of a rope

snath
n. : the handle of a scythe

snazzy
adj. : conspicuously or flashily attractive : FANCY <snazzy clothes> <a snazzy car>

SNCC
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

Snead
Sam 1912-2002 Samuel Jackson Snead American golfer

sneak
n. intransitive verb
1 : to go stealthily or furtively : SLINK <snuck out early>
2 : to act in or as if in a furtive manner
3 : to carry the football on a quarterback sneak
transitive verb : to put, bring, or take in a furtive or artful manner <sneak a smoke>
synonyms see LURK
–sneak up on : to approach or act on stealthily
usage From its earliest appearance in print in the late 19th century as a dialectal and prob. uneducated form, the past and past participle snuck has risen to the status of standard and to approximate equality with sneaked. Indications are that it is continuing to grow in frequency. It is most common in the U.S. and Canada, but has also been spotted in British and Australian English.

sneak
n. 1 : a person who acts in a stealthy, furtive, or shifty manner
2 a : a stealthy or furtive move b : an unobserved departure or escape
3 : SNEAKER 2 ― usually used in plural
4 : QUARTERBACK SNEAK

sneak
n. 1 : carried on secretly : CLANDESTINE
2 : occurring without warning : SURPRISE <a sneak attack>

sneak
n. quarterback sneak
sneak up on
sneak preview
sneak thief

sneak preview
: a special advance showing of a motion picture usually announced but not named

sneak thief
: a thief who steals whatever is readily available without using violence or forcibly breaking into buildings

sneak up on
to approach or act on stealthily

sneaker
n. 1 : one that sneaks
2 : a sports shoe with a pliable rubber sole
–sneak·ered \-kərd\ adjective

sneaking
n. 1 : MEAN, CONTEMPTIBLE
2 : characteristic of a sneak : FURTIVE, UNDERHANDED
3 a : not openly expressed or acknowledged <a sneaking respect for culture ― H. A. Burton> b : that is a persistent conjecture <a sneaking suspicion>
–sneak·ing·ly adverb

sneaky
adj. : marked by stealth, furtiveness, or shiftiness <a sneaky trick>
–sneak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–sneak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

sneap
1 archaic : to blast or blight with cold : NIP
2 dialect English : CHIDE

sneap
archaic : REBUKE, SNUB

sneck
chiefly dialect : LATCH

sneer
n. intransitive verb
1 : to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt
2 : to speak or write in a scornfully jeering manner
transitive verb : to utter with a sneer
synonyms see SCOFF
–sneer·er noun

sneer
n. : the act of sneering also : a sneering expression or remark

sneeze
n. : to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act
–sneez·er noun
–sneeze at : to make light of <the cost was nothing to sneeze at>

sneeze
n. : an act or instance of sneezing

sneeze at
to make light of <the cost was nothing to sneeze at>

sneezeweed
: any of several composite plants especially : a No. American perennial herb (Helenium autumnale) with yellow ray flowers and a darker globose disk

sneezy
adj. : given to or causing sneezing

Snell
n. George Davis 1903-1996 American research geneticist

snell
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : QUICK, ACUTE
2 chiefly Scottish : KEEN, PIERCING <a snell wind smote us ― Scotsman>
3 chiefly Scottish : GRIEVOUS, SEVERE

snell
n. : a short line (as of gut) by which a fishhook is attached to a longer line

SNF
skilled nursing facility

snick
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : to cut through
2 : to cut slightly
intransitive verb : to perform a light cutting action

snick
n. : a small cut : NICK

snick
n. : CLICK

snick
n. : a slight often metallic sound : CLICK

snicker
n. : to laugh in a covert or partly suppressed manner : TITTER
–snick·er·er \-kər-ər\ noun
–snick·ery \-k(ə-)rē\ adjective

snicker
n. : an act or sound of snickering

snickersnee
n. : a large knife

snide
n. 1 a : FALSE, COUNTERFEIT b : practicing deception : DISHONEST <a snide merchant>
2 : unworthy of esteem : LOW <a snide trick>
3 : slyly disparaging : INSINUATING <snide remarks>
–snide·ly adverb
–snide·ness noun

sniff
n. intransitive verb
1 : to draw air audibly up the nose especially for smelling <sniffed at the flowers>
2 : to show or express disdain or scorn
3 : SNOOP, NOSE <sniffed around for clues>
transitive verb
1 : to smell or take by inhalation through the nose
2 : to utter contemptuously
3 : to recognize or detect by or as if by smelling <sniff out trouble>

sniff
n. 1 : an act or sound of sniffing
2 : a quantity that is sniffed

sniffer
n. : one that sniffs especially : one who takes drugs illicitly by sniffing

sniffish
adj. : SNIFFY, SUPERCILIOUS
–sniff·ish·ly adverb
–sniff·ish·ness noun

sniffle
n. 1 : to sniff repeatedly : SNUFFLE
2 : to speak with or as if with sniffling
–snif·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun

sniffle
n. 1 plural : a head cold marked by nasal discharge
2 : an act or sound of sniffling

sniffy
adj. : having or expressing a haughty attitude : DISDAINFUL, SUPERCILIOUS
–sniff·i·ly \'sni-fə-lē\ adverb
–sniff·i·ness \'sni-fē-nəs\ noun

snifter
n. 1 : a small drink of distilled liquor
2 : a short-stemmed goblet with a bowl narrowing toward the top

snigger
n. : SNICKER
–snig·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

snigger
n. : SNICKER

sniggle
v. intransitive verb : to fish for eels by thrusting a baited hook or needle into their hiding places
transitive verb : to catch (an eel) by sniggling

snip
n. 1 a : a small piece that is snipped off also : FRAGMENT, BIT b : a cut or notch made by snipping c : an act or sound of snipping
2 : a white or light mark especially : a white spot between the nostrils of a horse
3 : a presumptuous or impertinent person especially : an impertinent or saucy girl
4 British : BARGAIN, BUY

snip
n. transitive verb : to cut or cut off with or as if with shears or scissors <snipped the stray threads> specifically : to clip suddenly or by bits
intransitive verb : to make a short quick cut with or as if with shears or scissors
–snip·per noun

snipe
n. 1 or plural snipe : any of various usually slender-billed birds of the sandpiper family especially : any of several game birds (esp. genus Gallinago) especially of marshy areas
2 : a contemptible person

snipe
n. 1 : to shoot at exposed individuals (as of an enemy's forces) from a usually concealed point of vantage
2 : to aim a carping or snide attack
–snip·er noun

sniperscope
: an optical device for use especially with a rifle that allows a person to see targets better in the dark

snippersnapper
: WHIPPERSNAPPER

snippet
n. : a small part, piece, or thing especially : a brief quotable passage

snippety
adj. 1 : made up of snippets
2 [probably from 2snip + -ety (as in pernickety)] : SNIPPY

snippy
adj. 1 : SHORT-TEMPERED, SNAPPISH
2 : unduly brief or curt
3 : putting on airs : SNIFFY
–snip·pi·ly \'sni-pə-lē\ adverb

snips
n. : hand shears used especially for cutting sheet metal

snit
n. : a state of agitation <in a snit>

snitch
n. : one that snitches : TATTLETALE

snitch
n. : INFORM, TATTLE
–snitch·er noun

snitch
n. : to take by stealth : PILFER

snivel
1 : to run at the nose
2 : to snuff mucus up the nose audibly : SNUFFLE
3 : to cry or whine with snuffling
4 : to speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner
–sniv·el·er \'sni-və-lər, 'sniv-lər\ noun

snivel
n. 1 plural dialect : HEAD COLD
2 : an act or instance of sniveling

sno-cone
variant of snow cone

snob
n. 1 British : COBBLER
2 : one who blatantly imitates, fawningly admires, or vulgarly seeks association with those regarded as social superiors
3 a : one who tends to rebuff, avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior b : one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste

snob appeal
: qualities in a product that appeal to the snobbery in a purchaser

snobbery
n. 1 : snobbish conduct or character : SNOBBISHNESS
2 : an instance of snobbery

snobbish
adj. : being, characteristic of, or befitting a snob <a snobbish attitude>
–snob·bish·ly adverb
–snob·bish·ness noun

snobbism
n. : SNOBBERY

snobby
adj. : characterized by snobbery <a snobby brat> <snobby neighborhoods>

snood
n. 1 a Scottish : a fillet or band for a woman's hair b : a net or fabric bag pinned or tied on at the back of a woman's head for holding the hair
2 : SNELL

snood
n. : to secure with a snood

snook
n. 1 : a large vigorous bony fish (Centropomus undecimalis of the family Centropomidae) of coastal and brackish waters that is an important food and sport fish
2 : any of various marine fishes of the same family as the snook

snook
n. : a gesture of derision made by thumbing the nose

snooker
n. : a variation of pool played with 15 red balls and 6 variously colored balls

snooker
n. : to make a dupe of : HOODWINK

snoop
n. : to look or pry especially in a sneaking or meddlesome manner
–snoop·er noun

snoop
n. : one that snoops

snoopy
adj. : given to snooping especially for personal information about others
–snoop·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb

snoot
n. 1 a : SNOUT b : NOSE
2 : a grimace expressive of contempt
3 : a snooty person : SNOB

snoot
n. : to treat with disdain : look down one's nose at

snooty
adj. 1 : looking down the nose : showing disdain <snooty people who won't speak to their neighbors>
2 : characterized by snobbery <a snooty store>
–snoot·i·ly \'snü-tə-lē\ adverb
–snoot·i·ness \'snü-tē-nəs\ noun

snooze
n. : to take a nap : DOZE

snooze
n. 1 : NAP
2 : something boring or uninspiring

snoozer
n. 1 : one that snoozes
2 : SNOOZE 2

snoozle
chiefly dialect : NUZZLE

Snoqualmie Falls
waterfall 270 ft (80 m) W cen Wash. in Snoqualmie River 70 mi (118 km)

snore
n. intransitive verb : to breathe during sleep with a rough hoarse noise due to vibration of the soft palate
transitive verb : to spend (time) in snoring or sleeping
–snor·er noun

snore
n. 1 : an act of snoring
2 : a noise of or as if of snoring

snorkel
n. 1 : a tube housing air intake and exhaust pipes for a submarine's diesel engine that can be extended above the water's surface so that the engines can be operated while the submarine is submerged
2 : any of various devices (as for an underwater swimmer) resembling a snorkel in function

snorkel
n. : to operate or swim submerged with only a snorkel above water
–snor·kel·er \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

Snorri Sturluson
1179-1241 Icelandic statesman & hist.

snort
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to force air violently through the nose with a rough harsh sound b : to express scorn, anger, indignation, or surprise by a snort
2 : to emit explosive sounds resembling snorts
3 : to take in a drug by inhalation
transitive verb
1 : to utter with or express by a snort
2 : to expel or emit with or as if with snorts
3 : to inhale (a drug in powdered form) through the nostrils

snort
n. 1 : a drink of usually straight liquor taken in one draft
2 : an act or sound of snorting

snorter
n. 1 : one that snorts
2 : something that is extraordinary or prominent : HUMDINGER
3 : SNORT 1

snot
n. 1 : nasal mucus
2 : a snotty person

snotty
adj. 1 : soiled with nasal mucus <a snotty nose>
2 : annoyingly or spitefully unpleasant especially : SNOOTY
–snot·ti·ly \'snä-tə-lē\ adverb
–snot·ti·ness \'snä-tē-nəs\ noun

snout
n. 1 a (1) : a long projecting nose (as of a swine) (2) : an anterior prolongation of the head of various animals (as a weevil) : ROSTRUM b : the human nose especially when large or grotesque
2 : something resembling an animal's snout in position, function, or shape: as a : PROW b : NOZZLE c : the terminal face of a glacier
–snout·ed \'snau̇-təd\ adjective
–snout·ish \-tish\ adjective
–snouty \-tē\ adjective

snout beetle
: WEEVIL

Snow
n. C(harles) P(ercy) 1905-1980 Baron Snow Eng. nov. & physicist

Snow
n. John William 1939-     U.S. secy. of treasury (2003-  )

Snow
n. ― see MAOKE

snow
n. 1 a : precipitation in the form of small white ice crystals formed directly from the water vapor of the air at a temperature of less than 32°F (0°C) b (1) : a descent or shower of snow crystals (2) : a mass of fallen snow crystals
2 : something resembling snow: as a : a dessert made of stiffly beaten whites of eggs, sugar, and fruit pulp <apple snow> b : a usually white crystalline substance that condenses from a fluid phase as snow does <ammonia snow> c slang (1) : COCAINE (2) : HEROIN d : small transient light or dark spots on a television screen
–snow·less \-ləs\ adjective

snow
n. : to fall in or as snow
transitive verb
1 : to cause to fall like or as snow
2 a : to cover, shut in, or imprison with or as if with snow b : to deceive, persuade, or charm glibly
3 : to whiten like snow

snow
n. acid snow
corn snow
glory of the snow
red snow
snow blindness
snow blinded
snow blind
snow bunting
snow cone
snow crab
snow fence
snow goose
snow in summer
snow job
snow leopard
snow line
snow on the mountain
snow pea
snow plant
snow pudding
snow thrower
snow tire
snow under
snow white
Snow Mountains

snow blindness
: inflammation and photophobia caused by exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet rays reflected from snow or ice
–snow-blind \'snō-ˌblīnd\ or snow-blind·ed \-ˌblīn-dəd\ adjective

snow bunting
: a white bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) with black or brown markings on the upperparts that breeds in arctic regions and winters in northern parts of No. America and Eurasia

snow cone
: granular ice molded into a ball and flavored with a syrup

snow crab
: any of several long-legged crabs (genus Chionoecetes, especially C. opilio and C. bairdi) of the eastern north Pacific Ocean and especially Alaska and the western north Atlantic Ocean that are used for food

snow fence
: a usually slatted fence placed across the path of prevailing winds to protect (as a building, road, or railroad track) from drifting snow by disrupting the flow of wind and causing the snow to be deposited on the lee side of the fence

snow goose
: a No. American goose (Chen caerulescens syn. Anser caerulescens) that has a pinkish bill and exists either as a white form with black primaries or as a grayish-black form with a white head

snow job
: an intensive effort at persuasion or deception

snow leopard
: a large cat (Panthera uncia syn. Uncia uncia) of upland central Asia with long heavy grayish-white fur irregularly marked with brownish-black spots, rosettes, and rings

snow line
: the lower margin of a perennial snowfield

snow pea
: a cultivated pea with flat edible pods that is classified with the snap pea as a variety (Pisum sativum macrocarpon)

snow plant
: a fleshy bright-red saprophytic herb (Sarcodes sanguinea) of the Indian-pipe family that grows in high-altitude coniferous woods of the western U.S. and often appears before the snow melts

snow pudding
: a pudding made very fluffy and light by the addition of whipped egg whites and gelatin

snow thrower
: SNOWBLOWER

snow tire
: an automotive tire with a tread designed to give added traction on snow

snow under
1 : to overwhelm especially in excess of capacity to absorb or deal with something
2 : to defeat by a large margin

snow-in-summer
: a European creeping perennial herb (Cerastium tomentosum) of the pink family with hairy grayish foliage and white flowers that is often used as a ground cover

snow-on-the-mountain
: a spurge (Euphorbia marginata) of the central and western U.S. that has showy white-bracted flower clusters and is grown as an ornamental

snow-white
: white as snow

snowball
n. 1 a : a round mass of snow pressed or rolled together b : SNOW CONE
2 : any of several cultivated shrubby viburnums (genus Viburnum) with clusters of white sterile flowers ― called also snowball bush

snowball
n. 1 : to engage in throwing snowballs
2 : to increase, accumulate, expand, or multiply at a rapidly accelerating rate
transitive verb
1 : to throw snowballs at
2 : to cause to increase or multiply at a rapidly accelerating rate

snowbank
n. : a mound or slope of snow

snowbelt
n. : a region that receives an appreciable amount of annual snowfall

snowberry
n. : any of several white-berried shrubs (esp. genus Symphoricarpos of the honeysuckle family) especially : a low-growing No. American shrub (S. albus) with pinkish-white flowers in small axillary clusters

snowbird
n. 1 : any of several birds (as a junco or fieldfare) seen chiefly in winter
2 : one who travels to warm climes for the winter

snowblower
n. : a machine for removing snow (as from a driveway or sidewalk) in which a rotating spiral blade picks up and propels the snow aside

snowboard
n. : a board like a wide ski ridden in a surfing position downhill over snow
–snowboard intransitive verb
–snow·boarder noun
–snow·board·ing noun

snowbound
adj. : shut in or blockaded by snow

snowbrush
: a spreading white-flowered western No. American shrub (Ceanothus velutinus) of the buckthorn family

snowcap
n. : a covering cap of snow (as on a mountain peak)
–snow·capped \-ˌkapt\ adjective

snowcat
n. : a tracklaying vehicle for travel on snow

Snowden
Philip 1864-1937 1st Viscount Snowden of Ick·orn·shaw \'i-ˌkȯrn-ˌshȯ\ Eng. polit.

Snowdon
massif 3560 ft (1085 m) NW Wales in Gwynedd; highest point in Wales

Snowdonia
mountain region NW Wales centering around Snowdon

snowdrift
n. : a bank of drifted snow

snowdrop
n. : a bulbous European herb (Galanthus nivalis) of the amaryllis family bearing nodding white flowers that often appear while the snow is on the ground

snowfall
n. : a fall of snow specifically : the amount of snow that falls in a single storm or in a given period

snowfield
n. : a broad level expanse of snow especially : a mass of perennial snow at the head of a glacier

snowflake
n. 1 : a flake or crystal of snow
2 : any of a genus (Leucojum) of Old World bulbous plants of the amaryllis family especially : one (L. vernum) resembling the snowdrop

snowmaker
: a device for making snow

snowmaking
: the production of snow usually for ski slopes

snowman
n. : snow shaped to resemble a human figure

snowmelt
: runoff produced by melting snow

snowmobile
n. : any of various automotive vehicles for travel on snow specifically : an open vehicle for usually one or two persons with steerable skis on the front and an endless belt at the rear

snowmobiling
n. : the sport of driving a snowmobile
–snow·mo·bil·er \-lər\ also snow·mo·bil·ist \-list\ noun

snowpack
n. : a seasonal accumulation of slow-melting packed snow

snowplow
n. 1 : any of various devices used for clearing away snow
2 : a stemming with both skis used for coming to a stop, slowing down, or descending slowly

snowplow
n. : to execute a snowplow <snowplowed to a stop>

snowscape
n. : a landscape covered with snow

snowshed
n. : a shelter against snowslides

snowshoe
n. : a usually lightweight platform for the foot that is designed to enable a person to walk on soft snow without sinking and that typically consists of an oblong frame crossed with leather thongs or synthetic material

snowshoe
n. : to travel on snowshoes
–snow·sho·er \-ˌshü-ər\ noun

snowshoe hare
: a hare (Lepus americanus) of northern No. America with heavy fur on the hind feet and a coat that in most populations is brown in the summer but usually white in the winter ― called also snowshoe rabbit varying hare

snowslide
n. : an avalanche of snow

snowstorm
n. : a storm of or with snow

snowsuit
n. : a one-piece or two-piece lined garment for winter wear by children

Snowy
adj. river 278 mi (447 km) SE Australia flowing from Snowy Mountains to the Pacific in SE Victoria

snowy
adj. 1 a : composed of snow or melted snow b : marked by or covered with snow
2 a : whitened by snow b : SNOW-WHITE
–snow·i·ly \'snō-ə-lē\ adverb
–snow·i·ness \'snō-ē-nəs\ noun

snowy
adj. snowy egret
snowy owl
snowy plover
Snowy Mountains

snowy egret
: a white American egret (Egretta thula) having a slender black bill, black legs, and yellow feet

Snowy Mountains
mountains SE Australia in SE New South Wales

snowy owl
: a large ground-nesting diurnal arctic owl (Nyctea scandiaca) that enters the chiefly northern parts of the U.S. in winter and has plumage that is sometimes nearly pure white but usually with brownish spots or bars

snowy plover
: a small plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) of the Gulf coast and the eastern U.S. and Mexico that is light gray above with a black bill, black patches on the head and sides of the neck, and white underparts

SNP
: a variant DNA sequence in which the purine or pyrimidine base (as cytosine) of a single nucleotide has been replaced by another such base (as thymine)

Snr
n. British senior

snub
n. 1 : to check or stop with a cutting retort : REBUKE
2 a : to check (as a line) suddenly while running out especially by turning around a fixed object (as a post or a cleat) also : to check the motion of by snubbing a line <snub the anchor> b : to restrain the action of : SUPPRESS <snub a vibration>
3 : to treat with contempt or neglect <snub an old acquaintance>
4 : to extinguish by stubbing <snub out a cigarette>

snub
n. : an act or an instance of snubbing especially : SLIGHT

snub
n. 1 or snubbed \'snəbd\ : BLUNT, STUBBY <a snub nose>
2 : used in snubbing <snub line>
–snub·ness noun

snub-nosed
1 : having a stubby and usually slightly turned-up nose
2 : having a very short barrel <a snub-nosed revolver>

snubber
n. 1 : one that snubs
2 : SHOCK ABSORBER

snubby
adj. 1 : SNUB-NOSED
2 : SNUB
–snub·bi·ness noun

snuck
past and past part of sneak

snuff
n. 1 : the charred part of a candlewick
2 a obsolete : UMBRAGE, OFFENSE b chiefly Scottish : HUFF

snuff
n. 1 : to crop the snuff of (a candle) by pinching or by the use of snuffers so as to brighten the light
2 a : to extinguish by or as if by the use of a candlesnuffer ― often used with out b : to make extinct : put an end to ― usually used with out <snuffed out their hopes> also : KILL, EXECUTE <snuffed the bad guys>
–snuff it
British : DIE

snuff
n. : characterized by the sensationalistic depiction of violence especially : featuring a real rather than a staged murder <snuff movies>

snuff
n. transitive verb
1 : to draw forcibly through or into the nostrils
2 : SCENT, SMELL
3 : to sniff at in order to examine ― used of an animal
intransitive verb
1 : to inhale through the nose noisily and forcibly also : to sniff or smell inquiringly
2 obsolete : to sniff loudly in or as if in disgust
3 : to take snuff

snuff
n. : the act of snuffing : SNIFF

snuff
n. 1 : a preparation of pulverized tobacco to be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or placed against the gums
2 : the amount of snuff taken at one time
–up to snuff : of sufficient quality : meeting an applicable standard

snuff it
British : DIE

snuffbox
n. : a small box for holding snuff usually carried about the person

snuffer
n. 1 : a device similar to a pair of scissors for cropping and holding the snuff of a candle ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
2 : CANDLESNUFFER

snuffer
n. : one that snuffs or sniffs

snuffle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to snuff or sniff usually audibly and repeatedly
2 : to breathe through an obstructed nose with a sniffing sound
3 : to speak through or as if through the nose : WHINE
transitive verb : to seek or test by or as if by repeated sniffs
–snuf·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun

snuffle
n. 1 plural : SNIFFLES
2 : the act or sound of snuffling
3 : a nasal twang

snuffy
n. 1 : quick to become annoyed or take offense
2 : marked by snobbery

snuffy
n. 1 : soiled with snuff
2 : resembling snuff
3 a : addicted to the use of snuff b : having unpleasant habits

snug
adj. intransitive verb : SNUGGLE, NESTLE <snug down for bed>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to fit closely
2 : to make snug
3 : HIDE 1
4 : to secure by fastening or lashing down

snug
adj. 1 a of a ship : manifesting seaworthiness : TAUT b : TRIM, NEAT c : fitting closely and comfortably <a snug coat>
2 a : enjoying or affording warm secure shelter or cover and opportunity for ease and contentment <a snug cottage> b : marked by cordiality and secure privacy
3 : affording a degree of comfort and ease <a snug income>
4 : offering safe concealment <a snug hideout>
synonyms see COMFORTABLE
–snug adverb
–snug·ly adverb
–snug·ness noun

snug
adj. British : a small private room or compartment in a pub

snuggery
n. chiefly British : a snug cozy place especially : a small room

snuggle
v. intransitive verb : to curl up comfortably or cozily
transitive verb
1 : to draw close especially for comfort or in affection
2 : to make snug
–snuggle noun

Snyders
Frans 1579-1657 Flem. painter

SO
n. 1 seller's option
2 strikeout

so
n. 1 a : in a manner or way indicated or suggested <do you really think so> ― often used as a substitute for a preceding clause <are you ready? I think so> <I didn't like it and I told her so> b : in the same manner or way : ALSO <worked hard and so did she> c : THUS 1 <for so the Lord said ― Isa 18:4(AV)> d : THEN, SUBSEQUENTLY <and so home and to bed>
2 a : to an indicated or suggested extent or degree <had never been so happy> b : to a great extent or degree : VERY, EXTREMELY <loves her so> c : to a definite but unspecified extent or degree <can only do so much in a day> d : most certainly : INDEED <you did so do it> e : most decidedly : SURELY <I so don't believe you>
3 : THEREFORE, CONSEQUENTLY <the witness is biased and so unreliable>
usage The intensive use of so (sense 2b) is widely condemned in college handbooks but is nonetheless standard <why is American television so shallow? ― Anthony Lewis> <the cephalopod eye is an example of a remarkable evolutionary parallel because it is so like the eye of a vertebrate ― Sarah F. Robbins> <the kind of sterile over-ingenuity which afflicts so many academic efforts ― Times Lit. Supp.>. There is no stigma attached to its use in negative contexts and when qualified by a dependent clause <not so long ago> <was so good in mathematics that he began to consider engineering ― Current Biog.>. The denotation in these uses is, of course, slightly different (see sense 2a). Another emphatic use of so (sense 2e) has developed more recently and occurs mostly in informal contexts.

so
n. 1 a : with the result that <the acoustics are good, so every note is clear> b : in order that <be quiet so he can sleep>
2 archaic : provided that
3 a : for that reason : THEREFORE <don't want to go, so I won't> b (1) ― used as an introductory particle <so here we are> often to belittle a point under discussion <so what?> (2) ― used interjectionally to indicate awareness of a discovery <so, that's who did it> or surprised dissent
–so as to : in order to
usage Although occas. condemned, use of so to introduce clauses of result (sense 1a) and purpose (sense 1b) is standard. In sense 1b so that is more common in formal contexts than so alone.

so
n. 1 : conforming with actual facts : TRUE <said things that were not so>
2 : marked by a desired order <his books are always just so>
3 ― used to replace a preceding adjective <was witty by adult standards and of course doubly so by mine ― Sally Kempton>

so
n. 1 : such as has been specified or suggested : the same <if you have to file a claim, do so as soon as possible>
2 ― used in the phrase or so to indicate an estimate, approximation, or conjecture <stayed a week or so> <cost $15 or so>

so
n. variant of sol

so
n. south; southern

so
n. every so often
and so on
and so forth
even so
so far
so help me
so long
say so
so as to
so and so
so and so's
so and sos
so called
so far as
so long as
so many
so much
so much as
so so
so that
in so many words
und so weiter

so as to
in order to

so far

1 : to a certain extent, degree, or distance <when the water rose so far, the villagers sought higher ground>
2 : up to the present <has written just one novel so far>

so far as
: INSOFAR AS

so help me
upon my word : believe it or not

so long
GOOD-BYE

so long
― used to express farewell

so long as
1 : during and up to the end of the time that : WHILE <so long as you are here, I'm fine>
2 : provided that <you may go, so long as you return by dinnertime>

so many
1 : constituting an unspecified number <can only read so many chapters each night>
2 : constituting a group or pack <behaved like so many animals>

so much
: by the amount indicated or suggested <if they lose their way, so much the better for us>

so much
1 : something (as an amount or price) unspecified or undetermined <charge so much a mile>
2 : all that can be or is to be said or done <so much for the history of the case>

so much
― used as an intensive <the house burned like so much paper> <sounded like so much nonsense>

so much as
: EVEN 2D <scowls if I so much as look at him>

so that
: THAT 2A(1)

so-and-so
1 : an unnamed or unspecified person, thing, or action
2 : BASTARD 3

so-and-so
1 : to an unspecified amount or degree
2 : in an unspecified manner or fashion

so-called
1 : commonly named : popularly so termed <the so-called pocket veto>
2 : falsely or improperly so named <deceived by a so-called friend>

so-so
: moderately well : TOLERABLY

so-so
: neither very good nor very bad : MIDDLING <a so-so performance>

soak
n. intransitive verb
1 : to lie immersed in liquid (as water) : become saturated by or as if by immersion
2 a : to enter or pass through something by or as if by pores or interstices : PERMEATE b : to penetrate or affect the mind or feelings ― usually used with in or into
3 : to drink alcoholic beverages intemperately
transitive verb
1 : to permeate so as to wet, soften, or fill thoroughly
2 : to place in a surrounding element (as liquid) to wet or permeate thoroughly
3 : to extract by or as if by steeping <soak the dirt out>
4 a : to draw or take in by or as if by suction or absorption <soaked up the sunshine> b : to intoxicate (oneself) by drinking alcoholic beverages
5 : to cause to pay an exorbitant amount
–soak·er noun
synonyms SOAK, SATURATE, DRENCH, STEEP, IMPREGNATE mean to permeate or be permeated with a liquid. SOAK implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing <soak the garment in soapy water>. SATURATE implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held <a saturated sponge>. DRENCH implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured <clothes drenched by a cloudburst>. STEEP suggests either the extraction of an essence (as of tea leaves) by the liquid or the imparting of a quality (as a color) to the thing immersed <steep the tea for five minutes>. IMPREGNATE implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another <a cake strongly impregnated with brandy>.

soak
n. 1 a : the act or process of soaking : the state of being soaked b : that (as liquid) in which something is soaked
2 : DRUNKARD
3 slang : 2PAWN 2

soap
n. 1 a : a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids b : a salt of a fatty acid and a metal
2 : SOAP OPERA

soap
n. 1 : to rub soap over or into
2 : FLATTER

soap
n. castile soap
green soap
saddle soap
soap bubble
soap opera
soap operatic
soap plant
soft soap
toilet soap

soap bubble
: a hollow iridescent globe formed by blowing a film of soapsuds (as from a pipe)

soap opera
1 a : a serial drama performed orig. on a daytime radio or television program and chiefly characterized by tangled interpersonal situations and melodramatic or sentimental treatment b : a series of real-life events resembling a soap opera
2 : the melodrama and sentimentality characteristic of a soap opera <even cops need a little soap opera in their lives ― Joseph Wambaugh> also : something (as a novel) having such qualities
–soap-op·er·at·ic \'sōp-ˌä-pə-'ra-tik\ adjective

soap plant
: a plant having a part (as a root or fruit) that may be used in place of soap especially : a California plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum) of the lily family

soapbark
: a Chilean tree (Quillaja saponaria) of the rose family with glossy leaves and terminal white flowers also : its saponin-rich bark used in cleaning and in emulsifying oils

soapberry
n. : any of a genus (Sapindus of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry family) of chiefly tropical woody plants also : the fruit of a soapberry and especially of a tree (S. saponaria) that is saponin-rich and used as a soap substitute

soapbox
n. : an improvised platform used by a self-appointed, spontaneous, or informal orator broadly : something that provides an outlet for delivering opinions
–soapbox adjective

soaper
n. : SOAP OPERA

soapstone
n. : a soft stone having a soapy feel and composed essentially of talc, chlorite, and often some magnetite

soapsuds
n. : SUDS 1

soapwort
n. : BOUNCING BET

soapy
adj. 1 : smeared with soap : LATHERED
2 : containing or combined with soap or saponin
3 a : resembling or having the qualities of soap especially : being smooth and slippery b : UNCTUOUS, SUAVE
4 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a soap opera
–soap·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adverb
–soap·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ noun

soar
v. 1 a : to fly aloft or about b (1) : to sail or hover in the air often at a great height : GLIDE (2) of a glider : to fly without engine power and without loss of altitude
2 : to rise or increase dramatically (as in position, value, or price) <stocks soared>
3 : to ascend to a higher or more exalted level <makes my spirits soar>
4 : to rise to majestic stature
–soar·er noun

soar
v. 1 : the range, distance, or height attained in soaring
2 : the act of soaring : upward flight

Soares
Mário 1924-     prime min. of Portugal (1976-78; 1983-85) & pres. (1986-96)

soaring
adj. : the act or process of soaring specifically : the act or sport of flying a heavier-than-air craft without power by utilizing ascending air currents

Soave
n. : a dry white Italian wine

SOB
n. : BASTARD 3, SON OF A BITCH

sob
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to catch the breath audibly in a spasmodic contraction of the throat b : to cry or weep with convulsive catching of the breath
2 : to make a sound like that of a sob or sobbing
transitive verb
1 : to bring (as oneself) to a specified state by sobbing <sobbed himself to sleep>
2 : to utter with sobs <sobbed out her grief>

sob
n. 1 : an act of sobbing
2 : a sound like that of a sob

sob sister
1 : a journalist who specializes in writing or editing sob stories or other material of a sentimental type
2 : a sentimental and often impractical person usually engaged in good works

sob story
: a sentimental story or account intended chiefly to evoke sympathy or sadness

soba
n. : a Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour

Sobat
river 460 mi (740 km) W Ethiopia & SE Sudan flowing W into White Nile River

sober
adj. 1 a : sparing in the use of food and drink : ABSTEMIOUS b : not addicted to intoxicating drink c : not drunk
2 : marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor
3 : UNHURRIED, CALM
4 : marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness <a sober candlelight vigil>
5 : subdued in tone or color
6 : showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
synonyms see SERIOUS
–so·ber·ly \-bər-lē\ adverb
–so·ber·ness noun

sober
adj. transitive verb : to make sober
intransitive verb : to become sober ― usually used with up

sobering
adj. : tending to make one thoughtful or sober

soberize
archaic : to make sober

sobersided
: solemn or serious in nature or appearance
–so·ber·sid·ed·ness \-nəs\ noun

sobersides
n. : a sobersided person

Sobieski
John ― see JOHN III SOBIESKI

sobriety
n. : the quality or state of being sober

sobriquet
n. : a descriptive name or epithet : NICKNAME

soc
1 social
2 society
3 sociology

Soca
n. ― see ISONZO

soca
n. : a blend of soul and calypso music

socage
n. : a tenure of land by agricultural service fixed in amount and kind or by payment of money rent only and not burdened with any military service
–so·cag·er \-ki-jər\ noun

soccer
n. : a game played on a field between two teams of 11 players each with the object to propel a round ball into the opponent's goal by kicking or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms ― called also association football

soccer mom
: a typically suburban mother who accompanies her children to their soccer games and is considered as part of a significant voting bloc or demographic group

Sochi
city & port S Russia in Europe on NE coast of Black Sea pop 344,000

sociability
n. : the quality or state of being sociable also : the act or an instance of being sociable

sociable
n. 1 : inclined by nature to companionship with others of the same species : SOCIAL
2 a : inclined to seek or enjoy companionship b : marked by or conducive to friendliness or pleasant social relations
synonyms see GRACIOUS
–so·cia·ble·ness noun
–so·cia·bly \-blē\ adverb

sociable
n. : an informal social gathering frequently involving a special activity or interest

social
n. 1 : involving allies or confederates <the Social War between the Athenians and their allies>
2 a : marked by or passed in pleasant companionship with one's friends or associates <leads a very full social life> b : SOCIABLE c : of, relating to, or designed for sociability <a social club>
3 : of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society <social institutions>
4 a : tending to form cooperative and interdependent relationships with others of one's kind : GREGARIOUS b : living and breeding in more or less organized communities <social insects> c of a plant : tending to grow in groups or masses so as to form a pure stand
5 a : of, relating to, or based on rank or status in a particular society <a member of our social set> b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper classes c : FORMAL
6 : being such in social situations <a social drinker>

social
n. : SOCIABLE

social
n. box social
social climber
social climbing
social contract
social Darwinism
social Darwinist
social democracy
social democratic
social democrat
social disease
social engineering
social engineer
social gospel
social insurance
social minded
social promotion
social psychology
social psychologist
social science
social scientist
social secretary
social security
social service
social studies
social welfare
social work
social worker

social climber
: one who attempts to gain a higher social position or acceptance in fashionable society
–social climbing noun

social contract
: an actual or hypothetical agreement among the members of an organized society or between a community and its ruler that defines and limits the rights and duties of each

social Darwinism
: an extension of Darwinism to social phenomena specifically : a sociological theory that sociocultural advance is the product of intergroup conflict and competition and the socially elite classes (as those possessing wealth and power) possess biological superiority in the struggle for existence
–social Darwinist noun or adjective

social democracy
1 : a political movement advocating a gradual and peaceful transition from capitalism to socialism by democratic means
2 : a democratic welfare state that incorporates both capitalist and socialist practices
–social democrat noun
–social democratic adjective

social disease
1 : VENEREAL DISEASE
2 : a disease (as tuberculosis) whose incidence is directly related to social and economic factors

social engineering
: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science
–social engineer noun

social gospel
1 : the application of Christian principles to social problems
2 capitalized S&G : a movement in American Protestant Christianity especially in the first part of the 20th century to bring the social order into conformity with Christian principles

social insurance
: protection of the individual against economic hazards (as unemployment, old age, or disability) in which the government participates or enforces the participation of employers and affected individuals

social promotion
: the practice of promoting a student from one grade level to the next on the basis of age rather than academic achievement

social psychology
: the study of the manner in which the personality, attitudes, motivations, and behavior of the individual influence and are influenced by social groups
–social psychologist noun

social science
1 : a branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society
2 : a science (as economics or political science) dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society
–social scientist noun

social secretary
: a personal secretary employed to handle social correspondence and appointments

social security
1 : the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family especially capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
2 : money paid out through a social security program <began collecting social security>

social service
: an activity designed to promote social well-being specifically : organized philanthropic assistance (as of the disabled or disadvantaged)

social studies
: a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology

social welfare
: organized public or private social services for the assistance of disadvantaged groups specifically : SOCIAL WORK

social work
: any of various professional activities or methods concretely concerned with providing social services and especially with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged
–social worker noun

social-minded
: having an interest in society specifically : actively interested in social welfare or the well-being of society as a whole

socialise
v. British variant of socialize

socialism
n. 1 : any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a : a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b : a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3 : a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

socialism
n. guild socialism
national socialism
state socialism
utopian socialism

socialist
n. 1 : one who advocates or practices socialism
2 capitalized : a member of a party or political group advocating socialism
–socialist adjective often cap
–so·cial·is·tic \ˌsō-shə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–so·cial·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

socialist
n. national socialist
socialist realism
socialist realist
utopian socialist
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

socialist realism
: a Marxist aesthetic theory calling for the didactic use of literature, art, and music to develop social consciousness in an evolving socialist state
–socialist realist noun or adjective

socialite
n. : a socially prominent person

sociality
n. 1 a : SOCIABILITY b : an instance of social intercourse or sociability
2 : the tendency to associate in or form social groups

socialize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make social especially : to fit or train for a social environment
2 a : to constitute on a socialistic basis <socialize industry> b : to adapt to social needs or uses
3 : to organize group participation in <socialize a recitation>
intransitive verb : to participate actively in a social group
–so·cial·i·za·tion \ˌsō-sh(ə-)lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–so·cial·iz·er \'sō-shə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

socialized medicine
: medical and hospital services for the members of a class or population administered by an organized group (as a state agency) and paid for from funds obtained usually by assessments, philanthropy, or taxation

socially
adv. 1 : in a social manner
2 : with respect to society
3 : by or through society

societal
adj. : of or relating to society : SOCIAL <societal forces>
–so·ci·e·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

society
n. 1 : companionship or association with one's fellows : friendly or intimate intercourse : COMPANY
2 : a voluntary association of individuals for common ends especially : an organized group working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession
3 a : an enduring and cooperating social group whose members have developed organized patterns of relationships through interaction with one another b : a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests
4 a : a part of a community that is a unit distinguishable by particular aims or standards of living or conduct : a social circle or a group of social circles having a clearly marked identity <literary society> b : a part of the community that sets itself apart as a leisure class and that regards itself as the arbiter of fashion and manners
5 a : a natural group of plants usually of a single species or habit within an association b : the progeny of a pair of insects when constituting a social unit (as a hive of bees) broadly : an interdependent system of organisms or biological units

society
n. : of, relating to, or typical of fashionable society

society
n. cafe society
café society
friendly society
honor society
secret society
Society Islands

Society Islands
islands S. Pacific belonging to France capital Papeete (on Tahiti) area 621 sq mi (1608 sq km), pop 162,573

Socinian
: an adherent of a 16th and 17th century theological movement professing belief in God and adherence to the Christian Scriptures but denying the divinity of Christ and consequently denying the Trinity
–Socinian adjective
–So·cin·i·an·ism \-nē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

Socinus
Faustus 1539-1604 Fausto Soz·zi·ni or So·ci·ni or So·zi·ni \sōt-'sē-nē\ Ital. theol.

socio
pref. 1 : society : social <sociogram>
2 : social and <sociopolitical>

sociobiology
n. : the comparative study of social organization and behavior in animals including humans especially with regard to its genetic basis and evolutionary history
–so·cio·bio·log·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–so·cio·bi·ol·o·gist \-bī-'ä-lə-jist\ noun

sociocultural
adj. : of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and cultural factors
–so·cio·cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

socioeconomic
adj. : of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors
–so·cio·eco·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sociogram
n. : a sociometric chart plotting the structure of interpersonal relations in a group situation

sociohistorical
: of, relating to, or involving social history or a combination of social and historical factors

sociolinguistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the social aspects of language
2 : of or relating to sociolinguistics

sociolinguistics
n. : the study of linguistic behavior as determined by sociocultural factors
–so·cio·lin·guist \-'liŋ-gwist\ noun

sociologese
: a style of writing held to be characteristic of sociologists

sociological
adj. 1 : of or relating to sociology or to the methodological approach of sociology
2 : oriented or directed toward social needs and problems
–so·cio·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sociology
n. 1 : the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings
2 : the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society
3 : SYNECOLOGY
–so·ci·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

sociometry
n. : the study and measurement of interpersonal relationships in a group of people
–so·cio·met·ric \ˌsō-sē-ə-'me-trik, ˌsō-shē-\ adjective

sociopath
n. : a sociopathic individual : PSYCHOPATH

sociopathic
adj. : of, relating to, or characterized by asocial or antisocial behavior or exhibiting antisocial personality disorder

sociopolitical
adj. : of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and political factors

sociopsychological
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and psychological factors
2 : of or relating to social psychology

socioreligious
adj. : involving a combination of social and religious factors

sociosexual
adj. : of or relating to the interpersonal aspects of sexuality

sock
n. 1 archaic : a low shoe or slipper
2 also plural sox \'säks\ : a knitted or woven covering for the foot usually worn under shoes and extending above the ankle and sometimes to the knee
3 a : a shoe worn by actors in Greek and Roman comedy b : comic drama
–sock·less adjective

sock
n. transitive verb : to hit, strike, or apply forcefully <sock a home run> <an area socked by a blizzard>
intransitive verb : to deliver a blow : HIT
–sock it to
slang : to subject to or as if to a vigorous assault <they may let you off the first time⋯but the second time they'll sock it to you ― James Jones>

sock
n. : a vigorous or violent blow also : 3PUNCH 3

sock
n. crew sock
sock it to
sock away
sock in
wind sock
bobby socks
knock one's socks off
bobby sox

sock away
: to put away (money) as savings or investment

sock in
1 : to close to takeoffs or landings by aircraft <an airport socked in by fog>
2 : to restrict from flying

sock it to
slang : to subject to or as if to a vigorous assault <they may let you off the first time⋯but the second time they'll sock it to you ― James Jones>

sockdolager
n. 1 : something that settles a matter : a decisive blow or answer : FINISHER
2 : something outstanding or exceptional

socket
n. : an opening or hollow that forms a holder for something <an electric bulb socket> <the eye socket>

socket
n. : to provide with or support in or by a socket

socket
n. ball and socket joint
eye socket
socket wrench

socket wrench
: a wrench usually in the form of a bar and removable socket made to fit a bolt or nut

sockeye salmon
: a commercially important Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) that is greenish blue above and silvery below when sexually immature and turns red with a greenish head when ascending rivers to spawn which it does chiefly from the Columbia northward ― called also red salmon sockeye ― compare KOKANEE

socko
: strikingly impressive, effective, or successful : OUTSTANDING <a socko performance>

socle
n. : a projecting usually molded member at the foot of a wall or pier or beneath the base of a column, pedestal, or superstructure

Socorro
town Tex., a S suburb of El Paso pop 27,152

Socotra
island Indian Ocean E of Gulf of Aden in Yemen; chief town Tamridah area 1400 sq mi (3640 sq km), pop 8000

Socrates
n. ca 470-399 B.C. Greek philos.

Socratic
adj. : of or relating to Socrates, his followers, or his philosophical method of systematic doubt and questioning of another to elicit a clear expression of a truth supposed to be implicitly known by all rational beings
–So·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Socratic
adj. : a follower of Socrates

Socratic irony
: IRONY 1

sod
n. 1 : TURF 1 also : the grass- and forb-covered surface of the ground
2 : one's native land

sod
n. : to cover with sod or turfs

sod
n. chiefly British : BUGGER <if I ever find the sod I'll kill him ― John Le Carré> <he's not a bad little sod taken by and large ― Noel Coward>

sod
n. chiefly British : DAMN 2

sod off
British : SCRAM ― usually used as a command

soda
n. 1 a : SODIUM CARBONATE b : SODIUM BICARBONATE c : SODIUM ― often used in combination <soda-feldspar> <nitrate of soda>
2 a : SODA WATER 2A b : SODA POP c : a sweet drink consisting of soda water, flavoring, and often ice cream
3 : the faro card that shows faceup in the dealing box before play begins

soda
n. baking soda
bicarbonate of soda
caustic soda
club soda
cream soda
nitrate of soda
soda ash
soda biscuit
soda bread
soda cracker
soda fountain
soda jerk
soda jerker
soda lime
soda pop
soda water
washing soda

soda ash
: commercial anhydrous sodium carbonate

soda biscuit
1 : a biscuit leavened with baking soda and sour milk or buttermilk
2 : SODA CRACKER

soda bread
: a quick bread made especially with buttermilk and leavened with baking soda

soda cracker
: a cracker leavened with bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar

soda fountain
1 : an apparatus with delivery tube and faucets for drawing soda water
2 : the equipment and counter for the preparation and serving of sodas, sundaes, and ice cream

soda jerk
: a person who dispenses carbonated drinks and ice cream at a soda fountain ― called also soda jerker

soda lime
: a mixture of sodium hydroxide and slaked lime used especially to absorb moisture and gases

soda pop
: a beverage consisting of soda water, flavoring, and a sweet syrup

soda water
1 : a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate with some acid added to cause effervescence
2 a : a beverage consisting of water highly charged with carbon dioxide b : SODA POP

sodalist
: a member of a sodality

sodalite
n. : a transparent to translucent mineral that consists of a silicate of sodium and aluminum with some chlorine, has a vitreous or greasy luster, and is found in various igneous rocks

sodality
n. 1 : BROTHERHOOD, COMMUNITY
2 : an organized society or fellowship specifically : a devotional or charitable association of Roman Catholic laity

sodbuster
n. : one (as a farmer or a plow) that breaks the sod

sodden
adj. 1 a : dull or expressionless especially from continued indulgence in alcoholic beverages <sodden features> b : TORPID, SLUGGISH <sodden minds>
2 a : heavy with or as if with moisture or water <the sodden ground> b : heavy or doughy because of imperfect cooking <sodden biscuits>
–sod·den·ly adverb
–sod·den·ness \-dən-(n)əs\ noun

sodden
adj. transitive verb : to make sodden
intransitive verb : to become soaked or saturated

Soddy
Frederick 1877-1956 Eng. chem.

Sodertalje
town SE Sweden, a suburb of Stockholm pop 79,613

sodic
: of, relating to, or containing sodium

sodium
n. : a silver-white soft waxy ductile element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature in combined form and is very active chemically ― see ELEMENT table

sodium
n. sodium azide
sodium benzoate
sodium bicarbonate
sodium borohydride
sodium carbonate
sodium chlorate
sodium chloride
sodium citrate
sodium cyanide
sodium fluoride
sodium fluoroacetate
sodium hydroxide
sodium hypochlorite
sodium lauryl sulfate
sodium metasilicate
sodium nitrate
sodium nitrite
sodium pump
sodium salicylate
sodium sulfate
sodium thiosulfate
sodium tripolyphosphate
sodium vapor lamp

sodium azide
: a poisonous crystalline salt NaN_3 used especially to make lead azide

sodium benzoate
: a crystalline or granular salt C_7H_5O_2Na used chiefly as a food preservative

sodium bicarbonate
: a white crystalline weakly alkaline salt NaHCO_3 used especially in baking powders and fire extinguishers and in medicine as an antacid ― called also baking soda bicarbonate of soda

sodium borohydride
: a crystalline compound NaBH_4 used in various industrial applications and as a reducing agent in organic chemistry

sodium carbonate
: a sodium salt of carbonic acid used especially in making soaps and chemicals, in water softening, in cleaning and bleaching, and in photography: as a : a hygroscopic crystalline anhydrous strongly alkaline salt Na_2CO_3 b : the transparent crystalline hydrate Na_2CO_3·10H_2O found in nature as natron

sodium chlorate
: a colorless crystalline salt NaClO_3 used especially as an oxidizing agent and weed killer

sodium chloride
: an ionic crystalline chemical compound consisting of equal numbers of sodium and chlorine atoms : SALT 1A

sodium citrate
: a crystalline salt Na_3C_6H_5O_7 used chiefly as a buffering agent, as an emulsifier, and in medicine as an expectorant, chelator, alkalinizing agent, and blood anticoagulant

sodium cyanide
: a white deliquescent poisonous salt NaCN used especially in electroplating, in fumigating, and in treating steel

sodium fluoride
: a poisonous crystalline salt NaF that is used in trace amounts in the fluoridation of drinking water and toothpastes, in metallurgy, as a flux, and as a pesticide

sodium fluoroacetate
: a poisonous powdery compound C_2H_2FNaO_2 ― compare 1080

sodium hydroxide
: a white brittle solid NaOH that is a strong caustic base used especially in making soap, rayon, and paper

sodium hypochlorite
: an unstable salt NaOCl produced usually in aqueous solution and used as a bleaching and disinfecting agent

sodium lauryl sulfate
: the crystalline sodium salt C_12H_25NaO_4S of sulfated lauryl alcohol also : a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)

sodium metasilicate
: a toxic corrosive crystalline salt Na_2SiO_3 used especially as a detergent or as a substitute for phosphates in detergent formulations

sodium nitrate
: a deliquescent crystalline salt NaNO_3 used as a fertilizer and an oxidizing agent and in curing meat

sodium nitrite
: a salt NaNO_2 used especially in dye manufacture and as a meat preservative

sodium pump
: a molecular mechanism by which sodium ions are actively transported across a cell membrane especially : one that is controlled by a specialized plasma membrane protein by which a high concentration of potassium ions and a low concentration of sodium ions are maintained within a cell
2 : the specialized plasma membrane protein that controls the sodium pump mechanism

sodium salicylate
: a crystalline salt NaC_7H_5O_3 that has a sweetish saline taste and is used chiefly as an analgesic, antipyretic, and antirheumatic

sodium sulfate
: a bitter salt Na_2SO_4 used especially in detergents, in the manufacture of wood pulp and rayon, in dyeing and finishing textiles, and in its hydrated form as a cathartic ― compare GLAUBER'S SALT

sodium thiosulfate
: a hygroscopic crystalline salt Na_2S_2O_3 used especially as a photographic fixing agent and a reducing or bleaching agent ― called also fixer hypo

sodium tripolyphosphate
: a crystalline salt Na_5P_3O_10 that is used as a food additive and as a component in some detergents and is suspected of contributing to water pollution

sodium-vapor lamp
: an electric lamp that contains sodium vapor and electrodes between which a luminous discharge takes place and that is used especially for lighting highways

Sodom
n. : a place notorious for vice or corruption

Sodom
n. ancient city thought to be in the area now covered by the SW part of the Dead Sea

Sodoma
Il 1477-1549 Giovanni Antonio Bazzi Ital. painter

sodomist
n. : SODOMITE

sodomite
n. : one who practices sodomy

sodomize
v. : to perform sodomy on

sodomy
n. : anal or oral copulation with a member of the same or opposite sex also : copulation with an animal
–sod·om·it·ic \ˌsä-də-'mi-tik\ or sod·om·it·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

soever
adv. 1 : to any possible or known extent ― used after an adjective preceded by how or a superlative preceded by the <how fair soever she may be> <the most selfish soever in this world>
2 : of any or every kind that may be specified ― used after a noun modified especially by any, no, or what <gives no information soever>

sofa
n. : a long upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed

sofa bed
: a sofa that can be made to serve as a bed by lowering its hinged upholstered back to horizontal position or by pulling out a concealed mattress

sofar
n. : a system for locating an underwater explosion at sea by triangulation

soffit
n. : the underside of a part or member of a building (as of an overhang or staircase) especially : the intrados of an arch

Sofia
n. city W Bulgaria, its capital pop 1,141,142

soft
adj. 1 a : pleasing or agreeable to the senses : bringing ease, comfort, or quiet <the soft influences of home> b : having a bland or mellow rather than a sharp or acid taste c (1) : not bright or glaring : SUBDUED (2) : having or producing little contrast or a relatively short range of tones <a soft photographic print> d : quiet in pitch or volume e of the eyes : having a liquid or gentle appearance f : smooth or delicate in texture, grain, or fiber <soft cashmere> <soft fur> g (1) : balmy, mild, or clement in weather or temperature (2) : moving or falling with slight force or impact : not violent <soft breezes>
2 : demanding little work or effort : EASY <a soft job>
3 a : sounding as in ace and gem respectively ― used of c and g or their sound b of a consonant : VOICED c : constituting a vowel before which there is a \y\ sound or a \y\-like modification of a consonant or constituting a consonant in whose articulation there is a \y\-like modification or which is followed by a \y\ sound (as in Russian)
4 archaic : moving in a leisurely manner
5 : rising gradually <a soft slope>
6 : having curved or rounded outline : not harsh or jagged <soft hills against the horizon>
7 : marked by a gentleness, kindness, or tenderness: as a (1) : not harsh or onerous in character <a policy of soft competition> (2) : based on negotiation, conciliation, or flexibility rather than on force, threats, or intransigence <took a soft line during the crisis> (3) : tending to take a soft line ― usually used with on <soft on dictators> <soft on law and order> b : tending to ingratiate or disarm : ENGAGING, KIND <a soft answer turns away wrath ― Prov 15:1(RSV)> c : marked by mildness : UNASSUMING, LOW-KEY
8 a : emotionally suggestible or responsive : IMPRESSIONABLE b : unduly susceptible to influence : COMPLIANT c : lacking firmness or strength of character : FEEBLE, UNMANLY d : amorously attracted or emotionally involved ― used with on <has been soft on her for years>
9 a : lacking robust strength, stamina, or endurance especially because of living in ease or luxury <grown soft and indolent> b : weak or deficient mentally <soft in the head>
10 a : yielding to physical pressure b : permitting someone or something to sink in ― used of wet ground c (1) : of a consistency that may be shaped or molded (2) : capable of being spread d : easily magnetized and demagnetized e : lacking relatively or comparatively in hardness <soft iron>
11 : deficient in or free from substances (as calcium and magnesium salts) that prevent lathering of soap <soft water>
12 : having relatively low energy <soft X-rays>
13 of news : relatively less serious or significant
14 : occurring at such a speed and under such circumstances as to avoid destructive impact <soft landing of a spacecraft on the moon>
15 : not protected against enemy attack <a soft aboveground launching site> <soft targets>
16 : BIODEGRADABLE <a soft detergent> <soft pesticides>
17 of a drug : considered less detrimental than a hard narcotic
18 : easily polarized ― used of acids and bases
19 a of currency : not readily convertible b of a loan : not secured by collateral
20 a : being low due to sluggish market conditions <soft prices> b : SLUGGISH, SLOW <a soft market>
21 : not firmly committed <soft unreliable political support>
22 : SOFT-CORE <soft porn>
23 a : being or based on interpretive or speculative data <soft evidence> b : utilizing or based on soft data <soft science>
24 : being or using renewable sources of energy (as solar radiation, wind, or tides) <soft technologies>
25 of money : contributed (as by a corporation) to a political party rather than directly to a particular candidate
–soft·ish \'sȯf-tish\ adjective
–soft·ly \'sȯf(t)-lē\ adverb
–soft·ness \'sȯf(t)-nəs\ noun

soft
adj. : in a soft or gentle manner : SOFTLY

soft
adj. : a soft object, material, or part <the soft of the thumb>

soft
adj. soft chancre
soft hail
soft shelled turtle
soft coal
soft boiled
soft coated wheaten terrier
soft core
soft drink
soft focus
soft goods
soft land
soft lander
soft line
soft liner
soft palate
soft paste porcelain
soft pedal
soft rock
soft rot
soft sell
soft shell
soft shelled
soft shell clam
soft shelled clam
soft shoe
soft soap
soft soaper
soft spoken
soft spot
soft touch
soft wheat
soft wooded

soft chancre
: CHANCROID

soft coal
: BITUMINOUS COAL

soft drink
: a usually carbonated nonalcoholic beverage especially : SODA POP

soft goods
: goods that are not durable ― used especially of textile products

soft hail
: GRAUPEL

soft palate
: the fold at the back of the hard palate that partially separates the mouth from the pharynx

soft pedal
1 : a foot pedal on a piano that reduces the volume of sound
2 : something that muffles, deadens, or reduces effect

soft rock
: rock music that is less driving and gentler sounding than hard rock

soft rot
: a mushy, watery, or slimy decay of plants or their parts caused by bacteria or fungi

soft sell
: the use of suggestion or gentle persuasion in selling rather than aggressive pressure ― compare HARD SELL

soft soap
1 : a semifluid soap made especially from potassium hydroxide
2 : FLATTERY

soft spot
1 : a sentimental weakness <has a soft spot for him>
2 : a vulnerable point <a soft spot in the defense system>

soft touch
: a person who is easily imposed on or taken advantage of

soft wheat
: a wheat with soft kernels high in starch but usually low in gluten

soft-boiled
1 of an egg : boiled to a soft consistency
2 : SENTIMENTAL

soft-coated wheaten terrier
: any of a breed of compact medium-sized terriers developed in Ireland and having a soft abundant light fawn coat

soft-core
of pornography : containing descriptions or scenes of sex acts that are less explicit than hard-core material

soft-focus
1 of a photographic image : having unsharp outlines
2 of a lens : producing an image having unsharp outlines

soft-land
transitive verb : to cause to make a soft landing on a celestial body (as the moon)
intransitive verb : to make a soft landing
–soft-lander noun

soft-line
: advocating or involving a conciliatory or flexible course of action
–soft-lin·er \-'lī-nər\ noun

soft-paste porcelain
: a translucent ceramic ware fired at a low temperature that was produced in Europe during the 16th through 18th centuries in imitation of hard-paste porcelain also : an article of soft-paste porcelain

soft-pedal
1 : PLAY DOWN, DE-EMPHASIZE <soft-pedal the issue>
2 : to use the soft pedal in playing

soft-shell
: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding <soft-shell crabs>

soft-shell clam
: an elongated clam (Mya arenaria) of the east coast of No. America that has a thin friable shell and long siphon and is eaten especially when steamed ― called also soft-shelled clam steamer

soft-shoe
: of or relating to tap dancing done in soft-soled shoes without metal taps

soft-soap
: to soothe or persuade with flattery or blarney
synonyms see CAJOLE
–soft-soap·er \-ˌsō-pər\ noun

soft-spoken
: having a mild or gentle voice also : SUAVE

soft-wooded
1 : having soft wood that is easy to work or finish
2 : SOFTWOOD

softback
n. : SOFTCOVER
–softback noun

softball
n. 1 : a sport similiar to baseball played on a small diamond with a ball that is larger than a baseball and that is pitched underhand also : the ball used in this game
2 : a question requiring only an easy or simple response
–soft·ball·er \-ˌbȯ-lər\ noun

softbound
adj. : SOFTCOVER

softcover
: bound in flexible covers : not bound in hard covers specifically : PAPERBACK <softcover books>
–softcover noun

soften
v. transitive verb
1 : to make soft or softer
2 a : to weaken the military resistance or the morale of especially by harassment (as preliminary bombardment) ― often used with up b : to impair the strength or resistance of ― often used with up <soften up a sales prospect>
intransitive verb : to become soft or softer <her face softened>
–soft·en·er \'sȯ-fə-nər, 'sȯf-nər\ noun

softhead
n. : a silly or feebleminded person

softheaded
adj. : having or indicative of a weak, unrealistic, or uncritical mind <a softheaded belief>
–soft·head·ed·ly adverb
–soft·head·ed·ness noun

softhearted
adj. : emotionally responsive : SYMPATHETIC
–soft·heart·ed·ly adverb
–soft·heart·ed·ness noun

softshell
: any of a family (Trionychidae) of freshwater carnivorous turtles that have sharp claws and mandibles and a flat round shell covered with soft leathery skin instead of with horny plates ― called also soft-shelled turtle

software
n. : something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: as a : the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a system and especially a computer system specifically : computer programs b : materials for use with audiovisual equipment

softwood
n. 1 : the wood of a coniferous tree (as a fir or pine) whether hard or soft as distinguished from that of an angiospermous tree
2 : a tree that yields softwood

softwood
n. : having or made of softwood

softy
n. 1 : a weak or foolish person
2 : a softhearted or sentimental person

Sogdian
1 : a native or inhabitant of Sogdiana
2 : an Iranian language of the Sogdians ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Sogdian adjective

Sogdiana
province of ancient Persian Empire bet. the Jaxartes (Syr Dar'ya) & Oxus (Amu Dar'ya) capital Maracanda (Samarqand)

soggy
adj. 1 : saturated or heavy with water or moisture: as a : WATERLOGGED, SOAKED <a soggy lawn> b : heavy or doughy because of imperfect cooking <soggy bread>
2 : heavily dull : SPIRITLESS <soggy prose>
–sog·gi·ly \'sä-gə-lē, 'sȯ-\ adverb
–sog·gi·ness \'sä-gē-nəs, 'sȯ-\ noun

Sogne Fjord
inlet of Norwegian Sea SW Norway; longest fjord in Norway

Sohag
city cen Egypt on the Nile SE of Asyût pop 85,300

Soho
n. district of cen London, England, in Westminster

soi-disant
: SELF-PROCLAIMED, SO-CALLED <threw the soi-disant epic novel aside in disgust>

soigne
adj. 1 : WELL-GROOMED, SLEEK
2 : elegantly maintained or designed <a soigne restaurant> <a soigne black dress>

soil
n. transitive verb
1 : to stain or defile morally : CORRUPT, POLLUTE
2 : to make unclean especially superficially : DIRTY
3 : to blacken or taint (as a person's reputation) by word or deed <revelations that soiled his name>
intransitive verb : to become soiled or dirty

soil
n. 1 a : SOILAGE, STAIN <protect a dress from soil> b : moral defilement : CORRUPTION
2 : something that spoils or pollutes: as a : REFUSE b : SEWAGE c : DUNG, EXCREMENT

soil
n. 1 : firm land : EARTH
2 a : the upper layer of earth that may be dug or plowed and in which plants grow b : the superficial unconsolidated and usually weathered part of the mantle of a planet and especially of the earth
3 : COUNTRY, LAND <our native soil>
4 : the agricultural life or calling
5 : a medium in which something takes hold and develops

soil
n. : to feed (livestock) in the barn or an enclosure with fresh grass or green food also : to purge (livestock) by feeding on green food

soil
n. desert soil
free soil
great soil group
night soil
prairie soil
red soil
red podzolic soil
soil pipe
soil science
soil scientist
soil series
shop soiled

soil pipe
: a pipe for carrying off wastes from toilets

soil science
: a science dealing with soils ― called also pedology
–soil scientist noun

soil series
: a group of soils with similar profiles developed from similar parent materials under comparable climatic and vegetational conditions

soilage
n. : the act of soiling : the condition of being soiled

soilage
n. : green crops for feeding confined animals

soilborne
adj. : transmitted by or in soil <soilborne fungi> <soilborne diseases>

soilless
adj. : having, containing, or utilizing no soil <soilless agriculture> <soilless media for starting seeds>

soilure
1 : the act of soiling : the condition of being soiled
2 : STAIN, SMUDGE

soiree
n. : a party or reception held in the evening

Soissons
commune N France NW of Paris pop 29,439

soixante-neuf
: SIXTY-NINE 2

sojourn
n. : a temporary stay <a sojourn in the country>

sojourn
n. : to stay as a temporary resident : STOP <sojourned for a month at a resort>
–so·journ·er noun

soke
n. 1 : the right in Anglo-Saxon and early English law to hold court and administer justice with the franchise to receive certain fees or fines arising from it : jurisdiction over a territory or over people
2 : the district included in a soke jurisdiction or franchise

Sol
n. 1 : the Roman god of the sun ― compare HELIOS
2 : SUN

sol
n. : the fifth tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

sol
n. : an old French coin equal to 12 deniers also : a corresponding unit of value

sol
n. : the basic monetary unit of Peru before 1985 and since 1990 ― see MONEY table

sol
n. : a fluid colloidal system especially : one in which the continuous phase is a liquid

sol
n. soluble

sol
n. sol fa
sol faist
sol fa syllables
tonic sol fa
Costa del Sol
every so often
and so on
and so forth
even so
so far
so help me
so long
say so
so as to
so and so
so and so's
so and sos
so called
so far as
so long as
so many
so much
so much as
so so
so that
in so many words
und so weiter

sol-fa
: to sing the sol-fa syllables
transitive verb : to sing (as a melody) to sol-fa syllables

sol-fa
1 : SOL-FA SYLLABLES
2 : SOLMIZATION also : an exercise thus sung
3 : TONIC SOL-FA
–sol-fa·ist \-'fä(-i)st, -'fä-ˌist\ noun

sol-fa syllables
: the syllables do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, used in singing the tones of the scale

sola
n. plural of solum

solace
n. 1 : to give solace to : CONSOLE
2 a : to make cheerful b : AMUSE
3 : ALLAY, SOOTHE <solace grief>
–so·lace·ment \-mənt\ noun
–so·lac·er noun

solace
n. 1 : alleviation of grief or anxiety
2 : a source of relief or consolation

solanaceous
adj. : of or relating to the nightshade family of plants

solanine
n. : a bitter poisonous crystalline alkaloid C_45H_73NO_15 found in the parts (as tubers and fruits) of several plants (as potatoes and tomatoes) of the nightshade family

solanum
n. : NIGHTSHADE 1

Solapur
― see SHOLAPUR

solar
adj. 1 : of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun <solar phenomena>
2 : measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun <solar time> <a solar year> also : relating to or reckoned by solar time
3 a : produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat <solar energy> <solar cooker> b : utilizing the sun's rays especially to produce heat or electricity <a solar house> also : of or relating to such utilization <solar design> <solar subsidies>

solar
adj. mean solar day
mean solar time
solar battery
solar cell
solar collector
solar constant
solar day
solar eclipse
solar flare
solar mass
solar panel
solar plexus
solar pond
solar sail
solar system
solar wind

solar battery
: an array of solar cells

solar cell
: a photovoltaic cell used as a power source

solar collector
: any of various devices for the absorption of solar radiation for the heating of water or buildings or the production of electricity

solar constant
: the quantity of radiant solar energy received at the outer layer of the earth's atmosphere that has a mean value of 1370 watts per square meter

solar day
: the interval between transits of the apparent or mean sun across the meridian at any place

solar eclipse
: an eclipse of the sun by the moon ― see ECLIPSE illustration

solar flare
: a sudden temporary outburst of energy from a small area of the sun's surface ― called also flare

solar mass
: the mass of the sun used as a unit for the expression of the masses of other celestial objects and equal to about 2 × 10^30 kilograms

solar panel
: a battery of solar cells (as in a spacecraft)

solar plexus
1 : a nerve plexus in the abdomen that is situated behind the stomach and in front of the aorta and the crura of the diaphragm and contains several ganglia distributing nerve fibers to the viscera
2 : the pit of the stomach

solar pond
: a pool of salt water heated by the sun and used either as a direct source of heat or to provide power for an electric generator

solar sail
: a propulsive device for a spacecraft that consists of a flat material (as aluminized plastic) designed to receive thrust from solar radiation pressure

solar system
: the sun together with the group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolve around it also : a similar system centered on another star

solar wind
: plasma continuously ejected from the sun's surface into and through interplanetary space

solarium
n. : a glass-enclosed porch or room also : a room (as in a hospital) used especially for sunbathing or therapeutic exposure to light

solarization
n. 1 : a reversal of gradation in a photographic image obtained by intense or continued exposure
2 : an act or process of solarizing

solarize
v. 1 a : to affect by the action of the sun's rays b : to expose to sunlight
2 : to subject (photographic materials) to solarization

solation
n. : the process of changing to a sol

solatium
n. : a compensation (as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings

sold
adj. past and past part of sell

sold-out
: having all available tickets or accommodations sold completely and especially in advance also : of or relating to a sold-out event <a sold-out crowd>

soldan
archaic : SULTAN especially : the sultan of Egypt

solder
n. 1 : a metal or metallic alloy used when melted to join metallic surfaces especially : an alloy of lead and tin so used
2 : something that unites

solder
n. transitive verb
1 : to unite or make whole by solder
2 : to bring into or restore to firm union <a friendship soldered by common interests>
intransitive verb
1 : to use solder
2 : to become united or repaired by or as if by solder
–sol·der·abil·i·ty \ˌsä-də-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌsȯ-\ noun
–sol·der·er \'sä-dər-ər, 'sȯ-\ noun

soldering iron
: a pointed or wedge-shaped device that is usually electrically heated and that is used for soldering

soldier
n. 1 a : one engaged in military service and especially in the army b : an enlisted man or woman c : a skilled warrior
2 : a militant leader, follower, or worker
3 a : one of a caste of wingless sterile termites usually differing from workers in larger size and head and long jaws b : one of a type of worker ants distinguished by exceptionally large head and jaws
4 \'sō-jər, 'sōl-\ : one who shirks work
–sol·dier·ly \-lē\ adjective or adverb
–sol·dier·ship \-ˌship\ noun

soldier
n. 1 a : to serve as a soldier b : to behave in a soldierly manner c : to push doggedly forward ― usually used with on <soldiered on to the end>
2 : to make a pretense of working while really loafing

soldier
n. buffalo soldier
foot soldier
soldier of fortune
soldier's medal
Unknown Soldier
soldiers' home

soldier of fortune

1661
: one who follows a military career wherever there is promise of profit, adventure, or pleasure

soldier's medal
: a U.S. military decoration awarded for heroism not involving combat

soldiering
n. : the life, service, or practice of one who soldiers

soldiers' home
: an institution maintained (as by the federal or a state government) for the care and relief of military veterans

soldiery
n. 1 a : a body of soldiers b : SOLDIERS, MILITARY
2 : the profession or technique of soldiering

soldo
n. : an old Italian coin worth five centesimi

sole
n. : any of various flatfishes (family Soleidae) having a small mouth, small or rudimentary fins, and small eyes placed close together and including important food fishes (as the European Dover sole) also : any of various mostly market flatfishes (as lemon sole) of other families (as Pleuronectidae)

sole
n. 1 a : the undersurface of a foot b : the part of an item of footwear on which the sole rests and upon which the wearer treads
2 : the usually flat or flattened bottom or lower part of something or the base on which something rests
–soled \'sōld\ adjective

sole
n. 1 : to furnish with a sole <sole a shoe>
2 : to place the sole of (a golf club) on the ground

sole
n. 1 : not married ― used chiefly of women
2 archaic : having no companion : SOLITARY
3 a : having no sharer b : being the only one <she was her mother's sole support>
4 : functioning independently and without assistance or interference <let conscience be the sole judge>
5 : belonging exclusively or otherwise limited to one usually specified individual, unit, or group
–sole·ness \'sōl-nəs\ noun

sole
n. Dover sole
half sole
lemon sole
petrale sole
rex sole

solecism
n. 1 : an ungrammatical combination of words in a sentence also : a minor blunder in speech
2 : something deviating from the proper, normal, or accepted order
3 : a breach of etiquette or decorum
–so·le·cis·tic \ˌsä-lə-'sis-tik, ˌsō-\ adjective

solely
adv. 1 : without another : SINGLY <went solely on her way>
2 : to the exclusion of all else <done solely for money>

solemn
adj. 1 : marked by the invocation of a religious sanction <a solemn oath>
2 : marked by the observance of established form or ceremony specifically : celebrated with full liturgical ceremony
3 a : awe-inspiring : SUBLIME <solemn beauty> b : marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety <a solemn gathering> c : SOMBER, GLOOMY <a solemn gray building>
synonyms see SERIOUS
–sol·emn·ly adverb
–sol·emn·ness noun

solemn mass
: a mass marked by the use of incense and by the presence of a deacon and a subdeacon in attendance on the celebrant

solemn vow
: an absolute and irrevocable public vow taken by a religious in the Roman Catholic Church under which ownership of property by the individual is prohibited and marriage is invalid under canon law

solemnify
: to make solemn

solemnity
n. 1 : formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event
2 : a solemn event or occasion
3 : a solemn condition or quality <the solemnity of his words>

solemnize
v. transitive verb
1 : to observe or honor with solemnity
2 : to perform with pomp or ceremony especially : to celebrate (a marriage) with religious rites
3 : to make solemn : DIGNIFY
intransitive verb : to speak or act with solemnity
–sol·em·ni·za·tion \'sä-ləm-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

solenoid
n. : a coil of wire usually in cylindrical form that when carrying a current acts like a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows and that is used especially as a switch or control for a mechanical device (as a valve)
–so·le·noi·dal \ˌsō-lə-'nȯi-dəl, ˌsä-\ adjective

Solent, The
channel S England bet. Isle of Wight & the mainland

soleplate
n. 1 : the lower plate of a studded partition on which the bases of the studs butt
2 : the undersurface of an iron

soles
n. plural of sol

soleus
n. : a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg lying immediately beneath the gastrocnemius

solfatara
n. : a volcanic area or vent that yields only hot vapors and sulfurous gases

solfege
n. 1 : the application of the sol-fa syllables to a musical scale or to a melody
2 : a singing exercise especially using sol-fa syllables also : practice in sight-reading vocal music using the sol-fa syllables

solfeggio
n. : SOLFÈGE

solgel
: involving alternation between sol and gel states

soli
n. plural of solo

solicit
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make petition to : ENTREAT b : to approach with a request or plea <solicited Congress for funding>
2 : to urge (as one's cause) strongly
3 a : to entice or lure especially into evil b : to proposition (someone) especially as or in the character of a prostitute
4 : to try to obtain by usually urgent requests or pleas <solicited donations>
intransitive verb
1 : to make solicitation : IMPORTUNE
2 of a prostitute : to offer to have sexual relations with someone for money
synonyms see ASK

solicitant
n. : one who solicits

solicitation
n. 1 : the practice or act or an instance of soliciting especially : ENTREATY, IMPORTUNITY
2 : a moving or drawing force : INCITEMENT, ALLUREMENT

solicitor
n. 1 : one that solicits especially : an agent that solicits (as contributions to charity)
2 : a British lawyer who advises clients, represents them in the lower courts, and prepares cases for barristers to try in higher courts
3 : the chief law officer of a municipality, county, or government department
–so·lic·i·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun

solicitor general
: a law officer appointed primarily to assist an attorney general

solicitous
adj. 1 : manifesting or expressing solicitude <a solicitous inquiry about his health>
2 : full of concern or fears : APPREHENSIVE <solicitous about the future>
3 : meticulously careful <solicitous in matters of dress>
4 : full of desire : EAGER
–so·lic·i·tous·ly adverb
–so·lic·i·tous·ness noun

solicitude
n. 1 a : the state of being concerned and anxious b : attentive care and protectiveness also : an attitude of earnest concern or attention <expressed solicitude for his health>
2 : a cause of care or concern ― usually used in plural

solid
n. 1 a : being without an internal cavity <a solid ball of rubber> b (1) : printed with minimum space between lines (2) : joined without a hyphen <a solid compound> c : not interrupted by a break or opening <a solid wall>
2 : having, involving, or dealing with three dimensions or with solids <a solid configuration>
3 a : of uniformly close and coherent texture : not loose or spongy : COMPACT b : possessing or characterized by the properties of a solid : neither gaseous nor liquid <solid waste>
4 : of good substantial quality or kind <solid comfort>: as a : SOUND <solid reasons> b : made firmly and well <solid furniture> c : RELIABLE <a solid performer>
5 a : having no break or interruption <waited three solid hours> b : UNANIMOUS <had the solid support of the party> c : intimately friendly or associated <solid with the boss>
6 a : PRUDENT also : well established financially b : serious in purpose or character
7 : of one substance or character: as a : entirely of one metal or containing the minimum of alloy necessary to impart hardness <solid gold> b : of a single color
–sol·id·ly adverb
–sol·id·ness noun

solid
n. 1 : a geometrical figure or element (as a cube or sphere) having three dimensions ― see VOLUME table
2 a : a substance that does not flow perceptibly under moderate stress, has a definite capacity for resisting forces (as compression or tension) which tend to deform it, and under ordinary conditions retains a definite size and shape b : the part of a solution or suspension that when freed from solvent or suspending medium has the qualities of a solid ― usually used in plural <milk solids>
3 : something that is solid: as a : a solid color b : a compound word whose members are joined together without a hyphen

solid
n. : in a solid manner also : UNANIMOUSLY

solid
n. regular solid
solid angle
solid geometry
solid looking
solid of revolution
solid state

solid angle
: the three-dimensional angular spread at the vertex of a cone measured by the area intercepted by the cone on a unit sphere whose center is the vertex of the cone

solid geometry
: a branch of geometry that deals with figures of three-dimensional space

solid of revolution

1816
: a mathematical solid conceived as formed by the revolution of a plane figure about an axis in its plane

solid-looking
: giving an impression of solid worth or substance <solid-looking citizens>

solid-state
1 : relating to the properties, structure, or reactivity of solid material especially : relating to the arrangement or behavior of ions, molecules, nucleons, electrons, and holes in the crystals of a substance (as a semiconductor) or to the effect of crystal imperfections on the properties of a solid substance <solid-state physics>
2 a : utilizing the electric, magnetic, or optical properties of solid materials <solid-state circuitry> b : using semiconductor devices rather than electron tubes <a solid-state radio>

solidago
n. : any of a genus (Solidago) of chiefly No. American composite herbs including the typical goldenrods

solidarism
: SOLIDARITY
–sol·i·da·rist \-rist\ noun
–sol·i·da·ris·tic \ˌsä-lə-də-'ris-tik\ adjective

solidarity
n. : unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on community of interests, objectives, and standards

solidify
v. transitive verb
1 : to make solid, compact, or hard
2 : to make secure, substantial, or firmly fixed <factors that solidify public opinion>
intransitive verb : to become solid, compact, or hard
–so·lid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌli-də-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

solidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being solid
2 : something solid

solidus
n. 1 : an ancient Roman gold coin introduced by Constantine and used to the fall of the Byzantine Empire
2 [Medieval Latin, shilling, from Late Latin; from its use as a symbol for shillings] : SLASH 4

solifluction
n. : the slow creeping of saturated fragmental material (as soil) down a slope that usually occurs in regions of perennial frost

Solihull
town cen England in W. Midlands SE of Birmingham pop 194,100

soliloquise
v. British variant of soliloquize

soliloquist
n. : one who soliloquizes

soliloquize
v. : to utter a soliloquy : talk to oneself
–so·lil·o·quiz·er noun

soliloquy
n. 1 : the act of talking to oneself
2 : a dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections

Solimoes
the upper Amazon, Brazil, from Peruvian border to the mouth of Negro River

Solingen
city W Germany in the Ruhr ESE of Düsseldorf pop 165,924

solipsism
n. : a theory holding that the self can know nothing but its own modifications and that the self is the only existent thing also : extreme egocentrism
–so·lip·sist \'sō-ləp-sist, 'sä-ləp-, sə-'lip-\ noun
–so·lip·sis·tic \ˌsō-ləp-'sis-tik, ˌsä-\ adjective
–so·lip·sis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

solitaire
n. 1 : a single gem (as a diamond) set alone
2 : any of various card games that can be played by one person

solitary
n. 1 a : being, living, or going alone or without companions b : saddened by isolation
2 : UNFREQUENTED, DESOLATE <a solitary seashore>
3 a : taken, passed, or performed without companions <a solitary ramble> b : keeping a prisoner apart from others <solitary confinement>
4 : being at once single and isolated <a solitary example>
5 a : occurring singly and not as part of a group or cluster <flowers terminal and solitary> b : not gregarious, colonial, social, or compound <solitary bees>
synonyms see ALONE
–sol·i·tar·i·ly \ˌsä-lə-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb
–sol·i·tar·i·ness \'sä-lə-ˌter-ē-nəs\ noun

solitary
n. 1 : one who lives or seeks to live a solitary life : RECLUSE
2 : solitary confinement in prison <put him in solitary>

soliton
n. : a solitary wave (as in a gaseous plasma) that propagates with little loss of energy and retains its shape and speed after colliding with another such wave

solitude
n. 1 : the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : SECLUSION
2 : a lonely place (as a desert)
synonyms SOLITUDE, ISOLATION, SECLUSION mean the state of one who is alone. SOLITUDE may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates <a few quiet hours of solitude>. ISOLATION stresses detachment from others often involuntarily <the isolation of the village in winter>. SECLUSION suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life <lived in pastoral seclusion>.

solitudinarian
: RECLUSE

solleret
: a flexible steel shoe forming part of a medieval suit of armor ― see ARMOR illustration

solmization
n. : the act, practice, or system of using syllables to denote the tones of a musical scale

soln
solution

solo
n. 1 or plural so·li \'sō-(ˌ)lē\ a : a musical composition for a single voice or instrument with or without accompaniment b : the featured part of a concerto or similar work
2 : a performance in which the performer has no partner or associate : something undertaken or done alone <a student pilot's first solo>
3 : any of several card games in which a player elects to play without a partner against the other players

solo
n. : without a companion : ALONE <fly solo>

solo
n. 1 : accommodating one person <a solo canoe>
2 : of, relating to, or being a solo <a solo performance> <a solo flight>
3 : hit with no runners on base <a solo home run>

solo
n. : to perform by oneself: as a : to perform a musical solo b : to fly an airplane without one's instructor on board
transitive verb
1 : to fly (as an airplane) alone
2 : to climb (as a mountain) alone

soloist
n. : one who performs a solo

Solomon
n. : a son of David and 10th century B.C. king of Israel proverbial for his wisdom

Solomon
n. false Solomon's seal
Solomon's seal
Song of Solomon
Wisdom of Solomon
British Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
Solomon Sea

Solomon Islands
islands W Pacific E of New Guinea divided bet. Papua New Guinea & the independent country (formerly a Brit. protectorate) of the Solomon Islands (capital Honiara) area 11,500 sq mi (29,785 sq km), pop 349,000

Solomon Sea
arm of Coral Sea W of Solomon Islands

Solomon's seal
1 : any of a genus (Polygonatum) of perennial herbs of the lily family with tubular flowers and gnarled rhizomes
2 : an emblem consisting of two interlaced triangles forming a 6-pointed star and formerly used as an amulet especially against fever ― compare HEXAGRAM

Solomonic
adj. : marked by notable wisdom, reasonableness, or discretion especially under trying circumstances

Solon
n. ca 630-ca 560 B.C. Athenian lawgiver

solon
n. 1 : a wise and skillful lawgiver
2 : a member of a legislative body

Solothurn
n. 1 canton NW Switzerland area 305 sq mi (790 sq km), pop 245,500
2 commune, its capital, on the Aare pop 15,130

Solow
Robert Merton 1924-     American econ.

solstice
n. 1 : either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its distance from the celestial equator is greatest and which is reached by the sun each year about June 22 and December 22
2 : the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs about June 22 to begin summer in the northern hemisphere and about December 22 to begin winter in the northern hemisphere

solstitial
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a solstice and especially the summer solstice
2 : happening or appearing at or associated with a solstice

Solti
Sir Georg 1912-1997 orig. Gyorgy Stern Brit. (Hung.-born) conductor & pianist

solubilise
v. British variant of solubilize

solubility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being soluble
2 : the amount of a substance that will dissolve in a given amount of another substance

solubilize
v. : to make soluble or more soluble
–sol·u·bi·li·za·tion \ˌsäl-yə-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

soluble
n. 1 : susceptible of being dissolved in or as if in a liquid and especially water
2 : subject to being solved or explained <soluble questions>

solum
: the altered layer of soil above the parent material that includes the A and B horizons

solus
adj. : ALONE ― often used in stage directions

solute
n. : a dissolved substance

solution
n. 1 a : an action or process of solving a problem b : an answer to a problem : EXPLANATION specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation
2 a : an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid b : a homogeneous mixture formed by this process especially : a single-phase liquid system c : the condition of being dissolved
3 : a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity

solution
n. Benedict's solution
Fehling's solution
final solution
Ringer's solution
Ringer solution
solution set

solution set
: the set of values that satisfy an equation also : TRUTH SET

Solutrean
adj. : of or relating to an Upper Paleolithic culture characterized by leaf-shaped finely flaked stone implements

solvable
adj. : susceptible of solution or of being solved, resolved, or explained <a solvable problem>
–solv·abil·i·ty \ˌsäl-və-'bi-lə-tē, ˌsȯl-\ noun

solvate
v. : an aggregate that consists of a solute ion or molecule with one or more solvent molecules also : a substance (as a hydrate) containing such ions

solvate
v. : to make part of a solvate
–sol·va·tion \säl-'vā-shən, sȯl-\ noun

Solvay process
: a process for making soda from common salt by passing carbon dioxide into ammoniacal brine resulting in precipitation of sodium bicarbonate which is then calcined to carbonate

solve
v. transitive verb
1 : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for <solve a problem> <solved the crime>
2 : to pay (as a debt) in full
intransitive verb : to solve something <substitute and solve for x>
–solv·er noun

solvency
n. : the quality or state of being solvent

solvent
n. 1 : able to pay all legal debts <a solvent company>
2 : that dissolves or can dissolve <solvent action of water>
–sol·vent·ly adverb

solvent
n. 1 : a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances
2 : something that provides a solution
3 : something that eliminates or attenuates something especially unwanted
–sol·vent·less \-ləs\ adjective

solvitur ambulando
: it is solved by walking : the problem is solved by a practical experiment

solvolysis
n. : a chemical reaction (as hydrolysis) of a solvent and solute that results in the formation of new compounds
–sol·vo·lyt·ic \ˌsäl-və-'li-tik, ˌsȯl-\ adjective

Solway Firth
inlet of Irish Sea in Great Britain on boundary bet. England & Scotland

Solzhenitsyn
n. Aleksandr Isayevich 1918-     Russ. nov.

Som
n. Somersetshire

som
n. ― see MONEY table

som
n. ― see som at MONEY table

soma
n. : an intoxicating juice from a plant of disputed identity that was used in ancient India as an offering to the gods and as a drink of immortality by worshippers in Vedic ritual and worshipped in personified form as a Vedic god

soma
n. 1 : the body of an organism
2 : all of an organism except the germ cells
3 : CELL BODY

Somali
n. 1 : a member of a people of Somaliland
2 : the Cushitic language of the Somali

Somalia
n. country E Africa bordering on Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean; formed 1960 by union of Brit. Somaliland & Italian Somaliland capital Mogadishu area 246,154 sq mi (637,539 sq km), pop 8,050,000
–So·ma·lian \-'mä-lē-ən, -'mäl-yən\ adjective or noun

Somaliland
n. region E Africa comprising Somalia, Djibouti, & the Ogaden region of E Ethiopia

Somaliland
n. French Somaliland
British Somaliland
Italian Somaliland

soman
: an extremely toxic chemical warfare agent C_7H_16FO_2P similar to sarin in action

somat
: body <somatology>

somatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or affecting the body especially as distinguished from the germplasm or the psyche
2 : of or relating to the wall of the body : PARIETAL
–so·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

somatic cell
: one of the cells of the body that compose the tissues, organs, and parts of that individual other than the germ cells

somatization
n. : conversion of a mental state (as depression or anxiety) into physical symptoms also : the existence of physical bodily complaints in the absence of a known medical condition

somatology
n. : a branch of anthropology primarily concerned with the comparative study of human evolution, variation, and classification especially through measurement and observation
–so·ma·to·log·i·cal \ˌsō-mə-tə-'lä-ji-kəl, sō-ˌma-\ adjective

somatomedin
: any of several endogenous peptides produced especially in the liver that are dependent on and prob. mediate growth hormone activity (as in sulfate uptake by epiphyseal cartilage)

somatopleure
n. : a complex fold of tissue in the embryo of a craniate vertebrate consisting of an outer layer of mesoderm together with the ectoderm that sheathes it and giving rise to the amnion and chorion

somatosensory
adj. : of, relating to, or being sensory activity having its origin elsewhere than in the special sense organs (as eyes and ears) and conveying information about the state of the body proper and its immediate environment also : relating to or being either of two regions in the parietal lobe that receive and process somatosensory stimuli

somatostatin
n. : a polypeptide neurohormone that is found especially in the hypothalamus and inhibits the secretion of several other hormones (as growth hormone, insulin, and gastrin)

somatotropic hormone
: GROWTH HORMONE 1

somatotropin
n. : GROWTH HORMONE 1

somatotype
n. : body type : PHYSIQUE

somber
adj. 1 : so shaded as to be dark and gloomy
2 a : of a serious mien : GRAVE <somber dignitaries> b : of a dismal or depressing character : MELANCHOLY c : conveying gloomy suggestions or ideas
3 : of a dull or heavy cast or shade : dark colored
–som·ber·ly adverb
–som·ber·ness noun

sombrero
n. : an often high-crowned hat of felt or straw with a very wide brim worn especially in the Southwest and Mexico

sombrous
archaic : SOMBER

some
adj. 1 : being an unknown, undetermined, or unspecified unit or thing <some person knocked>
2 a : being one, a part, or an unspecified number of something (as a class or group) named or implied <some gems are hard> b : being of an unspecified amount or number <give me some water> <have some apples>
3 : REMARKABLE, STRIKING <that was some party>
4 : being at least one ― used to indicate that a logical proposition is asserted only of a subclass or certain members of the class denoted by the term which it modifies

some
adj. 1 : one indeterminate quantity, portion, or number as distinguished from the rest
2 : an indefinite additional amount <ran a mile and then some>

some
adj. 1 : ABOUT <some 80 houses> <twenty-some people>
2 a : in some degree : SOMEWHAT <felt some better> b : to some degree or extent : a little <the cut bled some> <I need to work on it some more> c ― used as a mild intensive <that's going some>
usage When some is used to modify a number, it is almost always a round number <a community of some 150,000 inhabitants> but because some is slightly more emphatic than about or approximately it is occas. used with a more exact number in an intensive function <an expert parachutist, he has some 115 jumps to his credit ― Current Biog.>. When some is used without a number, most commentators feel that somewhat is to be preferred. Their advice is an oversimplification, however; only when some modifies an adjective, usually a comparative, will somewhat always substitute smoothly. When some modifies a verb or adverb, and especially when it follows a verb, substitution of somewhat may prove awkward <Italy forced me to grow up some ― E. W. Brooke> <I'm not a prude; I've been around some in my day ― Roy Rogers> <here in Newport, both Southern Cross and Courageous practiced some more ― W. N. Wallace>.

some
adj. : characterized by a (specified) thing, quality, state, or action <awesome> <burdensome> <cuddlesome>

some
adj. : group of (so many) members and especially persons <foursome>

some
adj. 1 : body <chromosome>
2 : chromosome <monosome>

somebody
n. : one or some person of unspecified or indefinite identity <somebody will come in>

somebody
n. : a person of position or importance

someday
adv. : at some future time

somedeal
archaic : SOMEWHAT

somehow
pron. : in one way or another not known or designated : by some means <we'll manage somehow>

someone
pron. : some person : SOMEBODY

someplace
adv. : SOMEWHERE

somersault
n. : a movement (as in gymnastics) in which a person turns forward or backward in a complete revolution along the ground or in the air bringing the feet over the head also : a falling or tumbling head over heels
–somersault intransitive verb

Somerset
n. county SW England capital Taunton area 1383 sq mi (3582 sq km), pop 459,100

somerset
n. : SOMERSAULT

Somerset Island
island N Canada in Nunavut N of Boothia Peninsula area 9370 sq mi (24,362 sq km)

Somerset Nile
n. ― see NILE

Somerville
city E Mass. N of Cambridge pop 77,478

Somes
river NE Hungary & NW Romania flowing NW into the Tisza

something
n. 1 a : some indeterminate or unspecified thing b : some indeterminate amount more than a specified number ― used in combination <twenty-something years old> <a group of fifty-somethings>
2 : a person or thing of consequence
3 : one having more or less the character, qualities, or nature of something different <is something of a bore>
–something else : something or someone special or extraordinary

something
n. 1 : in some degree : SOMEWHAT
2 ― used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective <swears something awful>

something else
something or someone special or extraordinary

sometime
adj. 1 archaic : in the past : FORMERLY
2 archaic : once in a while : OCCASIONALLY
3 : at some time in the future <I'll do it sometime>
4 : at some not specified or definitely known point of time <sometime last night>

sometime
adj. 1 : having been formerly : FORMER, LATE
2 : being so occasionally or in only some respects <a sometime father>

sometimes
adv. : at times : now and then : OCCASIONALLY

sometimes
adv. : SOMETIME

someway
adv. : SOMEHOW

somewhat
adv. : SOMETHING

somewhat
adv. : in some degree or measure : SLIGHTLY

somewhen
adv. : SOMETIME

somewhere
adv. 1 : in, at, from, or to a place unknown or unspecified <mentions it somewhere>
2 : to a place symbolizing positive accomplishment or progress <now we're getting somewhere>
3 : in the vicinity of : APPROXIMATELY <somewhere about nine o'clock>

somewhere
adv. : an undetermined or unnamed place

somewheres
adv. chiefly dialect : SOMEWHERE

somewhither
archaic : to some place : SOMEWHERE

somic
: having or being a chromosome complement of which one or more but not all members exhibit (such) a degree of reduplication of chromosomes or genomes <monosomic>

somite
n. : one of the longitudinal series of segments into which the body of many animals is divided : METAMERE

Somme
n. river ab 150 mi (241 km) N France flowing NW into the English Channel

sommelier
n. : a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service : a wine steward

somnambul
: somnambulism : somnambulist <somnambulant>

somnambulant
adj. 1 : walking or having the habit of walking while asleep
2 : resembling or having the characteristics of a sleepwalker : SLUGGISH

somnambulate
v. : to walk when asleep
–som·nam·bu·la·tion \(ˌ)säm-ˌnam-byə-'lā-shən\ noun

somnambulism
n. 1 : an abnormal condition of sleep in which motor acts (as walking) are performed
2 : actions characteristic of somnambulism
–som·nam·bu·list \-list\ noun
–som·nam·bu·lis·tic \(ˌ)säm-ˌnam-byə-'lis-tik\ adjective
–som·nam·bu·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

somnifacient
n. : HYPNOTIC 1
–somnifacient noun

somniferous
adj. : SOPORIFIC

somnolence
n. : the quality or state of being drowsy : SLEEPINESS

somnolent
adj. 1 : of a kind likely to induce sleep <a somnolent sermon>
2 a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : DROWSY b : SLEEPY 2 <somnolent rivers>
–som·no·lent·ly adverb

somoni
n. ― see MONEY table

son
n. 1 a : a human male offspring especially of human beings b : a male adopted child c : a human male descendant
2 capitalized : the second person of the Trinity
3 : a person closely associated with or deriving from a formative agent (as a nation, school, or race)
–son·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

son
n. : sound <sonic> <sonogram>

son
n. favorite son
son et lumiere
son et lumière
son in law
son of a bitch
son of a gun
son of God
son of man
au bout de son latin
chacun a son gout
chacun à son goût
sons in law
sons of bitches
sons of guns

son et lumiere
: an outdoor spectacle at a historic site consisting of recorded narration with light and sound effects

son of a bitch
sometimes vulgar : BASTARD 3 ― sometimes used interjectionally to express surprise or disappointment

son of a gun
― usually used as a mild or euphemistic alternative to son of a bitch ― sometimes used interjectionally to express surprise or disappointment

son of God

14th century
1 often capitalized S : a superhuman or divine being (as an angel)
2 capitalized S : MESSIAH 1
3 : a person established in the love of God by divine promise

son of man

14th century
1 : a human being
2 often capitalized S : God's messiah destined to preside over the final judgment of humankind

son-in-law
: the husband of one's daughter

sonant
adj. 1 : VOICED 2
2 : SYLLABIC 1A
–sonant noun

sonar
n. : a method or device for detecting and locating objects especially underwater by means of sound waves sent out to be reflected by the objects also : a device for detecting the presence of a vessel (as a submarine) by the sound it emits in water

sonata
n. : an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements in contrasting forms and keys

sonata form
: a musical form that consists basically of an exposition, a development, and a recapitulation and that is used especially for the first movement of a sonata

sonatina
n. : a short usually simplified sonata

sonde
n. : any of various devices for testing physical conditions (as at high altitudes, below the earth's surface, or inside the body)

Sondheim
Stephen Joshua 1930-     American composer

sone
n. : a subjective unit of loudness for an average listener equal to the loudness of a 1000-hertz sound that has an intensity 40 decibels above the listener's own threshold of hearing

song
n. 1 : the act or art of singing
2 : poetical composition
3 a : a short musical composition of words and music b : a collection of such compositions
4 : a distinctive or characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird, insect, or whale)
5 a : a melody for a lyric poem or ballad b : a poem easily set to music
6 a : a habitual or characteristic manner b : a violent, abusive, or noisy reaction <put up quite a song>
7 : a small amount <sold for a song>
–song·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

song
n. art song
drinking song
fight song
folk song
part song
shout song
siren song
song and dance
song cycle
Song of Solomon
Song of Songs
song sparrow
song thrush
swan song
theme song
torch song
work song

song and dance
1 : a theatrical performance (as a vaudeville performance) combining singing and dancing
2 : a long and often familiar statement or explanation that is usually not true or pertinent

song cycle
: a group of related songs designed to form a musical entity

Song of Solomon
: a collection of love poems forming a book in the Protestant canon of the Old Testament ― see BIBLE table

Song of Songs
: a collection of love poems forming a book in the canonical Jewish Scriptures and in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and corresponding to the Song of Solomon in the Protestant canon of the Old Testament ― see BIBLE table

song sparrow
: a No. American sparrow (Melospiza melodia of the family Emberizidae) that is brownish above and white below with brownish streaks on the breast and that has a melodious song

song thrush
: an Old World thrush (Turdus philomelos of the family Turdidae) that is largely brown above with brown-spotted white underparts ― called also mavis throstle

songbird
n. 1 a : a bird that utters a succession of musical tones b : an oscine bird
2 : a female singer

songbook
n. : a collection of songs specifically : a book containing vocal music (as hymns)

songfest
n. : an informal session of group singing of popular or folk songs

songful
adj. : given to or suggestive of singing : MELODIOUS
–song·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–song·ful·ness noun

Songhua
river over 1000 mi (1609 km) NE China in E Manchuria flowing from N. Korea border NW & NE into the Amur; dammed in upper part to form Songhua Reservoir

songless
: lacking in, incapable of, or not given to song
–song·less·ly adverb

Songnam
city NW S. Korea pop 447,692

songsmith
n. : a composer of songs

songster
n. 1 : one that sings with skill
2 : SONGBOOK

songstress
n. : a female singer

songwriter
n. : a person who composes words or music or both especially for popular songs
–song·writ·ing \-ˌrī-tiŋ\ noun

sonic
adj. 1 : utilizing, produced by, or relating to sound waves <sonic altimeter> broadly : of or involving sound <sonic pollution>
2 : having a frequency within the audibility range of the human ear ― used of waves and vibrations
3 : of, relating to, or being the speed of sound in air or about 761 miles per hour (1224 kilometers per hour) at sea level at 59°F (15°C)
–son·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sonic
adj. sonic barrier
sonic boom
sonic bang

sonic barrier
: SOUND BARRIER

sonic boom
: a sound resembling an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground ― called also sonic bang

sonicate
v. : to disrupt (as bacterial cells) by exposure to high-frequency sound waves
–son·i·ca·tion \ˌsä-nə-'kā-shən\ noun

sonless
adj. : not possessing or never having had a son

sonly
: FILIAL

sonnet
n. : a fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of 14 lines that are typically 5-foot iambics rhyming according to a prescribed scheme also : a poem in this pattern

sonnet
n. English sonnet
Shakespearean sonnet
Italian sonnet
Petrarchan sonnet
sonnet sequence

sonnet sequence
: a series of sonnets often having a unifying theme

sonneteer
n. 1 : a composer of sonnets
2 : a minor or insignificant poet
–son·ne·teer·ing \-iŋ\ noun

sonny
n. : a young boy ― usually used in address

sonobuoy
n. : a buoy equipped for detecting underwater sounds and transmitting them by radio

sonogram
n. : an image produced by ultrasound

sonography
: ULTRASOUND 2
–so·nog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–sono·graph·ic \ˌsä-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective

Sonora
1 river 250 mi (400 km) NW Mexico flowing SW into upper Gulf of California
2 state NW Mexico bordering on U.S. & Gulf of California capital Hermosillo area 71,403 sq mi (184,934 sq km), pop 1,823,606
–So·no·ran \-ən\ adjective or noun

Sonoran Desert
desert SW U.S. & NW Mexico in S Ariz., SE Calif., & N Sonora

sonority
n. 1 : the quality or state of being sonorous : RESONANCE
2 : a sonorous tone or speech

sonorous
adj. 1 : producing sound (as when struck)
2 : full or loud in sound <a sonorous voice>
3 : imposing or impressive in effect or style
4 : having a high or an indicated degree of sonority <sonorous sounds such as \ä\ and \ȯ\>
–so·no·rous·ly adverb
–so·no·rous·ness noun

sonship
: the relationship of son to father

sonsy
adj. chiefly dialect : BUXOM, COMELY

sont
ou sont les neiges d'antan
où sont les neiges d'antan?
au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois

Sontag
Susan 1933-     American writer

Soo Canals
― see SAULT SAINTE MARIE CANALS

Soochow
― see SUZHOU

soon
adv. 1 a obsolete : at once : IMMEDIATELY b : without undue time lapse : BEFORE LONG <soon after sunrise>
2 : in a prompt manner : SPEEDILY <as soon as possible> <the sooner the better> <no sooner said than done>
3 archaic : before the usual time
4 : in agreement with one's choice or preference : WILLINGLY <I'd just as soon walk as drive>

sooner
adv. 1 : a person settling on land in the early West before its official opening to settlement in order to gain the prior claim allowed by law to the first settler after official opening
2 capitalized : a native or resident of Oklahoma ― used as a nickname

sooner or later
: at some uncertain future time : SOMETIME

Soong
Soong Ai ling
Soong Ch'ing ling
Soong Mei ling
Soong Tzu wen

Soong Ai-ling
1888-1973 wife of H.H. K'ung

Soong Ch'ing-ling
1892-1981 wife of Sun Yat-sen

Soong Mei-ling
1897-     wife of Chiang Kai-shek

Soong Tzu-wen
1894-1971 T. V. Soong; bro. of prec. Chin. financier & statesman

soot
n. : a black substance formed by combustion or separated from fuel during combustion, rising in fine particles, and adhering to the sides of the chimney or pipe conveying the smoke especially : the fine powder consisting chiefly of carbon that colors smoke

soot
n. : to coat or cover with soot

sooth
n. 1 archaic : TRUE
2 archaic : SOFT, SWEET

sooth
n. 1 : TRUTH, REALITY
2 obsolete : BLANDISHMENT

soothe
v. transitive verb
1 : to please by or as if by attention or concern : PLACATE
2 : RELIEVE, ALLEVIATE <soothe a cough>
3 : to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to <music soothes the soul>
intransitive verb : to bring peace, composure, or quietude
–sooth·er noun

soothfast
1 archaic : TRUE
2 archaic : TRUTHFUL

soothing
n. : tending to soothe also : having a sedative effect <soothing syrup>
–sooth·ing·ly adverb
–sooth·ing·ness noun

soothly
archaic : in truth : TRULY

soothsayer
n. : a person who predicts the future by magical, intuitive, or more rational means : PROGNOSTICATOR

soothsaying
n. 1 : the act of foretelling events
2 : PREDICTION, PROPHECY
–sooth·say \-ˌsā\ intransitive verb

sooty
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or producing soot b : soiled with soot
2 : of the color of soot
–soot·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–soot·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

sooty mold
: a dark growth of fungus mycelium growing in insect honeydew on plants also : any of various ascomycetous fungi (order Dothideales) producing such growth

sooty tern
: a widely distributed tern (Sterna fuscata) of tropical oceans that is blackish above and white below ― called also wideawake

SOP
n. standard operating procedure; standing operating procedure

sop
n. 1 chiefly dialect : a piece of food dipped or steeped in a liquid
2 : a conciliatory or propitiatory bribe, gift, or gesture

sop
n. 1 a : to steep or dip in or as if in liquid b : to wet thoroughly : SOAK
2 : MOP A

sopaipilla
: a usually puffy piece of deep-fried dough often sweetened with honey

soph
n. sophomore

sophism
n. 1 : an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid especially : such an argument used to deceive
2 : SOPHISTRY 1

sophist
n. 1 : PHILOSOPHER
2 capitalized : any of a class of ancient Greek teachers of rhetoric, philosophy, and the art of successful living prominent about the middle of the fifth century B.C. for their adroit subtle and allegedly often specious reasoning
3 : a captious or fallacious reasoner

sophistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to sophists, sophistry, or the ancient Sophists <sophistic rhetoric> <sophistic subtleties>
2 : plausible but fallacious <sophistic reasoning>
–so·phis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sophisticate
1 : to alter deceptively especially : ADULTERATE
2 : to deprive of genuineness, naturalness, or simplicity especially : to deprive of naïveté and make worldly-wise : DISILLUSION
3 : to make complicated or complex

sophisticate
n. : a sophisticated person

sophisticated
adj. 1 : deprived of native or original simplicity: as a : highly complicated or developed : COMPLEX <sophisticated electronic devices> b : having a refined knowledge of the ways of the world cultivated especially through wide experience <a sophisticated lady>
2 : devoid of grossness: as a : finely experienced and aware <a sophisticated columnist> b : intellectually appealing <a sophisticated novel>
–so·phis·ti·cat·ed·ly adverb
synonyms SOPHISTICATED, WORLDLY-WISE, BLASÉ mean experienced in the ways of the world. SOPHISTICATED often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation <guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated>. WORLDLY-WISE suggests a close and practical knowledge of the affairs and manners of society and an inclination toward materialism <a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence>. BLASÉ implies a lack of responsiveness to common joys as a result of a real or affected surfeit of experience and cultivation <blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere>.

sophistication
n. 1 a : the use of sophistry : sophistic reasoning b : SOPHISM, QUIBBLE
2 : the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned especially : CULTIVATION, URBANITY
3 : the process or result of becoming more complex, developed, or subtle

sophistry
n. 1 : subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation
2 : SOPHISM 1

Sophocles
n. ca 496-406 B.C. Greek dram.
–Soph·o·cle·an \ˌsä-fə-'klē-ən\ adjective

sophomore
n. : a student in the second year at college or a 4-year secondary school

sophomore
n. : being or associated with the second in a series <their sophomore album>

sophomoric
adj. 1 : conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature <a sophomoric argument>
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a sophomore <sophomoric humor>

Sophonias
: ZEPHANIAH

sophy
n. archaic : a sovereign of Persia

sophy
n. : knowledge : wisdom : science <anthroposophy>

soporific
n. 1 a : causing or tending to cause sleep <soporific drugs> b : tending to dull awareness or alertness
2 : of, relating to, or marked by sleepiness or lethargy

soporific
n. : a soporific agent specifically : HYPNOTIC 1

sopping
adj. : wet through : SOAKING

soppy
adj. 1 : SENTIMENTAL, MAWKISH
2 a : soaked through : SATURATED b : very wet
–sop·pi·ness \-nəs\ noun

sopranino
n. : a musical instrument (as a recorder or saxophone) higher in pitch than the soprano

soprano
n. : relating to or having the range or part of a soprano

soprano
n. 1 : the highest singing voice of women or boys and formerly of castrati also : a person having this voice
2 : the highest voice part in a 4-part chorus
3 : a member of a family of instruments having the highest range

Sopron
city W Hungary pop 57,500

sora
n. : a small short-billed No. American rail (Porzana carolina) common in marshes

Sorata
― see ILLAMPU

Sorb
n. 1 : WEND
2 : WENDISH
–Sor·bi·an \'sȯr-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

sorb
n. : to take up and hold by either adsorption or absorption
–sorb·abil·i·ty \ˌsȯr-bə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sorb·able \'sȯr-bə-bəl\ adjective

sorbate
: a salt or ester of sorbic acid ― compare POTASSIUM SORBATE

sorbent
n. : a substance that sorbs

sorbet
n. : a usually fruit-flavored ice served as a dessert or between courses as a palate refresher

sorbic acid
: a crystalline acid C_6H_8O_2 obtained from the unripe fruits of the mountain ash or synthesized and used especially as a fungicide and food preservative

Sorbiodunum
― see OLD SARUM

sorbitol
n. : a faintly sweet alcohol C_6H_14O_6 that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid

sorcerer
n. : a person who practices sorcery : WIZARD

sorceress
n. : a woman who is a sorcerer

sorcerous
adj. : of or relating to sorcery : MAGICAL

sorcery
n. 1 : the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining : NECROMANCY
2 : MAGIC 2A

Sordello
ca 1200-before 1269 Ital. troubadour

sordid
adj. 1 : marked by baseness or grossness : VILE <sordid motives>
2 a : DIRTY, FILTHY b : WRETCHED, SQUALID
3 : meanly avaricious : COVETOUS
4 : of a dull or muddy color
synonyms see MEAN
–sor·did·ly adverb
–sor·did·ness noun

sordino
n. : MUTE 3

sore
n. 1 a : causing pain or distress <a sore subject> b : painfully sensitive : TENDER <sore muscles> c : hurt or inflamed so as to be or seem painful <sore runny eyes> <a dog limping on a sore leg>
2 : attended by difficulties, hardship, or exertion
3 : ANGRY, IRKED <a sore loser>
–sore·ness noun

sore
n. 1 : a localized sore spot on the body especially : one (as an ulcer) with the tissues ruptured or abraded and usually with infection
2 : a source of pain or vexation : AFFLICTION

sore
n. : SORELY

sore
n. canker sore
cold sore
saddle sore
septic sore throat
sight for sore eyes
sore throat

sore throat
: pain in the throat due to inflammation of the fauces and pharynx

sorehead
n. : a person easily angered or disgruntled
–sorehead or sore·head·ed \-'he-dəd\ adjective

Sorel-Tracy
city Canada in S Que. pop 34,194

sorely
adv. 1 : in a sore manner : PAINFULLY
2 : VERY, EXTREMELY <sorely needed changes>

sorghum
n. 1 : any of an economically important genus (Sorghum) of Old World tropical grasses similar to Indian corn in habit but with the spikelets in pairs on a hairy rachis especially : any of various cultivars (as grain sorghum or sorgo) derived from a wild form (S. bicolor syn. S. vulgare)
2 : syrup from the juice of a sorgo that resembles cane syrup
3 : something cloyingly sentimental

sorgo
n. : a sorghum cultivated primarily for the sweet juice in its stems from which sugar and syrup are made but also used for fodder and silage ― called also sweet sorghum

Soria
1 province N cen Spain area 3972 sq mi (10,287 sq km), pop 90,717
2 commune, its capital, W of Saragossa pop 35,151

sorites
n. : an argument consisting of propositions so arranged that the predicate of any one forms the subject of the next and the conclusion unites the subject of the first proposition with the predicate of the last

Sorocaba
city SE Brazil in SE São Paulo state pop 493,468

Sorolla y Bastida
Joaquín 1863-1923 Span. painter

Soroptimist
n. : a member of a service club composed of professional women and businesswomen

sororal
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sister : SISTERLY

sororate
: the marriage of one man to two or more sisters usually successively and after the first wife has been found to be barren or after her death

sorority
n. : a club of women specifically : a women's student organization formed chiefly for social purposes and having a name consisting of Greek letters

sorption
n. : the process of sorbing : the state of being sorbed
–sorp·tive \'sȯrp-tiv\ adjective

sorrel
n. 1 : a sorrel-colored animal especially : a light bright chestnut horse often with white mane and tail ― compare 1CHESTNUT 4 2BAY 1
2 : a brownish orange to light brown

sorrel
n. : any of various plants or plant parts with sour juice: as a : any of various docks (as Rumex acetosa and R. acetosella) also : the leaves used as a potherb b : WOOD SORREL

sorrel
n. sheep sorrel
sorrel tree
wood sorrel

sorrel tree
: SOURWOOD

Sorrento
n. commune & port S Italy on S side of Bay of Naples pop 17,429

sorrow
n. 1 a : deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved b : resultant unhappy or unpleasant state <to their great sorrow they could not marry>
2 : a cause of grief or sadness
3 : a display of grief or sadness
synonyms SORROW, GRIEF, ANGUISH, WOE, REGRET mean distress of mind. SORROW implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death>. GRIEF implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents>. ANGUISH suggests torturing grief or dread <the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child>. WOE is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city>. REGRET implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <nagging regret for missed opportunities>.

sorrow
n. : to feel or express sorrow
–sor·row·er \'sär-ə-wər, 'sȯr-\ noun

sorrowful
adj. 1 : full of or marked by sorrow <a sorrowful good-bye>
2 : expressive of or inducing sorrow <sorrowful eyes>
–sor·row·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sor·row·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

sorry
adj. 1 : feeling sorrow, regret, or penitence
2 : MOURNFUL, SAD
3 : inspiring sorrow, pity, scorn, or ridicule : PITIFUL <their affairs were in a sorry state>
synonyms see CONTEMPTIBLE
–sor·ri·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb
–sor·ri·ness \-ē-nəs\ noun

sort
n. 1 a : a group set up on the basis of any characteristic in common : CLASS, KIND b : one approximating the character or qualities of another <a sort of latter-day Abe Lincoln> c : PERSON, INDIVIDUAL <he's not a bad sort>
2 archaic : GROUP, COMPANY
3 a archaic : method or manner of acting : WAY, MANNER b : CHARACTER, NATURE <people of an evil sort>
4 a : a letter or character that is one element of a font b : a character or piece of type that is not part of a regular font
5 : an instance of sorting <a numeric sort of a data file>
synonyms see TYPE
–after a sort : in a rough or haphazard way <plays the piano, after a sort>
–all sorts of : many different : all kinds of <knows all sorts of people>
–of sorts or of a sort : in some respects but not entirely or truly <a vacation of sorts>
–out of sorts
1 : somewhat ill
2 : GROUCHY, IRRITABLE

sort
n. 1 a : to put in a certain place or rank according to kind, class, or nature <sort apples> <sort mail> b : to arrange according to characteristics : CLASSIFY ― usually used with out <sort out colors>
2 chiefly Scottish : to put to rights : put in order
3 a : to examine in order to clarify ― used with out <sorting out his problems> b : to free of confusion : CLARIFY ― used with out <waited until things sorted themselves out>
intransitive verb
1 : to join or associate with others especially of the same kind <sort with thieves>
2 : AGREE, HARMONIZE <his benign view sorts badly with reality ― Henry Trewhitt>
3 : SEARCH <sort through some old papers>
–sort·able \'sȯr-tə-bəl\ adjective
–sort·er noun

sort
n. of a sort
re sort
after a sort
sort of
out of sorts
of sorts
all sorts of
ill sorted

sort of
: to a moderate degree : SOMEWHAT

sortie
n. 1 : a sudden issuing of troops from a defensive position against the enemy
2 : one mission or attack by a single plane
3 a : FORAY, RAID b : EXCURSION, EXPEDITION <diving sorties>
–sortie intransitive verb

sortilege
n. 1 : divination by lots
2 : SORCERY

sortition
n. : the act or an instance of casting lots

sorus
n. : a cluster of plant reproductive bodies: as a : a cluster of sporangia on the underside of a fertile fern frond b : a mass of spores bursting through the epidermis of the host plant of a parasitic fungus c : a cluster of gemmae on the thallus of a lichen

SOS
n. 1 : an internationally recognized signal of distress in radio code · · · - - - · · · used especially by ships calling for help
2 : a call or request for help or rescue

Sosnowiec
city SW Poland NE of Katowice pop 259,269

sostenuto
adv. : sustained to or beyond the note's full value ― used as a direction in music

sostenuto
adv. : a movement or passage whose notes are markedly prolonged

sot
n. : a habitual drunkard

soteriology
n. : theology dealing with salvation especially as effected by Jesus Christ
–so·te·ri·o·log·i·cal \-ē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective

Sotho
n. 1 a : any one of the Sotho languages and especially Sesotho b : a group of closely related Bantu languages of Lesotho, Botswana, and northern So. Africa
2 : a member of a group of southern African peoples whose language is Sotho

Soto
n. de Soto
Soto de
De Soto

Soto, de
Hernando 1496(or 1499 or 1500)-1542 Span. explorer

sotol
n. : any of several plants (genus Dasylirion) of the agave family of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that resemble a yucca

sottish
adj. : resembling a sot : DRUNKEN also : DOLTISH, STUPID
–sot·tish·ly adverb
–sot·tish·ness noun

sotto voce
1 : under the breath : in an undertone also : in a private manner
2 : very softly ― used as a direction in music

sou
n. 1 : 2SOL
2 : a 5-centime piece

sou
n. Montreuil sous Bois
Iles sous le Vent
Îles sous le Vent

sou'wester
n. 1 : a long oilskin coat worn especially at sea during stormy weather
2 : a waterproof hat with wide slanting brim longer in back than in front

soubise
: a garnish or white sauce containing onions or onion purée

soubrette
n. 1 a : a coquettish maid or frivolous young woman in comedies b : an actress who plays such a part
2 : a soprano who sings supporting roles in comic opera

soubriquet
n. variant of sobriquet

souchong
n. : a tea made from the larger older leaves of the shoot

souffle
n. : a dish that is made from a sauce, egg yolks, beaten egg whites, and a flavoring or purée (as of seafood, fruit, or vegetables) and baked until puffed up

souffle
n. : puffed up by or in cooking

Soufriere
1 volcano 4813 ft (1467 m) French West Indies in S Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
2 volcano 4048 ft (1234 m) Brit. West Indies on St. Vincent Is.

sough
n. : to make a moaning or sighing sound
–sough noun

sought
past and past part of seek

souk
n. : a marketplace in northern Africa or the Middle East also : a stall in such a marketplace

soukous
n. : popular guitar-driven dance music created in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the influence of Cuban rumba

soul
n. 1 : the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life
2 a : the spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all rational and spiritual beings, or the universe b capitalized Christian Science : GOD 1B
3 : a person's total self
4 a : an active or essential part b : a moving spirit : LEADER
5 a : the moral and emotional nature of human beings b : the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment c : spiritual or moral force : FERVOR
6 : PERSON <not a soul in sight>
7 : PERSONIFICATION <she is the soul of integrity>
8 a : a strong positive feeling (as of intense sensitivity and emotional fervor) conveyed especially by black American performers b : NEGRITUDE c : SOUL MUSIC d : SOUL FOOD e : SOUL BROTHER

soul
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of black Americans or their culture
2 : designed for or controlled by blacks

soul
n. soul brother
soul food
soul kiss
soul mate
soul music
soul searching
world soul
All Souls' Day

soul brother
: a black male

soul food
: food (as chitterlings, ham hocks, and collard greens) traditionally eaten by southern black Americans

soul kiss
: FRENCH KISS

soul mate
1 : a person who is perfectly suited to another in temperament
2 : a person who strongly resembles another in attitudes or beliefs <ideological soul mates>

soul music
: music that originated in black American gospel singing, is closely related to rhythm and blues, and is characterized by intensity of feeling and earthiness

soul-searching
: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values

souled
: having a soul : possessing soul and feeling ― usually used in combination <whole-souled repentance>

soulful
adj. : full of or expressing feeling or emotion <soulful music>
–soul·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–soul·ful·ness noun

soulless
adj. : having no soul or no greatness or warmth of mind or feeling
–soul·less·ly adverb
–soul·less·ness noun

Soult
Nicolas-Jean de Dieu 1769-1851 Duc de Dal·ma·tie \däl-mä-'sē\ Fr. soldier; marshal of France

sound
n. 1 a : free from injury or disease : exhibiting normal health b : free from flaw, defect, or decay <sound timber>
2 : SOLID, FIRM also : STABLE
3 a : free from error, fallacy, or misapprehension <sound reasoning> b : exhibiting or based on thorough knowledge and experience <sound scholarship> c : legally valid <a sound title> d : logically valid and having true premises e : agreeing with accepted views : ORTHODOX
4 a : THOROUGH b : deep and undisturbed <a sound sleep> c : HARD, SEVERE <a sound whipping>
5 : showing good judgment or sense <sound advice>
synonyms see HEALTHY, VALID
–sound·ly \'sau̇n(d)-lē\ adverb
–sound·ness \'sau̇n(d)-nəs\ noun

sound
n. : to the full extent : THOROUGHLY <sound asleep>

sound
n. 1 a : a particular auditory impression : TONE b : the sensation perceived by the sense of hearing c : mechanical radiant energy that is transmitted by longitudinal pressure waves in a material medium (as air) and is the objective cause of hearing
2 a : a speech sound <a peculiar r-sound> b : value in terms of speech sounds <-cher of teacher and -ture of creature have the same sound>
3 archaic : RUMOR, FAME
4 a : meaningless noise b obsolete : MEANING c : the impression conveyed : IMPORT
5 : hearing distance : EARSHOT <within sound of your voice>
6 : recorded auditory material
7 : a particular musical style characteristic of an individual, a group, or an area <the Nashville sound>

sound
n. 1 a : to cause to sound <sound a trumpet> b : PRONOUNCE 3A
2 : to put into words : VOICE
3 a : to make known : PROCLAIM b : to order, signal, or indicate by a sound <sound the alarm>
4 : to examine by causing to emit sounds <sound the lungs>
5 chiefly British : to convey the impression of : sound like <that sounds a logical use of resources ― Economist>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a sound b : RESOUND c : to give a summons by sound <the bugle sounds to battle>
2 : to make or convey an impression especially when heard <it sounds good to me> <you sound just like your mother>
–sound·able \'sau̇n-də-bəl\ adjective

sound
n. 1 a : a long broad inlet of the ocean generally parallel to the coast b : a long passage of water connecting two larger bodies (as a sea with the ocean) or separating a mainland and an island
2 : the air bladder of a fish

sound
n. transitive verb
1 : to measure the depth of : FATHOM
2 : to try to find out the views or intentions of : PROBE ― often used with out
3 : to explore or examine (a body cavity) with a sound
intransitive verb
1 a : to ascertain the depth of water especially with a sounding line b : to look into or investigate the possibility <sent commissioners⋯to sound for peace ― Thomas Jefferson>
2 : to dive down suddenly ― used of a fish or whale

sound
n. : an elongated instrument for exploring or sounding body cavities

sound
n. sound board
sound and light show
sound barrier
sound bite
sound bow
sound box
sound card
sound effects
sound hole
sound off
sound pressure
sound track
sound truck
sound wave
surround sound
Albemarle Sound
Kotzebue Sound
Long Island Sound
McMurdo Sound
Mississippi Sound
Nootka Sound
Norton Sound
Port Royal Sound
Prince William Sound
Puget Sound
Queen Charlotte Sound
Scoresby Sound
high sounding
sounding board
sounding line
sounding rocket
echo sounder

sound barrier
: a sudden large increase in aerodynamic drag that occurs as the speed of an aircraft approaches the speed of sound

sound bite
: a brief recorded statement (as by a public figure) broadcast especially on a television news program also : a brief catchy comment or saying

sound bow
: the thick part of a bell against which the clapper strikes

sound box
1 : a hollow chamber in a musical instrument for increasing its sonority
2 : a device in an early phonograph for producing sound from a record by using the vibration of a needle to move a diaphragm

sound card
: a circuit board in a computer system designed to produce or reproduce sound

sound effects
: effects that are imitative of sounds called for in the script of a dramatic production (as a radio show) and that enhance the production's illusion of reality

sound hole
: an opening in the top surface of a stringed instrument (as a violin) to enhance vibration and resonance ― see VIOLIN illustration

sound off
1 : to play three chords before and after marching up and down a line of troops during a ceremonial parade or formal guard mount
2 : to count cadence while marching
3 a : to speak up in a loud voice b : to voice one's opinions freely and vigorously

sound pressure
: the difference between the actual pressure at any point in the field of a sound wave at any instant and the average pressure at that point

sound track
1 : a track (as on a motion-picture film or television videotape) that carries the sound record
2 : the sound recorded on a sound track especially : the music on a sound track

sound truck
: a truck equipped with a loudspeaker

sound wave
1 : 3SOUND 1A
2 plural : longitudinal pressure waves in any material medium regardless of whether they constitute audible sound <earthquake waves and ultrasonic waves are sometimes called sound waves>

sound-and-light show
: SON ET LUMIÈRE

sound-bite
: containing or characterized by sound bites <sound-bite politics>

soundalike
n. : one that sounds like another
–soundalike adjective

soundboard
n. 1 : a thin resonant board (as the belly of a violin) so placed in an instrument as to reinforce its tones by sympathetic vibration ― see VIOLIN illustration
2 : SOUNDING BOARD 1A
3 usually sound board : SOUND CARD

sounder
n. : one that sounds specifically : a device for making soundings

sounding
n. 1 : RESONANT, SONOROUS
2 a : POMPOUS b : IMPOSING
–sound·ing·ly adverb

sounding
n. 1 a : measurement of depth especially with a sounding line b : the depth so ascertained c plural : a place or part of a body of water where a hand sounding line will reach bottom
2 : measurement of atmospheric conditions at various heights
3 : a probe, test, or sampling of opinion or intention

sounding
n. high sounding
sounding board
sounding line
sounding rocket

sounding board
1 a : a structure behind or over a pulpit, rostrum, or platform to give distinctness and sonority to sound b : a device or agency that helps propagate opinions or utterances c : a person or group on whom one tries out an idea or opinion as a means of evaluating it
2 : SOUNDBOARD 1

sounding line
: a line or wire weighted at one end for sounding

sounding rocket
: a rocket used especially to obtain information concerning atmospheric conditions at various altitudes

soundless
adj. : incapable of being sounded : UNFATHOMABLE

soundless
adj. : making no sound : SILENT
–sound·less·ly adverb

soundman
n. : a person who controls the volume and tone of sound picked up by a microphone (as in a recording studio or on a motion-picture set) for recording

soundproof
adj. : impervious to sound

soundproof
adj. : to insulate so as to obstruct the passage of sound

soundscape
n. : a mélange of musical and sometimes nonmusical sounds

soundstage
: the part of a motion-picture studio in which a production is filmed

soup
n. 1 : a liquid food especially with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock as a base and often containing pieces of solid food
2 : something (as a heavy fog or nitroglycerine) having or suggesting the consistency or nutrient qualities of soup
3 : an unfortunate predicament <that stunt landed her in the soup>

soup
n. alphabet soup
bird's nest soup
duck soup
mock turtle soup
pea soup
primordial soup
soup du jour
soup kitchen
soup up

soup du jour
: a soup that is offered by a restaurant on a particular day

soup kitchen
: an establishment dispensing minimum dietary essentials (as soup and bread) to the needy

soup up
: to increase the power or efficiency of <soup up an engine>

soupcon
n. : a little bit : TRACE <a soupcon of suspicion>

souped-up
: enhanced or increased in appeal, power, performance, or intensity also : ELABORATE, EMBELLISHED

soupspoon
n. : a spoon with a large or rounded bowl for eating soup

soupy
adj. 1 : having the consistency of soup
2 : densely foggy or cloudy
3 : overly sentimental

sour
n. 1 : causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids <sour pickles> ― compare BITTER, SALT, SWEET
2 a (1) : having the acid taste or smell of or as if of fermentation : TURNED <sour milk> (2) : of or relating to fermentation b : smelling or tasting of decay : RANCID, ROTTEN <sour breath> c (1) : BAD, WRONG <a project gone sour> (2) : HOSTILE, DISENCHANTED <went sour on Marxism>
3 a : UNPLEASANT, DISTASTEFUL b : CROSS, SULLEN c : not up to the usual, expected, or standard quality or pitch
4 : acid in reaction ― used especially of soil
5 : containing malodorous sulfur compounds ― used especially of petroleum products
–sour·ish \'sau̇(-ə)r-ish\ adjective
–sour·ly adverb
–sour·ness noun

sour
n. 1 a : something sour b : the primary taste sensation produced by acid stimuli
2 : a cocktail consisting of a liquor (as whiskey), lemon or lime juice, sugar, and sometimes ice

sour
n. : to become sour
transitive verb : to make sour

sour
n. sour ball
sour cherry
sour cream
sour grapes
sour grass
sour gum
sour mash
sour orange
sweet and sour
whiskey sour

sour ball
: a spherical hard candy having a tart flavor

sour cherry
: a widely cultivated cherry (Prunus cerasus) that has a round crown and bright red to almost black soft-fleshed acid fruits also : the fruit

sour cream
: a soured cream product produced by the action of lactobacilli

sour grapes
: disparagement of something that has proven unattainable <his criticisms are just sour grapes>

sour grass
: SORREL

sour gum
: BLACK GUM

sour mash
: grain mash for brewing or distilling whose initial acidity has been adjusted to optimum condition for yeast fermentation by mash from a previous run

sour orange
: a citrus tree (Citrus aurantium) that is used especially as a stock in grafting citrus also : its bitter fruit

source
n. 1 a : a generative force : CAUSE b (1) : a point of origin or procurement : BEGINNING (2) : one that initiates : AUTHOR also : PROTOTYPE, MODEL (3) : one that supplies information
2 a : the point of origin of a stream of water : FOUNTAINHEAD b archaic : SPRING, FOUNT
3 : a firsthand document or primary reference work
4 : an electrode in a field-effect transistor that supplies the charge carriers for current flow ― compare DRAIN, GATE
synonyms see ORIGIN
–source·less \-ləs\ adjective

source
n. 1 : to specify the source of (as quoted material)
2 : to obtain from a source <metals sourced from abroad>

source
n. : of, relating to, or being source code <a source file>

source
n. point source
source code
source language
X ray source
Aux Sources Mont

source code
: a computer program in its original programming language (as FORTRAN or C) before translation into object code usually by a compiler

source language
: a language which is to be translated into another language ― compare TARGET LANGUAGE

sourcebook
n. : a fundamental document or record (as of history, literature, art, or religion) on which subsequent writings, compositions, opinions, beliefs, or practices are based also : a collection of such documents

sourdough
n. 1 : a leaven consisting of dough in which fermentation is active
2 [from the use of sourdough for making bread in prospectors' camps] : a veteran inhabitant and especially an old-time prospector of Alaska or northwestern Canada

Souris
river 450 mi (724 km) Canada & U.S. flowing from SE Sask. SE into N N.Dak. & N into the Assiniboine in SW Man.

sourpuss
n. : GROUCH, KILLJOY

soursop
n. : a small tropical American tree (Annona muricata) of the custard-apple family that has spicy odoriferous leaves also : its large edible fruit that has fleshy spines and a slightly acid fibrous pulp

sourwood
n. : a small U.S. tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) of the heath family with white flowers and sour-tasting leaves

sous
: being an assistant ― used chiefly in titles <a sous-chef>

sous
Montreuil sous Bois
Iles sous le Vent
Îles sous le Vent

Sousa
n. John Philip 1854-1932 the March King American bandmaster & composer

sousaphone
n. : a large circular tuba that has a flared adjustable bell ― compare HELICON

souse
n. transitive verb
1 : PICKLE
2 a : to plunge in liquid : IMMERSE b : DRENCH, SATURATE
3 : to make drunk : INEBRIATE
intransitive verb : to become immersed or drenched

souse
n. 1 : something pickled especially : seasoned and chopped pork trimmings, fish, or shellfish
2 : an act of sousing : WETTING
3 a : a habitual drunkard b : a drinking spree : BINGE

souse
n. intransitive verb archaic : to swoop down : PLUNGE
transitive verb archaic : to swoop down on

Sousse
city & port NE Tunisia pop 69,530

soutache
n. : a narrow braid with herringbone pattern used as trimming

soutane
n. : CASSOCK

Souter
n. David 1939-     American jurist

souter
n. chiefly Scottish : SHOEMAKER

South
n. Robert 1634-1716 Eng. clergyman

south
n. 1 : to, toward, or in the south <a house facing south>
2 : into a state of decline or ruin <causes the sluggish economy to go south ― G. F. Will>

south
n. 1 : situated toward or at the south <the south entrance>
2 : coming from the south <a south wind>

south
n. 1 a : the direction of the south terrestrial pole : the direction to the right of one facing east b : the compass point directly opposite to north
2 capitalized : regions or countries lying to the south of a specified or implied point of orientation especially : the southeastern part of the U.S.
3 : the right side of a church looking toward the altar from the nave
4 often capitalized a : the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the south or at the bottom of a diagram b : a person (as a bridge player) occupying this position in the course of a specified activity specifically : the declarer in bridge
5 often capitalized : the developing nations of the world : THIRD WORLD 3 ― compare NORTH 2b

south
n. South Canadian
South West Africa
east by south
New South
South African
south by east
south by west
South Devon
southeast by south
south pole
south seeking pole
south southeast
south southwest
southwest by south
west by south
South Tirol
Deep South
South Cape
New South Wales
South Africa Republic of
South African Republic
South America
South American
South Arabia Federation of
South Atlantic
South Australia
South Ayrshire
South Bend
South Carolina
South Carolinian
South China Sea
South Dakota
South Dakotan
South Downs
South Euclid
South Gate
South Georgia
South Holland
South Island
South Jordan
South Kingstown
South Korea
South Lake Tahoe
South Lanarkshire
South Moresby National Park
South Mountain
South Nahanni
South Orkney Islands
South Ossetia
South Pacific
South Pasadena
South Pass
South Platte
South Portland
South Sandwich Islands
South San Francisco
South Saskatchewan
South Seas
South Shetland Islands
South Shields
South Thompson
South Vietnam
South Windsor
South Yemen
South Yemeni
South Yorkshire
Union of South Africa

South Africa, Republic of
country S Africa S of the Limpopo, Molopo, & Orange rivers bordering on Atlantic & Indian oceans; a republic, until 1961 (as Union of South Africa) a Brit. dominion; administrative capital Pretoria, legislative capital Cape Town, judicial capital Bloemfontein area 471,445 sq mi (1,221,043 sq km), pop 30,193,000

South African
1 : a native or inhabitant of the Republic of South Africa
2 : AFRIKANER
–South African adjective

South African Republic
― see TRANSVAAL

South America
continent of the western hemisphere lying bet. the Atlantic & Pacific oceans SE of N. America & chiefly S of the equator area 6,880,706 sq mi (17,821,029 sq km)
–South American adjective or noun

South Arabia, Federation of
former Brit. protectorate comprising crown colony of Aden & numerous semi-independent Arab sultanates & emirates; made part of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen 1967

South Atlantic
― see ATLANTIC OCEAN

South Australia
state S Australia capital Adelaide area 380,070 sq mi (988,182 sq km), pop 1,462,900

South Ayrshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 464 sq mi (1202 sq km)

South Bend
city N Ind. NW of Fort Wayne pop 107,789

south by east

1747
: a compass point that is one point east of due south : S11°15′E

south by west

circa 1743
: a compass point that is one point west of due south : S11°15′W

South Canadian
― see CANADIAN

South Cape
― see KA LAE

South Carolina
state SE U.S. capital Columbia area 31,113 sq mi (80,583 sq km), pop 4,012,012
–South Car·o·lin·ian \-'li-nē-ən, -'li-nyən\ adjective or noun

South China Sea
part of W Pacific enclosed by SE China, Taiwan, Philippines, Indochina, Malaya, & Borneo

South Dakota
state NW cen U.S. capital Pierre area 77,116 sq mi (199,730 sq km), pop 754,844
–South Da·ko·tan \-'kō-tən\ adjective or noun

South Devon
: any of a breed of large red cattle of English origin formerly bred for both milk and meat but now increasingly specialized for beef production

South Downs
hills S England chiefly in Sussex

South Euclid
city NE Ohio E of Cleveland pop 23,537

South Gate
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 96,375

South Georgia
island S. Atlantic E of Tierra del Fuego area 1450 sq mi (3770 sq km); administered by Britain

South Holland
province SW Netherlands capital The Hague area 1259 sq mi (3261 sq km), pop 3,423,780

South Island
island S New Zealand area 59,439 sq mi (153,947 sq km), pop 906,756

South Jordan
city N cen Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 29,437

South Kingstown
town S R.I. pop 27,921

South Korea
― see KOREA 2

South Lake Tahoe
city E Calif. on Lake Tahoe pop 23,609

South Lanarkshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 684 sq mi (1771 sq km)

South Moresby National Park
n. reservation Canada in W B.C. in Queen Charlotte Islands

South Mountain
ridge S Pa. & W Md. at N end of Blue Ridge

South Nahanni
n. river 350 mi (563 km) Canada in SW Northwest Territories flowing SE into the Liard

South Orkney Islands
islands S. Atlantic SE of the Falklands in British Antarctic Territory area 240 sq mi (622 sq km)

South Ossetia
autonomous region N Republic of Georgia capital Tskhinvali area ab 1500 sq mi (3900 sq km), pop 99,000

South Pacific
― see PACIFIC OCEAN

South Pasadena
city SW Calif. pop 24,292

South Pass
broad valley SW cen Wyo. crossing Continental Divide

South Platte
river 424 mi (682 km) Colo. & Nebr. flowing E to join N. Platte River forming the Platte River

south pole
1 a often capitalized S&P : the southernmost point of the earth b : the zenith of the heavens as viewed from the south terrestrial pole
2 of a magnet : the pole that points toward the south

South Portland
city SW Maine pop 23,324

South San Francisco
city W Calif. pop 60,552

South Sandwich Islands
islands S. Atlantic SE of S. Georgia Is. area 120 sq mi (312 sq km); administered by Britain

South Saskatchewan
― see SASKATCHEWAN

South Seas
the areas of the Atlantic, Indian, & Pacific oceans in the southern hemisphere ― used especially of the S. Pacific

South Shetland Islands
British islands S. Atlantic SE of Cape Horn off tip of Antarctic Peninsula

South Shields
seaport N England in Tyne and Wear at mouth of the Tyne E of Newcastle pop 87,203

South Thompson
― see THOMPSON

South Tirol
― see ALTO ADIGE

South Vietnam
v. ― see VIETNAM

South Windsor
town N Conn. NE of Hartford pop 24,412

South Yemen
― see YEMEN
–South Ye·me·ni \'ye-mə-nē\ adjective

South Yorkshire
metropolitan county N England capital Barnsley area 624 sq mi (1616 sq km), pop 1,248,500

south-seeking pole
: SOUTH POLE 2

south-southeast
: a compass point that is two points east of due south : S22°30′E

south-southwest
: a compass point that is two points west of due south : S22°30′W

South-West Africa
― see NAMIBIA

Southall
former municipal borough S England in Middlesex, now part of Ealing

Southampton
n. city & port S England in Hampshire on Southampton Water (estuary) pop 194,400

Southampton Island
island N Canada in Nunavut, bet. Hudson Bay & Foxe Channel area 15,700 sq mi (40,820 sq km)

Southaven
city N Miss. near Tenn. border pop 28,977

southbound
adj. : traveling or heading south

Southdown
n. : any of a breed of small medium-wooled hornless sheep of English origin

southeast
n. : to, toward, or in the southeast

southeast
n. 1 a : the general direction between south and east b : the point midway between the south and east compass points
2 capitalized : regions or countries lying to the southeast of a specified or implied point of orientation

southeast
n. 1 : coming from the southeast <a southeast wind>
2 : situated toward or at the southeast <the southeast corner>

southeast
n. east southeast
southeast by east
southeast by south
south southeast
Association of Southeast Asian Nations

southeast by east

circa 1599
: a compass point that is one point east of due southeast : S56°15′E

southeast by south

1682
: a compass point that is one point south of due southeast : S33°45′E

southeaster
n. 1 : a strong southeast wind
2 : a storm with southeast winds

southeasterly
adj. 1 : from the southeast
2 : toward the southeast

southeastern
adj. 1 often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated southeast
2 : lying toward or coming from the southeast
–south·east·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective

Southeasterner
n. : a native or inhabitant of the Southeast especially : a native or resident of the southeastern part of the U.S.

southeastward
adj. : toward the southeast
–south·east·wards \-twərdz\ adverb

southeastward
adj. : SOUTHEAST

Southend-on-Sea
seaside resort SE England in Essex at mouth of Thames estuary pop 153,700

southerly
adj. 1 : situated toward or belonging to the south <the southerly shore of the lake>
2 : coming from the south <a southerly wind>

southerly
adj. : a wind from the south

Southern
adj. : the dialect of English spoken in most of the Chesapeake Bay area, the coastal plain and the greater part of the upland plateau in Virginia, No. Carolina, So. Carolina, and Georgia, and the Gulf states at least as far west as the valley of the Brazos in Texas and sometimes taken to include the south Midland area

southern
adj. 1 capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated South
2 a : lying toward the south b : coming from the south <a southern breeze>
–south·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective
–south·ern·ness \-thərn-nəs\ noun often cap

southern
adj. Southern Karoo
Southern Yemen
Southern Rhodesia
southern lights
Southern blot
Southern blotting
southern corn rootworm
Southern Cross
Southern English
southern hemisphere
Southern Alps
Southern Ocean
Southern Uplands

Southern Alps
mountain range New Zealand in W South Is. extending almost the length of the island ― see COOK (Mount)

Southern blot
: a blot consisting of a nitrocellulose or nylon sheet containing spots of DNA for identification by a suitable molecular probe ― compare WESTERN BLOT
–Southern blotting noun

southern corn rootworm
: SPOTTED CUCUMBER BEETLE

Southern Cross
: four bright stars in the southern hemisphere that are situated as if at the extremities of a Latin cross also : the constellation of which these four stars are the brightest

Southern English
1 : the English spoken especially by cultivated people native to or educated in the South of England
2 : SOUTHERN

southern hemisphere
: the part of the earth that lies south of the equator

Southern Karoo
― see KAROO

southern lights
: AURORA AUSTRALIS

Southern Ocean
the ocean surrounding Antarctica including the southern parts of the S. Atlantic, S. Pacific, & Indian oceans especially S of ab 60°S

Southern Rhodesia
― see ZIMBABWE 2

Southern Uplands
elevated moorland region S Scotland

Southern Yemen
― see YEMEN

Southerner
n. : a native or inhabitant of the South especially : a native or resident of the southern part of the U.S.

Southernism
1 : an attitude or trait characteristic of the South or Southerners especially in the U.S.
2 : a locution or pronunciation characteristic of the southern U.S.

southernwood
n. : a shrubby fragrant European wormwood (Artemisia abrotanum) with bitter foliage

Southey
n. Robert 1774-1843 Eng. author; poet laureate (1813-43)

Southfield
city SE Mich. NW of Detroit pop 78,296

Southgate
city SE Mich. S of Detroit pop 30,136

southing
n. 1 : difference in latitude to the south from the last preceding point of reckoning
2 : southerly progress

Southington
town W cen Conn. pop 39,728

southland
n. : land in the south : the south of a country

southpaw
n. : LEFT-HANDER especially : a left-handed baseball pitcher
–southpaw adjective

Southport
town NW England in Merseyside on coast N of Liverpool pop 89,745

Southron
n. chiefly Scottish : SOUTHERN specifically : ENGLISH

Southron
n. : SOUTHERNER: as a chiefly Scottish : ENGLISHMAN b chiefly Southern : a native or inhabitant of the southern U.S.

southward
adj. : toward the south
–south·wards \-wərdz\ adverb

southward
adj. : southward direction or part <sail to the southward>

Southwark
borough of S London, England pop 196,500

southwest
n. : to, toward, or in the southwest

southwest
n. 1 a : the general direction between south and west b : the point midway between the south and west compass points
2 capitalized : regions or countries lying to the southwest of a specified or implied point of orientation

southwest
n. 1 : coming from the southwest <a southwest wind>
2 : situated toward or at the southwest <the southwest corner>

southwest
n. German Southwest Africa
south southwest
southwest by south
southwest by west
west southwest

southwest by south

1725
: a compass point that is one point south of due southwest : S33°45′W

southwest by west

circa 1771
: a compass point that is one point west of due southwest : S56°15′W

southwester
n. 1 : a strong southwest wind
2 : a storm with southwest winds

southwesterly
adj. 1 : from the southwest
2 : toward the southwest

southwestern
adj. 1 : lying toward or coming from the southwest
2 often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Southwest
–south·west·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective

southwestern corn borer
: a pyralid moth (Diatraea grandiosella) whose larva causes serious damage especially to corn crops by boring in the stalks

Southwesterner
n. : a native or inhabitant of the Southwest especially : a native or resident of the southwestern U.S.

southwestward
adj. : toward the southwest
–south·west·wards \-twərdz\ adverb

southwestward
adj. : SOUTHWEST

Soutine
Chaim 1893-1943 Fr. (Lith.-born) painter

souvenir
n. : something that serves as a reminder

souvenir sheet
: a block or set of postage stamps or a single stamp printed on a single sheet of paper often without gum or perforations and with margins containing lettering or design that identifies some notable event being commemorated

souvlaki
n. : SHISH KEBAB

sovereign
n. 1 a : one possessing or held to possess sovereignty b : one that exercises supreme authority within a limited sphere c : an acknowledged leader : ARBITER
2 : any of various gold coins of the United Kingdom

sovereign
n. 1 a : superlative in quality : EXCELLENT b : of the most exalted kind : SUPREME <sovereign virtue> c : having generalized curative powers <a sovereign remedy> d : of an unqualified nature : UNMITIGATED <sovereign contempt> e : having undisputed ascendancy : PARAMOUNT
2 a : possessed of supreme power <a sovereign ruler> b : unlimited in extent : ABSOLUTE c : enjoying autonomy : INDEPENDENT <sovereign states>
3 : relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a sovereign
synonyms see FREE
–sov·er·eign·ly adverb

sovereignty
n. 1 obsolete : supreme excellence or an example of it
2 a : supreme power especially over a body politic b : freedom from external control : AUTONOMY c : controlling influence
3 : one that is sovereign especially : an autonomous state

Sovetsk
city W Russia in Europe on the Neman pop 42,300

Sovetskaya Gavan'
city & port SE Russia in Asia on Tatar Strait pop 35,400

soviet
n. 1 : an elected governmental council in a Communist country
2 plural capitalized a : BOLSHEVIKS b : the people and especially the political and military leaders of the U.S.S.R.
–soviet adjective often cap
–so·vi·et·ism \-vē-ə-ˌti-zəm\ noun often cap

soviet
n. Soviet Russia
Supreme Soviet
Soviet Central Asia
Soviet Union
anti Soviet
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
anti Sovietism

Soviet Central Asia
the portion of cen Asia formerly belonging to the U.S.S.R. & comprising the Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, & Uzbekistan republics & sometimes Kazakhstan

Soviet Russia
1 ― see RUSSIA
2 the U.S.S.R.

Soviet Union
― see UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

sovietize
v. 1 : to bring under Soviet control
2 : to force into conformity with Soviet cultural patterns or governmental policies
–so·vi·et·i·za·tion \ˌsō-vē-ˌe-tə-'zā-shən, -vē-ə-\ noun often cap

Sovietologist
n. : a specialist in the policies and practices of the Soviet government : KREMLINOLOGIST
–So·vi·et·ol·o·gy \-lə-jē\ noun

sovkhoz
n. : a state-owned farm of the U.S.S.R. paying wages to the workers

sow
n. 1 : an adult female swine also : the adult female of various other animals (as a bear)
2 a : a channel that conducts molten metal to molds b : a mass of metal solidified in such a mold : INGOT

sow
n. intransitive verb
1 : to plant seed for growth especially by scattering
2 : to set something in motion : begin an enterprise
transitive verb
1 a : to scatter (as seed) upon the earth for growth broadly : PLANT 1A b : to strew with or as if with seed c : to introduce into a selected environment : IMPLANT
2 : to set in motion : FOMENT <sow suspicion>
3 : to spread abroad : DISPERSE
–sow·er \'sō(-ə)r\ noun

sow
n. self sow
sow bug
sow thistle

sow bug
: WOOD LOUSE especially : a wood louse capable of curling itself into a ball

sow thistle
: any of a genus (Sonchus) of spiny weedy Eurasian and African composite herbs including some (as S. arvensis and S. oleraceus) widely naturalized in No. America

sowbelly
n. : fat salt pork or bacon

sowens
: porridge from oat husks and siftings

Soweto
township NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng adjoining SW Johannesburg; a black residential complex
–So·we·tan \-tən\ noun

SOx
n. sulfur oxide

sox
n. plural of sock

sox
n. bobby sox
every so often
and so on
and so forth
even so
so far
so help me
so long
say so
so as to
so and so
so and so's
so and sos
so called
so far as
so long as
so many
so much
so much as
so so
so that
in so many words
und so weiter

soy
n. 1 : a brown liquid sauce made by subjecting beans (as soybeans) to long fermentation and to digestion in brine
2 also soya \'sȯi-ə\ : SOYBEAN

soybean
n. : a hairy annual Asian legume (Glycine max) widely grown for its oil-rich proteinaceous seeds and for forage and soil improvement also : its seed

soybean oil
: a pale yellow drying or semidrying oil that is obtained from soybeans and is used chiefly as a food, in paints, varnishes, linoleum, printing ink, and soap, and as a source of phospholipids, fatty acids, and sterols ― called also soya oil

Soyinka
Wo·le \'wȯ-lā\ 1934-     Nigerian dram. & poet

sozzled
adj. : DRUNK, INTOXICATED

SP
1 shore patrol; shore patrolman; shore police
2 specialist

Sp
Spain; Spanish

sp
1 special
2 species
3 specific
4 spelling

sp gr
specific gravity

sp ht
specific heat

Spa
n. town E Belgium SE of Liège pop 10,394

spa
n. 1 a : a mineral spring b : a resort with mineral springs
2 : a fashionable resort or hotel
3 New England : SODA FOUNTAIN
4 : a commercial establishment (as a resort) providing facilities devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation
5 : a hot tub with a whirlpool device

Spaak
Paul-Henri Charles 1899-1972 Belg. lawyer & polit.; premier (1938-39; 1947-50); secy.-gen. of NATO (1957-61)

Spaatz
Carl 1891-1974 American gen.

space
n. 1 : a period of time also : its duration
2 a : a limited extent in one, two, or three dimensions : DISTANCE, AREA, VOLUME b : an extent set apart or available <parking space> <floor space> c : the distance from other people or things that a person needs in order to remain comfortable <invading my personal space>
3 : one of the degrees between or above or below the lines of a musical staff ― compare LINE
4 a : a boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction <infinite space and time> b : physical space independent of what occupies it ― called also absolute space
5 : the region beyond the earth's atmosphere or beyond the solar system
6 a : a blank area separating words or lines b : material used to produce such blank area especially : a piece of type less than one en in width
7 : a set of mathematical elements and especially of abstractions of all the points on a line, in a plane, or in physical space especially : a set of mathematical entities with a set of axioms of geometric character ― compare METRIC SPACE, TOPOLOGICAL SPACE, VECTOR SPACE
8 a : LINAGE b : broadcast time available especially to advertisers
9 : accommodations on a public vehicle
10 a : the opportunity to assert or experience one's identity or needs freely b : an opportunity for privacy or time to oneself

space
n. transitive verb : to place at intervals or arrange with space between ― often used with out
intransitive verb : to leave one or more blank spaces (as in a line of typing)
–spac·er noun

space
n. absolute space
Banach space
breathing space
crawl space
dead air space
dead space
deep space
double space
euclidean space
half space
Hilbert space
inner space
linear space
living space
metric space
null space
outer space
sample space
single space
space age
space cadet
space charge
space frame
space heater
space heating
space lattice
space mark
space medicine
space opera
space out
space shuttle
space station
space platform
space suit
space time
space time continuum
space walk
topological space
triple space
vector space
white space
spaced out

space cadet
: a flaky, lightheaded, or forgetful person

space charge
: an electric charge distributed throughout a three-dimensional region

space frame
: a usually open three-dimensional framework of struts and braces (as in buildings and racing cars) which defines a structure and distributes its weight evenly in all directions

space heater
: a usually portable appliance for heating a relatively small area

space heating
: heating of spaces especially for human comfort by any means (as fuel, electricity, or solar radiation) with the heater either within the space or external to it

space lattice
: LATTICE 2

space mark
: the symbol #

space medicine
: a branch of medicine that deals with the physiological and biological effects on the human body of spaceflight

space opera
: a futuristic melodramatic fantasy involving space travelers and extraterrestrial beings

space out
: to become inattentive, distracted, or mentally remote <spaced out halfway through the lecture>

space shuttle
: a reusable spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space

space station
: a large artificial satellite designed to be occupied for long periods and to serve as a base (as for scientific observation) ― called also space platform

space suit
1 : a suit equipped with life supporting provisions to make life in space possible for its wearer
2 : G SUIT

space walk
: a period of activity spent outside a spacecraft by an astronaut in space
–space·walk \'spās-ˌwȯk\ intransitive verb
–space·walk·er \-ˌwȯ-kər\ noun

space-age
: of, relating to, or befitting the age of space exploration especially : MODERN <space-age technology>

space-time
1 : a system of one temporal and three spatial coordinates by which any physical object or event can be located ― called also space-time continuum
2 : the whole or a portion of physical reality determinable by a usually four-dimensional coordinate system also : the properties characteristic of such an order

spaceband
: a device on a linecaster that provides variable but even spacing between words in a justified line

spacecraft
n. : a vehicle or device designed for travel or operation outside the earth's atmosphere

spaced-out
1 or spaced \'spāst\ : dazed or stupefied by or as if by a narcotic substance : HIGH
2 : of very strange character : WEIRD <a spaced-out fantasy>

spaceflight
n. : flight beyond the earth's atmosphere

spaceless
adj. 1 : having no limits : BOUNDLESS
2 : occupying no space

spaceman
n. 1 : one who travels outside the earth's atmosphere
2 : a visitor to earth from outer space

spaceport
n. : an installation for testing and launching spacecraft

spaceship
n. : a vehicle used for space travel

spaceward
adv. : toward space

spacey
adj. : SPACED-OUT

spacial
adj. variant of spatial

spacing
n. 1 a : the act of providing with spaces or placing at intervals b : an arrangement in space
2 a : a limited extent : SPACE b : the distance between any two objects in a usually regularly arranged series

spacious
adj. 1 : vast or ample in extent : ROOMY <a spacious residence>
2 : large or magnificent in scale : EXPANSIVE <a more spacious and stimulating existence than the farm could offer ― H. L. Mencken>
–spa·cious·ly adverb
–spa·cious·ness noun
synonyms SPACIOUS, COMMODIOUS, CAPACIOUS, AMPLE mean larger in extent or capacity than the average. SPACIOUS implies great length and breadth <a spacious front lawn>. COMMODIOUS stresses roominess and comfortableness <a commodious and airy penthouse apartment>. CAPACIOUS stresses the ability to hold, contain, or retain more than the average <a capacious suitcase>. AMPLE implies having a greater size, expanse, or amount than that deemed adequate <ample closet space>.

Spackle
n. ― used for a compound that is used as a filler for cracks or holes in a surface

spackle
n. : to apply Spackle paste to

spade
n. 1 : a digging implement adapted for being pushed into the ground with the foot
2 : a spade-shaped instrument
–spade·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

spade
n. transitive verb : to dig up or out or shape with or as if with a spade
intransitive verb : to use a spade
–spad·er noun

spade
n. 1 a plural but singular or plural in construction : the suit comprising cards marked spades b : a black figure that resembles a stylized spearhead on each playing card of one of the four suits also : a card marked with this figure
2 usually offensive : BLACK 4
–in spades : to an unusually great degree : in the extreme

spade
n. call a spade a spade
spade beard
spade bearded
in spades

spade beard
1 : an oblong beard with square ends
2 : a beard rounded off at the top and pointed at the bottom
–spade-beard·ed \'spād-'bir-dəd\ adjective

spadefish
: a laterally compressed bony fish (Chaetodipterus faber of the family Ephippidae) that resembles the angelfishes and is found in the warmer parts of the western Atlantic

spadefoot toad
: any of a family (Pelobatidae) of burrowing toads having the inner bone of the tarsus edged with a strong horny sheath with which they dig

spadework
n. 1 : work done with a spade
2 : the hard plain preliminary drudgery in an undertaking

spadille
n. : the highest trump in various card games (as ombre)

spadix
n. : a floral spike with a fleshy or succulent axis usually enclosed in a spathe

spae
v. chiefly Scottish : FORETELL

spaetzle
n. : a small dumpling cooked by running batter through a colander into boiling water

spaghetti
n. 1 : pasta made in thin solid strings
2 : insulating tubing typically of varnished cloth or of plastic for covering bare wire or holding insulated wires together
–spa·ghet·ti·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

spaghetti
n. spaghetti squash
spaghetti strap
spaghetti western

spaghetti squash
: an oval winter squash (Cucurbita pepo) with flesh that once cooked is similar in texture to spaghetti

spaghetti strap
: a very slender fabric shoulder strap

spaghetti western
: a western motion picture produced in Italy

spaghettini
n. : a pasta thinner than spaghetti but thicker than vermicelli

spahi
n. 1 : one of a former corps of irregular Turkish cavalry
2 : one of a former corps of Algerian native cavalry in the French army

Spain
n. country SW Europe in the Iberian Peninsula; a kingdom capital Madrid area 194,881 sq mi (504,742 sq km), pop 39,141,000

Spain
n. pellitory of Spain
castle in Spain
New Spain
Port of Spain

spake
n. archaic past of speak

spall
n. : a small fragment or chip especially of stone

spall
n. : to break up or reduce by or as if by chipping with a hammer
intransitive verb
1 : to break off chips, scales, or slabs : EXFOLIATE
2 : to undergo spallation
–spall·able \'spȯ-lə-bəl\ adjective

spallation
n. 1 : a nuclear reaction in which light particles are ejected as the result of bombardment (as by high-energy protons)
2 : the process of spalling

spalpeen
n. chiefly Irish : RASCAL

Spam
n. ― used for a canned meat product

spam
n. : unsolicited usually commercial e-mail sent to a large number of addresses

spam
n. transitive verb : to send spam to
intransitive verb : to send spam
–spam·mer noun

span
n. archaic past of spin

span
n. 1 : the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand also : an English unit of length equal to nine inches (22.9 centimeters)
2 : an extent, stretch, reach, or spread between two limits: as a : a limited space (as of time) especially : an individual's lifetime b : the spread or extent between abutments or supports (as of a bridge) also : a portion thus supported c : the maximum distance laterally from tip to tip of an airplane

span
n. 1 a : to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended b : MEASURE
2 a : to extend across <a career that spanned four decades> b : to form an arch over <a small bridge spanned the pond> c : to place or construct a span over
3 : to be capable of expressing any element of under given operations <a set of vectors that spans a vector space>

span
n. : a pair of animals (as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together

span
n. attention span
C Span
life span
span new
spick and span
spic and span

span-new
: BRAND-NEW

spanakopita
n. : a traditional Greek pie of spinach, feta cheese, and seasonings baked in phyllo

Spandau
a W section of Berlin, Germany

spandex
n. : any of various elastic textile fibers made chiefly of polyurethane also : clothing made of this material

spandrel
n. 1 : the sometimes ornamented space between the right or left exterior curve of an arch and an enclosing right angle
2 : the triangular space beneath the string of a stair

spang
adv. 1 : to a complete degree
2 : in an exact or direct manner : SQUARELY

spangle
n. 1 : a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation especially on clothing
2 : a small glittering object or particle

spangle
n. transitive verb : to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles
intransitive verb : to glitter as if covered with spangles : SPARKLE

Spanglish
n. : Spanish marked by numerous borrowings from English broadly : any of various combinations of Spanish and English

Spaniard
n. : a native or inhabitant of Spain

spaniel
n. 1 : a member of any of several breeds of small or medium-sized mostly short-legged dogs usually having long wavy hair, feathered legs and tail, and large drooping ears
2 : a fawning servile person

spaniel
n. Brittany spaniel
American water spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
clumber spaniel
cocker spaniel
English cocker spaniel
English springer spaniel
English toy spaniel
field spaniel
Irish water spaniel
King Charles spaniel
springer spaniel
Sussex spaniel
water spaniel
Welsh springer spaniel

Spanish
adj. 1 : the Romance language of the largest part of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards
2 plural in construction : the people of Spain
–Spanish adjective
–Span·ish·ness noun

Spanish
adj. Judeo Spanish
Mexican Spanish
Spanish American
Spanish bayonet
Spanish chestnut
Spanish fly
Spanish mackerel
Spanish moss
Spanish needles
Spanish omelet
Spanish onion
Spanish rice
Spanish America
Spanish Guinea
Spanish Main
Spanish Morocco
Spanish Peaks
Spanish Sahara
Spanish Town

Spanish America
1 the Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas
2 the parts of America settled & formerly governed by the Spanish

Spanish American
1 : a native or inhabitant of one of the countries of America in which Spanish is the national language
2 : a resident of the U.S. whose native language is Spanish and whose culture is of Spanish origin
–Spanish-American adjective

Spanish bayonet
: any of several yuccas especially : one (Yucca aloifolia) of the southeastern U.S. and West Indies with rigid spine-tipped leaves

Spanish chestnut
1 : the sweet edible nut of a large Mediterranean chestnut (Castanea sativa) ― called also marron
2 : a tree that bears Spanish chestnuts

Spanish fly
1 : a green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria) of southern Europe
2 : CANTHARIS 2

Spanish Guinea
former Spanish colony W Africa bordering on Gulf of Guinea including Río Muni (Mbini), Fernando Póo (Bioko) & other islands ― see EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Spanish mackerel
: a large mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) that is bluish above with oval brown spots on the sides, is found off the Atlantic coast of No. America from Cape Cod to the Yucatán, and is an important food and game fish

Spanish Main
1 the mainland of Spanish America especially along N coast of S. America
2 the Caribbean Sea & adjacent waters especially at the time when region was infested with pirates

Spanish Morocco
― see MOROCCO 1

Spanish moss
: an epiphytic plant (Tillandsia usneoides) of the pineapple family forming pendent tufts of grayish-green filaments on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Spanish needles
: any of several bur marigolds especially : an annual (Bidens bipinnata) of No. America and Asia having yellow flowers and dissected leaves

Spanish omelet
: an omelet served with a sauce containing chopped green pepper, onion, and tomato

Spanish onion
: a large mild-flavored onion typically having yellow or white skin

Spanish Peaks
two mountains (East Spanish Peak 12,683 ft or 3866 m & West Spanish Peak 13,623 ft or 4152 m) S Colo.

Spanish rice
: rice cooked with onions, green pepper, and tomatoes

Spanish Sahara
former Spanish possessions Río de Oro & Saguia el Hamra ― see WESTERN SAHARA

Spanish Town
town SE cen Jamaica; former capital of Jamaica pop 131,056

spank
n. : to strike especially on the buttocks with the open hand
–spank noun

spank
n. : to move quickly, dashingly, or spiritedly <spanking along in his new car>

spanker
n. 1 : the fore-and-aft sail on the mast nearest the stern of a square-rigged ship
2 : the sail on the mast nearest the stern of a schooner of four or more masts

spanking
n. 1 : remarkable of its kind
2 : being fresh and strong : BRISK

spanking
n. : VERY <a spanking clean floor> <spanking new>

spanner
n. 1 chiefly British : WRENCH
2 : a wrench that has a hole, projection, or hook at one or both ends of the head for engaging with a corresponding device on the object that is to be turned

spanworm
n. : LOOPER 1

SPAR
n. : a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard

spar
n. 1 : a stout pole
2 a : a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging b : any of the main longitudinal members of the wing of an airplane that carry the ribs

spar
n. 1 a : BOX especially : to gesture without landing a blow to draw one's opponent or create an opening b : to engage in a practice or exhibition bout of boxing
2 : SKIRMISH, WRANGLE
3 : to strike or fight with feet or spurs in the manner of a gamecock

spar
n. 1 : a movement of offense or defense in boxing
2 : a sparring match or session

spar
n. : any of various nonmetallic usually cleavable and lustrous minerals

spar varnish
: an exterior waterproof varnish

spare
n. transitive verb
1 : to forbear to destroy, punish, or harm
2 : to refrain from attacking or reprimanding with necessary or salutary severity
3 : to relieve of the necessity of doing or undergoing something <spare yourself the trouble>
4 : to refrain from : AVOID <spared no expense>
5 : to use or dispense frugally ― used chiefly in the negative <don't spare the syrup>
6 a : to give up as not strictly needed <do you have any cash to spare> b : to have left over or as margin <time to spare>
intransitive verb
1 : to be frugal
2 : to refrain from doing harm
–spare·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–spar·er noun

spare
n. 1 : not being used especially : held for emergency use <a spare tire>
2 : being over and above what is needed : SUPERFLUOUS <spare time>
3 : not liberal or profuse : SPARING <a spare prose style>
4 : healthily lean
5 : not abundant or plentiful
synonyms see LEAN, MEAGER
–spare·ly adverb
–spare·ness noun

spare
n. 1 a : a spare tire b : a duplicate (as a key or a machine part) kept in reserve
2 : the knocking down of all 10 pins with the first 2 balls in a frame in bowling

spareribs
n. : a cut of pork ribs separated from the bacon strip

sparge
v. 1 : SPRINKLE, BESPATTER especially : SPRAY
2 : to agitate (a liquid) by means of compressed air or gas entering through a pipe
–sparge noun
–sparg·er noun

sparing
adj. 1 : marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)
2 : MEAGER, BARE <the map is sparing of information>
–spar·ing·ly adverb
synonyms SPARING, FRUGAL, THRIFTY, ECONOMICAL mean careful in the use of one's money or resources. SPARING stresses abstention and restraint <sparing in the offering of advice>. FRUGAL implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle <ran a frugal household>. THRIFTY stresses good management and industry <thrifty use of nonrenewable resources>. ECONOMICAL stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage <an economical health-care plan>.

Spark
n. Muriel Sarah 1918-     née Camberg Brit. writer

spark
n. 1 a : a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed b : a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass especially : one heated by friction
2 a : a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (as air) b : the discharge in a spark plug c : the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug
3 : SPARKLE, FLASH
4 : something that sets off a sudden force <provided the spark that helped the team to rally>
5 : a latent particle capable of growth or developing : GERM <still retains a spark of decency>
6 plural but singular in construction : a radio operator on a ship

spark
n. 1 a : to throw out sparks b : to flash or fall like sparks
2 : to produce sparks specifically : to have the electric ignition working
3 : to respond with enthusiasm
transitive verb
1 : to set off in a burst of activity : ACTIVATE <the question sparked a lively discussion> ― often used with off
2 : to stir to activity : INCITE <sparked her team to victory>
–spark·er noun

spark
n. 1 : a foppish young man
2 : LOVER, BEAU
–spark·ish \'spär-kish\ adjective

spark
n. : WOO, COURT
–spark·er noun

spark
n. spark chamber
spark gap
spark plug
sparking plug

spark chamber
: a device usually used to detect the path of a high-energy particle that consists of a series of charged metal plates or wires separated by a gas (as neon) in which observable electric discharges follow the path of the particle

spark gap
: a space between two high-potential terminals (as of an induction coil or spark plug) through which pass discharges of electricity also : a device having a spark gap

spark plug
1 : a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion
2 : one that initiates or gives impetus to an undertaking
–spark·plug \'spärk-ˌpləg\ transitive verb

sparking plug
British : SPARK PLUG

sparkle
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to throw out sparks b : to give off or reflect bright moving points of light c : to perform brilliantly
2 : EFFERVESCE <wine that sparkles>
3 : to become lively or animated <the dialogue sparkles with wit> <eyes sparkling with anger>
transitive verb : to cause to glitter or shine
synonyms see FLASH
–spar·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adjective

sparkle
n. 1 : a little spark : SCINTILLATION
2 : the quality of sparkling
3 a : ANIMATION, LIVELINESS b : the quality or state of being effervescent

sparkler
n. : one that sparkles: as a : DIAMOND b : a firework that throws off brilliant sparks on burning c : SPARKLING WINE

sparkling wine
: an effervescent table wine

Sparks
n. Jar·ed \'jer-əd\ 1789-1866 American hist.

Sparks
n. city W Nev. E of Reno pop 66,346

sparky
adj. : marked by animation : LIVELY <sparky children>
–spark·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

sparrow
n. 1 : any of a genus (Passer of the family Passeridae) of small chiefly brownish or grayish Old World oscine songbirds that include some which have been widely introduced especially : HOUSE SPARROW
2 : any of numerous finches (family Emberizidae) that are New World birds (as the song sparrow or tree sparrow) resembling the Old World sparrows
–spar·row·like \-rō-ˌlīk, -rə-ˌlīk\ adjective

sparrow
n. chipping sparrow
English sparrow
grasshopper sparrow
house sparrow
song sparrow
sparrow hawk
tree sparrow
white crowned sparrow
white throated sparrow

sparrow hawk
: any of various small hawks: as a : an Old World accipiter (Accipiter nisus) that is dark gray to blackish above with the female having a grayish-brown barred underside and the male having a chestnut barred underside b : KESTREL B

sparse
adj. : of few and scattered elements especially : not thickly grown or settled
synonyms see MEAGER
–sparse·ly adverb
–sparse·ness noun
–spar·si·ty \'spär-sə-tē, -stē\ noun

Sparta
n. ancient city S Greece in Peloponnese capital of Laconia

Spartacist
n. : a member of a revolutionary political group organized in Germany in 1918 and advocating extreme socialistic doctrines

Spartacus
n. d 71 B.C. Rom. slave & insurrectionist

Spartan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Sparta
2 : a person of great courage and self-discipline
–Spar·tan·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Spartan
n. 1 : of or relating to Sparta in ancient Greece
2 a often not capitalized : marked by strict self-discipline or self-denial <a Spartan athlete> b often not capitalized : marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort <a Spartan room> c : LACONIC d : undaunted by pain or danger
–Spar·tan·ly adverb

Spartanburg
city NW S.C. pop 39,673

sparteine
n. : a liquid alkaloid C_15H_26N_2 extracted from Scotch broom and used in medicine in the form of its sulfate

spartina
: CORDGRASS

spasm
n. 1 : an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction
2 : a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation <a spasm of creativity> <spasms of pain>
–spasm intransitive verb

spasmodic
adj. 1 a : relating to or affected or characterized by spasm b : resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence <a spasmodic jerk>
2 : acting or proceeding fitfully : INTERMITTENT <spasmodic activity>
3 : subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : EXCITABLE
synonyms see FITFUL
–spas·mod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

spasmolytic
adj. : tending or having the power to relieve spasms or convulsions
–spasmolytic noun

spastic
n. 1 a : of, relating to, characterized by, or affected with or as if with spasm <a spastic patient> b : characterized by hypertonic muscles <spastic cerebral palsy>
2 : SPASMODIC 2 <a spastic influx of data>
–spas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

spastic
n. : one suffering from spastic paralysis

spastic colon
: IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME also : a colon affected with spasms

spastic paralysis
: paralysis with tonic spasm of the affected muscles and with increased tendon reflexes

spasticity
n. : a spastic state or condition especially : muscular hypertonicity with increased tendon reflexes

spat
n. past and past part of spit

spat
n. : a young bivalve (as an oyster)

spat
n. : a cloth or leather gaiter covering the instep and ankle

spat
n. 1 chiefly dialect : SLAP
2 : a brief petty quarrel or angry outburst <a lovers' spat>
3 : a sound like that of rain falling in large drops

spat
n. transitive verb chiefly dialect : SLAP
intransitive verb
1 : to quarrel pettily or briefly
2 : to strike with a sound like that of rain falling in large drops

spate
n. 1 : FRESHET, FLOOD
2 a : a large number or amount <a spate of books on gardening> b : a sudden or strong outburst : RUSH <a spate of anger>

spathe
n. : a sheathing bract or pair of bracts partly enclosing an inflorescence and especially a spadix on the same axis <the spathe of the calla lily>

spathulate
: SPATULATE <spathulate petals of a flower>

spatial
adj. 1 : relating to, occupying, or having the character of space
2 : of or relating to facility in perceiving relations (as of objects) in space <tests of spatial ability>
–spa·ti·al·i·ty \ˌspā-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–spa·tial·ly \'spā-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

spatial summation
: sensory summation that involves stimulation of several spatially separated neurons at the same time

spatiotemporal
adj. 1 : having both spatial and temporal qualities
2 : of or relating to space-time
–spa·tio·tem·po·ral·ly \-p(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

spatter
n. intransitive verb : to spurt forth in scattered drops <blood spattering everywhere>
transitive verb
1 : to splash with or as if with a liquid also : to soil in this way <his coat was spattered with mud>
2 : to scatter by or as if by splashing <spatter water>
3 : to cover with or as if with splashes or spots
4 : to cast aspersions on : DEFAME <spattered my reputation>

spatter
n. 1 a : the act or process of spattering : the state of being spattered b : the noise of spattering
2 a : a drop or splash spattered on something or a spot or stain due to spattering b : a small amount or number : SPRINKLE <a spatter of applause>

spatterdock
n. : any of a genus (Nuphar) of water lilies having usually cordate leaves and typically yellow flowers

spatula
n. : a flat thin implement used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, or lifting

spatulate
adj. : shaped like a spatula <a spatulate leaf> <spatulate spines of a caterpillar> <a spatulate tool> ― see LEAF illustration

spatzle
variant of spaetzle

spavin
n. : SWELLING especially : a bony enlargement of the hock of a horse associated with strain

spavined
adj. 1 : affected with spavin
2 : old and decrepit : OVER-THE-HILL

spawn
n. intransitive verb
1 : to deposit or fertilize spawn
2 : to produce young especially in large numbers
transitive verb
1 a : to produce or deposit (eggs) ― used of an aquatic animal b : to induce (fish) to spawn c : to plant with mushroom spawn
2 : BRING FORTH, GENERATE <the idea spawned controversy>
–spawn·er noun

spawn
n. 1 : the eggs of aquatic animals (as fishes or oysters) that lay many small eggs
2 : PRODUCT, OFFSPRING also : offspring in great numbers
3 : the seed, germ, or source of something
4 : mycelium especially prepared (as in bricks) for propagating mushrooms

spay
v. : to remove the ovaries and uterus of (a female animal)

spaz
slang : one who is inept : KLUTZ

Spc
specialist

SPCA
n. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

SPCC
n. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

speak
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : TALK b (1) : to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally (2) : to extend a greeting (3) : to be friendly enough to engage in conversation <still were not speaking after the dispute> c (1) : to express oneself before a group (2) : to address one's remarks <speak to the issue>
2 a : to make a written statement <his diaries⋯spoke⋯of his entrancement with death ― Sy Kahn> b : to use such an expression ― often used in the phrase so to speak <was at the enemy's gates, so to speak ― C. S. Forester> c : to serve as spokesperson
3 a : to express feelings by other than verbal means <actions speak louder than words> b : SIGNAL c : to be interesting or attractive : APPEAL <great music⋯speaks directly to the emotions ― A. N. Whitehead>
4 : to make a request or claim ― used with for ― usually used in passive constructions <the seat was already spoken for>
5 : to make a characteristic or natural sound <all at once the thunder spoke ― George Meredith>
6 a : TESTIFY b : to be indicative or suggestive <his gold⋯spoke of riches in the land ― Julian Dana>
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to utter with the speaking voice : PRONOUNCE (2) : to give a recitation of : DECLAIM b : to express orally : DECLARE <free to speak their minds> c : ADDRESS, ACCOST especially : HAIL
2 : to make known in writing : STATE
3 : to use or be able to use in speaking <speaks Spanish>
4 : to indicate by other than verbal means
5 archaic : DESCRIBE, DEPICT
–speak·able \'spē-kə-bəl\ adjective
–to speak of : worthy of mention or notice ― usually used in negative constructions <no progress to speak of>

speak
v. ― used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon <Californiaspeak>

speak
v. to speak of
speak out
speak up
hub and spoke
public speaking
speaking tube
fair spoken
free spoken
short spoken
soft spoken
well spoken

speak out
1 : to speak loud enough to be heard
2 : to speak boldly : express an opinion frankly <spoke out on the issues>

speak up
1 : to speak loudly and distinctly
2 : to express an opinion freely <speak up for truth and justice ― Clive Bell>

speak-out
: an event in which people publicly share their experiences of or views on an issue

speakeasy
n. : a place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold specifically : such a place during the period of prohibition in the U.S.

speaker
n. 1 a : one that speaks especially : one who uses a language <native speakers of French> b : one who makes a public speech c : one who acts as a spokesperson
2 : the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly <Speaker of the House of Representatives>
3 : LOUDSPEAKER
–speak·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun

speakerphone
n. : a combination microphone and loudspeaker device for two-way communication by telephone lines

speaking
n. 1 a : that speaks : capable of speech b : having a population that speaks a specified language ― usually used in combination <English-speaking countries> c : that involves talking or giving speeches <a speaking role> <a speaking tour>
2 : highly significant or expressive : ELOQUENT
3 : resembling a living being or a real object

speaking tube
: a pipe through which conversation may be conducted (as between different parts of a building)

spean
chiefly Scottish : WEAN

spear
n. 1 : a thrusting or throwing weapon with long shaft and sharp head or blade
2 : a sharp-pointed instrument with barbs used in spearing fish
3 : SPEARMAN

spear
n. 1 : to pierce, strike, or take with or as if with a spear <spear salmon> <speared a chop from the platter>
2 : to catch (as a baseball) with a sudden thrust of the arm
intransitive verb : to thrust at or wound something with or as if with a spear
–spear·er noun

spear
n. : PATERNAL 3 <the spear side of the family> ― compare DISTAFF

spear
n. of a plant : to thrust a spear upward

spear
n. : a usually young blade, shoot, or sprout (as of grass)

spear-carrier
1 a : a member of an opera chorus b : a bit actor in a play
2 : a person whose actions are of little significance or value in an event or organization

spear-thrower
: ATLATL

spearfish
n. : any of several billfishes (genus Tetrapturus) having the anterior part of the first dorsal fin about as high as the body is deep

spearfish
n. : to fish with a spear

speargun
n. : a gun that shoots a spear and is used in spearfishing

spearhead
n. 1 : the sharp-pointed head of a spear
2 : a leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development

spearhead
n. : to serve as leader or leading element of

spearman
n. : a person armed with a spear

spearmint
n. : a common mint (Mentha spicata) grown for flavoring and especially for its aromatic oil

spearwort
n. : any of several buttercups (esp. Ranunculus flammula) with spear-shaped leaves

spec
n. 1 : SPECIFICATION ― usually used in plural also : a single quantity (as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a specification
2 : SPECULATION <built the house on spec>

spec
n. : to write specifications for

spec
n. 1 special; specialist
2 specifically

special
n. 1 : distinguished by some unusual quality especially : being in some way superior <our special blend>
2 : held in particular esteem <a special friend>
3 a : readily distinguishable from others of the same category : UNIQUE <they set it apart as a special day of thanksgiving> b : of, relating to, or constituting a species : SPECIFIC
4 : being other than the usual : ADDITIONAL, EXTRA
5 : designed for a particular purpose or occasion
–spe·cial·ness noun
synonyms SPECIAL, ESPECIAL, SPECIFIC, PARTICULAR, INDIVIDUAL mean of or relating to one thing or class. SPECIAL stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own <special ingredients>. ESPECIAL may add implications of preeminence or preference <a matter of especial importance>. SPECIFIC implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species <children with specific nutritional needs>. PARTICULAR stresses the distinctness of something as an individual <a ballet step of particular difficulty>. INDIVIDUAL implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group <valued each individual opinion>.

special
n. 1 : one that is used for a special service or occasion <caught the commuter special to work>
2 : something (as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
3 : a featured dish at a restaurant <the specials of the day>

special
n. Saturday night special
special assessment
special delivery
special district
special drawing rights
special education
special effects
Special Forces
special handling
special interest
Special K
special master
special needs
special pleading
special relativity
special theory of relativity

special assessment
: a specific tax levied on private property to meet the cost of public improvements that enhance the value of the property

special delivery
: expedited messenger delivery of mail matter for an extra fee

special district
: a political subdivision of a state established to provide a single public service (as water supply or sanitation) within a specific geographic area

special drawing rights
: a means of exchange used by governments to settle their international indebtedness

special education
: classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs

special effects
: visual or sound effects introduced into a motion picture, video recording, or taped television production

Special Forces
: a branch of the U.S. Army composed of soldiers specially trained in guerrilla warfare

special handling
: the handling of parcel-post or fourth-class mail as first-class but not as special-delivery matter for an extra fee

special interest
: a person or group seeking to influence legislative or government policy to further often narrowly defined interests especially : LOBBY

Special K
: the anesthetic ketamine used illicitly usually by being inhaled in powdered form especially for the dreamlike or hallucinogenic state it produces

special master
: MASTER 4B

special needs
: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one
–special-needs adjective

special pleading
1 : the allegation of special or new matter to offset the effect of matter pleaded by the opposite side and admitted, as distinguished from a direct denial of the matter pleaded
2 : misleading argument that presents one point or phase as if it covered the entire question at issue

special relativity
: RELATIVITY 3A

special theory of relativity

1920
: RELATIVITY 3A

specialisation
n. British variant of specialization, specialize, specialized

specialism
n. 1 : specialization in an occupation or branch of learning
2 : a field of specialization : SPECIALTY

specialist
n. 1 : one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or branch of learning
2 : an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal also : any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant first class
3 : an organism (as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat
–specialist or spe·cial·is·tic \ˌspe-shə-'lis-tik\ adjective

speciality
n. 1 : a special mark or quality
2 : a special object or class of objects
3 a : a special aptitude or skill b : SPECIALTY 3

specialization
n. 1 : a making or becoming specialized
2 a : structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment b : a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

specialize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make particular mention of : PARTICULARIZE
2 : to apply or direct to a specific end or use <specialized their study>
intransitive verb
1 : to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice
2 : to undergo specialization especially : to change adaptively

specialized
adj. 1 : characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization especially : highly differentiated especially in a particular direction or for a particular end
2 : designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation <specialized personnel>

specially
adv. 1 : in a special manner <treated her friends specially>
2 a : for a special purpose <dresses made specially for the occasion> b : in particular : SPECIFICALLY <made specially for you>
3 : ESPECIALLY 2 <makes a specially fine curry> <was specially pleased with the gift>

specialty
n. 1 : a distinctive mark or quality
2 a : a special object or class of objects: as (1) : a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument (2) : a product of a special kind or of special excellence <fried chicken is my specialty> b : the state of being special, distinctive, or peculiar
3 : something in which one specializes

speciation
n. : the process of biological species formation
–spe·ci·ate \'spē-shē-ˌāt, -sē-\ intransitive verb
–spe·ci·a·tion·al \ˌspē-shē-'ā-shnəl, -sē-, -shə-nəl\ adjective

specie
n. : money in coin
–in specie : in the same or like form or kind <ready to return insult in specie> also : in coin

specie
n. nonstandard : SPECIES

species
n. 1 a : KIND, SORT b : a class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name specifically : a logical division of a genus or more comprehensive class <confessing sins in species and in number> c : the human race : human beings ― often used with the <survival of the species in the nuclear age> d (1) : a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of a genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name (2) : an individual or kind belonging to a biological species e : a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion
2 : the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist
3 a : a mental image also : a sensible object b : an object of thought correlative with a natural object

species
n. : belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety <a species rose>

species
n. endangered species
sibling species
type species

speciesism
n. 1 : prejudice or discrimination based on species especially : discrimination against animals
2 : the assumption of human superiority on which speciesism is based

specific
n. 1 a : constituting or falling into a specifiable category b : sharing or being those properties of something that allow it to be referred to a particular category
2 a : restricted to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect <a disease specific to horses> b : exerting a distinctive influence (as on a body part or a disease) <specific antibodies>
3 : free from ambiguity : ACCURATE <a specific statement of faith>
4 : of, relating to, or constituting a species and especially a biological species
5 a : being any of various arbitrary physical constants and especially one relating a quantitative attribute to unit mass, volume, or area b : imposed at a fixed rate per unit (as of weight or count) <specific import duties> ― compare AD VALOREM
synonyms see SPECIAL, EXPLICIT
–spe·cif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

specific
n. 1 a : something peculiarly adapted to a purpose or use b : a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease <used as a specific against malaria>
2 a : a characteristic quality or trait b : DETAILS, PARTICULARS ― usually used in plural <haggling over the legal and financial specifics of independence ― Time> c plural : SPECIFICATION 2A

specific
n. : relating or applying specifically to or intended specifically for <gender-specific>

specific
n. prostate specific antigen
specific epithet
specific gravity
specific heat
specific impulse
specific performance

specific epithet
: the Latin or latinized noun or adjective that follows the genus name in a taxonomic binomial

specific gravity
: the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (as pure water) taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air

specific heat
: the heat in calories required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree Celsius

specific impulse
: the thrust produced per unit rate of consumption of the propellant that is usually expressed in pounds of thrust per pound of propellant used per second and that is a measure of the efficiency of a rocket engine

specific performance
1 : the performance of a legal contract strictly or substantially according to its terms
2 : an equitable remedy enjoining specific performance

specification
n. 1 : the act or process of specifying
2 a : a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something ― usually used in plural b : a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms) also : a single item of such statement c : a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

specificity
n. : the quality or condition of being specific: as a : the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms <host specificity of a parasite> b : the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions <the specificity of an enzyme>

specify
v. 1 : to name or state explicitly or in detail
2 : to include as an item in a specification
–spec·i·fi·able \ˌspe-sə-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–spec·i·fi·er \'spe-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

specimen
n. 1 a : an individual, item, or part considered typical of a group, class, or whole b : a portion or quantity of material for use in testing, examination, or study <a urine specimen>
2 a : something that obviously belongs to a particular category but is noticed by reason of an individual distinguishing characteristic b : PERSON, INDIVIDUAL <he's a tough specimen>
3 : a plant grown for exhibition or in the open to display its full development <specimen trees>
synonyms see INSTANCE

specious
adj. 1 obsolete : SHOWY
2 : having deceptive attraction or allure
3 : having a false look of truth or genuineness : SOPHISTIC <specious reasoning>
–spe·cious·ly adverb
–spe·cious·ness noun

speck
n. 1 : a small discoloration or spot especially from stain or decay
2 : a very small amount : BIT
3 : something marked or marred with specks
–specked \'spekt\ adjective

speck
n. : to produce specks on or in

speckle
n. : a little speck (as of color)

speckle
n. 1 : to mark with speckles
2 : to be distributed in or on like speckles

speckle
n. speckle interferometry
speckled perch
speckled trout

speckle interferometry
: a technique for generating a clear composite image of a celestial object blurred by atmospheric turbulence in which a large number of short-exposure photographs are mathematically correlated by a computer

speckled perch
: BLACK CRAPPIE

speckled trout
1 : BROOK TROUT
2 : SPOTTED SEA TROUT

specs
n. : GLASSES

spectacle
n. 1 a : something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display b : an object of curiosity or contempt <made a spectacle of herself>
2 plural : GLASSES
3 : something (as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses

spectacled
adj. 1 : having or wearing spectacles
2 : having markings suggesting a pair of spectacles <a spectacled alligator>

spectacled bear
: a black or dark brown bear (Tremarctos ornatus) of the Andes mountains with white markings encircling the eyes

spectacular
n. : of, relating to, or being a spectacle : STRIKING, SENSATIONAL <a spectacular display of fireworks>
–spec·tac·u·lar·ly adverb

spectacular
n. : something that is spectacular especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

spectate
v. : to be present as a spectator (as at a sports event)

spectator
n. 1 : one who looks on or watches
2 : a woman's pump usually having contrasting colors with a perforated design at the toe and sometimes heel
–spectator adjective
–spec·ta·tor·i·al \ˌspek-tə-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–spec·ta·tor·ship \'spek-ˌtā-tər-ˌship, spek-'\ noun

specter
n. 1 : a visible disembodied spirit : GHOST
2 : something that haunts or perturbs the mind : PHANTASM <the specter of hunger>

spectinomycin
: a white crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C_14H_24N_2O_7 produced by a bacterium (Streptomyces spectabilis) that is used clinically especially in the form of its hydrochloride to treat gonorrhea

spectral
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : GHOSTLY
2 : of, relating to, or made by a spectrum
–spec·tral·ly \'spek-trə-lē\ adverb

spectral line
: one of a series of linear images formed by a spectrograph or similar instrument and corresponding to a narrow portion of the spectrum of the radiation emitted or absorbed by a particular source

spectro
: spectrum <spectroscope>

spectrofluorometer
: a device for measuring and recording fluorescence spectra
–spec·tro·flu·o·ro·met·ric \-ˌflu̇r-ə-'me-trik, -ˌflȯr-\ adjective
–spec·tro·flu·o·rom·e·try \-flu̇-'rä-mə-trē, -ˌflȯ-\ noun

spectrogram
n. : a photograph, image, or diagram of a spectrum

spectrograph
n. : an instrument for dispersing radiation (as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and recording or mapping the spectrum
–spec·tro·graph·ic \ˌspek-t(r)ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–spec·tro·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–spec·trog·ra·phy \spek-'trä-grə-fē\ noun

spectroheliogram
: a photograph of the sun that is made by monochromatic light and shows the sun's faculae and prominences

spectroheliograph
n. : an apparatus for making spectroheliograms
–spec·tro·he·li·og·ra·phy \-ˌhē-lē-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

spectrohelioscope
n. 1 : SPECTROHELIOGRAPH
2 : an instrument similar to a spectroheliograph used for visual as distinguished from photographic observations

spectrometer
n. 1 : an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra
2 : any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured <nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer>
–spec·tro·met·ric \ˌspek-trə-'me-trik\ adjective
–spec·trom·e·try \spek-'trä-mə-trē\ noun

spectrometer
n. mass spectrometer
mass spectrometry
mass spectrometric

spectrophotometer
: a photometer for measuring the relative intensities of the light in different parts of a spectrum
–spec·tro·pho·to·met·ric \-trə-ˌfō-tə-'me-trik\ also spec·tro·pho·to·met·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adjective
–spec·tro·pho·to·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–spec·tro·pho·tom·e·try \ˌspek-(ˌ)trō-fə-'tä-mə-trē\ noun

spectroscope
n. : an instrument for forming and examining spectra especially in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum
–spec·tro·scop·ic \ˌspek-trə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–spec·tro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–spec·tros·co·pist \spek-'träs-kə-pist\ noun

spectroscopy
n. 1 : the process or technique of using a spectroscope or spectrometer
2 : the production and investigation of spectra

spectroscopy
n. Auger electron spectroscopy
Auger spectroscopy
mass spectroscopy

spectrum
n. 1 a : a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order b : any of various continua that resemble a color spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) : ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (2) : RADIO SPECTRUM (3) : the range of frequencies of sound waves (4) : MASS SPECTRUM c : the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum
2 a : a continuous sequence or range <a wide spectrum of interests> <opposite ends of the political spectrum> b : kinds of organisms associated with a particular situation (as an environment) c : a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad spectrum>

spectrum
n. absorption spectrum
broad spectrum
electromagnetic spectrum
mass spectrum
radio spectrum

specular
adj. : of, relating to, or having the qualities of a mirror
–spec·u·lar·i·ty \ˌspe-kyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–spec·u·lar·ly \'spe-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb

speculate
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to meditate on or ponder a subject : REFLECT b : to review something idly or casually and often inconclusively
2 : to assume a business risk in hope of gain especially : to buy or sell in expectation of profiting from market fluctuations
transitive verb
1 : to take to be true on the basis of insufficient evidence : THEORIZE <speculated that a virus caused the disease>
2 : to be curious or doubtful about : WONDER <speculates whether it will rain all vacation>
synonyms see THINK
–spec·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

speculation
n. : an act or instance of speculating: as a : assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain b : a transaction involving such speculation

speculative
adj. 1 : involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation also : theoretical rather than demonstrable <speculative knowledge>
2 : marked by questioning curiosity <gave him a speculative glance>
3 : of, relating to, or being a financial speculation <speculative stocks> <speculative venture>
–spec·u·la·tive·ly adverb

speculum
n. 1 : an instrument inserted into a body passage especially to facilitate visual inspection or medication
2 : a drawing or table showing the relative positions of all the planets (as in an astrological nativity)
3 : a patch of color on the secondaries of most ducks and some other birds

SpEd
special education

speech
n. 1 a : the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words b : exchange of spoken words : CONVERSATION
2 a : something that is spoken : UTTERANCE b : a usually public discourse : ADDRESS
3 a : LANGUAGE, DIALECT b : an individual manner or style of speaking
4 : the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

speech
n. figure of speech
free speech
keynote speech
speech form
part of speech
speech community
visible speech

speech community
: a group of people sharing characteristic patterns of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation

speech form
: LINGUISTIC FORM

speechify
v. : to make a speech

speechless
adj. 1 : unable to speak : DUMB
2 : not speaking : SILENT
3 : not capable of being expressed in words
–speech·less·ly adverb
–speech·less·ness noun

speechwriter
n. : a person who writes speeches (as for a politician)

speed
n. 1 archaic : prosperity in an undertaking : SUCCESS
2 a : the act or state of moving swiftly : SWIFTNESS b : rate of motion: as (1) : VELOCITY 1 (2) : the magnitude of a velocity irrespective of direction c : IMPETUS
3 : swiftness or rate of performance or action : VELOCITY 3A
4 a : the sensitivity of a photographic film, plate, or paper expressed numerically b : the light-gathering power of a lens or optical system c : the time during which a camera shutter is open
5 : a transmission gear in automotive vehicles or bicycles ― usually used in combination <a ten-speed bicycle>
6 : someone or something that appeals to one's taste <just my speed>
7 : METHAMPHETAMINE also : a related stimulant drug and especially an amphetamine
synonyms see HASTE
–speed·ster \'spēd-stər\ noun
–at speed
chiefly British : FAST, RAPIDLY
–up to speed : operating at full effectiveness or potential

speed
n. intransitive verb
1 a archaic : to prosper in an undertaking b archaic : GET ALONG, FARE
2 a : to make haste <sped to her bedside> b : to go or drive at excessive or illegal speed
3 : to move, work, or take place faster : ACCELERATE <the heart speeds up>
transitive verb
1 a archaic : to cause or help to prosper : AID b : to further the success of
2 a : to cause to move quickly : HASTEN b : to wish Godspeed to c : to increase the speed of : ACCELERATE
3 : to send out <speed an arrow>
–speed·er noun

speed
n. ground speed
high speed
off speed
up to speed
at speed
speed bump
speed freak
speed limit
speed of light
speed reading
speed read
speed shop
speed skating
speed skater
speed trap
ten speed
warp speed

speed bump
: a low raised ridge across a roadway (as in a parking lot) to limit vehicle speed

speed freak
: one who habitually misuses amphetamines and especially methamphetamine

speed limit
: the maximum or minimum speed permitted by law in a given area under specified circumstances

speed of light

1823
: a fundamental physical constant that is the speed at which electromagnetic radiation propagates in a vacuum and that has a value fixed by international convention of 299,792,458 meters per second ― symbol c

speed shop
: a shop that sells custom automotive equipment especially to hot-rodders

speed skating
: the sport of racing on skates
–speed skater noun

speed trap
: a stretch of road policed by often concealed officers or devices (as radar) so as to catch speeders

speed-reading
: a method of reading rapidly by skimming
–speed-read transitive verb

speedball
n. 1 slang : a dose of cocaine mixed with heroin or morphine or an amphetamine and usually taken by injection
2 : a game which resembles soccer but in which a ball caught in the air may be passed with the hands and in which a score is made by kicking or heading the ball between the goalposts or by a successful forward pass over the goal line
3 : one that is outstandingly fast

speedball
n. slang : to take a speedball especially by injection

speedboat
n. : a fast launch or motorboat
–speed·boat·ing \-ˌbō-tiŋ\ noun

speedo
n. chiefly British : SPEEDOMETER

speedometer
n. 1 : an instrument for indicating speed : TACHOMETER
2 : an instrument for indicating distance traversed as well as speed of travel also : ODOMETER

speedup
n. 1 : ACCELERATION
2 : an employer's demand for accelerated output without increased pay

speedway
n. 1 : a public road on which fast driving is allowed specifically : EXPRESSWAY
2 : a racecourse for automobiles or motorcycles
3 : a sprint race for motorcycles

speedwell
n. : a perennial European herb (Veronica officinalis) of the snapdragon family that is naturalized in No. America and has small bluish flowers in axillary racemes broadly : VERONICA

speedy
adj. : marked by swiftness of motion or action also : PROMPT 2
synonyms see FAST
–speed·i·ly \'spē-dəl-ē\ adverb
–speed·i·ness \'spē-dē-nəs\ noun

speel
n. chiefly Scottish : CLIMB

speer
chiefly Scottish : ASK, INQUIRE

speleology
n. : the scientific study or exploration of caves
–spe·le·o·log·i·cal \ˌspē-lē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌspe-\ adjective
–spe·le·ol·o·gist \ˌspē-lē-'ä-lə-jist, ˌspe-\ noun

spell
n. transitive verb
1 : to read slowly and with difficulty ― often used with out
2 : to find out by study : come to understand ― often used with out <it requires some pains to spell out those decorations ― F. J. Mather>
3 a (1) : to name the letters of in order also : to write or print the letters of in order (2) : to write or print the letters of in a particular way <you can spell it either way> <I spelled it wrong> b : to make up (a word) <what word do these letters spell> c : WRITE 1B <catnip is spelled as one word>
4 : to add up to : MEAN <crop failure was likely to spell stark famine ― Stringfellow Barr>
intransitive verb : to form words with letters <teach children to spell> also : to spell words in a certain way <spells the way he speaks>

spell
n. 1 a : a spoken word or form of words held to have magic power b : a state of enchantment
2 : a strong compelling influence or attraction

spell
n. : to put under a spell

spell
n. 1 a archaic : a shift of workers b : one's turn at work
2 a : a period spent in a job or occupation b chiefly Australian : a period of rest from work, activity, or use
3 a : an indeterminate period of time <waited a spell before advancing> also : a continuous period of time <did a spell in prison> b : a stretch of a specified type of weather
4 : a period of bodily or mental distress or disorder <a spell of coughing> <fainting spells>

spell
n. transitive verb
1 : to take the place of for a time : RELIEVE <he and the other assistant⋯spelled each other ― Mary McCarthy>
2 : REST
intransitive verb
1 : to work in turns
2 chiefly Australian : to rest from work or activity for a time

spell
n. breathing spell
spell checker
spell check
spell out
finger spelling
reformed spelling
spelling checker
spelling bee
spelling pronunciation

spell out
1 : to make plain <spelled out the orders in detail>
2 : to write or print in letters and in full <numbers are to be spelled out>

spell-checker
: a computer program that identifies possible misspellings in a block of text by comparing the text with a database of accepted spellings ― called also spell-check spelling checker
–spell-check \'spel-ˌchek\ verb

spellbind
v. : to bind or hold by or as if by a spell

spellbinder
n. : a speaker of compelling eloquence also : one that compels attention

spellbinding
adj. : holding the attention as if by a spell <a spellbinding story>
–spell·bind·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

spellbound
adj. : held by or as if by a spell

speller
n. 1 : a person who spells words especially in a certain way <a poor speller>
2 : a book with exercises for teaching spelling

spelling
n. 1 : the forming of words from letters according to accepted usage : ORTHOGRAPHY
2 a : a sequence of letters composing a word b : the way in which a word is spelled

spelling
n. finger spelling
reformed spelling
spelling checker
spelling bee
spelling pronunciation

spelling bee
: a spelling contest in which contestants are eliminated as soon as they misspell a word

spelling pronunciation
: a pronunciation of a word that is based on its spelling alone and often includes the vocalization of silent letters

Spellman
Francis Joseph 1889-1967 American cardinal

spelt
n. : an ancient wheat (Triticum spelta syn. T. aestivum spelta) with spikelets containing two light red grains also : the grain of spelt

spelt
n. chiefly British past and past part of spell

spelter
n. : ZINC especially : zinc cast in slabs for commercial use

spelunker
n. : one who makes a hobby of exploring and studying caves

spelunking
n. : the hobby or practice of exploring caves

Spemann
Hans 1869-1941 Ger. embryologist

Spence
n. Andrew Michael 1943-     American econ.

spence
n. dialect chiefly British : PANTRY

Spencer
n. Herbert 1820-1903 Eng. philos.

spencer
n. : a short waist-length jacket

spencer
n. : a trysail abaft the foremast or mainmast

Spencer Gulf
inlet of Indian Ocean SE S. Australia

Spencerian
n. : of or relating to a form of slanting handwriting

Spencerianism
n. : the synthetic philosophy of Herbert Spencer that has as its central idea the mechanistic evolution of the cosmos from relative simplicity to relative complexity

spend
v. transitive verb
1 : to use up or pay out : EXPEND
2 a : EXHAUST, WEAR OUT <the hurricane gradually spent itself> b : to consume wastefully : SQUANDER <the waters are not ours to spend ― J. R. Ellis>
3 : to cause or permit to elapse : PASS <spend the night>
4 : GIVE UP, SACRIFICE
intransitive verb
1 : to expend or waste wealth or strength
2 : to become expended or consumed
3 : to have an orgasm
–spend·able \'spen-də-bəl\ adjective
–spend·er noun

Spender
n. Stephen Harold 1909-1995 Eng. poet & critic

spending money
: POCKET MONEY

spendthrift
n. : a person who spends improvidently or wastefully
–spendthrift adjective

spendy
chiefly Northwest : EXPENSIVE

Spengler
Oswald 1880-1936 Ger. philos.

Spenglerian
: of or relating to the theory of world history developed by Oswald Spengler which holds that all major cultures undergo similar cyclical developments from birth to maturity to decay
–Spenglerian noun

Spenser
n. Edmund 1552-1599 Eng. poet
–Spen·se·ri·an \spen-'sir-ē-ən\ adjective

Spenserian stanza
: a stanza consisting of eight verses of iambic pentameter and an alexandrine with a rhyme scheme ababbcbcc

spent
adj. 1 a : used up : CONSUMED b : exhausted of active or required components or qualities often for a particular purpose <spent nuclear fuel>
2 : drained of energy or effectiveness : EXHAUSTED
3 : exhausted of spawn or sperm <spent fishes>

sperm
n. 1 a : SEMEN b : a male gamete especially : SPERMATOZOON 1
2 : a product of the sperm whale

sperm
n. : seed : germ : sperm <spermatheca> <spermicide>

sperm
n. sperm cell
sperm nucleus
sperm oil
sperm whale

sperm cell
: SPERM 1B

sperm nucleus
: either of two nuclei that derive from the generative nucleus of a pollen grain and function in the fertilization of a seed plant

sperm oil
: a pale yellow oil from the sperm whale

sperm whale
: a large toothed whale (Physeter macrocephalus syn. P. catodon) with a massive squarish head having a large closed cavity containing a fluid mixture of spermaceti and oil

spermaceti
n. : a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles

spermagonium
: a flask-shaped or depressed receptacle in which spermatia are produced in some fungi and lichens

spermary
n. : an organ in which male gametes are developed

spermat
: seed : spermatozoon <spermatid> <spermatocyte>

spermatheca
n. : a sac for sperm storage in the female reproductive tract of various lower animals and especially insects

spermatic
adj. 1 : relating to sperm or a spermary
2 : resembling, carrying, or full of sperm

spermatic cord
: a cord that suspends the testis within the scrotum and contains the vas deferens and vessels and nerves of the testis

spermatid
n. : one of the haploid cells that are formed by the second division in meiosis of a spermatocyte and that differentiate into spermatozoa

spermatium
: a nonmotile male gamete of a red alga also : a nonmotile cell functioning as a male gamete in certain fungi and lichens
–sper·ma·tial \-sh(ē-)əl\ adjective

spermatocyte
n. : a cell giving rise to sperm cells especially : a cell that is derived by mitosis from a spermatogonium and ultimately gives rise by meiosis to four haploid spermatids

spermatogenesis
n. : the process of male gamete formation including formation of a spermatocyte from a spermatogonium, meiotic division of the spermatocyte, and transformation of the four resulting spermatids into spermatozoa
–sper·mato·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective

spermatogonium
n. : a primitive male germ cell
–sper·mato·go·ni·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

spermatophore
n. : a capsule, packet, or mass enclosing spermatozoa that is extruded by the male of various lower animals (as insects) and is transferred to the reproductive tract of the female

spermatophyte
n. : any of a group (Spermatophyta) of higher plants comprising those that produce seeds and including the gymnosperms and angiosperms
–sper·mato·phyt·ic \-ˌma-tə-'fi-tik\ adjective

spermatozoan
adj. : SPERMATOZOON
–spermatozoan adjective

spermatozoid
n. : a motile male gamete of a plant usually produced in an antheridium

spermatozoon
n. 1 : a motile male gamete of an animal usually with rounded or elongate head and a long posterior flagellum
2 : SPERMATOZOID
–sper·ma·to·zo·al \-'zō-əl\ adjective

spermicide
n. : a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
–sper·mi·cid·al \ˌspər-mə-'sī-dəl\ adjective

spermiogenesis
n. : SPERMATOGENESIS specifically : transformation of a spermatid into a spermatozoon

spermophile
: GROUND SQUIRREL

spermy
: state of exhibiting or resulting from (such) a fertilization <agamospermy>

Sperry
Elmer Ambrose 1860-1930 American inventor

Sperry
Roger Wolcott 1913-1994 American psychobiologist

sperrylite
: a mineral consisting of an arsenide of platinum

spessartite
: a manganese aluminum garnet usually containing other elements (as iron) in minor amounts

spew
n. intransitive verb
1 : VOMIT
2 : to come forth in a flood or gush
3 : to ooze out as if under pressure : EXUDE
transitive verb
1 : VOMIT
2 : to send or cast forth with vigor or violence or in great quantity <a volcano spewing out ash> ― often used with out
–spew·er noun

spew
n. 1 : matter that is vomited : VOMIT
2 : material that exudes or is extruded

Spey
river 110 mi (177 km) NE Scotland flowing into Moray Firth

Speyer
city SW Germany on W bank of the Rhine SW of Heidelberg pop 47,456

Spezia, La
― see LA SPEZIA

SPF
sun protection factor

sphagnous
: of, relating to, or abounding in sphagnum

sphagnum
n. 1 : any of an order (Sphagnales, containing a single genus Sphagnum) of atypical mosses that grow only in wet acid areas where their remains become compacted with other plant debris to form peat
2 : a mass of sphagnum plants

sphalerite
n. : a mineral composed essentially of zinc sulfide that is the most important ore of zinc ― called also zinc blende

sphene
: a mineral that is a silicate of calcium and titanium and often contains other elements

sphenodon
: TUATARA
–sphen·odont \-ˌdänt\ adjective

sphenoid
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a winged compound bone of the base of the cranium
2 usually sphenoidal : having a wedged shape

sphenoid
n. : a sphenoid bone

sphenopsid
: any of a class or division (Sphenopsida or Sphenophyta) of primitive vascular plants characterized by jointed ribbed stems, small leaves usually in whorls at distinct stem nodes, and sporangia in sporangiophores and made up of the horsetails and extinct related forms

spher
: sphere <spherule> <spherometer>

spheral
adj. 1 : SPHERICAL
2 : of or relating to the spheres of ancient astronomy

sphere
n. 1 a (1) : the apparent surface of the heavens of which half forms the dome of the visible sky (2) : any of the concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in which according to ancient astronomy stars, sun, planets, and moon are set b : a globe depicting such a sphere broadly : GLOBE A
2 a : a globular body : BALL b : PLANET, STAR c (1) : a solid that is bounded by a surface consisting of all points at a given distance from a point constituting its center ― see VOLUME table (2) : the bounding surface of a sphere
3 : natural, normal, or proper place especially : social order or rank <not in the same sphere as his moneyed friends>
4 a obsolete : ORBIT b : an area or range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance <the public sphere>
–spher·ic \'sfir-ik, 'sfer-\ adjective archaic
–sphe·ric·i·ty \sfir-'i-sə-tē\ noun

sphere
n. 1 : to place in a sphere or among the spheres : ENSPHERE
2 : to form into a sphere

sphere
n. armillary sphere
celestial sphere
sphere of influence
music of the spheres

sphere of influence

1885
: a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount

spherical
adj. 1 : having the form of a sphere or of one of its segments
2 : relating to or dealing with a sphere or its properties
–spher·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

spherical
adj. spherical aberration
spherical angle
spherical coordinate
spherical geometry
spherical polygon
spherical triangle
spherical trigonometry

spherical aberration
: aberration that is caused by the spherical form of a lens or mirror and that gives different foci for central and marginal rays

spherical angle
: the angle between two intersecting arcs of great circles of a sphere measured by the plane angle formed by the tangents to the arcs at the point of intersection

spherical coordinate
: one of three coordinates that are used to locate a point in space and that comprise the radius of the sphere on which the point lies in a system of concentric spheres, the angle formed by the point, the center, and a given axis of the sphere, and the angle between the plane of the first angle and a reference plane through the given axis of the sphere

spherical geometry
: the geometry of figures on a sphere

spherical polygon
: a figure analogous to a plane polygon that is formed on a sphere by arcs of great circles

spherical triangle
: a spherical polygon of three sides

spherical trigonometry
: trigonometry applied to spherical triangles and polygons

spheroid
n. : a figure resembling a sphere also : an object of approximately spherical shape
–sphe·roi·dal \sfi-'rȯi-dəl\ also spheroid adjective
–sphe·roi·dal·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

spherometer
n. : an instrument for measuring the curvature of a surface

spheroplast
n. : a bacterium or yeast cell that is modified (as by enzymatic action) so that there is partial loss of the cell wall and increased osmotic sensitivity

spherule
n. : a little sphere or spherical body

spherulite
n. : a usually spherical crystalline body of radiating crystal fibers often found in vitreous volcanic rocks
–spher·u·lit·ic \ˌsfir-yə-'li-tik, ˌsfer-, -ə-ˌli-\ adjective

sphery
1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of the celestial bodies
2 : ROUND, SPHERICAL

sphincter
n. : an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening
–sphinc·ter·ic \sfiŋ(k)-'ter-ik\ adjective

sphingid
: HAWK MOTH

sphingosine
n. : a long-chain unsaturated amino alcohol C_18H_37O_2N found especially in nervous tissue and cell membranes

sphinx
n. 1 a capitalized : a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle b : an enigmatic or mysterious person <she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination>
2 : an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head
–sphinx·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

sphinx moth
: HAWK MOTH

sphygmograph
n. : an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse

sphygmomanometer
n. : an instrument for measuring blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure
–sphyg·mo·ma·nom·e·try \-mə-'nä-mə-trē\ noun

sphynx
n. : any of a breed of large-eared virtually hairless cats that originated as a spontaneous mutation

spic
adj. usually offensive : SPANISH AMERICAN

Spica
n. : a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Virgo

spica
n. : a bandage that is applied in successive V-shaped crossings and is used to immobilize a limb especially at a joint

spicate
adj. : arranged in the form of a spike <a spicate inflorescence>

spiccato
n. : performed with a slight lifting of the bow after each note ― used as a direction in music

spiccato
n. : a spiccato technique, performance, or passage

spice
n. 1 : any of various aromatic vegetable products (as pepper or nutmeg) used to season or flavor foods
2 a archaic : a small portion, quantity, or admixture : DASH b : something that gives zest or relish <variety's the very spice of life ― William Cowper>
3 : a pungent or fragrant odor : PERFUME
–spice·less \-ləs\ adjective

spice
n. 1 : to season with spices
2 : to add zest or relish to <cynicism spiced with humor ― J. W. Dawson> ― often used with up

spicebush
n. : an aromatic shrub (Lindera benzoin) of the laurel family found chiefly in the eastern U.S. that bears dense clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers followed by usually scarlet berries

spicery
n. 1 : SPICES
2 archaic : a repository of spices
3 : a spicy quality

spick-and-span
1 : FRESH, BRAND-NEW
2 : spotlessly clean

spicule
n. 1 : a slender pointed usually hard body especially : one of the minute calcareous or siliceous bodies that support the tissue of various invertebrates (as sponges)
2 : a spikelike short-lived prominence appearing close to the chromosphere of the solar atmosphere
–spic·u·lar \'spi-kyə-lər\ adjective
–spic·u·la·tion \ˌspi-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

spicy
adj. 1 : having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice
2 : producing or abounding in spices
3 : LIVELY, SPIRITED
4 : PIQUANT, RACY especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious <spicy gossip>
–spic·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–spic·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

spider
n. 1 : any of an order (Araneae syn. Araneida) of arachnids having the abdomen usually unsegmented and constricted at the base, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of abdominal spinnerets for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)
2 : a cast-iron frying pan orig. made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth
3 : any of various devices consisting of a frame or skeleton with radiating arms or members
–spi·der·ish \-də-rish\ adjective
–spi·der·like \-dər-ˌlīk\ adjective

spider
n. brown recluse spider
crab spider
jumping spider
red spider
sea spider
spider crab
spider mite
spider monkey
spider plant
spider vein
trap door spider
two spotted spider mite
wolf spider
woolly spider monkey

spider crab
: any of a family (Majidae) of crabs with extremely long legs and nearly triangular bodies which they often cover with kelp

spider mite
: any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants ― called also red spider

spider monkey
: any of a genus (Ateles) of New World monkeys with long slender limbs, the thumb absent or rudimentary, and a very long prehensile tail

spider plant
: any of several cultivars of a southern African plant (Chlorophytum comosum) of the lily family widely grown as houseplants and having long narrow green leaves usually striped with white or ivory and producing white flowers and tufts of plantlets on long hanging stems

spider vein
: a telangiectasia (as of the legs or face) often appearing as a central area with outward radiations resembling the legs of a spider

spiderweb
n. 1 : the network of silken thread spun by most spiders and used as a resting place and as a trap for small prey
2 : something that resembles or suggests a spiderweb

spiderwort
n. : any of a genus (Tradescantia of the family Commelinaceae, the spiderwort family) of American monocotyledonous plants with ephemeral often blue or violet flowers

spidery
adj. 1 a : resembling a spider in form or manner b : resembling a spiderweb <spidery handwriting> especially : composed of fine threads or lines in a weblike arrangement <spidery lace>
2 : infested with spiders

spiegeleisen
n. : a composition of iron that contains 15 to 30 percent manganese and 4.5 to 6.5 percent carbon

spiel
n. intransitive verb
1 : to play music
2 : to talk volubly or extravagantly
transitive verb : to utter, express, or describe volubly or extravagantly
–spiel·er \'spē-lər\ noun

spiel
n. : a voluble line of often extravagant talk : PITCH

Spielberg
n. Steven 1947-     American motion-picture director, writer, & producer
–Spiel·berg·ian \ˌspēl-'bər-gē-ən\ adjective

spier
n. : SPY

spier
n. chiefly Scottish variant of speer

spiff
n. : SPRUCE ― usually used with up <spiff up your wardrobe>
–spiffed-up \'spift-'əp\ adjective

spiffy
adj. : fine looking : SMART <a spiffy sports jacket>
–spiff·i·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–spiff·i·ness \-fē-nəs\ noun

spigot
n. 1 a : SPILE 2 b : the plug of a faucet or cock c : FAUCET
2 : something resembling a spigot especially in regulating availability or flow (as of money)

spike
n. 1 : a very large nail
2 a : one of a row of pointed irons placed (as on the top of a wall) to prevent passage b (1) : one of several metal projections set in the sole and heel of a shoe to improve traction (2) plural : a pair of shoes having spikes attached to the soles or soles and heels c : SPINDLE 1E
3 : something resembling a spike: as a : a young mackerel not over six inches (15.2 centimeters) long b : an unbranched antler of a young deer
4 plural : SPIKE HEEL 2
5 : the act or an instance of spiking (as in volleyball)
6 a : a pointed element in a graph or tracing b : an unusually high and sharply defined maximum (as of amplitude in a wave train)
7 slang : HYPODERMIC NEEDLE
8 : a momentary sharp increase and fall in electric potential also : ACTION POTENTIAL
9 : an abrupt sharp increase (as in prices or rates)
–spike·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

spike
n. transitive verb
1 : to fasten or furnish with spikes
2 a : to disable (a muzzle-loading cannon) temporarily by driving a spike into the vent b : to suppress or block completely <spiked the rumor>
3 a : to pierce or impale with or on a spike b : to reject (as a story) for publication or broadcast for editorial reasons
4 a : to add an alcoholic beverage to (a drink) <spiked the punch> b : to add a foreign substance to <spike the coffee with tranquilizers> c : to add something highly reactive (as a radioactive tracer) to d : to add vitality, zest, or spice to : LIVEN <spiked the speech with humor> <spike the broth with peppers>
5 : to drive (as a volleyball) sharply downward with a hard blow also : to throw down sharply <spiked the ball in the end zone>
6 : to undergo a sudden sharp increase in (temperature or fever) <the patient spiked a fever of 103°>
intransitive verb : to increase sharply <battery sales spiked after the storm>
–spik·er noun

spike
n. 1 : an ear of grain
2 : an elongated inflorescence similar to a raceme but having the flowers sessile on the main axis ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration

spike
n. spike heel
spike lavender
spike tooth harrow

spike heel
1 : a very high tapering heel used on women's shoes
2 plural : shoes with spike heels

spike lavender
: a European mint (Lavandula latifolia) related to true lavender

spike-tooth harrow
: a harrow with straight steel teeth set in horizontal bars

spiked
adj. 1 : having an inflorescence that is a spike
2 : having a sharp projecting point
3 of hair : arranged in stiff tufts

spikelet
n. : a small or secondary spike specifically : one of the small few-flowered bracted spikes that make up the compound inflorescence of a grass or sedge

spikenard
n. 1 a : a fragrant ointment of the ancients b : a Himalayan aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family from which spikenard is believed to have been derived
2 : a No. American perennial herb (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family with an aromatic root and panicled umbels

spiky
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by spikes <spiky barbed wire>
2 : sharply irritating or acerbic (as in temper or manner)
–spik·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–spik·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

spile
n. 1 : 1PILE 1
2 : a small plug used to stop the vent of a cask : BUNG
3 : a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap

spile
n. 1 : to plug with a spile
2 : to supply with a spile

spill
n. transitive verb
1 a archaic : KILL, DESTROY b : to cause (blood) to be lost by wounding
2 : to cause or allow especially accidentally or unintentionally to fall, flow, or run out so as to be lost or wasted
3 a : to relieve (a sail) from the pressure of the wind so as to reef or furl it b : to relieve the pressure of (wind) on a sail by coming about or by adjusting the sail with lines
4 : to throw off or out <a horse spilled him>
5 : to let out : DIVULGE <spill a secret>
intransitive verb
1 a : to flow, run, or fall out, over, or off and become wasted, scattered, or lost <water spilling over the dam> b : to cause or allow something to spill
2 : to spread profusely or beyond bounds <crowds spilled into the streets>
3 : to fall from one's place (as on a horse)
–spill·able \'spi-lə-bəl\ adjective
–spill·er noun
–spill one's guts : to divulge especially personal information
–spill the beans : to divulge secret or hidden information

spill
n. 1 : the act or an instance of spilling especially : a fall from a horse or vehicle or an erect position
2 : something spilled

spill
n. 1 : a wooden splinter
2 : a small roll or twist of paper or slip of wood for lighting a fire

spill
n. spill the beans
spill one's guts
cry over spilled milk

spill one's guts
to divulge especially personal information

spill the beans
to divulge secret or hidden information

spillage
n. 1 : the act or process of spilling
2 : the quantity that spills : material lost or scattered by spilling

spillikin
n. 1 : JACKSTRAW 2
2 plural : JACKSTRAW 1

spillover
n. 1 : the act or an instance of spilling over
2 : a quantity that spills over
3 : an extension of something especially when an excess exists <benefiting from a spillover of prosperity from neighboring states>

spillway
n. : a passage for surplus water to run over or around an obstruction (as a dam)

spilth
n. 1 : the act or an instance of spilling
2 a : something spilled b : REFUSE, RUBBISH

spin
n. intransitive verb
1 : to draw out and twist fiber into yarn or thread
2 : to form a thread by extruding a viscous rapidly hardening fluid ― used especially of a spider or insect
3 a : to revolve rapidly : GYRATE b : to feel as if in a whirl : REEL <my head is spinning>
4 : to move swiftly especially on or as if on wheels or in a vehicle
5 : to fish with spinning bait : TROLL
6 a of an airplane : to fall in a spin b : to plunge helplessly and out of control
7 : to engage in spin control (as in politics)
transitive verb
1 a : to draw out and twist into yarns or threads b : to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material
2 : to form (as a web or cocoon) by spinning
3 a : to stretch out or extend (as a story) lengthily : PROTRACT ― usually used with out b : to evolve, express, or fabricate by processes of mind or imagination <spin a yarn>
4 : to cause to whirl : impart spin to <spin a top>
5 : to shape into threadlike form in manufacture also : to manufacture by a whirling process
6 : to set (records or compact discs) rotating on a player : PLAY <spin some discs>
7 : to present (as information) with a particular spin <spin the statistics>
–spin one's wheels : to make futile efforts to achieve progress

spin
n. 1 a : the act of spinning or twirling something also : an instance of spinning or of spinning something <doing axels and spins> <an assortment of spins and lobs> b : the whirling motion imparted (as to a ball or top) by spinning c : an excursion or ride in a vehicle especially on wheels <go for a spin>
2 a : an aerial maneuver or flight condition consisting of a combination of roll and yaw with the longitudinal axis of the airplane inclined steeply downward b : a plunging descent or downward spiral c : a state of mental confusion <all in a spin>
3 a : a quantum characteristic of an elementary particle that is visualized as the rotation of the particle on its axis and that is responsible for measurable angular momentum and magnetic moment b : the angular momentum associated with such rotation whose magnitude is quantized and which may assume either of two possible directions also : the angular momentum of a system of such particles derived from the spins and orbital motions of the particles
4 a : a usually ingenious twist <puts an Asian spin on the pasta dishes> b (1) : a special point of view, emphasis, or interpretation presented for the purpose of influencing opinion <put the most favorable spin on the findings> (2) : SPIN CONTROL
–spin·less \'spin-ləs\ adjective

spin
n. isotopic spin
spin one's wheels
spin control
spin doctor
spin fishing
spin off
spin out
spin the bottle
spun glass
spun sugar
spun yarn
money spinning
spinning frame
spinning jenny
spinning reel
spinning rod
spinning wheel

spin control
: the act or practice of attempting to manipulate the way an event is interpreted by others <political spin control>

spin doctor
: a person (as a political aide) responsible for ensuring that others interpret an event from a particular point of view
–spin-doctor verb

spin fishing
: SPINNING

spin off
: to establish or produce as a spin-off <the company spun off its computer division> <spin off a new TV series>
intransitive verb : to establish or become a spin-off

spin one's wheels
to make futile efforts to achieve progress

spin out
: to make a rotational skid in an automobile

spin the bottle
: a kissing game in which one has as a partner the person a bottle points to when it stops spinning

spin-off
1 : the distribution by a business to its stockholders of particular assets and especially of stock of another company also : the new company created by such a distribution
2 : a collateral or derived product or effect : BY-PRODUCT also : a number of such products <the spin-off from the space program>
3 : something that is imitative or derivative of an earlier work, product, or establishment especially : a television show starring a character popular in a secondary role of an earlier show

spina bifida
: a congenital cleft of the spinal column with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord

spinach
n. 1 : an Asian herb (Spinacia oleracea) of the goosefoot family cultivated for its edible leaves which form in a dense basal rosette also : its leaves
2 a : something unwanted, pretentious, or spurious b : an untidy overgrowth
–spin·ach·like \-nich-ˌlīk\ adjective
–spin·achy \-ni-chē\ adjective

spinal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column
2 a : of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord <spinal reflexes> b : having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain <experiments on spinal animals>
3 : of, relating to, or resembling a spine

spinal
adj. : a spinal anesthetic

spinal
adj. spinal canal
spinal column
spinal cord
spinal ganglion
spinal nerve
spinal tap

spinal canal
: VERTEBRAL CANAL

spinal column
: the axial skeleton of a vertebrate that consists of an articulated series of vertebrae which extend from the neck to the tail and protect the spinal cord ― called also backbone

spinal cord
: the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in the vertebral canal, gives off the pairs of spinal nerves, carries impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a center for initiating and coordinating many reflex acts ― see BRAIN illustration

spinal ganglion
: a ganglion on the dorsal root of each spinal nerve that is one of a series of ganglia lodging cell bodies of sensory neurons

spinal nerve
: any of the paired nerves which leave the spinal cord of a craniate vertebrate, supply muscles of the trunk and limbs, and connect with the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system, which arise by a short motor ventral root and a short sensory dorsal root, and of which there are 31 pairs in humans

spinal tap
: LUMBAR PUNCTURE

spinally
adv. : with respect to or along the spine

spindle
n. 1 a : a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning b : the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel c : any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (as a spinning frame) d : the pin in a loom shuttle e : a device usually consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing ― called also spindle file
2 : something shaped like a spindle: as a : a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis b : MUSCLE SPINDLE
3 a : the bar or shaft usually of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock b (1) : a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster) (2) : NEWEL c (1) : a revolving piece especially when thinner than a shaft (2) : a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends d : the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns

spindle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
2 : to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit
transitive verb
1 : to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file
2 : to make or equip (as a piece of furniture) with spindles
–spin·dler \'spin(d)-lər, 'spin-dəl-ər\ noun

spindle
n. spindle file
muscle spindle
spindle cell
spindle legged
spindle shanked
spindle tree

spindle cell
: a fusiform cell (as in some tumors)

spindle tree
: any of various often evergreen shrubs, small trees, or vines (genus Euonymus) of the staff-tree family

spindle-legged
: having long slender legs <a spindle-legged table> <spindle-legged dogs>

spindle-shanked
: SPINDLE-LEGGED

spindling
n. : SPINDLY

spindly
adj. 1 : of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness <spindly legs>
2 : frail or flimsy in appearance or structure <a spindly tower>

spindrift
n. 1 : sea spray especially : spray blown from waves during a gale
2 : fine wind-borne snow or sand

spine
n. 1 a : SPINAL COLUMN b : something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central axis or chief support c : the part of a book to which the pages are attached and on the cover of which usually appear the title and author's and publisher's names
2 : a stiff pointed plant process especially : one that is a modified leaf or leaf part
3 : a sharp rigid process on an animal: as a : SPICULE b : a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish c : a pointed prominence on a bone
–spined \'spīnd\ adjective
–spine·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

spine
n. spine chilling
three spine stickleback
three spined stickleback

spine-chilling
: alarmingly or eerily frightening

spinel
n. 1 : a hard crystalline mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum that varies from colorless to ruby red to black and is used as a gem
2 : any of a group of minerals that are essentially oxides of magnesium, ferrous iron, zinc, or manganese

spineless
adj. 1 : free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2 a : having no spinal column : INVERTEBRATE b : lacking strength of character
–spine·less·ly adverb
–spine·less·ness noun

spinet
n. 1 : an early harpsichord having a single keyboard and only one string for each note
2 a : a compactly built small upright piano b : a small electronic organ

spinifex
n. : any of several Australian grasses (genera Spinifex and Triodia) with spiny seeds or stiff sharp leaves

spinmeister
: SPIN DOCTOR

spinnaker
n. : a large triangular sail set on a long light pole and used when running before the wind

spinner
n. 1 : one that spins
2 : a fisherman's lure consisting of a spoon, blade, or set of wings that revolves when drawn through the water
3 : a conical sheet metal fairing that is attached to an airplane propeller boss and revolves with it
4 : a movable arrow that is spun on its dial to indicate the number or kind of moves a player may make in a board game
5 : SPIN DOCTOR

spinner
n. money spinner
spinner dolphin
web spinner

spinner dolphin
: a long-beaked dolphin (Stenella longirostris) that is typically dark gray above and white below and that is noted for its habit of spinning in the air when breaching

spinneret
n. 1 : an organ (as of a spider or caterpillar) for producing threads of silk from the secretion of silk glands
2 or spin·ner·ette : a small metal plate, thimble, or cap with fine holes through which a chemical solution (as of cellulose) is forced in the spinning of man-made filaments (as of rayon or nylon)

spinney
n. chiefly British : a small wood with undergrowth

spinning
n. : a method of fishing in which a lure is cast by use of a light flexible rod, a spinning reel, and a light line

spinning
n. money spinning
spinning frame
spinning jenny
spinning reel
spinning rod
spinning wheel

spinning frame
: a machine that draws, twists, and winds yarn

spinning jenny
: an early multiple-spindle machine for spinning wool or cotton

spinning reel
: a fishing reel with a nonmoving spool on which the line is wound by means of a revolving arm which can be disengaged to allow the line to spiral freely off the spool during casting

spinning rod
: a light flexible fishing rod used with a spinning reel

spinning wheel
: a small domestic hand-driven or foot-driven machine for spinning yarn or thread

spinor
: a vector whose components are complex numbers in a two-dimensional or four-dimensional space and which is used especially in the mathematics of the theory of relativity

spinose
adj. : SPINY 2 <a fly with black spinose legs>
–spi·nos·i·ty \spī-'nä-sə-tē\ noun

spinous
adj. 1 a : SPINY 2 <a spinous plant> b : SPINY 3
2 : difficult or unpleasant to handle or meet : THORNY

spinout
: a rotational skid by an automobile that usually causes it to leave the roadway

Spinoza
n. Benedict de 1632-1677 Hebrew prename Baruch Du. philos.

Spinozism
n. : the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza who taught that reality is one substance with an infinite number of attributes of which only thought and extension are capable of being apprehended by the human mind
–Spi·no·zist \-zist\ noun
–Spi·no·zis·tic \ˌspi-nō-'zis-tik\ adjective

spinster
n. 1 : a woman whose occupation is to spin
2 a archaic : an unmarried woman of gentle family b : an unmarried woman and especially one past the common age for marrying
3 : a woman who seems unlikely to marry
–spin·ster·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
–spin·ster·ish \-st(ə-)rish\ adjective
–spin·ster·ly adjective

spinthariscope
n. : an instrument for visual detection of alpha particles that consists of a fluorescent screen and a magnifying lens system

spinto
n. : a singing voice having both lyric and dramatic qualities
–spinto adjective

spinule
n. : a minute spine
–spi·nu·lose \'spī-nyə-ˌlōs\ adjective

spiny
adj. 1 : abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : THORNY <spiny problems>
2 : covered or armed with spines broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns
3 : slender and pointed like a spine
–spin·i·ness noun

spiny
adj. spiny anteater
spiny headed worm
spiny lobster

spiny anteater
: ECHIDNA

spiny lobster
: any of several edible crustaceans (family Palinuridae, especially genus Panulirus) distinguished from true lobsters by the simple unenlarged first pair of legs and claws and the spiny carapace

spiny-headed worm
: any of a small phylum (Acanthocephala) of unsegmented parasitic worms that have a proboscis bearing hooks by which attachment is made to the intestinal wall of the host

spiracle
n. 1 : a breathing hole : VENT
2 : a breathing orifice: as a : BLOWHOLE 2 b : an external tracheal aperture of a terrestrial arthropod that in an insect is usually one of a series of small apertures located along each side of the thorax and abdomen ― see INSECT illustration
–spi·rac·u·lar \spə-'ra-kyə-lər, spī-\ adjective

spiral
n. 1 a : winding around a center or pole and gradually receding from or approaching it <the spiral curve of a watch spring> b : HELICAL c : SPIRAL-BOUND <a spiral notebook>
2 : of or relating to the advancement to higher levels through a series of cyclical movements
–spi·ral·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

spiral
n. 1 a : the path of a point in a plane moving around a central point while continuously receding from or approaching it b : a three-dimensional curve (as a helix) with one or more turns about an axis
2 : a single turn or coil in a spiral object
3 : something having a spiral form as: a : SPIRAL GALAXY b (1) : a spiral flight (2) : a kick or pass in which a football rotates on its long axis while moving through the air
4 : a continuously spreading and accelerating increase or decrease <wage spirals>

spiral
n. intransitive verb : to go and especially to rise or fall in a spiral course <costs spiraled upward>
transitive verb
1 : to form into a spiral
2 : to cause to spiral

spiral
n. inflationary spiral
spiral binding
spiral bound
spiral cleavage
spiral galaxy
spiral nebula
spiral of Archimedes
spiral spring

spiral binding
: a book or notebook binding in which a continuous spiral wire or plastic strip is passed through holes along one edge

spiral cleavage
: holoblastic cleavage that is typical of protostomes and that is characterized by arrangement of the blastomeres of each upper tier over the cell junctions of the next lower tier so that the blastomeres spiral around the pole to pole axis of the embryo ― compare RADIAL CLEAVAGE

spiral galaxy
: a galaxy exhibiting a central nucleus or barred structure from which extend curved arms of higher luminosity ― called also spiral nebula

spiral of Archimedes
: a plane curve that is generated by a point moving away from or toward a fixed point at a constant rate while the radius vector from the fixed point rotates at a constant rate and that has the equation ρ = a θ in polar coordinates

spiral spring
: a spring consisting of a wire coiled usually in a flat spiral or in a helix

spiral-bound
: having a spiral binding

spirant
n. : a consonant (as \f\, \s\, \sh\) uttered with friction of the breath against some part of the oral passage : FRICATIVE
–spirant adjective

spire
n. 1 : a slender tapering blade or stalk (as of grass)
2 : the upper tapering part of something (as a tree or antler) : PINNACLE
3 a : a tapering roof or analogous pyramidal construction surmounting a tower b : STEEPLE <a church spire>

spire
n. : to rise like a spire

spire
n. 1 a : SPIRAL b : COIL
2 : the inner or upper part of a spiral gastropod shell consisting of all the whorls except the whorl in contact with the body

spire
n. : to rise in or as if in a spiral

spirea
n. 1 : any of a genus (Spiraea) of deciduous shrubs of the rose family with small usually white or pink flowers in dense racemes, corymbs, cymes, or panicles
2 : any of several garden plants resembling spireas especially : a shrub (Astilbe japonica) of the saxifrage family

spired
v. 1 : having a spire <a spired church>
2 : tapering usually to a sharp point <spired cedars>

spirillum
n. : any of a genus (Spirillum) of curved elongated motile bacteria having tufts of flagella at both poles broadly : a spiral filamentous bacterium (as a spirochete)

spirit
n. 1 : an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms
2 : a supernatural being or essence: as a capitalized : HOLY SPIRIT b : SOUL 2A c : an often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible specifically : GHOST 2 d : a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being
3 : temper or disposition of mind or outlook especially when vigorous or animated <in high spirits>
4 : the immaterial intelligent or sentient part of a person
5 a : the activating or essential principle influencing a person <acted in a spirit of helpfulness> b : an inclination, impulse, or tendency of a specified kind : MOOD
6 a : a special attitude or frame of mind <the money-making spirit was for a time driven back ― J. A. Froude> b : the feeling, quality, or disposition characterizing something <undertaken in a spirit of fun>
7 : a lively or brisk quality in a person or a person's actions
8 : a person having a character or disposition of a specified nature
9 : a mental disposition characterized by firmness or assertiveness <denied the charge with spirit>
10 a : DISTILLATE 1: AS (1) : the liquid containing ethyl alcohol and water that is distilled from an alcoholic liquid or mash ― often used in plural (2) : any of various volatile liquids obtained by distillation or cracking (as of petroleum, shale, or wood) ― often used in plural b : a usually volatile organic solvent (as an alcohol, ester, or hydrocarbon)
11 a : prevailing tone or tendency <spirit of the age> b : general intent or real meaning <spirit of the law>
12 : an alcoholic solution of a volatile substance <spirit of camphor>
13 : enthusiastic loyalty <school spirit>
14 capitalized Christian Science : GOD 1B
synonyms see COURAGE

spirit
n. 1 : to infuse with spirit especially : ANIMATE <hope and apprehension of feasibleness spirits all industry ― John Goodman>
2 : to carry off usually secretly or mysteriously <was hustled into a⋯motorcar and spirited off to the country ― W. L. Shirer>

spirit
n. animal spirit
familiar spirit
free spirit
Holy Spirit
proof spirit
spirit gum
spirit level
spirit of wine
spirit rapping
spirit varnish
spirit writing
animal spirits
ardent spirits
mineral spirits
neutral spirits
spirits of turpentine
spirits of wine
free spirited
high spirited
low spirited
mean spirited
poor spirited
public spirited

spirit gum
: a solution (as of gum arabic in ether) used especially for attaching false hair to the skin

spirit level
: LEVEL 1

spirit of wine

15th century
: ALCOHOL 1C

spirit rapping
: communication by raps held to be from the spirits of the dead

spirit varnish
: a varnish in which a volatile liquid (as alcohol) is the solvent

spirit writing
: automatic writing held to be produced under the influence of spirits

spirited
adj. : full of energy, animation, or courage <a spirited discussion>
–spir·it·ed·ly adverb
–spir·it·ed·ness noun

spirited
adj. free spirited
high spirited
low spirited
mean spirited
poor spirited
public spirited
high spiritedness
low spiritedness
mean spiritedness
poor spiritedness
public spiritedness
high spiritedly
low spiritedly
poor spiritedly

spiritism
n. : SPIRITUALISM 2A
–spir·it·ist \-tist\ noun
–spir·it·is·tic \ˌspir-ə-'tis-tik\ adjective

spiritless
adj. : lacking animation, cheerfulness, or courage
synonyms see LANQUID
–spir·it·less·ly adverb
–spir·it·less·ness noun

spiritoso
: ANIMATED ― used as a direction in music

spiritous
1 archaic : PURE, REFINED
2 : SPIRITUOUS

spirits of turpentine

circa 1792
: TURPENTINE 2A

spirits of wine

1646
: rectified spirit : ALCOHOL 1C

spiritual
n. 1 : of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : INCORPOREAL <spiritual needs>
2 a : of or relating to sacred matters <spiritual songs> b : ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal <spiritual authority> <lords spiritual>
3 : concerned with religious values
4 : related or joined in spirit <our spiritual home> <his spiritual heir>
5 a : of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena b : of, relating to, or involving spiritualism : SPIRITUALISTIC
–spir·i·tu·al·ly adverb
–spir·i·tu·al·ness noun

spiritual
n. 1 plural : things of a spiritual, ecclesiastical, or religious nature
2 : a religious song usually of a deeply emotional character that was developed especially among blacks in the southern U.S.
3 capitalized : any of a party of 13th and 14th century Franciscans advocating strict observance of a rule of poverty for their order

spiritual bouquet
: a card notifying the recipient of a number of devotional acts performed by a Roman Catholic on behalf of a person on special occasions (as name days or anniversaries) or for the soul of someone recently deceased especially as an expression of sympathy

spiritualism
n. 1 : the view that spirit is a prime element of reality
2 a : a belief that spirits of the dead communicate with the living usually through a medium b capitalized : a movement comprising religious organizations emphasizing spiritualism
–spir·i·tu·al·ist \-list\ noun often cap
–spir·i·tu·al·is·tic \ˌspir-i-chə-wə-'lis-tik, -i-chə-'lis-, -ich-wə-'lis-\ adjective

spirituality
n. 1 : something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such
2 : CLERGY
3 : sensitivity or attachment to religious values
4 : the quality or state of being spiritual

spiritualize
v. 1 : to make spiritual especially : to purify from the corrupting influences of the world
2 : to give a spiritual meaning to or understand in a spiritual sense
–spir·i·tu·al·i·za·tion \ˌspir-i-chə-wə-lə-'zā-shən, -i-chə-lə-, -ich-wə-lə-\ noun

spiritualty
1 : SPIRITUALITY 1
2 : CLERGY

spirituel
adj. : having or marked by a refined and especially sprightly or witty nature

spirituous
adj. : containing or impregnated with alcohol obtained by distillation <spirituous liquors>

spirochetal
adj. : caused by spirochetes

spirochete
n. : any of an order (Spirochaetales) of slender spirally undulating bacteria including those causing syphilis and Lyme disease

spirochetosis
n. : infection with or a disease caused by spirochetes

spirogyra
n. : any of a genus (Spirogyra) of freshwater green algae with spiral chloroplasts

spirometer
n. : an instrument for measuring the air entering and leaving the lungs
–spi·ro·met·ric \ˌspī-rə-'me-trik\ adjective
–spi·rom·e·try \spī-'rä-mə-trē\ noun

spirt
n. variant of spurt

spirulina
n. : a microscopic filamentous aquatic cyanobacterium (genus Spirulina, especially S. platensis syn. Arthrospira platensis) that is sometimes cultivated for use as food especially as a dietary supplement

spiry
adj. : resembling a spire especially : tall, slender, and tapering <spiry trees>

spit
n. 1 : a slender pointed rod for holding meat over a fire
2 : a small point of land especially of sand or gravel running into a body of water

spit
n. : to fix on or as if on a spit : IMPALE

spit
n. transitive verb
1 a : to eject (as saliva) from the mouth : EXPECTORATE b (1) : to express (unpleasant or malicious feelings) by or as if by spitting (2) : to utter with a spitting sound or scornful expression <spat out his words> c : to emit as if by spitting especially : to emit (precipitation) in driving particles or in flurries <spit rain>
2 : to set to burning <spit a fuse>
intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to eject saliva as an expression of aversion or contempt (2) : to exhibit contempt b : to eject matter (as saliva) from the mouth : EXPECTORATE
2 : to rain or snow slightly or in flurries
3 : to make a noise suggesting expectoration : SPUTTER
–spit it out : to say what is in the mind without further delay

spit
n. 1 a (1) : SPITTLE, SALIVA (2) : the act or an instance of spitting b (1) : a frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs (2) : SPITTLEBUG
2 : perfect likeness
3 : a sprinkle of rain or flurry of snow

spit
n. cuckoo spit
frog spit
spit it out
spit and polish
spit curl
spit up
spitting cobra
spitting image

spit and polish
: extreme attention to cleanliness, orderliness, smartness of appearance, and ceremony often at the expense of operational efficiency
–spit-and-polish adjective

spit curl
: a spiral curl that is usually plastered on the forehead, temple, or cheek

spit it out
to say what is in the mind without further delay

spit up
: REGURGITATE, VOMIT
–spit-up noun

spital
n. archaic : LAZARETTO, HOSPITAL

spitball
n. 1 : paper chewed and rolled into a ball to be thrown or shot as a missile
2 : a baseball pitch delivered after the ball has been moistened with saliva or sweat

spite
n. 1 : petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
2 : an instance of spite
synonyms see MALICE
–in spite of : in defiance or contempt of : without being prevented by <succeeded in spite of their opposition>

spite
n. 1 a : ANNOY, OFFEND b : to fill with spite
2 : to treat maliciously (as by shaming or thwarting)

spiteful
adj. : filled with or showing spite : MALICIOUS
–spite·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–spite·ful·ness noun

spitfire
n. : a quick-tempered or highly emotional person

Spitsbergen
group of islands in Arctic Ocean N of Norway; belongs to Norway area 23,641 sq mi (61,230 sq km) ― see SVALBARD

Spitteler
Carl 1845-1924 pseud. Felix Tan·dem \'tän-ˌdem\ Swiss writer

spitter
n. : one that spits

spitter
n. : SPITBALL 2

spitting cobra
: any of several cobras (as Naja nigricollis and Hemachatus haemachatus of Africa) that in defense typically eject their venom toward the victim without striking

spitting image
: IMAGE 3B

spittle
n. 1 : SALIVA
2 : 4SPIT 1B(1)

spittle insect
: SPITTLEBUG

spittlebug
n. : any of a family (Cercopidae) of leaping homopterous insects whose nymphal larvae produce a frothy secretion ― called also froghopper

spittoon
n. : a receptacle for spit ― called also cuspidor

spitz
n. : a member of any of several breeds of stocky heavy-coated dogs of northern origin with erect ears and usually a heavily furred tail carried over the back

spiv
n. 1 British : a man who lives by his wits without regular employment
2 British : SLACKER 1
–spiv·vy \'spi-vē\ adjective British

splanchnic
adj. : of or relating to the viscera : VISCERAL

splash
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to strike and dash about a liquid or semiliquid substance b : to move in or into a liquid or semiliquid substance and cause it to spatter
2 a (1) : to become spattered about (2) : to spread or scatter in the manner of splashed liquid b : to fall, strike, or move with a splashing sound <a brook splashing over rocks>
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to dash a liquid or thinly viscous substance upon or against (2) : to soil or stain with splashed liquid b : to mark or overlay with patches of contrasting color or texture c : to display prominently <a story splashed on the front page>
2 a : to cause (a liquid or thinly viscous substance) to spatter about especially with force b : to scatter in the manner of a splashed liquid
–splash·er noun

splash
n. 1 a (1) : splashed liquid or semiliquid substance also : impounded water released suddenly (2) : a spot or daub from or as if from splashed liquid <a mud splash on the fender> b : a colored patch
2 a : the action of splashing b : a short plunge
3 : a sound produced by or as if by a liquid falling, moving, being hurled, or oscillating
4 a : a vivid impression created especially by ostentatious activity or appearance b : ostentatious display
5 : a small amount : SPRINKLING

splash guard
: a flap suspended behind a rear wheel to prevent tire splash from muddying windshields of following vehicles

splashboard
n. 1 : DASHBOARD 1
2 : a panel to protect against splashes

splashdown
n. : the landing of a manned spacecraft in the ocean
–splash down intransitive verb

splashy
adj. 1 : moving or being moved with a splash or splashing sounds
2 : tending to or exhibiting ostentatious display : making a splash <a splashy movie> <a splashy debut>
3 : that can be easily splashed about
4 : consisting of, being, or covered with colored splashes
–splash·i·ly \'spla-shə-lē\ adverb
–splash·i·ness \'spla-shē-nəs\ noun

splat
n. : a single flat thin often ornamental member of a back of a chair

splat
n. : a splattering or slapping sound

splatter
n. transitive verb : SPATTER
intransitive verb : to scatter or fall in or as if in drops

splatter
n. : SPATTER, SPLASH

splatter
n. : characterized by extreme or excessive gore or violence <a splatter movie>

splay
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to spread outward
2 : to make oblique : BEVEL
intransitive verb
1 : to extend apart or outward especially in an awkward manner
2 : SLOPE, SLANT

splay
n. 1 : a slope or bevel especially of the sides of a door or window
2 : SPREAD, EXPANSION

splay
n. 1 : turned outward <splay knees>
2 : AWKWARD, UNGAINLY

splayfoot
n. : a foot abnormally flattened and spread out specifically : FLATFOOT
–splay·foot·ed \-ˌfu̇-təd\ adjective

spleen
n. 1 : a highly vascular ductless organ that is located in the left abdominal region near the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates and is concerned with final destruction of red blood cells, filtration and storage of blood, and production of lymphocytes
2 obsolete : the seat of emotions or passions
3 archaic : MELANCHOLY
4 : feelings of anger or ill will often suppressed
5 obsolete : a sudden impulse or whim : CAPRICE
synonyms see MALICE

spleenful
adj. : full of or affected with spleen : SPLENETIC

spleenwort
n. : any of a large genus (Asplenium) of chiefly evergreen ferns having linear or oblong sori

spleeny
1 : full of or displaying spleen
2 New England : peevish and irritable with hypochondriac inclinations

splen
: spleen <splenectomy> <splenomegaly>

splendent
adj. 1 : SHINING, GLOSSY <splendent luster>
2 : ILLUSTRIOUS, BRILLIANT <splendent genius>

splendid
adj. 1 : possessing or displaying splendor: as a : SHINING, BRILLIANT b : marked by showy magnificence
2 : ILLUSTRIOUS, GRAND
3 a : EXCELLENT <a splendid opportunity> b : being out of the ordinary : SINGULAR
–splen·did·ly adverb
–splen·did·ness noun
synonyms SPLENDID, RESPLENDENT, GORGEOUS, GLORIOUS, SUBLIME, SUPERB mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive. SPLENDID implies outshining the usual or customary <the wedding was a splendid occasion>. RESPLENDENT suggests a glowing or blazing splendor <resplendent in her jewelry>. GORGEOUS implies a rich splendor especially in display of color <a gorgeous red dress>. GLORIOUS suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction <a glorious sunset>. SUBLIME implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension <a vision of sublime beauty>. SUPERB suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree <her singing was superb>.

splendide mendax
: nobly untruthful

splendiferous
adj. : extraordinarily or showily impressive
–splen·dif·er·ous·ly adverb
–splen·dif·er·ous·ness noun

splendor
n. 1 a : great brightness or luster : BRILLIANCY b : MAGNIFICENCE, POMP
2 : something splendid <the splendors of the past>
–splen·dor·ous also splen·drous \-d(ə-)rəs\ adjective

splendour
n. chiefly British variant of splendor

splenectomy
n. : surgical removal of the spleen
–sple·nec·to·mize \-ˌmīz\ transitive verb

splenetic
adj. 1 archaic : given to melancholy
2 : marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite
–splenetic noun
–sple·net·i·cal·ly \spli-'ne-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

splenic
adj. : of, relating to, or located in the spleen <splenic blood flow>

splenius
n. : either of two flat oblique muscles on each side of the back of the neck and upper thoracic region

splenomegaly
n. : abnormal enlargement of the spleen

spleuchan
Scottish & Irish : a pouch especially for tobacco or money

splice
n. 1 a : to unite (as two ropes) by interweaving the strands b : to unite (as lengths of magnetic tape) by overlapping and securing together two ends
2 : to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
3 : to combine or insert (as genes) by genetic engineering <spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium>
–splic·er noun

splice
n. 1 : a joining or joint made by splicing something
2 : MARRIAGE, WEDDING

spliff
n. : JOINT 4

spline
n. 1 : a thin wood or metal strip used in building construction
2 : a key that is fixed to one of two connected mechanical parts and fits into a keyway in the other also : a keyway for such a key
3 : a function that is defined on an interval, is used to approximate a given function, and is composed of pieces of simple functions defined on subintervals and joined at their endpoints with a suitable degree of smoothness

splint
n. 1 : a small plate or strip of metal used in making armor
2 a : a thin strip of wood suitable for interweaving (as into baskets) b : SPLINTER c : material or a device used to protect and immobilize a body part (as a broken arm)
3 : a bony enlargement on the upper part of the cannon bone of a horse usually on the inside of the leg

splint
n. 1 : to support and immobilize (as a broken bone) with a splint
2 : to brace with or as if with splints

splint bone
: one of the slender rudimentary metacarpal or metatarsal bones on either side of the cannon bone in the limbs of the horse and related animals

splinter
n. 1 a : a thin piece split or broken off lengthwise : SLIVER b : a small needlelike particle
2 : a group or faction broken away from a parent body
–splinter adjective
–splin·tery \'splin-tə-rē, -trē\ adjective

splinter
n. transitive verb
1 : to split or rend into long thin pieces : SHIVER
2 : to split into fragments, parts, or factions
intransitive verb : to become splintered

Split
n. city & port S Croatia on Dalmatian coast pop 200,459

split
n. transitive verb
1 a : to divide lengthwise usually along a grain or seam or by layers b : to affect as if by cleaving or forcing apart <the river splits the town in two>
2 a (1) : to tear or rend apart : BURST (2) : to subject (an atom or atomic nucleus) to artificial disintegration by fission b : to affect as if by breaking up or tearing apart : SHATTER <a roar that split the air>
3 : to divide into parts or portions: as a : to divide between persons : SHARE b : to divide into factions, parties, or groups c : to mark (a ballot) or cast or register (a vote) so as to vote for candidates of different parties d (1) : to divide or break down (a chemical compound) into constituents <split a fat into glycerol and fatty acids> (2) : to remove by such separation <split off carbon dioxide> e : to divide (stock) by issuing a larger number of shares to existing shareholders usually without increase in total par value
4 : to separate (the parts of a whole) by interposing something <split an infinitive>
5 : LEAVE <split the party> <split town>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become split lengthwise or into layers b : to break apart : BURST
2 a : to become divided up or separated off <split into factions> <split from the group> b : to sever relations or connections : SEPARATE c : LEAVE especially : to leave without delay <split for the coast>
3 British : to betray confidence : act as an informer ― usually used with on
4 : to apportion shares
synonyms see TEAR
–split hairs : to make oversubtle or trivial distinctions
–split one's sides : to laugh heartily
–split the difference : to arrive at a compromise

split
n. 1 : DIVIDED, FRACTURED
2 : prepared for use by splitting <split bamboo> <split hides>
3 : HETEROZYGOUS ― used especially by breeders of cage birds sometimes with for

split
n. 1 a : a narrow break made by or as if by splitting b : an arrangement of bowling pins left standing with space for pins between them
2 : a piece split off or made thin by splitting
3 a : a division into or between divergent or antagonistic elements or forces <a cultural split> b : a faction formed in this way
4 a : the act or process of splitting (as the stock of a corporation) b : the act of lowering oneself to the floor or leaping into the air with legs extended at right angles to the trunk
5 : a product of division by or as if by splitting
6 : a wine bottle holding one quarter the usual amount or about .1875 liters (6 to 6.5 ounces) also : the quantity held by a split
7 : an ice cream sundae served over slices of fruit (as banana)
8 : the recorded time at or for a specific part of a race

split
n. banana split
lickety split
split the difference
split one's sides
split hairs
split brain
split decision
split end
split fingered fastball
split finger
split infinitive
split level
split pea
split personality
split rail
split screen
split second
split shift
split shot
split ticket
stock split
fee splitting

split decision
: a decision in a boxing match reflecting a division of opinion among the referee and judges

split end
1 : an offensive football end who lines up usually several yards to the side of the formation
2 : a hair tip that has become frayed (as from dryness) ― usually used in plural

split hairs
to make oversubtle or trivial distinctions

split infinitive
: an infinitive with to having a modifier between the to and the verbal (as in “to really start”)
usage The split infinitive was discovered and named in the 19th century. 19th century writers seem to have made greater use of this construction than earlier writers; the frequency of occurrence attracted the disapproving attention of grammarians, many of whom thought it to be a modern corruption. The construction had in fact been in occasional use since the 14th century; only its frequency had changed. Even though there has never been a rational basis for objecting to the split infinitive, the subject has become a fixture of folk belief about grammar. You can hardly publish a sentence containing one without hearing about it from somebody. Modern commentators know the split infinitive is not a vice, but they are loath to drop such a popular subject. They usually say it's all right to split an infinitive in the interest of clarity. Since clarity is the usual reason for splitting, this advice means merely that you can split them whenever you need to.

split one's sides
to laugh heartily

split pea
: a dried hulled pea (as a field pea) in which the cotyledons usually split apart

split personality
1 : SCHIZOPHRENIA also : MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER
2 : a dual nature or character <a city with a split personality>

split rail
: a fence rail split from a log

split screen
: a film or video technique in which the frame is divided into discrete nonoverlapping images also : the visual composition based on this technique

split second
: a fractional part of a second : FLASH

split shift
: a shift of working hours divided into two or more working periods at times (as morning and evening) separated by more than normal periods of time off (as for lunch or rest)

split shot
: a small ball-shaped sinker of malleable metal having a slit for the insertion of a fishing line

split the difference
to arrive at a compromise

split ticket
: a ballot cast by a voter who votes for candidates of more than one party

split-brain
: having the optic chiasma and corpus callosum severed <behavior in split-brain animals>

split-fingered fastball
: a fastball thrown with the ball gripped as for a forkball so that it drops rapidly as it nears the plate ― called also split-finger splitter

split-level
: divided vertically so that the floor level of rooms in one part is approximately midway between the levels of two successive stories in an adjoining part <a split-level house>
–split-lev·el \-ˌle-vəl\ noun

split-second
1 : occurring in a split second <a split-second decision>
2 : extremely precise <split-second timing>

splitter
n. 1 : one that splits
2 : one who classifies organisms into numerous named groups based on relatively minor variations or characters ― compare LUMPER
3 : SPLIT-FINGERED FASTBALL

splitting
n. : that splits or causes to split: as a : causing a piercing sensation <a splitting headache> b : very fast or quick <racing off at a splitting pace ― Charles Dickens> c : SIDESPLITTING <a splitting laugh>

splore
1 Scottish : FROLIC, CAROUSAL
2 Scottish : COMMOTION

splotch
n. : SPOT, BLOTCH
–splotchy \'splä-chē\ adjective

splotch
n. : to mark with a splotch : cover with splotches

splurge
n. : an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure

splurge
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a splurge
2 : to indulge oneself extravagantly ― often used with on <splurge on a new dress>
transitive verb : to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously

splutter
n. 1 : a confused noise (as of hasty speaking)
2 : a splashing or sputtering sound

splutter
n. : to utter hastily or confusedly : STAMMER
intransitive verb
1 : to make a noise as if spitting
2 : to speak hastily and confusedly
–splut·ter·er \'splə-tər-ər\ noun

spluttery
: marked by spluttering

Spock
Benjamin McLane 1903-1998 American physician

Spode
n. : ceramic ware (as bone china, stone china, or Parian ware) made at the works established by Josiah Spode in 1770 at Stoke in Staffordshire, England

Spode
n. Josiah 1754-1827 Eng. potter

spodumene
n. : a white to yellowish, purplish, or emerald-green monoclinic mineral that is a silicate of lithium and aluminum and occurs in prismatic crystals often of great size

spoil
n. 1 a : plunder taken from an enemy in war or from a victim in robbery : LOOT b : public offices made the property of a successful party ― usually used in plural c : something valuable or desirable gained through special effort or opportunism or in return for a favor ― usually used in plural
2 a : SPOLIATION, PLUNDERING b : the act of damaging : HARM, IMPAIRMENT
3 : an object of plundering : PREY
4 : earth and rock excavated or dredged
5 : an object damaged or flawed in the making
synonyms SPOIL, PLUNDER, BOOTY, PRIZE, LOOT mean something taken from another by force or craft. SPOIL more commonly SPOILS applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest <the spoils of political victory>. PLUNDER applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling <a bootlegger's plunder>. BOOTY implies plunder to be shared among confederates <thieves dividing up their booty>. PRIZE applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy <the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea>. LOOT applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe <picked through the ruins for loot>.

spoil
n. transitive verb
1 a archaic : DESPOIL, STRIP b : PILLAGE, ROB
2 archaic : to seize by force
3 a : to damage seriously : RUIN b : to impair the quality or effect of <a quarrel spoiled the celebration>
4 a : to impair the disposition or character of by overindulgence or excessive praise b : to pamper excessively : CODDLE
intransitive verb
1 : to practice plunder and robbery
2 : to lose valuable or useful qualities usually as a result of decay <the fruit spoiled>
3 : to have an eager desire <spoiling for a fight>
synonyms see DECAY, INDULGE
–spoil·able \'spȯi-lə-bəl\ adjective

spoilage
n. 1 : the act or process of spoiling especially : the process of decay in foodstuffs
2 : something spoiled or wasted
3 : loss by spoilage

spoiler
n. 1 a : one that spoils b : one (as a political candidate) having little or no chance of winning but capable of depriving a rival of success
2 a : a long narrow plate along the upper surface of an airplane wing that may be raised for reducing lift and increasing drag ― see AIRPLANE illustration b : an air deflector on an automobile to reduce the tendency to lift off the road at high speeds

spoils system
: a practice of regarding public offices and their emoluments as plunder to be distributed to members of the victorious party

spoilsman
n. : one who serves a party for a share of the spoils also : one who sanctions such practice

spoilsport
n. : one who spoils the sport or pleasure of others

Spokane
n. 1 river 120 mi (193 km) N Idaho & E Wash. flowing from Coeur d'Alene Lake W into Columbia River
2 city E Wash. at Spokane Falls in Spokane River pop 195,629

spoke
n. past & archaic past part of speak

spoke
n. 1 a : any of the small radiating bars inserted in the hub of a wheel to support the rim b : something resembling the spoke of a wheel
2 : any of the projecting handles of a steering wheel of a boat

spoke
n. : to furnish with or as if with spokes

spoken
adj. 1 : delivered by word of mouth : ORAL
2 : characterized by speaking in (such) a manner ― used in combination <soft-spoken> <plainspoken>

spoken
adj. fair spoken
free spoken
short spoken
soft spoken
well spoken

spokeshave
n. : a drawknife or small transverse plane with end handles for planing convex or concave surfaces

spokesman
n. : a person who speaks as the representative of another or others often in a professional capacity
–spokes·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

spokesmodel
: a model who is a spokesman or spokeswoman

spokespeople
n. : people serving as spokesmen or spokeswomen

spokesperson
n. : SPOKESMAN

spokeswoman
n. : a woman who speaks as the representative of another or others often in a professional capacity

Spoleto
commune cen Italy SE of Perugia pop 37,802

spolia opima
: rich spoils : the arms taken by the victorious from the vanquished general

spoliate
v. : DESPOIL
–spo·li·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

spoliation
n. 1 a : the act of plundering b : the state of having been plundered especially in war
2 : the act of injuring especially beyond reclaim

spondee
n. : a metrical foot consisting of two long or stressed syllables
–spon·da·ic \spän-'dā-ik\ adjective or noun

spondylitis
n. : inflammation of the vertebrae

sponge
n. 1 a (1) : an elastic porous mass of interlacing horny fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals (phylum Porifera) and is able when wetted to absorb water (2) : a piece of sponge (as for scrubbing and cleaning) (3) : a porous rubber or cellulose product used similarly to a sponge b : any of a phylum (Porifera) of aquatic chiefly marine simple invertebrate animals that have a double-walled body of loosely aggregated cells with a skeleton supported by spicules or spongin and are filter feeders that are sessile as adults
2 : a pad (as of folded gauze) used in surgery and medicine (as to remove discharge or apply medication)
3 : one who lives on others : SPONGER
4 a : a soft mixture of yeast, liquid, and flour that is allowed to rise and then mixed with additional ingredients to create bread dough b : a whipped dessert usually containing whites of eggs or gelatin c : a metal (as platinum) obtained in porous form usually by reduction without fusion <titanium sponge> d : the egg mass of a crab
5 : an absorbent contraceptive device that is impregnated with spermicide and inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to cover the cervix
synonyms see PARASITE

sponge
n. transitive verb
1 : to cleanse, wipe, or moisten with or as if with a sponge
2 : to erase or destroy with or as if with a sponge ― often used with out
3 : to get by sponging on another
4 : to absorb with or as if with or in the manner of a sponge
intransitive verb
1 : to absorb, soak up, or imbibe like a sponge
2 : to get something from or live on another by imposing on hospitality or good nature <sponged off of her sister>
3 : to dive or dredge for sponges
–spong·er noun

sponge
n. glass sponge
sponge cake
sponge cloth
sponge rubber
throw in the sponge

sponge cake
: a light cake made without shortening

sponge cloth
: any of various soft porous fabrics especially in a loose honeycomb weave

sponge rubber
: cellular rubber resembling a natural sponge in structure used especially for cushions, vibration dampeners, weather stripping, and gaskets

spongeware
: a typically 19th century earthenware with background color spattered or dabbed (as with a sponge) and usually a freehand central design

spongiform encephalopathy
: any of a group of degenerative diseases of the brain that are characterized by development of brain tissue having a structure like that of a porous sponge and by deterioration in neurological functioning ― compare BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY

spongin
n. : a scleroprotein that is the chief constituent of flexible fibers found in certain sponge skeletons

spongy
adj. 1 : resembling a sponge: a : soft and full of cavities <spongy ice> b : elastic, porous, and absorbent
2 a : not firm or solid b : being in the form of a metallic sponge <spongy iron>
3 : moist and soft like a sponge full of water <a spongy moor>
–spong·i·ness noun

spongy
adj. spongy parenchyma
spongy tissue
spongy layer

spongy parenchyma
: a spongy layer of irregular chlorophyll-bearing cells interspersed with air spaces that fills the interior part of a leaf below the palisade layer ― called also spongy layer spongy tissue

sponson
n. 1 a : a projection (as a gun platform) from the side of a ship or a tank b : an air chamber along a canoe to increase stability and buoyancy
2 : a light air-filled structure or a winglike part protruding from the hull of a seaplane to steady it on water

sponsor
n. 1 : one who presents a candidate for baptism or confirmation and undertakes responsibility for the person's religious education or spiritual welfare
2 : one who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing
3 : a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity especially : one that pays the cost of a radio or television program usually in return for advertising time during its course
–spon·so·ri·al \spän-'sȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–spon·sor·ship \'spän(t)-sər-ˌship\ noun

sponsor
n. : to be or stand sponsor for

spontaneity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being spontaneous
2 : voluntary or undetermined action or movement also : its source

spontaneous
adj. 1 : proceeding from natural feeling or native tendency without external constraint
2 : arising from a momentary impulse
3 : controlled and directed internally : SELF-ACTING <spontaneous movement characteristic of living things>
4 : produced without being planted or without human labor : INDIGENOUS
5 : developing or occurring without apparent external influence, force, cause, or treatment
6 : not apparently contrived or manipulated : NATURAL
–spon·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb
–spon·ta·ne·ous·ness noun
synonyms SPONTANEOUS, IMPULSIVE, INSTINCTIVE, AUTOMATIC, MECHANICAL mean acting or activated without deliberation. SPONTANEOUS implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness <a spontaneous burst of applause>. IMPULSIVE implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment <impulsive acts of violence>. INSTINCTIVE stresses action involving neither judgment nor will <blinking is an instinctive reaction>. AUTOMATIC implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response <his denial was automatic>. MECHANICAL stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response <a mechanical teaching method>.

spontaneous
adj. spontaneous combustion
spontaneous ignition
spontaneous generation
spontaneous recovery

spontaneous combustion
: self-ignition of combustible material through chemical action (as oxidation) of its constituents ― called also spontaneous ignition

spontaneous generation
: ABIOGENESIS

spontaneous recovery
: reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response without positive reinforcement

spontoon
n. : a short pike formerly borne by subordinate officers of infantry

spoof
n. 1 : DECEIVE, HOAX
2 : to make good-natured fun of

spoof
n. 1 : HOAX, DECEPTION
2 : a light humorous parody
–spoof·ery \'spü-f(ə-)rē\ noun
–spoofy \'spü-fē\ adjective

spook
n. 1 : GHOST, SPECTER
2 : an undercover agent : SPY
–spook·ish \'spü-kish\ adjective

spook
n. 1 : HAUNT 3
2 : to make frightened or frantic : SCARE especially : to startle into violent activity (as stampeding)
intransitive verb : to become spooked <cattle spooking at shadows>

spookery
: the quality of being spooky also : something (as a story) that involves spooks

spooky
adj. 1 : relating to, resembling, or suggesting spooks
2 : NERVOUS, SKITTISH <a spooky horse>
–spook·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–spook·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

spool
n. 1 : a cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge at each end and an axial hole for a pin or spindle and on which material (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound
2 : material or the amount of material wound on a spool

spool
n. 1 : to wind on a spool
2 : WIND <spool the thread off the bobbin>
3 : to regulate the transmission of by means of a spooler <spool data>
intransitive verb
1 : to wind itself on a spool
2 : to be wound or unwound
3 : to regulate data flow by means of a spooler

spooler
n. : a computer utility that regulates data flow by receiving data (as from a word processor), queuing the data in a buffer, and then transmitting it (as to a printer) with increased efficiency

spoon
n. 1 : an eating or cooking implement consisting of a small shallow bowl with a relatively long handle
2 : something (as a tool or fishing lure) that resembles a spoon in shape

spoon
n. : to take up and usually transfer in a spoon
intransitive verb [perhaps from the Welsh custom of an engaged man's presenting his fiancée with an elaborately carved wooden spoon] : to make love by caressing, kissing, and talking amorously : NECK

spoon
n. greasy spoon
runcible spoon
silver spoon
spoon billed
spoon bread
spoon feed

spoon bread
: soft bread made of cornmeal mixed with milk, eggs, and shortening and served with a spoon

spoon-billed
: having the bill or snout expanded and spatulate at the end

spoon-feed
1 : to feed by means of a spoon
2 a : to present (information) so completely as to preclude independent thought <spoon-feed material to students> b : to present information to in this manner

spoonbill
n. 1 : any of several wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the ibises that have an expanded bill that is flattened and rounded at the tip
2 : any of several broad-billed ducks (as the shoveler)

spoonbill cat
: a paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)

spoonerism
n. : a transposition of usually initial sounds of two or more words (as in tons of soil for sons of toil)

spoonful
n. : as much as a spoon will hold specifically : TEASPOONFUL

spoony
n. 1 : SILLY, FOOLISH especially : unduly sentimental
2 : being sentimentally in love

spoor
n. 1 : a track, a trail, a scent, or droppings especially of a wild animal
2 : a trace by which the progress of someone or something may be followed

spoor
n. : to track by a spoor
intransitive verb : to track something by its spoor

spor
: seed : spore <sporocyst> <sporangium> <sporicidal>

Sporades
two island groups Greece in the Aegean: the Northern Sporades (chief island Skyros, N of Euboea & E of Thessaly) & the Southern Sporades (chiefly Samos, Ikaria, & the Dodecanese, off SW Turkey)

sporadic
adj. : occurring occasionally, singly, or in irregular or random instances <sporadic protests> <a sporadic disease>
synonyms see INFREQUENT
–spo·rad·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sporadic E layer
: a layer of ionization occurring irregularly within the E region of the ionosphere

sporangiophore
n. : a stalk or similar structure bearing sporangia

sporangium
n. : a structure within which spores are produced
–spo·ran·gial \-j(ē-)əl\ adjective

spore
n. : a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of development into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore
–spored \'spȯrd\ adjective

spore
n. : to produce or reproduce by spores

spore
n. milky spore disease
spore case
swarm spore

spore case
: a case containing spores : SPORANGIUM

sporicidal
adj. : tending to kill spores
–spo·ri·cide \'spȯr-ə-ˌsīd\ noun

sporocarp
: a structure (as in red algae, fungi, or mosses) in or on which spores are produced

sporocyst
n. 1 : a case or cyst secreted by some sporozoans preliminary to sporogony also : a sporozoan encysted in such a case
2 : a saccular body that is the first asexual reproductive form of a digenetic trematode, develops from a miracidium, and buds off cells from its inner surface which develop into rediae

sporogenesis
n. 1 : reproduction by spores
2 : spore formation
–spo·rog·e·nous \spə-'rä-jə-nəs, spȯ-\ also spo·ro·gen·ic \ˌspȯr-ə-'je-nik\ adjective

sporogony
n. : reproduction by spores specifically : formation of spores typically containing sporozoites that is characteristic of some sporozoans and that results from the encystment and subsequent division of a zygote
–spo·ro·gon·ic \ˌspȯr-ə-'gä-nik\ adjective

sporophore
n. : the spore-producing organ of a fungus or slime mold

sporophyll
: a spore-bearing and usually greatly modified leaf

sporophyte
n. : the diploid multicellular individual or generation of a plant with alternation of generations that begins from a diploid zygote and produces haploid spores by meiotic division ― compare GAMETOPHYTE
–spo·ro·phyt·ic \ˌspȯr-ə-'fi-tik\ adjective

sporopollenin
: a relatively chemically inert polymer that makes up the outer layer of pollen grains and some spores

sporotrichosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by a fungus (Sporothrix schenckii) that is characterized by often ulcerating or suppurating nodules in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and nearby lymph nodes and is usually transmitted by fungal entry through a skin abrasion or wound

sporous
: having (such or so many) spores <homosporous>

sporozoan
n. : any of a large class (Sporozoa) of strictly parasitic nonmotile protozoans that have a complex life cycle usually involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts and include important pathogens (as malaria parasites and babesias)
–sporozoan adjective

sporozoite
n. : a usually motile infective form of some sporozoans that is a product of sporogony and initiates an asexual cycle in the new host

sporran
n. : a pouch usually of skin with the hair or fur on that is worn in front of the kilt with Scots Highland dress

sport
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to amuse oneself : FROLIC <lambs sporting in the meadow> b : to engage in a sport
2 a : to mock or ridicule something b : to speak or act in jest : TRIFLE
3 [2sport] : to deviate or vary abruptly from type (as by bud variation) : MUTATE
transitive verb
1 : to display or wear usually ostentatiously : BOAST <sporting expensive new shoes>
2 [2sport] : to put forth as a sport or bud variation

sport
n. 1 a : a source of diversion : RECREATION b : sexual play c (1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure (2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in
2 a : PLEASANTRY, JEST b : often mean-spirited jesting : MOCKERY, DERISION
3 a : something tossed or driven about in or as if in play b : LAUGHINGSTOCK
4 a : SPORTSMAN b : a person considered with respect to living up to the ideals of sportsmanship <a good sport> <a poor sport> c : a companionable person
5 : an individual exhibiting a sudden deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usually as a result of mutation especially of somatic tissue
synonyms see FUN

sport
n. : of, relating to, or suitable for sports especially : styled in a manner suitable for casual or informal wear <sport coats>

sport
n. blood sport
make sport of
sport fish
sport utility vehicle
sport utility
sport ute
sports bar
sports car
sports medicine
sporting house

sport fish
: a fish important for the sport it affords anglers

sport-utility vehicle
: a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis ― called also sport-ute \-ˌyüt\ sport-utility SUV

sportfisherman
: a motorboat equipped for sportfishing

sportfishing
: fishing done with a rod and reel for sport or recreation

sportful
adj. 1 a : productive of sport or amusement : ENTERTAINING, DIVERTING b : PLAYFUL, FROLICSOME
2 : done in sport
–sport·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–sport·ful·ness noun

sportif
: SPORTY

sporting
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, used, or suitable for sport especially : trained for trapping or retrieving game <sporting dogs> b : marked by or calling for sportsmanship c : involving such risk as a sports contender may expect to take or encounter <a sporting chance>
2 : of or relating to dissipation and especially gambling
3 : tending to mutate freely
–sport·ing·ly adverb

sporting house
: BORDELLO

sportive
adj. 1 a : FROLICSOME, PLAYFUL b : ARDENT, WANTON
2 : of or relating to sports and especially field sports
–sport·ive·ly adverb
–sport·ive·ness noun

sports bar
: a bar catering especially to sports fans and typically containing several televisions and often sports memorabilia

sports car
: a low small usually 2-passenger automobile designed for quick response, easy maneuverability, and high-speed driving

sports medicine
: a field of medicine concerned with the prevention and treatment of injuries and disorders that are related to participation in sports

sportscast
n. : a radio or television broadcast of a sports event or of information about sports
–sports·cast·er \-ˌkas-tər\ noun

sportsman
n. 1 : a person who engages in sports (as hunting or fishing)
2 : a person who shows sportsmanship
–sports·man·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–sports·man·ly \-lē\ adjective

sportsmanship
n. : conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport

sportswear
n. : clothing suitable for recreation broadly : clothing designed for casual or informal wear

sportswoman
n. : a woman who engages in sports

sportswriter
n. : a person who writes about sports especially for a newspaper
–sports·writ·ing \-tiŋ\ noun

sporty
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or typical of sports, sportsmen, sportswomen, or sportswear
2 : resembling a sports car in styling or performance <a sporty sedan>
–sport·i·ly \'spȯr-tə-lē\ adverb
–sport·i·ness \'spȯr-tē-nəs\ noun

sporulate
v. : to undergo sporulation

sporulation
n. : the formation of spores especially : division into many small spores (as after encystment)
–spor·u·la·tive \'spȯr-yə-ˌlā-tiv, -ə-ˌlā-\ adjective

spory
: quality or state of having (such) spores <homospory>

spot
n. 1 : a taint on character or reputation : FAULT <the only spot on the family name>
2 a : a small area visibly different (as in color, finish, or material) from the surrounding area b (1) : an area marred or marked (as by dirt) (2) : a circumscribed surface lesion of disease (as measles) or decay <spots of rot> <rust spots on a leaf> c : a conventionalized design used on playing cards to distinguish the suits and indicate values
3 : an object having a specified number of spots or a specified numeral on its surface
4 : a small quantity or amount : BIT
5 a : a particular place, area, or part b : a small extent of space
6 plural usually spot : a small croaker (Leiostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast with a black spot behind the opercula
7 a : a particular position (as in an organization or a hierarchy) b : a place or appearance on an entertainment program
8 : SPOTLIGHT
9 : a position usually of difficulty or embarrassment
10 : a brief announcement or advertisement broadcast between scheduled radio or television programs
11 : a brief segment or report on a broadcast especially of news
–on the spot
1 : at once : IMMEDIATELY
2 : at the place of action
3 a : in a responsible or accountable position b : in a difficult or trying situation

spot
n. transitive verb
1 : to stain the character or reputation of : DISGRACE
2 : to mark in or with a spot : STAIN
3 : to locate or identify by a spot
4 a : to single out : IDENTIFY especially : to note as a known criminal or a suspicious person b : DETECT, NOTICE <spot a mistake> c (1) : to locate accurately <spot an enemy position> (2) : to cause to strike accurately <spot the battery's fire>
5 a : to lie at intervals in or over : STUD b : to place at intervals or in a desired spot <spot field telephones> c : to fix in or as if in the beam of a spotlight d : to schedule in a particular spot or at a particular time
6 : to remove a spot from
7 : to allow as a handicap
intransitive verb
1 : to become stained or discolored in spots
2 : to cause a spot
3 : to act as a spotter especially : to locate targets
4 : to experience abnormal and sporadic bleeding in small amounts from the uterus
–spot·ta·ble \'spä-tə-bəl\ adjective

spot
n. 1 a : being, originating, or done on the spot or in or for a particular spot <spot coverage of the news> b : available for immediate delivery after sale <spot commodities> c (1) : paid out upon delivery <spot cash> (2) : involving immediate cash payment <a spot transaction> d (1) : broadcast between scheduled programs <spot announcements> (2) : originating in a local station for a national advertiser e : performing occasionally when needed <chance of making the⋯varsity as a spot starter and relief pitcher ― N. Y. Times>
2 : made at random or restricted to a few places or instances <a spot check> also : selected at random or as a sample

spot
n. beauty spot
black spot
blind spot
flying spot
G spot
hit the spot
hot spot
Johnny on the spot
leaf spot
yellow spot
ring spot
soft spot
on the spot
spot check
spot on
spot pass
spot test
sweet spot
warm spot
age spots
liver spots
hit the high spots
northern spotted owl
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
spotted alfalfa aphid
spotted cucumber beetle
spotted dick
spotted dog
spotted fever
spotted knapweed
spotted owl
spotted salamander
spotted sea trout
spotted weakfish
spotted turtle
two spotted spider mite
two spotted mite

spot pass
: a pass (as in football or basketball) made to a predetermined spot on the field or court rather than directly to a player

spot test
1 : a test limited to a few key or sample points or a relatively small percentage of random spots
2 : a test conducted on the spot to yield immediate results

spot-check
: to sample or investigate quickly or at random
intransitive verb : to make a spot check

spot-on
: exactly correct : ACCURATE, PERFECT <a spot-on forecast> <a spot-on impersonation>

spotless
adj. : having no spot: a : free from impurity : IMMACULATE <spotless kitchens> b : PURE, UNBLEMISHED <a spotless reputation>
–spot·less·ly adverb
–spot·less·ness noun

spotlight
n. 1 a : a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage b : conspicuous public notice <held the political spotlight>
2 a : a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area b : something that illuminates brilliantly

spotlight
n. 1 : to illuminate with a spotlight
2 : to direct attention to : HIGHLIGHT

spotted
adj. 1 : marked with spots
2 : being sullied : TARNISHED
3 : characterized by the appearance of spots

spotted
adj. northern spotted owl
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
spotted alfalfa aphid
spotted cucumber beetle
spotted dick
spotted dog
spotted fever
spotted knapweed
spotted owl
spotted salamander
spotted sea trout
spotted weakfish
spotted turtle
two spotted spider mite
two spotted mite

spotted alfalfa aphid
: a highly destructive Old World aphid (Therioaphis maculata) that is established in the U.S. in warmer areas and causes yellowing and stunting of affected plants

spotted cucumber beetle
: a rather slender greenish-yellow beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) that feeds as an adult on various ornamental and crop plants and is a vector of wilt disease especially of cucumbers and melons

spotted dick
British : a pudding made with suet and currants or raisins ― called also spotted dog

spotted fever
: any of various eruptive fevers: as a : TYPHUS b : ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

spotted knapweed
: a knapweed (Centaurea maculosa syn. C. biebersteinii) with usually pink flowers and deeply cleft leaves that is native to Europe and Asia but is now widespread in the U.S.

spotted owl
: a rare large dark brown dark-eyed owl (Strix occidentalis) that has barred and spotted underparts and is found in humid old growth forests and thickly wooded canyons from British Columbia to southern California and central Mexico especially : NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL

spotted salamander
: a common salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) of eastern No. America with glossy black skin spotted with yellow or orange on the back

spotted sea trout
: a weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus) that is a valuable food and sport fish of the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. ― called also sea trout speckled trout spotted weakfish

spotted turtle
: a freshwater turtle (Clemmys guttata) of the eastern U.S. that has a blackish carapace with round yellow spots

spotter
n. 1 : one that makes or applies a spot (as for identification)
2 : one that looks or keeps watch: as a : one that locates enemy targets b : a civilian who watches for approaching airplanes c : a person who assists another during exercise (as to prevent injury)
3 : one that removes spots
4 : one that places something on or in a desired spot

spotty
adj. 1 : marked with spots : SPOTTED
2 : lacking uniformity especially in quality <the performance was spotty> also : irregularly or sparsely distributed <spotty attendance> <spotty data>
–spot·ti·ly \'spä-tə-lē\ adverb
–spot·ti·ness \'spä-tē-nəs\ noun

spousal
adj. : NUPTIALS ― usually used in plural

spouse
n. : married person : HUSBAND, WIFE
–spou·sal \'spau̇-zəl, -səl\ adjective

spouse
n. archaic : WED

spout
n. transitive verb
1 : to eject (as liquid) in a stream <wells spouting oil>
2 a : to speak or utter readily, volubly, and at length b : to speak or utter in a pompous or oratorical manner : DECLAIM <a candidate spouting empty promises>
intransitive verb
1 : to issue with force or in a jet : SPURT
2 : to eject material (as liquid) in a jet
3 : DECLAIM
–spout·er noun

spout
n. 1 : a pipe or conductor through which a liquid is discharged or conveyed in a stream: as a : a pipe for carrying rainwater from a roof b : a projecting tube or lip from which a liquid (as water) issues
2 : a discharge or jet of liquid or moisture from or as if from a pipe: as a : WATERSPOUT b : the blowing of a whale
3 archaic : PAWNSHOP
–spout·ed \'spau̇-təd\ adjective

spp
species (pl)

SPQR
the senate and the people of Rome

sprachgefuhl
1 : the character of a language
2 : an intuitive sense of what is linguistically appropriate

spraddle
v. intransitive verb
1 : SPRAWL
2 : to go or walk with a straddling gait : STRADDLE
transitive verb
1 : SPRAWL
2 : to spread (the legs) in walking : STRADDLE

sprag
n. : a pointed stake or steel bar let down from a halted vehicle (as a wagon) to prevent it from rolling

sprain
n. 1 : a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments
2 : a sprained condition

sprain
n. : to injure by a sudden or severe twist

sprang
past of spring

sprang
: a weaving technique in which threads or cords are intertwined and twisted over one another to form an openwork mesh

sprat
n. 1 a : a small European marine fish (Sprattus sprattus) of the herring family ― called also brisling b : any of various small or young fish (as an anchovy) of the herring family
2 : a young, small, or insignificant person

Spratly Islands
islands cen S. China Sea SE of Cam Ranh Bay; claimed by several countries

sprawl
n. intransitive verb
1 a archaic : to lie thrashing or tossing about b : to creep or clamber awkwardly
2 : to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out
3 : to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint <bushes sprawling along the road> <sprawling suburbs> <a sprawling narrative>
transitive verb : to cause to spread out carelessly or awkwardly <sprawled out her books on the table>

sprawl
n. 1 : the act, posture, or condition of sprawling
2 : an irregularly spread or scattered group or mass
3 : URBAN SPRAWL

spray
n. 1 : a usually flowering branch or shoot
2 : a decorative flat arrangement of flowers and foliage (as on a coffin)
3 : something (as a jeweled pin) resembling a spray

spray
n. 1 : water flying in small drops or particles blown from waves or thrown up by a waterfall
2 a : a jet of vapor or finely divided liquid <disinfectant sprays> b : a device (as an atomizer or sprayer) by which a spray is dispersed or applied c (1) : an application of a spray or by spraying (2) : a substance (as paint) so applied

spray
n. 1 : to project spray or something resembling spray on or into <spray the table> <spraying the wall with bullets>
2 : to disperse or apply as a spray <sprayed some perfume>
intransitive verb
1 : to break up into spray
2 : to disperse or apply a spray
3 : to emit a stream or spray of urine <a cat may spray to mark its territory>
–spray·er noun

spray
n. hair spray
pepper spray
spray can
spray gun

spray can
: a pressurized container from which aerosols are dispensed

spray gun
: an apparatus resembling a gun for applying a substance (as paint or insecticide) in the form of a spray

spread
n. transitive verb
1 a : to open or expand over a larger area <spread out the map> b : to stretch out : EXTEND <spread its wings for flight>
2 a : to distribute over an area <spread fertilizer> b : to distribute over a period or among a group <spread the work over a few weeks> c : to apply on a surface <spread butter on bread> d (1) : to cover or overlay something with <spread the cloth on the table> (2) archaic : to cover completely e (1) : to prepare or furnish for dining : SET <spread the table> (2) : SERVE <spread the afternoon tea>
3 a : to make widely known <spread the news> b : to extend the range or incidence of <spread a disease> c : DIFFUSE, EMIT <flowers spreading their fragrance>
4 : to push apart by weight or force
intransitive verb
1 a : to become dispersed, distributed, or scattered b : to become known or disseminated <panic spread rapidly>
2 : to grow in length or breadth : EXPAND
3 : to move apart (as from pressure or weight) : SEPARATE
–spread·abil·i·ty \ˌspre-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–spread·able \'spre-də-bəl\ adjective

spread
n. 1 a : the act or process of spreading b : extent of spreading
2 : something spread out: as a : a surface area : EXPANSE b (1) : a ranch or homestead especially in the western U.S. (2) West : a herd of animals c (1) : a prominent display in a periodical (2) : two facing pages (as of a newspaper) usually with matter running across the fold also : the matter occupying these pages
3 : something spread on or over a surface: as a : a food to be spread (as on bread or crackers) <a cheese spread> b : a sumptuous meal : FEAST c : a cloth cover for a table or bed
4 : distance between two points : GAP
5 : a commodities market transaction in which a participant hedges with simultaneous long and short options in different commodities or different delivery dates in the same commodity

spread
n. point spread
spread eagle
spread formation
spread eaeagling
spread eaeagled
seafloor spreading
spreading factor
wide spreading

spread eagle
1 : a representation of an eagle with wings raised and legs extended
2 : something resembling or suggestive of a spread eagle specifically : a skating figure executed with the skates heel to heel in a straight line

spread formation
: an offensive football formation in which the pass receivers are spread out across the field

spread-eagle
intransitive verb
1 : to execute a spread eagle (as in skating)
2 : to stand or move with arms and legs stretched out : SPRAWL
transitive verb
1 : to stretch out into the position of a spread eagle
2 : to spread over

spread-eagle
: marked by bombast and boastful exaggeration especially of the greatness of the U.S. <spread-eagle oratory>

spreader
n. : one that spreads: as a : an implement for scattering material b : a small knife used especially for spreading butter c : a device (as a bar) holding two linear elements (as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

spreading factor
: HYALURONIDASE

spreadsheet
n. : an accounting program for a computer also : the ledger layout modeled by such a program

Spree
n. river 247 mi (397 km) E Germany flowing N into the Havel

spree
n. : an unrestrained indulgence in or outburst of an activity <went on a buying spree> also : a drunken revel : BINGE

Spreewald
marshy district E Germany in Spree River valley

sprent
archaic : sprinkled over

sprezzatura
n. : studied nonchalance : perfect conduct or performance of something (as an artistic endeavor) without apparent effort

sprier
adj. comparative of spry

spriest
adj. superlative of spry

sprig
n. 1 a : a small shoot : TWIG <a sprig of parsley> b : a small division of grass used for propagation
2 a : HEIR b : YOUTH c : a small specimen
3 : an ornament resembling a sprig, stemmed flower, or leaf
4 : a small headless nail : BRAD

sprig
n. 1 : to drive sprigs or brads into
2 : to mark or adorn with the representation of plant sprigs
3 : to propagate (a grass) by means of stolons or small divisions

sprightful
archaic : SPRIGHTLY
–spright·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–spright·ful·ness noun

sprightly
adj. 1 : marked by a gay lightness and vivacity : SPIRITED <a sprightly musical>
2 : having a distinctively piquant taste : ZESTY <a sprightly salsa>
synonyms see LIVELY
–spright·li·ness noun
–sprightly adverb

spring
n. intransitive verb
1 a (1) : DART, SHOOT <sparks sprang out from the fire> (2) : to be resilient or elastic also : to move by elastic force <the lid sprang shut> b : to become warped
2 : to issue with speed and force or as a stream <tears spring from our eyes>
3 a : to grow as a plant b : to issue by birth or descent <sprang from the upper class> c : to come into being : ARISE <towns sprang up across the plains> d archaic : DAWN e : to begin to blow ― used with up <a breeze quickly sprang up>
4 a : to make a leap or series of leaps <springing across the lawn> b : to leap or jump up suddenly <sprang from their seats>
5 : to stretch out in height : RISE
6 : PAY ― used with for <I'll spring for the drinks>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to spring
2 a : to undergo or bring about the splitting or cracking of <wind sprang the mast> b : to undergo the opening of (a leak)
3 a : to cause to operate suddenly <spring a trap> b : to apply or insert by bending c : to bend by force
4 : to leap over
5 : to produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly
6 : to make lame
7 : to release or cause to be released from confinement or custody <sprung them from jail>
synonyms SPRING, ARISE, RISE, ORIGINATE, DERIVE, FLOW, ISSUE, EMANATE, PROCEED, STEM mean to come up or out of something into existence. SPRING implies rapid or sudden emerging <an idea that springs to mind>. ARISE and RISE may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but RISE often stresses gradual growth or ascent <new questions have arisen> <slowly rose to prominence>. ORIGINATE implies a definite source or starting point <the fire originated in the basement>. DERIVE implies a prior existence in another form <the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast>. FLOW adds to SPRING a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception <words flowed easily from her pen>. ISSUE suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet <blood issued from the cut>. EMANATE applies to the coming of something immaterial (as a thought) from a source <reports emanating from the capital>. PROCEED stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause <advice that proceeds from the best of intentions>. STEM implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development <industries stemming from space research>.

spring
n. 1 a : a source of supply especially : a source of water issuing from the ground b : an ultimate source especially of action or motion
2 : SPRING TIDE
3 : a time or season of growth or development specifically : the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice
4 : an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted
5 a : the act or an instance of leaping up or forward : BOUND b (1) : capacity for springing : RESILIENCE (2) : ENERGY, BOUNCE
6 : the point or plane at which an arch or vault curve springs from its impost
–spring·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

spring
n. : to fit with springs

spring
n. box spring
hot spring
leaf spring
spiral spring
spring beauty
spring bolt
spring chicken
spring cleaning
spring fever
spring line
spring load
spring onion
spring peeper
spring roll
spring tide
spring wagon
Big Spring
Pipe Spring National Monument
Spring Mountains
Spring Valley
Altamonte Springs
Blue Springs
Bonita Springs
Colorado Springs
Coral Springs
Hot Springs
Palm Springs
Saratoga Springs
Winter Springs
sprung rhythm

spring beauty
: any of a genus (Claytonia) of herbs of the purslane family especially : one (C. virginica) of No. America that sends up in early spring a usually 2-leaved stem bearing delicate pink flowers

spring bolt
: a bolt retracted by pressure and shot by a spring when the pressure is released

spring chicken
: a young person <is no spring chicken>

spring fever
: a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the onset of spring

spring line
: a line led diagonally from the bow or stern of a ship to a point on a wharf and made fast to help keep the ship from moving fore and aft while docked

Spring Mountains
range SE Nevada W of Las Vegas

spring onion
: SCALLION 3

spring peeper
: a small brown tree frog (Pseudacris crucifer syn. Hyla crucifer) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has a shrill piping call and breeds in ponds and streams in the spring

spring roll
: EGG ROLL also : any of various similar appetizers especially in Asian cuisine

spring tide
: a tide of greater-than-average range around the times of new moon and full moon

Spring Valley
v. village SE N.Y. N of New York City pop 25,464

spring wagon
: a light farm wagon equipped with springs

spring-cleaning
: the act or process of doing a thorough cleaning of a place

spring-load
: to load or secure by means of spring tension or compression

springald
archaic : a young man : STRIPLING

springboard
n. 1 : a flexible board usually secured at one end and used for gymnastic stunts or diving
2 : a point of departure : JUMPING-OFF PLACE

springbok
n. : a swift and graceful southern African gazelle (Antidorcas marsupialis) noted for its habit of springing lightly and suddenly into the air

Springdale
city NW Ark. pop 45,798

springe
n. 1 : a noose fastened to an elastic body to catch small game
2 : SNARE, TRAP

springer
n. 1 : a stone or other solid laid at the impost of an arch ― see ARCH illustration
2 : one that springs
3 : SPRINGER SPANIEL
4 : a cow nearly ready to calve

springer
n. English springer spaniel
English springer
springer spaniel
Welsh springer spaniel

springer spaniel
: a medium-sized sporting dog of either of two breeds that is often used for finding and flushing small game: a : ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL b : WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Springfield
n. 1 city capital of Ill. on the Sangamon pop 111,454
2 city SW Mass. on Connecticut River pop 152,082
3 city SW Mo. pop 151,580
4 city W cen Ohio NE of Dayton pop 65,358
5 city W Oreg. on the Willamette E of Eugene pop 52,864

Springfield rifle
: a.30 caliber bolt-action rifle used by U.S. troops especially in World War I

springform pan
: a pan or mold with an upright detachable rim fastened to the bottom of the pan with a clamp or spring

springhead
n. : FOUNTAINHEAD

springhouse
: a small building situated over a spring and used for cool storage (as of dairy products or meat)

springing
1 : SPRING 5
2 : a point where an arch rises from its support

Springs
n. city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng pop 142,812

Springs
n. Altamonte Springs
Blue Springs
Bonita Springs
Colorado Springs
Coral Springs
Hot Springs
Palm Springs
Saratoga Springs
Winter Springs

springtail
n. : any of an order (Collembola) of small primitive wingless insects that exhibit incomplete metamorphosis and usually possess a furcula used for jumping ― called also collembolan

springtide
n. : SPRINGTIME

springtime
n. 1 : the season of spring
2 : YOUTH 1A
3 : an early or flourishing stage of development

springwater
n. : water from a spring

springwood
: the softer more porous portion of an annual ring of wood that develops early in the growing season ― compare SUMMERWOOD

springy
adj. 1 : having an elastic quality : RESILIENT <green springy wood>
2 : having or showing a lively and energetic movement <walks with a springy step>
synonyms see ELASTIC
–spring·i·ly \'spriŋ-ə-lē\ adverb
–spring·i·ness \'spriŋ-ē-nəs\ noun

sprinkle
n. transitive verb
1 : to scatter in drops or particles
2 a : to scatter over b : to scatter at intervals in or among : DOT <sprinkled the speech with quips> c : to wet lightly
intransitive verb
1 : to scatter a liquid in fine drops
2 : to rain lightly in scattered drops
–sprin·kler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

sprinkle
n. 1 : the act or an instance of sprinkling especially : a light rain
2 : SPRINKLING
3 plural : small particles of candy used as a topping (as on ice cream) : JIMMIES

sprinkler system
: a system for protecting a building against fire by means of overhead pipes which convey an extinguishing fluid (as water) to heat-activated outlets

sprinklered
: having a sprinkler system

sprinkling
n. 1 : a limited quantity or amount : MODICUM
2 : a small quantity falling in scattered drops or particles
3 : a small number distributed at random : SCATTERING

sprint
n. : to run or go at top speed especially for a short distance
–sprint·er noun

sprint
n. 1 : the act or an instance of sprinting
2 a : DASH 6B b : a burst of speed

sprint car
: a rugged racing automobile that is midway in size between midget racers and ordinary racers, has about the same horsepower as the larger racers, and is usually raced on a dirt track

sprit
n. : a spar that crosses a fore-and-aft sail diagonally

sprite
n. 1 a archaic : SOUL b : a disembodied spirit : GHOST
2 a : ELF, FAIRY b : an elfish person

spritsail
n. 1 : a sail extended by a sprit
2 : a sail formerly set on a yard beneath the bowsprit

spritz
n. transitive verb : SPRAY
intransitive verb : to disperse or apply a spray
–spritz noun

spritzer
n. : a beverage of usually white wine and soda water

sprocket
n. 1 : a toothed wheel whose teeth engage the links of a chain
2 : a cylinder with teeth around the circumference at either end that project through perforations in something (as motion-picture film) to move it through a mechanism (as a projector)

sprout
n. intransitive verb
1 : to grow, spring up, or come forth as or as if a sprout
2 : to send out new growth
transitive verb : to send forth or up : cause to develop : GROW

sprout
n. 1 a : SHOOT 1A especially : a young shoot (as from a seed or root) b plural (1) chiefly British : BRUSSELS SPROUT 2 (2) : edible sprouts especially from recently germinated seeds (as of alfalfa or mung beans)
2 : something resembling a sprout: as a : a young person b : SCION 2

sprout
n. brussels sprout
water sprout
bean sprouts
sprouting broccoli

sprouting broccoli
: BROCCOLI 2A(2)

Spruance
Raymond Ames 1886-1969 American admiral

spruce
n. transitive verb : to make spruce ― often used with up
intransitive verb : to make oneself spruce <spruce up a bit>

spruce
n. : neat or smart in appearance : TRIM
–spruce·ly adverb
–spruce·ness noun

spruce
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Picea) of evergreen trees of the pine family with a conical head of dense foliage, flat or 4-sided needles, pendulous cones, and soft light wood b : any of several coniferous trees (as Douglas fir) of similar habit
2 : the wood of a spruce

spruce
n. black spruce
blue spruce
Colorado blue spruce
Engelmann spruce
Norway spruce
red spruce
Sitka spruce
spruce beer
spruce budworm
spruce pine
white spruce

spruce beer
: a beverage flavored with spruce especially : one made from spruce twigs and leaves boiled with molasses or sugar and fermented with yeast

spruce budworm
: a tortricid moth (Choristoneura fumiferana) whose larva feeds on evergreen trees (as spruce and balsam fir) in the northern U.S. and Canada also : a related moth (C. occidentalis) of the northwestern U.S. and adjacent Canada

spruce pine
: an American tree (as some pines and spruces or the common eastern hemlock) of the pine family with light, soft, or weak wood

sprucy
: SPRUCE

sprue
n. 1 : the waste piece on a casting (as of metal or plastic) left by the hole through which the mold was filled
2 : the hole in which a sprue forms

sprue
n. 1 : a disease of tropical regions that is of unknown cause and is characterized by fatty diarrhea and malabsorption of nutrients ― called also tropical sprue
2 : CELIAC DISEASE

sprung
past and past part of spring

sprung rhythm
: a poetic rhythm designed to approximate the natural rhythm of speech and characterized by the frequent juxtaposition of single accented syllables and the occurrence of mixed types of feet

spry
adj. : NIMBLE 1 <a spry 75-year-old>
–spry·ly adverb
–spry·ness noun

spud
n. transitive verb
1 : to dig with a spud
2 : to begin to drill (an oil well)
intransitive verb : to use a spud

spud
n. 1 : a tool or device (as for digging, lifting, or cutting) having the characteristics of a spade and a chisel
2 : POTATO 2B

spume
n. : frothy matter on liquids : FOAM, SCUM <ocean spume>
–spu·mous \'spyü-məs\ adjective
–spumy \-mē\ adjective

spume
n. : FROTH, FOAM

spumoni
n. : ice cream in layers of different colors, flavors, and textures often with candied fruits and nuts

spun
adj. past and past part of spin

spun
adj. spun glass
spun sugar
spun yarn

spun glass
1 : blown glass that has slender threads of glass incorporated in it
2 : FIBERGLASS

spun sugar
: sugar boiled to long threads and gathered up and shaped or heaped on a stick as a candy

spun yarn
1 : a textile yarn spun from staple-length fiber
2 : a small rope or stuff formed of two or more rope yarns loosely twisted and used for seizings especially on board ship

spunbonded
: of or relating to a nonwoven polymeric material that resembles cloth or fabric

spunk
n. 1 a : a woody tinder : PUNK b : any of various fungi used to make tinder
2 : METTLE, PLUCK
3 : SPIRIT, LIVELINESS

spunk
n. dialect : to show spirit ― usually used with up

spunkie
Scottish : IGNIS FATUUS 1

spunky
adj. : full of spunk : SPIRITED
–spunk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–spunk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

spur
n. 1 a : a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse b plural [from the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood] : recognition and reward for achievement <won his academic spurs as the holder of a chair in a university ― James Mountford>
2 : a goad to action : STIMULUS
3 : something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as a : a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine b (1) : a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect) especially : one on a cock's leg (2) : a gaff for a gamecock c : a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine) d : a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot) e : CLIMBING IRON
4 a : an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation especially : a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range b : a railroad track that branches off from a main line
5 : a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification
synonyms see MOTIVE
–on the spur of the moment : on impulse : SUDDENLY

spur
n. transitive verb
1 : to urge (a horse) on with spurs
2 : to incite to action or accelerated growth or development : STIMULATE
3 : to put spurs on
intransitive verb : to spur one's horse on

spur
n. on the spur of the moment
spur gear
spur wheel
spur of the moment

spur gear
: a gear wheel with radial teeth parallel to its axis ― called also spur wheel

spur-of-the-moment
: occurring or developing without premeditation : hastily extemporized <a spur-of-the-moment decision>

spurge
n. : any of a family (Euphorbiaceae) of widely distributed herbs, shrubs, and trees often with a bitter milky juice especially : EUPHORBIA

spurge
n. Allegheny spurge
Japanese spurge
leafy spurge
spurge laurel

spurge laurel
: a low-growing Eurasian shrub (Daphne laureola) with oblong evergreen leaves and axillary racemes of yellowish flowers

spurious
adj. 1 : of illegitimate birth : BASTARD
2 : outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : FALSE <the spurious eminence of the pop celebrity>
3 a : of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : FORGED <a spurious signature> b : of a deceitful nature or quality <spurious excuses>
–spu·ri·ous·ly adverb
–spu·ri·ous·ness noun

spurn
n. intransitive verb
1 obsolete a : STUMBLE b : KICK 1A
2 archaic : to reject something disdainfully
transitive verb
1 : to tread sharply or heavily upon : TRAMPLE
2 : to reject with disdain or contempt : SCORN
synonyms see DECLINE
–spurn·er noun

spurn
n. 1 a : KICK 1A b obsolete : STUMBLE
2 a : disdainful rejection b : contemptuous treatment

spurred
adj. 1 : wearing spurs
2 : having one or more spurs <a spurred violet>

spurrey
n. : a white-flowered European annual weedy herb (Spergula arvensis) of the pink family with whorled filiform leaves also : any of several related and similar herbs

spurt
n. intransitive verb : to gush forth : SPOUT
transitive verb : to expel in a stream or jet : SQUIRT <the faucet spurts water>

spurt
n. : a sudden gush : JET

spurt
n. 1 : a short period of time : MOMENT
2 a : a sudden brief burst of effort, activity, or development <a spurt of work> <a growth spurt> b : a sharp or sudden increase in business activity

spurt
n. : to make a spurt

spurtle
chiefly Scottish : a wooden stick for stirring porridge

Sputnik
n. : any of a series of earth-orbiting satellites launched by the Soviet Union beginning in 1957

sputter
n. transitive verb
1 : to spit or squirt from the mouth with explosive sounds
2 : to utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement <“that's ridiculous!” she sputtered>
3 : to dislodge (atoms) from the surface of a material by collision with high energy particles also : to deposit (a metallic film) by such a process
intransitive verb
1 : to spit or squirt particles of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
2 : to speak explosively or confusedly in anger or excitement
3 : to make explosive popping sounds
–sput·ter·er noun

sputter
n. 1 : confused and excited speech or discussion
2 : the act or sound of sputtering

sputum
n. : expectorated matter especially from the air passages in diseases of the lungs, bronchi, or upper respiratory tract

Spuyten Duyvil Creek
channel New York City N of Manhattan Is. connecting Hudson & Harlem rivers

spy
n. transitive verb
1 : to watch secretly usually for hostile purposes
2 : to catch sight of : SEE
3 : to search or look for intensively ― usually used with out <spy out places fit for vending⋯goods ― S. E. Morison>
intransitive verb
1 : to observe or search for something : LOOK
2 : to watch secretly as a spy

spy
n. 1 : one that spies: a : one who keeps secret watch on a person or thing to obtain information b : a person employed by one nation to secretly convey classified information of strategic importance to another nation also : a person who conveys the trade secrets of one company to another
2 : an act of spying

spyglass
n. : a small telescope

spymaster
n. : the head of a ring of spies : a director of intelligence

Spyri
Johanna 1827-1901 née Heusser Swiss author

sq
1 squadron
2 square

squab
n. 1 a : COUCH b : a cushion for a chair or couch
2 or plural squab : a fledgling bird specifically : a fledgling pigeon about four weeks old
3 : a short fat person
–squab adjective

squabble
n. : a noisy altercation or quarrel usually over petty matters
synonyms see QUARREL

squabble
n. : to quarrel noisily and usually over petty matters
–squab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

squad
n. 1 : a small organized group of military personnel especially : a tactical unit that can be easily directed in the field
2 : a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation

squad
n. : to arrange in squads

squad
n. death squad
firing squad
flying squad
squad car
squad room
vice squad

squad car
: a police automobile connected with headquarters by a two-way radio ― called also black-and-white cruiser prowl car

squad room
1 : a room in a barracks used to billet soldiers
2 : a room in a police station where members of the force assemble

squadron
n. 1 : a unit of military organization: as a : a cavalry unit higher than a troop and lower than a regiment b : a naval unit consisting of two or more divisions and sometimes additional vessels c (1) : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a flight and lower than a group (2) : a military flight formation
2 : a large group of people or things <a squadron of limos>

squadron leader
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a major in the army

squalene
n. : an acyclic hydrocarbon C_30H_50 that is widely distributed in nature (as a major component of sebum and in shark-liver oils) and is a precursor of sterols (as cholesterol)

squalid
adj. 1 : marked by filthiness and degradation from neglect or poverty
2 : SORDID
synonyms see DIRTY
–squal·id·ly adverb
–squal·id·ness noun

squall
n. intransitive verb : to cry out raucously : SCREAM
transitive verb : to utter in a strident voice
–squall·er noun

squall
n. : a raucous cry

squall
n. 1 : a sudden violent wind often with rain or snow
2 : a short-lived commotion

squall
n. : to blow a squall

squally
adj. 1 : marked by squalls
2 : GUSTY

squalor
n. : the quality or state of being squalid

squama
n. : SCALE also : a structure resembling a scale

squamate
adj. : any of an order (Squamata) of reptiles including the snakes and lizards and related extinct forms
–squamate adjective

squamosal
adj. : a squamosal bone

squamosal
adj. 1 : SQUAMOUS
2 : of, relating to, or being a bone of the skull of many vertebrates corresponding to the squamous portion of the temporal bone of most mammals including humans

squamous
adj. 1 a : covered with or consisting of scales : SCALY b : of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells
2 : of, relating to, or being the anterior upper portion of the temporal bone of most mammals including humans

squamous cell
: a cell of or derived from squamous epithelium

squamous cell carcinoma
: a carcinoma that is made up of or arises from squamous cells and usually occurs in areas of the body exposed to strong sunlight over many years

squamulose
: being or having a thallus made up of small leafy lobes <a squamulose lichen>

squander
n. transitive verb
1 : to spend extravagantly or foolishly : DISSIPATE, WASTE <squandered a fortune>
2 : to cause to disperse : SCATTER
3 : to lose (as an advantage or opportunity) through negligence or inaction
intransitive verb : DISPERSE, SCATTER
–squan·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

squander
n. : an act of squandering

square
n. 1 : an instrument having at least one right angle and two straight edges used especially to lay out or test right angles
2 : a rectangle with all four sides equal
3 : any of the quadrilateral spaces marked out on a board for playing games
4 : the product of a number multiplied by itself
5 a : an open place or area formed at the meeting of two or more streets b : BLOCK 6A
6 : a solid object or piece approximating a cube or having a square as its largest face
7 : an unopened cotton flower with its enclosing bracts
8 : a person who is conventional or conservative in taste or way of life
9 : a square meal <ate three squares a day>
–on the square
1 : at right angles
2 : in a fair open manner : HONESTLY
–out of square : not at an exact right angle

square
n. 1 a : having four equal sides and four right angles b : forming a right angle <square corner> c : having a square base <a square pyramid>
2 : raised to the second power
3 a : being approximately a cube <square cabinet> b : having a shape that is broad for the height and rectangular rather than curving in outline <square shoulders> <a square, thick, hard-working man ― Maria Edgeworth> c : rectangular and equilateral in section <square tower>
4 a : being or converted to a unit of area equal in measure to a square each side of which measures one unit of a specified unit of length <a square foot> ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table b : being of a specified length in each of two equal dimensions <10 feet square>
5 a : exactly adjusted : precisely constructed or aligned b : JUST, FAIR <a square deal> <square in all his dealings> c : leaving no balance : SETTLED d : EVEN, TIED e : SUBSTANTIAL, SATISFYING <square meal> f : being unsophisticated, conservative, or conventional
6 : set at right angles with the mast and keel ― used of the yards of a square-rigged ship
–square·ness noun

square
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make square or rectangular <square a building stone> b : to test for deviation from a right angle, straight line, or plane surface
2 : to bring approximately to a right angle <squared his shoulders>
3 a : to multiply (a number) by itself : raise to the second power b : to find a square equal in area to <square a circle>
4 : to regulate or adjust by or to some standard or principle <square our actions by the opinions of others ― John Milton>
5 a : BALANCE, SETTLE <square an account> b : to even the score of
6 : to mark off into squares
7 a : to set right : bring into agreement <squared their goals with their beliefs> b : BRIBE, FIX
intransitive verb
1 : to agree precisely : CORRESPOND <your actions should square with your words>
2 : to settle matters especially : to pay the bill
–squar·er noun

square
n. 1 : in a straightforward or honest manner
2 a : so as to face or be face-to-face b : at right angles
3 : with nothing intervening : DIRECTLY <ran square into it>
4 : in a firm manner <looked her square in the eye>
5 : in a square shape

square
n. square bracket
chi square
chi square distribution
inverse square law
Latin square
magic square
mean square
mean square deviation
miter square
perfect square
Punnett square
root mean square
out of square
on the square
square away
square dance
square dancing
square dancer
square knot
square matrix
square measure
square off
square of opposition
square one
square rig
square rigged
square rigger
square root
square sail
square shooter
square toed
square wave
try square
T square
word square
least squares

square away
1 : to square the yards so as to sail before the wind
2 : to put everything in order or in readiness
3 : to take up a fighting stance
transitive verb : to put in order or in readiness

square bracket
: BRACKET 3A

square dance
: a dance for four couples who form the sides of a square
–square-dance intransitive verb
–square dancer noun
–square dancing noun

square knot
: a knot made of two reverse half-knots and typically used to join the ends of two cords ― see KNOT illustration

square matrix
: a mathematical matrix with the same number of rows and columns

square measure
: a unit or system of units for measuring area ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table

square of opposition

1864
: a square figure on which may be demonstrated the logical relationships of contraries, contradictories, subcontraries, and subalterns and superalterns

square off
: to take a fighting stance : prepare to fight also : FIGHT

square one
: the initial stage or starting point <the failure set us back to square one>

square rig
: a sailing-ship rig in which the principal sails are extended on yards fastened to the masts horizontally and at their center

square root
: a factor of a number that when squared gives the number <the square root of 9 is ±3>

square sail
: a 4-sided sail extended on a yard suspended at the middle from a mast

square shooter
: a just or honest person

square wave
: a waveform that varies periodically and abruptly from one to the other of two uniform values

square-rigged
: having or equipped with a square rig

square-rigger
: a square-rigged craft

square-toed
1 : having a toe that is square
2 : OLD-FASHIONED, CONSERVATIVE

squarely
adj. 1 : in a straightforward or honest manner <we must squarely face the issue>
2 a : EXACTLY, PRECISELY <squarely in the middle> b : so as to make solid contact <hit the ball squarely> <feet squarely planted>
3 : in a square form or manner : so as to be square <a squarely cut dress>
4 : in a plain or unequivocal manner <the responsibility lies squarely with us> <align ourselves squarely with our allies>

squarish
adj. : somewhat square in form or appearance
–squar·ish·ly adverb
–squar·ish·ness noun

squark
n. : the hypothetical boson analogue of a quark postulated under the rules of supersymmetry

squash
n. transitive verb
1 : to press or beat into a pulp or a flat mass : CRUSH
2 : PUT DOWN, SUPPRESS <squash a revolt>
intransitive verb
1 : to flatten out under pressure or impact
2 : to proceed with a splashing or squelching sound <squash through the mud>
3 : SQUEEZE, PRESS
–squash·er noun

squash
n. 1 obsolete : something soft and easily crushed specifically : an unripe pod of peas
2 : the sudden fall of a heavy soft body or the sound of such a fall
3 : SQUELCH 1
4 : a crushed mass
5 British : sweetened citrus fruit juice often served with added soda water
6 : a singles or doubles game played in a 4-wall court with a long-handled racket and a rubber ball that can be hit off any number of walls

squash
n. : with a squash or a squashing sound

squash
n. : any of various fruits of plants (genus Cucurbita) of the gourd family widely cultivated as vegetables also : a plant and especially a vine that bears squashes ― compare SUMMER SQUASH, WINTER SQUASH

squash
n. chayote squash
acorn squash
butternut squash
Hubbard squash
spaghetti squash
squash bug
squash racquets
squash tennis
summer squash
winter squash

squash bug
: a large black American bug (Anasa tristis of the family Coreidae) injurious to plants of the gourd family

squash racquets
: SQUASH 6

squash tennis
: a singles racket game resembling squash played with an inflated ball the size of a tennis ball

squashy
adj. 1 : easily squashed
2 : softly wet : BOGGY
3 : soft because overripe <squashy melons>
–squash·i·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb
–squash·i·ness \-shē-nəs\ noun

squat
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause (oneself) to crouch or sit on the ground
2 : to occupy as a squatter <squat in an abandoned building>
intransitive verb
1 : to crouch close to the ground as if to escape observation <a hare squatting in the grass>
2 : to assume or maintain a position in which the body is supported on the feet and the knees are bent so that the buttocks rest on or near the heels
3 : to be or become a squatter

squat
n. 1 : sitting with the haunches close above the heels
2 a : low to the ground b : marked by disproportionate shortness or thickness
–squat·ly adverb
–squat·ness noun

squat
n. 1 a : the act of squatting b : the posture of one that squats
2 a : a place where one squats b : the lair of a small animal <the squat of a hare>
3 : a lift in which a standing weight lifter drops to a squatting position and then rises to an upright position while holding a barbell on the shoulders also : a competitive event involving this lift
4 chiefly British : an empty house or building that is occupied by squatters
5 slang : DIDDLY-SQUAT

squat
n. diddly squat
doodley squat
doodly squat
squatter sovereignty

squatter
n. : to go along through or as if through water <ducks squattering to the shore>

squatter
n. : one that squats: as a : one that settles on property without right or title or payment of rent b : one that settles on public land under government regulation with the purpose of acquiring title

squatter sovereignty
: POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY 2

squatty
adj. 1 : low to the ground
2 : DUMPY, THICKSET

squaw
n. 1 often offensive : an American Indian woman
2 usually disparaging : WOMAN, WIFE

squaw man
often disparaging : a white man married to an American Indian woman and usually living as one of her tribe

squawbush
: a strong-scented sumac (Rhus trilobata) of western No. America with ternately compound leaves ― called also skunkbrush

squawfish
: any of several large cyprinid fishes (genus Ptychocheilus) of western No. America ― called also pikeminnow

squawk
n. 1 : to utter a harsh abrupt scream
2 : to complain or protest loudly or vehemently <opponents of the bill squawked>
–squawk·er noun

squawk
n. 1 : a harsh abrupt scream
2 : a noisy complaint

squawk box
: an intercom speaker

squawroot
: a No. American scaly herb (Conopholis americana) of the broomrape family parasitic especially on oak roots

squeak
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter or make a short shrill cry or noise
2 : SQUEAL 2A
3 : to pass, succeed, or win by a narrow margin <just squeaked by in the election>
transitive verb : to utter in a shrill piping tone

squeak
n. 1 : a sharp shrill cry or sound
2 : ESCAPE <a close squeak>
–squeaky \'skwē-kē\ adjective

squeak
n. bubble and squeak
pip squeak
squeaky clean

squeaker
n. 1 : one that squeaks
2 : a contest (as a game or an election) won by a small margin

squeaky-clean
1 : completely clean <squeaky-clean hair>
2 : completely free from moral taint of any kind <a squeaky-clean reputation>

squeal
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make a shrill cry or noise
2 a : to turn informer <squeal to the police> b : COMPLAIN, PROTEST
transitive verb
1 : to express with or as if with a squeal
2 : to cause to make a loud shrill noise <squealing the tires>
–squeal·er noun

squeal
n. : a shrill sharp cry or noise

squeamish
adj. 1 a : easily nauseated : QUEASY b : affected with nausea
2 a : excessively fastidious or scrupulous in conduct or belief b : easily offended or disgusted
–squea·mish·ly adverb
–squea·mish·ness noun

squeegee
n. : a blade of leather or rubber set on a handle and used for spreading, pushing, or wiping liquid material on, across, or off a surface (as a window) also : a smaller similar device or a small rubber roller with handle used by a photographer or lithographer

squeegee
: to smooth, wipe, or treat with a squeegee

squeeze
transitive verb
1 a : to exert pressure especially on opposite sides of : COMPRESS b : to extract or emit under pressure c : to force or thrust by compression
2 a (1) : to get by extortion (2) : to deprive by extortion b : to cause economic hardship to c : to reduce the amount of <squeezes profits>
3 : to crowd into a limited area
4 : to gain or win by a narrow margin
5 : to force (another player) to discard in bridge so as to unguard a suit
6 : to score by means of a squeeze play
intransitive verb
1 : to give way before pressure
2 : to exert pressure also : to practice extortion or oppression
3 : to force one's way <squeeze through a door>
4 : to pass, win, or get by narrowly
–squeez·abil·i·ty \ˌskwē-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–squeez·able \'skwē-zə-bəl\ adjective
–squeez·er noun

squeeze
n. 1 a : an act or instance of squeezing : COMPRESSION b : HANDCLASP also : EMBRACE
2 a : a quantity squeezed out from something <a squeeze of lemon> b : a group crowded together : CROWD
3 : a profit taken by a middleman on goods or transactions
4 : a financial pressure caused by narrowing margins or by shortages
5 : a forced discard in bridge
6 : SQUEEZE PLAY
7 slang : a romantic partner <she's my main squeeze>

squeeze
n. squeeze bottle
squeeze off
squeeze play
suicide squeeze

squeeze bottle
: a bottle of flexible plastic that dispenses its contents when it is squeezed

squeeze off
: to fire (a round) by squeezing the trigger
intransitive verb : to fire a weapon by squeezing the trigger

squeeze play
1 : a baseball play in which a runner on third base starts for home plate as the ball is being pitched and the batter attempts to bunt to give the runner a chance to score
2 : the exertion of pressure in order to extort a concession or gain a goal

squelch
v. transitive verb
1 a : to fall or stamp on so as to crush b (1) : to completely suppress : QUELL <squelch resistance> (2) : SILENCE <squelched the protesters>
2 : to emit or move with a sucking sound
intransitive verb
1 : to emit a sucking sound
2 : to splash through water, slush, or mire
–squelch·er noun

squelch
v. 1 : a sound of or as if of semiliquid matter under suction <the squelch of mud>
2 : the act of suppressing especially : a retort that silences an opponent
–squelchy adjective

squeteague
: any of several weakfishes (esp. Cynoscion regalis)

squib
n. 1 a : a short humorous or satiric writing or speech b : a short news item especially : FILLER
2 a : a small firecracker b : a broken firecracker in which the powder burns with a fizz
3 : a small electric or pyrotechnic device used to ignite a charge

squib
n. intransitive verb
1 : to speak, write, or publish squibs
2 : to fire a squib
transitive verb
1 a : to utter in an offhand manner b : to make squibs against : LAMPOON
2 : to shoot off : FIRE
3 : to kick (a football) on a kickoff so that it bounces along the ground

squib kick
: a kickoff in football in which the ball bounces along the ground

SQUID
n. : an instrument for detecting and measuring very weak magnetic fields

squid
n. : any of an order (Teuthoidea) of cephalopods having eight short arms and two usually longer tentacles, a long tapered body, a caudal fin on each side, and usually a slender internal chitinous support

squid
n. : to fish with or for squid

squiffed
adj. : INTOXICATED, DRUNK

squiggle
n. intransitive verb
1 : SQUIRM, WRIGGLE <squiggling in her seat>
2 : to write or paint hastily : SCRIBBLE
transitive verb
1 : SCRIBBLE
2 : to form or cause to form in squiggles

squiggle
n. : a short wavy twist or line : CURLICUE especially : an illegible scrawl
–squig·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

squilgee
variant of squeegee

squill
n. 1 a : a Mediterranean bulbous herb (Urginea maritima) of the lily family ― called also sea onion ― compare RED SQUILL 1 b (1) : the dried sliced bulb scales of a squill used as an expectorant, cardiac stimulant, and diuretic (2) : RED SQUILL 2
2 : SCILLA

squilla
: any of various stomatopod crustaceans (esp. genus Squilla) that burrow in mud or beneath stones in shallow water along the seashore

squinch
v. transitive verb
1 : to screw up (the eyes or face) : SQUINT
2 a : to make more compact b : to cause to crouch down or draw together
intransitive verb
1 : FLINCH
2 : to crouch down or draw together
3 : SQUINT

squinch
v. : a support (as an arch, lintel, or corbeling) carried across the corner of a room under a superimposed mass

squinny
: SQUINT

squinny
: SQUINT
–squinny adjective

squint
n. 1 of an eye : looking or tending to look obliquely or askance (as with envy or disdain)
2 of the eyes : not having the visual axes parallel : CROSSED

squint
n. 1 a : to have an indirect bearing, reference, or aim b : to deviate from a true line
2 a : to look in a squint-eyed manner b : to be cross-eyed c : to look or peer with eyes partly closed
transitive verb : to cause (an eye) to squint
–squint·er noun
–squint·ing·ly \'skwin-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

squint
n. 1 : STRABISMUS
2 : an instance of squinting
3 : HAGIOSCOPE
–squinty \'skwin-tē\ adjective

squint-eyed
1 : having eyes that squint specifically : affected with cross-eye
2 : looking askance (as in envy)

squinting modifier
: a modifier (as often in “getting dressed often is a nuisance”) so placed in a sentence that it can be interpreted as modifying either what precedes or what follows

squire
n. 1 : a shield bearer or armor bearer of a knight
2 a : a male attendant especially on a great personage b : a man who devotedly attends a lady : GALLANT
3 a : a member of the British gentry ranking below a knight and above a gentleman b : an owner of a country estate especially : the principal landowner in a village or district c (1) : JUSTICE OF THE PEACE (2) : LAWYER (3) : JUDGE
–squir·ish \'skwīr-ish\ adjective

squire
n. : to attend as a squire : ESCORT

squirearchy
n. : the class of landed gentry or landed proprietors

squirm
n. : to twist about like a worm : FIDGET
–squirm noun
–squirmy \'skwər-mē\ adjective

squirrel
n. 1 : any of various small or medium-sized rodents (family Sciuridae, the squirrel family): as a : any of numerous New or Old World arboreal forms having a long bushy tail and strong hind legs b : GROUND SQUIRREL
2 : the fur of a squirrel

squirrel
n. : to store up for future use ― often used with away <squirrel away some money>

squirrel
n. flying squirrel
gray squirrel
ground squirrel
red squirrel
squirrel cage
squirrel corn
squirrel monkey
squirrel rifle
squirrel gun

squirrel cage
1 : a cage for a small animal (as a squirrel) that contains a rotatable cylinder for exercising
2 : something resembling the working of a squirrel cage in repetitiveness or endlessness

squirrel corn
: a No. American herb (Dicentra canadensis) of the fumitory family with much-divided leaves and a scapose raceme of cream-colored flowers

squirrel monkey
: any of several small soft-haired So. American monkeys (genus Saimiri, especially S. sciureus of the family Cebidae) that have a long tail not used for grasping and are colored chiefly yellowish gray with a white face and black muzzle

squirrel rifle
: a small-caliber rifle ― called also squirrel gun

squirrelfish
n. : any of various small chiefly tropical usually red bony fishes (family Holocentridae) with large eyes, spiny fins, and rough scales

squirrelly
adj. : NUTTY 3

squirt
n. intransitive verb : to come forth in a sudden rapid stream from a narrow opening : SPURT
transitive verb : to cause to squirt
–squirt·er noun

squirt
n. 1 a : an instrument (as a syringe) for squirting a liquid b : a small quick stream : JET c : the action or an instance of squirting
2 a : an impudent youngster b : KID 3

squirt
n. sea squirt
squirt gun
squirting cucumber

squirt gun
: WATER PISTOL

squirting cucumber
: a Mediterranean plant (Ecballium elaterium) of the gourd family with oblong fruit that bursts from the peduncle when ripe and forcibly ejects the seeds

squish
n. transitive verb
1 : SQUASH <squished the bug>
2 : SQUELCH, SUCK
intransitive verb : SQUELCH, SUCK <their wet tennis shoes squished ― Frank Noel>
–squish noun

squishy
adj. 1 : being soft, yielding, and usually damp
2 : not firm, steady, or fixed : SOFT: as a : LENIENT 2 <squishy judges> b : IMPRECISE <squishy estimates>
–squish·i·ness noun

squoosh
: SQUASH

squooshy
: SQUISHY 1

SR
n. 1 seaman recruit
2 shipping receipt

Sr
n. 1 senior
2 senor; señor
3 sister

Sr
n. strontium

Sra
senora; señora

SRAM
static RAM

Sranan
n. : an English-based creole widely spoken in Suriname ― called also Sranan Tongo \-'täŋ-(ˌ)gō\

sri
― used as a conventional title of respect when addressing or speaking of a distinguished Indian

sri
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
legislative capital of Sri Lanka, a suburb of Colombo

Sri Lanka
country coextensive with island of Ceylon; an independent republic in the Commonwealth of Nations capital Colombo area 25,332 sq mi (65,863 sq km), pop 17,829,500
–Sri Lan·kan \-'läŋ-kən, -'laŋ-\ adjective or noun

Srinagar
city India, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, in W Kashmir on the Jhelum NNE of Lahore pop 894,940

SRO
: a house, apartment building, or residential hotel in which low-income or welfare tenants live in single rooms

SRO
standing room only

Srta
senorita; señorita

SS
: a unit of Nazis created as bodyguard to Hitler and later expanded to take charge of intelligence, central security, policing action, and the mass extermination of those they considered inferior or undesirable

SS
1 saints
2 Social Security
3 steamship

ss
1 scilicet ― used in legal documents
2 [Latin semis] one half

SSA
Social Security Administration

SSE
n. south-southeast

SSG
staff sergeant

SSI
supplemental security income

SSM
staff sergeant major

SSN
Social Security number

ssp
subspecies

SSR
Soviet Socialist Republic

SSRI
: any of a class of antidepressants (as fluoxetine) that inhibit the inactivation of serotonin by blocking its reuptake by presynaptic neuron endings ― called also selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

SSS
Selective Service System

SST
: SUPERSONIC TRANSPORT

Ssu-p'ing
― see SIPING

SSW
n. south-southwest

ST
n. standard time

St
n. 1 saint
2 stratus
3 street

st
n. 1 stanza
2 state
3 stitch
4 stone

st
n. ― see -EST

st
n. ― used after the figure 1 to indicate the ordinal number first <1st> <91st>

St.
n. Court of St. James's
St. Denis
St. John
St. Laurent
Patrimony of St. Peter
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park

St. Denis
Ruth 1878-1968 American dancer & choreographer

St. John
Henry ― see BOLINGBROKE

St. Laurent
Louis Stephen 1882-1973 Canad. polit.; prime min. (1948-57)

sta
station

stab
n. 1 : a wound produced by a pointed weapon
2 a : a thrust of a pointed weapon b : a jerky thrust
3 : EFFORT, TRY
4 : a sudden sharp feeling <stabs of regret>

stab
n. transitive verb
1 : to wound or pierce by the thrust of a pointed weapon
2 : THRUST, DRIVE
intransitive verb : to thrust or give a wound with or as if with a pointed weapon
–stab·ber noun
–stab in the back : BETRAY

stab in the back
BETRAY

Stabat Mater
: the mother was standing ― title of a Latin hymn

stabile
n. : STATIONARY, STABLE

stabile
n. : an abstract sculpture or construction similar in appearance to a mobile but made to be stationary

stabilise
v. British variant of stabilize, stabilizer

stability
n. 1 : the quality, state, or degree of being stable: as a : the strength to stand or endure : FIRMNESS b : the property of a body that causes it when disturbed from a condition of equilibrium or steady motion to develop forces or moments that restore the original condition c : resistance to chemical change or to physical disintegration
2 : residence for life in one monastery

stabilize
v. transitive verb
1 : to make stable, steadfast, or firm
2 : to hold steady: as a : to maintain the stability of (as an airplane) by means of a stabilizer b : to limit fluctuations of (as prices) c : to establish a minimum price for
intransitive verb : to become stable, firm, or steadfast
–sta·bi·li·za·tion \ˌstā-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

stabilizer
n. : one that stabilizes something: as a : a substance added to another substance (as an explosive or plastic) or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard an unwanted alteration of physical state b : a gyroscope device to keep ships steady in a heavy sea c : an airfoil providing stability for an airplane specifically : the fixed horizontal member of the tail assembly ― see AIRPLANE illustration

stable
n. 1 : a building in which domestic animals are sheltered and fed especially : such a building having stalls or compartments <a horse stable>
2 a : the racehorses of one owner b : a group of people (as athletes, writers, or performers) under one management c : the racing cars of one owner d : GROUP, COLLECTION
–sta·ble·man \-mən, -ˌman\ noun

stable
n. transitive verb : to put or keep in a stable
intransitive verb : to dwell in or as if in a stable

stable
n. 1 a : firmly established : FIXED, STEADFAST <stable opinions> b : not changing or fluctuating : UNVARYING <in stable condition> c : PERMANENT, ENDURING <stable civilizations>
2 a : steady in purpose : firm in resolution b : not subject to insecurity or emotional illness : SANE, RATIONAL <a stable personality>
3 a (1) : placed so as to resist forces tending to cause motion or change of motion (2) : designed so as to develop forces that restore the original condition when disturbed from a condition of equilibrium or steady motion b (1) : not readily altering in chemical makeup or physical state <stable emulsions> (2) : not spontaneously radioactive
synonyms see LASTING
–sta·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
–sta·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

stable
n. Augean stable
livery stable
stable fly

stable fly
: a biting dipteran fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) that resembles the common housefly and is abundant about stables

stablemate
n. 1 : an animal stabled with another
2 : a member of a stable

stabler
n. : one who keeps a stable

stabling
n. : accommodation for animals in a building also : the building for this

stablish
v. archaic : ESTABLISH
–stab·lish·ment \-mənt\ noun archaic

staccato
n. 1 a : cut short or apart in performing : DISCONNECTED <staccato notes> b : marked by short clear-cut playing or singing of tones or chords <a staccato style>
2 : ABRUPT, DISJOINTED <staccato screams>
–staccato adverb
–staccato noun

staccato mark
: a pointed vertical stroke or a dot placed over or under a musical note to be produced staccato

stack
n. 1 : a large usually conical pile (as of hay, straw, or grain in the sheaf) left standing in the field for storage
2 a : an orderly pile or heap b : a large quantity or number
3 : an English unit of measure especially for firewood that is equal to 108 cubic feet
4 a : a number of flues embodied in one structure rising above a roof b : a vertical pipe (as to carry off smoke) c : the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine
5 a : a structure of bookshelves for compact storage of books ― usually used in plural b plural : a section of a building housing such structures
6 : a pile of poker chips
7 a : a memory or a section of memory in a computer for temporary storage in which the last item stored is the first retrieved also : a data structure that simulates a stack <a push-down stack> b : a computer memory consisting of arrays of memory elements stacked one on top of another

stack
n. 1 a : to arrange in a stack : PILE b : to pile in or on <stacked the table with books> <stack the dishwasher>
2 a : to arrange secretly for cheating <stack a deck of cards> b : to arrange or fix so as to make a particular result likely <the odds are stacked against us> <will stack juries to suit themselves ― Patrice Horn>
3 a : to assign (an airplane) by radio to a particular altitude and position within a group circling before landing b : to put into a waiting line <another dozen rigs are stacked up and waiting ― P. H. Hutchins, Jr.>
4 : COMPARE ― used with against <such a crime is nothing when stacked against a murder ― Pete Censky>
intransitive verb : to form a stack
–stack·er noun

stack
n. blow one's stack
pushdown stack
stack up

stack up
1 : to add up : TOTAL
2 : MEASURE UP, COMPARE ― usually used with against

stackable
adj. : easily arranged in a stack

stacked
adj. of a woman : having large breasts

stacte
: a sweet spice used by the ancient Jews in preparing incense

staddle
n. : a base (as of piling) for a stack of hay or straw

stade
: STADIUM 1A

stadia
n. : a surveying method for determination of distances and differences of elevation by means of a telescopic instrument having two horizontal lines through which the marks on a graduated rod are observed also : the instrument or rod

stadium
n. 1 a : any of various ancient Greek units of length ranging in value from 607 to 738 feet (about 185 to 225 meters) b : an ancient Roman unit of length equal to 607 feet (185 meters)
2 a : a course for footraces in ancient Greece orig. one stadium in length b : a tiered structure with seats for spectators surrounding an ancient Greek running track c : a large usually roofless building with tiers of seats for spectators at sports events
3 [New Latin, from L] : a stage in a life history especially : one between successive molts of an insect

stadtholder
n. 1 : a viceroy in a province of the Netherlands
2 : a chief executive officer of the provinces that formed a union leading to establishment of the Netherlands
–stadt·hold·er·ate \-də-rət\ noun
–stadt·hold·er·ship \-dər-ˌship\ noun

Stael, de
Mme. Anne-Louise-Germaine 1766-1817 née Necker Baronne de Staël-Holstein Fr. writer & hostess of literary salon

staff
n. 1 a : a long stick carried in the hand for support in walking b : a supporting rod: as (1) archaic : SHAFT 1A(1) (2) : a crosspiece in a ladder or chair : RUNG (3) : FLAGSTAFF (4) : a pivoted arbor c : CLUB, CUDGEL
2 a : CROSIER b : a rod carried as a symbol of office or authority
3 : the horizontal lines with their spaces on which music is written ― called also stave
4 : any of various graduated sticks or rules used for measuring : ROD
5 plural staffs a : the officers chiefly responsible for the internal operations of an institution or business b : a group of officers appointed to assist a civil executive or commanding officer c : military or naval officers not eligible for operational command d : the personnel who assist a director in carrying out an assigned task e plural staff : a member of a staff <employs three full-time staff>
–staff adjective

staff
n. 1 : to supply with a staff or with workers
2 : to serve as a staff member of <an organization staffed by volunteers>

staff
n. chief of staff
cross staff
half staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
staff officer
staff of life
staff sergeant
staff sergeant major
staff tree
treble staff
stave off
Franklin stove
potbellied stove
potbelly stove

staff of life

1638
: a staple of diet especially : BREAD

staff officer
: a commissioned officer assigned to a military commander's staff ― compare LINE OFFICER

staff sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army above a sergeant and below a platoon sergeant or sergeant first class, in the air force above a sergeant and below a technical sergeant, and in the marine corps above a sergeant and below a gunnery sergeant

staff sergeant major
: a noncommissioned officer in the army ranking above a master sergeant

staff tree
: any of a genus (Celastrus of the family Celastraceae, the staff-tree family) of mostly twining shrubby plants including the common bittersweet

Staffa
islet W Scotland in the Inner Hebrides W of Mull ― see FINGAL'S CAVE

staffer
n. : a member of a staff (as of a newspaper)

Stafford
n. town W cen England capital of Staffordshire pop 117,000

Staffordshire
n. county W cen England capital Stafford area 1086 sq mi (2813 sq km), pop 1,020,300

Staffordshire bull terrier
: any of a breed of compact muscular terriers that have a short stiff glossy coat, were developed in England by crossing bulldogs and terriers, and were orig. bred for dogfighting ― compare AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER

Staffs
n. Staffordshire

stag
n. 1 or plural stag : an adult male red deer also : the male of various other deer (esp. genus Cervus)
2 chiefly Scottish : a young horse especially : a young unbroken stallion
3 : a male animal castrated after sexual maturity ― compare STEER 1
4 : a young adult male domestic chicken or turkey
5 a : a social gathering of men only b : one who attends a dance or party without a companion

stag
n. transitive verb British : to spy on
intransitive verb : to attend a dance or party without a companion

stag
n. 1 a : restricted to men <a stag party> b : intended or suitable for a gathering of men only especially : PORNOGRAPHIC <stag movies>
2 : unaccompanied by someone of the opposite sex <stag women>
–stag adverb

stag beetle
: any of a family (Lucanidae) of mostly large beetles having males with long and often branched mandibles suggesting the antlers of a stag

stage
n. 1 a : one of a series of positions or stations one above the other : STEP b : the height of the surface of a river above an arbitrary zero point <flood stage>
2 a (1) : a raised platform (2) : the part of a theater on which the acting takes place and which often includes the wings (3) : the acting profession : the theater as an occupation or activity (4) : SOUNDSTAGE b : a center of attention or scene of action
3 a : a scaffold for workmen b : the small platform of a microscope on which an object is placed for examination
4 a : a place of rest formerly provided for those traveling by stagecoach : STATION b : the distance between two stopping places on a road c : STAGECOACH
5 a : a period or step in a process, activity, or development: as (1) : one of the distinguishable periods of growth and development of a plant or animal <the larval stage of an insect> (2) : a period or phase in the course of a disease also : the degree of involvement or severity of a disease b : one passing through a (specified) stage
6 : an element or part of an electronic device (as an amplifier)
7 : one of two or more sections of a rocket that have their own fuel and engine
–stage·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–stage·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–on the stage : in or into the acting profession

stage
n. 1 : to produce (as a play) on a stage
2 : to produce or cause to happen for public view or public effect <stage a track meet> <stage a hunger strike>
3 : to determine the phase or severity of (a disease) based on a classification of established symptomatic criteria also : to evaluate (a patient) to determine the phase, severity, or progression of a disease
–stage·able \'stā-jə-bəl\ adjective

stage
n. : intended to represent a type or stereotype <a stage Irishman> <a stage French accent>

stage
n. stage business
center stage
end stage
report stage
set the stage
on the stage
stage direction
stage director
stage fright
stage left
stage manage
stage management
stage manager
stage right
stage set
stage whisper
thrust stage
staging area
staging ground
staging post

stage business
: BUSINESS 6

stage direction
: a description (as of a character or setting) or direction (as to indicate stage business) provided in the text of a play

stage director
1 : DIRECTOR C
2 : STAGE MANAGER

stage fright
: nervousness felt at appearing before an audience

stage left
: the left part of a stage from the viewpoint of one who faces the audience

stage manager
: one who supervises the physical aspects of a stage production, assists the director during rehearsals, and is in charge of the stage during a performance

stage right
: the right part of a stage from the viewpoint of one who faces the audience

stage set
: scenery and properties designed and arranged for a particular scene in a play

stage whisper
1 : a loud whisper by an actor that is audible to the spectators but is supposed for dramatic effect not to be heard by one or more of the actors
2 : an audible whisper
–stage-whisper verb

stage-manage
1 a : to arrange or exhibit so as to achieve a desired effect b : to arrange or direct from behind the scenes
2 : to act as stage manager for
–stage management noun

stagecoach
n. : a horse-drawn passenger and mail coach running on a regular schedule between established stops

stagecraft
n. : the effective management of theatrical devices or techniques

stagehand
n. : a stage worker who handles scenery, properties, or lights

stager
n. : an experienced person : VETERAN

stagestruck
adj. : fascinated by the stage especially : having an ardent desire to become an actor

stagflation
n. : persistent inflation combined with stagnant consumer demand and relatively high unemployment
–stag·fla·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

stagger
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to reel from side to side : TOTTER b : to move on unsteadily <staggered toward the door>
2 : to waver in purpose or action : HESITATE
3 : to rock violently <the ship staggered>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to doubt or hesitate : PERPLEX
2 : to cause to reel or totter
3 : to arrange in any of various zigzags, alternations, or overlappings of position or time <stagger work shifts> <stagger teeth on a cutter>
–stag·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

stagger
n. 1 plural but singular or plural in construction : an abnormal condition of domestic animals associated with damage to the central nervous system and marked by incoordination and a reeling unsteady gait
2 : a reeling or unsteady gait or stance
3 : an arrangement in which the leading edge of the upper wing of a biplane is advanced over that of the lower

stagger
n. : marked by an alternating or overlapping pattern

staggerbush
: a shrubby heath (Lyonia mariana) of the eastern U.S. that is poisonous to livestock also : a congeneric heath

staggering
adj. : so great as to cause one to stagger : ASTONISHING, OVERWHELMING <a staggering feat> <staggering medical bills>
–stag·ger·ing·ly adverb

staggery
: UNSTEADY

staggy
: having the appearance of a mature male ― used of female or castrated male domestic animals

staghorn coral
: any of several large branching corals (genus Acropora, especially A. cervicornis) that somewhat resemble antlers

staghorn sumac
: a sumac (Rhus typhina) of eastern No. America that is a shrub or small tree with velvety-pubescent branches and flower stalks, leaves turning brilliant red in fall, and dense panicles of greenish-yellow flowers followed by hairy crimson fruits

staghound
n. : a hound formerly used in hunting the stag and other large animals specifically : a large heavy hound resembling the English foxhound

staging
n. 1 : SCAFFOLDING
2 a : the business of running stagecoaches b : the act of journeying in stagecoaches
3 : the act of putting on a play
4 a : the moving of troops or matériel forward in several stages b : the assembling of troops or matériel in transit in a particular place

staging
n. staging area
staging ground
staging post

staging area
: an area in which participants in a new especially military operation or mission are assembled and readied

staging ground
: a place where something is planned or initiated

staging post
: STOPOVER 2

Stagirite
: a native or resident of Stagira <Aristotle the Stagirite>

stagnant
adj. 1 a : not flowing in a current or stream <stagnant water> b : STALE <long disuse had made the air stagnant and foul ― Bram Stoker>
2 : not advancing or developing <a stagnant economy>
–stag·nan·cy \-nən(t)-sē\ noun
–stag·nant·ly adverb

stagnate
v. : to become or remain stagnant
–stag·na·tion \stag-'nā-shən\ noun

stagy
adj. : of or characteristic of the stage especially : marked by pretense or artificiality : THEATRICAL
–stag·i·ly \-jə-lē\ adverb
–stag·i·ness \-jē-nəs\ noun

Stahlberg
Kaarlo Ju·ho \'yü-(ˌ)hȯ\ 1865-1952 Finn. statesman

staid
adj. : marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint : SOBER, GRAVE
synonyms see SERIOUS
–staid·ly adverb
–staid·ness noun

staid
adj. past and past part of stay

stain
n. transitive verb
1 : to suffuse with color
2 : DISCOLOR, SOIL
3 a : TAINT 3 <a conscience stained with guilt> b : to bring discredit on <the scandal stained his reputation>
4 : to color (as wood, glass, or cloth) by processes affecting chemically or otherwise the material itself
intransitive verb : to receive a stain
–stain·able \'stā-nə-bəl\ adjective
–stain·er \'stā-nər\ noun

stain
n. 1 a : a soiled or discolored spot b : a natural spot of color contrasting with the ground
2 : a taint of guilt : STIGMA
3 : a preparation (as of dye or pigment) used in staining: as a : a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood b : a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make visible minute and transparent structures, to differentiate tissue elements, or to produce specific chemical reactions
–stain·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

stain
n. Giemsa stain
Giemsa's stain
Gram's stain
Gram stain
port wine stain
Giemsa stained
stained glass
cotton stainer

stainability
n. : the capacity of cells and cell parts to stain specifically and consistently with particular dyes and stains

stained glass
: glass colored or stained (as by fusing metallic oxides into it) for decorative applications (as in windows)

stainless
adj. 1 : free from stain or stigma <the stainless purity of his boyish life ― Oscar Wilde>
2 a : highly resistant to stain or corrosion b : made from materials resistant to stain <stainless silverware>
–stain·less·ly adverb

stainless
adj. : tableware made of stainless steel

stainless steel
: an alloy of steel with chromium and sometimes another element (as nickel or molybdenum) that is practically immune to rusting and ordinary corrosion

Stair
n. Viscount & Earl of ― see DALRYMPLE

stair
n. 1 : a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another ― often used in plural but singular or plural in construction <a narrow private stairs ― Lewis Mumford>
2 : a single step of a stairway

stair-climber
: an exercise apparatus that simulates the act of climbing stairs
–stair-climb·ing \-miŋ\ noun

staircase
n. 1 : the structure containing a stairway
2 : a flight of stairs with the supporting framework, casing, and balusters

stairway
n. : one or more flights of stairs usually with landings to pass from one level to another

stairwell
n. : a vertical shaft in which stairs are located

stake
n. 1 : a pointed piece of wood or other material driven or to be driven into the ground as a marker or support
2 a : a post to which a person is bound for execution by burning b : execution by burning at a stake
3 a : something that is staked for gain or loss b : the prize in a contest c : an interest or share in an undertaking or enterprise
4 : a Mormon territorial jurisdiction comprising a group of wards
5 : GRUBSTAKE
6 : STAKES RACE ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
–at stake : at issue : in jeopardy

stake
n. 1 : to mark the limits of by or as if by stakes
2 : to tether to a stake
3 : BET, WAGER
4 : to fasten up or support (as plants) with stakes
5 : to back financially
6 : GRUBSTAKE
–stake a claim : to assert a title or right to something by or as if by placing stakes usually to satisfy a legal requirement

stake
n. sweep stake
at stake
stake a claim
stake body
stake out
stake race
stake truck
stake bed truck
pull up stakes
pull stakes
stakes race
Staked Plain

stake a claim
to assert a title or right to something by or as if by placing stakes usually to satisfy a legal requirement

stake body
: an open motortruck body consisting of a platform with upright sticks inserted along the outside edges to retain a load

stake out
1 : to assign (as a police officer) to an area usually to conduct a surveillance
2 : to maintain a stakeout of
3 : to claim as one's own

stake truck
: a truck having a stake body ― called also stake-bed truck

Staked Plain
― see LLANO ESTACADO

stakeholder
n. 1 : a person entrusted with the stakes of bettors
2 : one that has a stake in an enterprise
–stake·hold·ing \-diŋ\ noun

stakeout
n. : a surveillance maintained by the police of an area or a person suspected of criminal activity

stakes race
: a horse race in which the prize offered is made up at least in part of money (as entry fees) put up by the owners of the horses entered ― called also stake race

Stakhanov
city E Ukraine pop 113,000

Stakhanovite
n. : a Soviet industrial worker awarded recognition and special privileges for output beyond production norms
–Sta·kha·nov·ism \-ˌvi-zəm\ noun
–Stakhanovite adjective

stalactite
n. : a deposit of calcium carbonate (as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave
–sta·lac·tit·ic \ˌsta-(ˌ)lak-'ti-tik, stə-ˌ\ adjective

stalag
n. : a German prison camp for noncommissioned officers or enlisted men broadly : PRISON CAMP 2

stalagmite
n. : a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of calcareous water
–sta·lag·mit·ic \ˌsta-(ˌ)lag-'mi-tik, stə-ˌ\ adjective

stale
adj. 1 : tasteless or unpalatable from age <stale bread>
2 : tedious from familiarity <a stale routine>
3 : impaired in legal force or effect by reason of being allowed to rest without timely use, action, or demand <a stale affidavit> <a stale debt>
4 : impaired in vigor or effectiveness
–stale·ly \'stāl-lē\ adverb
–stale·ness noun

stale
adj. transitive verb
1 : to make stale
2 archaic : to make common : CHEAPEN
intransitive verb : to become stale

stale
adj. : URINATE ― used chiefly of camels and horses

stale
adj. : urine of a domestic animal (as a horse)

stalemate
n. 1 : a drawing position in chess in which a player is not in checkmate but has no legal move to play
2 : a drawn contest : DEADLOCK also : the state of being stalemated

stalemate
n. : to bring into a stalemate

Stalin
n. Joseph 1879-1953 Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhu·gash·vi·li \ˌjü-gəsh-'vē-lē\ Soviet leader

Stalin
n. 1 ― see BRASOV
2 ― see DONETSK
3 ― see VARNA

Stalinabad
― see DUSHANBE

Stalingrad
n. ― see VOLGOGRAD

Stalinism
n. : the political, economic, and social principles and policies associated with Stalin especially : the theory and practice of communism developed by Stalin from Marxism-Leninism and marked especially by rigid authoritarianism, widespread use of terror, and often emphasis on Russian nationalism
–Sta·lin·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective
–Sta·lin·ize \-ˌnīz\ transitive verb
–Sta·lin·oid \-ˌnȯid\ noun or adjective

Stalino
― see DONETSK

Stalinsk
― see NOVOKUZNETSK

stalk
n. 1 : a slender upright object or supporting or connecting part especially : PEDUNCLE
2 a : the main stem of an herbaceous plant often with its dependent parts b : a part of a plant (as a petiole or stipe) that supports another
–stalked \'stȯkt\ adjective
–stalk·less \'stȯ-kləs\ adjective
–stalky \'stȯ-kē\ adjective

stalk
n. intransitive verb
1 : to pursue quarry or prey stealthily
2 : to walk stiffly or haughtily
transitive verb
1 : to pursue by stalking
2 : to go through (an area) in search of prey or quarry <stalk the woods for deer>
3 : to pursue obsessively and to the point of harassment
–stalk·er noun

stalk
n. 1 : the act of stalking
2 : a stalking gait

stalking horse
1 : a horse or a figure like a horse behind which a hunter stalks game
2 : something used to mask a purpose
3 : a candidate put forward to divide the opposition or to conceal someone's real candidacy

stall
n. 1 a : a compartment for a domestic animal in a stable or barn b : a space marked off for parking a motor vehicle
2 a : a seat in the chancel of a church with back and sides wholly or partly enclosed b : a church pew c chiefly British : a front orchestra seat in a theater ― usually used in plural
3 : a booth, stand, or counter at which articles are displayed for sale
4 : a protective sheath for a finger or toe
5 : a small compartment <a shower stall> especially : one with a toilet or urinal

stall
n. 1 : to put into or keep in a stall
2 obsolete : INSTALL 1
3 a : to bring to a standstill : BLOCK especially : MIRE b : to cause (an engine) to stop usually inadvertently c : to cause (an aircraft or airfoil) to go into a stall
intransitive verb
1 : to come to a standstill (as from mired wheels or engine failure)
2 : to experience a stall in flying

stall
n. : the condition of an airfoil or aircraft in which excessive angle of attack causes disruption of airflow with attendant loss of lift

stall
n. : a ruse to deceive or delay

stall
n. : to play for time : DELAY
transitive verb : to hold off, divert, or delay by evasion or deception

stall
n. box stall
stall feed
whip stall

stall-feed
: to feed in a stall especially so as to fatten <stall-feed an ox>

stallholder
n. chiefly British : one who manages a stall at which articles are sold

stallion
n. : an uncastrated male horse : a male horse kept for breeding also : a male animal (as a dog or a sheep) kept primarily as a stud

stalwart
n. : marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit <stalwart common sense>
synonyms see STRONG
–stal·wart·ly adverb
–stal·wart·ness noun

stalwart
n. 1 : a stalwart person
2 : an unwavering partisan

stalworth
archaic variant of stalwart

stamen
n. : a microsporophyll of a seed plant specifically : the pollen-producing male organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament ― see FLOWER illustration

Stamford
n. city SW Conn. pop 117,083

stamin
: stamen <staminodium>

stamina
n. : STAYING POWER, ENDURANCE

staminate
adj. 1 : having or producing stamens
2 of a diclinous flower : having stamens but no pistils

staminodium
: an abortive or sterile stamen

stammel
1 obsolete : a coarse woolen clothing fabric usually dyed red and used sometimes for undershirts of penitents
2 archaic : the bright red color of stammel

stammer
n. intransitive verb : to make involuntary stops and repetitions in speaking
transitive verb : to utter with involuntary stops or repetitions
–stammer noun
–stam·mer·er \-mər-ər\ noun

stamp
n. transitive verb
1 : to pound or crush with a pestle or a heavy instrument
2 a (1) : to strike or beat forcibly with the bottom of the foot (2) : to bring down (the foot) forcibly b : to extinguish or destroy by or as if by stamping with the foot ― usually used with out <stamp out cancer>
3 a : IMPRESS, IMPRINT <stamp “paid” on the bill> b : to attach a stamp to
4 : to cut out, bend, or form with a stamp or die
5 a : to provide with a distinctive character <stamped with a dreary, institutionalized look ― Bernard Taper> b : CHARACTERIZE <stamped as honest women ― W. M. Thackeray>
intransitive verb
1 : POUND 1
2 : to strike or thrust the foot forcibly or noisily downward

stamp
n. 1 : a device or instrument for stamping
2 : the impression or mark made by stamping or imprinting
3 a : a distinctive character, indication, or mark b : a lasting imprint
4 : the act of stamping
5 : a stamped or printed paper affixed in evidence that a tax has been paid also : POSTAGE STAMP
–stamp·less adjective

stamp
n. food stamp
postage due stamp
postage stamp
revenue stamp
rubber stamp
stamp mill
stamp tax
stamp duty
tax stamp
time stamp
trading stamp
stamping ground

stamp mill
: a mill in which ore is crushed with stamps also : a machine for stamping ore

stamp tax
: a tax collected by means of a stamp purchased and affixed (as to a deck of playing cards) specifically : such a tax on a document (as a deed or promissory note) ― called also stamp duty

stampede
n. 1 : a wild headlong rush or flight of frightened animals
2 : a mass movement of people at a common impulse
3 : an extended festival combining a rodeo with exhibitions, contests, and social events

stampede
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to run away in headlong panic
2 : to cause (as a group of people) to act on sudden or rash impulse
intransitive verb
1 : to flee headlong in panic
2 : to act on mass impulse
–stam·ped·er noun

stamper
n. : one that stamps: as a : a worker who performs an industrial stamping operation b : an implement for pounding or stamping c : any of various stamping machines

stamping ground
: STOMPING GROUND

stance
n. 1 chiefly Scottish a : STATION b : SITE
2 a : a way of standing or being placed : POSTURE b : intellectual or emotional attitude <took an antiwar stance>
3 a : the position of the feet of a golfer or batter preparatory to making a swing b : the position of both body and feet from which an athlete starts or operates

stanch
adj. 1 : to check or stop the flowing of <stanched her tears> also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)
2 archaic : ALLAY, EXTINGUISH
3 a : to stop or check in its course <trying to stanch the crime wave> b : to make watertight : stop up
–stanch·er noun

stanch
adj. variant of 2staunch

stanchion
n. 1 : an upright bar, post, or support (as for a roof or a ship's deck)
2 : a device that fits loosely around the neck of an animal (as a cow) and limits forward and backward motion (as in a stall)
–stan·chioned \-chənd\ adjective

stand
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to support oneself on the feet in an erect position b : to be a specified height when fully erect <stands six feet two> c : to rise to an erect position
2 a : to take up or maintain a specified position or posture <stand aside> <can you stand on your head> b : to maintain one's position <stand firm>
3 : to be in a particular state or situation <stands accused>
4 : to hold a course at sea
5 obsolete : HESITATE
6 a : to have or maintain a relative position in or as if in a graded scale <stands first in the class> b : to be in a position to gain or lose because of an action taken or a commitment made <stands to make quite a profit>
7 chiefly British : to be a candidate : RUN
8 a : to rest or remain upright on a base or lower end <a clock stood on the mantle> b : to occupy a place or location <the house stands on a knoll>
9 a : to remain stationary or inactive <the car stood in the garage for a week> b : to gather slowly and remain <tears standing in her eyes>
10 : AGREE, ACCORD ― used chiefly in the expression it stands to reason
11 a : to exist in a definite written or printed form <copy a passage exactly as it stands> b : to remain valid or efficacious <the order given last week still stands>
12 of a male animal : to be available as a sire ― used especially of horses
13 : to refuse additional cards (as in blackjack)
transitive verb
1 a : to endure or undergo successfully <this book will stand the test of time> b : to tolerate without flinching : bear courageously <stands pain well> c : to endure the presence or personality of <can't stand the boss> d : to derive benefit or enjoyment from <you look like you could stand a drink>
2 : to remain firm in the face of <stand a siege>
3 : to submit to <stand trial>
4 a : to perform the duty of <stand guard> b : to participate in (a military formation)
5 : to pay the cost of (a treat) : pay for <I'll stand you a dinner> <stand drinks>
6 : to cause to stand : set upright
7 : to make available for breeding <stand a stallion>
synonyms see BEAR
–stand·er noun
–stand a chance : to have a chance
–stand for
1 : to be a symbol for : REPRESENT
2 : to put up with : PERMIT
–stand on
1 : to depend on
2 : to insist on <never stands on ceremony>
–stand one's ground : to maintain one's position
–stand on one's own feet : to think or act independently
–stand tall : to exhibit courage, strength, or calm especially in the face of adversity
–stand treat : to pay the cost of food, drink, or entertainment for others in a group

stand
n. 1 a : a halt for defense or resistance b : an often defensive effort of some duration or degree of success <a goal-line stand> c (1) : a stop made to give a performance <a 6-game stand at home> (2) : a town where such a stop is made
2 : an act of stopping or staying in one place
3 a : a place or post where one stands b : a strongly or aggressively held position especially on a debatable issue <took a stand against higher taxes>
4 a : the place taken by a witness for testifying in court b plural (1) : a section of the tiered seats for spectators of a sport or spectacle (2) : the occupants of such seats c : a raised platform (as for a speaker or hunter) serving as a point of vantage
5 a : a small often open-air structure for a small retail business <a vegetable stand> <a hot dog stand> b : a site fit for business opportunity
6 : a place where a passenger vehicle stops or parks <a taxi stand>
7 : HIVE 2
8 : a frame on or in which something may be placed for support
9 : a group of plants growing in a continuous area
10 : a standing posture

stand
n. home stand
jack stand
a leg to stand on
one night stand
ring stand
stand treat
stand tall
stand on one's own feet
stand one's ground
stand on
stand for
stand a chance
stand alone
stand by
stand down
stand in
stand in with
stand off
stand oil
stand out
stand pat
stand up
stand up with
stand up to
stand up for
stand upper
taxi stand
witness stand
long standing
standing army
standing committee
standing crop
standing O
standing order
standing room
standing wave
standing operating procedure

stand a chance
to have a chance

stand by
1 : to be present also : to remain apart or aloof
2 : to be or to get ready to act <an ambulance was standing by>
transitive verb : to remain loyal or faithful to : DEFEND <stood by his decision>

stand down
1 : to leave the witness stand
2 chiefly British a : to go off duty b : to withdraw from a contest, a position of leadership, or a state of alert or readiness
transitive verb : to remove (as a military unit) from active duty

stand for

1 : to be a symbol for : REPRESENT
2 : to put up with : PERMIT

stand in
: to act as a stand-in
–stand in with : to be in a specially favored position with

stand in with
to be in a specially favored position with

stand off
1 : to stay at a distance from something
2 : to sail away from the shore
transitive verb
1 : to keep from advancing : REPEL
2 : PUT OFF, STALL

stand oil
: a thickened drying oil especially : linseed oil heated to about 600° F (315° C)

stand on

1 : to depend on
2 : to insist on <never stands on ceremony>

stand on one's own feet
to think or act independently

stand one's ground
to maintain one's position

stand out
1 a : to appear as if in relief : PROJECT b : to be prominent or conspicuous <stands out from the crowd>
2 : to steer away from shore
3 : to be stubborn in resolution or resistance

stand pat
1 : to play one's hand as dealt in draw poker without drawing
2 : to oppose or resist change
–stand·pat·ter \'stan(d)-ˌpa-tər, -'pa-tər\ noun
–stand·pat·tism \-ˌpa-ˌti-zəm\ noun

stand tall
to exhibit courage, strength, or calm especially in the face of adversity

stand treat
to pay the cost of food, drink, or entertainment for others in a group

stand up
1 : to rise to a standing position
2 : to remain sound and intact under stress, attack, or close scrutiny
transitive verb : to fail to keep an appointment with
–stand up for : to defend against attack or criticism
–stand up to
1 : to meet fairly and fully
2 : to face boldly
–stand up with : to be best man or maid of honor for at a wedding ceremony

stand up for
to defend against attack or criticism

stand up to

1 : to meet fairly and fully
2 : to face boldly

stand up with
to be best man or maid of honor for at a wedding ceremony

stand-alone
: SELF-CONTAINED especially : operating or capable of operating independently of a computer system <a stand-alone word processor>

stand-down
: a relaxation of status of a military unit or force from an alert or operational posture

stand-in
1 : someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied
2 : SUBSTITUTE

stand-up
1 a : ERECT, UPRIGHT b : stiffened to stay upright without folding over <a stand-up collar>
2 : performed in, performing in, or requiring a standing position <a stand-up bar> especially : of, relating to, performing, or being a monologue of jokes, gags, or satirical comments delivered usually while standing alone on a stage or in front of a camera <stand-up comedy> <a stand-up comedian>
3 : marked by a high degree of personal integrity or loyalty <a stand-up guy>

stand-up
1 : stand-up comedy also : a performer of such comedy
2 : a television broadcast in which the reporter or narrator faces the camera with the scene of the story in the background

stand-upper
: STAND-UP 2

standard
n. 1 : a conspicuous object (as a banner) formerly carried at the top of a pole and used to mark a rallying point especially in battle or to serve as an emblem
2 a : a long narrow tapering flag that is personal to an individual or corporation and bears heraldic devices b : the personal flag of the head of a state or of a member of a royal family c : an organization flag carried by a mounted or motorized military unit d : BANNER 1
3 : something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example : CRITERION <quite slow by today's standards>
4 : something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality
5 a : the fineness and legally fixed weight of the metal used in coins b : the basis of value in a monetary system <the gold standard>
6 : a structure built for or serving as a base or support
7 a : a shrub or herb grown with an erect main stem so that it forms or resembles a tree b : a fruit tree grafted on a stock that does not induce dwarfing
8 a : the large odd upper petal of a papilionaceous flower (as of the pea) b : one of the three inner usually erect and incurved petals of an iris
9 : a musical composition (as a song) that has become a part of the standard repertoire
–stan·dard·less adjective
synonyms STANDARD, CRITERION, GAUGE, YARDSTICK, TOUCHSTONE mean a means of determining what a thing should be. STANDARD applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority <standards of behavior>. CRITERION may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not <questioned the critic's criteria for excellence>. GAUGE applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect <polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction>. YARDSTICK is an informal substitute for CRITERION that suggests quantity more often than quality <housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth>. TOUCHSTONE suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible <fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant>.

standard
n. 1 a : constituting or conforming to a standard especially as established by law or custom <standard weight> b : sound and usable but not of top quality <standard beef>
2 a : regularly and widely used, available, or supplied <standard automobile equipment> b : well-established and very familiar <the standard opera>
3 : having recognized and permanent value <a standard reference work>
4 : substantially uniform and well established by usage in the speech and writing of the educated and widely recognized as acceptable <standard pronunciation is subject to regional variations>
–stan·dard·ly adverb

standard
n. American Standard Version
double standard
gold standard
living standard
Received Standard
Revised Standard Version
silver standard
standard bearer
standard candle
standard deviation
Standard English
standard error
standard gauge
standard issue
standard of living
standard position
standard schnauzer
standard score
standard time
standard operating procedure

standard candle
: CANDELA

standard deviation
1 : a measure of the dispersion of a frequency distribution that is the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of the deviation of each of the class frequencies from the arithmetic mean of the frequency distribution also : a similar quantity found by dividing by one less than the number of squares in the sum of squares instead of taking the arithmetic mean
2 : a parameter that indicates the way in which a probability function or a probability density function is centered around its mean and that is equal to the square root of the moment in which the deviation from the mean is squared

Standard English
: the English that with respect to spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary is substantially uniform though not devoid of regional differences, that is well established by usage in the formal and informal speech and writing of the educated, and that is widely recognized as acceptable wherever English is spoken and understood

standard error
: the standard deviation of the probability function or probability density function of a random variable and especially of a statistic specifically : the standard error of the mean of a sample from a population with a normal distribution that is equal to the standard deviation of the normal distribution divided by the square root of the sample size

standard gauge
: a railroad gauge of 4 feet 81/2 inches (1435 millimeters)

standard of living

1902
1 : the necessities, comforts, and luxuries enjoyed or aspired to by an individual or group
2 : a minimum of necessities, comforts, or luxuries held essential to maintaining a person or group in customary or proper status or circumstances

standard operating procedure
: established or prescribed methods to be followed routinely for the performance of designated operations or in designated situations ― called also standing operating procedure

standard position
: the position of an angle with its vertex at the origin of a rectangular-coordinate system and its initial side coinciding with the positive x-axis

standard schnauzer
: any of a breed of medium-sized schnauzers that attain a height at the highest point of the shoulder blades of about 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 centimeters) and have a salt-and-pepper or black coat

standard score
: an individual test score expressed as the deviation from the mean score of the group in units of standard deviation

standard time
: the time of a region or country that is established by law or general usage as civil time specifically : the mean solar time of a meridian that is a multiple of 15 arbitrarily applied to a local area or to one of the 24 time zones and designated as a number of hours earlier or later than Greenwich time

standard-bearer
1 : one who bears a standard or banner
2 : one that leads an organization, movement, or party <a standard-bearer for political reform>

standard-issue
: STANDARD, TYPICAL <a standard-issue action movie> <a standard-issue blue suit>

standardbred
n. : any of a breed of trotting and pacing horses developed in the U.S., noted for speed and stamina, and used especially in harness racing

standardise
v. British variant of standardize

standardize
v. 1 : to compare with a standard
2 : to bring into conformity with a standard
–stan·dard·i·za·tion \ˌstan-dər-də-'zā-shən\ noun

standaway
: standing out from the body <a standaway skirt>

standby
n. 1 a : one to be relied on especially in emergencies b : a favorite or reliable choice or resource
2 : one that is held in reserve ready for use : SUBSTITUTE
–on standby : ready or available for immediate action or use

standby
n. 1 : held near at hand and ready for use <a standby power plant> <standby equipment>
2 : relating to the act or condition of standing by <standby duty> <a standby period>
3 : of, relating to, or traveling by an airline service in which the passenger must wait for an available unreserved seat <standby passengers> <a standby ticket>

standby
n. : on a standby basis <fly standby>

standee
n. : a standing person : one who occupies standing room

standing
n. 1 a : not yet cut or harvested <standing timber> <standing grain> b : upright on the feet or base : ERECT <the standing audience>
2 : not flowing : STAGNANT <standing water>
3 a : remaining at the same level, degree, or amount for an indeterminate period <a standing offer> b : continuing in existence or use indefinitely <a standing joke>
4 : established by law or custom
5 : not movable
6 : done from a standing position <a standing jump> <a standing ovation>

standing
n. 1 a : a place to stand in : LOCATION b : a position from which one may assert or enforce legal rights and duties
2 a : length of service or experience especially as determining rank, pay, or privilege b : position or condition in society or in a profession especially : good reputation <a member in good standing> c : position relative to a standard of achievement or to achievements of competitors also plural : a listing of the standings of individuals or teams (as in a league)
3 : maintenance of position or condition : DURATION <a custom of long standing>

standing
n. long standing
standing army
standing committee
standing crop
standing O
standing order
standing room
standing wave
standing operating procedure

standing army
: a permanent army of paid soldiers

standing committee
: a permanent committee especially of a legislative body

standing crop
: the total amount or number of living things or of one kind of living thing (as an uncut farm crop, the fish in a pond, or organisms in an ecosystem) in a particular area at any given time

standing O
: a standing ovation

standing order
: an instruction or prescribed procedure in force permanently or until changed or canceled especially : any of the rules for the guidance and government of parliamentary procedure which endure through successive sessions until vacated or repealed

standing room
: space for standing especially : accommodation available for spectators or passengers after all seats are filled

standing wave
: a single-frequency mode of vibration of a body or physical system in which the amplitude varies from place to place, is constantly zero at fixed points, and has maxima at other points

Standish
n. Myles or Miles 1584?-1656 American colonist

standish
n. : a stand for writing materials : INKSTAND

standoff
n. 1 a : TIE, DEADLOCK <the two teams played to a standoff> b : a counterbalancing effect
2 : the act of standing off

standoff
n. 1 : STANDOFFISH
2 : used for holding something at a distance from a surface <a standoff insulator>

standoffish
adj. : somewhat cold and reserved
–stand·off·ish·ly adverb
–stand·off·ish·ness noun

standout
n. : one that is prominent or conspicuous especially because of excellence

standpat
n. : stubbornly conservative : resisting or opposing change

standpipe
n. : a high vertical pipe or reservoir that is used to secure a uniform pressure in a water-supply system

standpoint
n. : a position from which objects or principles are viewed and according to which they are compared and judged

standstill
n. : a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : STOP <brought traffic to a standstill>

stane
Scottish variant of stone

Stanford-Binet test
: an intelligence test prepared at Stanford University as a revision of the Binet-Simon scale and commonly used with children ― called also Stanford-Binet

stang
chiefly Scottish : STING

stang
chiefly Scottish : PANG

stanhope
n. : a gig, buggy, or phaeton typically having a high seat and closed back

stanine
: any of the nine classes into which a set of normalized standard scores arranged according to rank in educational testing are divided, which include the bottom 4 percent and the top 4 percent of the scores in the first and ninth classes and the middle 20 percent in the fifth, and which have a standard deviation of 2 and a mean of 5

Stanislav
― see IVANO-FRANKIVS'K

Stanislavski method
: a technique in acting by which an actor strives to empathize with the character being portrayed so as to effect a realistic interpretation

Stanislavsky
Konstantin 1863-1938 pseud. of Konstantin Sergeyevich Alekseyev Russ. actor, director, & producer

Stanislaw
Lesz·czyń·ski \lesh-'chin-skē\ 1677-1766 king of Poland (1704-09; 1733-35)

stank
past of stink

stank
1 dialect British a : POND, POOL b : a ditch containing water
2 British : a small dam : WEIR

Stanley
n. Edward George Geoffrey Smith 1799-1869 Earl of Derby Brit. statesman

Stanley
n. Sir Henry Morton 1841-1904 orig. John Rowlands Brit. explorer

Stanley
n. Wendell Meredith 1904-1971 American biochem.

Stanley
n. town capital of the Falklands

Stanley
n. Port Stanley
Stanley Falls
Stanley Pool
Owen Stanley Range
Stanley Mount

Stanley Falls
― see BOYOMA FALLS

Stanley Pool
― see MALEBO (Pool)

Stanley, Mount
mountain with two peaks (higher 16,763 ft or 5109 m) E cen Africa; highest of Ruwenzori

Stanleyville
― see KISANGANI

stannary
n. : any of the regions in England containing establishments for the working of tin ― usually used in plural

stannic
adj. : of, relating to, or containing tin especially with a valence of four

stannite
n. : a metallic black or gray mineral that is a sulfide of copper, iron, and tin

stannous
adj. : of, relating to, or containing tin especially with a valence of two

stanol
: any of the fully saturated phytosterols

Stanovoy
mountain range SE Russia in Asia N of the Amur

Stanton
Edwin McMasters 1814-1869 American lawyer & secy. of war (1862-68)

Stanton
Elizabeth 1815-1902 née Cady American suffragist

Stanton
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 37,403

stanza
n. : a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually recurring pattern of meter and rhyme : STROPHE
–stan·za·ic \stan-'zā-ik\ adjective

stanza
n. ballad stanza
heroic stanza
Rubaiyat stanza
Spenserian stanza

stapedectomy
n. : surgical removal and prosthetic replacement of part or all of the stapes to relieve deafness

stapedial
adj. : of, relating to, or located near the stapes

stapelia
: any of a genus (Stapelia) of chiefly African perennial herbs of the milkweed family with succulent typically leafless toothed stems and showy but usually putrid-smelling star-shaped flowers

stapes
n. : the innermost ossicle of the middle ear of mammals ― called also stirrup ― see EAR illustration

stapes
n. stirrup cup
stirrup leather
stirrup pump

staph
n. : STAPHYLOCOCCUS

staphylinid
: ROVE BEETLE
–staphylinid adjective

staphylococcal
adj. : of, relating to, caused by, or being a staphylococcus

staphylococcus
n. : any of a genus (Staphylococcus) of nonmotile gram-positive spherical bacteria that occur singly, in pairs or tetrads, or in irregular clusters and include causative agents of various diseases (as skin infections, food poisoning, and endocarditis)

staple
n. : a usually U-shaped fastener: as a : a metal loop both ends of which are driven into a surface to hold the hook, hasp, or bolt of a lock, secure a rope, or fix a wire in place b : a small wire both ends of which are driven through layers of thin and easily penetrable material (as paper) and usually clinched to hold the layers together c : a usually metal surgical fastener used to hold layers of tissue together (as in the closure of an incision)

staple
n. : to provide with or secure by staples

staple
n. 1 : a town used as a center for the sale or exportation of commodities in bulk
2 : a place of supply : SOURCE
3 : a chief commodity or production of a place
4 a : a commodity for which the demand is constant b : something having widespread and constant use or appeal c : the sustaining or principal element : SUBSTANCE
5 : RAW MATERIAL
6 a : textile fiber (as wool and rayon) of relatively short length that when spun and twisted forms a yarn rather than a filament b : the length of a piece of such textile fiber

staple
n. 1 : used, needed, or enjoyed constantly usually by many individuals
2 : produced regularly or in large quantities <staple crops such as wheat and rice>
3 : PRINCIPAL, CHIEF

stapler
n. : one that deals in staple goods or in staple fiber

stapler
n. : one that inserts staples especially : a small usually hand-operated device for inserting wire staples

star
n. 1 a : a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night b : a self-luminous gaseous spheroidal celestial body of great mass which produces energy by means of nuclear fusion reactions
2 a (1) : a planet or a configuration of the planets that is held in astrology to influence one's destiny or fortune ― usually used in plural (2) : a waxing or waning fortune or fame <her star was rising> b obsolete : DESTINY
3 a : a conventional figure with five or more points that represents a star especially : ASTERISK b : an often star-shaped ornament or medal worn as a badge of honor, authority, or rank or as the insignia of an order c : one of a group of conventional stars used to place something in a scale of value
4 : something resembling a star <was hit on the head and saw stars>
5 a : the principal member of a theatrical or operatic company who usually plays the chief roles b : a highly publicized theatrical or motion-picture performer c : an outstandingly talented performer <a track star> d : a person who is preeminent in a particular field
–star·less \-ləs\ adjective
–star·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

star
n. transitive verb
1 : to sprinkle or adorn with stars
2 a : to mark with a star as being preeminent b : to mark with an asterisk
3 : to feature in the most prominent or important role <the movie stars a famous stage personality>
intransitive verb
1 : to play the most prominent or important role
2 : to perform outstandingly

star
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a star <received star billing>
2 : of outstanding excellence : PREEMINENT <a star athlete>

star
n. star fruit
Dog Star
sea star
all star
basket star
binary star
blazing star
brittle star
Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
double star
evening star
falling star
feather star
five star
fixed star
four star
giant star
lone star tick
morning star
multiple star
neutron star
North Star
radio star
red star
rising star
shooting star
Silver Star
Silver Star Medal
star anise
star apple
star chamber
star crossed
star facet
star grass
star nosed mole
star of Bethlehem
Star of David
star route
star sapphire
star shell
star spangled
star studded
star system
star thistle
star turn
variable star
X ray star
Stars and Bars
Stars and Stripes
ill starred

star anise
: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking

star apple
: a tropical American tree (Chrysophyllum cainito) of the sapodilla family grown in warm regions for ornament or fruit also : its usually green to purple apple-shaped edible fruit that when cut in cross-section reveals a star-shaped pattern formed by the carpels

star facet
: one of the eight small triangular facets which abut on the table in the bezel of a brilliant

star fruit
: CARAMBOLA 1

star grass
1 : any of a genus (Hypoxis of the family Hypoxidaceae) of grasslike perennial herbs with small star-shaped white or yellow flowers
2 : either of two colicroots (Aletris farinosa and A. aurea)

star of Bethlehem

1789
: a star which according to Christian tradition guided the Magi to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem

Star of David
: MAGEN DAVID

star route
: a mail-delivery route in a rural or thinly populated area served by a private carrier under contract who takes mail from one post office to another or from a railroad station to a post office and usually also delivers mail to private mailboxes along the route

star sapphire
: a sapphire that when cut with a convex surface and polished exhibits asterism

star shell
1 : a shell that on bursting releases a shower of brilliant stars and is used for signaling
2 : a shell with an illuminating projectile

star system
: the practice of casting famous performers in principal roles (as in motion pictures or the theater) especially in order to capitalize on their popular appeal

star thistle
1 : a widely naturalized spiny Old World knapweed (Centaurea calcitrapa) with purple flowers ― called also caltrops
2 : any of various knapweeds related to the star thistle

star turn
chiefly British : the featured skit or number in a theatrical production broadly : the most widely publicized person or item in a group

star-chamber
: characterized by secrecy and often being irresponsibly arbitrary and oppressive

star-crossed
: not favored by the stars : ILL-FATED <a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life ― Shakespeare>

star-nosed mole
: a common black long-tailed semiaquatic mole (Condylura cristata) of the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canada that has a series of pink fleshy projections surrounding the nostrils

star-of-Bethlehem
: any of various Old World bulbous herbs (genus Ornithogalum) of the lily family with basal leaves resembling grass especially : one (O. umbellatum) with white star-shaped flowers that is naturalized in the eastern U.S.

star-spangled
: STAR-STUDDED

star-studded
: abounding in or covered with stars <a star-studded cast> <a star-studded uniform>

Stara Zagora
city cen Bulgaria pop 164,553

starboard
n. : the right side of a ship or aircraft looking forward ― compare PORT

starboard
n. : of, relating to, or situated to starboard

starboard
n. : to turn or put (a helm or rudder) to the right

starburst
n. : something (as a pattern) that resembles diverging rays of light <starbursts of color>

starch
n. : to stiffen with or as if with starch

starch
n. 1 : a white odorless tasteless granular or powdery complex carbohydrate (C_6H_10O_5)x that is the chief storage form of carbohydrate in plants, is an important foodstuff, and is used also in adhesives and sizes, in laundering, and in pharmacy and medicine
2 : a stiff formal manner : FORMALITY
3 : resolute vigor

starchy
adj. 1 : containing, consisting of, or resembling starch <starchy foods>
2 : FORMAL, STIFF <a starchy lawyer>
–starch·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–starch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

stardom
n. : the status or position of a star

stardust
n. : a feeling or impression of romance, magic, or ethereality

stare
n. intransitive verb
1 : to look fixedly often with wide-open eyes
2 : to show oneself conspicuously <the error stared from the page>
3 of hair : to stand on end : BRISTLE also : to appear rough and lusterless
transitive verb
1 : to have an effect on by staring
2 : to look at with a searching or earnest gaze
–star·er noun
–stare one in the face : to be undeniably and forcefully evident or apparent

stare
n. : the act or an instance of staring <a blank stare>

stare
n. stare daggers
stare one in the face
stare decisis
stare down

stare decisis
: a doctrine or policy of following rules or principles laid down in previous judicial decisions unless they contravene the ordinary principles of justice

stare down
: to cause to waver or submit by or as if by staring

stare one in the face
to be undeniably and forcefully evident or apparent

starets
: a spiritual director or religious teacher in the Eastern Orthodox Church specifically : a spiritual adviser who is not necessarily a priest, who is recognized for his piety, and who is turned to by monks or laymen for spiritual guidance

starfish
n. : any of a class (Asteroidea) of echinoderms that have a body of usually five arms radially arranged about a central disk and feed largely on mollusks (as oysters) ― called also sea star

starflower
: any of several plants having star-shaped pentamerous flowers especially : any of a genus (Trientalis, especially T. borealis) of perennial herbs of the primrose family

stargaze
v. 1 : to gaze at stars
2 : to gaze raptly or contemplatively

stargazer
n. 1 : one who gazes at the stars: as a : ASTROLOGER b : ASTRONOMER
2 : any of various marine bony fishes (families Uranoscopidae and Dactyloscopidae) with the eyes on top of a blocky or conical head

stargazing
n. 1 : the act or practice of a stargazer
2 a : absorption in chimerical or impractical ideas : WOOLGATHERING b : the quality or state of being absentminded

Starhemberg
Ernst Rüdiger 1899-1956 Fürst von Starhemberg Austrian polit.

Stark
adj. Johannes 1874-1957 Ger. physicist

Stark
adj. John 1728-1822 American gen. in Revolution

stark
adj. 1 a : rigid in or as if in death b : rigidly conforming (as to a pattern or doctrine) : ABSOLUTE <stark discipline>
2 archaic : STRONG, ROBUST
3 : UTTER, SHEER <stark nonsense>
4 a : BARREN, DESOLATE b (1) : having few or no ornaments : BARE <a stark white room> (2) : HARSH, BLUNT <the stark realities of death>
5 : sharply delineated <a stark contrast>
–stark·ly adverb
–stark·ness noun

stark
adj. 1 : in a stark manner
2 : to an absolute or complete degree : WHOLLY <stark naked> <stark mad>

starkers
adj. chiefly British : completely unclothed : NAKED

starlet
n. : a young movie actress being coached and publicized for starring roles

starlight
n. : the light given by the stars

starling
n. : any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest

starlit
adj. : lighted by the stars

starry
adj. 1 a : adorned with stars especially : STAR-STUDDED b : of, relating to, or consisting of stars : STELLAR c : shining like stars : SPARKLING d : having parts arranged like the rays of a star : STELLATE
2 : as high as or seemingly as high as the stars <starry speculations>
3 : STARRY-EYED

starry-eyed
: regarding an object or a prospect in an overly favorable light specifically : characterized by dreamy, impracticable, or utopian thinking : VISIONARY

Stars and Bars
: the first flag of the Confederate States of America having three bars of red, white, and red respectively and a blue union with white stars in a circle representing the seceded states

Stars and Stripes
: the flag of the United States having 13 alternately red and white horizontal stripes and a blue union with white stars representing the states

starship
n. : a spacecraft designed for interstellar travel

starstruck
adj. : particularly taken with celebrities (as movie stars)

START
n. strategic arms reduction talks

start
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move suddenly and violently : SPRING <started angrily to his feet> b : to react with a sudden brief involuntary movement <started when a shot rang out>
2 a : to issue with sudden force <blood starting from the wound> b : to come into being, activity, or operation <when does the movie start> <the rain started up again>
3 : to protrude or seem to protrude <eyes starting from their sockets>
4 : to become loosened or forced out of place <one of the planks has started>
5 a : to begin a course or journey <started toward the door> <just starting out> b : to range from a specified initial point <the rates start at $10>
6 : to begin an activity or undertaking especially : to begin work
7 : to be a participant in a game or contest especially : to be in the starting lineup
transitive verb
1 : to cause to leave a place of concealment : FLUSH <start a rabbit>
2 archaic : STARTLE, ALARM
3 : to bring up for consideration or discussion
4 : to bring into being <start a rumor>
5 : to cause to become loosened or displaced
6 : to begin the use of <start a fresh loaf of bread>
7 a : to cause to move, act, or operate <start the motor> b : to cause to enter a game or contest especially : to put in the starting lineup c : to care for or train during the early stages of growth and development <started plants> <a well-started coonhound>
8 : to do or experience the first stages or actions of <started studying music at the age of five>
synonyms see BEGIN
–start something also start anything : to make trouble <always trying to start something> <don't start anything>
–to start with
1 : at the beginning : INITIALLY
2 : in any event

start
n. 1 a : a sudden involuntary bodily movement or reaction <woke with a start> b : a brief and sudden action or movement c : a sudden capricious impulse or outburst
2 : a beginning of movement, activity, or development <a false start> <housing starts>
3 : HEAD START
4 : a place of beginning
5 : the act or an instance of being a competitor in a race or a member of a starting lineup in a game <undefeated in six starts ― Current Biog.>

start
n. start anything
false start
flying start
head start
jump start
kick start
running start
to start with
start something
start up
in fits and starts
by fits and starts
self starting
starting block
starting gate

start something
also start anything : to make trouble <always trying to start something> <don't start anything>

start-up
1 : the act or an instance of setting in operation or motion
2 : a fledgling business enterprise

starter
n. 1 : a person who initiates or sets going: as a : an official who gives the signal to begin a race b : one who dispatches vehicles
2 a : one that engages in a competition especially : a member of a starting lineup b : one that begins to engage in an activity or process
3 : one that causes something to begin operating: as a : a device for starting an engine especially : an electric motor used to start an internal combustion engine b : material containing microorganisms (as yeast) used to induce a desired fermentation
4 : something that is the beginning of a process, activity, or series especially : APPETIZER
–for starters : to begin with

starter
n. : of, relating to, or being an item acquired with the expectation that a more elaborate or sophisticated model will be acquired in the future <a starter home>

starter
n. kick starter
self starter
for starters

starting block
1 : a device that usually consists of two blocks mounted on either side of an adjustable frame and that provides a runner with a rigid surface against which to brace the feet at the start of a race
2 : one of a series of boxes or low platforms at one end of a pool on which a competitor stands for the start of a swimming race

starting gate
1 : a mechanically operated barrier used as a starting device for a race
2 : a barrier that when knocked aside by a competitor (as a skier) starts an electronic timing device

startle
v. intransitive verb : to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm) <the baby startles easily>
transitive verb : to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously
–star·tle·ment \-mənt\ noun

startle
v. : a sudden mild shock (as of surprise or alarm)

startling
adj. : causing momentary fright, surprise, or astonishment <a startling discovery>
–star·tling·ly adverb

startsy
plural of starets

starvation
n. 1 : the act or an instance of starving
2 : the state of being starved

starvation wages
: wages insufficient to provide the ordinary necessities of life

starve
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to perish from lack of food b : to suffer extreme hunger
2 a archaic : to die of cold b British : to suffer greatly from cold
3 : to suffer or perish from deprivation <starved for affection>
transitive verb
1 a : to kill with hunger b : to deprive of nourishment c : to cause to capitulate by or as if by depriving of nourishment
2 : to destroy by or cause to suffer from deprivation
3 archaic : to kill with cold

starveling
n. : one that is thin from or as if from lack of food

starveling
n. : being a starveling also : marked by poverty or inadequacy <starveling wages>

stash
v. : to store in a usually secret place for future use ― often used with away

stash
v. 1 : hiding place : CACHE
2 : something stored or hidden away <a stash of narcotics>

stasis
n. 1 : a slowing or stoppage of the normal flow of a bodily fluid or semifluid: as a : slowing of the current of circulating blood b : reduced motility of the intestines with retention of feces
2 a : a state of static balance or equilibrium : STAGNATION b : a state or period of stability during which little or no evolutionary change in a lineage occurs

stasis
n. 1 : stoppage : slowing <hemostasis> <bacteriostasis>
2 : stable state <homeostasis>

stat
n. : STATISTIC ― usually used in plural

stat
n. : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <get a doctor stat>

stat
n. statute

stat
n. 1 : stabilizing agent or device <thermostat>
2 : instrument for reflecting (something specified) constantly in one direction <heliostat>
3 : agent causing inhibition of growth without destruction <bacteriostat>

statant
n. : standing in profile with all feet on the ground ― used of a heraldic animal

state
n. 1 a : mode or condition of being <a state of readiness> b (1) : condition of mind or temperament <in a highly nervous state> (2) : a condition of abnormal tension or excitement
2 a : a condition or stage in the physical being of something <insects in the larval state> <the gaseous state of water> b : any of various conditions characterized by definite quantities (as of energy, angular momentum, or magnetic moment) in which an atomic system may exist
3 a : social position especially : high rank b (1) : elaborate or luxurious style of living (2) : formal dignity : POMP ― usually used with in
4 a : a body of persons constituting a special class in a society : ESTATE 3 b plural : the members or representatives of the governing classes assembled in a legislative body c obsolete : a person of high rank (as a noble)
5 a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory especially : one that is sovereign b : the political organization of such a body of people c : a government or politically organized society having a particular character <a police state> <the welfare state>
6 : the operations or concerns of the government of a country
7 a : one of the constituent units of a nation having a federal government <the fifty states> b plural capitalized : The United States of America
8 : the territory of a state

state
n. 1 : to set by regulation or authority
2 : to express the particulars of especially in words : REPORT broadly : to express in words
–stat·able or state·able \'stā-tə-bəl\ adjective

state
n. buffer state
chief of state
city state
client state
energy state
excited state
Free State
garrison state
ground state
nation state
oxidation state
police state
ship of state
slave state
solid state
state aid
state bank
state bird
state capitalism
state church
state college
state flower
state of the art
state of war
state's attorney
state attorney
state's evidence
state socialism
state tree
state university
steady state
steady state theory
welfare state
Orange Free State
New York State Barge Canal
State College
Congo Free State
Balkan States
States General
states' righter
states' rights
United States
Commonwealth of Independent States
Federated Malay States
Indian States
Levant States
Micronesia Federated States of
Papal States
Persian Gulf States
Shan States
Trucial Oman Trucial States
Trucial States
United States of America
Virgin Islands of the United States
stated clerk

state aid
: public monies appropriated by a state government for the partial support or improvement of a public local institution

state bank
1 : CENTRAL BANK
2 : a bank chartered by and operating under the laws of a state of the U.S.

state bird
: a bird selected (as by the legislature) as an emblem of a state of the U.S.

state capitalism
: an economic system in which private capitalism is modified by a varying degree of government ownership and control

state church
: ESTABLISHED CHURCH

State College
borough cen Pa. NE of Altoona pop 38,420

state college
: a college that is financially supported by a state government, often specializes in a branch of technical or professional education, and often forms part of the state university

state flower
: a flowering plant selected (as by the legislature) as an emblem of a state of the U.S.

state of the art

1910
: the level of development (as of a device, procedure, process, technique, or science) reached at any particular time usually as a result of modern methods
–state-of-the-art adjective

state of war

1656
1 a : a state of actual armed hostilities regardless of a formal declaration of war b : a legal state created and ended by official declaration regardless of actual armed hostilities and usually characterized by operation of the rules of war
2 : the period of time during which a state of war is in effect

state socialism
: an economic system with limited socialist characteristics that is effected by gradual state action and typically includes public ownership of major industries and remedial measures to benefit the working class

state tree
: a tree selected (as by the legislature) as an emblem of a state of the U.S.

state university
: a university maintained and administered by one of the states of the U.S. as part of the state public educational system

state's attorney
: a legal officer (as a district attorney) appointed or elected to represent a state in court proceedings within a district ― called also state attorney

state's evidence
: a participant in a crime or an accomplice who gives evidence for the prosecution especially in return for a reduced sentence also : the evidence given ― used chiefly in the phrase turn state's evidence

statecraft
n. : the art of conducting state affairs

stated
adj. 1 : FIXED, REGULAR <the president shall, at stated times, receive⋯a compensation ― U.S. Constitution>
2 : set down explicitly : DECLARED <our stated intention>
–stat·ed·ly adverb

stated clerk
: an executive officer of a Presbyterian general assembly, synod, or presbytery ranking below the moderator

statehood
n. : the condition of being a state especially : the status of being one of the states of the U.S.

statehouse
n. : the building in which a state legislature sits

stateless
adj. 1 : having no state
2 : lacking the status of a national <a stateless refugee>
–state·less·ness noun

stately
adj. 1 a : marked by lofty or imposing dignity b : HAUGHTY, UNAPPROACHABLE
2 : impressive in size or proportions
synonyms see GRAND
–state·li·ness noun
–stately adverb

statement
n. 1 : something stated: as a : a single declaration or remark : ASSERTION b : a report of facts or opinions
2 : the act or process of stating or presenting orally or on paper
3 : PROPOSITION 2A
4 : the presentation of a theme in a musical composition
5 : a summary of activity in a financial account over a particular period of time
6 : an opinion, comment, or message conveyed indirectly usually by nonverbal means <monuments are statements in form and space ― O. B. Hardison, Jr.>
7 : an instruction in a computer program

Staten Island
1 island SE N.Y. SW of mouth of Hudson River
2 or formerly Rich·mond \'rich-mənd\ borough of New York City including Staten Is. pop 443,728

stater
n. : an ancient gold or silver coin of the Greek city-states

stateroom
n. 1 : CABIN 1A(1)
2 : a private room on a railroad car with one or more berths and a toilet

States General
1 : the assembly of the three orders of clergy, nobility, and third estate in France before the French Revolution
2 : the legislature of the Netherlands from the 15th century to 1796

states' righter
: a person who advocates strict interpretation of the U.S. constitutional guarantee of states' rights

states' rights
: all rights not vested by the U.S. Constitution in the federal government nor forbidden by it to the separate states

Statesboro
city E Ga. NW of Savannah pop 22,698

stateside
adj. : being in, going to, coming from, or characteristic of the 48 conterminous states of the U.S. <transferred from Europe to stateside duty>

stateside
adj. : in or to the continental U.S.

statesman
n. 1 : one versed in the principles or art of government especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies
2 : one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship
–states·man·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–states·man·ly \-lē\ adjective
–states·man·ship \-ˌship\ noun

Statesville
city W cen N.C. N of Charlotte pop 23,320

statewide
adj. : affecting or extending throughout all parts of a state

statewide
adj. : throughout the state

Statia
― see SAINT EUSTATIUS

static
adj. 1 : exerting force by reason of weight alone without motion
2 : of or relating to bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium
3 : showing little change <a static population>
4 a : characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression b : producing an effect of repose or quiescence <a static design>
5 a : standing or fixed in one place : STATIONARY b of water : stored in a tank but not under pressure
6 : of, relating to, or producing stationary charges of electricity : ELECTROSTATIC
7 : of, relating to, or caused by radio static
–stat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–stat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

static
adj. 1 : noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or various natural or man-made electrical disturbances also : the electrical disturbances producing this noise
2 : heated opposition or criticism
–stat·icky \'sta-ti-kē\ adjective

static
adj. 1 : of or relating to a position or state <orthostatic>
2 : inhibiting the growth of <fungistatic>

static
adj. pitot static tube
static electricity
static line
static tube

static electricity
: electricity that consists of isolated motionless charges (as those produced by friction)

static line
: a cord attached to a parachute pack and to an airplane to open the parachute after a jumper clears the plane

static tube
: a tube used for indicating static as distinct from impact pressure in a stream of fluid

statice
n. : SEA LAVENDER

statics
n. : mechanics dealing with the relations of forces that produce equilibrium among material bodies

statin
n. : any of a group of drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and promote the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma

station
n. 1 a : the place or position in which something or someone stands or is assigned to stand or remain b : any of the places in a manufacturing operation at which one part of the work is done c : equipment used usually by one person for performing a particular job
2 : the act or manner of standing : POSTURE
3 : a stopping place: as a (1) : a regular stopping place in a transportation route <a bus station> (2) : the building connected with such a stopping place : DEPOT 3 b : one of the stations of the cross
4 a : a post or sphere of duty or occupation b : a stock farm or ranch especially of Australia or New Zealand
5 : STANDING, RANK <a woman of high station>
6 : a place for specialized observation and study of scientific phenomena <a seismological station> <a marine biological station>
7 : a place established to provide a public service: as a (1) : FIRE STATION (2) : POLICE STATION b : a branch post office
8 : GAS STATION
9 a : a complete assemblage of radio or television equipment for transmitting or receiving b : the place in which such a station is located

station
n. : to assign to or set in a station or position : POST <station a guard at the door>

station
n. comfort station
earth station
experiment station
filling station
fire station
gas station
service station
pay station
police station
power station
space station
station break
station house
station wagon
transfer station
way station
weather station
College Station
stations of the cross

station break
: a pause in a radio or television broadcast for announcement of the identity of the network or station also : an announcement or advertisement during this pause

station house
: a house at a post or station especially : POLICE STATION

station wagon
: an automobile that has a passenger compartment which extends to the back of the vehicle, that has no trunk, that has one or more rear seats which can be folded down to make space for light cargo, and that has a tailgate or liftgate

stational
: of, relating to, or being a mass formerly celebrated by the pope at designated churches in Rome on appointed holy days

stationary
adj. 1 : fixed in a station, course, or mode : IMMOBILE
2 : unchanging in condition <a stationary population>

stationary
adj. stationary bicycle
stationary bike
stationary front
stationary wave

stationary bicycle
: an exercise apparatus that can be pedaled like a bicycle ― called also stationary bike

stationary front
: the boundary between two air masses neither of which is replacing the other

stationary wave
: STANDING WAVE

stationer
n. 1 archaic a : BOOKSELLER b : PUBLISHER
2 : one that sells stationery

stationery
n. 1 : materials (as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing
2 : letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

stationmaster
n. : an official in charge of the operation of a railroad station

stations of the cross

Usage:

often cap S&C

Date:

circa 1890

1 : a series of usually 14 images or pictures especially in a church that represent the stages of Christ's passion and death
2 : a devotion involving commemorative meditation before the stations of the cross

statism
n. : concentration of economic controls and planning in the hands of a highly centralized government often extending to government ownership of industry

statist
n. : an advocate of statism
–statist adjective

statistic
n. 1 : a single term or datum in a collection of statistics
2 a : a quantity (as the mean of a sample) that is computed from a sample specifically : ESTIMATE 3B b : a random variable that takes on the possible values of a statistic

statistical
adj. : of, relating to, based on, or employing the principles of statistics <statistical analysis>
–sta·tis·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

statistical mechanics
: a branch of mechanics dealing with the application of the principles of statistics to the mechanics of a system consisting of a large number of parts having motions that differ by small steps over a large range

statistician
n. : one versed in or engaged in compiling statistics

statistics
n. 1 : a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of masses of numerical data
2 : a collection of quantitative data

Statius
Publius Papinius ca A.D. 45-96 Rom. poet

stative
adj. : expressing a state, condition, or relation ― compare ACTIVE 3b

stato
1 : resting <statoblast>
2 : equilibrium <statocyst>

statoblast
1 : a bud in a freshwater bryozoan that overwinters in a chitinous envelope and develops into a new individual in spring
2 : GEMMULE B

statocyst
n. : an organ of equilibrium occurring especially among invertebrate animals and consisting usually of a fluid-filled vesicle lined with sensory hairs that detect the position of suspended statoliths

statolith
n. 1 : any of the usually calcareous bodies suspended in a statocyst
2 : any of various starch grains or other solid bodies in the plant cytoplasm that are held to be responsible by changes in their position for changes in orientation of a part or organ

stator
n. : a stationary part in a machine in or about which a rotor revolves

statoscope
: a sensitive aneroid barometer for recording small changes in atmospheric pressure especially : one used for indicating small changes in the altitude of an aircraft

statuary
n. 1 : SCULPTOR
2 a : the art of making statues b : a collection of statues : STATUES

statuary
n. : of, relating to, or suitable for statues

statue
n. : a three-dimensional representation usually of a person, animal, or mythical being that is produced by sculpturing, modeling, or casting

Statue of Liberty

1887
1 : a large copper statue of a woman holding a torch aloft in her right hand located on Liberty Island in New York harbor
2 : a trick play in football in which the ballcarrier takes the ball from the raised hand of a teammate who is faking a pass

Statue of Liberty National Monument
n. ― see LIBERTY ISLAND

statuesque
adj. : resembling a statue especially in dignity, shapeliness, or stillness especially : having a tall and shapely form <a statuesque actress>
–stat·uesque·ly adverb

statuette
n. : a small statue

stature
n. 1 : natural height (as of a person) in an upright position
2 : quality or status gained by growth, development, or achievement

status
n. 1 a : position or rank in relation to others <the status of a father> b : relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige especially : high prestige
2 : the condition of a person or thing in the eyes of the law
3 : state or condition with respect to circumstances <the status of the negotiations>

status
n. status offender
status quo
status quo ante
status in quo
status quo ante bellum

status in quo
: state in which : the existing state

status offender
: a young offender (as a runaway or a truant) who is under the jurisdiction of a court for repeated offenses that are not crimes

status quo
: the existing state of affairs <seeks to preserve the status quo>

status quo ante
: the state of affairs that existed previously

status quo ante bellum
: the state existing before the war

statusy
: having, showing, or conferring prestige <a statusy job>

statutable
adj. : made, regulated, or imposed by or in conformity to statute : STATUTORY <statutable tonnage>

statute
n. 1 : a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government
2 : an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule
3 : an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority
synonyms see LAW

statute
n. statute book
statute mile
statute of limitations

statute book
: the whole body of legislation of a given jurisdiction whether or not published as a whole ― usually used in plural

statute mile
: MILE 1A

statute of limitations

1768
: a statute assigning a certain time after which rights cannot be enforced by legal action or offenses cannot be punished

statutory
adj. 1 : of or relating to statutes
2 : enacted, created, or regulated by statute <a statutory age limit>
–stat·u·to·ri·ly \ˌsta-chə-'tȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

statutory rape
: sexual intercourse with a person who is below the statutory age of consent

Staudinger
Hermann 1881-1965 Ger. chem.

staunch
adj. variant of 1stanch

staunch
adj. 1 a : WATERTIGHT, SOUND b : strongly built : SUBSTANTIAL
2 : steadfast in loyalty or principle <a staunch friend>
synonyms see FAITHFUL
–staunch·ly adverb
–staunch·ness noun

Staunton
city NW cen Va. pop 23,853

staurolite
: a mineral consisting of a basic silicate of iron and aluminum in prismatic orthorhombic crystals often twinned so as to resemble a cross
–stau·ro·lit·ic \ˌstȯr-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

Stavanger
city & port SW Norway pop 107,866

stave
n. 1 : 1STAFF 1
2 : any of the narrow strips of wood or narrow iron plates placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (as a barrel) or structure
3 : STANZA
4 : 1STAFF 3

stave
n. transitive verb
1 : to break in the staves of (a cask)
2 : to smash a hole in <stove in the boat> also : to crush or break inward <staved in several ribs>
3 : to drive or thrust away
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to become stove in ― used of a boat or ship
2 : to walk or move rapidly

stave
n. stave off
Franklin stove
potbellied stove
potbelly stove

stave off
1 : to fend off <staving off creditors>
2 : to ward off (as something adverse) : FORESTALL <trying to stave off disaster>

staves
n. plural of staff

Stavropol'
1 territory S Russia in Europe N of the Caucasus area 31,120 sq mi (80,600 sq km), pop 2,536,000
2 city, its capital pop 332,000
3 ― see TOL'YATTI

stavudine
: D4T

stay
n. 1 : a large strong rope usually of wire used to support a mast
2 : 1GUY

stay
n. 1 : to secure upright with or as if with stays
2 : to incline (a mast) forward, aft, or to one side by the stays
intransitive verb : to go about : TACK

stay
n. intransitive verb
1 : to stop going forward : PAUSE
2 : to stop doing something : CEASE
3 : to continue in a place or condition : REMAIN <stayed up all night> <went for a short vacation but stayed on for weeks> <stay put till I come back>
4 : to stand firm
5 : to take up residence : LODGE
6 : to keep even in a contest or rivalry <stay with the leaders>
7 : to call a poker bet without raising
8 obsolete : to be in waiting or attendance
transitive verb
1 : to wait for : AWAIT
2 : to stick or remain with (as a race or trial of endurance) to the end ― usually used in the phrase stay the course
3 : to remain during <stayed the whole time>
4 a : to stop or delay the proceeding or advance of by or as if by interposing an obstacle : HALT <stay an execution> b : to check the course of (as a disease) c : ALLAY, PACIFY <stayed tempers> d : to quiet the hunger of temporarily
synonyms see DEFER

stay
n. 1 a : the action of halting : the state of being stopped b : a stopping or suspension of procedure or execution by judicial or executive order
2 obsolete : SELF-CONTROL, MODERATION
3 : a residence or sojourn in a place
4 : capacity for endurance

stay
n. 1 : one that serves as a prop : SUPPORT
2 : a thin firm strip (as of plastic) used for stiffening a garment or part (as a shirt collar)
3 : a corset stiffened with bones ― usually used in plural

stay
n. 1 : to provide physical or moral support for : SUSTAIN
2 : to fix on something as a foundation

stay-at-home
: remaining in one's residence, locality, or country especially : remaining at home especially to tend to children and domestic duties while a spouse is at work <a stay-at-home mother>
–stay-at-home noun

stayer
n. : one that stays especially : one that upholds or supports

staying power
: capacity for continuing (as in existence, influence, or popularity) without weakening

staysail
n. : a fore-and-aft sail hoisted on a stay ― see SAIL illustration

STB
[New Latin sacrae theologiae baccalaureus] bachelor of sacred theology; [New Latin scientiae theologicae baccalaureus] bachelor of theology

STD
: any of various diseases or infections (as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes) that are usually transmitted by direct sexual contact and that include some (as hepatitis B and AIDS) that may be contracted by other than sexual means

STD
doctor of sacred theology

std
standard

Ste
saint (female)

stead
n. 1 obsolete : LOCALITY, PLACE
2 : ADVANTAGE ― used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead
3 : the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else <acted in his brother's stead>

stead
n. : to be of avail to : HELP

steadfast
adj. 1 a : firmly fixed in place : IMMOVABLE b : not subject to change <the steadfast doctrine of original sin ― Ellen Glasgow>
2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : LOYAL <her followers have remained steadfast>
synonyms see FAITHFUL
–stead·fast·ly adverb
–stead·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs, -fəs(t)-\ noun

steading
n. 1 : a small farm
2 chiefly Scottish : the service buildings or area of a farm

steady
n. 1 a : direct or sure in movement : UNFALTERING <a steady hand> b : firm in position : FIXED <held the pole steady> c : keeping nearly upright in a seaway <a steady ship>
2 : showing little variation or fluctuation : STABLE, UNIFORM <a steady breeze> <steady prices>
3 a : not easily disturbed or upset <steady nerves> b (1) : constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment <steady friends> (2) : DEPENDABLE c : not given to dissipation : SOBER
–steadi·ly \'ste-dəl-ē\ adverb
–steadi·ness \'ste-dē-nəs\ noun
synonyms STEADY, EVEN, EQUABLE mean not varying throughout a course or extent. STEADY implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement <steady progress>. EVEN suggests a lack of variation in quality or character <an even distribution>. EQUABLE implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes <maintain an equable temper>.

steady
n. transitive verb : to make or keep steady
intransitive verb : to become steady
–steadi·er noun

steady
n. 1 : in a steady manner : STEADILY
2 : on the course set ― used as a direction to the helmsman of a ship

steady
n. : one that is steady specifically : a boyfriend or girlfriend with whom one goes steady

steady
n. go steady
steady state
steady state theory

steady state
: a state or condition of a system or process (as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time broadly : a condition that changes only negligibly over a specified time

steady state theory
: a theory in astronomy: the universe has always existed and has always been expanding with hydrogen being created continuously ― compare BIG BANG THEORY

steak
n. 1 a : a slice of meat cut from a fleshy part of a beef carcass b : a similar slice of a specified meat other than beef <ham steak> c : a cross-section slice of a large fish <swordfish steak>
2 : ground beef prepared for cooking or for serving in the manner of a steak <hamburger steak>

steak
n. carpetbag steak
chicken fried steak
club steak
cube steak
Delmonico steak
flank steak
hanger steak
minute steak
round steak
Salisbury steak
shell steak
skirt steak
steak house
steak knife
steak tartare
Swiss steak

steak house
: a restaurant whose specialty is beefsteak

steak knife
: a table knife with a sharp often serrated blade

steak tartare
: highly seasoned ground beef eaten raw

steal
v. intransitive verb
1 : to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice
2 : to come or go secretly, unobtrusively, gradually, or unexpectedly
3 : to steal or attempt to steal a base
transitive verb
1 a : to take or appropriate without right or leave and with intent to keep or make use of wrongfully <stole a car> b : to take away by force or unjust means <they've stolen our liberty> c : to take surreptitiously or without permission <steal a kiss> d : to appropriate to oneself or beyond one's proper share : make oneself the focus of <steal the show>
2 a : to move, convey, or introduce secretly : SMUGGLE b : to accomplish in a concealed or unobserved manner <steal a visit>
3 a : to seize, gain, or win by trickery, skill, or daring <a basketball player adept at stealing the ball> <stole the election> b of a base runner : to reach (a base) safely solely by running and usually catching the opposing team off guard
–steal·able \'stē-lə-bəl\ adjective
–steal·er noun
–steal a march on : to gain an advantage on unobserved
–steal one's thunder : to grab attention from another especially by anticipating an idea, plan, or presentation also : to claim credit for another's idea
synonyms STEAL, PILFER, FILCH, PURLOIN mean to take from another without right or without detection. STEAL may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things <steal jewels> <stole a look at the gifts>. PILFER implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts <pilfered from his employer>. FILCH adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously <filched an apple from the tray>. PURLOIN stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes <printed a purloined document>.

steal
v. 1 : the act or an instance of stealing
2 : a fraudulent or questionable political deal
3 : BARGAIN 2 <it's a steal at that price>

steal
v. steal one's thunder
steal a march on
scene stealer

steal a march on
to gain an advantage on unobserved

steal one's thunder
to grab attention from another especially by anticipating an idea, plan, or presentation also : to claim credit for another's idea

stealth
n. 1 a archaic : THEFT b obsolete : something stolen
2 : the act or action of proceeding furtively, secretly, or imperceptibly <the state moves by stealth to gather information ― Nat Hentoff>
3 : the state of being furtive or unobtrusive
4 : an aircraft-design characteristic consisting of oblique angular construction and avoidance of vertical surfaces that is intended to produce a very weak radar return

stealth
n. : intended not to attract attention : STEALTHY <a stealth campaign>

stealthy
adj. 1 : slow, deliberate, and secret in action or character
2 a : intended to escape observation : FURTIVE b : designed to produce a very weak radar return <a stealthy airplane>
synonyms see SECRET
–stealth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–stealth·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

steam
n. 1 : a vapor arising from a heated substance
2 a : the invisible vapor into which water is converted when heated to the boiling point b : the mist formed by the condensation on cooling of water vapor
3 a : water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work also : the power so generated b : active force : POWER, MOMENTUM <got there under his own steam> <sales began to pick up steam> also : normal force <at full steam> c : pent-up emotional tension <needed to let off a little steam>
4 a : STEAMER 2A b : travel by or a trip in a steamer

steam
n. 1 : to give out as fumes : EXHALE
2 : to apply steam to especially : to expose to the action of steam (as for softening or cooking)
intransitive verb
1 : to rise or pass off as vapor
2 : to give off steam or vapor
3 a : to move or travel by the agency of steam b : to move or proceed with energy or force
4 : to be angry : BOIL <steaming over the insult>

steam
n. steam fitting
blow off steam
head of steam
live steam
steam boiler
steam chest
steam engine
steam iron
steam shovel
steam table
steam turbine
steam up

steam boiler
: a boiler for producing steam

steam chest
: the chamber from which steam is distributed to a cylinder of a steam engine

steam engine
: an engine driven or worked by steam specifically : a reciprocating engine having a piston driven in a closed cylinder by steam

steam iron
: a pressing iron with a compartment holding water that is converted to steam by the iron's heat and emitted through the soleplate onto the fabric being pressed

steam shovel
: a power shovel operated by steam broadly : POWER SHOVEL

steam table
: a table having openings to hold containers of cooked food over steam or hot water circulating beneath them

steam turbine
: a turbine that is driven by the pressure of steam discharged at high velocity against the turbine vanes

steam up
: to make angry or excited : AROUSE

steamboat
n. : a boat driven by steam power specifically : a shallow-draft vessel used on inland waterways

steamboat Gothic
: an elaborately ornamented architectural style used in homes built in the middle 19th century in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys

steamed
adj. 1 : cooked by steam
2 : ANGRY 1 ― often used with up

steamer
n. 1 : a vessel in which articles are subjected to steam
2 a : a ship propelled by steam b : an engine, machine, or vehicle operated or propelled by steam
3 : one that steams
4 : SOFT-SHELL CLAM

steamer
n. tramp steamer
steamer rug
steamer trunk

steamer rug
: a warm covering for the lap and feet especially of a person sitting on a ship's deck

steamer trunk
: a trunk suitable for use in a stateroom of a steamer especially : a shallow trunk that may be stowed beneath a berth

steamfitter
: one that installs or repairs equipment (as steam pipes) for heating, ventilating, or refrigerating systems
–steam fitting noun

steamroller
n. 1 : a steam-driven road roller broadly : ROAD ROLLER
2 : a crushing force especially when ruthlessly applied to overcome opposition

steamroller
n. 1 : to overwhelm usually by greatly superior force <steamroller the opposition>
2 : to bring or advance by overwhelming force or pressure <steamrollered the bill through the legislature>
intransitive verb : to move or proceed with irresistible force

steamship
n. : STEAMER 2A

steamship round
: a large beef roast consisting of the whole round with rump and heel

steamy
adj. 1 : consisting of, characterized by, or full of steam
2 : intensely or uncomfortably hot: as a : hot and humid <a steamy afternoon> b : sensually hot : EROTIC <a steamy love scene>
–steam·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
–steam·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

stearate
n. : a salt or ester of stearic acid

stearic acid
: a white crystalline fatty acid C_18H_36O_2 obtained by saponifying tallow or other hard fats containing stearin also : a commercial mixture of stearic and palmitic acids

stearin
n. : an ester of glycerol and stearic acid

steatite
n. 1 : a massive talc having a grayish-green or brown color : SOAPSTONE
2 : an electrically insulating porcelain composed largely of steatite
–ste·a·tit·ic \ˌstē-ə-'ti-tik\ adjective

steato
: fat <steatorrhea>

steatopygia
n. : an excessive development of fat on the buttocks that occurs especially among women of the Hottentots and some black peoples
–ste·a·to·py·gous \-gəs\ or ste·a·to·py·gic \ˌstē-ə-'tä-pə-jik, -tə-'pī-jik\ adjective

steatorrhea
n. : an excess of fat in the stools

steatorrhoea
n. chiefly British variant of steatorrhea

Stebark
village NE Poland SW of Olsztyn

stedfast
adj. archaic variant of steadfast

steed
n. : HORSE especially : a spirited horse (as for war)

steek
chiefly Scottish : SHUT, CLOSE

steel
n. 1 : commercial iron that contains carbon in any amount up to about 1.7 percent as an essential alloying constituent, is malleable when under suitable conditions, and is distinguished from cast iron by its malleability and lower carbon content
2 : an instrument or implement of or characteristically of steel: as a : a thrusting or cutting weapon b : an instrument (as a fluted round rod with a handle) for sharpening knives c : a piece of steel for striking sparks from flint
3 : a quality (as hardness of mind or spirit) that suggests steel <nerves of steel>
4 a : the steel manufacturing industry b plural : shares of stock in steel companies

steel
n. 1 : to overlay, point, or edge with steel
2 a : to cause to resemble steel (as in looks or hardness) b : to fill with resolution or determination <steeled herself to face the crisis>

steel
n. 1 : made of steel
2 : of or relating to the production of steel
3 : resembling steel

steel
n. carbon steel
crucible steel
Damascus steel
maraging steel
mild steel
pedal steel
pedal steel guitar
stainless steel
steel band
steel blue
steel drum
steel engraving
steel guitar
steel guitarist
steel trap
steel wool
structural steel

steel band
: a band of steel drums

steel blue
1 : a grayish blue
2 : any of the blue colors assumed by steel at various temperatures in tempering

steel drum
: a musical instrument orig. developed in Trinidad that is played by hammering raised and tuned portions of the bottom of an oil drum

steel engraving
1 : the art or process of engraving on steel
2 : an impression taken from an engraved steel plate

steel guitar
1 : HAWAIIAN GUITAR
2 : PEDAL STEEL
–steel guitarist noun

steel wool
: an abrasive material composed of long fine steel shavings and used especially for scouring and burnishing

steel-trap
: QUICK, INCISIVE <a steel-trap mind>

Steele
Sir Richard 1672-1729 Brit. essayist & dram.

steelhead
n. : an anadromous rainbow trout ― called also steelhead trout

steelie
: a playing marble made of steel

steelmaker
n. : a manufacturer of steel
–steel·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

steelwork
n. 1 : work in steel
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : an establishment where steel is made

steelworker
n. : a person who works in steel and especially in the manufacturing of it

steely
adj. 1 : resembling or suggesting steel (as in hardness, color, strength, or coldness) <steely determination> <steely blue>
2 : made of steel
–steel·i·ness noun

steelyard
n. : a balance in which an object to be weighed is suspended from the shorter arm of a lever and the weight determined by moving a counterpoise along a graduated scale on the longer arm until equilibrium is attained

Steen
Jan 1626-1679 Du. painter

steenbok
n. : a small slender antelope (Raphicerus campestris) with long legs that inhabits chiefly grasslands of eastern and southern Africa

Steens Mountain
mountain mass SE Oreg.; highest point ab 9700 ft (2955 m)

steep
adj. 1 : LOFTY, HIGH ― used chiefly of a sea
2 : making a large angle with the plane of the horizon
3 a : mounting or falling precipitously <the stairs were very steep> b : being or characterized by a rapid and intensive decline or increase
4 : extremely or excessively high <steep prices>
–steep·ish \'stē-pish\ adjective
–steep·ly adverb
–steep·ness noun
synonyms STEEP, ABRUPT, PRECIPITOUS, SHEER mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. STEEP implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult <a steep hill> <a steep dive>. ABRUPT implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level <a beach with an abrupt drop-off>. PRECIPITOUS applies to an incline approaching the vertical <the river winds through a precipitous gorge>. SHEER suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse <sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers>.

steep
adj. : a precipitous place

steep
adj. transitive verb
1 : to soak in a liquid at a temperature under the boiling point (as for softening, bleaching, or extracting an essence)
2 : to cover with or plunge into a liquid (as in bathing, rinsing, or soaking)
3 : to saturate with or subject thoroughly to (some strong or pervading influence) <practices steeped in tradition>
intransitive verb : to undergo the process of soaking in a liquid
synonyms see SOAK
–steep·er noun

steep
adj. 1 : the state or process of being steeped
2 : a bath or solution in which something is steeped

steepen
v. intransitive verb : to become steeper
transitive verb : to make steeper

steeple
n. : a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and surmounting a church tower broadly : a whole church tower
–stee·pled \-pəld\ adjective

steeplebush
: HARDHACK

steeplechase
n. 1 a : a horse race across country b : a horse race over a closed course with obstacles (as hedges and walls)
2 : a footrace of usually 3000 meters over hurdles and a water jump
–stee·ple·chas·er \-ˌchā-sər\ noun
–stee·ple·chas·ing \-siŋ\ noun

steeplejack
n. : a person whose work is building smokestacks, towers, or steeples or climbing up the outside of such structures to paint and make repairs

steer
n. 1 : a male bovine animal and especially a domestic ox (Bos taurus) castrated before sexual maturity ― compare STAG 3
2 : an ox less than four years old

steer
n. transitive verb
1 : to control the course of : DIRECT especially : to guide by mechanical means (as a rudder)
2 : to set and hold to (a course)
intransitive verb
1 : to direct the course (as of a ship or automobile)
2 : to pursue a course of action
3 : to be subject to steering <the car steers well>
synonyms see GUIDE
–steer·able \'stir-ə-bəl\ adjective
–steer·er noun
–steer clear : to keep entirely away ― often used with of <tries to steer clear of debt>

steer
n. : a hint as to procedure : TIP

steer
n. dialect British variant of stir

steer
n. steer clear
power steering
steering column
steering committee
steering gear
steering wheel

steer clear
to keep entirely away ― often used with of <tries to steer clear of debt>

steerage
n. 1 : the act or practice of steering broadly : DIRECTION
2 [from its orig. being located near the rudder] : a section of inferior accommodations in a passenger ship for passengers paying the lowest fares

steerageway
n. : a rate of motion sufficient to make a ship or boat respond to movements of the rudder

steering column
: the column that encloses the connections to the steering gear of a vehicle (as an automobile)

steering committee
: a managing or directing committee specifically : a committee that determines the order in which business will be taken up in a U.S. legislative body

steering gear
: a mechanism (as a gear train) by which something is steered

steering wheel
: a handwheel by means of which one steers

steersman
n. : one who steers : HELMSMAN

steeve
n. archaic : to stow especially in a ship's hold

steeve
n. intransitive verb of a bowsprit : to incline upward at an angle with the horizon or the line of the keel
transitive verb : to set (a bowsprit) at an upward inclination

Stefansson
Vil·hjal·mur \'vil-ˌyau̇l-mər\ 1879-1962 American (Canad.-born) explorer

Steffens
(Joseph) Lincoln 1866-1936 American journalist

steganography
1 archaic : CRYPTOGRAPHY
2 : the art or practice of concealing a message, image, or file within another message, image, or file
–steg·a·no·graph·ic \-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective

stegosaur
n. : any of a suborder (Stegosauria) of quadrupedal ornithischian herbivorous dinosaurs chiefly of the Jurassic with strongly developed dorsal plates and spikes

stegosaurus
n. : any of a genus (Stegosaurus) of stegosaurs known from the Upper Jurassic rocks especially of Colorado and Wyoming

Steichen
Edward Jean 1879-1973 American photographer

Stein
n. Gertrude 1874-1946 American writer

Stein
n. (Heinrich Friedrich) Karl 1757-1831 Freiherr vom und zum Stein Pruss. statesman

stein
n. : a large mug (as of earthenware) used especially for beer also : the quantity of beer that a stein holds

Steinbeck
n. John Ernst 1902-1968 American nov.

Steinberger
Jack 1921-     American (Ger.-born) physicist

Steinem
n. Gloria 1934-     American feminist writer & editor

Steinmetz
Charles Proteus 1865-1923 American (Ger.-born) electrical engineer

stela
n. : a usually carved or inscribed stone slab or pillar used for commemorative purposes

stelar
: of, relating to, or constituting a stele

stele
n. : the usually cylindrical central vascular portion of the axis of a vascular plant

Stella
n. Frank Philip 1936-     American artist

stella
n. : an experimental international coin based on the metric system that was issued by the U.S. in 1879 and 1880 and was worth about four dollars

stellar
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the stars : ASTRAL b : composed of stars
2 : of or relating to a theatrical or film star <stellar names>
3 a : PRINCIPAL, LEADING <a stellar role> b : OUTSTANDING <a stellar performance>

stellar wind
: plasma continuously ejected from a star's surface into surrounding space

stellate
adj. : resembling a star (as in shape)

Stellenbosch
city SW Republic of South Africa in SW Western Cape province pop 29,955

Steller's jay
: a jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) of western No. America with a high crest and black and dark blue plumage

Steller's sea cow
: an extinct very large sirenian (Hydrodamalis gigas) formerly common near the Asian coast of the Bering Sea

stem
n. 1 a : the main trunk of a plant specifically : a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots b : a plant part (as a branch, petiole, or stipe) that supports another (as a leaf or fruit) c : the complete fruiting stalk of a banana plant with its bananas
2 a : the main upright member at the bow of a ship b : the bow or prow of a ship ― compare STERN
3 : a line of ancestry : STOCK especially : a fundamental line from which others have arisen
4 : the part of an inflected word that remains after the inflected part is removed <strength is the stem of strengths> also : ROOT 6
5 : something held to resemble a plant stem: as a : a main or heavy stroke of a letter b : the short perpendicular line extending from the head of a musical note c : the part of a tobacco pipe from the bowl outward d : the cylindrical support of a piece of stemware (as a goblet) e : a shaft of a watch used for winding
–from stem to stern : THROUGHOUT, THOROUGHLY

stem
n. 1 : to make headway against (as an adverse tide, current, or wind)
2 : to check or go counter to (something adverse)
–stem·mer noun

stem
n. transitive verb
1 : to remove the stem from
2 : to make stems for (as artificial flowers)
intransitive verb : to occur or develop as a consequence : have or trace an origin <her success stems from hard work>
synonyms see SPRING
–stem·mer noun

stem
n. transitive verb
1 a : to stop or dam up (as a river) b : to stop or check by or as if by damming especially : STANCH <stem a flow of blood>
2 : to turn (a ski) in stemming
intransitive verb
1 : to restrain or check oneself also : to become checked or stanched
2 : to slide the heel of one ski or of both skis outward usually in making or preparing to make a turn

stem
n. 1 : CHECK, DAM
2 : an act or instance of stemming on skis

stem
n. brain stem
main stem
from stem to stern
stem cell
stem christie
stem rust
stem turn
stem winder
stem winding

stem cell
: an unspecialized cell that gives rise to differentiated cells <hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow>

stem christie
: a turn in skiing begun by stemming a ski and completed by bringing the skis parallel into a christie

stem rust
1 : a rust attacking the stem of a plant especially : a destructive disease especially of wheat caused by a rust fungus (Puccinia graminis) which produces reddish-brown lesions in the uredospore stage and black lesions in the teliospore stage and has any of several plants of the barberry family as an intermediate host
2 : the fungus causing stem rust

stem turn
: a skiing turn executed by stemming an outside ski

stem-winder
1 : a stem-winding watch
2 [from the superiority of the stem-winding watch over the older key-wound watch] : one that is first-rate of its kind especially : a stirring speech

stem-winding
: wound by an inside mechanism turned by the knurled knob on the stem <a stem-winding watch>

stemless
adj. : having no stem : ACAULESCENT

stemma
n. 1 : a simple eye present in some insects
2 : a scroll (as among the ancient Romans) containing a genealogical list
3 : a tree showing the relationships of the manuscripts of a literary work
–stem·mat·ic \ste-'ma-tik, stə-\ adjective

stemmed
adj. : having a stem ― usually used in combination <long-stemmed roses>

stemmy
1 : abounding in stems
2 of wine : having a bitter aftertaste

stemware
n. : glass hollowware mounted on a stem

Sten
n. : a light simple 9-millimeter British submachine gun

sten
n. : close : narrow : little <stenothermal>

stench
n. 1 : STINK
2 : a characteristic repugnant quality
–stench·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–stenchy \'sten-chē\ adjective

stencil
n. 1 : an impervious material (as a sheet of paper, thin wax, or woven fabric) perforated with lettering or a design through which a substance (as ink, paint, or metallic powder) is forced onto a surface to be printed
2 : something (as a pattern, design, or print) that is produced by means of a stencil
3 : a printing process that uses a stencil

stencil
1 : to mark or paint with a stencil
2 : to produce by stencil
–sten·cil·er or sten·cil·ler \-s(ə-)lər\ noun

Stendhal
n. 1783-1842 pseud. of Marie-Henri Beyle \'bel\ Fr. writer
–Sten·dhal·ian \-'dä-lē-ən\ adjective

steno
n. 1 : STENOGRAPHER
2 : STENOGRAPHY

stenographer
n. 1 : a writer of shorthand
2 : a person employed chiefly to take and transcribe dictation

stenography
n. 1 : the art or process of writing in shorthand
2 : shorthand especially written from dictation or oral discourse
3 : the making of shorthand notes and subsequent transcription of them
–steno·graph·ic \ˌste-nə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–steno·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stenohaline
of an aquatic organism : unable to withstand wide variation in salinity of surrounding water

stenosed
: affected with stenosis

stenosis
n. : a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice
–ste·not·ic \-'nä-tik\ adjective

stenothermal
adj. : capable of surviving over only a narrow range of temperatures <stenothermal fish>
–steno·therm \'ste-nə-ˌthərm\ noun

stenotopic
: having a narrow range of adaptability to changes in environmental conditions

stenotype
n. : a small machine somewhat like a typewriter used to record speech by means of phonograms
–stenotype transitive verb
–steno·typ·ist \-ˌtī-pist\ noun
–ste·no·ty·py \-ˌtī-pē\ noun

stent
n. : a short narrow metal or plastic tube often in the form of a mesh that is inserted into the lumen of an anatomical vessel (as an artery or a bile duct) especially to keep a previously blocked passageway open

stentor
n. 1 : a person having a loud voice
2 : any of a widely distributed genus (Stentor) of ciliate protozoans having a trumpet-shaped body with the mouth at the broad end and with the narrow end often attached to the substrate

stentorian
adj. : extremely loud <stentorian tones>
synonyms see LOUD

step
n. 1 : a rest for the foot in ascending or descending: as a : one of a series of structures consisting of a riser and a tread b : a ladder rung
2 a (1) : an advance or movement made by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere (2) : a combination of foot or foot and body movements constituting a unit or a repeated pattern <a dance step> (3) : manner of walking : STRIDE b : FOOTPRINT 1 c : the sound of a footstep
3 a : the space passed over in one step b : a short distance c : the height of one stair
4 plural : COURSE, WAY <directed his steps toward the river>
5 a : a degree, grade, or rank in a scale b : a stage in a process <was guided through every step of my career>
6 : a frame on a ship designed to receive an upright shaft especially : a block supporting the heel of a mast
7 : an action, proceeding, or measure often occurring as one in a series <taking steps to improve the situation>
8 : a steplike offset or part usually occurring in a series
9 : an interval in a musical scale
10 : STEP AEROBICS
11 : a slight lead in or as if in a race <has a step on the competition>
–step·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–stepped \'stept\ adjective
–in step
1 : with each foot moving to the same time as the corresponding foot of others or in time to music
2 : in harmony or agreement
–out of step : not in step <out of step with the times>

step
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere or by moving each foot in succession b : DANCE
2 a : to go on foot : WALK b obsolete : ADVANCE, PROCEED c : to be on one's way : LEAVE ― often used with along d : to move briskly <kept us stepping>
3 : to press down with the foot <step on the brake>
4 : to come as if at a single step <stepped into a good job>
transitive verb
1 : to take by moving the feet in succession <step three paces>
2 a : to move (the foot) in any direction : SET <the first man to step foot on the moon> b : to traverse on foot
3 : to go through the steps of : PERFORM <step a minuet>
4 : to make erect by fixing the lower end in a step <step the mast>
5 : to measure by steps <step off 50 yards>
6 a : to provide with steps b : to make steps in <step a key>
7 : to construct or arrange in or as if in steps <craggy peaks with terraces stepped up the sides ― Time>
–step on it : to increase one's speed : hurry up

step
n. : related by virtue of a remarriage (as of a parent) and not by blood <stepparent> <stepsister>

step
n. goose step
half step
hop step and jump
keep step
one step
route step
side step
out of step
in step
step on it
step aerobics
step training
step aside
step by step
step dance
step down
step function
step in
step out
step stool
step turn
step up
stutter step
12 step
two step
watch one's step
whole step
stepped up
stepping motor
stepping stone

step aerobics
: aerobics that involves repeatedly stepping on and off a raised platform ― called also step training

step aside
: STEP DOWN

step dance
: a dance in which steps are emphasized rather than gesture or posture

step down
: RETIRE, RESIGN
transitive verb
1 : to lower (a voltage) by means of a transformer
2 : to decrease or reduce especially by one or more steps
–step-down \'step-ˌdau̇n\ adjective

step function
: a mathematical function of a single real variable that remains constant within each of a series of adjacent intervals but changes in value from one interval to the next

step in
1 a : to intervene in an affair or dispute b : to act as a replacement
2 : to make a brief informal visit

step on it
to increase one's speed : hurry up

step out
1 : to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
2 : to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace
3 : DIE
4 : to lead an active social life
5 : to be unfaithful ― usually used with on <had been stepping out on his wife>

step stool
: a stool with one or two steps that often fold away beneath the seat

step turn
: a skiing turn executed in a downhill traverse by lifting the upper ski from the ground, placing it in the desired direction, weighting it, and bringing the other ski parallel

step up
1 : to increase (a voltage) by means of a transformer
2 : to increase, augment, or advance especially by one or more steps <step up production>
intransitive verb
1 a : to come forward <stepped up to claim responsibility> b : to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by increased effort or improved performance)
2 : to undergo an increase <business is stepping up>
3 : to receive a promotion
–step-up \'step-ˌəp\ adjective

step-by-step
: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : GRADUAL

step-down
: a decrease or reduction in size or amount <a step-down in dosage>

step-in
: an article of clothing put on by being stepped into: as a : a shoe resembling but usually having a higher vamp than a pump and having concealed elastic to adjust the fit b : short panties for women ― usually used in plural
–step-in adjective

step-up
: an increase or advance in size or amount

stepbrother
n. : a son of one's stepparent by a former partner

stepchild
n. 1 : one that fails to receive proper care or attention <is no longer a stepchild in the family of nations ― F. R. Smith>
2 : a child of one's wife or husband by a former partner

stepdaughter
n. : a daughter of one's wife or husband by a former partner

stepfamily
n. : a family in which there is a stepparent

stepfather
n. : the husband of one's mother when distinct from one's natural or legal father

stephanotis
n. : any of a genus (Stephanotis, especially S. floribunda) of Old World tropical woody vines of the milkweed family with fragrant white waxy flowers having a tubular corolla terminating in five lobes

Stephen
n. ca 1097-1154 king of England (1135-54)

Stephen
n. Sir Leslie 1832-1904 Eng. philos., critic, & biographer

Stephens
Alexander Hamilton 1812-1883 American polit.; vice pres. of the Confed. states

Stephens
James 1882-1950 Irish poet & nov.

Stephenson
n. George 1781-1848 Eng. inventor & founder of railroads

Stephenson
n. Robert 1803-1859 son of George Eng. engineer

stepladder
n. : a ladder that has broad flat steps and two pairs of legs connected by a hinge at the top and that opens at the bottom to become freestanding

stepmother
n. : the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Stepney
n. former metropolitan borough E London, England, on N bank of Thames River, now part of Tower Hamlets

stepparent
n. : a person who is a stepmother or stepfather

stepparenting
: parenting by a stepparent

steppe
n. 1 : one of the vast usually level and treeless tracts in southeastern Europe or Asia
2 : arid land with xerophilous vegetation found usually in regions of extreme temperature range and loess soil

stepped-up
: increased in intensity

stepper
n. : one (as a fast horse or a dancer) that steps

stepper motor
: a motor whose driveshaft rotates in small steps rather than continuously ― called also stepping motor

stepping-stone
1 : a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)
2 : a means of progress or advancement

stepsister
n. : a daughter of one's stepparent by a former partner

stepson
n. : a son of one's husband or wife by a former partner

stepwise
adv. 1 : marked by or proceeding in steps
2 : moving by step to adjacent musical tones

ster
sterling

ster
1 : one that does or handles or operates <spinster> <tapster> <teamster>
2 : one that makes or uses <songster>
3 : one that is associated with or participates in <gamester> <gangster>
4 : one that is <youngster>

stercoraceous
adj. : relating to, being, or containing feces

stere
n. 1 : solid : solid body <stereogram>
2 a : stereoscopic <stereopsis> b : having or dealing with three dimensions of space <stereochemistry>

stereo
n. 1 : STEREOTYPE
2 [by shortening] a : stereophonic reproduction b : a stereophonic sound system

stereo
n. 1 a : STEREOSCOPIC b : produced by or as if by means of a stereotype
2 : STEREOPHONIC

stereochemistry
n. 1 : a branch of chemistry that deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in molecules
2 : the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a compound and its relation to the properties of the compound
–ste·reo·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective

stereogram
n. 1 : a diagram or picture representing objects with an impression of solidity or relief
2 : STEREOGRAPH

stereograph
n. : a pair of stereoscopic pictures or a picture composed of two superposed stereoscopic images that gives a three-dimensional effect when viewed with a stereoscope or special spectacles
–stereograph transitive verb

stereographic
n. : of, relating to, or being a delineation of the form of a solid body (as the earth) on a plane <stereographic projection>
–ste·re·og·ra·phy \ˌster-ē-'ä-grə-fē\ noun

stereoisomer
n. : any of a group of isomers in which atoms are linked in the same order but differ in their spatial arrangement
–ste·reo·iso·mer·ic \-ˌī-sə-'mer-ik\ adjective
–ste·reo·isom·er·ism \-ī-'sä-mə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

stereology
: a branch of science concerned with inferring the three-dimensional properties of objects or matter ordinarily observed two-dimensionally
–ste·reo·log·i·cal \-ē-ə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ste·reo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stereomicroscope
: a microscope having a set of optics for each eye to make an object appear in three dimensions
–ste·reo·mi·cro·scop·ic \-ˌmī-krə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–ste·reo·mi·cro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stereophonic
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting sound reproduction involving the use of separated microphones and two transmission channels to achieve the sound separation of a live hearing
–ste·reo·phon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ste·reo·pho·ny \ˌster-ē-'ä-fə-nē, ˌstir-; 'ster-ē-ə-ˌfō-nē, 'stir-\ noun

stereophotography
: stereoscopic photography
–ste·reo·pho·to·graph·ic \-ˌfō-tə-'gra-fik\ adjective

stereopsis
n. : stereoscopic vision

stereopticon
n. 1 : a projector for transparent slides often made double so as to produce dissolving views
2 : STEREOSCOPE

stereoregular
: of, relating to, or involving stereochemical regularity in the repeating units of a polymeric structure
–ste·reo·reg·u·lar·i·ty \-ˌre-gyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun

stereoscope
n. : an optical instrument with two eyepieces for helping the observer to combine the images of two pictures taken from points of view a little way apart and thus to get the effect of solidity or depth

stereoscopic
adj. 1 : of or relating to stereoscopy or the stereoscope
2 : characterized by stereoscopy <stereoscopic vision>
–ste·reo·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stereoscopy
n. 1 : a science that deals with stereoscopic effects and methods
2 : the seeing of objects in three dimensions

stereospecific
adj. : being, produced by, or involved in a stereochemically specific process <many enzymes act as stereospecific catalysts> <stereospecific plastics>
–ste·reo·spe·cif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ste·reo·spec·i·fic·i·ty \-ˌspe-sə-'fi-sə-tē\ noun

stereotactic
adj. : involving, being, utilizing, or used in a surgical technique for precisely directing the tip of a delicate instrument (as a needle) or beam of radiation in three planes using coordinates provided by medical imaging in order to reach a specific locus in the body
–ste·reo·tac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stereotaxic
adj. : STEREOTACTIC
–ste·reo·tax·i·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stereotype
n. 1 : to make a stereotype from
2 a : to repeat without variation : make hackneyed b : to develop a mental stereotype about
–ste·reo·typ·er noun

stereotype
1 : a plate cast from a printing surface
2 : something conforming to a fixed or general pattern especially : a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment
–ste·reo·typ·i·cal \ˌster-ē-ə-'ti-pi-kəl\ also ste·reo·typ·ic \-pik\ adjective
–ste·reo·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stereotyped
adj. : lacking originality or individuality
synonyms see TRITE

stereotypy
n. : frequent almost mechanical repetition of the same posture, movement, or form of speech (as in schizophrenia)

steric
adj. : relating to or involving the arrangement of atoms in space : SPATIAL
–ste·ri·cal·ly \'ster-i-k(ə-)lē, 'stir-\ adverb

sterigma
n. : one of the slender stalks at the top of the basidium of some fungi from the tips of which the basidiospores are formed broadly : a stalk or filament that bears conidia or spermatia

sterilant
n. : a sterilizing agent

sterile
adj. 1 a : failing to bear or incapable of producing fruit or spores b : failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring <a sterile hybrid> c : incapable of germinating <sterile spores> d of a flower : neither perfect nor pistillate
2 a : unproductive of vegetation <a sterile arid region> b : free from living organisms and especially microorganisms <a sterile syringe> c : lacking in stimulating emotional or intellectual quality : LIFELESS <a sterile work of art>
–ster·ile·ly \-ə(l)-lē\ adverb
–ste·ril·i·ty \stə-'ri-lə-tē\ noun

sterile
adj. male sterile
self sterile
self sterility

sterilize
v. : to make sterile: as a : to cause (land) to become unfruitful b (1) : to deprive of the power of reproducing <surgically sterilize cats and dogs> (2) : to make incapable of germination c : to make powerless or useless usually by restraining from a normal function, relation, or participation d : to free from living microorganisms
–ster·il·i·za·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ster·il·iz·er \'ster-ə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

sterling
n. 1 : British money
2 : sterling silver or articles of it

sterling
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or calculated in terms of British sterling b : payable in sterling
2 a of silver : having a fixed standard of purity usually defined legally as represented by an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper b : made of sterling silver
3 : conforming to the highest standard <sterling character> <a sterling record of achievement>
–ster·ling·ly adverb
–ster·ling·ness noun

sterling
n. pound sterling
sterling area
Sterling Heights

sterling area
: a former group of countries with currencies tied to the British pound sterling

Sterling Heights
city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 124,471

Stern
n. Isaac 1920-2001 American (Russ.-born) violinist

Stern
n. Otto 1888-1969 American (Ger.-born) physicist

stern
n. 1 a : having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : AUSTERE b : expressive of severe displeasure : HARSH
2 : forbidding or gloomy in appearance
3 : INEXORABLE <stern necessity>
4 : STURDY, STOUT <a stern resolve>
synonyms see SEVERE
–stern·ly adverb
–stern·ness \'stərn-nəs\ noun

stern
n. 1 : the rear end of a boat
2 : a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part

stern
n. from stem to stern
stern chase
stern chaser
stern sheets
stern wheeler

stern chase
: a chase in which a pursuing ship follows in the path of another

stern chaser
: a gun so placed as to be able to fire astern at a pursuing ship

stern sheets
: the space in the stern of an open boat not occupied by the thwarts

stern-wheeler
: a steamboat driven by a single paddle wheel at the stern

sternal
adj. : of or relating to the sternum

Sternberg
n. George Miller 1838-1915 American physician & bacteriol.

Sterne
Laurence 1713-1768 Brit. nov.

sternforemost
: with the stern in advance : BACKWARD

sternite
: the ventral part or shield of a somite of an arthropod especially : the chitinous plate that forms the ventral surface of an abdominal or occas. a thoracic segment of an insect

sternmost
adj. : farthest astern

sternocostal
adj. : of, relating to, or situated between the sternum and ribs

sternpost
n. : the principal member at the stern of a ship extending from keel to deck

sternum
n. : a compound ventral bone or cartilage of most vertebrates other than fishes that connects the ribs or the shoulder girdle or both and in humans consists of the manubrium, gladiolus, and xiphoid process ― called also breastbone

sternutation
n. : the act, fact, or noise of sneezing

sternutator
n. : an agent that induces sneezing and often lacrimation and vomiting

sternward
: AFT

sternway
n. : movement of a ship backward or with stern foremost

steroid
n. : any of various compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and numerous hormones (as anabolic steroids or corticosteroids) and glycosides
–steroid or ste·roi·dal \stə-'rȯi-dəl\ adjective

steroidogenesis
n. : synthesis of steroids
–ste·roido·gen·ic \-'je-nik\ adjective

sterol
n. : any of various solid steroid alcohols (as cholesterol) widely distributed in animal and plant lipids

sterone
: steroid hormone <androsterone>

stertor
n. : the act or fact of producing a snoring sound : SNORING

stertorous
adj. : characterized by a harsh snoring or gasping sound
–ster·to·rous·ly adverb

stet
v. : to direct retention of (a word or passage previously ordered to be deleted or omitted from a manuscript or printer's proof) by annotating usually with the word stet

stethoscope
n. : a medical instrument for detecting sounds produced in the body that are conveyed to the ears of the listener through rubber tubing connected with a piece placed upon the area to be examined
–stetho·scop·ic \ˌste-thə-'skä-pik also -thə-\ adjective

Stetson
n. ― used for a broad-brimmed high-crowned felt hat

Stettin
― see SZCZECIN

Stettinius
Edward Reilly 1900-1949 American financier & statesman

Steuben
Baron Friedrich Wilhelm (Ludolf Gerhard Augustin) von 1730-1794 Pruss.-born gen. in American Revolution

stevedore
n. : one who works at or is responsible for loading and unloading ships in port

stevedore
n. transitive verb : to handle (cargo) as a stevedore also : to load or unload the cargo of (a ship) in port
intransitive verb : to work as a stevedore

stevedore knot
: a stopper knot similar to a figure eight knot but with one or more extra turns ― called also stevedore's knot ― see KNOT illustration

Stevengraph
: a woven silk picture

Stevens
John 1749-1838 American inventor

Stevens
John Paul 1920-     American jurist

Stevens
Thaddeus 1792-1868 American polit.

Stevens
Wallace 1879-1955 American poet

Stevens Point
city cen Wis. pop 24,551

Stevenson
n. Ad·lai \'ad-lē, -(ˌ)lā\ Ewing 1835-1914 American polit.; vice pres. of U.S. (1893-97)

Stevenson
n. Adlai Ewing 1900-1965 grandson of prec. American polit.

Stevenson
n. Robert Louis Balfour 1850-1894 Scot. author

stew
n. 1 obsolete : a utensil used for boiling
2 : a hot bath
3 a : WHOREHOUSE b : a district of bordellos ― usually used in plural
4 a : fish or meat usually with vegetables prepared by stewing b (1) : a heterogeneous mixture (2) : a state of heat and congestion
5 : a state of excitement, worry, or confusion

stew
n. : to boil slowly or with simmering heat
intransitive verb
1 : to become cooked by stewing
2 : to swelter especially from confinement in a hot or stuffy atmosphere
3 : to be in a state of suppressed agitation, worry, or resentment

stew
n. : FLIGHT ATTENDANT

stew
n. Brunswick stew
Irish stew
mulligan stew

steward
n. 1 : one employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concerns (as the supervision of servants, collection of rents, and keeping of accounts)
2 : SHOP STEWARD
3 : a fiscal agent
4 a : an employee on a ship, airplane, bus, or train who manages the provisioning of food and attends passengers b : one appointed to supervise the provision and distribution of food and drink in an institution
5 : one who actively directs affairs : MANAGER

steward
n. : to act as a steward for : MANAGE
intransitive verb : to perform the duties of a steward

stewardess
n. : a woman who performs the duties of a steward especially : one who attends passengers (as on an airplane)

stewardship
n. 1 : the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2 : the conducting, supervising, or managing of something especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care <stewardship of our natural resources>

Stewart
n. Du·gald \'dü-gəld\ 1753-1828 Scot. philos.

Stewart
n. James Maitland 1908-1997 American actor

Stewart
n. Potter 1915-1985 American jurist

Stewart
n. Robert 1769-1822 Viscount Cas·tle·reagh \'ka-səl-ˌrā\ Eng. statesman

Stewart
n. river 331 mi (532 km) Canada in cen Yukon Territory flowing W into Yukon River

Stewart Island
island New Zealand S of South Is. area 675 sq mi (1748 sq km)

stewed
adj. : DRUNK 1A

stewpan
n. : a pan used for stewing

Steyn
Marthinus Theunis 1857-1916 So. African statesman

stg
sterling

stibnite
n. : a mineral that consists of the trisulfide of antimony and occurs in orthorhombic lead-gray crystals of metallic luster or in massive form

stichomythia
n. : dialogue especially of altercation or dispute delivered by two actors in alternating lines (as in classical Greek drama)
–sticho·myth·ic \ˌsti-kə-'mi-thik\ adjective

stick
n. 1 : a woody piece or part of a tree or shrub: as a : a usually dry or dead severed shoot, twig, or slender branch b : a cut or broken branch or piece of wood gathered for fuel or construction material
2 a : a long slender piece of wood or metal: as (1) : a club or staff used as a weapon (2) : WALKING STICK b : an implement used for striking or propelling an object in a game c : something used to force compliance d : a baton symbolizing an office or dignity also : a person entitled to bear such a baton
3 : a piece of the materials composing something (as a building)
4 : any of various implements resembling a stick in shape, origin, or use: as a : COMPOSING STICK b : an airplane lever operating the elevators and ailerons c : the gearshift lever of an automobile
5 : something prepared (as by cutting, molding, or rolling) in a relatively long and slender often cylindrical form <a stick of candy> <a stick of butter>
6 a : PERSON, CHAP b : a dull, inert, stiff, or spiritless person
7 plural : remote usually rural districts regarded especially as backward, dull, or unsophisticated : BOONDOCKS
8 : an herbaceous stalk resembling a woody stick <celery sticks>
9 : 1MAST 1 also : 1YARD 4
10 : a piece of furniture
11 a : a number of bombs arranged for release from a bombing plane in a series across a target b : a number of parachutists dropping together
12 slang : a marijuana cigarette
13 a : punishment or the threat of punishment used to force compliance or cooperation <choosing between the carrot and the stick> b British : CRITICISM, ABUSE
–stick·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

stick
n. : to hit or propel (as a hockey puck) with a stick

stick
n. transitive verb
1 a : to pierce with something pointed : STAB b : to kill by piercing
2 : to push or thrust so as or as if to pierce
3 a : to fasten by thrusting in b : IMPALE c : PUSH, THRUST
4 : to put or set in a specified place or position
5 : to furnish with things fastened on by or as if by piercing
6 : to attach by or as if by causing to adhere to a surface
7 a : to compel to pay especially by trickery <got stuck with the bar bill> b : OVERCHARGE
8 a : to halt the movement or action of b : BAFFLE, STUMP
9 a : CHEAT, DEFRAUD b : to saddle with something disadvantageous or disagreeable <is still stuck with that lousy car>
10 : to execute (a landing) flawlessly in gymnastics
intransitive verb
1 : to hold to something firmly by or as if by adhesion: a : to become fixed in place by means of a pointed end b : to become fast by or as if by miring or by gluing or plastering <stuck in the mud>
2 a : to remain in a place, situation, or environment b : to hold fast or adhere resolutely : CLING <she stuck to her story> c : to remain effective d : to keep close in a chase or competition
3 : to become blocked, wedged, or jammed
4 a : BALK, SCRUPLE b : to find oneself baffled c : to be unable to proceed
5 : PROJECT, PROTRUDE
–stick in one's craw : to irritate, nag at, or obsess one
–stick it to : to treat harshly or unfairly
–stick one's neck out : to make oneself vulnerable by taking a risk
–stick to one's guns : to maintain one's position especially in face of opposition
–stuck on : infatuated with
synonyms STICK, ADHERE, COHERE, CLING, CLEAVE mean to become closely attached. STICK implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together <couldn't get the label to stick>. ADHERE is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together <antibodies adhering to a virus>. COHERE suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass <eggs will make the mixture cohere>. CLING implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils <clinging to a capsized boat>. CLEAVE stresses strength of attachment <the wet shirt cleaved to his back>.

stick
n. 1 : a thrust with a pointed instrument : STAB
2 a : DELAY, STOP b : IMPEDIMENT
3 : adhesive quality or substance

stick
n. big stick
carrot and stick
composing stick
dead stick landing
fish stick
joss stick
pogo stick
rhythm stick
self stick
shake a stick at
shooting stick
stick to one's guns
stick one's neck out
stick it to
stick in one's craw
stick around
stick figure
stick insect
stick in the mud
stick out
stick shift
stick to itiveness
stick up
stick up for
swagger stick
swizzle stick
walking stick
stuck on
stuck up
high sticking
sticking plaster
sticking point

stick around
: to stay or wait about : LINGER

stick figure
1 : a drawing showing the head of a human being or animal as a circle and all other parts as straight lines
2 : a fictional character lacking depth and believability

stick in one's craw
to irritate, nag at, or obsess one

stick insect
: any of various usually wingless phasmid insects (esp. family Phasmatidae) with a long cylindrical body resembling a stick broadly : PHASMID

stick it to
to treat harshly or unfairly

stick one's neck out
to make oneself vulnerable by taking a risk

stick out
1 a : to jut out : PROJECT b : to be prominent or conspicuous
2 : to be persistent (as in a demand or an opinion)
transitive verb : ENDURE, LAST ― often used with it <stuck it out to the end>

stick shift
: a manually operated gearshift for a motor vehicle usually mounted on the floor

stick to one's guns
to maintain one's position especially in face of opposition

stick up
: to stand upright or on end : PROTRUDE
transitive verb : to rob at gunpoint
–stick up for : to speak or act in defense of : SUPPORT

stick up for
to speak or act in defense of : SUPPORT

stick-in-the-mud
: one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive especially : an old fogy

stick-to-itiveness
: dogged perseverance : TENACITY

stickball
n. : baseball adapted for play in streets or small areas and using a broomstick and a lightweight ball

sticker
n. 1 : one that pierces with a point
2 a : one that adheres or causes adhesion b : a slip of paper with adhesive back that can be fastened to a surface

sticker
n. bumper sticker
pot sticker
sticker price
sticker shock

sticker price
: a manufacturer's suggested retail price that is printed on a sticker and affixed to a new automobile broadly : the stated cost of something <a computer with a high sticker price>

sticker shock
: astonishment and dismay experienced on being informed of a product's unexpectedly high price

stickhandle
: to maneuver a puck (as in hockey) or a ball (as in lacrosse) with a stick
–stick·han·dler \-ˌhan(d)-lər, -ˌhan-dəl-ər\ noun

sticking plaster
chiefly British : an adhesive plaster especially for closing superficial wounds

sticking point
: an item (as in negotiations) resulting or likely to result in an impasse

stickit
1 Scottish : UNFINISHED
2 chiefly Scottish : having failed especially in an intended profession

stickle
v. 1 : to contend especially stubbornly and usually on insufficient grounds
2 : to feel scruples : SCRUPLE

stickleback
n. : any of a family (Gasterosteidae) of small scaleless bony fishes having two or more free spines in front of the dorsal fin and including marine, anadromous, and freshwater forms

stickler
n. 1 : one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something <a stickler for the rules>
2 : something that baffles or puzzles : POSER, STICKER

stickman
: one who handles a stick: as a : one who supervises the play at a dice table, calls the decisions, and retrieves the dice b : a player in any of various games (as hockey or lacrosse) played with a stick

stickpin
n. : an ornamental pin especially : one worn in a necktie

stickseed
: any of various weedy herbs (genera Lappula and Hackelia) of the borage family with bristly adhesive fruit

sticktight
n. : BUR MARIGOLD

stickum
n. : a substance that adheres or causes adhesion

stickup
n. : a robbery at gunpoint : HOLDUP

stickweed
: any of several plants (as a beggar's-lice) with adhesive seeds

stickwork
: the use of one's stick in offensive and defensive techniques (as in hockey)

sticky
adj. 1 a : ADHESIVE b (1) : VISCOUS, GLUEY (2) : coated with a sticky substance
2 : HUMID, MUGGY also : CLAMMY
3 : tending to stick
4 a : DISAGREEABLE, UNPLEASANT <came to a sticky end> b : AWKWARD, STIFF c : DIFFICULT, PROBLEMATIC <a sticky situation>
5 : excessively sentimental : CLOYING
–stick·i·ly \'sti-kə-lē\ adverb
–stick·i·ness \'sti-kē-nəs\ noun

sticky
adj. sticky bun
sticky note
sticky wicket

sticky bun
: a spiral-shaped cinnamon roll topped with melted brown sugar and butter

sticky note
: a slip of notepaper having an adhesive strip on the back that allows attachment to and removal from a surface

sticky wicket
: a difficult or delicate problem or situation

stiction
n. : the force required to cause one body in contact with another to begin to move

Stieglitz
Alfred 1864-1946 American photographer

stiff
n. 1 a : not easily bent : RIGID <a stiff collar> b : lacking in suppleness or flexibility <stiff muscles> c : impeded in movement ― used of a mechanism <a truck's stiff suspension> d : DRUNK 1A
2 a : FIRM, RESOLUTE b : STUBBORN, UNYIELDING c : PROUD d (1) : marked by reserve or decorum (2) : lacking in ease or grace : STILTED
3 : hard fought : PUGNACIOUS, SHARP <drove a stiff bargain> <stiff competition>
4 a (1) : exerting great force <a stiff wind> (2) : FORCEFUL, VIGOROUS b : POTENT <a stiff dose> <poured her a stiff drink>
5 : of a dense or glutinous consistency : THICK
6 a : HARSH, SEVERE <a stiff penalty> b : ARDUOUS, RUGGED <stiff terrain>
7 : not easily heeled over by an external force (as the wind) <a stiff ship>
8 : EXPENSIVE, STEEP <paid a stiff price>
–stiff·ish \'sti-fish\ adjective
–stiff·ly adverb
–stiff·ness noun
synonyms STIFF, RIGID, INFLEXIBLE mean difficult to bend. STIFF may apply to any degree of this condition <stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff>. RIGID applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking <a rigid surfboard>. INFLEXIBLE stresses lack of suppleness or pliability <ski boots with inflexible soles>.

stiff
n. 1 : in a stiff manner : STIFFLY
2 : to an extreme degree : SEVERELY <scared stiff> <bored stiff>
3 : close enough to the hole for an easy putt in golf <hit it stiff and tapped it in for an easy birdie>

stiff
n. 1 : CORPSE
2 a : TRAMP, BUM b : a member of the working class especially : a blue-collar worker c : PERSON <a lucky stiff> especially : a stodgy or excessively decorous person
3 : FLOP, FAILURE

stiff
n. 1 a : to refuse to pay or tip <stiffed the waiter> b : CHEAT <stiffed him in a business deal> c : STICK 7A <stiffed us with the bar bill>
2 : SNUB 3 <stiffed sportswriters after the game>
intransitive verb : to fail commercially <the movie stiffed at the box office>

stiff
n. bindle stiff
stiff arm
stiff necked
stiff upper lip

stiff upper lip
: a steady and determined attitude or manner in the face of trouble
–stiff-upper-lip adjective

stiff-arm
: STRAIGHT-ARM
transitive verb
1 : STRAIGHT-ARM
2 : to treat with disdain or neglect : SLIGHT, SNUB

stiff-arm
: STRAIGHT-ARM

stiff-necked
1 : HAUGHTY, STUBBORN
2 : FORMAL, STILTED

stiffen
v. transitive verb : to make stiff or stiffer
intransitive verb : to become stiff or stiffer
–stiff·en·er \'sti-fə-nər, 'stif-nər\ noun

stifle
v. : the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (as a horse or dog) corresponding to the human knee ― see HORSE illustration

stifle
v. transitive verb
1 a : to kill by depriving of oxygen : SUFFOCATE b (1) : SMOTHER (2) : MUFFLE
2 a : to cut off (as the voice or breath) b : to withhold from circulation or expression : REPRESS <stifled our anger> c : DETER, DISCOURAGE
intransitive verb : to become suffocated by or as if by lack of oxygen : SMOTHER <stifling in the heat>
–sti·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun
–sti·fling·ly \-f(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

Stigler
George Joseph 1911-1991 American econ.

Stiglitz
Joseph Eugene 1943-     American econ.

stigma
n. 1 a archaic : a scar left by a hot iron : BRAND b : a mark of shame or discredit : STAIN <bore the stigma of cowardice> c : an identifying mark or characteristic specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
2 a stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b : PETECHIA
3 a : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal b : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate ― see FLOWER illustration
–stig·mal \'stig-məl\ adjective

stigmasterol
n. : a crystalline sterol C_29H_48O obtained especially from soybean oil

stigmatic
adj. : one marked with stigmata

stigmatic
adj. 1 : having or conveying a social stigma
2 : of or relating to a stigma
3 : of or relating to supernatural stigmata
4 : ANASTIGMATIC ― used especially of a bundle of light rays intersecting at a single point
–stig·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stigmatist
n. : STIGMATIC

stigmatize
v. 1 a archaic : BRAND b : to describe or identify in opprobrious terms
2 : to mark with stigmata
–stig·ma·ti·za·tion \ˌstig-mə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

Stikine
river 335 mi (539 km) Canada & Alaska flowing from Stikine Ranges (in B.C. & Yukon Territory) into the Pacific

stilbene
n. : an aromatic hydrocarbon C_14H_12 used as a phosphor and in making dyes also : a compound derived from stilbene

stilbestrol
n. : DIETHYLSTILBESTROL

stilbite
: a mineral consisting of a hydrous silicate of aluminum, calcium, and sodium and often occurring in sheaflike aggregations of crystals

stile
n. : a step or set of steps for passing over a fence or wall also : TURNSTILE

stile
n. : one of the vertical members in a frame or panel into which the secondary members are fitted

stiletto
n. 1 : a slender dagger with a blade thick in proportion to its breadth
2 : a pointed instrument for piercing holes for eyelets or embroidery
3 : STILETTO HEEL also : a shoe with a stiletto heel

stiletto heel
: a high thin heel on women's shoes that is narrower than a spike heel

Stilicho
Flavius ca 365-408 Rom. gen. & statesman

Still
n. Andrew Taylor 1828-1917 American founder of osteopathy

still
n. 1 a : devoid of or abstaining from motion b archaic : SEDENTARY c : not effervescent <still wine> d (1) : of, relating to, or being a static photograph as contrasted with a motion picture (2) : designed for taking still photographs <a still camera> (3) : engaged in taking still photographs <a still photographer>
2 a : uttering no sound : QUIET b : SUBDUED, MUTED
3 a : CALM, TRANQUIL b : free from noise or turbulence
–still·ness noun

still
n. : to become motionless or silent : QUIET
transitive verb
1 a : ALLAY, CALM <stilled their nerves> b : to put an end to : SETTLE
2 : to arrest the motion of
3 : SILENCE

still
n. 1 : without motion <sit still>
2 archaic a : ALWAYS, CONTINUALLY b : in a progressive manner : INCREASINGLY
3 ― used as a function word to indicate the continuance of an action or condition <still lives there> <drink it while it's still hot>
4 : in spite of that : NEVERTHELESS <those who take the greatest care still make mistakes>
5 a : EVEN 2C <a still more difficult problem> <heavier still> b : YET 1A <has still to be recognized>

still
n. 1 : QUIET, SILENCE
2 : a static photograph specifically : a photograph of actors or scenes of a motion picture for publicity or documentary purposes

still
n. : DISTILL

still
n. 1 : DISTILLERY
2 : apparatus used in distillation comprising either the chamber in which the vaporization is carried out or the entire equipment

still
n. pot still
still alarm
still and all
still hunt
still less
still life
still lifes
still water
stock still

still alarm
: a fire alarm transmitted (as by telephone call) without sounding the signal apparatus

still and all
: NEVERTHELESS, STILL

still hunt
: a quiet pursuing or ambushing of game

still less
: MUCH LESS, LET ALONE <no living person⋯seemed to notice him, still less to expect him ― Thomas Hardy>

still life
1 : a picture consisting predominantly of inanimate objects
2 : the category of graphic arts concerned with inanimate subject matter

still water
: a part of a stream where no current is visible

still-hunt
: to ambush or stalk a quarry especially : to pursue game noiselessly usually without a dog
transitive verb : to lie in wait for : approach by stealth

stillbirth
n. : the birth of a dead fetus

stillborn
adj. 1 : dead at birth
2 : failing from the start : ABORTIVE, UNSUCCESSFUL <a stillborn venture>
–still·born \-ˌbȯrn\ noun

stillman
: one who owns or operates a still

stillroom
n. British : a room connected with the kitchen where liqueurs, preserves, and cakes are kept and beverages (as tea) are prepared

Stillwater
n. city N cen Okla. pop 39,065

stilly
adj. : in a calm manner : QUIETLY

stilly
adj. : STILL, QUIET

stilt
n. 1 a : one of two poles each with a rest or strap for the foot used to elevate the wearer above the ground in walking b : a pile or post serving as one of the supports of a structure above ground or water level
2 plural also stilt : any of several very long-legged 3-toed shorebirds (genera Himantopus and Cladorhynchus) that are related to the avocets, frequent inland ponds and marshes, and nest in small colonies

stilt
n. : to raise on or as if on stilts

stilted
adj. 1 a : POMPOUS, LOFTY b : FORMAL, STIFF
2 : having the curve beginning at some distance above the impost <a stilted arch>
–stilt·ed·ly adverb
–stilt·ed·ness noun

Stilton
n. : a blue-veined cheese with wrinkled rind made of whole cows' milk enriched with cream

Stilwell
Joseph Warren 1883-1946 American gen.

stime
chiefly Scottish & Irish : GLIMMER also : GLIMPSE

Stimmung
: tone : mood : atmosphere

Stimson
Henry Lewis 1867-1950 American statesman

stimulant
n. 1 : an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2 : STIMULUS
3 : an alcoholic beverage ― not used technically
–stimulant adjective

stimulate
transitive verb
1 : to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity : ANIMATE, AROUSE
2 a : to function as a physiological stimulus to b : to arouse or affect by a stimulant (as a drug)
intransitive verb : to act as a stimulant or stimulus
synonyms see PROVOKE
–stim·u·la·tion \ˌstim-yə-'lā-shən\ noun
–stim·u·la·tive \'stim-yə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–stim·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
–stim·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

stimulate
v. self stimulatory
self stimulation
colony stimulating factor
follicle stimulating hormone
melanocyte stimulating hormone
thyroid stimulating hormone

stimulus
n. : something that rouses or incites to activity: as a : INCENTIVE b : STIMULANT 1 c : an agent (as an environmental change) that directly influences the activity of a living organism or one of its parts (as by exciting a sensory organ or evoking muscular contraction or glandular secretion)

sting
n. transitive verb
1 : to prick painfully: as a : to pierce or wound with a poisonous or irritating process b : to affect with sharp quick pain or smart <hail stung their faces>
2 : to cause to suffer acutely <stung with remorse>
3 : OVERCHARGE, CHEAT
intransitive verb
1 : to wound one with or as if with a sting
2 : to feel a keen burning pain or smart also : to cause such pain
–sting·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

sting
n. 1 a : the act of stinging specifically : the thrust of a stinger into the flesh b : a wound or pain caused by or as if by stinging
2 : STINGER 2
3 : a sharp or stinging element, force, or quality
4 : an elaborate confidence game specifically : such a game worked by undercover police in order to trap criminals

stingaree
n. : STINGRAY

stinger
n. 1 : one that stings specifically : a sharp blow or remark
2 : a sharp organ (as of a bee, scorpion, or stingray) that is usually connected with a poison gland or otherwise adapted to wound by piercing and injecting a poison
3 : a cocktail usually consisting of brandy and white crème de menthe

stinging nettle
: NETTLE 1 especially : a Eurasian nettle (Urtica dioica) widely naturalized in No. America that has numerous hairs extremely irritating to the skin

stingless
adj. : having no sting or stinger

stingray
n. : any of numerous rays (as of the family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds

stingy
adj. 1 : not generous or liberal : sparing or scant in using, giving, or spending <stingy with the salt> <stingy employee benefits>
2 : meanly scanty or small <stingy portions of meat>
–stin·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adverb
–stin·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ noun
synonyms STINGY, CLOSE, NIGGARDLY, PARSIMONIOUS, PENURIOUS, MISERLY mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others. STINGY implies a marked lack of generosity <a stingy child, not given to sharing>. CLOSE suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions <folks who are very close when charity calls>. NIGGARDLY implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible <the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library>. PARSIMONIOUS suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess <a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries>. PENURIOUS implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty <the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune>. MISERLY suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding <a miserly couple devoid of social conscience>.

stink
n. 1 : to emit a strong offensive odor <stank of urine>
2 : to be offensive <the election stank of corruption> also : to be in bad repute
3 : to possess something to an offensive degree <stinking with wealth>
4 : to be extremely bad or unpleasant <the performance stank> <that news really stinks>
–stinky \'stiŋ-kē\ adjective

stink
n. 1 : a strong offensive odor : STENCH
2 : a public outcry against something : FUSS <made a big stink when asked to leave>

stink
n. stink bomb
stink up
stinking smut

stink bomb
: a small bomb charged usually with chemicals that gives off a foul odor on bursting

stink up
: to cause to stink or be filled with a stench

stinkard
n. : a mean or contemptible person

stinkbug
n. : any of various hemipterous bugs (esp. family Pentatomidae) that emit a disagreeable odor

stinker
n. 1 a : an offensive or contemptible person b : one that stinks c : something of very poor quality also : DUD 2A <the movie is a stinker>
2 : any of several large petrels that have an offensive odor
3 slang : something extremely difficult <the examination was a real stinker>

stinkhorn
n. : any of various fetid basidiomycetous fungi (order Phallales, especially Phallus impudicus) having spores dispersed by insects

stinking
adj. 1 : strong and offensive to the sense of smell <stinking garbage>
2 slang : offensively drunk
3 : CONTEMPTIBLE, LOUSY ― often used as an intensive <the whole stinking affair>
synonyms see MALODOROUS
–stink·ing·ly adverb

stinking
adj. : to an extreme degree <got stinking drunk>

stinking smut
: 4BUNT

stinkpot
n. 1 : an earthen jar filled with fetid material and formerly sometimes thrown as a stink bomb on the deck of an enemy ship
2 : a musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) of the U.S. and Canada
3 : STINKER 1
4 slang : MOTORBOAT

stinkweed
n. : any of various strong-scented or fetid plants: as a : PENNYCRESS b : JIMSONWEED

stinkwood
n. 1 : any of several trees with a wood of unpleasant odor especially : a southern African tree (Ocotea bullata) of the laurel family yielding a hard strong wood used in cabinetmaking
2 : the wood of a stinkwood

Stinnes
Hugo 1870-1924 Ger. industrialist

stint
n. intransitive verb
1 archaic : STOP, DESIST
2 : to be sparing or frugal <not stinting with their praise>
transitive verb
1 archaic : to put an end to : STOP
2 a archaic : to limit within certain boundaries b : to restrict with respect to a share or allowance <stinted herself of luxuries>
–stint·er noun

stint
n. 1 a : a definite quantity of work assigned b : a period of time spent at a particular activity <served a brief stint as a waiter>
2 : RESTRAINT, LIMITATION
synonyms see TASK

stint
n. : any of several small sandpipers (genus Calidris)

stipe
n. : a usually short stalk of a plant or fungus: as a : the stem supporting the cap of a fungus b : a part that is similar to a stipe and connects the holdfast and blade of a frondose alga c : the petiole of a fern frond d : a prolongation of the receptacle beneath the ovary of a seed plant
–stiped \'stīpt\ adjective

stipend
n. : a fixed sum of money paid periodically for services or to defray expenses

stipendiary
n. : one who receives a stipend

stipendiary
n. 1 : receiving or compensated by wages or salary <a stipendiary curate>
2 : of or relating to a stipend

stipple
v. 1 : to engrave by means of dots and flicks
2 a : to make by small short touches (as of paint or ink) that together produce an even or softly graded shadow b : to apply (as paint) by repeated small touches
3 : SPECKLE, FLECK
–stip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

stipple
v. : production of gradation of light and shade in graphic art by stippling small points, larger dots, or longer strokes also : an effect produced in this way

stipular
: of, resembling, or having stipules <stipular glands>

stipulate
intransitive verb
1 : to make an agreement or covenant to do or forbear something : CONTRACT
2 : to demand an express term in an agreement ― used with for
transitive verb
1 : to specify as a condition or requirement (as of an agreement or offer)
2 : to give a guarantee of
–stip·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

stipulate
v. : having stipules

stipulation
n. 1 : an act of stipulating
2 : something stipulated especially : a condition, requirement, or item specified in a legal instrument
–stip·u·la·to·ry \'sti-pyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

stipule
n. : either of a pair of appendages borne at the base of the petiole in many plants

stir
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of b : to disturb the quiet of : AGITATE ― often used with up <the bear stirred up the bees>
2 a : to disturb the relative position of the particles or parts of especially by a continued circular movement <stir the pudding> <stir the fire> ― often used with up <stirred up mud from the lake bottom> b : to mix by or as if by stirring ― often used with in <stir in the spices>
3 : BESTIR, EXERT
4 : to bring into notice or debate : RAISE ― often used with up <stir up sensitive issues>
5 a : to rouse to activity : evoke strong feelings in <music that stirs the emotions> b : to call forth (as a memory) : EVOKE c : PROVOKE <stir a storm of controversy>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a slight movement <the leaves were barely stirring> b : to begin to move (as in rousing) c : to shift to another location : BUDGE <haven't stirred since I arrived>
2 : to begin to be active <the factory stirred to life>
3 : to be active or busy <not a creature was stirring ― Clement Moore>
4 : to pass an implement through a substance with a circular movement
5 : to be able to be stirred
–stir·rer noun

stir
n. 1 a : a state of disturbance, agitation, or brisk activity b : widespread notice and discussion : IMPRESSION <the book caused quite a stir>
2 : a slight movement
3 : a stirring movement

stir
n. slang : PRISON

stir
n. stir crazy
stir fry

stir-crazy
slang : distraught because of prolonged confinement

stir-fry
: to fry quickly over high heat in a lightly oiled pan (as a wok) while stirring continuously
intransitive verb : to prepare food by stir-frying it

stir-fry
: a dish of something stir-fried

stirabout
n. : a porridge of Irish origin consisting of oatmeal or cornmeal boiled in water or milk and stirred

stirk
n. British : a young bull or cow especially between one and two years old

Stirling
James Frazer 1926-1992 Brit. architect

Stirling
1 or Stir·ling·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ administrative area of cen Scotland area 848 sq mi (2196 sq km)
2 city cen Scotland on the Forth pop 38,638

Stirling engine
: an external combustion engine having an enclosed working fluid (as helium) that is alternately compressed and expanded to operate a piston

Stirling's formula
: a formula √2πn nn e-n that approximates the value of the factorial of a very large number n

stirp
: a line descending from a common ancestor : STOCK, LINEAGE

stirring
n. 1 : ACTIVE, BUSTLING
2 : ROUSING, INSPIRING <a stirring speech>

stirring
n. : a beginning of motion or activity : MOVEMENT ― often used in plural <the first stirrings of revolution>

stirrup
n. 1 : either of a pair of small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider that are attached by a strap to a saddle and used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding
2 : a piece resembling a stirrup: as a : one used as a support or clamp in carpentry and machinery b : a stirrup-shaped footrest
3 : a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope
4 : STAPES

stirrup
n. stirrup cup
stirrup leather
stirrup pump

stirrup cup
1 : a small serving of drink (as wine) taken by a rider about to depart also : the vessel in which it is served
2 : a farewell cup

stirrup leather
: the looped strap suspending a stirrup

stirrup pump
: a portable hand pump held in position by a foot bracket and used for throwing a jet or spray of liquid

stitch
n. 1 : a local sharp and sudden pain especially in the side
2 a : one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in sewing, embroidering, or suturing b : a portion of thread left in the material or suture left in the tissue after one stitch
3 : a least bit especially of clothing <didn't have a stitch on>
4 : a single loop of thread or yarn around an implement (as a knitting needle or crochet hook)
5 : a stitch or series of stitches formed in a particular way <a basting stitch>
–in stitches : in a state of uncontrollable laughter <he had us all in stitches>

stitch
n. 1 a : to fasten, join, or close with or as if with stitches <stitched a seam> b : to make, mend, or decorate with or as if with stitches
2 : to unite by means of staples
intransitive verb : SEW
–stitch·er noun

stitch
n. blanket stitch
buttonhole stitch
chain stitch
cross stitch
flame stitch
knit stitch
overcast stitch
purl stitch
running stitch
satin stitch
slip stitch
tent stitch
in stitches

stitchery
n. : NEEDLEWORK

stitchwort
n. : any of several chickweeds (esp. genus Stellaria)

stithy
n. 1 archaic : ANVIL
2 archaic : SMITHY 1

stiver
n. 1 : a unit of value and coin of the Netherlands equal to 1/20 gulden
2 : something of little value

stk
n. stock

STL
licentiate of sacred theology

STM
1 [New Latin sacrae theologiae magister] master of sacred theology
2 scanning tunneling microscope; scanning tunneling microscopy

stoa
n. : an ancient Greek portico usually walled at the back with a front colonnade designed to afford a sheltered promenade

stoat
n. : the common Holarctic ermine (Mustela erminea) especially in its brown summer coat

stob
n. chiefly dialect : STAKE, POST

stoccado
archaic : a thrust with a rapier

stochastic
adj. 1 : RANDOM specifically : involving a random variable <a stochastic process>
2 : involving chance or probability : PROBABILISTIC <a stochastic model of radiation-induced mutation>
–sto·chas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stock
n. 1 a archaic : STUMP b archaic : a log or block of wood c (1) archaic : something without life or consciousness (2) : a dull, stupid, or lifeless person
2 : a supporting framework or structure: as a plural : the frame or timbers holding a ship during construction b plural : a device for publicly punishing offenders consisting of a wooden frame with holes in which the feet or feet and hands can be locked c (1) : the wooden part by which a shoulder arm is held during firing (2) : the butt of an implement (as a whip or fishing rod) (3) : BITSTOCK, BRACE d : a long beam on a field gun forming the third support point in firing
3 a : the main stem of a plant : TRUNK b (1) : a plant or plant part united with a scion in grafting and supplying mostly underground parts to a graft (2) : a plant from which slips or cuttings are taken
4 : the crosspiece of an anchor ― see ANCHOR illustration
5 a : the original (as a person, race, or language) from which others derive : SOURCE b (1) : the descendants of one individual : FAMILY, LINEAGE <of European stock> (2) : a compound organism c : an infraspecific group usually having unity of descent d (1) : a related group of languages (2) : a language family
6 a (1) : the equipment, materials, or supplies of an establishment (2) : LIVESTOCK b : a store or supply accumulated or available especially : the inventory of goods of a merchant or manufacturer
7 a archaic : a supply of capital : FUNDS especially : money or capital invested or available for investment or trading b (1) : the part of a tally formerly given to the creditor in a transaction (2) : a debt or fund due (as from a government) for money loaned at interest also British : capital or a debt or fund bearing interest in perpetuity and not ordinarily redeemable as to principal c (1) : the proprietorship element in a corporation usually divided into shares and represented by transferable certificates (2) : a portion of such stock of one or more companies (3) : STOCK CERTIFICATE
8 : any of a genus (Matthiola) of Old World herbs or subshrubs of the mustard family with racemes of usually sweet-scented flowers
9 : a wide band or scarf worn about the neck especially by some clergymen
10 a : liquid in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been simmered that is used as a basis for soup, gravy, or sauce b (1) : raw material from which something is manufactured (2) : paper used for printing c : the portion of a pack of cards not distributed to the players at the beginning of a game
11 a (1) : an estimate or evaluation of something <take stock of the situation> (2) : the estimation in which someone or something is held <his stock with the electorate remains high ― Newsweek> b : confidence or faith placed in someone or something <put little stock in his testimony>
12 : the production and presentation of plays by a stock company
13 : STOCK CAR 1
–in stock : on hand : in the store and ready for delivery
–out of stock : having no more on hand : completely sold out

stock
n. 1 : to make (a domestic animal) pregnant
2 : to fit to or with a stock
3 : to provide with stock or a stock : SUPPLY <stock a stream with trout>
4 : to procure or keep a stock of <our store stocks that brand>
5 : to graze (livestock) on land
intransitive verb
1 : to send out new shoots
2 : to put in stock or supplies <stock up on canned goods>

stock
n. 1 a : kept regularly in stock <comes in stock sizes> <a stock model> b : commonly used or brought forward : STANDARD <the stock answer>
2 a : kept for breeding purposes : BROOD <a stock mare> b : devoted to the breeding and rearing of livestock <a stock farm> c : used or intended for livestock <a stock train> d : used in herding livestock <a stock horse> <a stock dog>
3 : of or relating to a stock company
4 : employed in handling, checking, or taking care of the stock of merchandise on hand <a stock clerk>

stock
n. capital stock
common stock
joint stock company
lock stock and barrel
penny stock
preferred stock
rolling stock
seed stock
out of stock
in stock
stock boy
stock car
stock certificate
stock company
stock dividend
stock exchange
stock in trade
stock market
stock option
stock saddle
stock split
stock still
summer stock
tracking stock
treasury stock
body stocking
silk stocking
in one's stocking feet
stocking cap
stocking stuffer

stock boy
: a boy or man employed to stock shelves

stock car
1 : a latticed railroad boxcar for carrying livestock
2 : a racing car having the basic chassis of a commercially produced assembly-line model

stock certificate
: an instrument evidencing ownership of one or more shares of the stock of a corporation

stock company
1 : a corporation or joint-stock company of which the capital is represented by stock
2 : a theatrical company attached to a repertory theater especially : one without outstanding stars

stock dividend
1 : the payment by a corporation of a dividend in the form of shares usually of its own stock without change in par value ― compare STOCK SPLIT
2 : the stock distributed in a stock dividend

stock exchange
1 : a place where security trading is conducted on an organized system
2 : an association of people organized to provide an auction market among themselves for the purchase and sale of securities

stock market
1 : STOCK EXCHANGE 1
2 a : a market for particular stocks b : the market for stocks throughout a country

stock option
1 : an option contract involving stock
2 : a right granted by a corporation to officers or employees as a form of compensation that allows purchase of corporate stock at a fixed price usually within a specified period

stock saddle
: WESTERN SADDLE

stock split
: a division of corporate stock by the issuing to existing shareholders of a specified number of new shares with a corresponding lowering of par value for each outstanding share ― compare STOCK DIVIDEND

stock-in-trade
1 : the equipment, merchandise, or materials necessary to or used in a trade or business
2 : something that resembles the standard equipment of a tradesman or business <humor was her stock-in-trade as a writer>

stock-still
: very still : MOTIONLESS <stood stock-still>

stockade
n. 1 : a line of stout posts set firmly to form a defense
2 a : an enclosure or pen made with posts and stakes b : an enclosure in which prisoners are kept

stockade
n. : to fortify or surround with a stockade

stockade fence
: a solid fence of half-round boards pointed at the top

stockbreeder
n. : a person engaged in the breeding and care of livestock for the market, for show purposes, or for racing

stockbroker
n. : a broker who executes orders to buy and sell securities and often also acts as a security dealer
–stock·bro·ker·age \-k(ə-)rij\ noun
–stock·brok·ing \-ˌbrō-kiŋ\ noun

stocker
n. 1 : a young animal (as a steer or heifer) suitable for being fed and fattened for market
2 : an animal (as a heifer) suitable for use in a breeding establishment
3 : STOCK CAR 2

stockfish
n. : fish (as cod, haddock, or hake) dried hard in the open air without salt

Stockhausen
n. Karlheinz 1928-     Ger. composer & theorist

stockholder
n. : an owner of corporate stock

Stockholm
n. city & port capital of Sweden on Mälaren Lake pop 758,148
–Stock·holm·er \-ˌhō(l)-mər\ noun

Stockholm syndrome
: the psychological tendency of a hostage to bond with, identify with, or sympathize with his or her captor

stockinette
n. : a soft elastic usually cotton fabric used especially for bandages and infants' wear

stocking
n. 1 a : a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg b : SOCK
2 : something resembling a stocking especially : a ring of distinctive color on the lower part of the leg of an animal
–stock·inged \-kiŋd\ adjective
–in one's stocking feet : with the feet in stockings but not shoes

stocking
n. body stocking
silk stocking
in one's stocking feet
stocking cap
stocking stuffer

stocking cap
: a long knitted cone-shaped cap with a tassel or pom-pom worn especially for winter sports or play

stocking stuffer
: a small gift suitable for placing in a Christmas stocking

stockish
: like a stock : STUPID

stockist
n. British : one (as a retailer) that stocks goods

stockjobber
n. : one who deals in stocks: as a : a member of the London Stock Exchange who deals speculatively with brokers or other jobbers and usually specializes in one class of securities ― called also jobber b usually disparaging : STOCKBROKER

stockjobbing
n. : speculative exchange dealings

stockkeeper
n. 1 : one that keeps and records stock (as in a warehouse) : one that keeps an inventory of goods on hand, shipped, or received
2 : one (as a herdsman or shepherd) having the charge or care of livestock

stockman
n. : one occupied as an owner or worker in the raising of livestock (as cattle or sheep)

Stockmar
Christian Friedrich 1787-1863 Baron von Stockmar Anglo-Belg. statesman

stockpile
n. : a storage pile: as a : a reserve supply of something essential accumulated within a country for use during a shortage b : a gradually accumulated reserve of something <avert stockpiles of unsold cars ― Bert Pierce>

stockpile
n. 1 : to place or store in or on a stockpile
2 : to accumulate a stockpile of <a country suspected of stockpiling weapons>
–stock·pil·er noun

Stockport
town NW England in Greater Manchester S of Manchester pop 276,800

stockpot
n. 1 : a pot in which soup stock is prepared
2 : an abundant supply : REPOSITORY

stockroom
n. : a storage place for supplies or goods used in a business

stocktaking
n. 1 : the action of estimating a situation at a given moment
2 : INVENTORY 4

Stockton
n. Francis Richard 1834-1902 Frank R. Stockton American writer

Stockton
n. city cen Calif. on the San Joaquin pop 243,771

stocky
adj. : compact, sturdy, and relatively thick in build
–stock·i·ly \'stä-kə-lē\ adverb
–stock·i·ness \'stä-kē-nəs\ noun

stockyard
n. : a yard for stock specifically : one in which transient cattle, sheep, swine, or horses are kept temporarily for slaughter, market, or shipping

Stoddard
Richard Henry 1825-1903 American poet & critic

stodge
n. British : to stuff full especially with food

stodge
n. British : something or someone stodgy

stodgy
adj. 1 : having a rich filling quality : HEAVY <stodgy bread>
2 : moving in a slow plodding way especially as a result of physical bulkiness
3 : BORING, DULL <out on a peaceful rather stodgy Sunday boat trip ― Edna Ferber>
4 : extremely old-fashioned : HIDEBOUND <received a pompously Victorian letter from his stodgy father ― E. E. S. Montagu>
5 a : DRAB b : DOWDY
–stodg·i·ly \'stä-jə-lē\ adverb
–stodg·i·ness \'stä-jē-nəs\ noun

stogie
n. 1 : a stout coarse shoe : BROGAN
2 : an inexpensive slender cylindrical cigar broadly : CIGAR

stoic
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium about 300 B.C. holding that the wise man should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submissive to natural law
2 : one apparently or professedly indifferent to pleasure or pain

stoic
n. 1 capitalized : of, relating to, or resembling the Stoics or their doctrines <Stoic logic>
2 : not affected by or showing passion or feeling especially : firmly restraining response to pain or distress <a stoic indifference to cold>
synonyms see IMPASSIVE
–sto·ical·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stoichiometric
adj. : of, relating to, used in, or marked by stoichiometry
–stoi·chio·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stoichiometry
n. 1 : a branch of chemistry that deals with the application of the laws of definite proportions and of the conservation of mass and energy to chemical activity
2 a : the quantitative relationship between constituents in a chemical substance b : the quantitative relationship between two or more substances especially in processes involving physical or chemical change

stoicism
n. 1 capitalized : the philosophy of the Stoics
2 : indifference to pleasure or pain : IMPASSIVENESS

stoke
v. transitive verb
1 : to poke or stir up (as a fire) : supply with fuel
2 : to feed abundantly
3 : to increase the activity, intensity, or amount of <limiting the number of cars available⋯will help stoke demand for the car ― Keith Naughton>
intransitive verb : to stir up or tend a fire (as in a furnace) : supply a furnace with fuel

stoke
v. Stoke Newington
Stoke on Trent
Stokes' aster

Stoke Newington
n. former metropolitan borough N London, England, now part of Hackney

Stoke-on-Trent
city W cen England in Staffordshire pop 244,800

stoked
adj. slang : being in an enthusiastic or exhilarated state

stokehold
n. : the boiler room of a ship

Stoker
n. Bram 1847-1912 Brit. writer

stoker
n. 1 : one employed to tend a furnace and supply it with fuel specifically : one that tends a marine steam boiler
2 : a machine for feeding a fire

Stokes
n. Sir Frederick Wilfrid Scott 1860-1927 Eng. engineer & inventor

Stokes' aster
: a perennial composite herb (Stokesia laevis) of the southern U.S. often grown for its large showy heads of usually blue flowers ― called also sto·ke·sia \stō-'kē-zh(ē-)ə, -zē-ə\

Stokowski
Leopold (Antoni Stanislaw Boleslawawicz) 1882-1977 American (Eng.-born) conductor

STOL
short takeoff and landing

stole
n. past of steal

stole
n. 1 : a long loose garment : ROBE
2 : an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a long usually silk band worn traditionally around the neck by bishops and priests and over the left shoulder by deacons
3 : a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

stolen
adj. past part of steal

stolid
adj. : having or expressing little or no sensibility : UNEMOTIONAL
synonyms see IMPASSIVE
–sto·lid·i·ty \stä-'li-də-tē, stə-\ noun
–stol·id·ly \'stä-ləd-lē\ adverb

stollen
n. : a sweet yeast bread of German origin containing fruit and nuts

stolon
n. 1 a : a horizontal branch from the base of a plant that produces new plants from buds at its tip or nodes (as in the strawberry) ― called also runner b : a hypha (as of rhizopus) produced on the surface and connecting a group of conidiophores
2 : an extension of the body wall (as of a hydrozoan or bryozoan) that develops buds giving rise to new zooids which usually remain united by the stolon

stolon
n. base runner
blockade runner
front runner
race runner
rainbow runner
runner bean
runner's high
runner up
runner ups
scarlet runner bean
scarlet runner
stretch runner
runners up

stoloniferous
: bearing or developing stolons <stoloniferous bamboos>

stoma
n. 1 : any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal
2 : one of the minute openings in the epidermis of a plant organ (as a leaf) through which gaseous interchange takes place also : the opening with its associated cellular structures
3 : an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures

stomach
n. 1 a (1) : a dilatation of the alimentary canal of a vertebrate communicating anteriorly with the esophagus and posteriorly with the duodenum (2) : one of the compartments of a ruminant stomach <the abomasum is the fourth stomach of a ruminant> b : a cavity in an invertebrate animal that is analogous to a stomach c : the part of the body that contains the stomach : BELLY, ABDOMEN
2 a : desire for food caused by hunger : APPETITE b : INCLINATION, DESIRE <had no stomach for an argument> also : COURAGE, GUTS
3 obsolete a : SPIRIT, VALOR b : PRIDE c : SPLEEN, RESENTMENT

stomach
n. 1 archaic : to take offense at
2 : to bear without overt reaction or resentment : put up with <couldn't stomach office politics>

stomach
n. honey stomach
settle the stomach
turn one's stomach

stomachache
n. : pain in or in the region of the stomach

stomacher
n. : the center front section of a waist or underwaist or a usually heavily embroidered or jeweled separate piece for the center front of a bodice worn by men and women in the 15th and 16th centuries and later by women only

stomachic
n. : of or relating to the stomach <stomachic vessels>

stomachic
n. : a stimulant or tonic for the stomach

stomachy
1 dialect British : IRASCIBLE, IRRITABLE
2 : having a large stomach

stomal
adj. : of, relating to, or situated near a surgical stoma <a stomal ulcer>

stomat
: mouth : stoma <stomatitis>

stomatal
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting plant stomata <stomatal openings> <stomatal transpiration>

stomate
n. : STOMA 2

stomatitis
n. : any of numerous inflammatory diseases of the mouth

stomatopod
: any of an order (Stomatopoda) of marine crustaceans (as a squilla) that have gills on the abdominal appendages
–stomatopod adjective

stomodeum
n. : the embryonic anterior ectodermal part of the alimentary canal or tract
–sto·mo·de·al also sto·mo·dae·al \-'dē-əl\ adjective

stomp
n. transitive verb : STAMP 2
intransitive verb
1 : to walk with a loud heavy step usually in anger <stomped out of the office in a fit>
2 : STAMP 2 <stomped on the brakes>

stomp
n. 1 : STAMP 4
2 : a jazz dance marked by heavy stamping

stomping ground
: a favorite or habitual resort also : familiar territory

stomy
: surgical operation establishing a usually permanent opening into (such) a part <enterostomy>

Stone
n. Harlan Fiske 1872-1946 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1941-46)

Stone
n. Irving 1903-1989 orig. surname Tennenbaum American writer

Stone
n. Lucy 1818-1893 American suffragist

Stone
n. Sir (John) Richard Nicholas 1913-1991 Eng. econ.

stone
n. 1 : a concretion of earthy or mineral matter: a (1) : such a concretion of indeterminate size or shape (2) : ROCK b : a piece of rock for a specified function: as (1) : a building block (2) : a paving block (3) : a precious stone : GEM (4) : GRAVESTONE (5) : GRINDSTONE (6) : WHETSTONE (7) : a surface upon which a drawing, text, or design to be lithographed is drawn or transferred
2 : something resembling a small stone: as a : CALCULUS 3A b : the hard central portion of a drupaceous fruit (as a peach) c : a hard stony seed (as of a date)
3 plural usually stone : any of various units of weight especially : an official British unit equal to 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms)
4 a : CURLING STONE b : a round playing piece used in various games (as backgammon or go)
5 : a stand or table with a smooth flat top on which to impose or set type
–in stone : in or into a permanent and unchangeable state <plans are not set in stone>

stone
n. 1 : to hurl stones at especially : to kill by pelting with stones
2 archaic : to make hard or insensitive to feeling
3 : to face, pave, or fortify with stones
4 : to remove the stones or seeds of (a fruit)
5 a : to rub, scour, or polish with a stone b : to sharpen with a whetstone
–ston·er noun

stone
n. : ENTIRELY, UTTERLY ― used as an intensive ― often used in combination <stone-broke> <stone-cold soup> <stone-dead>

stone
n. 1 : of, relating to, or made of stone
2 : ABSOLUTE, UTTER <pure stone craziness ― Edwin Shrake>

stone
n. bezoar stone
altar stone
cinnamon stone
curling stone
foundation stone
hard stone
kidney stone
philosopher's stone
philosophers' stone
pudding stone
Rosetta stone
stepping stone
in stone
Stone Age
stone blind
stone canal
stone cell
stone china
stone cold
stone crab
stone deaf
stone faced
stone fly
stone fruit
stone ground
stone roller
stone's throw
stone wall
Big Stone
Stone Mountain

Stone Age
1 : the first known period of prehistoric human culture characterized by the use of stone tools ― compare MESOLITHIC, NEOLITHIC, PALEOLITHIC
2 : a stage in a human institution or field of endeavor regarded as primitive, outmoded, or obsolete <the Stone Age of information handling before computers>

Stone Age
1 : of, relating to, or resembling the culture of the Stone Age especially in the use of stone implements <modern Stone Age peoples> <our Stone Age ancestors>
2 : primitive, outmoded, or unsophisticated (as in ideas or technology) by currently accepted standards <marauding mercenaries with Stone Age political ideas ― Robert Moss> <using a Stone Age camera>

stone canal
: a tube in many echinoderms that contains calcareous deposits and leads from the madreporite to the ring of the water-vascular system surrounding the mouth

stone cell
: SCLEREID

stone china
: a hard dense opaque feldspathic pottery developed in England broadly : IRONSTONE CHINA

stone crab
: a large brownish edible crab (Menippe mercenaria of the family Xanthidae) found on the southern coast of the U.S. and in the Caribbean area

stone fly
: any of an order (Plecoptera) of insects with an aquatic carnivorous nymph having gills and an adult having long antennae, two pairs of membranous wings, and usually long cerci

stone fruit
: a fruit with a stony endocarp : DRUPE

Stone Mountain
mountain 1686 ft (514 m) NW cen Ga. E of Atlanta

stone roller
1 : HOG SUCKER
2 : a common cyprinid fish (Campostoma anomalum) found especially in clear streams of the central U.S.

stone wall
1 : a fence made of stones especially : one built of rough stones without mortar to enclose a field
2 : an immovable block or obstruction (as in public affairs)

stone's throw
: a short distance <lives within a stone's throw of town>

stone-blind
: totally blind

stone-cold
: ABSOLUTELY <stone-cold sober>

stone-deaf
: totally deaf

stone-faced
: showing no emotion : EXPRESSIONLESS

stone-ground
: ground with millstones <stone-ground flour>

stoneboat
: a flat sledge or drag for transporting heavy articles (as stones)

stonechat
n. : an Old World oscine songbird (Saxicola torquata) of the thrush family also : any of various related birds (genus Saxicola)

stonecrop
n. 1 : SEDUM especially : an Old World creeping evergreen sedum (Sedum acre) with pungent fleshy leaves and yellow flowers
2 : any of various plants of the orpine family related to the sedums

stonecutter
n. 1 : one that cuts, carves, or dresses stone
2 : a machine for dressing stone
–stone·cut·ting \-ˌkə-tiŋ\ noun

stoned
adj. 1 : DRUNK 1A
2 : being under the influence of a drug (as marijuana) taken especially for pleasure : HIGH

stonefish
n. : any of several small spiny venomous bony fishes (family Synanceiidae, especially genus Synanceja) common about coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific

Stonehaven
burgh & port E Scotland SSW of Aberdeen pop 7885

Stonehenge
n. assemblage of megaliths S England in Wiltshire on Salisbury Plain erected by prehistoric peoples

stonemason
n. : a mason who builds with stone
–stone·ma·son·ry \-rē\ noun

stoner
n. : a person who habitually uses drugs or alcohol

Stones
n. river 60 mi (96 km) cen Tenn. flowing NW into Cumberland River

stonewall
v. 1 chiefly British : to engage in obstructive parliamentary debate or delaying tactics
2 : to be uncooperative, obstructive, or evasive
transitive verb : to refuse to comply or cooperate with
–stone·wall·er noun

stoneware
n. : a strong opaque ceramic ware that is high-fired, well vitrified, and nonporous

stonewashed
adj. : subjected to a washing process during manufacture that includes the use of abrasive stones especially to create a softer fabric <stonewashed denim jeans>

stonework
n. 1 : a structure or part built of stone : MASONRY
2 : the shaping, preparation, or setting of stone

stonewort
n. : any of various freshwater green algae (order Charales) that have a thallus differentiated into rhizoids and stems with whorls of branchlets and that are often encrusted with calcareous deposits

stony
adj. 1 : abounding in or having the nature of stone : ROCKY
2 a : insensitive to pity or human feeling : OBDURATE b : manifesting no movement or reaction : DUMB, EXPRESSIONLESS c : fearfully gripping : PETRIFYING
3 archaic : consisting of or made of stones
4 British : stone broke
–ston·i·ly \'stō-nə-lē\ adverb
–ston·i·ness \'stō-nē-nəs\ noun

stonyhearted
adj. : UNFEELING, CRUEL

stood
past and past part of stand

stooge
n. 1 a : one who plays a subordinate or compliant role to a principal b : PUPPET 3
2 : STRAIGHT MAN
3 : STOOL PIGEON 1

stooge
n. : to act as a stooge <congressmen who stooge for the oil and mineral interests ― New Republic>

stook
v. chiefly British : 1SHOCK
–stook transitive verb chiefly British

stool
n. 1 a : a seat usually without back or arms supported by three or four legs or by a central pedestal b : a low bench or portable support for the feet or knees : FOOTSTOOL
2 : a seat used as a symbol of office or authority also : the rank, dignity, office, or rule of a chieftain
3 a : a seat used while defecating or urinating b : a discharge of fecal matter
4 a : a stump or group of stumps of a tree especially when producing suckers b : a plant crown from which shoots grow out c : a shoot or growth from a stool
5 : STOOL PIGEON 1

stool
n. : to throw out shoots in the manner of a stool

stool
n. cucking stool
cutty stool
ducking stool
step stool
stool pigeon
fall between two stools

stool pigeon
1 : a person acting as a decoy or informer especially : a spy sent into a group to report (as to the police) on its activities
2 : a pigeon used as a decoy to draw others within a net

stoolie
n. : STOOL PIGEON 1

stoop
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to bend the body or a part of the body forward and downward sometimes simultaneously bending the knees b : to stand or walk with a forward inclination of the head, body, or shoulders
2 : YIELD, SUBMIT
3 a : to descend from a superior rank, dignity, or status b : to lower oneself morally <stooped to lying>
4 a archaic : to move down from a height : ALIGHT b : to fly or dive down swiftly usually to attack prey
transitive verb
1 : DEBASE, DEGRADE
2 : to bend (a part of the body) forward and downward

stoop
n. 1 a : an act of bending the body forward b : a temporary or habitual forward bend of the back and shoulders
2 : the descent of a bird especially on its prey
3 : a lowering of oneself

stoop
n. : a porch, platform, entrance stairway, or small veranda at a house door

stoop labor
: the hard labor done or required to plant, cultivate, and harvest a crop and especially a crop of vegetables

stoopball
: a variation of baseball in which a player throws a ball against a stoop or building and runs to base while other players attempt to retrieve the rebound and put the runner out

stop
n. transitive verb
1 a : to close by filling or obstructing b : to hinder or prevent the passage of c : to get in the way of : be wounded or killed by <easy to stop a bullet along a lonely⋯road ― Harvey Fergusson>
2 a : to close up or block off (an opening) : PLUG b : to make impassable : CHOKE, OBSTRUCT c : to cover over or fill in (a hole or crevice)
3 a : to cause to give up or change a course of action b : to keep from carrying out a proposed action : RESTRAIN, PREVENT <stopped them from leaving>
4 a : to cause to cease : CHECK, SUPPRESS b : DISCONTINUE
5 a : to deduct or withhold (a sum due) b : to instruct one's bank to refuse (payment) or refuse payment of (as a check)
6 a : to arrest the progress or motion of : cause to halt <stopped the car> b : PARRY c : to check by means of a weapon : BRING DOWN, KILL d : to beat in a boxing match by a knockout broadly : DEFEAT e : BAFFLE, NONPLUS
7 : to change the pitch of (as a violin string) by pressing with the finger or (as a wind instrument) by closing one or more finger holes or by thrusting the hand or a mute into the bell
8 : to hold an honor card and enough protecting cards to be able to block (a bridge suit) before an opponent can run many tricks
intransitive verb
1 a : to cease activity or operation <his heart stopped> <the rain stopped> b : to come to an end especially suddenly : CLOSE, FINISH
2 a : to cease to move on : HALT b : PAUSE, HESITATE
3 a : to break one's journey : STAY b chiefly British : REMAIN c : to make a brief call : drop in
4 : to become choked : CLOG <the sink often stops up>
–stop·pa·ble \'stä-pə-bəl\ adjective
synonyms STOP, CEASE, QUIT, DISCONTINUE, DESIST mean to suspend or cause to suspend activity. STOP applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness <stopped at the red light>. CEASE applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality <by nightfall the fighting had ceased>. QUIT may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing <the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether>. DISCONTINUE applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice <we have discontinued the manufacture of that item>. DESIST implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing <desisted from further efforts to persuade them>.

stop
n. 1 a : CESSATION, END b : a pause or breaking off in speech
2 a (1) : a graduated set of organ pipes of similar design and tone quality (2) : a corresponding set of vibrators or reeds of a reed organ (3) : STOP KNOB ― often used figuratively in phrases like pull out all the stops to suggest holding nothing back b : a means of regulating the pitch of a musical instrument
3 a : something that impedes, obstructs, or brings to a halt : IMPEDIMENT, OBSTACLE b : the aperture of a camera lens also : a marking of a series (as of f-numbers) on a camera for indicating settings of the diaphragm c : a drain plug : STOPPER
4 : a device for arresting or limiting motion
5 : the act of stopping : the state of being stopped : CHECK
6 a : a halt in a journey : STAY <made a brief stop to refuel> b : a stopping place <a bus stop>
7 a chiefly British : any of several punctuation marks b ― used in telegrams and cables to indicate a period c : a pause or break in a verse that marks the end of a grammatical unit
8 a : an order stopping payment (as of a check or note) by a bank b : STOP ORDER
9 : a consonant characterized by complete closure of the breath passage in the course of articulation ― compare CONTINUANT
10 : a depression in the face of an animal at the junction of forehead and muzzle
11 : a function of an electronic device that stops a recording

stop
n. : serving to stop : designed to stop <stop line> <stop signal>

stop
n. click stop
double stop
fire stop
flag stop
flue stop
f stop
full stop
glottal stop
one stop
pipe stop
pit stop
short stop
stop action
stop and go
stop bath
stop down
stop knob
stop motion
stop order
stop out
stop payment
suction stop
truck stop
whistle stop
end stopped
heart stopping

stop bath
: an acid bath used to check photographic development of a negative or print

stop down
: to reduce the effective aperture of (a lens) by means of a diaphragm

stop knob
: one of the handles by which an organist draws or shuts off a particular stop

stop order
: an order to a broker to buy or sell respectively at the market when the price of a security advances or declines to a designated level

stop out
: to withdraw temporarily from enrollment at a college or university
–stop-out \'stäp-ˌau̇t\ noun

stop payment
: a depositor's order to a bank to refuse to honor a specified check drawn by him or her

stop-action
: STOP-MOTION

stop-and-go
: of, relating to, or involving frequent stops especially : controlled or regulated by traffic lights <stop-and-go driving>

stop-motion
: a filming technique in which successive positions of objects (as clay models) are photographed to produce the appearance of movement

stopcock
n. : a cock for stopping or regulating flow (as through a pipe)

stope
n. : a usually steplike excavation underground for the removal of ore that is formed as the ore is mined in successive layers

stopgap
n. : something that serves as a temporary expedient : MAKESHIFT <stopgap measures>
synonyms see RESOURCE

Stoph
Willi 1914-1999 prime min. of East Germany (1976-89)

stoplight
n. 1 : a light on the rear of a motor vehicle that is illuminated when the driver presses the brake pedal
2 : TRAFFIC SIGNAL

stopover
n. 1 : a stop at an intermediate point in one's journey
2 : a stopping place on a journey

stoppage
n. : the act of stopping : the state of being stopped : HALT, OBSTRUCTION <a stoppage in play>

Stoppard
Sir Tom 1937-     orig. Tomas Straussler Brit. (Czech-born) playwright & screenwriter

stopper
n. 1 : one that brings to a halt or causes to stop operating or functioning : CHECK: as a : a playing card that will stop the running of a suit b : a baseball pitcher depended on to win important games or to stop a losing streak also : an effective relief pitcher
2 : one that closes, shuts, or fills up specifically : something (as a bung or cork) used to plug an opening

stopper
n. : to close or secure with or as if with a stopper <stopper the bottle>

stopper knot
: a knot used to prevent a rope from passing through a hole or opening

stopple
n. : something that closes an aperture : STOPPER, PLUG

stopple
n. : STOPPER

stopwatch
n. : a watch with a hand or a digital display that can be started and stopped at will for exact timing (as of a race)

stor
storage

storage
n. 1 a : space or a place for storing b : an amount stored c : MEMORY 4
2 a : the act of storing : the state of being stored especially : the safekeeping of goods in a depository (as a warehouse) b : the price charged for keeping goods in a storehouse
3 : the production by means of electric energy of chemical reactions that when allowed to reverse themselves generate electricity again without serious loss

storage
n. cold storage
pumped storage
storage battery
storage cell
virtual storage

storage battery
: a cell or connected group of cells that converts chemical energy into electrical energy by reversible chemical reactions and that may be recharged by passing a current through it in the direction opposite to that of its discharge ― called also storage cell

storax
n. 1 a : a fragrant balsam obtained from the bark of an Asian tree (Liquidambar orientalis) of the witch-hazel family that is used as an expectorant and sometimes in perfumery ― called also Levant storax b : a balsam from the sweet gum that is similar to storax
2 : any of a genus (Styrax of the family Styracaceae, the storax family) of trees or shrubs with usually hairy leaves and white flowers in drooping racemes ― compare BENZOIN

store
n. 1 : LAY AWAY, ACCUMULATE <store vegetables for winter use> <an organism that absorbs and stores DDT>
2 : FURNISH, SUPPLY especially : to stock against a future time <store a ship with provisions>
3 : to place or leave in a location (as a warehouse, library, or computer memory) for preservation or later use or disposal
4 : to provide storage room for : HOLD <elevators for storing surplus wheat>
–stor·able \'stȯr-ə-bəl\ adjective

store
n. 1 a : something that is stored or kept for future use b plural : articles (as of food) accumulated for some specific object and drawn upon as needed : STOCK, SUPPLIES c : something that is accumulated d : a source from which things may be drawn as needed : a reserve fund
2 : STORAGE ― usually used with in <when placing eggs in store ― Dublin Sunday Independent>
3 : VALUE, IMPORTANCE <set great store by a partner's opinion>
4 : a large quantity, supply, or number : ABUNDANCE
5 a : STOREHOUSE, WAREHOUSE b chiefly British : MEMORY 4
6 : a business establishment where usually diversified goods are kept for retail sale <a grocery store> ― compare SHOP
–in store : in readiness : in preparation <there's a surprise in store for you>

store
n. 1 or stores : of, relating to, kept in, or used for a store
2 : purchased from a store as opposed to being natural or homemade : MANUFACTURED, READY-MADE <store clothes> <store bread>

store
n. set store on
chain store
cold store
convenience store
department store
dime store
general store
in store
multiple store
package store
set store by
store bought
store cheese
variety store
naval stores
sea stores

store cheese
: CHEDDAR

store-bought
: STORE 2

storefront
n. 1 : the front side of a store or store building facing a street
2 : a building, room, or suite of rooms having a storefront

storefront
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a storefront church <a storefront evangelist>
2 : occupying a room or suite of rooms in a store building at street level and immediately behind a storefront <a storefront school>
3 : of, relating to, or being outreach professional services <storefront lawyers> <a storefront clinic>

storefront church
: a city church that utilizes storefront quarters as a meeting place

storehouse
n. 1 : a building for storing goods (as provisions) : MAGAZINE, WAREHOUSE
2 : an abundant supply or source : REPOSITORY <a storehouse of information>

storekeeper
n. 1 : one that has charge of supplies (as military stores)
2 : one that operates a retail store

storeroom
n. 1 : a room or space for the storing of goods or supplies
2 : STOREHOUSE 2

storeship
n. : a ship used to carry supplies

storewide
adj. : including all or most merchandise in a store <a storewide sale>

storied
adj. 1 : decorated with designs representing scenes from story or history <a storied tapestry>
2 : having an interesting history : celebrated in story or history <a storied institution>

storied
adj. : having stories ― used in combination <a two-storied house>

stork
n. : any of various large mostly Old World wading birds (family Ciconiidae) that have long stout bills and are related to the ibises and herons

storksbill
n. : any of several plants of the geranium family with elongate beaked fruits: a : PELARGONIUM b : any of a genus (Erodium) of herbs with small often veined or blotched flowers

storm
n. 1 a : a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually by rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder and lightning b : a heavy fall of rain, snow, or hail c (1) : wind having a speed of 64 to 72 miles (103 to 117 kilometers) per hour (2) : WHOLE GALE ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table d : a serious disturbance of any element of nature
2 : a disturbed or agitated state <storms of emotion> : a sudden or violent commotion
3 : a heavy discharge of objects (as missiles)
4 : a tumultuous outburst <a storm of protests>
5 a : PAROXYSM 2 b : a sudden heavy influx or onset
6 : a violent assault on a defended position
7 plural : STORM WINDOW
–by storm : by or as if by employing a bold swift frontal movement especially with the intent of defeating or winning over quickly <took the literary world by storm>
–up a storm : in a remarkable or energetic fashion ― used as an intensifier <dancing up a storm>

storm
n. 1 a : to blow with violence b : to rain, hail, snow, or sleet vigorously
2 : to attack by storm <stormed ashore at zero hour>
3 : to be in or to exhibit a violent passion : RAGE <storming at the unusual delay>
4 : to rush about or move impetuously, violently, or angrily <the mob stormed through the streets>
transitive verb : to attack, take, or win over by storm <storm a fort>
synonyms see ATTACK

storm
n. dust storm
electrical storm
electric storm
geomagnetic storm
ice storm
line storm
magnetic storm
up a storm
by storm
storm and stress
storm cellar
storm door
storm petrel
storm trooper
storm window
storm sash
tropical storm
violent storm

storm and stress
: STURM UND DRANG

storm cellar
: a cellar or covered excavation designed for protection from dangerous windstorms (as tornadoes)

storm door
: an additional door placed outside an ordinary outside door for protection against severe weather

storm petrel
: any of various widespread small dark petrels (family Hydrobatidae) that typically return to land only to nest usually in burrows ― called also Mother Carey's chicken

storm trooper
1 : a member of a private Nazi army notorious for aggressiveness, violence, and brutality
2 : one that resembles a Nazi storm trooper

storm window
: a sash placed outside an ordinary window as a protection against severe weather ― called also storm sash

stormbound
adj. : cut off from outside communication by a storm or its effects : stopped or delayed by storms

Stormer
n. Horst Ludwig 1949-     American (Ger.-born) physicist

Stormont
E suburb of Belfast, Northern Ireland; site of Parliament House

stormy
adj. 1 : relating to, characterized by, or indicative of a storm <a stormy day> <a stormy autumn>
2 : marked by turmoil or fury <a stormy life> <a stormy conference>
–storm·i·ly \'stȯr-mə-lē\ adverb
–storm·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

stormy petrel
1 : STORM PETREL
2 a : one fond of strife b : a harbinger of trouble

Stornoway
burgh NW Scotland in Lewis, chief town of Lewis with Harris pop 8660

Story
n. Joseph 1779-1845 American jurist

Story
n. William Wetmore 1819-1895 son of prec. American sculptor

story
n. 1 archaic a : HISTORY 1 b : HISTORY 3
2 a : an account of incidents or events b : a statement regarding the facts pertinent to a situation in question c : ANECDOTE especially : an amusing one
3 a : a fictional narrative shorter than a novel specifically : SHORT STORY b : the intrigue or plot of a narrative or dramatic work
4 : a widely circulated rumor
5 : LIE, FALSEHOOD
6 : LEGEND, ROMANCE
7 : a news article or broadcast
8 : MATTER, SITUATION

story
n. 1 archaic : to narrate or describe in story
2 : to adorn with a story or a scene from history

story
n. 1 a : the space in a building between two adjacent floor levels or between a floor and the roof b : a set of rooms in such a space c : a unit of measure equal to the height of the story of a building <one story high>
2 : a horizontal division of a building's exterior not necessarily corresponding exactly with the stories within

story
n. bedtime story
cock and bull story
cover story
fairy story
fish story
ghost story
horror story
second story man
short story
sob story
story line
war story

story line
: the plot of a story or drama

storyboard
n. : a panel or series of panels on which a set of sketches is arranged depicting consecutively the important changes of scene and action in a series of shots (as for a film, television show, or commercial)
–storyboard transitive verb

storybook
n. : a book of stories usually for children

storybook
n. : FAIRY-TALE <a storybook romance>

storyteller
n. : a teller of stories: as a : a relater of anecdotes b : a reciter of tales (as in a children's library) c : LIAR, FIBBER d : a writer of stories
–sto·ry·tell·ing noun

stoss
: facing toward the direction from which an overriding glacier impinges <the stoss slope of a hill>

stot
v. : to bound with a stiff-legged gait <the gazelle stotted when alarmed>

stotin
n. ― see tolar at MONEY table

stotinka
n. ― see lev at MONEY table

Stoughton
town E Mass. NW of Brockton pop 27,149

stound
archaic : TIME, WHILE

stoup
n. 1 a : a beverage container (as a glass or tankard) b : FLAGON
2 : a basin for holy water at the entrance of a church

Stour
n. 1 \'stu̇r\ river 47 mi (76 km) SE England flowing E bet. Essex & Suffolk into the North Sea
2 \'stau̇r, 'stu̇r\ river 55 mi (88 km) S England in Dorset & Hampshire flowing SE into Avon River
3 or Great Stour \'stu̇r also 'stau̇(-ə)r\ river 40 mi (64 km) SE England in Kent flowing NE into the North Sea
4 \'stau̇(-ə)r, 'stȯr\ river 20 mi (32 km) cen England in Oxfordshire & Warwickshire flowing NW into Avon River
5 \same as 4\ river 20 mi (32 km) W cen England flowing S into Severn River

stour
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : STRONG, HARDY
2 chiefly Scottish : STERN, HARSH

stour
n. 1 a archaic : BATTLE, CONFLICT b dialect British : TUMULT, UPROAR
2 chiefly Scottish : DUST, POWDER

Stourbridge
town W cen England in W. Midlands W of Birmingham pop 54,661

stout
n. 1 : strong of character: as a : BRAVE, BOLD b : FIRM, DETERMINED also : OBSTINATE, UNCOMPROMISING
2 : physically or materially strong: a : STURDY, VIGOROUS b : STAUNCH, ENDURING c : sturdily constructed : SUBSTANTIAL
3 : FORCEFUL <a stout attack> also : VIOLENT <a stout wind>
4 : bulky in body : FAT
synonyms see STRONG
–stout·ish \'stau̇-tish\ adjective
–stout·ly adverb
–stout·ness noun

stout
n. 1 : a very dark full-bodied ale with a distinctive malty flavor
2 a : a fat person b : a clothing size designed for the large figure

stouten
transitive verb : to make stout <stouten a resolve>
intransitive verb : to become stout

stouthearted
adj. : having a stout heart or spirit: a : COURAGEOUS b : STUBBORN
–stout·heart·ed·ly adverb
–stout·heart·ed·ness noun

stove
n. 1 a : a portable or fixed apparatus that burns fuel or uses electricity to provide heat (as for cooking or heating) b : a device that generates heat for special purposes (as for heating tools or heating air for a hot blast) c : KILN
2 chiefly British : a hothouse especially for the cultivation of tropical exotics broadly : GREENHOUSE

stove
n. past and past part of stave

stove
n. Franklin stove
potbellied stove
potbelly stove

stovepipe
n. 1 : pipe of large diameter usually of sheet steel used as a stove chimney or to connect a stove with a flue
2 : SILK HAT

stover
n. 1 dialect chiefly English : FODDER
2 : mature cured stalks of corn with the ears removed that are used as feed for livestock

Stow
v. John 1525-1605 Eng. hist. & antiquarian

Stow
v. city NE Ohio NE of Akron pop 32,139

stow
v. 1 : HOUSE, LODGE
2 a : to put away for future use : STORE b obsolete : to lock up for safekeeping : CONFINE
3 a : to dispose in an orderly fashion : ARRANGE, PACK b : LOAD
4 slang : to put aside : STOP
5 a archaic : CROWD b : to eat or drink up ― usually used with away <stowed away a huge dinner>

stow away
: to secrete oneself aboard a vehicle as a means of obtaining transportation

stowage
n. 1 a : an act or process of stowing b : goods in storage or to be stowed
2 a : storage capacity b : a place or receptacle for storage
3 : the state of being stored

stowaway
n. : one that stows away

Stowe
n. Harriet Elizabeth 1811-1896 née Beecher American author

STP
n. : a hallucinogenic drug chemically related to mescaline and amphetamine

STP
n. 1 shielded twisted pair
2 standard temperature and pressure

str
steamer

Strabane
district W Northern Ireland, established 1974 area 336 sq mi (874 sq km), pop 35,668

strabismus
n. : inability of one eye to attain binocular vision with the other because of imbalance of the muscles of the eyeball ― called also squint ― compare CROSS-EYE
–stra·bis·mic \-mik\ adjective

Strabo
64(or 63) B.C.-after A.D. 23 Greek geographer

Strachey
(Evelyn) John St. Loe 1901-1963 Eng. socialist

Strachey
(Giles) Lytton 1880-1932 Eng. biographer

straddle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to stand, sit, or walk with the legs wide apart especially : to sit astride
2 : to spread out irregularly : SPRAWL
3 : to favor or seem to favor two apparently opposite sides
4 : to execute a commodities market spread
transitive verb
1 : to stand, sit, or be astride of <straddle a horse> <campsites straddling the river>
2 : to be noncommittal in regard to <straddle an issue>
3 : to belong in part to (each of several categories) <a movie straddling genres>
–strad·dler \'strad-lər, 'stra-dəl-ər\ noun
–straddle the fence : to be in a position of neutrality or indecision

straddle
v. 1 : the act or position of one who straddles
2 : a noncommittal or equivocal position
3 : SPREAD 5

straddle the fence
to be in a position of neutrality or indecision

Stradivari
n. : STRADIVARIUS

Stradivari
n. Antonio 1644-1737 L. Antonius Strad·i·var·i·us \ˌstra-də-'ver-ē-əs\ Ital. violin maker

Stradivarius
n. : a stringed instrument (as a violin) made by Antonio Stradivari of Cremona

strafe
v. : to rake (as ground troops) with fire at close range and especially with machine-gun fire from low-flying aircraft
–strafe noun
–straf·er noun

Strafford
1st Earl of 1593-1641 Thomas Wentworth Eng. statesman

straggle
v. 1 : to wander from the direct course or way : ROVE, STRAY
2 : to trail off from others of its kind <little cabins straggling off into the woods>
–strag·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

straggle
v. : a straggling group (as of persons or objects)

straggly
adj. : spread out or scattered irregularly <a straggly beard>

straight
n. 1 a : free from curves, bends, angles, or irregularities <straight hair> <straight timber> b : generated by a point moving continuously in the same direction and expressed by a linear equation <a straight line> <the straight segment of a curve>
2 a : lying along or holding to a direct or proper course or method <a straight thinker> b : CANDID, FRANK <a straight answer> c : coming directly from a trustworthy source <a straight tip on the horses> d (1) : having the elements in an order <the straight sequence of events> (2) : CONSECUTIVE <12 straight days> e : having the cylinders arranged in a single straight line <a straight 8-cylinder engine> f : PLUMB, VERTICAL <the picture isn't quite straight>
3 a : exhibiting honesty and fairness <straight dealing> b : properly ordered or arranged <set the kitchen straight> <set us straight on that issue> also : CORRECT <get the facts straight> c : free from extraneous matter : UNMIXED <straight whiskey> d : marked by no exceptions or deviations in support of a principle or party <votes a straight Democratic ticket> e : having a fixed price for each regardless of the number sold f : not deviating from an indicated pattern <writes straight humor> <a straight-A student> g (1) : exhibiting no deviation from what is established or accepted as usual, normal, or proper : CONVENTIONAL also : SQUARE 5F (2) : not using or under the influence of drugs or alcohol h : HETEROSEXUAL
4 : being the only form of remuneration <on straight commission>
–straight·ish \'strā-tish\ adjective
–straight·ly adverb
–straight·ness noun

straight
n. : in a straight manner <came straight home from work>

straight
n. chiefly Scottish : STRAIGHTEN

straight
n. 1 : something that is straight: as a : a straight line or arrangement b : STRAIGHTAWAY especially : HOMESTRETCH c : a true or honest report or course
2 a : a sequence (as of shots, strokes, or moves) resulting in a perfect score in a game or contest b : first place at the finish of a horse race : WIN
3 : a poker hand containing five cards in sequence but not of the same suit ― see POKER illustration
4 : a person who adheres to conventional attitudes and mores

straight
n. set one straight
straight ahead
straight and narrow
straight angle
straight arm
straight arrow
straight chain
straight face
straight facedly
straight faced
straight flush
straight line
straight man
straight off
straight out
straight poker
straight razor
straight shooter

straight and narrow
: the way of propriety and rectitude ― used with the

straight angle
: an angle whose sides lie in opposite directions from the vertex in the same straight line and which equals two right angles

straight arrow
: a person who lives by rigidly proper or conventional standards
–straight-arrow adjective

straight chain
: an open chain of atoms having no side chains ― usually hyphenated when used attributively

straight face
: a face giving no evidence of emotion and especially of merriment <lied with a straight face>
–straight-faced \'strāt-'fāst\ adjective
–straight-faced·ly \-'fā-səd-lē, -'fāst-lē\ adverb

straight flush
: a poker hand containing five cards of the same suit in sequence ― see POKER illustration

straight man
: a member of a comedy team who feeds lines to a partner who in turn replies with usually humorous quips

straight off
: at once : IMMEDIATELY

straight poker
: poker in which the players bet on the five cards dealt to them and then have a showdown without drawing ― compare DRAW POKER, STUD POKER

straight razor
: a razor with a rigid steel cutting blade hinged to a case that forms a handle when the razor is open for use

straight shooter
: a thoroughly upright straightforward person

straight-ahead
: relating to or being music performed in an unembellished manner typical of a given idiom or performer broadly : STRAIGHTFORWARD

straight-arm
: an act or instance of warding off a person or thing by pushing with the palm of the hand with the arm fully extended from the shoulder and the elbow locked ― called also stiff-arm
–straight-arm verb

straight-line
1 : being a mechanical linkage or equivalent device designed to produce or copy motion in a straight line
2 : having the principal parts arranged in a straight line
3 : marked by a uniform spread and especially in equal segments over a given term <straight-line amortization> <straight-line depreciation>
4 : occurring, measured, or made in or along a straight line <straight-line motion> <straight-line extrapolation>

straight-out
1 : FORTHRIGHT, BLUNT <gave a straight-out answer>
2 : OUTRIGHT, THOROUGHGOING
–straight-out adverb

straightaway
n. : without hesitation or delay

straightaway
n. 1 : proceeding in a straight line : continuous in direction
2 : IMMEDIATE

straightaway
n. : a straight course: as a : the straight part of a closed racecourse : STRETCH b : a straight and unimpeded stretch of road or way

straightbred
: produced by breeding a single breed, strain, or type <straightbred cattle>
–straight·bred \-ˌbred\ noun

straightedge
n. : a bar or piece of material (as of wood, metal, or plastic) with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines

straighten
v. transitive verb : to make straight ― usually used with up or out
intransitive verb : to become straight ― usually used with up or out
–straight·en·er \'strāt-nər, 'strā-tən-ər\ noun

straightforward
1 a : free from evasiveness or obscurity : EXACT, CANDID <a straightforward account> b : CLEAR-CUT, PRECISE
2 : proceeding in a straight course or manner : DIRECT, UNDEVIATING
–straight·for·ward·ly adverb
–straight·for·ward·ness noun

straightforward
: in a straightforward manner

straightway
adv. 1 : in a direct course : DIRECTLY <fell straightway down the stairs>
2 : RIGHT AWAY, IMMEDIATELY, STRAIGHTAWAY <straightway the clouds began to part>

strain
n. 1 a : LINEAGE, ANCESTRY b : a group of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut physiological but usually not morphological distinctions <a high-yielding strain of winter wheat> broadly : a specified infraspecific group (as a stock, line, or ecotype) c : KIND, SORT <discussions of a lofty strain>
2 a : inherited or inherent character, quality, or disposition <a strain of madness in the family> b : TRACE, STREAK <a strain of fanaticism>
3 a : TUNE, AIR b : a passage of verbal or musical expression c : a stream or outburst of forceful or impassioned speech
4 a : the tenor, pervading note, burden, or tone of an utterance or of a course of action or conduct b : MOOD, TEMPER

strain
n. transitive verb
1 a : to draw tight : cause to fit firmly <strain the bandage over the wound> b : to stretch to maximum extension and tautness <strain a canvas over a frame>
2 a : to exert (as oneself) to the utmost b : to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure <strained his back> c : to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force
3 : to squeeze or clasp tightly: as a : HUG b : to compress painfully : CONSTRICT
4 a : to cause to pass through a strainer : FILTER b : to remove by straining <strain lumps out of the gravy>
5 : to stretch beyond a proper limit <that story strains my credulity>
6 obsolete : to squeeze out : EXTORT
intransitive verb
1 a : to make violent efforts : STRIVE <has to strain to reach the high notes> b : to pull against resistance <a dog straining at its leash> c : to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate ― often used in the phrase strain at stool
2 : to pass through or as if through a strainer <the liquid strains readily>
3 : to make great difficulty or resistance : BALK
–strain a point : to go beyond a usual, accepted, or proper limit or rule

strain
n. 1 : an act of straining or the condition of being strained: as a : bodily injury from excessive tension, effort, or use <heart strain> especially : one resulting from a wrench or twist and involving undue stretching of muscles or ligaments <back strain> b : excessive or difficult exertion or labor c : excessive physical or mental tension also : a force, influence, or factor causing such tension <a strain on the marriage> d : deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces
2 : an unusual reach, degree, or intensity : PITCH
3 archaic : a strained interpretation of something said or written

strain
n. repetitive strain injury
strain a point
strain gauge

strain a point
to go beyond a usual, accepted, or proper limit or rule

strain gauge
: EXTENSOMETER

strained
adj. 1 : done or produced with excessive effort
2 : pushed by antagonism near to open conflict <strained relations>

strainer
n. : one that strains: as a : a device (as a sieve) to retain solid pieces while a liquid passes through b : any of various devices for stretching or tightening something

strait
n. 1 archaic : STRICT, RIGOROUS
2 archaic a : NARROW b : limited in space or time c : closely fitting : CONSTRICTED, TIGHT
3 a : causing distress : DIFFICULT b : limited as to means or resources
–strait·ly adverb
–strait·ness noun

strait
n. obsolete : in a close or tight manner

strait
n. 1 a archaic : a narrow space or passage b : a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water ― often used in plural but singular in construction c : ISTHMUS
2 : a situation of perplexity or distress ― often used in plural <in dire straits>
synonyms see JUNCTURE

strait
n. Bass Strait
Belle Isle Strait of
Bering Strait
Cabot Strait
Canso Strait of
Carquinez Strait
Chatham Strait
Cook Strait
Davis Strait
Denmark Strait
Dover Strait of
Formosa Strait
Georgia Strait of
Gibraltar Strait of
Hecate Strait
Hudson Strait
Juan de Fuca Strait of
Kerch Strait
Korea Strait
Magellan Strait of
Malacca Strait of
M'Clure Strait
Menai Strait
Messina Strait of
Northumberland Strait
Otranto Strait of
Palk Strait
Shimonoseki Strait
Singapore Strait
Sunda Strait
Taiwan Strait
Tatar Strait
Torres Strait
Tsugaru Strait
Straits dollar
Florida Straits of
Mackinac Straits of
Straits Settlements

straiten
v. 1 a : to make strait or narrow b : to hem in : CONFINE
2 archaic : to restrict in freedom or scope : HAMPER
3 : to subject to distress, privation, or deficiency <in straitened circumstances>

straitjacket
n. 1 : a cover or overgarment of strong material (as canvas) used to bind the body and especially the arms closely in restraining a violent prisoner or patient
2 : something that restricts or confines like a straitjacket

straitjacket
n. : to confine in or as if in a straitjacket

straitlaced
adj. 1 : excessively strict in manners, morals, or opinion
2 : wearing or having a bodice or stays tightly laced
–strait·laced·ly \-'lā-səd-lē, -'lāst-lē\ adverb
–strait·laced·ness \-'lās(t)-nəs, -'lā-səd-nəs\ noun

Straits dollar
: a dollar formerly issued by British Malaya and used in much of southern and eastern Asia and the East Indies

Straits Settlements
former country SE Asia bordering on Strait of Malacca & comprising Singapore Is., Penang, & Melaka area 1242 sq mi (3229 sq km); now divided bet. Singapore (republic) & Malaysia (federation)

strake
n. 1 : a continuous band of hull planking or plates on a ship also : the width of such a band
2 : STREAK, STRIPE

Stralsund
city & port NE Germany on the Baltic opposite Rügen Is. pop 71,618

stramash
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : DISTURBANCE, RACKET
2 chiefly Scottish : CRASH, SMASHUP

stramonium
n. 1 : the dried leaves of the jimsonweed or of a related plant (genus Datura) that contain toxic alkaloids (as atropine) used in medicine
2 : JIMSONWEED

strand
n. : the land bordering a body of water : SHORE, BEACH

strand
n. 1 : to run, drive, or cause to drift onto a strand : run aground
2 : to leave in a strange or an unfavorable place especially without funds or means to depart
3 : to leave (a base runner) on base at the end of an inning in baseball
intransitive verb : to become stranded

strand
n. 1 Scottish & dialect English : STREAM
2 Scottish & dialect English : SEA

strand
n. 1 a : fibers or filaments twisted, plaited, or laid parallel to form a unit for further twisting or plaiting into yarn, thread, rope, or cordage b : one of the wires twisted together or laid parallel to form a wire rope or cable c : something (as a molecular chain) resembling a strand <a strand of DNA>
2 : an element (as a yarn or thread) of a woven or plaited material
3 : an elongated or twisted and plaited body resembling a rope <a strand of pearls>
4 : one of the elements interwoven in a complex whole <one strand of the novel's plot>

strand
n. 1 : to break a strand of (a rope) accidentally
2 a : to form (as a rope) from strands b : to play out, twist, or arrange in a strand

stranded
adj. : having a strand or strands especially of a specified kind or number ― usually used in combination <double-stranded DNA>
–strand·ed·ness noun

strandline
: SHORELINE especially : a shoreline above the present water level

strange
adj. 1 a archaic : of, relating to, or characteristic of another country : FOREIGN b : not native to or naturally belonging in a place : of external origin, kind, or character
2 a : not before known, heard, or seen : UNFAMILIAR b : exciting wonder or awe : EXTRAORDINARY
3 a : discouraging familiarities : RESERVED, DISTANT b : ILL AT EASE
4 : UNACCUSTOMED 2 <she was strange to his ways>
–strange·ly adverb
synonyms STRANGE, SINGULAR, UNIQUE, PECULIAR, ECCENTRIC, ERRATIC, ODD, QUAINT, OUTLANDISH mean departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected. STRANGE stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable <a journey filled with strange sights>. SINGULAR suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness <a singular feeling of impending disaster>. UNIQUE implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel <a career unique in the annals of science>. PECULIAR implies a marked distinctiveness <the peculiar status of America's first lady>. ECCENTRIC suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior <the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers>. ERRATIC stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating <a friend's suddenly erratic behavior>. ODD applies to a departure from the regular or expected <an odd sense of humor>. QUAINT suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness <a quaint fishing village>. OUTLANDISH applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric <outlandish fashions of the time>.

strange
adj. : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of -1/3 and a measured energy of approximately 150 MeV also : the flavor characterizing this particle

strange woman
: PROSTITUTE

strangeness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being strange
2 : the flavor characterizing a strange quark

stranger
n. 1 : one who is strange: as a (1) : FOREIGNER (2) : a resident alien b : one in the house of another as a guest, visitor, or intruder c : a person or thing that is unknown or with whom one is unacquainted d : one who does not belong to or is kept from the activities of a group e : one not privy or party to an act, contract, or title : one that interferes without right
2 : one ignorant of or unacquainted with someone or something

stranger
n. : of, relating to, or being a stranger : FOREIGN

stranger
n. obsolete : ESTRANGE, ALIENATE

strangle
v. transitive verb
1 a : to choke to death by compressing the throat with something (as a hand or rope) : THROTTLE b : to obstruct seriously or fatally the normal breathing of c : STIFLE
2 : to suppress or hinder the rise, expression, or growth of <repression strangles free speech>
intransitive verb
1 : to become strangled
2 : to die from or as if from interference with breathing
–stran·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

stranglehold
n. 1 : an illegal wrestling hold by which one's opponent is choked
2 : a force or influence that chokes or suppresses freedom of movement or expression

strangler fig
: any of several figs (as Ficus aurea of the southeastern U.S.) that start as epiphytes but send down roots to the ground around the host tree broadly : any of various epiphytic vines or trees (as Clusia rosea syn. C. major) of similar habit

strangles
n. : an infectious febrile disease of horses caused by a streptococcus (Streptococcus equi) and marked especially by inflammation and congestion of mucous membranes of the respiratory tract

strangulate
v. transitive verb : STRANGLE, CONSTRICT
intransitive verb : to become constricted so as to stop circulation <the hernia will strangulate>

strangulation
n. 1 : the action or process of strangling or strangulating
2 : the state of being strangled or strangulated especially : excessive or pathological constriction or compression of a bodily tube (as a blood vessel or a loop of intestine) that interrupts its ability to act as a passage

strangury
n. : a slow and painful spasmodic discharge of urine drop by drop

strap
n. 1 a : a narrow usually flat strip or thong of a flexible material and especially leather used for securing, holding together, or wrapping b : something made of a strap forming a loop <a boot strap> c : a strip of leather used for flogging d : STROP
2 : a band, plate, or loop of metal for binding objects together or for clamping an object in position
3 : a shoe fastened with a usually buckled strap
4 Irish : TROLLOP
–strap·py \'stra-pē\ adjective

strap
n. 1 a (1) : to secure with or attach by means of a strap (2) : to support (as a sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster b : BIND, CONSTRICT
2 : to beat or punish with a strap
3 : STROP
4 : to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity <is often strapped for cash>

strap
n. shoulder strap
spaghetti strap
cash strapped

straphanger
n. : a standing passenger in a subway, streetcar, bus, or train who clings for support to one of the short straps or similar devices placed along the aisle
–strap·hang \-ˌhaŋ\ intransitive verb

strapless
adj. : having no strap specifically : made or worn without shoulder straps <a strapless evening gown>
–strapless noun

strappado
n. : a punishment or torture in which the subject is hoisted by rope and allowed to fall its full length also : a machine used to inflict this torture

strapper
n. : one that is unusually large or robust

strapping
n. : having a vigorously sturdy constitution

strapping
n. 1 : material for a strap
2 : STRAPS

Strasbourg
n. city NE France on Ill River pop 263,941

strass
n. : PASTE 3

stratagem
n. 1 a : an artifice or trick in war for deceiving and outwitting the enemy b : a cleverly contrived trick or scheme for gaining an end
2 : skill in ruses or trickery
synonyms see TRICK

strategic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or marked by strategy <a strategic retreat>
2 a : necessary to or important in the initiation, conduct, or completion of a strategic plan b : required for the conduct of war and not available in adequate quantities domestically <strategic materials> c : of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect <emphasized strategic points>
3 : designed or trained to strike an enemy at the sources of its military, economic, or political power <a strategic bomber>
–stra·te·gi·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective
–stra·te·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

strategist
n. : a person skilled in strategy

strategize
v. : to devise a strategy or course of action

strategy
n. 1 a (1) : the science and art of employing the political, economic, psychological, and military forces of a nation or group of nations to afford the maximum support to adopted policies in peace or war (2) : the science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under advantageous conditions b : a variety of or instance of the use of strategy
2 a : a careful plan or method : a clever stratagem b : the art of devising or employing plans or stratagems toward a goal
3 : an adaptation or complex of adaptations (as of behavior, metabolism, or structure) that serves or appears to serve an important function in achieving evolutionary success <foraging strategies of insects>

Stratford
1 town SW Conn. pop 49,976
2 city Canada in SE Ont. W of Kitchener pop 29,676

Stratford de Redcliffe
Viscount ― see Stratford CANNING

Stratford-upon-Avon
town cen England in Warwickshire SSE of Birmingham pop 20,858

strath
n. : a flat wide river valley or the low-lying grassland along it

Strathclyde
n. Celtic kingdom of 6th to 11th centuries S Scotland & NW England capital Dumbarton; its S part called Cum·bria \'kəm-brē-ə\

Strathcona
and Mount Royal 1st Baron 1820-1914 Donald Alexander Smith Canad. (Scot.-born) railroad builder & polit.

Strathmore
great valley of E cen Scotland S of the Grampians

strathspey
n. : a Scottish dance that is similar to but slower than the reel also : the music for this dance

strati
: stratum <stratiform>

stratification
n. 1 a : the act or process of stratifying b : the state of being stratified
2 : a stratified formation

stratificational grammar
: a grammar based on the theory that language consists of a series of hierarchically related strata linked together by representational rules

stratified charge engine
: an internal-combustion engine in whose cylinders the combustion of fuel in a layer of rich fuel-air mixture promotes ignition in a greater volume of lean mixture

stratiform
: having a stratified formation

stratify
v. transitive verb
1 : to form, deposit, or arrange in strata
2 a : to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or social strata b : to divide into a series of graded statuses
intransitive verb : to become arranged in strata

stratigraphic
adj. : of, relating to, or determined by stratigraphy

stratigraphy
n. 1 : geology that deals with the origin, composition, distribution, and succession of strata
2 : the arrangement of strata

strato
: stratus and <stratocumulus>

stratocumulus
n. : stratified low cumulus consisting of large balls or rolls of dark cloud which often cover the whole sky especially in winter ― see CLOUD illustration

stratosphere
n. 1 : the part of the earth's atmosphere which extends from the top of the troposphere to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) above the surface and in which temperature increases gradually to about 32° F (0° C) and clouds rarely form
2 : a very high or the highest region on or as if on a graded scale <construction costs in the stratosphere> <the celebrity stratosphere>
–strato·spher·ic \ˌstra-tə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective
–strato·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stratovolcano
n. : a volcano composed of explosively erupted cinders and ash with occasional lava flows

stratum
n. 1 : a bed or layer artificially made
2 a : a sheetlike mass of sedimentary rock or earth of one kind lying between beds of other kinds b : a region of the sea or atmosphere that is analogous to a stratum of the earth c : a layer of tissue <deep stratum of the skin> d : a layer in which archaeological material (as artifacts, skeletons, and dwelling remains) is found on excavation
3 a : a part of a historical or sociological series representing a period or a stage of development b : a socioeconomic level of society comprising persons of the same or similar status especially with regard to education or culture
4 : one of a series of layers, levels, or gradations in an ordered system <strata of thought>
5 : a statistical subpopulation
usage The plural strata has occas. been used as a singular since the 18th century and is sometimes given the plural stratas <there was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of ― Ezra Pound> <a Roman burial ground suggests stratas of corruption and decay ― Connie Fletcher, Booklist>. Current evidence shows senses 2, 3b, and 4 so used, with 3b the most common. Singular strata is persistent but not frequent. Strata may someday establish itself as a singular like agenda, but that use is still not established.

stratum corneum
: the outer part of the epidermis consisting chiefly of layers of dead flattened nonnucleated cells filled with keratin

stratus
n. : a low cloud form extending over a large area at altitudes of usually 2000 to 7000 feet (600 to 2100 meters) ― see CLOUD illustration

Straus
Oscar 1870-1954 Fr. (Austrian-born) composer

Strauss
n. David Friedrich 1808-1874 Ger. theol. & philos.

Strauss
n. Johann 1804-1849 & his sons Johann Baptist 1825-1899 & Josef 1827-1870 Austrian composers

Strauss
n. Ri·chard \'ri-ˌkärt, -ˌḵärt\ 1864-1949 Ger. composer
–Strauss·ian \'strau-sē-ən, 'shtrau̇-\ adjective

Strauss
n. Levi Strauss
Lévi Strauss
Lévi Straussian

stravage
chiefly Scottish : ROAM

Stravinsky
n. Igor \'ē-ˌgȯr\ Fyodorovich 1882-1971 American (Russ.-born) composer
–Stra·vin·sky·an or Stra·vin·ski·an \-skē-ən\ adjective

straw
n. 1 a : stalks of grain after threshing broadly : dry stalky plant residue used like grain straw (as for bedding or packing) b : a natural or artificial heavy fiber used for weaving, plaiting, or braiding
2 : a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass
3 a (1) : something of small worth or significance (2) : something too insubstantial to provide support or help in a desperate situation <clutching at straws> b : CHAFF 2
4 a : something (as a hat) made of straw b : a tube (as of paper, plastic, or glass) for sucking up a beverage
–strawy \'strȯ-ē\ adjective
–straw in the wind : a slight fact that is an indication of a coming event

straw
n. 1 : made of straw <a straw hat>
2 : of, relating to, or used for straw <a straw barn>
3 : of the color of straw <straw hair>
4 : of little or no value : WORTHLESS
5 : of, relating to, resembling, or being a straw man
6 : of, relating to, or concerned with the discovery of preferences by means of a straw vote

straw
n. last straw
man of straw
straw in the wind
straw boss
straw man
straw mushroom
straw vote
straw poll
straw wine
straw yellow
draw straws
grasp at straws

straw boss
1 : an assistant to a foreman in charge of supervising and expediting the work of a small group of workers
2 : a member of a group of workers who supervises the work of the others in addition to doing his or her own job

straw in the wind
a slight fact that is an indication of a coming event

straw man
1 : a weak or imaginary opposition (as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted
2 : a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction

straw mushroom
: a mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) that has a conical cap and is cultivated in southeastern Asia and used especially in Chinese cooking

straw vote
: an unofficial vote taken (as at a chance gathering) to indicate the relative strength of opposing candidates or issues ― called also straw poll

straw wine
: a sweet wine produced by partially drying the grapes on beds of straw prior to vinification

straw yellow
: a pale yellow

strawberry
n. 1 : the juicy edible usually red fruit of any of several low-growing temperate herbs (genus Fragaria) of the rose family that is technically an enlarged pulpy receptacle bearing numerous achenes on its surface
2 : a plant whose fruits are strawberries especially : a hybrid (Fragaria ananassa) that is the source of most cultivated strawberries

strawberry
n. strawberry blonde
strawberry bush
strawberry mark
strawberry roan
strawberry tomato
strawberry tree
strawberry blond

strawberry blonde
1 : a person having reddish-blond hair
2 : a reddish-blond color

strawberry blonde
: of a reddish-blond color also : having reddish-blond hair <a strawberry blond child> ― spelled blond when used of a boy or man and usually blonde when used of a girl or woman

strawberry bush
1 : a shrubby spindle tree (Euonymus americanus) of the eastern U.S. with crimson pods and seeds with a scarlet aril
2 : 2WAHOO

strawberry mark
: a hemangioma appearing usually as a red and elevated birthmark

strawberry roan
: a roan horse with a light red base color

strawberry tomato
: GROUND-CHERRY especially : a stout hairy annual herb (Physalis pruinosa) of eastern No. America with sweet globular yellow fruits

strawberry tree
: a small European evergreen tree (Arbutus unedo) of the heath family with racemose white flowers and fruits resembling strawberries

strawflower
n. : any of several plants having everlasting flowers especially : an Australian composite herb (Helichrysum bracteatum) widely cultivated for its brightly colored flower heads in which papery bracts resembling ray flowers surround a central disk

strawhat
: of, relating to, or being summer theater

stray
n. 1 a : a domestic animal that is wandering at large or is lost b : a person or thing that strays
2 [Middle English, from straien to stray] archaic : the act of going astray

stray
n. : WANDER: as a : to wander from company, restraint, or proper limits b : to roam about without fixed direction or purpose c : to move in a winding course : MEANDER d : to move without conscious or intentional effort <eyes straying absently around the room> e : to become distracted from an argument or chain of thought <strayed from the point> f : to wander accidentally from a fixed or chosen route g : ERR, SIN
–stray·er noun

stray
n. 1 : having strayed or escaped from a proper or intended place <a stray dog> <hit by a stray bullet> <fixed a few stray hairs>
2 : occurring at random or sporadically <a few stray thoughts>
3 : not serving any useful purpose : UNWANTED <stray light>

streak
n. 1 : a line or mark of a different color or texture from the ground : STRIPE
2 a : the color of the fine powder of a mineral obtained by scratching or rubbing against a hard white surface and constituting an important distinguishing character b : inoculum implanted in a line on a solid medium c : any of numerous virus diseases of plants (as tobacco and maize) resembling mosaic but usually producing at least some linear markings
3 a : a narrow band of light b : a lightning bolt
4 a : a slight admixture : TRACE <had a mean streak in him> b : a brief run (as of luck) c : a consecutive series <was on a winning streak>
5 : a narrow layer (as of fat)
6 : an act or instance of streaking

streak
n. : to make streaks on or in <tears streaking her face>
intransitive verb
1 : to move swiftly : RUSH <a jet streaking across the sky>
2 : to have a streak (as of winning or outstanding performances)
3 : to run naked through a public place
–streak·er noun

streak
n. blue streak
primitive streak
streak camera

streak camera
: a camera for recording very fast or short-lived phenomena (as fluorescence or shock waves)

streaked
adj. 1 : marked with stripes or linear discolorations
2 : physically or mentally disturbed : UPSET

streaking
n. : the lightening (as by chemicals) of a few long strands of hair to produce a streaked effect

streaky
adj. 1 : marked with streaks <streaky bacon>
2 : APPREHENSIVE <nervous and streaky>
3 : apt to vary (as in effectiveness) : UNRELIABLE
–streak·i·ness noun

stream
n. 1 : a body of running water (as a river or brook) flowing on the earth also : any body of flowing fluid (as water or gas)
2 a : a steady succession (as of words or events) <kept up an endless stream of chatter> b : a constantly renewed or steady supply <a stream of revenve> c : a continuous moving procession <a stream of traffic>
3 : an unbroken flow (as of gas or particles of matter)
4 : a ray of light
5 a : a prevailing attitude or group <has always run against the stream of current fashion> b : a dominant influence or line of development <the influence of two streams of inheritance: genetic and cultural ― P. B. Baltes>
6 British : TRACK 3C

stream
n. 1 a : to flow in or as if in a stream b : to leave a bright trail <a meteor streamed through the sky>
2 a : to exude a bodily fluid profusely <her eyes were streaming> b : to become wet with a discharge of bodily fluid <streaming with perspiration>
3 : to trail out at full length <her hair streaming back as she ran>
4 : to pour in large numbers <complaints came streaming in>
transitive verb
1 : to emit freely or in a stream <his eyes streamed tears>
2 : to display (as a flag) by waving

stream
n. jet stream
stream of consciousness
third stream
Carol Stream
Gulf Stream
Valley Stream

stream of consciousness

1855
1 : the continuous unedited chronological flow of conscious experience through the mind
2 : INTERIOR MONOLOGUE

streambed
n. : the channel occupied or formerly occupied by a stream

streamer
n. 1 a : a flag that streams in the wind especially : PENNANT b : any long narrow wavy strip resembling or suggesting a banner floating in the wind c : BANNER 2
2 a : a long extension of the solar corona visible only during a total solar eclipse b plural : AURORA BOREALIS

streaming
n. 1 : an act or instance of flowing specifically : CYCLOSIS
2 British : TRACKING

streaming
n. : relating to or being the transfer of data (as audio or video material) in a continuous stream especially for immediate processing or playback

streamlet
n. : a small stream

streamline
n. 1 : the path of a particle in a fluid relative to a solid body past which the fluid is moving in smooth flow without turbulence
2 a : a contour designed to minimize resistance to motion through a fluid (as air) b : a smooth or flowing line designed as if for decreasing air resistance

streamline
n. 1 : to design or construct with a streamline
2 : to bring up to date : MODERNIZE
3 a : to put in order : ORGANIZE b : to make simpler or more efficient <a system that streamlines the process>

streamlined
adj. 1 a : contoured to reduce resistance to motion through a fluid (as air) b : stripped of nonessentials : COMPACT c : effectively integrated : ORGANIZED
2 : having flowing lines
3 : brought up to date : MODERNIZED

streamliner
n. : one that is streamlined especially : a streamlined train

streamside
: the land bordering on a stream

Streamwood
village NE Ill. E of Elgin pop 36,407

streek
1 chiefly Scottish : STRETCH, EXTEND
2 chiefly Scottish : to lay out (a dead body)

streel
n. 1 chiefly Irish : to saunter idly and aimlessly
2 chiefly Irish : to trail or float in the manner of a streamer

streel
n. chiefly Irish : an untidy slovenly person

street
n. 1 a : a thoroughfare especially in a city, town, or village that is wider than an alley or lane and that usually includes sidewalks b : the part of a street reserved for vehicles c : a thoroughfare with abutting property <lives on a fashionable street>
2 : the people occupying property on a street <the whole street knew about the accident>
3 : a promising line of development or a channeling of effort <a crafty politician working both sides of the street> <success through compromise is a two-way street>
4 capitalized a : a district (as Wall Street or Fleet Street) identified with a particular profession b : the people who work in such a district <doing better than the Street expected>
5 : an environment (as in a depressed neighborhood or section of a city) of poverty, dereliction, or crime <grew up on the mean streets>
–on the street or in the street
1 : idle, homeless, or out of a job
2 : out of prison : at liberty
–up one's street or down one's street : suited to one's abilities or taste

street
n. 1 : of or relating to the streets: as a : adjoining or giving access to a street <the street door> b : carried on or taking place in the street <street fighting> c : living or working on the streets <a street peddler> <street people> d : located in, used for, or serving as a guide to the streets <a street map> e : performing in or heard on the street <a street band> f (1) : suitable for wear or use on the street <street clothes> (2) : not touching the ground ― used of a woman's dress in lengths reaching the knee, calf, or ankle g : of, relating to, or characteristic of the street environment <street drugs> <used⋯his new street cred to develop contacts ― Dale Keiger>
2 : RETAIL <the street price>

street
n. down one's street
in the street
civvy street
cloud street
easy street
Fleet Street
Grub Street
high street
Main Street
man in the street
man on the street
side street
up one's street
on the street
street fighter
street hockey
street railway
street smart
street smarts
street theater
through street
two way street
Wall Street
woman of the street

street fighter
: a tough belligerent person <a political street fighter>

street hockey
: a game resembling ice hockey played on a hard surface by players wearing shoes or roller skates and using hockey sticks and a small ball

street railway
: a line operating streetcars or buses

street smarts
: the quality of being streetwise

street theater
: drama dealing with controversial social and political issues that is usually performed outdoors

street-smart
: STREETWISE

streetcar
n. : a vehicle on rails used primarily for transporting passengers and typically operating on city streets

Streeter
Fleet Streeter
Main Streeter
Wall Streeter

streetlight
n. : a light usually mounted on a pole and constituting one of a series spaced at intervals along a public street or highway ― called also streetlamp

streets
n. chiefly British : by a considerable margin <a nice woman, streets above these other callers ― Katherine Mansfield>

streetscape
1 : the appearance or view of a street
2 : a work of art depicting a view of a street

streetwalker
n. : PROSTITUTE especially : one who solicits in the streets ― compare CALL GIRL
–street·walk·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

streetwise
adj. : possessing the skills and attitudes necessary to survive in a difficult or dangerous situation or environment

Streicher
Julius 1885-1946 Ger. Nazi administrator

strength
n. 1 : the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
2 : power to resist force : SOLIDITY, TOUGHNESS
3 : power of resisting attack : IMPREGNABILITY
4 a : legal, logical, or moral force b : a strong attribute or inherent asset <the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident>
5 a : degree of potency of effect or of concentration <chili peppers in varying strengths> b : intensity of light, color, sound, or odor c : vigor of expression
6 : force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization <an army at full strength>
7 : one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : SUPPORT <you are my love and my strength>
8 : maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices <the strength of the dollar>
9 : BASIS ― used in the phrase on the strength of
synonyms see POWER
–from strength to strength : vigorously forward : from one high point to the next

strength
n. industrial strength
from strength to strength
tensile strength

strengthen
v. transitive verb : to make stronger
intransitive verb : to become stronger
–strength·en·er \'streŋ(k)th-nər, 'stren(t)th-; 'streŋ(k)-thə-, 'stren(t)-\ noun

strenuous
adj. 1 a : vigorously active : ENERGETIC b : FERVENT, ZEALOUS <the proposal's most strenuous supporters>
2 : marked by or calling for energy or stamina : ARDUOUS <a strenuous hike>
synonyms see VIGOROUS
–stren·u·os·i·ty \ˌstren-yə-'wä-sə-tē\ noun
–stren·u·ous·ly \'stren-yə-wəs-lē\ adverb
–stren·u·ous·ness noun

strep
n. : STREPTOCOCCUS

strep throat
: an inflammatory sore throat caused by hemolytic Group A streptococci and marked by fever, prostration, and toxemia ― called also septic sore throat

strepto
1 : twisted : twisted chain <streptococcus>
2 : streptococcus <streptokinase>

streptobacillus
n. : any of a genus (Streptobacillus) of nonmotile gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria in which the individual cells are often joined in a chain especially : one (S. moniliformis) that is the causative agent of one form of rat-bite fever

streptocarpus
n. : any of a genus (Streptocarpus) of usually stemless African gesneriads that have showy brightly colored flowers with funnel-shaped corollas

streptococcal
adj. : of, relating to, caused by, or being streptococci <a streptococcal sore throat> <streptococcal organisms>

streptococcus
n. : any of a genus (Streptococcus) of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals broadly : a coccus occurring in chains

streptokinase
n. : a proteolytic enzyme produced by hemolytic streptococci that promotes the dissolution of blood clots by activating plasminogen to produce plasmin

streptolysin
n. : an antigenic hemolysin produced by streptococci

streptomyces
n. : any of a genus (Streptomyces) of mostly soil streptomycetes including some that form antibiotics as by-products of their metabolism

streptomycete
n. : any of a family (Streptomycetaceae) of actinomycetes (as a streptomyces) that form vegetative mycelia which rarely break up into bacillary forms, have conidia borne on sporophores, and are typically aerobic soil saprophytes but include a few parasites of plants and animals

streptomycin
n. : an antibiotic organic base C_21H_39N_7O_12 that is produced by a soil actinomycete (Streptomyces griseus), is active against many bacteria, and is used especially in the treatment of infections (as tuberculosis) by gram-negative bacteria

streptothricin
n. : any of a group of related basic antibiotics produced by a streptomyces (Streptomyces lavendulae) and active especially against bacteria

Stresa
town NW Italy in Piedmont on Lake Maggiore

Stresemann
Gustav 1878-1929 Ger. polit.

stress
n. 1 : constraining force or influence: as a : a force exerted when one body or body part presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part especially : the intensity of this mutual force commonly expressed in pounds per square inch b : the deformation caused in a body by such a force c : a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation d : a state resulting from a stress especially : one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium <job-related stress> e : STRAIN, PRESSURE <the environment is under stress to the point of collapse ― Joseph Shoben>
2 : EMPHASIS, WEIGHT <lay stress on a point>
3 archaic : intense effort or exertion
4 : intensity of utterance given to a speech sound, syllable, or word producing relative loudness
5 a : relative force or prominence of sound in verse b : a syllable having relative force or prominence
6 : ACCENT 6A

stress
n. 1 : to subject to physical or psychological stress <stressing the equipment> <this traffic is stressing me out>
2 : to subject to phonetic stress : ACCENT
3 : to lay stress on : EMPHASIZE <stressed the importance of teamwork>
intransitive verb : to feel stress <stressing about the big exam> ― often used with out

stress
n. de stress
repetitive stress injury
sentence stress
storm and stress
stress fracture
stress incontinence
stress mark
stress test
word stress
post traumatic stress disorder
post traumatic stress syndrome
stressed out

stress fracture
: a usually hairline fracture of a bone that has been subjected to repeated stress

stress incontinence
: involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder accompanying physical activity (as laughing or coughing) which places increased pressure on the abdomen ― compare URGE INCONTINENCE

stress mark
: a mark used with (as before, after, or over) a written syllable in the respelling of a word to show that this syllable is to be stressed when spoken : ACCENT MARK

stress test
: an electrocardiographic test of heart function before, during, and after a controlled period of increasingly strenuous exercise (as on a treadmill)

stressed
v. : STRESSED-OUT <feeling stressed about work>

stressed-out
: suffering from high levels of physical or especially psychological stress

stressful
adj. : full of or tending to induce stress
–stress·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

stressless
adj. : having no stress specifically : having no accent <a stressless syllable>
–stress·less·ness noun

stressor
n. : a stimulus that causes stress

stretch
n. transitive verb
1 : to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position
2 : to reach out : EXTEND <stretched out her arms>
3 : to extend in length <stretched his neck to see what was going on>
4 : to fell with or as if with a blow
5 : to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture
6 : to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position
7 : to pull taut <canvas stretched on a frame>
8 a : to enlarge or distend especially by force b : to extend or expand as if by physical force <stretch one's mind with a good book> c : STRAIN <stretched his already thin patience>
9 : to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space) <stretch a wire between two posts>
10 a : to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits <the rules can be stretched this once> b : to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function <stretching a dollar>
11 : to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running <stretch a single into a double>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become extended in length or breadth or both : SPREAD <broad plains stretching to the sea> b : to extend over a continuous period <the dynasty stretches back several centuries>
2 : to become extended without breaking
3 a : to extend one's body or limbs <stretched before jogging> <wanted to stretch out on the sofa> b : to lie down at full length
–stretch·abil·i·ty \ˌstre-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–stretch·able \'stre-chə-bəl\ adjective
–stretchy \-chē\ adjective
–stretch a point : to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession
–stretch one's legs
1 : to extend the legs
2 : to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting

stretch
n. 1 a : an exercise of something (as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits <their conclusion seemed like a bit of a stretch> b : an extension of the scope or application of something <a stretch of language>
2 : the extent to which something may be stretched
3 a : the act of stretching : the state of being stretched <a good stretch for legs> b : the position of a pitcher standing sideways to home plate so as to keep a runner close to a base <pitching from the stretch>
4 a : an extent in length or area <an open stretch of road> b : a continuous period of time <can write for eight hours at a stretch>
5 : a walk to relieve fatigue
6 : a term of imprisonment <served a 10-year stretch>
7 a : either of the straight sides of a racecourse especially : HOMESTRETCH b : a final stage (as of a contest or season) <won some crucial games down the stretch>
8 : the capacity for being stretched : ELASTICITY <a waistband with lots of stretch>
9 : a stretch limousine

stretch
n. 1 : easily stretched : ELASTIC <a stretch wig>
2 : longer than the standard size <a stretch limousine>

stretch
n. stretch receptor
stretch one's legs
stretch a point
stretch marks
stretch out
stretch runner

stretch a point
to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession

stretch marks
: striae on the skin (as of the hips, abdomen, and breasts) from excessive stretching and rupture of elastic fibers especially due to pregnancy or obesity

stretch one's legs

1 : to extend the legs
2 : to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting

stretch receptor
: MUSCLE SPINDLE

stretch runner
: a racehorse that makes a strong bid in the homestretch

stretch-out
1 : a system of industrial operation in which workers are required to do extra work with slight or with no additional pay
2 : the act of stretching out : the state of being stretched out
3 : an economizing measure that spreads a limited quantity over a larger field than orig. intended: as a : a slackening of production schedules so that a quantity of goods will be produced over a longer period than initially planned b : a restructuring of a loan repayment schedule over an extended period of time

stretcher
n. 1 a : one that stretches especially : a device or machine for stretching or expanding something b : an exaggerated story : a tall tale
2 a : a brick or stone laid with its length parallel to the face of the wall b : a timber or rod used especially when horizontal as a tie in framed work
3 : a device for carrying a sick, injured, or dead person
4 : a rod or bar extending between two legs of a chair or table

stretcher
n. : to carry or transport on a stretcher

Stretford
town NW England in Greater Manchester SW of Manchester pop 47,600

stretto
adv. 1 a : the overlapping of answer with subject in a musical fugue b : the part of a fugue characterized by this overlapping
2 : a concluding passage performed in a quicker tempo

streusel
n. : a crumbly mixture of fat, sugar, and flour and sometimes nuts and spices that is used as topping or filling for cake

strew
v. 1 : to spread by scattering
2 : to cover by or as if by scattering something <strewing the highways with litter>
3 : to become dispersed over as if scattered
4 : to spread abroad : DISSEMINATE

strewment
archaic : something (as flowers) strewed or designed for strewing

stria
n. 1 : STRIATION 2
2 : a stripe or line (as in the skin) distinguished from the surrounding area by color, texture, or elevation ― compare STRETCH MARKS

striate
adj. : to mark with striations or striae

striate
adj. : STRIATED

striated
adj. 1 : marked with striations or striae
2 : of, relating to, or being striated muscle

striated muscle
: muscle tissue that is marked by transverse dark and light bands, is made up of elongated usually multinucleated fibers, and includes skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and most muscle of arthropods ― compare SMOOTH MUSCLE, VOLUNTARY MUSCLE

striation
n. 1 a : the fact or state of being striated b : arrangement of striations or striae
2 : a minute groove, scratch, or channel especially when one of a parallel series
3 : any of the alternate dark and light cross bands of a myofibril of striated muscle

striatum
n. : CORPUS STRIATUM especially : the part of the corpus striatum consisting of the caudate nucleus and putamen

stricken
adj. 1 a : afflicted or overwhelmed by or as if by disease, misfortune, or sorrow b : made incapable or unfit <rescuers were sent to the stricken ship>
2 : hit or wounded by or as if by a missile <the deer had been stricken by an arrow>

stricken
adj. panic stricken
planet stricken
poverty stricken

strict
adj. 1 archaic a : TIGHT, CLOSE also : INTIMATE b : NARROW
2 a : stringent in requirement or control <under strict orders> b : severe in discipline <a strict teacher>
3 a : inflexibly maintained or adhered to <strict secrecy> b : rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition
4 : EXACT, PRECISE <in the strict sense of the word>
5 : of narrow erect habit of growth <a strict inflorescence>
synonyms see RIGID
–strict·ly \'strik(t)-lē\ adverb
–strict·ness \-nəs\ noun

strict liability
: liability imposed without regard to fault

stricture
n. 1 a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage also : the narrowed part b : a constriction of the breath passage in the production of a speech sound
2 : something that closely restrains or limits : RESTRICTION <moral strictures>
3 : an adverse criticism : CENSURE

stride
n. intransitive verb
1 : to stand astride
2 : to move with or as if with long steps <strode across the room>
3 : to take a very long step
transitive verb
1 : BESTRIDE, STRADDLE
2 : to step over
3 : to move over or along with or as if with long measured steps <striding the boardwalk>
–strid·er \'strī-dər\ noun

stride
n. 1 a : a cycle of locomotor movements (as of a horse) completed when the feet regain the initial relative positions also : the distance traversed in a stride b : the most effective natural pace : maximum competence or capability ― often used in the phrase hit one's stride
2 : a long step
3 : an act of striding
4 : a stage of progress : ADVANCE <made great strides toward their goal>
5 : a manner of striding
6 : STRIDE PIANO
–in stride
1 : without interference with regular activities
2 : without emotional reaction <took the news in stride>

stride
n. in stride
stride piano
water strider

stride piano
: a style of jazz piano playing in which the right hand plays the melody while the left hand alternates between a single note and a chord played an octave or more higher

stridence
n. : STRIDENCY

stridency
n. : the quality or state of being strident

strident
adj. : characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound <a strident voice> also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality <strident slogans>
synonyms see LOUD, VOCIFEROUS
–stri·dent·ly adverb

stridor
n. 1 : a harsh, shrill, or creaking noise
2 : a harsh vibrating sound heard during respiration in cases of obstruction of the air passages

stridulate
v. : to make a shrill creaking noise by rubbing together special bodily structures ― used especially of male insects (as crickets or grasshoppers)
–strid·u·la·tion \ˌstri-jə-'lā-shən\ noun
–strid·u·la·to·ry \'stri-jə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

stridulous
adj. : making a shrill creaking sound
–strid·u·lous·ly adverb

strife
n. 1 a : bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension <political strife> b : an act of contention : FIGHT, STRUGGLE
2 : exertion or contention for superiority
3 archaic : earnest endeavor
synonyms see DISCORD
–strife·less \'strī-fləs\ adjective

strigil
n. : an instrument used by ancient Greeks and Romans for scraping moisture off the skin after bathing or exercising

strigose
: having appressed bristles or scales <a strigose leaf>

Strijdom
Johannes Gerhardus 1893-1958 prime min. of So. Africa (1954-58)

strike
n. intransitive verb
1 : to take a course : GO <struck off through the brush>
2 a : to aim and usually deliver a blow, stroke, or thrust (as with the hand, a weapon, or a tool) b : to arrive with detrimental effect <disaster struck> c : to attempt to undermine or harm something as if by a blow <struck at⋯cherished notions ― R. P. Warren>
3 : to come into contact forcefully <two ships struck in mid channel>
4 : to delete something
5 : to lower a flag usually in surrender
6 a : to become indicated by a clock, bell, or chime <the hour had just struck> b : to make known the time by sounding <the clock struck as they entered>
7 : PIERCE, PENETRATE <the wind seemed to strike through our clothes>
8 a : to engage in battle b : to make a military attack
9 : to become ignited <the match struck>
10 : to discover something <struck on a new plan of attack>
11 a : to pull on a fishing rod in order to set the hook b of a fish : to seize the bait
12 : DART, SHOOT
13 a of a plant cutting : to take root b of a seed : GERMINATE
14 : to make an impression
15 : to stop work in order to force an employer to comply with demands
16 : to make a beginning <the need to strike vigorously for success>
17 : to thrust oneself forward <he struck into the midst of the argument>
18 : to work diligently : STRIVE
transitive verb
1 a : to strike at : HIT b : to drive or remove by or as if by a blow c : to attack or seize with a sharp blow (as of fangs or claws) <struck by a snake> d : INFLICT <strike a blow> e : to produce by or as if by a blow or stroke <Moses struck water from the rock> f : to separate by a sharp blow <strike off flints>
2 a : to haul down : LOWER <strike the sails> b : to dismantle and take away <strike the set> c : to strike the tents of (a camp)
3 : to afflict suddenly <stricken by a heart attack>
4 a : to engage in (a battle) : FIGHT b : to make a military attack on
5 : DELETE, CANCEL <strike the last paragraph>
6 a : to penetrate painfully : PIERCE b : to cause to penetrate <strike the needle> c : to send down or out <trees struck roots deep into the soil>
7 a : to level (as a measure of grain) by scraping off what is above the rim b : to smooth or form (as a mold) with a tool
8 : to indicate by sounding <the clock struck one>
9 a (1) : to bring into forceful contact <struck his head on the doorjamb> (2) : to shake (hands) in confirming an agreement (3) : to thrust suddenly b : to come into contact or collision with <the car struck the tree> c of light : to fall on d of a sound : to become audible to
10 a : to affect with a mental or emotional state or a strong emotion <struck with horror at the sight> b : to affect a person with (a strong emotion) <words that struck fear in the listeners> c : to cause to become by or as if by a sudden blow <struck him dead>
11 a : to produce by stamping <strike a coin> b (1) : to produce (as fire) by or as if by striking (2) : to cause to ignite by friction <strike a match>
12 : to make and ratify the terms of <strike a bargain>
13 a : to play or produce by stroking keys or strings <struck a series of chords on the piano> b : to produce as if by playing an instrument <his voice struck a note of concern>
14 a : to hook (a fish) by a sharp pull on the line b of a fish : to snatch at (a bait)
15 a : to occur to <the answer struck me suddenly> b : to appear to especially as a revelation or as remarkable : IMPRESS <it struck the crowd as insensitive>
16 : BEWITCH
17 : to arrive at by or as if by computation <strike a balance>
18 a : to come to : ATTAIN b : to come upon : DISCOVER <strike gold>
19 : to engage in a strike against (an employer)
20 : TAKE ON, ASSUME <strike a pose>
21 a : to place (a plant cutting) in a medium for growth and rooting b : to so propagate (a plant)
22 : to make one's way along <will strike the southern coast>
23 : to cause (an arc) to form (as between electrodes of an arc lamp)
24 of an insect : to oviposit on or in
synonyms see AFFECT
–strike it rich : to become rich usually suddenly

strike
n. 1 : a tool for smoothing a surface (as of a mold)
2 : an act or instance of striking
3 a : a work stoppage by a body of workers to enforce compliance with demands made on an employer b : a temporary stoppage of activities in protest against an act or condition
4 : the direction of the line of intersection of a horizontal plane with an uptilted geological stratum
5 a : a pull on a fishing rod to strike a fish b : a pull on a line by a fish in striking
6 : a stroke of good luck especially : a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit
7 a : a pitched ball that is in the strike zone or is swung at and is not hit fair b : a perfectly thrown ball or pass
8 : DISADVANTAGE, HANDICAP
9 : an act or instance of knocking down all the bowling pins with the first bowl
10 : establishment of roots and plant growth
11 : cutaneous myiasis (as of sheep)
12 a : a military attack especially : an air attack on a single objective b : a group of airplanes taking part in such an attack

strike
n. called strike
first strike
fly strike
hunger strike
rent strike
strike it rich
strike down
strike force
strike off
strike out
strike price
strike slip
strike up
strike zone
sympathetic strike
sympathy strike
ten strike
fly struck
horror struck
planet struck
striking price
striking distance
panic stricken
planet stricken
poverty stricken

strike down
: ANNUL, NULLIFY <the board struck down the appointment> especially : to declare (a law) illegal and unenforceable <the Supreme Court struck down the law>

strike force
1 : an armed force equipped to deliver a strong offensive or retaliatory blow
2 : a team of federal agents assigned to investigate organized crime in a specific area

strike it rich
to become rich usually suddenly

strike off
1 : to produce in an effortless manner <strike off a poem>
2 : to depict clearly and exactly

strike out
1 : to enter upon a course of action
2 : to set out vigorously
3 : to make an out in baseball by a strikeout
4 : to finish bowling a string with consecutive strikes specifically : to bowl three strikes in the last frame
5 : FAIL 2C
transitive verb of a baseball pitcher : to retire (as a batter) by a strikeout

strike price
: an agreed-upon price at which an option contract can be exercised ― called also striking price

strike up
: to begin to sing or play or to be sung or played
transitive verb
1 : to cause to begin singing or playing <strike up the band>
2 : to cause to begin <strike up a conversation>

strike zone
: the area over home plate through which a pitched baseball must pass to be called a strike

strike-slip
1 : a fault about which movement is predominantly horizontal
2 : a slipping movement along the strike of a fault <strike-slip earthquakes>

strikebound
adj. : subjected to a strike

strikebreaker
n. : a person hired to replace a striking worker

strikebreaking
n. : action designed to break up a strike

strikeout
n. : an out in baseball resulting from a batter's being charged with three strikes

strikeover
n. : an act or instance of striking a typewriter character on a spot occupied by another character

striker
n. 1 : one that strikes: as a : a player in any of several games who is striking or attempting to strike a ball b : the hammer of the striking mechanism of a clock or watch c : a blacksmith's helper who swings the sledgehammer d : a worker on strike
2 : a junior enlisted man in the U.S. Navy who has declared an occupational specialty
3 : a forward in soccer

striking
n. : attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities <a place of striking beauty>
synonyms see NOTICEABLE
–strik·ing·ly adverb

striking distance
: a distance from which something can be easily reached or attained <almost within striking distance of their goal>

Strimon, Gulf of
inlet of the Aegean NE Greece NE of Chalcidice Peninsula

Strindberg
August 1849-1912 Swed. dram. & nov.
–Strind·berg·ian \strin(d)-'bər-gē-ən\ adjective

string
n. 1 a : a cord usually used to bind, fasten, or tie ― often used attributively <a string bag> b : something that resembles a string <garnished with potato strings>
2 a archaic : a cord (as a tendon or ligament) of an animal body b : a plant fiber (as a leaf vein)
3 a : the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument b plural (1) : the stringed instruments of an orchestra (2) : the players of such instruments
4 : the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow
5 a : a group of objects threaded on a string <a string of fish> <a string of pearls> b (1) : a series of things arranged in or as if in a line <a string of cars> <a string of names> (2) : a sequence of like items (as bits, characters, or words) c : a group of business properties scattered geographically <a string of newspapers> d : the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual
6 a : a means of recourse : EXPEDIENT b : a group of players ranked according to skill or proficiency
7 : SUCCESSION 3A <a string of successes>
8 : one of the inclined sides of a stair supporting the treads and risers
9 a : BALKLINE 1 b : the action of lagging for break in billiards
10 : LINE 13
11 plural a : contingent conditions or obligations b : CONTROL, DOMINATION
12 : a hypothetical one-dimensional object that is infinitely thin but has a length of 10-33 centimeters, that vibrates as it moves through space, and whose mode of vibration manifests itself as a subatomic particle
–string·less \'striŋ-ləs\ adjective
–on the string : subject to one's influences

string
n. transitive verb
1 a : to equip with strings b : to tune the strings of
2 : to make tense : key up
3 a : to thread on or as if on a string b : to thread with objects c : to tie, hang, or fasten with string d : to put together (as words or ideas) like objects threaded on a string <strung her thoughts together>
4 : to hang by the neck ― used with up
5 : to remove the strings of <string beans>
6 a : to extend or stretch like a string <string wires from tree to tree> b : to set out in a line or series ― often used with out
intransitive verb
1 : to move, progress, or lie in a string
2 : to form into strings
3 : LAG 3

string
n. : of or relating to stringed musical instruments <the string section>

string
n. apron string
cosmic string
first string
G string
pull the string
second string
on the string
string along
string bass
string bean
string bikini
string cheese
string line
string quartet
string theory
string tie
pull strings
purse strings
high strung
strung out

string along
1 : to keep waiting <strung him along until the boss was back from lunch>
2 : DECEIVE, FOOL <string alonging us along with ruses and red herrings ― John Powers>
intransitive verb : GO ALONG, AGREE <held her tongue and strung along with the rest of them>

string bass
: DOUBLE BASS

string bean
1 : a bean of one of the older varieties of kidney bean that have stringy fibers on the lines of separation of the pods broadly : SNAP BEAN
2 : a very tall thin person

string bikini
: a scanty bikini with string-like straps

string cheese
: cheese formed usually into sticks that can be pulled apart in narrow strips

string line
: BALKLINE 1

string quartet
1 : a composition for string quartet
2 : a quartet of performers on stringed instruments usually including a first and second violin, a viola, and a cello

string theory
: a theory in physics: all elementary particles are manifestations of the vibrations of one-dimensional strings

string tie
: a narrow necktie

stringcourse
n. : a horizontal band (as of bricks) in a building forming a part of the design

stringed
adj. 1 : having strings <stringed instruments>
2 : produced by strings

stringency
n. : the quality or state of being stringent

stringendo
adj. : with quickening of tempo (as to a climax) ― used as a direction in music

stringent
adj. 1 : TIGHT, CONSTRICTED
2 : marked by rigor, strictness, or severity especially with regard to rule or standard <stringent decontamination procedures>
3 : marked by money scarcity and credit strictness <a stringent budget>
synonyms see RIGID
–strin·gent·ly adverb

stringer
n. 1 : one that strings
2 : a string, wire, or chain often with snaps on which fish are strung by a fisherman
3 : a narrow vein or irregular filament of mineral traversing a rock mass of different material
4 a : a long horizontal timber to connect uprights in a frame or to support a floor b : STRING 8 c : a tie in a truss
5 a : a longitudinal member extending from bent to bent of a railroad bridge and carrying the track b : a longitudinal member (as in an airplane fuselage or wing) to reinforce the skin
6 a : a news correspondent who is paid space rates b : a reporter who works for a publication or news agency on a part-time basis broadly : CORRESPONDENT
7 : one estimated to be of specified excellence or efficiency ― used in combination <first-stringer> <second-stringer>

stringhalt
n. : a condition of lameness in a horse's hind legs caused by muscular spasms and resulting in excessive flexion of the hock
–string·halt·ed \-ˌhȯl-təd\ adjective

stringing
1 : lines of inlay in furniture decoration
2 : the material with which a racket is strung

stringpiece
n. : the heavy squared timber lying along the top of the piles forming a dock front or timber pier

stringy
adj. 1 a : containing, consisting of, or resembling fibrous matter or string <stringy hair> b : lean and sinewy in build : WIRY
2 : capable of being drawn out to form a string : ROPY <a stringy precipitate>
–string·i·ness noun

stringybark
n. 1 : any of several Australian eucalypti with fibrous inner bark
2 : the bark of a stringybark

strip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to remove clothing, covering, or surface matter from b : to deprive of possessions c : to divest of honors, privileges, or functions
2 a : to remove extraneous or superficial matter from <a prose style stripped to the bones> b : to remove furniture, equipment, or accessories from <strip a ship for action>
3 : to make bare or clear (as by cutting or grazing)
4 : to finish a milking of by pressing the last available milk from the teats <strip a cow>
5 a : to remove cured leaves from the stalks of (tobacco) b : to remove the midrib from (tobacco leaves)
6 : to tear or damage the thread of (a separable part or fitting)
7 : to separate (components) from a mixture or solution
8 : to press eggs or milt out of (a fish)
9 : to remove (a subcutaneous vein) by means of a surgical instrument <stripping a varicose saphenous vein>
intransitive verb
1 a : to take off clothes b : to perform a striptease
2 : PEEL 1
–strip·pa·ble \'stri-pə-bəl\ adjective

strip
n. 1 a : a long narrow piece of a material b : a long narrow area of land or water
2 : AIRSTRIP
3 : a commercially developed area especially along a highway
4 : COMIC STRIP
5 : STRIPTEASE

strip
n. comic strip
drag strip
landing strip
median strip
Mobius strip
Möbius strip
power strip
rumble strip
strip chart recorder
strip chart recording
strip cropping
strip crop
strip mall
strip mine
strip miner
strip poker
strip search
weather strip
stripped down
weather stripping

strip cropping
: the growing of a cultivated crop (as corn) in strips alternating with strips of a sod-forming crop (as hay) arranged to follow an approximate contour of the land and minimize erosion
–strip-crop \'strip-ˌkräp\ verb

strip mall
: a long usually one-story building or group of buildings housing several adjacent retail stores or service establishments

strip mine
: a mine that is worked from the earth's surface by the stripping of overburden especially : a coal mine situated along the outcrop of a flat dipping bed
–strip-mine verb
–strip miner noun

strip poker
: a poker game in which players pay their losses by removing articles of clothing

strip search
: a search for something concealed on a person made after removal of the person's clothing
–strip-search verb

strip-chart recorder
: a device used for the continuous graphic recording of time-dependent data
–strip-chart recording noun

stripe
n. : a stroke or blow with a rod or lash

stripe
n. : to make stripes on or variegate with stripes

stripe
n. 1 a : a line or long narrow section differing in color or texture from parts adjoining b (1) : a textile design consisting of lines or bands against a plain background (2) : a fabric with a striped design
2 : a narrow strip of braid or embroidery usually in the shape of a bar, arc, or chevron that is worn (as on the sleeve of a military uniform) to indicate rank or length of service
3 : a distinct variety or sort : TYPE <persons of the same political stripe>
–stripe·less \'strī-pləs\ adjective

stripe
n. service stripe
Stars and Stripes
pin striped
striped bass
striped skunk

striped
adj. : having stripes or streaks

striped
adj. pin striped
striped bass
striped skunk

striped bass
: a large anadromous silvery food and sport fish (Morone saxatilis of the family Percichthyidae) with black horizontal stripes on the sides that occurs along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. and has been introduced into inland waters (as lakes and reservoirs) and along the Pacific coast ― called also rockfish

striped skunk
: a common No. American skunk (Mephitis mephitis) usually with white on the top of the head that extends posteriorly in two narrowly separated stripes

striper
n. : STRIPED BASS

striping
v. 1 a : the stripes marked or painted on something b : a design of stripes
2 : the act or process of marking with stripes

stripling
n. : YOUTH 2A

stripped-down
: lacking any extra features : SIMPLE <a stripped-down basic car>

stripper
n. 1 : one that strips
2 : STRIPTEASER
3 : a machine that separates a desired part of an agricultural crop
4 : an oil well that produces 10 barrels or less per day

striptease
n. : a burlesque act in which a performer removes clothing piece by piece

stripteaser
n. : one who performs a striptease

stripy
adj. : marked by stripes or streaks <a stripy cat>

strive
v. 1 : to devote serious effort or energy : ENDEAVOR <strive to finish a project>
2 : to struggle in opposition : CONTEND
synonyms see ATTEMPT
–striv·er \'strī-vər\ noun

strobe
n. 1 : STROBOSCOPE
2 : a device that utilizes a flashtube for high-speed illumination (as in photography)
3 : FLASHTUBE

strobe light
: STROBE

strobila
n. : a linear series of similar animal structures (as the proglottids of a tapeworm) produced by budding

strobilation
n. : asexual reproduction (as in various coelenterates and tapeworms) by transverse division of the body into segments which develop into separate individuals, zooids, or proglottids

strobilus
n. 1 : an aggregation of sporophylls resembling a cone (as in the club mosses and horsetails)
2 : the cone of a gymnosperm

stroboscope
n. : an instrument for determining the speed of cyclic motion (as rotation or vibration) that causes the motion to appear slowed or stopped: as a : a revolving disk with holes around the edge through which an object is viewed b : a device that uses a flashtube to intermittently illuminate a moving object c : a cardboard disk with marks to be viewed under intermittent light

stroboscopic
adj. : of, utilizing, or relating to a stroboscope or a strobe
–stro·bo·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

strode
past of stride

Stroessner
Alfredo 1912-     pres. of Paraguay (1954-89)

stroke
n. 1 : to rub gently in one direction also : CARESS
2 : to flatter or pay attention to in a manner designed to reassure or persuade
–strok·er noun

stroke
n. 1 : the act of striking especially : a blow with a weapon or implement
2 : a single unbroken movement especially : one of a series of repeated or to-and-fro movements
3 a : a controlled swing intended to hit a ball or shuttlecock also : a striking of the ball b : such a stroke charged to a player as a unit of scoring in golf
4 a : a sudden action or process producing an impact <a stroke of lightning> b : an unexpected result <a stroke of luck>
5 : sudden diminution or loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion caused by rupture or obstruction (as by a clot) of a blood vessel of the brain ― called also apoplexy cerebrovascular accident
6 a : one of a series of propelling beats or movements against a resisting medium <a stroke of the oar> b : a rower who sets the pace for a crew
7 a : a vigorous or energetic effort by which something is done, produced, or accomplished <a stroke of genius> <a brilliant diplomatic stroke> b : a delicate or clever touch in a narrative, description, or construction
8 : HEARTBEAT
9 : the movement in either direction of a mechanical part (as a piston) having a reciprocating motion also : the distance of such movement
10 : the sound of a bell being struck <at the stroke of twelve> also : the specific time indicated by or as if by such a sound
11 [1stroke] : an act of stroking or caressing
12 a : a mark or dash made by a single movement of an implement b : one of the lines of a letter of the alphabet
–at a stroke : all at once <spent her savings at a stroke>

stroke
n. transitive verb
1 a : to mark with a short line <stroke the t's> b : to cancel by drawing a line through <stroked out his name>
2 : to set the stroke for (a rowing crew) also : to set the stroke for the crew of (a rowing boat)
3 : HIT especially : to propel (a ball) with a controlled swinging blow
intransitive verb
1 : to execute a stroke
2 : to row at a certain number of strokes a minute

stroke
n. ground stroke
at a stroke
stroke play
trudgen stroke

stroke play
: golf competition scored by total number of strokes

stroll
n. intransitive verb
1 : to go from place to place in search of work or profit <strolling players> <strolling musicians>
2 : to walk in a leisurely or idle manner : RAMBLE
transitive verb : to walk at leisure along or about
–stroll noun

stroller
n. 1 a : an itinerant actor b : VAGRANT, TRAMP
2 : one that strolls
3 : a collapsible carriage designed as a chair in which a small child may be pushed

stroma
n. 1 a : a compact mass of fungal hyphae producing perithecia or pycnidia b : the colorless proteinaceous matrix of a chloroplast in which the chlorophyll-containing lamellae are embedded
2 a : the supporting framework of an animal organ typically consisting of connective tissue b : the spongy protoplasmic framework of some cells (as a red blood cell)
–stro·mal \-məl\ adjective

stromatolite
n. : a laminated usually mounded sedimentary fossil formed from layers of cyanobacteria, calcium carbonate, and trapped sediment
–stro·mat·o·lit·ic \-ˌma-tə-'li-tik\ adjective

Stromboli
1 island Italy in Lipari Islands
2 volcano 3038 ft (926 m) on the island

Stromlo, Mount
hill 2500 ft (758 m) SE Australia in Australian Capital Territory W of Canberra

strong
adj. 1 : having or marked by great physical power
2 : having moral or intellectual power
3 : having great resources (as of wealth or talent)
4 : of a specified number <an army ten thousand strong>
5 a : striking or superior of its kind <a strong resemblance> b : effective or efficient especially in a specified direction <strong on watching other people work ― A. Alvarez>
6 : FORCEFUL, COGENT <strong evidence> <strong talk>
7 : not mild or weak : EXTREME, INTENSE: as a : rich in some active agent <strong beer> b of a color : high in chroma c : ionizing freely in solution <strong acids and bases> d : magnifying by refracting greatly <a strong lens>
8 obsolete : FLAGRANT
9 : moving with rapidity or force <a strong wind>
10 : ARDENT, ZEALOUS <a strong supporter>
11 a : not easily injured or disturbed : SOLID b : not easily subdued or taken <a strong fort>
12 : well established : FIRM <strong beliefs>
13 : not easily upset or nauseated <a strong stomach>
14 : having an offensive or intense odor or flavor : RANK <strong breath>
15 : tending to steady or higher prices <a strong market>
16 : of, relating to, or being a verb that is inflected by a change in the root vowel (as strive, strove, striven) rather than by regular affixation
–strong adverb
–strong·ish \'strȯŋ-ish\ adjective
–strong·ly \'strȯŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms STRONG, STOUT, STURDY, STALWART, TOUGH, TENACIOUS mean showing power to resist or to endure. STRONG may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources <strong arms> <the defense has a strong case>. STOUT suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way <stout hiking boots>. STURDY implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction <a sturdy table> <people of sturdy independence>. STALWART suggests an unshakable dependability <stalwart environmentalists>. TOUGH implies great firmness and resiliency <a tough political opponent>. TENACIOUS suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together <tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life>.

strong
adj. strong anthropic principle
strong arm
strong breeze
strong drink
strong force
strong nuclear force
strong interaction
strong gale
strong minded
strong mindedness
strong mindedly
strong room
strong safety
strong side
strong suit

strong anthropic principle
: ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE B

strong breeze
: wind having a speed of 25 to 31 miles (40 to 50 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

strong drink
: intoxicating liquor

strong force
: a fundamental physical force that acts on hadrons and is responsible for the binding together of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus and for processes of particle creation in high-energy collisions and that is the strongest known fundamental physical force but acts only over distances comparable to those between nucleons in an atomic nucleus ― called also strong interaction strong nuclear force ― compare ELECTROMAGNETISM 2a GRAVITY 3a(2) WEAK FORCE

strong gale
: wind having a speed of 47 to 54 miles (75 to 87 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

strong room
: a room for money or valuables specially constructed to be fireproof and burglarproof

strong safety
: a safety in football who plays opposite the strong side of an offensive formation

strong side
: the side of a football formation having the greater number of players specifically : the side on which the tight end plays

strong suit
1 : a long suit containing high cards
2 : something in which one excels : FORTE <details of legislation have never been my strong suit ― Tip O'Neill>

strong-arm
: having or using undue force

strong-arm
1 a : to use force on : ASSAULT b : BULLY, INTIMIDATE
2 : to rob by force

strong-minded
: having a vigorous mind especially : marked by independence of thought and judgment
–strong-mind·ed·ly adverb
–strong-mind·ed·ness noun

strongbox
n. : a strongly made chest or case for money or valuables

stronghold
n. 1 : a fortified place
2 a : a place of security or survival <one of the last strongholds of the ancient Gaelic language ― George Holmes> b : a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic <a Republican stronghold> <strongholds of snobbery ― Lionel Trilling>

strongman
n. : one who leads or controls by force of will and character or by military methods

strongpoint
n. : a strongly fortified tactical locality in a defensive position

Strongsville
city NE Ohio SW of Cleveland pop 43,858

strongyle
n. : any of various nematode worms (family Strongylidae) related to the hookworms and parasitic especially in the intestines and tissues of horses ― compare BLOODWORM 2

strongyloidiasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by any of a genus (Strongyloides) of strongyles that parasitize especially the intestines of vertebrates including humans

strontianite
: a mineral consisting of a carbonate of strontium and occurring in various forms and colors

strontium
n. : a soft malleable ductile metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring only in combination and used especially in color TV tubes, in crimson fireworks, and in the production of some ferrites ― see ELEMENT table

strontium 90
: a heavy radioactive isotope of strontium of mass number 90 that has a half-life of 29 years, that is present in nuclear waste and fallout, and that is hazardous because like calcium it can be assimilated in biological processes and deposited in the bones of human beings and animals

strop
n. : STRAP: a : a short rope with its ends spliced to form a circle b : a usually leather band for sharpening a razor

strop
n. : to sharpen (a razor) on a strop

strophanthin
n. : any of several glycosides (as ouabain) or mixtures of glycosides from African plants (genera Strophanthus and Acokanthera) of the dogbane family especially : a bitter toxic glycoside C_36H_54O_14 from a woody vine (Strophanthus kombé) used similarly to digitalis

strophe
n. 1 a : a rhythmic system composed of two or more lines repeated as a unit especially : such a unit recurring in a series of strophic units b : STANZA
2 a : the movement of the classical Greek chorus while turning from one side to the other of the orchestra b : the part of a Greek choral ode sung during the strophe of the dance

strophic
adj. 1 : relating to, containing, or consisting of strophes
2 of a song : using the same music for successive stanzas ― compare THROUGH-COMPOSED

stroppy
adj. British : TOUCHY, BELLIGERENT

stroud
n. 1 also stroud·ing \'strau̇-diŋ\ : a coarse woolen cloth formerly used in trade with No. American Indians
2 : a blanket or garment of stroud

strove
past & chiefly dialect past part of strive

strow
v. archaic : SCATTER

stroy
obsolete : DESTROY

struck
adj. past and past part of strike

struck
adj. : closed by or subjected to a labor strike <a struck factory> <a struck employer>

struck
adj. fly struck
horror struck
planet struck

structural
adj. 1 : of or relating to the physical makeup of a plant or animal body <structural defects of the heart>
2 a : of, relating to, or affecting structure <structural stability> b : used in building structures <structural clay> c : involved in or caused by structure especially of the economy <structural unemployment>
3 : of, relating to, or resulting from the effects of folding or faulting of the earth's crust : TECTONIC
4 : concerned with or relating to structure rather than history or comparison <structural linguistics>
–struc·tur·al·ly adverb

structural
adj. fine structural
structural formula
structural gene
structural isomer
structural steel

structural formula
: an expanded molecular formula showing the arrangement within the molecule of atoms and of bonds

structural gene
: a gene that codes for the amino acid sequence of a protein (as an enzyme) or for a ribosomal RNA or transfer RNA

structural isomer
: one of two or more compounds that contain the same number and kinds of atoms but that differ significantly in their geometric arrangement

structural steel
1 : rolled steel in structural shapes
2 : steel suitable for structural shapes

structuralism
n. 1 : psychology concerned especially with resolution of the mind into structural elements
2 : structural linguistics
3 : an anthropological movement associated especially with Claude Lévi-Strauss that seeks to analyze social relationships in terms of highly abstract relational structures often expressed in a logical symbolism
4 : a method of analysis (as of a literary text or a political system) that is related to cultural anthropology and that focuses on recurring patterns of thought and behavior
–struc·tur·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

structuralize
: to organize or incorporate into a structure
–struc·tur·al·i·za·tion \ˌstrək-chə-rə-lə-'zā-shən, ˌstrək-shrə-\ noun

structuration
n. : the interrelation of parts in an organized whole

structure
n. 1 : the action of building : CONSTRUCTION
2 a : something (as a building) that is constructed b : something arranged in a definite pattern of organization <a rigid totalitarian structure ― J. L. Hess> <leaves and other plant structures>
3 : manner of construction : MAKEUP <Gothic in structure>
4 a : the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body <soil structure> <molecular structure> b : organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole <economic structure> <personality structure> c : coherent form or organization <tried to give some structure to the children's lives>
5 : the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other <the structure of a language>
–struc·ture·less \-ləs\ adjective
–struc·ture·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

structure
n. 1 : to form into or according to a structure
2 : CONSTRUCT

structure
n. crumb structure
data structure
deep structure
fine structure
power structure
surface structure

structured
adj. : of, relating to, or being a method of computer programming in which each step of the solution to a problem is contained in a separate subprogram

strudel
n. : a pastry made from a thin sheet of dough rolled up with filling and baked <apple strudel>

Struensee
Johann Friedrich 1737-1772 Graf Struensee Dan. (Ger.-born) physician & polit.

struggle
n. 1 : to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition <struggling with the problem>
2 : to proceed with difficulty or with great effort <struggled through the high grass> <struggling to make a living>
–strug·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

struggle
n. 1 : CONTEST, STRIFE <armed struggle> <a power struggle>
2 : a violent effort or exertion : an act of strongly motivated striving <a struggle to make ends meet>
3 : TUSSLE 1 <during the struggle the gun went off>

struggle for existence

1832
: the automatic competition of members of a natural population for limited vital resources (as food, space, or light) that results in natural selection

strum
n. : an act, instance, or sound of strumming

strum
n. transitive verb
1 a : to brush the fingers over the strings of (a musical instrument) in playing <strum a guitar> also : 3THRUM 1 b : to play (music) on a stringed instrument <strum a tune>
2 : to cause to sound vibrantly <winds strummed the rigging ― H. A. Chippendale>
intransitive verb
1 : to strum a stringed instrument
2 : to sound vibrantly
–strum·mer noun

struma
n. : GOITER

strumpet
n. : PROSTITUTE 1A

strung
past and past part of string

strung out
1 : physically debilitated (as from long-term drug addiction)
2 : addicted to a drug
3 : intoxicated or stupefied from drug use

strunt
Scottish : STRUT

strut
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become turgid : SWELL
2 a : to walk with a proud gait b : to walk with a pompous and affected air
transitive verb : to parade (as clothes) with a show of pride
–strut·ter noun
–strut one's stuff : to display one's best work : SHOW OFF

strut
n. 1 : a structural piece designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length
2 : a pompous step or walk
3 : arrogant behavior : SWAGGER

strut
n. : to provide, stiffen, support, or hold apart with or as if with a strut

strut one's stuff
to display one's best work : SHOW OFF

struthious
adj. : of or relating to the ostriches and related birds

strychnine
n. : a bitter poisonous alkaloid C_21H_22N_2O_2 that is obtained from nux vomica and related plants (genus Strychnos) and is used as a poison (as for rodents) and medicinally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Strymon
river W Bulgaria & NE Greece flowing SE into Gulf of Strimón

Stuart
n. : of or relating to the Scottish royal house to which belonged the rulers of Scotland from 1371 to 1603 and of Great Britain from 1603 to 1649 and from 1660 to 1714
–Stuart noun

Stuart
n. ― see CHARLES I & MARY STUART

Stuart
n. Charles the Young Pretender ― see CHARLES EDWARD

Stuart
n. Gilbert Charles 1755-1828 American painter

Stuart
n. James Ewell Brown 1833-1864 Jeb Stuart American Confed. gen.

Stuart
n. James Francis Edward the Old Pretender ― see JAMES EDWARD

stub
n. 1 a : STUMP 2 b : a short piece remaining on a stem or trunk where a branch has been lost
2 : something made or worn to a short or blunt shape especially : a pen with a short blunt nib
3 : a short blunt part left after a larger part has been broken off or used up <a pencil stub>
4 : something cut short or stunted
5 a : a small part of a leaf (as of a checkbook) attached to the spine for memoranda of the contents of the part torn away b : the part of a ticket returned to the user

stub
n. 1 a : to grub up by the roots b : to clear (land) by grubbing out rooted growth c : to hew or cut down (a tree) close to the ground
2 : to extinguish (as a cigarette) by crushing
3 : to strike (one's foot or toe) against an object

stubble
n. 1 : the basal part of herbaceous plants and especially cereal grasses remaining attached to the soil after harvest
2 : a rough surface or growth resembling stubble especially : a short growth of beard
–stub·bled \-bəld\ adjective
–stub·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

stubble mulch
: a lightly tilled mulch of plant residue used to prevent erosion, conserve moisture, and add organic matter to the soil

stubborn
adj. 1 a (1) : unreasonably or perversely unyielding : MULISH (2) : justifiably unyielding : RESOLUTE b : suggestive or typical of a strong stubborn nature <a stubborn jaw>
2 : performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate, or persistent manner <stubborn effort>
3 : difficult to handle, manage, or treat <a stubborn cold>
4 : LASTING <stubborn facts>
synonyms see OBSTINATE
–stub·born·ly adverb
–stub·born·ness \-bər(n)-nəs\ noun

Stubbs
George 1724-1806 Eng. painter

Stubbs
William 1825-1901 Eng. hist. & prelate

stubby
n. 1 : abounding with stubs
2 a : resembling a stub : being short and thick <stubby fingers> b : being short and thickset : SQUAT c : being short, broad, or blunt (as from use or wear) <an old stubby pencil>

stucco
n. 1 a : a fine plaster used in decoration and ornamentation (as of interior walls) b : a material usually made of portland cement, sand, and a small percentage of lime and applied in a plastic state to form a hard covering for exterior walls
2 : STUCCOWORK
–stuc·coed \-(ˌ)kōd\ adjective

stuccowork
n. : work done in stucco

stuck
adj. past and past part of stick

stuck on
infatuated with

stuck-up
: CONCEITED, SNOBBISH

stud
n. 1 a : a group of animals and especially horses kept primarily for breeding b : a place (as a farm) where a stud is kept
2 : STUDHORSE broadly : a male animal kept for breeding
3 a : a young man : GUY especially : one who is virile and promiscuous b : a tough person c : HUNK 2
–at stud : for breeding as a stud <retired racehorses at stud>

stud
n. 1 a : one of the smaller uprights in the framing of the walls of a building to which sheathing, paneling, or laths are fastened : SCANTLING b : height from floor to ceiling
2 a : a boss, rivet, or nail with a large head used (as on a shield or belt) for ornament or protection b : a solid button with a shank or eye on the back inserted (as through an eyelet in a garment) as a fastener or ornament c : a small button-like ornament with a post for inserting through a body part (as the earlobe or nostril) and into a clasp
3 a : any of various infixed pieces (as a rod or pin) projecting from a machine and serving chiefly as a support or axis b : one of the metal or rubber cleats projecting from a snow tire to increase traction

stud
n. 1 : to furnish (as a building or wall) with studs
2 : to adorn, cover, or protect with studs
3 : to set, mark, or decorate conspicuously often at intervals <a sky studded with stars> <a career studded with honors>

stud
n. student

stud
n. at stud
stud poker
star studded
studding sail

stud poker
: poker in which each player is dealt the first card facedown and the other four cards faceup with a round of betting taking place after each of the last four rounds of dealing

studbook
n. : an official record (as in a book) of the pedigree of purebred animals (as horses or dogs) also : a record of the lineage of a wild animal bred in captivity (as at a zoo)

studding
n. : the studs of a building or wall

studding sail
: a light sail set at the side of a principal square sail of a ship in free winds

student
n. 1 : SCHOLAR, LEARNER especially : one who attends a school
2 : one who studies : an attentive and systematic observer <a student of politics>

student
n. day student
exchange student
student body
student government
student lamp
student's t distribution
Student's t test
student teacher
student teaching
student union

student body
: the students at an educational institution

student government
: the organization and management of student life by various student organizations

student lamp
: a desk reading lamp with a tubular shaft, one or two arms for a shaded light, and orig. an oil reservoir

student teacher
: a student who is engaged in practice teaching

student teaching
: PRACTICE TEACHING

student union
: a building on a college campus that is devoted to student activities and that usually contains lounges, auditoriums, offices, and game rooms

student's t distribution
: T DISTRIBUTION

Student's t-test
: T-TEST

studentship
n. 1 British : a grant for university study
2 : the state of being a student

studhorse
n. : a stallion kept especially for breeding

studied
adj. 1 : carefully considered or prepared : THOUGHTFUL <a studied response>
2 : KNOWLEDGEABLE, LEARNED <studied in the craft of blacksmithing>
3 : produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation : CALCULATED <studied indifference> <spoke with a studied accent>
–stud·ied·ly adverb
–stud·ied·ness noun

studio
n. 1 a : the working place of a painter, sculptor, or photographer b : a place for the study of an art (as dancing, singing, or acting)
2 a : a place where motion pictures are made b : a company that produces motion pictures
3 : a place maintained and equipped for the transmission of radio or television programs
4 : a place where audio recordings are made
5 : STUDIO APARTMENT

studio apartment
: a small apartment consisting typically of a main room, kitchenette, and bathroom

studio couch
: an upholstered usually backless couch that can be made to serve as a double bed by sliding from underneath it the frame of a single cot

studious
adj. 1 : assiduous in the pursuit of learning
2 a : of, relating to, or concerned with study <studious habits> b : favorable to study <a studious environment>
3 a : diligent or earnest in intent <made a studious effort> b : marked by or suggesting purposefulness or diligence <a studious expression on his face> c : deliberately or consciously planned <studious avoidance of gender-specific pronouns>
–stu·di·ous·ly adverb
–stu·di·ous·ness noun

studly
adj. slang : attractively masculine : HUNKY

study
n. 1 : a state of contemplation : REVERIE
2 a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge <years of study> b : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject <the study of Latin> c : careful or extended consideration <the proposal is under study> d (1) : a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question (2) : the published report of such a study
3 : a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits
4 : PURPOSE, INTENT <it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses ― Jane Austen>
5 a : a branch or department of learning : SUBJECT ― often used in plural <American studies> b : the activity or work of a student <returning to her studies after vacation> c : an object of study or deliberation <every gesture a careful study ― Marcia Davenport> d : something attracting close attention or examination
6 : a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play) ― usually used with a qualifying adjective <he's a quick study>
7 : a literary or artistic production intended as a preliminary outline, an experimental interpretation, or an exploratory analysis of specific features or characteristics
8 : a musical composition for the practice of a point of technique

study
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to engage in study b : to undertake formal study of a subject
2 dialect : MEDITATE, REFLECT
3 : ENDEAVOR, TRY
transitive verb
1 : to read in detail especially with the intention of learning
2 : to engage in the study of <study biology>
3 : PLOT, DESIGN
4 : to consider attentively or in detail <studying his face for a reaction>
synonyms see CONSIDER
–studi·er \'stə-dē-ər\ noun

study
n. brown study
case study
course of study
house of study
self study
study hall
work study program
house of studies
social studies
women's studies

study hall
1 : a room in a school set aside for study
2 : a period in a student's day set aside for study and homework

stuff
n. 1 : materials, supplies, or equipment used in various activities: as a obsolete : military baggage b : PERSONAL PROPERTY
2 : material to be manufactured, wrought, or used in construction <clear half-inch pine stuff ― Emily Holt>
3 : a finished textile suitable for clothing especially : wool or worsted material
4 a : literary or artistic production b : writing, discourse, talk, or ideas of little value : TRASH
5 a : an unspecified material substance or aggregate of matter <volcanic rock is curious stuff> b : something (as a drug or food) consumed or introduced into the body by humans c : a matter to be considered <the truth was heady stuff> <long-term policy stuff> d : a group or scattering of miscellaneous objects or articles <pick that stuff up off the floor> also : nonphysical unspecified material <conservation and⋯all kinds of good stuff ― Eric Korn>
6 a : fundamental material : SUBSTANCE <the stuff of greatness> b : subject matter <a teacher who knows her stuff>
7 : special knowledge or capability <showing their stuff>
8 a : spin imparted to a thrown or hit ball to make it curve or change course b : the movement of a baseball pitch out of its apparent line of flight : the liveliness of a pitch <greatest pitcher of my time⋯had tremendous stuff ― Ted Williams>
9 : DUNK SHOT
–stuff·less adjective

stuff
n. 1 a : to fill by packing things in : CRAM <the boy stuffed his pockets with candy> b : to fill to satiety : SURFEIT <stuffed themselves with turkey> c : to prepare (meat or vegetables) by filling or lining with a stuffing d : to fill (as a cushion) with a soft material e : to fill out the skin of (an animal) for mounting
2 a : to fill by intellectual effort <stuffing their heads with facts> b : to pack full of something immaterial <a book stuffed with information>
3 : to fill or block up (as nasal passages)
4 a : to cause to enter or fill : THRUST <stuffed a lot of clothing into a laundry bag> b : to put (as a ball or puck) into a goal forcefully from close range
5 ― used in the imperative to express contempt <if they didn't like it, stuff 'em ― Eric Clapton> ― often used in the phrases stuff it and get stuffed
6 : to stop (a ballcarrier) abruptly in a football game <stuffed the runner just short of a first down>

stuff
n. hot stuff
kid stuff
small stuff
strut one's stuff
stuffed shirt
stuffing box

stuffed shirt
: a smug, conceited, and usually pompous person often with an inflexibly conservative or reactionary attitude

stuffer
n. 1 : one that stuffs
2 : an enclosure (as a leaflet) inserted in an envelope in addition to a bill, statement, or notice
3 : a series of extra threads or yarn running lengthwise in a fabric to add weight and bulk and to form a backing especially for carpets

stuffing
n. : material used to stuff especially : a seasoned mixture used to stuff food (as meat, vegetables, or eggs)

stuffing box
: a device that prevents leakage along a moving part (as a connecting rod) passing through a hole in a vessel (as a cylinder) containing steam, water, or oil and that consists of a box or chamber made by enlarging the hole and a gland to compress the contained packing

stuffy
adj. 1 : ILL-NATURED, ILL-HUMORED
2 : lacking in vitality or interest : STODGY, DULL
3 a : oppressive to the breathing : CLOSE <a stuffy room> b : stuffed up <a stuffy nose>
4 a : narrowly inflexible in standards of conduct : SELF-RIGHTEOUS b : stiffly conventional : PRIGGISH <stuffy formalities>
–stuff·i·ly \'stə-fə-lē\ adverb
–stuff·i·ness \'stə-fē-nəs\ noun

Stulpnagel
Karl Heinrich von 1886-1944 Ger. gen.

stultify
v. 1 archaic : to allege or prove to be of unsound mind and hence not responsible
2 : to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical
3 a : to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective : NEGATE b : to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on
–stul·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌstəl-tə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

stumble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to fall into sin or waywardness b : to make an error : BLUNDER c : to come to an obstacle to belief
2 : to trip in walking or running
3 a : to walk unsteadily or clumsily b : to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4 a : to come unexpectedly or by chance <stumble onto the truth> b : to fall or move carelessly
transitive verb
1 : to cause to stumble : TRIP
2 : BEWILDER, CONFOUND
–stum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–stum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

stumble
n. : an act or instance of stumbling

stumblebum
n. : a clumsy or inept person especially : an inept boxer

stumbling block
1 : an obstacle to progress
2 : an impediment to belief or understanding : PERPLEXITY

stump
n. 1 a : the basal portion of a bodily part remaining after the rest is removed b : a rudimentary or vestigial bodily part
2 : the part of a plant and especially a tree remaining attached to the root after the trunk is cut
3 : a remaining part : STUB
4 : one of the pointed rods stuck in the ground to form a cricket wicket
5 : a place or occasion for public speaking (as for a cause or candidate) also : the circuit followed by a maker of such speeches ― used especially in the phrase on the stump

stump
n. 1 : to reduce to a stump : TRIM
2 a : DARE, CHALLENGE b : to frustrate the progress or efforts of : BAFFLE
3 : to clear (land) of stumps
4 : to travel over (a region) making political speeches or supporting a cause
5 a : to walk over heavily or clumsily b : STUB 3
intransitive verb
1 : to walk heavily or clumsily
2 : to go about making political speeches or supporting a cause
–stump·er noun

stump
n. : a short thick roll of leather, felt, or paper usually pointed at both ends and used for shading or blending a drawing in crayon, pencil, charcoal, pastel, or chalk

stump
n. : to tone or treat (a drawing) with a stump

stump
n. stump tailed macaque
stump tailed monkey
stump work

stump work
: embroidery with intricate padded designs or scenes in high relief popular especially in the 17th century

stump-tailed macaque
: a dark reddish-brown naked-faced short-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides syn. M. speciosa) of eastern Asia ― called also stump-tailed monkey

stumpage
n. 1 : the value of standing timber
2 : uncut marketable timber also : the right to cut it

stumpy
adj. 1 : short and thick : STUBBY
2 : full of stumps

stun
n. 1 : to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow : DAZE
2 : to shock with noise
3 : to overcome especially with paralyzing astonishment or disbelief

stun
n. : the effect of something that stuns : SHOCK

stun gun
: a weapon designed to stun or immobilize (as by electric shock) rather than kill or injure the one affected

stung
past and past part of sting

stunk
past and past part of stink

stunner
n. : one that stuns or is stunning

stunning
adj. 1 : causing astonishment or disbelief <stunning news>
2 : strikingly impressive especially in beauty or excellence <a stunning view> <stunning workmanship>
–stun·ning·ly adverb

stunt
n. : to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
–stunt·ed·ness noun

stunt
n. 1 : one (as an animal) that is stunted
2 : a check in growth
3 : a plant disease in which dwarfing occurs

stunt
n. 1 : an unusual or difficult feat requiring great skill or daring especially : one performed or undertaken chiefly to gain attention or publicity
2 : a shifting or switching of the positions by defensive players at the line of scrimmage in football to disrupt the opponent's blocking efforts

stunt
n. : to perform or engage in a stunt

stuntman
n. : a man who performs stunts especially : one who doubles for an actor during the filming of stunts and dangerous scenes

stuntwoman
n. : a woman who doubles for an actress during the filming of stunts and dangerous scenes

stupa
n. : a usually dome-shaped structure (as a mound) serving as a Buddhist shrine

stupe
n. : a hot wet often medicated cloth applied externally (as to stimulate circulation)

stupe
n. : a stupid person : DOLT

stupefaction
n. : the act of stupefying : the state of being stupefied

stupefy
v. 1 : to make stupid, groggy, or insensible
2 : ASTONISH, ASTOUND
–stu·pe·fy·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

stupendous
adj. 1 : causing astonishment or wonder : AWESOME, MARVELOUS
2 : of amazing size or greatness : TREMENDOUS
synonyms see MONSTROUS
–stu·pen·dous·ly adverb
–stu·pen·dous·ness noun

stupid
adj. 1 a : slow of mind : OBTUSE b : given to unintelligent decisions or acts : acting in an unintelligent or careless manner c : lacking intelligence or reason : BRUTISH
2 : dulled in feeling or sensation : TORPID <still stupid from the sedative>
3 : marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting : SENSELESS <a stupid decision>
4 a : lacking interest or point <a stupid event> b : VEXATIOUS, EXASPERATING <the stupid car won't start>
–stu·pid·ly adverb
–stu·pid·ness noun
synonyms STUPID, DULL, DENSE, CRASS, DUMB mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions. STUPID implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary <stupid students just keeping the seats warm> <stupid with drink>. DULL suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock <monotonous work that leaves the mind dull>. DENSE implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas <too dense to take a hint>. CRASS suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy <a crass, materialistic people>. DUMB applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension <too dumb to figure out what's going on>.

stupid
adj. : a stupid person

stupidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being stupid
2 : a stupid idea or act

stupor
n. 1 : a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility <a drunken stupor>
2 : a state of extreme apathy or torpor resulting often from stress or shock : DAZE
synonyms see LETHARGY

stuporous
adj. : marked or affected by or as if by stupor <had been taken, gray and stuporous, to the hospital ― Oliver Sacks>

sturdy
n. 1 a : firmly built or constituted : STOUT b : HARDY <sturdy plants> c : sound in design or execution : SUBSTANTIAL
2 a : marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor b : FIRM, RESOLUTE c : RUGGED, STABLE
synonyms see STRONG
–stur·di·ly \'stər-də-lē\ adverb
–stur·di·ness \'stər-dē-nəs\ noun

sturgeon
n. : any of a family (Acipenseridae) of usually large elongate anadromous or freshwater bony fishes which are widely distributed in the north temperate zone and whose roe is made into caviar

Sturluson
― see SNORRI STURLUSON

Sturm und Drang
1 : a late 18th century German literary movement characterized by works containing rousing action and high emotionalism that often deal with the individual's revolt against society
2 : TURMOIL

Stursa
Jan \'yän\ 1880-1925 Czech sculptor

sturt
chiefly Scottish : CONTENTION

stutter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to speak with involuntary disruption or blocking of speech (as by spasmodic repetition or prolongation of vocal sounds)
2 : to move or act in a halting or spasmodic manner <the old jalopy bucks and stutters uphill ― William Cleary>
transitive verb : to say, speak, or sound with or as if with a stutter
–stut·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

stutter
n. 1 : an act or instance of stuttering
2 : a speech disorder involving stuttering

stutter step
: a momentary hesitation or false step by a runner (as in football) done to fake a defender out of position
–stutter-step verb

Stuttgart
n. city SW Germany capital of Baden-Württemberg on the Neckar pop 591,946

Stuyvesant
Peter ca 1610-1672 Du. colonial administrator in America

STV
subscription television

sty
n. : PIGPEN

sty
n. transitive verb : to lodge or keep in a sty
intransitive verb : to live in a sty

sty
n. : an inflamed swelling of a sebaceous gland at the margin of an eyelid

stygian
n. 1 : of or relating to the river Styx
2 : extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding <the stygian blackness of the cave>

styl
: style : styloid process <stylopodium> <stylography>

stylar
: of or relating to the style of a plant ovary

style
n. 1 : DESIGNATION, TITLE
2 a : a distinctive manner of expression (as in writing or speech) <writes with more attention to style than to content> <the flowery style of 18th century prose> b : a distinctive manner or custom of behaving or conducting oneself <the formal style of the court> <his style is abrasive> also : a particular mode of living <in high style> c : a particular manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed <a unique style of horseback riding> <the classical style of dance>
3 a : STYLUS b : GNOMON 1B c : the filiform usually elongated part of the pistil bearing a stigma at its apex ― see FLOWER illustration d : a slender elongated process (as a bristle) on an animal
4 : a distinctive quality, form, or type of something <a new dress style> <the Greek style of architecture>
5 a : the state of being popular : FASHION <clothes that are always in style> b : fashionable elegance c : beauty, grace, or ease of manner or technique <an awkward moment she handled with style>
6 : a convention with respect to spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and typographic arrangement and display followed in writing or printing
synonyms see FASHION
–style·less \'stī(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective
–style·less·ness noun

style
n. 1 : to call or designate by an identifying term : NAME
2 a : to give a particular style to b : to design, make, or arrange in accord with the prevailing mode
–styl·er noun

style
n. : being in the style of <a Beaujolais-style wine>

style
n. cafeteria style
family style
high style
International Style
New Style
old style
Old Style
le style c'est l'homme
self styled

stylebook
n. : a book explaining, describing, or illustrating a prevailing, accepted, or authorized style

stylet
n. 1 a : a slender surgical probe b : a thin wire inserted into a catheter to maintain rigidity or into a hollow needle to maintain patency c : a pointed instrument (as for graving)
2 : a relatively rigid elongated organ or appendage (as a piercing mouthpart) of an animal
3 : STILETTO

styliform
adj. : resembling a style : bristle-shaped <a styliform copulatory organ>

styling
n. : the way in which something is styled

stylise
v. British variant of stylize

stylish
adj. : having style specifically : conforming to current fashion
–styl·ish·ly adverb
–styl·ish·ness noun

stylist
n. 1 a : a master or model of style especially : a writer or speaker who is eminent in matters of style b : a person (as a writer or singer) noted for a distinctive style
2 a : a person who develops, designs, or advises on styles b : HAIRSTYLIST

stylistic
adj. : of or relating especially to literary or artistic style
–sty·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

stylistics
n. 1 : an aspect of literary study that emphasizes the analysis of various elements of style (as metaphor and diction)
2 : the study of the devices in a language that produce expressive value

stylite
n. : a Christian ascetic living atop a pillar
–sty·lit·ic \stī-'li-tik\ adjective

stylize
v. : to conform to a conventional style specifically : to represent or design according to a style or stylistic pattern rather than according to nature or tradition
–styl·i·za·tion \ˌstī-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

stylobate
n. : a continuous flat coping or pavement supporting a row of architectural columns

stylography
: a mode of writing or tracing lines by means of a style or similar instrument

styloid
adj. : resembling a style : STYLIFORM ― used especially of slender pointed skeletal processes (as on the ulna)

stylus
n. : an instrument for writing, marking, or incising: as a : an instrument used by the ancients in writing on clay or waxed tablets b : a hard-pointed pen-shaped instrument for marking on stencils used in a reproducing machine c (1) : NEEDLE 3C (2) : a cutting tool used to produce an original record groove during disc recording d : a pen-shaped pointing device used for entering data (as positional information from a graphics tablet) into a computer

stymie
v. : to present an obstacle to : stand in the way of <stymied by red tape>

styptic
adj. : tending to contract or bind : ASTRINGENT especially : tending to check bleeding
–styptic noun

styptic pencil
: a stick of a medicated styptic substance for use especially in shaving to stop the bleeding from small cuts

Styr
river 271 mi (436 km) NW Ukraine flowing N into the Pripet in the Pripet Marshes

styrax
n. : STORAX

styrene
n. : a fragrant liquid unsaturated hydrocarbon C_8H_8 used chiefly in making synthetic rubber, resins, and plastics and in improving drying oils also : any of various synthetic plastics made from styrene by polymerization or copolymerization

Styria
n. region cen & SE Austria; chief city Graz
–Styr·i·an \'stir-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Styrofoam
n. ― used for an expanded rigid polystyrene plastic

Styron
William 1925-     American writer

Styx
n. : the principal river of the underworld in Greek mythology

suable
adj. : liable to be sued in court
–su·abil·i·ty \ˌsü-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

Suakin
town & port NE Sudan on Red Sea

Suarez
Diégo Suarez
Suarez Gonzalez
Suarez González
Diego Suarez

Suarez Gonzalez
Adolfo 1932-     prime min. of Spain (1976-81)

suasion
n. : the act of influencing or persuading
–sua·sive \'swā-siv, -ziv\ adjective
–sua·sive·ly adverb
–sua·sive·ness noun

suave
adj. 1 : smoothly though often superficially gracious and sophisticated
2 : smooth in texture, performance, or style
–suave·ly adverb
–suave·ness noun
–sua·vi·ty \'swä-və-tē\ noun
synonyms SUAVE, URBANE, DIPLOMATIC, BLAND, SMOOTH, POLITIC mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. SUAVE suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. URBANE implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. DIPLOMATIC stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. BLAND emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. SMOOTH suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. POLITIC implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.

suaviter in modo, fortiter in re
: gently in manner, strongly in deed

sub
n. : SUBSTITUTE

sub
n. intransitive verb : to act as a substitute
transitive verb
1 British : to read and edit as a copy editor : SUBEDIT
2 : SUBCONTRACT 1

sub
n. : SUBMARINE

sub
n. 1 subaltern
2 subscription
3 subsidiary
4 suburb

sub
1 : under : beneath : below <subsoil> <subaqueous>
2 a : subordinate : secondary : next lower than or inferior to <substation> <subeditor> b : subordinate portion of : subdivision of <subcommittee> <subspecies> c : with repetition (as of a process) so as to form, stress, or deal with subordinate parts or relations <sublet> <subcontract>
3 : less than completely, perfectly, or normally : somewhat <subacute> <subclinical>
4 a : almost : nearly <suberect> b : falling nearly in the category of and often adjoining : bordering on <subarctic>
sub·ad·o·les·cent
sub·agen·cy
sub·agent
sub·al·lo·ca·tion
sub·ar·ea
sub·au·di·ble
sub·av·er·age
sub·base·ment
sub·ba·sin
sub·block
sub·branch
sub·caste
sub·cat·e·go·ri·za·tion
sub·cat·e·go·rize
sub·cat·e·go·ry
sub·ceil·ing
sub·cel·lar
sub·chap·ter
sub·chief
sub·clan
sub·clus·ter
sub·code
sub·col·lec·tion
sub·col·lege
sub·col·le·giate
sub·col·o·ny
sub·com·mis·sion
sub·com·po·nent
sub·co·ri·a·ceous
sub·coun·ty
sub·cult
sub·cu·ra·tive
sub·dean
sub·de·ci·sion
sub·de·part·ment
sub·de·vel·op·ment
sub·di·a·lect
sub·di·rec·tor
sub·dis·ci·pline
sub·dis·trict
sub·econ·o·my
sub·fac·ul·ty
sub·file
sub·frag·ment
sub·frame
sub·gen·er·a·tion
sub·genre
sub·goal
sub·gov·ern·ment
sub·hu·mid
sub·in·dus·try
sub·in·hib·i·to·ry
sub·lan·guage
sub·lev·el
sub·li·brar·i·an
sub·li·cense
sub·lit·er·a·cy
sub·lit·er·ate
sub·lot
sub·man·ag·er
sub·mar·ket
sub·max·i·mal
sub·menu
sub·min·i·mal
sub·min·i·mum
sub·min·is·ter
sub·na·tion·al
sub·net·work
sub·niche
sub·op·ti·mal
sub·op·ti·mi·za·tion
sub·op·ti·mize
sub·op·ti·mum
sub·or·ga·ni·za·tion
sub·pan·el
sub·par
sub·para·graph
sub·par·al·lel
sub·part
sub·pe·ri·od
sub·phase
sub·pri·mate
sub·pro·cess
sub·prod·uct
sub·proj·ect
sub·pro·le·tar·i·at
sub·ra·tio·nal
sub·sat·u·rat·ed
sub·sat·u·ra·tion
sub·scale
sub·science
sub·sea
sub·sec·re·tary
sub·sec·tor
sub·seg·ment
sub·sense
sub·sen·tence
sub·se·ries
sub·site
sub·skill
sub·so·ci·ety
sub·spe·cial·ist
sub·spe·cial·ize
sub·spe·cial·ty
sub·state
sub·stel·lar
sub·sys·tem
sub·task
sub·test
sub·theme
sub·ther·a·peu·tic
sub·top·ic
sub·trea·sury
sub·trend
sub·tribe
sub·type
sub·unit
sub·va·ri·ety
sub·vas·sal
sub·vis·i·ble
sub·vi·su·al
sub·world
sub·writ·er
sub·ze·ro
sub·zone

sub
n. sub judice
sub rosa
sub Saharan
sub specie aeternitatis
sub verbo
sub voce
ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

sub judice
: before a judge or court : not yet judicially decided

sub rosa
: in confidence : SECRETLY

sub specie aeternitatis
: in its essential or universal form or nature

sub verbo
: under the word ― introducing a cross-reference in a dictionary or index

sub-rosa
: SECRETIVE, PRIVATE

sub-Saharan
: of, relating to, or being the part of Africa south of the Sahara

subacid
n. : somewhat acrimonious : CUTTING <subacid comments>
–sub·ac·id·ly adverb
–sub·ac·id·ness noun

subacute
adj. 1 : having a tapered but not sharply pointed form <subacute leaves>
2 a : falling between acute and chronic in character especially when closer to acute <subacute endocarditis> b : less marked in severity or duration than a corresponding acute state <subacute pain>
–sub·acute·ly adverb

subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
: a usually fatal neurological disease of children and young adults caused by infection of the brain by a previously latent measles virus that is marked especially by intellectual deterioration, behavioral changes, myoclonic seizures, progressive deterioration of motor and mental functioning, and coma

subadult
n. : an individual that has passed through the juvenile period but not yet attained typical adult characteristics
–subadult adjective

subaerial
: situated, formed, or occurring on or immediately adjacent to the surface of the earth <subaerial erosion> <subaerial roots>
–sub·aer·i·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

subahdar
1 : a governor of a province
2 : the chief Indian officer of a company of Indian troops in the British army of India

subalpine
adj. 1 : of or relating to the region about the foot and lower slopes of the Alps
2 : of, relating to, or inhabiting high upland slopes and especially the zone just below the timberline

subalpine fir
: a medium-sized fir (Abies lasiocarpa) of subalpine regions of No. America having bluish-green white-lined needles

subaltern
n. 1 : particular with reference to a related universal proposition <“some S is P” is a subaltern proposition to “all S is P”>
2 : SUBORDINATE

subaltern
n. 1 : a person holding a subordinate position specifically : a junior officer (as in the British army)
2 : a particular proposition that follows immediately from a universal

subantarctic
adj. : of, relating to, characteristic of, or being a region just outside the antarctic circle

subapical
adj. : situated below or near an apex

subaquatic
adj. : somewhat aquatic <subaquatic vegetation>

subaqueous
adj. : existing, formed, or taking place in or under water

subarachnoid
adj. : of, relating to, occurring, or situated under the arachnoid membrane <subarachnoid hemorrhage>

subarctic
adj. : of, relating to, characteristic of, or being regions immediately outside of the arctic circle or regions similar to these in climate or conditions of life
–subarctic noun

subassembly
n. : an assembled unit designed to be incorporated with other units in a finished product

subatmospheric
: less or lower than that of the atmosphere <subatmospheric pressure>

subatomic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the inside of the atom
2 : of, relating to, or being particles smaller than atoms

subaudition
n. : the act of understanding or supplying something not expressed : a reading between the lines

subbase
: underlying support placed below what is normally construed as a base: as a : the lowest member horizontally of an architectural base or of a baseboard or pedestal b : pervious fill (as crushed stone) placed under a roadbed

subbituminous
: of, relating to, or being coal of lower rank than bituminous coal but higher than lignite

subcabinet
: of, relating to, or being a high administrative position in the U.S. government that ranks below the cabinet level

subcapsular
adj. : situated or occurring beneath or within a capsule <subcapsular cataracts>

subcellular
adj. : of less than cellular scope or level of organization <subcellular organelles> <subcellular studies>

subcenter
: a secondary center especially : a center (as for shopping) located outside the main business area of a city

subcentral
1 : nearly but not quite central
2 : located under a center
–sub·cen·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

subchaser
n. : a small maneuverable patrol or escort vessel used for antisubmarine warfare

subclass
n. : a primary division of a class: as a : a category in biological classification ranking below a class and above an order b : SUBSET 1

subclassification
n. 1 : a primary division of a classification
2 : arrangement into or assignment to subclassifications
–sub·clas·si·fy \-'kla-sə-ˌfī\ transitive verb

subclavian
adj. : of, relating to, being, or inserted into a part (as an artery, vein, or nerve) located under the clavicle <subclavian catheter>

subclavian
adj. : a subclavian part (as an artery, vein, or nerve)

subclavian artery
: the proximal part of the main artery of the arm or forelimb

subclavian vein
: the proximal part of the main vein of the arm or forelimb

subclimax
: a stage or community in an ecological succession immediately preceding a climax especially : one held in relative stability throughout by edaphic or biotic influences or by fire

subclinical
adj. : not detectable or producing effects that are not detectable by the usual clinical tests <a subclinical infection> <subclinical cancer>
–sub·clin·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

subcommittee
n. : a subdivision of a committee usually organized for a specific purpose

subcommunity
: a distinct grouping within a community

subcompact
n. : an automobile smaller than a compact

subconscious
: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness <a subconscious motive>
–sub·con·scious·ly adverb
–sub·con·scious·ness noun

subconscious
n. : the mental activities just below the threshold of consciousness

subcontinent
n. : a large landmass smaller than a continent especially : a major subdivision of a continent <the Indian subcontinent>
–sub·con·ti·nen·tal \ˌsəb-ˌkän-tə-'nen-təl\ adjective

subcontract
n. : a contract between a party to an original contract and a third party especially : one to provide all or a specified part of the work or materials required in the original contract

subcontract
n. : to let out or undertake work under a subcontract
transitive verb
1 : to engage a third party to perform under a subcontract all or part of (work included in an original contract) ― sometimes used with out
2 : to undertake (work) under a subcontract

subcontractor
n. : an individual or business firm contracting to perform part or all of another's contract

subcontrary
: a proposition so related to another that though both may be true they cannot both be false
–subcontrary adjective

subcool
: SUPERCOOL

subcortical
adj. : of, relating to, involving, or being a part of the brain below the cerebral cortex <subcortical lesions>

subcritical
adj. 1 : less or lower than critical in respect to a specified factor
2 a : of insufficient size to sustain a chain reaction <a subcritical mass of fissionable material> b : designed for use with fissionable material of subcritical mass <a subcritical reactor>

subcrustal
: situated or occurring below a crust and especially the crust of the earth

subculture
n. 1 a : a culture (as of bacteria) derived from another culture b : an act or instance of producing a subculture
2 : an ethnic, regional, economic, or social group exhibiting characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish it from others within an embracing culture or society <a criminal subculture>
–sub·cul·tur·al \-'kəlch-rəl, -'kəl-chə-\ adjective
–sub·cul·tur·al·ly adverb
–subculture transitive verb

subcutaneous
adj. : being, living, occurring, or administered under the skin <subcutaneous parasites> <subcutaneous tissues>
–sub·cu·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb

subcutis
n. : the deeper part of the dermis

subdeacon
n. : a cleric ranking below a deacon: as a : a cleric in the lowest of the former major orders of the Roman Catholic Church b : an Eastern Orthodox or Armenian cleric in minor orders c : a clergyman performing the liturgical duties of a subdeacon

subdeb
n. : SUBDEBUTANTE

subdebutante
n. : a young girl who is about to become a debutante broadly : a girl in her middle teens

subdermal
adj. : SUBCUTANEOUS
–sub·der·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

subdivide
v. transitive verb
1 : to divide the parts of into more parts
2 : to divide into several parts especially : to divide (a tract of land) into building lots
intransitive verb : to separate or become separated into subdivisions
–sub·di·vid·able \-'vī-də-bəl, -ˌvī-\ adjective
–sub·di·vid·er noun

subdivision
n. 1 : an act or instance of subdividing
2 : something produced by subdividing: as a : a subordinate part of a larger whole <political subdivisions> b : a tract of land surveyed and divided into lots for purposes of sale especially : one with houses built on it
3 : a category in botanical classification ranking below a division and above a class

subdominant
n. 1 : the fourth tone of a major or minor scale
2 : something partly but incompletely dominant especially : an ecologically important life form subordinate in influence to the dominants of a community
–subdominant adjective

subduction
n. : the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another
–sub·duct \(ˌ)səb-'dəkt\ verb

subdue
v. 1 : to conquer and bring into subjection : VANQUISH
2 : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : CURB <subdued my foolish fears>
3 : to bring (land) under cultivation
4 : to reduce the intensity or degree of : tone down
synonyms see CONQUER
–sub·du·er noun

subdued
adj. : lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength <subdued colors>
–sub·dued·ly \-'dü(-ə)d-lē, -'dyü(-ə)d-\ adverb

subdural
adj. : situated or occurring beneath the dura mater or between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane <subdural space> <subdural hematomas>

subdwarf
: a small hot star containing few elements heavier than helium and having lower luminosity than a main-sequence star of similar temperature

subeditor
n. chiefly British : COPY EDITOR
–sub·ed·it \-'e-dət\ transitive verb chiefly British
–sub·ed·i·to·ri·al \ˌsəb-ˌe-də-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective chiefly British

subemployed
: UNDEREMPLOYED

subemployment
: a condition of inadequate employment in a labor force including unemployment and underemployment

subentry
n. : an entry (as in a catalog or an account) made under a more general entry

subepidermal
adj. : lying beneath or constituting the innermost part of the epidermis

suberin
n. : a complex fatty substance found especially in the cell walls of cork

suberization
n. : conversion of the cell walls into corky tissue by infiltration with suberin
–su·ber·ized \'sü-bə-ˌrīzd\ adjective

subfamily
n. 1 : a category in biological classification ranking below a family and above a genus
2 : a subgroup of languages within a language family

subfield
1 : a subset of a mathematical field that is itself a field
2 : a subdivision of a field (as of study)

subfloor
n. : a rough floor laid as a base for a finished floor

subfossil
: of less than typical fossil age but partially fossilized <subfossil bones>
–subfossil noun

subfreezing
adj. : being or marked by temperature below the freezing point (as of water) <subfreezing weather>

subfusc
adj. chiefly British : DRAB, DUSKY

subgenus
n. : a category in biological classification ranking below a genus and above a species

subglacial
adj. : of or relating to the bottom of a glacier or the area immediately underlying a glacier
–sub·gla·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

subgrade
: a surface of earth or rock leveled off to receive a foundation (as of a road)

subgraph
: a graph all of whose points and lines are contained in a larger graph

subgroup
n. 1 : a subordinate group whose members usually share some common differential quality
2 : a subset of a mathematical group that is itself a group

subgum
: a dish of Chinese origin prepared with a mixture of vegetables (as peppers, water chestnuts, and mushrooms)

subhead
n. 1 : a heading of a subdivision (as in an outline)
2 : a subordinate caption, title, or headline

subheading
n. : SUBHEAD

subhuman
adj. : less than human: as a : failing to attain the level (as of morality or intelligence) associated with normal human beings b : unsuitable to or unfit for human beings <subhuman living conditions> c : of or relating to a taxonomic group lower than that of humans <the subhuman primates>

subhuman
adj. : a subhuman being

Subic
town Philippines in W Luzon at head of Subic Bay (inlet of S. China Sea NW of Bataan Peninsula) pop 30,340

subindex
: an index to a division of a main classification

subinfeudation
: the subdivision of a feudal estate by a vassal who in turn becomes feudal lord over his tenants
–sub·in·feu·date transitive verb

subinterval
: an interval that is a subdivision or a subset of an interval

subirrigation
: irrigation below the surface (as by a periodic rise of the water table or by a system of underground porous pipes)
–sub·ir·ri·gate \-'ir-ə-ˌgāt\ transitive verb

subito
adv. : IMMEDIATELY, SUDDENLY ― used as a direction in music

subj
subject

subjacency
: the quality or state of being subjacent

subjacent
adj. : lying under or below also : lower than though not directly below <hills and subjacent valleys>
–sub·ja·cent·ly adverb

subject
n. 1 : one that is placed under authority or control: as a : VASSAL b (1) : one subject to a monarch and governed by the monarch's law (2) : one who lives in the territory of, enjoys the protection of, and owes allegiance to a sovereign power or state
2 a : that of which a quality, attribute, or relation may be affirmed or in which it may inhere b : SUBSTRATUM especially : material or essential substance c : the mind, ego, or agent of whatever sort that sustains or assumes the form of thought or consciousness
3 a : a department of knowledge or learning b : MOTIVE, CAUSE c (1) : one that is acted on <the helpless subject of their cruelty> (2) : an individual whose reactions or responses are studied (3) : a dead body for anatomical study and dissection d (1) : something concerning which something is said or done <the subject of the essay> (2) : something represented or indicated in a work of art e (1) : the term of a logical proposition that denotes the entity of which something is affirmed or denied also : the entity denoted (2) : a word or word group denoting that of which something is predicated f : the principal melodic phrase on which a musical composition or movement is based
synonyms see CITIZEN
–sub·ject·less \-ləs\ adjective

subject
n. 1 : owing obedience or allegiance to the power or dominion of another
2 a : suffering a particular liability or exposure <subject to temptation> b : having a tendency or inclination : PRONE <subject to colds>
3 : contingent on or under the influence of some later action <the plan is subject to discussion>
synonyms see LIABLE

subject
n. 1 a : to bring under control or dominion : SUBJUGATE b : to make (as oneself) amenable to the discipline and control of a superior
2 : to make liable : PREDISPOSE
3 : to cause or force to undergo or endure (something unpleasant, inconvenient, or trying) <was subjected to constant verbal abuse>
–sub·jec·tion \səb-'jek-shən\ noun

subject
n. short subject
subject matter
tool subject

subject matter
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

subjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a subject: as a obsolete : of, relating to, or characteristic of one that is a subject especially in lack of freedom of action or in submissiveness b : being or relating to a grammatical subject especially : NOMINATIVE
2 : of or relating to the essential being of that which has substance, qualities, attributes, or relations
3 a : characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind : PHENOMENAL ― compare OBJECTIVE 1b b : relating to or being experience or knowledge as conditioned by personal mental characteristics or states
4 a (1) : peculiar to a particular individual : PERSONAL <subjective judgments> (2) : modified or affected by personal views, experience, or background <a subjective account of the incident> b : arising from conditions within the brain or sense organs and not directly caused by external stimuli <subjective sensations> c : arising out of or identified by means of one's perception of one's own states and processes <a subjective symptom of disease> ― compare OBJECTIVE 1c
5 : lacking in reality or substance : ILLUSORY
–sub·jec·tive·ly adverb
–sub·jec·tive·ness noun
–sub·jec·tiv·i·ty \-ˌjek-'ti-və-tē\ noun

subjective
adj. : something that is subjective also : NOMINATIVE

subjective complement
: a grammatical complement relating to the subject of an intransitive verb (as sick in “he had fallen sick”)

subjectivise
British variant of subjectivize

subjectivism
n. 1 a : a theory that limits knowledge to subjective experience b : a theory that stresses the subjective elements in experience
2 a : a doctrine that the supreme good is the realization of a subjective experience or feeling (as pleasure) b : a doctrine that individual feeling or apprehension is the ultimate criterion of the good and the right
–sub·jec·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun
–sub·jec·tiv·is·tic \-ˌjek-ti-'vis-tik\ adjective

subjectivize
: to make subjective
–sub·jec·tiv·i·za·tion \-jek-ti-və-'zā-shən\ noun

subjoin
v. : ANNEX, APPEND <subjoined a statement of expenses to her report>

subjugate
v. 1 : to bring under control and governance as a subject : CONQUER
2 : to make submissive : SUBDUE
–sub·ju·ga·tion \ˌsəb-ji-'gā-shən\ noun
–sub·ju·ga·tor \'səb-ji-ˌgā-tər\ noun

subjunction
1 : an act of subjoining or the state of being subjoined
2 : something subjoined

subjunctive
n. : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents a denoted act or state not as fact but as contingent or possible or viewed emotionally (as with doubt or desire) <the subjunctive mood>

subjunctive
n. 1 : the subjunctive mood of a language
2 : a form of verb or verbal in the subjunctive mood

subkingdom
n. : a category in biological classification ranking below a kingdom and above a phylum

sublate
v. 1 : NEGATE, DENY
2 : to negate or eliminate (as an element in a dialectic process) but preserve as a partial element in a synthesis
–sub·la·tion \-'blā-shən\ noun

sublease
n. : a lease by a tenant or lessee of part or all of leased premises to another person but with the original tenant retaining some right or interest under the original lease

sublease
n. : to make or obtain a sublease of

sublet
v. transitive verb
1 : SUBLEASE
2 : SUBCONTRACT 1
intransitive verb : to lease or rent all or part of a leased or rented property

sublet
v. : property and especially housing obtained by or available through a sublease

sublethal
adj. : less than but usually only slightly less than lethal <a sublethal dose>
–sub·le·thal·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb

sublieutenant
n. : a commissioned officer in the British navy ranking immediately below lieutenant

sublimate
1 a : SUBLIME 1 b archaic : to improve or refine as if by subliming
2 : to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its unacceptable form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable
–sub·li·ma·tion \ˌsə-blə-'mā-shən\ noun

sublimate
n. : a chemical product obtained by sublimation

sublime
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form
2 [French sublimer, from Latin sublimare] a (1) : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor (2) : to render finer (as in purity or excellence) b : to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth
intransitive verb : to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state
–sub·lim·able \-'blī-mə-bəl\ adjective
–sub·lim·er noun

sublime
n. 1 a : lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner b : of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth c : tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence
2 a archaic : high in place b obsolete : lofty of mien : HAUGHTY c capitalized : SUPREME ― used in a style of address d : COMPLETE, UTTER <sublime ignorance>
synonyms see SPLENDID
–sub·lime·ly adverb
–sub·lime·ness noun

subliminal
adj. 1 : inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception
2 : existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness <the subliminal mind> <subliminal advertising>
–sub·lim·i·nal·ly adverb

sublimity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being sublime
2 : something sublime or exalted

subline
: an inbred or selectively cultured line (as of cells) within a strain

sublingual
adj. : situated or administered under the tongue <sublingual glands> <sublingual tablets>

subliterary
: relating to or being subliterature

subliterature
: popular writing (as mystery or adventure stories) considered inferior to standard literature

sublittoral
1 : situated, occurring, or formed on the aquatic side of a shoreline or littoral zone
2 : constituting the sublittoral

sublittoral
: the deeper part of the littoral portion of a body of water especially : the region in an ocean between the lowest point exposed by a low tide and the margin of the continental shelf

sublunary
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the terrestrial world <dull sublunary lovers ― John Donne>

subluxation
n. : partial dislocation (as of one of the bones in a joint)

submachine gun
: a portable automatic firearm that uses pistol-type ammunition and is fired from the shoulder or hip

submandibular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, situated in, or performed in the region below the lower jaw
2 : of, relating to, or associated with the salivary glands inside of and near the lower edge of the mandible on each side

submandibular
adj. : a submandibular part (as an artery or bone)

submarginal
adj. 1 : adjacent to a margin or a marginal part or structure <submarginal spots on an insect wing>
2 : falling below a necessary minimum <submarginal economic conditions>

submarine
n. : UNDERWATER especially : UNDERSEA <submarine plants> <submarine minerals>

submarine
1 : something that functions or operates underwater specifically : a naval vessel designed to operate underwater
2 : a large sandwich on a long split roll with any of a variety of fillings (as meatballs or cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, and tomato) ― called also grinder hero hoagie Italian sandwich po'boy sub torpedo

submarine
n. transitive verb : to attack by or as if by a submarine : attack from beneath
intransitive verb : to dive or slide under something

submarine
n. bangalore torpedo
motor torpedo boat
torpedo boat
torpedo bomber
torpedo plane
torpedo tube
sub judice
sub rosa
sub Saharan
sub specie aeternitatis
sub verbo
sub voce
ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
hero worship
hero worshiper
organ grinder

submariner
n. : a member of a submarine crew

submaxillary
adj. : SUBMANDIBULAR

submediant
n. : the sixth tone of a major or minor scale

submerge
v. transitive verb
1 : to put under water
2 : to cover or overflow with water
3 : to make obscure or subordinate : SUPPRESS <personal lives submerged by professional responsibilities>
intransitive verb : to go under water
–sub·mer·gence \-'mər-jən(t)s\ noun
–sub·merg·ible \-'mər-jə-bəl\ adjective

submerged
adj. 1 : covered with water
2 : SUBMERSED B
3 : sunk in poverty and misery <the submerged masses> <the submerged tenth of the population>
4 : HIDDEN, SUPPRESSED <submerged emotions>

submerse
adj. : SUBMERGE
–sub·mer·sion \-'mər-zhən, -shən\ noun

submersed
adj. : SUBMERGED: as a : covered with water b : growing or adapted to grow underwater <submersed weeds>

submersible
n. : capable of being submerged

submersible
n. : something that is submersible especially : a usually small underwater craft used especially for deep-sea research

submetacentric
: having the centromere situated so that one chromosome arm is somewhat shorter than the other
–submetacentric noun

submicrogram
: relating to or having a mass of less than one microgram <submicrogram quantities of a chemical>

submicron
1 : being less than a micron in a (specified) measurement and especially in diameter <a submicron particle>
2 : having or consisting of submicron particles <a submicron metal powder>

submicroscopic
adj. 1 : too small to be seen in an ordinary light microscope
2 : of, relating to, or dealing with the very minute <the submicroscopic world>
–sub·mi·cro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

submillimeter
: being less than a millimeter in diameter or wavelength <a submillimeter particle> <a submillimeter radio wave>

subminiature
n. : very small ― used especially of a very compact assembly of electronic equipment

submiss
archaic : SUBMISSIVE, HUMBLE

submission
n. 1 a : a legal agreement to submit to the decision of arbitrators b : an act of submitting something (as for consideration or inspection) also : something submitted (as a manuscript)
2 : the condition of being submissive, humble, or compliant
3 : an act of submitting to the authority or control of another

submissive
adj. : submitting to others <submissive employees>
–sub·mis·sive·ly adverb
–sub·mis·sive·ness noun

submit
v. transitive verb
1 a : to yield to governance or authority b : to subject to a condition, treatment, or operation <the metal was submitted to analysis>
2 : to present or propose to another for review, consideration, or decision <submit a question to the court> <submit a bid on a contract> <submit a report> also : to deliver formally <submitted my resignation>
3 : to put forward as an opinion or contention <we submit that the charge is not proved>
intransitive verb
1 a : to yield oneself to the authority or will of another : SURRENDER b : to permit oneself to be subjected to something <had to submit to surgery>
2 : to defer to or consent to abide by the opinion or authority of another
synonyms see YIELD
–sub·mit·tal \-'mi-təl\ noun

submitochondrial
adj. : relating to, composed of, or being parts and especially fragments of mitochondria <submitochondrial membranes> <submitochondrial particles>

submucosa
n. : a supporting layer of loose connective tissue directly under a mucous membrane
–sub·mu·co·sal \-zəl\ adjective

submultiple
n. : an exact divisor of a number <8 is a submultiple of 72>

submunition
: any of a group of smaller weapons carried as a warhead by a missile or projectile and expelled as the carrier approaches its target

subnormal
adj. 1 : lower or smaller than normal
2 : having less of something and especially of intelligence than is normal
–sub·nor·mal·i·ty \ˌsəb-nȯr-'ma-lə-tē\ noun
–sub·nor·mal·ly \ˌsəb-'nȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

subnotebook
n. : a portable microcomputer similar to but smaller and lighter than a notebook computer

subnuclear
: of, relating to, or being a particle smaller than the atomic nucleus

suboceanic
: situated, taking place, or formed beneath the ocean or its bottom <suboceanic oil resources>

suborbital
adj. 1 : situated beneath the eye or the orbit of the eye
2 : being or involving less than one orbit (as of the earth or moon) <a spacecraft's suborbital flight> also : intended for suborbital flight <a suborbital rocket>

suborder
n. : a subdivision of an order <a soil suborder> especially : a taxonomic category ranking between an order and a family

subordinate
1 : placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position : INFERIOR <a subordinate officer>
2 : submissive to or controlled by authority
3 a : of, relating to, or constituting a clause that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb b : SUBORDINATING
–sub·or·di·nate·ly adverb
–sub·or·di·nate·ness noun

subordinate
n. : one that is subordinate

subordinate
1 : to make subject or subservient
2 : to treat as of less value or importance <stylist⋯whose crystalline prose subordinates content to form ― Susan Heath>
–sub·or·di·na·tion \-ˌbȯr-də-'nā-shən\ noun
–sub·or·di·na·tive \-'bȯr-də-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective

subordinating
adj. : introducing and linking a subordinate clause to a main clause <subordinating conjunction>

subordinator
: one that subordinates especially : a subordinating conjunction

suborn
v. 1 : to induce secretly to do an unlawful thing
2 : to induce to commit perjury also : to obtain (perjured testimony) from a witness
–sub·or·na·tion \ˌsə-ˌbȯr-'nā-shən\ noun
–sub·orn·er noun

Subotica
city N Serbia and Montenegro in N Vojvodina near Hungarian border pop 150,666

subphylum
n. : a category in biological classification ranking below a phylum and above a class

subplot
n. 1 : a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2 : a subdivision of an experimental plot of land

subpoena
n. : a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court under a penalty for failure

subpoena
n. : to serve or summon with a writ of subpoena

subpoena ad testificandum
: a writ commanding a person to appear in court to testify as a witness

subpoena duces tecum
: a writ commanding a person to produce in court certain designated documents or evidence

subpolar
adj. 1 : SUBARCTIC
2 : SUBANTARCTIC

subpopulation
: an identifiable fraction or subdivision of a population

subpotent
adj. : less potent than normal <subpotent drugs>
–sub·po·ten·cy \-'pō-tən(t)-sē\ noun

subprincipal
n. 1 : an assistant principal (as of a school)
2 : a secondary or bracing rafter

subproblem
: a problem that is contingent on or forms a part of another more inclusive problem

subprofessional
: functioning or qualified to function below the professional level but distinctly above the clerical or labor level and usually under the supervision of a professionally trained person
–subprofessional noun

subprogram
n. : a semi-independent portion of a program (as for a computer)

subregion
n. 1 : a subdivision of a region
2 : one of the primary divisions of a biogeographic region
–sub·re·gion·al \-ˌrēj-nəl, -ˌrē-jə-nəl\ adjective

subreption
n. : a deliberate misrepresentation also : an inference drawn from it
–sub·rep·ti·tious \ˌsəb-ˌrep-'ti-shəs\ adjective
–sub·rep·ti·tious·ly adverb

subring
: a subset of a mathematical ring which is itself a ring

subrogate
v. : to put in the place of another especially : to substitute (as a second creditor) for another with regard to a legal right or claim

subrogation
n. : the act of subrogating specifically : the assumption by a third party (as a second creditor or an insurance company) of another's legal right to collect a debt or damages

subroutine
n. : a subordinate routine specifically : a sequence of computer instructions for performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly

subsample
v. : to draw samples from (a previously selected group or population) : sample a sample of

subsample
v. : a sample or specimen obtained by subsampling

subsatellite
: an object carried into orbit in and subsequently released from a satellite or spacecraft

subscribe
v. transitive verb
1 : to write (one's name) underneath : SIGN
2 a : to sign (as a document) with one's own hand in token of consent or obligation b : to attest by signing c : to pledge (a gift or contribution) by writing one's name with the amount
3 : to assent to : SUPPORT
intransitive verb
1 : to sign one's name to a document
2 a : to give consent or approval to something written by signing <unwilling to subscribe to the agreement> b : to set one's name to a paper in token of promise to give something (as a sum of money) also : to give something in accordance with such a promise c : to enter one's name for a publication or service also : to receive a periodical or service regularly on order <subscribed to many magazines> d : to agree to purchase and pay for securities especially of a new offering <subscribed for 1000 shares>
3 : to feel favorably disposed <I subscribe to your sentiments>
synonyms see ASSENT
–sub·scrib·er noun

subscript
n. : a distinguishing symbol (as a letter or numeral) written immediately below or below and to the right or left of another character
–subscript adjective

subscription
n. 1 a : the act of signing one's name (as in attesting or witnessing a document) b : the acceptance (as of ecclesiastical articles of faith) attested by the signing of one's name
2 : something that is subscribed: as a : an autograph signature also : a paper to which a signature is attached b : a sum subscribed or pledged
3 : an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature on a prepayment plan: as a : a purchase by prepayment for a certain number of issues (as of a periodical) b : application to purchase securities of a new issue c : a method of offering or presenting a series of public performances d British : membership dues

subscription TV
: pay-TV that broadcasts programs directly over the air to customers provided with a special receiver ― called also subscription television ― compare PAY-CABLE, PAY-TV

subsection
n. 1 : a subdivision or a subordinate division of a section
2 : a subordinate part or branch

subsequence
n. : the quality or state of being subsequent also : a subsequent event

subsequence
n. : a mathematical sequence that is part of another sequence

subsequent
adj. : following in time, order, or place <subsequent events> <a subsequent clause in the treaty>
–subsequent noun
–sub·se·quent·ly \-ˌkwent-lē, -kwənt-\ adverb

subsequent to
: at a time later or more recent than : SINCE <subsequent to our discussion>

subserve
v. 1 : to promote the welfare or purposes of
2 : to serve as an instrument or means in carrying out

subservience
n. 1 : a subservient or subordinate place or function
2 : obsequious servility

subserviency
n. : SUBSERVIENCE

subservient
adj. 1 : useful in an inferior capacity : SUBORDINATE
2 : serving to promote some end
3 : obsequiously submissive : TRUCKLING
–sub·ser·vi·ent·ly adverb
synonyms SUBSERVIENT, SERVILE, SLAVISH, OBSEQUIOUS mean showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience. SUBSERVIENT implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position <domestic help was expected to be properly subservient>. SERVILE suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave <a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on>. SLAVISH suggests abject or debased servility <the slavish status of migrant farm workers>. OBSEQUIOUS implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner <waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities>.

subset
n. 1 : a set each of whose elements is an element of an inclusive set
2 : DIVISION, PORTION <a subset of our community>

subshrub
n. : a perennial plant having woody stems except for the terminal part of the new growth which is killed back annually also : a low shrub

subside
v. 1 : to sink or fall to the bottom : SETTLE
2 : to tend downward : DESCEND especially : to flatten out so as to form a depression
3 : to let oneself settle down : SINK <subsided into a chair>
4 : to become quiet or less <as the fever subsides> <my anger subsided>
synonyms see ABATE
–sub·si·dence \səb-'sī-dən(t)s, 'səb-sə-dən(t)s\ noun

subsidiarity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being subsidiary
2 : a principle in social organization: functions which subordinate or local organizations perform effectively belong more properly to them than to a dominant central organization

subsidiary
n. 1 a : furnishing aid or support : AUXILIARY <subsidiary details> b : of secondary importance <a subsidiary stream>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a subsidy <a subsidiary payment to an ally>
–sub·sid·i·ari·ly \-ˌsi-dē-'er-ə-lē\ adverb

subsidiary
n. : one that is subsidiary especially : a company wholly controlled by another

subsidise
v. British variant of subsidize

subsidize
v. : to furnish with a subsidy: as a : to purchase the assistance of by payment of a subsidy b : to aid or promote (as a private enterprise) with public money <subsidize soybean farmers> <subsidize public transportation>
–sub·si·di·za·tion \ˌsəb-sə-də-'zā-shən, -zə-\ noun
–sub·si·diz·er noun

subsidy
n. : a grant or gift of money: as a : a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation b : money granted by one state to another c : a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

subsist
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to have existence : BE b : PERSIST, CONTINUE
2 : to have or acquire the necessities of life (as food and clothing) especially : to nourish oneself <subsisting on roots, berries and grubs>
3 a : to hold true b : to be logically conceivable as the subject of true statements
transitive verb : to support with provisions

subsistence
n. 1 a (1) : real being : EXISTENCE (2) : the condition of remaining in existence : CONTINUATION, PERSISTENCE b : an essential characteristic quality of something that exists c : the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2 : means of subsisting: as a : the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life b : a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life
–sub·sis·tent \-tənt\ adjective

subsistence
n. self subsistence
subsistence farming
subsistence farmer
subsistence agriculture
self subsistent

subsistence farming
1 : farming or a system of farming that provides all or almost all the goods required by the farm family usually without any significant surplus for sale
2 : farming or a system of farming that produces a minimum and often inadequate return to the farmer ― called also subsistence agriculture
–subsistence farmer noun

subsocial
: incompletely social especially : tending to associate gregariously but lacking fixed or complex social organization <subsocial insects>

subsoil
n. : the stratum of weathered material that underlies the surface soil

subsoil
n. : to turn, break, or stir the subsoil of
–sub·soil·er noun

subsolar point
: the point on the surface of the earth or a planet at which the sun is at the zenith

subsonic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2 : moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at a subsonic speed
3 : INFRASONIC 1
–sub·son·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

subspace
n. : a subset of a space especially : one that has the essential properties (as those of a vector space or topological space) of the including space

subspecies
n. : a subdivision of a species: as a : a category in biological classification that ranks immediately below a species and designates a population of a particular geographic region genetically distinguishable from other such populations of the same species and capable of interbreeding successfully with them where its range overlaps theirs b : a named subdivision (as a race or variety) of a taxonomic species c : SUBGROUP 1 <a political subspecies>
–sub·spe·cif·ic \ˌsəb-spi-'si-fik\ adjective

substage
n. : an attachment to a microscope by means of which accessories (as mirrors, diaphragms, or condensers) are held in place beneath the stage of the instrument

substance
n. 1 a : essential nature : ESSENCE b : a fundamental or characteristic part or quality c Christian Science : GOD 1B
2 a : ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change b : practical importance : MEANING, USEFULNESS <the⋯bill97which will be without substance in the sense that it will authorize nothing more than a set of ideas ― Richard Reeves>
3 a : physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence b : matter of particular or definite chemical constitution c : something (as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction <possession of a controlled substance> <substance abuse>
4 : material possessions : PROPERTY <a family of substance>
–sub·stance·less \-ləs\ adjective
–in substance : in respect to essentials : FUNDAMENTALLY

substance
n. ground substance
queen substance
in substance
substance P
working substance

substance P
: a neuropeptide that consists of 11 amino acid residues, that is present in the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, that causes the contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of blood vessels, and that acts as a potent neurotransmitter especially in the transmission of signals from pain receptors

substandard
adj. : deviating from or falling short of a standard or norm: as a : of a quality lower than that prescribed by law <substandard housing> b : conforming to a pattern of linguistic usage existing within a speech community but not that of the prestige group in that community c : constituting a greater than normal risk to an insurer

substantia nigra
: a layer of deeply pigmented gray matter situated in the midbrain and containing the cell bodies of a tract of dopamine-producing nerve cells whose secretion tends to be deficient in Parkinson's disease

substantial
1 a : consisting of or relating to substance b : not imaginary or illusory : REAL, TRUE c : IMPORTANT, ESSENTIAL
2 : ample to satisfy and nourish : FULL <a substantial meal>
3 a : possessed of means : WELL-TO-DO b : considerable in quantity : significantly great <earned a substantial wage>
4 : firmly constructed : STURDY <a substantial house>
5 : being largely but not wholly that which is specified <a substantial lie>
–substantial noun
–sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–sub·stan·tial·ly \-'stan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sub·stan·tial·ness \-'stan(t)-shəl-nəs\ noun

substantiate
1 : to give substance or form to : EMBODY
2 : to establish by proof or competent evidence : VERIFY <substantiate a charge>
synonyms see CONFIRM
–sub·stan·ti·a·tion \-ˌstan(t)-shē-'ā-shən\ noun
–sub·stan·ti·a·tive \-'stan(t)-shē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

substantival
adj. : of, relating to, or serving as a substantive
–sub·stan·ti·val·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

substantive
n. : NOUN broadly : a word or word group functioning syntactically as a noun
–sub·stan·tiv·ize \-ti-ˌvīz\ transitive verb

substantive
1 : being a totally independent entity
2 a : real rather than apparent : FIRM <need substantive evidence to prove her guilt> also : PERMANENT, ENDURING b : belonging to the substance of a thing : ESSENTIAL c : expressing existence <the substantive verb is the verb to be> d : requiring or involving no mordant <a substantive dyeing process>
3 a : having the nature or function of a grammatical substantive <a substantive phrase> b : relating to or having the character of a noun or pronominal term in logic
4 : considerable in amount or numbers : SUBSTANTIAL <made substantive progress>
5 : creating and defining rights and duties <substantive law> ― compare PROCEDURAL
6 : having substance : involving matters of major or practical importance to all concerned <substantive discussions among world leaders>
–sub·stan·tive·ly adverb
–sub·stan·tive·ness noun

substantive due process
: DUE PROCESS 2

substantive right
: a right (as of life, liberty, property, or reputation) held to exist for its own sake and to constitute part of the normal legal order of society

substation
n. : a subordinate or subsidiary station: as a : a branch post office b : a subsidiary station in which electric current is transformed c : a police station serving a particular area

substituent
n. : an atom or group that replaces another atom or group in a molecule
–substituent adjective

substitutable
adj. : capable of being substituted
–sub·sti·tut·abil·i·ty \ˌsəb-stə-ˌtü-tə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌtyü-\ noun

substitute
n. : a person or thing that takes the place or function of another
–substitute adjective

substitute
n. transitive verb
1 a : to put or use in the place of another b : to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent also : to alter (as a compound) by introduction of a substituent <a substituted benzene ring>
2 : to take the place of : REPLACE
intransitive verb : to serve as a substitute

substitution
n. 1 a : the act, process, or result of substituting one thing for another b : replacement of one mathematical entity by another of equal value
2 : one that is substituted for another
–sub·sti·tu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–sub·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adverb
–sub·sti·tu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

substitution cipher
: a cipher in which the letters of the plaintext are systematically replaced by substitute letters ― compare TRANSPOSITION CIPHER

substitutive
adj. : serving or suitable as a substitute
–sub·sti·tu·tive·ly adverb

substrate
n. 1 : SUBSTRATUM
2 : the base on which an organism lives <the soil is the substrate of most seed plants>
3 : a substance acted upon (as by an enzyme)

substratum
n. : an underlying support : FOUNDATION: as a : substance that is a permanent subject of qualities or phenomena b : the material of which something is made and from which it derives its special qualities c : a layer beneath the surface soil specifically : SUBSOIL d : SUBSTRATE 2

substructure
n. : an underlying or supporting part of a structure
–sub·struc·tur·al \-chə-rəl, -shrəl\ adjective

subsume
v. : to include or place within something larger or more comprehensive : encompass as a subordinate or component element <red, green, and yellow are subsumed under the term “color”>
–sub·sum·able \-'sü-mə-bəl\ adjective

subsumption
n. : the act or process of subsuming

subsurface
adj. : earth material (as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground

subsurface
adj. : of, relating to, or being something located beneath a surface and especially underground

subteen
n. : a preadolescent child

subtemperate
: of or occurring in the colder parts of the temperate zones

subtenancy
n. : the state of being a subtenant

subtenant
n. : one who rents from a tenant

subtend
v. 1 a : to be opposite to and extend from one side to the other of <a hypotenuse subtends a right angle> b : to fix the angular extent of with respect to a fixed point or object taken as the vertex <a central angle subtended by an arc> <the angle subtended at the eye by an object of given width and a fixed distance away> c : to determine the measure of by marking off the endpoints of <a chord subtends an arc>
2 a : to underlie so as to include b : to occupy an adjacent and usually lower position to and often so as to embrace or enclose <a bract that subtends a flower>

subterfuge
n. 1 : deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade
2 : a deceptive device or stratagem
synonyms see DECEPTION

subterminal
adj. : situated or occurring near but not precisely at an end <subterminal spots on tail feathers>

subterranean
adj. 1 : being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2 : existing or working in secret : HIDDEN <a subterranean network of criminals>
–sub·ter·ra·nean·ly also sub·ter·ra·neous·ly adverb

subtext
n. : the implicit or metaphorical meaning (as of a literary text)
–sub·tex·tu·al \ˌsəb-'teks-chə-wəl, -chəl\ adjective
–sub·tex·tu·al·ly adverb

subthreshold
adj. : inadequate to produce a response <subthreshold dosage> <a subthreshold stimulus>

subtile
adj. 1 : SUBTLE, ELUSIVE <a subtile aroma>
2 a : CUNNING, CRAFTY b : SAGACIOUS, DISCERNING
–sub·tile·ly \'sət-lē, 'sə-təl-(l)ē; 'səb-tə-lē\ adverb
–sub·tile·ness \'sə-təl-nəs, 'səb-təl-\ noun

subtilisin
n. : a protease secreted by a soil bacillus (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens)

subtilize
v. intransitive verb : to act or think subtly
transitive verb : to make subtile
–sub·til·i·za·tion \ˌsə-təl-ə-'zā-shən, ˌsəb-tə-lə-\ noun

subtilty
: SUBTLETY

subtitle
n. 1 : a secondary or explanatory title
2 : a printed statement or fragment of dialogue appearing on the screen between the scenes of a silent motion picture or appearing as a translation at the bottom of the screen during the scenes of a motion picture or television show in a foreign language

subtitle
n. : to give a subtitle to

subtle
adj. 1 a : DELICATE, ELUSIVE <a subtle fragrance> b : difficult to understand or perceive : OBSCURE <subtle differences in sound>
2 a : PERCEPTIVE, REFINED <a writer's sharp and subtle moral sense> b : having or marked by keen insight and ability to penetrate deeply and thoroughly <a subtle scholar>
3 a : highly skillful : EXPERT <a subtle craftsman> b : cunningly made or contrived : INGENIOUS
4 : ARTFUL, CRAFTY <a subtle rogue>
5 : operating insidiously <subtle poisons>
–sub·tle·ness \'sə-təl-nəs\ noun
–sub·tly \'sət-lē, 'sə-təl-(l)ē\ adverb

subtlety
n. 1 : the quality or state of being subtle
2 : something subtle

subtonic
n. : LEADING TONE

subtotal
n. : the sum of part of a series of figures

subtotal
n. : somewhat less than complete : nearly total <subtotal thyroidectomy>
–sub·to·tal·ly adverb

subtract
v. transitive verb : to take away by or as if by deducting <subtract 5 from 9> <subtract funds from the project>
intransitive verb : to perform a subtraction
–sub·tract·er noun

subtraction
n. : an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: as a : the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled b : the operation of deducting one number from another

subtractive
adj. 1 : tending to subtract
2 : constituting or involving subtraction

subtrahend
n. : a number that is to be subtracted from a minuend

subtropical
adj. : of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone <subtropical environment> <subtropical grasses>

subtropics
n. : subtropical regions

subulate
adj. : linear and tapering to a fine point <a subulate leaf>

subumbrella
: the concave undersurface of a jellyfish

suburb
n. 1 a : an outlying part of a city or town b : a smaller community adjacent to or within commuting distance of a city c plural : the residential area on the outskirts of a city or large town
2 plural : the near vicinity : ENVIRONS
–sub·ur·ban \sə-'bər-bən\ adjective or noun
–sub·ur·ban·ite \-bə-ˌnīt\ noun

suburbanise
v. British variant of suburbanize

suburbanize
v. : to make suburban : give a suburban character to
–sub·ur·ban·i·za·tion \-ˌbər-bə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

suburbia
n. 1 : the suburbs of a city
2 : people who live in the suburbs
3 : suburban life

subvention
n. : the provision of assistance or financial support: as a : ENDOWMENT b : a subsidy from a government or foundation
–sub·ven·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

subversion
n. 1 : the act of subverting : the state of being subverted especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within
2 obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction
–sub·ver·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə-\ adjective
–sub·ver·sive \-'vər-siv, -ziv\ adjective or noun
–sub·ver·sive·ly adverb
–sub·ver·sive·ness noun

subvert
v. 1 : to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : RUIN
2 : to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith
–sub·vert·er noun

subviral
adj. : relating to, being, or caused by a piece or a structural part (as a protein) of a virus <subviral infection>

subvocal
: characterized by the occurrence in the mind of words in speech order with or without inaudible articulation of the speech organs
–sub·vo·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

subvocalization
: the act or process of inaudibly articulating speech with the speech organs
–sub·vo·cal·ize \ˌsəb-'vō-kə-ˌlīz\ verb

subway
n. : an underground way: as a : a passage under a street (as for pedestrians, power cables, or water or gas mains) b : a usually electric underground railway c : UNDERPASS
–subway intransitive verb

subwoofer
n. : a loudspeaker responsive only to the lowest acoustic frequencies

succedaneum
n. : SUBSTITUTE
–suc·ce·da·ne·ous \-nē-əs\ adjective

succedent
: coming next : SUCCEEDING, SUBSEQUENT

succeed
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to come next after another in office or position or in possession of an estate especially : to inherit sovereignty, rank, or title b : to follow after another in order
2 a : to turn out well b : to attain a desired object or end <students who succeed in college>
3 obsolete : to pass to a person by inheritance
transitive verb
1 : to follow in sequence and especially immediately
2 : to come after as heir or successor
synonyms see FOLLOW
–suc·ceed·er noun

succes
succes de scandale
succes d'estime
succes fou

succes d'estime
: something (as a work of art) that wins critical respect but not popular success also : the reception accorded such a piece

succes de scandale
: something (as a work of art) that wins popularity or notoriety because of its scandalous nature also : the reception accorded such a piece

succes fou
: an extraordinary success

success
n. 1 obsolete : OUTCOME, RESULT
2 a : degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
3 : one that succeeds

successful
adj. 1 : resulting or terminating in success <a successful attempt>
2 : gaining or having gained success <a successful investor>
–suc·cess·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–suc·cess·ful·ness noun

succession
n. 1 a : the order in which or the conditions under which one person after another succeeds to a property, dignity, title, or throne b : the right of a person or line to succeed c : the line having such a right
2 a : the act or process of following in order : SEQUENCE b (1) : the act or process of one person's taking the place of another in the enjoyment of or liability for rights or duties or both (2) : the act or process of a person's becoming beneficially entitled to a property or property interest of a deceased person c : the continuance of corporate personality d : unidirectional change in the composition of an ecosystem as the available competing organisms and especially the plants respond to and modify the environment
3 a : a number of persons or things that follow each other in sequence b : a group, type, or series that succeeds or displaces another
–suc·ces·sion·al \-'sesh-nəl, -'se-shə-nəl\ adjective
–suc·ces·sion·al·ly adverb

succession duty
chiefly British : INHERITANCE TAX

successive
adj. 1 : following in order : following each other without interruption <their fourth successive victory>
2 : characterized by or produced in succession
–suc·ces·sive·ly adverb
–suc·ces·sive·ness noun

successor
n. : one that follows especially : one who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

succinate
n. : a salt or ester of succinic acid

succinate dehydrogenase
: an iron-containing flavoprotein enzyme that catalyzes often reversibly the dehydrogenation of succinic acid to fumaric acid in the Krebs cycle and that is widely distributed especially in animal tissues, bacteria, and yeast ― called also succinic dehydrogenase

succinct
adj. 1 archaic a : being girded b : close-fitting
2 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words <a succinct description>
synonyms see CONCISE
–suc·cinct·ly \-'siŋ(k)t-lē, -'siŋ-klē\ adverb
–suc·cinct·ness \-'siŋt-nəs, -'siŋk-nəs\ noun

succinic acid
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C_4H_6O_4 found widely in nature and active in energy-yielding metabolic reactions

succinyl
: either of two radicals derived from succinic acid by removal of one or both hydroxyl groups: a : a divalent radical OCCH_2CH_2CO b : a monovalent radical HOOCCH_2CH_2CO

succinylcholine
n. : a basic compound that is used intravenously chiefly in the form of a hydrated chloride C_14H_30Cl_2N_2O_4·2H_2O as a muscle relaxant in surgery

succor
n. 1 : RELIEF also : AID, HELP
2 : something that furnishes relief

succor
n. : to go to the aid of : RELIEVE
–suc·cor·er \'sə-kər-ər\ noun

succory
n. : CHICORY

succotash
n. : lima or shell beans and kernels of green corn cooked together

succour
n. chiefly British variant of succor

succuba
: SUCCUBUS

succubus
n. : a demon assuming female form to have sexual intercourse with men in their sleep ― compare INCUBUS

succulence
n. 1 : the state of being succulent
2 : succulent feed <wild game subsisting on succulence>

succulent
n. 1 a : full of juice : JUICY b : moist and tasty : TOOTHSOME <a succulent meal> c of a plant : having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture
2 : rich in interest
–suc·cu·lent·ly adverb

succulent
n. : a succulent plant (as a cactus or an aloe)

succumb
v. 1 : to yield to superior strength or force or overpowering appeal or desire <succumb to temptation>
2 : to be brought to an end (as death) by the effect of destructive or disruptive forces
synonyms see YIELD

succès
succès de scandale
succès d'estime
succès fou

such
adj. 1 a : of a kind or character to be indicated or suggested <a bag such as a doctor carries> b : having a quality to a degree to be indicated <his excitement was such that he shouted>
2 : of the character, quality, or extent previously indicated or implied <in the past few years many such women have shifted to full-time jobs>
3 : of so extreme a degree or quality <never heard such a hubbub>
4 : of the same class, type, or sort <other such clinics throughout the state>
5 : not specified

such
adj. 1 : such a person or thing
2 : someone or something stated, implied, or exemplified <such was the result>
3 : someone or something similar : similar persons or things <tin and glass and such>
–as such : intrinsically considered : in itself <as such the gift was worth little>
usage For reasons that are hard to understand, commentators on usage disapprove of such used as a pronoun. Dictionaries, however, recognize it as standard; all of the citations upon which our definitions of this word are based are clearly standard.

such
adj. 1 a : to such a degree : SO <such tall buildings> <such a fine person> b : VERY, ESPECIALLY <hasn't been in such good spirits lately>
2 : in such a way <related such that each excludes the other>

such
adj. as such
such and such

such and such
: not named or specified

such and such
: something not specified

suchlike
adj. : of like kind : SIMILAR

suchlike
adj. : SUCH 3

Suchocka
Hanna 1946-     prime min. of Poland (1992-93)

Suchow
1 ― see XUZHOU
2 ― see YIBIN

suck
n. transitive verb
1 a : to draw (as liquid) into the mouth through a suction force produced by movements of the lips and tongue <sucked milk from his mother's breast> b : to draw something from or consume by such movements <suck an orange> <suck a lollipop> c : to apply the mouth to in order to or as if to suck out a liquid <sucked his burned finger>
2 a : to draw by or as if by suction <when a receding wave sucks the sand from under your feet ― Kenneth Brower> <inadvertently sucked into the⋯intrigue ― Martin Levin> b : to take in and consume by or as if by suction <a vacuum cleaner sucking up dirt> <suck up a few beers> <opponents say that malls suck the life out of downtown areas ― Michael Knight>
intransitive verb
1 : to draw something in by or as if by exerting a suction force especially : to draw milk from a breast or udder with the mouth
2 : to make a sound or motion associated with or caused by suction <his pipe sucked wetly> <flanks sucked in and out, the long nose resting on his paws ― Virginia Woolf>
3 : to act in an obsequious manner <when they want votes⋯the candidates come sucking around ― W. G. Hardy> ― usually used with up <sucked up to the boss>
4 slang : to be objectionable or inadequate <our lifestyle sucks ― Playboy> <people who went said it sucked ― H. S. Thompson>
–suck it up : to make the effort required to do or deal with something difficult or unpleasant

suck
n. 1 : a sucking movement or force
2 : the act of sucking

suck
n. suck it up
suck in
suck up
sucking louse

suck in
1 : DUPE, HOODWINK
2 : to contract, flatten, and tighten (the abdomen) especially by inhaling deeply

suck it up
to make the effort required to do or deal with something difficult or unpleasant

suck-up
: a person who is ingratiating or fawning <a suck-up to the teacher>

sucker
n. 1 a : one that sucks especially a breast or udder : SUCKLING b : a device for creating or regulating suction (as a piston or valve in a pump) c : a pipe or tube through which something is drawn by suction d (1) : an organ in various animals for adhering or holding (2) : a mouth (as of a leech) adapted for sucking or adhering
2 : a shoot from the roots or lower part of the stem of a plant
3 : any of numerous chiefly No. American freshwater bony fishes (family Catostomidae) closely related to the carps but distinguished from them especially by the structure of the mouth which usually has thick soft lips ― compare HOG SUCKER, WHITE SUCKER
4 : LOLLIPOP 1
5 a : a person easily cheated or deceived b : a person irresistibly attracted by something specified <a sucker for ghost stories> c ― used as a generalized term of reference <see if you can get that sucker working again>

sucker
n. transitive verb
1 : to remove suckers from <sucker tobacco>
2 : HOODWINK 3
intransitive verb : to send out suckers <corn suckers abundantly>

sucker
n. hog sucker
shark sucker
sucker punch
white sucker

sucker punch
: to punch (a person) suddenly without warning and often without apparent provocation
–sucker punch noun

sucking
adj. : not yet weaned broadly : very young

sucking louse
: any of an order (Anoplura) of wingless insects comprising the true lice with mouthparts adapted to sucking body fluids

suckle
v. transitive verb
1 a : to give milk to from the breast or udder <a mother suckling her child> b : to nurture as if by giving milk from the breast <was suckled on pulp magazines>
2 : to draw milk from the breast or udder of <lambs suckling the ewes>
intransitive verb : to draw milk from the breast or udder

Suckling
n. Sir John 1609-1642 Eng. Cavalier poet

suckling
n. : a young unweaned animal

sucky
adj. slang : AWFUL 3

sucralose
: a white crystalline powder C_12H_19Cl_3O_3 that is derived from sucrose and is used as a low-calorie sweetener having a sweetness of much greater intensity than sucrose

sucrase
n. : INVERTASE

Sucre
n. Antonio José de 1795-1830 So. American liberator

Sucre
n. city, constitutional capital of Bolivia, SE of La Paz pop 130,952

sucre
n. ― see MONEY table

sucrose
n. : a sweet crystalline dextrorotatory disaccharide sugar C_12H_22O_11 that occurs naturally in most plants and is obtained commercially especially from sugarcane or sugar beets

suction
n. 1 : the act or process of sucking
2 a : the act or process of exerting a force upon a solid, liquid, or gaseous body by reason of reduced air pressure over part of its surface b : force so exerted
3 : a device (as a pipe or fitting) used in a machine that operates by suction
–suc·tion·al \-shə-nəl, -shnəl\ adjective

suction
n. : to remove (as from a body cavity or passage) by suction

suction
n. suction cup
suction pump
suction stop

suction cup
: a cup-shaped device in which a partial vacuum can be produced when applied to a surface

suction pump
: a common pump in which the liquid to be raised is pushed by atmospheric pressure into the partial vacuum under a retreating valved piston on the upstroke and reflux is prevented by a check valve in the pipe

suction stop
: a voice stop in the formation of which air behind the articulation is rarefied with consequent inrush of air when articulation is broken

suctorial
adj. : adapted for sucking especially : serving to draw up fluid or to adhere by suction <suctorial mouths>

suctorian
: any of a class or subclass (Suctoria) of complex protozoans which are ciliated only early in development and in which the mature form is fixed to the substrate, lacks locomotor organelles or a mouth, and obtains food through specialized suctorial tentacles

Sudan
n. 1 region N Africa bet. the Atlantic & the upper Nile S of the Sahara including basins of Lake Chad & Niger River & the upper Nile
2 country NE Africa S of Egypt; a republic, until 1956 a territory (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) under joint Brit. & Egyptian rule capital Khartoum area 967,500 sq mi (2,505,825 sq km), pop 25,000,000
–Su·da·nese \ˌsü-də-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Sudan
n. Sudan grass
Anglo Egyptian Sudan
French Sudan
Port Sudan
Sudanese Republic

Sudan grass
: a vigorous tall-growing annual sorghum grass (Sorghum sudanense syn. S. vulgare sudanense) widely grown for hay and fodder

Sudanese Republic
― see MALI 2

sudatorium
n. : a sweat room in a bath

sudatory
: SUDATORIUM

Sudbury
city Canada in SE Ont. N of Georgian Bay greater Sudbury pop 155,219

Sudd
n. swamp region S Sudan drained by White Nile River

sudd
n. : floating vegetable matter that forms obstructive masses especially in the upper White Nile

sudden
n. 1 a : happening or coming unexpectedly <a sudden shower> b : changing angle or character all at once <a sudden drop in the ocean bottom>
2 : marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste <a sudden departure>
3 : made or brought about in a short time : PROMPT
synonyms see PRECIPITATE
–sud·den·ly adverb
–sud·den·ness \'sə-dən-(n)əs\ noun

sudden
n. obsolete : an unexpected occurrence : EMERGENCY
–all of a sudden also on a sudden : sooner than was expected : at once

sudden
n. on a sudden
all of a sudden
sudden death
sudden infant death syndrome

sudden death
1 : unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes from any cause other than violence <sudden death following coronary occlusion>
2 : extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

sudden infant death syndrome
: death of an apparently healthy infant usually before one year of age that is of unknown cause and occurs especially during sleep ― abbreviation SIDS ― called also crib death

Sudetenland
n. region N Czech Republic in Sudety Mountains

Sudety
mountains cen Europe W of the Carpathians bet. Czech Republic & Poland
–Sudeten adjective or noun

Sudirman Range
mountain range cen West Papua, Indonesia ― see PUNCAK JAYA

sudoriferous
adj. : producing or conveying sweat <sudoriferous glands> <a sudoriferous duct>

sudorific
adj. : causing or inducing sweat : DIAPHORETIC <sudorific herbs>
–sudorific noun

Sudra
n. : a Hindu of a lower caste traditionally assigned to menial occupations
–Sudra adjective

suds
n. 1 : water impregnated with soap or a synthetic detergent compound and worked up into froth also : the lather or froth on such water
2 a : FOAM, FROTH b : BEER
–suds·less \-ləs\ adjective

suds
n. : to wash in suds
intransitive verb : to form suds

sudser
n. : SOAP OPERA

sudsy
adj. 1 : full of suds : FROTHY, FOAMY
2 : SOAPY 4

Sue
v. Eugène 1804-1857 orig. Marie-Joseph Sue Fr. nov.

sue
v. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to make petition to or for
2 archaic : to pay court or suit to : WOO
3 a : to seek justice or right from (a person) by legal process specifically : to bring an action against b : to proceed with and follow up (a legal action) to proper termination
intransitive verb
1 : to make a request or application : PLEAD ― usually used with for or to <sue for peace>
2 : to pay court : WOO <he loved⋯but sued in vain ― William Wordsworth>
3 : to take legal proceedings in court
–su·er noun

suede
n. 1 : leather with a napped surface
2 : a fabric finished with a nap to simulate suede

suede
n. transitive verb : to give a suede finish or nap to (a fabric or leather)
intransitive verb : to give cloth or leather a suede finish

suet
n. : the hard fat about the kidneys and loins in beef and mutton that yields tallow

Suetonius
ca A.D. 69-after 122 Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus Rom. biographer & hist.

Suez
n. city & port NE Egypt at S end of Suez Canal on Gulf of Suez (arm of Red Sea) pop 376,000

Suez Canal
canal over 100 mi (161 km) long NE Egypt traversing Isthmus of Suez

Suez, Isthmus of
isthmus NE Egypt bet. Mediterranean & Red seas connecting Africa & Asia

suffer
transitive verb
1 a : to submit to or be forced to endure <suffer martyrdom> b : to feel keenly : labor under <suffer thirst>
2 : UNDERGO, EXPERIENCE
3 : to put up with especially as inevitable or unavoidable
4 : to allow especially by reason of indifference <the eagle suffers little birds to sing ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb
1 : to endure death, pain, or distress
2 : to sustain loss or damage
3 : to be subject to disability or handicap
synonyms see BEAR
–suf·fer·able \'sə-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–suf·fer·able·ness noun
–suf·fer·ably \-blē\ adverb
–suf·fer·er \'sə-fər-ər\ noun

sufferance
n. 1 : patient endurance
2 : PAIN, MISERY
3 : consent or sanction implied by a lack of interference or failure to enforce a prohibition
4 : power or ability to withstand : ENDURANCE

suffering
n. 1 : the state or experience of one that suffers
2 : PAIN
synonyms see DISTRESS

suffice
v. intransitive verb
1 : to meet or satisfy a need : be sufficient <a brief note will suffice> ― often used with an impersonal it <suffice it to say that they are dedicated, serious personalities ― Cheryl Aldridge>
2 : to be competent or capable
transitive verb : to be enough for <a few more should suffice them>
–suf·fic·er noun

sufficiency
n. 1 : sufficient means to meet one's needs : COMPETENCY also : a modest but adequate scale of living
2 : the quality or state of being sufficient : ADEQUACY

sufficient
adj. 1 a : enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end <sufficient provisions for a month> b : being a sufficient condition
2 archaic : QUALIFIED, COMPETENT
–suf·fi·cient·ly adverb
synonyms SUFFICIENT, ENOUGH, ADEQUATE, COMPETENT mean being what is necessary or desirable. SUFFICIENT suggests a close meeting of a need <sufficient savings>. ENOUGH is less exact in suggestion than SUFFICIENT <do you have enough food?>. ADEQUATE may imply barely meeting a requirement <the service was adequate>. COMPETENT suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end <had no competent notion of what was going on>.

sufficient condition
1 : a proposition whose truth assures the truth of another proposition
2 : a state of affairs whose existence assures the existence of another state of affairs

suffix
n. : an affix occurring at the end of a word, base, or phrase ― compare PREFIX
–suf·fix·al \'sə-fik-səl, (ˌ)sə-'fik-səl\ adjective

suffix
n. : to attach as a suffix
–suf·fix·a·tion \ˌsə-fik-'sā-shən\ noun

suffocate
v. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation) (2) : to deprive of oxygen b : to make uncomfortable by want of fresh air
2 : to impede or stop the development of
intransitive verb
1 : to become suffocated: a (1) : to die from being unable to breathe (2) : to die from lack of oxygen b : to be uncomfortable through lack of fresh air
2 : to become checked in development
–suf·fo·ca·tion \ˌsə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–suf·fo·ca·tive \'sə-fə-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective

suffocating
n. : tending or serving to suffocate or overpower : OVERWHELMING
–suf·fo·cat·ing·ly adverb

Suffolk
n. 1 : any of a breed of chestnut-colored draft horses of English origin ― called also Suffolk punch
2 : any of a breed of large hornless black-faced sheep of English origin raised chiefly for mutton

Suffolk
n. 1 city SE Va. W of Chesapeake pop 63,677
2 county E England bordering on North Sea capital Ipswich area 1520 mi (3937 km), pop 629,900; formerly divided into administrative counties of East Suffolk (capital Ipswich) & West Suffolk (capital Bury St. Edmunds)

Suffolk
n. Suffolk punch
East Suffolk
Suffolk Broads
West Suffolk

Suffolk Broads
― see BROADS

suffragan
n. 1 : a diocesan bishop (as in the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England) subordinate to a metropolitan
2 : an Anglican or Episcopal bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and not having the right of succession

suffragan
n. 1 : of or being a suffragan
2 : subordinate to a metropolitan or archiepiscopal see

suffrage
n. 1 : a short intercessory prayer usually in a series
2 : a vote given in deciding a controverted question or electing a person for an office or trust
3 : the right of voting : FRANCHISE also : the exercise of such right

suffragette
n. : a woman who advocates suffrage for women

suffragist
n. : one who advocates extension of suffrage especially to women

suffuse
v. : to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light : FLUSH, FILL <the northern horizon was suffused with a deep red glow ― P. M. Leschak>
synonyms see INFUSE
–suf·fu·sion \-'fyü-zhən\ noun
–suf·fu·sive \-'fyü-siv, -ziv\ adjective

Sufi
n. : a Muslim mystic
–Sufi adjective
–Su·fic \-fik\ adjective
–Su·fism \-ˌfi-zəm\ noun

sugar
n. 1 a : a sweet crystallizable material that consists wholly or essentially of sucrose, is colorless or white when pure tending to brown when less refined, is obtained commercially from sugarcane or sugar beet and less extensively from sorghum, maples, and palms, and is important as a source of dietary carbohydrate and as a sweetener and preservative of other foods b : any of various water-soluble compounds that vary widely in sweetness, include the monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, and typically are optically active
2 : a unit (as a spoonful, cube, or lump) of sugar
3 : a sugar bowl
–sug·ar·less \-ləs\ adjective

sugar
n. transitive verb
1 : to make palatable or attractive : SWEETEN <a story sugared with romance>
2 : to sprinkle or mix with sugar
intransitive verb
1 : to form or be converted into sugar
2 : to become granular : GRANULATE
3 : to make maple syrup or maple sugar

sugar
n. fruit sugar
simple sugar
sugar loaf
blood sugar
brown sugar
cane sugar
castor sugar
caster sugar
confectioners' sugar
corn sugar
demerara sugar
double sugar
grape sugar
invert sugar
malt sugar
maple sugar
milk sugar
sugar snap pea
spun sugar
sugar apple
sugar beet
sugar bush
sugar daddy
sugar maple
sugar off
sugar orchard
sugar pea
sugar pill
sugar pine
table sugar
wood sugar
Sugar Land
sugaring off

sugar apple
: a tropical American tree (Annona squamosa) of the custard-apple family also : its edible sweet pulpy fruit with thick green scaly rind and shining black seeds

sugar beet
: a white-rooted beet grown for the sugar in its roots

sugar bush
: a woods in which sugar maples predominate

sugar daddy
1 : a well-to-do usually older man who supports or spends lavishly on a mistress, girlfriend, or boyfriend
2 : a generous benefactor of a cause or undertaking

Sugar Land
city SE Tex. SW of Houston pop 63,328

sugar maple
1 : a maple (Acer saccharum) of eastern No. America with 3- to 5-lobed leaves, hard close-grained wood much used for cabinetwork, and sap that is the chief source of maple syrup and maple sugar ― called also rock maple hard maple
2 : any of several maples (esp. Acer nigrum and A. grandidentatum) often considered subspecies of the sugar maple

sugar off
1 : to complete the process of boiling down the syrup in making maple sugar until it is thick enough to crystallize
2 : to approach or reach the state of granulation

sugar orchard
chiefly New England : SUGAR BUSH

sugar pea
: SNOW PEA

sugar pill
: a pharmacologically inert pill : PLACEBO

sugar pine
: a very tall pine (Pinus lambertiana) found from Oregon to Baja California and having needles in clusters of five, cones up to 18 inches (46 cm) long, and soft reddish-brown wood also : its wood

sugar snap pea
: SNAP PEA

sugarberry
: any of several hackberries (esp. Celtis laevigata and C. occidentalis) with sweet edible fruits

sugarcane
n. : a stout tall perennial grass (Saccharum officinarum) native to tropical southeast Asia that has a large terminal panicle and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar

sugarcoat
v. 1 : to coat with sugar
2 : to make superficially attractive or palatable <tried to sugarcoat an unpleasant truth>

sugarhouse
: a building where sugar is made or refined specifically : one where maple sap is boiled and maple syrup and maple sugar are made

sugaring off
1 : the act or process of converting maple syrup into sugar
2 : a party held at the time of sugaring off

sugarloaf
1 : refined sugar molded into a cone
2 : a hill or mountain shaped like a sugarloaf
–sugar-loaf adjective

Sugarloaf Mountain
― see PÃO DE AÇÚCAR

sugarplum
n. : a small candy in the shape of a ball or disk : SWEETMEAT

sugary
adj. 1 a : exaggeratedly sweet : HONEYED <his sugary deprecating voice ― D. H. Lawrence> b : cloyingly sweet : SENTIMENTAL
2 : containing, resembling, or tasting of sugar

suggest
v. 1 a obsolete : to seek to influence : SEDUCE b : to call forth : EVOKE c : to mention or imply as a possibility <suggested that he might bring his family> d : to propose as desirable or fitting <suggest a stroll> e : to offer for consideration or as a hypothesis <suggest a solution to a problem>
2 a : to call to mind by thought or association <the explosion⋯suggested sabotage ― F. L. Paxson> b : to serve as a motive or inspiration for <a play suggested by a historic incident>
–sug·gest·er noun
synonyms SUGGEST, IMPLY, HINT, INTIMATE, INSINUATE mean to convey an idea indirectly. SUGGEST may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought <a film title that suggests its subject matter>. IMPLY is close to SUGGEST but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed <measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent>. HINT implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement <hinted that she might get the job>. INTIMATE stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor <intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye>. INSINUATE applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner <insinuated that there were shady dealings>.

suggestible
adj. : easily influenced by suggestion
–sug·gest·ibil·i·ty \-ˌjes-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

suggestion
n. 1 a : the act or process of suggesting b : something suggested
2 a : the process by which a physical or mental state is influenced by a thought or idea <the power of suggestion> b : the process by which one thought leads to another especially through association of ideas
3 : a slight indication : TRACE <a suggestion of a smile>

suggestive
adj. 1 a : giving a suggestion : INDICATIVE <suggestive of a past era> b : full of suggestions : stimulating thought <provided a suggestive⋯commentary on the era ― Lloyd Morris> c : stirring mental associations : EVOCATIVE
2 : suggesting or tending to suggest something improper or indecent : RISQUÉ
–sug·ges·tive·ly adverb
–sug·ges·tive·ness noun

Sugiyama
Hajime 1880-1945 Jp. field marshal

Suharto
n. 1921-     pres. of Indonesia (1967-98)

sui generis
: constituting a class alone : UNIQUE, PECULIAR

sui juris
: having full legal rights or capacity

suicidal
adj. 1 a : dangerous especially to life b : destructive to one's own interests
2 : relating to or of the nature of suicide
3 : marked by an impulse to commit suicide
–sui·cid·al·ly adverb

suicide
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally especially by a person of years of discretion and of sound mind b : ruin of one's own interests <political suicide> c : APOPTOSIS <cell suicide>
2 : one that commits or attempts suicide

suicide
n. : of or relating to suicide especially : being or performing a deliberate act resulting in the voluntary death of the person who does it <a suicide mission> <a suicide bomber>

suicide
n. intransitive verb : to commit suicide
transitive verb : to put (oneself) to death

suicide
n. assisted suicide
physician assisted suicide
suicide squeeze

suicide squeeze
: a squeeze play in which the runner runs all out at the pitch without knowing whether the batter will contact the ball

suint
n. : dried perspiration of sheep deposited in the wool and rich in potassium salts

Suisse
― see SWITZERLAND

Suisun Bay
the E extension of San Pablo Bay cen Calif.

Suisun City
city cen Calif. SW of Sacramento pop 26,118

suit
n. 1 archaic : SUITE 1
2 a : recourse or appeal to a feudal superior for justice or redress b : an action or process in a court for the recovery of a right or claim
3 : an act or instance of suing or seeking by entreaty : APPEAL specifically : COURTSHIP
4 : a group of things forming a unit : SUITE ― used chiefly of armor, sails, and counters in games
5 : a set of garments: as a : an ensemble of two or more usually matching outer garments (as a jacket, vest, and trousers) <businessmen wearing three-piece suits> b : a costume to be worn for a special purpose or under particular conditions <gym suits>
6 a : all the playing cards in a pack bearing the same symbol b : all the dominoes bearing the same number c : all the cards or counters in a particular suit held by one player <a 5-card suit> d : the suit led <follow suit>
7 slang : a business executive ― usually used in plural
–suit·ed \'sü-təd\ adjective

suit
n. 1 a : to be becoming to <that dress suits you> b : to be proper for : BEFIT <a mood that suits the occasion>
2 : to outfit with clothes : DRESS
3 : ACCOMMODATE, ADAPT <suit the action to the word>
4 : to meet the needs or desires of : PLEASE <suits me fine>
intransitive verb
1 : to be in accordance : AGREE <the position suits with your abilities>
2 : to be appropriate or satisfactory <these prices don't suit>
3 : to put on specially required clothing (as a uniform or protective garb) ― usually used with up <players suiting up for the game>

suit
n. bathing suit
birthday suit
business suit
diving suit
dry suit
flight suit
follow suit
G suit
leisure suit
long suit
lounge suit
major suit
minor suit
moon suit
pants suit
pressure suit
safari suit
space suit
strong suit
sweat suit
tank suit
trouser suit
union suit
warm up suit
wet suit
zoot suit

Suita
city Japan on Honshu pop 347,929

suitable
adj. 1 obsolete : SIMILAR, MATCHING
2 a : adapted to a use or purpose <suitable for kitchen use> b : satisfying propriety : PROPER <suitable dress> c : ABLE, QUALIFIED <a suitable candidate for the job>
synonyms see FIT
–suit·abil·i·ty \ˌsü-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–suit·able·ness noun
–suit·ably \-blē\ adverb

suitcase
n. : portable case designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles

suite
n. 1 : RETINUE especially : the personal staff accompanying a ruler, diplomat, or dignitary on official business
2 : a group of things forming a unit or constituting a collection : SET: as a : a group of rooms occupied as a unit b (1) : a 17th and 18th century instrumental musical form consisting of a series of dances in the same or related keys (2) : a modern instrumental composition in several movements of different character (3) : a long orchestral concert arrangement in suite form of material drawn from a longer work (as a ballet) c : a collection of minerals or rocks having some characteristic in common (as type or origin) d : a set of matched furniture e : a set of computer programs designed to work together and usually sold as a single unit

suite
n. en suite
hospitality suite
tout de suite

suiter
: a suitcase for holding a specified number of suits ― usually used in combination <a two-suiter>

suiting
n. 1 : fabric for suits
2 : a suit of clothes

suitor
n. 1 : one that petitions or entreats
2 : a party to a suit at law
3 : one who courts a woman or seeks to marry her
4 : one who seeks to take over a business

Sukarnapura
― see JAYAPURA

Sukarno
1901-1970 pres. of Indonesia (1945-67)

Sukarnoputri
Megawati 1947-     pres. of Indonesia (2001-  )

Sukhumi
city & port NW Georgia capital of Abkhazia on Black Sea pop 120,000

sukiyaki
n. : a dish consisting of thin slices of meat, tofu, and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and sugar

sukkah
n. : a booth or shelter with a roof of branches and leaves that is used especially for meals during the Sukkoth

Sukkoth
n. : a Jewish harvest festival beginning on the 15th of Tishri and commemorating the temporary shelters used by the Jews during their wandering in the wilderness

Sul
Paraíba do Sul
Mato Grosso do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul

Sulawesi
n. island Indonesia E of Borneo capital Ujung Pandang area 72,775 sq mi (188,487 sq km), pop 12,520,711

sulcate
adj. : scored with usually longitudinal furrows <a sulcate seedpod>

sulcus
n. : FURROW, GROOVE especially : a shallow furrow on the surface of the brain separating adjacent convolutions

Suleyman
1494(or 1495)-1566 the Magnificent Ottoman sultan (1520-66)

sulf
: sulfur : containing sulfur <sulfide>

sulfa
n. 1 : related chemically to sulfanilamide
2 : of, relating to, or containing sulfa drugs

sulfa drug
: any of various synthetic organic bacteria-inhibiting drugs that are sulfonamides derived especially from sulfanilamide

sulfadiazine
n. : a sulfa drug C_10H_10N_4O_2S used especially in the treatment of toxoplasmosis

sulfamethoxazole
: an antibacterial sulfonamide C_10H_11N_3O_3S used alone or in combination with trimethoprim (as in the treatment of urinary tract infections or acute otitis media)

sulfanilamide
n. : a crystalline sulfonamide C_6H_8N_2O_2S that is the parent compound of most of the sulfa drugs

sulfatase
n. : any of various esterases that accelerate the hydrolysis of sulfuric esters and that are found in animal tissues and in microorganisms (as bacteria)

sulfate
n. 1 : a salt or ester of sulfuric acid
2 : a divalent group or anion SO_4 characteristic of sulfuric acid and the sulfates

sulfate
n. : to treat or combine with sulfuric acid or a sulfate

sulfate
n. aluminum sulfate
ammonium sulfate
barium sulfate
calcium sulfate
copper sulfate
ferrous sulfate
magnesium sulfate
potassium sulfate
sodium lauryl sulfate
sodium sulfate
zinc sulfate

sulfhydryl
n. : THIOL 2 ― used chiefly in molecular biology

sulfide
n. 1 : any of various organic compounds characterized by a sulfur atom attached to two carbon atoms
2 : a binary compound (as CuS) of sulfur usually with a more electropositive element or group : a salt of hydrogen sulfide

sulfide
n. cadmium sulfide
hydrogen sulfide
iron sulfide
lead sulfide
zinc sulfide

sulfinpyrazone
: a uricosuric drug C_23H_20N_2O_3S used in long-term treatment of chronic gout

sulfite
n. : a salt or ester of sulfurous acid
–sul·fit·ic \ˌsəl-'fi-tik\ adjective

sulfonamide
n. : any of various amides (as sulfanilamide) of a sulfonic acid also : SULFA DRUG

sulfonate
n. : a salt or ester of a sulfonic acid

sulfonate
n. : to introduce the SO_3H group into broadly : to treat (an organic substance) with sulfuric acid
–sul·fo·na·tion \ˌsəl-fə-'nā-shən\ noun

sulfone
n. : any of various compounds containing the sulfonyl group with its sulfur atom having two bonds with carbon

sulfonic
adj. : of, relating to, being, or derived from the monovalent acid group SO_3H

sulfonic acid
: any of numerous acids that contain the SO_3H group and may be derived from sulfuric acid by replacement of a hydroxyl group by either an inorganic anion or a monovalent organic group

sulfonium
: a monovalent group or cation SH_3 or derivative SR_3

sulfonyl
n. : the divalent group SO_2

sulfonylurea
n. : any of several hypoglycemic compounds related to the sulfonamides and used in the oral treatment of diabetes

sulforaphane
: an anticarcinogenic isothiocyanate C_6H_11NOS_2 found in cruciferous vegetables (as broccoli and cauliflower) that is thought to function by stimulating the production of enzymes in the body that detoxify cancer-causing substances

sulfoxide
n. : any of a class of organic compounds characterized by an SO group with its sulfur atom having two bonds with carbon

sulfur
n. : a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is a constituent of proteins, exists in several allotropic forms including yellow orthorhombic crystals, resembles oxygen chemically but is less active and more acidic, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in rubber vulcanization, and in medicine for treating skin diseases ― see ELEMENT table
–sul·fury or sul·phury \-ē\ adjective
usage The spelling sulfur predominates in U.S. technical usage, while both sulfur and sulphur are common in general usage. British usage tends to favor sulphur for all applications. The same pattern is seen in most of the words derived from sulfur.

sulfur
n. sulfur bacterium
sulfur dioxide
sulphur butterfly
sulphur yellow

sulfur bacterium
: any of various bacteria (esp. genus Thiobacillus) capable of metabolizing sulfur compounds

sulfur dioxide
: a heavy pungent toxic gas SO_2 that is easily condensed to a colorless liquid, is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, as a preservative, and as a refrigerant, and is a major air pollutant especially in industrial areas

sulfuric
adj. : of, relating to, or containing sulfur especially with a higher valence than sulfurous compounds <sulfuric esters>

sulfuric acid
: a heavy corrosive oily dibasic strong acid H_2SO_4 that is colorless when pure and is a vigorous oxidizing and dehydrating agent
usage see SULFUR

sulfurize
v. : to treat with sulfur or a sulfur compound

sulfurous
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or containing sulfur especially with a lower valence than sulfuric compounds <sulfurous esters> b : resembling or emanating from sulfur and especially burning sulfur
2 a : of, relating to, or dealing with the fire of hell : INFERNAL b : SCATHING, VIRULENT <sulfurous denunciations> c : PROFANE, BLASPHEMOUS <sulfurous language>
usage see SULFUR
–sul·fu·rous·ly adverb
–sul·fu·rous·ness noun

sulfurous acid
: a weak unstable dibasic acid H_2SO_3 known in solution and through its salts and used as a reducing and bleaching agent

sulfuryl
n. : SULFONYL ― used especially in names of inorganic compounds

Sulgrave
village England in S Northamptonshire

sulk
v. : to be moodily silent

sulk
v. 1 : the state of one sulking ― often used in plural <had a case of the sulks>
2 : a sulky mood or spell <in a sulk>

sulky
adj. 1 a : sulking or given to spells of sulking b : relating to or indicating a sulk <a sulky expression>
2 [2sulky] : having wheels and usually a seat for the driver <a sulky plow>
synonyms see SULLEN
–sulk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–sulk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

sulky
adj. : a light 2-wheeled vehicle (as for harness racing) having a seat for the driver only and usually no body

Sulla
138-78 B.C. Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix Rom. gen. & polit.

sullage
n. : REFUSE, SEWAGE

sullen
adj. 1 a : gloomily or resentfully silent or repressed <a sullen crowd> b : suggesting a sullen state : LOWERING <a sullen countenance>
2 : dull or somber in sound or color
3 : DISMAL, GLOOMY <a sullen morning>
4 : moving sluggishly <a sullen river>
–sul·len·ly adverb
–sul·len·ness \'sə-lə(n)-nəs\ noun
synonyms SULLEN, GLUM, MOROSE, SURLY, SULKY, CRABBED, SATURNINE, GLOOMY mean showing a forbidding or disagreeable mood. SULLEN implies a silent ill humor and a refusal to be sociable <remained sullen amid the festivities>. GLUM suggests a silent dispiritedness <a glum candidate left to ponder a stunning defeat>. MOROSE adds to GLUM an element of bitterness or misanthropy <morose job seekers who are inured to rejection>. SURLY implies gruffness and sullenness of speech or manner <a typical surly teenager>. SULKY suggests childish resentment expressed in peevish sullenness <grew sulky after every spat>. CRABBED applies to a forbidding morose harshness of manner <the school's notoriously crabbed headmaster>. SATURNINE describes a heavy forbidding aspect or suggests a bitter disposition <a saturnine cynic always finding fault>. GLOOMY implies a depression in mood making for seeming sullenness or glumness <a gloomy mood ushered in by bad news>.

Sullivan
Sir Arthur Seymour 1842-1900 Eng. composer

Sullivan
John 1740-1795 American gen. in Revolution

Sullivan
John L(awrence) 1858-1918 American boxer

Sullivan
Louis Henri 1856-1924 American architect

Sully
v. Duc de 1560-1641 Maximilien de Béthune Baron de Ros·ny \də-rō-'nē\ Fr. statesman

Sully
v. Thomas 1783-1872 American (Eng.-born) painter

sully
v. : to make soiled or tarnished : DEFILE

sully
v. archaic : SOIL, STAIN

Sully Prudhomme
1839-1907 pseud. of René-François-Armand Prudhomme Fr. poet & critic

sulph
chiefly British variant of sulf-

sulphate
n. chiefly British variant of sulfate, sulfide

sulphur butterfly
: any of numerous butterflies (esp. Colias and related genera of the family Pieridae) having the wings usually yellow or orange with a black border ― called also sulphur

sulphur yellow
: a brilliant greenish yellow

sulphureous
adj. : SULFUROUS

sulphurise
v. British variant of sulfurize

Sulpician
n. : a member of the Society of Priests of St. Sulpice founded by Jean Jacques Olier in Paris, France, in 1642 and dedicated to the teaching of seminarians

Sulston
Sir John Edward 1942-     Brit. geneticist

sultan
n. : a king or sovereign especially of a Muslim state
–sul·tan·ic \ˌsəl-'ta-nik\ adjective

sultana
n. 1 : a woman who is a member of a sultan's family especially : a sultan's wife
2 a : a pale yellow seedless grape grown for raisins and wine b : the raisin of a sultana

sultanate
n. 1 : a state or country governed by a sultan
2 : the office, dignity, or power of a sultan

sultaness
: SULTANA 1

sultry
adj. 1 a : very hot and humid : SWELTERING <a sultry day> b : burning hot : TORRID <a sultry sun>
2 a : hot with passion or anger b : exciting or capable of exciting strong sexual desire <sultry glances>
–sul·tri·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb
–sul·tri·ness \-trē-nəs\ noun

Sulu Archipelago
archipelago SW Philippines SW of Mindanao

Sulu Sea
sea W Philippines N of Celebes Sea

sum
n. 1 : an indefinite or specified amount of money
2 : the whole amount : AGGREGATE
3 : the utmost degree : SUMMIT <reached the sum of human happiness>
4 a : a summary of the chief points or thoughts : SUMMATION <the sum of this criticism follows ― C. W. Hendel> b : GIST <the sum and substance of an argument>
5 a (1) : the result of adding numbers <the sum of 5 and 7 is 12> (2) : the limit of the sum of the first n terms of an infinite series as n increases indefinitely b : numbers to be added broadly : a problem in arithmetic c (1) : DISJUNCTION 2 (2) : UNION 2D
–sum·ma·bil·i·ty \ˌsə-mə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sum·ma·ble \'sə-mə-bəl\ adjective
–in sum : in short : BRIEFLY

sum
n. transitive verb
1 : to calculate the sum of : TOTAL
2 : SUMMARIZE
intransitive verb : to reach a sum : AMOUNT

sum
n. dim sum
direct sum
in sum
sum total
sum up
vector sum
zero sum
cogito ergo sum
homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto
non sum qualis eram
dim sums
summing up
summings up

sum total
1 : a total arrived at through the counting of sums
2 : total result : TOTALITY

sum up
1 : to be the sum of : bring to a total <10 victories summed up his record>
2 a : to present or show succinctly : SUMMARIZE <sum up the evidence presented> b : to assess and then describe briefly : size up
intransitive verb : to present a summary or recapitulation

sum-up
: SUMMARY

sumac
n. 1 : a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs
2 : any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries ― compare POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC

Sumatra
n. island W Indonesia S of Malay Peninsula area 182,542 sq mi (472,784 sq km)
–Su·ma·tran \-trən\ adjective or noun

sumatriptan
: a triptan C_14H_21N_3O_2S that is administered as a nasal spray or in the form of its succinate by mouth or by injection and is used in the treatment of migraine attacks

Sumba
island Indonesia in the Lesser Sundas area 4306 sq mi (11,196 sq km), pop 251,126

Sumbawa
island Indonesia in the Lesser Sundas area 5693 sq mi (14,745 sq km), pop 195,554

Sumer
n. the S division of ancient Babylonia ― see AKKAD, SHINAR

Sumerian
n. 1 : a native of Sumer
2 : the language of the Sumerians that has no known linguistic affinities
–Sumerian adjective

Sumerology
: the study of Sumerian culture, language, and history
–Su·me·rol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Sumgait
city & port Azerbaijan on the Caspian NW of Baku pop 236,200

summa
n. 1 : a comprehensive treatise especially : one by a scholastic philosopher
2 : a synthesis or summary of any subject <a summa of a writer's work>

summa cum laude
: with highest distinction <graduated summa cum laude> ― compare CUM LAUDE, MAGNA CUM LAUDE

summand
: a term in a summation : ADDEND

summarise
v. British variant of summarize

summarization
n. 1 : the act of summarizing
2 : SUMMARY

summarize
v. transitive verb : to tell in or reduce to a summary
intransitive verb : to make a summary
–sum·ma·riz·able \ˌsə-mə-'rī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–sum·ma·riz·er noun

summary
n. 1 : COMPREHENSIVE especially : covering the main points succinctly
2 a : done without delay or formality : quickly executed <a summary dismissal> b : of, relating to, or using a summary proceeding <a summary trial>
synonyms see CONCISE
–sum·mar·i·ly \(ˌ)sə-'mer-ə-lē\ adverb

summary
n. : an abstract, abridgment, or compendium especially of a preceding discourse

summary judgment
: judgment that may be granted upon a party's motion when the pleadings, discovery, and any affidavits show that there is no issue of material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment in its favor as a matter of law

summary proceeding
: a civil or criminal proceeding conducted without formalities (as pleadings) for the speedy disposition of a matter

summate
v. transitive verb : to add together : SUM UP
intransitive verb : to form a sum or cumulative effect

summation
n. 1 : the act or process of forming a sum : ADDITION
2 : SUM, TOTAL
3 : cumulative action or effect especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse
4 : a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions
–sum·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

summative
adj. : ADDITIVE, CUMULATIVE

summer
n. 1 : the season between spring and autumn comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of June, July, and August or as reckoned astronomically extending from the June solstice to the September equinox
2 : the warmer half of the year
3 : YEAR <a girl of seventeen summers>
4 : a period of maturing powers
–sum·mer·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

summer
n. 1 : of, relating to, or suitable for summer <summer vacation> <a summer home>
2 : sown in the spring and harvested in the same year as sown <summer wheat> ― compare WINTER

summer
n. intransitive verb : to pass the summer
transitive verb : to keep or carry through the summer especially : to provide (as cattle or sheep) with pasture during the summer

summer
n. Indian summer
Saint Martin's summer
snow in summer
summer cypress
summer flounder
summer kitchen
summer savory
summer school
summer squash
summer stock
summer theater
summer time

summer cypress
: a densely branched Eurasian herb (Kochia scoparia) of the goosefoot family grown for its foliage which turns red in autumn

summer flounder
: a greenish-brown white-spotted flounder (Paralichthys dentatus of the family Bothidae) that occurs along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. from Maine to Florida and is used for food

summer kitchen
: a small building or shed that is usually adjacent to a house and is used as a kitchen in warm weather

summer savory
: an aromatic annual European mint (Satureja hortensis) with leaves used for seasoning also : its leaves ― compare WINTER SAVORY

summer school
: a school or school session conducted in summer enabling students to accelerate progress toward a diploma or degree, to make up credits lost through absence or failure, or to round out professional education

summer squash
: any of various squashes that are cultivars of a variety (Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo) and are used as a vegetable while immature and before hardening of the seeds and rind

summer stock
: theatrical productions of stock companies presented during the summer

summer theater
: a theater that presents several different plays or musicals during the summer

summer time
chiefly British : DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

summerhouse
n. 1 : a country house for summer residence
2 : a covered structure in a garden or park designed to provide a shady resting place in summer

summerlong
: lasting through the summer

summers
n. : during the summers <worked summers as a waiter>

summersault
n. variant of somersault

summertime
n. : the summer season or a period like summer

Summerville
town SE S.C. NW of Charleston pop 27,752

summerwood
: the harder less porous portion of an annual ring of wood that develops late in the growing season ― compare SPRINGWOOD

summery
adj. : of, resembling, or fit for summer

summing-up
: the act or statement of one who sums up

summit
n. 1 : TOP, APEX especially : the highest point : PEAK
2 : the topmost level attainable <the summit of human fame>
3 a : the highest level of officials especially : the diplomatic level of heads of government b : a conference of highest-level officials (as heads of government) <an economic summit>
synonyms SUMMIT, PEAK, PINNACLE, CLIMAX, APEX, ACME, CULMINATION mean the highest point attained or attainable. SUMMIT implies the topmost level attainable <at the summit of the Victorian social scene>. PEAK suggests the highest among other high points <an artist working at the peak of her powers>. PINNACLE suggests a dizzying and often insecure height <the pinnacle of worldly success>. CLIMAX implies the highest point in an ascending series <the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions>. APEX implies the point where all ascending lines converge <the apex of Dutch culture>. ACME implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing <a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty>. CULMINATION suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective <the culmination of years of effort>.

summit
n. 1 : to participate in a summit conference
2 : to climb to the summit <summited on May 29>

summiteer
n. : one who takes part in a summit

summitry
n. : the use of a summit conference for international negotiation

summon
v. 1 : to issue a call to convene : CONVOKE
2 : to command by service of a summons to appear in court
3 : to call upon for specified action
4 : to bid to come : send for <summon a physician>
5 : to call forth : EVOKE ― often used with up
–sum·mon·able \'sə-mə-nə-bəl\ adjective
–sum·mon·er \'sə-mə-nər, 'səm-nər\ noun
synonyms SUMMON, CALL, CITE, CONVOKE, CONVENE, MUSTER mean to demand the presence of. SUMMON implies the exercise of authority <was summoned to answer charges>. CALL may be used less formally for SUMMON <called the legislature into special session>. CITE implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge <cited for drunken driving>. CONVOKE implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes <convoked a Vatican council>. CONVENE is somewhat less formal than CONVOKE <convened the students>. MUSTER suggests a calling up of a number of things that form a group in order that they may be exhibited, displayed, or utilized as a whole <mustered the troops>.

summons
n. 1 : the act of summoning especially : a call by authority to appear at a place named or to attend to a duty
2 : a warning or citation to appear in court: as a : a written notification to be served on a person as a warning to appear in court at a day specified to answer to the plaintiff b : a subpoena to appear as a witness
3 : something (as a call) that summons

summons
n. : SUMMON 2

summum bonum
: the supreme good from which all others are derived

Sumner
n. Charles 1811-1874 American statesman & orator

Sumner
n. James Batcheller 1887-1955 American biochem.

Sumner
n. William Graham 1840-1910 American sociol. & educ.

sumo
n. : a Japanese form of wrestling in which a contestant loses if he is forced out of the ring or if any part of his body except the soles of his feet touches the ground

sump
n. 1 : a pit or reservoir serving as a drain or receptacle for liquids: as a : CESSPOOL b : a pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (as the oil-circulating system of an internal combustion engine) c chiefly British : OIL PAN
2 British : CRANKCASE
3 [German Sumpf, literally, marsh, from Middle High German ― more at SWAMP] a : the lowest part of a mine shaft into which water drains b : an excavation ahead of regular work in driving a mine tunnel or sinking a mine shaft
4 : something resembling a sump : SINK 2

sump pump
: a pump (as in a basement) to remove accumulations of liquid (as water) from a sump pit

sumpter
n. : a pack animal

sumptuary
adj. 1 : relating to personal expenditures and especially to prevent extravagance and luxury <conservative sumptuary tastes ― John Cheever>
2 : designed to regulate extravagant expenditures or habits especially on moral or religious grounds <sumptuary laws> <sumptuary tax>

sumptuous
adj. : extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent <sumptuous banquets> <a sumptuous residence> also : MAGNIFICENT 4
–sump·tu·ous·ly adverb
–sump·tu·ous·ness noun

Sumter
city E cen S.C. E of Columbia pop 39,643

Sun
n. Sunday

sun
n. 1 a often capitalized : the luminous celestial body around which the earth and other planets revolve, from which they receive heat and light, which is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, and which has a mean distance from earth of about 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 kilometers), a linear diameter of 864,000 miles (1,390,000 kilometers), and a mass 332,000 times greater than earth b : a celestial body like the sun : STAR
2 : the heat or light radiated from the sun <played in the sun all day>
3 : one resembling the sun (as in warmth or brilliance)
4 : the rising or setting of the sun <from sun to sun>
5 : GLORY, SPLENDOR
–in the sun : in the public eye
–under the sun : in the world : on earth

sun
n. transitive verb : to expose to or as if to the rays of the sun
intransitive verb : to sun oneself

sun
n. sun dog
sun parlor
mean sun
midnight sun
under the sun
in the sun
sun bear
sun dance
sun disk
sun god
sun goddess
sun grebe
sun protection factor
Sun Yat sen

sun bear
: a small forest-dwelling bear (Ursus malayanus syn. Helarctos malayanus) of southeastern Asia that has short glossy black fur with a lighter muzzle and often an orange or white breast mark

sun dance
: a solo or group solstice rite of American Indians

sun disk
: an ancient Near Eastern symbol consisting of a disk with conventionalized wings emblematic of the sun god (as Ra in Egypt)

sun dog
1 : PARHELION
2 : a small nearly round halo on the parhelic circle most frequently just outside the halo of 22 degrees

sun god
: a god that represents or personifies the sun in various religions

sun goddess
: a goddess that represents or personifies the sun in various religions

sun protection factor
: a number assigned to a sunscreen that is the factor by which the time required for unprotected skin to become sunburned is increased when the sunscreen is used ― abbreviation SPF

Sun Yat-sen
1866-1925 orig. Sun Wen or Sun Chung-shan Chin. statesman

sun-grebe
: any of a small family (Heliornithidae) of semiaquatic African, Asian, and American tropical birds that have lobed feet and are related to the rails

sunbaked
adj. 1 : heated, parched, or compacted especially by excessive sunlight
2 : baked by exposure to sunshine

sunbath
n. : an exposure to sunlight or a sunlamp

sunbathe
v. : to take a sunbath
–sun·bath·er \-ˌbā-thər\ noun

sunbeam
n. : a ray of sunlight

Sunbelt
n. region S & SW U.S.

sunbird
n. : any of numerous small brilliantly colored oscine birds (family Nectariniidae) of the tropical Old World somewhat resembling hummingbirds

sunblock
n. : a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by physically blocking out ultraviolet radiation) also : its active ingredient (as titanium dioxide) ― compare SUNSCREEN

sunbonnet
n. : a woman's bonnet with a wide brim framing the face and usually having a ruffle at the back to protect the neck from the sun

sunbow
: an arch resembling a rainbow made by the sun shining through vapor or mist

sunburn
n. transitive verb : to burn or discolor by the sun
intransitive verb : to become sunburned

sunburn
n. : inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

sunburst
n. 1 : a flash of sunlight especially through a break in clouds
2 a : a jeweled brooch representing a sun surrounded by rays b : a design in the form of rays diverging from a central point

sunchoke
: JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

Sunda
Greater Sunda Islands
Lesser Sunda Islands
Sunda Islands
Sunda Strait

Sunda Islands
islands Malay Archipelago comprising the Greater Sunda Islands (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, & adjacent islands) & the Lesser Sunda Islands (extending E from Bali to Timor); with exception of N Borneo & East Timor, belongs to Indonesia

Sunda Strait
strait bet. Java & Sumatra

sundae
n. : ice cream served with topping (as crushed fruit, syrup, nuts, or whipped cream)

Sunday
n. : the first day of the week : the Christian analogue of the Jewish Sabbath
–Sun·days \-(ˌ)dāz, -dēz\ adverb

Sunday
n. 1 : of, relating to, or associated with Sunday
2 [from the practice of wearing one's best clothes on Sunday to attend church] : BEST <Sunday suit>
3 : AMATEUR <Sunday painters>

Sunday
n. William Ashley 1862-1935 Billy Sunday American evangelist

Sunday
n. Advent Sunday
Laetare Sunday
Low Sunday
Palm Sunday
Passion Sunday
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday go to meeting
Sunday punch
Sunday school

Sunday punch
1 : a powerful or devastating blow especially : a knockout punch
2 : something capable of delivering a powerful or devastating blow to the opposition <saving his Sunday punch for the end of the campaign ― Newsweek>

Sunday school
: a school held on Sunday for religious education also : the teachers and pupils of such a school

Sunday-go-to-meeting
: appropriate for Sunday churchgoing

sundeck
n. 1 : the usually upper deck of a ship that is exposed to the most sun
2 : a roof, deck, or terrace for sunning

sunder
n. transitive verb : to break apart or in two : separate by or as if by violence or by intervening time or space
intransitive verb : to become parted, disunited, or severed
synonyms see SEPARATE

Sunderland
seaport N England in Tyne and Wear on North Sea pop 286,800

sundew
n. : any of a genus (Drosera of the family Droseraceae, the sundew family) of bog-inhabiting insectivorous herbs having leaves covered with gland-tipped adhesive hairs

sundial
n. : an instrument to show the time of day by the shadow of a gnomon on a usually horizontal plate or on a cylindrical surface

sundown
n. : SUNSET 2

sundowner
n. 1 [from his habit of arriving at a place where he hopes to obtain food and lodging too late to do any work] Australian : HOBO, TRAMP
2 chiefly British : a drink taken at sundown

sundress
n. : a dress with an abbreviated bodice usually exposing the shoulders, arms, and back

sundries
n. : miscellaneous small articles, details, or items

sundrops
: any of several day-flowering herbs (genera Oenothera and Calylophus) of the evening-primrose family

sundry
adj. : MISCELLANEOUS, VARIOUS <sundry articles>

sundry
adj. : an indeterminate number <recommended for reading by all and sundry ― Edward Huberman>

Sundsvall
city & port E Sweden on Gulf of Bothnia pop 93,252

Sunfish
n. used for a small light sailboat that has one sail

sunfish
n. 1 : OCEAN SUNFISH
2 : any of numerous No. American freshwater bony fishes (family Centrarchidae, especially genus Lepomis) usually with a deep compressed body and metallic luster

sunflower
n. : any of a genus (Helianthus, especially H. annuus) of New World composite plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil

Sung
: a Chinese dynasty dated A.D. 960-1280 and marked by cultural refinement and achievements in philosophy, literature, and art
–Sung adjective

sung
past and past part of sing

sung mass
: HIGH MASS

Sungari
― see SONGHUA

sunglass
n. 1 : a convex lens for converging the sun's rays
2 plural : glasses to protect the eyes from the sun

sunk
adj. past and past part of sink

sunk
adj. 1 : depressed in spirits
2 : DONE FOR, RUINED

sunk fence
: a ditch with a retaining wall used to divide lands without defacing a landscape ― called also ha-ha

sunken
adj. 1 : SUBMERGED especially : lying at the bottom of a body of water
2 a : HOLLOW, RECESSED <sunken cheeks> b : lying in a depression <a sunken garden> c : settled below the normal level d : constructed below the normal floor level <a sunken living room>

sunlamp
n. : an electric lamp designed to emit radiation of wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared

sunless
adj. : lacking sunshine : DARK, CHEERLESS

sunlight
n. : the light of the sun : SUNSHINE

sunlit
adj. : lighted by or as if by the sun

sunn
: an annual Indian herb (Crotalaria juncea) of the legume family with slender branches, simple leaves, and yellow flowers also : its valuable fiber resembling hemp that is lighter and stronger than jute

sunn hemp
: SUNN

sunna
n. : the body of Islamic custom and practice based on Muhammad's words and deeds

Sunni
n. 1 : the Muslims of the branch of Islam that adheres to the orthodox tradition and acknowledges the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad ― compare SHIA
2 : a Sunni Muslim
–Sunni adjective

Sunnism
n. : the religious system or distinctive tenets of the Sunni

Sunnite
n. : SUNNI 2
–Sun·nite \'su̇(n)-ˌnīt\ adjective

sunny
adj. 1 : marked by brilliant sunlight : full of sunshine
2 : CHEERFUL, OPTIMISTIC <a sunny disposition>
3 : exposed to, brightened by, or warmed by the sun <a sunny room>
–sun·ni·ly \'sə-nə-lē\ adverb
–sun·ni·ness \'sə-nē-nəs\ noun

sunny-side up
of an egg : fried on one side only

Sunnyvale
city W Calif. WNW of San Jose pop 131,760

sunporch
: a screened-in or glassed-in porch with a sunny exposure

Sunrise
n. city SE Fla. W of Fort Lauderdale pop 85,779

sunrise
n. 1 : the apparent rising of the sun above the horizon also : the accompanying atmospheric effects
2 : the time when the upper limb of the sun appears above the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth

sunroof
n. : a panel in an automobile roof that can be opened

sunroom
n. : a glass-enclosed porch or living room with a sunny exposure ― called also sun parlor

sunscald
: an injury of woody plants (as fruit or forest trees) characterized by localized death of the tissues and sometimes by cankers and caused when it occurs in the summer by the combined action of both the heat and light of the sun and in the winter by the combined action of sun and low temperature to produce freezing of bark and underlying tissues

sunscreen
n. 1 : a screen to protect against sun
2 : a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing ultraviolet radiation) also : its active ingredient (as benzophenone) ― compare SUNBLOCK
–sun·screen·ing adjective

sunseeker
n. : a person who travels to an area of warmth and sun especially in winter

sunset
n. 1 : the apparent descent of the sun below the horizon also : the accompanying atmospheric effects
2 : the time when the upper limb of the sun disappears below the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth
3 : a period of decline especially : old age

sunset
n. : stipulating the periodic review of government agencies and programs in order to continue their existence <sunset laws>

Sunset Crater
volcanic crater N cen Ariz. in Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

sunshade
n. : something used as a protection from the sun's rays: as a : PARASOL b : AWNING

sunshine
n. 1 a : the sun's light or direct rays b : the warmth and light given by the sun's rays c : a spot or surface on which the sun's light shines
2 : something (as a person, condition, or influence) that radiates warmth, cheer, or happiness
–sun·shiny \-ˌshī-nē\ adjective

sunshine
n. : forbidding or restricting closed meetings of legislative or executive bodies and sometimes providing for public access to records <sunshine laws>

sunspot
n. : any of the dark spots that appear at times on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope

sunstroke
n. : heatstroke caused by direct exposure to the sun

sunstruck
adj. : affected or touched by the sun

sunsuit
n. : an outfit worn usually for sunbathing and play

sunt lacrimae rerum
: there are tears for things : tears attend trials

suntan
n. 1 : a browning of the skin from exposure to the rays of the sun
2 plural : a tan-colored summer uniform
–sun·tanned \-ˌtand\ adjective

suntanning
v. : the process of tanning the skin by exposure to the sun or artificial light
–suntanning adjective

sunup
n. : SUNRISE

sunward
adj. : toward the sun

sunward
adj. : facing the sun

sunwise
adv. : CLOCKWISE

suo
more suo
suo jure
suo loco
suo Marte

suo jure
: in his or her own right

suo loco
: in its proper place

suo Marte
: by one's own exertions

Suomi
― see FINLAND

sup
v. transitive verb : to take or drink in swallows or gulps
intransitive verb chiefly dialect : to take food and especially liquid food into the mouth a little at a time

sup
v. : a mouthful especially of liquor or broth : SIP also : a small quantity of liquid <pour me just a sup of tea>

sup
v. 1 : to eat the evening meal
2 : to make one's supper ― used with on or off <sup on roast beef>

sup
v. 1 superior
2 supra

super
n. 1 a : of high grade or quality b ― used as a generalized term of approval <a super cook>
2 : very large or powerful <a super atomic bomb>
3 : exhibiting the characteristics of its type to an extreme or excessive degree <super secrecy>

super
n. 1 [by shortening] a : SUPERNUMERARY especially : a supernumerary actor b : SUPERINTENDENT, SUPERVISOR especially : the superintendent of an apartment building
2 [short for obsolete superhive] : a removable upper story of a beehive
3 [1super] : a superfine grade or extra large size
4 [origin unknown] : a thin loosely woven open-meshed starched cotton fabric used especially for reinforcing books

super
n. 1 : VERY, EXTREMELY <a super fast car>
2 : to an excessive degree

super
1 a (1) : over and above : higher in quantity, quality, or degree than : more than <superhuman> (2) : in addition : extra <supertax> b (1) : exceeding or so as to exceed a norm <superheat> (2) : in or to an extreme or excessive degree or intensity <supersubtle> c : surpassing all or most others of its kind <superhighway>
2 a : situated or placed above, on, or at the top of <superlunary> specifically : situated on the dorsal side of b : next above or higher <supertonic>
3 : having the (specified) ingredient present in a large or unusually large proportion <superphosphate>
4 : constituting a more inclusive category than that specified <superfamily>
5 : superior in status, title, or position <superpower>
su·per·ab·sor·bent
su·per·ac·cu·rate
su·per·achiev·er
su·per·ac·tiv·i·ty
su·per·ad·di·tion
su·per·ad·min·is·tra·tor
su·per·agent
su·per·am·bi·tious
su·per·ath·lete
su·per·bad
su·per·bank
su·per·bil·lion·aire
su·per·bitch
su·per·board
su·per·bomb
su·per·bomb·er
su·per·bright
su·per·bu·reau·crat
su·per·cab·i·net
su·per·car·ri·er
su·per·cau·tious
su·per·cheap
su·per·chic
su·per·church
su·per·civ·i·li·za·tion
su·per·civ·i·lized
su·per·clean
su·per·club
su·per·co·los·sal
su·per·com·fort·able
su·per·com·pe·tent
su·per·com·pet·i·tive
su·per·con·fi·dent
su·per·con·glom·er·ate
su·per·con·ser·va·tive
su·per·con·ve·nient
su·per·cop
su·per·cor·po·ra·tion
su·per·crim·i·nal
su·per·cute
su·per·de·luxe
su·per·dip·lo·mat
su·per·ef·fec·tive
su·per·ef·fi·cien·cy
su·per·ef·fi·cient
su·per·ego·ist
su·per·elite
su·per·em·i·nence
su·per·em·i·nent
su·per·em·i·nent·ly
su·per·ex·pen·sive
su·per·ex·press
su·per·fan
su·per·farm
su·per·fast
su·per·firm
su·per·flack
su·per·good
su·per·gov·ern·ment
su·per·growth
su·per·hard·en
su·per·heavy
su·per·her·o·ine
su·per·hit
su·per·hot
su·per·hype
su·per·in·su·lat·ed
su·per·in·tel·lec·tu·al
su·per·in·tel·li·gence
su·per·in·tel·li·gent
su·per·in·ten·si·ty
su·per·jock
su·per·jum·bo
su·per·large
su·per·law·yer
su·per·light
su·per·lob·by·ist
su·per·long
su·per·loy·al·ist
su·per·lux·u·ri·ous
su·per·lux·u·ry
su·per·ma·cho
su·per·ma·jor·i·ty
su·per·male
su·per·mas·cu·line
su·per·mas·sive
su·per·mil·i·tant
su·per·mil·lion·aire
su·per·mind
su·per·min·is·ter
su·per·mod·ern
su·per·na·tion
su·per·na·tion·al
su·per·nu·tri·tion
su·per·or·gan·ic
su·per·or·gasm
su·per·pa·tri·ot
su·per·pa·tri·ot·ic
su·per·pa·tri·o·tism
su·per·per·son
su·per·per·son·al
su·per·phe·nom·e·non
su·per·pimp
su·per·plane
su·per·play·er
su·per·po·lite
su·per·port
su·per·pow·er·ful
su·per·pre·mi·um
su·per·pro
su·per·prof·it
su·per·qual·i·ty
su·per·race
su·per·real
su·per·re·al·ism
su·per·re·gion·al
su·per·rich
su·per·road
su·per·ro·man·tic
su·per·ro·man·ti·cism
su·per·safe
su·per·sale
su·per·sales·man
su·per·scale
su·per·school
su·per·scout
su·per·se·cre·cy
su·per·se·cret
su·per·sell
su·per·sell·er
su·per·sen·si·tive
su·per·sen·si·tiv·i·ty
su·per·sex·u·al·i·ty
su·per·sharp
su·per·show
su·per·sing·er
su·per·size
su·per·sized
su·per·sleuth
su·per·slick
su·per·smart
su·per·smooth
su·per·soft
su·per·so·phis·ti·cat·ed
su·per·spe·cial
su·per·spe·cial·ist
su·per·spe·cial·i·za·tion
su·per·spe·cial·ized
su·per·spec·ta·cle
su·per·spec·tac·u·lar
su·per·spec·u·la·tion
su·per·spy
su·per·state
su·per·sta·tion
su·per·stim·u·late
su·per·stock
su·per·stra·tum
su·per·strength
su·per·strike
su·per·strong
su·per·stud
su·per·sub·tle
su·per·sub·tle·ty
su·per·sur·geon
su·per·sweet
su·per·tank·er
su·per·ter·rif·ic
su·per·thick
su·per·thin
su·per·thril·ler
su·per·tight
su·per·vir·ile
su·per·vir·tu·o·so
su·per·wave
su·per·weap·on
su·per·wide
su·per·wife

super
n. Super Ball
Super Bowl
super duper
Weston super Mare

Super Ball
― used for a toy rubber ball with a high bounce

Super Bowl
― used for the annual championship game of the National Football League

super-duper
: of the greatest excellence, size, effectiveness, or impressiveness

superable
adj. : capable of being overcome or conquered
–su·per·a·ble·ness noun
–su·per·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

superabound
v. : to abound or prevail in greater measure or to excess

superabundant
adj. : more than ample : EXCESSIVE
–su·per·abun·dance \-dən(t)s\ noun
–su·per·abun·dant·ly adverb

superadd
v. : to add especially in a way that compounds an effect <the loss of his job was superadded to the loss of his house>

superagency
: a large complex governmental agency especially when set up to supervise other agencies

superalloy
n. : any of various high-strength often complex alloys resistant to high temperature

superaltern
: a universal proposition (as “every P is Q”) that in traditional logic is held to be grounds for the immediate inference of the truth of a corresponding subaltern (as “some P is Q”)

superannuate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make, declare, or prove obsolete or out-of-date
2 : to retire and pension because of age or infirmity
intransitive verb
1 : to become retired
2 : to become antiquated
–su·per·an·nu·a·tion \-ˌan-yə-'wā-shən\ noun

superannuated
adj. 1 : OUTMODED, OLD-FASHIONED <superannuated slang> <superannuated planes>
2 a : incapacitated or disqualified for active duty by advanced age b : older than the typical member of a specified group <a superannuated graduate student>

superb
adj. : marked to the highest degree by grandeur, excellence, brilliance, or competence
synonyms see SPLENDID
–su·perb·ly adverb
–su·perb·ness noun

superblock
: a very large commercial or residential block barred to through traffic, crossed by pedestrian walks and sometimes access roads, and often spotted with grassed malls

superbug
n. : a pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it

supercalender
n. : to process (paper) in a supercalender

supercalender
n. : a stack of highly polished calender rolls used to give an extra finish to paper

supercargo
n. : an officer on a merchant ship in charge of the commercial concerns of the voyage

supercede
v. variant of supersede
usage Supercede has occurred as a spelling variant of supersede since the 17th century, and it is common in current published writing. It continues, however, to be widely regarded as an error.

supercenter
: a very large discount department store that also sells a complete line of grocery merchandise

supercharge
v. 1 : to charge greatly or excessively (as with vigor or tension)
2 : to supply a charge to the intake of (as an engine) at a pressure higher than that of the surrounding atmosphere
3 : PRESSURIZE 1
–supercharge noun

supercharger
n. : a device (as a blower or compressor) for pressurizing the cabin of an airplane or for increasing the volume air charge of an internal combustion engine over that which would normally be drawn in through the pumping action of the pistons

superciliary
adj. : of, relating to, or adjoining the eyebrow : SUPRAORBITAL

supercilious
adj. : coolly and patronizingly haughty <reacted to their breach of etiquette with a supercilious smile>
synonyms see PROUD
–su·per·cil·ious·ly adverb
–su·per·cil·ious·ness noun

supercity
: MEGALOPOLIS

superclass
n. : a category in biological classification ranking below a phylum or division and above a class

supercluster
: a group of gravitationally associated clusters of galaxies

supercoil
: a double helix (as of DNA) that has undergone additional twisting in the same or in the opposite direction as the turns in the original helix
–supercoil verb

supercollider
: a very large collider capable of accelerating particles to very high energies

supercomputer
n. : a large very fast mainframe used especially for scientific computations

superconduct
v. : to exhibit superconductivity
–su·per·con·duc·tive \-'dək-tiv\ adjective

superconductivity
n. : a complete disappearance of electrical resistance in a substance especially at very low temperatures
–su·per·con·duc·tor \-kən-'dək-tər\ noun

supercontinent
n. : a hypothetical former large continent from which other continents are held to have broken off and drifted away

supercool
v. : to cool below the freezing point without solidification or crystallization
intransitive verb : to become supercooled

supercool
v. : extremely cool: as a : showing extraordinary reserve and self-control b : being the latest style or fashion <supercool sunglasses>

supercritical
: being or having a temperature above a critical temperature <supercritical fluid>

supercurrent
: a current of electricity flowing in a superconductor

superego
n. : the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is only partly conscious, represents internalization of parental conscience and the rules of society, and functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and a sense of guilt ― compare EGO, ID

superelevate
: BANK 1C

superelevation
n. 1 : the vertical distance between the heights of inner and outer edges of highway pavement or railroad rails
2 : additional elevation

supererogation
n. : the act of performing more than is required by duty, obligation, or need

supererogatory
adj. 1 : observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required
2 : exceeding what is needed : SUPERFLUOUS <attending three long-winded meetings in a row on the same subject was supererogatory>

superfamily
n. 1 : a category of biological classification ranking below an order and above a family
2 : a large group of closely related molecules or chemical compounds usually possessing a similar function

superfatted
adj. : containing extra oil or fat <superfatted soap>

superfecundation
n. 1 : successive fertilization of two or more ova from the same ovulation especially by different sires
2 : fertilization at one time of a number of ova excessive for the species

superfetation
n. : a progressive accumulation or accretion reaching an extreme or excessive degree

superficial
adj. 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or located near a surface (2) : lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface <superficial wounds> b British of a unit of measure : SQUARE <superficial foot>
2 a : concerned only with the obvious or apparent : SHALLOW b : seen on the surface : EXTERNAL c : presenting only an appearance without substance or significance
–su·per·fi·cial·ly \-'fi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
synonyms SUPERFICIAL, SHALLOW, CURSORY mean lacking in depth or solidity. SUPERFICIAL implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features <a superficial analysis of the problem>. SHALLOW is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character <a light, shallow, and frivolous review>. CURSORY suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details <gave the letter only a cursory reading>.

superficial fascia
: the thin layer of loose fatty connective tissue underlying the skin and binding it to the parts beneath ― called also hypodermis

superficiality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being superficial
2 : something superficial

superficies
n. 1 : a surface of a body or a region of space
2 : the external aspects or appearance of a thing

superfine
adj. 1 : overly refined or nice
2 : of extremely fine size or texture <superfine toothbrush bristles> <superfine sugar>
3 : of high quality or grade ― used especially of merchandise

superfix
: a morpheme consisting of a pattern of stress, intonation, or juncture features that are associated with the syllables of a word or phrase (as the distinctive stress patterns of the noun subject and the verb subject)

superfluid
n. : an unusual state of matter noted only in liquid helium cooled to near absolute zero and characterized by apparently frictionless flow (as through fine holes)
–superfluid adjective
–su·per·flu·id·i·ty \-flü-'i-də-tē\ noun

superfluity
n. 1 a : EXCESS, OVERSUPPLY b : something unnecessary or superfluous
2 : immoderate and especially luxurious living, habits, or desires

superfluous
adj. 1 a : exceeding what is sufficient or necessary : EXTRA b : not needed : UNNECESSARY
2 obsolete : marked by wastefulness : EXTRAVAGANT
–su·per·flu·ous·ly adverb
–su·per·flu·ous·ness noun

supergene
adj. : a group of linked genes acting as an allelic unit especially when due to the suppression of crossing-over

supergiant
adj. : something that is extremely large especially : a star of very great intrinsic luminosity and enormous size
–supergiant adjective

superglue
n. : a very strong glue specifically : a glue whose chief ingredient is a cyanoacrylate that becomes adhesive through polymerization rather than evaporation of a solvent
–superglue transitive verb

supergraphics
: billboard-sized graphic shapes usually of bright color and simple design

supergravity
: any of various theories in physics that are based on supersymmetry and attempt to unify general relativity and quantum theory and that state that the principal transmitter of gravity is the graviton

supergroup
n. : a rock group made up of prominent former members of other rock groups also : an extremely successful rock group

superheat
n. 1 : to heat (a vapor not in contact with its own liquid) so as to cause to remain free from suspended liquid droplets <superheated steam>
2 : to heat (a liquid) above the boiling point without converting into vapor
–su·per·heat·er noun

superheat
n. : the extra heat imparted to a vapor in superheating it from a dry and saturated condition also : the corresponding rise of temperature

superheated
v. 1 : subjected to superheating
2 : very hot also : exceedingly emotional or intense <superheated debate>

superheavyweight
n. : an athlete (as an Olympic weightlifter, boxer, or wrestler) who competes in the heaviest class or division

superhelix
: SUPERCOIL
–su·per·he·li·cal \ˌsü-pər-'he-li-kəl, -'hē-\ adjective

superhero
n. : a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers also : an exceptionally skillful or successful person

superheterodyne
n. : used in or being a radio receiver in which an incoming signal is mixed with a locally generated frequency to produce an ultrasonic signal that is then rectified, amplified, and rectified again to reproduce the sound
–superheterodyne noun

superhigh frequency
: a radio frequency in the next to the highest range of the radio spectrum ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

superhighway
n. 1 : a multilane highway (as an expressway or turnpike) designed for high-speed traffic
2 : INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY

superhuman
adj. 1 : being above the human : DIVINE <superhuman beings>
2 : exceeding normal human power, size, or capability : HERCULEAN <a superhuman effort> <superhuman strength> also : having such power, size, or capability
–su·per·hu·man·i·ty \-hyü-'ma-nə-tē, -yü-\ noun
–su·per·hu·man·ly \-'hyü-mən-lē, -'yü-\ adverb
–su·per·hu·man·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun

superimpose
v. : to place or lay over or above something <superimposed images> <superimposed a formula on the stories>
–su·per·im·pos·able \-'pō-zə-bəl\ adjective
–su·per·im·po·si·tion \-ˌim-pə-'zi-shən\ noun

superincumbent
adj. : lying or resting and usually exerting pressure on something else
–su·per·in·cum·bent·ly adverb

superindividual
: of, relating to, or being an organism, entity, or complex of more than individual complexity or nature

superinduce
v. 1 : to introduce as an addition over or above something already existing
2 : BRING ON, INDUCE
–su·per·in·duc·tion \-'dək-shən\ noun

superinfection
n. : reinfection or a second infection with a microbial agent (as a bacterium, fungus, or virus)
–su·per·in·fect \-'fekt\ transitive verb

superintend
v. : to have or exercise the charge and oversight of : DIRECT

superintendence
n. : the act or function of superintending or directing : SUPERVISION

superintendency
n. : the office, post, or jurisdiction of a superintendent also : SUPERINTENDENCE

superintendent
n. : one who has executive oversight and charge
–superintendent adjective

Superior
n. city & port NW Wis. on Lake Superior pop 27,368

superior
n. 1 : situated higher up : UPPER
2 : of higher rank, quality, or importance
3 : courageously or serenely indifferent (as to something painful or disheartening)
4 a : greater in quantity or numbers <escaped by superior speed> b : excellent of its kind : BETTER <her superior memory>
5 : being a superscript
6 a of an animal structure : situated above or anterior or dorsal to another and especially a corresponding part <a superior artery> b of a plant structure : situated above or near the top of another part: as (1) of a calyx : attached to and apparently arising from the ovary (2) of an ovary : free from the calyx or other floral envelope
7 : more comprehensive <a genus is superior to a species>
8 : affecting or assuming an air of superiority : SUPERCILIOUS
–su·pe·ri·or·ly adverb

superior
n. 1 : one who is above another in rank, station, or office especially : the head of a religious house or order
2 : one that surpasses another in quality or merit
3 : SUPERSCRIPT

superior
n. superior conjunction
superior court
superior general
superior planet
superior vena cava
Superior Lake
superiors general

superior conjunction
: a conjunction of a planet with the sun in which the sun is aligned between the earth and the planet

superior court
1 : a court of general jurisdiction intermediate between the inferior courts (as a justice of the peace court) and the higher appellate courts
2 : a court with juries having original jurisdiction

superior general
: the superior of a religious order or congregation

superior planet
: a planet (as Jupiter) whose orbit lies outside that of Earth

superior vena cava
: the branch of the vena cava of a vertebrate that brings blood back from the head and anterior part of the body to the heart

Superior, Lake
lake U.S. & Canada; largest, northernmost, & westernmost of the Great Lakes area 31,800 sq mi (82,362 sq km)

superiority
n. : the quality or state of being superior also : a superior characteristic

superiority complex
: an exaggerated opinion of oneself

superjacent
adj. : lying above or upon : OVERLYING <superjacent rocks>

superjet
n. : a very large jet airplane

superlative
1 : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent
2 a : surpassing all others : SUPREME b : of very high quality : EXCELLENT <superlative work>
3 : EXCESSIVE, EXAGGERATED
–su·per·la·tive·ly adverb
–su·per·la·tive·ness noun

superlative
n. 1 a : the superlative degree of comparison in a language b : a superlative form of an adjective or adverb
2 : the superlative or utmost degree of something : ACME
3 : a superlative person or thing
4 : an admiring sometimes exaggerated expression especially of praise

superliner
n. : a fast luxurious passenger liner of great size

superlunary
adj. archaic : being above the moon : CELESTIAL

supermajority
n. : a majority (as two-thirds or three-fifths) greater than a simple majority

superman
n. 1 : a superior man that according to Nietzsche has learned to forgo fleeting pleasures and attain happiness and dominance through the exercise of creative power
2 : a person of extraordinary or superhuman power or achievements

supermarket
n. 1 : a self-service retail market selling especially foods and household merchandise
2 : something resembling a supermarket especially in the variety or volume of its goods or services

supermicro
: a very fast and powerful microcomputer

superminicomputer
: a very fast and powerful minicomputer ― called also supermini

supermodel
n. : a famous and successful fashion model

supermom
: an exemplary mother also : a woman who performs the traditional duties of housekeeping and child-rearing while also having a full-time job

supernal
adj. 1 a : being or coming from on high b : HEAVENLY, ETHEREAL <supernal melodies> c : superlatively good <supernal trumpet playing>
2 : located in or belonging to the sky
–su·per·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

supernatant
adj. : the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation
–supernatant adjective

supernatural
n. 1 : of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil
2 a : departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature b : attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)
–supernatural noun
–su·per·nat·u·ral·ly \-'na-chər-ə-lē, -'nach-rə-, -'na-chər-lē\ adverb
–su·per·nat·u·ral·ness noun

supernaturalism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being supernatural
2 : belief in a supernatural power and order of existence
–su·per·nat·u·ral·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–su·per·nat·u·ral·is·tic \-ˌna-chə-rə-'lis-tik, -ˌnach-rə-\ adjective

supernature
: the realm of the supernatural

supernormal
adj. 1 : exceeding the normal or average
2 : being beyond normal human powers : PARANORMAL
–su·per·nor·mal·i·ty \-nȯr-'ma-lə-tē\ noun
–su·per·nor·mal·ly \-'nȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

supernova
n. 1 : the explosion of a star in which the star may reach a maximum intrinsic luminosity one billion times that of the sun
2 : one that explodes into prominence or popularity also : SUPERSTAR

supernumerary
n. 1 a : exceeding the usual, stated, or prescribed number <a supernumerary tooth> b : not enumerated among the regular components of a group and especially of a military organization
2 : exceeding what is necessary, required, or desired
3 : more numerous

supernumerary
n. 1 : a supernumerary person or thing
2 : an actor employed to play a walk-on

superorder
n. : a category of biological classification ranking below a class and above an order

superordinate
n. : superior in rank, class, or status

superorganism
: an organized society (as of a social insect) that functions as an organic whole

superovulation
n. : production of exceptional numbers of ova at one time
–su·per·ovu·late \-'äv-yə-ˌlāt, -'ōv-\ verb

superoxide
n. : the monovalent anion O_2- or a compound containing it <potassium superoxide KO_2>

superoxide dismutase
: a metal-containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces harmful free radicals of oxygen formed during normal metabolic cell processes to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide

superparasitism
n. : parasitization of a host by more than one parasitic individual usually of one kind ― used especially of parasitic insects

superphosphate
n. 1 : an acid phosphate
2 : a soluble mixture of phosphates used as fertilizer and made from insoluble mineral phosphates by treatment with sulfuric acid

superphysical
adj. : being above or beyond the physical world or explanation on physical principles

superplastic
1 : capable of plastic deformation under low stress at an elevated temperature ― used of metals and alloys
2 : of or relating to superplastic materials <superplastic molding>
–su·per·plas·tic·i·ty \-pla-'sti-sə-tē\ noun

superpose
v. 1 : to place or lay over or above whether in or not in contact : SUPERIMPOSE
2 : to lay (as a geometric figure) upon another so as to make all like parts coincide
–su·per·pos·able \-'pō-zə-bəl\ adjective
–su·per·po·si·tion \-pə-'zi-shən\ noun

superposed
adj. : situated vertically over another layer or part

superpower
n. 1 : excessive or superior power
2 a : an extremely powerful nation specifically : one of a very few dominant states in an era when the world is divided politically into these states and their satellites b : an international governing body able to enforce its will upon the most powerful states
–su·per·pow·ered \-ˌpau̇(-ə)rd\ adjective

supersaturate
v. : to add to (a solution) beyond saturation

supersaturated
adj. : containing an amount of a substance greater than that required for saturation as a result of having been cooled from a higher temperature to a temperature below that at which saturation occurs <a supersaturated solution> <air supersaturated with water vapor>

supersaturation
n. : the state of being supersaturated

superscribe
v. 1 : to write (as a name or address) on the outside or cover of : ADDRESS
2 : to write or engrave on the top or outside

superscript
n. : a distinguishing symbol (as a numeral or letter) written immediately above or above and to the right or left of another character
–superscript adjective

superscription
n. 1 : something written or engraved on the surface of, outside, or above something else : INSCRIPTION also : ADDRESS
2 : the act of superscribing

supersede
v. 1 a : to cause to be set aside b : to force out of use as inferior
2 : to take the place, room, or position of
3 : to displace in favor of another : SUPPLANT
synonyms see REPLACE
–su·per·sed·er noun

supersedeas
n. 1 : a common-law writ commanding a stay of legal proceedings that is issued under various conditions and especially to stay an officer from proceeding under another writ
2 : an order staying proceedings of an inferior court

supersedure
n. : the act or process of superseding especially : the replacement of an old or inferior queen bee by a young or superior queen

supersensible
adj. : being above or beyond that which is apparent to the senses : SPIRITUAL

supersensory
: SUPERSENSIBLE

superserviceable
adj. : offering unwanted services : OFFICIOUS

supersession
n. : the act of superseding : the state of being superseded

supersonic
adj. 1 : ULTRASONIC
2 : of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air ― compare SONIC
3 : moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed
4 : relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles <the supersonic age>
–su·per·son·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

supersonic
adj. 1 : a supersonic wave or frequency
2 : a supersonic airplane

supersonic transport
: a supersonic transport airplane

supersonics
n. : the science of supersonic phenomena

superstar
n. 1 : a star (as in sports or the movies) who is considered extremely talented, has great public appeal, and can usually command a high salary
2 : one that is very prominent or is a prime attraction <a diplomatic superstar>
–su·per·star·dom \-dəm\ noun

superstition
n. 1 a : a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b : an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition
2 : a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary

Superstition Mountains
range S cen Ariz. E of Phoenix

superstitious
adj. : of, relating to, or swayed by superstition <a superstitious ritual>
–su·per·sti·tious·ly adverb

superstore
n. : a very large store often offering a wide variety of merchandise for sale

superstring
n. : a hypothetical string obeying the rules of supersymmetry whose vibrations manifest themselves as particles existing in ten dimensions of which only four are evident

superstructure
n. 1 a : an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental one b : social institutions (as the law or politics) that are in Marxist theory erected upon the economic base
2 : a structure built as a vertical extension of something else: as a : all of a building above the basement b : the structural part of a ship above the main deck
–su·per·struc·tur·al \ˌsü-pər-'strək-chə-rəl, -'strək-shrəl\ adjective

supersubstantial
: being above material substance : of a transcending substance

supersymmetry
n. : the correspondence between fermions and bosons of identical mass that is postulated to have existed during the opening moments of the big bang and that relates gravity to the other forces of nature
–su·per·sym·met·ric \-sə-'me-trik\ adjective

supersystem
n. : a system that is made up of systems

supertax
n. : SURTAX

supertitle
v. : a translation of foreign-language dialogue displayed above a screen or performance <an opera with supertitles> ― compare SUBTITLE

supertonic
n. : the second tone of a major or minor scale

supervene
v. : to follow or result as an additional, adventitious, or unlooked-for development
synonyms see FOLLOW
–su·per·ven·tion \-'ven(t)-shən\ noun

supervenient
adj. : coming or occurring as something additional, extraneous, or unexpected

supervise
v. : SUPERINTEND, OVERSEE

supervision
n. : the action, process, or occupation of supervising especially : a critical watching and directing (as of activities or a course of action)

supervisor
n. : one that supervises especially : an administrative officer in charge of a business, government, or school unit or operation
–su·per·vi·so·ry \ˌsü-pər-'vī-zə-rē, -'vīz-rē\ adjective

superwoman
n. : an exceptional woman especially : a woman who succeeds in having a career and raising a family

supinate
v. transitive verb : to cause to undergo supination
intransitive verb : to undergo supination

supination
n. 1 : rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm faces forward or upward also : a corresponding movement of the foot and leg in which the foot rolls outward with an elevated arch
2 : the position resulting from supination

supinator
n. : a muscle that produces the motion of supination

supine
adj. 1 : a Latin verbal noun having an accusative of purpose in -um and an ablative of specification in -u
2 : an English infinitive with to

supine
adj. 1 a : lying on the back or with the face upward b : marked by supination
2 : exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity especially : mentally or morally slack
3 archaic : leaning or sloping backward
synonyms see PRONE, INACTIVE
–su·pine·ly \su̇-'pīn-lē\ adverb
–su·pine·ness \-'pīn-nəs\ noun

supp
supplement

supper
n. 1 a : the evening meal especially when dinner is taken at midday b : a social affair featuring a supper especially : an evening social especially for raising funds <a church supper>
2 : the food served as a supper <eat your supper>
3 : a light meal served late in the evening

supper
n. Last Supper
Lord's Supper
supper club

supper club
: NIGHTCLUB

supplant
v. 1 : to supersede (another) especially by force or treachery
2 a (1) obsolete : UPROOT (2) : to eradicate and supply a substitute for <efforts to supplant the vernacular> b : to take the place of and serve as a substitute for especially by reason of superior excellence or power
synonyms see REPLACE
–sup·plan·ta·tion \(ˌ)sə-ˌplan-'tā-shən\ noun
–sup·plant·er \sə-'plan-tər\ noun

supple
adj. 1 a : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness b : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations
2 a : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : PLIANT <supple leather> b : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : LIMBER <supple legs of a dancer> c : easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness <sang with a lively, supple voice ― Douglas Watt>
synonyms see ELASTIC
–sup·ple·ly \-pə(l)-lē\ or sup·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sup·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun

supple
adj. transitive verb
1 : to make pacific or complaisant <supple the tempers of your race ― Laurence Sterne>
2 : to alleviate with a salve
3 : to make flexible or pliant
intransitive verb : to become soft and pliant

supple
adj. money supply
supply side
supply sider
water supply

supplejack
n. : any of various woody climbers having tough pliant stems especially : a southern U.S. vine (Berchemia scandens) of the buckthorn family

supplement
n. 1 a : something that completes or makes an addition b : DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
2 : a part added to or issued as a continuation of a book or periodical to correct errors or make additions
3 : an angle or arc that when added to a given angle or arc equals 180°

supplement
n. : to add or serve as a supplement to <does odd jobs to supplement his income>
–sup·ple·men·ta·tion \ˌsə-plə-ˌmen-'tā-shən, -mən-\ noun
–sup·ple·ment·er \'sə-plə-ˌmen-tər\ noun

supplemental
adj. 1 : serving to supplement
2 : NONSCHEDULED <a supplemental airline>
–supplemental noun

supplementary
n. 1 : added or serving as a supplement : ADDITIONAL <supplementary reading>
2 : being or relating to a supplement or a supplementary angle

supplementary angle
: one of two angles or arcs whose sum is 180° ― usually used in plural

suppletion
n. : the occurrence of phonemically unrelated allomorphs of the same morpheme (as went as the past tense of go or better as the comparative form of good)
–sup·ple·tive \sə-'plē-tiv, 'sə-plə-\ adjective

suppletory
adj. : supplying deficiencies : SUPPLEMENTARY <rules suppletory to the contract>

suppliance
n. : ENTREATY, SUPPLICATION

suppliant
n. : SUPPLICANT

suppliant
n. 1 : humbly imploring : ENTREATING <a suppliant sinner seeking forgiveness ― O. J. Baab>
2 : expressing supplication <upraised to the heavens⋯suppliant arms ― William Styron>
–sup·pli·ant·ly adverb

supplicant
n. : one who supplicates

supplicant
n. : SUPPLIANT

supplicate
v. intransitive verb : to make a humble entreaty especially : to pray to God
transitive verb
1 : to ask humbly and earnestly of
2 : to ask for earnestly and humbly
synonyms see BEG
–sup·pli·ca·tion \ˌsə-plə-'kā-shən\ noun

supplicatory
adj. : expressing supplication : SUPPLIANT <a supplicatory prayer>

supply
n. transitive verb
1 : to add as a supplement
2 [Middle French souploier, alteration of soupplier] a : to provide for : SATISFY <laws by which the material wants of men are supplied ― Bull. of Bates Coll.> b : to make available for use : PROVIDE <supplied the necessary funds> c : to satisfy the needs or wishes of d : to furnish (organs, tissues, or cells) with a vital element (as blood or nerve fibers)
3 : to substitute for another in specifically : to serve as a supply in (a church or pulpit)
intransitive verb : to serve as a supply or substitute
–sup·pli·er \-'plī(-ə)r\ noun

supply
n. 1 obsolete : ASSISTANCE, SUCCOR
2 a obsolete : REINFORCEMENTS ― often used in plural b : a member of the clergy filling a vacant pulpit temporarily c : the quantity or amount (as of a commodity) needed or available <beer was in short supply in that hot weather ― Nevil Shute> d : PROVISIONS, STORES ― usually used in plural
3 : the act or process of filling a want or need <engaged in the supply of raw materials to industry>
4 : the quantities of goods or services offered for sale at a particular time or at one price
5 : something that maintains or constitutes a supply

supply
n. money supply
supply side
supply sider
water supply

supply-side
: of, relating to, or being an economic theory that reduction of tax rates encourages more earnings, savings, and investment and thereby expands economic activity and the total taxable national income
–sup·ply-sid·er \-'sī-dər\ noun

support
1 : to endure bravely or quietly : BEAR
2 a (1) : to promote the interests or cause of (2) : to uphold or defend as valid or right : ADVOCATE <supports fair play> (3) : to argue or vote for <supported the motion to lower taxes> b (1) : ASSIST, HELP <bombers supported the ground troops> (2) : to act with (a star actor) (3) : to bid in bridge so as to show support for c : to provide with substantiation : CORROBORATE <support an alibi>
3 a : to pay the costs of : MAINTAIN <support a family> b : to provide a basis for the existence or subsistence of <the island could probably support three ― A. B. C. Whipple> <support a habit>
4 a : to hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for b : to maintain (a price) at a desired level by purchases or loans also : to maintain the price of by purchases or loans
5 : to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage : COMFORT
6 : to keep (something) going
–sup·port·abil·i·ty \sə-ˌpȯr-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sup·port·able \-'pȯr-tə-bəl\ adjective
–sup·port·ive \-'pȯr-tiv\ adjective
–sup·port·ive·ness \-nəs\ noun
synonyms SUPPORT, UPHOLD, ADVOCATE, BACK, CHAMPION mean to favor actively one that meets opposition. SUPPORT is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given <supports waterfront development>. UPHOLD implies extended support given to something attacked <upheld the legitimacy of the military action>. ADVOCATE stresses urging or pleading <advocated prison reform>. BACK suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling <refusing to back the call for sanctions>. CHAMPION suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause <championed the rights of children>.

support
n. 1 a : the act or process of supporting : the condition of being supported b : assistance provided by a company to users of its products <customer support>
2 : one that supports ― often used attributively <a support staff>
3 : sufficient strength in a suit bid by one's partner in bridge to justify raising the suit

support
n. life support
life support system
price support
self support
support group
support hose
support level
support area
support system
self supported
self supporting

support group
: a group of people with common experiences and concerns who provide emotional and moral support for one another

support hose
: elastic stockings worn especially to provide mild compression of the leg (as to prevent formation of varicose veins)

support level
: a price level on a declining market at which a security resists further decline due to increased attractiveness to traders and investors ― called also support area

support system
: a network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support

supporter
n. : one that supports or acts as a support: as a : ADHERENT, PARTISAN b : one of two figures (as of men or animals) placed one on each side of an escutcheon and exterior to it c : GARTER 1 d : ATHLETIC SUPPORTER

supposable
adj. : capable of being supposed : CONCEIVABLE
–sup·pos·ably \-blē\ adverb

supposal
1 : the act or process of supposing
2 : something supposed : HYPOTHESIS, SUPPOSITION

suppose
v. transitive verb
1 a : to lay down tentatively as a hypothesis, assumption, or proposal <suppose a fire broke out> <suppose you bring the salad> b (1) : to hold as an opinion : BELIEVE <they supposed they were early> (2) : to think probable or in keeping with the facts <seems reasonable to suppose that he would profit>
2 a : CONCEIVE, IMAGINE b : to have a suspicion of
3 : PRESUPPOSE
intransitive verb : CONJECTURE, OPINE

supposed
adj. 1 a : PRETENDED <twelve hours are supposed to elapse between Acts I and II ― A. S. Sullivan> b : ALLEGED <trusted my supposed friends>
2 a : held as an opinion : BELIEVED also : mistakenly believed : IMAGINED <the sight which makes supposed terror true ― Shakespeare> b : considered probable or certain : EXPECTED <it was not supposed that everybody could master the technical aspects ― J. C. Murray> c : UNDERSTOOD <you will be supposed to refer to my grandaunt ― G. B. Shaw>
3 : made or fashioned by intent or design <what's that button supposed to do>
4 a : required by or as if by authority <soldiers are supposed to obey their commanding officers> b : given permission : PERMITTED <was not supposed to have visitors>
–sup·pos·ed·ly \-'pō-zəd-lē also -'pōzd-lē\ adverb

supposing
v. : if by way of hypothesis : on the assumption that <supposing I did agree with you>

supposition
n. 1 : something that is supposed : HYPOTHESIS
2 : the act of supposing
–sup·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

suppositious
adj. : SUPPOSITITIOUS

supposititious
adj. 1 a : fraudulently substituted : SPURIOUS b of a child (1) : falsely presented as a genuine heir (2) : ILLEGITIMATE
2 [influenced in meaning by supposition] a : IMAGINARY b : of the nature of or based on a supposition : HYPOTHETICAL
–sup·pos·i·ti·tious·ly adverb

suppository
n. : a solid but readily meltable cone or cylinder of usually medicated material for insertion into a bodily passage or cavity (as the rectum)

suppress
v. 1 : to put down by authority or force : SUBDUE <suppress a riot>
2 : to keep from public knowledge: as a : to keep secret b : to stop or prohibit the publication or revelation of <suppress the test results>
3 a : to exclude from consciousness b : to keep from giving vent to : CHECK <suppressed her anger>
4 obsolete : to press down
5 a : to restrain from a usual course or action <suppress a cough> b : to inhibit the growth or development of
6 : to inhibit the genetic expression of <suppress a mutation>
–sup·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sup·press·ible \-'pre-sə-bəl\ adjective
–sup·pres·sive \-'pre-siv\ adjective
–sup·pres·sive·ness \-nəs\ noun

suppressant
n. : an agent (as a drug) that tends to suppress or reduce in intensity rather than eliminate something

suppression
n. 1 : an act or instance of suppressing : the state of being suppressed
2 : the conscious intentional exclusion from consciousness of a thought or feeling

suppressor
n. : one that suppresses especially : a mutant gene that suppresses the expression of another nonallelic mutant gene when both are present

suppressor
n. suppressor T cell
suppressor cell
tumor suppressor gene

suppressor T cell
: a T cell that suppresses the immune response of B cells and other T cells to an antigen ― called also suppressor cell

suppurate
v. : to form or discharge pus
–sup·pu·ra·tion \ˌsə-pyə-'rā-shən\ noun
–sup·pu·ra·tive \'sə-pyə-rə-tiv, -ˌrā-; 'sə-prə-tiv\ adjective

supra
adv. : earlier in this writing : ABOVE

supra
adv. 1 : SUPER- 2A <supraorbital>
2 : transcending <supranational>

suprachiasmatic nucleus
: either of a pair of neuron clusters in the hypothalamus situated directly above the optic chiasma that receive photic input from the retina via the optic nerve and that regulate the body's circadian rhythms

supraliminal
adj. 1 : existing above the threshold of consciousness
2 : adequate to evoke a response or induce a sensation

supramolecular
: more complex than a molecule also : composed of many molecules

supranational
adj. : transcending national boundaries, authority, or interests <a supranational authority, regulating ocean usage ― N. H. Jacoby>
–su·pra·na·tion·al·ism \-'nash-nə-ˌli-zəm, -'na-shə-nə-ˌli-\ noun
–su·pra·na·tion·al·ist \-list\ noun
–su·pra·na·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌna-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun

supraoptic
adj. : situated above the optic chiasma also : being a small nucleus of closely packed neurons overlying the optic chiasma and intimately connected with the neurohypophysis

supraorbital
adj. : situated or occurring above the orbit of the eye

suprarational
: transcending the rational : based on or involving factors not to be comprehended by reason alone <the stars inspire suprarational dreams ― R. J. Dubos>

suprarenal
adj. : situated above or anterior to the kidneys

suprarenal
adj. : a suprarenal part especially : ADRENAL GLAND

suprarenal gland
: ADRENAL GLAND

suprasegmental
: of or relating to significant features (as stress, pitch, or juncture) that occur simultaneously with vowels and consonants in an utterance

supraventricular
adj. : relating to or being a rhythmic abnormality of the heart caused by impulses originating above the ventricles <supraventricular tachycardia>

supravital
adj. : having or utilizing the property of staining cells or tissues removed from a living body <supravital dyes> ― compare INTRAVITAL
–su·pra·vi·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

supremacist
n. 1 : an advocate or adherent of group supremacy
2 : WHITE SUPREMACIST

supremacy
n. : the quality or state of being supreme also : supreme authority or power

suprematism
n. : an early 20th century art movement in Russia producing abstract works featuring flat geometric forms
–su·prem·a·tist \-tist\ adjective or noun often cap

supreme
adj. 1 : highest in rank or authority <the supreme commander>
2 : highest in degree or quality <supreme endurance in war and in labour ― R. W. Emerson>
3 : ULTIMATE, FINAL <the supreme sacrifice>
–su·preme·ly adverb
–su·preme·ness noun

supreme
adj. Supreme Being
supreme court
Supreme Soviet

Supreme Being
: GOD 1

supreme court
1 : the highest judicial tribunal in a political unit (as a nation or state)
2 : a court of original jurisdiction in New York state subordinate to a final court of appeals

Supreme Soviet
: the highest legislative body of a nation (as the former Soviet Union or former Soviet republics)

supremo
n. chiefly British : one who is highest in rank or authority

supt
n. superintendent

suq
n. variant of souk

Sur
― see TYRE

sur
1 : over : SUPER- <surprint> <surtax>
2 : above : up <surbase>

sur
Boulogne sur Mer
Chalon sur Saône
Rochefort sur Mer
Trouville sur Mer
Verdun sur Meuse
Villefranche sur Saône
Villefranche sur Mer
a coup sur
sur place
Big Sur
Champigny sur Marne
Neuilly sur Seine
Saint Jean sur Richelieu
Sierra Madre del Sur
Sur Point
Vitry sur Seine

sur place
: in place : on the spot

Sur, Point
promontory Calif. on the Pacific SSW of Monterey ― see BIG SUR

sura
n. : a chapter of the Koran

Surabaya
city & port Indonesia in NE Java on Surabaya Strait (bet. Java & W end of Madura) pop 2,483,871

surah
n. : a soft twilled fabric of silk or rayon

Surakarta
city Indonesia in cen Java pop 504,176

Surat
city W India in SE Gujarat pop 2,433,787

Surbiton
former municipal borough S England in Surrey WSW of London, now part of Kingston upon Thames

surcease
v. intransitive verb : to desist from action also : to come to an end : CEASE
transitive verb : to put an end to : DISCONTINUE

surcease
v. : CESSATION especially : a temporary respite or end <to borrow from my books surcease of sorrow ― E. A. Poe>

surcharge
n. 1 a : OVERCHARGE b : to charge an extra fee c : to show an omission in (an account) for which credit ought to have been given
2 British : OVERSTOCK
3 : to fill or load to excess <the atmosphere⋯was surcharged with war hysteria ― H. A. Chippendale>
4 a : to mark a surcharge on (a stamp) b : OVERPRINT <surcharge a banknote>

surcharge
n. 1 a : an additional tax, cost, or impost b : an extra fare <a sleeping car surcharge> c : an instance of surcharging an account
2 : an excessive load or burden
3 : the action of surcharging : the state of being surcharged
4 a (1) : an overprint on a stamp specifically : one that alters the denomination (2) : a stamp bearing such an overprint b : an overprint on a currency note

surcingle
n. 1 : a belt, band, or girth passing around the body of a horse to bind a saddle or pack fast to the horse's back
2 archaic : the cincture of a cassock

surcoat
n. : an outer coat or cloak specifically : a tunic worn over armor

surd
n. 1 : lacking sense : IRRATIONAL <surd conceits of scripture's sense ― Thomas Jackson>
2 : VOICELESS ― used of speech sounds

surd
n. 1 a : an irrational root (as √3) b : IRRATIONAL NUMBER
2 : a surd speech sound

sure
adj. 1 obsolete : safe from danger or harm
2 : firmly established : STEADFAST <a sure hold>
3 : RELIABLE, TRUSTWORTHY <a sure friend>
4 a : marked by or given to feelings of confident certainty <I'm sure I'm right> b : characterized by a lack of wavering or hesitation <sure brush strokes> <a sure hand>
5 : admitting of no doubt : INDISPUTABLE <spoke from sure knowledge>
6 a : bound to happen : INEVITABLE <sure disaster> b : BOUND, DESTINED <is sure to win>
7 : careful to remember, attend to, or find out something <be sure to lock the door>
–sure·ness noun
–for sure : without doubt or question : CERTAINLY
–to be sure : it must be acknowledged : ADMITTEDLY
synonyms SURE, CERTAIN, POSITIVE, COCKSURE mean having no doubt or uncertainty. SURE usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance <felt sure that I had forgotten something>. CERTAIN may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence <police are certain about the cause of the fire>. POSITIVE intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it <I'm positive that's the person I saw>. COCKSURE implies presumptuous or careless positiveness <you're always so cocksure about everything>.

sure
adj. : SURELY
usage Most commentators consider the adverb sure to be something less than completely standard; surely is usually recommended as a substitute. Our current evidence shows, however, that sure and surely have become differentiated in use. Sure is used in much more informal contexts than surely. It is used as a simple intensive <I can never know how much I bored her, but, be certain, she sure amused me ― Norman Mailer> and, because it connotes strong affirmation, it is used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with <it's a moot point whether politicians are less venal than in Twain's day. But they're sure as the devil more intrusive ― Alan Abelson> <he sure gets them to play ― D. S. Looney>. Surely, like sure, is used as a simple intensive <I surely don't want to leave the impression that I had an unhappy childhood ― E. C. Welsh> but it occurs in more formal contexts than sure. Unlike sure it may be used neutrally97the reader or hearer may or may not agree <it would surely be possible, within a few years, to program a computer to construct a grammar ― Noam Chomsky> and it is often used when the writer is trying to persuade <surely a book on the avant-garde cannot be so conventional ― Karl Shapiro>.

sure
adj. to be sure
for sure
sure enough
sure footed
sure footedness
sure footedly
sure handed
sure handedness
sure thing

sure enough
: as one might expect : CERTAINLY

sure thing
: one that is certain to succeed : a sure bet

sure-enough
: ACTUAL, GENUINE, REAL

sure-footed
: not liable to stumble, fall, or err
–sure-foot·ed·ly adverb
–sure-foot·ed·ness noun

sure-handed
: proficient and confident in performance especially using the hands
–sure-hand·ed·ness noun

surefire
adj. : certain to get successful or expected results <a surefire recipe>

surely
adv. 1 : in a sure manner: a archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : SAFELY b (1) : with assurance : CONFIDENTLY <answered quickly and surely> (2) : without doubt : CERTAINLY <they will surely be heard from in the future ― R. J. Lifton>
2 : INDEED, REALLY ― often used as an intensive <you surely don't believe that>
usage see 2SURE

surety
n. 1 : the state of being sure: as a : sure knowledge : CERTAINTY b : confidence in manner or behavior : ASSURANCE
2 a : a formal engagement (as a pledge) given for the fulfillment of an undertaking : GUARANTEE b : a basis of confidence or security
3 : one who has become legally liable for the debt, default, or failure in duty of another
–sure·ty·ship \-ˌship\ noun

surety bond
: a bond guaranteeing performance of a contract or obligation

surf
n. 1 : the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore
2 : the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf
n. 1 : to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)
2 : to scan a wide range of offerings for something of interest
transitive verb : to scan the offerings of (as television or the Internet) for something of interest
–surf·er noun

surf
n. channel surf
surf and turf
surf casting
surf caster
surf clam
channel surfing
channel surfer

surf and turf
: seafood and steak served as a single course

surf casting
: a method of fishing in which artificial or natural bait is cast into the open ocean or in a bay where waves break on a beach
–surf caster noun

surf clam
: any of various typically rather large surf-dwelling edible clams (family Mactridae) especially : a common clam (Spisula solidissima) of the Atlantic coast chiefly from Nova Scotia to So. Carolina

surface
n. 1 : the exterior or upper boundary of an object or body <on the surface of the water> <the earth's surface>
2 : a plane or curved two-dimensional locus of points (as the boundary of a three-dimensional region) <plane surface> <surface of a sphere>
3 a : the external or superficial aspect of something <trouble lurks below the surface> b : an external part or layer <sanded the rough surfaces>
–on the surface : to all outward appearances

surface
n. 1 a : of, located on, or designed for use at the surface of something b : situated, transported, or employed on the surface of the earth <surface mail> <surface vehicles>
2 : appearing to be such on the surface only : SUPERFICIAL <surface friendships>

surface
n. transitive verb
1 : to give a surface to: as a : to plane or make smooth b : to apply the surface layer to <surface a highway>
2 : to bring to the surface <surface a sunken ship>
intransitive verb
1 : to work on or at the surface
2 : to come to the surface
3 : to come into public view : SHOW UP <letters that have recently surfaced>
–sur·fac·er noun

surface
n. control surface
ruled surface
scratch the surface
on the surface
surface active
surface of revolution
surface ripened
surface structure
surface tension
surface to air

surface of revolution

1840
: a surface formed by the revolution of a plane curve about a line in its plane

surface structure
: a formal representation of the phonetic form of a sentence also : the structure which such a representation describes

surface tension
: the attractive force exerted upon the surface molecules of a liquid by the molecules beneath that tends to draw the surface molecules into the bulk of the liquid and makes the liquid assume the shape having the least surface area

surface-active
: altering the properties and especially lowering the tension at the surface of contact between phases <soaps and wetting agents are typical surface-active substances>

surface-ripened
of cheese : ripened by the action of microorganisms (as molds) on the surface

surface-to-air
: launched from the ground against a target in the air

surfacing
n. : material forming or used to form a surface

surfactant
n. : a surface-active substance (as a detergent)
–surfactant adjective

surfbird
: a shorebird (Aphriza virgata) of the sandpiper family that occurs along the Pacific coasts of America and has a black-tipped white tail

surfboard
n. : a long narrow buoyant board (as of lightweight wood or fiberglass-covered foam) used in the sport of surfing
–surf·board·er noun
–surf·board·ing \-ˌbȯr-diŋ\ noun

surfboat
n. : a boat for use in heavy surf

surfeit
n. 1 : an overabundant supply : EXCESS
2 : an intemperate or immoderate indulgence in something (as food or drink)
3 : disgust caused by excess

surfeit
n. : to feed, supply, or give to surfeit
intransitive verb archaic : to indulge to satiety in a gratification (as indulgence of the appetite or senses)
synonyms see SATIATE
–sur·feit·er noun

surficial
adj. : of or relating to a surface <surficial geologic processes>

surfing
n. : the sport of riding the surf especially on a surfboard

surfman
: one who is skilled in handling a boat in surf

surfperch
: any of a family (Embiotocidae) of small or medium-sized viviparous bony fishes chiefly of shallow water along the Pacific coast of No. America that resemble the perches

surg
surgeon; surgery; surgical

surge
n. intransitive verb
1 : to rise and fall actively : TOSS <a ship surging in heavy seas>
2 : to rise and move in waves or billows : SWELL <the sea was surging>
3 : to slip around a windlass, capstan, or bitts ― used especially of a rope
4 : to rise suddenly to an excessive or abnormal value <the stock market surgeed to a record high>
5 : to move with a surge or in surges <felt the blood surging into his face ― Harry Hervey> <she surged past the other runners>
transitive verb : to let go or slacken gradually (as a rope)

surge
n. 1 : a swelling, rolling, or sweeping forward like that of a wave or series of waves <a surge of interest>
2 a : a large wave or billow : SWELL b (1) : a series of such swells or billows (2) : the resulting elevation of water level
3 a : a movement (as a slipping or slackening) of a rope or cable b : a sudden jerk or strain caused by such a movement
4 : a transient sudden rise of current or voltage in an electrical circuit

surgeon
n. : a medical specialist who practices surgery

surgeon
n. flight surgeon
plastic surgeon
surgeon general
surgeon's knot
tree surgeon
veterinary surgeon
surgeons general

surgeon general
: the chief medical officer of a branch of the armed services or of a public health service

surgeon's knot
: a reef knot in which the first knot has two turns ― see KNOT illustration

surgeonfish
n. : any of a family (Acanthuridae) of tropical bony fishes that have a laterally compressed body and typically a movable spine on each side of the body near the base of the tail capable of inflicting a painful wound

surgery
n. 1 : a branch of medicine concerned with diseases and conditions requiring or amenable to operative or manual procedures
2 : alterations made as if by surgery <literary surgery>
3 a British : a physician's or dentist's office b : a room or area where surgery is performed
4 a : the work done by a surgeon b : OPERATION

surgery
n. plastic surgery
reconstructive surgery
tree surgery

surgical
adj. 1 a : of or relating to surgeons or surgery <surgical skills> b : used in or in connection with surgery <surgical gauze> c : following or resulting from surgery <surgical fevers>
2 : characteristic of or resembling surgery or a surgeon especially in control or incisiveness <surgical precision>
–sur·gi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Suribachi, Mount
volcano 548 ft (167 m) in the Volcano Islands at S end of Iwo Jima

surimi
n. : a fish product made from inexpensive whitefish and often processed to resemble more expensive seafood (as crabmeat)

Suriname
n. 1 or formerly Dutch Guiana or Netherlands Guiana country N S. America bet. Guyana & French Guiana; a republic, until 1975 territory of the Netherlands capital Paramaribo area 63,251 sq mi (163,820 sq km), pop 403,000
2 river N Suriname flowing N into the Atlantic
–Su·ri·nam·er \'su̇r-ə-ˌnä-mər, ˌsu̇r-ə-'nä-\ noun
–Su·ri·nam·ese \ˌsu̇r-ə-nə-'mēz, -'mēs\ adjective or noun

surjection
n. : a mathematical function that is an onto mapping ― compare BIJECTION, INJECTION 3

surjective
adj. : ONTO <a set of surjective functions>

surly
adj. 1 : menacing or threatening in appearance <surly weather>
2 obsolete : ARROGANT, IMPERIOUS
3 : irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner : CRABBED
synonyms see SULLEN
–sur·li·ly \-lə-lē\ adverb
–sur·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
–surly adverb

Surma
n. river 560 mi (901 km) NE India (subcontinent) in Manipur & Bangladesh ― see MEGHNA

surmise
n. : a thought or idea based on scanty evidence : CONJECTURE

surmise
n. : to form a notion of from scanty evidence : IMAGINE, INFER

surmount
v. 1 obsolete : to surpass in quality or attainment : EXCEL
2 : to prevail over : OVERCOME <surmount an obstacle>
3 : to get to the top of : CLIMB
4 : to stand or lie at the top of
–sur·mount·able \-'mau̇n-tə-bəl\ adjective

surname
n. 1 : an added name derived from occupation or other circumstance : NICKNAME 1
2 : the name borne in common by members of a family

surname
n. : to give a surname to

surpass
v. 1 : to become better, greater, or stronger than : EXCEED <surpassed her rivals> <surpassed all expectations>
2 : to go beyond : OVERSTEP
3 : to transcend the reach, capacity, or powers of <a beauty that surpasses description>
synonyms see EXCEED
–sur·pass·able \-'pa-sə-bəl\ adjective

surpassing
adj. : greatly exceeding others : of a very high degree
–sur·pass·ing·ly adverb

surplice
n. : a loose white outer ecclesiastical vestment usually of knee length with large open sleeves

surplice
n. : having a diagonally overlapping neckline or closing <a surplice collar> <surplice sweaters>

surplus
n. 1 a : the amount that remains when use or need is satisfied b : an excess of receipts over disbursements
2 : the excess of a corporation's net worth over the par or stated value of its stock
–surplus adjective

surplus value
: the difference in Marxist theory between the value of work done or of commodities produced by labor and the usually subsistence wages paid by the employer

surplusage
n. 1 : SURPLUS 1A
2 a : excessive or nonessential matter b : matter introduced in legal pleading which is not necessary or relevant to the case

surprint
adj. : OVERPRINT
–surprint noun

surprisal
n. : the action of surprising : the state of being surprised

Surprise
n. city S cen Ariz. W of Phoenix pop 30,848

surprise
n. 1 a : an attack made without warning b : a taking unawares
2 : something that surprises
3 : the state of being surprised : ASTONISHMENT

surprise
transitive verb
1 : to attack unexpectedly also : to capture by an unexpected attack
2 a : to take unawares <police surprised the burglars in the store> b : to detect or elicit by a taking unawares <sometimes surprised a tragic shadow in her eyes ― Willa Cather>
3 : to strike with wonder or amazement especially because unexpected <his conduct surprised me>
intransitive verb : to cause astonishment or surprise <her success didn't surprise>
–sur·pris·er noun
synonyms SURPRISE, ASTONISH, ASTOUND, AMAZE, FLABBERGAST mean to impress forcibly through unexpectedness. SURPRISE stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel <surprised to find them at home>. ASTONISH implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible <a discovery that astonished the world>. ASTOUND stresses the shock of astonishment <too astounded to respond>. AMAZE suggests an effect of bewilderment <amazed by the immense size of the place>. FLABBERGAST may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay <flabbergasted by his angry refusal>.

surprising
adj. : of a nature that excites surprise

surprisingly
adv. 1 : in a surprising manner : to a surprising degree <a surprisingly fast runner>
2 : it is surprising that <surprisingly, voter turnout was high>

surra
n. : a serious tropical or subtropical disease of domestic animals that is caused by a trypanosome (Trypanosoma evansi), is transmitted by biting flies, and is marked especially by fever, anemia, edema, emaciation, and petechiae

surreal
adj. 1 : marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream also : UNBELIEVABLE, FANTASTIC <surreal sums of money>
2 : SURREALISTIC
–sur·re·al·i·ty \(ˌ)sə-rē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–sur·re·al·ly adverb

surrealism
n. : the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations
–sur·re·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

surrealistic
adj. 1 : of or relating to surrealism
2 : having a strange dreamlike atmosphere or quality like that of a surrealist painting
–sur·re·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

surrebutter
n. : the reply in common law pleading of a plaintiff to a defendant's rebutter

surrejoinder
n. : the reply in common law pleading of a plaintiff to a defendant's rejoinder

surrender
n. transitive verb
1 a : to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand <surrendered the fort> b : to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another
2 a : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner b : to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence)
intransitive verb : to give oneself up into the power of another : YIELD
synonyms see RELINQUISH

surrender
n. 1 a : the action of yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another b : the relinquishment by a patentee of rights or claims under a patent c : the delivery of a principal into lawful custody by bail ― called also surrender by bail d : the voluntary cancellation of the legal liability of an insurance company by the insured and beneficiary for a consideration e : the delivery of a fugitive from justice by one government to another
2 : an instance of surrendering

Surrentum
― see SORRENTO

surreptitious
adj. 1 : done, made, or acquired by stealth : CLANDESTINE
2 : acting or doing something clandestinely : STEALTHY <a surreptitious glance>
synonyms see SECRET
–sur·rep·ti·tious·ly adverb

Surrey
n. Earl of ― see Henry HOWARD

Surrey
n. 1 county SE England S of London capital Kingston upon Thames area 662 sq mi (1714 sq km), pop 998,000
2 city Canada in SW B.C. SE of Vancouver pop 347,825

surrey
n. : a four-wheel two-seated horse-drawn pleasure carriage

surrogacy
n. : the practice of serving as a surrogate mother

surrogate
n. : to put in the place of another: a : to appoint as successor, deputy, or substitute for oneself b : SUBSTITUTE

surrogate
n. 1 a : one appointed to act in place of another : DEPUTY b : a local judicial officer in some states (as New York) who has jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the settlement of estates, and the appointment and supervision of guardians
2 : one that serves as a substitute
3 : SURROGATE MOTHER

surrogate mother
: a woman who becomes pregnant usually by artificial insemination or surgical implantation of a fertilized egg for the purpose of carrying the fetus to term for another woman
–surrogate motherhood noun

surround
v. 1 a (1) : to enclose on all sides : ENVELOP <the crowd surrounded her> (2) : to enclose so as to cut off communication or retreat : INVEST b : to form or be a member of the entourage of <flatterers who surround the king> c : to constitute part of the environment of <surrounded by poverty> d : to extend around the margin or edge of : ENCIRCLE <a wall surrounds the old city>
2 : to cause to be surrounded by something <surrounded himself with friends>

surround
v. : something (as a border or ambient environment) that surrounds <from urban centre to rural surround ― Emrys Jones>

surround sound
: sound reproduction that often uses three or more transmission channels to enhance the illusion of a live hearing

surroundings
n. : the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded : ENVIRONMENT

sursum corda
1 often capitalized S&C : a versicle that in traditional eucharistic liturgies exhorts the faithful to enthusiastic worship
2 : something inspiriting

surtax
n. 1 : an extra tax or charge
2 : a graduated income tax in addition to the normal income tax imposed on the amount by which one's net income exceeds a specified sum

Surtees
Robert Smith 1803-1864 Eng. nov. & editor

surtout
n. : a man's long close-fitting overcoat

Surtsey
n. island Iceland off S coast area 1 sq mi (2.6 sq km); formed 1963 by volcanic eruption

Suruga Bay
inlet of the Pacific Japan on coast of SE Honshu W of Sagami Sea

surv
survey

surveil
: to subject to surveillance

surveillance
n. : close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective) also : SUPERVISION

surveillant
n. : one that exercises surveillance

survey
n. transitive verb
1 a : to examine as to condition, situation, or value : APPRAISE b : to query (someone) in order to collect data for the analysis of some aspect of a group or area
2 : to determine and delineate the form, extent, and position of (as a tract of land) by taking linear and angular measurements and by applying the principles of geometry and trigonometry
3 : to view or consider comprehensively
4 : INSPECT, SCRUTINIZE <he surveyed us in a lordly way ― Alan Harrington>
intransitive verb : to make a survey

survey
n. 1 : the act or an instance of surveying: as a : a broad treatment of a subject b : POLL 5A
2 : something that is surveyed

survey course
: a course treating briefly the chief topics of a broad field of knowledge

surveying
n. : a branch of applied mathematics that is concerned with determining the area of any portion of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the bounding lines, and the contour of the surface and with accurately delineating the whole on paper

surveyor
n. : one that surveys especially : one whose occupation is surveying land

survivable
adj. : resulting in or permitting survival
–sur·viv·abil·i·ty \-ˌvī-və-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

survival
n. 1 a : the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing b : the continuation of life or existence <problems of survival in arctic conditions>
2 : one that survives

survival of the fittest

1864
: NATURAL SELECTION

survivalism
n. : an attitude, policy, or practice based on the primacy of survival as a value

survivalist
n. : a person who advocates or practices survivalism especially : one who has prepared to survive in the anarchy of an anticipated breakdown of society
–survivalist adjective

survivance
n. : SURVIVAL

survive
v. intransitive verb
1 : to remain alive or in existence : live on
2 : to continue to function or prosper
transitive verb
1 : to remain alive after the death of <he is survived by his wife>
2 : to continue to exist or live after <survived the earthquake>
3 : to continue to function or prosper despite : WITHSTAND <they survived many hardships>
–sur·vi·vor \-'vī-vər\ noun

surviver
archaic : one that survives : SURVIVOR

survivorship
n. 1 : the legal right of the survivor of persons having joint interests in property to take the interest of the person who has died
2 : the state of being a survivor : SURVIVAL
3 : the probability of surviving to a particular age also : the number or proportion of survivors (as of an age group or population)

Susa
ancient city capital of Elam; ruins in SW Iran

Susan
n. black eyed Susan
brown eyed Susan
lazy Susan
Susan B. Anthony Day
Susan B Anthony Day

Susan B. Anthony Day
: February 15 observed to commemorate the birth of Susan B. Anthony

susceptibility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being susceptible especially : lack of ability to resist some extraneous agent (as a pathogen or drug) : SENSITIVITY
2 a : a susceptible temperament or constitution b plural : FEELINGS, SENSIBILITIES
3 a : the ratio of the magnetization in a substance to the corresponding magnetizing force b : the ratio of the electric polarization to the electric intensity in a polarized dielectric

susceptible
adj. 1 : capable of submitting to an action, process, or operation <a theory susceptible to proof>
2 : open, subject, or unresistant to some stimulus, influence, or agency <susceptible to pneumonia>
3 : IMPRESSIONABLE, RESPONSIVE <a susceptible mind>
synonyms see LIABLE
–sus·cep·ti·ble·ness noun
–sus·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adverb

sushi
n. : cold rice dressed with vinegar, formed into any of various shapes, and garnished especially with bits of raw seafood or vegetables

Susiana
― see ELAM

suslik
n. 1 : any of several rather large short-tailed ground squirrels (genus Spermophilus) of eastern Europe or northern Asia
2 : the mottled grayish-black fur of a suslik

suspect
n. 1 : regarded or deserving to be regarded with suspicion : SUSPECTED <investigates suspect employees>
2 : DOUBTFUL, QUESTIONABLE <whose skills are suspect ― Peter Vecsey>

suspect
n. : one that is suspected especially : a person suspected of a crime

suspect
n. transitive verb
1 : to imagine (one) to be guilty or culpable on slight evidence or without proof <suspect him of giving false information>
2 : to have doubts of : DISTRUST <suspects her motives>
3 : to imagine to exist or be true, likely, or probable <I suspect he's right>
intransitive verb : to imagine something to be true or likely

suspend
v. transitive verb
1 : to debar temporarily especially from a privilege, office, or function <suspend a student from school>
2 a : to cause to stop temporarily <suspend bus service> b : to set aside or make temporarily inoperative <suspend the rules>
3 : to defer to a later time on specified conditions <suspend sentence>
4 : to hold in an undetermined or undecided state awaiting further information <suspend judgment> <suspend disbelief>
5 a : HANG especially : to hang so as to be free on all sides except at the point of support <suspend a ball by a thread> b : to keep from falling or sinking by some invisible support (as buoyancy) <dust suspended in the air> c : to put or hold in suspension <suspended sediment>
6 a : to keep fixed or lost (as in wonder or contemplation) b : to keep waiting in suspense or indecision
7 : to hold (a musical note) over into the following chord
intransitive verb
1 : to cease operation temporarily
2 : to stop payment or fail to meet obligations
3 : HANG
synonyms see DEFER

suspended animation
1 : temporary suspension of the vital functions (as in persons nearly drowned)
2 : a condition (as inactivity) likened to suspended animation

suspender
n. 1 : one that suspends
2 : a device by which something may be suspended: as a : one of two supporting bands worn across the shoulders to support trousers, skirt, or belt ― usually used in plural and often with pair b British : a fastener attached to a garment or garter to hold up a stocking or sock also : a device consisting of garter and fastener
–sus·pend·ered \-dərd\ adjective

suspense
n. 1 : the state of being suspended : SUSPENSION
2 a : mental uncertainty : ANXIETY b : pleasant excitement as to a decision or outcome <a novel of suspense>
3 : the state or character of being undecided or doubtful : INDECISIVENESS
–sus·pense·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–sus·pense·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–sus·pense·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
–sus·pense·less \-ləs\ adjective

suspense account
: an account for the temporary entry of charges or credits or especially of doubtful accounts receivable pending determination of their ultimate disposition

suspenser
n. : a suspenseful film

suspension
n. 1 : the act of suspending : the state or period of being suspended: as a : temporary removal (as from office or privileges) b : temporary withholding (as of belief or decision) c : temporary abrogation of a law or rule d (1) : the holding over of one or more musical tones of a chord into the following chord producing a momentary discord and suspending the concord which the ear expects specifically : such a dissonance which resolves downward ― compare ANTICIPATION, RETARDATION (2) : the tone thus held over e : stoppage of payment of business obligations : FAILURE ― used especially of a business or a bank f : a rhetorical device whereby the principal idea is deferred to the end of a sentence or longer unit
2 a : the act of hanging : the state of being hung b (1) : the state of a substance when its particles are mixed with but undissolved in a fluid or solid (2) : a substance in this state (3) : a system consisting of a solid dispersed in a solid, liquid, or gas usually in particles of larger than colloidal size ― compare EMULSION
3 : something suspended
4 : the means by which something is suspended especially : the system of devices (as springs) supporting the upper part of a vehicle on the axles

suspension bridge
: a bridge that has its roadway suspended from two or more cables usually passing over towers and securely anchored at the ends ― see BRIDGE illustration

suspension points
chiefly British : usu. three spaced periods used to show the omission of a word or word group from a written context

suspensive
adj. 1 : stopping temporarily : SUSPENDING <a suspensive veto>
2 : characterized by suspense, suspended judgment, or indecisiveness
3 : characterized by suspension
–sus·pen·sive·ly adverb

suspensor
: a suspending part or structure: as a : a group or chain of cells that is produced from the zygote of a seed plant and serves to push the developing embryo into the endosperm b : either of a pair of gametangia-bearing hyphal outgrowths in fungi (order Mucorales) that extend from two sexually compatible hyphae and support the resulting zygospore

suspensory
n. 1 : held in suspension also : fitted or serving to suspend
2 : temporarily leaving undetermined : SUSPENSIVE 1

suspensory
n. : something that suspends or holds up especially : a fabric supporter for the scrotum

suspensory ligament
: a ligament or fibrous membrane suspending an organ or part especially : a ringlike fibrous membrane connecting the ciliary body and the lens of the eye and holding the lens in place ― see EYE illustration

suspicion
n. 1 a : the act or an instance of suspecting something wrong without proof or on slight evidence : MISTRUST b : a state of mental uneasiness and uncertainty : DOUBT
2 : a barely detectable amount : TRACE <just a suspicion of garlic>
synonyms see UNCERTAINTY

suspicion
n. chiefly dialect : SUSPECT

suspicious
adj. 1 : tending to arouse suspicion : QUESTIONABLE <suspicious characters>
2 : disposed to suspect : DISTRUSTFUL <suspicious of strangers>
3 : expressing or indicative of suspicion <a suspicious glance>
–sus·pi·cious·ly adverb
–sus·pi·cious·ness noun

suspiration
: a long deep breath : SIGH

suspire
v. : to draw a long deep breath : SIGH

Susquehanna
river 444 mi (714 km) E U.S. flowing from cen N.Y. S through Pa. & into Chesapeake Bay in N Md.

suss
v. 1 chiefly British : FIGURE OUT ― usually used with out
2 chiefly British : to inspect or investigate so as to gain more knowledge ― usually used with out

Sussex
n. former county SE England bordering on English Channel; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy ― see EAST SUSSEX, WEST SUSSEX

Sussex
n. Sussex spaniel
East Sussex
West Sussex

Sussex spaniel
: any of a breed of short-legged short-necked long-bodied spaniels of English origin with a flat or slightly wavy golden liver-colored coat

sustain
v. 1 : to give support or relief to
2 : to supply with sustenance : NOURISH
3 : KEEP UP, PROLONG
4 : to support the weight of : PROP also : to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)
5 : to buoy up <sustained by hope>
6 a : to bear up under b : SUFFER, UNDERGO <sustained heavy losses>
7 a : to support as true, legal, or just b : to allow or admit as valid <the court sustained the motion>
8 : to support by adequate proof : CONFIRM <testimony that sustains our contention>
–sus·tained·ly \-'stā-nəd-lē, -'stānd-lē\ adverb
–sus·tain·er noun

sustain
v. : a musical effect that prolongs a note's resonance <utilizing heavy sustain on his guitar ― Bill Dahl>

sustain
v. sustained release
sustained yield
self sustained
self sustaining

sustainable
adj. 1 : capable of being sustained
2 a : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged <sustainable techniques> <sustainable agriculture> b : of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods <sustainable society>
–sus·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌstā-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–sus·tain·ably \-'stā-nə-blē\ adverb

sustained yield
: production of a biological resource (as timber or fish) under management procedures which ensure replacement of the part harvested by regrowth or reproduction before another harvest occurs
–sustained-yield adjective

sustained-release
: designed to release a drug in the body slowly over an extended period of time <sustained-release capsules>

sustaining
adj. 1 : serving to sustain
2 : aiding in the support of an organization through a special fee <a sustaining member>

sustenance
n. 1 a : means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : LIVING b : FOOD, PROVISIONS also : NOURISHMENT
2 a : the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained b : a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life
3 : something that gives support, endurance, or strength

sustentacular cell
: a supporting epithelial cell (as a Sertoli cell or a cell of the olfactory epithelium) that lacks a specialized function (as nerve-impulse conduction)

sustentation
n. 1 : the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained: as a : MAINTENANCE, UPKEEP b : PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION c : maintenance of life, growth, or morale d : provision with sustenance
2 : something that sustains : SUPPORT
–sus·ten·ta·tive \'səs-tən-ˌtā-tiv, sə-'sten-tə-tiv\ adjective

Susu
1 : a member of a West African people of Mali, Guinea, and the area along the northern border of Sierra Leone
2 : the Mande language of the Susu people

susurration
n. : a whispering sound : MURMUR

susurrous
adj. : full of whispering sounds

susurrus
n. : a whispering or rustling sound
–su·sur·rant \-'sər-ənt, -'sə-rənt\ adjective

Sutherland
Dame Joan 1926-     Austral. soprano

Sutherland
former county N Scotland capital Dornoch

Sutherland Falls
waterfall 1904 ft (580 m) New Zealand in SW South Is.

Sutlej
river ab 900 mi (1448 km) N India (subcontinent) flowing from Tibet W & SW through the Punjab to join the Chenab

sutler
n. : a civilian provisioner to an army post often with a shop on the post

sutra
n. 1 : a precept summarizing Vedic teaching also : a collection of these precepts
2 : one of the discourses of the Buddha that constitute the basic text of Buddhist scripture

suttee
n. : the act or custom of a Hindu widow willingly being cremated on the funeral pyre of her husband as an indication of her devotion to him also : a woman cremated in this way

Sutter
John Augustus 1803-1880 orig. Johann August Suter American (Ger.-born) pioneer

Suttner
Bertha 1843-1914 née Kinsky Baroness von Suttner Austrian writer & pacifist

Sutton
borough of S Greater London, England pop 164,300

Sutton Coldfield
town cen England in W. Midlands NE of Birmingham pop 86,494

Sutton-in-Ashfield
town N cen England in Nottinghamshire N of Nottingham pop 41,270

suture
n. 1 a : a strand or fiber used to sew parts of the living body also : a stitch made with a suture b : the act or process of sewing with sutures
2 a : a uniting of parts b : the seam or seamlike line along which two things or parts are sewed or united
3 a : the line of union in an immovable articulation (as between the bones of the skull) also : such an articulation b : a furrow at the junction of adjacent bodily parts especially : a line of dehiscence (as on a fruit)
–su·tur·al \'sü-chə-rəl, 'süch-rəl\ adjective
–su·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

suture
n. : to unite, close, or secure with sutures <suture a wound>

suum cuique
: to each his own

SUV
: SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE

Suva
n. city & port capital of Fiji on Viti Levu Is. pop 63,628

Suvorov
Aleksandr Vasilyevich 1729-1800 Russ. field marshal

Suwalki
1 district NE Poland
2 city in the district pop 69,000

Suwannee
n. river 250 mi (400 km) SE Ga. & N Fla. flowing SW into Gulf of Mexico

Suwon
city NW S. Korea S of Seoul pop 430,752

suzerain
n. 1 : a superior feudal lord to whom fealty is due : OVERLORD
2 : a dominant state controlling the foreign relations of a vassal state but allowing it sovereign authority in its internal affairs

suzerainty
n. : the dominion of a suzerain : OVERLORDSHIP

suzette
n. crepe suzette
crêpes suzette
crêpe suzette

Suzhou
city E China in SE Jiangsu W of Shanghai pop 706,459

sv
1 saves
2 [Latin sub verbo or sub voce] under the word

Svalbard
n. island group in the Arctic Ocean including Spitsbergen, Bear Is., & other small islands area 23,958 sq mi (62,052 sq km); under Norwegian administration

svc
service

Svedberg
n. The or Theodor 1884-1971 Swed. chem.

svedberg
n. : a unit of time amounting to 10-13 second that is used to measure the sedimentation velocity of a colloidal solution (as of a protein) in an ultracentrifuge and to determine molecular weight by substitution in an equation ― called also svedberg unit

svelte
adj. 1 a : SLENDER, LITHE b : having clean lines : SLEEK
2 : URBANE, SUAVE
–svelte·ly adverb
–svelte·ness noun

Svengali
n. : a person who manipulates or exerts excessive control over another

Sverdlovsk
― see YEKATERINBURG

Sverdrup
Otto Neumann 1855-1930 Norw. explorer

Sverdrup Islands
islands N Canada W of Ellesmere Is. including Axel Heiberg, Ellef Ringnes, & Amund Ringnes islands

Sverrir
ca 1149-1202 Sverrir Si·gurds·son \'si-gərd-sən\ king of Norway (1184-1202)

SVGA
n. super video graphics array

SW
n. 1 shortwave
2 southwest

sw
n. switch

swab
n. 1 a : MOP especially : a yarn mop b (1) : a wad of absorbent material usually wound around one end of a small stick and used especially for applying medication or for removing material from an area (2) : a specimen taken with a swab c : a sponge or cloth patch attached to a long handle and used to clean the bore of a firearm
2 a : a useless or contemptible person b : SAILOR, GOB

swab
n. 1 : to clean with or as if with a swab
2 : to apply medication to with a swab <swabbed the wound with iodine>

swabber
n. 1 : one that swabs
2 : SWAB 2A

swabbie
n. slang : SWAB 2B

Swabia
n. region and medieval county SW Germany chiefly in area comprising modern Baden-Württemberg & W Bavaria
–Swa·bi·an \'swā-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

swaddle
v. 1 a : to wrap (an infant) with swaddling clothes b : ENVELOP, SWATHE <legs swaddled in bandages>
2 : RESTRAIN, RESTRICT <marriage⋯swaddled him in a domesticity he came to loathe ― Nina Auerbach>

swaddling clothes
1 : narrow strips of cloth wrapped around an infant to restrict movement
2 : limitations or restrictions imposed on the immature or inexperienced

swag
n. intransitive verb
1 : SWAY, LURCH
2 : SAG, DROOP
transitive verb
1 : to adorn with swags
2 : to arrange (as drapery) in swags

swag
n. 1 : SWAY 1
2 a : something (as a decoration) hanging in a curve between two points : FESTOON b : a suspended cluster (as of evergreen branches)
3 a : goods acquired by unlawful means : LOOT b : SPOILS, PROFITS
4 : a depression in the earth
5 chiefly Australian : a pack of personal belongings

swage
n. : a tool used by metalworkers for shaping their work by holding it on the work or the work on it and striking with a hammer or sledge

swage
n. : to shape by or as if by means of a swage

swage block
: a perforated cast-iron or steel block with grooved sides that is used in heading bolts and swaging bars by hand

swagger
intransitive verb
1 : to conduct oneself in an arrogant or superciliously pompous manner especially : to walk with an air of overbearing self-confidence
2 : BOAST, BRAG
transitive verb : to force by argument or threat : BULLY
–swag·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun
–swag·ger·ing·ly \-g(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

swagger
n. 1 a : an act or instance of swaggering b : arrogant or conceitedly self-assured behavior c : ostentatious display or bravado
2 : a self-confident outlook : COCKINESS

swagger
n. : marked by elegance or showiness : POSH

swagger stick
: a short light stick usually covered with leather and tipped with metal at each end and intended for carrying in the hand (as by military officers)

swaggie
chiefly Australian : SWAGMAN

swagman
n. chiefly Australian : DRIFTER especially : one who carries a swag when traveling

Swahili
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Zanzibar and the adjacent coast
2 : a Bantu language that is a trade and governmental language over much of East Africa and in the Congo region

swain
n. 1 : RUSTIC, PEASANT specifically : SHEPHERD
2 : a male admirer or suitor
–swain·ish \'swā-nish\ adjective
–swain·ish·ness noun

Swainson's hawk
: a buteo (Buteo swainsonii) chiefly of western No. America and So. America having pointed wings and usually a dark breast

SWAK
sealed with a kiss

swale
n. : a low-lying or depressed and often wet stretch of land also : a shallow depression on a golf fairway or green

swallow
n. 1 : any of numerous small widely distributed oscine birds (family Hirundinidae, the swallow family) that have a short bill, long pointed wings, and often a deeply forked tail and that feed on insects caught on the wing
2 : any of several birds that superficially resemble swallows

swallow
n. transitive verb
1 : to take through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach
2 : to envelop or take in as if by swallowing : ABSORB <swallow the financial loss> <watch night swallow the valley>
3 : to accept without question, protest, or resentment <swallow an insult> <a hard story to swallow>
4 : TAKE BACK, RETRACT <had to swallow my words>
5 : to keep from expressing or showing : REPRESS <swallowed my anger>
6 : to utter (as words) indistinctly
intransitive verb
1 : to receive something into the body through the mouth and esophagus
2 : to perform the action characteristic of swallowing something especially under emotional stress
–swal·low·able \'swä-lō-ə-bəl\ adjective
–swal·low·er \'swä-lə-wər\ noun

swallow
n. 1 : the passage connecting the mouth to the stomach
2 : a capacity for swallowing
3 a : an act of swallowing b : an amount that can be swallowed at one time

swallow
n. swallow tailed
barn swallow
chimney swallow
cliff swallow
tree swallow

swallowtail
n. 1 : a deeply forked and tapering tail (as of a swallow)
2 : TAILCOAT
3 : any of various usually large brightly marked butterflies (family Papilionidae, especially genus Papilio) with each hind wing typically having an elongated process
–swal·low-tailed \-ˌtāld\ adjective

swam
past of swim

swami
n. 1 : a Hindu ascetic or religious teacher specifically : a senior member of a religious order ― used as a title
2 : one that resembles or emulates a swami : PUNDIT, SEER

swamp
n. 1 : a wetland often partially or intermittently covered with water especially : one dominated by woody vegetation
2 : a tract of swamp
3 : a difficult or troublesome situation or subject
–swamp adjective

swamp
n. 1 a : to fill with or as if with water : INUNDATE, SUBMERGE b : to overwhelm numerically or by an excess of something : FLOOD <swamped with work>
2 : to open by removing underbrush and debris
intransitive verb : to become submerged

swamp
n. swamp buggy
Congaree Swamp National Monument
Dismal Swamp
Great Dismal Swamp

swamp buggy
: a vehicle designed to travel over swampy terrain especially : a four-wheel motor vehicle with oversize tires

swamper
n. 1 a : an inhabitant of swamps or lowlands b : one familiar with swampy terrain
2 : a general assistant : HANDYMAN, HELPER

swampland
n. : SWAMP 1

swampy
adj. : consisting of, suggestive of, or resembling swamp : MARSHY
–swamp·i·ness noun

Swan
n. river ab 240 mi (386 km) SW Western Australia flowing W into Indian Ocean

swan
n. 1 plural also swan : any of various large heavy-bodied long-necked mostly pure white aquatic birds (family Anatidae, especially genus Cygnus) that have webbed feet and are related to but larger than the geese
2 : one that resembles or is likened to a swan
3 capitalized : the constellation Cygnus

swan
n. : to wander aimlessly or idly : DALLY

swan
n. dialect : DECLARE, SWEAR

swan
n. mute swan
swan boat
swan dive
swan song
trumpeter swan
tundra swan
whistling swan
whooper swan
Swan Islands
Stratford upon Avon

swan boat
: a small paddleboat usually for children or sightseers that is a large model of a swan

swan dive
: a front dive executed with the head back, back arched, and arms spread sideways and then brought together above the head to form a straight line with the body as the diver enters the water

Swan Islands
two islands in the Caribbean NE of Honduras

swan song
1 : a song of great sweetness said to be sung by a dying swan
2 : a farewell appearance or final act or pronouncement

swank
n. : SHOW OFF, SWAGGER also : BOAST 1

swank
n. Scottish : full of life or energy : ACTIVE

swank
n. 1 : characterized by showy display : OSTENTATIOUS <a swank limousine>
2 : fashionably elegant : SMART <a swank restaurant>
–swank·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
–swank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

swank
n. 1 : arrogance or ostentation of dress or manner : PRETENTIOUSNESS, SWAGGER
2 : ELEGANCE, FASHIONABLENESS

swannery
n. : a place where swans are bred or kept

swansdown
n. 1 : the soft downy feathers of the swan often used as trimming on articles of dress
2 : a heavy cotton flannel that has a thick nap on the face and is made with sateen weave

Swansea
1 administrative area of S Wales area 146 sq mi (378 sq km)
2 city & port S Wales pop 182,100

swanskin
n. 1 : the skin of a swan with the down or feathers on it
2 : fabric resembling flannel and having a soft nap or surface

swap
n. transitive verb
1 a : to give in trade : BARTER b : EXCHANGE 2
2 : to take turns in telling <swap stories>
intransitive verb : to make an exchange
–swap·per noun

swap
n. : an act, instance, or process of exchanging one thing for another

swap meet
: a gathering for the sale or barter of usually secondhand objects

swaraj
n. : national or local self-government in India
–swa·raj·ist \-'rä-jist\ noun

sward
n. 1 : a portion of ground covered with grass
2 : the grassy surface of land
–sward·ed \'swȯr-dəd\ adjective

swarf
n. : material (as metallic particles and abrasive fragments) removed by a cutting or grinding tool

swarm
n. 1 a : a great number of honeybees emigrating together from a hive in company with a queen to start a new colony elsewhere b : a colony of honeybees settled in a hive
2 a : a large number of animate or inanimate things massed together and usually in motion : THRONG <swarms of sightseers> <a swarm of locusts> <a swarm of meteors> b : a number of similar geological features or phenomena close together in space or time <a swarm of dikes> <an earthquake swarm>

swarm
n. 1 : to form and depart from a hive in a swarm
2 a : to move or assemble in a crowd : THRONG b : to hover about in the manner of a bee in a swarm
3 : to contain a swarm : TEEM <swarming with bugs>
transitive verb
1 : to fill with a swarm
2 : to beset or surround in a swarm <players swarming the quarterback>
–swarm·er noun

swarm
n. intransitive verb : to climb with the hands and feet specifically : SHIN <swarm up a pole>
transitive verb : to climb up : MOUNT

swarm spore
: ZOOSPORE

swart
adj. 1 a : SWARTHY b archaic : producing a swarthy complexion
2 : BANEFUL, MALIGNANT
–swart·ness noun

swarthy
adj. : of a dark color, complexion, or cast
–swar·thi·ness noun

swash
n. intransitive verb
1 : BLUSTER, SWAGGER
2 : to make violent noisy movements
3 : to move with a splashing sound
transitive verb : to cause to splash

swash
n. 1 : SWAGGER
2 : a narrow channel of water lying within a sandbank or between a sandbank and the shore
3 : a dashing of water against or on something especially : the rush of water up a beach from a breaking wave

swash
n. : an extended flourish on a printed character

swash
n. : having one or more swashes <swash capitals>

swashbuckle
: to act the part of a swashbuckler

swashbuckler
n. 1 : a swaggering or daring soldier or adventurer
2 : a novel or drama dealing with a swashbuckler

swashbuckling
n. 1 : acting in the manner of a swashbuckler
2 : characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers

swasher
n. : SWASHBUCKLER

swastika
n. 1 : a symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the ends of the arms extended at right angles all in the same rotary direction
2 : a swastika used as a symbol of anti-Semitism or of Nazism

SWAT
n. : a police or military unit specially trained and equipped to handle unusually hazardous situations or missions

Swat
n. river 400 mi (644 km) Pakistan flowing into Kabul River

swat
n. : to hit with a sharp slapping blow usually with an instrument (as a bat or flyswatter) <swatted the ball for a home run>

swat
n. 1 : a powerful or crushing blow
2 : a long hit in baseball especially : HOME RUN

swatch
n. 1 a : a sample piece (as of fabric) or a collection of samples b : a characteristic specimen
2 : PATCH
3 : a small collection
4 : SWATH 2

swath
n. 1 a : a row of cut grain or grass left by a scythe or mowing machine b : the sweep of a scythe or a machine in mowing or the path cut in one course
2 : a long broad strip or belt
3 : a stroke of or as if of a scythe
4 : a space devastated as if by a scythe

swathe
v. 1 : a band used in swathing
2 : an enveloping medium

swathe
v. 1 : to bind, wrap, or swaddle with or as if with a bandage
2 : ENVELOP <a mountain swathed by clouds>

swather
n. : a harvesting machine that cuts and windrows grain and seed crops also : a mower attachment that windrows the swath

swathing clothes
obsolete : SWADDLING CLOTHES

Swatow
― see SHANTOU

swats
n. Scottish : DRINK especially : new ale

swatter
n. : one that swats especially : FLYSWATTER

sway
n. 1 : the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed : an oscillating, fluctuating, or sweeping motion
2 : an inclination or deflection caused by or as if by swaying
3 a : a controlling influence b : sovereign power : DOMINION c : the ability to exercise influence or authority : DOMINANCE
synonyms see POWER

sway
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to swing slowly and rhythmically back and forth from a base or pivot b : to move gently from an upright to a leaning position
2 : to hold sway : act as ruler or governor
3 : to fluctuate or veer between one point, position, or opinion and another
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to sway : set to swinging, rocking, or oscillating b : to cause to bend downward to one side c : to cause to turn aside : DEFLECT, DIVERT
2 archaic a : WIELD b : GOVERN, RULE
3 a : to cause to vacillate b : to exert a guiding or controlling influence on
4 : to hoist in place <sway up a mast>
synonyms see SWING, AFFECT
–sway·er noun

sway bar
: a bar that torsionally couples the right and left front-wheel suspensions of an automobile to reduce roll and sway

swaybacked
adj. : having an abnormally hollow or sagging back <a swaybacked mare>
–sway·back noun

Swazi
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu people of southeastern Africa
2 : SISWATI

Swaziland
n. country SE Africa bet. Republic of South Africa & Mozambique; a former Brit. protectorate; an independent kingdom since 1968 administrative capital Mbabane, legislative capital Lobamba area 6705 sq mi (17,433 sq km), pop 929,718

swear
n. transitive verb
1 : to utter or take solemnly (an oath)
2 a : to assert as true or promise under oath <a sworn affidavit> <swore to uphold the Constitution> b : to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly <swore he'd study harder next time>
3 a : to put to an oath : administer an oath to b : to bind by an oath <swore them to secrecy>
4 obsolete : to invoke the name of (a sacred being) in an oath
5 : to bring into a specified state by swearing <swore his life away>
intransitive verb
1 : to take an oath
2 : to use profane or obscene language : CURSE
–swear·er noun
–swear by : to place great confidence in <swears by his mechanic>
–swear for : to give assurance for : GUARANTEE
–swear off : to vow to abstain from : RENOUNCE <swear off smoking>

swear
n. : OATH, SWEARWORD

swear
n. swear off
swear for
swear by
swear in
swear out

swear by
to place great confidence in <swears by his mechanic>

swear for
to give assurance for : GUARANTEE

swear in
: to induct into office by administration of an oath

swear off
to vow to abstain from : RENOUNCE <swear off smoking>

swear out
: to procure (a warrant for arrest) by making a sworn accusation

swearword
n. : a profane or obscene oath or word

sweat
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to excrete moisture in visible quantities through the openings of the sweat glands : PERSPIRE b : to labor or exert oneself so as to cause perspiration
2 a : to emit or exude moisture <cheese sweats in ripening> b : to gather surface moisture in beads as a result of condensation <stones sweat at night> c (1) : FERMENT (2) : PUTREFY
3 : to undergo anxiety or mental or emotional distress <sweat through final exams>
4 : to become exuded through pores or a porous surface : OOZE
transitive verb
1 : to emit or seem to emit from pores : EXUDE
2 : to manipulate or produce by hard work or drudgery
3 : to get rid of or lose (weight) by or as if by sweating or being sweated
4 : to make wet with perspiration
5 a : to cause to excrete moisture from the skin b : to drive hard : OVERWORK c : to exact work from at low wages and under unfair or unhealthful conditions d slang : to give the third degree to
6 : to cause to exude or lose moisture especially : to subject (as tobacco leaves) to fermentation
7 a : to extract something valuable from by unfair or dishonest means : FLEECE b : to remove particles of metal from (a coin) by abrasion
8 a : to heat (as solder) so as to melt and cause to run especially between surfaces to unite them also : to unite by such means <sweat a pipe joint> b : to heat so as to extract an easily fusible constituent <sweat bismuth ore> c : to sauté in a covered vessel until natural juices are exuded
9 slang : to worry about <doesn't sweat the small stuff ― Barry McDermott>
–sweat blood : to work or worry intensely <in preparing speeches each sweats blood in his own way ― Stewart Cockburn>

sweat
n. 1 : hard work : DRUDGERY
2 : the fluid excreted from the sweat glands of the skin : PERSPIRATION
3 : moisture issuing from or gathering in drops on a surface
4 a : the condition of one sweating or sweated b : a spell of sweating
5 : a state of anxiety or impatience
6 plural a : SWEAT SUIT b : SWEATPANTS
–no sweat
slang : with little or no difficulty : EASILY also : EASY ― often used interjectionally

sweat
n. cold sweat
eccrine sweat gland
flop sweat
sweat blood
no sweat
sweat bee
sweat equity
sweat gland
sweat lodge
sweat out
sweat suit
sweat test
night sweats

sweat bee
: any of various small black or brownish bees (family Halictidae) that are attracted to perspiration

sweat blood
to work or worry intensely <in preparing speeches each sweats blood in his own way ― Stewart Cockburn>

sweat equity
: equity in a property resulting from labor invested in improvements that increase its value also : the labor so invested

sweat gland
: a simple tubular gland of the skin that excretes perspiration, is widely distributed in nearly all parts of the human skin, and consists typically of an epithelial tube extending spirally from a minute pore on the surface of the skin into the dermis or subcutaneous tissues where it ends in a convoluted tuft

sweat lodge
: a hut, lodge, or cavern heated by steam from water poured on hot stones and used especially by American Indians for ritual or therapeutic sweating

sweat out
1 : to work one's way painfully through or to
2 : to endure or wait through the course of

sweat suit
: a suit worn usually for exercise that consists of a sweatshirt and sweatpants

sweat test
: a test for cystic fibrosis that involves measuring the subject's sweat for abnormally high sodium chloride content

sweatband
n. 1 : a usually leather band lining the inner edge of a hat or cap to prevent sweat damage
2 : a band of material worn around the head or wrist to absorb sweat

sweatbox
1 : a place in which one is made to sweat especially : a narrow box or cell in which a prisoner is placed for punishment
2 : a device for sweating something (as hides in tanning or dried figs)

sweated
adj. : of, subjected to, or produced under sweatshop conditions <sweated labor> <sweated goods>

sweater
n. 1 : one that sweats or causes sweating
2 a : a knitted or crocheted jacket or pullover b : a heavy jersey worn in ice hockey

sweater girl
: a woman with a shapely bust

sweater-vest
: a sleeveless pullover or buttoned sweater

sweaterdress
: a knitted or crocheted dress

sweatpants
n. : pants having a drawstring or elastic waist and usually elastic cuffs at the ankle that are worn especially for exercise

sweatshirt
n. : a loose collarless pullover or jacket usually of heavy cotton jersey

sweatshop
n. : a shop or factory in which employees work for long hours at low wages and under unhealthy conditions

sweaty
adj. 1 : causing sweat <a sweaty day> <sweaty work>
2 : wet or stained with or smelling of sweat <sweaty socks>
–sweat·i·ly \'swe-tə-lē\ adverb
–sweat·i·ness \'swe-tē-nəs\ noun

swede
n. 1 capitalized a : a native or inhabitant of Sweden b : a person of Swedish descent
2 chiefly British : RUTABAGA

Sweden
n. country N Europe on Scandinavian peninsula W of Baltic Sea; a kingdom capital Stockholm area 173,665 sq mi (449,792 sq km), pop 8,940,788

Swedenborg
Emanuel 1688-1772 orig. Svedberg Swed. philos. & religious writer

Swedenborgian
n. : of or relating to the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg or the Church of the New Jerusalem based on his teachings
–Swedenborgian noun
–Swe·den·bor·gian·ism \-j(ē-)ə-ˌni-zəm, -gē-ə-\ noun

Swedish
adj. 1 : the North Germanic language spoken in Sweden and a part of Finland
2 plural in construction : the people of Sweden
–Swedish adjective

Swedish massage
: massage involving a system of active and passive exercise of muscles and joints

Sweelinck
Jan Pieterszoon 1562-1621 Du. organist & composer

sweep
n. transitive verb
1 a : to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush <swept the crumbs from the table> b : to destroy completely : WIPE OUT ― usually used with away <everything she cherished, might be swept away overnight ― Louis Bromfield> c : to remove or take with a single continuous forceful action <swept the books off the desk> d : to remove from sight or consideration <the problem can't be swept under the rug> e : to drive or carry along with irresistible force <a wave of protest that swept the opposition into office>
2 a : to clean with or as if with a broom or brush b : to clear by repeated and forcible action c : to move across or along swiftly, violently, or overwhelmingly <fire swept the business district ― American Guide Series: Md.> d : to win an overwhelming victory in or on <sweep the elections> e : to win all the games or contests of <sweep a double-header> <sweep a series>
3 : to touch in passing with a swift continuous movement
4 : to trace or describe the locus or extent of (as a line, circle, or angle)
5 : to cover the entire range of <his eyes swept the horizon>
intransitive verb
1 a : to clean a surface with or as if with a broom b : to move swiftly, forcefully, or devastatingly <the wind swept through the treetops>
2 : to go with stately or sweeping movements <proudly swept into the room>
3 : to move or extend in a wide curve or range
–sweep one off one's feet : to gain immediate and unquestioning support, approval, or acceptance by a person
–sweep the board or sweep the table
1 : to win all the bets on the table
2 : to win everything : beat all competitors

sweep
n. 1 : something that sweeps or works with a sweeping motion: as a : a long pole or timber pivoted on a tall post and used to raise and lower a bucket in a well b : a triangular cultivator blade that cuts off weeds under the soil surface c : a windmill sail
2 a : an instance of sweeping especially : a clearing out or away with or as if with a broom b : the removal from the table in one play in casino of all the cards by pairing or combining c : an overwhelming victory d : a winning of all the contests or prizes in a competition e : a wide-ranging search of an area (as by police)
3 a : a movement of great range and force b : a curving or circular course or line c : the compass of a sweeping movement : SCOPE d : a broad unbroken area or extent <a sweep of wildflowers> e : an end run in football in which one or more linemen pull back and run interference for the ballcarrier
4 : CHIMNEY SWEEP
5 : SWEEPSTAKES
6 : obliquity with respect to a reference line <sweep of an airplane wing> especially : SWEEPBACK
7 plural : a television ratings period during which surveys are taken to determine advertising rates
synonyms see RANGE

sweep
n. sweep the table
sweep stake
chimney sweep
power sweep
sweep the board
sweep one off one's feet
sweep hand
sweep second hand
swept back

sweep hand
: SWEEP-SECOND HAND

sweep one off one's feet
to gain immediate and unquestioning support, approval, or acceptance by a person

sweep the board
or sweep the table
1 : to win all the bets on the table
2 : to win everything : beat all competitors

sweep-second hand
: a hand marking seconds on a timepiece mounted concentrically with the other hands and read from the same dial as the minute hand

sweepback
n. : the backward slant of an airplane wing in which the outer portion of the wing is downstream from the inner portion

sweeper
n. 1 : one that sweeps
2 : a lone back in soccer who plays between the line of the defenders and the goal

sweeping
n. 1 : the act or action of one that sweeps <gave the room a good sweeping>
2 plural : things collected by sweeping : REFUSE

sweeping
n. 1 a : moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area b : having a curving line or form
2 a : EXTENSIVE <sweeping reforms> b : marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion <sweeping generalities>
–sweep·ing·ly adverb
–sweep·ing·ness noun

sweepstakes
n. 1 a : a race or contest in which the entire prize may be awarded to the winner specifically : STAKES RACE b : CONTEST, COMPETITION
2 : any of various lotteries

sweepy
: sweeping in motion, line, or force

Sweet
n. Henry 1845-1912 Eng. phonetician

sweet
n. 1 a (1) : pleasing to the taste (2) : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is typically induced by disaccharides and is mediated especially by receptors in taste buds at the front of the tongue ― compare BITTER, SALT, SOUR b (1) of a beverage : containing a sweetening ingredient : not dry (2) of wine : retaining a portion of natural sugar
2 a : pleasing to the mind or feelings : AGREEABLE, GRATIFYING ― often used as a generalized term of approval <how sweet it is> b : marked by gentle good humor or kindliness <a sweet disposition> c : FRAGRANT <a sweet aroma> d (1) : delicately pleasing to the ear or eye <a sweet melody> (2) : played in a straightforward melodic style <sweet jazz> e : SACCHARINE, CLOYING f : very good or appealing <a sweet job offer> <a sweet sports car>
3 : much loved : DEAR
4 a : not sour, rancid, decaying, or stale : WHOLESOME <sweet milk> b : not salt or salted : FRESH <sweet water> <sweet butter> c : free from excessive acidity ― used especially of soil d : free from noxious gases and odors e : free from excess of acid, sulfur, or corrosive salts <sweet crude oil>
5 : SKILLFUL, PROFICIENT <a sweet golf swing>
6 ― used as an intensive <take your own sweet time>
–sweet·ly adverb
–sweet·ness noun
–sweet on : having a crush on

sweet
n. : in a sweet manner

sweet
n. 1 : something that is sweet to the taste: as a : a food (as a candy or preserve) having a high sugar content <fill up on sweets> b British : DESSERT c British : HARD CANDY
2 : a sweet taste sensation
3 : a pleasant or gratifying experience, possession, or state
4 : DARLING, SWEETHEART
5 a archaic : FRAGRANCE b plural archaic : things having a sweet smell

sweet
n. sweet bay
sweet sorghum
sweet on
sweet alyssum
sweet and sour
sweet basil
sweet birch
sweet cherry
sweet chocolate
sweet cicely
sweet clover
sweet corn
sweet fern
sweet flag
sweet gum
sweet marjoram
sweet orange
sweet pea
sweet pepper
sweet potato
sweet spot
sweet talk
sweet tooth
sweet william
sweet woodruff
sweetness and light

sweet alyssum
: a widely cultivated European herb (Lobularia maritima) of the mustard family having narrow leaves and clusters of small fragrant usually white or pink flowers

sweet basil
: a basil (Ocimum basilicum) with whitish or purple flowers that includes several cultivars (as bush basil) also : its dried or fresh leaves used especially as a seasoning

sweet bay
1 : LAUREL 1
2 : a magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) of the eastern U.S. that has fragrant white flowers and leaves with glaucous undersides

sweet birch
: a common aromatic birch (Betula lenta) of eastern No. America that has shiny brown bark when young, hard dark-colored wood, and a volatile oil in its bark resembling wintergreen ― called also black birch

sweet cherry
: a white-flowered Eurasian cherry (Prunus avium) widely grown for its large sweet-flavored fruits also : its fruit

sweet chocolate
: chocolate that contains added sugar

sweet cicely
: any of a genus (Osmorhiza) of American and eastern Asian herbs of the carrot family that typically have thick fleshy roots and grow in moist woodlands

sweet clover
: any of a genus (Melilotus) of Old World legumes that have trifoliolate leaves and are widely grown for soil improvement or hay

sweet corn
: an Indian corn (esp. Zea mays rugosa) with wrinkled translucent kernels that contain a high percentage of sugar

sweet fern
: a small No. American shrub (Comptonia peregrina) of the wax-myrtle family with aromatic leaves

sweet flag
: a perennial marsh herb (Acorus calamus) of the arum family with long narrow sword-shaped leaves and an aromatic rootstock ― called also calamus

sweet gum
1 : a No. American tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) of the witch-hazel family with palmately lobed glossy green leaves, corky twigs, a round spiny brown fruit cluster, and hard wood
2 : the smooth reddish-brown wood of the sweet gum

sweet marjoram
: a perennial marjoram (Origanum majorana syn. Majorana hortensis) with dense spikelike flower clusters

sweet on
having a crush on

sweet orange
1 a : an orange (Citrus sinensis) that is prob. native to southeastern Asia, has a fruit with a pithy central axis, and is the source of the widely cultivated oranges of commerce b : a cultivated orange derived from the sweet orange and usually having fruit with a relatively thin rind and sweet juicy edible pulp
2 : the fruit of a sweet orange

sweet pea
1 : a widely cultivated Italian legume (Lathyrus odoratus) having slender usually climbing stems, ovate leaves, and large fragrant flowers
2 : the flower of a sweet pea

sweet pepper
: any of various large mild thick-walled capsicum fruits also : a pepper plant (Capsicum annuum) bearing sweet peppers ― compare BELL PEPPER

sweet potato
1 : a tropical vine (Ipomoea batatas) of the morning-glory family with variously shaped leaves and purplish flowers also : its large thick sweet and nutritious tuberous root that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable ― compare YAM 2
2 : OCARINA

sweet sorghum
: SORGO

sweet spot
: the area around the center of mass of a bat, racket, or head of a club that is the most effective part with which to hit a ball

sweet talk
: FLATTERY

sweet tooth
: a craving or fondness for sweet food

sweet william
: a widely cultivated Old World pink (Dianthus barbatus) with small white to deep red or purple flowers often showily spotted, banded, or mottled and borne in flat-topped cymes

sweet woodruff
: a small Eurasian and No. African sweet-scented herb (Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata) of the madder family that has small white flowers and is used especially in perfumery and for flavoring wine

sweet-and-sour
: seasoned with a sauce containing sugar and vinegar or lemon juice <sweet-and-sour shrimp>

sweet-talk
: CAJOLE, COAX
intransitive verb : to use flattery

sweetbread
n. : the thymus or pancreas of a young animal (as a calf) used for food

sweetbriar
n. : an Old World rose (esp. Rosa eleganteria) with stout recurved prickles and white to deep rosy-pink single flowers ― called also eglantine

sweeten
v. transitive verb
1 : to make sweet
2 : to soften the mood or attitude of
3 : to make less painful or trying
4 : to free from a harmful or undesirable quality or substance especially : to remove sulfur compounds from <sweeten natural gas>
5 : to make more valuable or attractive <sweeten the deal>: as a : to increase (a pot not won on the previous deal) by anteing prior to another deal b : to place additional securities as collateral for (a loan)
intransitive verb : to become sweet
–sweet·en·er \'swēt-nər, 'swē-tən-ər\ noun

sweetening
n. : something that sweetens

sweetgrass
n. : a slender fragrant perennial grass (Hierochloe odorata) that typically grows in moist soils and is used especially in basketry

sweetheart
n. 1 : DARLING
2 : one who is loved
3 : a generally likable person
4 : a remarkable one of its kind

sweetheart
n. : of or relating to an agreement between an employer and a labor union official arranged privately for their benefit usually at the expense of the workers <a sweetheart contract> broadly : arranged in private for the benefit of a few at the expense of many <a sweetheart deal>

sweetheart neckline
: a neckline for women's clothing that is high in back and low in front where it is scalloped to resemble the top of a heart

sweetie
n. 1 plural British : SWEET 1A
2 : SWEETHEART

sweetie pie
: SWEETHEART

sweeting
n. 1 archaic : SWEETHEART
2 : a sweet apple

sweetish
adj. 1 : somewhat sweet
2 : unpleasantly sweet
–sweet·ish·ly adverb

sweetmeat
n. : a food rich in sugar: as a : a candied or crystallized fruit b : CANDY, CONFECTION

sweetness and light
1 : a harmonious combination of beauty and enlightenment viewed as a hallmark of culture
2 a : amiable reasonableness of disposition <they were all sweetness and light> b : an untroubled or harmonious state or condition <but all was not sweetness and light>

sweetshop
n. chiefly British : a candy store

sweetsop
n. : SUGAR APPLE

swell
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit <the population swelled> b : to become distended or puffed up <her ankle is badly swollen> c : to form a bulge or rounded elevation
2 a : to become filled with pride and arrogance b : to behave or speak in a pompous, blustering, or self-important manner c : to play the swell
3 : to become distended with emotion
transitive verb
1 : to affect with a powerful or expansive emotion
2 : to increase the size, number, or intensity of <swell the applicant pool>
synonyms see EXPAND

swell
n. 1 : a long often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves often continuing beyond or after its cause (as a gale)
2 a : the condition of being protuberant b : a rounded elevation
3 a : the act or process of swelling b (1) : a gradual increase and decrease of the loudness of a musical sound also : a sign indicating a swell (2) : a device used in an organ for governing loudness
4 a archaic : an impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or display b : a person dressed in the height of fashion c : a person of high social position or outstanding competence

swell
n. 1 a : STYLISH b : socially prominent
2 : EXCELLENT ― used as a generalized term of enthusiasm

swell
n. ground swell
swell box
swell front
swelled head
swelled headedness
swelled headed

swell box
: a chamber in an organ containing a set of pipes and having shutters that open or shut to regulate the volume of tone

swell-front
: BOWFRONT 1

swelled head
: an exaggerated opinion of oneself : SELF-CONCEIT
–swelled-head·ed \'sweld-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective
–swelled-head·ed·ness noun

swellfish
n. : PUFFER FISH 1

swellhead
n. : one who has a swelled head : a conceited person
–swell·head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective
–swell·head·ed·ness noun

swelling
n. 1 : something that is swollen specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
2 : the condition of being swollen

swelter
v. intransitive verb
1 : to suffer, sweat, or be faint from heat
2 : to become exceedingly hot <in summer, the place swelters>
transitive verb
1 : to oppress with heat
2 archaic : EXUDE <sweltered venom ― Shakespeare>

swelter
v. 1 : a state of oppressive heat
2 : WELTER
3 : an excited or overwrought state of mind : SWEAT <in a swelter>

sweltering
n. : oppressively hot <sweltering summer days>
–swel·ter·ing·ly adverb

swept
: slanted backward

swept-back
: possessing sweepback

swerve
n. intransitive verb : to turn aside abruptly from a straight line or course : DEVIATE
transitive verb : to cause to turn aside or deviate
–swerve noun
synonyms SWERVE, VEER, DEVIATE, DEPART, DIGRESS, DIVERGE mean to turn aside from a straight course. SWERVE may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness <swerved to avoid hitting the dog>. VEER implies a major change in direction <at that point the path veers to the right>. DEVIATE implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course <never deviated from her daily routine>. DEPART suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type <occasionally departs from his own guidelines>. DIGRESS applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse <a professor prone to digress>. DIVERGE may equal DEPART but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions <after school their paths diverged>.

sweven
archaic : DREAM, VISION

swidden
n. : a temporary agricultural plot produced by cutting back and burning off vegetative cover

Swift
n. Gustavus Franklin 1839-1903 American meatpacker

Swift
n. Jonathan 1667-1745 Eng. satirist
–Swift·ian \'swif-tē-ən\ adjective

swift
n. 1 : moving or capable of moving with great speed <a swift runner>
2 : occurring suddenly or within a very short time <a swift transition>
3 : quick to respond : READY
synonyms see FAST

swift
n. : SWIFTLY <swift-flowing>

swift
n. 1 : any of several lizards (esp. of the genus Sceloporus) that run swiftly
2 : a reel for winding yarn or thread
3 : any of numerous small plainly colored birds (family Apodidae) that are related to the hummingbirds but superficially much resemble swallows

swift fox
: a small fox (Vulpes velox) with large ears that occurs on the plains of western No. America

swiftlet
n. : any of various cave-dwelling swifts (genus Collocalia syn. Aerodramus) of Asia including one (C. fuciphaga) that produces the nest used in bird's nest soup

swiftly
adv. : in a swift manner : with speed : QUICKLY

swiftness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being swift : CELERITY
2 : the fact of being swift

swig
n. : a quantity drunk at one time

swig
n. transitive verb : to drink in long drafts <swig cider>
intransitive verb : to take a swig : DRINK
–swig·ger noun

swill
n. transitive verb
1 : WASH, DRENCH
2 : to drink great drafts of : GUZZLE <swill beer>
3 : to feed (as a pig) with swill
intransitive verb
1 : to drink or eat freely, greedily, or to excess
2 : SWASH
–swill·er noun

swill
n. 1 : something suggestive of slop or garbage : REFUSE
2 a : a semiliquid food for animals (as swine) composed of edible refuse mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk b : GARBAGE

swim
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to propel oneself in water by natural means (as movements of the limbs, fins, or tail) b : to play in the water (as at a beach or swimming pool)
2 : to move with a motion like that of swimming : GLIDE <a cloud swam slowly across the moon>
3 a : to float on a liquid : not sink b : to surmount difficulties : not go under <sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish ― Daniel Webster>
4 : to become immersed in or flooded with or as if with a liquid <potatoes swimming in gravy>
5 : to have a floating or reeling appearance or sensation
transitive verb
1 a : to cross by propelling oneself through water <swim a stream> b : to execute in swimming
2 : to cause to swim or float
–swim·mer noun

swim
n. 1 : a smooth gliding motion
2 : an act or period of swimming
3 : a temporary dizziness or unconsciousness
4 a : an area frequented by fish b : the main current of activity <in the swim>

swim
n. : of, relating to, or used in or for swimming <a swim meet>

swim
n. swim bladder
swim fin
free swimming
swimming pool
synchronized swimming
swimmer's ear
swimmer's itch
synchronized swimmer

swim bladder
: the air bladder of a fish

swim fin
: FLIPPER 1B

swimmable
adj. : that can be swum

swimmer's ear
: inflammation of the canal in the outer ear that is characterized by itching, redness, swelling, pain, and discharge and that typically occurs when water trapped in the outer ear during swimming becomes infected usually with a bacterium

swimmer's itch
: a severe urticarial reaction to the presence in the skin of larval schistosomes

swimmeret
n. : one of a series of small unspecialized appendages under the abdomen of many crustaceans that are best developed in some decapods (as a lobster) and usually function in locomotion or reproduction

swimming
n. 1 [present participle of swim] : that swims <a swimming bird>
2 [gerund of swim] : adapted to or used in or for swimming

swimming
n. : the act, art, or sport of one that swims and dives

swimming
n. free swimming
swimming pool
synchronized swimming

swimming pool
: a pool suitable for swimming especially : a tank (as of concrete or plastic) made for swimming

swimmingly
adv. : very well : SPLENDIDLY <the event went swimmingly>

swimmy
1 : verging on, causing, or affected by dizziness or giddiness
2 of vision : UNSTEADY, BLURRED
–swim·mi·ly \'swi-mə-lē\ adverb

swimsuit
n. : a suit for swimming or bathing

swimwear
n. : clothing suitable for wear while swimming or bathing

Swinburne
Algernon Charles 1837-1909 Eng. poet
–Swin·burn·ian \swin-'bər-nē-ən\ adjective

swindle
n. intransitive verb : to obtain money or property by fraud or deceit
transitive verb : to take money or property from by fraud or deceit
synonyms see CHEAT
–swin·dler \'swin(d)-lər, 'swin-dəl-ər\ noun

swindle
n. : an act or instance of swindling : FRAUD

Swindon
town S England in NE Wiltshire pop 91,136

swine
n. 1 : any of various stout-bodied short-legged omnivorous artiodactyl mammals (family Suidae) with a thick bristly skin and a long flexible snout especially : a domesticated one descended from the wild boar
2 : a contemptible person

swine fever
1 : HOG CHOLERA
2 : an acute highly contagious usually fatal disease of swine that is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus (species African swine fever virus of the genus Asfivirus, family Asfarviridae), that resembles but is more severe than hog cholera, and that is indigenous to Africa

swineherd
n. : one who tends swine

swing
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to move vigorously through a wide arc or circle <swing an ax> b : to cause to sway to and fro c (1) : to cause to turn on an axis (2) : to cause to face or move in another direction <swing the car into a side road>
2 : to suspend so as to permit swaying or turning
3 : to convey by suspension <cranes swinging cargo into the ship's hold>
4 a (1) : to influence decisively <swing a lot of votes> (2) : to bring around by influence b : to handle successfully : MANAGE <wasn't able to swing a new car on his income> <swing a deal>
5 : to play or sing (as a melody) in the style of swing music
intransitive verb
1 : to move freely to and fro especially in suspension from an overhead support
2 a : to die by hanging b : to hang freely from a support
3 : to move in or describe a circle or arc: a : to turn on a hinge or pivot b : to turn in place c : to convey oneself by grasping a fixed support <swing aboard the train>
4 a : to have a steady pulsing rhythm b : to play or sing with a lively compelling rhythm specifically : to play swing music
5 : to shift or fluctuate from one condition, form, position, or object of attention or favor to another <swing constantly from optimism to pessimism and back ― Sinclair Lewis>
6 a : to move along rhythmically b : to start up in a smooth vigorous manner <ready to swing into action>
7 : to hit or aim at something with a sweeping arm movement
8 a : to be lively, exciting, and up-to-date b : to engage freely in sex
synonyms SWING, WAVE, FLOURISH, BRANDISH, THRASH mean to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down. SWING implies regular or uniform movement <swing the rope back and forth>. WAVE usually implies smooth or continuous motion <waving the flag>. FLOURISH suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement <flourished the winning lottery ticket>. BRANDISH implies threatening or menacing motion <brandishing a knife>. THRASH suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement <an infant thrashing his arms about>.
synonyms SWING, SWAY, OSCILLATE, VIBRATE, FLUCTUATE, WAVER, UNDULATE mean to move from one direction to its opposite. SWING implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side <the door suddenly swung open>. SWAY implies a slow swinging or teetering movement <trees swaying in the breeze>. OSCILLATE stresses a usually regular alternation of direction <an oscillating fan>. VIBRATE suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact <the vibrating strings of a piano>. FLUCTUATE suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value <fluctuating interest rates>. WAVER stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering <the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing>. UNDULATE suggests a gentle wavelike motion <an undulating sea of grass>.

swing
n. 1 : an act or instance of swinging : swinging movement: as a (1) : a stroke or blow delivered with a sweeping arm movement <a batter with a powerful swing> (2) : a sweeping or rhythmic movement of the body or a bodily part (3) : a dance figure in which two dancers revolve with joined arms or hands (4) : jazz dancing in moderate tempo with a lilting syncopation b (1) : the regular movement of a freely suspended object (as a pendulum) along an arc and back (2) : back and forth sweep <the swing of the tides> c (1) : steady pulsing rhythm (as in poetry or music) (2) : a steady vigorous movement characterizing an activity or creative work d (1) : a trend toward a high or low point in a fluctuating cycle (as of business activity) (2) : an often periodic shift from one condition, form, position, or object of attention or favor to another
2 a : liberty of action b (1) : the driving power of something swung or hurled (2) : steady vigorous advance : driving speed <a train approaching at full swing>
3 : the progression of an activity, process, or phase of existence <the work is in full swing>
4 : the arc or range through which something swings
5 : something that swings freely from or on a support especially : a seat suspended by a rope or chains for swinging to and fro on for pleasure
6 a : a curving course or outline b : a course from and back to a point : a circular tour
7 : jazz that is played (as by a big band) with a steady beat and that uses the harmonic structures of popular songs and the blues as a basis for improvisations and arrangements
8 : a short pass in football thrown to a back running to the outside

swing
n. 1 : of or relating to musical swing <a swing band> <swing music> <swing dancing>
2 : that may swing often decisively either way on an issue or in an election <swing voters> <a swing state>

swing
n. bi swing
new jack swing
swing shift
western swing
swung dash
free swinging

swing shift
1 : the work shift between the day and night shifts (as from 4 P.M. to midnight)
2 : a group of workers in a factory operating seven days a week that work as needed to permit the regular shift workers to have one or more free days per week

swinge
v. chiefly dialect : BEAT, SCOURGE

swinge
v. dialect : SINGE, SCORCH

swingeing
adj. chiefly British : very large, high, or severe <swingeing fines> <swingeing taxes>

swingeing
adj. chiefly British : VERY, SUPERLATIVELY

swinger
n. : one that swings: as a : a person who is lively, exciting, and up-to-date b : one who engages freely in sex

swinger
n. : WHOPPER 1

swinging
adj. : being lively, exciting, and up-to-date also : abounding in swingers and swinging entertainment <a swinging coffeehouse>

swingingly
adv. chiefly British : VERY, EXTREMELY

swingingly
adv. : in a swinging manner : with a swinging movement

swingletree
n. : WHIFFLETREE

swingman
n. : a player capable of playing effectively in two different positions and especially of playing both guard and forward on a basketball team

swingy
adj. : marked by swing

swinish
adj. : of, suggesting, or characteristic of swine : BEASTLY
–swin·ish·ly adverb
–swin·ish·ness noun

swink
archaic : TOIL, SLAVE

swink
archaic : LABOR, DRUDGERY

Swinnerton
Frank Arthur 1884-1982 Eng. nov. & critic

Swinoujscie
city & port NW Poland on N coast of Uznam (Usedom) Is. NNW of Szczecin pop 42,886

Swinton and Pendlebury
town NW England in Greater Manchester pop 39,621

swipe
n. 1 : a strong sweeping blow <a swipe of a paw>
2 : a sharp often critical remark <took a parting swipe at management>

swipe
n. intransitive verb : to strike or move with a sweeping motion
transitive verb
1 : to strike or wipe with a sweeping motion
2 : STEAL, PILFER
3 : to slide (a card with a magnetic strip or bar code) through a slot in a reading device so that information stored on the strip can be processed (as in making a purchase)

swipes
n. British : poor, thin, or spoiled beer also : BEER

swirl
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move with an eddying or whirling motion <swirling water> b : to pass in whirling confusion
2 : to have a twist or convolution
transitive verb : to cause to swirl <swirled her drink>
–swirl·ing·ly \'swər-liŋ-lē\ adverb

swirl
n. 1 a : a whirling mass or motion : EDDY b : whirling confusion <a swirl of events>
2 : a twisting shape, mark, or pattern
3 : an act or instance of swirling

swirly
adj. 1 Scottish : KNOTTED, TWISTED
2 : that swirls : SWIRLING <the swirly water of the rapids>

swish
n. intransitive verb : to move, pass, swing, or whirl with the sound of a swish
transitive verb
1 : to move, cut, or strike with a swish <the horse swished its tail>
2 : to make (a basketball shot) so that the ball falls through the rim without touching it <swished a 3-point jumper>
–swish·er noun
–swish·ing·ly \'swi-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

swish
n. 1 a : a prolonged hissing sound (as of a whip cutting the air) b : a light sweeping or brushing sound <heard the swish of the horse's tail>
2 : a swishing movement
3 usually disparaging : an effeminate homosexual

swish
n. : SMART, FASHIONABLE

swishy
adj. 1 : producing a swishing sound
2 usually disparaging : characterized by effeminate behavior

Swiss
adj. 1 plural Swiss a : a native or inhabitant of Switzerland b : one that is of Swiss descent
2 often not capitalized : any of various fine sheer fabrics of cotton orig. made in Switzerland especially : DOTTED SWISS
3 : SWISS CHEESE

Swiss
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Switzerland or the Swiss

Swiss
adj. Brown Swiss
dotted swiss
Swiss chard
Swiss cheese
Swiss steak

Swiss chard
: a beet (Beta vulgaris cicla) having large leaves and succulent stalks often cooked as a vegetable ― called also chard

Swiss cheese
: a hard cheese characterized by elastic texture, mild nutlike flavor, and large holes that form during ripening

Swiss steak
: a slice of steak pounded with flour and braised usually with vegetables and seasonings

switch
n. 1 : a slender flexible whip, rod, or twig <a riding switch>
2 : an act of switching: as a : a blow with a switch b : a shift from one to another c : a change from the usual <that outfit is a switch>
3 : a tuft of long hairs at the end of the tail of an animal (as a cow) ― see COW illustration
4 : a device made usually of two movable rails and necessary connections and designed to turn a locomotive or train from one track to another
5 : a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit
6 : a heavy strand of hair used in addition to a person's own hair for some coiffures

switch
n. 1 : to strike or beat with or as if with a switch
2 : WHISK, LASH <a cat switching its tail>
3 a (1) : to turn from one railroad track to another : SHUNT (2) : to move (cars) to different positions on the same track within terminal areas b : to make a shift in or exchange of <switch seats>
4 a : to shift to another electrical circuit by means of a switch b (1) : to operate an electrical switch so as to turn (as a device) on or off ― usually used with on or off (2) : to change to or from an active state ― usually used with on or off <switched on the gene>
intransitive verb
1 : to lash from side to side
2 : to make a shift or exchange
–switch·able \'swi-chə-bəl\ adjective
–switch·er noun

switch
n. bait and switch
switch engine
switch hit
switch hitter
switch knife
toggle switch

switch engine
: a railroad engine used in switching cars

switch knife
: SWITCHBLADE

switch-hit
: to bat right-handed against a left-handed pitcher and left-handed against a right-handed pitcher in baseball

switch-hitter
1 : a baseball player who switch-hits
2 slang : BISEXUAL
3 : one that is flexible or adaptable especially : a person who can work equally well in either of two jobs or capacities

switchback
n. : a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
–switchback adjective

switchback
n. : to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent <a trail that switchbacks>

switchblade
n. : a pocketknife having the blade spring-operated so that pressure on a release catch causes it to fly open ― called also switchblade knife

switchboard
n. : an apparatus (as in a telephone exchange) consisting of a panel on which are mounted electric switches so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected, combined, and controlled

switcheroo
n. : a surprising variation : REVERSAL

switchgrass
n. : a tall No. American panic grass (Panicum virgatum) that is used for hay and forage

switchman
n. : one who attends a switch (as in a railroad yard)

switchyard
n. : a usually enclosed area for the switching facilities of a power station

swith
chiefly dialect : INSTANTLY, QUICKLY

swither
n. dialect chiefly British : DOUBT, WAVER
–swither noun dialect chiefly British

Switz
Switzerland

Switzer
: SWISS

Switzerland
n. country W Europe in the Alps; a federal republic capital Bern area 15,940 sq mi (41,285 sq km), pop 6,996,000

swivel
n. : a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)

swivel
n. transitive verb : to turn on or as if on a swivel <swiveled his eyes in various directions>
intransitive verb : to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel

swivel chair
: a chair that swivels on its base

swivel-hipped
: moving with or characterized by movement with a twisting motion of the hips

swivet
n. : a state of extreme agitation <in a swivet>

swizzle
n. : an iced cocktail stirred with a swizzle stick

swizzle
n. intransitive verb : to drink especially to excess : GUZZLE
transitive verb : to mix or stir with or as if with a swizzle stick
–swiz·zler \'swi-zə-lər, 'swiz-lər\ noun

swizzle stick
: a stick used to stir mixed drinks

swob
n. archaic variant of swab

swollen
adj. past part of swell

swoon
n. 1 a : FAINT b : to become enraptured <swooning with joy>
2 : DROOP, FADE
–swoon·er noun
–swoon·ing·ly \'swü-niŋ-lē\ adverb

swoon
n. 1 a : a partial or total loss of consciousness b : a state of bewilderment or ecstasy : DAZE, RAPTURE
2 : a state of suspended animation : TORPOR
–swoony \'swü-nē\ adjective

swoop
n. intransitive verb : to move with a sweep
transitive verb : to gain or carry off in or as if in a swoop ― usually used with up
–swoop·er noun

swoop
n. 1 : an act or instance of swooping
2 : a single concentrated and quickly effective effort <was done in one swoop> ― often used with fell <solved everything at one fell swoop>

swoopstake
obsolete : in an indiscriminate manner

swoopy
: having sweeping lines or movement <a swoopy silhouette>

swoosh
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make or move with a rushing sound <a car swooshed by>
2 : GUSH, SWIRL
transitive verb : to discharge or transport with a rushing sound

swoosh
n. : an act or instance of swooshing

swop
n. chiefly British variant of swap

sword
n. 1 : a weapon (as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority
2 a : an agency or instrument of destruction or combat b : the use of force <the pen is mightier than the sword ― E. G. Bulwer-Lytton>
3 : coercive power
4 : something that resembles a sword
–sword·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–at swords' points : mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

sword
n. double edged sword
fall on one's sword
sword cane
sword dance
sword dancer
sword fern
sword grass
sword knot
sword of Damocles
two edged sword
cross swords
at swords' points

sword cane
: a cane in which a sword blade is concealed

sword dance
1 : a dance performed by men in a circle holding a sword in the right hand and grasping the tip of a neighbor's sword in the left hand
2 : a dance performed over or around swords
–sword dancer noun

sword fern
: any of several ferns with long narrow more or less sword-shaped fronds: as a : a tropical fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) from which the Boston fern has been developed b : a fern (Polystichum munitum) of western No. America with a large fleshy rhizome

sword grass
: any of various grasses or sedges having leaves with a sharp or toothed edge

sword knot
: an ornamental cord or tassel tied to the hilt of a sword

sword of Damocles
: an impending disaster

swordfish
n. : a very large scombroid fish (Xiphias gladius of the family Xiphiidae) that has a long swordlike beak formed by the bones of the upper jaw and is an important food and game fish

swordplay
n. 1 : the art or skill of wielding a sword especially in fencing
2 : an exhibition of swordplay
–sword·play·er noun

swordsman
n. 1 : one skilled in swordplay especially : a saber fencer
2 archaic : a soldier armed with a sword

swordsmanship
n. : SWORDPLAY

swordtail
n. : a small brightly marked Central American live-bearer (Xiphophorus helleri of the family Poeciliidae) often kept in tropical aquariums and bred in many colors

swore
past of swear

sworn
adj. past part of swear

swot
n. British : GRIND 2B

swot
n. British : GRIND 4

swound
archaic : SWOON 1A

swound
archaic : SWOON

swum
past part of swim

swung
past and past part of swing

swung dash
: a character swung dash used in printing to conserve space by representing part or all of a previously spelled-out word

Sybaris
n. ancient Greek city S Italy on Gulf of Tarentum; destroyed 510 B.C.

sybarite
n. 1 [from the notorious luxury of the Sybarites] : VOLUPTUARY, SENSUALIST
2 capitalized : a native or resident of the ancient city of Sybaris
–syb·a·rit·ic \ˌsi-bə-'ri-tik\ adjective
–syb·a·rit·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–syb·a·rit·ism \'si-bə-ˌrī-ˌti-zəm\ noun

sycamine
n. : a tree of the Bible that is usually considered a mulberry (Morus nigra)

sycamore
n. 1 also syc·o·more \'si-kə-ˌ\ : a fig tree (Ficus sycomorus) of Africa and the Middle East that is the sycamore of Scripture and has edible fruit similar but inferior to the common fig
2 : a Eurasian maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) with long racemes of showy yellowish-green flowers that is widely planted as a shade tree
3 : 2PLANE especially : a very large spreading tree (Platanus occidentalis) chiefly of the eastern and central U.S. with 3- to 5-lobed broadly ovate leaves

syce
n. : an attendant (as a groom) especially in India

sycee
: silver money made in the form of ingots and formerly used in China

syconium
n. : the multiple fleshy fruit of a fig in which the ovaries are borne within an enlarged succulent concave or hollow receptacle

sycophancy
n. : obsequious flattery also : the character or behavior of a sycophant

sycophant
n. : a servile self-seeking flatterer
synonyms see PARASITE
–sycophant adjective

sycophantic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a sycophant : FAWNING, OBSEQUIOUS <sycophantic compliments>
–sy·co·phan·ti·cal·ly \-'fan-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sycophantish
: SYCOPHANTIC
–sy·co·phant·ish·ly adverb

sycophantism
n. : SYCOPHANCY

sycophantly
: in a sycophantic manner

sycosis
n. : a chronic inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles especially of the bearded part of the face

Sydney
n. city & port SE Australia on Port Jackson capital of New South Wales metropolitan area pop 3,097,956
–Syd·ney·ite \-ˌīt\ noun
–Syd·ney·sid·er \-ˌsī-dər\ noun

Syene
― see ASWÂN

syenite
n. : an igneous rock composed chiefly of feldspar
–sy·e·nit·ic \ˌsī-ə-'ni-tik\ adjective

Syktyvkar
town NE Russia in Europe capital of Komi Republic pop 226,000

syli
: the monetary unit of Guinea from 1972 to 1986

syllabary
n. : a table or listing of syllables specifically : a series or set of written characters each one of which is used to represent a syllable

syllabic
adj. 1 : constituting a syllable or the nucleus of a syllable: a : not accompanied in the same syllable by a vowel <a syllabic consonant> b : having vowel quality more prominent than that of another vowel in the syllable <the first vowel of a falling diphthong, as \ȯ\ in \ȯi\, is syllabic>
2 : of, relating to, or denoting syllables <syllabic accent>
3 : characterized by distinct enunciation or separation of syllables
4 : of, relating to, or constituting a type of verse distinguished primarily by count of syllables rather than by rhythmical arrangement of accents or quantities
–syl·lab·i·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

syllabic
adj. : a syllabic character or sound

syllabicate
v. : SYLLABIFY

syllabication
n. : the act, process, or method of forming or dividing words into syllables

syllabicity
: the state of being or the power of forming a syllable

syllabification
n. : SYLLABICATION

syllabify
v. : to form or divide into syllables

syllable
n. 1 : a unit of spoken language that is next bigger than a speech sound and consists of one or more vowel sounds alone or of a syllabic consonant alone or of either with one or more consonant sounds preceding or following
2 : one or more letters (as syl, la, and ble) in a word (as syl·la·ble) usually set off from the rest of the word by a centered dot or a hyphen and roughly corresponding to the syllables of spoken language and treated as helps to pronunciation or as guides to placing hyphens at the end of a line
3 : the smallest conceivable expression or unit of something : JOT
4 : SOL-FA SYLLABLES

syllable
n. 1 : to give a number or arrangement of syllables to (a word or verse)
2 : to express or utter in or as if in syllables

syllabub
n. : milk or cream that is curdled with an acid beverage (as wine or cider) and often sweetened and served as a drink or topping or thickened with gelatin and served as a dessert

syllabus
n. 1 : a summary outline of a discourse, treatise, or course of study or of examination requirements
2 : HEADNOTE 2

syllepsis
n. 1 : the use of a word to modify or govern syntactically two or more words with only one of which it formally agrees in gender, number, or case
2 : the use of a word in the same grammatical relation to two adjacent words in the context with one literal and the other metaphorical in sense
–syl·lep·tic \-'lep-tik\ adjective

syllogism
n. 1 : a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion (as in “every virtue is laudable; kindness is a virtue; therefore kindness is laudable”)
2 : a subtle, specious, or crafty argument
3 : deductive reasoning
–syl·lo·gis·tic \ˌsi-lə-'jis-tik\ adjective
–syl·lo·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

syllogist
: one who applies or is skilled in syllogistic reasoning

syllogize
v. intransitive verb : to reason by means of syllogisms
transitive verb : to deduce by syllogism <syllogizes moral laws>

sylph
n. 1 : an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus that inhabits air
2 : a slender graceful woman or girl
–sylph·like \'sil-ˌflīk\ adjective

sylphid
: a young or diminutive sylph

Sylt
island NW Germany, chief of the N. Frisian Islands area 36 sq mi (94 sq km)

Sylva
Carmen ― see ELIZABETH Queen of Romania

sylvan
adj. : one that frequents groves or woods

sylvan
adj. 1 a : living or located in the woods or forest b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest
2 a : made, shaped, or formed of woods or trees b : abounding in woods, groves, or trees : WOODED

sylvatic
1 : SYLVAN <sylvatic rodents>
2 : occurring in or affecting wild animals <sylvatic diseases>

sylvite
: a mineral that is a natural potassium chloride and occurs in colorless cubes or crystalline masses

sym
symmetrical

sym
― see SYN-

symbiont
n. : an organism living in symbiosis especially : the smaller member of a symbiotic pair

symbiosis
n. 1 : the living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms (as in parasitism or commensalism) especially : MUTUALISM
2 : a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups) <the symbiosis⋯between the resident population and the immigrants ― John Geipel>
–sym·bi·ot·ic \-'ä-tik\ adjective
–sym·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

symbiote
n. : SYMBIONT

symbol
n. 1 : an authoritative summary of faith or doctrine : CREED
2 : something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance especially : a visible sign of something invisible <the lion is a symbol of courage>
3 : an arbitrary or conventional sign used in writing or printing relating to a particular field to represent operations, quantities, elements, relations, or qualities
4 : an object or act representing something in the unconscious mind that has been repressed <phallic symbols>
5 : an act, sound, or object having cultural significance and the capacity to excite or objectify a response

symbol
n. : SYMBOLIZE

symbolic
adj. 1 a : using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol b : consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
3 : characterized by or terminating in symbols <symbolic thinking>
4 : characterized by symbolism <a symbolic dance>
–sym·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

symbolic logic
: a science of developing and representing logical principles by means of a formalized system consisting of primitive symbols, combinations of these symbols, axioms, and rules of inference

symbolise
v. British variant of symbolize

symbolism
n. 1 : the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations: as a : artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states b : the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2 : a system of symbols or representations

symbolist
n. 1 : one who employs symbols or symbolism
2 : one skilled in the interpretation or explication of symbols
3 often capitalized : one of a group of writers and artists in France after 1880 reacting against realism, concerning themselves with general truths instead of actualities, exalting the metaphysical and the mysterious, and aiming to unify and blend the arts and the functions of the senses
–symbolist adjective

symbolistic
: SYMBOLIC

symbolization
n. 1 : an act or instance of symbolizing
2 : the human capacity to develop a system of meaningful symbols

symbolize
v. transitive verb
1 : to serve as a symbol of
2 : to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
intransitive verb : to use symbols or symbolism
–sym·bol·iz·er noun

symbology
n. 1 : the art of expression by symbols
2 : the study or interpretation of symbols
3 : a system of symbols

Symington
(William) Stuart 1901-1988 American industrialist & polit.

symmetallism
: a system of coinage in which the unit of currency consists of a particular weight of an alloy of two or more metals

symmetric group
: a permutation group that is composed of all of the permutations of n things

symmetric matrix
: a matrix that is its own transpose

symmetrical
adj. 1 : having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry
2 : having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane <symmetrical curves>
3 symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth <symmetric equations> <R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa>
4 a : capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves <symmetrical plant parts> b : having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves <symmetrical flowers>
5 : affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly <symmetrical rash>
6 : exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule
–sym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sym·met·ri·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

symmetrical
adj. radially symmetrical
symmetric group
symmetric matrix

symmetrize
v. : to make symmetrical
–sym·me·tri·za·tion \ˌsi-mə-trə-'zā-shən\ noun

symmetry
n. 1 : balanced proportions also : beauty of form arising from balanced proportions
2 : the property of being symmetrical especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis ― compare BILATERAL SYMMETRY, RADIAL SYMMETRY
3 : a rigid motion of a geometric figure that determines a one-to-one mapping onto itself
4 : the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow) ― used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them

symmetry
n. axis of symmetry
center of symmetry
bilateral symmetry
radial symmetry

Symonds
John Addington 1840-1893 Eng. scholar

Symons
Arthur William 1865-1945 Brit. poet & critic

sympath
: sympathetic nerve <sympatholytic>

sympathectomy
n. : surgical interruption of sympathetic nerve pathways
–sym·pa·thec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

sympathetic
adj. 1 : existing or operating through an affinity, interdependence, or mutual association
2 a : appropriate to one's mood, inclinations, or disposition b : marked by kindly or pleased appreciation <the biographer's approach was sympathetic>
3 : given to, marked by, or arising from sympathy, compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions <a sympathetic gesture>
4 : favorably inclined : APPROVING <not sympathetic to the idea>
5 a : showing empathy b : arousing sympathy or compassion <a sympathetic role in the play>
6 a : of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system b : mediated by or acting on the sympathetic nerves
7 : relating to musical tones produced by sympathetic vibration or to strings so tuned as to sound by sympathetic vibration
–sym·pa·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

sympathetic
adj. : a sympathetic structure especially : SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

sympathetic
adj. sympathetic magic
sympathetic nervous system
sympathetic strike
sympathetic vibration

sympathetic magic
: magic based on the assumption that a person or thing can be supernaturally affected through its name or an object representing it

sympathetic nervous system
: the part of the autonomic nervous system that contains chiefly adrenergic fibers and tends to depress secretion, decrease the tone and contractility of smooth muscle, and increase heart rate ― compare PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

sympathetic strike
: SYMPATHY STRIKE

sympathetic vibration
: a vibration produced in one body by the vibrations of exactly the same period in a neighboring body

sympathise
v. chiefly British variant of sympathize

sympathize
v. 1 : to be in keeping, accord, or harmony
2 : to react or respond in sympathy
3 : to share in suffering or grief : COMMISERATE <sympathize with a friend in trouble> also : to express such sympathy
4 : to be in sympathy intellectually <sympathize with a proposal>
–sym·pa·thiz·er noun

sympatholytic
adj. : tending to oppose the physiological results of sympathetic nervous activity or of sympathomimetic drugs <a sympatholytic agent>
–sympatholytic noun

sympathomimetic
adj. : simulating sympathetic nervous action in physiological effect <sympathomimetic drugs>
–sympathomimetic noun

sympathy
n. 1 a : an affinity, association, or relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other b : mutual or parallel susceptibility or a condition brought about by it c : unity or harmony in action or effect <every part is in complete sympathy with the scheme as a whole ― Edwin Benson>
2 a : inclination to think or feel alike : emotional or intellectual accord <in sympathy with their goals> b : feeling of loyalty : tendency to favor or support <republican sympathies>
3 a : the act or capacity of entering into or sharing the feelings or interests of another b : the feeling or mental state brought about by such sensitivity <have sympathy for the poor>
4 : the correlation existing between bodies capable of communicating their vibrational energy to one another through some medium
synonyms see ATTRACTION, PITY

sympathy strike
: a strike in which the strikers have no direct grievance against their own employer but attempt to support or aid usually another group of workers on strike

sympatric
1 : occurring in the same area
2 : occupying the same geographical range without loss of identity from interbreeding <sympatric species> also : occurring between populations that are not geographically separated <sympatric speciation> ― compare ALLOPATRIC
–sym·pat·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sym·pat·ry \'sim-ˌpa-trē\ noun

symphonic
adj. 1 : HARMONIOUS, SYMPHONIOUS
2 : relating to or having the form or character of a symphony <symphonic music>
3 : suggestive of a symphony especially in form, interweaving of themes, or harmonious arrangement <a symphonic drama>
–sym·phon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

symphonic poem
: an extended programmatic composition for symphony orchestra usually freer in form than a symphony

symphonious
adj. : agreeing especially in sound : HARMONIOUS
–sym·pho·ni·ous·ly adverb

symphonist
n. 1 : a member of a symphony orchestra
2 : a composer of symphonies

symphony
n. 1 : consonance of sounds
2 a : RITORNELLO 1 b : SINFONIA 1 c (1) : a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra (2) : a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety
3 : consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)
4 a : SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA b : a symphony orchestra concert
5 : something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition <a symphony of flavors>

symphony orchestra
: a large orchestra of winds, strings, and percussion that plays symphonic works

symphyseal
adj. : of, relating to, or constituting a symphysis

symphysis
n. 1 : an immovable or more or less movable articulation of various bones in the median plane of the body
2 : an articulation in which the bony surfaces are connected by pads of fibrous cartilage without a synovial membrane

sympodial
: having or involving the formation of an apparent main axis from successive secondary axes <sympodial branching of a cyme>

symposiast
n. : a contributor to a symposium

symposium
n. 1 a : a convivial party (as after a banquet in ancient Greece) with music and conversation b : a social gathering at which there is free interchange of ideas
2 a : a formal meeting at which several specialists deliver short addresses on a topic or on related topics ― compare COLLOQUIUM b : a collection of opinions on a subject especially : one published by a periodical c : DISCUSSION

symptom
n. 1 a : subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance broadly : something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder b : an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen
2 a : something that indicates the existence of something else <symptoms of an inner turmoil> b : a slight indication : TRACE
synonyms see SIGN
–symp·tom·less \-ləs\ adjective

symptomatic
adj. 1 a : being a symptom of a disease b : having the characteristics of a particular disease but arising from another cause <symptomatic epilepsy resulting from brain damage>
2 : concerned with, affecting, or having symptoms <symptomatic treatment> <a symptomatic patient>
3 : CHARACTERISTIC, INDICATIVE <his behavior was symptomatic of his character>
–symp·tom·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

symptomatology
1 : the symptom complex of a disease
2 : a branch of medical science concerned with symptoms of diseases
–symp·tom·at·o·log·i·cal \-ˌma-təl-'ä-ji-kəl\ or symp·tom·at·o·log·ic \-'ä-jik\ adjective
–symp·tom·at·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

syn
1 : with : along with : together <synclinal> <sympetalous>
2 : at the same time <synesthesia>

synaesthesia
n. chiefly British variant of synesthesia

synagogue
n. 1 : a Jewish congregation
2 : the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation
–syn·a·gog·al \ˌsi-nə-'gä-gəl\ adjective

synapomorphy
: a character or trait that is shared by two or more taxonomic groups and is derived through evolution from a common ancestral form

synapse
n. : the point at which a nervous impulse passes from one neuron to another

synapse
n. 1 : to form a synapse
2 : to come together in synapsis

synapsid
: any of a subclass (Synapsida) of extinct chiefly Permian and Triassic reptiles (as the pelycosaurs) that resembled mammals, had a single pair of lateral temporal skull openings, and are usually held to be ancestral to mammals
–synapsid adjective

synapsis
n. : the association of homologous chromosomes that is characteristic of the first meiotic prophase

synaptic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a synapsis
2 : of or relating to a synapse
–syn·ap·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synaptonemal complex
: a complex tripartite protein structure that spans the region between synapsed chromosomes in meiotic prophase ― called also syn·ap·ti·ne·mal complex \sə-ˌnap-tə-'nē-məl-\

synaptosome
n. : a nerve ending that is isolated from homogenized nerve tissue (as of the brain)
–syn·ap·to·som·al \-ˌnap-tə-'sō-məl\ adjective

synarthrodial
adj. : of, relating to, or being a synarthrosis

synarthrosis
n. : an immovable articulation in which the bones are united by intervening fibrous connective tissues

sync
n. : SYNCHRONIZE

sync
n. : SYNCHRONIZATION, SYNCHRONISM <moving in sync> <out of sync with the world>
–sync adjective

syncarpous
: having the carpels of the gynoecium united in a compound ovary
–syn·car·py \'sin-ˌkär-pē\ noun

syncategorematic
: forming a meaningful expression only in conjunction with a denotative expression (as a content word) <logical operators and function words are syncategorematic>
–syn·cat·e·gor·e·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synchro
: adapted to synchronization

synchro
: SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING

synchro
: synchronized : synchronous <synchromesh>

synchrocyclotron
n. : a modified cyclotron that achieves greater energies for the charged particles by compensating for the variation in mass that the particles experience with increasing velocity

synchromesh
n. : designed for effecting synchronized shifting of gears
–synchromesh noun

synchroneity
: the state of being synchronous

synchronic
adj. 1 : SYNCHRONOUS
2 a : DESCRIPTIVE 4 <synchronic linguistics> b : concerned with events existing in a limited time period and ignoring historical antecedents
–syn·chron·i·cal \-ni-kəl\ adjective
–syn·chron·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synchronicity
n. 1 : the quality or fact of being synchronous
2 : the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality ― used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung

synchronisation
British variant of synchronization, synchronize

synchronism
n. 1 : the quality or state of being synchronous : SIMULTANEOUSNESS
2 : chronological arrangement of historical events and personages so as to indicate coincidence or coexistence also : a table showing such concurrences
–syn·chro·nis·tic \ˌsiŋ-krə-'nis-tik, ˌsin-\ adjective

synchronization
n. 1 : the act or result of synchronizing
2 : the state of being synchronous

synchronize
v. intransitive verb : to happen at the same time
transitive verb
1 : to represent or arrange (events) to indicate coincidence or coexistence
2 : to make synchronous in operation
3 : to make (motion-picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action
–syn·chro·niz·er noun

synchronized swimming
: swimming in which the movements of one or more swimmers are synchronized with a musical accompaniment so as to form changing patterns
–synchronized swimmer noun

synchronous
adj. 1 : happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2 : recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3 : involving or indicating synchronism
4 a : having the same period also : having the same period and phase b : GEOSTATIONARY
5 : of, used in, or being digital communication (as between computers) in which a common timing signal is established that dictates when individual bits can be transmitted and which allows for very high rates of data transfer
synonyms see CONTEMPORARY
–syn·chro·nous·ly adverb
–syn·chro·nous·ness noun

synchronous motor
: an electric motor having a speed strictly proportional to the frequency of the operating current

synchrony
n. : synchronistic occurrence, arrangement, or treatment

synchroscope
: any of several devices for showing whether two associated machines or moving parts are operating in synchronism with each other

synchrotron
n. 1 : an apparatus for imparting very high speeds to charged particles by means of a combination of a high-frequency electric field and a low-frequency magnetic field
2 : SYNCHROTRON RADIATION

synchrotron radiation
: radiation emitted by high-energy charged relativistic particles (as electrons) when they are accelerated by a magnetic field (as in a nebula)

synclinal
adj. 1 : inclined down from opposite directions so as to meet
2 : having or relating to a folded rock structure in which the sides dip toward a common line or plane

syncline
n. : a trough of stratified rock in which the beds dip toward each other from either side ― compare ANTICLINE

syncopate
v. 1 a : to shorten or produce by syncope <syncopate suppose to s'pose> b : to cut short : CLIP, ABBREVIATE
2 : to modify or affect (musical rhythm) by syncopation
–syn·co·pa·tor \-ˌpā-tər\ noun

syncopated
v. 1 : cut short : ABBREVIATED
2 : marked by or exhibiting syncopation <syncopated rhythm>

syncopation
n. 1 : a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat
2 : a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step
–syn·co·pa·tive \'siŋ-kə-ˌpā-tiv, 'sin-\ adjective

syncope
n. 1 : loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : FAINT
2 : the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the interior of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)
–syn·co·pal \-kə-pəl\ adjective

syncretic
adj. : characterized or brought about by syncretism : SYNCRETISTIC <a syncretic religion>

syncretise
v. British variant of syncretize

syncretism
n. 1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice
2 : the fusion of two or more orig. different inflectional forms
–syn·cre·tist \-tist\ noun or adjective
–syn·cre·tis·tic \ˌsiŋ-krə-'tis-tik, ˌsin-\ adjective

syncretize
v. : to attempt to unite and harmonize especially without critical examination or logical unity

syncytium
n. 1 : a multinucleate mass of cytoplasm resulting from fusion of cells
2 : COENOCYTE 1
–syn·cy·tial \-'si-sh(ē-)əl\ adjective

syndactylism
n. : SYNDACTYLY

syndactyly
n. : a union of two or more digits that is normal in some animals (as various marsupials) and occurs as a human hereditary disorder marked by webbing of two or more fingers or toes

syndesmosis
n. : an articulation in which the contiguous surfaces of the bones are rough and are bound together by a ligament

syndetic
adj. : CONNECTIVE, CONNECTING <syndetic pronoun> also : marked by a conjunctive <syndetic relative clause>
–syn·det·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

syndic
n. 1 : a municipal magistrate in some countries
2 : an agent of a university or corporation

syndical
adj. 1 : of or relating to a syndic or to a committee that assumes the powers of a syndic
2 : of or relating to syndicalism

syndicalism
n. 1 : a revolutionary doctrine by which workers seize control of the economy and the government by direct means (as a general strike)
2 : a system of economic organization in which industries are owned and managed by the workers
3 : a theory of government based on functional rather than territorial representation
–syn·di·cal·ist \-list\ adjective or noun

syndicate
n. 1 a : a council or body of syndics b : the office or jurisdiction of a syndic
2 : an association of persons officially authorized to undertake a duty or negotiate business
3 a : a group of persons or concerns who combine to carry out a particular transaction or project b : CARTEL 2 c : a loose association of racketeers in control of organized crime
4 : a business concern that sells materials for publication in a number of newspapers or periodicals simultaneously
5 : a group of newspapers under one management

syndicate
transitive verb
1 : to subject to or manage as a syndicate
2 a : to sell (as a cartoon) to a syndicate or for publication in many newspapers or periodicals at once also : to sell the work of (as a writer) in this way <a syndicated columnist> b : to sell (as a series of television programs) directly to local stations
intransitive verb : to unite to form a syndicate
–syn·di·ca·tion \ˌsin-də-'kā-shən\ noun
–syn·di·ca·tor \'sin-də-ˌkā-tər\ noun

syndrome
n. 1 : a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition
2 : a set of concurrent things (as emotions or actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern

syndrome
n. acquired immune deficiency syndrome
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Asperger's syndrome
battered child syndrome
carpal tunnel syndrome
China Syndrome
Chinese restaurant syndrome
chronic fatigue syndrome
Cushing's syndrome
Down syndrome
Down's syndrome
dry eye syndrome
empty nest syndrome
fetal alcohol syndrome
fragile X syndrome
Guillain Barre syndrome
Guillain Barré syndrome
Gulf War syndrome
hemolytic uremic syndrome
irritable bowel syndrome
Kawasaki syndrome
Klinefelter's syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome
Marfan syndrome
Marfan's syndrome
Ménière's syndrome
Munchausen syndrome
Munchausen's syndrome
nephrotic syndrome
organic brain syndrome
polycystic ovary syndrome
polycystic ovarian syndrome
post polio syndrome
Prader Willi syndrome
premenstrual syndrome
Reiter's syndrome
respiratory distress syndrome
Reye's syndrome
Reye syndrome
severe acute respiratory syndrome
sick building syndrome
Stockholm syndrome
sudden infant death syndrome
Tourette's syndrome
Tourette syndrome
toxic shock syndrome
Turner's syndrome
Williams syndrome
battered woman syndrome
battered women's syndrome
battered wife syndrome
battered woman's syndrome
multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome
Munchausen syndrome by proxy
Munchausen's syndrome by proxy
Parkinson's syndrome
post traumatic stress syndrome
restless legs syndrome
restless leg syndrome

syne
adv. chiefly Scottish : since then : AGO

syne
adv. Scottish : SINCE

syne
adv. auld lang syne
lang syne

synecdoche
n. : a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (as fifty sail for fifty ships), the whole for a part (as society for high society), the species for the genus (as cutthroat for assassin), the genus for the species (as a creature for a man), or the name of the material for the thing made (as boards for stage)
–syn·ec·doch·ic \ˌsi-ˌnek-'dä-kik\ adjective
–syn·ec·doch·i·cal \-'dä-ki-kəl\ adjective
–syn·ec·doch·i·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synecology
n. : a branch of ecology that deals with the structure, development, and distribution of ecological communities
–syn·eco·log·i·cal \ˌsi-ˌnē-kə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌsi-ˌne-\ adjective

syneresis
n. 1 : SYNIZESIS
2 : the separation of liquid from a gel caused by contraction

synergetic
adj. : SYNERGIC

synergic
adj. : working together : COOPERATING <synergic muscles>
–syn·er·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synergid
: one of two small cells lying near the micropyle of the embryo sac of an angiosperm

synergism
n. : interaction of discrete agencies (as industrial firms), agents (as drugs), or conditions such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects

synergist
n. : something (as a chemical or a muscle) that enhances the effectiveness of an active agent broadly : either member of a synergistic pair

synergistic
adj. 1 : having the capacity to act in synergism <synergistic drugs>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling synergism <a synergistic reaction>
–syn·er·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synergy
n. 1 : SYNERGISM broadly : combined action or operation
2 : a mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct business participants or elements (as resources or efforts)

synesis
n. : a grammatical construction in which agreement or reference is according to sense rather than strict syntax (as anyone and them in “if anyone calls, tell them I am out”)

synesthesia
n. 1 : a concomitant sensation especially : a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated
2 : the condition marked by the experience of such sensations
–syn·es·thet·ic \-'the-tik\ adjective

synesthete
: a person affected with synesthesia

synfuel
n. : a liquid or gaseous fuel derived especially from a fossil fuel that is a solid (as coal) or part of a solid (as tar sand or oil shale)

syngamy
n. : sexual reproduction by union of gametes : FERTILIZATION

syngas
n. : SYNTHESIS GAS

Synge
John Millington 1871-1909 Irish poet & dram.

Synge
Richard Laurence Millington 1914-1994 Brit. biochem.

syngeneic
adj. : involving, derived from, or being genetically identical or similar individuals of the same species especially with respect to antigenic interaction <syngeneic tumor cells> <grafts between syngeneic mice> ― compare ALLOGENEIC

synizesis
n. : contraction of two syllables into one by uniting in pronunciation two adjacent vowels

synod
n. 1 : an ecclesiastical governing or advisory council: as a : an assembly of bishops in the Roman Catholic Church b : the governing assembly of an Episcopal province c : a Presbyterian governing body ranking between the presbytery and the general assembly d : a regional or national organization of Lutheran congregations
2 : the ecclesiastical district governed by a synod
–syn·od·al \'si-nə-dəl, -ˌnä-; sə-'nä-dəl\ adjective

synodic
adj. 1 : of or relating to a synod : SYNODAL
2 usually synodic [Greek synodikos, from synodos meeting, conjunction] : relating to conjunction especially : relating to the period between two successive conjunctions of the same celestial bodies (as the moon and the sun)

synodic month
: a lunar month

synonym
n. 1 : one of two or more words or expressions of the same language that have the same or nearly the same meaning in some or all senses
2 a : a word or phrase that by association is held to embody something (as a concept or quality) <a tyrant whose name has become a synonym for oppression> b : METONYM
3 : one of two or more scientific names used to designate the same taxonomic group ― compare HOMONYM
–syn·o·nym·ic \ˌsi-nə-'ni-mik\ also syn·o·nym·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective
–syn·o·nym·i·ty \-'ni-mə-tē\ noun

synonymist
: one who lists, studies, or discriminates synonyms

synonymize
1 a : to give or analyze the synonyms of (a word) b : to provide (as a dictionary) with synonymies
2 : to demonstrate (a taxonomic name) to be a synonym

synonymous
adj. 1 : having the character of a synonym also : alike in meaning or significance
2 : having the same connotations, implications, or reference <to runners, Boston is synonymous with marathon ― Runners World>
–syn·on·y·mous·ly adverb

synonymy
n. 1 a : a list or collection of synonyms often defined and discriminated from each other b : the study or discrimination of synonyms
2 : the scientific names that have been used to designate the same taxonomic group (as a species) also : a list of these
3 : the quality or state of being synonymous

synopsis
n. 1 : a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative or treatise) : ABSTRACT
2 : the abbreviated conjugation of a verb in one person only

synopsize
v. 1 : EPITOMIZE
2 : to make a synopsis of (as a novel)

synoptic
adj. 1 : affording a general view of a whole
2 : manifesting or characterized by comprehensiveness or breadth of view
3 : presenting or taking the same or common view specifically often capitalized : of or relating to the first three Gospels of the New Testament
4 : relating to or displaying conditions (as of the atmosphere or weather) as they exist simultaneously over a broad area
–syn·op·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synostosis
n. : union of two or more separate bones to form a single bone

synovia
n. : SYNOVIAL FLUID

synovial
adj. : of, relating to, or secreting synovial fluid <synovial membranes> also : lined with synovial membrane

synovial fluid
: a transparent viscid lubricating fluid secreted by a membrane of an articulation, bursa, or tendon sheath

synovial joint
: DIARTHROSIS 2

synovitis
n. : inflammation of a synovial membrane

syntactic
adj. : of, relating to, or according to the rules of syntax or syntactics
–syn·tac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

syntactician
: a specialist in syntax

syntactics
n. : a branch of semiotic that deals with the formal relations between signs or expressions in abstraction from their signification and their interpreters

syntagm
n. chiefly British variant of syntagma

syntagma
: a syntactic element
–syn·tag·mat·ic \ˌsin-ˌtag-'ma-tik\ adjective

syntax
n. 1 a : the way in which linguistic elements (as words) are put together to form constituents (as phrases or clauses) b : the part of grammar dealing with this
2 : a connected or orderly system : harmonious arrangement of parts or elements <the syntax of classical architecture>
3 : syntactics especially as dealing with the formal properties of languages or calculi

synth
n. : SYNTHESIZER 2

synthesis
n. 1 a : the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole b : the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound c : the combining of often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole also : the complex so formed
2 a : deductive reasoning b : the dialectic combination of thesis and antithesis into a higher stage of truth
3 : the frequent and systematic use of inflected forms as a characteristic device of a language
–syn·the·sist \-sist\ noun

synthesis gas
: a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen used especially in chemical synthesis

synthesize
v. transitive verb
1 : to combine or produce by synthesis
2 : to make a synthesis of
3 : to produce (as music) by an electronic synthesizer
intransitive verb : to make a synthesis

synthesizer
n. 1 : one that synthesizes <an expert synthesizer of diverse views>
2 : a usually computerized electronic apparatus for the production and control of sound (as for producing music)

synthetase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the linking together of two molecules usually using the energy derived from the concurrent splitting off of a pyrophosphate group from a triphosphate (as ATP) ― called also ligase

synthetic
n. 1 : relating to or involving synthesis : not analytic <the synthetic aspects of a philosophy>
2 : attributing to a subject something determined by observation rather than analysis of the nature of the subject and not resulting in self-contradiction if negated ― compare ANALYTIC
3 : characterized by frequent and systematic use of inflected forms to express grammatical relationships <synthetic languages>
4 a (1) : of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis especially : produced artificially <synthetic drugs> <synthetic silk> (2) : of or relating to a synfuel b : devised, arranged, or fabricated for special situations to imitate or replace usual realities c : FACTITIOUS, BOGUS
–syn·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

synthetic
n. : something resulting from synthesis rather than occurring naturally especially : a product (as a drug or plastic) of chemical synthesis

synthetic
n. synthetic division
synthetic geometry
synthetic resin

synthetic division
: a simplified method for dividing a polynomial by another polynomial of the first degree by writing down only the coefficients of the several powers of the variable and changing the sign of the constant term in the divisor so as to replace the usual subtractions by additions

synthetic geometry
: elementary euclidean geometry or projective geometry as distinguished from analytic geometry

synthetic resin
: RESIN 2

syph
n. slang : SYPHILIS

syphilis
n. : a chronic contagious usually venereal and often congenital disease caused by a spirochete (Treponema pallidum) and if left untreated producing chancres, rashes, and systemic lesions in a clinical course with three stages continued over many years ― compare PRIMARY SYPHILIS, SECONDARY SYPHILIS, TERTIARY SYPHILIS
–syph·i·lit·ic \ˌsi-fə-'li-tik\ adjective or noun

syphilis
n. primary syphilis
secondary syphilis
tertiary syphilis

syphon
n. variant of siphon

Syr Dar'ya
river ab 1370 mi (2204 km) Tajikistan & S Kazakhstan flowing from Tian Shan W & NW into Aral Sea

Syracuse
n. 1 city cen N.Y. near Oneida Lake pop 147,306
2 or Italian Si·ra·cu·sa \ˌsē-rä-'kü-zä\ or ancient Syr·a·cu·sae \ˌsir-ə-'kyü-(ˌ)sē, -(ˌ)zē\ city & port Italy in SE Sicily pop 125,673
–Syr·a·cu·san \ˌsir-ə-'kyü-sən, -zən\ adjective or noun

Syrah
n. 1 : a grape whose skin has a dark blue to bluish-black color that was orig. grown in the northern valley of the Rhone and is now widely grown elsewhere (as in California and Australia) also : a vine producing Syrah grapes
2 : a red wine made from Syrah grapes

syrette
n. : a small collapsible tube fitted with a hypodermic needle for injecting a single dose of a medicinal agent (as morphine)

Syria
n. 1 ancient region SW Asia bordering on the Mediterranean & covering modern Syria, Lebanon, Israel, & Jordan
2 former French mandate (1920-44) comprising the Le·vant States \lə-'vant\ (Syria, Lebanon, Latakia, & Jebel ed Druz), administrative capital Beirut, legislative capital Damascus
3 country SW Asia bordering on the Mediterranean; a republic 1944-58 & since 1961; a province of United Arab Republic 1958-61 capital Damascus area 71,498 sq mi (185,180 sq km), pop 13,398,000
–Syr·i·an \'sir-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

Syria
n. Coele Syria
Syrian hamster
Syrian Desert

Syriac
n. 1 : a literary language based on an eastern Aramaic dialect and used as the literary and liturgical language by several Eastern Christian churches
2 : Aramaic spoken by Christian communities
–Syriac adjective

Syrian Desert
desert W Asia bet. Mediterranean coast & the Euphrates covering N Saudi Arabia, NE Jordan, SE Syria, & W Iraq

Syrian hamster
: GOLDEN HAMSTER

syringa
n. : MOCK ORANGE 1

syringe
n. : a device used to inject fluids into or withdraw them from something (as the body or its cavities): as a : a device that consists of a nozzle of varying length and a compressible rubber bulb and is used for injection or irrigation b : an instrument (as for the injection of medicine or the withdrawal of bodily fluids) that consists of a hollow barrel fitted with a plunger and a hollow needle c : a gravity device consisting of a reservoir fitted with a long rubber tube ending with an exchangeable nozzle that is used for irrigation of the vagina or bowel

syringe
n. : to irrigate or spray with or as if with a syringe

syringomyelia
n. : a chronic progressive disease of the spinal cord associated with sensory disturbances, muscle atrophy, and spasticity
–sy·rin·go·my·el·ic \-'e-lik\ adjective

syrinx
n. 1 [Late Latin, from Greek] : PANPIPE
2 [New Latin, from Greek] : the vocal organ of birds that is a special modification of the lower part of the trachea or of the bronchi or of both

Syros
1 island Greece in the Cyclades S of Andros
2 ― see ERMOÚPOLIS

syrphid fly
: HOVERFLY

Syrtis Major
― see SIDRA (Gulf of)

Syrtis Minor
― see GABÈS (Gulf of)

syrup
n. 1 a : a thick sticky solution of sugar and water often flavored or medicated b : the concentrated juice of a fruit or plant
2 : cloying sweetness or sentimentality
–syr·upy adjective

syrup
n. golden syrup
corn syrup
cough syrup
maple syrup

sysop
n. : the administrator of a computer bulletin board

syst
system

systaltic
adj. : marked by regular contraction and dilatation : PULSING

system
n. 1 : a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole <a number system>: as a (1) : a group of interacting bodies under the influence of related forces <a gravitational system> (2) : an assemblage of substances that is in or tends to equilibrium <a thermodynamic system> b (1) : a group of body organs that together perform one or more vital functions <the digestive system> (2) : the body considered as a functional unit c : a group of related natural objects or forces <a river system> d : a group of devices or artificial objects or an organization forming a network especially for distributing something or serving a common purpose <a telephone system> <a heating system> <a highway system> <a computer system> e : a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era f : a form of social, economic, or political organization or practice <the capitalist system>
2 : an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole <the Newtonian system of mechanics>
3 a : an organized or established procedure <the touch system of typing> b : a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing <a taxonomic system> <the decimal system>
4 : harmonious arrangement or pattern : ORDER <bring system out of confusion ― Ellen Glasgow>
5 : an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : ESTABLISHMENT 2 ― usually used with the
synonyms see METHOD
–sys·tem·less \-ləs\ adjective

system
n. ABO system
autonomic nervous system
Bertillon system
binary system
buddy system
case system
central nervous system
circulatory system
decimal system
Dewey decimal system
English system
expert system
Federal Reserve System
Global Positioning System
haversian system
honor system
immune system
intercommunication system
International System of Units
life support system
limbic system
lymphatic system
lymph system
merit system
metric system
nervous system
operating system
parasympathetic nervous system
PA system
peripheral nervous system
portal system
profit system
public address system
respiratory system
reticuloendothelial system
solar system
spoils system
sprinkler system
star system
support system
sympathetic nervous system
tetragonal system
touch system
truck system
wall system
water vascular system
mononuclear phagocyte system
systems analysis
systems analyst

systematic
adj. 1 : relating to or consisting of a system
2 : presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles <systematic thought>
3 a : methodical in procedure or plan <a systematic approach> <a systematic scholar> b : marked by thoroughness and regularity <systematic efforts>
4 : of, relating to, or concerned with classification specifically : TAXONOMIC
–sys·tem·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–sys·tem·at·ic·ness \-tik-nəs\ noun

systematic error
: an error that is not determined by chance but is introduced by an inaccuracy (as of observation or measurement) inherent in the system

systematic theology
: a branch of theology concerned with summarizing the doctrinal traditions of a religion (as Christianity) especially with a view to relating the traditions convincingly to the religion's present-day setting

systematics
n. 1 : the science of classification
2 a : a system of classification b : the classification and study of organisms with regard to their natural relationships : TAXONOMY

systematise
v. British variant of systematize

systematism
: the practice of forming intellectual systems

systematist
n. 1 : a maker or follower of a system
2 : a specialist in taxonomy : TAXONOMIST

systematize
v. : to arrange in accord with a definite plan or scheme : order systematically <the need to systematize their work>
synonyms see ORDER
–sys·tem·a·ti·za·tion \ˌsis-tə-mə-tə-'zā-shən, sis-ˌte-mə-\ noun
–sys·tem·a·tiz·er noun

systemic
adj. : of, relating to, or common to a system: as a : affecting the body generally b : supplying those parts of the body that receive blood through the aorta rather than through the pulmonary artery c : of, relating to, or being a pesticide that as used is harmless to the plant or higher animal but when absorbed into its sap or bloodstream makes the entire organism toxic to pests (as an insect or fungus)
–sys·tem·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

systemic
adj. : a systemic pesticide

systemic lupus erythematosus
: an inflammatory connective tissue disease that is often held to be an autoimmune disease and that occurs chiefly in women, is characterized especially by fever, skin rash, and arthritis, often by acute hemolytic anemia, by small hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, by inflammation of the pericardium, and in serious cases by involvement of the kidneys and central nervous system

systemize
v. : SYSTEMATIZE
–sys·tem·i·za·tion \ˌsis-tə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun

systems analysis
: the act, process, or profession of studying an activity (as a procedure, a business, or a physiological function) typically by mathematical means in order to define its goals or purposes and to discover operations and procedures for accomplishing them most efficiently
–systems analyst noun

systole
n. : a rhythmically recurrent contraction especially : the contraction of the heart by which the blood is forced onward and the circulation kept up
–sys·tol·ic \sis-'tä-lik\ adjective

syzygy
n. : the nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies (as the sun, moon, and earth during a solar or lunar eclipse) in a gravitational system

Szamos
― see SOMES

Szczecin
city & port NW Poland pop 412,058

Szechuan
n. : of, relating to, or being a style of Chinese cooking that is spicy, oily, and especially peppery

Szechuan, Szechwan
― see SICHUAN

Szeged
city S Hungary pop 184,000

Szekesfehervar
city W cen Hungary pop 111,200

Szell
George 1897-1970 American (Hung.-born) conductor

Szent-Gyorgyi
Albert von Nagyrapolt 1893-1986 American (Hung.-born) chem.

Szepingkai
― see SIPING

Szilard
Leo 1898-1964 American (Hung.-born) physicist

Szold
n. Henrietta 1860-1945 American Zionist & founder of Hadassah

Szolnok
city E cen Hungary pop 82,900

Szombathely
city W Hungary pop 87,700

Szymborska
Wis·la·wa \vēs-'wä-və\ 1923-     Pol. poet

São
São Salvador
Penedos de São Pedro e São Paulo
Cabo de São Vicente
São Francisco
São Luís
São Manuel
São Miguel
São Paulo
São Roque Cape
São Tiago
São Tomé
São Vicente Cabo de

T
n. 1 tera-
2 tesla
3 thymine
4 toddler
5 tritium
6 T-shirt

t
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 20th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic t
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter t
3 : one designated t especially as the 20th in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter T
5 : T FORMATION
6 : TECHNICAL FOUL
–to a T short for to a tittle : to perfection

t
n. 1 metric ton
2 tablespoon
3 teaspoon
4 technical
5 temperature
6 [Latin tempore] in the time of
7 tense
8 tertiary
9 time
10 ton
11 township
12 transitive
13 troy
14 true

t
n. : IT <my country, 'tis of thee ― S. F. Smith>

T & A
: curvaceous and often scantily clothed women also : entertainment featuring such women

T cell
: any of several lymphocytes (as a helper T cell) that differentiate in the thymus, possess highly specific cell-surface antigen receptors, and include some that control the initiation or suppression of cell-mediated and humoral immunity (as by the regulation of T and B cell maturation and proliferation) and others that lyse antigen-bearing cells ― called also T lymphocyte ― compare B CELL

t distribution
: a probability density function that is used especially in testing hypotheses concerning means of normal distributions whose standard deviations are unknown and that is the distribution of a random variable t = (u√n)/v where u and v are themselves independent random variables and u has a normal distribution with mean 0 and a standard deviation of 1 and v^2 has a chi-square distribution with n degrees of freedom ― called also student's t distribution

T formation
: an offensive football formation in which the fullback lines up behind the center and quarterback with one halfback stationed on each side of the fullback

T lymphocyte
: T CELL

T square
: a ruler with a crosspiece or head at one end used in making parallel lines

T'ai
T'ai chou
Yen t'ai
t'ai chi
t'ai chi ch'uan
T'ai tsu
T'ang T'ai Tsung
T'ai nan

T'ai-nan
city SW Taiwan pop 702,237

T'ai-tsu
― see CHAO K'UANG-YIN

T'ang T'ai Tsung
600-649 orig. Li Shih-min \'le-'shir-'min\ Chin. emp.

T'ung
T'ung hua
Hsuan t'ung
Hsüan t'ung

T'ung-hua
― see TONGHUA

T-ball
: baseball modified for youngsters in which the ball is batted from a tee of adjustable height rather than being pitched

T-bar
: a ski lift having a series of T-shaped bars each of which pulls two skiers ― called also T-bar lift

T-bill
: a U.S. treasury note

T-bone
: a small steak from the thin end of the short loin containing a T-shaped bone and a small piece of tenderloin also : this bone ― see BEEF illustration

T-bone
: BROADSIDE

T-group
: a group of people under the leadership of a trainer who seek to develop self-awareness and sensitivity to others by verbalizing feelings uninhibitedly at group sessions ― compare ENCOUNTER GROUP

T-helper cell
: HELPER T CELL

T-man
: a special agent of the U.S. Treasury Department

T-shirt
: a collarless short-sleeved or sleeveless usually cotton undershirt also : an outer shirt of similar design
–T-shirt·ed adjective

t-test
: a statistical test involving confidence limits for the random variable t of a t distribution and used especially in testing hypotheses about means of normal distributions when the standard deviations are unknown

T. rex
: TYRANNOSAUR

T3
: TRIIODOTHYRONINE

T4
: THYROXINE

T4 cell
: any of the T cells (as a helper T cell) that display the CD4 molecule on their surface and become severely depleted in AIDS ― called also T4 lymphocyte

TA
n. 1 teaching assistant
2 transactional analysis

Ta
n. tantalum

ta
n. British : THANKS

Ta-lien
― see DALIAN

tab
n. 1 a : a short projecting device: as (1) : a small flap or loop by which something may be grasped or pulled (2) : a projection from a card used as an aid in filing b : a small insert, addition, or remnant c : APPENDAGE, EXTENSION especially : one of a series of small pendants forming a decorative border or edge of a garment d : a small auxiliary airfoil hinged to a control surface (as a trailing edge) to help stabilize an airplane in flight ― see AIRPLANE illustration
2 [partly short for 1table; partly from sense 1] a : close surveillance : WATCH <keep tabs on trends> b : a creditor's statement : BILL, CHECK c : COST <the tab for the new program>
3 [by shortening] a : TABLOID b : TABLET
4 [short for tabulator] : a key on a keyboard especially for arranging data in columns

tab
n. 1 : to furnish or ornament with tabs
2 : to single out : DESIGNATE
3 : TABULATE

tabanid
: HORSEFLY

tabard
n. : a short loose-fitting sleeveless or short-sleeved coat or cape: as a : a tunic worn by a knight over his armor and emblazoned with his arms b : a herald's official cape or coat emblazoned with his lord's arms c : a woman's sleeveless outer garment often with side slits

Tabasco
n. ― used for a pungent condiment sauce made from hot peppers

Tabasco
n. state SE Mexico on the Caribbean SW of Yucatán Peninsula capital Villahermosa area 9522 sq mi (24,662 sq km), pop 1,501,744

tabbouleh
n. : a salad of Lebanese origin consisting chiefly of cracked wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil

tabby
n. 1 a archaic : a plain silk taffeta especially with moiré finish b : a plain-woven fabric
2 [2tabby] a : a domestic cat with a striped and mottled coat b : a domestic cat especially : a female cat

tabby
n. 1 : of, relating to, or made of tabby <a tabby vest>
2 : striped and mottled with darker color : BRINDLED <a tabby cat>

tabby
n. : a cement made of lime, sand or gravel, and oyster shells and used chiefly along the coast of Georgia and So. Carolina in the 17th and 18th centuries

tabernacle
n. 1 a often capitalized : a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus b archaic : a dwelling place c archaic : a temporary shelter : TENT
2 : a receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist especially : an ornamental locked box used for reserving the Communion hosts
3 : a house of worship specifically : a large building or tent used for evangelistic services
–tab·er·nac·u·lar \ˌta-bər-'na-kyə-lər\ adjective

tabernacle
n. : to take up temporary residence especially : to inhabit a physical body

tabes
n. : wasting accompanying a chronic disease
–ta·bet·ic \tə-'be-tik\ adjective or noun

tabes dorsalis
: a syphilitic disorder of the nervous system marked by wasting, pain, limb weakness, ataxia, and disorders of sensation and vision resulting from degeneration of the spinal cord ― called also locomotor ataxia

tabla
n. : a pair of small different-sized hand drums used especially in music of India

Tablas
n. island cen Philippines in Romblon group

tablature
n. : an instrumental notation indicating the string, fret, key, or finger to be used instead of the tone to be sounded

table
n. 1 : TABLET 1A
2 a plural : BACKGAMMON b : one of the two leaves of a backgammon board or either half of a leaf
3 a : a piece of furniture consisting of a smooth flat slab fixed on legs b (1) : a supply or source of food (2) : an act or instance of assembling to eat : MEAL <sit down to table> c (1) : a group of people assembled at or as if at a table (2) : a legislative or negotiating session <the bargaining table>
4 : STRINGCOURSE
5 a : a systematic arrangement of data usually in rows and columns for ready reference b : a condensed enumeration : LIST <a table of contents>
6 : something that resembles a table especially in having a plane surface: as a : the upper flat surface of a cut precious stone ― see BRILLIANT illustration b (1) : TABLELAND (2) : a horizontal stratum
–on the table : up for consideration or negotiation <the subject is not on the table>
–under the table
1 : into a stupor <can drink you under the table>
2 : in a covert manner <took money under the table>

table
n. 1 : to enter in a table
2 a British : to place on the agenda b : to remove (as a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely c : to put on a table

table
n. 1 : suitable for a table or for use at a table <a table lamp>
2 : suitable for serving at a table <table grapes>
3 : proper for conduct at a table <table manners>

table
n. table soccer
sweep the table
time table
alphabet table
beaufort table
bed table
bell table
bible table
card table
cocktail table
coffee table
console table
contingency table
diacriti table
drawing table
dressing table
easter table
element table
end table
gateleg table
geologic table
high table
indoeuro table
jewish table
lay on the table
life table
light table
Lord's table
metricsy table
money table
month table
morsecod table
mortality table
night table
number table
Parsons table
Pembroke table
periodic table
pier table
pin table
planet table
plane table
proofrea table
punctuat table
radiofre table
refectory table
round table
run the table
sand table
side table
steam table
under the table
on the table
table d'hote
table d'hôte
table hop
table hopper
table linen
table of organization
table salt
table sugar
table talk
table tennis
table wine
tea table
training table
trestle table
truth table
truthtab table
volume table
water table
weight table
zodiac table
Table Bay
Table Mountain
turn the tables

Table Bay
harbor of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

table d'hote
1 : a meal served to all guests at a stated hour and fixed price
2 : a complete meal of several courses offered at a fixed price

table linen
: linen (as tablecloths and napkins) for the table

Table Mountain
mountain 3563 ft (1086 m) Republic of South Africa S of Cape Town

table of organization

circa 1918
: a table listing the number and duties of personnel and the major items of equipment authorized for a military unit

table salt
: salt suitable for use at the table and in cooking

table soccer
: FOOSBALL

table sugar
: SUGAR 1A especially : granulated white sugar

table talk
: informal conversation at or as if at a dining table especially : the social talk of a celebrity recorded for publication

table tennis
: a game resembling tennis that is played on a tabletop with wooden paddles and a small hollow plastic ball

table wine
: an unfortified wine containing not more than 14 percent alcohol by volume and usually suitable for serving with food

table-hop
: to move from table to table (as in a restaurant) in order to chat with friends
–ta·ble-hop·per noun

tableau
n. 1 : a graphic description or representation : PICTURE <winsome tableaux of old-fashioned literary days ― J. D. Hart>
2 : a striking or artistic grouping : ARRANGEMENT, SCENE
3 [short for tableau vivant (fr. F, literally, living picture)] : a depiction of a scene usually presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants

tableau curtain
: a stage curtain that opens in the center and has its sections drawn upward as well as to the side

tablecloth
n. : a covering spread over a dining table before the tableware is set

tableful
n. : as much or as many as a table can hold or accommodate

tableland
n. : a broad level elevated area : PLATEAU

tablemate
: a dining companion

tablespoon
n. 1 : a large spoon used especially for serving
2 : a unit of measure used especially in cookery equal to 1/2 fluid ounce (15 milliliters)

tablespoonful
n. 1 : enough to fill a tablespoon
2 : TABLESPOON 2

tablet
n. 1 a : a flat slab or plaque suited for or bearing an inscription b : a thin slab or one of a set of portable sheets used for writing c : PAD 4
2 a : a compressed or molded block of a solid material b : a small mass of medicated material <an aspirin tablet>
3 : GRAPHICS TABLET

tabletop
adj. 1 : the top of a table
2 : a photograph of small objects or a miniature scene arranged on a table
–tabletop adjective

tableware
n. : utensils (as of china, glass, or silver) for table use

tabloid
n. 1 : compressed or condensed into small scope <tabloid criticism>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling tabloids especially : featuring stories of violence, crime, or scandal presented in a sensational manner <tabloid television>
–tab·loid·ism \-ˌblȯi-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

tabloid
n. 1 : DIGEST, SUMMARY
2 : a newspaper that is about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper and that contains news in condensed form and much photographic matter

taboo
n. 1 : forbidden to profane use or contact because of what are held to be dangerous supernatural powers
2 a : banned on grounds of morality or taste <the subject is taboo> b : banned as constituting a risk <the area beyond is taboo, still alive with explosives ― Robert Leckie>

taboo
n. 1 : a prohibition against touching, saying, or doing something for fear of immediate harm from a supernatural force
2 : a prohibition imposed by social custom or as a protective measure
3 : belief in taboos

taboo
n. 1 : to set apart as taboo especially by marking with a ritualistic symbol
2 : to avoid or ban as taboo

tabor
n. : a small drum with one head of soft calfskin used to accompany a pipe or fife played by the same person

Tabor, Mount
mountain 1929 ft (588 m) N Israel E of Nazareth

Tabora
city W cen Tanzania pop 67,392

taborer
n. : one that plays on the tabor

taboret
n. 1 : a cylindrical seat or stool without arms or back
2 : a small portable stand or cabinet

tabouleh
variant of tabbouleh

Tabriz
: a Persian rug usually having a cotton warp, firm wool pile, and a medallion design

Tabriz
city NW Iran in Azerbaijan pop 971,482

Tabuaeran
island W Pacific in the Line Islands area 15 sq mi (39 sq km), pop 376

tabula rasa
1 : the mind in its hypothetical primary blank or empty state before receiving outside impressions
2 : something existing in its original pristine state

tabular
adj. 1 : having a flat surface : LAMINAR <a tabular crystal>
2 a : of, relating to, or arranged in a table specifically : set up in rows and columns b : computed by means of a table

tabulate
v. 1 : to put into tabular form
2 : to count, record, or list systematically
–tab·u·la·tion \ˌta-byə-'lā-shən\ noun
–tab·u·la·tor \'ta-byə-ˌlā-tər\ noun

tabun
n. : an extremely toxic chemical warfare agent C_5H_11N_2O_2P similar to sarin in action

TAC
Tactical Air Command

TAC
tic tac toe
tie tac
Sea Tac

tacamahac
: BALSAM POPLAR

TACAN
: a system of navigation that uses ultrahigh frequency signals to determine the distance and bearing of an aircraft from a transmitting station

tacet
v. ― used as a direction in music to indicate that an instrument is not to play during a movement or longitude section

tach
n. : TACHOMETER

tachinid
: any of a family (Tachinidae) of bristly usually grayish or black dipteran flies whose parasitic larvae are often used in the biological control of insect pests
–tachinid adjective

tachism
n. : ACTION PAINTING
–tach·ist \'ta-shist\ also ta·chiste \ta-'shēst\ adjective or noun often cap

tachistoscope
n. : an apparatus for the brief exposure of visual stimuli that is used in the study of learning, attention, and perception
–ta·chis·to·scop·ic \-ˌkis-tə-'skä-pik\ adjective
–ta·chis·to·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tachometer
n. : a device for indicating speed of rotation

tachy
: rapid : accelerated <tachycardia>

tachyarrhythmia
n. : arrhythmia characterized by a rapid irregular heartbeat

tachycardia
n. : relatively rapid heart action whether physiological (as after exercise) or pathological ― compare BRADYCARDIA

tachyon
n. : a hypothetical particle held to travel only faster than light

tacit
adj. 1 : expressed or carried on without words or speech <the blush was a tacit answer ― Bram Stoker>
2 : implied or indicated (as by an act or by silence) but not actually expressed <tacit consent> <tacit admission of guilt>
–tac·it·ly adverb
–tac·it·ness noun

taciturn
adj. : temperamentally disinclined to talk
synonyms see SILENT
–tac·i·tur·ni·ty \ˌta-sə-'tər-nə-tē\ noun

Tacitus
n. Cornelius ca A.D. 56-ca 120 Rom. hist.
–Tac·i·te·an \ˌta-sə-'tē-ən\ adjective

tack
n. transitive verb
1 : ATTACH especially : to fasten or affix with tacks
2 : to join in a slight or hasty manner
3 a : to add as a supplement b : to add (a rider) to a parliamentary bill
4 : to change the direction of (a sailing ship) when sailing close-hauled by turning the bow to the wind and shifting the sails so as to fall off on the other side at about the same angle as before
intransitive verb
1 a : to tack a sailing ship b of a ship : to change to an opposite tack by turning the bow to the wind c : to follow a course against the wind by a series of tacks
2 a : to follow a zigzag course b : to modify one's policy or attitude abruptly
–tack·er noun

tack
n. 1 : a small short sharp-pointed nail usually having a broad flat head
2 a : the direction of a ship with respect to the trim of her sails <starboard tack> b : the run of a sailing ship on one tack c : a change when close-hauled from the starboard to the port tack or vice versa d : a zigzag movement on land e : a course or method of action especially : one sharply divergent from that previously followed
3 : any of various usually temporary stitches
4 : the lower forward corner of a fore-and-aft sail
5 : a sticky or adhesive quality or condition

tack
n. : HARDTACK 1

tack
n. : stable gear especially : articles of harness (as saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse

tack
n. tack claw
ticky tack
tick tack toe
tie tack
brass tacks
ticky tacks

tack claw
: a small hand tool for removing tacks

tackboard
: a board (as of cork) for tacking up notices and display materials

tackify
: to make (as a resin adhesive) tacky or more tacky
–tack·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

tackily
adv. : in a tacky manner : so as to be tacky

tackiness
n. : the quality or state of being tacky

tackle
n. 1 : a set of the equipment used in a particular activity : GEAR <fishing tackle>
2 a : a ship's rigging b : an assemblage of ropes and pulleys arranged to gain mechanical advantage for hoisting and pulling
3 a : the act or an instance of tackling b (1) : either of two offensive football players positioned on each side of the center and between guard and end (2) : either of two football players positioned on the inside of a defensive line

tackle
n. transitive verb
1 : to attach or secure with or as if with tackle
2 a : to seize, take hold of, or grapple with especially with the intention of stopping or subduing b : to seize and throw down or stop (an opposing player with the ball) in football
3 : to set about dealing with <tackle the problem>
intransitive verb : to tackle an opposing player in football
–tack·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

tackle
n. block and tackle
gang tackle
nose tackle

tackling
n. : TACKLE, GEAR

tacky
adj. : somewhat sticky to the touch <tacky varnish> also : characterized by tack : ADHESIVE

tacky
adj. 1 a : characterized by lack of good breeding <couldn't run around downtown⋯in a bikini, which was tacky ― Cyra McFadden> b : SHABBY, SEEDY <a tacky town whose citrus groves were blighted by smoke ― Bryce Nelson>
2 : not having or exhibiting good taste: as a : marked by lack of style : DOWDY b : marked by cheap showiness : GAUDY <a tacky publicity stunt> <a tacky outfit>

Tacna
city S Peru near Chilean border pop 150,200; in region (Tacna-Ari·ca \-ä-'rē-kä\) occupied 1884-1930 by Chile & now divided bet. Chile & Peru

taco
n. : a usually fried tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce)

Tacoma
n. city & port W Wash. on Puget Sound S of Seattle pop 193,556

Tacoma, Mount
― see RAINIER (Mount)

Taconic Range
mountains along N part of Conn.-N.Y. boundary & entire Mass.-N.Y. boundary & in SW Vt.; highest peak Mt. Equinox (in Vt.) 3816 ft (1163 m)

taconite
n. : a flintlike rock high enough in iron content to constitute a low-grade iron ore

tacrine
: an anticholinesterase C_13H_14N_2 used in the form of its hydrochloride especially for the palliative treatment of cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease

tact
n. 1 : sensitive mental or aesthetic perception <converted the novel into a play with remarkable skill and tact>
2 : a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
synonyms TACT, ADDRESS, POISE, SAVOIR FAIRE mean skill and grace in dealing with others. TACT implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate <questions showing a lack of tact>. ADDRESS stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends <brought it off with remarkable address>. POISE may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations <answered the accusations with unruffled poise>. SAVOIR FAIRE is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient <the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler>.

tactful
adj. : having or showing tact
–tact·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–tact·ful·ness noun

tactic
n. 1 : a device for accomplishing an end
2 : a method of employing forces in combat

tactic
n. : of or relating to arrangement or order

tactic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or having (such) an arrangement or pattern <paratactic>
2 : showing orientation or movement directed by a (specified) force or agent <geotactic>

tactical
adj. 1 : of or relating to combat tactics: as a (1) : of or occurring at the battlefront <a tactical defense> <a tactical first strike> (2) : using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront <tactical missiles> b of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2 a : of or relating to tactics: as (1) : of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose (2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view b : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose
–tac·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tactician
n. : one versed in tactics

tactics
n. 1 a : the science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat b : the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end
2 : a system or mode of procedure
3 : the study of the grammatical relations within a language including morphology and syntax

tactile
adj. 1 : perceptible by touch : TANGIBLE
2 : of, relating to, or being the sense of touch
–tac·tile·ly \-tə-lē, -ˌtīl-lē\ adverb

tactility
n. 1 : the capability of being felt or touched
2 : responsiveness to stimulation of the sense of touch

taction
n. : TOUCH

tactless
adj. : marked by lack of tact <tactless comments> <tactless methods>
–tact·less·ly adverb
–tact·less·ness noun

tactual
adj. : TACTILE 2
–tac·tu·al·ly adverb

tad
n. 1 : a small child especially : BOY
2 : a small or insignificant amount or degree : BIT <might give him some water and a tad to eat ― C. T. Walker>
–a tad : SOMEWHAT, RATHER <looked a tad bigger than me ― Larry Hodgson>

Tadjoura, Gulf of
inlet of Gulf of Aden in E Djibouti

Tadmor
― see PALMYRA

tadpole
n. : a larval amphibian specifically : a frog or toad larva that has a rounded body with a long tail bordered by fins and external gills soon replaced by internal gills and that undergoes a metamorphosis to the adult

Tadzhik
n. variant of tajik

tae kwon do
: a Korean art of unarmed self-defense characterized especially by the extensive use of kicks

taedium vitae
: weariness or loathing of life

Taedong
river cen N. Korea flowing SW into Korea Bay

Taegu
city SE S. Korea NNW of Pusan pop 2,473,990

Taejon
city cen S. Korea NW of Taegu pop 1,365,961

tael
n. 1 : any of various Chinese units of value based on the value of a tael weight of silver
2 : any of various units of weight of eastern Asia

taenia
n. 1 : a band on a Doric order separating the frieze from the architrave
2 : TAPEWORM
3 : an ancient Greek fillet

taeniasis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by tapeworms

taffeta
n. : a crisp plain-woven lustrous fabric of various fibers used especially for women's clothing

taffetized
of cloth : having a crisp finish

taffrail
n. 1 : the upper part of the stern of a wooden ship
2 : a rail around the stern of a ship

taffy
n. 1 : a boiled candy usually of molasses or brown sugar that is pulled until porous and light-colored
2 : insincere flattery

Taft
n. Lo·ra·do \lə-'rā-(ˌ)dō\ 1860-1936 American sculptor

Taft
n. Robert Alphonso 1889-1953 son of W.H. American polit.

Taft
n. William Howard 1857-1930 27th pres. of the U.S. (1909-13); chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1921-30)

TAG
n. the adjutant general

tag
n. 1 : a loose hanging piece of cloth : TATTER
2 : a metal or plastic binding on an end of a shoelace
3 : a piece of hanging or attached material specifically : a loop, knot, or tassel on a garment
4 a : a brief quotation used for rhetorical emphasis or sententious effect b : a recurrent or characteristic verbal expression c : TAGLINE 1
5 a : a cardboard, plastic, or metal marker used for identification or classification <license tags> b : a descriptive or identifying epithet c : something used for identification or location : FLAG d : LABEL 3D e : PRICE TAG f : an element of code in a computer document used especially to control format and layout or to establish a hyperlink
6 : a detached fragmentary piece : BIT
7 : a graffito in the form of an identifying name or symbol

tag
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide or mark with or as if with a tag: as a : to supply with an identifying marker or price <tagged every item in the store> <was tagged at $4.95> b : to provide with a name or epithet : LABEL, BRAND <tagged him a has-been> c : to put a ticket on (a motor vehicle) for a traffic violation d : to deface with a graffito usually in the form of the defacer's nickname
2 : to attach as an addition : APPEND
3 : to follow closely and persistently
4 : to hold to account especially : to charge with violating the law <was tagged for⋯assault ― Burt Woolis>
5 : LABEL 2
intransitive verb : to keep close <tagging at their heels ― Corey Ford>

tag
n. 1 : a game in which the player who is it chases others and tries to touch one of them who then becomes it
2 : an act or instance of tagging a runner in baseball

tag
n. 1 a : to touch in or as if in a game of tag b : to put out (a runner) in baseball by a touch with the ball or the gloved hand containing the ball
2 : to hit solidly
3 : to choose usually for a special purpose : SELECT
4 : to make a hit or run off (a pitcher) in baseball <the batter tagged him for a home run>

tag
n. dog tag
phone tag
price tag
radio tag
tag along
tag end
tag question
tag rag and bobtail
tag sale
tag team
tag up
telephone tag
guten Tag

tag along
: to follow another's lead especially in going from one place to another

tag end
1 : the last part
2 : a miscellaneous or random bit

tag question
: a question (as isn't it in “it's fine, isn't it?”) added to a statement or command (as to gain the assent of or challenge the person addressed) also : a sentence ending in a tag question

tag sale
: GARAGE SALE

tag team
1 : a team of two or more professional wrestlers who spell each other during a match
2 : two or more people working in association toward the same goal ― usually hyphenated when used attributively

tag up
: to touch a base before running in baseball after a fly ball is caught

tag, rag, and bobtail
: RABBLE

Tagalog
n. 1 : a member of a people of central Luzon
2 : an Austronesian language of the Tagalog people ― compare PILIPINO

tagalong
adj. : one that persistently and often annoyingly follows the lead of another

Taganrog
city S Russia in Europe on Gulf of Taganrog (NE arm of Sea of Azov) pop 293,000

tagboard
n. : strong cardboard used especially for making shipping tags

tagger
n. : one that tags especially : a person who marks surfaces with graffiti

tagliatelle
n. : FETTUCCINE

tagline
n. 1 : a final line (as in a play or joke) especially : one that serves to clarify a point or create a dramatic effect
2 : a reiterated phrase identified with an individual, group, or product : SLOGAN

Tagore
Ra·bin·dra·nath \rə-'bin-drə-ˌnät\ 1861-1941 Indian poet

Tagus
river 626 mi (1007 km) Spain & Portugal flowing W into the Atlantic

tahini
n. : a smooth paste of sesame seeds

Tahiti
n. island S. Pacific in Windward group of the Society Islands; chief town Papeete area 402 sq mi (1045 sq km), pop 131,309

Tahitian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Tahiti
2 : the Polynesian language of the Tahitians
–Tahitian adjective

Tahoe, Lake
lake 22 mi (35 km) long on Calif.-Nev. boundary

tahr
n. : any of a genus (Hemitragus) of wild Asian goats especially : one (H. jemlahicus) of the Himalayas having a reddish-brown to dark brown coat and a long shaggy mane

tahsil
n. : a district administration or revenue subdivision in India

Tai
adj. 1 : a widespread group of peoples in southeast Asia associated ethnically with valley paddy-rice culture
2 : a family of languages including Thai and Shan spoken in southeast Asia and China

Tai
adj. mai tai
mao tai
tai chi
tai chi chuan
Tai Hu
Tai Shan

tai chi
: an ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises ― called also tai chi chuan t'ai chi ch'uan \-chü-'än\

Tai Hu
lake ab 45 mi (72 km) long E China in Jiangsu

Tai Shan
mountain 5000 ft (1524 m) E China in W Shandong

Taichung
city W Taiwan pop 779,370

taiga
n. : a moist subarctic forest dominated by conifers (as spruce and fir) that begins where the tundra ends

tail
n. 1 : the rear end or a process or prolongation of the rear end of the body of an animal
2 : something resembling an animal's tail in shape or position: as a : a luminous stream of particles, gases, or ions extending from a comet especially in the antisolar direction b : the rear part of an airplane consisting usually of horizontal and vertical stabilizing surfaces with attached control surfaces
3 : RETINUE
4 plural a : TAILCOAT b : full evening dress for men
5 a : BUTTOCKS, BUTT b usually vulgar : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
6 : the back, last, lower, or inferior part of something
7 : TAILING 1 ― usually used in plural
8 : the reverse of a coin ― usually used in plural <tails, I win>
9 : one (as a detective) who follows or keeps watch on someone
10 : the blank space at the bottom of a page
11 : a location immediately or not far behind <had a posse on his tail>
–tailed \'tāld\ adjective
–tail·less \'tāl-ləs\ adjective
–tail·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

tail
n. 1 : to connect end to end
2 a : to remove the tail of (an animal) : DOCK b : to remove the stem or bottom part of <topping and tailing gooseberries>
3 a : to make or furnish with a tail b : to follow or be drawn behind like a tail
4 : to follow for purposes of surveillance
intransitive verb
1 : to form or move in a straggling line
2 : to grow progressively smaller, fainter, or more scattered : ABATE ― usually used with off <productivity is tailing off ― Tom Nicholson>
3 : to swing or lie with the stern in a named direction ― used of a ship at anchor
4 : 2TAG
–tail·er noun

tail
n. : ENTAIL 1A

tail
n. : limited as to tenure : ENTAILED

tail
n. brown tail moth
draggle tail
e tail
fee tail
fees tail
lizard's tail
mare's tail
one tail
rat tail file
rooster tail
tail covert
tail end
tail fin
trundle tail
turn tail
two tail
cat o' nine tails
mares' tails
mare's tails
swallow tailed
black tailed deer
fat tailed sheep
free tailed bat
long tailed duck
one tailed
red tailed hawk
ring tailed
scissor tailed flycatcher
stump tailed macaque
stump tailed monkey
two tailed
white tailed deer
e tailing
e tailer

tail covert
: one of the coverts of the tail quills

tail end
1 : BUTTOCKS, RUMP
2 : the hindmost end
3 : the concluding period <the tail end of the session>

tail fin
1 : the terminal fin of a fish or cetacean
2 : FIN 2B

tailback
n. 1 : the offensive football back farthest from the line of scrimmage
2 British : a line of vehicles caused by a traffic slowdown or stoppage

tailboard
n. chiefly British : TAILGATE 1

tailbone
n. 1 : a caudal vertebra
2 : COCCYX

tailcoat
n. : a coat with tails especially : a man's full-dress coat with two long tapering skirts at the back
–tail·coat·ed \-ˌkō-təd\ adjective

tailender
n. : one positioned at the end or in last place <the tailenders in a race>

tailgate
n. 1 : a board or gate at the rear of a vehicle that can be removed or let down (as for loading)
2 [from the custom of seating trombonists at the rear of trucks carrying jazz bands in parades] : a jazz trombone style marked by much use of slides to and from long sustained tones

tailgate
n. intransitive verb
1 : to drive dangerously close behind another vehicle
2 : to hold a tailgate picnic
transitive verb : to drive dangerously close behind
–tail·gat·er noun

tailgate
n. : relating to or being a picnic set up on the tailgate especially of a station wagon

tailing
n. 1 : residue separated in the preparation of various products (as grain or ores) ― usually used in plural
2 : the part of a projecting stone or brick inserted in a wall

taille
n. : a tax formerly levied by a French king or seigneur on his subjects or on lands held of him

taillight
n. : a usually red warning light mounted at the rear of a vehicle ― called also taillamp

tailor
n. : a person whose occupation is making or altering outer garments

tailor
n. : to do the work of a tailor
transitive verb
1 a : to make or fashion as the work of a tailor b : to make or adapt to suit a special need or purpose
2 : to fit with clothes
3 : to style with trim straight lines and finished handwork

tailor
n. custom tailor
tailor made
man tailored

tailor-made
1 : made by a tailor or with a tailor's care and style
2 : made or fitted especially to a particular use or purpose
3 : factory made rather than hand-rolled <tailor-made cigarettes>

tailor-made
: one that is tailor-made specifically : a woman's garment styled for a trim fit and with stiff straight lines

tailorbird
n. : any of a genus (Orthotomus of the family Sylviidae) of chiefly Asian warblers that stitch leaves together to support and hide their nests

tailored
adj. 1 : fashioned or fitted to resemble a tailor's work
2 : CUSTOM-MADE
3 : having the look of one fitted by a custom tailor

tailoring
n. 1 a : the business or occupation of a tailor b : the work or workmanship of a tailor
2 : the making or adapting of something to suit a particular purpose

tailpiece
n. 1 : a piece added at the end
2 : a device from which the strings of a stringed instrument are stretched to the pegs ― see VIOLIN illustration
3 : an ornament placed below the text matter of a page

tailpipe
n. : an outlet by which engine exhaust gases are expelled from a vehicle (as an automobile or jet aircraft)

tailplane
n. : the horizontal tail surfaces of an airplane including the stabilizer and the elevator

tailrace
n. : a race for conveying water away from a point of industrial application (as a waterwheel or turbine) after use

tailslide
: an aerobatic maneuver in which an aircraft that has been pulled into a steep climb stalls and then loses altitude by dropping backward

tailspin
n. 1 : SPIN 2A
2 : a mental or emotional letdown or collapse
3 : a sustained and usually severe decline or downturn <stock prices in a tailspin>

tailwater
n. 1 : water below a dam or waterpower development
2 : excess surface water draining especially from a field under cultivation

tailwind
n. : a wind having the same general direction as a course of movement (as of an aircraft)

tain't
: it ain't

Tainaron
cape S Greece at S tip of Peloponnese bet. Gulfs of Laconia & Messenia

Taine
Hippolyte-Adolphe 1828-1893 Fr. philos. & critic

Taino
n. 1 : the language of the Taino people
2 : a member of an aboriginal Arawakan people of the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas

taint
n. transitive verb
1 : to contaminate morally : CORRUPT <scholarship tainted by envy>
2 : to affect with putrefaction : SPOIL
3 : to touch or affect slightly with something bad <persons tainted with prejudice>
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to become weak
2 : to become affected with putrefaction : SPOIL
synonyms see CONTAMINATE

taint
n. : a contaminating mark or influence <the taint of scandal>
–taint·less \-ləs\ adjective

Taiohae
town Nuku Hiva Is. capital of the Marquesas

taipan
n. : a powerful businessman and especially formerly a foreigner living and operating in Hong Kong or China

taipan
n. : an exceedingly venomous elapid snake (Oxyuranus scutellatus) of northern Australia and New Guinea also : a related snake (O. microlepidotus)

Taipei
n. city capital of (Nationalist) Republic of China, on Taiwan pop 2,651,419

Tait
Archibald Campbell 1811-1882 archbishop of Canterbury (1869-82)

Taiwan
n. island off SE coast of Asia, separated from Fujian, China by Taiwan Strait SE coast E of Fujian; belonged to Japan 1895-1945; since 1949 seat of (Nationalist) Republic of China (capital Taipei) area 13,807 sq mi (35,760 sq km), pop 20,926,000
–Tai·wan·ese \ˌtī-wə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Taiwan Strait
strait bet. Taiwan & Fujian, China connecting E. China & S. China seas

Taiyuan
city N China capital of Shanxi pop 1,533,884

Taizhou
city E China in cen Jiangsu

Tajik
n. 1 : a member of a Persian-speaking ethnic group living in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and adjacent areas of central Asia
2 : the form of Persian spoken by the Tajiks

Tajikistan
n. country W cen Asia bordering on China & Afghanistan; a constituent republic (Ta·dzhik Republic \tä-'jik, tə-, -'jēk\ or Ta·dzhik·i·stan \same as TAJIKISTAN\) of the U.S.S.R. 1929-91 capital Dushanbe area 55,251 sq mi (143,100 sq km), pop 5,705,000

Tajumulco
mountain 13,845 ft (4220 m) W Guatemala; highest in Central America

taka
n. ― see MONEY table

takahe
n. : a flightless bird (Porphyrio mantelli syn. Notornis mantelli) of the rail family that occurs in New Zealand

Takamatsu
city & port Japan in NE Shikoku on Inland Sea pop 332,865

Takatsuki
city Japan in S Honshu pop 357,438

take
transitive verb
1 : to get into one's hands or into one's possession, power, or control: as a : to seize or capture physically <took them as prisoners> b : to get possession of (as fish or game) by killing or capturing c (1) : to move against (as an opponent's piece in chess) and remove from play (2) : to win in a card game <able to take 12 tricks> d : to acquire by eminent domain
2 : GRASP, GRIP <take the ax by the handle>
3 a : to catch or attack through the effect of a sudden force or influence <taken with a fit of laughing> <taken ill> b : to catch or come upon in a particular situation or action <was taken unawares> c : to gain the approval or liking of : CAPTIVATE, DELIGHT <was quite taken with her at their first meeting>
4 a : to receive into one's body (as by swallowing, drinking, or inhaling) <take a pill> b : to put oneself into (as sun, air, or water) for pleasure or physical benefit c : to partake of : EAT <takes dinner about seven>
5 a : to bring or receive into a relation or connection <takes just four students a year> <it's time he took a wife> b : to copulate with
6 : to transfer into one's own keeping: a : APPROPRIATE <someone took my hat> b : to obtain or secure for use (as by lease, subscription, or purchase) <take a cottage for the summer> <I'll take the red one> <took an ad in the paper>
7 a : ASSUME <gods often took the likeness of a human being> <when the college took its present form> b (1) : to enter into or undertake the duties of <take a job> <take office> (2) : to move onto or into : move into position on <the home team took the field> <take the witness stand> c (1) : to bind oneself by <take the oath of office> (2) : to make (a decision) especially with finality or authority d : to impose upon oneself <take the trouble to do good work> <take pains to make her feel welcome> e (1) : to adopt as one's own <take a stand on the issue> <take an interest> (2) : to align or ally oneself with <mother took his side> f : to assume as if rightfully one's own or as if granted <take the credit> g : to accept the burden or consequences of <took the blame> h : to have or assume as a proper part of or accompaniment to itself <transitive verbs take an object>
8 a : to secure by winning in competition <took first place> b : DEFEAT
9 : to pick out : CHOOSE, SELECT <took the best apple>
10 : to adopt, choose, or avail oneself of for use: as a : to have recourse to as an instrument for doing something <take a scythe to the weeds> b : to use as a means of transportation or progression <take the bus> c : to have recourse to for safety or refuge <take shelter> d : to go along, into, or through <took a different route> e (1) : to proceed to occupy <take a seat in the rear> (2) : to use up (as space or time) <takes a long time to dry> (3) : NEED, REQUIRE <takes a size nine shoe> <it takes two to start a fight>
11 a : to obtain by deriving from a source : DRAW <takes its title from the name of the hero> b (1) : to obtain as the result of a special procedure : ASCERTAIN <take the temperature> <take a census> (2) : to get in or as if in writing <take notes> <take an inventory> (3) : to get by drawing or painting or by photography <take a snapshot> (4) : to get by transference from one surface to another <take a proof> <take fingerprints>
12 : to receive or accept whether willingly or reluctantly <take a bribe> <will you take this call> <take a bet>: as a (1) : to submit to : ENDURE <take a cut in pay> (2) : WITHSTAND <it will take a lot of punishment> (3) : SUFFER <took a direct hit> b (1) : to accept as true : BELIEVE <I'll take your word for it> (2) : FOLLOW <take my advice> (3) : to accept or regard with the mind in a specified way <took the news hard> <you take yourself too seriously> c : to indulge in and enjoy <was taking his ease on the porch> d : to receive or accept as a return (as in payment, compensation, or reparation) <we don't take credit cards> e : to accept in a usually professional relationship ― often used with on <agreed to take him on as a client> f : to refrain from hitting at (a pitched ball) <take a strike>
13 a (1) : to let in : ADMIT <the boat was taking water fast> (2) : ACCOMMODATE <the suitcase wouldn't take another thing> b : to be affected injuriously by (as a disease) : CONTRACT <take cold> also : to be seized by <take a fit> <take fright> c : to absorb or become impregnated with (as dye) also : to be effectively treated by <a surface that takes a fine polish>
14 a : APPREHEND, UNDERSTAND <how should I take your remark> b : CONSIDER, SUPPOSE <I take it you're not going> c : RECKON, ACCEPT <taking a stride at 30 inches> d : FEEL, EXPERIENCE <take pleasure> <take an instant dislike to someone> <take offense>
15 a : to lead, carry, or cause to go along to another place <this bus will take you into town> <took an umbrella with her> b : to cause to move to a specified state, condition, or sphere of activity <took the company public> <took his team to the finals> c : to stop prescribing a specified regimen to ― used with off <took him off the medication>
16 a : REMOVE <take eggs from a nest> b (1) : to put an end to (life) (2) : to remove by death <was taken in his prime> c : SUBTRACT <take two from four> d : EXACT <the weather took its toll>
17 a : to undertake and make, do, or perform <take a walk> <take aim> <take legal action> <take a test> <take a look> b : to participate in <take a meeting>
18 a : to deal with <take first things first> b : to consider or view in a particular relation <taken together, the details were significant> especially : to consider as an example <take style, for instance> c (1) : to apply oneself to the study of <take music lessons> <take French> (2) : to study for especially successfully <taking a degree in engineering> <took holy orders>
19 : to obtain money from especially fraudulently <took me for all I had>
20 : to pass or attempt to pass through, along, or over <took the curve too fast> <take the stairs two at a time>
intransitive verb
1 : to obtain possession: as a : CAPTURE b : to receive property under law as one's own
2 : to lay hold : CATCH, HOLD
3 : to establish a take especially by uniting or growing <90 percent of the grafts take>
4 a : to betake oneself : set out : GO <take after a purse snatcher> b chiefly dialect ― used as an intensifier or redundantly with a following verb <took and swung at the ball>
5 a : to take effect : ACT, OPERATE <hoped the lesson he taught would take> b : to show the natural or intended effect <dry fuel takes readily>
6 : CHARM, CAPTIVATE <a taking smile>
7 : DETRACT
8 : to be seized or attacked in a specified way : BECOME <took sick>
–tak·er noun
–take a back seat : to have or assume a secondary position or status
–take a bath : to suffer a heavy financial loss
–take account of : to take into account
–take advantage of
1 : to use to advantage : profit by
2 : to impose on : EXPLOIT also : to exploit sexually
–take after : to resemble in features, build, character, or disposition
–take a hike also take a walk : to go away : LEAVE
–take aim at : TARGET 1 <new legislation that takes aim at crime>
–take apart
1 : to disconnect the pieces of : DISASSEMBLE
2 : to treat roughly or harshly : tear into
–take a powder : to leave hurriedly
–take care : to be careful or watchful : exercise caution or prudence
–take care of : to attend to or provide for the needs, operation, or treatment of
–take charge : to assume care, custody, command, or control
–take effect
1 : to become operative
2 : to be effective
–take exception : OBJECT <took exception to the remark>
–take five or take ten : to take a break especially from work
–take for : to suppose to be especially : to suppose mistakenly to be
–take for a ride : TRICK, CHEAT
–take for granted
1 : to assume as true, real, or expected
2 : to value too lightly
–take heart : to gain courage or confidence
–take hold
1 : GRASP, GRIP, SEIZE
2 : to become attached or established : take effect
–take into account : to make allowance for
–take in vain : to use (a name) profanely or without proper respect
–take issue : DISAGREE
–take it on the chin : to suffer from the results of a situation
–take kindly to : to show an inclination to accept or approve
–take no prisoners : to be merciless or relentless (as in exploiting an advantage) <a politician who takes no prisoners>
–take notice of : to observe or treat with special attention
–take one's time : to be leisurely about doing something
–take part : JOIN, PARTICIPATE, SHARE
–take place : HAPPEN, OCCUR
–take root
1 : to become rooted
2 : to become fixed or established
–take shape : to assume a definite or distinctive form
–take ship : set out on a voyage by ship
–take the cake : to carry off the prize : rank first
–take the count
1 of a boxer : to be counted out
2 : to go down in defeat
–take the floor : to rise (as in a meeting or a legislative assembly) to make a formal address
–take the mickey
British : JOKE, KID
–take the mickey out of
British : to make fun of : TEASE
–take the plunge : to do or undertake something decisively especially after a period of hesitation or uncertainty
–take to
1 : to go to or into <take to the woods>
2 : to apply or devote oneself to (as a practice, habit, or occupation) <take to begging>
3 : to adapt oneself to : respond to <takes to water like a duck>
4 : to conceive a liking for
–take to court : to bring before a judicial body especially : SUE 3
–take to task : to call to account for a shortcoming : CRITICIZE
–take to the cleaners : to deprive of money or possessons : clean out
–take turns : ALTERNATE
synonyms TAKE, SEIZE, GRASP, CLUTCH, SNATCH, GRAB mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. TAKE is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control <take some salad from the bowl>. SEIZE implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible <seized the suspect>. GRASP stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession <grasp the handle and pull>. CLUTCH suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding <clutching her purse>. SNATCH suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than SEIZE <snatched a doughnut and ran>. GRAB implies more roughness or rudeness than SNATCH <grabbed roughly by the arm>.

take
n. 1 : something that is taken: a : the amount of money received : PROCEEDS, RECEIPTS, INCOME b : SHARE, CUT <wanted a bigger take> c : the number or quantity (as of animals, fish, or pelts) taken at one time : CATCH, HAUL d : a section or installment done as a unit or at one time e (1) : a scene filmed or televised at one time without stopping the camera (2) : a sound recording made during a single recording period especially : a trial recording
2 : an act or the action of taking: as a : the action of killing, capturing, or catching (as game or fish) b (1) : the uninterrupted photographing or televising of a scene (2) : the making of a sound recording
3 a : a local or systemic reaction indicative of successful vaccination (as against smallpox) b : a successful union (as of a graft)
4 : a visible response or reaction (as to something unexpected) <a delayed take>
5 : a distinct or personal point of view, outlook, or assessment <was asked for her take on recent developments> also : a distinct treatment or variation <a new take on an old style>
–on the take : illegally paid for favors

take
n. double take
give or take
give and take
power take off
put and take
take turns
take to the cleaners
take to task
take to court
take to
take the plunge
take the mickey out of
take the mickey
take the floor
take the count
take the cake
take ship
take shape
take root
take place
take part
take one's time
take notice of
take no prisoners
take kindly to
take it on the chin
take issue
take in vain
take into account
take hold
take heart
take for granted
take for a ride
take for
take five
take ten
take exception
take effect
take charge
take care of
take care
take a powder
take apart
take aim at
take a hike
take a walk
take after
take advantage of
take account of
take a bath
take a back seat
on the take
take back
take down
take home pay
take in
take off
take on
take out
take it out on
take over
take up
take up with
take up the cudgels
leave taking
well taken

take a back seat
to have or assume a secondary position or status

take a bath
to suffer a heavy financial loss

take a hike
also take a walk : to go away : LEAVE

take a powder
to leave hurriedly

take account of
to take into account

take advantage of

1 : to use to advantage : profit by
2 : to impose on : EXPLOIT also : to exploit sexually

take after
to resemble in features, build, character, or disposition

take aim at
TARGET 1 <new legislation that takes aim at crime>

take apart

1 : to disconnect the pieces of : DISASSEMBLE
2 : to treat roughly or harshly : tear into

take back
: to make a retraction of : WITHDRAW

take care
to be careful or watchful : exercise caution or prudence

take care of
to attend to or provide for the needs, operation, or treatment of

take charge
to assume care, custody, command, or control

take down
1 : to lower without removing <took down his pants>
2 a : to pull to pieces <take down a building> b : DISASSEMBLE <take a rifle down>
3 : to lower the spirit or vanity of
4 a : to write down <took down some notes> b : to record by mechanical means
intransitive verb : to become seized or attacked especially by illness

take effect

1 : to become operative
2 : to be effective

take exception
OBJECT <took exception to the remark>

take five
or take ten : to take a break especially from work

take for
to suppose to be especially : to suppose mistakenly to be

take for a ride
TRICK, CHEAT

take for granted

1 : to assume as true, real, or expected
2 : to value too lightly

take heart
to gain courage or confidence

take hold

1 : GRASP, GRIP, SEIZE
2 : to become attached or established : take effect

take in
1 : to draw into a smaller compass <take in the slack of a line>: a : FURL b : to make (a garment) smaller by enlarging seams or tucks
2 a : to receive as a guest or lodger b : to give shelter to c : to take to a police station as a prisoner
3 : to receive as payment or proceeds
4 : to receive (work) into one's house to be done for pay <take in washing>
5 : to encompass within its limits
6 a : to include in an itinerary b : ATTEND <take in a movie>
7 : to receive into the mind : PERCEIVE <took in the view>
8 : DECEIVE, DUPE

take in vain
to use (a name) profanely or without proper respect

take into account
to make allowance for

take issue
DISAGREE

take it on the chin
to suffer from the results of a situation

take it out on
to expend anger, vexation, or frustration in harassment of

take kindly to
to show an inclination to accept or approve

take no prisoners
to be merciless or relentless (as in exploiting an advantage) <a politician who takes no prisoners>

take notice of
to observe or treat with special attention

take off
1 : REMOVE <take your shoes off>
2 a : RELEASE <take the brake off> b : DISCONTINUE, WITHDRAW <took off the morning train> c : to take or allow as a discount : DEDUCT <took 10 percent off> d : to spend (a period of time) away from a usual occupation or activity <took two weeks off>
3 slang : ROB
intransitive verb
1 : to take away : DETRACT
2 a : to start off or away often suddenly : SET OUT, DEPART <took off for her trip> b (1) : to branch off (as from a main stream or stem) (2) : to take a point of origin c : to begin a leap or spring d : to leave the surface : begin flight e : to embark on rapid activity, development, or growth f : to spring into wide use or popularity

take on
1 a : to begin to perform or deal with : UNDERTAKE <took on new responsibilities> b : to contend with as an opponent <took on the neighborhood bully>
2 : ENGAGE, HIRE
3 a : to assume or acquire as or as if one's own <the city's plaza takes on a carnival air ― W. T. LeViness> b : to have as a mathematical domain or range <what values does the function take on>
intransitive verb : to show one's feelings especially of grief or anger in a demonstrative way <she cried, and took on like a distracted body ― Daniel Defoe>

take one's time
to be leisurely about doing something

take out
1 a (1) : DEDUCT, SEPARATE (2) : EXCLUDE, OMIT (3) : WITHDRAW, WITHHOLD b : to find release for : VENT <take out their resentments on one another ― J. W. Aldridge> c (1) : ELIMINATE (2) : KILL, DESTROY (3) : KNOCK OUT
2 : to take as an equivalent in another form <took the debt out in trade>
3 a : to obtain from the proper authority <take out a charter> <take out a second mortgage> b : to arrange for (insurance)
4 : to overcall (a bridge partner) in a different suit
intransitive verb : to start on a course : SET OUT
–take it out on : to expend anger, vexation, or frustration in harassment of

take over
: to assume control or possession of or responsibility for <military leaders took over the government>
intransitive verb
1 : to assume control or possession
2 : to become dominant

take part
JOIN, PARTICIPATE, SHARE

take place
HAPPEN, OCCUR

take root

1 : to become rooted
2 : to become fixed or established

take shape
to assume a definite or distinctive form

take ship
set out on a voyage by ship

take the cake
to carry off the prize : rank first

take the count

1 of a boxer : to be counted out
2 : to go down in defeat

take the floor
to rise (as in a meeting or a legislative assembly) to make a formal address

take the mickey
British : JOKE, KID

take the mickey out of
British : to make fun of : TEASE

take the plunge
to do or undertake something decisively especially after a period of hesitation or uncertainty

take to

1 : to go to or into <take to the woods>
2 : to apply or devote oneself to (as a practice, habit, or occupation) <take to begging>
3 : to adapt oneself to : respond to <takes to water like a duck>
4 : to conceive a liking for

take to court
to bring before a judicial body especially : SUE 3

take to task
to call to account for a shortcoming : CRITICIZE

take to the cleaners
to deprive of money or possessons : clean out

take turns
ALTERNATE

take up
1 : PICK UP, LIFT <took up the carpet>
2 a : to begin to occupy (land) b : to gather from a number of sources <took up a collection>
3 a : to accept or adopt for the purpose of assisting b : to accept or adopt as one's own <took up the life of a farmer> <took up Irish citizenship> c : to absorb or incorporate into itself <plants taking up nutrients>
4 a : to enter upon (as a business, hobby, or subject of study) <take up skiing> <took up the trumpet> <had taken up Marxism> b : to proceed to consider or deal with <take up one problem at a time>
5 : to establish oneself in <took up residence in town>
6 : to occupy entirely or exclusively : fill up <the meeting was taken up with old business>
7 : to make tighter or shorter <take up the slack>
8 : to respond favorably to (as a person offering a bet, challenge, or proposal) <took me up on it>
9 : to begin again or take over from another <we must take the good work up again>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a beginning where another has left off
2 : to become shortened : draw together : SHRINK
–take up the cudgels : to engage vigorously in a defense or dispute
–take up with
1 : to become interested or absorbed in
2 : to begin to associate or consort with

take up the cudgels
to engage vigorously in a defense or dispute

take up with

1 : to become interested or absorbed in
2 : to begin to associate or consort with

take-charge
: having the qualities of a forceful leader <a take-charge executive>

take-home pay
: income remaining from salary or wages after deductions (as for income-tax withholding)

take-in
: an act of taking in especially by deceiving

take-no-prisoners
: having a fierce, relentless, or merciless character <take-no-prisoners politics>

take-out
: of, relating to, selling, or being food not to be consumed on the premises <take-out counter> <a take-out supper>

take-up
: the action of taking up

takeaway
n. 1 : the first movement of the backswing in golf
2 chiefly British : TAKEOUT
3 : an act or instance of taking possession of the ball or puck from an opposing team
–takeaway adjective

takedown
n. 1 : the action or an act of taking down
2 : something (as a rifle) having takedown construction

takedown
n. : constructed so as to be readily taken apart <a takedown rifle>

taken
adj. past part of take

takeoff
n. 1 : an imitation especially in the way of caricature
2 a : a spot at which one takes off b : a starting point : point of departure
3 a : a rise or leap from a surface in making a jump or flight or an ascent in an aircraft or in the launching of a rocket b : an action of starting out c : a rapid rise in activity, growth, or popularity <an economic takeoff>
4 : an action of removing something
5 : a mechanism for transmission of the power of an engine or vehicle to operate some other mechanism

takeout
n. 1 : the action or an act of taking out
2 a : something taken out or prepared to be taken out b (1) : an article (as in a newspaper) printed on consecutive pages so as to be conveniently removed (2) : an intensive study or report
3 a : prepared food packaged to be consumed away from its place of sale b : an establishment selling takeout

takeout double
: a double made in bridge to convey information to and request a bid from one's partner

takeover
n. : the action or an act of taking over

Takeshita
Noboru 1924-2000 prime min. of Japan (1987-89)

takin
n. : a large heavily built bovid ruminant (Budorcas taxicolor) of Tibet and adjacent areas of Asia that is related to the goats and the musk ox and that has horns in both sexes arising near the midline of the head and sweeping abruptly outward and then backward and upward

takings
n. chiefly British : receipts especially of money

Takkakaw
waterfall 1650 ft (503 m) Canada in SE B.C. in Yoho National Park; highest in Canada

Taklimakan
desert W China in cen Xinjiang Uygur bet. Tian Shan & Kunlun Mountains

tala
n. : one of the ancient traditional rhythmic patterns of South Asian music ― compare RAGA

tala
n. ― see MONEY table

Talaud Islands
islands Indonesia NE of Sulawesi area 494 sq mi (1284 sq km), pop 194,253

Talbot
: a large heavy mostly white hound with pendulous ears and drooping flews held to be ancestral to the bloodhound

talc
n. 1 : a very soft mineral that is a basic silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder
2 : TALCUM POWDER
–talc·ose \'tal-ˌkōs\ adjective

Talca
city cen Chile S of Santiago pop 201,797

Talcahuano
city & port S cen Chile NW of Concepción pop 250,348

talcum powder
1 : powdered talc
2 : a toilet powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and a mild antiseptic

tale
n. 1 obsolete : DISCOURSE, TALK
2 a : a series of events or facts told or presented : ACCOUNT b (1) : a report of a private or confidential matter <dead men tell no tales> (2) : a libelous report or piece of gossip
3 a : a usually imaginative narrative of an event : STORY b : an intentionally untrue report : FALSEHOOD <always preferred the tale to the truth ― Sir Winston Churchill>
4 a : COUNT, TALLY b : TOTAL

tale
n. fairy tale
old wives' tale
tale teller
tale telling

tale-teller
1 : one who tells tales or stories
2 : TALEBEARER
–tale-tell·ing \-ˌte-liŋ\ adjective or noun

talebearer
n. : one that spreads gossip or rumors also : TATTLETALE
–tale·bear·ing \-iŋ\ adjective or noun

taleggio
n. : a soft creamy cheese made from the whole milk of cows

talent
n. 1 a : any of several ancient units of weight b : a unit of value equal to the value of a talent of gold or silver
2 archaic : a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal
3 : the natural endowments of a person
4 a : a special often creative or artistic aptitude b : general intelligence or mental power : ABILITY
5 : a person of talent or a group of persons of talent in a field or activity
synonyms see GIFT
–tal·ent·ed \-lən-təd\ adjective
–tal·ent·less \-lənt-ləs\ adjective

talent scout
: a person engaged in discovering and recruiting people of talent for a specialized field or activity

talent show
: a show consisting of a series of individual performances (as singing) by amateurs who may be selected for special recognition as performing talent

taler
n. : any of numerous silver coins issued by various German states from the 15th to the 19th centuries

talesman
n. 1 : a person added to a jury usually from among bystanders to make up a deficiency in the available number of jurors
2 : a member of a large pool of persons called for jury duty from which jurors are selected

tali
pref. plural of talus

talipes
n. : CLUBFOOT

talisman
n. 1 : an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
2 : something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
–tal·is·man·ic \ˌta-ləs-'ma-nik, -ləz-\ adjective
–tal·is·man·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

talk
n. transitive verb
1 : to deliver or express in speech : UTTER
2 : to make the subject of conversation or discourse : DISCUSS <talk business>
3 : to influence, affect, or cause by talking <talked them into going>
4 : to use (a language) for conversing or communicating : SPEAK
intransitive verb
1 a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words b : to convey information or communicate in any way (as with signs or sounds) <can make a trumpet talk> <make the computer talk to the printer>
2 : to use speech : SPEAK
3 a : to speak idly : PRATE b : GOSSIP c : to reveal secret or confidential information
4 : to give a talk : LECTURE
–talk·er noun
–talk back : to answer impertinently
–talk sense : to voice rational, logical, or sensible thoughts
–talk through one's hat : to voice irrational, illogical, or erroneous ideas
–talk turkey : to speak frankly or bluntly

talk
n. 1 : the act or an instance of talking : SPEECH
2 : a way of speaking : LANGUAGE
3 : pointless or fruitless discussion : VERBIAGE
4 : a formal discussion, negotiation, or exchange of views ― often used in plural
5 a : MENTION, REPORT b : RUMOR, GOSSIP
6 : the topic of interested comment, conversation, or gossip <it's the talk of the town>
7 a : ADDRESS, LECTURE b : written analysis or discussion presented in an informal or conversational manner
8 : communicative sounds or signs resembling or functioning as talk <bird talk>

talk
n. baby talk
back talk
chalk talk
cross talk
double talk
fast talk
happy talk
pep talk
pillow talk
small talk
sweet talk
table talk
talk turkey
talk through one's hat
talk sense
talk back
talk down
talk out
talk over
talk radio
talk show
talk therapy
talk up
trash talk
talking book
talking head
talking machine
talking point
talking to
double talker
fast talker
trash talker

talk back
to answer impertinently

talk down
: to speak in a condescending or oversimplified fashion
transitive verb : to disparage or belittle by talking

talk out
: to clarify or settle by oral discussion

talk over
: to review or consider in conversation : DISCUSS

talk radio
: radio programming consisting of call-in shows

talk sense
to voice rational, logical, or sensible thoughts

talk show
: a radio or television program in which usually well-known persons engage in discussions or are interviewed

talk therapy
: psychotherapy emphasizing conversation between therapist and patient

talk through one's hat
to voice irrational, illogical, or erroneous ideas

talk turkey
to speak frankly or bluntly

talk up
: to discuss favorably : ADVOCATE, PROMOTE <talk up the new product>
intransitive verb : to speak up plainly or directly

talkathon
n. : a long session of discussion or speech-making

talkative
adj. : given to talking also : full of talk
–talk·a·tive·ly adverb
–talk·a·tive·ness noun
synonyms TALKATIVE, LOQUACIOUS, GARRULOUS, VOLUBLE mean given to talk or talking. TALKATIVE may imply a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation <a talkative neighbor>. LOQUACIOUS suggests the power of expressing oneself articulately, fluently, or glibly <a loquacious spokesperson>. GARRULOUS implies prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity <garrulous traveling companions>. VOLUBLE suggests a free, easy, and unending loquacity <a voluble raconteur>.

talkie
n. : a motion picture with a synchronized sound track

talking book
: AUDIOBOOK

talking head
: the televised head and shoulders shot of a person talking also : a television personality who appears in such shots

talking machine
: an early phonograph

talking point
: something that lends support to an argument also : a subject of discussion

talking-to
: REPRIMAND, LECTURE

talky
adj. 1 : TALKATIVE
2 : containing too much talk
–talk·i·ness \-nəs\ noun

tall
adj. 1 obsolete : BRAVE, COURAGEOUS
2 a : high in stature b : of a specified height <five feet tall>
3 a : of considerable height <tall trees> b : long from bottom to top <a tall book> c : of a higher growing variety or species of plant
4 a : large or formidable in amount, extent, or degree <a tall order to fill> b : POMPOUS, HIGH-FLOWN <tall talk about the vast mysteries of life ― W. A. White> c : highly exaggerated : INCREDIBLE, IMPROBABLE <a tall story>
synonyms see HIGH
–tall adverb
–tall·ish \'tȯ-lish\ adjective
–tall·ness \'tȯl-nəs\ noun

tall
adj. stand tall
tall fescue
tall fescue grass
tall oil
tall ship

tall fescue
: a European fescue (Festuca elatior syn. F. arundinacea) with erect smooth stems three to four feet (about one meter) high that has been introduced into No. America ― called also tall fescue grass ― compare FESCUE FOOT

tall oil
: a resinous by-product from the manufacture of chemical wood pulp used especially in making soaps, coatings, and oils

tall ship
: a sailing vessel with at least two masts especially : SQUARE-RIGGER

tallage
n. : an impost or due levied by a lord upon his tenants

Tallahassee
n. city N Fla., its capital pop 150,624

Tallahatchie
river 230 mi (370 km) N Miss. flowing SW

Tallapoosa
river 268 mi (431 km) NW Ga. & E Ala. flowing SW to join the Coosa forming Alabama River

tallboy
n. 1 a : HIGHBOY b : a double chest of drawers usually with the upper section slightly smaller than the lower
2 British : CLOTHESPRESS

Tallchief
Maria 1925-     American dancer

Talleyrand-Perigord
Charles-Maurice de 1754-1838 Prince de Bénévent Fr. statesman

tallgrass prairie
: PRAIRIE 2A

Tallinn
n. city & port capital of Estonia pop 398,434

Tallis
Thomas ca 1505-1585 Eng. composer & organist

tallith
n. : a shawl with fringed corners worn over the head or shoulders by Jewish men especially during morning prayers

tallow
n. : the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants
–tal·lowy \'ta-lə-wē\ adjective

tallow
n. : to grease or smear with tallow

tally
n. 1 : a device (as a notched rod or mechanical counter) for visibly recording or accounting especially business transactions
2 a : a recorded reckoning or account (as of items or charges) <keep a daily tally of accidents> b : a score or point made (as in a game)
3 a : a part that corresponds to an opposite or companion member : COMPLEMENT b : a state of correspondence or agreement

tally
n. transitive verb
1 a : to record on or as if on a tally : TABULATE b : to list or check off (as a cargo) by items c : to register (as a score) in a contest
2 : to make a count of : RECKON
3 : to cause to correspond
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a tally by or as if by tabulating b : to register a point in a contest : SCORE
2 : CORRESPOND, MATCH

tallyho
interj. 1 : a call of a huntsman at sight of the fox
2 [Tally-ho, name of a coach formerly plying between London and Birmingham] : a four-in-hand coach

tallyman
n. 1 British : one who sells goods on the installment plan
2 : one who tallies, checks, or keeps an account or record (as of receipt of goods)

Talmud
n. : the authoritative body of Jewish tradition comprising the Mishnah and Gemara
–Tal·mu·dic \tal-'mü-dik, -'myü-, -'mə-; täl-'mu̇-\ adjective
–tal·mud·ism \'täl-ˌmu̇-ˌdi-zəm, 'tal-, -mə-\ noun often cap

Talmudist
n. : a specialist in Talmudic studies

talon
n. 1 a : the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey b : a finger or hand of a human being
2 : a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: as a : an ogee molding b : the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt
3 a : cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire b : STOCK 10C
–tal·oned \-lənd\ adjective

talus
n. 1 : a slope formed especially by an accumulation of rock debris
2 : rock debris at the base of a cliff

talus
n. 1 : the human tarsal bone that bears the weight of the body and that together with the tibia and fibula forms the ankle joint
2 : the entire ankle

tam
: TAM-O'-SHANTER

tam
Tam o' Shanter
tam o' shanter
tam tam

Tam o' Shanter
1 \ˌta-mə-'shan-tər\ : the hero of Burns's poem Tam o' Shanter
2 usually tam-o'-shanter \'ta-mə-ˌ\ : a woolen cap of Scottish origin with a tight headband, wide flat circular crown, and usually a pompon in the center

tam-tam
1 : TOM-TOM
2 : GONG especially : one of a tuned set in a gamelan orchestra

Tamale
n. town N Ghana pop 135,952

tamale
n. : cornmeal dough rolled with ground meat or beans seasoned usually with chili, wrapped usually in corn husks, and steamed

Tamalpais, Mount
mountain 2572 ft (784 m) W Calif. NW of San Francisco

Taman'
peninsula S Russia in Europe in Ciscaucasia bet. Sea of Azov & Black Sea

tamandua
n. : either of two arboreal anteaters (Tamandua mexicana and T. tetradactyla) of Central and So. America having a nearly hairless tail

Tamanrasset
wadi & oasis SE Algeria

Tamar
n. 1 river 40 mi (64 km) Australia in N Tasmania flowing N to Bass Strait
2 river 60 mi (96 km) SW England flowing SE from NW Devon into English Channel

Tamarac
city SE Fla. pop 55,588

tamarack
n. 1 : any of several American larches especially : a larch (Larix laricina) of northern No. America that inhabits usually moist or wet areas
2 : the wood of a tamarack

tamari
n. : an aged soy sauce prepared with little or no added wheat

tamarillo
n. : the reddish edible fruit of an arborescent shrub (Cyphomandra betacea) of the nightshade family that is native to So. America but is grown commercially elsewhere also : the shrub itself

tamarin
n. : any of numerous small chiefly So. American monkeys (genera Saguinus and Leontopithecus) that are related to the marmosets and have silky fur, a long tail, and lower canine teeth that are longer than the incisors

tamarind
n. : a tropical Old World tree (Tamarindus indica) of the legume family with hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers also : its fruit which has an acid pulp often used for preserves or in a cooling laxative drink

tamarisk
n. : any of a genus (Tamarix of the family Tamaricaceae, the tamarisk family) of chiefly Old World desert shrubs and trees having tiny narrow leaves and masses of minute flowers with five stamens and a one-celled ovary ― called also salt cedar

Tamatave
― see TOAMASINA

Tamaulipas
state NE Mexico bordering on Gulf of Mexico capital Ciudad Victoria area 30,822 sq mi (79,829 sq km), pop 2,249,581

Tamayo
Rufino 1899-1991 Mex. painter

tambala
n. ― see kwacha at MONEY table

Tambora
volcano 9350 ft (2850 m) Indonesia on Sumbawa Is.

tambour
n. 1 : 1DRUM 1
2 a : an embroidery frame especially : a set of two interlocking hoops between which cloth is stretched before stitching b : embroidery made on a tambour frame
3 : a shallow metallic cup or drum with a thin elastic membrane supporting a writing lever used to transmit and register slight motions (as arterial pulsations)
4 : a rolling top or front (as of a rolltop desk) of narrow strips of wood glued on canvas

tambour
n. : to embroider (cloth) with tambour
intransitive verb : to work at a tambour frame
–tam·bour·er noun

tamboura
n. : an Asian musical instrument resembling a lute in construction but without frets and used to produce a drone accompaniment to singing

tambourine
n. : a small drum especially : a shallow one-headed drum with loose metallic disks at the sides played especially by shaking or striking with the hand

Tambov
city S cen Russia in Europe SE of Moscow pop 311,000

tame
adj. 1 : reduced from a state of native wildness especially so as to be tractable and useful to humans : DOMESTICATED <tame animals>
2 : made docile and submissive : SUBDUED
3 : lacking spirit, zest, interest, or the capacity to excite : INSIPID <a tame campaign>
–tame·ly adverb
–tame·ness noun

tame
adj. transitive verb
1 a : to reduce from a wild to a domestic state b : to subject to cultivation c : to bring under control : HARNESS
2 : to deprive of spirit : HUMBLE, SUBDUE <the once revolutionary⋯party, long since tamed ― Times Lit. Supp.>
3 : to tone down : SOFTEN <tamed the language in the play>
intransitive verb : to become tame
–tam·able or tame·able \'tā-mə-bəl\ adjective
–tam·er noun

tameless
adj. : not tamed or not capable of being tamed

Tamerlane
― see TIMUR

Tamil
n. 1 : a Dravidian language of Tamil Nadu state, India, and of northern and eastern Sri Lanka
2 : a Tamil-speaking person or a descendant of Tamil-speaking ancestors

Tamil Nadu
n. state SE India bordering on Bay of Bengal capital Madras area 50,180 sq mi (129,966 sq km), pop 55,858,946

Tammany
n. : of, relating to, or constituting a group or organization exercising or seeking municipal political control by methods often associated with corruption and bossism
–Tam·ma·ny·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Tammuz
n. : the 10th month of the civil year or the 4th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

tamoxifen
n. : an estrogen antagonist C_26H_29NO used in the form of its citrate especially to treat postmenopausal breast cancer

tamp
v. 1 : to drive in or down by a succession of light or medium blows <tamp wet concrete>
2 : to put a check on : REDUCE, LESSEN <tamp down rumors>
–tamp·er noun

tamp
v. : a tool for tamping

Tampa
n. city W Fla. on Tampa Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico) pop 303,447
–Tam·pan \-pən\ adjective or noun

tamper
v. 1 : to carry on underhand or improper negotiations (as by bribery)
2 a : to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse ― used with with <did not want to tamper with tradition> b : to try foolish or dangerous experiments ― used with with c : to render something harmful or dangerous by altering its structure or composition <was charged with tampering with consumer products>
–tam·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun
–tam·per·proof \'tam-pər-ˌprüf\ adjective

Tampere
city SW Finland pop 197,774

Tampico
city & port E Mexico in S Tamaulipas on the Pánuco 7 mi (11 km) from its mouth pop 271,636

tampion
n. : a wooden plug or a metal or canvas cover for the muzzle of a gun

tampon
n. : a wad of absorbent material (as of cotton) introduced into a body cavity or canal usually to absorb secretions (as from menstruation) or to arrest hemorrhaging

tampon
n. : to place or insert a tampon into

Tamworth
n. : any of a breed of large long-bodied red swine developed in England especially for the production of bacon

tan
n. transitive verb
1 a : to convert (hide) into leather by treatment with an infusion of tannin-rich bark or other agent of similar effect b : to convert (protein) to leather or a similar substance
2 : to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun
3 : THRASH, WHIP
intransitive verb : to get or become tanned

tan
n. 1 : of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning
2 : of the color tan

tan
n. 1 : a tanning material or its active agent (as tannin)
2 : a brown color imparted to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
3 : a light yellowish brown
4 plural : tan-colored articles of clothing

tan
n. tangent

tan
n. Tan tung
Mu tan chiang
black and tan
black and tan coonhound
fan tan
tan oak
self tanner
tanner crab

tan oak
: a U.S. Pacific coast evergreen tree (Lithocarpus densiflora) of the beech family that has erect staminate catkins and furrowed brown bark rich in tannins

Tan-tung
― see DANDONG

Tana
n. river 440 mi (708 km) E Africa in Kenya flowing into the Indian Ocean

Tana, Lake
lake NW Ethiopia; source of the Blue Nile area 1418 sq mi (3687 sq km)

tanager
n. : any of numerous chiefly tropical American oscine birds (family Thraupidae) that are often brightly colored and inhabit mostly woodlands ― compare SCARLET TANAGER

Tanagra
village E cen Greece E of Thebes; an important town of ancient Boeotia

Tanaka
Koichi 1959-     Jp. engineer

Tanana
river 550 mi (885 km) E & cen Alaska flowing NW into Yukon River

Tananarive, Tananarivo
― see ANTANANARIVO

tanbark
n. 1 : a bark rich in tannin bruised or cut into small pieces and used in tanning
2 : a surface (as a circus ring) covered with spent tanbark

Tancred
1078?-1112 Norman leader in 1st Crusade

tandem
n. 1 a (1) : a 2-seated carriage drawn by horses harnessed one before the other (2) : a team so harnessed b : TANDEM BICYCLE c : a vehicle (as a motortruck) having close-coupled pairs of axles
2 : a group of two or more arranged one behind the other or used or acting in conjunction
–in tandem
1 : in a tandem arrangement
2 : in partnership or conjunction

tandem
n. : one after or behind another <ride tandem>

tandem
n. 1 : consisting of things or having parts arranged one behind the other
2 : working or occurring in conjunction with each other

tandem
n. in tandem
tandem bicycle
tandem repeat

tandem bicycle
: a bicycle for usually two persons sitting tandem

tandem repeat
: any of several identical DNA segments lying one after the other in a sequence

tandoor
n. : a cylindrical clay oven in which food is cooked over charcoal

tandoori
adj. : cooked in a tandoor <tandoori chicken>
–tandoori noun

Tandy
n. Jessica 1909-1994 American (Brit.-born) actress

Taney
Roger Brooke 1777-1864 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1836-64)

Tanezrouft
extremely arid region of W Sahara in SW Algeria & N Mali

Tang
n. : a Chinese dynasty dated A.D. 618-907 and marked by wide contacts with other cultures and by the development of printing and the flourishing of poetry and art

tang
n. 1 : a projecting shank, prong, fang, or tongue (as on a knife, file, or sword) to connect with the handle
2 a : a sharp distinctive often lingering flavor b : a pungent odor c : something having the effect of a tang (as in stimulation of the senses) <the tang of the autumn air> <add tang to your writing>
3 a : a faint suggestion : TRACE <my comment held a tang of sarcasm> b : a distinguishing characteristic that sets apart or gives a special individuality
4 : any of various surgeonfishes ― compare BLUE TANG
–tanged \'taŋd\ adjective

tang
n. 1 : to furnish with a tang
2 : to affect with a tang

tang
n. : CLANG, RING

tang
n. : a sharp twanging sound

tang
n. blue tang
Lin Yu t'ang
Lin Yü t'ang
T'ang T'ai Tsung

Tanga
n. city & port Tanzania on NE mainland pop 187,634

tanga
n. : a former monetary unit equal to 1/100 Tajikistan ruble

Tanganyika
former country E Africa bet. Lake Tanganyika & Indian Ocean; administered by Britain 1920-61; became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations 1961 capital Dar es Salaam; since 1964 united with Zanzibar as Tanzania ― see GERMAN EAST AFRICA
–Tan·gan·yi·kan \-kən\ adjective or noun

Tanganyika, Lake
lake E Africa in Great Rift Valley bet. Democratic Republic of the Congo & Tanzania area 12,700 sq mi (33,020 sq km)

Tange
Kenzo 1913-     Jp. architect

tangelo
n. : the fruit of a tree (Citrus × tangelo) that is a hybrid between a tangerine or mandarin orange and a grapefruit also : the tree

tangency
n. : the quality or state of being tangent

tangent
n. 1 a : meeting a curve or surface in a single point if a sufficiently small interval is considered <straight line tangent to a curve> b (1) : having a common tangent line at a point <tangent curves> (2) : having a common tangent plane at a point <tangent surfaces>
2 : diverging from an original purpose or course : IRRELEVANT <tangent remarks>

tangent
n. 1 a : the trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the leg opposite to the angle when it is considered part of a right triangle and the leg adjacent b : a trigonometric function that is equal to the sine divided by the cosine for all real numbers θ for which the cosine is not equal to zero and is exactly equal to the tangent of an angle of measure θ in radians
2 : a line that is tangent specifically : a straight line that is the limiting position of a secant of a curve through a fixed point and a variable point on the curve as the variable point approaches the fixed point
3 : an abrupt change of course : DIGRESSION <the speaker went off on a tangent>
4 : a small upright flat-ended metal pin at the inner end of a clavichord key that strikes the string to produce the tone

tangent plane
: the plane through a point of a surface that contains the tangent lines to all the curves on the surface through the same point

tangential
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or of the nature of a tangent
2 : acting along or lying in a tangent <tangential forces>
3 a : DIVERGENT, DIGRESSIVE b : touching lightly : INCIDENTAL, PERIPHERAL <tangential involvement> also : of little relevance <arguments tangential to the main point>
–tan·gen·tial·ly \-'jen(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

tangerine
n. 1 a : any of various mandarin oranges that have usually deep orange skin and pulp broadly : MANDARIN 3B b : a tree producing tangerines
2 : a moderate to strong reddish orange

tangible
n. 1 a : capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch : PALPABLE b : substantially real : MATERIAL
2 : capable of being precisely identified or realized by the mind <her grief was tangible>
3 : capable of being appraised at an actual or approximate value <tangible assets>
synonyms see PERCEPTIBLE
–tan·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌtan-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–tan·gi·ble·ness \'tan-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–tan·gi·bly \-blē\ adverb

tangible
n. : something tangible especially : a tangible asset

Tangier
adj. 1 city & port N Morocco on Strait of Gibraltar; summer capital of Morocco pop 187,894
2 the International Zone of Tangier ― see MOROCCO
–Tan·ger·ine \ˌtan-jə-'rēn\ adjective or noun

tangle
n. transitive verb
1 : to involve so as to hamper, obstruct, or embarrass
2 : to seize and hold in or as if in a snare : ENTRAP
3 : to unite or knit together in intricate confusion
intransitive verb
1 : to interact in a contentious or conflicting way
2 : to become entangled

tangle
n. 1 : a tangled twisted mass : SNARL
2 a : a complicated or confused state or condition b : a state of perplexity or complete bewilderment
3 : a serious altercation : DISPUTE
4 : NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLE

tangle
n. : a large seaweed

tangled
adj. 1 : existing in or giving the appearance of a state of utter disorder
2 : very involved : exceedingly complex

tanglement
n. : ENTANGLEMENT

tangly
adj. : full of tangles or knots : INTRICATE

Tango
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter t

tango
n. 1 : a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin in 2/4 time with a basic pattern of step-step-step-step-close and characterized by long pauses and stylized body positions also : the music for this dance
2 : interaction marked by a lack of straightforwardness <the suspect's tango with police>

tango
n. : to dance the tango

tangram
n. : a Chinese puzzle made by cutting a square of thin material into five triangles, a square, and a rhomboid which are capable of being recombined in many different figures

Tangshan
city NE China in E Hebei pop 1,044,194

Tanguy
Yves 1900-1955 American (Fr.-born) artist

tangy
adj. : having or suggestive of a tang

Tanimbar Islands
islands Indonesia in SE Moluccas ENE of Timor pop 50,000

Tanis
ancient city N Egypt in E Nile Delta near Lake Tanis

Tanis, Lake
― see MANZALA (Lake)

Tanjungkarang
city & port Indonesia in S Sumatra pop 636,706

Tanjungpriok
port of Jakarta, Indonesia

tank
n. 1 dialect : POND, POOL especially : one built as a water supply
2 : a usually large receptacle for holding, transporting, or storing liquids (as water or fuel)
3 : an enclosed heavily armed and armored combat vehicle that moves on tracks
4 : a prison cell or enclosure used especially for receiving prisoners
5 : TANK TOP
–tank·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–tank·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–in the tank or into the tank : in or into a decline or slump <the sullen student's grades went into the tank>

tank
n. 1 : to place, store, or treat in a tank
2 : to make no effort to win : lose intentionally <tanked the match>
intransitive verb
1 : to lose intentionally : give up in competition
2 : to suffer rapid decline, failure, or collapse <bought a stock that quickly tanked>

tank
n. into the tank
drop tank
drunk tank
septic tank
in the tank
tank car
tank destroyer
tank suit
tank top
tank town
think tank

tank car
: a railroad car for transporting liquids or gases in bulk

tank destroyer
: a highly mobile lightly armored vehicle usually on a half-track or a tank chassis and mounting a cannon

tank suit
: a one-piece bathing suit with usually wide shoulder straps

tank top
: a sleeveless collarless shirt with usually wide shoulder straps and no front opening

tank town
: a small town

tanka
n. : an unrhymed Japanese verse form of five lines containing five, seven, five, seven, and seven syllables respectively also : a poem in this form ― compare HAIKU

tankage
n. 1 a : the aggregate of tanks required for a purpose b : the capacity or contents of a tank
2 : dried animal residues usually freed from the fat and gelatin and used as fertilizer and feedstuff
3 : the act or process of putting or storing in tanks

tankard
n. : a tall one-handled drinking vessel especially : a silver or pewter mug with a lid

tanked
adj. slang : DRUNK 1A ― often used with up

tanker
n. 1 a : a cargo ship fitted with tanks for carrying liquid in bulk b : a vehicle on which a tank is mounted to carry fluids also : a cargo airplane for transporting fuel
2 : a member of a military tank crew

tankini
n. : a woman's two-piece swimsuit consisting of bikini briefs and a tank top

Tanna
island SW Pacific in Vanuatu pop 19,825

tannage
: the act, process, or result of tanning

tannate
n. : a compound of a tannin

Tannenberg
― see STęBARK

tanner
n. 1 : one that tans hides
2 : one who acquires or seeks to acquire a suntan

tanner
n. British : SIXPENCE

tanner crab
: any of several spider crabs (genus Chionoecetes) especially : SNOW CRAB

tannery
n. : a place where tanning is carried on

tannic
adj. 1 : of, resembling, or derived from tan or a tannin
2 of wine : containing an abundance of tannins : markedly astringent

tannic acid
: TANNIN 1

tannin
n. 1 : any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used especially in tanning leather and dyeing fabric, manufacturing ink, clarifying wine and beer, and in medicine
2 : a substance that has a tanning effect

tanning
n. 1 : the art or process by which a skin is tanned
2 : a browning of the skin especially by exposure to sun
3 : a sound spanking
4 : a natural darkening and hardening of the cuticle of an insect immediately after molting

tannish
: somewhat tan

Tanoan
n. : a family of American Indian languages spoken in New Mexico and Arizona
–Tanoan adjective

tansy
n. : a common Old World composite herb (Tanacetum vulgare) that is naturalized in No. America and has bitter-tasting finely divided aromatic leaves and clustered yellow flower heads lacking ray flowers broadly : a plant of the same genus

tansy ragwort
: an Old World yellow-flowered senecio (Senecio jacobaea) that is naturalized in No. America and is toxic to livestock

tant mieux
: so much the better

tant pis
: so much the worse : too bad

Tanta
city N Egypt in cen Nile Delta pop 372,000

tantalate
: a salt containing tantalum in combination with oxygen

tantalise
v. British variant of tantalize, tantalizing

tantalite
n. : a mineral consisting of a heavy dark lustrous oxide of tantalum and usually other metals (as iron or manganese)

tantalize
v. transitive verb : to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach
intransitive verb : to cause one to be tantalized
–tan·ta·liz·er noun

tantalizing
adj. : possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest also : mockingly or teasingly out of reach
–tan·ta·liz·ing·ly adverb

tantalum
n. : a gray-white ductile acid-resisting metallic element found combined in rare minerals (as tantalite and columbite) and used especially in electronic components ― see ELEMENT table

Tantalus
n. 1 : a legendary king of Lydia condemned to stand up to the chin in a pool of water in Hades and beneath fruit-laden boughs only to have the water or fruit recede at each attempt to drink or eat
2 not capitalized : a locked cellarette with contents visible but not obtainable without a key

tantamount
adj. : equivalent in value, significance, or effect <a relationship tantamount to marriage>

tantara
n. : the blare of a trumpet or horn

tantivy
n. : at a gallop

tantivy
n. 1 : a rapid gallop or ride
2 : TANTARA

tantra
n. : one of the later Hindu or Buddhist scriptures dealing especially with techniques and rituals including meditative and sexual practices also : the rituals or practices outlined in the tantra
–tan·tric \-trik\ adjective often cap
–Tan·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun
–Tan·trist \-trist\ noun

tantrum
n. : a fit of bad temper

tanuki
n. : the fur of a raccoon dog also : RACCOON DOG

tanyard
n. : the section or part of a tannery housing tanning vats

Tanzania
n. republic E Africa formed 1964 by union of Tanganyika & Zanzibar capital Dar es Salaam area 364,900 sq mi (945,091 sq km), pop 26,542,000
–Tan·za·ni·an \-'nē-ən\ adjective or noun

tanzanite
: a mineral that is a deep blue variety of zoisite and is used as a gemstone

Tao
n. 1 a : the unconditional and unknowable source and guiding principle of all reality as conceived by Taoists b : the process of nature by which all things change and which is to be followed for a life of harmony
2 often not capitalized : the path of virtuous conduct as conceived by Confucians
3 often not capitalized : the art or skill of doing something in harmony with the essential nature of the thing <the Tao of archery>

Taoism
n. 1 : a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the sixth century B.C. that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity
2 : a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means
–Tao·ist \-ist\ adjective or noun
–Tao·is·tic \dau̇-'is-tik, tau̇-\ adjective

Taormina
commune Italy in NE Sicily pop 10,697

tap
n. 1 a : a plug for a hole (as in a cask) : SPIGOT b : a device consisting of a spout and valve attached to the end of a pipe to control the flow of a fluid : FAUCET
2 a : a liquor drawn through a tap b : the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity)
3 : a tool for forming an internal screw thread
4 : an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made
5 : WIRETAP
–on tap
1 : ready to be drawn from a large container (as a cask or keg) <ale on tap>
2 : broached or furnished with a tap
3 : on hand : AVAILABLE <services instantly on tap ― Hugh Dwan>
4 : coming up <other matches on tap ― H. W. Wind>

tap
n. 1 : to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel <tap wine from a cask>
2 a : to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid <tap maple trees> b : to draw out, from, or upon <tap new sources of revenue> <the story taps powerful emotions>
3 : to cut in on (as a telephone or radio signal) to get information
4 : to form an internal screw thread in by means of a tap
5 : to get money from as a loan or gift
6 : to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply
–tap·per noun
–tap into : to make a strong or advantageous connection with <trying to tap into a new market>

tap
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
2 : to give a light blow with <tap a pencil on the table>
3 : to bring about by repeated light blows <tap out a story on the typewriter>
4 : to repair by putting a tap on
5 : SELECT, DESIGNATE <was tapped for police commissioner> specifically : to elect to membership (as in a fraternity)
intransitive verb
1 : to strike a light audible blow : RAP
2 : to walk with light audible steps
3 : TAP-DANCE
–tap·per noun

tap
n. 1 a : a light usually audible blow also : its sound b : one of several usually rapid drumbeats on a snare drum
2 : HALF SOLE
3 : a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe
4 : TAP DANCE 1
5 : FLAP 7

tap
n. slip tap
love tap
spinal tap
on tap
tap into
tap dance
tap dancing
tap dancer
tap in
tap off
tap out
tap pants
tap water
tapped out

tap dance
1 : a step dance tapped out audibly by means of shoes with hard soles or soles and heels to which taps have been added
2 : something suggesting a tap dance especially : an action or discourse intended to rationalize or distract <does a clever tap dance to explain ― Campbell Geeslin>
–tap-dance intransitive verb
–tap dancer noun
–tap dancing noun

tap into
to make a strong or advantageous connection with <trying to tap into a new market>

tap out
: to run out of money by betting

tap pants
: a loose-fitting woman's undergarment of a style similar to shorts formerly worn for tap dancing

tap water
: water as it comes from a tap (as in a home)

tap-in
1 : TIP-IN
2 : a very short easy putt in golf

tap-off
: 2TIP-OFF

tapa
n. : a coarse cloth made in the Pacific islands from the pounded bark especially of the paper mulberry and usually decorated with geometric patterns

tapa
n. : an hors d'oeuvre served with drinks especially in Spanish bars ― usually used in plural

Tapajos
river N Brazil flowing NE into the Amazon ― see JURUENA

tape
n. 1 : a narrow woven fabric
2 : a string or ribbon stretched breast-high above the finish line of a race
3 : a narrow flexible strip or band: as a : ADHESIVE TAPE b : MAGNETIC TAPE also : CASSETTE 2B
4 : TAPE RECORDING

tape
n. transitive verb
1 : to fasten, tie, bind, cover, or support with tape
2 : to record on tape and especially magnetic tape <tape an interview>
intransitive verb : to record something on tape and especially magnetic tape

tape
n. 1 : recorded on tape <tape music>
2 : intended for use with recording (as magnetic) tape <a tape cartridge>

tape
n. adhesive tape
bias tape
duct tape
friction tape
magnetic tape
mag tape
masking tape
red tape
tape deck
tape grass
tape measure
tape record
tape recorder
tape recording
ticker tape

tape deck
: a device used to play back and often to record on magnetic tape that usually has to be connected to an audio system

tape grass
: any of several submerged aquatic monocotyledonous plants (genus Vallisneria of the family Hydrocharitaceae) with long ribbonlike leaves ― called also eelgrass wild celery

tape measure
: a narrow strip (as of a limp cloth or steel tape) marked off in units (as inches or centimeters) for measuring

tape recorder
: a device for recording on and playing back magnetic tape

tape recording
: magnetic recording on magnetic tape also : a recording made by this process

tape-record
: to make a recording of on magnetic tape

tapenade
n. : a seasoned spread made chiefly with mashed black olives, capers, and anchovies

taper
n. 1 a : a slender candle b : a long waxed wick used especially for lighting candles, lamps, pipes, or fires c : a feeble light
2 a : a tapering form or figure b : gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or width in an elongated object c : a gradual decrease

taper
n. 1 : progressively narrowed toward one end
2 : furnished with or adjusted to a scale : GRADUATED <taper freight rates>

taper
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become progressively smaller toward one end
2 : to diminish gradually
transitive verb : to cause to taper

taper
n. : one that applies or dispenses tape

taper off
: TAPER <housing starts tapered off in the fall>

taperer
n. : one who bears a taper in a religious procession

taperstick
: a candlestick that holds tapers

tapestried
adj. 1 : covered or decorated with or as if with tapestry
2 : woven or depicted in tapestry

tapestry
n. 1 a : a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial designs b : a nonreversible imitation of tapestry used chiefly for upholstery c : embroidery on canvas resembling woven tapestry <needlepoint tapestry>
2 : something resembling tapestry (as in complexity or richness of design) <nature's rich tapestry>

tapestry carpet
: a carpet in which the designs are printed in colors on the threads before the fabric is woven

tapetum
n. 1 : any of various reflective membranous layers or areas especially of the choroid and retina of the eye
2 : a layer of nutritive cells that invests the sporogenous tissue in the sporangium of vascular plants

tapeworm
n. : any of a class (Cestoda) of bilaterally symmetrical flatworms parasitic especially in the intestines of vertebrates ― called also cestode

taphole
: a hole for a tap specifically : a hole at or near the bottom of a furnace or ladle through which molten metal, matte, or slag can be tapped

taphonomy
n. : the study of the processes (as burial, decay, and preservation) that affect animal and plant remains as they become fossilized also : the processes themselves
–taph·o·nom·ic \ˌta-fə-'nä-mik\ adjective
–ta·phon·o·mist \tə-'fä-nə-mist, ta-\ noun

Tapi
river 436 mi (702 km) W India S of Satpura Range flowing W into Gulf of Khambhat

tapioca
n. 1 : a usually granular preparation of cassava starch used especially in puddings and as a thickening in liquid food also : a dish (as pudding) containing tapioca
2 : CASSAVA

tapir
n. : any of a genus (Tapirus) of herbivorous chiefly nocturnal perissodactyl mammals of tropical America and southeastern Asia from Myanmar to Sumatra that have a heavy sparsely hairy body and the snout and upper lip prolonged into a short flexible proboscis

tapis
n. archaic : a small tapestry used for hangings and floor and table coverings
–on the tapis : under consideration

Tappan Zee
expansion of Hudson River SE N.Y.

tapped out
1 : out of money : BROKE
2 : SPENT, EXHAUSTED <tapped out after months on the road>

tappet
n. : a lever or projection moved by some other piece (as a cam) or intended to tap or touch something else to cause a particular motion

tapping
: the act, process, or means by which something is tapped

tappit hen
Scottish : a drinking vessel with a knob on the lid

Taprobane
― see CEYLON

taproom
n. : BARROOM

taproot
n. 1 : a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots
2 : the central element or position in a line of growth or development

taps
n. : the last bugle call at night blown as a signal that lights are to be put out also : a similar call blown at military funerals and memorial services

tapsal-teerie
Scottish : TOPSY-TURVY

tapster
n. : BARTENDER

Taquari
river 350 mi (565 km) S cen Brazil rising in S cen Mato Grosso & flowing WSW into Paraguay River

taqueria
n. : a Mexican restaurant specializing especially in tacos and burritos

Tar
n. river 215 mi (346 km) NE N.C. ― see PAMLICO

tar
n. 1 a : a dark brown or black bituminous usually odorous viscous liquid obtained by destructive distillation of organic material (as wood, coal, or peat) b : a substance in some respects resembling tar especially : a condensable residue present in smoke from burning tobacco that contains combustion by-products (as resins, acids, phenols, and essential oils)
2 [short for tarpaulin] : SAILOR

tar
n. 1 : to cover with tar
2 : to defile as if with tar <least tarred by the scandal ― Newsweek>
–tar and feather : to smear (a person) with tar and cover with feathers as a punishment or indignity
–tar with the same brush : to mark or stain with the same fault or characteristic

tar
n. : to urge to action ― usually used with on

tar
n. coal tar
jack tar
juniper tar
juniper tar oil
pine tar
tar with the same brush
tar and feather
tar baby
Tar Heel
tar paper
tar pit
tar sand

tar and feather
to smear (a person) with tar and cover with feathers as a punishment or indignity

tar baby
: something from which it is nearly impossible to extricate oneself

Tar Heel
: a native or resident of North Carolina ― used as a nickname

tar paper
: a heavy paper coated or impregnated with tar for use especially in building

tar pit
: an area in which natural bitumens collect and are exposed at the earth's surface and which tends to trap animals and preserve their hard parts (as bones or teeth)

tar sand
: a natural impregnation of sand or sandstone with petroleum from which the lighter portions have escaped

tar with the same brush
to mark or stain with the same fault or characteristic

Tara
village Ireland in County Meath NW of Dublin near Hill of Tara (seat of ancient Irish kings)

Tarabulus
1 ― see TRIPOLI 1
2 ― see TRIPOLI 2

taradiddle
n. 1 : FIB
2 : pretentious nonsense

Tarahumara
1 : a member of an American Indian people living in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Tarahumara people

Taranaki
― see EGMONT (Mount)

tarantella
n. : a lively folk dance of southern Italy in 6/8 time

tarantism
n. : a dancing mania or malady of late medieval Europe

Taranto
city & port SE Italy on Gulf of Taranto (inlet of Ionian Sea) pop 207,199

tarantula
n. 1 : a European wolf spider (Lycosa tarentula) popularly held to be the cause of tarantism
2 : any of a family (Theraphosidae) of large hairy American spiders that are typically rather sluggish and capable of biting sharply though most forms are not significantly poisonous to humans

Tarascan
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the state of Michoacán, Mexico
2 : the language of the Tarascan people

Tarawa
n. island W Pacific containing capital of Kiribati area 8 sq mi (21 sq km), pop 28,802

Tarbell
Ida Minerva 1857-1944 American author

Tarbes
city SW France ESE of Pau pop 46,433

tarboosh
n. : a red hat similar to the fez worn especially by Muslim men

Tardieu
André (-Pierre-Gabriel-Amédée) 1876-1945 Fr. statesman

tardigrade
adj. : any of a phylum (Tardigrada) of microscopic invertebrates with four pairs of stout legs that live usually in water or damp moss ― called also water bear

tardily
adv. 1 : at a slow pace
2 : LATE

tardive dyskinesia
: a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary uncontrollable movements especially of the mouth, tongue, trunk, and limbs and occurring especially as a side effect of prolonged use of antipsychotic drugs (as phenothiazine)

tardo
: SLOW ― used as a direction in music

tardy
adj. 1 : moving slowly : SLUGGISH <the tardy pace at which she was obliged to walk ― Charles Dickens>
2 : delayed beyond the expected or proper time : LATE <a tardy arrival>
–tar·di·ness \'tär-dē-nəs\ noun

tardy
adj. : an instance of being tardy (as to a class)

tare
n. 1 a : the seed of a vetch b : any of several vetches (esp. Vicia sativa and V. hirsuta)
2 : a weed of grain fields especially of Biblical times that is usually held to be the darnel
3 plural : an undesirable element

tare
n. 1 : a deduction from the gross weight of a substance and its container made in allowance for the weight of the container also : the weight of the container
2 : COUNTERWEIGHT

tare
n. : to ascertain or mark the tare of especially : to weigh so as to determine the tare

targe
n. : a light shield used especially by the Scots

target
n. 1 : a small round shield
2 a : a mark to shoot at b : a target marked by shots fired at it c : something or someone fired at or marked for attack d : a goal to be achieved
3 a : an object of ridicule or criticism b : something or someone to be affected by an action or development
4 a : the metallic surface (as of platinum or tungsten) upon which the stream of electrons within an X-ray tube is focused and from which the X-rays are emitted b : a body, surface, or material bombarded with nuclear particles or electrons especially : fluorescent material on which desired visual effects are produced in electronic devices (as in radar)
–off target : not valid : INACCURATE
–on target : precisely correct or valid especially in interpreting or addressing a problem or vital issue

target
n. 1 : to make a target of <targeted her for promotion> especially : to set as a goal
2 : to direct or use toward a target

target
n. on target
off target
target date
target language

target date
: the date set for an event or for the completion of a project, goal, or quota

target language
1 : a language into which another language is to be translated ― compare SOURCE LANGUAGE
2 : a language other than one's native language that is being learned

targetable
: capable of being aimed at a target <missiles with targetable warheads>

Targu-Mures
city NE cen Romania pop 149,577

Targum
n. : an Aramaic translation or paraphrase of a portion of the Old Testament

Tarifa, Cape
cape S Spain; southernmost point of continental Europe, at 36°01′N

tariff
n. 1 a : a schedule of duties imposed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods b : a duty or rate of duty imposed in such a schedule
2 : a schedule of rates or charges of a business or a public utility
3 : PRICE, CHARGE

tariff
n. : to subject to a tariff

Tarim
river 1250 mi (2012 km) W China in Xinjiang Uygur in the Taklimakan flowing E & SE into a marshy depression

Tarkington
(Newton) Booth 1869-1946 American nov.

Tarlac
city Philippines in cen Luzon pop 72,000

tarlatan
n. : a sheer cotton fabric in open plain weave usually heavily sized for stiffness

Tarmac
n. ― used for a bituminous binder for roads

tarmac
n. : a tarmacadam road, apron, or runway

tarmacadam
n. 1 : a pavement constructed by spraying or pouring a tar binder over layers of crushed stone and then rolling
2 : a material of tar and aggregates mixed in a plant and shaped on the roadway

Tarn
n. river 233 mi (375 km) S France flowing W into the Garonne

tarn
n. : a small steep-banked mountain lake or pool

tarnation
adj. : DAMNATION ― often used as an interjection or intensive ― often used with in <tarnation strike me ― James Joyce> <where in tarnation you from? ― Jessamyn West>

tarnish
n. transitive verb
1 : to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : SOIL, STAIN
2 a : to detract from the good quality of : VITIATE <his fine dreams now slightly tarnished> b : to bring disgrace on : SULLY <the scandal has tarnished his reputation>
intransitive verb : to become tarnished
–tar·nish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective

tarnish
n. : something that tarnishes especially : a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (as silver)

tarnished plant bug
: a common hemipterous brownish bug (Lygus lineolaris) of eastern No. America that causes injury to plants especially by sucking sap from buds, leaves, and fruits

Tarnow
city S Poland E of Kraków pop 120,385

taro
n. : a large-leaved tropical Asian plant (Colocasia esculenta) of the arum family grown throughout the tropics for its edible starchy corms and cormels and in temperate regions for ornament also : its corms and cormels typically cooked as a vegetable or ground into flour

tarot
n. : any of a set of usually 78 playing cards including 22 pictorial cards used for fortune-telling

tarp
n. : TARPAULIN

tarpaulin
n. 1 : a piece of material (as durable plastic) used for protecting exposed objects or areas
2 : SAILOR

tarpon
n. : a large silvery elongate bony fish (Megalops atlanticus of the family Elopidae) that occurs especially in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and warm coastal waters of the Atlantic, reaches a length of about six feet (two meters), and is often caught for sport

Tarquinia
town cen Italy in N Lazio

tarragon
n. : a small widely cultivated perennial artemisia (Artemisia dracunculus) having aromatic narrow usually entire leaves also : its leaves used as a seasoning

Tarragona
1 province NE Spain on the Mediterranean area 2426 sq mi (6283 sq km), pop 609,673
2 commune & port, its capital, SW of Barcelona pop 113,129

Tarrasa
― see TERRASSA

tarre
variant of tar

tarriance
n. : the act or an instance of tarrying

tarry
n. 1 a : to delay or be tardy in acting or doing b : to linger in expectation : WAIT
2 : to abide or stay in or at a place

tarry
n. : STAY, SOJOURN

tarry
n. : of, resembling, or covered with tar

tarsal
n. 1 : of or relating to the tarsus
2 : being or relating to plates of dense connective tissue that serve to stiffen the eyelids

tarsal
n. : a tarsal part (as a bone or cartilage)

Tarshish
ancient maritime country referred to in the Bible, located by some in S Spain & identified with Tartessus

tarsier
n. : any of a genus (Tarsius of the family Tarsiidae) of small chiefly nocturnal and arboreal carnivorous primates of the Malay Archipelago that have large round eyes, long legs, and a long nearly hairless tail

tarsometatarsus
: the large compound bone of the tarsus of a bird also : the segment of the limb it supports

Tarsus
n. city S Turkey near the Cilician Gates capital of ancient Cilicia pop 187,508

tarsus
n. 1 : the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg also : the small bones that support this part of the limb
2 : the tarsal plate of the eyelid
3 : the distal part of the limb of an arthropod
4 : TARSOMETATARSUS

tart
n. 1 : agreeably sharp or acid to the taste <a tart apple>
2 : marked by a biting, acrimonious, or cutting quality <a tart rejoinder>
–tart·ish \'tär-tish\ adjective
–tart·ly adverb
–tart·ness noun

tart
n. 1 : a dish baked in a pastry shell : PIE: as a : a small pie or pastry shell without a top containing jelly, custard, or fruit b : a small pie made of pastry folded over a filling
2 [earlier slang, girlfriend, probably short for jam tart, rhyming slang for sweetheart] : PROSTITUTE

tart up
: DRESS UP, FANCY UP <tarted up pubs and restaurants for the spenders ― Arnold Ehrlich>

tartan
n. 1 : a plaid textile design of Scottish origin consisting of stripes of varying width and color usually patterned to designate a distinctive clan
2 a : a twilled woolen fabric with tartan design b : a fabric with tartan design
3 : a garment of tartan design

tartar
n. 1 : a substance consisting essentially of cream of tartar that is derived from the juice of grapes and deposited in wine casks together with yeast and other suspended matters as a pale or dark reddish crust or sediment especially : a recrystallized product yielding cream of tartar on further purification
2 : an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (as calcium carbonate)

tartar
n. 1 capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Tartary
2 capitalized : TATAR 2
3 often capitalized : a person of irritable or violent temper
4 : one that proves to be unexpectedly formidable
–Tartar adjective
–Tar·tar·i·an \tär-'ter-ē-ən\ adjective

tartar
n. cream of tartar
tartar emetic
tartar sauce

tartar emetic
: a poisonous efflorescent crystalline salt C_8H_4K_2O_12Sb_2·3H_2O of sweetish metallic taste that is used in dyeing as a mordant and especially formerly in medicine as an emetic and expectorant

tartar sauce
: a sauce made principally of mayonnaise and chopped pickles

Tartarean
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling Tartarus : INFERNAL <were thrown headlong⋯into the Tartarean abyss ― Edward Gibbon>

tartaric acid
: a strong dicarboxylic acid C_4H_6O_6 of plant origin that occurs in various isomeric forms, is usually obtained from tartar, and is used especially in food and medicines, in photography, in wine making, and in making salts and esters

Tartarus
n. : a section of Hades reserved for punishment of the wicked

Tartary
n. a vast historical region in Asia & E Europe roughly extending from the Sea of Japan to the Dnieper

tarte tatin
: a caramelized apple tart that is baked with pastry on top and then inverted for serving

Tartessus
ancient kingdom on SW coast of Spanish peninsula ― see TARSHISH

tartlet
n. : a small tart

tartrate
n. : a salt or ester of tartaric acid

Tartu
city E Estonia W of Lake Peipus pop 101,140

Tartuffe
n. : a religious hypocrite and protagonist in Molière's play Tartuffe

tarty
adj. : resembling or suggestive of a prostitute (as in clothing or manner)

Taser
n. ― used for a gun that fires electrified darts to stun and immobilize a person

Tashkent
n. city capital of Uzbekistan E of the Syr Dar'ya pop 2,073,000

task
n. 1 a : a usually assigned piece of work often to be finished within a certain time b : something hard or unpleasant that has to be done c : DUTY, FUNCTION
2 : subjection to adverse criticism : REPRIMAND ― used in the expressions to take, call, or bring to task
synonyms TASK, DUTY, JOB, CHORE, STINT, ASSIGNMENT mean a piece of work to be done. TASK implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance <charged with a variety of tasks>. DUTY implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance <the duties of a lifeguard>. JOB applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance <the job of turning the company around>. CHORE implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm <every child was assigned chores>. STINT implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service <a 2-month stint as a reporter>. ASSIGNMENT implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority <a reporter's assignment>.

task
n. 1 : to assign a task to <employees tasked with updating the files>
2 obsolete : to impose a tax on
3 : to oppress with great labor <tasks his mind with petty details>

task force
: a temporary grouping under one leader for the purpose of accomplishing a definite objective

taskmaster
n. : one that imposes a task or burdens another with labor

taskmistress
n. : a woman who is a taskmaster

Tasman
Abel Janszoon 1603?-?1659 Du. navigator & explorer

Tasman Sea
the part of the S. Pacific bet. SE Australia & W New Zealand

Tasman, Mount
mountain 11,475 ft (3498 m) New Zealand in South Is. in Southern Alps NE of Mt. Cook

Tasmania
n. island SE Australia S of Victoria; a state capital Hobart area 26,383 sq mi (68,332 sq km), pop 471,400
–Tas·ma·ni·an \taz-'mā-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Tasmania
n. Tasmanian devil
Tasmanian tiger
Tasmanian wolf thylacine

Tasmanian devil
: a heavily built carnivorous nocturnal Tasmanian marsupial (Sarcophilus harrisii) that is about the size of a badger and has powerful jaws and teeth and a chiefly black coat marked with white on the chest

Tasmanian tiger
: a somewhat doglike carnivorous marsupial (Thylacinus cynocephalus) that formerly inhabited Tasmania but is now considered extinct ― called also Tasmanian wolf, thylacine

tasse
: one of a series of overlapping metal plates in a suit of armor that form a short skirt over the body below the waist ― see ARMOR illustration

tassel
n. 1 : a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end
2 : something resembling a tassel especially : the terminal male inflorescence of some plants and especially Indian corn

tassel
n. transitive verb : to adorn with tassels
intransitive verb : to put forth tassel inflorescences

Tasso
Tor·qua·to \tȯr-'kwä-(ˌ)tō\ 1544-1595 Ital. poet

taste
n. transitive verb
1 : to become acquainted with by experience <has tasted the frustration of defeat>
2 : to ascertain the flavor of by taking a little into the mouth
3 : to eat or drink especially in small quantities
4 : to perceive or recognize as if by the sense of taste
5 archaic : APPRECIATE, ENJOY
intransitive verb
1 : to eat or drink a little
2 : to test the flavor of something by taking a small part into the mouth
3 : to have perception, experience, or enjoyment : PARTAKE ― often used with of
4 : to have a specific flavor <the apple tastes sour>

taste
n. 1 obsolete : TEST
2 a obsolete : the act of tasting b : a small amount tasted c : a small amount : BIT especially : a sample of experience <her first taste of success>
3 : the special sense that perceives and distinguishes the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is mediated by taste buds on the tongue
4 : the objective sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance as perceived by the sense of taste
5 a : a sensation obtained from a substance in the mouth that is typically produced by the stimulation of the sense of taste combined with those of touch and smell : FLAVOR b : the distinctive quality of an experience <that gruesome scene left a bad taste in my mouth>
6 : individual preference : INCLINATION
7 a : critical judgment, discernment, or appreciation b : manner or aesthetic quality indicative of such discernment or appreciation

taste bud
: an end organ mediating the sensation of taste and lying chiefly in the epithelium of the tongue

tasteful
adj. 1 : TASTY 1A
2 : having, exhibiting, or conforming to good taste <a tasteful display>
–taste·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–taste·ful·ness noun

tasteless
adj. 1 a : having no taste : INSIPID <tasteless vegetables> b : arousing no interest : DULL <the tale comes to a flat and tasteless end ― R. C. Carpenter>
2 : not having or exhibiting good taste <a tasteless joke>
–taste·less·ly adverb
–taste·less·ness noun

tastemaker
n. : one who sets the standards of what is currently popular or fashionable

taster
n. 1 : one that tastes: as a : one that tests (as tea) for quality by tasting b : a person who is able to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide
2 : a device for tasting or sampling

tasty
adj. 1 a : having a marked and appetizing flavor <a tasty meal> b : strikingly attractive or interesting <a tasty bit of gossip>
2 : TASTEFUL
synonyms see PALATABLE
–tast·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adverb
–tast·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ noun

TAT
n. thematic apperception test

tat
n. intransitive verb : to work at tatting
transitive verb : to make by tatting

tat
n. : a small protein produced by a lentivirus (as HIV) that increases the rate of viral transcription and replication also : the viral gene that codes for tat

tat
n. rat a tat
rat a tat tat
tit for tat

Tatabanya
city NW Hungary pop 75,300

tatami
n. : straw matting used as a floor covering in a Japanese home

Tatar
n. 1 : a member of any of a group of Turkic peoples found mainly in the Tatar Republic of Russia and parts of Siberia and central Asia
2 : any of the Turkic languages spoken by the Tatar peoples

Tatar Strait
strait bet. Sakhalin Is. & mainland of Asia

Tatarstan
autonomous republic E cen Russia in Europe capital Kazan' area 26,255 sq mi (68,000 sq km), pop 3,696,000

Tate
(John Orley) Allen 1899-1979 American poet & critic

Tate
Nahum 1652-1715 Brit. dram.; poet laureate (1692-1715)

tater
n. 1 dialect : POTATO
2 : HOME RUN 1

Tatry
mountain group N Slovakia & S Poland in cen Carpathian Mountains ― see GERLACHOVSKY

tatsoi
: an Asian mustard (Brassica rapa rosularis) having a rosette of edible dark green spoon-shaped glossy leaves also : the leaves

tatter
n. : to make ragged
intransitive verb : to become ragged

tatter
n. 1 : a part torn and left hanging : SHRED
2 plural : tattered clothing : RAGS

tatterdemalion
n. : a person dressed in ragged clothing : RAGAMUFFIN

tatterdemalion
n. 1 : ragged or disreputable in appearance
2 : being in a decayed state or condition : DILAPIDATED

tattered
adj. 1 : wearing ragged clothes <a tattered barefoot boy>
2 : torn into shreds : RAGGED <a tattered flag>
3 a : broken down : DILAPIDATED <decaying houses along tattered paved streets ― P. B. Martin> b : being in a shattered condition : DISRUPTED <led their tattered party to victory>

tattersall
n. 1 : a pattern of colored lines forming squares of solid background
2 : a fabric woven or printed in a tattersall pattern

tattie
n. Scottish : POTATO

tatting
n. 1 : a delicate handmade lace formed usually by looping and knotting with a single cotton thread and a small shuttle
2 : the act or process of making tatting

tattle
n. 1 : idle talk : CHATTER
2 : GOSSIP

tattle
n. intransitive verb
1 : CHATTER, PRATE
2 : to tell secrets : BLAB
transitive verb : to utter or disclose in gossip or chatter

tattler
n. 1 : TATTLETALE
2 : any of various slender long-legged shorebirds (as the willet, yellowlegs, and redshank) of the sandpiper family with a loud and frequent call

tattletale
n. : one that tattles : INFORMER

tattoo
n. 1 : a rapid rhythmic rapping
2 a : a call sounded shortly before taps as notice to go to quarters b : outdoor military exercise given by troops as evening entertainment

tattoo
n. : to beat or rap rhythmically on : drum on
intransitive verb : to give a series of rhythmic taps

tattoo
n. 1 : to mark or color (the skin) with tattoos
2 : to mark the skin with (a tattoo) <tattooed a flag on his chest>
–tat·too·er noun
–tat·too·ist \-'tü-ist\ noun

tattoo
n. 1 : the act of tattooing : the fact of being tattooed
2 : an indelible mark or figure fixed upon the body by insertion of pigment under the skin or by production of scars

tatty
adj. : rather worn, frayed, or dilapidated : SHABBY <a tatty shirt>
–tat·ti·ness \-nəs\ noun

Tatung
n. ― see DATONG

tau
n. 1 : the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : a short-lived elementary particle of the lepton family that exists in positive and negative charge states and has a mass about 3500 times greater than an electron ― called also tau particle
3 : a protein that binds to and regulates the assembly and stability of neuronal microtubules and that is found in an abnormal form as the major component of neurofibrillary tangles

tau
n. tau particle
tau cross
Ala Tau
Lan Tau

tau cross
: a T-shaped cross sometimes having expanded ends and foot ― see CROSS illustration

Taube
Henry 1915-     American (Canad.-born) chem.

Taughannock Falls
waterfall 215 ft (66 m) S cen N.Y. NW of Ithaca

taught
past and past part of teach

taunt
n. : a sarcastic challenge or insult

taunt
n. : to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at
synonyms see RIDICULE
–taunt·er noun
–taunt·ing·ly \'tȯn-tiŋ-lē, 'tän-\ adverb

Taunton
city SE Mass. pop 55,976

Taunus
mountain range SW cen Germany E of the Rhine & N of lower Main River; highest peak Grosser Feldberg 2886 ft (880 m)

taupe
adj. : a brownish gray

Taurean
n. : TAURUS 2B

Tauric Chersonese
― see CHERSONESE

taurine
n. : of or relating to a bull : BOVINE

taurine
n. : a crystalline acid C_2H_7NO_3S that is synthesized in the body from cysteine and methionine, is similar to amino acids but is not a component of proteins, and is involved in various physiological functions (as bile acid conjugation and cell membrane stabilization)

taurocholic acid
: a bile acid C_26H_45NO_7S derived from cholic acid and taurine and occurring as the sodium salt in the bile especially of carnivores

Taurus
n. 1 : a zodiacal constellation that contains the Pleiades and Hyades and is represented pictorially by a bull's forequarters
2 a : the second sign of the zodiac in astrology b : one born under the sign of Taurus ― see ZODIAC table

Taurus
n. mountains S Turkey parallel to Mediterranean coast

taut
adj. 1 a : having no give or slack : tightly drawn <a taut rope> b : HIGH-STRUNG, TENSE <taut nerves>
2 a : kept in proper order or condition <a taut ship> b (1) : not loose or flabby <taut muscles> (2) : marked by economy of structure and detail <a taut story>
–taut·ly adverb
–taut·ness noun

taut
adj. Scottish : MAT, TANGLE

taut
adj. : same <tautomerism> <tautonym>

tauten
v. transitive verb : to make taut <tauten the rope>
intransitive verb : to become taut

tautog
n. : an edible fish (Tautoga onitis) of the wrasse family found along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. and adjacent Canada ― called also blackfish

tautological
adj. : TAUTOLOGOUS
–tau·to·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tautologous
adj. 1 : involving or containing rhetorical tautology : REDUNDANT
2 : true by virtue of its logical form alone
–tau·tol·o·gous·ly adverb

tautology
n. 1 a : needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word b : an instance of tautology
2 : a tautologous statement

tautomer
n. : any of the forms of a tautomeric compound

tautomeric
adj. : of, relating to, or marked by tautomerism

tautomerism
n. : isomerism in which the isomers change into one another with great ease so that they ordinarily exist together in equilibrium

tautonym
: a taxonomic binomial in which the generic name and specific epithet are alike and which is common in zoology especially to designate a typical form but is forbidden to botany under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
–tau·ton·y·my \tȯ-'tä-nə-mē\ noun

tavern
n. 1 : an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises
2 : INN

taverna
n. : a café in Greece

taverner
n. : one who keeps a tavern

taw
n. : to tan (skins) usually by a dry process (as with alum or salt)

taw
n. : the 23d letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

taw
n. 1 a : a marble used as a shooter b : RINGTAW
2 : the line from which players shoot at marbles
3 : a square-dance partner

taw
n. : to shoot a marble

tawdry
adj. : cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality also : IGNOBLE <a tawdry attempt to smear his opponent>
synonyms see GAUDY
–taw·dri·ly \-drə-lē\ adverb
–taw·dri·ness \-drē-nəs\ noun

tawdry
adj. : cheap showy finery

Tawney
Richard Henry 1880-1962 Eng. economic hist.

tawny
adj. 1 : of the color tawny
2 : of a warm sandy color like that of well-tanned skin <the lion's tawny coat>
–taw·ni·ness noun

tawny
adj. : a brownish-orange to light brown color

tawpie
chiefly Scottish : a foolish or awkward young person

tawse
n. British : a leather strap slit into strips at the end and used especially for disciplining children

tax
n. 1 : to assess or determine judicially the amount of (costs in a court action)
2 : to levy a tax on
3 obsolete : to enter (a name) in a list <there went out a decree⋯that all the world should be taxed ― Lk 2:1(AV)>
4 : CHARGE, ACCUSE <taxed him with neglect of duty> also : CENSURE
5 : to make onerous and rigorous demands on <the job taxed her strength>
–tax·able \'tak-sə-bəl\ adjective
–tax·er noun

tax
n. 1 a : a charge usually of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes b : a sum levied on members of an organization to defray expenses
2 : a heavy demand

tax
n. : arrangement <taxeme> <taxidermy>

tax
n. after tax
death tax
direct tax
estate tax
flat tax
hidden tax
income tax
inheritance tax
negative income tax
nuisance tax
personal tax
poll tax
property tax
proportional tax
sales tax
severance tax
single tax
sin tax
stamp tax
tax base
tax exempt
tax selling
tax shelter
tax sheltered
tax stamp
value added tax
withholding tax

tax base
: the wealth (as real estate or income) within a jurisdiction that is liable to taxation

tax selling
: concerted selling of securities late in the year to establish gains and losses for income-tax purposes

tax shelter
: a strategy, investment, or tax code provision that reduces tax liability
–tax-shel·tered \'taks-ˌshel-tərd\ adjective

tax stamp
: a stamp marked on or affixed to a taxable item as evidence that the tax has been paid

tax-exempt
1 : exempted from a tax
2 : bearing interest that is free from federal or state income tax

taxa
n. plural of taxon

taxation
n. 1 : the action of taxing especially : the imposition of taxes
2 : revenue obtained from taxes
3 : the amount assessed as a tax

Taxco
city S Mexico in Guerrero SSW of Mexico City pop 86,811

taxi
n. : TAXICAB also : a similarly operated boat or aircraft

taxi
n. intransitive verb
1 a of an aircraft : to go at low speed along the surface of the ground or water b : to operate an aircraft on the ground under its own power
2 : to ride in a taxicab <taxied to the train station>
transitive verb
1 : to transport by or as if by taxi
2 : to cause (an aircraft) to taxi

taxi
n. air taxi
taxi dancer
taxi stand
water taxi

taxi dancer
: a woman employed by a dance hall, café, or cabaret to dance with patrons who pay a certain amount for each dance

taxi stand
: a place where taxis may park while awaiting hire

taxicab
n. : an automobile that carries passengers for a fare usually determined by the distance traveled

taxidermy
n. : the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals and especially vertebrates
–taxi·der·mic \ˌtak-sə-'dər-mik\ adjective
–taxi·der·mist \'tak-sə-ˌdər-mist\ noun

taximan
n. chiefly British : the operator of a taxi

taximeter
n. : an instrument for use in a hired vehicle (as a taxicab) for automatically showing the fare due

taxing
n. : ONEROUS, WEARING <a taxing operatic role>
–tax·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

taxis
n. 1 : reflex translational or orientational movement by a freely motile and usually simple organism in relation to a source of stimulation (as a light or a temperature or chemical gradient)
2 : a reflex reaction involving a taxis

taxis
n. 1 : arrangement : ordering <thermotaxis>
2 : physiological taxis <chemotaxis>

taxiway
n. : a usually paved strip for taxiing (as from the terminal to a runway) at an airport

Taxol
n. ― used for a preparation of paclitaxel

taxon
n. 1 : a taxonomic group or entity
2 : the name applied to a taxonomic group in a formal system of nomenclature

taxonomy
n. 1 : the study of the general principles of scientific classification : SYSTEMATICS
2 : CLASSIFICATION especially : orderly classification of plants and animals according to their presumed natural relationships
–tax·o·nom·ic \ˌtak-sə-'nä-mik\ also tax·o·nom·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective
–tax·o·nom·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–tax·on·o·mist \tak-'sä-nə-mist\ noun

taxonomy
n. numerical taxonomy
numerical taxonomist
numerical taxonomic

taxpayer
n. : one that pays or is liable for a tax

taxpaying
n. : of, relating to, or subject to the paying of a tax

taxus
: YEW 1A

taxy
: -TAXIS <epitaxy>

Tay
n. river 120 mi (193 km) E cen Scotland flowing into North Sea through Loch Tay and Firth of Tay

Tay-Sachs disease
: a hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism typically affecting individuals of eastern European Jewish ancestry that is characterized by the accumulation of lipids especially in nervous tissue due to a deficiency of hexosaminidase, that is inherited as a recessive autosomal trait, and that causes death in early childhood ― called also Tay-Sachs

Taylor
n. (James) Bay·ard \'bī-ərd, 'bā-\ 1825-1878 American writer

Taylor
n. Zachary 1784-1850 12th pres. of the U.S. (1849-50)

Taylor
n. city SE Mich. SW of Detroit pop 65,868

Taylor
n. (Joseph) Deems 1885-1966 American composer & music critic

Taylor
n. Edward 1645?-1729 American clergyman & poet

Taylor
n. Elizabeth (Rosemond) 1932-     American film actress

Taylor
n. Jeremy 1613-1667 Eng. prelate & author

Taylor
n. Joseph Hooton 1941-     American physicist

Taylor
n. Maxwell Davenport 1901-1987 American gen.

Taylor
n. Richard Edward 1929-     Canad. physicist

Taylor
n. Tom 1817-1880 Eng. dram.

Taylor series
: a power series that gives the expansion of a function f (x) in the neighborhood of a point a provided that in the neighborhood the function is continuous, all its derivatives exist, and the series converges to the function in which case it has the form f(x) = f(a) + (f[1](a)/1!)(x-a) + (f[2](a)/2!)(x-a)2 + ⋯ + (f[n](a)/n!)(x-an + ⋯ where f [n](a) is the derivative of nth order of f(x) evaluated at a ― called also Taylor's series

Taylorism
: a factory management system developed in the late 19th century to increase efficiency by evaluating every step in a manufacturing process and breaking down production into specialized repetitive tasks

Taylorsville
city N cen Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 57,439

Taymyr Peninsula
peninsula N Russia in Asia bet. the Yenisey & the Khatanga ― see CHELYUSKIN (Cape)

tazza
n. : a shallow cup or vase on a pedestal

TB
n. : TUBERCULOSIS

TB
n. 1 thoroughbred
2 tubercle bacillus

Tb
n. terbium

tb
n. tablespoon; tablespoonful

TBA
to be announced

TBD
to be determined

Tbilisi
n. city capital of Republic of Georgia on the Kura pop 1,260,000

tbs
tablespoon; tablespoonful

Tc
n. technetium

TCDD
: a carcinogenic dioxin C_12H_4O_2Cl_4 found especially as a contaminant in 2,4,5-T

TCE
trichloroethylene

Tchad
― see CHAD

Tchaikovsky
n. Pyotr Ilich 1840-1893 Russ. composer
–Tchai·kov·sky·an or Tchai·kov·ski·an \-skē-ən\ adjective

tchotchke
n. : KNICKKNACK, TRINKET

TCP/IP
: a set of communications protocols used for the exchange of information over networks and especially over the Internet

TD
1 tardive dyskinesia
2 touchdown

TDD
telecommunications device for the deaf

TDN
total digestible nutrients

TDY
temporary duty

Te
tellurium

Te
Ch'ang te
Ch'eng te
Te Deum
Te Deums
de te fabula narratur
morituri te salutamus
morituri te salutant
mutato nomine de te fabula narratur
nosce te ipsum

Te Deum
: a liturgical Christian hymn of praise to God

tea
n. 1 a : a shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) cultivated especially in China, Japan, and the East Indies b : the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes of the tea plant prepared and cured for the market, classed according to method of manufacture into one set of types (as green tea, black tea, or oolong), and graded according to leaf size into another (as orange pekoe, pekoe, or souchong)
2 : an aromatic beverage prepared from tea leaves by infusion with boiling water
3 a : any of various plants somewhat resembling tea in properties also : an infusion of their leaves used medicinally or as a beverage b : TEA ROSE
4 a : refreshments usually including tea with sandwiches, crackers, or cookies served in late afternoon b : a reception, snack, or meal at which tea is served
5 slang : MARIJUANA
–tea·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

tea
n. black tea
cambric tea
cup of tea
green tea
high tea
hybrid tea rose
hybrid tea
Labrador tea
Mormon tea
New Jersey tea
Oswego tea
tea bag
tea ball
tea caddy
tea cake
tea cart
tea dance
tea garden
tea gown
tea party
tea rose
tea service
tea set
tea shop
tea table
tea towel
tea tray
tea tree
tea wagon

tea bag
: a bag usually of filter paper holding enough tea for an individual serving

tea ball
: a perforated metal ball that holds tea leaves and is used in brewing tea in a pot or cup

tea caddy
: CADDY

tea cake
1 : a small flat cake usually made with raisins
2 : COOKIE

tea cart
: TEA WAGON

tea dance
: a dance held in the late afternoon

tea garden
1 : a public garden where tea and light refreshments are served
2 : a tea plantation

tea gown
: a semiformal gown of fine materials in graceful flowing lines worn especially for afternoon entertaining at home

tea party
1 : an afternoon social gathering at which tea is served
2 [from the Boston Tea Party, name applied to the occasion in 1773 when a shipment of tea was thrown into Boston harbor in protest against the tax on imports] : an exciting disturbance or proceeding

tea rose
: a garden bush rose (Rosa odorata) of Chinese origin that includes several cultivars and is valued especially for its abundant large usually tea-scented blossoms ― compare HYBRID TEA ROSE

tea service
: TEA SET

tea set
: a matching set of metalware or china (as a teapot, sugar bowl, creamer, and often plates, cups, and saucers) for serving tea and sometimes coffee at table

tea shop
chiefly British : a small restaurant or café : TEAROOM

tea table
: a table used or spread for tea specifically : a small table for serving afternoon tea

tea towel
: a cloth for drying dishes

tea tray
: a tray that accommodates a tea set

tea tree
1 : any of various Australasian shrubs or small trees (genus Leptospermum) of the myrtle family that form dense thickets and have aromatic evergreen foliage
2 : any of various melaleucas (esp. Melaleuca alternifolia) with aromatic leaves that yield an essential oil used especially as an antiseptic

tea wagon
: a small table on wheels used in serving tea

teaberry
: CHECKERBERRY

teach
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to know something <taught them a trade> b : to cause to know how <is teaching me to drive> c : to accustom to some action or attitude <teach students to think for themselves> d : to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action <I'll teach you to come home late>
2 : to guide the studies of
3 : to impart the knowledge of <teach algebra>
4 a : to instruct by precept, example, or experience b : to make known and accepted <experience teaches us our limitations>
5 : to conduct instruction regularly in <teach school>
intransitive verb : to provide instruction : act as a teacher
usage see LEARN
synonyms TEACH, INSTRUCT, EDUCATE, TRAIN, DISCIPLINE, SCHOOL mean to cause to acquire knowledge or skill. TEACH applies to any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn <taught us a lot about our planet>. INSTRUCT suggests methodical or formal teaching <instructs raw recruits in military drill>. EDUCATE implies development of the mind <more things than formal schooling serve to educate a person>. TRAIN stresses instruction and drill with a specific end in view <trained foreign pilots to operate the new aircraft>. DISCIPLINE implies training in habits of order and precision <a disciplined mind>. SCHOOL implies training or disciplining especially in what is hard to master <schooled the horse in five gaits>.

teach
v. practice teach
teach in
self taught
practice teaching
student teaching
teaching hospital

teach-in
: an extended meeting usually held on a college campus for lectures, debates, and discussions to raise awareness of or express a position on a social or political issue

teachable
adj. 1 a : capable of being taught b : apt and willing to learn
2 : favorable to teaching
–teach·able·ness noun
–teach·ably \-blē\ adverb

teacher
n. 1 : one that teaches especially : one whose occupation is to instruct
2 : a Mormon ranking above a deacon in the Aaronic priesthood

teacher
n. parent teacher association
practice teacher
student teacher
teacher's pet
teachers college

teacher's pet
1 : a pupil who has won the teacher's special favor
2 : a person who is treated as a favorite by one in authority

teacherly
: resembling, characteristic of, or befitting a teacher

teachers college
: a college for the training of teachers usually offering a full 4-year course and granting a bachelor's degree

teaching
n. 1 : the act, practice, or profession of a teacher
2 : something taught especially : DOCTRINE <the teachings of Confucius>

teaching
n. : of, relating to, used for, or engaged in teaching <a teaching aid> <the teaching profession> <a teaching assistant>

teaching
n. practice teaching
student teaching
teaching hospital

teaching hospital
: a hospital that is affiliated with a medical school and provides means for medical education

teacup
n. : a small cup usually with a handle used with a saucer for hot beverages
–teacupful noun

teahouse
n. : a public house or restaurant where tea and light refreshments are sold

teak
n. 1 : a tall tropical Asian timber tree (Tectona grandis) of the vervain family
2 : the hard yellowish-brown wood of teak used especially for furniture and shipbuilding

teakettle
n. : a covered kettle with a handle and spout for boiling water

teakwood
n. : TEAK 2

teal
n. 1 : any of various widely distributed small short-necked dabblers (genus Anas) ― compare BLUE-WINGED TEAL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL
2 : TEAL BLUE

teal
n. blue winged teal
green winged teal
teal blue

teal blue
: a dark greenish blue

team
n. 1 a : two or more draft animals harnessed to the same vehicle or implement also : these with their harness and attached vehicle b : a draft animal often with harness and vehicle
2 obsolete : LINEAGE, RACE
3 : a group of animals: as a : a brood especially of young pigs or ducks b : a matched group of animals for exhibition
4 : a number of persons associated together in work or activity: as a : a group on one side (as in football or a debate) b : CREW, GANG

team
n. : of or performed by a team <a team effort> also : marked by devotion to teamwork rather than individual achievement <a team player>

team
n. 1 : to yoke or join in a team also : to put together in a coordinated ensemble
2 : to convey or haul with a team
intransitive verb
1 : to drive a team or motortruck
2 : to form a team or association

team
n. double team
dream team
drill team
tag team
team foul
team handball
triple team

team foul
: one of a designated number of personal fouls the players on a basketball team may commit during a given period of play before the opposing team begins receiving bonus free throws

team handball
: a game developed from soccer which is played between two teams of seven players each and in which the ball is thrown, caught, and dribbled with the hands

teammate
n. : a fellow member of a team

teamster
n. : one who drives a team or motortruck especially as an occupation

teamwork
n. : work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole

teapot
n. : a vessel with a spout and a handle in which tea is brewed and from which it is served

teapoy
n. 1 : a 3-legged ornamental stand
2 [influenced by tea] : a stand or table containing a tea chest or caddy and used for supporting a tea set also : TEA CADDY

tear
n. 1 a : a drop of clear saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland and diffused between the eye and eyelids to moisten the parts and facilitate their motion b plural : a secretion of profuse tears that overflow the eyelids and dampen the face
2 : a transparent drop of fluid or hardened fluid matter (as resin)
3 plural : an act of weeping or grieving <broke into tears>
–tear·less adjective

tear
n. : to fill with tears : shed tears <eyes tearing in the November wind ― Saul Bellow>

tear
n. transitive verb
1 a : to separate parts of or pull apart by force : REND b : to wound by or as if by tearing : LACERATE <tear the skin>
2 : to divide or disrupt by the pull of contrary forces <a mind torn with doubts>
3 a : to remove by force : WRENCH ― often used with off <tear a cover off a box> b : to remove as if by wrenching <tear your thoughts away from the scene>
4 : to make or effect by or as if by tearing <tear a hole in the wall>
intransitive verb
1 : to separate on being pulled : REND <this cloth tears easily>
2 a : to move or act with violence, haste, or force <went tearing down the street> b : to smash or penetrate something with violent force <the bullet tore through his leg>
–tear·able \'ter-ə-bəl\ adjective
–tear·er noun
–tear at : to cause anguish to : DISTRESS <her grief tore at his heart>
–tear into : to attack without restraint or caution
–tear it : to cause frustration, defeat, or an end to plans or hopes <that tears it>
–tear one's hair : to pull one's hair as an expression of grief, rage, frustration, desperation, or anxiety also : to feel or display such an emotion
synonyms TEAR, RIP, REND, SPLIT, CLEAVE, RIVE mean to separate forcibly. TEAR implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges <tear up the letter>. RIP implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint <ripped the shirt on a nail>. REND implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering <an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes>. SPLIT implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers <split logs for firewood>. CLEAVE implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow <a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak>. RIVE occurs most often in figurative use <a political party riven by conflict>.

tear
n. 1 a : damage from being torn especially : a hole or flaw made by tearing b : the act of tearing
2 a : a tearing pace : HURRY b : SPREE <got paid and went on a tear> c : a run of unusual success <the team was on a tear>

tear
n. tear jerking
tear one's hair
tear it
tear into
tear at
tear away
tear down
tear gas
tear sheet
tear up
wear and tear
crocodile tears
Job's tears

tear at
to cause anguish to : DISTRESS <her grief tore at his heart>

tear away
: to remove (as oneself) reluctantly

tear down
1 a : to cause to decompose or disintegrate b : VILIFY, DENIGRATE <trying to tear down his reputation>
2 : to take apart : DISASSEMBLE <tear down an engine>

tear gas
: a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance that on dispersion in the atmosphere irritates mucous membranes resulting especially in blinding of the eyes with tears and is used chiefly in dispelling mobs

tear into
to attack without restraint or caution

tear it
to cause frustration, defeat, or an end to plans or hopes <that tears it>

tear one's hair
to pull one's hair as an expression of grief, rage, frustration, desperation, or anxiety also : to feel or display such an emotion

tear sheet
: a sheet torn from a publication

tear up
1 : to damage, remove, or effect an opening in <tore up the street to lay a new water main>
2 : to perform or compete with great success on, in, or against <couples tearing up the dance floor> <a batter who's tearing up the league>

tearaway
n. British : a rebellious and unruly or reckless young person

teardown
: the act or process of disassembling

teardrop
n. 1 : 1TEAR 1A
2 : something shaped like a dropping tear specifically : a pendent gem (as on an earring)

tearful
adj. 1 : flowing with or accompanied by tears <tearful entreaties>
2 : causing tears : TEARY <a tearful eulogy>
–tear·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–tear·ful·ness noun

teargas
n. : to use tear gas on

tearing
n. 1 : causing continued or repeated pain or distress
2 : HASTY, VIOLENT
3 chiefly British : SPLENDID

tearjerker
n. : a story, song, play, film, or broadcast that moves or is intended to move its audience to tears
–tear-jerk·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective

tearoom
n. : a small restaurant or café with service and decor designed primarily for a female clientele

tearstain
n. : a spot or streak left by tears
–tear·stained \-ˌstānd\ adjective

teary
adj. 1 a : wet or stained with tears : TEARFUL <teary eyes> b : consisting of tears or drops resembling tears
2 : causing tears : PATHETIC <a teary story>

Teasdale
Sara 1884-1933 American poet

tease
n. 1 a : to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding <tease wool> b : TEASEL
2 : to tear in pieces especially : to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination
3 a : to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way b : to annoy with petty persistent requests : PESTER also : to obtain by repeated coaxing c : to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts : COAX d : to manipulate or influence as if by teasing e : to make fun of : KID
4 : to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb
5 : to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it
synonyms see WORRY
–teas·ing·ly \'tē-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

tease
n. 1 : the act of teasing : the state of being teased
2 : one that teases

tease out
1 : to obtain by or as if by disentangling or freeing with a pointed instrument
2 : UNRAVEL 2

teasel
n. 1 a : an Old World prickly herb (Dipsacus fullonum of the family Dipsacaceae, the teasel family) with flower heads that are covered with stiff hooked bracts and were used especially formerly in the woolen industry ― called also fuller's teasel b : a plant of the same genus as the teasel
2 a : a flower head of the fuller's teasel used when dried to raise a nap on woolen cloth b : a wire substitute for the teasel

teasel
n. : to nap (cloth) with teasels

teaser
n. 1 : one that teases
2 : an advertising or promotional device intended to arouse interest or curiosity especially in something to follow

teaspoon
n. 1 : a small spoon that is used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages and that holds about one third of a tablespoon
2 : a unit of measure especially in cookery equal to 1/6 fluid ounce or 1/3 tablespoon (5 milliliters)

teaspoonful
n. 1 : as much as a teaspoon can hold
2 : TEASPOON 2

teat
n. 1 : the protuberance through which milk is drawn from an udder or breast : NIPPLE
2 : a small projection or a nib (as on a mechanical part)
–teat·ed \'ti-təd, 'tē-\ adjective

teatime
n. : the customary time for tea : late afternoon or early evening

Tebet
: the 4th month of the civil year or the 10th month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

tech
n. : TECHNICIAN <lab techs> <a computer tech>

tech
n. : TECHNOLOGY <the triumph of tech⋯is far from complete ― Newsweek>

tech
n. 1 technical; technically
2 technological

tech
n. high tech
hi tech
low tech
vo tech

Teche, Bayou
stream 175 mi (282 km) S La. flowing SE into the Atchafalaya

teched
: mentally unbalanced

techie
n. : a person who is very knowledgeable or enthusiastic about technology and especially high technology
–techie adjective

technetium
n. : a radioactive metallic element obtained especially from nuclear fuel as a product of uranium fission and used as a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical ― see ELEMENT table

technetronic
adj. : shaped or influenced by the changes wrought by advances in technology and communications <our modern technetronic society>

technic
adj. 1 : TECHNIQUE 1
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : TECHNOLOGY 1A

technical
adj. 1 a : having special and usually practical knowledge especially of a mechanical or scientific subject <a technical consultant> b : marked by or characteristic of specialization <technical language>
2 a : of or relating to a particular subject b : of or relating to a practical subject organized on scientific principles <a technical school> c : TECHNOLOGICAL 1
3 a : based on or marked by a strict or legal interpretation b : LEGAL 6
4 : of or relating to technique
5 : of, relating to, or produced by ordinary commercial processes without being subjected to special purification <technical sulfuric acid>
6 : relating to or caused by the functioning of the market as a discrete mechanism not influenced by macroeconomic factors <a technical rally>
–tech·ni·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

technical
adj. technical foul
technical knockout
technical sergeant

technical foul
: a foul (as in basketball) that involves no physical contact with an opponent and that usually is incurred by unsportsmanlike conduct ― called also technical ― compare PERSONAL FOUL

technical knockout
: the termination of a boxing match when a boxer is unable or is declared by the referee to be unable (as because of injuries) to continue the fight ― called also TKO

technical sergeant
: a noncommissioned officer in the air force ranking above a staff sergeant and below a master sergeant

technicality
n. 1 : something technical especially : a detail meaningful only to a specialist <a legal technicality>
2 : the quality or state of being technical

technicalize
: to give a technical slant to
–tech·ni·cal·i·za·tion \ˌtek-ni-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

technician
n. 1 : a specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation <a computer technician>
2 : one who has acquired the technique of an art or other area of specialization <a superb technician and a musician of integrity ― Irving Kolodin>

Technicolor
n. ― used for a process of color cinematography

technique
n. 1 : the manner in which technical details are treated (as by a writer) or basic physical movements are used (as by a dancer) also : ability to treat such details or use such movements <good piano technique>
2 a : a body of technical methods (as in a craft or in scientific research) b : a method of accomplishing a desired aim

techno
n. : electronic dance music that features a fast beat and synthesized sounds usually without vocals or a conventional popular song structure

techno
n. : technical : technological <technocracy>

techno-pop
: popular music featuring extensive use of synthesizers

techno-thriller
: a thriller whose plot relies on modern technology

technobabble
n. : technical jargon

technocracy
n. : government by technicians specifically : management of society by technical experts

technocrat
n. 1 : an adherent of technocracy
2 : a technical expert especially : one exercising managerial authority

technocratic
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a technocrat or a technocracy

technol
technology

technological
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by technology <technological advances>
2 : resulting from improvements in technical processes that increase productivity of machines and eliminates manual operations or operations done by older machines <technological unemployment>
–tech·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

technologize
: to affect or alter by technology

technology
n. 1 a : the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : ENGINEERING 2 <medical technology> b : a capability given by the practical application of knowledge <a car's fuel-saving technology>
2 : a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge <new technologies for information storage>
3 : the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor <educational technology>
–tech·nol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

technophile
n. : an enthusiast of technology
–tech·no·phil·ia \ˌtek-nō-'fi-lē-ə\ noun

technophobia
n. : fear or dislike of advanced technology or complex devices and especially computers
–tech·no·phobe \'tek-nə-ˌfōb\ noun
–tech·no·pho·bic \ˌtek-nə-'fō-bik\ adjective

technostructure
: the network of professionally skilled managers (as scientists, engineers, and administrators) that tends to control the economy both within and beyond individual corporate groups

techy
adj. : characterized by technological sophistication : TECHNICAL <techy innovations>

tectonic
adj. 1 : of or relating to tectonics
2 : having a strong and widespread impact <a tectonic shift in voting patterns>
–tec·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tectonics
n. 1 : geological structural features as a whole
2 a : a branch of geology concerned with the structure of the crust of a planet (as earth) or moon and especially with the formation of folds and faults in it b : TECTONISM

tectonism
: the process of deformation that produces in the earth's crust its continents and ocean basins, plateaus and mountains, folds of strata, and faults ― called also diastrophism

tectum
n. : a bodily structure resembling or serving as a roof especially : the dorsal part of the midbrain
–tec·tal \'tek-təl\ adjective

Tecumseh
n. 1768-1813 Shawnee Indian chief

Tecumseh
n. town Canada in S Ont. E of Windsor pop 25,105

ted
n. : to spread or turn from the swath and scatter (as new-mown grass) for drying

Tedder
n. 1st Baron 1890-1967 Arthur William Tedder Brit. air marshal

tedder
n. : one that teds specifically : a machine for stirring and spreading hay to hasten drying and curing

teddy
n. : CHEMISE 1

teddy bear
: a stuffed toy bear

teddy boy
: a young British thug especially of the 1950s and 1960s characterized by Edwardian dress

tedious
adj. : tiresome because of length or dullness : BORING <a tedious public ceremony>
–te·dious·ly adverb
–te·dious·ness noun

tedium
n. 1 : the quality or state of being tedious : TEDIOUSNESS also : BOREDOM
2 : a tedious period of time <long tediums of strained anxiety ― H. G. Wells>

tee
n. 1 : the letter t
2 : something shaped like a capital T
3 : a mark aimed at in various games (as curling)
–to a tee : EXACTLY, PRECISELY <the description fit her to a tee>

tee
n. 1 a : a small mound or a peg on which a golf ball is placed before being struck at the beginning of play on a hole b : a device for holding a football in position for kicking c : an adjustable post on which a ball is placed for batting (as in T-ball)
2 : the area from which a golf ball is struck at the beginning of play on a hole

tee
n. : to place (a ball) on a tee ― often used with up

tee
n. to a tee
tee off
tee shirt
wind tee
teed off

tee off
1 : to drive from a tee
2 : BEGIN, START
3 : to hit hard
4 : to make an angry denunciation ― often used with on

tee shirt
variant of t-shirt

teed off
: ANGRY, ANNOYED

teem
v. transitive verb archaic : BRING FORTH : give birth to : PRODUCE
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to become pregnant : CONCEIVE
2 a : to become filled to overflowing : ABOUND b : to be present in large quantity
–teem·ing·ly \'tē-miŋ-lē\ adverb
–teem·ing·ness noun

teem
v. : EMPTY, POUR <teem molten metal into a mold>

teen
n. archaic : MISERY, AFFLICTION

teen
n. : a teenage person : TEENAGER
–teen adjective

teenage
adj. : of, being, or relating to people in their teens
–teen·ag·er \-ˌā-jər\ noun

teener
n. : TEEN, TEENAGER

teens
n. : the numbers 13 to 19 inclusive specifically : the years 13 to 19 in a lifetime or century

teensploitation
: the exploitation of teenagers by producers of teen-oriented films

teensy
adj. : TINY

teensy-weensy
: TINY

teeny
adj. : TINY

teeny-weeny
: TINY

teenybop
: of, relating to, or being a teenybopper

teenybopper
n. 1 : a teenage girl
2 : a young teenager who is enthusiastically devoted to popular music and to current fads

teepee
n. variant of tepee

Tees
n. river 70 mi (113 km) N England flowing E into North Sea

Teesside
urban area N England on the Tees

teeter
v. 1 a : to move unsteadily : WOBBLE b : WAVER, VACILLATE <teetered on the brink of bankruptcy>
2 : SEESAW

teeter
v. : SEESAW 2B

teeter-totter
: SEESAW 2B

teeterboard
1 : SEESAW 2B
2 : a board placed on a raised support so that a person standing on one end of the board is thrown into the air if another jumps on the opposite end

teeth
n. plural of tooth

teeth
n. fly in the teeth of
cut one's teeth
dragon's teeth
set one's teeth on edge
sink one's teeth into
by the skin of one's teeth
to the teeth
in the teeth of

teethe
v. : to experience the emergence of one's teeth through the gums : grow teeth

teether
n. : an object (as a teething ring) designed for a baby to bite on during teething

teething
n. 1 : the first growth of teeth
2 : the phenomena accompanying growth of teeth through the gums

teething ring
: a usually rubber or plastic ring for a teething infant to bite on

teethridge
n. : the inner surface of the gums of the upper front teeth

teetotal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or practicing teetotalism
2 : TOTAL, COMPLETE
–tee·to·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

teetotaler
n. : one who practices or advocates teetotalism

teetotalism
n. : the principle or practice of complete abstinence from alcoholic drinks
–tee·to·tal·ist \-təl-ist\ noun

teetotum
n. : a small top usually inscribed with letters and used in put-and-take

teff
n. : an economically important Ethiopian annual cereal grass (Eragrostis tef syn. E. abyssinica) grown for its small grain which yields a white flour and as a forage and hay crop

tefillin
n. : the phylacteries worn by Jews

TEFL
teaching English as a foreign language

Teflon
― used for synthetic fluorine-containing resins used especially for molding articles and for nonstick coatings

tegmen
n. : a superficial layer or covering usually of a plant or animal part

tegmental
adj. : of, relating to, or associated with an integument or a tegmentum

tegmentum
n. : an anatomical covering : TEGMEN especially : the part of the ventral midbrain above the substantia nigra formed of longitudinal white fibers with arched transverse fibers and gray matter

Tegucigalpa
n. city capital of Honduras district pop 608,100

tegument
n. : INTEGUMENT

Tehachapi Mountains
mountains SE Calif. N of Mojave Desert running E-W bet. S end of Sierra Nevada & the Coast Ranges; highest peak Double Mountain 7988 ft (2435 m); at E end is Tehachapi Pass 3793 ft (1156 m)

Tehran
n. city capital of Iran at foot of S slope of Elburz Mountains pop 6,042,584

Tehri
former state N India in NW Uttar Pradesh on Tibet border; chief town Tehri

Tehuantepec, Isthmus of
the narrowest section of Mexico, bet. Gulf of Tehuantepec (on Pacific side) & Bay of Campeche; 137 mi (220 km) wide at narrowest point

teiid
: any of a family (Teiidae) of mostly tropical American lizards (as the race runner) with an elongate forked tongue
–teiid adjective

Teilhard de Chardin
Pierre 1881-1955 Fr. philos. & paleontologist

Tejano
n. 1 : a Texan of Hispanic descent
2 [probably short for conjunto tejano, literally, Texan ensemble] : Tex-Mex popular music combining elements of traditional, rock, and country music and often featuring an accordion

Tejo
― see TAGUS

Tekakwitha
Ka·teri \'kä-tə-rē\ 1656-1680 Lily of the Mohawks American Indian religious

tektite
n. : a glassy body of probably meteoritic origin and of rounded but indefinite shape
–tek·tit·ic \tek-'ti-tik\ adjective

tel
telephone

tel
: end <telangiectasia>

tel
Tel Aviv
Tel Avivan
Tel el Amarna

Tel Aviv
city W Israel on the Mediterranean pop 353,200 ― see JAFFA
–Tel Avi·van \-'vē-vən\ noun

Tel el Amarna
locality cen Egypt on E bank of the Nile NW of Asyût; site of ruins

telamon
n. : ATLAS 5

telangiectasia
: an abnormal dilation of red, blue, or purple superficial capillaries, arterioles, or venules typically localized just below the skin's surface (as of the face) ― compare SPIDER VEIN
–tel·an·gi·ec·tat·ic \-ˌek-'ta-tik\ adjective

telco
: a telecommunications company

tele
n. British : TELEVISION

tele
n. 1 : distant : at a distance : over a distance <telegram>
2 a : telegraph <teletypewriter> b : television <telecast> c : telecommunication <telemarketing>

telecast
n. transitive verb : to broadcast by television
intransitive verb : to broadcast a television program
–telecast noun
–tele·cast·er noun

telecom
1 : TELECOMMUNICATION
2 : the telecommunications industry

telecommunication
n. 1 : communication at a distance (as by telephone)
2 : technology that deals with telecommunication ― usually used in plural

telecommute
v. : to work at home by the use of an electronic linkup with a central office
–tele·com·mut·er noun

teleconferencing
n. : the holding of a conference among people remote from one another by means of telecommunication devices (as telephones or computer terminals)
–tele·con·fer·ence \-f(ə-)rən(t)s, -fərn(t)s\ noun

Telecopier
n. ― used for transmitting and receiving equipment for producing facsimile copies of documents

telecourse
n. : a course of study conducted over television especially : such a course taken at home for academic credit

telefacsimile
n. : FACSIMILE 2

telefax
v. : FACSIMILE 2

telefilm
n. : a motion picture made to be telecast

telegenic
adj. : well-suited to the medium of television especially : having an appearance and manner that are markedly attractive to television viewers

telegram
n. : a telegraphic dispatch

telegram
n. : TELEGRAPH

telegraph
n. 1 : an apparatus for communication at a distance by coded signals especially : an apparatus, system, or process for communication at a distance by electric transmission over wire
2 : TELEGRAM

telegraph
n. 1 a : to send or communicate by or as if by telegraph b : to send a telegram to c : to send by means of a telegraphic order <telegraph flowers to a sick friend>
2 : to make known by signs especially unknowingly and in advance <telegraph a punch>
–te·leg·ra·pher \tə-'le-grə-fər\ noun
–te·leg·ra·phist \-fist\ noun

telegraphese
n. : language characterized by the terseness and ellipses that are common in telegrams

telegraphic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the telegraph
2 : CONCISE, TERSE
–tele·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

telegraphy
n. : the use or operation of a telegraph apparatus or system for communication

telekinesis
n. : the production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means
–tele·ki·net·ic \-'ne-tik\ adjective
–tele·ki·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Telemachus
: the son of Odysseus and Penelope who contrives with his father to slay his mother's suitors

Telemann
Georg Philipp 1681-1767 Ger. composer

Telemark
n. mountain region SW Norway

telemark
n. : a turn in skiing in which the skier's heel is not attached to the ski and the outside ski is advanced considerably ahead of the other ski and then turned inward at a steadily widening angle until the turn is completed

telemarketing
n. : the marketing of goods or services by telephone
–tele·mar·ket·er \-tər\ noun

telemarking
: the act or sport of performing telemarks
–tel·e·mark·er \-kər\ noun

telemedicine
n. : the practice of medicine when the doctor and patient are widely separated using two-way voice and visual communication (as by satellite, computer, or closed-circuit television)

telemeter
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring the distance of an object from an observer
2 : an electrical apparatus for measuring a quantity (as pressure, speed, or temperature) and transmitting the result especially by radio to a distant station where the result is indicated or recorded

telemeter
n. : to transmit (as the measurement of a quantity) by telemeter
intransitive verb : to telemeter the measurement of a quantity

telemetry
n. 1 : the science or process of telemetering data
2 : data transmitted by telemetry
3 : BIOTELEMETRY
–tele·met·ric \ˌte-lə-'me-trik\ adjective
–tele·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

telencephalon
n. : the anterior subdivision of the embryonic forebrain or the corresponding part of the adult forebrain that includes the cerebral hemispheres and associated structures
–tel·en·ce·phal·ic \-ˌlen(t)-sə-'fa-lik\ adjective

teleological
adj. : exhibiting or relating to design or purpose especially in nature
–tel·e·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

teleology
n. 1 a : the study of evidences of design in nature b : a doctrine (as in vitalism) that ends are immanent in nature c : a doctrine explaining phenomena by final causes
2 : the fact or character attributed to nature or natural processes of being directed toward an end or shaped by a purpose
3 : the use of design or purpose as an explanation of natural phenomena
–tel·e·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

teleonomy
n. : the quality of apparent purposefulness of structure or function in living organisms due to evolutionary adaptation
–tel·e·o·nom·ic \ˌte-lē-ə-'nä-mik, ˌtē-\ adjective

teleost
n. : BONY FISH
–teleost adjective
–tel·e·os·te·an \ˌte-lē-'äs-tē-ən, ˌtē-\ adjective

telepath
n. : one who is able to communicate by telepathy

telepathy
n. : communication from one mind to another by extrasensory means
–tele·path·ic \ˌte-lə-'pa-thik\ adjective
–tele·path·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

telephone
n. : an instrument for reproducing sounds at a distance specifically : one in which sound is converted into electrical impulses for transmission (as by wire)

telephone
n. transitive verb
1 : to speak to or attempt to reach by telephone
2 : to send by telephone
intransitive verb : to communicate by telephone
–tele·phon·er noun

telephone
n. French telephone
telephone book
telephone booth
telephone box
telephone directory
telephone number
telephone tag
wireless telephone

telephone book
: a book listing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of telephone customers

telephone booth
: an enclosure within which one may stand or sit while making a telephone call

telephone box
British : a public telephone booth

telephone directory
: TELEPHONE BOOK

telephone number
: a number assigned to a telephone line for a specific location that is used to call that location

telephone tag
: telephoning back and forth by parties trying to reach each other without success

telephonic
adj. : of, relating to, or conveyed by a telephone
–tele·phon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

telephonist
n. British : a telephone switchboard operator

telephony
n. : the use or operation of an apparatus (as a telephone) for transmission of sounds as electrical signals between widely removed points

Telephoto
adj. ― used for an apparatus for transmitting photographs electrically or for a photograph so transmitted

telephoto
adj. : being a camera lens system designed to give a large image of a distant object also : relating to or being photography in which a telephoto lens is used

telephoto
adj. 1 : a telephoto lens
2 : a photograph taken with a camera having a telephoto lens

telephotography
n. : the photography of distant objects (as by a camera provided with a telephoto lens)

teleplay
n. : a story prepared for television production

teleport
n. : to transfer by teleportation

teleportation
n. : the act or process of moving an object or person by psychokinesis

teleprinter
n. : a device capable of producing hard copy from signals received over a communications circuit especially : TELETYPEWRITER

teleprocessing
n. : computer processing via remote terminals

teleprompter
n. : a device for displaying prepared text to a speaker or performer

Teles Pires
river 600 mi (966 km) E Brazil flowing NW to join the Juruena forming the Tapajos

telescope
n. 1 : a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror ― compare REFLECTOR, REFRACTOR
2 : any of various tubular magnifying optical instruments
3 : RADIO TELESCOPE

telescope
n. intransitive verb
1 : to become forced together lengthwise with one part entering another as the result of collision
2 : to slide or pass one within another like the cylindrical sections of a collapsible hand telescope
3 : to become compressed or condensed
transitive verb
1 : to cause to telescope
2 : COMPRESS, CONDENSE <the book arbitrarily telescopes time and space, and as arbitrarily extends them ― Phoebe Adams>

telescope
n. radio telescope
reflecting telescope
refracting telescope
Schmidt telescope
Telescope Peak

Telescope Peak
mountain 11,049 ft (3368 m) E Calif., highest in Panamint Mountains

telescopic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or performed with a telescope b : suitable for seeing or magnifying distant objects
2 : seen or discoverable only by a telescope <telescopic stars>
3 : able to discern objects at a distance
4 : having parts that telescope
–tele·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

telesis
n. : progress that is intelligently planned and directed : the attainment of desired ends by the application of intelligent human effort to the means

Telestrator
― used for an electronic device that generates drawn video images over a background image

teletext
n. : a system for broadcasting text over an unused portion of a television signal and displaying it on a decoder-equipped television set ― compare VIDEOTEX

telethon
n. : a long television program usually to solicit funds especially for a charity

Teletype
n. ― used for a teletypewriter

teletypewriter
n. : a printing device resembling a typewriter that is used to send and receive telephonic signals

televangelist
n. : an evangelist who conducts regularly televised religious programs
–tel·evan·ge·lism \-ˌli-zəm\ noun

teleview
v. : to observe or watch by means of a television receiver
–tele·view·er noun

televise
v. transitive verb : to broadcast (as a baseball game) by television
intransitive verb : to broadcast by television

television
n. 1 : an electronic system of transmitting transient images of fixed or moving objects together with sound over a wire or through space by apparatus that converts light and sound into electrical waves and reconverts them into visible light rays and audible sound
2 : a television receiving set
3 a : the television broadcasting industry b : television as a medium of communication

television
n. cable television
community antenna television
educational television
pay television
subscription television

televisual
n. chiefly British : of, relating to, or suitable for broadcast by television

telex
n. 1 : a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges also : a teletypewriter used in telex
2 : a message sent by telex

telex
n. 1 : to send (as a message) by telex
2 : to communicate with by telex

telic
: tending toward an end or outcome
–te·li·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

teliospore
: a chlamydospore that is the final stage in the life cycle of a rust fungus and that gives rise to the basidium

telium
: a teliospore-producing sorus or pustule on the host plant of a rust fungus
–te·li·al \'tē-lē-əl\ adjective

tell
n. transitive verb
1 : COUNT, ENUMERATE <tell the stars, if thou be able to number them ― Gen 15:5(AV)>
2 a : to relate in detail : NARRATE <told the whole story to us> b : to give utterance to : SAY <could never tell a lie>
3 a : to make known : DIVULGE, REVEAL <don't tell your password> b : to express in words <she never told her love ― Shakespeare>
4 a : to give information to : INFORM <tell us about your job> b : to assure emphatically <they did not do it, I tell you>
5 : ORDER, DIRECT <told me to wait>
6 : to find out by observing : RECOGNIZE <you can tell it's a masterpiece>
intransitive verb
1 : to give an account <an article telling of her experience>
2 : to act as an informer ― often used with on <I'll get even with you if you ever tell on me ― Inside Detective>
3 : to have a marked effect <the pressure was beginning to tell on him>
4 : to serve as evidence or indication
synonyms see REVEAL

tell
n. : HILL, MOUND specifically : an ancient mound in the Middle East composed of remains of successive settlements

tell
n. kiss and tell
show and tell
tell all
tell off
William Tell
all told
twice told
fortune telling
tale telling

tell off
1 : to number and set apart especially : to assign to a special duty <told off a detail and put them to opening a trench ― J. F. Dobie>
2 : REPRIMAND, EXCORIATE <told him off for his arrogance>

tell-all
: a written account (as a biography) that contains revealing and often scandalous information
–tell-all adjective

Teller
n. Edward 1908-2003 American (Hung.-born) physicist

teller
n. 1 : one that relates or communicates <a teller of stories>
2 : one that reckons or counts: as a : one appointed to count votes b : a member of a bank's staff concerned with the direct handling of money received or paid out

teller
n. automated teller
automated teller machine
automatic teller
automatic teller machine
fortune teller
tale teller

Tellez
Gabriel ― see TIRSO DE MOLINA

telling
n. : carrying great weight and producing a marked effect : EFFECTIVE, EXPRESSIVE <the most telling evidence>
synonyms see VALID
–tell·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

telltale
n. 1 a : TALEBEARER, INFORMER b : an outward sign : INDICATION
2 : a device for indicating or recording something: as a : a wind-direction indicator often in the form of a ribbon b : a strip of metal on the front wall of a racquets or squash court above which the ball must be hit
–telltale adjective

tellur
1 : earth <telluric>
2 [New Latin tellurium] : tellurium <telluride>

telluric
adj. 1 : of or relating to the earth : TERRESTRIAL
2 : being or relating to a usually natural electric current flowing near the earth's surface

telluride
n. : a binary compound of tellurium with a more electropositive element or group

tellurium
n. : a semimetallic element that occurs in a silvery-white brittle crystalline form of metallic luster, in a dark amorphous form, or combined with metals and that is used especially in alloys and catalysts ― see ELEMENT table

tellurometer
: a device that measures distance by means of microwaves

telly
n. chiefly British : TELEVISION

telnet
n. : a telecommunications protocol providing specifications for emulating a remote computer terminal so that one can access a distant computer and function online using an interface that appears to be part of the user's local system
–telnet intransitive verb

telo
― see TEL-

telocentric
adj. : having the centromere terminally situated so that there is only one chromosomal arm <a telocentric chromosome>
–telocentric noun

telome
: a hypothetical plant structure in a theory of the evolution of leaves and sporophylls in vascular plants that consists of one of the vegetative or reproductive terminal branchlets of a dichotomously branched axis

telomerase
: a DNA polymerase that is a ribonucleoprotein catalyzing the elongation of chromosomal telomeres in eukaryotic cell division and is particularly active in cancer cells

telomere
n. : the natural end of a eukaryotic chromosome composed of a usually repetitive DNA sequence and serving to stabilize the chromosome

telophase
n. 1 : the final stage of mitosis and of the second division of meiosis in which the spindle disappears and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes
2 : the final stage in the first division of meiosis that may be missing in some organisms and is characterized by the gathering at opposite poles of the cell of half the original number of chromosomes including one from each homologous pair

telos
n. : an ultimate end

telson
n. : the terminal segment of the body of an arthropod or segmented worm especially : that of a crustacean forming the middle lobe of the tail

Telugu
n. 1 : a member of the largest group of people in Andhra Pradesh, India
2 : the Dravidian language of the Telugu people

TEM
transmission electron microscope; transmission electron microscopy

Tema
city & port Ghana E of Accra pop 100,052

temblor
n. : EARTHQUAKE

Temecula
city S Calif. bet. Riverside & San Diego pop 57,716

temerarious
adj. : marked by temerity : rashly or presumptuously daring <a temerarious comment>
–tem·er·ar·i·ous·ly adverb
–tem·er·ar·i·ous·ness noun

temerity
n. 1 : unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition : RASHNESS, RECKLESSNESS
2 : an act or instance of temerity
synonyms TEMERITY, AUDACITY, HARDIHOOD, EFFRONTERY, NERVE, CHEEK, GALL, CHUTZPAH mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. TEMERITY suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger <had the temerity to refuse>. AUDACITY implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence <an entrepreneur with audacity and vision>. HARDIHOOD suggests firmness in daring and defiance <admired for her hardihood>. EFFRONTERY implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy <outraged at his effrontery>. NERVE, CHEEK, GALL and CHUTZPAH are informal equivalents for EFFRONTERY <the nerve of that guy> <has the cheek to call herself a singer> <had the gall to demand proof> <the chutzpah needed for a career in show business>.

Temes
― see TIMIş

Temin
Howard Martin 1934-1994 American oncologist

temp
n. 1 : TEMPERATURE 2A C
2 : a temporary worker

temp
n. : to work as a temp

temp
n. 1 temporary
2 [Latin tempore] in the time of

Tempe
n. city S cen Ariz. SE of Phoenix pop 158,625

Tempe, Vale of
v. valley in NE Thessaly bet. Mounts Olympus & Ossa

tempeh
n. : an Asian food prepared by fermenting soybeans with a rhizopus

temper
n. 1 : to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : MODERATE <temper justice with mercy>
2 archaic a : to exercise control over : GOVERN, RESTRAIN b : to cause to be well disposed : MOLLIFY <tempered and reconciled them both ― Richard Steele>
3 : to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually liquid ingredient: as a : to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (as grog) and knead to a uniform texture b : to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use
4 a (1) : to soften (as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature (2) : to harden (as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil b : to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling
5 : to make stronger and more resilient through hardship : TOUGHEN <troops tempered in battle>
6 a : to put in tune with something : ATTUNE b : to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament
–tem·per·able \-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
–tem·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

temper
n. 1 a archaic : a suitable proportion or balance of qualities : a middle state between extremes : MEAN, MEDIUM <virtue is⋯a just temper between propensities ― T. B. Macaulay> b archaic : CHARACTER, QUALITY <the temper of the land you design to sow ― John Mortimer> c : characteristic tone : TREND <the temper of the times> d : high quality of mind or spirit : COURAGE
2 a : the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (as hardness, elasticity, or workability) especially : the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering b : the feel and relative solidity of leather
3 a : a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling : DISPOSITION b : calmness of mind : COMPOSURE c : state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion d : heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : PASSION <she has a real temper>
4 : a substance (as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter
synonyms see DISPOSITION

temper
n. good tempered
ill tempered
quick tempered
short tempered

tempera
n. 1 : a process of painting in which an albuminous or colloidal medium (as egg yolk) is employed as a vehicle instead of oil also : a painting done in tempera
2 : POSTER COLOR

temperament
n. 1 obsolete a : constitution of a substance, body, or organism with respect to the mixture or balance of its elements, qualities, or parts : MAKEUP b : COMPLEXION 1
2 obsolete a : CLIMATE b : TEMPERATURE 2
3 a : the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology b : characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response <a nervous temperament> c : extremely high sensibility especially : excessive sensitiveness or irritability
4 a : the act or process of tempering or modifying : ADJUSTMENT, COMPROMISE b : middle course : MEAN
5 : the slight modification of acoustically pure intervals in tuning a musical instrument especially : modification that produces a set of 12 equally spaced tones to the octave
synonyms see DISPOSITION

temperamental
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or arising from temperament : CONSTITUTIONAL <temperamental peculiarities>
2 a : marked by excessive sensitivity and impulsive mood changes <a temperamental child> b : unpredictable in behavior or performance <a temperamental computer>
–tem·per·a·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

temperance
n. 1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT
2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages

temperate
adj. 1 : marked by moderation: as a : keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : MILD b : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire c : moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages d : marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship
2 a : having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperature b : found in or associated with a moderate climate <temperate insects>
3 : existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis <temperate bacteriophages>
–tem·per·ate·ly adverb
–tem·per·ate·ness noun

temperate rain forest
: woodland of a usually rather mild climatic area within the temperate zone that receives heavy rainfall, usually includes numerous kinds of trees, and is distinguished from a tropical rain forest especially by the presence of a dominant tree

temperate zone
: the area or region between the Tropic of Cancer and the arctic circle or between the Tropic of Capricorn and the antarctic circle

temperature
n. 1 archaic a : COMPLEXION 1 b : TEMPERAMENT 3B
2 a : degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale b : the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being c : abnormally high body heat <running a temperature>
3 a : relative state of emotional warmth <scandals raised the political temperature> b : MOOD <testing the temperature of voters>

temperature
n. color temperature
Curie temperature
run a temperature
temperature inversion

temperature inversion
: INVERSION 6

tempered
adj. 1 a : having the elements mixed in satisfying proportions : TEMPERATE b : qualified, lessened, or diluted by the mixture or influence of an additional ingredient : MODERATED <a pale gleam of tempered sunlight fell through the leaves ― W. H. Hudson †1922>
2 : treated by tempering especially of glass : treated so as to impart increased strength and the property of shattering into pellets when broken
3 : having a specified temper ― used in combination <short-tempered>
4 : conforming to adjustment by temperament ― used of a musical interval, intonation, semitone, or scale

tempered
adj. good tempered
ill tempered
quick tempered
short tempered

tempest
n. 1 : a violent storm
2 : TUMULT, UPROAR

tempest
n. : to raise a tempest in or around

tempest in a teapot

1838
: a great commotion over an unimportant matter

tempestuous
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a tempest : TURBULENT, STORMY <tempestuous weather> <a tempestuous relationship>
–tem·pes·tu·ous·ly adverb
–tem·pes·tu·ous·ness noun

Templar
n. 1 : a knight of a religious military order established in the early 12th century in Jerusalem for the protection of pilgrims and the Holy Sepulcher
2 : KNIGHT TEMPLAR 2

Templar
n. Knight Templar
Knights Templar
Knights Templars

template
n. 1 : a short piece or block placed horizontally in a wall under a beam to distribute its weight or pressure (as over a door)
2 a (1) : a gauge, pattern, or mold (as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made (2) : a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the generation of another macromolecule (as messenger RNA) b : OVERLAY C
3 : something that establishes or serves as a pattern

Temple
n. Frederick 1821-1902 archbishop of Canterbury (1896-1902)

Temple
n. Shirley 1928-     American actress & diplomat

Temple
n. Sir William 1628-1699 Brit. statesman

Temple
n. William 1881-1944 son of Frederick archbishop of Canterbury (1942-44)

Temple
n. city NE cen Tex. SSW of Waco pop 54,514

temple
n. 1 : a building for religious practice: as a often capitalized : either of two successive national sanctuaries in ancient Jerusalem b : a building for Mormon sacred ordinances c : the house of worship of Reform and some Conservative Jewish congregations
2 : a local lodge of any of various fraternal orders also : the building housing it
3 : a place devoted to a special purpose <a temple of cuisine>
–tem·pled \-pəld\ adjective

temple
n. 1 : the flattened space on each side of the forehead of some mammals including humans
2 : one of the side supports of a pair of glasses jointed to the bows and passing on each side of the head

Temple City
city SW Calif. SE of Pasadena pop 33,377

Templewood
Viscount ― see HOARE

tempo
n. 1 : the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
2 : rate of motion or activity : PACE

tempora
o tempora! o mores
o tempora! o mores!
tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis
: the times are changing, and we are changing with them

temporal
adj. 1 a : of or relating to time as opposed to eternity b : of or relating to earthly life c : lay or secular rather than clerical or sacred : CIVIL <lords temporal>
2 : of or relating to grammatical tense or a distinction of time
3 a : of or relating to time as distinguished from space b : of or relating to the sequence of time or to a particular time : CHRONOLOGICAL
–tem·po·ral·ly adverb

temporal
adj. : a temporal part (as a bone or muscle)

temporal
adj. : of or relating to the temples or the sides of the skull behind the orbits

temporal
adj. temporal bone
temporal lobe
temporal summation

temporal bone
: a compound bone of the side of the skull of some mammals including humans

temporal lobe
: a large lobe of each cerebral hemisphere that is situated in front of the occipital lobe and contains a sensory area associated with the organ of hearing

temporal summation
: sensory summation that involves the addition of single stimuli over a short period of time

temporality
n. 1 a : civil or political as distinguished from spiritual or ecclesiastical power or authority b : an ecclesiastical property or revenue ― often used in plural
2 : the quality or state of being temporal

temporalize
v. 1 : SECULARIZE
2 : to place or define in time relations

temporarily
adv. : during a limited time

temporary
n. : lasting for a limited time
–tem·po·rar·i·ness noun

temporary
n. : one serving for a limited time <adding several temporaries as typists during the summer>

temporary duty
: temporary military service away from one's permanent duty station

temporise
v. British variant of temporize

temporize
v. 1 : to act to suit the time or occasion : yield to current or dominant opinion
2 : to draw out discussions or negotiations so as to gain time <you'd have to temporize until you found out how she wanted to be advised ― Mary Austin>
–tem·po·ri·za·tion \ˌtem-pə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–tem·po·riz·er noun

temporomandibular
adj. : of, relating to, being, or affecting the joint between the temporal bone and the mandible that allows for the movement of the mandible <temporomandibular dysfunction>

tempt
v. 1 : to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2 a obsolete : to make trial of : TEST b : to try presumptuously : PROVOKE <tempt fate> c : to risk the dangers of
3 a : to induce to do something b : to cause to be strongly inclined <was tempted to call it quits>
synonyms see LURE
–tempt·able \'tem(p)-tə-bəl\ adjective

temptation
n. 1 : the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : ENTICEMENT
2 : something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

tempter
n. : one that tempts or entices

tempting
adj. : having an appeal : ENTICING <a tempting offer>
–tempt·ing·ly adverb

temptress
n. : a woman who tempts or entices

tempura
n. : seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and fried in deep fat

tempus edax rerum
: time, that devours all things

tempus fugit
: time flies

Temuco
city S cen Chile pop 245,347

ten
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the 10th in a set or series <wears a ten>
3 : something having 10 units or members
4 : a 10-dollar bill
5 : one deserving the highest rating specifically : an exceptionally attractive person
–ten adjective
–ten pronoun, plural in construction

ten
n. ten eighty
ten gallon hat
Double Ten
five and ten
hang ten
take ten
Ten Commandments
ten speed
ten strike
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
tens place

Ten Commandments
: the ethical commandments of God given according to biblical accounts to Moses by voice and by writing on stone tablets on Mount Sinai

ten-gallon hat
: COWBOY HAT

ten-speed
: a bicycle with 10 gear combinations

ten-strike
1 : a strike in tenpins
2 : a highly successful stroke or achievement

tenable
adj. : capable of being held, maintained, or defended : DEFENSIBLE, REASONABLE
–ten·a·bil·i·ty \ˌte-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ten·a·ble·ness noun
–ten·a·bly \'te-nə-blē\ adverb

tenace
n. : a combination of two high or relatively high cards (as ace and queen) of the same suit in one hand with one ranking two degrees below the other

tenacious
adj. 1 a : not easily pulled apart : COHESIVE <a tenacious metal> b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance <tenacious burs>
2 a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired <a tenacious advocate of civil rights> <tenacious negotiators> b : RETENTIVE <a tenacious memory>
synonyms see STRONG
–te·na·ci·ous·ly adverb
–te·na·cious·ness noun

tenacity
n. : the quality or state of being tenacious
synonyms see COURAGE

tenaculum
n. 1 : a slender sharp-pointed hook attached to a handle and used mainly in surgery for seizing and holding parts (as arteries)
2 : an adhesive animal structure

tenancy
n. 1 : a holding of an estate or a mode of holding an estate specifically : the temporary possession or occupancy of something (as a house) that belongs to another
2 : the period of a tenant's occupancy or possession

tenant
n. 1 a : one who holds or possesses real estate or sometimes personal property (as a security) by any kind of right b : one who has the occupation or temporary possession of lands or tenements of another specifically : one who rents or leases (as a house) from a landlord
2 : OCCUPANT, DWELLER
–ten·ant·less \-ləs\ adjective

tenant
n. : to hold or occupy as or as if as a tenant : INHABIT
–ten·ant·able \-nən-tə-bəl\ adjective

tenant farmer
: a farmer who works land owned by another and pays rent either in cash or in shares of produce

tenantry
n. 1 : TENANCY
2 : a body of tenants

tench
n. : a cyprinid fish (Tinca tinca) native to Eurasia but introduced in the U.S. and noted for its ability to survive in poorly oxygenated waters

tend
v. intransitive verb
1 archaic : LISTEN
2 : to pay attention : apply oneself <tend to your own affairs> <tend to our correspondence>
3 : to act as an attendant : SERVE <tended to his wife>
4 obsolete : AWAIT
transitive verb
1 archaic : to attend as a servant
2 a : to apply oneself to the care of : watch over <tended her sick father> b : to have or take charge of as a caretaker or overseer <tend the sheep> c : CULTIVATE, FOSTER d : to manage the operations of : MIND <tend the store> <tend the fire>
3 : to stand by (as a rope) in readiness to prevent mischance (as fouling)

tend
v. 1 : to move, direct, or develop one's course in a particular direction <cannot tell where society is tending>
2 : to exhibit an inclination or tendency : CONDUCE <tends to be optimistic>

tendance
n. 1 : watchful care
2 archaic : persons in attendance : RETINUE

tendencious
chiefly British variant of tendentious

tendency
n. 1 a : direction or approach toward a place, object, effect, or limit b : a proneness to a particular kind of thought or action
2 a : the purposeful trend of something written or said : AIM b : deliberate but indirect advocacy
synonyms TENDENCY, TREND, DRIFT, TENOR, CURRENT mean movement in a particular direction. TENDENCY implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force <a general tendency toward inflation>. TREND applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course <the long-term trend of the stock market is upward>. DRIFT may apply to a tendency determined by external forces <the drift of the population away from large cities> or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse <got the drift of her argument>. TENOR stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course <the tenor of the times>. CURRENT implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course <an encounter that changed the current of my life>.

tendentious
adj. : marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view : BIASED
–ten·den·tious·ly adverb
–ten·den·tious·ness noun

tender
n. 1 a : having a soft or yielding texture : easily broken, cut, or damaged : DELICATE, FRAGILE <tender feet> b : easily chewed : SUCCULENT
2 a : physically weak : not able to endure hardship b : IMMATURE, YOUNG <children of tender age> c : incapable of resisting cold : not hardy <tender perennials>
3 : marked by, responding to, or expressing the softer emotions : FOND, LOVING <a tender lover>
4 a : showing care : CONSIDERATE, SOLICITOUS <tender regard> b : highly susceptible to impressions or emotions : IMPRESSIONABLE <a tender conscience>
5 a : appropriate or conducive to a delicate or sensitive constitution or character : GENTLE, MILD <tender breeding> <tender irony> b : delicate or soft in quality or tone <never before heard the piano sound so tender ― Elva S. Daniels>
6 obsolete : DEAR, PRECIOUS
7 a : sensitive to touch or palpation <the bruise was still tender> b : sensitive to injury or insult : TOUCHY <tender pride> c : demanding careful and sensitive handling : TICKLISH <a tender situation> d of a boat : easily tipped by an external force
–ten·der·ly adverb
–ten·der·ness noun

tender
n. obsolete : CONSIDERATION, REGARD

tender
n. transitive verb
1 : to make tender : SOFTEN, WEAKEN
2 archaic : to regard or treat with tenderness
intransitive verb : to become tender

tender
n. transitive verb
1 : to make a tender of
2 : to present for acceptance : OFFER <tendered my resignation>
intransitive verb : to make a bid or tender

tender
n. 1 : an unconditional offer of money or service in satisfaction of a debt or obligation made to save a penalty or forfeiture for nonpayment or nonperformance
2 : an offer or proposal made for acceptance: as a : an offer of a bid for a contract b : TENDER OFFER
3 : something that may be offered in payment specifically : MONEY

tender
n. : one that tends: as a (1) : a ship employed to attend other ships (as to supply provisions) (2) : a boat for communication or transportation between shore and a larger ship (3) : a warship that provides logistic support b : a car attached to a steam locomotive for carrying a supply of fuel and water

tender
n. : an often breaded strip of usually breast meat <chicken tenders> also : the tenderloin of a chicken

tender
n. fork tender
legal tender
tender minded
tender offer

tender offer
: a public offer to buy not less than a specified number of shares of a stock at a fixed price from stockholders usually in an attempt to gain control of the issuing company

tender-minded
: marked by idealism, optimism, and dogmatism

tenderfoot
n. 1 : a newcomer in a comparatively rough or newly settled region especially : one not hardened to frontier or outdoor life
2 : an inexperienced beginner : NOVICE <a political tenderfoot>

tenderhearted
adj. : easily moved to love, pity, or sorrow : COMPASSIONATE, IMPRESSIONABLE
–ten·der·heart·ed·ly adverb
–ten·der·heart·ed·ness noun

tenderize
v. : to make (meat or meat products) tender by applying a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
–ten·der·i·za·tion \ˌten-d(ə-)rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ten·der·iz·er \'ten-də-ˌrī-zər\ noun

tenderloin
n. 1 : a strip of tender meat consisting of a large internal muscle of the loin on each side of the vertebral column
2 [from its making possible a luxurious diet for a corrupt police officer] : a district of a city largely devoted to vice

tenderometer
: a device for determining the maturity and tenderness of samples of fruits and vegetables

tendinitis
n. : inflammation of a tendon

tendinous
adj. 1 : consisting of tendons : SINEWY <tendinous tissue>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a tendon

tendon
n. : a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part (as a bone) and transmits the force which the muscle exerts

tendon of Achilles
: ACHILLES TENDON

tendresse
n. : FONDNESS

tendril
n. 1 : a leaf, stipule, or stem modified into a slender spirally coiling sensitive organ serving to attach a climbing plant to its support
2 : something suggestive of a tendril <creeping tendrils of fog>
–ten·driled or ten·drilled \-drəld\ adjective
–ten·dril·ous \-drə-ləs\ adjective

tene
: having (such or so many) chromosomal filaments <polytene> <pachytene>

tene
: stage of meiotic prophase characterized by (such) chromosomal filaments <diplotene> <pachytene>

Tenebrae
n. : a church service observed during the final part of Holy Week commemorating the sufferings and death of Christ

tenebrific
1 : GLOOMY
2 : causing gloom or darkness

tenebrionid
: DARKLING BEETLE
–tenebrionid adjective

tenebrious
adj. : TENEBROUS

tenebrism
: a style of painting especially associated with the Italian painter Caravaggio and his followers in which most of the figures are engulfed in shadow but some are dramatically illuminated by a beam of light usually from an identifiable source
–ten·e·brist \-brist\ noun or adjective often cap

tenebrous
adj. 1 : shut off from the light : DARK, MURKY <tenebrous depths>
2 : hard to understand : OBSCURE <a tenebrous affair>
3 : causing gloom

Tenedos
― see BOZCAADA

tenement
n. 1 : any of various forms of corporeal property (as land) or incorporeal property that is held by one person from another
2 : DWELLING
3 a : a house used as a dwelling : RESIDENCE b : APARTMENT, FLAT c : TENEMENT HOUSE

tenement house
: APARTMENT BUILDING especially : one meeting minimum standards of sanitation, safety, and comfort and usually located in a city

Tenerife
n. island Spain, largest of the Canary Islands; chief town Santa Cruz de Tenerife area 795 sq mi (2059 sq km)

tenesmus
n. : a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or bladder

tenet
n. : a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true especially : one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession

tenfold
adv. 1 : having 10 units or members
2 : being 10 times as great or as many
–ten·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

Teng Hsiao-p'ing
1904-1997 Chin. Communist leader (1977-97)

tenge
n. ― see MONEY table

tenia
n. variant of taenia, taeniasis

Teniers
David the Elder 1582-1649 & the Younger 1610-1690 Flem. painters

Tenn
n. Tennessee

tenne
― see manat at MONEY table

tenner
n. 1 : a 10-pound note
2 : a 10-dollar bill

Tennessee
n. 1 river 652 mi (1049 km) E U.S. in Tenn., Ala., & Ky. flowing into Ohio River
2 state SE cen U.S. capital Nashville area 42,144 sq mi (109,153 sq km), pop 5,689,283
–Ten·nes·se·an or Ten·nes·see·an \ˌte-nə-'sē-ən\ adjective or noun

Tennessee
n. Tennessee walking horse
Tennessee walker
Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway

Tennessee walking horse
: any of an American breed of large easy-gaited saddle horses largely of standardbred and Morgan ancestry ― called also Tennessee walker

Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
waterway 234 mi (374 km) long from Tennessee River on Tenn.-Miss. border to Tombigbee River in W cen Ala.

Tenniel
n. Sir John 1820-1914 Eng. cartoonist & illustrator

tennies
n. : TENNIS SHOES, SNEAKERS

tennis
n. 1 : COURT TENNIS
2 : an indoor or outdoor game that is played with rackets and a light elastic ball by two players or pairs of players on a level court (as of clay or grass) divided by a low net

tennis
n. court tennis
deck tennis
lawn tennis
paddle tennis
platform tennis
squash tennis
table tennis
tennis elbow
tennis shoe

tennis elbow
: inflammation and pain over the outer side of the elbow usually resulting from excessive strain on and twisting of the forearm

tennis shoe
: a lightweight usually low-cut sneaker

tennist
: a tennis player

Tennyson
n. Alfred 1809-1892 1st Baron Tennyson known as Alfred, Lord Tennyson Eng. poet; poet laureate (1850-92)
–Ten·ny·so·nian \ˌte-nə-'sō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adjective

Tenochtitlan
MEXICO CITY ― name used when it was capital of the Aztec Empire

tenon
n. : a projecting member in a piece of wood or other material for insertion into a mortise to make a joint ― see DOVETAIL illustration

tenon
n. 1 : to unite by a tenon
2 : to cut or fit for insertion in a mortise

tenor
n. 1 a : the drift of something spoken or written : PURPORT b : an exact copy of a writing : TRANSCRIPT c : the concept, object, or person meant in a metaphor
2 a : the melodic line usually forming the cantus firmus in medieval music b : the voice part next to the lowest in a 4-part chorus c : the highest natural adult male singing voice also : a person having this voice d : a member of a family of instruments having a range next lower than that of the alto
3 : a continuance in a course, movement, or activity
4 : habitual condition : CHARACTER
synonyms see TENDENCY

tenor
n. : relating to or having the range or part of a tenor

tenorist
n. : a person who sings tenor or plays a tenor instrument

tenosynovitis
n. : inflammation of a tendon sheath

tenour
chiefly British variant of tenor

tenpenny
adj. : amounting to, worth, or costing 10 pennies

tenpenny nail
: a nail three inches (7.6 centimeters) long

tenpin
n. 1 : a bottle-shaped bowling pin 15 inches high
2 plural but singular in construction : a bowling game using 10 tenpins and a large ball 27 inches in circumference and allowing each player to bowl 2 balls in each of 10 frames

tenpounder
: LADYFISH 2

tenrec
n. : any of numerous small often spiny mammalian insectivores (family Tenrecidae) chiefly of Madagascar

TENS
n. 1 [transcutaneous electrical nounerve stimulation] : electrical stimulation of the skin to relieve pain by interfering with the neural transmission of signals from underlying pain receptors
2 [transcutaneous electrical nounerve stimulator] : a device used for TENS

tens place
: the place two to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers

Tensas
river 250 mi (402 km) NE La. uniting with Ouachita River to form Black River

Tensaw
river 40 mi (64 km) SW Ala. formed by Tombigbee & Alabama rivers & flowing S into Mobile Bay

tense
n. 1 : a distinction of form in a verb to express distinctions of time or duration of the action or state it denotes
2 a : a set of inflectional forms of a verb that express distinctions of time b : an inflectional form of a verb expressing a specific time distinction

tense
n. 1 : stretched tight : made taut : RIGID <tense muscles>
2 a : feeling or showing nervous tension <a tense smile> b : marked by strain or suspense <a tense thriller>
3 : produced with the muscles involved in a relatively tense state <the vowels \ē\ and \ü\ in contrast with the vowels \i\ and \u̇\ are tense>
–tense·ly adverb
–tense·ness noun

tense
n. transitive verb : to make tense
intransitive verb : to become tense <tensed up and missed the putt>

tensile
adj. 1 : capable of tension : DUCTILE
2 : of, relating to, or involving tension <tensile stress>
–ten·sil·i·ty \ten-'si-lə-tē\ noun

tensile strength
: the greatest longitudinal stress a substance can bear without tearing apart

tensiometer
n. 1 : a device for measuring tension (as of structural material)
2 : an instrument for determining the moisture content of soil
3 : an instrument for measuring the surface tension of liquids
–ten·sio·met·ric \-sē-ō-'me-trik\ adjective
–ten·si·om·e·try \-sē-'ä-mə-trē\ noun

tension
n. 1 a : the act or action of stretching or the condition or degree of being stretched to stiffness : TAUTNESS b : STRESS 1B
2 a : either of two balancing forces causing or tending to cause extension b : the stress resulting from the elongation of an elastic body
3 a : inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion b : a state of latent hostility or opposition between individuals or groups c : a balance maintained in an artistic work between opposing forces or elements
4 : a device to produce a desired tension (as in a loom)
–ten·sion·al \'ten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective
–ten·sion·less \'ten(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective

tension
n. : to subject to tension especially : to tighten to a desired or appropriate degree
–ten·sion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun

tension
n. high tension
surface tension
tension headache
vapor tension

tension headache
: bilateral headache marked by mild to moderate pain of variable duration that typically is accompanied by contraction of the neck and scalp muscles

tensity
n. : the quality or state of being tense : TENSENESS

tensive
adj. : of, relating to, or causing tension

tensor
n. 1 : a muscle that stretches a part
2 : a generalized vector with more than three components each of which is a function of the coordinates of an arbitrary point in space of an appropriate number of dimensions

tent
n. 1 : a collapsible shelter of fabric (as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building
2 : DWELLING
3 a : something that resembles a tent or that serves as a shelter especially : a canopy or enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to retain vapors or oxygen being medically administered b : the web of a tent caterpillar
–tent·less \'tent-ləs\ adjective
–tent·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

tent
n. 1 : to reside for the time being : LODGE
2 : to live in a tent
transitive verb
1 : to cover with or as if with a tent
2 : to lodge in tents

tent
n. chiefly Scottish : to attend to

tent
n. forest tent caterpillar
oxygen tent
pup tent
shelter tent
tent caterpillar
tent stitch

tent caterpillar
: any of several destructive gregarious caterpillars (genus Malacosoma and especially M. americanum of the family Lasiocampidae) that construct large silken webs on trees

tent stitch
: a short stitch slanting to the right that is used in embroidery to form even lines of solid background

tentacle
n. 1 : any of various elongate flexible usually tactile or prehensile processes borne by animals and especially invertebrates chiefly on the head or about the mouth
2 a : something that resembles a tentacle especially in or as if in grasping or feeling out <corruption spreading its tentacles> b : a sensitive hair or emergence on a plant (as the sundew)
–ten·ta·cled \-kəld\ adjective

tentacular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling tentacles
2 : equipped with tentacles

tentage
n. : a collection of tents : tent equipment

tentative
adj. 1 : not fully worked out or developed <tentative plans>
2 : HESITANT, UNCERTAIN <a tentative smile>
–tentative noun
–ten·ta·tive·ly adverb
–ten·ta·tive·ness noun

tented
adj. 1 : covered with a tent or tents <tented camps>
2 : shaped like a tent

tenter
n. 1 : a frame or endless track with hooks or clips along two sides that is used for drying and stretching cloth
2 archaic : TENTERHOOK

tenter
n. : one who lives in or occupies a tent

tenterhook
n. : a sharp hooked nail used especially for fastening cloth on a tenter
–on tenterhooks : in a state of uneasiness, strain, or suspense <the waiting kept us on tenterhooks>

tenth
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 a : a musical interval embracing an octave and a third b : the tone at this interval
–tenth adjective or adverb

tenth-rate
: of the lowest character or quality

tenty
Scottish : ATTENTIVE, WATCHFUL

tenuis
: an unaspirated voiceless stop

tenuity
n. 1 : lack of substance or strength
2 : lack of thickness : SLENDERNESS, THINNESS <the tenuity of poplars ― Edith Wharton>
3 : lack of density : rarefied quality or state

tenuous
adj. 1 : not dense : RARE <a tenuous fluid>
2 : not thick : SLENDER <a tenuous rope>
3 a : having little substance or strength : FLIMSY, WEAK <tenuous influences> b : SHAKY 2A <tenuous reasons> <on grounds that were tenuous>
synonyms see THIN
–ten·u·ous·ly adverb
–ten·u·ous·ness noun

tenure
n. 1 : the act, right, manner, or term of holding something (as a landed property, a position, or an office) especially : a status granted after a trial period to a teacher that gives protection from summary dismissal
2 : GRASP, HOLD
–ten·ur·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
–te·nur·ial \te-'nyu̇r-ē-əl\ adjective
–te·nur·ial·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

tenure-track
: relating to or being a teaching position that may lead to a grant of tenure

tenured
adj. : having tenure <tenured faculty members>

tenuto
: held (as a tone or chord) to its full value ― used as a direction in music

teocalli
n. : an ancient temple of Mexico or Central America usually built upon the summit of a truncated pyramidal mound also : the mound itself

teosinte
n. : a tall annual grass (Zea mexicana syn. Z. mays mexicana) especially of the central highlands of Mexico that is closely related to and sometimes considered ancestral to Indian corn

Teotihuacan
city S cen Mexico in Mexico state NE of Mexico City; once capital of the Toltecs pop 2238

tepary bean
: an annual twining bean (Phaseolus acutifolius var. latifolius) that is native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico and is cultivated for its roundish white, yellow, brown, or bluish-black edible seeds also : the seed

tepee
n. : a conical tent usually consisting of skins and used especially by American Indians of the Great Plains

tephra
n. : solid material ejected into the air during a volcanic eruption especially : 2ASH 2B

Tepic
city W Mexico capital of Nayarit pop 292,780

tepid
adj. 1 : moderately warm : LUKEWARM <a tepid bath>
2 a : lacking in passion, force, or zest <tepid poetry> b : marked by an absence of enthusiasm or conviction <a tepid interest> <a tepid response>
–te·pid·i·ty \tə-'pi-də-tē, te-\ noun
–tep·id·ly \'te-pəd-lē\ adverb
–tep·id·ness noun

TEPP
: a hygroscopic corrosive liquid organophosphate C_8H_20O_7P_2 that is a powerful anticholinesterase and is used especially as an insecticide

teppanyaki
n. : a Japanese dish of meat, fish, or vegetables cooked on a large griddle usually built into the diner's table also : this style of cooking

Tequendama Falls
waterfall cen Colombia S of Bogotá

tequila
n. : a Mexican liquor distilled from the fermented sap of an agave (Agave tequilana)

tequila sunrise
: a cocktail consisting of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine

ter
1 terrace
2 territory

ter
: three times : threefold : three <tercentenary>

tera
n. : trillion (10^12) <terawatt>

terabyte
n. : 1024 gigabytes or 1,099,511,627,776 bytes also : one trillion bytes

terai
n. : a wide-brimmed double felt sun hat worn especially in subtropical regions

Teraina
island W Pacific in the Line Islands pop 437

Teraina
Washington pie
Washington's Birthday
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Washington Lake
Washington Mount
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument

teraph
: an image of a Semitic household god

terat
: developmental malformation <teratogenic>

teratocarcinoma
n. : a malignant teratoma especially : one involving germinal cells of the testis

teratogen
n. : a teratogenic agent

teratogenesis
n. : production of developmental malformations

teratogenic
adj. : of, relating to, or causing developmental malformations <teratogenic substances> <teratogenic effects>
–ter·a·to·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

teratological
adj. 1 : abnormal in growth or structure
2 : of or relating to teratology

teratology
n. : the study of malformations or serious deviations from the normal type in developing organisms
–ter·a·tol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

teratoma
n. : a tumor made up of a heterogeneous mixture of tissues

terawatt
n. : a unit of power equal to one trillion watts

terbium
n. : a metallic element of the rare-earth group ― see ELEMENT table

Terborch
Gerard 1617-1681 Du. painter

Terbrugghen
Hendrik 1588-1629 Du. painter

terbutaline
n. : a bronchodilator C_12H_19NO_3 used especially in the form of its sulfate

terce
n. : the third of the canonical hours

Terceira
island cen Azores area 153 sq mi (396 sq km)

tercel
n. variant of tiercel

tercentenary
n. : a 300th anniversary or its celebration
–tercentenary adjective

tercentennial
n. : TERCENTENARY

tercet
n. : a unit or group of three lines of verse: a : one of the 3-line stanzas in terza rima b : one of the two groups of three lines forming the sestet in an Italian sonnet

terebinth
n. : a small European tree (Pistacia terebinthus) of the cashew family yielding turpentine

teredo
n. : SHIPWORM

Terence
n. 186(or 185)-?159 B.C. Publius Terentius Afer Rom. dram.

Terengganu
state E Malaysia on S. China Sea capital Kuala Terengganu area 5000 sq mi (12,950 sq km), pop 770,931

terephthalate
n. : a salt or ester of terephthalic acid especially : a dimethyl-ester that is a major starting material for polyester fibers and coatings

terephthalic acid
: a p-dicarboxylic acid C_8H_6O_4 that is obtained especially by oxidation of xylene and is used chiefly in the synthesis of polyesters

Teresa
n. Mother 1910-1997 Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu Albanian religious in India

Teresa of Avila
Saint 1515-1582 Span. Carmelite & mystic

Tereshkova
Valentina Vladimirovna 1937-     Soviet (Russ.-born) cosmonaut

Teresina
city NE Brazil capital of Piauí pop 715,360

terete
adj. : approximately cylindrical but usually tapering at both ends <a terete seedpod>

Tereus
: the husband of Procne who rapes his sister-in-law Philomela

tergite
: the dorsal plate or dorsal portion of the covering of a metameric segment of an arthropod especially : one on the abdomen

tergiversate
v. : to engage in tergiversation
–ter·gi·ver·sa·tor \-ˌsā-tər\ noun

tergiversation
n. 1 : evasion of straightforward action or clear-cut statement : EQUIVOCATION
2 : desertion of a cause, position, party, or faith

tergum
n. : the dorsal part or plate of a segment of an arthropod
–ter·gal \-gəl\ adjective

Terhune
Albert Payson 1872-1942 American author

teriyaki
n. : a Japanese dish of meat or fish that is grilled or broiled after being soaked in a seasoned soy sauce marinade

term
n. 1 a : END, TERMINATION also : a point in time assigned to something (as a payment) b : the time at which a pregnancy of normal length terminates <had her baby at full term>
2 a : a limited or definite extent of time especially : the time for which something lasts : DURATION, TENURE <term of office> <lost money in the short term> b : the whole period for which an estate is granted also : the estate or interest held by one for a term c : the time during which a court is in session
3 plural : provisions that determine the nature and scope of an agreement : CONDITIONS <terms of sale> <liberal credit terms>
4 a : a word or expression that has a precise meaning in some uses or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or subject <legal terms> b plural : expression of a specified kind <described in glowing terms>
5 a : a unitary or compound expression connected with another by a plus or minus sign b : an element of a fraction or proportion or of a series or sequence
6 plural a : mutual relationship : FOOTING <on good terms> b : AGREEMENT, CONCORD <come to terms after extensive negotiations> c : a state of acceptance or understanding <came to terms with the failure of his marriage>
7 : any of the three substantive elements of a syllogism
8 : a quadrangular pillar often tapering downward and adorned on the top with the figure of a head or the upper part of the body
9 : division in a school year during which instruction is regularly given to students
–in terms of : with respect to or in relation to <thinks of everything in terms of money>
–on one's own terms : in accordance with one's wishes : in one's own way <prefers to live on his own terms>

term
n. : to apply a term to : CALL, NAME

term
n. full term
long term
long term potentiation
major term
middle term
minor term
short term
term insurance
term of art
term paper
bring to terms
come to terms
lowest terms
on one's own terms
in terms of

term insurance
: insurance for a specified period that provides for no payment to the insured except on losses during the period and that becomes void upon its expiration

term of art

1656
: a term that has a specialized meaning in a particular field or profession

term paper
: a major written assignment in a school or college course representative of a student's achievement during a term

termagant
n. 1 capitalized : a deity erroneously ascribed to Islam by medieval European Christians and represented in early English drama as a violent character
2 : an overbearing or nagging woman : SHREW

termagant
n. : OVERBEARING, SHREWISH

termer
n. : a person serving for a specified term (as in a political office or in prison) <a first termer>

terminable
adj. : capable of being terminated
–ter·mi·na·ble·ness noun
–ter·mi·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

terminal
n. 1 a : of or relating to an end, extremity, boundary, or terminus <a terminal pillar> b : growing at the end of a branch or stem <a terminal bud>
2 a : of, relating to, or occurring in a term or each term <terminal payments> b (1) : leading ultimately to death : FATAL <terminal cancer> (2) : approaching or close to death : being in the final stages of a fatal disease <a terminal patient> (3) : of or relating to patients with a terminal illness <terminal care> c : extremely or hopelessly severe <terminal boredom>
3 a : occurring at or constituting the end of a period or series : CONCLUDING <the terminal moments of life> b : not intended as preparation for further academic work <a terminal curriculum>
synonyms see LAST
–ter·mi·nal·ly adverb

terminal
n. 1 : a part that forms the end : EXTREMITY, TERMINATION
2 : a terminating usually ornamental detail : FINIAL
3 : a device attached to the end of a wire or cable or to an electrical apparatus for convenience in making connections
4 a : either end of a carrier line having facilities for the handling of freight and passengers b : a freight or passenger station that is central to a considerable area or serves as a junction at any point with other lines c : a town or city at the end of a carrier line : TERMINUS
5 : a combination of a keyboard and output device (as a video display unit) by which data can be entered into or output from a computer or electronic communications system

terminal leave
: a final leave consisting of accumulated unused leave granted to a member of the armed forces just prior to separation or discharge from service

terminal side
: a straight line that has been rotated around a point on another line to form an angle measured in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction ― compare INITIAL SIDE

terminate
v. : coming to an end or capable of ending

terminate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to extend only to a limit (as a point or line) especially : to reach a terminus
2 : to form an ending
3 : to come to an end in time
transitive verb
1 a : to bring to an end : CLOSE <terminate a marriage by divorce> <terminate a transmission line> b : to form the conclusion of <review questions terminate each chapter> c : to discontinue the employment of <workers terminated because of slow business>
2 : to serve as an ending, limit, or boundary of
3 : ASSASSINATE, KILL
synonyms see CLOSE

terminating decimal
: a decimal which can be expressed in a finite number of figures or for which all figures to the right of some place are zero ― compare REPEATING DECIMAL

termination
n. 1 : end in time or existence : CONCLUSION <the termination of life>
2 : the last part of a word especially : an inflectional ending
3 : the act of terminating
4 : a limit in space or extent : BOUND
5 : OUTCOME, RESULT
–ter·mi·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

terminative
n. : tending or serving to terminate : ENDING
–ter·mi·na·tive·ly adverb

terminator
n. 1 : the dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated part of the moon's or a planet's disk
2 : one that terminates

terminology
n. 1 : the technical or special terms used in a business, art, science, or special subject
2 : nomenclature as a field of study
–ter·mi·no·log·i·cal \-mə-nə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–ter·mi·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

terminus
n. 1 : a final goal : a finishing point
2 : a post or stone marking a boundary
3 : either end of a transportation line or travel route also : the station, town, or city at such a place : TERMINAL
4 : an extreme point or element : TIP <the terminus of a glacier>

terminus
n. terminus ad quem
terminus a quo
ex vi termini

terminus a quo
1 : a point of origin
2 : a first limiting point in time

terminus ad quem
1 : a goal, object, or course of action : DESTINATION, PURPOSE
2 : a final limiting point in time

termitarium
n. : a termites' nest

termitary
n. : TERMITARIUM

termite
n. : any of numerous pale-colored soft-bodied social insects (order Isoptera) that live in colonies consisting usually of winged sexual forms, wingless sterile workers, and soldiers, feed on wood, and include some which are very destructive to wooden structures and trees ― called also white ant

termless
adj. 1 : having no term or end : BOUNDLESS, UNENDING
2 : UNCONDITIONED, UNCONDITIONAL

Termonde
― see DENDERMONDE

tern
n. : any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail

tern
n. arctic tern
least tern
roseate tern
sooty tern

ternary
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or proceeding by threes b : having three elements, parts, or divisions c : arranged in threes <ternary petals>
2 : using three as the base <a ternary logarithm>
3 a : being or consisting of an alloy of three elements b : of, relating to, or containing three different elements, atoms, radicals, or groups <sulfuric acid is a ternary acid>
4 : third in order or rank

Ternate
adj. 1 island Indonesia in N Moluccas off W Halmahera pop 33,964
2 city & port, chief city on Ternate pop 24,287

ternate
adj. : arranged in threes or in subdivisions so arranged <a ternate leaf>
–ter·nate·ly adverb

terne
n. 1 : an alloy of lead and tin typically in a ratio of four to one that is used as a coating in producing terneplate
2 : TERNEPLATE

terneplate
: sheet iron or steel coated with an alloy of about four parts lead to one part tin

Terni
commune cen Italy NNE of Rome pop 110,020

terpene
n. : any of various isomeric hydrocarbons C_10H_16 found present in essential oils (as from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis broadly : any of numerous hydrocarbons (C_5H_8)n found especially in essential oils, resins, and balsams
–ter·pene·less \-ləs\ adjective
–ter·pe·noid \'tər-pə-ˌnȯid, ˌtər-'pē-\ adjective or noun

terpineol
n. : any of three fragrant isomeric alcohols C_10H_17OH found in essential oils or made artificially and used especially in perfume or as solvents

terpolymer
: a polymer (as a complex resin) that results from copolymerization of three discrete monomers

Terpsichore
n. : the Greek Muse of dancing and choral song

terpsichorean
adj. : of or relating to dancing

terr
n. 1 terrace
2 territorial; territory

terra
n. : any of the relatively light-colored highland areas on the surface of the moon or a planet

terra
n. terra cotta
terra firma
terra incognita
Terra Nova National Park
terrae incognitae

terra firma
: dry land : solid ground

terra incognita
: unknown territory : an unexplored country or field of knowledge

Terra Nova National Park
n. reservation E Canada in E Newfoundland (island)

terra-cotta
1 : a glazed or unglazed fired clay used especially for statuettes and vases and architectural purposes (as roofing, facing, and relief ornamentation) also : something made of this material
2 : a brownish orange

terrace
n. 1 a : a colonnaded porch or promenade b : a flat roof or open platform c : a relatively level paved or planted area adjoining a building
2 a : a raised embankment with the top leveled b : one of usually a series of horizontal ridges made in a hillside to increase cultivatable land, conserve moisture, or minimize erosion
3 : a level ordinarily narrow plain usually with steep front bordering a river, lake, or sea also : a similar undersea feature
4 a : a row of houses or apartments on raised ground or a sloping site b : a group of row houses c : a strip of park in the middle of a street often planted with trees or shrubs d : STREET
5 : a section of a British soccer stadium set aside for standing spectators

terrace
n. 1 : to provide (as a building or hillside) with a terrace
2 : to make into a terrace

Terracina
city & port cen Italy in Lazio SE of Pontine Marshes pop 39,393

terrain
n. 1 a (1) : a geographic area (2) : a piece of land : GROUND b : the physical features of a tract of land
2 : TERRANE 1
3 a : a field of knowledge or interest : TERRITORY b : ENVIRONMENT, MILIEU

Terramycin
n. ― used for oxytetracycline

terrane
n. 1 : the area or surface over which a particular rock or group of rocks is prevalent
2 : TERRAIN 1A

terrapin
n. : any of various aquatic turtles (family Emydidae) especially : DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN

terraqueous
adj. : consisting of land and water

terrarium
n. : a usually transparent enclosure for keeping or raising plants or usually small animals (as turtles) indoors

Terrassa
commune NE Spain NNW of Barcelona pop 173,775

terrazzo
n. : a mosaic flooring consisting of small pieces of marble or granite set in mortar and given a high polish

terre
pied a terre
pieds à terre
pied à terre
ventre a terre
ventre à terre
Basse Terre
Grande Terre
Terre Haute

Terre Haute
city W Ind. on the Wabash pop 59,614

Terrebonne
town Canada in Que. N of Montreal pop 43,149

terrene
n. : MUNDANE, EARTHLY

terrene
n. : EARTH, TERRAIN

terreplein
n. : the level space behind a parapet of a rampart where guns are mounted

terrestrial
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the earth or its inhabitants <terrestrial magnetism> b : mundane in scope or character : PROSAIC
2 a : of or relating to land as distinct from air or water <terrestrial transportation> b (1) : living on or in or growing from land <terrestrial plants> <terrestrial birds> (2) : of or relating to terrestrial organisms <terrestrial habits>
3 : belonging to the class of planets that are like the earth (as in density and silicate composition) <the terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars>
–terrestrial noun
–ter·res·tri·al·ly adverb

terret
n. : one of the rings on the top of a harness pad through which the reins pass

terrible
adj. 1 a : exciting extreme alarm or intense fear : TERRIFYING b : formidable in nature : AWESOME <a terrible responsibility> c : DIFFICULT <in a terrible bind>
2 : EXTREME, GREAT <a terrible disappointment>
3 : extremely bad: as a : strongly repulsive : OBNOXIOUS <a terrible smell> b : notably unattractive or objectionable <terrible behavior> c : of very poor quality <a terrible movie>
–ter·ri·ble·ness noun
–ter·ri·bly \-blē\ adverb

terrier
n. : any of various usually small energetic dogs orig. used by hunters to dig for small game and engage the quarry underground or drive it out

terrier
n. Airedale terrier
American pit bull terrier
pit bull terrier
American Staffordshire terrier
Australian terrier
Bedlington terrier
border terrier
Boston terrier
bull terrier
cairn terrier
Dandie Dinmont terrier
fox terrier
Irish terrier
Jack Russell terrier
Kerry blue terrier
Lakeland terrier
Manchester terrier
Norfolk terrier
Norwich terrier
Scotch terrier
Scottish terrier
Sealyham terrier
silky terrier
Skye terrier
smooth fox terrier
soft coated wheaten terrier
Staffordshire bull terrier
Tibetan terrier
toy Manchester terrier
Welsh terrier
West Highland white terrier
wire fox terrier
wirehaired terrier
Yorkshire terrier

terrific
adj. 1 a : very bad : FRIGHTFUL b : exciting or fit to excite fear or awe <a terrific thunderstorm>
2 : EXTRAORDINARY <terrific speed>
3 : unusually fine : MAGNIFICENT <terrific weather>
–ter·rif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

terrify
v. 1 a : to drive or impel by menacing : SCARE b : DETER, INTIMIDATE
2 : to fill with terror

terrifying
adj. 1 : causing terror or apprehension
2 : of a formidable nature
–ter·ri·fy·ing·ly adverb

terrigenous
: being or relating to oceanic sediment derived directly from the destruction of rocks on the earth's surface

terrine
n. 1 a : TUREEN 1 b : a usually earthenware dish in which foods are cooked and served
2 : a mixture of chopped meat, fish, or vegetables cooked and served in a terrine

territorial
adj. 1 a : NEARBY, LOCAL b : serving outlying areas : REGIONAL
2 a : of or relating to a territory <territorial government> b : of or relating to or organized chiefly for home defense <a territorial army> c : of or relating to private property
3 a : of or relating to an assigned or preempted area <territorial commanders> b : exhibiting or involving territoriality <territorial birds> <territorial salespeople>
–ter·ri·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

territorial
adj. : a member of a territorial military unit

territorial court
: a court in a U.S. territory that has jurisdiction over local and federal cases

territorial waters
: the waters under the sovereign jurisdiction of a nation or state including both marginal sea and inland waters

territorialism
n. 1 : LANDLORDISM
2 : the principle established in 1555 requiring the inhabitants of a territory of the Holy Roman Empire to conform to the religion of their ruler or to emigrate
–ter·ri·to·ri·al·ist \-list\ noun

territoriality
n. 1 : territorial status
2 a : persistent attachment to a specific territory b : the pattern of behavior associated with the defense of a territory

territorialize
: to organize on a territorial basis
–ter·ri·to·ri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌtȯr-ē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

territory
n. 1 a : a geographic area belonging to or under the jurisdiction of a governmental authority b : an administrative subdivision of a country c : a part of the U.S. not included within any state but organized with a separate legislature d : a geographic area (as a colonial possession) dependent on an external government but having some degree of autonomy
2 a : an indeterminate geographic area b : a field of knowledge or interest
3 a : an assigned area especially : one in which a sales representative or distributor operates b : an area often including a nesting or denning site and a variable foraging range that is occupied and defended by an animal or group of animals
–go with the territory or come with the territory : to be a natural or unavoidable aspect or accompaniment of a particular situation, position, or field <criticism goes with the territory in this job>

territory
n. French Territory of the Afars and the Issas
come with the territory
Yukon Territory
go with the territory
trust territory
union territory
British Antarctic Territory
British Indian Ocean Territory
Federal Capital Territory
Indian Territory
Maritime Territory
Northern Territory
Pacific Islands Trust Territory of the
Afars and the Issas French Territory of the
Australian Capital Territory
New Territories
Northern Territories
Northwest Territories

terror
n. 1 : a state of intense fear
2 a : one that inspires fear : SCOURGE b : a frightening aspect <the terrors of invasion> c : a cause of anxiety : WORRY d : an appalling person or thing especially : BRAT
3 : REIGN OF TERROR
4 : violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands <insurrection and revolutionary terror>
synonyms see FEAR
–ter·ror·less \-ləs\ adjective

terrorise
v. chiefly British variant of terrorize

terrorism
n. : the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion
–ter·ror·ist \-ər-ist\ adjective or noun
–ter·ror·is·tic \ˌter-ər-'is-tik\ adjective

terrorize
v. 1 : to fill with terror or anxiety : SCARE
2 : to coerce by threat or violence
–ter·ror·i·za·tion \ˌter-ər-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

Terry
n. (Alice) Ellen 1847-1928 Eng. actress

terry
n. 1 : the loop forming the pile in uncut pile fabrics
2 : an absorbent fabric with such loops ― called also terry cloth

terse
adj. 1 : smoothly elegant : POLISHED
2 : devoid of superfluity <a terse summary> also : SHORT, BRUSQUE <dismissed me with a terse “no”>
synonyms see CONCISE
–terse·ly adverb
–terse·ness noun

tertian
adj. : recurring at approximately 48-hour intervals ― used of malaria

tertian
adj. : a tertian fever (as vivax malaria)

tertiary
n. 1 [Medieval Latin tertiarius, from Latin, of a third] : a member of a monastic third order especially of lay people
2 capitalized : the Tertiary period or system of rocks

tertiary
n. 1 a : of third rank, importance, or value b chiefly British : of, relating to, or being higher education c : of, relating to, or constituting the third strongest of the three or four degrees of stress recognized by most linguists (as the stress of the third syllable of basketball team)
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or being the first period of the Cenozoic era or the corresponding system of rocks marked by the formation of high mountains (as the Alps, Caucasus, and Himalayas) and the dominance of mammals on land ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
3 a : involving or resulting from the substitution of three atoms or groups <a tertiary salt> <tertiary amine> b : being or containing a carbon atom having bonds to three other carbon atoms <an acid containing a tertiary carbon> <tertiary alcohols> c : of, relating to, or being the normal folded structure of the coiled chain of a protein or of DNA or RNA
4 : occurring in or being a third stage: as a : being or relating to the recovery of oil and gas from old wells by means of the underground application of heat and chemicals b : being or relating to the purification of wastewater by removal of fine particles, nitrates, and phosphates

tertiary
n. tertiary care
tertiary color
tertiary syphilis

tertiary care
: highly specialized medical care usually over an extended period of time that involves advanced and complex procedures and treatments performed by medical specialists in state-of-the-art facilities ― compare PRIMARY CARE, SECONDARY CARE

tertiary color
1 : a color produced by mixing two secondary colors
2 : a color produced by an equal mixture of a primary color with a secondary color adjacent to it on the color wheel

tertiary syphilis
: the third stage of syphilis that develops after disappearance of the symptoms of secondary syphilis and is marked by ulcers in and gummas under the skin and commonly by involvement of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems

tertium quid
1 : a middle course or an intermediate component <where there are two systems of law and two orders of courts, there must⋯be some tertium quid to deal with conflicts of law and jurisdiction ― Ernest Baker>
2 : a third party of ambiguous status <there was a man and his wife and a tertium quid ― Rudyard Kipling>

Tertullian
ca A.D. 155(or 160)-after 220 Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus church father

Teruel
1 province E Spain in S Aragon area 5715 sq mi (14,802 sq km), pop 135,858
2 commune, its capital, S of Saragossa pop 31,158

terza rima
: a verse form consisting of tercets usually in iambic pentameter in English poetry with an interlaced rhyme scheme (as aba, bcb, cdc)

Teschen
― see CIESZYN

TESL
teaching English as a second language

Tesla
n. Nikola 1856-1943 American (Croatian-born) electrical engineer & inventor

tesla
n. : a unit of magnetic flux density in the meter-kilogram-second system equivalent to one weber per square meter

TESOL
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

tessellate
v. : to form into or adorn with mosaic

tessellated
adj. : having a checkered appearance

tessellation
n. 1 a : MOSAIC b : a covering of an infinite geometric plane without gaps or overlaps by congruent plane figures of one type or a few types
2 : an act of tessellating : the state of being tessellated

tessera
n. 1 : a small tablet (as of wood, bone, or ivory) used by the ancient Romans as a ticket, tally, voucher, or means of identification
2 : a small piece (as of marble, glass, or tile) used in mosaic work

tesseract
: the four-dimensional analogue of a cube

Tessin
― see TICINO

tessitura
n. : the general range of a melody or voice part specifically : the part of the register in which most of the tones of a melody or voice part lie

Test
n. Testament

test
n. 1 a chiefly British : CUPEL b (1) : a critical examination, observation, or evaluation : TRIAL specifically : the procedure of submitting a statement to such conditions or operations as will lead to its proof or disproof or to its acceptance or rejection <a test of a statistical hypothesis> (2) : a basis for evaluation : CRITERION c : an ordeal or oath required as proof of conformity with a set of beliefs
2 a : a means of testing: as (1) : a procedure, reaction, or reagent used to identify or characterize a substance or constituent (2) : something (as a series of questions or exercises) for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group b : a positive result in such a test
3 : a result or value determined by testing
4 : TEST MATCH

test
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a test
2 : subjected to, used for, or revealed by testing <a test group> <test data>

test
n. 1 : to put to test or proof : TRY ― often used with out
2 : to require a doctrinal oath of
intransitive verb
1 a : to undergo a test b : to be assigned a standing or evaluation on the basis of tests <tested positive for cocaine> <the cake tested done>
2 : to apply a test as a means of analysis or diagnosis ― used with for <test for mechanical aptitude>
–test·abil·i·ty \ˌtes-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–test·able \'tes-tə-bəl\ adjective
–test the waters also test the water : to make a preliminary test or survey (as of reaction or interest) before embarking on a course of action

test
n. : an external hard or firm covering (as a shell) of many invertebrates (as a foraminifer or a mollusk)

test
n. test the water
acid test
Ames test
aptitude test
beta test
blood test
Dick test
Draize test
Draize eye test
field test
flight test
high test
inkblot test
intelligence test
intradermal test
litmus test
Mantoux test
means test
Papanicolaou test
Pap test
patch test
paternity test
personality test
placement test
road test
Rorschach test
Rorschach inkblot test
Schick test
scratch test
screen test
skin test
spot test
Stanford Binet test
stress test
Student's t test
sweat test
test the waters
test ban
test bed
test case
test drive
test fly
test market
test match
test pattern
test pilot
test tube
thematic apperception test
true false test
t test
tuberculin test
Wassermann test
word association test
z test
means tested
time tested

test ban
: a self-imposed partial or complete ban on the testing of nuclear weapons that is mutually agreed to by countries possessing such weapons

test bed
: a vehicle (as an airplane) used for testing new equipment (as engines or weapons systems) broadly : any device, facility, or means for testing something in development

test case
1 : a representative case whose outcome is likely to serve as a precedent
2 : a proceeding brought by agreement or on an understanding of the parties to obtain a decision as to the constitutionality of a statute

test match
1 : any of a series of championship cricket matches played between teams representing Australia and England
2 : a championship game or series (as of cricket) played between teams representing different countries

test pattern
: a fixed picture broadcast by a television station to assist viewers in adjusting their receivers

test pilot
: a pilot who specializes in putting new or experimental airplanes through maneuvers designed to test them (as for strength) by producing strains in excess of normal

test the waters
also test the water : to make a preliminary test or survey (as of reaction or interest) before embarking on a course of action

test tube
: a plain or lipped tube usually of thin glass closed at one end and used especially in chemistry and biology

test-drive
1 : to drive (a motor vehicle) in order to evaluate performance
2 : to use or examine (as a computer program) in order to evaluate performance <test-drive the new game>
–test-drive noun

test-fly
: to subject to a flight test <test-fly an experimental plane>

test-market
: to subject (a product) to trial in a limited market

test-tube
1 : IN VITRO <test-tube experiments>
2 : produced by in vitro fertilization <test-tube babies>

testa
n. : the hard external coating or integument of a seed

testaceous
adj. 1 : having a shell <a testaceous protozoan>
2 : of any of the several light colors of bricks

testacy
n. : the state of being testate

testament
n. 1 a archaic : a covenant between God and the human race b capitalized : either of two main divisions of the Bible
2 a : a tangible proof or tribute b : an expression of conviction : CREED
3 a : an act by which a person determines the disposition of his or her property after death b : WILL
–tes·ta·men·ta·ry \ˌtes-tə-'men-tə-rē, -'men-trē\ adjective

testate
n. : having left a valid will <she died testate>

testator
n. : a person who dies leaving a will or testament in force

testatrix
n. : a woman who is a testator

testcross
n. : a genetic cross between a homozygous recessive individual and a corresponding suspected heterozygote to determine the genotype of the latter
–testcross transitive verb

tested
adj. : subjected to or qualified through testing ― often used in combination <time-tested principles>

testee
n. : one who takes an examination

tester
n. : the canopy over a bed, pulpit, or altar

tester
n. : TESTON A

tester
n. : one that tests or is used for testing

testes
n. plural of testis

testicle
n. : TESTIS especially : one of a higher mammal usually with its enclosing structures
–tes·tic·u·lar \tes-'ti-kyə-lər\ adjective

testify
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief : bear witness b : to serve as evidence or proof
2 : to express a personal conviction
3 : to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact (as in a court)
transitive verb
1 a : to bear witness to : ATTEST b : to serve as evidence of : PROVE
2 archaic a : to make known (a personal conviction) b : to give evidence of : SHOW
3 : to declare under oath before a tribunal or officially constituted public body
–tes·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

testimonial
n. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting testimony
2 : expressive of appreciation or esteem <a testimonial dinner>

testimonial
n. 1 : EVIDENCE, TESTIMONY
2 a : a statement testifying to benefits received b : a character reference : letter of recommendation
3 : an expression of appreciation : TRIBUTE

testimony
n. 1 a (1) : the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law (2) : the ark containing the tablets b : a divine decree attested in the Scriptures
2 a : firsthand authentication of a fact : EVIDENCE b : an outward sign c : a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official
3 a : an open acknowledgment b : a public profession of religious experience

testing
n. : requiring maximum effort or ability <a most difficult and testing problem ― Ernest Bevin>

testis
n. : a typically paired male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum at sexual maturity

teston
: any of several old European coins: as a : a shilling of Henry VIII of England decreasing in value to ninepence and then to sixpence in Shakespeare's time b : a French silver coin of the 16th century worth between 10 and 141/2 sous

testosterone
n. 1 : a hormone that is a hydroxy steroid ketone C_19H_28O_2 produced especially by the testes or made synthetically and that is responsible for inducing and maintaining male secondary sex characters
2 : qualities (as brawn and aggressiveness) usually associated with males : MANLINESS

testudo
n. : a cover of overlapping shields or a shed wheeled up to a wall used by the ancient Romans to protect an attacking force

testy
adj. 1 : easily annoyed : IRRITABLE
2 : marked by impatience or ill humor <testy remarks>
–tes·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–tes·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

Tet
n. : the Vietnamese New Year observed during the first several days of the lunar calendar beginning at the second new moon after the winter solstice

tetanal
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from tetanus

tetanic
adj. : of, relating to, being, or tending to produce tetany or tetanus
–te·tan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tetanize
v. : to induce tetanus in <tetanize a muscle>
–tet·a·ni·za·tion \ˌte-tə-nə-'zā-shən, ˌtet-nə-\ noun

tetanus
n. 1 a : an acute infectious disease characterized by tonic spasm of voluntary muscles especially of the jaw and caused by the specific toxin of a bacterium (Clostridium tetani) which is usually introduced through a wound ― compare LOCKJAW b : the bacterium that causes tetanus
2 : prolonged contraction of a muscle resulting from rapidly repeated motor impulses

tetany
n. : a condition of physiological calcium imbalance marked by tonic spasm of muscles and often associated with deficient parathyroid secretion

tetartohedral
of a crystal : having one fourth the number of planes required by complete symmetry ― compare HEMIHEDRAL, HOLOHEDRAL

tetched
variant of teched

tetchy
adj. : irritably or peevishly sensitive : TOUCHY <the tetchy manner of two women living in the same house ― Elizabeth Taylor †1975>
–tetch·i·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb
–tetch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ noun

tete
n. tete a tete
tete beche

tete-a-tete
1 : a private conversation between two persons
2 : a short piece of furniture (as a sofa) intended to seat two persons especially facing each other

tete-a-tete
: in private

tete-a-tete
: FACE-TO-FACE, PRIVATE

tete-beche
: of or relating to a pair of stamps inverted in relation to one another either through a printing error or intentionally

teth
: the 9th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

tether
n. 1 : something (as a rope or chain) by which an animal is fastened so that it can range only within a set radius
2 : the limit of one's strength or resources <at the end of my tether>

tether
n. : to fasten or restrain by or as if by a tether <felt tethered to her desk until the work was done>

tetherball
n. : a game played with a ball suspended by a string from an upright pole in which the object is to wrap the string around the pole by striking the ball in a direction opposite to that of one's opponent also : the ball used in this game

Tethys
: a Titaness and wife of Oceanus

Tethys
hypothetical sea believed to have extended into E Pangaea & later to have separated Laurasia to the N & Gondwanaland to the S with the Mediterranean being a remnant of it
–Te·thy·an \-thē-ən\ adjective

Teton
n. Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park
Teton Range

Teton Range
mountain range NW Wyo. ― see GRAND TETON

Tetouan
city & port N Morocco on the Mediterranean pop 482,000

tetra
pref. : any of numerous small often brightly colored So. American characin fishes often bred in tropical aquariums

tetra
pref. 1 : four : having four : having four parts <tetravalent>
2 : containing four atoms or groups (of a specified kind) <tetrachloride>

tetracaine
n. : a crystalline basic ester C_15H_24N_2O_2 that is closely related chemically to procaine and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic

tetrachloride
n. : a chloride containing four atoms of chlorine

tetrachord
n. : a diatonic series of four tones with an interval of a perfect fourth between the first and last

tetracycline
n. : a yellow crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C_22H_24N_2O_8 produced by streptomyces or synthetically also : any of several chemically related antibiotics (as doxycycline)

tetrad
n. : a group or arrangement of four: as a : a group of four cells produced by the successive divisions of a mother cell <a tetrad of spores> b : a group of four synapsed chromatids that become visibly evident in the pachytene stage of meiotic prophase
–te·trad·ic \te-'tra-dik\ adjective

tetradrachm
: an ancient Greek silver coin worth four drachmas

tetraethyl lead
: a heavy oily poisonous liquid Pb(C_2H_5)4 used especially formerly as an antiknock agent

tetrafluoride
: a fluoride containing four atoms of fluorine

tetragonal
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the tetragonal system
–te·trag·o·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

tetragonal system
: a crystal system characterized by three axes at right angles of which only the two lateral axes are equal

tetragrammaton
n. : the four Hebrew letters usually transliterated YHWH or JHVH that form a biblical proper name of God ― compare YAHWEH

tetrahedral
adj. 1 : being a polyhedral angle with four faces
2 : relating to, forming, or having the form of a tetrahedron
–tet·ra·he·dral·ly \-drə-lē\ adverb

tetrahedron
n. : a polyhedron that has four faces

tetrahydrocannabinol
n. : THC

tetrahydrofuran
: a flammable liquid heterocyclic ether C_4H_8O that is derived from furan and used as a solvent and as an intermediate in organic synthesis

tetrahymena
n. : any of a genus (Tetrahymena) of ciliate protozoans

tetralogy
n. 1 : a group of four dramatic pieces presented consecutively on the Attic stage at the Dionysiac festival
2 : a series of four connected works (as operas or novels)

tetramer
n. : a molecule (as an enzyme or a polymer) that consists of four structural subunits (as peptide chains or condensed monomers)
–tet·ra·mer·ic \ˌte-trə-'mer-ik\ adjective

tetramerous
: having or characterized by the presence of four parts or of parts arranged in sets of four <tetramerous flowers>

tetrameter
n. : a line of verse consisting either of four dipodies (as in classical iambic, trochaic, and anapestic verse) or four metrical feet (as in modern English verse)

tetramethyllead
: a volatile poisonous liquid Pb(CH_3)4 used especially formerly as an antiknock agent

tetraploid
adj. : having or being a chromosome number four times the monoploid number <a tetraploid cell>
–tet·ra·ploi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

tetraploid
adj. : a tetraploid individual

tetrapod
n. : a vertebrate (as an amphibian, a bird, or a mammal) with two pairs of limbs

tetrapyrrole
n. : a chemical group consisting of four pyrrole rings joined either in a straight chain or in a ring (as in chlorophyll)

tetrarch
n. 1 : a governor of the fourth part of a province
2 : a subordinate prince
–te·trar·chic \te-'trär-kik, tē-\ adjective

tetrarchy
: government by four persons ruling jointly

tetraspore
: one of the four haploid asexual spores developed meiotically in the red algae

tetravalent
adj. : having a valence of four

tetrazolium
: a monovalent cation or group CH_3N_4 that is analogous to ammonium also : any of several of its derivatives used especially as electron acceptors to test for metabolic activity in living cells

tetrazzini
: prepared with pasta and a white sauce seasoned with sherry and served au gratin <chicken tetrazzini>

tetri
― see lari at MONEY table

tetrode
n. : a vacuum tube with a cathode, an anode, a control grid, and an additional grid or other electrode

tetrodotoxin
n. : a neurotoxin C_11H_17N_3O_8 found especially in puffer fish that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions

tetroxide
n. : a compound of an element or group with four atoms of oxygen

tetryl
: a pale yellow crystalline explosive C_7H_5N_5O_8 used especially as a detonator

tetter
n. : any of various vesicular skin diseases (as ringworm, eczema, and herpes)

Tetzel
Johann ca 1465-1519 Ger. Dominican friar

Teutoburg Forest
range of forested hills W Germany in region bet. Ems & Weser rivers; highest point 1530 ft (466 m)

Teuton
n. 1 : a member of an ancient prob. Germanic or Celtic people
2 : a member of a people speaking a language of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family especially : GERMAN

Teutonic
adj. : GERMANIC

Teutonic
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Teutons
–Teu·ton·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Teutonism
n. : GERMANISM

Teutonist
: GERMANIST

teutonize
: GERMANIZE

TeV
tera-electron-volt; trillion electron-volts

Tewa
n. 1 : a member of a Pueblo Indian people of New Mexico and Arizona
2 : the language of the Tewa people

Tewkesbury
town SW cen England in Gloucestershire on Avon & Severn rivers pop 9554

Tewksbury
town NE Mass. pop 28,851

Tex
adj. Texas

Tex-Mex
: of, relating to, or being the Mexican-American culture or cuisine existing or originating in especially southern Texas <Tex-Mex cooking> <Tex-Mex music>
–Tex-Mex noun

Texarkana
1 city SW Ark. pop 26,448
2 city NE Tex. adjacent to Texarkana, Ark. pop 34,782

Texas
n. state S U.S. capital Austin area 266,807 sq mi (691,030 sq km), pop 20,851,820
–Tex·an \-sən\ adjective or noun

texas
n. : a structure on the awning deck of a steamer that contains the officers' cabins and has the pilothouse in front or on top

texas
n. Texas fever
Texas Independence Day
Texas leaguer
Texas longhorn
Texas Ranger
Texas City

Texas City
city & port SE Tex. on Galveston Bay pop 41,521

Texas fever
: an infectious disease of cattle transmitted by the cattle tick and caused by a protozoan (Babesia bigemina) that multiplies in the blood and destroys the red blood cells

Texas Independence Day
: March 2 observed as the anniversary of the declaration of independence of Texas from Mexico in 1836 and also as the birthday of Sam Houston

Texas leaguer
: a fly in baseball that falls too far out to be caught by an infielder and too close in to be caught by an outfielder

Texas longhorn
1 : LONGHORN 1A
2 : any of a breed of relatively small cattle developed in the U.S. from descendants of the original longhorns and typically having a horn spread that averages 40 to 65 inches (100 to 165 centimeters) and a variable color pattern

Texas Ranger
: a member of a formerly mounted police force in Texas

Texcoco
city cen Mexico in Mexico state E of Mexico City pop 18,044

text
n. 1 a (1) : the original words and form of a written or printed work (2) : an edited or emended copy of an original work b : a work containing such text
2 a : the main body of printed or written matter on a page b : the principal part of a book exclusive of front and back matter c : the printed score of a musical composition
3 a (1) : a verse or passage of Scripture chosen especially for the subject of a sermon or for authoritative support (as for a doctrine) (2) : a passage from an authoritative source providing an introduction or basis (as for a speech) b : a source of information or authority
4 : THEME, TOPIC
5 a : the words of something (as a poem) set to music b : matter chiefly in the form of words that is treated as data for processing by computerized equipment <a text-editing typewriter>
6 : a type suitable for printing running text
7 : TEXTBOOK
8 a : something (as a story or movie) considered as an object to be examined, explicated, or deconstructed b : something likened to a text <the surfaces of daily life are texts to be explicated ― Michiko Kakutani>
9 : FRAME OF REFERENCE 2 <updated to fit the women's lib text for consciousness raising ― Judith Crist>

text edition
: an edition of a book prepared for use especially in schools and colleges ― compare TRADE EDITION

textbook
n. : a book used in the study of a subject: as a : one containing a presentation of the principles of a subject b : a literary work relevant to the study of a subject

textbook
n. : of, suggesting, or suitable to a textbook especially : CLASSIC <a textbook example of bureaucratic waste>

textbookish
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a textbook <the style is heavy and textbookish ― Nation>

textile
n. 1 : CLOTH 1A especially : a woven or knit cloth
2 : a fiber, filament, or yarn used in making cloth

textual
adj. : of, relating to, or based on a text
–tex·tu·al·i·ty \ˌteks-chə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun
–tex·tu·al·ly adverb

textual critic
: a practitioner of textual criticism

textual criticism
1 : the study of a literary work that aims to establish the original text
2 : a critical study of literature emphasizing a close reading and analysis of the text

textualize
: to put into text : set down as concrete and unchanging <the novel textualizes complex emotions>
–tex·tu·al·i·za·tion \ˌteks-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

textuary
n. : one who is well informed in the Bible or in biblical scholarship

textuary
n. : TEXTUAL

texture
n. 1 a : something composed of closely interwoven elements specifically : a woven cloth b : the structure formed by the threads of a fabric
2 a : essential part : SUBSTANCE b : identifying quality : CHARACTER
3 a : the disposition or manner of union of the particles of a body or substance b : the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something <the texture of an oil painting>
4 a : a composite of the elements of prose or poetry <all these words⋯meet violently to form a texture impressive and exciting ― John Berryman> b : a pattern of musical sound created by tones or lines played or sung together
5 a : basic scheme or structure b : overall structure
–tex·tur·al \-chə-rəl\ adjective
–tex·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
–tex·tured \-chərd\ adjective
–tex·ture·less \-chər-ləs\ adjective

texture
n. : to give a particular texture to

textured vegetable protein
: protein from some vegetables and especially soybeans used as a substitute for or added to meat

texturize
v. : TEXTURE <texturize a polyester yarn>

textus receptus
: the generally accepted text of a literary work (as the Greek New Testament)

TF
task force

TFT
thin-film transistor

TG
1 transformational grammar
2 type genus

TGIF
thank God it's Friday

TGV
high-speed train

Th
Thursday

Th
thorium

th
― see -ETH

th
― used in forming ordinal numbers <hundredth> <fortieth>

th
1 : act or process <spilth>
2 : state or condition <dearth>

th
― used with the figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0 and related Roman numerals to indicate an ordinal number <25th> <50th wedding anniversary> <XXVth Olympiad>

Thackeray
n. William Makepeace 1811-1863 Eng. author
–Thack·er·ay·an \-k(ə-)rē-ən\ adjective

Thai
n. 1 : TAI 2
2 a : a native or inhabitant of Thailand b : one who is descended from a Thai
3 : the official language of Thailand

Thai
n. : of or relating to Thailand, its people, or their language or culture

Thailand
n. country SE Asia on Gulf of Thailand; a kingdom capital Bangkok area 198,455 sq mi (513,998 sq km), pop 60,617,200
–Thai·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ noun

Thailand
n. Thailand Gulf of
Siam Gulf of
Gulf of Siam

Thailand, Gulf of
arm of S China Sea bet. Indochina & Malay Peninsula

thalamus
n. : the largest subdivision of the diencephalon that consists chiefly of an ovoid mass of nuclei in each lateral wall of the third ventricle and serves chiefly to relay impulses and especially sensory impulses to and from the cerebral cortex ― see BRAIN illustration
–tha·lam·ic \thə-'la-mik\ adjective

thalassaemia
n. chiefly British variant of thalassemia

thalassemia
n. : any of a group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis affecting the globin chain that are characterized usually by mild to severe hemolytic anemia, are caused by a series of allelic genes, and tend to occur especially in individuals of Mediterranean, black, or southeast Asian ancestry especially : COOLEY'S ANEMIA
–thal·as·se·mic \-mik\ adjective or noun

thalassemia
n. beta thalassemia
thalassemia major
thalassemia minor

thalassemia major
: COOLEY'S ANEMIA

thalassemia minor
: a mild form of thalassemia associated with the heterozygous condition for the gene involved

thalassic
: of, relating to, or situated or developed about inland seas <thalassic civilizations of the Aegean>

thalassocracy
: maritime supremacy

thalassocrat
: one who has maritime supremacy

thalassotherapy
n. : exposure to seawater (as in a hot tub) or application of sea products (as seaweed or sea salt) to the body for health or beauty benefits

thaler
n. variant of taler

Thales
of Miletus 625?-?547 B.C. Greek philos.
–Tha·le·sian \thā-'lē-zhən\ adjective

Thalia
n. 1 : the Greek Muse of comedy
2 : one of the three Graces

thalidomide
n. : a drug C_13H_10N_2O_4 that was formerly used as a sedative and is now used as an immunomodulatory agent especially in the treatment of leprosy and that is known to cause malformations of infants born to mothers using it during pregnancy

thallium
n. : a soft poisonous metallic element that resembles lead in physical properties, occurs sparsely in a number of common ores, and is used chiefly in the form of compounds especially in photosensitive devices and formerly as a pesticide ― see ELEMENT table

thalloid
: of, relating to, resembling, or consisting of a thallus <thalloid liverworts>

thallophyte
n. : any of a group of plants or plantlike organisms (as algae and fungi) that lack differentiated stems, leaves, and roots and that were formerly classified as a primary division (Thallophyta) of the plant kingdom
–thal·lo·phyt·ic \ˌtha-lə-'fi-tik\ adjective

thallus
n. : a plant body that lacks differentiation into distinct members (as stem, leaves, and roots), does not grow from an apical point, and is characteristic of organisms formerly classified as thallophytes

Thames
n. 1 \'temz, 'thāmz, 'tāmz\ river 15 mi (24 km) SE Conn., an estuary flowing S into Long Island Sound
2 \'temz\ river 135 mi (217 km) Canada in SE Ont. flowing S & SW into Lake St. Clair
3 \'temz\ river over 200 mi (322 km) S England flowing from the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire E into the North Sea ― see ISIS

Thames
n. Henley on Thames
Kingston upon Thames
Richmond upon Thames

than
prep. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate the second member or the member taken as the point of departure in a comparison expressive of inequality ― used with comparative adjectives and comparative adverbs <older than I am> <easier said than done> b ― used as a function word to indicate difference of kind, manner, or identity ― used especially with some adjectives and adverbs that express diversity <anywhere else than at home>
2 : rather than ― usually used only after prefer, preferable, and preferably
3 : other than
4 : WHEN 1B ― used especially after scarcely and hardly

than
prep. : in comparison with <you are older than me>
usage After about 200 years of innocent if occasional use, the preposition than was called into question by 18th century grammarians. Some 200 years of elaborate and sometimes tortuous reasoning have led to these present-day inconsistent conclusions: than whom is standard but clumsy <Beelzebub⋯than whom, Satan except, none higher sat ― John Milton> <T. S. Eliot, than whom nobody could have been more insularly English ― Anthony Burgess>; than me may be acceptable in speech <a man no mightier than thyself or me ― Shakespeare> <why should a man be better than me because he's richer than me ― William Faulkner, in a talk to students>; than followed by a third-person objective pronoun (her, him, them) is usually frowned upon. Surveyed opinion tends to agree with these conclusions. Our evidence shows that the conjunction is more common than the preposition, that than whom is chiefly limited to writing, and that me is more common after the preposition than the third-person objective pronouns. You have the same choice Shakespeare had: you can use than either as a conjunction or as a preposition.

than
prep. bite off more than one can chew
heavier than air
holier than thou
larger than life
less than
lighter than air
other than
rather than

thanatology
n. : the description or study of the phenomena of death and of psychological mechanisms for coping with them
–than·a·to·log·i·cal \ˌtha-nə-tə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–than·a·tol·o·gist \-ə-'tä-lə-jist\ noun

Thanatos
n. : DEATH INSTINCT

Thane
n. town W India in Maharashtra NNE of Bombay pop 1,261,517

thane
n. 1 : a free retainer of an Anglo-Saxon lord especially : one resembling a feudal baron by holding lands of and performing military service for the king
2 : a Scottish feudal lord
–thane·ship \-ˌship\ noun

Thanet, Isle of
tract of land SE England in NE Kent cut off from mainland by arms of Stour River area 42 sq mi (109 sq km)

thank
v. 1 : to express gratitude to <thanked her for the present> ― used in the phrase thank you usually without a subject to politely express gratitude <thank you for your consideration> or sometimes to emphasize a preceding statement especially by implying that it is not subject to question <likes her job just fine, thank you> ― used in such phrases as thank God, thank goodness usually without a subject to express gratitude or more often only the speaker's or writer's pleasure or satisfaction in something
2 : to hold responsible <had only himself to thank for his loss>
–thank·er noun

thank
v. thank you
thank you ma'am
thanks to
no thanks to

thank-you
: a polite expression of one's gratitude

thank-you-ma'am
: a bump or depression in a road especially : a ridge or hollow made across a road on a hillside to cause water to run off

thankful
adj. 1 : conscious of benefit received <for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful>
2 : expressive of thanks <thankful service>
3 : well pleased : GLAD <was thankful that it didn't rain>
–thank·ful·ness noun

thankfully
adv. 1 : in a thankful manner <spoke thankfully>
2 : as makes one thankful <graceless stadiums⋯thankfully going out of fashion ― R. G. Echevarriá> <thankfully, those opinions are advanced with graceful prose ― Ken Auletta>

thankless
adj. 1 : not likely to obtain thanks : UNAPPRECIATED <a thankless task>
2 : not expressing or feeling gratitude : UNGRATEFUL <how sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child ― Shakespeare>
–thank·less·ly adverb
–thank·less·ness noun

thanks
n. 1 : kindly or grateful thoughts : GRATITUDE
2 : an expression of gratitude <return thanks before the meal> ― often used in an utterance containing no verb and serving as a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude <many thanks>

thanks to
: with the help of : BECAUSE OF <arrived early, thanks to good weather>
–no thanks to : not as a result of any benefit conferred by <he feels better now, no thanks to you>

thanksgiving
n. 1 : the act of giving thanks
2 : a prayer expressing gratitude
3 a : a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness b capitalized : THANKSGIVING DAY

Thanksgiving Day
: a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness: as a : the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. b : the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in Canada

thankworthy
adj. : worthy of thanks or gratitude : MERITORIOUS

Thant
U \'ü\ 1909-1974 Burmese U.N. official; secy.-gen. (1961-71)

Thar Desert
desert S Asia in Pakistan & India bet. Aravalli Range & the Indus

Tharp
Twyla 1942-     American dancer, director, & choreographer

Thasos
island Greece in the N Aegean E of Chalcidice Peninsula area 146 sq mi (378 sq km)

that
adj. 1 a : the person, thing, or idea indicated, mentioned, or understood from the situation <that is my father> b : the time, action, or event specified <after that I went to bed> c : the kind or thing specified as follows <the purest water is that produced by distillation> d : one or a group of the indicated kind <that's a cat 97 quick and agile>
2 a : the one farther away or less immediately under observation or discussion <those are maples and these are elms> b : the former one
3 a ― used as a function word after and to indicate emphatic repetition of the idea expressed by a previous word or phrase <he was helpful, and that to an unusual degree> b ― used as a function word immediately before or after a word group consisting of a verbal auxiliary or a form of the verb be preceded by there or a personal pronoun subject to indicate emphatic repetition of the idea expressed by a previous verb or predicate noun or predicate adjective <is she capable? She is that>
4 a : the one : the thing : the kind : SOMETHING, ANYTHING <the truth of that which is true> <the senses are that whereby we experience the world> <what's that you say> b plural : some persons <those who think the time has come>
–all that : everything of the kind indicated <tact, discretion, and all that>
–at that
1 : in spite of what has been said or implied
2 : in addition : 2BESIDES

that
adj. 1 a (1) ― used as a function word to introduce a noun clause that is usually the subject or object of a verb or a predicate nominative <said that he was afraid> (2) ― used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause that is anticipated by the expletive it occurring as subject of the verb <it is unlikely that he'll be in> (3) ― used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause that is joined as complement to a noun or adjective <we are certain that this is true> <the fact that you are here> (4) ― used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression <will go anywhere that he is invited> b ― used as a function word to introduce an exclamatory clause expressing a strong emotion especially of surprise, sorrow, or indignation <that it should come to this!>
2 a (1) ― used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause expressing purpose or desired result <cutting down expenses that her son might inherit an unencumbered estate ― W. B. Yeats> (2) ― used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause <rejoice that you are lightened of a load ― Robert Browning> (3) ― used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause expressing consequence, result, or effect <are of sufficient importance that they cannot be neglected ― Hannah Wormington> b ― used as a function word to introduce an exclamatory clause expressing a wish <oh, that he would come>
3 ― used as a function word after a subordinating conjunction without modifying its meaning <if that thy bent of love be honorable ― Shakespeare>

that
adj. 1 a : being the person, thing, or idea specified, mentioned, or understood b : being the one specified ― usually used for emphasis <that rarity among leaders> <that brother of yours> c : so great a : SUCH
2 : the farther away or less immediately under observation or discussion <this chair or that one>

that
adj. 1 ― used as a function word to introduce a restrictive relative clause and to serve as a substitute within that clause for the substantive modified by the clause <the house that Jack built> <I'll make a ghost of him that lets me ― Shakespeare>
2 a : at which : in which : on which : by which : with which : to which <each year that the lectures are given> b : according to what : to the extent of what ― used after a negative <has never been here that I know of>
3 a archaic : that which b obsolete : the person who
usage That, which, who: In current usage that refers to persons or things, which chiefly to things and rarely to subhuman entities, who chiefly to persons and sometimes to animals. The notion that that should not be used to refer to persons is without foundation; such use is entirely standard. Because that has no genitive form or construction, of which or whose must be substituted for it in contexts that call for the genitive.
usage That, which: Although some handbooks say otherwise, that and which are both regularly used to introduce restrictive clauses in edited prose. Which is also used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses. That was formerly used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses; such use is virtually nonexistent in present-day edited prose, though it may occas. be found in poetry.

that
adj. 1 : to such an extent <a nail about that long>
2 : VERY, EXTREMELY ― usually used with the negative <did not take the festival that seriously ― Eric Goldman>

that is to say
in other words : in effect

thataway
adv. : in that direction

thatch
n. : to cover with or as if with thatch
–thatch·er noun

thatch
n. 1 a : a plant material (as straw) used as a sheltering cover especially of a house b : a sheltering cover (as a house roof) made of such material c : a mat of undecomposed plant material (as grass clippings) accumulated next to the soil in a grassy area (as a lawn)
2 : something likened to the thatch of a house especially : the hair of one's head

Thatcher
n. Margaret Hilda 1925-     née Roberts Brit. prime min. (1979-90)

thaumaturge
n. : THAUMATURGIST

thaumaturgic
1 : performing miracles
2 : of, relating to, or dependent on thaumaturgy

thaumaturgist
n. : a performer of miracles especially : MAGICIAN

thaumaturgy
n. : the performance of miracles specifically : MAGIC

thaw
n. transitive verb : to cause to thaw
intransitive verb
1 a : to go from a frozen to a liquid state : MELT b : to become free of the effect (as stiffness, numbness, or hardness) of cold as a result of exposure to warmth
2 : to be warm enough to melt ice and snow ― used with it in reference to the weather
3 : to abandon aloofness, reserve, or hostility : UNBEND
4 : to become mobile, active, or susceptible to change

thaw
n. 1 : the action, fact, or process of thawing
2 : a period of weather warm enough to thaw ice <the January thaw>
3 : the action or process of becoming less aloof, less hostile, or more genial <a thaw in international relations>

Thayer
Sylvanus 1785-1872 father of West Point American army officer & educ.

THC
: either of two physiologically active isomers C_21H_30O_2 from hemp plant resin especially : one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana

ThD
doctor of theology

the
1 a ― used as a function word to indicate that a following noun or noun equivalent is definite or has been previously specified by context or by circumstance <put the cat out> b ― used as a function word to indicate that a following noun or noun equivalent is a unique or a particular member of its class <the President> <the Lord> c ― used as a function word before nouns that designate natural phenomena or points of the compass <the night is cold> d ― used as a function word before a noun denoting time to indicate reference to what is present or immediate or is under consideration <in the future> e ― used as a function word before names of some parts of the body or of the clothing as an equivalent of a possessive adjective <how's the arm today> f ― used as a function word before the name of a branch of human endeavor or proficiency <the law> g ― used as a function word in prepositional phrases to indicate that the noun in the phrase serves as a basis for computation <sold by the dozen> h ― used as a function word before a proper name (as of a ship or a well-known building) <the Mayflower> i ― used as a function word before a proper name to indicate the distinctive characteristics of a person or thing <the John Doe that we know wouldn't lie> j ― used as a function word before the plural form of a surname to indicate all the members of a family <the Johnsons> k ― used as a functon word before the plural form of a numeral that is a multiple of ten to denote a particular decade of a century or of a person's life <life in the twenties> l ― used as a function word before the name of a commodity or any familiar appurtenance of daily life to indicate reference to the individual thing, part, or supply thought of as at hand <talked on the telephone> m ― used as a function word to designate one of a class as the best, most typical, best known, or most worth singling out <this is the life> <the pill> ― sometimes used before a personal name to denote the most prominent bearer of that name
2 a (1) ― used as a function word with a noun modified by an adjective or by an attributive noun to limit the application of the modified noun to that specified by the adjective or by the attributive noun <the right answer> <Peter the Great> (2) ― used as a function word before an absolute adjective or an ordinal number <nothing but the best> <due on the first> b (1) ― used as a function word before a noun to limit its application to that specified by a succeeding element in the sentence <the poet Wordsworth> <the days of our youth> <didn't have the time to write> (2) ― used as a function word after a person's name to indicate a characteristic trait or notorious activity specified by the succeeding noun <Jack the Ripper>
3 a ― used as a function word before a singular noun to indicate that the noun is to be understood generically <the dog is a domestic animal> b ― used as a function word before a singular substantivized adjective to indicate an abstract idea <an essay on the sublime>
4 ― used as a function word before a noun or a substantivized adjective to indicate reference to a group as a whole <the elite>

the
1 : than before : than otherwise ― used before a comparative <none the wiser for attending>
2 a : to what extent <the sooner the better> b : to that extent <the sooner the better>
3 : beyond all others <likes this the best>

the
: PER 2 <a dollar the dozen>

the
: god : God <theism> <theocentric>

The Colony
city N Tex. pop 26,531

the dansant
: TEA DANCE

The Hague
― see HAGUE (The)

the lap of luxury
an environment of great ease, comfort, and wealth <was reared in the lap of luxury>

the likes of
also the like of
1 : such people as : such things as <reads the likes of Austen and Browning>
2 : such a one as and perhaps others similar to ― usually used with disparaging overtones <have no use for the likes of you>
3 : the kind or sort of <a fantastic celebration the likes of which had never been seen before ― Joseph Heller>

the long and short
or the long and the short : GIST

the matter
WRONG <nothing's the matter with me>

the rather
archaic : the more quickly or readily

the traffic will bear
existing conditions will allow or permit <charge what the traffic will bear>

the way

1 : in view of the manner in which <you'd think she was rich, the way she spends money>
2 : LIKE, AS <we have cats the way other people have mice ― James Thurber>

the whole nine yards
all of a related set of circumstances, conditions, or details <who could learn the most about making records, about electronics and engineering, the whole nine yards ― Stephen Stills> ― sometimes used adverbially with go to indicate an all-out effort

the worst way
very much <such men⋯need indoctrination the worst way ― J. G. Cozzens> ― often used with in <wanted a new bicycle in the worst way>

theater
n. 1 a : an outdoor structure for dramatic performances or spectacles in ancient Greece and Rome b : a building or area for dramatic performances c : a building or area for showing motion pictures
2 : a place or sphere of enactment of usually significant events or action <the theater of public life>
3 a : a place rising by steps or gradations <a woody theater of stateliest view ― John Milton> b : a room often with rising tiers of seats for assemblies (as for lectures or surgical demonstrations)
4 a : dramatic literature : PLAYS b : dramatic representation as an art or profession : DRAMA
5 a : dramatic or theatrical quality or effectiveness b : SPECTACLE 1A c : entertainment in the form of a dramatic or diverting situation or series of events <their public feud made for good theater>
6 : THEATER OF OPERATIONS

theater
n. : of, relating to, or appropriate for use in a theater of operations <theater nuclear weapons>

theater
n. arena theater
art theater
dinner theater
guerrilla theater
home theater
little theater
street theater
summer theater
theater in the round
theater of operations
theater of the absurd
theater of war
theaters in the round
coup de theatre
coups de theatre

theater of operations

1868
: the part of a theater of war in which active combat operations are conducted

theater of the absurd

1961
: theater that seeks to represent the absurdity of human existence in a meaningless universe by bizarre or fantastic means

theater of war

circa 1890
: the entire land, sea, and air area that is or may become involved directly in war operations

theater-in-the-round
1 : a theater in which the stage is located in the center of the auditorium ― called also arena theater
2 : the style or method of staging plays in a theater-in-the-round

theatergoer
n. : a person who frequently goes to the theater
–the·ater·go·ing \-ˌgō-iŋ, -gȯ(-)iŋ\ noun or adjective

Theatine
: a priest of the Order of Clerks Regular founded in 1524 in Italy by St. Cajetan and Gian Pietro Caraffa to reform Catholic morality and combat Lutheranism
–Theatine adjective

theatrical
1 : of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays <a theatrical costume>
2 : marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
3 a : HISTRIONIC <a theatrical gesture> b : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism
synonyms see DRAMATIC
–the·at·ri·cal·ism \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
–the·at·ri·cal·i·ty \-ˌa-trə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–the·at·ri·cal·ly \-'a-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

theatrical
adj. 1 plural a : the performance of plays b : DRAMATICS
2 British : a professional actor
3 plural : showy or extravagant gestures

theatricalize
v. 1 : to adapt to the theater : DRAMATIZE
2 : to display in showy fashion
–the·at·ri·cal·i·za·tion \-ˌa-tri-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

theatrics
n. 1 : THEATRICAL 1
2 : staged or contrived effects

Thebaid
ancient district surrounding Thebes in Egypt or in Greece

thebe
n. ― see pula at MONEY table

Thebes
n. 1 or ancient The·bae \'thē-(ˌ)bē\ or Di·os·po·lis \dī-'äs-pə-lis\ ancient city S Egypt on the Nile S of modern Qena ― see KARNAK, LUXOR
2 ancient city E Greece in Boeotia NNW of Athens
–The·ban \'thē-bən\ adjective or noun

theca
n. : an enveloping sheath or case of an animal or animal part
–the·cal \'thē-kəl\ adjective

thecium
: small containing structure <endothecium>

thecodont
n. : having the teeth inserted in sockets

thecodont
n. : any of an order (Thecodontia) of Triassic diapsid thecodont reptiles that were presumably on the common ancestral line of the dinosaurs, birds, and crocodiles

thee
pron. archaic objective case of thou
1 a ― used especially in ecclesiastical or literary language and by Friends especially among themselves in contexts where the objective case form would be expected b ― used by Friends especially among themselves in contexts where the subjective case form would be expected
2 : THYSELF

theelin
n. : ESTRONE

theft
n. 1 a : the act of stealing specifically : the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it b : an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property
2 obsolete : something stolen
3 : a stolen base in baseball

thegn
n. : THANE 1

thegnly
: of, relating to, or befitting a thegn

their
adj. 1 : of or relating to them or themselves especially as possessors, agents, or objects of an action <their furniture> <their verses> <their being seen>
2 : his or her : HIS, HER, ITS ― used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent <anyone in their senses ― W. H. Auden>
usage see THEY

theirs
adj. 1 : that which belongs to them ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective their
2 : his or hers : HIS, HERS ― used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent <I will do my part if everybody else will do theirs>

theirselves
pron. chiefly dialect : THEMSELVES

theism
n. : belief in the existence of a god or gods specifically : belief in the existence of one God viewed as the creative source of the human race and the world who transcends yet is immanent in the world
–the·ist \-ist\ noun or adjective
–the·is·tic \thē-'is-tik\ also the·is·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
–the·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

them
pron. objective case of they

before 12th century
1 : THEY 1 ― used as object of a verb or preposition <took them back> <gave it to them>
2 : THOSE ― used especially as antecedent to a relative pronoun <the best of them that speak this speech ― Shakespeare> ― used as the subject of a verb chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect <them is fighting words>

them
pron. nonstandard : THOSE ― used chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect

thematic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a theme
2 a : of or relating to the stem of a word b of a vowel : being the last part of a word stem before an inflectional ending
–the·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thematic apperception test
: a projective technique that is widely used in clinical psychology to make personality, psychodynamic, and diagnostic assessments based on the subject's verbal responses to a series of black-and-white pictures

theme
n. 1 a : a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation <guilt and punishment is the theme of the story> b : a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern <the campaign has lacked a theme>
2 : STEM 4
3 : a written exercise : COMPOSITION <a research theme>
4 : a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement
–themed \'thēmd\ adjective

theme park
: an amusement park in which the structures and settings are based on a central theme

theme song
1 : a melody recurring so often in a musical play that it characterizes the production or one of its characters
2 : a song used as a signature

Themistocles
ca 524-ca 460 B.C. Athenian gen. & statesman

themselves
pron. 1 a : those identical ones that are they ― compare THEY 1a ― used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions <nations that govern themselves> <they themselves were present> <themselves busy, they disliked idleness in others> b : himself or herself : HIMSELF, HERSELF ― used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent <nobody can call themselves oppressed ― Leonard Wibberley>
2 : their normal, healthy, or sane condition <were themselves again after a night's rest>
usage see THEY

then
n. 1 : at that time
2 a : soon after that : next in order of time <walked to the door, then turned> b : following next after in order of position, narration, or enumeration : being next in a series <first came the clowns, then came the elephants> c : in addition : BESIDES <then there is the interest to be paid>
3 a (1) : in that case <take it, then, if you want it so much> (2) ― used after but to qualify or offset a preceding statement <she lost the race, but then she never really expected to win> b : according to that : as may be inferred <your mind is made up, then> c : as it appears : by way of summing up <the cause of the accident, then, is established> d : as a necessary consequence <if the angles are equal, then the complements are equal>
–and then some : with much more in addition <would require all his strength and then some>

then
n. : that time <since then, he's been more cautious>

then
n. : existing or acting at or belonging to the time mentioned <the then secretary of state>

then
n. every now and then
now and then
and then some
then and there

then and there
: on the spot : IMMEDIATELY <wanted the money right then and there>

thenar
n. : of, relating to, involving, or constituting the ball of the thumb or the intrinsic musculature of the thumb

thence
adv. 1 : from that place
2 archaic : from that time : THENCEFORTH
3 : from that fact or circumstance : THEREFROM
–from thence : from that place

thenceforth
adv. : from that time forward

thenceforward
adv. : onward from that place or time

theo
― see THE-

theobromine
n. : a bitter alkaloid C_7H_8N_4O_2 closely related to caffeine that occurs especially in cacao beans and has stimulant and diuretic properties

theocentric
: having God as the central interest and ultimate concern <a theocentric culture>
–theo·cen·tric·i·ty \-ˌsen-'tri-sə-tē\ noun
–theo·cen·trism \-'sen-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

theocracy
n. 1 : government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided
2 : a state governed by a theocracy

theocrat
n. 1 : one who rules in or lives under a theocratic form of government
2 : one who favors a theocratic form of government

theocratic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a theocracy
–theo·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Theocritus
ca 310-250 B.C. Greek poet

theodicy
n. : defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil

theodolite
n. : a surveyor's instrument for measuring horizontal and usually also vertical angles

Theodore Roosevelt National Park
n. reservation W N.Dak. comprising three areas in badland region on the Little Missouri

Theodoric
454?-526 the Great king of the Ostrogoths (493-526)

Theodosius
347-395 the Great Rom. gen. & emp. (379-395)

theogony
n. : an account of the origin and descent of the gods
–theo·gon·ic \ˌthē-ə-'gä-nik\ adjective

theol
theological; theology

theologian
n. : a specialist in theology

theological
adj. 1 : of or relating to theology
2 : preparing for a religious vocation <a theological student>
–theo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

theological virtue
: one of the three spiritual graces faith, hope, and charity drawing the soul to God according to scholastic theology

theologise
v. British variant of theologize

theologize
v. transitive verb : to make theological : give a religious significance to
intransitive verb : to theorize theologically
–the·ol·o·giz·er noun

theologue
: a theological student or specialist

theology
n. 1 : the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world
2 a : a theological theory or system <Thomist theology> <a theology of atonement> b : a distinctive body of theological opinion <Catholic theology>
3 : a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary

theology
n. dogmatic theology
liberation theology
natural theology
practical theology
systematic theology

theonomous
: governed by God : subject to God's authority

theonomy
: the state of being theonomous : government by God

theophany
n. : a visible manifestation of a deity
–theo·phan·ic \ˌthē-ə-'fa-nik\ adjective

Theophrastus
ca 372-ca 287 B.C. Greek philos. & naturalist

theophylline
n. : a feebly basic bitter crystalline compound C_7H_8N_4O_2 present in tea leaves that is isomeric with theobromine and is used in medicine especially as a bronchodilator

theorbo
n. : a stringed instrument of the 17th century resembling a large lute but having an extra set of long bass strings

theorem
n. 1 : a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic deduced or to be deduced from other formulas or propositions
2 : an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth often as a part of a general theory : PROPOSITION <the theorem that the best defense is offense>
3 : STENCIL
4 : a painting produced especially on velvet by the use of stencils for each color
–the·o·rem·at·ic \ˌthē-ə-rə-'ma-tik, ˌthir-ə-\ adjective

theorem
n. Bayes' theorem
binomial theorem
central limit theorem
DeMoivre's theorem
Fermat's last theorem
Fourier's theorem
Godel's theorem
Godel's incompleteness theorem
Jordan curve theorem
mean value theorem
Pythagorean theorem
remainder theorem
Rolle's theorem

theoretical
adj. 1 a : relating to or having the character of theory : ABSTRACT b : confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications : SPECULATIVE <theoretical physics>
2 : given to or skilled in theorizing <a brilliant theoretical physicist>
3 : existing only in theory : HYPOTHETICAL <gave as an example a theoretical situation>

theoretically
adv. 1 : in a theoretical way
2 : according to an ideal or assumed set of facts or principles : in theory

theoretician
n. : THEORIST

theorise
v. British variant of theorize

theorist
n. : a person who theorizes

theorist
n. conspiracy theorist
game theorist
knot theorist
number theorist

theorize
v. intransitive verb : to form a theory : SPECULATE
transitive verb
1 : to form a theory about
2 : to propose as a theory
–the·o·ri·za·tion \ˌthē-ə-rə-'zā-shən, ˌthir-ə-\ noun
–the·o·riz·er noun

theory
n. 1 : the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another
2 : abstract thought : SPECULATION
3 : the general or abstract principles of a body of fact, a science, or an art <music theory>
4 a : a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action <her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn> b : an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances ― often used in the phrase in theory <in theory, we have always advocated freedom for all>
5 : a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena <the wave theory of light>
6 a : a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation b : an unproved assumption : CONJECTURE c : a body of theorems presenting a concise systematic view of a subject <theory of equations>
synonyms see HYPOTHESIS

theory
n. cohomology theory
homology theory
atomic theory
auteur theory
big bang theory
Bohr theory
catastrophe theory
cell theory
chaos theory
conspiracy theory
decision theory
devil theory
domino theory
field theory
Galois theory
game theory
gauge theory
general theory of relativity
germ theory
grand unified theory
grand unification theory
graph theory
group theory
information theory
kinetic theory
kinetic theory of gases
kinetic theory of heat
knot theory
number theory
quantity theory
quantum field theory
quantum theory
queer theory
set theory
special theory of relativity
steady state theory
string theory
theory of games
theory of numbers
trickle down theory
undulatory theory
wave theory

theory of games

1944
: GAME THEORY

theory of numbers

1811
: NUMBER THEORY

theosophist
n. 1 : an adherent of theosophy
2 capitalized : a member of a theosophical society

theosophy
n. 1 : teaching about God and the world based on mystical insight
2 often capitalized : the teachings of a modern movement originating in the U.S. in 1875 and following chiefly Buddhist and Brahmanic theories especially of pantheistic evolution and reincarnation
–theo·soph·i·cal \ˌthē-ə-'sä-fi-kəl\ adjective
–theo·soph·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Theotokos
: VIRGIN MARY

therapeusis
n. : THERAPEUTICS

therapeutic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods <a therapeutic rather than a diagnostic specialty>
2 : providing or assisting in a cure : CURATIVE, MEDICINAL <therapeutic diets> <a therapeutic investigation of government waste>
–therapeutic noun
–ther·a·peu·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

therapeutic index
: a measure of the relative desirability of a drug for the attaining of a particular medical end that is usually expressed as the ratio of the largest dose producing no toxic symptoms to the smallest dose routinely producing cures

therapeutic touch
: a technique in alternative medicine that involves passing the hands over the body of the person being treated and that is held to induce relaxation, reduce pain, and promote healing

therapeutics
n. : a branch of medical science dealing with the application of remedies to diseases

therapist
n. : one specializing in therapy especially : a person trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery <a speech therapist>

therapist
n. gene therapist
group therapist
occupational therapist
physical therapist

therapsid
n. : any of an order (Therapsida) of Permian and Triassic syrapsid reptiles considered ancestors of the mammals
–therapsid adjective

therapy
n. : therapeutic treatment especially of bodily, mental, or behavioral disorder

therapy
n. aversion therapy
behavior therapy
behavioral therapy
chelation therapy
cognitive therapy
craniosacral therapy
electroconvulsive therapy
electroshock therapy
estrogen replacement therapy
gene therapy
group therapy
hormone replacement therapy
light therapy
occupational therapy
physical therapy
play therapy
polarity therapy
primal scream therapy
primal therapy
radiation therapy
radium therapy
replacement therapy
shock therapy
talk therapy
X ray therapy
self therapy

Theravada
n. : a conservative branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and adhering to the original Pali scriptures alone and to the nontheistic ideal of nirvana for a limited select number ― compare MAHAYANA

there
adv. 1 : in or at that place <stand over there> ― often used interjectionally
2 : to or into that place : THITHER <went there after church>
3 : at that point or stage <stop right there before you say something you'll regret>
4 : in that matter, respect, or relation <there is where I disagree with you>
5 ― used interjectionally to express satisfaction, approval, encouragement or sympathy, or defiance <there, it's finished>

there
adv. 1 ― used as a function word to introduce a sentence or clause <there shall come a time>
2 ― used as an indefinite substitute for a name <hi there>

there
adv. 1 : that place or position <there is no here and no there⋯in pure space ― James Ward>
2 : that point <you take it from there>

there
adv. 1 ― used for emphasis especially after a demonstrative pronoun or a noun modified by a demonstrative adjective <those men there can tell you>
2 nonstandard ― used for emphasis after a demonstrative adjective but before the noun modified <I bet I cussed that there blamed mule five hundred times ― Elizabeth M. Roberts>
3 : capable of being relied on for support or aid <she is always there for him>
4 : fully conscious, rational, or aware <not all there>

there
adv. get there
neither here nor there
here and there
out there
then and there

there'd
: there had : there would

there'll
: there will : there shall

there's
: there is : there has

there've
: there have

thereabouts
adv. 1 : near that place or time
2 : near that number, degree, or quantity <a boy of 18 or thereabouts>

thereafter
adv. 1 : after that
2 archaic : according to that : ACCORDINGLY

thereat
adv. 1 : at that place
2 : at that occurrence

thereby
adv. 1 : by that : by that means <thereby lost her chance to win>
2 : connected with or with reference to that <thereby hangs a tale ― Shakespeare>

therefor
adv. : for or in return for that <ordered a change and gave his reasons therefor>

therefore
adv. 1 a : for that reason : CONSEQUENTLY b : because of that c : on that ground
2 : to that end

therefrom
adv. : from that or it

therein
adv. 1 : in or into that place, time, or thing
2 : in that particular or respect <therein lies the problem>

thereinafter
adv. : in the following part of that matter (as writing, document, or speech)

thereinto
archaic : into that or it

theremin
n. : a purely melodic electronic musical instrument typically played by moving the hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding two projecting antennae

thereof
adv. 1 : of that or it
2 : from that cause or particular : THEREFROM

thereon
adv. 1 : on that <a text with a commentary thereon>
2 archaic : THEREUPON

Theresa
n. Saint ― see TERESA OF AVILA

thereto
adv. : to that <a text and the notes thereto>

theretofore
adv. : up to that time <a theretofore unknown author>

thereunder
adv. : under that

thereunto
adv. archaic : THERETO

thereupon
adv. 1 : on that matter
2 : THEREFORE
3 : immediately after that

therewith
adv. 1 : with that
2 archaic : THEREUPON, FORTHWITH

therewithal
adv. 1 archaic : BESIDES
2 : THEREWITH

theriac
n. 1 : THERIACA
2 : CURE-ALL

theriaca
n. : a mixture of many drugs and honey formerly held to be an antidote to poison
–the·ri·a·cal \-kəl\ adjective

therian
n. : any of a subclass (Theria) of mammals comprising the marsupials and the placental mammals
–therian adjective

theriomorphic
: having an animal form <theriomorphic gods>

therm
n. : a unit for quantity of heat that equals 100,000 British thermal units

therm
n. 1 : heat <thermostat>
2 : thermoelectric <thermopile>

therm
n. : animal having a (specified) body temperature <ectotherm>

Thermaikos Kolpos
― see SALONIKA (Gulf of)

thermal
n. 1 [Latin thermae public baths, from Greek thermai, plural of thermē] : of, relating to, or marked by the presence of hot springs <thermal waters>
2 a : of, relating to, or caused by heat <thermal stress> <thermal insulation> b : being or involving a state of matter dependent upon temperature <thermal conductivity> <thermal agitation of molecular structure> c : having low energies of the order of those due to thermal agitation <thermal neutrons>
3 : designed (as with insulating air spaces) to prevent the dissipation of body heat <thermal underwear>
–ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

thermal
n. : a rising body of warm air

thermal
n. British thermal unit
thermal pollution
thermal printer

thermal pollution
: the discharge of heated liquid (as wastewater from a factory) into natural waters at a temperature harmful to the environment

thermal printer
: a dot matrix printer (as for a computer) in which heat is applied to the pins of the matrix to form dots on usually heat-sensitive paper

thermalize
v. : to change the effective speed of (a particle) to a thermal value <thermalize a neutron>
–ther·mal·i·za·tion \ˌthər-mə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

thermic
adj. : THERMAL 2 <thermic energy>
–ther·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thermionic
adj. : relating to, using, or being the emission of charged particles (as electrons) by an incandescent material

thermionics
n. : physics dealing with thermionic phenomena

thermistor
n. : an electrical resistor making use of a semiconductor whose resistance varies sharply in a known manner with the temperature

Thermit
n. ― used for thermite

thermite
n. : a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide (as iron oxide) that when ignited evolves a great deal of heat and is used in welding and in incendiary bombs

thermochemistry
n. : a branch of chemistry that deals with the interrelation of heat with chemical reaction or physical change of state
–ther·mo·chem·i·cal \-'ke-mi-kəl\ adjective
–ther·mo·chem·ist \-'ke-mist\ noun

thermocline
n. : the region in a thermally stratified body of water which separates warmer surface water from cold deep water and in which temperature decreases rapidly with depth

thermocouple
n. : a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of dissimilar metals (as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals

thermoduric
adj. : able to survive high temperatures specifically : able to survive pasteurization ― used of microorganisms

thermodynamic
adj. 1 : of or relating to thermodynamics
2 : being or relating to a system of atoms, molecules, colloidal particles, or larger bodies considered as an isolated group in the study of thermodynamic processes
–ther·mo·dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thermodynamics
n. 1 : physics that deals with the mechanical action or relations of heat
2 : thermodynamic processes and phenomena
–ther·mo·dy·nam·i·cist \-'na-mə-sist\ noun

thermoelectric
adj. : of, relating to, or dependent on phenomena that involve relations between the temperature and the electrical condition in a metal or in contacting metals

thermoelectricity
n. : electricity produced by the direct action of heat (as by the unequal heating of a circuit composed of two dissimilar metals)

thermoelement
n. : a device for measuring small currents consisting of a wire heating element and a thermocouple in electrical contact with it

thermoform
: to give a final shape to (as a plastic) with the aid of heat and usually pressure
–ther·mo·form·able \-ˌfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

thermogenesis
n. : the production of heat especially in the body (as by oxidation)

thermogenic
adj. : relating to, caused by, or inducing the production of heat <thermogenic dietary supplements> <thermogenic destruction of bacteria> also : producing heat <thermogenic flowers> <thermogenic organs>

thermogram
n. 1 : the record made by a thermograph
2 : a photographic record made by thermography

thermograph
n. 1 : THERMOGRAM
2 : a self-recording thermometer
3 : the apparatus used in thermography

thermography
n. 1 : a process of writing or printing involving the use of heat especially : a raised-printing process in which matter printed by letterpress is dusted with powder and heated to make the lettering rise
2 : a technique for detecting and measuring variations in the heat emitted by various regions of the body and transforming them into visible signals that can be recorded photographically (as for diagnosing abnormal or diseased underlying conditions) also : a similar technique used elsewhere (as on buildings)
–ther·mog·ra·pher \-grə-fər\ noun
–ther·mo·graph·ic \ˌthər-mə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–ther·mo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thermohaline
v. : involving or dependent upon the conjoint effect of temperature and salinity <thermohaline circulation in the Pacific>

thermojunction
: a junction of two dissimilar conductors used to produce a thermoelectric current

thermolabile
adj. : unstable when heated specifically : subject to loss of characteristic properties on being heated to or above 55°C (131°F) <many immune bodies, enzymes, and vitamins are thermolabile>
–ther·mo·la·bil·i·ty \-lā-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

thermoluminescence
1 : phosphorescence developed in a previously excited substance upon gentle heating
2 : the determination of the age of old material (as pottery) by the amount of thermoluminescence it produces ― called also thermoluminescence dating
–ther·mo·lu·mi·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

thermomagnetic
: of or relating to the effects of heat upon the magnetic properties of substances or to the effects of a magnetic field upon thermal conduction

thermometer
n. : an instrument for determining temperature especially : one consisting of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature
–ther·mo·met·ric \ˌthər-mə-'me-trik\ adjective
–ther·mo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thermometry
n. : the measurement of temperature

thermonuclear
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or employing transformations in the nuclei of atoms of low atomic weight (as hydrogen) that require a very high temperature for their inception (as in the hydrogen bomb or in the sun) <thermonuclear reaction> <thermonuclear weapon>
2 : of, utilizing, or relating to a thermonuclear bomb <thermonuclear war> <a thermonuclear attack>

thermoperiodism
: the sum of the responses especially of a plant to appropriately fluctuating temperatures

thermophilic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an organism living at a high temperature <thermophilic fermentation> <thermophilic bacteria>
–thermophile noun

thermopile
n. : an apparatus consisting of thermocouples combined so as to multiply the effect and used for generating electric currents or determining intensities of radiation

thermoplastic
n. : capable of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening again when cooled <thermoplastic synthetic resins> ― compare THERMOSETTING
–thermoplastic noun
–ther·mo·plas·tic·i·ty \-ˌpla-'sti-sə-tē\ noun

Thermopylae
locality E Greece bet. Mt. Oeta & Gulf of Maliakós; once a narrow pass along the coast, now a rocky plain 6 mi (9.6 km) from the sea

thermoreceptor
n. : a sensory end organ that is stimulated by heat or cold

thermoregulation
n. : the maintenance or regulation of temperature specifically : the maintenance of a particular temperature of the living body
–ther·mo·reg·u·late \-'re-gyə-ˌlāt\ verb

thermoregulator
n. : a device (as a thermostat) for the regulation of temperature

thermoregulatory
adj. : tending to maintain a body at a particular temperature whatever its environmental temperature <thermoregulatory mechanisms>

thermoremanent
: being or relating to magnetic remanence (as in a rock cooled from a molten state or in a baked clay object containing magnetic minerals) that indicates the strength and direction of the earth's magnetic field at a former time
–ther·mo·rem·a·nence \-nən(t)s\ noun

thermos
n. : a container (as a bottle or jar) with a vacuum between an inner and outer wall used to keep material and especially liquids either hot or cold for considerable periods

thermoset
adj. : a thermosetting resin or plastic

thermosetting
adj. : capable of becoming permanently rigid when heated or cured <a thermosetting resin> ― compare THERMOPLASTIC

thermosphere
n. : the part of the earth's atmosphere that begins at about 50 miles (80 kilometers) above the earth's surface, extends to outer space, and is characterized by steadily increasing temperature with height
–ther·mo·spher·ic \ˌthər-mə-'sfir-ik, -'sfer-\ adjective

thermostable
adj. : stable when heated specifically : retaining characteristic properties on being moderately heated <a thermostable bacterial enzyme>
–ther·mo·sta·bil·i·ty \-stə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

thermostat
: an automatic device for regulating temperature (as by controlling the supply of gas or electricity to a heating apparatus) also : a similar device for actuating fire alarms or for controlling automatic sprinklers
–ther·mo·stat·ic \ˌthər-mə-'sta-tik\ adjective
–ther·mo·stat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thermostat
: to provide with or control the temperature of by a thermostat

thermotaxis
n. 1 : the regulation of body temperature
2 : a taxis in which temperature is the directive factor

thermotropic
adj. : of, relating to, or exhibiting thermotropism

thermotropism
n. : a tropism in which a temperature gradient determines the orientation

thermy
1 : state of heat <endothermy>
2 : generation of heat <diathermy>

theropod
n. : any of a suborder (Theropoda) of carnivorous bipedal saurischian dinosaurs (as a tyrannosaur or velociraptor) usually having small forelimbs

Thersites
: a Greek warrior at Troy known as a carping critic and slain by Achilles for mocking him

thesaurus
n. 1 : TREASURY, STOREHOUSE
2 a : a book of words or of information about a particular field or set of concepts especially : a book of words and their synonyms b : a list of subject headings or descriptors usually with a cross-reference system for use in the organization of a collection of documents for reference and retrieval
–the·sau·ral \-'sȯr-əl\ adjective

these
adj. plural of this

Theseus
n. : a king of Athens in Greek mythology who kills Procrustes and the Minotaur before defeating the Amazons and marrying their queen

thesis
n. 1 a (1) : the unstressed part of a poetic foot especially in accentual verse (2) : the longer part of a poetic foot especially in quantitative verse b : the accented part of a musical measure : DOWNBEAT ― compare ARSIS
2 a : a position or proposition that a person (as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument b : a proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof : HYPOTHESIS
3 : the first and least adequate stage of dialectic ― compare SYNTHESIS
4 : a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree

thesp
: ACTOR

thespian
n. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Thespis
2 often capitalized [from the tradition that Thespis was the originator of the actor's role] : relating to the drama : DRAMATIC

thespian
n. : ACTOR

Thespis
n. 6th cent. B.C. Greek poet

Thess
Thessalonians

Thessalonians
n. : either of two letters written by St. Paul to the Christians of Thessalonica and included as books in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Thessaloniki
n. city & port N Greece in Macedonia pop 402,443

Thessaly
n. region E Greece bet. Pindus Mountains & the Aegean
–Thes·sa·lian \the-'sā-lē-ən, -'sāl-yən\ adjective or noun

theta
n. 1 : the 8th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : THETA RHYTHM

theta rhythm
: a relatively high amplitude brain wave pattern between approximately four and nine hertz that is characteristic especially of the hippocampus ― called also theta wave

thetic
: constituting or beginning with a poetic thesis <a thetic syllable>
–thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Thetis
n. : a sea goddess who marries Peleus and becomes the mother of Achilles

theurgist
n. : WONDER-WORKER, MAGICIAN

theurgy
n. : the art or technique of compelling or persuading a god or beneficent or supernatural power to do or refrain from doing something
–the·ur·gic \thē-'ər-jik\ or the·ur·gi·cal \-ji-kəl\ adjective

thew
n. 1 a : muscular power or development b : STRENGTH, VITALITY
2 : MUSCLE, SINEW ― usually used in plural

they
pron. 1 a : those ones ― used as third person pronoun serving as the plural of he, she, or it or referring to a group of two or more individuals not all of the same sex <they dance well> b : 1HE 2 ― often used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent <everyone knew where they stood ― E. L. Doctorow> <nobody has to go to school if they don't want to ― N. Y. Times>
2 : PEOPLE 2 ― used in a generic sense <as lazy as they come>
usage They used as an indefinite subject (sense 2) is sometimes objected to on the grounds that it does not have an antecedent. Not every pronoun requires an antecedent, however. The indefinite they is used in all varieties of contexts and is standard.
usage They, their, them, themselves: English lacks a common-gender third person singular pronoun that can be used to refer to indefinite pronouns (as everyone, anyone, someone). Writers and speakers have supplied this lack by using the plural pronouns <and every one to rest themselves betake ― Shakespeare> <I would have everybody marry if they can do it properly ― Jane Austen> <it is too hideous for anyone in their senses to buy ― W. H. Auden>. The plural pronouns have also been put to use as pronouns of indefinite number to refer to singular nouns that stand for many persons <'tis meet that some more audience than a mother, since nature makes them partial, should o'erhear the speech ― Shakespeare> <a person can't help their birth ― W. M. Thackeray> <no man goes to battle to be killed. 97 But they do get killed ― G. B. Shaw>. The use of they, their, them, and themselves as pronouns of indefinite gender and indefinite number is well established in speech and writing, even in literary and formal contexts. This gives you the option of using the plural pronouns where you think they sound best, and of using the singular pronouns (as he, she, he or she, and their inflected forms) where you think they sound best.

they'd
v. : they had : they would

they'll
n. : they will : they shall

they're
n. : they are

they've
n. : they have

thi
: containing sulfur <thiamine> <thiocyanate>

thiabendazole
n. : a drug C_10H_7N_3S used in the control of parasitic nematode worms and fungus infections and as an agricultural fungicide

thiaminase
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of thiamine

thiamine
n. : a vitamin C_12H_17N_4OSCl of the vitamin B complex that is essential to normal metabolism and nerve function and is widespread in plants and animals ― called also vitamin B_1

thiazide
n. : any of a group of drugs used as oral diuretics especially in the control of high blood pressure

thiazine
n. : any of various compounds that are characterized by a ring composed of four carbon atoms, one sulfur atom, and one nitrogen atom and include some important as dyes and others as tranquilizers ― compare PHENOTHIAZINE

thiazole
n. 1 : a colorless basic liquid C_3H_3NS consisting of a 5-membered ring and having an odor like pyridine
2 : any of various thiazole derivatives including some used in medicine and others important as chemical accelerators

thick
n. 1 a : having or being of relatively great depth or extent from one surface to its opposite <a thick plank> b : heavily built : THICKSET
2 a : close-packed with units or individuals <the air was thick with snow> b : occurring in large numbers : NUMEROUS c : viscous in consistency <thick syrup> d : SULTRY, STUFFY e : marked by haze, fog, or mist <thick weather> f : impenetrable to the eye : PROFOUND <thick darkness> g : extremely intense <thick silence>
3 : measuring in thickness <12 inches thick>
4 a : imperfectly articulated : INDISTINCT <thick speech> b : plainly apparent : DECIDED <a thick French accent> c : producing inarticulate speech <a thick tongue>
5 : OBTUSE, STUPID <too thick to understand>
6 : associated on close terms : INTIMATE <was quite thick with his pastor>
7 : exceeding bounds of propriety or fitness : EXCESSIVE <called it a bit thick to be fired without warning>
–thick·ish \'thi-kish\ adjective
–thick·ly adverb
–thick on the ground : PLENTIFUL, ABUNDANT

thick
n. : in a thick manner : THICKLY

thick
n. 1 : the most crowded or active part <in the thick of the battle>
2 : the part of greatest thickness <the thick of the thumb>

thick
n. thick on the ground
thick and thin
thick skinned
thick witted

thick and thin
: every difficulty and obstacle ― used especially in the phrase through thick and thin <was loyal through thick and thin>

thick on the ground
PLENTIFUL, ABUNDANT

thick-skinned
1 : having a thick skin : PACHYDERMATOUS
2 a : CALLOUS, INSENSITIVE b : impervious to criticism <became thick-skinned about his own work>

thick-witted
: dull or slow of mind : STUPID

thicken
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to become dense <the mist thickened> b : to become concentrated in numbers, mass, or frequency
2 : to grow blurred or obscure
3 : to grow broader or bulkier
4 : to grow complicated or keen <the plot thickens>
transitive verb
1 a : to make thick, dense, or viscous in consistency <thicken gravy with flour> b : to make close or compact
2 : to increase the depth or diameter of
3 : to make inarticulate : BLUR <alcohol thickened his speech>
–thick·en·er \'thik-nər, 'thi-kə-\ noun

thickening
n. 1 : a thickened part or place
2 : the act of making or becoming thick
3 : something used to thicken

thicket
n. 1 : a dense growth of shrubbery or small trees : COPPICE
2 : something resembling a thicket in density or impenetrability : TANGLE <a political thicket> <a thicket of reporters>
–thick·ety \-kə-tē\ adjective

thicketed
adj. : dotted or covered with thickets

thickhead
n. : a stupid person : BLOCKHEAD

thickheaded
adj. 1 : sluggish and obtuse of mind
2 : having a thick head

thickness
n. 1 : the smallest of three dimensions <length, width, and thickness>
2 : the quality or state of being thick
3 a : viscous consistency <boiled to the thickness of honey> b : the condition of being smoky, foul, or foggy
4 : the thick part of something
5 : CONCENTRATION, DENSITY
6 : STUPIDITY, DULLNESS
7 : LAYER, PLY, SHEET <a single thickness of canvas>

thickset
adj. 1 : closely placed also : growing thickly <a thickset wood>
2 : having a thick body : BURLY

thief
n. : one that steals especially stealthily or secretly also : one who commits theft or larceny

Thiers
(Louis-) Adolphe 1797-1877 Fr. statesman & hist.

thieve
v. : STEAL, ROB

thievery
n. : the act or practice or an instance of stealing : THEFT

thievish
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a thief
2 : given to stealing
–thiev·ish·ly adverb
–thiev·ish·ness noun

thigh
n. 1 a : the proximal segment of the vertebrate hind or lower limb extending from the hip to the knee b : the segment of the leg immediately distal to the thigh in a bird or in a quadruped in which the true thigh is obscured c : the femur of an insect
2 : something resembling or covering a thigh
–thighed \'thīd\ adjective

thigh-slapper
: KNEE-SLAPPER

thighbone
n. : FEMUR 1

thigmotaxis
n. : a taxis in which contact especially with a solid body is the directive factor

thigmotropism
n. : a tropism in which contact especially with a solid or a rigid surface is the orienting factor

thill
n. : a shaft of a vehicle

thimble
n. 1 : a pitted cap or cover worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing
2 a : a grooved ring of thin metal used to fit in a spliced loop in a rope as protection from chafing b : a lining (as of metal) for an opening (as in a roof or wall) through which a stovepipe or chimney passes

thimbleberry
n. : any of several American raspberries or blackberries (esp. Rubus occidentalis, R. parviflorus, and R. odoratus) having thimble-shaped fruit

thimbleful
n. 1 : as much as a thimble will hold
2 : a very small quantity <not a thimbleful of common sense>

thimblerig
n. 1 : a swindling trick in which a small ball or pea is quickly shifted from under one to another of three small cups to fool the spectator guessing its location
2 : one who manipulates the cup in thimblerig : THIMBLERIGGER

thimblerig
n. 1 : to cheat by trickery
2 : to swindle by thimblerig
–thim·ble·rig·ger noun

thimbleweed
: any of various anemones (as Anemone virginiana and A. cylindrica) with cylindrical seed heads

thimerosal
n. : a crystalline organic mercurial antiseptic C_9H_9HgNaO_2S used especially for its antifungal and bacteriostatic properties

Thimphu
n. city W cen Bhutan, its capital

thin
adj. 1 a : having little extent from one surface to its opposite <thin paper> b : measuring little in cross section or diameter <thin rope>
2 : not dense in arrangement or distribution <thin hair>
3 : not well fleshed : LEAN
4 a : more fluid or rarefied than normal <thin air> b : having less than the usual number : SCANTY <thin attendance> c : few in number : SCARCE d : scantily supplied e : characterized by a paucity of bids or offerings <a thin market>
5 a : lacking substance or strength <thin broth> <a thin plot> b of a soil : INFERTILE, POOR
6 a : FLIMSY, UNCONVINCING <a thin disguise> b : disappointingly poor or hard <had a thin time of it>
7 : somewhat feeble, shrill, and lacking in resonance <a thin voice>
8 : lacking in intensity or brilliance <thin light>
9 : lacking sufficient photographic density or contrast
–thin·ly adverb
–thin·ness \'thin-nəs\ noun
–thin·nish \'thi-nish\ adjective
–thin on the ground : SCARCE 1
synonyms THIN, SLENDER, SLIM, SLIGHT, TENUOUS mean not thick, broad, abundant, or dense. THIN implies comparatively little extension between surfaces or in diameter, or it may imply lack of substance, richness, or abundance <thin wire> <a thin soup>. SLENDER implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion <the slender legs of a Sheraton chair>. SLIM applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness <a slim volume of poetry> <a slim chance>. SLIGHT implies smallness as well as thinness <a slight build>. TENUOUS implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness <a tenuous thread>.

thin
adj. transitive verb : to make thin or thinner: a : to reduce in thickness or depth : ATTENUATE b : to make less dense or viscous c : DILUTE, WEAKEN d : to cause to lose flesh <thinned by weeks of privation> e : to reduce in number or bulk
intransitive verb
1 : to become thin or thinner
2 : to become weak

thin
adj. : in a thin manner : THINLY ― used especially in combination <thin-clad> <thin-flowing>

thin
adj. on thin ice
paper thin
thick and thin
thin on the ground
thin film
thin layer chromatography
thin skinned
wear thin
blood thinning
blood thinner

thin film
: a very thin layer of a substance on a supporting material especially : a coating (as of a semiconductor) that is deposited in a layer one atom or one molecule thick

thin on the ground
SCARCE 1

thin-layer chromatography
: chromatography in which a liquid sample migrates by capillarity through a solid adsorbent medium (as alumina or silica gel) which is arranged as a thin layer on a rigid support (as a glass plate)

thin-skinned
1 : having a thin skin or rind <thin-skinned oranges>
2 : unduly susceptible to criticism or insult : TOUCHY

thine
adj. archaic : THY ― used especially before a word beginning with a vowel or h

thine
adj. archaic : that which belongs to thee ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective thy ― used especially in ecclesiastical or literary language and still surviving in the speech of Friends especially among themselves

thing
n. 1 a : a matter of concern : AFFAIR <many things to do> b plural : state of affairs in general or within a specified or implied sphere <things are improving> c : a particular state of affairs : SITUATION <look at this thing another way> d : EVENT, CIRCUMSTANCE <that shooting was a terrible thing>
2 a : DEED, ACT, ACCOMPLISHMENT <do great things> b : a product of work or activity <likes to build things> c : the aim of effort or activity <the thing is to get well>
3 a : a separate and distinct individual quality, fact, idea, or usually entity b : the concrete entity as distinguished from its appearances c : a spatial entity d : an inanimate object distinguished from a living being
4 a plural : POSSESSIONS, EFFECTS <pack your things> b : whatever may be possessed or owned or be the object of a right c : an article of clothing <not a thing to wear> d plural : equipment or utensils especially for a particular purpose <bring the tea things>
5 : an object or entity not precisely designated or capable of being designated <use this thing>
6 a : DETAIL, POINT <checks every little thing> b : a material or substance of a specified kind <avoid fatty things>
7 a : a spoken or written observation or point b : IDEA, NOTION <says the first thing he thinks of> c : a piece of news or information <couldn't get a thing out of him>
8 : INDIVIDUAL <not a living thing in sight>
9 : the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing ― used with the
10 a : a mild obsession or phobia <has a thing about driving> also : the object of such an obsession or phobia b : something (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual : FORTE, SPECIALTY <letting students do their own thing ― Newsweek> <I think travelling is very much a novelist's thing ― Philip Larkin>

thing
n. sure thing
thing in itself
see things
things in themselves

thing-in-itself
: NOUMENON

thingamabob
n. : THINGAMAJIG

thingamajig
n. : something that is hard to classify or whose name is unknown or forgotten

thingness
: the quality or state of objective existence or reality

thingummy
n. : THINGAMAJIG

think
n. transitive verb
1 : to form or have in the mind
2 : to have as an intention <thought to return early>
3 a : to have as an opinion <think it's so> b : to regard as : CONSIDER <think the rule unfair>
4 a : to reflect on : PONDER <think the matter over> b : to determine by reflecting <think what to do next>
5 : to call to mind : REMEMBER <he never thinks to ask how we do>
6 : to devise by thinking ― usually used with up <thought up a plan to escape>
7 : to have as an expectation : ANTICIPATE <we didn't think we'd have any trouble>
8 a : to center one's thoughts on <talks and thinks business> b : to form a mental picture of
9 : to subject to the processes of logical thought <think things out>
intransitive verb
1 a : to exercise the powers of judgment, conception, or inference : REASON b : to have in the mind or call to mind a thought
2 a : to have the mind engaged in reflection : MEDITATE b : to consider the suitability <thought of her for president>
3 : to have a view or opinion <thinks of himself as a poet>
4 : to have concern ― usually used with of <a man must think first of his family>
5 : to consider something likely : SUSPECT <may happen sooner than you think>
–think·er noun
–think better of : to reconsider and make a wiser decision
–think much of : to view with satisfaction : APPROVE ― usually used in negative constructions <I didn't think much of the new car>
synonyms THINK, CONCEIVE, IMAGINE, FANCY, REALIZE, ENVISAGE, ENVISION mean to form an idea of. THINK implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection <I just thought of a good joke>. CONCEIVE suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design <conceived of a new marketing approach>. IMAGINE stresses a visualization <imagine you're at the beach>. FANCY suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires <fancied himself a super athlete>. REALIZE stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined <realized the enormity of the task ahead>. ENVISAGE and ENVISION imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed <envisaged a totally computerized operation> <envisioned a cure for the disease>.
synonyms THINK, COGITATE, REFLECT, REASON, SPECULATE, DELIBERATE mean to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference. THINK is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions <teaches students how to think>. COGITATE implies deep or intent thinking <cogitated on the mysteries of nature>. REFLECT suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind <reflecting on fifty years of married life>. REASON stresses consecutive logical thinking <able to reason brilliantly in debate>. SPECULATE implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic <speculated on the fate of the lost explorers>. DELIBERATE suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision <the jury deliberated for five hours>.

think
n. : an act of thinking <has another think coming>

think
n. : relating to, requiring, or stimulating thinking

think
n. think much of
think better of
think piece
think tank
think factory
free thought
second thought
a thought
thought experiment
thought out
well thought of
thinking cap
wishful thinking

think better of
to reconsider and make a wiser decision

think much of
to view with satisfaction : APPROVE ― usually used in negative constructions <I didn't think much of the new car>

think piece
: a piece of writing meant to be thought-provoking and speculative that consists chiefly of background material and personal opinion and analysis

think tank
: an institute, corporation, or group organized for interdisciplinary research (as in technological and social problems) ― called also think factory

thinkable
adj. 1 : conceivably possible <a time when divorce was barely thinkable>
2 : capable of being comprehended or reasoned about <the ultimate nature of Deity is scarcely thinkable>
–think·able·ness noun
–think·ably \-blē\ adverb

thinking
n. 1 : the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts
2 a : OPINION, JUDGMENT <I'd like to know your thinking on this> b : thought that is characteristic (as of a period, group, or person) <the current student thinking on fraternities>

thinking
n. : marked by use of the intellect : RATIONAL <thinking citizens>
–think·ing·ly adverb
–think·ing·ness noun

thinking cap
: a state or mood in which one thinks ― usually used in the phrase put one's thinking capitalized on

thinner
n. : one that thins specifically : a volatile liquid (as turpentine) used especially to thin paint

thio
― see THI-

thio acid
: an acid in which oxygen is partly or wholly replaced by sulfur

thiocyanate
n. : a compound that consists of the chemical group SCN bonded by the sulfur atom to a group or an atom other than a hydrogen atom

thiol
n. 1 : any of various compounds having the general formula RSH which are analogous to alcohols but in which sulfur replaces the oxygen of the hydroxyl group and which have disagreeable odors
2 : the functional group –SH characteristic of thiols
–thi·o·lic \thī-'ȯ-lik\ adjective

thion
: sulfur <methionine>

thiopental
n. : a barbiturate C_11H_18N_2O_2S used in the form of its sodium salt especially as an intravenous anesthetic ― compare PENTOTHAL

thiophene
n. : a heterocyclic liquid C_4H_4S from coal tar that resembles benzene

thioridazine
n. : a phenothiazine tranquilizer C_21H_26N_2S_2 used in the form of its hydrochloride for relief of anxiety states and in the treatment of psychotic disorders and severe childhood behavioral problems

thiosulfate
n. : a salt containing the anion S_2O_3^2-

thiotepa
n. : an alkylating agent C_6H_12N_3PS that has been used as an antineoplastic agent and insect sterilant

thiouracil
n. : a bitter crystalline compound C_4H_4N_2OS that depresses the function of the thyroid gland

thiourea
n. : a colorless crystalline bitter compound CS(NH_2)2 analogous to and resembling urea that is used especially as a photographic and organic chemical reagent also : a substituted derivative of this compound

thir
dialect British : THESE

Thira
island Greece in S Cyclades 29 sq mi (75 sq km)

thiram
: a compound C_6H_12N_2S_4 used as a fungicide and seed disinfectant

third
n. 1 a : being next after the second in place or time <the third taxi in line> b : ranking next after the second of a grade or degree in authority or precedence <served as third mate> c : being the forward speed or gear next higher than second especially in a motor vehicle
2 a : being one of three equal parts into which something is divisible <a third share of the money> b : being the last in each group of three in a series <take out every third card>
–third or third·ly adverb

third
n. 1 : one of three equal parts of something <a third of the pie>
2 a ― see NUMBER table b : one that is next after second in rank, position, authority, or precedence <the third in line>
3 a : the musical interval embracing three diatonic degrees b : a tone at this interval specifically : MEDIANT c : the harmonic combination of two tones a third apart
4 plural : merchandise whose quality falls below the manufacturer's standard for seconds
5 : THIRD BASE
6 : the third forward gear or speed especially of a motor vehicle

third
n. petty officer third class
third base
third baseman
third class
third degree
third degree burn
third dimension
third dimensional
third estate
third force
third house
third market
third order
third party
third person
third rail
third rate
third rater
third reading
third stream
third ventricle
third world
third worlder

third base
1 : the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball
2 : the player position for defending the area around third base
–third baseman noun

third class
1 : the third and usually next below second class in a classification
2 : the least expensive class of accommodations (as on a passenger ship)
3 a : a class of U.S. mail comprising printed matter exclusive of regularly issued periodicals and merchandise less than 16 ounces (454 grams) in weight that is not sealed against inspection b : a similar class of Canadian mail with different weight limits

third degree
: the subjection of a prisoner to mental or physical torture to extract a confession

third dimension
1 : THICKNESS, DEPTH also : a dimension that adds the effect of solidity to a two-dimensional system
2 : a quality that confers reality or lifelikeness <night sounds that stick in the mind and give a third dimension to the memory ― Adie Suehsdorf>
–third-dimensional adjective

third estate
: the third of the traditional political orders specifically : the commons

third force
: a grouping (as of political parties or international powers) intermediate between two opposing political forces

third house
: a legislative lobby

third market
: the over-the-counter market in listed securities

third order
1 : an organization composed of lay people living in secular society under a religious rule and directed by a religious order
2 : a congregation especially of teaching or nursing sisters affiliated with a religious order

third party
1 : a person other than the principals <a third party to a divorce proceeding> <insurance against injury to third parties>
2 a : a major political party operating over a limited period of time in addition to two other major parties in a nation or state normally characterized by a two-party system b : MINOR PARTY

third person
1 a : a set of linguistic forms (as verb forms, pronouns, and inflectional affixes) referring to one that is neither the speaker or writer of the utterance in which they occur nor the one to whom that utterance is addressed <“they” is a pronoun of the third person> b : a linguistic form belonging to such a set c : reference of a linguistic form to one that is neither the speaker or writer of the utterance in which it occurs nor the one to whom that utterance is addressed <referred to himself in the third person>
2 : a style of discourse marked by general use of verbs and pronouns of the third person <the story was written in the third person>

third rail
1 : a metal rail through which electric current is led to the motors of an electric vehicle (as a subway car)
2 : a controversial issue usually avoided by politicians

third reading
: the final stage of the consideration of a legislative bill before a vote on its final disposition

third ventricle
: the median unpaired ventricle of the brain bounded by parts of the telencephalon and diencephalon

third world
1 : a group of nations especially in Africa and Asia not aligned with either the Communist or the non-Communist blocs
2 : an aggregate of minority groups within a larger predominant culture
3 : the aggregate of the underdeveloped nations of the world
–third world·er \-'wər(-ə)l-dər\ noun often cap T&W

third-class
: of or relating to a class, rank, or grade next below the second
–third-class adverb

third-degree burn
: a severe burn characterized by destruction of the skin through its deeper layers and possibly into underlying tissues, loss of fluid, and sometimes shock

third-party
1 : of, relating to, or involving a third party <third-party insurance>
2 : of, relating to, or being software that is created by a vendor to be compatible with the products of another vendor

third-rate
: of third quality or value specifically : worse than second-rate
–third-rat·er \-'rā-tər\ noun

third-stream
: of, relating to, or being music that incorporates elements of classical music and jazz

thirdhand
1 : received from or through two intermediaries <thirdhand information>
2 a : acquired after being used by two previous owners b : dealing in thirdhand merchandise

thirl
dialect : HOLE, PERFORATION, OPENING

thirl
dialect British : PIERCE, PERFORATE

thirst
n. 1 a : a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation b : a desire or need to drink
2 : an ardent desire : CRAVING, LONGING <a thirst for success>

thirst
n. 1 : to feel thirsty : suffer thirst
2 : to crave vehemently and urgently
synonyms see LONG
–thirst·er noun

thirstily
adv. : with or on account of thirst

thirsty
adj. 1 a : feeling thirst b : deficient in moisture : PARCHED <thirsty land> c : highly absorbent <thirsty towels>
2 : having a strong desire : AVID <thirsty for knowledge>
–thirst·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ noun

thirteen
n. ― see NUMBER table
–thirteen adjective
–thirteen pronoun, plural in construction
–thir·teenth \-'tēn(t)th, -ˌtēn(t)th\ adjective or noun

thirty
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 30 to 39 specifically : the years 30 to 39 in a lifetime or century
3 : a sign of completion : END ― usually written 30 <wrote thirty on the last page of the story>
4 : the second point scored by a side in a game of tennis
–thir·ti·eth \-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–thirty adjective
–thirty pronoun, plural in construction
–thir·ty·ish \-ish\ adjective

thirty
n. thirty eight
thirty second note
thirty second rest
thirty thirty
thirty three
thirty two
thirty twomo
thirty twomos

thirty-eight
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a handgun nominally of .38 caliber ― usually written .38
–thirty-eight adjective
–thirty-eight pronoun, plural in construction

thirty-second note
: a musical note with the time value of 1/32 of a whole note ― see NOTE illustration

thirty-second rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to a thirty-second note

thirty-thirty
: a rifle that fires a .30 caliber cartridge having a 30 grain powder charge ― usually written .30-30

thirty-three
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a microgroove phonograph record designed to be played at 331/3 revolutions per minute ― usually written 33
–thirty-three adjective
–thirty-three pronoun, plural in construction

thirty-two
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a .32 caliber handgun ― usually written .32
–thirty-two adjective
–thirty-two pronoun, plural in construction

thirty-twomo
: the size of a piece of paper cut 32 from a sheet also : a book, a page, or paper of this size

thirtysomething
: of, relating to, or being a person who is in his or her thirties <thirtysomething parents>
–thirtysomething noun

this
adj. 1 a (1) : the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned <these are my hands> (2) : what is stated in the following phrase, clause, or discourse <I can only say this: it wasn't here yesterday> b : this time or place <expected to return before this>
2 a : the one nearer or more immediately under observation or discussion <this is iron and that is tin> b : the one more recently referred to

this
adj. 1 a : being the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned <this book is mine> <early this morning> b : constituting the immediately following part of the present discourse c : constituting the immediate past or future <friends all these years> d : being one not previously mentioned ― used especially in narrative to give a sense of immediacy or vividness <then this guy runs in> <had this urge to go shopping>
2 : being the nearer at hand or more immediately under observation or discussion <this car or that one>

this
adj. : to the degree or extent indicated by something in the immediate context or situation <didn't expect to wait this long>

this side of
short of : ALMOST <an attitude just this side of scandalous>

this-worldliness
: interest in, concern with, or devotion to things of this world especially as opposed to a future stage of existence (as after death)

this-worldly
: characterized by or manifesting this-worldliness

Thisbe
: a legendary young woman of Babylon who dies for love of Pyramus

thistle
n. : any of various prickly composite plants (esp. genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) with often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers also : any of various other prickly plants
–this·tly \'thi-s(ə-)lē\ adjective

thistle
n. bull thistle
Canada thistle
globe thistle
milk thistle
musk thistle
Russian thistle
sow thistle
star thistle
thistle tube

thistle tube
: a funnel tube usually of glass with a bulging top and flaring mouth

thistledown
n. : the typically plumose pappus from the ripe flower head of a thistle

thither
adj. : to that place : THERE

thither
adj. : being on the other and farther side : more remote

thitherto
adv. : until that time

thitherward
adv. : toward that place : THITHER

thixotropy
n. : the property of various gels of becoming fluid when disturbed (as by shaking)
–thixo·tro·pic \ˌthik-sə-'trō-pik, -'trä-\ adjective

THM
trihalomethane

ThM
master of theology

tho
adv. variant of though
usage While never extremely common, tho and thru have a long history of occasional use as spelling variants of though and through. Their greatest popularity occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when their adoption was advocated by spelling reformers. Their current use occurs chiefly in informal writing (as in personal letters) and in some technical journals.

Thohoyandou
town NE Republic of South Africa; formerly capital of Venda

thole
n. chiefly dialect : ENDURE

thole
n. 1 : either of a pair of pins set in the gunwale of a boat to hold an oar in place
2 : PEG, PIN

tholeiite
n. : a basaltic rock that is rich in aluminum and low in potassium, is found typically in the ocean floor, and is prob. derived from the earth's mantle
–tho·lei·it·ic \ˌtō-lə-'i-tik, ˌthō-\ adjective

tholepin
n. : THOLE 1

Thomas
n. : an apostle who demanded proof of Jesus' resurrection

Thomas
n. (Christian Friedrich) Theodore 1835-1905 American (Ger.-born) conductor

Thomas
n. doubting Thomas
Thomas a Becket
Thomas à Becket
Thomas a Kempis
Thomas à Kempis
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas of Erceldoune
Saint Thomas

Thomas
n. (Charles-Louis-) Ambroise 1811-1896 Fr. composer

Thomas
n. Augustus 1857-1934 American dram.

Thomas
n. Clarence 1948-     American jurist

Thomas
n. Dyl·an \'di-lən\ Marlais 1914-1953 Welsh poet

Thomas
n. Edward Donnall 1920-     American physician

Thomas
n. Lowell (Jackson) 1892-1981 American traveler, journalist, & author

Thomas
n. Norman Mat·toon \ma-'tün, mə-\ 1884-1968 American socialist polit.

Thomas
n. Seth 1785-1859 American clock manuf.

Thomas a Becket
― see BECKET

Thomas a Kempis
1379(or 1380)-1471 orig. Thomas Hemerken Du. ecclesiastic & writer

Thomas Aquinas
Saint 1224(or 1225)-1274 It. Tommaso d'Aquino Ital. religious & philos.

Thomas of Erceldoune
fl 1220-1297 Thomas the Rhymer and Thomas Learmont Scot. seer & poet

Thomism
n. : the scholastic philosophical and theological system of St. Thomas Aquinas
–Tho·mist \-mist\ noun or adjective
–Tho·mis·tic \tō-'mis-tik\ adjective

Thompson
n. Benjamin 1753-1814 Count Rum·ford \'rəm(p)-fərd\ Brit. (Am.-born) physicist & statesman

Thompson
n. Dorothy 1894-1961 American journalist

Thompson
n. Francis 1859-1907 Eng. poet

Thompson
n. Sir John Sparrow David 1844-1894 Canad. statesman; prime min. (1892-94)

Thompson
n. Tommy George 1941-     U.S. secy. of health and human services (2001-  )

Thompson
n. river 304 mi (489 km) Canada in S B.C. flowing S (as the North Thompson) & thence W & SW into the Fraser; joined by a branch, the South Thompson

Thompson
n. Thompson submachine gun
North Thompson
South Thompson

Thompson submachine gun
: a .45 caliber submachine gun with a drum or stick magazine, a pistol grip, and a detachable buttstock

Thomson
Sir George Pag·et \'pa-jət\ 1892-1975 son of Sir Joseph John Eng. physicist

Thomson
James 1700-1748 Scot. poet

Thomson
James 1834-1882 B. V. or Bysshe Vanolis Scot. poet

Thomson
John Arthur 1861-1933 Scot. biol.

Thomson
Sir Joseph John 1856-1940 Eng. physicist

Thomson
Virgil Garnett 1896-1989 American composer & critic

Thomson
William ― see Baron KELVIN

Thomson's gazelle
: a small gazelle (Gazella thomsonii) of eastern Africa that is tan above and white below with a broad black stripe on each side

thong
n. 1 : a strip especially of leather or hide
2 : a sandal held on the foot by a thong fitting between the toes and connected to a strap across the top or around the sides of the foot
3 : an article of swimwear or underwear consisting of a narrow strip of material that passes between the thighs and connects with a waistband
–thonged \'thȯŋd\ adjective

Thor
n. : the Norse god of thunder, weather, and crops

thoracic
adj. : of, relating to, located within, or involving the thorax
–tho·rac·i·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

thoracic duct
: the main trunk of the system of lymphatic vessels that lies along the front of the spinal column and opens into the left subclavian vein

thoracotomy
n. : surgical incision of the chest wall

thorax
n. 1 : the part of the mammalian body between the neck and the abdomen also : its cavity in which the heart and lungs lie
2 : the middle of the three chief divisions of the body of an insect also : the corresponding part of a crustacean or an arachnid

Thorazine
n. ― used for chlorpromazine

Thoreau
n. Henry David 1817-1862 orig. David Henry Thoreau American writer
–Tho·reau·vi·an \thə-'rō-vē-ən, thȯ-\ adjective

thoria
n. : a powdery white oxide of thorium ThO_2 used especially as a catalyst and in crucibles and refractories and optical glass

thorianite
: a strongly radioactive mineral that is an oxide of thorium and often contains rare earth elements

thorite
n. : a rare mineral that is a brown to black or sometimes orange-yellow silicate of thorium resembling zircon

thorium
n. : a radioactive metallic element that is obtained especially from monazite and is usually associated with rare earths ― see ELEMENT table

thorn
n. 1 : a woody plant bearing sharp impeding processes (as prickles or spines) especially : HAWTHORN
2 a : a sharp rigid process on a plant specifically : a short, indurated, sharp-pointed, and leafless modified branch b : any of various sharp spinose structures on an animal
3 : the runic letter þ used in Old English and Middle English to represent either of the fricatives \th\ or \th\ and in Icelandic to represent \th\
4 : something that causes distress or irritation ― often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
–thorned \'thȯrnd\ adjective
–thorn·less \'thȯrn-ləs\ adjective
–thorn·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

thorn
n. thorn apple
Christ's thorn
Christ thorn
Jerusalem thorn
crown of thorns
crown of thorns starfish

thorn apple
1 : JIMSONWEED also : any plant of the same genus
2 : the fruit of a hawthorn also : HAWTHORN

thornback
: any of various ray fishes having spines on the back

thornbush
n. 1 : any of various spiny or thorny shrubs or small trees
2 : a low growth of thorny shrubs especially of dry tropical regions

Thorndike
Edward Lee 1874-1949 American psychol.

Thorndike
Dame (Agnes) Sybil 1882-1976 Brit. actress

Thornton
n. William 1759-1828 American architect

Thornton
n. city NE cen Colo. N of Denver pop 82,384

thorny
adj. 1 : full of thorns
2 : full of difficulties or controversial points : TICKLISH <a thorny problem>
–thorn·i·ness noun

thoro
adj. nonstandard variant of thorough

thorough
adj. archaic : THROUGH

thorough
adj. archaic : THROUGH

thorough
adj. 1 : carried through to completion : EXHAUSTIVE <a thorough search>
2 a : marked by full detail <a thorough description> b : careful about detail : PAINSTAKING <a thorough scholar> c : complete in all respects <thorough pleasure> d : having full mastery (as of an art) <a thorough musician>
–thor·ough·ly adverb
–thor·ough·ness noun

thorough-paced
1 : THOROUGH, COMPLETE <he has been a thorough-paced little villain ― Charles Dickens>
2 : thoroughly trained : ACCOMPLISHED

thoroughbass
n. : CONTINUO

thoroughbrace
: any of several leather straps supporting the body of a carriage and serving as springs

thoroughbred
n. 1 : thoroughly trained or skilled <a thoroughbred soldier>
2 : bred from the best blood through a long line : PUREBRED <thoroughbred dogs>
3 a capitalized : of, relating to, or being a Thoroughbred horse b : having characteristics resembling those of a Thoroughbred

thoroughbred
n. 1 : a purebred or pedigreed animal
2 : a thoroughly educated or skilled person
3 capitalized : any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing that originated from crosses between English mares of uncertain ancestry and Arabian stallions

thoroughfare
n. 1 : a way or place for passage: as a : a street open at both ends b : a main road
2 a : PASSAGE, TRANSIT b : the conditions necessary for passing through

thoroughgoing
adj. : marked by thoroughness or zeal : THOROUGH, COMPLETE <thoroughgoing changes> <a thoroughgoing traditionalist>
–thor·ough·go·ing·ly adverb

thoroughpin
n. : a synovial swelling just above the hock of a horse on both sides of the leg and slightly anterior to the hamstring tendon that is sometimes associated with lameness

thoroughwort
n. : BONESET

thorp
n. archaic : VILLAGE, HAMLET

Thorpe
n. James Francis 1888-1953 Jim Thorpe American athlete

Thorvaldsen
Ber·tel \'ber-təl\ 1768(or 1770)-1844 Dan. sculptor

those
adj. plural of that

thou
pron. archaic : the one addressed <thou shalt have no other gods before me ― Exod 20:3(AV)> ― used especially in ecclesiastical or literary language and by Friends as the universal form of address to one person ― compare THEE, THINE, THY, YE, YOU

thou
pron. : to address as thou

thou
pron. : a thousand of something (as dollars) <paid 25 thou for the car>

though
adv. 1 : in spite of the fact that : WHILE <though they know the war is lost, they continue to fight ― Bruce Bliven †1977>
2 : in spite of the possibility that : even if <though I may fail, I will try>

though
adv. : HOWEVER, NEVERTHELESS <It's hard work. I enjoy it though>

thought
n. past and past part of think

thought
n. 1 a : the action or process of thinking : COGITATION b : serious consideration : REGARD c archaic : RECOLLECTION, REMEMBRANCE
2 a : reasoning power b : the power to imagine : CONCEPTION
3 : something that is thought: as a : an individual act or product of thinking b : a developed intention or plan <had no thought of leaving home> c : something (as an opinion or belief) in the mind <he spoke his thoughts freely> d : the intellectual product or the organized views and principles of a period, place, group, or individual <contemporary Western thought>
synonyms see IDEA
–a thought : a little : SOMEWHAT <a thought too much vinegar in the dressing>

thought
n. free thought
second thought
a thought
thought experiment
thought out
well thought of

thought experiment
: GEDANKENEXPERIMENT

thought-out
: produced or arrived at through mental effort and especially through careful and thorough consideration <a thought-out plan>

thoughtful
adj. 1 a : absorbed in thought : MEDITATIVE b : characterized by careful reasoned thinking <a thoughtful essay>
2 a : having thoughts : HEEDFUL <became thoughtful about religion> b : given to or chosen or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and wants of others <a kind and thoughtful friend>
–thought·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–thought·ful·ness noun

thoughtless
adj. 1 a : insufficiently alert : CARELESS b : RECKLESS, RASH <thoughtless actions>
2 : devoid of thought : INSENSATE
3 : lacking concern for others : INCONSIDERATE <rude and thoughtless behavior> <a thoughtless remark>
–thought·less·ly adverb
–thought·less·ness noun

thoughtway
: a way of thinking that is characteristic of a particular group, time, or culture

thousand
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a very large number <thousands of ants>
–thousand adjective
–thou·sand·fold \-zən(d)-ˌfōld\ adjective or adverb
–thou·sandth \-zən(t)th\ adjective or noun

thousand
n. Thousand Island dressing
thousand legger
Thousand Islands
Thousand Oaks
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
thousands place

Thousand Island dressing
: mayonnaise with chili sauce and seasonings (as chopped pimientos, green peppers, and onion)

Thousand Islands
island group Canada & U.S. in St. Lawrence River in Ont. & N.Y.

Thousand Oaks
city SW Calif. W of Los Angeles pop 117,005

thousand-legger
: MILLIPEDE

thousands place
: the place four to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers

Thrace
n. region SE Europe in Balkan Peninsula N of the Aegean; as ancient country (Thra·ce \'thrā-(ˌ)sē\ or Thra·cia \'thrā-sh(ē-)ə\), extended to the Danube; modern remnant divided bet. Greece (Western Thrace) & Turkey (Eastern Thrace, constituting Turkey in Europe)
–Thra·cian \'thrā-shən\ adjective or noun

Thrace
n. Eastern Thrace
Western Thrace
Thracian Chersonese

Thracian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Thrace
2 : the Indo-European language of the ancient Thracians ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Thracian adjective

Thracian Chersonese
― see CHERSONESE

thrall
n. 1 a : a servant slave : BONDMAN also : SERF b : a person in moral or mental servitude
2 a : a state of servitude or submission <in thrall to his emotions> b : a state of complete absorption <mountains could hold me in thrall with a subtle attraction of their own ― Elyne Mitchell>
–thrall adjective
–thrall·dom or thral·dom \'thrȯl-dəm\ noun

thrall
n. archaic : ENTHRALL, ENSLAVE

thrash
v. transitive verb
1 : to separate the seeds of from the husks and straw by beating : THRESH 1
2 a : to beat soundly with or as if with a stick or whip : FLOG b : to defeat decisively or severely <thrashed the visiting team>
3 : to swing, beat, or strike in the manner of a rapidly moving flail <thrashing his arms>
4 a : to go over again and again <thrash the matter over inconclusively> b : to hammer out : FORGE <thrash out a plan>
intransitive verb
1 : THRESH 1
2 : to deal blows or strokes like one using a flail or whip
3 : to move or stir about violently : toss about <thrash in bed with a fever>
synonyms see SWING

thrash
v. 1 : an act of thrashing
2 : rock music (as heavy metal or punk rock) that is extremely fast and loud

thrasher
n. 1 : one that thrashes or threshes
2 : an avid skateboarder

thrasher
n. : any of various American oscine birds (family Mimidae, especially genus Toxostoma) related to the mockingbird that resemble thrushes but have a usually long curved bill and long tail

thrasonical
adj. : of, relating to, resembling, or characteristic of Thraso : BRAGGING, BOASTFUL
–thra·son·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Thrasybulus
d 388 B.C. Athenian gen.

thraw
transitive verb
1 chiefly Scottish : to cause to twist or turn
2 chiefly Scottish : CROSS, THWART
intransitive verb
1 chiefly Scottish : TWIST, TURN
2 chiefly Scottish : to be in disagreement

thraw
1 chiefly Scottish : TWIST, TURN
2 chiefly Scottish : ill humor

thrawart
1 chiefly Scottish : STUBBORN
2 Scottish : CROOKED

thrawn
chiefly Scottish : lacking in pleasing or attractive qualities: as a : PERVERSE, RECALCITRANT b : CROOKED, MISSHAPEN
–thrawn·ly adverb chiefly Scottish

thread
n. 1 a : a filament, a group of filaments twisted together, or a filamentous length formed by spinning and twisting short textile fibers into a continuous strand b : a piece of thread
2 a : any of various natural filaments <the threads of a spiderweb> b : a slender stream (as of water) c : a projecting helical rib (as in a fitting or on a pipe) by which parts can be screwed together : SCREW THREAD
3 : something continuous or drawn out: as a : a line of reasoning or train of thought that connects the parts in a sequence (as of ideas or events) <lost the thread of the story> b : a continuing element <a thread of melancholy marked all his writing> c : a series of newsgroup messages following a single topic
4 : a tenuous or feeble support <hung on by a thread>
5 plural : CLOTHING
–thread·less \-ləs\ adjective
–thread·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

thread
n. 1 a : to pass a thread through the eye of (a needle) b : to arrange a thread, yarn, or lead-in piece in working position for use in (a machine)
2 a (1) : to pass something through in the manner of a thread <thread a pipe with wire> (2) : to pass (as a tape, line, or film) into or through something <threaded a fresh roll of film into the camera> b : to make one's way through or between <threading narrow alleys> also : to make one's way usually cautiously through a hazardous situation
3 : to put together on or as if on a thread : STRING <thread beads>
4 : to interweave with or as if with threads : INTERSPERSE <dark hair threaded with silver>
5 : to form a screw thread on or in
intransitive verb
1 : WEAVE 2 <the car threaded through traffic>
2 : to form a thread
–thread·er noun

threadbare
adj. 1 a : having the nap worn off so that the thread shows : SHABBY <threadbare clothes> b : wearing threadbare clothing : very poor <took in threadbare relatives ― Russell Baker> c : barely adequate because of cheapness or shabbiness <a threadbare production>
2 : exhausted of interest or freshness
synonyms see TRITE
–thread·bare·ness noun

threadfin
n. : any of various bony fishes (family Polynemidae, especially genus Polydactylus) having elongated filamentous rays on the pectoral fin also : a fish (as Dorosoma pretense of the herring family) having usually one similar ray extending from a fin

threadworm
n. : a long slender nematode worm (as a pinworm or strongyle)

thready
adj. 1 : consisting of or bearing fibers or filaments <a thready bark>
2 a : resembling a thread : FILAMENTOUS b : tending to form or draw out into strands : ROPY
3 : lacking in fullness, body, or vigor : THIN <a thready voice>
–thread·i·ness noun

threap
1 chiefly Scottish : SCOLD, CHIDE
2 chiefly Scottish : to maintain persistently

threat
n. 1 : an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2 : one that threatens
3 : an indication of something impending <the sky held a threat of rain>

threat
n. archaic : THREATEN

threaten
v. transitive verb
1 : to utter threats against
2 a : to give signs or warning of : PORTEND <the clouds threatened rain> b : to hang over dangerously : MENACE <famine threatens the city>
3 : to announce as intended or possible <the workers threatened a strike>
4 : to cause to feel insecure or anxious <felt threatened by his brother's success>
intransitive verb
1 : to utter threats
2 : to portend evil
–threat·en·er \'thret-nər, 'thre-tən-ər\ noun
–threat·en·ing·ly \'thret-niŋ-lē, 'thre-tən-iŋ-\ adverb

threatened
adj. : having an uncertain chance of continued survival <a threatened species> specifically : likely to become an endangered species

three
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the third in a set or series <the three of hearts>
3 a : something having three units or members b : THREE-POINTER
–three adjective
–three pronoun, plural in construction

three
n. three sheets to the wind
three sheets in the wind
thirty three
three bagger
three ball
three card monte
three color
three decker
three dimensional
three dimensionality
three gaited
three handed
Three Hours
three legged
three legged race
three mile limit
three of a kind
three peat
three phase
three piece
three pointer
three point landing
three point line
three quarter
three quarter bound
three quarter binding
three ring circus
three R's
three spined stickleback
three spine stickleback
three toed sloth
three wheeler
Three Forks
Three Rivers

Three Forks
locality SW Mont. where Missouri River is formed by confluence of Gallatin, Jefferson, & Madison rivers pop 1203

Three Hours
: a service of devotion between noon and three o'clock on Good Friday

three of a kind

circa 1897
: three cards of the same rank in one hand ― see POKER illustration

three R's
1 : the fundamentals taught in elementary school especially : reading, writing, and arithmetic
2 : the fundamental skills in a field of endeavor

Three Rivers
TROIS-RIVIÈRES

three sheets in the wind
or three sheets to the wind : DRUNK 1A

three-bagger
: TRIPLE

three-ball
: relating to or being a golf match in which three players compete against one another with each playing a single ball

three-card monte
: a gambling game in which the dealer shows three cards, shuffles them, places them face down, and invites spectators to bet they can identify the location of a particular card

three-color
: being or relating to a printing or photographic process wherein three primary colors are used to reproduce all the colors of the subject

three-decker
1 : a wooden warship carrying guns on three decks
2 : TRIPLE-DECKER

three-dimensional
1 : of, relating to, or having three dimensions
2 : giving the illusion of depth or varying distances ― used especially of an image or a pictorial representation on a two-dimensional medium when this illusion is enhanced by stereoscopic means
3 : describing or being described in well-rounded completeness <a three-dimensional analysis of multiple historical processes ― L. L. Snyder>
4 : true to life : LIFELIKE
–three-di·men·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun

three-gaited
of a horse : trained to use the walk, trot, and canter

three-handed
: played by three players <three-handed bridge>

three-legged
: having three legs <a three-legged stool>

three-legged race
: a race between pairs of competitors with each pair having their adjacent legs bound together

three-mile limit
: the limit of the marginal sea of three miles included in the territorial waters of a state

three-peat
: a third consecutive championship
–three-peat intransitive verb

three-phase
: of, relating to, or operating by means of a combination of three circuits energized by alternating electromotive forces that differ in phase by one third of a cycle

three-piece
: consisting of or made in three pieces <a three-piece suit>

three-point landing
: an airplane landing in which the two main wheels of the landing gear and the tail wheel or skid or nose wheel touch the ground simultaneously

three-point line
: a line on a basketball court forming an arc at a set distance (as 22 feet) from the basket beyond which a field goal counts for three points

three-pointer
: a basketball shot or field goal from beyond the three-point line

three-quarter
: extending to three-quarters of the normal full length <a three-quarter sleeve>

three-quarter-bound
of a book : bound like a half-bound book but having the material on the spine extended to cover about one third of the boards
–three-quarter binding noun

three-ring circus
1 : a circus with simultaneous performances in three rings
2 : something wild, confusing, engrossing, or entertaining

three-spined stickleback
: a stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) chiefly of fresh and brackish waters that typically has three dorsal spines ― called also three-spine stickleback

three-toed sloth
: any of a genus (Bradypus) of sloths having three clawed digits on each foot and eight or nine vertebrae in the neck ― compare TWO-TOED SLOTH

three-wheeler
: any of various vehicles having three wheels

threefold
adj. 1 : having three parts or members : TRIPLE <a threefold purpose>
2 : being three times as great or as many <a threefold increase>
–three·fold \-'fōld\ adverb

threepence
n. 1 plural threepence or three·penc·es : a coin worth threepence
2 : the sum of three British pennies

threepenny
adj. 1 : costing or worth threepence
2 : POOR

threescore
adj. : being three times twenty : SIXTY

threesome
n. 1 : a group of three persons or things : TRIO
2 : a golf match in which one person plays his or her ball against the ball of two others playing each stroke alternately

threnode
n. : THRENODY
–thre·nod·ic \thri-'nä-dik\ adjective
–thren·o·dist \'thre-nə-dist\ noun

threnody
n. : a song of lamentation for the dead : ELEGY

threonine
n. : a colorless crystalline essential amino acid C_4H_9NO_3

thresh
v. transitive verb
1 : to separate seed from (a harvested plant) mechanically also : to separate (seed) in this way
2 : THRASH 4
3 : to strike repeatedly
intransitive verb
1 : to thresh grain
2 a : THRASH 2 b : THRASH 3

thresher
n. 1 : one that threshes especially : THRESHING MACHINE
2 : THRESHER SHARK

thresher shark
: a large nearly cosmopolitan shark (Alopias vulpinus) that has a greatly elongated curved upper lobe of the tail which is often used to thresh the water to round up the schooling fish on which it feeds ― see SHARK illustration

threshing machine
: a machine for separating grain crops into grain or seeds and straw

threshold
n. 1 : the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door : SILL
2 a : GATE, DOOR b (1) : END, BOUNDARY specifically : the end of a runway (2) : the place or point of entering or beginning : OUTSET <on the threshold of a new age>
3 a : the point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced <has a high threshold for pain> b : a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not

threw
past of throw

thrice
adv. 1 : three times ― often used in combination <thrice-married>
2 a : in a threefold manner or degree b : to a high degree

thrift
n. 1 : healthy and vigorous growth
2 : careful management especially of money
3 chiefly Scottish : gainful occupation
4 : any of a genus (Armeria) of low-growing perennial evergreen herbs of the plumbago family especially : a tufted herb (A. maritima) with pink or white flower heads
5 : a savings bank or savings and loan association ― called also thrift institution

thrift shop
: a shop that sells secondhand articles and especially clothes and is often run for charitable purposes

thriftless
adj. 1 : lacking usefulness or worth
2 : careless, wasteful, or incompetent in handling money or resources : IMPROVIDENT
–thrift·less·ly adverb
–thrift·less·ness noun

thrifty
adj. 1 : thriving by industry and frugality : PROSPEROUS
2 : growing vigorously
3 : given to or marked by economy and good management
synonyms see SPARING
–thrift·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
–thrift·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

thrill
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to experience a sudden sharp feeling of excitement <the news thrilled him> b : to cause to have a shivering or tingling sensation
2 : to cause to vibrate or tremble perceptibly
intransitive verb
1 : to move or pass so as to cause a sudden wave of emotion
2 : to become thrilled: a : to experience a sudden sharp excitement b : TINGLE, THROB
3 : TREMBLE, VIBRATE
–thrill noun
–thrill·ing·ly \'thri-liŋ-lē\ adverb

thriller
n. : one that thrills especially : a work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense

thrips
n. : any of an order (Thysanoptera) of small to minute sucking insects many of which feed often destructively on plant juices

thrive
v. 1 : to grow vigorously : FLOURISH
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : PROSPER
3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances ― often used with on <thrives on conflict>
–thriv·er \'thrī-vər\ noun

thriving
adj. : characterized by success or prosperity <a thriving business>
–thriv·ing·ly \'thrī-viŋ-lē\ adverb

thro
adj. archaic : THROUGH

throat
n. 1 a (1) : the part of the neck in front of the spinal column (2) : the passage through the neck to the stomach and lungs b (1) : VOICE (2) : the seat of the voice
2 : something resembling the throat especially in being an entrance, a passageway, a constriction, or a narrowed part: as a : the orifice of a tubular organ especially of a plant b : the opening in the vamp of a shoe at the instep c : the part of a tennis racket that connects the head with the shaft
3 : the curved part of an anchor's arm where it joins the shank ― see ANCHOR illustration
–at each other's throats : in open and aggressive conflict

throat
n. 1 : to utter in the throat : MUTTER
2 : to sing or enunciate in a throaty voice

throat
n. deep throat
lump in one's throat
septic sore throat
sore throat
strep throat
at each other's throats

throated
adj. : having a throat especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <white-throated>

throatlatch
n. 1 : a strap of a bridle or halter passing under a horse's throat
2 : the part of a horse's throat around which the throatlatch passes ― see HORSE illustration

throaty
adj. 1 : uttered or produced from low in the throat <a throaty voice>
2 : heavy, thick, and deep as if from the throat <throaty notes of a horn>
–throat·i·ly \'thrō-tə-lē\ adverb
–throat·i·ness \'thrō-tē-nəs\ noun

throb
n. 1 : to pulsate or pound with abnormal force or rapidity
2 : to beat or vibrate rhythmically
–throb·ber noun

throb
n. : BEAT, PULSE

throe
n. 1 : PANG, SPASM <death throes> <throes of childbirth>
2 plural : a hard or painful struggle <the throes of revolutionary social change ― M. D. Geismar>

thromb
: blood clot : clotting of blood <thrombin> <thromboplastic>

thrombin
n. : a proteolytic enzyme that is formed from prothrombin and facilitates the clotting of blood by catalyzing conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin

thrombocyte
n. : PLATELET also : a cell with a similar clotting function
–throm·bo·cyt·ic \ˌthräm-bə-'si-tik\ adjective

thrombocytopenia
n. : persistent decrease in the number of platelets in the blood that is often associated with hemorrhagic conditions
–throm·bo·cy·to·pe·nic \-nik\ adjective

thromboembolism
n. : the blocking of a blood vessel by a particle that has broken away from a blood clot at its site of formation
–throm·bo·em·bol·ic \-em-'bä-lik\ adjective

thrombokinase
n. : THROMBOPLASTIN

thrombolytic
adj. : destroying or breaking up a thrombus <a thrombolytic agent> <thrombolytic therapy>
–throm·bol·y·sis \-'bä-lə-səs\ noun

thrombolytic
adj. : a thrombolytic drug : CLOT-BUSTER

thrombophlebitis
n. : inflammation of a vein with formation of a thrombus

thromboplastic
adj. : initiating or accelerating the clotting of blood

thromboplastin
n. : a complex enzyme found especially in platelets that functions in the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin in the clotting of blood

thrombosis
n. : the formation or presence of a blood clot within a blood vessel
–throm·bot·ic \-'bä-tik\ adjective

thromboxane
n. : any of several substances that are produced especially by platelets, are formed from endoperoxides, cause constriction of vascular and bronchial smooth muscle, and promote blood clotting

thrombus
n. : a clot of blood formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin ― compare EMBOLUS

throne
n. 1 a : the chair of state of a sovereign or high dignitary (as a bishop) b : the seat of a deity
2 : royal power and dignity : SOVEREIGNTY
3 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY

throne
n. transitive verb
1 : to seat on a throne
2 : to invest with kingly rank or power
intransitive verb
1 : to sit on a throne
2 : to hold kingly power

throne room
: a formal audience room containing the throne of a sovereign

throng
n. 1 a : a multitude of assembled persons b : a large number : HOST
2 a : a crowding together of many persons b : a pressing increase of activity <this throng of business ― S. R. Crockett>
synonyms see CROWD

throng
n. transitive verb
1 : to crowd upon : PRESS <a celebrity thronged by fans>
2 : to crowd into : PACK <shoppers thronging the streets>
intransitive verb : to crowd together in great numbers

throstle
n. : 1THRUSH specifically : SONG THRUSH

throttle
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to compress the throat of : CHOKE (2) : to kill by such action b : to prevent or check expression or activity of : SUPPRESS <policies that throttle creativity>
2 a : to decrease the flow of (as steam or fuel to an engine) by a valve b : to regulate and especially to reduce the speed of (as an engine) by such means c : to vary the thrust of (a rocket engine) during flight
intransitive verb : to throttle something (as an engine) ― usually used with back or down <the pilot throttled back>
–throt·tler \'thrät-lər, 'thrä-təl-ər\ noun

throttle
n. 1 a : THROAT 1A b : TRACHEA 1
2 a : a valve for regulating the supply of a fluid (as steam) to an engine especially : the valve controlling the volume of vaporized fuel charge delivered to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine b : the lever controlling this valve c : the condition of being throttled
–at full throttle : at full speed <the project is proceeding at full throttle>

throttleable
: capable of having the thrust varied ― used of a rocket engine

throttlehold
: a vicious, strangling, or stultifying control

through
adj. 1 a (1) ― used as a function word to indicate movement into at one side or point and out at another and especially the opposite side of <drove a nail through the board> (2) : by way of <left through the door> (3) ― used as a function word to indicate passage from one end or boundary to another <a highway through the forest> <a road through the desert> (4) : without stopping for : PAST <drove through a red light> b ― used as a function word to indicate passage into and out of a treatment, handling, or process <the matter has already passed through her hands>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate means, agency, or intermediacy: as a : by means of : by the agency of b : because of <failed through ignorance> c : by common descent from or relationship with <related through their grandfather>
3 a : over the whole surface or extent of : THROUGHOUT <homes scattered through the valley> b ― used as a function word to indicate movement within a large expanse <flew through the air> c ― used as a function word to indicate exposure to a specified set of conditions <put him through hell>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate a period of time: as a : during the entire period of <all through her life> b : from the beginning to the end of <the tower stood through the earthquake> c : to and including <Monday through Friday>
5 a ― used as a function word to indicate completion or exhaustion <got through the book> <went through the money in a year> b ― used as a function word to indicate acceptance or approval especially by an official body <got the bill through the legislature>

through
adj. 1 : from one end or side to the other
2 a : from beginning to end b : to completion, conclusion, or accomplishment <see it through>
3 : to the core : COMPLETELY <soaked through>
4 : into the open : OUT <break through>

through
adj. 1 a : extending from one surface to another <a through mortise> b : admitting free or continuous passage : DIRECT <a through road>
2 a (1) : going from point of origin to destination without change or reshipment <a through train> (2) : of or relating to such movement <a through ticket> b : initiated at and destined for points outside a local zone <through traffic>
3 a : arrived at completion or accomplishment <is through with the job> b : WASHED-UP, FINISHED

through
adj. break through
carry through
come through
drive through
floor through
follow through
get through
go through
muddle through
pass through
pay through the nose
pull through
put through
through the roof
run through
see through
talk through one's hat
through and through
through composed
through street
walk through
win through

through and through
: in every way : THOROUGHLY

through street
: a street on which the through movement of traffic is given preference

through the roof
to an extremely or excessively high level <prices went through the roof>

through-composed
of a song : having new music provided for each stanza ― compare STROPHIC

throughither
chiefly Scottish : in confusion : PROMISCUOUSLY

throughly
adv. archaic : in a thorough manner

throughout
adv. 1 : in or to every part : EVERYWHERE <of one color throughout>
2 : during the whole time or action : from beginning to end <remained loyal throughout>

throughout
adv. 1 : all the way from one end to the other of : in or to every part of <cities throughout the United States>
2 : during the whole course or period of <troubled her throughout her life>

throughput
n. : OUTPUT, PRODUCTION <the throughput of a computer>

throve
past of thrive

throw
transitive verb
1 a : to propel through the air by a forward motion of the hand and arm <throw a baseball> b : to propel through the air in any manner <a rifle that can throw a bullet a mile> c : PITCH 6B <threw a no-hitter>
2 a : to cause to fall <threw his opponent> b : to cause to fall off : UNSEAT <the horse threw its rider> c : to get the better of : OVERCOME <the problem didn't throw her>
3 a : to fling (oneself) precipitately <threw herself down on the sofa> b : to drive or impel violently : DASH <the ship was thrown on a reef>
4 a (1) : to put in a particular position or condition <threw her arms around him> <thrown into chaos> <threw him into prison> (2) : to put on or off hastily or carelessly <threw on a coat> b : to bring to bear : EXERT <threw all his efforts into the boy's defense> <throw their weight behind the proposal> c : BUILD, CONSTRUCT <threw a pontoon bridge over the river>
5 : to form or shape on a potter's wheel
6 : to deliver (a blow) in or as if in boxing
7 : to twist two or more filaments of into a thread or yarn
8 a : to make a cast of (dice or a specified number on dice) b : ROLL 1A <throw a bowling ball>
9 : to give up : ABANDON
10 : to send forth : PROJECT <the setting sun threw long shadows> also : SHED 3C <throw some light on the matter>
11 : to make (oneself) dependent : commit (oneself) for help, support, or protection <threw himself on the mercy of the court>
12 : DEPOSIT 2B <the wine throws sediment>
13 : to perform (as a stunt) successfully <throwing tricks on a skateboard>
14 : to indulge in : give way to <threw a temper tantrum>
15 a : to bring forth <throws a good crop> b : to give birth to <threw large litters>
16 : to lose intentionally <throw a game>
17 a : to move (a lever) so as to connect or disconnect parts of a clutch or switch also : to make or break (a connection) with a lever b : to put (an automobile) in a different gear especially quickly or suddenly <he threw the car into reverse>
18 : to give by way of entertainment <throw a party>
intransitive verb : CAST, HURL
–throw·er \'thrō-ər\ noun
–throw cold water on : to discourage especially through pessimism or indifference
–throw money at : to spend large sums of money on or for especially recklessly or ineffectively <trying to solve problems by throwing money at them>
–throw one's weight around or throw one's weight about : to exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner
–throw to the wolves : to leave unprotected against fierce opposition or attack
–throw together
1 : to put together in a hurried and usually careless manner <a bookshelf hastily thrown together>
2 : to bring into casual association <different kinds of people are thrown together ― Richard Sennett>
synonyms THROW, CAST, TOSS, FLING, HURL, PITCH, SLING mean to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force. THROW is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specif. imply a distinctive motion with bent arm <can throw a fastball and a curve>. CAST usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering <cast it to the winds>. TOSS suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion <tossed the coat on the bed>. FLING stresses a violent throwing <flung the ring back in his face>. HURL implies power as in throwing a massive weight <hurled himself at the intruder>. PITCH suggests throwing carefully at a target <pitch horseshoes>. SLING stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim <slung the bag over his shoulder>.

throw
n. 1 a : an act of throwing, hurling, or flinging b (1) : an act of throwing dice (2) : the number thrown with a cast of dice c : a method of throwing an opponent in wrestling or judo
2 : the distance a missile may be thrown or light rays may be projected
3 : an undertaking involving chance or danger : RISK, VENTURE
4 : the amount of vertical displacement produced by a geological fault
5 a : the extreme movement given to a pivoted or reciprocating piece by a cam, crank, or eccentric : STROKE b : the length of the radius of a crank or the virtual crank radius of an eccentric or cam
6 a : a light coverlet (as for a bed) b : a woman's scarf or light wrap
–a throw : for each one : APIECE <copies are to be sold at $5 a throw ― Harvey Breit>

throw
n. throw one's weight about
free throw
free throw lane
hammer throw
stone's throw
throw together
throw to the wolves
throw one's weight around
throw money at
throw cold water on
a throw
throw away
throw back
throw down
throw in
throw in the sponge
throw in the towel
throw off
throw out
throw out the baby with the bathwater
throw over
throw pillow
throw rug
throw up
throw up one's hands
throw weight
wheel thrown
snow thrower
spear thrower

throw away
1 a : to get rid of as worthless or unnecessary b : DISCARD 2B
2 a : to use in a foolish or wasteful manner : SQUANDER b : to fail to take advantage of : WASTE <throw away an opportunity>
3 : to make (as a line in a play) unemphatic by casual delivery

throw back
1 : to delay the progress or advance of : CHECK
2 : to cause to rely : make dependent <they are thrown back upon⋯native intelligence ― Michael Novak>
3 : REFLECT
intransitive verb : to revert to an earlier type or phase

throw cold water on
to discourage especially through pessimism or indifference

throw down
1 : to cause to fall : OVERTHROW
2 : PRECIPITATE
3 : to cast off : DISCARD
4 : to make (a slam dunk) with exceptional force

throw in
1 : to add as a gratuity or supplement
2 : to introduce or interject in the course of something : CONTRIBUTE <they throw in some⋯sound effects on several songs ― Tom Phillips>
3 : DISTRIBUTE 3B
4 : ENGAGE <throw in the clutch>
intransitive verb : to enter into association or partnership : JOIN <agrees to throw in with a crooked ex-cop ― Newsweek>
–throw in the towel also throw in the sponge : to abandon a struggle or contest : acknowledge defeat : GIVE UP

throw in the towel
also throw in the sponge : to abandon a struggle or contest : acknowledge defeat : GIVE UP

throw money at
to spend large sums of money on or for especially recklessly or ineffectively <trying to solve problems by throwing money at them>

throw off
1 a : to free oneself from : get rid of <threw off his inhibitions> b : to cast off often in a hurried or vigorous manner : ABANDON <threw off all restraint> c : DISTRACT, DIVERT <dogs thrown off by a false scent>
2 : EMIT, GIVE OFF <stacks throwing off plumes of smoke>
3 : to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility <some little⋯tune that the composer had thrown off ― James Hilton>
4 a : to cause to depart from an expected or desired course <mistakes threw his calculations off a bit> b : to cause to make a mistake : MISLEAD
5 : EARN, GENERATE <an investment that throws off a sizable income>
intransitive verb
1 : to begin hunting
2 : to make derogatory comments

throw one's weight around
or throw one's weight about : to exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner

throw out
1 a : to remove from a place, office, or employment usually in a sudden or unexpected manner b : to get rid of as worthless or unnecessary
2 : to give expression to : UTTER <threw out a remark⋯that utterly confounded him ― Jean Stafford>
3 : to dismiss from acceptance or consideration : REJECT <the testimony was thrown out>
4 : to make visible or manifest : DISPLAY <the signal was thrown out for the⋯fleet to prepare for action ― Archibald Duncan>
5 : to leave behind : OUTDISTANCE
6 : to give forth from within : EMIT
7 a : to send out b : to cause to project : EXTEND
8 : CONFUSE, DISCONCERT <automobiles in line blocking the road⋯threw the whole schedule out ― F. D. Roosevelt>
9 : to cause to stand out : make prominent
10 : to make a throw that enables a teammate to put out (a base runner)
–throw out the baby with the bathwater : to discard or lose something useful or beneficial in the process of discarding or rejecting something unwanted

throw out the baby with the bathwater
to discard or lose something useful or beneficial in the process of discarding or rejecting something unwanted

throw over
1 : to forsake despite bonds of attachment or duty
2 : to refuse to accept : REJECT

throw pillow
: a small pillow used especially as a decorative accessory

throw rug
: a rug of such a size that several can be used in a room

throw to the wolves
to leave unprotected against fierce opposition or attack

throw together

1 : to put together in a hurried and usually careless manner <a bookshelf hastily thrown together>
2 : to bring into casual association <different kinds of people are thrown together ― Richard Sennett>

throw up
1 : to raise quickly
2 : GIVE UP, QUIT <the urge⋯to throw up all intellectual work ― Norman Mailer>
3 : to build hurriedly <new houses thrown up almost overnight>
4 : VOMIT
5 : to bring forth : PRODUCE
6 : to make distinct especially by contrast : cause to stand out
7 : to mention repeatedly by way of reproach
intransitive verb : VOMIT
–throw up one's hands : to admit defeat <in the end throws up his hands in despair ― Frank Conroy>

throw up one's hands
to admit defeat <in the end throws up his hands in despair ― Frank Conroy>

throw weight
: the maximum payload of an ICBM

throw-in
1 : an act or instance of throwing a ball in: as a : a throw made from the touchline in soccer to put the ball back in play after it has gone into touch b : a throw from an outfielder to the infield in baseball c : an inbounds pass in basketball
2 : something added as a bonus or supplement

throwaway
n. 1 : one that is or is designed to be thrown away: as a : a free handbill or circular b : a line of dialogue (as in a play) de-emphasized by casual delivery especially : a joke or witticism delivered casually
2 : something made or done without care or interest
3 : a child who has been forced to leave home or who has run away from indifferent or hostile parents

throwaway
n. 1 : designed to be thrown away : DISPOSABLE <throwaway containers>
2 : written or spoken (as in a play) in a low-key or unemphatic manner <throwaway lines>
3 : NONCHALANT, CASUAL
4 : marked by a tendency to discard things : overly wasteful <a throwaway society>

throwback
n. 1 a : reversion to an earlier type or phase : ATAVISM b : an instance or product of atavistic reversion
2 : one that is suggestive of or suited to an earlier time or style <his manners were a throwback to a more polite era>

throwster
n. : one who throws textile filaments

thru
variant of through
usage see THO

thrum
v. 1 a (1) : a fringe of warp threads left on the loom after the cloth has been removed (2) : one of these warp threads b : a tuft or short piece of rope yarn used in thrumming canvas ― usually used in plural c : BIT, PARTICLE
2 : a hair, fiber, or threadlike leaf on a plant also : a tuft or fringe of such structures
–thrum adjective

thrum
v. 1 : to furnish with thrums : FRINGE
2 : to insert short pieces of rope yarn or spun yarn in (a piece of canvas) to make a rough surface or a mat which can be wrapped about rigging to prevent chafing

thrum
v. intransitive verb
1 : to play or pluck a stringed instrument idly : STRUM
2 : to sound with a monotonous hum
transitive verb
1 : to play (as a stringed instrument) in an idle or relaxed manner
2 : to recite tiresomely or monotonously

thrum
v. : the monotonous sound of thrumming

thrush
n. : any of numerous small or medium-sized birds of an oscine family (Turdidae, the thrush family) or in some classifications a subfamily (Turdinae of the family Muscicapidae) which are mostly of a plain color often with spotted underparts and many of which are excellent singers

thrush
n. 1 : a disease that is caused by a fungus (Candida albicans), occurs especially in infants and children, and is marked by white patches in the oral cavity broadly : CANDIDIASIS <vaginal thrush>
2 : a suppurative disorder of the feet in various animals (as a horse)

thrust
n. transitive verb
1 : to push or drive with force : SHOVE
2 : to cause to enter or pierce something by or as if by pushing <thrust a dagger into his heart>
3 : EXTEND, SPREAD
4 : STAB, PIERCE
5 a : to put (as an unwilling person) forcibly into a course of action or position <was thrust into the job> b : to introduce often improperly into a position : INTERPOLATE
6 : to press, force, or impose the acceptance of upon someone <thrust new responsibilities upon her>
intransitive verb
1 a : to force an entrance or passage b : to push forward : press onward c : to push upward : PROJECT
2 : to make a thrust, stab, or lunge with or as if with a pointed weapon <thrust at them with a knife>

thrust
n. 1 a : a push or lunge with a pointed weapon b (1) : a verbal attack (2) : a military assault
2 a : a strong continued pressure b : the sideways force or pressure of one part of a structure against another part (as of an arch against an abutment) c : the force produced by a propeller or by a jet or rocket engine that drives a vehicle (as an aircraft) forward d : a nearly horizontal geological fault
3 a : a forward or upward push b : a movement (as by a group of people) in a specified direction
4 a : salient or essential element or meaning <the thrust of the argument> b : principal concern or objective <the plan's major thrust is testing ― Ryan Lizza>

thrust stage
: a stage that projects beyond the proscenium so that the audience sits around the projection also : a forestage that is extended into the auditorium to increase the stage area

thruster
n. : one that thrusts especially : an engine (as a jet engine) that develops thrust by expelling a jet of fluid or a stream of particles

thrustful
British : characterized by thrust : AGGRESSIVE <thrustful young man on the make ― Current Literature>

thruway
n. : EXPRESSWAY

Thucydides
n. d ca 401 B.C. Greek hist.
–Thu·cyd·i·de·an \(ˌ)thü-ˌsi-də-'dē-ən, (ˌ)thyü-\ adjective

thud
n. 1 : 5BLOW
2 : a dull sound : THUMP

thud
n. : to move or strike so as to make a thud

thug
n. : a brutal ruffian or assassin : GANGSTER, TOUGH
–thug·gery \'thə-g(ə-)rē\ noun
–thug·gish \'thə-gish\ adjective

thuja
n. : any of a genus (Thuja) of evergreen shrubs and trees (as an arborvitae) of the cypress family having scalelike closely imbricated or compressed leaves

Thule
n. : the northernmost part of the habitable ancient world

Thule
n. : of, relating to, or being the culture existing in the arctic lands from Alaska to Greenland from about A.D. 500 to A.D. 1400

Thule
n. settlement & district NW Greenland

thulium
n. : a soft silvery metallic element of the rare-earth group ― see ELEMENT table

thumb
n. 1 : the short thick digit of the human hand that is analogous in position to the big toe and differs from the other fingers in having only two phalanges, allowing greater freedom of movement, and being opposable to each of them also : a corresponding digit in lower animals
2 : the part of a glove or mitten that covers the thumb
3 : a convex molding : OVOLO
–all thumbs : extremely awkward or clumsy
–under one's thumb or under the thumb : under control : in a state of subservience <her father did not have her that much under his thumb ― Hamilton Basso>

thumb
n. 1 a : to leaf through (pages) with the thumb : TURN b : to soil or wear by or as if by repeated thumbing <a badly thumbed book>
2 : to request or obtain (a ride) in a passing automobile by signaling with the thumb
intransitive verb
1 : to turn over pages <thumb through a book>
2 : to travel by thumbing rides : HITCHHIKE <thumbed across the country>
–thumb one's nose
1 : to place the thumb at one's nose and extend the fingers as a gesture of scorn or defiance
2 : to express disdain or defiance <thumb their nose at opulence ― Sales Management>

thumb
n. under the thumb
green thumb
hop o' my thumb
lady's thumb
miller's thumb
rule of thumb
under one's thumb
thumb one's nose
thumb index
thumb piano
Tom Thumb
all thumbs
thumbs down
thumbs up
twiddle one's thumbs
green thumbed

thumb index
: a series of usually labeled notches cut in the fore edge of a book (as a dictionary) to facilitate reference

thumb one's nose

1 : to place the thumb at one's nose and extend the fingers as a gesture of scorn or defiance
2 : to express disdain or defiance <thumb their nose at opulence ― Sales Management>

thumb piano
: MBIRA

thumbhole
n. 1 : an opening in which to insert the thumb
2 : a hole in a wind musical instrument opened or closed by the thumb

thumbnail
n. 1 : the nail of the thumb
2 : a miniature computer graphic sometimes hyperlinked to a full-size version

thumbnail
n. : CONCISE, BRIEF <a thumbnail sketch>

thumbprint
n. 1 : an impression made by the thumb especially : a print made by the inside of the first joint
2 : something that identifies especially : FINGERPRINT 2A

thumbs-down
: an instance or gesture of rejection, disapproval, or condemnation

thumbs-up
: an instance or gesture of approval or encouragement

thumbscrew
n. 1 : an instrument of torture for compressing the thumb by a screw
2 : a screw having a flat-sided or knurled head so that it may be turned by the thumb and index finger

thumbtack
n. : a tack with a broad flat head for pressing into a surface with the thumb

thumbtack
n. : to fasten with a thumbtack

thumbwheel
n. : a control for various devices consisting of a partially exposed wheel that can be turned by moving the exposed edge with a finger

thump
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike or beat with or as if with something thick or heavy so as to cause a dull sound
2 : POUND, KNOCK
3 : WHIP, THRASH
4 : to produce (music) mechanically or in a mechanical manner ― usually used with out <thumped out a tune on the piano>
intransitive verb
1 a : to inflict a thump b : to make or move with a thumping sound
2 : to make a vigorous endorsement <got a couple of⋯senators to thump for him ― N.Y. Herald Tribune>
–thump·er noun

thump
n. : a blow or knock with or as if with something blunt or heavy also : the sound made by such a blow

thump
n. tub thump
Bible thumping
chest thumping
Bible thumper
tub thumper

thumping
adj. : impressively large, great, or excellent <a thumping majority>
–thump·ing·ly adverb

thumping
adj. : VERY, EXTREMELY <a thumping good time>

Thun
commune E cen Switzerland pop 37,950

Thun, Lake of
lake 10 mi (16 km) long cen Switzerland; an expansion of Aare River

thunder
n. 1 : the sound that follows a flash of lightning and is caused by sudden expansion of the air in the path of the electrical discharge
2 : a loud utterance or threat
3 : BANG, RUMBLE <the thunder of big guns>

thunder
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to produce thunder ― usually used impersonally <it thundered> b : to give forth a sound that resembles thunder <horses thundered down the road>
2 : ROAR, SHOUT
transitive verb
1 : to utter loudly : ROAR
2 : to strike with a sound likened to thunder
–thun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

thunder
n. steal one's thunder
thunder egg
thunder lizard
Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay
city & port Canada in SW Ont. on Lake Superior, formed 1970 by consolidation of Fort William & Port Arthur pop 109,016

thunder egg
: chalcedony in rounded concretionary nodules

thunder lizard
: BRONTOSAURUS

thunderbird
n. : a bird that causes lightning and thunder in American Indian myth

thunderbolt
n. 1 a : a single discharge of lightning with the accompanying thunder b : an imaginary elongated mass cast as a missile to earth in the lightning flash
2 a : a person or thing that resembles lightning in suddenness, effectiveness, or destructive power b : a vehement threat or censure

thunderclap
n. 1 : a clap of thunder
2 : something sharp, loud, or sudden like a clap of thunder

thundercloud
n. : a cloud charged with electricity and producing lightning and thunder

thunderhead
n. : a rounded mass of cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud often appearing before a thunderstorm

thundering
adj. : awesomely great, intense, or unusual
–thun·der·ing·ly adverb

thunderous
adj. 1 a : producing thunder b : making or accompanied by a noise like thunder <thunderous applause>
2 : THUNDERING
–thun·der·ous·ly adverb

thundershower
n. : a shower accompanied by lightning and thunder

thunderstone
1 archaic : THUNDERBOLT 1B
2 : any of various stones (as a meteorite or an ancient artifact) regarded as having been cast to the earth as thunderbolts

thunderstorm
n. : a storm accompanied by lightning and thunder

thunderstrike
1 : to strike dumb : ASTONISH <was thunderstruck at the news>
2 archaic : to strike by or as if by lightning

thunderstroke
n. : a stroke of or as if of lightning with the attendant thunder

thunk
v. dialect past and past part of think

thunk
v. : a flat hollow sound

thunk
v. : to produce a flat hollow sound : make a thunk

Thurber
n. James Grover 1894-1961 American writer
–Thur·ber·esque \ˌthər-bə-'resk\ adjective

Thurgau
canton NE Switzerland capital Frauenfeld area 389 sq mi (1008 sq km), pop 228,200

thurible
n. : CENSER

thurifer
n. : one who carries a censer in a liturgical service

Thuringer
: a mildly seasoned fresh or smoked sausage

Thuringia
region cen Germany including the Thu·rin·gian Forest \thu̇-'rin-j(ē-)ən, thyu̇-\ or G Thü·ring·er Wald \'t-riŋ-ər-ˌvält\ (wooded mountain range bet. the upper Werra & the Czech border); included in a state of reunified Germany capital Erfurt area 6275 sq mi (16,252 sq km), pop 2,611,300

Thuringian
1 : a member of an ancient Germanic people whose kingdom was overthrown by the Franks in the sixth century
2 : a native or inhabitant of Thuringia
–Thuringian adjective

thurl
: the hip joint in cattle ― see COW illustration

Thurrock
former urban district SE England in Essex

Thurs
n. Thursday

Thursday
n. : the fifth day of the week
–Thurs·days \-dēz, -(ˌ)dāz\ adverb

Thursday
n. Holy Thursday
Maundy Thursday
Thursday Island

Thursday Island
island NE Australia off N Queensland in Torres Strait

thus
adv. 1 : in this or that manner or way <described it thus>
2 : to this degree or extent : SO <thus far>
3 : because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY
4 : as an example

thus far
so far <thus far our findings have been negative>

thusly
: in this manner : THUS

Thutmose
n. name of 4 kings of Egypt: especially III d 1450 B.C. (reigned 1504-1450 B.C.)

thwack
n. : to strike with or as if with something flat or heavy : WHACK

thwack
n. : a heavy blow : WHACK also : the sound of or as if of such a blow

thwart
n. 1 a : to run counter to so as to effectively oppose or baffle : CONTRAVENE b : to oppose successfully : defeat the hopes or aspirations of
2 : to pass through or across
synonyms see FRUSTRATE
–thwart·er noun

thwart
n. : ATHWART

thwart
n. : situated or placed across something else : TRANSVERSE
–thwart·ly adverb

thwart
n. : a seat extending athwart a boat

thwartwise
: CROSSWISE 1

thy
adj. archaic : of or relating to thee or thyself especially as possessor or agent or as object of an action ― used especially in ecclesiastical or literary language and sometimes by Friends especially among themselves

Thyatira
― see AKHISAR

Thyestean
: of or relating to the eating of human flesh : CANNIBAL

thylacine
n. : TASMANIAN TIGER

thylakoid
: any of the membranous disks of lamellae within plant chloroplasts that are composed of protein and lipid and are the sites of the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis

thym
: thymus <thymic> <thymocyte>

thyme
n. 1 : any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)
2 : thyme leaves used as a seasoning

thymectomy
n. : surgical removal of the thymus
–thy·mec·to·mize \-ˌmīz\ transitive verb

thymia
: condition of mind and will <cyclothymia>

thymic
adj. : of or relating to the thymus

thymidine
n. : a nucleoside C_10H_14N_2O_5 that is composed of thymine and deoxyribose and occurs as a structural part of DNA

thymine
n. : a pyrimidine base C_5H_6N_2O_2 that is one of the four bases coding genetic information in the polynucleotide chain of DNA ― compare ADENINE, CYTOSINE, GUANINE, URACIL

thymocyte
n. : a cell of the thymus especially : a thymic lymphocyte

thymol
n. : a crystalline phenol C_10H_14O of aromatic odor and antiseptic properties found especially in thyme oil or made synthetically and used chiefly as a fungicide and preservative

thymosin
: a mixture of polypeptides isolated from the thymus also : any of these

thymus
n. : a glandular structure of largely lymphoid tissue that functions especially in the development of the body's immune system, is present in the young of most vertebrates typically in the upper anterior chest or at the base of the neck, and tends to atrophy in the adult

thymy
: abounding in or fragrant with thyme

thyr
: thyroid <thyrotoxicosis> <thyroxine>

thyratron
: a gas-filled hot-cathode electron tube in which the grid controls only the start of a continuous current thus giving the tube a trigger effect

thyristor
n. : any of several semiconductor devices that act as switches, rectifiers, or voltage regulators

thyrocalcitonin
n. : CALCITONIN

thyroglobulin
n. : an iodine-containing protein of the thyroid gland that is the precursor of thyroxine and triiodothyronine

thyroid
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or being the thyroid gland b : suggestive of a disordered thyroid <a thyroid personality>
2 : of, relating to, or being the chief cartilage of the larynx

thyroid
n. 1 : a large bilobed endocrine gland of vertebrates lying at the anterior base of the neck and producing especially the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine
2 : a preparation of the thyroid gland of various domestic animals used in treating thyroid disorders

thyroid-stimulating hormone
: a hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland ― abbreviation TSH ― called also thyrotropic hormone thyrotropin

thyroidectomy
n. : surgical removal of thyroid gland tissue
–thy·roid·ec·to·mized \-ˌmīzd\ adjective

thyroiditis
n. : inflammation of the thyroid gland

thyrotoxicosis
n. : HYPERTHYROIDISM

thyrotropic
adj. : exerting or characterized by a direct influence on the secretory activity of the thyroid gland <thyrotropic functions>

thyrotropic hormone
: THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE

thyrotropin
n. : THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE

thyrotropin-releasing hormone
: a tripeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus that stimulates secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone ― called also thyrotropin-releasing factor

thyroxine
n. : an iodine-containing hormone C_15H_11I_4NO_4 that is an amino acid produced by the thyroid gland as a product of the cleavage of thyroglobulin, increases metabolic rate, and is used to treat thyroid disorders

thyrsus
n. : a staff surmounted by a pinecone or by a bunch of vine or ivy leaves with grapes or berries that is carried by Bacchus and by satyrs and others engaging in bacchic rites

thysanuran
: BRISTLETAIL
–thysanuran adjective

thyself
pron. archaic : YOURSELF ― used especially in ecclesiastical or literary language and sometimes by Friends especially among themselves

Thyssen
Fritz 1873-1951 Ger. industrialist

Ti
n. titanium

ti
n. : any of several Asian and Pacific trees or shrubs (genus Cordyline) of the agave family with leaves in terminal tufts

ti
n. : the seventh tone of the diatonic scale in solmization

ti
n. Ch'in Shih Huang Ti
Han Wu Ti
Mo Ti
Shih Huang ti
Wu ti

TIA
transient ischemic attack

Tiahuanaco
locality W Bolivia near SE end of Lake Titicaca; site of prehistoric ruins

Tian Shan
mountain system cen Asia extending from the Pamirs NE into Xinjiang Uygur ― see POBEDA PEAK

Tianjin
n. municipality & port NE China SE of Beijing pop 7,764,141

tiara
n. 1 : a 3-tiered crown worn by the pope
2 : a decorative jeweled or flowered headband or semicircle for formal wear by women

Tibbett
Lawrence Mervil 1896-1960 American baritone

Tiber
n. river 252 mi (405 km) cen Italy flowing through Rome into Tyrrhenian Sea

Tiberias
n. city NE Israel in Galilee on W shore of Sea of Galilee pop 23,900

Tiberias
n. Tiberias Lake
Tiberias Sea of
Sea of Tiberias
Lake Tiberias

Tiberias, Lake
― see GALILEE (Sea of)

Tiberius
n. 42 B.C.-A.D. 37 Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar Augustus Rom. emp. (14-37)

Tibesti Mountains
mountains N cen Africa in the Sahara in NW Chad; highest peak Emi Koussi 11,204 ft (3415 m)

Tibet
n. region SW China on high plateau (average altitude 16,000 ft or 4877 m) N of the Himalayas capital Lhasa area 471,660 sq mi (1,226,316 sq km), pop 2,196,010

Tibetan
n. 1 : a member of the predominant people of Tibet and adjacent areas of Asia also : the Tibeto-Burman language of the Tibetan people
2 : a native inhabitant of Tibet
–Tibetan adjective

Tibetan
n. Sino Tibetan
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan terrier

Tibetan Buddhism
: a form of Mahayana Buddhism that evolved in Tibet and is dominated by the sect of the Dalai Lama

Tibetan terrier
: any of a breed of terriers resembling Old English sheepdogs but having a curled well-feathered tail

Tibeto-Burman
1 : a language family that includes Tibetan, Burmese, and related languages of southern and eastern Asia
2 : a member of a people speaking a Tibeto-Burman language

tibia
n. 1 : the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate hind or lower limb between the knee and ankle
2 : the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and tarsus
–tib·i·al \-bē-əl\ adjective

tibiofibula
n. : a bone especially in frogs and toads that is formed by fusion of the tibia and fibula

Tibullus
Albius ca 55-ca 19 B.C. Rom. poet

Tiburon
island 34 mi (55 km) long NW Mexico in Gulf of California off coast of Sonora

tic
n. 1 : local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : TWITCHING
2 : a frequent usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech <“you know” is a verbal tic>

tic douloureux
: TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

tic-tac-toe
: a game in which two players alternately put Xs and Os in compartments of a figure formed by two vertical lines crossing two horizontal lines and each tries to get a row of three Xs or three Os before the opponent does

tical
: BAHT

Ticino
n. 1 river 154 mi (248 km) Switzerland & Italy flowing from slopes of St. Gotthard Range SE & SW through Lake Maggiore into the Po
2 or F Tes·sin \te-'san\ canton S Switzerland bordering on Italy capital Bellinzona area 1085 sq mi (2821 sq km), pop 311,900
–Ti·ci·nese \ˌti-chə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

tick
n. 1 : any of a superfamily (Ixodoidea) of bloodsucking acarid arachnids that are larger than the related mites, attach themselves to warm-blooded vertebrates to feed, and include important vectors of infectious diseases
2 : any of various usually wingless parasitic dipteran flies ― compare SHEEP KED

tick
n. 1 : the fabric case of a mattress, pillow, or bolster also : a mattress consisting of a tick and its filling
2 : 1TICKING

tick
n. 1 a : a light rhythmic audible tap or beat also : a series of such ticks b : the time taken by the tick of a clock : MOMENT
2 : a small spot or mark especially : one used to direct attention to something, to check an item on a list, or to represent a point on a scale

tick
n. 1 : to make the sound of a tick or a series of ticks
2 : to operate as a functioning mechanism : RUN <tried to understand what made him tick> <the motor was ticking over quietly>
transitive verb
1 : to mark with a written tick : CHECK ― usually used with off <ticked off each item in the list>
2 : to mark, count, or announce by or as if by ticking beats <a meter ticking off the cab fare>
3 : to touch with a momentary glancing blow <ticked the ball>

tick
n. chiefly British : CREDIT, TRUST also : a credit account

tick
n. American dog tick
dog tick
black legged tick
cattle tick
deer tick
lone star tick
seed tick
sheep tick
tick borne
tick fever
tick off
tick trefoil
tick tack toe
wood tick
beggar ticks
beggar's ticks

tick fever
1 : TEXAS FEVER
2 : a febrile disease (as Rocky Mountain spotted fever) transmitted by the bites of ticks

tick off
1 : REPRIMAND, REBUKE <his father ticked him off for his impudence>
2 : to make angry or indignant <the cancellation really ticked me off>

tick trefoil
: any of various leguminous plants (genus Desmodium) with trifoliolate leaves and rough sticky loments

tick-borne
: capable of being transmitted by the bites of ticks <tick-borne encephalitis>

ticked
adj. 1 : marked with ticks : FLECKED
2 : having or made of hair banded with two or more colors <a ticked cat> <a ticked coat>

ticked
adj. : ANGRY, UPSET

ticker
n. : something that ticks or produces a ticking sound: as a : WATCH b (1) : a telegraphic receiving instrument that automatically prints off information (as stock quotations or news) on a paper ribbon (2) : a graphic on which information is scrolled across the top or bottom of a television or computer screen c slang : HEART

ticker tape
: the paper ribbon on which a telegraphic ticker prints off its information

ticket
n. 1 a : a document that serves as a certificate, license, or permit especially : a mariner's or airman's certificate b : TAG, LABEL
2 a : a certificate or token showing that a fare or admission fee has been paid b : a means of access or passage <education is the ticket to a good job>
3 : a list of candidates for nomination or election : SLATE
4 : the correct or desirable thing <cooperation, that's the ticket ― K. E. Trombley>
5 : a slip or card recording a transaction or undertaking or giving instructions <a savings deposit ticket>
6 : a summons or warning issued to a traffic-law violator
–tick·et·less \-ləs\ adjective

ticket
n. 1 : to attach a ticket to : LABEL also : DESIGNATE
2 : to furnish or serve with a ticket <ticketed for illegal parking>

ticket
n. big ticket
commutation ticket
high ticket
hot ticket
meal ticket
season ticket
split ticket
ticket agency
ticket agent
ticket office
ticket of leave
walking ticket
write one's own ticket
tickets of leave

ticket agency
: an agency selling transportation or theater and entertainment tickets

ticket agent
: one who sells transportation or theater and entertainment tickets

ticket office
: an office of a transportation company, theatrical or entertainment enterprise, or ticket agency where tickets are sold and reservations made

ticket-of-leave
: a license or permit formerly given in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations to a convict under imprisonment to go at large and to get work subject to certain specific conditions

ticking
n. : a strong linen or cotton fabric used in upholstering and as a covering for a mattress or pillow

ticking
n. : ticked marking on a bird or mammal or on individual hairs

tickle
n. transitive verb
1 a : to excite or stir up agreeably : PLEASE <music⋯does more than tickle our sense of rhythm ― Edward Sapir> b : to provoke to laughter or merriment : AMUSE <were tickled by the clown's antics>
2 : to touch (as a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
3 : to touch or stir gently <a pianist tickling the ivories>
intransitive verb
1 : to have a tingling or prickling sensation <my back tickles>
2 : to excite the surface nerves to prickle

tickle
n. 1 : the act of tickling
2 : a tickling sensation
3 : something that tickles

tickler
n. 1 : a person or device that tickles
2 : a device for jogging the memory specifically : a file that serves as a reminder and is arranged to bring matters to timely attention

ticklish
adj. 1 a : TOUCHY, OVERSENSITIVE <ticklish about his baldness> b : easily overturned <a canoe is a ticklish craft>
2 : requiring delicate handling <a ticklish subject>
3 : sensitive to tickling
–tick·lish·ly adverb
–tick·lish·ness noun

tickseed
n. : COREOPSIS

ticktack
v. 1 : a ticking or tapping beat like that of a clock or watch
2 : a contrivance used by children to tap on a window from a distance

ticktock
n. : the ticking sound of a clock

ticky
ticky tacky
ticky tack
ticky tacks
ticky tackies

ticky-tacky
: sleazy or shoddy material used especially in the construction of look-alike tract houses also : something built of ticky-tacky

ticky-tacky
1 : of an uninspired or monotonous sameness
2 : TACKY
3 : built of ticky-tacky

tid
three times a day

tidal
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, caused by, or having tides <tidal cycles> <tidal erosion> b : periodically rising and falling or flowing and ebbing <tidal waters>
2 : dependent (as to the time of arrival or departure) upon the state of the tide <a tidal steamer>
–tid·al·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

tidal wave
1 : something overwhelming especially in quantity or volume <a tidal wave of tourists>
2 a : an unusually high sea wave that is triggered especially by an earthquake b : an unusual rise of water alongshore due to strong winds

tidbit
n. 1 : a choice morsel of food
2 : a choice or pleasing bit (as of information)

tiddledywinks
n. : a game whose object is to snap small disks from a flat surface into a small container

tiddler
n. British : a small fish (as a stickleback or minnow)

tiddly
adj. chiefly British : slightly drunk

tide
n. 1 a obsolete : a space of time : PERIOD b : a fit or opportune time : OPPORTUNITY c : an ecclesiastical anniversary or festival also : its season ― usually used in combination <Eastertide>
2 a (1) : the alternate rising and falling of the surface of the ocean and of water bodies (as gulfs and bays) connected with the ocean that occurs usually twice a day and is the result of differing gravitational forces exerted at different parts of the earth by another body (as the moon or sun) (2) : a less marked rising and falling of an inland body of water (3) : a periodic movement in the earth's crust caused by the same forces that produce ocean tides (4) : a periodic distortion on one celestial body caused by the gravitational attraction of another (5) : one of the periodic movements of the atmosphere resembling those of the ocean and produced by gravitation or diurnal temperature changes b : FLOOD TIDE 1
3 a : something that fluctuates like the tides of the sea <the tide of public opinion> b : a surging movement of a group <a tide of opportunists>
4 a : a flowing stream : CURRENT b : the waters of the ocean c : the overflow of a flooding stream
–tide·less \-ləs\ adjective

tide
n. intransitive verb : to flow as or in a tide : SURGE
transitive verb : to cause to float with or as if with the tide

tide
n. archaic : BETIDE, BEFALL

tide
n. ebb tide
flood tide
high tide
low tide
neap tide
red tide
slack tide
spring tide
tide over
tide pool

tide over
: to support or enable to survive temporarily <money to tide us over until payday>

tide pool
: a pool of salt water left (as in a rock basin) by an ebbing tide ― called also tidal pool

tideland
n. 1 : land overflowed during flood tide
2 : land underlying the ocean and lying beyond the low-water limit of the tide but being within the territorial waters of a nation ― often used in plural

tidemark
n. 1 a : a high-water or sometimes low-water mark left by tidal water or a flood b : a mark placed to indicate this point
2 : the point to which something has attained or below which it has receded <the tidemark of tolerance has risen ― New Republic>

tidewater
n. 1 : water overflowing land at flood tide also : water affected by the ebb and flow of the tide
2 : low-lying coastal land

tideway
n. : a channel in which the tide runs

tiding
n. : a piece of news ― usually used in plural <good tidings>

tidy
n. 1 : properly filled out : PLUMP
2 : adequately satisfactory : ACCEPTABLE, FAIR <a tidy solution to their problem>
3 a : neat and orderly in appearance or habits : well ordered and cared for b : METHODICAL, PRECISE <a tidy mind>
4 : LARGE, SUBSTANTIAL <a tidy profit>
–ti·di·ly \'tī-də-lē\ adverb
–ti·di·ness \'tī-dē-nəs\ noun

tidy
n. transitive verb : to put in order <tidy up a room>
intransitive verb : to make things tidy <tidying up after supper>
–ti·di·er noun

tidy
n. 1 : a usually compartmentalized receptacle for various small objects
2 : a piece of fancywork used to protect the back, arms, or headrest of a chair or sofa from wear or soil

tidytips
: an annual California composite herb (Layia platyglossa) having yellow-rayed flower heads often tipped with white

tie
n. 1 a : a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed especially : SHOELACE b (1) : a structural element (as a rod or angle iron) holding two pieces together : a tension member in a construction (2) : any of the transverse supports to which railroad rails are fastened to keep them in line
2 : something that serves as a connecting link: as a : a moral or legal obligation to someone or something typically constituting a restraining power, influence, or duty b : a bond of kinship or affection
3 : a curved line that joins two musical notes of the same pitch to denote a single tone sustained through the time value of the two
4 a : an equality in number (as of votes or scores) b : equality in a contest also : a contest that ends in a draw
5 : a method or style of tying or knotting
6 : something that is knotted or is to be knotted when worn: as a : NECKTIE b : a low laced shoe : OXFORD
–tie·less \-ləs\ adjective

tie
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie b : to form a knot or bow in <tie your scarf> c : to make by tying constituent elements <tied a wreath> <tie a fishing fly>
2 a : to place or establish in relationship : CONNECT b : to unite in marriage c : to unite (musical notes) by a tie d : to join (power systems) electrically
3 : to restrain from independence or freedom of action or choice : constrain by or as if by authority, influence, agreement, or obligation
4 a (1) : to make or have an equal score with in a contest (2) : to equalize (the score) in a game or contest (3) : to equalize the score of (a game) b : to provide or offer something equal to : EQUAL
intransitive verb : to make a tie: as a : to make a bond or connection b : to make an equal score c : to become attached d : to close by means of a tie
–tie into : to attack with vigor
–tie one on
slang : to get drunk
–tie the knot : to perform a marriage ceremony also : to get married

tie
n. black tie
bolo tie
bola tie
bow tie
hog tie
old school tie
string tie
tie the knot
tie one on
tie into
tie and dye
tie down
tie dye
tie dyed
tie dyeing
tie in
tie line
tie rod
tie silk
tie tack
tie tac
tie up
tongue tie
twist tie
white tie
Windsor tie
fit to be tied
tied cottage
tongue tied

tie in
: to bring into connection with something relevant: as a : to make the final connection of <tied in the new branch pipeline> b : to coordinate in such a manner as to produce balance and unity <the illustrations were tied in with the text> c : to use as a tie-in especially in advertising
intransitive verb : to become tied in

tie into
to attack with vigor

tie one on
slang : to get drunk

tie silk
: a silk fabric of firm resilient pliable texture used for neckties and for blouses and accessories

tie tack
: an ornamented pin with a receiving button or clasp that is used to attach the two parts of a necktie together or to attach a necktie to a shirt

tie the knot
to perform a marriage ceremony also : to get married

tie up
1 : to attach, fasten, or bind securely also : to wrap up and fasten
2 a : to connect closely : JOIN <tie up the loose ends> b : to cause to be linked so as to depend on or relate to something
3 a : to place or invest in such a manner as to make unavailable for other purposes <their money was tied up in stocks> b : to restrain from normal movement, operation, or progress <traffic was tied up for miles>
4 a : to keep busy <was tied up in conference all day> b : to preempt the use of <tied up the phone for an hour>
intransitive verb
1 : DOCK <the ferry ties up at the south slip>
2 : to assume a definite relationship <this ties up with what I told you before>

tie-and-dye
: TIE-DYEING

tie-down
: a fitting or a system of lines and fittings used to secure something (as an aircraft or cargo)

tie-dye
1 : TIE-DYEING
2 : a tie-dyed garment or fabric

tie-dyed
: having patterns produced by tie-dyeing <tie-dyed shirts>

tie-dyeing
: a hand method of producing patterns in textiles by tying portions of the fabric or yarn so that they will not absorb the dye

tie-in
1 : something that ties in, relates, or connects especially in a promotional campaign
2 : a book that inspired or was inspired by a motion picture or television program

tie-line
: a telephone line that directly connects two or more private branch exchanges

tie-rod
: a rod (as of steel) used as a connecting member or brace

tie-up
1 a : a cow stable also : a space for a single cow in a stable b : a mooring place for a boat
2 : a slowdown or stoppage of traffic, business, or operation (as by a mechanical breakdown)
3 : CONNECTION, ASSOCIATION <helpful financial tie-ups>

tieback
n. 1 : a decorative strip or device of cloth, cord, or metal for draping a curtain to the side of a window
2 : a curtain with a tieback ― usually used in plural

tiebreaker
n. : a contest used to select a winner from among contestants with tied scores at the end of a previous contest

Tieck
(Johann) Ludwig 1773-1853 Ger. author

tied cottage
British : a cottage or house owned by an employer (as a farmer) and reserved for occupancy by an employee

Tientsin
n. ― see TIANJIN

tiepin
n. : an ornamental straight pin that has usually a sheath for the point and is used to hold the ends of a necktie in place

Tiepolo
Giovanni Battista 1696-1770 Ital. painter

tier
n. 1 a : a row, rank, or layer of articles especially : one of two or more rows, levels, or ranks arranged one above another b : a group of political or geographic divisions that form a row across the map <the southern tier of states>
2 : CLASS, CATEGORY

tier
n. : to place or arrange in tiers
intransitive verb : to rise in tiers

tier
n. : one that ties

tierce
n. variant of terce

tierce
n. 1 obsolete : THIRD 2
2 : a sequence of three playing cards of the same suit

tiercel
n. : a male hawk

tiered
adj. : having or arranged in tiers, rows, or layers ― often used in combination <triple-tiered>

Tierra del Fuego
1 archipelago off S S. America S of Strait of Magellan; in Argentina & Chile area over 28,400 sq mi (73,556 sq km)
2 chief island of the archipelago; divided bet. Chile and Argentina area 18,530 sq mi (48,178 sq km)

tiff
n. : to have a petty quarrel

tiff
n. : a petty quarrel

Tiffany
n. : being glass or an article of glass made by or in the manner of Louis C. Tiffany especially : made of pieces of stained glass <a Tiffany-style lamp> <a Tiffany window>

Tiffany
n. Charles Lewis 1812-1902 American jeweler

Tiffany
n. Louis Comfort 1848-1933 son of C.L. American painter & stained-glass artist

tiffany
n. 1 : a sheer silk gauze formerly used for clothing and trimmings
2 : a plain-woven open-mesh cotton fabric (as cheesecloth)

tiffin
n. chiefly British : a light midday meal : LUNCHEON

Tiflis
― see TBILISI

Tigard
city NW Oreg. SSW of Portland pop 41,223

tiger
n. 1 plural also tiger a : a large Asian carnivorous mammal (Panthera tigris) of the cat family having a usually tawny coat transversely striped with black b : any of several large wildcats (as the jaguar or cougar) c : a domestic cat with striped pattern d Australian : TASMANIAN TIGER
2 a : a fierce, daring, or aggressive person or quality <aroused the tiger in him> <a tiger for work> b : one (as a situation) that is formidable or impossible to control <how the tiger of inflation can be tamed ― J. A. Davenport> ― often used in the phrases ride a tiger and have a tiger by the tail
3 British : a groom in livery
–ti·ger·ish \-g(ə-)rish\ adjective
–ti·ger·ish·ly adverb
–ti·ger·ish·ness noun
–ti·ger·like \-gər-ˌlīk\ adjective

tiger
n. tiger's eye
Asian tiger mosquito
Bengal tiger
blind tiger
paper tiger
saber toothed tiger
Siberian tiger
Tasmanian tiger
tiger beetle
tiger cat
tiger lily
tiger maple
tiger mosquito
tiger moth
tiger salamander
tiger shark
tiger shrimp
tiger swallowtail

tiger beetle
: any of numerous active carnivorous beetles (family Cicindelidae) having larvae that tunnel in the soil

tiger cat
1 : any of various wildcats (as the serval, ocelot, or margay) of moderate size and variegated coloration
2 : a striped or sometimes blotched tabby cat

tiger lily
: a common Asian garden lily (Lilium lancifolium syn. L. tigrinum) that has nodding orange-colored flowers densely spotted with black and alternate leaves with black bulblets in the leaf axils also : any of various lilies with similar flowers

tiger maple
: maple lumber having a distinct irregularly striped pattern and much used for furniture

tiger mosquito
: ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO

tiger moth
: any of a family (Arctiidae) of stout-bodied moths usually with broad striped or spotted wings

tiger salamander
: a large widely distributed No. American salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum of the family Ambystomatidae) that is variably colored with contrasting blotches, spots, or bars

tiger shark
: a large gray or brown stocky-bodied requiem shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri) that is nearly cosmopolitan especially in warm seas and can be dangerous to humans ― see SHARK illustration

tiger shrimp
: a large shrimp (Penaeus monodon of the family Penaeidae) of the Indian and Pacific oceans that is often farmed and widely sold as food

tiger swallowtail
: a large widely distributed swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) of eastern No. America that in the male is largely yellow with black margins and black stripes on the wings and in the female is usually similarly marked in the north but is very often all or mostly black in the south also : any of several closely related black and yellow swallowtails (as P. rutulus of western No. America)

tigereye
n. : a usually yellowish to brown chatoyant stone that consists of silicified crocidolite and is much used for ornament

tight
adj. 1 a : having elements close together <a tight formation> <a tight line of type> b : so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light) <a tight ship> <a tight seal> ― compare LIGHTPROOF, WATERTIGHT c : fitting very close to the body <tight jeans> also : too snug <tight shoes> d (1) : closely packed : very full <a tight bale of hay> (2) : barely allowing time for completion <a tight schedule> <tight deadlines> e : allowing little or no room for free motion or movement <a tight connection> <a tight crawl space> also : having a small radius <a tight turn>
2 a : strongly fixed or held : SECURE <a tight jar lid> <a tight grip on the ladder> b (1) : not slack or loose : TAUT <kept the reins tight> <a tight knot> <a tight drumhead> also : marked by firmness and muscle tone <a tight stomach> (2) : marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body) <lips tight with anger> <a family tight with fear>
3 chiefly dialect : CAPABLE, COMPETENT
4 a : difficult to cope with <in a tight spot financially> b : relatively difficult to obtain <money is tight just now> also : characterized by such difficulty <a tight job market> c : not liberal in giving : STINGY <tight with a penny>
5 : characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome : CLOSE <a tight race for mayor>
6 : somewhat drunk
7 a : characterized by firmness or strictness in control or application or in attention to details <tight zoning codes> <tight security> <ran a tight newsroom> <keeps a tight hand on her investments> b : marked by control or discipline in expression or style : having little or no extraneous matter <tight writing> c : characterized by a polished style and precise arrangements in music performance
8 : having a close personal or working relationship : INTIMATE <in tight with the boss>
9 : being such that the subject fills the frame <filming a tight close-up>
–tight·ly adverb
–tight·ness noun

tight
adj. 1 : FAST, TIGHTLY, FIRMLY <the door was shut tight>
2 : in a sound manner : SOUNDLY <sleep tight>

tight
adj. hug me tight
run a tight ship
sit tight
tight end
tight knit
tight lipped
tight mouthed

tight end
: an offensive football end who lines up close to the tackle and can act as a lineman or receiver

tight-knit
: closely integrated and bound in love or friendship <a tight-knit family>

tight-lipped
1 : having the lips closed tight (as in determination)
2 : reluctant to speak : TACITURN

tight-mouthed
: CLOSEMOUTHED

tighten
v. transitive verb : to make tight or tighter
intransitive verb : to become tight or tighter
–tight·en·er \'tīt-nər, 'tī-tən-ər\ noun
–tighten one's belt : to practice strict economy

tighten one's belt
to practice strict economy

tightfisted
adj. : reluctant to part with money
–tight·fist·ed·ness \-nəs\ noun

tightrope
n. 1 : a rope or wire stretched taut for acrobats to perform on
2 : a dangerously precarious situation ― usually used in the phrase walk a tightrope

tights
n. : a skintight garment covering the body from the neck down or from the waist down also British : PANTY HOSE

tightwad
n. : a close or miserly person

tightwire
n. : a tightrope made of wire

Tiglath-pileser
d 727 B.C. king of Assyria (745-727)

tiglon
n. : a hybrid between a male tiger and a female lion

tigon
n. : TIGLON

Tigre
n. : a Semitic language of northern Eritrea and adjacent parts of Sudan

Tigre
n. 1 \'tē-(ˌ)grā\ city E Argentina, NW suburb of Buenos Aires, on islands in Paraná Delta pop 256,005
2 \ti-'grā, 'ti-(ˌ)grā\ region N Ethiopia bordering on Eritrea
–Ti·gre·an \ti-'grā-ən\ adjective or noun

tigress
n. : a female tiger also : a tigerish woman

Tigrinya
n. : a Semitic language of northern Ethiopia and Eritrea

Tigris
n. river 1180 mi (1899 km) SE Turkey & Iraq flowing SSE & uniting with the Euphrates to form the Shatt al Arab

Tijuana
city NW Mexico on U.S. border in Baja California pop 991,592

Tikal
ancient Mayan city N Guatemala

tike
n. variant of tyke

tiki
n. : a wood or stone image of a Polynesian supernatural power

tiki bar
: a restaurant or bar decorated in a simulated Polynesian theme that usually serves exotic cocktails

tikka
n. : an Indian dish of marinated meat cooked on a skewer

til
n. : SESAME

til
n. variant of 1till2 2till

tilapia
n. : any of numerous African freshwater cichlid fishes (genera Oreochromis, Tilapia, and Sarotherodon) often raised for food

Tilburg
commune S Netherlands SE of Rotterdam pop 197,358

Tilbury
n. town & port SE England in Essex on Thames River E of London

tilbury
n. : a light 2-wheeled carriage

tilde
n. 1 : a mark ~ placed especially over the letter n (as in Spanish señor sir) to denote the sound \ny\ or over vowels (as in Portuguese irmã sister) to indicate nasality
2 a : the mark tilde used to indicate negation in logic and the geometric relation “is similar to” in mathematics b : the mark tilde used to indicate an approximate value

Tilden
Samuel Jones 1814-1886 American polit.

Tildy
Zol·tán \'zōl-ˌtän\ 1889-1961 Hung. polit.

tile
n. 1 plural tiles or tile a : a flat or curved piece of fired clay, stone, or concrete used especially for roofs, floors, or walls and often for ornamental work b : a hollow or a semicircular and open earthenware or concrete piece used in constructing a drain c : a hollow building unit made of fired clay or of shale or gypsum
2 : TILING
3 : HAT especially : a high silk hat
4 : a thin piece of resilient material (as cork, linoleum, or rubber) used especially for covering floors or walls
5 : a thin piece resembling a ceramic tile that usually bears a mark or letter and is used as a playing piece in a board game (as mah-jongg)
–on the tiles
British : engaged in late-night carousing

tile
n. 1 : to cover with tiles
2 : to install drainage tile in
–til·er noun

tilefish
n. : any of various marine bony fishes (family Malacanthidae) used as food especially : a large fish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) of deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico with a fleshy appendage on the head and yellow spots on the upper body and some of its fins

tiling
n. 1 : the action or work of one who tiles
2 a : TILES b : a surface of tiles
3 : TESSELLATION 1B also : a generalization of this to fill Euclidean space of three or higher dimensions using geometric objects of the same dimension as the space filled

till
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : TO
2 or 'til also til : UNTIL

till
n. : UNTIL

till
n. : to work by plowing, sowing, and raising crops : CULTIVATE
–till·able \'ti-lə-bəl\ adjective

till
n. 1 a : a box, drawer, or tray in a receptacle (as a cabinet or chest) used especially for valuables b : a money drawer in a store or bank also : CASH REGISTER
2 a : the money contained in a till b : a supply of especially ready money

till
n. : unstratified glacial drift consisting of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders intermingled

tillage
n. 1 : the operation of tilling land
2 : cultivated land

Tillamook Bay
inlet of the Pacific NW Oreg.

tillandsia
: any of a large genus (Tillandsia) of chiefly epiphytic plants of the pineapple family native to tropical and subtropical America

tiller
n. : STALK, SPROUT especially : one from the base of a plant or from the axils of its lower leaves

tiller
n. of a plant : to put forth tillers

tiller
n. : one that tills : CULTIVATOR

tiller
n. : a lever used to turn the rudder of a boat from side to side broadly : a device or system that plays a part in steering something

tillerman
: one in charge of a tiller : STEERSMAN

Tillich
Paul Johannes 1886-1965 American (Ger.-born) theol.

Tillotson
John 1630-1694 Eng. prelate

Tilly
n. Graf von 1559-1632 Johann Tser·claes \tsər-'kläs\ Bavarian gen.

Tilsit
: a semisoft porous light yellow cheese with a flavor that ranges from mild to sharp

Tilsit
― see SOVETSK

tilt
n. : a canopy for a wagon, boat, or stall

tilt
n. : to cover or provide with a tilt

tilt
n. 1 a : a contest on horseback in which two combatants charging with lances or similar weapons try to unhorse each other : JOUST b : a tournament of tilts
2 a : DISPUTE, CONTENTION b : SPEED ― used in the phrase full tilt
3 a : the act of tilting : the state or position of being tilted b : a sloping surface c : SLANT, BIAS <a tilt toward military involvement>
4 : any of various contests resembling or suggesting tilting with lances
–tilt adjective

tilt
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to have an inclination
2 a : to point or thrust in or as if in a tilt <tilt a lance> b : to charge against <tilt an adversary>
intransitive verb
1 a : to move or shift so as to lean or incline : SLANT b : to incline, tend, or become drawn toward an opinion, course of action, or one side of a controversy
2 a : to engage in a combat with lances : JOUST b : to make an impetuous attack <tilt at social evils>
–tilt·able \'til-tə-bəl\ adjective
–tilt·er noun

tilt-rotor
: an aircraft that has rotors at the end of each wing which can be oriented vertically for vertical takeoffs and landings, horizontally for forward flight, or to any position in between

tilth
n. 1 : cultivated land : TILLAGE
2 : the state of aggregation of a soil especially in relation to its suitability for crop growth

tiltmeter
: an instrument to measure the tilting of the earth's surface

tiltyard
n. : a yard or place for tilting contests

Tim
n. Timothy

Timagami, Lake
lake Canada in Ont. N of Lake Nipissing

timbale
n. 1 a : a creamy mixture (as of meat or vegetables) baked in a mold also : the mold in which it is baked b : a small pastry shell filled with a cooked timbale mixture
2 also tim·bal \'tim-bəl\ : one of a set of single-headed cylindrical drums played with sticks ― usually used in plural

timber
n. 1 a : growing trees or their wood b ― used interjectionally to warn of a falling tree
2 : wood suitable for building or for carpentry
3 : MATERIAL, STUFF especially : a person or type of person qualified for a particular position or status <managerial timber>
4 a : a large squared or dressed piece of wood ready for use or forming part of a structure b British : LUMBER 2A c : a curving frame branching outward from the keel of a ship and bending upward in a vertical direction that is usually composed of several pieces united : RIB
–timber adjective

timber
n. : to frame, cover, or support with timbers

timber
n. timber wolf
half timber
timber hitch
timber rattlesnake
half timbered
half timbering

timber hitch
: a knot used to secure a line to a log or spar ― see KNOT illustration

timber rattlesnake
: a widely distributed rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) chiefly of the eastern U.S.

timber wolf
: GRAY WOLF

timberdoodle
: the No. American woodcock

timbered
adj. 1 : having walls framed by exposed timbers
2 : having a specified structure or constitution
3 : covered with growing timber : WOODED

timberhead
n. 1 : the top end of a ship's timber used above the gunwale (as for belaying ropes)
2 : a bollard bolted to the deck where the end of a timber would come

timbering
n. : a set or arrangement of timbers

timberland
n. : wooded land especially with marketable timber

timberline
n. : the upper limit of arboreal growth in mountains or high latitudes ― called also tree line

timberman
n. : LUMBERMAN

timberwork
n. : timber construction

timbre
n. : the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
–tim·bral \'tam-brəl, 'tim-\ adjective

timbre
n. timber wolf
half timber
timber hitch
timber rattlesnake
half timbered
half timbering

timbrel
n. : a small hand drum or tambourine
–tim·brelled \-brəld\ adjective

Timbuktu
n. ― see TOMBOUCTOU

time
n. 1 a : the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : DURATION b : a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future c : LEISURE <time for reading>
2 : the point or period when something occurs : OCCASION
3 a : an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end <arrived ahead of time> b : an opportune or suitable moment <decided it was time to retire> ― often used in the phrase about time <about time for a change>
4 a : a historical period : AGE b : a division of geologic chronology c : conditions at present or at some specified period ― usually used in plural <times are hard> <move with the times> d : the present time <issues of the time>
5 a : LIFETIME b : a period of apprenticeship c : a term of military service d : a prison sentence
6 : SEASON <very hot for this time of year>
7 a : rate of speed : TEMPO b : the grouping of the beats of music : RHYTHM
8 a : a moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar <what time is it> b : any of various systems (as sidereal or solar) of reckoning time
9 a : one of a series of recurring instances or repeated actions <you've been told many times> b plural (1) : added or accumulated quantities or instances <five times greater> (2) : equal fractional parts of which an indicated number equal a comparatively greater quantity <seven times smaller> <three times closer> c : TURN <three times at bat>
10 : finite as contrasted with infinite duration
11 : a person's experience during a specified period or on a particular occasion <a good time> <a hard time>
12 a : the hours or days required to be occupied by one's work <make up time> <on company time> b : an hourly pay rate <straight time> c : wages paid at discharge or resignation <pick up your time and get out>
13 a : the playing time of a game b : TIME-OUT 1
14 : a period during which something is used or available for use <computer time>
–at the same time : NEVERTHELESS, YET <slick and at the same time strangely unprofessional ― Gerald Weaks>
–at times : at intervals : OCCASIONALLY
–for the time being : for the present
–from time to time : once in a while : OCCASIONALLY
–in no time : very quickly or soon
–in time
1 : sufficiently early
2 : EVENTUALLY
3 : in correct tempo <learn to play in time>
–on time
1 a : at the appointed time b : on schedule
2 : on the installment plan
–time and again : FREQUENTLY, REPEATEDLY

time
n. transitive verb
1 a : to arrange or set the time of : SCHEDULE b : to regulate (a watch) to keep correct time
2 : to set the tempo, speed, or duration of <timed his leap perfectly ― Neil Amdur>
3 : to cause to keep time with something
4 : to determine or record the time, duration, or rate of <time a horse>
5 : to dispose (as a mechanical part) so that an action occurs at a desired instant or in a desired way
intransitive verb : to keep or beat time

time
n. 1 a : of or relating to time b : recording time
2 : timed to ignite or explode at a specific moment <a time charge>
3 a : payable on a specified future day or a certain length of time after presentation for acceptance <a time draft> <time deposits> b : based on installment payments <a time sale>

time
n. time table
access time
Alaska time
all time
apparent time
Atlantic time
big time
borrowed time
buy time
call time
central time
common time
Coordinated Universal Time
corrected time
crunch time
cut time
double time
drive time
eastern time
elapsed time
end time
ephemeris time
equation of time
face time
Father Time
in the fullness of time
full time
geologic time
Greenwich mean time
Greenwich time
half time
hang time
Hawaii Aleutian time
in jig time
just in time
lead time
local time
make time
mark time
mean time
mean solar time
military time
mountain time
old time
Pacific time
part time
pass the time of day
post time
prime time
question time
quick time
real time
released time
residence time
running time
Samoa time
sidereal time
small time
space time
space time continuum
standard time
summer time
take one's time
time and again
on time
in time
in no time
from time to time
for the time being
at the same time
time and a half
time bomb
time capsule
time card
time chart
time clock
time consuming
time dilation
time dilatation
time release
time exposure
time frame
time honored
time immemorial
time out of mind
time killer
time lag
time lapse
time line
time lock
time machine
time of flight
time out
time reversal
time saving
time saver
time series
time sharing
time share
time sheet
time signature
time stamp
time tested
time trial
time warp
time warped
time zone
two time
Universal time
daylight saving time
daylight time
daylight savings time
hard times token
at times
times sign
timed release
well timed

time and a half
: payment for work (as overtime or holiday work) at one and a half times the worker's regular wage rate

time and again
FREQUENTLY, REPEATEDLY

time bomb
1 : a bomb so made as to explode at a predetermined time
2 : something with a potentially dangerous or detrimental delayed reaction

time capsule
1 : a container holding historical records or objects representative of current culture that is deposited (as in a cornerstone) for preservation until discovery by some future age
2 : something resembling a time capsule <sunken vessels are archaeological time capsules ― Philip Trupp>

time card
: a card used with a time clock to record an employee's starting and quitting times each day or on each job

time chart
1 : a chart showing the standard times in various parts of the world with reference to a specified time at a specified place
2 : TIME LINE 1

time clock
: a clock that stamps starting and quitting times on an employee's time card

time dilation
: a slowing of time in accordance with the theory of relativity that occurs in a system in motion relative to an outside observer and that becomes apparent especially as the speed of the system approaches that of light ― called also time dilatation

time exposure
: exposure of a photographic film for a definite time usually of more than one half second also : a photograph taken by such exposure

time frame
: a period of time especially with respect to some action or project

time immemorial
1 : a time antedating a period legally fixed as the basis for a custom or right
2 : time so long past as to be indefinite in history or tradition ― called also time out of mind

time killer
1 : a person with free time
2 : something that passes the time : DIVERSION

time lag
: an interval of time between two related phenomena (as a cause and its effect)

time line
1 : a table listing important events for successive years within a particular historical period
2 usually time·line \'tīm-ˌlīn\ : a schedule of events and procedures : TIMETABLE 2

time lock
: a lock controlled by clockwork to prevent its being opened before a set time

time machine
: a hypothetical device that permits travel into the past and future

time out of mind

15th century
: TIME IMMEMORIAL 2

time reversal
: a formal operation in mathematical physics that reverses the order in which a sequence of events occurs

time series
: a set of data collected sequentially usually at fixed intervals of time

time sheet
1 : a sheet for recording the time of arrival and departure of workers and for recording the amount of time spent on each job
2 : a sheet for summarizing hours worked by each worker during a pay period

time signature
: a sign used in music to indicate meter and usually written as a fraction with the bottom number indicating the kind of note used as a unit of time and the top number indicating the number of units in each measure

time stamp
: a device for recording the date and time of day that letters or papers are received or sent out
–time-stamp transitive verb

time trial
: a competitive event (as in auto racing) in which individuals are successively timed over a set course or distance

time warp
: an anomaly, discontinuity, or suspension held to occur in the progress of time
–time-warp or time-warped \'tīm-ˌwȯrpt\ adjective

time zone
: a geographic region within which the same standard time is used

time-consuming
1 : using or taking up a great deal of time <time-consuming chores>
2 : wasteful of time <time-consuming tactics>

time-honored
: honored because of age or long usage <time-honored traditions>

time-lapse
: of, relating to, or constituting a motion picture made so that when projected a slow action (as the opening of a flower bud) appears to be speeded up

time-of-flight
: of, relating to, being, or done with an instrument (as a mass spectrometer) that separates particles (as ions) according to the time required for them to traverse a tube of a certain length

time-out
1 : a brief suspension of activity : BREAK especially : a suspension of play in an athletic game
2 : a quiet period used especially as a disciplinary measure for children

time-saving
: intended or serving to expedite something <time-saving kitchen appliances>
–time-sav·er \-ˌsā-vər\ noun

time-sharing
1 : simultaneous use of a central computer by many users at remote locations
2 or time-share \-ˌsher\ : joint ownership or rental of a vacation lodging (as a condominium) by several persons with each occupying the premises in turn for short periods
–time-share transitive verb

time-tested
: having effectiveness that has been proved over a long period of time <time-tested methods>

timed
adj. 1 : done or taking place at a time of a specified sort <an ill-timed arrival>
2 : made to occur at or in a set time <a timed explosion>

timed-release
: consisting of or containing a drug that is released in small amounts over time (as by dissolution of a coating) usually in the gastrointestinal tract <timed-release capsules>

timekeeper
n. 1 : TIMEPIECE
2 : a clerk who keeps records of the time worked by employees
3 : a person appointed to mark and announce the time in an athletic game or contest
–time·keep·ing \-piŋ\ noun

timeless
adj. 1 archaic : PREMATURE, UNTIMELY
2 a : having no beginning or end : ETERNAL b : not restricted to a particular time or date <the timeless themes of love, solitude, joy, and nature ― Writer>
3 : not affected by time : AGELESS
–time·less·ly adverb
–time·less·ness noun

timely
adj. 1 archaic : EARLY, SOON
2 : in time : OPPORTUNELY <the question was not⋯timely raised in the state court ― W. O. Douglas>

timely
adj. 1 : coming early or at the right time <a timely decision> <timely payment>
2 : appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion <a timely book>
–time·li·ness noun

timeo Danaos et dona ferentes
: I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts

timeous
adj. chiefly Scottish & South African : TIMELY
–time·ous·ly adverb

timepiece
n. : a device (as a clock or watch) to measure or show progress of time especially : one that does not chime

timepleaser
n. obsolete : TIMESERVER

timer
n. : one that times: as a : TIMEPIECE especially : a stopwatch for timing races b : TIMEKEEPER c : a device (as a clock) that indicates by a sound the end of an interval of time or that starts or stops a device at predetermined times

timer
n. big timer
egg timer
full timer
old timer
part timer
small timer
two timer

times
n. : multiplied by <two times two is four>

times
n. hard times token
at times
times sign

times sign
: the symbol × used to indicate multiplication

timescale
n. : an arrangement of events used as a measure of the relative or absolute duration or antiquity of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time

timeserver
n. : a person whose behavior is adjusted to the pattern of the times or to please superiors : TEMPORIZER

timeserving
n. : the behavior or practice of a timeserver

timeserving
n. : marked by or revealing a lack of independence or integrity <a mean, timeserving little man, grovelling odiously before the wealthy people ― Peter Forster>

timetable
n. 1 : a table of departure and arrival times of trains, buses, or airplanes
2 a : a schedule showing a planned order or sequence b : PROGRAM 3
–time-table transitive verb

timework
n. : work paid for at a standard rate for the hour or the day
–time·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ noun

timeworn
adj. 1 : worn or impaired by time <timeworn mansions>
2 a : AGE-OLD, ANCIENT <timeworn procedures> b : HACKNEYED, STALE <a timeworn joke>

Timgad
ancient Roman city NE Algeria

timid
adj. 1 : lacking in courage or self-confidence <a timid person>
2 : lacking in boldness or determination <a timid policy>
–ti·mid·i·ty \tə-'mi-də-tē\ noun
–tim·id·ly \'ti-məd-lē\ adverb
–tim·id·ness noun

timing
n. 1 a : placement or occurrence in time <the timing of the sale couldn't have been better> b : the ability to select the precise moment for doing something for optimum effect <a boxer with impeccable timing>
2 : observation and recording (as by a stopwatch) of the elapsed time of an act, action, or process

Timis
river ab 200 mi (322 km) Romania & Serbia flowing W & S into the Danube downstream from Belgrade

Timisoara
city W Romania pop 317,651

Timmins
city Canada in E Ont. N of Sudbury pop 43,686

timocracy
n. 1 : government in which a certain amount of property is necessary for office
2 : government in which love of honor is the ruling principle
–ti·mo·crat·ic \ˌtī-mə-'kra-tik\ or ti·mo·crat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

timolol
: a beta-blocker C_13H_24N_4O_3S used in the form of its maleate salt to treat glaucoma and hypertension and to reduce the risk of second heart attacks

Timor
n. 1 island SE Asia in Lesser Sunda Islands area 13,094 sq mi (34,044 sq km), pop 3,000,000; W part (formerly Netherlands Timor) belonged to the Dutch until 1946, and is now part of Indonesia; E part (formerly Portuguese Timor) belonged to Portugal until 1975, was annexed by Indonesia 1976, and gained independence 2002 as East Timor
2 sea bet. Timor Is. & Australia
–Ti·mor·ese \(ˌ)tē-ˌmȯ-'rēz, -'rēs\ adjective or noun

Timor
n. East Timor
Netherlands Timor
Portuguese Timor

timorous
adj. 1 : of a timid disposition : FEARFUL <reproached myself with being so timorous and cautious ― Daniel Defoe>
2 : expressing or suggesting timidity <proceed with doubtful and timorous steps ― Edward Gibbon>
–tim·o·rous·ly adverb
–tim·o·rous·ness noun

Timoshenko
Sem·yon \səm-'yȯn\ Konstantinovich 1895-1970 Soviet marshal

Timothy
n. 1 : a disciple of the apostle Paul
2 : either of two letters written with regard to pastoral care in the early church and included as books in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

timothy
n. : a European perennial grass (Phleum pratense) that has long cylindrical spikes and is widely grown for hay in the U.S.

timpani
n. : a set of two or more kettledrums played by one performer in an orchestra or band

timpanist
n. : a person who plays the timpani

Timpanogos Cave National Monument
n. series of limestone caverns N cen Utah on N slope of Mt. Timpanogos

Timpanogos, Mount
mountain 12,008 ft (3660 m) N cen Utah N of Provo; highest in Wasatch Range

Timur
1336-1405 Turkic conqueror

TIN
n. taxpayer identification number

tin
n. 1 : a soft faintly bluish-white lustrous low-melting crystalline metallic element that is malleable and ductile at ordinary temperatures and that is used especially in containers, as a protective coating, in tinfoil, and in soft solders and alloys ― see ELEMENT table
2 a : a box, can, pan, vessel, or a sheet made of tinplate broadly : such a container of any metal (as aluminum) b : a metal container and its contents <a tin of tomatoes>
–tin adjective
–tin·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

tin
n. 1 : to cover or plate with tin or a tin alloy
2 : to put up or pack in tins : CAN <tinned peaches>

tin
n. tin can
tin ear
tin hat
tin lizzie
Tin Pan Alley
tin plate
tin pot

tin can
1 : a can made of tinplate broadly : CAN 1C
2 slang : DESTROYER 2

tin ear
: a deafened or insensitive ear

tin hat
: a metal helmet

tin lizzie
: a small inexpensive early automobile

Tin Pan Alley
: a district that is a center for composers and publishers of popular music also : the body of such composers and publishers

tin-plate
: to plate or coat (as a metal sheet) with tin

tin-pot
: TWO-BIT 2 <tin-pot dictators>

tinamou
n. : any of a family (Tinamidae) of So. and Central American ground-dwelling birds that have a deeply keeled sternum and a rudimentary tail and that produce large glossy usually colorful eggs

Tinbergen
Nikolaas 1907-1988 Du. ethologist

tinct
n. : COLORED, TINGED

tinct
n. : TINCTURE, TINGE

tinctorial
adj. : of or relating to colors or to dyeing or staining also : imparting color
–tinc·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb

tincture
n. 1 a archaic : a substance that colors, dyes, or stains b : COLOR, TINT
2 a : a characteristic quality : CAST b : a slight admixture : TRACE <a tincture of doubt>
3 obsolete : an active principle or extract
4 : a heraldic metal, color, or fur
5 : a solution of a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent

tincture
n. 1 : to tint or stain with a color : TINGE
2 a : to infuse or instill with a property or entity : IMPREGNATE b : to imbue with a quality : AFFECT <writing tinctured with wit and wisdom>

tinder
n. 1 : a very flammable substance adaptable for use as kindling
2 : something that serves to incite or inflame <that rhetoric was ready tinder for revolution ― Margaret Peters>

tinderbox
n. 1 a : a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark b : a highly inflammable object or place
2 : a potentially explosive place or situation

tine
n. 1 : a slender pointed projecting part : PRONG
2 : a pointed branch of an antler
–tined \'tīnd\ adjective

tine
n. transitive verb dialect British : LOSE
intransitive verb dialect British : to become lost

tinea
n. : any of several fungal infections of the skin especially : RINGWORM
–tin·e·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

tinea cruris
: ringworm involving especially the groin and perineum ― called also jock itch

tinea pedis
: ATHLETE'S FOOT

tinfoil
n. : a paper-thin metal sheeting usually of aluminum or tin-lead alloy

ting
n. : a high-pitched sound like that made by a light stroke on a crystal goblet
–ting intransitive verb

tinge
n. 1 a : to color with a slight shade or stain : TINT b : to affect or modify with a slight odor or taste
2 : to affect or modify in character

tinge
n. 1 : a slight staining or suffusing shade or color
2 : an affective or modifying property or influence : TOUCH <a tinge of guilt>

tingle
n. 1 a : to feel a ringing, stinging, prickling, or thrilling sensation b : to cause such a sensation
2 : TINKLE 1
–tingle noun
–tin·gling·ly \-g(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
–tin·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

Tingley
Katherine Augusta 1847-1929 American theosophist

tinhorn
n. : one (as a gambler) who pretends to have money, ability, or influence

Tinian
island W Pacific in the S Marianas

tinker
n. 1 a : a usually itinerant mender of household utensils b : an unskillful mender : BUNGLER
2 chiefly Irish : GYPSY

tinker
n. intransitive verb : to work in the manner of a tinker especially : to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner : FIDDLE <always tinkering with his car>
transitive verb : to repair, adjust, or experiment with
–tin·ker·er \-kər-ər\ noun

tinker's damn
: a minimum amount or degree (as of care) <didn't give a tinker's damn about poetry ― James Blish>

Tinkertoy
n. ― used for a construction toy of fitting parts

tinkle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make or emit a tinkle or a sound suggestive of a tinkle
2 : URINATE
transitive verb
1 : to sound or make known (the time) by a tinkle
2 a : to cause to make a tinkle b : to produce by tinkling <tinkle a tune>

tinkle
n. 1 : a jingling effect in verse or prose
2 : a series of short high ringing or clinking sounds

tinkly
: that tinkles : TINKLING

Tinley Park
city NE Ill. pop 48,401

tinner
n. 1 : a tin miner
2 : TINSMITH

tinnitus
n. : a sensation of noise (as a ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition (as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and typically is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected

tinny
n. 1 : of, abounding in, or yielding tin
2 a : resembling tin b : LIGHT, CHEAP c : lacking depth or substance : EMPTY <tinny arguments>
3 : thin in tone <a tinny voice>
–tin·ni·ly \'ti-nəl-ē\ adverb
–tin·ni·ness \'ti-nē-nəs\ noun

Tinos
island Greece in N Cyclades SE of Andros

tinplate
n. : thin sheet iron or steel coated with tin

tinsel
n. 1 : threads, strips, or sheets of metal, paper, or plastic used to produce a glittering and sparkling appearance in fabrics, yarns, or decorations
2 : something superficially attractive or glamorous but of little real worth <disfigured by no gaudy tinsel of rhetoric or declamation ― Thomas Jefferson>

tinsel
n. 1 : made of or covered with tinsel
2 a : cheaply gaudy : TAWDRY b : SPECIOUS, SUPERFICIAL <tinsel promises>

tinsel
n. 1 : to interweave, overlay, or adorn with or as if with tinsel
2 : to impart a specious brightness to

tinselly
adj. : TINSEL

Tinseltown
n. : HOLLYWOOD <seduced by Tinseltown>
–Tinseltown adjective

tinsmith
n. : a worker who makes or repairs things of sheet metal (as tinplate)
–tin·smith·ing \-ˌsmi-thiŋ\ noun

tinstone
n. : CASSITERITE

tint
n. 1 a : a usually slight or pale coloration : HUE b : any of various lighter or darker shades of a color : TINGE
2 : a variation of a color produced by adding white to it and characterized by a low saturation with relatively high lightness
3 : a usually slight modifying quality or characteristic : TOUCH
4 : a shaded effect in engraving produced by fine parallel lines close together
5 : a panel of light color serving as background
6 : dye for the hair

tint
n. : to impart or apply a tint to : COLOR
–tint·er noun

Tintagel Head
headland SW England in NW Cornwall

tinting
v. 1 : the act or process of one that tints
2 : the engraved or colored tint produced by tinting

tintinnabulary
: of, relating to, or characterized by bells or their sounds

tintinnabulation
n. 1 : the ringing or sounding of bells
2 : a jingling or tinkling sound as if of bells

tintless
adj. archaic : having no tints : lacking color

Tintoretto
n. ca 1518-1594 Jacopo Robusti Ital. painter

tintype
n. : FERROTYPE 1

tinware
n. : articles and especially utensils made of tinplate

tinwork
n. : work in tin

tiny
adj. : very small or diminutive : MINUTE
synonyms see SMALL
–ti·ni·ly \'tī-nə-lē\ adverb
–ti·ni·ness \'tī-nē-nəs\ noun

tip
n. transitive verb
1 : OVERTURN, UPSET ― usually used with over
2 a : CANT, TILT b : to raise and tilt forward in salute <tipped his hat>
intransitive verb
1 : to become tipped : TOPPLE
2 : LEAN, SLANT
–tip the scales
1 : to register weight <tips the scales at 285 pounds>
2 : to shift the balance of power or influence <tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war ― S. F. Bemis>

tip
n. : a gift or a sum of money tendered for a service performed or anticipated : GRATUITY

tip
n. tip one's mitt
felt tip
filter tip
foul tip
tip the scales
on the tip of one's tongue
tip one's hand
tip in
tip off
tip of the iceberg
tip top
wing tip
balloon tipped catheter
felt tipped
filter tipped

tip
n. 1 : the act or an instance of tipping : TILT
2 chiefly British : a place for depositing something (as rubbish) by dumping

tip
n. 1 a : to furnish with a tip b (1) : to cover or adorn the tip of (2) : to blend (furs) for improved appearance by brushing the tips of the hair with dye
2 : to affix (an insert) in a book ― often used with in
3 : to remove the ends of <tip raspberries>

tip
n. 1 : the usually pointed end of something <a pencil tip>
2 : a small piece or part serving as an end, cap, or point
–tipped \'tipt\ adjective
–on the tip of one's tongue
1 : about to be uttered <it was on the tip of my tongue to say exactly what I thought>
2 : just eluding recall

tip
n. : a light touch or blow

tip
n. transitive verb
1 : to strike lightly : TAP
2 : to give (as a baseball) a glancing blow
intransitive verb : TIPTOE

tip
n. 1 : a piece of advice or expert or authoritative information
2 : a piece of advance or confidential information given by one thought to have access to special or inside sources

tip
n. 1 : to impart a piece of information or advice about or to ― often used with off
2 chiefly British : to mention as a likely candidate, prospective winner, or profitable investment : TOUT 4
–tip one's hand also tip one's mitt : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's opinions or resources <the Justice Department wouldn't tip its hand by saying what its next move⋯would be ― Newsweek>

tip
n. transitive verb
1 : GIVE, PRESENT <this crew has tipped you the black spot ― R. C. Stevenson>
2 : to give a gratuity to
intransitive verb : to bestow a gratuity

tip of the iceberg
: the earliest, most obvious, or most superficial manifestation of some phenomenon

tip one's hand
also tip one's mitt : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's opinions or resources <the Justice Department wouldn't tip its hand by saying what its next move⋯would be ― Newsweek>

tip the scales

1 : to register weight <tips the scales at 285 pounds>
2 : to shift the balance of power or influence <tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war ― S. F. Bemis>

tip-in
: a goal (as in basketball or hockey) made by tipping or deflecting a shot into the basket or net from very close range

tip-off
1 : WARNING, TIP
2 : a telltale sign

tip-off
: the act or an instance of putting the ball in play in basketball by a jump ball

tip-top
: the highest point

tip-top
: EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE <tip-top working conditions>

tip-top
: very well

tipcart
n. : a cart whose body can be tipped on the frame to empty its contents

tipcat
n. : a game in which one player lightly bats a wooden peg and as it flies up strikes it again to drive it as far as possible while fielders try to recover it also : the peg used in this game

tipi
n. variant of tepee

Tippecanoe
n. river 200 mi (322 km) N Ind. flowing SW into the Wabash

tipper
n. : one that tips <a generous tipper>

Tipperary
1 county S Ireland in Munster capital Clonmel area 1643 sq mi (4272 sq km), pop 140,131
2 town in SW County Tipperary pop 4783

tippet
n. 1 : a long hanging end of cloth attached to a sleeve, cap, or hood
2 : a shoulder cape of fur or cloth often with hanging ends
3 : a long black scarf worn over the robe by Anglican clergymen during morning and evening prayer

tipple
n. intransitive verb : to drink liquor especially by habit or to excess
transitive verb : to drink (liquor) especially continuously in small amounts
–tip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

tipple
n. 1 : DRINK 1
2 : DRINK 2

tipple
n. 1 : a place where or an apparatus by which cars (as for coal) are loaded or emptied
2 : a coal-screening plant

tippy
adj. : liable to tip <a tippy boat>

tipstaff
n. : a court officer whose duties include assisting the judge and acting as crier

tipster
n. : one who gives or sells tips especially for gambling or speculation

tipsy
adj. 1 : unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor : FUDDLED
2 : UNSTEADY, ASKEW <a tipsy angle>
–tip·si·ly \-sə-lē\ adverb
–tip·si·ness \-sē-nəs\ noun

tiptoe
n. : the position of being balanced on the balls of the feet and toes with the heels raised ― usually used with on also : the ends of the toes
–on tiptoe : ALERT, AROUSED <the contest of skill that puts one on tiptoe to win ― Deerfield (Wisc.) Independent>

tiptoe
n. : on or as if on tiptoe

tiptoe
n. 1 : standing or walking on or as if on tiptoe
2 : CAUTIOUS, STEALTHY

tiptoe
n. 1 : to stand or raise oneself on tiptoe
2 : to walk or proceed quietly or cautiously on or as if on tiptoe <tiptoe around the issue>

Tipu
1749(or 1753)-1799 sultan of Mysore (1782-99)

tirade
n. : a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language

tiramisu
n. : a dessert made with ladyfingers, mascarpone, and espresso

Tirane
n. city cen Albania, its capital pop 519,720

tire
n. intransitive verb : to become weary
transitive verb
1 : to exhaust or greatly decrease the physical strength of : FATIGUE
2 : to wear out the patience of : BORE
synonyms TIRE, WEARY, FATIGUE, EXHAUST, JADE, FAG mean to make or become unable or unwilling to continue. TIRE implies a draining of one's strength or patience <the long ride tired us out>. WEARY stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing <wearied of the constant arguing>. FATIGUE suggests causing great lassitude through excessive strain or undue effort <fatigued by the day's chores>. EXHAUST implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion <shoveling snow exhausted him>. JADE suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness <appetites jaded by overindulgence>. FAG implies a drooping with fatigue <shoppers all fagged out by the Christmas rush>.

tire
n. 1 obsolete : ATTIRE
2 archaic : a woman's headband or hair ornament

tire
n. 1 obsolete : ATTIRE
2 archaic : to adorn (the hair) with an ornament

tire
n. 1 : a metal hoop forming the tread of a wheel
2 : a rubber cushion that fits around a wheel (as of an automobile) and usually contains compressed air

tire
n. radial tire
radial ply tire
balloon tire
bias belted tire
bias ply tire
snow tire
sick and tired
tiring house
tiring room

tired
adj. 1 : drained of strength and energy : fatigued often to the point of exhaustion
2 : obviously worn by hard use : RUN-DOWN
3 : TRITE, HACKNEYED
–tired·ly adverb
–tired·ness noun

tireless
adj. : seemingly incapable of tiring : INDEFATIGABLE <a tireless worker>
–tire·less·ly adverb
–tire·less·ness noun

Tiresias
: a blind seer of Thebes who in one Greek myth is changed into a woman for several years and then changed back to a man

tiresome
adj. : WEARISOME, TEDIOUS <a tiresome lecture>
–tire·some·ly adverb
–tire·some·ness noun

Tirgu-Mures
― see TARGU-MURES

Tirich Mir
mountain ab 25,260 ft (7699 m) Pakistan on Afghan border; highest in the Hindu Kush

tiring-house
: a section of a theater reserved for the actors and used especially for dressing for stage entrances

tiring-room
: a dressing room especially in a theater

tirl
intransitive verb chiefly Scottish : to make a rattling sound (as with a door latch)
transitive verb chiefly Scottish : TWIRL

tiro
n. chiefly British variant of tyro

Tirol
n. region Europe in E Alps chiefly in Austria; the section S of Brenner Pass has belonged since 1919 to Italy
–Ti·ro·le·an \tə-'rō-lē-ən, tī-; ˌtir-ə-', ˌtī-rə-'\ adjective or noun
–Ti·ro·lese \ˌtir-ə-'lēz, ˌtī-rə-, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Tirpitz
Alfred von 1849-1930 Ger. admiral

Tirso de Molina
ca 1584-1648 pseud. of Gabriel Té·llez \'tā(l)-yāth\ Span. dram.

Tiruchchirappalli
city S India in cen Tamil Nadu pop 746,062

Tiryns
city of pre-Homeric Greece; ruins in E Peloponnese SE of Argos

tis
: it is

tisane
n. : an infusion (as of dried herbs) used as a beverage or for medicinal effects

Tiselius
n. Arne Wilhelm Kaurin 1902-1971 Swed. biochem.

Tishah-b'Ab
: a Jewish holiday observed with fasting on the ninth of Ab in commemoration of the destruction of the temples at Jerusalem

Tishri
n. : the first month of the civil year or the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar ― see MONTH table

Tiso
Josef or Joseph 1887-1947 Slovak priest & polit.

tissue
n. 1 a : a fine lightweight often sheer fabric b : MESH, NETWORK, WEB <a tissue of lies>
2 : a piece of soft absorbent tissue paper used especially as a handkerchief or for removing cosmetics
3 : an aggregate of cells usually of a particular kind together with their intercellular substance that form one of the structural materials of a plant or an animal
–tis·su·ey \'ti-shə-wē\ adjective

tissue
n. adipose tissue
brown adipose tissue
connective tissue
granulation tissue
permanent tissue
scar tissue
spongy tissue
tissue culture
tissue fluid
tissue paper
tissue plasminogen activator
vascular tissue
palisade tissue

tissue culture
: the process or technique of making body tissue grow in a culture medium outside the organism also : a culture of tissue (as epithelium)

tissue fluid
: a fluid that permeates the spaces between individual cells, that is in osmotic contact with the blood and lymph, and that serves in interstitial transport of nutrients and waste

tissue paper
: a thin gauzy paper used especially for protecting something (as by covering or wrapping)

tissue plasminogen activator
: a clot-dissolving enzyme with an affinity for fibrin that is produced naturally in blood vessel linings and is used in a genetically engineered form to prevent damage to heart muscle following a heart attack and reduce neurological damage following ischemic stroke ― abbreviation TPA

tissular
adj. : of, relating to, or affecting organismic tissue <tissular grafts> <tissular lesions>

Tisza
river ab 600 mi (965 km) E Europe flowing from the Carpathians in W Ukraine W & SW into the Danube

Tit
n. Titus

tit
n. 1 : TEAT
2 usually vulgar : BREAST ― usually used in plural

tit
n. : any of various small plump often long-tailed oscine birds (family Paridae) of Eurasia and Africa that are related to the chickadees and titmice

tit
n. title

tit for tat
: an equivalent given in return (as for an injury) : retaliation in kind
–tit-for-tat adjective

titan
n. 1 capitalized : any of a family of giants in Greek mythology born of Uranus and Gaea and ruling the earth until overthrown by the Olympian gods
2 : one that is gigantic in size or power : one that stands out for greatness of achievement

titan
n. : titanium <titanate>

titanate
n. 1 : any of various multiple oxides of titanium dioxide with other metallic oxides
2 : a titanium ester of the general formula Ti(OR)4

titaness
n. : a female titan

Titania
n. : the wife of Oberon and queen of the fairies in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

titania
n. : TITANIUM DIOXIDE

titanic
adj. : having great magnitude, force, or power : COLOSSAL <a titanic struggle>
–ti·tan·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

titaniferous
: containing or yielding titanium <titaniferous minerals>

titanism
: defiance of and revolt against social or artistic conventions

titanium
n. : a silvery-gray light strong metallic element obtained from ilmenite and rutile and used especially in alloys and combined in refractory materials, pigments, and coatings ― see ELEMENT table

titanium dioxide
: an oxide TiO_2 of titanium that occurs in rutile, anatase, and ilmenite and is used especially as a pigment

titanium white
: TITANIUM DIOXIDE also : a brilliant white lead-free pigment consisting of titanium dioxide often together with barium sulfate and zinc oxide

titbit
n. variant of tidbit

Titchener
Edward Bradford 1867-1927 American psychol.

titer
n. : the strength of a solution or the concentration of a substance in solution as determined by titration

titfer
n. British : HAT

tithable
adj. : subject or liable to payment of tithes

tithe
n. transitive verb
1 : to pay or give a tenth part of especially for the support of the church
2 : to levy a tithe on
intransitive verb : to give a tenth of one's income as a tithe

tithe
n. 1 : a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment
2 : the obligation represented by individual tithes
3 : TENTH broadly : a small part
4 : a small tax or levy

tither
n. 1 : one that pays tithes
2 : one that collects or advocates the payment of tithes

tithing
n. : a small administrative division preserved in parts of England apparently orig. made up of ten men with their families

tithonia
: any of a genus (Tithonia) of tall composite herbs or shrubs of Mexico and Central America that have flower heads resembling sunflowers and that are sometimes grown as ornamentals

titi
n. 1 : a tree (Cliftonia monophylla of the family Cyrillaceae) of the southeastern U.S. with leathery leaves and racemes of fragrant white flowers
2 : LEATHERWOOD 2

titi
n. : any of a genus (Callicebus) of small So. American monkeys having long thick variably colored fur and a tail that is not prehensile

Titian
n. ca 1488-1576 Tiziano Vecellio Ital. painter
–Ti·tian·esque \ˌti-shə-'nesk\ adjective

titian
n. : of a brownish-orange color

Titicaca, Lake
lake on Peru-Bolivia boundary at altitude of 12,500 ft (3810 m), area 3200 sq mi (8320 sq km)

titillate
v. transitive verb
1 : to excite pleasurably : arouse by stimulation
2 : TICKLE 2
intransitive verb : to act as a stimulant to pleasurable excitement
–tit·il·la·tion \ˌti-tə-'lā-shən\ noun
–tit·il·la·tive \'ti-tə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective

titillating
v. : pleasantly stimulating or exciting <titillating reading> also : EROTIC
–tit·il·lat·ing·ly adverb

titivate
v. transitive verb : to make smart or spruce
intransitive verb : SMARTEN, SPRUCE
–tit·i·va·tion \ˌti-tə-'vā-shən\ noun

titlark
n. : PIPIT

title
n. 1 a obsolete : INSCRIPTION b : written material introduced into a motion picture or television program to give credits, explain an action, or represent dialogue ― usually used in plural
2 a : all the elements constituting legal ownership b : a legally just cause of exclusive possession c : the instrument (as a deed) that is evidence of a right
3 a : something that justifies or substantiates a claim b : an alleged or recognized right
4 a : a descriptive or general heading (as of a chapter in a book) b : the heading which names an act or statute c : the heading of a legal action or proceeding
5 a : the distinguishing name of a written, printed, or filmed production b : a similar distinguishing name of a musical composition or a work of art
6 : a descriptive name : APPELLATION
7 : a division of an instrument, book, or bill especially : one larger than a section or article
8 a : an appellation of dignity, honor, distinction, or preeminence attached to a person or family by virtue of rank, office, precedent, privilege, attainment, or lands b : a person holding a title especially of nobility
9 : a usually published work as distinguished from a particular copy <published 25 new titles>
10 : CHAMPIONSHIP 1

title
n. 1 : to provide a title for
2 : to designate or call by a title : TERM, STYLE

title
n. : of or relating to a title: as a : having the same name as the title of a production <did the title role in Hamlet> b : having the same title as or providing the title for the collection or production of which it forms a part <the title song> c : of, relating to, or involving a championship <a title match> d : of, relating to, or used with the titles that introduce a motion picture or television program <title music>

title
n. abstract of title
courtesy title
half title
running title
title deed
title insurance
title page

title deed
: the deed constituting the evidence of a person's legal ownership

title insurance
: insurance against loss due to an unknown defect in a title or interest in real estate

title page
: a page of a book bearing the title and usually the names of the author and publisher and the place and sometimes date of publication

titled
adj. : having a title especially of nobility

titleholder
n. : one that holds a title specifically : CHAMPION

titlist
: TITLEHOLDER

titmouse
n. : any of several small No. American oscine birds (genus Baeolophus of the family Paridae) that are related to the chickadees, have small bills and usually long tails, and have been sometimes placed especially formerly in a related genus (Parus)

Tito
n. 1892-1980 orig. Josip Broz \'brȯz, 'brōz\ usually called Marshal Tito leader of Yugoslavia (1943-80)

Titograd
― see PODGORICA

Titoism
n. : the political, economic, and social policies associated with Tito specifically : nationalistic policies and practices followed by a Communist state or group independently of and often in opposition to the U.S.S.R.
–Ti·to·ist \-ˌō-ist\ noun or adjective

titrant
n. : a substance (as a reagent solution of precisely known concentration) that is added in titration

titrate
v. transitive verb : to subject to titration
intransitive verb : to perform titration
–ti·trat·able \-ˌtrā-tə-bəl\ adjective
–ti·tra·tor \-ˌtrā-tər\ noun

titration
n. : a method or the process of determining the concentration of a dissolved substance in terms of the smallest amount of a reagent of known concentration required to bring about a given effect in reaction with a known volume of the test solution

titre
n. chiefly British variant of titer

titrimetric
: employing or determined by titration

titter
n. : to laugh in a nervous, affected, or partly suppressed manner : GIGGLE, SNICKER
–titter noun

tittie
chiefly Scottish : SISTER

tittle
n. 1 : a point or small sign used as a diacritical mark in writing or printing
2 : a very small part

tittle-tattle
: GOSSIP, PRATTLE
–tittle-tattle intransitive verb

tittup
n. : lively, gay, or restless behavior

tittup
n. : to move in a lively manner often with an exaggerated or affected action

titular
adj. 1 a : existing in title only especially : bearing a title derived from a defunct ecclesiastical jurisdiction (as an episcopal see) <a titular bishop> b : having the title and usually the honors belonging to an office or dignity without the duties, functions, or responsibilities <the titular head of a political party>
2 : bearing a title : TITLED
3 : of, relating to, or constituting a title <the titular hero of the play>
–tit·u·lar·ly adverb

titular
adj. : a person holding a title

Titus
n. 1 : an early Christian convert who assisted Paul in his missionary work
2 : a letter written on the subject of pastoral care in the early church and included as a book in the New Testament ― see BIBLE table

Titus
n. A.D. 39-81 Titus Flavius Vespasianus Rom. emp. (79-81)

Titusville
city E Fla. E of Orlando pop 40,670

Tiu
: an ancient Germanic god of war identified with Tyr

Tivoli
commune cen Italy in Lazio ENE of Rome pop 52,990

tiyin
n. ― see som at MONEY table

tizzy
n. : a highly excited and distracted state of mind

Tjilatjap
― see CILACAP

TKO
n. : TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT

Tl
thallium

Tlaxcala
1 state cen Mexico area 1511 sq mi (3913 sq km), pop 761,277
2 city, its capital, E of Mexico City pop 50,631

TLC
n. 1 tender loving care
2 thin-layer chromatography

Tlemcen
city NW Algeria pop 126,882

Tlingit
n. 1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of the islands and coast of southern Alaska
2 : the language of the Tlingit peoples
–Tlingit adjective

TM
― used for a Transcendental Meditation technique

TM
trademark

Tm
thulium

tmesis
n. : separation of parts of a compound word by the intervention of one or more words (as what place soever for whatsoever place)

TMJ
temporomandibular joint

TN
n. Tennessee

tn
n. 1 ton
2 town

TNF
tumor necrosis factor

tnpk
turnpike

TNT
n. : a flammable toxic compound C_7H_5N_3O_6 used as a high explosive and in chemical synthesis

TO
adv. 1 table of organization
2 traditional orthography
3 turnover

to
adv. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate movement or an action or condition suggestive of movement toward a place, person, or thing reached <drove to the city> <went back to the original idea> <went to lunch> b ― used as a function word to indicate direction <a mile to the south> <turned his back to the door> <a tendency to silliness> c ― used as a function word to indicate contact or proximity <applied polish to the table> <put her hand to her heart> d (1) ― used as a function word to indicate the place or point that is the far limit <100 miles to the nearest town> (2) ― used as a function word to indicate the limit of extent <stripped to the waist> e ― used as a function word to indicate relative position <perpendicular to the floor>
2 a ― used as a function word to indicate purpose, intention, tendency, result, or end <came to our aid> <drink to his health> b ― used as a function word to indicate the result of an action or a process <broken all to pieces> <go to seed> <to their surprise, the train left on time>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate position or relation in time: as a : BEFORE <five minutes to five> b : TILL <from eight to five> <up to now>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate addition, attachment, connection, belonging, possession, accompaniment, or response <the key to the door> <danced to live music> <comes to her call>
5 ― used as a function word (1) to indicate the extent or degree (as of completeness or accuracy) <loyal to a man> <generous to a fault> or the extent and result (as of an action or a condition) <beaten to death> (2) to indicate the last or an intermediate point of a series <moderate to cool temperatures>
6 a ― used as a function word (1) to indicate a relation to one that serves as a standard <inferior to her earlier works> (2) to indicate similarity, correspondence, dissimilarity, or proportion <compared him to a god> b ― used as a function word to indicate agreement or conformity <add salt to taste> <to my knowledge> c ― used as a function word to indicate a proportion in terms of numbers or quantities <400 to the box> <odds of ten to one>
7 a ― used as a function word (1) to indicate the application of an adjective or a noun <agreeable to everyone> <attitude to friends> <title to the property> (2) to indicate the relation of a verb to its complement or to a complementary element <refers to the traditions> <refers us to the traditions> (3) to indicate the receiver of an action or the one for which something is done or exists <spoke to his mother> <gives a dollar to the man> and often used with a reflexive pronoun to indicate exclusiveness (as of possession) or separateness <had the house to themselves> <thought to herself> b ― used as a function word to indicate agency <falls to his opponent's blows>
8 ― used as a function word to indicate that the following verb is an infinitive <wants to go> and often used by itself at the end of a clause in place of an infinitive suggested by the preceding context <knows more than she seems to>

to
adv. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate direction toward <feathers wrong end to> <run to and fro> b : close to the wind <the gale having gone over, we came to ― R. H. Dana>
2 a : into contact especially with the frame ― used of a door or a window <the door snapped to> b ― used as a function word to indicate physical application or attachment <he⋯hath set to his seal ― Jn 3:33(AV)>
3 ― used as a function word to indicate application or attention <will stand to ― Shakespeare>
4 : to a state of consciousness or awareness <brings her to with smelling salts>
5 : at hand : BY <get to see 'em close to ― Richard Llewellyn>

to a degree

1 : to a remarkable extent : EXCEEDINGLY <I felt desolate to a degree ― Charlotte Brontë>
2 : in a small way <to a degree he succeeded>

to a fault
to an excessive degree <precise to a fault>

to a man
without exception

to a T
short for to a tittle : to perfection

to a tee
EXACTLY, PRECISELY <the description fit her to a tee>

to a turn
to perfection

to advantage
so as to produce a favorable impression or effect <wishing to be seen to advantage>

to and fro
: from one place to another

to be sure
it must be acknowledged : ADMITTEDLY

to beat the band
in a very energetic or forceful manner <talking away to beat the band>

to begin with
as the first thing to be considered

to bits
TOTALLY, THOROUGHLY <thrilled to bits>

to blame
at fault : RESPONSIBLE <says he's not to blame for the accident>

to boot
BESIDES

to come
existing or arriving in the future <in the days to come> <there will be more trouble to come>

to date
up to the present moment

to death
beyond endurance : EXCESSIVELY <bored to death>

to die for
extremely desirable or appealing <the dessert was to die for>

to do
necessary to be done <I've done my best and all's to do again ― A. E. Housman>

to go

1 : still remaining <ten minutes to go>
2 of prepared food : sold for consumption off the premises

to ground

1 : into a burrow <the fox went to ground>
2 : into hiding <might need to make a run for it and go to ground someplace ― Edward Hoagland>

to hand

1 : into possession <the letter⋯has come to hand ― George Washington>
2 : within reach

to heart
with deep concern

to heel

1 : close behind
2 : into agreement or line

to one's face
in one's presence or so that one is fully aware of what is going on

to one's feet
to a standing position <brought the crowd to its feet>

to one's knees
into a state of submission or defeat

to order
according to the specifications of an order <shoes made to order>

to pieces

1 : without reserve or restraint : COMPLETELY
2 : into fragments also : into component parts
3 : out of control <went to pieces from shock>

to rights
into proper order

to say nothing of
not to mention : and notably in addition <will need more time, to say nothing of money>

to scale
according to the proportions of an established scale of measurement <floor plans drawn to scale>

to sea
to or on the open waters of the sea

to speak of
worthy of mention or notice ― usually used in negative constructions <no progress to speak of>

to start with

1 : at the beginning : INITIALLY
2 : in any event

to the contrary

1 : on the contrary
2 : NOTWITHSTANDING

to the effect
with the meaning <issued a statement to the effect that he would resign>

to the fore
in or into a position of prominence : FORWARD

to the gills
as full or as much as possible <a suitcase packed to the gills>

to the good

1 : for the best : BENEFICIAL <efforts to restrict credit were all to the good ― Time>
2 : in a position of net gain or profit <wound up $10 to the good>

to the gunwales
as full as possible

to the hilt

1 : to the very limit : COMPLETELY <the farm was mortgaged to the hilt>
2 : with nothing lacking <played the role to the hilt>

to the manner born
fitted by or as if by birth or rearing to a particular position, role, or status

to the manor born
born into circumstances of wealth and privilege

to the max
to the greatest extent possible

to the nines

1 : to perfection
2 : in a highly elaborate or showy manner <dressed to the nines>

to the point
RELEVANT, PERTINENT <a suggestion that was to the point>

to the punch
to the first blow or to decisive action ― usually used with beat

to the showers
out of the ball game <a pitcher sent to the showers>

to the teeth
FULLY, COMPLETELY <armed to the teeth>

to the vantage
obsolete : in addition

to the wind
or to the winds : ASIDE, AWAY <threw caution to the wind>

to weather
in the direction from which the wind is blowing

to windward
into or in an advantageous position

to wit
: that is to say : NAMELY

to-and-fro
: activity involving alternating movement in opposite directions <the busy to-and-fro of the holiday shoppers>

to-and-fro
: forward and backward

to-be
: that is to be : FUTURE ― usually used postpositively and often in combination <a bride-to-be>

to-do
: BUSTLE, STIR, FUSS

to-ing and fro-ing
: a passing back and forth

Toa Alta
municipality NE cen Puerto Rico pop 63,929

Toa Baja
municipality NE Puerto Rico W of San Juan pop 94,085

toad
n. 1 : any of numerous anuran amphibians (esp. family Bufonidae) that are distinguished from the related frogs by being more terrestrial in habit though returning to water to lay their eggs, by having a build that is squatter and shorter with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry, and warty rather than smooth and moist
2 : a contemptible person or thing

toad
n. horned toad
spadefoot toad
tree toad

toadeater
n. archaic : TOADY

toadfish
n. : any of a family (Batrachoididae) of chiefly marine bony fishes having a broad flat head, a wide mouth, and usually scaleless slimy skin and producing sounds (as grunts) by means of a swim bladder

toadflax
n. : BUTTER-AND-EGGS also : any of several related plants (esp. genus Linaria) of the snapdragon family

toadstone
n. : a stone or similar object held to have formed in the head or body of a toad and formerly often worn as a charm or antidote to poison

toadstool
n. : a fungus having an umbrella-shaped pileus : MUSHROOM especially : a poisonous or inedible one as distinguished from an edible mushroom

toady
n. : one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors : SYCOPHANT
synonyms see PARASITE

toady
n. : to behave as a toady : engage in sycophancy
synonyms see FAWN
–toady·ism \-ē-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Toamasina
city & port E coast of Madagascar pop 191,041

toast
n. transitive verb
1 : to warm thoroughly
2 : to make (as bread) crisp, hot, and brown by heat
intransitive verb : to become toasted especially : to warm thoroughly

toast
n. 1 a : sliced bread browned on both sides by heat b : food prepared with toasted bread
2 [from the use of pieces of spiced toast to flavor drinks] a (1) : a person whose health is drunk (2) : something in honor of which persons usually drink b : one that is highly admired <she's the toast of society>
3 [3toast] : an act of proposing or of drinking in honor of a toast
4 : a rhyming narrative poem existing in oral tradition among black Americans
5 slang : one that is finished or done for <soon their relationship was toast ― Rick Reilly>

toast
n. : to propose or drink to as a toast

toaster
n. : one that toasts especially : an electrical appliance for toasting

toaster oven
: a usually small electrical appliance that can function as an oven or a toaster

toastmaster
n. : one who presides at a banquet and introduces the after-dinner speakers

toastmistress
n. : a woman who acts as toastmaster

toasty
1 : pleasantly or comfortably warm <felt snug and toasty by the fire>
2 : suggestive of toast especially in flavor

Tob
Tobit

tobacco
n. 1 : any of a genus (Nicotiana) of chiefly American plants of the nightshade family with viscid foliage and tubular flowers especially : a tall erect annual tropical American herb (N. tabacum) cultivated for its leaves
2 : the leaves of cultivated tobacco prepared for use in smoking or chewing or as snuff
3 : manufactured products of tobacco (as cigars or cigarettes) also : smoking as a practice <has sworn off tobacco>
4 : a moderate brown

tobacco
n. Indian tobacco
smokeless tobacco
tobacco budworm
tobacco hornworm
tobacco juice
tobacco mosaic virus
tobacco road

tobacco budworm
: an American noctuid moth (Heliothis virescens syn. Helicoverpa virescens) whose striped and variably colored larva feeds on buds and young leaves especially of tobacco and cotton

tobacco hornworm
: an American hawk moth (Manduca sexta) whose large usually green larva is a hornworm that feeds on the leaves of plants of the nightshade family and especially tobacco and tomato

tobacco juice
: saliva colored brown by tobacco or snuff

tobacco mosaic virus
: a single-stranded RNA virus (species Tobacco mosaic virus of the genus Tobamovirus) that occurs worldwide and causes mosaic disease in plants (as tobacco and tomato) especially of the nightshade family

tobacco road
: a squalid poverty-stricken rural area or community

tobacconist
n. : a dealer in tobacco especially at retail

Tobago
n. island SE W. Indies, a territory of Trinidad and Tobago; chief town Scarborough area 116 sq mi (302 sq km), pop 54,084
–To·ba·go·ni·an \ˌtō-bə-'gō-nē-ən, -nyən\ noun

Tobias
n. 1 : a Jewish hero who with divine aid marries his kinswoman Sarah in spite of a jealous evil spirit and restores his father Tobit's sight
2 : TOBIT 2

Tobin
James 1918-2002 American econ.

Tobit
n. 1 : the elderly father of Tobias
2 : a book of Scripture included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table

toboggan
n. 1 : a long flat-bottomed light sled made usually of thin boards curved up at one end with usually low handrails at the sides
2 : a downward course or a sharp decline
3 chiefly Southern & Midland : STOCKING CAP

toboggan
n. 1 : to coast on or as if on a toboggan
2 : to decline suddenly and sharply
–to·bog·gan·er noun
–to·bog·gan·ist \-gə-nist\ noun

tobogganing
n. : the act, art, or sport of riding a toboggan

Tobol
river N Kazakhstan & SW Russia in Asia flowing from SE foothills of the Urals NNE into the Irtysh

Tobruk
city & port NE Libya pop 34,200

toby jug
: a small jug, pitcher, or mug shaped somewhat like a stout man with a cocked hat for the brim ― called also toby

Tocantins
1 river ab 1700 mi (2736 km) E cen & NE Brazil rising in S cen Goiás & flowing N into Pará River
2 state NE cen Brazil capital Palmas area 116,573 sq mi (301,294 sq km), pop 1,157,098

toccata
n. : a musical composition usually for organ or harpsichord in a free style and characterized by full chords, rapid runs, and high harmonies

Tocharian
n. 1 a : a language of central Asia known from documents from the sixth to eighth centuries A.D. b : a branch of the Indo-European language family containing Tocharian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
2 : a member of a people of presumably Indo-European speech dwelling in central Asia during the first millennium of the Christian era

Tocharian A
: the eastern dialect of Tocharian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

Tocharian B
: the western dialect of Tocharian ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

tocher
n. chiefly Scottish
1 : DOWRY 2
2 : DOWRY 3

tocopherol
n. : any of several fat-soluble oily phenolic compounds with varying degrees of antioxidant vitamin E activity especially : ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL

Tocqueville
Alexis (-Charles-Henri-Maurice-Clérel) de 1805-1859 Fr. statesman & author

tocsin
n. 1 : an alarm bell or the ringing of it
2 : a warning signal

tod
n. chiefly Scottish : FOX

tod
n. 1 archaic : any of various units of weight for wool especially : one equal to 28 pounds (13 kilograms)
2 British : a bushy clump (as of ivy)

today
n. 1 : on or for this day
2 : at the present time

today
n. : the present day, time, or age <today's youth>

today
n. : of or characteristic of today : NOW

Todd
n. Sir Alexander Robertus 1907-1997 Brit. chem.

toddle
v. 1 : to walk with short tottering steps in the manner of a young child
2 : to take a stroll : SAUNTER
–toddle noun

toddler
n. : one that toddles especially : a young child
–tod·dler·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

toddy
n. 1 : the fresh or fermented sap of various chiefly Asian palms
2 : a usually hot drink consisting of liquor (as rum), water, sugar, and spices

Todt
Fritz 1891-1942 Ger. military engineer

toe
n. 1 a (1) : one of the terminal members of the vertebrate foot (2) : the fore end of a foot or hoof b : a terminal segment of a limb of an invertebrate c : the forepart of something worn on the foot <the toe of a boot>
2 : a part that by its position or form is felt to resemble a toe <the toe of Italy>: as a : a lateral projection at one end or between the ends of a piece (as a rod or bolt) b : the lowest part (as of an embankment, dam, or cliff)
3 : TOE DANCE
–toe·less \-ləs\ adjective
–on one's toes : ALERT 1
–toe to toe : facing one another

toe
n. transitive verb
1 : to furnish with a toe <toe a sock>
2 : to touch, reach, or drive with the toe <toe a football>
3 : to drive (as a nail) obliquely also : to clinch or fasten by or with nails or rods so driven
intransitive verb
1 : TIPTOE
2 : to stand, walk, or be placed so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction <toe in>
–toe the line or toe the mark : to conform rigorously to a rule or standard

toe
n. toe the mark
big toe
heel and toe
little toe
tic tac toe
tick tack toe
toe to toe
toe the line
toe cap
toe dance
toe dancing
toe dancer
toe in
toe loop
turf toe
pussy's toes
on one's toes
tread on one's toes
pigeon toed
square toed
three toed sloth
two toed sloth

toe cap
: a piece of material (as leather) covering the toe of a shoe and reinforcing or decorating it

toe dance
: a dance executed on the tips of the toes by means of a ballet slipper with a reinforced toe
–toe-dance intransitive verb
–toe dancer noun
–toe dancing noun

toe loop
: a backward jump in figure skating with a takeoff from the outside edge of one skate followed by a full turn in the air and a landing on the outside edge of the same skate

toe the line
or toe the mark : to conform rigorously to a rule or standard

toe to toe
facing one another

toe-in
1 : CAMBER 3
2 : adjustment of the front wheels of an automotive vehicle so that they are closer together at the front than at the back

toe-to-toe
: slugging it out at or as if at close range <a toe-to-toe confrontation over the new policy>

toea
n. ― see kina at MONEY table

toed
v. 1 : having a toe or toes especially of a specified kind or number ― usually used in combination <five-toed> <round-toed shoes>
2 [from past participle of 2toe] : driven obliquely <a toed nail> also : secured by diagonal or oblique nailing

toed
v. pigeon toed
square toed
three toed sloth
two toed sloth

TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language

toehold
n. 1 a : a hold or place of support for the toes (as in climbing) b (1) : a means of progressing (as in surmounting barriers) (2) : a slight footing <used his money to get a toehold, then a foothold, then a near stranglehold on the political economy ― R. W. Armstrong>
2 : an illegal wrestling hold in which the aggressor bends or twists the other wrestler's foot

toenail
n. : a nail of a toe

toenail
n. : to fasten by toed nails : TOE

toepiece
: a piece designed to form a toe (as of a shoe) or cover the toes of the foot

toeplate
: a tab attached to the toe of a shoe (as to prevent wear due to heavy use)

toff
n. chiefly British : DANDY, SWELL

toffee
n. : candy of brittle but tender texture made by boiling sugar and butter together

toffee-nosed
chiefly British : CONCEITED, SNOBBISH

toft
n. British : a site for a dwelling and its outbuildings also : an entire holding comprising a homestead and additional land

tofu
n. : a soft food product prepared by treating soybean milk with coagulants (as magnesium chloride or diluted acids) ― called also bean curd

tog
n. : to dress especially in fine clothing ― usually used with up or out

toga
n. : the loose outer garment worn in public by citizens of ancient Rome also : a similar loose wrap or a professional, official, or academic gown
–to·gaed \-gəd\ adjective

toga
n. toga virilis
togae viriles
cedant arma togae

toga virilis
: the white toga of manhood assumed by boys of ancient Rome at age 15

together
adv. 1 a : in or into one place, mass, collection, or group <the men get together every Thursday for poker> b : in a body : as a group <students and faculty together presented the petition>
2 a : in or into contact (as connection, collision, or union) <mix these ingredients together> b : in or into association or relationship <colors that go well together>
3 a : at one time : SIMULTANEOUSLY <events that happened together> b : in succession <was depressed for days together>
4 a : by combined action : JOINTLY <together we forced the door> b : in or into agreement or harmony <the soloist and the orchestra weren't quite together> c : in or into a unified or coherent structure or an integrated whole <can't even put a simple sentence together>
5 a : with each other ― used as an intensive after certain verbs <join together> <add together> b : as a unit : in the aggregate <these arguments taken together make a convincing case> c : considered as a whole : counted or summed up <all together, there were 21 entries>
–to·geth·er·ness noun

together
adv. 1 : appropriately prepared, organized, or balanced
2 : composed in mind or manner : SELF-POSSESSED <a warm, sensitive, reasonably together girl ― East Village Other>

together
adv. get together
get one's act together
hang together
knock together
pull together
pull oneself together
put together
throw together
together with

together with
: in addition to : in association with

Toggenburg
: any of a breed of brown hornless dairy goats of Swiss origin with white stripes on the face

toggery
n. : CLOTHING

toggle
n. 1 : a piece or device for holding or securing: as a : a pin inserted in a nautical knot to make it more secure or easier to slip b : a crosspiece attached to the end of or to a loop in something (as a chain, rope, line, strap, or belt) usually to prevent slipping, to serve in twisting or tightening, or to hold something attached
2 : a device consisting of two bars jointed together end to end but not in line so that when a force is applied to the joint tending to straighten it pressure will be exerted on the parts adjacent or fixed to the outer ends of the bars also : a device with a joint using a toggle

toggle
n. transitive verb
1 : to fasten with or as if with a toggle
2 : to furnish with a toggle
intransitive verb : to switch between two options especially of an electronic device usually by pressing a single button or a simple key combination

toggle bolt
: a bolt that has a nut with wings which close for passage through a small hole and spring open after passing through the hole to keep the bolt from slipping back through

toggle switch
: an electric switch operated by pushing a projecting lever through a small arc

Togliatti
Pal·mi·ro \päl-'mē-(ˌ)rō\ 1893-1964 Ital. polit.

Togo
n. Marquis Heihachirō 1848-1934 Jp. admiral

Togo
n. republic W Africa on Bight of Benin capital Lomé area 21,853 sq mi (56,599 sq km), pop 3,810,000
–To·go·lese \ˌtō-gə-'lēz, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Togoland
region W Africa on Gulf of Guinea bet. Benin & Ghana; until 1919 a German protectorate, then divided into two trust territories: British Togoland (in W; since 1957 part of Ghana) & French Togo (in E; since 1958 Togo)
–To·go·land·er \'tō-(ˌ)gō-ˌlan-dər\ noun

togs
n. : CLOTHING especially : a set of clothes and accessories for a specified use <riding togs>

togue
: LAKE TROUT

Tohono O'odham
: a member of an American Indian people of southwestern Arizona and northwestern Mexico

Tohopekaliga Lake
lake cen Fla. S of Orlando

toil
n. 1 archaic a : STRUGGLE, BATTLE b : laborious effort
2 : long strenuous fatiguing labor
synonyms see WORK
–toil·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–toil·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

toil
n. intransitive verb
1 : to work hard and long
2 : to proceed with laborious effort : PLOD
transitive verb
1 archaic : OVERWORK
2 archaic : to get or accomplish with great effort
–toil·er \'tȯi-lər\ noun

toil
n. 1 : a net to trap game
2 : something by which one is held fast or inextricably involved : SNARE, TRAP ― usually used in plural <caught in the toils of the law>

toile
n. 1 : any of many plain or simple twill weave fabrics especially : LINEN
2 : a mock-up model of a garment

toile de Jouy
: an 18th century French scenic pattern usually printed on cotton, linen, or silk in one color on a light ground broadly : a similar printed fabric

toilet
n. 1 archaic : DRESSING TABLE
2 : the act or process of dressing and grooming oneself
3 a (1) : BATHROOM, LAVATORY 2 (2) : PRIVY b : a fixture that consists usually of a water-flushed bowl and seat and is used for defecation and urination
4 : cleansing in preparation for or in association with a medical or surgical procedure <pulmonary toilet>

toilet
n. 1 : to dress and groom oneself
2 : to use the toilet ― usually used of a child
transitive verb
1 : DRESS, GARB
2 : to help (as a child or sick person) use the toilet

toilet
n. toilet paper
toilet powder
toilet soap
toilet training
toilet train
toilet water

toilet paper
: a thin sanitary absorbent paper usually in a roll for bathroom use chiefly for drying or cleaning oneself after defecation and urination

toilet powder
: a fine powder usually with soothing or antiseptic ingredients for sprinkling or rubbing (as after bathing) over the skin

toilet soap
: a mild soap that is often perfumed and colored and stabilized with preservatives

toilet training
: the process of training a child to control bladder and bowel movements and to use the toilet
–toilet train transitive verb

toilet water
: EAU DE TOILETTE

toiletry
n. : an article or preparation (as toothpaste, shaving cream, or cologne) used in cleaning or grooming oneself ― usually used in plural

toilette
n. 1 : TOILET 2
2 a : formal or fashionable attire or style of dress b : a particular costume or outfit

toilette
n. eau de toilette
eaux de toilette
eau de toilettes
eaux de toilettes

toilsome
adj. : marked by or full of toil or fatigue : LABORIOUS <a toilsome journey>
–toil·some·ly adverb
–toil·some·ness noun

toilworn
adj. : showing the effects of or worn out with toil <toilworn hands>

Tojo
Hideki 1884-1948 Jp. gen. & polit.

Tok Pisin
: an English-based creole that is a national language of Papua New Guinea

tokamak
n. : a toroidal device for producing controlled nuclear fusion that involves the confining and heating of a gaseous plasma by means of an electric current and magnetic field

Tokara Islands
island group Japan in N Ryukyus

Tokay
n. 1 : a naturally sweet wine from the area around Tokaj, Hungary
2 : a blend of Angelica, port, and sherry made in California

toke
n. slang : a puff on a marijuana cigarette or pipe
–toke intransitive verb slang

Tokelau Islands
islands cen Pacific N of Samoa belonging to New Zealand pop 1428
–To·ke·lau·an \ˌtō-kə-'lau̇-ən\ noun

token
n. 1 : an outward sign or expression <his tears were tokens of his grief>
2 a : SYMBOL, EMBLEM <a white flag is a token of surrender> b : an instance of a linguistic expression
3 : a distinguishing feature : CHARACTERISTIC
4 a : SOUVENIR, KEEPSAKE b : a small part representing the whole : INDICATION <this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish> c : something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity)
5 a : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government b : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms
6 : a member of a group (as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism especially : a token employee
synonyms see SIGN
–by the same token : for the same reason

token
n. 1 : done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement <a token payment>
2 a : representing no more than a symbolic effort : MINIMAL, PERFUNCTORY <token resistance> <token integration> b : serving or intended to show absence of discrimination <a token female employee>

token
n. hard times token
by the same token
token money

token money
: money of regular government issue (as paper currency or coins) having a greater face value than intrinsic value

tokenism
n. : the policy or practice of making only a symbolic effort (as to desegregate)

Tokharian
variant of tocharian

tokonoma
n. : a niche or alcove in the wall of a Japanese house for the display of a decorative object

Tokorozawa
city Japan on Honshu, a suburb of Tokyo pop 330,100

Tokugawa
n. Ieyasu 1543-1616 orig. Matsudaira Takechiyo Jp. shogun (1603-05); founder of last Jp. shogunate (1603-1867)

Tokyo
n. city capital of Japan in SE Honshu on Tokyo Bay (inlet of the Pacific) pop 12,064,101
–To·kyo·ite \'tō-kē-(ˌ)ō-ˌīt\ noun

tol
: toluene <tolyl>

Tol'yatti
city SE cen Russia in Europe NW of Samara pop 666,000

tola
n. : a unit of weight of India equal to 180 grains troy or 0.375 ounce troy (11.7 grams)

tolar
n. ― see MONEY table

tolbooth
n. 1 Scottish : a town or market hall
2 Scottish : JAIL, PRISON

tolbutamide
n. : a sulfonylurea C_12H_18N_2O_3S used in the treatment of diabetes

told
past and past part of tell

tole
n. : sheet metal and especially tinplate for use in domestic and ornamental wares in which it is usually japanned or painted and often elaborately decorated also : objects made of tole

Toledo
n. : a finely tempered sword of a kind made in Toledo, Spain

Toledo
n. Alejandro 1946-     pres. of Peru (2001-  )

Toledo
n. 1 city & port NW Ohio on the Maumee River pop 313,619
2 province cen Spain in W New Castile area 5934 sq mi (15,369 sq km), pop 541,379
3 commune, its capital pop 68,382
–To·le·dan \-'lē-dən\ adjective or noun
–To·le·do·an \-'lē-dō-ən\ adjective or noun

tolerable
adj. 1 : capable of being borne or endured <tolerable pain>
2 : moderately good or agreeable : PASSABLE <a tolerable singing voice>
–tol·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌtä-lə-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌtäl-rə-\ noun
–tol·er·a·bly \'tä-lə-rə-blē, 'täl-rə-; 'tä-lər-blē\ adverb

tolerance
n. 1 : capacity to endure pain or hardship : ENDURANCE, FORTITUDE, STAMINA
2 a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own b : the act of allowing something : TOLERATION
3 : the allowable deviation from a standard especially : the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece
4 a (1) : the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure <developed a tolerance to painkillers> also : the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen (2) : relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor b : the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food

tolerance
n. cross tolerance
fault tolerance
self tolerance

tolerant
adj. 1 : inclined to tolerate especially : marked by forbearance or endurance <tolerant parents> <a culture tolerant of religious differences>
2 : exhibiting tolerance (as for a drug or an environmental factor)
–tol·er·ant·ly adverb

tolerate
v. 1 : to endure or resist the action of (as a drug or food) without serious side effects or discomfort : exhibit physiological tolerance for
2 a : to allow to be or to be done without prohibition, hindrance, or contradiction b : to put up with <learn to tolerate one another>
synonyms see BEAR
–tol·er·a·tive \-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective
–tol·er·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

toleration
n. 1 a : the act or practice of tolerating something b : a government policy of permitting forms of religious belief and worship not officially established
2 : TOLERANCE 4A(1)

tolidine
: any of several isomeric aromatic diamines C_14H_16N_2 that are homologues of benzidine and used especially as dye intermediates

Tolima
dormant volcano W cen Colombia 17,110 ft (5215 m)

Tolkien
J(ohn) R(onald) R(euel) 1892-1973 Eng. author
–Tol·kien·esque \ˌtōl-(ˌ)kē-'nesk\ adjective

toll
n. 1 : a tax or fee paid for some liberty or privilege (as of passing over a highway or bridge)
2 : compensation for services rendered: as a : a charge for transportation b : a charge for a long-distance telephone call
3 : a grievous or ruinous price <inflation has taken its toll> especially : cost in life or health <the death toll from the hurricane>

toll
n. : to take or levy toll
transitive verb
1 a : to exact part of as a toll b : to take as toll
2 : to exact a toll from (someone)

toll
n. 1 : ALLURE, ENTICE
2 a : to entice (game) to approach b : to attract (fish) with scattered bait c : to lead or attract (domestic animals) to a desired point

toll
n. transitive verb
1 : to sound (a bell) by pulling the rope
2 a : to give signal or announcement of <the clock tolled each hour> b : to announce by tolling <church bells tolled the death of the bishop> c : to call to or from a place or occasion <bells tolled the congregation to church>
intransitive verb : to sound with slow measured strokes <the bell tolls solemnly>

toll
n. : the sound of a tolling bell

toll
n. toll call
toll free
Toll House

toll call
: a long-distance telephone call at charges above a local rate

Toll House
― used for cookies containing chocolate morsels

toll-free
: having or using a direct telephone line or number (as an 800 number) for a long-distance call that is not charged to the caller <a toll-free number> <called toll-free>

tollbooth
n. : a booth (as on a highway or bridge) where tolls are paid

Toller
n. Ernst 1893-1939 Ger. dram. & polit.

tollgate
n. : a point where the driver of a vehicle must pay a toll

tollhouse
n. : a house or booth where tolls are taken

tollway
n. : TURNPIKE 2A(1)

Tolstoy
n. Count Lev Nikolayevich 1828-1910 Russ. nov., philos., & mystic
–Tol·stoy·an also Tol·stoi·an \-ən\ adjective

Toltec
n. : a member of a people that dominated central and southern Mexico prior to the Aztecs
–Tol·tec·an \-ən\ adjective

Toluca
city cen Mexico capital of Mexico state pop 487,630

Toluca, Nevado de
extinct volcano 15,016 ft (4577 m) S cen Mexico in Mexico state

toluene
n. : a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C_7H_8 that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used especially as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

toluidine
n. : any of three isomeric amino derivatives of toluene C_7H_9N that are analogous to aniline and are used as dye intermediates

toluidine blue
: a basic thiazine dye that is related to methylene blue and is used as a biological stain

toluol
n. : TOLUENE

tolyl
: any of three monovalent radicals CH_3C_6H_4 derived from toluene

tom
n. 1 : the male of various animals: as a : TOMCAT b : a male turkey
2 capitalized : UNCLE TOM 2

tom
n. Long Tom
Peeping Tom
Tom and Jerry
Tom Collins
Tom Dick and Harry
Tom Thumb
tom tom
Uncle Tom
Toms Dicks and Harrys

Tom and Jerry
: a hot drink that is a combination of a toddy and an eggnog

Tom Collins
: a collins with a base of gin

Tom Thumb
1 : a legendary English dwarf
2 : a dwarf type, race, or individual

Tom'
river 450 mi (724 km) S Russia in Asia rising in NW Altai Mountains & flowing into the Ob'

Tom, Dick, and Harry
: the common man : ANYONE ― often used with every <helps every Tom, Dick, and Harry in need>

tom-tom
1 : a usually long and narrow small-headed drum commonly beaten with the hands
2 : a monotonous beating, rhythm, or rhythmical sound

tomahawk
n. : a light ax used as a missile and as a hand weapon especially by No. American Indians

tomahawk
n. : to cut, strike, or kill with a tomahawk

tomalley
: the liver of the lobster

tomatillo
n. : the small round yellow, purplish, and especially pale green edible sticky fruit of a Mexican ground-cherry (Physalis ixocarpa syn. P. philadelphica) also : the plant that bears tomatillos

tomato
n. 1 : the usually large rounded typically red or yellow pulpy berry of an herb (genus Lycopersicon) of the nightshade family native to So. America
2 : a plant that produces tomatoes especially : one (Lycopersicon esculentum syn. L. lycopersicum) that is a tender perennial widely cultivated as an annual for its edible fruit

tomato
n. beefsteak tomato
cherry tomato
husk tomato
plum tomato
strawberry tomato
tomato fruitworm
tomato hornworm
tree tomato

tomato fruitworm
: CORN EARWORM

tomato hornworm
: a No. American hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculata) whose green larva is a hornworm feeding on leaves of plants of the nightshade family and especially tobacco and tomato

tomatoey
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a tomato
2 : richly flavored with tomatoes

tomb
n. 1 a : an excavation in which a corpse is buried : GRAVE b : a place of interment
2 : a house, chamber, or vault for the dead
3 : a building or structure resembling a tomb (as in appearance)
–tomb·less \-ləs\ adjective

tomb
n. : BURY, ENTOMB

tombac
n. : an alloy essentially of copper and zinc and sometimes tin or arsenic that is used especially for cheap jewelry and gilding

Tombaugh
Clyde William 1906-1997 American astron.

Tombigbee
river NE Miss. & W Ala. flowing S to Mobile & Tensaw rivers

tombolo
n. : a sand or gravel bar connecting an island with the mainland or another island

Tombouctou
n. town W Africa in Mali near Niger River pop 31,925

tomboy
n. : a girl who behaves in a manner usually considered boyish
–tom·boy·ish \-ish\ adjective
–tom·boy·ish·ness noun

Tombstone
n. city SE corner of Ariz. pop 1504; site of gunfight at O.K. Corral in 1881

tombstone
n. : GRAVESTONE

tomcat
n. : a male domestic cat

tomcat
n. : to seek sexual gratification promiscuously : CAT ― often used with around

tomcod
n. : either of two small fishes (Microgadus tomcod of the Atlantic and M. proximus of the Pacific) of the cod family

tome
n. 1 : a volume forming part of a larger work
2 : BOOK especially : a large or scholarly book

tome
n. 1 : part : segment <myotome>
2 : cutting instrument <microtome>

tomentose
: covered with densely matted woolly hairs <a tomentose leaf>

tomentum
n. : pubescence composed of densely matted woolly hairs

tomfool
n. : a great fool : BLOCKHEAD

tomfool
n. : extremely foolish, stupid, or doltish

tomfoolery
n. : playful or foolish behavior

Tommy
n. : a British soldier

Tommy Atkins
: TOMMY

tommy gun
: THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN broadly : SUBMACHINE GUN

tommy-gun
: to shoot with a tommy gun

tommyrot
n. : utter foolishness or nonsense

tomogram
n. : an image (as a radiograph) generated by tomography

tomography
n. : a method of producing a three-dimensional image of the internal structures of a solid object (as the human body or the earth) by the observation and recording of the differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy impinging on those structures ― compare COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
–to·mo·graph·ic \ˌtō-mə-'gra-fik\ adjective

tomography
n. positron emission tomography
computed tomography
computerized tomography
computerized axial tomography
computed axial tomography

tomorrow
n. : on or for the day after today <will do it tomorrow>

tomorrow
n. 1 : the day after the present <the court will recess until tomorrow>
2 : FUTURE 1A <the world of tomorrow>

tompion
n. variant of tampion

Tompkins
Daniel D. 1774-1825 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1817-25)

Tomsk
city S cen Russia in Asia on Tom' River near its junction with the Ob' pop 505,000

tomtit
n. : any of various small active birds

tomy
: incision : section <laparotomy>

ton
n. 1 a : a unit of internal capacity for ships equal to 100 cubic feet ― called also register ton b : a unit approximately equal to the volume of a long ton weight of seawater used in reckoning the displacement of ships and equal to 35 cubic feet c : a unit of volume for cargo freight usually reckoned at 40 cubic feet ― called also measurement ton
2 : any of various units of weight: a ― see WEIGHT table b : METRIC TON
3 : a great quantity : LOT <ate tons of cookies> <has tons of money> <a ton of work to do>

ton
n. 1 : the prevailing fashion : VOGUE
2 : the quality or state of being smart or fashionable

ton
n. measurement ton
register ton
bon ton
deadweight ton
gross ton
long ton
metric ton
short ton

tonal
adj. 1 : of or relating to tone, tonality, or tonicity
2 : having tonality
–ton·al·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

tonality
n. 1 : tonal quality
2 a : KEY 7 b : the organization of all the tones and harmonies of a piece of music in relation to a tonic
3 : the arrangement or interrelation of the tones of a work of visual art

tondo
n. 1 : a circular painting
2 : a sculptured medallion

Tone
n. (Theobald) Wolfe 1763-1798 Irish revolutionary

tone
n. 1 : vocal or musical sound of a specific quality <spoke in low tones> <masculine tones> especially : musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression
2 a : a sound of definite pitch and vibration b : WHOLE STEP
3 : accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion
4 : the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning
5 : a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence <high tone> <low tone> <mid tone> <low-rising tone> <falling tone>
6 : style or manner of expression in speaking or writing <seemed wise to adopt a conciliatory tone>
7 a (1) : color quality or value (2) : a tint or shade of color b : the color that appreciably modifies a hue or white or black <gray walls of greenish tone>
8 : the effect in painting of light and shade together with color
9 a : the state of a living body or of any of its organs or parts in which the functions are healthy and performed with due vigor b : normal tension or responsiveness to stimuli specifically : muscular tonus
10 a : healthy elasticity : RESILIENCY b : general character, quality, or trend <a city's upbeat tone> c : frame of mind : MOOD

tone
n. transitive verb
1 : INTONE
2 : to give a particular intonation or inflection to
3 a : to impart tone to : STRENGTHEN <medicine to tone up the system> b : to soften or reduce in intensity, color, appearance, or sound : MELLOW ― often used with down c : to change the normal silver image of (as a photographic print) into a colored image
intransitive verb
1 : to assume a pleasing color quality or tint
2 : to blend or harmonize in color

tone
n. dial tone
earth tone
jewel tone
leading tone
passing tone
quarter tone
tone color
tone deaf
tone deafness
tone language
tone poem
tone poet
tone row
touch tone
twelve tone
twelve tone row
two tone
whole tone
earth toned
high toned
two toned

tone color
: TIMBRE

tone language
: a language (as Chinese or Zulu) in which variations in tone distinguish words or phrases of different meaning that otherwise would sound alike

tone poem
: SYMPHONIC POEM
–tone poet noun

tone row
: the chosen sequence of tones that serves as the basis for a work of serial music specifically : TWELVE-TONE ROW

tone-deaf
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
–tone deafness noun

tonearm
: the movable part of a phonograph or record player that carries the pickup and permits the needle to follow the record groove

toned
v. 1 : having tone or a specified tone : characterized or distinguished by a tone
2 of paper : having a slight tint

toned
v. earth toned
high toned
two toned

Tonegawa
Susumu 1939-     American (Jp.-born) biol.

toneless
adj. : lacking in tone, modulation, or expression <a toneless voice>
–tone·less·ly adverb
–tone·less·ness noun

toneme
n. : an intonation phoneme in a tone language
–to·ne·mic \tō-'nē-mik\ adjective

toner
n. : one that tones or is a source of tones: as a : a solution used to impart color to a silver photographic image b : a substance (as a thermoplastic powder) used especially to develop an image (as a latent xerographic image) on a piece of paper c : a liquid cosmetic for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores

tonetic
1 : relating to linguistic tones or to tone languages
2 : of or relating to intonation <tonetic notation>
–to·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tonetics
: the use or study of linguistic tones

tonette
: a simple fipple flute with a range somewhat larger than an octave that is often used in elementary music education

toney
variant of tony

tong
n. : a secret society or fraternal organization especially of Chinese in the U.S. formerly notorious for gang warfare

tong
n. transitive verb : to take, gather, hold, or handle with tongs <tong oysters>
intransitive verb : to use tongs especially in taking or gathering something
–tong·er \'täŋ-ər, 'tȯŋ-\ noun

Tonga
n. islands SW Pacific E of Fiji; a kingdom in the Commonwealth of Nations capital Nuku'alofa area 270 sq mi (702 sq km), pop 101,002

tonga
n. : a light 2-wheeled vehicle for two or four persons drawn by one horse and common in India

Tongan
n. 1 : a member of a Polynesian people of Tonga
2 : the Polynesian language of the Tongans
–Tongan adjective

Tongareva
― see PENRHYN

Tongariro
volcano 6516 ft (1986 m) New Zealand in cen North Is. in Tongariro National Park

Tonghua
city NE China in S Jilin pop 158,000

tongs
n. : any of numerous grasping devices consisting commonly of two pieces joined at one end by a pivot or hinged like scissors

Tongue
n. river 246 mi (396 km) N Wyo. & S Mont. flowing N into Yellowstone River

tongue
n. 1 a : a fleshy movable muscular process of the floor of the mouths of most vertebrates that bears sensory end organs and small glands and functions especially in taking and swallowing food and in humans as a speech organ b : a part of various invertebrate animals that is analogous to the tongue
2 : the flesh of a tongue (as of the ox or sheep) used as food
3 : the power of communication through speech
4 a : LANGUAGE especially : a spoken language b : manner or quality of utterance with respect to tone or sound, the sense of what is expressed, or the intention of the speaker <she has a clever tongue> <a sharp tongue> c : ecstatic usually unintelligible utterance usually accompanying religious excitation ― usually used in plural d : the cry of or as if of a hound pursuing or in sight of game ― used especially in the phrase to give tongue
5 : a tapering flame <tongues of fire>
6 : a long narrow strip of land projecting into a body of water
7 : something resembling an animal's tongue in being elongated and fastened at one end only: as a : a movable pin in a buckle b : a metal ball suspended inside a bell so as to strike against the sides as the bell is swung c : the pole of a vehicle d : the flap under the lacing or buckles of a shoe at the throat of the vamp
8 a : the rib on one edge of a board that fits into a corresponding groove in an edge of another board to make a flush joint b : FEATHER 4
–tongue·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

tongue
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : SCOLD
2 : to touch or lick with or as if with the tongue
3 a : to cut a tongue on <tongue a board> b : to join (as boards) by means of a tongue and groove <tongue flooring together>
4 : to articulate (notes) by tonguing
intransitive verb
1 : to project in a tongue
2 : to articulate notes on a wind instrument by successively interrupting the stream of wind with the action of the tongue

tongue
n. adder's tongue
bite one's tongue
bull tongue
double tongue
forked tongue
give tongue
hold one's tongue
hound's tongue
mother tongue
on the tip of one's tongue
tongue and groove
tongue in cheek
tongue lash
tongue lashing
tongue tie
tongue tied
tongue twister
triple tongue
gift of tongues
sharp tongued
silver tongued
smooth tongued

tongue and groove
: a joint made by a tongue on one edge of a board fitting into a corresponding groove on the edge of another board
–tongue-and-groove adjective

tongue in cheek
: with insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

tongue twister
: a word, phrase, or sentence difficult to articulate because of a succession of similar consonantal sounds (as in “twin-screw steel cruiser”)

tongue-in-cheek
: characterized by insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

tongue-lash
: CHIDE, SCOLD
–tongue-lash·ing noun

tongue-tie
: to deprive of speech or the power of distinct articulation

tongue-tie
: limited mobility of the tongue due to a short frenulum connecting its underside to the floor of the mouth

tongue-tied
1 : unable or disinclined to speak freely (as from shyness)
2 : affected with tongue-tie

tongued
adj. : having a tongue especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <sharp-tongued>

tongued
adj. sharp tongued
silver tongued
smooth tongued

tongueless
adj. 1 : having no tongue
2 : lacking power of speech : MUTE

tonia
: condition or degree of tonus <myotonia>

tonic
n. 1 a : characterized by tonus <tonic contraction of muscle> also : marked by prolonged muscular contraction <tonic convulsions> b : producing or adapted to produce healthy muscular condition and reaction of organs (as muscles)
2 a : increasing or restoring physical or mental tone : REFRESHING b : yielding a tonic substance
3 : relating to or based on the first tone of a scale <tonic harmony>
4 of a syllable : bearing a principal stress or accent
5 : of or relating to speech tones or to languages using them to distinguish words otherwise identical
–ton·i·cal·ly \'tä-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tonic
n. 1 : the first tone of a major or minor scale : KEYNOTE
2 a : an agent (as a drug) that increases body tone b : one that invigorates, restores, refreshes, or stimulates <a day in the country was a tonic for him> c : a liquid preparation for the scalp or hair d chiefly New England : a carbonated flavored beverage e : TONIC WATER
3 : a voiced sound

tonic
n. tonic accent
tonic sol fa
tonic water

tonic accent
1 : relative phonetic prominence (as from greater stress or higher pitch) of a spoken syllable or word
2 : accent depending on pitch rather than stress

tonic sol-fa
: a system of solmization based on key relationships that replaces the normal notation with sol-fa syllables or their initials

tonic water
: a carbonated beverage flavored with a small amount of quinine, lemon, and lime

tonicity
n. 1 : the property of possessing tone especially : healthy vigor of body or mind
2 : muscular tonus

tonight
n. : on this present night or the night following this present day <will do it tonight>

tonight
n. : the present night or the night following this present day

tonka bean
: the coumarin-containing seed of any of several tropical American leguminous trees (genus Dipteryx, especially D. odorata) that is used in perfumes and as an artificial vanilla flavoring also : a tree bearing tonka beans

Tonkin
n. region N Indochina bordering on China, since 1946 forming N part of Vietnam; chief city Hanoi
–Ton·kin·ese \ˌtäŋ-kə-'nēz, ˌtän-, -'nēs\ or Tong·king·ese \ˌtäŋ-kiŋ-'ēz, -'ēs\ adjective or noun

Tonkin, Gulf of
arm of S. China Sea E of N Vietnam

Tonle Sap
lake 87 mi (140 km) long SW Indochina in W Cambodia

tonnage
n. 1 : a duty formerly levied on every tun of wine imported into England
2 a : a duty or impost on vessels based on cargo capacity b : a duty on goods per ton transported
3 : ships in terms of the total number of tons registered or carried or of their carrying capacity
4 a : the cubical content of a merchant ship in units of 100 cubic feet b : the displacement of a warship
5 a : total weight in tons shipped, carried, or produced b : impressively large amount or weight

tonne
n. : METRIC TON

tonneau
n. 1 : the rear seating compartment of an automobile also : the entire seating compartment
2 : a shape of watch case or dial resembling a barrel in profile

tonner
: an object (as a ship) having a specified tonnage ― used in combination <a thousand-tonner>

tonometer
n. 1 : an instrument or device for determining the exact pitch or the vibration rate of tones
2 : an instrument for measuring tension or pressure and especially intraocular pressure
–to·nom·e·try \tō-'nä-mə-trē\ noun

tonoplast
n. : a semipermeable membrane surrounding a vacuole in a plant cell

tonsil
n. 1 : either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between two folds of soft tissue that bound the fauces
2 : any of various masses of lymphoid tissue (as the adenoids) that are similar to tonsils
–ton·sil·lar \'tän(t)-s(ə-)lər\ adjective

tonsill
: tonsil <tonsillectomy>

tonsillectomy
n. : the surgical removal of the tonsils

tonsillitis
n. : inflammation of the tonsils

tonsorial
adj. : of or relating to a barber or the work of a barber

tonsure
n. 1 : the Roman Catholic or Eastern rite of admission to the clerical state by the clipping or shaving of a portion of the head
2 : the shaven crown or patch worn by monks and other clerics
3 : a bald spot resembling a tonsure

tonsure
n. : to shave the head of especially : to confer the tonsure upon

tontine
n. : a joint financial arrangement whereby the participants usually contribute equally to a prize that is awarded entirely to the participant who survives all the others

Tonto National Monument
n. reservation S cen Ariz. E of Phoenix containing cliff-dweller ruins

tonus
n. : TONE 9A especially : a state of partial contraction characteristic of normal muscle

Tony
n. : a medallion awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in the theater

tony
n. : marked by an aristocratic or high-toned manner or style <tony private schools>

too
adv. 1 : BESIDES, ALSO <sell the house and furniture too>
2 a : to an excessive degree : EXCESSIVELY <too large a house for us> b : to such a degree as to be regrettable <this time he has gone too far> c : VERY <didn't seem too interested>
3 : SO 2D <“I didn't do it.” “You did too.”>

too
adv. me too
too much
too too

too much

1 : WONDERFUL, EXCITING
2 : TERRIBLE, AWFUL

too-too
1 : going beyond the bounds of convention, good taste, or common sense : EXTREME
2 : LA-DI-DA

Tooele
city NW cen Utah S of Great Salt Lake pop 22,502

took
past of take

Tooke
(John) Horne 1736-1812 Eng. polit. radical & philologist

tool
n. 1 a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : MACHINE TOOL
2 a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his tools> b : an element of a computer program (as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function <a drawing tool> c : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing tool> d often vulgar : PENIS
3 : one that is used or manipulated by another
4 plural : natural ability <has all the tools to be a great pitcher>
synonyms see IMPLEMENT

tool
n. 1 a : to cause (a vehicle) to go : DRIVE b : to convey in a vehicle
2 : to shape, form, or finish with a tool especially : to letter or ornament (as leather or gold) by means of hand tools
3 : to equip (as a plant or industry) with tools, machines, and instruments for production
intransitive verb
1 : DRIVE, RIDE
2 : to equip a plant or industry with the means (as machines, machine tools, and instruments) of production ― often used with up

tool
n. : a design (as on the binding of a book) made by tooling

tool
n. edge tool
flake tool
machine tool
tool subject
tools of ignorance

tool subject
: a subject studied to gain competence in a skill used in other subjects

toolbar
n. : a strip of icons on a computer display providing quick access to certain functions

toolbox
n. : a chest for tools

toolholder
n. : a short steel bar having a shank at one end by which it is clamped to a machine and a clamp at the other end to hold small interchangeable cutting bits

toolhouse
n. : TOOLSHED

toolmaker
n. : one that makes tools especially : a machinist who specializes in the construction, repair, maintenance, and calibration of the tools, jigs, fixtures, and instruments of a machine shop

toolmaking
n. : the action, process, or art of making tools also : the trade of a toolmaker

toolroom
n. : a room where tools are kept especially : a room in a machine shop in which tools are made, stored, and issued for use by workers

tools of ignorance
: a baseball catcher's equipment

toolshed
n. : an outbuilding for storing tools

toom
chiefly Scottish : EMPTY

Toombs
Robert Augustus 1810-1885 American polit.

toon
n. : a southeast Asian and Australian tree (Toona ciliata syn. Cedrela toona) of the mahogany family with aromatic dark red to reddish-brown wood also : its wood

toot
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to sound a short blast <the horn tooted> b : to sound a note or call suggesting the short blast of a wind instrument
2 : to blow or sound an instrument (as a horn) especially so as to produce short blasts
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sound <toot a whistle>
2 slang : to take in (as cocaine) by inhalation : SNORT
–toot·er noun

toot
n. : a short blast (as on a horn) also : a sound resembling such a blast

toot
n. : a drinking bout : SPREE

tooth
n. 1 a : one of the hard bony appendages that are borne on the jaws or in many of the lower vertebrates on other bones in the walls of the mouth or pharynx and serve especially for the prehension and mastication of food and as weapons of offense and defense b : any of various usually hard and sharp processes especially about the mouth of an invertebrate
2 : TASTE, LIKING
3 : a projection resembling or suggesting the tooth of an animal in shape, arrangement, or action <a saw tooth>: as a : any of the regular projections on the circumference or sometimes the face of a wheel that engage with corresponding projections on another wheel especially to transmit force : COG b : a small sharp-pointed marginal lobe or process on a plant
4 a : something that injures, tortures, devours, or destroys <jealousy with rankling tooth ― Thomas Gray> b plural : effective means of enforcement <drug laws with teeth>
5 : a roughness of surface produced by mechanical or artificial means
–tooth·like \'tüth-ˌlīk\ adjective
–in the teeth of
1 : in or into direct contact or collision with <sailing in the teeth of a hurricane ― Current Biog.>
2 : in direct opposition to <rule had⋯been imposed by conquest in the teeth of obstinate resistance ― A. J. Toynbee>
–to the teeth : FULLY, COMPLETELY <armed to the teeth>

tooth
n. hound's tooth
hound's tooth check
baby tooth
cheek tooth
deciduous tooth
egg tooth
fine tooth comb
long in the tooth
milk tooth
permanent tooth
pivot tooth
primary tooth
red in tooth and claw
spike tooth harrow
sweet tooth
tooth and nail
tooth fairy
tooth powder
tooth shell
wisdom tooth
fly in the teeth of
cut one's teeth
dragon's teeth
set one's teeth on edge
sink one's teeth into
by the skin of one's teeth
to the teeth
in the teeth of

tooth and nail
: with every available means : ALL OUT <fight tooth and nail>

tooth fairy
: a fairy believed by children to leave money while they sleep in exchange for a tooth that has come out

tooth powder
: a powder for cleaning the teeth

tooth shell
: any of a class (Scaphopoda) of burrowing marine mollusks with a tapering tubular shell also : this shell

toothache
n. : pain in or about a tooth

toothbrush
n. : a brush for cleaning the teeth

toothbrushing
: the action of using a toothbrush to clean teeth

toothed
adj. : having teeth especially of a specified kind or number ― often used in combination <fine-toothed>

toothed
adj. gap toothed
saber toothed
saber toothed tiger
saber toothed cat
saw toothed
toothed whale

toothed whale
: any of a suborder (Odontoceti) of cetaceans (as a dolphin, porpoise, or killer whale) bearing usually numerous simple conical teeth ― compare BALEEN WHALE

toothless
adj. 1 : having no teeth
2 a : lacking in sharpness or bite <spoke in toothless generalities ― Arthur Hepner> b : lacking in means of enforcement or coercion : INEFFECTUAL

toothpaste
n. : a paste for cleaning the teeth

toothpick
n. : a pointed instrument (as a slender tapering piece of wood) for removing food particles lodged between the teeth

toothsome
adj. 1 a : AGREEABLE, ATTRACTIVE b : sexually attractive <a toothsome blonde>
2 : of palatable flavor and pleasing texture : DELICIOUS <crisp toothsome fried chicken>
synonyms see PALATABLE
–tooth·some·ly adverb
–tooth·some·ness noun

toothwort
n. 1 : a European parasitic plant (Lathraea squamaria) of the broomrape family having pink-tinged white flowers and tooth-shaped scaly leaves
2 : any of several cresses (genus Dentaria) that have usually fleshy scaly rhizomes and are sometimes placed in the same genus as the bitter cresses

toothy
adj. 1 : having or showing prominent teeth <toothy grin>
2 : TOOTHSOME 2
–tooth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb

tootle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to toot gently, repeatedly, or continuously
2 : to drive or move along in a leisurely manner
transitive verb : to toot continuously on <tootled his flute>
–tootle noun
–too·tler \'tüt-lər, 'tü-təl-ər\ noun

tootsie
n. 1 : DEAR, SWEETHEART
2 : PROSTITUTE

tootsy
n. : FOOT

Toowoomba
city E Australia in SE Queensland pop 81,043

top
n. 1 a (1) : the highest point, level, or part of something : SUMMIT, CROWN (2) : the head or top of the head ― used especially in the phrase top to toe (3) : the head of a plant especially : the aboveground part of a plant having edible roots <beet tops> (4) : a garment worn on the upper body b (1) : the highest or uppermost region or part (2) : the upper end, edge, or surface
2 : a fitted, integral, or attached part or unit serving as an upper piece, lid, or covering
3 a : a platform surrounding the head of a lower mast that serves to spread the topmast rigging, strengthen the mast, and furnish a standing place for men aloft b : a comparable part of the superstructure especially : such a part on a warship used as a fire-control station or antiaircraft gun platform
4 a : the highest degree or pitch conceivable or attained : ACME, PINNACLE b : the loudest or highest range of a sound
5 a : the part that is nearest in space or time to the source or beginning b : the first half of an inning in baseball
6 a (1) : the highest position (as in rank or achievement) (2) : a person or thing at the top b plural : aces and kings in a hand or the three highest honors in a suit
7 : the choicest part : CREAM, PICK
8 : a forward spin given to a ball (as in golf or billiards) by striking it on or near the top or above the center also : the stroke so given
9 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of + 2/3 and a measured energy of approximately 175 GeV also : the flavor characterizing this particle
–topped \'täpt\ adjective
–off the top of one's head : in an impromptu manner <sat down and wrote the⋯story off the top of his head ― Jerome Beatty, Jr.>
–on top of
1 a : in control of <acted like a man on top of his job ― Newsweek> b : informed about <tried to keep on top of new developments>
2 : in sudden and unexpected proximity to <the deadline was on top of them>
3 : in addition to
–on top of the world : in a position of eminent success, happiness, or fame
–over the top : beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate

top
n. transitive verb
1 : to remove or cut the top of especially : to shorten or remove the top of (a plant) : PINCH 1B
2 a : to cover with a top or on the top : provide, form, or serve as a top for b : to supply with a decorative or protective finish or final touch c : to resupply or refill to capacity ― usually used with off <topped off the tank> d : to complete the basic structure of (as a high-rise building) by putting on a cap or uppermost section ― usually used with out or off e : to bring to an end or climax ― usually used with off <the event was topped off with a relay race ― Paula Rodenas>
3 a : to be or become higher than : OVERTOP <tops the previous record> b : to be superior to : EXCEL, SURPASS c : to gain ascendancy over : DOMINATE
4 a : to rise to, reach, or be at the top of b : to go over the top of : CLEAR, SURMOUNT
5 : to strike (a ball) above the center thereby imparting topspin
intransitive verb
1 : to make an end, finish, or conclusion
2 : to reach a summit or crest ― usually used with off or out

top
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being at the top : UPPERMOST
2 : CHIEF, LEADING <one of the world's top journalists>
3 : of the highest quality, amount, or degree <top value> <top form>

top
n. : a commonly cylindrical or conoidal device that has a tapering point on which it is made to spin and that is used especially as a toy

top
n. 1 : place : locality <topology> <toponymy>
2 : topology <topoisomerase>

top
n. top flight
big top
blow one's top
curly top
drop top
high top
over the top
peg top
pop top
tank top
tip top
on top of the world
on top of
off the top of one's head
top banana
top billing
top boot
top dog
top dollar
top down
top drawer
top dress
top end
Top 40
Top 401
Top 402
top gun
top hamper
top hat
top heavy
top hole
top milk
top notch
top of the line
top round
top secret
top sergeant
top shelf
Top Sider
top up
high tops
peg topped

Top 40
: the forty best-selling audio recordings for a given period

Top 40
: constituting, playing, listing, or relating to the Top 40 <Top 40 hits> <Top 40 stations> <Top 40 charts>

top banana
: the leading comedian in a burlesque show broadly : KINGPIN 2

top billing
1 : prominent emphasis, featuring, or advertising
2 : the position at the top of a theatrical bill usually featuring the star's name

top boot
: a high boot often with light-colored leather bands around the upper part

top dog
: a person, group, or thing in a position of authority especially through victory in a hard-fought competition

top dollar
: the highest amount being paid for a commodity or service <willing to pay top dollar to get them ― Dean Failey>

top drawer
: the highest level of society, authority, or excellence
–top-draw·er \-'drȯ(-ə)r\ adjective

top gun
: one who is at the top (as in ability, rank, or prestige)

top hat
: a tall-crowned hat usually of beaver or silk

top milk
: the upper layer of milk in a container enriched by whatever cream has risen

top round
: meat from the inner part of a round of beef

top secret
1 : protected by a high degree of secrecy <a top secret weapon> <a top secret meeting>
2 a : containing or being information whose unauthorized disclosure could result in exceptionally grave danger to the nation <top secret messages> ― compare CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET b : of or relating to top secret documents <a top secret clearance>

top sergeant
: FIRST SERGEANT 1

top up
British : to make up to the full quantity, capacity, or amount
intransitive verb British : to replenish a supply
–top-up \'täp-ˌəp\ noun British

top-down
1 : controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level <a top-down corporate structure>
2 : proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific <top-down programming> <top-down design>

top-dress
: to apply material to (as land or a road) without working it in especially : to scatter fertilizer over (land)

top-end
: TOPFLIGHT <top-end equipment>

top-hamper
1 : matter or weight (as spars or rigging) in the upper part of a ship
2 : unnecessary cumbersome matter

top-heavy
1 : having the top part too heavy for the lower part
2 : having too high a proportion of administrators <a top-heavy bureaucracy>
3 : oversupplied with one element at the expense of others : lacking balance <a novel top-heavy with description>

top-hole
chiefly British : EXCELLENT, FIRST-CLASS

top-notch
: of the highest quality : FIRST-RATE <a top-notch work>
–top·notch·er \-'nä-chər\ noun

top-of-the-line
: TOP-NOTCH especially : being or belonging to the highest or most expensive class <top-of-the-line camera equipment>

top-shelf
: of the best quality

Top-Sider
― used for a low casual shoe having a rubber sole

topaz
n. 1 a : a mineral that is essentially a silicate of aluminum and usually occurs in orthorhombic translucent or transparent crystals or in white translucent masses b : a usually yellow to brownish-yellow transparent mineral topaz used as a gem c : a yellow sapphire d : a yellow quartz
2 : either of two large brilliantly colored So. American hummingbirds (Topaza pella and T. pyra)

topcoat
n. 1 : a lightweight overcoat
2 : OVERCOAT 2

topcross
: a cross between a superior or purebred male and inferior female stock to improve the average quality of the progeny also : the product of such a cross

topdressing
n. : a material used to top-dress soil

tope
v. : to drink liquor to excess

tope
v. : a small slender cosmopolitan shark (Galeorhinus galeus) valued for its flesh, fins, and oil-rich liver

tope
v. : STUPA

topee
n. : a lightweight helmet-shaped hat made of pith or cork

Topeka
n. city capital of Kans. on Kansas River pop 122,377

toper
n. : one that topes especially : DRUNKARD

topflight
adj. : of, relating to, or being the highest level of achievement, excellence, or eminence
–top flight noun

topful
: BRIMFUL

topgallant
n. : of, relating to, or being a part next above the topmast and below the royal mast <topgallant sails> <the topgallant mast>

topgallant
n. 1 archaic : the topmost point : SUMMIT <the high topgallant of my joy ― Shakespeare>
2 : a topgallant mast or sail

Tophet
n. : HELL, GEHENNA

tophus
n. : a deposit of urates in tissues (as cartilage) that is characteristic of gout

topi
n. : a sub-Saharan antelope (Damaliscus lunatus syn. D. korrigum) having a glossy usually reddish-brown coat with purplish-black and yellowish markings

topiary
n. : of, relating to, or being the practice or art of training, cutting, and trimming trees or shrubs into odd or ornamental shapes also : characterized by such work

topiary
n. 1 : topiary art or gardening also : a topiary garden
2 a : a plant shaped by topiary art b : topiary plants

topic
n. 1 a : one of the general forms of argument employed in probable reasoning b : ARGUMENT, REASON
2 a : a heading in an outlined argument or exposition b : the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse

topic sentence
: a sentence that states the main thought of a paragraph or of a larger unit of discourse and is usually placed at or near the beginning

topical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or arranged by topics <set down in topical form> b : referring to the topics of the day or place : of local or temporary interest <a topical novel> <topical references>
2 : designed for or involving local application and action (as on the body) <a topical anesthetic> <a topical remedy>
–top·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

topicality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being topical
2 : an item of topical interest

topkick
: FIRST SERGEANT 1

topknot
n. 1 : an ornament (as a knot of ribbons or a pompom) forming a headdress or worn as part of a coiffure
2 : a crest of feathers or tuft of hair on the top of the head

topless
adj. 1 archaic : so high as to reach up beyond sight <and burnt the topless towers of Ilium ― Christopher Marlowe>
2 : being without a top
3 a : wearing no clothing on the upper body b : featuring topless waitresses or entertainers <topless bars> c : being a place where topless women are permitted <a topless beach>
–top·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

topline
n. : the outline of the top of the body of an animal (as a dog or horse)

toplofty
adj. : very superior in air or attitude
–top·loft·i·ly \täp-'lȯf-tə-lē\ adverb
–top·loft·i·ness \'täp-ˌlȯf-tē-nəs\ noun

topmast
n. : the mast that is next above the lower mast and is topmost in a fore-and-aft rig

topminnow
: any of several live-bearers (family Poeciliidae) or killifish (family Cyprinodontidae)

topmost
adj. : highest of all : UPPERMOST

topo
n. topographic; topographical

topocentric
: relating to, measured from, or as if observed from a particular point on the earth's surface : having or relating to such a point as origin <topocentric coordinates> ― compare GEOCENTRIC

topographer
n. : a specialist in topography

topographic
adj. : of, relating to, or concerned with topography <topographic maps>

topographical
adj. 1 : TOPOGRAPHIC
2 : of, relating to, or concerned with the artistic representation of a particular locality <a topographical poem> <topographical painting>
–to·po·graph·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

topography
n. 1 a : the art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on maps or charts of natural and man-made features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations b : topographical surveying
2 a : the configuration of a surface including its relief and the position of its natural and man-made features b : the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships <the topography of human chromosomes> <the political topography of our time>

topoisomerase
: any of a class of enzymes that reduce supercoiling in DNA by breaking and rejoining one or both strands of the DNA molecule

Topolobampo
town & port NW Mexico in Sinaloa on Gulf of California

topological
adj. 1 : of or relating to topology
2 : being or involving properties unaltered under a homeomorphism <continuity and connectedness are topological properties>
–to·po·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

topological
adj. topological group
topological space
topological transformation
topologically equivalent

topological group
: a mathematical group which is also a topological space, whose multiplicative operation has the property that given any neighborhood of a product there exist neighborhoods of the elements composing the product such that any pair of elements representing each of these neighborhoods form a product belonging to the given neighborhood, and whose operation of taking inverses has the property that for any neighborhood of the inverse of an element there exists a neighborhood of the element itself in which every element has its inverse in the other neighborhood

topological space
: a set with a collection of subsets satisfying the conditions that both the empty set and the set itself belong to the collection, the union of any number of the subsets is also an element of the collection, and the intersection of any finite number of the subsets is an element of the collection

topological transformation
: HOMEOMORPHISM

topologically equivalent
: related by a homeomorphism

topology
n. 1 : topographic study of a particular place specifically : the history of a region as indicated by its topography
2 a (1) : a branch of mathematics concerned with those properties of geometric configurations (as point sets) which are unaltered by elastic deformations (as a stretching or a twisting) that are homeomorphisms (2) : the set of all open subsets of a topological space b : CONFIGURATION <topology of a molecule> <topology of a magnetic field>
–to·pol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

toponym
n. : PLACE-NAME

toponymic
: of or relating to toponyms or toponymy
–top·o·nym·i·cal \-mi-kəl\ adjective

toponymy
n. : the place-names of a region or language or especially the etymological study of them
–to·pon·y·mist \-mist\ noun

topos
n. : a traditional or conventional literary or rhetorical theme or topic

topper
n. 1 : one that puts on or takes off tops
2 : one that is at or on the top
3 a : SILK HAT b : OPERA HAT
4 : something (as a joke) that caps everything preceding
5 : a woman's usually short and loose-fitting lightweight outer coat

topping
n. 1 : something that forms a top especially : a garnish (as a sauce, bread crumbs, or whipped cream) placed on top of a food for flavor or decoration
2 : the action of one that tops
3 : something removed by topping

topping
n. 1 : highest in rank or eminence
2 New England : PROUD, ARROGANT
3 chiefly British : EXCELLENT

topple
v. intransitive verb : to fall from or as if from being top-heavy
transitive verb
1 : to cause to topple
2 a : OVERTHROW 2 <topple a dictator> b : DEFEAT 3

tops
n. : topmost in quality, ability, popularity, or importance ― used predicatively <is tops in his field>

tops
n. : at the very most <will cost $50, tops>

topsail
n. 1 : the sail next above the lowermost sail on a mast in a square-rigged ship
2 : the sail set above and sometimes on the gaff in a fore-and-aft rigged ship

topside
n. 1 plural : the top portion of the outer surface of a ship on each side above the waterline
2 : the highest level of authority
3 : the upper portion of the ionosphere

topside
n. 1 : to or on the top or surface
2 : in a position of authority
3 : on deck

topsoil
n. : surface soil usually including the organic layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

topspin
n. : a rotary motion imparted to a ball that causes it to rotate forward in the direction it is traveling

topstitch
n. : to make a line of stitching on the outside of (a garment) close to a seam

topsy
n. topsy turviness
topsy turvy
topsy turvydom
topsy turvily

topsy-turviness
: the quality or state of being topsy-turvy

topsy-turvy
1 : in utter confusion or disorder
2 : with the top or head downward : UPSIDE DOWN

topsy-turvy
: turned topsy-turvy : totally disordered
–top·sy-tur·vi·ly \-'tər-və-lē\ adverb
–top·sy-tur·vy·dom \-vē-dəm\ noun

topsy-turvy
: TOPSY-TURVINESS

topwork
: to graft scions of another variety on the main branches of (as fruit trees) usually to obtain more desirable fruit

toque
n. 1 : a woman's small hat without a brim made in any of various soft close-fitting shapes
2 : TUQUE
3 : a tall brimless hat worn by a chef ― called also toque blanche

tor
n. : a high craggy hill

Torah
n. 1 : the body of wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred literature and oral tradition
2 : the five books of Moses constituting the Pentateuch
3 : a leather or parchment scroll of the Pentateuch used in a synagogue for liturgical purposes

Torbay
former county borough SW England in Devon on Tor Bay (inlet of English Channel)

Torcello
island Italy in Lagoon of Venice

torch
n. 1 : a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : FLAMBEAU
2 : something (as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance <pass the torch to the next generation>
3 : any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame ― compare BLOWTORCH
4 chiefly British : FLASHLIGHT 2
5 : INCENDIARY 1A

torch
n. : to set fire to with or as if with a torch

torch
n. carry the torch
carry a torch
plasma torch
torch singer
torch song

torch singer
: a singer of torch songs

torch song
: a popular sentimental song of unrequited love

torchbearer
n. 1 : one that carries a torch
2 : someone in the forefront of a campaign, crusade, or movement

torchere
n. 1 : a tall ornamental stand for a candlestick or candelabra
2 also tor·chiere \-'sh(y)er\ : an electric floor lamp giving indirect light

torchlight
n. 1 : light given by torches
2 : TORCH

torchon
n. : a coarse bobbin or machine-made lace made with fan-shaped designs forming a scalloped edge

torchwood
1 : any of a genus (Amyris) of tropical American trees and shrubs of the rue family with hard heavy fragrant resinous streaky yellowish-brown wood
2 : the wood of a torchwood

torchy
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or being a torch song or torch singer <a torchy ballad>

Tordesillas
village NW Spain SW of Valladolid pop 8045

tore
past of tear

toreador
n. : TORERO, BULLFIGHTER

torero
n. : a matador or a member of the attending cuadrilla

toreutics
n. : the art or process of working in metal especially by embossing or chasing
–to·reu·tic \-'rü-tik\ adjective

Torfaen
administrative area of SE Wales area 49 sq mi (126 sq km)

tori
n. plural of torus

toric
: of, relating to, or shaped like a torus or segment of a torus <a toric lens>

torii
n. : a Japanese gateway of light construction commonly built at the approach to a Shinto shrine

Torino
― see TURIN

torment
n. 1 : the infliction of torture (as by rack or wheel)
2 : extreme pain or anguish of body or mind : AGONY
3 : a source of vexation or pain

torment
n. 1 : to cause severe usually persistent or recurrent distress of body or mind to <cattle tormented by flies>
2 : DISTORT, TWIST
synonyms see AFFLICT

tormentil
n. : a yellow-flowered Eurasian cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta syn. P. tormentilla) with a root sometimes used in tanning and dyeing

tormentor
n. 1 : one that torments
2 : a fixed curtain or flat on each side of a theater stage that prevents the audience from seeing into the wings

torn
adj. past part of tear

tornadic
: relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a tornado <tornadic winds> <a tornadic storm>

tornado
n. 1 archaic : a tropical thunderstorm
2 a : a squall accompanying a thunderstorm in Africa b : a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land
3 : a violent windstorm : WHIRLWIND

Torne
river 354 mi (570 km) NE Sweden flowing S, forming part of Finnish-Swedish border, to head of Gulf of Bothnia

tornillo
: SCREWBEAN 1

toroid
n. 1 : a surface generated by a closed plane curve rotated about a line that lies in the same plane as the curve but does not intersect it
2 : a body whose surface has the form of a toroid

toroidal
adj. : of, relating to, or shaped like a torus or toroid : doughnut-shaped <a toroidal resistance coil>
–to·roi·dal·ly \-dəl-ē\ adverb

Toronto
n. city & port Canada capital of Ont. on Lake Ontario pop 2,481,494
–To·ron·to·ni·an \tə-ˌrän-'tō-nē-ən; ˌtȯr-ən-, ˌtär-ən-\ adjective or noun

Toros
n. ― see TAURUS

torpedo
n. 1 : ELECTRIC RAY
2 : a weapon for destroying ships by rupturing their hulls below the waterline: as a : a submarine mine b : a thin cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile
3 : a small firework that explodes when thrown against a hard object
4 : a professional gunman or assassin
5 : SUBMARINE 2

torpedo
n. 1 : to hit or sink (a ship) with a naval torpedo : strike or destroy by torpedo
2 : to destroy or nullify altogether : WRECK <torpedo a plan>

torpedo
n. bangalore torpedo
motor torpedo boat
torpedo boat
torpedo bomber
torpedo plane
torpedo tube

torpedo boat
: a boat designed for launching torpedoes specifically : a small very fast boat with one or more torpedo tubes

torpedo bomber
: a military airplane designed to carry torpedoes ― called also torpedo plane

torpedo tube
: a tube from which torpedoes are fired

torpid
adj. 1 a : having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling : DORMANT, NUMB b : sluggish in functioning or acting <a torpid frog> <a torpid mind>
2 : lacking in energy or vigor : APATHETIC, DULL
–tor·pid·i·ty \tȯr-'pi-də-tē\ noun

torpor
n. 1 a : a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility b : a state of lowered physiological activity typically characterized by reduced metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature that occurs in varying degrees especially in hibernating and estivating animals
2 : APATHY, DULLNESS
synonyms see LETHARGY

torque
n. : a usually metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, and Britons

torque
n. 1 : a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion <an automobile engine delivers torque to the drive shaft> also : a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation
2 : a turning or twisting force

torque
n. : to impart torque to : cause to twist (as about an axis)
–torqu·er noun

torque converter
: a device for transmitting and amplifying torque especially by hydraulic means

Torquemada
Tomás de 1420-1498 Span. grand inquisitor

torr
n. : a unit of pressure equal to 1/760 of an atmosphere (about 133.3 pascals)

Torrance
city SW Calif. SSW of Los Angeles pop 137,946

Torre
Torre de Cerredo
Torre Annunziata
Torre del Greco

Torre Annunziata
commune S Italy on Bay of Naples SE of Naples pop 56,471

Torre de Cerredo
― see CERREDO

Torre del Greco
commune S Italy on Bay of Naples pop 103,577

Torrens, Lake
salt lake Australia in E S. Australia N of Spencer Gulf 92 ft (28 m) above sea level

torrent
n. 1 : a tumultuous outpouring : RUSH
2 : a violent stream of a liquid (as water or lava)
3 : a channel of a mountain stream

torrent
n. : TORRENTIAL

torrential
adj. 1 a : relating to or having the character of a torrent <torrential rains> b : caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams <torrential gravel>
2 : resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow
–tor·ren·tial·ly \-'ren(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

Torreon
city N Mexico in Coahuila pop 459,809

Torres Strait
strait 80 mi (129 km) wide bet. island of New Guinea & N tip of Cape York Peninsula, Australia

Torres Vedras
v. town W Portugal N of Lisbon pop 72,250

Torricelli
Evangelista 1608-1647 Ital. math. & physicist

torrid
adj. 1 a : parched with heat especially of the sun : HOT <torrid sands> b : giving off intense heat : SCORCHING
2 : ARDENT, PASSIONATE <torrid love letters>
–tor·rid·i·ty \tȯ-'ri-də-tē\ noun
–tor·rid·ly \'tȯr-əd-lē, 'tär-\ adverb
–tor·rid·ness noun

torrid zone
: the region of the earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn

Torrington
city NW Conn. pop 35,202

torsade
: a twisted cord or ribbon used especially as a hat ornament

Torshavn
town & port capital of the Faeroe Islands pop 16,091

torsion
n. 1 : the twisting or wrenching of a body by the exertion of forces tending to turn one end or part about a longitudinal axis while the other is held fast or turned in the opposite direction also : the state of being twisted
2 : the twisting of a bodily organ or part on its own axis
3 : the reactive torque that an elastic solid exerts by reason of being under torsion
–tor·sion·al \'tȯr-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–tor·sion·al·ly adverb

torsion bar
: a long metal element in an automobile suspension that has one end held rigidly to the frame end and the other twisted and connected to the axle and that acts as a spring

torso
n. 1 : a sculptured representation of the trunk of a human body
2 : something (as a piece of writing) that is mutilated or left unfinished
3 : the human trunk

tort
n. : a wrongful act other than a breach of contract for which relief may be obtained in the form of damages or an injunction

torte
n. : a cake made with many eggs and often grated nuts or dry bread crumbs and usually covered with a rich frosting

tortellini
n. : pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)

torticollis
n. : a twisting of the neck to one side that results in abnormal carriage of the head and is usually caused by muscle spasms ― called also wryneck

tortilla
n. : a thin round of unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour bread usually eaten hot with a topping or filling (as of ground meat or cheese)

tortious
adj. : implying or involving tort
–tor·tious·ly adverb

tortoise
n. 1 : any of a family (Testudinidae) of terrestrial turtles broadly : TURTLE
2 : someone or something regarded as slow or laggard

tortoise
n. gopher tortoise
box tortoise
desert tortoise
giant tortoise
tortoise beetle

tortoise beetle
: any of various chrysomelid beetles (subfamily Cassidinae) with leaf-eating larvae

tortoiseshell
n. 1 : the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles
2 : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais)

tortoiseshell
n. 1 : made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring <tortoiseshell glasses>
2 : of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Tortola
island Brit. West Indies; chief of the Brit. Virgin Islands; site of Road Town area 21 sq mi (54 sq km), pop 9730

tortoni
n. : ice cream made of heavy cream often with minced almonds and chopped maraschino cherries and often flavored with rum

tortricid
: any of a family (Tortricidae) of small stout-bodied moths many of whose larvae feed in fruits
–tortricid adjective

tortrix
n. : a tortricid moth

Tortuga
island Haiti off N coast; a stronghold of pirates in 17th century pop 13,723

tortuosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being tortuous
2 : something winding or twisted : BEND

tortuous
adj. 1 : marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns : WINDING <a tortuous path>
2 a : marked by devious or indirect tactics : CROOKED, TRICKY <a tortuous conspiracy> b : CIRCUITOUS, INVOLVED <the tortuous jargon of legal forms>
–tor·tu·ous·ly adverb
–tor·tu·ous·ness noun

torture
n. 1 a : anguish of body or mind : AGONY b : something that causes agony or pain
2 : the infliction of intense pain (as from burning, crushing, or wounding) to punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure
3 : distortion or overrefinement of a meaning or an argument : STRAINING

torture
n. 1 : to cause intense suffering to : TORMENT
2 : to punish or coerce by inflicting excruciating pain
3 : to twist or wrench out of shape : DISTORT, WARP
synonyms see AFFLICT
–tor·tur·er \'tȯr-chər-ər\ noun

torturous
adj. 1 a : causing torture <torturous inquisitions> b : very unpleasant or painful <a torturous day> <torturous self-doubts>
2 : painfully difficult or slow <the torturous course of the negotiations>
–tor·tur·ous·ly adverb

torula
n. : any of various fungi (genus Torula) and especially yeasts that lack sexual spores, do not produce alcoholic fermentations, and are typically acid formers ― called also torula yeast

Torun
city N Poland on the Vistula pop 200,822

torus
n. 1 : a large molding of convex profile commonly occurring as the lowest molding in the base of a column
2 : the thickening of a membrane closing a wood-cell pit (as of gymnosperm tracheids) having the secondary cell wall arched over the pit cavity
3 : a doughnut-shaped surface generated by a circle rotated about an axis in its plane that does not intersect the circle broadly : TOROID
4 : a smooth rounded anatomical protuberance (as a bony ridge on the skull)

Tory
n. 1 : a dispossessed Irishman subsisting as an outlaw chiefly in the 17th century
2 obsolete : BANDIT, OUTLAW
3 a : a member or supporter of a major British political group of the 18th and early 19th centuries favoring at first the Stuarts and later royal authority and the established church and seeking to preserve the traditional political structure and defeat parliamentary reform ― compare WHIG b : CONSERVATIVE 1B
4 : an American upholding the cause of the British Crown against the supporters of colonial independence during the American Revolution : LOYALIST
5 often not capitalized : an extreme conservative especially in political and economic principles
–Tory adjective

Tory Democracy
: a political philosophy advocating preservation of established institutions and traditional principles combined with political democracy and a social and economic program designed to benefit the common man

Toryism
n. 1 : the principles and practices of or associated with Tories
2 : the British Tory party or its members

Toscana
― see TUSCANY

Toscanini
n. Ar·tu·ro \är-'tu̇r-(ˌ)ō\ 1867-1957 Ital. conductor

tosh
n. : sheer nonsense : BOSH, TWADDLE

toss
n. transitive verb
1 a : to fling or heave continuously about, to and fro, or up and down <a ship tossed by waves> b : BANDY 2 c : to mix lightly until well coated with a dressing or until the elements are thoroughly combined <toss a salad>
2 : to make uneasy : stir up : DISTURB
3 a : to throw with a quick, light, or careless motion or with a sudden jerk <toss a ball around> b : to throw up in the air <tossed by a bull> c : MATCH 5A d : to send as if by throwing <tossed in jail> <tossed out of the game> e : to get rid of : THROW AWAY
4 a : to fling or lift with a sudden motion <tosses her head angrily> b : to tilt suddenly so as to empty by drinking <tossed his glass> also : to consume by drinking <toss down a drink>
5 : to accomplish, provide, or produce readily or easily <toss off a few verses>
6 : THROW 18 <toss a party>
7 : VOMIT 1 ― often used in the phrase toss one's cookies
intransitive verb
1 a : to move restlessly or turbulently especially : to twist and turn repeatedly <tossed sleeplessly all night> b : to move with a quick or spirited gesture
2 : to decide an issue by flipping a coin
synonyms see THROW
–toss·er noun

toss
n. 1 : the state or fact of being tossed
2 : an act or instance of tossing: as a : an abrupt tilting or upward fling b : a deciding by chance and especially by flipping a coin c : THROW, PITCH

toss-up
1 : TOSS 2B
2 : an even chance
3 : something that offers no clear basis for choice

tosspot
n. : DRUNKARD, SOT

tostada
n. : a tortilla fried in deep fat

tot
n. 1 : a small child : TODDLER
2 : a small drink or allowance of liquor : SHOT

tot
n. transitive verb : to add together : TOTAL ― usually used with up <tots up the score>
intransitive verb : ADD

total
n. 1 : comprising or constituting a whole : ENTIRE <the total amount>
2 : ABSOLUTE, UTTER <a total failure> <a total stranger>
3 : involving a complete and unified effort especially to achieve a desired effect <total war> <total theater>
synonyms see WHOLE

total
n. 1 : a product of addition : SUM
2 : an entire quantity : AMOUNT

total
n. : TOTALLY

total
n. 1 : to add up : COMPUTE
2 : to amount to : NUMBER
3 : to make a total wreck of : DEMOLISH specifically : to damage so badly that the cost of repairs exceeds the market value of the vehicle <totaled the car>

total
n. sum total
total depravity
total eclipse
total recall

total depravity
: a state of corruption due to original sin held in Calvinism to infect every part of man's nature and to make the natural man unable to know or obey God

total eclipse
: an eclipse in which one celestial body is completely obscured by the shadow or body of another

total recall
: the faculty of remembering with complete clarity and in complete detail

totalism
: TOTALITARIANISM
–to·tal·is·tic \ˌtō-təl-'is-tik\ also to·tal·ist \'tō-təl-ist\ adjective

totalitarian
n. 1 a : of or relating to centralized control by an autocratic leader or hierarchy : AUTHORITARIAN, DICTATORIAL especially : DESPOTIC b : of or relating to a political regime based on subordination of the individual to the state and strict control of all aspects of the life and productive capacity of the nation especially by coercive measures (as censorship and terrorism)
2 a : advocating or characteristic of totalitarianism b : completely regulated by the state especially as an aid to national mobilization in an emergency c : exercising autocratic powers : tending toward monopoly

totalitarian
n. : an advocate or practitioner of totalitarianism

totalitarianism
n. 1 : centralized control by an autocratic authority
2 : the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority

totality
n. 1 : an aggregate amount : SUM, WHOLE
2 a : the quality or state of being total : WHOLENESS b : the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : state of total eclipse

totalizator
n. : PARI-MUTUEL 2

totalize
v. 1 : to add up : TOTAL
2 : to express as a whole

totalizer
n. : one that totalizes: as a : PARI-MUTUEL 2 b : a device (as a meter) that records a remaining total (as of fuel)

totally
adv. : in a total manner : to a total or complete degree : WHOLLY, ENTIRELY

tote
n. 1 : to carry by hand : bear on the person : LUG, PACK
2 : HAUL, CONVEY
–tot·er \'tō-tər\ noun

tote
n. 1 : BURDEN, LOAD
2 : TOTE BAG

tote
n. : ADD, TOTAL ― usually used with up <toted up his accomplishments ― G. P. Morrill>

tote
n. : PARI-MUTUEL 2

tote bag
: a large 2-handled open-topped bag (as of canvas)

tote board
: an electrically operated board (as at a racetrack) on which pertinent information (as betting odds and race results) is posted

totem
n. 1 a : an object (as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry also : a usually carved or painted representation of such an object b : a family or clan identified by a common totemic object
2 : one that serves as an emblem or revered symbol

totem pole
1 : a pole or pillar carved and painted with a series of totemic symbols representing family lineage and often mythical or historical incidents and erected by Indian tribes of the northwest coast of No. America
2 : an order of rank : HIERARCHY

totemic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, suggestive of, or characteristic of a totem or totemism <a totemic animal>
2 : based on or practicing totemism <totemic clan structure>

totemism
n. 1 : belief in kinship with or a mystical relationship between a group or an individual and a totem
2 : a system of social organization based on totemic affiliations

totemistic
: TOTEMIC

tother
adj. chiefly dialect : the other

totidem verbis
: in so many words

totipotent
adj. : capable of developing into a complete organism or differentiating into any of its cells or tissues <totipotent stem cells>
–to·ti·po·ten·cy \tō-'ti-pə-tən(t)-sē, ˌtō-tə-'pō-tən-\ noun

totis viribus
: with all one's might

toto
n. in toto
pars pro toto
toto caelo
toto coelo

toto caelo
: by the whole extent of the heavens : diametrically

Tottenham
n. former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Haringey

totter
v. 1 a : to tremble or rock as if about to fall : SWAY b : to become unstable : threaten to collapse
2 : to move unsteadily : STAGGER, WOBBLE

totter
v. : an unsteady gait : WOBBLE

tottering
adj. 1 a : being in an unstable condition <a tottering building> b : walking unsteadily
2 : lacking firmness or stability : INSECURE <a tottering regime>
–tot·ter·ing·ly adverb

tottery
adj. : of an infirm or precarious nature

Touareg
variant of tuareg

Toubkal, Jebel
mountain 13,665 ft (4165 m) W cen Morocco; highest in Atlas Mountains

toucan
n. : any of a family (Ramphastidae) of chiefly fruit-eating birds of tropical America with brilliant coloring and a very large but light and thin-walled bill

touch
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring a bodily part into contact with especially so as to perceive through the tactile sense : handle or feel gently usually with the intent to understand or appreciate <loved to touch the soft silk>
2 : to strike or push lightly especially with the hand or foot or an implement
3 : to lay hands upon (one afflicted with scrofula) with intent to heal
4 archaic a : to play on (a stringed instrument) b : to perform (a melody) by playing or singing
5 a : to take into the hands or mouth <never touches alcohol> b : to put hands upon in any way or degree <don't touch anything before the police come> especially : to commit violence upon <swears he never touched the child>
6 : to deal with : become involved with <a sticky situation and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole>
7 : to induce to give or lend <touched him for ten dollars>
8 : to cause to be briefly in contact or conjunction with something <touched her spurs to the horse> <touched his hand to his hat>
9 a (1) : to meet without overlapping or penetrating : ADJOIN (2) : to get to : REACH <the speedometer needle touched 80> b : to be tangent to c : to rival in quality or value <nothing can touch that cloth for durability>
10 : to speak or tell of especially in passing <barely touched the incident in the speech>
11 a : to relate to : CONCERN b : to have an influence on : AFFECT
12 a : to leave a mark or impression on <few reagents will touch gold> also : TINGE b : to harm slightly by or as if by contact : TAINT, BLEMISH <fruit touched by frost> c : to give a delicate tint, line, or expression to <a smile touched her lips> d : to get a hit off or score a run against <touched him for three runs>
13 : to draw or delineate with light strokes
14 a : to hurt the feelings of : WOUND b : to move to sympathetic feeling
intransitive verb
1 a : to feel something with a body part (as the hand or foot) b : to lay hand or finger on a person to cure disease (as scrofula)
2 : to be in contact
3 : to come close : VERGE <your actions touch on treason>
4 : to have a bearing : RELATE ― used with on or upon
5 a : to make a brief or incidental stop on shore during a trip by water <touched at several ports> b : to treat a topic in a brief or casual manner ― used with on or upon <touched upon many points>
synonyms see AFFECT
–touch·able \'tə-chə-bəl\ adjective
–touch·er noun
–touch base : to come in contact or communication <coming in from the cold to touch base with civilization ― Carla Hunt>

touch
n. 1 a : a light stroke, tap, or push b : a hit against an opponent in fencing
2 : the act or fact of touching also : the act or an instance of handling or controlling a ball (as in basketball or soccer)
3 : the special sense by which pressure or traction exerted on the skin or mucous membrane is perceived
4 : mental or moral sensitiveness, responsiveness, or tact <has a wonderful touch with children>
5 : a specified sensation that arises in response to stimulation of the tactile receptors : FEEL <the velvety touch of velour>
6 a archaic : the act of rubbing gold or silver on a touchstone to test its quality b : TEST, TRIAL ― used chiefly in the phrase put to the touch
7 a : a visible effect : MARK <a touch of the tropical sun> b : WEAKNESS, DEFECT
8 : something slight of its kind: as a : a light attack <a touch of fever> b : a small quantity or indication : HINT <a touch of spring in the air> c : a transient emotion <a momentary touch of compunction> d : a near approach : CLOSE CALL <beaten in the championships by a mere touch>
9 a archaic : the playing of an instrument (as a lute or piano) with the fingers also : musical notes or strains so produced b : particular action of a keyboard with reference to the resistance of its keys to pressure <piano with a stiff touch>
10 : control of the hands: as a : a manner or method of touching or striking especially the keys of a keyboard instrument b : ability to precisely control the path and speed of a shot or pass <a great shooting touch>
11 : a set of changes in change ringing that is less than a peal
12 a : an effective and subtle detail <applies the finishing touches to the story> b : distinctive and often effective manner or method <the touch of a master> c : a characteristic or distinguishing trait or quality
13 slang : an act of soliciting or getting a gift or loan
14 : the state or fact of being in contact or communication or of having awareness <lost touch with her cousin> <let's keep in touch> <out of touch with modern times>
15 : the area outside of the touchlines in soccer or outside of and including the touchlines in rugby <the ball went into touch>
–a touch : SOMEWHAT, RATHER <aimed a touch too low and missed>

touch
n. common touch
Midas touch
soft touch
therapeutic touch
touch base
a touch
touch and go
touch down
touch football
touch me not
touch off
touch pad
touch screen
touch system
touch tone
touch type
touch typist
touch up

touch and go
: unpredictable as to outcome : UNCERTAIN <it was touch and go there for a while>

touch base
to come in contact or communication <coming in from the cold to touch base with civilization ― Carla Hunt>

touch down
: to place (the ball in rugby) by hand on the ground on or over an opponent's goal line in scoring a try or behind one's own goal line as a defensive measure
intransitive verb : to reach the ground : LAND

touch football
: football played informally and chiefly characterized by the substitution of touching for tackling

touch off
1 : to describe or characterize with precision
2 a : to cause to explode by or as if by touching with fire b : to provoke or initiate with sudden intensity <the verdict touched off local riots>

touch pad
: a keypad for an electronic device (as a microwave oven) that consists of a flat surface divided into several differently marked areas which are touched to choose options

touch screen
: a display screen on which the user selects options (as from a menu) by touching the screen

touch system
: a method of typing that assigns a particular finger to each key and makes it possible to type without looking at the keyboard

touch up
1 : to improve or perfect by small additional strokes or alterations : fix the minor and usually visible defects or damages of
2 : to stimulate by or as if by a flick of a whip

touch-and-go
: an airplane landing followed immediately by application of power and a takeoff and usually executed as one of a series for practice at landings

touch-me-not
: either of two No. American impatiens growing in moist areas: as a : one (Impatiens capensis) typically having orange flowers spotted with reddish brown b : one (I. pallida) having typically yellow flowers sometimes spotted with reddish brown

touch-tone
: of, relating to, or being a telephone having push buttons that produce tones corresponding to numbers

touch-type
: to type by the touch system
–touch typist noun

touch-up
: an act or instance of touching up

touchback
n. : a situation in football in which the ball is down behind the goal line after a kick or intercepted forward pass after which it is put in play by the team defending the goal on its own 20-yard line ― compare SAFETY

touchdown
n. 1 : the act of touching a football to the ground behind an opponent's goal specifically : the act of scoring six points in American football by being lawfully in possession of the ball on, above, or behind an opponent's goal line when the ball is declared dead
2 : the act or moment of touching down (as with an airplane or spacecraft)

touche
interj. ― used to acknowledge a hit in fencing or the success or appropriateness of an argument, an accusation, or a witty point

touched
adj. 1 : emotionally stirred (as with gratitude)
2 : slightly unbalanced mentally

touchhole
n. : the vent in muzzle-loading guns through which the charge is ignited

touching
adj. : in reference to : CONCERNING

touching
adj. : capable of arousing emotions of tenderness or compassion
synonyms see MOVING
–touch·ing·ly adverb

touchline
n. : either of the lines that bound the long sides of the field of play in rugby and soccer

touchmark
: an identifying maker's mark impressed on pewter

touchstone
n. 1 : a black siliceous stone related to flint and formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak left on the stone when rubbed by the metal
2 : a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of a thing
3 : a fundamental or quintessential part or feature : BASIS <a touchstone film of that decade> <now considered a touchstone of the city's life ― Michael Specter>
synonyms see STANDARD

touchwood
n. : 3PUNK

touchy
adj. 1 : marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation <he's a little touchy about his past>
2 a of a body part : acutely sensitive or irritable b of a chemical : highly explosive or inflammable
3 : calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment <a touchy subject>
–touch·i·ly \'tə-chə-lē\ adverb
–touch·i·ness \'tə-chē-nəs\ noun

touchy-feely
: characterized by or encouraging interpersonal touching especially in the free expression of emotions <touchy-feely therapy> also : openly or excessively emotional and personal <gets all touchy-feely with his adoring fans>

Touggourt
town & oasis NE Algeria S of Biskra pop 70,645

tough
n. 1 a : strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle b : not easily chewed <tough meat>
2 : GLUTINOUS, STICKY
3 : characterized by severity or uncompromising determination <tough laws> <tough discipline>
4 : capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor <tough soldiers>
5 : very hard to influence : STUBBORN <a tough negotiator>
6 : difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with <a tough question> <tough luck>
7 : stubbornly fought <a tough contest>
8 : UNRULY, ROWDYISH <a tough gang>
9 : marked by absence of softness or sentimentality <a tough critic>
synonyms see STRONG
–tough·ly adverb
–tough·ness noun

tough
n. : in a tough manner <talking tough>

tough
n. : a tough person : ROWDY

tough
n. : to bear unflinchingly : ENDURE ― usually used with out especially in the phrase tough it out

tough
n. hang tough
tough love
tough minded
tough mindedness

tough love
: love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior

tough-minded
: realistic or unsentimental in temper or outlook <tough-minded survivors>
–tough-mind·ed·ness noun

toughen
v. transitive verb : to make tough
intransitive verb : to become tough

toughie
n. : one that is tough: as a : a loud rough rowdy person b : a difficult problem or question

toujours perdrix
: always partridge : too much of a good thing

Toulon
commune & port SE France on the Mediterranean pop 160,712

Toulouse
n. city SW France on the Garonne pop 390,301

Toulouse-Lautrec (-Monfa)
Henri (-Marie-Raymond) de 1864-1901 Fr. painter

toupee
n. 1 : a curl or lock of hair made into a topknot on a periwig or natural coiffure also : a periwig with such a topknot
2 : a wig or section of hair worn to cover a bald spot

tour
n. 1 a : one's turn in an orderly schedule : SHIFT b : a period during which an individual or unit is on a specific duty or at one place <a tour of duty>
2 a : a journey for business, pleasure, or education often involving a series of stops and ending at the starting point also : something resembling such a tour <a tour of the history of philosophy> b : a brief turn : ROUND c : a series of professional tournaments (as in golf or tennis)

tour
n. : to make a tour
transitive verb
1 : to make a tour of
2 : to present (as a theatrical production) on a tour

tour
n. Cook's tour
grand tour
tour de force
tour d'horizon
La Tour
tours de force
Gregory of Tours
grand touring car
ski touring
touring car

tour d'horizon
: circuit of the horizon : general survey

tour de force
: a feat or display of strength, skill, or ingenuity <the movie is a comic tour de force>

touraco
n. variant of turaco

Touraine
region & former province NW cen France capital Tours

Tourane
― see DA NANG

tourbillion
1 : WHIRLWIND 1
2 : a vortex especially of a whirlwind or whirlpool

Tourcoing
city N France NE of Lille pop 93,531

tourer
n. 1 : TOURING CAR
2 : one that tours

Tourette's syndrome
: a familial neurological disorder of variable expression that is characterized by recurrent involuntary tics involving body movements (as eye blinks or grimaces) and vocalizations (as grunts or utterance of inappropriate words), often has one or more associated conditions (as obsessive-compulsive disorder), is more common in males than females, and usually has an onset in childhood and often stabilizes or ameliorates in adulthood ― called also Tou·rette syndrome \-'ret-\

Touretter
: a person affected with Tourette's syndrome

touring
n. 1 : participation in a tour
2 : cross-country skiing for pleasure

touring
n. grand touring car
ski touring
touring car

touring car
: an automobile suitable for distance driving: as a : a vintage automobile with two cross seats, usually four doors, and a folding top : PHAETON 2 b : a modern usually 2-door sedan as distinguished from a sports car

tourism
n. 1 : the practice of traveling for recreation
2 : the guidance or management of tourists
3 a : the promotion or encouragement of touring b : the accommodation of tourists

tourist
n. 1 : one that makes a tour for pleasure or culture
2 : TOURIST CLASS
–tourist adjective or adverb

tourist
n. tourist card
tourist class
tourist court
tourist trap

tourist card
: a citizenship identity card issued to a tourist usually for a stated period of time in lieu of a passport or a visa

tourist class
: economy accommodations (as on a ship)

tourist court
: MOTEL

tourist trap
: a place that attracts and exploits tourists

touristed
: frequented by tourists <heavily touristed seaside towns>

touristic
adj. : of or relating to a tour, tourism, or tourists <the touristic tradition of visiting Roman ruins by night ― Naomi Rosenblum>
–tour·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

touristy
adj. 1 : characteristic of or relating to tourists <touristy behavior>
2 : patronized by or appealing to tourists <touristy restaurants>

tourmaline
n. : a mineral of variable color that consists of a complex borosilicate and is valued as a gem when transparent and cut

Tournai
commune SW Belgium on the Schelde pop 67,232

tournament
n. 1 a : a knightly sport of the Middle Ages between mounted combatants armed with blunted lances or swords and divided into two parties contesting for a prize or favor bestowed by the lady of the tournament b : the whole series of knightly sports, jousts, and tilts occurring at one time and place
2 : a series of games or contests that make up a single unit of competition (as on a professional golf tour), the championship play-offs of a league or conference, or an invitational event

tournedos
n. : a small fillet of beef usually cut from the tip of the tenderloin

Tourneur
Cyril ca 1575-1626 Eng. dram.

tourney
n. : to perform in a tournament

tourney
n. : TOURNAMENT

tourniquet
n. : a device (as a band of rubber) that checks bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Tours
n. city NW cen France pop 132,677

tous frais faits
: all expenses defrayed

touse
: RUMPLE, TOUSLE

touse
: a noisy disturbance

tousle
v. : DISHEVEL, RUMPLE <tousled hair>

tousle
v. 1 Scottish : rough dalliance : TUSSLE
2 : a tangled mass (as of hair)

Toussaint-Louverture
ca 1743-1803 orig. François-Dominique Toussaint Haitian gen. & liberator

tout
n. transitive verb
1 : to spy on : WATCH
2 a British : to spy out information about (as a racing stable or horse) b : to give a tip or solicit bets on (a racehorse)
3 : to solicit, peddle, or persuade importunately <not meant to tout you off the movie ― Russell Baker>
4 : to make much of : PROMOTE, TALK UP <touted as the summer's blockbuster movie> <the college's much touted women's studies program>
intransitive verb
1 : to solicit patronage
2 a chiefly British : to spy on racehorses in training to gain information for betting b : to give a tip or solicit bets on a racehorse

tout
n. : one who touts: as a : one who solicits patronage b chiefly British : one who spies out racing information for betting purposes c : one who gives tips or solicits bets on a racehorse

tout
n. capable de tout
nous avons change tout cela
nous avons changé tout cela
tout a fait
tout à fait
tout au contraire
tout a vous
tout à vous
tout bien ou rien
tout comprendre c'est tout pardonner
tout court
tout de meme
tout de même
tout de suite
tout ensemble
tout le monde
voila tout
voilà tout
tout est perdu fors l'honneur
tout est perdu hors l'honneur

tout a fait
: altogether : quite

tout a vous
: wholly yours : at your service

tout au contraire
: quite the contrary

tout bien ou rien
: everything well (done) or nothing (attempted)

tout comprendre c'est tout pardonner
: to understand all is to forgive all

tout court
: quite short : and nothing else : simply : just also : brusquely

tout de meme
: all the same : nevertheless

tout de suite
: immediately also : all at once : consecutively

tout ensemble
: all together : general effect

tout est perdu fors l'honneur
: all is lost save honor

tout le monde
: all the world : everybody

touter
n. : one that touts

tovarich
: COMRADE

tow
n. transitive verb : to draw or pull along behind : HAUL <tow a wagon>
intransitive verb : to move in tow <trailers that tow behind the family auto ― Bob Munger>

tow
n. 1 : a rope or chain for towing
2 a : the act or an instance of towing b : the fact or state of being towed
3 a : something towed (as a boat or car) b : a group of barges lashed together and usually pushed
4 a : something (as a tugboat) that tows b : SKI TOW
–in tow
1 : under guidance or protection <taken in tow by a friendly native>
2 : accompanying or following usually as an attending or dependent party <not easy shopping with kids in tow>

tow
n. 1 : short or broken fiber (as of flax, hemp, or synthetic material) that is used especially for yarn, twine, or stuffing
2 a : yarn or cloth made of tow b : a loose essentially untwisted strand of synthetic fibers

tow
n. chiefly Scottish & dialect English : ROPE

tow
n. rope tow
ski tow
in tow
tow sack
tow truck
towing path

tow sack
Midland & Southern : GUNNYSACK

tow truck
: a truck with winches and hoist mechanisms for freeing stuck vehicles and towing wrecked or disabled vehicles

towage
n. 1 : the act of towing
2 : a charge for towing

toward
prep. 1 also to·wards \'tō-ərdz, 'tȯ(-ə)rdz\ [Middle English towardes, from Old English tōweardes, preposition, toward, from tōweard, adjective] a : coming soon : IMMINENT b : happening at the moment : AFOOT
2 a obsolete : quick to learn : APT b : PROPITIOUS, FAVORING <a toward breeze>

toward
prep. 1 : in the direction of <driving toward town>
2 a : along a course leading to <a long stride toward disarmament> b : in relation to <an attitude toward life>
3 a : at a point in the direction of : NEAR <a cottage somewhere up toward the lake> b : in such a position as to be in the direction of <your back was toward me>
4 : not long before <toward the end of the afternoon>
5 a : in the way of help or assistance in <did all he could toward raising campaign funds> b : for the partial payment of <proceeds go toward the establishment of a scholarship>

towardliness
archaic : the quality or state of being toward or towardly

towardly
archaic
1 : PLEASANT, AFFABLE
2 : FAVORABLE, PROPITIOUS
3 : developing favorably : PROMISING
–towardly adverb

towboat
n. 1 : TUGBOAT
2 : a compact shallow-draft boat with a squared bow designed and fitted for pushing tows of barges on inland waterways

towel
n. : an absorbent cloth or paper for wiping or drying

towel
n. transitive verb : to rub or dry (as the body) with a towel
intransitive verb : to use a towel to dry oneself <toweled down after swimming>

towel
n. beach towel
roller towel
tea towel
throw in the towel
Turkish towel

towelette
n. : a small usually premoistened piece of material used for personal cleansing (as of the hands)

toweling
n. : a cotton or linen fabric often used for making towels

tower
n. 1 : a building or structure typically higher than its diameter and high relative to its surroundings that may stand apart (as a campanile) or be attached (as a church belfry) to a larger structure and that may be fully walled in or of skeleton framework (as an observation or transmission tower)
2 : a towering citadel : FORTRESS
3 : one that provides support or protection : BULWARK <a tower of strength>
4 : a personal computer case that stands in an upright position
–tow·ered \'tau̇(-ə)rd\ adjective
–tow·er·like \'tau̇(-ə)r-ˌlīk\ adjective

tower
n. 1 : to reach or rise to a great height
2 : to exhibit superior qualities : SURPASS <her intellect towered over the others'>

tower
n. peel tower
bell tower
conning tower
cooling tower
fire tower
ivory tower
martello tower
tower block
tower house
Tower of Babel
water tower
Devils Tower
Tower Hamlets
ivory towered

tower block
chiefly British : a tall building (as a high-rise apartment building)

Tower Hamlets
borough of E Greater London, England pop 153,500

tower house
: a medieval fortified castle (as in Scotland)

Tower of Babel

1718
: BABEL 2

towering
adj. 1 : impressively high or great : IMPOSING <towering pines>
2 : reaching a high point of intensity : OVERWHELMING <a towering rage>
3 : going beyond proper bounds : EXCESSIVE <towering ambitions>
–tow·er·ing·ly adverb

towhead
n. 1 : a low alluvial island or shoal in a river : SANDBAR
2 : a head of hair resembling tow especially in being flaxen or tousled also : a person having such a head of hair
–tow·head·ed \-ˌhe-dəd\ adjective

towhee
n. 1 : a common finch (Pipilo erythrophthalmus of the family Emberizidae) of eastern No. America with the male having reddish sides, white underparts, and black upperparts, head, and neck ― called also chewink
2 : any of the No. American finches belonging to the same genus (Pipilo) as the towhee

towline
n. : TOWROPE

towmond
Scottish : YEAR, TWELVEMONTH

town
n. 1 dialect English : a cluster or aggregation of houses recognized as a distinct place with a place-name : HAMLET
2 a : a compactly settled area as distinguished from surrounding rural territory b : a compactly settled area usually larger than a village but smaller than a city c : a large densely populated urban area : CITY d : an English village having a periodic fair or market
3 : a particular town or city under consideration <the circus came to town>
4 : the city or urban life as contrasted with the country
5 a : the inhabitants of a city or town <practically the whole town turned out for the parade> b : the townspeople of a college or university town as distinct from the academic community <relations between town and gown>
6 : a New England territorial and political unit usually containing under a single town government both rural areas and urban areas not having their own charter of incorporation also : a New England community governed by a town meeting
7 : a group of prairie dog burrows
–town adjective
–on the town : in usually carefree pursuit of entertainment or amusement (as city nightlife) especially as a relief from routine

town
n. company town
county town
cow town
ghost town
go to town
man about town
men about town
new town
shire town
tank town
on the town
town car
town clerk
town crier
town hall
town house
town manager
town meeting
Cape Town
George Town
Mililani Town
Spanish Town

town car
: a 4-door automobile with a usually open driver's compartment and a separate enclosed passenger compartment

town clerk
: a public officer charged with recording the official proceedings and vital statistics of a town

town crier
: a town officer who makes public proclamations

town hall
: a public building used for town-government offices and meetings

town house
1 : a house in town specifically : the city residence of one having a countryseat or having a chief residence elsewhere <stayed at their town house during the social season>
2 : a usually single-family house of two or sometimes three stories that is usually connected to a similar house by a common sidewall also : ROW HOUSE

town manager
: an official appointed to direct the administration of a town government

town meeting
: a meeting of inhabitants or taxpayers constituting the legislative authority of a town

townee
n. chiefly British : TOWNIE

townhome
: TOWN HOUSE 2

townie
n. : TOWNSMAN especially : a permanent inhabitant of a town as distinguished from a member of another group (as the academic community)

townlet
: a very small town

townscape
n. 1 : a representation of an urban scene
2 : a town or city viewed as a scene

townsfolk
n. : TOWNSPEOPLE

township
n. 1 : an ancient unit of administration in England identical in area with or a division of a parish
2 a : TOWN 6 b : a unit of local government in some northeastern and north central states usually having a chief administrative officer or board c : an unorganized subdivision of the county in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont d : an electoral and administrative district of the county in the southern U.S.
3 : a division of territory in surveys of U.S. public land containing 36 sections or 36 square miles
4 : an area in the Republic of South Africa segregated for occupation by persons of non-European descent

townsman
n. 1 a : a native or resident of a town or city b : an urban or urbane person
2 : a fellow citizen of a town

townspeople
n. 1 : the inhabitants of a town or city : TOWNSMEN
2 : town-dwelling or town-bred persons

Townsville
city & port NE Australia in NE Queensland pop 101,398

townswoman
n. 1 : a woman who is a native or resident of a town or city
2 : a woman born or residing in the same town or city as another

towpath
n. : a path (as along a canal) traveled especially by draft animals towing boats ― called also towing path

towplane
n. : an airplane that tows gliders

towrope
n. : a line used in towing something (as a boat)

tox
: poisonous : poison <toxemia>

toxaemia
n. chiefly British variant of toxemia

toxaphene
n. : a persistent chlorinated insecticide mixture with the approximate empirical formula C_10H_10Cl_8 that is now banned in the U.S.

toxemia
n. 1 : an abnormal condition associated with the presence of toxic substances in the blood
2 : PREECLAMPSIA
–tox·e·mic \-mik\ adjective

toxic
n. 1 : containing or being poisonous material especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation <toxic waste> <a toxic radioactive gas> <an insecticide highly toxic to birds>
2 : exhibiting symptoms of infection or toxicosis <the patient became toxic two days later>
3 : extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful <toxic sarcasm>
–tox·ic·i·ty \täk-'si-sə-tē\ noun

toxic
n. : a toxic substance ― usually used in plural

toxic
n. : poison <toxicology>

toxic shock syndrome
: an acute disease that is characterized by fever, diarrhea, nausea, diffuse erythema, and shock, that is associated especially with the presence of a bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), and that occurs especially in menstruating females using tampons ― called also toxic shock

toxicant
n. : a toxic agent especially : PESTICIDE

toxicological
adj. : of or relating to toxicology or toxins
–tox·i·co·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

toxicology
n. : a science that deals with poisons and their effect and with the problems involved (as clinical, industrial, or legal)
–tox·i·col·o·gist \-jist\ noun

toxicosis
n. : a pathological condition caused by the action of a poison or toxin

toxigenic
adj. : producing toxin <toxigenic bacteria and fungi>
–toxi·ge·nic·i·ty \ˌtäk-si-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

toxin
n. : a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation

toxoid
n. : a toxin of a pathogenic organism treated so as to destroy its toxicity but leave it capable of inducing the formation of antibodies on injection

toxophilite
n. : a person fond of or expert at archery
–toxophilite adjective
–tox·oph·i·ly \-lē\ noun

toxoplasma
n. : any of a genus (Toxoplasma) of sporozoans that are typically serious pathogens of vertebrates
–toxo·plas·mic \-mik\ adjective

toxoplasmosis
n. : infection of humans, other mammals, or birds with disease caused by a toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gondii) that invades the tissues and may seriously damage the central nervous system especially of infants

toy
n. 1 obsolete a : flirtatious or seductive behavior b : PASTIME also : a sportive or amusing act : ANTIC
2 a : something (as a preoccupation) that is paltry or trifling b : a literary or musical trifle or diversion c : TRINKET, BAUBLE
3 : something for a child to play with
4 : something diminutive especially : a diminutive animal (as of a small breed or variety)
5 : something that can be toyed with
6 Scottish : a headdress of linen or woolen hanging down over the shoulders and formerly worn by old women of the lower classes
–toy·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

toy
n. 1 : to act or deal with something lightly or without vigor or purpose <toyed with the idea>
2 : to engage in flirtation
3 : to amuse oneself as if with a toy : PLAY <they're just toying with him>
synonyms see TRIFLE
–toy·er \'tȯi-ər\ noun

toy
n. 1 : of diminutive size compared to a standard form or breed <a toy dog>
2 : designed or made for use as a toy <a toy stove>

toy
n. boy toy
English toy spaniel
toy Manchester terrier
toy Manchester
toy poodle

toy Manchester terrier
: any of a breed of toy dogs developed from the Manchester terrier that have erect ears of moderate size and weigh not more than 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms) ― called also toy Manchester

toy poodle
: a poodle developed from the standard poodle that is not more than 10 inches (25 centimeters) high at the withers and that is often considered to constitute a separate breed

Toyama
city Japan in cen Honshu near Toyama Bay (inlet of Sea of Japan) pop 325,700

Toynbee
Arnold Joseph 1889-1975 Eng. hist.

Toyohashi
city Japan in S Honshu SE of Nagoya pop 364,856

toyon
n. : a chiefly Californian ornamental evergreen shrub (Heteromeles arbutifolia) of the rose family having white flowers succeeded by persistent usually bright red berries

Toyonaka
city Japan in S Honshu pop 391,726

Toyota
n. city Japan in S Honshu pop 351,101

TP
triple play

tp
1 title page
2 township

TPA
tissue plasminogen activator

tpk
turnpike

TPN
: NADP

tr
1 translated; translation; translator
2 transpose

trabeated
: designed or constructed with horizontal beams or lintels
–tra·be·a·tion \ˌtrā-bē-'ā-shən\ noun

trabecula
n. 1 : a small bar, rod, bundle of fibers, or septal membrane in the framework of a body organ or part
2 : a fold, ridge, or bar projecting into or extending from a plant part especially : a row of cells bridging an intercellular space
–tra·bec·u·lar \-lər\ adjective
–tra·bec·u·late \-lət\ adjective

Trabzon
city & port NE Turkey on Black Sea pop 143,941

trace
n. 1 archaic : a course or path that one follows
2 a : a mark or line left by something that has passed also : FOOTPRINT b : a path, trail, or road made by the passage of animals, people, or vehicles
3 a : a sign or evidence of some past thing : VESTIGE b : ENGRAM
4 : something (as a line) traced or drawn: as a : the marking made by a recording instrument (as a seismograph or kymograph) b : the ground plan of a military installation or position either on a map or on the ground
5 a : the intersection of a line or plane with a plane b : the usually bright line or spot that moves across the screen of a cathode-ray tube also : the path taken by such a line or spot
6 a : a minute and often barely detectable amount or indication <a trace of a smile> b : an amount of a chemical constituent not always quantitatively determinable because of minuteness
–trace·less \-ləs\ adjective
synonyms TRACE, VESTIGE, TRACK mean a perceptible sign made by something that has passed. TRACE may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect <a snowfield pockmarked with the traces of caribou>. VESTIGE applies to a tangible reminder such as a fragment or remnant of what is past and gone <boulders that are vestiges of the last ice age>. TRACK implies a continuous line that can be followed <the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs>.

trace
n. transitive verb
1 a : DELINEATE, SKETCH b : to form (as letters or figures) carefully or painstakingly c : to copy (as a drawing) by following the lines or letters as seen through a transparent superimposed sheet d : to impress or imprint (as a design or pattern) with a tracer e : to record a tracing of in the form of a curved, wavy, or broken line <trace the heart action> f : to adorn with linear ornamentation (as tracery or chasing)
2 archaic : to travel over : TRAVERSE
3 a : to follow the footprints, track, or trail of b : to follow or study out in detail or step by step <trace the history of the labor movement> c : to discover by going backward over the evidence step by step <trace your ancestry> d : to discover signs, evidence, or remains of
4 : to lay out the trace of (a military installation)
intransitive verb
1 : to make one's way especially : to follow a track or trail
2 : to be traceable historically
–trace·abil·i·ty \ˌtrā-sə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–trace·able \'trā-sə-bəl\ adjective

trace
n. 1 : either of two straps, chains, or lines of a harness for attaching a draft animal to something (as a vehicle) to be drawn
2 : LEADER 1E(2)
3 : one or more vascular bundles supplying a leaf or twig

trace
n. leaf trace
memory trace
trace element
trace fossil
Natchez Trace
kick over the traces
tracing paper
tracing wheel

trace element
: a chemical element present in minute quantities especially : one used by organisms and held essential to their physiology

trace fossil
: a fossil (as of a dinosaur footprint) that shows the activity of an animal or plant but is not formed from the organism itself

tracer
n. 1 : one that traces, tracks down, or searches out: as a : a person who traces missing persons or property and especially goods lost in transit b : an inquiry sent out in tracing a shipment lost in transit
2 : one who traces designs, patterns, or markings
3 : a device (as a stylus) used in tracing
4 a : ammunition containing a chemical composition to mark the flight of projectiles by a trail of smoke or light b : a substance used to trace the course of a chemical or biological process especially : LABEL 3D

tracery
n. 1 : architectural ornamental work with branching lines especially : decorative openwork in the head of a Gothic window
2 : a decorative interlacing of lines suggestive of Gothic tracery
–trac·er·ied \-rēd\ adjective

trache
1 : trachea <tracheitis> <tracheotomy>
2 : tracheal and <tracheobronchial>

trachea
n. 1 : the main trunk of the system of tubes by which air passes to and from the lungs in vertebrates
2 [New Latin, from Medieval Latin] : VESSEL 3B also : one of its constituent cellular elements
3 [New Latin] : one of the air-conveying tubules forming the respiratory system of most insects and many other arthropods
–tra·che·al \-kē-əl\ adjective

tracheary
: of, relating to, or being plant tracheae <tracheary elements>

tracheate
: having tracheae as breathing organs

tracheid
: a long tubular pitted cell that is peculiar to xylem, functions in conduction and support, and has tapering closed ends and thickened lignified walls

tracheitis
n. : inflammation of the trachea

tracheobronchial
adj. : of or relating to both trachea and bronchi <tracheobronchial lesions>

tracheole
: one of the minute delicate endings of a branched trachea of an insect
–tra·che·o·lar \trā-'kē-ə-lər\ adjective

tracheophyte
: any of a division (Tracheophyta) comprising green plants (as ferns and seed plants) with a vascular system that contains tracheids or tracheary elements

tracheostomy
n. : the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

tracheotomy
n. : the surgical operation of cutting into the trachea especially through the skin

trachoma
n. : a chronic contagious bacterial conjunctivitis marked by inflammatory granulations on the conjunctival surfaces, caused by a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), and commonly resulting in blindness if left untreated

trachyte
n. : a usually light-colored volcanic rock consisting chiefly of potash feldspar

trachytic
: of or relating to a texture of igneous rocks in which lath-shaped feldspar crystals are in almost parallel lines

tracing
n. 1 : something that is traced: as a : a copy made on a superimposed transparent sheet b : a graphic record made by an instrument (as a seismograph) that registers some movement
2 : the act of one that traces

tracing paper
: a semitransparent paper for tracing drawings also : a thin paper containing a clothing pattern to be transferred to fabric (as through carbon paper) by tracing

tracing wheel
: a usually toothed wheel with a handle that is used on tracing paper to trace a pattern

track
n. 1 a : detectable evidence (as the wake of a ship, a line of footprints, or a wheel rut) that something has passed b : a path made by or as if by repeated footfalls : TRAIL c : a course laid out especially for racing d : the parallel rails of a railroad e (1) : one of a series of parallel or concentric paths along which material (as music or information) is recorded (as on a phonograph record or magnetic tape) (2) : a group of grooves on a phonograph record containing recorded sound (3) : material recorded especially on or as if on a track <a laugh track> <instrumental tracks> <a bonus commentary track on a DVD> f : a usually metal way (as a groove) serving as a guide (as for a movable lighting fixture)
2 : a footprint whether recent or fossil <the huge track of a dinosaur>
3 a : the course along which something moves or progresses b : a way of life, conduct, or action c : one of several curricula of study to which students are assigned according to their needs or levels of ability d : the projection on the earth's surface of the path along which something (as a missile or an airplane) has flown
4 a : a sequence of events : a train of ideas : SUCCESSION b : an awareness of a fact, progression, or condition <keep track of the costs> <lose track of the time>
5 a : the width of a wheeled vehicle from wheel to wheel and usually from the outside of the rims b : the tread of an automobile tire c : either of two endless belts on which a tracklaying vehicle travels
6 : track-and-field sports especially : those performed on a running track
synonyms see TRACE
–track·less \'trak-ləs\ adjective
–in one's tracks : where one stands or is at the moment : on the spot <was stopped in his tracks>
–on track : achieving or doing what is necessary or expected

track
n. 1 a : to follow the tracks or traces of : TRAIL b : to search for by following evidence until found <track down the source>
2 a : to follow by vestiges : TRACE b : to observe or plot the moving path of (as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally
3 : to travel over : TRAVERSE <track a desert>
4 a : to make tracks upon b : to carry (as mud) on the feet and deposit
5 : to keep track of (as a trend) : FOLLOW
intransitive verb
1 : TRAVEL <a comet tracking eastward>
2 a of a phonograph needle : to follow the groove undulations of a recording b of a pair of wheels (1) : to maintain a constant distance apart on the straightaway (2) : to fit a track or rails c of a rear wheel of a vehicle : to follow accurately the corresponding fore wheel on a straightaway
3 : to leave tracks (as on a floor)
–track·er noun

track
n. fast track
half track
hen track
inside track
laugh track
mommy track
one track
single track
sound track
tenure track
on track
track and field
track lighting
track record
warning track
cover one's tracks
make tracks
in one's tracks
wrong side of the tracks
half tracked
tracking shot
tracking stock
trackless trolley
fast tracker

track lighting
: adjustable lamps mounted along an electrified metal track

track record
: a record of past performance often taken as an indicator of likely future performance

track-and-field
: of, relating to, or being any of various competitive athletic events (as running, jumping, and weight throwing) performed on a running track and on the adjacent field

trackage
n. 1 : lines of railway track
2 a : a right to use the tracks of another railroad line b : the charge for such right

trackball
n. : a ball that is mounted usually in a computer console so as to be only partially exposed and that is rotated to control the movement of a cursor on a display

tracked
1 : traveling on endless metal belts instead of wheels
2 : moving along a rail <a tracked air-cushion vehicle>

tracking
n. : the assigning of students to a curricular track

tracking shot
: a scene photographed from a moving dolly

tracking stock
: a stock the value of which is linked to the performance of a company division but which does not confer ownership in the company or the division

tracklayer
n. 1 : a worker engaged in tracklaying
2 : a tracklaying vehicle

tracklaying
: the laying of tracks on a railway line

tracklaying
: of, relating to, or being a vehicle that travels on two or more endless usually metal belts

trackless trolley
: TROLLEYBUS

trackman
n. : a runner on a track team

trackside
n. : of, relating to, or situated in the area immediately adjacent to a track
–trackside noun

tracksuit
n. : a suit of clothing consisting usually of a jacket and pants that is often worn by athletes when working out

trackwalker
n. : a worker employed to walk over and inspect a section of railroad tracks

trackway
n. 1 : a beaten or trodden path
2 : a series of fossil footprints (as of a dinosaur)

tract
n. : verses of Scripture (as from the Psalms) used between the gradual and the Gospel at some masses (as during penitential seasons)

tract
n. 1 : extent or lapse of time
2 : an area either large or small: as a : an indefinite stretch of land b : a defined area of land
3 a : a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function <the digestive tract> b : a bundle of nerve fibers having a common origin, termination, and function

tract
n. : a pamphlet or leaflet of political or religious propaganda also : a piece of writing that is suggestive of such a tract

tract house
: any of many similarly designed houses built on a tract of land

tractable
adj. 1 : capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : DOCILE <a tractable horse>
2 : easily handled, managed, or wrought : MALLEABLE
synonyms see OBEDIENT
–trac·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌtrak-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–trac·ta·ble·ness \'trak-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–trac·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

Tractarian
n. : a promoter or supporter of the Oxford movement

Tractarianism
n. : a system of High Church principles set forth in a series of tracts at Oxford (1833-41)

tractate
n. : TREATISE, DISSERTATION

traction
n. 1 : the act of drawing : the state of being drawn also : the force exerted in drawing
2 : the drawing of a vehicle by motive power also : the motive power employed
3 a : the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves <the traction of a wheel on a rail> b : a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device <a traction splint> also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force <a leg in traction>
–trac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

tractive
adj. 1 : serving to draw
2 : of or relating to traction : TRACTIONAL

tractor
n. 1 a : a 4-wheeled or tracklaying automotive vehicle used especially for drawing farm equipment b : a smaller 2-wheeled apparatus controlled through handlebars by a walking operator c : 3TRUCK 3F
2 : an airplane having the propeller forward of the main supporting surfaces

Tracy
n. city cen Calif. SSW of Stockton pop 56,929

trad
adj. chiefly British : TRADITIONAL

trade
n. 1 a obsolete : a path traversed : WAY b archaic : a track or trail left by a person or animal : TREAD 1
2 : a customary course of action : PRACTICE <thy sin's not accidental, but a trade ― Shakespeare>
3 a : the business or work in which one engages regularly : OCCUPATION b : an occupation requiring manual or mechanical skill : CRAFT c : the persons engaged in an occupation, business, or industry
4 a obsolete : dealings between persons or groups b (1) : the business of buying and selling or bartering commodities : COMMERCE (2) : BUSINESS, MARKET <novelties for the tourist trade> <did a good trade in small appliances>
5 a : an act or instance of trading : TRANSACTION also : an exchange of property usually without use of money b : a firm's customers : CLIENTELE c : the group of firms engaged in a business or industry
6 : TRADE WIND ― usually used in plural
7 : a publication intended for persons in the entertainment business ― usually used in plural
synonyms see BUSINESS

trade
n. intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to have dealings : NEGOTIATE
2 a : to engage in the exchange, purchase, or sale of goods b : to make one's purchases : SHOP <trades at his store>
3 : to give one thing in exchange for another
4 : SELL 3
transitive verb
1 archaic : to do business with
2 a : to give in exchange for another commodity : BARTER also : to make an exchange of <traded places> b : to engage in frequent buying and selling of (as stocks or commodities) usually in search of quick profits
–trad·able also trade·able \'trā-də-bəl\ adjective
–trade on : to take often unscrupulous advantage of : EXPLOIT <traded on their influence⋯in securing special favors ― T. C. Pease>

trade
n. 1 : of, relating to, or used in trade
2 a : intended for or limited to persons in a business or industry <a trade publication> <trade sales> b : serving others in the same business rather than the ultimate user or consumer <a trade printing house>
3 also trades : of, composed of, or representing the trades or trade unions <a trade committee>
4 : having a larger softcover format than that of a mass-market paperback and usually sold only in bookstores <trade paperbacks> also : of or relating to the publishing of such books

trade
n. cross trade
balance of trade
board of trade
carriage trade
day trade
fair trade
fair trade agreement
free trade
horse trade
rough trade
slave trade
stock in trade
trade on
trade acceptance
trade agreement
trade book
trade discount
trade dollar
trade down
trade edition
trade in
trade language
trade last
trade name
trade off
trade route
trade school
trade secret
trade show
trade union
trade unionist
trade unionism
trade up
trade wind
jack of all trades
jacks of all trades
insider trading
program trading
trading post
trading stamp

trade acceptance
: a time draft or bill of exchange for the amount of a specific purchase drawn by the seller on the buyer, bearing the buyer's acceptance, and often noting the place of payment (as a bank)

trade agreement
1 : an international agreement on conditions of trade in goods and services
2 : an agreement resulting from collective bargaining

trade book
1 : a book intended for general readership
2 : TRADE EDITION

trade discount
: a deduction from the list price of goods allowed by a manufacturer or wholesaler to a retailer

trade dollar
: a U.S. silver dollar weighing 420 grains .900 fine issued 1873-85 for use in east Asian trade

trade down
1 : to trade something in (as an automobile) for something less expensive or valuable of its kind
2 : to stock or purchase lower-priced items : ECONOMIZE

trade edition
: an edition of a book intended for general distribution ― compare TEXT EDITION

trade in
1 : to turn in as payment or part payment for a purchase or bill <trade the old car in on a new one>
2 : EXCHANGE 2

trade language
: a restructured language (as a lingua franca or pidgin) used especially in commercial communication

trade name
1 a : the name used for an article among traders b : BRAND NAME
2 : the name or style under which a concern does business

trade name
: to designate with a trade name

trade on
to take often unscrupulous advantage of : EXPLOIT <traded on their influence⋯in securing special favors ― T. C. Pease>

trade route
1 : one of the sea-lanes ordinarily used by merchant ships
2 : a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

trade school
: a secondary school teaching the skilled trades

trade secret
: something (as a formula) which has economic value to a business because it is not generally known or easily discoverable by observation and for which efforts have been made to maintain secrecy

trade show
: a large exposition to promote awareness and sales of especially new products within an industry <a computer trade show>

trade union
: LABOR UNION
–trade unionism noun
–trade unionist noun

trade up
1 : to trade something in (as an automobile) for something more expensive or valuable of its kind
2 : to stock or purchase higher-priced items

trade wind
: a wind blowing almost constantly in one direction especially : a wind blowing almost continually toward the equator from the northeast in the belt between the northern horse latitudes and the doldrums and from the southeast in the belt between the southern horse latitudes and the doldrums ― usually used in plural

trade-in
: an item of merchandise (as an automobile or refrigerator) taken as payment or part payment for a purchase

trade-last
: a complimentary remark by a third person that a hearer offers to repeat to the person complimented if he or she will first report a compliment made about the hearer

trade-off
1 : a balancing of factors all of which are not attainable at the same time <the education versus experience trade-off which governs personnel practices ― H. S. White>
2 : a giving up of one thing in return for another : EXCHANGE
–trade off transitive verb

tradecraft
: the techniques and procedures of espionage

trademark
n. 1 : a device (as a word) pointing distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner as maker or seller
2 : a distinguishing characteristic or feature firmly associated with a person or thing <wearing his trademark bow tie and derby hat>

trademark
n. : to secure trademark rights for : register the trademark of

trader
n. 1 : a person whose business is buying and selling or barter: as a : MERCHANT b : a person who buys and sells (as stocks or commodities futures) in search of short-term profits
2 : a ship engaged in the coastal or foreign trade

trader
n. day trader
fair trader
free trader
horse trader

tradescantia
n. : SPIDERWORT

tradesman
n. 1 : a worker in a skilled trade : CRAFTSMAN
2 : one who runs a retail store : SHOPKEEPER

tradespeople
n. : people engaged in trade

trading post
1 : a station of a trader or trading company established in a sparsely settled region where trade in products of local origin (as furs) is carried on
2 : 6POST 3B

trading stamp
: a printed stamp of value given as a premium to a retail customer to be redeemed in merchandise when accumulated in numbers

tradition
n. 1 a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3 : cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4 : characteristic manner, method, or style <in the best liberal tradition>
–tra·di·tion·al \-'dish-nəl, -'di-shə-nəl\ adjective
–tra·di·tion·al·ly adverb
–tra·di·tion·less \-'di-shən-ləs\ adjective

traditionalism
n. 1 : adherence to the doctrines or practices of a tradition
2 : the beliefs of those opposed to modernism, liberalism, or radicalism
–tra·di·tion·al·ist \-list, -ist\ noun or adjective
–tra·di·tion·al·is·tic \-ˌdish-nə-'lis-tik, -ˌdi-shə-nəl-'is-\ adjective

traditionalize
v. : to make traditional : imbue with traditions or traditionalism

traditionary
adj. : TRADITIONAL

traduce
v. 1 : to expose to shame or blame by means of falsehood and misrepresentation
2 : VIOLATE, BETRAY <traduce a principle of law>
synonyms see MALIGN
–tra·duce·ment \-mənt\ noun
–tra·duc·er noun

Trafalgar, Cape
cape SW Spain SE of Cádiz at W end of Strait of Gibraltar

traffic
n. 1 a : import and export trade b : the business of bartering or buying and selling c : illegal or disreputable usually commercial activity <the drug traffic>
2 a : communication or dealings especially between individuals or groups b : EXCHANGE <a lively traffic in ideas ― F. L. Allen>
3 archaic : WARES, GOODS
4 a (1) : the movement (as of vehicles or pedestrians) through an area or along a route (2) : the vehicles, pedestrians, ships, or planes moving along a route (3) : congestion of vehicles <stuck in traffic> b : the information or signals transmitted over a communications system : MESSAGES
5 a : the passengers or cargo carried by a transportation system b : the business of transporting passengers or freight
6 : the volume of customers visiting a business establishment <restaurant traffic>
7 : a concentration of participants or players and especially defensive players <force difficult shots in traffic>
synonyms see BUSINESS
–the traffic will bear : existing conditions will allow or permit <charge what the traffic will bear>

traffic
n. intransitive verb
1 : to carry on traffic
2 : to concentrate one's effort or interest broadly : ENGAGE, DEAL <a writer who often traffics in hyperbole>
transitive verb
1 a : to travel over <heavily trafficked highways> b : to visit as a customer <a highly trafficked bookstore>
2 : TRADE, BARTER
–traf·fick·er noun

traffic
n. traffic circle
the traffic will bear
traffic cone
traffic court
traffic engineering
traffic engineer
traffic island
traffic light
traffic signal

traffic circle
: ROTARY 2

traffic cone
: a conical marker used on a road or highway (as for indicating an area under repair)

traffic court
: a minor court for disposition of petty prosecutions for violations of statutes, ordinances, and local regulations governing the use of highways and motor vehicles

traffic engineering
: engineering dealing with the design of streets and control of traffic
–traffic engineer noun

traffic island
: ISLAND 2A

traffic light
: a visual signal (as a system of colored lights) for controlling traffic

traffic signal
: a signal (as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

trafficability
: the quality of a terrain that permits passage (as of vehicles and troops)
–traf·fic·able \'tra-fi-kə-bəl\ adjective

trag
tragedy; tragic

tragacanth
n. : a gum obtained from various Asian or East European plants (genus Astragalus and especially A. gummifer) of the legume family that swells in water and is used chiefly as an emulsifying, suspending, or thickening agent

tragedian
n. 1 : a writer of tragedies
2 : an actor specializing in tragic roles

tragedienne
n. : an actress who plays tragic roles

tragedy
n. 1 a : a medieval narrative poem or tale typically describing the downfall of a great man b : a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or terror c : the literary genre of tragic dramas
2 a : a disastrous event : CALAMITY b : MISFORTUNE
3 : tragic quality or element

tragic
adj. 1 : of, marked by, or expressive of tragedy <the tragic significance of the atomic bomb ― H. S. Truman>
2 a : dealing with or treated in tragedy <the tragic hero> b : appropriate to or typical of tragedy
3 a : regrettably serious or unpleasant : DEPLORABLE, LAMENTABLE <a tragic mistake> b : marked by a sense of tragedy
–trag·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tragic flaw
: a flaw in character that brings about the downfall of the hero of a tragedy

tragic irony
: IRONY 3B

tragicomedy
n. : a drama or a situation blending tragic and comic elements

tragicomic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling tragicomedy
2 : manifesting both tragic and comic aspects

tragus
n. : the prominence in front of the external opening of the outer ear

trahison des clercs
: treason of the intellectuals

trail
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to hang down so as to drag along or sweep the ground b : to extend over a surface in a loose or straggling manner <a vine that trails over the ground> c : to grow to such length as to droop over toward the ground <trailing branches of a weeping birch>
2 a : to walk or proceed draggingly, heavily, or wearily : PLOD, TRUDGE b : to lag behind : do poorly in relation to others
3 : to move, flow, or extend slowly in thin streams <smoke trailing from chimneys>
4 a : to extend in an erratic or uneven course or line : STRAGGLE b : DWINDLE <her voice trailing off>
5 : to follow a trail : track game
transitive verb
1 a : to draw or drag loosely along a surface : allow to sweep the ground b : HAUL, TOW
2 a : to drag (as a limb or the body) heavily or wearily b : to carry or bring along as an addition, burden, or encumbrance c : to draw along in one's wake
3 a : to follow upon the scent or trace of : TRACK b : to follow in the footsteps of : PURSUE c : to follow along behind d : to lag behind (as a competitor)
synonyms see CHASE

trail
n. 1 : something that trails or is trailed: as a : a trailing plant b : the train of a gown c : a trailing arrangement (as of flowers) : SPRAY d : the part of a gun carriage that rests on the ground when the piece is unlimbered
2 a : something that follows or moves along as if being drawn along : TRAIN <a trail of admirers> b (1) : the streak produced by a meteor (2) : a continuous line produced photographically by permitting the image of a celestial body (as a star) to move over the plate c : a chain of consequences : AFTERMATH <the⋯movement left a trail of bitterness and prejudice behind it ― Paul Blanshard>
3 a : a trace or mark left by something that has passed or been drawn along : SCENT, TRACK <a trail of blood> b (1) : a track made by passage especially through a wilderness (2) : a marked or established path or route especially through a forest or mountainous region c : a course followed or to be followed <hit the campaign trail>
–trail·less \'trāl-ləs\ adjective

trail
n. audit trail
paper trail
trail bike
trail mix
vapor trail
Chisholm Trail
Oregon Trail
Santa Fe Trail
trailing arbutus
trailing edge

trail bike
: a small motorcycle designed for off-road use

trail mix
: a mixture of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits eaten as a snack especially by hikers

trailblazer
n. 1 : one that blazes a trail to guide others : PATHFINDER
2 : PIONEER 2 <a trailblazer in astrophysics>

trailblazing
n. : making or pointing a new way <trailblazing legislation>

trailbreaker
: TRAILBLAZER

trailer
n. 1 : one that trails
2 : a trailing plant
3 : a nonautomotive vehicle designed to be hauled by road: as a : a vehicle for transporting something <a boat trailer> especially : SEMITRAILER 1 b : a vehicle designed to serve wherever parked as a temporary dwelling or place of business c : MOBILE HOME
4 a : PREVIEW 3 b : a short blank strip of film attached to the end of a reel

trailer
n. 1 : to live or travel in or with a trailer
2 : to be transportable by trailer <a light boat that trailers easily>
transitive verb : to transport (as a boat) by means of a trailer
–trail·er·able \-lə-rə-bəl\ adjective
–trail·er·ing noun

trailer
n. house trailer
trailer park
trailer court
trailer camp
travel trailer

trailer park
: an area equipped to accommodate mobile homes ― called also trailer camp trailer court

trailhead
: the point at which a trail begins

trailing arbutus
: ARBUTUS 2

trailing edge
: the rearmost edge of an object that moves and especially of an airfoil

trailside
: of, relating to, or situated in the area immediately adjacent to a trail

train
n. obsolete : SCHEME, TRICK

train
n. 1 : a part of a gown that trails behind the wearer
2 a : RETINUE, SUITE b : a moving file of persons, vehicles, or animals
3 : the vehicles, personnel, and sometimes animals that furnish supply, maintenance, and evacuation services to a combat unit
4 a : order of occurrence leading to some result ― often used in the phrase in train <this humiliating process had been in train for decades ― Paul Fussell> b : an orderly succession <a train of thought> c : accompanying or resultant circumstances : AFTERMATH <consequences the discovery will bring in its train>
5 : a line of combustible material laid to lead fire to a charge
6 : a series of moving mechanical parts (as gears) that transmit and modify motion <a gear train>
7 a : a connected line of railroad cars with or without a locomotive b : an automotive tractor with one or more trailer units
8 : a series of parts or elements that together constitute a system for producing a result and especially for carrying on a process (as of manufacture) automatically
–train·ful \'trān-ˌfu̇l\ noun

train
n. transitive verb
1 : TRAIL, DRAG
2 : to direct the growth of (a plant) usually by bending, pruning, and tying
3 a : to form by instruction, discipline, or drill b : to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient
4 : to make prepared (as by exercise) for a test of skill
5 : to aim at an object or objective : DIRECT <trained his camera on the deer> <training every effort toward success>
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo instruction, discipline, or drill
2 : to go by train
synonyms see TEACH
–train·abil·i·ty \ˌtrā-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–train·able \'trā-nə-bəl\ adjective

train
n. boat train
bullet train
epicyclic train
gravy train
house train
paper train
power train
toilet train
train case
train dispatcher
train oil
unit train
wagon train
wave train
assertiveness training
basic training
step training
toilet training
training college
training school
training table
training wheels
weight training

train case
: a small boxlike piece of luggage used especially for toilet articles

train dispatcher
: a railroad employee who directs the movement of trains within a division and coordinates their movement from one division to another

train oil
: oil from a marine animal (as a whale)

trainband
n. : a 17th or 18th century militia company in England or America

trainbearer
n. : an attendant who holds up (as on a ceremonial occasion) the train of a robe or gown

trainee
n. : one that is being trained especially for a job
–train·ee·ship \-'nē-ˌship\ noun

trainer
n. 1 : one that trains
2 : one (as a machine or vehicle) used in training
3 : a person who treats the ailments and minor injuries of the members of an athletic team
4 chiefly British : SNEAKER 2

training
n. 1 a : the act, process, or method of one that trains b : the skill, knowledge, or experience acquired by one that trains
2 : the state of being trained

training
n. assertiveness training
basic training
step training
toilet training
training college
training school
training table
training wheels
weight training

training college
British : TEACHERS COLLEGE

training school
1 : a school preparing students for a particular occupation
2 : a correctional institution for the custody and reeducation of juvenile delinquents

training table
: a table where athletes under a training regimen eat meals planned to help in their conditioning

training wheels
: a pair of small wheels connected to the rear axle of a bicycle to help a beginning bicyclist maintain balance

trainload
n. : the full freight or passenger capacity of a railroad train also : a load that fills a train

trainman
n. : a member of a train crew supervised by a conductor

traipse
v. intransitive verb : to go on foot : WALK <traipsed over to the restaurant> <children traipsing at her heels> also : to walk or travel about without apparent plan but with or without a purpose <a week traipsing through the Ozarks> <traipsing from office to office>
transitive verb : TRAMP, WALK <traipse the countryside>
synonyms see WANDER
–traipse noun

trait
n. 1 a : a stroke of or as if of a pencil b : TOUCH, TRACE
2 a : a distinguishing quality (as of personal character) <curiosity is one of her notable traits> b : an inherited characteristic

traitor
n. 1 : one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty
2 : one who commits treason

traitorous
adj. 1 : guilty or capable of treason
2 : constituting treason <traitorous activities>
synonyms see FAITHLESS
–trai·tor·ous·ly adverb

traitress
n. : a woman who is a traitor

Trajan
n. A.D. 53-117 orig. Marcus Ulpius Traiánus usually called Germanicus Rom. emp. (98-117)

traject
n. : TRANSMIT
–tra·jec·tion \-'jek-shən\ noun

trajectory
n. 1 : the curve that a body (as a planet or comet in its orbit or a rocket) describes in space
2 : a path, progression, or line of development resembling a physical trajectory <an upward career trajectory>

Trakehner
n. : any of a breed of large powerful saddle horses of East Prussian origin that excel in dressage and jumping

Tralee
seaport SW Ireland capital of County Kerry pop 17,109

tram
n. 1 : any of various vehicles: as a : a boxlike wagon running on rails (as in a mine) b chiefly British : STREETCAR c : a carrier that travels on an overhead cable or rails
2 plural chiefly British : a streetcar line

tram
n. : to haul in a tram or over a tramway

tramcar
n. 1 chiefly British : STREETCAR
2 : TRAM 1A

tramline
n. British : a streetcar line

trammel
v. 1 : a net for catching birds or fish especially : one having three layers with the middle one finer-meshed and slack so that fish passing through carry some of the center net through the coarser opposite net and are trapped
2 : an adjustable pothook for a fireplace crane
3 : a shackle used for making a horse amble
4 : something impeding activity, progress, or freedom : RESTRAINT ― usually used in plural
5 a : an instrument for drawing ellipses b : a compass for drawing large circles that consists of a beam with two sliding parts ― usually used in plural c : any of various gauges used for aligning or adjusting machine parts

trammel
v. 1 : to catch or hold in or as if in a net : ENMESH
2 : to prevent or impede the free play of : CONFINE
synonyms see HAMPER

tramontane
n. : one dwelling in a tramontane region broadly : FOREIGNER

tramontane
n. 1 : TRANSALPINE
2 : lying on or coming from the other side of a mountain range

tramp
n. intransitive verb
1 : to walk, tread, or step especially heavily <tramped loudly on the stairs>
2 a : to travel about on foot : HIKE b : to journey as a tramp
transitive verb
1 : to tread on forcibly and repeatedly
2 : to travel or wander through or over on foot <have tramped all the woods on their property>
–tramp·er noun

tramp
n. 1 a : VAGRANT 1A b : a foot traveler c : a woman of loose morals specifically : PROSTITUTE
2 : a walking trip : HIKE
3 : the succession of sounds made by the beating of feet on a surface (as a road, pavement, or floor)
4 : an iron plate to protect the sole of a shoe
5 : a ship not making regular trips but taking cargo when and where it offers and to any port ― called also tramp steamer
–trampy \'tram-pē\ adjective

tramp
n. : having no fixed abode, connection, or destination <a tramp dog>

tramp art
: a style of wood carving flourishing in the U.S. from about 1875 to 1930 that is characterized by ornate layered whittling often of cigar boxes or fruit crates also : an object carved in this style

trample
n. intransitive verb
1 : TRAMP especially : to tread heavily so as to bruise, crush, or injure
2 : to inflict injury or destruction especially contemptuously or ruthlessly ― usually used with on, over, or upon <trampling on the rights of others>
transitive verb : to crush, injure, or destroy by or as if by treading <trampled the flowers>
–trample noun
–tram·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

trampoline
n. : a resilient sheet or web (as of nylon) supported by springs in a metal frame and used as a springboard and landing area in tumbling
–tram·po·lin·er \-'lē-nər, -ˌlē-\ noun
–tram·po·lin·ist \-nist\ noun

trampolining
n. : the sport of jumping and tumbling on a trampoline

tramway
n. 1 a : a railway for trams b British : a streetcar line
2 : an overhead cable for trams

trance
n. 1 : STUPOR, DAZE
2 : a sleeplike state (as of deep hypnosis) usually characterized by partly suspended animation with diminished or absent sensory and motor activity
3 : a state of profound abstraction or absorption
–trance·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

trance
n. : ENTRANCE, ENRAPTURE

tranche
n. : a division or portion of a pool or whole specifically : an issue of bonds derived from a pooling of like obligations (as securitized mortgage debt) that is differentiated from other issues especially by maturity or rate of return

tranche de vie
: slice of life

trangam
archaic : TRINKET, GIMCRACK

tranny
n. : TRANSMISSION 3

tranquil
adj. 1 a : free from agitation of mind or spirit <a tranquil self-assurance> b : free from disturbance or turmoil <a tranquil scene>
2 : unvarying in aspect : STEADY, STABLE
synonyms see CALM
–tran·quil·ly \-kwə-lē\ adverb
–tran·quil·ness noun

tranquilize
transitive verb : to make tranquil or calm : PACIFY especially : to relieve of mental tension and anxiety by means of drugs
intransitive verb
1 : to become tranquil : RELAX 1
2 : to make one tranquil

tranquilizer
n. 1 : one that tranquilizes
2 : a drug used to reduce mental disturbance (as anxiety and tension) ― compare ANTIPSYCHOTIC

tranquillity
n. : the quality or state of being tranquil <the tranquillity of the quiet countryside>

trans
pref. : characterized by having certain groups of atoms on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of a double bond or of the plane of a ring in a molecule

trans
pref. 1 transaction
2 transitive
3 translated; translation; translator
4 transmission
5 transportation
6 transverse

trans
pref. 1 : on or to the other side of : across : beyond <transatlantic>
2 a : beyond (a specified chemical element) in the periodic table <transuranium> b usually italic : trans <trans-dichloro-ethylene> ― compare CIS- 2
3 : through <transcutaneous>
4 : so or such as to change or transfer <transliterate> <translocation> <transamination> <transship>

trans
pref. trans fat
trans fatty acid
Trans Alai

Trans Alai
mountain range Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan in NW Pamirs ― see LENIN PEAK

trans fat
: a fat containing trans-fatty acids

trans-fatty acid
: an unsaturated fatty acid characterized by a trans arrangement of alkyl chains that is formed especially during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils and has been linked to an increase in blood cholesterol

transact
v. intransitive verb : to carry on business
transitive verb
1 : to carry to completion <transact a sale>
2 : to carry on the operation or management of : DO <transact business>
–trans·ac·tor \-'zak-tər, -'sak-tər\ noun

transactinide
: of, relating to, or being actual or hypothetical elements with atomic weights higher than those of the actinide series <transactinide chemistry>

transaction
n. 1 a : something transacted especially : an exchange or transfer of goods, services, or funds <electronic transactions> b plural : the often published record of the meeting of a society or association
2 a : an act, process, or instance of transacting b : a communicative action or activity involving two parties or things that reciprocally affect or influence each other
–trans·ac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

transactional analysis
: a system of psychotherapy involving analysis of individual episodes of social interaction for insight that will aid communication

transalpine
adj. : situated on the north side of the Alps <Transalpine Gaul> ― compare CISALPINE

Transalpine Gaul
the part of Gaul lying chiefly in what is now France & Belgium

transaminase
n. : an enzyme promoting transamination ― called also aminotransferase

transamination
n. : a reversible oxidation-reduction reaction in which an amino group is transferred typically from an alpha-amino acid to the carbonyl carbon atom of an alpha-keto acid

transatlantic
adj. 1 a : crossing or extending across the Atlantic Ocean <a transatlantic cable> b : relating to or involving crossing the Atlantic Ocean <transatlantic airfares>
2 a : situated or originating from beyond the Atlantic Ocean b : of, relating to, or involving countries on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and especially the U.S. and Great Britain <transatlantic cooperation>

transaxle
n. : a unit that consists of a combination of a transmission and an axle's differential gear used especially in front-wheel-drive automobiles

transborder
adj. : crossing or extending across a border

Transcaucasia
n. ― see CAUCASIA
–Trans·cau·ca·sian \ˌtran(t)s-kȯ-'kā-zhən, -'ka-\ adjective or noun

transceiver
n. : a radio transmitter-receiver that uses many of the same components for both transmission and reception

transcend
v. transitive verb
1 a : to rise above or go beyond the limits of b : to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : OVERCOME c : to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)
2 : to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power
intransitive verb : to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits
synonyms see EXCEED

transcendence
n. : the quality or state of being transcendent

transcendency
n. : TRANSCENDENCE

transcendent
adj. 1 a : exceeding usual limits : SURPASSING b : extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience c in Kantian philosophy : being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
2 : being beyond comprehension
3 : transcending the universe or material existence ― compare IMMANENT 2
4 : universally applicable or significant <the antislavery movement⋯recognized the transcendent importance of liberty ― L. H. Tribe>
–tran·scen·dent·ly adverb

transcendental
adj. 1 a : TRANSCENDENT 1B b : SUPERNATURAL c : ABSTRUSE, ABSTRACT d : of or relating to transcendentalism
2 a : incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients <π is a transcendental number> b : being, involving, or representing a function (as sin x, log x, ex) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations <transcendental curves>
3 in Kantian philosophy a : of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeup b : transcending experience but not human knowledge
4 : TRANSCENDENT 1A
–tran·scen·den·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

Transcendental Meditation
― used for a meditation technique

transcendentalism
n. 1 : a philosophy that emphasizes the a priori conditions of knowledge and experience or the unknowable character of ultimate reality or that emphasizes the transcendent as the fundamental reality
2 : a philosophy that asserts the primacy of the spiritual and transcendental over the material and empirical
3 : the quality or state of being transcendental especially : visionary idealism
–tran·scen·den·tal·ist \-tə-list\ adjective or noun

transcontinental
adj. : extending or going across a continent <a transcontinental railroad>

transcribe
v. 1 a : to make a written copy of b : to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a machine (as a typewriter) c : to paraphrase or summarize in writing d : WRITE DOWN, RECORD
2 a : to represent (speech sounds) by means of phonetic symbols b : TRANSLATE 2A c : to transfer (data) from one recording form to another d : to record (as on magnetic tape) for later broadcast
3 : to make a musical transcription of
4 : to cause (as DNA) to undergo genetic transcription
–tran·scrib·er noun

transcript
n. 1 a : a written, printed, or typed copy especially : a usually typed copy of dictated or recorded material b : an official or legal and often published copy <a court reporter's transcript> especially : an official copy of a student's educational record
2 : a representation (as of experience) in an art form
3 : a sequence of RNA produced by transcription from a DNA template

transcriptase
n. : RNA POLYMERASE also : REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE

transcription
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of transcribing
2 : COPY, TRANSCRIPT: as a : an arrangement of a musical composition for some instrument or voice other than the original b : a recording (as on magnetic tape) made especially for use in radio broadcasting
3 : the process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with resulting transfer of genetic information to the messenger RNA ― compare TRANSLATION 2 REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION
–tran·scrip·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–tran·scrip·tion·al·ly adverb

transcription factor
: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

transcriptionist
n. : one that transcribes especially : a typist who transcribes dictated medical reports

transcultural
: involving, encompassing, or extending across two or more cultures

transcutaneous
adj. : passing, entering, or made by penetration through the skin <transcutaneous infection>

transdermal
: relating to, being, or supplying a medication in a form for absorption through the skin into the bloodstream <transdermal drug delivery> <transdermal nitroglycerin> <transdermal nicotine patch>
–trans·der·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb

transdisciplinary
: INTERDISCIPLINARY

transduce
v. 1 : to convert (as energy or a message) into another form <essentially sense organs transduce physical energy into a nervous signal>
2 : to cause (genetic material) to undergo transduction

transducer
n. : a device that is actuated by power from one system and supplies power usually in another form to a second system <a loudspeaker is a transducer that transforms electrical signals into sound energy>

transduction
n. : the action or process of transducing especially : the transfer of genetic material from one microorganism to another by a viral agent (as a bacteriophage)
–trans·duc·tant \-tənt\ noun
–trans·duc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

transect
v. : to cut transversely
–tran·sec·tion \-'sek-shən\ noun

transect
v. : a sample area (as of vegetation) usually in the form of a long continuous strip

transept
n. : the part of a cruciform church that crosses at right angles to the greatest length between the nave and the apse or choir also : either of the projecting ends of a transept
–tran·sep·tal \tran(t)-'sep-təl\ adjective

transexual
n. variant of transsexual

transfection
: infection of a cell with isolated viral nucleic acid followed by production of the complete virus in the cell also : the incorporation of exogenous DNA into a cell
–trans·fect \-'fekt\ transitive verb

transfer
transitive verb
1 a : to convey from one person, place, or situation to another : MOVE, SHIFT b : to cause to pass from one to another : TRANSMIT c : TRANSFORM, CHANGE
2 : to make over the possession or control of : CONVEY
3 : to print or otherwise copy from one surface to another by contact
intransitive verb
1 : to move to a different place, region, or situation especially : to withdraw from one educational institution to enroll at another
2 : to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another
–trans·fer·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌfər-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–trans·fer·able also trans·fer·ra·ble \tran(t)s-'fər-ə-bəl\ adjective
–trans·fer·al \-əl\ noun
–trans·fer·rer \-ər\ noun

transfer
n. 1 a : conveyance of right, title, or interest in real or personal property from one person to another b : removal or acquisition of property by mere delivery with intent to transfer title
2 a : an act, process, or instance of transferring : TRANSFERENCE 2 b : the carryover or generalization of learned responses from one type of situation to another
3 : one that transfers or is transferred especially : a graphic image transferred by contact from one surface to another
4 : a place where a transfer is made (as of trains to ferries or as where one form of power is changed to another)
5 : a ticket entitling a passenger on a public conveyance to continue the trip on another route

transfer
n. embryo transfer
negative transfer
passive transfer
transfer factor
transfer payment
transfer RNA
transfer station
zygote intrafallopian transfer
gamete intrafallopian transfer
gamete intrafallopian tube transfer
hypertext transfer protocol

transfer factor
: a substance that is produced and secreted by a lymphocyte functioning in cell-mediated immunity and that upon incorporation into a lymphocyte which has not been sensitized confers on it the same immunological specificity as the sensitized cell

transfer payment
1 : a public expenditure made for a purpose (as unemployment compensation) other than procuring goods or services ― usually used in plural
2 plural : money (as welfare payments) that is received by individuals and that is neither compensation for goods or services currently supplied nor income from investments

transfer RNA
: a relatively small RNA that transfers a particular amino acid to a growing polypeptide chain at the ribosomal site of protein synthesis during translation ― called also tRNA ― compare MESSENGER RNA

transfer station
: a site where recyclables and refuse are collected and sorted in preparation for processing or landfill

transferase
n. : an enzyme that promotes transfer of a group from one molecule to another

transferee
n. 1 : a person to whom a conveyance is made
2 : a person who is transferred

transference
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of transferring : CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER
2 : the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object (as a psychoanalyst conducting therapy)
–trans·fer·en·tial \ˌtran(t)s-fə-'ren(t)-shəl\ adjective

transferor
n. : one that conveys a title, right, or property

transferrin
n. : a beta globulin in blood plasma capable of combining with ferric ions and transporting iron in the body

transfiguration
n. 1 a : a change in form or appearance : METAMORPHOSIS b : an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change
2 capitalized : a Christian feast that commemorates the transfiguration of Christ on a mountaintop in the presence of three disciples and that is observed on August 6 in the Roman Catholic and some Eastern churches and on the Sunday before Lent in most Protestant churches

transfigure
v. : to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to : transform outwardly and usually for the better
synonyms see TRANSFORM

transfinite
adj. 1 : going beyond or surpassing any finite number, group, or magnitude
2 : being or relating to the cardinal and ordinal numbers of infinite sets

transfix
v. 1 : to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon : IMPALE
2 : to hold motionless by or as if by piercing <he stood transfixed by her gaze>
–trans·fix·ion \-'fik-shən\ noun

transform
v. transitive verb
1 a : to change in composition or structure b : to change the outward form or appearance of c : to change in character or condition : CONVERT
2 : to subject to mathematical transformation
3 : to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation
intransitive verb : to become transformed : CHANGE
–trans·form·able \-'fȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective
–trans·for·ma·tive \-'fȯr-mə-tiv\ adjective
synonyms TRANSFORM, METAMORPHOSE, TRANSMUTE, CONVERT, TRANSMOGRIFY, TRANSFIGURE mean to change a thing into a different thing. TRANSFORM implies a major change in form, nature, or function <transformed a small company into a corporate giant>. METAMORPHOSE suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power <awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas>. TRANSMUTE implies transforming into a higher element or thing <attempted to transmute lead into gold>. CONVERT implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function <converted the study into a nursery>. TRANSMOGRIFY suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis <a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince>. TRANSFIGURE implies a change that exalts or glorifies <joy transfigured her face>.

transform
v. 1 : a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation
2 : TRANSFORMATION 3A(1) (2)
3 : a linguistic structure (as a sentence) produced by means of a transformation <“the duckling is killed by the farmer” is a transform of “the farmer kills the duckling”>

transform
v. Fourier transform
Laplace transform
transform fault

transform fault
: a strike-slip fault that occurs typically between segments of a mid-ocean ridge or other tectonic-plate boundary and that is characterized by shallow high-magnitude earthquakes

transformation
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed
2 : false hair worn especially by a woman to replace or supplement natural hair
3 a (1) : the operation of changing (as by rotation or mapping) one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule especially : a change of variables or coordinates in which a function of new variables or coordinates is substituted for each original variable or coordinate (2) : the formula that effects a transformation b : FUNCTION 5A c : an operation that converts (as by insertion, deletion, or permutation) one grammatical string (as a sentence) into another also : a formal statement of such an operation
4 : genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another bacterial cell also : genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

transformation
n. Fourier transformation
linear transformation
topological transformation
self transformation

transformational
adj. : of, relating to, characterized by, or concerned with transformation and especially linguistic transformation
–trans·for·ma·tion·al·ly adverb

transformational grammar
: a grammar that generates the deep structures of a language and converts these to the surface structures by means of transformations

transformationalist
: an exponent of transformational grammar

transformer
n. : one that transforms specifically : a device employing the principle of mutual induction to convert variations of current in a primary circuit into variations of voltage and current in a secondary circuit

transfuse
v. 1 a : to cause to pass from one to another : TRANSMIT b : to diffuse into or through : PERMEATE <sunlight transfuses the bay>
2 a : to transfer (as blood) into a vein or an artery of a person or animal b : to subject (a patient) to transfusion
–trans·fus·ible or trans·fus·able \-'fyü-zə-bəl\ adjective

transfusion
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of transfusing especially : the process of transfusing fluid (as blood) into a vein or artery
2 : something transfused
–trans·fu·sion·al \-'fyüzh-nəl, -'fyü-zhə-nəl\ adjective

transgender
adj. : having personal characteristics (as transsexuality or transvestism) that transcend traditional gender boundaries and corresponding sexual norms

transgene
: a gene that is taken from the genome of one organism and introduced into the genome of another organism by artificial techniques

transgenic
adj. : being or used to produce an organism or cell of one species into which one or more genes of another species have been incorporated <a transgenic mouse> <transgenic crops> also : produced by or consisting of transgenic plants or animals

transgenic
adj. 1 plural but singular in construction : a branch of biotechnology concerned with the production of transgenic plants, animals, and foods
2 : a transgenic plant or animal

transgress
v. intransitive verb
1 : to violate a command or law : SIN
2 : to go beyond a boundary or limit
transitive verb
1 : to go beyond limits set or prescribed by : VIOLATE <transgress divine law>
2 : to pass beyond or go over (a limit or boundary)
–trans·gres·sive \-'gre-siv\ adjective
–trans·gres·sor \-'gre-sər\ noun

transgression
n. : an act, process, or instance of transgressing: as a : infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty b : the spread of the sea over land areas and the consequent unconformable deposit of sediments on older rocks

tranship
v. variant of transship

transhistorical
: transcending historical bounds

transhumance
n. : seasonal movement of livestock (as sheep) between mountain and lowland pastures either under the care of herders or in company with the owners
–trans·hu·mant \-mənt\ adjective or noun

transience
n. : the quality or state of being transient

transiency
n. : TRANSIENCE

transient
n. 1 a : passing especially quickly into and out of existence : TRANSITORY <transient beauty> b : passing through or by a place with only a brief stay or sojourn <transient visitors>
2 : affecting something or producing results beyond itself
–tran·sient·ly adverb
synonyms TRANSIENT, TRANSITORY, EPHEMERAL, MOMENTARY, FUGITIVE, FLEETING, EVANESCENT mean lasting or staying only a short time. TRANSIENT applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay <a hotel catering primarily to transient guests>. TRANSITORY applies to what is by its nature or essence bound to change, pass, or come to an end <fame in the movies is transitory>. EPHEMERAL implies striking brevity of life or duration <many slang words are ephemeral>. MOMENTARY suggests coming and going quickly and therefore being merely a brief interruption of a more enduring state <my feelings of guilt were only momentary>. FUGITIVE and FLEETING imply passing so quickly as to make apprehending difficult <let a fugitive smile flit across his face> <fleeting moments of joy>. EVANESCENT suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality <the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation>.

transient
n. 1 : one that is transient: as a : a transient guest b : a person traveling about usually in search of work
2 a : a temporary oscillation that occurs in a circuit because of a sudden change of voltage or of load b : a transient current or voltage

transient ischemic attack
: a brief episode of cerebral ischemia that is usually characterized by temporary blurring of vision, slurring of speech, numbness, paralysis, or syncope and is often predictive of a serious stroke ― abbreviation TIA ― called also ministroke

transilluminate
v. : to cause light to pass through especially : to pass light through (a body part) for medical examination
–trans·il·lu·mi·na·tion \-ˌlü-mə-'nā-shən\ noun
–trans·il·lu·mi·na·tor \-'lü-mə-ˌnā-tər\ noun

transistor
n. 1 : a solid-state electronic device that is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment and usually consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes
2 : a transistorized radio

transistorized
: equipped with transistors <a transistorized amplifier>

transit
n. 1 a : an act, process, or instance of passing through or over : PASSAGE b : CHANGE, TRANSITION c (1) : conveyance of persons or things from one place to another (2) : usu. local transportation especially of people by public conveyance also : vehicles or a system engaged in such transportation
2 a : passage of a celestial body over the meridian of a place or through the field of a telescope b : passage of a smaller body (as Venus) across the disk of a larger (as the sun)
3 : a theodolite with the telescope mounted so that it can be transited

transit
n. : to make a transit
transitive verb
1 a : to pass over or through : TRAVERSE b : to cause to pass over or through
2 : to pass across (a meridian, a celestial body, or the field of view of a telescope)
3 : to turn (a telescope) over about the horizontal transverse axis in surveying

transition
n. 1 a : passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : CHANGE b : a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another
2 a : a musical modulation b : a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another
3 : an abrupt change in energy state or level (as of an atomic nucleus or a molecule) usually accompanied by loss or gain of a single quantum of energy
–tran·si·tion·al \-'sish-nəl, -'sizh-, -'zish-; -'si-shə-nəl, -'zi-, -zhə-\ adjective
–tran·si·tion·al·ly adverb

transition
n. : to make a transition <while they transition to a new, career-oriented lifestyle ― Sarah Bright>

transition metal
: any of various metallic elements (as chromium, iron, and nickel) that have valence electrons in two shells instead of only one ― called also transition element

transitive
n. 1 : characterized by having or containing a direct object <a transitive verb> <a transitive construction>
2 : being or relating to a relation with the property that if the relation holds between a first element and a second and between the second element and a third, it holds between the first and third elements <equality is a transitive relation>
3 : of, relating to, or characterized by transition
–tran·si·tive·ly adverb
–tran·si·tive·ness noun
–tran·si·tiv·i·ty \ˌtran(t)-sə-'ti-və-tē, ˌtran-zə-\ noun

transitory
adj. 1 : tending to pass away : not persistent
2 : of brief duration : TEMPORARY <the transitory nature of earthly joy>
synonyms see TRANSIENT
–tran·si·to·ri·ly \ˌtran(t)-sə-'tȯr-ə-lē, ˌtran-zə-\ adverb
–tran·si·to·ri·ness \'tran(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs, 'tran-zə-\ noun

Transjordan
― see JORDAN 3
–Trans·jor·da·ni·an \ˌtran(t)s-jȯr-'dā-nē-ən, ˌtranz-\ adjective or noun

Transkei
n. former black enclave in the Republic of South Africa capital Umtata; granted independence 1976; abolished 1994
–Trans·kei·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

transl
translated; translation; translator

translate
transitive verb
1 a : to bear, remove, or change from one place, state, form, or appearance to another : TRANSFER, TRANSFORM <a country boy translated to the city> <translate ideas into action> b : to convey to heaven or to a nontemporal condition without death c : to transfer (a bishop) from one see to another
2 a : to turn into one's own or another language b : to transfer or turn from one set of symbols into another : TRANSCRIBE c (1) : to express in different terms and especially different words : PARAPHRASE (2) : to express in more comprehensible terms : EXPLAIN, INTERPRET
3 : ENRAPTURE
4 : to subject to mathematical translation
5 : to subject (as genetic information) to translation in protein synthesis
intransitive verb
1 : to practice translation or make a translation also : to admit of or be adaptable to translation <a word that doesn't translate easily>
2 : to undergo a translation
3 : LEAD, RESULT ― usually used with into <believes that tax cuts will translate into economic growth>
–trans·lat·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌlā-tə-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)tranz-\ noun
–trans·lat·able \tran(t)s-'lā-tə-bəl, tranz-\ adjective
–trans·la·tor \-'lā-tər\ noun

translation
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of translating: as a : a rendering from one language into another also : the product of such a rendering b : a change to a different substance, form, or appearance : CONVERSION c (1) : a transformation of coordinates in which the new axes are parallel to the old ones (2) : uniform motion of a body in a straight line
2 : the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA ― compare TRANSCRIPTION 3
–trans·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

translative
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving removal or transference from one person or place to another
2 : of, relating to, or serving in translation from one language or system into another

translatory
: of, relating to, or involving uniform motion in one direction

transliterate
v. : to represent or spell in the characters of another alphabet
–trans·lit·er·a·tion \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌli-tə-'rā-shən, (ˌ)tranz-\ noun

translocation
n. : the act, process, or an instance of changing location or position: as a : the conduction of soluble material (as metabolic products) from one part of a plant to another b : transfer of part of a chromosome to a different position especially on a nonhomologous chromosome especially : the exchange of parts between nonhomologous chromosomes
–trans·lo·cate \'tran(t)s-lō-ˌkāt, 'tranz-, (ˌ)tran(t)s-', (ˌ)tranz-'\ verb

translucence
n. : the quality or state of being translucent

translucency
n. 1 : TRANSLUCENCE
2 : something that is translucent

translucent
adj. 1 : permitting the passage of light: a : CLEAR, TRANSPARENT <translucent water> b : transmitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly
2 : free from disguise or falseness <his translucent patriotism ― Newsweek>
synonyms see CLEAR
–trans·lu·cent·ly adverb

transmarine
adj. 1 : being or coming from beyond or across the sea <a transmarine people>
2 : passing over or extending across the sea

transmembrane
adj. : taking place or existing across a membrane <a transmembrane protein>

transmigrate
v. transitive verb : to cause to go from one state of existence or place to another
intransitive verb
1 of the soul : to pass at death from one body or being to another
2 : MIGRATE
–trans·mi·gra·tion \ˌtran(t)s-mī-'grā-shən, ˌtranz-\ noun
–trans·mi·gra·tor \(ˌ)tran(t)s-'mī-ˌgrā-tər, (ˌ)tranz-, 'tran(t)s-ˌ, 'tranz-ˌ\ noun
–trans·mi·gra·to·ry \tran(t)s-'mī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē, tranz-\ adjective

transmissible
adj. : capable of being transmitted <transmissible diseases>
–trans·mis·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌmi-sə-'bi-lə-tē, (ˌ)tranz-\ noun

transmission
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of transmitting <transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse>
2 : the passage of radio waves in the space between transmitting and receiving stations also : the act or process of transmitting by radio or television
3 : an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a live axle also : the speed-changing gears in such an assembly
4 : something that is transmitted : MESSAGE
–trans·mis·sive \-'mi-siv\ adjective
–trans·mis·siv·i·ty \ˌtran(t)s-(ˌ)mi-'si-və-tē, ˌtranz-\ noun

transmissometer
: an instrument for measuring the transmission of light through a fluid (as the atmosphere)

transmit
v. transitive verb
1 a : to send or convey from one person or place to another : FORWARD b : to cause or allow to spread: as (1) : to convey by or as if by inheritance or heredity : HAND DOWN (2) : to convey (infection) abroad or to another
2 a (1) : to cause (as light or force) to pass or be conveyed through space or a medium (2) : to admit the passage of : CONDUCT <glass transmits light> b : to send out (a signal) either by radio waves or over a wire
intransitive verb : to send out a signal either by radio waves or over a wire
–trans·mit·ta·ble \-'mi-tə-bəl\ adjective
–trans·mit·tal \-'mi-təl\ noun

transmittance
n. 1 : TRANSMISSION
2 : the fraction of radiant energy that having entered a layer of absorbing matter reaches its farther boundary

transmitter
n. : one that transmits: as a : an apparatus for transmitting radio or television signals b : NEUROTRANSMITTER

transmogrify
v. transitive verb : to change or alter greatly and often with grotesque or humorous effect
intransitive verb : to become transmogrified
synonyms see TRANSFORM
–trans·mog·ri·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌmä-grə-fə-'kā-shən, (ˌ)tranz-\ noun

transmontane
n. : TRAMONTANE

transmountain
: crossing or extending over or through a mountain <a transmountain road> <a transmountain tunnel>

transmutation
n. : an act or instance of transmuting or being transmuted: as a : the conversion of base metals into gold or silver b : the conversion of one element or nuclide into another either naturally or artificially
–trans·mut·a·tive \tran(t)s-'myü-tə-tiv, tranz-\ adjective

transmute
v. transitive verb
1 : to change or alter in form, appearance, or nature and especially to a higher form
2 : to subject (as an element) to transmutation
intransitive verb : to undergo transmutation
synonyms see TRANSFORM
–trans·mut·able \-'myü-tə-bəl\ adjective

transnational
adj. : extending or going beyond national boundaries <transnational corporations>
–trans·na·tion·al·ism \-'nash-nə-ˌli-zəm, -'na-shə-nə-\ noun

transnatural
: being above or beyond nature

transoceanic
adj. 1 : lying or dwelling beyond the ocean
2 : crossing or extending across the ocean <a transoceanic telephone cable>

transom
n. 1 : a transverse piece in a structure : CROSSPIECE: as a : LINTEL b : a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it c : the horizontal bar or member of a cross or gallows d : any of several transverse timbers or beams secured to the sternpost of a boat also : the planking forming the stern of a square-ended boat
2 : a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom
–over the transom : without solicitation or prior arrangement <the manuscript arrived over the transom>

transonic
adj. 1 : being or relating to speeds near that of sound in air or about 741 miles (1185 kilometers) per hour at sea level and especially to speeds slightly below the speed of sound at which the speed of airflow varies from subsonic to supersonic at different points along the surface of a body in motion relative to the surrounding air
2 : moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at a transonic speed

transp
transportation

transpacific
adj. 1 a : crossing or extending across the Pacific Ocean <transpacific airlines> b : relating to or involving crossing the Pacific Ocean <transpacific airfares>
2 a : situated or occurring beyond the Pacific Ocean b : of, relating to, or involving countries on both sides of the Pacific Ocean <the transpacific economy>

transparence
n. : TRANSPARENCY 2

transparency
n. 1 : something transparent especially : a picture (as on film) viewed by light shining through it or by projection
2 : the quality or state of being transparent

transparent
adj. 1 a (1) : having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : PELLUCID (2) : allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light) b : fine or sheer enough to be seen through : DIAPHANOUS
2 a : free from pretense or deceit : FRANK b : easily detected or seen through : OBVIOUS c : readily understood d : characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices
synonyms see CLEAR
–trans·par·ent·ly adverb
–trans·par·ent·ness noun

transparentize
: to make transparent or more nearly transparent <transparentize tracing paper>

transpersonal
1 : extending or going beyond the personal or individual
2 : of, relating to, or being psychology or psychotherapy concerned especially with esoteric mental experience (as mysticism and altered states of consciousness) beyond the usual limits of ego and personality

transpicuous
adj. : clearly seen through or understood

transpierce
v. : to pierce through : PENETRATE

transpiration
n. : the act or process or an instance of transpiring especially : the passage of watery vapor from a living body (as of a plant) through a membrane or pores
–tran·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

transpire
v. transitive verb : to pass off or give passage to (a fluid) through pores or interstices especially : to excrete (as water) in the form of a vapor through a living membrane (as the skin)
intransitive verb
1 : to give off vaporous material specifically : to give off or exude watery vapor especially from the surfaces of leaves
2 : to pass in the form of a vapor from a living body
3 a : to be revealed : come to light b : to become known or apparent : DEVELOP
4 : to take place : GO ON, OCCUR
usage Sense 4 of transpire is the frequent whipping boy of those who suppose sense 3 to be the only meaning of the word. Sense 4 appears to have developed in the late 18th century; it was well enough known to have been used by Abigail Adams in a letter to her husband in 1775 <there is nothing new transpired since I wrote you last ― Abigail Adams>. Noah Webster recognized the new sense in his dictionary of 1828. Transpire was evidently a popular word with 19th century journalists; sense 4 turns up in such pretentiously worded statements as “The police drill will transpire under shelter to-day in consequence of the moist atmosphere prevailing.” Around 1870 the sense began to be attacked as a misuse on the grounds of etymology, and modern critics echo the damnation of 1870. Sense 4 has been in existence for about two centuries; it is firmly established as standard; it occurs now primarily in serious prose, not the ostentatiously flamboyant prose typical of 19th century journalism.

transplacental
adj. : passing through or occurring by way of the placenta <transplacental immunization>
–trans·pla·cen·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

transplant
transitive verb
1 : to lift and reset (a plant) in another soil or situation
2 : to remove from one place or context and settle or introduce elsewhere : RELOCATE
3 : to transfer (an organ or tissue) from one part or individual to another
intransitive verb : to tolerate being transplanted <does not transplant as well as other varieties>
–trans·plant·abil·i·ty \ˌtran(t)s-ˌplan-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–trans·plant·able \tran(t)s-'plan-tə-bəl\ adjective
–trans·plan·ta·tion \ˌtran(t)s-ˌplan-'tā-shən\ noun
–trans·plant·er \tran(t)s-'plan-tər\ noun

transplant
n. 1 a : a person or thing that is transplanted b : a manufacturing plant set up locally by a foreign automobile company to save on shipping costs <bumpers shipped to a Japanese transplant in the U.S.>
2 : the act or process of transplanting

transpolar
adj. : crossing or extending across either of the polar regions

transponder
n. : a radio or radar set that upon receiving a designated signal emits a radio signal of its own and that is used especially for the detection, identification, and location of objects and in satellites for relaying communications signals

transpontine
adj. 1 : situated on the farther side of a bridge
2 British : situated on the south side of the Thames

transport
n. 1 : to transfer or convey from one place to another <transporting ions across a living membrane>
2 : to carry away with strong and often intensely pleasant emotion
3 : to send to a penal colony overseas
synonyms see BANISH
–trans·port·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌpȯr-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–trans·port·able \tran(t)s-'pȯr-tə-bəl\ adjective

transport
n. 1 : an act or process of transporting : TRANSPORTATION
2 : strong or intensely pleasurable emotion <transports of joy>
3 a : a ship for carrying soldiers or military equipment b : a vehicle (as a truck or airplane) used to transport persons or goods c : TRANSPORTATION 3
4 : a transported convict
synonyms see ECSTASY

transport
n. active transport
electron transport
supersonic transport
transport cafe
transport café
hypertext transport protocol

transport cafe
British : a roadside restaurant frequented chiefly by truck drivers

transportation
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of transporting or being transported
2 : banishment to a penal colony
3 a : means of conveyance or travel from one place to another b : public conveyance of passengers or goods especially as a commercial enterprise
–trans·por·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

transporter
n. : one that transports especially : a vehicle for transporting large or heavy loads

transposable element
: a segment of genetic material that is capable of changing its location in the genome or in some bacteria of undergoing transfer between an extrachromosomal plasmid and a chromosome

transpose
1 : to change in form or nature : TRANSFORM
2 : to render into another language, style, or manner of expression : TRANSLATE
3 : to transfer from one place or period to another : SHIFT
4 : to change the relative place or normal order of : alter the sequence of <transpose letters to change the spelling>
5 : to write or perform (a musical composition) in a different key
6 : to bring (a term) from one side of an algebraic equation to the other with change of sign
synonyms see REVERSE
–trans·pos·able \-'pō-zə-bəl\ adjective

transpose
v. : a matrix formed from another matrix by interchanging the rows and columns

transposition
n. 1 a : an act, process, or instance of transposing or being transposed b : the transfer of a segment of DNA from one site to another in the genome
2 a : the transfer of any term of an equation from one side over to the other side with a corresponding change of the sign b : a mathematical permutation or interchange of two letters or symbols
–trans·po·si·tion·al \-'zish-nəl, -'zi-shə-nəl\ adjective

transposition cipher
: a cipher in which the letters of the plaintext are systematically rearranged into another sequence ― compare SUBSTITUTION CIPHER

transposon
n. : a transposable element especially when it contains genetic material controlling functions other than those related to its relocation

transracial
: involving, encompassing, or extending across two or more races <transracial adoption>

transsexual
: a person who strongly identifies with the opposite sex and may seek to live as a member of this sex especially by undergoing surgery and hormone therapy to obtain the necessary physical appearance (as by changing the external sex organs)
–transsexual adjective
–trans·sex·u·al·ism also tran·sex·u·al·ism \-sh(ə-)wə-ˌli-zəm, -shə-ˌli-\ noun
–trans·sex·u·al·i·ty also tran·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun

transshape
v. archaic : to change into another shape : TRANSFORM

transship
v. : to transfer for further transportation from one ship or conveyance to another
intransitive verb : to change from one ship or conveyance to another
–trans·ship·ment also tran·ship·ment \-mənt\ noun

transthoracic
adj. : done or made by way of the thoracic cavity
–trans·tho·rac·i·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

transubstantial
: changed or capable of being changed from one substance to another

transubstantiate
v. transitive verb
1 : to effect transubstantiation in (sacramental bread and wine)
2 : to change into another substance : TRANSMUTE
intransitive verb : to undergo transubstantiation

transubstantiation
n. 1 : an act or instance of transubstantiating or being transubstantiated
2 : the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox dogma the eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearances of bread and wine

transudate
n. : a transuded substance

transudation
n. 1 : the act or process of transuding or being transuded
2 : TRANSUDATE

transude
v. intransitive verb : to pass through a membrane or permeable substance : EXUDE
transitive verb : to permit passage of

transuranic
adj. : of, relating to, or being an element with an atomic number greater than that of uranium

transuranic
adj. : a transuranic element

transurethral
adj. : passing through or performed by way of the urethra <transurethral prostatectomy>

Transvaal
n. former province NE Republic of South Africa bet. the Vaal & the Limpopo; in 19th century a Boer republic (South African Republic) capital Pretoria area 109,621 sq mi (283,918 sq km)

transvaluate
v. : TRANSVALUE

transvaluation
n. : the act or process of transvaluing

transvalue
v. : to reevaluate especially on a basis that repudiates accepted standards

transversal
n. : a line that intersects a system of lines

transverse
n. 1 : acting, lying, or being across : set crosswise
2 : made at right angles to the long axis of the body <a transverse section>
–trans·verse·ly adverb

transverse
n. : something (as a piece, section, or part) that is transverse

transverse
n. transverse colon
transverse process
transverse wave

transverse colon
: the middle portion of the colon that extends across the abdominal cavity

transverse process
: a lateral process of a vertebra

transverse wave
: a wave in which the vibrating element moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advance of the wave

transvestite
n. : a person and especially a male who adopts the dress and often the behavior typical of the opposite sex especially for purposes of emotional or sexual gratification
–trans·ves·tism \-'ves-ˌti-zəm\ also trans·ves·tit·ism \-'ves-ˌti-ˌti-zəm\ noun
–transvestite adjective

Transylvania
n. region W Romania bounded on the N, E, & S by the Carpathians & the Transylvanian Alps; part of Hungary 1867-1918
–Tran·syl·va·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Transylvanian Alps
a S extension of the Carpathian Mountains in cen Romania

trap
n. 1 : a device for taking game or other animals especially : one that holds by springing shut suddenly
2 a : something by which one is caught or stopped unawares also : a position or situation from which it is difficult or impossible to escape b : a football play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then is blocked from the side while the ballcarrier advances through the spot vacated by the defensive player c : the act or an instance of trapping the ball in soccer d : a defensive maneuver in basketball in which two defenders converge quickly on the ball handler to steal the ball or force a bad pass
3 a : a device for hurling clay pigeons into the air b : SAND TRAP c : a piece of leather or section of interwoven leather straps between the thumb and index finger of a baseball glove that forms an extension of the pocket
4 slang : MOUTH
5 : a light usually one-horse carriage with springs
6 : any of various devices for preventing passage of something often while allowing other matter to proceed especially : a device for drains or sewers consisting of a bend or partitioned chamber in which the liquid forms a seal to prevent the passage of sewer gas
7 plural : a group of percussion instruments (as a bass drum, snare drums, and cymbals) used especially in a dance or jazz band
8 : an arrangement of rock strata that favors the accumulation of oil and gas
9 plural [speed trap] : a measured stretch of a course over which electronic timing devices measure the speed of a vehicle (as a racing car or dragster)

trap
n. transitive verb
1 a : to catch or take in or as if in a trap : ENTRAP b : to place in a restricted position : CONFINE <trapped in the burning wreck>
2 : to provide or set (a place) with traps
3 a : STOP, HOLD <these mountains trap rains and fogs generated over the ocean ― American Guide Series: Calif.> b : to separate out (as water from steam)
4 a : to catch (as a baseball) immediately after a bounce b : to block out (a defensive football player) by means of a trap c : to stop and gain control of (a soccer ball) with a part of the body other than the hands or arms
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in trapping animals (as for furs)
2 : to make a defensive trap in basketball
synonyms see CATCH
–trap·per noun

trap
n. : to adorn with or as if with trappings

trap
n. : TRAPROCK

trap
n. blacklight trap
booby trap
death trap
leghold trap
light trap
live trap
lobster trap
rat trap cheese
sand trap
speed trap
steel trap
tourist trap
trap door spider

trap-door spider
: any of various often large burrowing spiders (esp. family Ctenizidae) that construct a tubular subterranean silk-lined nest topped with a hinged lid

Trapani
commune & port Italy at NW tip of Sicily pop 69,221

trapdoor
n. : a lifting or sliding door covering an opening (as in a roof, ceiling, or floor)

trapeze
n. : a gymnastic or acrobatic apparatus consisting of a short horizontal bar suspended by two parallel ropes

trapezist
: a performer on the trapeze ― called also trapeze artist

trapezium
n. 1 a : a quadrilateral with no parallel sides b British : TRAPEZOID 1B
2 : a bone in the wrist at the base of the metacarpal of the thumb

trapezius
n. : a large flat triangular superficial muscle of each side of the upper back

trapezohedron
: a crystalline form whose faces are trapeziums

trapezoid
n. 1 a British : TRAPEZIUM 1A b : a quadrilateral having only two sides parallel
2 : a bone in the wrist at the base of the metacarpal of the index finger
–trap·e·zoi·dal \ˌtra-pə-'zȯi-dəl\ adjective

trapline
n. : a line or series of traps also : the route along which such a line of traps is set

trapping
n. 1 : CAPARISON 1 ― usually used in plural
2 plural : outward decoration or dress : ornamental equipment
3 plural : outward signs <conventional men with all the trappings⋯of banality ― Robert Plank>

Trappist
n. : a member of a reformed branch of the Roman Catholic Cistercian Order established by the Abbot de Rancé in 1664 at the monastery of La Trappe in Normandy
–Trappist adjective

traprock
n. : any of various dark-colored fine-grained igneous rocks (as basalt) used especially in road making

traps
n. : personal belongings : LUGGAGE

trapshooter
n. : a person who engages in trapshooting

trapshooting
n. : shooting at clay pigeons sprung from a trap into the air away from the shooter

trapunto
: a decorative quilted design in high relief worked through at least two layers of cloth by outlining the design in running stitch and padding it from the underside

trash
n. 1 : something worth little or nothing: as a : JUNK, RUBBISH b (1) : empty talk : NONSENSE (2) : inferior or worthless writing or artistic matter (as a television show) especially : such matter intended purely for sensational entertainment (3) : TRASH TALK
2 : something in a crumbled or broken condition or mass especially : debris from pruning or processing plant material
3 : a worthless person also : such persons as a group : RIFFRAFF

trash
n. 1 : THROW AWAY 1 <standards of reality and truth were trashed ― Edwin Diamond>
2 : VANDALIZE, DESTROY
3 : ATTACK, ASSAULT
4 : SPOIL, RUIN <trashing the environment>
5 : to subject to criticism or invective especially : to disparage strongly <a film trashed by the critics>
intransitive verb : to trash something or someone

trash
n. trash fish
trash talk
trash talker
white trash

trash fish
1 : ROUGH FISH
2 : a usually marine fish having little or no market value as human food but used sometimes in the production of fish meal

trash talk
: disparaging, taunting, or boastful comments especially between opponents trying to intimidate each other
–trash-talk \'trash-ˌtȯk\ verb
–trash-talk·er \-ˌtȯ-kər\ noun

trashman
n. : a worker who collects and hauls away trash

trashy
adj. 1 : being, resembling, or containing trash : of inferior quality
2 : INDECENT
–trash·i·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb
–trash·i·ness noun

Trasimeno, Lake
lake 10 mi (16 km) wide cen Italy W of Perugia

trattoria
n. : RESTAURANT specifically : a usually small Italian restaurant

Traubel
Helen 1903-1972 American soprano

trauma
n. 1 a : an injury (as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent b : a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury c : an emotional upset <the personal trauma of an executive who is not living up to his own expectations ― Karen W. Arenson>
2 : an agent, force, or mechanism that causes trauma
–trau·mat·ic \trə-'ma-tik, trȯ-, trau̇-\ adjective
–trau·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

trauma
n. blunt trauma
trauma center
post traumatic stress disorder
post traumatic stress syndrome

trauma center
: a hospital unit specializing in the treatment of patients with acute and especially life-threatening traumatic injuries

traumatise
v. British variant of traumatize

traumatism
n. : the development or occurrence of trauma also : TRAUMA

traumatize
v. : to inflict a trauma upon
–trau·ma·ti·za·tion \ˌtrau̇-mə-tə-'zā-shən, ˌtrȯ-\ noun

trav
travel

travail
n. 1 a : work especially of a painful or laborious nature : TOIL b : a physical or mental exertion or piece of work : TASK, EFFORT c : AGONY, TORMENT
2 : LABOR, PARTURITION
synonyms see WORK

travail
n. 1 : to labor hard : TOIL
2 : LABOR 3

Travancore
region & former state SW India on Malabar Coast extending N from Cape Comorin; included (1949-56) in former Travancore and Co·chin \'kō-chən\ state (capital Trivandrum); became part of Kerala 1956

travel
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to go on or as if on a trip or tour : JOURNEY b (1) : to go as if by traveling : PASS <the news traveled fast> (2) : ASSOCIATE <travels with a sophisticated crowd> c : to go from place to place as a sales representative or business agent
2 a (1) : to move or undergo transmission from one place to another <goods traveling by plane> (2) : to withstand relocation successfully <a dish that travels well> b : to move in a given direction or path or through a given distance <the stylus travels in a groove> c : to move rapidly <a car that can really travel>
3 : to take more steps while holding a basketball than the rules allow
transitive verb
1 a : to journey through or over b : to follow (a course or path) as if by traveling
2 : to traverse (a specified distance)
3 : to cover (an area) as a commercial traveler
–travel light : to travel with a minimum of equipment or baggage

travel
n. 1 a : the act of traveling : PASSAGE b : a journey especially to a distant or unfamiliar place : TOUR, TRIP ― often used in plural
2 plural : an account of one's travels
3 : the number traveling : TRAFFIC
4 a : MOVEMENT, PROGRESSION <the travel of satellites around the earth> b : the motion of a piece of machinery especially : reciprocating motion

travel
n. travel light
travel agency
travel bureau
travel agent
travel trailer
fellow traveling
traveling bag
traveling case
traveling fellowship
traveling salesman

travel agency
: an agency engaged in selling and arranging transportation, accommodations, tours, and trips for travelers ― called also travel bureau

travel agent
: a person engaged in selling and arranging transportation, accommodations, tours, or trips for travelers

travel light
to travel with a minimum of equipment or baggage

travel trailer
: a trailer drawn especially by an automobile and equipped for use (as while traveling) as a dwelling

traveled
adj. 1 : experienced in travel <a widely traveled journalist>
2 : used by travelers <a well-traveled road>

traveler
n. 1 : one that travels: as a : one that goes on a trip or journey b : TRAVELING SALESMAN
2 a : an iron ring sliding along a rope, bar, or rod of a ship b : a rod on the deck on which such a ring slides
3 : any of various devices for handling something that is being transported laterally

traveler
n. commercial traveler
fellow traveler
traveler's check
traveler's diarrhea

traveler's check
: a draft purchased from a bank or express company and signed by the purchaser at the time of purchase and again at the time of cashing as a precaution against forgery

traveler's diarrhea
: intestinal sickness and diarrhea affecting a traveler that is typically caused by ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms (as some E. coli)

traveling
n. 1 : that travels <a traveling opera company> <a traveling executive>
2 : carried, used by, or accompanying a traveler <a traveling alarm clock> <a traveling companion>

traveling
n. fellow traveling
traveling bag
traveling case
traveling fellowship
traveling salesman

traveling bag
: SUITCASE

traveling case
: a usually rigid and box-shaped suitcase

traveling fellowship
: a fellowship whose terms permit or direct the holder to travel or go abroad for study or research

traveling salesman
: a traveling representative of a business concern who solicits orders usually in an assigned territory

travelogue
n. 1 : a talk or lecture on travel usually accompanied by a film or slides
2 : a narrated motion picture about travel
3 : a piece of writing about travel

traversal
n. : the act or an instance of traversing

traverse
n. 1 : something that crosses or lies across
2 : OBSTACLE, ADVERSITY
3 : a formal denial of a matter of fact alleged by the opposing party in a legal pleading
4 a : a compartment or recess formed by a partition, curtain, or screen b : a gallery or loft providing access from one side to another in a large building
5 : a route or way across or over: as a : a zigzag course of a sailing ship with contrary winds b : a curving or zigzag way up a steep grade c : the course followed in traversing
6 : the act or an instance of traversing : CROSSING
7 : a protective projecting wall or bank of earth in a trench
8 a : a lateral movement (as of the saddle of a lathe carriage) also : a device for imparting such movement b : the lateral movement of a gun about a pivot or on a carriage to change direction of fire
9 : a line surveyed across a plot of ground

traverse
transitive verb
1 a : to go against or act in opposition to : OPPOSE, THWART b : to deny (as an allegation of fact or an indictment) formally at law
2 a : to go or travel across or over b : to move or pass along or through <light rays traversing a crystal>
3 : to make a study of : EXAMINE
4 : to lie or extend across : CROSS <the bridge traverses a brook>
5 a : to move to and fro over or along b : to ascend, descend, or cross (a slope or gap) at an angle c : to move (a gun) to right or left on a pivot
6 : to make or carry out a survey of by using traverses
intransitive verb
1 : to move back and forth or from side to side
2 : to move or turn laterally : SWIVEL
3 a : to climb at an angle or in a zigzag course b : to ski across rather than straight down a hill
4 : to make a survey by using traverses
–tra·vers·able \-'vər-sə-bəl, -(ˌ)vər-\ adjective
–tra·vers·er noun

traverse
n. : lying across : TRANSVERSE

traverse
n. traverse jury
traverse rod
Grand Traverse Bay
Traverse Lake

traverse jury
: PETIT JURY

traverse rod
: a metal rod or track with a pulley mechanism for drawing curtains

Traverse, Lake
lake NE S.Dak. & W Minn.; drained by the Bois de Sioux (headstream of Red River)

travertine
n. : a mineral consisting of a massive usually layered calcium carbonate (as aragonite or calcite) formed by deposition from spring waters or especially from hot springs

travesty
n. : to make a travesty of : PARODY

travesty
n. 1 : a burlesque translation or literary or artistic imitation usually grotesquely incongruous in style, treatment, or subject matter
2 : a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation <a travesty of justice>
synonyms see CARICATURE

travois
n. : a simple vehicle used by Plains Indians consisting of two trailing poles serving as shafts and bearing a platform or net for the load

trawl
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to fish with a trawl b : to make a search as if by trawling
2 : TROLL 2A
transitive verb : to catch (fish) with a trawl

trawl
n. 1 : a large conical net dragged along the sea bottom in gathering fish or other marine life
2 : SETLINE

trawler
n. 1 : a boat used in trawling
2 : a person who fishes by trawling

trawlerman
n. 1 : TRAWLER 2
2 : one who mans a trawler

tray
n. : an open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles
–tray·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

trazodone
n. : an antidepressant drug C_19H_22ClN_5O administered in the form of its hydrochloride

treacherous
adj. 1 : characterized by or manifesting treachery : PERFIDIOUS
2 a : likely to betray trust : UNRELIABLE <a treacherous memory> b : providing insecure footing or support <treacherous quicksand> c : marked by hidden dangers, hazards, or perils
synonyms see FAITHLESS
–treach·er·ous·ly adverb
–treach·er·ous·ness noun

treachery
n. 1 : violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : TREASON
2 : an act of perfidy or treason

treacle
n. 1 : a medicinal compound formerly in wide use as a remedy against poison
2 chiefly British a : MOLASSES b : a blend of molasses, invert sugar, and corn syrup used as syrup ― called also golden syrup
3 : something (as a tone of voice) heavily sweet and cloying

treacly
adj. : resembling treacle (as in quality or appearance) <treacly sentimentality>

tread
n. transitive verb
1 a : to step or walk on or over b : to walk or proceed along : FOLLOW <treading a fine line between tradition and innovation>
2 a : to beat or press with the feet : TRAMPLE b : to subdue or repress as if by trampling : CRUSH
3 : to copulate with ― used of a male bird
4 a : to form by treading : BEAT <tread a path> b : to execute by stepping or dancing <tread a measure>
intransitive verb
1 : to move or proceed on or as if on foot <must tread lightly>
2 a : to set foot <has gone where others fear to tread> b : to put one's foot : STEP <carelessly treading on the flowers>
3 : COPULATE
–tread·er noun
–tread on one's toes : to give offense (as by encroaching on one's rights or feelings)
–tread water : to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands

tread
n. 1 : a mark (as a footprint or the imprint of a tire) made by or as if by treading
2 a (1) : the action of treading (2) : an act or instance of treading : STEP b : manner of stepping c : the sound of treading
3 a : the part of a shoe or boot sole that touches the ground also : the pattern on the bottom of a sole b (1) : the part of a wheel or tire that makes contact with a road or rail (2) : the pattern of ridges or grooves made or cut in the face of a tire
4 : the distance between the points of contact with the ground of the two front wheels or the two rear wheels of a vehicle
5 a : the upper horizontal part of a step b : the width of such a tread
–tread·less \-ləs\ adjective

tread
n. re tread
tread water
tread on one's toes

tread on one's toes
to give offense (as by encroaching on one's rights or feelings)

tread water
to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands

treadle
n. : a swiveling or lever device pressed by the foot to drive a machine

treadle
n. intransitive verb : to operate a treadle
transitive verb : to operate (as a machine) by a treadle

treadmill
n. 1 a : a mill worked by persons treading on steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis and used formerly in prison punishment b : a mill worked by an animal treading an endless belt c : a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or physiological testing
2 : a wearisome or monotonous routine resembling continued activity on a treadmill <the office treadmill>

treas
treasury

treason
n. 1 : the betrayal of a trust : TREACHERY
2 : the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family

treasonable
adj. : relating to, consisting of, or involving treason <treasonable words>
–trea·son·ably \-blē\ adverb

treasonous
adj. : TREASONABLE

treasurable
adj. : worthy of being treasured : PRECIOUS

treasure
n. 1 a (1) : wealth (as money, jewels, or precious metals) stored up or hoarded <buried treasure> (2) : wealth of any kind or in any form : RICHES b : a store of money in reserve
2 : something of great worth or value also : a person esteemed as rare or precious
3 : a collection of precious things

treasure
n. 1 : to collect and store up (something of value) for future use : HOARD
2 : to hold or keep as precious : CHERISH, PRIZE <she treasured those memories>
synonyms see APPRECIATE

treasure trove
1 : treasure that anyone finds specifically : gold or silver in the form of money, plate, or bullion which is found hidden and whose ownership is not known
2 : a valuable discovery, resource, or collection

treasure-house
1 : a building where treasure is kept : TREASURY
2 : a place or source (as a collection) where many things of value can be found

treasurer
n. 1 : a guardian of a collection of treasures : CURATOR
2 : an officer entrusted with the receipt, care, and disbursement of funds: as a : a governmental officer charged with receiving, keeping, and disbursing public revenues b : the executive financial officer of a club, society, or business corporation
–trea·sur·er·ship \-ˌship\ noun

treasury
n. 1 a : a place in which stores of wealth are kept b : the place of deposit and disbursement of collected funds especially : one where public revenues are deposited, kept, and disbursed c : funds kept in such a depository
2 obsolete : TREASURE
3 capitalized a : a governmental department in charge of finances and especially the collection, management, and expenditure of public revenues b : the building in which the business of such a governmental department is transacted
4 capitalized : a government security (as a note or bill) issued by the Treasury
5 : a repository for treasures <a treasury of poems>

treasury
n. treasury note
treasury of merits
treasury stock

treasury note
1 : a currency note issued by the U.S. Treasury in payment for silver bullion purchased under the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890
2 : a U.S. government bond usually with a maturity of not less than one year or more than seven years

treasury of merits

1636
: the superabundant satisfaction of Christ for human sins and the excess of merit of the saints which according to Roman Catholic theology is effective for salvation of others and is available for dispensation through indulgences

treasury stock
: issued stock reacquired by a corporation and held as an asset

treat
n. intransitive verb
1 : to discuss terms of accommodation or settlement : NEGOTIATE
2 : to deal with a matter especially in writing : DISCOURSE ― usually used with of <a book treating of conservation>
3 : to pay another's expenses (as for a meal or drink) especially as a compliment or as an expression of regard or friendship
transitive verb
1 a : to deal with in speech or writing : EXPOUND b : to present or represent artistically c : to deal with : HANDLE <food is plentiful and treated with imagination ― Cecil Beaton>
2 a : to bear oneself toward : USE <treat a horse cruelly> b : to regard and deal with in a specified manner ― usually used with as <treat the matter as confidential>
3 a : to provide with free food, drink, or entertainment <they treated us to lunch> b : to provide with enjoyment or gratification
4 : to care for or deal with medically or surgically <treat a disease>
5 : to act upon with some agent especially to improve or alter <treat a metal with acid>
–treat·er noun

treat
n. 1 a : an entertainment given without expense to those invited b : the act of providing another with free food, drink, or entertainment <dinner will be my treat>
2 : an especially unexpected source of joy, delight, or amusement <seeing her again was a treat>

treat
n. dutch treat
heat treat
ill treat
stand treat
trick or treat
heat treater
trick or treater

treatable
adj. : capable of being treated : yielding or responsive to treatment <a treatable disease>
–treat·abil·i·ty \ˌtrē-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

treatise
n. 1 : a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached <a treatise on higher education>
2 obsolete : ACCOUNT, TALE

treatment
n. 1 a : the act or manner or an instance of treating someone or something : HANDLING, USAGE <the star requires careful treatment> b : the techniques or actions customarily applied in a specified situation
2 a : a substance or technique used in treating b : an experimental condition

treatment
n. heat treatment
ill treatment
light treatment
self treatment
shock treatment
silent treatment

treaty
n. 1 : the action of treating and especially of negotiating
2 a : an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation: (1) : PRIVATE TREATY (2) : a contract in writing between two or more political authorities (as states or sovereigns) formally signed by representatives duly authorized and usually ratified by the lawmaking authority of the state b : a document in which such a contract is set down

treaty port
: any of numerous ports and inland cities in China, Japan, and Korea formerly open by treaty to foreign commerce

Trebbia
river 71 mi (114 km) NW Italy flowing N into the Po

trebbiano
: a widely cultivated Italian white grape used especially in making white wine and brandy

Trebizond
1 ― see TRABZON
2 Greek empire 1204-1461, an offshoot of Byzantine Empire; at greatest extent included Georgia, Crimea, & S coast of Black Sea E of the Sakarya

treble
adj. 1 a : the highest voice part in harmonic music : SOPRANO b : one that performs a treble part also : a member of a family of instruments having the highest range c : a high-pitched or shrill voice, tone, or sound d : the upper half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range ― compare BASS e : the higher portion of the audio frequency range in sound recording and broadcasting
2 : something treble in construction, uses, amount, number, or value

treble
adj. 1 a : having three parts or uses : THREEFOLD b : triple in number or amount
2 a : relating to or having the range or part of a treble b : HIGH-PITCHED, SHRILL c : of, relating to, or having the range of treble in sound recording and broadcasting <treble frequencies>
–tre·bly \'tre-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

treble
adj. transitive verb : to increase threefold
intransitive verb
1 : to sing treble
2 : to grow to three times the size, amount, or number

treble clef
1 : a clef that places G above middle C on the second line of the staff
2 : TREBLE STAFF

treble staff
: the musical staff carrying the treble clef

trebuchet
n. : a medieval military engine for hurling heavy missiles (as rocks)

trecento
n. : the 14th century specifically : the 14th century in Italian literature and art

tredecillion
― see NUMBER table

Tree
n. Sir Herbert (Draper) Beerbohm 1853-1917 Eng. actor-manager

tree
n. 1 a : a woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part b : a shrub or herb of arborescent form <rose trees> <a banana tree>
2 a (1) : a piece of wood (as a post or pole) usually adapted to a particular use or forming part of a structure or implement (2) archaic : the cross on which Jesus was crucified b archaic : GALLOWS
3 : something in the form of or resembling a tree: as a : a diagram or graph that branches usually from a simple stem or vertex without forming loops or polygons <a genealogical tree> <phylogenetic trees> b : a much-branched system of channels especially in an animal body <the vascular tree>
4 : SADDLETREE
–tree·less \-ləs\ adjective
–tree·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

tree
n. 1 a : to drive to or up a tree <treed by a bull> <dogs treeing game> b : to put into a position of extreme disadvantage : CORNER especially : to bring to bay
2 : to furnish or fit (as a shoe) with a tree

tree
n. gallows tree
maidenhair tree
rain tree
plane tree
tree line
angelica tree
bark up the wrong tree
bee tree
big tree
bo tree
brown tree snake
camphor tree
China tree
Christmas tree
coffee tree
cola tree
cucumber tree
dead tree
decision tree
family tree
fever tree
flame tree
fringe tree
golden rain tree
grass tree
gum tree
Joshua tree
Judas tree
katsura tree
Kentucky coffee tree
kola tree
lesser peach tree borer
London plane tree
mastic tree
ming tree
monkey puzzle tree
Para rubber tree
peach tree borer
planer tree
rubber tree
service tree
shade tree
shea tree
shoe tree
silk cotton tree
silk tree
smoke tree
sorrel tree
spindle tree
staff tree
state tree
strawberry tree
tea tree
tree ear
tree farm
tree fern
tree frog
tree house
tree hugger
tree of heaven
tree of life
tree peony
tree ring
tree shrew
tree sparrow
tree surgery
tree surgeon
tree swallow
tree toad
tree tomato
tulip tree
tung tree
umbrella tree
varnish tree
wayfaring tree
wolf tree
Joshua Tree National Park

tree ear
: WOOD EAR

tree farm
: an area of forest land managed to ensure continuous commercial production

tree fern
: any of various ferns (esp. families Cyatheaceae and Dicksoniaceae) of arborescent habit with a woody stem

tree frog
: any of numerous small anuran amphibians (esp. family Hylidae) of usually arboreal habits that typically have adhesive disks on the toes

tree house
: a structure (as a playhouse) built among the branches of a tree

tree hugger
sometimes disparaging : ENVIRONMENTALIST 2 especially : an advocate for the preservation of woodlands

tree line
: TIMBERLINE

tree of heaven

1845
: a Chinese ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima syn. A. glandulosa) that has foliage similar to that of the sumacs, has ill-scented staminate flowers, and is grown as a shade and ornamental tree

tree of life

1880
: a conventionalized and often ornate representation of a tree used as a decorative motif

tree peony
: a shrubby Chinese peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) that has large showy flowers and is the source of many horticultural varieties

tree ring
: ANNUAL RING

tree shrew
: any of a family (Tupaiidae of the order Scandentia) of small southeast Asian mammals that resemble squirrels, are of semiarboreal or terrestrial habit, feed chiefly on insects and fruit, and are sometimes classified as true insectivores or primitive primates

tree sparrow
1 : a Eurasian sparrow (Passer montanus) that has a black spot on the ear coverts
2 : a No. American sparrow (Spizella arborea) that has a single dark spot on the breast and breeds in Alaska and northern Canada and winters in the U.S.

tree surgery
: operative treatment of diseased trees especially for control of decay broadly : practices forming part of the professional care of specimen or shade trees
–tree surgeon noun

tree swallow
: an American swallow (Tachycineta bicolor syn. Iridoprocne bicolor) with iridescent greenish-blue upperparts and white underparts

tree toad
: TREE FROG

tree tomato
: TAMARILLO

treed
adj. : planted or grown with trees : WOODED

treehopper
n. : any of a family (Membracidae) of small leaping homopterous insects that feed on the sap especially of shrubs and trees

treen
n. : small woodenware ― called also treenware

treenail
n. : a wooden peg made usually of dry compressed timber so as to swell in its hole when moistened

treetop
n. 1 : the topmost part of a tree
2 plural : the height or line marked by the tops of a group of trees

trefoil
n. 1 a : CLOVER 1 broadly : any of several leguminous herbs (as bird's-foot trefoil) with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets b : a trifoliolate leaf
2 : an ornament or symbol in the form of a stylized trifoliolate leaf

trehalose
n. : a crystalline disaccharide C_12H_22O_11 that is found in various organisms (as fungi and insects), is about half as sweet as sucrose, and is sometimes used as a sweetner in commercially prepared foods

treillage
: latticework for vines : TRELLIS 1

Treitschke
Heinrich von 1834-1896 Ger. hist.

trek
n. 1 chiefly South African a : to travel by ox wagon b : to migrate by ox wagon or in a train of such
2 : to make one's way arduously broadly : JOURNEY
–trek·ker noun

trek
n. 1 chiefly South African : a journey by ox wagon especially : an organized migration by a group of settlers
2 : a trip or movement especially when involving difficulties or complex organization : an arduous journey

trellis
n. 1 : a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants
2 : a construction (as a summerhouse) chiefly of latticework
3 : an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice <a trellis of interlacing streams>
–trel·lised \'tre-ləst\ adjective

trellis
n. 1 : to provide with a trellis especially : to train (as a vine) on a trellis
2 : to cross or interlace on or through : INTERWEAVE

trelliswork
n. : LATTICEWORK

trematode
n. : any of a class (Trematoda) of parasitic usually hermaphroditic flatworms including the flukes
–trematode adjective

tremble
n. 1 : to shake involuntarily (as with fear or cold) : SHIVER
2 : to move, sound, pass, or come to pass as if shaken or tremulous <the building trembled from the blast>
3 : to be affected with great fear or anxiety <trembled for the safety of her child>
–trem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

tremble
n. 1 : an act or instance of trembling especially : a fit or spell of involuntary shaking or quivering
2 plural but singular in construction : severe poisoning of livestock and especially cattle by a toxic alcohol present in a snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) and rayless goldenrod that is characterized especially by muscular tremors, weakness, and constipation

trembly
adj. : marked by trembling : TREMULOUS

tremendous
adj. 1 : being such as may excite trembling or arouse dread, awe, or terror
2 a : notable by reason of extreme size, power, greatness, or excellence <tremendous problems> <a writer of tremendous talent> ― often used as a generalized term of approval <had a tremendous time> b : unusually large : HUGE <a tremendous number of people>
synonyms see MONSTROUS
–tre·men·dous·ly adverb
–tre·men·dous·ness noun

tremolite
n. : a white or gray mineral of the amphibole group that is a silicate of calcium and magnesium
–trem·o·lit·ic \ˌtre-mə-'li-tik\ adjective

tremolo
n. 1 a : the rapid reiteration of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a tremulous effect b : vocal vibrato especially when prominent or excessive
2 : a mechanical device in an organ for causing a tremulous effect

tremor
n. 1 a : a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease b : nervous excitement <the exhibit caused a tremor in the artistic community>
2 : a quivering or vibratory motion especially : a discrete small movement following or preceding a major seismic event
3 a : a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity <a tremor of hesitation> b : a cause of such a feeling

tremulant
adj. : TREMULOUS, TREMBLING

tremulous
adj. 1 : characterized by or affected with trembling or tremors
2 : affected with timidity : TIMOROUS
3 : such as is or might be caused by nervousness or shakiness <a tremulous smile> <tremulous handwriting>
4 : exceedingly sensitive : easily shaken or disordered
–trem·u·lous·ly adverb
–trem·u·lous·ness noun

trench
n. 1 a : a long cut in the ground : DITCH especially : one used for military defense often with the excavated dirt thrown up in front b plural : a place, position, or level at which an activity is carried on in a manner likened to trench warfare ― often used in the phrase in the trenches <activists working in the trenches>
2 : a long, narrow, and usually steep-sided depression in the ocean floor ― compare TROUGH
3 : TRENCH COAT

trench
n. 1 : to make a cut in : CARVE
2 a : to protect with or as if with a trench b : to cut a trench in : DITCH
intransitive verb
1 a : ENTRENCH, ENCROACH <trenching on other domains which were more vital ― Sir Winston Churchill> b : to come close : VERGE
2 : to dig a trench

trench
n. slit trench
trench coat
trench fever
trench foot
trench mouth
trench warfare

trench coat
1 : a waterproof overcoat with a removable lining designed for wear in trenches
2 : a usually double-breasted raincoat with deep pockets, wide belt, and often straps on the shoulders

trench fever
: a disease that is usually marked by fever and pain in muscles, bones, and joints and that is caused by a bacterium (Bartonella quintana syn. Rochalimaea quintana) transmitted by the human body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus)

trench foot
: a painful foot disorder resembling frostbite and resulting from prolonged exposure to cold and wet

trench mouth
1 : VINCENT'S ANGINA
2 : VINCENT'S INFECTION

trench warfare
: warfare in which the opposing forces attack and counterattack from a relatively permanent system of trenches protected by barbed-wire entanglements

trenchancy
n. : the quality or state of being trenchant

trenchant
adj. 1 : KEEN, SHARP
2 : vigorously effective and articulate <a trenchant analysis> also : CAUSTIC <trenchant remarks>
3 a : sharply perceptive : PENETRATING <a trenchant view of current conditions> b : CLEAR-CUT, DISTINCT <the trenchant divisions between right and wrong ― Edith Wharton>
–tren·chant·ly adverb

trenched
v. 1 : furrowed or drained by trenches
2 : provided with protective trenches

trencher
n. : a wooden platter for serving food

trencher
n. 1 : of or relating to a trencher or to meals
2 archaic : having the nature of a parasite : SYCOPHANTIC

trencher
n. : one that digs trenches specifically : a usually self-propelled excavating machine typically employing a bucket conveyor and used to dig trenches especially for pipelines and cables

trencherman
n. 1 : a hearty eater
2 archaic : HANGER-ON, SPONGER

trend
n. 1 a : to extend in a general direction : follow a general course <mountain ranges trending north and south> b : to veer in a new direction : BEND <a coastline that trends westward>
2 a : to show a tendency : INCLINE <prices trending upward> b : to become deflected : SHIFT <opinions trending toward conservatism>

trend
n. 1 : a line of general direction or movement <the trend of the coast turned toward the west>
2 a : a prevailing tendency or inclination : DRIFT <current trends in education> b : a general movement : SWING <the trend toward suburban living> c : a current style or preference : VOGUE <new fashion trends> d : a line of development : APPROACH
3 : the general movement over time of a statistically detectable change also : a statistical curve reflecting such a change
synonyms see TENDENCY

trendoid
: a trendy person

trendsetter
n. : one that sets a trend

trendsetting
n. : that sets a trend <a trendsetting fashion look>

trendy
n. 1 : very fashionable : UP-TO-DATE <he's a trendy dresser ― Sunday Mirror>
2 : marked by ephemeral, superficial, or faddish appeal or taste <a newspaper of trendy triviality ― J. H. Plumb>
–trend·i·ly \-də-lē\ adverb
–trend·i·ness \-dē-nəs\ noun
–trendy \-dē\ noun

Trengganu
state Malaysia in NE Peninsular Malaysia on S. China Sea capital Kuala Trengganu area 5000 sq mi (12,950 sq km)

Trent
n. 1 river 150 mi (241 km) Canada in SE Ont. flowing from Kawartha Lakes through Rice Lake into Lake Ontario (Bay of Quinte)
2 river 170 mi (274 km) cen England flowing NNE & uniting with Ouse River to form the Humber

Trent Canal
canal system Canada 224 mi (360 km) long in SE Ont. connecting Lake Huron (Georgian Bay) with Lake Ontario (Bay of Quinte)

Trentino-Alto Adige
region N Italy capital Trento area 5526 sq mi (13,613 sq km), pop 943,123

Trento
commune N Italy pop 105,942

Trenton
n. city capital of N.J. on Delaware River pop 85,403

trepan
n. 1 : to use a trephine on (the skull)
2 : to remove a disk or cylindrical core (as from metal for testing)
–trep·a·na·tion \ˌtre-pə-'nā-shən\ noun

trepan
n. : a heavy tool used in boring mine shafts

trepan
n. 1 archaic : TRICKSTER
2 archaic : a deceptive device : SNARE

trepan
n. archaic : ENTRAP, LURE

trepang
n. : any of several large sea cucumbers (as of the genera Actinopyga and Holothuria) that are taken mostly in the southwestern Pacific and are boiled, dried, and used especially in Asian cuisine ― called also bêche-de-mer

trephination
n. : an act or instance of perforating the skull with a surgical instrument

trephine
n. : a surgical instrument for cutting out circular sections (as of bone or corneal tissue)
–trephine transitive verb

trepid
: TIMOROUS, FEARFUL

trepidant
n. : TIMID, TREMBLING

trepidation
n. 1 archaic : a tremulous motion : TREMOR
2 : timorous uncertain agitation : APPREHENSION <trepidation about starting a new job>
synonyms see FEAR

treponema
n. : any of a genus (Treponema) of spirochetes that are pathogenic in humans and other warm-blooded animals and include the causative agents of syphilis and yaws
–trep·o·ne·mal \-məl\ adjective

treponematosis
n. : infection with or disease caused by treponemata

treponeme
n. : TREPONEMA

trespass
n. 1 a : a violation of moral or social ethics : TRANSGRESSION especially : SIN b : an unwarranted infringement
2 a : an unlawful act committed on the person, property, or rights of another especially : a wrongful entry on real property b : the legal action for injuries resulting from trespass

trespass
n. intransitive verb
1 a : ERR, SIN b : to make an unwarranted or uninvited incursion
2 : to commit a trespass especially : to enter unlawfully upon the land of another
transitive verb : VIOLATE <trespass the bounds of good taste>
–tres·pass·er noun
synonyms TRESPASS, ENCROACH, INFRINGE, INVADE mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another. TRESPASS implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion <hunters trespassing on farmland>. ENCROACH suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions <the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples>. INFRINGE implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative <infringing a copyright>. INVADE implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another <accused of invading their privacy>.

tress
n. 1 : a long lock of hair especially : the long unbound hair of a woman ― usually used in plural
2 archaic : a plait of hair : BRAID

tressed
adj. 1 obsolete : being braided : PLAITED
2 : having tresses ― usually used in combination <golden-tressed>

trestle
n. 1 : a braced frame serving as a support
2 : HORSE 2B
3 : a braced framework of timbers, piles, or steelwork for carrying a road or railroad over a depression

trestle table
: a table supported on trestles

trestlework
n. : a system of connected trestles supporting a structure (as a railroad bridge)

tretinoin
n. : the all-trans isomer of retinoic acid that is applied to the skin to treat severe acne and reduce facial wrinkles, roughness, and pigmented spots

trevally
n. : any of various carangid fishes (esp. genus Caranx)

Trevelyan
George Macaulay 1876-1962 Eng. hist.

Trevelyan
Sir George Otto 1838-1928 father of prec. Eng. polit., biographer, & hist.

Treviso
commune NE Italy NW of Venice pop 82,450

trews
n. 1 chiefly British : 3PANT 1 especially : tight-fitting trousers usually of tartan
2 : close-cut tartan shorts worn under the kilt in Highland dress

trey
n. 1 : the side of a die or domino that has three spots
2 : a card numbered three or having three main pips

tri
pref. 1 : three : having three elements or parts <trigraph>
2 : into three <trisect>
3 a : thrice <triweekly> b : every third <trimonthly>

tria juncta in uno
: three joined in one ― motto of the Order of the Bath

triable
adj. : liable or subject to judicial or quasi-judicial examination or trial

triacetate
n. 1 : an acetate containing three CH_3COO– groups
2 : a textile fiber or fabric consisting of cellulose that is completely or almost completely acetylated

triad
n. 1 : a union or group of three : TRINITY
2 : a chord of three tones consisting of a root with its third and fifth and constituting the harmonic basis of tonal music
–tri·ad·ic \trī-'a-dik\ adjective
–tri·ad·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

triage
n. 1 a : the sorting of and allocation of treatment to patients and especially battle and disaster victims according to a system of priorities designed to maximize the number of survivors b : the sorting of patients (as in an emergency room) according to the urgency of their need for care
2 : the assigning of priority order to projects on the basis of where funds and other resources can be best used, are most needed, or are most likely to achieve success
–triage transitive verb

trial
n. 1 a : the action or process of trying or putting to the proof : TEST b : a preliminary contest (as in a sport)
2 : the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue
3 : a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance
4 a : a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness ― compare CLINICAL TRIAL b : one of a number of repetitions of an experiment
5 : ATTEMPT

trial
n. 1 : of, relating to, or used in a trial
2 : made or done as a test or experiment
3 : used or tried out in a test or experiment

trial
n. Bernoulli trial
clinical trial
field trial
show trial
time trial
trial and error
trial balance
trial balloon
trial court
trial examiner
trial horse
trial jury
trial lawyer
trial run

trial and error
: a finding out of the best way to reach a desired result or a correct solution by trying out one or more ways or means and by noting and eliminating errors or causes of failure also : the trying of one thing or another until something succeeds

trial balance
: a list of the debit and credit balances of accounts in a double-entry ledger at a given date prepared primarily to test their equality

trial balloon
: a project or scheme tentatively announced in order to test public opinion

trial court
: the court before which issues of fact and law are first determined as distinguished from an appellate court

trial examiner
: a person appointed to hold hearings and to investigate and report facts sometimes with recommendations to an administrative or quasi-judicial agency or tribunal

trial horse
: one set up as an opponent for a champion in trial competitions or workouts

trial jury
: a jury impaneled to try a cause : PETIT JURY

trial lawyer
: a lawyer who engages chiefly in the trial of cases before courts of original jurisdiction

trial run
: a testing exercise : EXPERIMENT

trialogue
n. : a scene, discourse, or colloquy in which three persons share

triamcinolone
n. : a glucocorticoid drug C_21H_27FO_6 used chiefly in the form of its acetal or acetate derivatives especially in treating skin disorders, asthma, and allergic rhinitis

triangle
n. 1 : a polygon having three sides ― compare SPHERICAL TRIANGLE
2 a : a percussion instrument consisting of a rod of steel bent into the form of a triangle open at one angle and sounded by striking with a small metal rod b : a drafting instrument consisting of a thin flat right-angled triangle of wood or plastic with acute angles of 45 degrees or of 30 degrees and 60 degrees
3 : a situation in which one member of a couple is involved in a love affair with a third person

triangle
n. Pascal's triangle
right triangle
spherical triangle
triangle inequality
Bermuda Triangle

triangle inequality
: an inequality stating that the absolute value of a sum is less than or equal to the sum of the absolute values of the terms

triangular
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or having the form of a triangle <a triangular plot of land> b : having a triangular base or principal surface <a triangular table> <a triangular pyramid>
2 a (1) : of, relating to, or involving three elements <a triangular agreement> (2) of a military group : based primarily on three units b : of or relating to a love triangle
–tri·an·gu·lar·i·ty \(ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–tri·an·gu·lar·ly \trī-'aŋ-gyə-lər-lē\ adverb

triangular number
: a number (as 3, 6, 10, 15) representable by that many dots arranged in rows that form a triangle and that equals (n(n+1)/2) where n = 1, 2, 3, ⋯ for some positive integer value of n

triangulate
adj. : consisting of or marked with triangles

triangulate
1 : to survey, map, or determine by triangulation
2 a : to divide into triangles b : to give triangular form to

triangulation
n. : the measurement of the elements necessary to determine the network of triangles into which any part of the earth's surface is divided in surveying broadly : any similar trigonometric operation for finding a position or location by means of bearings from two fixed points a known distance apart

triarchy
n. 1 : government by three persons : TRIUMVIRATE
2 : a country under three rulers

Triassic
adj. : of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Mesozoic era or the corresponding system of rocks marked by the first appearance of the dinosaurs ― see GEOLOGIC TIME table
–Triassic noun

triathlete
n. : an athlete who competes in a triathlon

triathlon
n. : an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (as swimming, bicycling, and running)

triatomic
adj. : having three atoms in the molecule <ozone is triatomic oxygen>

triaxial
: having or involving three axes
–tri·ax·i·al·i·ty \-ˌak-sē-'a-lə-tē\ noun

triazine
n. : any of three compounds C_3H_3N_3 containing a ring composed of three carbon and three nitrogen atoms also : any of various derivatives of these including several (as atrazine and simazine) used as herbicides

trib
tributary

tribal
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe <tribal customs>
–trib·al·ly \-bə-lē\ adverb

tribal
adj. : a member of an aboriginal people of India ― usually used in plural

tribalism
n. 1 : tribal consciousness and loyalty especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups
2 : strong in-group loyalty

tribasic
adj. : having three replaceable hydrogen atoms ― used of acids

tribe
n. 1 a : a social group comprising numerous families, clans, or generations together with slaves, dependents, or adopted strangers b : a political division of the Roman people orig. representing one of the three original tribes of ancient Rome c : PHYLE
2 : a group of persons having a common character, occupation, or interest
3 : a category of taxonomic classification ranking below a subfamily also : a natural group irrespective of taxonomic rank <the cat tribe> <the rose tribe>

tribesman
n. : a member of a tribe

tribespeople
: members of a tribe

tribo
: friction <triboluminescence>

triboelectricity
n. : a charge of electricity generated by friction (as by rubbing glass with silk)
–tri·bo·elec·tric \-'lek-trik\ adjective

tribology
n. : a study that deals with the design, friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces in relative motion (as in bearings or gears)
–tri·bo·log·i·cal \ˌtrī-bə-'lä-ji-kəl, ˌtri-\ adjective
–tri·bol·o·gist \trī-'bä-lə-jist, tri-\ noun

triboluminescence
n. : luminescence due to friction
–tri·bo·lu·mi·nes·cent \-sənt\ adjective

tribrach
n. : a metrical foot of three short syllables of which two belong to the thesis and one to the arsis
–tri·brach·ic \trī-'bra-kik\ adjective

tribulate
: to cause to endure tribulation

tribulation
n. : distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution also : a trying experience <the trials and tribulations of starting a new business>

tribunal
n. 1 : 2TRIBUNE
2 : a court or forum of justice
3 : something that decides or determines <the tribunal of public opinion>

tribunate
n. : the office, function, or term of office of a tribune

tribune
n. 1 : a Roman official under the monarchy and the republic with the function of protecting the plebeian citizen from arbitrary action by the patrician magistrates
2 : an unofficial defender of the rights of the individual
–tri·bune·ship \-ˌship\ noun

tribune
n. : a dais or platform from which an assembly is addressed

tributary
n. 1 : paying tribute to another to acknowledge submission, to obtain protection, or to purchase peace : SUBJECT
2 : paid or owed as tribute <tributary gifts>
3 : channeling material or supplies into something more inclusive : CONTRIBUTORY

tributary
n. 1 : a ruler or state that pays tribute to a conqueror
2 : a stream feeding a larger stream or a lake

tribute
n. 1 a : a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection also : the tax levied for such a payment b (1) : an excessive tax, rental, or tariff imposed by a government, sovereign, lord, or landlord (2) : an exorbitant charge levied by a person or group having the power of coercion c : the liability to pay tribute
2 a : something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection <a floral tribute> b : something (as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question <the design is a tribute to his ingenuity>
synonyms see ENCOMIUM

tributyltin
: an organic compound of tin used as a biocide especially in marine antifouling paints

tricarboxylic
adj. : containing three carboxyl groups in the molecule <tricarboxylic acid>

tricarboxylic acid cycle
: KREBS CYCLE

trice
v. : to haul up or in and lash or secure (as a sail) with a small rope

trice
v. : a brief space of time : INSTANT ― used chiefly in the phrase in a trice

triceps
n. : a muscle that arises from three heads especially : the large extensor muscle along the back of the upper arm

triceratops
n. : any of a genus (Triceratops) of large herbivorous quadrupedal ceratopsian dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes

trices
v. plural of -trix

trich
: hair : filament <trichogyne>

trichiasis
n. : a turning inward of the eyelashes often causing irritation of the eyeball

trichina
n. : a small slender nematode worm (Trichinella spiralis) that is a parasite of flesh-eating mammals (as humans and swine) with larvae that migrate from the intestines to striated muscles where they become encysted
–tri·chi·nal \-nəl\ adjective

trichinize
v. : to infest with trichinae <trichinized pork>

trichinosis
n. : infestation with or disease caused by trichinae and marked especially by muscular pain, dyspnea, fever, weakness, and edema

trichinous
adj. 1 : infested with trichinae <trichinous meat>
2 : of, relating to, or involving trichinae or trichinosis <trichinous infection>

trichlorfon
n. : a crystalline compound C_4H_8Cl_3O_4P used especially as an insecticide

trichloroacetic acid
: a strong vesicant pungent acid C_2Cl_3HO_2 used in weed control and in medicine as a caustic and astringent

trichloroethylene
n. : a nonflammable toxic liquid C_2HCl_3 used especially as an industrial solvent

trichocyst
n. : any of the minute lassoing or stinging organelles of protozoans and especially of many ciliates

trichogramma wasp
: any of a genus (Trichogramma) of minute chalcid wasps that are parasitic as larvae in the eggs of other insects and are used in the biological control of lepidopteran pests

trichogyne
: a slender terminal prolongation of the ascogonium of a fungus that may serve as a fertilization tube also : a similar reproductive structure in a red alga

trichologist
n. : a person who specializes in hair and scalp care broadly : HAIRDRESSER 1
–tri·chol·o·gy \-jē\ noun

trichome
n. : a filamentous outgrowth especially : an epidermal hair structure on a plant

trichomonad
n. : any of a genus (Trichomonas) of flagellated protozoans parasitic in many animals
–trichomonad or tricho·mo·nal \-'mō-nəl\ adjective

trichomonas
n. : TRICHOMONAD

trichomoniasis
n. : infection with or disease caused by trichomonads: as a : a human sexually transmitted disease occurring especially as vaginitis with a persistent discharge and caused by a trichomonad (Trichomonas vaginalis) that may also invade the male urethra and bladder b : a venereal disease of domestic cattle marked by abortion and sterility c : one or more diseases of various birds resembling blackhead

trichopteran
n. : CADDIS FLY
–trichopteran adjective

trichothecene
: any of several mycotoxins that are produced by various fungi (as genera Fusarium and Trichothecium) and that include some contaminants of livestock feed and some held to be found in yellow rain

trichotillomania
n. : an abnormal desire to pull out one's hair

trichotomous
: divided or dividing into three parts or into threes <trichotomous branching>
–tri·chot·o·mous·ly adverb

trichotomy
n. : division into three parts, elements, or classes

trichromat
n. : a person with trichromatism

trichromatic
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or consisting of three colors <trichromatic light>
2 a : relating to or being the theory that human color vision involves three types of retinal sensory receptors b : characterized by trichromatism <trichromatic vision>

trichromatism
n. : color vision based on the perception of three primary colors and especially red, green, and blue

trick
n. 1 a : a crafty procedure or practice meant to deceive or defraud b : a mischievous act : PRANK c : an indiscreet or childish action d : a deceptive, dexterous, or ingenious feat especially : one designed to puzzle or amuse <a juggler's tricks>
2 a : a habitual peculiarity of behavior or manner <a horse with the trick of shying> b : a characteristic and identifying feature <a trick of speech> c : a delusive appearance especially when caused by art or legerdemain : an optical illusion <a mere trick of the light>
3 a (1) : a quick or artful way of getting a result : KNACK <the trick is to make it look natural> (2) : an instance of getting a desired result <one small adjustment will do the trick> b : a technical device (as of an art or craft) <the tricks of stage technique>
4 : the cards played in one round of a card game often used as a scoring unit
5 a : a turn of duty at the helm usually lasting for two hours b : SHIFT 4B(1) c : a trip taken as part of one's employment d : a sexual act performed by a prostitute <turning tricks> also : JOHN 2
6 : an attractive child or woman <a cute little trick>
synonyms TRICK, RUSE, STRATAGEM, MANEUVER, ARTIFICE, WILE, FEINT mean an indirect means to gain an end. TRICK may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end <the tricks of the trade>. RUSE stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression <the ruses of smugglers>. STRATAGEM implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy <the stratagem-filled game>. MANEUVER suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty <last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy>. ARTIFICE implies ingenious contrivance or invention <the clever artifices of the stage>. WILE suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements <used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself>. FEINT implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent <a feint toward the enemy's left flank>.

trick
n. 1 : to dress or adorn fancifully or ornately : ORNAMENT <tricked out in a gaudy uniform>
2 : to deceive by cunning or artifice : CHEAT

trick
n. 1 : TRIG
2 a : of or relating to or involving tricks or trickery <trick photography> <trick dice> b : skilled in or used for tricks <a trick horse>
3 a : somewhat defective and unreliable <a trick lock> b : inclined to give way unexpectedly <a trick knee>

trick
n. do the trick
hat trick
lobster trick
odd trick
one trick pony
trick or treat
trick or treater
turn the trick
dirty tricks

trick or treat
: a children's Halloween practice of asking for treats from door to door under threat of playing tricks on those who refuse
–trick-or-treat intransitive verb
–trick-or-treater noun

tricker
n. : one that tricks : TRICKSTER

trickery
n. : the practice of crafty underhanded ingenuity to deceive or cheat
synonyms see DECEPTION

trickish
adj. : given to or characterized by tricks or trickery : TRICKY
–trick·ish·ly adverb
–trick·ish·ness noun

trickle
n. 1 a : to issue or fall in drops b : to flow in a thin gentle stream
2 a : to move or go one by one or little by little <customers began to trickle in> b : to dissipate slowly <his enthusiasm trickled away>

trickle
n. : a thin, slow, or intermittent stream or movement

trickle-down
1 : relating to or working on the principle of trickle-down theory <trickle-down economics>
2 : relating to or being an effect caused gradually by remote or indirect influences

trickle-down theory
: a theory that financial benefits given to big business will in turn pass down to smaller businesses and consumers

trickster
n. : one who tricks: as a : a dishonest person who defrauds others by trickery b : a person (as a stage magician) skilled in the use of tricks and illusion c : a cunning or deceptive character appearing in various forms in the folklore of many cultures

tricksy
adj. 1 archaic : smartly attired : SPRUCE
2 : full of tricks : PRANKISH
3 a archaic : having the craftiness of a trickster b : difficult to cope with or handle : TRYING <a tricksy job>
4 chiefly British : ornately contrived in technique or effect
–tricks·i·ness noun

tricky
adj. 1 : inclined to or marked by trickery
2 a : giving a deceptive impression of easiness, simplicity, or order : TICKLISH <a tricky path through the swamp> b : TRICK 3
3 : requiring skill, knack, or caution (as in doing or handling) : DIFFICULT <a tricky problem> also : INGENIOUS <a tricky rhythm>
synonyms see SLY
–trick·i·ly \'tri-kə-lē\ adverb
–trick·i·ness \'tri-kē-nəs\ noun

triclad
: any of an order (Tricladida) of turbellarian flatworms (as a planarian) having an intestine with one anterior and two posterior branches
–triclad adjective

triclinic
: of, relating to, or constituting a system of crystallization characterized by three unequal axes intersecting at oblique angles ― used especially of a crystal

triclinium
n. 1 : a couch extending around three sides of a table used by the ancient Romans for reclining at meals
2 : a dining room furnished with a triclinium

triclosan
: a whitish crystalline powder C_12H_7C1_3O_2 that is a phenyl ether derivative used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)

tricolette
: a usually silk or rayon knitted fabric used especially for women's clothing

tricolor
n. 1 a or tri·col·ored \'trī-'kə-lərd\ : having, using, or marked with three colors b of a dog : having a coat of black, tan, and white
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a tricolor or a nation whose flag is a tricolor especially : FRENCH

tricolor
n. 1 : a flag of three colors arranged in equal horizontal or vertical bands <the French tricolor>
2 : a tricolor animal especially : a tricolor dog

tricorn
adj. : having three horns or corners

tricorne
n. : COCKED HAT 1

tricornered
: having three corners

tricot
n. 1 : a plain warp-knitted fabric (as of nylon, wool, rayon, silk, or cotton) with a close inelastic knit and used especially in clothing (as underwear)
2 : a twilled clothing fabric of wool with fine warp ribs or of wool and cotton with fine weft ribs

tricotine
: a sturdy suiting woven of tightly twisted yarns in a double twill

trictrac
n. : an old form of backgammon played with pegs

tricuspid
adj. : having three cusps <a tricuspid molar>

tricuspid
adj. : a tricuspid anatomical structure especially : a tooth having three cusps

tricuspid valve
: a valve of three flaps that prevents reflux of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium

tricycle
n. : a 3-wheeled vehicle propelled by pedals or a motor

tricyclic
adj. : being a chemical with three usually fused rings in the molecular structure and especially a tricyclic antidepressant

tricyclic antidepressant
: any of a group of antidepressant drugs (as imipramine and amitriptyline) that contain three fused benzene rings, potentiate the action of catecholamines (as norepinephrine and serotonin) by inhibiting their uptake by nerve endings, and do not inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase ― called also tricyclic

trident
n. 1 : a 3-pronged spear serving in classical mythology as the attribute of a sea god (as Neptune)
2 : a 3-pronged spear (as for fishing)

trident
n. : having three teeth, processes, or points

Tridentine
n. : of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church council held at Trent from 1545 to 1563 or its decrees

tridimensional
: of, relating to, or concerned with three dimensions <tridimensional space>
–tri·di·men·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun

triduum
n. : a period of three days of prayer usually preceding a Roman Catholic feast

tried
adj. 1 : found good, faithful, or trustworthy through experience or testing <a tried recipe>
2 : subjected to trials or distress <a kind but much-tried father>

tried-and-true
: proved good, desirable, or feasible : shown or known to be worthy <a tried-and-true sales technique>

triene
n. : a chemical compound containing three double bonds

triennial
n. 1 : occurring or being done every three years <the triennial convention>
2 : consisting of or lasting for three years <a triennial contract>
–triennial noun
–tri·en·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adverb

triennium
n. : a period of three years

Trier
n. city W Germany on the Moselle near Luxembourg border pop 98,752

trier
n. 1 : someone or something that tries
2 : an implement (as a tapered hollow tube) used in obtaining samples of bulk material for examination and testing

trierarch
1 : the commander of a trireme
2 : an Athenian citizen who had to fit out a trireme for the public service

trierarchy
: the ancient Athenian plan whereby individual citizens furnished and maintained triremes as a civic duty

Trieste
n. city & port NE Italy capital of Friuli-Venezia Giulia on Gulf of Trieste (inlet at head of the Adriatic NW of the Istrian Peninsula) pop 215,096; once belonged to Austria; part of Italy 1919-47; in 1947 made with surrounding territory the Free Territory of Trieste under administration of the United Nations; city with N part of Free Territory returned to Italy 1953, S part of territory having previously been absorbed into Yugoslavia
–Tri·es·tine \trē-'es-tən, -ˌtēn\ adjective

trifecta
n. 1 : a variation of the perfecta in which a bettor wins by selecting the first three finishers of a race in the correct order of finish
2 : TRIPLE 1B <achieved a show-business trifecta : a platinum record, hit TV series, and an Oscar>

trifid
adj. : being deeply and narrowly cleft into three teeth, processes, or points <a spoon with a trifid top>

trifle
n. 1 : something of little value, substance, or importance
2 : a dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake often soaked with wine or spirits (as brandy or rum) and topped with layers of preserves, custard, and cream
–a trifle : to some small degree : SLIGHTLY <a trifle annoyed>

trifle
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to talk in a jesting or mocking manner or with intent to delude or mislead b : to treat someone or something as unimportant
2 : to handle something idly
transitive verb : to spend or waste in trifling or on trifles
–tri·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun
synonyms TRIFLE, TOY, DALLY, FLIRT, COQUET mean to deal with or act toward without serious purpose. TRIFLE may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt <to trifle with a lover's feelings>. TOY implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers <a political novice toying with great issues>. DALLY suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement <dallying with the idea of building a boat someday>. FLIRT implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object <flirted with one fashionable ism after another>. COQUET implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention <companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations>.

trifling
adj. : lacking in significance or solid worth: as a : FRIVOLOUS <trifling talk> b : TRIVIAL <a trifling gift> c chiefly dialect : LAZY, SHIFTLESS <a trifling fellow>

trifluoperazine
n. : a phenothiazine tranquilizer C_21H_24F_3N_3S chiefly used to treat psychotic conditions and especially schizophrenia

trifluralin
: an herbicide C_13H_16F_3N_3O_4 used in the control of weeds

trifocal
adj. : having three focal lengths

trifocal
adj. 1 plural : eyeglasses with trifocal lenses
2 : a trifocal glass or lens

trifoliate
adj. 1 : having three leaves <a trifoliate plant>
2 : TRIFOLIOLATE

trifoliate orange
: a thorny Chinese tree (Poncirus trifoliata) of the rue family related to the citruses that has trifoliolate leaves and a sour yellow fruit resembling a small orange and that is grown for ornament or hedges or used as a rootstock for citrus fruits

trifoliolate
: having three leaflets <a trifoliolate leaf> ― see LEAF illustration

trifolium
n. : CLOVER 1

triforium
n. : a gallery forming an upper story to the aisle of a church and typically an arcaded story between the nave arches and clerestory

triform
adj. : having a triple form or nature

trifurcate
adj. : having three branches or forks : TRICHOTOMOUS
–tri·fur·cate \'trī-(ˌ)fər-ˌkāt, trī-'fər-\ intransitive verb
–tri·fur·ca·tion \ˌtrī-(ˌ)fər-'kā-shən\ noun

trig
adj. 1 : stylishly or jauntily trim <everything was trim and trig and bright ― Mark Twain>
2 : extremely precise : PRIM
3 dialect chiefly British : FIRM, VIGOROUS

trig
adj. : TRIGONOMETRY

trigeminal
adj. : of or relating to the trigeminal nerve

trigeminal nerve
: either of a pair of large mixed nerves that are the fifth cranial nerves and supply motor and sensory fibers mostly to the face ― called also trigeminal

trigeminal neuralgia
: an intense paroxysmal neuralgia involving one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve

trigger
n. 1 a : a piece (as a lever) connected with a catch or detent as a means of releasing it especially : the part of the action moved by the finger to fire a gun b : a similar movable part by which a mechanism is actuated <trigger of a spray gun>
2 : something that acts like a mechanical trigger in initiating a process or reaction
–trigger adjective
–trig·gered \-gərd\ adjective

trigger
n. transitive verb
1 a : to release or activate by means of a trigger especially : to fire by pulling a mechanical trigger <trigger a rifle> b : to cause the explosion of <trigger a missile with a proximity fuse>
2 : to initiate, actuate, or set off by a trigger <an indiscreet remark that triggered a fight> <a stimulus that triggered a reflex>
intransitive verb : to release a mechanical trigger

trigger
n. hair trigger
pull the trigger
trigger happy
trigger point

trigger point
: a localized usually tender or painful area of the body and especially of a muscle that when stimulated gives rise to pain elsewhere in the body

trigger-happy
1 : irresponsible in the use of firearms especially : inclined to shoot before clearly identifying the target
2 a : inclined to be irresponsible in matters that might precipitate war b : aggressively belligerent in attitude

triggerfish
n. : any of various deep-bodied bony fishes (family Balistidae, especially genus Balistes) of warm seas having an anterior dorsal fin with two or three stout erectile spines

triggerman
n. : a gunman who shoots the victim (as in a gangland murder)

triglyceride
n. : any of a group of lipids that are esters formed from one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of one or more fatty acids, are widespread in adipose tissue, and commonly circulate in the blood in the form of lipoproteins

triglyph
n. : a slightly projecting rectangular tablet in a Doric frieze with two vertical channels of V section and two corresponding chamfers or half channels on the vertical sides
–tri·glyph·ic \trī-'gli-fik\ or tri·glyph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

trigon
n. : TRIPLICITY 1

trigonal
adj. : of, relating to, or being the division of the hexagonal crystal system or the forms belonging to it characterized by a vertical axis of threefold symmetry
–tri·go·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

trigonometric
adj. : of, relating to, or being in accordance with trigonometry
–trig·o·no·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

trigonometric function
1 : a function (as the sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, or cosecant) of an arc or angle most simply expressed in terms of the ratios of pairs of sides of a right-angled triangle ― called also circular function
2 : the inverse (as the arcsine, arccosine, or arctangent) of a trigonometric function

trigonometry
n. : the study of the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and of their applications

trigram
n. 1 : TRIGRAPH 2
2 : any of the eight possible combinations of three whole or broken lines used especially in Chinese divination

trigraph
n. 1 : three letters spelling a single consonant, vowel, or diphthong <eau of beau is a trigraph>
2 : a cluster of three successive letters <the, ion, and ing are high frequency trigraphs>
–tri·graph·ic \(ˌ)trī-'gra-fik\ adjective

trihalomethane
: any of various derivatives CHX_3 of methane (as chloroform) that have three halogen atoms per molecule and are formed especially during the chlorination of drinking water

trihedral
adj. 1 : having three faces <trihedral angle>
2 : of or relating to a trihedral angle
–trihedral noun

trihybrid
n. : an individual or strain that is heterozygous for three pairs of genes
–trihybrid adjective

trihydroxy
: containing three hydroxyl groups in the molecule

triiodothyronine
n. : an iodine-containing hormone C_15H_12I_3NO_4 that is an amino acid derived from thyroxine

trijet
n. : an aircraft powered with three jet engines

Trikala
city cen Greece pop 48,810

trike
n. : TRICYCLE

trilateral
adj. : having three sides or parties <trilateral business ventures> <trilateral discussions>

trilby
n. chiefly British : a soft felt hat with indented crown

trilinear
adj. : of, relating to, or involving three lines <trilinear coordinates>

trilingual
adj. : consisting of, having, or expressed in three languages <trilingual countries> <a trilingual joke> also : familiar with or able to use three languages <a trilingual teacher>
–tri·lin·gual·ly adverb

triliteral
adj. : consisting of three letters and especially of three consonants <triliteral roots in Semitic languages>
–tri·lit·er·al·ism \-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

triliteral
adj. : a root or word that is triliteral

trill
n. intransitive verb
1 : to flow in a small stream or in drops : TRICKLE
2 : TWIRL, REVOLVE
transitive verb : to cause to flow in a small stream

trill
n. 1 a : the alternation of two musical tones a diatonic second apart ― called also shake b : VIBRATO c : a rapid reiteration of the same tone especially on a percussion instrument
2 : a sound resembling a musical trill : WARBLE
3 a : the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the teethridge) b : a speech sound made by a trill

trill
n. : to play or sing with a trill : QUAVER
transitive verb : to utter as or with or as if with a trill <trill the r>
–trill·er noun

trill
n. fair shake
milk shake
shake a stick at
shake a leg
shake down
shake out
shake up
wind shake
shook up
shaking palsy
world shaking

trillion
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : an indeterminately large number <a trillion mosquitoes out tonight>
–trillion adjective
–tril·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adjective or noun

trillium
n. : any of a genus (Trillium) of herbs of the lily family with an erect stem bearing a whorl of three leaves and a solitary typically spring-blooming flower

trilobate
adj. : TRILOBED

trilobed
adj. : having three lobes <a trilobed leaf>

trilobite
n. : any of numerous extinct Paleozoic marine arthropods (group Trilobita) having the segments of the body divided by furrows on the dorsal surface into three lobes

trilogy
n. : a series of three dramas or literary works or sometimes three musical compositions that are closely related and develop a single theme

Trim
n. town E Ireland capital of County Meath pop 1781

trim
n. transitive verb
1 : to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments <trim the Christmas tree> <the coat was trimmed with fur>
2 a : to administer a beating to : THRASH b : DEFEAT <trimmed me at chess>
3 a : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping <trim the hedges> b : to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting <trim a budget> <trim down the inventory> c : to remove by or as if by cutting <trimmed thousands from federal payrolls ― Grit>
4 a (1) : to cause (as a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers (2) : to adjust (as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward b : to adjust (as cargo or a sail) to a desired position
5 : to adjust (as one's opinions) for reasons of expediency ― often used in the phrase trim one's sails
intransitive verb
1 a : to maintain neutrality between opposing parties or to favor each equally b : to change one's views for reasons of expediency
2 : to assume or cause a boat to assume a desired position in the water <a boat that trims badly>
–trim one's sails : to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions

trim
n. 1 obsolete : EXCELLENT, FINE
2 : ready for service or use also : in good physical condition <keeps trim by jogging>
3 : exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or structure <trim houses>
–trim·ly adverb
–trim·ness noun

trim
n. : in a trim manner : TRIMLY ― used chiefly in combination <the trim-cut forest vistas ― W. M. Thackeray>

trim
n. 1 : suitable or excellent condition <tries to keep in trim>
2 a : one's clothing or appearance b : material used for ornament or trimming c : the woodwork in the finish of a building especially around openings d : the interior furnishings of an automobile
3 a : the position of a ship or boat especially with reference to the horizontal also : the difference between the draft of a ship forward and that aft b : the relation between the plane of a sail and the direction of the ship c : the buoyancy status of a submarine d : the attitude of a lighter-than-air craft relative to a fore-and-aft horizontal plane e : the attitude with respect to wind axes at which an airplane will continue in level flight with free controls
4 : something that is trimmed off or cut out
5 : a haircut that neatens a previous haircut

trim one's sails
to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions

trim size
: the actual size (as of a book page) after excess material required in production has been cut off

trimaran
n. : a fast pleasure sailboat with three hulls side by side

Trimble
n. David 1944-     Irish peace activist

trimer
n. : a polymer formed from three molecules of a monomer
–tri·mer·ic \trī-'mer-ik\ adjective

trimerous
: having the parts in threes ― used of a flower and often written 3-merous

trimester
n. 1 : a period of three or about three months especially : any of three periods of approximately three months each into which a human pregnancy is divided
2 : one of three terms into which the academic year is sometimes divided

trimeter
n. : a line of verse consisting of three dipodies or three metrical feet

trimethoprim
n. : a synthetic antibacterial and antimalarial drug C_14H_18N_4O_3 used alone or in combination with sulfamethoxazole

trimmer
n. 1 a (1) : one that trims articles (2) : one that stows coal or freight on a ship so as to distribute the weight properly b : an instrument or machine with which trimming is done c : a circuit element (as a capacitor) used to tune a circuit to a desired frequency
2 : a beam that receives the end of a header in floor framing
3 : a person who modifies a policy, position, or opinion especially out of expediency

trimming
n. 1 : DEFEAT, BEATING
2 : the act of one who trims
3 a : a decorative accessory or additional item <trimmings for a hat> b : an additional garnishing <turkey and all the trimmings>

trimonthly
adj. : occurring every three months

trimorphic
adj. : occurring in or having three distinct forms

trimotor
: an airplane powered by three engines

Trimurti
: the great triad of Hindu gods comprising Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Trinacria
― see SICILY
–Tri·nac·ri·an \trə-'na-krē-ən, trī-\ adjective

trinal
adj. : THREEFOLD

Trincomalee
city & port NE Sri Lanka on Bay of Bengal pop 50,000

trine
adj. 1 : THREEFOLD, TRIPLE
2 : of, relating to, or being the favorable astrological aspect of two celestial bodies 120 degrees apart

trine
adj. 1 : a group of three : TRIAD
2 : the trine astrological aspect of two celestial bodies

trine immersion
: the practice of immersing a candidate for baptism three times in the names of the members of the Trinity

Trinidad
n. island SE W. Indies off coast of NE Venezuela pop 1,208,282; with Tobago, a dominion (Trinidad and Tobago) of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1962; formerly a Brit. colony capital Port of Spain area 1980 sq mi (5128 sq km), pop 1,262,386
–Trin·i·da·di·an \ˌtri-nə-'dā-dē-ən, -'da-\ adjective or noun

Trinitarian
n. 1 : a member of a religious teaching and nursing order for men founded in France in 1198 by John of Matha and Philip of Valois
2 : one who subscribes to the doctrine of the Trinity
–Trin·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

trinitarian
n. 1 capitalized : of or relating to the Trinity, the doctrine of the Trinity, or adherents to that doctrine
2 : having three parts or aspects : THREEFOLD

trinitrotoluene
n. : TNT

Trinity
n. 1 : the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead according to Christian dogma
2 not capitalized : a group of three closely related persons or things
3 : the Sunday after Whitsunday observed as a feast in honor of the Trinity

Trinity
n. river E Tex. flowing SE into Galveston Bay

Trinitytide
: the season of the church year between Trinity Sunday and Advent

trinket
n. 1 : a small ornament (as a jewel or ring)
2 : a small article of equipment
3 : a thing of little value : TRIFLE

trinketry
n. : small items of personal ornament

trinocular
: relating to or being a binocular microscope equipped with a lens for photographic recording during direct visual observation

trinomial
n. 1 : a polynomial of three terms
2 : a biological taxonomic name of three terms of which the first designates the genus, the second the species, and the third the subspecies or variety

trinomial
n. 1 : consisting of three mathematical terms
2 : of, relating to, or being a biological trinomial

trinucleotide
n. : a nucleotide consisting of three mononucleotides in combination : CODON

trio
n. 1 a : a musical composition for three voice parts or three instruments b : the secondary or episodic division of a minuet or scherzo, a march, or of various dance forms
2 : the performers of a musical or dance trio
3 : a group or set of three

triode
n. : an electron tube with an anode, a cathode, and a controlling grid

triol
: a chemical compound (as glycerol) containing three hydroxyl groups

triolet
n. : a poem or stanza of eight lines in which the first line is repeated as the fourth and seventh and the second line as the eighth with a rhyme scheme of ABaAabAB

triose
adj. : either of two monosaccharides C_3H_6O_3 containing three carbon atoms

trioxide
n. : an oxide containing three atoms of oxygen

trip
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to dance, skip, or caper with light quick steps b : to walk with light quick steps
2 : to catch the foot against something so as to stumble
3 : to make a mistake or false step (as in morality or accuracy)
4 : to stumble in articulation when speaking
5 : to make a journey
6 a : to actuate a mechanism b : to become operative
7 a : to get high on a psychedelic drug (as LSD) : TURN ON ― often used with out b slang : FREAK 3B
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to stumble ― often used with up b : to cause to fail : OBSTRUCT ― often used with up
2 : to detect in a misstep, fault, or blunder also : EXPOSE ― usually used with up
3 archaic : to perform (as a dance) lightly or nimbly
4 : to raise (an anchor) from the bottom so as to hang free
5 a : to pull (a yard) into a perpendicular position for lowering b : to hoist (a topmast) far enough to enable the fid to be withdrawn preparatory to housing or lowering
6 : to release or operate (a mechanism) especially by releasing a catch or detent <trip the fire alarm>
–trip the light fantastic : DANCE

trip
n. 1 : a stroke or catch by which a wrestler is made to lose footing
2 a : VOYAGE, JOURNEY b : a single round or tour on a business errand
3 : ERROR, MISSTEP
4 : a quick light step
5 : a faltering step caused by stumbling
6 a : the action of tripping mechanically b : a device for tripping a mechanism (as a catch or detent)
7 a : an intense visionary experience undergone by a person who has taken a psychedelic drug (as LSD) b : an exciting or unusual experience <the party was a trip>
8 : absorption in or obsession with an interest, attitude, or state of mind <a guilt trip> <on a nostalgia trip>
9 : SCENE, LIFESTYLE

trip
n. ego trip
field trip
guilt trip
road trip
round trip
trip the light fantastic
trip hammer
trip hop
trip wire

trip the light fantastic
DANCE

trip wire
1 : a low-placed concealed wire used especially in warfare to trip an enemy or trespasser and usually to trigger an alarm or explosive device when moved
2 : something (as a small military force) intended to function like a trip wire (as to set a larger military force in motion)

trip-hammer
: a massive power hammer having a head that is tripped and allowed to fall by cam or lever action

trip-hammer
: suggesting a trip-hammer in loud pounding or persistent action

trip-hop
: electronic dance music usually based on a slow hip-hop beat and incorporating hypnotic synthesized and prerecorded sounds

tripack
: a combination of three superposed films or emulsions each sensitive to a different primary color for simultaneous exposure in one camera

tripartite
adj. 1 : divided into or composed of three parts
2 : having three corresponding parts or copies
3 : made between or involving three parties <a tripartite treaty>

tripe
n. 1 : stomach tissue especially of a ruminant (as an ox) used as food
2 : something poor, worthless, or offensive

triphenylmethane
n. : a crystalline hydrocarbon CH(C_6H_5)3 that is the parent compound of many dyes

triphosphate
n. : a salt or acid that contains three phosphate groups ― compare ATP, GTP

triphosphopyridine nucleotide
: NADP

triphthong
n. 1 : a phonological unit consisting of three successive vocalic sounds in one syllable
2 : TRIGRAPH
–triph·thon·gal \trif-'thȯŋ-gəl, trip-, -əl\ adjective

tripinnate
: bipinnate with each division pinnate
–tri·pin·nate·ly adverb

triplane
n. : an airplane with three main supporting surfaces superposed

triple
adj. transitive verb
1 : to make three times as great or as many
2 a : to score (a base runner) by a triple b : to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a triple
intransitive verb
1 : to become three times as great or as numerous <their profits tripled last year>
2 : to make a triple in baseball

triple
adj. 1 a : a triple sum, quantity, or number b : a combination, group, or series of three
2 : a base hit that allows the batter to reach third base safely
3 : TRIFECTA 1

triple
adj. 1 : being three times as great or as many
2 : having or involving three units or members <triple bypass heart surgery>
3 : having a threefold relation or character <worked as a double or even triple agent ― Time>
4 a : three times repeated : TREBLE b : having three full revolutions <a triple somersault> <a triple lutz>
5 : marked by three beats per musical measure <triple meter>
6 a : having units of three components <triple feet> b of rhyme : involving correspondence of three syllables (as in unfortunate-importunate)

triple
adj. triple bogey
triple bond
triple counterpoint
Triple Crown
triple decker
triple double
triple header
triple jump
triple jumper
triple play
triple point
triple sec
triple space
triple team
triple threat
triple tongue

triple bogey
: a golf score of three strokes over par on a hole
–triple-bogey transitive verb

triple bond
: a chemical bond in which three pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms in a molecule ― compare DOUBLE BOND, SINGLE BOND

triple counterpoint
: three-part musical counterpoint so written that any part may be transposed above or below any other

Triple Crown
1 : an unofficial title in horse racing representing the championship achieved by a horse that wins the three classic races for a designated category
2 : the unofficial title signifying the achievement of a baseball player who at the end of a season leads the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in
3 often not capitalized : a set of three noteworthy awards, wins, or achievements in a particular field

triple jump
: a jump for distance in track-and-field athletics usually from a running start and combining a hop, a stride, and a jump in succession
–triple jumper noun

triple play
: a play in baseball by which three players are put out

triple point
: the condition of temperature and pressure under which the gaseous, liquid, and solid phases of a substance can exist in equilibrium

triple sec
: a colorless orange-flavored liqueur

triple threat
1 : a football player adept at running, kicking, and passing
2 : a person adept in three different fields of activity
–triple-threat adjective

triple-decker
: something having three basic components or levels: as a : TRILOGY b : a sandwich consisting of three pieces of bread and two layers of filling c : a 3-story dwelling with an apartment on each floor

triple-double
: an instance of a player accumulating 10 or more points, assists, and rebounds in one basketball game

triple-header
: a program consisting of three consecutive games, contests, or events

triple-space
: to type (text) leaving two blank lines between lines of copy
intransitive verb : to type on every third line

triple-team
: to block or guard (an opponent) with three players at one time
–triple-team noun

triple-tongue
: to articulate the notes of triplets in fast tempo on a wind instrument by using the tongue positions especially for t, k, t for the notes of each successive triplet

triplet
n. 1 : a unit of three lines of verse
2 a : a combination, set, or group of three b : a group of three elementary particles (as positive, negative, and neutral pions) with different charge states but otherwise similar properties c : an atom or molecule with an even number of electrons that have a net magnetic moment d : CODON
3 : one of three children or offspring born at one birth
4 : a group of three musical notes or tones performed in the time of two of the same value

tripletail
: a large marine bony fish (Lobotes surinamensis of the family Lobotidae) of warm and tropical waters that has long dorsal and anal fins which extend backward and together with the caudal fin appear like a 3-lobed tail

triplex
n. : something (as an apartment) that is triplex

triplex
n. 1 : THREEFOLD, TRIPLE <triplex windows>
2 : having three apartments, floors, or sections <triplex buildings> <triplex apartments> <a triplex theater>

triplicate
adj. : consisting of or existing in three corresponding or identical parts or examples <triplicate invoices>

triplicate
1 : to make triple or threefold
2 : to prepare in triplicate <triplicate the forms>
–trip·li·ca·tion \ˌtri-plə-'kā-shən\ noun

triplicate
adj. : three copies all alike ― used with in <typed in triplicate>

triplicity
n. 1 : one of the groups of three signs each distant 120 degrees from the other two into which the signs of the zodiac are divided ― called also trigon
2 : the quality or state of being triple or threefold

triploblastic
adj. : having three primary germ layers

triploid
adj. : having or being a chromosome number three times the monoploid number
–trip·loid noun
–trip·loi·dy \-ˌplȯi-dē\ noun

triply
adv. : in a triple degree, amount, or manner

tripod
n. 1 : a vessel (as a cauldron) resting on three legs
2 : a stool, table, or altar with three legs
3 : a three-legged stand (as for a camera)
–tripod or tri·po·dal \'tri-pə-dəl, 'trī-ˌpä-\ adjective

Tripoli
n. 1 or Arabic Ṭa·rā·bu·lus \tə-'rä-bə-ləs\ or ancient Trip·o·lis \'tri-pə-ləs\ city & port NW Lebanon NNE of Beirut pop 127,611
2 or Arabic Ṭarābulus or ancient Oea \'ē-ə\ city & port NW Libya, its capital pop 591,062
3 Tripolitania when it was one of the Barbary States
–Tri·pol·i·tan \tri-'pä-lə-tən\ adjective or noun

tripoli
n. 1 : an earth consisting of very friable soft schistose deposits of silica and including diatomite and kieselguhr
2 : an earth consisting of friable dustlike silica not of diatomaceous origin

Tripolitania
n. region & former province NW Libya bordering on the Mediterranean
–Tri·po·li·ta·nian \tri-ˌpä-lə-'tā-nyən, ˌtri-pə-lə-\ adjective or noun

tripos
n. 1 archaic : TRIPOD
2 [from the three-legged stool occupied by a participant in a disputation at the degree ceremonies] : a final honors examination at Cambridge university orig. in mathematics

tripper
n. 1 chiefly British : one that takes a trip : TOURIST
2 : a tripping device (as for operating a railroad signal)

trippingly
adv. : in a nimble or lively manner <the new name⋯may not roll trippingly off the tongue ― P. B. Carroll>

trippy
adj. : of, relating to, or suggestive of a trip on psychedelic drugs or the culture associated with such drugs <trippy music> <a trippy experience>

triptan
: any of a class of drugs (as sumatriptan) that bind to and are agonists of serotonin receptors and are used to treat migraine attacks

triptych
n. 1 : an ancient Roman writing tablet with three waxed leaves hinged together
2 a : a picture (as an altarpiece) or carving in three panels side by side b : something composed or presented in three parts or sections especially : TRILOGY

Tripura
state E India bet. Bangladesh & Assam capital Agartala area 4035 sq mi (10,451 sq km), pop 3,191,168

triradiate
: having three rays or radiating branches <a triradiate sponge spicule>

trireme
n. : an ancient galley having three banks of oars

trisaccharide
n. : a sugar that yields on complete hydrolysis three monosaccharide molecules

trisect
v. : to divide into three usually equal parts
–tri·sec·tion \'trī-ˌsek-shən, trī-'\ noun
–tri·sec·tor \'trī-ˌsek-tər, trī-'\ noun

trishaw
n. : PEDICAB

triskaidekaphobia
n. : fear of the number 13

triskelion
n. : a figure composed of three usually curved or bent branches radiating from a center

trismus
n. 1 : involuntary contraction of the muscles of mastication (as in tetanus or Parkinson's disease)
2 : LOCKJAW

trisoctahedron
: a solid (as a crystal) having 24 congruent faces meeting on the edges of a regular octahedron

trisodium phosphate
: a crystalline compound Na_3PO_4 that is used especially in cleaning compositions

trisomy
n. : the condition (as in Down syndrome) of having one or a few chromosomes triploid in an otherwise diploid set
–tri·so·mic \(ˌ)trī-'sō-mik\ adjective or noun

trisomy 21
: DOWN SYNDROME

Tristan
n. : TRISTRAM

Tristan da Cunha
island S. Atlantic, chief of the Tristan da Cunha Islands attached to Brit. colony of St. Helena area 38 sq mi (98 sq km), pop 296; volcanic eruptions 1961

tristate
: of, relating to, or consisting of three adjoining states <the tristate area>

triste
: SAD, MOURNFUL also : WISTFUL

tristearin
n. : a crystallizable triglyceride C_57H_110O_6 of stearic acid found especially in hard fats

tristesse
n. : melancholy

tristeza
: a highly infectious disease of citrus trees grafted on sour orange rootstocks that is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (species Citrus tristeza virus of the genus Closterovirus, family Closteroviridae) transmitted by aphids and that eventually causes death of the trees

tristful
adj. : SAD, MELANCHOLY
–trist·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–trist·ful·ness noun

tristimulus
: of or relating to values giving the amounts of the three colored lights red, green, and blue that when combined additively produce a match for the color being considered

Tristram
n. : the lover of Isolde of Ireland and husband of Isolde of Brittany in medieval legend

trisubstituted
: having three substituent atoms or groups in the molecule

trisulfide
: a compound of an element or radical with three atoms of sulfur

trisyllabic
adj. : having three syllables <a trisyllabic word>

trisyllable
n. : a word of three syllables

trite
adj. : hackneyed or boring from much use : not fresh or original
–trite·ly adverb
–trite·ness noun
synonyms TRITE, HACKNEYED, STEREOTYPED, THREADBARE mean lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest. TRITE applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity <“you win some, you lose some” is a trite expression>. HACKNEYED stresses being worn out by overuse so as to become dull and meaningless <all of the metaphors and images in the poem are hackneyed>. STEREOTYPED implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form <views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date>. THREADBARE applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted <a mystery novel with a threadbare plot>.

tritheism
: the doctrine that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct Gods
–tri·the·ist \-(ˌ)thē-ist\ noun or adjective
–tri·the·is·tic \ˌtrī-thē-'is-tik\ or tri·the·is·ti·cal \-'is-ti-kəl\ adjective

trithing
archaic : 3RIDING 1

tritiated
adj. : containing and especially labeled with tritium

triticale
n. : an amphidiploid hybrid between wheat and rye having protein-rich grain also : its grain

tritium
n. : a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus and that has three times the mass of ordinary hydrogen ― symbol T

tritoma
: any of a genus (Kniphofia) of African herbs of the lily family that are often grown for their spikes of showy red or yellow flowers

triton
n. 1 capitalized : a son of Poseidon described as a demigod of the sea with the lower part of his body like that of a fish
2 [New Latin, genus name, from Latin Triton] : any of various large marine gastropod mollusks (family Ranellidae syn. Cymatiidae) with a heavy elongated conical shell also : the shell

triton
n. : the nucleus of tritium

tritone
n. : a musical interval of three whole steps

triturate
1 : CRUSH, GRIND
2 : to pulverize and comminute thoroughly by rubbing or grinding
–trit·u·ra·ble \'tri-chə-rə-bəl\ adjective
–trit·u·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

triturate
v. : a triturated substance : TRITURATION 2

trituration
n. 1 : the act or process of triturating : the state of being triturated : COMMINUTION
2 : a triturated medicinal powder made by triturating a substance with a diluent

triumph
n. 1 : a ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a decisive victory over a foreign enemy ― compare OVATION 1
2 : the joy or exultation of victory or success
3 a : a victory or conquest by or as if by military force b : a notable success <the party was a triumph>
–tri·um·phal \trī-'əm(p)-fəl\ adjective

triumph
n. 1 : to obtain victory : PREVAIL
2 a : to receive the honor of a triumph b : to celebrate victory or success boastfully or exultingly

triumphalism
n. : an attitude or feeling of victory or superiority: as a : the attitude that one religious creed is superior to all others b : smug or boastful pride in the success or dominance of one's nation or ideology over others
–tri·um·phal·ist \-fə-list\ noun or adjective

triumphant
adj. 1 : VICTORIOUS, CONQUERING <triumphant armies>
2 archaic : of or relating to a triumph
3 : rejoicing for or celebrating victory <a triumphant shout>
4 : notably successful <a triumphant performance>
–tri·um·phant·ly adverb

triumvir
n. : one of a commission or ruling body of three

triumvirate
n. 1 : a body of triumvirs
2 : the office or government of triumvirs
3 : a group or association of three

triune
adj. : TRINITY 1

triune
adj. : three in one: a : of or relating to the Trinity <the triune God> b : consisting of three parts, members, or aspects

trivalent
adj. 1 : having a chemical valence of three
2 : conferring immunity to three different pathogenic strains or species <a trivalent influenza vaccine>

Trivandrum
city & port S India NW of Cape Comorin capital of Kerala pop 744,739

trivet
n. 1 : a three-legged stand : TRIPOD
2 : a usually metal stand with short feet for use under a hot dish

trivia
n. : unimportant matters : trivial facts or details also singular in construction : a quizzing game involving obscure facts

trivial
adj. 1 : COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY
2 a : of little worth or importance <a trivial objection> <trivial problems> b : relating to or being the mathematically simplest case specifically : characterized by having all variables equal to zero <a trivial solution to a linear equation>
3 : SPECIFIC 4
–triv·i·al·ist \-ə-list\ noun
–triv·i·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

trivial name
1 : SPECIFIC EPITHET
2 : a common or vernacular name of an organism or chemical

trivialise
v. British variant of trivialize

triviality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being trivial
2 : something trivial : TRIFLE

trivialize
v. : to make trivial : reduce to triviality
–triv·i·al·i·za·tion \ˌtri-vē-ə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

trivium
n. : a group of studies consisting of grammar, rhetoric, and logic and forming the lower division of the seven liberal arts in medieval universities ― compare QUADRIVIUM

triweekly
adj. 1 : occurring or appearing three times a week
2 : occurring or appearing every three weeks
–triweekly adverb

triweekly
adj. : a triweekly publication

trix
1 : female that does or is associated with a (specified) thing <aviatrix>
2 : geometric line, point, or surface <generatrix>

tRNA
: TRANSFER RNA

Troas
1 or Tro·ad \-ˌad\ territory surrounding the ancient city of Troy in NW Mysia, Asia Minor
2 ancient city of Mysia S of site of Troy
–Tro·ad·ic \trō-'a-dik\ adjective

Trobriand
islands SW Pacific in Solomon Sea; attached to Papua New Guinea area 170 sq mi (442 sq km)
–Tro·bri·and·er \ˌtrō-brē-'än-dər, -'an-\ or Trobriand Islander noun

trocar
n. : a sharp-pointed surgical instrument fitted with a cannula and used especially to insert the cannula into a body cavity as a drainage outlet

trochaic
adj. : of, relating to, or consisting of trochees
–trochaic noun

trochanter
n. 1 : a rough prominence at the upper part of the femur of many vertebrates serving usually for the attachment of muscles
2 : the second segment of an insect's leg adjacent to the coxa
–tro·chan·ter·al \-tə-rəl\ adjective
–tro·chan·ter·ic \ˌtrō-kən-'ter-ik, -ˌkan-\ adjective

troche
n. : LOZENGE 3

trochee
n. : a metrical foot consisting of one long syllable followed by one short syllable or of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable (as in apple)

trochlea
n. : an anatomical structure that is held to resemble a pulley especially : the articular surface on the medial condyle of the humerus that articulates with the ulna

trochlear
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a trochlea
2 : of, relating to, or being a trochlear nerve

trochlear nerve
: either of the fourth pair of cranial nerves that supply some of the eye muscles with motor fibers ― called also trochlear

trochoid
adj. : the curve generated by a point on the radius of a circle or the radius extended as the circle rolls on a fixed straight line
–tro·choi·dal \trō-'kȯi-dəl, trä-\ adjective

trochophore
: a free-swimming ciliate larva occurring in several invertebrate groups (as the polychaete worms and mollusks)

trod
past and past part of tread

trodden
past part of tread

troffer
: an inverted trough serving as a support and reflector usually for a fluorescent lighting unit

troglodyte
n. 1 : a member of any of various peoples (as in antiquity) who lived or were reputed to live chiefly in caves
2 : a person characterized by reclusive habits or outmoded or reactionary attitudes
–trog·lo·dyt·ic \ˌträ-glə-'di-tik\ adjective

trogon
n. : any of numerous nonpasserine tropical birds (family Trogonidae) with brilliant often iridescent plumage

troika
n. 1 : a Russian vehicle drawn by three horses abreast also : a team for such a vehicle
2 : a group of three especially : an administrative or ruling body of three

troilite
: a mineral that is a variety of pyrrhotite and that is widely but sparsely distributed (as on earth, in meteorites, and in lunar soil samples)

Troilus
n. : a son of Priam who in medieval legend loved Cressida and lost her to Diomedes

trois
menage a trois
ménage à trois
pas de trois
Trois Rivieres
Trois Rivières
Trois Rivieres Ouest
Trois Rivières Ouest

Trois-Rivieres
town Canada in S Que. NE of Montreal on N bank of St. Lawrence River pop 46,264

Trois-Rivieres-Ouest
town Canada in S Que. pop 23,287

Trojan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Troy
2 : one who shows qualities (as pluck, endurance, or determined energy) attributed to the defenders of ancient Troy
3 : a merry and often irresponsible or disreputable companion

Trojan
n. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling ancient Troy or its inhabitants
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a Trojan horse

Trojan horse
1 : someone or something intended to defeat or subvert from within usually by deceptive means
2 : a seemingly useful computer program that contains concealed instructions which when activated perform an illicit or malicious action (as destroying data files) also : the concealed instructions of such a program ― compare VIRUS

Trojan War
: a 10-year war between the Greeks and Trojans brought on by the abduction of Helen by Paris and ended with the destruction of Troy

troll
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause to move round and round : ROLL
2 a : to sing the parts of (as a round or catch) in succession b : to sing loudly c : to celebrate in song
3 a : to fish for by trolling b : to fish by trolling in <troll lakes> c : to pull through the water in trolling <troll a lure> d : to search in or at <trolls flea markets for bargains> also : PROWL <troll nightclubs>
intransitive verb
1 : to move around : RAMBLE
2 a : to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat b : SEARCH, LOOK <trolling for sponsors> also : PROWL
3 : to sing or play in a jovial manner
4 : to speak rapidly
–troll·er noun

troll
n. : a lure or a line with its lure and hook used in trolling

troll
n. : a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore inhabiting caves or hills

trolley
n. 1 dialect English : a cart of any of various kinds
2 a : a device that carries electric current from an overhead wire to an electrically driven vehicle b : a streetcar powered electrically through a trolley ― called also trolley car
3 : a wheeled carriage running on an overhead rail or track
4 chiefly British : a cart or wheeled stand used for conveying something (as food or books)

trolley
transitive verb : to convey by a trolley
intransitive verb : to ride on a trolley

trolleybus
n. : a bus that is powered electrically by two overhead wires

trollop
n. : a vulgar or disreputable woman especially : one who engages in sex promiscuously or for money

Trollope
Anthony 1815-1882 Eng. nov.
–Trol·lo·pi·an \trä-'lō-pē-ən\ adjective

Trombe wall
: a masonry wall that is usually separated from the outdoors by a glass wall and is designed to absorb solar heat and release it into the interior of a building

trombone
n. : a brass instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube with two turns and having a movable slide or valves for varying the tone and a usual range one octave lower than that of the trumpet
–trom·bon·ist \-'bō-nist, -ˌbō-\ noun

trommel
n. : a usually cylindrical or conical revolving screen used especially for screening or sizing rock, ore, or coal

Tromp
v. Maarten Harpertszoon 1598-1653 Du. admiral

tromp
v. intransitive verb
1 : TRAMP 1 <a lot of knocking on doors, tromping from room to room ― Sara Davidson>
2 : to step hard : STAMP <tromped on the brake>
transitive verb
1 : TRAMP
2 : STAMP <tromps the accelerator to the floor ― Jim Becker>
3 a : to give a physical beating to b : to defeat decisively

trompe l'oeil
1 : a style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail also : the use of similar technique in interior decorating
2 : a trompe l'oeil painting or effect
3 : something that misleads or deceives the senses : ILLUSION

Tromso
city & port N Norway pop 50,754

tron
1 : vacuum tube <magnetron>
2 : device for the manipulation of subatomic particles <cyclotron>

trona
: a gray-white or yellowish-white monoclinic mineral consisting of a hydrous acid sodium carbonate

Trondheim
city & port cen Norway on Trondheim Fjord (80 mi or 128 km long), pop 142,891

troop
n. 1 a : a group of soldiers b : a cavalry unit corresponding to an infantry company c plural : ARMED FORCES, SOLDIERS
2 : a collection of people or things : CREW 2
3 : a flock of mammals or birds
4 : the basic organizational unit of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts under an adult leader

troop
n. 1 : to move or gather in crowds
2 : to go one's way : WALK
3 : to spend time together : ASSOCIATE
4 : to move in large numbers

troop
n. household troops
shock troops
moss trooping

trooper
n. 1 a (1) : an enlisted cavalryman (2) : the horse of a cavalryman b : PARATROOPER c : SOLDIER
2 a : a mounted police officer b : a state police officer
3 : TROUPER 2

troopship
n. : a ship or aircraft for carrying troops : TRANSPORT

trop
adv. tropical

trop
adv. 1 : turn : turning : change <troposphere>
2 : tropism <tropic>

trope
n. 1 a : a word or expression used in a figurative sense : FIGURE OF SPEECH b : a common or overused theme or device : CLICHÉ <the usual horror movie tropes>
2 : a phrase or verse added as an embellishment or interpolation to the sung parts of the Mass in the Middle Ages

troph
: nutritive <trophoblast>

trophallaxis
: exchange of food (as from special glands) between social insects (as ants or termites)

trophic
adj. 1 : of or relating to nutrition : NUTRITIONAL <trophic disorders>
2 : 3TROPIC
–tro·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

trophic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or characterized by (such) nutrition <ectotrophic> b : requiring or utilizing (such) a kind of nutrition <heterotrophic>
2 : -TROPIC 2 <gonadotrophic>

trophic level
: one of the hierarchical strata of a food web characterized by organisms which are the same number of steps removed from the primary producers

trophoblast
n. : the outer layer of the mammalian blastocyst that supplies nutrition to the embryo and facilitates implantation
–tro·pho·blas·tic \ˌtrō-fə-'blas-tik\ adjective

trophozoite
n. : a protozoan of a vegetative form as distinguished from one of a reproductive or resting form

trophy
n. 1 : something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial
2 a : a memorial of an ancient Greek or Roman victory raised on the field of battle or on the nearest land for a naval victory b : a representation of such a memorial (as on a medal) also : an architectural ornament representing a group of military weapons
3 : a game animal or fish suitable for mounting as a trophy ― usually used attributively
4 : one that is prized for qualities that enhance prestige or social status ― usually used attributively <a trophy wife> <a trophy house>
–trophy transitive verb

trophy
n. : nutrition : nurture : growth <dystrophy>

tropic
n. 1 : either of the two parallels of terrestrial latitude at a distance of about 231/2 degrees north or south of the equator where the sun is directly overhead when it reaches its most northerly or southerly point in the sky ― compare TROPIC OF CANCER, TROPIC OF CAPRICORN
2 plural often capitalized : the region lying between the tropics

tropic
n. : of, relating to, or occurring in the tropics

tropic
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of tropism or of a tropism
2 of a hormone : influencing the activity of a specified gland

tropic
n. 1 : turning, changing, or tending to turn or change in a (specified) manner or in response to a (specified) stimulus <geotropic>
2 : attracted to or acting upon (something specified) <neurotropic>

tropic
n. tropic bird
Tropic of Cancer
Tropic of Capricorn

tropic bird
: any of a genus (Phaethon of the family Phaethontidae) of web-footed birds that are related to the pelicans, are found chiefly in tropical seas often far from land, and have mostly white satiny plumage marked with a little black, a greatly elongated central pair of tail feathers, and a brightly colored bill

Tropic of Cancer
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 231/2 degrees north of the equator and that is the northernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

Tropic of Capricorn
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 231/2 degrees south of the equator and that is the southernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

tropical
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, occurring in, or suitable for use in the tropics <tropical forests> <a tropical disease> b : of, being, or characteristic of a region or climate that is frost-free with temperatures high enough to support year-round plant growth given sufficient moisture <tropical Florida>
2 [Latin tropicus, from Greek tropikos, from tropos trope] : FIGURATIVE 2
–trop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tropical
adj. tropical sprue
tropical rain forest
tropical aquarium
tropical cyclone
tropical fish
tropical oil
tropical storm

tropical aquarium
: an aquarium kept at a uniform warmth and used especially for tropical fish

tropical cyclone
: a cyclone originating in the tropics specifically : HURRICANE

tropical fish
: any of various small usually showy fishes of tropical origin often kept in a tropical aquarium

tropical oil
: any of several oils (as coconut oil and palm oil) that are high in saturated fatty acids and are used especially in commercially prepared baked goods, snack products, and confections

tropical rain forest
: RAIN FOREST 1

tropical sprue
: 2SPRUE 1

tropical storm
: a tropical cyclone with strong winds of over 39 miles (63 kilometers) per hour but less than hurricane intensity

tropicalize
v. 1 : to make tropical (as in character, conditions, or appearance)
2 : to fit or adapt for use in a tropical climate especially by measures designed to combat the effects of fungi and moisture

tropin
: hormone <gonadotropin> <somatotropin>

tropism
n. 1 a : involuntary orientation by an organism or one of its parts that involves turning or curving by movement or by differential growth and is a positive or negative response to a source of stimulation b : a reflex reaction involving a tropism
2 : an innate tendency to react in a definite manner to stimuli broadly : a natural inclination : PROPENSITY <encouraged his tropism toward the theatrical ― John Updike>
–tro·pis·tic \trō-'pis-tik\ adjective

tropism
n. : tropism <heliotropism>

tropo
― see TROP-

tropocollagen
n. : a subunit of collagen fibrils consisting of three polypeptide strands arranged in a helix

tropological
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or involving biblical interpretation stressing moral metaphor also : MORAL
2 : characterized or varied by tropes : FIGURATIVE
–tro·po·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

tropomyosin
n. : a protein of muscle that forms a complex with troponin regulating the interaction of actin and myosin in muscular contraction

troponin
: a protein of muscle that together with tropomyosin forms a regulatory protein complex controlling the interaction of actin and myosin and that when combined with calcium ions permits muscular contraction

tropopause
n. : the region at the top of the troposphere also : a comparable layer of a celestial body

troposphere
n. : the lowest densest part of the earth's atmosphere in which most weather changes occur and temperature generally decreases rapidly with altitude and which extends from the earth's surface to the bottom of the stratosphere
–tro·po·spher·ic \ˌtrō-pə-'sfir-ik, ˌträ-, -'sfer-\ adjective

tropotaxis
: a taxis in which an organism orients itself by the simultaneous comparison of stimuli of different intensity acting on separate end organs

tropous
: turning or curving in (such) a way : exhibiting (such) a tropism <anatropous>

tropy
1 : condition of exhibiting (such) a behavior <allotropy>
2 : change in a (specified) way or in response to a (specified) stimulus <thixotropy>

Trossachs
valley cen Scotland bet. Loch Katrine & Loch Achray

Trot
n. : an adherent of Trotskyism : TROTSKYIST, TROTSKYITE

trot
n. 1 a (1) : a moderately fast gait of a quadruped (as a horse) in which the legs move in diagonal pairs (2) : a jogging gait of a human that falls between a walk and a run b : a ride on horseback
2 : an old woman
3 : a literal translation of a foreign text
4 plural : DIARRHEA ― used with the

trot
n. intransitive verb
1 : to ride, drive, or proceed at a trot <the fox trotted over the knoll>
2 : to proceed briskly : HURRY
transitive verb
1 : to cause to go at a trot
2 : to traverse at a trot

trot
n. : TROTLINE also : one of the short lines with hooks that are attached to a trotline at intervals

trot
n. fox trot
jog trot
trot out
turkey trot
globe trotting

trot out
1 : to lead out and show the paces of (as a horse)
2 : to bring forward for display or use <trotted out a new excuse>

troth
n. 1 : loyal or pledged faithfulness : FIDELITY <pledged my troth>
2 : one's pledged word <I don't remember the details or, by my troth, even the gist ― Stanley Elkin> also : BETROTHAL

troth
n. : PLEDGE, BETROTH

trothplight
n. archaic : BETROTH

trothplight
n. archaic : BETROTHAL

trotline
n. : SETLINE especially : a comparatively short setline used near shore or along streams

Trotsky
n. Leon 1879-1940 orig. Lev Davidovich Bronstein Russ. Communist leader

Trotskyism
n. : the political, economic, and social principles advocated by Trotsky especially : the theory and practice of communism developed by or associated with Trotsky and usually including adherence to the concept of worldwide revolution as opposed to socialism in one country
–Trots·ky·ist \-skē-ist\ noun or adjective
–Trots·ky·ite \-skē-ˌīt\ noun or adjective

trotter
n. 1 : one that trots specifically : a standardbred horse trained for harness racing
2 : a pig's foot used as food

Trotwood
city SW Ohio W of Dayton pop 27,420

troubadour
n. 1 : one of a class of lyric poets and poet-musicians often of knightly rank who flourished from the 11th to the end of the 13th century chiefly in the south of France and the north of Italy and whose major theme was courtly love ― compare TROUVÈRE
2 : a singer especially of folk songs

trouble
n. transitive verb
1 a : to agitate mentally or spiritually : WORRY, DISTURB b (1) archaic : MISTREAT, OPPRESS (2) : to produce physical disorder in : AFFLICT <troubled by a cold> c : to put to exertion or inconvenience <I'm sorry to trouble you>
2 : to put into confused motion <the wind troubled the sea>
intransitive verb
1 : to become mentally agitated : WORRY <refused to trouble over trifles>
2 : to make an effort : be at pains <did not trouble to come>
–trou·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

trouble
n. 1 : the quality or state of being troubled especially mentally
2 : public unrest or disturbance <there's trouble brewing downtown>
3 : an instance of trouble <used to disguise her frustrations and despair by making light of her troubles ― Current Biog.>
4 : a state or condition of distress, annoyance, or difficulty <in trouble with the law> <heading for trouble> <got into financial trouble>: as a : a condition of physical distress or ill health : AILMENT <back trouble> <heart trouble> b : a condition of mechanical malfunction <engine trouble> c : a condition of doing something badly or only with great difficulty <has trouble reading> <has trouble breathing> d : pregnancy out of wedlock <got a girl in trouble>
5 : an effort made : PAINS <took the trouble to do it right>
6 a : a cause of distress, annoyance, or inconvenience <don't mean to be any trouble> <what's the trouble?> b : a negative feature : DRAWBACK <the trouble with you is you're too honest> <the main trouble with electronic systems is the overreliance on them ― John Perham> c : the unhappy or sad fact <the trouble is, I need the money>

troubled
adj. 1 a : CONCERNED, WORRIED <troubled feelings about the decision> b : exhibiting emotional or behavioral problems <a program for troubled youth>
2 : characterized by or indicative of trouble <our troubled cities> <a gray and troubled sky>

troublemaker
n. : a person who consciously or unconsciously causes trouble
–trou·ble·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ adjective or noun

troubleshoot
v. intransitive verb : to operate or serve as a troubleshooter <is troubleshooting for an electronics firm>
transitive verb : to investigate or deal with in the role of troubleshooter <troubleshoots TV receivers> <troubleshoot a problem>

troubleshooter
n. 1 : a skilled worker employed to locate trouble and make repairs in machinery and technical equipment
2 : an expert in resolving diplomatic or political disputes : a mediator of disputes that are at an impasse
3 : a person skilled at solving or anticipating problems or difficulties

troublesome
adj. 1 : DIFFICULT, BURDENSOME
2 : giving trouble or anxiety : VEXATIOUS <troublesome news>
–trou·ble·some·ly adverb
–trou·ble·some·ness noun

troublous
adj. 1 : full of trouble : STORMY <these troublous times>
2 : causing trouble : TROUBLESOME <inflation is a troublous matter>
–trou·blous·ly adverb
–trou·blous·ness noun

trough
n. 1 a : a long shallow often V-shaped receptacle for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals b : any of various domestic or industrial containers
2 a : a conduit, drain, or channel for water especially : a gutter along the eaves of a building b : a long and narrow or shallow channel or depression (as between waves or hills) especially : a long but shallow depression in the bed of the sea ― compare TRENCH
3 : the minimum point of a complete cycle of a periodic function: as a : an elongated area of low barometric pressure b : the low point in a business cycle

trounce
v. : to thrash or punish severely especially : to defeat decisively

troupe
n. : COMPANY, TROOP especially : a group of theatrical performers

troupe
n. : to travel in a troupe also : to perform as a member of a theatrical troupe

trouper
n. 1 : a member of a troupe especially : ACTOR
2 : a person who deals with and persists through difficulty or hardship without complaint <you're a real trouper to wait so long>

troupial
: a large brightly colored oriole (Icterus icterus) of Central and So. America also : any of various related birds (family Icteridae)

trouser
n. : 3PANT 1 ― usually used in plural

trouser
n. 1 : of, relating to, or designed for trousers <trouser pockets>
2 : of or relating to a male dramatic role played by a woman

trouser suit
chiefly British : PANTSUIT

trousseau
n. : the personal possessions of a bride usually including clothes, accessories, and household linens and wares

trout
n. 1 : any of various salmonid food and sport fishes that are mostly smaller than the typical salmons and are anadromous or restricted to cool clear freshwater: a : any of various Old or New World fishes (genera Salmo and Oncorhynchus) ― compare BROWN TROUT, RAINBOW TROUT b : 1CHAR
2 : any of various fishes (as the largemouth bass) held to resemble the true trouts

trout
n. steelhead trout
sea trout
brook trout
brown trout
cutthroat trout
golden trout
lake trout
mackinaw trout
rainbow trout
speckled trout
spotted sea trout
trout lily
trout perch

trout lily
: DOGTOOTH VIOLET

trout-perch
: a small freshwater fish (Percopsis omiscomaycus of the family Percopsidae) chiefly of northern No. America having a scaleless head and large eyes

trouty
: containing or likely to contain abundant trout <a trouty stream>

trouvere
: one of a school of poets who flourished from the 11th to the 14th centuries and who composed mostly narrative works (as chansons de geste and fabliaux) ― compare TROUBADOUR

Trouville
town & port N France on English Channel S of Le Havre pop 5410

trovato
ben trovato
se non e vero e ben trovato
se non è vero è ben trovato

trove
n. 1 : DISCOVERY, FIND
2 : a valuable collection : TREASURE also : HAUL, COLLECTION

trover
n. : a common law action to recover the value of goods wrongfully converted to another's own use

trow
v. 1 obsolete : BELIEVE
2 archaic : THINK

Trowbridge
town S England capital of Wiltshire pop 22,984

trowel
n. : any of various hand tools used to apply, spread, shape, or smooth loose or plastic material also : a scoop-shaped or flat-bladed garden tool for taking up and setting small plants

trowel
n. : to smooth, mix, or apply with or as if with a trowel
–trow·el·er noun

Troy
n. 1 city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 80,959
2 city E N.Y. on Hudson River NNE of Albany pop 49,170
3 or Il·i·um \'i-lē-əm\ or Tro·ja \'trō-jə, -yə\ ancient city NW Asia Minor in Troas SW of the Dardanelles

troy
n. : expressed in troy weight

troy
n. Helen of Troy
troy weight
fuit Ilium

troy weight
: a series of units of weight based on a pound of 12 ounces and an ounce of 480 grains ― see WEIGHT table

Troyes
city NE France SE of Paris pop 60,903

truancy
n. : an act or instance of playing truant : the state of being truant

truant
n. : one who shirks duty especially : one who stays out of school without permission

truant
n. 1 : shirking responsibility
2 : being, resembling, or characteristic of a truant

truant
n. : to idle away time especially while playing truant

truant officer
: a person employed by a public-school system to investigate the continued absences of pupils ― called also attendance officer truancy officer

truantry
n. : TRUANCY

truce
n. 1 : a suspension of fighting especially of considerable duration by agreement of opposing forces : ARMISTICE, CEASE-FIRE
2 : a respite especially from a disagreeable or painful state or action

truce
n. intransitive verb : to make a truce
transitive verb : to end with a truce

Truchas Peak
mountain 13,110 ft (3996 m) N N.Mex. in Sangre de Cristo Mountains NE of Santa Fe; highest of three peaks forming Truchas Peaks

Trucial
Trucial Oman Trucial States
Trucial Oman
Trucial States

Trucial Oman, Trucial States
― see UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

truck
n. transitive verb
1 : to give in exchange : SWAP
2 : to barter or dispose of by barter
intransitive verb
1 : to exchange commodities : BARTER
2 : to negotiate or traffic especially in an underhanded way : have dealings

truck
n. 1 : BARTER
2 : commodities appropriate for barter or for small trade
3 : close association or connection <will have no truck with crooks>
4 : payment of wages in goods instead of cash
5 : vegetables grown for market
6 : heterogeneous small articles often of little value also : RUBBISH

truck
n. 1 : a small wheel specifically : a small strong wheel for a gun carriage
2 : a small wooden cap at the top of a flagstaff or masthead usually having holes for reeving flag or signal halyards
3 : a wheeled vehicle for moving heavy articles: as a : a strong horse-drawn or automotive vehicle (as a pickup) for hauling b : a small barrow consisting of a rectangular frame having at one end a pair of handles and at the other end a pair of small heavy wheels and a projecting edge to slide under a load ― called also hand truck c : a small heavy rectangular frame supported on four wheels for moving heavy objects d : a small flat-topped car pushed or pulled by hand e : a shelved stand mounted on casters f : an automotive vehicle with a short chassis equipped with a swivel for attaching a trailer and used especially for the highway hauling of freight also : a truck with attached trailer
4 a British : an open railroad freight car b : a swiveling carriage consisting of a frame with one or more pairs of wheels and springs to carry and guide one end (as of a railroad car) in turning sharp curves
–truck·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

truck
n. : to load or transport on a truck
intransitive verb
1 : to transport goods by truck
2 : to be employed in driving a truck
3 : to roll along especially in an easy untroubled way

truck
n. pickup truck
hand truck
dumper truck
dump truck
fire truck
hook and ladder truck
ladder truck
lift truck
panel truck
sound truck
stake truck
stake bed truck
tow truck
truck farm
truck farmer
truck stop
truck system

truck farm
: a farm devoted to the production of vegetables for the market
–truck farmer noun

truck stop
: a facility especially for truckers that is usually by a highway and that includes a diner, fuel pumps, and a garage

truck system
: the system of paying wages in goods instead of cash

Truckee
river 120 mi (193 km) E Calif. & W Nev. flowing from Lake Tahoe into Pyramid Lake

trucker
n. 1 : one that barters
2 Scottish : PEDDLER

trucker
n. 1 : a person whose business is transporting goods by truck
2 : a truck driver

trucking
n. : the process or business of transporting goods on trucks

truckle
v. : to act in a subservient manner : SUBMIT
synonyms see FAWN
–truck·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

truckle bed
: TRUNDLE BED

truckline
n. : a transportation line using trucks

truckload
n. 1 : a load or amount that fills or could fill a truck
2 : the minimum weight required for shipping at truckload rates
3 : a large amount <truckloads of money>

truckman
n. 1 : 2TRUCKER
2 : a member of a fire department unit that operates a hook and ladder truck

truckmaster
n. archaic : an officer in charge of trade with American Indians especially among the early settlers

truculence
n. : the quality or state of being truculent

truculency
n. : TRUCULENCE

truculent
adj. 1 : feeling or displaying ferocity : CRUEL, SAVAGE
2 : DEADLY, DESTRUCTIVE
3 : scathingly harsh : VITRIOLIC <truculent criticism>
4 : aggressively self-assertive : BELLIGERENT
–tru·cu·lent·ly adverb

Trudeau
n. Pierre Elliott 1919-2000 Canad. polit.; prime min. (1968-79; 1980-84)

trudge
v. intransitive verb : to walk or march steadily and usually laboriously <trudged through deep snow>
transitive verb : to trudge along or over
–trudg·er noun

trudge
v. : a long tiring walk : TRAMP

trudgen stroke
: a swimming stroke consisting of alternating overarm strokes and a scissors kick

truditur dies die
: day is pushed forth by day : one day hurries on another

true
n. 1 a : STEADFAST, LOYAL b : HONEST, JUST c archaic : TRUTHFUL
2 a (1) : being in accordance with the actual state of affairs <true description> (2) : conformable to an essential reality (3) : fully realized or fulfilled <dreams come true> b : IDEAL, ESSENTIAL c : being that which is the case rather than what is manifest or assumed <the true dimension of the problem> d : CONSISTENT <true to character>
3 a : properly so called <true love> <the true faith> <the true stomach of ruminant mammals> b (1) : possessing the basic characters of and belonging to the same natural group as <a whale is a true but not a typical mammal> (2) : TYPICAL <the true cats>
4 : LEGITIMATE, RIGHTFUL <our true and lawful king>
5 a : that is fitted or formed or that functions accurately b : conformable to a standard or pattern : ACCURATE
6 : determined with reference to the earth's axis rather than the magnetic poles <true north>
7 : logically necessary
8 : NARROW, STRICT <in the truest sense>
9 : corrected for error
–true·ness noun

true
n. 1 : in accordance with fact or reality
2 a : without deviation <the bullet flew straight and true> b : without variation from type <breed true>

true
n. 1 : TRUTH, REALITY ― usually used with the
2 : the quality or state of being accurate (as in alignment or adjustment) ― used in the phrases in true and out of true

true
n. : to make level, square, balanced, or concentric : bring or restore to a desired mechanical accuracy or form <true up a board> <true up an engine cylinder>

true
n. true bug
true seal
tried and true
true believer
true bill
true blue
true false test
true life
true lover's knot
true porcelain
true rib

true believer
1 : a person who professes absolute belief in something
2 : a zealous supporter of a particular cause

true bill
: a bill of indictment endorsed by a grand jury as warranting prosecution of the accused

true blue
: a person who is true-blue

true bug
: BUG 1C

true lover's knot
: a complicated ornamental knot not readily untied and symbolic of mutual love ― called also truelove knot ― see KNOT illustration

true porcelain
: PORCELAIN 1

true rib
: any of the ribs having costal cartilages connected directly with the sternum and in humans constituting the first seven pairs

true seal
: HAIR SEAL

true-blue
1 : marked by unswerving loyalty (as to a party)
2 : GENUINE <a true-blue romantic>

true-false test
: a test consisting of a series of statements to be marked as true or false

true-life
: true to life <a true-life story>

trueborn
adj. : genuinely such by birth <a trueborn Englishman ― Shakespeare>

truehearted
adj. : FAITHFUL, LOYAL <a truehearted soldier>
–true·heart·ed·ness noun

truelove
n. : one truly beloved or loving : SWEETHEART

truepenny
n. : an honest or trusty person

truffle
n. 1 a : the dark or light edible subterranean fruiting body of several European ascomycetous fungi (esp. genus Tuber) also : any of various similar fruiting bodies of related fungi b : a fungus that produces truffles
2 : a candy made of chocolate, butter, sugar, and sometimes liqueur shaped into balls and often coated with cocoa

truffled
adj. : cooked, stuffed, or garnished with truffles

trug
n. chiefly British : a shallow rectangular gardening basket

truism
n. : an undoubted or self-evident truth especially : one too obvious for mention
–tru·is·tic \trü-'is-tik\ adjective

Trujillo
1 city NW Peru NW of Lima pop 193,528
2 ― see SANTO DOMINGO 1

Trujillo
Trujillo Molina
Ciudad Trujillo
Trujillo Alto

Trujillo Alto
municipality NE cen Puerto Rico pop 75,728

Trujillo Molina
Rafael Leónidas 1891-1961 Dominican gen. & polit.; pres. of Dominican Republic (1930-38; 1942-52)

Truk
― see CHUUK

trull
n. : PROSTITUTE, STRUMPET

truly
adv. 1 a : INDEED ― often used as an intensive <truly, she is fair> or interjectionally to express astonishment or doubt b : without feigning, falsity, or inaccuracy in truth or fact
2 : in all sincerity : SINCERELY ― often used with yours as a complimentary close
3 : in agreement with fact : TRUTHFULLY
4 : with exactness of construction or operation
5 : in a proper or suitable manner

Truman
n. Harry S. 1884-1972 33d pres. of the U.S. (1945-53)

Trumbull
John 1756-1843 American painter

Trumbull
Jonathan 1710-1785 father of prec. American statesman

Trumbull
town SW Conn. N of Bridgeport pop 34,243

trump
n. 1 a : TRUMPET b chiefly Scottish : JEW'S HARP
2 : a sound of or as if of trumpeting <the trump of doom>

trump
n. 1 a : a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is not of this suit ― called also trump card b : the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand ― often used in plural
2 : a decisive overriding factor or final resource ― called also trump card
3 : a dependable and exemplary person

trump
n. 1 : to get the better of : OVERRIDE <where ambition invariably trumps loyalty ― Michael Kramer>
2 : to play a trump on (a card or trick) when another suit was led
intransitive verb : to play a trump when another suit was led

trump
n. trump card
no trump
trump up
trumped up

trump up
1 : to concoct especially with intent to deceive : FABRICATE, INVENT
2 archaic : to cite as support for an action or claim

trumped-up
: fraudulently concocted : SPURIOUS <trumped-up charges>

trumpery
n. 1 a : worthless nonsense b : trivial or useless articles : JUNK <a wagon loaded with household trumpery ― Washington Irving>
2 archaic : tawdry finery
–trumpery adjective

trumpet
n. 1 a : a wind instrument consisting of a conical or cylindrical usually metal tube, a cup-shaped mouthpiece, and a flared bell specifically : a valved brass instrument having a cylindrical tube with two turns and a usual range from F sharp below middle C upward for 21/2 octaves b : a musical instrument (as a cornet) resembling a trumpet
2 : a trumpet player
3 : something that resembles a trumpet or its tonal quality: as a : a funnel-shaped instrument (as a megaphone) for collecting, directing, or intensifying sound b (1) : a stentorian voice (2) : a penetrating cry (as of an elephant)
–trum·pet·like adjective

trumpet
n. 1 : to blow a trumpet
2 : to make a sound suggestive of that of a trumpet
transitive verb : to sound or proclaim on or as if on a trumpet <trumpet the news>

trumpet
n. trumpet creeper
trumpet flower
trumpet honeysuckle
trumpet vine

trumpet creeper
: TRUMPET VINE

trumpet flower
1 : any of various plants (as a trumpet vine or a datura) with trumpet-shaped flowers
2 : the flower of a trumpet flower

trumpet honeysuckle
: a No. American honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) with whorls of large coral-red or orange flowers having a narrow trumpet-shaped corolla

trumpet vine
: a No. American woody vine (Campsis radicans) of the bignonia family having pinnate leaves and large typically red trumpet-shaped flowers

trumpeter
n. 1 a : a trumpet player specifically : one that gives signals with a trumpet b : one that praises or advocates : EULOGIST, SPOKESMAN
2 a : any of a genus (Psophia of the family Psophiidae) of large gregarious long-legged So. American birds that are related to the cranes and have a long thin neck usually held close to the body b : any of an Asian breed of pigeons with a rounded crest and heavily feathered feet

trumpeter swan
: a rare large pure white swan (Cygnus buccinator) of western No. America that is noted for its sonorous voice

truncate
v. : having the end square or even <truncate leaves>

truncate
v. 1 : to shorten by or as if by cutting off
2 : to replace (an edge or corner of a crystal) by a plane
–trun·ca·tion \trəŋ-'kā-shən, trən-\ noun

truncated
adj. 1 : having the apex replaced by a plane section and especially by one parallel to the base <a truncated cone>
2 a : cut short : CURTAILED <a truncated schedule> b : lacking an expected or normal element (as a syllable) at the beginning or end : CATALECTIC

truncheon
n. 1 : a shattered spear or lance
2 a obsolete : CLUB, BLUDGEON b : BATON 2 c : a police officer's billy club

truncheon
n. archaic : to beat with a truncheon

trundle
v. transitive verb
1 a : to propel by causing to rotate : ROLL <a⋯child who was trundling a hoop ― Charles Dickens> b archaic : to cause to revolve : SPIN
2 : to transport in or as if in a wheeled vehicle : HAUL, WHEEL <trundled him off to school>
intransitive verb
1 : to progress by revolving
2 : to move on or as if on wheels : ROLL <buses trundling through the city>
–trun·dler \'trən(d)-lər, 'trən-dəl-ər\ noun

trundle
v. 1 : the motion or sound of something rolling
2 : TRUNDLE BED
3 : a round or oval wooden tub

trundle bed
: a low bed usually on casters that can be rolled or slid under a higher bed when not in use ― called also truckle bed

trundle-tail
archaic : a curly-tailed dog

trunk
n. 1 a : the main stem of a tree apart from limbs and roots ― called also bole b (1) : the human or animal body apart from the head and appendages : TORSO (2) : the thorax of an insect c : the central part of anything specifically : the shaft of a column or pilaster
2 a (1) : a large rigid piece of luggage used usually for transporting clothing and personal effects (2) : the luggage compartment of an automobile b (1) : a superstructure over a ship's hatches usually level with the poop deck (2) : the part of the cabin of a boat projecting above the deck (3) : the housing for a centerboard or rudder
3 : PROBOSCIS especially : the long muscular proboscis of the elephant
4 plural : men's shorts worn chiefly for sports <swimming trunks>
5 a : a usually major channel or passage (as a chute or shaft) b : a circuit between two telephone exchanges for making connections between subscribers broadly : a usually electronic path over which information is transmitted (as between computer systems)
6 a : the principal channel or main body of a system or part that divides into branches <a nerve trunk> <the trunk of a river> b : TRUNK LINE
–trunk·ful \'trənk-ˌfu̇l\ noun

trunk
n. nerve trunk
Saratoga trunk
steamer trunk
trunk hose
trunk line

trunk hose
: short full breeches reaching about halfway down the thigh that were worn chiefly in the late 16th and early 17th centuries

trunk line
1 : a transportation system (as an airline, railroad, or highway) handling long-distance through traffic
2 a : a main supply channel (as for gas or oil) b : TRUNK 5B

trunked
: having a trunk especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <a gray-trunked tree>

trunkfish
n. : any of numerous small often bright colored bony fishes (family Ostraciidae) of tropical seas with the body and head enclosed in a bony carapace

trunnel
n. variant of treenail

trunnion
n. : a pin or pivot on which something can be rotated or tilted especially : either of two opposite gudgeons on which a cannon is swiveled

Truro
town SW England capital of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly pop 16,277

truss
n. 1 a : to secure tightly : BIND b : to arrange for cooking by binding close the wings or legs of (a fowl)
2 : to support, strengthen, or stiffen by or as if by a truss
–truss·er noun

truss
n. 1 : an iron band around a lower mast with an attachment by which a yard is secured to the mast
2 a : BRACKET 1 b : an assemblage of members (as beams) forming a rigid framework
3 : a device worn to reduce a hernia by pressure
4 : a compact flower or fruit cluster

truss bridge
: a bridge supported mainly by trusses ― see BRIDGE illustration

trussing
v. 1 : the members forming a truss
2 : the trusses and framework of a structure

trust
n. 1 a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in which confidence is placed
2 a : dependence on something future or contingent : HOPE b : reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered : CREDIT <bought furniture on trust>
3 a : a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another b : a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement especially : one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition
4 archaic : TRUSTWORTHINESS
5 a (1) : a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship (2) : something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b : responsible charge or office c : CARE, CUSTODY <the child committed to her trust>
–in trust : in the care or possession of a trustee

trust
1 a : to place confidence : DEPEND <trust in God> <trust to luck> b : to be confident : HOPE
2 : to sell or deliver on credit
transitive verb
1 a : to commit or place in one's care or keeping : ENTRUST b : to permit to stay or go or to do something without fear or misgiving
2 a : to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of : BELIEVE <trust a rumor> b : to place confidence in : rely on <a friend you can trust> c : to hope or expect confidently <trusts that the problem will be resolved soon>
3 : to extend credit to
–trust·abil·i·ty \ˌtrəs-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–trust·able \'trəs-tə-bəl\ adjective
–trust·er noun
–trust·ing·ly \'trəs-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–trust·ing·ness noun

trust
n. trust busting
blind trust
brains trust
brain trust
inter vivos trust
living trust
self trust
in trust
trust company
trust fund
trust territory
unit trust
Pacific Islands Trust Territory of the
brain truster

trust company
: an incorporated trustee broadly : a corporation that functions as a corporate and personal trustee and usually also engages in the normal activities of a commercial bank

trust fund
: property (as money or securities) settled or held in trust

trust territory
: a non-self-governing territory placed under an administrative authority by the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations

trustbuster
n. : one who seeks to break up business trusts specifically : a federal official who prosecutes trusts under the antitrust laws
–trust-bust·ing \-tiŋ\ noun

trustee
n. 1 a : one to whom something is entrusted b : a country charged with the supervision of a trust territory
2 a : a natural or legal person to whom property is legally committed to be administered for the benefit of a beneficiary (as a person or a charitable organization) b : one (as a corporate director) occupying a position of trust and performing functions comparable to those of a trustee
3 : TRUSTY

trustee
n. transitive verb : to commit to the care of a trustee
intransitive verb : to serve as trustee

trusteeship
n. 1 : the office or function of a trustee
2 : supervisory control by one or more countries over a trust territory

trustful
adj. : full of trust : CONFIDING
–trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–trust·ful·ness noun

trustless
adj. 1 : not deserving of trust : FAITHLESS
2 : DISTRUSTFUL

trustworthy
adj. : worthy of confidence : DEPENDABLE <a trustworthy guide> <trustworthy information>
–trust·wor·thi·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–trust·wor·thi·ness noun

trusty
n. : TRUSTWORTHY, DEPENDABLE <a trusty friend> <his trusty pocketknife>
–trust·i·ness noun

trusty
n. : a trusty or trusted person specifically : a convict considered trustworthy and allowed special privileges

Truth
n. Sojourner ca 1797-1883 American evangelist & reformer

truth
n. 1 a archaic : FIDELITY, CONSTANCY b : sincerity in action, character, and utterance
2 a (1) : the state of being the case : FACT (2) : the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY (3) often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality b : a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true <truths of thermodynamics> c : the body of true statements and propositions
3 a : the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality b chiefly British : TRUE 2 c : fidelity to an original or to a standard
4 capitalized Christian Science : GOD
–in truth : in accordance with fact : ACTUALLY

truth
n. half truth
home truth
moment of truth
in truth
truth serum
truth set
truth table
truth value

truth serum
: a hypnotic or anesthetic held to induce a subject under questioning to talk freely

truth set
: a mathematical or logical set containing all the elements that make a given statement of relationships true when substituted in it <the equation x + 7 = 10 has as its truth set the single number 3>

truth table
: a table that shows the truth-value of a compound statement for every truth-value of its component statements also : a similar table (as for a computer logic circuit) showing the value of the output for each value of each input

see table...

truth-value
: the truth or falsity of a proposition or statement

truthful
adj. : telling or disposed to tell the truth <a truthful witness>
–truth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–truth·ful·ness noun

truthtab-table

try
n. transitive verb
1 a : to examine or investigate judicially <try a case> b (1) : to conduct the trial of (2) : to participate as counsel in the judicial examination of
2 a : to put to test or trial <try one's luck> ― often used with out <try out a new method> b : to subject to something (as undue strain or excessive hardship or provocation) that tests the powers of endurance c : DEMONSTRATE, PROVE
3 a obsolete : PURIFY, REFINE b : to melt down and procure in a pure state : RENDER <try out whale oil from blubber>
4 : to fit or finish with accuracy
5 : to make an attempt at ― often used with an infinitive <try to fix the car>
intransitive verb : to make an attempt <you can do it if you try>
synonyms see AFFLICT, ATTEMPT
–try one's hand : to attempt something for the first time

try
n. 1 : an experimental trial : ATTEMPT <succeeded on the first try>
2 : a play in rugby that is similar to a touchdown in football, scores usually five points, and entitles the scoring side to attempt a placekick at the goal for additional points also : the score made on a try

try
n. college try
cut and try
try one's hand
try for point
try on
try out
try pot
try square
tried and true

try for point

1929
: an attempt made after scoring a touchdown in football to score one or two additional points by kicking the ball over the crossbar or again carrying it into the opponents' end zone

try on
1 : to put on (a garment) in order to test the fit
2 : to use or test experimentally
–try-on \'trī-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ noun

try one's hand
to attempt something for the first time

try out
: to compete for a position especially on an athletic team or for a part in a play

try square
: an instrument consisting of two straightedges fixed at right angles to each other and used for laying off right angles and testing whether work is square

try-pot
: a metallic pot used on a whaler or on shore to render whale oil from blubber

trying
n. : severely straining the powers of endurance <a trying experience>
–try·ing·ly adverb

tryout
n. : an experimental performance or demonstration: as a : a test of the ability (as of an athlete or actor) to fill a part or meet standards b : a performance of a play prior to its official opening to determine response and discover weaknesses

trypanosome
n. : any of a genus (Trypanosoma) of parasitic flagellate protozoans that infest the blood of various vertebrates including humans, are usually transmitted by the bite of an insect, and include some that cause serious diseases (as sleeping sickness and Chagas' disease)

trypanosomiasis
n. : infection with or disease caused by trypanosomes

trypsin
n. : a proteolytic enzyme that is secreted in the pancreatic juice in the form of trypsinogen, is activated in the duodenum, and is most active in a slightly alkaline medium

trypsinogen
n. : the inactive substance released by the pancreas into the duodenum to form trypsin

tryptamine
n. : a crystalline amine C_10H_12N_2 derived from tryptophan

tryptic
adj. : of, relating to, or produced by trypsin or its action

tryptophan
n. : a crystalline essential amino acid C_11H_12N_2O_2 that is widely distributed in proteins

trysail
n. : a fore-and-aft sail bent to a gaff and hoisted on a lower mast or a small mast close abaft

tryst
n. 1 : an agreement (as between lovers) to meet
2 : an appointed meeting or meeting place

tryst
n. : to make or keep a tryst
–tryst·er \'tris-tər, 'trīs-\ noun

tryworks
: a brick furnace in which try-pots are placed also : the furnace with the pots

Ts'ao Chan
1715?-1763 Ts'ao Hsüeh-ch'in Chin. nov.

tsade
variant of sadhe

Tsangpo
the upper Brahmaputra in Tibet

tsar
n. variant of czar, czarevitch, czarina, czarism

Tsaritsyn
― see VOLGOGRAD

Tsarskoye Selo
― see PUSHKIN

Tschaikovsky
n. var of TCHAIKOVSKY

tse
Jih k'a tse
Mao Tse tung
Tse ven

tsetse fly
: any of several dipteran flies (genus Glossina) that occur in Africa south of the Sahara and include vectors of human and animal trypanosomes ― called also tsetse ― compare SLEEPING SICKNESS

TSgt
technical sergeant

TSH
thyroid-stimulating hormone

Tshi
variant of twi

Tshiluba
: a Bantu language used as a lingua franca in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tshwane
― see PRETORIA

Tsimshian
n. 1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of west central British Columbia and southern Alaska
2 : the family of closely related languages spoken by the Tsimshian peoples

Tsinan
n. ― see JINAN

Tsinghai
― see QINGHAI

Tsingtao
― see QINGDAO

Tsitsihar
― see QIQIHAR

tsk
interj. ― used to express disapproval

tsk-tsk
: to express disapproval of by or as if by uttering tsk
intransitive verb : to tsk-tsk someone or something

Tskhinvali
town N Republic of Georgia NW of Tbilisi capital of South Ossetia pop 42,600

TSP
n. trisodium phosphate

tsp
n. teaspoon; teaspoonful

TSS
toxic shock syndrome

Tsugaru Strait
strait Japan bet. Honshu & Hokkaido

Tsui
n. Daniel Chee 1939-     American (Chin.-born) physicist

tsunami
n. : a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : TIDAL WAVE
–tsu·na·mic \-mik\ adjective

tsuris
: TROUBLE, DISTRESS

Tsushima
island Japan in Korea Strait separated from Kyushu and Honshu by Tsushima Strait (the SE part of Korea Strait) area 271 sq mi (705 sq km)

tsutsugamushi disease
: SCRUB TYPHUS

Tswana
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Botswana and the Republic of South Africa
2 : the language of the Tswana people

TTY
teletypewriter

Tu
Tuesday

Tu
Ch'eng tu
tu quoque
tu whit tu whoo
et tu Brute
Tu Fu

Tu Fu
712-770 Chin. poet

tu quoque
: a retort charging an adversary with being or doing what he criticizes in others

tu-whit tu-whoo
: the cry of an owl

Tualatin
city NW Oreg. SSW of Portland pop 22,791

Tuamotu Archipelago
archipelago S. Pacific E of Society Islands; belongs to France area 330 sq mi (858 sq km), pop 11,754

Tuareg
n. : a member of a nomadic people of the central and western Sahara and along the middle Niger from Tombouctou to Nigeria

tuatara
n. : a large spiny quadrupedal reptile (Sphenodon punctatum) of islands off the coast of New Zealand that has a vestigial third eye in the middle of the forehead representing the pineal gland and that is the only surviving rhynchocephalian

tub
n. 1 a : a wide low vessel orig. formed with wooden staves, round bottom, and hoops b : a small round container in which a product is sold <a tub of butter>
2 : an old or slow boat
3 : BATHTUB also : BATH
4 : the amount that a tub will hold
–tub·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
–tub·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

tub
n. transitive verb
1 : to wash or bathe in a tub
2 : to put or store in a tub
intransitive verb
1 : BATHE
2 : to undergo washing
–tub·ba·ble \'tə-bə-bəl\ adjective
–tub·ber noun

tub
n. hot tub
tub thumper
tub thump

tub-thumper
: a vociferous supporter (as of a cause)
–tub-thump \-ˌthəmp\ verb

tuba
n. : a large low-pitched brass instrument usually oval in shape and having a conical tube, a cup-shaped mouthpiece, and a usual range an octave lower than that of the euphonium
–tu·ba·ist \-bə(-i)st\ or tub·ist \-bist\ noun

tubal
adj. : of, relating to, or involving a tube and especially a fallopian tube <tubal infection>

tubal ligation
: ligation of the fallopian tubes that by preventing passage of ova from the ovaries to the uterus serves as a method of female sterilization

tubal pregnancy
: ectopic pregnancy in a fallopian tube

tubby
adj. 1 : sounding dull and without proper resonance or freedom of sound <a tubby violin>
2 : PUDGY, FAT

tube
n. 1 : any of various usually cylindrical structures or devices: as a : a hollow elongated cylinder especially : one to convey fluids b : a soft tubular container whose contents (as toothpaste) can be removed by squeezing c (1) : TUNNEL (2) British : SUBWAY B d : the basically cylindrical section between the mouthpiece and bell that is the fundamental part of a wind instrument
2 a : a slender channel (as a fallopian tube or a pollen tube) within a plant or animal body : DUCT b : the narrow basal portion of a corolla with united petals or a calyx with united sepals
3 : INNER TUBE
4 a : ELECTRON TUBE especially : VACUUM TUBE b : CATHODE-RAY TUBE especially : a television picture tube c : TELEVISION
5 : an article of clothing shaped like a tube <a tube top> <tube socks>
–tubed \'tübd, 'tyübd\ adjective
–tube·like \'tüb-ˌlīk, 'tyüb-\ adjective
–down the tube or down the tubes : into a state of collapse or deterioration

tube
n. auditory tube
boob tube
breathing tube
bronchial tube
cathode ray tube
discharge tube
electron tube
eustachian tube
fallopian tube
image tube
inner tube
Malpighian tube
neural tube
photomultiplier tube
picture tube
pitot static tube
pitot tube
pollen tube
shock tube
sieve tube
speaking tube
static tube
test tube
thistle tube
torpedo tube
down the tube
tube foot
tube nucleus
tube pan
tube worm
vacuum tube
X ray tube
gamete intrafallopian tube transfer
down the tubes

tube foot
: one of the small flexible tubular processes of most echinoderms that are extensions of the water-vascular system and are used especially in locomotion and grasping

tube nucleus
: the one of the two nuclei formed by mitotic division of a microspore during the formation of a pollen grain that is held to control subsequent growth of the pollen tube and that does not divide again ― compare GENERATIVE NUCLEUS

tube pan
: a ring-shaped cake pan with a hollow tubular center

tube worm
: a worm that lives in a tube: as a : any of various polychaetes or oligochaetes b (1) : POGONOPHORAN (2) : VESTIMENTIFERAN

tubeless
adj. : lacking a tube specifically : being a pneumatic tire that does not depend on an inner tube for airtightness

tuber
n. 1 a : a short fleshy usually underground stem bearing minute scale leaves each of which bears a bud in its axil and is potentially able to produce a new plant ― compare BULB, CORM b : a fleshy root or rhizome resembling a tuber
2 : TUBEROSITY

tubercle
n. 1 : a small knobby prominence or excrescence especially on a plant or animal : NODULE: as a : a protuberance near the head of a rib that articulates with the transverse process of a vertebra b : any of several prominences in the central nervous system c : NODULE B
2 : a small abnormal discrete lump in the substance of an organ or in the skin especially : the specific lesion of tuberculosis

tubercle bacillus
: a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that is a major cause of tuberculosis

tubercul
1 : tubercle <tubercular>
2 : tubercle bacillus <tuberculin>
3 : tuberculosis <tuberculoid>

tubercular
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or affected with tuberculosis <a tubercular patient> b : caused by the tubercle bacillus <tubercular meningitis>
2 : characterized by lesions that are or resemble tubercles <tubercular leprosy>
3 : relating to, resembling, or constituting a tubercle <a tubercular lump>

tubercular
adj. : a person with tuberculosis

tuberculated
adj. : having tubercles : characterized by or beset with tubercles

tuberculin
n. : a sterile liquid containing the growth products of or specific substances extracted from the tubercle bacillus and used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis especially in children and cattle

tuberculin test
: a test for hypersensitivity to tuberculin as an indication of past or present tubercular infection

tuberculoid
adj. : resembling tuberculosis especially in the presence of tubercles <tuberculoid leprosy>

tuberculosis
n. : a highly variable communicable disease of humans and some other vertebrates that is caused by the tubercle bacillus and rarely in the U.S. by a related mycobacterium (Mycobacterium bovis), that affects especially the lungs but may spread to other areas (as the kidney or spinal column), and that is characterized by fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, formation of tubercles, caseation, pleural effusions, and fibrosis

tuberculous
adj. 1 : constituting or affected with tuberculosis <a tuberculous process>
2 : caused by or resulting from the presence or products of the tubercle bacillus <tuberculous peritonitis>

tuberose
n. : a Mexican bulbous herb (Polianthes tuberosa) of the agave family cultivated for its spike of fragrant white single or double flowers

tuberosity
n. : a rounded prominence especially : a large prominence on a bone usually serving for the attachment of muscles or ligaments

tuberous
adj. 1 : consisting of, bearing, or resembling a tuber
2 : of, relating to, or being a plant tuber or tuberous root of a plant

tuberous root
: a thick fleshy storage root (as of a dahlia) that is like a tuber but lacks buds or scale leaves
–tuberous-rooted adjective

tubifex worm
: any of a genus (Tubifex) of slender reddish tubificid worms that live in tubes in fresh or brackish water, are widely used as food for aquarium fish, and serve as a host for the protozoan causing whirling disease in fish ― called also tubifex

tubificid
: any of a family (Tubificidae) of aquatic oligochaetes including the tubifex worms
–tubificid adjective

tubing
n. 1 : material in the form of a tube also : a length or piece of tube
2 : a series or system of tubes
3 : the sport or activity of riding an inner tube (as down a river or snowy slope)

Tubingen
city SW Germany on the Neckar S of Stuttgart pop 82,483

Tubman
n. Harriet ca 1820-1913 American abolitionist

Tubman
n. William V(acanarat) S(hadrach) 1895-1971 Liberian lawyer; pres. of Liberia (1944-71)

tubocurarine
n. : a toxic alkaloid or its crystalline hydrochloride salt C_37H_42Cl_2N_2O_6 that is obtained chiefly from the bark and stems of a So. American vine (Chondrodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae) and in its dextrorotatory form constitutes the chief active constituent of curare and is used especially as a skeletal muscle relaxant

tubular
adj. 1 a : having the form of or consisting of a tube <a tubular calyx> b : made or provided with tubes
2 : of, relating to, or sounding as if produced through tubes

tubule
n. : a small tube especially : a slender elongated anatomical channel

tubule
n. convoluted tubule
distal convoluted tubule
Malpighian tubule
proximal convoluted tubule
proximal tubule
seminiferous tubule

tubulin
n. : a globular protein that polymerizes to form microtubules

TUC
Trades Union Congress

Tuchman
Barbara 1912-1989 née Wertheim American hist.

tuchun
1 : a Chinese military governor (as of a province)
2 : a Chinese warlord

tuck
v. transitive verb
1 a : to pull up into a fold b : to make a tuck in
2 : to put into a snug often concealing or isolating place <a cottage tucked away in the hill>
3 a : to push in the loose end of so as to hold tightly <tuck in your shirt> b : to cover by tucking in bedclothes ― usually used with in
4 : EAT ― usually used with away or in <tucked away a big lunch>
5 : to put into a tuck position
intransitive verb
1 : to draw together into tucks or folds
2 : to eat or drink heartily ― usually used with into <tucked into their beer and pretzels>
3 : to fit snugly

tuck
v. 1 : a fold stitched into cloth to shorten, decorate, or control fullness
2 : the part of a vessel where the ends of the lower planks meet under the stern
3 a : an act or instance of tucking b : something tucked or to be tucked in
4 a : a body position (as in diving) in which the knees are bent, the thighs drawn tightly to the chest, and the hands clasped around the shins b : a skiing position in which the skier squats forward and holds the ski poles under the arms and parallel to the ground
5 : a cosmetic surgical operation for the removal of excess skin or fat from a body part <a tummy tuck>

tuck
v. : a sound of or as if of a drumbeat

tuck
v. archaic : RAPIER

tuck
v. : VIGOR, ENERGY <seemed to kind of take the tuck all out of me ― Mark Twain>

tuck-point
: to finish (the mortar joints between bricks or stones) with a narrow ridge of putty or fine lime mortar

tuckahoe
1 : either of two arums (Peltandra virginica and Orontium aquaticum) of the U.S. with rootstocks used as food by American Indians
2 : the large edible sclerotium of a subterranean fungus (Poria cocos)

tucker
n. 1 : a piece of lace or cloth in the neckline of a dress
2 : one that tucks
3 chiefly Australian : FOOD

tucker
n. : EXHAUST ― often used with out <was all tuckered out after a longitude day's work>

tucker-bag
chiefly Australian : a bag used especially by travelers in the bush to hold food

tucket
n. : a fanfare on a trumpet

tuckshop
n. British : a confectioner's shop : CONFECTIONERY

Tucson
n. city SE Ariz. pop 486,699
–Tuc·son·an \'tü-ˌsä-nən\ noun

Tucuman
― see SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN

tude
slang : a cocky or arrogant attitude

Tudor
n. 1 : of or relating to the English royal house that ruled from 1485 to 1603
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Tudor period
–Tudor noun

Tudor
n. Antony 1908(or 1909)-1987 orig. William Cook American (Brit.-born) ballet dancer & choreographer

Tudor arch
: a low elliptical 3-, 4-, or 5-centered arch especially : a 4-centered pointed arch ― see ARCH illustration

tuebor
: I will defend ― a motto on the Great Seal of Michigan

Tues
n. Tuesday

Tuesday
n. : the third day of the week
–Tues·days \-dēz, -(ˌ)dāz\ adverb

tufa
n. 1 : TUFF
2 : a porous rock formed as a deposit from springs or streams specifically : TRAVERTINE
–tu·fa·ceous \tü-'fā-shəs, tyü-\ adjective

tuff
n. : a rock composed of the finer kinds of volcanic detritus usually fused together by heat
–tuff·a·ceous \ˌtə-'fā-shəs\ adjective

tuffet
n. 1 : TUFT 1A
2 : a low seat

tuft
n. 1 a : a small cluster of elongated flexible outgrowths attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite ends especially : a growing bunch of grasses or close-set plants b : a bunch of soft fluffy threads cut off short and used as ornament
2 : CLUMP, CLUSTER
3 : MOUND
4 : any of the projections of yarns drawn through a fabric or making up a fabric so as to produce a surface of raised loops or cut pile
–tuft·ed \'təf-təd\ adjective
–tufty \'təf-tē\ adjective

tuft
n. 1 a : to provide or adorn with a tuft b : to make (a fabric) of or with tufts
2 : to make (as a mattress) firm by stitching at intervals and sewing on tufts
intransitive verb : to form into or grow in tufts
–tuft·er noun

tug
n. intransitive verb
1 : to pull hard
2 : to struggle in opposition : CONTEND
3 : to exert oneself laboriously : LABOR
transitive verb
1 : to pull or strain hard at
2 a : to move by pulling hard : HAUL b : to carry with difficulty : LUG
3 : to tow with a tugboat
–tug·ger noun

tug
n. 1 a : 3TRACE 1 b : a short leather strap or loop c : a rope or chain used for pulling
2 a : an act or instance of tugging : PULL b : a strong pulling force
3 a : a straining effort b : a struggle between two people or opposite forces
4 : TUGBOAT

tug-of-war
1 : a struggle for supremacy or control usually involving two antagonists
2 : a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope with the object of pulling the middle of the rope over a mark on the ground

tugboat
n. : a strongly built powerful boat used for towing and pushing ― called also towboat

Tugela
river 312 mi (502 km) E Republic of South Africa in cen KwaZulu-Natal flowing E to Indian Ocean; near its source on Mont Aux Sources are the Tugela Falls (3110 ft or 948 m)

tugrik
n. ― see MONEY table

tuille
: one of the hinged plates before the thigh in plate armor ― see ARMOR illustration

tuition
n. 1 archaic : CUSTODY, GUARDIANSHIP
2 : the act or profession of teaching : INSTRUCTION <pursued his studies under private tuition>
3 : the price of or payment for instruction
–tu·ition·al \-'wish-nəl, -'wi-shə-nəl\ adjective

Tuktut Nogait National Park
n. reservation N Canada in N Northwest Territories on Nunavut border

Tula
1 or Tula de Al·len·de \(ˌ)thā-ä-'yen-dā\ city cen Mexico in SW Hidalgo N of Mexico City; ancient capital of the Toltecs pop 71,622
2 city SW cen Russia in Europe S of Moscow on a tributary of Oka River pop 541,000

Tulagi
island S. Pacific in S cen Solomons

Tulare
city S cen Calif. SE of Fresno pop 43,994

Tulare Lake
former lake S cen Calif. S of Hanford; drained for farmland

tularemia
n. : an infectious zoonotic disease especially of wild rabbits, rodents, humans, and some domestic animals that is caused by a bacterium (Francisella tularensis), is transmitted especially by the bites of insects or ticks or by handling infected animals, and in humans is marked by variable symptoms ― called also rabbit fever
–tu·la·re·mic \-mik\ adjective

tule
n. : either of two large New World bulrushes (Scirpus californicus and S. acutus)

tule elk
: a relatively small elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) native to California

tulip
n. : any of a genus (Tulipa) of Eurasian bulbous herbs of the lily family that have linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and are widely grown for their showy flowers also : the flower or bulb of a tulip

tulip
n. cottage tulip
Darwin tulip
mariposa tulip
tulip poplar
tulip tree

tulip poplar
1 : TULIP TREE 1
2 : TULIPWOOD 1

tulip tree
1 : a tall No. American timber tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) of the magnolia family having large greenish-yellow tulip-shaped flowers and soft white wood used especially for cabinetwork and woodenware ― called also tulip poplar yellow poplar
2 : any of various trees other than the tulip tree with tulip-shaped flowers

tulipwood
n. 1 : wood of the No. American tulip tree
2 a : any of several showily striped or variegated woods especially : the rose-colored wood of a chiefly Brazilian tree (Dalbergia frutescens) of the legume family much used by cabinetmakers for inlaying b : a tree that yields tulipwood

Tullamore
town cen Ireland capital of County Offaly pop 8623

tulle
n. : a sheer often stiffened silk, rayon, or nylon net used chiefly for veils or ballet costumes

Tulsa
n. city NE Okla. on Arkansas River pop 393,049
–Tul·san \-sən\ noun

Tulsidas
1543?-1623 Hindu poet

tumble
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to fall suddenly and helplessly b : to suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat c : to decline suddenly and sharply (as in price) : DROP <the stock market tumbled> d : to fall into ruin : COLLAPSE
2 a : to perform gymnastic feats in tumbling b : to turn end over end in falling or flight
3 : to roll over and over, to and fro, or end over end : TOSS
4 : to issue forth hurriedly and confusedly
5 : to come by chance : STUMBLE
6 : to come to understand : CATCH ON <didn't tumble to the seriousness of the problem>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to tumble (as by pushing or toppling)
2 a : to throw together in a confused mass b : RUMPLE, DISORDER
3 : to whirl in a tumbling barrel

tumble
n. 1 a : a disordered mass of objects or material b : a disorderly state
2 : an act or instance of tumbling

tumble
n. rough and tumble
tumble dry
tumble drying
tumble dryer
tumbling barrel
tumbling verse

tumble dry
: to dry (as clothes) by tumbling in a dryer
–tumble dryer noun
–tumble drying noun

tumblebug
n. : any of various scarab beetles (esp. genera Scarabaeus, Canthon, Copris, or Phanaeus) that roll dung into small balls, bury them in the ground, and lay eggs in them

tumbledown
adj. : DILAPIDATED, RAMSHACKLE <a tumbledown house at the edge of town ― Sherwood Anderson>

tumbler
n. 1 : one that tumbles: as a : one who performs tumbling feats : ACROBAT b : any of various domestic pigeons that tumble or somersault backward in flight or on the ground
2 : a drinking glass without foot or stem and orig. with pointed or convex base
3 a : a movable obstruction in a lock (as a lever, latch, wheel, slide, or pin) that must be adjusted to a particular position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown b : a piece on which the mainspring acts in a gun's lock
4 : a device or mechanism for tumbling (as a revolving cage in which clothes are dried)
5 : a worker who operates a tumbler
–tum·bler·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

tumbleweed
n. : a plant (as Russian thistle or any of several amaranths) that breaks away from its roots in the autumn and is driven about by the wind as a light rolling mass

tumbling
n. : the skill, practice, or sport of executing gymnastic feats (as somersaults and handsprings) without the use of apparatus

tumbling
n. : tipped or slanted out of the vertical ― used especially of a cattle brand

tumbling barrel
: a revolving cask in which objects or materials undergo a process (as drying or polishing) by being whirled about

tumbling verse
: an early modern English type of verse having four stresses but no prevailing type of foot and no regular number of syllables

tumbrel
n. 1 : a farm tipcart
2 : a vehicle carrying condemned persons (as political prisoners during the French Revolution) to a place of execution

tumefaction
n. 1 : an action or process of swelling or becoming tumorous
2 : SWELLING

Tumen
river 324 mi (521 km) E Asia on border bet. N. Korea, China, & Russia flowing NE & SE into Sea of Japan

tumescence
n. : the quality or state of being tumescent especially : readiness for sexual activity marked especially by vascular congestion of the sex organs

tumescent
adj. : somewhat swollen <tumescent tissue>

tumid
adj. 1 : marked by swelling : SWOLLEN, ENLARGED <a badly infected tumid leg>
2 : PROTUBERANT, BULGING <sails tumid in the breeze>
3 : BOMBASTIC, TURGID

tummler
: a comic entertainer or social director at a Jewish resort

tummy
n. : STOMACH 1C

tumor
n. 1 : a swollen or distended part
2 : an abnormal benign or malignant new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation ― called also neoplasm
–tu·mor·al \-mə-rəl\ adjective
–tu·mor·like \-mər-ˌlīk\ adjective

tumor
n. tumor necrosis factor
tumor suppressor gene
Wilms' tumor

tumor necrosis factor
: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins and that mediates inflammation and induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells

tumor suppressor gene
: any of a class of genes (as p53) that act in normal cells to inhibit unrestrained cell division and that when inactivated (as by mutation) place the cell at increased risk for malignant proliferation

tumorigenic
adj. : producing or tending to produce tumors also : CARCINOGENIC
–tu·mor·i·gen·e·sis \-'je-nə-səs\ noun
–tu·mor·i·ge·nic·i·ty \-jə-'ni-sə-tē\ noun

tumorous
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a tumor <tumorous cells> <a tumorous growth>

tumour
n. chiefly British variant of tumor

tump
n. 1 dialect chiefly English : MOUND, HUMMOCK
2 : a clump of vegetation

tump
n. intransitive verb chiefly Southern : to tip or turn over especially accidentally ― usually used with over <sooner or later everybody tumps over. Nothing to worry about if you don't get caught under the canoe ― Don Kennard>
transitive verb chiefly Southern : to cause to tip over : OVERTURN, UPSET ― usually used with over

tumpline
n. : a sling formed by a strap slung over the forehead or chest and used for carrying or helping to support a pack on the back or in hauling loads

Tumuc-Humac Mountains
range of low mountains NE Brazil on Suriname-French Guiana boundary

tumult
n. 1 a : disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : COMMOTION b : a turbulent uprising : RIOT
2 : HUBBUB, DIN
3 a : violent agitation of mind or feelings b : a violent outburst

tumultuary
adj. : attended or marked by tumult, riot, lawlessness, confusion, or impetuosity

tumultuous
adj. 1 : marked by tumult <tumultuous applause>
2 : tending or disposed to cause or incite a tumult <the laws⋯were violated by a tumultuous faction ― Edward Gibbon>
3 : marked by violent or overwhelming turbulence or upheaval <tumultuous passions>
–tu·mul·tu·ous·ly adverb
–tu·mul·tu·ous·ness noun

tumulus
n. : an artificial hillock or mound (as over a grave) especially : an ancient grave : BARROW

tun
n. 1 : a large cask especially for wine
2 : any of various units of liquid capacity especially : one equal to 252 gallons

tuna
n. 1 : any of various flat-jointed prickly pears (genus Opuntia) especially : one (O. tuna) of tropical America
2 : the edible fruit of a tuna

tuna
n. 1 : any of numerous large vigorous scombroid food and sport fishes (as an albacore or a bluefin tuna)
2 : the flesh of a tuna especially when canned for use as food ― called also tuna fish

tuna
n. tuna fish
bigeye tuna
bluefin tuna
skipjack tuna
yellowfin tuna

tunable
adj. 1 archaic a : TUNEFUL b : sounding in tune : CONCORDANT
2 : capable of being tuned <tunable lasers>
–tun·abil·i·ty \ˌtü-nə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌtyü-\ noun
–tun·able·ness \'tü-nə-bəl-nəs, 'tyü-\ noun
–tun·ably \-blē\ adverb

Tunbridge Wells
― see ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

tundish
n. 1 : FUNNEL 1A
2 : a reservoir in the top part of a mold into which molten metal is poured

tundra
n. : a level or rolling treeless plain that is characteristic of arctic and subarctic regions, consists of black mucky soil with a permanently frozen subsoil, and has a dominant vegetation of mosses, lichens, herbs, and dwarf shrubs also : a similar region confined to mountainous areas above timberline

tundra swan
: a native No. American swan (Cygnus columbianus) that has a soft high-pitched call, breeds in the Arctic tundra, and winters in shallow fresh or salt water especially along the eastern and western coasts of the U.S. ― called also whistling swan

tune
n. 1 a archaic : quality of sound : TONE b : manner of utterance : INTONATION specifically : phonetic modulation
2 a : a pleasing succession of musical tones : MELODY b : a dominant theme
3 : correct musical pitch or consonance ― used chiefly in the phrases in tune and out of tune
4 a archaic : a frame of mind : MOOD b : AGREEMENT, HARMONY <in tune with the times> c : general attitude : APPROACH <changed his tune when the going got rough>
5 : AMOUNT, EXTENT <custom-made to the tune of $40 to $50 apiece ― American Fabrics>

tune
n. transitive verb
1 : to adjust in musical pitch or cause to be in tune <tuned her guitar>
2 a : to bring into harmony : ATTUNE b : to adjust for precise functioning ― often used with up <tune up an engine> c : to make more precise, intense, or effective
3 : to adjust with respect to resonance at a particular frequency: as a : to adjust (a radio or television receiver) to respond to waves of a particular frequency ― often used with in b : to establish radio contact with <tune in a directional beacon>
4 : to adjust the frequency of the output of (a device) to a chosen frequency or range of frequencies also : to alter the frequency of (radiation)
intransitive verb
1 : to become attuned
2 : to adjust a radio or television receiver to respond to waves of a particular frequency

tune
n. call the tune
fine tune
tune in
tune out
tune up
loony tunes
looney tunes
tuned in
tuning fork
tuning pipe

tune in
: to listen to or view a broadcast of <tuned in the weather report>
intransitive verb
1 : to listen to or view a broadcast <tune in next week for the conclusion>
2 : to associate oneself with what is happening or one's surroundings

tune out
: to become unresponsive to : IGNORE
intransitive verb : to dissociate oneself from what is happening or one's surroundings

tune-up
1 : a general adjustment to insure operation at peak efficiency <an engine tune-up>
2 : a preliminary trial : WARM-UP

tuned-in
: TURNED-ON

tuneful
adj. : MELODIOUS, MUSICAL <a tuneful ballad>
–tune·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–tune·ful·ness noun

tuneless
adj. 1 : not tuneful
2 : not producing music
–tune·less·ly adverb

tuner
n. 1 : one that tunes <a piano tuner>
2 : something used for tuning specifically : the part of a receiving set that converts radio signals into audio or video signals

tunesmith
n. : a composer especially of popular songs

tung
n. : TUNG TREE

tung
n. Tan tung
Shan tung
tung oil
tung tree
Mao Tse tung

tung oil
: a pale yellow pungent drying oil obtained from the seeds of tung trees and used chiefly in quick-drying varnishes and paints and as a waterproofing agent

tung tree
: any of several trees (genus Aleurites) of the spurge family whose seeds yield tung oil especially : an Asian tree (A. fordii) widely grown in warm regions

tungstate
n. : a salt or ester of a tungstic acid and especially of H_2WO_4

tungsten
n. : a gray-white heavy high-melting ductile hard polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and molybdenum in many of its properties and is used especially in carbide materials and electrical components (as lamp filaments) and in hardening alloys (as steel) ― see ELEMENT table

tungstic acid
: a yellow crystalline powder WO_3 that is the trioxide of tungsten also : an acid (as H_2WO_4) derived from this trioxide

Tungus
n. 1 : a member of an indigenous people of central and southeastern Siberia
2 : the Tungusic language of the Tungus people

Tungusic
n. : a family of Altaic languages spoken in Manchuria and northward
–Tungusic adjective

Tunguska
any of three rivers in cen Russia in Asia, tributaries of the Yenisey: Lower Tunguska, Stony Tunguska, & Upper Tunguska (lower course of the Angara)

tunic
n. 1 a : a simple slip-on garment made with or without sleeves and usually knee-length or longer, belted at the waist, and worn as an under or outer garment by men and women of ancient Greece and Rome b : SURCOAT
2 : an enclosing or covering membrane or tissue <the tunic of a seed>
3 : a long usually plain close-fitting jacket with high collar worn especially as part of a uniform
4 : TUNICLE
5 a : a short overskirt b : a hip-length or longer blouse or jacket

tunica
n. : an enveloping membrane or layer of body tissue

tunicate
adj. 1 a : having or covered with a tunic or tunica b : having, arranged in, or made up of concentric layers <a tunicate flower bulb>
2 : of or relating to the tunicates

tunicate
adj. : any of a subphylum (Urochordata syn. Tunicata) of marine chordate animals (as ascidians) that are filter feeders having a thick secreted covering layer, a greatly reduced nervous system, and only in the larval stage a notochord

tunicle
n. : a short vestment worn by a subdeacon over the alb during mass and by a bishop under the dalmatic at pontifical ceremonies

tuning fork
: a 2-pronged metal implement that gives a fixed tone when struck and is useful for tuning musical instruments and ascertaining standard pitch

tuning pipe
: PITCH PIPE specifically : one of a set of pitch pipes used especially for tuning stringed musical instruments

Tunis
n. 1 city capital of Tunisia near site of ancient Carthage pop 620,149
2 TUNISIA ― used especially of the former Barbary State

Tunisia
n. country N Africa bordering on the Mediterranean; formerly one of the Barbary States; a French protectorate 1881-1956, a monarchy 1956-57, & a republic since 1957 capital Tunis area 63,378 sq mi (164,149 sq km), pop 9,673,600
–Tu·ni·sian \-zh(ē-)ən\ adjective or noun

tunnel
n. 1 : a hollow conduit or recess : TUBE, WELL
2 a : a covered passageway specifically : a horizontal passageway through or under an obstruction b : a subterranean gallery (as in a mine) c : BURROW
–tun·nel·like \-nəl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective

tunnel
n. intransitive verb
1 : to make or use a tunnel
2 physics : to pass through a potential barrier <electrons tunneling through an insulator between semiconductors>
transitive verb : to make a tunnel or similar opening through or under also : to make (one's way) by or as if by making a tunnel
–tun·nel·er \'tən-lər, 'tə-nəl-ər\ noun

tunnel
n. carpal tunnel syndrome
tunnel vision
tunnel visioned
wind tunnel
Mont Blanc Tunnel
Simplon Tunnel
scanning tunneling microscope
scanning tunneling microscopy

tunnel vision
1 : constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision
2 : extreme narrowness of viewpoint : NARROWMINDEDNESS also : single-minded concentration on one objective
–tun·nel-vi·sioned \-'vi-zhənd\ adjective

tunny
n. : TUNA

Tuolumne
river 155 mi (249 km) cen Calif. flowing W from Yosemite National Park into the San Joaquin

tup
n. 1 chiefly British : RAM 1A
2 : a heavy metal body (as the weight of a pendulum)

tup
n. chiefly British : to copulate with (a ewe)

Tupelo
n. city NE Miss. pop 34,211

tupelo
n. 1 : any of a genus (Nyssa of the family Nyssaceae) of No. American and Asian deciduous trees that have simple alternate leaves, small usually greenish-white dioecious flowers, and a rounded drupe especially : BLACK GUM
2 : the pale soft wood of a tupelo

Tupi
n. 1 : TUPINAMBA
2 : a language family of lowland South America that includes Tupi-Guarani and the speech of a number of other peoples living mainly in Brazil south of the Amazon River
–Tu·pi·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Tupi
n. Tupi Guarani
Tupi Guaranian
Tupí Guaraní

Tupi-Guarani
1 : TUPI 2
2 : a branch of the Tupi language family that includes Tupinamba, Guarani, and a number of other languages spoken from French Guiana south to Paraguay and west to eastern Colombia
–Tupi-Gua·ra·ni·an \-'nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Tupinamba
1 : a member of a group of American Indian peoples who lived along a broad stretch of the Brazilian coast from the vicinity of Guanabara Bay to the mouth of the Amazon River
2 : the extinct language of the Tupinamba

tuple
n. : set of (so many) elements ― usually used of sets with ordered elements <the ordered 2-tuple (a, b)>

tuppence
n. variant of twopence

Tupper
Sir Charles 1821-1915 Canad. prime min. (1896)

Tupungato
mountain 22,310 ft (6800 m) in the Andes on Argentina-Chile boundary ENE of Santiago, Chile

tuque
n. : a warm knitted usually pointed stocking cap

turaco
n. : any of a family (Musophagidae) of typically crested African birds that are related to the cuckoos and have a long tail, a short stout often colored bill, and red wing feathers

Turanian
n. 1 : a member of any of various peoples speaking Ural-Altaic languages
2 : URAL-ALTAIC
–Turanian adjective

turban
n. 1 : a headdress worn chiefly in countries of the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asia especially by Muslims and made of a cap around which is wound a long cloth
2 : a headdress resembling a turban specifically : a woman's close-fitting hat without a brim
3 : a rolled stuffed fillet of fish <turban of sole>
–tur·baned or tur·banned \-bənd\ adjective

turbellarian
: any of a class (Turbellaria) of mostly aquatic and free-living flatworms (as a planarian)
–turbellarian adjective

turbid
adj. 1 a : thick or opaque with or as if with roiled sediment <a turbid stream> b : heavy with smoke or mist
2 a : deficient in clarity or purity : FOUL, MUDDY <turbid depths of degradation and misery ― C. I. Glicksberg> b : characterized by or producing obscurity (as of mind or emotions) <an emotionally turbid response>
–tur·bid·i·ty \ˌtər-'bi-də-tē\ noun
–tur·bid·ly \'tər-bəd-lē\ adverb
–tur·bid·ness noun

turbidimeter
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring and comparing the turbidity of liquids by viewing light through them and determining how much light is cut off
2 : NEPHELOMETER
–tur·bi·di·met·ric \ˌtər-bə-də-'me-trik, ˌtər-ˌbi-də-\ adjective
–tur·bi·di·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–tur·bi·dim·e·try \ˌtər-bə-'di-mə-trē\ noun

turbidite
n. : a sedimentary deposit consisting of material that has moved down the steep slope at the edge of a continental shelf also : a rock formed from this deposit

turbinate
n. 1 : shaped like a top or an inverted cone <turbinate seed capsule>
2 : relating to or being a turbinate

turbinate
n. : one of usually several thin plicated membrane-covered bony or cartilaginous plates on the walls of the nasal chambers

turbine
n. : a rotary engine actuated by the reaction or impulse or both of a current of fluid (as water, steam, or air) subject to pressure and usually made with a series of curved vanes on a central rotating spindle

turbine
n. gas turbine
steam turbine
wind turbine

turbo
n. 1 : TURBINE
2 [by shortening] : TURBOCHARGER

turbo
n. 1 : coupled directly to a driving turbine <turbofan>
2 : consisting of or incorporating a turbine <turbojet engine>

turbocar
: an automotive vehicle propelled by a gas turbine

turbocharged
adj. 1 : equipped with a turbocharger
2 : supercharged especially with energy, vitality, or tension <a giant, turbocharged ego that drove him relentlessly ― Jeff Jarvis>

turbocharger
n. : a centrifugal blower driven by exhaust gas turbines and used to supercharge an engine

turboelectric
adj. : using or being a turbine generator that produces electricity usually for motive power

turbofan
n. 1 : a fan that is directly connected to and driven by a turbine and is used to supply air for cooling, ventilation, or combustion
2 : a jet engine having a turbofan

turbogenerator
n. : an electric generator driven by a turbine

turbojet
n. 1 : an airplane powered by turbojet engines
2 : TURBOJET ENGINE

turbojet engine
: a jet engine in which a turbine drives a compressor that supplies air to a burner and hot gases from the burner drive the turbine before being discharged rearward

turbomachinery
: machinery consisting of, incorporating, or constituting a turbine

turboprop
n. 1 : TURBOPROP ENGINE
2 : an airplane powered by turboprop engines

turboprop engine
: a jet engine designed to produce thrust principally by means of a propeller driven by a turbine with additional thrust usually obtained by the rearward discharge of hot exhaust gases

turboshaft
n. : a gas turbine engine that is similar in operation to a turboprop engine but instead of being used to power a propeller is used through a transmission system for powering other devices (as helicopter rotors and pumps)

turbot
n. 1 : a large European flatfish (Psetta maxima) that is a popular food fish and has a brownish upper surface marked with scattered tubercles and a white undersurface
2 : any of various flatfishes (as Scophthalmus maximus or Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) resembling the turbot

turbulence
n. : the quality or state of being turbulent: as a : great commotion or agitation <emotional turbulence> b : irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents c : departure in a fluid from a smooth flow

turbulency
n. archaic : TURBULENCE

turbulent
adj. 1 : causing unrest, violence, or disturbance <a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels ― Anne Brönte>
2 a : characterized by agitation or tumult : TEMPESTUOUS <a turbulent marriage> b : exhibiting physical turbulence <turbulent air>
–tur·bu·lent·ly adverb

turbulent flow
: a fluid flow in which the velocity at a given point varies erratically in magnitude and direction ― compare LAMINAR FLOW

Turco
n. 1 : Turkic : Turkish : Turk <Turcophil>
2 : Turkish and <Turco-Greek>

turd
n. 1 sometimes vulgar : a piece of fecal matter
2 usually vulgar : a contemptible person

tureen
n. 1 : a deep and usually covered bowl from which foods (as soup) are served
2 : CASSEROLE 1

Turenne
Vicomte de 1611-1675 Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne marshal of France

turf
n. 1 a : the upper stratum of soil bound by grass and plant roots into a thick mat also : a piece of this b : an artificial substitute for this (as on a playing field) c : GRASS 3
2 a : PEAT 2 b : a piece of peat dried for fuel
3 a : a track or course for horse racing b : the sport or business of horse racing
4 a : territory considered by a teenage gang to be under its control b : TERRITORY 2 <have to play two of the last three games on hostile turf ― Joe Klein> <in chapter two, the author is on unfamiliar turf> also : a sphere of activity or influence <people who could hurt him on his own foreign-policy turf ― Wall Street Jour.>
–turfy \'tər-fē\ adjective

turf
n. 1 : to cover with turf
2 chiefly British : to eject forcibly : KICK ― usually used with out

turf
n. surf and turf
turf accountant
turf toe

turf accountant
British : BOOKMAKER 2

turf toe
: a minor but painful usually sports-related injury typically involving hyperextension of the big toe that results in spraining or tearing of the ligaments at the joint between the metatarsal and basal phalanx

turfgrass
: any of various grasses (as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass) grown to form turf

turfman
n. : a devotee of horse racing especially : a person who owns and races horses

turfski
: a short ski with rollers on the bottom that can be used to ski down a grassy slope
–turf·ski·ing noun

Turgenev
n. Ivan Sergeyevich 1818-1883 Russ. nov.

turgescent
adj. : becoming turgid, distended, or inflated : SWELLING
–tur·ges·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun

turgid
adj. 1 : being in a state of distension : SWOLLEN, TUMID <turgid limbs> especially : exhibiting turgor
2 : excessively embellished in style or language : BOMBASTIC, POMPOUS <turgid prose>
–tur·gid·i·ty \ˌtər-'ji-də-tē\ noun
–tur·gid·ly \'tər-jəd-lē\ adverb
–tur·gid·ness noun

turgor
n. : the normal state of turgidity and tension in living cells especially : the distension of the protoplasmic layer and wall of a plant cell by the fluid contents

Turgot
Anne-Robert-Jacques 1727-1781 Baron de l'Aulne \'lōn\ Fr. statesman & econ.

Turin
n. commune NW Italy on the Po capital of Piedmont pop 900,987
–Tu·rin·ese \ˌtu̇r-ə-'nēz, ˌtyu̇r-, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Turing
Alan Mathison 1912-1954 Brit. math. & logician

Turing machine
: a hypothetical computing machine that has an unlimited amount of information storage

turista
: TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA

Turk
n. 1 : a member of any of numerous Asian peoples speaking Turkic languages who live in a region extending from the Balkans to eastern Siberia and western China
2 : a native or inhabitant of Turkey
3 : MUSLIM specifically : a Muslim subject of the Turkish sultan
4 : a Turkish horse specifically : a Turkish strain of Arab and crossbred horses
5 often not capitalized : a usually young dynamic person eager for change especially : YOUNG TURK

Turk
n. Turk's head
young Turk
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos

Turk's head
: a turban-shaped knot worked on a rope with a piece of small line ― see KNOT illustration

Turkana, Lake
lake N Kenya in Great Rift Valley area 2473 sq mi (6405 sq km)

Turkey
n. country W Asia & SE Europe bet. Mediterranean & Black seas; formerly center of an empire (capital Constantinople), since 1923 a republic capital Ankara area 301,380 sq mi (780,574 sq km), pop 50,664,458 ― see OTTOMAN EMPIRE

turkey
n. 1 plural also turkey : a large No. American gallinaceous bird (Meleagris gallopavo) that is domesticated in most parts of the world
2 : FAILURE, FLOP especially : a theatrical production that has failed
3 : three successive strikes in bowling
4 : a stupid, foolish, or inept person

turkey
n. cold turkey
talk turkey
turkey cock
turkey oak
Turkey red
turkey shoot
turkey trot
turkey vulture
turkey buzzard
water turkey

turkey oak
: a small oak (Quercus laevis) of the southeastern U.S. also : a Eurasian oak (Q. cerris)

Turkey red
: a brilliant durable red produced on cotton by means of alizarin in connection with an aluminum mordant and fatty matter

turkey shoot
: a marksmanship contest using a moving target with a turkey offered as a prize

turkey trot
: a ragtime dance danced with the feet well apart and with a characteristic rise on the ball of the foot followed by a drop upon the heel

turkey vulture
: an American vulture (Cathartes aura) with a red head and whitish bill ― called also turkey buzzard

turkey-cock
1 : 1GOBBLER
2 : a strutting pompous person

Turkic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting a family of Altaic languages including Turkish b : of or relating to the peoples speaking Turkic
2 : TURKISH 1
–Turkic noun

Turkish
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Turkey, the Turks, or Turkish
2 : TURKIC 1A

Turkish
adj. : the Turkic language of the Republic of Turkey

Turkish
adj. Turkish bath
Turkish coffee
Turkish delight
Turkish paste
Turkish towel

Turkish bath
: a bath in which the bather passes through a series of steam rooms of increasing temperature and then receives a rubdown, massage, and cold shower

Turkish coffee
: a sweetened decoction of pulverized coffee

Turkish delight
: a jellylike or gummy confection usually cut in cubes and dusted with sugar ― called also Turkish paste

Turkish towel
: a towel made of cotton terry cloth

Turkism
: the customs, beliefs, institutions, and principles of the Turks

Turkistan
n. region cen Asia bet. Iran & Siberia; now divided bet. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, & Afghanistan ― see CHINESE TURKESTAN, RUSSIAN TURKESTAN

Turkmenistan
n. country cen Asia bordering on Afghanistan, Iran, & the Caspian Sea; a constituent republic (Turk·men Republic \'tərk-mən\) of the U.S.S.R. 1925-91 capital Ashgabat area 188,455 sq mi (488,098 sq km), pop 3,958,000
–Turk·man \'tərk-mən\ noun
–Turk·men \-mən\ noun or adjective
–Turk·me·ni·an \ˌtərk-'mē-nē-ən\ adjective

Turkoman
n. : a member of a Turkic-speaking traditionally nomadic people living chiefly in Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Iran
–Turkoman or Turcoman adjective

Turks and Caicos
two groups of islands (Turks Islands & Caicos Islands) Brit. West Indies at SE end of Bahamas; a Brit. colony; seat of government on Grand Turk (7 mi or 11 km long) area 166 sq mi (432 sq km), pop 12,350

Turku
city & port SW Finland pop 173,686

Turlock
city cen Calif. SE of Modesto pop 55,810

turmeric
n. 1 : an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa syn. C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome
2 : the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant
3 : a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

turmoil
n. : a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

turn
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to move around an axis or a center : make rotate or revolve <turn a wheel> <turn a crank> b (1) : to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting) <turned the knob till the door opened> (2) : to affect or alter the functioning of (as a mechanical device) or the level of (as sound) by such movement <turn the oven to 400°> <turn the music to full volume> c : to execute or perform by rotating or revolving <turn handsprings> d : to twist out of line or shape : WRENCH <had turned his ankle>
2 a (1) : to cause to change position by moving through an arc of a circle <turned her chair to the fire> (2) : to cause to move around a center so as to show another side of <turn the page> (3) : to cause (as a scale) to move so as to register weight b : to revolve mentally : think over : PONDER
3 a : to reverse the sides or surfaces of : INVERT <turn pancakes> <turn the shirt inside out>: as (1) : to dig or plow so as to bring the lower soil to the surface <turn the compost weekly> (2) : to make (as a garment) over by reversing the material and resewing <turn a collar> (3) : to invert feet up and face down (as a character, rule, or slug) in setting type b : to reverse or upset the order or disposition of <everything was turned topsy-turvy> c : to disturb or upset the mental balance of : DERANGE, UNSETTLE <a mind turned by grief> d : to set in another especially contrary direction
4 a : to bend or change the course of : DIVERT <a battle that turned the tide of history> b : to cause to retreat <used fire hoses to turn the mob> c : to alter the drift, tendency, or expected result of d : to bend a course around or about : ROUND <turned the corner at full speed>
5 a (1) : to direct or point (as the face) in a specified way or direction (2) : to present by a change in direction or position <turning his back to his guests> b : to bring to bear (as by aiming, pointing, or focusing) : TRAIN <turned the light into the dark doorway> <turned a questioning eye toward her> c : to direct (as the attention or mind) toward or away from something d : to direct the employment of : APPLY, DEVOTE <turned his skills to the service of humankind> e (1) : to cause to rebound or recoil <turns their argument against them> (2) : to make antagonistic : PREJUDICE <turn a child against its mother> f (1) : to cause to go in a particular direction <turned our steps homeward> (2) : DRIVE, SEND <turn cows to pasture> <turning hunters off his land> (3) : to convey or direct out of an inverted receptacle <turn the mixture into a baking dish>
6 a (1) : to make acid or sour (2) : to change the color of (as foliage) b (1) : CONVERT, TRANSFORM <turn defeat into victory> (2) : TRANSLATE, PARAPHRASE c : to cause to become of a specified nature or appearance <turned him into a frog> <embarrassment turned her face red> d : to exchange for something else <turn coins into paper money> e : to cause to defect to another side
7 a : to shape especially in a rounded form by applying a cutting tool while revolving in a lathe b : to give a rounded form to by any means <turn the heel of a sock> c : to shape or mold artistically, gracefully, or neatly <a well turned phrase>
8 : to make a fold, bend, or curve in: a : to form by bending <turn a lead pipe> b : to cause (the edge of a blade) to bend back or over : BLUNT, DULL
9 a : to keep (as money or goods) moving specifically : to dispose of (a stock) to make room for another b : to gain in the course of business <turning a quick profit> c : to make use of <turned her education to advantage> d : to carry to completion : PULL OFF <turned a double play> <turn a deal>
10 : to engage in (an act of prostitution) <turn tricks>
intransitive verb
1 a : to move around on an axis or through an arc of a circle : ROTATE b : to become giddy or dizzy : SPIN <heights always made his head turn> c (1) : to have as a decisive factor : HINGE <the argument turns on a point of logic> <the outcome of the game turned on an interception> (2) : to have a center (as of interest) in something specified <the discussion turned on the overall worth of the project> (3) : to become focused on something specified <the conversation turned to baseball>
2 a : to direct one's course b (1) : to reverse a course or direction <the tide has turned> (2) : to have a reactive usually adverse effect c : to take a different course or direction <turned toward home> <the main road turns sharply to the right>
3 a : to change position (as of one's head) so as to face another way <everyone turned to stare> b : to face toward or away from someone or something <flowers turn toward the light> c : to change one's attitude or reverse one's course of action to one of opposition or hostility <felt the world had turned against him> d : to make a sudden violent assault especially without evident cause <dogs turning on their owners>
4 a : to direct one's attention to or away from someone or something b (1) : to change one's religion (2) : to go over to another side or party : DEFECT c : to have recourse : REFER, RESORT <turned to a friend for help> <turned to his notes for the exact figures> d : to direct one's efforts or activity : devote or apply oneself <turned to the study of the law> <turned to a life of crime>
5 a : to become changed, altered, or transformed <the weather turned>: as (1) archaic : to become different (2) : to change color <the leaves have turned> (3) : to become sour, rancid, or tainted <the milk had turned> (4) : to be variable or inconstant (5) : to become mentally unbalanced : become deranged b (1) : to pass from one state to another : CHANGE <water had turned to ice> (2) : BECOME, GROW <his hair had turned gray> <the weather turned bad> <just turned twenty> (3) : to become someone or something specified by change from another state : change into <turn pro> <doctors turned authors> (4) : to change by the passage of time <days turned into weeks and months>
6 : to become curved or bent (as from pressure) especially : to become blunted by bending <the edge of the knife had turned>
7 : to operate a lathe
8 of merchandise : to be stocked and disposed of : change hands
–turn·able \'tər-nə-bəl\ adjective
–turn a blind eye : to refuse to see : be oblivious <might turn a blind eye to the use of violence ― Arthur Krock>
–turn a deaf ear : to refuse to listen
–turn a hair : to give a sign of distress or disturbance <did not turn a hair when told of the savage murder ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–turn color
1 : to become of a different color
2 a : BLUSH, FLUSH b : to grow pale
–turn heads : to attract favorable attention <the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads>
–turn loose
1 a : to set free <turned loose the captured animal> b : to free from all restraints <turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they liked ― Elizabeth P. Schafer>
2 : to fire off : DISCHARGE
3 : to open fire
–turn one's back on
1 : REJECT, DENY <would be turning one's back on history ― Pius Walsh>
2 : FORSAKE <turned his back on his obligations>
–turn one's hand or turn a hand : to set to work : apply oneself
–turn one's head : to cause to become infatuated or conceited <success had not turned his head>
–turn one's stomach : to disgust completely : SICKEN, NAUSEATE <the foul smell turned his stomach>
–turn tail : to turn away so as to flee <turned tail and ran>
–turn the other cheek : to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation
–turn the tables : to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties
–turn the trick : to bring about the desired result or effect
–turn turtle : CAPSIZE, OVERTURN

turn
n. 1 a : the action or an act of turning about a center or axis : REVOLUTION, ROTATION b : any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics
2 a : the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction : change of course or posture <an illegal left turn>: as (1) : a drill maneuver in which troops in mass formation change direction without preserving alignment (2) : any of various shifts of direction in skiing (3) : an interruption of a curve in figure skating b : DEFLECTION, DEVIATION c : the action or an act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction : reversal of posture or course <an about turn> <the turn of the tide> d : a change effected by turning over to another side <a turn of the cards> e : a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : BEND, CURVE
3 : a short trip out and back or round about <took a turn through the park>
4 : an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected <one good turn deserves another>
5 a : a period of action or activity : GO, SPELL <took a turn at the piano> b : a place, time, or opportunity accorded an individual or unit of a series in simple succession or in a scheduled order <waiting her turn in line> c : a period or tour of duty : SHIFT d : a short act or piece (as for a variety show) also : public appearance : PERFORMANCE <makes frequent guest star turns> e (1) : an event in any gambling game after which bets are settled (2) : the order of the last three cards in faro ― used in the phrase call the turn
6 : something that revolves around a center: as a (1) : LATHE (2) : a catch or latch for a cupboard or cabinet door operated by turning a handle b : a musical ornament consisting of a group of four or more notes that wind about the principal note by including the notes next above and next below
7 : a special purpose or requirement ― used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn
8 a : an act of changing : ALTERATION, MODIFICATION <a nasty turn in the weather> b : a change in tendency, trend, or drift <hoped for a turn in his luck> <a turn for the better> <an unexpected turn of events> c : the beginning of a new period of time : the time when one period changes to the next <the turn of the century>
9 a : distinctive quality or character b : a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression <skillful turns of phrase> c : the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : CAST
10 a : the state or manner of being coiled or twisted b : a single round (as of rope passed about an object or of wire wound on a core)
11 : natural or special ability or aptitude : BENT, INCLINATION <a turn for logic> <an optimistic turn of mind>
12 : a special twist, construction, or interpretation <gave the old yarn a new turn>
13 a : a disordering spell or attack (as of illness, faintness, or dizziness) b : a nervous start or shock <snuck up on her and gave her quite a turn>
14 a : a complete transaction involving a purchase and sale of securities also : a profit from such a transaction b : TURNOVER 7B
15 : something turned or to be turned: as a : a character or slug inverted in setting type b : a piece of type placed bottom up
–at every turn : on every occasion : CONTINUALLY <they opposed her at every turn>
–by turns
1 : one after another in regular succession
2 : VARIOUSLY, ALTERNATELY <a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating>
–in turn : in due order of succession
–on the turn : at the point of turning <tide is on the turn>
–out of turn
1 : not in due order of succession <play out of turn>
2 : at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently <talking out of turn>
–to a turn : to perfection

turn
n. Immelmann turn
turn a hand
about turn
ampere turn
kick turn
star turn
stem turn
step turn
turn turtle
turn the trick
turn the tables
turn the other cheek
turn tail
turn one's stomach
turn one's head
turn one's hand
turn one's back on
turn loose
turn heads
turn color
turn a hair
turn a deaf ear
turn a blind eye
to a turn
out of turn
on the turn
in turn
at every turn
turn around
turn away
turn back
turn back the clock
turn down
turn in
turn off
turn on
turn out
turn over
turn over a new leaf
turn to
turn up
turn up one's nose
U turn
take turns
by turns
turned on
well turned
turning point
wood turning

turn a blind eye
to refuse to see : be oblivious <might turn a blind eye to the use of violence ― Arthur Krock>

turn a deaf ear
to refuse to listen

turn a hair
to give a sign of distress or disturbance <did not turn a hair when told of the savage murder ― Times Lit. Supp.>

turn around
1 : to act in an abrupt, different, or surprising manner ― used with and <after three years he just turned around and left school>
2 : to become changed for the better
transitive verb : to change for the better <turned her life around>

turn away
1 : DEFLECT, AVERT
2 a : to send away : REJECT, DISMISS b : REPEL c : to refuse admittance or acceptance to
intransitive verb : to start to go away : DEPART

turn back
1 a : to go in the reverse direction b : to stop going forward
2 : to refer to an earlier time or place
transitive verb
1 : to drive back or away
2 : to stop the advance of
3 : to fold back
4 : GIVE BACK, RETURN
–turn back the clock : to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

turn back the clock
to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

turn color

1 : to become of a different color
2 a : BLUSH, FLUSH b : to grow pale

turn down
1 : to fold or double down
2 : to turn (a card) face downward
3 : to reduce the height or intensity of by turning a control <turn down the radio>
4 : to decline to accept : REJECT <turned down the offer>
intransitive verb : to be capable of being folded or doubled down <the collar turns down>

turn heads
to attract favorable attention <the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads>

turn in
1 : to make an entrance by turning from a road or path
2 : to go to bed <turned in early>
transitive verb
1 : to deliver up : HAND OVER <turned in his badge and quit>
2 a : to inform on : BETRAY b : to deliver to an authority <urged the wanted man to turn himself in>
3 : to acquit oneself of : PUT ON, PRODUCE <turned in a good performance>

turn loose

1 a : to set free <turned loose the captured animal> b : to free from all restraints <turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they liked ― Elizabeth P. Schafer>
2 : to fire off : DISCHARGE
3 : to open fire

turn off
1 a : DISMISS, DISCHARGE b : to dispose of : SELL
2 : DEFLECT, EVADE
3 : PRODUCE, ACCOMPLISH
4 : to stop the flow of or shut off by or as if by turning a control <turn the water off>
5 : HANG 1B
6 a : to remove (material) by the process of turning b : to shape or produce by turning
7 : to cause to lose interest : BORE <economics turns me off> also : to evoke a negative feeling in
intransitive verb
1 : to deviate from a straight course or from a main road <turn off into a side road>
2 a British : to turn bad : SPOIL b : to change to a specified state : BECOME
3 : to lose interest : WITHDRAW

turn on
1 : to activate or cause to flow, operate, or function by or as if by turning a control <turn the water on full> <turn on the power>
2 a : to cause to undergo an intense often visionary experience by taking a drug broadly : to cause to get high b : to move pleasurably <rock music turns her on> also : to excite sexually c : to cause to gain knowledge or appreciation of something specified <turned her on to ballet>
intransitive verb : to become turned on
–turn-on \'tərn-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ noun

turn one's back on

1 : REJECT, DENY <would be turning one's back on history ― Pius Walsh>
2 : FORSAKE <turned his back on his obligations>

turn one's hand
or turn a hand : to set to work : apply oneself

turn one's head
to cause to become infatuated or conceited <success had not turned his head>

turn one's stomach
to disgust completely : SICKEN, NAUSEATE <the foul smell turned his stomach>

turn out
1 a : EXPEL, EVICT b : to put (as a horse) to pasture
2 a : to turn inside out <turning out his pockets> b : to empty the contents of especially for cleaning or rearranging also : CLEAN
3 : to produce often rapidly or regularly by or as if by machine <a writer turning out stories>
4 : to equip, dress, or finish in a careful or elaborate way
5 : to put out by or as if by turning a switch <turn out the lights>
6 : to call (as the guard or a company) out from rest or shelter and into formation
intransitive verb
1 a : to come or go out from home in or as if in answer to a summons <voters turned out in droves> b : to get out of bed
2 a : to prove to be in the result or end <the play turned out to be a flop> <it turned out that we were both wrong> b : to become in maturity <nobody thought he'd turn out like this> c : END <stories that turn out happily>

turn over
1 a : to turn from an upright position : OVERTURN b : ROTATE <turn over a stiff valve with a wrench> also : to cause (an internal combustion engine) to begin firing
2 : to search (as clothes or papers) by lifting or moving one by one
3 : to read or examine (as a book) slowly or idly
4 : DELIVER, SURRENDER <I'm turning the job over to you> also : to lose possession of <turned the ball over three times>
5 a : to receive and dispose of (a stock of merchandise) b : to do business to the amount of <turning over $1000 a week>
intransitive verb
1 : UPSET, CAPSIZE
2 a : ROTATE b of an engine : to have crankshaft rotation especially by external means (as by a starter) <the engine turned over but didn't start>
3 a of one's stomach : to heave with nausea b of one's heart : to seem to leap or lurch convulsively with sudden fright
–turn over a new leaf : to make a change for the better especially in one's way of living

turn over a new leaf
to make a change for the better especially in one's way of living

turn tail
to turn away so as to flee <turned tail and ran>

turn the other cheek
to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation

turn the tables
to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties

turn the trick
to bring about the desired result or effect

turn to
: to apply oneself to work : act vigorously <all hands turn to and build a church and a jail ― Mark Twain>

turn turtle
CAPSIZE, OVERTURN

turn up
1 : FIND, DISCOVER
2 : to raise or increase by or as if by turning a control <turn up the volume on the radio>
3 British a : to look up (as a word or fact) in a book b : to refer to or consult (a book)
4 : to turn (a card) face upward
intransitive verb
1 : to appear or come to light unexpectedly or after being lost <new evidence has turned up>
2 a (1) : to turn out to be <he turned up missing at roll call> (2) : APPEAR 4 <her name is always turning up in the newspapers> b : to arrive or show up at an appointed or expected time or place <turned up half an hour late>
3 : to happen or occur unexpectedly <something always turned up to prevent their meeting>
4 of a ship : TACK 1B
–turn up one's nose : to show scorn or disdain

turn up one's nose
to show scorn or disdain

turn-in
: something that turns in or is turned in

turnabout
n. 1 : MERRY-GO-ROUND
2 a : a change or reversal of direction, trend, policy, role, or character b : a changing from one allegiance to another c : TURNCOAT, RENEGADE d : an act or instance of retaliating <turnabout is fair play>

turnaround
n. 1 a : the process of readying a transport vehicle for departure after its arrival also : the time spent in this process <a quick turnaround between flights> b : the action of receiving, processing, and returning something <24-hour turnaround time on most orders>
2 : a space permitting the turning around of a vehicle
3 a : TURNABOUT 2A <a corporate turnaround> b : TURNABOUT 2B
4 : a jump shot by a player facing away from the basket who turns toward the basket while shooting ― often used attributively <a turnaround jumper>

turnbuckle
n. : a device that usually consists of a link with screw threads at both ends, that is turned to bring the ends closer together, and that is used for tightening a rod or stay

turncoat
n. : one who switches to an opposing side or party specifically : TRAITOR

turndown
adj. : capable of being turned down especially : worn turned down <a turndown collar>

turndown
adj. 1 : something turned down also : an instance of turning something (as a bed sheet) down <hotel turndown service>
2 : REJECTION
3 : DOWNTURN

turned-on
: keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable : HIP

Turner
n. Frederick Jackson 1861-1932 American hist.

Turner
n. J(oseph) M(allord) W(illiam) 1775-1851 Eng. painter

Turner
n. Nat 1800-1831 American slave insurrectionist

Turner
n. Ted 1938-     Robert Edward Turner III American television executive

turner
n. : one that turns or is used for turning <a pancake turner> especially : a person who forms articles with a lathe

turner
n. : a member of a turnverein : GYMNAST

Turner's syndrome
: a genetically determined condition that is typically associated with the presence of only one complete X chromosome and no Y chromosome and is characterized especially by a female phenotype with underdeveloped and usually infertile ovaries and short stature

turnery
n. : the work, products, or shop of a turner

turning
n. 1 : the act or course of one that turns
2 : a place of a change in direction
3 a : a forming by use of a lathe broadly : TURNERY b plural : waste produced in turning

turning point
: a point at which a significant change occurs

turnip
n. 1 a : either of two biennial herbs of the mustard family with thick edible roots: (1) : one (Brassica rapa rapifera) with globular often flattened roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable (2) : RUTABAGA b : the root of a turnip
2 : a large pocket watch

turnkey
n. : one who has charge of a prison's keys

turnkey
n. : built, supplied, or installed complete and ready to operate <a turnkey nuclear plant> <a turnkey computer system> also : of or relating to a turnkey building or installation <a turnkey contract> <turnkey vendors>

turnoff
n. 1 : a turning off
2 : a place where one turns off especially : EXIT 4
3 : one that causes loss of interest or enthusiasm <the music was a turnoff>

turnout
n. 1 : an act of turning out
2 chiefly British a : STRIKE 3A b : STRIKER 1D
3 : the number of people who participate in or attend an event <a heavy voter turnout>
4 a : a place where something (as a road) turns out or branches off b : a space adjacent to a highway in which vehicles may park or pull into to enable others to pass c : a railroad siding
5 : a clearing out and cleaning
6 a : a coach or carriage together with the horses, harness, and attendants b : EQUIPMENT, RIG c : manner of dress : GETUP
7 : net quantity of produce yielded

turnover
n. 1 : an act or result of turning over : UPSET
2 : a turning from one side, place, or direction to its opposite : SHIFT, REVERSAL
3 : a reorganization with a view to a shift in personnel : SHAKE-UP
4 : something that is turned over
5 : a filled pastry made by folding half of the crust over the other half
6 : the amount of business done especially : the volume of shares traded on a stock exchange
7 a : movement (as of goods or people) into, through, and out of a place b (1) : a cycle of purchase, sale, and replacement of a stock of goods (2) : the ratio of sales for a stated period to average inventory (3) : the amount received in sales for a stated period c : the number of persons hired within a period to replace those leaving or dropped from a workforce also : the ratio of this number to the number in the average force maintained
8 : the continuous process of loss and replacement of a constituent (as a cell or tissue) of a living system
9 : the act or an instance of a team's losing possession of a ball through error or a minor violation of the rules (as in basketball or football)

turnover
n. : capable of being turned over

turnpike
n. 1 : TOLLGATE
2 a (1) : a road (as an expressway) for the use of which tolls are collected (2) : a road formerly maintained as a turnpike b : a main road especially : a paved highway with a rounded surface

turnspit
n. 1 a : one that turns a spit specifically : a small dog formerly used in a treadmill to turn a spit b : a roasting jack
2 : a rotatable spit

turnstile
n. : a post with arms pivoted on the top set in a passageway so that persons can pass through only on foot one by one

turnstone
n. : either of two shorebirds (genus Arenaria) of the sandpiper family: a : a bird (A. interpres) of worldwide distribution that has black and chestnut upperparts and a black breast b : a No. American bird (A. melanocephala) with black upperparts and breast

turntable
n. : a revolvable platform: as a : a platform with a track for turning wheeled vehicles (as locomotives) b : LAZY SUSAN c : a rotating platform that carries a phonograph record

turnup
n. 1 : turned up <a turnup nose>
2 : made or fitted to be turned up <a turnup collar>

turnup
n. : something that is turned up

turnverein
n. : an athletic club

turophile
: a connoisseur of cheese : a cheese fancier

turpentine
1 a : a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth b : an oleoresin obtained from various conifers (as some pines and firs)
2 a : an essential oil obtained from turpentines by distillation and used especially as a solvent and thinner ― called also gum turpentine b : a similar oil obtained by distillation or carbonization of pinewood ― called also wood turpentine

turpentine
n. 1 : to apply turpentine to
2 : to extract turpentine from especially : to tap (pine trees) in order to obtain turpentine

turpentine
n. wood turpentine
gum turpentine
spirits of turpentine

turpitude
n. : inherent baseness : DEPRAVITY <moral turpitude> also : a base act

turps
n. : TURPENTINE

turquoise
n. 1 : a mineral that is a blue, bluish-green, or greenish-gray hydrous basic phosphate of copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is valued as a gem when skyblue
2 : a light greenish blue

turquoise blue
: a light greenish blue that is paler and slightly bluer than average turquoise

turquoise green
: a light bluish green

turret
n. 1 : a little tower specifically : an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure
2 a : a pivoted and revolvable holder in a machine tool b : a device (as on a microscope or a television camera) holding several lenses
3 a : a tall building usually moved on wheels and formerly used for carrying soldiers and equipment for breaching or scaling a wall b (1) : a gunner's fixed or movable enclosure in an airplane (2) : a revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within it (3) : a similar upper structure usually for one gun on a tank

turreted
adj. : furnished with or as if with turrets <a turreted fortress>

turtle
n. archaic : TURTLEDOVE

turtle
n. : any of an order (Testudines syn. Chelonia) of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine reptiles that have a toothless horny beak and a shell of bony dermal plates usually covered with horny shields enclosing the trunk and into which the head, limbs, and tail usually may be withdrawn

turtle
n. : TURTLENECK

turtle
n. soft shelled turtle
turtle backed
alligator snapping turtle
box turtle
green turtle
Kemp's ridley turtle
mock turtle soup
mud turtle
musk turtle
olive ridley turtle
painted turtle
ringed turtle dove
sea turtle
snapping turtle
spotted turtle
turn turtle
turtle bean
turtle grass
Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay
section of New York City in E cen Manhattan on East River; site of United Nations headquarters

turtle bean
: BLACK BEAN 1

turtle grass
: a submerged monocotyledonous marine plant (Thalassia testudinum of the family Hydrocharitaceae) of the coasts of Florida and the West Indies having long ribbonlike leaves

turtleback
n. : a raised convex surface
–turtleback or tur·tle-backed \-ˌbakt\ adjective

turtledove
n. : any of several small wild pigeons (genus Streptopelia and especially S. turtur) noted for plaintive cooing

turtlehead
n. : any of a genus (Chelone) of perennial No. American herbs of the snapdragon family with spikes of showy white or purple flowers

turtleneck
n. 1 : a high close-fitting turnover collar used especially for sweaters
2 : a garment (as a sweater) with a turtleneck
–tur·tle·necked \-ˌnekt\ adjective

turtling
: the action or process of catching turtles

turves
n. plural of turf

Tuscaloosa
n. city W cen Ala. on Black Warrior River SW of Birmingham pop 77,906

Tuscan
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Tuscany
2 a : the Italian language as spoken in Tuscany b : the standard literary dialect of Italian

Tuscan
n. 1 : of or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture that is of Roman origin and plain in style
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Tuscany, the Tuscans, or Tuscan

Tuscany
n. region NW cen Italy bordering on Ligurian & Tyrrhenian seas capital Florence area 8876 sq mi (22,989 sq km), pop 3,547,604

Tuscarora
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. of No. Carolina and later of New York and Ontario
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Tuscarora people

tusche
: a black liquid used in lithography for drawing and painting and in etching and the silk-screen process as a resist

Tusculum
ancient town Italy in Lazio SE of Rome

tush
n. : a long pointed tooth especially : a horse's canine

tush
n. ― used to express disdain or reproach

tush
n. slang : BUTTOCKS

tusk
n. 1 : an elongated greatly enlarged tooth (as of an elephant or walrus) that projects when the mouth is closed and serves especially for digging food or as a weapon broadly : a long protruding tooth
2 : one of the small projections on a tusk tenon
–tusked \'təskt\ adjective
–tusk·like \'təsk-ˌlīk\ adjective

tusk
n. : to dig up with a tusk also : to gash with a tusk

tusk tenon
: a tenon strengthened by one or more smaller tenons underneath forming a steplike outline

tusker
n. : an animal with tusks especially : a male elephant with two normally developed tusks

tussah
n. : silk or silk fabric from the brownish fiber produced by larvae of some saturniid moths (as Antheraea paphia)

tussive
adj. : of, relating to, or involved in coughing

tussle
n. 1 : a physical contest or struggle : SCUFFLE
2 : an intense argument, controversy, or struggle

tussle
n. : to struggle roughly : SCUFFLE

tussock
n. : a compact tuft especially of grass or sedge also : an area of raised solid ground in a marsh or bog that is bound together by roots of low vegetation
–tus·socky \-sə-kē\ adjective

tussock grass
: a grass or sedge that typically grows in tussocks

tussock moth
: any of numerous dull-colored moths (family Lymantriidae) that usually have wingless females and larvae with long tufts of hair

Tustin
city SW Calif. E of Santa Ana pop 67,504

tut
― used to express disapproval or disbelief

tut
: TUT-TUT

tut
tut tut
tut tutting
tut tutted

tut-tut
: TUT

tut-tut
: to express disapproval or disbelief by or as if by uttering tut <editorialists tut-tutted over the recent congressional scandal>

Tutankhamen
n. ca 1370-1352 B.C. king of Egypt (1361-1352 B.C.)

tutee
n. : one who is being tutored

tutelage
n. 1 a : an act or process of serving as guardian or protector : GUARDIANSHIP b : hegemony over a foreign territory : TRUSTEESHIP 2
2 : the state of being under a guardian or tutor
3 a : instruction especially of an individual b : a guiding influence <a business under the tutelage of a new director>

tutelar
adj. : TUTELARY

tutelary
adj. 1 : having the guardianship of a person or a thing <a tutelary goddess>
2 : of or relating to a guardian

tutelary
adj. : a tutelary power (as a deity)

tutor
n. : a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another: as a : a private teacher b : a teacher in a British university who gives individual instruction to undergraduates

tutor
n. 1 : to have the guardianship, tutelage, or care of
2 : to teach or guide usually individually in a special subject or for a particular purpose : COACH
intransitive verb
1 : to do the work of a tutor
2 : to receive instruction especially privately

tutorage
n. : the function or work of a tutor

tutoress
n. : a woman or girl who is a tutor

tutorial
n. : of, relating to, or involving a tutor or a tutorial

tutorial
n. 1 : a class conducted by a tutor for one student or a small number of students
2 : a paper, book, film, or computer program that provides practical information about a specific subject

tutorship
n. 1 : the office, function, or work of a tutor
2 : TUTELAGE 3

tutoyer
: to address familiarly

Tutsi
n. : a member of a people of Rwanda and Burundi prob. of Nilotic origin

tutti
: with all voices or instruments performing together ― used as a direction in music

tutti
: a passage or section performed by all the performers

tutti-frutti
: a confection or ice cream containing chopped usually candied fruits

Tutu
n. Desmond Mpilo 1931-     So. African clergyman & polit. activist

tutu
n. : a short projecting skirt worn by a ballerina

Tutuila
island, chief of American Samoa group area 52 sq mi (135 sq km)
–Tu·tu·i·lan \-lən\ adjective or noun

Tuva Republic
autonomous republic S Russia in Asia N of Mongolia capital Kyzyl area 65,380 sq mi (169,334 sq km), pop 306,000

Tuvalu
n. islands W Pacific N of Fiji; a Brit. territory 1976-78; became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations 1978 capital Funafuti area 9 sq mi (23 sq km), pop 9700 ― see GILBERT AND ELLICE

tux
n. : TUXEDO

tuxedo
n. 1 : a men's single-breasted or double-breasted usually black or blackish-blue jacket
2 : a semiformal evening suit for men
–tux·e·doed \-(ˌ)dōd\ adjective

Tuxtla
city SE Mexico capital of Chiapas pop 386,135

tuyere
n. : a nozzle through which an air blast is delivered to a forge or blast furnace

Tuzigoot National Monument
n. reservation cen Ariz. SW of Flagstaff containing ruins of prehistoric pueblo

TV
: TELEVISION

TV
transvestite

TV
cable TV
pay TV
subscription TV
TV dinner

TV dinner
: a quick-frozen packaged dinner (as of meat, potatoes, and a vegetable) that requires only heating before it is served

TVA
n. Tennessee Valley Authority

Tver'
city W cen Russia in Europe on the Volga pop 456,000

TVP
― used for textured vegetable protein

twa
Scottish variant of two

Twachtman
John Henry 1853-1902 American painter

twaddle
n. 1 a : silly idle talk : DRIVEL b : something insignificant or worthless : NONSENSE <that idea is pure twaddle>
2 : one that twaddles : TWADDLER

twaddle
n. : PRATE, BABBLE
–twad·dler \'twäd-lər, 'twä-dəl-ər\ noun

Twain
n. Mark ― see CLEMENS

twain
n. archaic : TWO

twain
n. : TWO especially : two fathoms <mark twain>

twain
n. 1 : TWO
2 : COUPLE, PAIR

twang
n. 1 : a harsh quick ringing sound like that of a plucked banjo string
2 a : nasal speech or resonance b : the characteristic speech of a region, locality, or group of people
3 a : an act of plucking b : PANG, TWINGE
–twangy \'twaŋ-ē\ adjective

twang
n. intransitive verb
1 : to sound with a twang <the couch twanged when he sat down>
2 : to speak or sound with a nasal intonation
3 : to throb or twitch with pain or tension
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sound with a twang
2 : to utter or pronounce with a nasal twang
3 : to pluck the string of <twang a guitar>
–twang·er noun

twang
n. 1 : a persisting flavor, taste, or odor : TANG
2 : SUGGESTION, TRACE

twas
: it was

twat
n. usually vulgar : VULVA

twayblade
n. : any of various orchids (genera Listera and Liparis) often having two leaves

tweak
n. transitive verb
1 : to pinch and pull with a sudden jerk and twist : TWITCH <tweaked a bud from the stem>
2 : to pinch (a person or a body part) lightly or playfully <tweaked the baby's ear affectionately>
3 : to make usually small adjustments in or to <tweak the controls> especially : FINE-TUNE
4 a : ANNOY, BOTHER <tweaking the establishment> b : to criticize especially in a sly or sharp manner c : to poke fun at
5 : to injure slightly <tweak an ankle>
intransitive verb
1 : PULL, PLUCK
2 : to make small adjustments
–tweak noun

twee
adj. chiefly British : affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint <such a theme might sound twee or corny ― Times Lit. Supp.>

Tweed
n. William Marcy 1823-1878 Boss Tweed American polit.

Tweed
n. river 97 mi (156 km) SE Scotland & NE England flowing E into North Sea

tweed
n. 1 : a rough woolen fabric made usually in twill weaves and used especially for suits and coats
2 plural : tweed clothing specifically : a tweed suit

Tweeddale
― see PEEBLES

Tweedledum and Tweedledee
: two individuals or groups that are practically indistinguishable

Tweedsmuir
― see BUCHAN

tweedy
adj. 1 : of or resembling tweed <a tweedy wool blend>
2 a : given to wearing tweeds b : informal or suggestive of the outdoors in taste or habits <a tweedy, clubby world of horse shows and parties> c : ACADEMIC, SCHOLARLY <tweedy authors>
–tweed·i·ness noun

tween
prep. : BETWEEN

tween
prep. : PRETEEN

tweener
: a player who has some but not all of the necessary characteristics for each of two or more positions (as in football or basketball)

tweet
n. : a chirping note
–tweet intransitive verb

tweeter
n. : a small loudspeaker responsive only to the higher acoustic frequencies and reproducing sounds of high pitch ― compare WOOFER

tweeze
v. : to pluck, remove, or handle with tweezers

tweezer
: TWEEZERS

tweezers
n. : any of various small metal instruments that are usually held between the thumb and index finger, are used for plucking, holding, or manipulating, and consist of two legs joined at one end

Twelfth Day
: EPIPHANY 1

Twelfth Night
n. : the evening or sometimes the eve of Epiphany

twelve
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 capitalized a : the twelve original disciples of Jesus b : the books of the Minor Prophets in the Jewish Scriptures
3 : the 12th in a set or series
4 : something having 12 units or members
5 plural : TWELVEMO
–twelfth \'twelf(t)th\ adjective or noun
–twelve adjective
–twelve pronoun, plural in construction

twelve
n. twelve tone
twelve tone row
Twelfth Day
Twelfth Night

twelve-tone
: of, relating to, or being serial music utilizing the 12 chromatic tones

twelve-tone row
: the 12 chromatic tones of the octave placed in a chosen fixed order and constituting with some permitted permutations and derivations the melodic and harmonic material of a serial musical piece

twelvemo
n. : the size of a piece of paper cut 12 from a sheet also : a book, a page, or paper of this size

twelvemonth
n. : YEAR

twenty
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 plural : the numbers 20 to 29 specifically : the years 20 to 29 in a lifetime or century
3 : a 20-dollar bill
–twen·ti·eth \-tē-əth\ adjective or noun
–twenty adjective
–twenty pronoun, plural in construction

twenty
n. twenty one
twenty fourmo
twenty fourmos
twenty twenty
twenty two

twenty-fourmo
: the size of a piece of paper cut 24 from a sheet also : a book, a page, or paper of this size

twenty-one
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 [translation of French vingt-et-un] : BLACKJACK
–twenty-one adjective
–twenty-one pronoun, plural in construction

twenty-twenty
1 of the human eye : meeting a standard of normal visual acuity <twenty-twenty vision>
2 : marked by facilely accurate discernment, judgment, or assessment <hindsight is twenty-twenty>

twenty-two
1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : a .22-caliber firearm especially : one firing rimfire cartridges ― usually written .22
–twenty-two adjective
–twenty-two pronoun, plural in construction

twentysomething
: of, relating to, or being a person who is in his or her twenties <a twentysomething professional>
–twentysomething noun

twere
: it were

twerp
n. : a silly, insignificant, or contemptible person

Twi
n. 1 : a dialect of Akan
2 : a literary language based on the Twi dialect and used by the Akan-speaking peoples (as the Ashanti)

twi
n. : two : double : doubly : twice <twi-headed>

twi-night
: of, relating to, or being a baseball doubleheader in which the first game is played in the late afternoon and the second continues into the evening

twice
adv. 1 : on two occasions <twice absent>
2 : two times : in doubled quantity or degree <twice two is four> <twice as much>

twice
adv. twice born
twice laid
twice told

twice-born
1 : born a second time
2 : having undergone a definite experience of fundamental moral and spiritual renewal
3 : of or forming one of the three upper Hindu caste groups in which boys undergo an initiation symbolizing spiritual birth

twice-laid
: made from the ends of rope and strands of used rope <twice-laid rope>

twice-told
: well known from repeated telling ― used chiefly in the phrase a twice-told tale

Twickenham
former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Richmond upon Thames

twiddle
v. intransitive verb
1 : to play negligently with something : FIDDLE
2 : to turn or jounce lightly <twiddles round and round in the water ― J. B. S. Haldane>
transitive verb : to rotate lightly or idly <twiddled his pen>
–twiddle one's thumbs : to spend time idly : do nothing

twiddle
v. : TURN, TWIST

twiddle one's thumbs
to spend time idly : do nothing

twig
n. 1 : a small shoot or branch usually without its leaves
2 : a minute branch of a nerve or artery
–twigged \'twigd\ adjective
–twig·gy \'twi-gē\ adjective

twig
n. transitive verb
1 : NOTICE, OBSERVE
2 : to understand the meaning of : COMPREHEND
intransitive verb : to gain a grasp : UNDERSTAND <twigged instinctively about things ― H. E. Bates>

twig
n. British : FASHION, STYLE

twilight
n. 1 : the light from the sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and full night produced by diffusion of sunlight through the atmosphere and its dust also : a time of twilight
2 a : an intermediate state that is not clearly defined <lived in the twilight of neutrality ― Newsweek> b : a period of decline <the twilight of a great career>

twilight
n. Twilight of the Gods
twilight glow
twilight zone

twilight glow
: airglow seen at twilight

Twilight of the Gods

1768
: RAGNAROK

twilight zone
1 a : an area just beyond ordinary legal and ethical limits b : TWILIGHT 2A
2 : a world of fantasy, illusion, or unreality

twilit
: lighted by or as if by twilight

twill
n. 1 : a fabric with a twill weave
2 : a textile weave in which the filling threads pass over one and under two or more warp threads to give an appearance of diagonal lines

twilled
adj. : made with a twill weave

twilling
: twilled fabric also : the process of making twilled fabric

twin
n. 1 a : either of two offspring produced at a birth b plural capitalized : GEMINI
2 : one of two persons or things closely related to or resembling each other
3 : a compound crystal composed of two adjoining crystals or parts of crystals of the same kind that share a common plane of atoms
–twin·ship \-ˌship\ noun

twin
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring together in close association : COUPLE
2 : DUPLICATE, MATCH
intransitive verb
1 : to bring forth twins
2 : to grow as a twin crystal

twin
n. 1 : born with one other or as a pair at one birth <my twin brother> <twin girls>
2 a : made up of two similar, related, or connected members or parts : DOUBLE b : paired in a close or necessary relationship : MATCHING c : having or consisting of two identical units d : being one of a pair

twin
n. Siamese twin
twin bed
twin bill
twin double
twin primes
twin size
Twin Cities
Twin Falls

twin bed
: one of a pair of matching single beds also : a twin-size bed

twin bill
: DOUBLEHEADER

Twin Cities
the cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minn.

twin double
: a system of betting (as on horse races) in which the bettor must pick the winners of four stipulated races in order to win ― compare DAILY DOUBLE

Twin Falls
city S Idaho SW of Twin Falls (waterfall in Snake River) pop 34,469

twin primes
: a pair of prime numbers (as 3 and 5 or 11 and 13) differing by two

twin-size
: having dimensions of 39 by 75 inches (about 1.0 by 1.9 meters) ― used of a bed ― compare FULL-SIZE, KING-SIZE, QUEEN-SIZE

twinberry
1 : a western No. American honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata) with yellowish involucrate flowers
2 : PARTRIDGEBERRY

twinborn
adj. : born at the same birth

twine
n. 1 : a strong string of two or more strands twisted together
2 archaic : a twined or interlaced part or object
3 archaic : an act of twining, interlacing, or embracing
–twiny \'twī-nē\ adjective

twine
n. transitive verb
1 a : to twist together b : to form by twisting : WEAVE
2 a : INTERLACE <the girl twined her hands ― John Buchan> b : to cause to encircle or enfold something c : to cause to be encircled
intransitive verb
1 : to coil about a support
2 : to stretch or move in a sinuous manner : MEANDER <the river twines through the valley>
–twin·er noun

twine
n. transitive verb chiefly Scottish : to cause (one) to lose possession : DEPRIVE <twined him of his nose ― J. C. Ransom>
intransitive verb chiefly Scottish : PART <you and me must twine ― R. L. Stevenson>

twinflower
n. : a prostrate subshrub (Linnaea borealis) of the honeysuckle family that is found in cool regions of the northern hemisphere and has fragrant usually pink flowers

twinge
n. transitive verb
1 dialect : PLUCK, TWEAK
2 : to affect with a sharp pain or pang
intransitive verb : to feel a sudden sharp local pain

twinge
n. 1 : a sudden sharp stab of pain
2 : a moral or emotional pang <a twinge of conscience> <a twinge of sympathy>

twinkle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to shine with a flickering or sparkling light : SCINTILLATE
2 a : to flutter the eyelids b : to appear bright especially with merriment <his eyes twinkled>
3 : to flutter or flit rapidly
transitive verb
1 : to cause to shine with fluctuating light
2 : to flicker or flirt rapidly <twinkled the straight, red-lacquered toes ― Glenway Wescott>
–twin·kler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

twinkle
n. 1 : a wink of the eyelids
2 : the instant's duration of a wink : TWINKLING
3 : an intermittent radiance : FLICKER, SPARKLE
4 : a rapid flashing motion : FLIT
–twin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adjective

twinkling
n. : the time required for a wink : INSTANT <the kettle will boil in a twinkling ― Punch>

twinset
n. : a combination of a matching pullover and cardigan worn together

twirl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to revolve rapidly
2 : to pitch in a baseball game
transitive verb
1 : to cause to rotate rapidly
2 : PITCH 2A
–twirl·er \'twər-lər\ noun

twirl
n. 1 : an act of twirling
2 : COIL, WHORL
–twirly \'twər-lē\ adjective

twirp
n. variant of twerp

twist
n. transitive verb
1 a : to unite by winding <twisting strands together> b : to make by twisting strands together <twist thread from yarn> c : to mingle by interlacing
2 : TWINE, COIL
3 a : to wring or wrench so as to dislocate or distort especially : SPRAIN <twisted my ankle> b : to alter the meaning of : DISTORT, PERVERT <twisted the facts> c : CONTORT <twisted his face into a grin> d : to pull off, turn, or break by torsion <twist the nut off the bolt> e : to cause to move with a turning motion <twisted her chair to face the fire> f : to form into a spiral shape g : to cause to take on moral, mental, or emotional deformity <celebrity has twisted their sense of decorum> h : to make (one's way) in a winding or devious manner to a destination or objective
intransitive verb
1 : to follow a winding course : SNAKE
2 a : to turn or change shape under torsion b : to assume a spiral shape c : SQUIRM, WRITHE d : to dance the twist
3 of a ball : to rotate while taking a curving path or direction
4 : TURN 3A <twisted around to see behind him>
–twist in the wind : to be left to face a difficult situation without support or help
–twist one's arm : to bring strong pressure to bear on one

twist
n. 1 : something formed by twisting or winding: as a : a thread, yarn, or cord formed by twisting two or more strands together b : a strong tightly twisted sewing silk c : a baked piece of twisted dough d : tobacco leaves twisted into a thick roll e : a strip of citrus peel used to flavor a drink
2 a : an act of twisting : the state of being twisted b : a dance performed with strenuous gyrations especially of the hips c : the spin given the ball in any of various games d : a spiral turn or curve e (1) : torque or torsional stress applied to a body (as a rod or shaft) (2) : torsional strain (3) : the angle through which a thing is twisted
3 a : a turning off a straight course b : ECCENTRICITY, IDIOSYNCRASY c : a distortion of meaning or sense
4 a : an unexpected turn or development <weird twists of fate ― W. L. Shirer> b : a clever device : TRICK <questions demanding special twists of thinking ― New Yorker> c : a variant approach or method : GIMMICK <a kind of twist on the old triangle theme ― Dave Fedo>
5 : a front or back dive in which the diver twists sideways a half or full turn before entering the water
–twisty \'twis-tē\ adjective

twist
n. arm twist
French twist
twist one's arm
twist in the wind
twist drill
twist tie
arm twisting

twist drill
: a drill having deep helical grooves extending from the point to the smooth portion of the shank

twist in the wind
to be left to face a difficult situation without support or help

twist one's arm
to bring strong pressure to bear on one

twist tie
: a tie used for closing or securing (as a plastic bag) by twisting the ends together

twisted
adj. : mentally or emotionally unsound or disturbed : SICK

twister
n. 1 : one that twists especially : a ball with a forward and spinning motion
2 : a tornado, waterspout, or dust devil in which the rotatory ascending movement of a column of air is especially apparent

twisting
n. : the use of misrepresentation or trickery to get someone to lapse a life insurance policy and buy another usually in another company

twit
n. 1 : an act of twitting : TAUNT
2 : a silly annoying person : FOOL

twit
n. 1 : to subject to light ridicule or reproach : RALLY
2 : to make fun of as a fault

twitch
n. transitive verb : to move or pull with a sudden motion : JERK
intransitive verb
1 : PULL, PLUCK <twitched at my sleeve>
2 : to move jerkily : QUIVER
3 : to undergo a brief spasmodic muscular contraction <his hand twitched>
–twitch·er noun

twitch
n. 1 : an act of twitching especially : a short sudden pull or jerk
2 : a physical or mental pang <a twitch of remorse>
3 : a loop of rope or strap that is tightened over a horse's lip as a restraining device
4 a : a brief spasmodic contraction of the muscle fibers b : a slight jerk of a body part
–twitch·i·ly \'twi-chə-lē\ adverb
–twitchy \'twi-chē\ adjective

twitch
n. : QUACK GRASS

twitter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter successive chirping noises
2 a : to talk in a chattering fashion b : GIGGLE, TITTER
3 : to tremble with agitation : FLUTTER
transitive verb
1 : to utter in chirps or twitters <the robin twittered its morning song>
2 : to shake rapidly back and forth : FLUTTER

twitter
n. 1 : a trembling agitation : QUIVER
2 : a small tremulous intermittent sound (as of birds)
3 a : a light chattering b : a light silly laugh : GIGGLE
–twit·tery \'twi-tə-rē\ adjective

twixt
: BETWEEN <twixt the two extremes>

two
n. 1 : being one more than one in number
2 : being the second ― used postpositively <section two of the instructions>

two
n. 1 : two countable individuals not specified <only two were found>
2 : a small approximate number of indicated things <only a shot or two were fired>

two
n. 1 ― see NUMBER table
2 : the second in a set or series <the two of spades>
3 : a 2-dollar bill
4 : something having two units or members

two
n. fall between two stools
Goody Two shoes
goody two shoes
one two
one two punch
thirty two
twenty two
two bagger
two bit
two bits
two by four
two cents
two cents' worth
two cycle
two dimensional
two dimensionality
two edged sword
two faced
two facedness
two fisted
two handed
two party
two phase
two piece
two piecer
two ply
two's complement
two sided
two spotted spider mite
two spotted mite
two step
two suiter
two tailed
two tail
two time
two timer
two toed sloth
two tone
two toned
two way
two way street
two wheeler
two winged fly
Two Sicilies

two bits
1 : the value of a quarter of a dollar
2 : something of small worth or importance

two cents
1 or two cents' worth : an opinion offered on a topic under discussion <send your two cents' worth to your senator>
2 : a sum or object of very small value : practically nothing <said angrily that for two cents he'd punch your nose>

Two Sicilies
former kingdom consisting of Sicily & S Italy

two's complement
: the negative of a binary number represented by switching all ones to zeros and all zeros to ones and then adding one to the result

two-bagger
: DOUBLE 1B

two-bit
1 : of the value of two bits
2 : cheap or trivial of its kind : PETTY, SMALL-TIME <a two-bit chiseler>

two-by-four
: a piece of lumber approximately 2 by 4 inches as sawed and usually 15/8 by 35/8 inches when dressed

two-by-four
1 : small or petty of its kind <this house and its two-by-four garden ― Philip Barry>
2 : measuring two units (as inches) by four

two-cycle
of an internal combustion engine : having a 2-stroke cycle

two-dimensional
1 : of, relating to, or having two dimensions
2 : lacking the illusion of depth : not three-dimensional
3 : lacking depth of characterization <two-dimensional characters>
–two-dimensionality noun

two-edged sword
: DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

two-faced
1 : DOUBLE-DEALING, FALSE
2 : having two faces
–two-faced·ness \-'fāst-nəs, -'fā-səd-nəs\ noun

two-fisted
: marked by vigorous often virile energy : HARD-HITTING <two-fisted journalism>

two-handed
1 : used with both hands <a two-handed sword>
2 : requiring two persons <a two-handed saw>
3 archaic : STOUT, STRONG
4 a : having two hands b : efficient with either hand

two-party
: characterized by two major political parties of comparable strength

two-phase
: DIPHASIC

two-piece
: forming a clothing ensemble with matching top and bottom parts

two-piece
: a garment (as a bathing suit) that is two-piece

two-piecer
: TWO-PIECE

two-ply
1 : consisting of two thicknesses
2 a : woven with two sets of warp thread and two of filling <a two-ply carpet> b : consisting of two strands <two-ply yarn>

two-sided
: having two sides : BILATERAL

two-spotted spider mite
: a widely distributed spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) that feeds on soft plant parts and is a pest in greenhouses and gardens ― called also two-spotted mite

two-step
1 : a ballroom dance in 2/4 or 4/4 time having a basic pattern of step-close-step
2 : a piece of music for the two-step
–two-step intransitive verb

two-suiter
: a man's suitcase designed to hold two suits and accessories

two-tailed
: being a statistical test for which the critical region consists of all values of the test statistic greater than a given value plus the values less than another given value ― compare ONE-TAILED

two-time
1 : DOUBLE-CROSS
2 : to betray (a spouse or lover) by secret lovemaking with another
–two-tim·er noun

two-toed sloth
: any of a genus (Choloepus of the family Megalonychidae) of sloths having two clawed digits on each forefoot, three clawed digits on each hind foot, and usually six or seven vertebrae in the neck ― compare THREE-TOED SLOTH

two-tone
: colored in two colors or in two shades of one color <two-tone shoes>

two-toned
: TWO-TONE

two-way
1 : being a cock or valve that will connect a pipe or channel with either of two others
2 : moving or allowing movement in either direction <a two-way bridge>
3 a : involving or allowing an exchange between two individuals or groups <there must be good two-way communication ― Jerrold Orne> especially : designed for both sending and receiving messages <two-way radio> b : involving mutual responsibility or reciprocal relationships <political alliance is a two-way thing ― T. H. White †1986>
4 : involving two participants <a two-way race>
5 : usable in either of two manners <a two-way lamp>

two-way street
: a situation or relationship requiring give-and-take <marriage is a two-way street>

two-wheeler
: a 2-wheeled vehicle (as a bicycle)

two-winged fly
: 4FLY 2A

twofer
n. 1 : a cheap item of merchandise especially : a cigar selling at two for a nickel
2 : a free coupon entitling the bearer to purchase two tickets to a specified theatrical production for the price of one
3 : two articles available for the price of one or about the price of one
4 : something that satisfies two criteria or needs simultaneously

twofold
adj. 1 : having two parts or aspects
2 : being twice as great or as many
–twofold \-'fōld\ adverb

twopence
n. 1 : the sum of two British pennies
2 plural twopence or two·pen·ces : a coin worth twopence

twopenny
adj. : costing or worth twopence

twosome
n. 1 : a group of two persons or things : COUPLE
2 : a golf singles match

twp
township

TWX
n. teletypewriter exchange

TX
Texas

ty
n. : quality : condition : degree <apriority>

Tychy
town S Poland pop 189,874

tycoon
n. 1 : SHOGUN
2 a : a top leader (as in politics) b : a businessman of exceptional wealth and power : MAGNATE

tyer
variant of 3tier

tyin
― see tenge at MONEY table

tying
present part of tie

tyiyn
― see som at MONEY table

tyke
n. 1 : DOG especially : an inferior or mongrel dog
2 a chiefly British : a clumsy, churlish, or eccentric person b : a small child

Tyler
n. Anne 1941-     American writer

Tyler
n. John 1790-1862 10th pres. of the U.S. (1841-45)

Tyler
n. Wat \'wät\ or Walter d 1381 Eng. leader of Peasants' Revolt (1381)

Tyler
n. city E Tex. ESE of Dallas pop 83,650

tymbal
: the vibrating membrane in the shrilling organ of a cicada

tympan
n. 1 : 1DRUM 1
2 : a sheet (as of paper or cloth) placed between the impression surface of a press and the paper to be printed
3 : TYMPANUM 2

tympani
n. variant of timpani, timpanist

tympanic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a tympanum

tympanic membrane
: a thin membrane that closes externally the cavity of the middle ear and functions in the mechanical reception of sound waves and in their transmission to the site of sensory reception ― called also eardrum ― see EAR illustration

tympanites
n. : a distension of the abdomen caused by accumulation of gas in the intestinal tract or peritoneal cavity
–tym·pa·nit·ic \-'ni-tik\ adjective

tympanum
n. 1 a (1) : TYMPANIC MEMBRANE (2) : MIDDLE EAR b : a thin tense membrane covering an organ of hearing of an insect ― see INSECT illustration c : a membranous resonator in a sound-producing organ
2 a : the recessed usually triangular face of a pediment within the frame made by the upper and lower cornices b : the space within an arch and above a lintel or a subordinate arch

tympany
n. 1 : TYMPANITES
2 : BOMBAST, TURGIDITY

Tyndale
William ca 1494-1536 Eng. reformer & translator

Tyndall
John 1820-1893 Brit. physicist

Tyndall, Mount
1 mountain 14,018 ft (4273 m) S cen Calif. in Sierra Nevada NW of Mt. Whitney
2 mountain 8280 ft (2524 m) New Zealand in cen South Is. in Southern Alps

Tyndareus
: a king of Sparta and husband of Leda in Greek mythology

Tyne
river 30 mi (48 km) N England flowing E into North Sea

Tyne and Wear
metropolitan county N England capital Newcastle upon Tyne area 216 sq mi (559 sq km), pop 1,087,000

Tynemouth
town N England in Tyne and Wear on North Sea at mouth of the Tyne pop 60,022

typal
1 : serving as a type : TYPICAL
2 : of or relating to a type

type
n. 1 a : a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament) b : one having qualities of a higher category : MODEL c : a lower taxonomic category selected as a standard of reference for a higher category also : a specimen or series of specimens on which a taxonomic species or subspecies is actually based
2 : a distinctive mark or sign
3 a (1) : a rectangular block usually of metal bearing a relief character from which an inked print can be made (2) : a collection of such blocks <a font of type> (3) : alphanumeric characters for printing <the type for this book has been photoset> b : TYPEFACE <italic type> c : printed letters d : matter set in type
4 a : qualities common to a number of individuals that distinguish them as an identifiable class: as (1) : the morphological, physiological, or ecological characters by which relationship between organisms may be recognized (2) : the form common to all instances of a linguistic element b : a typical and often superior specimen c : a member of an indicated class or variety of people <the guests were mostly urban types ― Lucy Cook> d : a particular kind, class, or group <oranges of the seedless type> <leaders of the new type⋯did England yeoman's service ― G. M. Trevelyan> e : something distinguishable as a variety : SORT <what type of food do you like?>
synonyms TYPE, KIND, SORT, NATURE, DESCRIPTION, CHARACTER mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. TYPE may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. KIND may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. SORT often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. NATURE may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. DESCRIPTION implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. CHARACTER implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.

type
n. transitive verb
1 : to represent beforehand as a type : PREFIGURE
2 a : to produce a copy of b : to represent in terms of typical characteristics : TYPIFY
3 : to produce (as a character or document) using a keyboard (as on a typewriter or computer) also : KEYBOARD
4 : to identify as belonging to a type: as a : to determine the natural type of (as a blood sample) b : TYPECAST
intransitive verb : to write something on a typewriter or enter data into a computer by way of a keyboard
–type·able \'tī-pə-bəl\ adjective

type
n. blood type
cold type
n type
p type
touch type
type A
type B
type genus
type I error
type species
type specimen
type II error
wild type
type 1 diabetes
type 1 diabetes mellitus
type 2 diabetes
type 2 diabetes mellitus
blood typing
DNA typing

type 1 diabetes
: a form of diabetes mellitus that usually develops during childhood or adolescence and is characterized by a severe deficiency in insulin secretion resulting from atrophy of the islets of Langerhans and causing hyperglycemia and a marked tendency toward ketoacidosis ― called also insulin-dependent diabetes insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 1 diabetes mellitus

type 2 diabetes
: a common form of diabetes mellitus that develops especially in adults and most often in obese individuals and that is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin utilization coupled with the body's inability to compensate with increased insulin production ― called also non-insulin-dependent diabetes non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 2 diabetes mellitus

type A
: relating to, characteristic of, having, or being a personality that is marked by impatience, aggressiveness, and competitiveness and that is held to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease <type A behavior>

type B
: relating to, characteristic of, having, or being a personality that is marked by a lack of aggressiveness and tension and that has been implicated by some studies as a factor decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease <type B behavior>

type genus
: the genus of a taxonomic family or subfamily from which the name of the family or subfamily is formed

type I error
: rejection of the null hypothesis in statistical testing when it is true

type II error
: acceptance of the null hypothesis in statistical testing when it is false

type species
: the species of a genus with which the generic name is permanently associated

type specimen
: a specimen or individual designated as type of a species or lesser group and serving as the final criterion of the characteristics of that group

typecast
v. 1 : to cast (an actor or actress) in a part calling for the same characteristics as those possessed by the performer
2 : to cast (an actor or actress) repeatedly in the same type of role
3 : STEREOTYPE 2

typeface
n. 1 : the face of printing type
2 : all type of a single design

typefounder
n. : one engaged in the design and production of metal printing type for hand composition
–type·found·ing \-diŋ\ noun

typescript
n. : a typewritten manuscript especially : one intended for use as printer's copy

typeset
v. : to set in type : COMPOSE

typesetter
n. : one that sets type or composes graphic matter for printing

typesetting
n. : the process of setting material in type or into a form to be used in printing also : the process of producing graphic matter (as through a computer system)

typestyle
: TYPEFACE

typewrite
v. transitive verb : TYPE 3
intransitive verb : TYPE

typewriter
n. 1 : a machine for writing in characters similar to those produced by printer's type by means of keyboard-operated types striking a ribbon to transfer ink or carbon impressions onto the paper
2 : TYPIST

typewriting
1 : the act or study of or skill in using a typewriter
2 : writing produced with a typewriter

typey
: characterized by strict conformance to type also : exhibiting superior bodily conformation <a sound typey heifer>

Typhoeus
: TYPHON
–Ty·phoe·an \-'fē-ən\ adjective

typhoid
n. 1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of typhus
2 [2typhoid] : of, relating to, or constituting typhoid

typhoid
n. 1 : TYPHOID FEVER
2 : a disease of domestic animals resembling human typhus or typhoid

typhoid
n. typhoid fever
Typhoid Mary
Typhoid Marys

typhoid fever
: a communicable disease marked especially by fever, diarrhea, prostration, headache, and intestinal inflammation and caused by a bacterium (Salmonella typhi)

Typhoid Mary
: one that is by force of circumstances a center from which something undesirable spreads <the Typhoid Marys of the epidemics>

Typhon
: a monster with a tremendous voice who according to classical mythology was father of Cerberus, the Chimera, and the Sphinx

typhoon
n. 1 : a hurricane occurring especially in the region of the Philippines or the China sea
2 : WHIRLWIND 2A <a typhoon of activity>

typhus
n. : any of various bacterial diseases caused by rickettsias: as a : a severe human febrile disease that is caused by one (Rickettsia prowazekii) transmitted especially by body lice and is marked by high fever, stupor alternating with delirium, intense headache, and a dark red rash b : MURINE TYPHUS c : SCRUB TYPHUS

typic
: TYPICAL 1

typical
adj. 1 : constituting or having the nature of a type : SYMBOLIC
2 a : combining or exhibiting the essential characteristics of a group <typical suburban houses> b : conforming to a type <a specimen typical of the species>
synonyms see REGULAR
–typ·i·cal·i·ty \ˌti-pə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–typ·i·cal·ness \'ti-pi-kəl-nəs\ noun

typically
adv. 1 : in a typical manner <typically American>
2 : on a typical occasion : in typical circumstances <typically, members of our staff receive little⋯recognition ― Brendan Gill>

typify
v. 1 : to represent in typical fashion : to constitute a typical mark or instance of <realism⋯that typified his earlier work ― Current Biog.>
2 : to embody the essential or salient characteristics of : be the type of
–typ·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌti-pə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

typist
n. : a person who types especially as a job

typo
n. : an error (as of spelling) in typed or typeset material

typograph
: to produce (stamps) by letterpress

typographer
n. : a person (as a compositor, printer, or designer) who specializes in the design, choice, and arrangement of type matter

typographic
adj. : of, relating to, or occurring or used in typography or typeset matter <a typographic character> <a typographical error>
–ty·po·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

typography
n. 1 : letterpress printing
2 : the style, arrangement, or appearance of typeset matter

typological
: of or relating to typology or types
–ty·po·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

typology
n. 1 : a doctrine of theological types especially : one holding that things in Christian belief are prefigured or symbolized by things in the Old Testament
2 : study of or analysis or classification based on types or categories
–ty·pol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Tyr
: a god of war in Norse mythology

tyramine
n. : a phenolic amine C_8H_11NO found in various foods and beverages (as cheese and red wine) that has a sympathomimetic action and is derived from tyrosine

tyrannical
adj. : being or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny : DESPOTIC <tyrannical rule> <a tyrannical ruler>
–ty·ran·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ty·ran·ni·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

tyrannicide
n. 1 : the act of killing a tyrant
2 : the killer of a tyrant

tyrannise
v. British variant of tyrannize

tyrannize
v. intransitive verb : to exercise arbitrary oppressive power or severity <some ways the living tyrannize over the dying ― Thomas Powers>
transitive verb : to treat tyrannically : OPPRESS <a regime that tyrannizes its citizens>
–tyr·an·niz·er noun

tyrannosaur
n. 1 : a massive No. American tyrannosaurid (Tyrannosaurus rex)
2 : TYRANNOSAURID

tyrannosaurid
: any of a family (Tyrannosauridae) of large bipedal carnivorous theropod dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous in No. America and central and eastern Asia having forelegs reduced in size and including the tyrannosaur

tyrannosaurus
n. : TYRANNOSAUR 1

tyrannous
adj. : marked by tyranny especially : unjustly severe <tyrannous new laws>
–tyr·an·nous·ly adverb

tyranny
n. 1 : oppressive power <every form of tyranny over the mind of man ― Thomas Jefferson> especially : oppressive power exerted by government <the tyranny of a police state>
2 a : a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler especially : one characteristic of an ancient Greek city-state b : the office, authority, and administration of a tyrant
3 : a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force <living under the tyranny of the clock ― Dixon Wecter>
4 : a tyrannical act <workers who had suffered tyrannies>

tyrant
n. 1 a : an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution b : a usurper of sovereignty
2 a : a ruler who exercises absolute power oppressively or brutally b : one resembling an oppressive ruler in the harsh use of authority or power

tyrant flycatcher
: any of a large family (Tyrannidae) of American flycatchers that are usually strictly insectivorous and have a flattened bill often hooked at the tip and usually bristly at the gape

Tyre
n. port & chief city of ancient Phoenicia; site at modern town of Sur in S Lebanon
–Tyr·i·an \'tir-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

tyre
n. chiefly British variant of tire

Tyree, Mount
mountain 16,290 ft (4965 m) W Antarctica in Ellsworth Mountains NW of Vinson Massif

Tyrian purple
: a crimson or purple dye that is related to indigo, was obtained by the ancient Greeks and Romans from gastropod mollusks, and is now made synthetically

tyro
n. : a beginner in learning : NOVICE
synonyms see AMATEUR

tyrocidine
n. : a basic polypeptide antibiotic produced by a soil bacillus (Bacillus brevis)

Tyrol
n. ― see TIROL
–Ty·ro·le·an \tə-'rō-lē-ən, tī-; ˌtir-ə-', ˌtī-rə-'\ adjective or noun
–Ty·ro·lese \ˌtir-ə-'lēz, ˌtī-rə-, -'lēs\ adjective or noun

Tyrolean
n. 1 : of or relating to the Tirol
2 of a hat : of a style originating in the Tirol and marked by soft often green felt, a narrow brim and pointed crown, and an ornamental feather

Tyrone
n. former county W cen Northern Ireland capital Omagh area 1218 sq mi (3167 sq km)

tyrosinase
n. : a copper-containing enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

tyrosine
n. : a phenolic amino acid C_9H_11NO_3 that is a precursor of several important substances (as epinephrine and melanin)

tyrothricin
n. : an antibiotic mixture consisting chiefly of tyrocidine and gramicidin and used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria

Tyrrhenian Sea
the part of the Mediterranean W of Italy, N of Sicily, & E of Sardinia & Corsica

Tyrwhitt-Wilson
Gerald Hugh 1883-1950 14th Baron Ber·ners \'bər-nərz\ Eng. composer & painter

Tyumen'
city W Russia in Asia on the Tu·ra \tu̇-'rä\ (a tributary of the Tobol) pop 496,000

Tz'u-hsi
1835-1908 Chin. empress dowager

tzaddik
n. variant of zaddik

tzar
n. variant of czar, czarevitch, czarina, czarism

tzigane
n. 1 : GYPSY 1
2 : ROMANY 2

tzimmes
n. : a sweetened combination of vegetables (as carrots and potatoes) or of meat and vegetables often with dried fruits (as prunes) that is stewed or baked in a casserole

tzitzit
n. : the fringes or tassels worn on traditional or ceremonial garments by Jewish males as reminders of the commandments of Deut 22:12 and Num 15:37-41

tzu
K'ung tzu
K'ung Fu tzu
Tzu po
Tzu kung
shih tzu
Lao tzu
Meng tzu
Mo tzu
Soong Tzu wen
Chao Tzu yang

Tzu-kung
― see ZIGONG

Tzu-po
― see ZIBO

U
n. : characteristic of the upper classes

U
n. 1 unsatisfactory
2 uracil

U
n. uranium

u
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 21st letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic u
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter u
3 : one designated u especially as the 21st in order or class
4 [abbreviation for unsatisfactory] a : a grade rating a student's work as unsatisfactory b : one graded or rated with a U
5 : something shaped like the letter U

u
n. 1 unit
2 unsymmetrical
3 upper

U-boat
: a German submarine

U-turn
1 : a turn resembling the letter U especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2 : something (as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

U-value
: a measure of the heat transmission through a building part (as a wall or window) or a given thickness of a material (as insulation) with lower numbers indicating better insulating properties ― compare R-VALUE

ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono
: the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness ― motto of Hawaii

UAE
n. United Arab Emirates

uakari
: either of two short-tailed mostly naked-faced So. American monkeys (Cacajao melanocephalus and C. calvus)

Uap
― see YAP

UAR
n. United Arab Republic

Uaupes
river Colombia & Brazil flowing ESE into Negro River

UAW
United Automobile Workers

Ubangi
: a woman of the district of Kyabé village in Chad with lips pierced and distended to unusual dimensions with wooden disks ― not used technically

Ubangi
river 700 mi (1126 km) W cen Africa on NW border of Democratic Republic of the Congo flowing W & S into Congo River ― see UELE

Ubangi-Shari
former French territory N cen Africa ― see CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

uber
1 : being a superlative example of its kind or class : SUPER- <übernerd>
2 : to an extreme or excessive degree : SUPER- <übercool>

uber alles
: above everything else

Ubermensch
: superman

ubiquinone
n. : any of a group of lipid-soluble quinones that are found especially in mitochondria, have a long isoprenoid side chain, and function in oxidative phosphorylation as electron-carrying coenzymes in electron transport

ubiquitous
adj. : existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered : WIDESPREAD <a ubiquitous fashion>
–ubiq·ui·tous·ly adverb
–ubiq·ui·tous·ness noun

ubiquity
n. : presence everywhere or in many places especially simultaneously : OMNIPRESENCE

UC
uppercase

Ucayali
river ab 1000 mi (1609 km) cen & N Peru flowing N to unite with the Marañón forming the Amazon

Uccello
Paolo 1397-1475 orig. Paolo di Dono Florentine painter

Uccle
commune cen Belgium pop 74,952

Udaipur
1 or Me·war \mā-'wär\ former state NW India, now part of Rajasthan state
2 city, its capital pop 389,317

Udall
Nicholas 1505-1556 Eng. schoolmaster & dram.

udder
n. 1 : a large pendulous organ consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple ― see COW illustration
2 : MAMMARY GLAND

Udine
commune NE Italy NE of Venice in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region pop 95,321

Udmurtia
autonomous republic E Russia in Europe in W foothills of the Urals capital Izhevsk area 16,255 sq mi (42,101 sq km), pop 1,637,000

Uele
river 700 mi (1126 km) cen Africa flowing W in N Democratic Republic of the Congo to unite with the Bomu forming Ubangi River

Ufa
1 river E Russia in Europe in S Urals flowing NW & SW into the Belaya
2 city E Russia in Europe capital of Bashkortostan pop 1,097,000

UFO
n. : an unidentified flying object especially : FLYING SAUCER

ufology
n. : the study of unidentified flying objects
–ufo·log·i·cal \ˌyü-fə-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective often cap U&F & 1st O
–ufol·o·gist \yü-'fä-lə-jist\ noun often cap U&F & 1st O

Uganda
n. republic E Africa N of Lake Victoria; member of the Commonwealth of Nations capital Kampala area 91,134 sq mi (236,037 sq km), pop 24,551,021
–Ugan·dan \-dən\ adjective or noun

Ugarit
ancient city Syria on Mediterranean coast

Ugaritic
n. : the Semitic language of ancient Ugarit closely related to Phoenician and Hebrew

Ugaritic
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient city of Ugarit, its inhabitants, or Ugaritic

Ugarte
Manuel 1874-1951 Argentine writer

ugh
interj. ― used to indicate the sound of a cough or grunt or to express disgust or horror

Ugli
n. ― used for a tangelo

uglify
v. : to make ugly
–ug·li·fi·ca·tion \ˌə-gli-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

ugliness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being ugly
2 : something that is ugly

ugly
adj. 1 : FRIGHTFUL, DIRE
2 a : offensive to the sight : HIDEOUS b : offensive or unpleasant to any sense
3 : morally offensive or objectionable <corruption97the ugliest stain of all>
4 a : likely to cause inconvenience or discomfort <the ugly truth> b : SURLY, QUARRELSOME <an ugly disposition> <the crowd got ugly>
–ug·li·ly \-glə-lē\ adverb

ugly
adj. : in an ugly manner <was acting ugly>

ugly
adj. plug ugly
Ugly American
ugly duckling

Ugly American
: an American in a foreign country whose behavior is offensive to the people of that country

ugly duckling
: one that appears very unpromising but often has great potential

Ugrian
n. : a member of a division of the Finno-Ugric peoples that includes the Hungarians and two peoples of western Siberia
–Ugrian adjective

Ugric
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the languages of the Ugrians

ugsome
archaic : FRIGHTFUL, LOATHSOME

uh
interj. uh huh
uh oh
uh uh

uh-huh
― used to indicate affirmation, agreement, or gratification

uh-oh
― used to indicate dismay or concern

uh-uh
― used to indicate negation

UHF
n. ultrahigh frequency

uhlan
n. : any of a body of Prussian light cavalry orig. modeled on Tatar lancers

Uhland
Johann Ludwig 1787-1862 Ger. poet & hist.

UI
unemployment insurance

Uighur
n. 1 : a member of a Turkic people powerful in Mongolia and eastern Turkestan between the 8th and 12th centuries A.D. who constitute a majority of the population of Chinese Turkestan
2 : the Turkic language of the Uighurs
–Uighur also Uigur adjective

uilleann pipes
: an Irish bagpipe with air supplied by a bellows held under and worked by the elbow

Uinta Mountains
mountain range NE Utah ― see KINGS PEAK

Uitlander
n. : FOREIGNER especially : a British resident in the former republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State

Ujda
― see OUJDA

Ujjain
city NW cen India in W Madhya Pradesh NNW of Indore pop 429,933

Ujung Pandang
city & port Indonesia in SW Sulawesi pop 944,685

UK
n. United Kingdom

ukase
n. 1 : a proclamation by a Russian emperor or government having the force of law
2 : EDICT

uke
n. : UKULELE

ukiyo-e
: a Japanese art movement that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century and produced paintings and prints depicting the everyday life and interests of the common people also : the paintings and prints themselves

Ukraine
n. country E Europe on N coast of Black Sea; a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. 1923-91 capital Kiev area 233,089 sq mi (603,701 sq km), pop 52,344,000
usage In the past Ukraine was frequently referred to as the Ukraine; however, since Ukraine declared independence in 1991, most newspapers and magazines have adopted the style of referring to Ukraine without the the, and this has become the more common styling.

Ukrainian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Ukraine
2 : the Slavic language of the Ukrainian people
–Ukrainian adjective

ukulele
n. : a small guitar of Portuguese origin popularized in Hawaii in the 1880s and strung typically with four strings

Ulaanbaatar
n. city N cen Mongolia (republic), its capital pop 548,400

Ulan-Ude
city S Russia in Asia capital of Buryatia on the Selenga pop 366,000

ular
: of, relating to, or resembling <valvular>

Ulbricht
Walter 1893-1973 East German polit.

ulcer
n. 1 : a break in skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus
2 : something that festers and corrupts like an open sore
–ulcer verb

ulcer
n. decubitus ulcer
gastric ulcer
rodent ulcer

ulcerate
v. intransitive verb : to become affected with or as if with an ulcer
transitive verb : to affect with or as if with an ulcer

ulceration
n. 1 : the process of becoming ulcerated : the state of being ulcerated
2 : ULCER
–ul·cer·a·tive \'əl-sə-ˌrā-tiv, 'əls-rə-, 'əl-sə-rə-\ adjective

ulcerative colitis
: a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon of unknown cause characterized by diarrhea with discharge of mucus and blood, cramping abdominal pain, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane with patches of ulceration

ulcerogenic
adj. : tending to produce or develop into ulcers or ulceration

ulcerous
adj. 1 : characterized or caused by ulceration <ulcerous lesions>
2 : affected with or as if with an ulcer : ULCERATED

ule
: little one <ductule>

Uleaborg
― see OULU

ulema
n. 1 plural in construction : the body of mullahs
2 : MULLAH

ulent
: that abounds in (a specified thing) <flocculent>

ulexite
: a soft mineral consisting of a hydrous borate of sodium and calcium and usually occurring in loose masses of white fibers

Ulfilas
ca 311-ca 382 Gothic missionary

ullage
n. : the amount that a container (as a tank or cask) lacks of being full

Ullswater
lake 7 mi (11 km) long NW England in Cumbria

Ulm
city S Germany in E Baden-Württemberg pop 112,173

ulna
n. : the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm also : a corresponding part of the forelimb of vertebrates above fishes
–ul·nar \-nər, -ˌnär\ adjective

Ulpian
d A.D. 228 Domitius Ulpianus Rom. jurist

Ulsan
city SE S. Korea pop 1,012,110

Ulster
n. 1 region N Ireland (island) comprising Northern Ireland & N Ireland (republic); ancient kingdom, later a province comprising nine counties, three of which in 1921 joined Irish Free State (now Ireland) while the rest remained with United Kingdom
2 province N Ireland (republic) comprising counties Cavan, Donegal, & Monaghan area 3093 sq mi (8042 sq km), pop 246,714
3 NORTHERN IRELAND ― used unofficially
–Ul·ster·ite \-stə-ˌrīt\ noun
–Ul·ster·man \-stər-mən\ noun

ulster
n. : a long loose overcoat of Irish origin made of heavy material (as frieze)

ult
ultimo

ulterior
adj. 1 a : FURTHER, FUTURE b : more distant : REMOTER c : situated on the farther side : THITHER
2 : going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper <ulterior motives>
–ul·te·ri·or·ly adverb

ultima
n. : the last syllable of a word

ultima
n. ultima ratio
ultima Thule
ultima ratio regum

ultima ratio
: the final argument also : the last resort (as force)

ultima ratio regum
: the final argument of kings, i.e., war

ultima Thule
: THULE

ultimacy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being ultimate
2 : ULTIMATE 1

ultimate
n. 1 a : most remote in space or time : FARTHEST b : last in a progression or series : FINAL <their ultimate destination was Paris> c : EVENTUAL 2 <they hoped for ultimate success> d : the best or most extreme of its kind : UTMOST <the ultimate sacrifice>
2 : arrived at as the last result <the ultimate question>
3 a : BASIC, FUNDAMENTAL <the ultimate nature of things ― A. N. Whitehead> b : ORIGINAL 1 <the ultimate source> c : incapable of further analysis, division, or separation
synonyms see LAST
–ul·ti·mate·ness noun

ultimate
n. 1 : something ultimate especially : FUNDAMENTAL
2 : ACME

ultimate
n. : END

ultimately
adv. 1 : in the end : FUNDAMENTALLY <the word comes ultimately from Latin>
2 : EVENTUALLY <ultimately, they agreed>

ultimatum
n. : a final proposition, condition, or demand especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action

ultimo
adj. : of or occurring in the month preceding the present

ultimogeniture
n. : a system of inheritance by which the youngest child succeeds to the estate

ultra
adj. : going beyond others or beyond due limit : EXTREME

ultra
adj. : one that is ultra : EXTREMIST

ultra
1 : beyond in space : on the other side : TRANS- <ultraviolet>
2 : beyond the range or limits of : transcending : SUPER- <ultramicroscopic>
3 : beyond what is ordinary, proper, or moderate : excessively : extremely <ultramodern>
ul·tra·bright
ul·tra·care·ful
ul·tra·ca·su·al
ul·tra·cau·tious
ul·tra·cheap
ul·tra·chic
ul·tra·civ·i·lized
ul·tra·clean
ul·tra·cold
ul·tra·com·mer·cial
ul·tra·com·pact
ul·tra·com·pe·tent
ul·tra·com·pet·i·tive
ul·tra·con·ser·va·tism
ul·tra·con·ser·va·tive
ul·tra·con·tem·po·rary
ul·tra·con·ve·nient
ul·tra·cool
ul·tra·crit·i·cal
ul·tra·dem·o·crat·ic
ul·tra·dense
ul·tra·dis·tance
ul·tra·dis·tant
ul·tra·dry
ul·tra·ef·fi·cient
ul·tra·en·er·get·ic
ul·tra·ex·clu·sive
ul·tra·ex·pen·sive
ul·tra·fa·mil·iar
ul·tra·fast
ul·tra·fas·tid·i·ous
ul·tra·fem·i·nine
ul·tra·fine
ul·tra·glam·or·ous
ul·tra·haz·ard·ous
ul·tra·heat
ul·tra·heavy
ul·tra·high
ul·tra·hip
ul·tra·hot
ul·tra·hu·man
ul·tra·left
ul·tra·left·ism
ul·tra·left·ist
ul·tra·lib·er·al
ul·tra·lib·er·al·ism
ul·tra·light·weight
ul·tra·low
ul·tra·lu·mi·nous
ul·tra·mas·cu·line
ul·tra·mil·i·tant
ul·tra·min·i·a·tur·ized
ul·tra·mod·ern
ul·tra·mod·ern·ist
ul·tra·na·tion·al·ism
ul·tra·na·tion·al·ist
ul·tra·na·tion·al·is·tic
ul·tra·or·tho·dox
ul·tra·pa·tri·ot·ic
ul·tra·phys·i·cal
ul·tra·posh
ul·tra·pow·er·ful
ul·tra·prac·ti·cal
ul·tra·pre·cise
ul·tra·pre·ci·sion
ul·tra·pro·fes·sion·al
ul·tra·pro·gres·sive
ul·tra·pure
ul·tra·qui·et
ul·tra·rad·i·cal
ul·tra·rap·id
ul·tra·rare
ul·tra·ra·tio·nal
ul·tra·re·al·ism
ul·tra·re·al·ist
ul·tra·re·al·is·tic
ul·tra·re·fined
ul·tra·re·li·able
ul·tra·re·li·gious
ul·tra·re·spect·able
ul·tra·rev·o·lu·tion·ary
ul·tra·rich
ul·tra·right
ul·tra·right·ist
ul·tra·ro·man·tic
ul·tra·roy·al·ist
ul·tra·safe
ul·tra·se·cret
ul·tra·sen·si·tive
ul·tra·se·ri·ous
ul·tra·sharp
ul·tra·sim·ple
ul·tra·slick
ul·tra·slow
ul·tra·small
ul·tra·smart
ul·tra·smooth
ul·tra·soft
ul·tra·so·phis·ti·cat·ed
ul·tra·thin
ul·tra·ti·ny
ul·tra·tra·di·tion·al
ul·tra·vac·u·um
ul·tra·vi·o·lence
ul·tra·vi·o·lent
ul·tra·wide

ultra
adj. ne plus ultra
ultra pasteurized
ultra vires
ultrahigh frequency

ultra vires
: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority

ultra-pasteurized
: subjected to pasteurization at higher than normal temperatures especially to extend shelf life <ultra-pasteurized cream>

ultrabasic
: extremely basic specifically : very low in silica and rich in iron and magnesium minerals
–ultrabasic noun

ultracentrifugal
adj. : of, relating to, or obtained by means of an ultracentrifuge
–ul·tra·cen·trif·u·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

ultracentrifuge
n. : a high-speed centrifuge able to sediment colloidal and other small particles and used especially in determining sizes of such particles and molecular weights of large molecules

ultracentrifuge
: to subject to an ultracentrifuge
–ul·tra·cen·tri·fu·ga·tion \-ˌsen-trə-fyu̇-'gā-shən\ noun

ultrafiche
n. : a microfiche whose microimages are of printed matter reduced 90 or more times

ultrafiltration
n. : filtration through a medium (as a semipermeable capillary wall) which allows small molecules (as of water) to pass but holds back larger ones (as of protein)
–ul·tra·fil·trate \-'fil-ˌtrāt\ noun

ultrahigh frequency
: a radio frequency between superhigh frequency and very high frequency ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

ultraism
n. 1 : the principles of those who advocate extreme measures (as radicalism)
2 : an instance or example of radicalism
–ul·tra·ist \-trə-ist\ adjective or noun
–ul·tra·is·tic \ˌəl-trə-'is-tik\ adjective

ultralight
n. : extremely light in mass or weight <an ultralight alloy> <an ultralight pullover>

ultralight
n. : a very light recreational aircraft typically for one person that is powered by a small gasoline engine

ultramafic
adj. : ULTRABASIC

ultramarathon
: a footrace longer than a marathon
–ul·tra·mar·a·thon·er \-ˌthä-nər\ noun

ultramarine
n. 1 a (1) : a blue pigment prepared by powdering lapis lazuli (2) : a similar pigment prepared from kaolin, soda ash, sulfur, and charcoal b : any of several related pigments
2 : a vivid blue

ultramarine
n. : situated beyond the sea

ultramicro
: being or dealing with something smaller than micro

ultramicroscope
n. : an apparatus for making visible by scattered light particles too small to be perceived by an ordinary microscope

ultramicroscopic
adj. 1 : too small to be seen with an ordinary microscope
2 : of or relating to an ultramicroscope
–ul·tra·mi·cro·scop·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ultramicrotome
n. : a microtome for cutting extremely thin sections for electron microscopy
–ul·tra·mi·crot·o·my \-mī-'krä-tə-mē\ noun

ultraminiature
adj. : SUBMINIATURE

ultramontane
adj. 1 : of or relating to countries or peoples beyond the mountains (as the Alps)
2 : favoring greater or absolute supremacy of papal over national or diocesan authority in the Roman Catholic Church
–ultramontane noun often cap
–ul·tra·mon·tan·ism \-'män-tə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

ultrashort
adj. 1 : having a wavelength below 10 meters <ultrashort radiation>
2 : very short in duration <an ultrashort pulse of light>

ultrasonic
adj. 1 : having a frequency above the human ear's audibility limit of about 20,000 hertz ― used of waves and vibrations
2 : utilizing, produced by, or relating to ultrasonic waves or vibrations <ultrasonic testing of metal>
–ul·tra·son·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ultrasonics
n. 1 : ultrasonic vibrations or compressional waves
2 singular in construction : the study of ultrasonic vibrations and their associated phenomena
3 : ultrasonic devices

ultrasonography
n. : ULTRASOUND 2
–ul·tra·so·nog·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–ul·tra·so·no·graph·ic \-ˌsō-nə-'gra-fik, -ˌsä-\ adjective

ultrasound
n. 1 : vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing
2 : the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities ― called also sonography
3 : a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

ultrastructure
n. : biological structure and especially fine structure (as of a cell) not visible through an ordinary microscope
–ul·tra·struc·tur·al \ˌəl-trə-'strək-chə-rəl, -'strək-shrəl\ adjective
–ul·tra·struc·tur·al·ly adverb

ultraviolet
adj. 1 : situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end ― used of radiation having a wavelength shorter than wavelengths of visible light and longer than those of X-rays
2 : relating to, producing, or employing ultraviolet radiation
–ultraviolet noun

Ulu Dag
mountain 8343 ft (2543 m) NW Turkey in Asia SE of Bursa

Ulugh Muztagh
― see MUZTAG

ululant
adj. : having a howling sound : WAILING <dark wasteland⋯ululant with bitter wind ― Rudi Blesh>

ululate
v. : HOWL, WAIL
–ul·u·la·tion \ˌəl-yə-'lā-shən\ noun

ulva
: SEA LETTUCE

Ulyanovsk
― see SIMBIRSK

Ulysses
n. : ODYSSEUS

um
n. ― used to indicate hesitation <well, um, I don't know>

umami
n. : a taste sensation that is meaty or savory and is produced by several amino acids and nucleotides (as glutamate and aspartate)

Umatilla
river 80 mi (129 km) NE Oreg. flowing W & N into Columbia River

Umayyad
: a member of a dynasty of caliphs based in Damascus that ruled from A.D. 661 to 750

umbel
n. : a racemose inflorescence typical of the carrot family in which the pedicels arise from about the same point to form a flat or rounded flower cluster ― see INFLORESCENCE illustration

umbellate
adj. 1 : bearing, consisting of, or arranged in umbels
2 : resembling an umbel in form

umbellifer
n. : a plant of the carrot family

umbelliferous
adj. : of or relating to the carrot family <umbelliferous flower heads>

umber
n. 1 : a brown earth that is darker in color than ocher and sienna because of its content of manganese and iron oxides and is highly valued as a permanent pigment either in the raw or burnt state
2 a : a moderate to dark yellowish brown b : a moderate brown

umber
n. : to darken with or as if with umber

umber
n. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of umber specifically : of the color of umber

Umberto
n. name of 2 kings of Italy: I 1844-1900 Duke of Savoy (reigned 1878-1900); II 1904-1983 Prince of Piedmont; Count of Sarre (reigned 1946)

umbilical
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or used at the navel
2 : of or relating to the central region of the abdomen
3 : being a necessary or nurturing link or connection <the town's umbilical rail line>

umbilical
adj. : UMBILICAL CORD 2

umbilical cord
1 a : a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and through which respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes pass b : YOLK STALK
2 : a tethering or supply line (as for an astronaut outside a spacecraft or a diver underwater)
3 : a necessary, supportive, or nurturing link or connection

umbilicate
adj. 1 : depressed like a navel
2 : having an umbilicus
–um·bil·i·ca·tion \ˌəm-ˌbi-lə-'kā-shən\ noun

umbilicus
n. 1 a : NAVEL 1 b : any of several morphological depressions especially : HILUM 1
2 : a central point : CORE, HEART

umbles
n. : the edible viscera of an animal and especially of a deer or hog

umbo
n. 1 : the boss of a shield
2 : a rounded elevation: as a : an inward projection of the tympanic membrane of the ear b : one of the lateral prominences just above the hinge of a bivalve shell
–um·bo·nal \'əm-bə-nəl, ˌəm-'bō-\ adjective
–um·bo·nate \'əm-bə-ˌnāt, ˌəm-'bō-nət\ adjective

umbra
n. 1 : a shaded area
2 a : a conical shadow excluding all light from a given source specifically : the conical part of the shadow of a celestial body excluding all light from the primary source b : the central dark part of a sunspot
–um·bral \-brəl\ adjective

umbrage
n. 1 : SHADE, SHADOW
2 : shady branches : FOLIAGE
3 a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : HINT b : a reason for doubt : SUSPICION
4 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult <took umbrage at the speaker's remarks>
synonyms see OFFENSE

umbrageous
adj. 1 a : affording shade b : spotted with shadows
2 : inclined to take offense easily
–um·bra·geous·ly adverb
–um·bra·geous·ness noun

umbrella
n. 1 : a collapsible shade for protection against weather consisting of fabric stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole especially : a small one for carrying in the hand
2 : the bell-shaped or saucer-shaped largely gelatinous structure that forms the chief part of the body of most jellyfishes
3 : something which provides protection: as a : defensive air cover (as over a battlefront) b : a heavy barrage
4 : something which covers or embraces a broad range of elements or factors <decided to expand⋯by building new colleges under a federation umbrella ― Diane Ravitch>

umbrella
n. : to protect, cover, or provide with an umbrella

umbrella plant
: a perennial sedge (Cyperus alternifolius) of Madagascar that has large terminal whorls of slender leaves and is often grown as an ornamental

umbrella tree
: any of various trees or shrubs resembling an umbrella especially in the arrangement of leaves or the shape of the crown especially : a widely cultivated schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla syn. Brassaia actinophylla) of Australia and New Guinea having leaflets radiating from an elongate petiole

Umbria
n. region cen Italy in the Apennines capital Perugia pop 840,482

Umbrian
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Umbria
2 : the Italic language of ancient Umbria ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Umbrian adjective

Umbundu
: a Bantu language of central Angola

Umea
city & port N Sweden on Gulf of Bothnia pop 106,525

umiak
n. : an open Eskimo boat made of a wooden frame covered with hide

umlaut
n. 1 a : the change of a vowel (as \ü\ to \ē\ in goose, geese) that is caused by partial assimilation to a succeeding sound or that occurs as a reflex of the former presence of a succeeding sound which has been lost or altered b : a vowel resulting from such partial assimilation
2 : a diacritical mark {uml} placed over a vowel to indicate a more central or front articulation ― compare DIAERESIS

umlaut
n. 1 : to produce by umlaut
2 : to write or print an umlaut over

Umm al Qaywayn
sheikhdom, member of United Arab Emirates

Umnak
island SW Alaska in Fox Islands

ump
n. : UMPIRE 2

ump
n. : to act as umpire

umpire
n. 1 : one having authority to decide finally a controversy or question between parties: as a : one appointed to decide between arbitrators who have disagreed b : an impartial third party chosen to arbitrate disputes arising under the terms of a labor agreement
2 : an official in a sport who rules on plays
3 : a military officer who evaluates maneuvers

umpire
n. transitive verb : to supervise or decide as umpire
intransitive verb : to act as umpire

Umpqua
river 200 mi (322 km) SW Oreg. flowing into the Pacific

umpteen
n. : very many : indefinitely numerous
–ump·teenth \-ˌtēn(t)th, -'tēn(t)th\ adjective

Umtata
city Republic of South Africa; formerly capital of Transkei

UMWA
United Mine Workers of America

UN
pref. United Nations

UN
pref. vingt et un
un American
un English
un European
uncalled for

un
pref. 1 : not : IN-, NON- ― in adjectives formed from adjectives <unambitious> <unskilled> or participles <undressed>, in nouns formed from nouns <unavailability>, and rarely in verbs formed from verbs <unbe> ― sometimes in words that have a meaning that merely negates that of the base word and are thereby distinguished from words that prefix in- or a variant of it (as im-) to the same base word and have a meaning positively opposite to that of the base word <unartistic> <unmoral>
2 : opposite of : contrary to ― in adjectives formed from adjectives <unconstitutional> <ungraceful> <unmannered> or participles <unbelieving> and in nouns formed from nouns <unrest>

un
1 : do the opposite of : reverse (a specified action) : DE- 1A, DIS- 1A ― in verbs formed from verbs <unbend> <undress> <unfold>
2 a : deprive of : remove (a specified thing) from : remove ― in verbs formed from nouns <unfrock> <unsex> b : release from : free from ― in verbs formed from nouns <unhand> c : remove from : extract from : bring out of ― in verbs formed from nouns <unbosom> d : cause to cease to be ― in verbs formed from nouns <unman>
3 : completely <unloose>
un·abrad·ed
un·ab·sorbed
un·ab·sor·bent
un·ac·a·dem·ic
un·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly
un·ac·cent·ed
un·ac·cept·ed
un·ac·cli·mat·ed
un·ac·cli·ma·tized
un·ac·com·mo·dat·ed
un·ac·com·mo·dat·ing
un·ac·cred·it·ed
un·ac·cul·tur·at·ed
un·achieved
un·ac·knowl·edged
un·ac·quaint·ed
un·act·able
un·act·ed
un·ac·tor·ish
un·adapt·able
un·adapt·ed
un·ad·dressed
un·ad·ju·di·cat·ed
un·ad·just·ed
un·ad·mired
un·ad·mit·ted
un·adopt·able
un·adult
un·ad·ven·tur·ous
un·ad·ver·tised
un·aes·thet·ic
un·af·fect·ing
un·af·fec·tion·ate
un·af·fec·tion·ate·ly
un·af·fil·i·at·ed
un·af·flu·ent
un·af·ford·able
un·afraid
un·ag·gres·sive
un·aid·ed
un·air-con·di·tioned
un·akin
un·alien·at·ed
un·alike
un·al·le·vi·at·ed
un·al·lo·cat·ed
un·al·lur·ing
un·al·tered
un·am·bi·tious
un·ame·na·ble
un·amend·ed
un·ami·a·ble
un·am·or·tized
un·am·pli·fied
un·amus·ing
un·an·a·lyz·able
un·an·a·lyzed
un·anes·the·tized
un·an·no·tat·ed
un·an·nounced
un·apol·o·giz·ing
un·ap·par·ent
un·ap·peased
un·ap·pre·ci·at·ed
un·ap·pre·cia·tive
un·ap·pro·pri·at·ed
un·ap·proved
un·ar·mored
un·ar·ro·gant
un·ar·tis·tic
un·as·pi·rat·ed
un·as·sailed
un·as·sem·bled
un·as·signed
un·as·sim·i·la·ble
un·as·sim·i·lat·ed
un·as·so·ci·at·ed
un·as·suaged
un·ath·let·ic
un·at·tain·able
un·at·tend·ed
un·at·ten·u·at·ed
un·at·test·ed
un·at·trib·ut·able
un·at·trib·ut·ed
un·at·tuned
un·au·dit·ed
un·au·then·tic
un·au·tho·rized
un·au·to·mat·ed
un·avail·abil·i·ty
un·avail·able
un·av·er·age
un·avowed
un·awak·ened
un·award·ed
un·awe·some
un·ban
un·bap·tized
un·barbed
un·bar·ri·cad·ed
un·be·hold·en
un·bel·lig·er·ent
un·be·loved
un·be·mused
un·billed
un·bit·ten
un·bit·ter
un·bleached
un·blem·ished
un·blend·ed
un·blink·ered
un·book·ish
un·bowd·ler·ized
un·brack·et·ed
un·brake
un·breach·able
un·break·able
un·bridge·able
un·bridged
un·briefed
un·bright
un·bril·liant
un·bruised
un·brushed
un·bud·get·ed
un·buf·fered
un·build·able
un·bulky
un·bu·reau·crat·ic
un·bur·ied
un·burn·able
un·burned
un·burnt
un·busi·ness·like
un·busy
un·but·tered
un·cal·ci·fied
un·cal·cined
un·cal·i·brat·ed
un·called
un·cal·loused
un·can·celed
un·can·did
un·can·did·ly
un·ca·non·i·cal
un·cap
un·cap·i·tal·ized
un·cap·tioned
un·cap·tur·able
un·cared-for
un·car·ing
un·car·pet·ed
un·case
un·cas·trat·ed
un·cat·a·loged
un·catch·able
un·catchy
un·cat·e·go·riz·able
un·caught
un·cen·sored
un·cen·so·ri·ous
un·cen·sured
un·cer·ti·fied
un·chal·lenge·able
un·chal·lenged
un·chal·leng·ing
un·changed
un·chan·neled
un·chap·er·oned
un·char·is·mat·ic
un·charm·ing
un·chart·ered
un·chau·vin·is·tic
un·check·able
un·checked
un·chew·able
un·chewed
un·chic
un·child·like
un·chlo·ri·nat·ed
un·cho·reo·graphed
un·chris·tened
un·chron·i·cled
un·chro·no·log·i·cal
un·church·ly
un·cil·i·at·ed
un·cin·e·mat·ic
un·clad
un·claimed
un·clar·i·fied
un·clas·si·fi·able
un·cleaned
un·clear
un·cli·chéd
un·clip
un·cloy·ing
un·co·alesce
un·coat·ed
un·cod·ed
un·cod·i·fied
un·co·erced
un·co·er·cive
un·co·er·cive·ly
un·col·lect·ed
un·col·lect·ible
un·co·lored
un·com·bat·ive
un·combed
un·com·bined
un·come·ly
un·com·ic
un·com·mer·cial·ized
un·com·pas·sion·ate
un·com·pel·ling
un·com·pen·sat·ed
un·com·pla·cent
un·com·plet·ed
un·com·pound·ed
un·com·pre·hend·ed
un·com·pressed
un·com·pu·ter·ized
un·con·cealed
un·con·fessed
un·con·fined
un·con·firmed
un·con·found·ed
un·con·fuse
un·con·ju·gat·ed
un·con·nect·ed
un·con·quered
un·con·se·crat·ed
un·con·strained
un·con·strict·ed
un·con·struc·tive
un·con·sumed
un·con·sum·mat·ed
un·con·tain·able
un·con·tam·i·nat·ed
un·con·tem·plat·ed
un·con·tem·po·rary
un·con·ten·tious
un·con·test·ed
un·con·tract·ed
un·con·tra·dict·ed
un·con·trived
un·con·trolled
un·con·tro·ver·sial
un·con·tro·ver·sial·ly
un·con·vert·ed
un·con·vinced
un·con·voyed
un·cooked
un·cooled
un·co·op·er·a·tive
un·co·or·di·nat·ed
un·copy·right·able
un·cor·rect·able
un·cor·rect·ed
un·cor·re·lat·ed
un·cor·rob·o·rat·ed
un·cor·rupt
un·count·able
un·cou·ra·geous
un·coy
un·cracked
un·crate
un·cra·zy
un·cre·a·tive
un·cre·den·tialed
un·cred·it·ed
un·crip·pled
un·cropped
un·cross·able
un·crowd·ed
un·crush·able
un·crys·tal·lized
un·cuff

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un- (continued)-3

un·cul·ti·va·ble
un·cul·ti·vat·ed
un·cul·tured
un·cured
un·cu·ri·ous
un·cur·rent
un·cur·tained
un·cus·tom·ar·i·ly
un·cus·tom·ary
un·cute
un·cyn·i·cal
un·cyn·i·cal·ly
un·dam·aged
un·damped
un·dance·able
un·dat·ed
un·dec·a·dent
un·de·cid·abil·i·ty
un·de·cid·able
un·de·cid·ed
un·de·ci·pher·able
un·de·ci·phered
un·de·clared
un·de·com·posed
un·dec·o·rat·ed
un·ded·i·cat·ed
un·de·feat·ed
un·de·fend·ed
un·de·filed
un·de·fin·able
un·de·fined
un·de·fo·li·at·ed
un·de·formed
un·del·e·gat·ed
un·de·liv·er·able
un·de·liv·ered
un·de·lud·ed
un·de·mand·ing
un·de·nom·i·na·tion·al
un·de·pend·able
un·de·scrib·able
un·de·served
un·de·serv·ing
un·des·ig·nat·ed
un·de·sired
un·de·tect·able
un·de·tect·ed
un·de·ter·min·able
un·de·ter·mined
un·de·terred
un·de·vel·oped
un·di·ag·nos·able
un·di·ag·nosed
un·di·a·lec·ti·cal
un·di·dac·tic
un·dif·fer·en·ti·at·ed
un·di·gest·ed
un·di·gest·ible
un·dig·ni·fied
un·di·lut·ed
un·di·min·ished
un·dimmed
un·dis·charged
un·dis·ci·plined
un·dis·closed
un·dis·cour·aged
un·dis·cov·er·able
un·dis·cov·ered
un·dis·crim·i·nat·ing
un·dis·cussed
un·dis·mayed
un·dis·pu·ta·ble
un·dis·put·ed
un·dis·solved
un·dis·tin·guished
un·dis·tort·ed
un·dis·tract·ed
un·dis·trib·ut·ed
un·dis·turbed
un·di·vid·ed
un·do·able
un·doc·ile
un·doc·tored
un·doc·tri·naire
un·do·mes·tic
un·do·mes·ti·cat·ed
un·dot·ted
un·doubt·able
un·doubt·ing
un·drained
un·dra·ma·tized
un·drilled
un·dubbed
un·dulled
un·du·pli·cat·ed
un·dyed
un·dy·nam·ic
un·ea·ger
un·ear·marked
un·eat·able
un·eat·en
un·ec·cen·tric
un·eco·log·i·cal
un·ed·i·fy·ing
un·ed·u·ca·ble
un·ed·u·cat·ed
un·elab·o·rate
un·elect·able
un·elect·ed
un·elec·tri·fied
un·em·bar·rassed
un·em·bel·lished
un·em·bit·tered
un·em·phat·ic
un·em·phat·i·cal·ly
un·em·pir·i·cal
un·en·chant·ed
un·en·closed
un·en·cour·ag·ing
un·en·dear·ing
un·en·dur·able
un·en·dur·able·ness
un·en·dur·ably
un·en·force·able
un·en·forced
un·en·larged
un·en·light·ened
un·en·light·en·ing
un·en·riched
un·en·ter·pris·ing
un·en·thu·si·as·tic
un·en·thu·si·as·ti·cal·ly
un·en·vi·able
un·en·vi·ous
un·erot·ic
un·es·cap·able
un·es·cort·ed
un·es·tab·lished
un·eth·i·cal
un·eval·u·at·ed
un·ex·am·ined
un·ex·celled
un·ex·cit·able
un·ex·cit·ed
un·ex·cit·ing
un·ex·cused
un·ex·ot·ic
un·ex·pend·ed
un·ex·pired
un·ex·plain·able
un·ex·plained
un·ex·plod·ed
un·ex·plored
un·ex·posed
un·ex·pressed
un·ex·pur·gat·ed
un·ex·traor·di·nary
un·faked
un·fa·mous
un·fan·cy
un·fas·tid·i·ous
un·fea·si·ble
un·felt
un·fem·i·nine
un·fenced
un·fer·ment·ed
un·fer·tile
un·fer·til·ized
un·filled
un·film·able
un·fired
un·flam·boy·ant
un·flashy
un·fly·able
un·fond
un·forced
un·fore·see·able
un·fore·seen
un·for·est·ed
un·for·giv·able
un·forked
un·for·mu·lat·ed
un·forth·com·ing
un·for·ti·fied
un·fos·sil·if·er·ous
un·framed
un·free
un·free·dom
un·friv·o·lous
un·ful·fill·able
un·ful·filled
un·fun·ny
un·fur·nished
un·fused
un·gal·lant
un·gal·lant·ly
un·gar·nished
un·ge·nial
un·gen·teel
un·gen·tle
un·gen·tle·man·ly
un·gen·tri·fied
un·ger·mi·nat·ed
un·gift·ed
un·gim·micky
un·glam·or·ized
un·glam·or·ous
un·glazed
un·grace·ful
un·grace·ful·ly
un·grad·ed
un·grasp·able
un·ground
un·grouped
un·guess·able
un·guid·ed
un·hack·neyed
un·ham·pered
un·harmed
un·har·ness
un·har·vest·ed
un·hatched
un·healed
un·health·ful
un·heat·ed
un·hedged
un·heed·ed
un·heed·ing
un·help·ful
un·help·ful·ly
un·her·ald·ed
un·he·ro·ic
un·hin·dered
un·hip
un·his·tor·i·cal
un·ho·mog·e·nized
un·hon·ored
un·hope·ful
un·housed
un·hu·mor·ous
un·hurt
un·hy·dro·lyzed
un·hy·gien·ic
un·hy·phen·at·ed
un·hys·ter·i·cal
un·hys·ter·i·cal·ly
un·iden·ti·fi·able
un·iden·ti·fied
un·ideo·log·i·cal
un·id·i·om·at·ic
un·ig·nor·able
un·il·lu·mi·nat·ing
un·imag·i·na·tive
un·imag·i·na·tive·ly
un·im·mu·nized
un·im·paired
un·im·pas·sioned
un·im·ped·ed
un·im·por·tant
un·im·pos·ing
un·im·pressed
un·im·pres·sive
un·in·cor·po·rat·ed
un·in·dexed
un·in·dict·ed
un·in·dus·tri·al·ized
un·in·fect·ed
un·in·flat·ed
un·in·flect·ed
un·in·flu·enced
un·in·for·ma·tive
un·in·for·ma·tive·ly
un·in·formed
un·in·gra·ti·at·ing
un·in·hab·it·able
un·in·hab·it·ed
un·ini·ti·at·ed
un·in·jured
un·in·oc·u·lat·ed
un·in·spect·ed
un·in·spired
un·in·spir·ing

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un- (continued)-3-1

un·in·struct·ed
un·in·struc·tive
un·in·su·lat·ed
un·in·sur·able
un·in·sured
un·in·te·grat·ed
un·in·tel·lec·tu·al
un·in·tel·li·gent
un·in·tel·li·gent·ly
un·in·tel·li·gi·bil·i·ty
un·in·tel·li·gi·ble
un·in·tel·li·gi·ble·ness
un·in·tel·li·gi·bly
un·in·tend·ed
un·in·ten·tion·al
un·in·ten·tion·al·ly
un·in·ter·est·ing
un·in·ter·pret·able
un·in·ter·rupt·ed
un·in·ter·rupt·ed·ly
un·in·tim·i·dat·ed
un·in·ven·tive
un·in·vit·ed
un·in·vit·ing
un·in·volved
un·iron·ic
un·iron·i·cal·ly
un·ir·ra·di·at·ed
un·ir·ri·gat·ed
un·is·sued
un·jad·ed
un·joined
un·joint·ed
un·jus·ti·fi·able
un·jus·ti·fi·ably
un·jus·ti·fied
un·kept
un·kill·able
un·knot
un·knowl·edge·able
un·ko·sher
un·la·beled
un·la·dy·like
un·la·ment·ed
un·laun·dered
un·learn·able
un·leav·ened
un·lib·er·at·ed
un·li·censed
un·lik·able
un·lined
un·lis·ten·able
un·lit
un·lit·er·ary
un·liv·able
un·lo·cal·ized
un·lov·able
un·loved
un·lov·ing
un·lyr·i·cal
un·ma·cho
un·mag·ni·fied
un·ma·li·cious
un·ma·li·cious·ly
un·man·age·able
un·man·age·ably
un·man·aged
un·ma·nip·u·lat·ed
un·mapped
un·marked
un·mar·ket·able
un·marred
un·mas·cu·line
un·match·able
un·matched
un·meant
un·mea·sur·able
un·mea·sured
un·mech·a·nized
un·med·i·cat·ed
un·me·lo·di·ous
un·me·lo·di·ous·ness
un·mem·o·ra·ble
un·mem·o·ra·bly
un·men·tioned
un·mer·it·ed
un·mer·ry
un·met
un·me·tab·o·lized
un·mil·i·tary
un·milled
un·mined
un·miss·able
un·mix
un·mix·able
un·mixed
un·mod·ern·ized
un·mod·i·fied
un·mod·ish
un·mod·u·lat·ed
un·mo·lest·ed
un·mon·i·tored
un·mo·ti·vat·ed
un·mount·ed
un·mov·able
un·moved
un·mu·si·cal
un·name·able
un·named
un·need·ed
un·ne·go·tia·ble
un·neu·rot·ic
un·news·wor·thy
un·no·tice·able
un·no·ticed
un·nour·ish·ing
un·nu·anced
un·ob·jec·tion·able
un·ob·serv·able
un·ob·served
un·ob·struct·ed
un·ob·tain·able
un·of·fi·cial
un·of·fi·cial·ly
un·open·able
un·opened
un·op·posed
un·or·dered
un·orig·i·nal
un·or·na·ment·ed
un·os·ten·ta·tious
un·os·ten·ta·tious·ly
un·owned
un·ox·y·gen·at·ed
un·paint·ed
un·par·a·sit·ized
un·par·don·able
un·pass·able
un·pas·teur·ized
un·pas·to·ral
un·pat·ent·able
un·pa·tri·ot·ic
un·paved
un·pe·dan·tic
un·peeled
un·per·ceived
un·per·cep·tive
un·per·form·able
un·per·formed
un·per·suad·ed
un·per·sua·sive
un·per·turbed
un·pic·tur·esque
un·place·able
un·planned
un·plau·si·ble
un·play·able
un·pleased
un·pleas·ing
un·plowed
un·po·et·ic
un·po·liced
un·pol·ished
un·pol·lut·ed
un·posed
un·prac·ti·cal
un·pre·dict·abil·i·ty
un·pre·dict·able
un·pre·dict·ably
un·prej·u·diced
un·pre·med·i·tat·ed
un·pre·pared
un·pre·pared·ness
un·pre·pos·sess·ing
un·pressed
un·pres·sured
un·pres·sur·ized
un·pret·ty
un·priv·i·leged
un·prob·lem·at·ic
un·pro·cessed
un·pro·duced
un·pro·duc·tive
un·pro·fes·sion·al
un·pro·gram·ma·ble
un·pro·grammed
un·pro·gres·sive
un·prompt·ed
un·pro·nounce·able
un·pro·pi·tious
un·pros·per·ous
un·prov·able
un·proved
un·prov·en
un·pro·voked
un·pruned
un·pub·li·cized
un·pub·lished
un·punc·tu·al
un·punc·tu·al·i·ty
un·punc·tu·at·ed
un·pun·ished
un·quan·ti·fi·able
un·quench·able
un·ques·tioned
un·raised
un·ranked
un·rat·ed
un·rav·ished
un·reach·able
un·reached
un·read·able
un·read·i·ness
un·ready
un·re·al·iz·able
un·re·al·ized
un·re·cep·tive
un·re·claim·able
un·re·claimed
un·rec·og·niz·able
un·rec·og·niz·ably
un·rec·og·nized
un·rec·on·cil·able
un·rec·on·ciled
un·re·cord·ed
un·re·cov·er·able
un·re·cov·ered
un·re·cy·cla·ble
un·re·deem·able
un·re·deemed
un·re·dressed
un·re·fined
un·re·flec·tive
un·re·formed
un·re·frig·er·at·ed
un·reg·is·tered
un·reg·u·lat·ed
un·re·hearsed
un·re·in·forced
un·re·lat·ed
un·re·laxed
un·re·li·abil·i·ty
un·re·li·able
un·re·lieved
un·re·liev·ed·ly
un·re·luc·tant
un·re·mark·able
un·re·mark·ably
un·re·mem·bered
un·rem·i·nis·cent
un·re·mov·able
un·re·peat·able
un·re·pen·tant
un·re·pen·tant·ly
un·re·port·ed
un·rep·re·sen·ta·tive
un·rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ness
un·rep·re·sent·ed
un·re·pressed
un·re·sis·tant
un·re·solv·able
un·re·solved
un·re·spect·able
un·re·spon·sive
un·re·spon·sive·ly
un·re·spon·sive·ness
un·rest·ful
un·re·stored
un·re·strict·ed
un·re·touched
un·re·turn·able
un·re·vealed
un·re·view·able
un·re·viewed
un·re·vised
un·rev·o·lu·tion·ary
un·re·ward·ed
un·re·ward·ing
un·rhe·tor·i·cal
un·rhymed

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un- (continued)-3-2

un·rhyth·mic
un·rid·able
un·ri·fled
un·rip·ened
un·ro·man·tic
un·ro·man·ti·cal·ly
un·ro·man·ti·cized
un·roofed
un·ruled
un·rushed
un·safe
un·sal·able
un·sal·a·ried
un·salt·ed
un·sal·vage·able
un·sanc·tioned
un·san·i·tary
un·sat·is·fied
un·scal·able
un·scarred
un·scent·ed
un·sched·uled
un·schol·ar·ly
un·screened
un·scrip·tur·al
un·sea·soned
un·sea·wor·thy
un·se·cured
un·seed·ed
un·seg·ment·ed
un·self-con·scious
un·self-con·scious·ly
un·self-con·scious·ness
un·sell·able
un·sen·sa·tion·al
un·sen·si·tized
un·sent
un·sen·ti·men·tal
un·sep·a·rat·ed
un·se·ri·ous
un·se·ri·ous·ness
un·served
un·ser·vice·able
un·sex·u·al
un·sexy
un·shad·ed
un·shak·able
un·shak·ably
un·shak·en
un·shape·ly
un·shared
un·sharp
un·shav·en
un·shelled
un·shock·able
un·shorn
un·showy
un·signed
un·sink·able
un·sized
un·slaked
un·slick
un·smart
un·smil·ing
un·smoothed
un·soiled
un·sol·dier·ly
un·so·lic·it·ed
un·solv·able
un·solved
un·sort·ed
un·sound·ed
un·sourced
un·sown
un·spe·cial·ized
un·spec·i·fi·able
un·spe·cif·ic
un·spec·i·fied
un·spec·tac·u·lar
un·spent
un·spir·i·tu·al
un·split
un·spoiled
un·spoilt
un·spo·ken
un·sprayed
un·stained
un·stan·dard·ized
un·star·tling
un·stat·ed
un·stayed
un·ster·ile
un·ster·il·ized
un·stint·ed
un·stitch
un·stop·per
un·strained
un·strat·i·fied
un·stuffy
un·styl·ish
un·sub·dued
un·sub·si·dized
un·sub·stan·ti·at·ed
un·sub·tle
un·sub·tly
un·suc·cess
un·suit·abil·ity
un·suit·able
un·suit·ably
un·suit·ed
un·sul·lied
un·su·per·vised
un·sup·port·able
un·sup·port·ed
un·sure
un·sur·pass·able
un·sur·passed
un·sur·prised
un·sus·cep·ti·ble
un·sus·pect·ed
un·sus·pect·ing
un·sus·pi·cious
un·sus·tain·able
un·sweet·ened
un·sym·pa·thet·ic
un·sym·pa·thet·i·cal·ly
un·syn·chro·nized
un·sys·tem·at·ic
un·sys·tem·at·i·cal·ly
un·sys·tem·a·tized
un·tact·ful
un·tagged
un·taint·ed
un·tal·ent·ed
un·tam·able
un·tamed
un·tanned
un·tar·nished
un·taxed
un·teach·able
un·tech·ni·cal
un·tem·pered
un·ten·ant·ed
un·tend·ed
un·ten·ured
un·test·able
un·test·ed
un·the·o·ret·i·cal
un·threat·en·ing
un·thrifty
un·till·able
un·tilled
un·to·geth·er
un·trace·able
un·tra·di·tion·al
un·tra·di·tion·al·ly
un·trained
un·tram·meled
un·trans·formed
un·trans·lat·abil·i·ty
un·trans·lat·able
un·trans·lat·ed
un·trav·eled
un·tra·versed
un·treat·ed
un·trendy
un·trimmed
un·trust·ing
un·trust·wor·thy
un·tucked
un·tuft·ed
un·typ·i·cal
un·typ·i·cal·ly
un·un·der·stand·able
un·us·able
un·uti·lized
un·vac·ci·nat·ed
un·var·ied
un·vary·ing
un·ven·ti·lat·ed
un·ver·bal·ized
un·ver·i·fi·able
un·versed
un·vi·a·ble
un·vis·it·ed
un·want·ed
un·war·like
un·war·rant·ed
un·wa·ver·ing
un·wa·ver·ing·ly
un·waxed
un·weaned
un·wear·able
un·weath·ered
un·wed
un·weight·ed
un·wel·come
un·white
un·willed
un·win·na·ble
un·wom·an·ly
un·won
un·work·abil·i·ty
un·work·able
un·worked
un·wor·ried
un·wound·ed
un·wo·ven
un·wrin·kled
un·young

un-American
: not American : not characteristic of or consistent with American customs, principles, or traditions

un-English
1 : not characteristically English
2 : not agreeing with standard or generally accepted usage of the English language

un-European
: not characteristically European

una corda
: with soft pedal depressed ― used as a direction in piano music

unabashed
adj. : not abashed : UNDISGUISED, UNAPOLOGETIC
–un·abash·ed·ly \-'bash-əd-lē\ adverb

unabated
adj. : not abated : being at full strength or force
–un·abat·ed·ly adverb

unable
adj. : not able : INCAPABLE: as a : UNQUALIFIED, INCOMPETENT b : IMPOTENT, HELPLESS

unabridged
adj. 1 : not abridged : COMPLETE <an unabridged reprint of a novel>
2 : being the most complete of its class : not based on one larger <an unabridged dictionary>

unacceptable
adj. : not acceptable : not pleasing or welcome
–un·ac·cept·abil·i·ty \-ˌsep-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·ac·cept·ably \-'sep-tə-blē\ adverb

unaccompanied
adj. : not accompanied especially : being without instrumental accompaniment

unaccountable
adj. 1 : not to be accounted for : INEXPLICABLE, STRANGE
2 : not to be called to account : not responsible
–un·ac·count·abil·i·ty \-ˌkau̇n-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

unaccountably
adv. 1 : in an unaccountable manner <looking unaccountably upset> <heat was unaccountably disappearing>
2 : for reasons that are hard to understand <unaccountably, he stayed right there>

unaccounted
adj. : not accounted : UNEXPLAINED ― often used with for

unaccustomed
adj. 1 : not customary : not usual or common
2 : not habituated ― usually used with to
–un·ac·cus·tomed·ly \-təmd-lē\ adverb

unadorned
adj. : not adorned : lacking embellishment or decoration : PLAIN, SIMPLE

unadulterated
adj. 1 : not adulterated : PURE <unadulterated food>
2 : COMPLETE, UNQUALIFIED <an unadulterated fool>
–un·adul·ter·at·ed·ly adverb

unadvised
adj. 1 : done without due consideration : RASH <unadvised and dangerous dealings with the terrorists>
2 : not prudent : ILL-ADVISED <done with unadvised haste>
–un·ad·vis·ed·ly \-'vī-zəd-lē\ adverb

unaffected
adj. 1 : not influenced or changed mentally, physically, or chemically
2 : free from affectation : GENUINE
–un·af·fect·ed·ly adverb
–un·af·fect·ed·ness noun

unaging
adj. : AGELESS

unakite
: an altered igneous rock that is usually opaque with green, black, pink, and white flecks and is usually used as a gemstone

Unalaska
island SW Alaska in Fox Islands

Unalaska Bay
bay SW Alaska on N coast of Unalaska Is.

unalienable
adj. : INALIENABLE

unaligned
adj. : NONALIGNED

unalloyed
adj. : not alloyed : UNMIXED, UNQUALIFIED, PURE <unalloyed metals> <unalloyed happiness>

unalterable
adj. : not capable of being altered or changed <an unalterable resolve> <unalterable hatred>
–un·al·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌȯl-t(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·al·ter·able·ness \ˌən-'ȯl-t(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·al·ter·ably \-blē\ adverb

unambiguous
adj. : not ambiguous : CLEAR, PRECISE <unambiguous evidence>
–un·am·big·u·ous·ly adverb

unambivalent
: not ambivalent : CLEAR-CUT, DEFINITE
–un·am·biv·a·lent·ly adverb

Unamuno (y Jugo)
Miguel de 1864-1936 Span. philos. & writer

unanchored
adj. 1 : not anchored : not at anchor
2 : not having a firm basis or foundation

unaneled
archaic : not having received extreme unction

unanimity
n. : the quality or state of being unanimous

unanimous
adj. 1 : being of one mind : AGREEING
2 : formed with or indicating unanimity : having the agreement and consent of all
–unan·i·mous·ly adverb

unanswerable
adj. : not capable of being answered also : IRREFUTABLE
–un·an·swer·abil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌan(t)s-rə-'bi-lə-tē, -ˌan(t)-sə-\ noun
–un·an·swer·ably \ˌən-'an(t)s-rə-blē, -'an(t)-sə-\ adverb

unanswered
adj. 1 : not answered <unanswered letters>
2 : scored in succession during a period in which an opponent fails to score <scored 20 unanswered points in the last quarter>

unanticipated
adj. : not anticipated : UNEXPECTED, UNFORESEEN
–un·an·tic·i·pat·ed·ly adverb

unapologetic
adj. : not apologetic : offered, put forward, or being such without apology or qualification <an unapologetic liberal>
–un·apol·o·get·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

unappealable
adj. : not appealable : not subject to appeal

unappealing
adj. : not appealing : UNATTRACTIVE
–un·ap·peal·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

unappeasable
adj. : not to be appeased : IMPLACABLE
–un·ap·peas·ably \-blē\ adverb

unappetizing
adj. : not appetizing : INSIPID, UNATTRACTIVE
–un·ap·pe·tiz·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb

unappreciation
: failure to appreciate something

unapproachable
adj. 1 : not approachable : physically inaccessible
2 : discouraging intimacies : RESERVED
–un·ap·proach·abil·i·ty \-ˌprō-chə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·ap·proach·ably \-'prō-chə-blē\ adverb

unapt
adj. 1 : INAPPROPRIATE, UNSUITABLE <an unapt quote>
2 : not accustomed and not likely <a teacher unapt to tolerate carelessness>
3 : DULL, BACKWARD <unapt scholars>
–un·apt·ly \-'ap(t)-lē\ adverb
–un·apt·ness \-nəs\ noun

unarguable
adj. : not arguable

unarguably
adv. : it cannot be argued : UNQUESTIONABLY

unarm
v. : DISARM

unarmed
adj. 1 : not armed or armored <unarmed civilians> also : not using or involving a weapon <unarmed robbery>
2 : having no hard and sharp projections (as spines, spurs, or claws)

unarticulated
adj. : not articulated especially : not carefully reasoned or analyzed

unary
adj. : having, consisting of, or acting on a single element, item, or component : MONADIC

unashamed
adj. : not ashamed : being without guilt, self-consciousness, or doubt
–un·asham·ed·ly \-'shā-məd-lē\ adverb

unasked
adj. 1 : not being asked : UNINVITED
2 : not asked <unasked questions>
3 : not asked for <unasked advice>

unassailable
adj. : not assailable : not liable to doubt, attack, or question <an unassailable argument> <an unassailable alibi>
–un·as·sail·abil·i·ty \-ˌsā-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·as·sail·able·ness \-'sā-lə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·as·sail·ably \-blē\ adverb

unassertive
adj. : not assertive : MODEST, SHY
–un·as·ser·tive·ly adverb

unassisted
adj. 1 : not assisted : lacking help
2 : made or performed without an assist <an unassisted double play>

unassuageable
: not capable of being assuaged

unassuming
adj. : not assuming : MODEST <an unassuming librarian> <an unassuming manner> <an unassuming neighborhood>
–un·as·sum·ing·ness noun

unattached
adj. 1 a : not assigned or committed (as to a particular task, organization, or person) especially : not married or engaged b : not seized as security for a legal judgment
2 : not joined or united <unattached buildings>

unattractive
adj. : not attractive : PLAIN, DULL
–un·at·trac·tive·ly adverb
–un·at·trac·tive·ness noun

unavailing
adj. : not availing : FUTILE, USELESS
–un·avail·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·avail·ing·ness noun

unavoidable
adj. : not avoidable : INEVITABLE <the accident was unavoidable>
–un·avoid·ably \-blē\ adverb

unaware
adj. : UNAWARES

unaware
adj. : not aware : IGNORANT <unaware of the problem>
–un·aware·ly adverb
–un·aware·ness noun

unawares
adv. 1 : without design, attention, preparation, or premeditation
2 : without warning : SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY

unbacked
adj. : lacking support or aid

unbalance
v. : to put out of balance

unbalance
v. : lack of balance : IMBALANCE

unbalanced
adj. : not balanced: as a : not in equilibrium b : mentally disordered or deranged c : not adjusted so as to make credits equal to debits <an unbalanced account>

unballasted
adj. : not furnished with or steadied by ballast : UNSTEADY

unbandage
: to remove a bandage from

unbar
v. : to remove a bar from : UNBOLT, OPEN

unbarbered
: having long and especially unkempt hair

unbarred
v. 1 : not secured by a bar : UNLOCKED
2 : not marked with bars

unbated
1 : UNABATED
2 archaic : not blunted

unbe
archaic : to lack or cease to have being

unbearable
adj. : not bearable : UNENDURABLE <unbearable pain>
–un·bear·ably \-blē\ adverb

unbeatable
adj. 1 : not capable of being defeated
2 : possessing unsurpassable qualities
–un·beat·ably \-blē\ adverb

unbeaten
adj. 1 : not pounded or beaten : not whipped
2 : not traversed : UNTRODDEN
3 : not defeated

unbeautiful
: not beautiful : UNATTRACTIVE
–un·beau·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

unbecoming
adj. : not becoming <an unbecoming dress> especially : not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life <unbecoming conduct>
synonyms see INDECOROUS
–un·be·com·ing·ly \-miŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·be·com·ing·ness noun

unbeknownst
adj. 1 : happening or existing without the knowledge of someone specified ― usually used with to <unbeknownst to us rumors were flying>
2 : UNKNOWN

unbelief
n. : incredulity or skepticism especially in matters of religious faith

unbelievable
adj. : too improbable for belief <the plot is unreal and unbelievable> also : of such a superlative degree as to be hard to believe <the destruction was unbelievable> <made an unbelievable catch in center field>
–un·be·liev·ably \-blē\ adverb

unbeliever
n. 1 : one that does not believe in a particular religious faith
2 : one that does not believe : an incredulous person : DOUBTER, SKEPTIC

unbelieving
adj. : marked by unbelief : INCREDULOUS, SKEPTICAL
–un·be·liev·ing·ly \-viŋ-lē\ adverb

unbelted
v. : not furnished with a belt

unbend
v. transitive verb
1 : to free from flexure : make or allow to become straight <unbend a bow>
2 : to cause (as the mind) to relax
3 a : to unfasten (as a sail) from a spar or stay b : to cast loose (as a rope) : UNTIE
intransitive verb
1 : to relax one's severity, stiffness, or austerity
2 : to cease to be bent : become straight

unbendable
adj. : SINGLE-MINDED, FIRM

unbending
adj. 1 : not bending : UNYIELDING, INFLEXIBLE <an unbending will>
2 : aloof or unsocial in manner : RESERVED

unbeseeming
adj. : not befitting : UNBECOMING

unbiased
adj. 1 : free from bias especially : free from all prejudice and favoritism : eminently fair <an unbiased opinion>
2 : having an expected value equal to a population parameter being estimated <an unbiased estimate of the population mean>
synonyms see FAIR
–un·bi·ased·ness \-əs(t)-nəs\ noun

unbiblical
: contrary to or unsanctioned by the Bible

unbidden
adj. : not bidden : UNASKED, UNINVITED <barged in unbidden>

unbind
v. 1 : to remove a band from : free from fastenings : UNTIE, UNFASTEN
2 : to set free : RELEASE

unbitted
archaic : UNBRIDLED, UNCONTROLLED <our unbitted lusts ― Shakespeare>

unblenched
: not disconcerted : UNDAUNTED

unblessed
adj. 1 : EVIL, ACCURSED
2 : not blessed <an unblessed marriage>

unblinded
: not blinded especially : free from illusion

unblinking
adj. 1 : not blinking
2 : not showing signs of emotion, doubt, or confusion <unblinking frankness>
–un·blink·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

unblock
v. : to free from being blocked

unblushing
adj. 1 : not blushing
2 : SHAMELESS, UNABASHED <unblushing greed>
–un·blush·ing·ly \-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

unbodied
adj. 1 : having no body : INCORPOREAL also : freed from the body <unbodied souls>
2 : FORMLESS

unbolt
v. : to open or unfasten by withdrawing a bolt

unbolted
adj. : not fastened by bolts

unbolted
adj. : not sifted <unbolted flour>

unbonneted
: BAREHEADED

unborn
adj. 1 : not born : not brought into life
2 : still to appear : FUTURE
3 : existing without birth

unbosom
v. 1 : to give expression to : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
2 : to disclose the thoughts or feelings of (oneself)
intransitive verb : to unbosom oneself

unbound
adj. : not bound: as a (1) : not fastened (2) : not confined b : not having the leaves fastened together <an unbound book> c : not bound together with other issues <unbound periodicals> d : not held in chemical or physical combination

unbounded
adj. 1 : having no limit <unbounded joy>
2 : UNRESTRAINED, UNCONTROLLED
–un·bound·ed·ness noun

unbowed
adj. 1 : not bowed down
2 : not subdued <bloodied but unbowed>

unbox
: to remove from a box

unbrace
v. 1 : to free or detach by or as if by untying or removing a brace or bond
2 : ENFEEBLE, WEAKEN

unbraid
v. : to separate the strands of : UNRAVEL

unbranched
adj. 1 : having no branches <a straight unbranched trunk>
2 : not divided into branches <a leaf with unbranched veins>

unbranded
adj. 1 : not marked with the owner's name or mark <unbranded cattle>
2 : not sold under a brand name

unbreathable
: not fit for being breathed

unbred
adj. 1 obsolete : ILL-BRED
2 : not taught : UNTRAINED
3 : not bred : never having been bred <an unbred heifer>

unbridle
v. : to free or loose from a bridle broadly : to set loose : free from restraint

unbridled
adj. 1 : UNRESTRAINED <unbridled enthusiasm>
2 : not confined by a bridle

unbroke
: UNBROKEN

unbroken
adj. : not broken: as a : not violated b : WHOLE, INTACT c : not subdued : UNTAMED especially : not trained for service or use <unbroken colts> d : CONTINUOUS <miles of unbroken forest> e : not plowed f : not disorganized <advanced in unbroken ranks>

unbuckle
v. : to loose the buckle of : UNFASTEN
intransitive verb
1 : to loosen buckles
2 : RELAX

unbudgeable
: not able to be budged or changed : INFLEXIBLE <an unbudgeable optimist>
–un·budge·ably \-blē\ adverb

unbudging
adj. : not budging : resisting movement or change
–un·budg·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

unbuild
v. transitive verb : to pull down : DEMOLISH, RAZE
intransitive verb : to destroy something

unbuilt
adj. 1 : not built : not yet constructed
2 : not built on <an unbuilt plot>

unbundle
v. : to give separate prices for equipment and supporting services
transitive verb : to price separately

unburden
v. 1 : to free or relieve from a burden
2 : to relieve oneself of (as cares, fears, or worries) : cast off

unburdened
v. : not burdened : having no weight or load <unburdened by the expectations of others>

unbutton
v. 1 : to loose the buttons of
2 : to open by or as if by loosing buttons
intransitive verb : to undo buttons

unbuttoned
adj. 1 a : not buttoned b : not provided with buttons
2 : not under constraint : free and unrestricted in action and expression <the musicians' unbuttoned energy>

Unc
uncirculated

uncage
v. : to release from or as if from a cage : free from restraint

uncalculated
adj. : not planned or thought out beforehand : SPONTANEOUS <uncalculated confrontations>

uncalculating
: not based on or marked by calculation <uncalculating love> <uncalculating gallantry>

uncalled-for
1 : not called for or needed : UNNECESSARY
2 : being or offered without provocation or justification <an uncalled-for display of temper> <uncalled-for insults>

uncanny
adj. 1 a : seeming to have a supernatural character or origin : EERIE, MYSTERIOUS b : being beyond what is normal or expected : suggesting superhuman or supernatural powers <an uncanny sense of direction>
2 chiefly Scottish : SEVERE, PUNISHING
synonyms see WEIRD
–un·can·ni·ly \-'ka-nə-lē\ adverb
–un·can·ni·ness \-'ka-nē-nəs\ noun

Uncas
1588?-?1683 Pequot Indian chief

uncaused
adj. : having no antecedent cause

unceasing
adj. : never ceasing : CONTINUOUS, INCESSANT <unceasing efforts> <unceasing vigilance>
–un·ceas·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

uncelebrated
adj. 1 : not formally honored or commemorated
2 : not famous : OBSCURE <solid but uncelebrated players>

unceremonious
adj. 1 : not ceremonious : INFORMAL
2 : ABRUPT, RUDE <an unceremonious dismissal>
–un·cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb
–un·cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

uncertain
adj. 1 : INDEFINITE, INDETERMINATE <the time of departure is uncertain>
2 : not certain to occur : PROBLEMATICAL <his success was uncertain>
3 : not reliable : UNTRUSTWORTHY <an uncertain ally>
4 a : not known beyond doubt : DUBIOUS <an uncertain claim> b : not having certain knowledge : DOUBTFUL <remains uncertain about her plans> c : not clearly identified or defined <a fire of uncertain origin>
5 : not constant : VARIABLE, FITFUL <an uncertain breeze>
–un·cer·tain·ly adverb
–un·cer·tain·ness \-tən-(n)əs\ noun

uncertainty
n. 1 : the quality or state of being uncertain : DOUBT
2 : something that is uncertain
synonyms UNCERTAINTY, DOUBT, DUBIETY, SKEPTICISM, SUSPICION, MISTRUST mean lack of sureness about someone or something. UNCERTAINTY may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result <assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty>. DOUBT suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision <plagued by doubts as to what to do>. DUBIETY stresses a wavering between conclusions <felt some dubiety about its practicality>. SKEPTICISM implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence <an economic forecast greeted with skepticism>. SUSPICION stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone <regarded the stranger with suspicion>. MISTRUST implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion <had a great mistrust of doctors>.

uncertainty
n. uncertainty principle
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

uncertainty principle
: a principle in quantum mechanics: it is impossible to discern simultaneously and with high accuracy both the position and the momentum of a particle (as an electron) ― called also Heisenberg uncertainty principle

UNCF
United Negro College Fund

unchain
v. : to free by or as if by removing a chain : set loose <unchain workers from their desks>

unchancy
adj. 1 chiefly Scottish : ILL-FATED
2 chiefly Scottish : DANGEROUS

unchangeable
adj. : not changing or to be changed : IMMUTABLE <unchangeable documents> <unchangeable facts>
–un·change·abil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌchān-jə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·change·able·ness \ˌən-'chān-jə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·change·ably \-blē\ adverb

unchanging
adj. : CONSTANT, INVARIABLE <unchanging beliefs>
–un·chang·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·chang·ing·ness noun

uncharacteristic
adj. : not characteristic : not typical or distinctive <uncharacteristic outbursts of temper>
–un·char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

uncharge
obsolete : ACQUIT

uncharged
adj. : not charged specifically : having no electric charge

uncharitable
adj. : lacking in charity : severe in judging : HARSH <uncharitable comments>
–un·char·i·ta·ble·ness noun
–un·char·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

uncharted
adj. : not recorded or plotted on a map, chart, or plan <an uncharted island> broadly : UNKNOWN <a discussion moving into uncharted territory>

unchaste
adj. : not chaste : lacking in chastity
–un·chaste·ly adverb
–un·chaste·ness \-'chās(t)-nəs\ noun

unchastity
n. : the quality or state of being unchaste

unchivalrous
adj. : not chivalrous : lacking in chivalry <an unchivalrous rivalry>
–un·chiv·al·rous·ly adverb

unchoke
: to clear of obstruction

unchristian
adj. 1 : not of the Christian faith
2 a : contrary to the Christian spirit or character b : UNCIVILIZED, BARBAROUS

unchurch
v. 1 : to expel from a church : EXCOMMUNICATE
2 : to deprive of a church or of status as a church

unchurched
: not belonging to or connected with a church

unci
n. plural of uncus

uncial
n. : written in the style or size of uncials
–un·cial·ly adverb

uncial
n. 1 : a handwriting used especially in Greek and Latin manuscripts of the fourth to the eighth centuries A.D. and made with somewhat rounded separated majuscules but having cursive forms for some letters
2 : an uncial letter
3 : a manuscript written in uncial

unciform
adj. : hook-shaped : UNCINATE

uncinariasis
n. : HOOKWORM 2

uncinate
adj. : bent at the tip like a hook : HOOKED <an uncinate achene>

uncirculated
: issued for use as money but kept out of circulation (as for preservation in a collection)

uncircumcised
adj. 1 : not circumcised
2 : spiritually impure : HEATHEN
–un·cir·cum·ci·sion \ˌən-ˌsər-kəm-'si-zhən\ noun

uncivil
adj. 1 : not civilized : BARBAROUS
2 : lacking in courtesy : ILL-MANNERED, IMPOLITE <uncivil remarks>
3 : not conducive to civic harmony and welfare
–un·civ·il·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

uncivilized
adj. 1 : not civilized : BARBAROUS
2 : remote from settled areas : WILD

unclamp
v. : to loosen the clamp of : to free from a clamp

unclarity
n. : lack of clarity : AMBIGUITY, OBSCURITY

unclasp
v. 1 : to open the clasp of
2 : to open or cause to be opened (as a clenched hand)
intransitive verb : to loosen a hold

unclassical
: not classical especially : unconcerned with the classics

unclassified
adj. 1 : not placed or belonging in a class
2 : not subject to a security classification <unclassified information>

uncle
n. 1 a : the brother of one's father or mother b : the husband of one's aunt
2 : one who helps, advises, or encourages
3 ― used as a cry of surrender <was forced to cry uncle>
4 capitalized : UNCLE SAM

uncle
n. Dutch uncle
great uncle
say uncle
Uncle Sam
Uncle Tom
Uncle Tomism
Uncle Tomming
Uncle Tommed

Uncle Sam
1 : the U.S. government
2 : the American nation or people

Uncle Tom
1 : a black who is overeager to win the approval of whites (as by obsequious behavior or uncritical acceptance of white values and goals)
2 : a member of a low-status group who is overly subservient to or cooperative with authority <the worst floor managers and supervisors by far are women⋯Some of them are regular Uncle Toms ― Jane Fonda>
–Uncle Tom·ism \-'tä-ˌmi-zəm\ noun

Uncle Tom
: to behave like an Uncle Tom

unclean
adj. 1 : morally or spiritually impure
2 : infected with a harmful supernatural contagion also : prohibited by ritual law for use or contact
3 : DIRTY, FILTHY
4 : lacking in clarity and precision of conception or execution
–un·clean·ness \-'klēn-nəs\ noun

uncleanly
adj. : morally or physically unclean
–un·clean·li·ness noun

uncleanly
adj. : in an unclean manner

unclench
v. 1 : to open from a clenched position
2 : to release from a grip
intransitive verb : to become unclasped or relaxed

unclimbable
: not able to be climbed
–un·climb·able·ness noun

unclinch
: UNCLENCH

uncloak
v. 1 : to remove a cloak or cover from
2 : REVEAL, UNMASK <uncloak an impostor>
intransitive verb : to take off a cloak

unclog
v. : to free from a difficulty or obstruction

unclose
v. 1 : OPEN
2 : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
intransitive verb : to become opened

unclosed
adj. : not closed or settled : not concluded

unclothe
v. 1 : to strip of clothes
2 : DIVEST, UNCOVER <the hardest thing to unclothe is still our fears ― Joe Williams>

unclothed
adj. : not clothed

unclouded
adj. : not covered by clouds : not darkened or obscured : CLEAR
–un·cloud·ed·ly adverb

unclubbable
: UNSOCIABLE 1

unclutter
v. : to remove clutter from : make neat and orderly <unclutter the garage>

uncluttered
adj. : not cluttered <an uncluttered desk>

unco
n. 1 chiefly Scottish a : STRANGE, UNKNOWN b : UNCANNY, WEIRD
2 chiefly Scottish : EXTRAORDINARY

unco
n. : EXTREMELY, REMARKABLY, UNCOMMONLY <you keep your room unco hot ― R. L. Stevenson>

unco
n. 1 plural chiefly Scottish : NEWS, TIDINGS
2 chiefly Scottish : STRANGER

uncock
v. : to remove the hammer of (a firearm) from a cocked position

uncoffin
: to remove from or as if from a coffin

uncoffined
: not placed in a coffin

uncoil
v. : to release from a coiled state : UNWIND
intransitive verb : to become uncoiled

uncoiled
: not coiled

uncoined
adj. 1 : not minted <uncoined metal>
2 : not fabricated : NATURAL <plain and uncoined constancy ― Shakespeare>

uncomfortable
adj. 1 : causing discomfort or annoyance <an uncomfortable chair> <an uncomfortable performance>
2 : feeling discomfort : UNEASY <was uncomfortable with them>
–un·com·fort·ably \-blē\ adverb

uncommercial
adj. 1 : not engaged in or related to commerce
2 : not based on commercial principles
3 : not likely to result in financial success <an uncommercial book>

uncommitted
adj. : not committed specifically : not pledged to a particular belief, allegiance, or program <uncommitted voters>

uncommon
adj. 1 : not ordinarily encountered : UNUSUAL <an uncommon plant>
2 : REMARKABLE, EXCEPTIONAL <a soldier of uncommon courage>
synonyms see INFREQUENT
–un·com·mon·ly adverb
–un·com·mon·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun

uncommunicable
adj. : INCOMMUNICABLE <uncommunicable grief>

uncommunicative
adj. : not disposed to talk or impart information : RESERVED

Uncompahgre Peak
mountain 14,309 ft (4361 m) SW Colo.; highest in San Juan Mountains

Uncompahgre Plateau
tableland W Colo. SW of the Gunnison

uncompetitive
adj. : not competitive : unable to compete
–un·com·pet·i·tive·ness noun

uncomplaining
adj. : not complaining : PATIENT <uncomplaining acceptance>
–un·com·plain·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

uncomplicated
adj. 1 a : not complicated by something outside itself b : not involving medical complications <an uncomplicated peptic ulcer>
2 : not complex : SIMPLE <uncomplicated machinery>

uncomplimentary
adj. : not complimentary : DEROGATORY <uncomplimentary remarks>

uncomprehending
adj. : not comprehending : lacking understanding
–un·com·pre·hend·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

uncompromisable
: not able to be compromised <uncompromisable ideals>

uncompromising
adj. : not making or accepting a compromise : making no concessions : INFLEXIBLE, UNYIELDING
–un·com·pro·mis·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·com·pro·mis·ing·ness \-nəs\ noun

unconceivable
adj. : INCONCEIVABLE

unconcern
adj. 1 : lack of care or interest : INDIFFERENCE <his unconcern for personal gain>
2 : freedom from excessive concern or anxiety

unconcerned
adj. 1 : not involved : not having any part or interest
2 : not anxious or upset : free of worry
synonyms see INDIFFERENT
–un·con·cerned·ly \-'sər-nəd-lē, -'sərnd-lē\ adverb
–un·con·cerned·ness \-'sər-nəd-nəs, -'sərn(d)-nəs\ noun

unconditional
adj. 1 : not conditional or limited : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <unconditional surrender> <unconditional love>
2 : UNCONDITIONED 2
–un·con·di·tion·al·ly adverb

unconditioned
adj. 1 : not subject to conditions or limitations
2 a : not dependent on or subjected to conditioning or learning : NATURAL <unconditioned responses> b : producing an unconditioned response <unconditioned stimuli>

unconformable
adj. 1 : not conforming
2 : exhibiting geological unconformity
–un·con·form·ably \-blē\ adverb

unconformity
n. 1 archaic : lack of conformity
2 a : lack of continuity in deposition between rock strata in contact corresponding to a period of nondeposition, weathering, or erosion b : the surface of contact between unconformable strata

uncongenial
adj. 1 : not sympathetic or compatible <uncongenial roommates>
2 a : not fitted : UNSUITABLE <a soil uncongenial to most crops> b : not to one's taste : DISAGREEABLE <an uncongenial task>
–un·con·ge·nial·i·ty \-ˌjē-nē-'a-lə-tē, -ˌjēn-'ya-\ noun

unconquerable
adj. 1 : incapable of being conquered : INDOMITABLE <an unconquerable will>
2 : incapable of being surmounted <unconquerable difficulties>
–un·con·quer·ably \-blē\ adverb

unconscionable
1 : not guided or controlled by conscience : UNSCRUPULOUS <an unconscionable villain>
2 a : EXCESSIVE, UNREASONABLE <found an unconscionable number of defects in the car> b : shockingly unfair or unjust <unconscionable sales practices>
–un·con·scio·na·bil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌkän(t)-sh(ə-)nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·con·scio·na·ble·ness \ˌən-'kän(t)-sh(ə-)nə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·con·scio·na·bly \-blē\ adverb

unconscious
1 a : not knowing or perceiving : not aware b : free from self-awareness
2 a : not possessing mind or consciousness <unconscious matter> b (1) : not marked by conscious thought, sensation, or feeling <unconscious motivation> (2) : of or relating to the unconscious c : having lost consciousness <was unconscious for three days>
3 : not consciously held or deliberately planned or carried out <an unconscious bias>
–un·con·scious·ly adverb
–un·con·scious·ness noun

unconscious
n. : the part of mental life that does not ordinarily enter the individual's awareness yet may influence behavior and perception or be revealed (as in slips of the tongue or in dreams)

unconsidered
adj. 1 : not considered or worth consideration
2 : not resulting from consideration <unconsidered remarks>

unconsolidated
adj. : loosely arranged <unconsolidated subsidiaries> especially : not stratified <unconsolidated soil>

unconstitutional
adj. : not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (as a nation) <an unconstitutional infringement on rights>
–un·con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌtü-shə-'na-lə-tē, -ˌtyü-\ noun
–un·con·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adverb

unconstraint
n. : freedom from constraint : EASE <played the game with creative unconstraint ― E. M. Swift>

unconstructed
of clothing : manufactured without added material for padding, stiffening, or shape retention

uncontrollable
adj. 1 archaic : free from control by a superior power : ABSOLUTE
2 : incapable of being controlled : UNGOVERNABLE <a rush of uncontrollable emotions>
–un·con·trol·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌtrō-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·con·trol·la·bly \-'trō-lə-blē\ adverb

unconventional
adj. : not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary <an unconventional outfit> <an unconventional thinker>
–un·con·ven·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌven(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–un·con·ven·tion·al·ly adverb

unconvincing
adj. : not convincing : IMPLAUSIBLE <an unconvincing argument>
–un·con·vinc·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·con·vinc·ing·ness noun

uncool
adj. 1 : lacking in assurance, sophistication, or self-control
2 : failing to accord with the values or styles (as of dress or behavior) of a particular group : not accepted or admired as cool or proper <driving an uncool car> <an uncool remark>

uncork
v. 1 : to draw a cork from <uncork a bottle>
2 a : to release from a sealed or pent-up state <uncork a surprise> b : to let go : RELEASE <uncork a wild pitch>

uncorked
v. : not provided with a cork

uncorseted
1 : not wearing a corset
2 : not controlled or inhibited <uncorseted freedom>

uncounted
adj. 1 : not counted
2 : INNUMERABLE

uncouple
v. 1 : to release (dogs) from a pair of joined collars
2 : DETACH, DISCONNECT <uncouple railroad cars>
–un·cou·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

uncouth
adj. 1 a archaic : not known or not familiar to one : seldom experienced : UNCOMMON, RARE b obsolete : MYSTERIOUS, UNCANNY
2 a : strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : OUTLANDISH b : lacking in polish and grace : RUGGED <uncouth verse> c : awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : RUDE
–un·couth·ly adverb
–un·couth·ness noun

uncover
v. 1 : to make known : bring to light : DISCLOSE, REVEAL <uncover the truth>
2 : to expose to view by removing some covering
3 a : to take the cover from b : to remove the hat from <uncovered his head>
4 : to deprive of protection
intransitive verb
1 : to remove a cover or covering
2 : to take off the hat as a token of respect

uncovered
adj. : not covered: as a : not supplied with a covering b : not covered by insurance or included in a social insurance or welfare program c : not covered by collateral <an uncovered note>

uncreated
adj. 1 : not existing by creation : ETERNAL, SELF-EXISTENT
2 : not yet created

uncritical
adj. 1 : not critical : lacking in discrimination
2 : showing lack or improper use of critical standards or procedures
–un·crit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

uncross
v. : to change from a crossed position

uncrown
v. : to take the crown from : DETHRONE

uncrumple
v. : to restore to an original smooth condition

unction
n. 1 : the act of anointing as a rite of consecration or healing
2 : something used for anointing : OINTMENT, UNGUENT
3 a : religious or spiritual fervor or the expression of such fervor b : exaggerated, assumed, or superficial earnestness of language or manner : UNCTUOUSNESS

unctuous
adj. 1 a : FATTY, OILY b : smooth and greasy in texture or appearance
2 : PLASTIC <fine unctuous clay>
3 : full of unction especially : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality
–unc·tu·ous·ly adverb
–unc·tu·ous·ness noun

uncurl
v. : to become straightened out from a curled or coiled position
transitive verb : to straighten the curls of : UNROLL

uncus
n. : a hooked anatomical part or process

uncut
adj. 1 : not cut down or cut into
2 : not shaped by cutting <an uncut diamond>
3 of a book : not having the folds of the leaves slit
4 : not abridged, curtailed, or expurgated <the film's uncut version>
5 : not diluted or adulterated <uncut gin> <uncut heroin>

und so weiter
: and so on

undauntable
: UNDAUNTED

undaunted
adj. : courageously resolute especially in the face of danger or difficulty : not discouraged
synonyms see BRAVE
–un·daunt·ed·ly adverb

undead
adj. 1 : VAMPIRE 1
2 : ZOMBIE 1B

undebatable
adj. : not subject to debate : INDISPUTABLE
–un·de·bat·ably \-blē\ adverb

undeceive
v. : to free from deception, illusion, or error

undecillion
― see NUMBER table

undecylenic acid
: a fatty acid C_11H_20O_2 found in perspiration, obtained commercially from castor oil, and used especially in the treatment of fungal infections (as ringworm) of the skin

undemocratic
adj. : not democratic : not agreeing with democratic practice or ideals
–un·dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

undemonstrative
adj. : restrained in expression of feeling : RESERVED
–un·de·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb
–un·de·mon·stra·tive·ness noun

undeniable
adj. 1 : plainly true : INCONTESTABLE <an undeniable fact>
2 : unquestionably excellent or genuine <an applicant with undeniable references>
–un·de·ni·able·ness noun
–un·de·ni·ably \-blē\ adverb

under
prep. 1 : in or into a position below or beneath something
2 : below or short of some quantity, level, or limit <$10 or under> ― often used in combination <understaffed>
3 : in or into a condition of subjection, subordination, or unconsciousness <put the patient under for surgery>
4 : down to defeat, ruin, or death <businesses going under>
5 : so as to be covered <buried under by the avalanche>

under
prep. 1 : below or beneath so as to be overhung, surmounted, covered, protected, or concealed by <under sunny skies> <a soft heart under a stern exterior> <under cover of darkness>
2 a : subject to the authority, control, guidance, or instruction of <served under the general> <under the terms of the contract> <a program that runs under any operating system> b : receiving or undergoing the action or effect of <under pressure> <courage under fire> <under the influence of alcohol> <the image of a point under a mapping> <under oath>
3 a : within the group or designation of <under this heading> b : having as name or title <traveling under an alias>
4 : less or lower than (as in size, amount, or rank) especially : falling short of a standard or required degree <under the legal age> <under par>

under
prep. 1 a : lying or placed below, beneath, or on the ventral side ― often used in combination <underlip> b : facing or protruding downward
2 : lower in rank or authority : SUBORDINATE
3 : lower than usual, proper, or desired in amount, quality, or degree ― often used in combination <an under-dose of medicine>

under
prep. under deadline
Newcastle under Lyme
under pain of
under the thumb
under arrest
under one's belt
under one's breath
build a fire under
under the counter
under cover
down under
under fire
go under
under the gun
under the hammer
under one's hat
under heel
hot under the collar
under the influence
knuckle under
under one's nose
plow under
pull the rug from under
under the rose
under sail
under seal
sit under
under the skin
under one's skin
snow under
under the sun
under the table
under one's thumb
under way
under weigh
under the weather
under the wind
under one's wing
under the wire
Down Under

under arrest
in legal custody

under cover

1 : in an envelope or wrapper
2 : under concealment : in secret

under fire

1 : exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons
2 : under attack

under heel
under control or subjection

under one's belt
in one's possession : as part of one's experience

under one's breath
so as to be barely audible <mumbled something under his breath>

under one's hat
not disclosed : SECRET <kept the news under his hat>

under one's nose
extremely near to one <the answer was right under our noses> also : brazenly in or as if in one's presence <embezzling funds right under his nose>

under one's skin
so deeply penetrative as to irritate, stimulate, provoke thought, or otherwise excite

under one's thumb
or under the thumb : under control : in a state of subservience <her father did not have her that much under his thumb ― Hamilton Basso>

under one's wing
under one's protection : in one's care <took her under his wing>

under sail
in motion with sails set

under seal
with an authenticating seal affixed

under the counter
by surreptitious means : in an illicit and private manner <workers being paid under the counter>

under the gun
under pressure or attack

under the hammer
for sale at auction

under the influence
affected by alcohol : DRUNK <was arrested for driving under the influence>

under the rose
SUB ROSA

under the skin
beneath apparent or surface differences : at heart

under the sun
in the world : on earth

under the table

1 : into a stupor <can drink you under the table>
2 : in a covert manner <took money under the table>

under the weather

1 : ILL
2 : DRUNK 1A

under the wind

1 : to leeward
2 : in a place protected from the wind : under the lee

under the wire

1 : at the finish line
2 : at the last moment

under way
1 : in motion : not at anchor or aground
2 : into motion from a standstill
3 : in progress : AFOOT <preparations were under way> <the season got under way with a bang>

under weigh
: UNDER WAY

under-the-counter
: surreptitious and usually irregular or illicit <under-the-counter liquor sales>

under-the-table
: covert and usually unlawful <under-the-table payoffs>

underachiever
n. : one (as a student) that fails to attain a predicted level of achievement or does not do as well as expected
–un·der·achieve \-ə-'chēv\ intransitive verb
–un·der·achieve·ment \-mənt\ noun

underact
v. : to perform (a dramatic part) with restraint for effect : UNDERPLAY
intransitive verb : to perform feebly or with restraint

underactive
: characterized by an abnormally low level of activity <an underactive thyroid gland>
–un·der·ac·tiv·i·ty \-'ti-və-tē\ noun

underage
adj. 1 : of less than mature or legal age
2 : done by or involving underage persons <underage drinking>

underappreciated
: not duly appreciated

underarm
n. 1 : UNDERHAND 4
2 : placed under or on the underside of the arm <underarm seams>

underarm
n. : UNDERHAND

underarm
n. 1 : ARMPIT 1
2 : the part of a garment that covers the underside of the arm

underbelly
n. 1 : a vulnerable area also : a corrupt or sordid part <probing the underbelly of the entertainment industry>
2 : the underside of a body or mass

underbid
v. transitive verb
1 : to bid less than (a competing bidder)
2 : to bid (a hand of cards) at less than the strength of the hand warrants
intransitive verb : to bid too low
–un·der·bid·der noun

underbody
n. : the lower part of something: as a : the lower part of an animal's body : UNDERPARTS b : the lower parts of the body of a vehicle

underboss
: a boss ranking next below the head of a branch of a crime syndicate

underbred
adj. : marked by lack of good breeding : ILL-BRED <a degree of underbred pride ― Emily Brönte>

underbrim
: a facing on the underside of a hat brim

underbrush
n. 1 : shrubs, bushes, or small trees growing beneath large trees in a wood or forest : BRUSH
2 : a tangled, obstructing, or impeding mass

underbudgeted
: provided with an inadequate budget

undercapitalized
: having too little capital for efficient operation <an undercapitalized business>

undercard
n. : a program (as of boxing matches) supporting the featured match

undercarriage
n. 1 : a supporting framework or underside (as of an automobile)
2 : the landing gear of an airplane

undercharge
v. : to charge (as a person) too little
–undercharge \'ən-dər-ˌ\ noun

underclass
n. : the lowest social stratum usually made up of disadvantaged minority groups

underclassman
n. : a member of the freshman or sophomore class in a school or college

underclothes
n. : UNDERWEAR

underclothing
n. : UNDERWEAR

undercoat
n. 1 : a coat or jacket worn under another
2 : a growth of short hair or fur partly concealed by the longer and usually coarser guard hairs of a mammal
3 a : a coat (as of paint) applied as a base for another coat b : UNDERCOATING
4 dialect : PETTICOAT

undercoating
n. : a usually asphalt-based waterproof coating applied to the underside of a vehicle

undercool
v. : SUPERCOOL

undercount
v. : to count fewer than the actual number of
–undercount noun

undercover
adj. : acting or executed in secret specifically : employed or engaged in spying or secret investigation <an undercover agent>
–undercover adverb

undercover
adj. : a person engaged in undercover activity : SPY

undercroft
n. : a subterranean room especially : a vaulted chamber under a church

undercurrent
n. 1 : a current below the upper currents or surface
2 : a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown
–undercurrent adjective

undercut
n. transitive verb
1 : to cut away the underpart of <undercut a vein of ore>
2 : to cut away material from the underside of (an object) so as to leave an overhanging portion in relief
3 : to offer to sell at lower prices than or to work for lower wages than (a competitor)
4 : to cut obliquely into (a tree) below the main cut and on the side toward which the tree will fall
5 : to strike (a ball) with a downward glancing blow so as to give a backspin or elevation to the shot
6 : to undermine or destroy the force, value, or effectiveness of <inflation undercuts consumer buying power>
intransitive verb : to perform the action of cutting away beneath

undercut
n. 1 British : TENDERLOIN 1
2 : the action or result of cutting away from the underside or lower part of something
3 : a notch cut in the base of a tree before felling to determine the direction of falling and to prevent splitting

underdeveloped
adj. 1 : not normally or adequately developed <underdeveloped muscles> <underdeveloped film>
2 : having a relatively low economic level of industrial production and standard of living (as from lack of capital) <underdeveloped nations>
–un·der·de·vel·op·ment \-ləp-mənt\ noun

underdiagnose
: to diagnose (a condition or disease) less often than it is actually present
–un·der·di·ag·no·sis \-ˌdī-ig-'nō-səs, -əg-\ noun

underdog
n. 1 : a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest
2 : a victim of injustice or persecution

underdone
adj. : not thoroughly cooked : RARE

underdrawers
n. : an article of underwear for the lower body

underdrawing
: a preliminary sketch made on a surface (as a canvas or panel) prior to painting

underdress
n. : to dress in overly or inappropriately simple or informal clothing
transitive verb : to dress (as oneself) more simply or informally than is appropriate

undereducated
adj. : poorly educated

underemphasis
n. : less emphasis than is possible or desirable

underemphasize
v. : to fail to emphasize adequately

underemployed
adj. : having less than full-time, regular, or adequate employment

underemployment
n. 1 : the condition in which people in a labor force are employed at less than full-time or regular jobs or at jobs inadequate with respect to their training or economic needs
2 : the condition of being underemployed

underestimate
n. 1 : to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
2 : to place too low a value on : UNDERRATE
–un·der·es·ti·mate \-mət\ noun
–un·der·es·ti·ma·tion \-ˌes-tə-'mā-shən\ noun

underexploited
: not fully or sufficiently utilized <an underexploited food source>

underexpose
v. : to expose insufficiently especially : to expose (as film) to insufficient radiation (as light)
–un·der·ex·po·sure \-'spō-zhər\ noun

underfeed
v. : to feed with too little food

underfinanced
adj. : inadequately financed

underfoot
adj. 1 : under the foot especially against the ground <trampled the flowers underfoot>
2 : below, at, or before one's feet <warm sand underfoot>
3 : in the way <children always getting underfoot>

underfund
v. : to provide insufficient funds for

underfur
n. : an undercoat of fur especially when thick and soft

undergarment
n. : a garment to be worn under another

undergird
v. 1 archaic : to make secure underneath <took measures to undergird the ship ― Acts 27:17(RSV)>
2 : to form the basis or foundation of : STRENGTHEN, SUPPORT <facts and statistics subtly undergird his commentary ― Susan Q. Stranahan>

underglaze
n. : applied or suitable for applying before the glaze is put on <underglaze decorations> <underglaze colors>
–underglaze noun

undergo
v. 1 : to submit to : ENDURE
2 : to go through : EXPERIENCE <undergo a transformation>
3 obsolete : UNDERTAKE
4 obsolete : to partake of

undergrad
n. : UNDERGRADUATE

undergraduate
n. : a student at a college or university who has not received a first and especially a bachelor's degree
–undergraduate adjective

underground
n. 1 : beneath the surface of the earth
2 : in or into hiding or secret operation

underground
n. 1 : a subterranean space or channel
2 : an underground city railway system
3 a : a movement or group organized in strict secrecy among citizens especially in an occupied country for maintaining communications, popular solidarity, and concerted resistive action pending liberation b : a clandestine conspiratorial organization set up for revolutionary or other disruptive purposes especially against a civil order c : an unofficial, unsanctioned, or illegal but informal movement or group especially : a usually avant-garde group or movement that functions outside the establishment

underground
n. 1 : being, growing, operating, or situated below the surface of the ground
2 : conducted by secret means
3 a : existing outside the establishment <an underground literary reputation> b : existing outside the purview of tax collectors or statisticians <the underground economy>
4 a : produced or published outside the establishment especially by the avant-garde <underground movies> <underground newspapers> b : of or relating to the avant-garde underground <an underground moviemaker> <an underground theater>

Underground Railroad
: a system of cooperation among active antislavery people in the U.S. before 1863 by which fugitive slaves were secretly helped to reach the North or Canada ― called also Underground Railway

undergrounder
n. : a member of the underground

undergrowth
n. : low growth on the floor of a forest including seedlings and saplings, shrubs, and herbs

underhand
adj. 1 a : in a clandestine manner b archaic : in a quiet or unobtrusive manner
2 : with an underhand motion <bowl underhand> <pitch underhand>

underhand
adj. 1 : UNDERHANDED
2 : done so as to evade notice
3 : made with the hand brought forward and up from below the shoulder level <an underhand serve>

underhanded
adj. : UNDERHAND

underhanded
: marked by secrecy, chicanery, and deception : not honest and aboveboard : SLY <an underhanded attempt to gain power>
synonyms see SECRET
–un·der·hand·ed·ly adverb
–un·der·hand·ed·ness noun

underinflated
: not sufficiently inflated <underinflated tires>
–un·der·in·fla·tion \-'flā-shən\ noun

underinsured
adj. : not sufficiently insured

underinvestment
n. : an insufficient amount of investment

underlaid
adj. 1 : laid or placed underneath
2 : having something laid or lying underneath

underlay
n. 1 : to cover, line, or traverse the bottom of : give support to on the underside or below
2 : to raise or support by something laid under

underlay
n. : something that is or is designed to be laid under

underlayment
: UNDERLAY

underlet
v. 1 : to let below the real value
2 : SUBLET

underlie
v. 1 archaic : to be subject or amenable to
2 : to lie or be situated under
3 : to be at the basis of : form the foundation of : SUPPORT <ideas underlying the revolution>
4 : to exist as a claim or security superior and prior to (another)

underline
n. 1 : to mark (as a word) with a line underneath
2 : to put emphasis on : STRESS
3 : to show clearly or emphatically

underline
n. 1 : the outline of a quadruped's underbody also : the ventral surface of a quadruped's body
2 : a horizontal line placed underneath something

underling
n. : one who is under the orders of another : SUBORDINATE, INFERIOR

underlip
n. : the lower lip

underlying
adj. 1 a : lying beneath or below <the underlying rock is shale> b : BASIC, FUNDAMENTAL <an investigation of the underlying issues>
2 : evident only on close inspection : IMPLICIT
3 : anterior and prior in claim <underlying mortgage>
4 : of or being present in deep structure <underlying word order>

underlyingly
: in deep structure

undermanned
adj. : inadequately staffed

undermine
v. 1 : to excavate the earth beneath : form a mine under : SAP
2 : to wash away supporting material from under
3 : to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly <trying to undermine his political rivals>
4 : to weaken or ruin by degrees
synonyms see WEAKEN

undermost
adj. : lowest in relative position
–undermost adverb

underneath
adj. 1 a : directly beneath <write the date underneath the address> b : close under especially so as to be hidden <treachery lying underneath a mask of friendliness> <wore a swimsuit underneath his slacks>
2 : under subjection to

underneath
adj. 1 : under or below an object or a surface : BENEATH
2 : on the lower side
–underneath adjective

undernourished
adj. 1 : supplied with less than the minimum amount of the foods essential for sound health and growth
2 : poorly supplied with vital elements or qualities <undernourished independent libraries>
–un·der·nour·ish·ment \-'nər-ish-mənt, -'nə-rish-\ noun

undernutrition
n. : deficient bodily nutrition due to inadequate food intake or faulty assimilation

underpainting
n. : preliminary painting especially : such painting done on a canvas or panel and covered completely or partially by the final layers of paint

underpants
n. : a usually short undergarment for the lower torso : DRAWERS

underpart
n. 1 : a part lying on the lower side (as of a bird or mammal)
2 : a subordinate or auxiliary part or role

underpass
n. : a crossing of a highway and another way (as a road or railroad) at different levels also : the lower level of such a crossing

underpay
v. : to pay less than what is normal or required <underpay taxes>
–un·der·pay·ment noun

underpin
v. 1 : SUPPORT, SUBSTANTIATE <underpin a thesis with evidence>
2 : to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of <underpin a structure> <underpin a sagging building>

underpinning
n. 1 : the material and construction (as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2 : something that serves as a foundation : BASIS, SUPPORT ― often used in plural <the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods>
3 : UNDERWEAR ― usually used in plural
4 : a person's legs ― usually used in plural

underplant
v. : to fill around, under, or among with lower-growing plants <underplant a tree with pansies>

underplay
v. : to play a role with subdued force
transitive verb
1 : to act or present (as a role or a scene) with restraint : PLAY DOWN
2 : to play a card lower than (a held high card)

underplot
n. : SUBPLOT 1

underpopulated
adj. : having a lower density of population than is normal or desirable

underpowered
adj. 1 : driven by an engine of insufficient power
2 : having or supplied with insufficient power

underprepared
adj. : inadequately prepared

underprice
v. 1 : to price below what is normal or below the real value
2 : to undercut (a competitor) in prices

underprivileged
adj. 1 : deprived through social or economic condition of some of the fundamental rights of all members of a civilized society
2 : of or relating to underprivileged people <underprivileged areas of the city>

underproduction
n. : the production of less than enough to satisfy the demand or of less than the usual amount

underpublicized
: insufficiently publicized

underrate
v. : to rate too low : UNDERVALUE

underreact
: to react with less than appropriate force or intensity

underreport
v. : to report to be less than is actually the case : UNDERSTATE <underreports his income> <the number of cases has been underreported>

underrepresented
adj. : inadequately represented
–un·der·rep·re·sen·ta·tion \-ˌzen-'tā-shən, -zən-\ noun

underrun
v. 1 : to pass along under in order to examine (a cable)
2 : to pass or extend under

underrun
v. : the amount by which something produced (as a cut of lumber) falls below an estimate

undersaturated
: less than normally or adequately saturated

underscore
v. 1 : to draw a line under : UNDERLINE
2 : to make evident : EMPHASIZE, STRESS <arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion>
3 : to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore
v. 1 : a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize
2 : music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

undersea
adj. 1 : being or carried on under the sea or under the surface of the sea <undersea oil deposits> <undersea fighting>
2 : designed for use under the surface of the sea <an undersea fleet>

undersea
adj. : under the sea : beneath the surface of the sea <photographs taken undersea>

undersecretary
n. : a secretary immediately subordinate to a principal secretary <undersecretary of health>

undersell
v. 1 : to sell articles cheaper than <undersell a competitor> <we will not be undersold>
2 : to sell cheaper than <imported cars that undersell domestic ones>

underserved
: provided with inadequate service <rural areas underserved by retailers>

undersexed
adj. : deficient in sexual desire

undershirt
n. : a collarless undergarment with or without sleeves
–un·der·shirt·ed adjective

undershoot
v. 1 : to shoot short of or below (a target)
2 : to fall short of (a runway) in landing an airplane

undershorts
n. : underpants for men or boys

undershot
v. 1 : moved by water passing beneath <an undershot wheel>
2 : having the lower incisor teeth or lower jaw projecting beyond the upper when the mouth is closed

undershrub
: SUBSHRUB

underside
n. 1 : the side or surface lying underneath
2 : a side usually hidden from sight specifically : the more unpleasant or reprehensible side <the underside of politics>

undersigned
n. : one whose name is signed at the end of a document <the undersigned all agree>

undersized
adj. : of a size less than is common, proper, normal, or average <undersized trout>

underskirt
n. : a skirt worn under an outer skirt especially : PETTICOAT

underslung
adj. 1 of a vehicle frame : suspended below the axles
2 : having a low center of gravity

underspin
n. : BACKSPIN

understaffed
adj. : inadequately staffed
–un·der·staff·ing \-'sta-fiŋ\ noun

understand
transitive verb
1 a : to grasp the meaning of <understand Russian> b : to grasp the reasonableness of <his behavior is hard to understand> c : to have thorough or technical acquaintance with or expertness in the practice of <understand finance> d : to be thoroughly familiar with the character and propensities of <understands children>
2 : to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty <we understand that he is returning from abroad>
3 : to interpret in one of a number of possible ways
4 : to supply in thought as though expressed <“to be married” is commonly understood after the word engaged>
intransitive verb
1 : to have understanding : have the power of comprehension
2 : to achieve a grasp of the nature, significance, or explanation of something
3 : to believe or infer something to be the case
4 : to show a sympathetic or tolerant attitude toward something
–un·der·stand·abil·i·ty \-ˌstan-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·der·stand·able \-'stan-də-bəl\ adjective
synonyms UNDERSTAND, COMPREHEND, APPRECIATE mean to have a clear or complete idea of. UNDERSTAND and COMPREHEND are very often interchangeable. UNDERSTAND may, however, stress the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something <orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed>. COMPREHEND may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually <I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this>. APPRECIATE implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature <failed to appreciate the risks involved>.

understandably
adv. : as can be easily understood : for understandable reasons <is understandably nervous>

understanding
n. 1 : a mental grasp : COMPREHENSION
2 a : the power of comprehending especially : the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars b : the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories
3 a : friendly or harmonious relationship b : an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences c : a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
4 : EXPLANATION, INTERPRETATION
5 : SYMPATHY 3A

understanding
n. 1 archaic : KNOWING, INTELLIGENT
2 : endowed with understanding : TOLERANT, SYMPATHETIC <an understanding supervisor>
–un·der·stand·ing·ly \-'stan-diŋ-lē\ adverb

understate
v. 1 : to represent as less than is the case <understate taxable income>
2 : to state or present with restraint especially for effect
–un·der·state·ment \-mənt\ noun

understated
adj. : avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment <a powerful understated performance>
–un·der·stat·ed·ly adverb

understeer
n. : the tendency of an automobile to turn less sharply than the driver intends
–un·der·steer \ˌən-dər-'\ intransitive verb

understood
adj. 1 : fully apprehended
2 : agreed upon
3 : IMPLICIT

understory
1 : an underlying layer of vegetation specifically : the vegetative layer and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover
2 : the plants that form the understory

understrapper
n. : a petty agent or subordinate : UNDERLING

understrength
: deficient in strength especially : lacking sufficient or prescribed personnel

understudy
n. : to study another actor's part in order to substitute in an emergency
transitive verb : to prepare (as a part) as understudy also : to prepare as understudy to (as an actor)

understudy
n. : one who is prepared to act another's part or take over another's duties

undersupply
v. : an inadequate supply or amount

undersurface
n. : UNDERSIDE

undersurface
n. : existing or moving below the surface

undertake
v. transitive verb
1 : to take upon oneself : set about : ATTEMPT <undertake a task> <undertake to learn to swim>
2 : to put oneself under obligation to perform also : to accept as a charge or responsibility <the lawyer who undertook the case>
3 : GUARANTEE, PROMISE <readily undertook that the letter should be securely conveyed ― Sir Walter Scott>
intransitive verb archaic : to give surety or assume responsibility

undertaker
n. 1 : one that undertakes : one that takes the risk and management of business : ENTREPRENEUR
2 : one whose business is to prepare the dead for burial and to arrange and manage funerals
3 : an Englishman taking over forfeited lands in Ireland in the 16th and 17th centuries

undertaking
n. 1 a : the act of one who undertakes or engages in a project or business b : the business of an undertaker
2 : something undertaken : ENTERPRISE
3 : PLEDGE, GUARANTEE

undertenant
n. : one who holds lands or tenements by a sublease

underthrow
: to throw (a ball or pass) short of the intended receiver in football also : to throw a pass short of <underthrow a receiver>

underthrust
v. : to insert (a faulted rock mass) into position under a passive rock mass

undertone
n. 1 : a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound
2 : a quality (as of emotion) underlying the surface of an utterance or action
3 : a subdued color specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

undertow
n. 1 : the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore
2 : an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent

undertreat
: to treat inadequately <undertreat a disease>

undertrick
n. : any of the tricks by which a declarer in bridge falls short of making the contract

underused
v. : not fully used : having more potential than is currently being realized or utilized <underused land> <an underused actress>

underutilize
v. : to utilize less than fully or below the potential use
–un·der·uti·li·za·tion \'ən-dər-ˌyü-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

undervaluation
n. 1 : the act of undervaluing
2 : a value below the real worth

undervalue
v. 1 : to value, rate, or estimate below the real worth <undervalue stock>
2 : to treat as having little value <was undervalued as a poet>

underwater
adj. 1 : lying, growing, worn, performed, or operating below the surface of the water <underwater plants>
2 : being below the waterline of a ship
–underwater adverb

underway
adj. : occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion <underway replenishment of fuel>

underwear
n. : clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

underweight
n. : weight below normal, average, or requisite weight

underweight
n. : weighing less than the normal or requisite amount

underwhelm
v. : to fail to impress or stimulate <the movie underwhelmed most reviewers>

underwing
n. 1 : one of the posterior wings of an insect
2 : any of various noctuid moths (esp. genus Catocala) that have the hind wings banded with contrasting colors (as red and black) ― called also underwing moth
3 : the underside of a bird's wing

underwing
n. : placed or growing underneath the wing <underwing rockets>

underwire
n. : a wire running through the bottom edge of a brassiere to aid in support

underwood
n. : UNDERGROWTH, UNDERBRUSH

underwool
: short woolly underfur

underworld
n. 1 : the place of departed souls : HADES
2 archaic : EARTH
3 : the side of the earth opposite to one : ANTIPODES
4 : a social sphere below the level of ordinary life <the town's seedy underworld> especially : the world of organized crime

underwrite
v. transitive verb
1 : to write under or at the end of something else
2 : to set one's name to (an insurance policy) for the purpose of thereby becoming answerable for a designated loss or damage on consideration of receiving a premium percent : insure on life or property also : to assume liability for (a sum or risk) as an insurer
3 : to subscribe to : agree to
4 a : to agree to purchase (as security issue) usually on a fixed date at a fixed price with a view to public distribution b : to guarantee financial support of <underwrite a project>
intransitive verb : to work as an underwriter

underwriter
n. 1 : one that underwrites : GUARANTOR
2 a : one that underwrites a policy of insurance : INSURER b : one who selects risks to be solicited or rates the acceptability of risks solicited
3 : one that underwrites a security issue

undescended
adj. : retained within the inguinal region rather than descending into the scrotum <an undescended testis>

undesigning
adj. : having no ulterior or fraudulent purpose : SINCERE <a child's undesigning honesty>

undesirable
: not desirable : UNWANTED <undesirable side effects>
–un·de·sir·abil·i·ty \-ˌzī-rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·de·sir·able·ness \-'zī-rə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·de·sir·ably \-blē\ adverb

undesirable
adj. : one that is undesirable

undeviating
adj. : keeping a true course : UNSWERVING <served their country with undeviating loyalty and devotion>
–un·de·vi·at·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

undies
n. : UNDERWEAR especially : women's underwear

undine
n. : an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus inhabiting water : WATER NYMPH

undiplomatic
adj. : not diplomatic especially : TACTLESS
–un·dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

undirected
adj. : not directed : not planned or guided <undirected efforts>

undisguised
adj. : not disguised or concealed <undisguised impatience>
–un·dis·guis·ed·ly \-'gī-zəd-lē\ adverb

undissociated
: not electrolytically dissociated

undo
n. transitive verb
1 : to open or loose by releasing a fastening
2 : to make of no effect or as if not done : make null : REVERSE
3 a : to ruin the worldly means, reputation, or hopes of <a politician undone by scandal> b : to disturb the composure of : UPSET <she's come undone> c : SEDUCE 3
intransitive verb : to come open or apart
–un·do·er \-'dü-ər\ noun

undock
v. : to move away from a dock (as at sailing time)
transitive verb : UNCOUPLE <undock the shuttle from the space station>

undocumented
adj. : not documented: as a : not supported by documentary evidence <undocumented expenditures> b : lacking documents required for legal immigration or residence <undocumented workers>

undogmatic
adj. : not dogmatic : not committed to dogma
–un·dog·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

undoing
n. 1 : an act of loosening : UNFASTENING
2 : RUIN also : a cause of ruin <greed was to prove his undoing>
3 : ANNULMENT, REVERSAL

undone
adj. : not done : not performed or finished

undouble
: UNFOLD, UNCLENCH

undoubled
: not doubled

undoubted
adj. : not doubted : GENUINE, UNDISPUTED <the undoubted truth> <an undoubted friend>
–un·doubt·ed·ly adverb

undramatic
adj. : lacking dramatic force or quality : UNSPECTACULAR
–un·dra·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

undrape
v. : to strip of drapery : UNVEIL

undraw
v. : to draw aside (as a curtain) : OPEN

undreamed
adj. : not dreamed : not thought of : UNIMAGINED <technical advances undreamed of a few years ago>

undress
v. 1 : to remove the clothes or covering of : DIVEST, STRIP
2 : EXPOSE, REVEAL
intransitive verb : to take off one's clothes : DISROBE

undress
v. 1 : informal dress: as a : a loose robe or dressing gown b : ordinary dress ― compare FULL DRESS
2 : the state of being undressed

undressed
adj. : not dressed: as a : partially, improperly, or informally clothed b : not fully processed or finished <undressed hides> c : not cared for or tended <an undressed wound> <undressed fields>

undrinkable
adj. : unsuitable or unpleasant to drink

undrunk
: not swallowed

Undset
Si·grid \'si-grē, -grəd\ 1882-1949 Norw. nov.

undue
adj. 1 : not due : not yet payable
2 : exceeding or violating propriety or fitness : EXCESSIVE <undue force>

undulant
adj. 1 : rising and falling in waves
2 : having a wavy form, outline, or surface <played her approach shot onto the undulant green>

undulant fever
: a persistent human brucellosis marked especially by remittent fever, weakness, headache, chills, and weight loss and contracted by contact with infected domestic animals or consumption of their products

undulate
v. : having a wavy surface, edge, or markings <the undulate margin of a leaf>

undulate
v. intransitive verb
1 : to form or move in waves : FLUCTUATE
2 : to rise and fall in volume, pitch, or cadence
3 : to present a wavy appearance
transitive verb : to cause to move in a wavy, sinuous, or flowing manner
synonyms see SWING

undulation
n. 1 a : a rising and falling in waves b : a wavelike motion to and fro in a fluid or elastic medium propagated continuously among its particles but with little or no permanent translation of the particles in the direction of the propagation : VIBRATION
2 : the pulsation caused by the vibrating together of two tones not quite in unison
3 : a wavy appearance, outline, or form : WAVINESS

undulatory
adj. : of or relating to undulation : moving in or resembling waves : UNDULATING

undulatory theory
: WAVE THEORY

unduly
adv. : in an undue manner : EXCESSIVELY <an unduly harsh punishment> <unduly sensitive>

undutiful
adj. : not dutiful
–un·du·ti·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·du·ti·ful·ness noun

undying
adj. : not dying : IMMORTAL, PERPETUAL

unearned
adj. 1 : not gained by labor, service, or skill <unearned income>
2 : scored as a result of an error by the opposing team <an unearned run>

unearned increment
: an increase in the value of property (as land) that is due to no labor or expenditure of the owner but to causes (as the increase of population) that create an increased demand for it

unearth
v. 1 : to dig up out of or as if out of the earth : EXHUME <unearth treasure> <unearth an old photo album>
2 : to make known or public : bring to light <unearth a scandal>
synonyms see DISCOVER

unearthly
adj. : not earthly: as a : not mundane : IDEAL <unearthly love> b : not terrestrial <unearthly radio sources> c : PRETERNATURAL, SUPERNATURAL <an unearthly light> d : WEIRD, EERIE <unearthly howls> e : ABSURD, UNGODLY <gets up at an unearthly hour>
–un·earth·li·ness noun

unease
n. : mental or spiritual discomfort: as a : vague dissatisfaction : MISGIVING b : ANXIETY, DISQUIET c : lack of ease (as in social relations) : EMBARRASSMENT

uneasily
adv. : in an uneasy manner

uneasy
adj. 1 : causing physical or mental discomfort <uneasy news of captures and killings ― Marjory S. Douglas>
2 : not easy : DIFFICULT
3 : marked by lack of ease : AWKWARD, EMBARRASSED <gave an uneasy laugh>
4 : APPREHENSIVE, WORRIED <uneasy about the weather>
5 : RESTLESS, UNQUIET <an uneasy night>
6 : PRECARIOUS, UNSTABLE <an uneasy truce>
–un·eas·i·ness noun

uneasy
adj. : UNEASILY

uneconomic
adj. : not economically practicable <uneconomic transportation routes> also : COSTLY, WASTEFUL <an uneconomic nuclear technology>

unedited
adj. : not edited: as a : left unrevised b : not yet edited <unedited books> <unedited films>

unemotional
adj. : not emotional: as a : not easily aroused or excited : COLD b : involving a minimum of emotion : INTELLECTUAL <an unemotional assessment>
–un·emo·tion·al·ly adverb

unemployable
adj. : not acceptable for employment
–un·em·ploy·abil·i·ty \-ˌplȯi-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–unemployable noun

unemployed
n. : not employed: a : not being used b : not engaged in a gainful occupation c : not invested
–unemployed noun

unemployment
n. 1 : the state of being unemployed : involuntary idleness of workers also : the rate of such unemployment
2 : UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

unemployment
n. unemployment compensation
unemployment benefit
unemployment insurance

unemployment compensation
: compensation paid at regular intervals (as by a government agency) to an unemployed worker and especially one who has been laid off ― called also unemployment benefit

unemployment insurance
: social insurance against involuntary unemployment that provides unemployment compensation for a limited period to unemployed workers also : UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

unencumbered
adj. : free of encumbrance

unending
adj. : never ending : ENDLESS
–un·end·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

unequal
adj. 1 a : not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another b : not like or not the same as another in degree, worth, or status
2 : not uniform : VARIABLE, UNEVEN
3 a : badly balanced or matched <an unequal contest> b : contracted between unequals <unequal marriages> c archaic : not equable
4 archaic : not equitable : UNJUST
5 : INADEQUATE, INSUFFICIENT <unequal to the task>
–un·equal·ly \-kwə-lē\ adverb

unequal
adj. : one that is not equal to another

unequal
adj. archaic : in an unequal manner <unequal match'd ― Shakespeare>

unequaled
adj. : not equaled : UNPARALLELED <an artist of unequaled talent>

unequivocably
nonstandard : UNEQUIVOCALLY

unequivocal
adj. 1 : leaving no doubt : CLEAR, UNAMBIGUOUS
2 : UNQUESTIONABLE <production of unequivocal masterpieces ― Carole Cook>

unequivocally
adv. : in an unequivocal manner

unerring
adj. : committing no error : FAULTLESS, UNFAILING <unerring accuracy>
–un·err·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

UNESCO
n. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

unessential
adj. 1 : not essential : DISPENSABLE, UNIMPORTANT
2 archaic : void of essence : INSUBSTANTIAL

uneven
adj. 1 a archaic : UNEQUAL 1A b : ODD 3A
2 a : not even : not level or smooth : RUGGED, RAGGED <large uneven teeth> <uneven handwriting> b : varying from the straight or parallel c : not uniform : IRREGULAR <uneven combustion> d : varying in quality <an uneven performance>
3 : UNEQUAL 3A <an uneven confrontation>
synonyms see ROUGH
–un·even·ly adverb
–un·even·ness \-və(n)-nəs\ noun

uneventful
adj. : marked by no noteworthy or untoward incidents : PLACID <an uneventful weekend>
–un·event·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·event·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

unevolved
adj. : not evolved: as a : not fully developed <an unevolved wine> b : lacking cultural refinement : UNENLIGHTENED

unexampled
adj. : having no example or parallel : UNPRECEDENTED <his ardent attachment and⋯unexampled passion ― Jane Austen>

unexceptionable
adj. : not open to objection or criticism : beyond reproach : UNIMPEACHABLE <unexceptionable integrity>
–un·ex·cep·tion·able·ness noun
–un·ex·cep·tion·ably \-blē\ adverb

unexceptional
adj. : not out of the ordinary : COMMONPLACE

unexercised
adj. 1 : having terms that are not implemented <unexercised options>
2 : not subjected to exercise <unexercised muscles>

unexpected
adj. : not expected : UNFORESEEN
–un·ex·pect·ed·ly adverb
–un·ex·pect·ed·ness noun

unexploited
adj. : not exploited or developed : not taken advantage of <unexploited resources>

unexpressive
adj. 1 obsolete : INEFFABLE
2 : not expressive : failing to convey the feeling or meaning intended

unfading
adj. 1 : not losing color or freshness
2 : not losing value or effectiveness
–un·fad·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

unfailing
adj. : not failing or liable to fail: a : CONSTANT, UNFLAGGING <unfailing courtesy> b : EVERLASTING, INEXHAUSTIBLE <a subject of unfailing interest> c : INFALLIBLE, SURE <an unfailing test>
–un·fail·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb

unfair
adj. 1 : marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : UNJUST
2 : not equitable in business dealings
–un·fair·ness noun

unfairly
adv. : in an unfair manner

unfaith
: absence of faith : DISBELIEF

unfaithful
adj. : not faithful: a : not adhering to vows, allegiance, or duty : DISLOYAL <an unfaithful friend> b : not faithful to marriage vows <suspected her husband of being unfaithful> c : INACCURATE, UNTRUSTWORTHY <an unfaithful copy of a document>
–un·faith·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·faith·ful·ness noun

unfallen
: not morally fallen : INNOCENT 1A

unfalsifiable
: not capable of being proved false <unfalsifiable hypotheses>

unfaltering
adj. : not wavering or weakening : FIRM <unfaltering loyalty>
–un·fal·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

unfamiliar
adj. : not familiar: a : not well-known : STRANGE <an unfamiliar place> b : not well acquainted <unfamiliar with the subject>
–un·fa·mil·iar·i·ty \-ˌmil-'yar-ə-tē, -ˌmi-lē-'yar-\ noun
–un·fa·mil·iar·ly \-'mil-yər-lē\ adverb

unfashionable
adj. 1 : not in keeping with the current fashion <unfashionable clothes>
2 : not favored socially <unfashionable neighborhoods>
–un·fash·ion·able·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·fash·ion·ably \-blē\ adverb

unfasten
v. : to make loose: as a : UNPIN, UNBUCKLE b : UNDO <unfasten a button> c : DETACH <unfasten a boat from its moorings>

unfathered
adj. 1 : having no father : ILLEGITIMATE, BASTARD
2 : having no known origin <unfathered slanders>

unfathomable
adj. : not capable of being fathomed: a : IMMEASURABLE b : impossible to comprehend

unfavorable
adj. 1 a : OPPOSED, CONTRARY b : expressing disapproval : NEGATIVE <unfavorable reviews>
2 : not propitious : DISADVANTAGEOUS <an unfavorable business climate>
3 : not pleasing <an unfavorable feature of the plan>
–un·fa·vor·able·ness noun
–un·fa·vor·ably \-blē\ adverb

unfavorite
: not being a favorite especially : being regarded with special disfavor or dislike

unfazed
adj. : not fazed : UNDAUNTED

unfeeling
adj. 1 : devoid of feeling : INSENSATE <an unfeeling corpse>
2 : devoid of kindness or sympathy : HARDHEARTED, CRUEL <an unfeeling brute>
–un·feel·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·feel·ing·ness noun

unfeigned
adj. : not feigned or hypocritical : GENUINE
synonyms see SINCERE
–un·feigned·ly \-'fā-nəd-lē, -'fānd-lē\ adverb

unfetter
v. 1 : to free from fetters <unfetter a prisoner>
2 : EMANCIPATE, LIBERATE <unfetter the mind from prejudice>

unfettered
adj. : FREE, UNRESTRAINED <unfettered access>

unfilial
adj. : not observing the obligations of a child to a parent : UNDUTIFUL
–un·fil·ial·ly adverb

unfiltered
adj. 1 : not filtered <unfiltered wine> also : not modified, processed, or refined <unfiltered commercial publicity material ― Paul Grimes>
2 : lacking a filter <an unfiltered cigarette>

unfindable
adj. : not capable of being found

unfinished
adj. : not finished: a : not brought to an end or to the desired final state b : being in a rough state : UNPOLISHED c : subjected to no other processes (as bleaching or dyeing) after coming from the loom

unfit
adj. : not fit: a : not adapted to a purpose : UNSUITABLE b : not qualified : INCAPABLE, INCOMPETENT c : physically or mentally unsound
–un·fit·ly adverb
–un·fit·ness noun

unfit
adj. : to make unfit : DISABLE, DISQUALIFY

unfitted
adj. : not adapted : UNQUALIFIED

unfitting
adj. : not fitting : UNSUITABLE

unfix
v. 1 : to loosen from a fastening : DETACH, DISENGAGE
2 : to make unstable : UNSETTLE

unflagging
adj. 1 : not flagging : TIRELESS <unflagging enthusiasm>
2 : UNRELENTING 2
–un·flag·ging·ly \-giŋ-lē\ adverb

unflappable
adj. : marked by assurance and self-control
–un·flap·pa·bil·i·ty \-ˌfla-pə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·flap·pa·bly \-'fla-pə-blē\ adverb

unflattering
adj. : not flattering <an unflattering portrait> especially : UNFAVORABLE <unflattering remarks>
–un·flat·ter·ing·ly \-riŋ-lē\ adverb

unfledged
adj. 1 : not feathered : not ready for flight
2 : not fully developed : IMMATURE <an unfledged writer>

unflinching
adj. : not flinching or shrinking : STEADFAST, UNCOMPROMISING <unflinching determination>
–un·flinch·ing·ly \-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

unfocused
1 : not adjusted to a focus
2 : not concentrated on one point or objective <unfocused rage>

unfold
v. 1 a : to open the folds of : spread or straighten out : EXPAND <unfolded the map> b : to remove (as a package) from the folds : UNWRAP
2 : to open to the view : REVEAL especially : to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital
intransitive verb
1 a : to open from a folded state : open out : EXPAND b : BLOSSOM
2 : DEVELOP, EVOLVE <as the story unfolds>
3 : to open out gradually to the view or understanding : become known <a panorama unfolds before their eyes>
–un·fold·ment \-'fōl(d)-mənt\ noun

unfolded
v. : not folded

unforgettable
adj. : incapable of being forgotten : MEMORABLE
–un·for·get·ta·bly \-'ge-tə-blē\ adverb

unforgiving
adj. 1 : unwilling or unable to forgive
2 : having or making no allowance for error or weakness <an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatal ― Jaclyn Fierman>
–un·for·giv·ing·ness noun

unformed
adj. : not arranged in regular shape, order, or relations especially : IMMATURE, UNDEVELOPED

unfortunate
n. 1 a : not favored by fortune : UNSUCCESSFUL, UNLUCKY <an unfortunate young man> b : marked or accompanied by or resulting in misfortune <an unfortunate decision>
2 a : INFELICITOUS, UNSUITABLE <an unfortunate choice of words> b : DEPLORABLE, REGRETTABLE <an unfortunate lack of taste>

unfortunate
n. : an unfortunate person

unfortunately
adv. 1 : in an unfortunate manner <the marriage turned out unfortunately>
2 : it is unfortunate <unfortunately for him your letter has let the cat out of the bag ― G. B. Shaw>

unfounded
adj. : lacking a sound basis : GROUNDLESS, UNWARRANTED <an unfounded accusation>

unfreeze
v. 1 : to cause to thaw
2 : to remove from a freeze <unfreeze wages>

unfrequented
adj. : not often visited or traveled over

unfriended
adj. : having no friends : not befriended

unfriendliness
n. : the quality or state of being unfriendly : HOSTILITY

unfriendly
adj. : not friendly: as a : HOSTILE, UNSYMPATHETIC <an unfriendly nation> b : INHOSPITABLE, UNFAVORABLE <conditions unfriendly to new businesses>

unfrock
v. : DEFROCK

unfrozen
adj. : not frozen <unfrozen ground>

unfruitful
adj. : not fruitful: as a : not producing offspring : BARREN b : yielding no valuable result : UNPROFITABLE <an unfruitful conference>
–un·fruit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·fruit·ful·ness noun

unfunded
adj. 1 : not funded : FLOATING <an unfunded debt>
2 : not provided with funds <unfunded schools>

unfurl
v. : to release from a furled state
intransitive verb : to open out from or as if from a furled state : UNFOLD

unfussy
adj. : not fussy: as a : not particular : UNCONCERNED b : not cluttered with pretentious or nonessential matters : UNCOMPLICATED <unfussy designs>
–un·fuss·i·ly \-'fə-sə-lē\ adverb

ungainly
adj. 1 a : lacking in smoothness or dexterity : CLUMSY <ungainly movements> b : hard to handle : UNWIELDY <an ungainly contraption>
2 : having an awkward appearance <a large ungainly bird>
–un·gain·li·ness noun

Ungava
region Canada N of the Eastmain & W of Labrador including Ungava Peninsula, divided bet. Que. & Nfld.&Lab. ― see NEW QUEBEC

Ungava Bay
inlet of Hudson Strait Canada in N Que.

Ungava Peninsula
peninsula Canada in N Que. bet. Hudson Bay & Ungava Bay

ungenerosity
: lack of generosity

ungenerous
adj. : not generous: a : PETTY, MEAN <ungenerous criticisms> b : deficient in liberality : STINGY <an ungenerous offer>
–un·gen·er·ous·ly adverb

ungird
v. : to divest of a restraining band or girdle : UNBIND

ungirt
1 : having the belt or girdle off or loose
2 : lacking in discipline or compactness : LOOSE, SLACK

unglue
v. : to separate by or as if by dissolving an adhesive

unglued
adj. : UPSET, DISORDERED ― usually used with come <chief executives came unglued at the thought of a strike ― H. E. Meyer>

ungodliness
n. : the quality or state of being ungodly

ungodly
adj. 1 a : denying or disobeying God : IMPIOUS, IRRELIGIOUS b : contrary to moral law : SINFUL, WICKED
2 : OUTRAGEOUS <gets up at an ungodly hour>

ungotten
1 obsolete : not begotten
2 : not obtained

ungovernable
adj. : not capable of being governed, guided, or restrained
synonyms see UNRULY

ungracious
adj. 1 archaic : WICKED
2 : not courteous : RUDE <ungracious treatment>
3 : not pleasing : DISAGREEABLE <an ungracious task>
–un·gra·cious·ly adverb
–un·gra·cious·ness noun

ungrammatical
adj. : not following rules of grammar
–un·gram·mat·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌma-tə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun

ungrateful
adj. 1 : showing no gratitude : making a poor return <an ungrateful child>
2 : DISAGREEABLE also : THANKLESS
–un·grate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·grate·ful·ness noun

ungrudging
adj. : being without envy or reluctance <ungrudging efforts>
–un·grudg·ing·ly adverb

ungual
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a nail, claw, or hoof

unguard
: to leave unprotected

unguarded
adj. 1 : vulnerable to attack : UNPROTECTED
2 : free from guile or wariness : DIRECT, INCAUTIOUS <unguarded remarks>
–un·guard·ed·ly adverb
–un·guard·ed·ness noun

unguent
n. : a soothing or healing salve : OINTMENT

ungulate
n. 1 : having hooves
2 : of or relating to the ungulates

ungulate
n. : a hoofed typically herbivorous quadruped mammal (as an artiodactyl or a perissodactyl) of a group formerly considered a major mammalian taxon (Ungulata)

unhair
archaic : to deprive of hair

unhallow
archaic : to make profane

unhallowed
adj. 1 : not blessed : UNCONSECRATED, UNHOLY <unhallowed ground>
2 a : unsanctioned by or showing lack of reverence for religion : IMPIOUS, PROFANE b : contrary to accepted standards : IMMORAL

unhand
v. : to remove the hand from : let go

unhandsome
adj. : not handsome: as a : not beautiful : HOMELY b : UNBECOMING, UNSEEMLY c : lacking in courtesy or taste : RUDE
–un·hand·some·ly adverb

unhandy
adj. 1 : hard to handle : INCONVENIENT
2 : lacking in skill or dexterity : AWKWARD
–un·hand·i·ly \-də-lē\ adverb
–un·hand·i·ness \-dē-nəs\ noun

unhappily
adv. 1 : UNFORTUNATELY 2 <unhappily, medicine has not yet found a cure ― Diana Trilling>
2 : in an unhappy manner : without pleasure <practiced law unhappily for a few years>

unhappy
adj. 1 : not fortunate : UNLUCKY <an unhappy coincidence>
2 : not cheerful or glad : SAD, WRETCHED
3 a : causing or subject to misfortune : INAUSPICIOUS b : INFELICITOUS, INAPPROPRIATE <an unhappy choice>
–un·hap·pi·ness noun

unharness
v. : to remove a harness from <unharness a horse>

unhealthy
adj. 1 : not conducive to health <an unhealthy climate>
2 : not in good health : SICKLY, DISEASED
3 a : DANGEROUS, RISKY b : BAD, INJURIOUS c : morally contaminated : CORRUPT, UNWHOLESOME <an unhealthy imagination>
–un·health·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–un·health·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

unheard
adj. 1 a : not perceived by the ear b : not given a hearing
2 archaic : UNHEARD-OF

unheard-of
: previously unknown especially : UNPRECEDENTED <moving at unheard-of speeds>

unhesitating
adj. : not hesitating : not checked or qualified
–un·hes·i·tat·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

unhinge
v. 1 : to make unstable : UNSETTLE, DISRUPT <unhinge the balance of world peace> <pressure that would unhinge a less experienced person>
2 : to remove (as a door) from the hinges

unhinged
adj. : UPSET, UNGLUED especially : mentally deranged <attacked by an unhinged extremist>

unhitch
v. : to free from or as if from being hitched

unholy
adj. 1 : showing disregard for what is holy : WICKED
2 : deserving of censure <an unholy alliance>
3 : very unpleasant : GOD-AWFUL <an unholy mess>
–un·ho·li·ness noun

unhood
v. : to remove a hood or covering from

unhook
v. 1 : to remove from a hook
2 : to unfasten by disengaging a hook
3 : to free from a habit or dependency

unhoped
adj. archaic : not hoped for or expected

unhorse
v. : to dislodge from or as if from a horse

unhouseled
archaic : not having received the Eucharist especially shortly before death

unhurried
adj. : not hurried : LEISURELY <an unhurried pace>
–un·hur·ried·ly adverb

uni
pref. : one : single <unicellular>

unialgal
adj. : of, relating to, or derived from a single algal individual or cell <a unialgal culture>

Uniate
n. : a Christian of a church adhering to an Eastern rite and discipline but submitting to papal authority
–Uniate adjective

uniaxial
adj. 1 : having only one axis
2 : of or relating to only one axis

unicameral
adj. : having or consisting of a single legislative chamber
–uni·cam·er·al·ly adverb

UNICEF
n. United Nations Children's Fund

unicellular
adj. : having or consisting of a single cell <unicellular microorganisms>

unicorn
n. : a mythical animal generally depicted with the body and head of a horse, the hind legs of a stag, the tail of a lion, and a single horn in the middle of the forehead

unicorn plant
: DEVIL'S CLAW

unicycle
n. : a vehicle that has a single wheel and is usually propelled by pedals
–uni·cy·clist \-ˌsī-k(ə-)list\ noun

unidimensional
adj. : ONE-DIMENSIONAL
–uni·di·men·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)-shə-'na-lə-tē\ noun

unidirectional
adj. 1 : involving, functioning, moving, or responsive in a single direction <a unidirectional microphone>
2 : not subject to change or reversal of direction
–uni·di·rec·tion·al·ly adverb

unidirectional current
: DIRECT CURRENT

unification
n. : the act, process, or result of unifying : the state of being unified

unifoliate
1 : having only one leaf
2 : UNIFOLIOLATE

unifoliolate
of a leaf : compound but having only a single leaflet and distinguishable from a simple leaf by the basal joint

Uniform
n.
1956
― a communications code word for the letter u

uniform
n. 1 : having always the same form, manner, or degree : not varying or variable <uniform procedures>
2 : consistent in conduct or opinion <uniform interpretation of laws>
3 : of the same form with others : conforming to one rule or mode : CONSONANT
4 : presenting an unvaried appearance of surface, pattern, or color <uniform red brick houses>
5 : relating to or being convergence of a series whose terms are functions in such manner that the absolute value of the difference between the sum of the first n terms of the series and the sum of all terms can be made arbitrarily small for all values of the domain of the functions by choosing the nth term sufficiently far along in the series
–uni·form·ly \'yü-nə-ˌfȯrm-lē, ˌyü-nə-'\ adverb
–uni·form·ness \'yü-nə-ˌfȯrm-nəs\ noun

uniform
n. 1 : to bring into uniformity
2 : to clothe with a uniform

uniform
n. : dress of a distinctive design or fashion worn by members of a particular group and serving as a means of identification broadly : distinctive or characteristic clothing

uniform
n. uniform resource locator
battle dress uniform
dress uniform

uniform resource locator
: URL

uniformitarian
n. 1 : an adherent of the doctrine of uniformitarianism
2 : an advocate of uniformity
–uniformitarian adjective

uniformitarianism
n. : a geological doctrine that processes acting in the same manner as at present and over long spans of time are sufficient to account for all current geological features and all past geological changes ― compare CATASTROPHISM

uniformity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being uniform
2 : an instance of uniformity

unify
v. : to make into a unit or a coherent whole : UNITE
–uni·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–uni·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

unilateral
adj. 1 a : done or undertaken by one person or party b : of, relating to, or affecting one side of a subject : ONE-SIDED c : constituting or relating to a contract or engagement by which an express obligation to do or forbear is imposed on only one party
2 a : having parts arranged on one side <a unilateral raceme> b : occurring on, performed on, or affecting one side of the body or one of its parts <unilateral exophthalmos>
3 : UNILINEAL
4 : having only one side
–uni·lat·er·al·ly adverb

unilateralism
n. : a policy of taking unilateral action (as in international affairs) regardless of outside support or reciprocity also : advocacy of such a policy
–uni·lat·er·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

unilineal
: tracing descent through either the maternal or paternal line only

unilinear
: developing in or involving a series of stages usually from the primitive to the more advanced

unilingual
adj. : composed in or using one language only

unillusioned
adj. : free from illusion

unilocular
adj. : containing a single cavity

unimaginable
adj. : not imaginable or comprehensible <unimaginable horror>
–un·imag·in·ably \-blē\ adverb

Unimak
island SW Alaska in Fox Islands

unimpeachable
adj. : not impeachable: as a : reliable beyond a doubt <unimpeachable evidence> <an unimpeachable source> b : not liable to accusation : IRREPROACHABLE <an unimpeachable reputation>
–un·im·peach·ably \-blē\ adverb

unimproved
adj. obsolete : not reproved or admonished

unimproved
adj. : not improved: as a : not tilled, built on, or otherwise improved for use <unimproved land> b : not used or employed advantageously <unimproved opportunities> c : not selectively bred for better quality or productiveness

uninhibited
adj. : free from inhibition <uninhibited exuberance> also : boisterously informal <a festive uninhibited party>
–un·in·hib·it·ed·ly adverb
–un·in·hib·it·ed·ness noun

uninitiate
: not initiated : INEXPERIENCED
–uninitiate noun

uninstall
n. : to remove (software) from a computer system especially by using a specially designed program

uninterest
: lack of interest

uninterested
adj. : not interested : not having the mind or feelings engaged
usage see DISINTERESTED

uninucleate
adj. : having a single nucleus <a uninucleate yeast cell>

union
n. 1 a : an act or instance of uniting or joining two or more things into one: as (1) : the formation of a single political unit from two or more separate and independent units (2) : a uniting in marriage also : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE (3) : the growing together of severed parts b : a unified condition : COMBINATION, JUNCTION <a gracious union of excellence and strength>
2 : something that is made one : something formed by a combining or coalition of parts or members: as a : a confederation of independent individuals (as nations or persons) for some common purpose b (1) : a political unit constituting an organic whole formed usually from units which were previously governed separately (as England and Scotland in 1707) and which have surrendered or delegated their principal powers to the government of the whole or to a newly created government (as the U.S. in 1789) (2) capitalized : the federal union of states during the period of the American Civil War c capitalized : an organization on a college or university campus providing recreational, social, cultural, and sometimes dining facilities also : the building housing such an organization d : the set of all elements belonging to one or more of a given collection of two or more sets ― called also join sum e : LABOR UNION
3 a : a device emblematic of the union of two or more sovereignties borne on a national flag typically in the upper inner corner or constituting the whole design of the flag b : the upper inner corner of a flag
4 : any of various devices for connecting parts (as of a machine) especially : a coupling for pipes or pipes and fittings

union
n. : of, relating to, dealing with, or constituting a union especially capitalized : of, relating to, or being the side favoring the Union in the American Civil War <Union troops>

union
n. civil union
company union
craft union
credit union
industrial union
labor union
postal union
student union
trade union
union card
union church
union jack
union shop
union suit
union territory
vertical union
European Union
Fort Union National Monument
French Union
Soviet Union
Union City
Union of South Africa
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
dim sum
direct sum
in sum
sum total
sum up
vector sum
zero sum
cogito ergo sum
homo sum: humani nil a me alienum puto
non sum qualis eram
dim sums
summing up

union card
1 : a card certifying personal membership in good standing in a labor union
2 : something that resembles a union card especially in being necessary for employment or in providing evidence of in-group status

union church
: a local church uniting members of diverse denominational backgrounds in an interdenominational congregation

Union City
1 city W Calif. S of Oakland pop 66,869
2 city NE N.J. N of Jersey City pop 67,088

union jack
1 : a jack consisting of the union of a national ensign
2 capitalized U&J : the state flag of the United Kingdom consisting of the union of the British national ensign

Union of South Africa
― see SOUTH AFRICA (Republic of)

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
country 1922-91 E Europe & N Asia bordering on the Arctic & Pacific oceans & Baltic & Black seas; a union of 15 constituent republics capital Moscow area 8,649,512 sq mi (22,402,236 sq km)

union shop
: an establishment in which the employer by agreement is free to hire nonmembers as well as members of the union but retains nonmembers on the payroll only on condition of their becoming members of the union within a specified time

union suit
: an undergarment with shirt and drawers in one piece

union territory
: a centrally administered subdivision of India

unionisation
British variant of unionization, unionize

unionism
n. : the principle or policy of forming or adhering to a union: as a capitalized : adherence to the policy of a firm federal union between the states of the United States especially during the Civil War period b : the principles, theory, advocacy, or system of trade unions

unionist
n. : an advocate or supporter of union or unionism

unionization
n. 1 : the quality or state of being unionized
2 : the action of unionizing

unionize
v. transitive verb : to organize into a labor union
intransitive verb : to form or join a labor union

unionized
adj. : characterized by the presence of labor unions

uniparental
adj. : having, involving, or derived from a single parent specifically : involving or being inheritance in which all or part of an offspring's genotype (as both members of a pair of homologous chromosomes) is derived from a single parent
–uni·pa·ren·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

unipolar
adj. : relating to, affected with, or being a manic-depressive disorder in which there is only a depressive phase <unipolar depression>

unique
adj. 1 : being the only one : SOLE <his unique concern was his own comfort> <I can't walk away with a unique copy. Suppose I lost it? ― Kingsley Amis> <the unique factorization of a number into prime factors>
2 a : being without a like or equal : UNEQUALED <could stare at the flames, each one new, violent, unique ― Robert Coover> b : distinctively characteristic : PECULIAR 1 <this is not a condition unique to California ― Ronald Reagan>
3 : UNUSUAL <a very unique ball-point pen> <we were fairly unique, the sixty of us, in that there wasn't one good mixer in the bunch ― J. D. Salinger>
synonyms see STRANGE
–unique·ly adverb
–unique·ness noun
usage Many commentators have objected to the comparison or modification (as by somewhat or very) of unique, often asserting that a thing is either unique or it is not. Objections are based chiefly on the assumption that unique has but a single absolute sense, an assumption contradicted by information readily available in a dictionary. Unique dates back to the 17th century but was little used until the end of the 18th when, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it was reacquired from French. H. J. Todd entered it as a foreign word in his edition (1818) of Johnson's Dictionary, characterizing it as “affected and useless.” Around the middle of the 19th century it ceased to be considered foreign and came into considerable popular use. With popular use came a broadening of application beyond the original two meanings (here numbered 1 and 2a). In modern use both comparison and modification are widespread and standard but are confined to the extended senses 2b and 3. When sense 1 or sense 2a is intended, unique is used without qualifying modifiers.

unisex
adj. : the state or condition of not being distinguishable (as by hair or clothing) as to sex

unisex
adj. 1 : not distinguishable as male or female <a unisex face>
2 : suitable or designed for both males and females <unisex clothes>

unisexual
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or restricted to one sex: a : male or female but not hermaphroditic b : DICLINOUS <a unisexual flower>
2 : UNISEX
–uni·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-'wa-lə-tē\ noun

unison
n. 1 a : identity in musical pitch specifically : the interval of a perfect prime b : the state of being so tuned or sounded c : the writing, playing, or singing of parts in a musical passage at the same pitch or in octaves
2 : a harmonious agreement or union : CONCORD
–unison adjective
–in unison
1 : in perfect agreement : so as to harmonize exactly <a class reciting in unison>
2 : at the same time : SIMULTANEOUSLY

unit
n. 1 a : the first and least natural number : ONE b : a single quantity regarded as a whole in calculation
2 : a determinate quantity (as of length, time, heat, or value) adopted as a standard of measurement: as a : an amount of work used in education in calculating student credits b : an amount of a biologically active agent (as a drug or antigen) required to produce a specific result ― compare INTERNATIONAL UNIT
3 a : a single thing, person, or group that is a constituent of a whole b : a part of a military establishment that has a prescribed organization (as of personnel and materiel) c : a piece or complex of apparatus serving to perform one particular function d : a part of a school course focusing on a central theme e : a local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses f : a small molecule especially when combined in a larger molecule <repeating units of a polymer> g : an area in a medical facility and especially a hospital that is specially staffed and equipped to provide a particular type of care <an intensive care unit>

unit
n. : being, relating to, or measuring one unit

unit
n. svedberg unit
astronomical unit
atomic mass unit
British thermal unit
central processing unit
electromagnetic unit
imaginary unit
international unit
living unit
monetary unit
motor unit
unit cell
unit character
unit circle
unit membrane
unit rule
unit train
unit trust
International System of Units
units place

unit cell
: the simplest polyhedron that embodies all the structural characteristics of and by indefinite repetition makes up the lattice of a crystal

unit character
: a natural character inherited on an all-or-none basis especially : one dependent on the presence or absence of a single gene

unit circle
: a circle having a radius of 1

unit membrane
: the limiting membrane of cells and various organelles viewed formerly as a 3-layered structure with an inner lipid layer and two outer protein layers and currently as a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalating proteins

unit rule
: a rule under which a delegation to a national political convention casts its entire vote as a unit as determined by a majority vote

unit train
: a railway train that transports a single commodity directly from producer to consumer

unit trust
1 British : MUTUAL FUND
2 : an investment company whose portfolio consists of long-term bonds that are held to maturity

unitage
1 : specifications of the amount constituting a unit
2 : amount in units

unitard
n. : a close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso and legs and often for the arms and feet

unitarian
n. 1 a often capitalized : one who believes that the deity exists only in one person b capitalized : a member of a denomination that stresses individual freedom of belief, the free use of reason in religion, a united world community, and liberal social action
2 : an advocate of unity or a unitary system
–unitarian adjective often cap
–uni·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun often cap

unitary
adj. 1 a : of or relating to a unit b : based on or characterized by unity or units
2 : having the character of a unit : UNDIVIDED, WHOLE
–uni·tar·i·ly \ˌyü-nə-'ter-ə-lē\ adverb

unite
v. transitive verb
1 a : to put together to form a single unit b : to cause to adhere c : to link by a legal or moral bond
2 : to possess (as qualities) in combination
intransitive verb
1 a : to become one or as if one b : to become combined by or as if by adhesion or mixture
2 : to act in concert
synonyms see JOIN
–unit·er noun

unite
v. : an old British gold 20-shilling piece issued first by James I in 1604 for the newly united England and Scotland ― called also Jacobus

unite
v. United Nations Day
United States
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Republic
United Nations
United Provinces
United Provinces of Agra and Oudh
United States of America
Virgin Islands of the United States
United Kingdom
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

united
adj. 1 : made one : COMBINED
2 : relating to or produced by joint action <a united effort>
3 : being in agreement : HARMONIOUS <a united family>
–unit·ed·ly adverb

united
adj. United Nations Day
United States
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Republic
United Nations
United Provinces
United Provinces of Agra and Oudh
United States of America
Virgin Islands of the United States
United Kingdom
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United Arab Emirates
country NE Arabia on Persian Gulf bet. Qatar & Oman; a republic composed of seven sheikhdoms (Abu Dhabi, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, Ra's al Khaymah, & Umm al Qaywayn) formerly under Brit. protection capital Abu Dhabi area 30,000 sq mi (77,700 sq km), pop 1,986,000

United Arab Republic
1 former union of Egypt & Syria (1958-61)
2 EGYPT ― a former name (1961-71)

United Kingdom
1 or United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland country W Europe in British Isles comprising Great Britain & Northern Ireland capital London area 94,251 sq mi (244,110 sq km), pop 58,789,194
2 or United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland country 1801-1921 comprising Great Britain & Ireland

United Nations
n. political organization established 1945; headquarters in New York City in E cen Manhattan overlooking East River ― see TURTLE BAY

United Nations Day
n. : October 24 observed in commemoration of the founding of the United Nations

United Provinces
former province N India formed 1902 capital Allahabad; as Uttar Pradesh, became a state of India (republic) 1950

United States
: a federation of states especially when forming a nation in a usually specified territory <advocating a United States of Europe>

United States of America
country N. America bordering on Atlantic, Pacific, & Arctic oceans; a federal republic capital Washington area 3,619,969 sq mi (9,375,720 sq km), pop 281,421,906

unitive
: characterized by or tending to produce union

unitize
v. 1 : to form or convert into a unit
2 : to divide into units <the added cost of unitizing bulk products>
–unit·i·za·tion \ˌyü-nə-tə-'zā-shən\ noun

unitrust
: a trust from which the beneficiary receives annually a fixed percentage of the fair market value of its assets

units place
: the place just to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers

unity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of not being multiple : ONENESS b (1) : a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation <in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity> (2) : IDENTITY ELEMENT
2 a : a condition of harmony : ACCORD b : continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action)
3 a : the quality or state of being made one : UNIFICATION b : a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect also : the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character
4 : a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole
5 : any of three principles of dramatic structure derived by French classicists from Aristotle's Poetics and requiring a play to have a single action represented as occurring in one place and within one day
6 capitalized : a 20th century American religious movement that emphasizes spiritual sources of health and prosperity

univ
n. university

univalent
adj. 1 : MONOVALENT 1
2 : being a chromosomal univalent

univalent
adj. : a chromosome that lacks a synaptic mate

univalve
n. 1 : a mollusk with a shell consisting of one valve especially : GASTROPOD
2 : the shell of a univalve
–univalve adjective

univariate
adj. : characterized by or depending on only one random variable <a univariate linear model>

universal
n. 1 : including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception especially : available equitably to all members of a society <universal health coverage>
2 a : present or occurring everywhere b : existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions <universal cultural patterns>
3 a : embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind) <a universal state> <universal practices> b : comprehensively broad and versatile <a universal genius>
4 a : affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variable b : denoting every member of a class <a universal term>
5 : adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) <a universal gear cutter> <a universal remote control>
–uni·ver·sal·ly \-s(ə-)lē\ adverb
–uni·ver·sal·ness \-səl-nəs\ noun

universal
n. 1 : one that is universal: as a : a universal proposition in logic b : a predicable of traditional logic c : a general concept or term or something in reality to which it corresponds : ESSENCE
2 a : a behavior pattern or institution (as the family) existing in all cultures b : a culture trait characteristic of all normal adult members of a particular society

universal
n. universal resource locator
Coordinated Universal Time
universal donor
universal grammar
universal joint
universal coupling
universal motor
Universal Product Code
universal recipient
Universal Serial Bus
Universal time

universal donor
: a person with blood group O blood which can be donated to any recipient also : the blood of such a person

universal grammar
: the study of general principles believed to underlie the grammatical phenomena of all languages also : such principles viewed as part of an innate human capacity for learning a language

universal joint
: a shaft coupling capable of transmitting rotation from one shaft to another not collinear with it ― called also universal coupling

universal motor
: an electric motor that can be used on either an alternating or a direct current supply

Universal Product Code
: a combination of a bar code and numbers by which a scanner can identify a product and usually assign a price

universal recipient
: a person with blood group AB blood who can receive blood from any donor

universal resource locator
: URL

Universal Serial Bus
: USB

Universal time
: GREENWICH MEAN TIME

universalism
n. 1 often capitalized a : a theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved b : the principles and practices of a liberal Christian denomination founded in the 18th century orig. to uphold belief in universal salvation and now united with Unitarianism
2 : something that is universal in scope
3 : the state of being universal : UNIVERSALITY
–uni·ver·sal·ist \-s(ə-)list\ noun or adjective often cap

universalistic
: of or relating to the whole : universal in scope or nature

universality
n. 1 : the quality or state of being universal
2 : universal comprehensiveness in range

universalize
v. : to make universal : GENERALIZE
–uni·ver·sal·i·za·tion \-ˌvər-sə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

universe
n. 1 : the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : COSMOS: as a : a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine power b : the world of human experience c (1) : the entire celestial cosmos (2) : MILKY WAY GALAXY (3) : an aggregate of stars comparable to the Milky Way galaxy
2 : a distinct field or province of thought or reality that forms a closed system or self-inclusive and independent organization
3 : POPULATION 4
4 : a set that contains all elements relevant to a particular discussion or problem
5 : a great number or quantity <a large enough universe of stocks⋯to choose from ― G. B. Clairmont>

universe of discourse

1881
: an inclusive class of entities that is tacitly implied or explicitly delineated as the subject of a statement, discourse, or theory

university
n. 1 : an institution of higher learning providing facilities for teaching and research and authorized to grant academic degrees specifically : one made up of an undergraduate division which confers bachelor's degrees and a graduate division which comprises a graduate school and professional schools each of which may confer master's degrees and doctorates
2 : the physical plant of a university

university
n. state university
University City
University Park
University Place

University City
city E Mo. WNW of St. Louis pop 37,428

University Park
city NE Tex. within city of Dallas pop 23,324

University Place
city W cen Wash. near Tacoma pop 29,933

univocal
adj. 1 : having one meaning only
2 : UNAMBIGUOUS <in search of a morally univocal answer>
–univ·o·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

unjust
adj. 1 : characterized by injustice : UNFAIR
2 archaic : DISHONEST, FAITHLESS
–un·just·ly adverb
–un·just·ness \-'jəs(t)-nəs\ noun

unkempt
adj. 1 : not combed <unkempt hair>
2 : deficient in order or neatness <unkempt individuals> <unkempt hotel rooms> also : ROUGH, UNPOLISHED <unkempt prose>

unkenned
chiefly dialect : UNKNOWN, STRANGE

unkennel
v. 1 a : to drive (as a fox) from a hiding place or den b : to free (dogs) from a kennel
2 : to bring out into the open : UNCOVER

unkind
adj. 1 : not pleasing or mild : INCLEMENT <an unkind climate>
2 : lacking in kindness or sympathy : HARSH, CRUEL
–un·kind·ness \-'kīn(d)-nəs\ noun

unkindly
adv. : not kindly
–un·kind·li·ness noun

unkindly
adv. : in an unkind manner <dwells unkindly long on his final decline ― A. H. Johnston>

unkink
v. : to free from kinks : STRAIGHTEN
intransitive verb : to become lax or loose : RELAX

unknit
adj. : UNDO, UNRAVEL

unknowable
adj. : not knowable especially : lying beyond the limits of human experience or understanding
–un·know·abil·i·ty \-ˌnō-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

unknowing
adj. : not knowing
–un·know·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

unknowing
adj. : IGNORANCE

unknown
n. : not known or not well-known also : having an unknown value <an unknown quantity>

unknown
n. 1 : one that is not known or not well-known especially : a person who is little known (as to the public)
2 : something that requires discovery, identification, or clarification: as a : a symbol (as x, y, or z) in a mathematical equation representing an unknown quantity b : a specimen (as of bacteria or mixed chemicals) required to be identified as an exercise in appropriate laboratory techniques

Unknown Soldier
: an unidentified soldier whose body is selected to receive national honors as a representative of all of the same nation who died in a war and especially in one of the world wars

unlace
v. 1 : to loose by undoing a lacing
2 obsolete : UNDO, DISGRACE

unlade
v. transitive verb
1 : to take the load or cargo from
2 : DISCHARGE, UNLOAD
intransitive verb : to discharge cargo

unlash
v. : to untie the lashing of

unlatch
v. : to open or loose by lifting the latch
intransitive verb : to become loosed or opened

unlawful
adj. 1 : not lawful : ILLEGAL
2 : not morally right or conventional
–un·law·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–un·law·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

unlay
v. transitive verb : to untwist the strands of (as a rope)
intransitive verb : UNTWIST

unleaded
adj. 1 : not having leads between the lines in printing
2 : not treated or mixed with lead or lead compounds <unleaded fuels>

unlearn
v. 1 : to put out of one's knowledge or memory
2 : to undo the effect of : discard the habit of

unlearned
adj. 1 : possessing inadequate learning or education especially : deficient in scholarly attainments
2 : characterized by or revealing ignorance
3 : not gained by study or training
synonyms see IGNORANT

unleash
v. 1 : to free from or as if from a leash : let loose <unleash the dogs> <unleashing his anger>
2 : to throw, shoot, or set in motion forcefully <unleashed a superb shot⋯to earn his side a point ― N.Y. Times>

unless
conj. 1 : except on the condition that : under any other circumstance than
2 : without the accompanying circumstance or condition that : but that : BUT

unless
conj. : except possibly : EXCEPT

unlettered
adj. 1 a : lacking facility in reading and writing and ignorant of the knowledge to be gained from books b : ILLITERATE
2 : not marked with letters
synonyms see IGNORANT

unlicked
adj. 1 : lacking proper form or shape
2 archaic : not licked dry

unlike
adj. : not like: as a : marked by lack of resemblance : DIFFERENT <the two books are quite unlike> b : marked by inequality : UNEQUAL <contributed unlike amounts>
–un·like·ness noun

unlike
adj. : not like: as a : different from <a landscape unlike any other> b : not characteristic of <it was unlike him to be late> c : in a different manner from <spoke clearly, unlike the others>

unlike
adj. : in a manner that is different than : not as
usage The use of unlike as a conjunction is less common than conjunctive use of like and, while criticized, is not as frequently cited as an error. The conjunctive unlike almost always introduces a prepositional phrase <unlike in other areas, the judiciary cannot justify its attempt⋯as a necessary evil ― Alexandra M. Walsh, Stanford Law Rev.>. In spite of criticism, this conjunctive use of unlike is well established in both American and British English.

unlikelihood
n. 1 : IMPROBABILITY
2 : something unlikely

unlikeliness
n. : IMPROBABILITY

unlikely
adj. 1 : not likely : IMPROBABLE <an unlikely outcome>
2 : likely to fail : UNPROMISING

unlimber
v. 1 : to detach the limber from and so make ready <unlimber a gun for action>
2 : to prepare for operation or performance <unlimbered his banjo and began to play>
intransitive verb : to prepare something for action

unlimited
adj. 1 : lacking any controls : UNRESTRICTED <unlimited access>
2 : BOUNDLESS, INFINITE <unlimited possibilities>
3 : not bounded by exceptions : UNDEFINED <the unlimited and unconditional surrender of the enemy ― Sir Winston Churchill>
–un·lim·it·ed·ly adverb

unlink
v. : to unfasten the links of : SEPARATE, DISCONNECT
intransitive verb : to become detached

unlinked
adj. : not belonging to the same genetic linkage group <unlinked genes>

unlisted
adj. 1 : not appearing on a list especially : not appearing in a telephone book <unlisted numbers>
2 : being or involving a security not listed formally on an organized exchange : OVER-THE-COUNTER

unlive
v. : ANNUL, REVERSE

unload
v. 1 a (1) : to take off : DELIVER (2) : to take the cargo from <unload the truck> b : to give outlet to : pour forth <unloaded her bitter feelings>
2 : to relieve of something burdensome, unwanted, or oppressive <unloaded the pack animals> <unloaded himself to his friend>
3 : to draw the charge from <unloaded the gun>
4 : to sell or dispose of especially in large quantities : DUMP
5 : to hit or propel with a great release of power <unloaded his ninth homer>
intransitive verb
1 : to perform the act of unloading
2 : to release or deliver something especially with power <unloaded on the ball>
3 : to give forth a usually sudden angry outburst <the coach unloaded on his players>
–un·load·er noun

unlock
v. 1 : to unfasten the lock of
2 : OPEN, UNDO
3 : to free from restraints or restrictions <the shock unlocked a flood of tears>
4 : to furnish a key to : DISCLOSE
intransitive verb : to become unfastened or freed from restraints

unlooked-for
: not foreseen : UNEXPECTED

unloose
v. 1 : to relax the strain of <unloose a grip>
2 : to release from or as if from restraints : set free
3 : to loosen the ties of <unloose traditional social bonds>

unloosen
v. : UNLOOSE

unlovely
adj. : not likable : DISAGREEABLE, UNPLEASANT
–un·love·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

unluckily
adv. : UNFORTUNATELY <unluckily, it has a nasty way of turning to rain ― Ambrose Bierce> <his ascent being unluckily a little out of the perpendicular ― T. L. Peacock>

unlucky
adj. 1 : marked by adversity or failure <an unlucky year>
2 : likely to bring misfortune : INAUSPICIOUS <an unlucky number>
3 : having or meeting with misfortune <unlucky people>
4 : producing dissatisfaction : REGRETTABLE
–un·luck·i·ness \-'lə-kē-nəs\ noun

unmade
: not made <an unmade bed>

unmake
v. 1 : to cause to disappear : DESTROY
2 : to deprive of rank or office : DEPOSE
3 : to deprive of essential characteristics : change the nature of

unman
v. 1 : to deprive of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit
2 : CASTRATE, EMASCULATE
synonyms see UNNERVE

unmanly
adj. : not manly: as a : being of weak character : COWARDLY b : EFFEMINATE
–un·man·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

unmanned
adj. 1 : not manned <an unmanned spaceflight>
2 of a hawk : not trained

unmannered
adj. 1 : marked by a lack of good manners : RUDE
2 : characterized by an absence of artificiality : UNAFFECTED
–un·man·nered·ly adverb

unmannerly
adj. : in an unmannerly fashion

unmannerly
adj. : not mannerly : DISCOURTEOUS
–un·man·ner·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

unmarried
adj. : not married: a : not now or previously married b : being divorced or widowed
–unmarried noun

unmask
v. 1 : to reveal the true nature of : EXPOSE
2 : to remove a mask from
intransitive verb : to remove one's mask

unmeaning
adj. 1 : lacking intelligence : VAPID
2 : having no meaning : SENSELESS

unmediated
adj. : not mediated : not communicated or transformed by an intervening agency <experience unmediated by artifice>

unmeet
adj. : not meet : UNSUITABLE, IMPROPER

unmentionable
n. : not fit or allowed to be mentioned or discussed : UNSPEAKABLE <an unmentionable topic>

unmentionable
n. : one that is not to be mentioned or discussed: as a plural : 3PANT 1 b plural : UNDERWEAR

unmerciful
adj. 1 : not merciful : MERCILESS
2 : EXCESSIVE, EXTREME <chatted for an unmerciful length of time>
–un·mer·ci·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

unmindful
adj. : not conscientiously aware, attentive, or heedful : INATTENTIVE, CARELESS <went shirtless, unmindful of the sun's punishing rays>

unmistakable
adj. : not capable of being mistaken or misunderstood : CLEAR
–un·mis·tak·ably \-blē\ adverb

unmitigated
adj. 1 : not lessened : UNRELIEVED <sufferings unmitigated by any hope of early relief>
2 : being so definitely what is stated as to offer little chance of change or relief <an unmitigated disaster>
–un·mit·i·gat·ed·ly adverb
–un·mit·i·gat·ed·ness noun

unmold
: to remove from a mold

unmoor
v. : to loosen from or as if from moorings
intransitive verb : to cast off moorings

unmoral
adj. 1 : having no moral perception or quality also : not influenced or guided by moral considerations
2 : lying outside the bounds of morals or ethics : AMORAL
–un·mo·ral·i·ty \ˌən-mə-'ra-lə-tē, -mȯ-\ noun

unmuffle
v. : to free from something that muffles

unmuzzle
v. : to free from or as if from a muzzle

unmyelinated
adj. : lacking a myelin sheath <unmyelinated axons>

unnail
: to unfasten by removing nails

unnatural
adj. 1 : not being in accordance with nature or consistent with a normal course of events
2 a : not being in accordance with normal human feelings or behavior : PERVERSE b : lacking ease and naturalness : CONTRIVED <her manner was forced and unnatural> c : inconsistent with what is reasonable or expected <an unnatural alliance>
synonyms see IRREGULAR
–un·nat·u·ral·ly \-'na-chə-rə-lē, -'nach-rə-, -'na-chər-\ adverb
–un·nat·u·ral·ness \-'na-chə-rəl-nəs, -'nach-rəl-\ noun

unnecessarily
adv. : not by necessity : to an unnecessary degree <unnecessarily harsh criticism>

unnecessary
adj. : not necessary

unnerve
v. 1 : to deprive of courage, strength, or steadiness
2 : to cause to become nervous : UPSET
–un·nerv·ing·ly \-'nər-viŋ-lē\ adverb
synonyms UNNERVE, ENERVATE, UNMAN, EMASCULATE mean to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action. UNNERVE implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act <unnerved by the near collision>. ENERVATE suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort <a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure>. UNMAN implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit <a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle>. EMASCULATE stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential <an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards>.

unnilhexium
: SEABORGIUM

unnilpentium
: DUBNIUM

unnilquadium
n. : RUTHERFORDIUM

unnumbered
adj. 1 : INNUMERABLE
2 : not having an identifying number <unnumbered pages>

uno
n. numero uno
ab uno disce omnes
tria juncta in uno
uno animo

uno animo
: with one mind : unanimously

unobtrusive
adj. : not obtrusive : not blatant, arresting, or aggressive : INCONSPICUOUS
–un·ob·tru·sive·ly adverb
–un·ob·tru·sive·ness noun

unoccupied
adj. : not occupied: as a : not busy : UNEMPLOYED b : not lived in : EMPTY

unorganized
adj. 1 : not organized: as a : not brought into a coherent or well-ordered whole b : not belonging to a labor union
2 : not having the characteristics of a living organism

unorthodox
adj. : not orthodox
–un·or·tho·dox·ly adverb

unorthodoxy
n. 1 : the quality or state of being unorthodox
2 : something (as an opinion or doctrine) that is unorthodox

unpack
v. 1 a : to remove the contents of <unpack a suitcase> b : UNBURDEN, REVEAL <must⋯unpack my heart with words ― Shakespeare>
2 : to remove or undo from packing or a container <unpacked his gear>
3 : to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : EXPLICATE <unpack a concept>
intransitive verb : to engage in unpacking a container
–un·pack·er noun

unpaged
adj. : having no page numbers

unpaid
adj. 1 : not paid <an unpaid volunteer>
2 : not paying a salary <an unpaid position>

unpaired
adj. : not paired: as a : not matched or mated b : being an electron that doesn't share its orbital with another electron

unpalatable
adj. 1 : not palatable : DISTASTEFUL <unpalatable wines>
2 : UNPLEASANT, DISAGREEABLE <raising income tax rates is politically unpalatable ― Mary Rowland>
–un·pal·at·abil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌpa-lə-tə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

unparalleled
adj. : having no parallel especially : having no equal or match : unique in kind or quality

unparliamentary
adj. : contrary to the practice of parliamentary bodies

unpeg
v. 1 : to remove a peg from
2 : to unfasten by or as if by removing a peg

unpeople
v. : DEPOPULATE

unpeopled
adj. : not filled with or occupied by people <an unpeopled wilderness>

unperfect
: IMPERFECT

unperson
n. : an individual who usually for political or ideological reasons is removed completely from recognition or consideration

unpick
v. : to undo (as sewing) by taking out stitches

unpile
v. : to take or disentangle from a pile

unpin
v. 1 : to remove a pin from
2 : to loosen, free, or unfasten by or as if by removing a pin

unplaced
adj. 1 : not placed : not having a definite or assigned place <taxonomically unplaced organisms>
2 : not finishing in one of the first three places in a horse race

unpleasant
adj. : not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : DISPLEASING <unpleasant odors>
–un·pleas·ant·ly adverb

unpleasantness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being unpleasant
2 : an unpleasant situation, experience, or event

unplug
v. 1 a : to take a plug out of b : to remove an obstruction from
2 a : to remove (as an electric plug) from a socket or receptacle b : to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug <unplug the refrigerator>

unplugged
adj. : ACOUSTIC 2 <an unplugged performance>

unplumbed
adj. 1 : not tested with a plumb line
2 a : not measured with a plumb b : not thoroughly explored

unpolarized
adj. : not polarized specifically : having a random pattern of vibrations

unpolitical
adj. : APOLITICAL 1

unpopular
adj. : not popular : viewed or received unfavorably by the public
–un·pop·u·lar·i·ty \ˌən-ˌpä-pyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun
–un·pop·u·lar·ly adverb

unprecedented
adj. : having no precedent : NOVEL, UNEXAMPLED
–un·prec·e·dent·ed·ly adverb

unpregnant
obsolete : INEPT 1

unpretending
adj. : UNPRETENTIOUS

unpretentious
adj. : free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation : MODEST <unpretentious homes> <an unpretentious celebrity>
–un·pre·ten·tious·ly adverb
–un·pre·ten·tious·ness noun

unprincipled
adj. : lacking moral principles : UNSCRUPULOUS
–un·prin·ci·pled·ness noun

unprintable
adj. : unfit to be printed especially : too obscene or offensive to be shown in print <unprintable epithets>

unprofessed
adj. : not professed <an unprofessed aim>

unprofitable
adj. : not profitable : producing no gain, good, or result <an unprofitable venture>
–un·prof·it·able·ness noun
–un·prof·it·ably \-blē\ adverb

unpromising
adj. : appearing unlikely to prove worthwhile or result favorably <an unpromising beginning>
–un·prom·is·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adverb

unpronounced
adj. : not pronounced especially : MUTE

unprotected
adj. 1 : lacking protection or defense <unprotected troops> <skin unprotected from the sun's rays>
2 : performed without the use of birth control to prevent pregnancy also : performed without the use of a condom to prevent spread of sexually transmitted disease <unprotected sex>

unpublishable
adj. : UNPRINTABLE

unputdownable
adj. : unable to be set aside : RIVETING <an unputdownable book>

unqualified
adj. 1 : not fit : not having requisite qualifications
2 : not modified or restricted by reservations : COMPLETE <an unqualified denial>
–un·qual·i·fied·ly \-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē\ adverb

unquestionable
adj. : not questionable : INDISPUTABLE <unquestionable evidence> <unquestionable integrity>
–un·ques·tion·ably \-blē\ adverb

unquestioning
adj. : not questioning : not expressing or marked by doubt or hesitation <unquestioning obedience> <unquestioning loyalty>
–un·ques·tion·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

unquiet
adj. 1 : not quiet : AGITATED, TURBULENT
2 : physically, emotionally, or mentally restless : UNEASY
–un·qui·et·ly adverb
–un·qui·et·ness noun

unquote
v. ― used orally to indicate the end of a direct quotation

unravel
v. 1 a : to disengage or separate the threads of : DISENTANGLE b : to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of
2 : to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up <unravel a mystery>
intransitive verb : to become unraveled

unread
adj. 1 : not read : left unexamined
2 : lacking the experience or the benefits of reading <unread in political science>

unreal
adj. : lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness : ARTIFICIAL, ILLUSORY also : INCREDIBLE, FANTASTIC

unrealistic
adj. : not realistic : inappropriate to reality or fact
–un·re·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

unreality
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being unreal : lack of substance or validity b : something unreal, insubstantial, or visionary : FIGMENT
2 : ineptitude in dealing with reality

unreason
n. : the absence of reason or sanity : IRRATIONALITY, MADNESS

unreasonable
adj. 1 a : not governed by or acting according to reason <unreasonable people> b : not conformable to reason : ABSURD <unreasonable beliefs>
2 : exceeding the bounds of reason or moderation <working under unreasonable pressure>
–un·rea·son·able·ness \-nəs\ noun
–un·rea·son·ably \-blē\ adverb

unreasoned
adj. : not founded on reason or reasoning <unreasoned fears> <an unreasoned decision>

unreasoning
adj. : not reasoning especially : not moderated or controlled by reason <unreasoning fear>
–un·rea·son·ing·ly \-'rēz-niŋ-lē, -'rē-zən-iŋ-\ adverb

unreconstructed
adj. : not reconciled to some political, economic, or social change <an unreconstructed rebel> also : holding stubbornly to a particular belief, view, place, or style <an unreconstructed hard-liner>

unreel
v. 1 : to unwind from a reel
2 : to perform successfully <unreeled a 66-yard pass play>
3 : REEL OFF 2 <unreeled five birdies in a row>
intransitive verb
1 : to become unwound
2 : to be presented <the dress rehearsal unreeled flawlessly>

unreeve
: to withdraw (a rope) from an opening (as a ship's block or thimble)

unregenerate
adj. 1 : not regenerate <the unregenerate condition of humanity> <unregenerate pagans>
2 a : not reformed : UNRECONSTRUCTED <unregenerate liberals> <unregenerate Confederates> b : OBSTINATE, STUBBORN <struggling against unregenerate impulses> <his unregenerate competitiveness>
–un·re·gen·er·ate·ly adverb

unrelenting
adj. 1 : not softening or yielding in determination : HARD, STERN <an unrelenting leader>
2 : not letting up or weakening in vigor or pace : CONSTANT <the unrelenting struggle>
–un·re·lent·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

unremarked
adj. : not remarked : UNNOTICED

unremitting
adj. : not remitting : CONSTANT, INCESSANT <unremitting pain>
–un·re·mit·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

unrequited
adj. : not requited : not reciprocated or returned in kind <unrequited love>

unreserve
n. : absence of reserve : FRANKNESS

unreserved
adj. 1 : not limited or partial : ENTIRE, UNQUALIFIED <unreserved enthusiasm>
2 : not cautious or reticent : FRANK, OPEN
3 : not set aside for special use
–un·re·serv·ed·ly \-'zər-vəd-lē\ adverb
–un·re·served·ness \-'zər-vəd-nəs, -'zərv(d)-nəs\ noun

unrest
n. : a disturbed or uneasy state : TURMOIL

unrestrained
adj. 1 : not restrained : IMMODERATE, UNCONTROLLED <unrestrained proliferation of technology>
2 : free of constraint : SPONTANEOUS <felt happy and unrestrained>
–un·re·strain·ed·ly \-'strā-nəd-lē\ adverb
–un·re·strained·ness \-'strā-nəd-nəs, -'strān(d)-nəs\ noun

unrestraint
n. : freedom from or lack of restraint

unretire
: to leave retirement : rejoin the workforce

unriddle
v. : to find the explanation of : FIGURE OUT, SOLVE <unriddle a puzzle> <no trouble unriddling three-part syllogisms ― New Yorker> also : to make understandable : EXPLAIN <just trying to unriddle the man ― Helen Dudar>

unrig
v. : to strip of rigging <unrig a ship>

unrighteous
adj. 1 : not righteous : SINFUL, WICKED
2 : UNJUST, UNMERITED <intolerable and unrighteous interference in their lives ― W. W. Wagar>
–un·righ·teous·ly adverb
–un·righ·teous·ness noun

unripe
adj. 1 : not ripe : IMMATURE <unripe fruit>
2 : not ready : UNPREPARED <unripe plans>
–un·ripe·ness noun

unrivaled
adj. : having no rival : INCOMPARABLE, SUPREME <unrivaled greatness>

unroll
v. 1 : to unwind a roll of : open out : UNCOIL
2 : to spread out like a scroll for reading or inspection : UNFOLD, REVEAL
intransitive verb : to be unrolled : UNWIND

unroof
v. : to strip off the roof or covering of

unround
v. 1 : to pronounce (a sound) without lip rounding or with decreased lip rounding
2 : to spread (the lips) laterally <necessary to unround the lips in pronouncing \ē\>

unround
v. : pronounced with the lips not rounded

unruffled
adj. 1 : poised and serene especially in the face of setbacks or confusion
2 : not ruffled : SMOOTH <unruffled water>
synonyms see COOL

unruly
adj. : not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed <an unruly crowd> <a mane of unruly hair>
–un·rul·i·ness noun
synonyms UNRULY, UNGOVERNABLE, INTRACTABLE, REFRACTORY, RECALCITRANT, WILLFUL, HEADSTRONG mean not submissive to government or control. UNRULY implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior <unruly children>. UNGOVERNABLE implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others <ungovernable rage>. INTRACTABLE suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control <intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump>. REFRACTORY stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold <special schools for refractory children>. RECALCITRANT suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority <acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace>. WILLFUL implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way <a willful disregard for the rights of others>. HEADSTRONG suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion <a headstrong young cavalry officer>.

UNRWA
United Nations Relief and Works Agency

unsaddle
v. 1 : to take the saddle from
2 : to throw from the saddle
intransitive verb : to remove the saddle from a horse

unsaid
adj. : not said especially : not spoken aloud

unsatisfactory
adj. : not satisfactory
–un·sat·is·fac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
–un·sat·is·fac·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

unsaturate
v. : an unsaturated chemical compound

unsaturated
adj. : not saturated: as a : capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something <an unsaturated solution> b : able to form products by chemical addition especially : containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms <unsaturated fats>

unsaved
adj. : not saved especially : not absolved from eternal punishment : not regenerate

unsavory
adj. 1 : INSIPID, TASTELESS
2 a : unpleasant to taste or smell b : DISAGREEABLE, DISTASTEFUL <an unsavory assignment> especially : morally offensive <unsavory business practices>

unsay
v. : to make as if not said : RECANT, RETRACT

unsayable
adj. : not sayable : not easily expressed or related also : not allowed to be said

unscathed
adj. : wholly unharmed : not injured

unschooled
adj. 1 : not schooled : UNTAUGHT, UNTRAINED <an unschooled woodsman>
2 : not artificial : NATURAL <unschooled talent>

unscientific
adj. : not scientific: as a : not used in scientific work b : not being in accord with the principles and methods of science <unscientific management of woodlands> <an unscientific survey> c : not showing scientific knowledge or familiarity with scientific methods
–un·sci·en·tif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

unscramble
v. 1 : to separate (as a conglomeration or tangle) into original components : RESOLVE, CLARIFY
2 : to restore (scrambled communication) to intelligible form
–un·scram·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

unscrew
v. 1 : to draw the screws from
2 : to loosen or withdraw by turning
intransitive verb : to become or admit of being unscrewed

unscripted
adj. : not following a prepared script

unscrupulous
adj. : not scrupulous : UNPRINCIPLED
–un·scru·pu·lous·ly adverb
–un·scru·pu·lous·ness noun

unseal
v. : to break or remove the seal of : OPEN

unsealed
adj. : not sealed

unseam
v. : to open the seams of

unsearchable
adj. : not capable of being searched or explored : INSCRUTABLE
–un·search·ably \-blē\ adverb

unseasonable
adj. 1 : occurring at other than the proper time : UNTIMELY
2 : not being in season
3 a : not normal for the season of the year <unseasonable weather> b : marked by unseasonable weather <an unseasonable summer>
–un·sea·son·able·ness noun
–un·sea·son·ably \-blē\ adverb

unseat
v. 1 : to dislodge from one's seat especially on horseback
2 : to remove from a place or position especially : to remove from political office

unseemly
adj. : not seemly: as a : not according with established standards of good form or taste <unseemly bickering> b : not suitable for time or place : INAPPROPRIATE, UNSEASONABLE
synonyms see INDECOROUS
–un·seem·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

unseemly
adj. : in an unseemly manner

unseen
n. 1 : not seen or perceived
2 : SIGHT 1 <an unseen translation>

unsegregated
adj. : not segregated especially : free from racial segregation

unselected
v. : not selected <will be held at a still unselected location> also : chosen at random <unselected samples>

unselective
adj. : not marked by selection : RANDOM, INDISCRIMINATE
–un·se·lec·tive·ly \-lē\ adverb

unself
n. unself consciousness
unself consciously
unself conscious

unselfish
adj. : not selfish : GENEROUS
–un·self·ish·ly adverb
–un·self·ish·ness noun

unsell
1 : to dissuade from a belief in the truth, value, or desirability of something <ads that unsell the public on energy consumption>
2 : to discourage a belief in the truth, value, or desirability of <I unsold the coat he wanted and sold him another>

unset
adj. : not set: as a : not fixed in a setting : UNMOUNTED <unset diamonds> b : not firmed or solidified <unset concrete>

unsettle
v. 1 : to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : DISORDER
2 : to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : DISCOMPOSE
intransitive verb : to become unsettled

unsettled
adj. : not settled: as a (1) : not calm or tranquil : DISTURBED <unsettled political conditions> (2) : likely to vary widely especially in the near future : VARIABLE <unsettled weather> (3) : not settled down <unsettled dust> b (1) : not decided or determined : DOUBTFUL <an unsettled state of mind> (2) : not resolved or worked out : UNDECIDED <an unsettled question> c : characterized by irregularity <an unsettled life> d : not inhabited or populated <unsettled land> e : mentally unbalanced f (1) : not disposed of according to law <an unsettled estate> (2) : not paid or discharged <unsettled debts>
–un·set·tled·ness \-təl(d)-nəs\ noun

unsettlement
n. 1 : an act, process, or instance of unsettling
2 : the quality or state of being unsettled

unsettling
adj. : having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing <unsettling images of the war>
–un·set·tling·ly \-lē\ adverb

unsew
: to undo the sewing of

unsex
v. 1 : to deprive of sex or sexual power
2 : to deprive of the qualities typical of one's sex

unshackle
v. : to free from shackles

unshaped
adj. : not shaped: as a : not dressed or finished to final form <an unshaped timber> b : imperfect in form or formulation <unshaped ideas>

unshapen
: UNSHAPED

unsheathe
v. : to draw from or as if from a sheath or scabbard <unsheathed his sword>

unship
v. 1 : to take out of a ship : DISCHARGE, UNLOAD
2 : to remove (as an oar or tiller) from position : DETACH
intransitive verb : to become or admit of being detached or removed

unshod
adj. : not wearing or provided with shoes

unsight
adj. : to prevent from seeing

unsight
adj. : not sighted or examined

unsightly
adj. : not pleasing to the sight : not comely <an unsightly mess>
–un·sight·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

unskilled
adj. 1 : not skilled in a branch of work : lacking technical training <an unskilled worker>
2 : not requiring skill <unskilled jobs>
3 : marked by lack of skill <produced unskilled poems>

unskillful
adj. : not skillful : lacking in skill or proficiency
–un·skill·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·skill·ful·ness noun

unslakable
: unable to be slaked : UNQUENCHABLE <an unslakable thirst> <an unslakable desire for excellence>

unsling
v. : to remove from being slung <unslung the carbine>

unsnap
v. : to loosen or free by or as if by undoing a snap

unsnarl
v. : to disentangle a snarl in

unsociable
adj. 1 : having or showing a disinclination for social activity : SOLITARY, RESERVED
2 : not conducive to sociability
–un·so·cia·bil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌsō-shə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·so·cia·ble·ness \ˌən-'sō-shə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–un·so·cia·bly \-blē\ adverb

unsocial
adj. : lacking a taste or desire for society or close association also : marked by or arising from such a lack <an unsocial disposition>
–un·so·cial·ly \-'sō-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

unsold
adj. : not sold

unsophisticated
adj. : not sophisticated: as a : not changed or corrupted : GENUINE b (1) : not worldly-wise : lacking social or economic sophistication (2) : lacking complexity of structure : SIMPLE, STRAIGHTFORWARD <an unsophisticated analysis> <unsophisticated rhythms>
synonyms see NATURAL

unsophistication
n. : lack of or freedom from sophistication

unsought
adj. : not searched for or sought out <unsought compliments>

unsound
adj. : not sound: as a : not healthy or whole <an unsound horse> b : not mentally normal : not wholly sane <of unsound mind> c : not firmly made, placed, or fixed <structurally unsound> d : not valid or true : INVALID, SPECIOUS <unsound beliefs>
–un·sound·ly \-'sau̇n(d)-lē\ adverb

unsoundness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being unsound
2 : something (as a disease, injury, or defect) that causes one to be unsound

unsparing
adj. 1 : not merciful or forbearing : HARD, RUTHLESS <an unsparing satire> <an unsparing critic>
2 : not frugal : LIBERAL, PROFUSE <unsparing generosity>
–un·spar·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

unspeak
obsolete : UNSAY

unspeakable
adj. 1 a : incapable of being expressed in words : UNUTTERABLE b : inexpressibly bad : HORRENDOUS <unspeakable living conditions> <unspeakable evil>
2 : that may not or cannot be spoken <the bawdy thoughts that come into one's head 97 the unspeakable words ― L. P. Smith> <unspeakable collections of consonants ― Rosemary Jellis>
–un·speak·ably \-blē\ adverb

unspool
v. 1 : to unwind from a spool <unspool the cable>
2 : to execute or present artfully or gracefully <unspooled a jump shot> <unspooling an intricate tale>
intransitive verb : to be presented or revealed on or as if on a motion-picture screen

unsportsmanlike
adj. : not characteristic of or exhibiting good sportsmanship : not sportsmanlike

unspotted
adj. 1 : not spotted : free from spot or stain
2 : free from moral stain <an unspotted reputation>

unsprung
adj. : not sprung especially : not equipped with springs

unstable
adj. : not stable : not firm or fixed : not constant: as a : not steady in action or movement : IRREGULAR <an unstable pulse> b : wavering in purpose or intent : VACILLATING c : lacking steadiness : apt to move, sway, or fall <an unstable tower> d (1) : liable to change or alteration <an unstable economy> <unstable weather> (2) : readily changing (as by decomposing) in chemical or physical composition or in biological activity e : characterized by lack of emotional control
synonyms see INCONSTANT
–un·sta·ble·ness noun
–un·sta·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

unstable angina
: angina pectoris characterized by sudden changes (as an increase in the severity or length of anginal attacks or a decrease in the exertion required to precipitate an attack) especially when symptoms were previously stable

unsteady
adj. : to make unsteady

unsteady
adj. : not steady: as a : not firm or solid : not fixed in position : UNSTABLE b : marked by change or fluctuation : CHANGEABLE c : not uniform or even : IRREGULAR <an unsteady pulse>
–un·stead·i·ly \-'ste-də-lē\ adverb
–un·stead·i·ness \-'ste-dē-nəs\ noun

unstep
v. : to remove (a mast) from a step

unstick
v. : to release from a state of adhesion

unstinting
adj. : not restricting or holding back : giving or being given freely or generously <an unstinting volunteer> <unstinting praise>
–un·stint·ing·ly adverb

unstop
v. 1 : to free from an obstruction : OPEN <unstop a drain>
2 : to remove a stopper from <unstop a flask>

unstoppable
adj. : incapable of being stopped <an unstoppable army> <an unstoppable rise to power>
–un·stop·pa·bly \-blē\ adverb

unstrap
v. : to remove or loose a strap from

unstressed
adj. 1 : not bearing a stress or accent <unstressed syllables>
2 : not subjected to stress <unstressed wires>

unstring
v. 1 : to loosen or remove the strings of
2 : to remove from a string
3 : to make weak, disordered, or unstable <was unstrung by the news>

unstructured
adj. : lacking structure or organization: as a : not formally organized in a set or conventional pattern <an unstructured question> <feel insecure in an unstructured situation> b : not having a system or hierarchy typical of an organized society

unstuck
adj. : brought into a state of disarray, discomposure, or incoherence <the deal came unstuck>

unstudied
adj. : not studied: as a : not acquired by study b : not forced : not done or planned for effect

unsubstantial
adj. : not substantial : lacking substance, firmness, or strength <unsubstantial shadows>
–un·sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-'a-lə-tē\ noun
–un·sub·stan·tial·ly \ˌən-səb-'stan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

unsuccessful
adj. : not successful : not meeting with or producing success
–un·suc·cess·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

unsulfured
: not treated or preserved with sulfur <unsulfured molasses>

unsung
adj. 1 : not sung
2 : not celebrated or praised (as in song or verse) <an unsung hero>

unsurprising
adj. : not surprising or unexpected

unsurprisingly
adv. 1 : as is not surprising <matters complicate, unsurprisingly ― Stanley Kauffmann>
2 : in an unsurprising manner <the story ended unsurprisingly>

unswathe
v. : to free from something that swathes

unswear
intransitive verb archaic : to unsay or retract something sworn
transitive verb archaic : to recant or recall (as an oath) especially by a second oath

unswerving
adj. 1 : not swerving or turning aside
2 : STEADY, UNFALTERING <unswerving loyalty>

unsymmetrical
adj. : ASYMMETRIC
–un·sym·met·ri·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

untangle
v. : to loose from tangles or entanglement : straighten out <untangle a knot> <untangle a mystery>
synonyms see EXTRICATE

untapped
adj. 1 : not subjected to tapping <an untapped keg>
2 : not drawn upon or utilized <as yet untapped markets>

untaught
adj. 1 : not instructed or trained : IGNORANT
2 : NATURAL, SPONTANEOUS <untaught kindness>

unteach
1 : to cause to unlearn something
2 : to teach the contrary of <unteach bad habits>

untenable
adj. 1 : not able to be defended <an untenable position>
2 : not able to be occupied <untenable apartments>
–un·ten·a·bil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌte-nə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

untented
archaic : not probed or dressed <the untented woundings of a father's curse ― Shakespeare>

Untermeyer
Louis 1885-1977 American poet

Unterwalden
former canton cen Switzerland, now divided into two cantons (formerly half cantons): Nid·wal·den \'nēt-ˌväl-dən\ or F Nid·wald \nēd-'väld\ (capital Stans area 106 sq mi or 276 sq km, pop 38,600) & Ob·wal·den \'ȯp-ˌväl-dən\ or F Ob·wald \ȯb-'väld\ (capital Sarnen area 189 sq mi or 490 sq km, pop 32,700)

untether
v. : to free from or as if from a tether

unthink
: to put out of mind

unthinkable
adj. 1 : not capable of being grasped by the mind
2 : being contrary to what is reasonable, desirable, or probable : being out of the question
–un·think·abil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌthiŋ-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–un·think·ably \ˌən-'thiŋ-kə-blē\ adverb

unthinking
adj. 1 : not taking thought : HEEDLESS, UNMINDFUL <the unthinking onlookers>
2 : not indicating thought or reflection <an unthinking decision>
3 : not having the power of thought
–un·think·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adverb

unthought
adj. : not anticipated : UNEXPECTED ― often used with of <an unthought-of development>

unthread
v. 1 : to draw or take out a thread from <unthread a needle>
2 : to loosen the threads or connections of
3 : to make one's way through <unthread a maze>

unthrone
v. : to remove from or as if from a throne

untidy
adj. 1 a : not neat : SLOVENLY <their untidy kitchen> b : not neat or orderly in habits or procedure <an untidy mind>
2 a : not neatly organized or carried out <an untidy manuscript> b : conducive to a lack of neatness <untidy tasks like bathing the baby ― New Yorker>
–un·ti·di·ly \-'tī-də-lē\ adverb
–un·ti·di·ness \-'tī-dē-nəs\ noun

untie
v. transitive verb
1 : to free from something that ties, fastens, or restrains : UNBIND <untied our hands>
2 a : to disengage the knotted parts of <untie a shoe> b : DISENTANGLE, RESOLVE <untie a traffic jam>
intransitive verb : to become loosened or unbound

until
prep. 1 chiefly Scottish : TO
2 ― used as a function word to indicate continuance (as of an action or condition) to a specified time <stayed until morning>
3 : BEFORE 2 <not available until tomorrow> <we don't open until ten>

until
prep. : up to the time that : up to such time as <play continued until it got dark> <never able to relax until he took up fishing> <ran until she was breathless>

untimely
adj. 1 : at an inopportune time : UNSEASONABLY
2 : before the due, natural, or proper time : PREMATURELY <went untimely to the grave>

untimely
adj. 1 : INOPPORTUNE, UNSEASONABLE <an untimely joke> <untimely frost>
2 : occurring or done before the due, natural, or proper time : too early : PREMATURE <an untimely death>
–un·time·li·ness noun

untimeous
chiefly Scottish : UNTIMELY

untiring
adj. : not becoming tired : INDEFATIGABLE <an untiring worker>
–un·tir·ing·ly adverb

untitled
adj. 1 obsolete : having no title or right to rule
2 : not named <an untitled novel>
3 : not called by a title <untitled nobility>

unto
prep. 1 : TO
2 ― used as a function word to indicate reference or concern <they became a world unto themselves ― Anne T. Fleming>

untold
adj. 1 a : not told or related b : kept secret
2 : too great or numerous to count : INCALCULABLE, VAST

untouchability
: the quality or state of being untouchable especially : the state of being an untouchable

untouchable
adj. 1 a : forbidden to the touch : not to be handled b : exempt from criticism or control
2 : lying beyond reach
3 : disagreeable or defiling to the touch

untouchable
adj. : one that is untouchable specifically : a member of a large formerly segregated hereditary group in India having in traditional Hindu belief the quality of defiling by contact a member of a higher caste

untouched
adj. 1 : not subjected to touching : not handled
2 : not described or dealt with
3 a : not tasted b : being in the first or a primeval state or condition <an untouched wilderness>
4 : not influenced : UNAFFECTED

untoward
adj. 1 : difficult to guide, manage, or work with : UNRULY, INTRACTABLE
2 a : marked by trouble or unhappiness : UNLUCKY b : not favorable : ADVERSE, UNPROPITIOUS <untoward side effects>
3 : IMPROPER, INDECOROUS
–un·to·ward·ly adverb
–un·to·ward·ness noun

untrack
: to cause to escape from a slump <couldn't get untracked and played poorly throughout the game>

untread
archaic : to tread back : RETRACE

untried
adj. 1 : not tested or proved by experience or trial <a recruit untried in combat>
2 : not tried in court

untrodden
adj. : not trod : UNTRAVERSED

untroubled
adj. 1 : not given trouble : not made uneasy <untroubled by the age difference>
2 : CALM, TRANQUIL

untrue
adj. 1 : not faithful : DISLOYAL
2 : not according with a standard of correctness : not level or exact
3 : not according with the facts : FALSE
–un·tru·ly \-'trü-lē\ adverb

untruss
1 archaic : UNTIE, UNFASTEN ― used in the phrase untruss one's points
2 archaic : UNDRESS
intransitive verb archaic : to unfasten or take off one's clothes and especially one's breeches

untruth
n. 1 archaic : DISLOYALTY
2 : lack of truthfulness : FALSITY
3 : something that is untrue : FALSEHOOD

untruthful
adj. : not containing or telling the truth : FALSE, INACCURATE <an untruthful report>
synonyms see DISHONEST
–un·truth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–un·truth·ful·ness noun

untune
v. 1 : to put out of tune
2 : DISARRANGE, DISCOMPOSE

untutored
adj. 1 a : having no formal learning or training b : NAIVE, UNSOPHISTICATED
2 : not produced or developed by instruction : NATIVE <untutored shrewdness>
synonyms see IGNORANT

untwine
v. 1 : to unwind the twisted or tangled parts of : DISENTANGLE
2 : to remove by unwinding
intransitive verb : to become disentangled or unwound

untwist
v. : to separate the twisted parts of : UNTWINE
intransitive verb : to become untwined

untwisted
v. : not twisted

unused
adj. 1 : not habituated : UNACCUSTOMED <unused to crowds>
2 : not used: as a : FRESH, NEW <set an unused canvas on the easel> b : not put to use : IDLE <unused land> c : not consumed : ACCRUED <unused sick leave>

unusual
adj. : not usual : UNCOMMON, RARE
–un·usu·al·ly adverb
–un·usu·al·ness noun

unutterable
adj. : being beyond the powers of description : INEXPRESSIBLE <an unutterable tragedy>
–un·ut·ter·ably \-blē\ adverb

unvalued
adj. 1 obsolete : INVALUABLE
2 a : not important or prized : DISREGARDED b : not appraised

unvarnished
adj. 1 a : not adorned or glossed : PLAIN, STRAIGHTFORWARD <told the unvarnished truth> b : ARTLESS, FRANK <the unvarnished candor of old people and children ― Janet Flanner>
2 : not coated with or as if with varnish : CRUDE, UNFINISHED

unveil
v. 1 : to remove a veil or covering from
2 : to make public : DIVULGE, REVEAL <a good time to unveil their plans>
intransitive verb : to throw off a veil or protective cloak

unveiled
v. : not veiled : OPEN, REVEALED

unvocal
1 : not eloquent or outspoken : INARTICULATE
2 : not musical : DISCORDANT

unvoice
v. : DEVOICE

unvoiced
adj. 1 : not verbally expressed <unvoiced fears>
2 : VOICELESS 2 <unvoiced consonants>

unwarrantable
n. : not justifiable : INEXCUSABLE
–un·war·rant·ably \-blē\ adverb

unwary
adj. : not alert : easily fooled or surprised : HEEDLESS, GULLIBLE <cheats unwary tourists>
–un·wari·ly \-'war-ə-lē, -'wer-\ adverb
–un·wari·ness \-'wer-ē-nəs\ noun

unwashed
adj. 1 : not cleaned with or as if with soap and water
2 : IGNORANT, PLEBEIAN <the unwashed masses>
–un·washed·ness noun

unwashed
adj. : an ignorant or underprivileged group : RABBLE ― usually used with great <the great unwashed>

unwatchable
adj. : not suitable or fit for watching : tending to discourage watching <unwatchable TV shows>

unwearied
adj. : not tired or jaded : FRESH <unwearied travelers>
–un·wea·ried·ly adverb

unweave
v. : DISENTANGLE, UNRAVEL

unweeting
archaic : UNWITTING
–un·weet·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb archaic

unweight
v. : to reduce momentarily the force exerted by (as a ski) upon a surface by shifting the weight or position of one's body
intransitive verb : to unweight something by shifting the weight or position of one's body

unwell
adj. 1 : being in poor health : AILING, SICK
2 : undergoing menstruation

unwholesome
adj. 1 : detrimental to physical, mental, or moral well-being : UNHEALTHY <unwholesome food> <unwholesome pastimes>
2 a : CORRUPT, UNSOUND <shady unwholesome dealings> b : offensive to the senses : LOATHSOME <the unwholesome stench>
–un·whole·some·ly adverb

unwieldy
adj. : not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : CUMBERSOME
–un·wield·i·ly \-'wēl-də-lē\ adverb
–un·wield·i·ness \-dē-nəs\ noun

unwilling
adj. : not willing: a : LOATH, RELUCTANT <was unwilling to learn> b : done or given reluctantly <unwilling approval> c : offering opposition : OBSTINATE <an unwilling student>
–un·will·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–un·will·ing·ness noun

unwind
v. transitive verb
1 a : to cause to uncoil : wind off : UNROLL b : to free from or as if from a binding or wrapping c : to release from tension : RELAX
2 archaic : to trace to the end <unwinding the labryinth and bringing the hero out ― Laurence Sterne>
3 : to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps <unwound most of its natural gas hedges ― N.Y. Times>
intransitive verb
1 : to become uncoiled or disentangled : UNFOLD
2 : to become released from tension <take a bath to unwind>

unwisdom
n. : lack of wisdom : FOOLISHNESS, FOLLY

unwise
adj. : lacking wisdom or good sense : FOOLISH, IMPRUDENT
–un·wise·ly adverb

unwish
obsolete : to wish away

unwitting
adj. 1 : not knowing : UNAWARE <kept the truth from their unwitting friends>
2 : not intended : INADVERTENT <an unwitting mistake>
–un·wit·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

unwonted
adj. 1 : being out of the ordinary : RARE, UNUSUAL
2 : not accustomed by experience
–un·wont·ed·ly adverb
–un·wont·ed·ness noun

unworldly
adj. 1 : not of this world : UNEARTHLY specifically : SPIRITUAL
2 a : not wise in the ways of the world : NAIVE b : not swayed by mundane considerations
–un·world·li·ness \-'wərl(d)-lē-nəs\ noun

unworn
adj. 1 a : not impaired by use : not worn away b : not worn : NEW
2 : not jaded : FRESH, ORIGINAL

unworthy
adj. 1 a : lacking in excellence or value : POOR, WORTHLESS b : BASE, DISHONORABLE
2 : not meritorious : UNDESERVING <unworthy of attention>
3 : not deserved : UNMERITED <unworthy treatment>
4 : inappropriate to one's condition or station <actions unworthy of a gentleman>
–un·wor·thi·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–un·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

unwrap
v. : to remove the wrapping from : DISCLOSE <unwrap a package> <unwrap evidence in a criminal case>

unwreathe
: UNCOIL, UNTWIST

unwritten
adj. 1 : not expressed in writing : ORAL, TRADITIONAL <an unwritten rule>
2 : containing no writing : BLANK

unwritten constitution
: a constitution not embodied in a single document but based chiefly on custom and precedent as expressed in statutes and judicial decisions

unwritten law
: law based chiefly on custom rather than legislative enactments

unyielding
adj. 1 : characterized by firmness or obduracy
2 : characterized by lack of softness or flexibility
–un·yield·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

unyoke
v. 1 : to free from a yoke or harness
2 : to take apart : DISJOIN
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to unharness a draft animal
2 archaic : to cease from work

unzip
v. : to zip open
intransitive verb : to open by or as if by means of a zipper

UP
n. Upper Peninsula (of Michigan)

up
n. 1 a (1) : in or into a higher position or level especially : away from the center of the earth (2) : from beneath the ground or water to the surface (3) : from below the horizon (4) : UPSTREAM 1 (5) : in or into an upright position <sit up> especially : out of bed b : upward from the ground or surface <pull up a daisy> c : so as to expose a particular surface
2 : with greater intensity <speak up>
3 a : in or into a better or more advanced state b : at an end <your time is up> c : in or into a state of greater intensity or excitement d : to or at a greater speed, rate, or amount <prices went up> e : in a continual sequence : in continuance from a point or to a point <from third grade up> <at prices of $10 and up> <up until now>
4 a (1) : into existence, evidence, prominence, or prevalence (2) : into operation or practical form b : into consideration or attention <bring up for discussion>
5 : into possession or custody
6 a : ENTIRELY, COMPLETELY <button up your coat> b ― used as an intensifier <clean up the house>
7 : in or into storage : BY <lay up supplies>
8 a : so as to arrive or approach b : in a direction conventionally the opposite of down: (1) : to windward (2) : NORTHWARD (3) : to or at the top (4) : to or at the rear of a theatrical stage
9 : in or into parts
10 : to a stop ― usually used with draw, bring, fetch, or pull
11 : for each side <the score is 15 up>

up
n. 1 a : risen above the horizon <the sun is up> b : STANDING c : being out of bed d : relatively high <the river is up> <was well up in her class> e : being in a raised position : LIFTED <windows are up> f : being in a state of completion : CONSTRUCTED, BUILT g : having the face upward h : mounted on a horse <a new jockey up> i : grown above a surface <the corn is up> j (1) : moving, inclining, or directed upward <the up escalator> (2) : bound in a direction regarded as up
2 a (1) : marked by agitation, excitement, or activity (2) : positive or upbeat in mood or demeanor b : being above a former or normal level (as of quantity or intensity) <attendance is up> <the wind is up> c : exerting enough power (as for operation) <sail when steam is up> d : READY specifically : highly prepared e : going on : taking place <find out what is up>
3 a : risen from a lower position <men up from the ranks> b : being at the same level or point <did not feel up to par> c (1) : well informed : ABREAST <up on the news> (2) : being on schedule <up on his homework> d : being ahead of one's opponent
4 a : presented for or undergoing consideration <contract up for negotiation> also : charged before a court <up for robbery> b : being the one whose turn it is <you're up next>
–up against : confronted with : face-to-face with <the problem we are up against>
–up to
1 : capable of performing or dealing with <feels up to the task>
2 : engaged in <what is he up to>
3 : being the responsibility of <it's up to me>

up
n. 1 a ― used as a function word to indicate motion to or toward or situation at a higher point of <went up the stairs> b : up into or in the <was hid away up garret ― Mark Twain>
2 a : in a direction regarded as being toward or near the upper end or part of <lives a few miles up the coast> <walked up the street> b : toward or near a point closer to the source or beginning of <sail up the river>
3 : in the direction opposite to <sailed up the wind>

up
n. 1 : one in a high or advantageous position
2 : an upward slope
3 : a period or state of prosperity or success
4 : 3UPPER
5 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of +2/3 and that is one of the constituents of a nucleon

up
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to rise from a lying or sitting position b : to move upward : ASCEND
2 ― used with and and another verb to indicate that the action of the following verb was either surprisingly or abruptly initiated <he up and quit his job>
transitive verb
1 : RAISE, LIFT
2 a : to advance to a higher level: (1) : INCREASE (2) : PROMOTE 1A b : RAISE 8D E

up a storm
in a remarkable or energetic fashion ― used as an intensifier <dancing up a storm>

up against
confronted with : face-to-face with <the problem we are up against>

up and down
1 : TO AND FRO <paced up and down>
2 : alternately upward and downward <jump up and down>
3 archaic : here and there especially throughout an area
4 : with regard to every particular : THOROUGHLY <knew the territory up and down>
–up and down preposition

up close
: at close range

up for grabs
available for anyone to take, win, or settle

up front
1 : in or at the front
2 : in advance
3 : in an up-front manner : FRANKLY, FORTHRIGHTLY

up in arms
aroused and ready to undertake a fight or conflict <voters up in arms over the proposed law>

up in the air
not yet settled

up one's alley
also down one's alley : suited to one's own tastes or abilities

up one's sleeve
held secretly in reserve <has a few tricks up her sleeve>

up one's street
or down one's street : suited to one's abilities or taste

up the creek
in a difficult or perplexing situation

up the river
to or in prison <was sent up the river>

up the wall
slang : into a state of intense agitation, annoyance, or frustration <the noise drove me up the wall>

up the wazoo
also out the wazoo : in excess <we've got lawyers up the wazoo ― Steven Bochco>

up to

1 : capable of performing or dealing with <feels up to the task>
2 : engaged in <what is he up to>
3 : being the responsibility of <it's up to me>

up to
1 ― used as a function word to indicate extension as far as a specified place <sank up to his knees in the mud>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate a limit or boundary <up to 50,000 copies a month> <worked up to the last minute>

up to one's ears
deeply involved : heavily implicated <up to his ears in shady deals>

up to snuff
of sufficient quality : meeting an applicable standard

up to speed
operating at full effectiveness or potential

up-and-coming
: gaining prominence and likely to advance or succeed <an up-and-coming young actor>
–up-and-com·er \-'kə-mər\ noun

up-and-down
1 : marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2 : PERPENDICULAR

up-and-up
: an honest or respectable course ― used in the phrase on the up-and-up

up-bow
: a stroke in playing a bowed instrument in which the bow is moved across the strings from the tip to the heel

up-country
: of, relating to, or characteristic of an inland, upland, or outlying region <an up-country farm>
–up-country noun
–up-country \'əp-'\ adverb

up-front
: being or coming in or at the front: as a (1) : being in a conspicuous or leading position (2) : FRANK, FORTHRIGHT b : playing in a front line (as in football) c : paid or payable in advance

up-tempo
: having a fast-moving tempo <up-tempo music> <an aggressive up-tempo style of basketball>

up-to-date
1 : extending up to the present time : including the latest information <up-to-date maps>
2 : abreast of the times : MODERN <up-to-date methods>
–up-to-date·ly adverb
–up-to-date·ness noun

up-to-the-minute
1 : extending up to the immediate present : including the very latest information <up-to-the-minute scores>
2 : marked by complete up-to-dateness <up-to-the-minute equipment>

Upanishad
n. : one of a class of Vedic treatises dealing with broad philosophic problems
–Upa·ni·shad·ic \(ˌ)ü-ˌpä-ni-'shä-dik, (ˌ)yü-ˌpa-nə-'sha-dik\ adjective

upas
n. 1 : a tall tropical Asian tree (Antiaris toxicaria) of the mulberry family with a latex that contains poisonous glycosides used as an arrow poison also : a poisonous concentrate of the juice or latex of a upas
2 : a poisonous or harmful influence or institution

upbeat
n. 1 : an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure specifically : the last beat of the measure
2 : an increase in activity or prosperity <business that is on the upbeat>

upbeat
n. : CHEERFUL, OPTIMISTIC <I'm feeling upbeat today>

upbraid
v. 1 : to criticize severely : find fault with
2 : to reproach severely : scold vehemently
synonyms see SCOLD
–up·braid·er noun

upbringing
n. : early training especially : a particular way of bringing up a child <had a strict upbringing>

upbuild
v. : BUILD UP

UPC
Universal Product Code

upcast
n. : something cast up

upchuck
v. : VOMIT

upcoast
: up the coast

upcoming
adj. : FORTHCOMING, APPROACHING

update
n. : to bring up to date

update
n. 1 : an act or instance of updating
2 : current information for updating something
3 : an up-to-date version, account, or report

Updike
John (Hoyer) 1932-     American writer

updo
n. : an upswept hairdo

updraft
n. : an upward movement of gas (as air)

upend
v. 1 : to set or stand on end also : OVERTURN 1
2 a : to affect to the point of being upset or flurried <a⋯literary shocker, designed to upend the credulous matrons ― Wolcott Gibbs> b : DEFEAT, BEAT
intransitive verb : to rise on an end

upfield
adj. : in or into the part of the field toward which the offensive team is headed

upgrade
n. 1 : an upward grade or slope
2 : INCREASE, RISE
3 : IMPROVEMENT 2B

upgrade
: to raise or improve the grade of: as a : to improve (livestock) by use of purebred sires b : to advance to a job requiring a higher level of skill especially as part of a training program c : to raise the quality of d : to raise the classification and usually the price of without improving the quality e : to extend the usefulness of (as a device) f : to assign a less serious status to <upgraded the patient's condition to good>
intransitive verb : to improve or replace especially software or a device for increased usefulness
–up·grad·abil·i·ty or up·grade·abil·i·ty \ˌəp-ˌgrā-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–up·grad·able or up·grade·able \ˌəp-'grā-də-bəl\ adjective

upgrowth
n. : the process of growing upward : DEVELOPMENT also : a product or result of this

upheaval
n. 1 : the action or an instance of upheaving especially of part of the earth's crust
2 : extreme agitation or disorder : radical change also : an instance of this

upheave
v. : to heave up : LIFT
intransitive verb : to move upward especially with power
–up·heav·er noun

uphill
adj. 1 : upward on a hill or incline
2 : against difficulties <seemed to be talking uphill ― Willa Cather>

uphill
adj. : rising ground : ASCENT

uphill
adj. 1 : situated on elevated ground
2 a : going up : ASCENDING b : being the higher one or part especially of a set specifically : being nearer the top of an incline
3 : DIFFICULT, LABORIOUS

uphold
v. 1 a : to give support to b : to support against an opponent
2 a : to keep elevated b : to lift up
synonyms see SUPPORT
–up·hold·er noun

upholster
v. : to furnish with or as if with upholstery
–up·hol·ster·er \-stər-ər\ noun

upholstery
n. : materials (as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

UPI
n. United Press International

Upjohn
Richard 1802-1878 American (Eng.-born) architect

upkeep
n. 1 : the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition
2 : the cost of maintaining in good condition

Upland
n. city SW Calif. W of San Bernardino pop 68,393

upland
n. 1 : high land especially at some distance from the sea : PLATEAU
2 : ground elevated above the lowlands along rivers or between hills
–upland adjective
–up·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ noun

upland
n. upland cotton
upland sandpiper
upland plover
Southern Uplands

upland cotton
: a widely cultivated American cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum) having short- to medium-staple fibers

upland sandpiper
: a large short-billed American sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) that frequents fields and prairies ― called also upland plover

uplift
n. 1 : to lift up : ELEVATE especially : to cause (a portion of the earth's surface) to rise above adjacent areas
2 : to improve the spiritual, social, or intellectual condition of
intransitive verb : RISE
–up·lift·er noun

uplift
n. 1 : an act, process, result, or cause of uplifting: as a (1) : the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface (2) : an uplifted mass of land b : a bettering of a condition especially spiritually, socially, or intellectually c (1) : influences intended to uplift (2) : a social movement to improve especially morally or culturally
2 : a brassiere designed to hold the breasts up

uplink
n. 1 : a communications channel for transmissions to a spacecraft or satellite also : the transmissions themselves
2 : a facility on earth for transmitting to a spacecraft or satellite
–uplink verb

upload
v. : to transfer (as data or files) from a computer to the memory of another device (as a larger or remote computer)

upmanship
n. : ONE-UPMANSHIP

upmarket
adj. : UPSCALE
–upmarket adverb

upmost
adj. : UPPERMOST

Upolu
island S. Pacific in independent Samoa

upon
prep. : ON

upon
prep. 1 obsolete : on the surface : on it
2 obsolete : THEREAFTER, THEREON

upon my word
with my assurance : INDEED, ASSUREDLY <upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing>

upper
n. 1 a : higher in physical position, rank, or order <the upper lip> <upper management> b : farther inland <the upper Mississippi>
2 : constituting the branch of a bicameral legislature that is usually smaller and more restricted in membership and possesses greater traditional prestige than the lower house
3 a : constituting a stratum relatively near the earth's surface b capitalized : being a later epoch or series of the period or system named <Upper Cretaceous> <Upper Paleolithic>
4 : NORTHERN <upper Manhattan>

upper
n. : one that is upper: as a : the parts of a shoe or boot above the sole b : an upper tooth or denture c : an upper berth
–on one's uppers : in straitened circumstances : DESTITUTE

upper
n. 1 : a stimulant drug especially : AMPHETAMINE
2 : something that induces a state of good feeling or exhilaration

upper
n. Upper Karoo
builder upper
fixer upper
rear admiral upper half
stand upper
stiff upper lip
upper case
upper class
upper crust
upper hand
upper respiratory
Upper Adige
Upper Volta
Upper Arlington
Upper Canada
Upper Klamath Lake
Upper Palatinate
Upper Peninsula
Upper Voltan
on one's uppers

Upper Adige
― see ALTO ADIGE

Upper Arlington
city cen Ohio W of Columbus pop 33,686

Upper Canada
the Canadian province 1791-1841 corresponding to the S part of modern Ont. ― see LOWER CANADA

upper case
: a type case containing capitals and usually small capitals, fractions, symbols, and accents

upper class
: a social class occupying a position above the middle class and having the highest status in a society

upper crust
: the highest social class or group especially : the highest circle of the upper class
–upper-crust adjective

upper hand
: MASTERY, ADVANTAGE, CONTROL <was determined not to let the opposition get the upper hand>

Upper Karoo
― see KAROO

Upper Klamath Lake
lake 30 mi (48 km) long S Oreg. SSE of Crater Lake drained by Klamath River ― see LOWER KLAMATH LAKE

Upper Palatinate
― see PALATINATE

Upper Peninsula
the N part of Mich. bet. Lake Superior to the N & Lakes Michigan & Huron to the S

upper respiratory
: of, affecting, or being the part of the respiratory system that includes the nose, nasal passages, and nasopharynx <upper respiratory tract> <upper respiratory infection>

Upper Volta
v. ― see BURKINA FASO
–Upper Vol·tan \'väl-tən, 'vōl-, 'vȯl-\ adjective or noun

upper-class
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper class

uppercase
adj. : CAPITAL 1

uppercase
adj. : capital letters

uppercase
adj. : to print or set in capital letters

upperclassman
n. : a member of the junior or senior class in a school or college

uppercut
n. : a swinging blow (as in boxing) directed upward with a bent arm
–uppercut verb

uppermost
adj. : in or into the highest or most prominent position <the uppermost layer> <safety was uppermost in their minds>
–uppermost adjective

upperpart
: a part lying on the upper side (as of a bird)

uppish
adj. : UPPITY
–up·pish·ly adverb
–up·pish·ness noun

uppity
adj. : putting on or marked by airs of superiority : ARROGANT, PRESUMPTUOUS <uppity technicians> <a small uppity country>
–up·pi·ti·ness also up·pi·ty·ness noun

Uppsala
city E Sweden NNW of Stockholm pop 179,673

upraise
v. : to raise or lift up : ELEVATE

uprate
v. : UPGRADE specifically : to improve the power output of (as an engine)

uprear
v. 1 : to lift up
2 : ERECT
intransitive verb : RISE

upright
n. 1 a : PERPENDICULAR, VERTICAL b : erect in carriage or posture c : having the main axis or a main part perpendicular <upright freezer>
2 : marked by strong moral rectitude <an upright citizen>
–up·right·ly adverb
–up·right·ness noun
synonyms UPRIGHT, HONEST, JUST, CONSCIENTIOUS, SCRUPULOUS, HONORABLE mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. UPRIGHT implies a strict adherence to moral principles <a stern and upright minister>. HONEST stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, fairness <known for being honest in business dealings>. JUST stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable <workers given just compensation>. CONSCIENTIOUS and SCRUPULOUS imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience <conscientious in the completion of her assignments> <scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will>. HONORABLE suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty <a difficult but honorable decision>.

upright
n. : vertically upward : in an upright position

upright
n. 1 : the state of being upright : PERPENDICULAR <a pillar out of upright>
2 : something that stands upright especially : a football goalpost ― usually used in plural
3 : UPRIGHT PIANO

upright piano
: a piano with vertical frame and strings ― compare GRAND PIANO

uprise
n. 1 a : to rise to a higher position b (1) : STAND UP (2) : to get out of bed c : to come into view especially from below the horizon
2 : to rise up in sound
–up·ris·er \ˌəp-'rī-zər, 'əp-ˌ\ noun

uprise
n. 1 : an act or instance of uprising
2 : an upward slope

uprising
n. : an act or instance of rising up especially : a usually localized act of popular violence in defiance usually of an established government
synonyms see REBELLION

upriver
adv. : toward or at a point nearer the source of a river

uproar
n. : a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance

uproarious
adj. 1 : marked by uproar
2 : very noisy and full
3 : extremely funny <an uproarious comedy>
–up·roar·i·ous·ly adverb
–up·roar·i·ous·ness noun

uproot
v. 1 : to remove as if by pulling up
2 : to pull up by the roots
3 : to displace from a country or traditional habitat
synonyms see EXTERMINATE
–up·root·ed·ness noun
–up·root·er noun

uprush
n. 1 : an upward rush (as of gas or liquid)
2 : a sudden increase <an uprush of energy> <an uprush of emotion>

UPS
n. uninterruptible power supply

ups and downs
: alternating rise and fall especially in fortune

upscale
adj. : relating to, being, or appealing to affluent consumers also : of a superior quality
–upscale adverb or transitive verb

upset
n. transitive verb
1 : to thicken and shorten (as a heated bar of iron) by hammering on the end : SWAGE
2 : to force out of the usual upright, level, or proper position : OVERTURN
3 a : to trouble mentally or emotionally : disturb the poise of <the news upset me> b : to throw into disorder c : INVALIDATE d : to defeat unexpectedly <was upset in the primary>
4 : to cause a physical disorder in specifically : to make somewhat ill <spicy food upsets my stomach>
intransitive verb : to become overturned
synonyms see DISCOMPOSE
–up·set·ter noun
–upset the apple cart : to disturb or overturn a natural or stable order

upset
n. 1 : an act of overturning : OVERTURN
2 a (1) : an act of throwing into disorder : DERANGEMENT (2) : a state of disorder : CONFUSION b : an unexpected defeat
3 a : a minor physical disorder <a stomach upset> b : an emotional disturbance <went through a big upset after his father's death>
4 a : a part of a rod (as the head on a bolt) that is upset b : the expansion of a bullet on striking

upset
n. : emotionally disturbed or agitated <was too upset to speak to him>

upset price
: the minimum price set for property offered at auction or public sale

upset the apple cart
to disturb or overturn a natural or stable order

upshift
v. : to shift an automotive vehicle into a higher gear
–upshift noun

upshot
n. : the final result : OUTCOME

upside
n. 1 : an upward trend (as of prices)
2 a : a positive aspect b : PROMISE, POTENTIAL <a young star with lots of upside>

upside
n. : up on or against the side of <layin' in this death cell, writin' my time upside the wall ― Lonnie Johnson> <smacked him upside the head>

upside down
1 : in such a way that the upper and the lower parts are reversed in position
2 : in or into great disorder <turned their world upside down>
–upside-down adjective

upside-down cake
: a cake baked with its batter covering an arrangement of fruit (as pineapple) and served with the fruit side up

upsilon
n. 1 : the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table
2 : any of a group of unstable electrically neutral elementary particles of the meson family that have a mass about 10 times that of a proton

upslope
n. : being or moving to or toward the top of a slope : UPHILL <upslope winds>

upspring
v. 1 : to spring up
2 : to come into being

upstage
adj. 1 : toward or at the rear of a theatrical stage
2 : away from a motion-picture or television camera

upstage
adj. 1 [3upstage] : HAUGHTY
2 : of or relating to the rear of a stage

upstage
adj. 1 : to draw attention away from <upstaging the competition>
2 : to force (an actor) to face away from the audience by staying upstage
3 : to treat snobbishly

upstage
adj. : the part of a stage that is farthest from the audience or camera

upstairs
n. 1 : up the stairs : on or to a higher floor
2 : to or at a high altitude or higher position <kicked upstairs to company management>
3 : in the head : INTELLECTUALLY <a little slow upstairs ― Tom Clancy>

upstairs
n. : situated above the stairs especially on an upper floor <an upstairs bedroom>

upstairs
n. : the part of a building above the ground floor

upstanding
adj. 1 : ERECT, UPRIGHT
2 : marked by integrity <an upstanding businessman>
–up·stand·ing·ness noun

upstart
n. : to jump up (as to one's feet) suddenly

upstart
n. 1 : one that has risen suddenly (as from a low position to wealth or power) : PARVENU especially : one that claims more personal importance than is warranted
2 : a start-up enterprise
–up·start \'əp-'\ adjective

upstate
n. : the chiefly northerly sections of a state also : the chiefly rural part of a state when the major metropolitan area is in the south
–up·state \-'stāt\ adverb or adjective
–up·stat·er \-'stā-tər\ noun

upstream
adj. 1 : in the direction opposite to the flow of a stream
2 : in or to a position within the production stream closer to manufacturing processes <make most of its money upstream, selling cheap crude⋯to refineries ― John Quirt>

upstroke
n. : a stroke (as of a pen) made in an upward direction

upsurge
n. : a rapid or sudden rise <an upsurge in interest>

upsweep
n. : to sweep upward

upsweep
n. 1 : an upward sweep
2 : an upswept hairdo

upswept
: swept upward especially : brushed up to the top of the head <upswept hair>

upswing
n. 1 : an upward swing
2 : a marked increase or improvement <a dramatic upswing in profits> ― often used in the phrase on the upswing <her career is on the upswing>

uptake
n. 1 : UNDERSTANDING, COMPREHENSION <quick on the uptake>
2 : a flue leading upward
3 : an act or instance of absorbing and incorporating especially into a living organism, tissue, or cell <oxygen uptake>

upthrow
n. : to throw or thrust upward

upthrow
n. : an upward displacement (as of a rock stratum) : UPHEAVAL, UPTHRUST

upthrust
n. : to thrust up especially : to elevate (a part of the earth's surface) in an upthrust
intransitive verb : to rise with an upward thrust

upthrust
n. : an upward thrust specifically : an uplift of part of the earth's crust

uptick
n. : INCREASE, RISE <an uptick in sales> <an uptick in hiring>

uptight
adj. 1 a : being tense, nervous, or uneasy <uptight overachievers> b : ANGRY, INDIGNANT c : rigidly conventional <an uptight conservative>
2 : being in financial difficulties
–up·tight·ness \(ˌ)əp-'tīt-nəs\ noun

uptilt
: to tilt upward

uptime
n. : time during which a piece of equipment (as a computer) is functioning or able to function

uptown
adj. 1 : of or relating to uptown
2 : UPSCALE, FASHIONABLE <an uptown dress>
–uptown adverb

uptown
adj. : the upper part of a town or city especially : the residential district

uptrend
n. : an upturn especially in business or economic activity

upturn
n. 1 : to turn up or over
2 : to direct upward
intransitive verb : to turn upward

upturn
n. : an upward turn especially toward better conditions or higher prices

upward
adj. 1 a : in a direction from lower to higher <the kite rose upward> b (1) : toward the source (as of a river) (2) : toward the interior (as of a region) c : in a higher position <held out his hand, palm upward> d : in the upper parts : toward the head : ABOVE <from the waist upward>
2 : toward a higher or better condition or level <young lawyers moving upward>
3 a : to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank <from $5 upward> b : toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate <attendance figures have risen upward>
4 : toward or into later years <from youth upward>

upward
adj. 1 : directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ASCENDING
2 : rising to a higher pitch
–up·ward·ly adverb
–up·ward·ness noun

upward
adj. upward mobility
upward of
upwards of
upwardly mobile

upward mobility
: the capacity or facility for rising to a higher social or economic position
–upwardly mobile adjective

upwards of
: more than : in excess of <they cost upwards of $25>

upwell
v. : to well up specifically : to move or flow upward

upwelling
n. : the process or an instance of rising or appearing to rise to the surface and flowing outward especially : the process of upward movement to the ocean surface of deeper cold usually nutrient-rich waters especially along some shores due to the offshore movement of surface waters (as from the action of winds and the Coriolis force)

upwind
adj. : in the direction from which the wind is blowing

Ur
city of ancient Sumer; site in S Iraq NW of Basra

ur
1 : urine <uric>
2 : urinary tract <urology>
3 : urinary and <urogenital>
4 : urea <uracil>

ur
: tail <uropod>

ur
1 : original : primitive <ur-form>
2 : original version of <urtext>
3 : prototypical : ARCH- <ur-anticommunist>

uracil
n. : a pyrimidine base C_4H_4N_2O_2 that is one of the four bases coding genetic information in the polynucleotide chain of RNA ― compare ADENINE, CYTOSINE, GUANINE, THYMINE

uraeus
n. : a representation of the sacred asp (Naja haje) appearing in ancient Egyptian art and especially on the headdress of rulers and serving as a symbol of sovereignty

Ural
n. river over 1500 mi (2414 km) Russia & Kazakhstan rising at S end of Ural Mountains & flowing S into the Caspian

Ural Mountains
mountain system Russia & Kazakhstan extending from Kara Sea to steppes N of Aral Sea; usually considered the dividing line bet. Asia & Europe; highest peak Narodnaya 6214 ft (1894 m)

Ural-Altaic
: a postulated language family comprising the Uralic and Altaic languages
–Ural-Altaic adjective

Uralian
1 : of or relating to the Ural mountains
2 : URALIC

Uralic
n. : a language family comprising the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed languages

Uralic
n. : of, relating to, or constituting the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed languages

Uralsk
― see ORAL

Urania
: the Greek Muse of astronomy

Uranian
adj. : of or relating to the planet Uranus

uraninite
n. : a black octahedral mineral that consists of an oxide of uranium which usually contains thorium, lead, and rare earth elements and is the chief ore of uranium

uranium
n. : a silvery heavy radioactive polyvalent metallic element that is found especially in uraninite and exists naturally as a mixture of mostly nonfissionable isotopes ― see ELEMENT table

uranium
n. uranium hexafluoride
uranium 238
uranium 235

uranium 235
: a light isotope of uranium of mass number 235 that constitutes less than one percent of natural uranium, that when bombarded with slow neutrons undergoes rapid fission into smaller atoms with the release of neutrons and energy, and that is used in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs

uranium 238
: an isotope of uranium of mass number 238 that is the most stable uranium isotope, that constitutes over 99 percent of natural uranium, that is not fissile but can be used to produce a fissile isotope of plutonium, and that has a half-life of 4.5 billion years

uranium hexafluoride
: a volatile compound UF_6 of uranium and fluorine that is used in one major process of enriching uranium in uranium 235

uranography
n. : the construction of celestial representations (as maps)

Uranus
n. 1 : the sky personified as a god and father of the Titans in Greek mythology
2 : the planet seventh in order from the sun ― see PLANET table

uranyl
n. : a divalent radical UO_2

Uraricoera
river ab 300 mi (483 km) N Brazil, a headstream of the Rio Branco

urate
n. : a salt of uric acid
–urat·ic \yu̇-'ra-tik\ adjective

Urawa
city Japan in Honshu N of Tokyo pop 484,845

Urban
adj. name of 8 popes: especially II (Odo \'ō-(ˌ)dō\ of Lagery) ca 1035-1099 (pope 1088-99)

urban
adj. : of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city

urban
adj. urban legend
urban myth
urban renewal
urban sprawl

urban legend
: an often lurid story or anecdote that is based on hearsay and widely circulated as true <the urban legend of alligators living in the sewers> ― called also urban myth

urban renewal
: a construction program to replace or restore substandard buildings in an urban area

urban sprawl
: the spreading of urban developments (as houses and shopping centers) on undeveloped land near a city

Urbana
n. city E cen Ill. pop 36,395

Urbandale
city S cen Iowa pop 29,072

urbane
adj. : notably polite or polished in manner
synonyms see SUAVE
–ur·bane·ly adverb

urbanisation
British variant of urbanization, urbanize

urbanism
n. 1 : the characteristic way of life of city dwellers
2 a : the study of the physical needs of urban societies b : CITY PLANNING
3 : URBANIZATION

urbanist
n. : a specialist in city planning
–ur·ban·is·tic \ˌər-bə-'nis-tik\ adjective
–ur·ban·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

urbanite
n. : a person who lives in a city

urbanity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being urbane
2 plural : urbane acts or conduct

urbanization
n. : the quality or state of being urbanized or the process of becoming urbanized

urbanize
v. 1 : to cause to take on urban characteristics <urbanized areas>
2 : to impart an urban way of life to <urbanize migrants from rural areas>

urbanology
n. : a study dealing with specialized problems of cities (as planning, education, sociology, and politics)
–ur·ban·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

urbi et orbi
: to the city (Rome) and the world : to everyone

Urbino
commune cen Italy pop 15,240

urceolate
adj. : shaped like an urn <urceolate corollas>

urchin
n. 1 archaic : HEDGEHOG 1A
2 : a mischievous and often poor and raggedly clothed youngster <street urchins>
3 : SEA URCHIN

urd
: an annual Asian legume (Vigna mungo syn. Phaseolus mungo) widely grown in warm regions for its edible blackish seed, for green manure, or for forage also : the seed

Urdu
n. : an Indo-Aryan language that has the same colloquial basis as standard Hindi, is an official language of Pakistan, and is widely used by Muslims in urban areas of India

ure
1 : act : process <exposure>
2 : office : function also : body performing (such) a function <legislature>

urea
n. : a soluble weakly basic nitrogenous compound CO(NH_2)2 that is the chief solid component of mammalian urine and an end product of protein decomposition, is synthesized from carbon dioxide and ammonia, and is used especially in synthesis (as of resins and plastics) and in fertilizers and animal rations

urea-formaldehyde
: a thermosetting synthetic resin made by condensing urea with formaldehyde

urease
n. : an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea

uredinium
: a usually reddish or black mass of hyphae and spores of a rust fungus forming pustules that rupture the host's cuticle
–ure·din·i·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

uredospore
: one of the thin-walled spores that are produced by uredinial hyphae and spread the fungus vegetatively

ureide
n. : a cyclic or acyclic acyl derivative of urea

uremia
n. 1 : accumulation in the blood of constituents normally eliminated in the urine that produces a severe toxic condition and usually occurs in severe kidney disease
2 : the toxic bodily condition associated with uremia
–ure·mic \-mik\ adjective

ureotelic
adj. : excreting nitrogen mostly in the form of urea
–ureo·te·lism \-'te-ˌli-zəm, ˌyu̇r-ē-'ä-tə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

ureter
n. : a duct that carries away the urine from a kidney to the bladder or cloaca
–ure·ter·al \yu̇-'rē-tə-rəl\ also ure·ter·ic \ˌyu̇r-ə-'ter-ik\ adjective

urethane
n. 1 a : a crystalline compound C_3H_7NO_2 that is the ethyl ester of carbamic acid and is used especially as a solvent and medicinally as an antineoplastic agent b : an ester of carbamic acid other than the ethyl ester
2 : POLYURETHANE

urethra
n. : the canal that in most mammals carries off the urine from the bladder and in the male serves also as a passageway for semen
–ure·thral \-thrəl\ adjective

urethritis
n. : inflammation of the urethra

urethroscope
n. : an instrument for viewing the interior of the urethra

Urey
Harold Clayton 1893-1981 Am. chem.

Urfa
city SE Turkey pop 276,528

Urga
― see ULAANBAATAR

urge
n. transitive verb
1 : to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly <his conviction was upheld on a theory never urged at his⋯trial ― Leon Friedman>
2 : to undertake the accomplishment of with energy, swiftness, or enthusiasm <urge the attack>
3 a : SOLICIT, ENTREAT <urged him to keep trying> b : to serve as a motive or reason for <urged by a sense of duty>
4 : to force or impel in an indicated direction or into motion or greater speed <the dog urged the sheep toward the gate>
5 : STIMULATE, PROVOKE <urge not my father's anger ― Shakespeare>
intransitive verb : to declare, advance, or press earnestly a statement, argument, charge, or claim <urgeed for the adoption of the proposal>
–urg·er noun

urge
n. 1 : the act or process of urging
2 : a force or impulse that urges especially : a continuing impulse toward an activity or goal

urge incontinence
: involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder when a sudden strong need to urinate is felt ― compare STRESS INCONTINENCE

urgency
n. 1 : the quality or state of being urgent : INSISTENCE
2 : a force or impulse that impels or constrains : URGE

urgent
adj. 1 a : calling for immediate attention : PRESSING <urgent appeals> <an urgent need> b : conveying a sense of urgency
2 : urging insistently : IMPORTUNATE
–ur·gent·ly adverb

urgy
: technique or art of dealing or working with (such) a product, matter, or tool <metallurgy>

Uri
n. canton cen Switzerland S of Lake of Lucerne capital Altdorf area 415 sq mi (1079 sq km), pop 35,000

uria
conj. 1 : presence of (a specified substance) in urine <albuminuria>
2 : condition of having (such) urine <polyuria> especially : abnormal or diseased condition marked by the presence of (a specified substance) <pyuria>

urial
: an upland wild sheep (Ovis vignei) of southern and central Asia which is reddish brown and the males of which have a beard from the neck to the chest

uric
adj. : of, relating to, or found in urine

uric acid
: a white odorless and tasteless nearly insoluble acid C_5H_4N_4O_3 that is the chief nitrogenous waste present in the urine especially of lower vertebrates (as birds and reptiles), is present in small quantity in human urine, and occurs pathologically in renal calculi and the tophi of gout

uricosuric
adj. : relating to or promoting the excretion of uric acid in the urine

uricotelic
adj. : excreting nitrogen mostly in the form of uric acid <birds are typical uricotelic animals>
–uri·co·tel·ism \-'te-ˌli-zəm, -'kä-tə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

uridine
n. : a ribonucleoside C_9H_12N_2O_6 containing uracil that in the form of phosphate derivatives plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism

Uriel
n. : one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition

Urim and Thummim
: sacred lots used in early times by the Hebrews

urin
: 1UR- <urinogenital> <urinary>

urinal
n. 1 : a vessel for receiving urine
2 a : a building or enclosure with facilities for urinating b : a fixture used for urinating

urinalysis
n. : chemical analysis of urine

urinary
adj. 1 : relating to, occurring in, affecting, or constituting the organs concerned with the formation and discharge of urine <the urinary system> <the urinary tract> <urinary calculi>
2 : of, relating to, or for urine
3 : excreted as or in urine <urinary sugar>

urinary bladder
: a membranous sac in many vertebrates that serves for the temporary retention of urine and discharges by the urethra

urinate
v. : to discharge urine : MICTURATE
–uri·na·tion \ˌyər-ə-'nā-shən, 'yu̇r-\ noun

urine
n. : waste material that is secreted by the kidney in vertebrates, is rich in end products of protein metabolism together with salts and pigments, and forms a clear amber and usually slightly acid fluid in mammals but is semisolid in birds and reptiles
–urin·ous \'yər-ə-nəs, 'yu̇r-\ adjective

urinogenital
adj. : UROGENITAL

urinometer
n. : a small hydrometer for determining the specific gravity of urine

URL
n. : the address of a resource (as a document or Web site) on the Internet that consists of a communications protocol followed by the name or address of a computer on the network and that often includes additional locating information (as directory and file names) <our site's URL is http://www.Merriam-Webster.com> ― called also uniform resource locator universal resource locator

urn
n. 1 : a vessel that is typically an ornamental vase on a pedestal and that is used for various purposes (as preserving the ashes of the dead after cremation)
2 : a closed vessel usually with a spigot for serving a hot beverage <a coffee urn>

uro
― see UR-

urocanic acid
: a crystalline acid C_6H_6N_2O_2 that is normally present in human skin

urochordate
n. : TUNICATE
–urochordate adjective

urochrome
n. : a yellow pigment to which the color of normal urine is principally due

urodele
n. : any of an order (Caudata syn. Urodela) of amphibians (as newts and salamanders) that have a tail throughout life
–urodele adjective

urogenital
adj. : of, relating to, or being the organs or functions of excretion and reproduction

urogynecology
: a branch of medicine concerned with urological problems affecting women
–uro·gy·ne·col·o·gist \-jəst\ noun

urokinase
n. : an enzyme that is produced by the kidney and found in urine, that activates plasminogen, and that is used therapeutically to dissolve blood clots (as in the heart)

urolith
n. : a calculus in the urinary tract

urolithiasis
n. : a condition that is marked by the formation or presence of calculi in the urinary tract

urological
adj. : of or relating to the urinary tract or to urology

urologist
n. : a physician who specializes in the urinary or urogenital tract
–urol·o·gy \-jē\ noun

uronic
: connected with urine ― in names of certain aldehyde-acids derived from sugars or compounds of such acids <hyaluronic>

uronic acid
: any of a class of acidic compounds of the general formula HOOC(CHOH)nCHO that contain both carboxylic and aldehydic groups, are oxidation products of sugars, and occur combined in many polysaccharides and in urine

uropod
: either of the flattened lateral appendages of the last abdominal segment of a crustacean broadly : an abdominal appendage of a crustacean

uropygial gland
: a large gland that occurs in most birds, opens dorsally at the base of the tail feathers, and usually secretes an oily fluid which the bird uses in preening its feathers ― called also oil gland

uropygium
n. : the fleshy and bony prominence at the posterior extremity of a bird's body that supports the tail feathers

urostyle
: a long unsegmented bone that represents a number of fused vertebrae and forms the posterior part of the vertebral column of frogs and toads

Urquhart
Sir Thomas 1611-1660 Scot. author & translator

Ursa Major
: a constellation that is the most conspicuous of the northern constellations, is situated near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line indicating the direction of the North Star ― called also Great Bear

Ursa Minor
: a constellation that includes the north pole of the heavens and the stars which form the Little Dipper with the North Star at the tip of the handle ― called also Little Bear

ursine
adj. 1 : of or relating to a bear or the bear family (Ursidae)
2 : suggesting or characteristic of a bear <a lumbering ursine gait>

Ursuline
n. : a member of any of several Roman Catholic teaching orders of nuns especially : a member of a teaching order founded by St. Angela Merici in Brescia, Italy, in 1535

urtext
n. : the original text (as of a musical score)

urticaria
n. : HIVES
–ur·ti·car·i·al \-ē-əl\ adjective

urticate
v. : to produce wheals or itching especially : to induce hives
–ur·ti·ca·tion \ˌər-tə-'kā-shən\ noun

Urubamba
river 450 mi (724 km) cen Peru flowing NNW to unite with the Apurímac forming the Ucayali

Uruguay
n. 1 river ab 1000 mi (1609 km) SE S. America rising in Brazil & flowing into the Río de la Plata
2 or Re·pú·bli·ca Ori·en·tal del Uru·guay \rā-'pü-blē-(ˌ)kä-ˌȯr-ē-ˌen-'täl-thel-\ or formerly Ban·da Ori·en·tal \'bän-də-ˌȯr-ē-ˌen-'täl\ country SE S. America bet. the lower Uruguay & the Atlantic; a republic capital Montevideo area 68,039 sq mi (176,221 sq km), pop 3,149,000
–Uru·guay·an \ˌu̇r-ə-'gwī-ən, ˌyu̇r-; ˌyu̇r-ə-'gwā-\ adjective or noun

Urumqi
city NW China capital of Xinjiang Uygur on N side of Tian Shan pop 1,046,898

Urundi
― see BURUNDI

urus
: AUROCHS 1

urushiol
n. : a mixture of catechol derivatives with saturated or unsaturated side chains of 15 or 17 carbon atoms that is an oily toxic irritant principle present in poison ivy and some related plants (genus Rhus) and in lacquers derived from such plants

US
n. United States

us
n.

USA
n. 1 United States Army
2 United States of America

usable
adj. 1 : capable of being used
2 : convenient and practicable for use
–us·abil·i·ty \ˌyü-zə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–us·able·ness \'yü-zə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–us·ably \-blē\ adverb

USAF
n. United State Air Force

usage
n. 1 a : firmly established and generally accepted practice or procedure b : a uniform certain reasonable lawful practice existing in a particular locality or occupation and binding persons entering into transactions chiefly on the basis of presumed familiarity c : the way in which words and phrases are actually used (as in a particular form or sense) in a language community
2 a : the action, amount, or mode of using <a decreased usage of electricity> b : manner of treating
synonyms see HABIT

usance
n. 1 : USAGE 1A
2 : USE, EMPLOYMENT
3 a obsolete : USURY b : INTEREST
4 : the time allowed by custom for payment of a bill of exchange in foreign commerce

USB
: a standardized serial computer interface that allows simplified attachment of peripherals especially in a daisy chain

USCG
n. United States Coast Guard

USDA
n. United States Department of Agriculture

use
n. 1 a : the act or practice of employing something : EMPLOYMENT, APPLICATION <he made good use of his spare time> b : the fact or state of being used <a dish in daily use> c : a method or manner of employing or applying something <gained practice in the use of the camera>
2 a (1) : habitual or customary usage (2) : an individual habit or group custom b : a liturgical form or observance especially : a liturgy having modifications peculiar to a local church or religious order
3 a : the privilege or benefit of using something <gave him the use of her car> b : the ability or power to use something (as a limb or faculty) c : the legal enjoyment of property that consists in its employment, occupation, exercise, or practice <she had the use of the estate for life>
4 a : a particular service or end <put learning to practical use> b : the quality of being suitable for employment <saving things that might be of use> c : GOOD 2B <it's no use arguing> d : the occasion or need to employ <took only what they had use for>
5 a : the benefit in law of one or more persons specifically : the benefit or profit of property established in one other than the legal possessor b : a legal arrangement by which such benefits and profits are so established
6 : a favorable attitude : LIKING <had no use for modern art>

use
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : ACCUSTOM, HABITUATE
2 : to put into action or service : avail oneself of : EMPLOY
3 : to consume or take (as liquor or drugs) regularly
4 : to carry out a purpose or action by means of : UTILIZE also : MANIPULATE 2B <used him selfishly>
5 : to expend or consume by putting to use ― often used with up
6 : to behave toward : act with regard to : TREAT <used the prisoners cruelly>
7 : STAND 1D <the house could use a coat of paint>
intransitive verb
1 ― used in the past with to to indicate a former fact or state <we used to go more often> <didn't use to smoke>
2 : to take illicit drugs regularly
synonyms USE, EMPLOY, UTILIZE mean to put into service especially to attain an end. USE implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end <willing to use any means to achieve her ends>. EMPLOY suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged <looking for better ways to employ their skills>. UTILIZE may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something <an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter>.

use
n. fair use
ill use
make use of
mixed use
use up

use up
: to exhaust of strength or useful properties <land that has been used up>

used
adj. 1 : employed in accomplishing something
2 : that has endured use specifically : SECONDHAND <a used car>
3 : ACCUSTOMED, HABITUATED

useful
adj. 1 : capable of being put to use especially : serviceable for an end or purpose <useful tools>
2 : of a valuable or productive kind <do something useful with your life>
–use·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

usefulness
n. : the quality of having utility and especially practical worth or applicability

useless
adj. : having or being of no use: a : INEFFECTUAL <a useless attempt> b : not able to give service or aid : INEPT
–use·less·ly adverb
–use·less·ness noun

Usenet
n. : the aggregation of all the newsgroups on the Internet

user
n. : one that uses

user
n. end user
graphical user interface
user fee
user's fee
user friendly
user friendliness

user fee
: an excise tax often in the form of a license or supplemental charge levied to fund a public service ― called also user's fee

user-friendly
: easy to learn, use, understand, or deal with <user-friendly software> also : AGREEABLE, APPEALING <a user-friendly atmosphere>
–user-friendliness noun

USES
n. United States Employment Service

USG
United States government

USGA
United States Golf Association

USGS
United States Geological Survey

Ushak
variant of oushak

Ushant
― see OUESSANT, ÎLE D'

usher
n. 1 a : an officer or servant who has the care of the door of a court, hall, or chamber b : an officer who walks before a person of rank c : one who escorts persons to their seats (as in a theater)
2 archaic : an assistant teacher

usher
n. transitive verb
1 : to conduct to a place
2 : to precede as an usher, forerunner, or harbinger
3 : to cause to enter : INTRODUCE <a new theory ushered into the world>
intransitive verb : to serve as an usher <usher at a wedding>

usher in
1 : to serve to bring into being <a discovery that ushered in a period of change>
2 : to mark or observe the beginning of <ushered in the new year with merrymaking>
synonyms see BEGIN

usherette
n. : a girl or woman who is an usher (as in a theater)

Ushuaia
town S Argentina on S coast of Tierra del Fuego Is.; southernmost city in the world, at 54°48′S pop 10,998

USIA
United States Information Agency

Usk
river 60 mi (96 km) S Wales & W England flowing E & S into Severn estuary

Uskudar
suburb of Istanbul, Turkey, on Asian side of the Bosporus

USMC
n. United States Marine Corps

USN
n. United States Navy

usnea
: any of a genus (Usnea of the family Usneaceae) of widely distributed lichens (as old-man's beard) that have a grayish or yellow pendulous freely branched thallus

USNR
United States Naval Reserve

USNS
United States Naval Ship

USO
n. United Service Organizations

USP
United States Pharmacopeia

Uspallata Pass
mountain pass (12,572 ft or 3832 m) & tunnel S S. America in the Andes bet. Mendoza, Argentina & Santiago, Chile

USPS
United States Postal Service

usque
ab ovo usque ad mala
amicus usque ad aras
naturam expellas furca tamen usque recurret

usquebaugh
n. Irish & Scottish : WHISKEY

USS
n. United States ship

Ussher
James 1581-1656 Irish prelate

USSR
n. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Ussuri
river 365 mi (587 km) E Asia on border bet. Russia & China flowing N into the Amur

USTA
United States Tennis Association

Usti nad Labem
city NW Czech Republic in N Bohemia on the Elbe pop 117,615

Ustinov
― see IZHEVSK

usu
usual

usual
adj. 1 : accordant with usage, custom, or habit : NORMAL
2 : commonly or ordinarily used <followed his usual route>
3 : found in ordinary practice or in the ordinary course of events : ORDINARY
–usu·al·ly \'yü-zhə-wə-lē, -zhə-lē; 'yüzh-wə-lē, 'yüzh-lē\ adverb
–usu·al·ness \'yü-zhə-wəl-nəs, -zhəl-; 'yüzh-wəl-\ noun
–as usual : in the accustomed or habitual way <as usual they were late>
synonyms USUAL, CUSTOMARY, HABITUAL, WONTED, ACCUSTOMED mean familiar through frequent or regular repetition. USUAL stresses the absence of strangeness or unexpectedness <my usual order for lunch>. CUSTOMARY applies to what accords with the practices, conventions, or usages of an individual or community <the customary waiting period before the application is approved>. HABITUAL suggests a practice settled or established by much repetition <a habitual morning routine>. WONTED stresses habituation but usually applies to what is favored, sought, or purposefully cultivated <his wonted determination>. ACCUSTOMED is less emphatic than WONTED or HABITUAL in suggesting fixed habit or invariable custom <accepted the compliment with her accustomed modesty>.

usual
adj. : something usual

usufruct
n. 1 : the legal right of using and enjoying the fruits or profits of something belonging to another
2 : the right to use or enjoy something

usufructuary
n. 1 : one having the usufruct of property
2 : one having the use or enjoyment of something

usufructuary
n. : of, relating to, or having the character of a usufruct

Usumbura
― see BUJUMBURA

usurer
n. : one that lends money especially at an exorbitant rate

usurious
adj. 1 : practicing usury
2 : involving usury : of the character of usury <usurious interest rates>
–usu·ri·ous·ly adverb
–usu·ri·ous·ness noun

usurp
v. transitive verb
1 a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right <usurp a throne> b : to take or make use of without right <usurped the rights to her life story>
2 : to take the place of by or as if by force : SUPPLANT <must not let stock responses based on inherited prejudice usurp careful judgment>
intransitive verb : to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully
–usur·pa·tion \ˌyü-sər-'pā-shən also ˌyü-zər-\ noun
–usurp·er \yu̇-'sər-pər also -'zər-\ noun

usury
n. 1 archaic : INTEREST
2 : the lending of money with an interest charge for its use especially : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates
3 : an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest specifically : interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money

USVI
United States Virgin Islands

UT
n. 1 Universal time
2 Utah

ut
n. : a syllable used for the first note in the diatonic scale in an early solmization system and later replaced by do

ut
n. ut dict
credo ut intelligam
ut infra
ut supra

ut dict
as directed

ut infra
: as below

ut supra
: as above

Utah
n. state W U.S. capital Salt Lake City area 84,899 sq mi (219,888 sq km), pop 2,233,169
–Utah·an \-ˌtȯ(-ə)n, -ˌtä(-ə)n\ adjective or noun
–Utahn \-ˌtȯ(-ə)n, -ˌtä(-ə)n\ noun

Utah Lake
lake 23 mi (37 km) long N cen Utah drained by Jordan River

UTC
Coordinated Universal Time

Ute
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people orig. ranging through Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Ute people

utensil
n. 1 : an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen
2 : a useful tool or implement
synonyms see IMPLEMENT

uterine
adj. 1 : born of the same mother but by a different father <uterine brothers>
2 : of, relating to, or affecting the uterus <uterine cancer> <the uterine lining>

uterus
n. 1 : a muscular organ of the female mammal for containing and usually for nourishing the young during development prior to birth ― called also womb
2 : a structure in some lower animals analogous to the uterus in which eggs or young develop

Uther
: a legendary British king and father of Arthur

UTI
urinary tract infection

Utica
1 city E cen N.Y. on Mohawk River pop 60,651
2 ancient city N Africa on Mediterranean coast NW of Carthage

util
n. utility

utile
adj. : USEFUL

utile dulci
: the useful with the agreeable

utilise
v. British variant of utilize

utilitarian
n. : an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism

utilitarian
n. 1 : of or relating to or advocating utilitarianism
2 : marked by utilitarian views or practices
3 a : of, relating to, or aiming at utility b : exhibiting or preferring mere utility <spare utilitarian furnishings>

utilitarianism
n. 1 : a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences specifically : a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number
2 : utilitarian character, spirit, or quality

utility
n. 1 : fitness for some purpose or worth to some end
2 : something useful or designed for use
3 a : PUBLIC UTILITY b (1) : a service (as light, power, or water) provided by a public utility (2) : equipment or a piece of equipment to provide such service or a comparable service
4 : a program or routine designed to perform or facilitate especially routine operations (as copying files or editing text) on a computer

utility
n. 1 : capable of serving as a substitute in various roles or positions <a utility infielder>
2 a : kept to provide a useful product or service rather than for show or as a pet <utility livestock> <a utility dog> b : being of a usable but inferior grade <utility beef>
3 : serving primarily for utility rather than beauty : UTILITARIAN
4 : designed or adapted for general use <a utility tool>
5 : of or relating to a utility <a utility company>

utility
n. marginal utility
public utility
sport utility vehicle
sport utility
utility knife

utility knife
: a knife designed for general use <a chef's utility knife> specifically : a cutting tool having a sharp replaceable blade that can be retracted into a usually metal handle

utilization review
: a critical evaluation (as by a physician or nurse) of health-care services provided to patients that is made especially for the purpose of controlling costs and monitoring quality of care

utilize
v. : to make use of : turn to practical use or account <I'm a great person for utilizing waste power ― Robert Frost>
synonyms see USE
–uti·liz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–uti·li·za·tion \ˌyü-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–uti·liz·er \'yü-tə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

utmost
n. 1 : situated at the farthest or most distant point : EXTREME <the utmost point of the earth ― John Hunt>
2 : of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or amount <a matter of utmost concern>

utmost
n. 1 : the most possible : the extreme limit : the highest attainable point or degree <the utmost in reliability>
2 : the highest, greatest, or best of one's abilities, powers, and resources <will do our utmost to help>

Uto-Aztecan
: a family of American Indian languages spoken by peoples from the U.S. Great Basin south to Central America
–Uto-Aztecan adjective

utopia
n. 1 : an imaginary and indefinitely remote place
2 often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions
3 : an impractical scheme for social improvement

utopian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a utopia especially : having impossibly ideal conditions especially of social organization
2 : proposing or advocating impractically ideal social and political schemes <utopian idealists>
3 : impossibly ideal : VISIONARY <recognised the utopian nature of his hopes ― C. S. Kilby>
4 : believing in, advocating, or having the characteristics of utopian socialism <utopian doctrines> <utopian novels>

utopian
adj. 1 : one who believes in the perfectibility of human society
2 : one who proposes or advocates utopian schemes

utopian
adj. anti utopian
utopian socialism
utopian socialist

utopian socialism
: socialism based on a belief that social ownership of the means of production can be achieved by voluntary and peaceful surrender of their holdings by propertied groups
–utopian socialist noun

utopianism
n. 1 : a utopian idea or theory
2 often capitalized : the body of ideas, views, or aims of a utopian

utopism
: UTOPIANISM 2
–utopist \yu̇-'tō-pist\ noun
–uto·pis·tic \ˌyü-tə-'pis-tik, yu̇-ˌtō-\ adjective

Utrecht
n. 1 province cen Netherlands S of the IJsselmeer area 538 sq mi (1393 sq km), pop 1,139,925
2 city, its capital pop 260,625

utricle
n. : any of various small pouches or saccate parts of an animal or plant: as a : the part of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear into which the semicircular canals open b : a small usually indehiscent one-seeded fruit with thin membranous pericarp
–utric·u·lar \yu̇-'tri-kyə-lər\ adjective

utriculus
n. : UTRICLE A

Utrillo
Maurice 1883-1955 Fr. painter

Utsunomiya
city Japan in cen Honshu N of Tokyo pop 443,808

Uttar Pradesh
state N India bordering on Tibet & Nepal capital Lucknow area 89,270 sq mi (231,209 sq km), pop 166,052,859 ― see UNITED PROVINCES

Uttaranchal
n. state N India capital Dehra Dun area 24,385 sq mi (63,157 sq km), pop 8,479,562

utter
adj. : carried to the utmost point or highest degree : ABSOLUTE, TOTAL <utter darkness> <utter strangers>
–ut·ter·ly adverb

utter
adj. transitive verb
1 obsolete : to offer for sale
2 a : to send forth as a sound <utter a sigh> b : to give utterance to : PRONOUNCE, SPEAK <refused to utter his name> c : to give public expression to : express in words <utter an opinion>
3 : to put (as currency) into circulation specifically : to circulate (as a counterfeit note) as if legal or genuine <utter false tokens>
4 : to put forth or out : DISCHARGE
intransitive verb : to make a statement or sound
synonyms see EXPRESS
–ut·ter·able \'ə-tə-rə-bəl\ adjective
–ut·ter·er \'ə-tər-ər\ noun

utterance
n. archaic : the last extremity : BITTER END

utterance
n. 1 : something uttered especially : an oral or written statement : a stated or published expression
2 : vocal expression : SPEECH
3 : power, style, or manner of speaking

uttermost
adj. 1 : OUTERMOST
2 : EXTREME, UTMOST

uttermost
adj. : UTMOST <to the uttermost of our capacity ― H. S. Truman>

Utuado
city W cen Puerto Rico pop 35,336

UV
adj. ultraviolet

UVA
: radiation that is in the region of the ultraviolet spectrum which extends from about 320 to 400 nm in wavelength and that causes tanning and contributes to aging of the skin

uvarovite
: an emerald green calcium-chromium garnet

UVB
: radiation that is in the region of the ultraviolet spectrum which extends from about 280 to 320 nm in wavelength and that is primarily responsible for sunburn, aging of the skin, and the development of skin cancer

UVC
: radiation that is in the region of the ultraviolet spectrum which extends from about 200 to 280 nm in wavelength and that is more hazardous than UVB but is mostly absorbed by earth's upper atmosphere

uvea
n. : the pigmented middle layer of the eye consisting of the iris and ciliary body together with the choroid
–uve·al \-vē-əl\ adjective

uveitis
n. : inflammation of the uvea

uvula
n. : the pendent fleshy lobe in the middle of the posterior border of the soft palate

uvular
adj. 1 : of or relating to the uvula <uvular glands>
2 : produced with the aid of the uvula <a uvular sound>

UW
underwriter

UXB
unexploded bomb

Uxbridge
former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Hillingdon

Uxmal
site of ancient Mayan city SE Mexico in W Yucatán

UXO
unexploded ordnance

uxorial
adj. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a wife

uxoricide
n. 1 [Medieval Latin uxoricidium, from Latin uxor wife + -i- + -cidium -cide] : murder of a wife by her husband
2 [Latin uxor + English -i- + -cide] : a man who murders his wife

uxorious
adj. : excessively fond of or submissive to a wife
–ux·o·ri·ous·ly adverb
–ux·o·ri·ous·ness noun

Uzbek
n. 1 : a member of a Turkic people of Uzbekistan and adjacent regions of central Asia
2 : the Turkic language of the Uzbek people

Uzbekistan
n. country W cen Asia E of the Amu Dar'ya; a constituent republic (Uz·bek Republic \'u̇z-ˌbek, 'əz-, u̇z-'\) of the U.S.S.R. 1924-91 capital Tashkent area 173,591 sq mi (449,601 sq km), pop 21,179,000

Uzhgorod
city SW Ukraine capital of Zakarpats'ka pop 123,000

V
n. 1 violence; violent
2 volt

V
n. vanadium

v
n. often attrib

14th century
1 a : the 22d letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic v
2 : FIVE ― see NUMBER table
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter v
4 : one designated v especially as the 22d in order or class
5 : something shaped like the letter V

v
n. 1 vector
2 velocity
3 verse
4 verso
5 versus
6 very
7 vice
8 victory
9 vide
10 voice
11 voltage
12 volume
13 vowel

V sign
: a sign made by raising the index and middle fingers in a V and used as a victory salute or a gesture of approval

V-1
: BUZZ BOMB

V-2
: a rocket-propelled bomb of German invention

V-8
: an internal combustion engine having two banks of four cylinders each with the banks at an angle to each other also : an automobile having such an engine

V-chip
: a computer chip in a television set that can prevent the viewing of certain programs or channels especially on the basis of content

V-day
: a day of victory

V-engine
: an internal combustion engine whose cylinders are arranged in two banks forming an acute or right angle

V-neck
: a V-shaped neck of a garment also : a garment (as a sweater) with a V-shaped neck
–V-necked adjective

V/STOL
vertical or short takeoff and landing

VA
n. 1 Veterans Administration
2 vice admiral
3 Virginia
4 visual aid
5 volt-ampere

Va
n. Virginia

Va
n. W Va
ca va sans dire
ça va sans dire
qui va la
qui va là?
va et vient

va et vient
: coming and going : active movement : traffic

Vaal
river 720 mi (1158 km) Republic of South Africa rising in Mpumalanga & flowing W into Orange River in Northern Cape

Vaasa
city & port W Finland pop 57,014

vac
vacuum

vacancy
n. 1 archaic : an interval of leisure
2 : physical or mental inactivity or relaxation : IDLENESS
3 a : a vacating of an office, post, or piece of property b : the time such office or property is vacant
4 : a vacant office, post, or tenancy
5 : empty space : VOID specifically : an unoccupied site for an atom or ion in a crystal
6 : the state of being vacant : VACUITY

vacant
adj. 1 : not occupied by an incumbent, possessor, or officer <a vacant office> <vacant thrones>
2 : being without content or occupant <a vacant seat on a bus> <a vacant room>
3 : free from activity or work : DISENGAGED <vacant hours>
4 : devoid of thought, reflection, or expression <a vacant smile>
5 : not lived in <vacant houses>
6 a : not put to use <vacant land> b : having no heir or claimant : ABANDONED <a vacant estate>
synonyms see EMPTY
–va·cant·ly adverb
–va·cant·ness noun

vacate
v. transitive verb
1 : to make legally void : ANNUL
2 a : to deprive of an incumbent or occupant b : to give up the incumbency or occupancy of
intransitive verb : to vacate an office, post, or tenancy

vacation
n. 1 : a respite or a time of respite from something : INTERMISSION
2 a : a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b : a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
3 : a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation <had a restful vacation at the beach>
4 : an act or an instance of vacating

vacation
n. : to take or spend a vacation <vacationed at the shore>
–va·ca·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun

vacationist
n. : a person taking a vacation : VACATIONER

vacationland
n. : an area with recreational attractions and facilities for vacationers

Vacaville
city W Calif. SW of Sacramento pop 88,625

vaccinal
adj. : of or relating to vaccine or vaccination <a vaccine with vaccinal efficacy of 95 percent>

vaccinate
v. transitive verb : to administer a vaccine to usually by injection
intransitive verb : to perform or practice vaccination
–vac·ci·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

vaccination
n. 1 : the act of vaccinating
2 : the scar left by vaccinating

vaccine
n. : a preparation of killed microorganisms, living attenuated organisms, or living fully virulent organisms that is administered to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease
–vaccine adjective

vaccinee
n. : a vaccinated individual

vaccinia
n. 1 : a poxvirus (species Vaccinia virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus) that differs from but is closely related to the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox and that includes a strain of uncertain natural origin used in making vaccines against smallpox ― called also vaccinia virus
2 : a reaction to smallpox vaccine prepared from live vaccinia virus that may involve a rash, fever, headache, and body pain
–vac·cin·i·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

vacillate
v. 1 a : to sway through lack of equilibrium b : FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE
2 : to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses
synonyms see HESITATE
–vac·il·lat·ing·ly \-ˌlā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
–vac·il·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

vacillation
n. 1 : an act or instance of vacillating
2 : inability to take a stand : IRRESOLUTION, INDECISION

vacuity
n. 1 : an empty space
2 : the state, fact, or quality of being vacuous
3 : something (as an idea) that is vacuous or inane

vacuolated
adj. : containing one or more vacuoles <vacuolated epithelial cells>

vacuolation
n. : the development or formation of vacuoles

vacuole
n. 1 : a small cavity or space in the tissues of an organism containing air or fluid
2 : a cavity or vesicle in the cytoplasm of a cell usually containing fluid ― see CELL illustration
–vac·u·o·lar \ˌva-kyə-'wō-lər, -ˌlär\ adjective

vacuous
adj. 1 : emptied of or lacking content
2 : marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : STUPID, INANE <a vacuous mind> <a vacuous movie>
3 : devoid of serious occupation : IDLE
synonyms see EMPTY
–vac·u·ous·ly adverb
–vac·u·ous·ness noun

vacuum
n. 1 : emptiness of space
2 a : a space absolutely devoid of matter b : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump) c : a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure
3 a : a state or condition resembling a vacuum : VOID <the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French ― Norman Cousins> b : a state of isolation from outside influences <people who live in a vacuum⋯so that the world outside them is of no moment ― W. S. Maugham>
4 : a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum especially : VACUUM CLEANER

vacuum
n. 1 : of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum <separated by means of vacuum distillation>
2 : of or relating to a vacuum device or system

vacuum
n. 1 : to use a vacuum device (as a vacuum cleaner) on <vacuum the living room>
2 : to draw or take in by or as if by suction
intransitive verb : to operate a vacuum device

vacuum
n. vacuum bottle
vacuum cleaner
vacuum sweeper
vacuum flask
vacuum gauge
vacuum packed
vacuum pan
vacuum pump
vacuum tube

vacuum bottle
: THERMOS

vacuum cleaner
: a household appliance for cleaning (as floors, carpets, or upholstery) by suction ― called also vacuum sweeper

vacuum flask
: THERMOS

vacuum gauge
: a gauge indicating degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure

vacuum pan
: a tank with a vacuum pump for rapid evaporation and condensation (as of sugar syrup) by boiling at a low temperature

vacuum pump
: a pump for exhausting gas from an enclosed space

vacuum tube
: an electron tube evacuated to a high degree of vacuum

vacuum-packed
: having much of the air removed before being hermetically sealed

vade
vade mecum
vade mecums
vade retro me Satana

vade mecum
1 : a book for ready reference : MANUAL
2 : something regularly carried about by a person

vade retro me, Satana
: get thee behind me, Satan

VADM
vice admiral

Vadodara
city W India in SE Gujarat SE of Ahmadabad pop 1,306,035

vadose
: of, relating to, or being water or solutions in the earth's crust above the permanent groundwater level

Vaduz
n. commune capital of Liechtenstein on the Rhine pop 4949

vae victis
: woe to the vanquished

vag
v. : vagus nerve <vagal> <vagotomy>

vagabond
n. 1 : moving from place to place without a fixed home : WANDERING
2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a wanderer b : leading an unsettled, irresponsible, or disreputable life
–vag·a·bond·ish \-ˌbän-dish\ adjective

vagabond
n. : one leading a vagabond life especially : VAGRANT, TRAMP
–vag·a·bond·age \-ˌbän-dij\ noun
–vag·a·bond·ism \-ˌbän-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

vagabond
n. : to wander in the manner of a vagabond : roam about

vagal
adj. : of, relating to, mediated by, or being the vagus nerve
–va·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

vagarious
adj. : marked by vagaries : CAPRICIOUS, WHIMSICAL
–va·gar·i·ous·ly adverb

vagary
n. : an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
synonyms see CAPRICE

vagile
: free to move about <vagile organisms>
–va·gil·i·ty \və-'ji-lə-tē, va-\ noun

vagina
n. 1 : a canal in a female mammal that leads from the uterus to the external orifice of the genital canal
2 : a canal that is similar in function or location to the vagina and occurs in various animals other than mammals

vaginal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a theca
2 : of, relating to, or affecting the genital vagina
–vag·i·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

vaginismus
n. : a painful spasmodic contraction of the vagina

vaginitis
n. : inflammation of the vagina or of a sheath (as a tendon sheath)

vaginosis
: a disease or infection of the vagina specifically : BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

vagotomy
n. : surgical division of the vagus nerve

vagotonia
n. : excessive excitability of the vagus nerve resulting typically in vasomotor instability, constipation, and sweating
–va·go·ton·ic \-'tä-nik\ adjective

vagrancy
n. 1 : VAGARY
2 : the state or action of being vagrant
3 : the offense of being a vagrant

vagrant
n. 1 a : one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support b : one (as a prostitute or drunkard) whose conduct constitutes statutory vagrancy
2 : WANDERER, ROVER

vagrant
n. 1 : wandering about from place to place usually with no means of support
2 a : having a fleeting, wayward, or inconstant quality <a vagrant impulse> b : having no fixed course : RANDOM <a vagrant breeze>
–va·grant·ly adverb

vagrom
: VAGRANT

vague
adj. 1 a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms <vague accusations> b : not having a precise meaning <a vague term of abuse>
2 a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : INDISTINCT <only a vague notion of what's needed> also : SLIGHT <a vague hint of a thickening waistline> <hasn't the vaguest idea> b : not clearly felt or sensed : somewhat subconscious <a vague longing>
3 : not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely <vague about dates and places>
4 : lacking expression : VACANT <vague eyes> <a vague stare>
5 : not sharply outlined : HAZY <met by vague figures with shaded torchlights ― Earle Birney>
synonyms see OBSCURE
–vague·ly adverb
–vague·ness noun

vagus nerve
: either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers ― called also vagus

Vah
river over 240 mi (386 km) W Slovakia rising in Tatry Mountains & flowing W & S into the Danube

vail
v. : to lower often as a sign of respect or submission

vain
adj. 1 : having no real value : IDLE, WORTHLESS <vain pretensions>
2 : marked by futility or ineffectualness : UNSUCCESSFUL, USELESS <vain efforts to escape>
3 archaic : FOOLISH, SILLY
4 : having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : CONCEITED
synonyms see FUTILE
–vain·ly adverb
–vain·ness \'vān-nəs\ noun
–in vain
1 : to no end : without success or result <her efforts were in vain>
2 : in an irreverent or blasphemous manner <you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain ― Deut 5:11 (RSV)>
synonyms VAIN, NUGATORY, OTIOSE, IDLE, EMPTY, HOLLOW mean being without worth or significance. VAIN implies either absolute or relative absence of value <vain promises>. NUGATORY suggests triviality or insignificance <a monarch with nugatory powers>. OTIOSE suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity <a film without a single otiose scene>. IDLE suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect <idle speculations>. EMPTY and HOLLOW suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness <an empty attempt at reconciliation> <a hollow victory>.

vainglorious
adj. : marked by vainglory : BOASTFUL
–vain·glo·ri·ous·ly adverb
–vain·glo·ri·ous·ness noun

vainglory
n. 1 : excessive or ostentatious pride especially in one's achievements
2 : vain display or show : VANITY

vair
n. : the bluish-gray and white fur of a squirrel prized for ornamental use in medieval times

Vaishnava
: a member of a major Hindu sect devoted to the cult of Vishnu
–Vaishnava adjective
–Vaish·na·vism \-ˌvi-zəm\ noun

Vaishya
n. : a Hindu of an upper caste traditionally assigned to commercial and agricultural occupations

Vajpayee
Atal Be·ha·ri \'ä-täl-bi-'här-ē\ 1924-     prime min. of India (1998-  )

val
n. value; valued

val
n. ad val
Val d'Or
Val d'Aosta

Val-d'Or
town Canada in SW Que. pop 22,748

Valais
canton SW cen Switzerland bordering on France & Italy capital Sion area 2020 sq mi (5232 sq km), pop 278,200

valance
n. 1 : a drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, altar, canopy, or shelf
2 : a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures
–va·lanced \-lən(t)st\ adjective

Valdai Hills
hills W Russia in Europe SE of Lake Il'men'; highest point 1053 ft (321 m)

Valdemar
name of 4 kings of Denmark: especially I 1131-1182 (reigned 1157-82)

Valdes
Peter ― see WALDO

Valdivia
Pedro de ca 1498-1553 Span. conquistador

Valdivia
city & port S cen Chile pop 140,559

Valdosta
city S Ga. pop 43,724

vale
n. 1 : VALLEY, DALE
2 : WORLD <this vale of tears>

vale
n. ave atque vale
Ebbw Vale
Tempe Vale of
Vale of Glamorgan

Vale of Glamorgan
administrative area of S Wales area 130 sq mi (337 sq km)

valediction
n. 1 : an act of bidding farewell
2 : VALEDICTORY 1

valedictorian
n. : the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

valedictory
n. : of or relating to a valediction : expressing or containing a farewell

valedictory
n. 1 : an address or statement of farewell or leave-taking
2 : VALEDICTION 1

Valence
n. commune SE France S of Lyon pop 64,222

valence
n. 1 : the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
2 a : relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate) b : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal <the relative potency of the valences of success and failure ― Leon Festinger>

valence band
: the range of permissible energy values that are the highest energies an electron can have and still be associated with a particular atom of a solid material ― compare CONDUCTION BAND

valence electron
: a single electron or one of two or more electrons in the outer shell of an atom that is responsible for the chemical properties of the atom

Valencia
n. 1 region & ancient kingdom E Spain bet. Andalusia & Catalonia
2 province E Spain area 4156 sq mi (10,764 sq km), pop 2,216,285
3 commune & port on the Mediterranean, its capital pop 738,441
4 city N Venezuela WSW of Caracas pop 903,706

Valencia orange
: a sweet orange of a juicy thin-skinned cultivar grown in the U.S. ― called also Valencia

Valenciennes
n. : a fine bobbin lace

Valenciennes
n. city N France pop 41,251

Valens
328?-378 Rom. emp. of the East (364-378)

valent
adj. 1 : having a (specified) valence or valences <bivalent> <multivalent>
2 : having (so many) chromosomal strands or homologous chromosomes <univalent>

Valentia
island SW Ireland in County Kerry in the Atlantic S of entrance to Dingle Bay

valentine
n. 1 : a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine's Day
2 a : a gift or greeting sent or given especially to a sweetheart on Valentine's Day especially : a greeting card sent on this day b : something (as a movie or piece of writing) expressing uncritical praise or affection : TRIBUTE

valentine
n. Saint Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day
Valentine Day

Valentine's Day
: February 14 observed in honor of St. Valentine and as a time for sending valentines

Valentinian
name of 3 Rom. emperors: I 321-375 (reigned 364-375); II 371-392 (reigned 375-392); III 419-455 (reigned 425-455)

Valera
Eamon de ― see DE VALERA

Valera
de Valera
Valera y Alcala Galiano
Valera y Alcalá Galiano

Valera (y Alcala Galiano)
Juan 1824-1905 Span. writer & statesman

valerate
n. : a salt or ester of valeric acid

Valerian
n. d A.D. 260 Publius Licinius Valerianus Rom. emp. (253-260)

valerian
n. 1 : any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs and shrubs many of which possess medicinal properties
2 : a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) used especially formerly as a carminative and sedative

valeric acid
: any of four isomeric fatty acids C_5H_10O_2 or a mixture of these especially : a liquid acid of disagreeable odor obtained from valerian or made synthetically and used especially in organic synthesis

Valery
(Ambroise-) Paul (-Toussaint-Jules) 1871-1945 Fr. poet & philos.

valet
n. 1 a : a man's male servant who performs personal services (as taking care of clothing) b : an employee (as of a hotel or a public facility) who performs personal services for customers
2 : a device (as a rack or tray) for holding clothing or personal effects

valet
n. : to serve as a valet

valet
n. valet de chambre
valet parking
valets de chambre

valet de chambre
: VALET 1A

valet parking
: a service that provides parking of motor vehicles by an attendant

valetudinarian
n. : a person of a weak or sickly constitution especially : one whose chief concern is his or her ill health

valetudinarian
n. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a valetudinarian : SICKLY, WEAK

valetudinarianism
n. : the condition or state of mind of a valetudinarian

valetudinary
n. : VALETUDINARIAN

valetudinary
n. : VALETUDINARIAN

valgus
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned outward away from the midline of the body to an abnormal degree <a valgus heel> <valgus deformity of the big toe>
2 : VARUS 1 ― used of the knee
–valgus noun

Valhalla
n. 1 : the great hall in Norse mythology where heroes slain in battle are received
2 : a place of honor, glory, or happiness : HEAVEN <an academic's Valhalla>

valiance
n. : VALOR

valiancy
n. : VALOR

valiant
adj. 1 : possessing or acting with bravery or boldness : COURAGEOUS <valiant soldiers>
2 : marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination : HEROIC <valiant feats>
–val·iant·ly adverb
–val·iant·ness noun

valiant
adj. : a valiant person

valid
adj. 1 : having legal efficacy or force especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities <a valid contract>
2 a : well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful <a valid theory> b : logically correct <a valid argument> <valid inference>
3 : appropriate to the end in view : EFFECTIVE <every craft has its own valid methods>
4 of a taxon : conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification
–va·lid·i·ty \və-'li-də-tē, va-\ noun
–val·id·ly \'va-ləd-lē\ adverb
synonyms VALID, SOUND, COGENT, CONVINCING, TELLING mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance. VALID implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority <a valid reason for being absent> <a valid marriage>. SOUND implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds <a sound proposal for reviving the economy>. COGENT may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation <the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury>. CONVINCING suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept <a convincing argument for welfare reform>. TELLING stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter <a telling example of bureaucratic waste>.

validate
v. 1 a : to make legally valid : RATIFY b : to grant official sanction to by marking <validated her passport> c : to confirm the validity of (an election) also : to declare (a person) elected
2 a : to support or corroborate on a sound or authoritative basis <experiments designed to validate the hypothesis> b : to recognize, establish, or illustrate the worthiness or legitimacy of <validate his concerns>
synonyms see CONFIRM

validation
n. : an act, process, or instance of validating especially : the determination of the degree of validity of a measuring device

valine
n. : a crystalline essential amino acid C_5H_11NO_2 that is one of the building blocks of plant and animal proteins

valise
n. : SUITCASE

Valium
n. ― used for a preparation of diazepam

Valkyrie
n. : any of the maidens of Odin who choose the heroes to be slain in battle and conduct them to Valhalla

Valladolid
1 province NW cen Spain area 3166 sq mi (8200 sq km), pop 498,094
2 commune, its capital, NNW of Madrid pop 316,580

vallate
adj. : having a raised edge surrounding a depression <vallate papillae of the tongue>

Vallauris
village SE France NE of Cannes pop 25,765

Valle d'Aosta
autonomous region NW Italy bordering on France & Switzerland NW of Piedmont capital Aosta area 1260 sq mi (3263 sq km), pop 120,589

vallecula
n. : an anatomical groove, channel, or depression especially : one between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis
–val·lec·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

Vallejo
Mariano Guadalupe 1808-1890 American soldier & pioneer

Vallejo
city W Calif. on San Pablo Bay pop 116,760

Valletta
n. city & port capital of Malta pop 9210

valley
n. 1 a : an elongate depression of the earth's surface usually between ranges of hills or mountains b : an area drained by a river and its tributaries
2 : a low point or condition
3 a : HOLLOW, DEPRESSION b : the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

valley
n. lily of the valley
rift valley
Rift Valley fever
valley fever
Valley girl
Apple Valley
Central Valley
Coachella Valley
Death Valley
Fountain Valley
Great Rift Valley
Imperial Valley
Jezreel Valley of
Kobuk Valley National Park
Monument Valley
Moreno Valley
Oro Valley
Prescott Valley
Rift Valley
Simi Valley
Spring Valley
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Valley Stream
West Valley City
Yosemite Valley

valley fever
: COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

Valley girl
: an adolescent girl from the San Fernando Valley also : one whose values, mannerisms, and especially speech patterns resemble those of such a girl

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
volcanic region SW Alaska in Katmai National Park

Valley Stream
village SE N.Y. on Long Is. pop 36,368

Valleyfield
― see SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD

Valois
: of or relating to the French royal house that ruled from 1328 to 1589

Valois
medieval county & duchy N France in NE Île-de-France capital Crépy-en-Valois

Valona
― see VLORË

valonia
n. : dried acorn cups especially from a Eurasian evergreen oak (Quercus macrolepis syn. Q. aegilops) used in tanning or dressing leather

valor
n. : strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

valorize
v. 1 : to enhance or try to enhance the price, value, or status of by organized and usually governmental action <using subsidies to valorize coffee>
2 : to assign value or merit to : VALIDATE
–val·o·ri·za·tion \ˌva-lə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

valorous
adj. : VALIANT
–val·or·ous·ly adverb

valour
n. chiefly British variant of valor

Valparaiso
n. 1 \ˌval-pə-'rā-(ˌ)zō\ city NW Ind. SE of Gary pop 27,428
2 \-'rī-(ˌ)zō, -'rā-\ or Spanish Val·pa·ra·í·so \ˌväl-pä-rä-'ē-sō\ city & port cen Chile WNW of Santiago pop 275,982

valpolicella
n. : a dry red Italian table wine

Valsalva maneuver
: a forceful attempt at expiration when the airway is closed at some point especially : a conscious attempt made while holding the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth shut (as for the purpose of adjusting middle ear pressure) ― called also Valsalva

valse
n. : WALTZ specifically : a concert waltz

valuable
n. 1 a : having monetary value b : worth a good price
2 a : having desirable or esteemed characteristics or qualities <valuable friendships> b : of great use or service <valuable advice>
–valu·able·ness noun
–valu·ably \-blē\ adverb

valuable
n. : a usually personal possession (as jewelry) of relatively great monetary value ― usually used in plural

valuable consideration
: an equivalent or compensation having value that is given for something acquired or promised (as money or marriage) and that may consist either in a benefit accruing to one party or a loss falling upon the other

valuate
v. : to place a value on : APPRAISE

valuation
n. 1 : the act or process of valuing specifically : appraisal of property
2 : the estimated or determined market value of a thing
3 : judgment or appreciation of worth or character
–val·u·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–val·u·a·tion·al·ly adverb

valuator
n. : one that valuates specifically : one that appraises

value
n. 1 : a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged
2 : the monetary worth of something : MARKET PRICE
3 : relative worth, utility, or importance <a good value at the price> <the value of base stealing in baseball> <had nothing of value to say>
4 : a numerical quantity that is assigned or is determined by calculation or measurement <let x take on positive values> <a value for the age of the earth>
5 : the relative duration of a musical note
6 a : relative lightness or darkness of a color : LUMINOSITY b : the relation of one part in a picture to another with respect to lightness and darkness
7 : something (as a principle or quality) intrinsically valuable or desirable <sought material values instead of human values ― W. H. Jones>
8 : DENOMINATION 2
–val·ue·less \-(ˌ)yü-ləs, -yə-\ adjective
–val·ue·less·ness noun

value
n. 1 a : to estimate or assign the monetary worth of : APPRAISE <value a necklace> b : to rate or scale in usefulness, importance, or general worth : EVALUATE
2 : to consider or rate highly : PRIZE, ESTEEM <values your opinion>
synonyms see ESTIMATE, APPRECIATE
–val·u·er \-yə-wər\ noun

value
n. extreme value
absolute value
actual cash value
book value
breakup value
characteristic value
critical value
expected value
face value
fair market value
mean value theorem
nominal value
no par value
par value
place value
present value
P value
R value
surplus value
truth value
U value
value added
value added tax
value free
value judgment
family values
many valued
multiple valued
real valued
single valued

value judgment
: a judgment assigning a value (as good or bad) to something

value-added
: of, relating to, or being a product whose value has been increased especially by special manufacturing, marketing, or processing <value-added goods>

value-added tax
: an incremental excise that is levied on the value added at each stage of the processing of a raw material or the production and distribution of a commodity and that typically has the impact of a sales tax on the ultimate consumer

value-free
: making or having no value judgments <value-free distinctions> <value-free instruction>

valued
adj. : having a value or values especially of a specified kind or number ― often used in combination <real-valued>

valued
adj. many valued
multiple valued
real valued
single valued

valuta
n. 1 : the agreed upon or exchange value of a currency
2 : FOREIGN EXCHANGE 2

valvate
: having valves or parts resembling a valve especially : meeting at the edges without overlapping <valvate sepals>

valve
n. 1 archaic : a leaf of a folding or double door
2 [New Latin valva, from L] : a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only
3 a : any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material in bulk may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways also : the movable part of such a device b : a device in a brass instrument for quickly channeling air flow through an added length of tube in order to change the fundamental tone by some definite interval c chiefly British : ELECTRON TUBE
4 [New Latin valva, from L] : one of the distinct usually hinged and movable pieces of which the shell of some shell-bearing animals (as lamellibranch mollusks, brachiopods, and barnacles) consists
5 [New Latin valva, from L] a : one of the segments or pieces into which a dehiscing capsule or legume separates b : the portion of various anthers (as of the barberry) resembling a lid c : one of the two encasing membranes of a diatom
–valved \'valvd\ adjective
–valve·less \'valv-ləs\ adjective

valve
n. ball valve
bicuspid valve
butterfly valve
check valve
mitral valve
safety valve
semilunar valve
slide valve
tricuspid valve

valvula
n. : a small valve or fold

valvular
adj. 1 : resembling or functioning as a valve also : opening by valves
2 : of, relating to, or affecting a valve especially of the heart <valvular heart disease>

valvulitis
n. : inflammation of a valve especially of the heart

vamoose
v. : to depart quickly

vamp
n. 1 : the part of a shoe upper or boot upper covering especially the forepart of the foot and sometimes also extending forward over the toe or backward to the back seam of the upper
2 [1vamp] : a short introductory musical passage often repeated several times (as in vaudeville) before a solo or between verses

vamp
n. 1 a : to provide (a shoe) with a new vamp b : to piece (something old) with a new part : PATCH <vamp up old sermons>
2 : INVENT, FABRICATE <vamp up an excuse>
intransitive verb
1 : to play a musical vamp
2 : IMPROVISE, EXTEMPORIZE
–vamp·er noun

vamp
n. : a woman who uses her charm or wiles to seduce and exploit men
–vamp·ish \'vam-pish\ adjective

vamp
n. : to practice seductive wiles on
intransitive verb : to act like a vamp <vamping for the camera>

vampire
n. 1 : the reanimated body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of persons asleep
2 a : one who lives by preying on others b : a woman who exploits and ruins her lover
3 : VAMPIRE BAT
–vam·pir·ic \vam-'pir-ik\ adjective
–vam·pir·ish \'vam-ˌpī(-ə)r-ish\ adjective

vampire bat
: any of several Central and So. American bats (Desmodus rotundus, Diaemus youngi, and Diphylla ecaudata of the subfamily Desmodontinae of the family Phyllostomidae) that feed on the blood of birds and mammals and especially domestic animals and that are sometimes vectors of disease and especially of rabies also : any of several other bats (as of the families Megadermatidae and Phyllostomidae) that do not feed on blood but are sometimes reputed to do so

vampirism
n. 1 : belief in vampires
2 : the actions of a vampire

vampy
: of or relating to a vamp : VAMPISH also : RISQUÉ <a vampy minidress>

Van
n. salt lake E Turkey in Asia area 1419 sq mi (3675 sq km)

van
n. 1 dialect English : a winnowing device (as a fan)
2 : WING 1A

van
n. : VANGUARD

van
n. 1 a : a usually enclosed wagon or motortruck used for transportation of goods or animals also : CARAVAN 2A b : a multipurpose enclosed motor vehicle having a boxlike shape, rear or side doors, and side panels often with windows c : a detachable passenger cabin transportable by aircraft or truck
2 chiefly British : an enclosed railroad freight or baggage car

van
n. : to transport by van

van
n. Goijen van
Van Diemen's Land
Rip van Winkle
Van Allen belt
Van de Graaff generator
van der Waals forces
Artevelde van
Eyck van
Gogh van
Meer van Delft van der
Mies van der Rohe
Van Allen
Van Buren
van der Meer
van Dongen
Van Doren
Van Dyck
Van Eyck
van Gogh
Van Rensselaer
Van Vleck
Waals van der
Kill Van Kull
Van Diemen Gulf

Van Allen
James Alfred 1914-     American physicist

Van Allen belt
: a belt of intense radiation in the magnetosphere composed of energetic charged particles trapped by the earth's magnetic field also : a similar belt surrounding another planet

Van Buren
Martin 1782-1862 8th pres. of the U.S. (1837-41)

Van de Graaff generator
: an apparatus for the production of electrical discharges at high voltage commonly consisting of an insulated hollow conducting sphere that accumulates in its interior the charge continuously conveyed from a source of direct current by an endless belt of flexible nonconducting material

van der Meer
Simon 1925-     Du. physicist

van der Waals forces
: the relatively weak attractive forces that act on neutral atoms and molecules and that arise because of the electric polarization induced in each of the particles by the presence of other particles

Van Diemen Gulf
inlet of Arafura Sea N Australia in N Northern Territory

Van Diemen's Land
― see TASMANIA

van Dongen
Kees ― see DONGEN

Van Doren
Carl Clinton 1885-1950 & his bro. Mark 1894-1972 American writers & editors

Van Dyck
Sir Anthony 1599-1641 Flem. painter

Van Eyck
― see EYCK, VAN

van Gogh
Vincent Willem ― see GOGH, VAN

Van Rensselaer
Stephen 1764-1839 American gen. & polit.

Van Vleck
v. John Hasbrouck 1899-1980 American physicist

van't Hoff
Jacobus Hen·dri·cus \hen-'drē-kəs\ 1852-1911 Du. physical chem.

vanadate
n. : a salt derived from vanadium pentoxide and containing pentavalent vanadium

vanadium
n. : a silvery-grayish malleable ductile metallic element obtained from minerals and used especially to form alloys and in catalysts ― see ELEMENT table

vanadium pentoxide
: a yellowish-red crystalline compound V_2O_5 used especially in glass manufacture and as a catalyst

vanaspati
: a hydrogenated vegetable fat used as a butter substitute in India

Vanbrugh
Sir John 1664-1726 Eng. dram. & architect

vancomycin
n. : an antibiotic C_66H_75Cl_2N_9O_24 derived from an actinomycete (Amycolatopsis orientalis syn. Streptomyces orientalis) that is effective against gram-positive bacteria and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride especially against staphylococci resistant to methicillin

Vancouver
n. George 1757-1798 Eng. navigator

Vancouver
n. 1 city SW Wash. on Columbia River opposite Portland, Oreg. pop 143,560
2 city & port Canada in SW B.C. on Burrard Inlet pop 545,671
–Van·cou·ver·ite \-və-ˌrīt\ noun

Vancouver
n. North Vancouver
Vancouver Mount
Vancouver Island
West Vancouver

Vancouver Island
island W Canada in B.C. off SW coast; chief city Victoria area 12,408 sq mi (32,261 sq km)

Vancouver, Mount
mountain 15,700 ft (4785 m) on Alaska-Yukon boundary in St. Elias Range

vanda orchid
: any of a large genus (Vanda) of eastern Asian epiphytic orchids often grown for their loose racemes of showy flowers ― called also vanda

vandal
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a Germanic people who lived in the area south of the Baltic Sea between the Vistula and the Oder rivers, overran Gaul, Spain, and northern Africa in the fourth and fifth centuries A.D., and in 455 sacked Rome
2 : one who willfully or ignorantly destroys, damages, or defaces property belonging to another or to the public
–vandal adjective often cap
–Van·dal·ic \van-'da-lik\ adjective

vandalise
v. British variant of vandalize

vandalism
n. : willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

vandalistic
adj. : of or relating to vandalism

vandalize
v. : to subject to vandalism : DAMAGE
–van·dal·i·za·tion \ˌvan-də-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

Vandegrift
Alexander Archer 1887-1973 American gen.

Vandenberg
Arthur Hendrick 1884-1951 American journalist & polit.

Vanderbilt
Cornelius 1794-1877 American industrialist

Vandyke
n. 1 a : a wide collar with a deeply indented edge b : one of several V-shaped points forming a decorative edging c : a border of such points
2 : a trim pointed beard
–van·dyked \-'dīkt\ adjective

Vandyke brown
: a natural brown-black pigment of organic matter obtained from bog earth or peat or lignite deposits also : any of various synthetic brown pigments

Vane
n. Sir Henry 1613-1662 the Younger Eng. statesman

Vane
n. Sir John Robert 1927-     Eng. pharmacologist

vane
n. 1 a : a movable device attached to an elevated object (as a spire) for showing the direction of the wind b : one that is changeable or inconstant
2 : a thin flat or curved object that is rotated about an axis by a flow of fluid or that rotates to cause a fluid to flow or that redirects a flow of fluid <the vanes of a windmill>
3 : the web or flat expanded part of a feather ― see FEATHER illustration
4 : a feather fastened to the shaft near the nock of an arrow
–vaned \'vānd\ adjective

Vanern
lake SW Sweden area 2156 sq mi (5584 sq km)

vanguard
n. 1 : the troops moving at the head of an army
2 : the forefront of an action or movement
–van·guard·ism \-ˌgär-ˌdi-zəm\ noun
–van·guard·ist \-dist\ noun

Vanier
Georges-Philéas 1888-1967 Canad. polit.; gov.-gen. (1959-67)

vanilla
n. 1 a : VANILLA BEAN b : a commercially important extract of the vanilla bean that is used especially as a flavoring
2 : any of a genus (Vanilla) of tropical American climbing epiphytic orchids

vanilla
n. 1 : flavored with vanilla
2 : lacking distinction : PLAIN, ORDINARY, CONVENTIONAL

vanilla bean
: the long capsular fruit of a vanilla (esp. Vanilla planifolia) that is an important article of commerce

vanillin
n. : a crystalline phenolic aldehyde C_8H_8O_3 that is extracted from vanilla beans or prepared synthetically and is used especially in flavoring and in perfumery

Vanir
: a race of Norse gods who warred against and later reconciled with the Aesir

vanish
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to pass quickly from sight : DISAPPEAR b : to pass completely from existence
2 : to assume the value zero
transitive verb : to cause to disappear
–van·ish·er noun

vanishing cream
: a cosmetic preparation that is used chiefly as a foundation for face powder

vanishing point
1 : a point at which receding parallel lines seem to meet when represented in linear perspective
2 : a point at which something disappears or ceases to exist

vanishingly
adv. : so as to be almost nonexistent or invisible <the difference is vanishingly small>

vanity
n. 1 : something that is vain, empty, or valueless
2 : the quality or fact of being vain
3 : inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : CONCEIT
4 : a fashionable trifle or knickknack
5 a : 3COMPACT A b : a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women
6 a : DRESSING TABLE b : a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usually having a countertop

vanity
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a work (as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist
2 : of, relating to, or being a showcase for a usually famous performer or artist who is often also the project's creator or driving force <write, direct, and star in a vanity film>

vanity
n. vanity fair
vanity plate
vanity license plate
vanity press
vanity publisher

vanity fair
: a scene or place characterized by frivolity and ostentation

vanity plate
: a license plate bearing letters or numbers designated by the owner of the vehicle ― called also vanity license plate

vanity press
: a publishing house that publishes books at the author's expense ― called also vanity publisher

vanner
: a person who owns a usually customized van

vanpool
: an arrangement by which a group of people commute to work in a van
–van·pool·ing noun

vanquish
v. 1 : to overcome in battle : subdue completely
2 : to defeat in a conflict or contest
3 : to gain mastery over (an emotion, passion, or temptation) <vanquish your fear>
synonyms see CONQUER
–van·quish·able \-kwi-shə-bəl\ adjective
–van·quish·er noun

Vantaa
town S Finland N of Helsinki pop 179,856

vantage
n. 1 archaic : BENEFIT, GAIN
2 : superiority in a contest
3 : a position giving a strategic advantage, commanding perspective, or comprehensive view
4 : ADVANTAGE 4
–to the vantage
obsolete : in addition

vantage
n. coign of vantage
to the vantage
vantage point

vantage point
: a position or standpoint from which something is viewed or considered especially : POINT OF VIEW

Vanua Levu
island S. Pacific in the Fijis NE of Viti Levu area 2137 sq mi (5535 sq km)

Vanuatu
n. islands SW Pacific NE of New Caledonia & W of Fiji; formerly under joint Brit. & French administration; a republic since 1980 capital Port-Vila (on Efate) area 5700 sq mi (14,820 sq km), pop 142,419

vanward
adj. : located in the vanguard : ADVANCED
–vanward adverb

Vanzetti
n. Bartolomeo ― see Nicola SACCO

vapid
adj. : lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force : FLAT, DULL <a gossipy, vapid woman, obsessed by her own elegance ― R. F. Delderfield> <London was not all vapid dissipation ― V. S. Pritchett>
synonyms see INSIPID
–va·pid·ly adverb
–va·pid·ness noun

vapidity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being vapid
2 : something vapid

vapor
n. 1 : diffused matter (as smoke or fog) suspended floating in the air and impairing its transparency
2 a : a substance in the gaseous state as distinguished from the liquid or solid state b : a substance (as gasoline, alcohol, mercury, or benzoin) vaporized for industrial, therapeutic, or military uses also : a mixture (as the explosive mixture in an internal combustion engine) of such a vapor with air
3 a : something unsubstantial or transitory : PHANTASM b : a foolish or fanciful idea
4 plural a archaic : exhalations of bodily organs (as the stomach) held to affect the physical or mental condition b : a depressed or hysterical nervous condition

vapor
n. 1 a : to rise or pass off in vapor b : to emit vapor
2 : to indulge in bragging, blustering, or idle talk
–va·por·er \-pər-ər\ noun

vapor
n. mercury vapor lamp
sodium vapor lamp
vapor barrier
vapor lock
vapor pressure
vapor tension
vapor trail
water vapor

vapor barrier
: a layer of material (as roofing paper or polyethylene film) used to retard or prevent the absorption of moisture into a construction (as a wall or floor)

vapor lock
: partial or complete interruption of flow of a fluid (as fuel in an internal combustion engine) caused by the formation of bubbles of vapor in the feeding system

vapor pressure
: the pressure exerted by a vapor that is in equilibrium with its solid or liquid form ― called also vapor tension

vapor trail
: CONTRAIL

vaporetto
n. : a motorboat serving as a canal bus in Venice, Italy

vaporing
n. : the act or speech of one that vapors specifically : an idle, extravagant, or high-flown expression or speech ― usually used in plural

vaporise
v. British variant of vaporize

vaporish
adj. 1 : resembling or suggestive of vapor
2 : given to fits of the vapors
–va·por·ish·ness noun

vaporize
v. transitive verb
1 : to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
2 : to cause to become dissipated
3 : to destroy by or as if by converting into vapor <a tank vaporized by a shell>
intransitive verb
1 : to become vaporized
2 : VAPOR 2
–va·por·iz·able \-ˌrī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–va·por·i·za·tion \ˌvā-pər-ə-'zā-shən\ noun

vaporizer
n. : one that vaporizes: as a : ATOMIZER b : a device for converting water or a medicated liquid into a vapor for inhalation

vaporous
adj. 1 : consisting or characteristic of vapor
2 : producing vapors : VOLATILE
3 : containing or obscured by vapors : MISTY
4 a : ETHEREAL, UNSUBSTANTIAL b : consisting of or indulging in vaporings
–va·por·ous·ly adverb
–va·por·ous·ness noun

vaporware
n. : a computer-related product that has been widely advertised but has not and may never become available

vapory
adj. : VAPOROUS, MISTY

vapour
n. chiefly British variant of vapor

vaquero
n. : HERDSMAN, COWBOY

var
1 variable
2 variation
3 various

vara
: a Texas unit of length equal to 33.33 inches (84.66 centimeters)

Varanasi
city N India in SE Uttar Pradesh pop 1,100,748

Vardar
river 241 mi (388 km) Macedonia (country) & N Greece flowing S into Gulf of Salonika

Varese
Edgard 1883-1965 orig. Edgar Victor Achille Charles Varèse American (Fr.-born) composer

Varese
commune N Italy NW of Milan pop 83,830

Vargas
Getúlio Dornelles 1883-1954 Braz. lawyer; pres. of Brazil (1930-45; 1951-54)

vari
1 : varied : diverse <varicolored>
2 : variation : variability <variometer>

varia
n. : MISCELLANY especially : a literary miscellany

varia lectio
: variant reading

variable
n. 1 a : able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes <variable winds> <variable costs> b : FICKLE, INCONSTANT
2 : characterized by variations
3 : having the characteristics of a variable
4 : not true to type : ABERRANT ― used of a biological group or character
–var·i·abil·i·ty \ˌver-ē-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–var·i·able·ness \'ver-ē-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–var·i·ably \-blē\ adverb

variable
n. 1 a : a quantity that may assume any one of a set of values b : a symbol representing a variable
2 : something that is variable
3 : VARIABLE STAR

variable
n. dependent variable
dummy variable
gram variable
independent variable
random variable
variable rate mortgage
variable star

variable rate mortgage
: ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE

variable star
: a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods

variance
n. 1 : the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant : DIFFERENCE, VARIATION <yearly variance in crops>
2 : the fact or state of being in disagreement : DISSENSION, DISPUTE
3 : a disagreement between two parts of the same legal proceeding that must be consonant
4 : a license to do some act contrary to the usual rule <a zoning variance>
5 : the square of the standard deviation
synonyms see DISCORD
–at variance : not in harmony or agreement

variant
n. 1 obsolete : VARIABLE
2 : manifesting variety, deviation, or disagreement
3 : varying usually slightly from the standard form <variant readings> <variant spellings>

variant
n. : one of two or more persons or things exhibiting usually slight differences: as a : one that exhibits variation from a type or norm b : one of two or more different spellings (as labor and labour) or pronunciations (as of economics \ek-, ēk-\) of the same word c : one of two or more words (as geographic and geographical) or word elements (as mon- and mono-) of essentially the same meaning differing only in the presence or absence of an affix

variate
n. : RANDOM VARIABLE

variation
n. 1 a : the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied b : an instance of varying c : the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
2 : DECLINATION 6
3 a : a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence b : a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4 : the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
5 a : divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average b : something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6 a : a solo dance in classic ballet b : a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes
–var·i·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–var·i·a·tion·al·ly adverb

variation
n. direct variation
inverse variation
calculus of variations

varicella
n. : CHICKEN POX

varicocele
n. : a varicose enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord

varicolored
adj. : having various colors : VARIEGATED <a varicolored butterfly> also : of various colors

varicose
adj. 1 : abnormally swollen or dilated <varicose veins>
2 : affected with varicose veins <varicose legs>

varicosity
n. 1 : VARIX
2 : the quality or state of being abnormally or markedly swollen or dilated

varied
adj. 1 : VARIOUS, DIVERSE <many and varied comments>
2 : VARIEGATED 1
–var·ied·ly adverb

variegate
v. 1 : to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors : DAPPLE
2 : to enliven or give interest to by means of variety
–var·ie·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun

variegated
adj. 1 : having discrete markings of different colors <variegated leaves>
2 : VARIED 1

variegated cutworm
: a widespread noctuid moth (Peridroma saucia) whose larva is destructive to crops

variegation
n. : the act of variegating : the state of being variegated especially : diversity of colors

varier
: one that varies

varietal
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characterizing a variety <varietal names> also : being a variety in distinction from an individual or species
2 : of, relating to, or producing a varietal

varietal
n. : a wine bearing the name of the principal grape from which it is made

variety
n. 1 : the quality or state of having different forms or types : MULTIFARIOUSNESS
2 : a number or collection of different things especially of a particular class : ASSORTMENT
3 a : something differing from others of the same general kind : SORT b : any of various groups of plants or animals ranking below a species : SUBSPECIES
4 : VARIETY SHOW

variety
n. garden variety
variety meat
variety show
variety store

variety meat
: an edible part (as the liver or tongue) of a slaughter animal other than skeletal muscle

variety show
: a theatrical entertainment of successive separate performances (as of songs, dances, skits, and acrobatic feats)

variety store
: a retail store that carries a wide variety of merchandise especially of low unit value

vario
― see VARI-

variola
n. : SMALLPOX also : the virus that is the causative agent of small pox

variometer
n. 1 : an instrument for measuring magnetic declination
2 : an aeronautical instrument for indicating rate of climb

variorum
n. 1 : an edition or text with notes by different persons
2 : an edition containing variant readings of the text

variorum
n. : relating to or being a variorum <a variorum edition> also : VARIANT <variorum readings>

various
adj. 1 archaic : VARIABLE, INCONSTANT
2 : VARICOLORED <birds of various plumage>
3 a : of differing kinds : MULTIFARIOUS b : dissimilar in nature or form : UNLIKE <animals as various as the jaguar and the sloth>
4 : having a number of different aspects or characteristics <a various place> <a various talent>
5 : of an indefinite number greater than one <stop at various towns>
6 : INDIVIDUAL, SEPARATE <rate increases granted in the various states>
synonyms see DIFFERENT
–var·i·ous·ness noun

various
adj. : an indefinite number of separate individuals greater than one <conversations with people from various of the schools ― Patricia Linden>

variously
adv. 1 : in various ways : at various times <was variously occupied teaching, farming, and clerking>
2 : by various designations <known variously as principal, headmaster, and rector>

varisized
: of various sizes

varistor
n. : an electrical resistor whose resistance depends on the applied voltage

varium et mutabile semper femina
: woman is ever a fickle and changeable thing(

varix
n. : an abnormally dilated and lengthened vein, artery, or lymph vessel especially : a varicose vein

varlet
n. 1 a : ATTENDANT, MENIAL b : a knight's page
2 : a base unprincipled person : KNAVE

varletry
archaic : RABBLE

varmint
n. 1 : an animal considered a pest specifically : one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law
2 : a contemptible person : RASCAL broadly : PERSON, FELLOW

Varmus
Harold Elliot 1939-     American microbiologist

Varna
n. city & port E Bulgaria on Black Sea pop 314,913

varnish
n. 1 a : a liquid preparation that when applied to a surface dries to form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating b : the covering or glaze given by the application of varnish c (1) : something that suggests varnish by its gloss (2) : a coating (as of deposits in an internal combustion engine) comparable to varnish
2 : outside show : 1GLOSS
3 chiefly British : a liquid nail polish
–var·nishy \-ni-shē\ adjective

varnish
n. 1 : to apply varnish to
2 : to cover or conceal (as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : 2GLOSS
3 : ADORN, EMBELLISH
–var·nish·er \'vär-ni-shər\ noun

varnish
n. desert varnish
spar varnish
spirit varnish
varnish tree

varnish tree
: any of various trees yielding a milky juice from which in some cases varnish or lacquer is prepared especially : an Asian tree (Rhus verniciflua syn. Toxicodendron vernicifluum) of the cashew family

Varro
Marcus Terentius 116-27 B.C. Rom. scholar

varroa mite
: an Asian mite (Varroa jacobsoni syn. V. destructor) that is a serious bloodsucking parasite of honeybees

varsity
n. 1 British : UNIVERSITY
2 a : the principal squad representing a university, college, school, or club especially in a sport b : REGULAR 1D

Varsovian
: a native or resident of Warsaw, Poland

Varuna
: a chief Vedic god responsible for natural and moral order in the cosmos

varus
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned inward toward the midline of the body to an abnormal degree <a varus heel> <varus angulation of the little toe>
2 : VALGUS 1 ― used of the knee
–varus noun

varve
n. : a pair of layers of alternately finer and coarser silt or clay believed to comprise an annual cycle of deposition in a body of still water
–varved \'värvd\ adjective

vary
v. transitive verb
1 a : to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic b : to make differences between items in : DIVERSIFY
2 : to present under new aspects <vary the rhythm and harmonic treatment>
intransitive verb
1 : to exhibit or undergo change <the sky was constantly varying>
2 : DEVIATE, DEPART
3 : to take on successive values <y varies inversely with x>
4 : to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
synonyms see CHANGE
–vary·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

varying hare
: SNOWSHOE HARE

vas
n. : an anatomical vessel : DUCT
–va·sal \-zəl\ adjective

vas
n. 1 : vessel: as a : blood vessel <vasomotor> b : vas deferens <vasectomy>
2 : vascular and <vasovagal>
3 : vasomotor <vasoactive>

vas deferens
: a sperm-carrying duct especially of a higher vertebrate that in the human male is a thick-walled tube about two feet (0.61 meters) long that begins at and is continuous with the tail of the epididymis and eventually joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct

Vasari
Giorgio 1511-1574 Ital. artist & art hist.

Vasco da Gama
― see GAMA

vascular
adj. 1 : of or relating to a channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or to a system of such channels also : supplied with or made up of such channels and especially blood vessels <a vascular tumor> <a vascular system>
2 : marked by vigor and ardor : PASSIONATE
–vas·cu·lar·i·ty \ˌvas-kyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun

vascular
adj. vascular bundle
vascular cylinder
vascular plant
vascular ray
vascular tissue
water vascular system

vascular bundle
: a strand of specialized vascular tissue of higher plants consisting mostly of xylem and phloem

vascular cylinder
: STELE

vascular plant
: a plant having a specialized conducting system that includes xylem and phloem : TRACHEOPHYTE

vascular ray
: a band of usually parenchymatous cells partly in the xylem and partly in the phloem of a plant root or stem that conducts fluids radially and appears in a cross section like a spoke of a wheel

vascular tissue
: plant tissue concerned mainly with conduction especially : the specialized tissue of higher plants consisting essentially of phloem and xylem

vascularization
n. : the process of becoming vascular also : abnormal or excessive formation of blood vessels (as in the retina or on the cornea)

vasculature
n. : the blood vessels or arrangement of blood vessels in an organ or part

vasculitis
n. : inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel

vasculum
n. : a usually metal and commonly cylindrical or flattened covered box used in collecting plants

vase
n. : a usually round vessel of greater depth than width used chiefly as an ornament or for holding flowers
–vase·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

vasectomize
v. : to perform a vasectomy on

vasectomy
n. : surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility

Vaseline
n. ― used for petroleum jelly

vasoactive
adj. : affecting the blood vessels especially in respect to the degree of their relaxation or contraction
–va·so·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ak-'ti-və-tē\ noun

vasoconstriction
n. : narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels

vasoconstrictive
adj. : inducing vasoconstriction

vasoconstrictor
n. : an agent (as a sympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasoconstriction

vasodilation
n. : widening of the lumen of blood vessels

vasodilator
n. : an agent (as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation

vasomotor
adj. : of, relating to, or being nerves or centers controlling the size of blood vessels

vasopressin
n. : a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland or obtained synthetically that increases blood pressure and decreases urine flow ― called also antidiuretic hormone

vasopressor
n. : causing a rise in blood pressure by exerting a vasoconstrictor effect
–vasopressor noun

vasospasm
n. : sharp and often persistent contraction of a blood vessel reducing its lumen and blood flow
–va·so·spas·tic \ˌvā-zō-'spas-tik\ adjective

vasotocin
n. : a polypeptide pituitary hormone of most vertebrates below mammals that has properties similar to oxytocin and vasopressin

vasovagal
adj. : relating to, involving, or caused by action of the vagus nerve on blood vessel dilation and heart rate <vasovagal syncope>

vassal
n. 1 : a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty : a feudal tenant
2 : one in a subservient or subordinate position
–vassal adjective

vassalage
n. 1 : a position of subordination or submission (as to a political power)
2 : the state of being a vassal
3 : the homage, fealty, or services due from a vassal

vast
adj. : very great in size, amount, degree, intensity, or especially in extent or range <vast knowledge> <a vast expanse>
synonyms see ENORMOUS
–vast·ly adverb
–vast·ness \'vas(t)-nəs\ noun

vast
adj. : a boundless space <the vast of heaven ― John Milton>

Vasteras
city E Sweden on Mälaren Lake NW of Stockholm pop 128,902

vastitude
: IMMENSITY, VASTNESS

vasty
adj. : VAST <call spirits from the vasty deep ― Shakespeare>

VAT
n. value-added tax

vat
n. 1 : a large vessel (as a cistern, tub, or barrel) especially for holding liquors in an immature state or preparations for dyeing or tanning
2 : a liquor containing a dye converted into a soluble reduced colorless or weakly colored form that on textile material steeped in the liquor and exposed to the air is converted by oxidation to the original insoluble dye and precipitated in the fiber

vat
n. : to put into or treat in a vat

vat
n. vat dye
vat color
vat dyed

vat dye
: a water-insoluble generally fast dye used in the form of a vat liquor ― called also vat color

vat-dyed
: dyed with one or more vat dyes

Vate
― see EFATE

vatic
adj. : PROPHETIC, ORACULAR

Vatican
n. 1 : the papal headquarters in Rome
2 : the papal government
–Vatican adjective

Vatican City
v. independent papal state within commune of Rome, Italy; created Feb. 11, 1929 area 109 acres (43 hectares), pop 467

vaticinal
: PROPHETIC

vaticinate
v. : PROPHESY, PREDICT
–va·tic·i·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

vaticination
n. 1 : PREDICTION
2 : the act of prophesying

Vattern
lake S Sweden area 738 sq mi (1911 sq km)

vatu
n. ― see MONEY table

Vatutin
Nikolay Fyodorovich 1900-1944 Soviet gen.

Vauban
Sébastien Le Prestre de 1633-1707 Fr. mil. engineer; marshal of France

Vaud
canton W Switzerland N of Lake Geneva capital Lausanne area 1240 sq mi (3212 sq km), pop 626,200

vaudeville
n. 1 : a light often comic theatrical piece frequently combining pantomime, dialogue, dancing, and song
2 : stage entertainment consisting of various acts (as performing animals, acrobats, comedians, dancers, or singers)
–vaude·vil·lian \ˌvȯd-'vil-yən, ˌväd-, ˌvōd-; ˌvȯ-də-, ˌvä-, ˌvō-\ noun or adjective

Vaudois
n. : WALDENSES

Vaughan
Henry 1621?-1695 Brit. poet

Vaughan
Sarah Lois 1924-1990 American singer

Vaughan
city Canada in SE Ont. N of Toronto pop 182,022

Vaughan Williams
Ralph 1872-1958 Eng. composer

vault
n. 1 a : an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof b : something (as the sky) resembling a vault c : an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure <the cranial vault>
2 a : a space covered by an arched structure especially : an underground passage or room b : an underground storage compartment c : a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
3 a : a burial chamber b : a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial
–vaulty \'vȯl-tē\ adjective

vault
n. : to form or cover with or as if with a vault : ARCH

vault
n. intransitive verb
1 : to leap vigorously especially : to execute a leap using the hands or a pole
2 : to do or achieve something as if by a leap <vaulted to sudden prominence>
transitive verb : to leap over especially : to leap over by or as if by aid of the hands or a pole

vault
n. : an act of vaulting : LEAP

vault
n. barrel vault
cross vault
fan vault
pole vault
barrel vaulted
cross vaulting
fan vaulting
vaulting horse

vaulted
adj. 1 : built in the form of a vault : ARCHED
2 : covered with a vault

vaulter
n. : one that vaults especially : an athlete who competes in the pole vault

vaulting
n. : vaulted construction

vaulting
n. 1 : reaching or stretching for the heights <vaulting ambition> <a vaulting imagination>
2 : designed for use in vaulting or in gymnastic exercises <a vaulting block>
–vault·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

vaulting
n. cross vaulting
fan vaulting
vaulting horse

vaulting horse
1 : a gymnastics apparatus used in vaulting that consists of a padded rectangular or cylindrical form supported in a horizontal position above the floor
2 : an event in which vaults are made over a vaulting horse

vaunt
n. intransitive verb : to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments : BRAG
transitive verb : to call attention to pridefully and often boastfully <people who vaunt their ingenuity>
synonyms see BOAST
–vaunt·er noun
–vaunt·ing·ly \'vȯn-tiŋ-lē, 'vän-\ adverb

vaunt
n. 1 : a vainglorious display of what one is or has or has done
2 : a bragging assertive statement

vaunt-courier
archaic : FORERUNNER

vaunted
adj. : highly or widely praised or boasted about <his own much vaunted ferocity ― Calvin Tomkins>

vauntful
adj. : VAINGLORIOUS, BOASTFUL

vaunty
Scottish : PROUD, BOASTFUL, VAIN

Vaupes
― see UAUPÉS

vav
variant of waw

vavasor
: a feudal tenant ranking directly below a baron

vaward
archaic : the foremost part : FOREFRONT <the vaward of our youth ― Shakespeare>

VC
1 venture capital; venture capitalist
2 Victoria Cross
3 Vietcong

VCR
: a device that uses videocassettes for recording and playing back videotapes

VD
n. 1 various dates
2 venereal disease

VDT
video display terminal

VDU
visual display unit

ve
: HAVE <we've been there>

Veadar
: ADAR SHENI

veal
n. 1 : the flesh of a young calf
2 : CALF especially : VEALER

veal
n. : to kill and dress (a calf) for veal

vealer
: a calf grown for or suitable for veal

vealy
1 : resembling or suggesting veal or a calf
2 : IMMATURE

Veblen
Thor·stein \'thȯr-ˌstīn\ Bunde 1857-1929 American sociol. & econ.
–Veb·le·ni·an \ve-'blē-nē-ən\ adjective

vector
n. 1 a : a quantity that has magnitude and direction and that is commonly represented by a directed line segment whose length represents the magnitude and whose orientation in space represents the direction broadly : an element of a vector space b : a course or compass direction especially of an airplane
2 a : an organism (as an insect) that transmits a pathogen b : POLLINATOR A
3 : an agent (as a plasmid or virus) that contains or carries modified genetic material (as recombinant DNA) and can be used to introduce exogenous genes into the genome of an organism
–vector adjective
–vec·to·ri·al \vek-'tȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
–vec·to·ri·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

vector
n. 1 : to guide (as an airplane, its pilot, or a missile) in flight by means of a radioed vector
2 : to change the direction of (the thrust of a jet engine) for steering

vector
n. characteristic vector
intermediate vector boson
radius vector
vector field
vector product
vector space
vector sum
zero vector

vector field
: a set of vectors that is defined in relation to a function such that each point of the function is associated with a vector from the set

vector product
: a vector c whose length is the product of the lengths of two vectors a and b and the sine of their included angle, whose direction is perpendicular to their plane, and whose direction is that in which a right-handed screw rotated from a toward b along axis c would move ― called also cross product

vector space
: a set of vectors along with operations of addition and multiplication such that the set is a commutative group under addition, it includes a multiplicative inverse, and multiplication by scalars is both associative and distributive

vector sum
: the sum of a number of vectors that for the sum of two vectors is geometrically represented by the diagonal of a parallelogram whose sides represent the two vectors being added

Veda
n. : any of four canonical collections of hymns, prayers, and liturgical formulas that comprise the earliest Hindu sacred writings

vedalia
: an Australian ladybug (Rodolia cardinalis) introduced to many countries to control scale insects ― called also vedalia beetle

Vedanta
n. : an orthodox system of Hindu philosophy developing especially in a qualified monism the speculations of the Upanishads on ultimate reality and the liberation of the soul
–Ve·dan·tism \-'dän-ˌti-zəm, -'dan-\ noun
–Ve·dan·tist \-'dän-tist, -'dan-\ noun

Vedantic
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Vedanta philosophy
2 : VEDIC

Vedda
n. : a member of an aboriginal people of Sri Lanka

Veddoid
: a member of a race of southern Asia traditionally classified by such physical features as wavy to curly hair, chocolate-brown skin color, and slender body build
–Veddoid adjective

vedette
n. : a mounted sentinel stationed in advance of pickets

vedi Napoli e poi mori
n. : see Naples and then die

Vedic
adj. : of or relating to the Vedas, the language in which they are written, or Hindu history and culture between 1500 B.C. and 500 B.C.

vee
n. 1 : something shaped like the letter V
2 : the letter v

veejay
n. : an announcer of a program (as on television) that features music videos

veena
n. variant of vina

veep
n. : VICE PRESIDENT

veer
v. : to let out (as a rope)

veer
v. intransitive verb
1 : to change direction or course <the economy veered sharply downward>
2 of the wind : to shift in a clockwise direction ― compare BACK
3 : to wear ship
transitive verb : to direct to a different course specifically : WEAR 7
synonyms see SWERVE
–veer·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

veer
v. : a change in course or direction <a veer to the right>

veery
n. : an American thrush (Catharus fuscescens) common in the eastern U.S.

veg
v. chiefly British : VEGETABLE

veg
v. veg out
vegged out
vegging out

veg out
: to spend time idly or passively

Vega
n. : the brightest star in the constellation Lyra

Vega
n. Lo·pe \'lō-(ˌ)pā\ de 1562-1635 Lope Félix de Vega Carpio Span. dram.

Vega
n. Garcilaso de la Vega
Vega Alta
Vega Baja

Vega Alta
city N Puerto Rico pop 37,910

Vega Baja
municipality N Puerto Rico pop 61,929

vegan
n. : a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products also : one who abstains from using animal products (as leather)
–vegan adjective
–veg·an·ism \'vē-gə-ˌni-zəm, 'vā-gə-, 've-jə-\ noun

Vegas
n. LAS VEGAS

vegetable
n. 1 a : of, relating to, constituting, or growing like plants b : consisting of plants : VEGETATIONAL
2 : made from, obtained from, or containing plants or plant products <vegetable soup> <vegetable fat>
3 : resembling or suggesting a plant (as in inertness or passivity)

vegetable
n. 1 : PLANT 1B
2 : a usually herbaceous plant (as the cabbage, bean, or potato) grown for an edible part that is usually eaten as part of a meal also : such an edible part
3 : a person whose mental and physical functioning is severely impaired and especially one who requires supportive measures (as mechanical ventilation) to survive

vegetable
n. vegetable oyster
green vegetable
textured vegetable protein
vegetable ivory
vegetable marrow
vegetable oil
vegetable pear
vegetable wax

vegetable ivory
1 : the hard white opaque endosperm of the ivory nut that takes a high polish and is used as a substitute for ivory
2 : IVORY NUT

vegetable marrow
chiefly British : any of various smooth-skinned elongated summer squashes with creamy-white to deep green skins

vegetable oil
: an oil of plant origin especially : a fatty oil from seeds or fruits

vegetable oyster
: SALSIFY

vegetable pear
: CHAYOTE

vegetable wax
: a wax of plant origin secreted commonly in thin flakes by the walls of epidermal cells

vegetably
: in the manner of or like a vegetable

vegetal
adj. 1 : VEGETABLE
2 : VEGETATIVE
3 : of or relating to the vegetal pole of an egg or to that part of an egg from which the endoderm normally develops <vegetal blastomeres>

vegetal pole
: the point on the surface of an egg that is diametrically opposite to the animal pole and usually marks the center of the protoplasm containing more yolk ― see BLASTULA illustration

vegetarian
n. 1 : one who believes in or practices vegetarianism
2 : HERBIVORE

vegetarian
n. 1 : of or relating to vegetarians
2 : consisting wholly of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and sometimes eggs or dairy products <a vegetarian diet>

vegetarian
n. lacto ovo vegetarian
ovo lacto vegetarian
lacto vegetarian

vegetarianism
n. : the theory or practice of living on a vegetarian diet

vegetate
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to grow in the manner of a plant also : to grow exuberantly or with proliferation of fleshy or warty outgrowths b : to produce vegetation
2 : to lead a passive existence without exertion of body or mind
transitive verb : to establish vegetation in or on

vegetation
n. 1 : the act or process of vegetating
2 : inert existence
3 : plant life or total plant cover (as of an area)
4 : an abnormal growth upon a body part <fibrin vegetations on the mitral valve>
–veg·e·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

vegetative
adj. 1 a (1) : growing or having the power of growing (2) : of, relating to, or engaged in nutritive and growth functions as contrasted with reproductive functions <a vegetative nucleus> b : promoting plant growth <the vegetative properties of soil> c : of, relating to, or involving propagation by nonsexual processes or methods
2 : relating to, composed of, or suggesting vegetation
3 : of or relating to the division of nature comprising the plant kingdom
4 a : AUTONOMIC 1 b : characterized by, resulting from, or being a state of severe mental impairment in which only involuntary bodily functions are sustained
5 : VEGETABLE 3
–veg·e·ta·tive·ly adverb
–veg·e·ta·tive·ness noun

vegete
archaic : LIVELY, HEALTHY

veggie
n. 1 : VEGETABLE
2 slang : VEGETARIAN

veggie burger
: a patty chiefly of vegetable-derived protein used as a meat substitute also : a sandwich containing such a patty

vehemence
n. : the quality or state of being vehement : INTENSITY

vehement
adj. : marked by forceful energy : POWERFUL <a vehement wind>: as a : intensely emotional : IMPASSIONED, FERVID <vehement patriotism> b (1) : deeply felt <a vehement suspicion> (2) : forcibly expressed <vehement denunciations> c : bitterly antagonistic <a vehement debate>
–ve·he·ment·ly adverb

vehicle
n. 1 a : an inert medium (as a syrup) in which a medicinally active agent is administered b : any of various media acting usually as solvents, carriers, or binders for active ingredients or pigments
2 : an agent of transmission : CARRIER
3 : a medium through which something is expressed, achieved, or displayed <an investment vehicle> especially : a work created especially to display the talents of a particular performer
4 : a means of carrying or transporting something <planes, trains, and other vehicles>: as a : MOTOR VEHICLE b : a piece of mechanized equipment

vehicle
n. air cushion vehicle
all terrain vehicle
launch vehicle
motor vehicle
recreational vehicle
sport utility vehicle

vehicular
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or designed for vehicles and especially motor vehicles b : transported by vehicle c : caused by or resulting from the operation of a vehicle <vehicular homicide>
2 : serving as a vehicle

Veii
ancient city of Etruria in cen Italy NNW of Rome

veil
n. 1 a : a length of cloth worn by women as a covering for the head and shoulders and often especially in Eastern countries for the face specifically : the outer covering of a nun's headdress b : a length of veiling or netting worn over the head or face or attached for protection or ornament to a hat or headdress <a bridal veil> c : any of various liturgical cloths especially : a cloth used to cover the chalice
2 : the life of a nun ― often used in the phrase take the veil
3 : a concealing curtain or cover of cloth
4 : something that resembles a veil <a veil of stars> especially : something that hides or obscures like a veil <lift the veil of secrecy>
5 : a covering body part or membrane: as a : VELUM b : CAUL

veil
n. : to cover, provide, obscure, or conceal with or as if with a veil
intransitive verb : to put on or wear a veil

veiled
adj. 1 a : having or wearing a veil or a concealing cover <a veiled hat> b : characterized by a softening tonal distortion
2 : obscured as if by a veil : DISGUISED <veiled threats>

veiling
n. 1 : any of various light sheer fabrics
2 : VEIL

vein
n. 1 a : a narrow water channel in rock or earth or in ice b (1) : LODE 2 (2) : a bed of useful mineral matter c : LODE 3
2 : BLOOD VESSEL especially : any of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart
3 a : any of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf b : any of the thickened cuticular ribs that serve to stiffen the wings of an insect
4 : something suggesting veins (as in reticulation) specifically : a wavy variegation (as in marble)
5 a : a distinctive mode of expression : STYLE <stories in a romantic vein> b : a distinctive element or quality : STRAIN <introduced a welcome vein of humor> c : a line of thought or action <renewed discussion along the same vein>
6 a : a special aptitude <inherited an artistic vein> b : a usually transitory and casually attained mood c : top form <thou troublest me; I am not in the vein ― Shakespeare>
–vein·al \'vā-nəl\ adjective

vein
n. : to pattern with or as if with veins

vein
n. brachiocephalic vein
innominate vein
coronary vein
jugular vein
milk vein
portal vein
pulmonary vein
spider vein
subclavian vein

veined
adj. : patterned with or as if with veins : having venation : STREAKED <a veined leaf> <veined marble> <veined cheese>

veiner
: a small V gouge used in wood carving

veining
n. : a pattern of veins : VENATION

veinlet
n. : a small vein

veiny
adj. : full of veins : noticeably veined <veiny hands>

Vejle
city & port Denmark pop 50,879

vel
velocity

velamen
n. : the thick corky epidermis of aerial roots of an epiphytic orchid that absorbs water from the atmosphere

velar
adj. 1 : formed with the back of the tongue touching or near the soft palate <the velar \k\ of \'kül\ cool>
2 : of, forming, or relating to a velum and especially the soft palate
–velar noun

velarium
n. : an awning over an ancient Roman theater or amphitheater

velarization
n. 1 : the quality or state of being velarized
2 : an act or instance of velarizing

velarize
v. : to modify (as the \l\ of \'pül\ pool) by a simultaneous velar articulation

Velazquez
Diego Rodríguez de Silva 1599-1660 Span. painter

Velbert
city W Germany in N. Rhine-Westphalia in Ruhr valley NE of Düsseldorf pop 89,347

Velcro
n. ― used for a closure consisting of a piece of fabric of small hooks that sticks to a corresponding fabric of small loops

veld
n. : a grassland especially of southern Africa usually with scattered shrubs or trees

veliger
n. : a larval mollusk in the stage when it has developed the velum

Vella Lavella
island SW Pacific in cen Solomons

velleity
n. 1 : the lowest degree of volition
2 : a slight wish or tendency : INCLINATION

Vellore
city SE India in N Tamil Nadu WSW of Madras pop 177,413

vellum
n. 1 : a fine-grained unsplit lambskin, kidskin, or calfskin prepared especially for writing on or for binding books
2 : a strong cream-colored paper

vellum
n. 1 : of, resembling, or bound in vellum
2 : slightly rough <paper with a vellum finish>

veloce
: in a rapid manner ― used as a direction in music

velocimeter
n. : a device for measuring speed (as of fluid flow or sound)

velocipede
n. : a lightweight wheeled vehicle propelled by the rider: as a archaic : BICYCLE b : TRICYCLE c : a 3-wheeled railroad handcar

velociraptor
n. : any of a genus (Velociraptor) of theropod dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous having a long head with a flat snout and a large sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot

velocity
n. 1 a : quickness of motion : SPEED <the velocity of sound> b : rapidity of movement <[my horse's] strong suit is grace & personal comeliness, rather than velocity ― Mark Twain> c : speed imparted to something <the power pitcher relies on velocity ― Tony Scherman>
2 : the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time : the derivative of position with respect to time
3 a : rate of occurrence or action : RAPIDITY <the velocity of historical change ― R. J. Lifton> b : rate of turnover <the velocity of money>

velodrome
n. : a track designed for cycling

velour
n. 1 : any of various fabrics with a pile or napped surface resembling velvet used in heavy weights for upholstery and curtains and in lighter weights for clothing also : the article of clothing itself
2 : a fur felt (as of rabbit or nutria) finished with a long velvety nap and used especially for hats

veloute
: a soup or sauce made of chicken, veal, or fish stock and cream and thickened with butter and flour

Velsen
commune W Netherlands; outer port for Amsterdam pop 67,407

Veltman
Martinus J. G. 1931-   Du. physicist

velum
n. 1 : a membrane or membranous part resembling a veil or curtain: as a : SOFT PALATE b : an annular membrane projecting inward from the margin of the umbrella in some jellyfishes (as the hydromedusae)
2 : a swimming organ that is especially well developed in the later larval stages of many marine gastropods

velure
obsolete : VELVET also : a fabric resembling velvet

velvet
n. 1 : a clothing and upholstery fabric (as of silk, rayon, or wool) characterized by a short soft dense warp pile
2 a : something suggesting velvet b : a characteristic (as softness or smoothness) of velvet
3 : the soft vascular skin that envelops and nourishes the developing antlers of deer
4 a : the winnings of a player in a gambling game b : a profit or gain beyond ordinary expectation
–vel·vet·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

velvet
n. 1 : made of or covered with velvet also : clad in velvet
2 : resembling or suggesting velvet : VELVETY <a velvet voice>

velvet
n. panne velvet
velvet ant
velvet bean

velvet ant
: any of various solitary usually brightly colored and hairy fossorial wasps (family Mutillidae) with the female wingless

velvet bean
: an annual legume (Mucuna deeringiana syn. Stizolobium deeringianum) grown especially in the southern U.S. for green manure and grazing also : its seed often used as stock feed

velveteen
n. 1 : a clothing fabric usually of cotton in twill or plain weaves made with a short close weft pile in imitation of velvet
2 plural : clothes made of velveteen

velvety
adj. 1 : having the character of velvet as in being soft, smooth, thick, or richly hued <velvety hair> <a velvety green pasture>
2 : smooth to the taste : MILD <a velvety wine>

Ven
venerable

ven
: vein <venipuncture> <venography>

vena
n. : VEIN

vena
n. superior vena cava
vena cava
vena caval
venae cavae

vena cava
: any of the large veins by which in air-breathing vertebrates the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart
–vena ca·val \-vəl\ adjective

venal
adj. 1 : capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration : PURCHASABLE especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : MERCENARY <a venal legislator>
2 : originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery <a venal arrangement with the police>
–ve·nal·i·ty \vi-'na-lə-tē\ noun
–ve·nal·ly \'vē-nəl-ē\ adverb

venation
n. : an arrangement or system of veins (as in the tissue of a leaf or the wing of an insect)

Vence
commune SE France W of Nice pop 16,970

vend
v. transitive verb
1 a : to sell especially as a hawker or peddler b : to sell by means of vending machines
2 : to utter publicly
intransitive verb : to dispose of something by sale : SELL also : to engage in selling

Venda
n. : a Bantu language spoken by a people of Northern province, Republic of South Africa also : a member of this people

Venda
n. former black enclave in the Republic of South Africa capital Thohoyandou; granted independence 1979; abolished 1994

Vendee
n. region W France bordering on Bay of Biscay S of Brittany

vendee
n. : one to whom a thing is sold : BUYER

vendetta
n. 1 : BLOOD FEUD
2 : an often prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts or exchange of such acts <waged a personal vendetta against those who opposed his nomination>

vendeuse
n. : a saleswoman especially in the fashion industry

vendible
adj. : capable of being vended : SALABLE
–vend·ibil·i·ty \ˌven-də-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

vending machine
: a coin-operated machine for selling merchandise

Vendome
Duc de 1654-1712 Louis-Joseph Fr. soldier

Vendome
town N cen France WSW of Orléans

vendor
n. 1 : one that vends : SELLER
2 : VENDING MACHINE

vendue
n. : a public sale at auction

veneer
n. 1 : a thin sheet of a material: as a : a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an inferior wood b : any of the thin layers bonded together to form plywood c : a plastic or porcelain coating bonded to the surface of a cosmetically imperfect tooth
2 : a protective or ornamental facing (as of brick or stone)
3 : a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, display, or effect : FACADE, GLOSS <a veneer of tolerance>

veneer
n. 1 : to overlay or plate (as a common wood) with a thin layer of finer wood for outer finish or decoration broadly : to face with a material giving a superior surface
2 : to cover over with a veneer especially : to conceal (as a defect of character) under a superficial and deceptive attractiveness
–ve·neer·er noun

veneering
v. 1 : a veneered surface
2 : material used as veneer

Veneman
Ann M. 1949-     U.S. secy. of agriculture (2001-  )

venerable
adj. 1 : deserving to be venerated ― used as a title for an Anglican archdeacon or for a Roman Catholic who has been accorded the lowest of three degrees of recognition for sanctity
2 : made sacred especially by religious or historical association
3 a : calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments <a venerable jazz musician> broadly : conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence <encouraged by the venerable doctor's head-nodding> b : impressive by reason of age <under venerable pines>
synonyms see OLD
–ven·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌve-nə-rə-'bi-lə-tē, ˌven-rə-\ noun
–ven·er·a·ble·ness \'ve-nər(-ə)-bəl-nəs, 'ven-rə-\ noun
–ven·er·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

venerate
v. 1 : to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference
2 : to honor (as an icon or a relic) with a ritual act of devotion
synonyms see REVERE
–ven·er·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

veneration
n. 1 : respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person
2 : the act of venerating
3 : the condition of one that is venerated

venereal
adj. 1 : of or relating to sexual pleasure or indulgence
2 a : resulting from or contracted during sexual intercourse <venereal infections> b : of, relating to, or affected with venereal disease <a high venereal rate> c : involving the genital organs <venereal sarcoma>
–ve·ne·re·al·ly adverb

venereal disease
: a contagious disease (as gonorrhea or syphilis) that is typically acquired in sexual intercourse ― compare STD

venery
n. 1 : the art, act, or practice of hunting
2 : animals that are hunted : GAME

venery
n. 1 : the pursuit of or indulgence in sexual pleasure
2 : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

venesection
n. : PHLEBOTOMY

Veneti
1 : an ancient people in Gaul conquered by Julius Caesar in 56 B.C.
2 : an ancient people in northeastern Italy allied politically to the Romans

Venetia
1 area NE Italy, W Slovenia, & W Croatia including territory bet. the lower Po & the Alps
2 VENEZIA EUGANEA
–Ve·ne·tian \-'nē-shən\ adjective

Venetia
Julian Venetia
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Venezia Euganea
Venezia Giulia
Venezia Tridentina
venetian blind
venetian glass
Venetian red

venetian blind
: a blind (as for a window) having numerous horizontal slats that may be set simultaneously at any of several angles so as to vary the amount of light admitted

venetian glass
: often colored glassware made at Murano near Venice of a soda-lime metal and typically elaborately decorated (as with gilt, enamel, or engraving)

Venetian red
: an earthy hematite used as a pigment also : a synthetic iron oxide pigment

Venetic
: the language of the ancient Veneti of Italy ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table
–Venetic adjective

Veneto
n. region NE Italy comprising most of Venezia Euganea capital Venice area 7096 sq mi (18,379 sq km), pop 4,540,853

Venezia Euganea
the S portion of Venetia

Venezia Giulia
the E portion of Venetia including Julian Alps & Istria; now mainly in Slovenia & Croatia

Venezia Tridentina
the NW portion of Venetia N of Lake Garda; included in Trentino-Alto Adige region

Venezuela
n. country N S. America; a republic capital Caracas area 352,143 sq mi (912,050 sq km), pop 20,609,000
–Ven·e·zu·e·lan \-lən\ adjective or noun

Venezuela, Gulf of
inlet of the Caribbean NW Venezuela N of Lake Maracaibo

venge
archaic : AVENGE

vengeance
n. : punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense : RETRIBUTION
–with a vengeance
1 : with great force or vehemence <undertook reform with a vengeance>
2 : to an extreme or excessive degree <the tourists are back97with a vengeance>

vengeful
adj. : REVENGEFUL: as a : seeking to avenge b : serving to gain vengeance
–venge·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–venge·ful·ness noun

veni
― see VEN-

veni, vidi, vici
: I came, I saw, I conquered

venial
adj. : of a kind that can be remitted : FORGIVABLE, PARDONABLE also : meriting no particular censure or notice : EXCUSABLE <venial faults>
–ve·nial·ly adverb
–ve·nial·ness noun

venial sin
1 : a sin that is relatively slight or that is committed without full reflection or consent and so according to Thomist theology does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace ― compare MORTAL SIN
2 : a minor offense

Venice
n. city & port NE Italy capital of Veneto, on islands in Lagoon of Venice (inlet of Gulf of Venice) pop 275,368
–Ve·ne·tian \və-'nē-shən\ adjective or noun

Venice
n. Venice Gulf of
Julian Venetia
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Venezia Euganea
Venezia Giulia
Venezia Tridentina
venetian blind
venetian glass
Venetian red

Venice, Gulf of
v. arm of the Adriatic bet. Po Delta & Istria

venipuncture
n. : surgical puncture of a vein especially for the withdrawal of blood or for intravenous medication

venire
n. : an entire panel from which a jury is drawn

venire facias
: a judicial writ directing the sheriff to summon a specified number of qualified persons to serve as jurors

venireman
n. : a member of a venire

venison
n. : the edible flesh of a game animal and especially a deer

Venite
n. : a liturgical chant composed of parts of Psalms 95 and 96

Venizelos
Eleuthérios 1864-1936 Greek statesman

Venlo
commune SE Netherlands on Maas (Meuse) River near German border pop 91,400

Venn diagram
: a graph that employs closed curves and especially circles to represent logical relations between and operations on sets and the terms of propositions by the inclusion, exclusion, or intersection of the curves

venography
n. : radiography of a vein after injection of an opaque substance

venom
n. 1 : poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging broadly : material that is poisonous
2 : ILL WILL, MALEVOLENCE

venom
n. : ENVENOM

venomous
adj. 1 : full of venom: as a : POISONOUS, ENVENOMED b : NOXIOUS, PERNICIOUS <expose a venomous dope ring ― Don Porter> c : SPITEFUL, MALEVOLENT <venomous criticism>
2 : having a venom-producing gland and able to inflict a poisoned wound <venomous snakes>
–ven·om·ous·ly adverb
–ven·om·ous·ness noun

venous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or full of veins <a venous thrombosis> <a venous rock>
2 of blood : having passed through the capillaries and given up oxygen for the tissues and become charged with carbon dioxide
–ve·nous·ly adverb

vent
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide with a vent
2 a : to serve as a vent for <chimneys vent smoke> b : DISCHARGE, EXPEL c : to give often vigorous or emotional expression to <vented her frustration on her coworkers>
3 : to relieve by means of a vent <vented himself in a fiery letter to the editor>
intransitive verb : to relieve oneself by venting something (as anger) <comes home from work and vents to the kids>
synonyms see EXPRESS

vent
n. 1 : an opening for the escape of a gas or liquid or for the relief of pressure: as a : the external opening of the rectum or cloaca : ANUS b (1) : PIPE 3C, FUMAROLE (2) : HYDROTHERMAL VENT c : an opening at the breech of a muzzle-loading gun through which fire is touched to the powder d chiefly Scottish : CHIMNEY, FLUE
2 : an opportunity or means of escape, passage, or release : OUTLET <finally gave vent to his pent-up hostility>
–vent·less \-ləs\ adjective

vent
n. : a slit in a garment specifically : an opening in the lower part of a seam (as of a jacket or skirt)
–vent·less adjective

vent
n. hydrothermal vent
vol au vent
Iles du Vent
Îles du Vent
Iles sous le Vent
Îles sous le Vent

Venta
river 217 mi (349 km) in Lithuania & Latvia flowing into the Baltic

ventage
n. : a small hole (as a flute stop)

ventail
: the lower movable front of a medieval helmet

Venter
n. John Craig 1946-     American geneticist

venter
n. 1 : a wife or mother that is a source of offspring
2 [New Latin, from L] : a protuberant and often hollow anatomical structure: as a : the undersurface of the abdomen of an arthropod b : the swollen basal portion of an archegonium in which an egg develops

ventifact
n. : a stone worn, polished, or faceted by windblown sand

ventilate
v. 1 a : to examine, discuss, or investigate freely and openly : EXPOSE <ventilating family quarrels in public> b : to make public : UTTER <ventilated their objections at length>
2 archaic : to free from chaff by winnowing
3 a : to expose to air and especially to a current of fresh air for purifying, curing, or refreshing <ventilate stored grain> also : OXYGENATE, AERATE <ventilate blood in the lungs> b : to subject the lungs to ventilation <artificially ventilate a patient in respiratory distress>
4 a of a current of air : to pass or circulate through so as to freshen b : to cause fresh air to circulate through (as a room or mine)
5 : to provide an opening in (a burning structure) to permit escape of smoke and heat

ventilation
n. 1 : the act or process of ventilating
2 a : circulation of air <a room with good ventilation> b : the circulation and exchange of gases in the lungs or gills that is basic to respiration
3 : a system or means of providing fresh air

ventilator
n. : one that ventilates: as a : a contrivance for introducing fresh air or expelling foul or stagnant air b : RESPIRATOR 2

ventilatory
adj. : of, relating to, or provided with ventilation <ventilatory capacity of the lung>

Ventimiglia
n. commune NW Italy on Ligurian Sea W of San Remo near Menton, France pop 26,725

ventr
: ventral and <ventrolateral>

ventral
adj. 1 a : of or relating to the belly : ABDOMINAL b : being or located near or on the anterior or lower surface of an animal opposite the back
2 : being or located on the lower surface of a dorsiventral plant structure
–ven·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

ventral
adj. : a ventral part (as a scale or fin)

ventral root
: the one of the two roots of a spinal nerve that passes ventrally from the spinal cord and consists of motor fibers ― compare DORSAL ROOT

ventre
ventre a terre
ventre à terre
Gros Ventre

ventre a terre
: belly to the ground : at very great speed

ventricle
n. : a cavity of a bodily part or organ: as a : a chamber of the heart which receives blood from a corresponding atrium and from which blood is forced into the arteries ― see HEART illustration b : any of a system of communicating cavities in the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord ― see BRAIN illustration

ventricose
adj. : markedly swollen, distended, or inflated especially on one side <ventricose corollas>

ventricular
adj. : of, relating to, or being a ventricle <ventricular fibrillation> <ventricular pressure> <ventricular myocardium>

ventricular assist device
: a device implanted in the chest or upper abdomen to assist a damaged or weakened heart in pumping blood

ventriculus
n. : a digestive cavity (as a gizzard or stomach)

ventriloquism
n. 1 : the production of the voice in such a way that the sound seems to come from a source other than the vocal organs of the speaker
2 : the expression of one's views and attitudes through another especially : such expression by a writer through a fictional character or literary persona
–ven·tri·lo·qui·al \ˌven-trə-'lō-kwē-əl\ adjective
–ven·tri·lo·qui·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

ventriloquist
n. : one who uses or is skilled in ventriloquism especially : one who provides entertainment by using ventriloquism to carry on an apparent conversation with a hand-manipulated dummy
–ven·tril·o·quis·tic \(ˌ)ven-ˌtri-lə-'kwis-tik\ adjective

ventriloquize
v. intransitive verb : to use ventriloquism
transitive verb : to utter in the manner of a ventriloquist

ventriloquy
n. : VENTRILOQUISM 1

ventrolateral
adj. : ventral and lateral

ventromedial
adj. : ventral and medial

Ventspils
city & port Latvia at mouth of the Venta pop 44,004

Ventura
n. city & port SW Calif. on Santa Barbara Channel ESE of Santa Barbara pop 100,916

venture
n. transitive verb
1 : to expose to hazard : RISK, GAMBLE <ventured a buck or two on the race>
2 : to undertake the risks and dangers of : BRAVE <ventured the stormy sea>
3 : to offer at the risk of rebuff, rejection, or censure <venture an opinion>
intransitive verb : to proceed especially in the face of danger
–ven·tur·er \'ven(t)-sh(ə-)rər\ noun

venture
n. 1 obsolete : DESTINY, FORTUNE, CHANCE
2 a : an undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger especially : a speculative business enterprise b : a venturesome act
3 : something (as money or property) at stake in a speculative venture
–at a venture : at random <a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king ― 1 Kings 22:34 (AV)>

venture
n. at a venture
venture capital
venture capitalist
venture capitalism

venture capital
: capital (as retained corporate earnings or individual savings) invested or available for investment in the ownership element of new or fresh enterprise ― called also risk capital
–venture capitalism noun
–venture capitalist noun

venturesome
adj. 1 : involving risk : HAZARDOUS <a venturesome journey>
2 : inclined to court or incur risk or danger : DARING <a venturesome investor>
synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
–ven·ture·some·ly adverb
–ven·ture·some·ness noun

Venturi
n. Robert Charles 1925-     American architect

venturi
n. : a short tube with a tapering constriction in the middle that causes an increase in the velocity of flow of a fluid and a corresponding decrease in fluid pressure and that is used especially in measuring fluid flow or for creating a suction (as for driving aircraft instruments or drawing fuel into the flow stream of a carburetor)

venturous
adj. : VENTURESOME
–ven·tur·ous·ly adverb
–ven·tur·ous·ness noun

venue
n. 1 a : the place from which a jury is drawn and in which trial is held <requested a change of venue> b : the place or county in which take place the alleged events from which a legal action arises c : a statement showing that a case is brought to the proper court or authority
2 a : LOCALE 1 also : a place where events of a specific type are held <music venues> b : OUTLET 1C

Venue, Ben
v. ― see BEN VENUE

venule
n. : a small vein especially : any of the minute veins connecting the capillaries with the larger systemic veins

Venus
n. 1 : the Roman goddess of love and beauty ― compare APHRODITE
2 : the planet second in order from the sun ― see PLANET table

Venus
n. Venus flytrap
Venus's flytrap
Venus hair
Venus's flower basket
Venus flower basket

Venus flytrap
: an insectivorous plant (Dionaea muscipula) of the sundew family of the Carolina coast with the leaf apex modified into an insect trap ― called also Venus's-flytrap

Venus's flower-basket
: any of several glass sponges (genus Euplectella) of the western Pacific and Indian oceans ― called also Venus flower basket

Venus-hair
: a delicate maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) that grows chiefly on wet calcareous rocks

Venusberg
: a mountain in central Germany containing a cavern where in medieval legend Venus held court

Venusian
n. : of or relating to the planet Venus

veracious
adj. 1 : TRUTHFUL, HONEST
2 : marked by truth : ACCURATE
–ve·ra·cious·ly adverb
–ve·ra·cious·ness noun

veracity
n. 1 : devotion to the truth : TRUTHFULNESS
2 : power of conveying or perceiving truth
3 : conformity with truth or fact : ACCURACY
4 : something true <makes lies sound like veracities>

Veracruz
n. 1 state E Mexico capital Jalapa area 28,114 sq mi (72,815 sq km), pop 6,228,239
2 city & port E Mexico in Veracruz state on Gulf of Mexico pop 327,522

veranda
n. : a usually roofed open gallery or portico attached to the exterior of a building

verandaed
: having a veranda

verapamil
: a calcium channel blocker C_27H_38N_2O_4 used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

veratridine
: a poisonous alkaloid C_36H_51NO_11 occurring especially in sabadilla seed

veratrine
n. : a poisonous irritant mixture of alkaloids from sabadilla seed that has been used as a counterirritant and insecticide

veratrum
n. : HELLEBORE 2

verb
n. : a word that characteristically is the grammatical center of a predicate and expresses an act, occurrence, or mode of being, that in various languages is inflected for agreement with the subject, for tense, for voice, for mood, or for aspect, and that typically has rather full descriptive meaning and characterizing quality but is sometimes nearly devoid of these especially when used as an auxiliary or linking verb
–verb·less \'vər-bləs\ adjective

verb
n. helping verb
linking verb
pro verb
verb sap

verb sap
: VERBUM SAP

verbal
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of words <verbal instructions> b : of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance <a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic ― B. N. Cardozo> c : consisting of or using words only and not involving action <verbal abuse>
2 : of, relating to, or formed from a verb <a verbal adjective>
3 : spoken rather than written <a verbal contract>
4 : VERBATIM, WORD-FOR-WORD <a verbal translation>
5 : of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words <verbal aptitude>
–ver·bal·ly \-bə-lē\ adverb

verbal
n. : a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective ― compare GERUND, INFINITIVE, PARTICIPLE

verbal
n. proces verbal
procès verbal
verbal auxiliary
verbal noun

verbal auxiliary
: an auxiliary verb

verbal noun
: a noun derived directly from a verb or verb stem and in some uses having the sense and constructions of a verb

verbalism
n. 1 a : a verbal expression : TERM b : PHRASING, WORDING
2 : words used as if they were more important than the realities they represent <the emancipation of science from verbalism ― G. A. L. Sarton>
3 a : a wordy expression of little meaning b : VERBOSITY

verbalist
n. 1 : one who stresses words above substance or reality
2 : a person who uses words skillfully
–ver·bal·is·tic \ˌvər-bə-'lis-tik\ adjective

verbalize
v. intransitive verb
1 : to speak or write verbosely
2 : to express something in words
transitive verb
1 : to convert into a verb
2 : to name or express in words
–ver·bal·i·za·tion \ˌvər-bə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–ver·bal·iz·er \'vər-bə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

verbatim
adj. : in the exact words : word for word

verbatim
adj. : being in or following the exact words : WORD-FOR-WORD

verbatim ac litteratim
: word for word and letter for letter

verbena
n. : VERVAIN especially : any of numerous garden vervains of hybrid origin widely grown for their showy spikes of white, pink, red, or blue flowers which are borne in profusion over a long season ― compare LEMON VERBENA

verbiage
n. 1 : a profusion of words usually of little or obscure content <such a tangled maze of evasive verbiage as a typical party platform ― Marcia Davenport>
2 : manner of expressing oneself in words : DICTION <sportswriters guarded their verbiage so jealously ― R. A. Sokolov>

verbicide
1 : deliberate distortion of the sense of a word (as in punning)
2 : one who distorts the sense of a word

verbid
: VERBAL

verbigeration
n. : continual repetition of stereotyped phrases (as in some forms of mental illness)

verbose
adj. 1 : containing more words than necessary : WORDY <a verbose reply> also : impaired by wordiness <a verbose style>
2 : given to wordiness <a verbose orator>
synonyms see WORDY
–ver·bose·ly adverb
–ver·bose·ness noun
–ver·bos·i·ty \-'bä-sə-tē\ noun

verboten
adj. : FORBIDDEN especially : prohibited by dictate

verbum
ad verbum
verbum sap
verbum sat sapienti est

verbum sap
: enough said ― used to indicate that something left unsaid may or should be inferred

verbum sat sapienti est
: a word to the wise is sufficient

Vercelli
commune NW Italy pop 48,016

verd antique
: a green mottled or veined serpentine marble or calcareous serpentine much used for indoor decoration especially by the ancient Romans

verdant
adj. 1 a : green in tint or color b : green with growing plants <verdant fields>
2 : unripe in experience or judgment : GREEN 9A B
–ver·dan·cy \-dən(t)-sē\ noun
–ver·dant·ly \-dənt-lē\ adverb

verde
n. verde antique
Cape Verde
Cape Verde Islands
Mesa Verde National Park
Verde Cape

Verde, Cape
v. promontory W Africa in Senegal; westernmost point in Africa, at 17°30′ W

verderer
n. : a onetime English judicial officer in charge of the king's forest

Verdi
n. Giuseppe Fortunio Francesco 1813-1901 Ital. composer
–Ver·di·an \-ən\ adjective

verdict
n. 1 : the finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial
2 : OPINION, JUDGMENT

Verdigris
n. river 351 mi (565 km) SE Kans. & NE Okla. flowing into Arkansas River

verdigris
n. 1 a : a green or greenish-blue poisonous pigment resulting from the action of acetic acid on copper and consisting of one or more basic copper acetates b : normal copper acetate Cu(C_2H_3O_2)2·H_2O
2 : a green or bluish deposit especially of copper carbonates formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces

verdin
: a very small yellow-headed bird (Auriparus flaviceps) of arid scrublands that is related to the chickadee and is found from Texas to California and southward to Mexico

Verdun
1 town Canada in S Que. on Montreal Is. pop 60,564
2 or Verdun-sur-Meuse \-ˌsu̇r-\ city NE France on the Meuse ESE of Reims pop 19,624

verdure
n. 1 : the greenness of growing vegetation also : such vegetation itself
2 : a condition of health and vigor
–ver·dur·ous \'verj-rəs; 'ver-jə-rəs, -dyə-\ adjective

verdured
: covered with verdure

Vereeniging
city NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng on the Vaal S of Johannesburg pop 94,500

Vereker
John Standish Surtees Prendergast 1886-1946 6th Viscount Gort \'gȯrt\ Brit. soldier

Vereshchagin
Vasily Vasilyevich 1842-1904 Russ. painter

Verfremdung
: distancing : alienation

verge
n. 1 a (1) : a rod or staff carried as an emblem of authority or symbol of office (2) obsolete : a stick or wand held by a person being admitted to tenancy while he swears fealty b : the spindle of a watch balance especially : a spindle with pallets in an old vertical escapement c : the male copulatory organ of any of various invertebrates
2 a : something that borders, limits, or bounds: as (1) : an outer margin of an object or structural part (2) : the edge of roof covering (as tiling) projecting over the gable of a roof (3) British : a paved or planted strip of land at the edge of a road : SHOULDER b : BRINK, THRESHOLD <a country on the verge of destruction ― Archibald MacLeish>

verge
n. 1 : to be contiguous
2 : to be on the verge or border <the line where sentiment verges on mawkishness ― Thomas Hardy>

verge
n. 1 a of the sun : to move or tend toward the horizon : SINK b : to move or extend in some direction or toward some condition <verging to a hasty decline ― Edward Gibbon>
2 : to be in transition or change

verger
n. 1 chiefly British : an attendant that carries a verge (as before a bishop or justice)
2 : a church official who keeps order during services or serves as an usher or a sacristan

Vergil
n. ― see VIRGIL

veridical
adj. 1 : TRUTHFUL, VERACIOUS <tried⋯to supply⋯a veridical background to the events and people portrayed ― Laura Krey>
2 : not illusory : GENUINE <it is assumed that⋯perception is veridical ― George Lakoff>
–ve·rid·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌri-də-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–ve·rid·i·cal·ly \-'ri-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

verifiable
adj. : capable of being verified
–ver·i·fi·abil·i·ty \ˌver-ə-ˌfī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–ver·i·fi·able·ness noun

verification
n. : the act or process of verifying : the state of being verified

verify
v. 1 : to confirm or substantiate in law by oath
2 : to establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of <verify the claim>
synonyms see CONFIRM
–ver·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

verily
adv. 1 : in truth : CERTAINLY
2 : TRULY, CONFIDENTLY

verisimilar
adj. 1 : having the appearance of truth : PROBABLE
2 : depicting realism (as in art or literature)
–veri·sim·i·lar·ly adverb

verisimilitude
n. 1 : the quality or state of being verisimilar
2 : something verisimilar
–veri·si·mil·i·tu·di·nous \-ˌmi-lə-'tüd-nəs, -'tyüd-; -'tü-də-nəs, -'tyü-\ adjective

verism
n. : artistic use of contemporary everyday material in preference to the heroic or legendary especially in grand opera
–ve·rist \-ist\ noun or adjective
–ve·ris·tic \vir-'is-tik, ver-\ adjective

verismo
n. : VERISM also : REALISM 3

veritable
adj. : being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary ― often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor <a veritable mountain of references>
–ver·i·ta·ble·ness noun
–ver·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb

veritas
n. in vino veritas
magna est veritas et praevalebit
vincit omnia veritas

verite
n. : the art or technique of filming (as a motion picture) so as to convey candid realism

verite
n. cinema verite
video verite
video vérité

verity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being true or real
2 : something (as a statement) that is true especially : a fundamental and inevitably true value <such eternal verities as honor, love, and patriotism>
3 : the quality or state of being truthful or honest <the king-becoming graces, as justice, verity ― Shakespeare>

verjuice
n. 1 : the sour juice of crab apples or of unripe fruit (as grapes or apples) also : an acid liquor made from verjuice
2 : acidity of disposition or manner

Verkhneudinsk
― see ULAN-UDE

Verlaine
Paul 1844-1896 Fr. poet

Vermeer
Jan 1632-1675 also called Jan van der Meer van Delft \van-dər-'mer-van-'delft, -'mir-\ Du. painter

vermeil
adj. 1 \'vər-məl, -ˌmāl\ : VERMILION
2 \ver-'mā\ : gilded silver
–vermeil adjective

vermi
: worm <vermiform>

vermicelli
n. : pasta made in long solid strings smaller in diameter than spaghetti

vermicide
n. : an agent that destroys worms

vermicular
adj. 1 a : resembling a worm in form or motion b : VERMICULATE
2 : of, relating to, or caused by worms

vermiculate
adj. 1 : TORTUOUS, INVOLUTE
2 : full of worms : WORM-EATEN
3 a : VERMIFORM b : marked with irregular fine lines or with wavy impressed lines <a vermiculate nut>
–ver·mic·u·la·tion \-ˌmi-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

vermiculite
n. : any of various micaceous minerals that are hydrous silicates resulting usually from expansion of the granules of mica at high temperatures to give a lightweight highly water-absorbent material

vermiculture
: the cultivation of annelid worms (as earthworms or bloodworms) especially for use as bait or in composting

vermiform
adj. : resembling a worm in shape

vermiform appendix
: a narrow blind tube usually about three to four inches (8 to 10 centimeters) long that extends from the cecum in the lower right-hand part of the abdomen

vermifuge
n. : an agent that destroys or expels parasitic worms : ANTHELMINTIC

vermilion
n. 1 : a bright red pigment consisting of mercuric sulfide broadly : any of various red pigments
2 : a vivid reddish orange

vermin
n. 1 a : small common harmful or objectionable animals (as lice or fleas) that are difficult to control b : birds and mammals that prey on game c : animals that at a particular time and place compete (as for food) with humans or domestic animals
2 : an offensive person

verminous
adj. 1 : consisting of or being vermin : NOXIOUS
2 : forming a breeding place for or infested by vermin : FILTHY <verminous garbage>
3 : caused by vermin <verminous disease>

vermis
n. : the constricted median lobe of the cerebellum that connects the two lateral lobes

Vermont
n. state NE U.S. capital Montpelier area 9609 sq mi (24,983 sq km), pop 608,827
–Ver·mont·er \-'män-tər\ noun

vermouth
n. : a dry or sweet aperitif wine flavored with aromatic herbs and often used in mixed drinks

vernacular
n. 1 a : using a language or dialect native to a region or country rather than a literary, cultured, or foreign language b : of, relating to, or being a nonstandard language or dialect of a place, region, or country c : of, relating to, or being the normal spoken form of a language
2 : applied to a plant or animal in the common native speech as distinguished from the Latin nomenclature of scientific classification <the vernacular name>
3 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a period, place, or group especially : of, relating to, or being the common building style of a period or place <vernacular architecture>
–ver·nac·u·lar·ly adverb

vernacular
n. 1 : a vernacular language, expression, or mode of expression
2 : the mode of expression of a group or class
3 : a vernacular name of a plant or animal

vernacularism
n. : a vernacular word or idiom

vernal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the spring <vernal equinox> <vernal sunshine>
2 : fresh or new like the spring also : YOUTHFUL
–ver·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

vernalization
n. : the act or process of hastening the flowering and fruiting of plants by treating seeds, bulbs, or seedlings so as to induce a shortening of the vegetative period
–ver·nal·ize \'vər-nə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

vernation
n. : the arrangement of foliage leaves within the bud

Verne
n. Jules \'jülz, 'zhl\ 1828-1905 Fr. writer

Verner
Karl Adolph 1846-1896 Dan. philologist

Verner's law
: a statement in historical linguistics: in medial or final position in voiced environments and when the immediately preceding vowel did not bear the principal accent in Proto-Indo-European, the Proto-Germanic voiceless fricatives f, þ, and derived from the Proto-Indo-European voiceless stops p, t, and k and the Proto-Germanic voiceless fricative s derived from Proto-Indo-European s became the voiced fricatives ƀ, ð, , and z represented in various recorded Germanic languages by b, d, g, and r

vernicle
n. : 2VERONICA

Vernier
n. Pierre ca 1580-1637 Fr. math.

vernier
n. 1 : a short scale made to slide along the divisions of a graduated instrument for indicating parts of divisions
2 a : a small auxiliary device used with a main device to obtain fine adjustment b : any of two or more small supplementary rocket engines or gas nozzles on a missile or a rocket vehicle for making fine adjustments in the speed or course or controlling the attitude ― called also vernier engine

vernier
n. : having or comprising a vernier

vernier caliper
: a measuring device that consists of a main scale with a fixed jaw and a sliding jaw with an attached vernier

vernissage
n. : a private showing or preview of an art exhibition

Vernon
n. Edward 1684-1757 Eng. admiral

Vernon
n. 1 town N cen Conn. NE of Hartford pop 28,063
2 city Canada in S B.C. pop 33,494

Vernyi
― see ALMATY

Veroia
town NE Greece in Macedonia W of Thessaloníki

Verona
commune NE Italy on the Adige pop 257,477
–Ver·o·nese \ˌver-ə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Veronese
n. Paolo 1528-1588 orig. Paolo Caliari Ital. painter

veronica
n. : any of a genus (Veronica) of annual or perennial herbs of the snapdragon family that have small pink, white, blue or purple flowers with a 4- or 5-lobed calyx, a rotate corolla, two stamens, and the fruit a compressed capsule ― compare SPEEDWELL

veronica
n. : an image of Christ's face said to have been impressed on the cloth that St. Veronica gave him to wipe his face with on the way to his crucifixion also : a cloth resembling the legendary one of St. Veronica

veronica
n. : a pase in bullfighting in which the cape is swung slowly away from the charging bull while the matador keeps his feet in the same position

Veronique
: prepared or garnished with usually white seedless grapes <sole Veronique>

Verrazano
Giovanni da 1485?-?1528 Florentine navigator & explorer

Verrocchio
Andrea del 1435-1488 orig. Andrea di Michele Cione Florentine sculptor & painter

verruca
n. 1 : a wart or warty skin lesion
2 : a warty elevation on a plant or animal surface

verruca vulgaris
: WART 1A

verrucas
n. chiefly British plural of verruca

verrucose
adj. : covered with warty elevations

vers
vers de societe
vers de société
vers libre
vers libres
vers librist

vers de societe
: witty and typically ironic light verse

vers libre
: FREE VERSE

vers-librist
: a writer of free verse

Versailles
n. city N France, WSW suburb of Paris pop 85,761

versal
archaic : ENTIRE, WHOLE <as pale as any clout in the versal world ― Shakespeare>

versant
n. 1 archaic : EXPERIENCED, PRACTICED
2 : CONVERSANT

versatile
adj. 1 : changing or fluctuating readily : VARIABLE <a versatile disposition>
2 : embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills also : turning with ease from one thing to another
3 a (1) : capable of turning forward or backward : REVERSIBLE <a versatile toe of a bird> (2) : capable of moving laterally and up and down <versatile antennae> b of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely
4 : having many uses or applications <versatile building material>
–ver·sa·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
–ver·sa·tile·ness \-təl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun

versatility
n. : the quality or state of being versatile <a writer of great versatility>

verse
n. 1 : a line of metrical writing
2 a (1) : metrical language (2) : metrical writing distinguished from poetry especially by its lower level of intensity (3) : POETRY 2 b : POEM c : a body of metrical writing (as of a period or country)
3 : STANZA
4 : one of the short divisions into which a chapter of the Bible is traditionally divided

verse
n. intransitive verb : to make verse : VERSIFY
transitive verb
1 : to tell or celebrate in verse
2 : to turn into verse

verse
n. : to familiarize by close association, study, or experience <well versed in the theater>

verse
n. blank verse
chapter and verse
free verse
heroic verse
nonsense verse
tumbling verse

verset
n. : a short verse especially from a sacred book (as the Koran)

versicle
n. 1 : a short verse or sentence (as from a psalm) said or sung by a leader in public worship and followed by a response from the people
2 : a little verse

versicular
: of or relating to verses or versicles

versification
n. 1 : the making of verses
2 a : metrical structure : PROSODY b : a particular metrical structure or style
3 : a version in verse of something orig. in prose

versifier
n. : one that versifies especially : a writer of light or inferior verse

versify
v. intransitive verb : to compose verses
transitive verb
1 : to relate or describe in verse
2 : to turn into verse

version
n. 1 : a translation from another language especially : a translation of the Bible or a part of it
2 a : an account or description from a particular point of view especially as contrasted with another account b : an adaptation of a literary work <the movie version of the novel> c : an arrangement of a musical composition
3 : a form or variant of a type or original <an experimental version of the airplane>
4 a : a condition in which an organ and especially the uterus is turned from its normal position b : manual turning of a fetus in the uterus to aid delivery
–ver·sion·al \'vərzh-nəl, 'vərsh-; 'vər-zhə-nəl, -shə-\ adjective

version
n. American Standard Version
American Revised Version
Authorized Version
King James Version
Douay Version
Revised Standard Version
Revised Version

verso
n. 1 : the side of a leaf (as of a manuscript) that is to be read second
2 : a left-hand page ― compare RECTO

verst
n. : a Russian unit of distance equal to 0.6629 mile (1.067 kilometers)

versus
prep. 1 : AGAINST
2 : in contrast to or as the alternative of <free trade versus protection>

vert
n. 1 a : green forest vegetation especially when forming cover or providing food for deer b : the right or privilege (as in England) of cutting living wood or sometimes of pasturing animals in a forest
2 : the heraldic color green

vert
n. vertical

vertebra
n. : one of the bony or cartilaginous segments composing the spinal column, consisting in some lower vertebrates of several distinct elements which never become united, and in higher vertebrates having a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord

vertebral
adj. : of, relating to, or being vertebrae or the vertebral column : SPINAL <a vertebral fracture>

vertebral canal
: a canal that contains the spinal cord and is delimited by the arches on the dorsal side of the vertebrae ― called also spinal canal

vertebral column
: SPINAL COLUMN

vertebrate
n. 1 a : having a spinal column b : of or relating to the vertebrates
2 : organized or constructed in orderly or developed form

vertebrate
n. : any of a subphylum (Vertebrata) of chordates possessing a spinal column that includes the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes

vertex
n. 1 : the top of the head
2 a : the point opposite to and farthest from the base in a figure b : a point (as of an angle, polygon, polyhedron, graph, or network) that terminates a line or curve or comprises the intersection of two or more lines or curves c : a point where an axis of an ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola intersects the curve itself
3 : a principal or highest point : SUMMIT <the vertex of the hill>

vertical
n. 1 a : situated at the highest point : directly overhead or in the zenith b of an aerial photograph : taken with the camera pointing straight down or nearly so
2 a : perpendicular to the plane of the horizon or to a primary axis : UPRIGHT b (1) : located at right angles to the plane of a supporting surface (2) : lying in the direction of an axis : LENGTHWISE
3 a : relating to, involving, or integrating economic activity from basic production to point of sale <a vertical monopoly> b : of, relating to, or comprising persons of different status <the vertical arrangement of society>
–vertical noun
–ver·ti·cal·i·ty \ˌvər-tə-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–ver·ti·cal·ly \'vər-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–ver·ti·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
synonyms VERTICAL, PERPENDICULAR, PLUMB mean being at right angles to a base line. VERTICAL suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith <the side of the cliff is almost vertical>. PERPENDICULAR may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one <the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts>. PLUMB stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity <make sure that the wall is plumb>.

vertical
n. vertical angle
vertical circle
vertical file
vertical union

vertical angle
: either of two angles lying on opposite sides of two intersecting lines

vertical circle
: a great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to that of the horizon ― see AZIMUTH illustration

vertical file
: a collection of articles (as pamphlets and clippings) that is maintained (as in a library) to answer brief questions or to provide points of information not easily located

vertical union
: INDUSTRIAL UNION

verticil
n. : WHORL 2

verticillate
adj. : arranged in whorls

verticillium wilt
: a wilt disease of various plants that is caused by a soil-borne imperfect fungus (genus Verticillium)

vertiginous
adj. 1 a : characterized by or suffering from vertigo or dizziness b : inclined to frequent and often pointless change : INCONSTANT
2 : causing or tending to cause dizziness <the vertiginous heights>
3 : marked by turning : ROTARY <the vertiginous motion of the earth>
–ver·tig·i·nous·ly adverb

vertigo
n. 1 a : a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily b : a dizzy confused state of mind
2 : disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals also : a disease (as gid) causing this

vertu
n. variant of virtu

Verulam
― see Francis BACON

Verus
Lucius Aurelius A.D. 130-169 orig. Lucius Ceionius Commodus Rom. emp. (161-169)

vervain
n. : any of a genus (Verbena of the family Verbenaceae, the vervain family) of chiefly American plants having bracted spicate flowers, a corolla with a 5-lobed limb, and a fruit that separates into four nutlets

verve
n. 1 archaic : special ability or talent
2 a : the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : VIVACITY b : ENERGY, VITALITY

vervet
: GREEN MONKEY

Verwoerd
Hendrik Frensch 1901-1966 So. African polit.; prime min. (1958-66)

very
adj. 1 a : properly entitled to the name or designation : TRUE <the fierce hatred of a very woman ― J. M. Barrie> b : ACTUAL, REAL <the very blood and bone of our grammar ― H. L. Smith †1972> c : SIMPLE, PLAIN <in very truth>
2 a : EXACT, PRECISE <the very heart of the city> b : exactly suitable or necessary <the very thing for the purpose>
3 a : ABSOLUTE, UTTER <the veriest fool alive> b : UNQUALIFIED, SHEER <the very shame of it>
4 ― used as an intensive especially to emphasize identity <before my very eyes>
5 : MERE, BARE <the very thought terrified him>
6 : being the same one : SELFSAME <the very man I saw>
7 : SPECIAL, PARTICULAR <the very essence of truth is plainness and brightness ― John Milton>
synonyms see SAME

very
adj. 1 : in actual fact : TRULY <the very best store in town> <told the very same story>
2 : to a high degree : EXCEEDINGLY <very hot> <didn't hurt very much>

very
adj. very hard
very high frequency
Very light
very low density lipoprotein
very low frequency
Very pistol
Very Reverend

very hard
of cheese : suitable chiefly for grating

very high frequency
: a radio frequency between ultrahigh frequency and high frequency ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

Very light
: a pyrotechnic signal in a system of signaling using white or colored balls of fire projected from a special pistol

very low frequency
: a radio frequency between low frequency and voice frequency ― see RADIO FREQUENCY table

very low-density lipoprotein
: VLDL

Very pistol
: a pistol for firing Very lights

Very Reverend
― used as a title for various ecclesiastical officials (as cathedral deans and canons, rectors of Roman Catholic colleges and seminaries, and superiors of some religious houses)

Vesalius
Andreas 1514-1564 Belg. anatomist

Vesey
Denmark ca 1767-1822 American slave insurrectionist

vesical
adj. : of or relating to the urinary bladder <vesical burning>

vesicant
n. : an agent (as a chemical weapon) that induces blistering
–vesicant adjective

vesicle
n. 1 a : a membranous and usually fluid-filled pouch (as a cyst, vacuole, or cell) in a plant or animal b : a small abnormal elevation of the outer layer of skin enclosing a watery liquid : BLISTER c : a pocket of embryonic tissue that is the beginning of an organ
2 : a small cavity in a mineral or rock

vesicle
n. blastodermic vesicle
germinal vesicle
optic vesicle
seminal vesicle

vesicular
adj. 1 : containing, composed of, or characterized by vesicles <vesicular lava>
2 : having the form or structure of a vesicle
3 : of or relating to vesicles
–ve·sic·u·lar·i·ty \-ˌsi-kyə-'la-rə-tē\ noun

vesicular stomatitis
: an acute viral disease especially of various domesticated animals (as horses and cows) that resembles foot-and-mouth disease, is marked by erosive blisters in and about the mouth, and is caused by any of several rhabdoviruses (genus Vesiculovirus) which sometimes infect humans producing flu-like symptoms

vesiculate
adj. transitive verb : to make vesicular
intransitive verb : to become vesicular
–ve·sic·u·la·tion \-ˌsi-kyə-'lā-shən\ noun

Vespasian
n. A.D. 9-79 Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus Rom. emp. (69-79)

vesper
n. 1 capitalized archaic : EVENING STAR
2 : a vesper bell
3 archaic : EVENING, EVENTIDE

vesper
n. : of or relating to vespers or the evening

vesperal
n. : VESPER <a vesperal breeze>

vespers
n. 1 : the sixth of the canonical hours that is said or sung in the late afternoon
2 : a service of evening worship

vespertilian
: of, relating to, or resembling a bat <flaunts vespertilian wing and cloven hoof ― Robert Graves>

vespertine
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the evening <vespertine shadows>
2 : active, flowering, or flourishing in the evening : CREPUSCULAR

vespid
: any of a cosmopolitan family (Vespidae) of chiefly social wasps that usually live in colonies like bees
–vespid adjective

vespine
: of, relating to, or resembling wasps and especially vespid wasps

Vespucci
n. Ame·ri·go \ə-'mer-i-ˌgō, It ˌä-mə-'rē-(ˌ)gō\ 1454-1512 L. Amer·i·cus Ves·pu·cius \ə-'mer-ə-kəs-ˌves-'pyü-sh(ē-)əs\ Ital. navigator & explorer

vessel
n. 1 a : a container (as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something b : a person into whom some quality (as grace) is infused <a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord ― H. J. Laski>
2 : a watercraft bigger than a rowboat especially : SHIP 1
3 a : a tube or canal (as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated b : a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells

vest
n. transitive verb
1 a : to place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority especially : to give to a person a legally fixed immediate right of present or future enjoyment of (as an estate) b : to grant or endow with a particular authority, right, or property <the plan vests workers with pension benefits after 10 years of service>
2 : to clothe with or as if with a garment especially : to robe in ecclesiastical vestments
intransitive verb
1 : to become legally vested
2 : to put on garments especially : to put on ecclesiastical vestments

vest
n. 1 archaic a : a loose outer garment : ROBE b : CLOTHING, GARB
2 a : a sleeveless garment for the upper body usually worn over a shirt b : a protective usually sleeveless garment (as a life preserver) that extends to the waist c : an insulated sleeveless waist-length garment often worn under or in place of a coat
3 a chiefly British : a man's sleeveless undershirt b : a knitted undershirt for women
4 : a plain or decorative piece used to fill in the front neckline of a woman's outer garment (as a blouse or dress)
–vest·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

vest
n. close to the vest
flak vest
life vest
sweater vest
vest pocket
vest pocket park
vested interest

vest-pocket
1 : adapted to fit into the vest pocket <a vest-pocket edition of a book>
2 : of very small size or scope

vest-pocket park
: a very small urban park

vesta
n. 1 capitalized : the Roman goddess of the hearth ― compare HESTIA
2 : a short match with a shank of wax-coated threads also : a short wooden match

vestal
adj. 1 : of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta
2 a : of or relating to a vestal virgin b : CHASTE

vestal
adj. : VESTAL VIRGIN

vestal virgin
1 : a virgin consecrated to the Roman goddess Vesta and to the service of watching the sacred fire perpetually kept burning on her altar
2 : a chaste woman

Vestavia Hills
city cen Ala. S of Birmingham pop 24,476

vested
adj. 1 : fully and unconditionally guaranteed as a legal right, benefit, or privilege <the vested benefits of the pension plan>
2 : having a vest <a vested suit>

vested interest
1 : an interest (as a title to an estate) carrying a legal right of present or future enjoyment specifically : a right vested in an employee under a pension plan
2 : a special concern or stake in maintaining or influencing a condition, arrangement, or action especially for selfish ends
3 : one having a vested interest in something specifically : a group enjoying benefits from an existing economic or political privilege

vestee
n. 1 : DICKEY especially : one made to resemble a vest
2 : VEST 4

Vesteralen
island group Norway off NW coast NE of Lofoten island group

vestiary
n. 1 : a room where clothing is kept
2 : CLOTHING, RAIMENT

vestibular
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or functioning as a vestibule
2 : of, relating to, or affecting the perception of body position and movement <the vestibular system of the inner ear>

vestibule
n. 1 a : a passage, hall, or room between the outer door and the interior of a building : LOBBY b : an enclosed entrance at the end of a railway passenger car
2 : any of various bodily cavities especially when serving as or resembling an entrance to some other cavity or space: as a : the central cavity of the bony labyrinth of the inner ear or the parts (as the saccule and utricle) of the membranous labyrinth that it contains b : the part of the left ventricle below the aortic orifice c : the space between the labia minora containing the orifice of the urethra d : the part of the mouth cavity outside the teeth and gums
3 : a course that offers access (as to something new)
–ves·ti·buled \-ˌbyüld\ adjective

vestibule school
: a school organized in an industrial plant to train new workers in specific skills

vestibulocochlear nerve
: AUDITORY NERVE

vestige
n. 1 a (1) : a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something (as an ancient city or a condition or practice) vanished or lost (2) : the smallest quantity or trace b : FOOTPRINT 1
2 : a bodily part or organ that is small and degenerate or imperfectly developed in comparison to one more fully developed in an earlier stage of the individual, in a past generation, or in closely related forms
synonyms see TRACE
–ves·ti·gial \ve-'sti-jē-əl, -jəl\ adjective
–ves·ti·gial·ly adverb

vestimentiferan
: any of a taxonomic group (Vestimentifera) of very large tube worms that may grow to 9 feet (3 meters) in length and more than an inch (3 centimeters) in diameter, are found especially near deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and are considered pogonophorans or a separate phylum or polychaetes
–vestimentiferan adjective

vesting
n. : the conveying to an employee of the inalienable right to share in a pension fund especially in the event of termination of employment prior to the normal retirement age also : the right so conveyed

vestment
n. 1 a : an outer garment especially : a robe of ceremony or office b plural : CLOTHING, GARB
2 : a covering resembling a garment
3 : one of the articles of the ceremonial attire and insignia worn by ecclesiastical officiants and assistants as indicative of their rank and appropriate to the rite being celebrated
–vest·men·tal \ves(t)-'men-təl\ adjective

vestry
n. 1 a : SACRISTY b : a room used for church meetings and classes
2 a : the business meeting of an English parish b : an elective body in an Episcopal parish composed of the rector and a group of elected parishioners administering the temporal affairs of the parish

vestryman
n. : a member of a vestry

vesture
n. 1 a : a covering garment (as a robe or vestment) b : CLOTHING, APPAREL
2 : something that covers like a garment

vesture
n. : to cover with vesture : CLOTHE

Vesuvian
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling the volcano Vesuvius
2 : marked by sudden outbursts <has a Vesuvian temper, but quickly controls himself ― Sidney Shalett>

vesuvian
adj. : a match used especially formerly for lighting cigars

vesuvianite
n. : IDOCRASE

Vesuvius
n. volcano 4190 ft (1277 m) Italy in Campania on Bay of Naples

vet
n. : VETERINARIAN, VETERINARY

vet
n. 1 a : to provide veterinary care for (an animal) or medical care for (a person) b : to subject (a person or animal) to a physical examination or checkup
2 a : to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction <vet a manuscript> b : to evaluate for possible approval or acceptance <vet the candidates for a position>
–vet·ter noun

vet
n. : VETERAN

vetch
n. : any of a genus (Vicia) of herbaceous twining leguminous plants including some grown for fodder and green manure ― compare CROWN VETCH, HAIRY VETCH, MILK VETCH

vetch
n. crown vetch
hairy vetch
milk vetch

vetchling
n. : any of various leguminous herbs (genus Lathyrus and especially L. pratensis)

veteran
n. 1 a : an old soldier of long service b : a former member of the armed forces
2 : a person of long experience usually in some occupation or skill (as politics or the arts)
–veteran adjective

Veterans Day
: November 11 set aside in commemoration of the end of hostilities in 1918 and 1945 and observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. to honor the veterans of the armed forces

veterans' preference
: preferential treatment given qualified veterans of the U.S. armed forces under federal or state law specifically : special consideration (as by allowance of points) on a civil service examination

veterinarian
n. : a person qualified and authorized to practice veterinary medicine

veterinary
n. : of, relating to, practicing, or being the science and art of prevention, cure, or alleviation of disease and injury in animals and especially domestic animals

veterinary
n. : VETERINARIAN

veterinary surgeon
British : VETERINARIAN

vetiver
n. : a tall perennial grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) of southeastern Asia cultivated in warm regions especially for its fragrant roots which are used especially in woven goods (as mats) and in perfumes also : its root

Vetluga
river 528 mi (850 km) cen Russia in Europe flowing S into the Volga

veto
n. 1 : an authoritative prohibition : INTERDICTION
2 a : a power of one department or branch of a government to forbid or prohibit finally or provisionally the carrying out of projects attempted by another department especially : a power vested in a chief executive to prevent permanently or temporarily the enactment of measures passed by a legislature b (1) : the exercise of such authority (2) : a message communicating the reasons of an executive and especially the president of the U.S. for vetoing a proposed law

veto
n. : to refuse to admit or approve : PROHIBIT also : to refuse assent to (a legislative bill) so as to prevent enactment or cause reconsideration
–ve·to·er \-ˌtō-ər\ noun

veto
n. line item veto
pocket veto
veto proof

veto-proof
: having enough potential votes to be enacted over a veto or to override vetoes consistently <a veto-proof bill>

Vevey
commune W Switzerland in Vaud on NE shore of Lake Geneva pop 16,139

vex
v. 1 a : to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to <the restaurant is vexed by slow service> b : to bring physical distress to <a headache vexed him all morning> c : to irritate or annoy by petty provocations : HARASS <vexed by the children> d : PUZZLE, BAFFLE <a problem to vex the keenest wit>
2 : to shake or toss about
synonyms see ANNOY

vexation
n. 1 : the act of harassing or vexing : TROUBLING
2 : the quality or state of being vexed : IRRITATION
3 : a cause of trouble : AFFLICTION

vexatious
adj. 1 a : causing vexation : DISTRESSING <vexatious delays> b : intended to harass <a vexatious lawsuit>
2 : full of disorder or stress : TROUBLED <a vexatious period in her life>
–vex·a·tious·ly adverb
–vex·a·tious·ness noun

vexed
adj. : debated or discussed at length <a vexed question>

vexedly
adv. : with vexation

vexillology
n. : the study of flags
–vex·il·lo·log·ic \(ˌ)vek-ˌsi-lə-'lä-jik\ or vex·il·lo·log·i·cal \-'lä-ji-kəl\ adjective
–vex·il·lol·o·gist \ˌvek-sə-'lä-lə-jist\ noun

vexillum
n. 1 : a square flag of the ancient Roman cavalry
2 : the web or vane of a feather

vexing
adj. : causing or likely to cause vexation : VEXATIOUS <a vexing problem>
–vex·ing·ly adverb

VFR
visual flight rules

VFW
n. Veterans of Foreign Wars

VG
very good

VGA
n. video graphics array

VHF
n. very high frequency

VI
n. Virgin Islands

VI
n. Charles VI
ex vi termini
Mithradates VI Eupator

via
prep. 1 : by way of
2 : through the medium or agency of also : by means of

via crucis
: Way of the Cross : path of suffering

via media
: a middle way

viable
adj. 1 : capable of living especially : having attained such form and development as to be normally capable of surviving outside the mother's womb <a viable fetus>
2 : capable of growing or developing <viable seeds> <viable eggs>
3 a : capable of working, functioning, or developing adequately <viable alternatives> b : capable of existence and development as an independent unit <the colony is now a viable state> c (1) : having a reasonable chance of succeeding <a viable candidate> (2) : financially sustainable <a viable enterprise>
–vi·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvī-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–vi·a·bly \'vī-ə-blē\ adverb

viaduct
n. : a long elevated roadway usually consisting of a series of short spans supported on arches, piers, or columns

Viagra
n. ― used for a preparation of the citrate of sildenafil

vial
n. : a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

viand
n. 1 : an item of food especially : a choice or tasty dish
2 plural : PROVISIONS, FOOD

viatical settlement
: an agreement by which the owner of a life insurance policy that covers a person (as the owner) who has a catastrophic or life-threatening illness receives compensation for less than the expected death benefit of the policy in return for a turning over (as by sale or bequest) of the death benefit or ownership of the policy to the other party (as a company specializing in such transfers) ― called also viatical

viaticum
n. 1 : the Christian Eucharist given to a person in danger of death
2 a : an allowance (as of transportation or supplies and money) for traveling expenses b : provisions for a journey

vibe
n. : VIBRATION 4 <seems to be in on every conversation, every deal, every vibe that is winging through the room ― Albert Goldman> ― usually used in plural <got bad vibes from him>

vibes
n. : VIBRAPHONE
–vib·ist \'vī-bist\ noun

vibraharp
n. : VIBRAPHONE
–vi·bra·harp·ist \-ˌhär-pist\ noun

vibrance
n. : VIBRANCY

vibrancy
n. : the quality or state of being vibrant

vibrant
adj. 1 a (1) : oscillating or pulsating rapidly (2) : pulsating with life, vigor, or activity <a vibrant personality> b (1) : readily set in vibration (2) : RESPONSIVE, SENSITIVE
2 : sounding as a result of vibration : RESONANT <a vibrant voice>
3 : BRIGHT 4 <a vibrant orange>
–vi·brant·ly adverb

vibraphone
n. : a percussion instrument resembling the xylophone but having metal bars and motor-driven resonators for sustaining the tone and producing a vibrato
–vi·bra·phon·ist \-ˌfō-nist\ noun

vibrate
v. transitive verb
1 : to swing or move to and fro
2 : to emit with or as if with a vibratory motion
3 : to mark or measure by oscillation <a pendulum vibrating seconds>
4 : to set in vibration
intransitive verb
1 a : to move to and fro or from side to side : OSCILLATE b : FLUCTUATE, VACILLATE <vibrate between two choices>
2 : to have an effect as or as if of vibration <music, when soft voices die, vibrates in the memory ― P. B. Shelley>
3 : to be in a state of vibration : QUIVER
4 : to respond sympathetically : THRILL <vibrate to the opportunity>
synonyms see SWING

vibratile
adj. 1 : characterized by vibration
2 : adapted to, used in, or capable of vibratory motion <vibratile cilia>

vibration
n. 1 a : a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when a stretched cord produces musical tones or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear) b : the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: as (1) : OSCILLATION (2) : a quivering or trembling motion : QUIVER
2 : an instance of vibration
3 : vacillation in opinion or action : WAVERING
4 a : a characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something and that can be instinctively sensed or experienced ― often used in plural b : a distinctive usually emotional atmosphere capable of being sensed ― usually used in plural
–vi·bra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–vi·bra·tion·less \-shən-ləs\ adjective

vibrato
n. : a slightly tremulous effect imparted to vocal or instrumental tone for added warmth and expressiveness by slight and rapid variations in pitch
–vi·bra·to·less \-ləs\ adjective

vibrator
n. : one that vibrates or causes vibration: as a : a vibrating electrical apparatus used in massage or for sexual stimulation b : a vibrating device (as in an electric bell or buzzer)

vibratory
adj. 1 : consisting of, capable of, or causing vibration or oscillation
2 : characterized by vibration

vibrio
n. : any of a genus (Vibrio) of short rigid motile bacteria that are straight or curved rods and include pathogens especially of gastrointestinal diseases (as cholera)
–vib·ri·on·ic \ˌvi-brē-'ä-nik\ adjective

vibrion
n. : VIBRIO also : a motile bacterium

vibriosis
n. : an infectious disease of sheep and cattle caused by a bacterium (Campylobacter fetus syn. Vibrio fetus) and marked by infertility and abortion also : infection with or disease caused by a vibrio

vibrissa
n. 1 : one of the stiff hairs that are located especially about the nostrils or on other parts of the face in many mammals and that often serve as tactile organs
2 : one of the bristly feathers near the mouth of many and especially insectivorous birds that may help to prevent the escape of insects

viburnum
n. : any of a genus (Viburnum) of widely distributed shrubs or small trees of the honeysuckle family with simple leaves and white or sometimes pink cymose flowers

Vic
Victoria

vic
vicinity

vicar
n. 1 : one serving as a substitute or agent specifically : an administrative deputy
2 : an ecclesiastical agent: as a : a Church of England incumbent receiving a stipend but not the tithes of a parish b : a member of the Episcopal clergy or laity who has charge of a mission or chapel c : a member of the clergy who exercises a broad pastoral responsibility as the representative of a prelate
–vic·ar·ship \-ˌship\ noun

vicar
n. vicar apostolic
vicar general
Vicar of Christ
vicars apostolic
vicars general

vicar apostolic
: a Roman Catholic titular bishop who administers a territory not organized as a diocese

Vicar of Christ

15th century
: POPE 1

vicar-general
: an administrative deputy of a Roman Catholic or Anglican bishop or of the head of a religious order

vicarage
n. 1 : the benefice of a vicar
2 : the house of a vicar
3 : VICARIATE 1

vicarate
: VICARIATE

vicarial
adj. 1 : VICARIOUS 1
2 : of or relating to a vicar

vicariance
: fragmentation of the environment (as by splitting of a tectonic plate) in contrast to dispersal as a factor in promoting biological evolution by division of large populations into isolated subpopulations ― called also vicariance biogeography

vicariant
: of, relating to, or being the process of vicariance or organisms that evolved through this process <the possible vicariant origin of the Antillean arthropod fauna>
–vicariant noun

vicariate
n. 1 : the office, jurisdiction, or tenure of a vicar
2 : the office or district of a governmental administrative deputy

vicarious
adj. 1 a : serving instead of someone or something else b : that has been delegated <vicarious authority>
2 : performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another : SUBSTITUTIONARY <a vicarious sacrifice>
3 : experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another
4 : occurring in an unexpected or abnormal part of the body instead of the usual one <vicarious menstruation manifested by bleeding from the nose>
–vi·car·i·ous·ly adverb
–vi·car·i·ous·ness noun

vice
n. 1 a : moral depravity or corruption : WICKEDNESS b : a moral fault or failing c : a habitual and usually trivial defect or shortcoming : FOIBLE <suffered from the vice of curiosity>
2 : BLEMISH, DEFECT
3 : a physical imperfection, deformity, or taint
4 a often capitalized : a character representing one of the vices in an English morality play b : BUFFOON, JESTER
5 : an abnormal behavior pattern in a domestic animal detrimental to its health or usefulness
6 : sexual immorality especially : PROSTITUTION
synonyms see FAULT, OFFENSE

vice
n. chiefly British variant of vise

vice
n. : in the place of <I will preside, vice the absent chairman> also : rather than

vice
n. : one that takes the place of <vice-chancellor>

vice
n. air vice marshal
vice admiral
vice chancellor
vice consul
vice presidency
vice president
vice presidential
vice regent
vice squad
vice versa
pro hac vice

vice admiral
: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard who ranks above a rear admiral and whose insignia is three stars

vice presidency
: the office of vice president

vice president
1 : an officer next in rank to a president and usually empowered to serve as president in that officer's absence or disability
2 : any of several officers serving as a president's deputies in charge of particular locations or functions
–vice presidential adjective

vice squad
: a police squad charged with enforcement of laws concerning gambling, pornography, prostitution, and the illegal use of liquor and narcotics

vice versa
: with the order changed : with the relations reversed : CONVERSELY

vice-chancellor
1 : an officer ranking next below a chancellor and serving as deputy to the chancellor
2 : chief administrative officer in a British university
3 : a judge appointed to act for or to assist a chancellor

vice-consul
: a consular officer subordinate to a consul general or to a consul

vice-regent
: a regent's deputy

vicegerency
n. : the office or jurisdiction of a vicegerent

vicegerent
n. : an administrative deputy of a king or magistrate

vicennial
adj. : occurring once every 20 years

Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente
Sao Vicente Cabo de
São Vicente Cabo de
Vicente Lopez
Vicente López

Vicente Lopez
city E Argentina, N suburb of Buenos Aires, on Río de la Plata pop 289,142

Vicenza
commune NE Italy W of Venice pop 110,454

viceregal
adj. : of or relating to a viceroy or viceroyalty
–vice·re·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

vicereine
n. 1 : the wife of a viceroy
2 : a woman who is a viceroy

viceroy
n. 1 : the governor of a country or province who rules as the representative of a king or sovereign
2 : a showy No. American nymphalid butterfly (Limenitis archippus) closely mimicking the monarch in coloration but smaller

viceroyalty
n. : the office, authority, or term of service of a viceroy also : the territory or jurisdiction of a viceroy

viceroyship
: VICEROYALTY

Vichuga
city cen Russia in Europe NE of Moscow pop 49,700

Vichy
n. commune cen France on the Allier pop 26,501

Vichy water
: a natural sparkling mineral water from Vichy, France also : an imitation of or substitute for this

vichyssoise
n. : a soup typically made of pureed leeks or onions and potatoes, cream, and chicken stock and usually served cold

vicinage
n. : a neighboring or surrounding district : VICINITY

vicinal
adj. 1 : of or relating to a limited district : LOCAL
2 : of, relating to, or substituted in adjacent sites in a molecule <a vicinal disulfide group>

vicinity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being near : PROXIMITY
2 : a surrounding area or district : NEIGHBORHOOD
3 : NEIGHBORHOOD 3B

vicious
adj. 1 : having the nature or quality of vice or immorality : DEPRAVED
2 : DEFECTIVE, FAULTY also : INVALID
3 : IMPURE, NOXIOUS
4 a : dangerously aggressive : SAVAGE <a vicious dog> b : marked by violence or ferocity : FIERCE <a vicious fight>
5 : MALICIOUS, SPITEFUL <vicious gossip>
6 : worsened by internal causes that reciprocally augment each other <a vicious wage-price spiral>
–vi·cious·ly adverb
–vi·cious·ness noun
synonyms VICIOUS, VILLAINOUS, INIQUITOUS, NEFARIOUS, CORRUPT, DEGENERATE mean highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct. VICIOUS may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence <a vicious gangster>. VILLAINOUS applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic <a villainous assault>. INIQUITOUS implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness <an iniquitous system of taxation>. NEFARIOUS suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct <the nefarious rackets of organized crime>. CORRUPT stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations <city hall was rife with corrupt politicians>. DEGENERATE suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition <a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers>.

vicious circle
1 : an argument or definition that begs the question
2 : a chain of events in which the response to one difficulty creates a new problem that aggravates the original difficulty ― called also vicious cycle

vicissitude
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being changeable : MUTABILITY b : natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs
2 a : a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <the vicissitudes of daily life> b : a difficulty or hardship attendant on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control c : alternating change : SUCCESSION

vicissitudinous
: marked by or filled with vicissitudes

Vickrey
William Spencer 1914-1996 American (Canad.-born) econ.

Vicksburg
city W Miss. pop 26,407

Vico
Giambattista 1668-1744 Ital. philos.

victim
n. 1 : a living being sacrificed to a deity or in the performance of a religious rite
2 : one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent <the schools are victims of the social system>: as a (1) : one that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions <a victim of cancer> <a victim of the auto crash> <a murder victim> (2) : one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment <a frequent victim of political attacks> b : one that is tricked or duped <a con man's victim>
–vic·tim·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

victimise
v. British variant of victimize

victimize
v. 1 : to make a victim of
2 : to subject to deception or fraud : CHEAT
–vic·tim·i·za·tion \ˌvik-tə-mə-'zā-shən\ noun
–vic·tim·iz·er \'vik-tə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

victimless
adj. : having no victim : not of a nature that may produce a complainant <a victimless crime>

victimology
n. 1 : the study of the ways in which the behavior of crime victims may have led to or contributed to their victimization
2 : the claim that the problems of a person or group are the result of victimization
–vic·tim·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Victor
n.
1942
― a communications code word for the letter v

victor
n. : one that defeats an enemy or opponent : WINNER
–victor adjective

victor
n. Victor Emmanuel
Victor Emmanuel I
Victor Emmanuel II
Victor Emmanuel III

Victor Emmanuel
1759-1824 king of Sardinia (1802-21)

Victor Emmanuel
1820-1878 king of Sardinia-Piedmont (1849-61) & 1st king of Italy (1861-78)

Victor Emmanuel
1869-1947 king of Italy (1900-46)

Victoria
n. 1819-1901 Alexandrina Victoria queen of Great Britain (1837-1901)

Victoria
n. Tomás Luis de ca 1548-1611 Span. composer

Victoria
n. 1 city SE Tex. on Guadalupe River pop 60,603
2 city Canada capital of B.C. on SE Vancouver Is. pop 74,125
3 river 350 mi (563 km) Australia in NW Northern Territory flowing N & NW to Timor Sea
4 state SE Australia capital Melbourne area 87,884 sq mi (228,498 sq km), pop 4,244,221
5 or Hong Kong \'häŋ-ˌkäŋ, -'käŋ; 'hȯŋ-ˌkȯŋ, -'kȯŋ\ city & port Hong Kong special administrative region, China on NW Hong Kong Is.; served as capital of Hong Kong colony pop 1,026,870
–Vic·to·ri·an \vik-'tȯr-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

victoria
n. : a low four-wheeled pleasure carriage for two with a folding top and a raised seat in front for the driver

victoria
n. Victoria Cross
Victoria Day
Ciudad Victoria
Victoria Lake
Victoria Falls
Victoria Island
Victoria Land
Victoria Nile
post Victorian

Victoria Cross
: a bronze Maltese cross awarded to members of the British armed services for acts of remarkable valor

Victoria Day
1 : formerly May 24 and now the Monday preceding May 25 observed in Canada as a legal holiday
2 : COMMONWEALTH DAY

Victoria Falls
waterfall 355 ft (108 m) S Africa in the Zambezi on border bet. Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Island
island N Canada SE of Banks Is. area 81,930 sq mi (213,018 sq km)

Victoria Land
region E Antarctica S of New Zealand on W shore of Ross Sea & Ross Ice Shelf

Victoria Nile
n. ― see NILE

Victoria, Lake
v. lake E Africa in Tanzania, Kenya, & Uganda area 26,828 sq mi (69,484 sq km)

Victorian
n. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the reign of Queen Victoria of England or the art, letters, or tastes of her time
2 : typical of the moral standards, attitudes, or conduct of the age of Victoria especially when considered stuffy, prudish, or hypocritical

Victorian
n. 1 : a person living during Queen Victoria's reign especially : a representative figure of that time
2 : a typically large and ornate house built during Queen Victoria's reign

Victoriana
n. : materials concerning or characteristic of the Victorian age also : a collection of such materials

Victorianism
n. 1 : a typical instance or product of Victorian expression, taste, or conduct
2 : the quality or state of being Victorian especially in taste or conduct

Victoriaville
town Canada in S Que. pop 38,841

victorious
adj. 1 a : having won a victory <a victorious army> b : of, relating to, or characteristic of victory <victorious exuberance>
2 : evincing moral harmony or a sense of fulfillment : FULFILLED
–vic·to·ri·ous·ly adverb
–vic·to·ri·ous·ness noun

Victorville
city SE Calif. N of San Bernardino pop 64,029

victory
n. 1 : the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist
2 : achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties

Victrola
― used for a phonograph

victual
n. 1 : food usable by people
2 plural : supplies of food : PROVISIONS

victual
n. transitive verb : to supply with food
intransitive verb
1 : EAT
2 : to lay in provisions

victualler
n. 1 : one that provisions an army, a navy, or a ship with food
2 : the keeper of a restaurant or tavern
3 : an army or navy provision ship

vicuna
n. 1 : a wild ruminant (Vicugna vicugna syn. Lama vicugna) of the Andes from Peru to Argentina that is related to the llama and alpaca
2 a : the wool from the vicuña's fine lustrous undercoat b : a fabric made of vicuña wool also : a sheep's wool imitation of this

vid
: VIDEO 2A, B

Vida
Marco Girolamo ca 1490-1566 Ital. poet

Vidalia
― used for certain mild sweet yellow onions grown in Georgia

vide
v. : SEE ― used to direct a reader to another item

videlicet
adv. : that is to say : NAMELY

video
n. 1 : TELEVISION also : the visual portion of television
2 : VIDEOTAPE: as a : a recording of a motion picture or television program for playing through a television set b : a videotaped performance of a song often featuring an interpretation of the lyrics through visual images
3 : a recording similar to a videotape but stored in digital form (as on an optical disk or a computer's hard drive)

video
n. 1 : being, relating to, or used in the transmission or reception of the television image <a video channel> ― compare AUDIO
2 : being, relating to, or involving images on a television screen or computer display <a video terminal>

video
n. digital video disc
home video
video camera
video card
video game
video recorder
video verite
video vérité

video camera
: a camera that records video and usually audio especially : CAMCORDER

video card
: a circuit board in a computer system designed to generate output for the system's video display screen

video game
: an electronic game played by means of images on a video screen and often emphasizing fast action

video verite
: the filming or videotaping of a television program (as a documentary) so as to convey candid realism

videocassette
n. 1 : a case containing videotape for use with a VCR
2 : a recording (as of a movie) on a videocassette

videocassette recorder
: VCR

videoconferencing
n. : the holding of a conference among people at remote locations by means of transmitted audio and video signals
–vid·eo·con·fer·ence \-'kän-f(ə-)rən(t)s, -fərn(t)s\ noun

videodisc
n. 1 : a disc similar in appearance and use to a phonograph record on which programs have been recorded for playback on a television set also : OPTICAL DISK
2 : a recording (as of a movie) on a videodisc

videogenic
: TELEGENIC

videography
n. : the practice or art of recording images with a video camera
–vid·e·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

videoland
: television as a medium or industry

videophile
n. : a person fond of video especially : one interested in video equipment or in producing videos

videophone
n. : a telephone equipped for transmission of video as well as audio signals so that users can see each other

videotape
n. : a recording of visual images and sound (as of a television production) made on magnetic tape also : the magnetic tape used for such a recording

videotape
n. : to make a videotape of <videotape a show> <videotape the president's speech>

videotape recorder
: a device for recording and playing back videotapes ― called also video recorder

videotex
n. : an electronic data retrieval system in which usually textual information is transmitted via telephone or cable-television lines and displayed on a television set or video display terminal especially : such a system that is interactive ― compare TELETEXT

vidette
n. variant of vedette

vidicon
: a camera tube using the principle of photoconductivity

vie
v. transitive verb archaic : WAGER, HAZARD also : to exchange in rivalry : MATCH
intransitive verb : to strive for superiority : CONTEND, COMPETE
–vi·er \'vī(-ə)r\ noun

vie
v. eau de vie
eaux de vie
c'est la vie
tranche de vie

Viedma
town S cen Argentina pop 24,338

Vienna
n. city capital of Austria on the Danube pop 1,550,123
–Vi·en·nese \ˌvē-ə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Vienna sausage
: a short slender frankfurter

Vienne
1 river 217 mi (349 km) SW cen France flowing NW into the Loire
2 city SE France on the Rhône pop 29,930

Vientiane
n. city capital of Laos, near Thailand border pop 132,253

Vieques
island W. Indies off E Puerto Rico, belonging to Puerto Rico; chief town Isabel Segunda

Vierwaldstatter See
― see LUCERNE (Lake of)

Vietcong
n. : a guerrilla member of the Vietnamese Communist movement

Vietminh
n. : an adherent of the Vietnamese Communist movement from 1941 to 1951

Vietnam
n. country SE Asia in Indochina; state, including Tonkin & N Annam, set up 1945-46; with S Annam & Cochin China, an associated state of French Union 1950-54; after civil war, divided 1954-75 at 17th parallel into republics of North Vietnam (capital Hanoi) & South Vietnam (capital Saigon); reunited 1975 capital Hanoi area 127,207 sq mi (330,738 sq km), pop 79,727,400

Vietnamese
adj. 1 : a native or inhabitant of Vietnam
2 : the language of the largest group in Vietnam and the official language of the country
–Vietnamese adjective

Vietnamese potbellied pig
: POTBELLIED PIG

vieux jeu
: old game : old hat

view
n. 1 : extent or range of vision : SIGHT <tried to keep the ship in view> <sat high in the bleachers to get a good view>
2 : the act of seeing or examining : INSPECTION also : SURVEY <a view of English literature>
3 a : a mode or manner of looking at or regarding something b : an opinion or judgment colored by the feeling or bias of its holder <in my view the plan will fail>
4 : SCENE, PROSPECT <the lovely view from the balcony>
5 : the foreseeable future <no hope in view>
6 : a pictorial representation
synonyms see OPINION
–in view of : in regard to : in consideration of
–on view : open to public inspection : on exhibition
–with a view to : with the object of <studied hard with a view to getting an A>

view
n. 1 : to look at attentively : SCRUTINIZE, OBSERVE <view an exhibit> <view the landscape>
2 a : SEE, WATCH <view a film> b : to look on in a particular light : REGARD <doesn't view himself as a rebel>
3 : to survey or examine mentally : CONSIDER <view all sides of a question>
–view·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

view
n. bird's eye view
eye view
field of view
long view
pay per view
point of view
with a view to
on view
in view of
view halloo
Mountain View

view halloo
― used in fox hunting on seeing a fox break cover

viewdata
n. : a videotex system usually employing telephone lines

viewer
n. : one that views: as a : a person legally appointed to inspect and report on property b : an optical device used in viewing c : a person who watches television

viewership
n. : a television audience especially with respect to size or makeup

viewfinder
n. : a device on a camera for showing the area of the subject to be included in the picture

viewing
n. : an act of seeing, watching, or taking a look especially : an instance or the practice of watching television

viewless
adj. 1 : not perceivable : INVISIBLE
2 : affording no view
3 : expressing no views
–view·less·ly adverb

viewpoint
n. : POINT OF VIEW, STANDPOINT

viewy
adj. 1 : possessing visionary, impractical, or fantastic views
2 : spectacular or arresting in appearance : SHOWY

vig
n. : VIGORISH

viga
n. : one of the heavy rafters and especially a log supporting the roof in American Indian and Spanish architecture of the Southwest

Vigee-Lebrun
(Marie-Louise-) Élisabeth 1755-1842 Fr. painter

vigesimal
adj. : based on the number 20

vigil
n. 1 a : a watch formerly kept on the night before a religious feast with prayer or other devotions b : the day before a religious feast observed as a day of spiritual preparation c : evening or nocturnal devotions or prayers ― usually used in plural
2 : the act of keeping awake at times when sleep is customary also : a period of wakefulness
3 : an act or period of watching or surveillance : WATCH <kept vigil at her bedside>

vigil light
: a candle lighted devotionally (as in a Roman Catholic church) before a shrine or image ― called also vigil candle

vigilance
n. : the quality or state of being vigilant

vigilance committee
: a committee of vigilantes

vigilant
adj. : alertly watchful especially to avoid danger
synonyms see WATCHFUL
–vig·i·lant·ly adverb

vigilante
n. : a member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime summarily (as when the processes of law are viewed as inadequate) broadly : a self-appointed doer of justice
–vig·i·lan·tism \-'lan-ˌti-zəm\ noun

vigintillion
― see NUMBER table

vigneron
n. : WINEGROWER

vignette
n. 1 : a running ornament (as of vine leaves, tendrils, and grapes) put on or just before a title page or at the beginning or end of a chapter also : a small decorative design or picture so placed
2 a : a picture (as an engraving or photograph) that shades off gradually into the surrounding paper b : the pictorial part of a postage stamp design as distinguished from the frame and lettering
3 a : a short descriptive literary sketch b : a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie)
–vi·gnett·ist \-'ye-tist\ noun

vignette
n. 1 : to finish (as a photograph) like a vignette
2 : to describe briefly
–vi·gnett·er noun

Vignola
Giacomo da 1507-1573 Giacomo Ba·roz·zi \bä-'rȯt-sē\ Ital. architect

Vigny
Alfred-Victor 1797-1863 Comte de Vigny Fr. author

Vigo
n. city & port NW Spain on Vigo Bay (inlet of the Atlantic) pop 280,186

vigor
n. 1 : active bodily or mental strength or force
2 : active healthy well-balanced growth especially of plants
3 : intensity of action or effect : FORCE
4 : effective legal status

vigorish
n. 1 : a charge taken (as by a bookie or a gambling house) on bets also : the degree of such a charge <a vigorish of five percent>
2 : interest paid to a moneylender

vigoroso
: energetic in style ― used as a direction in music

vigorous
adj. 1 : possessing vigor : full of physical or mental strength or active force : STRONG <a vigorous youth> <a vigorous plant>
2 : done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically <vigorous exercises>
–vig·or·ous·ly adverb
–vig·or·ous·ness noun
synonyms VIGOROUS, ENERGETIC, STRENUOUS, LUSTY, NERVOUS mean having or showing great vitality and force. VIGOROUS further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness <as vigorous as a youth half his age>. ENERGETIC suggests a capacity for intense activity <an energetic campaigner>. STRENUOUS suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging <the strenuous life on an oil rig>. LUSTY implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment <a lusty appetite for life>. NERVOUS suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor <full of nervous energy>.

vigour
n. chiefly British variant of vigor

VII
Charles VII
Ferdinand VII
Haakon VII

Viipuri
― see VYBORG

Vijayanagar
Hindu kingdom (1336-1565) S India S of the Krishna

Vijayawada
city SE India in E Andhra Pradesh on the Krishna at head of its delta pop 825,436

Viking
n. 1 a : one of the pirate Norsemen plundering the coasts of Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries b not capitalized : SEA ROVER
2 : SCANDINAVIAN

Vila
n. ― see PORT-VILA

Vila Nova de Gaia
n. city NW Portugal, just S of Porto pop 288,749

vile
adj. 1 a : morally despicable or abhorrent <nothing is so vile as intellectual dishonesty> b : physically repulsive : FOUL <a vile slum>
2 : of little worth or account : COMMON also : MEAN
3 : tending to degrade <vile employments>
4 : disgustingly or utterly bad : OBNOXIOUS, CONTEMPTIBLE <vile weather> <had a vile temper>
synonyms see BASE
–vile·ly \'vī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
–vile·ness noun

vilification
n. 1 : the act of vilifying : ABUSE
2 : an instance of vilifying : a defamatory utterance

vilify
v. 1 : to lower in estimation or importance
2 : to utter slanderous and abusive statements against : DEFAME
synonyms see MALIGN
–vil·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

vilipend
v. 1 : to hold or treat as of little worth or account : CONTEMN
2 : to express a low opinion of : DISPARAGE

vill
n. 1 : a division of a hundred : TOWNSHIP
2 : VILLAGE

Villa
n. Francisco 1878-1923 Pan·cho \'pän-(ˌ)chō, 'pan-\ Villa orig. Doroteo Arango Mex. bandit & revolutionary

villa
n. 1 : a country estate
2 : the rural or suburban residence of a wealthy person
3 British : a detached or semidetached urban residence with yard and garden space

villa
n. Villa Cisneros
Villa Lobos
Gustavo A. Madero Villa
Villa Gustavo A. Madero

Villa Cisneros
― see DAKHLA

Villa Gustavo A. Madero
― see GUSTAVO A. MADERO (Villa)

Villa-Lobos
Heitor \'ā-ˌtȯr\ 1887-1959 Braz. composer

villadom
British : the world constituted by villas and their occupants

village
n. 1 a : a settlement usually larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town b : an incorporated minor municipality
2 : the residents of a village
3 : something (as an aggregation of burrows or nests) suggesting a village
4 : a territorial area having the status of a village especially as a unit of local government

village
n. global village
Potemkin village
Elk Grove Village
Greenwich Village

villager
n. : an inhabitant of a village

villagery
: VILLAGES

Villahermosa
city SE Mexico capital of Tabasco state pop 158,216

villain
n. 1 : VILLEIN
2 : an uncouth person : BOOR
3 : a deliberate scoundrel or criminal
4 : a character in a story or play who opposes the hero
5 : one blamed for a particular evil or difficulty <automation as the villain in job⋯displacement ― M. H. Goldberg>

villainess
n. : a woman who is a villain

villainous
adj. 1 a : befitting a villain (as in evil or depraved character) <a villainous attack> b : being or having the character of a villain : DEPRAVED <the villainous foe>
2 : highly objectionable : WRETCHED
synonyms see VICIOUS
–vil·lain·ous·ly adverb
–vil·lain·ous·ness noun

villainy
n. 1 : villainous conduct also : a villainous act
2 : the quality or state of being villainous : DEPRAVITY

Villalba
city S cen Puerto Rico pop 27,913

villanella
1 : a 16th century Italian part-song in an intentionally unsophisticated style
2 : an instrumental piece in the style of a rustic dance

villanelle
n. : a chiefly French verse form running on two rhymes and consisting typically of five tercets and a quatrain in which the first and third lines of the opening tercet recur alternately at the end of the other tercets and together as the last two lines of the quatrain

Villars
Claude-Louis-Hector 1653-1734 Duc de Villars Fr. soldier; marshal of France

villatic
: RURAL

ville
: place, category, or quality of a specified nature <dullsville>

Villefranche
1 or Villefranche-sur-Mer \-sr-'mer\ commune & port SE France E of Nice pop 6825
2 or Villefranche-sur-Saône \-'sōn\ commune E cen France NNW of Lyon pop 30,630

villein
n. 1 : a free common villager or village peasant of any of the feudal classes lower in rank than the thane
2 : a free peasant of a feudal class higher in rank than a cotter
3 : an unfree peasant standing as the slave of a feudal lord but free in legal relations with respect to all others

villenage
1 : tenure at the will of a feudal lord by villein services
2 : the status of a villein

Villeneuve
Pierre-Charles-Jean-Baptiste-Silvestre de 1763-1806 Fr. admiral

Villeurbanne
commune E France, E suburb of Lyon pop 124,152

Villiers
George 1592-1628 1st Duke of Buck·ing·ham \'bə-kiŋ-əm, US also -kiŋ-ˌham\ Eng. courtier & polit.

Villiers
George 1628-1687 2d Duke of Buckingham; son of prec. Eng. courtier & dram.

villiform
: having the form or appearance of villi

Villon
François 1431-after 1463 orig. François de Montcorbier or Des Loges Fr. poet

Villon
Jacques 1875-1963 orig. Gaston Duchamp; bro. of Marcel Duchamp Fr. painter

villous
adj. 1 : covered or furnished with villi <a villous adenoma>
2 : having soft long hairs <leaves villous underneath> ― compare PUBESCENT

villus
n. : a small slender often vascular process: as a : one of the minute finger-shaped processes of the mucous membrane of the small intestine that serve in the absorption of nutriment b : one of the branching processes of the surface of the chorion of the developing embryo of most mammals that help to form the placenta

Vilnius
n. city capital of Lithuania pop 542,287

Vilyui
river over 1500 mi (2410 km) cen Russia in Asia flowing E into the Lena

vim
n. : robust energy and enthusiasm

Viminal
hill in Rome, Italy, one of seven upon which the ancient city was built ― see AVENTINE

Vimy Ridge
ridge near Vimy commune (pop 4672) N France N of Arras

VIN
vehicle identification number

VIN
coq au vin
vin du pays
vin de pays

vin du pays
: wine of the locality

vina
n. : a stringed instrument of India having usually four strings on a long bamboo fingerboard with movable frets and a gourd resonator at each end

Vina del Mar
city & port cen Chile E of Valparaiso pop 286,931

vinaceous
adj. : of the color of red wine

vinaigrette
n. 1 : a small ornamental box or bottle with perforated top used for holding an aromatic preparation (as smelling salts)
2 : a sauce made typically of oil, vinegar, and seasonings and used especially on salads, cold meats, or fish ― called also vinaigrette dressing

vinal
: a synthetic textile fiber that is a long-chain polymer consisting largely of vinyl alcohol units

vinblastine
adj. : an alkaloid C_46H_58N_4O_9 from the rosy periwinkle used especially in the form of its sulfate to treat human neoplastic diseases (as Hodgkin's disease)

vinca
n. : 1PERIWINKLE

Vincennes
commune N France E of Paris pop 43,580

Vincent
n. Vincent's angina
Vincent's infection
Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent
Saint Vincent Cape
Saint Vincent Gulf

Vincent de Paul
Saint 1581-1660 Fr. religious

Vincent's angina
: Vincent's infection in which the ulceration has spread to surrounding tissues (as of the pharynx and tonsils) ― called also trench mouth

Vincent's infection
: a progressive painful disease of the mouth that is marked especially by dirty gray ulceration of the mucous membranes, bleeding of the gums, and a foul odor to the breath and that is associated with the presence of large numbers of a rod-shaped bacterium (Fusobacterium fusiforme syn. F. nucleatum) and a spirochete (Treponema vincentii syn. Borrelia vincentii) in the lesions ― called also trench mouth

Vincentian
1 : a member of the Roman Catholic Congregation of the Mission founded by St. Vincent de Paul in Paris, France, in 1625 and devoted to missions and seminaries
2 : a native or inhabitant of the island of St. Vincent
–Vincentian adjective

Vinci, da
v. Leonardo ― see LEONARDO DA VINCI

vincible
adj. : capable of being overcome or subdued

vincit
amor vincit omnia
labor omnia vincit
omnia vincit amor
vincit omnia veritas

vincit omnia veritas
: truth conquers all things

vincristine
adj. : an alkaloid C_46H_56N_4O_10 from the rosy periwinkle used especially in the form of its sulfate to treat some human neoplastic diseases (as acute leukemia)

vinculum
n. 1 : a unifying bond : LINK, TIE
2 : a straight horizontal mark placed over two or more members of a compound mathematical expression and equivalent to parentheses or brackets about them (as in a-b-c=a-[b-c])

vinculum matrimonii
: bond of marriage

vindaloo
n. : a curried dish of Indian origin made with meat or shellfish, garlic, and wine or vinegar

Vindhya Mountains
mountain range N cen India N of & parallel to the Narmada River

Vindhya Pradesh
former state NE cen India capital Rewa; became (1956) part of Madhya Pradesh

vindicable
adj. : capable of being vindicated

vindicate
v. 1 obsolete : to set free : DELIVER
2 : AVENGE
3 a : to free from allegation or blame b (1) : CONFIRM, SUBSTANTIATE (2) : to provide justification or defense for : JUSTIFY c : to protect from attack or encroachment : DEFEND
4 : to maintain a right to
synonyms see EXCULPATE, MAINTAIN
–vin·di·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

vindication
n. : an act of vindicating : the state of being vindicated specifically : justification against denial or censure : DEFENSE

vindicative
adj. 1 obsolete : VINDICTIVE, VENGEFUL
2 archaic : PUNITIVE

vindicatory
adj. 1 \'vin-di-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ : providing vindication : JUSTIFICATORY
2 \vin-'di-kə-\ : PUNITIVE, RETRIBUTIVE

vindictive
adj. 1 a : disposed to seek revenge : VENGEFUL b : intended for or involving revenge
2 : intended to cause anguish or hurt : SPITEFUL
–vin·dic·tive·ly adverb
–vin·dic·tive·ness noun

vine
n. 1 : GRAPE 2
2 a : a plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground also : the stem of such a plant b : any of various sprawling herbaceous plants (as a tomato or potato) that lack specialized adaptations for climbing

vine
n. : to form or grow in the manner of a vine

vine
n. balloon vine
cypress vine
die on the vine
matrimony vine
puncture vine
trumpet vine
vine maple

vine maple
: a small maple (Acer circinatum) found from British Columbia to California that has spreading twisted branches that may form dense thickets

vinedresser
n. : a person who cultivates and prunes grapevines

vinegar
n. 1 : a sour liquid obtained by fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative
2 : ill humor : SOURNESS
3 : VIM

vinegar
n. balsamic vinegar
cider vinegar
mother of vinegar
piss and vinegar
vinegar eel
vinegar fly

vinegar eel
: a minute free-living nematode worm (Turbatrix aceti) often found in great numbers in acidic vegetable or vegetable-derived fermenting matter (as unpasteurized vinegar)

vinegar fly
: DROSOPHILA

vinegared
: flavored or marinated with vinegar

vinegarish
: VINEGARY 2

vinegary
adj. 1 a : resembling vinegar : SOUR b : flavored with vinegar
2 : disagreeable, bitter, or irascible in character or manner <two vinegary fellows bickering>

Vineland
city S N.J. pop 56,271

vinery
n. : an area or building in which vines are grown

vineyard
n. 1 : a planting of grapevines
2 : a sphere of activity : field of endeavor <toilers in the vineyard of diplomacy ― Daniel Schorr>

Vineyard,the
v. MARTHA'S VINEYARD

vineyardist
n. : a person who owns or cultivates a vineyard

vingt-et-un
: BLACKJACK 5

viniculture
n. : VITICULTURE

vinifera
: a common European grape (Vitis vinifera) that is the chief source of Old World wine and table grape varieties
–vinifera adjective

vinification
n. : the conversion of fruit juices (as grape juice) into wine by fermentation

vinify
1 : to make wine from (grapes often of a specified kind)
2 : to make (wine) from grapes

Vinland
a portion of the coast of N. America visited & so called by Norse voyagers ab A.D. 1000; thought to be located along the Atlantic in what is now E or NE Canada

Vinnytsya
city W cen Ukraine pop 381,000

vino
n. : WINE

Vinogradoff
Sir Paul Gavrilovitch 1854-1925 Brit. (Russ.-born) jurist & hist.

vinosity
: the characteristic body, flavor, and color of a wine

vinous
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or made with wine <vinous medications>
2 : showing the effects of the use of wine
3 : VINACEOUS
–vi·nous·ly adverb

Vinson
n. Frederick Moore 1890-1953 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1946-53)

Vinson Massif
mountain 16,066 ft (4897 m) W Antarctica S of Ellsworth Land in Ellsworth Mountains; highest in Antarctica

vintage
n. 1 a (1) : a season's yield of grapes or wine from a vineyard (2) : WINE especially : a usually superior wine all or most of which comes from a single year b : a collection of contemporaneous and similar persons or things : CROP
2 : the act or time of harvesting grapes or making wine
3 a : a period of origin or manufacture <a piano of 1845 vintage> b : length of existence : AGE

vintage
n. 1 of wine : of, relating to, or produced in a particular vintage
2 : of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality : CLASSIC
3 a : dating from the past : OLD b : OUTMODED, OLD-FASHIONED
4 : of the best and most characteristic ― used with a proper noun <vintage Shaw: a wise and winning comedy ― Time>

vintage year
1 : a year in which a vintage wine is produced
2 : a year of outstanding distinction or success

vintager
n. : a person concerned with the production of grapes and wine

vintner
n. 1 : a wine merchant
2 : a person who makes wine

viny
1 : of, relating to, or resembling vines <viny plants>
2 : covered with or abounding in vines

vinyl
n. 1 : a monovalent radical CH_2=CH derived from ethylene by removal of one hydrogen atom
2 : a polymer of a vinyl compound or a product (as a resin or a textile fiber) made from such a polymer
–vi·nyl·ic \vī-'ni-lik\ adjective

vinyl
n. vinyl alcohol
vinyl chloride
vinyl resin

vinyl alcohol
: an unstable compound CH_2=CHOH isolated only in the form of its polymers or derivatives

vinyl chloride
: a flammable gaseous carcinogenic compound C_2H_3Cl that is used especially to make vinyl resins

vinyl resin
: any of various thermoplastic resinous materials that are essentially polymers of vinyl compounds

vinylidene
: a divalent radical CH_2=C derived from ethylene by removal of two hydrogen atoms from one carbon atom

viol
n. : a bowed stringed instrument chiefly of the 16th and 17th centuries made in treble, alto, tenor, and bass sizes and distinguished from members of the violin family especially in having a deep body, a flat back, sloping shoulders, usually six strings, a fretted fingerboard, and a low-arched bridge

viola
n. : VIOLET 1A especially : any of various garden hybrids with solitary white, yellow, or purple often variegated flowers resembling but smaller than typical pansies

viola
n. : a musical instrument of the violin family that is intermediate in size and compass between the violin and cello and is tuned a fifth below the violin
–vi·o·list \-list\ noun

viola
n. viola da gamba
viola d'amore
violas da gamba
violas d'amore
violist da gamba

viola d'amore
: a tenor viol having usually seven gut and seven wire strings

viola da gamba
: a bass member of the viol family having a range approximating the cello
–vi·o·list da gamba \-lis(t)-də-\ noun

violable
adj. : capable of being or likely to be violated
–vi·o·la·bil·i·ty \ˌvī-ə-lə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–vi·o·la·ble·ness \'vī-ə-lə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–vi·o·la·bly \-blē\ adverb

violaceous
adj. : of the color violet

violate
v. 1 : BREAK, DISREGARD <violate the law>
2 : to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of specifically : RAPE 2
3 : to fail to show proper respect for : PROFANE <violate a shrine>
4 : INTERRUPT, DISTURB <violate the peace of a spring evening ― Nancy Larter>
–vi·o·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
–vi·o·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

violate
v. archaic : subjected to violation

violation
n. : the act of violating : the state of being violated: as a : INFRINGEMENT, TRANSGRESSION specifically : an infringement of the rules in sports that is less serious than a foul and usually involves technicalities of play b : an act of irreverence or desecration : PROFANATION c : DISTURBANCE, INTERRUPTION d : RAPE 2, RAVISHMENT

violence
n. 1 a : exertion of physical force so as to injure or abuse (as in warfare effecting illegal entry into a house) b : an instance of violent treatment or procedure
2 : injury by or as if by distortion, infringement, or profanation : OUTRAGE
3 a : intense, turbulent, or furious and often destructive action or force <the violence of the storm> b : vehement feeling or expression : FERVOR also : an instance of such action or feeling c : a clashing or jarring quality : DISCORDANCE
4 : undue alteration (as of wording or sense in editing a text)

violent
adj. 1 : marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity <a violent attack>
2 a : notably furious or vehement <a violent denunciation> b : EXTREME, INTENSE <violent pain> <violent colors>
3 : caused by force : not natural <a violent death>
4 a : emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control <became violent after an insult> b : prone to commit acts of violence <violent prison inmates>
–vi·o·lent·ly adverb

violent storm
: STORM 1C(1) ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

violet
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Viola of the family Violaceae, the violet family) of chiefly herbs with alternate stipulate leaves and showy flowers in spring and often cleistogamous flowers in summer especially : one with smaller usually solid-colored flowers as distinguished from the usually larger-flowered violas and pansies b : any of several plants of genera other than that of the violet ― compare DOGTOOTH VIOLET
2 : any of a group of colors of reddish-blue hue, low lightness, and medium saturation

violet
n. African violet
bird's foot violet
crystal violet
dame's violet
dogtooth violet
gentian violet
shrinking violet

violin
n. : a bowed stringed instrument having four strings tuned at intervals of a fifth and a usual range from G below middle C upward for more than 41/2 octaves and having a shallow body, shoulders at right angles to the neck, a fingerboard without frets, and a curved bridge
–vi·o·lin·ist \-ist\ noun
–vi·o·lin·ist·ic \-ə-lə-'nis-tik\ adjective

Viollet-le-Duc
Eugène-Emmanuel 1814-1879 Fr. architect

violoncello
n. : CELLO
–vi·o·lon·cel·list \-'che-list\ noun

viomycin
n. : a polypeptide antibiotic C_25H_43N_13O_10 that is produced by several soil actinomycetes (genus Streptomyces) and is administered in the form of its sulfate in the treatment of tuberculosis

VIP
n. : a person of great influence or prestige especially : a high official with special privileges

viper
n. 1 a : a common Eurasian venomous snake (Vipera berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and is usually not fatal to humans broadly : any of a family (Viperidae) of venomous snakes that includes Old World snakes (subfamily Viperinae) and the pit vipers b : a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
2 : a vicious or treacherous person

viper
n. horned viper
pit viper
viper's bugloss

viper's bugloss
: a coarse Old World herb (Echium vulgare) of the borage family that is naturalized in No. America and has showy blue tubular flowers with exserted stamens ― called also blueweed

viperine
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a viper : VENOMOUS

viperish
adj. : spitefully vituperative : VENOMOUS

viperous
adj. 1 : VIPERINE
2 : having the qualities attributed to a viper : MALIGNANT, VENOMOUS <the backstabbing of a viperous family>
–vi·per·ous·ly adverb

virago
n. 1 : a loud overbearing woman : TERMAGANT
2 : a woman of great stature, strength, and courage
–vi·rag·i·nous \və-'ra-jə-nəs\ adjective

viral
adj. : of, relating to, or caused by a virus <a viral infection>
–vi·ral·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

Virchow
n. Rudolf 1821-1902 Ger. pathologist

virelay
n. : a chiefly French verse form consisting of stanzas of indeterminate length and number with alternating long and short lines and interlaced rhyme (as abab bcbc cdcd dada)

viremia
n. : the presence of viruses in the blood
–vi·re·mic \-mik\ adjective

vireo
n. : any of various small insectivorous American oscine birds (family Vireonidae, especially genus Vireo) that are chiefly olivaceous and grayish in color

vires
n. plural of vis

virescence
n. : the state or condition of becoming green especially : such a condition due to the development of chloroplasts in plant organs (as petals) normally white or colored

virescent
adj. 1 : beginning to be green : GREENISH
2 : developing or displaying virescence

virga
n. : wisps of precipitation evaporating before reaching the ground

virgate
n. : an old English unit of land area equal to one quarter of a hide or one quarter of an acre

virgate
n. : shaped like a rod or wand <a virgate one-flowered branch>

Virgil
n. 70-19 B.C. Publius Vergilius Maro Rom. poet
–Vir·gil·ian also Ver·gil·ian \(ˌ)vər-'ji-lē-ən\ adjective

Virgin
n. river 200 mi (322 km) SW Utah & SE Nev. flowing to Lake Mead

virgin
n. 1 a : an unmarried woman devoted to religion b capitalized : VIRGO
2 a : an absolutely chaste young woman b : an unmarried girl or woman
3 capitalized : VIRGIN MARY
4 a : a person who has not had sexual intercourse b : a person who is inexperienced in a usually specified sphere of activity <a virgin in politics>
5 : a female animal that has never copulated

virgin
n. 1 : free of impurity or stain : UNSULLIED
2 : CHASTE
3 : characteristic of or befitting a virgin : MODEST
4 : FRESH, UNSPOILED specifically : not altered by human activity <a virgin forest>
5 a (1) : being used or worked for the first time (2) of a metal : produced directly from ore by primary smelting b : INITIAL, FIRST
6 of a vegetable oil : obtained from the first light pressing and without heating
7 : containing no alcohol <a virgin daiquiri>

virgin
n. extra virgin
vestal virgin
virgin birth
Virgin Mary
virgin's bower
virgin wool
British Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands of the United States

virgin birth
1 : birth from a virgin
2 often capitalized V&B : the theological doctrine that Jesus was miraculously begotten of God and born of a virgin mother

Virgin Islands
group of islands W. Indies E of Puerto Rico ― see BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES

Virgin Islands National Park
n. reservation W. Indies in Virgin Islands of the U.S. on St. John Is.

Virgin Islands of the United States
the W islands of the Virgin Islands group including St. Croix, St. John, & St. Thomas; a territory capital Charlotte Amalie (on St. Thomas Is.) area 132 sq mi (343 sq km), pop 108,612 ― see DANISH WEST INDIES

Virgin Mary
: the mother of Jesus

virgin wool
: wool not used before in manufacture

virgin's bower
: any of several usually small-flowered and climbing clematises (esp. Clematis virginiana)

virginal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a virgin or virginity especially : PURE, CHASTE <a virginal young girl>
2 : PRISTINE, UNSULLIED <a virginal snowfall>
–vir·gin·al·ly adverb

virginal
adj. : a small rectangular spinet having no legs and only one wire to a note and popular in the 16th and 17th centuries ― often used in plural ― called also pair of virginals
–vir·gin·al·ist \'vər-jə-nəl-ist, 'vərj-nə-list\ noun

Virginia
n. state E U.S. capital Richmond area 40,767 sq mi (105,586 sq km), pop 7,078,515
–Vir·gin·ian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adjective or noun

Virginia
n. Virginia bluebells
Virginia creeper
Virginia fence
Virginia rail fence
Virginia ham
Virginia pine
Virginia rail
Virginia reel
Virginia snakeroot
Virginia Beach
Virginia Capes
West Virginia
West Virginian

Virginia Beach
city SE Va. on the Atlantic pop 425,257

Virginia bluebells
: BLUEBELL 2B

Virginia Capes
Cape Charles & Cape Henry in Va. forming entrance to Chesapeake Bay

Virginia creeper
: a common No. American tendril-climbing vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) of the grape family with palmately compound leaves and bluish-black berries ― called also woodbine

Virginia fence
: WORM FENCE ― called also Virginia rail fence

Virginia ham
: a dry-cured, smoked, and aged ham especially from a peanut-fed hog

Virginia pine
: a pine (Pinus virginiana) of the eastern U.S. that has short needles occurring in pairs ― called also Jersey pine

Virginia rail
: an American long-billed rail (Rallus limicola) that has gray cheeks

Virginia reel
: an American dance in which two lines of couples face each other and all couples in turn participate in a series of figures

Virginia snakeroot
: a birthwort (Aristolochia serpentaria) of the eastern U.S. with oblong leaves usually cordate at the base and pointed at the tip and a solitary basal brownish-purple flower

virginibus puerisque
: for girls and boys

virginity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being virgin especially : MAIDENHOOD
2 : the unmarried life : CELIBACY, SPINSTERHOOD

Virgo
n. 1 : a zodiacal constellation on the celestial equator that lies due south of the handle of the Big Dipper and is pictured as a woman holding a spike of grain
2 a : the sixth sign of the zodiac in astrology ― see ZODIAC table b : one born under the sign of Virgo
–Vir·go·an noun

virgo intacta
: untouched virgin

virgule
n. : SLASH 4

viricidal
adj. : VIRUCIDAL
–vi·ri·cide \'vī-rə-ˌsīd\ noun

virid
: vividly green : VERDANT

viridescent
adj. : slightly green : GREENISH

viridian
n. : a chrome green pigment that is a hydrated oxide of chromium

viridity
n. 1 a : the quality or state of being green b : the color of grass or foliage
2 : naive innocence

virile
adj. 1 : having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation
2 : ENERGETIC, VIGOROUS
3 a : characteristic of or associated with men : MASCULINE b : having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree
4 : MASTERFUL, FORCEFUL
–vir·ile·ly adverb

virilism
n. : the appearance of secondary male characteristics (as facial hair) in the female

virility
n. : the quality or state of being virile: a : MANHOOD 3 b : manly vigor : MASCULINITY

virion
n. : a complete virus particle that consists of an RNA or DNA core with a protein coat sometimes with external envelopes and that is the extracellular infective form of a virus

virl
Scottish : FERRULE 1

viroid
n. : any of two families (Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae) of subviral particles that consist of a small single-stranded RNA arranged in a closed loop without a protein shell and that replicate in their host plants where they may or may not be pathogenic

virology
n. : a branch of science that deals with viruses and viral diseases
–vi·ro·log·i·cal \ˌvī-rə-'lä-ji-kəl\ or vi·ro·log·ic \-jik\ adjective
–vi·ro·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
–vi·rol·o·gist \vī-'rä-lə-jist\ noun

Virtanen
Art·tu·ri \'är-tə-rē\ Ilmari 1895-1973 Finn. biochem.

virtu
n. 1 : a love of or taste for curios or objets d'art
2 : productions of art especially of a curious or antique nature : OBJETS D'ART

virtual
n. 1 : being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted <a virtual dictator>
2 : of, relating to, or using virtual memory
3 : of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence <virtual photons> ― compare REAL 3
4 : being on or simulated on a computer or computer network <print or virtual books> <a virtual keyboard>: as a : occurring or existing primarily online <a virtual library> <virtual shopping> b : of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality <a virtual world> <a virtual tour>

virtual
n. virtual image
virtual memory
virtual storage
virtual reality

virtual image
: an image (as seen in a plane mirror) formed of points from which divergent rays (as of light) seem to emanate without actually doing so

virtual memory
: a section of a hard drive that can be used as if it were an extension of a computer's random-access memory ― called also virtual storage

virtual reality
: an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment also : the technology used to create or access a virtual reality

virtuality
1 : ESSENCE
2 : potential existence : POTENTIALITY

virtually
adv. 1 : almost entirely : NEARLY
2 : for all practical purposes <virtually unknown>

virtue
n. 1 a : conformity to a standard of right : MORALITY b : a particular moral excellence
2 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
3 : a beneficial quality or power of a thing
4 : manly strength or courage : VALOR
5 : a commendable quality or trait : MERIT
6 : a capacity to act : POTENCY
7 : chastity especially in a woman
–vir·tue·less \-(ˌ)chü-ləs\ adjective
–by virtue of or in virtue of : through the force of : by authority of

virtue
n. in virtue of
cardinal virtue
easy virtue
theological virtue
by virtue of

virtuosa
: a girl or woman who is a virtuoso

virtuosity
n. 1 : a taste for or interest in virtu
2 : great technical skill (as in the practice of a fine art)

virtuoso
n. 1 : an experimenter or investigator especially in the arts and sciences : SAVANT
2 : one skilled in or having a taste for the fine arts
3 : one who excels in the technique of an art especially : a highly skilled musical performer (as on the violin)
4 : a person who has great skill at some endeavor <a computer virtuoso> <a virtuoso at public relations>
–vir·tu·o·sic \-'ō-sik, -zik\ adjective
–virtuoso adjective

virtuous
adj. 1 : POTENT, EFFICACIOUS
2 a : having or exhibiting virtue b : morally excellent : RIGHTEOUS <a virtuous decision>
3 : CHASTE
synonyms see MORAL
–vir·tu·ous·ly adverb
–vir·tu·ous·ness noun

virtute et armis
: by valor and arms ― motto of Mississippi

virucidal
adj. : having the capacity to or tending to destroy or inactivate viruses <virucidal agents> <virucidal activity>
–vi·ru·cide \'vī-rə-ˌsīd\ noun

virulence
n. : the quality or state of being virulent: as a : extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : RANCOR b : MALIGNANCY, VENOMOUSNESS <ameliorate the virulence of a disease> c : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses

virulency
n. : VIRULENCE

virulent
adj. 1 a : marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course <a virulent infection> b : able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic <virulent bacteria>
2 : extremely poisonous or venomous
3 : full of malice : MALIGNANT <virulent racists>
4 : objectionably harsh or strong <virulent criticism>
–vir·u·lent·ly adverb

viruliferous
adj. : containing, producing, or conveying an agent of infection and especially a virus <viruliferous insects>

Virunga
volcanic mountain range E cen Africa in E Democratic Republic of the Congo, SW Uganda, & NW Rwanda N of Lake Kivu; highest peak Karisimbi 14,780 ft (4505 m)

virus
n. 1 archaic : VENOM 1
2 a : the causative agent of an infectious disease b : any of a large group of submicroscopic infective agents that are regarded either as extremely simple microorganisms or as extremely complex molecules, that typically contain a protein coat surrounding an RNA or DNA core of genetic material but no semipermeable membrane, that are capable of growth and multiplication only in living cells, and that cause various important diseases in humans, lower animals, or plants also : FILTERABLE VIRUS c : a disease or illness caused by a virus
3 : something that poisons the mind or soul <the force of this virus of prejudice ― V. S. Waters>
4 : a computer program that is usually hidden within another seemingly innocuous program and that produces copies of itself and inserts them into other programs and usually performs a malicious action (as destroying data)

virus
n. human immunodeficiency virus
AIDS virus
vaccinia virus
Coxsackie virus
DNA virus
Ebola virus
EB virus
Epstein Barr virus
filterable virus
Marburg virus
parainfluenza virus
respiratory syncytial virus
RNA virus
simian immunodeficiency virus
slow virus
tobacco mosaic virus
West Nile virus

vis
n. : FORCE, POWER

vis
n. 1 visibility; visible
2 visual

vis
n. vis a vis
vis à vis
si vis pacem para bellum
vis medicatrix naturae
ultra vires

vis medicatrix naturae
: the healing power of nature

vis-a-vis
1 : face-to-face with
2 : in relation to
3 : as compared with

vis-a-vis
1 : one that is face-to-face with another
2 a : ESCORT, DATE b : COUNTERPART
3 : TÊTE-À-TÊTE 1

vis-a-vis
: in company : TOGETHER

visa
n. 1 : an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed
2 : a signature of formal approval by a superior upon a document

visa
n. : to give a visa to (a passport)

visage
n. 1 : the face, countenance, or appearance of a person or sometimes an animal
2 : ASPECT, APPEARANCE <the grimy visage of a mining town>

visaged
: having a visage of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <grim-visaged>

Visalia
city S cen Calif. SE of Fresno pop 91,565

Visayan
1 : a member of any of several peoples in the Visayan Islands, Philippines
2 : the group of Austronesian languages of the Bisayans

Visayan Islands
islands cen Philippines bet. Luzon & Mindanao ― see BOHOL, CEBU, LEYTE, MASBATE, NEGROS, PANAY, ROMBLON, SAMAR

Visby
city & port Sweden on Gotland Is. in the Baltic pop 19,319

viscacha
n. : any of several So. American burrowing rodents (genera Lagostomus and Lagidium) closely related to the chinchilla

viscera
n. plural of viscus

visceral
adj. 1 : felt in or as if in the viscera : DEEP <a visceral conviction>
2 : not intellectual : INSTINCTIVE, UNREASONING <visceral drives>
3 : dealing with crude or elemental emotions : EARTHY <a visceral novel>
4 : of, relating to, or located on or among the viscera : SPLANCHNIC <visceral organs>
–vis·cer·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb

viscid
adj. 1 a : having an adhesive quality : STICKY b : having a glutinous consistency : VISCOUS
2 : covered with a sticky layer
–vis·cid·i·ty \vi-'si-də-tē\ noun
–vis·cid·ly \'vi-səd-lē\ adverb

viscoelastic
adj. : having appreciable and conjoint viscous and elastic properties <such viscoelastic materials as asphalt> also : constituting or relating to the state of viscoelastic materials <viscoelastic data> <viscoelastic properties>
–vis·co·elas·tic·i·ty \-ˌlas-'ti-sə-tē, -'tis-tē\ noun

viscometer
n. : an instrument with which to measure viscosity
–vis·co·met·ric \ˌvis-kə-'me-trik\ adjective
–vis·com·e·try \-mə-trē\ noun

viscose
n. 1 : a viscous golden-brown solution made by treating cellulose with caustic alkali solution and carbon disulfide and used in making rayon and films of regenerated cellulose
2 : viscose rayon

viscose
n. : of, relating to, or made from viscose

viscosimeter
n. : VISCOMETER
–vis·cosi·met·ric \(ˌ)vis-ˌkä-sə-'me-trik\ adjective

viscosity
n. 1 : the quality or state of being viscous
2 : the property of resistance to flow in a fluid or semifluid
3 : the ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid ― called also coefficient of viscosity

viscosity index
: an arbitrary number assigned as a measure of the constancy of the viscosity of a lubricating oil with change of temperature with higher numbers indicating viscosities that change little with temperature

viscount
n. : a member of the peerage in Great Britain ranking below an earl and above a baron
–vis·count·cy \-ˌkau̇n(t)-sē\ noun
–vis·county \-ˌkau̇n-tē\ noun

viscountess
n. 1 : the wife or widow of a viscount
2 : a woman who holds the rank of viscount in her own right

viscous
adj. 1 : VISCID
2 : having or characterized by viscosity <viscous lava>
–vis·cous·ly adverb
–vis·cous·ness noun

viscus
n. 1 : an internal organ of the body especially : one (as the heart, liver, or intestine) located in the great cavity of the trunk proper
2 plural : HEART 4

vise
n. 1 : any of various tools with two jaws for holding work that close usually by a screw, lever, or cam
2 : something likened to a vise <economic vise of slow growth and rampant price increases ― David Milne>
–vise·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

vise
n. : to hold, force, or squeeze with or as if with a vise

vise
n. : VISA

vise
n. : VISA

Vishakhapatnam
city & port E India in NE Andhra Pradesh pop 969,608

Vishnu
n. : the preserver god of the Hindu sacred triad ― compare BRAHMA, SHIVA

visibility
n. 1 : the quality or state of being visible
2 a : the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean) specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye b : capability of being readily noticed c : capability of affording an unobstructed view d : PUBLICITY 2D
3 : a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

visible
adj. 1 a : capable of being seen <stars visible to the naked eye> b : situated in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum perceptible to human vision <visible light> ― used of radiation having a wavelength between about 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers
2 a : exposed to view <the visible horizon> b (1) : CONSPICUOUS <has played a highly visible role in the negotiations> (2) : WELL-KNOWN <a highly visible politician>
3 : capable of being discovered or perceived : RECOGNIZABLE <no visible means of support>
4 : ACCESSIBLE 4 <visible resources>
5 : devised to keep a particular part or item always in full view or readily seen or referred to <a visible index>
–vis·i·ble·ness noun
–vis·i·bly \-blē\ adverb

visible speech
1 : a set of phonetic symbols based on symbols for articulatory position
2 : speech reproduced spectrographically

Visigoth
n. : a member of the western division of the Goths
–Vis·i·goth·ic \ˌvi-zə-'gä-thik\ adjective

vision
n. 1 a : something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy especially : a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation b : a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination c : a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial <look, not at visions, but at realities ― Edith Wharton>
2 a : the act or power of imagination b (1) : mode of seeing or conceiving (2) : unusual discernment or foresight <a person of vision> c : direct mystical awareness of the supernatural usually in visible form
3 a : the act or power of seeing : SIGHT b : the special sense by which the qualities of an object (as color, luminosity, shape, and size) constituting its appearance are perceived through a process in which light rays entering the eye are transformed by the retina into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve
4 a : something seen b : a lovely or charming sight
–vi·sion·al \'vizh-nəl, 'vi-zhə-nəl\ adjective
–vi·sion·al·ly adverb

vision
n. : ENVISION

vision
n. double vision
beatific vision
dream vision
field of vision
tunnel vision
vision quest
tunnel visioned

vision quest
: a solitary vigil by an adolescent American Indian boy to seek spiritual power and learn through a vision the identity of his usually animal or bird guardian spirit

visionary
n. 1 a : of the nature of a vision : ILLUSORY b : incapable of being realized or achieved : UTOPIAN <a visionary scheme> c : existing only in imagination : UNREAL
2 a : able or likely to see visions b : disposed to reverie or imagining : DREAMY
3 : of, relating to, or characterized by visions or the power of vision
4 : having or marked by foresight and imagination <a visionary leader> <a visionary invention>
synonyms see IMAGINARY
–vi·sion·ar·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ noun

visionary
n. 1 : one whose ideas or projects are impractical : DREAMER
2 : one who sees visions : SEER
3 : one having unusual foresight and imagination <a visionary in the computer industry>

visioned
v. 1 : seen in a vision <a visioned face>
2 : produced by or experienced in a vision <visioned agony>
3 : endowed with vision : INSPIRED

visionless
1 : SIGHTLESS, BLIND <visionless eyes>
2 : lacking vision or inspiration <a visionless leader>

visit
n. transitive verb
1 a archaic : COMFORT ― used of the Deity <visit us with Thy salvation ― Charles Wesley> b (1) : AFFLICT <visited his people with distempers ― Tobias Smollett> (2) : INFLICT, IMPOSE <visited his wrath upon them> c : AVENGE <visited the sins of the fathers upon the children> d : to present itself to or come over momentarily <was visited by a strange notion>
2 : to go to see in order to comfort or help
3 a : to pay a call on as an act of friendship or courtesy b : to reside with temporarily as a guest c : to go to see or stay at (a place) for a particular purpose (as business or sightseeing) d : to go or come officially to inspect or oversee <a bishop visiting his parishes>
intransitive verb
1 : to make a visit also : to make frequent or regular visits
2 : CHAT, CONVERSE <enjoys visiting with the neighbors>

visit
n. 1 a : a short stay : CALL b : a brief residence as a guest c : an extended stay : SOJOURN
2 : a journey to and stay or short sojourn at a place
3 : an official or professional call or tour : VISITATION
4 : the act of a naval officer in boarding a merchant ship on the high seas in exercise of the right of search

visit
n. visiting card
visiting fireman
visiting nurse

visitable
adj. 1 : subject to or allowing visitation or inspection
2 : socially eligible to receive visits

visitant
n. 1 : VISITOR especially : one thought to come from a spirit world
2 : a migratory bird that appears at intervals for a limited period
–visitant adjective

visitation
n. 1 : an instance of visiting: as a : an official visit (as for inspection) b : 2WAKE 3 c : temporary custody of a child granted to a noncustodial parent <visitation rights>
2 a : a special dispensation of divine favor or wrath b : a severe trial : AFFLICTION
3 capitalized : the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth recounted in Luke and celebrated July 2 by a Christian feast

visitatorial
adj. : of or relating to visitation or to a judicial visitor or superintendent

visiting
n. 1 : invited to join or attend an institution (as a university) for a limited time <a visiting professor> <a visiting fellow>
2 : playing on an opponent's grounds <the visiting team>

visiting
n. visiting card
visiting fireman
visiting nurse

visiting card
: a small card presented when visiting that bears the name and sometimes the address of the visitor

visiting fireman
: a usually important or influential visitor whom it is desirable or expedient to entertain impressively

visiting nurse
: a nurse employed by a hospital or social-service agency to perform public health services and especially to visit and provide care for sick persons in a community

visitor
n. : one that visits especially : one that makes formal visits of inspection

Vislinski Zaliv
lagoon N Poland & W Russia in Europe; inlet of Gulf of Gdańsk

Viso
mountain 12,602 ft (3841 m) NW Italy in Piedmont SW of Turin near French border; highest in Cottian Alps

visor
n. 1 : the front piece of a helmet especially : a movable upper piece
2 a : a face mask b : DISGUISE
3 a : a projecting front on a cap or headband for shading the eyes b : a usually movable flat sunshade attached at the top of an automobile windshield
–vi·sored \-zərd\ adjective
–vi·sor·less \-zər-ləs\ adjective

VISTA
n. Volunteers in Service to America

Vista
n. city SW Calif. N of San Diego pop 89,857

vista
n. 1 : a distant view through or along an avenue or opening : PROSPECT
2 : an extensive mental view (as over a stretch of time or a series of events)

vista
n. hasta la vista
Boa Vista
Chula Vista
Sierra Vista

vistaed
adj. 1 : affording or made to form a vista
2 : seen in or as if in a vista

Vistula
river over 660 mi (1062 km) Poland flowing N from the Carpathians into Gulf of Gdańsk

visual
n. 1 : of, relating to, or used in vision <visual organs>
2 : attained or maintained by sight <visual impressions>
3 : VISIBLE <visual objects>
4 : producing mental images : VIVID
5 : done or executed by sight only <visual navigation>
6 : of, relating to, or employing visual aids
–vi·su·al·ly \'vi-zhə-wə-lē, -zhə-lē; 'vizh-wə-lē\ adverb

visual
n. : something (as a graphic) that appeals to the sight and is used for effect or illustration ― usually used in plural

visual
n. visual purple
visual acuity
visual aid
visual cortex
visual area
visual field
visual literacy

visual acuity
: the relative ability of the visual organ to resolve detail that is usually expressed as the reciprocal of the minimum angular separation in minutes of two lines just resolvable as separate and that forms in the average human eye an angle of one minute

visual aid
: an instructional device (as a chart, map, or model) that appeals chiefly to vision especially : an educational motion picture or filmstrip

visual cortex
: a sensory area of the occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex receiving afferent nerve fibers concerned with vision ― called also visual area

visual field
: the entire expanse of space visible at a given instant without moving the eyes ― called also field of vision

visual literacy
: the ability to recognize and understand ideas conveyed through visible actions or images (as pictures)

visual purple
: a photosensitive red or purple pigment in the retinal rods of various vertebrates especially : RHODOPSIN

visualisation
n. British variant of visualization, visualize, visualizer

visualization
n. 1 : formation of mental visual images
2 : the act or process of interpreting in visual terms or of putting into visible form
3 : the process of making an internal organ or part visible by the introduction (as by swallowing) of a radiopaque substance followed by radiography

visualize
v. transitive verb : to make visible: as a : to see or form a mental image of : ENVISAGE <trying to visualize the problem> b : to make (an internal organ or part) visible by radiographic visualization
intransitive verb : to form a mental visual image

visualizer
n. : one that visualizes especially : a person whose mental imagery is prevailingly visual

visuospatial
adj. : of, relating to, or being thought processes that involve visual and spatial awareness <visuospatial problem solving>

vita
n. 1 : a brief biographical sketch
2 : CURRICULUM VITAE

vita
n. dolce vita
la dolce vita
apologia pro vita sua
ars longa vita brevis
vita nuova
aqua vitae
curriculum vitae
curricula vitae
lignum vitae
taedium vitae
integer vitae scelerisque purus

vita nuova
: new life

vital
adj. 1 a : existing as a manifestation of life b : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life <vital organs> <blood and other vital fluids>
2 : full of life and vigor : ANIMATED
3 : characteristic of life or living beings
4 a : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: as (1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : INVIGORATING (2) : destructive to life : MORTAL b : of the utmost importance <a vital clue> <vital resources>
5 : recording data relating to lives
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
synonyms see ESSENTIAL
–vi·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb

vital
adj. elan vital
élan vital
vital capacity
vital signs
vital statistics

vital capacity
: the breathing capacity of the lungs expressed as the number of cubic inches or cubic centimeters of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a full inspiration

vital signs
: signs of life specifically : the pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and often blood pressure of a person

vital statistics
1 : statistics relating to births, deaths, marriages, health, and disease
2 : facts (as physical dimensions or quantities) considered to be interesting or important especially : a woman's bust, waist, and hip measurements

vitalism
n. 1 : a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical forces
2 : a doctrine that the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining
–vi·tal·ist \-list\ noun or adjective
–vi·tal·is·tic \ˌvī-tə-'lis-tik\ adjective

vitality
n. 1 a : the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the nonliving b : capacity to live and develop also : physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed
2 a : power of enduring b : lively and animated character

vitalize
v. : to endow with vitality : ANIMATE
–vi·tal·i·za·tion \ˌvī-tə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun

vitals
n. 1 : vital organs (as the heart, liver, lungs, and brain)
2 : essential parts

vitamin
n. : any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced within the body

vitamin
n. vitamin D
vitamin B
B vitamin
vitamin A
vitamin B complex
vitamin B6
vitamin B12
vitamin B2
vitamin C
vitamin E
vitamin H
vitamin K

vitamin A
: any of several fat-soluble vitamins (as retinol) found especially in animal products (as egg yolk, milk, or fish-liver oils) or a mixture of them whose lack in the animal body causes epithelial tissues to become keratinous (as in the eye with resulting visual defects)

vitamin B
1 : VITAMIN B COMPLEX
2 or vitamin B_1 \-'bē-'wən\ : THIAMINE

vitamin B complex
: a group of water-soluble vitamins that are found especially in yeast, seed germs, eggs, liver and flesh, and vegetables and that have varied metabolic functions and include coenzymes and growth factors ― called also B complex ― compare BIOTIN, NIACIN, PANTOTHENIC ACID, RIBOFLAVIN

vitamin B12
1 : a complex cobalt-containing compound C_63H_88CoN_14O_14P that occurs especially in liver, is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth, and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor ― called also cyanocobalamin
2 : any of several compounds similar to vitamin B_12 in action but having different chemistry

vitamin B2
: RIBOFLAVIN

vitamin B6
: pyridoxine or a closely related compound found widely in combined form and considered essential to vertebrate nutrition

vitamin C
: a water-soluble vitamin C_6H_8O_6 found in plants and especially in fruits and leafy vegetables or made synthetically and used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy and as an antioxidant for foods ― called also ascorbic acid

vitamin D
: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: as a or vitamin D_2 \-'dē-'tü\ : CALCIFEROL b or vitamin D_3 \-'dē-'thrē\ : CHOLECALCIFEROL

vitamin E
: any of several fat-soluble vitamins that are chemically tocopherols, are essential in the nutrition of various vertebrates in which their absence is associated with infertility, degenerative changes in muscle, or vascular abnormalities, are found especially in leaves and in seed germ oils, and are used chiefly in animal feeds and as antioxidants

vitamin H
: BIOTIN

vitamin K
1 : either of two naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins C_31H_46O_2 and C_41H_56O_2 essential for the clotting of blood because of their role in the production of prothrombin ― called also respectively vitamin K_1 vitamin K_2
2 : any of several synthetic compounds closely related chemically to natural vitamins K_1 and K_2 and of similar biological activity

Vitebsk
city NE Belarus on Dvina River pop 1,434,200

vitelline
n. 1 : resembling the yolk of an egg especially in yellow color
2 : of, relating to, or producing yolk

vitelline membrane
: a membrane enclosing an egg that comprises the zona pellucida in mammals and that upon fertilization splits off from the surface of the egg forming a fertilization membrane in many invertebrates and amphibians and in some fish

vitellogenesis
n. : yolk formation

vitellogenin
: a precursor protein of egg yolk normally in the blood or hemolymph only of females that is used as a biomarker in vertebrates of exposure to environmental estrogens which stimulate elevated levels in males as well as females

Viterbo
commune cen Italy in Lazio pop 60,387

Viti Levu
island SW Pacific, largest of the Fiji group area 4010 sq mi (10,386 sq km)

vitiate
v. 1 : to make faulty or defective : IMPAIR <the comic impact is vitiated by obvious haste ― William Styron>
2 : to debase in moral or aesthetic status <a mind vitiated by prejudice>
3 : to make ineffective <fraud vitiates a contract>
synonyms see DEBASE
–vi·ti·a·tion \ˌvi-shē-'ā-shən\ noun
–vi·ti·a·tor \'vi-shē-ˌā-tər\ noun

viticulture
n. : the cultivation or culture of grapes especially for wine making
–vi·ti·cul·tur·al \ˌvi-tə-'kəl-chə-rəl, ˌvī-, -'kəlch-rəl\ adjective
–vi·ti·cul·tur·al·ly adverb
–vi·ti·cul·tur·ist \-rist\ noun

vitiligo
n. : a skin disorder manifested by smooth white spots on various parts of the body

Vitim
river 1133 mi (1823 km) S Russia in Asia flowing NE & N into the Lena

Vitoria
city N Spain capital of Álava province SSE of Bilbao pop 216,852

Vitoria
city & port E Brazil capital of Espírito Santo state pop 292,304

vitrectomy
: surgical removal of all or part of the vitreous humor

vitreous
adj. 1 a : resembling glass (as in color, composition, brittleness, or luster) : GLASSY <vitreous rocks> b : characterized by low porosity and usually translucence due to the presence of a glassy phase <vitreous china>
2 : of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of glass
3 : of, relating to, or constituting the vitreous humor <vitreous surgery>

vitreous
adj. : VITREOUS HUMOR

vitreous humor
: the clear colorless transparent jelly that fills the eyeball posterior to the lens ― see EYE illustration

vitreous silica
: a chemically stable and refractory glass made from silica alone ― compare QUARTZ GLASS

vitrify
v. transitive verb : to convert into glass or a glassy substance by heat and fusion
intransitive verb : to become vitrified
–vit·ri·fi·able \ˌvi-trə-'fī-ə-bəl\ adjective
–vit·ri·fi·ca·tion \ˌvi-trə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

vitrine
n. : a glass showcase or cabinet especially for displaying fine wares or specimens

vitriol
n. 1 a : a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc) especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate b : OIL OF VITRIOL
2 : something felt to resemble vitriol especially in caustic quality especially : virulence of feeling or of speech
–vit·ri·ol·ic \ˌvi-trē-'ä-lik\ adjective

Vitruvius
fl 1st cent. B.C. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Rom. architect & engineer

Vitry-sur-Seine
commune N France, SSE suburb of Paris pop 78,908

vitta
n. 1 : STRIPE, STREAK
2 : one of the oil tubes in the fruits of plants of the carrot family

vittles
n. : VICTUALS

vituperate
v. transitive verb : to abuse or censure severely or abusively : BERATE
intransitive verb : to use harsh condemnatory language
synonyms see SCOLD
–vi·tu·per·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun

vituperation
n. 1 : sustained and bitter railing and condemnation : vituperative utterance
2 : an act or instance of vituperating
synonyms see ABUSE

vituperative
adj. : uttering or given to censure : containing or characterized by verbal abuse
–vi·tu·per·a·tive·ly adverb

vituperatory
: VITUPERATIVE

viva
n. ― used to express goodwill or approval

viva voce
: by word of mouth : ORALLY

viva voce
: expressed or conducted by word of mouth : ORAL

viva voce
: an examination conducted viva voce ― called also viva

vivace
adv. : a musical composition or movement in vivace tempo

vivace
adv. : in a brisk spirited manner ― used as a direction in music

vivacious
adj. : lively in temper, conduct, or spirit : SPRIGHTLY
synonyms see LIVELY
–vi·va·cious·ly adverb
–vi·va·cious·ness noun

vivacity
n. : the quality or state of being vivacious

Vivaldi
n. Antonio Lucio 1678-1741 Ital. composer

vivandiere
: a woman who is a sutler

vivarium
n. : a terrarium used especially for small animals

vivax malaria
: malaria caused by a plasmodium (Plasmodium vivax) that induces paroxysms at 48-hour intervals

vive
interj. qui vive
le roi est mort vive le roi
vive la difference
vive la différence
vive la reine
vive le roi

vive la difference
: long live the difference (between the sexes)

vive la reine
: long live the queen

vive le roi
: long live the king

viverrid
n. : any of a family (Viverridae) of carnivorous mammals that include the civets, genets, linsangs, and in some classifications the mongooses and that are rarely larger than a domestic cat but are long, slender, and like a weasel in build with short more or less retractile claws and rounded feet
–viverrid adjective

vivers
n. chiefly Scottish : VICTUALS, FOOD

Vivian
n. : the mistress of Merlin in Arthurian legend ― called also Lady of the Lake

vivid
adj. 1 of a color : very strong : very high in chroma
2 : having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness : LIVELY <a vivid sketch>
3 : producing a strong or clear impression on the senses : SHARP, INTENSE specifically : producing distinct mental images <a vivid description>
4 : acting clearly and vigorously <a vivid imagination>
synonyms see GRAPHIC
–viv·id·ly adverb
–viv·id·ness noun

vivific
: imparting spirit or vivacity

vivify
v. 1 : to endow with life or renewed life : ANIMATE <rains that vivify the barren hills>
2 : to impart vitality or vividness to <concentrating this union of quality and meaning in a way which vivifies both ― John Dewey>
synonyms see QUICKEN
–viv·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌvi-və-fə-'kā-shən\ noun
–viv·i·fi·er \'vi-və-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

viviparity
n. : the quality or state of being viviparous

viviparous
adj. 1 : producing living young instead of eggs from within the body in the manner of nearly all mammals, many reptiles, and a few fishes
2 : germinating while still attached to the parent plant <the viviparous seed of the mangrove>
–vi·vip·a·rous·ly adverb

vivisect
v. transitive verb : to perform vivisection on : subject to vivisection
intransitive verb : to practice vivisection
–viv·i·sec·tor \-ˌsek-tər\ noun

vivisection
n. 1 : the cutting of or operation on a living animal usually for physiological or pathological investigation broadly : animal experimentation especially if considered to cause distress to the subject
2 : minute or pitiless examination or criticism
–viv·i·sec·tion·al \ˌvi-və-'sek-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
–viv·i·sec·tion·ist \-'sek-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

vixen
n. 1 : a shrewish ill-tempered woman
2 : a female fox
–vix·en·ish \-s(ə-)nish\ adjective

vixere fortes ante Agamemnona
: brave men lived before Agamemnon

viz
adv. videlicet

vizard
n. 1 : a mask for disguise or protection
2 : DISGUISE, GUISE

vizcacha
variant of viscacha

Vizcaya
province N Spain on Bay of Biscay; in Basque Country capital Bilbao area 853 sq mi (2209 sq km), pop 1,122,637

vizier
n. 1 : a high executive officer of various Muslim countries and especially of the Ottoman Empire
2 : a civil officer in ancient Egypt having viceregal powers
–vi·zier·ate \-'zir-ət, -'zir-ˌāt\ noun
–vi·zier·ial \-'zir-ē-əl\ adjective
–vi·zier·ship \-'zir-ˌship\ noun

vizor
n. variant of visor

vizsla
n. : any of a breed of hunting dogs of Hungarian origin that resemble the Weimaraner but have a rich deep red coat and brown eyes

VJ
: VEEJAY

Vlaanderen
― see FLANDERS

Vlaardingen
commune & port SW Netherlands W of Rotterdam pop 73,935

Vladikavkaz
n. city S Russia in Europe pop 325,000

Vladimir
n. Saint ca 956-1015 grand prince of Kiev (980-1015)

Vladimir
n. city cen Russia in Europe on the Klyaz'ma E of Moscow pop 356,000

Vladivostok
n. city & port SE Russia in Asia capital of Maritime Territory pop 648,000

Vlaminck
Maurice de 1876-1958 Fr. painter

VLDL
: a plasma lipoprotein that is produced primarily by the liver with lesser amounts contributed by the intestine, that contains relatively large amounts of triglycerides compared to protein, and that leaves a residue of cholesterol in the tissues during the process of conversion to LDL ― compare HDL

VLF
very low frequency

Vlissingen
city & port SW Netherlands in Zeeland

Vlore
city & port S Albania pop 147,128

VLSI
very large-scale integration

Vltava
river 270 mi (434 km) W Czech Republic in Bohemia flowing N into the Elbe

VMD
doctor of veterinary medicine

VNA
Visiting Nurse Association

vo
vo tech
VO2 max
VO max

vo-tech
: relating to, providing, or receiving vocational and technical education and training <a vo-tech school> <vo-tech students>

VO2 max
: the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during a specified period of usually intense exercise

VOA
Voice of America

VOC
n. volatile organic compound

voc
n. vocational

voc-ed
: vocational education

vocab
n. : VOCABULARY

vocable
n. : TERM specifically : a word composed of various sounds or letters without regard to its meaning

vocabular
: of or relating to words or phraseology : VERBAL

vocabulary
n. 1 : a list or collection of words or of words and phrases usually alphabetically arranged and explained or defined : LEXICON
2 a : a sum or stock of words employed by a language, group, individual, or work or in a field of knowledge b : a list or collection of terms or codes available for use (as in an indexing system)
3 : a supply of expressive techniques or devices (as of an art form)

vocabulary entry
: a word (as the noun book), hyphenated or open compound (as the verb book-match or the noun book review), word element (as the affix pro-), abbreviation (as agt), verbalized symbol (as Na), or term (as man in the street) entered alphabetically in a dictionary for the purpose of definition or identification or expressly included as an inflected form (as the noun mice or the verb saw) or as a derived form (as the noun godlessness or the adverb globally) or related phrase (as one for the book) run on at its base word and usually set in a type (as boldface) readily distinguishable from that of the lightface running text which defines, explains, or identifies the entry

vocal
n. 1 a : uttered by the voice : ORAL b : produced in the larynx : uttered with voice
2 : relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice <vocal music>
3 : VOCALIC
4 a : having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound b : EXPRESSIVE c : full of voices : RESOUNDING d : given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : OUTSPOKEN <a highly vocal critic> e : expressed in words
5 : of, relating to, or resembling the voice <vocal impairment>
–vo·cal·i·ty \vō-'ka-lə-tē\ noun
–vo·cal·ly \'vō-kə-lē\ adverb

vocal
n. 1 : a vocal sound
2 : a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : SONG also : a performance of such a composition

vocal cords
: either of two pairs of folds of mucous membranes that project into the cavity of the larynx and have free edges extending dorsoventrally toward the middle line

vocal folds
: the lower pair of vocal cords each of which when drawn taut, approximated to the contralateral member of the pair, and subjected to a flow of breath produces the voice

vocalic
adj. 1 : marked by or consisting of vowels
2 a : being or functioning as a vowel b : of, relating to, or associated with a vowel
–vo·cal·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

vocalic
adj. : a vowel sound or sequence in its function as the most sonorous part of a syllable

vocalise
v. British variant of vocalize

vocalism
n. 1 a : the vowel system of a language or dialect b : the pattern of vowels in a word or paradigm
2 : VOCALIZATION
3 : vocal art or technique : SINGING

vocalist
n. : 1SINGER

vocalize
v. transitive verb
1 : to give voice to : UTTER specifically : SING
2 a : to make voiced rather than voiceless : VOICE b : to convert to a vowel
3 : to furnish (as a consonantal Hebrew or Arabic text) with vowels or vowel points
intransitive verb
1 : to utter vocal sounds
2 : SING specifically : to sing without words
–vo·cal·i·za·tion \ˌvō-kə-lə-'zā-shən\ noun
–vo·cal·iz·er \'vō-kə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

vocation
n. 1 a : a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action especially : a divine call to the religious life b : an entry into the priesthood or a religious order
2 a : the work in which a person is regularly employed : OCCUPATION b : the persons engaged in a particular occupation
3 : the special function of an individual or group

vocational
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation
2 : of, relating to, or undergoing training in a skill or trade to be pursued as a career <a vocational school> <vocational students>
–vo·ca·tion·al·ly adverb

vocationalism
: emphasis on vocational training in education
–vo·ca·tion·al·ist \-list, -ist\ noun

vocative
n. 1 : of, relating to, or being a grammatical case marking the one addressed (as Latin Domine in miserere, Domine “have mercy, O Lord”)
2 of a word or word group : marking the one addressed (as mother in “mother, come here”)
–voc·a·tive·ly adverb

vocative
n. 1 : the vocative case of a language
2 : a form in the vocative case

voce
n. mezza voce
sotto voce
viva voce
sub voce

vociferant
adj. : CLAMOROUS, VOCIFEROUS

vociferate
v. transitive verb : to utter loudly : SHOUT
intransitive verb : to cry out loudly : CLAMOR
–vo·cif·er·a·tion \-ˌsi-fə-'rā-shən\ noun
–vo·cif·er·a·tor \-'si-fə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

vociferous
adj. : marked by or given to vehement insistent outcry
–vo·cif·er·ous·ly adverb
–vo·cif·er·ous·ness noun
synonyms VOCIFEROUS, CLAMOROUS, BLATANT, STRIDENT, BOISTEROUS, OBSTREPEROUS mean so loud or insistent as to compel attention. VOCIFEROUS implies a vehement shouting or calling out <vociferous cries of protest and outrage>. CLAMOROUS may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting <clamorous demands for prison reforms>. BLATANT implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness <blatant rock music> <a blatant clamor for impeachment>. STRIDENT suggests harsh and discordant noise <heard the strident cry of the crow>. BOISTEROUS suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits <a boisterous crowd of party goers>. OBSTREPEROUS suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint <the obstreperous demonstrators were removed from the hall>.

vocoder
n. : an electronic mechanism that reduces speech signals to slowly varying signals transmittable over communication systems of limited frequency bandwidth

vodka
n. : a colorless liquor of neutral spirits distilled from a mash (as of rye or wheat)

vodka martini
: a martini made with vodka instead of gin

vodou
variant of voodoo

vodun
n. : VOODOO 1

Vogelkop
― see DOBERAI

vogie
Scottish : PROUD, VAIN

vogue
n. 1 archaic : the leading place in popularity or acceptance
2 a : popular acceptation or favor : POPULARITY b : a period of popularity
3 : one that is in fashion at a particular time
synonyms see FASHION
–vogue adjective

vogue
n. : to strike poses in campy imitation of fashion models especially as a kind of dance
–vogu·er \'vō-gər\ noun

vogue la galere
: let the galley be kept rowing : keep on, whatever may happen

voguish
adj. 1 : FASHIONABLE, SMART
2 : suddenly or temporarily popular <a voguish term>
–vogu·ish·ness noun

voice
n. 1 a : sound produced by vertebrates by means of lungs, larynx, or syrinx especially : sound so produced by human beings b (1) : musical sound produced by the vocal folds and resonated by the cavities of head and throat (2) : the power or ability to produce musical tones (3) : SINGER (4) : one of the melodic parts in a vocal or instrumental composition (5) : condition of the vocal organs with respect to production of musical tones (6) : the use of the voice (as in singing or acting) <studying voice> c : expiration of air with the vocal cords drawn close so as to vibrate audibly (as in uttering vowels and consonant sounds as \v\ or \z\) d : the faculty of utterance <lost my voice>
2 : a sound resembling or suggesting vocal utterance
3 : an instrument or medium of expression <the party became the voice of the workers>
4 a : wish, choice, or opinion openly or formally expressed <the voice of the people> b : right of expression also : influential power
5 : distinction of form or a system of inflections of a verb to indicate the relation of the subject of the verb to the action which the verb expresses <active and passive voices>
–with one voice : without dissent : UNANIMOUSLY

voice
n. 1 : to express in words : UTTER <voice a complaint>
2 : to adjust for producing the proper musical sounds
3 : to pronounce (as a consonant) with voice
synonyms see EXPRESS

voice
n. with one voice
voice box
voice mail
voice over
voice part
voice vote

voice box
: LARYNX

voice mail
: an electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded or digitized for later playback to the intended recipient also : such a message

voice part
: VOICE 1B(4)

voice vote
: a parliamentary vote taken by calling for ayes and noes and estimating which response is stronger

voice-over
1 a : the voice of an unseen narrator speaking (as in a motion picture or television commercial) b : the voice of a visible character (as in a motion picture) expressing unspoken thoughts
2 : a recording of a voice-over

voiced
adj. 1 : having or furnished with a voice especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination <soft-voiced>
2 : uttered with vocal cord vibration <a voiced consonant>

voiceful
adj. : having a voice or vocal quality also : having a loud voice or many voices
–voice·ful·ness noun

voiceless
adj. 1 : having no voice : MUTE
2 : not voiced : SURD <a voiceless consonant>
–voice·less·ly adverb
–voice·less·ness noun

voiceprint
n. : an individually distinctive pattern of certain voice characteristics that is spectrographically produced

voicer
n. : one that voices specifically : one that voices organ pipes

void
n. 1 a : not occupied : VACANT <a void bishopric> b : not inhabited : DESERTED
2 : containing nothing <void space>
3 : IDLE, LEISURE
4 a : being without something specified : DEVOID <a nature void of all malice> b : having no members or examples specifically of a suit : having no cards represented in a particular hand
5 : VAIN, USELESS
6 a : of no legal force or effect : NULL <a void contract> b : VOIDABLE
synonyms see EMPTY
–void·ness noun

void
n. 1 a : OPENING, GAP b : empty space : EMPTINESS, VACUUM
2 : the quality or state of being without something : LACK, ABSENCE
3 : a feeling of want or hollowness
4 : absence of cards of a particular suit in a hand orig. dealt to a player

void
n. transitive verb
1 a : to make empty or vacant : CLEAR b archaic : VACATE, LEAVE
2 : DISCHARGE, EMIT <void urine>
3 : NULLIFY, ANNUL <void a contract>
intransitive verb : to eliminate solid or liquid waste from the body
–void·er noun

voidable
adj. : capable of being voided specifically : capable of being adjudged void <a voidable contract>
–void·able·ness noun

voidance
n. 1 : the act of voiding
2 of a benefice : the state of being without an incumbent

voided
adj. : having the inner part cut away or left vacant with a narrow border left at the sides ― used of a heraldic charge

voila
interj. ― used to call attention, to express satisfaction or approval, or to suggest an appearance as if by magic

voila tout
: that's all

voile
n. : a fine soft sheer fabric used especially for women's summer clothing or curtains

Voiotia
― see BOEOTIA

voir dire
: a preliminary examination to determine the competency of a witness or juror

Vojvodina
province N Serbia; chief city Novi Sad area 8683 sq mi (22,576 sq km), pop 2,012,605

vol
n. 1 volcano
2 volume
3 volunteer

vol-au-vent
: a baked patty shell filled with meat, fowl, game, or seafood in sauce

volant
adj. 1 : having the wings extended as if in flight ― used of a heraldic bird
2 : flying or capable of flying
3 : QUICK, NIMBLE

volante
: moving with light rapidity ― used as a direction in music

Volapuk
: an artificial international language based largely on English but with some root words from German, French, and Latin

volar
adj. : relating to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot specifically : located on the same side as the palm of the hand <the volar part of the forearm>

volatile
n. 1 : readily vaporizable at a relatively low temperature
2 : flying or having the power to fly
3 a : LIGHTHEARTED, LIVELY b : easily aroused <volatile suspicions> c : tending to erupt into violence : EXPLOSIVE <a volatile temper>
4 a : unable to hold the attention fixed because of an inherent lightness or fickleness of disposition b : characterized by or subject to rapid or unexpected change <a volatile market>
5 : difficult to capture or hold permanently : EVANESCENT, TRANSITORY
–vol·a·tile·ness noun
–vol·a·til·i·ty \ˌvä-lə-'ti-lə-tē\ noun

volatile
n. : a volatile substance

volatile oil
: an oil that vaporizes readily especially : ESSENTIAL OIL

volatilise
v. British variant of volatilize

volatilize
v. transitive verb : to make volatile especially : to cause to pass off in vapor
intransitive verb : to pass off in vapor
–vol·a·til·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
–vol·a·til·i·za·tion \ˌvä-lə-tə-lə-'zā-shən, Brit also və-ˌla-\ noun

volcanic
adj. 1 a : of, relating to, or produced by a volcano b : characterized by volcanoes <a volcanic range> c : made of materials from volcanoes
2 : explosively violent : VOLATILE <volcanic emotions>
–vol·ca·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

volcanic
adj. : a volcanic rock

volcanic glass
: natural glass produced by the cooling of molten lava too rapidly to permit crystallization

volcanicity
n. : VOLCANISM

volcanism
n. : volcanic action or activity

volcano
n. 1 : a vent in the crust of the earth or another planet or a moon from which usually molten or hot rock and steam issue also : a hill or mountain composed wholly or in part of the ejected material
2 : something of explosively violent potential

volcano
n. shield volcano
Volcano Islands
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano Islands
islands W Pacific S of Bonin Islands; belong to Japan; under U.S. control 1945-68 area 11 sq mi (29 sq km) ― see IWO JIMA

volcanological
adj. : of, relating to, or involving volcanology or volcanic phenomena <volcanological processes that shape the planets>

volcanology
n. : a branch of science that deals with volcanic phenomena
–vol·ca·nol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Volcker
Paul Adolph 1927-     American economist

vole
n. : GRAND SLAM 1

vole
n. : any of various small rodents (Microtus and related genera) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and are closely related to muskrats and lemmings

Volga
n. river ab 2300 mi (3700 km) Russia in Europe rising in Valdai Hills & flowing into the Caspian

Volgograd
n. city S Russia in Europe on the Volga pop 1,006,000

volition
n. 1 : an act of making a choice or decision also : a choice or decision made
2 : the power of choosing or determining : WILL
–vo·li·tion·al \-'lish-nəl, -'li-shə-nəl\ adjective

volitive
1 : of or relating to the will
2 : expressing a wish or permission

volkslied
: a folk song

volley
n. 1 a : a flight of missiles (as arrows) b : simultaneous discharge of a number of missile weapons c : one round per gun in a battery fired as soon as a gun is ready without regard to order d (1) : the flight of the ball (as in volleyball or tennis) or its course before striking the ground also : a return of the ball before it touches the ground (2) : a kick of the ball in soccer before it rebounds (3) : the exchange of the shuttlecock in badminton following the serve
2 a : a burst or emission of many things or a large amount at once <received a volley of angry letters> <a volley of praise> b : a burst of simultaneous or immediately sequential nerve impulses passing to an end organ, synapse, or center

volley
n. transitive verb
1 : to discharge in or as if in a volley
2 : to propel (an object) while in the air and before touching the ground especially : to hit (a tennis ball) on the volley
intransitive verb
1 : to become discharged in or as if in a volley
2 : to make a volley specifically : to volley an object of play (as in tennis)
–vol·ley·er noun

volleyball
n. : a game played by volleying an inflated ball over a net also : the ball used in this game

Vologda
city cen Russia in Europe NNE of Moscow pop 290,000

Volos
city & port E Greece on Gulf of Vólos (inlet of the Aegean)

volplane
n. 1 : to glide in or as if in an airplane
2 : GLIDE 3

Volsci
: a people of ancient Italy dwelling between the Latins and Samnites

Volscian
n. 1 : a member of the Volsci
2 : the Italic language of the Volsci
–Volscian adjective

Volstead
n. Andrew John 1860-1947 American legislator

volt
n. 1 : a leaping movement in fencing to avoid a thrust
2 a : a tread or gait in which a horse going sideways makes a turn around a center b : a circle traced by a horse in this movement

volt
n. : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference of potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between these two points is equal to one watt and equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of one ohm when one ampere is flowing through it

volt-ampere
: a unit of electric measurement equal to the product of a volt and an ampere that for direct current constitutes a measure of power equivalent to a watt

Volta
n. Alessandro (Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio) Conte Volta 1745-1827 Ital. physicist

Volta
n. river W Africa flowing from Lake Volta (reservoir area 3275 sq mi or 8515 sq km receiving the Black Volta & White Volta) in N cen Ghana S into Bight of Benin ― see RED VOLTA

Volta
n. Black Volta
Haute Volta
Upper Volta
Red Volta
Volta Redonda
White Volta

Volta Redonda
city E Brazil on Paraíba River NW of city of Rio de Janeiro pop 242,063

voltage
n. 1 : electric potential or potential difference expressed in volts
2 : intensity of feeling

voltage divider
: a resistor or series of resistors provided with taps at certain points and used to provide various potential differences from a single power source

voltaic
adj. : of, relating to, or producing direct electric current by chemical action (as in a battery) : GALVANIC <voltaic cell>

Voltaire
n. 1694-1778 orig. François-Marie Arouet Fr. writer
–Vol·tair·ean or Vol·tair·ian \-'tar-ē-ən, -'ter-\ adjective

volte-face
: a reversal in policy : ABOUT-FACE

voltmeter
n. : an instrument (as a galvanometer) for measuring in volts the differences in potential between different points of an electrical circuit

Volturno
river 110 mi (177 km) S cen Italy flowing from the Apennines SE & SW into Gulf of Gaeta

voluble
adj. 1 : easily rolling or turning : ROTATING
2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : GLIB, FLUENT
synonyms see TALKATIVE
–vol·u·bil·i·ty \ˌväl-yə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–vol·u·ble·ness \'väl-yə-bəl-nəs\ noun
–vol·u·bly \-blē\ adverb

volume
n. 1 a : a series of printed sheets bound typically in book form : BOOK b : a series of issues of a periodical c : ALBUM 1C
2 : SCROLL 1A
3 : the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object as measured in cubic units (as quarts or liters) : cubic capacity ― see METRIC SYSTEM table WEIGHT table
4 a (1) : AMOUNT also : BULK, MASS (2) : a considerable quantity b : the amount of a substance occupying a particular volume c : mass or the representation of mass in art or architecture
5 : the degree of loudness or the intensity of a sound also : LOUDNESS
synonyms see BULK
–vol·umed \-yəmd, -(ˌ)yümd\ adjective

see table...

volume
n. transitive verb : to send or give out in volume
intransitive verb : to roll or rise in volume

volume
n. : involving large quantities <offered volume discounts>

volume-table

volumeter
n. : an instrument for measuring volumes (as of gases or liquids) directly or (as of solids) by displacement of a liquid

volumetric
adj. : of, relating to, or involving the measurement of volume
–vol·u·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

voluminosity
n. : the quality or state of being voluminous

voluminous
adj. 1 : consisting of many folds, coils, or convolutions : WINDING
2 a : having or marked by great volume or bulk : LARGE <long voluminous tresses> also : FULL <a voluminous skirt> b : NUMEROUS <trying to keep track of voluminous slips of paper>
3 a : filling or capable of filling a large volume or several volumes <a voluminous literature on the subject> b : writing or speaking much or at great length <a voluminous correspondent>
–vo·lu·mi·nous·ly adverb
–vo·lu·mi·nous·ness noun

voluntarism
n. 1 : the principle or system of doing something by or relying on voluntary action or volunteers
2 : a theory that conceives will to be the dominant factor in experience or in the world
–vol·un·ta·rist \-rist\ noun
–vol·un·ta·ris·tic \ˌvä-lən-tə-'ris-tik\ adjective

voluntary
n. 1 : proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent
2 : unconstrained by interference : SELF-DETERMINING
3 : done by design or intention : INTENTIONAL <voluntary manslaughter>
4 : of, relating to, subject to, or regulated by the will <voluntary behavior>
5 : having power of free choice
6 : provided or supported by voluntary action <a voluntary organization>
7 : acting or done of one's own free will without valuable consideration or legal obligation
–vol·un·tar·i·ly adverb
–vol·un·tar·i·ness noun
synonyms VOLUNTARY, INTENTIONAL, DELIBERATE, WILLING mean done or brought about of one's own will. VOLUNTARY implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion <a voluntary confession>. INTENTIONAL stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved <the intentional concealment of vital information>. DELIBERATE implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences <deliberate acts of sabotage>. WILLING implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another <willing obedience>.

voluntary
n. 1 a : a prefatory often extemporized musical piece b : an improvisatory organ piece played before, during, or after a religious service
2 : one who participates voluntarily : VOLUNTEER

voluntary muscle
: muscle (as most striated muscle) under voluntary control

voluntaryism
n. : VOLUNTARISM
–vol·un·tary·ist \-ē-ist\ noun

volunteer
n. 1 : a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service: as a : one who enters into military service voluntarily b (1) : one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest (2) : one who receives a conveyance or transfer of property without giving valuable consideration
2 : a volunteer plant
3 capitalized [Volunteers of America] : a member of a quasi-military religious and philanthropic organization founded in 1896 by Commander and Mrs. Ballington Booth

volunteer
n. 1 : being, consisting of, or engaged in by volunteers <a volunteer army> <busy with volunteer activities>
2 : growing spontaneously without direct human control or supervision especially from seeds lost from a previous crop <volunteer corn plants>

volunteer
n. : to offer oneself as a volunteer <volunteered to host the meeting>
transitive verb : to offer or bestow voluntarily <volunteer one's services>

volunteerism
n. 1 : VOLUNTARISM 1
2 : the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service

volupte
: pleasure : sensuality

voluptuary
n. : a person whose chief interests are luxury and the gratification of sensual appetites
–voluptuary adjective

voluptuous
adj. 1 a : full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : LUXURIOUS <a voluptuous dance> <voluptuous ornamentation> <a voluptuous wine> b : suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form <voluptuous nudes>
2 : given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications <a long and voluptuous holiday ― Edmund Wilson>
synonyms see SENSUOUS
–vo·lup·tu·ous·ly adverb
–vo·lup·tu·ous·ness noun

volute
n. 1 : a spiral or scroll-shaped form
2 : a spiral scroll-shaped ornament forming the chief feature of the Ionic capital
3 a : any of various marine gastropod mollusks (family Volutidae) with a thick short-spired shell b : the shell of a volute
–volute or vo·lut·ed \-'lü-təd\ adjective

volutin
n. : a granular basophilic substance containing nucleic acids that is found especially in cells of microorganisms

volva
: a membranous sac or cup about the base of the stipe in many gilled fungi (as agarics)

volvox
n. : any of a genus (Volvox) of flagellated unicellular green algae that form spherical colonies

volvulus
n. : a twisting of the intestine upon itself that causes obstruction

vomer
n. : a bone of the skull of most vertebrates that is situated below the ethmoid region and in the human skull forms part of the nasal septum
–vo·mer·ine \'vō-mə-ˌrīn\ adjective

vomeronasal organ
: either of a pair of small blind pouches or tubes in many vertebrates that are situated one on either side of the nasal septum or in the buccal cavity and that are reduced to rudimentary pits in adult humans but are developed in reptiles, amphibians, and some mammals as chemoreceptors ― called also Jacobson's organ

vomit
n. 1 : an act or instance of disgorging the contents of the stomach through the mouth also : the disgorged matter
2 : EMETIC

vomit
n. 1 : to disgorge the stomach contents
2 : to spew forth : BELCH, GUSH
transitive verb
1 : to disgorge (the contents of the stomach) through the mouth
2 : to eject violently or abundantly : SPEW
3 : to cause to vomit
–vom·it·er noun

vomitory
n. : an entrance piercing the banks of seats of a theater, amphitheater, or stadium

vomitus
n. : material discharged by vomiting

von
prep. Baeyer von
Von Braun
Wagner von Jauregg
Walther von der Vogelweide
Wolfram von Eschenbach

Von Braun
Wernher ― see BRAUN

Vonnegut
n. Kurt 1922-     American writer

voodoo
n. 1 also vo·dou \vō-'dü\ : a religion that is derived from African polytheism and ancestor worship and is practiced chiefly in Haiti
2 a : a person who deals in spells and necromancy b (1) : a sorcerer's spell : HEX (2) : a hexed object : CHARM

voodoo
n. : to bewitch by or as if by means of voodoo : HEX

voodoo
n. 1 : of, relating to, or practicing voodoo <voodoo rituals>
2 : based on highly improbable suppositions : extremely implausible or unrealistic <voodoo economics>

voodooism
n. 1 : VOODOO 1
2 : the practice of witchcraft
–voo·doo·ist \-ist\ noun
–voo·doo·is·tic \ˌvü-(ˌ)dü-'is-tik\ adjective

VOR
1 very-high-frequency omnidirectional radio (range)
2 very-high-frequency omnidirectional radio (beacon)

voracious
adj. 1 : having a huge appetite : RAVENOUS
2 : excessively eager : INSATIABLE <a voracious reader>
–vo·ra·cious·ly adverb
–vo·ra·cious·ness noun
synonyms VORACIOUS, GLUTTONOUS, RAVENOUS, RAPACIOUS mean excessively greedy. VORACIOUS applies especially to habitual gorging with food or drink <teenagers are often voracious eaters>. GLUTTONOUS applies to one who delights in eating or acquiring things especially beyond the point of necessity or satiety <an admiral who was gluttonous for glory>. RAVENOUS implies excessive hunger and suggests violent or grasping methods of dealing with food or with whatever satisfies an appetite <a nation with a ravenous lust for territorial expansion>. RAPACIOUS often suggests excessive and utterly selfish acquisitiveness or avarice <rapacious developers indifferent to environmental concerns>.

voracity
n. : the quality or state of being voracious

Vorarlberg
province W Austria W of Tirol bordering on Switzerland capital Bregenz pop 333,128

vorlage
: the position of a skier leaning forward from the ankles usually without lifting the heels from the skis

Voronezh
city S cen Russia in Europe near Don River pop 902,000

Voroshilov
Kliment Yefremovich 1881-1969 Soviet marshal; chairman of the Presidium (1953-60)

Voroshilovgrad
― see LUHANS'K

vorous
: eating : feeding on <frugivorous>

Vorskla
river Russia & Ukraine flowing into the Dnieper

Vorster
John 1915-1983 orig. Balthazar Johannes Vorster prime min. of Republic of So. Africa (1966-78)

vortex
n. 1 : something that resembles a whirlpool <the hellish vortex of battle ― Time>
2 a : a mass of fluid (as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action especially : WHIRLPOOL, EDDY b : a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity

vortical
adj. : of, relating to, or resembling a vortex : SWIRLING
–vor·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

vorticella
n. : any of a genus (Vorticella) of stalked bell-shaped ciliates

vorticism
n. : an English abstract art movement from about 1912-15 embracing cubist and futurist concepts
–vor·ti·cist \-sist\ noun or adjective often cap

vorticity
n. 1 : the state of a fluid in vortical motion broadly : vortical motion
2 : a measure of vortical motion especially : a vector measure of local rotation in a fluid flow

vorticose
adj. archaic : VORTICAL

Vosges
mountains NE France on W side of Rhine valley; highest point 4672 ft (1424 m)

votaress
n. : a woman who is a votary

votarist
n. : VOTARY

votary
n. 1 archaic : a sworn adherent
2 a : ENTHUSIAST, DEVOTEE b : a devoted admirer
3 a : a devout or zealous worshipper b : a staunch believer or advocate

vote
n. 1 a : a usually formal expression of opinion or will in response to a proposed decision especially : one given as an indication of approval or disapproval of a proposal, motion, or candidate for office b : the total number of such expressions of opinion made known at a single time (as at an election) c : an expression of opinion or preference that resembles a vote d : BALLOT 1
2 : the collective opinion or verdict of a body of persons expressed by voting
3 : the right to cast a vote specifically : the right of suffrage : FRANCHISE
4 a : the act or process of voting <brought the question to a vote> b : a method of voting
5 : a formal expression of a wish, will, or choice voted by a meeting
6 a : VOTER b : a group of voters with some common and identifying characteristics <the labor vote>
7 chiefly British a : a proposition to be voted on especially : a legislative money item b : APPROPRIATION

vote
n. intransitive verb
1 : to express one's views in response to a poll especially : to exercise a political franchise
2 : to express an opinion <consumers⋯vote with their dollars ― Lucia Mouat>
transitive verb
1 : to choose, endorse, decide the disposition of, defeat, or authorize by vote <he was voted out of office>
2 a : to adjudge by general agreement : DECLARE b : to offer as a suggestion : PROPOSE <I vote we all go home>
3 a : to cause to vote in a given way b : to cause to be cast for or against a proposal
4 : to vote in accordance with or in the interest of <vote your conscience> <voted their pocketbooks>
–vote with one's feet : to express one's disapproval or dissatisfaction by leaving

vote
n. casting vote
straw vote
voice vote
vote with one's feet
voting machine

vote with one's feet
to express one's disapproval or dissatisfaction by leaving

voteless
adj. : having no vote especially : denied the political franchise

voter
n. : one that votes or has the legal right to vote

voting machine
: a mechanical device for recording and counting votes cast in an election

votive
adj. 1 : consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire <a votive prayer>
2 : offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion
–vo·tive·ly adverb
–vo·tive·ness noun

votive candle
1 : a candle lit in devotion or gratitude
2 : a small squat candle ― called also votive

votive mass
: a mass celebrated for a special intention (as for a wedding or funeral) in place of the mass of the day

voto
ex voto
De Voto

votress
archaic : VOTARESS

vouch
v. transitive verb
1 : to summon into court to warrant or defend a title
2 archaic a : ASSERT, AFFIRM b : ATTEST
3 archaic : to cite or refer to as authority or supporting evidence
4 a : PROVE, SUBSTANTIATE b : to verify (a business transaction) by examining documentary evidence
intransitive verb
1 : to give a guarantee : become surety
2 a : to supply supporting evidence or testimony b : to give personal assurance
synonyms see CERTIFY

vouch
v. obsolete : ALLEGATION, DECLARATION

vouchee
n. : a person for whom another vouches

voucher
n. 1 : an act of vouching
2 a : a piece of supporting evidence : PROOF b : a documentary record of a business transaction c : a written affidavit or authorization : CERTIFICATE d : a form or check indicating a credit against future purchases or expenditures
3 : a coupon issued by government to a parent or guardian to be used to fund a child's education in either a public or private school

voucher
n. 1 : to establish the authenticity of
2 : to prepare a voucher for

voucher
n. archaic : one that guarantees : SURETY

vouchsafe
v. 1 a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner b : to give by way of reply <refused to vouchsafe an explanation>
2 : to grant as a privilege or special favor
synonyms see GRANT
–vouch·safe·ment \vau̇ch-'sāf-mənt\ noun

voulu
: willed : contrived or forced

vous
pron. Dieu vous garde
repondez s'il vous plait
répondez s'il vous plaît
s'il vous plait
s'il vous plaît
tout a vous
tout à vous

voussoir
n. : one of the wedge-shaped pieces forming an arch or vault ― see ARCH illustration

Vouvray
n. : a semidry to semisweet white wine from the Loire Valley of France that is often produced as a sparkling wine

vow
n. : a solemn promise or assertion specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow
n. 1 : to promise solemnly : SWEAR
2 : to bind or consecrate by a vow
intransitive verb : to make a vow
–vow·er \'vau̇(-ə)r\ noun

vow
n. : AVOW, DECLARE

vowel
n. 1 : one of a class of speech sounds in the articulation of which the oral part of the breath channel is not blocked and is not constricted enough to cause audible friction broadly : the one most prominent sound in a syllable
2 : a letter or other symbol representing a vowel ― usually used in English of a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y

vowel
n. great vowel shift
vowel point
vowel rhyme

vowel point
: a mark placed below or otherwise near a consonant in some languages (as Hebrew) and representing the vowel sound that precedes or follows the consonant sound

vowel rhyme
: ASSONANCE 2B

vowelize
v. : to furnish with vowel points

vox
n. vox populi
vox et praeterea nihil
vox populi vox Dei

vox et praeterea nihil
: voice and nothing more

vox populi
: popular sentiment

vox populi vox Dei
: the voice of the people is the voice of God

voyage
n. 1 : an act or instance of traveling : JOURNEY
2 : a course or period of traveling by other than land routes <a long sea voyage>
3 : an account of a journey especially by sea

voyage
n. intransitive verb : to take a trip : TRAVEL
transitive verb : SAIL, TRAVERSE
–voy·ag·er noun

voyageur
n. : a man employed by a fur company to transport goods to and from remote stations especially in the Canadian Northwest

Voyageurs National Park
n. reservation N Minn. on Canadian border S of Rainy Lake

voyeur
n. 1 : one obtaining sexual gratification from observing unsuspecting individuals who are partly undressed, naked, or engaged in sexual acts broadly : one who habitually seeks sexual stimulation by visual means
2 : a prying observer who is usually seeking the sordid or the scandalous
–voy·eur·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun
–voy·eur·is·tic \ˌvwä-(ˌ)yər-'is-tik, ˌvȯi-ər-\ adjective
–voy·eur·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Voznesensky
Andrey 1933-     Soviet (Russ.-born) poet

VP
n. 1 various places
2 verb phrase
3 vice president

VR
n. virtual reality

Vrangelya
― see WRANGEL

Vries, de
v. Hugo Marie 1848-1935 Du. botanist & geneticist

VRM
variable rate mortgage

vroom
n. : to operate a motor vehicle at high speed or so as to create a great deal of engine noise

Vrystaat
― see FREE STATE

vs
1 verse
2 versus ― often punctuated

VT
n. 1 vacuum tube
2 Vermont

Vt
n. Vermont

VTOL
vertical takeoff and landing

VTR
videotape recorder

vu
deja vu
déjà vu
bien vu
mal vu

vug
n. : a small unfilled cavity in a lode or in rock
–vug·gy \'və-gē\ adjective

Vuillard
(Jean-) Édouard 1868-1940 Fr. painter

Vulcan
n. : the Roman god of fire and metalworking ― compare HEPHAESTUS

vulcanian
adj. 1 capitalized : of or relating to Vulcan or to working in metals (as iron)
2 : of or relating to a volcanic eruption in which highly viscous or solid lava is blown into fragments and dust

vulcanicity
: VOLCANISM

vulcanisate
British variant of vulcanizate, vulcanization, vulcanize(!vul00B7;ca00B7;ni00B7;sate, vul00B7;ca00B7;ni00B7;sa00B7;tion, vul00B7;ca00B7;nise

vulcanism
n. : VOLCANISM

vulcanizate
: a vulcanized product

vulcanization
n. : the process of treating crude or synthetic rubber or similar plastic material chemically to give it useful properties (as elasticity, strength, and stability)

vulcanize
v. transitive verb : to subject to vulcanization
intransitive verb : to undergo vulcanization
–vul·ca·niz·er noun

vulcanized fiber
: a tough substance made by treatment of cellulose and used for luggage and electrical insulation and in packaging

vulcanology
n. : VOLCANOLOGY
–vul·ca·nol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

vulgar
adj. 1 a : generally used, applied, or accepted b : understood in or having the ordinary sense <they reject the vulgar conception of miracle ― W. R. Inge>
2 : VERNACULAR <the vulgar name of a plant>
3 a : of or relating to the common people : PLEBEIAN b : generally current : PUBLIC <the vulgar opinion of that time> c : of the usual, typical, or ordinary kind
4 a : lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste : COARSE b : morally crude, undeveloped, or unregenerate : GROSS c : ostentatious or excessive in expenditure or display : PRETENTIOUS
5 a : offensive in language : EARTHY b : lewdly or profanely indecent
synonyms see COMMON, COARSE
–vul·gar·ly adverb

vulgar era
: CHRISTIAN ERA

Vulgar Latin
: the nonclassical Latin of ancient Rome including the speech of plebeians and the informal speech of the educated established by comparative evidence as the chief source of the Romance languages

vulgarian
n. : a vulgar person

vulgarise
v. British variant of vulgarize

vulgarism
n. 1 : VULGARITY
2 a : a word or expression originated or used chiefly by illiterate persons b : a coarse word or phrase : OBSCENITY

vulgarity
n. 1 : something vulgar
2 : the quality or state of being vulgar

vulgarize
v. 1 : to diffuse generally : POPULARIZE
2 : to make vulgar : COARSEN
–vul·gar·i·za·tion \ˌvəl-gə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun
–vul·gar·iz·er \'vəl-gə-ˌrī-zər\ noun

vulgate
n. 1 capitalized : a Latin version of the Bible authorized and used by the Roman Catholic Church
2 : a commonly accepted text or reading
3 : the speech of the common people and especially of uneducated people

vulgus
n. : a short composition in Latin verse formerly common as an exercise in some English public schools

vulnerable
adj. 1 : capable of being physically or emotionally wounded
2 : open to attack or damage : ASSAILABLE <vulnerable to criticism>
3 : liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge
–vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–vul·ner·a·ble·ness \'vəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, 'vəl-nər-bəl-\ noun
–vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

vulnerary
n. : used for or useful in healing wounds <vulnerary plants>

vulnerary
n. : a vulnerary remedy

vulpine
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a fox
2 : FOXY, CRAFTY <a vulpine smile> <vulpine charms>

vulture
n. 1 : any of various large birds (families Accipitridae and Cathartidae) that are related to the hawks, eagles, and falcons but have weaker claws and the head usually naked and that subsist chiefly or entirely on carrion
2 : a rapacious or predatory person
–vul·tur·ish \-chə-rish\ adjective

vulturine
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of vultures
2 : RAPACIOUS, PREDATORY <vulturine legislators>

vulturous
adj. : resembling a vulture especially in rapacity or scavenging habits

vulva
n. : the external parts of the female genital organs
–vul·val \'vəl-vəl\ or vul·var \-vər, -ˌvär\ adjective

vulvovaginitis
n. : coincident inflammation of the vulva and vagina

Vuntut National Park
n. reservation NW Canada in NW Yukon Territory on Alaska border

vv
verses

VX
: an extremely toxic chemical weapon C_11H_26NO_2PS similar to sarin and tabun in action

Vyatka
1 river ab 800 mi (1287 km) E cen Russia in Europe flowing into the Kama
2 ― see KIROV

Vyborg
city & port W Russia in Europe on arm of Gulf of Finland; belonged to Finland 1917-40 pop 81,100

Vychegda
river 700 mi (1120 km) NE cen Russia in Europe flowing W to the Northern Dvina

vying
present part of vie

Vyshinsky
n. Andrey Yanuaryevich 1883-1954 Soviet lawyer, polit., & diplomat

W
n. : W PARTICLE

W
n. watt

W
n. tungsten

w
n. often attrib

15th century
1 a : the 23d letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic w
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter w
3 : one designated w especially as the 23d in order or class
4 : something shaped like the letter W

w
n. 1 water
2 week
3 weight
4 white
5 wicket
6 wide; width
7 wife
8 with

W particle
: either of two particles about 80 times heavier than a proton that along with the Z particle are transmitters of the weak force and that can have a positive or negative charge

w/o
prep. without

w/w
wall-to-wall

WA
n. Washington

Waadt
― see VAUD

Waal
river Netherlands, the S branch of the lower Rhine

Waals, van der
Johannes Diderik 1837-1923 Du. physicist

Wabash
river 475 mi (764 km) Ind. & Ill. flowing into Ohio River

wabble
n. variant of wobble

Wac
n. : a member of a U.S. Army unit created for women during World War II and discontinued in the 1970s

Wace
ca 1100-after 1174 Anglo-Norman poet

wack
n. slang : not up to the mark : LOUSY, LAME <while there are skilled moments, there are wack ones as well ― Danyel Smith>

wacked-out
variant of whacked-out

wacko
n. : WACKY

wacko
n. : a person who is wacky also : PSYCHO

wacky
adj. : absurdly or amusingly eccentric or irrational : CRAZY <wacky ideas> <a wacky comedian>
–wack·i·ly \'wa-kə-lē\ adverb
–wack·i·ness \'wa-kē-nəs\ noun

Waco
n. city NE cen Tex. on the Brazos pop 113,726

wad
n. 1 : a small mass, bundle, or tuft: as a : a soft mass especially of a loose fibrous material variously used (as to stop an aperture, pad a garment, or hold grease around an axle) b (1) : a soft plug used to retain a powder charge or to avoid windage especially in a muzzle-loading gun (2) : a felt or paper disk used to separate the components of a shotgun cartridge c : a small mass of a chewing substance <a wad of gum>
2 : a considerable amount (as of money)
3 a : a roll of paper money b : MONEY

wad
n. 1 a : to insert a wad into <wad a gun> b : to hold in by a wad <wad a bullet in a gun>
2 : to form into a wad or wadding especially : to roll or crush into a tight wad
3 : to stuff or line with some soft substance
–wad·der noun

Wad Medani
city E cen Sudan on the Blue Nile pop 106,715

Waddenzee
inlet of North Sea N Netherlands bet. W. Frisian Islands & IJsselmeer

wadding
n. 1 : wads or material for making wads
2 : a soft mass or sheet of short loose fibers used for stuffing or padding

Waddington, Mount
mountain 13,104 ft (3994 m) W Canada in SW B.C. in Coast Mountains; highest in the province

waddle
n. 1 : to walk with short steps swinging the forepart of the body from side to side
2 : to move clumsily in a manner suggesting a waddle
–wad·dler \'wäd-lər, 'wä-dəl-ər\ noun

waddle
n. : an awkward clumsy swaying gait

waddy
n. Australian : CLUB 1A

waddy
n. Australian : to attack or beat with a waddy

waddy
n. West : COWBOY

wade
n. intransitive verb
1 : to step in or through a medium (as water) offering more resistance than air
2 : to move or proceed with difficulty or labor <wade through the crowd> <wade through all the evidence>
3 : to set to work or attack with determination or vigor ― used with in or into <wade into a task>
transitive verb : to pass or cross by wading
–wad·able or wade·able \'wā-də-bəl\ adjective

wade
n. : an act of wading <a wade in the brook>

wade
n. Wade Giles
wading bird
wading pool

Wade-Giles
: a system for romanizing Chinese ideograms in which tones are indicated by superscript numbers and consonantal aspiration is indicated by an apostrophe ― compare PINYIN

wader
n. 1 : one that wades
2 : SHOREBIRD also : WADING BIRD
3 plural : high waterproof boots or a one-piece waterproof garment usually consisting of pants with attached boots that are used for wading (as when fishing)

wadi
n. 1 : the bed or valley of a stream in regions of southwestern Asia and northern Africa that is usually dry except during the rainy season and that often forms an oasis : GULLY, WASH
2 : a shallow usually sharply defined depression in a desert region

wadi
n. Arabah Wadi
Wadi el 'Arabah
Wadi al 'Arabah
'Arabah Wadi
Halq al Wadi
Wadi al Arabah Wadi Arabah Wadi el Arabah
Wadi al 'Arabah Wadi 'Arabah Wadi el 'Arabah

Wadi al-Arabah, Wadi Arabah, Wadi el-Arabah
― see 'ARABAH (Wadi)

wading bird
: any of an order (Ciconiiformes) of long-legged birds (as herons, bitterns, storks, and ibises) that wade in water in search of food

wading pool
: a shallow pool of portable or permanent construction used by children for wading

wadmal
: a coarse rough woolen fabric formerly used in the British Isles and Scandinavia for protective coverings and warm clothing

waesucks
Scottish ― used to express pity

Waf
n. : a member of the women's component of the U.S. Air Force formed after World War II and discontinued in the 1970s

wafer
n. 1 a : a thin crisp cake, candy, or cracker b : a round thin piece of unleavened bread used in the celebration of the Eucharist
2 : an adhesive disk of dried paste with added coloring matter used as a seal
3 a : a thin disk or ring resembling a wafer and variously used (as for a valve or diaphragm) b : a thin slice of semiconductor (as silicon) used as a base for an electronic component or circuit

wafer
n. 1 : to seal, close, or fasten with a wafer
2 : to divide (as a silicon rod) into wafers

waff
n. 1 chiefly Scottish : a waving motion
2 chiefly Scottish : PUFF, GUST

waffle
n. : a crisp cake of batter baked in a waffle iron

waffle
n. 1 : EQUIVOCATE, VACILLATE <waffled on the important issues> also : YO-YO, FLIP-FLOP
2 : to talk or write foolishly : BLATHER <can waffle⋯tiresomely off the point ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–waf·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun

waffle
n. : empty or pretentious words : TRIPE

waffle iron
: a cooking utensil having two hinged metal parts that shut upon each other and impress surface projections on waffles that are being cooked

wafflestomper
: a hiking boot with a lug sole

waft
n. intransitive verb : to move or go lightly on or as if on a buoyant medium <heavenly aromas wafted from the kitchen>
transitive verb : to cause to move or go lightly by or as if by the impulse of wind or waves
–waft·er noun

waft
n. 1 : something (as an odor) that is wafted : WHIFF
2 : a slight breeze : PUFF
3 : the act of waving
4 : a pennant or flag used to signal or to show wind direction

waftage
: the act of wafting or state of being wafted broadly : CONVEYANCE

wafture
: the act of waving or a wavelike motion

wag
n. intransitive verb
1 : to be in motion : STIR
2 : to move to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions
3 : to move in chatter or gossip <scandal caused tongues to wag>
4 archaic : DEPART
5 : WADDLE
transitive verb
1 : to swing to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions : SWITCH <a dog wagging its tail> specifically : to nod (the head) or shake (a finger) at (as in assent or mild reproof)
2 : to move (as the tongue) animatedly in conversation
–wag·ger noun

wag
n. : an act of wagging : SHAKE

wag
n. 1 : WIT, JOKER
2 obsolete : a young man : CHAP

wage
n. 1 a : a payment usually of money for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis ― often used in plural b plural : the share of the national product attributable to labor as a factor in production
2 : RECOMPENSE, REWARD ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction <the wages of sin is death ― Roman 6:23 (RSV)>
–wage·less \'wāj-ləs\ adjective

wage
n. transitive verb : to engage in or carry on <wage war> <wage a campaign>
intransitive verb : to be in process of occurring <the riot waged for several hours ― American Guide Series: Md.>

wage
n. living wage
minimum wage
wage earner
wage scale
wage slave
nominal wages
starvation wages

wage earner
: a person who works for wages or salary

wage scale
: a schedule of wage rates for related tasks broadly : the general level of wages in an industry or region

wage slave
: a person dependent on wages or a salary for a livelihood

waged
adj. : compensated by wages <waged workers> <waged labor>

wager
n. 1 a : something (as a sum of money) risked on an uncertain event : STAKE b : something on which bets are laid : GAMBLE <do a stunt as a wager>
2 archaic : an act of giving a pledge to take and abide by the result of some action

wager
n. intransitive verb : to make a bet
transitive verb : to risk or venture on a final outcome specifically : to lay as a gamble : BET <wager $5 on a horse>
–wa·ger·er \'wā-jər-ər\ noun

wageworker
n. : WAGE EARNER

waggery
n. 1 : mischievous merriment : PLEASANTRY
2 : JEST especially : PRACTICAL JOKE

waggish
adj. 1 : resembling or characteristic of a wag <a waggish friend> <a waggish prose style>
2 : done or made in waggery or for sport : HUMOROUS <waggish spoofs of popular songs>
–wag·gish·ly adverb
–wag·gish·ness noun

waggle
n. intransitive verb : to reel, sway, or move from side to side : WAG
transitive verb : to move frequently one way and the other : WAG
–wag·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

waggle
n. 1 : an instance of waggling : a jerky motion back and forth or up and down
2 : a preliminary swinging of a golf club head back and forth over the ball before the swing

waggon
n. chiefly British variant of wagon

Wagner
n. (Wilhelm) Ri·chard \'ri-ˌkärt, -ˌḵärt\ 1813-1883 Ger. composer

Wagner von Jauregg
Julius 1857-1940 Austrian neurologist & psychiatrist

Wagnerian
n. : of, relating to, characteristic, or suggestive of Wagner or his music, stage operas, or theories

Wagnerian
n. : an admirer of the musical theories and style of Wagner

Wagnerite
: WAGNERIAN

wagon
n. 1 a : a usually four-wheeled vehicle for transporting bulky commodities and drawn orig. by animals b : a lighter typically horse-drawn vehicle for transporting goods or passengers c : PADDY WAGON
2 British : a railway freight car
3 : a low four-wheeled vehicle with an open rectangular body and a retroflex tongue made for the play or use of a child
4 : a small wheeled table used for the service of a dining room <the dessert wagon>
5 : a delivery truck <a milk wagon>
6 : STATION WAGON
–off the wagon : in or into a state of no longer abstaining from alcoholic beverages <fell off the wagon>
–on the wagon : in or into a state of abstaining from alcoholic beverages

wagon
n. : to travel or transport goods by wagon
transitive verb : to transport (goods) by wagon

wagon
n. chuck wagon
coaster wagon
Conestoga wagon
covered wagon
jolt wagon
paddy wagon
patrol wagon
prairie wagon
spring wagon
station wagon
tea wagon
on the wagon
off the wagon
wagon lit
wagon lits
wagon master
wagon train
water wagon
on the water wagon
wagons lits

wagon master
: a person in charge of one or more wagons

wagon train
: a column of wagons (as of supplies for a group of settlers) traveling overland

wagon-lit
: a railroad sleeping car

wagoner
n. 1 : a person who drives a wagon or transports goods by wagon
2 capitalized obsolete : BOÖTES

wagonette
n. : a light wagon with two facing seats along the sides behind a transverse front seat

wagonload
n. 1 : a load that fills or could fill a wagon <a wagonload of apples>
2 : an indefinitely large quantity <a wagonload of options>

Wagram
village Austria NE of Vienna

wagtail
n. : any of various chiefly Old World oscine birds (family Motacillidae) related to the pipits and having a long tail that they habitually jerk up and down

wah-wah
: a fluctuating muted effect produced on a brass instrument by use of a mute or on an electric guitar by use of an electronic device connected to an amplifier and operated by a pedal

Wahhabi
n. : a member of a puritanical Muslim sect founded in Arabia in the 18th century by Muhammad ibn-Abdul Wahhab and revived by ibn-Saud in the 20th century
–Wah·hab·ism also Wa·hab·ism \-'hä-ˌbi-zəm\ noun
–Wah·hab·ite also Wa·hab·ite \-ˌbīt\ adjective or noun

wahine
n. 1 : a Polynesian woman
2 : a female surfer

wahoo
n. : WINGED ELM

wahoo
n. : a shrubby spindle tree (Euonymus atropurpureus) of chiefly eastern No. America that has purple capsules which in dehiscence expose scarlet-ariled seeds ― called also burning bush

wahoo
n. : a large vigorous mackerel (Acanthocybium solandri) that is common in warm seas and esteemed as a food and sport fish

wahoo
n. chiefly West ― used to express exuberance or enthusiasm or to attract attention

Waialeale, Mount
mountain 5200 ft (1585 m) Hawaii in cen Kauai

waif
n. 1 a : a piece of property found (as washed up by the sea) but unclaimed b plural : stolen goods thrown away by a thief in flight
2 a : something found without an owner and especially by chance b : a stray person or animal especially : a homeless child
–waif·ish \'wā-fish\ adjective
–waif·like \'wāf-ˌlīk\ adjective

waif
n. : WAFT 4

Waikato
river 264 mi (425 km) New Zealand in NW North Is. flowing NW into Tasman Sea

Waikiki
n. resort section of Honolulu, Hawaii NW of Diamond Head on Waikiki Beach

wail
n. intransitive verb
1 : to express sorrow audibly : LAMENT
2 : to make a sound suggestive of a mournful cry
3 : to express dissatisfaction plaintively : COMPLAIN
transitive verb archaic
1 : BEWAIL
2 : to say or express plaintively <wailed that her cake was ruined>
–wail·er \'wā-lər\ noun

wail
n. 1 : the act or practice of wailing : loud lamentation
2 a : a usually prolonged cry or sound expressing grief or pain b : a sound suggestive of wailing <the wail of an air-raid siren> c : a querulous expression of grievance : COMPLAINT

wailful
adj. 1 : uttering a sound suggestive of wailing
2 : expressing grief or pain : SORROWFUL, MOURNFUL <a wailful cry>
–wail·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

wailing wall
1 capitalized : a surviving section of the wall which in ancient times formed a part of the enclosure of Herod's temple near the Holy of Holies and at which Jews traditionally gather for prayer and religious lament
2 : a source of comfort and consolation in misfortune

Waimalu
unincorporated population center Hawaii on Pearl Harbor, Oahu pop 29,371

Waimea Canyon
gorge Hawaii on SW coast of Kauai

wain
n. 1 : a usually large and heavy vehicle for farm use <a hay wain>
2 capitalized [short for Charles's Wain] : BIG DIPPER

wainscot
n. 1 British : a fine grade of oak imported for woodwork
2 a (1) : a usually paneled wooden lining of an interior wall (2) : a lining of an interior wall irrespective of material b : the lower three or four feet (about one meter) of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall

wainscot
n. : to line with or as if with boards or paneling

wainscoting
n. 1 : WAINSCOT 2
2 : material used to wainscot a surface

Wainwright
n. Jonathan Mayhew 1883-1953 American gen.

Wainwright
n. Richard 1817-1862 & his son Richard, Jr. 1849-1926 American naval officers

wainwright
n. : a maker and repairer of wagons

Waipahu
city Hawaii in SW Oahu pop 33,108

waist
n. 1 a : the typically narrowed part of the body between the thorax and hips b : the greatly constricted basal part of the abdomen of some insects (as wasps and flies)
2 : the part of something corresponding to or resembling the human waist: as a (1) : the part of a ship's deck between the poop and forecastle (2) : the middle part of a sailing ship between foremast and mainmast b : the middle section of the fuselage of an airplane
3 : a garment or the part of a garment covering the body from the neck to the waistline or just below: a : BODICE 1 b : BLOUSE
4 : WAISTLINE 1B
–waist·ed \'wā-stəd\ adjective

waistband
n. : a band (as of trousers or a skirt) fitting around the waist

waistcoat
n. 1 : an ornamental garment worn under a doublet
2 chiefly British : VEST 2A
–waist·coat·ed \-ˌkō-təd\ adjective

waistline
n. 1 a : an arbitrary line encircling the narrowest part of the waist b : the part of a garment that covers the waistline or may be above or below it as fashion dictates
2 : body circumference at the waist

wait
n. transitive verb
1 : to stay in place in expectation of : AWAIT <waited the result of the advertisement ― W. M. Thackeray> <wait your turn>
2 : to delay serving (a meal)
3 : to serve as waiter for <wait tables>
intransitive verb
1 a : to remain stationary in readiness or expectation <wait for a train> b : to pause for another to catch up ― usually used with up
2 a : to look forward expectantly <just waiting to see his rival lose> b : to hold back expectantly <waiting for a chance to strike>
3 : to serve at meals ― usually used in such phrases as wait on tables or wait on table
4 a : to be ready and available <slippers waiting by the bed> b : to remain temporarily neglected or unrealized <the chores can wait>
–wait on also wait upon
1 a : to attend as a servant b : to supply the wants of : SERVE
2 : to make a formal call on
3 : to wait for
–wait up : to delay going to bed : stay up
usage American dialectologists have evidence showing wait on (sense 3) to be more a Southern than a Northern form in speech. Handbook writers universally denigrate wait on and prescribe wait for in writing. Our evidence from printed sources does not show a regional preference; it does show that the handbooks' advice is not based on current usage <settlement of the big problems still waited on Russia ― Time> <I couldn't make out⋯whether Harper was waiting on me for approval ― E. B. White> <the staggering bill that waited on them at the white commissary downtown ― Maya Angelou>. One reason for the continuing use of wait on may lie in its being able to suggest protracted or irritating waits better than wait for <for two days I've been waiting on weather ― Charles A. Lindbergh> <the boredom of black Africans sitting there, waiting on the whims of a colonial bureaucracy ― Vincent Canby> <doesn't care to sit around waiting on a House that's virtually paralyzed ― Glenn A. Briere>. Wait on is less common than wait for, but if it seems natural, there is no reason to avoid it.

wait
n. 1 a : a hidden or concealed position ― used chiefly in the expression lie in wait b : a state or attitude of watchfulness and expectancy <anchored in wait for early morning fishing ― Fred Zimmer>
2 a : one of a band of public musicians in England employed to play for processions or public entertainments b (1) : one of a group who serenade for gratuities especially at the Christmas season (2) : a piece of music by such a group
3 : an act or period of waiting <a long wait in line>

wait
n. wait upon
wait up
wait on
wait list
wait out
call waiting
lady in waiting
ladies in waiting
maid in waiting
maids in waiting
waiting game
waiting list
waiting room

wait on
also wait upon
1 a : to attend as a servant b : to supply the wants of : SERVE
2 : to make a formal call on
3 : to wait for

wait out
: to await an end to <wait the storm out>

wait up
to delay going to bed : stay up

wait-list
: to put on a waiting list

Waitaki
river 130 mi (209 km) New Zealand in SE cen South Is. flowing ESE into the Pacific

Waite
Morrison Remick 1816-1888 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1874-88)

waiter
n. 1 : one that waits on another especially : a person who waits tables (as in a restaurant)
2 : a tray on which something (as a tea service) is carried : SALVER

waiting game
: a strategy in which one or more participants withhold action temporarily in the hope of having a favorable opportunity for more effective action later

waiting list
: a list or roster of those waiting (as for admission to an organization or institution)

waiting room
: a room (as in a doctor's office) for the use of persons (as patients) who are waiting

waitperson
n. : a waiter or waitress

waitress
n. : a woman who waits tables (as in a restaurant)
–waitress intransitive verb

waitron
n. : WAITPERSON

waitstaff
n. : the staff of servers at a restaurant

waive
v. 1 archaic : GIVE UP, FORSAKE
2 : to throw away (stolen goods)
3 archaic : to shunt aside (as a danger or duty) : EVADE
4 a : to relinquish voluntarily (as a legal right) <waive a jury trial> b : to refrain from pressing or enforcing (as a claim or rule) : FORGO <waive the fee>
5 : to put off from immediate consideration : POSTPONE
6 [influenced by 1wave] : to dismiss with or as if with a wave of the hand <waived the problem aside>
7 : to place (a ball player) on waivers also : to release after placing on waivers
synonyms see RELINQUISH

waiver
n. 1 : the act of intentionally relinquishing or abandoning a known right, claim, or privilege also : the legal instrument evidencing such an act
2 : the act of a club's waiving the right to claim a professional ball player who is being removed from another club's roster ― often used in the phrase on waivers denoting the process by which a player to be removed from a roster is made available to other clubs

wakame
n. : an edible brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) native to Asia

Wakashan
n. : a family of American Indian languages spoken in coastal areas of British Columbia and northwest Washington

Wakayama
city & port Japan in SW Honshu on Inland Sea pop 386,551

wake
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to be or remain awake b archaic : to remain awake on watch especially over a corpse c obsolete : to stay up late in revelry
2 : AWAKE ― often used with up
transitive verb
1 : to stand watch over (as a dead body) especially : to hold a wake over
2 a : to rouse from or as if from sleep : AWAKE ― often used with up b : STIR, EXCITE <woke up latent possibilities ― Norman Douglas> c : to arouse conscious interest in : ALERT ― usually used with to <woke the public to the risks>
–wak·er noun

wake
n. 1 : the state of being awake
2 a (1) : an annual English parish festival formerly held in commemoration of the church's patron saint (2) : VIGIL 1A b : the festivities orig. connected with the wake of an English parish church ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction c British : an annual holiday or vacation ― usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
3 : a watch held over the body of a dead person prior to burial and sometimes accompanied by festivity

wake
n. 1 : the track left by a moving body (as a ship) in a fluid (as water) broadly : a track or path left
2 : AFTERMATH 3
–in the wake of
1 : close behind and in the same path of travel <missionaries arrived in the wake of conquistadors and soldiers ― Sabine MacCormack>
2 : as a result of : as a consequence of <power vacuums left in the wake of the second world war ― A. M. Schlesinger b1917>

wake
n. in the wake of
wake robin
wake up
wake up call
Wake Island

Wake Island
island N. Pacific N of Marshall Islands belonging to the U.S.

wake-robin
1 : TRILLIUM
2 : JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT

wake-up
: serving to wake up <a wake-up alarm>

wake-up call
1 : something (as a telephone call from a hotel employee to a guest) that serves to wake a sleeper
2 : something that serves to alert a person to a problem, danger, or need <a wake-up call to parents>

wakeboard
: a short board with foot bindings on which a rider is towed by a motorboat across its wake and especially up off the crest for aerial maneuvers
–wake·board·er noun
–wake·board·ing noun

Wakefield
1 town E Mass. N of Boston pop 24,804
2 city N England capital of W. Yorkshire pop 60,540

wakeful
adj. : not sleeping or able to sleep : SLEEPLESS
–wake·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wake·ful·ness noun

wakeless
adj. : SOUND, UNBROKEN <wakeless sleep>

waken
v. intransitive verb : AWAKE ― often used with up
transitive verb : to rouse especially out of sleep : WAKE

wakener
archaic : one that causes to waken

wakerife
Scottish : WAKEFUL, ALERT

waking
adj. : passed in a conscious or alert state <every waking hour>

Waksman
Sel·man \'sel-mən\ Abraham 1888-1973 American (Ukrainian-born) microbiologist

Walachia
region S Romania bet. the Transylvanian Alps & the Danube; includes Muntenia & Oltenia; chief city Bucharest
–Wa·la·chi·an or Wal·la·chi·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Walbrzych
city SW Poland pop 141,139

Walcott
Derek Alton 1930-     West Indian poet & playwright

Wald
George 1906-1997 American biol.

Wald
Lillian D. 1867-1940 American social worker

Wald
Thüringer Wald
Böhmer Wald
Teutoburger Wald

Waldeck
former county, principality, & state of Germany bet. Westphalia & Hesse-Nassau capital Arolsen

Waldemar
― see VALDEMAR

Walden Pond
pond NE Mass. S of Concord

Waldenses
n. : a Christian sect arising in southern France in the 12th century, adopting Calvinist doctrines in the 16th century, and later living chiefly in Piedmont
–Wal·den·sian \-'den(t)-shən, -'den(t)-sē-ən\ adjective or noun

Waldersee
Alfred von 1832-1904 Ger. soldier

Waldheim
n. Kurt 1918-     Austrian U.N. official; secy.-gen. (1972-82); pres. of Austria (1986-92)

Waldo
n. Peter d before 1218 Fr. religious leader

Waldorf salad
: a salad made typically of diced apples, celery, nuts, and mayonnaise

wale
n. 1 a : a streak or ridge made on the skin especially by the stroke of a whip : WEAL b : a narrow raised surface : RIDGE
2 : any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship ― usually used in plural
3 a : one of a series of even ribs in a fabric b : the texture especially of a fabric
4 : a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

wale
n. : to mark (as the skin) with welts

wale
n. 1 dialect British : CHOICE
2 dialect British : the best part : PICK

wale
n. dialect British : CHOOSE

wale
n. Prince of Wales
New South Wales
Prince of Wales Cape
Prince of Wales Island

waler
: a horse from New So. Wales especially : a rather large rugged saddle horse of mixed ancestry formerly exported in quantity from Australia to British India for military use

Wales
n. principality SW Great Britain; a division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland capital Cardiff area 8016 sq mi (20,761 sq km), pop 2,903,085

Wales
n. Prince of Wales
New South Wales
Prince of Wales Cape
Prince of Wales Island

Walesa
n. Lech \'lek, 'leḵ\ 1943-     Pol. polit.; pres. of Poland (1990-95)

Walhalla
: VALHALLA 1

walk
n. intransitive verb
1 a obsolete : ROAM, WANDER b of a spirit : to move about in visible form : APPEAR c of a ship : to make headway
2 a : to move along on foot : advance by steps b : to come or go easily or readily c : to go on foot for exercise or pleasure d : to go at a walk
3 a : to pursue a course of action or way of life : conduct oneself : BEHAVE <walk warily> b : to be or act in association : continue in union <the British and American peoples will⋯walk together side by side⋯in peace ― Sir Winston Churchill> c : WALK OUT <walked over problems with management>
4 : to go to first base as a result of a base on balls
5 of an inanimate object a : to move in a manner that is suggestive of walking b : to stand with an appearance suggestive of strides <pylons walking across the valley>
6 of an astronaut : to move about in space outside a spacecraft
7 : to avoid criminal prosecution or conviction <walked on a technicality>
transitive verb
1 a : to pass on foot or as if on foot through, along, over, or upon : TRAVERSE, PERAMBULATE <walk the streets> <walk a tightrope> b : to perform or accomplish by going on foot <walk guard>
2 a : to cause (an animal) to go at a walk : take for a walk <walking a dog> b (1) : to cause to move by walking <walked her bicycle up the hill> (2) : to haul (as an anchor) by walking round the capstan
3 : to follow on foot for the purpose of measuring, surveying, or inspecting <walk a boundary>
4 a : to accompany on foot : walk with <walked her home> b : to compel to walk (as by a command) c : to bring to a specified condition by walking <walked us off our feet>
5 : to move (an object) in a manner suggestive of walking
6 : to perform (a dance) at a walking pace <walk a quadrille>
7 : to give a base on balls to
–walk away from
1 : to outrun or get the better of without difficulty
2 : to survive (an accident) with little or no injury
3 : to give up or leave behind willingly : ABANDON
–walk off with
1 a : to steal and take away b : to take over unexpectedly from someone else : STEAL 1D <walked off with the show>
2 : to win or gain especially by outdoing one's competitors without difficulty
–walk on : to take advantage of : ABUSE
–walk on eggshells or walk on eggs : to exercise extreme caution
–walk over : to treat contemptuously
–walk the plank
1 : to walk under compulsion over the side of a ship into the sea
2 : to resign an office or position under compulsion
–walk through
1 : to go through (as a theatrical role or familiar activity) perfunctorily (as in an early stage of rehearsal)
2 : to guide (as a novice) through an unfamiliar or complex procedure step-by-step
3 : to deal with or carry out perfunctorily

walk
n. 1 a : an act or instance of going on foot especially for exercise or pleasure <go for a walk> b : SPACE WALK
2 : an accustomed place of walking : HAUNT
3 : a place designed for walking: a : a railed platform above the roof of a dwelling house b (1) : a path specially arranged or paved for walking (2) : SIDEWALK c : a public avenue for promenading : PROMENADE d : ROPEWALK
4 : a place or area of land in which animals feed and exercise with minimal restraint
5 : distance to be walked <a quarter mile walk from here>
6 British : a ceremonial procession
7 : manner of living : CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR
8 a : the gait of a biped in which the feet are lifted alternately with one foot not clear of the ground before the other touches b : the gait of a quadruped in which there are always at least two feet on the ground specifically : a 4-beat gait of a horse in which the feet strike the ground in the sequence near hind, near fore, off hind, off fore c : a low rate of speed <the shortage of raw materials slowed production to a walk>
9 : a route regularly traversed by a person in the performance of a particular activity (as patrolling, begging, or vending)
10 : characteristic manner of walking <his walk is just like his father's>
11 a : social or economic status <all walks of life> b (1) : range or sphere of action : FIELD, PROVINCE (2) : VOCATION
12 : BASE ON BALLS
13 : an easy victory <won in a walk>
–walk in the park : an easy or pleasurable experience : PICNIC

walk
n. walk on eggs
cock of the walk
power walk
random walk
sheep walk
space walk
take a walk
walk through
walk the plank
walk over
walk on eggshells
walk on
walk off with
walk away from
walk in the park
walk in
walk out
walk out on
walk up
widow's walk
Tennessee walking horse
walking catfish
walking delegate
walking leaf
walking papers
walking ticket
walking pneumonia
walking stick

walk away from

1 : to outrun or get the better of without difficulty
2 : to survive (an accident) with little or no injury
3 : to give up or leave behind willingly : ABANDON

walk in the park
an easy or pleasurable experience : PICNIC

walk off with

1 a : to steal and take away b : to take over unexpectedly from someone else : STEAL 1D <walked off with the show>
2 : to win or gain especially by outdoing one's competitors without difficulty

walk on
to take advantage of : ABUSE

walk on eggshells
or walk on eggs : to exercise extreme caution

walk out
1 : to leave suddenly often as an expression of disapproval
2 : to go on strike
–walk out on : to leave in the lurch : ABANDON, DESERT

walk out on
to leave in the lurch : ABANDON, DESERT

walk over
to treat contemptuously

walk the plank

1 : to walk under compulsion over the side of a ship into the sea
2 : to resign an office or position under compulsion

walk through

1 : to go through (as a theatrical role or familiar activity) perfunctorily (as in an early stage of rehearsal)
2 : to guide (as a novice) through an unfamiliar or complex procedure step-by-step
3 : to deal with or carry out perfunctorily

walk-in
1 : large enough to be walked into <a walk-in closet>
2 : arranged so as to be entered directly rather than through a lobby <a walk-in apartment>
3 a : being a person who walks in without an appointment <a walk-in blood donor> b : of, relating to, or intended for such persons <a walk-in clinic>

walk-in
1 : a walk-in refrigerator or cold storage room
2 : an easy election victory
3 : a person who walks in without an appointment

walk-on
1 : a minor part (as in a dramatic production) also : an actor having such a part
2 : a college athlete who tries out for an athletic team without having been recruited or offered a scholarship

walk-through
1 : a perfunctory performance of a play or acting part (as in an early stage of rehearsal)
2 : a television rehearsal without cameras

walk-up
1 : located above the ground floor in a building with no elevator <a walk-up apartment>
2 : consisting of several stories and having no elevator <a walk-up tenement>
3 : designed to allow pedestrians to be served without entering a building <the walk-up window of a bank>

walk-up
: an apartment or office building of several stories that has no elevator also : an apartment or office in such a building

walkable
adj. : capable of or suitable for being walked <a very walkable city> <a walkable distance>

walkabout
n. 1 : a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work ― often used in the phrase go walkabout <the man who went walkabout was making a ritual journey ― Bruce Chatwin>
2 : something (as a journey) similar to a walkabout
3 : a walking tour especially : one in which a well-known person mingles with the public <went walkabout in the streets>

walkathon
n. : a walk covering a considerable distance organized especially to raise money for a cause

walkaway
n. : an easily won contest

Walker
n. Alice Malsenior 1944-     American writer

Walker
n. Francis Am·a·sa \'a-mə-sə\ 1840-1897 American econ.

Walker
n. John E. 1941-     Brit. biochem.

Walker
n. William 1824-1860 American filibuster

walker
n. 1 : one that walks: as a : a competitor in a walking race b : a peddler going on foot c : a temporary male escort of socially prominent women attending usually public events
2 : something used in walking: as a : a framework designed to support a baby learning to walk or an infirm or disabled person b : a walking shoe

walkie-talkie
: a compact easily transportable battery-operated radio transmitting and receiving set

walking
n. 1 : the action of one that walks <walking is good exercise>
2 : the condition of a surface for one going on foot <the walking is slippery>

walking
n. 1 a : able to walk : AMBULATORY <the walking wounded> b : being the personification of a nonhuman quality or thing <a walking encyclopedia>
2 a : used for or in walking <walking shoes> b : characterized by or consisting of the action of walking <a walking tour>
3 : that moves or appears to move in a manner suggestive of walking especially : that swings or rocks back and forth <walking beam>
4 : guided or operated by a person on foot <a walking plow>

walking
n. Tennessee walking horse
walking catfish
walking delegate
walking leaf
walking papers
walking ticket
walking pneumonia
walking stick

walking catfish
: an Asian freshwater catfish (Clarias batrachus of the family Clariidae) that is able to move about on land and has become established in Florida waters

walking delegate
: a labor union representative appointed to visit members and their places of employment, to secure enforcement of union rules and agreements, and at times to represent the union in dealing with employers

walking leaf
: any of a family (Phylliidae) of phasmid insects with wings and legs resembling leaves

walking papers
: DISMISSAL, DISCHARGE ― called also walking ticket

walking pneumonia
: a usually mild pneumonia caused by a mycoplasma (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) and characterized by malaise, cough, and often fever

walking stick
1 : a stick used in walking
2 : STICK INSECT especially : one (Diapheromera femorata) of the U.S. and Canada

Walkman
n. ― used for a small portable audio player listened to by means of headphones or earphones

walkout
n. 1 : STRIKE 3A
2 : the action of leaving a meeting or organization as an expression of disapproval

walkover
n. 1 : a one-sided contest : an easy or uncontested victory
2 : a horse race with only one starter

walkway
n. : a passage for walking : WALK

Walkyrie
: VALKYRIE

wall
n. 1 a : a high thick masonry structure forming a long rampart or an enclosure chiefly for defense ― often used in plural b : a masonry fence around a garden, park, or estate c : a structure that serves to hold back pressure (as of water or sliding earth)
2 : one of the sides of a room or building connecting floor and ceiling or foundation and roof
3 : the side of a footpath next to buildings
4 : an extreme or desperate position or a state of defeat, failure, or ruin <the surrounded troops had their backs against the wall> <small companies driven to the wall>
5 : a material layer enclosing space <the wall of a container> <heart walls>
6 : something resembling a wall (as in appearance, function, or effect) especially : something that acts as a barrier or defense <a wall of reserve> <tariff wall>
–wall-like \'wȯl-ˌlīk\ adjective
–off the wall
slang : CRAZY <the plan was off the wall>
–up the wall
slang : into a state of intense agitation, annoyance, or frustration <the noise drove me up the wall>

wall
n. 1 a : to provide, cover with, or surround with or as if with a wall <wall in the garden> b : to separate by or as if by a wall <walled off half the house>
2 a : IMMURE <walled the monster up within the tomb ― E. A. Poe> b : to close (an opening) with or as if with a wall

wall
n. intransitive verb of the eyes : to roll in a dramatic manner
transitive verb : to roll (one's eyes) in a dramatic manner

wall
n. parapet wall
pellitory of the wall
wall like
body wall
brick wall
cell wall
Chinese wall
climbing wall
curtain wall
fire wall
fly on the wall
fourth wall
handwriting on the wall
hit the wall
hole in the wall
holes in the wall
off the wall
party wall
primary wall
stone wall
Trombe wall
wailing wall
up the wall
wall painting
wall plate
wall plug
wall rock
wall rocket
Wall Street
Wall Streeter
wall system
wall to wall
writing on the wall

wall painting
: FRESCO

wall plate
: PLATE 5

wall plug
: an electric receptacle in a wall

wall rock
: a rock through which a fault or vein runs

wall rocket
: any of several Old World herbs (genus Diplotaxis) of the mustard family especially : a yellow-flowered European herb (D. tenuifolia) naturalized in No. America

Wall Street
: the influential financial interests of the U.S. economy

Wall Streeter
: a person who is involved in Wall Street

wall system
: a set of shelves often with cabinets or bureaus that can be variously arranged along a wall

wall-to-wall
1 : covering the entire floor <wall-to-wall carpeting>
2 a : covering or filling one entire space or time <a party crammed with wall-to-wall bodies> b : occurring or found everywhere : UBIQUITOUS

Walla Walla
city SE Wash. pop 29,686

wallaby
n. : any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos (esp. genus Macropus) ― compare ROCK WALLABY

Wallace
n. Alfred Russel 1823-1913 Eng. naturalist

Wallace
n. George Corley 1919-1998 American polit.

Wallace
n. Henry Agard \'ā-ˌgärd\ 1888-1965 American agriculturist, editor, & polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1941-45)

Wallace
n. Lewis 1827-1905 Lew Wallace American lawyer, gen., & nov.

Wallace
n. Sir William ca 1270-1305 Scot. patriot

Wallace's line
: a hypothetical boundary that separates the highly distinctive faunas of the Asian and Australian biogeographic regions and passes between the islands of Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, between Borneo and Sulawesi, and between the Philippines and the Moluccas

Wallach
n. Otto 1847-1931 Ger. chem.

wallah
n. : a person who is associated with a particular work or who performs a specific duty or service ― usually used in combination <the book wallah was an itinerant peddler ― George Orwell>

wallaroo
n. 1 : a large reddish-gray kangaroo (Macropus robustus) ― called also euro
2 : either of two kangaroos (Macropus antelopinus and M. bernardus) related to the wallaroo

Wallasey
town NW England in Merseyside on coast W of Liverpool pop 90,057

wallboard
n. : a structural boarding of any of various materials (as wood pulp, gypsum, or plastic) made in large rigid sheets and used especially for sheathing interior walls and ceilings

Wallenberg
n. Raoul 1912-?1947 Swed. diplomat & hero of the Holocaust

Wallenstein
Albrecht Wenzel Eusebius von 1583-1634 Duke of Friedland and Mecklenburg; Prince of Sagan Austrian gen.

Waller
Edmund 1606-1687 Eng. poet

Waller
Thomas Wright 1904-1943 Fats Waller American pianist & composer

wallet
n. 1 : a bag for carrying miscellaneous articles while traveling
2 a : a folding pocketbook with compartments for personal papers and usually unfolded paper money also : BILLFOLD b : a container that resembles a money wallet: as (1) : a usually flexible folding case fitted for carrying specific items (as tools or fishing flies) (2) : FOLDER 3
3 : RESOURCES, FUNDS <a shopping mall that seems to swallow your wallet ― Karen Wright>

walleye
n. 1 a : an eye with a whitish or bluish-white iris b : an eye with an opaque white cornea
2 a : strabismus in which the eye turns outward away from the nose b : an eye affected with strabismus of this type
3 : a large vigorous No. American freshwater food and sport fish (Stizostedion vitreum) that has large opaque eyes and is related to the perches but resembles the true pike ― called also walleyed pike

walleye pollack
: POLLACK 2

walleyed
adj. 1 : having walleyes or affected with walleye
2 : marked by a wild irrational staring of the eyes

wallflower
n. 1 a : any of several Old World perennial herbs (genus Cheiranthus) of the mustard family especially : a hardy erect herb (C. cheiri) widely cultivated for its showy fragrant flowers b : any of a related genus (Erysimum) of herbs with showy flowers
2 a : a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains on the sidelines of a social activity (as a dance) b : a shy or reserved person

Wallingford
town S Conn. NNE of New Haven pop 43,026

Wallis
― see VALAIS

Wallis Islands
islands SW Pacific NE of Fiji Islands; with Futuna Islands, constitute a French overseas territory (Wallis and Futuna Islands pop 14,000)

Wallonia
semiautonomous region S Belgium pop 3,358,560

Walloon
n. 1 : a member of a people of southern and southeastern Belgium and adjacent parts of France
2 : a French dialect of the Walloons
–Walloon adjective

wallop
n. intransitive verb
1 : to boil noisily
2 a : to move with reckless or disorganized haste : advance in a headlong rush b : WALLOW, FLOUNDER
transitive verb
1 a : to thrash soundly : LAMBASTE b : to beat by a wide margin : TROUNCE
2 : to hit with force : SOCK
–wal·lop·er noun

wallop
n. 1 a : a powerful blow : PUNCH b : something resembling a wallop especially in suddenness of force c : the ability (as of a boxer) to hit hard
2 a : emotional, sensory, or psychological force or influence : IMPACT <a novel that packs a wallop> b : an exciting emotional response : THRILL
3 British : BEER

walloping
n. 1 : LARGE, WHOPPING
2 : exceptionally fine or impressive : SMASHING

Wallops Island
island E Va. in the Atlantic SW of Chincoteague Bay

wallow
n. 1 : to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner <hogs wallowing in the mud>
2 : to billow forth : SURGE
3 : to devote oneself entirely especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : DELIGHT
4 a : to become abundantly supplied : LUXURIATE <a family that wallows in money> b : to indulge oneself immoderately <wallowing in self-pity>
5 : to become or remain helpless <allowed them to wallow in their ignorance>
–wal·low·er \'wä-lə-wər\ noun

wallow
n. 1 : an act or instance of wallowing
2 a : a muddy area or one filled with dust used by animals for wallowing b : a depression formed by or as if by the wallowing of animals
3 : a state of degradation or degeneracy

Wallowa Mountains
mountains NE Oreg. E of Blue Mountains; highest Sacajawea Peak 9838 ft (2999 m)

wallpaper
n. : decorative paper for the walls of a room

wallpaper
n. : to provide the walls of (a room) with wallpaper
intransitive verb : to put wallpaper on a wall

wally
n. Scottish : FINE, STURDY

wallydraigle
chiefly Scottish : a feeble, imperfectly developed, or slovenly creature

Walnut
n. city SW Calif. E of Los Angeles pop 30,004

walnut
n. 1 a : the furrowed nut of any of a genus (Juglans of the family Juglandaceae, the walnut family) of deciduous trees especially : the large edible nut of an English walnut b : a tree that bears walnuts c : the wood of a walnut that is often used for cabinetmaking and veneers
2 : a moderate reddish brown

walnut
n. white walnut
black walnut
Circassian walnut
English walnut
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Creek

Walnut Canyon National Monument
n. reservation N cen Ariz. ESE of Flagstaff containing cliff dwellings

Walnut Creek
city W Calif. E of Berkeley pop 64,296

Walpole
Horace 1717-1797 orig. Horatio Walpole 4th Earl of Or·ford \'ȯr-fərd\ Eng. author

Walpole
Sir Hugh Seymour 1884-1941 Eng. nov.

Walpole
Sir Robert 1676-1745 1st Earl of Orford; father of Horace Eng. statesman
–Wal·pol·ian \wȯl-'pō-lē-ən, wäl-\ adjective

Walpole
town E Mass. SW of Boston pop 22,824

Walpurgis Night
n. 1 : the eve of May Day on which witches are held to ride to an appointed rendezvous
2 : something (as an event or situation) having a nightmarish quality

Walpurgisnacht
: WALPURGIS NIGHT

walrus
n. : a large gregarious marine mammal (Odobenus rosmarus of the family Odobenidae) of arctic waters that is related to the seals and has long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide, and stiff whiskers and that feeds mainly on bivalve mollusks

Walsall
town W cen England in W. Midlands NNW of Birmingham pop 255,600

Walter
n. Bruno 1876-1962 orig. Bruno Walter Schle·sing·er \'shlā-ziŋ-ər\ American (Ger.-born) conductor

Walter Mitty
: a commonplace unadventurous person who seeks escape from reality through daydreaming
–Walter Mit·ty·ish \-ish\ adjective

Waltham
city E Mass. W of Boston pop 59,226

Waltham Forest
borough of NE Greater London, England pop 203,400

Walthamstow
former municipal borough SE England in Essex, now part of Waltham Forest

Walther von der Vogelweide
v. ca 1170-ca 1230 Ger. minnesinger & poet

Walton
Ernest Thomas Sinton 1903-1995 Irish physicist

Walton
Izaak \'ī-zik, -zək\ 1593-1683 Eng. writer

Walton
Samuel Moore 1918-1992 American merchant

Walton
Sir William Turner 1902-1983 Eng. composer

waltz
n. 1 : a ballroom dance in 3/4 time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close
2 : music for a waltz or a concert composition in 3/4 time

waltz
n. 1 : to dance a waltz
2 : to move or advance in a lively or conspicuous manner : FLOUNCE
3 a : to advance easily and successfully : BREEZE ― often used with through b : to approach boldly ― used with up <can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves>
transitive verb
1 : to dance a waltz with
2 : to grab and lead (as a person) unceremoniously : MARCH
–waltz·er noun

Walvis Bay
town & port W Namibia on Walvis Bay (inlet of the Atlantic) W of Windhoek; formerly an exclave of Republic of South Africa forming a district area (of district) 434 sq mi (1124 sq km)

wamble
n. 1 a : to feel nausea b of a stomach : RUMBLE 1
2 : to move unsteadily or with a weaving or rolling motion

wamble
n. 1 : a wambling especially of the stomach
2 : a reeling or staggering gait or movement

wame
chiefly Scottish : BELLY

Wampanoag
n. : a member of an American Indian people of Rhode Island east of Narragansett Bay and neighboring parts of Massachusetts

wampum
n. 1 : beads of polished shells strung in strands, belts, or sashes and used by No. American Indians as money, ceremonial pledges, and ornaments
2 : MONEY

wampumpeag
: WAMPUM

WAN
n. : WIDE AREA NETWORK

wan
n. 1 a : suggestive of poor health : SICKLY, PALLID b : lacking vitality : FEEBLE
2 : DIM, FAINT
3 : LANGUID <a wan smile>
–wan·ly adverb
–wan·ness \'wän-nəs\ noun

wan
n. : to grow or become pale or sickly

Wanamaker
John 1838-1922 American merchant

wand
n. 1 : a slender staff carried in a procession : VERGE
2 : a slender rod used by conjurers and magicians
3 : a slat six feet by two inches used as a target in archery also : a narrow strip of paper pasted vertically on a target face
4 : any of various pipelike devices especially : the rigid tube between the hose and the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner
5 : a handheld device used to enter information (as from a bar code) into a computer

wander
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal b : to go idly about : RAMBLE <wandering around the house>
2 : to follow a winding course : MEANDER
3 a : to go astray (as from a course) : STRAY <wandered away from the group> b : to go astray morally : ERR c : to lose normal mental contact : stray in thought <his mind wandered>
transitive verb : to roam over <wandered the halls>
–wander noun
–wan·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
synonyms WANDER, ROAM, RAMBLE, ROVE, TRAIPSE, MEANDER mean to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose. WANDER implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course <fond of wandering about the square just watching the people>. ROAM suggests wandering about freely and often far afield <liked to roam through the woods>. RAMBLE stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective <the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point>. ROVE suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming <armed brigands roved over the countryside>. TRAIPSE implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful <traipsed all over town looking for the right dress>. MEANDER implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering <the river meanders for miles through rich farmland>.

wandering
n. : characterized by aimless, slow, or pointless movement: as a : that winds or meanders <a wandering course> b : not keeping a rational or sensible course : VAGRANT c : NOMADIC <wandering tribes> d of a plant : having long runners or tendrils

wandering
n. 1 : a going about from place to place ― often used in plural
2 : movement away from the proper, normal, or usual course or place ― often used in plural

wandering albatross
: a large white albatross (Diomedea exulans) of southern oceans that has black outer wing feathers and a wingspan of about 11 feet (3.4 meters)

Wandering Jew
1 : a Jew of medieval legend condemned by Christ to wander the earth till Christ's second coming
2 not capitalized W : any of several plants (genera Zebrina and Tradescantia) of the spiderwort family especially : either of two trailing or creeping plants (Z. pendula and T. fluminensis) cultivated for their showy and often white-striped foliage

Wanderjahr
n. : year of wandering

wanderlust
n. : strong longing for or impulse toward wandering

Wandsworth
borough of SW Greater London, England pop 237,500

wane
n. 1 : to decrease in size, extent, or degree : DWINDLE: as a : to diminish in phase or intensity ― used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets b : to become less brilliant or powerful : DIM c : to flow out : EBB
2 : to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence
synonyms see ABATE

wane
n. 1 a : the act or process of waning <strength on the wane> b : a period or time of waning specifically : the period from the full moon to the new moon
2 [Middle English, defect, from Old English wana; akin to Old English wan deficient] : a defect in lumber characterized by bark or a lack of wood at a corner or edge

Wang Ching-wei
1883-1944 Chin. polit.

Wanganui
1 river 180 mi (290 km) New Zealand in SW cen North Is. flowing into Tasman Sea
2 city & port New Zealand in North Is. on Tasman Sea urban area pop 39,423

wangle
n. transitive verb : to resort to trickery or devious methods
intransitive verb
1 : to adjust or manipulate for personal or fraudulent ends
2 : to make or get by devious means : FINAGLE <wangle an invitation>
–wan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

wanigan
: a shelter (as for sleeping, eating, or storage) often mounted on wheels or tracks and towed by tractor or mounted on a raft or boat

wanion
archaic : PLAGUE, VENGEANCE ― used in the phrase with a wanion

wank
n. chiefly British usually vulgar : MASTURBATE

Wankel engine
: an internal combustion rotary engine that has a rounded triangular rotor functioning as a piston and rotating in a space in the engine and that has only two major moving parts

wanker
n. 1 chiefly British usually vulgar : a person who masturbates
2 chiefly British usually vulgar : JERK, DOLT

wannabe
n. 1 : a person who wants or aspires to be someone or something else or who tries to look or act like someone else
2 : something (as a company, city, or product) intended to rival another of its kind that has been successful especially : one for which hopes have failed or are likely to fail

Wanne-Eickel
city W Germany in the Ruhr N of Bochum pop 100,300

Wanstead and Woodford
former municipal borough S England in Essex, now part of Redbridge

want
n. intransitive verb
1 : to be needy or destitute
2 : to have or feel need <never wants for friends>
3 : to be necessary or needed
4 : to desire to come, go, or be <the cat wants in> <wants out of the deal>
transitive verb
1 : to fail to possess especially in customary or required amount : LACK <the answer wanted courtesy>
2 a : to have a strong desire for <wanted a chance to rest> b : to have an inclination to : LIKE <say what you want, he is efficient>
3 a : to have need of : REQUIRE <the motor wants a tune-up> b : to suffer from the lack of <thousands still want food and shelter>
4 : OUGHT ― used with the infinitive <you want to be very careful what you say ― Claudia Cassidy>
5 : to wish or demand the presence of
6 : to hunt or seek in order to apprehend <wanted for murder>
synonyms see DESIRE

want
n. 1 a : DEFICIENCY, LACK <suffers from a want of good sense> b : grave and extreme poverty that deprives one of the necessities of life
2 : something wanted : NEED, DESIRE
3 : personal defect : FAULT
synonyms see POVERTY

want ad
: a newspaper advertisement stating that something (as an employee, employment, or a specified item) is wanted

wanting
adj. 1 : not present or in evidence : ABSENT
2 a : not being up to standards or expectations b : lacking in ability or capacity : DEFICIENT

wanting
adj. 1 : WITHOUT <a book wanting a cover>
2 : LESS, MINUS <a month wanting two days>

wanton
n. 1 a archaic : hard to control : UNDISCIPLINED, UNRULY b : playfully mean or cruel : MISCHIEVOUS
2 a : LEWD, BAWDY b : causing sexual excitement : LUSTFUL, SENSUAL
3 a : MERCILESS, INHUMANE <wanton cruelty> b : having no just foundation or provocation : MALICIOUS <a wanton attack>
4 : being without check or limitation: as a : luxuriantly rank <wanton vegetation> b : unduly lavish : EXTRAVAGANT <wanton imagination>
–wan·ton·ly adverb
–wan·ton·ness \-tən-nəs\ noun

wanton
n. 1 a : one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling ― used especially in the phrase play the wanton b : a lewd or lascivious person
2 : a pampered person or animal : PET especially : a spoiled child
3 : a frolicsome child or animal

wanton
n. : to be wanton or act wantonly
transitive verb : to pass or waste wantonly or in wantonness
–wan·ton·er noun

wapentake
n. : a subdivision of some English shires corresponding to a hundred

wapiti
n. : ELK 1B

wappenschawing
: an inspection or muster of soldiers formerly held at various times in each district of Scotland

Wapsipinicon
river 225 mi (362 km) SE Minn. & E Iowa flowing SE into Mississippi River

Wapusk National Park
n. reservation Canada in NE Man. bordering Hudson Bay

war
n. 1 a (1) : a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations (2) : a period of such armed conflict (3) : STATE OF WAR b : the art or science of warfare c (1) obsolete : weapons and equipment for war (2) archaic : soldiers armed and equipped for war
2 a : a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism b : a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end <a class war> <a war against disease> c : VARIANCE, ODDS 3
–war·less \-ləs\ adjective

war
n. 1 : to be in active or vigorous conflict
2 : to engage in warfare

war
n. chiefly Scottish : WORSE

war
n. Scottish : WORST, OVERCOME

war
n. civil war
cold war
Gulf War syndrome
holy war
hot war
law of war
limited war
man of war
man o' war
men o' war
men of war
man o' war bird
price war
prisoner of war
sloop of war
state of war
theater of war
Trojan War
tug of war
tugs of war
war baby
war bride
war chest
war club
war crime
war criminal
war cry
war dance
war footing
war game
war hawk
war of nerves
war paint
war party
war power
war room
war story
war whoop
war zone
world war
Portuguese man of war
Portuguese men of war
Portuguese man of wars

war baby
: a person born or conceived during a war

war bride
1 : a woman who marries a serviceman ordered into active service in time of war
2 : a woman who marries a serviceman especially of a foreign nation met during a time of war

war chest
: a fund accumulated to finance a war broadly : a fund earmarked for a specific purpose, action, or campaign

war club
: a club-shaped implement used as a weapon especially by American Indians

war crime
: a crime (as genocide or maltreatment of prisoners) committed during or in connection with war ― usually used in plural
–war criminal noun

war cry
1 : a cry used by a body of fighters in war
2 : a slogan used especially to rally people to a cause

war dance
: a dance performed (as by American Indians) in preparation for battle or in celebration of victory

war footing
: the condition of being prepared to undertake or maintain war

war game
1 : a simulated battle or campaign to test military concepts and usually conducted in conferences by officers acting as the opposing staffs
2 : a two-sided umpired training maneuver with actual elements of the armed forces participating

war hawk
: a person who clamors for war especially : a jingoistic American favoring war with Britain around 1812

war of nerves

1939
: a conflict characterized by psychological tactics (as bluff, threats, and intimidation) designed primarily to create confusion, indecision, or breakdown of morale

war paint
1 : paint put on parts of the body (as the face) by American Indians as a sign of going to war
2 : MAKEUP 3A

war party
1 : a group of American Indians on the warpath
2 : a usually jingoistic political party advocating or upholding a war

war power
: the power to make war specifically : an extraordinary power exercised usually by the executive branch of a government in the prosecution of a war

war room
1 : a room at a military headquarters where maps showing the current status of troops in battle are maintained
2 : a room (as at a business headquarters) used for conferences and planning that is often specially equipped (as with computers, or charts)

war story
: a story of a memorable personal experience typically involving an element of danger, hardship, or adventure <politicians swapping war stories from past campaigns>

war whoop
: a war cry especially of American Indians

war zone
1 : a zone in which belligerents are waging war broadly : an area marked by extreme violence
2 : a designated area especially on the high seas within which rights of neutrals are not respected by a belligerent nation in time of war

war-game
: to plan or conduct in the manner of a war game <war-gamed an invasion ― Newsweek>
intransitive verb : to conduct a war game

Warangal
city S cen India in N Andhra Pradesh NE of Hyderabad pop 528,570

Warbeck
Perkin 1474-1499 Flem. imposter & pretender to the English throne

warble
n. 1 : a melodious succession of low pleasing sounds
2 : a musical trill
3 : the action of warbling

warble
n. intransitive verb
1 : to sing in a trilling manner or with many turns and variations
2 : to become sounded with trills, quavers, and rapid modulations in pitch
3 : SING
transitive verb : to render with turns, runs, or rapid modulations : TRILL

warble
n. 1 : a swelling under the skin especially of the back of cattle, horses, and wild mammals caused by infestation with maggots of a botfly or warble fly
2 : the maggot of a warble fly
–war·bled \-bəld\ adjective

warble fly
: any of various dipteran flies (family Oestridae) whose larvae live under the skin of various mammals and cause warbles

warbler
n. 1 : one that warbles : SINGER, SONGSTER
2 a : any of numerous small chiefly Old World oscine birds (family Sylviidae) many of which are noted songsters and are closely related to the thrushes b : any of numerous small brightly colored American oscine birds (family Parulidae) with a usually weak and unmusical song ― called also wood warbler

warbler
n. wood warbler
Kirtland's warbler
prothonotary warbler

warbonnet
: an American Indian ceremonial headdress often with a feathered extension down the back

Warburg
n. Otto Heinrich 1883-1970 Ger. biochem.

Warburton Creek
river 275 mi (442 km) Australia in NE S. Australia flowing SW into Lake Eyre

Ward
n. Mary Augusta 1851-1920 Mrs. Humphry Ward née Arnold Eng. nov.

Ward
n. (Aaron) Montgomery 1843-1913 American merchant

Ward
n. Ar·te·mas \'är-tə-məs\ 1727-1800 American gen. in Revolution

Ward
n. Artemus ― see Charles Farrar BROWNE

Ward
n. Barbara 1914-1981 Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth Eng. econ.

Ward
n. Sir Joseph George 1856-1930 N.Z. statesman

ward
n. 1 a : the action or process of guarding b : a body of guards
2 : the state of being under guard especially : CUSTODY
3 a : the inner court of a castle or fortress b : a division (as a cell or block) of a prison c : a division in a hospital especially : a large room in a hospital where a number of patients often requiring similar treatment are accommodated
4 a : a division of a city for representative, electoral, or administrative purposes b : a division of some English and Scottish counties corresponding to a hundred c : the Mormon local congregation having auxiliary organizations (as Sunday schools and relief societies) and one or more quorums of each office of the Aaronic priesthood
5 : a projecting ridge of metal in a lock casing or keyhole permitting only the insertion of a key with a corresponding notch also : a corresponding notch in a bit of a key
6 : a person or thing under guard, protection, or surveillance: as a : a minor subject to wardship b : a person who by reason of incapacity (as minority or mental illness) is under the protection of a court either directly or through a guardian appointed by the court ― called also ward of court c : a person or body of persons under the protection or tutelage of a government
7 : a means of defense : PROTECTION

ward
n. ward of court
ward heeler
watch and ward

ward
n. 1 : to keep watch over : GUARD
2 : to turn aside (something threatening) : DEFLECT ― usually used with off <ward off a blow> <trying to ward off a cold>

ward
n. 1 : that moves, tends, faces, or is directed toward <riverward>
2 : that occurs or is situated in the direction of <leftward>

ward
n. 1 : in a (specified) spatial or temporal direction <upward> <afterward>
2 : toward a (specified) point, position, or area <earthward>

ward heeler
: a worker for a political boss in a ward or other local area

warded
adj. : provided with a ward <a warded lock>

warden
n. 1 : one having care or charge of something : GUARDIAN, KEEPER
2 a : REGENT 2 b : the governor of a town, district, or fortress c : a member of the governing body of a guild
3 a : an official charged with special supervisory duties or with the enforcement of specified laws or regulations <game warden> <air raid warden> b : an official in charge of the operation of a prison c : any of various British officials having designated administrative functions <warden of the mint>
4 a : one of two ranking lay officers of an Episcopal parish b : any of various British college officials whose duties range from the administration of academic matters to the supervision of student discipline

wardenship
n. : the office, jurisdiction, or powers of a warden

warder
n. 1 : WATCHMAN, PORTER
2 British a : WARDEN b : a prison guard

warder
n. : a truncheon used by a king or commander in chief to signal orders

wardress
n. : a woman supervising female prisoners (as in a prison)

wardrobe
n. 1 a : a room or closet where clothes are kept b : CLOTHESPRESS c : a large trunk in which clothes may be hung upright
2 a : a collection of wearing apparel (as of one person or for one activity) <a summer wardrobe> b : a collection of stage costumes and accessories
3 : the department of a royal or noble household entrusted with the care of wearing apparel, jewels, and personal articles

wardroom
n. : the space in a warship allotted for living quarters to the commissioned officers excepting the captain specifically : the mess assigned to these officers

wardship
n. 1 a : care and protection of a ward b : the right to the custody of an infant heir of a feudal tenant and of the heir's property
2 : the state of being under a guardian

ware
n. 1 : AWARE, CONSCIOUS <was ware of black looks cast at me ― Mary Webb>
2 archaic : WARY, VIGILANT

ware
n. : to beware of : AVOID ― used chiefly as a command to hunting animals

ware
n. 1 a : manufactured articles, products of art or craft, or farm produce : GOODS ― often used in combination <tinware> b : an article of merchandise
2 : articles (as pottery or dishes) of fired clay <earthenware>
3 : an intangible item (as a service or ability) that is a marketable commodity

ware
n. Scottish : SPEND, EXPEND

ware
n. Belleek ware
Meissen ware
agate ware
Canton ware
Parian ware
sanitary ware

warehouse
n. : a structure or room for the storage of merchandise or commodities

warehouse
n. 1 : to deposit, store, or stock in or as if in a warehouse
2 : to confine or house (a person) in conditions suggestive of a warehouse

warehouseman
n. : a person who manages or works in a warehouse

warehouser
n. : WAREHOUSEMAN

wareroom
n. : a room in which goods are exhibited for sale

warfare
n. 1 : military operations between enemies : HOSTILITIES, WAR also : an activity undertaken by a political unit (as a nation) to weaken or destroy another <economic warfare>
2 : struggle between competing entities : CONFLICT

warfare
n. biological warfare
chemical warfare
germ warfare
trench warfare

warfarin
n. : a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C_19H_16O_4 used chiefly in the form of its sodium salt as a rodent poison and in medicine

warhead
n. : the section of a missile containing the explosive, chemical, or incendiary charge

Warhol
n. Andy 1928?-1987 orig. Andrew Warhola American artist & filmmaker
–War·hol·ian \(ˌ)wȯr-'hȯ-lē-ən, -'hō-\ adjective

warhorse
n. 1 : a horse used in war : CHARGER
2 : a person with long experience in a field especially : a veteran soldier or public person (as a politician)
3 : something (as a work of art or musical composition) that has become overly familiar or hackneyed due to much repetition in the standard repertoire

warison
: a bugle call to attack

Warks
Warwickshire

Warley
town W cen England, a NW suburb of Birmingham pop 152,455

warlike
adj. 1 obsolete : ready for war : equipped to fight
2 : fit for, disposed to, or fond of war : BELLICOSE <a warlike people>
3 : of, relating to, or useful in war <warlike preparations>
4 : befitting or characteristic of war or a soldier <warlike cries>

warlock
n. 1 : a man practicing the black arts : SORCERER ― compare WITCH
2 : CONJURER

warlord
n. 1 : a supreme military leader
2 : a military commander exercising civil power by force usually in a limited area
–war·lord·ism \-ˌlȯr-ˌdi-zəm\ noun

warm
adj. 1 a : having or giving out heat to a moderate or adequate degree <warm weather> <a warm fire> b : serving to maintain or preserve heat especially to a satisfactory degree <a warm sweater> c : feeling or causing sensations of heat brought about by strenuous exertion
2 : comfortably established : SECURE
3 a : marked by strong feeling : ARDENT b : marked by excitement, disagreement, or anger <the argument grew warm>
4 : marked by or readily showing affection, gratitude, cordiality, or sympathy <a warm welcome> <warm regards>
5 : emphasizing or exploiting sexual imagery or incidents
6 : accompanied or marked by extreme danger or duress
7 : newly made : FRESH <a warm scent>
8 : having the color or tone of something that imparts heat specifically : of a hue in the range yellow through orange to red
9 : near to a goal, object, or solution sought <not there yet but getting warm>
–warm·ish \'wȯr-mish\ adjective
–warm·ness \'wȯrm-nəs\ noun

warm
adj. 1 : to make warm
2 a : to infuse with a feeling of love, friendship, well-being, or pleasure b : to fill with anger, zeal, or passion
3 : to reheat (cooked food) for eating ― often used with over
4 : to make ready for operation or performance by preliminary exercise or operation ― often used with up
intransitive verb
1 : to become warm
2 a : to become ardent, interested, or receptive ― usually used with to or toward <warmed to the idea> b : to become filled with affection or love ― used with to or toward
3 : to experience feelings of pleasure : BASK
4 : to become ready for operation or performance by preliminary activity ― often used with up

warm
adj. : WARMLY ― usually used in combination <warm-clad>

warm
adj. warm blooded
warm bloodedness
warm front
warm fuzzies
warm spot
warm up
warm up suit
warmed over
global warming
warming pan
heart warmer
bed warmer
leg warmer

warm front
: an advancing edge of a warm air mass

warm fuzzies
: feelings of happiness, contentment, or sentimentality <got warm fuzzies from the good news>

warm spot
: a lasting affection for a particular person or thing <has a warm spot for her old classmates>

warm up
: to engage in exercise or practice especially before entering a game or contest broadly : to get ready

warm-blooded
1 : having warm blood specifically : having a relatively high and constant internally regulated body temperature relatively independent of the surroundings
2 : fervent or ardent in spirit
–warm-blood·ed·ness noun

warm-up
1 : the act or an instance of warming up also : a preparatory activity or procedure
2 : a suit for exercise or casual wear consisting of a jacket or sweatshirt and pants ― often used in plural ― called also warm-up suit

warmed-over
1 : not fresh or new : STALE <warmed-over ideas>
2 : heated again <warmed-over beans>

warmer
n. : one that warms especially : a device for keeping something warm <a hand warmer>

warmer
n. heart warmer
bed warmer
leg warmer

warmhearted
adj. : marked by ready affection, cordiality, generosity, or sympathy
–warm·heart·ed·ness noun

warming pan
: a long-handled covered pan filled with live coals that is used to warm a bed

warmly
adv. 1 : in a manner characterized or accompanied by warmth of emotion <greeted us warmly>
2 : in a manner that causes or maintains warmth <dressed warmly>

warmonger
n. : one who urges or attempts to stir up war
–war·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ noun

warmouth
: a large-mouthed freshwater sunfish (Lepomis gulosus) chiefly of the eastern U.S. ― called also warmouth bass

warmth
n. 1 : the quality or state of being warm in temperature
2 : the quality or state of being warm in feeling <a child needing human warmth and family life>
3 : a glowing effect produced by the use of warm colors

warn
v. transitive verb
1 a : to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil b : to give admonishing advice to : COUNSEL c : to call to one's attention : INFORM
2 : to order to go or stay away ― often used with off
intransitive verb : to give a warning
–warn·er noun

warn
v. warning coloration
warning track
warning path
Warner Robins

Warner
n. Charles Dudley 1829-1900 American editor & essayist

Warner Robins
city cen Ga. pop 48,804

warning
n. 1 : the act of warning : the state of being warned <he had warning of his illness>
2 : something that warns or serves to warn especially : a notice or bulletin that alerts the public to an imminent hazard (as a tornado, thunderstorm, or flood)

warning
n. : serving as an alarm, signal, summons, or admonition <a warning bell> <a warning shot>
–warn·ing·ly \'wȯr-niŋ-lē\ adverb

warning
n. warning coloration
warning track
warning path

warning coloration
: conspicuous coloration possessed by an animal (as an insect) otherwise effectively but not obviously defended that serves to warn off potential enemies

warning track
: a usually dirt or cinder strip around the outside edge of a baseball outfield to warn a fielder when running to make a catch that the fence is near ― called also warning path

warp
n. 1 a : a series of yarns extended lengthwise in a loom and crossed by the weft b : FOUNDATION, BASE <the warp of the economic structure is agriculture ― American Guide Series: N.C.>
2 : a rope for warping or mooring a ship or boat
3 [2warp] a : a twist or curve that has developed in something orig. flat or straight <a warp in a door panel> b : a mental aberration
–warp·age \'wȯr-pij\ noun

warp
n. 1 : to arrange (yarns) so as to form a warp
2 a : to turn or twist out of or as if out of shape especially : to twist or bend out of a plane b : to cause to judge, choose, or act wrongly or abnormally : PERVERT c : DISTORT <intellect and learning⋯warped by prejudices ― Irving Wallace> <warps space and time> d : to deflect from a course
3 : to move (as a ship) by hauling on a line attached to a fixed object
intransitive verb
1 : to become warped
2 : to move a ship by warping
synonyms see DEFORM
–warp·er noun

warp
n. time warp
warp and woof
warp beam
warp knit
warp knitting
warp knitted
warp speed
time warped

warp and woof
: FOUNDATION, BASE <the vigorous Anglo-Saxon base had become the warp and woof of English speech ― H. R. Warfel>

warp beam
: a roll on which warp is wound for a loom

warp knit
: a knit fabric produced by machine with the yarns running in a lengthwise direction ― compare WEFT KNIT
–warp-knit·ted \-'ni-təd\ adjective
–warp knitting noun

warp speed
: the highest possible speed
–warp-speed adjective

warpath
n. 1 : the route taken by a party of American Indians going on a warlike expedition or to a war
2 : a hostile or combative course of action or frame of mind

warplane
n. : a military airplane specifically : one armed for combat

warrant
n. 1 a (1) : SANCTION, AUTHORIZATION also : evidence for or token of authorization (2) : GUARANTEE, SECURITY b (1) : GROUND, JUSTIFICATION (2) : CONFIRMATION, PROOF
2 a : a commission or document giving authority to do something especially : a writing that authorizes a person to pay or deliver to another and the other to receive money or other consideration b : a precept or writ issued by a competent magistrate authorizing an officer to make an arrest, a seizure, or a search or to do other acts incident to the administration of justice c : an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer d (1) : a short-term obligation of a governmental body (as a municipality) issued in anticipation of revenue (2) : an instrument issued by a corporation giving to the holder the right to purchase the stock of the corporation at a stated price either prior to a stipulated date or at any future time
–war·rant·less \-ləs\ adjective

warrant
n. 1 a : to declare or maintain with certainty : be sure that <I'll warrant he'll be here by noon> b : to assure (a person) of the truth of what is said
2 a : to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate) b : to provide a guarantee of the security of (as title to property sold) usually by an express covenant in the deed of conveyance c : to guarantee to be as represented d : to guarantee (as goods sold) especially in respect of the quality or quantity specified
3 : to guarantee security or immunity to : SECURE <I'll warrant him from drowning ― Shakespeare>
4 : to give warrant or sanction to : AUTHORIZE <the law warrants this procedure>
5 a : to give proof of the authenticity or truth of b : to give assurance of the nature of or for the undertaking of : GUARANTEE
6 : to serve as or give adequate ground or reason for <promising enough to warrant further consideration>

warrant
n. bench warrant
chief warrant officer
death warrant
search warrant
warrant officer

warrant officer
1 : an officer in the armed forces holding rank by virtue of a warrant and ranking above a noncommissioned officer and below a commissioned officer
2 : a commissioned officer ranking below an ensign in the navy or coast guard and below a second lieutenant in the marine corps

warrantable
adj. : capable of being warranted : JUSTIFIABLE <take warrantable action>
–war·rant·able·ness noun
–war·rant·ably \-blē\ adverb

warrantee
n. : the person to whom a warranty is made

warrantor
n. : one that warrants or gives a warranty

warranty
n. 1 a : a real covenant binding the grantor of an estate and the grantor's heirs to warrant and defend the title b : a collateral undertaking that a fact regarding the subject of a contract is or will be as it is expressly or by implication declared or promised to be
2 : something that authorizes, sanctions, supports, or justifies : WARRANT
3 : a usually written guarantee of the integrity of a product and of the maker's responsibility for the repair or replacement of defective parts

warranty deed
: a deed warranting that the grantor has a good title free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and will defend the grantee against all claims

Warren
n. Earl 1891-1974 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1953-69)

Warren
n. Gou·ver·neur \ˌgə-və(r)-'nir\ Kemble 1830-1882 American gen.

Warren
n. Joseph 1741-1775 American physician & gen. in Revolution

Warren
n. Robert Penn 1905-1989 American author & educ.; poet laureate (1986-87)

Warren
n. 1 city SE Mich. N of Detroit pop 138,247
2 city NE Ohio NW of Youngstown pop 46,832

warren
n. 1 chiefly British a : a place legally authorized for keeping small game (as hare or pheasant) b : the privilege of hunting game in such a warren
2 a (1) : an area (as of uncultivated ground) where rabbits breed (2) : a structure where rabbits are kept or bred b : the rabbits of a warren
3 a : a crowded tenement or district b : a maze of passageways or small rooms

warrener
1 : GAMEKEEPER
2 : a person who maintains a rabbit warren

Warrington
town NW England in Cheshire on the Mersey E of Liverpool pop 57,389

warrior
n. : a man engaged or experienced in warfare broadly : a person engaged in some struggle or conflict <poverty warriors>

warrior
n. cold warrior
road warrior
weekend warrior
Black Warrior

Warsaw
n. city capital of Poland on the Vistula pop 1,655,063

warsaw grouper
: any of several large groupers especially : one (Epinephelus nigritus) of the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico ― called also warsaw

warship
n. : a naval vessel

warsle
Scottish : WRESTLE, STRUGGLE
–warsle noun Scottish

wart
n. 1 a : a horny projection on the skin usually of the extremities that is caused by any of several papillomaviruses ― called also verruca vulgaris b : any of numerous similar skin lesions
2 : an excrescence or protuberance resembling a true wart especially : a glandular excrescence or hardened protuberance on a plant
3 a : one that suggests a wart especially in smallness, unpleasantness, or unattractiveness b : DEFECT, IMPERFECTION ― often used in the phrase warts and all
–wart·ed \'wȯr-təd\ adjective
–wart·less \'wȯrt-ləs\ adjective
–warty \'wȯr-tē\ adjective

Warta
river 502 mi (808 km) Poland flowing NW & W into the Oder

warthog
n. : a wild African hog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) that has large protruding tusks and in the male two pairs of rough warty excrescences on the face and that is sometimes placed in two separate species (P. aethiopicus and P. africanus)

wartime
n. : a period during which a war is in progress <rationing during wartime>

Warton
Thomas 1728-1790 Eng. lit. hist. & critic; poet laureate (1785-90)

warts-and-all
: showing defects or imperfections frankly : not idealized <a warts-and-all biography>

Warwick
n. Earl of 1428-1471 Richard Nev·ille \'ne-vəl\; the Kingmaker Eng. soldier & statesman

Warwick
n. 1 city cen R.I. S of Providence on Narragansett Bay pop 85,808
2 town cen England capital of Warwickshire pop 21,936

Warwickshire
n. county cen England capital Warwick area 792 sq mi (2051 sq km), pop 477,000

wary
adj. : marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchfulness especially in detecting and escaping danger
synonyms see CAUTIOUS
–war·i·ly \'wer-ə-lē\ adverb
–war·i·ness \'wer-ē-nəs\ noun

was
past 1st & 3d singular of be

wasabi
n. 1 : a condiment that is prepared from the ground thick pungent greenish root of an Asian herb (Wasabia japonica syn. Eutrema wasabi) of the mustard family and is similar in flavor and use to horseradish also : the root
2 : the herb that yields wasabi

Wasatch Range
mountain range SE Idaho & N & cen Utah ― see TIMPANOGOS (Mount)

Wash
n. Washington

wash
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cleanse by or as if by the action of liquid (as water) b : to remove (as dirt) by rubbing or drenching with liquid
2 : to cleanse (fur) by licking or by rubbing with a paw moistened with saliva
3 a : to flush or moisten (a bodily part or injury) with a liquid b (1) : to wet thoroughly : DRENCH (2) : to overspread with light : SUFFUSE c : to pass a liquid (as water) over or through especially so as to carry off material from the surface or interior
4 : to flow along or dash or overflow against <waves washing the shore>
5 : to move, carry, or deposit by or as if by the force of water in motion <houses washed away by the flood>
6 a : to subject (as crushed ore) to the action of water to separate valuable material b : to separate (particles) from a substance (as ore) by agitation with or in water c (1) : to pass through a bath to carry off impurities or soluble components (2) : to pass (a gas or gaseous mixture) through or over a liquid to purify it especially by removing soluble components
7 a : to cover or daub lightly with or as if with an application of a thin liquid (as whitewash or varnish) b : to depict or paint by a broad sweep of thin color with a brush
8 : to cause to swirl <washing coffee around in his cup>
9 : LAUNDER 3 <how the mob washes its money through corrupt bankers ― Vincent Teresa>
intransitive verb
1 : to wash oneself or a part of one's body
2 : to become worn away by the action of water
3 : to clean something by rubbing or dipping in water
4 a : to become carried along on water : DRIFT <cakes of ice washing along> b : to pour, sweep, or flow in a stream or current <waves of pioneers washing westward ― Green Peyton>
5 : to serve as a cleansing agent <this soap washes thoroughly>
6 a : to undergo laundering <this dress doesn't wash well> b (1) : to undergo testing successfully : WORK 4 <an interesting theory, but it just won't wash> (2) : to gain acceptance : inspire belief <the story didn't wash with me>
–wash one's hands of : to disclaim interest in, responsibility for, or further connection with

wash
n. 1 a : a piece of ground washed by the sea or river b : BOG, MARSH c (1) : a shallow body of water (2) : a shallow creek d West : the dry bed of a stream ― called also dry wash
2 a : the act or process or an instance of washing or being washed b : articles to be washed, being washed, or having been washed
3 : the surging action or sound of waves also : something resembling this action or sound <the warm wash of applause that followed her⋯introduction ― John Updike>
4 a : worthless especially liquid waste : REFUSE b : an insipid beverage c : vapid writing or speech
5 a : a sweep or splash especially of color made by or as if by a long stroke of a brush <in the gray wash of early morning> b : a thin coat of paint (as watercolor) c : a thin liquid used for coating a surface (as a wall)
6 : LOTION
7 : loose or eroded surface material of the earth (as rock debris) transported and deposited by running water
8 a : BACKWASH 1 b : a disturbance in a fluid (as water or the air) produced by the passage of an airfoil or propeller
9 : a situation in which losses and gains or advantages and disadvantages balance each other

wash
n. 1 : involving essentially simultaneous purchase and sale of the same security <spurious market activity resulting from wash trading>
2 : WASHABLE <wash fabric>

wash
n. dry wash
acid wash
car wash
wash one's hands of
wash and wear
wash down
wash drawing
wash out
wash up
wet wash
wish wash
Wash The
acid washed
washed out
washed up
washing machine
washing soda

wash down
1 : to move or carry downward by action of a liquid especially : to facilitate the passage of (food) down the gullet with accompanying swallows of liquid <pizza washed down with beer>
2 : to wash the whole length or extent of <washed down and scrubbed the front porch>

wash drawing
: watercolor painting in or chiefly in washes especially in black, white, and gray tones only

wash one's hands of
to disclaim interest in, responsibility for, or further connection with

wash out
1 : to wash free of an extraneous substance (as dirt)
2 a : to cause to fade by or as if by laundering b : to deplete the strength or vitality of c : to eliminate as useless or unsatisfactory : REJECT
3 a : to destroy or make useless by the force or action of water <the storm washed out the bridge> b : RAIN OUT <the game was washed out>
intransitive verb
1 : to become depleted of color or vitality : FADE
2 : to fail to meet requirements or measure up to a standard

wash up
1 : to be deposited by or as if by a swell of waves <seaweed washed up on the shore>
2 : to wash one's face and hands
3 British : to wash the dishes after a meal
transitive verb
1 : to get rid of by washing <wash up the spilled milk>
2 : EXHAUST, FINISH

Wash, The
inlet of North Sea E England bet. Norfolk & Lincolnshire

wash-and-wear
: of, relating to, or constituting a fabric or garment that needs little or no ironing after washing

washable
adj. : capable of being washed without damage
–wash·abil·i·ty \ˌwȯ-shə-'bi-lət-ē, ˌwä-\ noun

washateria
chiefly Southern : a self-service laundry

washbasin
n. : WASHBOWL

washboard
n. 1 : a broad thin plank along a gunwale or on the sill of a lower deck port to keep out the sea
2 : BASEBOARD
3 a : a corrugated rectangular surface that is used for scrubbing clothes or as a percussion instrument b : a road or pavement so worn by traffic as to be corrugated transversely c : an abdominal area characterized by prominent and well-defined musculature ― usually used attributively <a bodybuilder with washboard abs> <a washboard stomach>

washbowl
n. : a large bowl for water that is used to wash one's hands and face

washcloth
n. : a cloth that is used for washing one's face and body ― called also facecloth washrag

washed-out
1 : faded in color
2 : depleted in vigor or animation : EXHAUSTED

washed-up
: no longer successful, skillful, popular, or needed <washed-up athletes> <a washed-up actor>

washer
n. 1 : a flat thin ring or a perforated plate used in joints or assemblies to ensure tightness, prevent leakage, or relieve friction
2 : one that washes especially : WASHING MACHINE

washerman
n. : LAUNDRYMAN also : a man operating any of various industrial washing machines

washerwoman
n. : a woman whose occupation is washing clothes : LAUNDRESS

washhouse
n. : a building used or equipped for washing especially : one for washing clothes

washing
n. 1 : the act or action of one that cleanses with water
2 : material obtained by washing
3 : articles washed or to be washed : WASH

washing machine
: a machine for washing especially : one for washing clothes and household linen

washing soda
: a transparent crystalline hydrated sodium carbonate

Washington
n. Book·er \'bu̇-kər\ Tal·ia·ferro \'tä-lə-vər97sic\ 1856-1915 American educ.

Washington
n. George 1732-1799 American gen.; 1st pres. of the U.S. (1789-97)
–Wash·ing·to·nian \ˌwȯ-shiŋ-'tō-nē-ən, ˌwä-, ˌwȯr-, ˌwär-, -nyən\ adjective

Washington
n. 1 state NW U.S. capital Olympia area 68,192 sq mi (177,299 sq km), pop 5,894,121
2 city capital of the U.S., coextensive with District of Columbia pop 572,059
3 ― see TERAINA
–Wash·ing·to·nian \ˌwȯ-shiŋ-'tō-nē-ən, ˌwä-, -nyən\ adjective or noun

Washington
n. Washington pie
Washington's Birthday
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Washington Lake
Washington Mount
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument

Washington pie
: cake layers put together with a jam or jelly filling

Washington's Birthday
1 : February 22 formerly observed as a legal holiday in most of the states of the U.S.
2 : the third Monday in February observed as a legal holiday in most of the states of the U.S. ― called also Presidents' Day

Washington, Lake
lake 20 mi (32 km) long W Wash. E of Seattle

Washington, Mount
mountain 6288 ft (1916 m) N N.H.; highest in White Mountains

Washita
river 500 mi (805 km) NW Tex. & SW Okla. flowing SE into Red River

washout
n. 1 a : the washing out or away of something and especially of earth in a roadbed by a freshet b : a place where earth is washed away
2 : one that fails to measure up : FAILURE: as a : one who fails in a course of training or study b : an unsuccessful enterprise or undertaking

washrag
n. : WASHCLOTH

washroom
n. : a room that is equipped with washing and toilet facilities : LAVATORY

washstand
n. 1 : a stand holding articles needed for washing one's face and hands
2 : a washbowl permanently set in place and attached to water and drainpipes

washtub
n. : a tub for washing or soaking clothes

washup
: the act or process of washing clean

washwoman
n. : WASHERWOMAN

washy
adj. 1 a : WEAK, WATERY <washy tea> b : deficient in color c : lacking in vigor, individuality, or definiteness
2 : lacking in condition and in firmness of flesh

Wasmosy
Juan Carlos 1939-     pres. of Paraguay (1993-98)

wasn't
v. : was not

WASP
n. sometimes disparaging : an American of Northern European and especially British ancestry and of Protestant background especially : a member of the dominant and the most privileged class of people in the U.S.
–Wasp·dom \-dəm\ noun sometimes disparaging
–Wasp·ish \'wäs-pish, 'wȯs-\ adjective sometimes disparaging
–Wasp·ish·ness noun sometimes disparaging
–Waspy \-pē\ adjective sometimes disparaging

wasp
n. 1 : any of numerous social or solitary winged hymenopterous insects (esp. families Sphecidae and Vespidae) that usually have a slender smooth body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk, well-developed wings, biting mouthparts, and in the females and workers an often formidable sting, and that are largely carnivorous and often provision their nests with insects or spiders killed or paralyzed by stinging for their larvae to feed on ― compare BEE
2 : any of various hymenopterous insects (as a chalcid or ichneumon wasp) other than wasps with larvae that are parasitic on other arthropods
–wasp·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

wasp
n. digger wasp
fig wasp
gall wasp
ichneumon wasp
mason wasp
paper wasp
sea wasp
trichogramma wasp
wasp waist
wasp waisted

wasp waist
: a very slender waist
–wasp-waist·ed \'wäsp-'wā-stəd, 'wȯsp-\ adjective

waspish
adj. 1 : resembling a wasp in behavior especially : SNAPPISH, PETULANT <a waspish temper>
2 : resembling a wasp in form especially : slightly built
–wasp·ish·ly adverb
–wasp·ish·ness noun

wassail
n. 1 : an early English toast to someone's health
2 : a hot drink that is made with wine, beer, or cider, spices, sugar, and usually baked apples and is traditionally served in a large bowl especially at Christmastime
3 : riotous drinking : REVELRY

wassail
n. 1 : to indulge in wassail : CAROUSE
2 dialect English : to sing carols from house to house at Christmas
transitive verb : to drink to the health or thriving of

wassail bowl
1 : a bowl that is used for the serving of wassail
2 : WASSAIL 2

wassailer
n. 1 : one that carouses : REVELER
2 archaic : one who goes about singing carols

Wassermann
n. August von 1866-1925 Ger. bacteriol.

Wassermann reaction
: the complement-fixing reaction that occurs in a positive complement-fixation test for syphilis

Wassermann test
: a test for the detection of syphilis using the Wassermann reaction ― called also Wassermann

Wasserstein
Wendy 1950-     American dram.

wast
archaic past 2d singular of be

wastage
n. : loss, decrease, or destruction of something (as by use, decay, erosion, or leakage) especially : wasteful or avoidable loss of something valuable

waste
n. 1 a : a sparsely settled or barren region : DESERT b : uncultivated land c : a broad and empty expanse (as of water)
2 : the act or an instance of wasting : the state of being wasted
3 a : loss through breaking down of bodily tissue b : gradual loss or decrease by use, wear, or decay
4 a : damaged, defective, or superfluous material produced by a manufacturing process: as (1) : material rejected during a textile manufacturing process and used usually for wiping away dirt and oil <cotton waste> (2) : SCRAP (3) : an unwanted by-product of a manufacturing process, chemical laboratory, or nuclear reactor <toxic waste> <hazardous waste> <nuclear waste> b : refuse from places of human or animal habitation: as (1) : GARBAGE, RUBBISH (2) : EXCREMENT ― often used in plural (3) : SEWAGE c : material derived by mechanical and chemical weathering of the land and moved down sloping surfaces or carried by streams to the sea

waste
n. transitive verb
1 : to lay waste especially : to damage or destroy gradually and progressively <reclaiming land wasted by strip-mining>
2 : to cause to shrink in physical bulk or strength : EMACIATE, ENFEEBLE <a body wasted by disease>
3 : to wear away or diminish gradually : CONSUME
4 a : to spend or use carelessly : SQUANDER <waste valuable resources> b : to allow to be used inefficiently or become dissipated <a writer wasting her talent>
5 : KILL also : to injure severely
intransitive verb
1 : to lose weight, strength, or vitality ― often used with away <was wasting away from illness>
2 a : to become diminished in bulk or substance b : to become consumed
3 : to spend money or consume property extravagantly or improvidently
synonyms see RAVAGE
–waste one's breath : to accomplish nothing by speaking

waste
n. 1 a (1) : being wild and uninhabited : DESOLATE (2) : ARID, EMPTY b : not cultivated : not productive
2 : being in a ruined or devastated condition
3 [1waste] a : discarded as worthless, defective, or of no use : REFUSE <waste material> b : excreted from or stored in inert form in a living body as a byproduct of vital activity <waste products>
4 [1waste] : serving to conduct or hold refuse material <a waste barrel> specifically : carrying off superfluous water <a waste drain>
5 : WASTED 4

waste one's breath
to accomplish nothing by speaking

waste pipe
: a pipe for carrying off waste fluid

wastebasket
n. : a receptacle for refuse and especially for wastepaper ― called also wastepaper basket

wasted
adj. 1 : laid waste : RAVAGED
2 : impaired in strength or health : EMACIATED
3 archaic : gone by : ELAPSED <the chronicle of wasted time ― Shakespeare>
4 : unprofitably used, made, or expended <wasted effort>
5 slang : intoxicated from drugs or alcohol

wasteful
adj. : given to or marked by waste : LAVISH, PRODIGAL
–waste·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–waste·ful·ness noun

wasteland
n. 1 : barren or uncultivated land <a desert wasteland>
2 : an ugly often devastated or barely inhabitable place or area
3 : something (as a way of life) that is spiritually and emotionally arid and unsatisfying

wastepaper
n. : paper discarded as used, superfluous, or not fit for use

waster
n. 1 a (1) : one that spends or consumes extravagantly and without thought for the future (2) : a dissolute person b : one that uses wastefully or causes or permits waste <a procedure that is a waster of time> c : one that lays waste : DESTROYER
2 : an imperfect or inferior manufactured article or object

wastewater
n. : water that has been used (as in a manufacturing process) : SEWAGE

wasting
adj. 1 : laying waste : DEVASTATING
2 : undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength <wasting diseases such as tuberculosis>

wastrel
n. 1 : VAGABOND, WAIF
2 : one who expends resources foolishly and self-indulgently : PROFLIGATE

Watauga
river 60 mi (96 km) NW N.C. & NE Tenn. flowing into S fork of the Holston

watch
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to keep vigil as a devotional exercise b : to be awake during the night
2 a : to be attentive or vigilant b : to keep guard
3 a : to keep someone or something under close observation b : to observe as a spectator <the country watched as stocks fell sharply>
4 : to be expectant : WAIT <watch for the signal>
transitive verb
1 : to keep under guard
2 a : to observe closely in order to check on action or change <being watched by the police> b : to look at : OBSERVE <sat and watched the crowd> c : to look on at <watch television> <watch a ball game>
3 a : to take care of : TEND b : to be careful of <watches his diet>
4 : to be on the alert for : BIDE <watched her opportunity>
–watch it : look out : be careful <watch it when you handle the glassware>
–watch one's step : to proceed with extreme care : act or talk warily
–watch over : to have charge of : SUPERINTEND

watch
n. 1 a : the act of keeping awake to guard, protect, or attend b obsolete : the state of being wakeful c : a wake over a dead body d : a state of alert and continuous attention e : close observation : SURVEILLANCE f : a notice or bulletin that alerts the public to the possibility of severe weather conditions occurring in the near future <a winter storm watch>
2 a : any of the definite divisions of the night made by ancient peoples b : one of the indeterminate intervals marking the passage of night ― usually used in plural <the silent watches of the night>
3 a : LOOKOUT, WATCHMAN b archaic : the office or function of a sentinel or guard
4 a : a body of soldiers or sentinels making up a guard b : a watchman or body of watchmen formerly assigned to patrol the streets of a town at night, announce the hours, and act as police
5 a (1) : a portion of time during which a part of a ship's company is on duty (2) : the part of a ship's company required to be on duty during a particular watch (3) : a sailor's assigned duty period b : a period of duty : SHIFT c : a term as holder especially of an overseeing or managerial office <the business grew on her watch>
6 : a portable timepiece designed to be worn (as on the wrist) or carried in the pocket ― compare CLOCK

watch
n. bird watch
watch over
watch one's step
watch it
watch and ward
watch cap
watch fire
watch night
watch out
watch pocket
clock watching

watch and ward
1 : continuous unbroken vigilance and guard
2 : service as a watchman or sentinel required from a feudal tenant

watch cap
: a knitted close-fitting usually navy-blue cap worn especially by enlisted men in the U.S. navy in cold or stormy weather

watch fire
: a fire lighted as a signal or for the use of a guard

watch it
look out : be careful <watch it when you handle the glassware>

watch night
: a devotional service lasting until after midnight especially on New Year's Eve

watch one's step
to proceed with extreme care : act or talk warily

watch out
: to be vigilant or alert : be on the lookout <you'd better watch out> <watch out for the tree!>

watch over
to have charge of : SUPERINTEND

watch pocket
: a small pocket just below the front waistband of men's trousers

watchable
: worth watching <a minor but highly watchable film>
–watchable noun

watchband
n. : the bracelet or strap of a wristwatch

watchcase
n. : the outside metal covering of a watch

watchdog
n. 1 : a dog kept to guard property
2 : one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable practices

watchdog
n. : to act as a watchdog for

watcher
n. : one that watches: as a : one that sits up or continues awake at night b : WATCHMAN c (1) : one that keeps watch beside a dead person (2) : one that attends a sick person at night d : a person who closely follows or observes someone or something <a Supreme Court watcher> ― often used in combination <celebrity-watchers> e : a representative of a party or candidate who is stationed at the polls on an election day to watch the conduct of officials and voters

watchful
adj. 1 archaic a : not able or accustomed to sleep or rest : WAKEFUL b : causing sleeplessness c : spent in wakefulness : SLEEPLESS
2 : carefully observant or attentive : being on the watch
–watch·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–watch·ful·ness noun
synonyms WATCHFUL, VIGILANT, WIDE-AWAKE, ALERT mean being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity. WATCHFUL is the least explicit term <the watchful eye of the department supervisor>. VIGILANT suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness <eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy>. WIDE-AWAKE applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers <wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology>. ALERT stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity <alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide>.

watchmaker
n. : one that makes or repairs watches or clocks
–watch·mak·ing \-ˌmā-kiŋ\ noun

watchman
n. : a person who keeps watch : GUARD

watchtower
n. : a tower for a lookout

watchword
n. 1 : a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group
2 a : a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group : SLOGAN <“safety” is our watchword> b : a guiding principle <change is the watchword for both parties>

Watenstedt-Salzgitter
― see SALZGITTER

water
n. 1 a : the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is a major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressible liquid oxide of hydrogen H_2O which appears bluish in thick layers, freezes at 0° C and boils at 100° C, has a maximum density at 4° C and a high specific heat, is feebly ionized to hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, and is a poor conductor of electricity and a good solvent b : a natural mineral water ― usually used in plural
2 : a particular quantity or body of water: as a (1) plural : the water occupying or flowing in a particular bed (2) chiefly British : LAKE, POND b : a quantity or depth of water adequate for some purpose (as navigation) c plural (1) : a band of seawater abutting on the land of a particular sovereignty and under the control of that sovereignty (2) : the sea of a particular part of the earth d : WATER SUPPLY <threatened to turn off the water>
3 : travel or transportation on water <we went by water>
4 : the level of water at a particular state of the tide : TIDE
5 : liquid containing or resembling water: as a (1) : a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation made with water (2) : a watery solution of a gaseous or readily volatile substance ― compare AMMONIA WATER b archaic : a distilled fluid (as an essence) especially : a distilled alcoholic liquor c : a watery fluid (as tears, urine, or sap) formed or circulating in a living body d : AMNIOTIC FLUID also : BAG OF WATERS
6 a : the degree of clarity and luster of a precious stone b : degree of excellence <a scholar of the first water>
7 : WATERCOLOR
8 a : stock not representing assets of the issuing company and not backed by earning power b : fictitious or exaggerated asset entries that give a stock an unrealistic book value
–above water : out of difficulty

water
n. 1 : to moisten, sprinkle, or soak with water <water the lawn>
2 : to supply with water for drink <water cattle>
3 : to supply water to <lands watered by the river>
4 : to treat with or as if with water specifically : to impart a lustrous appearance and wavy pattern to (cloth) by calendering
5 a : to dilute by the addition of water ― often used with down <water down the punch> b : to add to the aggregate par value of (securities) without a corresponding addition to the assets represented by the securities
intransitive verb
1 : to form or secrete water or watery matter (as tears or saliva)
2 : to get or take water: as a : to take on a supply of water <the boat docked to water> b : to drink water

water
n. water ouzel
water bear
test the water
American water spaniel
ammonia water
blue water
branch water
casual water
cold water
dead in the water
in deep water
first water
fish out of water
giant water bug
gray water
heavy water
hell or high water
high water
high water mark
hold water
holy water
hot water
ice water
Irish water spaniel
Javelle water
light water
low water
make water
milk and water
mineral water
Portuguese water dog
quinine water
red water
rose water
running water
slack water
soda water
still water
tap water
throw cold water on
toilet water
tonic water
tread water
Vichy water
above water
water bag
water balance
water ballet
Water Bearer
water bed
water beetle
water biscuit
water blister
water bloom
water boatman
water boy
water buffalo
water bug
water cannon
water chestnut
water clock
water closet
water cycle
water dog
water down
water flea
water gap
water garden
water gas
water gate
water gauge
water glass
water gun
water hammer
water haul
water heater
water hemlock
water hen
water hole
water hyacinth
water ice
water jacket
water jump
water level
water lily
water main
water meter
water milfoil
water mill
water moccasin
water mold
water nymph
water oak
water of crystallization
water of hydration
water on the knee
water park
water parting
water pepper
water pill
water pimpernel
water pipe
water pistol
water plantain
water polo
water privilege
water rat
water repellent
water resistant
water right
water sapphire
water scorpion
water shield
water ski
water skier
water snake
water soak
water spaniel
water sprite
water sprout
water strider
water supply
water table
water taxi
water tower
water turkey
water vapor
water vascular system
water wagon
on the water wagon
water wings
water witch
water witching
water witcher
white water
Derwent Water
bag of waters
bread upon the waters
muddy the waters
territorial waters
test the waters
watered down
watering can
watering pot
watering hole
watering place

water bag
1 : a bag for holding water especially : one designed to keep water cool for drinking by evaporation through a slightly porous surface
2 : BAG OF WATERS ― used especially of domestic animals

water balance
: the ratio between the water assimilated into the body and that lost from the body also : the condition of the body when this ratio approximates equilibrium

water ballet
: a synchronized sequence of movements performed by a group of swimmers

water bear
: TARDIGRADE

Water Bearer
1 : AQUARIUS 1
2 : AQUARIUS 2A

water bed
: a bed whose mattress is a watertight bag filled with water

water beetle
: any of numerous oval flattened aquatic beetles (as a diving beetle or whirligig beetle) that swim by means of their fringed hind legs which act together as oars

water biscuit
: a cracker of flour and water and sometimes fat

water blister
: a blister with a clear watery content

water bloom
: BLOOM 1D

water boatman
1 : BACKSWIMMER
2 : any of various oval flattened aquatic bugs (family Corixidae) of fresh or brackish water with fringed hind legs modified into paddles

water boy
: one who keeps a group (as of football players) supplied with drinking water

water buffalo
: an often domesticated Asian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis syn. B. arnee)

water bug
: any of various small arthropods and especially insects that frequent damp or wet places: as a : GERMAN COCKROACH b : WATER BOATMAN c : any of various large aquatic bugs (family Belostomatidae) with the hind legs flattened and used for swimming

water cannon
: a large truck-mounted nozzle for directing a high-pressure stream of water (as at a crowd of rioters or demonstrators)

water chestnut
1 : any of a genus (Trapa, especially T. natans of the family Trapaceae, the water-chestnut family) of Old World aquatic herbs sometimes grown as ornamentals also : its edible nutlike spiny fruit
2 : a whitish crunchy vegetable used especially in Chinese cooking that is the peeled and often sliced tuber of a sedge (Eleocharis dulcis syn. E. tuberosa) native to Asia but widely cultivated elsewhere also : the tuber or the sedge itself

water clock
: an instrument designed to measure time by the fall or flow of a quantity of water ― called also clepsydra

water closet
1 : a compartment or room with a toilet
2 : a toilet bowl and its accessories

water cycle
: HYDROLOGIC CYCLE

water dog
1 : a person (as a skilled sailor) who is quite at ease in or on water
2 : any of several large American salamanders especially : any of a genus (Necturus of the family Proteidae) with external gills

water down
: to reduce or temper the force or effectiveness of <watered down the plan>
–wa·tered-down adjective

water flea
: any of various small active dark or brightly colored aquatic crustaceans (as a daphnia or cyclops)

water gap
: a pass in a mountain ridge through which a stream runs ― compare WIND GAP

water garden
1 : a garden in which aquatic plants predominate
2 : a garden built about a stream or pool as a central feature

water gas
: a poisonous flammable gaseous mixture that consists chiefly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with small amounts of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, is usually made by blowing air and then steam over red-hot coke or coal, and is used as a fuel or after carbureting as an illuminant

water gate
1 : a gate (as of a building) giving access to a body of water
2 : FLOODGATE

water gauge
: an instrument to measure or find the depth or quantity of water or to indicate the height of its surface especially in a steam boiler

water glass
1 : a glass vessel (as a drinking glass) for holding water
2 : an instrument consisting of an open box or tube with a glass bottom used for examining objects in or under water
3 : a substance that consists usually of the silicate of sodium, is found in commerce as a glassy mass, a stony powder, or dissolved in water as a viscous syrupy liquid, and is used especially as a cement, a protective coating, and as a fireproofing agent

water gun
: WATER PISTOL

water hammer
: a concussion or sound of concussion of moving water against the sides of a containing pipe or vessel (as a steam pipe)

water haul
: a fruitless effort

water heater
: an apparatus for heating and usually storing hot water (as for domestic use)

water hemlock
: a tall poisonous Eurasian perennial herb (Cicuta virosa) of the carrot family also : any of several poisonous No. American plants (esp. Cicuta maculata and C. douglasii) of the same genus ― compare POISON HEMLOCK

water hen
: any of various birds (as a coot or gallinule) of the rail family

water hole
1 : a natural hole or hollow containing water
2 : a hole in a surface of ice

water hyacinth
: a showy floating aquatic herb (Eichhornia crassipes) of tropical So. America that has become naturalized in warm regions (as of the southern U.S.) often clogging waterways

water ice
: a frozen dessert of water, sugar, and flavoring

water jacket
: an outer casing which holds water or through which water circulates to cool the interior specifically : the enclosed space surrounding the cylinder block of an internal combustion engine and containing the cooling liquid

water jump
: an obstacle (as in a steeplechase) consisting of a pool, stream, or ditch of water

water level
1 : an instrument to show the level by means of the surface of water in a trough or in a U-shaped tube
2 : the surface of still water: as a : the level assumed by the surface of a particular body or column of water b : the waterline of a vessel

water lily
: any of various aquatic plants (esp. genera Nymphaea and Nuphar of the family Nymphaeaceae, the water-lily family) with floating leaves and usually showy flowers broadly : an aquatic plant (as a water hyacinth) with showy flowers

water main
: a pipe or conduit for conveying water

water meter
: an instrument for recording the quantity of water passing through a particular outlet

water milfoil
: any of a genus (Myriophyllum of the family Haloragaceae) of aquatic herbs with finely pinnate submersed leaves

water mill
: a mill whose machinery is moved by water

water moccasin
1 : a venomous semiaquatic pit viper (Agkistrodon piscivorus) chiefly of the southeastern U.S. that is closely related to the copperhead ― called also cottonmouth cottonmouth moccasin
2 : a harmless American colubrid water snake (genus Nerodia) resembling the true water moccasin

water mold
: any of various fungi of water or moist soils

water nymph
: a nymph (as a naiad, Nereid, or Oceanid) associated with a body of water

water oak
: any of several American oaks that thrive in wet soils especially : one (Quercus nigra) of the eastern U.S.

water of crystallization

1791
: water of hydration present in many crystallized substances that is usually essential for maintenance of a particular crystal structure

water of hydration

1864
: water that is chemically combined with a substance to form a hydrate and can be expelled (as by heating) without essentially altering the composition of the substance

water on the knee

circa 1890
: an accumulation of synovial fluid in the knee joint (as from injury or disease) marked especially by swelling

water ouzel
: DIPPER 2

water park
: an amusement park with facilities (as pools and wetted slides) for aquatic recreation

water parting
: DIVIDE 2A

water pepper
: an annual European smartweed (Polygonum hydropiper) of moist soils with extremely acrid peppery juice that is naturalized in No. America also : a related American perennial (P. hydropiperoides) with mildly acrid juice

water pill
: a diuretic pill

water pimpernel
: either of two small white-flowered herbs (Samolus valerandi of Eurasia and S. parviflorus syn. S. floribundus of America) of the primrose family that grow in wet places

water pipe
1 : a pipe for conveying water
2 : a smoking device that consists of a bowl mounted on a vessel of water which is provided with a long tube and arranged so that smoke is drawn through the water where it is cooled and up the tube to the mouth

water pistol
: a toy pistol designed to squirt a jet of liquid ― called also water gun squirt gun

water plantain
: any of a genus (Alisma of the family Alismataceae, the water-plantain family) of marsh or aquatic herbs with acrid sap and scapose 3-petaled flowers

water polo
: a goal game similar to soccer that is played in water by teams of swimmers using a ball resembling a soccer ball

water privilege
: the right to use water especially as a source of mechanical power

water rat
1 : a rodent that frequents water
2 : a waterfront loafer or petty thief

water right
: a right to the use of water (as for irrigation) especially : RIPARIAN RIGHT

water sapphire
: a deep blue cordierite sometimes used as a gem

water scorpion
: any of numerous aquatic bugs (family Nepidae) with the end of the abdomen prolonged by a long breathing tube

water shield
: an aquatic herb (Brasenia schreberi) having floating oval leaves with a gelatinous coating and small dull purple flowers also : any of a related genus (Cabomba)

water ski
: a ski used in planing over water while being towed by a speedboat
–wa·ter-ski intransitive verb

water snake
: any of various snakes (esp. genus Nerodia formerly included in the genus Natrix) that frequent or inhabit freshwaters and feed largely on aquatic animals

water spaniel
: a spaniel of either of two breeds: a : AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL b : IRISH WATER SPANIEL

water sprite
: a sprite believed to inhabit or haunt water : WATER NYMPH

water sprout
: a vigorous upright shoot from an adventitious or latent bud on the trunk or main branch of a tree

water strider
: any of various long-legged bugs (family Gerridae) that move about on the surface of the water

water supply
: a source, means, or process of supplying water (as for a community) usually including reservoirs, tunnels, and pipelines

water table
1 : a stringcourse or similar member when projecting so as to throw off water
2 : the upper limit of the portion of the ground wholly saturated with water

water taxi
: a boat functioning (as within a harbor) as a taxi

water tower
: a tower or standpipe serving as a reservoir to deliver water at a required head

water turkey
: the New World anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)

water vapor
: water in a vaporous form especially when below boiling temperature and diffused (as in the atmosphere)

water wagon
: a wagon or motortruck equipped with a tank or barrels for hauling water or for sprinkling
–on the water wagon : abstaining from alcoholic beverages : on the wagon

water wings
: an air-filled device that fits around the arms of a person learning to swim so as to provide buoyancy

water witch
: one who dowses for water
–water witch·ing \-ˌwi-chiŋ\ noun

water witcher
: WATER WITCH

water-repellent
: treated with a finish that is resistant but not impervious to penetration by water

water-resistant
: WATER-REPELLENT

water-skier
: one who water-skis

water-soak
: to soak in water

water-vascular system
: a system of canals in echinoderms containing a circulating watery fluid that is used for the movement of the tentacles and tube feet

waterbird
n. : a swimming or wading bird

waterborne
adj. : supported, carried, or transmitted by water <waterborne commerce> <waterborne diseases>

waterbuck
n. : a stocky antelope (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) of sub-Saharan Africa that commonly frequent streams or wet areas

Waterbury
n. city W cen Conn. pop 107,271

watercolor
n. 1 : a paint of which the liquid is a water dispersion of the binding material (as glue, casein, or gum)
2 : the art or method of painting with watercolors
3 : a picture or design executed in watercolors
–watercolor adjective
–wa·ter·col·or·ist \-ˌkə-lə-rist\ noun

watercooler
: a device for dispensing refrigerated drinking water

watercourse
n. 1 : a natural or artificial channel through which water flows
2 : a stream of water (as a river, brook, or underground stream)

watercraft
n. 1 : skill in aquatic activities (as managing boats)
2 a : SHIP, BOAT b : craft for water transport

watercress
n. 1 : any of several aquatic or semiaquatic cresses especially : a perennial cress (Nasturtium officinale) native to Europe and southwestern Asia that is naturalized in the U.S. and has leaves used especially in salads or as a potherb
2 : the leaves of a watercress

Wateree
river S.C., lower course of the Catawba ― see CONGAREE

waterer
n. : one that waters: as a : a person who obtains or supplies drinking water b : a device used for supplying water to livestock and poultry ― called also drinker

waterfall
n. 1 a : a perpendicular or very steep descent of the water of a stream b : an artificial waterfall (as in a hotel lobby or a nightclub)
2 : something resembling a waterfall

waterflood
: the process of waterflooding an oil well

waterflood
: to pump water into the ground around an oil well nearing depletion in order to loosen and force out additional oil

Waterford
1 county S Ireland in Munster area 710 sq mi (1846 sq km), pop 101,546
2 city & port, its capital pop 44,594

waterfowl
n. : a bird that frequents water especially : a swimming game bird (as a duck or goose) as distinguished from an upland game bird or shorebird

waterfowler
n. : a hunter of waterfowl
–wa·ter·fowl·ing \-liŋ\ noun

waterfront
n. : land, land with buildings, or a section of a town fronting or abutting on a body of water

Watergate
n. : a scandal usually involving abuses of office, skulduggery, and a cover-up

watering can
: a vessel usually with a spout used to sprinkle or pour water especially on plants ― called also watering pot

watering hole
1 : WATER HOLE 1
2 : a place where people gather socially especially : WATERING PLACE 3

watering place
1 : a place where water may be obtained especially : one where animals and especially livestock come to drink
2 : a health or recreational resort featuring mineral springs or bathing
3 : a place (as a nightclub, bar, or lounge) where drink is available

waterish
: somewhat watery
–wa·ter·ish·ness noun

waterleaf
: any of a genus (Hydrophyllum of the family Hydrophyllaceae, the waterleaf family) of perennial or biennial No. American woodland herbs with lobed or pinnate toothed leaves and cymes of bell-shaped flowers

waterless
adj. 1 : lacking or destitute of water : DRY
2 : not requiring water (as for cooling or cooking)
–wa·ter·less·ness noun

waterline
n. : a line that marks the level of the surface of water on something: as a (1) : the point on the hull of a ship or boat to which the water rises (2) : a line marked on the outside of a ship that corresponds with the water's surface when the ship is afloat on an even keel under specified conditions of loading b : SHORELINE 1

waterlog
v. : to make waterlogged

waterlogged
adj. 1 : so filled or soaked with water as to be heavy or hard to manage <waterlogged boats>
2 : saturated with water <waterlogged soil>

Waterloo
n. 1 city NE cen Iowa pop 68,747
2 town cen Belgium S of Brussels pop 28,898
3 city Canada in SE Ont. W of Kitchener pop 86,543

waterloo
n. : a decisive or final defeat or setback <a political waterloo>

waterman
n. : one who works or lives on the water: as a : a man who makes his living from the water (as by fishing) b : a boatman who plies for hire usually on inland waters or harbors

watermanship
n. : the business, skill, or art of a waterman: as a : technique or expertness in rowing b : technique or expertness in swimming

watermark
n. 1 : a mark indicating the height to which water has risen
2 : a marking in paper resulting from differences in thickness usually produced by pressure of a projecting design in the mold or on a processing roll and visible when the paper is held up to the light also : the design of or the metal pattern producing the marking

watermark
n. 1 : to mark (paper) with a watermark
2 : to impress (a given design) as a watermark

watermelon
n. 1 : a large oblong or roundish fruit with a hard green or white rind often striped or variegated, a sweet watery pink, yellowish, or red pulp, and usually many seeds
2 : a widely cultivated African vine (Citrullus lanatus syn. C. vulgaris) of the gourd family that bears watermelons

waterpower
n. 1 : the power of water employed to move machinery
2 : a fall of water suitable for being used to move machinery

waterproof
n. : impervious to water especially : covered or treated with a material (as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water
–wa·ter·proof·ness noun

waterproof
n. 1 : a waterproof fabric
2 chiefly British : RAINCOAT

waterproof
n. : to make waterproof
–wa·ter·proof·er noun

waterproofing
n. 1 a : the act or process of making something waterproof b : the condition of being made waterproof
2 : something (as a coating) capable of imparting waterproofness

Waters
n. Ethel 1896-1977 American actress & singer

Waters
n. bag of waters
bread upon the waters
muddy the waters
territorial waters
test the waters

waterscape
n. : a water or sea view : SEASCAPE 1

watershed
n. 1 a : DIVIDE 2A b : a region or area bounded peripherally by a divide and draining ultimately to a particular watercourse or body of water
2 : a crucial dividing point, line, or factor : TURNING POINT
–watershed adjective

waterside
n. : the margin of a body of water : WATERFRONT

waterside
n. 1 : employed along the waterside <waterside workers> also : of or relating to the workers along the waterside <a waterside strike>
2 : of, relating to, or located on the waterside <a waterside café>

waterskiing
n. : the sport of planing and jumping on water skis

waterslide
n. : a continuously wetted chute (as at an amusement park) down which people slide into a pool

waterspout
n. 1 : a pipe, duct, or orifice from which water is spouted or through which it is carried
2 : a funnel-shaped or tubular column of rotating cloud-filled wind usually extending from the underside of a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up by the whirling winds from the surface of an ocean or lake

waterthrush
n. : either of two No. American warblers (Seiurus noveboracensis and S. motacilla of the family Parulidae) found near freshwater (as a stream)

watertight
adj. 1 : of such tight construction or fit as to be impermeable to water except when under sufficient pressure to produce structural discontinuity
2 : leaving no possibility of misconstruction or evasion <a watertight lease>
–wa·ter·tight·ness noun

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
reservation comprising Glacier National Park (reservation NW Mont.) & Waterton Lakes National Park (reservation Canada in S Alta. in Rocky Mountains)

Watertown
1 town E Mass. W of Boston pop 32,986
2 city N cen N.Y. SE of Kingston, Ont. pop 26,705

waterway
n. 1 : a way or channel for water
2 : a navigable body of water

waterweed
n. : any of various floating or submerged aquatic plants (as elodea) having usually inconspicuous flowers

waterwheel
n. 1 : a wheel made to rotate by direct action of water
2 : a wheel for raising water

waterworks
n. 1 : the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed (as to a city)
2 : an ornamental fountain or cascade
3 : the shedding of tears : TEARS

waterworn
adj. : worn, smoothed, or polished by the action of water

watery
adj. 1 a : consisting of, filled with, or surrounded by water b : containing, sodden with, or yielding water or a thin liquid <a watery solution> <watery vesicles>
2 a : resembling water or watery matter especially in thin fluidity, soggy texture, paleness, or lack of savor <watery sunlight> <a watery soup> <watery diarrhea> b : exhibiting weakness and vapidity : WISHY-WASHY <a watery writing style>
–wa·ter·i·ly \-tə-rə-lē\ adverb
–wa·ter·i·ness \-tə-rē-nəs\ noun

waterzooi
: a stew of fish or chicken and vegetables in a seasoned stock thickened with cream and egg yolks

Watford
town SE England in Hertfordshire pop 72,100

WATS
Wide-Area Telecommunications Service

Watson
n. James Dewey 1928-     American geneticist

Watson
n. John 1850-1907 pseud. Ian Mac·lar·en \mə-'klar-ən\ Scot. clergyman & author

Watson
n. John Broadus 1878-1958 American psychol.

Watson
n. Sir (John) William 1858-1935 Eng. poet

Watson
n. Watson Crick
Watson Crick model
Watson Watt

Watson-Crick
: of or relating to the Watson-Crick model <the Watson-Crick helix> <the Watson-Crick structure> <Watson-Crick base pairs>

Watson-Crick model
: a model of DNA structure in which the molecule is a cross-linked double-stranded helix, each strand is composed of alternating links of phosphate and deoxyribose, and the strands are cross-linked by pairs of purine and pyrimidine bases projecting inward from the deoxyribose sugars and joined by hydrogen bonds with adenine paired with thymine and with cytosine paired with guanine ― compare DOUBLE HELIX

Watson-Watt
Sir Robert Alexander 1892-1973 Scot. physicist

Watsonville
city W Calif. pop 44,265

Watt
n. James 1736-1819 Scot. inventor

watt
n. : the absolute meter-kilogram-second unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : 1/746 horsepower

watt
n. watt hour
Watson Watt
Watts Dunton

watt-hour
: a unit of work or energy equivalent to the power of one watt operating for one hour

wattage
n. 1 : amount of power expressed in watts
2 : amount of dynamic or mental energy or appeal <the celebrity's high wattage>

Watteau
adj. 1 of a hat : shallow-crowned and having a wide brim turned up at the back to hold flower trimmings
2 of women's dress : having back pleats falling loosely from neckline to hem

Watteau
adj. (Jean-) Antoine 1684-1721 Fr. painter

Wattenscheid
city W Germany E of Essen pop 80,527

Watterson
Henry 1840-1921 American journalist & polit.

wattle
n. 1 a : a fabrication of poles interwoven with slender branches, withes, or reeds and used especially formerly in building b : material for such construction c plural : poles laid on a roof to support thatch
2 Australian : ACACIA 2
–wat·tled \-təld\ adjective

wattle
n. 1 : to form or build of or with wattle
2 a : to form into wattle : interlace to form wattle b : to unite or make solid by interweaving light flexible material

wattle
n. : a fleshy pendulous process usually about the head or neck (as of a bird)

wattle and daub
: a framework of woven rods and twigs covered and plastered with clay and used in building construction
–wattle-and-daub adjective

wattlebird
n. : any of several Australasian honeyeaters (genus Anthochaera) having ear wattles

wattmeter
n. : an instrument for measuring electric power in watts

Watts
n. George Frederic 1817-1904 Eng. painter & sculptor

Watts
n. Isaac 1674-1748 Eng. theol. & hymn writer

Watts
n. section of Los Angeles, Calif. S of the downtown district

Watts-Dunton
Walter Theodore 1832-1914 Eng. critic & poet

Watusi
n. : TUTSI

Waugh
n. Evelyn Arthur St. John 1903-1966 Eng. writer

Waukegan
city NE Ill. N of Chicago pop 87,901

Waukesha
city SE Wis. pop 64,825

Wausau
city N cen Wis. pop 38,426

Wauwatosa
city SE Wis. pop 47,271

Wave
n. : a woman serving in the navy

wave
n. intransitive verb
1 : to motion with the hands or with something held in them in signal or salute
2 : to float, play, or shake in an air current : move loosely to and fro : FLUTTER <flags waving in the breeze>
3 of water : to move in waves : HEAVE
4 : to become moved or brandished to and fro <signs waved in the crowd>
5 : to move before the wind with a wavelike motion <field of waving grain>
6 : to follow a curving line or take a wavy form : UNDULATE
transitive verb
1 : to swing (something) back and forth or up and down
2 : to impart a curving or undulating shape to <waved her hair>
3 a : to motion to (someone) to go in an indicated direction or to stop : FLAG, SIGNAL <checked his name and waved him on> <waved down a passing car> b : to gesture with (the hand or an object) in greeting or farewell or in homage c : to dismiss or put out of mind : DISREGARD ― usually used with aside or off d : to convey by waving <waved farewell>
4 : BRANDISH, FLOURISH <waved a pistol menacingly>
synonyms see SWING

wave
n. 1 a : a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid (as of the sea) b : open water
2 a : a shape or outline having successive curves b : a waviness of the hair c : an undulating line or streak or a pattern formed by such lines
3 : something that swells and dies away: as a : a surge of sensation or emotion <a wave of anger swept over her> b : a movement sweeping large numbers in a common direction <waves of protest> c : a peak or climax of activity <a wave of buying>
4 : a sweep of hand or arm or of some object held in the hand used as a signal or greeting
5 : a rolling or undulatory movement or one of a series of such movements passing along a surface or through the air
6 : a movement like that of an ocean wave: as a : a surging movement of a group <a big new wave of women politicians> b : one of a succession of influxes of people migrating into a region c (1) : a moving group of animals of one kind (2) : a sudden rapid increase in a population d : a line of attacking or advancing troops or airplanes e : a display of people in a large crowd (as at a sports event) successively rising, lifting their arms overhead, and quickly sitting so as to form a swell moving through the crowd
7 a : a disturbance or variation that transfers energy progressively from point to point in a medium and that may take the form of an elastic deformation or of a variation of pressure, electric or magnetic intensity, electric potential, or temperature b : one complete cycle of such a disturbance
8 : a marked change in temperature : a period of hot or cold weather
9 : an undulating or jagged line constituting a graphic representation of an action
–wave·less \'wāv-ləs\ adjective
–wave·less·ly adverb
–wave·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

wave
n. permanent wave
alpha wave
beta wave
brain wave
cold wave
compressional wave
compression wave
delta wave
electromagnetic wave
finger wave
gravitational wave
gravity wave
ground wave
heat wave
longitudinal wave
new wave
pressure wave
P wave
radio wave
shock wave
sine wave
sky wave
slow wave sleep
sound wave
square wave
standing wave
stationary wave
S wave
theta wave
tidal wave
transverse wave
wave band
wave equation
wave front
wave mechanics
wave number
wave of the future
wave packet
wave theory
wave train
make waves
flag waving

wave band
: a band of radio-wave frequencies

wave equation
: a partial differential equation of the second order whose solutions describe wave phenomena

wave front
: a surface composed at any instant of all the points just reached by a vibrational disturbance in its propagation through a medium

wave mechanics
1 : the mathematical description of atomic and subatomic particles in terms of their wave characteristics
2 : QUANTUM MECHANICS

wave number
: the number of waves per unit distance of radiant energy of a given wavelength : the reciprocal of the wavelength

wave of the future

1940
: an idea, product, or movement that is viewed as representing forces or a trend that will inevitably prevail

wave packet
: a pulse of radiant energy that is the resultant of a number of wave trains of differing wavelengths

wave theory
: a theory in physics: light is transmitted from luminous bodies to the eye and other objects by an undulatory movement ― called also undulatory theory

wave train
: a succession of similar waves at equal intervals

waved
adj. : having a wavelike form or outline: as a : having wavy lines of color : WATERED <waved cloth> b : marked by undulations : CURVING <the waved cutting edge of a bread knife>

waveform
n. : a usually graphic representation of the shape of a wave that indicates its characteristics (as frequency and amplitude) ― called also waveshape

waveguide
n. : a device (as a duct, coaxial cable, or glass fiber) designed to confine and direct the propagation of electromagnetic waves (as light) especially : a metal tube for channeling ultrahigh-frequency waves

wavelength
n. 1 : the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
2 : a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding <two people on different wavelengths>

wavelet
n. : a little wave : RIPPLE

Wavell
1st Earl 1883-1950 Archibald Percival Wavell Brit. field marshal; viceroy of India (1943-47)

waver
v. 1 : to vacillate irresolutely between choices : fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction
2 a : to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro : REEL, TOTTER b : QUIVER, FLICKER <wavering flames> c : to hesitate as if about to give way : FALTER
3 : to give an unsteady sound : QUAVER
synonyms see SWING, HESITATE
–wa·ver·er \'wā-və-rər\ noun
–wa·ver·ing·ly \'wāv-riŋ-lē, 'wā-və-\ adverb

waver
v. : an act of wavering, quivering, or fluttering

waver
v. : one that waves

wavery
adj. : that waves : WAVERING

waveshape
: WAVEFORM

wavy
adj. 1 : rising or swelling in waves also : abounding in waves <wavy hair>
2 : moving with an undulating motion : FLUCTUATING also : marked by wavering <wavy lines>
3 : marked by undulation : ROLLING
–wav·i·ly \'wā-və-lē\ adverb
–wav·i·ness \-vē-nəs\ noun

waw
: the 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

wax
n. 1 : a substance that is secreted by bees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull yellow solid plastic when warm, and that is composed of a mixture of esters, cerotic acid, and hydrocarbons ― called also beeswax
2 : any of various substances resembling the wax of bees: as a : any of numerous substances of plant or animal origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons) b : a solid substance (as ozokerite or paraffin wax) of mineral origin consisting usually of hydrocarbons of high molecular weight c : a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a polished surface
3 : something likened to wax as soft, impressionable, or readily molded
4 : a waxy secretion especially : EARWAX
5 : a phonograph recording
–wax·like \'waks-ˌlīk\ adjective

wax
n. 1 a : to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing, stiffening, or reducing friction b : to apply wax to (as legs) as a depilatory
2 : to record on phonograph records
3 slang : to defeat decisively (as in an athletic contest)

wax
n. 1 a : to increase in size, numbers, strength, prosperity, or intensity b : to grow in volume or duration c : to grow toward full development
2 : to increase in phase or intensity ― used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets
3 : to assume a (specified) characteristic, quality, or state : BECOME <wax indignant> <wax poetic>

wax
n. : INCREASE, GROWTH ― usually used in the phrase on the wax

wax
n. : a fit of temper : RAGE

wax
n. ball of wax
bikini wax
carnauba wax
Japan wax
lost wax
mineral wax
montan wax
sealing wax
vegetable wax
wax bean
wax light
wax moth
wax museum
wax myrtle
wax palm
wax paper
waxed paper

wax bean
: a kidney bean with pods that turn creamy yellow to bright yellow when mature enough for use as snap beans

wax light
: a wax candle : TAPER

wax moth
: a dull brownish or ashen pyralid moth (Galleria mellonella) with a larva that feeds on the honeycomb wax of bees

wax museum
: a place where wax effigies (as of famous historical persons) are exhibited

wax myrtle
: any of a genus (Myrica of the family Myricaceae, the wax-myrtle family) of trees or shrubs with aromatic foliage especially : a shrub or small tree (M. cerifera) of the eastern U.S. having small hard berries with a thick coating of bluish-white wax used for candles

wax palm
: any of several palms that yield wax: as a : an Andean pinnate-leaved palm (Ceroxylon alpinum syn. C. andicola) whose stem yields a resinous wax used in candles b : CARNAUBA

wax paper
: WAXED PAPER

waxbill
n. : any of numerous Old World oscine birds (family Estrildidae, especially genus Estrilda) having white, pink, or reddish bills of a waxy appearance

waxed paper
: paper coated or treated with wax to make it resistant to water and grease and used especially as a wrapping

waxen
adj. 1 : made of or covered with wax
2 : resembling wax: as a : easily molded : PLIABLE b : seeming to lack vitality or animation : PALLID c : lustrously smooth

waxer
n. 1 : a device for applying wax
2 : one whose work is applying or polishing with wax

waxwing
n. : any of a genus (Bombycilla) of American and Eurasian chiefly brown to gray oscine birds (as a cedar waxwing) having a showy crest, red waxy material on the tips of the secondaries, and a yellow band on the tip of the tail

waxwork
n. 1 : an effigy in wax usually of a person
2 plural but singular or plural in construction : WAX MUSEUM

waxy
adj. 1 : made of, abounding in, or covered with wax : WAXEN <a waxy surface> <waxy berries>
2 : resembling wax: as a : readily shaped or molded b : marked by smooth or lustrous whiteness <a waxy complexion>
–wax·i·ness noun

way
n. 1 a : a thoroughfare for travel or transportation from place to place b : an opening for passage <this door is the only way out of the room>
2 : the course traveled from one place to another : ROUTE <asked the way to the museum>
3 a : a course (as a series of actions or sequence of events) leading in a direction or toward an objective <led the way to eventual open heart operations ― Current Biog.> b (1) : a course of action <took the easy way out> (2) : opportunity, capability, or fact of doing as one pleases <always manages to get her own way> c : a possible decision, action, or outcome : POSSIBILITY <they were rude97no two ways about it>
4 a : manner or method of doing or happening <admired her way of thinking> also : method of accomplishing : MEANS <that's the way to do it> b : FEATURE, RESPECT <in no way resembles her mother> c : a usually specified degree of participation in an activity or enterprise <active in real estate in a small way>
5 a : characteristic, regular, or habitual manner or mode of being, behaving, or happening <knows nothing of the ways of women> b : ability to get along well or perform well <she has a way with kids> <a way with words>
6 : the length of a course : DISTANCE <has come a long way in her studies> <still have a way to go>
7 : movement or progress along a course <worked her way up the corporate ladder>
8 a : DIRECTION <is coming this way> b : PARTICIPANT ― usually used in combination <three-way discussion>
9 : state of affairs : CONDITION, STATE <that's the way things are>
10 a plural but sometimes singular in construction : an inclined structure upon which a ship is built or supported in launching b plural : the guiding surfaces on the bed of a machine along which a table or carriage moves
11 : CATEGORY, KIND ― usually used in the phrase in the way of <doesn't require much in the way of expensive equipment ― Forbes>
12 : motion or speed of a ship or boat through the water
synonyms see METHOD
–all the way : to the full or entire extent : as far as possible <ran all the way home> <seated all the way in the back>
–by the way : by way of interjection or digression : INCIDENTALLY
–by way of
1 : for the purpose of
2 : by the route through : VIA
–in a way
1 : within limits : with reservations
2 : from one point of view
–in one's way also in the way
1 : in a position to be encountered by one : in or along one's course <an opportunity had been put in my way ― Ellen Glasgow>
2 : in a position to hinder or obstruct
–on the way or on one's way : moving along in one's course : in progress
–out of the way
1 : WRONG, IMPROPER <didn't know I'd said anything out of the way>
2 a : in or to a secluded place b : UNUSUAL, REMARKABLE <there's nothing out of the way about the plan>
3 : DONE, COMPLETED <got his homework out of the way>
–the way
1 : in view of the manner in which <you'd think she was rich, the way she spends money>
2 : LIKE, AS <we have cats the way other people have mice ― James Thurber>

way
n. : of, connected with, or constituting an intermediate point on a route

way
n. 1 a : AWAY 7 <is way ahead of the class> b : by far : MUCH <ate way too much> c : VERY 2 <way cool> <way excited>
2 : all the way <pull the switch way back>
–from way back : of long standing <friends from way back>

way
n. no way
pay one's own way
on one's way
in the way
eightfold way
every which way
family way
four way
give way
go all the way
harm's way
look the other way
make way
Milky Way
Milky Way galaxy
one way
out of the way
pave the way
pay one's way
right of way
rights of way
rub the wrong way
two way
two way street
under way
the way
on the way
in one's way
in a way
by way of
by the way
all the way
from way back
Way of the Cross
way out
way station
white way
the worst way
Appian Way
Federal Way
cut both ways
parting of the ways
right of ways
ways and means

Way of the Cross

1868
: STATIONS OF THE CROSS

way station
1 : a station set between principal stations on a line of travel (as a railroad)
2 : an intermediate stopping place

way-out
: FAR-OUT

waybill
n. : a document prepared by the carrier of a shipment of goods that contains details of the shipment, route, and charges

wayfarer
n. : a traveler especially on foot
–way·far·ing \-ˌfer-iŋ\ adjective

wayfaring tree
: a Eurasian viburnum (Viburnum lantana) that has large ovate leaves and dense cymes of small white flowers and is common along waysides

waygoing
n. chiefly Scottish : the act of leaving : DEPARTURE

Wayland
: a heroic smith of Germanic legend

waylay
v. : to lie in wait for or attack from ambush

wayless
: having no road or path

Wayne
n. Anthony 1745-1796 Mad Anthony American gen. in Revolution

waypoint
n. : an intermediate point on a route or line of travel

ways
n. : WAY 6 <a long ways from home>

ways
n. : in (such) a way, course, direction, or manner <sideways>

ways
n. cut both ways
parting of the ways
right of ways
ways and means

ways and means
1 : methods and resources for accomplishing something and especially for defraying expenses
2 often capitalized W&M a : methods and resources for raising the necessary revenues for the expenses of a nation or state b : a legislative committee concerned with this function

wayside
n. : the side of or land adjacent to a road or path
–wayside adjective
–by the wayside : out of consideration : into a condition of neglect or disuse ― usually used with fall

wayward
adj. 1 : following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : UNGOVERNABLE <a wayward child>
2 : following no clear principle or law : UNPREDICTABLE
3 : opposite to what is desired or expected : UNTOWARD <wayward fate>
synonyms see CONTRARY
–way·ward·ly adverb
–way·ward·ness noun

wayworn
adj. : wearied by traveling

Waziristan
region W Pakistan on border of Afghanistan NE of Baluchistan

wazoo
n. slang : ANUS
–up the wazoo also out the wazoo : in excess <we've got lawyers up the wazoo ― Steven Bochco>

WB
1 waybill
2 westbound
3 wheelbase

Wb
weber

WBC
n. white blood cell

WBF
wood-burning fireplace

WC
n. water closet

WCTU
n. Women's Christian Temperance Union

wd
1 wood
2 word
3 would

We
pron. Wednesday

We
pron. shotgun wedding
wedding cake
wedding march
wedding ring

we
pron. 1 : I and the rest of a group that includes me : you and I : you and I and another or others : I and another or others not including you ― used as pronoun of the first person plural ― compare I, OUR, OURS, US
2 : 1I ― used by sovereigns ― used by writers to keep an impersonal character

we'd
v. : we had : we would : we should

we'll
v. : we will : we shall

we're
v. : we are

we've
v. : we have

weak
adj. 1 : lacking strength: as a : deficient in physical vigor : FEEBLE, DEBILITATED b : not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain c : not able to resist external force or withstand attack d : easily upset or nauseated <a weak stomach>
2 a : mentally or intellectually deficient b : not firmly decided : VACILLATING c : resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment d : not able to withstand temptation or persuasion <the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak>
3 : not factually grounded or logically presented <a weak argument>
4 a : not able to function properly <weak eyes> b (1) : lacking skill or proficiency <tutoring for weaker students> (2) : indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude <history was my weakest subject> c : wanting in vigor of expression or effect <a weak translation of the poem>
5 a : deficient in the usual or required ingredients : DILUTE <weak coffee> b : lacking normal intensity or potency <a weak radio signal> <a weak strain of virus>
6 a : not having or exerting authority or political power <weak government> b : INEFFECTIVE, IMPOTENT
7 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb or verb conjugation that in English forms the past tense and past participle by adding the suffix -ed or -d or -t
8 a : bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language <a weak syllable> b : having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound <'d in he'd is the weak form of would>
9 : tending toward a lower price or value <a weak market> <a weak dollar>
10 : ionizing only slightly in solution <weak acids and bases>
–weak·ly adverb
synonyms WEAK, FEEBLE, FRAIL, FRAGILE, INFIRM, DECREPIT mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort. WEAK applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort <felt weak after the surgery>. FEEBLE suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt <a feeble attempt to walk>. FRAIL implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure <a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports>. FRAGILE suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage <a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world>. INFIRM suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness <infirm residents requiring constant care>. DECREPIT implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age <the dowager's decrepit retainers>.

weak
adj. weak anthropic principle
weak force
weak nuclear force
weak interaction
weak kneed
weak minded
weak mindedness
weak side
weak sister

weak anthropic principle
: ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE A

weak force
: a fundamental physical force that governs interactions between hadrons and leptons (as in the emission and absorption of neutrinos) and is responsible for particle decay processes (as beta decay) in radioactivity, that is 10-5 times the strength of the strong force, and that acts over distances smaller than those between nucleons in an atomic nucleus ― called also weak interaction weak nuclear force ― compare ELECTROMAGNETISM 2a GRAVITY 3a(2) STRONG FORCE

weak side
1 : the side of a football formation having the smaller number of players specifically : the side of a formation away from the tight end
2 : the side of a court or field (as in basketball or soccer) away from the ball
–weak·side \'wēk-ˌsīd\ adjective

weak sister
: a member of a group who needs aid also : something weak and ineffective as compared with others in a group

weak-kneed
: lacking willpower or resolution

weak-minded
: having or indicating a weak mind: a : lacking in judgment or good sense : FOOLISH b : FEEBLEMINDED
–weak-mind·ed·ness noun

weaken
v. transitive verb
1 : to make weak : lessen the strength of
2 : to reduce in intensity or effectiveness
intransitive verb : to become weak
–weak·en·er \'wēk-nər, 'wē-kə-\ noun
synonyms WEAKEN, ENFEEBLE, DEBILITATE, UNDERMINE, SAP, CRIPPLE, DISABLE mean to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor. WEAKEN may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power <a disease that weakens the body's defenses> . ENFEEBLE implies an obvious and pitiable condition of weakness and helplessness <enfeebled by starvation>. DEBILITATE suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality <the debilitating effects of surgery>. UNDERMINE and SAP suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously <a poor diet undermines your health> <drugs had sapped his ability to think>. CRIPPLE implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element <crippled by arthritis>. DISABLE suggests a usually sudden crippling or enfeebling <disabled soldiers received an immediate discharge>.

weakfish
n. 1 : a common marine bony fish (Cynoscion regalis of the family Sciaenidae) of the eastern coast of the U.S. that is an important sport and food fish ― called also sea trout
2 : any of several fishes congeneric with the weakfish

weakhearted
adj. : lacking courage : FAINTHEARTED

weakish
: somewhat weak <weakish tea>

weakling
n. : one that is weak in body, character, or mind
–weakling adjective

weakly
adj. : FEEBLE, WEAK
–weak·li·ness noun

weakness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being weak also : an instance or period of being weak <backed down in a moment of weakness>
2 : FAULT, DEFECT
3 a : a special desire or fondness <has a weakness for sweets> b : an object of special desire or fondness <pizza is my weakness>

weal
n. 1 : a sound, healthy, or prosperous state : WELL-BEING
2 obsolete : BODY POLITIC, COMMONWEAL

weal
n. : WELT

Weald
n. region SE England in Kent, Surrey, & Sussex, bet. N. Downs & S. Downs; once heavily forested

weald
n. 1 : a heavily wooded area : FOREST <the Weald of Kent>
2 : a wild or uncultivated usually upland region

wealth
n. 1 obsolete : WEAL, WELFARE
2 : abundance of valuable material possessions or resources
3 : abundant supply : PROFUSION
4 a : all property that has a money value or an exchangeable value b : all material objects that have economic utility especially : the stock of useful goods having economic value in existence at any one time <national wealth>

wealthy
adj. 1 : having wealth : very affluent
2 : characterized by abundance : AMPLE
synonyms see RICH
–wealth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb
–wealth·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

wean
v. 1 : to accustom (as a young child or animal) to take food otherwise than by nursing
2 : to detach from a source of dependence <being weaned off the medication> <wean the bears from human food ― Sports Illus.> also : to free from a usually unwholesome habit or interest <wean him off his excessive drinking> <settling his soldiers on the land⋯ , weaning them from habits of violence ― Geoffrey Carnall>
3 : to accustom to something from an early age ― used in the passive especially with on <students weaned on the Internet for research> <I was weaned on greasepaint ― Helen Hayes> <the principles upon which he had been weaned ― J. A. Michener>

weaner
n. 1 : one that weans
2 : a young animal recently weaned from its mother

weanling
n. : a child or animal newly weaned
–wean·ling adjective

weapon
n. 1 : something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy
2 : a means of contending against another

weapon
n. : ARM

weapon
n. assault weapon
biological weapon
chemical weapon

weaponize
v. : to adapt for use as a weapon of war
–wea·pon·i·za·tion \ˌwe-pə-nə-'zā-shən\ noun

weaponless
adj. : lacking weapons : UNARMED

weaponry
n. 1 : WEAPONS
2 : the science of designing and making weapons

Wear
n. river 67 mi (108 km) N England flowing into North Sea at Sunderland

wear
n. transitive verb
1 : to bear or have on the person <wore a coat>
2 a : to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance <wears a size 10> <wear glasses> b : to carry on the person <wear a sword>
3 a : to hold the rank or dignity or position signified by (an ornament) <wear the royal crown> b : EXHIBIT, PRESENT <wore a happy smile> <commend the book for wearing its research so lightly ― Brad Leithauser> c : to show or fly (a flag or colors) on a ship
4 a : to cause to deteriorate by use b : to impair or diminish by use or attrition : consume or waste gradually <letters on the stone worn away by weathering>
5 : to produce gradually by friction or attrition <wear a hole in the rug>
6 : to exhaust or lessen the strength of : WEARY, FATIGUE
7 : to cause (a ship) to go about with the stern presented to the wind
8 British : to accept or tolerate without complaint : put up with ― usually used in negative constructions <your mates wouldn't wear it ― Colin MacInnes>
9 : TAKE ON 3A
intransitive verb
1 a : to endure use : last under use or the passage of time <material that will wear for years> b : to retain quality or vitality <the classics wear well>
2 a : to diminish or decay through use <the heels of his shoes began to wear> b : to diminish or fail with the passage of time <the effect of the drug wore off> <the day wore on> c : to grow or become by attrition or use <the blade wore dull>
3 of a ship : to change to an opposite tack by turning the stern to the wind ― compare TACK
–wear·er noun
–wear on : IRRITATE, FRAY <the constant beeping wore on my nerves>
–wear the trousers or wear the pants : to have the controlling authority in a household
–wear thin
1 : to become weak or ready to give way <my patience was wearing thin>
2 : to become trite, unconvincing, or out-of-date <an argument that quickly wore thin>

wear
n. 1 : the act of wearing : the state of being worn : USE <clothes for everyday wear>
2 a : clothing or an article of clothing usually of a particular kind especially : clothing worn for a special occasion or popular during a specific period b : FASHION, VOGUE
3 : wearing quality : durability under use
4 : the result of wearing or use : diminution or impairment due to use <wear-resistant surface>

wear
n. wear the pants
ready to wear
wash and wear
wear thin
wear the trousers
wear on
wear and tear
wear down
wear out
Tyne and Wear
well worn
worn out

wear and tear
: the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use especially : normal depreciation

wear down
: to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure

wear on
IRRITATE, FRAY <the constant beeping wore on my nerves>

wear out
1 : TIRE, EXHAUST
2 : to make useless especially by long or hard usage
3 : ERASE, EFFACE
4 : to endure through : OUTLAST <wear out a storm>
5 : to consume (as time) tediously <wear out idle days>
intransitive verb : to become useless from long or excessive wear or use

wear the trousers
or wear the pants : to have the controlling authority in a household

wear thin

1 : to become weak or ready to give way <my patience was wearing thin>
2 : to become trite, unconvincing, or out-of-date <an argument that quickly wore thin>

wearable
adj. : capable of being worn : suitable to be worn
–wear·abil·i·ty \ˌwer-ə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun

wearable
adj. : GARMENT ― usually used in plural

weariful
adj. 1 : causing weariness especially : TEDIOUS
2 : full of weariness : WEARIED
–wea·ri·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wea·ri·ful·ness noun

weariless
adj. : TIRELESS
–wea·ri·less·ly adverb

wearing
n. : intended for wear <wearing apparel>

wearing
n. : subjecting to or inflicting wear especially : causing fatigue <a wearing journey>
–wear·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

wearisome
adj. : causing weariness : TIRESOME
–wea·ri·some·ly adverb
–wea·ri·some·ness noun

weary
adj. 1 : exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness
2 : expressing or characteristic of weariness <a weary sign>
3 : having one's patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted ― used with of
4 : WEARISOME
–wea·ri·ly \'wir-ə-lē\ adverb
–wea·ri·ness \'wir-ē-nəs\ noun

weary
adj. intransitive verb : to become weary
transitive verb : to make weary
synonyms see TIRE

weasand
n. : THROAT, GULLET also : TRACHEA

weasel
n. 1 or plural weasel : any of various small slender active carnivorous mammals (genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae, the weasel family) that are able to prey on animals (as rabbits) larger than themselves, are mostly brown with white or yellowish underparts, and in northern forms turn white in winter ― compare ERMINE 1a
2 : a light self-propelled tracked vehicle built either for traveling over snow, ice, or sand or as an amphibious vehicle
3 : a sneaky, untrustworthy, or insincere person

weasel
n. intransitive verb
1 : to use weasel words : EQUIVOCATE
2 : to escape from or evade a situation or obligation ― often used with out
transitive verb : to manipulate shiftily

weasel word
: a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position

weaselly
adj. : resembling or suggestive of a weasel

weather
n. 1 : the state of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness
2 : state or vicissitude of life or fortune
3 : disagreeable atmospheric conditions: as a : RAIN, STORM b : cold air with dampness
4 : WEATHERING
–to weather : in the direction from which the wind is blowing
–under the weather
1 : ILL
2 : DRUNK 1A

weather
n. transitive verb
1 : to expose to the open air : subject to the action of the elements
2 : to bear up against and come safely through <weather a storm> <weather a crisis>
intransitive verb : to undergo or endure the action of the elements

weather
n. : of or relating to the side facing the wind ― compare LEE

weather
n. fair weather
under the weather
to weather
weather beaten
weather bound
weather bureau
weather deck
weather eye
weather map
weather ship
weather station
weather strip
weather stripping
weather vane
weather wise

weather bureau
: a bureau engaged in the collection of weather reports as a basis for weather predictions, storm warnings, and the compiling of statistical records

weather deck
: a deck having no overhead protection from the weather

weather eye
1 : an eye quick to observe coming changes in the weather
2 : constant and shrewd watchfulness and alertness

weather map
: a map or chart showing the principal meteorological elements at a given hour and over an extended region

weather ship
: a ship that makes observations for use by meteorologists

weather station
: a station for taking, recording, and reporting meteorological observations

weather strip
: a strip of material to cover the joint of a door or window and the sill, casing, or threshold so as to exclude rain, snow, and cold air ― called also weather stripping
–weath·er-strip transitive verb

weather vane
: VANE 1A

weather-beaten
1 : toughened, tanned, or bronzed by the weather <a weather-beaten face>
2 : worn or damaged by exposure to weather

weather-bound
: kept in port or at anchor or from travel or sport by bad weather

weather-wise
1 : skillful in forecasting changes in the weather
2 : skillful in forecasting changes in opinion or feeling <a weather-wise politician>

weatherability
n. : capability of withstanding the weathering process <weatherability of a plastic>

weatherboard
n. 1 : CLAPBOARD, SIDING
2 : the weather side of a ship
–weath·er·board·ed adjective

weatherboarding
n. : CLAPBOARDS, SIDING

weathercast
: a weather forecast especially on radio or television

weathercaster
: a weather forecaster especially on radio or television

weathercock
n. 1 : a vane often in the figure of a cock mounted so as to turn freely with the wind and show its direction
2 : a person or thing that changes readily or often

weathered
adj. 1 : seasoned by exposure to the weather
2 : altered in color, texture, composition, or form by such exposure or by artificial means producing a similar effect <weathered oak>

weatherglass
n. : a simple instrument for showing changes in atmospheric pressure by the changing level of liquid in a spout connected with a closed reservoir broadly : BAROMETER

weathering
n. : the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects specifically : the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

weatherize
v. : to make (as a house) better protected against winter weather (as by adding insulation)
–weath·er·i·za·tion \ˌweth-rə-'zā-shən, ˌwe-thə-\ noun

weatherly
: able to sail close to the wind with little leeway

weatherman
n. : one who reports and forecasts the weather : METEOROLOGIST

weatherperson
: a person who reports and forecasts the weather : METEOROLOGIST

weatherproof
adj. : able to withstand exposure to weather without damage or loss of function
–weatherproof transitive verb
–weath·er·proof·ness noun

weatherworn
adj. : worn by exposure to the weather

weave
n. transitive verb
1 a : to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn) specifically : to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads b : to interlace (as threads) into cloth c : to make (as a basket) by intertwining
2 : SPIN 2 ― used of spiders and insects
3 : to interlace especially to form a texture, fabric, or design
4 a : to produce by elaborately combining elements : CONTRIVE b : to unite in a coherent whole c : to introduce as an appropriate element : work in ― usually used with in or into
5 : to direct (as the body) in a winding or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles
intransitive verb
1 : to work at weaving : make cloth
2 : to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles

weave
n. 1 : something woven especially : woven cloth
2 : any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics

weave
n. : to move waveringly from side to side : SWAY

weave
n. basket weave
plain weave
satin weave
wove paper
plain woven

weaver
n. 1 : one that weaves especially as an occupation
2 : any of numerous Old World passerine birds (family Ploceidae) that resemble finches and typically construct elaborate nests of interlaced vegetation

weaver
n. orb weaver
weaver ant
weaver's knot
weaver's hitch

weaver ant
: any of various ants (esp. genus Oecophylla) that build nests from leaves bound together with silk secreted by larvae

weaver's knot
: SHEET BEND ― called also weaver's hitch

weaverbird
n. : WEAVER 2

web
n. 1 : a fabric on a loom or in process of being removed from a loom
2 a : COBWEB, SPIDERWEB b : a network of silken thread spun especially by the larvae of various insects (as a tent caterpillar) and usually serving as a nest or shelter
3 : a tissue or membrane of an animal or plant especially : that uniting fingers or toes either at their bases (as in humans) or for a greater part of their length (as in many waterbirds)
4 a : a thin metal sheet, plate, or strip b : the plate connecting the upper and lower flanges of a girder or rail c : the arm of a crank
5 : something resembling a web: a : SNARE, ENTANGLEMENT <a web of intrigue> <ensnarled in a web of folly ― D. A. Stockman> b : an intricate pattern or structure suggestive of something woven : NETWORK <a web of little roads> <a complex web of relationships>
6 : the series of barbs on each side of the shaft of a feather : VANE
7 a : a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing manufacture on a paper machine b : a roll of paper for use in a rotary printing press
8 : the part of a ribbed vault between the ribs
9 capitalized : WORLD WIDE WEB
–webbed \'webd\ adjective
–web·like \'web-ˌlīk\ adjective

web
n. intransitive verb : to construct or form a web
transitive verb
1 : to cover with a web or network
2 : ENSNARE, ENTANGLE
3 : to provide with a web

web
n. web footed
food web
orb web
web belt
web member
web offset
web press
Web site
web spinner
World Wide Web

web belt
: a belt made of webbing and often worn as part of a uniform

web member
: one of the several members joining the top and bottom chords of a truss or lattice girder

web press
: a press that prints a continuous roll of paper

Web site
: a group of World Wide Web pages usually containing hyperlinks to each other and made available online by an individual, company, educational institution, government, or organization

web spinner
: an insect that spins a web especially : any of an order (Embioptera syn. Embiidina) of small slender gregarious insects with biting mouthparts that live in silken tunnels which they spin

web-offset
: offset printing by web press

Webb
Beatrice 1858-1943 née Potter; wife of S.J. Eng. socialist

Webb
Sidney James 1859-1947 1st Baron Passfield Eng. socialist

webbing
n. 1 : a strong narrow closely woven fabric designed for bearing weight and used especially for straps, harness, or upholstery
2 : TRAP 3C

webby
: of, relating to, or consisting of a web

webcam
n. : a camera used in transmitting live images over the World Wide Web

webcast
v. : a transmission of sound and images (as of an event) via the World Wide Web
–webcast verb often cap
–web·cast·er noun often cap

Weber
n. Carl Maria von 1786-1826 Ger. composer & conductor

Weber
n. Ernst Heinrich 1795-1878 Ger. physiol.

Weber
n. Max 1864-1920 Ger. sociol. & econ.
–We·be·ri·an \vā-'bir-ē-ən\ adjective

Weber
n. Max 1881-1961 American (Russ.-born) painter

weber
n. : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of magnetic flux equal to that flux which in linking a circuit of one turn produces in it an electromotive force of one volt as the flux is reduced to zero at a uniform rate in one second : 10^8 maxwells

Weberian
: of or relating to the socioeconomic theories of Max Weber

Webern
n. Anton von 1883-1945 Austrian composer

webfed
: of, relating to, or printed by a web press

webfoot
n. 1 \'web-'fu̇t\ : a foot having webbed toes
2 \-ˌfu̇t\ : an animal having web feet
–web-foot·ed \-'fu̇-təd\ adjective

Weblog
n. : BLOG

webmaster
n. : a person responsible for the creation or maintenance of a Web site especially for a company or organization

Webster
n. Daniel 1782-1852 American statesman & orator

Webster
n. John ca 1580-ca 1625 Eng. dram.

Webster
n. Noah 1758-1843 American lexicographer & author

webster
n. archaic : WEAVER 1

Webster Groves
city E Mo. pop 23,230

webwork
n. : WEB 5B <a vast webwork of land holdings>

webworm
n. : any of various caterpillars that are more or less gregarious and spin large webs

wed
n. transitive verb
1 : to take for wife or husband by a formal ceremony : MARRY
2 : to join in marriage
3 : to unite as if by marriage: as a : to place in close or intimate association <films that made me conscious of the power of wedding image to music ― Gerald Early> b : to link by commitment or custom <was wed to the old ways>
intransitive verb : to enter into matrimony
–wed·der noun

wed
n. shotgun wedding
wedding cake
wedding march
wedding ring

Weddell Sea
arm of the S. Atlantic E of Antarctic Peninsula

Weddell seal
: a vocal Antarctic hair seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) noted for its deep dives in search of food

wedding
n. 1 : a marriage ceremony usually with its accompanying festivities : NUPTIALS
2 : an act, process, or instance of joining in close association
3 : a wedding anniversary or its celebration ― usually used in combination <a golden wedding>

wedding
n. shotgun wedding
wedding cake
wedding march
wedding ring

wedding cake
1 : a usually elaborately decorated and tiered cake made for the celebration of a wedding
2 : something (as a large building) resembling a wedding cake especially in elaborate ornamentation

wedding march
: a march of slow tempo and stately character composed or played to accompany the bridal procession

wedding ring
: a ring of metal (as gold) given by the groom to the bride during the wedding service also : a similar ring given by the bride to the groom in a double-ring service

wedel
: to ski by means of wedeln

wedeln
: a style of skiing in which a skier rhythmically swings the rear of the skis from side to side while following the fall line

wedge
n. 1 : a piece of a substance (as wood or iron) that tapers to a thin edge and is used for splitting wood and rocks, raising heavy bodies, or for tightening by being driven into something
2 a : something (as a policy) causing a breach or separation b : something used to initiate an action or development
3 : something wedge-shaped: as a : an array of troops or tanks in the form of a wedge b : the wedge-shaped stroke in cuneiform characters c : a shoe having a heel extending from the back of the shoe to the front of the shank and a tread formed by an extension of the sole d : an iron golf club with a broad low-angled face for maximum loft
4 : a golf shot made with a wedge ― called also wedge shot

wedge
n. transitive verb
1 : to fasten or tighten by driving in a wedge
2 a : to force or press (something) into a narrow space : CRAM b : to force (one's way) into or through <wedged his way into the crowd>
3 : to separate or force apart with or as if with a wedge
intransitive verb : to become wedged

wedge
n. wedge shot
flying wedge
wedge issue

wedge issue
: a political issue that divides a candidate's supporters or the members of a party <a wedge issue dividing the traditional Democratic constituencies ― W. M. Adler>

wedged
adj. : shaped like a wedge

wedgie
n. 1 : a shoe having a wedge-shaped piece serving as the heel and joining the half sole to form a continuous flat undersurface
2 : the condition of having one's clothing wedged between the buttocks usually from having one's pants or underpants yanked up from behind as a prank ― often used with get or give

Wedgwood
n. ― used for ceramic wares (as bone china or jasper)

Wedgwood
n. Josiah 1730-1795 Eng. potter

wedgy
: resembling a wedge in shape

wedlock
n. : the state of being married : MARRIAGE, MATRIMONY
–out of wedlock : with the natural parents not legally married to each other

Wednesday
n. : the fourth day of the week
–Wednes·days \-(ˌ)dāz, -dēz\ adverb

wee
n. 1 : very small : DIMINUTIVE
2 : very early <wee hours of the morning>

weed
n. 1 a (1) : a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants (2) : a weedy growth of plants b : an aquatic plant especially : SEAWEED c (1) : tobacco products (2) : MARIJUANA
2 a : an obnoxious growth, thing, or person b : something like a weed in detrimental quality especially : an animal unfit to breed from

weed
n. : to remove weeds or something harmful
transitive verb
1 a : to clear of weeds <weed a garden> b (1) : to free from something hurtful or offensive (2) : to remove the less desirable portions of
2 : to get rid of (something harmful or superfluous) ― often used with out <weed out the troublemakers>

weed
n. 1 : GARMENT ― often used in plural
2 a : dress worn as a sign of mourning (as by a widow) ― usually used in plural b : a band of crape worn on a man's hat as a sign of mourning ― usually used in plural

weed
n. butterfly weed
dill weed
joe pye weed
Klamath weed
rattlesnake weed

weeder
n. : one that weeds specifically : any of various devices for removing weeds from an area

weedy
adj. 1 : abounding with or consisting of weeds
2 : resembling a weed especially in vigorous growth or ready propagation
3 : noticeably lean and scrawny : LANKY
–weed·i·ness noun

week
n. 1 a : any of a series of 7-day cycles used in various calendars especially : a 7-day cycle beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday b (1) : a week beginning with a specified day or containing a specified holiday <Easter week> <the week of the 18th> (2) : a week appointed for public recognition of some cause <Fire Prevention Week>
2 a : any seven consecutive days b : a series of regular working, business, or school days during each 7-day period
3 : a time seven days before or after a specified day <last Sunday week>

weekday
n. : a day of the week except Sunday or sometimes except Saturday and Sunday

weekdays
n. : on weekdays repeatedly : on any weekday <takes a bus weekdays>

weekend
n. : the end of the week specifically : the period between the close of one working or business or school week and the beginning of the next

weekend
n. : to spend the weekend <weekending in the country>

weekend
n. : active in a specified role only on weekends or part-time <a weekend father> <weekend athletes>

weekend
n. weekend bag
weekend case
weekend warrior

weekend bag
: a suitcase of a size to carry clothing and personal articles for a weekend trip ― called also weekend case

weekend warrior
: a person who participates in a usually physically strenuous activity only on weekends or part-time

weekender
n. 1 : one who vacations or visits for a weekend
2 : WEEKEND BAG

weekends
n. : on weekends repeatedly : on any weekend <travels weekends>

weeklong
adj. : lasting a week

weekly
n. : every week : once a week : by the week

weekly
n. 1 : occurring, appearing, or done weekly <weekly meetings>
2 : reckoned by the week <weekly rental rates>

weekly
n. : a weekly newspaper or periodical

weeknight
n. : a weekday night

weeknights
n. : on weeknights repeatedly : on any weeknight

Weems
Mason Locke 1759-1825 Parson Weems American clergyman & biographer

ween
v. archaic : BELIEVE 2

weenie
n. 1 : FRANKFURTER
2 slang : PENIS
3 : NERD <computer weenies>

weeny
adj. : exceptionally small : TINY

weep
n. transitive verb
1 : to express deep sorrow for usually by shedding tears : BEWAIL <weeping the sins and errors of his youth ― Edward Gibbon>
2 : to pour forth (tears) from the eyes
3 : to exude (a fluid) slowly : OOZE <a tree weeping sap>
intransitive verb
1 : to express passion (as grief) by shedding tears
2 a : to give off or leak fluid slowly : OOZE b of a fluid : to flow sluggishly or in drops
3 : to droop over : BEND

weep
n. weep hole
weeping fig
weeping willow

weep hole
: a hole (as in a wall or foundation) that is designed to drain off accumulated water

weeper
n. 1 a : one that weeps b : a professional mourner
2 : a small statue of a figure in mourning on a funeral monument
3 : a badge of mourning worn especially in the 18th and 19th centuries
4 plural : long and flowing side-whiskers
5 : TEARJERKER

weepie
n. : TEARJERKER

weeping
adj. 1 : TEARFUL
2 archaic : RAINY
3 : having slender pendent branches <a weeping beech>

weeping fig
: an ornamental fig (Ficus benjamina) of southern Asia and Australia that is widely cultivated especially as a houseplant for its glossy ovate leaves and drooping branches

weeping willow
: an Asian willow (Salix babylonica) introduced into No. America that has slender pendent branches

weepy
adj. : inclined to weep : TEARFUL

weet
archaic : KNOW

weevil
n. : any of a superfamily (Curculionoidea) of beetles which have the head prolonged into a more or less distinct snout and which include many that are destructive especially as larvae to nuts, fruit, and grain or to living plants especially : any of a family (Curculionidae) having a well-developed snout curved downward with the jaws at the tip and clubbed usually elbowed antennae
–wee·vily or wee·vil·ly \'wēv-lē, 'wē-və-lē\ adjective

weevil
n. alfalfa weevil
boll weevil
Egyptian alfalfa weevil

weft
n. 1 a : a filling thread or yarn in weaving b : yarn used for the weft
2 : WEB, FABRIC also : an article of woven fabric

weft
n. weft knit
weft knitting
weft knitted

weft knit
: a knit fabric produced in machine or hand knitting with the yarns running crosswise or in a circle ― compare WARP KNIT
–weft-knit·ted \-ˌni-təd\ adjective
–weft knit·ting noun

Wegener
Alfred Lothar 1880-1930 Ger. geophysicist & meteorologist

Wei
river ab 535 mi (860 km) N cen China flowing E to join the Huang

Weifang
city E China in E cen Shandong pop 428,522

weigela
n. : any of a genus (Weigela) of showy eastern Asian shrubs of the honeysuckle family especially : one (W. florida) widely grown for its usually pink or red funnel-shaped flowers

weigh
v. transitive verb
1 : to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance
2 a : OUTWEIGH b : COUNTERBALANCE c : to make heavy : WEIGHT ― often used with down
3 : to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : EVALUATE <weighing her options>
4 : to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing
5 : to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales
intransitive verb
1 a : to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity b : to register a weight (as on a scales) ― used with in or out ― compare WEIGH IN
2 : to merit consideration as important : COUNT <evidence will weigh heavily against him>
3 a : to press down with or as if with a heavy weight b : to have a saddening or disheartening effect <guilt weighed on my mind>
4 : to weigh anchor
synonyms see CONSIDER
–weigh·able \'wā-ə-bəl\ adjective
–weigh·er noun

weigh
v. : WAY ― used in the phrase under weigh

weigh
v. under weigh
weigh down
weigh in

weigh down
1 : to cause to bend down : OVERBURDEN
2 : OPPRESS, DEPRESS

weigh in
1 : to have oneself or one's possessions (as baggage) weighed especially : to have oneself weighed in connection with an athletic contest
2 : to bring one's weight or influence to bear especially as a participant, contributor, or mediator <weighed in with an opinion>

weigh-in
: an act or instance of weighing in as a contestant especially in sport

weight
n. 1 a : the amount that a thing weighs b (1) : the standard or established amount that a thing should weigh (2) : one of the classes into which contestants in a sports event are divided according to body weight (3) : poundage required to be carried by a horse in a handicap race
2 a : a quantity or thing weighing a fixed and usually specified amount b : a heavy object (as a metal ball) thrown, put, or lifted as an athletic exercise or contest
3 a : a unit of weight or mass ― see METRIC SYSTEM table b : a piece of material (as metal) of known specified weight for use in weighing articles c : a system of related units of weight
4 a : something heavy : LOAD b : a heavy object to hold or press something down or to counterbalance
5 a : BURDEN, PRESSURE <the weight of their responsibilities> b : the quality or state of being ponderous c : CORPULENCE
6 a : relative heaviness : MASS b : the force with which a body is attracted toward the earth or a celestial body by gravitation and which is equal to the product of the mass and the local gravitational acceleration
7 a : the relative importance or authority accorded something <the weight of her opinions> b : measurable influence especially on others <throwing his weight behind the proposal>
8 : overpowering force
9 : the quality (as lightness) that makes a fabric or garment suitable for a particular use or season ― often used in combination <summer-weight>
10 : a numerical coefficient assigned to an item to express its relative importance in a frequency distribution
11 : the degree of thickness of the strokes of a type character
synonyms see IMPORTANCE, INFLUENCE

see table...

weight
n. 1 : to oppress with a burden <weighted down with cares>
2 a : to load or make heavy with or as if with a weight b : to increase in heaviness by adding an ingredient
3 a : WEIGH 1 b : to feel the weight of : HEFT
4 : to assign a statistical weight to
5 : to cause to incline in a particular direction by manipulation <the tax structure⋯which was weighted so heavily in favor of the upper classes ― A. S. Link>
6 : to shift the burden of weight upon <weight the inside ski>

weight
n. throw one's weight about
apothecaries' weight
apothecary weight
atomic weight
avoirdupois weight
curb weight
equivalent weight
formula weight
gram atomic weight
gram molecular weight
heavy weight
molecular weight
pull one's weight
short weight
throw one's weight around
throw weight
troy weight
weight table
weight lifter
weight lifting
weight man
weight room
weight training

weight lifter
: one who lifts barbells in competition or as an exercise
–weight lifting noun

weight man
: an athlete who competes in any of the field events in which a weight is thrown or put

weight room
: a room containing equipment for weight training

weight training
: a system of conditioning involving lifting weights especially for strength and endurance

weight-table

weighted
adj. 1 : made heavy : LOADED <weighted silk>
2 a : having a statistical weight attached <a weighted test score> b : compiled or calculated from weighted data <a weighted mean>
3 : INCLINED 1

weightless
adj. : having little weight : lacking apparent gravitational pull
–weight·less·ly adverb
–weight·less·ness noun

weighty
adj. 1 a : of much importance or consequence : MOMENTOUS <a weighty problem> b : SOLEMN
2 a : weighing a considerable amount b : heavy in proportion to its bulk <weighty metal>
3 : POWERFUL, TELLING <weighty arguments>
synonyms see HEAVY
–weight·i·ly \'wā-tə-lē\ adverb
–weight·i·ness \'wā-tē-nəs\ noun

Weihai
city & port E China in NE Shandong on Yellow Sea pop 128,888

Weil
André 1906-1998 American (Fr.-born) math.

Weill
Kurt \'ku̇rt\ 1900-1950 American (Ger.-born) composer

Weimar
n. city E cen Germany E of Erfurt pop 64,000

Weimar Republic
the German republic 1919-33

Weimaraner
n. : any of a breed of large light gray usually short-haired pointers of German origin

Weinberg
n. Steven 1933-     American physicist

Weinberger
Caspar Willard 1917-     U.S. secy. of defense (1981-87)

weiner
variant of wiener

Weir
n. Robert Walter 1803-1889 American painter

weir
n. 1 : a fence or enclosure set in a waterway for taking fish
2 : a dam in a stream or river to raise the water level or divert its flow

weird
n. 1 : FATE, DESTINY especially : ill fortune
2 : SOOTHSAYER

weird
n. 1 : of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural : MAGICAL
2 : of strange or extraordinary character : ODD, FANTASTIC
–weird·ly adverb
–weird·ness noun
synonyms WEIRD, EERIE, UNCANNY mean mysteriously strange or fantastic. WEIRD may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress queerness or oddness <weird creatures from another world>. EERIE suggests an uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at work <an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid>. UNCANNY implies disquieting strangeness or mysteriousness <an uncanny resemblance between total strangers>.

weird out
: to make uneasy, bewildered, or disquieted by something considered very strange <that movie weirds me out>

Weird Sisters
: FATES

weirdie
n. : WEIRDO

weirdo
n. : a person who is extraordinarily strange or eccentric

weirdo
n. : STRANGE, WEIRD

weisenheimer
variant of wisenheimer

Weismann
n. August Friedrich Leopold 1834-1914 Ger. biol.

Weizmann
n. Chaim \'ḵīm, 'hīm\ Azriel 1874-1952 Israeli (Russ.-born) chem.; 1st pres. of Israel (1949-52)

weka
n. : a flightless New Zealand rail (Gallirallus australis)

Welch
adj. variant of welsh

Welch
adj. William Henry 1850-1934 American pathologist

welch
adj. variant of welsh

welcome
n. 1 : to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality
2 : to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of <welcomes danger>
–wel·com·er noun

welcome
n. ― used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival

welcome
n. 1 : received gladly into one's presence or companionship <was always welcome in their home>
2 : giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need <a welcome relief>
3 : willingly permitted or admitted <he was welcome to come and go ― W. M. Thackeray>
4 ― used in the phrase “You're welcome” as a reply to an expression of thanks
–wel·come·ly adverb
–wel·come·ness noun

welcome
n. 1 : a greeting or reception usually upon arrival <a warm welcome>
2 : the state of being welcome <overstayed their welcome>

welcome mat
: something likened to a mat placed before an entrance as a sign of welcome <put out the welcome mat for foreign investors>

weld
n. intransitive verb : to become or be capable of being welded
transitive verb
1 a : to unite (metallic parts) by heating and allowing the metals to flow together or by hammering or compressing with or without previous heating b : to unite (plastics) in a similar manner by heating c : to repair (as an article) by this method d : to produce or create as if by such a process
2 : to unite or reunite closely or intimately <architecture that welds the past and the present>
–weld·able \'wel-də-bəl\ adjective

weld
n. 1 : a welded joint
2 : union by welding : the state or condition of being welded

welder
n. : one that welds: as a or wel·dor : a person whose work is welding b : a machine used in welding

weldment
n. : a unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces

welfare
n. 1 : the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity <must look out for your own welfare>
2 a : aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need b : an agency or program through which such aid is distributed

welfare
n. 1 : of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and especially with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups <welfare legislation>
2 : receiving public welfare benefits <welfare families>

welfare state
1 : a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
2 : a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system

welfarism
n. : the complex of policies, attitudes, and beliefs associated with the welfare state
–wel·far·ist \-ist\ noun or adjective

welkin
n. 1 a : the vault of the sky : FIRMAMENT <the sun of heaven⋯made the western welkin blush ― Shakespeare> b : the celestial abode of God or the gods : HEAVEN
2 : the upper atmosphere

well
n. 1 a : an issue of water from the earth : a pool fed by a spring b : SOURCE, ORIGIN
2 a : a pit or hole sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water b : a shaft or hole sunk to obtain oil, brine, or gas
3 a : an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps b : a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive
4 : an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure
5 : a space having a construction or shape suggesting a well for water
6 a : something resembling a well in being damp, cool, deep, or dark b : a deep vertical hole c : a source from which something may be drawn as needed
7 : a pronounced minimum of a variable in physics <a potential well>

well
n. intransitive verb
1 : to rise to the surface and usually flow forth <tears welled from her eyes>
2 : to rise like a flood of liquid <longing welled up in his breast>
transitive verb : to emit in a copious free flow

well
n. 1 a : in a good or proper manner : JUSTLY, RIGHTLY b : satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action <did well in math> <works well under pressure>
2 : in a kindly or friendly manner <spoke well of your idea> <wished them well>
3 a : with skill or aptitude : EXPERTLY, EXCELLENTLY <paints well> b : SATISFACTORILY <the plan worked well> c : with good appearance or effect : ELEGANTLY <carried himself well>
4 : with careful or close attention : ATTENTIVELY <watch well what I do>
5 : to a high degree <well deserved the honor> <a well-equipped kitchen> ― often used as an intensifier or qualifier <there are⋯vacancies pretty well all the time ― Listener>
6 : FULLY, QUITE <well worth the price>
7 a : in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances : FITTINGLY, RIGHTLY <well said> b : in a prudent manner : SENSIBLY ― used with do <you would do well to reread the material>
8 : in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason <cannot well refuse> <the decision may well be questioned>
9 a : as one could wish : PLEASINGLY <the idea didn't sit well with her> b : with material success : ADVANTAGEOUSLY <married well>
10 a : EASILY, READILY <could well afford a new car> b : in all likelihood : INDEED <it may well be true>
11 : in a prosperous or affluent manner <he lives well>
12 : to an extent approaching completeness : THOROUGHLY <after being well dried with a towel>
13 : without doubt or question : CLEARLY <well knew the penalty>
14 : in a familiar manner <knew her well>
15 : to a large extent or degree : CONSIDERABLY, FAR <well over a million>
usage see GOOD
–as well
1 : in addition : ALSO <there were other features as well>
2 : to the same extent or degree : as much <open as well to the poor as to the rich>
3 : with equivalent, comparable, or more favorable effect <might just as well have stayed home>

well
n. 1 ― used to indicate resumption of discourse or to introduce a remark <they are, well, not quite what you'd expect>
2 ― used to express surprise or expostulation <well, what have we here?>

well
n. 1 a : PROSPEROUS, WELL-OFF b : being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
2 : being in good standing or favor
3 : SATISFACTORY, PLEASING <all's well that ends well>
4 : ADVISABLE, DESIRABLE <it might be well for you to leave>
5 a : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : HEALTHY <he's not a well man> b : completely cured or healed <the wound is nearly well>
6 : pleasing or satisfactory in appearance <our garden looks well ― Conrad Aiken>
7 : being a cause for thankfulness : FORTUNATE <it is well that this has happened>
synonyms see HEALTHY
usage see GOOD

well
n. artesian well
as well as
damn well
dry well
fare thee well
fare you well
hail fellow well met
ne'er do well
oil well
as well
well adjusted
well advised
well appointed
well balanced
well being
well beloved
well bred
well conditioned
well deck
well defined
well disposed
well done
well endowed
well favored
well favoredness
well fixed
well found
well founded
well groomed
well grounded
well handled
well heeled
well informed
well intentioned
well knit
well known
well meaning
well meant
well nigh
well off
well oiled
well ordered
well ordering
well placed
well read
well rounded
well set
well spoken
well taken
well thought of
well timed
well to do
well turned
well wisher
well wishing
well worn
Llandrindod Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells
had best
as best
at best
best ball
best boy
best case
best man
best seller
best selling
best sellerdom
level best
second best
better half
better off
go one better
had better
think better of

well deck
: a space on the weather deck of a ship lying at a lower level between a raised forecastle or poop and the bridge superstructure

well-adjusted
: WELL-BALANCED 2

well-advised
1 : acting with wisdom, wise counsel, or proper deliberation : PRUDENT
2 : resulting from, based on, or showing careful deliberation or wise counsel <well-advised plans>

well-appointed
: having good and complete equipment : properly fitted out <a well-appointed house>

well-balanced
1 : nicely or evenly balanced, arranged, or regulated <a well-balanced diet> <a well-balanced attack in football>
2 : emotionally or psychologically untroubled

well-being
: the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous : WELFARE

well-beloved
1 : sincerely and deeply loved <my well-beloved wife>
2 : sincerely respected ― used in various ceremonial forms of address

well-bred
1 : having or displaying good breeding : REFINED
2 : having a good pedigree <well-bred swine>

well-conditioned
1 : characterized by proper disposition, morals, or behavior
2 : having a good physical condition : SOUND

well-defined
1 : having clearly distinguishable limits, boundaries, or features <a well-defined scar>
2 : clearly stated or described <well-defined policies>

well-disposed
: having a good disposition especially : disposed to be friendly, favorable, or sympathetic

well-done
1 : rightly or properly performed
2 : cooked thoroughly <a well-done steak>

well-endowed
1 : well-supported financially : WELL-FIXED
2 : having large breasts
3 : having a large penis

well-favored
: GOOD-LOOKING, HANDSOME <a spacious, fair, well-favored face ― Henry James>
–well-fa·vored·ness noun

well-fixed
: having plenty of money or property

well-found
: fully furnished : properly equipped <a well-found ship>

well-founded
: based on excellent reasoning, information, judgment, or grounds

well-groomed
1 : well-dressed and scrupulously neat <well-groomed men>
2 : made neat, tidy, and attractive down to the smallest details <a well-groomed lawn>

well-grounded
1 : having a firm foundation <well-grounded in Latin and Greek>
2 : WELL-FOUNDED

well-handled
1 : managed or administered efficiently
2 : having been handled a great deal <well-handled goods for sale>

well-heeled
: having plenty of money : WELL-FIXED

well-informed
1 : having extensive knowledge especially of current topics and events
2 : thoroughly knowledgeable in a particular subject

well-intentioned
: WELL-MEANING

well-knit
: firmly knit <a well-knit group> especially : firmly and strongly constructed, compacted, or framed <a well-knit drama>

well-known
: fully or widely known

well-meaning
1 : having good intentions <well-meaning but misguided idealists>
2 : based on good intentions <well-meaning advice>

well-meant
: WELL-MEANING 2

well-nigh
: ALMOST, NEARLY <well-nigh impossible>

well-off
1 : being in good condition or favorable circumstances <doesn't know when he's well-off>
2 : well provided : having no lack ― usually used with for
3 a : being in easy or affluent circumstances : WELL-TO-DO b : suggesting prosperity <the house had a sleek well-off look>

well-oiled
: smoothly functioning <a well-oiled political machine>

well-ordered
1 : having an orderly procedure or arrangement <a well-ordered household>
2 : partially ordered with every subset containing a first element and exactly one of the relationships “greater than”, “less than”, or “equal to” holding for any given pair of elements
–well-or·der·ing \-'ȯrd-riŋ, -'ȯr-də-\ noun

well-placed
: appropriately or advantageously directed or positioned <well-placed informants> <well-placed trust> <a well-placed blow>

well-read
: well-informed or deeply versed through reading <well-read in history>

well-rounded
: fully or broadly developed: as a : having a broad educational background <schools that turn out well-rounded graduates> b : COMPREHENSIVE <a well-rounded program of activities>

well-set
1 : well or firmly established <well-set in his own values ― William Johnson>
2 : strongly built <a well-set athlete>

well-spoken
1 : speaking well, fitly, or courteously <a well-spoken young woman>
2 : spoken with propriety <well-spoken words>

well-taken
: WELL-GROUNDED, JUSTIFIABLE <your point is well-taken>

well-thought-of
: being of good repute <a well-thought-of attorney>

well-timed
: happening at an opportune moment : TIMELY <a well-timed announcement>

well-to-do
: having more than adequate financial resources : PROSPEROUS <a well-to-do family>

well-turned
1 : symmetrically shaped or rounded : SHAPELY
2 : concisely and appropriately expressed <a well-turned phrase>
3 : expertly rounded or turned <a well-turned column>

well-wisher
: one who wishes well to another : an admiring supporter or fan
–well-wish·ing \-shiŋ\ adjective or noun

well-worn
1 a : made trite by overuse : HACKNEYED <a well-worn quotation> b : having been much used or worn <well-worn shoes>
2 archaic : worn well or properly

Welland
city Canada in SE Ont. SW of Niagara Falls pop 48,402

Welland Canal
canal 27 mi (44 km) Canada in SE Ont. connecting Lake Erie & Lake Ontario

wellaway
archaic ― used to express sorrow or lamentation

wellborn
adj. : born of noble or wealthy lineage

Wellerism
n. : an expression of comparison comprising a usually well-known quotation followed by a facetious sequel (as “‘every one to his own taste,’ said the old woman as she kissed the cow”)

Welles
n. (George) Or·son \'ȯr-sən\ 1915-1985 American film & theater director, writer, producer, & actor

Welles
n. Gideon 1802-1878 American polit. & writer

Welles
n. Sumner 1892-1961 American diplomat

Wellesley
n. 1st Marquis of 1760-1842 Richard Colley Wellesley Brit. statesman; gov.-gen. of India (1797-1805)

Wellesley
n. town E Mass. WSW of Boston pop 26,613

wellhead
n. 1 : the source of a spring or a stream
2 : principal source : FOUNTAINHEAD
3 : the top of or a structure built over a well

wellhead price
: the price less transportation costs charged by the producer for petroleum or natural gas

wellie
n. chiefly British : WELLINGTON ― usually used in plural

Wellington
n. : a boot having a loose top with the front usually coming to or above the knee ― usually used in plural

Wellington
n. 1st Duke of 1769-1852 Arthur Wellesley; the Iron Duke Brit. gen. & statesman

Wellington
n. 1 village SE Fla. pop 38,216
2 city & port capital of New Zealand in SW North Is. on Port Nicholson (Wellington Harbor) on Cook Strait urban area pop 339,747

wellness
n. : the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal <lifestyles that promote wellness>

Wells
n. Herbert George 1866-1946 Eng. nov. & hist.
–Wells·ian \'wel-zē-ən\ adjective

Wells
n. city SW England in Somerset pop 8374

Wells
n. Llandrindod Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells

wellspring
n. : a source of continual supply <a wellspring of information>

Welsh
adj. 1 : the Celtic language of the Welsh people
2 plural in construction : the natives or inhabitants of Wales
3 : WELSH PONY
–Welsh also Welch adjective

welsh
adj. 1 sometimes offensive : to avoid payment ― used with on
2 sometimes offensive : to break one's word : RENEGE
–welsh·er noun sometimes offensive

welsh
adj. Cardigan Welsh corgi
Middle Welsh
Old Welsh
Pembroke Welsh corgi
Welsh black
Welsh cob
Welsh corgi
Welsh mountain pony
Welsh pony
Welsh rabbit
Welsh rarebit
Welsh springer spaniel
Welsh terrier

Welsh black
: any of a breed of hardy medium-sized thick-haired horned black cattle of Welsh origin raised for meat and milk

Welsh cob
: any of a breed of medium-sized cobby horses developed by interbreeding Welsh mountain ponies with larger horses

Welsh corgi
: a short-legged long-backed dog with foxy head of either of two breeds of Welsh origin: a : CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI b : PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI

Welsh mountain pony
: any of a breed of small sturdy ponies native to the mountains of Wales that do not exceed 12.2 hands (124 centimeters) in height

Welsh pony
: a pony of any of several breeds of Welsh origin especially : any of a breed of riding and light draft ponies measuring 12.2 to 13.2 hands (124 to 134 centimeters) in height

Welsh rabbit
: melted often seasoned cheese poured over toast or crackers

Welsh rarebit
: WELSH RABBIT

Welsh springer spaniel
: any of a breed of red and white relatively small-eared springer spaniels of Welsh origin

Welsh terrier
: any of a breed of wiry-coated terriers resembling Airedales but smaller and developed in Wales for hunting

Welshman
n. : a native or inhabitant of Wales

Welshpool
town E Wales near English border pop 7317

Welshwoman
n. : a woman who is a native or inhabitant of Wales

welt
n. 1 : a strip between a shoe sole and upper through which they are stitched or stapled together
2 : a doubled edge, strip, insert, or seam (as on a garment) for ornament or reinforcement
3 a : a ridge or lump raised on the body (as by a blow or allergic reaction) b : a heavy blow

welt
n. 1 : to furnish with a welt
2 a : to raise a welt on the body of b : to hit hard

weltanschauung
n. : a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world especially from a specific standpoint

Weltbild
: conception of the world

welter
n. 1 a : WRITHE, TOSS also : WALLOW b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil

welter
n. 1 : a state of wild disorder : TURMOIL
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a bewildering welter of data>

welter
n. : WELTERWEIGHT

welterweight
n. : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds ― compare LIGHTWEIGHT, MIDDLEWEIGHT

weltschmerz
n. 1 : mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state
2 : a mood of sentimental sadness

Welty
Eudora 1909-2001 American writer

Welwyn Garden City
town SE England in Hertfordshire N of London pop 40,369

Wembley
n. former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Brent

wen
n. : an abnormal growth or a cyst protruding from a surface especially of the skin

wen
n. variant of wynn

wen
n. Wen chou
Soong Tzu wen
Wen Jiabao

Wen Jiabao
1942-     prime min. of China (2003-  )

Wenatchee
city cen Wash. pop 27,856

Wenceslas
n. 1361-1419 king of Germany & Holy Rom. emp. (1378-1400) & (as Wenceslas IV) king of Bohemia (1378-1419)

wench
n. 1 a : a young woman : GIRL b : a female servant
2 : a lewd woman : PROSTITUTE

wench
n. : to consort with lewd women especially : to practice fornication
–wench·er noun

Wend
n. : a member of a Slavic people of eastern Germany

wend
n. intransitive verb : to direct one's course : TRAVEL
transitive verb : to proceed on (one's way) : DIRECT

Wendish
: of or relating to the Wends or their language

Wendish
: the West Slavic language of the Wends

Wensleydale
n. : a mild white friable cheese of English origin

went
past of go

wentletrap
n. : any of a family (Epitoniidae) of marine snails with usually white shells also : one of the shells

Wentworth
William Charles 1793-1872 Austral. statesman

Wenzhou
city & port E China in S Zhejiang on E. China Sea pop 401,871

wept
v. past and past part of weep

were
past 2d singular, past plural, or past subjunctive of be

weren't
v. : were not

werewolf
n. : a person transformed into a wolf or capable of assuming a wolf's form

Werfel
Franz 1890-1945 Ger. author

wergild
: the value set in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic law upon human life in accordance with rank and paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person

Werner
Alfred 1866-1919 Swiss chem.

Wernicke's area
: an area of the brain that is located in the posterior left temporal lobe and is associated with comprehension of language

Werra
river 180 mi (290 km) cen Germany flowing N

wert
v. archaic past 2d singular of be

Wertfreiheit
: freedom from value judgments : ethical neutrality

Weser
river 273 mi (439 km) cen & NW Germany flowing into North Sea

weskit
n. : VEST 2A

Weslaco
city S Tex. W of Harlingen pop 26,935

Wesley
n. Charles 1707-1788 bro. of John Eng. Methodist preacher & hymn writer

Wesley
n. John 1703-1791 Eng. evangelist & founder of Methodism

Wesleyanism
n. : METHODISM 1 specifically : the system of Arminian Methodism taught by John Wesley
–Wes·ley·an \-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

Wessex
n. ancient Anglian kingdom S England capital Winchester; one of kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon heptarchy

West
n. Benjamin 1738-1820 American painter

West
n. Nathanael 1903-1940 orig. Nathan Wallenstein Weinstein American nov.

West
n. Dame Rebecca 1892-1983 pseud. of Cicily Isabel Andrews née Fairfield Eng. critic & nov.

West
n. Thomas ― see DE LA WARR

west
n. : to, toward, or in the west

west
n. 1 : situated toward or at the west <the west exit>
2 : coming from the west <a west wind>

west
n. 1 a : the general direction of sunset : the direction to the left of one facing north b : the compass point directly opposite to east
2 capitalized a : regions or countries lying to the west of a specified or implied point of orientation b : the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
3 : the end of a church opposite the chancel
4 often capitalized a : the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the west or at the left of a diagram b : a person (as a bridge player) occupying this position during a specified activity

west
n. Portuguese West Africa
South West Africa
West Punjab
galley west
Mae West
north by west
northwest by west
south by west
southwest by west
west by north
west by south
West Germanic
West Highland white terrier
West Nile encephalitis
West Nile fever
West Nile virus
west northwest
West Saxon
west southwest
Wild West
Sackville West
British West Indies
Danish West Indies
French West Africa
French West Indies
Griqualand West
Key West
Mecklenburg West Pomerania
North West
North West Frontier Province
Quinte West
West Allis
West Antarctica
West Bank
West Banker
West Bend
West Bengal
West Beskids
West Bromwich
West Chicago
West Covina
West Des Moines
West Dunbartonshire
West Flanders
West Frisian Islands
West Germany
West Ham
West Hartford
West Haven
West Hollywood
West Indies
West Indies Federation
West Indian
West Irian
West Jordan
West Lafayette
West Lothian
West Malaysia
West Memphis
West Midlands
West New York
West Pakistan
West Palm Beach
West Papua
West Prussia
West Quoddy Head
West Riding
West Sacramento
West Springfield
West Suffolk
West Sussex
West Valley City
West Vancouver
West Virginia
West Virginian
West Warwick
West Yorkshire
anti West
Middle West

West Allis
city SE Wis. pop 61,254

West Antarctica
― see ANTARCTICA

West Bank
area Middle East W of Jordan River; occupied by Israel since 1967 with parts having been transferred to Palestinian administration since 1993
–West Bank·er \'baŋ-kər\ noun

West Bend
city SE Wis. NNW of Milwaukee pop 28,152

West Bengal
state E India comprising the W third of former Bengal province capital Calcutta area 33,852 sq mi (87,677 sq km), pop 68,077,965

West Beskids
― see BESKIDS

West Bromwich
town W cen England in W. Midlands NW of Birmingham pop 154,930

west by north

1582
: a compass point that is one point north of due west : N78°45′W

west by south

1577
: a compass point that is one point south of due west : S78°45′W

West Chicago
city NE Ill. pop 23,469

West Covina
city SW Calif. pop 105,080

West Des Moines
city S cen Iowa pop 46,403

West Dunbartonshire
administrative area of W Scotland area 62 sq mi (162 sq km)

West Flanders
province NW Belgium bordering on North Sea capital Brugge area 1210 sq mi (3134 sq km), pop 1,132,275

West Frisian Islands
― see FRISIAN ISLANDS

West Germanic
: a subdivision of the Germanic languages including English, Frisian, Dutch, and German ― see INDO-EUROPEAN LANGUAGES table

West Germany
the Federal Republic of Germany ― see GERMANY

West Ham
former county borough SE England in Essex, now part of Newham

West Hartford
town cen Conn. pop 63,589

West Haven
city S Conn. pop 52,360

West Highland white terrier
: any of a breed of small white long-coated terriers developed in Scotland

West Hollywood
city SW Calif. pop 35,716

West Indies
1 the islands lying bet. SE N. America & N S. America bordering the Caribbean & comprising the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, & Bahamas
2 or West Indies Federation former country including all of the Brit. West Indies except the Bahamas & the Brit. Virgin Islands; established 1958, dissolved 1961
–West Indian adjective or noun

West Irian
― see WEST PAPUA

West Jordan
city N cen Utah pop 68,336

West Lafayette
city W cen Ind. pop 28,778

West Lothian
1 administrative area of S Scotland area 164 sq mi (425 sq km)
2 or earlier Lin·lith·gow \lin-'lith-(ˌ)gō\ or Lin·lith·gow·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county SE Scotland bordering on Firth of Forth capital Linlithgow

West Malaysia
the peninsular part of Malaysia ― see MALAYA 3

West Memphis
city E Ark. on Mississippi River pop 27,666

West Midlands
metropolitan county W cen England capital Birmingham area 360 sq mi (932 sq km), pop 2,499,300

West New York
n. town NE N.J. on Hudson River pop 45,768

West Nile encephalitis
n. : severe West Nile fever marked by encephalitis

West Nile fever
n. : illness caused by the West Nile virus

West Nile virus
n. : a flavivirus (species West Nile virus of the genus Flavivirus) that causes an illness marked by fever, headache, muscle ache, skin rash, and sometimes encephalitis or meningitis and that is spread chiefly by mosquitoes also : WEST NILE FEVER

West Pakistan
the former W division of Pakistan, now coextensive with Pakistan

West Palm Beach
city SE Fla. on Lake Worth inlet pop 82,103

West Papua
n. territory of Indonesia comprising the W half of New Guinea & adjacent islands; belonged to the Netherlands until 1963 capital Jayapura area 162,927 sq mi (421,981 sq km), pop 1,648,708

West Prussia
region N Europe bordering on the Baltic bet. Pomerania & E. Prussia; since 1945 in Poland

West Punjab
― see PUNJAB 3

West Quoddy Head
cape NE Maine at entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay

West Riding
― see YORK 3

West Sacramento
city N cen Calif. pop 31,615

West Saxon
1 : a member or a descendant of the Saxons who occupied England largely south of the Thames, west of the Downs, and east of Dartmoor
2 : a dialect of Old English used as the chief literary dialect in England before the Norman Conquest

West Springfield
town SW Mass. on Connecticut River pop 27,899

West Suffolk
― see SUFFOLK 2

West Sussex
county S England capital Chichester area 806 sq mi (2088 sq km), pop 692,800

West Valley City
v. city N Utah S of Salt Lake City pop 108,896

West Vancouver
v. municipality Canada in SW B.C. pop 41,421

West Virginia
v. state E U.S. capital Charleston area 24,181 sq mi (62,871 sq km), pop 1,808,344
–West Virginian adjective or noun

West Warwick
town cen R.I. pop 29,581

West Yorkshire
metropolitan county NW England capital Wakefield area 816 sq mi (2113 sq km), pop 1,984,700

west-northwest
: a compass point that is two points north of due west : N67°30′W

west-southwest
: a compass point that is two points south of due west : S67°30′W

westbound
adj. : traveling or heading west

wester
n. : to turn or move westward <the half moon westers low ― A. E. Housman>

Westerly
n. town SW R.I. pop 22,966

westerly
n. 1 : situated toward or belonging to the west <the westerly end of the farm>
2 : coming from the west <a westerly breeze>

westerly
n. : a wind from the west

Westermarck
Edward Alexander 1862-1939 Finn. philos. & anthropol.

western
n. 1 a : coming from the west <a western storm> b : lying toward the west
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated West: as a : steeped in or stemming from the Greco-Roman traditions <Western culture> b : of or relating to the noncommunist countries of Europe and America c : of or relating to the American West <Western clothes>
3 capitalized : of or relating to the Roman Catholic or Protestant segment of Christianity <Western liturgies>
–west·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adjective

western
n. 1 : one that is produced in or characteristic of a western region and especially the western U.S.
2 often capitalized : a novel, story, motion picture, or broadcast dealing with life in the western U.S. especially during the latter half of the 19th century

western
n. Western Samoa
country and western
non Western
spaghetti western
Western blot
Western blotting
western hemisphere
western omelet
western red cedar
western saddle
western sandwich
western swing
Dvina Western
Western Australia
Western Cape
Western Ghats
Western Isles
Western Reserve
Western Sahara
Western Saharan
Western Thrace
anti Western
Middle Western

Western Australia
state W Australia on Indian Ocean capital Perth area 975,920 sq mi (2,537,392 sq km), pop 1,676,400

Western blot
: a blot consisting of a sheet of nitrocellulose or nylon that contains spots of protein for identification by a suitable molecular probe and is used especially for the detection of antibodies
–Western blotting noun

Western Cape
province SW Republic of South Africa area 49,950 sq mi (129,370 sq km), pop 3,635,000

Western Ghats
chain of mountains SW India extending SSE parallel to coast from mouth of the Tapi to Cape Comorin; highest peak 8842 ft (2695 m) ― see EASTERN GHATS

western hemisphere
: the half of the earth comprising No. and So. America and surrounding waters

Western Isles
1 or Scottish Ei·lean Siar \'e-lən-'shē(-ə)r\ the Outer Hebrides, constituting an administrative area of W Scotland capital Stornoway area 1120 sq mi (2912 sq km), pop 29,410
2 ― used unofficially of the entire Hebrides group

western omelet
: an omelet made usually with diced ham, green pepper, and onion ― called also Denver omelet

western red cedar
1 : a large arborvitae (Thuja plicata) chiefly of the Pacific Northwest with reddish-brown bark and wood ― called also red cedar
2 : the wood of the western red cedar

Western Reserve
tract of land NE Ohio on S shore of Lake Erie; part of W lands of Conn., ceded 1800 area ab 5470 sq mi (14,222 sq km)

western saddle
: a deep-seated saddle used orig. by cattlemen that has broad skirts and fenders and a high pommel with a horn for holding the lariat ― called also stock saddle

Western Sahara
territory NW Africa; formerly a Spanish possession, divided 1975 bet. Mauritania, which gave up its claim in Aug. 1979, & Morocco, which subsequently occupied the entire territory area 102,703 sq mi (266,001 sq km), pop 213,000
–Western Saharan adjective

Western Samoa
― see SAMOA 2

western sandwich
: a sandwich filled with a western omelet ― called also Denver sandwich

western swing
: swing music played typically on country-music instruments (as guitar, fiddle, or steel guitar)

Western Thrace
― see THRACE

Westerner
n. 1 : a native or inhabitant of the West especially : a native or resident of the western part of the U.S.
2 : one advocating the adoption of western European culture especially in 19th century Russia

westernisation
British variant of westernization, westernize

westernization
n. : conversion to or adoption of western traditions or techniques

westernize
v. transitive verb : to imbue with qualities native to or associated with a western region and especially the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
intransitive verb : to become westernized
–west·ern·iz·er noun often cap

Westerville
city cen Ohio pop 35,318

Westfield
1 city SW Mass. WNW of Springfield pop 40,072
2 town NE N.J. WSW of Elizabeth pop 29,644

Westie
n. : WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

westing
n. : westerly progress : a going westward

Westinghouse
n. George 1846-1914 American inventor

Westlake
city N Ohio W of Cleveland pop 31,719

Westland
city SE Mich. W of Detroit pop 86,602

Westmeath
county E cen Ireland in Leinster capital Mullingar area 681 sq mi (1771 sq km), pop 71,858

Westminster
n. 1 city SW Calif. E of Long Beach pop 88,207
2 city N cen Colo. NW of Denver pop 100,940
3 or City of Westminster borough of W cen Greater London, England pop 181,500

Westmont
city NE Ill. pop 24,554

Westmorland
n. former county NW England capital Kendal

Weston
city SE Fla. W of Fort Lauderdale pop 49,286

Weston-super-Mare
seaside resort SW England in Avon on Bristol Channel pop 57,980

Westphalia
n. region W Germany bordering on Netherlands E of the Rhine; includes Ruhr valley; a province of Prussia 1816-1945 capital Münster ― see NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA
–West·pha·lian \west-'fāl-yən, -'fā-lē-ən\ adjective or noun

Westphalia
n. North Rhine Westphalia
Hagen in Westfalen
Nordrhein Westfalen
Westphalian ham

Westphalian ham
: a ham of distinctive flavor produced by smoking with juniper brush

Westport
town SW Conn. pop 25,749

Westralia
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

westward
n. : toward the west
–west·wards \-twərdz\ adverb

westward
n. : westward direction or part <sail to the westward>

wet
n. 1 a : consisting of, containing, covered with, or soaked with liquid (as water) b of natural gas : containing appreciable quantities of readily condensable hydrocarbons
2 : RAINY <wet weather>
3 : still moist enough to smudge or smear <wet paint>
4 a : DRUNK 1A <a wet driver> b : having or advocating a policy permitting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages <a wet county> <a wet candidate>
5 : preserved in liquid
6 : employing or done by means of or in the presence of water or other liquid <wet extraction of copper>
7 : overly sentimental
8 British a : lacking strength of character : WEAK, SPINELESS <thought him wet and violence petrified him ― William Golding> b : belonging to the moderate or liberal wing of the Conservative party
–wet·ly adverb
–wet·ness noun
–all wet : completely wrong : in error
–wet behind the ears : IMMATURE, INEXPERIENCED
synonyms WET, DAMP, DANK, MOIST, HUMID mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid. WET usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (as paint) not yet dry <slipped on the wet pavement>. DAMP implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture <clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place>. DANK implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness <a prisoner in a cold, dank cell>. MOIST applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry <treat the injury with moist heat>. HUMID applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air <a hot, humid climate>.

wet
n. 1 : WATER also : MOISTURE, WETNESS
2 : rainy weather : RAIN
3 : an advocate of a policy of permitting the sale of intoxicating liquors
4 British : one who is wet

wet
n. transitive verb
1 : to make wet
2 : to urinate in or on <wet his pants>
intransitive verb
1 : to become wet
2 : URINATE
–wet·ter \'we-tər\ noun
–wet one's whistle : to take a drink especially of liquor

wet
n. wet behind the ears
all wet
wet one's whistle
wet bar
wet blanket
wet down
wet dream
wet nurse
wet suit
wet wash
De Wet
Wet de
bed wetting
wetting agent
bed wetter

wet bar
: a bar for mixing drinks (as in a home) that contains a sink with running water

wet behind the ears
IMMATURE, INEXPERIENCED

wet blanket
: one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure

wet down
: to dampen by sprinkling with water

wet dream
1 : an erotic dream culminating in orgasm and in the male accompanied by ejaculation of semen
2 : an exceedingly pleasurable or exciting experience, situation, or fantasy

wet nurse
: a woman who cares for and suckles children not her own

wet one's whistle
to take a drink especially of liquor

wet suit
: a close-fitting suit made of material (as sponge rubber) that traps a thin layer of water against the body to retain body heat and that is worn (as by a skin diver) especially in cold water

wet wash
: laundry returned damp and not ironed

Wet, de
Christiaan Rudolf 1854-1922 Boer soldier & polit.

wet-nurse
1 : to act as wet nurse to
2 : to give constant and often excessive care to

wetback
n. usually offensive : a Mexican who enters the U.S. illegally

wether
n. : a male sheep castrated before sexual maturity also : a castrated male goat

Wethersfield
town cen Conn. pop 26,271

wetland
n. : land or areas (as marshes or swamps) that are covered often intermittently with shallow water or have soil saturated with moisture ― usually used in plural

wettability
: the quality or state of being wettable : the degree to which something can be wet

wettable
: capable of being wetted

wetting agent
: a substance that by becoming adsorbed prevents a surface from being repellent to a wetting liquid and is used especially in mixing solids with liquids or spreading liquids on surfaces

wettish
adj. : somewhat wet : MOIST

wetware
n. : the human brain or a human being considered especially with respect to human logical and computational capabilities

Wexford
1 county SE Ireland in Leinster area 908 sq mi (2352 sq km), pop 116,596
2 town & port, its capital pop 9537

Weyden
Rogier van der 1399?-1464 Flem. painter

Weygand
Maxime 1867-1965 Fr. gen.

Weymouth
town E Mass. SE of Boston pop 53,988

wf
wrong font

WFTU
World Federation of Trade Unions

WH
1 watt-hour
2 withholding

wh
white

whack
n. transitive verb
1 a : to strike with a smart or resounding blow <whack the ball> b : to cut with or as if with a whack : CHOP
2 chiefly British : to get the better of : DEFEAT
3 slang : MURDER, KILL
intransitive verb : to strike a smart or resounding blow
–whack·er noun

whack
n. 1 a : a smart or resounding blow also : the sound of or as if of such a blow b : a critical attack
2 : PORTION, SHARE
3 : CONDITION, STATE
4 a : an opportunity or attempt to do something <take a whack at it> b : a single action or occasion <borrowed $50 all at one whack>
–out of whack
1 : out of proper order or shape <threw his knee out of whack>
2 : not in accord <feeling out of whack with her contemporaries ― S. E. Rubin>

whack
n. out of whack
whack off
whack up
whacked out

whack off
usually vulgar : MASTURBATE

whack up
: to divide into shares

whacked-out
1 : WORN-OUT, EXHAUSTED
2 : WACKY <a whacked-out parody>
3 : STONED <whacked-out on drugs>

whacking
n. : very large : WHOPPING

whacking
n. : VERY <a whacking good story>

whacko
n. variant of wacko

whacky
adj. variant of wacky

whale
n. 1 or plural whale : CETACEAN especially : one (as a sperm whale or killer whale) of larger size
2 : one that is impressive especially in size <a whale of a difference> <a whale of a good time>
–whale·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

whale
n. : to engage in whale fishing

whale
n. 1 : LASH, THRASH
2 : to strike or hit vigorously
3 : to defeat soundly

whale
n. white whale
baleen whale
beaked whale
blue whale
bowhead whale
fin whale
gray whale
humpback whale
killer whale
minke whale
pilot whale
right whale
sei whale
sperm whale
toothed whale
whalebone whale
whale shark
Whales Bay of

whale shark
: a shark (Rhincodon typus) of warm waters that has small teeth, feeds chiefly on plankton strained by its gill rakers, may sometimes attain a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish

whaleback
n. : something shaped like the back of a whale

whaleboat
n. 1 : a long narrow rowboat made with both ends sharp and raking, often steered with an oar, and formerly used by whalers for hunting whales
2 : a long narrow rowboat or motorboat resembling the original whaleboats and often carried by warships and merchant ships

whalebone
n. 1 : BALEEN
2 : an article made of whalebone

whalebone whale
: BALEEN WHALE

whaler
n. 1 : a person or ship engaged in whale fishing
2 : WHALEBOAT 2

Whales, Bay of
inlet of Ross Sea Antarctica in Ross Ice Shelf

whaling
n. : the occupation of catching and extracting commercial products from whales

wham
n. 1 : a solid blow
2 : the loud sound of a hard impact

wham
n. : with violent abruptness <everything was going well; then wham the deal fell through>

wham
n. transitive verb : to propel, strike, or beat so as to produce a loud impact
intransitive verb : to hit or explode with a loud impact

whammy
n. 1 a : a supernatural power bringing bad luck b : a magic curse or spell : JINX, HEX
2 : a potent force or attack specifically : a paralyzing or lethal blow

whang
n. 1 dialect a : THONG b : RAWHIDE
2 British : a large piece : CHUNK
3 often vulgar : PENIS

whang
n. 1 dialect : BEAT, THRASH
2 : to propel or strike with force
intransitive verb : to beat or work with force or violence

whang
n. : a loud sharp vibrant or resonant sound

whang
n. : to make a whang
transitive verb : to strike with a whang

whangee
1 : the wood of any of several Asian bamboos (genus Phyllostachys)
2 : a walking stick or riding crop of whangee

Whangpoo
― see HUANGPU

whap
v. variant of whop

wharf
n. 1 : a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers
2 obsolete : the bank of a river or the shore of the sea

wharfage
n. 1 a : the provision or the use of a wharf b : the handling or stowing of goods on a wharf
2 : the charge for the use of a wharf
3 : the wharf accommodations of a place : WHARVES

wharfinger
n. : the operator or manager of a commercial wharf

wharfmaster
n. : WHARFINGER

Wharton
n. Edith Newbold 1862-1937 née Jones American nov.

what
n. 1 a (1) ― used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter <what is this> <what is wealth without friends> <what does he earn> <what hath God wrought> (2) ― often used to ask for repetition of an utterance or part of an utterance not properly heard or understood <you said what> b (1) archaic : WHO 1 ― used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity of a person (2) ― used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the character, nature, occupation, position, or role of a person <what do you think I am, a fool> <what is she, that all our swains commend her ― Shakespeare> c ― used as an exclamation expressing surprise or excitement and frequently introducing a question <what, no breakfast> d ― used in expressions directing attention to a statement that the speaker is about to make <you know what> e (1) ― used at the end of a question to express inquiry about additional possibilities <is it raining, or snowing, or what> (2) ― used with or at the end of a question usually in expectation of agreement <is this exciting, or what> f chiefly British ― used at the end of an utterance as a form of tag question <a clever play, what>
2 chiefly dialect : 4THAT 1, WHICH 3, WHO 3
3 a : that which : the one or ones that <no income but what he gets from his writings> ― sometimes used in reference to a clause or phrase that is yet to come or is not yet complete <gave also, what is more valuable, understanding> b : the thing or things that <what you need is a vacation> <what angered us was the tone of the article>
4 a : WHATEVER 1A <say what you will> b obsolete : WHOEVER
–what for
1 : for what purpose or reason : WHY ― usually used with the other words of a question between what and for <what did you do that for> except when used alone
2 : harsh treatment especially by blows or by a sharp reprimand <gave him what for in violent Spanish ― New Yorker>
–what have you : WHATNOT <novels, plays, short stories, travelogues, and what have you ― Haldeen Braddy>
–what if
1 : what will or would be the result if
2 : what does it matter if <so what if he doesn't like it>
–what of
1 : what is the situation with respect to
2 : what importance can be assigned to
–what's more : in addition : FURTHERMORE
–what's what : the true state of things <knows what's what when it comes to fashion>
–what though : what does it matter if <what though the rose have prickles, yet 'tis plucked ― Shakespeare>

what
n. 1 obsolete : WHY
2 : in what respect : HOW <what does he care>
3 ― used to introduce prepositional phrases in parallel construction or a prepositional phrase that expresses cause and usually has more than one object ― used principally before phrases beginning with with <what with unemployment increasing> <what with the war, what with the sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am custom-shrunk ― Shakespeare>

what
n. 1 a ― used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of a person, object, or matter <what minerals do we export> b : how remarkable or striking for good or bad qualities ― used especially in exclamatory utterances and dependent clauses <what mountains> <remember what fun we had> <what a suggestion> <what a charming girl>
2 a (1) : WHATEVER 1A (2) : ANY <ornament of what description soever> b : the⋯that : as much or as many⋯as <rescued what survivors they found>

what
n. what is it
but what
what the hell
no matter what
what though
what's what
what's more
what of
what if
what have you
what for
what all

what all
: WHATNOT

what for

1 : for what purpose or reason : WHY ― usually used with the other words of a question between what and for <what did you do that for> except when used alone
2 : harsh treatment especially by blows or by a sharp reprimand <gave him what for in violent Spanish ― New Yorker>

what have you
WHATNOT <novels, plays, short stories, travelogues, and what have you ― Haldeen Braddy>

what if

1 : what will or would be the result if
2 : what does it matter if <so what if he doesn't like it>

what of

1 : what is the situation with respect to
2 : what importance can be assigned to

what the hell
― used interjectionally to express a lack of concern about consequences or risks <it might cost him half his estate⋯but what the hell ― N. W. Aldrich b1935>

what though
what does it matter if <what though the rose have prickles, yet 'tis plucked ― Shakespeare>

what's more
in addition : FURTHERMORE

what's what
the true state of things <knows what's what when it comes to fashion>

what-if
: a suppositional question
–what-if adjective

whatchamacallit
n. : THINGAMAJIG

Whately
Richard 1787-1863 Eng. theol. & logician

whatever
adj. 1 a : anything or everything that <take whatever you want> b : no matter what <whatever he says, they won't believe him> c : WHATNOT <enjoys skiing, hiking, or whatever>
2 : WHAT 1A(1) ― used to express astonishment or perplexity <whatever do you mean by that>

whatever
adj. 1 a : any⋯that : all⋯that <buy peace⋯on whatever terms could be obtained ― C. S. Forester> b : no matter what <money, in whatever hands, will confer power ― Samuel Johnson>
2 : of any kind at all ― used after the substantive it modifies with any or with an expressed or implied negative <in any order whatever ― W. G. Moulton> <no food whatever>

whatever
adj. : in any case : whatever the case may be ― sometimes used interjectionally to suggest the unimportance of an issue or decision between alternatives <go see a movie, watch TV,97 whatever>

whatness
n. : QUIDDITY 1

whatnot
n. : any of various other things that might also be mentioned <paper clips, pins, and whatnot>

whatnot
n. 1 : a nondescript person or thing
2 : a light open set of shelves for bric-a-brac

whatsit
n. : THINGAMAJIG

whatsoever
adj. : WHATEVER

whaup
n. chiefly Scottish : a European curlew (Numenius arquata)

wheal
n. : a suddenly formed elevation of the skin surface : WELT especially : a flat burning or itching eminence on the skin

wheat
n. 1 : a cereal grain that yields a fine white flour used chiefly in breads, baked goods (as cakes and crackers), and pastas (as macaroni or spaghetti), and is important in animal feeds
2 : any of various Old World annual grasses (genus Triticum, especially T. aestivum and T. turgidum) of wide climatic adaptability that are cultivated in most temperate areas for the wheat they yield
3 : a light yellow

wheat
n. durum wheat
hard wheat
red wheat
shredded wheat
soft wheat
wheat berry
wheat bread
wheat cake
wheat germ
wheat rust
whole wheat
Wheat Ridge

wheat berry
: an unprocessed whole kernel of wheat

wheat bread
: a bread made of a combination of white and whole wheat flours as distinguished from bread made entirely of white or whole wheat flour

wheat cake
: a pancake made of wheat flour

wheat germ
: the embryo of the wheat kernel separated in milling and used especially as a source of vitamins and protein

Wheat Ridge
city N cen Colo. W of Denver pop 32,913

wheat rust
: a destructive disease of wheat caused by rust fungi also : a fungus (as Puccinia graminis) causing a wheat rust

wheatear
n. : any of various small thrushes (genus Oenanthe) especially : a white-rumped one (O. oenanthe) of northern No. America and the Old World

wheaten
adj. : of, relating to, or made of wheat

wheaten
adj. : a pale yellowish to ruddy-fawn color characteristic of the coat of some dogs

wheatgrass
n. : any of a genus (Agropyron) of perennial grasses including some which are important pasture, hay, or turf grasses

wheatland
: land used or suitable for growing wheat

Wheatley
n. Phillis 1753?-1784 American (African-born) poet

Wheaton
city NE Ill. W of Chicago pop 55,416

Wheatstone
Sir Charles 1802-1875 Eng. physicist & inventor

Wheatstone bridge
: an electrical bridge consisting of two branches of a parallel circuit joined by a galvanometer and used for determining the value of an unknown resistance in one of the branches

whee
interj. ― used to express delight or exuberance

wheedle
v. transitive verb
1 : to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
2 : to gain or get by wheedling <wheedle one's way into favor>
intransitive verb : to use soft words or flattery
synonyms see CAJOLE

wheel
n. 1 : a circular frame of hard material that may be solid, partly solid, or spoked and that is capable of turning on an axle
2 : a contrivance or apparatus having as its principal part a wheel: as a : a chiefly medieval instrument of torture designed for mutilating a victim (as by stretching or disjointing) b : BICYCLE c : any of many revolving disks or drums used as gambling paraphernalia d : POTTER'S WHEEL e : STEERING WHEEL
3 a : an imaginary turning wheel symbolizing the inconstancy of fortune b : a recurring course, development, or action : CYCLE
4 : something (as a round flat cheese) resembling a wheel in shape
5 a : a curving or circular movement b : a rotation or turn usually about an axis or center specifically : a turning movement of troops or ships in line in which the units preserve alignment and relative positions as they change direction
6 a : a moving or essential part of something compared to a machine <the wheels of government> b : a directing or controlling force c : a person of importance especially in an organization <a big wheel>
7 : the refrain or burden of a song
8 a : a circuit of theaters or places of entertainment b : a sports league
9 plural slang : a wheeled vehicle especially : AUTOMOBILE
10 plural slang : LEGS
–wheel·less \'hwēl-ləs, 'wēl-\ adjective

wheel
n. 1 : to turn on or as if on an axis : REVOLVE
2 : to change direction as if revolving on a pivot <the battalion would have wheeled to the flank ― Walter Bernstein> <her mind will wheel around to the other extreme ― Liam O'Flaherty> <wheeled to face her opponent>
3 : to move or extend in a circle or curve <birds in wheeling flight> <valleys where young cotton wheeled slowly in fanlike rows ― William Faulkner>
4 : to travel on or as if on wheels or in a wheeled vehicle
transitive verb
1 : to cause to turn on or as if on an axis : ROTATE
2 : to convey or move on or as if on wheels or in a wheeled vehicle <wheeled the patient back to his room> <wheeled the car into the driveway> <wheel in the experts>
3 : to cause to change direction as if revolving on a pivot
4 : to make or perform in a circle or curve
–wheel and deal : to make deals or do business especially shrewdly or briskly

wheel
n. all wheel
balance wheel
big wheel
buffing wheel
cam wheel
Catherine wheel
color wheel
daisy wheel
Ferris wheel
fifth wheel
four wheel
four wheel drive
idler wheel
mill wheel
paddle wheel
planet wheel
potter's wheel
prayer wheel
side wheel
spinning wheel
spur wheel
steering wheel
tracing wheel
wheel and deal
wheel and axle
wheel animal
wheel bug
wheel lock
wheel thrown
worm wheel
meals on wheels
spin one's wheels
training wheels
four wheeled

wheel and axle
: a mechanical device consisting of a grooved wheel turned by a cord or chain with a rigidly attached axle (as for winding up a weight) together with the supporting standards

wheel and deal
to make deals or do business especially shrewdly or briskly

wheel animal
: ROTIFER

wheel bug
: a large No. American assassin bug (Arilus cristatus) that has a high serrated crest on its prothorax and preys on insects

wheel lock
: a gun's lock for a muzzle-loading firearm in which sparks are struck from a flint or a piece of pyrite by a revolving wheel

wheel-thrown
: made on a potter's wheel <wheel-thrown pottery>

wheelbarrow
n. : a small usually single-wheeled vehicle that is used for carrying small loads and is fitted with handles at the rear by which it can be pushed and guided

wheelbarrow
n. : to convey in a wheelbarrow

wheelbase
n. : the distance in inches between the front and rear axles of an automotive vehicle

wheelchair
n. : a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled persons

wheeled
adj. 1 : equipped with wheels <wheeled vehicles>
2 : moving or functioning by means of wheels <wheeled traffic>

Wheeler
n. Joseph 1836-1906 American gen.

Wheeler
n. William Almon 1819-1887 American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1877-81)

wheeler
n. 1 : one that wheels
2 : a draft animal (as a horse) pulling in the position nearest the front wheels of a wagon
3 : something (as a vehicle or ship) that has wheels ― used especially in combination <a side-wheeler> <18-wheelers>

wheeler
n. 18 wheeler
eighteen wheeler
four wheeler
paddle wheeler
side wheeler
stern wheeler
three wheeler
two wheeler
wheeler and dealer
wheeler dealer
Wheeler Peak
wheelers and dealers

wheeler and dealer
: WHEELER-DEALER

Wheeler Peak
1 mountain 13,065 ft (3980 m) E Nev. in Snake Range
2 mountain 13,160 ft (4010 m) N N.Mex. in Sangre de Cristo Mountains; highest in the state

wheeler-dealer
: a shrewd operator especially in business or politics

wheelhorse
n. 1 : a horse (as in a tandem) in a position nearest the wheels
2 : a steady and effective worker especially in a political body

wheelhouse
n. : PILOTHOUSE

wheelie
n. : a maneuver in which a wheeled vehicle (as a bicycle) is momentarily balanced on its rear wheel or wheels

Wheeling
n. 1 village NE Ill. NNE of Chicago pop 34,496
2 city N W.Va. on Ohio River pop 31,419

wheeling
n. 1 : the act or process of one that wheels
2 : the condition of a road relative to passage on wheels

wheelman
n. 1 a : HELMSMAN b : the driver of an automobile
2 : CYCLIST

Wheelock
Eleazar 1711-1779 American clergyman & educ.

wheelsman
n. : one who steers with a wheel especially : HELMSMAN

wheelwork
: wheels in gear and their connections in a machine or mechanism

wheelwright
n. : a maker and repairer of wheels and wheeled vehicles

wheen
n. dialect British : FEW 2

wheen
n. dialect British : a considerable number or amount

wheeze
n. 1 : to breathe with difficulty usually with a whistling sound
2 : to make a sound resembling that of wheezing <the bellows wheezed>

wheeze
n. 1 : a sound of wheezing
2 a : an often repeated and widely known joke used especially by entertainers b : a trite saying or proverb

wheezy
adj. 1 : inclined to wheeze
2 : having a wheezing sound <a wheezy cough> <the wheezy call of a phoebe>
–wheez·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
–wheez·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun

whelk
n. : any of numerous large marine snails (as of the genus Buccinum) especially : one (B. undatum) used as food in Europe

whelk
n. : PAPULE, PUSTULE

whelm
v. transitive verb
1 : to turn (as a dish or vessel) upside down usually to cover something : cover or engulf completely with usually disastrous effect
2 : to overcome in thought or feeling : OVERWHELM <whelmed with a rush of joy ― G. A. Wagner>
intransitive verb : to pass or go over something so as to bury or submerge it

whelp
n. 1 : any of the young of various carnivorous mammals and especially of the dog
2 : a young boy or girl

whelp
n. : to give birth to ― used of various carnivores and especially the dog
intransitive verb : to bring forth young

when
n. 1 : at what time <when will you return>
2 a : at or during which time b : and then
3 : at a former and usually less prosperous time <brag fondly of having known him when ― Vance Packard>

when
n. 1 a : at or during the time that : WHILE <went fishing when he was a boy> b : just at the moment that <stop writing when the bell rings> c : at any or every time that <when he listens to music, he falls asleep>
2 : in the event that : IF <a contestant is disqualified when he disobeys the rules>
3 a : considering that <why use water at all when you can drown in it ― Stuart Chase> b : in spite of the fact that : ALTHOUGH <quit politics when I might have had a great career in it>
4 : the time or occasion at or in which <tomorrow is when we must decide> <humor is when you laugh ― Earl Rovit>

when
n. : what or which time <life-long homes for those⋯who have lived here since when ― Kim Waller>

when
n. : the time in which something is done or comes about <troubled his head very little about the hows and whens of life ― Laurence Sterne>

whenas
archaic : WHEN

whence
adv. : from what place, source, or cause <then whence comes this paradox ― Changing Times>
–from whence : from what place, source, or cause <no one could tell me from whence the gold had come ― Graham Greene>

whence
adv. 1 : from what place, source, or cause <inquired whence the water came ― Maria Edgeworth>
2 a : from or out of which place, source, or cause <the lawless society whence the ballads sprang ― DeLancey Ferguson> b : by reason of which fact : WHEREFORE <nothing broke97 whence I infer that my bones are not yet chalky ― O. W. Holmes †1935>

whencesoever
adv. : from whatever place or source

whenever
adv. : at any or every time that

whenever
adv. : at whatever time

whensoever
adv. : WHENEVER

whensoever
adv. obsolete : at any time whatever

where
n. 1 a : at, in, or to what place <where is the house> <where are we going> b : at, in, or to what situation, position, direction, circumstances, or respect <where does this plan lead> <where am I wrong>
2 archaic : HERE, THERE <lo, where it comes again ― Shakespeare>

where
n. 1 a : at, in, or to what place <knows where the house is> b : at, in, or to what situation, position, direction, circumstances, or respect <shows where the plan leads> c : the place or point at, in, or to which <couldn't see from where he was sitting> <kept that horse and gentled him to where I finally rode him ― William Faulkner>
2 : WHEREVER <goes where she likes>
3 a : at, in, or to which place <the town where she lives> b : at or in which <has reached the size where traffic is a problem> <two fireplaces where you can bake bread in the ovens ― Randall Jarrell>
4 a : at, in, or to the place at, in, or to which <stay where you are> <send him away where he'll forget> b : in a case, situation, or respect in which <outstanding where endurance is called for>
5 : THAT <I've read where they do it that way in some Middle Eastern countries ― Andy Rooney>

where
n. 1 : PLACE, LOCATION <the where and the how of the accident>
2 : what place, source, or cause <I know where that comes from>
–where it's at
1 a : a place of central interest or activity b : something (as a topic or field of interest) of primary concern or importance <education is where it's at>
2 : the true nature of things
–where one is at : one's true position, state, or nature

where it's at

1 a : a place of central interest or activity b : something (as a topic or field of interest) of primary concern or importance <education is where it's at>
2 : the true nature of things

where one is at
one's true position, state, or nature

whereabouts
n. : about where : near what place <whereabouts is the house>

whereabouts
n. 1 obsolete : on what business or errand
2 : near what place : WHERE <know whereabouts he lives>

whereabouts
n. : the place or general locality where a person or thing is <their present whereabouts are a secret>

whereas
n. 1 a : while on the contrary b : ALTHOUGH
2 : in view of the fact that : SINCE ― used especially to introduce a preamble

whereas
n. 1 : an introductory statement of a formal document : PREAMBLE
2 : a conditional or qualifying statement

whereat
adv. 1 : at or toward which
2 : in consequence of which : WHEREUPON

whereby
adv. : by, through, or in accordance with which

whereby
adv. obsolete : by what : HOW

wherefore
n. 1 : for what reason or purpose : WHY
2 : THEREFORE

wherefore
n. : an answer or statement giving an explanation : REASON <wants to know the whys and wherefores>

wherefrom
adv. : from which

wherein
adv. : in what : in what particular or respect <wherein was I wrong>

wherein
adv. 1 a : in which : WHERE <the city wherein he lives> b : during which
2 : in what way : HOW <showed me wherein I was wrong>

whereinto
adv. : into which

whereof
adv. 1 archaic : with or by which
2 : of what <knows whereof she speaks>
3 a : of which <books whereof the best are lost> b : of whom

whereof
adv. archaic : of what <whereof are you made ― Shakespeare>

whereon
adv. 1 archaic : on what <tell me whereon the likelihood depends ― Shakespeare>
2 : on which <the base whereon it rests>

whereon
adv. archaic : on what <whereon do you look ― Shakespeare>

wheresoever
conj. : WHEREVER

wherethrough
adv. : through which

whereto
adv. : to what place, purpose, or end <whereto tends all this ― Shakespeare>

whereto
adv. : to which

whereunto
adv. : WHERETO

whereupon
adv. 1 : on which
2 : closely following and in consequence of which

wherever
adv. 1 : where in the world <wherever did you get that tie>
2 : anywhere at all <explore northward or wherever ― Bernard De Voto>

wherever
adv. 1 : at, in, or to any or all places that <thrives wherever he goes>
2 : in any circumstance in which <wherever it is possible, we try to help>

wherewith
adv. archaic : that with or by which ― used with an infinitive <so shall I have wherewith to answer him ― Ps 119:42 (AV)>

wherewith
adv. obsolete : with what <wherewith shall it be salted ― Mount 5:13 (AV)>

wherewith
adv. : with or by means of which <metal tools wherewith to break ground ― Russell Lord>

wherewithal
n. : WHEREWITH

wherewithal
n. : WHEREWITH

wherewithal
n. : MEANS, RESOURCES specifically : MONEY <didn't have the wherewithal for an expensive dinner>

wherry
n. 1 : any of various light boats: as a : a long light rowboat made sharp at both ends and used to transport passengers on rivers and about harbors b : a racing scull for one person
2 : a large light barge, lighter, or fishing boat varying in type in different parts of Great Britain

whet
n. 1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone) <whet a knife>
2 : to make keen or more acute : EXCITE, STIMULATE <whet the appetite> <whetted her curiosity>
–whet·ter noun

whet
n. 1 dialect a : a spell of work done with a scythe between the time it is sharpened and the time it needs to be sharpened again b : TIME, WHILE
2 : something that sharpens or makes keen: a : GOAD, INCITEMENT b : APPETIZER also : a drink of liquor

whether
conj. 1 archaic : which one of the two
2 archaic : whichever one of the two

whether
conj. ― used as a function word usually with correlative or or with or whether to indicate (1) until the early 19th century a direct question involving alternatives; (2) an indirect question involving stated or implied alternatives <decide whether he should agree or raise objections> <wondered whether to stay>; (3) alternative conditions or possibilities <see me no more, whether he be dead or no ― Shakespeare> <seated him next to her whether by accident or design>
–whether or no or whether or not : in any case <they've only been married a very few weeks, whether or no ― Thomas Hardy>

whether or no
or whether or not : in any case <they've only been married a very few weeks, whether or no ― Thomas Hardy>

whetstone
n. : a stone for whetting edge tools

whew
interj. : a whistling sound or a sound like a half-formed whistle uttered as an exclamation <gave a long whew when he realized the size of the job> ― used interjectionally chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or relief

whey
n. : the watery part of milk that is separated from the coagulable part or curd especially in the process of making cheese and that is rich in lactose, minerals, and vitamins and contains lactalbumin and traces of fat
–whey·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

whey-face
: a person having a pale face (as from fear)
–whey-faced \-ˌfāst\ adjective

which
adj. 1 : being what one or ones out of a group ― used as an interrogative <which tie should I wear> <kept a record of which employees took their vacations in July>
2 : WHICHEVER <it will not fit, turn it which way you like>
3 ― used as a function word to introduce a nonrestrictive relative clause and to modify a noun in that clause and to refer together with that noun to a word or word group in a preceding clause or to an entire preceding clause or sentence or longer unit of discourse <in German, which language might⋯have been the medium of transmission ― Thomas Pyles> <that this city is a rebellious city⋯ : for which cause was this city destroyed ― Ezra 4:15 (AV)>

which
adj. 1 : what one or ones out of a group ― used as an interrogative <which of those houses do you live in> <which of you want tea and which want lemonade> <he is swimming or canoeing, I don't know which>
2 : WHICHEVER <take which you like>
3 ― used as a function word to introduce a relative clause ― used in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive ― used especially in reference to animals, inanimate objects, groups, or ideas <the bonds which represent the debt ― G. B. Robinson> <the Samnite tribes, which settled south and southeast of Rome ― Ernst Pulgram> ― used freely in reference to persons as recently as the 17th century <our Father which art in heaven ― Mount 6:9(AV)>, and still occasionally so used but usually with some implication of emphasis on the function or role of the person rather than on the person as such <chiefly they wanted husbands, which they got easily ― Lynn White> ― used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, in reference to an idea expressed by a word or group of words that is not necessarily a noun or noun phrase <he resigned that post, after which he engaged in ranching ― Current Biog.>
usage see 4THAT

whichever
adj. : being whatever one or ones out of a group : no matter which <its soothing⋯effect will be the same whichever way you take it ― Punch>

whichever
adj. : whatever one or ones out of a group <take two of the four elective subjects, whichever you prefer>

whichsoever
adj. archaic : WHICHEVER

whicker
n. : NEIGH, WHINNY
–whicker noun

whid
Scottish : to move nimbly and silently

Whidbey Island
island 40 mi (64 km) long NW Wash. at N end of Puget Sound E of Admiralty Inlet

whiff
n. 1 a : a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray b : an inhalation of odor, gas, or smoke c : a slight puffing or whistling sound
2 : a slight trace or indication <a whiff of scandal>
3 : STRIKEOUT

whiff
n. 1 : to move with or as if with a puff of air
2 : to emit whiffs : PUFF
3 : to inhale an odor
4 : STRIKE OUT 3
transitive verb
1 a : to carry or convey by or as if by a whiff : BLOW b : to expel or puff out in a whiff : EXHALE c : SMOKE 3
2 : FAN 8 <whiffed three batters>

whiffet
n. : a small, young, or unimportant person

whiffle
v. intransitive verb
1 a of the wind : to blow unsteadily or in gusts b : VACILLATE
2 : to emit or produce a light whistling or puffing sound
transitive verb : to blow, disperse, emit, or expel with or as if with a whiff

whiffler
n. British : one that clears the way for a procession

whiffler
n. 1 : a person who frequently changes opinions or course
2 : a person who uses shifts and evasions in argument

whiffletree
n. : the pivoted swinging bar to which the traces of a harness are fastened and by which a vehicle or implement is drawn

Whig
n. 1 : a member or supporter of a major British political group of the late 17th through early 19th centuries seeking to limit the royal authority and increase parliamentary power ― compare TORY
2 : an American favoring independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution
3 : a member or supporter of an American political party formed about 1834 in opposition to the Jacksonian Democrats, associated chiefly with manufacturing, commercial, and financial interests, and succeeded about 1854 by the Republican party
–Whig adjective
–Whig·gism \'hwi-ˌgi-zəm\ noun

Whiggery
n. : the principles or practices of Whigs

Whiggish
1 : characteristic of Whigs or Whiggery
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by a view which holds that history follows a path of inevitable progression and improvement and which judges the past in light of the present

whigmaleerie
1 chiefly Scottish : WHIM
2 chiefly Scottish : an odd or fanciful contrivance : GIMCRACK

while
n. 1 : a period of time especially when short and marked by the occurrence of an action or a condition : TIME <stay here for a while>
2 : the time and effort used (as in the performance of an action) : TROUBLE <worth your while>

while
n. 1 a : during the time that <take a nap while I'm out> b : as long as <while there's life there's hope>
2 a : when on the other hand : WHEREAS <easy for an expert, while it is dangerous for a novice> b : in spite of the fact that : ALTHOUGH <while respected, he is not liked>
3 : similarly and at the same time that <while the book will be welcomed by scholars, it will make an immediate appeal to the general reader ― British Book News>

while
n. dialect British : UNTIL

while
n. : to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner ― usually used with away <while away the time>

whiles
v. archaic : WHILE

whiles
v. chiefly Scottish : SOMETIMES

whilom
adj. archaic : FORMERLY

whilom
adj. : FORMER

whilst
conj. chiefly British : WHILE

whim
n. 1 : a capricious or eccentric and often sudden idea or turn of the mind : FANCY <quit his job on a whim>
2 : a large capstan that is made with one or more radiating arms to which a horse may be yoked and that is used in mines for raising ore or water
synonyms see CAPRICE

whim-wham
1 : a whimsical object or device especially of ornament or dress
2 : FANCY, WHIM
3 plural : JITTERS

whimbrel
n. : a curlew (Numenius phaeopus) chiefly of the northern coastal regions of No. America and Eurasia

whimper
n. 1 : to make a low whining plaintive or broken sound
2 : to complain or protest with or as if with a whimper

whimper
n. 1 : a whimpering cry or sound
2 : a petulant complaint or protest <the bill passed without a whimper>

whimsical
adj. 1 : full of, actuated by, or exhibiting whims
2 a : resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice especially : lightly fanciful <whimsical decorations> b : subject to erratic behavior or unpredictable change
–whim·si·cal·i·ty \ˌhwim-zə-'ka-lə-tē, ˌwim-\ noun
–whim·si·cal·ly \'hwim-zi-k(ə-)lē, 'wim-\ adverb
–whim·si·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun

whimsy
n. 1 : WHIM, CAPRICE
2 : the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful <the designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy>
3 : a fanciful or fantastic device, object, or creation especially in writing or art

whin
n. : GORSE

whinchat
n. : a small brown and buff European singing bird (Saxicola rubetra) of grassy meadows

whine
v. intransitive verb
1 a : to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry b : to make a sound similar to such a cry <the wind whined in the chimney>
2 : to complain with or as if with a whine <always whining about the weather>
3 : to move or proceed with the sound of a whine <the bullet whined⋯across the ice ― Berton Roueché>
transitive verb : to utter or express with or as if with a whine
–whin·er noun
–whin·ing·ly \'hwī-niŋ-lē, 'wī-\ adverb

whine
v. 1 a : a prolonged high-pitched cry usually expressive of distress or pain b : a sound resembling such a cry
2 : a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine
–whiny also whin·ey \'hwī-nē, 'wī-\ adjective

whing-ding
: WINGDING

whinge
n. British : to complain fretfully : WHINE
–whinge noun British

whinny
n. intransitive verb : to neigh especially in a low or gentle way
transitive verb : to utter with or as if with a whinny

whinny
n. 1 : the neigh of a horse especially when low or gentle
2 : a sound resembling a neigh

whinstone
n. : basaltic rock : TRAP also : any of various other dark resistant rocks (as chert)

whip
n. transitive verb
1 : to take, pull, snatch, jerk, or otherwise move very quickly and forcefully <whipped out his gun ― Green Peyton>
2 a (1) : to strike with a slender lithe implement (as a lash or rod) especially as a punishment (2) : SPANK b : to drive or urge on by or as if by using a whip c : to strike as a lash does <rain whipped the pavement>
3 a : to bind or wrap (as a rope or fishing rod) with cord for protection and strength b : to wind or wrap around something
4 : to belabor with stinging words : ABUSE
5 : to seam or hem with shallow overcasting stitches
6 : to overcome decisively : DEFEAT
7 : to stir up : INCITE ― usually used with up <trying to whip up a new emotion ― Ellen Glasgow>
8 : to produce in a hurry ― usually used with up <a sketch⋯an artist might whip up ― N.Y. Times>
9 : to fish (water) with rod, line, and artificial lure
10 : to beat (as eggs or cream) into a froth with a utensil (as a whisk or fork)
11 : to gather together or hold together for united action in the manner of a party whip
intransitive verb
1 : to proceed nimbly or quickly <whipping through the supper dishes ― C. B. Davis>
2 : to thrash about flexibly in the manner of a whiplash <a flag⋯whipping out from its staff ― H. A. Calahan>
–whip·per noun
–whip into shape : to bring forcefully to a desired state or condition

whip
n. 1 : an instrument consisting usually of a handle and lash forming a flexible rod that is used for whipping
2 : a stroke or cut with or as if with a whip
3 a : a dessert made by whipping a portion of the ingredients <prune whip> b : a kitchen utensil made of braided or coiled wire or perforated metal with a handle and used in whipping
4 : one that handles a whip: as a : a driver of horses : COACHMAN b : WHIPPER-IN 1
5 a : a member of a legislative body appointed by a political party to enforce party discipline and to secure the attendance of party members at important sessions b often capitalized : a notice of forthcoming business sent weekly to each member of a political party in the British House of Commons
6 : a whipping or thrashing motion
7 : the quality of resembling a whip especially in being flexible
8 : WHIP ANTENNA
–whip·like \'hwip-ˌlīk, 'wip-\ adjective

whip
n. crack the whip
pistol whip
sea whip
whip into shape
whip antenna
whip hand
whip in
whip poor will
whip round
whip scorpion
whip stall
whipping boy
whipping cream
whipping post
whipper in
whippers in

whip antenna
: a flexible vertical rod radio antenna

whip hand
1 : positive control : ADVANTAGE
2 : the hand holding the whip in driving

whip in
1 : to collect or keep together (members of a political party) for legislative action
2 : to keep (hounds in a pack) from scattering by use of a whip

whip into shape
to bring forcefully to a desired state or condition

whip scorpion
: any of an order (Uropygi) of chiefly tropical arachnids somewhat resembling true scorpions but having a long slender caudal process and no sting

whip stall
: a stall during a vertical climb in which the nose of the airplane whips violently forward and then downward

whip-poor-will
: a nocturnal nightjar (Caprimulgus vociferus) of chiefly eastern No. America with a loud repeated call suggestive of its name

whip-round
chiefly British : a collection of money made usually for a benevolent purpose <had a whip-round to help the couple pay for a Paris honeymoon ― The People>

whipcord
n. 1 : a thin tough cord made of braided or twisted hemp or catgut
2 : a cloth that is made of hard-twisted yarns and has fine diagonal cords or ribs

whiplash
n. 1 : the lash of a whip
2 : something resembling a blow from a whip <the whiplash of fear ― R. S. Banay>
3 : injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck from the rear by another vehicle)

whipper-in
1 : a huntsman's assistant who whips in the hounds
2 : WHIP 5A

whippersnapper
n. : a diminutive, insignificant, or presumptuous person

whippet
n. : any of a breed of small swift slender dogs used for coursing small game and racing

whipping
n. 1 : the act of one that whips: as a : a severe beating or chastisement b : a stitching with small overcasting stitches
2 : material used to whip or bind

whipping
n. whipping boy
whipping cream
whipping post

whipping boy
1 : a boy formerly educated with a prince and punished in his stead
2 : SCAPEGOAT 2

whipping cream
: a cream suitable for whipping that by law contains not less than 30 percent butterfat

whipping post
: a post to which offenders are tied to be legally whipped

Whipple
George Hoyt 1878-1976 American pathologist

whippletree
n. : WHIFFLETREE

whippy
adj. 1 : unusually resilient : SPRINGY <a whippy fishing rod>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a whip

whipsaw
n. : a narrow pit saw averaging 5 to 71/2 feet (1.5 to 2.3 meters) in length

whipsaw
n. 1 : to saw with a whipsaw
2 : to beset or victimize in two opposite ways at once, by a two-phase operation, or by the collusive action of two opponents <wage earners were whipsawed by inflation and high taxes>

whipsawed
v. : subjected to a double market loss through trying inopportunely to recoup a loss by a subsequent short sale of the same security

whipstitch
n. : WHIP 5

whipstitch
n. : a shallow overcasting stitch

whipstock
n. : the handle of a whip

whiptail
: any of various long slender American lizards (genus Cnemidophorus) having a whiplike tail and including some forms that are parthenogenetic

whipworm
n. : a parasitic nematode worm (genus Trichuris) with a body that is thickened posteriorly and that is very long and slender anteriorly especially : one (T. trichiura) of the human intestine

whir
n. intransitive verb : to fly, revolve, or move rapidly with a whir <hummingbirds whirring past>
transitive verb : to move or carry rapidly with a whir

whir
n. : a continuous fluttering or vibratory sound made by something in rapid motion <the whir of machinery>

whirl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed
2 a : to turn on or around an axis like a wheel : ROTATE b : to turn abruptly around or aside : WHEEL <whirled around in surprise>
3 : to pass, move, or go quickly <whirled down the hallway>
4 : to become giddy or dizzy : REEL <my head is whirling>
transitive verb
1 : to drive, impel, or convey with or as if with a rotary motion
2 a : to cause to turn usually rapidly on or around an axis : ROTATE b : to cause to turn abruptly around or aside
3 obsolete : to throw or hurl violently with a revolving motion
–whirl·er \'hwər-lər, 'wər-\ noun

whirl
n. 1 a : a rapid rotating or circling movement b : something undergoing such a movement
2 a : a busy or fast-paced succession of events : BUSTLE <a whirl of activity> <the social whirl> b : a confused or disturbed mental state : TURMOIL <a whirl of febrile excitement ― Emily Skeel>
3 : an experimental or brief attempt : TRY <gave it a whirl>

whirligig
n. 1 : a child's toy having a whirling motion
2 : MERRY-GO-ROUND
3 a : one that continuously whirls, moves, or changes b : a whirling or circling course (as of events)

whirligig beetle
: any of a family (Gyrinidae) of beetles with two pairs of eyes and clubbed antennae that live mostly on the surface of water where they swim swiftly about in circles

whirling disease
: an infectious often fatal disease especially of young salmonid fishes (as trout and salmon) that is caused by a protozoan (Myxobolus cerebralis syn. Myxosoma cerebralis) and is marked by skeletal deformities and a tendency to swim in circles

whirlpool
n. 1 a : a confused tumult and bustle : WHIRL b : a magnetic or impelling force by which something may be engulfed <refusing to be drawn into this whirlpool of intrigue ― A. D. White>
2 a : water moving rapidly in a circle so as to produce a depression in the center into which floating objects may be drawn : EDDY, VORTEX b : WHIRLPOOL BATH

whirlpool bath
: a therapeutic bath in which all or part of the body is exposed to forceful whirling currents of hot water

whirlwind
n. 1 : a small rotating windstorm of limited extent
2 a : a confused rush : WHIRL <a whirlwind of meetings> b : a violent or destructive force or agency

whirlwind
n. : resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force <a whirlwind campaign> <a whirlwind romance>

whirly
: marked by or exhibiting a whirling motion

whirly
: a small whirlwind

whirlybird
n. : HELICOPTER

whirry
transitive verb Scottish : to convey quickly
intransitive verb Scottish : HURRY

whish
v. transitive verb : to urge on or cause to move with a whish
intransitive verb
1 : to make a sibilant sound
2 : to move with a whish especially at high speed <an elevator⋯whishes down to the lower level ― Natalie Cooper>

whish
v. : a rushing sound : SWISH

whisht
chiefly Irish : HUSH ― often used interjectionally to enjoin silence

whisk
n. 1 : a quick light brushing or whipping motion
2 a : a usually wire kitchen utensil used for beating food by hand b : a flexible bunch (as of twigs, feathers, or straw) attached to a handle for use as a brush

whisk
n. : to move nimbly and quickly
transitive verb
1 : to move or convey briskly <whisked the children off to bed>
2 : to mix or fluff up by or as if by beating with a whisk <whisk egg whites>
3 : to brush or wipe off lightly

whisk broom
: a small broom with a short handle used especially as a clothes brush

whisker
n. 1 a : a hair of the beard b plural (1) archaic : MUSTACHE (2) : the part of the beard growing on the sides of the face or on the chin c : HAIRBREADTH <lost the race by a whisker>
2 : one of the long projecting hairs or bristles growing near the mouth of an animal (as a cat or bird)
3 : an outrigger extending on each side of the bowsprit to spread the jib and flying jib guys ― usually used in plural
4 a : a shred or filament resembling a whisker b : a thin hairlike crystal (as of sapphire or copper) of exceptional mechanical strength used especially to reinforce composite structural material
–whis·kered \-kərd\ adjective
–whis·kery \-k(ə-)rē\ adjective

whisker
n. muttonchop whiskers
side whiskers
side whiskered

Whiskey
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter w

whiskey
n. 1 : a liquor distilled from fermented wort (as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)
2 : a drink of whiskey

whiskey
n. bonded whiskey
blended whiskey
corn whiskey
Irish whiskey
malt whiskey
rye whiskey
whiskey sour
Scotch whisky

whiskey sour
: a cocktail usually consisting of whiskey, sugar, and lemon juice shaken with ice

whisper
n. intransitive verb
1 : to speak softly with little or no vibration of the vocal cords especially to avoid being overheard
2 : to make a sibilant sound that resembles whispering
transitive verb
1 : to address in a whisper
2 : to utter or communicate in or as if in a whisper

whisper
n. 1 : something communicated by or as if by whispering especially : RUMOR <whispers of scandal>
2 a : an act or instance of whispering especially : speech without vibration of the vocal cords b : a sibilant sound that resembles whispered speech
3 : HINT, TRACE

whisperer
n. : one that whispers specifically : RUMORMONGER

whispering
n. 1 a : whispered speech b : GOSSIP, RUMOR
2 : a sibilant sound : WHISPER

whispering
n. 1 : making a sibilant sound
2 : spreading confidential and especially derogatory reports <whispering tongues can poison truth ― S. T. Coleridge>
–whis·per·ing·ly \-p(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

whispering campaign
: the systematic dissemination by word of mouth of derogatory rumors or charges especially against a candidate for public office

whispery
1 : resembling a whisper
2 : full of whispers

whist
n. dialect British : to be silent : HUSH ― often used interjectionally to enjoin silence

whist
n. : QUIET, SILENT

whist
n. : a card game for four players in two partnerships that is played with a pack of 52 cards and that scores one point for each trick in excess of six

whistle
n. 1 a : a small wind instrument in which sound is produced by the forcible passage of breath through a slit in a short tube <a police whistle> b : a device through which air or steam is forced into a cavity or against a thin edge to produce a loud sound <a factory whistle>
2 a : a shrill clear sound produced by forcing breath out or air in through the puckered lips b : the sound produced by a whistle c : a signal given by or as if by whistling
3 : a sound that resembles a whistle especially : a shrill clear note of or as if of a bird

whistle
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to utter a shrill clear sound by blowing or drawing air through the puckered lips b : to utter a shrill note or call resembling a whistle c : to make a shrill clear sound especially by rapid movement <the wind whistled> d : to blow or sound a whistle
2 a : to give a signal or issue an order or summons by or as if by whistling b : to make a demand without result <he did a sloppy job, so he can whistle for his money>
transitive verb
1 a : to send, bring, signal, or call by or as if by whistling b : to charge (as a basketball or hockey player) with an infraction
2 : to produce, utter, or express by whistling <whistle a tune>
–whis·tle·able \-sə-lə-bəl\ adjective
–whistle in the dark : to keep up one's courage by or as if by whistling

whistle
n. blow the whistle
wet one's whistle
whistle in the dark
whistle blower
whistle blowing
whistle stop
wolf whistle
bells and whistles
whistling swan

whistle in the dark
to keep up one's courage by or as if by whistling

whistle-blower
: one who reveals something covert or who informs against another <pledges to protect whistle-blowers who fear reprisals ― Wall Street Jour.>
–whis·tle-blow·ing \-ˌblō-iŋ\ noun

whistle-stop
1 a : a small station at which trains stop only on signal : FLAG STOP b : a small community
2 : a brief personal appearance especially by a political candidate usually on the rear platform of a train during the course of a tour

whistle-stop
: to make a tour especially in a political campaign with many brief personal appearances in small communities

Whistler
n. James (Abbott) McNeill 1834-1903 American painter & etcher
–Whis·tler·ian \hwis-'lir-ē-ən, wis-\ adjective

whistler
n. : one that whistles: as a : any of various birds especially : any of numerous oscine birds (esp. genus Pachycephala) found chiefly in Australia and South Pacific islands and having a whistling call b : a large marmot (Marmota caligata) of northwestern No. America having a shrill alarm call c : a broken-winded horse d : a very-low-frequency radio signal that is generated by lightning discharge, travels along the earth's magnetic-field lines, and produces a sound resembling a whistle of descending pitch in radio receivers

whistling
n. : the act or sound of one that whistles : WHISTLE

whistling swan
: TUNDRA SWAN

whit
n. : the smallest part or particle imaginable : BIT <what some people will do for a whit of publicity ― Patrick Quinn>

Whitby
town Canada in S Ont. pop 87,413

White
n. Stanford 1853-1906 American architect

White
n. Theodore Harold 1915-1986 American journalist & writer

White
n. William Allen 1868-1944 American journalist & writer

White
n. 1 river 690 mi (1110 km) N Ark. & SW Mo. flowing SE into Mississippi River
2 river 250 mi (402 km) NW Colo. & E Utah flowing W into Green River
3 river 50 mi (80 km) SW Ind. flowing W into the Wabash
4 river 325 mi (523 km) S S.Dak. flowing E into Missouri River
5 river 130 mi (209 km) NW Tex.

White
n. Andrew Dickson 1832-1918 American educ. & diplomat

White
n. Byron Raymond 1917-2002 American jurist

White
n. Edward Douglass 1845-1921 American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1910-21)

White
n. Elwyn Brooks 1899-1985 American journalist & writer

White
n. Gilbert 1720-1793 Eng. clergyman & naturalist

White
n. Patrick Victor Martindale 1912-1990 Austral. writer

white
n. 1 a : free from color b : of the color of new snow or milk specifically : of the color white c : light or pallid in color <white hair> <lips white with fear> d : lustrous pale gray : SILVERY also : made of silver
2 a : being a member of a group or race characterized by light pigmentation of the skin b : of, relating to, characteristic of, or consisting of white people or their culture c [from the former stereotypical association of good character with northern European descent] : marked by upright fairness <that's mighty white of you>
3 : free from spot or blemish: as a (1) : free from moral impurity : INNOCENT (2) : marked by the wearing of white by the woman as a symbol of purity <a white wedding> b : unmarked by writing or printing c : not intended to cause harm <a white lie> <white magic> d : FAVORABLE, FORTUNATE <one of the white days of his life ― Sir Walter Scott>
4 a : wearing or habited in white b : marked by the presence of snow : SNOWY <a white Christmas>
5 a : heated to the point of whiteness b : notably ardent : PASSIONATE <white fury>
6 a : conservative or reactionary in political outlook and action b : instigated or carried out by reactionary forces as a counterrevolutionary measure <a white terror>
7 : of, relating to, or constituting a musical tone quality characterized by a controlled pure sound, a lack of warmth and color, and a lack of resonance
8 : consisting of a wide range of frequencies ― used of light, sound, and electromagnetic radiation
–whit·ish \'hwī-tish, 'wī-\ adjective

white
n. white whale
white walnut
white croaker
white potato
white ant
Atlantic white cedar
black and white
bleed white
cabbage white
Chester White
Chinese white
eastern white pine
white perch
white amur
great white shark
white shark
lily white
northern white cedar
white cedar
off white
poor white
Rhode Island White
snow white
titanium white
West Highland white terrier
white ash
white bass
white bean
white birch
white blood cell
white cell
white blood corpuscle
white book
white bread
white chip
white chocolate
white clover
white Dutch clover
white coat hypertension
white collar
white crappie
white crowned sparrow
white dwarf
white dwarfs
white elephant
white faced
white feather
white fir
white flag
white flight
white footed mouse
white friar
white gas
white gasoline
white glove
white gold
white goods
white grub
white hat
white headed
white heat
white hole
white hope
white hot
White House
white hunter
white knight
white knuckle
white knuckled
white lead
white lightning
white line
white list
white listed
white livered
white man's burden
white marlin
white matter
white metal
white mustard
white noise
white oak
white oil
white pages
white paper
white pepper
white pine
white pine blister rust
white rhinoceros
white rhino
white rice
white room
White Russian
white rust
white sale
white sauce
white sea bass
white shoe
white slave
white slaver
white slavery
white space
white spruce
white sucker
white supremacist
white supremacy
white tailed deer
white throated sparrow
white tie
white trash
white water
white way
white wine
white zinfandel
zinc white
Bourke White
White Bear Lake
White Mountains
White Nile
White Pass
White Plains
White Sands National Monument
White Sea
White Volta
whited sepulcher

white
n. 1 : the achromatic object color of greatest lightness characteristically perceived to belong to objects that reflect diffusely nearly all incident energy throughout the visible spectrum
2 a : a white or light-colored part of something: as (1) : a mass of albuminous material surrounding the yolk of an egg (2) : the white part of the eyeball (3) : the light-colored pieces in a 2-player board game also : the player by whom these are played (4) : the area of a page unmarked by writing, printing, or illustration b (1) archaic : a white target (2) : the fifth or outermost circle of an archery target also : a shot that hits it
3 : one that is or approaches white in color: as a : white clothing ― often used in plural b : WHITE WINE c : a white mammal (as a horse or a hog) d (1) : a white-colored product (as flour, pins, or sugar) ― usually used in plural (2) : any of numerous butterflies (subfamily Pierinae of the family Pieridae) that usually have the ground color of the wings white and are related to the sulphur butterflies e plural : TEETH ― used in the phrase pearly whites
4 plural : LEUKORRHEA
5 : a person belonging to a light-skinned race
6 often capitalized : a member of a conservative or reactionary political group

white
n. archaic : WHITEN

white amur
: GRASS CARP

white ant
: TERMITE

white ash
: a No. American ash (Fraxinus americana) having compound leaves with a pale green or silvery-white underside also : its hard brownish wood

white bass
: a No. American freshwater bony fish (Morone chrysops of the family Percichthyidae) that is used for food

white bean
: a white kidney bean (as a cannellini bean)

White Bear Lake
city E Minn. NE of St. Paul pop 24,325

white birch
1 : PAPER BIRCH also : GRAY BIRCH
2 : either of two Eurasian birches (Betula pubescens and B. pendula) with white or ash-colored bark that are often planted as ornamentals in the U.S.

white blood cell
: any of the blood cells that are colorless, lack hemoglobin, contain a nucleus, and include the lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils ― called also leukocyte white blood corpuscle white cell

white book
: an official report of government affairs bound in white

white cedar
1 : an aromatic evergreen swamp tree (Chamaecyparis thyoides) of the cypress family that occurs along the eastern coast of the U.S. and has branchlets in fan-shaped sprays and small round cones also : its wood
2 : NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR

white cell
: WHITE BLOOD CELL

white chip
1 : a white-colored poker chip usually of minimum value
2 : a thing or quantity of little worth

white chocolate
: a confection of cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids, lecithin, and flavorings

white clover
: a Eurasian clover (Trifolium repens) with round heads of white flowers that is widely used in lawn and pasture grass-seed mixtures and is an important source of nectar for bees ― called also white Dutch clover

white crappie
: a silvery No. American sunfish (Pomoxis annularis) with five or six protruding spines on the dorsal fins that is used as a panfish and often for stocking small ponds

white dwarf
: a small hot whitish star of low intrinsic brightness usually with a mass approximately equal to that of the sun but with a density many times larger

white elephant
1 : an Indian elephant of a pale color that is sometimes venerated in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar
2 a : a property requiring much care and expense and yielding little profit b : an object no longer of value to its owner but of value to others c : something of little or no value

white feather
: a mark or symbol of cowardice ― used chiefly in the phrase show the white feather

white fir
: a large fir (Abies concolor) of western No. America with pale usually bluish-green foliage, a narrow erect crown, and soft wood that is used for lumber

white flag
1 : a flag of plain white used as a flag of truce or as a token of surrender
2 : a token of weakness or yielding

white flight
: the departure of whites from places (as urban neighborhoods or schools) increasingly or predominantly populated by minorities

white friar
: CARMELITE

white gas
: unleaded gasoline used especially to fuel portable stoves ― called also white gasoline

white gold
: a pale alloy of gold especially with nickel or palladium that resembles platinum in appearance

white goods
1 a : white fabrics especially of cotton or linen b : articles (as sheets, towels, or curtains) orig. or typically made of white cloth
2 : major household appliances (as stoves and refrigerators) that are typically finished in white enamel

white grub
: a grub that is a destructive pest of grass roots and is the larva of various beetles and especially june bugs

white hat
1 : one who is admirable and honorable
2 : a mark or symbol of goodness <could use a few more guys in white hats ― Robert Christgau>

white heat
1 : a temperature (as for copper and iron from 1500° to 1600° C) which is higher than red heat and at which a body becomes brightly incandescent
2 : a state of intense mental or physical strain, emotion, or activity

white hole
: a hypothetical extremely dense celestial object that radiates enormous amounts of energy and matter ― compare BLACK HOLE 1

white hope
1 : a white contender for a boxing championship held by a black also : one who is felt to represent whites
2 : one from whom much is expected especially : a person undertaking a difficult task

White House
1 : a residence of the president of the U.S.
2 : the executive department of the U.S. government

white hunter
: a white man serving as guide and professional hunter to an African safari

white knight
1 : one that comes to the rescue of another especially : a corporation invited to buy out a second corporation in order to prevent an undesired takeover by a third
2 : one that champions a cause

white lead
: any of several white lead-containing pigments especially : a heavy poisonous basic carbonate of lead marketed as a powder or as a paste in linseed oil and used especially formerly in paints

white lightning
: MOONSHINE 3

white line
: a band or edge of something white especially : a stripe painted on a road and used to guide traffic

white list
: a list of approved or favored items ― compare BLACKLIST
–white-list·ed \-ˌlis-təd\ adjective

white man's burden
: the alleged duty of the white peoples to manage the affairs of the less developed nonwhite peoples

white marlin
: a marlin (Tetrapturas albidus) of the Atlantic Ocean that is blue above and silvery-white below

white matter
: neural tissue especially of the brain and spinal cord that consists largely of myelinated nerve fibers bundled into tracts, has a whitish color, and typically underlies the cortical gray matter

white metal
1 : any of several light-colored alloys used especially as a base for plated silverware and ornaments and novelties
2 : any of several lead-base or tin-base alloys (as babbitt) used especially for bearings, fusible plugs, and type metal

White Mountains
1 mountains E Calif. & SE Nev.
2 mountains N N.H. in the Appalachians ― see WASHINGTON (Mount)

white mustard
: a Eurasian mustard (Brassica hirta) grown for its pale yellow seeds which yield mustard and mustard oil

White Nile
n. ― see NILE

white noise
1 a : a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range ― compare PINK NOISE b : a constant background noise especially : one that drowns out other sounds
2 : meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter <the white noise of policy and politics in America ― Joseph Nocera>

white oak
: any of various oaks (esp. Quercus alba of eastern No. America) with acorns that mature in one year and leaf veins that never extend beyond the margin of the leaf also : its hard strong durable wood

white oil
: any of various colorless odorless tasteless mineral oils used especially in medicine and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations

white pages
: the section of a telephone directory that lists individuals and businesses alphabetically

white paper
1 : a government report on any subject especially : a British publication that is usually less extensive than a blue book
2 : a detailed or authoritative report

White Pass
mountain pass 2890 ft (881 m) SE Alaska on Canada (B.C.) border

white pepper
: a pungent condiment that consists of the fruit of a pepper plant (Piper nigrum) ground after the black husk has been removed

white perch
1 : a silvery anadromous bass (Morone americana) chiefly of the coast and coastal streams of the eastern U.S.
2 : FRESHWATER DRUM
3 : WHITE CRAPPIE

white pine
1 a : a tall-growing pine (Pinus strobus) of eastern No. America with long needles in clusters of five ― called also eastern white pine b : any of several pines that resemble the white pine especially in having needles in bundles of five
2 : the wood of a white pine and especially of the eastern white pine

White Plains
city SE N.Y. NE of Yonkers pop 53,077

white potato
: POTATO 2B

white rhinoceros
: a rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) of southern and central Africa that is distinguished from the black rhinoceros especially by larger size and by a squared upper lip lacking a protrusion ― called also white rhino

white rice
: rice from which the hull and bran have been removed by milling

white room
: CLEAN ROOM

White Russian
1 : BELARUSIAN
2 : a cocktail made of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream or milk

white rust
: any of various diseases of chiefly cruciferous plants caused by a fungus (genus Albugo) and marked by white spore-filled lesions also : a fungus causing white rust

white sale
: a sale of white goods

White Sands National Monument
n. reservation S N.Mex. SW of Alamogordo comprising an area of gypsum sand dunes

white sauce
: a sauce consisting essentially of a roux with milk, cream, or stock and seasoning

White Sea
inlet of Barents Sea NW Russia in Europe enclosed on the N by Kola Peninsula

white sea bass
: a large croaker (Atractoscion nobilis) of the Pacific coast of No. America that is an important sport and food fish

white shark
: GREAT WHITE SHARK

white slave
: a woman or girl held unwillingly for purposes of commercial prostitution

white slaver
: one engaged in white-slave traffic

white slavery
: enforced prostitution

white space
: the areas of a page without print or pictures

white spruce
1 : any of several spruces especially : a widely distributed spruce (Picea glauca) of coniferous forests of Canada and the northern U.S. that has short stiff blue-green needles and slender cones ― see CONE illustration
2 : the wood of a white spruce especially : the light pale tough straight-grained wood of the common white spruce (Picea glauca) used especially for construction and as a source of paper pulp

white sucker
: a common and widespread edible sucker (Catostomus commersoni) of the U.S. and Canada

white supremacist
: an advocate of or believer in white supremacy

white supremacy
: a doctrine based on a belief in the inherent superiority of the white race over other races and the correlative necessity for the subordination of nonwhites to whites in all relationships

white trash
usually disparaging : a member of an inferior or underprivileged white social group

White Volta
v. ― see VOLTA

white walnut
1 : BUTTERNUT 1
2 : the light-colored wood of a butternut

white water
: frothy water (as in breakers, rapids, or falls)
–white-water adjective

white way
: a brilliantly lighted street or avenue especially in a city's business or theater district

white whale
: BELUGA 2

white wine
: a wine ranging in color from faintly yellow to amber that is produced from the juice alone of dark- or light-colored grapes

white zinfandel
: a blush wine made from zinfandel grapes

white-bread
: being, typical of, or having qualities (as blandness) associated with the white middle class

white-coat hypertension
: a temporary elevation in a patient's blood pressure that occurs when measured in a medical setting (as a physician's office) and that is usually due to anxiety on the part of the patient

white-collar
: of, relating to, or constituting the class of salaried employees whose duties do not call for the wearing of work clothes or protective clothing ― compare BLUE-COLLAR

white-crowned sparrow
: a migratory sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) that breeds in northern and western No. America and has a grayish breast, pink bill, and head striped with black and white

white-faced
1 : having the face white in whole or in part ― used especially of an animal otherwise dark in color
2 : having a wan pale face

white-footed mouse
: any of various largely nocturnal mice (genus Peromyscus) of No. and Central America typically having whitish feet and underparts especially : a common woodland mouse (P. leucopus) of No. America

white-glove
: marked by special care or attention : METICULOUS <white-glove service>

white-headed
1 : having the hair, fur, or plumage of the head white or very light
2 : specially favored : FORTUNATE ― used especially in the phrase white-headed boy

white-hot
1 : being at or radiating white heat
2 a : extremely hot b : exhibiting or marked by extreme fervor or zeal <white-hot enthusiasm>

white-knuckle
: marked by, causing, or experiencing tense nervousness <a white-knuckle ride on a roller coaster> <a white-knuckle passenger>

white-livered
: PUSILLANIMOUS, LILY-LIVERED

white-pine blister rust
: a destructive disease of white pine caused by a rust fungus (Cronartium ribicola) that passes part of its complex life cycle on currant or gooseberry bushes also : this fungus

white-shoe
: of, associated with, or characteristic of the privileged moneyed upper class : UPPER-CRUST <a white-shoe law firm>

white-tailed deer
: a No. American deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with a rather long tail white on the undersurface and the males of which have forward-arching antlers ― called also whitetail deer

white-throated sparrow
: a common brown sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) chiefly of eastern No. America with a black-and-white striped crown and a white patch on the throat

white-tie
: characterized by or requiring the wearing of formal evening clothes consisting of white tie and tailcoat for men and a formal gown for women <a white-tie dinner> ― compare BLACK-TIE

whitebait
n. 1 : the young of any of several European herrings and especially of the common herring (Clupea harengus) or of the sprat (Sprattus sprattus)
2 : any of various small fishes likened to the European whitebait and used as food

whitebeard
n. : an old man : GRAYBEARD

whiteboard
n. : a hard smooth white surface used for writing or drawing on with markers

whitecap
n. : a wave crest breaking into white foam ― usually used in plural

Whitechapel
n. district of E London, England, N of Thames River in Tower Hamlets

whited
adj. 1 : covered with white or whiting and especially with whitewash
2 : made white : WHITENED

whited sepulcher
: a person inwardly corrupt or wicked but outwardly or professedly virtuous or holy : HYPOCRITE

whiteface
n. 1 : a white-faced animal specifically : HEREFORD
2 : dead-white facial makeup <a clown in whiteface>

Whitefield
George 1714-1770 Eng. Methodist revivalist

whitefish
n. 1 a : any of various freshwater salmonid food fishes (esp. of genera Coregonus and Prosopium) found usually in cold northern waters b : any of various fishes resembling the true whitefishes c British : any of various market fishes with white flesh that is not oily
2 : the flesh of a whitefish especially as an article of food

whitefly
n. : any of numerous small homopterous insects (family Aleyrodidae) that are injurious plant pests

Whitefriars
district of cen London, England, on Thames River

Whitehall
n. : the British government

Whitehead
n. Alfred North 1861-1947 Eng. math. & philos.

Whitehead
n. William 1715-1785 Eng. dram.; poet laureate (1757-85)

whitehead
n. : a small whitish lump in the skin due to retention of keratin in an oil gland duct ― called also milium

Whitehorse
n. city NW Canada capital of Yukon Territory on upper Yukon River pop 19,058

whitely
adv. : with an effect of whiteness : so as to show or appear white

whiten
v. transitive verb : to make white or whiter <snow whitened the hills>
intransitive verb : to become white or whiter

whitener
n. : one that whitens specifically : an agent (as a bleach) used to impart whiteness to something

whiteness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being white: as a : white color b : PALLOR, PALENESS c : freedom from stain : CLEANNESS
2 : white substance

whitening
n. 1 : the act or process of making or becoming white
2 : something that is used to make white : WHITING

whiteout
n. : a surface weather condition in a snow-covered area (as a polar region) in which no object casts a shadow, the horizon cannot be seen, and only dark objects are discernible also : a blizzard that severely reduces visibility

whitesmith
n. 1 : TINSMITH
2 : a worker in iron who finishes or polishes the work

whitetail
: WHITE-TAILED DEER

whitethroat
n. : any of several birds with white on the throat: as a : an Old World warbler (Sylvia communis) with rusty upper parts and largely pale buff underparts b : WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

whitewall
n. : an automobile tire having a white band on the sidewall

whitewash
n. 1 : to whiten with whitewash
2 a : to gloss over or cover up (as vices or crimes) <refused to whitewash the scandal> b : to exonerate by means of a perfunctory investigation or through biased presentation of data
3 : to hold (an opponent) scoreless in a game or contest
–white·wash·er noun

whitewash
n. 1 : a liquid composition for whitening a surface: as a : a preparation for whitening the skin b : a composition (as of lime and water or whiting, size, and water) for whitening structural surfaces
2 : an act or instance of glossing over or of exonerating
3 : a defeat in a contest in which the loser fails to score

whitewashing
n. : an act or instance of applying whitewash also : WHITEWASH 3

whitewing
n. : a person and especially a street sweeper wearing a white uniform

whitewood
n. 1 : any of various trees with pale or white wood: as a : TULIP TREE 1 b : an Australian tree (Atalaya hemiglauca) of the soapberry family
2 : the wood of a whitewood especially : TULIPWOOD 1

whitey
n. usually disparaging : the white man : white society

whither
adv. 1 : to what place <whither will they go>
2 : to what situation, position, degree, or end <whither will this abuse drive him>

whither
adv. 1 a : to what place <knew whither to go ― Daniel Defoe> b : to what situation, position, degree, or end
2 a : to the place at, in, or to which b : to which place
3 : to whatever place

whithersoever
adv. : to whatever place <will go whithersoever you lead>

whitherward
archaic : toward what or which place

whiting
n. : any of various marine food fishes: as a : a common European fish (Merlangus merlangus) of the cod family b : SILVER HAKE

whiting
n. : calcium carbonate ground into fine powder, washed, and used especially as a pigment and extender, in putty, and in rubber compounding and paper coating

whitlow
n. : a deep usually suppurative inflammation of the finger or toe especially near the end or around the nail ― called also felon

Whitman
n. Marcus 1802-1847 & his wife Narcissa 1808-1847 née Prentiss American missionaries & pioneers

Whitman
n. Walt \'wȯlt\ 1819-1892 orig. Walter Whitman American poet
–Whit·man·esque \ˌhwit-mə-'nesk, ˌwit-\ or Whit·man·ian \hwit-'mā-nē-ən, wit-\ adjective

Whitmonday
n. : the day after Whitsunday observed as a legal holiday in England, Wales, and Ireland

Whitney
n. Eli 1765-1825 American inventor

Whitney
n. Josiah Dwight 1819-1896 American geologist

Whitney
n. William Dwight 1827-1894 bro. of J.D. American philologist

Whitney, Mount
mountain 14,495 ft (4418 m) SE cen Calif. in Sierra Nevada in Sequoia National Park; highest in the U.S. outside of Alaska

Whitsun
adj. : of, relating to, or observed on Whitsunday or at Whitsuntide

Whitsunday
n. : PENTECOST 2

Whitsuntide
n. : the week beginning with Whitsunday and especially the first three days of this week

Whittaker
Charles Evans 1901-1973 American jurist

Whittier
John Greenleaf 1807-1892 American poet

Whittier
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 83,680

whittle
n. archaic : a large knife

whittle
n. transitive verb
1 a : to pare or cut off chips from the surface of (wood) with a knife b : to shape or form by so paring or cutting
2 : to reduce, remove, or destroy gradually as if by cutting off bits with a knife : PARE <whittle down expenses>
intransitive verb
1 : to cut or shape something (as wood) by or as if by paring it with a knife
2 : to wear oneself or another out with fretting
–whit·tler \'hwit-lər, 'wit-; 'hwi-təl-ər, 'wi-\ noun

whittling
v. 1 : the act or art of whittling
2 : a piece cut away in whittling

whittret
chiefly Scottish : WEASEL

whity
n. : somewhat white : WHITISH ― usually used in combination

whiz
n. intransitive verb
1 : to hum, whir, or hiss like a speeding object (as an arrow or ball) passing through air
2 : to fly or move swiftly especially with a whiz <cars whizzing by>
transitive verb : to cause to whiz especially : to rotate very rapidly

whiz
n. 1 : a hissing, buzzing, or whirring sound
2 : a movement or passage of something accompanied by a whizzing sound
3 sometimes vulgar : an act of urinating ― used especially in the phrase take a whiz

whiz
n. : WIZARD 3 <a math whiz>

whiz
n. whiz bang
gee whiz
whiz kid
whizz kid

whiz kid
: a person who is unusually intelligent, clever, or successful especially at an early age

whizbang
: one that is conspicuous for noise, speed, excellence, or startling effect
–whiz-bang adjective

whizzer
: one that whizzes especially : a centrifugal machine for drying something (as grain, sugar, or nitrated cotton)

whizzy
adj. : WIZARDLY 2 <whizzy technology>

WHO
n. World Health Organization

who
n. 1 : what or which person or persons ― used as an interrogative <who was elected?> <find out who they are> ― used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, as the object of a verb or a following preposition <who did I see but a Spanish lady ― Padraic Colum> <do not know who the message is from ― G. K. Chesterton>
2 : the person or persons that : WHOEVER
3 ― used as a function word to introduce a relative clause ― used especially in reference to persons <my father, who was a lawyer> but also in reference to groups <a generation who had known nothing but war ― R. B. West> or to animals <dogs who⋯fawn all over tramps ― Nigel Balchin> or to inanimate objects especially with the implication that the reference is really to a person <earlier sources who maintain a Davidic ancestry ― F. M. Cross> ― used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, as the object of a verb or a following preposition <a character who we are meant to pity ― Times Lit. Supp.>
usage see WHOM, THAT
–as who
archaic : as one that : as if someone
–as who should say
archaic : so to speak
–who is who or who's who or who was who : the identity of or the noteworthy facts about each of a number of persons

who
n. who was who
who's who
who is who
as who should say
as who

who is who
or who's who or who was who : the identity of or the noteworthy facts about each of a number of persons

who'd
v. : who had : who would

who's who
1 : a compilation of brief biographical sketches of prominent persons in a particular field <a who's who of sports figures>
2 : the leaders of a group : ELITE
3 : a listing or grouping of notable persons or things

whoa
interj. 1 ― a command (as to a draft animal) to stand still
2 : cease or slow a course of action or a line of thought : pause to consider or reconsider ― often used to express a strong reaction (as alarm or astonishment)

whodunit
n. : a detective story or mystery story

whoever
pron. : whatever person : no matter who ― used in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive <sells to whoever has the money to buy>

whole
n. 1 a (1) : free of wound or injury : UNHURT (2) : recovered from a wound or injury : RESTORED (3) : being healed <whole of an ancient evil, I sleep sound ― A. E. Housman> b : free of defect or impairment : INTACT c : physically sound and healthy : free of disease or deformity d : mentally or emotionally sound
2 : having all its proper parts or components : COMPLETE, UNMODIFIED <whole milk> <a whole egg>
3 a : constituting the total sum or undiminished entirety : ENTIRE <owns the whole island> b : each or all of the <took part in the whole series of athletic events>
4 a : constituting an undivided unit : UNBROKEN, UNCUT <a whole roast suckling pig> b : directed to one end : CONCENTRATED <promised to give it his whole attention>
5 a : seemingly complete or total <the whole idea is to help, not hinder> b : very great in quantity, extent, or scope <feels a whole lot better now>
6 : constituting the entirety of a person's nature or development <educate the whole student>
7 : having the same father and mother <whole brother>
synonyms see PERFECT
–whole·ness noun
synonyms WHOLE, ENTIRE, TOTAL, ALL mean including everything or everyone without exception. WHOLE implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away <read the whole book>. ENTIRE may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added <the entire population was wiped out>. TOTAL implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered <the total number of people present>. ALL may equal WHOLE, ENTIRE or TOTAL <all proceeds go to charity>.

whole
n. 1 : a complete amount or sum : a number, aggregate, or totality lacking no part, member, or element
2 : something constituting a complex unity : a coherent system or organization of parts fitting or working together as one
–in whole : to the full or entire extent : WHOLLY ― usually used in the phrase in whole or in part
–on the whole
1 : in view of all the circumstances or conditions : all things considered
2 : in general : in most instances : TYPICALLY

whole
n. 1 : WHOLLY, ENTIRELY <a whole new age group ― Henry Chauncey>
2 : as a complete entity

whole
n. committee of the whole
heart whole
on the whole
in whole
whole cloth
whole food
whole gale
whole hog
whole language
whole life
whole note
whole number
whole rest
whole souled
whole step
whole tone
whole wheat
the whole nine yards

whole cloth
: pure fabrication ― usually used in the phrase out of whole cloth <the theory was created out of whole cloth>

whole food
: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (as a vegetable or fruit)

whole gale
: wind having a speed of 55 to 63 miles (88 to 102 kilometers) per hour ― see BEAUFORT SCALE table

whole hog
: the whole way or farthest limit ― usually used adverbially in the phrase go the whole hog

whole hog
: to the fullest extent : without reservation : COMPLETELY <accepting whole hog the standards⋯of the majority ― R. B. Kaplan>

whole language
: a method of teaching reading and writing that emphasizes learning whole words and phrases by encountering them in meaningful contexts rather than by phonics exercises

whole note
: a musical note equal in time value to four quarter notes or two half notes ― see NOTE illustration

whole number
: any of the set of nonnegative integers also : INTEGER

whole rest
: a musical rest corresponding in time value to a whole note

whole step
: a musical interval (as C-D or C-B♭) comprising two half steps ― called also whole tone

whole wheat
: made of ground entire wheat kernels

whole-hog
: committed without reservation : THOROUGHGOING <a whole-hog patriot>

whole-life
: of, relating to, or being life insurance with a fixed premium for the life of the policyholder and a cash value that can be redeemed on sale of the policy or can be the basis of low-interest loans

whole-souled
: moved by ardent enthusiasm or single-minded devotion : WHOLEHEARTED

wholehearted
adj. 1 : completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic <a wholehearted student of social problems>
2 : marked by complete earnest commitment : free from all reserve or hesitation <gave the proposal wholehearted approval>
synonyms see SINCERE
–whole·heart·ed·ly adverb

wholemeal
n. British : WHOLE WHEAT

wholesale
n. : the sale of commodities in quantity usually for resale (as by a retail merchant)

wholesale
n. 1 : performed or existing on a large scale especially without discrimination <wholesale slaughter>
2 : of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of commodities in quantity for resale <a wholesale grocer>

wholesale
n. : in a wholesale manner

wholesale
n. transitive verb : to sell (something) in quantity usually for resale
intransitive verb : to sell in quantity usually for resale

wholesaler
n. : a merchant middleman who sells chiefly to retailers, other merchants, or industrial, institutional, and commercial users mainly for resale or business use

wholesome
adj. 1 : promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit
2 : promoting health of body
3 a : sound in body, mind, or morals b : having the simple health or vigor of normal domesticity
4 a : based on well-grounded fear : PRUDENT <a wholesome respect for the law> b : SAFE <it wouldn't be wholesome for you to go down there ― Mark Twain>
synonyms see HEALTHFUL, HEALTHY
–whole·some·ly adverb
–whole·some·ness noun

wholly
adv. 1 : to the full or entire extent : COMPLETELY <a wholly owned subsidiary>
2 : to the exclusion of other things : SOLELY <a book dealing wholly with herbs>

whom
pron. ― used as an interrogative or relative ― used as object of a verb or a preceding preposition <to know for whom the bell tolls ― John Donne> or less frequently as the object of a following preposition <the man whom you wrote to> though now often considered stilted especially as an interrogative and especially in oral use ― occasionally used as predicate nominative with a copulative verb or as subject of a verb especially in the vicinity of a preposition or a verb of which it might mistakenly be considered the object <whom say ye that I am ― Mount 16:15 (AV)> <people⋯whom you never thought would sympathize ― Shea Murphy>
usage Observers of the language have been predicting the demise of whom from about 1870 down to the present day <one of the pronoun cases is visibly disappearing97the objective case whom ― R. G. White (1870)> <whom is dying out in England, where “Whom did you see?” sounds affected ― Anthony Burgess (1980)>. Our evidence shows that no one97English or not97should expect whom to disappear momentarily; it shows every indication of persisting quite a while yet. Actual usage of who and whom97accurately described at the entries in this dictionary97does not appear to be markedly different from the usage of Shakespeare's time. But the 18th century grammarians, propounding rules and analogies, rejecting other rules and analogies, and usually justifying both with appeals to Latin or Greek, have intervened between us and Shakespeare. It seems clear that the grammarians' rules have had little effect on the traditional uses. One thing they have accomplished is to encourage hypercorrect uses of whom <whom shall I say is calling?>. Another is that they have made some people unsure of themselves <said he was asked to step down, although it is not known exactly who or whom asked him ― Redding (Conn.) Pilot>.

whomever
pron. objective case of whoever

whomp
v. : a loud slap, crash, or crunch

whomp
v. : to strike with a sharp noise or thump
transitive verb
1 : to hit or slap sharply
2 : to defeat decisively : TROUNCE
3 : to create or put together especially hastily ― usually used with up

whomp up
: to stir up : AROUSE

whomso
objective case of whoso

whomsoever
pron. objective case of whosoever

whoop
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment : SHOUT
2 : to utter the cry of an owl : HOOT
3 : to make the characteristic whoop of whooping cough
4 a : to go or pass with a loud noise b : to be rushed through by acclamation or with noisy support <the bill whooped through both houses>
transitive verb
1 a : to utter or express with a whoop b : to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoop
2 : to agitate in behalf of
3 : RAISE, BOOST <whoop up the price>
–whoop it up
1 : to celebrate riotously : CAROUSE
2 : to stir up enthusiasm

whoop
n. 1 a : a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation ― often used interjectionally b : a shout of hunters or of men in battle or pursuit
2 : the cry of an owl : HOOT
3 : the crowing intake of breath following a paroxysm in whooping cough
4 : a minimum amount or degree : the least bit <not worth a whoop>

whoop
n. war whoop
whoop it up
whoop de do
whoop de doo
whooping cough
whooping crane

whoop it up

1 : to celebrate riotously : CAROUSE
2 : to stir up enthusiasm

whoop-de-do
1 : noisy and exuberant or attention-getting activity (as at a social affair or in a political campaign)
2 : a lively social affair
3 : agitated public discussion or debate

whoopee
n. ― used to express exuberance

whoopee
n. 1 : boisterous convivial fun : MERRYMAKING ― usually used with make
2 : sexual play ― usually used with make

whoopee cushion
: a cushion that makes a sound like the breaking of wind when sat upon

whooper
n. : one that whoops specifically : WHOOPING CRANE

whooper swan
: a chiefly Eurasian swan (Cygnus cygnus) with a yellow and black bill ― compare TRUMPETER SWAN

whooping cough
: an infectious respiratory disease especially of children caused by a bacterium (Bordetella pertussis) and marked by a convulsive spasmodic cough sometimes followed by a crowing intake of breath ― called also pertussis

whooping crane
: a large white nearly extinct No. American crane (Grus americana) noted for its loud trumpeting call

whoopla
1 : HOOPLA
2 : boisterous merrymaking

whoops
v. variant of oops

whoosh
n. : a swift or explosive rush also : the sound created by such a rush ― often used interjectionally

whoosh
n. : to rush past or move explosively <cars whooshing along the expressway>
transitive verb : to move (a person or thing) with or as if with a whoosh

whop
n. 1 : to pull or whip out
2 a : BEAT, STRIKE b : to defeat totally

whop
n. : a heavy blow : THUMP

whopper
n. 1 : something unusually large or otherwise extreme of its kind
2 : an extravagant or monstrous lie

whopping
adj. : extremely large also : EXTRAORDINARY, INCREDIBLE

whore
n. 1 : a woman who engages in sexual acts for money : PROSTITUTE also : a promiscuous or immoral woman
2 : a male who engages in sexual acts for money
3 : a venal or unscrupulous person

whore
n. intransitive verb
1 : to have unlawful sexual intercourse as or with a whore
2 : to pursue a faithless, unworthy, or idolatrous desire
transitive verb obsolete : to corrupt by lewd intercourse : DEBAUCH

whoredom
n. 1 : the practice of whoring : PROSTITUTION
2 : faithless, unworthy, or idolatrous practices or pursuits

whorehouse
n. : a building in which prostitutes are available : BORDELLO

whoremaster
n. : a man consorting with whores or given to lechery

whoremonger
n. : WHOREMASTER

whoreson
n. 1 : BASTARD
2 : a coarse fellow ― used as a generalized term of abuse

Whorfian hypothesis
: a theory in linguistics: one's language determines one's conception of the world

whorish
adj. : of or befitting a whore

whorl
n. 1 : a drum-shaped section on the lower part of a spindle in spinning or weaving machinery serving as a pulley for the tape drive that rotates the spindle
2 : an arrangement of similar anatomical parts (as leaves) in a circle around a point on an axis
3 : something that whirls, coils, or spirals or whose form suggests such movement : SWIRL <whorls of snow>
4 : one of the turns of a univalve shell
5 : a fingerprint in which the central papillary ridges turn through at least one complete circle

whorled
adj. : having or arranged in whorls <leaves whorled at the nodes of the stem>

whortleberry
n. 1 : BILBERRY
2 : BLUEBERRY

whose
pron. : of or relating to whom or which especially as possessor or possessors <whose gorgeous vesture heaps the ground ― Robert Browning>, agent or agents <the law courts, whose decisions were important ― F. L. Mott>, or object or objects of an action <the first poem whose publication he ever sanctioned ― J. W. Krutch>

whose
pron. : that which belongs to whom ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective whose <tell me whose it was ― Shakespeare>

whosesoever
pron. : of or relating to whomsoever <whosesoever sins ye remit ― Jn 20:23(AV)>

whoso
pron. : WHOEVER

whosoever
pron. : WHOEVER

whump
v. : BANG, THUMP
–whump noun

whup
v. 1 : to administer a beating to especially as punishment
2 : to defeat decisively

why
n. : for what cause, reason, or purpose <why did you do it?>

why
n. 1 : the cause, reason, or purpose for which <know why you did it> <that is why you did it>
2 : for which : on account of which <know the reason why you did it>

why
n. 1 : REASON, CAUSE <wants to know the whys and wherefores>
2 : a baffling problem : ENIGMA

why
n. ― used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience <why, here's what I was looking for>

whydah
n. : any of various mostly brownish African passerine birds (genera Euplectes and Vidua) often kept as cage birds and distinguished in the male by black-and-white plumage and by long tail feathers during the breeding season

WI
adj. Wisconsin

wi
adj. when issued

Wi-Fi
― used to certify the interoperability of wireless computer networking devices

WIA
wounded in action

Wicca
n. : a religion influenced by pre-Christian beliefs and practices of western Europe that affirms the existence of supernatural power (as magic) and of both male and female deities who inhere in nature and that emphasizes ritual observance of seasonal and life cycles
–Wic·can \'wi-kən\ adjective or noun

Wichita
n. 1 city S cen Kans. on Arkansas River pop 344,284
2 river 250 mi (402 km) N Tex. flowing ENE into Red River

Wichita Falls
city N Tex. on Wichita River pop 104,197

Wichita Mountains
mountains SW Okla.; highest 2464 ft (751 m)

wick
n. : a bundle of fibers or a loosely twisted, braided, or woven cord, tape, or tube usually of soft spun cotton threads that by capillary attraction draws up to be burned a steady supply of the oil in lamps or the melted tallow or wax in candles

wick
n. : to absorb or drain (as a fluid or moisture) like a wick <a fabric that wicks away perspiration>

wicked
adj. 1 : morally very bad : EVIL
2 a : FIERCE, VICIOUS <a wicked dog> b : disposed to or marked by mischief : ROGUISH <does wicked impersonations>
3 a : disgustingly unpleasant : VILE <a wicked odor> b : causing or likely to cause harm, distress, or trouble <a wicked storm>
4 : going beyond reasonable or predictable limits : of exceptional quality or degree <throws a wicked fastball>
–wick·ed·ly adverb

wicked
adj. : VERY, EXTREMELY <wicked fast>

wickedness
n. 1 : the quality or state of being wicked
2 : something wicked

wicker
n. 1 : a small pliant twig or branch (as of osier) : WITHE
2 a : WICKERWORK b : something made of wicker
–wicker adjective

wickerwork
n. : work consisting of interlaced pliant twigs or branches <a cage of wickerwork>

wicket
n. 1 : a small gate or door especially : one forming part of or placed near a larger gate or door
2 : an opening like a window especially : a grilled or grated window through which business is transacted
3 a : either of the two sets of three stumps topped by two crosspieces and set 66 feet apart at which the ball is bowled in cricket b : an area 10 feet wide bounded by these wickets c : one innings of a batsman specifically : one that is not completed or never begun <win by three wickets>
4 : an arch or hoop in croquet

wicketkeeper
n. : a fielder in cricket who stands behind the wicket at which the ball is being bowled

wicking
n. : material for wicks

wickiup
n. : a hut used by the nomadic Indians of the arid regions of the western and southwestern U.S. with a usually oval base and a rough frame covered with reed mats, grass, or brushwood also : a rude temporary shelter or hut

Wicklow
n. 1 county E Ireland in Leinster area 782 sq mi (2033 sq km), pop 114,676
2 town & port, its capital, SSE of Dublin pop 5847

Wicklow Mountains
mountains Ireland along E coast; highest point Lugnaquilla 3039 ft (926 m)

Wiclif
var of WYCLIFFE

widdershins
n. : in a left-handed, wrong, or contrary direction : COUNTERCLOCKWISE ― compare DEASIL

widdy
1 Scottish & dialect English : a rope of osiers
2 Scottish & dialect English : a hangman's noose

wide
n. 1 a : having great extent : VAST <a wide area> b : extending over a vast area : EXTENSIVE <a wide reputation> c : extending throughout a specified area or scope ― usually used in combination <nationwide> <industry-wide> d : COMPREHENSIVE, INCLUSIVE <a wide assortment>
2 a : having a specified extension from side to side <3 feet wide> b : having much extent between the sides : BROAD <a wide doorway> c : fully opened <wide-eyed> d : LAX 4
3 a : extending or fluctuating considerably between limits <a wide variation> b : straying or deviating from something specified ― used with of <the accusation was wide of the truth>
4 of an animal ration : relatively rich in carbohydrate as compared with protein
synonyms see BROAD
–wide·ness noun

wide
n. 1 a : over a great distance or extent : WIDELY <searched far and wide> b : over a specified distance, area, or extent ― usually used in combination <expanded the business country-wide>
2 a : so as to leave much space or distance between <placed wide apart> b : so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance <ran wide around left end>
3 : to the fullest extent : COMPLETELY, FULLY <wide open>

wide
n. corporate wide
double wide
far and wide
wide angle
wide area network
wide awake
wide body
wide eyed
wide open
wide ranging
wide receiver
wide screen
wide spreading
World Wide Web

wide area network
: a network of computers (as the Internet) in a large area (as a country or the globe) for sharing resources or exchanging data

wide receiver
: a football receiver who normally lines up several yards to the side of the offensive formation

wide-angle
1 : having or covering an angle of view wider than the ordinary ― used especially of lenses of shorter than normal focal length
2 : having, involving the use of, or relating to a wide-angle lens <a wide-angle shot>

wide-awake
1 : fully awake
2 : alertly watchful especially for advantages or opportunities
synonyms see WATCHFUL

wide-body
: a large jet aircraft characterized by a wide cabin

wide-eyed
1 : having or marked by unsophisticated or uncritical acceptance or admiration : NAIVE <wide-eyed innocence>
2 : having the eyes wide open especially with wonder or astonishment

wide-open
: having virtually no limits or restrictions <a wide-open town>

wide-ranging
: extensive in scope : COMPREHENSIVE <wide-ranging interests>

wide-screen
: of or relating to a projected picture whose aspect ratio is substantially greater than 1.33:1

wide-spreading
: stretching or extending over a wide space or area <wide-spreading thatch roofs ― Nat'l Geographic>

wideawake
n. 1 : a soft felt hat with a low crown and a wide brim
2 : SOOTY TERN

wideband
adj. : BROADBAND

widely
adv. 1 : over or through a wide area <has traveled widely>
2 : to a great extent <departed widely from the previous edition>
3 : by or among a large well-dispersed group of people <a widely known political figure>
4 : over a broad range <persons with widely fluctuating incomes ― Current Biog.>

widemouthed
adj. 1 : having one's mouth opened wide (as in awe)
2 : having a wide mouth <widemouthed jars>

widen
v. transitive verb : to increase the width, scope, or extent of <widen a road> <widen an investigation>
intransitive verb : to become wide or wider <a widening gap>
–wid·en·er \'wīd-nər, 'wī-dən-ər\ noun

wideout
n. : WIDE RECEIVER

widespread
adj. 1 : widely diffused or prevalent <widespread public interest>
2 : widely extended or spread out <low, widespread hood and fenders ― Time> <a widespread erosion surface ― C. B. Hitchcock>

widgeon
n. variant of wigeon

widget
n. 1 : GADGET
2 : an unnamed article considered for purposes of hypothetical example

widish
adj. : somewhat wide

Widor
Charles-Marie 1844-1937 Fr. organist & composer

widow
n. 1 a : a woman who has lost her husband by death and usually has not remarried b : GRASS WIDOW 2 c : a woman whose husband leaves her alone frequently or for long periods to engage in a usually specified activity <a golf widow>
2 : an extra hand or part of a hand of cards dealt face down and usually placed at the disposal of the highest bidder
3 : a single usually short last line (as of a paragraph) separated from its related text and appearing at the top of a printed page or column

widow
n. 1 : to cause to become a widow or widower
2 obsolete : to survive as the widow of
3 : to deprive of something greatly valued or needed

widow
n. black widow
chuck will's widow
grass widow
merry widow
widow's cruse
widow's peak
widow's walk

widow's cruse
: an inexhaustible supply

widow's peak
: a point formed by the hairline in front

widow's walk
: a railed observation platform atop a usually coastal house

widowbird
n. : any of several whydahs (genus Euplectes)

widower
n. : a man who has lost his wife by death and usually has not remarried

widower
n. grass widower
black widow
chuck will's widow
grass widow
merry widow
widow's cruse
widow's peak
widow's walk

widowerhood
n. 1 : the fact or state of being a widower
2 : the period during which a man remains a widower

widowhood
n. 1 : the fact or state of being a widow
2 : the period during which a woman remains a widow
3 : WIDOWERHOOD

width
n. 1 : the horizontal measurement taken at right angles to the length : BREADTH
2 : largeness of extent or scope
3 : a measured and cut piece of material <a width of calico>

wie geht's
: how goes it? : how is it going? ― used as a greeting

Wieland
Christoph Martin 1733-1813 Ger. author

Wieland
Heinrich 1877-1957 Ger. chem.

wield
v. 1 chiefly dialect : to deal successfully with : MANAGE
2 : to handle (as a tool) especially effectively <wield a broom>
3 a : to exert one's authority by means of <wield influence> b : have at one's command or disposal <did not wield appropriate credentials ― G. W. Bonham>
–wield·er noun

wieldy
adj. : capable of being wielded easily

Wieman
Carl E. 1951-     American physicist

Wien
Wilhelm 1864-1928 Ger. physicist

Wien
― see VIENNA

Wiener
n. Norbert 1894-1964 American math.

wiener
n. : FRANKFURTER

Wiener schnitzel
: a thin breaded veal cutlet

wienerwurst
n. 1 : VIENNA SAUSAGE
2 : FRANKFURTER

wienie
n. : FRANKFURTER

Wiesbaden
city SW cen Germany on the Rhine W of Frankfurt am Main capital of Hesse pop 264,022

Wieschaus
Eric F. 1947-     American biol.

Wiesel
n. El·ie \'e-lē\ 1928-     American (Rom.-born) writer

Wiesel
n. Torsten N. 1924-     Swed. neurobiologist

wife
n. 1 a dialect : WOMAN b : a woman acting in a specified capacity ― used in combination <fishwife>
2 : a female partner in a marriage
–wife·hood \'wīf-ˌhu̇d, 'wī-ˌfu̇d\ noun
–wife·less \'wī-fləs\ adjective

wifelike
adj. : in a wifely manner

wifelike
adj. : WIFELY

wifely
adj. : of, relating to, or befitting a wife
–wife·li·ness \-flē-nəs\ noun

wifey
: WIFE

Wiffle
― used for a hollow plastic ball with cutouts in one hemisphere

wifty
: DITZY

wig
n. 1 a : a manufactured covering of natural or synthetic hair for the head b : TOUPEE 2
2 : an act of wigging : REBUKE

wig
n. transitive verb : to scold severely : REBUKE
intransitive verb slang : to lose one's composure or reason : FREAK ― usually used with out

Wigan
town NW England in Greater Manchester W of Manchester metropolitan area pop 301,900

wigan
: a stiff plain-weave cotton fabric used for interlining

wigeon
n. : any of several freshwater ducks (genus Anas): as a : an Old World duck (Anas penelope) having a large white patch on each wing with the male having a reddish-brown head and buff crown b : AMERICAN WIGEON

wigged
adj. : wearing a wig especially of a specified kind

wigged-out
: mentally or emotionally discomposed : UPSET, CRAZY

Wiggin
Kate Douglas 1856-1923 American writer & educ.

wiggle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : JIGGLE
2 : to proceed with or as if with twisting and turning movements : WRIGGLE
transitive verb : to cause to wiggle

wiggle
n. 1 : the act of wiggling
2 : shellfish or fish in cream sauce with peas
–wig·gly \'wi-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

wiggle room
: LEEWAY, LATITUDE <a contract with wiggle room for further negotiations>

wiggler
n. 1 : a larva or pupa of the mosquito ― called also wriggler
2 : one that wiggles

wight
n. : a living being : CREATURE especially : a human being

wight
n. archaic : VALIANT, STALWART

Wight, Isle of
island S England in English Channel capital Newport area 152 sq mi (394 sq km), pop 126,600

wiglet
n. : a small wig used especially to enhance a hairstyle

Wigner
Eugene Paul 1902-1995 American (Hung.-born) physicist

Wigtown
former county SW Scotland capital Wigtown

wigwag
n. transitive verb
1 : to signal by wigwagging
2 : to cause to wigwag
intransitive verb
1 : to send a signal by or as if by a flag or light waved according to a code
2 : to make a signal (as by waving the hand or arm)

wigwag
n. : the art or practice of wigwagging

wigwam
n. : a hut of the American Indians of the Great Lakes region and eastward having typically an arched framework of poles overlaid with bark, rush mats, or hides also : a rough hut

Wilberforce
William 1759-1833 Eng. philanthropist & abolitionist

Wilbur
Richard Purdy 1921-     American poet & translator; poet laureate (1987-88)

wilco
interj. ― used especially in radio and signaling to indicate that a message received will be complied with

wild
n. 1 a : living in a state of nature and not ordinarily tame or domesticated <wild ducks> b (1) : growing or produced without human aid or care <wild honey> (2) : related to or resembling a corresponding cultivated or domesticated organism c : of or relating to wild organisms <the wild state>
2 a : not inhabited or cultivated <wild land> b : not amenable to human habitation or cultivation also : DESOLATE
3 a (1) : not subject to restraint or regulation : UNCONTROLLED also : UNRULY (2) : emotionally overcome <wild with grief> also : passionately eager or enthusiastic <was wild to own a toy train ― J. C. Furnas> b : marked by turbulent agitation : STORMY <a wild night> c : going beyond normal or conventional bounds : FANTASTIC <wild ideas> also : SENSATIONAL d : indicative of strong passion, desire, or emotion <a wild gleam of delight in his eyes ― Irish Digest>
4 : UNCIVILIZED, BARBARIC
5 : characteristic of, appropriate to, or expressive of wilderness, wildlife, or a simple or uncivilized society
6 a : deviating from the intended or expected course <wild spelling ― C. W. Cunnington> <the throw was wild> also : tending to throw inaccurately <a wild pitcher> b : having no basis in known or surmised fact <a wild guess>
7 of a playing card : able to represent any card designated by the holder
–wild·ish \'wī(-ə)l-dish\ adjective
–wild·ness \-nəs\ noun

wild
n. 1 : a sparsely inhabited or uncultivated region or tract : WILDERNESS
2 : a wild, free, or natural state or existence

wild
n. : in a wild manner: as a : without regulation or control <plants that grow wild> b : off an intended or expected course

wild
n. wild hyacinth
wild mustard
wild marjoram
African wild dog
deuces wild
hog wild
wild carrot
wild celery
wild bergamot
wild boar
wild card
wild dog
wild eyed
wild geranium
wild ginger
wild goose chase
wild indigo
wild oat
wild pansy
wild pink
wild pitch
wild rice
wild rye
wild sarsaparilla
wild type
Wild West

wild bergamot
: a perennial aromatic No. American monarda (Monarda fistulosa) having a terminal cluster of pink or purple flowers

wild boar
: an Old World wild hog (Sus scrofa) from which most domestic swine have been derived

wild card
1 : an unknown or unpredictable factor
2 : one picked to fill a leftover playoff or tournament berth after regularly qualifying competitors have all been determined
3 usually wildcard : a symbol (as ? or *) used in a keyword database search to represent the presence of zero, one, or more than one unspecified characters

wild carrot
: QUEEN ANNE'S LACE

wild celery
: TAPE GRASS

wild dog
: any of various undomesticated canids (as an African wild dog or a dingo) that resemble the domestic dog

wild geranium
: a common geranium (Geranium maculatum) of eastern No. America with deeply parted leaves and flowers of rosy purple also : any of several related geraniums

wild ginger
: any of a genus (Asarum) of perennial low-growing herbs of the birthwort family with an aromatic rhizome and usually cordate leaves

wild hyacinth
: any of several plants with flowers suggestive of hyacinths: as a : a camas (Camassia scilloides) of eastern No. America with white or bluish racemose flowers b : BLUEBELL 2A c : any of several western No. American herbs (genus Brodiaea) of the lily family with grasslike basal leaves and variously colored flowers

wild indigo
: BAPTISIA especially : one (Baptisia tinctoria) of eastern No. America with bright yellow flowers and small trifoliolate leaves

wild marjoram
: OREGANO 1

wild mustard
: CHARLOCK

wild oat
1 : any of several Old World wild grasses (genus Avena) especially : a Eurasian annual weed (A. fatua) common in meadows and pastures
2 plural : offenses and indiscretions ascribed to youthful exuberance ― usually used in the phrase sow one's wild oats

wild pansy
: JOHNNY-JUMP-UP

wild pink
: catchfly (Silene caroliniana) with pink or whitish flowers

wild pitch
: a baseball pitch not hit by the batter that cannot be caught or controlled by the catcher with ordinary effort and that enables a base runner to advance ― compare PASSED BALL

wild rice
: a tall aquatic No. American perennial grass (Zizania aquatica) that yields an edible grain also : the grain

wild rye
: any of several tall grasses (genus Elymus)

wild sarsaparilla
: a common No. American perennial herb (Aralia nudicaulis) of the ginseng family with long-stalked basal compound leaves, umbels of greenish flowers, and an aromatic root used as a substitute of true sarsaparilla

wild type
: a phenotype, genotype, or gene that predominates in a natural population of organisms or strain of organisms in contrast to that of natural or laboratory mutant forms also : an organism or strain displaying the wild type
–wild-type adjective

Wild West
: the western U.S. in its frontier period characterized by roughness and lawlessness
–Wild West adjective

wild-eyed
1 : having a wild expression in the eyes
2 : consisting of or favoring extreme or visionary ideas <wild-eyed schemes>

wild-goose chase
: a complicated or lengthy and usually fruitless pursuit or search

wildcat
n. 1 a : an Old World cat (Felis silvestris) that resembles but is heavier in build than the domestic tabby cat and is usually held to be among the ancestors of the domestic cat b or plural wildcat : any of various small or medium-sized cats (as the lynx or ocelot) c : a feral domestic cat
2 : a savage quick-tempered person
3 a : wildcat money b : a wildcat oil or gas well c : a wildcat strike

wildcat
n. 1 a (1) : issued by a financially irresponsible banking establishment <wildcat currency> (2) : financially irresponsible or unreliable <wildcat banks> b : operating, produced, or carried on outside the bounds of standard or legitimate business practices <wildcat insurance schemes ― H. H. Reichard> c : of, relating to, or being an oil or gas well drilled in territory not known to be productive d : initiated by a group of workers without formal union approval or in violation of a contract <a wildcat strike> <wildcat work stoppages>
2 a of a cartridge : having a bullet of standard caliber but using an expanded case or a case designed for a bullet of greater caliber necked down for the smaller bullet b of a firearm : using wildcat cartridges

wildcat
n. : to prospect and drill an experimental oil or gas well or sink a mine shaft in territory not known to be productive

wildcatter
n. 1 : one that drills wells in the hope of finding oil in territory not known to be an oil field
2 : one that promotes unsafe and unreliable enterprises especially : one that sells stocks in such enterprises
3 : one that designs, builds, or fires wildcat cartridges and firearms
4 : a worker who goes out on a wildcat strike

Wilde
n. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills 1854-1900 Irish writer
–Wil·de·an \'wī(-ə)l-dē-ən\ adjective

wildebeest
n. : either of two large African antelopes (Connochaetes gnou and C. taurinus) with a head like that of an ox, short mane, long tail, and horns in both sexes that curve downward and outward ― called also gnu

Wilder
adj. Thornton Niven 1897-1975 American author

wilder
adj. transitive verb
1 archaic : to lead astray
2 archaic : BEWILDER, PERPLEX
intransitive verb archaic : to move at random : WANDER
–wil·der·ment \-dər-mənt\ noun archaic

wilderness
n. 1 a (1) : a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings (2) : an area essentially undisturbed by human activity together with its naturally developed life community b : an empty or pathless area or region <in remote wildernesses of space groups of nebulae are found ― G. W. Gray †1960> c : a part of a garden devoted to wild growth
2 obsolete : wild or uncultivated state
3 a : a confusing multitude or mass : an indefinitely great number or quantity <I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys ― Shakespeare> b : a bewildering situation <those moral wildernesses of civilized life ― Norman Mailer>

wilderness area
: an often large tract of public land maintained essentially in its natural state and protected against introduction of intrusive artifacts (as roads and buildings)

Wilderness Road
trail from SW Va. to cen Ky. through Cumberland Gap blazed to site of Boonesborough by Daniel Boone 1775 & later extended to falls of the Ohio at Louisville

wildfire
n. 1 : a sweeping and destructive conflagration especially in a wilderness or a rural area
2 : GREEK FIRE
3 : a phosphorescent glow (as ignis fatuus or fox fire)
4 : a destructive leaf-spot disease of tobacco caused by several strains of a bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae)
–like wildfire : very rapidly <the news spread like wildfire>

wildflower
n. : the flower of a wild or uncultivated plant or the plant bearing it

wildfowl
n. : a game bird especially : a game waterfowl (as a wild duck or goose)
–wild·fowl·er \-ˌfau̇-lər\ noun
–wild·fowl·ing \-liŋ\ noun

wilding
n. 1 a : a plant growing uncultivated in the wild either as a native or an escape especially : a wild apple or crab apple b : the fruit of a wilding
2 : a wild animal

wilding
n. : not domesticated or cultivated : WILD

wildland
: land that is uncultivated or unfit for cultivation

wildlife
n. : living things and especially mammals, birds, and fishes that are neither human nor domesticated

wildling
: WILDING

wildly
adv. 1 : in a wild manner <was talking wildly>
2 : EXTREMELY 2 <wildly popular> <wildly enthusiastic>

Wildwood
n. city E Mo. pop 32,884

wildwood
n. : a wood unaltered or unfrequented by humans

wile
n. 1 : a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive also : a beguiling or playful trick
2 : skill in outwitting : TRICKERY, GUILE
synonyms see TRICK

wile
n. 1 : to lure by or as if by a magic spell : ENTICE
2 [by alteration] : WHILE

Wiley
Harvey Washington 1844-1930 Am. chem. & reformer

Wilhelmina
1880-1962 queen of the Netherlands (1890-1948)

Wilhelmshaven
city & port NW Germany NW of Bremen pop 91,149

Wilkes
n. Charles 1798-1877 American naval officer & explorer

Wilkes
n. John 1725-1797 Eng. polit.

Wilkes Land
coast region E Antarctica extending along Indian Ocean S of Australia

Wilkes-Barre
city NE Pa. on the Susquehanna SW of Scranton pop 43,123

Wilkins
n. Sir George Hubert 1888-1958 Austral. explorer

Wilkins
n. Mary Eleanor ― see Mary E. FREEMAN

Wilkins
n. Roy 1901-1981 American civil rights leader

Wilkinson
Ellen Cicely 1891-1947 Eng. polit.

Wilkinson
James 1757-1825 American gen. & adventurer

will
n. transitive verb : DESIRE, WISH <call it what you will>
verbal auxiliary
1 ― used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent, or in negative constructions refusal <no one would take the job> <if we will all do our best> <will you please stop that racket>
2 ― used to express frequent, customary, or habitual action or natural tendency or disposition <will get angry over nothing> <will work one day and loaf the next>
3 ― used to express futurity <tomorrow morning I will wake up in this first-class hotel suite ― Tennessee Williams>
4 ― used to express capability or sufficiency <the back seat will hold three passengers>
5 ― used to express probability and often equivalent to the simple verb <that will be the babysitter>
6 a ― used to express determination, insistence, persistence, or willfulness <I have made up my mind to go and go I will> b ― used to express inevitability <accidents will happen>
7 ― used to express a command, exhortation, or injunction <you will do as I say, at once>
intransitive verb : to have a wish or desire <whether we will or no>
usage see SHALL
–if you will : if you wish to call it that <a kind of preoccupation, or obsession if you will ― Louis Auchincloss>

will
n. 1 : DESIRE, WISH: as a : DISPOSITION, INCLINATION <where there's a will there's a way> b : APPETITE, PASSION c : CHOICE, DETERMINATION
2 a : something desired especially : a choice or determination of one having authority or power b (1) archaic : REQUEST, COMMAND (2) [from the phrase our will is which introduces it] : the part of a summons expressing a royal command
3 : the act, process, or experience of willing : VOLITION
4 a : mental powers manifested as wishing, choosing, desiring, or intending b : a disposition to act according to principles or ends c : the collective desire of a group <the will of the people>
5 : the power of control over one's own actions or emotions <a man of iron will>
6 : a legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposal of his or her property or estate after death especially : a written instrument legally executed by which a person makes disposition of his or her estate to take effect after death
–at will : as one wishes : as or when it pleases or suits oneself

will
n. 1 a : to order or direct by a will <willed that her property be divided among her children> b : to dispose of by or as if by a will : BEQUEATH <willed his entire estate to this wife>
2 a : to determine by an act of choice b : DECREE, ORDAIN <Providence wills it> c : INTEND, PURPOSE d : to cause or change by an act of will <believed he could will himself to succeed> also : to try to do so
intransitive verb
1 : to exercise the will
2 : CHOOSE <do as you will>

will
n. chuck will's widow
free will
general will
ill will
living will
self will
the traffic will bear
whip poor will
if you will
at will
will less
will o' the wisp
will to power
self willed
would be

will to power

1907
1 : the drive of the superman in the philosophy of Nietzsche to perfect and transcend the self through the possession and exercise of creative power
2 : a conscious or unconscious desire to exercise authority over others

will-less
1 : involving no exercise of the will : INVOLUNTARY <will-less obedience>
2 : not exercising the will <life-benumbed, will-less characters ― Norma Rosen>

will-o'-the-wisp
1 : IGNIS FATUUS 1
2 : a delusive or elusive goal
–will-o'-the-wisp adjective

Willamette
river 300 mi (485 km) NW Oreg. flowing N into Columbia River

Willapa Bay
inlet of the Pacific SW Wash.

Willard
n. Emma 1787-1870 née Hart American educ.

Willard
n. Frances Elizabeth Caroline 1839-1898 American educ. & reformer

Willcocks
Sir William 1852-1932 Brit. engineer

willed
adj. 1 : having a will especially of a specified kind ― usually used in combination <strong-willed>
2 : DELIBERATE

willemite
: a mineral of varying color consisting of a silicate of zinc and occurring especially in massive or granular forms

Willemstad
city capital of Netherlands Antilles on Curaçao Is. pop 43,547

Willesden
former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Brent

willet
n. : a large American shorebird (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) of the sandpiper family that resembles the greater yellowlegs but has a thicker bill and gray legs and that displays a black-and-white wing pattern when in flight

willful
adj. 1 : obstinately and often perversely self-willed <a stubborn and willful child>
2 : done deliberately : INTENTIONAL <willful disobedience>
synonyms see UNRULY
–will·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–will·ful·ness noun

William
n. name of 4 kings of England: I (the Conqueror) ca 1028-1087 (reigned 1066-87); II (Ru·fus \'rü-fəs\) ca 1056-1100 (reigned 1087-1100); III 1650-1702 (reigned 1689-170297see MARY); IV 1765-1837 (reigned 1830-37)

William
n. 1533-1584 the Silent prince of Orange & founder of the Du. Republic

William
n. 1797-1888 Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig king of Prussia (1861-88) Ger. emp. (1871-88)

William
n. 1859-1941 Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert Ger. emp. & king of Prussia (1888-1918)

William
n. William I
William II
sweet william
William Tell
Frederick William
William of Malmesbury
Fort William
Prince William Sound

William of Malmesbury
ca 1090-ca 1143 Eng. hist.

William Tell
: a heroic archer in Swiss legend who complies with an order to shoot an apple off his son's head

Williams
n. Hank 1923-1953 Hiram King Williams American singer & guitarist

Williams
n. Jody 1950-     American peace activist

Williams
n. John 1932-     American composer & conductor

Williams
n. Ralph Vaughan ― see VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Williams
n. Roger 1603?-1683 American (Eng.-born) clergyman & founder of Rhode Island colony

Williams
n. Ted 1918-2002 Theodore Samuel Williams American baseball player

Williams
n. Tennessee 1911-1983 orig. Thomas Lanier Williams American dram.

Williams
n. William Carlos 1883-1963 American writer

Williams syndrome
: a rare genetic disorder marked especially by hypercalcemia of infants, heart defects, characteristic facial abnormalities, and mild to moderate mental retardation but a high verbal aptitude

Williamsburg
city SE Va. NNW of Newport News; capital of Virginia 1699-1780; site of large-scale restoration (Colonial Williamsburg) pop 11,998

Williamson, Mount
mountain 14,375 ft (4382 m) SE cen Calif. in Sierra Nevada NNW of Mt. Whitney

Williamsport
city N cen Pa. on W branch of the Susquehanna pop 30,706

willies
n. : a fit of nervousness : JITTERS ― used with the

willing
adj. 1 : inclined or favorably disposed in mind : READY <willing and eager to help>
2 : prompt to act or respond <lending a willing hand>
3 : done, borne, or accepted by choice or without reluctance <a willing sacrifice>
4 : of or relating to the will or power of choosing : VOLITIONAL
synonyms see VOLUNTARY
–will·ing·ly \-liŋ-lē\ adverb
–will·ing·ness noun

williwaw
n. 1 a : a sudden violent gust of cold land air common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes b : a sudden violent wind
2 : a violent commotion

Willkie
Wendell Lewis 1892-1944 American polit.

Willoch
Kå·re \'kȯr-ə\ Isaachsen 1928-     prime min. of Norway (1981-86)

Willoughby
city NE Ohio NE of Cleveland pop 22,621

willow
n. 1 : any of a genus (Salix of the family Salicaceae, the willow family) of trees and shrubs bearing catkins of apetalous flowers and including forms of value for wood, osiers, or tanbark and a few ornamentals
2 : an object made of willow wood especially : a cricket bat
–wil·low·like \-lō-ˌlīk\ adjective

willow
n. willow herb
pussy willow
weeping willow

willow herb
: any of a genus (Epilobium) of herbs of the evening-primrose family especially : FIREWEED B

willowware
n. : dinnerware that is usually blue and white and that is decorated with a story-telling design featuring a large willow tree by a little bridge

willowy
adj. 1 : abounding with willows
2 : resembling a willow: a : PLIANT b : gracefully tall and slender <a willowy actress>

willpower
n. : energetic determination

Willstatter
Richard 1872-1942 Ger. chem.

willy
n. slang : PENIS

willy-nilly
1 : by compulsion : without choice
2 : in a haphazard or spontaneous manner

Wilmette
village NE Ill. N of Chicago pop 27,651

Wilmington
1 city & port N Del. pop 72,664
2 city & port SE N.C. pop 75,838

Wilms' tumor
: a malignant tumor of the kidney that primarily affects children and is made up of embryonic elements

Wilson
n. Charles Thomson Rees 1869-1959 Scot. physicist

Wilson
n. city E cen N.C. E of Raleigh pop 44,405

Wilson
n. Wilson's disease
Tyrwhitt Wilson
Wilson Mount

Wilson
n. Edmund 1895-1972 American writer

Wilson
n. Edward Osborne 1929-     American biol.

Wilson
n. Sir (James) Harold 1916-1995 Brit. prime min. (1964-70; 1974-76)

Wilson
n. Henry 1812-1875 orig. Jeremiah Jones Colbath American polit.; vice pres. of the U.S. (1873-75)

Wilson
n. John 1785-1854 pseud. Christopher North Scot. author

Wilson
n. Kenneth G. 1936-     American physicist

Wilson
n. Robert Woodrow 1936-     American physicist

Wilson
n. (Thomas) Wood·row \'wu̇-ˌdrō\ 1856-1924 28th pres. of the U.S. (1913-21)
–Wil·so·ni·an \wil-'sō-nē-ən\ adjective

Wilson's disease
: a hereditary disease that is characterized by excessive accumulation of copper in the body (as in the liver or brain) due to abnormal copper metabolism, is determined by an autosomal recessive gene, and is marked especially by liver dysfunction and neurologic disease

Wilson, Mount
mountain 5710 ft (1740 m) SW Calif. NE of Pasadena

wilt
n. archaic present 2d singular of will

wilt
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to lose turgor from lack of water <the plants wilted in the heat> b : to become limp
2 : to grow weak or faint : LANGUISH
transitive verb : to cause to wilt

wilt
n. 1 : an act or instance of wilting : the state of being wilted
2 a : a disorder (as a fungus disease) of plants marked by loss of turgidity in soft tissues with subsequent drooping and often shriveling ― called also wilt disease b : polyhedrosis of caterpillars

wilt
n. wilt disease
oak wilt
verticillium wilt

Wilton
n. : a carpet woven with loops like the Brussels carpet but having a velvet cut pile and being generally of better materials

Wiltshire
n. county S England capital Trowbridge area 1392 sq mi (3605 sq km), pop 553,300

wily
adj. : full of wiles : CRAFTY <a wily negotiator>
synonyms see SLY
–wil·i·ly \-lə-lē\ adverb
–wil·i·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

wimble
n. : any of various instruments for boring holes

wimble
n. archaic : to bore with or as if with a wimble

Wimbledon
n. former municipal borough SE England in Surrey, now part of Merton

wimp
n. : a weak, cowardly, or ineffectual person
–wimp·i·ness \'wim-pē-nəs\ noun
–wimp·ish \'wim-pish\ adjective
–wimp·ish·ness \-nəs\ noun
–wimpy \'wim-pē\ adjective

wimp out
: to behave like a wimp : chicken out especially : to choose the easiest course of action

wimple
n. 1 : a cloth covering worn over the head and around the neck and chin especially by women in the late medieval period and by some nuns
2 Scottish a : a crafty turn : TWIST b : CURVE, BEND

wimple
n. transitive verb
1 : to cover with or as if with a wimple : VEIL
2 : to cause to ripple
intransitive verb
1 archaic : to fall or lie in folds
2 chiefly Scottish : to follow a winding course : MEANDER
3 : RIPPLE

win
n. transitive verb
1 a : to get possession of by effort or fortune b : to obtain by work : EARN <striving to win a living from the sterile soil>
2 a : to gain in or as if in battle or contest <won the championship> b : to be the victor in <won the war>
3 a : to make friendly or favorable to oneself or to one's cause ― often used with over <won him over with persuasive arguments> b : to induce to accept oneself in marriage <was unable to win the woman he loved>
4 a : to obtain (as ore, coal, or clay) by mining b : to prepare (as a vein or bed) for regular mining c : to recover (as metal) from ore
5 : to reach by expenditure of effort
intransitive verb
1 : to gain the victory in a contest : SUCCEED
2 : to succeed in arriving at a place or a state
–win·less \'win-ləs\ adjective
–win·na·ble \'wi-nə-bəl\ adjective

win
n. : VICTORY especially : first place at the finish (as of a horse race)

win
n. no win
win through
win win
hard won

win through
: to survive difficulties and reach a desired or satisfactory end <win through to a better life beyond ― B. F. Reilly>

win-win
: advantageous or satisfactory to all parties involved <a win-win situation> <a win-win deal>

wince
n. : to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain) : FLINCH
synonyms see RECOIL
–wince noun

winch
n. 1 : any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling especially : a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil a rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting : WINDLASS
2 : a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (as a grindstone)

winch
n. : to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch
–winch·er noun

Winchester
n. : relating to or being computer disk technology that permits high-density storage by sealing the rigid metal disks within the disk drive mechanism as protection against dust

Winchester
n. 1 city N Va. pop 23,585
2 city S England capital of Hampshire pop 30,642

Winckelmann
Johann Joachim 1717-1768 Ger. archaeol. & art hist.

Wind
n. river W cen Wyo., the upper course of Bighorn River

wind
n. 1 a : a natural movement of air of any velocity especially : the earth's air or the gas surrounding a planet in natural motion horizontally b : an artificially produced movement of air c : SOLAR WIND, STELLAR WIND
2 a : a destructive force or influence b : a force or agency that carries along or influences : TENDENCY, TREND <withstood the winds of popular opinion ― Felix Frankfurter>
3 a : BREATH 4A b : BREATH 2A c : the pit of the stomach : SOLAR PLEXUS
4 : gas generated in the stomach or the intestines <pass wind>
5 a : compressed air or gas b archaic : AIR
6 : something that is insubstantial: as a : mere talk : idle words b : NOTHING, NOTHINGNESS c : vain self-satisfaction
7 a : air carrying a scent (as of a hunter or game) b : slight information especially about something secret : INTIMATION <got wind of the plan>
8 a : musical wind instruments especially as distinguished from strings and percussion b plural : players of wind instruments
9 a : a direction from which the wind may blow : a point of the compass especially : one of the cardinal points b : the direction from which the wind is blowing
–wind·less \-ləs\ adjective
–wind·less·ly adverb
–before the wind : in the same direction as the main force of the wind
–close to the wind : as nearly as possible against the main force of the wind
–have the wind of
1 : to be to windward of
2 : to be on the scent of
3 : to have a superior position to
–in the wind : about to happen : ASTIR, AFOOT <change is in the wind>
–near the wind
1 : close to the wind
2 : close to a point of danger : near the permissible limit
–off the wind : away from the direction from which the wind is blowing
–on the wind : toward the direction from which the wind is blowing
–to the wind or to the winds : ASIDE, AWAY <threw caution to the wind>
–under the wind
1 : to leeward
2 : in a place protected from the wind : under the lee

wind
n. 1 : to detect or follow by scent
2 : to expose to the air or wind : dry by exposing to air
3 : to make short of breath
4 : to regulate the wind supply of (an organ pipe)
5 : to rest (as a horse) in order to allow the breath to be recovered
intransitive verb
1 : to scent game
2 dialect : to pause for breath

wind
n. transitive verb
1 : to cause (as a horn) to sound by blowing : BLOW
2 : to sound (as a call or note) on a horn <wound a rousing call ― R. L. Stevenson>
intransitive verb : to produce a sound on a horn

wind
n. transitive verb
1 a obsolete : WEAVE b : ENTANGLE, INVOLVE c : to introduce sinuously or stealthily : INSINUATE
2 a : to encircle or cover with something pliable : bind with loops or layers b : to turn completely or repeatedly about an object : COIL, TWINE c (1) : to hoist or haul by means of a rope or chain and a windlass (2) : to move (a ship) by hauling on a capstan d (1) : to tighten the spring of <wind a clock> (2) obsolete : to make tighter : TIGHTEN, TUNE (3) : CRANK e : to raise to a high level (as of excitement or tension) ― usually used with up
3 a : to cause to move in a curving line or path b archaic : to turn the course of especially : to lead (a person) as one wishes c (1) : to cause (as a ship) to change direction : TURN (2) : to turn (a ship) end for end d : to traverse on a curving course <the river winds the valley> e : to effect by or as if by curving
intransitive verb
1 : BEND, WARP
2 a : to have a curving course or shape : extend in curves b : to proceed as if by winding
3 : to move so as to encircle something
4 : to turn when lying at anchor

wind
n. 1 : a mechanism (as a winch) for winding
2 : an act of winding : the state of being wound
3 : COIL, TURN
4 : a particular method of winding

wind
n. three sheets to the wind
break wind
capful of wind
get wind of
relative wind
second wind
three sheets in the wind
solar wind
stellar wind
straw in the wind
trade wind
twist in the wind
under the wind
to the wind
on the wind
off the wind
near the wind
in the wind
have the wind of
close to the wind
before the wind
wind bell
wind borne
wind broken
wind chime
wind down
wind farm
wind gap
wind harp
wind instrument
wind pollinated
wind rose
wind shake
wind shear
wind sock
wind sprint
wind tee
wind tunnel
wind turbine
wind up
Wind Cave
Wind River Canyon
Wind River Range
to the winds
broken winded
long winded
short winded
field winding
self winding
stem winding
winding sheet
winding up
flesh wound
lick one's wounds
Wounded Knee

Wind Cave
limestone cavern SW S.Dak. in Black Hills in Wind Cave National Park

wind chime
: a cluster of small often sculptured pieces (as of metal or glass) suspended so as to chime when blown by the wind ― usually used in plural

wind down
1 : to draw gradually toward an end <the party was winding down>
2 : RELAX, UNWIND <wind down with a good book>
transitive verb : to cause a gradual lessening of usually with the intention of bringing to an end

wind farm
: an area of land with a cluster of wind turbines for driving electrical generators

wind gap
: a notch in the crest of a mountain ridge : a pass not occupied by a stream ― compare WATER GAP

wind harp
: AEOLIAN HARP

wind instrument
: a musical instrument (as a trumpet, clarinet, or organ) sounded by wind especially : one sounded by the player's breath

Wind River Canyon
gorge of Bighorn River W cen Wyo.

Wind River Range
mountain range W cen Wyo. ― see GANNETT PEAK

wind rose
: a diagram showing for a given place the relative frequency or frequency and strength of winds from different directions

wind shake
: a shake in timber attributed to high winds

wind shear
: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

wind sock
: a truncated cloth cone open at both ends and mounted in an elevated position to indicate the direction of the wind

wind sprint
: a sprint performed as a training exercise to develop breathing capacity especially during exertion

wind tee
: a large weather vane shaped like a horizontal letter T on or near a landing field

wind tunnel
: a tunnellike passage through which air is blown at a known velocity to investigate air flow around an object (as an airplane part or model) placed in the passage

wind turbine
: a wind-driven turbine for generating electricity

wind up
1 : to bring to a conclusion : END
2 a : to put in order for the purpose of bringing to an end <winds up the meeting> b British : to effectuate the winding up of
intransitive verb
1 a : to come to a conclusion b : to arrive in a place, situation, or condition at the end or as a result of a course of action <wound up as millionaires>
2 : to make a pitching windup

wind-bell
1 : WIND CHIME ― usually used in plural
2 : a bell that is light enough to be moved and sounded by the wind

wind-borne
: carried by the wind <wind-borne pollen> <wind-borne soil deposits>

wind-broken
of a horse : affected with pulmonary emphysema or heaves

wind-pollinated
: pollinated by wind-borne pollen

windage
n. 1 a : the space between the projectile of a smoothbore gun and the surface of the bore b : the difference between the diameter of the bore of a muzzle-loading rifled cannon and that of the projectile cylinder
2 a : the amount of sight deflection necessary to compensate for wind displacement in aiming a gun b (1) : the influence of the wind in deflecting the course of a projectile (2) : the amount of deflection due to the wind
3 : the surface exposed (as by a ship) to the wind

Windau
― see VENTSPILS

Windaus
Adolf Otto Reinhold 1876-1959 Ger. chem.

windbag
n. : an exhaustively talkative person

windblast
n. 1 : a gust of wind
2 : the destructive effect of air friction on a pilot ejected from a high-speed airplane

windblown
adj. : blown by the wind especially : having a permanent set or character of growth determined by the prevailing winds <windblown trees>

windbreak
n. : a growth of trees or shrubs serving to break the force of wind broadly : a shelter (as a fence) from the wind

Windbreaker
n. ― used for a jacket made of wind-resistant material

windburn
n. : irritation of the skin caused by wind
–wind·burned \-ˌbərnd\ adjective

windchill
n. : a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed ― called also chill factor windchill factor windchill index

winder
n. : one that winds: as a : a worker or machine that winds thread and yarn b : a key for winding a mechanism (as a clock) c : a step that is wider at one end than at the other (as in a spiral staircase)

Windermere
n. lake 10 mi (16 km) long NW England in Cumbria; largest in England

windfall
n. 1 : something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind
2 : an unexpected, unearned, or sudden gain or advantage

windflower
n. : ANEMONE 1

windgall
n. : a soft tumor or synovial swelling on a horse's leg in the region of the fetlock joint

Windham
town E cen Conn. pop 22,857

Windhoek
n. city capital of Namibia pop 144,558

windhover
n. British : KESTREL

winding
n. 1 : material (as wire) wound or coiled about an object (as an armature) also : a single turn of the wound material
2 a : the act of one that winds b : the manner of winding something
3 : a curved or sinuous course, line, or progress

winding
n. : marked by winding: as a : having a curved or spiral course or form <a winding stairway> b : having a course that winds <a winding road>

winding
n. field winding
self winding
stem winding
winding sheet
winding up

winding-sheet
: a sheet in which a corpse is wrapped

winding-up
British : the process of liquidating the assets of a partnership or corporation in order to pay creditors and make distributions to partners or shareholders upon dissolution

Windischgratz
Alfred Candidus Ferdinand 1787-1862 Fürst zu Windischgrätz Austrian field marshal

windjammer
n. : a sailing ship also : one of its crew
–wind·jam·ming \-miŋ\ noun

windlass
n. : any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: as a : a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel b : a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor

windlass
n. : to hoist or haul with a windlass

windlestraw
n. British : a dry thin stalk of grass

windmill
n. 1 a : a mill or machine operated by the wind usually acting on oblique vanes or sails that radiate from a horizontal shaft especially : a wind-driven water pump or electric generator b : the wind-driven wheel of a windmill
2 : something that resembles or suggests a windmill especially : a calisthenic exercise that involves alternately lowering each outstretched hand to touch the toes of the opposite foot
3 [from the episode in Don Quixote by Cervantes in which the hero attacks windmills under the illusion that they are giants] : an imaginary wrong, evil, or opponent ― usually used in the phrase to tilt at windmills

windmill
n. : to cause to move like a windmill
intransitive verb : to move like a windmill especially : to spin from the force of wind

window
n. 1 a : an opening especially in the wall of a building for admission of light and air that is usually closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material (as glass) and capable of being opened and shut b : WINDOWPANE c : a space behind a window of a retail store containing displayed merchandise d : an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted <a bank teller's window>
2 : a means of entrance or access especially : a means of obtaining information <a window on history>
3 : an opening (as a shutter, slot, or valve) that resembles or suggests a window
4 : the transparent panel or opening of a window envelope
5 : the framework (as a shutter or sash with its fittings) that closes a window opening
6 : CHAFF 4
7 : a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum to which a planet's atmosphere is transparent
8 a : an interval of time within which a rocket or spacecraft must be launched to accomplish a particular mission b : an interval of time during which certain conditions or an opportunity exists <a window of vulnerability>
9 : an area at the limits of the earth's sensible atmosphere through which a spacecraft must pass for successful reentry
10 : any of various rectangular boxes appearing on a computer screen that display files or program output, that can usually be moved and resized, and that facilitate multitasking
–win·dow·less \-dō-ləs, -də-\ adjective
–out the window : out of existence, use, or consideration

window
n. judas window
bay window
bow window
bull's eye window
French window
lancet window
launch window
oriel window
oval window
picture window
rose window
round window
show window
storm window
out the window
window box
window dressing
window dresser
window dress
window envelope
window seat
window shade
window shop
window shopper

window box
: a box designed to hold soil for growing plants at a windowsill

window dressing
1 : the display of merchandise in a retail store window
2 a : the act or an instance of making something appear deceptively attractive or favorable b : something used to create a deceptively favorable or attractive impression
–win·dow-dress \'win-dō-ˌdres\ transitive verb
–window dresser noun

window envelope
: an envelope having an opening through which the address on the enclosure is visible

window seat
1 : a seat built into a window recess
2 : a seat next to a window (as in a bus or airplane)

window shade
: a shade or curtain for a window

window-shop
: to look at the displays in retail store windows without going inside the stores to make purchases
–win·dow-shop·per noun

windowed
adj. : having windows especially of a specified kind ― often used in combination

windowpane
n. 1 : a pane in a window
2 : TATTERSALL

windowsill
n. : the horizontal member at the bottom of a window opening

windpipe
n. : TRACHEA 1

windproof
adj. : impervious to wind <a windproof jacket>

windrow
n. 1 a : a row of hay raked up to dry before being baled or stored b : a similar row of cut vegetation (as grain) for drying
2 : a row heaped up by or as if by the wind
3 a : a long low ridge of road-making material scraped to the side of a road b : BANK, RIDGE, HEAP

windrow
n. : to form (as hay) into a windrow

windscreen
n. 1 : a screen that protects against the wind
2 chiefly British : WINDSHIELD

windshield
n. : a transparent screen (as of glass) in front of the occupants of a vehicle

Windsor
n. Duke of ― see EDWARD VIII

Windsor
n. 1 town Calif. N of San Francisco pop 22,744
2 town N cen Conn. N of Hartford pop 28,237
3 city Canada in SE Ont. on Detroit River opposite Detroit, Mich. pop 208,402
4 or New Windsor town S England in Berkshire on Thames River W of London pop 30,065

Windsor
n. New Windsor
Windsor chair
Windsor knot
Windsor tie
South Windsor

Windsor chair
: a wooden chair with spindle back, raking legs, and usually a saddle seat ― called also Windsor

Windsor knot
: a symmetrical necktie knot that is wider than the usual four-in-hand knot

Windsor tie
: a broad necktie usually tied in a loose bow

windstorm
n. : a storm marked by high wind with little or no precipitation

Windsurfer
n. ― used for a sailboard

windsurfing
n. : the sport or activity of riding a sailboard
–wind·surf \-ˌsərf\ intransitive verb
–wind·surf·er noun

windswept
adj. : swept by or as if by wind

windthrow
: the uprooting and overthrowing of trees by the wind

windup
n. 1 a : the act of bringing to an end b : a concluding act or part : FINISH
2 a : a series of regular and distinctive motions (as swinging the arms) made by a pitcher preparatory to releasing a pitch b : an exaggerated backswing (as in tennis)

windup
n. : operated by a spring mechanism wound by hand

windward
n. : the side or direction from which the wind is blowing
–to windward : into or in an advantageous position

windward
n. : being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing ― compare LEEWARD

windward
n. to windward
Windward Islands
Windward Passage

Windward Islands
v. 1 islands W. Indies in the S Lesser Antilles extending S from Martinique but not including Barbados, Tobago, or Trinidad
2 former colony Brit. West Indies comprising territories of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, & Grenada in the Windward group & Dominica in the Leewards
3 or F Îles du Vent \ˌēl-d-'vän\ islands S. Pacific, E group of the Society Islands, including Tahiti pop 140,341

Windward Passage
channel bet. Cuba & Hispaniola

windway
: a passage for air (as in an organ pipe)

windy
adj. 1 a (1) : WINDSWEPT <a windy coast> (2) : marked by strong wind or by more wind than usual <a windy day> b : VIOLENT, STORMY
2 : FLATULENT 1 <a windy bellyache>
3 a : VERBOSE, BOMBASTIC <a windy politician> b : lacking substance : EMPTY <windy promises>
–wind·i·ly \-də-lē\ adverb
–wind·i·ness \-dē-nəs\ noun

windy
adj. : WINDING <a windy path>

wine
n. 1 a : the alcoholic fermented juice of fresh grapes used as a beverage b : wine or a substitute used in Christian communion services
2 : the alcoholic usually fermented juice of a plant product (as a fruit) used as a beverage <blackberry wine>
3 : something that invigorates or intoxicates
4 : a dark red

wine
n. intransitive verb : to drink wine
transitive verb : to give wine to <wined and dined his friends>

wine
n. blush wine
dessert wine
fortified wine
ice wine
jug wine
port wine stain
red wine
Rhine wine
sparkling wine
spirit of wine
spirits of wine
straw wine
table wine
white wine
wine cellar
wine cooler
wine taster

wine cellar
: a room for storing wines also : a stock of wines

wine cooler
1 : a vessel or container in which wine is cooled
2 : a usually carbonated beverage that contains a mixture of wine and fruit juice

wine taster
1 : a person who tastes and evaluates wine especially professionally
2 : a small shallow vessel used to sample wine

wineglass
n. : a stemware drinking glass for wine

winegrower
n. : a person who cultivates a vineyard and makes wine

winemaker
n. : a person who makes wine specifically : one who supervises the wine-making process at a winery

winepress
n. : a vat in which juice is expressed from grapes by treading or by means of a plunger

winery
n. : a wine-making establishment

winesap
n. : an apple with deep red skin and juicy somewhat tart flesh

wineshop
n. : a tavern that specializes in serving wine

wineskin
n. : a bag that is made from the skin of an animal (as a goat) and that is used for holding wine

winey
1 : having the taste or qualities of wine <a winey sauce>
2 of the air : crisply fresh : EXHILARATING

wing
n. 1 a : one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect is able to fly also : such an appendage even though rudimentary if possessed by an animal belonging to a group characterized by the power of flight b : any of various anatomical structures (as of a flying fish or flying lemur) providing means of limited flight
2 : an appendage or part resembling a wing in appearance, position, or function: as a : a device worn under the arms to aid a person in swimming or staying afloat b : ALA c : a turned-back or extended edge on an article of clothing d : a sidepiece at the top of an armchair e (1) : a foliaceous, membranous, or woody expansion of a plant especially along a stem or on a samara or capsule (2) : either of the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower f : a vane of a windmill or arrow g : SAIL h : an airfoil that develops a major part of the lift which supports a heavier-than-air aircraft i chiefly British : FENDER D
3 : a means of flight or rapid progress
4 : the act or manner of flying : FLIGHT <take wing>
5 : a side or outlying region or district
6 : a part or feature of a building usually projecting from and subordinate to the main or central part <the servants' wing>
7 a : one of the pieces of scenery at the side of a stage b plural : the area at the side of the stage out of sight
8 a : a left or right section of an army or fleet : FLANK b : one of the offensive positions or players on either side of a center position in certain team sports also : FLANKER
9 a : either of two opposing groups within an organization or society : FACTION b : a section of an organized body (as a legislative chamber) representing a group or faction holding distinct opinions or policies ― compare LEFT WING, RIGHT WING
10 a : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a group and lower than a division b : two or more squadrons of naval airplanes
11 : a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot
12 plural : insignia consisting of an outspread pair of stylized bird's wings which are awarded on completion of prescribed training to a qualified pilot, aircrew member, or military balloon pilot
–wingy \'wiŋ-ē\ adjective
–in the wings
1 : out of sight in the stage wings
2 : close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings>
–on the wing
1 : in flight : FLYING
2 : in motion
–under one's wing : under one's protection : in one's care <took her under his wing>

wing
n. 1 a : to fit with wings b : to enable to fly or move swiftly
2 a : to traverse with or as if with wings b : to effect or achieve by flying
3 : to let fly : DISPATCH <would start to wing punches ― A. J. Liebling>
4 a : to wound in the wing : disable the wing of <winged the duck> b : to wound (as with a bullet) without killing <winged by a sniper>
5 : to do or perform without preparation or guidelines : IMPROVISE <winging it>
intransitive verb : to go with or as if with wings : FLY ― often used with it <winged it to Europe>

wing
n. bastard wing
buck and wing
buffalo wing
delta wing
hind wing
left wing
right wing
rotary wing aircraft
single wing
under one's wing
on the wing
wing and wing
wing bar
wing case
wing chair
wing commander
wing covert
wing footed
wing nut
wing shooting
wing tip
water wings
in the wings
blue winged teal
green winged teal
net winged
red winged blackbird
two winged fly
winged bean
winged elm

wing and wing
: with sails extended on both sides

wing bar
: a line of contrasting color across the middle of a bird's wing made by markings on the wing coverts

wing case
: ELYTRON

wing chair
: an upholstered armchair with high solid back and angled sides ― called also wingback chair

wing commander
: a commissioned officer in the British air force who ranks with a lieutenant colonel in the army

wing covert
: one of the feathers covering the bases of the wing quills

wing nut
: a nut with wings that provide a grip for the thumb and finger

wing shooting
: the act or practice of shooting at game birds in flight or at flying targets

wing tip
1 a : the edge or outer margin of a bird's wing b usually wingtip : the outer end of an airplane wing
2 : a toe cap having a point that extends back toward the throat of the shoe and curving sides that extend toward the shank
3 : a shoe having a wing tip

wing-footed
1 : having winged feet
2 : SWIFT

Wingate
n. Orde \'ȯrd\ Charles 1903-1944 Brit. gen.

Wingate
n. Sir (Francis) Reginald 1861-1953 Brit. gen.

wingback
n. : an offensive back in football who lines up outside the tight end also : the position of such a player

wingding
n. : a wild, lively, or lavish party

winged
adj. 1 a (1) : having wings <winged seeds> (2) : having wings of a specified kind ― used in combination <strong-winged> b : using wings in flight
2 a : soaring with or as if with wings : ELEVATED b : SWIFT, RAPID

winged
adj. blue winged teal
green winged teal
net winged
red winged blackbird
two winged fly
winged bean
winged elm

winged bean
: an Asian twining legume (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) cultivated in warm regions for its edible high-protein 4-winged pods also : its pod

winged elm
: an elm (Ulmus alata) of the U.S. having twigs with prominent corky projections ― called also wahoo

winger
n. : a player (as in soccer or ice hockey) in a wing position

wingless
adj. : having no wings or very rudimentary wings
–wing·less·ness noun

winglet
n. : a small wing also : a small nearly vertical airfoil at an airplane's wingtip that reduces drag by inhibiting turbulence

winglike
adj. : resembling a wing in form or lateral position

wingman
n. : a pilot who flies behind and outside the leader of a flying formation

wingover
n. : a flight maneuver in which a plane is put into a climbing turn until nearly stalled after which the nose is allowed to fall while the turn is continued until normal flight is attained in a direction opposite to that in which the maneuver was entered

wingspan
n. : the distance from the tip of one of a pair of wings to that of the other also : SPAN 2C

wingspread
n. : the spread of the wings : WINGSPAN specifically : the extreme measurement between the tips or outer margins of the wings (as of a bird or insect)

wink
n. intransitive verb
1 : to shut one eye briefly as a signal or in teasing
2 : to close and open the eyelids quickly
3 : to avoid seeing or noting something ― usually used with at
4 : to gleam or flash intermittently : TWINKLE <her glasses winking in the sunlight ― Harper Lee>
5 a : to come to an end ― usually used with out b : to stop shining ― usually used with out
6 : to signal a message with a light
transitive verb
1 : to cause to open and shut
2 : to affect or influence by or as if by blinking the eyes

wink
n. 1 : a brief period of sleep : NAP <catching a wink>
2 a : a hint or sign given by winking b : an act of winking
3 : the time of a wink : INSTANT <quick as a wink>
4 : a flicker of the eyelids : BLINK

winker
n. 1 : one that winks
2 : a horse's blinder

winkle
n. : 2PERIWINKLE

winkle
n. : TWINKLE

winkle
n. 1 chiefly British : to displace, remove, or evict from a position ― usually used with out
2 chiefly British : to obtain or draw out by effort ― usually used with out <no attempt to winkle out why they do it ― Joan Bakewell>

Winnebago, Lake
lake 30 mi (48 km) long E Wis.

winner
n. : one that wins: as a : one that is successful especially through praiseworthy ability and hard work b : a victor especially in games and sports c : one that wins admiration d : a shot in a court game that is not returned and that scores for the player making it

winner's circle
: an enclosure near a racetrack where the winning horse and jockey are brought for photographs and awards

Winnie
n. : an award presented annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in fashion design

winning
n. 1 : the act of one that wins : VICTORY
2 : something won: as a : a captured territory : CONQUEST b : money won by success in a game or competition ― usually used in plural

winning
n. 1 a : of or relating to winning : that wins <the winning ticket> b : successful especially in competition <a winning team>
2 : tending to please or delight <a winning personality>
–win·ning·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

winningest
: having achieved the most wins <the winningest coach in football>

Winnipeg
n. 1 river ab 500 mi (804 km) Canada in W Ont. & SE Man. flowing from Lake of the Woods to Lake Winnipeg
2 city Canada capital of Man. pop 619,544
–Win·ni·peg·ger \-ˌpe-gər\ noun

Winnipeg, Lake
lake ab 260 mi (418 km) long Canada in S cen Man. drained by Nelson River

Winnipegosis, Lake
lake Canada in W Man. W of Lake Winnipeg area 2075 sq mi (5374 sq km)

Winnipesaukee, Lake
lake cen N.H. area 71 sq mi (185 sq km)

winnock
Scottish : WINDOW

winnow
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to remove (as chaff) by a current of air (2) : to get rid of (something undesirable or unwanted) : REMOVE ― often used with out <winnow out certain inaccuracies ― Stanley Walker> b (1) : SEPARATE, SIFT <an old hand at winnowing what is true and significant ― Oscar Lewis> (2) : SELECT
2 a : to treat (as grain) by exposure to a current of air so that waste matter is eliminated b : to free of unwanted or inferior elements : PARE c : NARROW, REDUCE <winnowed the field to four contenders>
3 : to blow on : FAN <the wind winnowing his thin white hair ― Time>
intransitive verb
1 : to separate chaff from grain by fanning
2 : to separate desirable and undesirable elements
–win·now·er \'wi-nə-wər\ noun

winnow
n. 1 : a device for winnowing
2 a : the action of winnowing b : a motion resembling that of winnowing

wino
n. : a usually indigent alcoholic who is addicted especially to wine

Winona
city SE Minn. pop 27,069

Winooski
river 100 mi (161 km) N cen Vt. flowing into Lake Champlain

Winslow
n. Edward 1595-1655 gov. of Plymouth colony

winsome
adj. 1 : generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence <a winsome smile>
2 : CHEERFUL, LIGHTHEARTED
–win·some·ly adverb
–win·some·ness noun

Winsor
Justin 1831-1897 American librarian & hist.

Winston-Salem
city N N.C. pop 185,776

winter
n. 1 : the season between autumn and spring comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of December, January, and February or as reckoned astronomically extending from the December solstice to the March equinox
2 : the colder half of the year
3 : YEAR <happened many winters ago>
4 : a period of inactivity or decay

winter
n. intransitive verb
1 : to pass the winter <winters in the Caribbean>
2 : to feed or find food during the winter ― used with on
transitive verb : to keep, feed, or manage during the winter

winter
n. 1 : of, relating to, or suitable for winter <a winter vacation> <winter clothes>
2 : sown in the autumn and harvested in the following spring or summer <winter wheat> <winter rye> ― compare SUMMER

winter
n. nuclear winter
winter aconite
winter crookneck
winter flounder
winter kill
winter melon
winter quarters
winter savory
winter squash
Winter Haven
Winter Park
Winter Springs

winter aconite
: any of several low Eurasian perennial herbs (genus Eranthis, especially E. hyemalis) of the buttercup family with solitary yellow or white flowers which often bloom through the snow

winter crookneck
: any of several crooknecks that are winter squashes (Cucurbita moschata) noted for their keeping qualities

winter flounder
: a rusty-brown flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus of the family Pleuronectidae) of the northwestern Atlantic important as a market fish especially in winter

Winter Haven
city cen Fla. E of Lakeland pop 26,487

winter melon
1 : any of several muskmelons (as a casaba or honeydew melon) that are fruits of a cultivated vine (Cucumis melo indorus)
2 : a large white-fleshed melon that is the fruit of an Asian vine (Benincasa hispida) and is used especially in Chinese cooking

Winter Park
city E Fla. N of Orlando pop 24,090

winter quarters
: a winter residence or station (as of a military unit or a circus)

winter savory
: a perennial European mint (Satureja montana) with leaves used for seasoning ― compare SUMMER SAVORY

Winter Springs
city E cen Fla. N of Orlando pop 31,666

winter squash
: any of various hard-shelled squashes that belong to cultivars derived from several species (esp. Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo) and that can be stored for several months

winter-kill
: to kill (as a plant) by exposure to winter conditions
intransitive verb : to die as a result of exposure to winter conditions
–winterkill noun

winterberry
n. 1 : an eastern No. American shrub (Ilex verticillata) of the holly family with axillary flowers, usually bright red berries, and deciduous leaves that turn black in the fall ― called also black alder
2 : any of several congeneric shrubs or small trees (as Ilex laevigata of the eastern U.S.)

winterer
n. : one that winters specifically : a winter resident or visitor

wintergreen
n. 1 : any of a genus (Pyrola of the family Pyrolaceae, the wintergreen family) of evergreen perennial herbs (as the shinleafs) that have basal leaves and racemose flowers
2 a : any of a genus (Gaultheria) of evergreen plants of the heath family especially : a low creeping evergreen shrub (G. procumbens) of No. America with white flowers and spicy red berries ― compare CHECKERBERRY b (1) : an essential oil from this plant (2) : the flavor of this oil <wintergreen lozenges>

winterize
v. : to make ready for winter or winter use and especially resistant or proof against winter weather <winterize a car>
–win·ter·i·za·tion \ˌwin-tə-rə-'zā-shən\ noun

winterly
adj. : of, relating to, or occurring in winter : WINTRY

Winterthur
commune N Switzerland in Zurich canton NE of Zurich pop 89,612

wintertide
n. : WINTERTIME

wintertime
n. : the season of winter

Winthrop
John 1588-1649 1st gov. of Massachusetts Bay colony

Winthrop
John 1606-1676 son of prec. gov. of Connecticut colony

Winthrop
John 1638-1707 son of prec. gov. of Connecticut colony

wintle
1 Scottish : STAGGER, REEL
2 Scottish : WRIGGLE

wintry
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of winter
2 a : weathered by or as if by winter : AGED, HOARY b : CHEERLESS, CHILLING <a wintry greeting>
–win·tri·ness \'win-trē-nəs\ noun

winy
adj. variant of winey

Winyah Bay
inlet of the Atlantic E S.C.

winze
n. : a steeply inclined passageway in a mine

winze
n. Scottish : CURSE

wipe
n. transitive verb
1 a : to rub with or as if with something soft for cleaning b : to clean or dry by rubbing c : to draw, pass, or move for or as if for rubbing or cleaning <wiped his hand across his brow>
2 a : to remove by or as if by rubbing <wipe the spots off the glass> b : to expunge completely <wipe from memory the gruesome scenes ― American Guide Series: Del.>
3 : to spread by or as if by wiping
intransitive verb : to make a motion of or as if of wiping something
–wipe one's boots on : to treat with indignity
–wipe the floor with or wipe the ground with : to defeat decisively

wipe
n. 1 a : BLOW, STRIKE b : JEER, GIBE
2 a : an act or instance of wiping b : a transition from one scene or picture to another (as in movies or television) made by a line moving across the screen
3 : something (as a towel) used for wiping

wipe
n. wipe the ground with
wipe the floor with
wipe one's boots on
wipe out
wiped out

wipe one's boots on
to treat with indignity

wipe out
: to destroy completely : ANNIHILATE
intransitive verb : to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control

wipe the floor with
or wipe the ground with : to defeat decisively

wiped out
1 slang : INTOXICATED, HIGH
2 : extremely tired : EXHAUSTED

wipeout
n. 1 : the act or an instance of wiping out : complete or utter destruction
2 : a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
3 : a total or decisive defeat : DRUBBING

wiper
n. 1 : a person who wipes
2 a : something (as a towel or sponge) used for wiping b : a moving contact for making connections with the terminals of an electrical device (as a rheostat) c : a usually motor-driven arm with a flexible blade for wiping a window (as the windshield of an automobile or airplane)

wire
n. 1 a : metal in the form of a usually very flexible thread or slender rod b : a thread or rod of such material
2 a : WIREWORK b : the meshwork of parallel or woven wire on which the wet web of paper forms
3 : something (as a thin plant stem) that is wirelike
4 plural a : a system of wires used to operate the puppets in a puppet show b : hidden influences controlling the action of a person or organization
5 a : a line of wire for conducting electric current ― compare CORD 3b b : a telephone or telegraph wire or system especially : WIRE SERVICE c : TELEGRAM, CABLEGRAM
6 : fencing or a fence of usually barbed wire
7 a : the finish line of a race b : the final decisive moment (as of a contest) <the negotiations came down to the wire>
8 : WIREHAIR
–wire·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
–under the wire
1 : at the finish line
2 : at the last moment
–wire to wire or from wire to wire : from start to finish <led the race wire to wire>

wire
n. transitive verb
1 : to provide with wire : use wire on for a specific purpose
2 : to send or send word to by telegraph
3 : to connect by or as if by a wire
4 : to predispose, determine, or establish genetically or innately <controversy over the extent to which human violence is wired biologically>
intransitive verb : to send a telegraphic message
–wir·er \'wī(-ə)r-ər\ noun

wire
n. from wire to wire
barbed wire
chicken wire
concertina wire
down to the wire
fly by wire
high wire
hot wire
live wire
party wire
razor wire
trip wire
wire to wire
under the wire
wire cloth
wire fox terrier
wire fraud
wire gauge
wire gauze
wire grass
wire netting
wire puller
wire pulling
wire recorder
wire recording
wire rope
wire service
pull wires

wire cloth
: a fabric of woven metallic wire (as for strainers)

wire fox terrier
: any of a breed of fox terriers having a dense wiry chiefly white coat

wire fraud
: fraud committed using a means of electronic communication (as a telephone or computer)

wire gauge
1 : a gauge especially for measuring the diameter of wire or the thickness of sheet metal
2 : any of various systems consisting of a series of standard sizes used in describing the diameter of wire or the thickness of sheet metal

wire gauze
: a gauzelike wire cloth

wire grass
: any of various grasses or rushes having wiry culms or leaves: as a : a Eurasian slender-stemmed meadow grass (Poa compressa) widely naturalized in the U.S. and Canada b : any of several coarse grasses (genus Aristida) with a 3-awned lemma that grow extensively in open dry, sandy, or sterile areas especially of the southeastern and south-central U.S.

wire netting
: a wire cloth coarser than wire gauze

wire recorder
: a magnetic recorder using a thin wire as the recording medium
–wire-re·cord·ing noun

wire rope
: a rope formed wholly or chiefly of wires

wire service
: a news agency that sends out syndicated news copy to subscribers by wire or by satellite transmission

wire to wire
or from wire to wire : from start to finish <led the race wire to wire>

wire-puller
: one who uses secret or underhanded means to influence the acts of a person or organization
–wire-pull·ing \-ˌpu̇-liŋ\ noun

wired
1 : reinforced by wire (as for strength)
2 a : furnished with wires (as for electric connections) b : connected to a telecommunications network and especially to the Internet c : characterized by a connection to the Internet <the wired world>
3 : bound with wire <a wired container>
4 : having a wirework netting or fence
5 : feverishly excited

wiredraw
v. 1 : to draw or stretch forcibly : ELONGATE
2 : to draw or spin out to great length, tenuity, or overrefinement : ATTENUATE
–wire·draw·er \-drȯ(-ə)r\ noun

wiredrawn
adj. : excessively minute and subtle <curious speculations, wiredrawn comparisons, obsolete erudition ― Virginia Woolf>

wirehair
n. : a wirehaired dog or cat

wirehaired
adj. : having a stiff wiry outer coat of hair <a wirehaired dog> ― compare ROUGH, SMOOTH

wirehaired
adj. German wirehaired pointer
wirehaired pointing griffon
wirehaired terrier

wirehaired pointing griffon
: any of a breed of dogs of Dutch origin that both hunt and retrieve and have a long head and a harsh wiry often chestnut or white and chestnut colored coat

wirehaired terrier
: WIRE FOX TERRIER

wireless
n. 1 : having no wire or wires specifically : operating by means of transmitted electromagnetic waves <a wireless remote>
2 a : of or relating to radiotelephony, radiotelegraphy, or radio <a wireless phone> b : of or relating to data communications using radio waves <wireless Internet access>
–wire·less·ly adverb

wireless
n. 1 : telecommunication (as radiotelegraphy or radiotelephony) involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires also : the technology used in radio telecommunication
2 chiefly British : RADIO

wireless
n. wireless telegraphy
wireless telegraph
wireless telephone

wireless telegraphy
: telegraphy carried on by radio waves and without connecting wires ― called also wireless telegraph

wireless telephone
: RADIOTELEPHONE

wireman
n. 1 : a maker of or worker with wire especially : LINEMAN 1
2 : WIRETAPPER

wirephoto
n. : a photograph transmitted by electrical signals over telephone wires

wiretap
n. : to tap a telephone or telegraph wire in order to get information
transitive verb : to tap the telephone of

wiretap
n. 1 : the act or an instance of wiretapping
2 : an electrical connection for wiretapping

wiretapper
n. : one that taps telephone or telegraph wires

wirework
n. 1 : a work of wires especially : meshwork, netting, or grillwork of wire <plan the wirework for new circuitry>
2 : walking on wires especially by acrobats

wireworm
n. : any of the slender hard-coated larvae of various click beetles that include some destructive especially to plant roots

wiring
n. 1 : the act of providing or using wire
2 : a system of wires especially : an arrangement of wires used for electric distribution

wirra
Irish ― usually used to express lament, grief, or concern

wiry
adj. 1 a archaic : made of wire b : resembling wire especially in form and flexibility <the wiry coat of the Irish terrier> <wiry stems> c of sound : produced by or suggestive of the vibration of wire <the violinist⋯often let his tone go nasal and wiry ― D. J. Henahan>
2 : being lean, supple, and vigorous : SINEWY <the wiry figure of a long-distance runner ― Phoenix Flame>
–wir·i·ly \'wī-rə-lē\ adverb
–wir·i·ness \-rē-nəs\ noun

Wis
v. Wisconsin

wis
v. archaic : KNOW

Wisconsin
n. 1 river 430 mi (692 km) cen Wis. flowing S & W into Mississippi River
2 state N cen U.S. capital Madison area 56,154 sq mi (145,439 sq km), pop 5,363,675
–Wis·con·sin·ite \-sə-ˌnīt\ noun

Wisconsin Dells
― see DELLS OF THE WISCONSIN

Wisd
Wisdom

Wisdom
n. : a didactic book included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and corresponding to the Wisdom of Solomon in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table

wisdom
n. 1 a : accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : KNOWLEDGE b : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : INSIGHT c : good sense : JUDGMENT d : generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians ― Robert Darnton>
2 : a wise attitude, belief, or course of action
3 : the teachings of the ancient wise men
synonyms see SENSE

wisdom
n. conventional wisdom
Wisdom of Solomon
wisdom tooth

Wisdom of Solomon
: a didactic book included in the Protestant Apocrypha ― see BIBLE table

wisdom tooth
: the third molar that is the last tooth to erupt on each side of the upper and lower jaws in humans

Wise
n. Stephen Samuel 1874-1949 American (Hung.-born) rabbi

Wise
n. Thomas James 1859-1937 Eng. bibliophile & forger

wise
n. : MANNER, WAY <in any wise>

wise
n. 1 a : characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment b : exercising or showing sound judgment : PRUDENT <a wise investor>
2 a : evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information : KNOWING b : possessing inside information <the police got wise to his whereabouts> c : CRAFTY, SHREWD d : aware of or informed about a particular matter ― usually used in the comparative in negative constructions with the <was none the wiser about their plans>
3 archaic : skilled in magic or divination
4 : INSOLENT, SMART-ALECKY, FRESH <a tough kid with a wise mouth>
–wise·ly adverb
–wise·ness noun
synonyms WISE, SAGE, SAPIENT, JUDICIOUS, PRUDENT, SENSIBLE, SANE mean having or showing sound judgment. WISE suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them <wise beyond his tender years>. SAGE suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom <the sage advice of my father>. SAPIENT suggests great sagacity and discernment <the sapient musings of an old philosopher>. JUDICIOUS stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions <judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure>. PRUDENT suggests exercise of the restraint of sound practical wisdom and discretion <a prudent decision to wait out the storm>. SENSIBLE applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality <a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery>. SANE stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness <remained sane even in times of crises>.

wise
n. transitive verb : to give instruction or information to : TEACH ― usually used with up <wise him up about procedures>
intransitive verb : to become informed or knowledgeable : LEARN ― used with up

wise
n. 1 chiefly Scottish a : DIRECT, GUIDE b : ADVISE, PERSUADE
2 chiefly Scottish : to divert or impel in a given direction : SEND

wise
n. 1 a : in the manner of <crabwise> <fanwise> b : in the position or direction of <slantwise> <clockwise>
2 : with regard to : in respect of <dollarwise>

wise
n. crack wise
penny wise
weather wise
wise guy
wise man
worldly wise
wised up

wise guy
1 : SMART ALECK
2 usually wiseguy : MOBSTER

wise man
1 : a man of unusual learning, judgment, or insight : SAGE
2 : a man versed in esoteric lore (as of magic or astrology) especially : MAGUS 1B

wiseacre
n. : one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness especially : SMART ALECK

wiseass
: SMART ALECK
–wiseass adjective

wisecrack
n. : a clever or sarcastic remark

wisecrack
n. : to make a wisecrack
–wise·crack·er noun

wised-up
: KNOWING 1

Wiseman
Nicholas Patrick Stephen 1802-1865 Eng. cardinal & author

wisenheimer
n. : SMART ALECK

wisent
n. : a European bison (Bison bonasus) sometimes considered conspecific with the No. American buffalo (B. bison) ― called also aurochs

wisewoman
: a woman versed in charms, conjuring, or fortune-telling

wish
n. transitive verb
1 : to have a desire for (as something unattainable) <wished he could live his life over>
2 : to give expression to as a wish : BID <wish them good night>
3 a : to give form to (a wish) b : to express a wish for c : to request in the form of a wish : ORDER d : to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified <cannot wish our problems away>
4 : to confer (something unwanted) on someone : FOIST
intransitive verb
1 : to have a desire : WANT <wishing for more>
2 : to make a wish <wish on a falling star>
synonyms see DESIRE
–wish·er noun

wish
n. 1 a : an act or instance of wishing or desire : WANT <a wish to travel> b : an object of desire : GOAL
2 a : an expressed will or desire : MANDATE b : a request or command couched as a wish
3 : an invocation of good or evil fortune on someone

wish
n. death wish
wish fulfillment
wish list
wish wash
well wishing
ill wisher
well wisher

wish fulfillment
: the gratification of a desire especially symbolically (as in dreams, daydreams, or neurotic symptoms)

wish list
: a list of desired but often realistically unobtainable items <a wish list of useful changes>

wish-wash
1 : a weak drink
2 : insipid talk or writing

wisha
chiefly Irish ― used as an intensive or to express surprise

wishbone
n. 1 : a forked bone in front of the breastbone in a bird consisting chiefly of the two clavicles fused at their median or lower end
2 : a variation of the T formation in which the halfbacks line up farther from the line of scrimmage than the fullback does

wishful
adj. 1 a : expressive of a wish : HOPEFUL <looked at the toys with wishful eyes> b : having a wish : DESIROUS
2 : according with wishes rather than reality <wishful dreams>
–wish·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wish·ful·ness noun

wishful thinking
: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe

wishing
n. 1 archaic : WISHFUL
2 : regarded as having the power to grant wishes <threw a coin in the wishing well>

wishy-washy
1 : lacking in character or determination : INEFFECTUAL <wishy-washy leadership>
2 : lacking in strength or flavor : WEAK <wishy-washy wines>
–wishy-wash·i·ness noun

Wisla
― see VISTULA

Wismar
city & port N Germany pop 54,471

wisp
n. 1 : a small handful (as of hay or straw)
2 a : a thin strip or fragment b : a thready streak <a wisp of smoke> c : something frail, slight, or fleeting <a wisp of a girl> <a wisp of a smile>
3 archaic : WILL-O'-THE-WISP
–wisp·i·ly \'wis-pə-lē\ adverb
–wisp·i·ness \'wis-pē-nəs\ noun
–wispy \'wis-pē\ adjective

wisp
n. 1 : to roll into a wisp
2 : to make wisps of <a cigarette wisping smoke at the corner of his mouth ― Raymond Chandler>
intransitive verb : to emerge or drift in wisps <her hair began to wisp into her eyes ― Mary Manning>

wispish
: resembling a wisp : INSUBSTANTIAL

Wissahickon Creek
stream SE Pa. flowing into the Schuylkill at Philadelphia

Wissenschaft
: learning : science

Wissler
Clark 1870-1947 American anthropol.

wist
v. archaic : KNOW

Wister
Owen 1860-1938 American nov.

wisteria
n. : any of a genus (Wisteria) of mostly woody leguminous vines of China, Japan, and the southeastern U.S. that have pinnately compound leaves and long racemes of showy blue, white, purple, or rose papilionaceous flowers and that include several (as W. sinensis and W. floribunda) grown as ornamentals

wistful
adj. 1 : full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy also : inspiring such yearning <a wistful memoir>
2 : musingly sad : PENSIVE <a wistful glance>
–wist·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wist·ful·ness noun

wit
n. 1 archaic : KNOW
2 archaic : to come to know : LEARN

wit
n. 1 a : MIND, MEMORY b : reasoning power : INTELLIGENCE
2 a : SENSE 2A ― usually used in plural <alone and warming his five wits, the white owl in the belfry sits ― Alfred Tennyson> b (1) : mental soundness : SANITY ― usually used in plural (2) : mental capability and resourcefulness : INGENUITY
3 a : astuteness of perception or judgment : ACUMEN b : the ability to relate seemingly disparate things so as to illuminate or amuse c (1) : a talent for banter or persiflage (2) : a witty utterance or exchange d : clever or apt humor
4 a : a person of superior intellect : THINKER b : an imaginatively perceptive and articulate individual especially skilled in banter or persiflage
–at one's wit's end or at one's wits' end : at a loss for a means of solving a problem
synonyms WIT, HUMOR, IRONY, SARCASM, SATIRE, REPARTEE mean a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement. WIT suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous <a playful wit>. HUMOR implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness <a sense of humor>. IRONY applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed <the irony of the title>. SARCASM applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound <given to heartless sarcasm>. SATIRE applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature <a satire on the Congress>. REPARTEE implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily <a dinner guest noted for repartee>.

wit
n. half wit
mother wit
to wit
at one's wit's end
at one's wits' end

witan
n. : members of the witenagemot

witch
n. 1 : one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers especially : a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar : SORCERESS ― compare WARLOCK
2 : an ugly old woman : HAG
3 : a charming or alluring girl or woman
4 : a practitioner of Wicca
5 : WITCH OF AGNESI
–witch·like \'wich-ˌlīk\ adjective
–witchy \'wi-chē\ adjective

witch
n. 1 : to affect injuriously with witchcraft
2 archaic : to influence or beguile with allure or charm
intransitive verb : DOWSE

witch
n. water witch
witch doctor
witch hazel
witch hunt
witch hunting
witch hunter
witch of Agnesi
witches' brew
witches' broom
witches' Sabbath
water witching

witch doctor
: a professional worker of magic usually in a primitive society who often works to cure sickness

witch hazel
1 : any of a genus (Hamamelis of the family Hamamelidaceae, the witch-hazel family) of shrubs or small trees with slender-petaled usually yellow flowers borne in late fall or early spring especially : one (H. virginiana) of eastern No. America that blooms in the fall
2 : an alcoholic solution of a distillate of the bark of a witch hazel (H. virginiana) used as a soothing and mildly astringent lotion

witch hunt
1 : a searching out for persecution of persons accused of witchcraft
2 : the searching out and deliberate harassment of those (as political opponents) with unpopular views
–witch-hunt·er noun
–witch-hunt·ing noun or adjective

witch of Agnesi
: a plane cubic curve that is symmetric about the y-axis and approaches the x-axis as an asymptote and that has the equation x^2y = 4a^2(2a - y)

witchcraft
n. 1 a : the use of sorcery or magic b : communication with the devil or with a familiar
2 : an irresistible influence or fascination
3 : WICCA

witchery
n. 1 a : the practice of witchcraft : SORCERY b : an act of witchcraft
2 : an irresistible fascination

witches' brew
: a potent or fearsome mixture <a witches' brew of untamed sex and brutality ― Harrison Smith>

witches' Sabbath
: a midnight assembly of witches, devils, and sorcerers for the celebration of rites and orgies

witches'-broom
: an abnormal tufted growth of small branches on a tree or shrub caused especially by parasitic organisms (as fungi, viruses, or aphids)

witchgrass
1 : QUACK GRASS
2 [1witch] : a No. American grass (Panicum capillare) with slender brushy panicles that is often a weed on cultivated land

witching
n. : the practice of witchcraft : SORCERY

witching
n. : of, relating to, or suitable for sorcery or supernatural occurrences <the very witching time of night ― Shakespeare>

witchweed
n. : any of a genus (Striga) of yellow-flowered Old World plants of the snapdragon family that are damaging root parasites of grasses (as sorghum and maize) and that include one (S. asiatica) which is an introduced pest in parts of the southeastern U.S.

wite
chiefly Scottish : BLAME

wite
chiefly Scottish : BLAME, RESPONSIBILITY

witenagemot
n. : an Anglo-Saxon council made up of a varying number of nobles, prelates, and influential officials and convened from time to time to advise the king on administrative and judicial matters

with
prep. 1 a : in opposition to : AGAINST <had a fight with his brother> b : so as to be separated or detached from <broke with her family>
2 a ― used as a function word to indicate a participant in an action, transaction, or arrangement <works with his father> <a talk with a friend> <got into an accident with the car> b ― used as a function word to indicate the object of attention, behavior, or feeling <get tough with him> <angry with her> c : in respect to : so far as concerns <on friendly terms with all nations> d ― used to indicate the object of an adverbial expression of imperative force <off with his head> e : OVER, ON <no longer has any influence with them> f : in the performance, operation, or use of <the trouble with this machine>
3 a ― used as a function word to indicate the object of a statement of comparison or equality <a dress identical with her hostess's> b ― used as a function word to express agreement or sympathy <must conclude, with you, that the painting is a forgery> c : on the side of : FOR <if he's for lower taxes, I'm with him> d : as well as <can pitch with the best of them>
4 a ― used as a function word to indicate combination, accompaniment, presence, or addition <heat milk with honey> <went there with her> <his money, with his wife's, comes to a million> b : inclusive of <costs $5 with the tax>
5 a : in the judgment or estimation of <stood well with her classmates> b : in or according to the experience or practice of <with many of us, our ideas seem to fall by the wayside ― W. J. Reilly>
6 a ― used as a function word to indicate the means, cause, agent, or instrumentality <hit him with a rock> <pale with anger> <threatened with tuberculosis> <he amused the crowd with his antics> b archaic : by the direct act of
7 a ― used as a function word to indicate manner of action <ran with effort> <acknowledge your contribution with thanks> b ― used as a function word to indicate an attendant fact or circumstance <stood there with his hat on> c ― used as a function word to indicate a result attendant on a specified action <got off with a light sentence>
8 a (1) : in possession of : HAVING <came with good news> (2) : in the possession or care of <left the money with her mother> b : characterized or distinguished by <a person with a sharp nose>
9 a ― used as a function word to indicate a close association in time <with the outbreak of war they went home> <mellows with time> b : in proportion to <the pressure varies with the depth>
10 a : in spite of : NOTWITHSTANDING <a really tip-top man, with all his wrongheadedness ― H. J. Laski> b : except for <finds that, with one group of omissions and one important addition, they reflect that curriculum ― Gilbert Highet>
11 : in the direction of <with the wind> <with the grain>

with
prep. with an eye toward
come with the territory
wipe the ground with
bear with
to begin with
with a capital
with child
come to grips with
come out with
come up with
complete with
conjure with
dispense with
do with
do away with
play ducks and drakes with
with an eye to
fall in with
with flying colors
be friends with
get with it
get even with
get away with
go with the flow
go with
go to bed with
in good with
have to do with
have done with
hoist with one's own petard
hold with
with kid gloves
live with
make with
make friends with
make away with
make off with
meet with
over with
with one's pants down
play with oneself
play with fire
play with a full deck
put up with
with reason
reckon with
with regard to
with respect to
roll with the punches
run with
run away with
run off with
stand in with
stand up with
to start with
take up with
tar with the same brush
go with the territory
throw out the baby with the bathwater
together with
with a vengeance
with a view to
with one voice
vote with one's feet
walk off with
wipe the floor with
with it
with young
Huyton with Roby
Lewis with Harris

with a capital
― used with a following capital letter to emphasize or qualify a preceding word <not an accident but murder with a capital M> <desired romance with a capital R>

with a vengeance

1 : with great force or vehemence <undertook reform with a vengeance>
2 : to an extreme or excessive degree <the tourists are back97with a vengeance>

with a view to
with the object of <studied hard with a view to getting an A>

with an eye to
also with an eye toward
1 : with awareness or contemplation of <with an eye to the future>
2 : with the object of <built the house with an eye to adding on later>

with child
PREGNANT

with flying colors
with complete or eminent success

with kid gloves
with special consideration

with one voice
without dissent : UNANIMOUSLY

with one's pants down
in an embarrassing position (as of being unprepared to act)

with reason
with good cause

with regard to
in regard to

with respect to
with reference to : in relation to

with young
PREGNANT ― used of a female animal

with-it
: socially or culturally up-to-date <the intelligent, disaffected, with-it young ― Eliot Fremont-Smith>

withal
adv. 1 : together with this : BESIDES <a supporter of all constructive work and withal an excellent businessman ― A. W. Long>
2 archaic : THEREWITH 1
3 : on the other hand : NEVERTHELESS

withal
adv. archaic : WITH ― used postpositively with a relative or interrogative pronoun as object

withdraw
v. transitive verb
1 a : to take back or away : REMOVE <pressure upon educational administrators to withdraw academic credit ― J. W. Scott> b : to remove from use or cultivation c : to remove (money) from a place of deposit d : to turn away (as the eyes) from an object of attention <withdrew her gaze> e : to draw (as a curtain) back or aside
2 a : to remove from consideration or set outside a group <withdrew his name from the list of nominees> <withdrew their child from the school> b (1) : TAKE BACK, RETRACT (2) : to recall or remove (a motion) under parliamentary procedure
intransitive verb
1 a : to move back or away : RETIRE b : to draw back from a battlefield : RETREAT
2 a : to remove oneself from participation b : to become socially or emotionally detached <had withdrawn farther and farther into herself ― Ethel Wilson>
3 : to recall a motion under parliamentary procedure
–with·draw·able \-'drȯ-ə-bəl\ adjective

withdrawal
n. 1 a : the act of taking back or away something that has been granted or possessed b : removal from a place of deposit or investment c (1) : the discontinuance of administration or use of a drug (2) : the syndrome of often painful physical and psychological symptoms that follows discontinuance of an addicting drug <a heroin addict going through withdrawal>
2 a : retreat or retirement especially into a more secluded or less exposed place or position b : an operation by which a military force disengages from the enemy c (1) : social or emotional detachment (2) : a pathological retreat from objective reality (as in some schizophrenic states)
3 : RETRACTION, REVOCATION <threatened us with withdrawal of consent>
4 a : the act of drawing someone or something back from or out of a place or position b : COITUS INTERRUPTUS

withdrawing room
: a room to retire to (as from a dining room) especially : DRAWING ROOM

withdrawn
adj. 1 : removed from immediate contact or easy approach : ISOLATED
2 : socially detached and unresponsive : exhibiting withdrawal : INTROVERTED <a shy and withdrawn child>
–with·drawn·ness \-'drȯn-nəs\ noun

withe
n. : a slender flexible branch or twig especially : one used as a band or line

withe rod
: a viburnum (Viburnum cassinoides) of eastern No. America with tough slender shoots

Wither
v. George 1588-1667 Eng. poet & pamphleteer

wither
v. intransitive verb
1 : to become dry and sapless especially : to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture
2 : to lose vitality, force, or freshness <public support for the bill is withering>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to wither
2 : to make speechless or incapable of action : STUN <withered him with a look ― Dorothy Sayers>

wither
v. chiefly British : WITHERS

withering
adj. : acting or serving to cut down or destroy : DEVASTATING <a withering fire from the enemy> <a withering rebuke>
–with·er·ing·ly \'with-riŋ-lē, 'wi-thə-\ adverb

witherite
: a translucent white or gray orthorhombic mineral consisting of a carbonate of barium

withers
n. 1 : the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse ― see HORSE illustration
2 : a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped (as a dog) other than a horse

withershins
adv. variant of widdershins

withhold
v. transitive verb
1 : to hold back from action : CHECK
2 archaic : to keep in custody
3 : to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing <withhold permission>
4 : to deduct (withholding tax) from income
intransitive verb : FORBEAR, REFRAIN <withhold from commenting>
synonyms see KEEP
–with·hold·er noun

withholding tax
: a deduction (as from wages, fees, or dividends) levied at a source of income as advance payment on income tax

within
n. 1 : in or into the interior : INSIDE
2 : in one's inner thought, disposition, or character : INWARDLY <search within for a creative impulse ― Kingman Brewster †1988>

within
n. 1 ― used as a function word to indicate enclosure or containment
2 ― used as a function word to indicate situation or circumstance in the limits or compass of: as a : before the end of <gone within a week> b (1) : not beyond the quantity, degree, or limitations of <live within your income> (2) : in or into the scope or sphere of <within the jurisdiction of the state> (3) : in or into the range of <within reach> <within sight> (4) ― used as a function word to indicate a specified difference or margin <came within two points of a perfect mark> <within a mile of the town>
3 : to the inside of : INTO <sunk the sea within the earth ― Shakespeare>

within
n. : an inner place or area <revolt from within>

within
n. : being inside : ENCLOSED <the within indictment>

within
n. within an ace of
within call
within an inch of
within reason

within an ace of
on the point of : very near to <came within an ace of winning>

within an inch of
almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>

within call
within hearing or reach of a summons : subject to summons

within reason
within reasonable limits

withindoors
: INDOORS

Withlacoochee
1 river 110 mi (177 km) S Ga. & NW Fla. flowing SE into the Suwannee
2 river 120 mi (193 km) NW cen Fla. flowing NW into Gulf of Mexico

without
n. 1 : OUTSIDE
2 ― used as a function word to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone <fight without fear> <left without him> <looks without seeing>

without
n. 1 : on the outside : EXTERNALLY
2 : with something lacking or absent <has learned to do without>

without
n. chiefly dialect : UNLESS <you don't know about me without you have read a book ― Mark Twain>

without
n. : an outer place or area <came from without>

without
n. absent without leave
go without saying
reckon without

withoutdoors
: OUTDOORS

withstand
v. 1 a : to stand up against : oppose with firm determination especially : to resist successfully b : to be proof against : resist the effect of <withstand the impact of a landing ― Current Biog.>
2 archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of
synonyms see OPPOSE

withy
n. 1 : WILLOW especially : OSIER 1
2 : a flexible slender twig or branch (as of osier) : WITHE

withy
n. : flexibly tough

witless
adj. 1 : destitute of wit or understanding : FOOLISH
2 : mentally deranged : CRAZY <drive one witless with anxiety ― William Styron>
–wit·less·ly adverb
–wit·less·ness noun

witling
n. 1 : a would-be wit
2 : a person of little wit

witloof
n. : CHICORY 1 also : BELGIAN ENDIVE

witness
n. 1 : attestation of a fact or event : TESTIMONY
2 : one that gives evidence specifically : one who testifies in a cause or before a judicial tribunal
3 : one asked to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its having taken place
4 : one who has personal knowledge of something
5 a : something serving as evidence or proof : SIGN b : public affirmation by word or example of usually religious faith or conviction <the heroic witness to divine life ― Pilot>
6 capitalized : a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses

witness
n. 1 : to testify to : ATTEST
2 : to act as legal witness of
3 : to furnish proof of : BETOKEN
4 a : to have personal or direct cognizance of : see for oneself <witnessed the historic event> b : to take note of <our grammar97 witness our verb system97is a marvel of flexibility, variety, and exactitude ― Charlton Laird>
5 : to constitute the scene or time of <structures⋯which this striking Dorset hilltop once witnessed ― Times Lit. Supp.>
intransitive verb
1 : to bear witness : TESTIFY
2 : to bear witness to one's religious convictions <opportunity to witness for Christ ― Billy Graham>
synonyms see CERTIFY

witness
n. character witness
Jehovah's Witness
witness box
witness stand

witness stand
: a stand or an enclosure from which a witness gives evidence in a court

witness-box
chiefly British : an enclosure in which a witness sits or stands while testifying in court

Witt, de
Johan 1625-1672 Du. statesman

Witte
Sergey Yulyevich 1849-1915 Russ. statesman

Witte, de
Emanuel 1617-1692 Du. painter

witted
adj. : having wit or understanding ― usually used in combination <dull-witted> <quick-witted>

witted
adj. dim witted
fat witted
half witted
quick witted
ready witted
sharp witted
slow witted
thick witted

wittedness
n. dim wittedness
half wittedness
quick wittedness

Wittekind
d ca 807 Saxon warrior

Witten
city W Germany SW of Dortmund pop 105,242

Wittenberg
city E cen Germany E of Dessau pop 48,718

Wittgenstein
n. Ludwig Josef Johan 1889-1951 Brit. (Austrian-born) philos.
–Witt·gen·stein·ian \ˌvit-gən-'shtī-nē-ən, -'stī-\ adjective

witticism
n. : a cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark

Wittig
Georg 1897-1987 Ger. chem.

witting
n. 1 chiefly dialect : knowledge or awareness of something : COGNIZANCE
2 chiefly dialect : information obtained or communicated : NEWS

witting
n. 1 : cognizant or aware of something : CONSCIOUS <a witting participant>
2 : done deliberately : INTENTIONAL <a witting violation>
–wit·ting·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

wittol
n. 1 archaic : a man who knows of his wife's infidelity and puts up with it
2 archaic : a witless person

witty
adj. 1 archaic : having good intellectual capacity : INTELLIGENT
2 : amusingly or ingeniously clever in conception or execution <the costumes are sumptuous and witty ― Virgil Thomson> <the musical background is⋯often witty ― Wolcott Gibbs>
3 : marked by or full of wit : smartly facetious or jocular <a witty novel>
4 : quick or ready to see or express illuminating or amusing relationships or insights <a witty raconteur>
–wit·ti·ly \'wi-tə-lē\ adverb
–wit·ti·ness \'wi-tē-nəs\ noun
synonyms WITTY, HUMOROUS, FACETIOUS, JOCULAR, JOCOSE mean provoking or intended to provoke laughter. WITTY suggests cleverness and quickness of mind <a witty remark>. HUMOROUS applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity <humorous anecdotes>. FACETIOUS stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor <facetious comments>. JOCULAR implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking <a jocular fellow>. JOCOSE is somewhat less derogatory than FACETIOUS in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness <jocose proposals>.

Witwatersrand
ridge of gold-bearing rock 62 mi (100 km) long & 23 mi (37 km) wide NE Republic of South Africa in Gauteng and North West provinces

wive
v. intransitive verb : to marry a woman
transitive verb
1 : to marry to a woman
2 : to take for a wife

wives
n. plural of wife

wiz
n. : WIZARD 3

wizard
n. 1 archaic : a wise man : SAGE
2 : one skilled in magic : SORCERER
3 : a very clever or skillful person <computer wizards>

wizard
n. 1 archaic : having magical influence or power
2 archaic : of or relating to wizardry : ENCHANTED
3 chiefly British : worthy of the highest praise : EXCELLENT

wizardly
adj. 1 : having characteristics of a wizard
2 : marvelous in construction or operation <uses wizardly circuitry to distort images ― Time>

wizardry
n. 1 : the art or practices of a wizard : SORCERY
2 a : a seemingly magical transforming power or influence <electronic wizardry> b : great skill or cleverness in an activity <showed real wizardry in legal maneuvering>

wizen
adj. intransitive verb : to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality
transitive verb : to cause to wizen <a face wizened by age>

wizen
adj. : that is wizened

wk
n. 1 week
2 work

wkly
adj. weekly

WL
waterline

Wloclawek
commune N cen Poland on the Vistula pop 120,823

WMD
weapons of mass destruction

WNBA
Women's National Basketball Association

WNW
n. west-northwest

WO
n. warrant officer

woad
n. : a European herb (Isatis tinctoria) of the mustard family formerly grown for the blue dyestuff yielded by its leaves also : this dyestuff

wobble
intransitive verb
1 a : to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and clumsily from side to side b : TREMBLE, QUAVER
2 : WAVER, VACILLATE
transitive verb : to cause to wobble
–wob·bler also wab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
–wob·bli·ness also wab·bli·ness \'wä-blē-nəs\ noun
–wob·bly also wab·bly \'wä-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

wobble
n. 1 a : a hobbling or rocking unequal motion (as of a wheel unevenly mounted) b : an uncertainly directed movement
2 : an intermittent variation (as in volume of sound)

Wobbly
adj. : a member of the Industrial Workers of the World

Woburn
city E Mass. NW of Boston pop 37,258

WOC
without compensation

Wodehouse
Sir Pel·ham \'pe-ləm\ Grenville 1881-1975 American (Eng.-born) writer

Woden
n. : ODIN

wodge
n. chiefly British : a bulky mass or chunk : LUMP, WAD

Wodzislaw Slaski
town S Poland pop 111,329

woe
n. ― used to express grief, regret, or distress

woe
n. 1 : a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief
2 : ruinous trouble : CALAMITY, AFFLICTION <economic woes>
synonyms see SORROW

woebegone
adj. 1 : strongly affected with woe : WOEFUL
2 a : exhibiting great woe, sorrow, or misery <a woebegone expression> b : being in a sorry state <woebegone tattered clothes>
–woe·be·gone·ness noun

woeful
adj. 1 : full of woe : GRIEVOUS <woeful prophecies>
2 : involving or bringing woe
3 : lamentably bad or serious : DEPLORABLE <woeful ignorance>
–woe·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–woe·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Woese
Carl R. 1928-     American microbiologist

Woffington
Margaret ca 1714-1760 Peg Irish actress

wog
n. chiefly British usually disparaging : a dark-skinned foreigner especially : one from the Middle East or Far East

wok
n. : a large bowl-shaped cooking utensil used especially in stir-frying

woke
past and past part of wake

woken
past part of wake

Wolcott
Oliver 1726-1797 son of Roger American polit.

Wolcott
Oliver 1760-1833 son of prec. American polit.

Wolcott
Roger 1679-1767 American colonial administrator

wold
n. 1 : a usually upland area of open country
2 capitalized : a hilly or rolling region ― used in names of various English geographic areas <Yorkshire Wolds>

Wolds, The
chalk hills NE England stretching from N. Yorkshire to N Lincolnshire

Wolf
n. Friedrich August 1759-1824 Ger. philologist

Wolf
n. Hugo Philipp Jakob 1860-1903 Austrian composer

wolf
n. 1 plural also wolf a : any of several large predatory canids (genus Canis) that live and hunt in packs and resemble the related dogs especially : GRAY WOLF ― compare COYOTE, JACKAL b : the fur of a wolf
2 a (1) : a fierce, rapacious, or destructive person (2) : a man forward, direct, and zealous in amatory attentions to women b : dire poverty : STARVATION <keep the wolf from the door> c : the maggot of a warble fly
3 [German; from the howling sound] a (1) : dissonance in some chords on organs, pianos, or other instruments with fixed tones tuned by unequal temperament (2) : an instance of such dissonance b : a harshness due to faulty vibration in various tones in a bowed instrument
–wolf·like \'wu̇lf-ˌlīk\ adjective
–wolf in sheep's clothing : one who cloaks a hostile intention with a friendly manner

wolf
n. : to eat greedily : DEVOUR

wolf
n. cry wolf
dire wolf
gray wolf
timber wolf
lone wolf
maned wolf
prairie wolf
red wolf
Tasmanian wolf thylacine
wolf in sheep's clothing
wolf dog
wolf pack
wolf tree
wolf spider
wolf whistle
throw to the wolves

wolf dog
1 : any of various large dogs formerly kept for hunting wolves
2 : the offspring of a wolf and a domestic dog

wolf in sheep's clothing
one who cloaks a hostile intention with a friendly manner

wolf pack
: a group of submarines that make a coordinated attack on shipping

wolf spider
: any of various active wandering ground spiders (family Lycosidae)

wolf tree
: a very large forest tree that has a wide-spreading crown and inhibits or prevents the growth of smaller trees around it

wolf whistle
: a distinctive 2-toned whistle sounded by a boy or man to express sexual admiration for a girl or woman in his vicinity

wolfberry
: a white-berried No. American shrub (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) of the honeysuckle family

Wolfe
n. Charles 1791-1823 Irish poet

Wolfe
n. James 1727-1759 Brit. gen.

Wolfe
n. Thomas Clayton 1900-1938 American nov.

wolfer
: a hunter of wolves

Wolff
Caspar Friedrich 1734-1794 Ger. anatomist

Wolff
Christian 1679-1754 Freiherr von Wolff Ger. philos. & math.

Wolff
cry wolf
dire wolf
gray wolf
timber wolf
lone wolf
maned wolf
prairie wolf
red wolf
Tasmanian wolf thylacine
wolf in sheep's clothing
wolf dog
wolf pack
wolf tree
wolf spider
wolf whistle
throw to the wolves

Wolffian duct
: the duct of the mesonephros that persists in the female chiefly as part of a vestigial organ and in the male as the duct system leaving the testis and including the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and ejaculatory duct

wolffish
n. : any of several large marine bony fishes (genus Anarhichas of the family Anarhicadidae) of cold northern waters having strong canine teeth in the front of the jaws and molar teeth on the sides and that feed chiefly on shellfish, starfish, and sea urchins

wolfhound
n. : any of several large dogs used especially formerly in hunting large animals (as wolves) ― compare BORZOI, IRISH WOLFHOUND

wolfish
adj. 1 a : suggestive of a wolf <wolfish mongrel dogs ― Hoffman Birney> <a wolfish and withdrawn youth ― Marshall Frady> b : befitting or characteristic of a wolf <a wolfish appetite>
2 : of or relating to wolves
–wolf·ish·ly adverb
–wolf·ish·ness noun

wolfram
n. 1 : WOLFRAMITE
2 : TUNGSTEN

Wolfram von Eschenbach
ca 1170-ca 1220 Ger. poet & minnesinger

wolframite
n. : a brown to black mineral that consists of a tungstate of iron and manganese occurring especially in monoclinic crystals and used as a source of tungsten

wolfsbane
n. : any of several monkshoods (esp. Aconitum napellus or A. lycoctonum)

Wolfsburg
city N cen Germany pop 128,995

Wollaston
n. William Hyde 1766-1828 Eng. chem. & physicist

wollastonite
n. : a triclinic mineral consisting of a native calcium silicate occurring usually in cleavable masses

Wollongong
city SE Australia in E New South Wales S of Sydney pop 211,417

Wollstonecraft
Mary 1759-1797 wife of William Godwin & mother of M.W. Shelley Eng. feminist & writer

Wolof
n. : a Niger-Congo language of Senegambia

Wolseley
1st Viscount 1833-1913 Garnet Joseph Wolseley Brit. field marshal

Wolsey
Thomas ca 1475-1530 Eng. cardinal & statesman

Wolverhampton
city W cen England in W. Midlands NW of Birmingham pop 236,582

wolverine
n. 1 plural also wolverine a : a carnivorous usually solitary mammal (Gulo gulo) of the weasel family of northern forests and associated tundra that is dark brown with a light brown band on each side of the body and is noted for its strength b : the fur of the wolverine
2 capitalized : a native or resident of Michigan ― used as a nickname

woman
n. 1 a : an adult female person b : a woman belonging to a particular category (as by birth, residence, membership, or occupation) ― usually used in combination <councilwoman>
2 : WOMANKIND
3 : distinctively feminine nature : WOMANLINESS
4 : a woman who is a servant or personal attendant
5 a chiefly dialect : WIFE b : MISTRESS c : GIRLFRIEND 2
–woman adjective
–wom·an·less \-ləs\ adjective

woman
n. fancy woman
little woman
other woman
strange woman
woman of letters
woman of the street
woman's rights
woman suffrage
battered woman syndrome
battered woman's syndrome
women's rights
women's room
women's studies
battered women's syndrome

woman of letters

1818
1 : a woman who is a scholar
2 : a woman who is an author

woman of the street

1928
: PROSTITUTE

woman suffrage
: possession and exercise of suffrage by women

woman's rights
1 : legal, political, and social rights for women equal to those of men
2 : FEMINISM 2

womanhood
n. 1 a : the state of being a woman b : the distinguishing character or qualities of a woman or of womankind
2 : WOMEN, WOMANKIND

womanise
v. British variant of womanize

womanish
adj. 1 : associated with or characteristic of women rather than men
2 : suggestive of a weak character : EFFEMINATE <womanish fears>
–wom·an·ish·ly adverb
–wom·an·ish·ness noun

womanism
n. : a form of feminism focused especially on the conditions and concerns of black women
–wom·an·ist \-nist\ noun or adjective

womanize
v. transitive verb : to make effeminate
intransitive verb : to pursue casual sexual relationships with multiple women
–wom·an·iz·er noun

womankind
n. : female human beings : women especially as distinguished from men

womanlike
adj. : WOMANLY

womanlike
adj. : in the manner of a woman

womanly
adj. 1 : having qualities generally associated with a woman
2 : appropriate in character to a woman
–wom·an·li·ness noun

womanpower
: women available and prepared for work (as in industry or a particular line of endeavor)

womb
n. 1 : UTERUS
2 a : a cavity or space that resembles a womb in containing and enveloping b : a place where something is generated
–wombed \'wümd\ adjective

wombat
n. : any of several stocky burrowing Australian marsupials (genera Vombatus and Lasiorhinus of the family Vombatidae) resembling small bears

women's rights
: WOMAN'S RIGHTS

women's room
: LADIES' ROOM

women's studies
: the multidisciplinary study of the social status and societal contributions of women and the relationship between power and gender

womenfolk
n. : WOMEN

womenkind
: WOMANKIND

wommera
variant of woomera

won
n. archaic : DWELL 2A, ABIDE 2

won
n. past and past part of win

won
n. ― see MONEY table

won't
v. : will not

wonder
n. 1 a : a cause of astonishment or admiration : MARVEL <it's a wonder you weren't killed> <the pyramid is a wonder to behold> b : MIRACLE
2 : the quality of exciting amazed admiration
3 a : rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience b : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

wonder
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to be in a state of wonder b : to feel surprise
2 : to feel curiosity or doubt <wondering about the future>
transitive verb : to be curious or in doubt about <wonders why birds sing>
–won·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

wonder
n. : WONDROUS, WONDERFUL: as a : exciting amazement or admiration <wonder toys> b : effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated <a wonder fabric>

wonder
n. boy wonder
wonder drug
nine days' wonder
nine day wonder
wonder worker
wonder working

wonder drug
: MIRACLE DRUG

wonder-worker
: one that performs wonders

wonder-working
: producing wonders

wonderful
adj. 1 : exciting wonder : MARVELOUS, ASTONISHING <a sight wonderful to behold>
2 : unusually good : ADMIRABLE <did a wonderful job>
–won·der·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
–won·der·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

wonderland
n. 1 : an imaginary place of delicate beauty or magical charm
2 : a place that excites admiration or wonder <a scenic wonderland>

wonderment
n. 1 : a cause of or occasion for wonder
2 : ASTONISHMENT, SURPRISE
3 : curiosity about something

wonderwork
n. : a marvelous act, work, or accomplishment

wondrous
adj. : that is to be marveled at : EXTRAORDINARY <a wondrous feat>
–wondrous adverb archaic
–won·drous·ly adverb
–won·drous·ness noun

wonk
n. : a person preoccupied with arcane details or procedures in a specialized field broadly : NERD <a policy wonk> <a computer wonk>

wonky
adj. 1 British : UNSTEADY, SHAKY
2 chiefly British : AWRY, WRONG

Wonsan
city & port N. Korea on E coast pop 274,000

wont
n. 1 : ACCUSTOMED, USED <got up early as he is wont to do>
2 : INCLINED, APT <revealing as letters are wont to be ― Gladys M. Wrigley>

wont
n. transitive verb : ACCUSTOM, HABITUATE
intransitive verb : to have the habit of doing something

wont
n. : habitual way of doing : USE
synonyms see HABIT

wonted
adj. : usual or ordinary especially by reason of established habit <spoke with his wonted slowness>
synonyms see USUAL
–wont·ed·ly adverb
–wont·ed·ness noun

wonton
n. : filled pockets of noodle dough served boiled in soup or fried

woo
v. transitive verb
1 : to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with : COURT
2 : to solicit or entreat especially with importunity <woo new customers>
3 : to seek to gain or bring about
intransitive verb : to court a woman
–woo·er noun

Wood
n. Grant 1892-1942 American painter

Wood
n. Leonard 1860-1927 American physician & gen.

wood
n. archaic : violently mad

wood
n. 1 a : a dense growth of trees usually greater in extent than a grove and smaller than a forest ― often used in plural but singular or plural in construction b : WOODLAND
2 a : the hard fibrous substance consisting basically of xylem that makes up the greater part of the stems, branches, and roots of trees or shrubs beneath the bark and is found to a limited extent in herbaceous plants b : wood suitable or prepared for some use (as burning or building)
3 a : something made of wood b : a golf club having a thick wooden head also : a golf club having a similar head made of metal
–out of the woods : clear of danger or difficulty

wood
n. 1 : WOODEN
2 : suitable for cutting or working with wood <a wood saw>
3 or woods \'wu̇dz\ : living, growing, or existing in woods <woods trails>

wood
n. : to gather or take on wood
transitive verb : to cover with a growth of trees or plant with trees

wood
n. wood turpentine
wood warbler
wood block
knock on wood
wood alcohol
wood anemone
wood betony
wood boring
wood carving
wood carver
wood duck
wood ear
wood engraving
wood frog
wood louse
wood nymph
wood pigeon
wood pulp
wood pussy
wood rat
wood ray
wood shot
wood sorrel
wood stork
wood ibis
wood sugar
wood thrush
wood tick
wood turning
Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Green
piney woods
out of the woods
Muir Woods National Monument
Woods Lake of the
soft wooded

wood alcohol
: METHANOL

wood anemone
: any of several anemones especially : one (Anemone quinquefolia) of No. America with solitary often pink-tinged flowers

wood betony
: a lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis) of eastern No. America with yellow or reddish flowers in bracted spikes

Wood Buffalo National Park
n. reservation W Canada in N Alta. & SE Northwest Territories

wood carving
: the art of fashioning or ornamenting objects of wood by cutting with a sharp handheld implement also : an object of wood so fashioned or ornamented
–wood-carv·er \-ˌkär-vər\ noun

wood duck
: a showy American duck (Aix sponsa) which nests in tree cavities and the males of which have a large crest and iridescent plumage varied with green, purple, black, white, and chestnut

wood ear
: any of several ear- or cup-shaped basidiomycetous fungi (genus Auricularia) that grow on wood: as a : an edible brownish fungus (A. auricula) of No. America b : a cultivated usually dark brown edible fungus (A. polytricha) used in Chinese cooking

wood engraving
1 : a relief printing surface consisting of a wooden block with a usually pictorial design cut in the end grain
2 : a print from a wood engraving

wood frog
: a common No. American frog (Rana sylvatica) that inhabits chiefly moist woodlands and is dark brown, yellowish-brown, or pink with a black stripe on each side of the head

Wood Green
former municipal borough SE England in Middlesex, now part of Haringey

wood louse
: a terrestrial isopod crustacean (suborder Oniscoidea) with a flattened elliptical body often capable of being rolled into a ball ― called also pill bug sow bug

wood nymph
: a nymph living in woods ― called also dryad

wood pigeon
: a large chiefly European pigeon (Columba palumbus) with a whitish patch on each side of the neck and wings edged with white ― called also ringdove

wood pulp
: pulp from wood used in making cellulose derivatives (as paper or rayon)

wood pussy
: SKUNK

wood rat
: any of numerous soft-furred cricetid rodents (esp. genus Neotoma) of No. and Central America that have well-furred tails, large ears, and a characteristic tendency to hoard food and debris on or near their dens ― called also pack rat

wood ray
: XYLEM RAY

wood shot
1 : a golf shot played with a wood
2 : a stroke in a racket game in which the ball or shuttlecock is hit with the frame of the racket rather than the strings

wood sorrel
: any of a genus (Oxalis of the family Oxalidaceae, the wood-sorrel family) of herbs with acid sap, compound leaves, and regular flowers having five usually white, purple, or yellow petals especially : either of two stemless herbs (O. montana of No. America and O. acetosella of Eurasia) with trifoliolate leaves

wood stork
: a white stork (Mycteria americana) with black wing flight feathers and tail that frequents wooded swamps from the southeastern U.S. to Argentina ― called also wood ibis

wood sugar
: XYLOSE

wood thrush
: a large woodland thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) of eastern No. America that is rusty brown on the head and back, has white underparts marked with large black spots, and is noted for its loud clear song

wood tick
: any of several ixodid ticks: as a : a widely distributed tick (Dermacentor andersonii) of western No. America that is a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever b : AMERICAN DOG TICK

wood turning
: the art or process of fashioning wooden pieces or blocks into various forms and shapes by means of a lathe

wood turpentine
: TURPENTINE 2B

wood warbler
: WARBLER 2B

wood-boring
: excavating galleries in wood in feeding or in constructing a nest ― used chiefly of an insect

woodbine
n. 1 : any of several honeysuckles especially : a Eurasian twining shrub (Lonicera periclymenum)
2 : VIRGINIA CREEPER

woodblock
n. : WOODCUT
–wood-block adjective

Woodbury
city E Minn., a suburb of St. Paul pop 46,463

woodchat shrike
: a black-and-white European shrike (Lanius senator) with a red crown and nape ― called also woodchat

woodchopper
n. : one engaged in chopping wood and especially in chopping down trees

woodchuck
n. : a grizzled thickset marmot (Marmota monax) chiefly of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern U.S. ― called also groundhog

woodcock
n. 1 or plural woodcock : a widespread Old World woodland game bird (Scolopax rusticola) of the sandpiper family that has a long bill and large eyes also : a smaller related woodland game bird (S. minor syn. Philohela minor) of eastern No. America
2 [from the ease with which the woodcock is snared] archaic : SIMPLETON

woodcraft
n. 1 : skill and practice in anything relating to the woods and especially in maintaining oneself and making one's way in the woods
2 : skill in shaping or constructing articles from wood

woodcut
n. 1 : a relief printing surface consisting of a wooden block with a usually pictorial design cut with the grain
2 : a print from a woodcut

woodcutter
n. : one that cuts wood

woodcutting
n. 1 : the action or occupation of cutting wood or timber
2 : the producing of woodcuts

wooded
adj. : covered with growing trees

wooden
adj. 1 : made or consisting of wood
2 : lacking ease or flexibility : awkwardly stiff <a wooden speech> <a wooden performer>
–wood·en·ly adverb
–wood·en·ness \-dən-(n)əs\ noun

wooden Indian
: a wooden image of a standing American Indian brave used especially formerly as a sign for a cigar store

woodenhead
n. : BLOCKHEAD

woodenheaded
adj. : DENSE, STUPID

woodenware
n. : articles made of wood for domestic use

Woodland
n. city W Calif. NW of Sacramento pop 49,151

woodland
n. : land covered with woody vegetation : TIMBERLAND, FOREST
–wood·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ noun

woodland
n. 1 : growing, living, or existing in woodland
2 : of, relating to, or being woodland

Woodlark
n. island W Pacific in Solomon Sea off SE end of New Guinea; attached to Papua New Guinea area 400 sq mi (1040 sq km)

woodlore
: knowledge of the woods

woodlot
n. : a restricted area of woodland usually privately maintained as a source of fuel, posts, and lumber

woodman
n. 1 : WOODSMAN
2 capitalized [Modern Woodmen of America & Woodmen of the World] : a member of either of two independent benevolent and fraternal societies

woodnote
n. : verbal expression that is natural and artless

woodpecker
n. : any of numerous birds (family Picidae) with zygodactyl feet, stiff spiny tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a usually extensible tongue, a very hard bill used to drill the bark or wood of trees for insect food or to excavate nesting cavities, and generally showy parti-colored plumage

woodpecker
n. acorn woodpecker
downy woodpecker
hairy woodpecker
ivory billed woodpecker
pileated woodpecker
red cockaded woodpecker

woodpile
n. : a pile of wood (as firewood)
–in the woodpile : doing or responsible for covert mischief

Woodridge
city NE Ill. pop 30,934

woodruff
n. 1 : any of a genus (Asperula) of Old World herbs of the madder family
2 : SWEET WOODRUFF

Woods
n. Tiger 1975-     Eldrick Woods American golfer

Woods
n. piney woods
out of the woods
Muir Woods National Monument
Woods Lake of the

Woods, Lake of the
lake S Canada & N U.S. in Ont., Man., & Minn. SE of Lake Winnipeg area 1679 sq mi (4349 sq km)

woodshed
n. 1 : a shed for storing wood and especially firewood
2 : a place, means, or session for administering discipline

woodshed
n. : PRACTICE especially : to practice on a musical instrument

woodsman
n. : a person who frequents or works in the woods especially : one skilled in woodcraft

Woodstock
n. city Canada in SE Ont. pop 33,061

woodstove
n. : a stove that uses wood for fuel

woodsy
adj. : characteristic or suggestive of woods <the woodsy flavor of mushrooms>

Woodward
n. Robert Burns 1917-1979 Am. chem.

woodwind
n. 1 : any of a group of wind instruments (as a clarinet, flute, oboe, or saxophone) that are characterized by a cylindrical or conical tube of wood or metal usually ending in a slightly flared bell, that produce tones by the vibration of one or two reeds in the mouthpiece or by the passing of air over a mouth hole, and that usually have finger holes or keys by which the player may produce all the tones within an instrument's range
2 plural : the woodwind section of a band or orchestra

woodwork
n. 1 : work made of wood especially : interior fittings (as moldings or stairways) of wood
2 : a place or state of concealment, seclusion, or anonymity <witnesses came out of the woodwork when a reward was offered>

woodworking
n. : used for woodworking

woodworking
n. : the act, process, or occupation of working wood into a useful or desired form
–wood·work·er \-kər\ noun

woodworm
n. : an insect larva (as of a furniture beetle) that bores especially in dead wood also : an infestation of woodworms

woody
n. 1 : abounding or overgrown with woods
2 a : of or containing wood or wood fibers : LIGNEOUS <woody tissues> b : having woody parts : rich in xylem and associated structures <woody plants>
3 : characteristic of or suggestive of wood <wine with a woody flavor>
–wood·i·ness noun

woody
n. : a wood-paneled station wagon

woof
n. 1 a : WEFT 1A b : woven fabric also : the texture of such a fabric
2 : a basic or essential element or material

woof
n. 1 : to make the low gruff sound typically produced by a dog
2 : to express oneself in a usually stylized boastful or aggressive manner

woof
n. 1 : a low gruff sound typically produced by a dog
2 : a low note emitted by sound reproducing equipment

woofer
n. : a loudspeaker usually larger than a tweeter, responsive only to the lower acoustic frequencies, and used for reproducing sounds of low pitch ― compare TWEETER

wool
n. 1 : the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various hairy mammals and especially the sheep made up of a matrix of keratin fibers and covered with minute scales
2 : a product of wool especially : a woven fabric or garment of such fabric
3 a : a dense felted pubescence especially on a plant : TOMENTUM b : a filamentous mass ― usually used in combination ― compare MINERAL WOOL, STEEL WOOL

wool
n. angora wool
combing wool
cotton wool
dyed in the wool
glass wool
mineral wool
pull the wool over one's eyes
rock wool
Shetland wool
steel wool
virgin wool
wool fat
wool grease

wool fat
: wool grease especially after refining : LANOLIN

wool grease
: a fatty slightly sticky wax coating the surface of the fibers of sheep's wool ― compare WOOL FAT

wooled
adj. : having wool especially of a specified kind ― used in combination <long-wooled>

woolen
n. 1 : made of wool
2 : of or relating to the manufacture or sale of woolen products <woolen mills>

woolen
n. 1 : a fabric made of wool and especially of woolen yarns having a fuzzy or napped face (as for use in clothing or blankets) ― compare WORSTED
2 : garments of woolen fabric ― usually used in plural

Woolf
n. (Adeline) Virginia 1882-1941 née Stephen Eng. author

woolgather
v. : to engage in woolgathering
–wool·gath·er·er \-thər-ər\ noun

woolgathering
n. : indulgence in idle daydreaming

Woollcott
Alexander 1887-1943 American writer

Woolley
Sir Charles Leonard 1880-1960 Eng. archaeol.

woolly
n. 1 a : resembling wool b : of, relating to, or bearing wool
2 a : lacking in clearness or sharpness of outline <a woolly TV picture> b : marked by mental confusion <woolly thinking>
3 : marked by boisterous roughness or lack of order or restraint <where the West is still woolly ― Paul Schubert> ― used especially in the phrase wild and woolly
–wool·li·ly \-lə-lē\ adverb
–wool·li·ness noun

woolly
n. 1 : a garment made from wool especially : underclothing of knitted wool ― usually used in plural
2 West & Australian : SHEEP

woolly
n. woolly adelgid
woolly aphid
woolly aphis
woolly bear
woolly headed
woolly mammoth
woolly monkey
woolly spider monkey

woolly adelgid
: either of two aphids (genus Adelges) with a white woolly coating that have been accidentally introduced into No. America: a : one (A. piceae) native to Europe that is a serious pest of fir trees b : one (A. tsugae) native to Asia that is a serious pest of hemlocks

woolly aphid
: any of several aphids (esp. genus Eriosoma) covered with a dense coat of white filaments ― called also woolly aphis

woolly bear
: any of various rather large very hairy moth caterpillars especially : one of a tiger moth

woolly mammoth
: a heavy-coated mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) formerly inhabiting the colder parts of the northern hemisphere

woolly monkey
: either of two large monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha and L. flavicauda) chiefly of the Amazon basin that have short woolly hair, long limbs, and a long prehensile tail

woolly spider monkey
: a large monkey (Brachyteles arachnoides) of southeastern Brazil with woolly hair, long limbs, a long prehensile tail, and a thumb which is absent or rudimentary

woolly-headed
1 : having hair suggesting wool
2 : marked by vague or confused perception or thinking

woolpack
n. 1 : a wrapper of strong fabric into which fleeces are packed for shipment
2 : the complete package of wool and wrapper

woolsack
n. 1 archaic : WOOLPACK 2
2 : a cushion that is the official seat of the Lord Chancellor or his deputy in presiding over the House of Lords

woolshed
n. : a building or group of buildings (as on an Australian ranch) in which sheep are sheared and wool is prepared for market

woolskin
: a sheepskin having the wool still on it

woolsorter's disease
: pulmonary anthrax resulting especially from inhalation of bacterial spores from contaminated wool or hair

Woolwich
former metropolitan borough E London, England, now part of Greenwich

Woolworth
n. Frank Winfield 1852-1919 American merchant

Woomera
n. town S. Australia W of Lake Torrens

woomera
n. : a wooden rod with a hooked end used by Australian aborigines for throwing a spear

Woonsocket
city N R.I. pop 43,224

woops
interj. variant of oops

Wooster
city N cen Ohio SW of Akron pop 24,811

woozy
adj. 1 : mentally unclear or hazy <seems a little woozy, not quite knowing what to say ― J. A. Lukacs>
2 : affected with dizziness, mild nausea, or weakness
3 : having a soft, indistinct, or unfocused quality : VAGUE, FUZZY <woozy⋯prose and vaguely beneficent statements ― Roz Kaveney>
–woo·zi·ly adverb
–woo·zi·ness noun

wop
n. usually offensive : ITALIAN

Worcester
n. : low-fired porcelain containing a frit and steatite produced at Worcester, England, from about 1751 ― called also Worcester china Worcester porcelain

Worcester
n. Joseph Emerson 1784-1865 American lexicographer

Worcester
n. 1 city E cen Mass. W of Boston pop 172,648
2 or Worces·ter·shire \-tə(r)-ˌshir, -shər\ county W cen England capital Worcester area 704 sq mi (1823 sq km), pop 538,200
3 city, capital of Worcestershire & formerly of Hereford and Worcester pop 81,000

Worcester
n. Worcester porcelain
Worcester china
Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce
: a pungent sauce whose ingredients include soy, vinegar, and garlic ― called also Worcestershire

word
n. 1 a : something that is said b plural (1) : TALK, DISCOURSE <putting one's feelings into words> (2) : the text of a vocal musical composition c : a brief remark or conversation <would like to have a word with you>
2 a (1) : a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use (2) : the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements b (1) : a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word <the number of words to a line> ― sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism <the first man to utter the f word on British TV ― Time> <we were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death ― Erma Bombeck> (2) : any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark c : a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work
3 : ORDER, COMMAND <don't move till I give the word>
4 often capitalized a : LOGOS b : GOSPEL 1A c : the expressed or manifested mind and will of God
5 a : NEWS, INFORMATION <sent word that he would be late> b : RUMOR
6 : the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
7 : SAYING, PROVERB
8 : PROMISE, DECLARATION <kept her word>
9 : a quarrelsome utterance or conversation ― usually used in plural <they had words and parted>
10 : a verbal signal : PASSWORD
11 slang ― used interjectionally to express agreement
–good word
1 : a favorable statement <put in a good word for me>
2 : good news <what's the good word>
–in a word : in short
–in so many words
1 : in exactly those terms <implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words>
2 : in plain forthright language <in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen ― Jean Stafford>
–of few words : not inclined to say more than is necessary : LACONIC <a man of few words>
–of one's word : that can be relied on to keep a promise ― used only after man or woman <a man of his word>
–upon my word : with my assurance : INDEED, ASSUREDLY <upon my word, I've never heard of such a thing>

word
n. archaic : SPEAK
transitive verb : to express in words : PHRASE <a carefully worded reply>

word
n. code word
content word
dirty word
entry word
fighting word
form word
four letter word
function word
ghost word
guide word
key word
last word
my word
weasel word
upon my word
of one's word
in a word
good word
word association test
word class
word for word
word hoard
word mongering
word of mouth
word order
word processing
word process
word processor
word square
word stress
word accent
word wrap
eat one's words
of few words
in so many words

word class
: a linguistic form class whose members are words especially : PART OF SPEECH

word for word
: in the exact words : VERBATIM

word of mouth

1553
: oral communication especially : oral often inadvertent publicity

word order
: the order or arrangement of words in a phrase, clause, or sentence

word processing
: the production of typewritten documents (as business letters) with automated and usually computerized typing and text-editing equipment
–word process verb

word processor
: a keyboard-operated terminal usually with a video display and a magnetic storage device for use in word processing also : software (as for a computer system) to perform word processing

word square
: a series of words of equal length arranged in a square pattern to read the same horizontally and vertically

word stress
: the manner in which stresses are distributed on the syllables of a word ― called also word accent

word wrap
: a word processing feature that automatically transfers a word for which there is insufficient space from the end of one line of text to the beginning of the next

word-association test
: a test of personality and mental function in which the subject is required to respond to each of a series of words with the first word that comes to mind or with a word of a specified class of words (as antonyms)

word-for-word
: being in or following the exact words : VERBATIM <a word-for-word translation>

word-hoard
: a supply of words : VOCABULARY

word-mongering
: the use of empty or bombastic words

word-of-mouth
: orally communicated also : generated from or reliant on oral publicity <word-of-mouth customers> <a word-of-mouth business>

wordage
n. 1 a : WORDS b : VERBIAGE 1
2 : the number or quantity of words
3 : WORDING

wordbook
n. : VOCABULARY, DICTIONARY

Worde
Wynkyn de d 1534? Eng. (Alsatian-born) printer

wording
n. : the act or manner of expressing in words : PHRASEOLOGY

wordless
adj. 1 : not expressed in or accompanied by words <a wordless picture book>
2 : SILENT, SPEECHLESS <sat wordless throughout the meeting>
–word·less·ly adverb
–word·less·ness noun

wordmonger
: a writer who uses words for show or without particular regard for meaning

wordplay
n. : playful use of words : verbal wit

wordsmith
n. : a person who works with words especially : a skillful writer
–word·smith·ery \-ˌsmi-thə-rē\ noun

Wordsworth
n. William 1770-1850 Eng. poet; poet laureate (1843-50)
–Words·worth·ian \ˌwərdz-'wər-thē-ən, -thē-\ adjective

wordy
adj. 1 : using or containing many and usually too many words
2 : of or relating to words : VERBAL
–word·i·ly \'wər-də-lē\ adverb
–word·i·ness \'wər-dē-nəs\ noun
synonyms WORDY, VERBOSE, PROLIX, DIFFUSE mean using more words than necessary to express thought. WORDY may also imply loquaciousness or garrulity <a wordy speech>. VERBOSE suggests a resulting dullness, obscurity, or lack of incisiveness or precision <the verbose position papers>. PROLIX suggests unreasonable and tedious dwelling on details <habitually transformed brief anecdotes into prolix sagas>. DIFFUSE stresses lack of compactness and pointedness of style <diffuse memoirs that are so many shaggy-dog stories>.

wore
past of wear

work
n. 1 : activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something: a : sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result b : the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood c : a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
2 a : energy expended by natural phenomena b : the result of such energy <sand dunes are the work of sea and wind> c : the transference of energy that is produced by the motion of the point of application of a force and is measured by multiplying the force and the displacement of its point of application in the line of action
3 a : something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising <careful police work> <clever camera work> b : something that results from the use or fashioning of a particular material <porcelain work>
4 a : a fortified structure (as a fort, earthen barricade, or trench) b plural : structures in engineering (as docks, bridges, or embankments) or mining (as shafts or tunnels)
5 plural but singular or plural in construction : a place where industrial labor is carried on : PLANT, FACTORY
6 plural : the working or moving parts of a mechanism <the works of a clock>
7 a : something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill <this book is the work of many hands> b : something produced by the exercise of creative talent or expenditure of creative effort : artistic production <an early work by a major writer>
8 plural : performance of moral or religious acts <salvation by works>
9 a : effective operation : EFFECT, RESULT <wait for time to do its healing work> b : manner of working : WORKMANSHIP, EXECUTION
10 : the material or piece of material that is operated upon at any stage in the process of manufacture
11 plural a : everything possessed, available, or belonging <the whole works, rod, reel, tackle box, went overboard> <ordered pizza with the works> b : subjection to drastic treatment : all possible abuse ― usually used with get <get the works> or give <gave them the works>
–at work
1 : engaged in working : BUSY especially : engaged in one's regular occupation
2 : having effect : OPERATING, FUNCTIONING
–in the works : in process of preparation, development, or completion
–in work
1 : in process of being done
2 of a horse : in training
–out of work : without regular employment : JOBLESS
synonyms WORK, LABOR, TRAVAIL, TOIL, DRUDGERY, GRIND mean activity involving effort or exertion. WORK may imply activity of body, of mind, of a machine, or of a natural force <too tired to do any work>. LABOR applies to physical or intellectual work involving great and often strenuous exertion <farmers demanding fair compensation for their labor>. TRAVAIL is bookish for labor involving pain or suffering <years of travail were lost when the house burned>. TOIL implies prolonged and fatiguing labor <his lot would be years of back-breaking toil>. DRUDGERY suggests dull and irksome labor <an editorial job with a good deal of drudgery>. GRIND implies labor exhausting to mind or body <the grind of the assembly line>.
synonyms WORK, EMPLOYMENT, OCCUPATION, CALLING, PURSUIT, MÉTIER, BUSINESS mean a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living. WORK may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not <her work as a hospital volunteer>. EMPLOYMENT implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer <your employment with this firm is hereby terminated>. OCCUPATION implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training <his occupation as a trained auto mechanic>. CALLING applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession <the ministry seemed my true calling>. PURSUIT suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest <her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit>. MÉTIER implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted <acting was my one and only métier>. BUSINESS suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs <the business of managing a hotel>.

work
n. 1 : used for work <a work elephant>
2 : suitable or styled for wear while working <work clothes>
3 : involving or engaged in work <a work gang> <work hours>

work
n. transitive verb
1 : to bring to pass : EFFECT <work miracles>
2 a : to fashion or create a useful or desired product by expending labor or exertion on : FORGE, SHAPE <work flint into tools> b : to make or decorate with needlework especially : EMBROIDER
3 a : to prepare for use by stirring or kneading b : to bring into a desired form by a gradual process of cutting, hammering, scraping, pressing, or stretching <work cold steel>
4 : to set or keep in motion, operation, or activity : cause to operate or produce <a pump worked by hand> <work farmland>
5 : to solve (a problem) by reasoning or calculation ― often used with out
6 a : to cause to toil or labor <worked their horses nearly to death> b : to make use of : EXPLOIT c : to control or guide the operation of <switches are worked from a central tower>
7 a : to carry on an operation or perform a job through, at, in, or along <the peddler worked the corner> <a sportscaster hired to work the game> b : to greet and talk with in a friendly way in order to ingratiate oneself or achieve a purpose <politicians working the crowd> <worked the room>
8 : to pay for or achieve with labor or service <worked my way through college> <worked my way up in the company>
9 a : to get (oneself or an object) into or out of a condition or position by gradual stages b : CONTRIVE, ARRANGE <we can work it so that you can take your vacation>
10 a : to practice trickery or cajolery on for some end <worked the management for a free ticket> b : EXCITE, PROVOKE <worked myself into a rage>
intransitive verb
1 a : to exert oneself physically or mentally especially in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity b : to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations <worked all day over a hot stove> c : to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary <works in publishing>
2 : to function or operate according to plan or design <hinges work better with oil>
3 : to exert an influence or tendency
4 : to produce a desired effect or result : SUCCEED <a plan that will work>
5 a : to make way slowly and with difficulty : move or progress laboriously <worked up to the presidency> b : to sail to windward
6 : to permit of being worked : react in a specified way to being worked <this wood works easily>
7 a : to be in agitation or restless motion b : FERMENT 1 c : to move slightly in relation to another part d : to get into a specified condition by slow or imperceptible movements <the knot worked loose>
–work on
1 : AFFECT <worked on my sympathies>
2 : to strive to influence or persuade
–work upon : to have effect upon : operate on

work
n. hatchet work
make work
piece of work
right to work
scut work
social work
stump work
out of work
in work
at work
work upon
work on
work around
work camp
work ethic
work farm
work in
work of art
work off
work out
work over
work print
work song
work stoppage
work study program
work to rule
work up
public works
shoot the works
Skunk Works
in the works
open worked
worked up
wonder working
working asset
working capital
working class
working day
working dog
working fluid
working papers
working substance
high wrought
in wrought
wrought iron

work camp
: a camp for workers: as a : PRISON CAMP 1 b : a short-term group project in which individuals from one or more religious organizations volunteer their labor

work ethic
: a belief in work as a moral good

work farm
: a farm on which persons guilty of minor law violations are confined

work in
1 : to insert or cause to penetrate by repeated or continued effort
2 : to interpose or insinuate gradually or unobtrusively <worked in a few topical jokes>

work of art

1629
1 : a product of one of the fine arts especially : a painting or sculpture of high artistic quality
2 : something giving high aesthetic satisfaction to the viewer or listener

work off
: to dispose of or get rid of by work or activity

work on

1 : AFFECT <worked on my sympathies>
2 : to strive to influence or persuade

work out
1 a : to bring about by labor and exertion <work out your own salvation ― Phil 2:12 (AV)> b : to solve (as a problem) by a process of reasoning or calculation c : to devise, arrange, or achieve by resolving difficulties <after many years of wrangling, worked out a definite agreement ― A. A. Butkus> d : DEVELOP <the final situation is not worked out with psychological profundity ― Leslie Rees>
2 : to discharge (as a debt) by labor
3 : to exhaust (as a mine) by working
intransitive verb
1 a : to prove effective, practicable, or suitable <how this will actually work out I don't know ― Milton Kotler> b : to amount to a total or calculated figure ― used with at or to
2 : to engage in a workout <works out regularly at the gym>

work over
1 : to subject to thorough examination, study, or treatment <shelf stock worked over by shoppers>
2 : to do over : REWORK <saved the play by working the first act over>
3 : to beat up or manhandle with thoroughness <the gang worked me over>

work print
: a completely edited motion-picture print used as a guide in cutting the original negative from which the final production prints will be made

work song
: a song sung in rhythm with work

work stoppage
: concerted cessation of work by a group of employees usually more spontaneous and less serious than a strike

work up
1 : to stir up : ROUSE
2 : to produce by mental or physical work <worked up a comedy act> <worked up a sweat in the gym>
intransitive verb : to rise gradually in intensity or emotional tone

work upon
to have effect upon : operate on

work-around
: a plan or method to circumvent a problem (as in computer software) without eliminating it

work-study program
: a program planned to give high school or college students work experience

work-to-rule
: the practice of working to the strictest interpretation of the rules as a job action

work-up
: an unintended mark on a printed sheet caused by the rising of spacing material

workable
adj. 1 : capable of being worked <a workable material>
2 : PRACTICABLE, FEASIBLE <a workable system>
–work·abil·i·ty \ˌwər-kə-'bi-lə-tē\ noun
–work·able·ness \'wər-kə-bəl-nəs\ noun

workaday
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or suited for working days <workaday clothes>
2 : ORDINARY, PROSAIC <workaday activities> <a workaday life>

workaholic
n. : a compulsive worker
–workaholic adjective
–work·a·hol·ism \'wər-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm, -ˌhä-\ noun

workbag
n. : a bag for implements or materials for work especially : a bag for needlework

workbasket
n. : a basket for needlework

workbench
n. : a bench on which work especially of mechanics, machinists, and carpenters is performed

workboat
n. : a boat used for work purposes (as commercial fishing and ferrying supplies) rather than for sport or for passenger or naval service

workbook
n. 1 : a worker's manual
2 : a booklet outlining a course of study
3 : a record of work done
4 : a student's book of problems to be solved directly on the pages

workbox
n. : a box for work instruments and materials

workday
n. 1 : a day on which work is performed as distinguished from a day off
2 : the period of time in a day during which work is performed
–workday adjective

worked
adj. : that has been subjected to some process of development, treatment, or manufacture <a newly worked field>

worked up
: emotionally aroused : EXCITED

worker
n. 1 a : one that works especially at manual or industrial labor or with a particular material <a factory worker> ― often used in combination b : a member of the working class
2 : any of the sexually underdeveloped and usually sterile members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony

worker
n. field worker
guest worker
sex worker
social worker
wonder worker
worker priest
workers' compensation
workers' comp

worker-priest
: a French Roman Catholic priest who for missionary purposes spends part of each weekday as a worker in a secular job

workers' compensation
: a system of insurance that reimburses an employer for damages that must be paid to an employee for injury occurring in the course of employment ― called also workers' comp \-'kämp\

workfare
n. : a welfare program in which recipients are required to perform usually public-service work

workfolk
n. : working people especially : farm workers

workforce
n. 1 : the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise <the factory's workforce>
2 : the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose <the nation's workforce>

workhorse
n. 1 : a horse used chiefly for labor as distinguished from driving, riding, or racing
2 a (1) : a person who performs most of the work of a group task (2) : a hardworking person b : something that is markedly useful, durable, or dependable c : HORSE 7

workhouse
n. 1 British : POORHOUSE
2 : a house of correction for persons guilty of minor law violations

working
n. 1 : the manner of functioning or operating : OPERATION ― usually used in plural <the inner workings of the government>
2 : an excavation or group of excavations made in mining, quarrying, or tunneling ― usually used in plural

working
n. 1 : engaged in work especially for wages or a salary <a working journalist> <a working mother>
2 : adequate to permit work to be done <a working majority>
3 : assumed or adopted to permit or facilitate further work or activity <a working draft>
4 : spent at work <working life>
5 : being in use or operation <a working farm>

working
n. wonder working
working asset
working capital
working class
working day
working dog
working fluid
working papers
working substance

working asset
: an asset other than a capital asset

working capital
: capital actively turned over in or available for use in the course of business activity: a : the excess of current assets over current liabilities b : all capital of a business except that invested in capital assets

working class
: the class of people who work for wages usually at manual labor

working day
: WORKDAY

working dog
: a dog suitable by size, breeding, or training for useful work (as draft or herding) especially as distinguished from one suitable primarily for pet, show, or sporting use

working fluid
: a fluid working substance

working papers
: official documents legalizing the employment of a minor

working substance
: a usually fluid substance that through changes of temperature, volume, and pressure is the means of carrying out thermodynamic processes or cycles (as in a heat engine)

working-class
: of, relating to, deriving from, or suitable to the class of wage earners <working-class virtues> <a working-class family>

workingman
n. : one who works for wages usually at manual labor

workingwoman
n. : WORKWOMAN

workless
adj. : being without work : UNEMPLOYED
–work·less·ness noun

workload
n. 1 : the amount of work or of working time expected or assigned <students with a heavy workload>
2 : the amount of work performed or capable of being performed (as by a mechanical device) usually within a specific period

workman
n. 1 : WORKINGMAN
2 : ARTISAN

workmanlike
adj. : characterized by the skill and efficiency typical of a good workman <workmanlike thoroughness> also : competent and skillful but not outstanding or original <an adequate⋯reporter who turned out workmanlike copy ― Tom Clancy>

workmanly
adj. : WORKMANLIKE

workmanship
n. 1 : something effected, made, or produced : WORK
2 : the art or skill of a workman also : the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making <a vase of exquisite workmanship>

workmate
n. chiefly British : a fellow worker

workmen's compensation insurance
: WORKERS' COMPENSATION

workout
n. 1 : a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness for athletic competition, ability, or performance
2 : a test of one's ability, capacity, stamina, or suitability
3 : an undertaking or plan intended to resolve a problem of indebtedness especially in lieu of bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings

workpeople
n. chiefly British : WORKERS, EMPLOYEES

workpiece
n. : a piece of work in process of manufacture

workplace
n. : a place (as a shop or factory) where work is done

workroom
n. : a room used for work

workshop
n. 1 : a small establishment where manufacturing or handicrafts are carried on
2 : WORKROOM
3 : a usually brief intensive educational program for a relatively small group of people that focuses especially on techniques and skills in a particular field

workstation
n. 1 : an area with equipment for the performance of a specialized task usually by a single individual
2 a : an intelligent terminal or personal computer usually connected to a computer network b : a powerful microcomputer used especially for scientific or engineering work

worktable
n. : a table for holding working materials and implements especially : a small table with drawers and other conveniences for needlework

workup
n. : an intensive diagnostic study

workweek
n. : the hours or days of work in a calendar week <40-hour workweek> <a 5-day workweek> <a shortened workweek>

workwoman
n. : a woman who works

world
n. 1 a : the earthly state of human existence b : life after death ― used with a qualifier <the next world>
2 : the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it
3 : individual course of life : CAREER
4 : the inhabitants of the earth : the human race
5 a : the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come b : secular affairs
6 : the system of created things : UNIVERSE
7 a : a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time <the medieval world> b : a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity <the academic world> <the digital world>
8 : human society <withdraw from the world>
9 : a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit
10 : the sphere or scene of one's life and action <living in your own little world>
11 : an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance <makes a world of difference> <a world away>
12 : the whole body of living persons : PUBLIC <announced their discovery to the world>
13 : KINGDOM 5 <the animal world>
14 : a celestial body (as a planet)
–for all the world : in every way : EXACTLY <copies which look for all the world like the original>
–in the world : among innumerable possibilities : EVER ― used as an intensive <what in the world is it>
–out of this world : of extraordinary excellence : SUPERB

world
n. 1 : of or relating to the world <a world championship>
2 a : extending or found throughout the world : WORLDWIDE <brought about world peace> b : involving or applying to part of or the whole world <a world tour> <a world state> c : internationally recognized : RENOWNED, DISTINGUISHED <a world authority on gemstones>

world
n. brave new world
first world
fourth world
free world
half world
man of the world
New World
old world
Old World
real world
second world
third world
on top of the world
out of this world
in the world
for all the world
world beat
world beater
world class
world federalism
world federalist
world music
world power
world premiere
World Series
world's fair
world shaking
world soul
world war
world weary
world weariness
World Wide Web

world beat
: WORLD MUSIC ― usually hyphenated when used attributively

world federalism
1 : federalism on a worldwide basis
2 capitalized W&F a : the principles and policies of the World Federalists b : the body or movement composed of World Federalists

world federalist
1 : an adherent or advocate of world federalism
2 capitalized W&F : a member of a movement arising after World War II advocating the formation of a federal union of the nations of the world with limited but positive governmental powers

world music
: popular music originating from or influenced by non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm ― usually hyphenated when used attributively

world power
: a political unit (as a nation or state) powerful enough to affect the entire world by its influence or actions

world premiere
: the first regular performance (as of a theatrical production) anywhere in the world

World Series
: a contest or event that is the most important or prestigious of its kind <the World Series of the equestrian world>

world soul
: an animating spirit or creative principle related to the world as the soul is to the individual being

world war
: a war engaged in by all or most of the principal nations of the world especially capitalized both Ws : either of two such wars of the first half of the 20th century

World Wide Web
: a part of the Internet accessed through a graphical user interface and containing documents often connected by hyperlinks ― called also Web

world's fair
: an international exposition featuring exhibits and participants from all over the world

world-beater
: one that excels all others of its kind : CHAMPION

world-class
: being of the highest caliber in the world <a world-class athlete>

world-shaking
: EARTHSHAKING

world-weary
: feeling or showing fatigue from or boredom with the life of the world and especially material pleasures
–world-wea·ri·ness noun

worldling
n. : a person engrossed in the concerns of this present world

worldly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs
2 : WORLDLY-WISE
synonyms see EARTHLY
–world·li·ness noun

worldly
adj. this worldly
worldly minded
worldly mindedness
worldly wise
this worldliness

worldly-minded
: devoted to or engrossed in worldly interests
–world·ly-mind·ed·ness noun

worldly-wise
: possessing a practical and often shrewd understanding of human affairs
synonyms see SOPHISTICATED

worldview
: WELTANSCHAUUNG

worldwide
adj. : extended throughout or involving the entire world

worldwide
adj. : throughout the world

worm
n. 1 a : EARTHWORM broadly : an annelid worm b : any of numerous relatively small elongated usually naked and soft-bodied animals (as a grub, pinworm, tapeworm, shipworm, or slowworm)
2 a : a human being who is an object of contempt, loathing, or pity : WRETCH b : something that torments or devours from within
3 archaic : SNAKE, SERPENT
4 : HELMINTHIASIS ― usually used in plural
5 : something (as a mechanical device) spiral or vermiculate in form or appearance: as a : the thread of a screw b : a short revolving screw whose threads gear with the teeth of a worm wheel or a rack c : ARCHIMEDES' SCREW also : a conveyor working on the principle of such a screw
6 : a usually small self-contained and self-replicating computer program that invades computers on a network and usually performs a destructive action
–worm·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

worm
n. : to move or proceed sinuously or insidiously
transitive verb
1 a : to proceed or make (one's way) insidiously or deviously <worm their way into positions of power ― Bill Franzen> b : to insinuate or introduce (oneself) by devious or subtle means c : to cause to move or proceed in or as if in the manner of a worm
2 : to wind rope or yarn spirally round and between the strands of (a cable or rope) before serving
3 : to obtain or extract by artful or insidious questioning or by pleading, asking, or persuading ― usually used with out of <finally wormed the truth out of him>
4 : to treat (an animal) with a drug to destroy or expel parasitic worms

worm
n. cabbage worm
guinea worm disease
horsehair worm
ribbon worm
acorn worm
bladder worm
clam worm
dew worm
guinea worm
imported cabbage worm
measuring worm
railroad worm
red worm
spiny headed worm
tube worm
tubifex worm
worm eaten
worm fence
worm gear
worm's eye
worm snake
worm wheel
can of worms

worm fence
: a zigzag fence consisting of interlocking rails supported by crossed poles ― called also snake fence Virginia fence

worm gear
1 : WORM WHEEL
2 : a gear of a worm and a worm wheel working together

worm snake
: a small terrestrial colubrid snake (Carphophis amoenus) of the eastern U.S. that is dark above and pinkish red below

worm wheel
: a toothed wheel gearing with the thread of a worm

worm's-eye
: seen from ground level or from the lowest levels of a hierarchy <the bird's-eye view of the executive and the worm's-eye view of the employee ― Current Biog.>

worm-eaten
1 a : eaten or burrowed by worms <worm-eaten timber> b : PITTED
2 : WORN-OUT, ANTIQUATED

wormer
n. : a drug used in veterinary medicine to worm an animal

wormhole
n. 1 : a hole or passage burrowed by a worm
2 : a hypothetical structure of space-time envisioned as a long thin tunnel connecting points that are separated in space and time

Worms
n. city SW Germany on the Rhine NNW of Mannheim pop 77,429

wormseed
n. : any of various plants whose seeds possess anthelmintic properties: as a : any of several artemisias b : a widely naturalized tropical American goosefoot (Chenopodium ambrosioides) ― compare EPAZOTE

wormwood
n. 1 : ARTEMISIA especially : a European plant (Artemisia absinthium) that has silvery silky-haired leaves and drooping yellow flower heads and yields a bitter dark green oil used in absinthe
2 : something bitter or grievous : BITTERNESS

wormy
adj. 1 : containing, abounding in, or infested with or as if with worms <wormy flour> <a wormy dog> also : damaged by worms : WORM-EATEN <wormy timbers>
2 : resembling or suggestive of a worm

worn
adj. past part of wear

worn-out
: exhausted or used up by or as if by wear

worriment
n. : an act or instance of worrying also : TROUBLE, WORRY

worrisome
adj. 1 : causing distress or worry <worrisome news>
2 : inclined to worry or fret <investors feeling worrisome>
–wor·ri·some·ly adverb
–wor·ri·some·ness noun

worry
n. transitive verb
1 dialect British : CHOKE, STRANGLE
2 a : to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat b : to shake or pull at with the teeth <a terrier worrying a rat> c : to touch or disturb something repeatedly d : to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling
3 a : to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment : TORMENT b : to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort
4 : to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious
intransitive verb
1 dialect British : STRANGLE, CHOKE
2 : to move, proceed, or progress by unceasing or difficult effort : STRUGGLE
3 : to feel or experience concern or anxiety : FRET <worrying about his health>
–wor·ried·ly \-(r)ēd-lē, -(r)əd-\ adverb
–wor·ri·er \-(r)ē-ər\ noun
–wor·ry·ing·ly adverb
synonyms WORRY, ANNOY, HARASS, HARRY, PLAGUE, PESTER, TEASE mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. WORRY implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation <pursued a policy of worrying the enemy>. ANNOY implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks <you're doing that just to annoy me>. HARASS implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power <harassed on all sides by creditors>. HARRY may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment <the strikers had been harried by thugs>. PLAGUE implies a painful and persistent affliction <plagued all her life by poverty>. PESTER stresses the repetition of petty attacks <constantly pestered with trivial complaints>. TEASE suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath <children teased the dog>.

worry
n. 1 a : mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : ANXIETY b : an instance or occurrence of such distress or agitation
2 : a cause of worry : TROUBLE, DIFFICULTY
synonyms see CARE

worry beads
: a string of beads that can be fingered to keep one's hands occupied

worry line
: a crease or wrinkle on the forehead or between the eyebrows

worrywart
n. : a person who is inclined to worry unduly

worse
n. 1 : of more inferior quality, value, or condition
2 a : more unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful b : more faulty, unsuitable, or incorrect c : less skillful or efficient
3 : bad, evil, or corrupt in a greater degree : more reprehensible
4 : being in poorer health : SICKER

worse
n. : one that is worse <threatened expulsion and worse>

worse
n. comparative of bad or of ill

before 12th century
1 : in a worse manner : to a worse extent or degree
2 : what is worse

worsen
v. transitive verb : to make worse
intransitive verb : to become worse <the weather began to worsen>

worser
archaic : WORSE <I cannot hate thee worser than I do ― Shakespeare>

worship
n. 1 chiefly British : a person of importance ― used as a title for various officials (as magistrates and some mayors)
2 : reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power also : an act of expressing such reverence
3 : a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
4 : extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem <worship of the dollar>

worship
transitive verb
1 : to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power
2 : to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion <a celebrity worshipped by her fans>
intransitive verb : to perform or take part in worship or an act of worship
synonyms see REVERE
–wor·ship·per or wor·ship·er noun

worship
n. ancestor worship
hero worship
self worship
hero worshiper
self worshiper

worshipful
n. 1 a archaic : NOTABLE, DISTINGUISHED b chiefly British ― used as a title for various persons or groups of rank or distinction
2 : giving or expressing worship or veneration
–wor·ship·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wor·ship·ful·ness noun

worshipless
: lacking worship or worshippers

worst
n. 1 : most corrupt, bad, evil, or ill <his worst fault>
2 a : most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful <the worst news> <your worst enemy> b : most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived <has the worst table manners> c : least skillful or efficient <the worst person for the job>
3 : most wanting in quality, value, or condition <the worst results>
–the worst way : very much <such men⋯need indoctrination the worst way ― J. G. Cozzens> ― often used with in <wanted a new bicycle in the worst way>

worst
n. superlative of ill or illy or of bad or badly

before 12th century
1 : to the extreme degree of badness or inferiority <the worst dressed person>
2 : to the greatest or highest degree <groups who need the subsidies worst lose out ― T. W. Arnold>

worst
n. : one that is worst
–at worst : under the worst circumstances

worst
n. : to get the better of : DEFEAT

worst
n. the worst way
at worst
worst case

worst-case
: involving, projecting, or providing for the worst possible circumstances or outcome of a given situation <a worst-case scenario>

worsted
n. : a smooth compact yarn from long wool fibers used especially for firm napless fabrics, carpeting, or knitting also : a fabric made from worsted yarns
–worsted adjective

wort
n. : PLANT especially : an herbaceous plant ― usually used in combination <lousewort>

wort
n. : a sweet liquid drained from mash and fermented to make beer and whiskey

worth
n. archaic : BECOME ― usually used in the phrase woe worth

worth
n. 1 archaic : having monetary or material value
2 archaic : ESTIMABLE
–for all one is worth : to the fullest extent of one's value or ability

worth
n. 1 a : monetary value <farmhouse and lands of little worth> b : the equivalent of a specified amount or figure <a dollar's worth of gas>
2 : the value of something measured by its qualities or by the esteem in which it is held <a literary heritage of great worth>
3 a : moral or personal value <trying to teach human worth> b : MERIT, EXCELLENCE <a field in which we have proved our worth>
4 : WEALTH, RICHES

worth
n. 1 a : equal in value to b : having assets or income equal to
2 : deserving of <well worth the effort>
–worth one's salt : of substantial or significant value or merit

worth
n. comparable worth
self worth
two cents' worth
for all one is worth
worth one's salt
Fort Worth
Lake Worth
Worth Lake

worth one's salt
of substantial or significant value or merit

Worth, Lake
inlet (lagoon) of the Atlantic SE Fla.

worthful
1 : full of merit <a good and worthful person>
2 : having value <the worthful aspects of their culture>

Worthing
town S England in W. Sussex on English Channel pop 94,100

worthless
adj. 1 a : lacking worth : VALUELESS <worthless currency> b : USELESS <worthless to continue searching>
2 : CONTEMPTIBLE, DESPICABLE <a worthless criminal>
–worth·less·ly adverb
–worth·less·ness noun

worthwhile
adj. 1 : being worth the time or effort spent <worthwhile preparations>
2 : WORTHY 1 <a worthwhile cause>
–worth·while·ness noun

worthy
n. 1 a : having worth or value : ESTIMABLE <a worthy cause> b : HONORABLE, MERITORIOUS <worthy candidates>
2 : having sufficient worth or importance <worthy to be remembered>
–wor·thi·ly \'wər-thə-lē\ adverb
–wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

worthy
n. : a worthy or prominent person

worthy
n. 1 : fit or safe for <a seaworthy vessel>
2 : of sufficient worth for <a newsworthy event>

wot
v. present 1st & 3d singular of wit

wot
v. chiefly British : KNOW ― often used with of

Wotton
Sir Henry 1568-1639 Eng. diplomat & poet

would
v. 1 a archaic : WISHED, DESIRED b archaic : wish for : WANT c (1) : strongly desire : WISH <I would I were young again> ― often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction <would that I had heeded your advice> (2) ― used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference <he would sooner die than face them>
2 a ― used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent <those who would forbid gambling> b ― used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference <as ye would that men should do to you ― Lk 6:31 (AV)> c ― used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention <said we would come>
3 ― used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action <we would meet often for lunch>
4 ― used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice <would put it off if he could>
5 a ― used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility <if he were coming, he would be here now> b ― used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice) <we wish that he would go>
6 ― used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time <would have won if I had not tripped>
7 : COULD <the barrel would hold 20 gallons>
8 ― used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected <would you please help us>
9 ― used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty <the explanation⋯would seem satisfactory>
10 : SHOULD <knew I would enjoy the trip> <would be glad to know the answer>

would-be
: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be <a would-be actor>

wouldest
v. archaic past 2d singular of will

wouldn't
v. : would not

wouldst
v. archaic past 2d singular of will

wound
n. 1 a : an injury to the body (as from violence, accident, or surgery) that typically involves laceration or breaking of a membrane (as the skin) and usually damage to underlying tissues b : a cut or breach in a plant usually due to an external agent
2 : a mental or emotional hurt or blow
3 : something resembling a wound in appearance or effect especially : a rift in or blow to a political body or social group

wound
n. : to cause a wound to or in
intransitive verb : to inflict a wound

wound
n. past and past part of wind

wound
n. flesh wound
lick one's wounds
Wounded Knee

wounded
n. : wounded persons

wounded
n. : injured, hurt by, or suffering from a wound <a wounded leg> <wounded feelings>

Wounded Knee
locality SW S.Dak.; site of 1890 massacre of American Indians by U.S. troops pop 328

woundless
1 : free from wounds : UNWOUNDED
2 obsolete : INVULNERABLE <the woundless air ― Shakespeare>

wove
past of weave

wove paper
: paper made with a revolving roller covered with wires so woven as to produce no fine lines running across the grain ― compare LAID PAPER

woven
adj. past part of weave

woven
adj. : a woven fabric

wow
n. ― used to express strong feeling (as pleasure or surprise)

wow
n. : a striking success : HIT

wow
n. : to excite to enthusiastic admiration or approval <a performance that wowed the critics>

wow
n. : a distortion in reproduced sound consisting of a slow rise and fall of pitch caused by speed variation in the reproducing system

wowser
n. chiefly Australian : an obtrusively puritanical person

WP
adv. 1 wettable powder
2 word processing; word processor

WPA
n. Works Progress Administration

wpc
watts per channel

WPI
Wholesale Price Index

WPM
n. words per minute

WR
1 warehouse receipt
2 world record

wrack
n. 1 a : a wrecked ship b : WRECKAGE c : WRECK d dialect : the violent destruction of a structure, machine, or vehicle
2 a : marine vegetation especially : KELP b : dried seaweeds

wrack
n. 1 : RUIN, DESTRUCTION
2 : a remnant of something destroyed

wrack
n. : to utterly ruin : WRECK

wrack
n. : 4RACK

wrack
n. : 3RACK 2

wrack
n. : 1RACK

wrack
n. bladder wrack
sea wrack
nerve wracking

wrackful
: DESTRUCTIVE

wraith
n. 1 a : the exact likeness of a living person seen usually just before death as an apparition b : GHOST, SPECTER
2 : an insubstantial form or semblance : SHADOW
3 : a barely visible gaseous or vaporous column
–wraith·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Wrangel
Baron Pyotr Nikolayevich 1878-1928 Russ. gen.

Wrangel
island in Arctic Ocean off NE coast of Russia in Asia

Wrangell
island SE Alaska NE of Prince of Wales Is.

Wrangell
Wrangell Cape
Wrangell Mount
Wrangell Mountains
Wrangell Saint Elias National Park

Wrangell Mountains
mountain range S Alaska NW of St. Elias Range ― see BLACKBURN (Mount)

Wrangell, Cape
cape SW Alaska on Attu Is. in Aleutians

Wrangell, Mount
active volcano 14,163 ft (4317 m) S Alaska in Wrangell Mountains NW of Mt. Blackburn

Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park
n. reservation S cen Alaska; largest park in the world covering 8,331,604 acres (3,374,300 hectares)

wrangle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to dispute angrily or peevishly : BICKER
2 : to engage in argument or controversy
transitive verb
1 : to obtain by persistent arguing or maneuvering : WANGLE
2 [back-formation from wrangler] : to herd and care for (livestock and especially horses) on the range

wrangle
n. 1 : an angry, noisy, or prolonged dispute or quarrel
2 : the action or process of wrangling
synonyms see QUARREL

wrangler
n. 1 : a bickering disputant
2 [short for horse-wrangler, probably part translation of Mexican Spanish caballerango groom] : a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses broadly : COWBOY

wrap
n. transitive verb
1 a : to cover especially by winding or folding b : to envelop and secure for transportation or storage : BUNDLE c : ENFOLD, EMBRACE d : to coil, fold, draw, or twine (as string or cloth) around something
2 a : SURROUND, ENVELOP b : to suffuse or surround with an aura or state <the affair was wrapped in scandal> c : to involve completely : ENGROSS ― usually used with up
3 : to conceal or obscure as if by enveloping
4 : to enclose as if with a protective covering
5 : to finish filming or recording <wrap a movie>
intransitive verb
1 : to wind, coil, or twine so as to encircle or cover something
2 : to put on clothing : DRESS ― usually used with up
3 : to be subject to covering, enclosing, or packaging ― usually used with up
4 : to come to completion in filming or recording

wrap
n. 1 a (1) : WRAPPER, WRAPPING (2) : material used for wrapping <plastic wrap> b : an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person especially : an outer garment (as a coat or shawl) c : BLANKET d : a treatment for the care of the skin in which material (as hot wet cloth or seaweed) is wrapped around the entire body also : this material
2 : a single turn or convolution of something wound around an object
3 plural a : RESTRAINT b : a shroud of secrecy <a plan kept under wraps>
4 : the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording
5 : a thin flat piece of bread that is rolled around a filling (as of meat, fish, or vegetables)

wrap
n. : WRAPAROUND 1

wrap
n. body wrap
gift wrap
shrink wrap
word wrap
wrap up

wrap up
1 : SUMMARIZE, SUM UP
2 a : to bring to a usually successful conclusion b : CINCH, SEW UP <has the nomination wrapped up>

wrap-up
1 : a summarizing report
2 : a concluding part : FINALE

wraparound
n. 1 : made to be wrapped around something and especially the body <a wraparound skirt>
2 a : shaped to follow a contour especially : made to curve from the front around to the side <wraparound sunglasses> <wraparound terraces> b : extending laterally to the outermost limits of the field of vision <a wraparound movie screen>

wraparound
n. 1 : a garment (as a dress) made with a full-length opening and adjusted to the figure by wrapping around
2 : an object that encircles or especially curves and laps over another

wrapper
n. 1 : that in which something is wrapped: as a : a tobacco leaf used for the outside covering especially of cigars b (1) : JACKET 3C(1) (2) : the paper cover of a book not bound in boards c : a paper wrapped around a newspaper or magazine in the mail
2 : one that wraps
3 : an article of clothing worn wrapped around the body

wrapping
n. : something used to wrap an object : WRAPPER

wrasse
n. : any of a large family (Labridae) of elongate usually brilliantly colored marine bony fishes that usually bury themselves in sand at night and include important food fishes as well as a number of popular aquarium fishes

wrath
n. 1 : strong vengeful anger or indignation
2 : retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement
synonyms see ANGER

wrath
n. archaic : WRATHFUL

Wrath, Cape
extreme NW point of Scotland, at 58°35′N

wrathful
adj. 1 : filled with wrath : IRATE
2 : arising from, marked by, or indicative of wrath
–wrath·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wrath·ful·ness noun

wrathy
adj. : WRATHFUL

wreak
v. 1 a archaic : AVENGE b : to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)
2 : to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)
3 : BRING ABOUT, CAUSE <wreak havoc>

wreath
n. 1 : something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: as a : a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : GARLAND <a laurel wreath> b : a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base <a Christmas wreath>
2 : something having a circular or coiling form <a wreath of smoke>

wreathe
v. transitive verb
1 a : to shape into a wreath b : INTERWEAVE c : to cause to coil about something
2 : to twist or contort so as to show folds or creases
3 : to encircle or adorn with or as if with a wreath
intransitive verb
1 : to twist in coils : WRITHE
2 a : to take on the shape of a wreath b : to move or extend in circles or spirals

wreathy
1 : having the form of a wreath
2 : constituting a wreath

wreck
n. 1 : something cast up on the land by the sea especially after a shipwreck
2 a : SHIPWRECK b : the action of wrecking or fact or state of being wrecked : DESTRUCTION c : a violent and destructive crash <was injured in a car wreck>
3 a : a hulk or the ruins of a wrecked ship b : the broken remains of something wrecked or otherwise ruined c : something disabled or in a state of ruin or dilapidation <the house was a wreck> also : a person or animal of broken constitution, health, or spirits <he's a nervous wreck>

wreck
n. 1 : to cast ashore
2 a : to reduce to a ruinous state by or as if by violence <a country wrecked by war> <ambition wrecked his marriage> b : SHIPWRECK c : to ruin, damage, or imperil by a wreck <wrecked the car>
3 : BRING ABOUT, WREAK <wreck havoc>
intransitive verb
1 : to become wrecked
2 : to rob, salvage, or repair wreckage or a wreck

wreckage
n. 1 : the act of wrecking : the state of being wrecked
2 a : something that has been wrecked b : broken and disordered parts or material from something wrecked

wrecker
n. 1 a : one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships (as for rescue or for plunder) b : TOW TRUCK
2 : one that wrecks especially : one whose work is the demolition of buildings

wrecking ball
: a heavy iron or steel ball swung or dropped by a derrick to demolish old buildings ― called also wrecker's ball

wrecking bar
: a small crowbar with a claw for pulling nails at one end and a slight bend for prying at the other end

Wren
n. Sir Christopher 1632-1723 Eng. architect

wren
n. 1 : any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds especially : a very small widely distributed bird (Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song
2 : any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

wrench
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move with a violent twist also : to undergo twisting
2 : to pull or strain at something with violent twisting
transitive verb
1 : to twist violently
2 : to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining <wrenched her back>
3 : CHANGE especially : DISTORT, PERVERT
4 a : to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence b : to snatch forcibly : WREST
5 : to cause to suffer mental anguish : RACK
–wrench·ing·ly \'ren-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

wrench
n. 1 a : a violent twisting or a pull with or as if with twisting b : a sharp twist or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments also : the resultant injury (as of a joint) c : a distorting or perverting alteration d : acute emotional distress : sudden violent mental change
2 : a hand or power tool for holding, twisting, or turning an object (as a bolt or nut)
3 : MONKEY WRENCH 2

wrench
n. Allen wrench
monkey wrench
pipe wrench
socket wrench
gut wrenching

wrest
n. 1 : to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements
2 : to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor

wrest
n. 1 : the action of wresting : WRENCH
2 archaic : a key or wrench used for turning pins in a stringed instrument (as a piano)

wrestle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance
2 : to combat an opposing tendency or force <wrestling with his conscience>
3 : to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate
4 : to engage in or as if in a violent or determined struggle <wrestling with cumbersome luggage>
transitive verb
1 a : to engage in (a match, bout, or fall) in wrestling b : to wrestle with <wrestle an alligator>
2 : to move, maneuver, or force with difficulty
–wres·tler \'res-lər, 'ras-; 're-səl-ər, 'ra-\ noun

wrestle
n. : the action or an instance of wrestling : STRUGGLE especially : a wrestling bout

wrestle
n. Indian wrestle
arm wrestling
Indian wrestling
wrist wrestling

wrestling
n. : a sport or contest in which two unarmed individuals struggle hand to hand with each attempting to subdue or unbalance the other

wrestling
n. arm wrestling
Indian wrestling
wrist wrestling

wretch
n. 1 : a miserable person : one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune
2 : a base, despicable, or vile person

wretched
adj. 1 : deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind
2 : extremely or deplorably bad or distressing <was in wretched health> <a wretched accident>
3 a : being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible <dressed in wretched old clothes> b : very poor in quality or ability : INFERIOR <wretched workmanship>
–wretch·ed·ly adverb
–wretch·ed·ness noun

Wrexham
1 administrative area of NE Wales area 192 sq mi (497 sq km)
2 borough NE Wales near English border pop 40,272

wriggle
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move the body or a bodily part to and fro with short writhing motions like a worm : SQUIRM
2 : to move or advance by twisting and turning
3 : to extricate or insinuate oneself or reach a goal as if by wriggling
transitive verb
1 : to cause to move in short quick contortions
2 : to introduce, insinuate, or bring into a state or place by or as if by wriggling
–wrig·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adjective

wriggle
n. 1 : a short or quick writhing motion or contortion
2 : a formation or marking of sinuous design

wriggler
n. : one that wriggles especially : WIGGLER 1

Wright
n. Frank Lloyd 1867-1959 American architect

Wright
n. Joseph 1734-1797 Wright of Derby Eng. painter

Wright
n. Or·ville \'ȯr-vəl\ 1871-1948 & his bro. Wilbur 1867-1912 American pioneers in aviation

Wright
n. Richard 1908-1960 American author

wright
n. : a worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects ― usually used in combination <shipwright> <wheelwright>

wring
n. transitive verb
1 : to squeeze or twist especially so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid <wring a towel dry>
2 : to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing <wring water from a towel> <wring a confession from the suspect>
3 a : to twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape <I could wring your neck> b : to twist together (clasped hands) as a sign of anguish
4 : to affect painfully as if by wringing : TORMENT <a tragedy that wrings the heart>
intransitive verb : SQUIRM, WRITHE
–wring noun

wringer
n. : one that wrings: as a : a machine or device for pressing out liquid or moisture <a clothes wringer> b : something that causes pain, hardship, or exertion <his illness put them through the wringer>

wrinkle
n. 1 : a small ridge or furrow especially when formed on a surface by the shrinking or contraction of a smooth substance : CREASE specifically : one in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue
2 a : METHOD, TECHNIQUE b : a change in a customary procedure or method c : something new or different : INNOVATION
3 : IMPERFECTION, IRREGULARITY
–wrin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adjective

wrinkle
n. intransitive verb : to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles
transitive verb : to contract into wrinkles : PUCKER

wrist
n. 1 : the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm or a corresponding part on a lower animal
2 : the part of a garment or glove covering the wrist

wrist
n. slap on the wrist
wrist pin
wrist shot
wrist wrestling
break one's wrists

wrist pin
: a stud or pin that forms a journal (as in a crosshead) for a connecting rod

wrist shot
: a quick usually short-range shot in ice hockey made while the puck is against the blade of the stick by snapping the blade quickly forward

wrist wrestling
: a form of arm wrestling in which opponents interlock thumbs instead of gripping hands

wristband
n. 1 : the part of a sleeve covering the wrist
2 : a band encircling the wrist

wristlet
n. : a band encircling the wrist especially : a close-fitting knitted band attached to the top of a glove or the end of a sleeve

wristlock
n. : a wrestling hold in which one contestant is thrown or made helpless by a twisting grip on the wrist

wristwatch
n. : a small watch that is attached to a bracelet or strap and is worn around the wrist

wristy
adj. : involving or using a lot of wrist movement (as in stroking a ball)

writ
n. 1 : something written : WRITING <Sacred Writ>
2 a : a formal written document specifically : a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch b : an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein <writ of detinue> <writ of entry> <writ of execution> c : the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order ― usually used with run <outside the United States where⋯our writ does not run ― Dean Acheson>

writ
n. holy writ
writ small
writ large
writ of assistance
writ of certiorari
writ of error
writ of extent
writ of habeas corpus
writ of mandamus
writ of prohibition
writ of right
writ of summons

writ large
on a larger scale or in a more prominent manner <the problems of modern totalitarianism are only our own problems writ large ― Times Lit. Supp.>

writ of assistance

1706
1 : a writ issued to a law officer (as a sheriff or marshal) for the enforcement of a court order or decree especially : one used to enforce an order for the possession of lands
2 : a writ used especially in colonial America authorizing a law officer to search in unspecified locations for unspecified illegal goods

writ of certiorari

circa 1532
: CERTIORARI

writ of error

15th century
: a common law writ directing an inferior court to remit the record of a legal action to the reviewing court in order that an error of law may be corrected if it exists

writ of extent

1590
: a writ formerly used to recover debts of record to the British crown and under which the lands, goods, and person of the debtor might all be seized to secure payment

writ of habeas corpus

1762
: HABEAS CORPUS

writ of mandamus

1820
: MANDAMUS

writ of prohibition

1802
: a writ issued by a superior court to prevent an inferior court from acting beyond its jurisdiction

writ of right

15th century
1 : a common law writ for restoring to its owner property held by another
2 : a writ granted as a matter of right

writ of summons

1660
: a writ issued on behalf of the British monarch summoning a lord spiritual or a lord temporal to attend parliament

writ small
on a smaller scale

writable
adj. 1 : capable of being put in writing
2 : being an electronic storage medium capable of having new data written on it <a writable DVD>

write
v. transitive verb
1 a : to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen) b : to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface c : to spell in writing <words written alike but pronounced differently> d : to cover, fill, or fill in by writing <wrote ten pages> <write a check>
2 : to set down in writing: as a : DRAW UP, DRAFT <write a will> b (1) : to be the author of : COMPOSE <writes poems and essays> (2) : to compose in musical form <write a string quartet> c : to express in literary form <if I could write the beauty of your eyes ― Shakespeare> d : to communicate by letter <writes that they are coming> e : to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing <write Braille> <writes French with ease> f : to write contracts or orders for especially : UNDERWRITE <write life insurance>
3 : to make a permanent impression of
4 : to communicate with in writing <we'll write you when we get there>
5 : ORDAIN, FATE <so be it, it is written ― D. C. Peattie>
6 : to make evident or obvious <guilt written on his face>
7 : to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing <write oneself into fame and fortune ― Charles Lee>
8 : to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
9 a : to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer b : to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
10 : SELL <write a stock option>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make significant characters or inscriptions also : to permit or be adapted to writing b : to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
2 : to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
3 a : to produce a written work b : to compose music
–write one's own ticket : to select a course of action or position entirely according to one's wishes
–writ large : on a larger scale or in a more prominent manner <the problems of modern totalitarianism are only our own problems writ large ― Times Lit. Supp.>
–writ small : on a smaller scale

write
v. write one's own ticket
write down
write in
write off
write out
write up
automatic writing
picture writing
spirit writing
writing on the wall
writing desk
writing paper
holy writ
writ small
writ large
writ of assistance
writ of certiorari
writ of error
writ of extent
writ of habeas corpus
writ of mandamus
writ of prohibition
writ of right
writ of summons

write down
1 : to record in written form
2 a : to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing b : to reduce in status, rank, or value especially : to reduce the book value of
intransitive verb : to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence

write in
1 : to insert in a document or text
2 a : to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space b : to cast (a vote) in this manner

write off
1 : to eliminate (an asset) from the books : enter as a loss or expense <write off a bad loan>
2 : to regard or concede to be lost <most were content to write off 1979 and look optimistically ahead ― Money> also : DISMISS <was written off as an expatriate highbrow ― Brendan Gill>

write one's own ticket
to select a course of action or position entirely according to one's wishes

write out
: to write especially in a full and complete form

write up
1 : to make a write-up of
2 : to report (a person) especially for some violation of law or rules

write-down
: a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)

write-in
1 : a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2 : a candidate whose name is written in

write-off
1 : an elimination of an item from the books of account
2 a : a reduction in book value of an item (as by way of depreciation) b : a tax deduction of an amount of depreciation, expense, or loss
3 chiefly British : something (as a damaged vehicle) or someone regarded or conceded as a loss

write-up
1 : a written account especially : a flattering article
2 : a deliberate increase in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of inflation)

writer
n. : one that writes: as a : AUTHOR b : one who writes stock options

writer's block
: a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece

writer's cramp
: a painful spasmodic contraction of muscles of the hand or fingers brought on by excessive writing

writerly
: of, relating to, or typical of a writer

writhe
n. transitive verb
1 a : to twist into coils or folds b : to twist so as to distort : WRENCH c : to twist (the body or a bodily part) in pain
2 : INTERTWINE
intransitive verb
1 : to move or proceed with twists and turns <writhed to the music>
2 : to twist from or as if from pain or struggling
3 : to suffer keenly
–writhe noun

writhen
: being twisted or contorted <writhen trees> <a writhen smile>

writing
n. 1 : the act or process of one who writes: as a : the act or art of forming visible letters or characters specifically : HANDWRITING 1 b : the act or practice of literary or musical composition
2 : something written: as a : letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols b : a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record c : a written composition d : INSCRIPTION
3 : a style or form of composition
4 : the occupation of a writer especially : the profession of authorship
–writing on the wall : HANDWRITING ON THE WALL

writing
n. automatic writing
picture writing
spirit writing
writing on the wall
writing desk
writing paper

writing desk
: a desk that often has a sloping top for writing on also : a portable case that contains writing materials and has a surface for writing

writing on the wall
HANDWRITING ON THE WALL

writing paper
: paper that is usually finished with a smooth surface and sized and that can be written on with ink

Writings
n. : the third part of the Jewish scriptures ― see BIBLE table

wrnt
n. warrant

Wroclaw
city SW Poland, chief city of Silesia pop 642,334

wrong
n. 1 a : an injurious, unfair, or unjust act : action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause b : a violation or invasion of the legal rights of another especially : TORT
2 : something wrong, immoral, or unethical especially : principles, practices, or conduct contrary to justice, goodness, equity, or law
3 : the state, position, or fact of being or doing wrong: as a : the state of being mistaken or incorrect b : the state of being guilty
synonyms see INJUSTICE

wrong
n. 1 : not according to the moral standard : SINFUL, IMMORAL <thought that war was wrong>
2 : not right or proper according to a code, standard, or convention : IMPROPER <it was wrong not to thank your host>
3 : not according to truth or facts : INCORRECT <gave a wrong date>
4 : not satisfactory (as in condition, results, health, or temper)
5 : not in accordance with one's needs, intent, or expectations <took the wrong bus>
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the side of something that is usually held to be opposite to the principal one, that is the one naturally or by design turned down, inward, or away, or that is the least finished or polished
–wrong·ly \'rȯŋ-lē\ adverb
–wrong·ness noun
–wrong side of the tracks : a run-down or unfashionable neighborhood

wrong
n. 1 : without accuracy : INCORRECTLY <guessed wrong>
2 : without regard for what is proper or just <was reprimanded for what he had done wrong>
3 : in a wrong direction <turned wrong at the junction>
4 a : in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way <something went wrong> b : out of working order or condition
5 : in a false light <don't get me wrong>

wrong
n. 1 a : to do wrong to : INJURE, HARM b : to treat disrespectfully or dishonorably : VIOLATE
2 : DEFRAUD ― usually used with of <wronged them of their land>
3 : DISCREDIT, MALIGN
–wrong·er \'rȯŋ-ər\ noun
synonyms WRONG, OPPRESS, PERSECUTE, AGGRIEVE mean to injure unjustly or outrageously. WRONG implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves <a penal system that had wronged him>. OPPRESS suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform <a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant>. PERSECUTE implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering <a child persecuted by constant criticism>. AGGRIEVE implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights <a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups>.

wrong
n. bark up the wrong tree
rub the wrong way
wrong side of the tracks
wrong foot

wrong side of the tracks
a run-down or unfashionable neighborhood

wrong-foot
chiefly British : to cause (as an opponent in soccer or tennis) to lean into or step with the wrong foot broadly : to disrupt the equilibrium of <a speed and flexibility that repeatedly wrong-footed his enemies ― Anthony Lloyd>

wrongdoer
n. : one that does wrong especially : one who transgresses moral laws

wrongdoing
n. 1 : evil or improper behavior or action <cleared of any wrongdoing>
2 : an instance of doing wrong

wronged
v. : being injured unjustly : suffering a wrong

wrongful
adj. 1 : WRONG, UNJUST
2 a : having no legal sanction : UNLAWFUL b : having no legal claim <a wrongful heir>
–wrong·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–wrong·ful·ness noun

wrongful birth
: a malpractice claim brought by the parents of a child born with a birth defect against a physician or health-care provider whose alleged negligence (as in diagnosis) effectively deprived the parents of the opportunity to make an informed decision whether to avoid or terminate the pregnancy also : the birth or injury at issue in such a claim

wrongful death
: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

wrongheaded
adj. 1 : stubborn in adherence to wrong opinion or principles <wrongheaded in his opinions>
2 : marked by perversity : contrary to sound judgment <wrongheaded advice>
–wrong·head·ed·ly adverb
–wrong·head·ed·ness noun

wrote
past and dialect past part of write

wroth
adj. : intensely angry : highly incensed : WRATHFUL

wrought
adj. past and past part of work

wrought
adj. 1 : worked into shape by artistry or effort <carefully wrought essays>
2 : elaborately embellished : ORNAMENTED
3 : processed for use : MANUFACTURED <wrought silk>
4 : beaten into shape by tools : HAMMERED ― used of metals
5 : deeply stirred : EXCITED ― often used with up <gets easily wrought up over nothing>

wrought
adj. high wrought
in wrought
wrought iron

wrought iron
: a commercial form of iron that is tough, malleable, and relatively soft, contains less than 0.3 percent and usually less than 0.1 percent carbon, and carries 1 or 2 percent of slag mechanically mixed with it

wrung
past and past part of wring

wry
adj. intransitive verb : TWIST, WRITHE
transitive verb : to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry

wry
adj. 1 : having a bent or twisted shape or condition <a wry smile> also : turned abnormally to one side <a wry neck>
2 : WRONGHEADED 1
3 : cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous
–wry·ly \'rī-lē\ adverb
–wry·ness noun

wryneck
n. 1 : either of two Old World woodpeckers (Jynx torquilla or J. ruficollis) that differ from the typical woodpeckers in having soft tail feathers and a peculiar manner of writhing the neck
2 : TORTICOLLIS

WSW
n. west-southwest

WT
n. wireless telegraphy

wt
n. weight

wt
n. at wt
gr wt
mol wt

wtd
wanted

WTO
n. World Trade Organization

Wu
: a group of Chinese dialects spoken principally in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces

Wu
river 700 mi (1126 km) cen China rising in W Guizhou & flowing through Sichuan into the Chang

Wu
Wu lu mu ch'i
Wu hsi
Wu chou
Han Wu Ti
Hung wu
Wu ti

Wu-lu-mu-ch'i
― see ÜRÜMQI

Wu-ti
156-87 B.C. orig. Liu Ch'e Chin. emp. (140-87)

Wuchang
former city E cen China ― see WUHAN

wud
chiefly Scottish : INSANE, MAD

Wuhan
city E cen China capital of Hubei at junction of Han & Chang rivers; formed from the former separate cities of Hankow, Hanyang, & Wuchang pop 3,284,229

Wuhsien
― see SUZHOU

Wuhu
city E China in E Anhui pop 425,740

wulfenite
: a tetragonal mineral that is a complex oxide of lead and molybdenum and occurs especially in bright orange-yellow tabular crystals

wunderbar
: wonderful

wunderkind
n. : a child prodigy also : one who succeeds in a competitive or highly difficult field or profession at an early age

Wundt
Wilhelm 1832-1920 Ger. physiol. & psychol.

Wupatki National Monument
n. reservation N Ariz. NNE of Flagstaff containing prehistoric Indian dwellings

Wuppertal
city W Germany in Ruhr valley ENE of Düsseldorf pop 385,463

wurst
n. : SAUSAGE

Wurttemberg
n. region SW Germany bet. Baden & Bavaria; chief city Stuttgart; once a duchy, kingdom (1813-1918), state (1918-45); divided 1945-51, S part being joined to Hohenzollern forming Württemberg-Hohenzollern state & N part to N Baden forming Württemberg-Baden state; since 1951 part of Baden-Württemberg state

Wurzburg
city S cen Germany on Main River in N Bavaria NW of Nuremberg pop 128,512

wurzel
: MANGEL

wushu
n. : Chinese martial arts

wuss
v. : WIMP
–wussy adjective

wuther
v. dialect English : to blow with a dull roaring sound

Wuthrich
Kurt 1938-     Swiss biophysicist

Wutsin
― see CHANGZHOU

Wuxi
city E China in S Jiangsu NW of Suzhou

Wuzhou
city S China in E Guangxi Zhuangzu at junction of the Gui & the Xi pop 210,452

WV
v. West Virginia

WVS
Women's Voluntary Services

WW
world war

www
n. World Wide Web

WY
n. Wyoming

Wyandot
: a member of an American Indian group formed in the 17th century by Hurons and other Indians fleeing the Iroquois

Wyandotte
n. city SE Mich. pop 28,006

wyandotte
n. : any of a U.S. breed of medium-sized domestic chickens raised for meat and eggs

Wyatt
Sir Thomas 1503-1543 Eng. poet & diplomat

Wycherley
William 1640-1716 Eng. dram.

Wycliffe
John ca 1330-1384 Eng. religious reformer & theol.
–Wyc·liff·ian \wi-'kli-fē-ən\ adjective

Wycliffite
: LOLLARD
–Wycliffite adjective

Wye
n. river 130 mi (209 km) E Wales & W England flowing into Severn River

wye
n. 1 : a Y-shaped part or object
2 : the letter y

Wyeth
Andrew Newell 1917-     American painter

Wyeth
N(ewell) C(onvers) 1882-1945 father of A.N. American painter

Wyld
Henry Cecil Kennedy 1870-1945 Eng. lexicographer

Wylie
Elinor Morton 1885-1928 Mrs. William Rose Benét, née Hoyt American poet & nov.

Wylie
Philip Gordon 1902-1971 American writer

wyliecoat
1 chiefly Scottish : a warm undergarment
2 chiefly Scottish : PETTICOAT

wynd
n. chiefly Scottish : a very narrow street

Wyndham
n. George 1863-1913 Eng. polit. & writer

wynn
: a runic letter used in Old English and Middle English to represent the consonant \w\

wynn
Wen chou
Soong Tzu wen
Wen Jiabao

Wyoming
n. 1 state NW U.S. capital Cheyenne area 97,914 sq mi (254,576 sq km), pop 493,782
2 valley NE Pa. along the Susquehanna
3 city SW Mich. pop 69,368
–Wy·o·ming·ite \-miŋ-ˌīt\ noun

WYSIWYG
n. : a display generated by word-processing or desktop-publishing software that exactly reflects the appearance of the printed document

wyvern
n. : a mythical animal usually represented as a 2-legged winged creature resembling a dragon

X
n. of a motion picture : of such a nature that admission is denied to persons under a specified age (as 17) ― used before the adoption of NC-17

x
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 24th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic x
2 : TEN ― see NUMBER table
3 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter x
4 : one designated x especially as the 24th in order or class, or the first in an order or class that includes x, y, and sometimes z
5 : an unknown quantity
6 : something shaped like or marked with the letter X

x
n. 1 : to mark with an x
2 : to cancel or obliterate with a series of x's ― usually used with out <x-ed out the mistake>

x
n. 1 cross
2 ex
3 experimental
4 extra

X band
: a segment of the superhigh-frequency radio spectrum that lies between 5.2 GHz and 10.9 GHz and is used especially for radars and for spacecraft communication

X chromosome
: a sex chromosome that usually occurs paired in each female cell and single in each male cell in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes ― compare Y CHROMOSOME

x-axis
1 : the axis in a plane Cartesian coordinate system parallel to which abscissas are measured
2 : one of the three axes in a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system

X-C
cross-country

x-coordinate
: a coordinate whose value is determined by measuring parallel to an x-axis specifically : ABSCISSA

x-height
: the height of a lowercase x used to represent the height of the main body of a lowercase letter

x-intercept
: the x-coordinate of a point where a line, curve, or surface intersects the x-axis

x-irradiation
: X-RADIATION 1

X-linked
: located on an X chromosome <an X-linked gene> also : transmitted by an X-linked gene <an X-linked disease>

x-radiation
1 : exposure to X-rays
2 : radiation composed of X-rays

X-rated
1 : having a rating of X broadly : relating to or characterized by explicit sexual material or activity <an X-rated book>
2 : OBSCENE, VULGAR <an X-rated gesture>

X-ray
1 : any of the electromagnetic radiations that have an extremely short wavelength of less than 100 angstroms and have the properties of penetrating various thicknesses of all solids, of producing secondary radiations by impinging on material bodies, and of acting on photographic films and plates as light does
2 : a photograph obtained by use of X-rays
–X-ray adjective

x-ray
: to examine, treat, or photograph with X-rays

X-ray astronomy
: astronomy dealing with investigations of celestial bodies by means of the X-rays they emit

X-ray diffraction
: a scattering of X-rays by the atoms of a crystal that produces an interference effect so that the diffraction pattern gives information on the structure of the crystal or the identity of a crystalline substance

X-ray star
: a luminous celestial object emitting a major portion of its radiation in the form of X-rays ― called also X-ray source

X-ray therapy
: medical treatment (as of cancer) by controlled application of X-rays

X-ray tube
: a vacuum tube in which a concentrated stream of electrons strikes a metal target and produces X-rays

x-section
: CROSS SECTION
–x-sec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Xanadu
n. : an idyllic, exotic, or luxurious place

xanth
pref. : yellow <xanthene>

xanthan gum
: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a gram-negative bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods ― called also xanthan

xanthate
v. : a salt or ester of any of various thio acids and especially C_3H_6OS_2

xanthene
1 : a white crystalline heterocyclic compound C_13H_10O also : an isomer of this that is the parent of the colored forms of the xanthene dyes
2 : any of various derivatives of xanthene

xanthene dye
: any of various brilliant fluorescent yellow to pink to bluish-red dyes that are characterized by the presence of the xanthene nucleus

xanthine
n. : a feebly basic compound C_5H_4N_4O_2 that occurs especially in animal or plant tissue, is derived from guanine and hypoxanthine, and yields uric acid on oxidation also : any of various derivatives of xanthine (as methylxanthine)

Xanthippe
n. : an ill-tempered woman

Xanthippe
n. 5th cent. B.C. wife of Socrates

xanthone
n. : a ketone C_13H_8O_2 that is the parent of several natural yellow pigments

xanthophyll
n. : any of several yellow to orange carotenoid pigments that are oxygen derivatives of carotenes especially : LUTEIN

Xanthus
city of ancient Lycia; site near mouth of Koca River in SW Turkey

Xaverian Brother
: a member of a Roman Catholic congregation of lay brothers founded by Theodore J. Ryken in Brugge, Belgium, in 1839 and dedicated to education

Xavier
n. Saint Francis 1506-1552 Span. Francisco Ja·vier \hä-'vyer\ Span. Jesuit missionary

Xe
xenon

xebec
n. : a usually 3-masted Mediterranean sailing ship with long overhanging bow and stern

xen
pref. 1 a : guest : foreigner <xenophobia> b : that which is not the host <xenograft>
2 a : strange : foreign <xenolith> b : not being the host <xenobiotic>

Xenia
n. city SW cen Ohio pop 24,164

xenia
n. : the effect of genes introduced by pollen especially on endosperm and embryo development

xenobiotic
n. : a chemical compound (as a drug, pesticide, or carcinogen) that is foreign to a living organism
–xenobiotic adjective

Xenocrates
396-314 B.C. Greek philos.

xenodiagnosis
n. : the detection of a parasite (as of humans) by feeding a suitable intermediate host (as an insect) on supposedly infected material (as blood) and later examining the host for the parasite
–xe·no·di·ag·nos·tic \-'näs-tik\ adjective

xenogeneic
adj. : derived from, originating in, or being a member of another species

xenograft
n. : a graft of tissue taken from a donor of one species and grafted into a recipient of another species ― called also heterograft ― compare HOMOGRAFT

xenolith
n. : a fragment of a rock included in another rock
–xe·no·lith·ic \ˌze-nə-'li-thik, ˌzē-\ adjective

xenon
n. : a heavy colorless and relatively inert gaseous element that occurs in air as about one part in 20 million and is used especially in specialized electric lamps (as flashtubes) and in scientific research ― see ELEMENT table

Xenophanes
ca 560-ca 478 B.C. Greek philos.

xenophile
n. : one attracted to foreign things (as styles or people)

xenophobe
n. : one unduly fearful of what is foreign and especially of people of foreign origin
–xe·no·pho·bic \ˌze-nə-'fō-bik, ˌzē-\ adjective
–xe·no·pho·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

xenophobia
n. : fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign

Xenophon
n. ca 431-ca 352 B.C. Greek hist.

xenotransplantation
n. : transplantation of an organ, tissue, or cells between two different species
–xe·no·trans·plant \-'tran(t)s-ˌplant\ noun

xenotropic
: replicating or reproducing only in cells other than those of the host species <xenotropic viruses>

Xer
pref. : a member of Generation X

xer
pref. : dry <xeric> <xerophyte>

Xeres
― see JEREZ

xeric
adj. : characterized by, relating to, or requiring only a small amount of moisture <a xeric habitat> <a xeric plant> ― compare HYDRIC, MESIC

xeriscape
n. : a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation)

xeroderma pigmentosum
: a genetic disorder inherited as a recessive autosomal trait that is caused by a defect in mechanisms that repair DNA mutations (as those caused by ultraviolet light) and is characterized by the development of pigment abnormalities and multiple skin cancers in areas exposed to the sun

xerography
n. 1 : a process for copying graphic matter by the action of light on an electrically charged photoconductive insulating surface in which the latent image is developed with a resinous powder (as toner)
2 : XERORADIOGRAPHY
–xe·ro·graph·ic \ˌzir-ə-'gra-fik\ adjective
–xe·ro·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

xerophilous
adj. : thriving in or tolerant or characteristic of a xeric environment

xerophthalmia
n. : a dry thickened lusterless condition of the eyeball resulting especially from a severe systemic deficiency of vitamin A
–xe·roph·thal·mic \-mik\ adjective

xerophyte
n. : a plant adapted for life and growth with a limited water supply
–xe·ro·phyt·ic \ˌzir-ə-'fi-tik\ adjective

xeroradiography
n. : radiography used especially in mammographic screening for breast cancer that produces an image using X-rays in a manner similar to the way an image is produced by light in xerography

xerothermic
1 : characterized by heat and dryness
2 : adapted to or thriving in a hot dry environment

Xerox
n. ― used for a xerographic copier

xerox
n. 1 : to copy on a xerographic copier
2 : to make (a copy) on a xerographic copier

Xerxes
n. ca 519-465 B.C. the Great king of Persia (486-465)

Xhosa
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Eastern Cape province
2 : a Bantu language of the Xhosas

Xi
n. river 300 mi (483 km) SE China in Guangxi Zhuangzu & Guangdong flowing E into S. China Sea

xi
n. : the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

xi
n. Muhammad XI
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
do si do
do si dos
eppur si muove
si monumentum requiris circumspice
si vis pacem para bellum
si jeunesse savait si vieillesse pouvait
si jeunesse savait si vieillesse pouvait!
si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice
Pen hsi
Wu hsi
Hsi Ning
Chu Hsi
K'ang hsi
Tz'u hsi
Yen Hsi shan
Hsi ning

Xi'an
city E cen China capital of Shaanxi on the Wei pop 1,959,044

Xiamen
n. city & port SE China in S Fujian on two islands pop 308,000

Xiang
river 350 mi (560 km) SE cen China flowing from N Guangxi Zhuangzu N into Hunan

Xiang
Hsiang t'an
Hsin hsiang
Feng Yu hsiang
Feng Yü hsiang
Hsiang Kang

Xianggang
― see HONG KONG

Xiangtan
city SE China in E Hunan on the Xiang S of Changsha pop 441,968

Xigaze
town W China in SE Tibet on the Tsangpo W of Lhasa

Xingu
n. river 1230 mi (1979 km) cen & N Brazil rising on Mato Grosso plateau & flowing N into the Amazon near its mouth

Xining
city NW China capital of Qinghai pop 551,776

Xinjiang Uygur
region W China bet. the Kunlun & Altai mountains; formerly a province capital Ürümqi area 635,829 sq mi (1,653,154 sq km), pop 15,155,778

Xinxiang
city E China in N Henan N of Zhengzhou pop 473,762

xiphisternum
n. : XIPHOID PROCESS

xiphoid
n. : XIPHOID PROCESS
–xiphoid adjective

xiphoid process
: the third and lowest segment of the human sternum

Xizang
n. ― see TIBET

XL
1 extra large
2 extra long

Xmas
n. : CHRISTMAS

XML
: a markup language with use and design similar to HTML but employing tags that indicate the logical structure in addition to the display specifications of the coded data

XO
executive office

Xochimilco
city S cen Mexico, SE suburb of Mexico City pop 271,020

Xray
― a communications code word for the letter x

XS
extra small

xu
n. 1 : a coin formerly minted by South Vietnam equivalent to the cent
2 ― see dong at MONEY table

Xuanhua
city NE China in NW Hebei NW of Beijing pop 114,000

Xuzhou
city E China in NW Jiangsu pop 805,695

xyl
pref. 1 : wood <xylophone>
2 : xylene <xylidine>

xylan
n. : a yellow gummy pentosan that yields xylose on hydrolysis and is abundantly present in plant cell walls and woody tissue

xylem
n. : a complex tissue in the vascular system of higher plants that consists of vessels, tracheids, or both usually together with wood fibers and parenchyma cells, functions chiefly in conduction of water and dissolved minerals but also in support and food storage, and typically constitutes the woody element (as of a plant stem) ― compare PHLOEM

xylem ray
: a vascular ray or portion of a vascular ray located in xylem ― called also wood ray ― compare PHLOEM RAY

xylene
n. : any of three toxic flammable oily isomeric aromatic hydrocarbons C_8H_10 that are di-methyl homologues of benzene and are usually obtained from petroleum or natural gas distillates also : a mixture of xylenes and ethyl benzene used chiefly as a solvent

xylidine
: any or a mixture of six toxic liquid or low-melting crystalline isomeric amino derivatives C_8H_11N of the xylenes used chiefly as intermediates for azo dyes and in organic synthesis

xylitol
n. : a crystalline alcohol C_5H_12O_5 that is a derivative of xylose, is obtained especially from birch bark, and is used as a sweetener

xylography
n. : the art of making engravings on wood especially for printing
–xy·lo·graph \'zī-lə-ˌgraf\ noun
–xy·log·ra·pher \zī-'lä-grə-fər\ noun
–xy·lo·graph·ic \ˌzī-lə-'gra-fik\ also xy·lo·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective

xylol
n. : XYLENE

xylophagous
adj. : feeding on or in wood <xylophagous insects>

xylophone
n. : a percussion instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars graduated in length to produce the musical scale, supported on belts of straw or felt, and sounded by striking with two small wooden hammers
–xy·lo·phon·ist \-ˌfō-nist\ noun

xylose
n. : a crystalline aldose sugar C_5H_10O_5 that is not fermentable with ordinary yeasts and occurs especially as a constituent of xylans from which it is obtained by hydrolysis

Y
n. : YMCA, YWCA

Y
n. yttrium

y
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 25th letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic y
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter y
3 : one designated y especially as the 25th in order or class or the second in order or class when x is made the first
4 : something shaped like the letter Y

y
n. 1 yard
2 year

y
n. 1 a : characterized by : full of <blossomy> <dirty> <muddy> <clayey> b : having the character of : composed of <icy> <waxy> c : like : like that of <homey> <wintry> ― often with a disparaging connotation <stagy>
2 a : tending or inclined to <sleepy> <chatty> b : giving occasion for (specified) action <teary> c : performing (specified) action <curly>

y
n. 1 : state : condition : quality <beggary>
2 : activity, place of business, or goods dealt with <chandlery> <laundry>
3 : whole body or group <soldiery>

y
n. : instance of a (specified) action <entreaty> <inquiry>

y
n. ― see -IE

Y chromosome
: a sex chromosome that is characteristic of male cells in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes ― compare X CHROMOSOME

y'all
pron. variant of you-all

y-axis
1 : the axis of a plane Cartesian coordinate system parallel to which ordinates are measured
2 : one of the three axes in a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system

y-coordinate
: a coordinate whose value is determined by measuring parallel to a y-axis specifically : ORDINATE

y-intercept
: the y-coordinate of a point where a line, curve, or surface intersects the y-axis

YA
pron. young adult

yabber
n. Australian : TALK, JABBER <all yabber and chatter ceased around the campfires ― Francis Birtles>
–yabber intransitive verb

yabby
n. : any of various burrowing Australian crayfishes (genus Cherax, especially C. destructor) that are used for food

Yablonovy Mountains
mountain range S Russia in Asia

Yabucoa
city SE Puerto Rico pop 39,246

Yacarana
― see JAVARI

yacht
n. : any of various recreational watercraft: as a : a sailboat used for racing b : a large usually motor-driven craft used for pleasure cruising

yacht
n. : to race or cruise in a yacht

yacht club
: a club organized to promote and regulate yachting and boating

yachting
n. : the action, fact, or pastime of racing or cruising in a yacht

yachtsman
n. : a person who owns or sails a yacht

yada yada
: boring or empty talk <listening to a lot of yada yada about the economy> ― often used interjectionally especially in recounting words regarded as too dull or predictable to be worth repeating

Yadkin
river 202 mi (325 km) cen N.C., the upper course of the Pee Dee

Yafo
n. ― see JAFFA

YAG
: a synthetic yttrium aluminum garnet of marked hardness and high refractive index that is used especially as a gemstone and in laser technology

yagi
: a highly directional and selective shortwave antenna consisting of a horizontal conductor of one or two dipoles connected with the receiver or transmitter and of a set of nearly equal insulated dipoles parallel to and on a level with the horizontal conductor

yahoo
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a race of brutes in Swift's Gulliver's Travels who have the form and all the vices of humans
2 [influenced by 2yahoo] : a boorish, crass, or stupid person
–ya·hoo·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun

yahoo
n. : YIPPEE

Yahweh
n. : GOD 1A ― used especially by the ancient Hebrews ― compare TETRAGRAMMATON

Yahwism
n. : the worship of Yahweh among the ancient Hebrews

Yahwistic
adj. 1 : characterized by the use of Yahweh as the name of God
2 : of or relating to Yahwism

yak
n. : a large long-haired wild or domesticated ox (Bos grunniens syn. B. mutus) of Tibet and adjacent elevated parts of central Asia

yak
n. variant of 1yuk

yak
n. : to talk persistently : CHATTER

yak
n. : persistent or voluble talk

Yakama
1 : a member of a group of Sahaptin peoples of the lower Yakima River valley, south central Washington
2 : the language of the Yakama people

Yakima
1 river 200 mi (322 km) S Wash. flowing SE into Columbia River
2 city S cen Wash. pop 71,845

yakitori
n. : bite-size marinated pieces of beef, seafood, or chicken on skewers

Yakutat Bay
inlet of the Pacific SE Alaska

Yakutia
― see SAKHA

Yakutsk
city E cen Russia in Asia pop 198,000

Yale
n. Elihu 1649-1721 Eng. (Am.-born) colonial administrator

Yalong
river SW China in W Sichuan flowing S into the Chang

Yalow
Rosalyn 1921-     née Sussman American med. physicist

Yalta
n. city & port Ukraine on S coast of Crimea pop 89,000

Yalu
river ab 500 mi (804 km) SE Manchuria & NW N. Korea flowing N, W, & SW into Korea Bay

yam
n. 1 : the edible starchy tuberous root of various plants (genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae) used as a staple food in tropical areas also : a plant producing yams
2 : a moist-fleshed and usually orange-fleshed sweet potato

Yamagata
Prince Aritomo 1838-1922 Jp. gen. & statesman

Yamal
peninsula NW Russia in Asia at N end of Ural Mountains bet. Gulf of Ob' & Kara Sea

Yamamoto
Isoroku 1884-1943 Jp. admiral

Yamashita
Tomoyuki 1885-1946 Jp. gen.

yamen
: the headquarters or residence of a Chinese government official or department

yammer
v. 1 a : to utter repeated cries of distress or sorrow b : WHIMPER
2 : to utter persistent complaints : WHINE
3 : to talk persistently or volubly and often loudly <caused the purists to yammer for censorship ― D. W. Maurer>
–yammer noun

Yamoussoukro
n. town cen Ivory Coast; its official capital

Yampa
river 250 mi (400 km) NW Colo. flowing W into Green River in Dinosaur National Monument

Yamuna
river 860 mi (1384 km) N India in Uttar Pradesh flowing from the Himalayas S & SE into the Ganges

Yan'an
city NE cen China in cen Shaanxi pop 113,277

Yana
river N Russia in Asia flowing N into Laptev Sea

Yanam
town SE India in Pondicherry terr.; a settlement of French India until 1954 pop 20,297

yang
n. : the masculine active principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is exhibited in light, heat, or dryness and that combines with yin to produce all that comes to be

yang
n. Kuei yang
Yang chou
yin and yang
Chao Tzu yang

Yangku
― see TAIYUAN

Yangon
n. 1 ― see RANGOON 1
2 or formerly Rangoon city & port capital of Myanmar on Rangoon River 21 mi (34 km) from its mouth pop 1,717,649

Yangquan
city N China in E Shanxi E of Taiyuan pop 362,268

Yangtze
n. ― see CHANG

Yangzhou
city E China in SW Jiangsu NE of Nanjing pop 312,892

Yank
n. : YANKEE

yank
n. : to pull on something with a quick vigorous movement
transitive verb
1 : to pull or extract with a quick vigorous movement
2 : to remove in or as if in an abrupt manner <yanked the story from the evening edition>

yank
n. : a strong sudden pull : JERK

Yankee
n. 1 a : a native or inhabitant of New England b : a native or inhabitant of the northern U.S.
2 : a native or inhabitant of the U.S.
–Yan·kee·dom \-kē-dəm\ noun
–Yan·kee·ism \-kē-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Yankee
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter y

Yankee-Doodle
: YANKEE

Yanomami
n. 1 : an indigenous people inhabiting the rain forests of southern Venezuela and northern Brazil also : a member of the Yanomami people
2 : the family of four closely related languages spoken by the Yanomami

yanqui
n. : a citizen of the U.S. as distinguished from a Latin American

Yantai
city & port E China in NE Shandong on Shandong Peninsula on Bo Hai pop 452,127

yantra
n. : a geometrical diagram used like an icon usually in meditation

Yaounde
n. city S cen Cameroon, its capital pop 649,000

Yap
n. islands W Carolines, part of Federated States of Micronesia
–Yap·ese \ya-'pēz, yä-, -'pēs\ adjective

yap
n. 1 : to talk in a shrill insistent way : CHATTER
2 : to bark snappishly : YELP
–yap·per noun

yap
n. 1 a : a quick sharp bark : YELP b : shrill insistent talk : CHATTER
2 : an unsophisticated, ignorant, or uncouth person : BUMPKIN
3 slang : MOUTH

Yaqui
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of Sonora, Mexico
2 : the Uto-Aztecan language of the Yaqui people

Yaqui
n. river 420 mi (676 km) NW Mexico in Sonora flowing SW into Gulf of California

Yarborough
n. : a hand in bridge or whist containing no ace and no card higher than a nine

yard
n. 1 a : a small usually walled and often paved area open to the sky and adjacent to a building : COURT b : the grounds of a building or group of buildings
2 : the grounds immediately surrounding a house that are usually covered with grass
3 a : an enclosure for livestock (as poultry) b (1) : an area with its buildings and facilities set aside for a particular business or activity (2) : an assembly or storage area (as for dry-docked boats) c : a system of tracks for storage and maintenance of cars and making up trains
4 : a locality in a forest where deer herd in winter

yard
n. 1 : of, relating to, or employed in the yard surrounding a building <yard light>
2 : of, relating to, or employed in a railroad yard <a yard engine>

yard
n. 1 : to drive into or confine in a restricted area : HERD, PEN
2 : to deliver to or store in a yard
intransitive verb : to congregate in or as if in a yard

yard
n. 1 : any of various units of measure: as a : a unit of length equal in the U.S. to 0.9144 meter ― see WEIGHT table b : a unit of volume equal to a cubic yard
2 a : a great length or quantity <remembered yards of facts and figures> b slang : one hundred dollars
3 : a long spar tapered toward the ends to support and spread the head of a square sail, lateen, or lugsail
4 : a slender horn-shaped glass about three feet tall also : the amount it contains <a yard of ale>
–the whole nine yards : all of a related set of circumstances, conditions, or details <who could learn the most about making records, about electronics and engineering, the whole nine yards ― Stephen Stills> ― sometimes used adverbially with go to indicate an all-out effort

yard
n. play yard
cloth yard
main yard
navy yard
yard goods
Scotland Yard
yard grass
yard line
yard long bean
yard sale
the whole nine yards

yard goods
: fabrics sold by the yard : PIECE GOODS

yard grass
: a tall annual Old World grass (Eleusine indica) widely distributed as a weed ― called also goosegrass

yard line
: any of a series of marked or imaginary lines one yard apart on a football field that are parallel to the goal lines and that indicate the distance to the nearest goal line

yard sale
: GARAGE SALE

yard-long bean
: the edible 1- to 3-foot (0.3- to 0.9-meter) long thin stringless pod of a south Asian plant of a subspecies (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) of the cowpea also : the plant

yardage
n. 1 : the use of a livestock enclosure for animals in transit provided by a railroad at a station
2 : a charge made by a railroad for the use of a livestock enclosure

yardage
n. 1 a : an aggregate number of yards b : the length, extent, or volume of something as measured in yards
2 : YARD GOODS

yardarm
n. : either end of the yard of a square-rigged ship

yardbird
n. 1 : a soldier assigned to a menial task or restricted to a limited area as a disciplinary measure
2 : an untrained or inept enlisted man

yarder
: one that is a specified number of yards in length ― used in combination <kicked a 42-yarder>

yardman
n. 1 : a person employed to do outdoor work (as mowing lawns)
2 : a person who works in the yard of a commercial establishment especially : one who supervises the handling of building materials in a lumberyard
3 : a railroad hand employed in yard service

yardmaster
n. : the person in charge of operations in a railroad yard

yardstick
n. 1 a : a graduated measuring stick three feet (0.9144 meter) long b : a standard basis of calculation <a yardstick for measuring astronomical distances>
2 : a standard for making a critical judgment : CRITERION <measured by the yardstick of her first book> <was a great success by any yardstick>
synonyms see STANDARD

yare
adj. 1 archaic : set for action : READY
2 or yar \'yär\ a : characterized by speed and agility : NIMBLE, LIVELY b : HANDY 1C, MANEUVERABLE
–yare adverb archaic
–yare·ly adverb archaic

Yarkand
river Kashmir & China flowing from Karakoram Range N & W to join the Hotan in Xinjiang Uygur forming the Tarim

Yarmouth
1 city SE Mass. on Cape Cod E of Barnstable pop 24,807
2 or Great Yarmouth port E England in Norfolk on North Sea pop 50,152

yarmulke
n. : a skullcap worn especially by Orthodox and Conservative Jewish males in the synagogue and the home

yarn
n. 1 a : a continuous often plied strand composed of either natural or man-made fibers or filaments and used in weaving and knitting to form cloth b : a similar strand of another material (as metal, glass, or plastic)
2 : a narrative of adventures especially : a tall tale <a roaring good yarn>

yarn
n. : to tell a yarn
–yarn·er noun

yarn-dye
: to dye before weaving or knitting

Yaroslavl'
city cen Russia in Europe on the Volga NE of Moscow pop 637,000

yarrow
n. : a widely naturalized strong-scented Eurasian composite herb (Achillea millefolium) with finely dissected leaves and small usually white corymbose flowers also : any of several congeneric plants

yashmak
n. : a veil worn by Muslim women that is wrapped around the upper and lower parts of the face so that only the eyes remain exposed to public view

yataghan
n. : a long knife or short saber that lacks a guard for the hand at the juncture of blade and hilt and that usually has a double curve to the edge and a nearly straight back

Yauco
municipality SW Puerto Rico pop 46,384

yauld
adj. chiefly Scottish : VIGOROUS 1

yaupon
n. : a holly (Ilex vomitoria) of the southeastern U.S. that has smooth elliptical leaves with emetic and purgative properties

yautia
: any of several aroid plants (genus Xanthosoma, especially X. sagittifolium) chiefly of tropical America with starchy edible shaggy brown tubers that are cooked and eaten like yams or potatoes also : one of these tubers

Yavari
― see JAVARI

yaw
n. 1 : the action of yawing especially : a side to side movement
2 : the extent of the movement in yawing

yaw
n. 1 a of a ship : to deviate erratically from a course (as when struck by a heavy sea) especially : to move from side to side b of an airplane, spacecraft, or projectile : to turn by angular motion about the vertical axis
2 : ALTERNATE <restlessly yawing between apparent extremes ― Martin Kasindorf>

Yawata
former city Japan in N Kyushu ― see KITAKYUSHU

yawl
n. 1 : a ship's small boat : JOLLY BOAT
2 : a fore-and-aft rigged sailboat carrying a mainsail and one or more jibs with a mizzenmast far aft

yawn
n. intransitive verb
1 : to open wide : GAPE
2 : to open the mouth wide and take a deep breath usually as an involuntary reaction to fatigue or boredom
transitive verb
1 : to utter with a yawn
2 : to accomplish with or impel by yawns <his grandchildren yawned him to bed ― L. L. King>

yawn
n. 1 : GAP, CAVITY
2 : an opening of the mouth wide while taking a deep breath often as an involuntary reaction to fatigue or boredom also : a reaction resembling a yawn <a⋯success at the box office but drew only yawns from critics ― Current Biog.>
3 : 5BORE <this book is kind of a yawn ― Ilene L. Cooper>

yawner
n. 1 : one that yawns
2 : something that causes boredom <the show was a real yawner>

yawning
n. 1 : wide open : CAVERNOUS <a yawning hole> <yawning gaps in the plot>
2 : showing fatigue or boredom by yawns <a yawning audience>
–yawn·ing·ly \'yȯ-niŋ-lē\ adverb

yawp
v. 1 : to make a raucous noise : SQUAWK
2 : CLAMOR, COMPLAIN
–yawp·er noun

yawp
v. 1 : a raucous noise : SQUAWK
2 : something suggestive of a raucous noise specifically : rough vigorous language

yawping
n. : a strident utterance

yaws
n. : a contagious tropical disease caused by a spirochete (Treponema pertenue) closely resembling the causative agent of syphilis and marked by infectious ulcerative skin lesions with later bone involvement ― called also frambesia

Yazd
city cen Iran pop 230,483

Yazoo
river 189 mi (304 km) Miss. flowing SW into Mississippi River

Yb
ytterbium

YBP
years before present

yclept
adj.

yd
n. yard

ye
pron. : YOU 1 ― used orig. only as a plural pronoun of the second person in the subjective case and now used especially in ecclesiastical or literary language and in various English dialects

ye
pron. archaic : THE <Ye Olde Gifte Shoppe>

yea
n. 1 : YES ― used in oral voting
2 : more than this : not only so but ― used to introduce a more explicit or emphatic phrase <yet the impression, yea the evidence, is inescapable ― J. G. Harrison>

yea
n. 1 : AFFIRMATION, ASSENT
2 a : an affirmative vote b : a person casting a yea vote

yea-sayer
1 : one whose attitude is that of confident affirmation
2 : YES-MAN

yeah
interj. : YES

yean
v. : to bring forth young ― used of a sheep or goat

yeanling
n. : LAMB, KID 1A

year
n. 1 a : the period of about 365^1/4 solar days required for one revolution of the earth around the sun b : the time required for the apparent sun to return to an arbitrary fixed or moving reference point in the sky c : the time in which a planet completes a revolution about the sun <two Mercury years>
2 a : a cycle in the Gregorian calendar of 365 or 366 days divided into 12 months beginning with January and ending with December b : a period of time equal to one year of the Gregorian calendar but beginning at a different time
3 : a calendar year specified usually by a number <died in the year 1900>
4 plural : a time or era having a special significance <their glory years>
5 a : 12 months that constitute a measure of age or duration <her 21st year> ― often used in combination <a year-old child> b plural : AGE <wise beyond her years> also : the final stage of the normal life span
6 : a period of time (as the usually 9-month period in which a school is in session) other than a calendar year

year
n. academic year
calendar year
common year
dollar a year
fiscal year
great year
Holy Year
leap year
light year
man year
New Year
New Year's
New Year's Day
off year
out year
sabbatical year
seventeen year locust
sidereal year
vintage year
year end
year of grace
year round
year rounder
donkey's years
golden years

year of grace

14th century
: a calendar year of the Christian era <the year of grace 1993>

year-end
: the end of usually the fiscal year

year-end
: made, occurring, or existing at the year-end <a year-end report>

year-round
: occurring, effective, employed, staying, or operating for the full year : not seasonal <a year-round resort>
–year-round adverb
–year-round·er \-'rau̇n-dər\ noun

yearbook
n. 1 : a book published yearly as a report or summary of statistics or facts : ANNUAL
2 : a school publication that is compiled usually by a graduating class and that serves as a record of the year's activities

yearling
n. : one that is a year old: as a : an animal one year old or in the second year of its age b : a racehorse between January 1 of the year after the year in which it was foaled and the next January 1
–yearling adjective

yearlong
adj. : lasting through a year

yearly
adj. 1 : reckoned by the year
2 : occurring, appearing, made, done, or acted upon every year or once a year : ANNUAL

yearly
adj. : every year : ANNUALLY

Yearly Meeting
: an organization uniting several Quarterly Meetings of the Society of Friends

yearn
v. 1 : to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly <yearns to make a difference>
2 : to feel tenderness or compassion
synonyms see LONG
–yearn·er noun
–yearn·ing·ly \'yər-niŋ-lē\ adverb

yearning
n. : a tender or urgent longing <a yearning for justice>

yeast
n. 1 a : a yellowish surface froth or sediment that occurs especially in saccharine liquids (as fruit juices) in which it promotes alcoholic fermentation, consists largely of cells of a fungus (as the saccharomyces, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and is used especially in the making of alcoholic liquors and as a leaven in baking b : a commercial product containing yeast fungi in a moist or dry medium c (1) : a unicellular fungus that is present and functionally active in yeast, usually has little or no mycelium, and reproduces by budding (2) : any of various similar fungi
2 archaic : the foam or spume of waves
3 : something that causes ferment or activity <were all seething with the yeast of revolt ― J. F. Dobie>

yeast
n. : FERMENT, FROTH

yeast
n. torula yeast
baker's yeast
brewer's yeast
yeast infection

yeast infection
: infection of the vagina with an overgrowth of a normally present candidal fungus (Candida albicans) that is characterized by a discharge and inflammation broadly : an infection (as thrush) caused by a yeast fungus

yeasty
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling yeast <a yeasty flavor>
2 a : IMMATURE, UNSETTLED b : marked by change <a yeasty period in history> c : full of vitality d : FRIVOLOUS 1A e : FRIVOLOUS 2
–yeast·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

Yeats
n. William Butler 1865-1939 Irish poet & dram.
–Yeats·ian \'yāt-sē-ən\ adjective

yech
― used to express rejection or disgust

Yedo
― see TOKYO

yegg
n. : SAFECRACKER also : ROBBER

Yegor'yevsk
city W cen Russia in Europe SE of Moscow pop 74,200

Yekaterinburg
city W Russia in Asia in cen Ural Mountains pop 1,371,000

Yelizavetpol
― see GANCA

yell
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout
2 : to give a cheer usually in unison
transitive verb : to utter or declare with or as if with a yell : SHOUT
–yell·er noun

yell
n. 1 : SCREAM, SHOUT
2 : a usually rhythmic cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams

Yellow
n. ― see HUANG

yellow
n. 1 a : of the color yellow b : become yellowish through age, disease, or discoloration : SALLOW c sometimes offensive : having a yellowish or light brown complexion or skin
2 a : featuring sensational or scandalous items or ordinary news sensationally distorted <yellow journalism> b : MEAN, COWARDLY
–yel·low·ish \'ye-lə-wish\ adjective

yellow
n. 1 : something yellow or marked by a yellow color: as a sometimes offensive : a person having yellowish or light brown skin b : the yolk of an egg
2 a : a color whose hue resembles that of ripe lemons or sunflowers or is that of the portion of the spectrum lying between green and orange b : a pigment or dye that colors yellow
3 plural : JAUNDICE
4 plural but singular in construction : any of several plant diseases caused especially by phytoplasmas and marked by yellowing of the foliage and stunting

yellow
n. : to become or turn yellow
transitive verb : to make yellow : give a yellow tinge or color to <yellowed by time>

yellow
n. yellow bunting
canary yellow
chrome yellow
high yellow
lemon yellow
yellow spot
primrose yellow
straw yellow
sulphur yellow
yellow poplar
yellow bile
yellow birch
yellow dog
yellow dog contract
yellow dwarf
yellow fever
yellow fever mosquito
yellow green alga
yellow jack
yellow jacket
yellow jessamine
yellow jasmine
yellow ocher
yellow pages
yellow perch
yellow peril
yellow pine
yellow rain
yellow shafted flicker
Yellow Sea
aster yellows

yellow bile
: a humor believed in medieval physiology to be secreted by the liver and to cause irascibility

yellow birch
: a large birch (Betula alleghaniensis syn. B. lutea) of chiefly eastern No. America with thin lustrous gray or yellow bark forming plates with ragged edges in older trees also : its strong hard dark brown to reddish-brown wood

yellow dwarf
: any of several plant diseases of cereal grasses (as oats and barley), onions, potatoes, tomatoes, or tobacco that are characterized by yellowing and stunting and are caused by viruses

yellow fever
: an acute infectious disease of warm regions (as sub-Saharan Africa and tropical So. America) marked by sudden onset, prostration, fever, and headache and sometimes albuminuria, jaundice, and hemorrhage and caused by a flavivirus (species Yellow fever virus of the genus Flavivirus) transmitted especially by the yellow-fever mosquito

yellow jack
1 : YELLOW FEVER
2 : a yellowish carangid marine food fish (Caranx bartholomaei) found from Massachusetts to Brazil

yellow jacket
1 : any of various small yellow-marked vespid wasps (esp. genus Vespula) that commonly nest in the ground and can sting repeatedly and painfully
2 slang : pentobarbital especially in a yellow capsule

yellow jessamine
: a twining No. American evergreen shrub (Gelsemium sempervirens of the family Loganiaceae) with fragrant yellow flowers ― called also yellow jasmine

yellow ocher
1 : a mixture of limonite usually with clay and silica used as a pigment
2 : a moderate orange yellow

yellow pages
1 : the section of a telephone book that lists business and professional firms alphabetically by category and that includes classified advertising also : a listing of products or services that is independently published
2 : a directory resembling yellow pages

yellow perch
: a common No. American freshwater fish (Perca flavescens) of the perch family that has yellowish sides with dark green vertical bands and is a popular food and sport fish

yellow peril
1 : a danger to Western civilization held to arise from expansion of the power and influence of eastern Asian peoples
2 : a threat to Western living standards from the influx of eastern Asian laborers willing to work for very low wages

yellow pine
1 : any of several No. American pines (as a Ponderosa pine or longleaf pine) with yellowish wood
2 : the wood of a yellow pine

yellow poplar
1 : TULIP TREE 1
2 : TULIPWOOD 1

yellow rain
: a yellow substance that has occurred in southeastern Asia as a mist or as spots on rocks and vegetation and has been held to be a biological warfare agent used in the Vietnam War but appears upon scientific examination to be identical to pollen-laden bee feces

Yellow Sea
inlet of E. China Sea bet. N China, N. Korea, & S. Korea

yellow spot
: MACULA LUTEA

yellow-dog
1 : MEAN, CONTEMPTIBLE
2 : of or relating to opposition to trade unionism or a labor union

yellow-dog contract
: an employment contract in which a worker disavows membership in and agrees not to join a labor union in order to get a job

yellow-fever mosquito
: a small dark-colored mosquito (Aedes aegypti) that is the usual vector of yellow fever

yellow-green alga
: any of a class (Xanthophyceae of the division Chrysophyta) of algae with the chlorophyll masked by brown or yellow pigment

yellow-shafted flicker
: a flicker of eastern No. America that is golden yellow on the underside of the tail and wings, has a red mark on the nape, and in the male has a black streak on each cheek

yellowfin tuna
: a nearly cosmopolitan tuna (Thunnus albacares) with yellowish fins ― called also yellowfin

yellowhammer
n. 1 : a common Palearctic finch (Emberiza citrinella of the family Emberizidae) having the male largely yellow and chestnut ― called also yellow bunting
2 : YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER

Yellowknife
n. city Canada capital of Northwest Territories on Great Slave Lake pop 16,541

yellowlegs
n. : either of two American shorebirds of the sandpiper family with yellow legs: a : GREATER YELLOWLEGS b : LESSER YELLOWLEGS

Yellowstone
n. river 671 mi (1080 km) NW Wyo. & S & E Mont. flowing N through Yellowstone Lake (area 140 sq mi or 364 sq km) & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park & NE into Missouri River in NW N.Dak. near Mont. border

Yellowstone Falls
two waterfalls NW Wyo. in Yellowstone River at head of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; upper fall 109 ft (33 m), lower fall 308 ft (94 m)

Yellowstone National Park
n. reservation NW Wyo., E Idaho, & S Mont. including plateau region notable for numerous geysers & hot springs

yellowtail
n. : any of various fishes having a yellow or yellowish tail: as a : any of several carangid fishes (genus Seriola) especially : a food and sport fish (S. lalandi) of the Pacific and Indian oceans having a yellow stripe along each side of the body b : SILVER PERCH A c : a snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) that is a sport and food fish found from Massachusetts to Brazil and is olive to bluish above with yellow spots and a broad yellow stripe along each side of the body ― called also yellowtail snapper

yellowtail flounder
: a flounder (Limanda ferruginea) of the western Atlantic that is brownish above with rusty spots and yellow in front of the tail fin

yellowthroat
n. : any of several largely olive American warblers (genus Geothlypis) especially : one (G. trichas) with yellow breast and throat and in the male a black mask

yellowware
: pottery made from buff clay and covered with a yellowish transparent clay

yellowwood
n. 1 : any of various trees having yellowish wood or yielding a yellow extract especially : a leguminous tree (Cladrastis lutea) of the southern U.S. having showy white fragrant flowers and yielding a yellow dye
2 : the wood of a yellowwood tree

yelp
n. : a sharp shrill bark or cry (as of a dog or turkey) also : SQUEAL

yelp
n. intransitive verb : to utter a sharp quick shrill cry <dogs yelp>
transitive verb : to utter with a yelp

yelper
n. 1 : one that yelps especially : a yelping dog
2 : an instrument used by hunters to produce a call or whistle imitating the yelp of the wild turkey hen

Yeltsin
n. Boris Nikolayevich 1931-     pres. of Russian Federation (1990-99)

Yemen
n. country S Arabia bordering on Red Sea & Gulf of Aden; a republic formed 1990 by merger of Yemen Arab Republic (capital Sanaa) with People's Democratic Republic of Yemen or Southern Yemen (capital Aden) capital Sanaa area 203,849 sq mi (527,969 sq km), pop 12,961,000
–Ye·me·ni \'ye-mə-nē\ adjective or noun
–Ye·men·ite \-mə-ˌnīt\ noun or adjective

Yemen
n. Southern Yemen
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen
South Yemen
South Yemeni

yen
n. ― see MONEY table

yen
n. : a strong desire or propensity : LONGING <a yen for the sea> also : URGE, CRAVING <a yen for ice cream>

yen
n. : to have an intense desire : LONG, YEARN

yen
n. Yen t'ai
yen shee
Yen Hsi shan

Yen Hsi-shan
1883-1960 Chin. gen.

yen-shee
: the residue formed in the bowl of an opium pipe by smoking

Yen-t'ai
― see YANTAI

Yenisey
river over 2500 mi (4022 km) Russia in Asia flowing N into Arctic Ocean

yenta
n. : one that meddles also : BLABBERMOUTH, GOSSIP

yeoman
n. 1 a : an attendant or officer in a royal or noble household b : a person attending or assisting another : RETAINER c : YEOMAN OF THE GUARD d : a naval petty officer who performs clerical duties
2 a : a person who owns and cultivates a small farm specifically : one belonging to a class of English freeholders below the gentry b : a person of the social rank of yeoman
3 : one that performs great and loyal service <did a yeoman's job in seeing the program through>

yeoman of the guard

circa 1520
: a member of a military corps attached to the British royal household that serves as ceremonial attendants of the sovereign and as warders of the Tower of London

yeomanly
adj. archaic : in a manner befitting a yeoman : BRAVELY

yeomanly
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or having the rank of a yeoman
2 : becoming or suitable to a yeoman : STURDY, LOYAL <yeomanly surveillance efforts>

yeomanry
n. 1 : the body of yeomen specifically : the body of small landed proprietors of the middle class
2 : a British volunteer cavalry force created from yeomen in 1761 as a home defense force and reorganized in 1907 as part of the territorial force

yep
adv. : YES

yer
pron. ― see -ER

yerba mate
: MATÉ

Yerevan
n. city capital of Armenia pop 1,199,000

yerk
n. 1 dialect : to beat vigorously : THRASH
2 dialect : to attack or excite vigorously : GOAD

yerk
n. 1 Scottish : a lashing out : KICK
2 dialect : JERK 1

Yerkes
Charles Ty·son \'tī-sən\ 1837-1905 American financier

yes
n. 1 ― used as a function word to express assent or agreement <are you ready? Yes, I am>
2 ― used as a function word usually to introduce correction or contradiction of a negative assertion or direction <don't say that! Yes, I will>
3 ― used as a function word to introduce a more emphatic or explicit phrase
4 ― used as a function word to indicate uncertainty or polite interest or attentiveness

yes
n. : an affirmative reply : YEA

yes-man
: a person who agrees with everything that is said especially : one who endorses or supports without criticism every opinion or proposal of an associate or superior

yeshiva
n. 1 : a school for talmudic study
2 : an Orthodox Jewish rabbinical seminary
3 : a Jewish day school providing secular and religious instruction

Yesil Irmak
river N Turkey in Asia flowing N into Black Sea

Yesilkoy
town Turkey in Europe on Sea of Marmara W of Istanbul

yester
pref. archaic : of or relating to yesterday

yesterday
n. 1 : on the day last past : on the day preceding today
2 : at a time not long past : only a short time ago <I wasn't born yesterday>
–yesterday adjective

yesterday
n. 1 : the day last past : the day next before the present
2 : recent time : time not long past
3 : past time ― usually used in plural

yesternight
n. archaic : on the night last past

yesternight
n. : the night last past

yesteryear
n. 1 : last year
2 : time gone by especially : the recent past
–yesteryear adverb

yestreen
n. chiefly Scottish : last evening or night
–yestreen adverb

yet
adv. 1 a : in addition : BESIDES <gives yet another reason> b : EVEN 2C <a yet higher speed> c : on top of everything else : no less <had wells going dry. Between two large lakes, yet ― J. H. Buzard>
2 a (1) : up to now : so far <hasn't done much yet> ― often used to imply the negative of a following infinitive <have yet to win a game> (2) : at this or that time : so soon as now <not time to go yet> b : continuously up to the present or a specified time : STILL <is yet a new country> c : at a future time : EVENTUALLY <may yet see the light>
3 : NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER
–as yet : up to the present or a specified time <there are as yet few clues ― Sharon Kingman>
–yet again : one more time <arrived late yet again>

yet
adv. : but nevertheless : BUT

yet again
one more time <arrived late yet again>

yeti
n. : ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN

yeuk
chiefly Scottish : ITCH

Yevreyskaya
― see JEWISH AUTONOMOUS OBLAST

Yevtushenko
Yevgeny Aleksandrovich 1933-     Soviet (Russ.-born) writer

yew
n. 1 a : any of a genus (Taxus of the family Taxaceae, the yew family) of evergreen gymnospermous trees and shrubs with stiff linear leaves and seeds surrounded by a fleshy red aril: as (1) : a long-lived Eurasian tree or shrub (T. baccata) ― called also English yew (2) : a low straggling bush (T. canadensis) of the eastern U.S. and Canada (3) : PACIFIC YEW b : the wood of a yew especially : the heavy fine-grained wood of the English yew
2 archaic : an archery bow made of yew

Yezo
― see HOKKAIDO

Ygerne
: IGRAINE

Yggdrasil
: a huge ash tree in Norse mythology that overspreads the world and binds earth, hell, and heaven together

YHWH
n. : YAHWEH ― compare TETRAGRAMMATON

Yibin
city cen China in S Sichuan on the Chang pop 805,695

Yichang
city cen China in W Hubei pop 371,601

Yid
usually offensive : JEW

Yiddish
adj. : a High German language written in Hebrew characters that is spoken by Jews and descendants of Jews of central and eastern European origin
–Yiddish adjective

Yiddishism
n. 1 : a usage, word, phrase, or idiom peculiar to Yiddish
2 : a movement characterized by advocacy of the Yiddish language and culture
–Yid·dish·ist \-shist\ noun or adjective

yield
n. transitive verb
1 archaic : RECOMPENSE, REWARD
2 : to give or render as fitting, rightfully owed, or required
3 : to give up possession of on claim or demand: as a : to give up (as one's breath) and so die b : to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another : hand over possession of c : to surrender or submit (oneself) to another d : to give (oneself) up to an inclination, temptation, or habit e : to relinquish one's possession of (as a position of advantage or point of superiority) <yield precedence>
4 a : to bear or bring forth as a natural product especially as a result of cultivation <the tree always yields good fruit> b : to produce or furnish as return <this soil should yield good crops> c (1) : to produce as return from an expenditure or investment : furnish as profit or interest <a bond that yields 12 percent> (2) : to produce as revenue : BRING IN <the tax is expected to yield millions>
5 : to give up (as a hit or run) in baseball <yielded two runs in the third inning>
intransitive verb
1 : to be fruitful or productive : BEAR, PRODUCE
2 : to give up and cease resistance or contention : SUBMIT, SUCCUMB <facing an enemy who would not yield> <yielding to temptation>
3 : to give way to pressure or influence : submit to urging, persuasion, or entreaty
4 : to give way under physical force (as bending, stretching, or breaking)
5 a : to give place or precedence : acknowledge the superiority of someone else b : to be inferior <our dictionary yields to none> c : to give way to or become succeeded by someone or something else
6 : to relinquish the floor of a legislative assembly
synonyms YIELD, SUBMIT, CAPITULATE, SUCCUMB, RELENT, DEFER mean to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist. YIELD may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty <yields too easily in any argument>. SUBMIT suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another <a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God>. CAPITULATE stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force <officials capitulated to the protesters' demands>. SUCCUMB implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force <a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood>. RELENT implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand <finally relented and let the children stay up late>. DEFER implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another <I defer to your expertise in these matters>. synonym see in addition RELINQUISH

yield
n. 1 : something yielded : PRODUCT especially : the amount or quantity produced or returned <yield of wheat per acre>
2 : the capacity of yielding produce

yielder
n. : one that yields: as a : a person who surrenders, concedes, or gives in b : something that yields produce or products

yielding
adj. 1 : PRODUCTIVE <a high-yielding wheat>
2 : lacking rigidity or stiffness : FLEXIBLE
3 : disposed to submit or comply <a docile and yielding temperament>

yikes
n. ― used to express fear or astonishment

yin
n. : the feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is exhibited in darkness, cold, or wetness and that combines with yang to produce all that comes to be

yin and yang
: opposite sides, elements, or extremes <the daily yin and yang of the campaign ― Steve Lopez>

Yinchuan
city N China capital of Ningxia Huizu on the Huang pop 356,652

Yingkou
city & port NE China in cen Liaoning on Gulf of Liaodong pop 421,589

Yinglish
: English marked by numerous borrowings from Yiddish

Yining
city W China in NW Xinjiang Uygur pop 177,193

yip
n. 1 : to bark sharply, quickly, and often continuously
2 : to utter a short sharp cry
–yip noun

yippee
interj. ― used to express exuberant delight or triumph

yippie
n. : a person belonging to or identified with a politically active group of hippies

yips
n. : a state of nervous tension affecting an athlete (as a golfer) in the performance of a crucial action <had a bad case of the yips on short putts>

YK
Yukon Territory

yl
: chemical and usually monovalent group or radical <ethyl> <carbonyl>

ylang-ylang
1 : a tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard-apple family that is native to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and adjacent areas and has very fragrant greenish-yellow flowers
2 : a perfume distilled from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree

YMCA
: an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare orig. of young men

YMHA
: an organization that promotes the religious, intellectual, social, and physical welfare of Jewish young men

Ymir
: a giant from whose body the gods create the world in Norse mythology

YO
interj. year old; years old

yo
interj. ― used especially to call attention, to indicate attentiveness, or to express affirmation

yo
interj. yo yo
yo yos
yo yoing
yo yoed

yo-yo
1 : a thick grooved double disk with a string attached to its center axle that is made to fall and rise to the hand by unwinding and rewinding on the string
2 : a condition or situation marked by regular fluctuations from one extreme to another
3 : a stupid or foolish person

yo-yo
: shifting back and forth or up and down uncertainly or unexpectedly

yo-yo
: to move from one position to another repeatedly : FLUCTUATE <the stock price yo-yoed>

YOB
n. year of birth

yob
n. British : YOBBO

yobbo
n. 1 British : LOUT, YOKEL
2 British : HOODLUM

yock
n. variant of 1yuk

yocto
: one septillionth (10-24) part of <yoctosecond>

yoctosecond
: one septillionth of a second

yod
n. : the 10th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

yodel
n. intransitive verb : to sing by suddenly changing from a natural voice to a falsetto and back also : to shout or call in a similar manner
transitive verb : to sing (a tune) by yodeling
–yo·del·er \'yōd-lər, 'yō-dəl-ər\ noun

yodel
n. : a song or refrain sung by yodeling also : a yodeled shout or cry

yoga
n. 1 capitalized : a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation
2 : a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being
–yo·gic \-gik\ adjective often cap

yogh
n. : the letter Ʒ used especially in Middle English chiefly to represent voiced and voiceless velar and palatal fricatives

yogi
n. 1 : a person who practices yoga
2 capitalized : an adherent of Yoga philosophy
3 : a markedly reflective or mystical person

yogurt
n. : a fermented slightly acid often flavored semisolid food made of milk and milk solids to which cultures of two bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) have been added

Yogyakarta
city Indonesia in S Java pop 412,392

yohimbe
n. : a tropical African tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe syn. Corynanthe yohimbe) of the madder family whose bark yields yohimbine also : a preparation of the bark that is used especially as an aphrodisiac

yohimbine
n. : an alkaloid C_21H_26N_2O_3 obtained from the bark of the yohimbe that is a weak blocker of alpha-adrenergic receptors and has been used as an aphrodisiac

Yoho National Park
n. reservation W Canada in SE B.C. on Alta. border

yoicks
v. ― used as a cry of encouragement to foxhounds

yoke
n. 1 a : a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b : an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c : a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d : a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness e (1) : a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder (2) : an airplane control operating the elevators and ailerons f : a frame from which a bell is hung g : a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position
2 plural usually yoke : two animals yoked or worked together
3 a (1) : an oppressive agency (2) : SERVITUDE, BONDAGE b : TIE, LINK especially : MARRIAGE
4 : a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments

yoke
n. transitive verb
1 a (1) : to put a yoke on (2) : to join in or with a yoke b : to attach a draft animal to also : to attach (a draft animal) to something
2 : to join as if by a yoke
3 : to put to work
intransitive verb : to become joined or linked

yokefellow
n. : a close companion : MATE

yokel
n. : a naive or gullible inhabitant of a rural area or small town

Yokohama
n. city & port Japan in SE Honshu on Tokyo Bay S of Tokyo pop 3,426,651

Yokosuka
city & port Japan in Honshu W of entrance to Tokyo Bay pop 428,645

yolk
n. 1 a : the yellow spheroidal mass of stored food that forms the inner portion of the egg of a bird or reptile and is surrounded by the white ― see EGG illustration b archaic : the whole contents of an animal ovum consisting of a protoplasmic formative portion and an inert nutritive portion c : material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food to the developing embryo and consists chiefly of proteins, lecithin, and cholesterol
2 [akin to Middle Dutch ieke yolk (of wool), Old English ēowu ewe] : oily material in unprocessed sheep wool consisting of wool fat, suint, and debris
–yolked adjective
–yolky adjective

yolk sac
: a membranous sac of most vertebrates that encloses the yolk, is attached in most forms (as in humans) through the yolk stalk with the intestinal cavity of the embryo, and is supplied with blood vessels that transport nutritive yolk products to the developing embryo

yolk stalk
: the narrow tubular stalk connecting the yolk sac with the embryo

Yom Kippur
: a Jewish holiday observed with fasting and prayer on the 10th day of Tishri in accordance with the rites described in Leviticus 16 ― called also Day of Atonement

yon
adj. : YONDER

yon
adj. dialect : that or those yonder

yon
adj. 1 : YONDER
2 : THITHER <ran hither and yon>

Yonai
Mitsumasa 1880-1948 Jp. admiral & statesman

yond
adj. archaic : YONDER

yond
adj. dialect : YONDER

yonder
adj. : at or in that indicated more or less distant place usually within sight

yonder
adj. 1 : farther removed : more distant
2 : being at a distance within view or at a place or in a direction known or indicated

yonder
adj. : something that is or is in an indicated more or less distant place

yoni
n. : a stylized representation of the female genitalia that in Hinduism is a sign of generative power and that symbolizes the goddess Shakti ― compare LINGAM
–yo·nic \'yō-nik\ adjective

Yonkers
n. city SE N.Y. N of New York City pop 196,086

Yonne
river 182 mi (293 km) NE cen France flowing NNW into the Seine

yoo-hoo
― used to attract attention or as a call to persons

Yorba Linda
city SW Calif. SE of Los Angeles pop 58,918

yore
n. : time past and especially long past ― usually used in the phrase of yore

York
n. Alvin Cullum 1887-1964 American soldier

York
n. 1 city SE Pa. SE of Harrisburg pop 40,862
2 former city Canada in SE Ont., now part of Toronto
3 or York·shire \-ˌshir, -shər\ former county N England bordering on North Sea comprising city of York & (former) administrative counties of East Rid·ing \'rī-diŋ\ (capital Beverley), North Riding (capital Northallerton), & West Riding (capital Wakefield) ― see NORTH YORKSHIRE, SOUTH YORKSHIRE, WEST YORKSHIRE
4 or ancient Ebo·ra·cum \i-'bȯr-ə-kəm, -'bär-\ city N England in N. Yorkshire on Ouse River pop 100,600

York
n. New York minute
York rite
Cape York Peninsula
East York
New York
New York City
New York Bay
New York State Barge Canal
North York
West New York
York Cape
York River
Yorkshire pudding
Yorkshire terrier
North Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
West Yorkshire

York rite
1 : a ceremonial observed by one of the Masonic systems
2 : a system or organization that observes the York rite and confers in the U.S. 13 degrees of which the last three are in commanderies of Knights Templar ― compare SCOTTISH RITE

York River
estuary 40 mi (64 km) E Va. flowing SE into Chesapeake Bay

York, Cape
― see CAPE YORK PENINSULA

Yorke Peninsula
peninsula Australia in SE S. Australia bet. Spencer Gulf and Gulf St. Vincent

Yorkie
n. : YORKSHIRE TERRIER

Yorkist
n. : of or relating to the English royal house that ruled from 1461 to 1485
–Yorkist noun

Yorkshire
n. : a white swine of any of several breeds or strains originated in Yorkshire, England

Yorkshire
n. Yorkshire pudding
Yorkshire terrier
North Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
West Yorkshire

Yorkshire pudding
: batter consisting of eggs, flour, and milk that is baked in meat drippings

Yorkshire terrier
: any of a breed of compact toy terriers with long straight silky hair mostly bluish gray but tan on the head and chest

Yoruba
n. : a Niger-Congo language of southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo also : a member of any of the Yoruba-speaking peoples of this region
–Yo·ru·ban \'yȯr-ə-bən\ noun or adjective

Yosemite Falls
waterfall E cen Calif. descending from rim of Yosemite Valley in two falls (upper fall 1430 ft or 436 m, lower fall 320 ft or 98 m) connected by cascades

Yosemite Valley
v. glaciated valley of Merced River E cen Calif. on W slope of Sierra Nevada in Yosemite National Park

Yoshihito
1879-1926 emp. of Japan (1912-26)

Yoshkar-Ola
town E Russia in Europe capital of Mari El pop 249,000

Yosu
city & port S S. Korea on Korea Strait pop 171,933

yotta
: septillion (10^24) <yottabyte>

yottabyte
n. : one septillion bytes

you
pron. 1 : the one or ones being addressed ― used as the pronoun of the second person singular or plural in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive <you may sit in that chair> <you are my friends> <can I pour you a cup of tea> ― used formerly only as a plural pronoun of the second person in the dative or accusative case as direct or indirect object of a verb or as object of a preposition ― compare THEE, THOU, YE, YOUR, YOURS
2 : ONE 2A <after a while, it grows on you>

you'd
v. : you had : you would

you'll
v. : you will : you shall

you're
v. : you are

you've
v. : you have

you-all
chiefly Southern : YOU ― usually used in addressing two or more persons

Youghiogheny
river 135 mi (217 km) NE W.Va., NW Md., & SW Pa. flowing N & NW into the Monongahela

Youmans
Vincent 1898-1946 American composer

Young
n. Andrew Jackson, Jr. 1932-     U.S. ambassador to U.N. (1977-79)

Young
n. Brig·ham \'bri-gəm\ 1801-1877 American Mormon leader

Young
n. Edward 1683-1765 Eng. poet

Young
n. Francis Brett 1884-1954 Eng. nov.

Young
n. Owen D. 1874-1962 American lawyer

Young
n. Whitney Moore 1921-1971 American civil rights leader

young
n. 1 a : being in the first or an early stage of life, growth, or development b : JUNIOR 1A c : of an early, tender, or desirable age for use as food or drink <fresh young lamb> <a young wine>
2 : having little experience
3 a : recently come into being : NEW <a young publishing company> b : YOUTHFUL 5
4 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of youth or a young person <young at heart>
5 capitalized : representing a new or rejuvenated especially political group or movement
–young·ish \'yəŋ-ish\ adjective
–young·ness \'yəŋ-nəs\ noun

young
n. 1 plural a : young persons : YOUTH b : immature offspring ― used especially of animals
2 : a single recently born or hatched animal
–with young : PREGNANT ― used of a female animal

young
n. angry young man
egg foo young
with young
young Turk
Kim Young Sam

young Turk
: an insurgent or a member of an insurgent group especially in a political party : RADICAL broadly : one advocating changes within a usually established group

youngberry
n. : the large sweet reddish-black fruit of a cultivar of a bramble closely related to the boysenberry and loganberry and grown in the western and southern U.S. also : a bramble bearing youngberries

youngblood
1 : a young inexperienced person especially : one who is newly prominent in a field of endeavor <jazz youngbloods>
2 : a young black American male

younger
adj. : an inferior in age : JUNIOR ― usually used with a possessive pronoun <is several years his younger>

youngest
n. : one that is the least old especially : the youngest child or member of a family

Younghusband
Sir Francis Edward 1863-1942 Brit. explorer & author

youngling
n. : one that is young especially : a young person or animal
–youngling adjective

youngster
n. 1 a : a young person : YOUTH b : CHILD
2 : a young animal or plant especially of a domesticated or cultivated breed or type

Youngstown
n. city NE Ohio E of Akron pop 82,026

younker
n. 1 : a young man
2 : CHILD, YOUNGSTER

your
pron. 1 : of or relating to you or yourself or yourselves especially as possessor or possessors <your bodies>, agent or agents <your contributions>, or object or objects of an action <your discharge>
2 : of or relating to one or oneself <when you face the north, east is at your right>
3 ― used with little or no meaning almost as an equivalent to the definite article the <your typical teenager>

Yourcenar
Marguerite 1903-1987 orig. surname de Crayencour Fr. author

yours
pron. : that which belongs to you ― used without a following noun as a pronoun equivalent in meaning to the adjective your <this book is yours> ― often used especially with an adverbial modifier in the complimentary close of a letter <yours truly>
–yours truly : I, ME, MYSELF <I can take care of yours truly>

yours truly
I, ME, MYSELF <I can take care of yours truly>

yourself
n. 1 a : that identical one that is you ― used reflexively <you might hurt yourself>, for emphasis <carry them yourself>, or in absolute constructions b : your normal, healthy, or sane condition or self <you haven't been yourself lately>
2 : ONESELF

yourselves
pron. 1 : those identical ones that are you ― used reflexively <get yourselves a treat>, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions
2 : your normal, healthy, or sane condition or selves <you will feel more like yourselves after a good rest>

youth
n. 1 a : the time of life when one is young especially : the period between childhood and maturity b : the early period of existence, growth, or development
2 a : a young person especially : a young male between adolescence and maturity b : young persons or creatures ― usually plural in construction
3 : the quality or state of being youthful : YOUTHFULNESS

youth hostel
: HOSTEL 2B

Youth, Isle of
island W Cuba in the Caribbean area 1180 sq mi (3068 sq km)

youthful
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of youth <youthful inexperience>
2 : being young and not yet mature
3 : marked by or possessing youth <youthful dancers>
4 : having the vitality or freshness of youth : VIGOROUS <my youthful grandparents>
5 : having accomplished or undergone little erosion <youthful mountains>
–youth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–youth·ful·ness noun

youthquake
: a shift in cultural norms influenced by the values, tastes, and mores of young people

yowl
n. intransitive verb
1 : to utter a loud long cry of grief, pain, or distress : WAIL
2 : to complain or protest with or as if with yowls
transitive verb : to express with yowling

yowl
n. : a loud long mournful wail or howl (as of a cat)

Ypres
n. ― see IEPER

Ypsilantis
Alexandros 1792-1828 & his bro. Demetrios 1793-1832 Greek revolutionaries

yr
n. 1 year
2 your

yrbk
yearbook

Yser
river 48 mi (77 km) France & Belgium flowing into North Sea

Ysyk-Kol
― see ISSYK KUL

YT
Yukon Territory

ytterbium
n. : a soft metallic element of the rare-earth group that occurs especially with other rare earth elements in minerals and that has few commercial uses ― see ELEMENT table

yttrium
n. : a metallic element usually included in the rare-earth group that occurs usually with other rare earth elements in minerals and is used especially in phosphors, YAG lasers, and superalloys ― see ELEMENT table

Yu
Feng Yu hsiang
Han Yu
Lin Yu t'ang
Yu Shan

Yu Shan
mountain 13,113 ft (3997 m) cen Taiwan; highest on island

Yuan
n. 1 river 500 mi (805 km) SE cen China flowing from Guizhou NE to NE Hunan
2 ― see RED 4

yuan
n. 1 ― see MONEY table
2 : the dollar of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

Yuan Shih-k'ai
1859-1916 Chin. soldier & statesman; pres. of China (1913-16)

Yuba City
city N Calif. N of Sacramento pop 36,758

yuca
n. : CASSAVA

Yucaipa
city S Calif. E of Riverside pop 41,207

Yucatan
n. 1 peninsula SE Mexico & N Central America including Belize & part of Guatemala
2 state SE Mexico at N end of Yucatán Peninsula capital Mérida area 16,749 sq mi (43,380 sq km), pop 1,362,940
–Yu·ca·te·can \-'te-kən\ adjective

Yucatan Channel
channel bet. Yucatán & W end of Cuba

Yucatec
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
2 : the Mayan language of the Yucatecs
–Yu·ca·tec·an \ˌyü-kə-'te-kən\ adjective or noun

yucca
n. 1 : any of a genus (Yucca) of sometimes arborescent plants of the agave family that occur in warm regions chiefly of western No. America and have long sword-shaped often stiff fibrous-margined leaves on a usually woody base and bear a large panicle of white blossoms
2 : CASSAVA

Yucca House National Monument
n. reservation SW Colo.; contains prehistoric ruins

yuck
interj. variant of yuk

yuck
interj. ― used to express rejection or disgust <looked at the meal I had prepared and said “yuck, I hate that”>

yucky
adj. : REPUGNANT, DISTASTEFUL also : UNPLEASANT, DISAGREEABLE <felt yucky> <a yucky chore>

Yug
Yugoslavia

yuga
: one of the four ages of a Hindu world cycle

Yugoslavia
n. 1 former country S Europe on Balkan Peninsula consisting of Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, & Macedonia; established 1918 as a kingdom (Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes), became a federal republic 1945 capital Belgrade
2 ― see SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
–Yu·go·slav \ˌyü-gō-'släv, -'slav; 'yü-gō-ˌ\ or Yu·go·sla·vi·an \ˌyü-gō-'slä-vē-ən, -gə-\ adjective or noun

yuk
n. 1 slang : LAUGH <did it just for yuks>
2 slang : JOKE, GAG

yuk
n. slang : LAUGH, JOKE ― usually used in the phrase yuk it up

Yukawa
Hideki 1907-1981 Jp. physicist

Yukon
n. 1 river 1979 mi (3185 km) Yukon Territory & Alaska flowing NW & SW into Bering Sea ― see LEWES
2 or Yukon Territory territory NW Canada bet. Alaska & B.C. bordering on Arctic Ocean capital Whitehorse area 205,345 sq mi (531,843 sq km), pop 29,885
–Yu·kon·er \-ˌkä-nər\ noun

yule
n. : the feast of the nativity of Jesus Christ : CHRISTMAS

Yule log
: a large log formerly put on the hearth on Christmas Eve as the foundation of the fire

yuletide
n. : CHRISTMASTIDE

yum-yum
― used to express pleasurable satisfaction especially in the taste of food

Yuma
n. city SW Ariz. on Colorado River pop 77,515

Yuman
n. : an American Indian language family of southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico
–Yuman adjective

yummy
adj. : highly attractive or pleasing especially : DELICIOUS, DELECTABLE

Yung-lo
1360-1424 orig. Chu Ti; often called Ch'eng Tsu Chin. emp. (1402-24)

Yungki
― see JILIN

Yungning
― see NANNING

Yunnan
1 province SW China bordering on Indochina & Myanmar capital Kunming area 168,417 sq mi (437,884 sq km), pop 36,972,610
2 or Yunnanfu ― see KUNMING
–Yun·nan·ese \ˌyü-nə-'nēz, -'nēs\ adjective or noun

Yunque, El
mountain 3496 ft (1066 m) E Puerto Rico

yup
n. variant of yep

yup
n. : YUPPIE

Yupik
n. 1 : the language of the Eskimo people of southwestern Alaska
2 : a member of the Yupik-speaking people

yuppie
n. : a young college-educated adult who is employed in a well-paying profession and who lives and works in or near a large city
–yup·pie·dom \-dəm\ noun
–yup·pie·ish \-ish\ adjective

yuppie flu
: CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

yuppify
v. : to make appealing to yuppies also : to infuse with the qualities or values of yuppies
–yup·pi·fi·ca·tion \ˌyə-pə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

yurt
n. : a circular domed tent of skins or felt stretched over a collapsible lattice framework and used by pastoral peoples of inner Asia also : a structure that resembles a yurt usually in size and design

Yverdon
commune W Switzerland N of Lausanne pop 20,802

YWCA
: an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare orig. of young women

YWHA
: an organization that promotes the religious, intellectual, social, and physical welfare of Jewish young women

Yü
Feng Yü hsiang
Han Yü
Lin Yü t'ang
Yü Shan

Z
n. : Z PARTICLE

Z
n. zenith distance

z
n. often attrib

before 12th century
1 a : the 26th and last letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic z
2 : a graphic device for reproducing the letter z
3 : one designated z especially as the 26th in order or class or the third in order or class when x is made the first
4 : something shaped like the letter Z
5 : WINK 1 ― usually used in plural <catch some z's before dinner>

z
n. 1 zero
2 zone

z distribution
: a probability density function and especially a normal distribution that has a mean equal to zero and a standard deviation equal to one and that is used especially in testing hypotheses about means or proportions of samples drawn from populations whose population standard deviations are known ― compare Z-TEST

Z line
: any of the dark thin bands across a striated muscle fiber that mark the junction of actin filaments in adjacent sarcomeres

Z particle
: a neutral elementary particle about 90 times heavier than a proton that along with the W particle is a transmitter of the weak force ― called also Z^0 or Z^0 particle

z-axis
: one of the axes in a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system

z-coordinate
: a coordinate whose value is determined by measuring parallel to a z-axis

z-score
: STANDARD SCORE

z-test
: any of several statistical tests that use a random variable having a z distribution to test hypotheses about the mean of a population based on a single sample or about the difference between the means of two populations based on a sample from each when the standard deviations of the populations are known or to test hypotheses about the proportion of successes in a single sample or the difference between the proportion of successes in two samples when the standard deviations are estimated from the sample data

Zaanstad
commune W Netherlands pop 137,669

zabaglione
n. : a whipped dessert or topping consisting of a mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and usually Marsala wine

Zabrze
city SW Poland in Silesia pop 203,367

Zacatecas
1 state N cen Mexico area 28,973 sq mi (75,040 sq km), pop 1,276,323
2 city, its capital pop 226,265

Zach
Zacharias

Zacharias
n. : ZECHARIAH

Zadar
city & port Croatia; held by Italy 1920-47 pop 80,355

zaddik
n. 1 : a righteous and saintly person by Jewish religious standards
2 : the spiritual leader of a modern Hasidic community

zaftig
of a woman : having a full rounded figure : pleasingly plump

zag
1 a : one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course b : one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zig
2 : ZIG 2

zag
: to execute a zag ― usually contrasted with zig

Zagazig
city N Egypt NNE of Cairo pop 279,000

Zaghlul
Sa'd \'säd\ 1857-1927 Sa'd Zaghlūl Pasha ibn Ibrāhīm Egypt. statesman

Zagreb
n. city capital of Croatia pop 779,145

Zagros Mountains
mountains W & S Iran bordering on Turkey, Iraq, & Persian Gulf; highest over 14,000 ft (4267 m)

Zaharias
Babe 1914-1956 Mildred Ella Zaharias née Di·drik·son \'dē-drik-sən\ American athlete

Zaharoff
Sir Basil 1849-1936 orig. Basileios Zacharias Fr. (Russ.-born) banker & armament contractor

Zahedan
city E Iran pop 281,923

zaibatsu
n. : a powerful financial and industrial conglomerate of Japan

Zaimis
Alexandros 1855-1936 Greek statesman

Zaire
n. 1 river in Africa ― see CONGO 1
2 ― see CONGO 2
–Zair·ean or Zair·ian \zä-'ir-ē-ən\ adjective or noun

zaire
n. : the basic monetary unit of Zaire 1967-96

Zakarpats'ka
region W Ukraine S of the Carpathian Mountains; part of Hungary before 1918 & 1939-45; a province of Czechoslovakia 1918-38 capital Uzhgorod area 4942 sq mi (12,800 sq km), pop 1,265,900

Zakinthos
1 island W Greece, one of the Ionian Islands, SSE of Cephalonia area 157 sq mi (407 sq km), pop 32,746
2 its chief town pop 10,205

zalcitabine
: DDC

Zalew Wislany
― see VISLINSKI ZALIV

Zama
ancient town N Africa SW of Carthage

Zambezi
n. river ab 1700 mi (2735 km) SE Africa flowing from NW Zambia into Mozambique Channel

Zambia
n. country S Africa; formerly a Brit. protectorate; independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations since 1964 capital Lusaka area 290,585 sq mi (752,615 sq km), pop 9,132,000
–Zam·bi·an \'zam-bē-ən\ adjective or noun

Zamboanga
city & port Philippines on SW coast of Mindanao pop 442,000

Zamboni
― used for an ice resurfacing machine

zamia
n. : any of a genus (Zamia of the family Zamiaceae) of American cycads with a short thick woody base, a crown of palmlike leaves, and oblong cones

zamindar
n. 1 : a collector of the land revenue of a district for the government during the period of Mogul rule in India
2 : a feudal landlord in British India paying the government a fixed revenue

zamindari
n. 1 : the system of landholding and revenue collection by zamindars
2 : the land held or administered by a zamindar

Zamora
1 province NW Spain in cen León area 4077 sq mi (10,559 sq km), pop 199,090
2 city, its capital pop 64,845

Zancle
― see MESSINA

zander
n. : a pike perch (Stizostedion lucioperca) of central Europe related to the walleye

Zanesville
city E cen Ohio pop 25,586

Zangwill
Israel 1864-1926 Eng. dram. & nov.

Zanjan
city NW Iran pop 215,261

zany
n. 1 : a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal : MERRY-ANDREW
2 : a slavish follower : TOADY
3 a : one who acts the buffoon to amuse others b : NUT, KOOK

zany
n. 1 : being or having the characteristics of a zany
2 : fantastically or absurdly ludicrous <a zany movie>
–za·ni·ly \'zā-nə-lē\ adverb
–za·ni·ness \'zā-nē-nəs\ noun

Zanzibar
n. 1 island E Africa off NE Tanzania mainland area 600 sq mi (1554 sq km), pop 375,539; formerly a sultanate, with Pemba & adjacent islands forming a Brit. protectorate; became independent 1963; united 1964 with Tanganyika to form Tanzania
2 city & port capital of the island & formerly of protectorate pop 157,634
–Zan·zi·bari \ˌzan-zə-'bär-ē\ noun or adjective

zap
n. 1 ― used to express a sound made by or as if by a gun
2 ― used to indicate a sudden or instantaneous occurrence

zap
n. transitive verb
1 a : to get rid of, destroy, or kill especially with or as if with sudden force b : to hit with or as if with a sudden concentrated application of force or energy c : to irradiate especially with microwaves
2 a : to propel suddenly or speedily b : to transport instantaneously
3 : to avoid watching (as a television commercial) by changing channels especially with a remote control or by fast-forwarding a videotape
intransitive verb
1 : to move with speed or force
2 : to change television channels using a remote control

zap
n. : a pungent or zestful quality : ZIP also : a sudden forceful blow

zapateado
n. : a Latin-American dance marked by rhythmic stamping or tapping of the feet

zapateo
: ZAPATEADO

Zaporizhzhya
city SE Ukraine pop 897,000

Zapotec
n. : a member of an American Indian people of Oaxaca state, Mexico

zapper
n. : one that zaps: as a : an electronic device designed to attract and kill insects b : a person who habitually changes channels (as to avoid commercials) c : a remote control device used for zapping

zappy
adj. : ZIPPY 1

Zaragoza
1 province NE Spain in W Aragon area 6639 sq mi (17,195 sq km), pop 861,855
2 ― see SARAGOSSA

zareba
n. : an improvised stockade constructed in parts of Africa especially of thorny bushes

zarzuela
n. : a usually comic Spanish operetta

zayin
: the 7th letter of the Hebrew alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

zeal
n. : eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something : FERVOR
synonyms see PASSION

zealot
n. 1 capitalized : a member of a fanatical sect arising in Judea during the first century A.D. and militantly opposing the Roman domination of Palestine
2 : a zealous person especially : a fanatical partisan <a religious zealot>

zealotry
n. : excess of zeal : fanatical devotion

zealous
adj. : filled with or characterized by zeal : marked by fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal <zealous missionaries>
–zeal·ous·ly adverb
–zeal·ous·ness noun

zeatin
n. : a cytokinin C_10H_13N_5O first isolated from the endosperm of Indian corn

zeaxanthin
n. : an isomer of lutein occurring especially in fruits and vegetables (as spinach and corn)

zebra
n. 1 plural also zebra : any of several fleet African mammals (Equus burchelli, E. grevyi, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff
2 [from the shirts patterned in black-and-white stripes worn by football referees] : REFEREE 2
3 : ZEBRA CROSSING
–ze·brine \-ˌbrīn\ adjective or noun

zebra
n. Grevy's zebra
zebra crossing
zebra finch
zebra fish
zebra mussel

zebra crossing
British : a crosswalk marked by a series of broad white stripes to indicate a crossing point at which pedestrians have the right of way

zebra finch
: a small Australian waxbill (Taeniopygia guttata syn. Poephila guttata) that is chiefly gray above and white below with a red or orange bill, a black-and-white barred tail, and in the male a black-barred throat and that is often kept as a cage bird

zebra fish
: any of various barred fishes especially : a very small blue-and-silver-striped Indian danio (Danio rerio syn. Brachydanio rerio) often kept in the tropical aquarium

zebra mussel
: a chiefly freshwater Eurasian lamellibranch mollusk (Dreissena polymorpha) that was accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes and has spread to other waterways where it colonizes and clogs water intake pipes and competes with native fish for food

zebrano
: ZEBRAWOOD

zebrawood
1 : any of several trees or shrubs having mottled or striped wood: as a : a tall So. American timber tree (Astronium fraxinifolium) of the cashew family b : a tall western African timber tree (Microberlinia brazzavillensis) of the legume family
2 : the wood of a zebrawood

zebu
n. : any of various breeds of domestic oxen developed in India that are often considered conspecific with the common ox (Bos taurus) or sometimes as a separate species (B. indicus) and are characterized by a large fleshy hump over the shoulders, a dewlap, pendulous ears, and marked resistance to the injurious effects of heat and insect attack

Zebulun
: a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

zecchino
: SEQUIN 1

Zech
Zechariah

Zechariah
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet of the sixth century B.C.
2 : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

zechin
: SEQUIN 1

zed
n. chiefly British : the letter z

Zedillo (Ponce de Leon)
Ernesto 1951-     pres. of Mexico (1994-2000)

zee
n. : the letter z

Zeebrugge
town NW Belgium; port for Brugge

Zeeland
province SW Netherlands capital Middelburg area 1043 sq mi (2701 sq km), pop 377,235

Zeeman
n. Pieter 1865-1943 Du. physicist

Zeeman effect
: the splitting of a single spectral line into two or more lines of different frequencies observed when radiation (as light) originates in a magnetic field

zein
n. : a protein from Indian corn that lacks lysine and tryptophan and is used especially in making textile fibers, plastics, printing inks, coatings, and adhesives and sizes

zeitgeber
n. : an environmental agent or event (as the occurrence of light or dark) that provides the stimulus setting or resetting a biological clock of an organism

zeitgeist
n. : the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era

zelkova
: a tall widely spreading Japanese tree (Zelkova serrata) of the elm family that is often used as an ornamental and shade tree in place of the American elm because of its resistance to Dutch elm disease

Zempoaltepec
mountain 11,138 ft (3395 m) SE Mexico in Oaxaca

zemstvo
: one of the district and provincial assemblies established in Russia in 1864

Zen
n. : a Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation

zenana
n. : HAREM 1A

Zend-Avesta
: AVESTA

zener diode
: a silicon semiconductor device used especially as a voltage regulator

Zenger
John Peter 1697-1746 American (Ger.-born) journalist & printer

zenith
n. 1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the nadir and vertically above the observer ― see AZIMUTH illustration
2 : the highest point reached in the heavens by a celestial body
3 : culminating point : ACME <at the zenith of his powers ― John Buchan>

zenithal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or located at or near the zenith
2 : showing correct directions from the center <a zenithal map>

Zeno of Citium
ca 335-ca 263 B.C. Greek philos. & founder of Stoic school

Zeno of Elea
ca 495-ca 430 B.C. Greek philos.

Zenobia
d after A.D. 274 queen of Palmyra (267 or 268-272)

zeolite
n. : any of various hydrous silicates that are analogous in composition to the feldspars, occur as secondary minerals in cavities of lavas, and can act as ion-exchangers also : any of various natural or synthesized silicates of similar structure used especially in water softening and as adsorbents and catalysts
–ze·o·lit·ic \ˌzē-ə-'li-tik\ adjective

Zeph
Zephaniah

Zephaniah
n. 1 : a Hebrew prophet of the seventh century B.C.
2 : an apocalyptic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture ― see BIBLE table

zephyr
n. 1 a : a breeze from the west b : a gentle breeze
2 : any of various lightweight fabrics and articles of clothing

Zephyrus
n. : the Greek god of the west wind

Zeppelin
n. Ferdinand (Adolf August Heinrich) 1838-1917 Graf von Zeppelin Ger. gen. & aeronaut

zeppelin
n. : a rigid airship consisting of a cylindrical trussed and covered frame supported by internal gas cells broadly : AIRSHIP

zepto
: one sextillionth (10-21) part of <zeptosecond>

zeptosecond
: one sextillionth of a second

zerk
: a grease fitting

Zermatt
village SW cen Switzerland in Valais in Pennine Alps NE of the Matterhorn

zero
n. 1 a : the arithmetical symbol 0 or denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity b : ADDITIVE IDENTITY specifically : the number between the set of all negative numbers and the set of all positive numbers c : a value of an independent variable that makes a function equal to zero <+2 and -2 are zeros of f(x)=x^2-4>
2 ― see NUMBER table
3 a (1) : the point of departure in reckoning specifically : the point from which the graduation of a scale (as of a thermometer) begins (2) : the temperature represented by the zero mark on a thermometer b : the setting or adjustment of the sights of a firearm that causes it to shoot to point of aim at a desired range
4 : an insignificant person or thing : NONENTITY
5 a : a state of total absence or neutrality b : the lowest point : NADIR
6 : something arbitrarily or conveniently designated zero

zero
n. 1 a : of, relating to, or being a zero b : having no magnitude or quantity : not any <zero growth> <zero tolerance> c (1) : having no phonetic manifestation <the zero modification in the past tense of cut> (2) : having no modified inflectional form <a zero plural>
2 a of a cloud ceiling : limiting vision to 50 feet (15 meters) or less b of horizontal visibility : limited to 165 feet (50.3 meters) or less

zero
n. 1 : to determine or adjust the zero of (as a rifle)
2 a : to concentrate firepower on the exact range of ― usually used with in b : to bring to bear on the exact range of a target ― usually used with in
intransitive verb
1 : to adjust fire on a specific target ― usually used with in
2 : to close in on or focus attention on an objective ― usually used with in <investigators are zeroing in on a suspect>

zero
n. absolute zero
ground zero
zero based
zero base
zero coupon
zero gravity
zero hour
zero sum
zero tillage
zero vector
zero zero

zero coupon
: of, relating to, or being an investment security that is sold at a deep discount, is redeemable at face value on maturity, and that pays no periodic interest <zero coupon municipal bonds>

zero gravity
: the state or condition of lacking apparent gravitational pull : WEIGHTLESSNESS

zero hour
1 a : the hour at which a planned military operation is scheduled to start b : the time at which a usually significant or notable event is scheduled to take place
2 : a time when a vital decision or decisive change must be made

zero tillage
: NO-TILLAGE

zero vector
: a vector which is of zero length and all of whose components are zero

zero-based
: having each item justified on the basis of cost or need <zero-based budgeting>

zero-sum
: of, relating to, or being a situation (as a game or relationship) in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other side <dividing up the budget is a zero-sum game>

zero-zero
1 : characterized by or being atmospheric conditions that reduce ceiling and visibility to zero
2 : limited to zero by atmospheric conditions

zeroth
adj. : being numbered zero in a series also : ZERO 1 <the zeroth power of a number>

zest
n. 1 : a piece of the peel of a citrus fruit (as an orange or lemon) used as flavoring
2 : an enjoyably exciting quality : PIQUANCY <adds zest to the performance>
3 : keen enjoyment : RELISH, GUSTO <has a zest for living>
–zest·ful \-fəl\ adjective
–zest·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
–zest·ful·ness noun
–zest·less \-ləs\ adjective

zester
n. : a small utensil for peeling zest (as of a lemon)

zesty
adj. : having or characterized by zest : appealingly piquant or lively <a zesty sauce> <zesty humor>
–zest·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

zeta
n. : the 6th letter of the Greek alphabet ― see ALPHABET table

Zetland
n. ― see SHETLAND 2

zetta
: sextillion (10^21) <zettabyte>

zettabyte
n. : one sextillion bytes

zeugma
n. : the use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one (as in “opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy”)

Zeus
n. : the king of the gods and husband of Hera in Greek mythology ― compare JUPITER

Zeuxis
5th cent. B.C. Greek painter

Zewail
Ahmed H. 1946-     American (Egypt.-born) physicist & chem.

Zhangjiakou
city NE China in NW Hebei NW of Beijing pop 529,136

Zhangzhou
city SE China in S Fujian

Zhao Ziyang
1919-     Chin. Communist leader (1987-89)

Zhdanov
Andrey Aleksandrovich 1896-1948 Soviet polit.

Zhdanov
― see MARIUPOL'

Zhejiang
province E China bordering on E. China Sea capital Hangzhou area 39,305 sq mi (102,193 sq km), pop 41,445,930

Zhengzhou
city NE cen China capital of Henan on the Huang pop 1,159,679

Zhenjiang
city & port E China in NW cen Jiangsu pop 368,316

Zhoushan
archipelago E China in E. China Sea at entrance to Hangzhou Bay

Zhu
river SE China flowing from Guangzhou in Guangdong Province to S. China Sea

Zhu
Zhu Rongji
freshwater pearl
mabe pearl
mobe pearl
mobé pearl
mother of pearl
pearl essence
pearl gray
Pearl Harbor
pearl millet
pearl onion
seed pearl
Mount Pearl
Pearl City
Chu chou
Chu Hsi
Chu Teh
Chu chou Chuchow
Hsin chu

Zhu Rongji
1928-     prime min. of China (1998-2003)

Zhukov
Georgy Konstantinovich 1896-1974 Soviet marshal

Zhuzhou
city SE China in E Hunan pop 409,924

Zhytomyr
city W Ukraine pop 298,000

zibeline
n. : a soft lustrous wool fabric with mohair, alpaca, or camel's hair

Zibo
city E China in cen Shandong pop 1,138,074

zidovudine
n. : AZT

Ziegfeld
Florenz 1869-1932 American theatrical producer

Zielona Gora
city W cen Poland pop 113,322

ZIFT
zygote intrafallopian transfer

zig
v. 1 a : one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course b : one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zag
2 : a sharp alteration or change of direction (as in a process or policy) <the quick zigs and zags of his international maneuverings ― N.Y. Times>

zig
v. : to execute a zig ― usually contrasted with zag <zigs when others zag>

ziggurat
n. : an ancient Mesopotamian temple tower consisting of a lofty pyramidal structure built in successive stages with outside staircases and a shrine at the top also : a structure or object of similar form

Zigong
city S cen China in S cen Sichuan pop 393,184

zigzag
n. : one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a course also : something having the form or character of such a series <a blouse with green zigzags> <endured the zigzags of policy ― Richard Bernstein>
–zig·zag·gy \-ˌza-gē\ adjective

zigzag
n. : in or by a zigzag path or course

zigzag
n. : having short sharp turns or angles <a zigzag trail>

zigzag
n. transitive verb : to form into a zigzag or move along a zigzag course
intransitive verb : to lie in, proceed along, or consist of a zigzag course

zilch
n. : ZERO, NOTHING

zillion
n. : an indeterminately large number <zillions of mosquitoes>
–zil·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adjective

zillionaire
n. : an immeasurably wealthy person

Zimbabwe
n. 1 archaeological site NE Zimbabwe (country)
2 or formerly Southern Rhodesia or 1970-79 Rhodesia country S Africa S of the Zambezi; a self-governing Brit. colony that declared itself a republic 1970; adopted majority rule 1979 capital Harare area 150,820 sq mi (390,624 sq km), pop 7,550,000
–Zim·ba·bwe·an \-ən\ adjective or noun

Zimbabwe
n. Northern Rhodesia
Southern Rhodesia
Rhodesia and Nyasaland Federation of

Zimmermann
n. Arthur 1864-1940 Ger. statesman

zin
n. : ZINFANDEL

zinc
n. : a bluish-white metallic element that is ductile when pure but in the commercial form is brittle at ordinary temperatures and becomes ductile on slight heating, occurs abundantly in minerals, is an essential micronutrient for both plants and animals, and is used especially in alloys and as a protective coating in galvanizing iron and steel ― see ELEMENT table

zinc
n. : to treat or coat with zinc : GALVANIZE

zinc
n. zinc blende
diethyl zinc
mossy zinc
zinc chloride
zinc oxide
zinc sulfate
zinc sulfide
zinc white

zinc blende
: SPHALERITE

zinc chloride
: a poisonous caustic deliquescent salt ZnCl_2 used especially as a wood preservative, drying agent, and catalyst

zinc oxide
: an infusible white solid ZnO used especially as a pigment, in compounding rubber, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and sunblocks)

zinc sulfate
: a crystalline salt ZnSO_4 used especially in making a white paint pigment, in printing and dyeing, in sprays and fertilizers, and in medicine as an astringent, emetic, and weak antiseptic

zinc sulfide
: a fluorescent white to yellowish compound ZnS used especially as a white pigment and a phosphor

zinc white
: a white pigment that consists of zinc oxide

zine
n. : MAGAZINE especially : a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter <a punk zine> <a feminist zine>

zineb
: an agricultural fungicide C_4H_6N_2S_4Zn used especially formerly on fruits and vegetables

zinfandel
n. : a dry red table wine made from a small black grape that is grown chiefly in California also : the grape

zing
n. 1 : a shrill humming noise
2 a : an enjoyably exciting or stimulating quality : ZEST <really put some zing into this industry ― Erwin Fine> b : a sharply piquant flavor <barbecue sauce with zing>

zing
n. 1 : to make or move with a humming sound
2 : ZIP, SPEED
transitive verb
1 : to hit suddenly : ZAP
2 : to criticize in a pointed or witty manner

zinger
n. 1 : something causing or meant to cause interest, surprise, or shock
2 : a pointed witty remark or retort

zingy
adj. 1 : enjoyably exciting <a zingy musical>
2 : strikingly attractive or appealing <wore a zingy new outfit>
3 : sharply piquant <a zingy salad>

Zinkernagel
Rolf Martin 1944-     Swiss immunologist

zinnia
n. : any of a genus (Zinnia) of tropical American composite herbs and low shrubs that have showy flower heads with long-lasting ray flowers

Zinovievsk
― see KIROVOGRAD

Zinovyev
Grigory Yevseyevich 1883-1936 orig. Ovsel Gershon Aronov Radomyslsky Soviet revolutionary

Zinsser
Hans 1878-1940 American bacteriol.

Zinzendorf
Nikolaus Ludwig 1700-1760 Graf von Zinzendorf Ger. religious reformer

Zion
n. 1 a : the Jewish people : ISRAEL b : the Jewish homeland that is symbolic of Judaism or of Jewish national aspiration c : the ideal nation or society envisaged by Judaism
2 : HEAVEN
3 : UTOPIA

Zion
n. 1 city NE Ill. N of Waukegan pop 22,866
2 or Mount Zion or Sion \'sī-ən, 'zī-\ or Mount Sion hill E Jerusalem, Israel; orig. the stronghold of Jerusalem conquered by David; occupied in ancient times by the Jewish Temple

Zion
n. Mount Zion
Zion National Park
Mount Sion

Zion National Park
n. reservation SW Utah centering around Zion Canyon of Virgin River

Zionism
n. : an international movement orig. for the establishment of a Jewish national or religious community in Palestine and later for the support of modern Israel
–Zi·on·ist \-nist\ adjective or noun
–Zi·on·is·tic \ˌzī-ə-'nis-tik\ adjective

zip
n. intransitive verb
1 : to move, act, or function with speed and vigor
2 : to travel with a sharp hissing or humming sound
transitive verb
1 : to impart speed or force to
2 : to add zest, interest, or life to ― often used with up
3 : to transport or propel with speed

zip
n. 1 : a sudden sharp hissing or sibilant sound
2 : ENERGY, VIM
–zip·less \-ləs\ adjective

zip
n. : NOTHING, ZERO <the final score was 27 to zip>

zip
n. chiefly British : ZIPPER

zip
n. transitive verb
1 a : to close or open with or as if with a zipper b : to enclose or wrap by fastening a zipper
2 : to cause (a zipper) to open or shut
intransitive verb : to become open, closed, or attached by means of a zipper

zip
n. : ZIP CODE 1

zip
n. zip code
zip fastener
zip gun

zip code
1 : a number that identifies each postal delivery area in the U.S.
2 : the geographic area identified by a zip code

zip fastener
chiefly British : ZIPPER

zip gun
: a crude homemade single-shot pistol

zip-code
: to furnish with a zip code

Zipangu
n. JAPAN ― the name used by Marco Polo

Zipaquira
town cen Colombia N of Bogotá

ziplock
adj. : having an interlocking groove and ridge that form a tight seal when pressed together <a ziplock plastic bag>

zipper
n. : a fastener consisting of two rows of metal or plastic teeth on strips of tape and a sliding piece that closes an opening by drawing the teeth together

zipper
n. : 5ZIP

zippered
adj. : equipped with a zipper

zippy
adj. : full of zip: as a : very quick or speedy <a zippy sports car> b : strikingly fresh, lively, or appealing in style <zippy clothes>

ziram
: an organic zinc salt C_6H_12N_2S_4Zn used especially as an agricultural fungicide

zircon
n. : a tetragonal mineral consisting of a silicate of zirconium and occurring usually in brown or grayish square prisms of adamantine luster or sometimes in transparent forms which are used as gems

zirconia
n. : a white crystalline compound ZrO_2 used especially in refractories, in thermal and electric insulation, in abrasives, and in enamels and glazes ― called also zirconium oxide

zirconium
n. : a steel-gray hard ductile metallic element with a high melting point that occurs widely in combined form (as in zircon), is highly resistant to corrosion, and is used especially in alloys and in refractories and ceramics ― see ELEMENT table

zit
n. slang : PIMPLE 1

zither
n. : a stringed instrument having usually 30 to 40 strings over a shallow horizontal soundboard and played with pick and fingers
–zith·er·ist \-thə-rist, -thə-\ noun

ziti
n. : medium-sized tubular pasta

zizith
variant of tzitzit

Zizka
Count Jan ca 1376-1424 Bohemian gen. & Hussite leader

Zlatoust
city W Russia in Asia in the S Urals pop 208,000

zloty
n. ― see MONEY table

Zn
n. azimuth

Zn
n. zinc

zo
1 : animal : animal kingdom or kind <zooid> <zoology>
2 [Greek zō- alive, from zōos; akin to Greek zōē] : motile <zoospore>

zoa
: animals ― in taxa <Metazoa> <Protozoa>

Zoan
― see TANIS

zoantharian
: any of a subclass (Hexacorallia syn. Zoantharia) of anthozoans having tentacles or septa or both that are typically six or a multiple of six in number and including most of the recent corals and sea anemones
–zoantharian adjective

zocalo
: the public square of a Mexican city or town : PLAZA

zodiac
n. 1 a : an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets except Pluto and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude b : a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols
2 : a cyclic course <a zodiac of feasts and fasts ― R. W. Emerson>
–zo·di·a·cal \zō-'dī-ə-kəl, zə-\ adjective

see table...

zodiac-table

zodiacal light
: a diffuse glow seen in the west after twilight and in the east before dawn

zoea
: a free-swimming planktonic larval form of many decapod crustaceans and especially crabs that has a relatively large cephalothorax, conspicuous eyes, and fringed antennae and mouthparts

Zoetermeer
commune W Netherlands pop 110,500

zoftig
variant of zaftig

Zog
1895-1961 prename Ahmed Bey Zogu king of the Albanians (1928-39)

zoic
adj. : having a (specified) animal mode of existence <holozoic>

zoic
adj. : of, relating to, or being a (specified) geological era <Proterozoic> <Mesozoic>

zoisite
: an orthorhombic mineral that consists of a basic silicate of calcium and aluminum and is related to epidote

Zola
n. Émile 1840-1902 Fr. nov.
–Zo·la·esque \ˌzō-lə-'esk, -lä-\ adjective

Zomba
city SE Malawi S of Lake Malawi pop 74,915

zombie
n. 1 usually zombi a : the supernatural power that according to voodoo belief may enter into and reanimate a dead body b : a will-less and speechless human in the West Indies capable only of automatic movement who is held to have died and been supernaturally reanimated
2 a : a person held to resemble the so-called walking dead especially : AUTOMATON b : a person markedly strange in appearance or behavior
3 : a mixed drink made of several kinds of rum, liqueur, and fruit juice
–zom·bie·like \-bē-ˌlīk\ adjective

zombify
: to turn (an active alert person) into a zombie
–zom·bi·fi·ca·tion \ˌzäm-bə-fə-'kā-shən\ noun

zombiism
: the beliefs and practices of the cult of the zombi

zona pellucida
: the transparent more or less elastic noncellular outer layer or envelope of a mammalian ovum that is composed of glycoproteins

zonal
adj. 1 : of, relating to, affecting, or having the form of a zone <a zonal boundary>
2 : of, relating to, or being a soil or a major soil group marked by well-developed characteristics that are determined primarily by the action of climate and organisms (as vegetation) ― compare AZONAL, INTRAZONAL
–zon·al·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb

zonation
n. 1 : structure or arrangement in zones
2 : distribution of kinds of organisms in biogeographic zones

zone
n. 1 a : any of five great divisions of the earth's surface with respect to latitude and temperature ― compare FRIGID ZONE, TEMPERATE ZONE, TORRID ZONE b : a portion of the surface of a sphere included between two parallel planes
2 archaic : GIRDLE, BELT
3 a : an encircling anatomical structure b (1) : a subdivision of a biogeographic region that supports a similar fauna and flora throughout its extent (2) : such a zone dominated by a particular life form c : a distinctive belt, layer, or series of layers of earth materials (as rock)
4 : a region or area set off as distinct from surrounding or adjoining parts
5 : one of the sections of an area or territory created for a particular purpose: as a : a zoned section of a city b (1) : any of the eight concentric bands of territory centered on a given postal shipment point designated as a distance bracket for U.S. parcel post to which mail is charged at a single rate (2) : a distance within which the same fare is charged by a common carrier c : an area on a field of play d : a stretch of roadway or a space in which certain traffic regulations are in force
6 : ZONE DEFENSE
7 : a temporary state of heightened concentration experienced by a performing athlete that enables peak performance <players in the zone>

zone
n. 1 : to surround with a zone : ENCIRCLE
2 : to arrange in or mark off into zones specifically : to partition (a city, borough, or township) by ordinance into sections reserved for different purposes (as residence or business)
–zon·er noun

zone
n. 1 : ZONAL 1
2 : of, relating to, or occurring in a zone defense <a zone press> <a zone blitz>

zone
n. buffer zone
comfort zone
crumple zone
drop zone
end zone
enterprise zone
exclusive economic zone
fracture zone
free fire zone
free zone
frigid zone
life zone
neutral zone
red zone
strike zone
temperate zone
time zone
torrid zone
twilight zone
war zone
zone defense
zone out
zone refining
zone refined
zone melting
Canal Zone
Panama Canal Zone
International Zone

zone defense
: a system of defense (as in basketball or football) in which each player guards an assigned area rather than a specified opponent

zone out
: to become oblivious to one's surroundings especially in order to relax <zone out in front of the TV>

zone refining
: a technique for the purification of a crystalline material and especially a metal in which a molten region travels through the material to be refined, picks up impurities at its advancing edge, and then allows the purified part to recrystallize at its opposite edge ― called also zone melting
–zone-refined adjective

Zonguldak
city & port NW Turkey pop 116,725

Zonian
n. : a U.S. citizen living in the Panama Canal Zone

zonk
v. transitive verb : STUN, STUPEFY also : STRIKE, ZAP ― often used with out
intransitive verb : to pass out from or as if from alcohol or a drug ― often used with out

zonked
adj. : stupefied by or as if by alcohol or a drug

zonked-out
: ZONKED

Zontian
: a member of a service club made up of executive women each of whom is a sole representative of one business or profession in a community

zoo
n. 1 a : a garden or park where wild animals are kept for exhibition b : a collection of living animals usually for public display
2 : a place, situation, or group marked by crowding, confusion, or unrestrained behavior <the convention was a zoo>

zoo
n. ― see ZO-

zooecium
: a sac or chamber secreted and lived in by a bryozoan zooid

zoogenic
adj. : caused by or associated with animals or their activities <zoogenic humus>

zoogeography
: a branch of biogeography concerned with the geographic distribution of animals and especially with the determination of the areas characterized by specific groups of animals and the study of the causes and significance of such groups
–zoo·ge·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun
–zoo·geo·graph·ic \-ˌjē-ə-'gra-fik\ or zoo·geo·graph·i·cal \-fi-kəl\ adjective
–zoo·geo·graph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

zooid
n. : one of the asexually produced individuals of a compound organism (as a bryozoan, hydroid, or coral colony)

zookeeper
n. : one who maintains or cares for animals in a zoo

zooks
interj. archaic ― used as a mild oath

zool
zoological; zoology

zoolatry
n. : animal worship

zoological
adj. 1 : of, relating to, or concerned with zoology
2 : of, relating to, or affecting lower animals often as distinguished from humans
–zoo·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

zoological garden
: ZOO 1A

zoology
n. 1 : a branch of biology concerned with the classification and the properties and vital phenomena of animals
2 a : animal life (as of a region) : FAUNA b : the properties and vital phenomena exhibited by an animal, animal type, or group
–zo·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

zoom
n. intransitive verb
1 a : to move with a loud low hum or buzz b : to go speedily : ZIP <cars zooming by on the highway>
2 of an airplane : to climb for a short time at an angle greater than that which can be maintained in steady flight so that the machine is carried upward at the expense of stored kinetic energy
3 a : to focus a camera or microscope on an object using a zoom lens so that the object's apparent distance from the observer changes ― often used with in or out b : FOCUS, ZERO ― used with in <trying to zoom in on the cause of these problems>
4 : to increase sharply <retail sales zoomed>
transitive verb : to cause to zoom

zoom
n. 1 a : an act or process of zooming especially : a sharp upward movement b : an image created by zooming
2 : a zooming sound
3 : a means of producing an enlarged image (as in a camera) specifically : ZOOM LENS

zoom lens
: a lens (as of a camera or projector) in which the image size can be varied continuously while the image remains in focus

zoomorphic
adj. 1 : having the form of an animal
2 : of, relating to, or being a deity conceived of in animal form or with animal attributes
–zoo·morph \'zō-ə-ˌmȯrf\ noun

zoon
n. : animal : zooid <spermatozoon>

zoonosis
n. : a disease communicable from animals to humans under natural conditions
–zoo·not·ic \ˌzō-ə-'nä-tik\ adjective

zoophilic
adj. : having an attraction to or preference for animals especially of an insect : preferring animals to humans as a source of food

zoophyte
n. : an invertebrate animal (as a coral or sponge) more or less resembling a plant in appearance or mode of growth

zooplankter
: a planktonic animal

zooplankton
n. : plankton composed of animals
–zoo·plank·ton·ic \-ˌplaŋ(k)-'tä-nik\ adjective

zoosporangium
: a spore case or sporangium bearing zoospores

zoospore
n. : an independently motile spore especially : a motile usually naked and flagellated asexual spore especially of an alga or lower fungus
–zoo·spor·ic \ˌzō-ə-'spȯr-ik\ adjective

zoot suit
: a suit of extreme cut typically consisting of a thigh-length jacket with wide padded shoulders and peg pants with narrow cuffs
–zoot-suit·er \-ˌsü-tər\ noun

zootechnical
: of or relating to the technology of animal husbandry
–zoo·tech·nics \-'tek-niks\ noun plural but singular or plural in construction

zooty
n. : typical of a zoot-suiter : flashy in manner or style <a zooty haircut>

zooxanthella
: any of various symbiotic dinoflagellates that live within the cells of other organisms (as reef-building coral polyps)

zori
n. : a flat thonged sandal usually made of straw, cloth, leather, or rubber

Zorn
Anders Leonhard 1860-1920 Swed. painter, etcher, & sculptor

Zorn's lemma
: a lemma in set theory: if a set S is partially ordered and if each subset for which every pair of elements is related by exactly one of the relationships “less than,” “equal to,” or “greater than” has an upper bound in S, then S contains at least one element for which there is no greater element in S ― compare AXIOM OF CHOICE

Zoroaster
n. ca 628-ca 551 B.C. founder of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism
n. : a Persian religion founded in the sixth century B.C. by the prophet Zoroaster, promulgated in the Avesta, and characterized by worship of a supreme god Ahura Mazda who requires good deeds for help in his cosmic struggle against the evil spirit Ahriman
–Zo·ro·as·tri·an \-trē-ən\ adjective or noun

Zorrilla (y Moral)
José 1817-1893 Span. poet & dram.

zoster
n. : SHINGLES

Zouave
n. 1 : a member of a French infantry unit orig. composed of Algerians wearing a brilliant uniform and conducting a quick spirited drill
2 : a member of a military unit adopting the dress and drill of the Zouaves

zouk
n. : a form of French West Indian music blending African rhythms, reggae, calypso, and electronic dance music

zounds
interj. ― used as a mild oath

zowie
n. ― used to express astonishment or admiration especially in response to something sudden or speedy

zoysia
n. : any of a genus (Zoysia) of creeping perennial grasses of southeastern Asia and New Zealand having fine wiry leaves and including some suitable for lawn grasses especially in warm regions

ZPG
zero population growth

Zr
n. zirconium

zucchetto
n. : a small round skullcap worn by Roman Catholic ecclesiastics in colors that vary according to the rank of the wearer

zucchini
n. : a smooth cylindrical usually dark green summer squash also : a plant that bears zucchini

Zug
1 canton N cen Switzerland area 92 sq mi (238 sq km), pop 100,900
2 commune, its capital, on Lake of Zug pop 22,917

Zug, Lake of
lake N cen Switzerland in Zug & Schwyz cantons N of Lake of Lucerne area 15 sq mi (39 sq km)

Zugspitze
mountain 9721 ft (2963 m) S Germany; highest in Bavarian Alps & in Germany

Zuid-Holland
― see SOUTH HOLLAND

Zuider Zee
former inlet of North Sea N Netherlands ― see IJSSELMEER

Zuloaga
Ignacio 1870-1945 Span. painter

Zulu
n. 1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Natal
2 : the Bantu language of the Zulus
–Zulu adjective

Zulu
n.
1952
― a communications code word for the letter z

Zululand
n. territory E Republic of South Africa in NE KwaZulu-Natal bordering on Indian Ocean N of the Tugela area 10,362 sq mi (26,838 sq km)

Zuni
n. 1 : a member of an American Indian people of western New Mexico
2 : the language of the Zuni people

zuppa inglese
: a dessert consisting of sponge cake and custard or pudding that is flavored with rum, covered with cream, and garnished with fruit

Zurbaran
Francisco de 1598-1664 Span. painter

Zurich
n. 1 canton N Switzerland area 668 sq mi (1730 sq km), pop 1,228,600
2 city, its capital, at NW end of Lake of Zurich pop 340,873
–Zü·rich·er \-i-kər, -ri-ḵər\ noun

Zurich, Lake of
lake 25 mi (40 km) long N cen Switzerland

Zutphen
commune E Netherlands on the IJssel

Zweig
n. Arnold 1887-1968 Ger. author

Zweig
n. Stefan 1881-1942 Austrian writer

Zwickau
city E Germany S of Leipzig pop 112,565

zwieback
n. : a usually sweetened bread enriched with eggs that is baked and then sliced and toasted until dry and crisp

Zwingli
n. Huldrych 1484-1531 Swiss Reformation leader

Zwinglian
n. : of or relating to Ulrich Zwingli or his teachings and especially his doctrine that Christ's presence in the Eucharist is not corporeal but symbolic
–Zwinglian noun
–Zwing·li·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

zwitterion
n. : a dipolar ion
–zwit·ter·ion·ic \ˌzwi-tər-ī-'ä-nik, ˌswi-\ adjective

Zwolle
city E Netherlands capital of Overijssel pop 109,000

zydeco
n. : popular music of southern Louisiana that combines tunes of French origin with elements of Caribbean music and the blues and that features guitar, washboard, and accordion

zyg
1 : yoke <zygomorphic>
2 : pair <zygodactyl>
3 : union <zygospore>

zygapophysis
n. : any of the articular processes of the neural arch of a vertebra of which there are usually two anterior and two posterior

zygodactyl
n. : having the toes arranged two in front and two behind ― used of a bird

zygodactylous
: ZYGODACTYL

zygoma
n. 1 a : ZYGOMATIC ARCH b : a slender bony process of the zygomatic arch
2 : ZYGOMATIC BONE

zygomatic
adj. : of, relating to, constituting, or situated in the region of the zygomatic bone or zygomatic arch

zygomatic
adj. zygomatic arch
zygomatic bone
zygomatic process

zygomatic arch
: the arch of bone that extends along the front or side of the skull beneath the orbit

zygomatic bone
: a bone of the face below the eye that in mammals forms part of the zygomatic arch and part of the orbit ― called also cheekbone

zygomatic process
: any of several bony processes that enter into or strengthen the zygomatic arch

zygomorphic
adj. of a flower : having floral parts unequal in size or form so that the flower is capable of division into essentially symmetrical halves by only one longitudinal plane passing through the axis
–zy·go·mor·phy \'zī-gə-ˌmȯr-fē\ noun

zygosity
n. : the makeup or characteristics of a particular zygote also : the genetic relationship between offspring of a single birth especially in regard to being derived from the same or different zygotes

zygospore
n. : a thick-walled spore of some algae and fungi that is formed by union of two similar sexual cells, usually serves as a resting spore, and produces the sporophytic phase

zygote
n. : a cell formed by the union of two gametes broadly : the developing individual produced from such a cell
–zy·got·ic \zī-'gä-tik\ adjective

zygote intrafallopian transfer
: a method of assisting reproduction in cases of infertility that is similar to gamete intrafallopian transfer but in which eggs are fertilized in vitro and some of the resulting fertilized eggs are inserted into a fallopian tube ― abbreviation ZIFT

zygotene
n. : the stage of meiotic prophase which immediately follows the leptotene and during which synapsis of homologous chromosomes occurs
–zygotene adjective

zygous
: having (such) a zygotic constitution <heterozygous>

zym
1 : yeast <zymosan>
2 : enzyme <zymogen>

zymase
n. : an enzyme or enzyme complex of yeast that promotes fermentation of sugar

zyme
n. : enzyme <lysozyme>

zymogen
n. : an inactive protein precursor of an enzyme secreted by living cells and converted (as by a kinase or an acid) into an active form ― called also proenzyme

zymogram
: an electrophoretic strip (as of starch gel) or a representation of it exhibiting the pattern of separated enzymes and especially isoenzymes after electrophoresis

zymosan
n. : an insoluble largely polysaccharide fraction of yeast cell walls

Île
Île du Diable
Île de France
Ouessant Île d'

Îles
Îles d'Hyères
Îles de la Société
Îles du Vent
Îles sous le Vent
Îles de la Madeleine
Îles Marquises
Sept Îles